Here's a comprehensive guide to the teams with BCS championship game aspirations. I am giving cases for and cases against each team, if they win the rest of their games. They can be either tangible things, like wins, losses, and strength of schedule, or just plain opinions. They range from those with very high chances (Ohio State, Florida), to those with no chance in hell (WVU, Boise State) but are included for argument's sake. The reasons can either be reasons they will or won't be in the game, or should or shouldn't. There really is no rhyme or reason, or order. So enough explanations, here we go.

 
Ohio State

 
For:

 
- They'll be undefeated in the Big 10.

 
- They have an explosive offense with 2 Heisman candidates in Troy Smith and Theodore Ginn.

 
- They convincingly beat Texas at Texas.

 
- They haven't given up more than 17 points all season, and have only given up double digit points in 3 games.

 
- They're Ohio State, that has to count for something right?

 
Against:

 
- They won't have played Wisconsin, thereby avoiding the only other team in the Big Ten besides Michigan that doesn't completely suck this season.

 
- On a related note they have only played one team thus far who is currently in the top 25.

 
- When they beat Texas Colt McCoy it was his second start ever, and it showed.

 
- The defense may only be good because they haven't played a team with an offense besides Texas.

 
- Seriously, only beating Illinois by 7?

 
USC

 
For:

 
- Will have played the toughest schedule of any team on this list.

 
- Recent history

 
- Beat the only team who is undefeated in SEC play (Arkansas) by 36 points... in Arkansas

 
Against:

 
- Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and LenDale White, et al are all in the NFL. Their replacements aren't quite up to that level, not that that's a crime or anything

 
- Have struggled, albeit mostly on the road, against lesser opponents.

 
- Lost to an okay but not great Oregon State team. A team that lost 42-17 to Boise State earlier in the year

 
Florida

 
For:

 
- They play in the "Toughest Conference in the Nation". They have 2 wins against teams currently in the top 15, including on the road at Tennessee.

 
- May have the best defense in the country.

 
- Chris Leak is a proven senior QB

 
Against:

 
- Their offense isn't that good, they have struggled to score points against even the bad teams they've played

 
- The toughest part of their schedule is long gone, their remaining games are against South Carolina, West Carolina, and a very down FSU squad.

 
- Chris Leak has at least one INT in every game but one, 10 overall. Kind of betraying his positive senior leadership

 
Rutgers

 
For:

 
- Undefeated in a relatively tough BCS conference. The Big East is better than the ACC period, and has better depth than the Big 10.

 
- They may very well have the best offensive line in the country, if there is a way to gauge such things.

 
- Ray Rice should be in New York for the Heisman ceremony.

 
- If they win out they will have 2 wins against top 15 teams.

 
- Have one of the best defenses in the country

 
- Feel good story, for whatever that's worth

 
- Are you going to tell James Gandolfini they aren't worthy?

 
Against:

 
- Have the worst schedule of any of the BCS conference teams on this list.

 
- I can't remember their QB's name, which should tell you something. If they had even an above average QB they could have been the best team in the country.

 
- Were ranked too low in the beginning of the season. With that and the anti-Big East bias it would take a series of strange and unusual upsets to overcome all the teams ahead of them

 
- The Jew-run New York media is too late to the party to make a difference

 
WVU

 
For:

- They have an offense that is mostly unstoppable

 
- Right now they have as many wins against current top 25 teams as Ohio State, Cal, USC, Arkansas, Texas, and Rutgers.

 - Pat White and Steve Slaton

 
Against:

 
- Really blew it against Louisville, more losing the game than Louisville won it.

 
- Defense is still suspect.

 
- If you can stop the run Pat White cannot pass very well. However that is a big if.

 
- East coast bias, in reverse. People act like the AD of WVU is Osama Bin Laden or something.

 
Texas

 
For:

 
- Defending national champions

 
- Only loss came against the team that's been #1 the entire season

 
- Colt McCoy is getting better and better

 
- May be the most talented team in the country. Please note that talent does not equal good necessarily, otherwise Florida State would still be in the top 10.
 

- Richard Nixon's on their side

 
Against:

 
- Offense has struggled against the few good teams they've played.

 
- Schedule is lacking, the Big 12 is down this season. They only good team they've beaten is a team with a wide receiver playing quarterback.

 
- Already had their chance

 
Michigan

 
For:

 
- Dominated Notre Dame at South Bend

 
- Have looked like the best team in the country at times this season

 
- Have the best QB, RB, WR combo of these teams.

 
- May have the best defense in the country.

 
Against:

 
- Aside from the two wins against Notre Dame and Wisconsin their best win is against an offensively challenged (to be kind) Penn State squad. And that's by a fairly wide margin

 
- Offense hasn't played the same since Manningham got hurt, even since he's been back

 
- Were a goal line stand away from being taken into overtime at home by a bad MAC team with a starting QB I watched play at Bellaire High School last year. There's no excuse for it really, if they were looking two weeks ahead to OSU then that shows mental weakness. If they took the starters out early enough for something like that to happen that shows poor judgment by the coaching staff (which has been a knock on them to begin with). Even then if Michigan's as good as people hype them to be Bo Schembechler could hobble his way onto the field, play defensive end, and they still shouldn't have a problem beating Ball State. Probably the poorest showing by any team on this list.

 
Arkansas

 
For:

 
- Darren McFadden is the best running back in the country not in the Big East.

 
- Undefeated in SEC play, which I'm pretty sure means they're in line to move up to the NFC West next season. The AZ Cardinals will move to the SEC West.

 
- Beat Auburn at Auburn.

 
- Very underrated defense. (ifyouignorethefirstgameoftheseason).

 
Against:

 
- Can you really ignore that first game? USC may not even be the 2nd best team in the PAC-10.

 
- They have about as easy a schedule as you could hope for in the SEC. They don't play Florida, and they get Tennessee and LSU at home.

 
- As good as true freshman QB Mitch Mustain may be, he's still a true freshman QB who's being protected by a great running game.

 
Cal

 
For:

 
- Since their opening glitch at Tennessee they have looked as good as any team. Maybe even better
 

- Offense has some of the best talent in the country.

 
- Um, somebody may want to help me with this. I haven't really seen much of them

 
Against:

 
- Suspect defense

 
- Suspect schedule, the PAC-10 is very poor outside of the top 3 teams. Or The Big Other 2 so far as Cal is concerned.
 

- Got destroyed by the 5th best team in the SEC (Tennessee)

 
Auburn

 
For:

 
- Beat Florida and LSU

 
- Good, if not great, defense

 
Against:

 
- 8.5 home games to 3.5 road games (You can't really count Alabama as a true road game). Their road games were against Miss State, Ole' Miss, and South Carolina. In other words every game they've played has been at home. No Tennessee either.

- Looked really bad against Arkansas, and didn't beat Florida so much as Florida lost it.


- Thoroughly average offense. Cox is an average QB, Kenny Irons is more hype than actual production.

 

Boise State

 

For:

- Undefeated
 

- Mostly unchallenged
 

- Dynamic offense
 

- Badly beat Oregon State, who beat USC

 

Against:
 

- Ugh, that schedule. It's like an SEC team's out of conference schedule, only for an entire season

- Just an extension of that last thought, not only will they not have beaten a top 25 team, they will not have played a team that's been in the top 25 ALL SEASON
 

- Only beat Wyoming by 7 points. 

- Not in a BCS conference, therefore they aren't owed anything
 

Well, there you have it. Now imagine all of these flawed but very good teams actually having the chance to play each other and see who really is the best team? Of course we can't have that, because, um............. well there's no real good reason. Oh well
 

Just a couple of random thoughts for those still reading
 

- There's no sneaker major for athletes than kinesiology. It sounds impressive if you don't know what it is, and in some ways it still is, but for athletes it's basically a slight step up from a Phys Ed major.
 

- Staying on majors, and this applies to normal people more than athletes, they need to re-name "Criminal Justice" to just "I Don't Know"
 

- It's kind of weird and frustrating when a coach does an awesome job at everything except actual in-game coaching. Dave Wannstedt to this point has been that way. He's recruited better than anyone could imagine, he's been great with the alumni, he's been great with the players (not too much of a hard-ass, but not a pushover). Unfortunately every big game he's had so far with Pitt has gone horribly wrong. Now in fairness, Walt Harris didn't leave him with much, but you should still beat South Florida. So now the best Pitt can hope for is, I dunno, the International Bowl. Crappy thing is, next year will be a step back most likely because all of their tough games are on the road, and they'll be breaking in a new QB. "Wait till '08" does have a nice ring to it at the very least though.

Short and to the point. The Corey Lidle story is the most funny tragic story since the great Memphis Clown College Fire of '67. There are so many jokes to be made, but if you say them you're kind of an ass. Luckily I never worry about that so here are a few of my favorites and some of my own so far.

 - When the Yankees pitching coach told Corey he couldn't hit the broadside of a building, I don't think this was how he wanted to be proven wrong.

- It's too bd A-Rod wasn't the pilot, because everyone knows he can't hit anything in October.

- Considering the plane crashed into a deluxe apartment on the East Side, has anyone checked to see how George Jefferson is doing?

 - Who knew the Yankees were an Al-Queda sleeper cell? Kind of gives new meaning to the whole "Evil Empire" thing

- Twice in a week the Yankees and Crash and Burn have appeared in the same headline.

- Also gives new meaning to Bronx Bombers

 

And so on...

If last weekend was Separation Saturday, this weekend is Sedation Saturday. There is one, count 'em one, match-up between ranked teams. Okay two if you count AZ State vs. Cal, but you know, east coast bias and all. Below are the two games I will be paying the most attention to this weekend, at least of the games that'll be televised (Pitt vs. The Citadel not on TV, go figure).

 

24. Penn State vs. 1. Ohio State - Ohio State had a harder time than they thought against Cincinnati last weekend.... and still won by 30 points. Penn State didn't have a difficult time with Youngstown State, but still didn't do as much as they wanted. What to expect this week? It all depends on Anthony Morelli and his offensive line. I've said this for awhile now, never on here, but Morelli is this generation's Jeff George. Not the brightest guy in the world (in fact they're both pretty dumb supposedly), will have an okay career in college but nothing great, however Like George he has awesome physical skills and because of that will be a top 10 NFL pick at worst. They even both reneged on their original commitments coming out of high school (George ditching Purdue for Illinois, Morelli ditching Pitt for Penn State). Given this information, expect him to be signed by the Raiders in 2024 or so. All that being said, a guy with Morelli's physical skills and supposed weaponry at WR and running back (although I'm not seeing it) is always dangerous, even if he can't spell PSU. Also, Justin King is the Ted Ginn of PSU, only on defense (Convoluted Sentences 'R Us). He's one of the few guys who can actually run with Ginn and neutralize the speed he brings to the game. On defense, Penn State matches up well with Ohio State, to a point, but Ohio State just has too many weapons. Anthony Gonzalez is their best pure wide receiver, the go to guy in crunch time even over Ginn. Also, the Pittman/Wells running back duo is a load, Wells could end up being Maurice Clarrett with a brain. Ohio State wins relatively easily unless Morelli has a great game.

 

Pick: OSU

 

12. Notre Dame vs. Michigan State - What lasted longer? Brady Quinn's Heisman hopes? Or the staple in Charlie Weis' stomach? Hard call there. Drew Stanton is the real deal at quarterback, he's Alex Smith with a better arm. Even though he was shut down by Pitt last week, 6'6" WR Matt Trannon could have a big day against a still suspect Notre Dame defense who does not have a Darrelle Revis on their team (but hey, few teams do). Either Javon Ringer is really good at running back, or Pitt's defense still sucks. Probably a little of both. On the other side of the ball Notre Dame's receivers are like power forwards to Michigan State's point guard cornerbacks. In other words, a big advantage (pun intended) is there. If they can get their running game going, and why they haven't been able to get it going is anyone's guess, then they can score some points against MSU's only okay defense. The prediction is that ND will be able to run, and beat MSU by a touchdown or two. Pick: OSU

Sorry to get all Bill SImmons-y on you but.... 

I'm getting sucked into this Two-A-Days show on MTV. If you don't know the show I mean, basically they just follow around the players from one of the best high school football teams in the country. And being MTV they naturally do alot of off field drama crap, but it's not so bad. Now, keep in mind I'm not much for MTV, the last show I watched on that channel regularly was Beavis and Butthead. But this show is good, it's got good football stuff (andbarelylegalcheerleadersintightshorts) for the guys, and stupid relationship crap for the chicks. Most of these reality type shows (Newlyweds, Laguna Beach) are more boring than you can imagine, usually it's watching rich kids sit around and mumble. But, this isn't boring, it's kinda good.

Here are just some funny things that I noticed on the show

 - There's a black kid on the show who has a super-hot white chick girlfriend with a huge rack, and he sounds exactly like Boomhauer from "King of the Hill", no joke. The best part? His name is Repete. If the final episode features him and a guy named Pete in a boat, and Pete falls out, I'll kill myself cuz life won't get any better.

- These kids have the squarest heads I've ever seen. It's like the Blockheads from Gumby came to our reality and impregnated the rich and elite of Alabama.

- One of the squareheads for whatever reason has to do the old "put flowers in the girls car as a suprise" to ask one of the cheerleaders to some dance. I have no idea why, I'm the biggest dork ever and I know that's a pussy move. But it worked, maybe it was a producer suggestion or something.

- I'm always intrigued by the Napoleanic comlpexes that most high school football coaches have, this show shows that side of these coaches in spades.

- Speaking of coaches, the defensive coordinator of the team was eating dinner with the step-dad of one of the players (who's apparently the ultimate example of a 'dicky sports dad') and admitted to never hearing of asparagus. Probably not funny to everyone, but I laughed for probably 3 minutes.

 - They play in one of the 50 million dollar or however much stadiums. When you play in a better venue than 30% of most pro teams in high school, that's gotta be worth something.
 

Perhaps more as the show goes on, if I remember it's on. I'm going to go find my nuts now, I think they fell off. 

When John Madden made his Hall of Fame induction speech, he mentioned how he believed the busts in Canton would speak to each other once everyone was gone for the night. While this may come across as the ramblings of a guy who's mistaken paint thinner for vodka once too often, he's right. The busts in Canton do speak with each other, and here's how the conversation went the night the new busts were put in the hall.

(Door to the Hall of Fame is closed for the night by the janitor)

Art Donovan: Okay guys, all's clear!

George Halas: (addressing the Class of '06 busts) So I see we have some new members here this evening, welcome guys.

'06 Busts (simultaneously): Thanks!

Wellington Mara: So why're you guys in here? What're your qualifications

Troy Aikman: Well, I won 3 Super Bowls with the help of the best offensive line in league history, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, and a wide receiver who made the Pro-Bowl 5 times in 9 seasons. So of course I deserve all the credit

Wellington Mara: I see, how about you sir

John Madden: I have the best winning percentage of any coach who has coached 100 games or more. I was the best announcer in football for many years, and my EA Sports football games have given me street cred with the brothas out the wazoo. Right Jim?

Jim Brown: Word

John Madden: ....and I did win one Super Bowl, and it would have been more had it not been for someone's lucky-ass play

(The Chuck Noll and Franco Harris busts both start giggling uncontrollably)

John Madden: Yeah in fact I'd just like to complain a little more about how I only won one Super Bowl...

Dan Marino, Marv Levy, Barry Sanders: (at the same time) Shaddup!

John Madden: Okay, okay, I'm done

Art Rooney: Thank you John, even your bust smells terrible. (to Warren Moon) How about you son?

Warren Moon: I have almost 50,000 passing yards and close too 300 TDs spanning over 17 NFL seasons. Plus I won 4 Grey Cups in the CFL.

Art Rooney: The what?

Warren Moon: ...um, the Canadian Football League. The place where people who can't make it in America go to make a living.

Art Rooney: Wouldn't that be just called Canada?

Warren Moon: Well, I suppose, but this was in football pads

Art Rooney: I see, I see. Didn't you also beat your wife like a prisoner at Gitmo?

Warren: (hemming and hawing) ...okay fine, I did. But I'm not the only one with off-field transgressions in here. Hell, Lawrence Taylor's nose is bleeding right now, and he's made of bronze.

LT: Hey! I'd wipe my nose, but I don't have any hands

Sammy Baugh: Enough! Come on now guys, (speaking to Reggie White) what about you? Why're you here?

Reggie White: I'm the best defensive end in the history of the NFL period. With that and the fact that I died recently, you could've had a Hall of Fame voting panel of Satanist KKK members and they couldn't have kept me out.

Deacon Jones: Hold on there a minute kid.... The best defensive end ever? I beg to differ, and if you say it again we're gonna have to get some flowers from Merlin cuz I'm gonna kill you all over again!

Merlin Olsen: Hey! Leave me out of this

Reggie White: Settle down Deacon, let me get done saying my piece and we can talk about he time you were in "The Thing with Two Heads"

Deacon Jones: That was Rosie Greer you moron!

Reggie White: Whatever, you all never won anything so who cares?

Deacon Jones: With your homo-phobic, anti-every-race-but-your-own rants towards the end of your life you may feel more at home in the Baseball Hall of Fame. You and Ty Cobb would look real nice side by side

Reggie White: Don't make me go Zidane on you!!

Deacon Jones: What're you talking about? You can only go Zidane on me!

Reggie White: Why you......!!

(Reggie inches off his stand and sloooowwwwlly charges toward Deacon)

Deacon Jones: Bring it on. I can't do my head slap like this, but I can still kick some skull base.

Paul Brown: Gentlemen please!!! Settle down or we'll put Irvin's bust next to you when he gets inducted

Deacon and Reggie: (simultaneously) Sorry

Paul Brown: Although, that reminds me of a joke. A deacon and a minister walk into a bar. I can't remember the middle but the end involves a whip and nacho cheese. Anyway, (looking at Harry Carson) what about you?

Harry Carson: I played in 9 Pro Bowls in 13 seasons. I was the sober yin to LT's raging yang. I am a Super Bowl champion, if you couldn't tell from me basically wearing a "Look at this" sign pointing right to my championship ring during my speech. And I played in New York, which counts for more than 4 Grey Cups I would think

(All other busts murmur to each other in agreement)

Warren Moon: (softly to himself) Kiss my ass

Bronko Nagurski: Well, last is you Mr. Wright, why're you here

Rayfield Wright: I was a 6 time Pro Bowler, a member of the official All-70s NFL team. I played in 5 Super Bowls and won 2. And, um, I was a tackle, we don't really have stats or anything so I can't really explain it fully.

Curly Lambeau: Okay, any other matters of business?

All: No

Curly Lambeau: Okay, tomorrow is our monthly karaoke competition. Mike Ditka singing Journey vs. Chuck Noll singing Metallica

 

 

Brings a chill doesn't it?