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Why Not BC and Kansas?

Every season the naysayers come out and say a team really isn't good because their schedule is weak.  I include myself in this group, but am I really correct in my assumptions?  Absolutely not.  Partiality clouds my judgment, sorry.  As the 2007 season heads into November, I wonder why not Boston College and Kansas playing in the BCS Title game? Arizona State? 

The season is a body of work with many challenges.  Some games are tough, others are pretty easy.  Winning is the key ingredient.  If you are a championship caliber team, you win despite the schedule.  No team plays 12 cupcakes and no team plays 12 top ranked teams.  The schedules are generally balanced. 

This article is taking aim at the SEC.  I am not suggesting that the SEC is an easy conference because it is not.  The SEC is the best conference, but it is not so far ahead of the other conferences that a loss gives the top SEC team an automatic pass.  Using last season's BCS title game as proof that the SEC is so dominant does not hold water.  The Buckeyes never play SEC teams well, the layoff was brutally long, their egos were too large (see The U in 2002) and the team was out of shape.  Plus, Florida had a chip on their shoulder because the experts said they had no chance.  Furthermore, Wisconsin and Penn State took care of Arkansas and Tennessee in their bowl games and by my calculation, that make the Big 10 2-1 against the SEC during bowl season.  Does this mean the Big 10 was better than the SEC last season?  Maybe.

If Kansas, Arizona State and BC run the table along with Ohio State, and LSU does not lose again, who should make the BCS Championship?  There is no winnable answer.  The coaches, players and fans of these schools will say they belong in the game, and deserve a chance to win the title.  Who can argue with that?  Unfortunately, team history and conference affiliation play a major part in determining the game.  As a die hard Buckeye fan, I know my team would get the benefit of the doubt based on school tradition.  LSU would leap frog undefeated KU, ASU and BC because they play in the SEC.  Neither situation is correct, just fact.

I am not going to hammer away at the BCS or argue for a +1 system because that is not going to happen anytime soon.  Instead, give some of these teams some respect.  Staying undefeated in any conference is very difficult.  Ending the regular season undefeated is a major accomplishment.  Keep in mind, November has a funny way of changing the landscape.  No team has won a thing yet, and in three weeks, we could be talking about Missouri and West Virginia in the title game.  Laugh if you want too, but this season has shown anything is possible.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Congrats to Division III Trinity University for winning 28-24 against Millsaps yesterday.  The ending surpassed the Cal/Stanford game.  Trinity had 14 lateral passes over what seemed like 15 minutes to score a touchdown with no time remaining.      

   

BCS Battle Begins

Whew. 1998 flashbacks.  Big lead late in the game against a middle of the road Big Ten team, #1 ranking on the line, and.....no loss this year.  The game is 60 minutes long, but Ohio State almost let Michigan State get back into the game in exactly 56 seconds.  On two straight third quarter possessions, the Buckeyes offense coughed up the ball to a resilient Spartan defense who ran both turnovers back for touchdowns.  A third turnover should have happened on the next possession, but luckily the Spartan defender decided to run with ball before securing it. 

Ohio State lived on the edge for the first time all season.  This should be an excellent lesson for the young offense that no lead is safe in the Big Ten because every team will fight until the end. The defense was incredibly stout against a quality offensive team.  The D held Michigan State's offense to 3 points (34 below season avg) and 185 yards (283 below season avg) so the final score is a bit misleading, but stats mean squat if you lose the game because of turnovers. 

The Buckeyes final four opponents (Penn St, Wisky, ILL and Michigan) are a combined 23-9.  The meat of the schedule has arrived.  Everyone expected OSU to be 8-0 going into Happy Valley.  No one expected them to be ranked #1 in the BCS though.  Tressel is the perfect coach to lead his team through the late season gauntlet.  Tressel has been through this experience many times and clearly understands how to win late in the season when a bulls eye is on his team's back.

Other weekend highlights

The SEC continues be wacky, especially in the East as as every team has at least two league losses.  There was one major surprise, Vandy over South Carolina and one mild surprise, Alabama won big over visiting Tennessee.  You have to hand it to the Volunteers, when they lose, they lose big time.  The road is not their friend this season.  The West is LSU's as they passed their last tough league contest beating Auburn on a last second TD late last night.  No Bama, you will not defeat LSU at home in two weeks.  LSU has two weeks to recover and prepare for your game - sorry.

Similar to the SEC, the Big East landscape changes weekly.  South Florida falls to Rutgers allowing Ray Rice to run through their defense like it was swiss cheese.  UConn proved their season is no fluke by beating Louisville at home on Friday night.  Cinci fell for the second straight week, losing to a terrible Pitt team.  Like South Florida, Cinci's defense was carved up by the Panthers running game.  Cinci's demise has been lack of turnovers which carried them earlier in the season.  Syracuse managed to beat the lowly Buffalo Bulls and West Virginia's 38-13 win over a much improved Mississippi State team was impressive.  The Mountaineers appear poised to make a run at the Big East title in the 2nd half of the season.   

Big 12

Nothing new here, Oklahoma struggles on the road against a bad opponent, Nebraska continues to lose big at home, Texas wins ugly against Baylor and Texas Tech is once again delegated to the middle of the pack.  Why does every pundit get on the Red Raider bandwagon early in the season when they roll 700 yards on the Sam Houston State's of the world?  Here's a suggestion, recruit some defenders - you play in the Big 12, not the PAC 10.

Kudos to the Kansas Jayhawks for winning a road conference game - a rare occurrence in their history.  With Texas and Oklahoma off their schedule, Kansas's game against Missouri at the end of the season should be for the Big 12 North title.

PAC 10

Similar to Texas Tech, why does every pundit jump on the Cal bandwagon when they win a few games?  If Tedford is such a quarterback guru, why are his quarterbacks prone to failure in big games?  I think Tedford has done a fantastic job at Cal, but these mindless losses are stupid. 

Memo to the AD at Arizona, Mike Stoops tenure should be over.  Zero progress in four years - time to pull the plug.  Congrats to Stanford, two conference wins - too bad you have to play 3 out of conference games each season. 

No other real surprises in PAC 10.  Look for USC to put a beat down on the Oregon Ducks next weekend and end the speculation that the Ducks are for real.  I think it is time for the Ducks late season collapse.

ACC

This conference stinks.  Virginia Tech will will win the conference easily.  The Hokies will put a beat down on Boston College this Thursday in Blacksburg, ending the Eagles run in the top 5.  After this game, the Hokies get Ga Tech, Fla St, Miami and Virginia.  Beamer will put a strangle hold on all these teams. 

Who else is good in this conference?  Virginia?  Hardly.  Maryland - not exactly.  Clemson?  70 points on Central Michigan, 23 combined on Ga Tech and Va Tech.  Enough said.  Miami is a year or two away from being competitive, Florida State is officially a mediocre team with mediocre talent and North Carolina is two seasons away from winning the conference. 

Big 10

While Ohio State is sitting atop the BCS polls, Michigan is quickly entering the picture again.  Is this a testament to the coaching staff and players or a sign that the Big 10 is soft?  I think a little of both.  If Ohio State defeats Penn State in Happy Valley this Saturday, the Buckeyes and the Wolverines should be undefeated in league play when they collide on Nov 17th in Ann Arbor.  That's a big if though considering both teams have tough games before that game.

Wisconsin showed it can still beat up on the cream puffs, Indiana proved they are better by taking Penn State to the wire, Iowa returned to it's abysmal play losing to an average Purdue team, Illinois is inching toward the upper half of the Big 10, Northwestern is quietly earning a bowl bid and Minnesota showed once again how awful they are losing to Div 1AA (soon to be Div II) North Dakota State.

Final Thoughts

The race for the BCS is just getting started.  Only Ohio State controls their own destiny.  Sorry BC, even if you somehow go undefeated in ACC, a one loss LSU, USC or Oklahoma would leap frog you in the BCS.  Heck, even the Buckeyes could be pushed out in favor of a one loss team, especially LSU since OSU's history with the SEC is less than stellar.

Big games this week:

BC at Va Tech.  BC will suffer their first loss this season and Matt Ryan's Heisman Hype will end.

USC at Oregon.  USC is a wounded team, not playing at the same level as recent years, more beatable....right.  Oregon is better, but USC is going to catch fire in the last half of the season.  Sorry PAC 10.

GA v. Fla.  The annual Cocktail Party.  Florida's riding high and Georgia lacks consistentcy.  Bulldog upset?  Hardly.  Florida wins big.

Ohio State at Penn State.  Happy Valley has been Death Valley for OSU in recent years.  Penn State at home is different that Penn State on the road.  The game is at night and you can expect another "white out."  Similar to 1995, this will be an back and forth, momentum switching game.  In the end, OSU's defense will win the game - very close though 21-17.

Arizona State v Cal.  Cal's out of the PAC 10 picture and headed for the Sun Bowl.  Arizona State is trying to remain unbeaten.  Close game, but I feel an upset.  Cal wins on the road.

South Carolina at Tennessee.  Both teams are desparate for a win.  Volunteers will squeek out a win at home.  Side note, if Tennessee loses this game, look for Fulmer to be fired at the end of the season.

WVU v Rutgers.  The Scarlet Knights get the Mountaineers at home this year.  Expect similar fireworks as last season's 3OT game, but in the end, WVU will win the shootout. South Florida is the real winner of this game though.

    

Preseason Hype/Title hopes

Are pre-season polls good for college football?  Many pundits are looking at today's TOP 25 and saying no.  I say the polls are good for fans to debate, but bad for the game itself.  Forget the problems with pre-season polls, what about in-season polls?  Last season, Tresselgate proved that coaches rarely view the other teams, except those on their schedule, and they probably don't even complete the vote.  Additionally, coaches naturally favor the teams in their league attempting to make their schedule seem more difficult.  Of course the writers will claim they are objective, but their bias is too often revealed.  Furthermore, the writers cannot watch all the games either, and their opinion is based on the highlights too. 

Is there a major problem?  Not really.  The elite teams float to the top and generally stay there.  If you have two losses, does it really matter that a team you beat which has two losses too is ranked ahead of you. No.  It is definitely unfair though.  I know I have said this over and over again, but it is the truth, the beauty of college football is every game matters.  Lose one, you still have a chance.  Lose two, your title hopes are finished.  No other team sport can say the same.   

I know what most people are thinking.  The system is flawed because the polls are flawed, and subsequently, the BCS has only worked 3 out 9 times, 1999, 2002 and 2005.   I agree, however, the problem is not really with the polls because there will always be a bias. The problem is not having the extra game to settle the debate on the field.  The +1 solution will solve most of the ills of college football's method of crowning a champion.  Seed the Top 4, have 1 play 4, 2 play 3 and the winners play for the BCS title.  Sure, there will be a #5 team that probably deserved a chance to play, but generally, most teams not #1 or #2 have lost at least one game, if not two.  Institute this system and most of the criticism about the polls will fade.

Saturday recap

Division 1

Queen should be proud, "Another One Bites the Dust," is a recurring theme in Division 1 this season.  LSU escaped a tough home victory last week against Florida, but could not elude Kentucky on the road yesterday.  In 3 OT, the Andre Woodson led Wildcats put a damper on the Bayou Tigers BCS Championship dreams, 43-37.  While LSU should not drop far in the polls, their weaknesses are exposed.  Good thing they have Auburn at home this weekend because loss #2 would be likely if the game were played at Jordan Hare. 

Knowing the #1 spot was at stake did not help California at home against Oregon State last night.  The Beavers played the spoiler two years in row beating the Bears 31-28 in what I would say had one of the craziest endings this season.  Playing with 2nd string quarterback and red shirt freshman, Kevin Riley, the Bears drove the field in the last minute to set up a field goal to tie the game. Instead of kicking the field goal, Cal ran another play and Riley was tackled leaving no time left to attempt a field goal. STUPID, even for a back-up quarterback.  With USC's lure slipping, Cal's chances are harder to make it to the title game. 

LSU's and Cal's troubles turned into Ohio State's gains.  The Buckeyes throttled Kent State 48-3 yesterday and sit in the driver's seat for the championship once again.  There are critics who feel OSU's schedule is weak,the Big 10 is not very good this year and their #1 ranking is overrated.  I agree, but if not the Buckeyes, then who?  BC - please, who have the Eagles played?  The ACC is worse than the Big 10 anyway.  South Florida?  I'll buy the argument with wins over Auburn and West Virginia, but those wins were hardly pretty.  South Florida appears a little less balanced than the Buckeyes right now.  I would give the Buckeyes a pass only because of Tressel and the defense, but the Bulls are definitely a tough team.  Bottom line for this season, with five games to go, no game is safe so the Buckeyes better come prepared each week.  I am on record as saying the defense will have a down game sometime this season - can the offense step up and deliver?    

No other major surprises in Division 1 this weekend.  Looking ahead, there are some interesting games next weekend...Auburn v LSU, Michigan v. Illinois, S. Fla v Rutgers (thurs), Fla v. Kentucky, Tenn v. Alabama.  Sorry, USC/Notre Dame lacks flavor and Fla St v. Miami is for last place in the Florida League...how sad is that?

Embarrassments of the season

Nebraska - year four under Callahan is a disaster.  The team once known for defense is a disgrace.  A new regime may be necessary because Callahan looks lost.

Syracuse - year three under Robinson is pathetic.  No progress at all.  This proud program is defunct and needs an Act of God to resuscitate it.

Pittsburgh - year three under Wannstedt is awful.  No progress and the defense (Wannstedt's specialty) is horrible.

Texas A&M - Fire Francione now.  25-23 after four seasons, two blowout bowl losses and no titles. The program is in decline with good talent.      

 

Div 1AA

Southern Illinois #1 ranking lasted 1 week as Northern Iowa beat them 30-24.  No shame in that loss considering Northern Iowa is highly ranked too.  Besides, these two teams always win at home against each other.  Expect both to be in the playoffs. 

The other top 10 teams, North Dakota State, Massachusetts, Woford, JMU, Youngstown State, McNeese State won.  Appalachian State and South Dakota State were idle.  Unlike their big brother's division, the top 10 in 1AA is filled with the usual suspects and that should continue the rest of the season.

Division 2

No big surprises in Division 2 either, Grand Valley State won and looks to continue their domination of this division.  Three ranked teams lost to other ranked teams.  Delta (#7) beat Valdosta (#6), North Dakota (#2) lost to Nebraska Omaha (#5) and Carson-Newman (#10) lost to Catawba (#12).  All of these teams should make the playoffs.

Division III

It is still Mount Union and the rest of the bunch.  Wilmington, OH was the latest victim, 59-0.  In two weeks, The Purple Raiders collide with my alma mater, Capital University, which should be a great OAC game.  Capital has played Mt. Union closely the last few years.  Perhaps the Crusaders can emerge victorious this season. 

The top teams continued their winning ways, Wheaton, Mary-Hardin Baylor, UW Whitewater, St. Johns, St. John's Fisher, Wesley, Central and Washington and Jefferson all won decisively.  All of these teams should make the playoffs - too bad Mt. Union will too.

 

 

    

midweek thoughts

While I have no scientific evidence supporting the following claim, my eyes tell me it is the truth.  DC represents more college football programs than any other city in the country.  DC is the melting pot of college football.  The town is not owned by Florida Gator fans or USC Trojan fans, but many reside here. So do Auburn Tiger fans, Buckeyes, Wolverines, Aggies, Hawkeyes, Tide...you get the point. 

I have traveled the country and there is no other city with such a diverse fan base than DC.  I love going to Columbus to be with my fellow Buckeyes, love going to Auburn to see the crazy Tiger fans, love going to Happy Valley, to Knoxville, Norman, Austin...but those cities all have 99.99% home team itis, little diversity except for the 2000 opposing fans that travel to away games.  DC is different.  Walk into any watering hole on a Saturday afternoon and you see Michigan and Ohio state fans, Auburn and Alabama fans, Oklahoma and Texas fans - all in the same room.  Scary thought, especially when liquor is being served quicker than a political scandal travels the country.  Ironically, this system works.

Every die hard fan should take a trip to DC in the fall to be part of the experience.  You need to be prepared in two areas, school spirit and team history.  Fight songs are chanted religiously with each rival trying to cheer louder than their opponent.  Some schools are better than others.  Sadly, Ohio State does not represent well.  Clemson and Iowa fans do though.

Knowing your team history is vital.  Arguments erupt quickly (most are friendly) and the stats start flowing quickly.  Typical arguments include, who has the better conference, who has beat who more times, who has the crazier fan base, which stadium is the loudest, which school has the best looking girls and believe it or not, why Wendell Taylor's All American season for Navy in 1922 is relevant to Navy's 2007 season.  Obviously, no argument can be won, but man is it fun trying. By the way, the only valid argument is the best looking girls reside in SEC country and Arizona State.

I offer a challenge to any fan who can argue that another city has better fan base representation.  Two days until Thursday night football.  Four days until the madness known as the 2007 season continues.  Will there be another Stanford, App State or Colorado? 

Separation Saturday Delivers

For two straight weeks, college football clearly showed why it dominates the sporting world.  Fantastic match-ups impacting the quest for the BCS Championship.  Win, you are still in the hunt.  Lose, better start praying. There were six games yesterday with ranked teams clashing against ranked teams.  All six will impact the rest of the season.  Here's how...

Florida v. LSU.  Florida had LSU on the ropes midway through the 4th Quarter when the Tigers decided to punch back.  With less than two minutes remaining, LSU's Hester scored the go ahead touchdown securing the 28-24 home victory.  Florida is out of the championship picture and LSU solidified their #1 ranking.  Come from behind victories help define a teams character and LSU took a huge step forward in their quest for the BCS.

Ohio State v. Purdue.  The Big Ten's best defense versus the Big Ten's best offense.  Not much of a contest as Ohio State's defense completely dominated the Boilermakers 23-7 in front of the 65,000 "Blackout" crowd.  The only drama was Ohio State's offense getting overzealous with their deep throws which resulted in 3 interceptions.  With their third road victory and their first victory over a ranked opponent, Ohio State is growing into a championship team. 

Oklahoma v. Texas.  The hangover game.  This was a must win game because both teams came into the game with unexpected losses in week five.  This was the closest Longhorn/Sooner game in recent memory and OT seemed possible, but Colt McCoy interception on a key fourth quarter drive ended the speculation. Oklahoma won 28-21 and remains in the BCS picture.  Texas needs to regroup.  Playing Iowa State next week should help.

Virginia Tech v. Clemson.  The Hokies second trip to Death Valley proved better than their first, but Clemson is not LSU.  Virginia Tech used two special teams scores in route to a convincing 41-23 victory over the Tigers.  The Hokies are in the driver's seat for the ACC Coastal title and the Tigers are back to their middle of the road ACC playing capabilities.  Look for Va Tech to win the ACC title and be in a BCS bowl. 

Rutgers v Cincinnati.  This is as smash mouth football as you can get in the Big East.  Rutgers was looking for redemption, Cincinnati was looking to remain unbeaten.  Early in the game, Rutgers looked poised for victory, but the Bearcats scored 21 points in the 3rd Quarter to secure a 28-23 road victory. I never thought I would say this, but I am glad my Buckeyes don't play Cincinnati this season.  The Nov 3rd clash between South Florida and Cincinnati will decide the Big East champ. 

Missou v Nebraska.  Yawn.  Tigers win 41-6.   Nebraska defense is embarrassing.  Missou is legit and next week's clash at Oklahoma will be great.  Nebraska needs to find some pride because this program is a light years away from respectability.  Solich doesn't look too bad right now does he?  I've said this many times and it requires repeating...one of college football's greatest strengths is tradition.  College football is better when Nebraska is good.  Where are you Cornhuskers?

Other notes:

Speaking of tradition, what has happened to USC?  Losing is one thing, but losing to Stanford at home?  Stanford would have trouble beating De La Salle let alone a Div 1 powerhouse.  Embarrassing loss.  Everyone hoping for a USC-LSU championship game can forget it. 

Illinois.  Congrats to the Fighting Illini for beating the Badgers, 31-26 in Champaign.  Coach Zook has his boys believing they can win the Big Ten, and they might be able to do it.  The challenge, winning on the road.  They go to Iowa this week (don't laugh) and travel to Ohio State in November.  Most likely, they'll finish third.

Kansas.  They are undefeated and yesterday's win at Kansas State showed that the Jayhawks are better than everyone thought.  They do not play Oklahoma or Texas, so it is quite possible that Kansas could run the table - unlikely, but possible.  Good luck.

This season has been strange.  Look for this to continue.  More on this later.

Separation Saturday

Despite the upsets last weekend, tomorrow is still separation Saturday as some of the top teams play each.  Every major conference except the PAC 10 has at least one marque match up.  Here's a breakdown of the top clashes:

ACC

Virginia Tech travels to Clemson.  Neither team has been overly impressive and the loser will get a first class ticket to the Peach Bowl.  How these two teams are ranked is beyond me.  Clemson had their early season debacle last weekend against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech has struggled on offense ranking in the lower third in 1A in just about every statistical category.  Does anyone even care who wins this game?  Clemson wins 20-17.

Big East

Rutgers tries to regroup from last week's embarrassing loss to Maryland and exact revenge on Cincinnati who soundly defeated the Scarlet Knights last season.  The Bearcats have been impressive so far this season because Dantonio built a solid foundation for Coach Kelly.  I look for the Bearcats to win a close one, 27-24.

Big 12

Three big games.  The obvious match up is the Red River showdown between Oklahoma and Texas.  Both teams were miserable last week and are looking to rebound.  Similar to the Clemson/VaTech game, the loser is out of the conference race and will likely end up at the Alamo bowl.  Although Coach Brown has regained some momentum in the yearly showdown with two consecutive victories, I see Oklahoma winning decisively, 37-14. 

No. 23 Nebraska travels to No. 17 Missouri in Big 12 North clash.  The Cornhuskers have won ugly all season and lost ugly to USC a few weeks back.  Missou has been steady under the leadership of QB Chase Daniel.  This game will go back and forth, expect offensive fireworks late in game.  Missou wins the shootout, 38-31.

Finally, undefeated Kansas travels to Kansas State for key Big 12 North game.  Kansas has played weak competition, but is definitely better.  K-State destroyed Texas last weekend. Will they play flat this weekend like they did last year against the Jayhawks?  Doubtful.  The Wildcats win 31-21.

For all the Big 12 fans, the OSU-Texas A&M games is not too exciting - sorry.

Big 10

Two important games.  The early contest is No. 5 Wisconsin at Illinois.  The Illini are the toast of college football after defeating Penn State last weekend.  The Badgers are viewed as overrated because they are not blowing teams away.  Last season, Illinois blew a lead in the 2nd half and lost 30-24.  The game will be close again, but the result is still the same, Badgers victory 27-21.

ABC's Saturday night game features the #4 Ohio State Buckeyes against No. 20 Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette.  The Buckeyes have throttled their opponents using a strong defense and a big play offense.  The Boilermakers have destroyed their opponents with a spread attack behind QB Curtis Painter.  Having the game at home gives Purdue an edge, but that won't be enough as the Buckeyes will tame Purdue's offense in the 2nd half.  Ohio State wins, 31-14.

SEC

Florida's loss to Auburn last weekend put a damper on their match up with LSU, but this game is still the best of the day.  All I need to say is BATON ROUGE, NIGHT GAME.  Tiger fans have been drinking since Sunday and you can expect another earthquake tomorrow night when LSU exacts revenge on the Gators, 24-14. 

No. 12 Georgia travels to Tennessee looking to stay in the SEC East race.  After losing to South Carolina a few weeks ago, Coach Richt has regrouped his young squad with wins against Alabama and Ole Miss.  Tennessee has been destroyed twice already and is trying to salvage the season.  I see an upset in this game, the Volunteers win, 17-10. 

On the Division III level, #1 Mount Union travels to #9 Ohio Northern in a classic OAC game.  Mount Union owns Division III and owns the road as well.  The Purple Raiders win easily, 45-10.

   

Take a Deep Breath

Message to Sooner, Longhorn, Gator, Duck, Mountaineer and Scarlet Knight fans...the BCS Championship has been played by two undefeated teams just three times.  Oklahoma and Florida have been to the championship with a loss so this is not new for you. Time to focus on what you can control...winning the next game.

I will grant you that the road is much more difficult for Oklahoma, Texas, Rutgers and West Virginia than Florida and Oregon considering the Big 12 and the Big East are good, but not great conferences this year.  Florida can repeat last season's run to the championship by winning out in the SEC.  Oregon can make up for a bad quarter by winning the PAC 10, but they will need a lot of help.  The point is to put the loss behind you and focus on the remaining games.  Michigan got caught up in their season opening loss to Appalachian State and played flat against Oregon.  No championship for them this year. 

Out of the five teams, I would say Oklahoma and Florida have a chance right now.  Texas looks lost and the offseason turmoil definitely impacted their preparation for the season.  West Virginia and Rutgers are too one dimensional and can be shut down by a strong defensive team. Oregon gets USC and Arizona State at home, but one of these teams will likely defeat the Ducks.  Looks like the Holiday Bowl again this year.

I am an old school college football fan so I enjoy seeing Oklahoma contending for titles.  What I don't like is the cockiness that infiltrated the program after the 2000 season.  Sooner coaches, players and fans feel it is their divine right to be in the championship.  Credit is rarely given to the other team for winning the game.  Instead, the fault was some "mistake" Oklahoma made that caused them to lose. The Bob Stoops pre-2001 is preferred to the current Bob Stoops.  I am still amazed that the humble pie Stoops and Co. have had to eat over the last three seasons has not affected their behavior. 

I would say ditto for Florida fans, but you weren't that good prior to 2006.  Sure, Spurrier gave you some glory in the 90's and a title during the 1996 season (with a loss), but historically your program has been average to good.  Last season's run was great and well deserved, but arrogance has seeped into your brain.  Tebow for Heisman should be replaced with Tebow to the film room.  Preparation, focus and quiet confidence got you the title last year.  Lose the chip and get some pride back. 

To get back into contention, Oklahoma and Florida need help.  Florida can right the ship with a win at LSU this weekend.  USC plays Cal later this season.  Both need Ohio State to lose a game in the mediocre Big 10.  My apologies to South Florida, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Boston College fans, but your teams are not championship worthy nor do I think you will finish the season undefeated. A 1 loss LSU or USC team would probably rank higher even if you do go undefeated. Sad but true.    

Finally, last weekend should be a wake up call for USC and LSU.  At times this season, I would argue that USC and LSU are unbeatable.  Other times I would argue that your vulnerabilities are so glaring that any coach with half a brain will exploit them to a victory.  With all the talent on your rosters, winning should be easy.  Unfortunately, your piece of cake may turn into Stoops' Homemade Humble pie.  Good luck.