Ever since the inception of the Bowl Championship Series, I have thought it was ridiculous. Every year, cries for playoffs in major college football are heard, and every year the National Collegiate Athletic Association tells us that just isn’t possible. It seems like blatant mistakes are always made with the special “formula” some committee devised; however, this year the tweaks the NCAA has made to the BCS formula have worked. The two best teams will most likely make it to the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz.
The Ohio State University – yes, “the” is part of its official name – is an obvious selection. It has the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, Troy Smith, playing quarterback. Head coach Jim Tressel is one of three finalists for the George Munger award given to the coach of the year in NCAA Division I football. Unquestionably, the Buckeyes are the No. 1 team in the nation going into bowl season. Ohio State finished the regular season 12-0 overall and 8-0 in the Big Ten conference. This choice is obvious to everyone who has even a mild interest in college football.
The next choice is obvious to me after watching Saturday’s domination of Notre Dame by the University of Southern California. The Trojans’ team speed is amazing. On offense, defense and special teams the Trojans fly around the field.
Previously, I had been making the argument that the University of Michigan deserved to be in the national title game. Michigan lost to the No. 1 team in the country, Ohio State, and Southern Cal lost to the Beavers of Oregon State University, not exactly the most formidable opponent in the country.
Then I had an epiphany. Why should a team that finished second in its conference get a chance to play for the national title? Michigan, I’m sorry you play in the same conference as Ohio State, but seriously, deal with it. No second place team should be in the national title game. If you are not good enough to win your conference, you shouldn’t get a chance at the biggest title of all.
The University of Florida has a reason to argue, but I don’t think it will after the weekend. I think Florida has had a great season, but the Gators are facing a hungry team Saturday in the University of Arkansas. I think Arkansas will prove itself as the better team and win the Southeastern Conference Championship.
With that said, I foresee the BCS Championship game: Ohio State 34, Southern Cal 28.
