I digressed a bit early Sunday morning to bring my thoughts on the unfolding, and horrifying, story at Penn State. I'm guessing that particularly sad chapter in JoePa's long history in the sport will have more ink devoted to it than pretty much anything in college football before it is all over. More importantly, it is not really a college football story anymore (although the Nebraska Penn State game, which involved players who had nothing to do with any of this, will likely be unbearable to watch). That said, let's get back to the business of writing about more light-hearted matters (at least to those who live outside of Tuscaloosa)
The Big Question
Does Bama deserve a shot at the title game?
Pros:
a) If it's kicker could hit the wide-side of a barn, Bama would have easily won that game.
b) If the officials had overturned the erroneous interception call at the LSU 1 yard line, Bama likely gets a TD and wins the game in regulation.
Cons:
a) Bama's kicker can't hit the wide-side of a barn. That's Bama's fault
b) Bad calls happen in every game
Those were two world class defenses on the field Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. I really don't think any two other teams in the country could match-up against that. And this wasn't one of those "but the offenses aren't great" moments. Both offenses have been lighting up opponents all year. That said, i don't want to see them again - not at the same time. What I want to see is a high-octane offense, let's say Oklahoma State, go up against the Tigers - now THAT would be great TV (at least for one quarter).
There are a ton of scenarios that could put Bama back in the title game - but if any scenario has an undefeated LSU, then Bama has no business being there.
What? There were other games in the SEC last week?
Apparently, South Carolina and Arkansas played too. (Note to the SEC - when you have the game of the century, move your game of the decade to earlier in the afternoon). Yes, Arkansas (a nearly 20 point loser to Bama) took the Gamecocks down at home. The game was in doubt until Arkansas put the Gamecock's QB out of business with what looked an awful-lot like illegal contact to the head to me. Regardless, the 'Hogs won the game and sit near the top 5 in BCS standings. People are starting to talk up the Arkansas LSU game (and yes, if LSU goes unbeaten - wow). Truth be told, I don't see Arkansas beating the Tigers - but the Razorbacks do tend to upset LSU on occasion so we will see.
What? Oklahoma State scores at will?
Please, please, please please let Oklahoma State beat the Sooners the first weekend in December. I've actually heard conjecture the Oklahoma could sneak back into the title picture??? Listen - the Sooners were pantsed, at home, by a fairly weak Texas Tech team. One, I think Oklahoma State handles them this year, but even if they don't, Oklahoma simply doesn't deserve to be within 1,000 miles of the title game.
People are looking at the close score against Kansas State as evidence that the Cowboys aren't that strong? Well, #1 - Kansas State is pretty darn good. #2 - the Cowboys have never pretended to field a strong defense, #3 - if a close loss to LSU doesn't hurt Bama that much, why should a close win over Kansas State hurt Oklahoma State?
Virginia Tech is in the Top Ten of the BCS Standings
Yes, one behind Clemson. The Hokies get this ranking just in time for a match-up against a suddenly surging Georgia Tech this Thursday night - that's just peachy. I'm hoping the bye week and pride keep the Hokies from getting behind the Jackets in Atlanta but my long, frustrated history as a Hokie fan tell me otherwise.
Conference Realignment Update
A quick look at the standings reveal that:
1) The SEC's coup included landing the current fifth and seventh place teams in the Big 12
2) The Big 12's coup includes landing the current 4th place team in the Big East
3) The Big East's coup includes most likely landing the #4 ranked team in the country.
Hmmmmm....
Century Mark
Houston plays Tulane this Thursday night. I'm thinking Houston has a legit shot at 100 points...in the first half.
No comments:
Post a Comment