Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The BCS should work out after all

Now that Ohio State is done (at least for now) it appears from the gurus that study the BCS that if Kansas wins out, the Jayhawks would jump past Oregon into the title game. They might even jump to No. 1 because if they beat Missouri and Oklahoma in back to back weeks, even the doubters will be sold on Kansas. Most of the collective public will cry the controversy surrounding which one loss team deserves a spot in the title game proves the BCS is a sham. The fans of the one loss teams need only to turn their frustration to their own team. It's simple. Don't lose. If you do, then don't gripe about getting left out. What happened to Auburn in 2004 was a tragedy but maybe they could still get a national title if the NCAA finds Bush was taking cash during as early as the 2004 season.

As an Oklahoma fan I am intriguing by the possibility raised by ESPN BCS guru Brad Edwards that the Sooners might be able to jump Oregon if they beat KU for the Big 12 title. A lot of eyes could be on that game. Oregon's schedule really don't have much upside to impress. However, if OU wins out but doesn't pass Oregon, I won't cry about the system because my favorite team should have beaten Colorado and they would be in without question. Same thing for LSU, Oregon, West Virginia.

LSU is back in the top spot. I'm not sure I agree but they can present a strong case. The Tigers' biggest obstacle may be fighting the distractions that are sure to come over the next three weeks as the coaching carousel begins to spin. Michigan and Ohio State finish up their regular season this weekend and many expect Lloyd Carr to announce his retirement soon after. It's thought that Miles in the top guy on Michigan's wish list. The media will have a field day with Miles, Michigan and what impact it could have on the future of Tiger defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. Bo was the interim coach for the Huskers after Solich was dismissed. Many wanted him to stay but Steve Pederson wanted 'his' guy - Bill Callahan. Pederson is gone. Callahan will be shortly. Do the Huskers want Pelini back or do they favor former Husker QB great Turner Gill? Back to Auburn, are fans worried about rumors Tuberville may be the top candidate on the A&M wish list? It could result in a bidding war that would likely reset the bar for top coaches around the country.

Friday, November 9, 2007

BCS headed for disaster?

I'm one of the few that don't mind the flaws of the BCS. The reason - in my view - is that the system creates the most dramatic regular season in sports. Actually, it's the only dramatic regular season left in sports. Every other sport is a post-season sport and the participants don't deny it. I'm also of the view that if you (or your team) loses, you really don't have a lot to complain about come BCS Selection Sunday.

However, the potential disaster scenario out there right now is Kansas. I'm sold KU is good but still wanting to see more given their schedule to date. However, if the Jayhawks close out the season with wins over Missouri in K.C. and Oklahoma in San Antonio in front of a partial Sooner crowd, they should jump both LSU and Oregon. There should be no argument IF Kansas wins out. LSU lost to Kentucky. At that time it wasn't that bad but then the Cats lost to Mississippi State by 17, in Lexington. Oregon lost to Cal which went on to lose their next three (including Oregon State and UCLA). That's UCLA - Notre Dame's only win. The Tigers and Ducks are good, they might tear through a would be playoff but what makes college football so unique is those losses stick for the rest of the season.

The saying is you need to be good and lucky to win a national championship. After watching LSU the last four games, I would say they have been more lucky than good. I haven't heard many media types bringing up that LSU's vaunted defense has allowed an average of 31 points a game in the last four. Right now, my top five would be Ohio State, Oregon, Oklahoma, Kansas and LSU just edging out Missouri. Kansas might be a pretender but we will find out soon enough. West Virginia is too erratic on offense and still doesn't have a defense worthy of being considered a contender.