UPDATE 2!: Before this game, if you told me that USC would lose, I would have had a hard time deciding between Michigan and Florida. But based on Florida's performance in the SEC title game win over Arkansas -- combined with Michigan's previous opportunity to beat Ohio State -- I couldn't argue more strenuously for Florida to play Ohio State in the BCS title game.
Here's what it's going to come down to: How many human voters -- Harris poll and Coaches' poll -- will vault Florida over Michigan based on the SEC championship? (And what will the computers do with the new data? Isn't it worth pointing out that if UCLA beat USC and USC beat Notre Dame that Michigan's single high-quality win of the season -- over Notre Dame -- continues to look less and less impressive?)
All records being equal:
1a. Florida won the SEC title.
1b. Michigan didn't win the Big Ten.
2. Florida played a tougher schedule.
3. Florida had more quality wins.
4. Michigan had their shot vs. Ohio St.
You don't have to be a Florida fan -- just someone who loves college football -- to understand that the only title game that makes sense, justifies the bodies of work and upholds the fairest sense of competition in an otherwise murky process is to pit Ohio State versus...Florida. Let the debate begin.
(PS: The real winners in all this are all all the folks who want to see a playoff system. No matter who gets picked -- Michigan or Florida -- it should help accelerate and facilitate the creation of a playoff... which, as all of you know, I have yet to hear of a system that doesn't create as many problems as it purports to solve. But that's a debate for another day, because we've got a hell of a debate going right now...)
UPDATE!: I don't care if USC wins -- the way they've played today, they don't deserve to play in the national title game. Let's hope they lose and make it a non-issue. If voters/ESPN hold "style points" against Florida recently, they sure as hell better hold it against USC right now. Meanwhile, Florida is playing their best game of the season, TD notwithstanding. I hope voters are paying attention -- I can imagine they're a little focused on USC-UCLA right now... -- D.S.
Our last regular-season CFB Saturday Live-Comment Tailgate of the year. I'd be all nostalgic if it wasn't for the compelling game storylines: Rutgers to BCS? Wake Forest to BCS? USC to title game? Florida BCS controversy? Michigan scoreboard-watching? And, of course, Army-Navy.
Have your say in the Comments section all day long. (Oh, and since there's no real Quickie-style wrap-up today of the biggest storylines -- CFB and otherwise -- coming out of last night and this morning, please feel free to drop in your own news items, complete with your own spin. The rest of us will pile on.)
-- D.S.
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252 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 252 of 252peace out, brian.
what's his checkered past?
checkered past?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Brennan
i'm using the term 'checkered' sensationally.
GREAT RETURN!!!!!
COLT CAN DO IT!!
i'm going to be pissed if they get this touchdown on a run.
I hear that.
He's 10 yards short of 5000
WOW.
He needs this.
Well, at least we won't have to stay up through 3 OT's....
That play didn't work out too well. Maybe he took the sack to get some more passing yards.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
dammit.
They will get the ball.
If Colt can't get the TD at least get the 10 yards for 5000 on the year.
This baby's over. I'm out. You all have a goodnight.
peace out, jon
I'm sure as hell booing!
hail mary time
Common yellow flag!
scratch that. 2 seconds? shit.
minus the non-record breaking, still a pretty good game.
Was it just me or was there a chance that was going out of bounds on a bounce?
Anyway, it's been fun. Eventhough Colt couldn't pull it off.
Goodnight to all.
goodnight, troops... xmas shopping tomorrow since the ravens don't play. catch you all after NFL tomorrow.
:)
Why should the BCS and Voters reward the Big Ten for not having a Conference Championship?
Had the Big Ten had one THE REMATCH would have happened today and the winner would be playing UF for the National Title.
The NCAA will NEVER have a playoff but ALL Conferences should have a Championship. Anyone can argue for Michigan in the Title game, but it would be a disgrace to reward a Conference that doesn't have a Championship game by putting their two best teams in the BCS Championship.
Florida vs. OSU ALL THE WAY!!!!!
Sorry Michigan fans blame the Big Ten for Not getting your Rematch!
So hey I realize I've had as many celebratory beers as the rest of you up this late (DS is totally going to block me) but Michigan already had themselves to prove AND THEY WEREN'T EVEN IN THE GAME
Second.Place.
Not.Conference.Champions.
Missed.Titlegame.Opportunity.
read this and look at all the points as to why FLA should play OSU and not UM.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=2684345
and can we please stop with the neutral field thing?? Cuz if not any team that ever loses on the road will be bitching about laying the other team on a neutral field. If that is the case... Ball St wants to play UM on a neutral field.
The vibe was good in Gainesville last night. But... I don't know. Anyone know when/if the poll results will be leaked?
I believe that in a system designed to make these tough decisions, everything has to be taken into account. It's not a fair system, it's not. So people like Herbstriet should stop bitching and saying that voters who take the rematch into account shouldnt be voters. You have to take everything into account. And Herbstriet is wrong: this isn't to decide who we think the two "best" teams are--shit, people still think LSU is "better" than Florida. This is to decide who gets to play in the National World Championship, and everything should come into play.
And when you take everything into account--the Schlabach article does a decent job, but is a little skewed toward the Gators--I think UF has to come out on top.
That said, I think Michigan will be the team the poll spits out, just out of inertia. Oh well. Only a few more hours till I know whether I need to buy Sugar Bowl tickets or make plans to be in Gainesville on Jan 8...
I'm also getting sick of the "better loss" argument. Florida lost by 10 at Auburn, but it was much closer than that. Michigan lost by 3 at OSU, but it wasn't quite that close. So Michigan has the advantage there. But not by a lot. And if we were willing to rank USC over Michigan (despite their bad bad loss to OSU) because of their overall resume, then it should be obvious that UF is the choice, as their overall resume is better than Michigan's and USC's.
Think about it. Here are the arguments for Florida: SEC Champs, played more top ranked teams, played more bowl teams. The arguments for Michigan: lost to OSU, had slightly better offensive numbers than Florida (against a weaker schedule).
It seems to me the only reason voters would put Michigan in teh game over Florida is that they've seen Michigan play OSU and know it would probably be a decent game, whereas they probably still secretly think LSU is the best team in the SEC.
It's always amazing to me on these ESPN polls how freaking close to the overall totals Kentucky is. I swear they are never off by more than 1 percentage point. They are definitely the most representative state in the U.S. Kentucky has also voted for the winner in the last 11 presidential elections.
@fishbuc:
Only one problem with your argument:
OSU would not have played Michigan in a Big 10 Championship. UM and OSU would be in the same division. Maybe a PoSU rematch, then? (I would guess UW would be in the OSU/UM division as well).
@steve:
I just can't believe Hawaii and Idaho are split down the middle on this one. I hope it doesn't result in sectarian violence, or secession (North Idaho, the 51st state?)
Troy -
This is exactly what I'm talking about.
I wouldn't complain about Florida being in the NC Game, except I'd be sad that a whiner like you (you haven't always been this bad; why start now?) would get what he wants.
The scores of the UM-OSU game and the UF-Auburn game were the scores. That's how scores work.
Michigan's offensive numbers weren't padded by any 62-point games.
Keep on comin', I'll keep on shuttin' you down.
This call is easy to make for biased people (me, you, DS, most people). It would be very hard to make objectively. Fortunately for you, everyone also gets to consider the spectre of OSU-UM II Hype, which is the consideration that I sorta think will swing this thing for the Gators.
But let's not bitch about getting screwed until somebody gets screwed, aight?
Steve, I notice that Florida is pretty representative, too. Unless, of course, a Florida team is in question. But even then we don't stray too far, since the state is split up between FSU, UF, and (theoretically) Miami fans.
One more thing, and I think this is the most important point of the day.
ANY VOTER WHO PUTS MICHIGAN OR FLORIDA AT ANYTHING OTHER THAN 2 OR 3 IN ORDER TO TRY TO MAKE HIS BALLOT COUNT MORE NEEDS TO HAVE HIS VOTE DISCOUNTED AND BE BANNED FROM EVER VOTING AGAIN.
I only say this because I can just feel that this will happen. Luckily, we get to see all the indivdual votes to make sure nothing screwy happens. And if Spurrier votes Michigan and UF misses out, I don't think he would ever be able to show his face in Gainesville again.
I feel sorry for Jim Tressel. If he votes Team A as number 2 and Team B goes to the NC, he created bulletin board material just by voting!
Well, 'sorry' is too strong of a word because tOSU wins by 30 regardless. But you got to feel for the man.
BTW, I didn't stay up for O(R)SU v Hawaii because the 3-OT battle in the hills drained me. Poor Rutgers. I really wanted to see WFU-RU in the Orange Bowl.
Of course, now I can root all out for Louisville to be stomped by the Demon Deacons. GO WAKE!
The scores of the UM-OSU game and the UF-Auburn game were the scores. That's how scores work.
OK, this is fun. Yeah, OK, those were the final scores. but it's not the numbers, it's the way those scores get spun. Auburn-UF was not the greatest game ever, but it was every bit as competitive as the Michigan-OSU game, which is my only point. So when ESPN anchors get on TV and wax poetic about Michigan-OSU being the greatest game theyve seen in a long time, it just gets me a little mad. Especially since the Rutgers-Louisville game was far superior in every possible way.
And why aren't Michigan's stats padded with a 62-point win? What were they doing against Ball State? And as for the rest of the schedule, I think the higher level of competition UF played week in and week out makes up for any statistical discrepencies.
And since when is it whining to argue your point?
Fortunately for you, everyone also gets to consider the spectre of OSU-UM II Hype, which is the consideration that I sorta think will swing this thing for the Gators.
Actually I think this is what ultimately wins it for Michigan. UM-OSU II is easy to defend from a hype standpoint. The first game is being billed as an instant classic that would have coume out even on a neutral field. The rematch would do massive ratings and ultimately satisfy a lot of people.
Whereas I think the voters are still wary of Florida, still fear we'd lay an egg against OSU.
But either way it goes down it'll be a good game. OSU isn't as unbeatable as people seem to think (shades of USC last year, Oklahoma in 04 aand 03, and Miami in 02) and either Florida or Michigan would make a great matchup. Only, you can't convince me that Michigan deserves it more. I guess I should shut up, go study, and wait till this evening...
Most the analysts are on Florida bandwagon, outside of one, Herbstreit.
It will be close. I just don't see how many can justify Michigan in the National title game.
Outside of "they play Ohio State close" they really don't have an ace in the hole.
Joe(Dayton)
The thought of Chris Leak in a game against OSU's defense is comical. He should be shitting himself right now. A shovel pass intercepted?? That's ridiculous. Ohio State is going to destroy him.
It's a real shame that, if Michigan doesn't go to AZ, they'll get stuck with USC in the Rose Bowl. I really wanted to see UM play an SEC team. And I guess LSU will get stuck with Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. Yikes.
Anyway, I think there is a good chance we see a "+1" game in the future. Just about all of the recent BCS controversies could have been settled if there was simply one extra game at the end of the season.
Maybe the BCS formula will end in a tie and UM will be forced to play Florida.
Your right cause Leak hasn't played 6 of the top 30 defenses (Statistically) in the country this year...
Ohio State is far from the dominating team you think they are.
I will also say this. Ohio State hasn't seen a defense like Florida's all year.
Joe (Dayton)
Easy way to determine the BCS Title Game
Have every Vanderbilt Player/Coach vote on who the better team is. Majority wins
JUst got back from atlanta with my dad and we both agreed it was by far the most enjoyable game to watch all year. Even though we let them close the gap we both knew in our hearts that there was no way in hell we were losing. I called it halfway through the season that it was shaping up to be just like 96 so to all you haters a big orange and blue FUCK YOU.
My friends taped the game and showed me the bit where vern lundquist i think was comparing michigan and florida's respective schedules. I have to say that there is no comparison. Florida destroys them in degree of difficulty. I only wish it was the orange or sugar bowl hosting the championship game because there is no way im getting to go.
From what I saw of the rutgers game impressed me even if they lost. I bet that kicker is kicking himself now. I don't know who they are returning next year but if that team is pretty much intact I bet they are a top 15 team easy. KNowing the voters though they will put them like 20 or something and put them in a hole that is almost too deep to crawl out of.
2 bits 4 bits 6 bits 12 we are the gators go fuck yourselves.
tf said "I will also say this. Ohio State hasn't seen a defense like Florida's all year."
They said the same thing before the UM-OSU game, and UM has a better defense, and OSU romped all over it.
So your point is ?
Michigan's Defense is NOT Florida's defense. Did you NOT see what Florida did to McFadden?
Joe (Dayton)
Uh, wasn't McFadden hurt?
It's easy to defend the run when a team has no passing game, too.
oh yeah one other thing. It seems like people want to hate on the gators because we played close games but you all seem to forget one major thing about the gators. Id take our defense over anyone else in the country and about a third of the nfl. Auburn game they didnt score a td on our defense but got their tds on a pick 6 and a botched punt I believe. If you take away the 14 points last night leak basically gave them it is a huge blowout. Yeah leak sucks and like my dad said Im glad he is leaving after one more game. Every game of his career it seemed like he would throw the game away then do somthing spectacular to make us love him again.
IT is a shame we lost ray mac but even without him and thomas we held ark to what like 120 yds rushing? If we get our rightful spot at OSU it will be a lot closer than you guys think. I see that championship game going something like this back and forth keeping it close in the third quarter osu goes up like 14 points followed by chris leak throwing 50 yd bombs in quick succession to bubba caldwell, dallas baker touchdown maker, and percy harvin. troy smith makes up the touchdown to tie it with a minute left. leak marches us down the field and chris hetland that asshole kicks a fifty yarder into the wind that floats around and actually is good because that dude is due.
Chrth,
Regarding Tressels' vote, voters can vote for a tie for 2nd if they so choose.If Tressel is smart this is what he'll do.
Regarding a Big 10 conference championship game, they need to have 12 teams first. Assuming Notre Dame joins, really the only logical choice, and wanting to keep rivalries intact, they definitely would split it east-west.
Penn St. Ohio St. Michigan Michigan St. Notre Dame and Purdue in the East. This would leave an Ohio St.-Wisconsin championship game this year. I know the East seems incredibly hard split that way but it's the way that makes sense.
McFadden was getting nowhere before he was "hurt"
PS - Percy Harvin had the same injury plus a spinal bruise. It really seemed to hurt his game.
Uhh...didn't the *great* Florida defense give up 28 last night to Arkansas? The Razorbacks are a good team, but not nearly OSU's offense...
Remember a couple years ago when Ohio State went to the championship against Miami ever game they played was close there was no stlye points Granted they never lost but, they beat the teams they had too. Plus Greg Krenzel was their quarterback thats a handicp right their Chris Leak handicap. done and done put them in the championship
forgive the spelling in a rush
Uhh...didn't the *great* Florida defense give up 28 last night to Arkansas?
No, they didn't.
Dont know if this has been said before, I dont want to look through 350 posts for it. But Shanoff you are an idiot. Michigan's only quality win was not Notre Dame. In fact it wasnt even their best win. Their best win was Wisconsin, who deserve to be in the BCS way ahead of Noter Dame or USC, or Wake Forest for that matter. Maybe you should start stating the actual facts.
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