I need to vent

[IABucFan]

OK, so I am a HUGE Oklahoma football/basketball/baseball/everything else fan.  I'm almost as big of an OU fan as I am a Bucs fan.  I am so sick and tired of all the garbage out there that OU should not be playing in the Big 12 Championship Game.  In case this doesn't get the press out east that it does here in the midwest, let me explain what is going on.

Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Big 12 South Division with 7-1 conference records and 11-1 records overall.  Head to head is the first tie-breaker, but this is where the problems start coming in.  Texas beat Oklahoma.  Oklahoma beat Texas Tech.  Texas Tech beat Texas.  Head to head, they are each 1-1, so they're still tied.  The next tie breakers (records against common opponents and a couple others) don't solve the problem either.  So, we get down to the fifth tie-breaker which is standing in the last BCS poll.  Oklahoma is #2, Texas #3, and Tech #7, so OU goes to the Big 12 CG. 

Now, all the so called experts at ESPN, Mack Brown, some Texas student who started a facebook group, and the guy who flew a plane over the Oklahoma/Oklahoma State game that said "45-35 Texas" all want to talk about how Texas is getting hosed by virtue of beating OU head to head.  They are conveniently ignoring the fact that this is not a two team tie; it is a three team tie with each team winning one game and losing one head to head.  The reason they want to discount Texas Tech from the equation is because Oklahoma beat them 65-21 on national T.V.  Thus, they argue, since Tech got whipped so badly, they should not be part of the discussion.  The problem is that Oklahoma, one of the teams that IS part of the discussion, whipped them.  Essentially their argument is that Oklahoma won by too many point and played too well, thus they knocked themselves out of the race.

It's so convenient when you can ignore the facts that don't help your case and continually scream the facts that make your case.  Using Texas' argument, if OU wins the Big 12 CG and gets an automatic bid to a BCS game, probably the NC game, then Texas would reasonably be considered for a BCS at-large birth.  Yet, they lost to Texas Tech heads-up who has an identical 11-1 (7-1) record.  Will Mack Brown go on T.V. Saturday night, as he did last Saturday, and explain why Texas Tech should go to a BCS bowl over Texas?

[The Cowardly Pirate]

I think the tie breaker should be graduation rate. How would OU compare?

[UtahPirate]

My daughter cheers for a local university, Weber State, that plays in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). They had a wonderful upset of Cal Poly last Saturday in the first round of a 16-team national championship series. This weekend we are on our way to Missoula Montana to watch the quarterfinal game with the Grizzlies, and once the playoffs are all done the FCS will have a national champion--a truly novel idea. Could it be Weber State? Hey at least we get an opportunity. Perhaps the big BCS football conferences should learn a lesson....oh, but then you may have to share some of the $$$ with smaller conference teams, which won't happen, will it, because your vent doesn't really matter, the only thing that matters to the BCS or to the Big 12 is money.

Now, nobody really cares about the FCS, its small teams, small universities, little budgets, lack of big conference political power and lack of "tradition" (translate that a built-in pipeline of money), which is one of the reasons I like it--it is after all college sports, not professional sports. But the other teams around here play in a conference that is left out of automatic BCS consideration despite that fact that, at least this year with three Top 20 teams, the Mountain West was clearly a better football conference than either the ACC or the Big East (and they went 7-1 against the PAC 10 this year so maybe better than those guys too). And what do you do with that team just up the road in Idaho, poor, perfect Boise State--which gave us one of the most entertaining BCS games in recent memory against your beloved Sooners? With Utah in, can the BCS actually share space at the pig trough with two non-BCS teams--a BCS computer ranked #6 team Utah and a BCS computer-ranked #9 team Boise State........no way, that's giving too many table scaps to the wannabes.

So in answer to your vent, I hope Texas and Oklahoma swallow each other up in the argument. I think is totally funny when anybody tries to justify "computer" rankings--and it happens every year now. There is only one way to solve the problem, on the field. It is time for the BCS to come up with some sort of equitable playoff system and share the money.

Hey, even Obama has it at the top of his "If you were American sports Czar, what would you do?" list.....

[IABucFan]

I have no idea how OU would do in terms of graduation rate.  I was never a student there, in fact.  I just cheer for their sports teams.  I went to Nebraska for two years before transfering to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN where I finished up my degree.

Utah, I completely agree with you, in fact.  I want a playoff more than anyone.  I think it's a crock that we don't have one.  Imagine if Florida beats Alabama this week, which could very well happen.  Also, imagine Oklahoma wins, which also could very well happen.  You'd have the following teams with legitimate arguments for being in the championship game.

Undefeated teams:  Utah, Boise State, and Ball State
One-loss teams from power conferences:  USC, Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, and Penn State

How do you pick the two best teams out of that mess?  It's a complete farce, but it is the system we have for now.  I'll say this at least.  The BCS is far better than what we had before it where a conference champion pretty much was guaranteed to go to a certain bowl, thus not even having the #1 and #2 teams play each other.

I also know a little about FCS.  The University of Northern Iowa is a perennial power in that division.

[The Cowardly Pirate]

I have no idea how OU would do in terms of graduation rate.

It's under 50%.

[UtahPirate]

Yeah, I had a suspicion that you would be watching Northern Iowa when I started my little vent (to match yours)....

I will admit the current BCS champion seems a little more like a champion than from a few years ago when there was only a vote. Since I am a small football program fan the thing that strikes me about the whole thing is what the money does for the power conferences. I am guessing that the Big 12 will split up about $30 million from the BCS bowls. This point has nothing to do with a national championship...but just imagine how difficult it is to catch the BCS teams from the conferences that are left out. Without a way to really generate serious funds the disparity between conferences will only grow. I would really like to see a play off system not merely to declare a clear national champion but to return college football to all, what, 117 teams that are NCAA Bowl Championship Series teams.

March Madness is such great fun, even though we tend to know who will be left at the end, those cinderella teams are such a treat. College football could be that much fun as well.

I have a feeling that if Weber can get by Montana we will match up with Northern Iowa. I will think of you should it happen. In the meantime, just hope with me that this mild weather holds. A football game in Missoula Montana on the 6th of December? I could be freezing my buns off...

[IABucFan]

National Championship Game baby!

[UtahPirate]

Hey Iowa, you are one round early but way to go. We hung in there but Montana scored after a long drive in the 4th to go up 11. Weber has most of their guys back for next year and it was the first time they had been to the playoffs since 97, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and maybe we can go further next year.

In the meantime I'll be watching Northern Iowa.....

And I'm not a Oklahoma fan very often, but against the right opponent, like Florida, I can easily be a Sooner backer. Good luck there too.....

[IABucFan]

best of luck to the Utes as well.

[Jimbo21]

Imagine how I feel as a Penn St. fan and their (once again) being shut out of contention for the title. Why? Because they lost a road game by one point, to a fine 8-4 team, on a last second field goal. One of these years I hope that JoPa just decides to run up huge scores on every team they beat so that they will get some of the same consideration as the teams that do just that. How many games did OU give up HUGE points to the opposition? Look at Penn St's bowl record... they win WAY more than they lose against the best of the best. I hate the disrespect that Penn St. gets around the country.

Since we are venting...

[IABucFan]

I'm not a Penn State fan.  In fact, I can't stand the Big 10 in general.  The Penn State/Iowa game was the first time in as long as I can remember that I've rooted for Iowa, and that was only because OU needed Penn State to lose.  But, I can understand what you are saying.  Frankly, I think this year of all years demonstrates the need for a FBS playoff.  I can think of nine teams that would have a legitimate argument for playing in the BCS NCG:  Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Texas Tech, Alabama, USC, Penn State, Utah, and Boise State.  How do you pick the two best out of that bunch? 

Ou has whipped everybody, but lost to Texas.
Florida lost to a mediocre team at home.
Texas got beat by Texas Tech
Texas Tech got whipped by Oklahoma
Alabama would have qualified for the NCG if they played in a conference with no conferenc championship game.
USC had a let-down game
Penn State beat the team that beat USC but lost to a mediocre (sorry, JMHO) Iowa team
Utah and Boise State both went undefeated in non-BCS conferences.

I would propose a twelve-team playoff.  This would include automatically the winners of the Big 10, Big 12, Pac-10, SEC, Big East, and ACC.  Admitedly, the ACC and Big East have fallen a lot lately, so I'd be tempted to not give any automatic bids.  Why should a team be penalized for playing in a tough conference or another team be awarded for playing in a weak conference.  I mean, consider Cincinnati.  They are in a BCS bowl this year and Oklahoma beat them by like 40 points.  But, I don't think the Big 6 conferences would go for it without their champ being given an automatic bid.  That would leave room for six at-large teams.  My six at-large teams would be the six highest ranked teams according to the BCS who did not receive automatic bids.

my twelve teams would be as follows: Oklahoma (Big 12 champ), Florida (SEC Champ), Penn State (Big 10 champ), USC (Pac-10 Champ), Cincinnati (Big East Champ), Virginia Tech (ACC Champ), Alabama, Texas, Texas Tech, Ohio State, Utah, and Boise State.  The top four according to the BCS rankings (regardless if you earned an automatic bid or not, would receive first round byes.  After that, teams would be seeded.

So, OU, FU, 'Bama, and UT get byes.

Then:  USC vs. Va. Tech, Utah vs. Cincinnati, Texas Tech vs. Ohio State, and Penn State vs. Boise State.

There would be eleven games total.  There are currently five bowls that make up the BCS:  The National Championship game, Orange, Sugar, Rose, and Fiesta.  I would add to that the Cotton, Holiday, Outback, Alamo, Capital One, and Gator Bowls.  If they didn't want to come on board, find bowls that will.

Obviously, the NCG would remain the BCS National Championship Game.  The semi-finals would rotate around among the four other BCS Bowls with the two that are not in a given year's rotation being played as quaterfinals along with the Cotton and Holiday bowls.  The Outback, Alamo, Capital One, and Gator Bowls would make up the first round.

There are all sorts of arguments against a playoff, but I think every one of the falls flat on its face.  This might be the one and only time I agree with Barack Obama on anything, but we need to get a college football playoff.

[Possum]

I'm not a Penn State fan.  In fact, I can't stand the Big 10 in general.  The Penn State/Iowa game was the first time in as long as I can remember that I've rooted for Iowa, and that was only because OU needed Penn State to lose.  But, I can understand what you are saying.  Frankly, I think this year of all years demonstrates the need for a FBS playoff.  I can think of nine teams that would have a legitimate argument for playing in the BCS NCG:  Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Texas Tech, Alabama, USC, Penn State, Utah, and Boise State.  How do you pick the two best out of that bunch? 

Ou has whipped everybody, but lost to Texas.
Florida lost to a mediocre team at home.
Texas got beat by Texas Tech
Texas Tech got whipped by Oklahoma
Alabama would have qualified for the NCG if they played in a conference with no conferenc championship game.
USC had a let-down game
Penn State beat the team that beat USC but lost to a mediocre (sorry, JMHO) Iowa team
Utah and Boise State both went undefeated in non-BCS conferences.

I would propose a twelve-team playoff.  This would include automatically the winners of the Big 10, Big 12, Pac-10, SEC, Big East, and ACC.  Admitedly, the ACC and Big East have fallen a lot lately, so I'd be tempted to not give any automatic bids.  Why should a team be penalized for playing in a tough conference or another team be awarded for playing in a weak conference.  I mean, consider Cincinnati.  They are in a BCS bowl this year and Oklahoma beat them by like 40 points.  But, I don't think the Big 6 conferences would go for it without their champ being given an automatic bid.  That would leave room for six at-large teams.  My six at-large teams would be the six highest ranked teams according to the BCS who did not receive automatic bids.

my twelve teams would be as follows: Oklahoma (Big 12 champ), Florida (SEC Champ), Penn State (Big 10 champ), USC (Pac-10 Champ), Cincinnati (Big East Champ), Virginia Tech (ACC Champ), Alabama, Texas, Texas Tech, Ohio State, Utah, and Boise State.  The top four according to the BCS rankings (regardless if you earned an automatic bid or not, would receive first round byes.  After that, teams would be seeded.

So, OU, FU, 'Bama, and UT get byes.

Then:  USC vs. Va. Tech, Utah vs. Cincinnati, Texas Tech vs. Ohio State, and Penn State vs. Boise State.

There would be eleven games total.  There are currently five bowls that make up the BCS:  The National Championship game, Orange, Sugar, Rose, and Fiesta.  I would add to that the Cotton, Holiday, Outback, Alamo, Capital One, and Gator Bowls.  If they didn't want to come on board, find bowls that will.

Obviously, the NCG would remain the BCS National Championship Game.  The semi-finals would rotate around among the four other BCS Bowls with the two that are not in a given year's rotation being played as quaterfinals along with the Cotton and Holiday bowls.  The Outback, Alamo, Capital One, and Gator Bowls would make up the first round.

There are all sorts of arguments against a playoff, but I think every one of the falls flat on its face.  This might be the one and only time I agree with Barack Obama on anything, but we need to get a college football playoff.

Gotta say IA that while you lobby for a football playoff you do so with what I think is a reasonable way to do it.  Not perfect but reasonable.

As for your dislike of PSU, well me too.  In fact I heard a rumor that birds fly upside down over "Happy Valley" as they call the area around State College, Pa.  They fly upside down cause there is nothing their worth crapping on, including the football team! 

[IABucFan]

Thanks Possum.

[WillieBuc]

What a magnificently superficial argument.  Yes, there was a three way tie. So look further.  Look at the losses. 

OU lost to Tx on a neutral field, by 10 points and got dominated in the second half.  It was quite clear who was the better team.  Tx lost to Tech on the last play of the game after Tx again dominated in the second half.  Tech played very well the majority of the game, and clearly deserved to win.  But because of the way Tx came back, Tech was pretty fortunate to win.  That was also a road game for Tx, and came after Tx played OU, Mo and OSU, three top ten teams, in consecutive weaks.  OU slaughtered Tech.  It was a home game for OU, and after a weekend off for both teams.  Tech had just played Tx and OSU the prior weeks, a pretty tough schedule.  Analysis, huge advantage for Tx, huge disadvantage for Tech.

Look at the wins.  OU scored a lot of points against a lot of teams.  They also gave up a lot of points against a lot of teams.  Against the best defense they played, Tx, they scored 35, which is pretty good.  But they also gave up a lot to Tx offense, 45, hence the big hickey.  Tx scored a lot of points as well, but not as prolific as OU.  Tx played much better defense.  For example, in the last THREE games of the season, Tx  gave up less TOTAL points (37)than OU did to OSU in its final ONE game (41).  Tech scored a lot of points as well, and gave up a lot.  Advantage, Tx for the better overall team.

Look at the schedules.  OU played Cinncinnatti and TCU, but also Chattanoga.  Tx played Arkansas and Missouri.  Tech played powderpuffs.  Tech also struggled to beat Baylor and Nebraska.  OU and Tx had no such struggles.  Tx played 4 top teams in consecutive weeks, losing on the road in week 4, OU and Techs schedules were better spread out.  Advantage Tx, big disadvantage Tech.

Look at what you want, but Tx had the superior season, Tech had the least impressive of the three.  OU got the benefit of computers who favor running up scores.

[ElliottBayBucco]

If Oklahoma gets dismantled by Florida like they did against a Rich Rodriguez-less WVU last year, I pray that the NCAA will get their $#¡? together and assemble some sort of playoff system. The Oklahomas and Ohio States get to the title game based on name recognition alone. Boise State showed that with enough preparation and time, a mid level conference team can beat a big school anyday.

Wake up, NCAA! We are tired of boring, blowout BCS championship games!