Catching Up On College Football
It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted, that’s probably the longest I’ve gone since I started blogging. Sorry for being lazy, but sometimes we need a break. Anyways, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get started.
BCS Scenarios
The championship game looks set, barring a big UCLA upset Saturday. It appears likely we’ll see USC as the next victim for Ohio State. Things seldom work out like we think though, so I’m going out on a limb and predicting USC as National Champs.
In the other BCS games, we know a few things. Boise State is in by virtue of their high finish in the BCS standings. Notre Dame is in because…well, because they’re Notre Dame. Michigan is in because they’re #3 in the BCS, a guaranteed spot. The conference champs, well I guess I gotta pick ‘em.
Okay, I’ll go with Wake Forest out of the ACC, Louisville out of the Big East, Oklahoma out of the Big 12, Arkansas in the SEC. That leaves one more at-large spot. Right now it looks likely to go to LSU. If Arkansas beats Florida, LSU would move into the top 4, virtually assuring them of the bid. If Florida wins, LSU would be the highest ranked team left, with great tradition, great fans, and oh yeah, a great team.
So how do we pair them off? Most people see LSU to Pasadena against Michigan. But I still hear rumors that the Rose Bowl wants Notre Dame badly. They don’t know when they’ll get another shot at the Irish, and a leprechaun in the hand is worth………………(sorry, I got distracted and disgusted thinking about Charlie Weiss with his leprechaun in his hand.) The NCAA is lobbying the Rose Bowl to pass on ND for "the integrity of the game". Yeah right, good luck with that. Let’s hope the Rose does what’s best for CFB, but knowing the history of the bowls, don’t bet on it. Knowing the picking order, and assuming someone talks some sense into the Rose Bowl, these should be the match-ups.
Rose - Michigan vs LSU
A Big 10-SEC match-up that should go a long way in settling the annual debate among their rabid fans as to who’s conference is the toughest.
Sugar- Arkansas vs Notre Dame
This would be the first time these two teams faced. Arkansas would have a chance for a great prestige win, and Notre Dame could redeem themselves for their blowout losses by beating the SEC champs.
Orange- Wake Forest vs Louisville
I don’t know about you, but I would certainly watch this one. The Cinderella talk early was about Rutgers, but Wake has had a tremendous season, and this time the shoe fits.
Fiesta- Oklahoma vs Boise State
One more chance for Boise State to prove they deserve to be in this game. One more chance for Oklahoma to prove the blue-field wonders don’t.
Coaching Rumors
Miami is making a strong bid for Tommy Tuberville. Big bucks and a chance for national titles could lure Tommy T away from Auburn. I can’t picture an undefeated Miami ever being left out of the title game.
Alabama needs a big time winner. Rodriguez from WVU and Petrino from Louisville are the two names mentioned most often. Either one would have their hands full trying to meet the unrealistic expectations of a program still living in the shadow of the Bear.
Heisman Hopefuls
With Troy Smith a guaranteed lock for the trophy, most of the talk has centered on who else makes the trip to New York. Brady Quinn struggled in his two games on the biggest stage, but he had a great season with over 3000 yards and 35 TD’s. I think he’ll hang on to second, edging Arkansas sensation Darren McFadden. Steve Slaton has had an incredible year, but fumbles against Louisville and a poor showing against South Florida derailed an otherwise stellar performance. Finally Colt Brennan’s numbers are simply too incredible to ignore. I see him taking the 5th spot.
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Let’s talk some College Football, operators are standing by.
Original post by Bread and Circuses