Maybe this is hypocritical- after all, I am one of the people that absolutely decries preseason polls. But this isn't about ranking the teams. These are just five bold predictions for next year's oh-so-far-away college football season. Hold onto your hats, folks.
1. The SEC East will have four of its teams in contention for the division title going into the last week of SEC games.
Showing posts with label Big 12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big 12. Show all posts
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Five bold predictions for 2010
College football season is upon us! There's only about an hour left until Southern Miss takes on South Carolina (Go Gamecocks! No, I never said I would be impartial). Anyways, I thought I'd have a little fun and make some predictions about this season. Without further ado, here we go.
1) Boise State will lose at least two games.
Maybe even three. I believe firmly that Virginia Tech will dispatch them unceremoniously this weekend. I also believe that either Oregon State or Idaho will beat them. I used to drink the Boise State kool-aid, but I've since come around.
2) Florida will struggle mightily.
However, they will still be good enough to win the east. Yeah, really going out on a limb there. They've got a lot of young players, especially on defense. These fresh out of high school guys are going to be pushed around by experienced SEC linemen at times. However, I believe that there is enough depth and talent on that side of the ball to keep them fresh enough to compete at a high level week in and week out.
3) An SEC team will not play in the BCS championship game.
First of all, Alabama has lost more than many people realize. Luckily for them, they still have a killer backfield, but they lost playmakers like Terrence Cody, Ronaldo McClain, and Javier Arenas on defense. I also believe that they will loose to LSU, Auburn, or perhaps both.
Florida will probably have at least two loses going into the SEC Championship game. Where I expect them to defeat Alabama. Call me crazy, but I don't think that Urban Meyer loses to the same team twice in a year. Not to mention a young Gator football team will be playing much better in their 13th game of the season as opposed to their fifth game.
That parity will ultimately be the SEC's undoing this season.
4) Nebraska will play for the BCS Championship.
Sticking a gigantic middle finger up at the Big 12, the Huskers will win the Big 12 and the right to play in the BCS national championship game. The defense is stout, and Zac Lee is an experience quarterback. Their toughest game is at home against Texas, followed by their second toughest at Oklahoma State. I expect them to loose another close game to Texas at home before defeating them in the championship game.
5) Ohio State will win the BCS Championship.
Two of their three most difficult games (vs Miami (FL) and Penn State) will be in the Horseshoe. Miami plays... they haven't played very cleanly early in the season the past few years. That said, it could still be interesting, but Ohio State is VERY good defensively and Terelle Pryor will only be smarter with his decision making this year.
Their most difficult game may be against Wisconsin on the road, but we all know how Wisconsin fares when they play other top ranked teams later in the year.
With the SEC playing themselves out of a fifth straight championship, Ohio State will defeat Nebraska in the BCS National Championship game this year.
1) Boise State will lose at least two games.
Maybe even three. I believe firmly that Virginia Tech will dispatch them unceremoniously this weekend. I also believe that either Oregon State or Idaho will beat them. I used to drink the Boise State kool-aid, but I've since come around.
2) Florida will struggle mightily.
However, they will still be good enough to win the east. Yeah, really going out on a limb there. They've got a lot of young players, especially on defense. These fresh out of high school guys are going to be pushed around by experienced SEC linemen at times. However, I believe that there is enough depth and talent on that side of the ball to keep them fresh enough to compete at a high level week in and week out.
3) An SEC team will not play in the BCS championship game.
First of all, Alabama has lost more than many people realize. Luckily for them, they still have a killer backfield, but they lost playmakers like Terrence Cody, Ronaldo McClain, and Javier Arenas on defense. I also believe that they will loose to LSU, Auburn, or perhaps both.
Florida will probably have at least two loses going into the SEC Championship game. Where I expect them to defeat Alabama. Call me crazy, but I don't think that Urban Meyer loses to the same team twice in a year. Not to mention a young Gator football team will be playing much better in their 13th game of the season as opposed to their fifth game.
That parity will ultimately be the SEC's undoing this season.
4) Nebraska will play for the BCS Championship.
Sticking a gigantic middle finger up at the Big 12, the Huskers will win the Big 12 and the right to play in the BCS national championship game. The defense is stout, and Zac Lee is an experience quarterback. Their toughest game is at home against Texas, followed by their second toughest at Oklahoma State. I expect them to loose another close game to Texas at home before defeating them in the championship game.
5) Ohio State will win the BCS Championship.
Two of their three most difficult games (vs Miami (FL) and Penn State) will be in the Horseshoe. Miami plays... they haven't played very cleanly early in the season the past few years. That said, it could still be interesting, but Ohio State is VERY good defensively and Terelle Pryor will only be smarter with his decision making this year.
Their most difficult game may be against Wisconsin on the road, but we all know how Wisconsin fares when they play other top ranked teams later in the year.
With the SEC playing themselves out of a fifth straight championship, Ohio State will defeat Nebraska in the BCS National Championship game this year.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Week 15 rankings
Well, if anything, we learned who the real best team in the country is. I can't say I'm too happy about it, but it is what it is. Here we go.
1. Alabama (13-0): Well, there's really no question left about it now, is there?
2. Texas Christian (12-0): They've played like the second best team in the country all year and deserve to play for the title.
3. Texas (13-0): That didn't look like a championship team. If not for a stupid horse-collar tackle by Nebraska, the Huskers are playing in Glendale, with Texas probably playing in the Orange.
4. Cincinnati (12-0): Are they better than the Longhorns as well? Probably not, but their one point win was arguably better than Texas'.
5. Florida (12-1): Alabama pretty much annihilated Florida. Without Dunlap to put pressre on McElroy, the Florida D couldn't get pressure to force the Tide into making mistakes. A date with Cincy probably awaits in the Sugar Bowl.
1. Alabama (13-0): Well, there's really no question left about it now, is there?
2. Texas Christian (12-0): They've played like the second best team in the country all year and deserve to play for the title.
3. Texas (13-0): That didn't look like a championship team. If not for a stupid horse-collar tackle by Nebraska, the Huskers are playing in Glendale, with Texas probably playing in the Orange.
4. Cincinnati (12-0): Are they better than the Longhorns as well? Probably not, but their one point win was arguably better than Texas'.
5. Florida (12-1): Alabama pretty much annihilated Florida. Without Dunlap to put pressre on McElroy, the Florida D couldn't get pressure to force the Tide into making mistakes. A date with Cincy probably awaits in the Sugar Bowl.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Week 14 rankings
Not much to say this week- Les Miles remembered how to coach, and I grudgingly moved Southern Cal back into the rankings. The national semi-final is all set for the SEC Championship next week, and there's some small upheval in the top five.
1. Florida (12-0): They had the best performance of any of the three big contenders this weekend. Tim may have cried before the game, but the Gators dominated and never looked back. This team is starting to fire on all cylinders at just the right time.
2. Alabama (12-0): Going down 14 points on the road in a rivalry game isn;t the best way to start off, but Bama showed that even if that does happen, they are prepared to handle it and win the game.
3. Texas Christian (12-0): They just looked better than Texas this weekend. They dominated a very dominate-able team, but like I said, they've often looked better than Texas this season. Rivalry weekend was the straw that broke the camel's back.
4. Texas (12-0): Unlike Florida, they didn't dominate. Unlike Bama, they never seemed like they would need a big comeback. They just played a sloppy game against a rival. You can't do that this late in the season, especially with a very good Nebraska defense up next.
5. Cincinnati (11-0): Remember Tony Pike? He's back. Six TDs on the day makes you wonder, would he have been running away with the Heisman if he hadn't been hurt?
1. Florida (12-0): They had the best performance of any of the three big contenders this weekend. Tim may have cried before the game, but the Gators dominated and never looked back. This team is starting to fire on all cylinders at just the right time.
2. Alabama (12-0): Going down 14 points on the road in a rivalry game isn;t the best way to start off, but Bama showed that even if that does happen, they are prepared to handle it and win the game.
3. Texas Christian (12-0): They just looked better than Texas this weekend. They dominated a very dominate-able team, but like I said, they've often looked better than Texas this season. Rivalry weekend was the straw that broke the camel's back.
4. Texas (12-0): Unlike Florida, they didn't dominate. Unlike Bama, they never seemed like they would need a big comeback. They just played a sloppy game against a rival. You can't do that this late in the season, especially with a very good Nebraska defense up next.
5. Cincinnati (11-0): Remember Tony Pike? He's back. Six TDs on the day makes you wonder, would he have been running away with the Heisman if he hadn't been hurt?
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Week 13 rankings
So, nothing too crazy happened this weekend. USC's defense managed a shutout. Taylor Mays and co. were tremndously helped out by the fact that they had a bye-week. By the way, they're still not ranked. You don't climb back in with a bye week.
In the only matchup of ranked teams, LSU fell to Mississippi on what has got to be one of the dumbest plays I have ever seen. Why wait until there's single digits on the clock, Les? You rarely see hail marys completed, and once you do you gotta get your field goal team out there. If anyone was wondering, I was going to blog about how I think LSU will win a close one, because Dexter McCluster scares me- looks like I was right on one count. Anyways, without further ado, here's this week's top teams.
1. Florida (11-0): Yes, they're back at number one. I think this is the fifth time Florida and Alabama have switched spots in the rankings, which says a lot about these clubs. Florida dominated a better team in FIU compared to Alabama's dominating (but less so) performance against a I-AA team.
2. Alabama (11-0): As long as Alabama shows up this week, they're going to beat Auburn (probably). What more can I say? If they and Florida take care of business as they should, the National SEC Championship in Atlanta will be the most important game of the year.
3. Texas (11-0): The Longhorns are still hanging around. They get to beat up on the Aggies before Nebraska gives them a much tougher game than anyone thinks they will.
4. Texas Christian (11-0): This is why college football needs a playoff. Many times over the past few weeks I've considered moving the Horned Frogs up to number three. That they don't get to play for a championship is a damn shame. Can we at least get a plus one?
5. Cincinnati (10-0): The Bearcats got a week heal the wounded (Tony Pike- remember him?) before pretty much a scrimmage against Illinois this week. I bet Cincy would love it if Nebraska were to show up Texas in two weeks... But Cincy has to win in Pittsburgh for it to matter.
In the only matchup of ranked teams, LSU fell to Mississippi on what has got to be one of the dumbest plays I have ever seen. Why wait until there's single digits on the clock, Les? You rarely see hail marys completed, and once you do you gotta get your field goal team out there. If anyone was wondering, I was going to blog about how I think LSU will win a close one, because Dexter McCluster scares me- looks like I was right on one count. Anyways, without further ado, here's this week's top teams.
1. Florida (11-0): Yes, they're back at number one. I think this is the fifth time Florida and Alabama have switched spots in the rankings, which says a lot about these clubs. Florida dominated a better team in FIU compared to Alabama's dominating (but less so) performance against a I-AA team.
2. Alabama (11-0): As long as Alabama shows up this week, they're going to beat Auburn (probably). What more can I say? If they and Florida take care of business as they should, the National SEC Championship in Atlanta will be the most important game of the year.
3. Texas (11-0): The Longhorns are still hanging around. They get to beat up on the Aggies before Nebraska gives them a much tougher game than anyone thinks they will.
4. Texas Christian (11-0): This is why college football needs a playoff. Many times over the past few weeks I've considered moving the Horned Frogs up to number three. That they don't get to play for a championship is a damn shame. Can we at least get a plus one?
5. Cincinnati (10-0): The Bearcats got a week heal the wounded (Tony Pike- remember him?) before pretty much a scrimmage against Illinois this week. I bet Cincy would love it if Nebraska were to show up Texas in two weeks... But Cincy has to win in Pittsburgh for it to matter.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Week 12 rankings
1. Alabama (10-0): They put Mississippi State away a lot easier than Florida did, and also did it a lot easier than Florida put away South Carolina. The waffling continues, because as of right now, Alabama is the top team in the country. After an off week (i.e. game against Chattanooga) the Tide faces Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
2. Florida (10-0): As a Florida fan, I was dying for about 2 and a half quarters. I'd never been happier than when Justin Trattou grabbed that ball out of the air, separated biceps and all. The Gamecocks are good, but the Gators shouldn't have had the problems they did. A game like that against Alabama won't cut it.
3. Texas (10-0): Another week, another chance for Texas to beat up on a cellar-dweller. Nebraska could end up making it an interesting game should they meet in the Big 12 championship game.
4. Texas Chrisitian (10-0): I'm really surprised that Utah managed as many points as they did, but it wasn't enough. While TCU has only two games left, Boise State has three. Will that hurt the Horned Frogs? I doubt it.
5. Cincinnati (10-0): The Bearcats have what should be a laugher against Illinois coming up before the big showdown with Pitt. If the Panthers beat WVU, then it will be for the Big East title and BCS bid, because fo some reason, if Pitt wins, I think the Bearcats will be left in the cold by the BCS.
2. Florida (10-0): As a Florida fan, I was dying for about 2 and a half quarters. I'd never been happier than when Justin Trattou grabbed that ball out of the air, separated biceps and all. The Gamecocks are good, but the Gators shouldn't have had the problems they did. A game like that against Alabama won't cut it.
3. Texas (10-0): Another week, another chance for Texas to beat up on a cellar-dweller. Nebraska could end up making it an interesting game should they meet in the Big 12 championship game.
4. Texas Chrisitian (10-0): I'm really surprised that Utah managed as many points as they did, but it wasn't enough. While TCU has only two games left, Boise State has three. Will that hurt the Horned Frogs? I doubt it.
5. Cincinnati (10-0): The Bearcats have what should be a laugher against Illinois coming up before the big showdown with Pitt. If the Panthers beat WVU, then it will be for the Big East title and BCS bid, because fo some reason, if Pitt wins, I think the Bearcats will be left in the cold by the BCS.
Friday, November 13, 2009
This weekend's previews
#9 Iowa vs #16 Ohio State
These two teams have the 2nd and 3rd ranked scoring defenses (Ohio State and Iowa) in the conference. Both allow under 300 yards a game, and both have over 15 picks (16 for OSU and 20 for Iowa).
I think that the difference in this game is going to come down to personel and home field advantage.
These two teams have the 2nd and 3rd ranked scoring defenses (Ohio State and Iowa) in the conference. Both allow under 300 yards a game, and both have over 15 picks (16 for OSU and 20 for Iowa).
I think that the difference in this game is going to come down to personel and home field advantage.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Week 11 rankings
Once again my hectic life (sort of) has caused me to miss posting predictions, but for what it's worth, I would have gone 1-1 in my ranked game previews. I was planning on picking Bama and Penn State. Also, not to toot my own horn, but I do believe I somewhat called Oregon's upset (refer here to Oregon's entry). Anywho, without further tarrying, here are my rankings for week 11.
1. Florida (9-0): Are the oddsmakers still setting absurd lines for these games? For some reason I think Vandy covered, even though they got beat by 24. Since when are 24 point wins not good? Florida faces astiff test when they travel to South Carolina next week.
2. Alabama (9-0): The SECCG is set, and once again it's Alabama and Florida in the BCS play-in game. The win over LSU was ugly, but the Tide got it done. Nick Saban has proved his team is a step above the rest of the SEC.
3. Texas (9-0): The "real" polls will probably have Texas at three as well, since voters are just so fickle. Can we complain that Texas didn't beat UCF by enough since the same thing I happening with the Gators' game against Vandy?
4. Cincinnati (9-0): It's not just Cincy- UConn is giving every team they play all they can handle. In a week where a lot of things didn't go well for a lot of teams, Calleros and Cincy are able to capitalize with a win, however slim the margin may have been.
5. Texas Christian (9-0): The strength of this team is their defense, and they had another fine performance this weekend. They've done a great job scheduling strong out-of-conference games, and their next game against Utah is their last shot to show they deserve to play in a BCS bowl, or maybe even a national championship.
1. Florida (9-0): Are the oddsmakers still setting absurd lines for these games? For some reason I think Vandy covered, even though they got beat by 24. Since when are 24 point wins not good? Florida faces a
2. Alabama (9-0): The SECCG is set, and once again it's Alabama and Florida in the BCS play-in game. The win over LSU was ugly, but the Tide got it done. Nick Saban has proved his team is a step above the rest of the SEC.
3. Texas (9-0): The "real" polls will probably have Texas at three as well, since voters are just so fickle. Can we complain that Texas didn't beat UCF by enough since the same thing I happening with the Gators' game against Vandy?
4. Cincinnati (9-0): It's not just Cincy- UConn is giving every team they play all they can handle. In a week where a lot of things didn't go well for a lot of teams, Calleros and Cincy are able to capitalize with a win, however slim the margin may have been.
5. Texas Christian (9-0): The strength of this team is their defense, and they had another fine performance this weekend. They've done a great job scheduling strong out-of-conference games, and their next game against Utah is their last shot to show they deserve to play in a BCS bowl, or maybe even a national championship.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week 10 rankings
1. Florida (8-0): For the first time this year, they looked like the Gators of 2008. Yeah, it came against Georgia, but it was rivalry game, and those can be crazy. Ask the 2006 USC squad.
2. Alabama (8-0): Alabama had the week off to prepare for #6 LSU this week, and despite Texas's big win against Oklahoma State, I think Alabama is still the more impressive team.
3. Texas (8-0): Dayum Texas, that's the kinda shellackin' people have expected from you all year. With Oklahoma State taken care of, all Texas must do is avoid the upset until they reach Pasadena.
4. Iowa (9-0): Those first three quarters were textbook Iowa football. The last quarter was surreal. If they can play whole games like they played in the first quarter, the Big 10 could be sending a team to the national championship for the third time in four years.
5. Cincinnati (8-0): An admirable performance by Cincinnati and a three touchdown win wasn't enough to keep Iowa from jumping them again. Still, with a backup quarterback in, that's not a bad week for the Bearcats. They get UConn at home this week.
2. Alabama (8-0): Alabama had the week off to prepare for #6 LSU this week, and despite Texas's big win against Oklahoma State, I think Alabama is still the more impressive team.
3. Texas (8-0): Dayum Texas, that's the kinda shellackin' people have expected from you all year. With Oklahoma State taken care of, all Texas must do is avoid the upset until they reach Pasadena.
4. Iowa (9-0): Those first three quarters were textbook Iowa football. The last quarter was surreal. If they can play whole games like they played in the first quarter, the Big 10 could be sending a team to the national championship for the third time in four years.
5. Cincinnati (8-0): An admirable performance by Cincinnati and a three touchdown win wasn't enough to keep Iowa from jumping them again. Still, with a backup quarterback in, that's not a bad week for the Bearcats. They get UConn at home this week.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
This weekend's previews: #3 Texas @ #14 Oklahoma State
Oh, how the Cowboys are wishing that the NCAA hadn't come down so hard on Dez Bryant. And oh, how the Cowboys wish they didn't get Texas coming off their best game of the year so far, a 41-7 spanking of what appeared to be a good Missouri team.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Week 9 rankings
For once, a week in college football where a top 5 team didn't fall, though Alabama did their damnedest. That said, there were some ranked teams that lost and will be falling down (or falling out of) the rankings.
So without further ado, here's the new top 25 for week 9.
1. Alabama (8-0): They may have had a rough time against Tennessee, but even elite teams don't completely dominate every week. That game reminded me of Florida vs South Carolina in 2006. The Tide are certainly good enough to win it all.
2. Florida (7-0): It was better than last week's game against Arkansas... kind of. Tebow needs to stop making bad throws, and Steve Addazio needs to work on his play calling. If the Gator offense can't get it together, Georgia will be tougher than anyone thinks.
3. Texas (7-0): There's the Colt McCoy we're looking for! Texas absolutely lit up a good Mizzou team, which does not bode well for the rest of the Big 12.
4. Cincinnati (7-0): They jump Iowa because of the way they win. Cincinnati does not play teams close. Blowing out Louisville is just the latest example.
5. Iowa (8-0): Iowa has won every game they've played in so far this year, and they've done it in the ugliest way possible. They needed a touchdown on 4th down with two seconds left this week. Still, ugly or not, they are undefeated.
So without further ado, here's the new top 25 for week 9.
1. Alabama (8-0): They may have had a rough time against Tennessee, but even elite teams don't completely dominate every week. That game reminded me of Florida vs South Carolina in 2006. The Tide are certainly good enough to win it all.
2. Florida (7-0): It was better than last week's game against Arkansas... kind of. Tebow needs to stop making bad throws, and Steve Addazio needs to work on his play calling. If the Gator offense can't get it together, Georgia will be tougher than anyone thinks.
3. Texas (7-0): There's the Colt McCoy we're looking for! Texas absolutely lit up a good Mizzou team, which does not bode well for the rest of the Big 12.
4. Cincinnati (7-0): They jump Iowa because of the way they win. Cincinnati does not play teams close. Blowing out Louisville is just the latest example.
5. Iowa (8-0): Iowa has won every game they've played in so far this year, and they've done it in the ugliest way possible. They needed a touchdown on 4th down with two seconds left this week. Still, ugly or not, they are undefeated.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Week 8 rankings
Another weekend of college football behind us, and more top 5 upsets in the books. Virginia Tech went down, Florida lucked out, and Colt McCoy showed that he's only a field goal better than Landry Jones (which my girlfriend pointed out before me). More undefeated teams fell by the wayside (South Florida, Kansas), and the first BCS rankings of the year are out. Without further ado, my rankings for week 8.
1. Alabama- They've played better than and worse than Florida against Arkansas and Kentucky respectively, but a win over Virginia Tech (which honestly, doesn't look quite as good now) has them ranked #1 in my poll for the first time this season.
2. Florida- Even elite teams have a bad game. If the Gators didn't want to lose the top spot, they should probably stop scheduling cupcakes and start playing some better teams.
3. Texas- "Colt McCoy is only 3 points better than Landry Jones."- Megen Olivo. True, but they're still undefeated in the Big 12.
4. Iowa- It's not pretty watching this football team, but they're 7-0 and that's impressive. Why they're not getting more love from the flesh and blood, I don't know.
5. Cincinnati- They steamrolled a good South Florida team in Tampa despite losing star quarterback Tony Pike. They still have Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Connecticut, but if they win out, they have a real shot at playing for a national title.
1. Alabama- They've played better than and worse than Florida against Arkansas and Kentucky respectively, but a win over Virginia Tech (which honestly, doesn't look quite as good now) has them ranked #1 in my poll for the first time this season.
2. Florida- Even elite teams have a bad game. If the Gators didn't want to lose the top spot, they should probably stop scheduling cupcakes and start playing some better teams.
3. Texas- "Colt McCoy is only 3 points better than Landry Jones."- Megen Olivo. True, but they're still undefeated in the Big 12.
4. Iowa- It's not pretty watching this football team, but they're 7-0 and that's impressive. Why they're not getting more love from the flesh and blood, I don't know.
5. Cincinnati- They steamrolled a good South Florida team in Tampa despite losing star quarterback Tony Pike. They still have Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Connecticut, but if they win out, they have a real shot at playing for a national title.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The BCS Mess, part deux
Last post I talked about a solution to the BCS. Far be it from me though to think everything the whole way though. But fear not- I've fleshed out my solutions, and even provided some (projective) examples based on this season!
So those are my ideas. I for one would love to see EITHER version, so long as we get a playoff. Too bad this won't happen this year- Am I the only one who would be excited by a Utah vs Florida matchup?
Scenario #1 (I.e. the fariest scenario that University Presidents would never endorse)
-The top 12 teams at the conclusion of the regular season get to play in a BCS bowl game
-The top 4 teams in the BCS recieve a bye to the second round
-There are NO automatic bids for BCS conferences
-The Cotton Bowl, Outback Bowl, Peach Bowl and Citrus Bowl will host the first round matchups
-The Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl will host the second round games
-Whichever BCS site last hosted the championship game will not host a semi-final game
-The semi-finals sites will host the teams which it DID NOT host in the second round
-The site of the national championship will rotate as normal
-The playoff will begin on the first Thursday after the conclusion of the regular season
-Games will be held each week until the conclusion of the semi-final round, where the two finals teams will recieve an additonal week for rest and preperation
-The national championship will be played the second Saturday of January
So for instance, this year, the Superdome wouldn't host a semi-final or championship game this year. Dolphins Stadium would host the national championship as scheduled.
Here's an example of how that would look...
Scenario #2 (I.e. a scenario that isn't THAT bad, and may actually have a chance...)
-The six champions of the BCS conferences receive automatic bids
-The four highest ranked BCS conference champs receive first round byes
-The remaining two BCS conference champions will be matched with their first round opponent according to their ranking
-The remaining six playoff spots will be filled by the next six highest ranked teams in the BCS poll, HOWEVER
-Undefeated non-BCS teams ranked above the LOWEST RANKED BCS conference champion receive an automatic bid, taking the place of the lowest ranked non-conference championship teams
-Brackets will be set up using a conventional method, with highest seed facing lowest seed, etc. in the first round, despite the actual ranking of teams (I.e. #1 could play #21, should that #21 team be a BCS conference champion.)
-The Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl will host the second round games
-Whichever BCS site last hosted the championship game will not host a semi-final game
-The semi-finals sites will host the teams which it DID NOT host in the second round
-The site of the national championship will rotate as normal
-The playoff will begin on the first Thursday after the conclusion of the regular season
-Games will be held each week until the conclusion of the semi-final round, where the two finals teams will recieve an additonal week for rest and preperation
-The national championship will be played the second Saturday of January
-Whichever BCS site last hosted the championship game will not host a semi-final game
-The semi-finals sites will host the teams which it DID NOT host in the second round
-The site of the national championship will rotate as normal
-The playoff will begin on the first Thursday after the conclusion of the regular season
-Games will be held each week until the conclusion of the semi-final round, where the two finals teams will recieve an additonal week for rest and preperation
-The national championship will be played the second Saturday of January
Under that scenario this year, #13 Cincinnati and (presumably) #15 Boston College would get in, knocking out #12 Ball State and #11 TCU. However, #12 Ball State, being undefeated, would displace the highest automatic "at large" team, #10 Ohio State.
Here's an example of how that would look...
So those are my ideas. I for one would love to see EITHER version, so long as we get a playoff. Too bad this won't happen this year- Am I the only one who would be excited by a Utah vs Florida matchup?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Who should win the Big 12 South?
The Big 12 south is arguably the best division in (maybe) the best conference in college football this season. Three teams finished division play with 7-1 conference records and are 11-1 overall. This, as every media outlet that covers sports has said, has led to a clusterf*ck. Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech are all vying to get to the Big 12 Championship game and the BCS National Championship game. But who should go?
The case for Texas:
45-35 winner vs #1 OU
39-33 loser @ #7 TTU
The Longhorns showed resolve in this year's Red River Rivalry, coming in as dogs to the top ranked Sooners. Colt McCoy and Texas matched Oklahoma blow for blow the entire game to knock off the mighty Sooners. The game was played at a neutral site between the two best teams in the Big 12 South (my apologies to Texas Tech). Even in their loss, McCoy was phenomenal, and their only mistake was leaving too much time on the clock after driving the length of the field to win in. That should be enough to get the Longhorns in, right?
Well... Not exactly. Their out of conference schedule consisted of FAU, UTEP, Rice, and Arkansas. UTEP and Arkansas are both 5-7, while FAU is 6-6. Rice is the only decent out of conference team they played, at 9-3.
Against common opponents (compared to OU), Texas was 4-1 and outscored their opposition 190-100. For Texas Tech, they were 5-0, outsocring their opponenets 202-102.
Wins against ranked teams include three in a row over #1 Oklahoma, #11 Missouri, and #6 Oklahoma State.
The case for Oklahoma:
65-21 winner over #2 Texas Tech
45-35 loser vs #5 Texas
Since their loss to the Longhorns, the Sooners are probably playing the best offensive football in the country right now. They've scored at least 45 in every game, including four straight with 60+.
One knock on Texas was its' weak out of conference schedule- Not so with the Sooners. Yes, they played Chatanooga and Washington, but they also played the Big East champs and Orange Bowl bound Cincinnati Bearcats, as well as a very good TCU squad... by a combined score of 87-36.
As far as common opponents? Among common opponents with Texas, OU is 5-0, outscoring their opponents 286-138. Against common opponents with Texas Tech, they are 4-1, outscoring opponents 256-162.
Quality wins include the win over eventual conference champ Cincinnati, against #24 TCU, #16 Kansas, #2 Texas Tech and #12 Oklahoma State.
The case for Texas Tech:
39-33 winners over #1 Texas
65-21 losers @ #5 Oklahoma
The Red Raiders are the hardest team to make an argument for. Luckily for them, the BCS isn't as big on "style points" as it once was. However, enough cannot be said about Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree, and the rest of the Texas Tech team. Facing defeat in the biggest game in the program's history, they knock off #1 Texas when Crabtree snuck into the endzone with a few ticks left on the clock.
The fact that they got their clock cleaned by Oklahoma.... you can chalk it up to a few factors (which doesn't make it any better, by the way). They were playing the Sooners in Norman, with the Sooners in a must win game- I defy you to find a team that WOULDN'T lose in that situation. Also, every team has a bad day. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders chose to have it on the worst day possible.
Their out of conference schedule is also damning- Two FCS teams, 1-11 Southern Methodist, and a medicore 7-5 Nevada squad aren't going to help their stock.
But what about common opponents? For schools in common with Texas, the Red Raiders went 4-1, outscoring the opposition 218-159. With the Sooners, they are 5-0, outscoring opponenets 236-127.
Their big wins? Not as many as Texas and Oklahoma- They beat #1 Texas and #9 Oklahoma State.
So, who goes? I think it's safe to eliminate the Red Raiders from the conversation. They got absolutely shellacked by OU, and Texas wasn't out of the game until the very end. Their out of conference schedule is w-e-a-k, and they didn't beat as many ranked teams as either OU or UT.
That leaves the Longhorns and the Sooners. Were this an actual two way tie, the answer would be easy. However, Tech chose to complicate the picture, leaving the choice up to the votes. If I had a vote?
I'd go with Oklahoma, by a hair. They may have lost to Texas, but they've atoned ever since then, much like Florida has since Ole Miss. Their out of conference schedule also provides a big boost over Texas- the fact that they played (and beat) TCU and Cincinnati is what ends up pushing them over the top.
Don't get me wrong, I think Texas is a great football team, but since it is a three way tie, and not an actual two way tie, I have to reward the Sooners for beating more quality teams than the Longhorns this year.
So... here's hoping for a UF-OU matchup in the BCS National Championship!
The case for Texas:
45-35 winner vs #1 OU
39-33 loser @ #7 TTU
The Longhorns showed resolve in this year's Red River Rivalry, coming in as dogs to the top ranked Sooners. Colt McCoy and Texas matched Oklahoma blow for blow the entire game to knock off the mighty Sooners. The game was played at a neutral site between the two best teams in the Big 12 South (my apologies to Texas Tech). Even in their loss, McCoy was phenomenal, and their only mistake was leaving too much time on the clock after driving the length of the field to win in. That should be enough to get the Longhorns in, right?
Well... Not exactly. Their out of conference schedule consisted of FAU, UTEP, Rice, and Arkansas. UTEP and Arkansas are both 5-7, while FAU is 6-6. Rice is the only decent out of conference team they played, at 9-3.
Against common opponents (compared to OU), Texas was 4-1 and outscored their opposition 190-100. For Texas Tech, they were 5-0, outsocring their opponenets 202-102.
Wins against ranked teams include three in a row over #1 Oklahoma, #11 Missouri, and #6 Oklahoma State.
The case for Oklahoma:
65-21 winner over #2 Texas Tech
45-35 loser vs #5 Texas
Since their loss to the Longhorns, the Sooners are probably playing the best offensive football in the country right now. They've scored at least 45 in every game, including four straight with 60+.
One knock on Texas was its' weak out of conference schedule- Not so with the Sooners. Yes, they played Chatanooga and Washington, but they also played the Big East champs and Orange Bowl bound Cincinnati Bearcats, as well as a very good TCU squad... by a combined score of 87-36.
As far as common opponents? Among common opponents with Texas, OU is 5-0, outscoring their opponents 286-138. Against common opponents with Texas Tech, they are 4-1, outscoring opponents 256-162.
Quality wins include the win over eventual conference champ Cincinnati, against #24 TCU, #16 Kansas, #2 Texas Tech and #12 Oklahoma State.
The case for Texas Tech:
39-33 winners over #1 Texas
65-21 losers @ #5 Oklahoma
The Red Raiders are the hardest team to make an argument for. Luckily for them, the BCS isn't as big on "style points" as it once was. However, enough cannot be said about Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree, and the rest of the Texas Tech team. Facing defeat in the biggest game in the program's history, they knock off #1 Texas when Crabtree snuck into the endzone with a few ticks left on the clock.
The fact that they got their clock cleaned by Oklahoma.... you can chalk it up to a few factors (which doesn't make it any better, by the way). They were playing the Sooners in Norman, with the Sooners in a must win game- I defy you to find a team that WOULDN'T lose in that situation. Also, every team has a bad day. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders chose to have it on the worst day possible.
Their out of conference schedule is also damning- Two FCS teams, 1-11 Southern Methodist, and a medicore 7-5 Nevada squad aren't going to help their stock.
But what about common opponents? For schools in common with Texas, the Red Raiders went 4-1, outscoring the opposition 218-159. With the Sooners, they are 5-0, outscoring opponenets 236-127.
Their big wins? Not as many as Texas and Oklahoma- They beat #1 Texas and #9 Oklahoma State.
So, who goes? I think it's safe to eliminate the Red Raiders from the conversation. They got absolutely shellacked by OU, and Texas wasn't out of the game until the very end. Their out of conference schedule is w-e-a-k, and they didn't beat as many ranked teams as either OU or UT.
That leaves the Longhorns and the Sooners. Were this an actual two way tie, the answer would be easy. However, Tech chose to complicate the picture, leaving the choice up to the votes. If I had a vote?
I'd go with Oklahoma, by a hair. They may have lost to Texas, but they've atoned ever since then, much like Florida has since Ole Miss. Their out of conference schedule also provides a big boost over Texas- the fact that they played (and beat) TCU and Cincinnati is what ends up pushing them over the top.
Don't get me wrong, I think Texas is a great football team, but since it is a three way tie, and not an actual two way tie, I have to reward the Sooners for beating more quality teams than the Longhorns this year.
So... here's hoping for a UF-OU matchup in the BCS National Championship!
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