January 6, 2009 - Glendale, AZ - Tostitos BCS Fiesta Bowl - #3 Texas vs #10 Ohio St.
In 2005 we saw Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns overcome Ohio State at the Horseshoe on national TV.
In 2006 we saw Troy Smith, Antonio Holmes, and Teddy Ginn Jr. return the favor in Austin as the Longhorns tried defending their 2005 National Championship.
Both were classic matchups of power conference behemoths that really ought to occur more in college football outside of BCS bowl games.
In this 2008 season, we get to see these two giants face off once more for a rubber game on neutral ground in the Fiesta Bowl.
Once again, can we expect to see similar big names, big plays, and another springboard to future success for one of these programs?
This year's Fiesta Bowl should be similar to the previous two games, in that we have the same big schools, the same coaches, the same gameplan styles, and the same pressures that programs at this level expect in striving to get better and bigger.
Let's compare the games and names: 2005 - #2 Texas25 #4 Ohio St.22
Texas
QB Vince Young, RB Selvin Young, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Limas Sweed, NT Frank Okam, DT Rodrique Wright, CB Cedric Griffin, FS Michael Griffin, SS Michael Huff
Ohio St.
QB Troy Smith, RB Antonio Pittman, WR Ted Ginn Jr, WR Santonio Holmes, WR Tony Gonzalez, LB AJ Hawk
Highlights: Future Heisman winner, frosh QB Troy Smith, comes in halfway through the game to get OSU on track. 2005 Heisman runner-up, QB Vince Young, throws a late game fade pass TD to WR Limas Sweed, who catches the football falling backwards, for the go-ahead score. Texas went on to an undefeated season and the national championship. Ohio St. lines up a ton of future greats who play in back to back national championships in 2006 and 2007 seasons, including LB J. Laurinaitis.
2006 - #1 Ohio St.24 #2 Texas7
Ohio St.
QB Troy Smith, RB Antonio Pittman, WR Ted Ginn Jr, WR Tony Gonzalez, LB J Laurinaitis
Texas
QB Colt McCoy, RB Jamaal Charles, RB Selvin Young, WR Limas Sweed, DE Brian Orakpo, CB Cedric Griffin, FS Michael Griffin, SS Aaron Ross.
Highlights: The Buckeyes played a mistake-free game, controlling the tempo and outcome most of the game. Future star QB Colt McCoy gets his first taste of a big time college game. Ohio St. uses this strong performance to bolster their #1 status for the whole season. OSU LB J Laurinaitis shows his future Butkus Award stardom in gaining an interception, 10 tackles, and 3 stops for losses.
2008 - #3 Texas (11-1) vs #10 Ohio St (10-2)
Texas
QB Colt McCoy, WR/KR Quan Cosby, WR/PR Jordan Shipley, DE Brian Orakpo, DE Henry Melton, LB Roddrick Muckelroy
Ohio St.
QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Chris Wells, WR/PR Ray Small, CB Kurt Coleman, LB J Laureinaitis
Highlights: How far has QB Colt McCoy come in 3 years? He's a Heisman finalist, and he had his team 1 play from being #1 and playing in the national championship game. Though UT is sore for just missing the NC game this year, they look to use this year's Fiesta Bowl as an encouraging sign of things to come next season with McCoy returning to helm the Longhorns. Though 10-2 with 2 losses to BCS bowl teams would normally seem like a great season for most teams, it's a step backwards for a program that's played in the last 2 NC games. Ohio St. looks to prove their young talent in Terrelle Pryor and Beanie Wells are ready for another title run in 2009. This will be J Laurinaitis' last game as a collegiate, and what a career it has been. He is easily an NFL top 10 pick in the next draft, and he looks to lead the Buckeyes one final time to victory. This will be a battle of Texas' high-power offense versus Ohio St's stingy D, which gives up only 13.1pts/gm(#9). This year's game may not have the national title implications that 2005 and 2006 had, but the talent level is there on both sides. The same great coaches are there. And, these are two programs looking to finish out great seasons, proving that they belong amongst the nation's elite. There is a high possibility that these two teams come into the 2009 season ranked #1 and #2 if Beanie Wells returns next season.
This should be a great game, and should end up being a fine rubber game to break the split between these two programs over the past 4 years.
Anything more than a 4 team playoff would be lame. Does anyone ranked
5 and lower really deserve the shot? If your team's schedule is too
weak to get you in the top 4 with a single loss, then you don't deserve
a shot. Having one loss after playing a tough schedule does deserve the
shot, especially if one of your losses was to one of the other 3 teams
in the top 4. The 4 team version would likely leave a team or 2 on the
outside looking in once in a while, such as this year with maybe a
Utah, USC, or Penn St given the shaft. There may also be those years
when a team not so deserving of a shot manages enough votes and loses
early in the season, and eeks into #4 or even #3. However, on average,
at least there would be the right 4 teams playing in most years.
Btw, just because there is a playoff system, doesn't mean there still
can't be extra BCS games where the ACC and Big East champs can play
each other and get their payday.
Also, there'd need to be some rules established on how the 4 teams were
matched up. Ie. 2 conference teams can't matchup in the semifinal
round, or if 2 teams just played each other their last game, they can't
rematch in the semifinal round...a la Florida vs Alabama. Otherwise, #1
vs #4, and #2 vs #3.
Here's how the BCS would've turned out the past few years grabbing the top 4 from each year, and my personal projection:
2008 - #1 Oklahoma vs #4 Alabama, #3 Texas vs #2 Florida - OKLAHOMA vs FLORIDA - NC Champ: FLORIDA
2007 - #1 Ohio St. vs #4 Oklahoma, #2 LSU vs #3 Virginia Tech - OKLAHOMA vs LSU - NC CHAMP: LSU
2006 - #1 Ohio St. vs #4 LSU, #2 Florida vs #3 Michigan - LSU vs FLORIDA - NC CHAMP: LSU
2005 - #1 USC vs #4 Ohio St., #2 Texas vs #3 Penn St. - USC vs TEXAS - NC CHAMP: TEXAS
2004 - #1 USC vs #4 Texas, #2 Oklahoma vs #3 Auburn - USC vs AUBURN - NC CHAMP: USC
2003 - #1 Oklahoma vs #4 Michigan, #2 LSU vs #3 USC - OKLAHOMA vs USC - NC CHAMP: USC
2002 - #1 Miami vs #4 USC, #2 Ohio St. vs #3 Georgia - MIAMI vs OSU - NC CHAMP: OSU
2001 - #1 Miami vs #3 Colorado, #2 Nebraska vs #4 Oregon - MIAMI vs NEBRASKA - NC CHAMP: MIAMI
2000 - #1 Oklahoma vs #4 Washington, #2 Florida St. vs #3 Miami - OKLAHOMA vs FLORIDA ST. - NC CHAMP: OKLAHOMA
1999 - #1 Florida St. vs #4 Alabama, #2 Virginia Tech vs #3 Nebraska - FLORIDA ST. vs NEBRASKA - NC CHAMP: NEBRASKA
1998 - #1 Tenn vs #4 Ohio St., #2 Florida St vs #3 Kansas St. (Note:
Kansas St. did not play a BCS game by virtue of losing to Texas A&M
in Big 12 CC game. Final BCS rankings came out before CC games.) -
TENNESSEE vs FLORIDA ST. - NC CHAMP: TENNESSEE.
Only a couple of NC results would've been changed, but it's nice to see
the top teams get a shot at it. Who knows how those matchups would
really work out, and how much more money could be made for all conferences. Most of all, the CFB fan would be placated to 3 excellent games.
If you can remember how good some of these teams were, these playoffs would be monsters and awesomely great!
A funny thing happened this week... half of the remaining Undefeateds lost, and now we're down to the final two teams, after a remarkable regular season.
Congratulations to Utah and Boise St. for running the tables and staying perfect through your regular slate of games. Now it's on to post-season play. Utah was rewarded for a great season with an automatic bid into a BCS bowl game, the Sugar Bowl, versus SEC runner-up, Alabama. Boise St. was left on the outside looking in. Due to Utah being ranked above Boise St. in the final BCS rankings, Utah was granted the lone automatic bid for non-BCS schools achieving a ranking above #14. Boise St.'s booby prize is the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, CA, the second best bowl game to be held there, behind the Holiday Bowl. Their opponent will be another worth non-BCS program on the outside looking in, TCU Horned Frogs. This should be a lesson to the non-BCS conferences and schools....pay up or shut up. The BCS is about money, and you have to buy your way into it. However, more importantly, you have to establish a decade or more track record of success that gets you noticed by the media, where they can deem you worthy of BCS invites and a shot at the NC. Alas that time has not come yet. If BYU, Boise St., Utah, and TCU keep up a track record of success, maybe there will be incentive for them to combine into their own conferences with a few select others, and be better than the Big East or ACC. Anyway, I'm rambling now. Congrats to Utah and Boise St., and good luck in the bowls!
Now for the bad news: Alabama and Ball St.
What could have been and should have been, respectively. Alabama controlled their own destiny to the BCS NC game, and could have remained the #1 team around with a defeat of Florida in the SEC Championship Game. However, Florida proved to be the better team, and it was a decent performance by two really good teams.
Ball St. on the other hand.... Buffalo?!?! Who?!?! Did anyone even know BSU was playing a conference championship game? What happened?!? Well, it was a great season while it lasted, and Ball St. still finds themselves invited to the GMAC Bowl in balmy Mobile, AL Jan 6, against a game Tulsa Golden Hurricane squad. This isn't quite the big game Ball St. was hoping for. However, their defeator, Buffalo, plays in the International Bowl, across the waterfall in Toronto, Canada. Nice trip and vacation. Might Ball St. have seen a much bigger bowl should they have remained undefeated? We'll never know now. Great season anyway. A Look Back: Ranking the Biggest Upsets of Undefeateds:
Despite the chaos of the BCS this year, there were relatively few upsets this year that rattled college football landscape, and several of the upsets ended up not having a major impact, as they should have, which points to flaws in the BCS system.
8) Alabama loses to Florida - OK, this isn't an upset, as Florida was favored, but it was still a #1 team falling, and unfortunately for Bama, it cost them their shot at the NC. This Crimson Tide squad had a great season, and big early season wins against Clemson and Georgia were thought to lead the way to a perfect season. Bama took a lot of cheap shots from the media and non-fans for running the tables against a down SEC schedule, and were ultimately found out by an equally tough Florida Gator squad. Better to lose early than late, otherwise you could climb from that #4 BCS position pretty quickly. Bama goes on to play an undefeated and #6 Utah squad in the Sugar Bowl.
7) Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma - Another not so big upset. OU was heavily favored against the #2 and undefeated Red Raiders, as they commensed battled in Norman. It was not even close, as OU dropped a 60 spot on the #2 team in the nation. That would be upsetting, and it certainly was for TT, who fell off of the national rader despite a single loss season. From BCS NC Game to Cotton Bowl. Life just isn't fair...see: Texas Longhorns.
6) Oklahoma loses to Texas - Though both teams were undefeated and ranked in the top 5 going into this annual rivalry battle, Oklahoma was a big favorite, and one of the top contenders for NC hope in the early season. Texas' perseverance, constant scoring, and battling gave them a surprise 10 pt victory, that launched them into a month-long gauntlet of Top 11 terrors and defense of their new #1 status. This loss was apparently early enough in the season for OU to overcome and even leapfrog a 1-loss Texas team in the final rankings, earning OU a spot in the BCS NC game. Once again, lose early, not late.
5) Ball St. loses to Buffalo - Ball St. was living a Cinderella life all the way up to midnight, when in their conference championship game, they were usurped by Buffalo. Buffalo was on no one's radar, and played up that underestimation fully to victory. Not only did this loss cost BSU their shot at a higher bowl game, but perhaps cost the Cardinals a shot at a prestigious final top 10 ranking that could have worked wonders for recruiting.
4) Texas loses to Texas Tech - The loss itself is not a surprise, but the way it happened was. Undefeated and #1 Texas limped out to a first half 19pt deficit to the #7Red Raiders, on the road in Lubbock, but fought back to take the lead with a 1.5 minutes left. On a last second near-hail-mary, and man's-man muscle, WR Michael Crabtree snagged a QB Graham Harrell pass from the 4 yard line and dragged 2 UT defenders into the end-zone for the TD and win. Texas' path to an undefeated season would have been much easier following this game, and they proved it was, going 11-1 to complete the season. However, this big loss cost Texas its shot at the BCS NC game, beaing leapfrogged late in the season by a surging OU squad. Tech was able to win several big games following this, as they garned a #2 ranking, but were subsequental stomped by OU. See. #7 above. Once again, it was better if Texas had lost sooner than later, as their late schedule could not boost them enough with the late season loss to Tech.
3) Florida loses to Ole Miss - This was a massive upset at the time, and one got the feeling Florida and QB Tim Tebow may have been grossly overrated at the time. Who was Ole Miss, a perrenial SEC bottom-feeder, to jump up and upset an annual national title contender? Especially in the Swamp? Florida lost by a point, a blocked extra point to be exact. With under 4 minutes left, Florida scored a TD, and could have tied the game with the XP. However, a block and 4 mins later, the game was over, and the Gators had fallen. Fortunately for Florida, this loss happened early in the season, and they were able to put together a string a strong performances, culimnating with a defeat of #1 Alabama in the SEC CC game, that catapulted them into the BCS NC game. It's still amazing to consider that this Florida squad lost to that Ole Miss team, which just goes to show the parity in college football. Anywhere anytime. Come to play, and don't look ahead. Florida you majorly dodged this one.
2) USC losses to Oregon St. - Wasn't this USC squad supposed to be the end-all, be-all of CFB giants? Greater than even their previous teams this decade? Wasn't this the team that put a 35-3 beat down upon Ohio St.? The Trojans must've been hungover after their grand week 2 victory, because the very next week, the #1 Trojans were thumped 27-21 at Oregon St. We later saw that this underrated Oregon St. squad was a competitor, who fought through to the last week of the season for a shot at the conference title and Rose Bowl. It was not to be for them however, in the end. USC's middle and late season weak schedule could never help them climb higher than #5 in the final BCS rankings. Despite giving up only 87pts all season, and giving up more than 10 pts in a game twice, USC could never gain the pollsters' respect after falling to a usually woeful OSU squad. They still earned a spot in the Rose Bowl for winning the PAC 10, and face another sad story 1-loss program in Penn St.....
1) Penn St. loses to Iowa - This loss changed the college football landscape. Penn St. a big time BCS program with a weak schedule. They had already knocked off their most difficult opponent in Ohio St., and were now primed to coast to an undefeated season and a spot in the BCS NC game. The Nittany Lions were already written into most people's NC games, and the biggest questions were who amongst the other undefeated BCS programs would match-up against them. This was a supposed to be a storied year for the old and ailing Jo Paterno, who'd taken a lot of flack the past few years, and was being asked to step-down/retire by many fans and media. What greater way to go out than to bring your storied program back to the NC game? However, this did not happen. After their Ohio St. victory in late October, the Lions had a week off to celebrate and think too much about the future. Unfortunately, they weren't thinking about their next game at Iowa. The Hawkeyes upset the Lions on a last second field goal to seal their fate. Despite only 1-loss, they only had 2 remaining games against lesser opponents, and they do not have a conference championship game to boost their rankings. Bottoming out at #8 in the final BCS rankings, PSU still finds itself champion of a weakened Big 10, and its representative to the Rose Bowl, against a USC squad licking its chops for another beat down of a Big 10 opponent.
In the final picture, PSU did the BCS a giant favor. Despite the BCS still being a giant cluster this year, it would have been even bigger should PSU remained undefeated, having played a much weaker schedule than teams like Bama, Florida, Texas, USC, and Oklahoma. Those 5 teams would be battling it out for rights to fill the final remaining BCS NC game spot. As it turned out, there are 2 worthy teams amongst a pool playing for the title, but those scenario is just one of many that shows ultimately the BCS needs to move to playoff system. One loss should not torpedo a season, and late season polling and numbers crunching should not determine the final outcome. Let the best be settled on the field by letting the best play the best.
Final Note: The last edition of the Undefeateds will run after the bowl season, and we'll see if Utah and Boise St. can claim a Cygnus Award for a perfect season. I'll also give my thoughts on who we might see undefeated next season.
As a Texas Longhorn, every year around Thanksgiving time I like to think about all of the serious rites, rituals, and traditions that our Texas brethren, the Texas A&M Aggies, bring to the table in preparation for the big UT-A&M rivalry game (yet unsponsored name like Texas-OU ATT Red River Rivalry). Let's once again examine our "special" siblings in College Station. All in good fun.
1) College Station, TX - I have to assume that "College Station", the name of the town, came after the college was established there. You would think with an institution of higher learning, that they'd come up with something a little more creative.
2) Reveille - A&M mascot miniature collie - Of all of the breeds of dogs you could have chosen as a mascot, you managed to choose the least intimidating. You chose Baby Lassie! It's not even like you decided upon a full-sized collie, you went miniature! Why didn't you go for a tough breed like a mastiff or bulldog like UGA? And, what's up with that little maroon drape or skirt it has to wear? I'm sure that will strike the fear into opponents. Finally, some Aggie friends let me in on this one.... apparently, when Reveille's handler attends classes with the dog, if the dog barks, then the class is let out early. Two points on this: 1) If I'm that handler, I'd have that dog barking like it's a Vick family reunion. 2) Don't you feel you've not gotten your money's worth from that class if it lets out early every day? No wonder Aggies seem like an uneducated lot. BTW, Reveille is female and a 5-star cadet General. Hmmmm.
3) Kissing your GF after a score - speaking of dogs...j/k... every time the Ags score they kiss their girlfriends. It's not a bad ritual, which should be looked into at every other university. It's still silly and pointless as far as football goes, but I guess it gets the crowd riled up after those long periods of not scoring at all. A score for a score. Good concept.
4) The Gig'Em Thumb - Many universities have hand signals like gang signs to denote their school allegiance. Ie. the hook'em horns devils horns at UT, the four-fingered bear paw at Baylor, the two-fingered peace symbol in southern cal, and finally the middle-finger salute at most Notre Dame games. They must really love their head coach since they're always showing their fingers at the end of each ND game. However, I digress.... the Ags use their thumb. Yes, just a thumb. Not fingers. A thumb. Like their mascot dog, it's not very intimidating. It's like they're frowning at you, but giving you the "A-OK" sign. Like "Gig'em! We hate your guts, but it's A-OK!". Ags take credit for having the first hand signal in the Southwest Conference. Funny how trendsetters could end up being so far behind the times now.
5) Push-ups for Points - Much like the kissing your GF after a score, the Aggie male cheerleaders and maybe some cadets do push-ups. This has a distinct ####-erotic connection with it. Straight guys in the stands kiss their GFs after a score. The cadets and male cheerleaders do push-ups. I dunno.
6) "Whoop!" and "Gig'Em!" - These are the traditional yells that Aggies make to support their team. I'm not exactly sure what "Whoop!" means, other than being an annoying noise. Maybe they're just trying to annoy their competition into submission. Aggies are very successful in that venture. "Gig'Em!" comes from a game many moons ago when the Aggies were going to play the TCU Horned Frogs in an old Southwest Conference battle. Apparently a gig is a type of spear or stabbing-device used when hunting frogs in swamps, so that makes since. However, the tradition has carried over to other teams not named Horned Frogs. I'm not sure a gig would do much to a longhorn, other than #### it off to the point of mauling you with its horns. Finally, when "Gig'em!" is yelled, it's usually accompanied with the thumb.
7) 12th Man - The fans are generally considered to be an extra player, ready to jump in the game at a moment's notice if needed. This once was a literal 12th man named E. King Gill, who was a basketball player at A&M, asked to be available to play football on the injury-shortened lineup of A&M. He was never used, but stood on the sidelines the whole game ready to go in. Fans carry on this tradition today by standing for the whole game. It's a cute and honorable concept, except that A&M took it to an extreme under Jackie Sherill and fielded a whole kickoff squad full of student, non-players. They were actually good at it for a while, until it came under scrutiny that maybe some scholarship atheletes should take the blame when a kickoff is returned for a TD. At least they've haven't tried to field 12 men on the field at the same time. The refs wouldn't like that.
8) Kyle Field - I've had the (mis)opportunity to attend an A&M game at Kyle Field before. I can tell you that there is no more raucus place for a football game. The Aggie faithful stand the whole game (leg and back killers), and at some point lock arms and start swaying back in forth together. The whole stadium starts swaying nauseously, and I can see why there is an intimidation factor for visiting teams. Kyle Field is technically a War Memorial Stadium, and is thus treated as sacred ground. Members of the Aggie corp of cadets vigilantly surround the playing field, protecting it from intruders and people who shouldn't be there....namely, anyone not an Aggie. On several occassions in the past, unruly visiting fans attempted to storm or run out on the field, and ended up in fights with the defending corp. Unfortunately, on more than one occassion, the jarheads took the tradition and honor a little too far, and pulled their sabres on undefended visitors. Classy. 9) Midnight Yell Practice - Every night before a home game, the Ags gather to practice yelling. I thought yelling was a natural human action like crying, farting, sleeping, eating, etc. Since when do you have to practice it? I know, I know, there are specific things that everyone has to chant cult-style. However, I thought there was a 3 day Fish Camp that all freshman go to to learn that stuff. Not 1 hour, not a half day, not an evening, but 3 whole days to learn how to cheer. I guess something as important as chanting or yelling needs constant practice.
10) Bonfire - Yes, I know, I better be careful with this one. Tonight, the Ags will gather at their 55ft bonfire, to symbolize their burning desire to beat "TU". About 10 years ago, the bonfire stack, being built, collapsed and killed and maimed a multitude of student-builders. It was a tragedy for sure, and I'm glad how UT and A&M came together during that time to support each other and show it's not all hatred about beating one another. Today the engineering project is more closely inspected by engineers, and the students are directed more on how to build it, thus making a safer tradition. However, I have to come to the point..... which is, what is the point?!?! It's just a fire? Go get some scrub wood, and roast some marshmellows and smores. They turn this into a several month venture of engineering prowess. For what? A stack that will burn down. They've killed some trees. Put lives at risk. Polluted the environment. And still lose the football game!
I should note that the Ags have won the last 2 games against the Longhorns, despite being relatively much worse than UT going into them. This shows that it doesn't matter how good or bad the teams are during a rivalry. Anyone can win any year. A&M has stopped UT dreams before, and vice versa. This year's game takes place in Austin, and Texas is as much as a 36pt favorite. Texas has everything to lose in this game, while trying to win stylishly to keep the Big 12 and BCS hopes alive. A&M is just playing out their schedule in a losing year. A 1-11 season is a success for A&M as long as they beat UT.
Good luck Horns and Ags. It's always fun! Hook'em and Gag'em!
Well, our Undefeateds got a little shake-up and some closure this week. With Texas Tech finally falling horribly to Oklahoma, and Utah closing out a gem of a regular season against BYU, there only remains 3 games in the regular season to complete our Undefeateds list for the year. We'll follow up this week's games next week with an examination of who remains undefeated going into post-season play, and then a final report in January following the play of bowl games. 1. Alabama (11-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: @LSU, @Georgia. Near Misses: Kentucky, LSU. Remaining Toughies: Auburn, SEC CC. BCS Breakdown: Still #1 in the BCS standings, and the only remaining undefeated BCS conference school, the Crimson Tide's destiny is in
their own hands. Win out, and you're in. They've already sewn up a
spot in the SEC Championship Game, to be paired with the #4 Florida
Gators, which should be one of the better games of the season, and
instant classic. A loss to Auburn or Florida this late in the season
would likely nix their chance at a spot in the Top 2. Comments:
The Tide had a week off, and will play Auburn in the Iron Bowl this weekend. Like any rivalry game, this one should not be taken lightly. Auburn would love nothing more than to ruin the dream season and resurgence of the Tide to national champion level. Though Auburn will no doubt bring an intense game, the Bama defense will be too dominating for a Tiger offense that's looked poor even against the worst of opponents. If Bama gets some defensive or special teams scores, then this will be a huge blowout. Otherwise, this will likely be modest shutout for the Tide. I'm saying 21-0 Bama. 2. Utah (12-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: Already achieved perfect regular season. Key Wins: BYU, TCU, @Michigan, Oregon St. Near Misses: Plenty. BCS Breakdown: #6. The Utes moved up a spot this week, and have now locked themselves into a virtual automatic BCS bowl bid, by virtue of completing their regular season undefeated. Comments:
Utah thrashed BYU 48-24 at home this weekend to complete their second undefeated regular season in the past 4 years and win the MWC. Utah now just needs to sit back and wait to see who they'll be paired with in a BCS bowl. Likely to be the Fiesta Bowl against a Big 12 representative, which should be an interesting game. The worst possible bowl would be for them to go to the Orange Bowl against a weak ACC rep that won't give us a true indication of just how good this Ute team is this year. Utah is building themselves into a program that's to be given Top 10 respect every year. With BYU and TCU making strong national showings each season, the MWC needs to be considered as a new BCS conference, to replace the weak Big East.
3. Boise State (11-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 99% Key Wins: @Oregon. Near Misses: @Oregon. Remaining Toughies: Fresno St. BCS Breakdown: #9. Held their BCS position despite winning and some shake-up above them. They virutally have no chance at a BCS at-large spot, as Utah at #6 punched their ticket to a BCS bowl for a team from a non-BCS conference. They could still get an at-large invite, but are not guaranteed it. Especially with other, much bigger 1-loss BCS programs looming for an invite. Comments:
The Broncos were within 28 seconds of entering overtime with Nevada this weekend, but held on to win and stay undefeated. The Navada Wolfpack brought their best game at home, and heaved a late pass to the end-zone that was knocked away by Boise St. The Broncos finish out the regular season this weekend on the Blue Field against Fresno St. Having already clinched the WAC title, Boise St. will be playing to stay perfect and to earn as high of a bowl invite as possible. Don't be suprised if this team decides to save some money and stay home for their bowl game, and play before their own adoring fans to seal up their undefeated season. 4. Ball State (11-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 90% Key Wins: @Indiana (relatively speaking). Near Misses: None. Remaining Toughies: LOL, they play a bunch of directional teams from here out. BCS Breakdown: #15.
The Cardinals climbed back up 2 spots this week after winning a tough road game against Central Michigan. They have no shot at a BCS invite with undefeated Utah and Boist St. still ahead of them in the BCS rankings. Comments: In what could have been the doom to their Cinderella season, the Cardinals beat off a tough Central Michigan squad this past weekend, to complete the first half of their Michigan Directionals Double Dipper. They get Western Michigan this Tuesday at home to close out their regular season. Like Central Michigan this past week, Western Michigan will not be a pushover. Sitting at 9-2, and fighting for a piece of the MAC title, the Broncos of Western Michigan would love nothing more than to end Ball St's dream run. However, playing in front of the friendlies of Muncie, IN, the Cardinals hope to continue to bring in a perfect regular season for the first time in school history. A conference championship game and bowl game are still to follow.
WHO'S GOING DOWN THIS WEEK?
None one - As I see it, aside from a upset against Ball St., the remaining Undefeateds will stay that way for the regular season. However, conference championship games and bowl games are a whole other story. Stay tuned!
In Memorium:
Texas Tech - What a fine season the Red Raiders have put together. Even with such a nasty 65-21 loss on their record, this is a program that can still hold its head up, and feel that they belong amongst the elite in the Big 12 and nationally. Will TT be able to maintain a great season into possibly a conference championship and bowl win? Will Mike Leach stay around Lubbock rather than taking off for greener grid-irons in the BCS? With the coming losses of senior QB Graham Harrell and almost certain loss of sophomore WE Michael Crabtree to the NFL, will this program be able to replace, maintain, and make the next step up? Lots of question marks for the fledgling power. Was this a flash in the pan, or are the Red Raiders here to stay?
Stay Tuned!
As I mentioned above, next week we'll close out the regular season version of The Undefeateds, reviewing the highlights of this regular season. There should likely be a follow-up version of The Defeateds covering conference championship results and bowl match-ups, and then a final version after post-season to give the 1st Annual Cygnus Undefeateds Award to a remaining undefeated program.
University of Texas athletic director, Deloss Dodds, and head football coach, Mack Brown, announced this week that they have appointed Texas defensive coordinator, Will Muschamp, as the future, would-be head coach for the Longhorns. Muschamps salary was doubled to over $900k, making him the highest paid assistant coach in the country. There has been no formal announcement of Mack Brown stepping down/retiring as head coach any time soon, but the raise in salary and promisary vote of confidence in Muschamp were a designed move to hold on to something good before it bolts to greener pastures.
Brown has already lost great defensive coordinators the past few years to other BCS programs looking for new, bright head coaches. Greg Robinson recently helmed Syracuse, and Gene Chizik is still at Iowa St. Brown and Dodds were not about to let another defensive guru leave their sidelines. The timing of the Longhorns' decision is far from coincidental. With many prime BCS head-coaching positions coming open, it was only a matter of time before those programs started burning down Muschamp's phone lines. Clemson, Auburn, Tennessee, Washington, etc would have been great programs to get his feet wet in. However, Texas is one of the Holy Grails for coaching. You don't step away from UT with an opportunity like this staring you in the face. At 37 years old, Muschamp has plenty of years to learn and wait patiently for his time. Mack Brown currently has an 8 year contract, but is likely to retire before its end and not renogiate for longer.
So, why Muschamp? Why wasn't the same deal struck for Chizik, Robinson, or even current, longtime offensive coordinator Greg Davis? Why not QB coach, all-time UT fan favorite, Major Applewhite? I think Muschamp was a once in a lifetime window of opportunity that UT could not pass up. Every Saturday we hear the ESPN bobble-heads talk more about Muschamp and his future than they talk about Brown. Undoubtably, more than a few people in the CFB industry understand that Muschamp has more going for him than just a few successful seasons at several BCS programs. He must already have wonderful recruiting inroads lined up across the southern USA that most head coaches, much less assistant coaches, would love to have. For the last 5+ years UT has built itself into an offensive machine with occassional decent defensive squads. Now comes the time when a superb defense needs to be raised in order to keep up with the new, spread offenses sprouting everywhere. Muschamp will undoubtably be the right guy to recruit the speed talent needed to defend highflying passing attacks.
Doesn't Muschamp remind you o####uy up north in Norman? Think back to that firey defensive coordinator that use to hop around insanely on Steve Spurrier's side-line? Doesn't Muschamp's animation remind you of Bob Stoops? Stoops has definitely mellowed more and more as head coach, but his defensive prowess and ability to fire up his team, are clearly similar to Muschamp's animated style. The Longhorns, having lived for decades under old-school, CEO-type head coaches, but would now be looking at a headcoach that's active in play calling and coordinating, and brings youthful vigor to the sidelines.
However, I don't think it's just recruiting in-roads or sparky defense that have tipped the scales for Muschamp. We usually don't get a feel for assistant coaches' personalities or private lives, as they typically live modest existences under their head coaches. The media just doesn't have time and money to give any coverage to an assistant. However, we've seen plenty of it this year for Muschamp. A lot of that attention must be that he's an approachable and likeable fellow. Perhaps there's a guy there that can work a press conference and booster/alumni meeting? Perhaps this is another one of those special, Good Ole Boys, that often seem more politician than coach, which is exactly what a top-notch college football program needs at its helm. As much as his job will be X's and O's, he also has to constantly work the phones, make the visits, press the hands, and kiss the mothers and babies to be successful. You can bet that Dodds and Brown have spotted these qualities in Muschamp. Dodds has taken a lot of flack in his 15+ years as UT atheltic director, but he's built the whole university into a highly competitive, NC caliber program in any sport. So, he's not a stupid or dense fellow. Likewise, Brown, having had to fill the great shoes of Darrell Royal, knows what it takes to be coach at Texas. Former head coach John Mackovic was a perfectly capable coach for any major program. However, he lacked the special qualities of being a diplomat and politician that are required at Texas. Alumni never liked him. He didn't fit in as a Texas good ole boy, and he didn't have the demeanor that would enamor himself to high school coaches and Texas families. Mackovic's predesessor, David McWilliams, had the opposite problem. He knew how to be friendly, and was a Texas orangeblood through and through. However, he was not the CEO type that could manage all aspects of a big time program. He was just a friendly, overrated high-school coach taking advantage of Texas-sized talent. We have to look back before him to Fred Akers (Darrell Royal's successor) to remember what Texas CEO-type coaching was like. Akers was a good coach who understood how to work the recruiting lanes and handle the national pressure of being UT head coach. However, he fell victim to the worst of coaching fates... the fans weren't content with just winning, but were spoiled to want championships. So he was fired after a decade of near misses at the national level. Luckily for Mack Brown, he was able to gain his NC in 2005, and thus earn himself a spot in Texas lore with Darrell Royal, Tommy Nobis, Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, etc. So, Mack is qualified to detect and decide who would be a quality candidate to replace him someday.
So, is Muschamp ready to be the next CEO of the Texas Longhorns? Not likely right now, which is why him spending a few more seasons apprenticing under Brown will be great. Muschamp likely already has the X's and O's down to coach any program in the country. However, as I mentioned before, it takes more than those abilities to coach at Texas. Brown and Dodds recognize this, but see the seeds of potential that could blossom with time and patience. UT fans can be happy that Mack Brown is hanging around for at least another few seasons. And, wouldn't it be great to see another NC under his belt? However, isn't it greater now knowing that if/when Brown decides to step down, that there is already a worthy replacement waiting in the wings?
Imagine small town Burton, Texas, the year is 2015, and there is a 5-star , blue-chip, all world high school stud? Texas head coach, Will Muschamp, just came in through your family's front-door, looking to recruit you as the next star QB or RB for Texas. Following him through the door are Mack Brown and Darrell Royal, hoping to give that little extra incentive to attend "The University". Not only are you star-struck to meet the current Texas head coach, but you get to have even more honey poured into your ears by 2 coaching legends. Do you think Muschamp is just the future figure head of this program? Not likely. If he has Dodds and Brown's endorcement, you can bet he also has Royal's and a multitude of heavy hitters in the Texas alumni and booster clubs, as well as Texas politics.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you the President of the Texas Longhorns!"
I guess Will must know what Princes Harry and William are feeling these days being heirs to the throne of England, in waiting for 20+ years. Let's hope that it doesn't turn into a Charles-like wait of 50+ years. I think Muschamp will give the Longhorns 3 years, by the time he's 40, to raise him to head coach. Brown will undoubtably step aside graciously, and continue to support and mentor Muschamp all the way to more Texas NCs.
Yawn. I really considered not writing this article this week, as no one lost this past week. It was probably the most boring week in CFB of the season. I suppose we can't be spoiled with upsets and BCS shake-ups every week. This coming weekend should add some shake to the BCS mess with rivalries and conference/division titles on the line. Here are the 5 Undefeateds that stayed alive for another week: 1. Alabama (11-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: @LSU, @Georgia. Near Misses: Kentucky, LSU. Remaining Toughies: Auburn, SEC CC. BCS Breakdown:
Currently #1 in the BCS standings, the Crimson Tide's destiny is in
their own hands. Win out, and you're in. They've already sewn up a
spot in the SEC Championship Game, to be paired with the #4 Florida
Gators, which should be one of the better games of the season, and
instant classic. A loss to Auburn or Florida this late in the season
would likely nix their chance at a spot in the Top 2. Comments: The Crimson Tide once again looked less than overwhelming against a tough Miss. St. squad. Despite being #1 in all polls, this looks like a very beatable team, and Florida is licking its chops for a big matchup in the SEC CC game. However, Bama still has the Iron Bowl in two weekends against Auburn, and the Tide has lost the last 6 years. Look for Bama to take advantage of a struggling Auburn squad, and look for them to take care of business at home.
2. Texas Tech (10-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: Okalhoma St, Texas Near Misses: Texas. Remaining Toughies: @Oklahoma, Big 12 CC. BCS Breakdown: Sitting
at #2 in the current rankings, Tech controls its own destiny. Win out,
and you play in the BCS Championship Game in Florida. Oklahoma and
likely Missouri (in the Big 12 CC) might have something to say about
it. OU would love nothing better than to beat #2, and vault themselves
up into the top 2 spots of the BCS. This and the SEC championship game
will be the 2 most important games of the year. A Tech loss virtually
assures them of dropping too far down, too late in the season, and
possibly losing an at-large BCS birth, which Texas is lined up for as a
second Big 12 representative. Comments:
The Red Raiders did not play this past week, and are prepping for their All-Time Most Important Game Ever at OU this weekend. Tech is not use to playing in the Big Game, and it's uncertain whether that works for or against them. OU regularly plays in the Big Game, but is snake-bitten over the past hal####ecade in the most important games. Can Snoops get off the snyde, or will only his 3 loss ever in Norman begin the rumblings of replacement in Soonerland? Tech head coach, Mike Leach, is the flavor of the year, and may get an invite out of Lubbock following this successful season to a more prestigous program. Do I hear Rocky Top? 3. Utah (11-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: TCU, @Michigan, Oregon St. Near Misses: Plenty. Remaining Toughies: BYU. BCS Breakdown: Still at
#7, the Utes are sitting sweet for a BCS bowl game. They have
virtually no chance of playing in the NC game, as the system does not
give much hope of that happening for a non-BCS school. However, they
still have everything to lose in a regular season ending game versus
BYU. With both BYU and Utah lingering in the BCS Top 25, this year's
Holy War should be one of the best ever. A loss knocks Utah down to a
middling bowl at best, and allow non-BCS buster, Boise St, to move into
the coveted non-BCS slot for the big shows. Comments:
The Utes held serve this weekend in their annihilation at San Diego St. Now for perhaps their All-Time Most Important Game Ever against BYU in the Holy War. Winner of this game likely has the inside track to being the non-BCS rep to the big shows, by virtue of being the highest ranked. BYU moved up in the BCS this week to #14, within striking distance of #9 Boise St. A strong win at Utah might boost them past Boise St, who is playing a patsy schedule this season. A Ute win guarantees their spot in the BCS dance, but it would take a miracle to get them in the NC game.
4. Boise State (10-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 99% Key Wins: @Oregon. Near Misses: @Oregon. Remaining Toughies: Fresno St. BCS Breakdown: #9. Any
other season, if you saw Boise St sitting at #9 this late in the
season, you'd think, "Wow! They're getting one of those non-BCS
at-large bids easily." However, this year, they're looking up to
another undefeated non-BCS squad at Utah. The Broncos are big BYU fans
this year, needing the Cougars to dethrone the Utes in their season
finale, in order the Broncos to be the highest ranked non-BCS school.
I doubt Oklahoma wants to see them again on the field in Tempe. Maybe
they'll see the Texas Longhorns instead, if BYU gives them the help. Comments:
Another week, another blowout for the Broncos. No amount of points will garner any respect from BCS voters and the computers. Boise St. normally plays a decent team or two on their schedule, but this was one of those off-years where everything fell into place for them to make an undefeated run. Unfortunately, there are several other non-BCS schools that are good this season, and even undefeated, the Broncos may be playing a middle-tier bowl game. Next up for the Broncs are the dreaded Wolf Pack of Nevada on the road. 5. Ball State (10-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 66% Key Wins: @Indiana (relatively speaking). Near Misses: None. Remaining Toughies: LOL, they play a bunch of directional teams from here out. BCS Breakdown: #17.
Poor BSU. No respect. Despite winning 31-16 on the road at Miami(Ohio), they slipped back 3 spots in the BCS rankings. I suppose it really can be argued that many of the 2-3 loss teams of BCS conferences are better than the Cardinals. Pollsters confuse the best performing team relative to their schedule with who deserves to play for the NC, which is what the BCS is designed to do. BSU is having a dream season, but they could never deserve to play for the NC, as they simply do not prove themselves against tougher competition week in and week out. Comments:
The Cards looks to continue their streak to perfection at Central Michigan this weekend. This could prove to be BSU's toughest opponent of the year, as CMU is 6-0 in conference, and 8-2 on the year. Their only two losses came on the road to BCS schools, Georgia and Purdue. The Georgia blowout is expected and respectable. The Purdue loss, not so much. Purdue stinks. However, the great experienced gained by CMU on the road, should pay dividends in this virtual conference championship game. This is probably BSU's All-Time Most Important Game Ever.
WHO'S GOING DOWN THIS WEEK?
I'm glad I didn't prognosticate this past week. No one lost. Even the BCS top 10 was boring, as their were no losses. I suppose this is the calm before the storm of the biggies this coming weekend.
Texas Tech - look for going on the road to Norman to be too much for the Red Raiders. Having enjoyed their own rabid crowd against Texas and Oklahoma St, Tech now has to face the music in one of the hardest venues to win in. Remember that Bob Stoops has only lost twice in Norman during his tenure. Bradford has a monster day against a porous Tech defense, and that keeps the Tech offensive machine off the field and out of sync. OU wins going away. BCS mayhem ensues.
Ball St. - The Cardinals Cinderalla season comes to an end on the road at Central Michigan. CMU is playing for the conference title in this game, and will bring all that their home-field advantage can give them.
Yes, we've already started hearing the marketing departments in the Big 12 #### up their spin engines in preparation for what's going to be a giant cluster-F in the final regular season standings in the Big 12 South. The alums of Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma will be telling anyone willing to listen, about how great their team is, and how deserving they are of being the Big 12 South representative in the Big 12 Championship Game. This is a normal occurrence most years, but this year is more special because it has national championship implications as well. The rep from the South will likely be a heavy favorite to win the Big 12 CC game over likely Big 12 North champion, Missouri, and move on to play in the BCS National Championship Game in Miami. So you're going to start hearing every little stat and angle for each team arguing why they should garner a higher vote in the human polls that make up the BCS rankings.
Here's the scoop as briefly as I can put it: assuming (very big assumptions) that Oklahoma beats Texas Tech in two weeks, and then goes on to beat Oklahoma St. to finish their season 11-1. Also assuming Texas wins the rest of its games to finish at 11-1. Finally, assuming Texas Tech only losses to Oklahoma and beats Baylor to finish its season 11-1. All three teams will be 7-1 in conference play. There are a multitude of tie-breaking scenarios to try and determine which of these 3 teams would represent the Big 12 South in the conference championship game. As a matter of fact, it goes down to a 5th tie-breaking option, which is the team ranked highest in the BCS standings. This is where all of the hubbub kicks in. Rather than a champion being decided upon by records or outcomes on the playing field, it is now in the hands of human voters with agendas, bad data, biases, and money on the brain. These human voters are head coaches in the USA Today/Coaches Poll and a mix of administrators/coaches/media in the Harris Poll. (I'm really hoping the same coaches in the Coaches Poll don't have votes in the Harris as well.) In other words, we will have the clearest example ever of the BCS NC game being determined by who the voters want to see there the most.
Trying to exclude any of my own personal biases for Texas (see other posts and comments in other blogs for those), I will try to present some depth of information regarding the 3 programs, and let you, the reader, determine who is more deserving either through your belief in tangible data such as records and statistics, or more abstract beliefs in history, traditions, and general perception.
Assumed final record: 11-1 (7-1) Schedule (sorry for the table alignment):
Sat., Aug 30
Chattanooga (Div-IAA) W 57-2
Sat., Sep 6
Cincinnati
W 52-26
Sat., Sep 13
@Washington W 55-14
Sat., Sep 27
#24 TCU
W 35-10
Sat., Oct 4
@Baylor
W 49-17
Sat., Oct 11
#5 Texas L 45-35
Sat., Oct 18
#16 Kansas
W 45-31
Sat., Oct 25 @Kansas State
W 58-35
Sat., Nov 1
Nebraska W 62-28
Sat., Nov 8
@Texas A&M
W 66-28
Sat., Nov 22
#2 Texas Tech
Assumed Win
Sat., Nov 29
@ #13 Oklahoma State
Assumed Win Combined Opponent Record: 67-52 .563 NCAA Statistical Rankings: Pts/Gm: 51.4 (2nd)
PtsAllowed/Gm: 23.6 (110th) Yds/Gm: 549.8 (3rd) YdsAllowed/Gm: 345.6 (108th)
Recent Notable Post-Season Accomplishments: 2000 - Big 12 Champion, National Champion 2002 - Big 12 Champion, Won Rose Bowl 2003 - Lost Big 12 Championship Game, Lost National Championship Game 2004 - Big 12 Champion, Lost National Championship Game 2006 - Big 12 Champion, Lost Fiesta Bowl 2007 - Big 12 Champion, Lost Fiesta Bowl
Sat., Aug 30
Florida Atlantic
W 52-10
Sat., Sep 6
@UTEP
W 42-13
Sat., Sep 20
Rice
W 52-10
Sat., Sep 27
Arkansas
W 52-10
Sat., Oct 4
@Colorado
W 38-14
Sat., Oct 11
@ #1 Oklahoma
W 45-35
Sat., Oct 18
#11 Missouri
W 56-31
Sat., Oct 25
#6 Oklahoma State
W 28-24
Sat., Nov 1
@ #6 Texas Tech
L 39-33
Sat., Nov 8
Baylor
W 45-21
Sat., Nov 15
@Kansas
Assumed Win
Thur., Nov 27
Texas A&M
Assumed Win
Consensus National Championships: 4 - 1963, 1969, 1970, 2005
TEXAS TECH
POLLS: (11/12) BCS - #2, AP - #2, Coaches Poll - #2, Harris Poll - #2 (Subject to gross change if/when they lose)
Assumed final record: 11-1 (7-1) Schedule:
Sat., Aug 30
Eastern Washington (Div-IAA) W 49-24
Sat., Sep 6
@Nevada
W 35-19
Sat., Sep 13
Southern Methodist
W 43-7
Sat., Sep 20 Massachusetts (Div-IAA) W 56-14
Sat., Oct 4
@Kansas State
W 58-28
Sat., Oct 11
Nebraska
W 37-31 (OT)
Sat., Oct 18
@Texas A&M
W 43-25
Sat., Oct 25
@ #23 Kansas
W 63-21
Sat., Nov 1
#1 Texas W 39-33
Sat., Nov 8
#9 Oklahoma State
W 56-20
Sat., Nov 22
@ #5 Oklahoma
Assumed Loss
Sat., Nov 29
Baylor
Assumed Win
I need to stop prognosticating. Maybe that's why I'm not a gambler, no luck. All of my upsets for last week won, and the one game I didn't pick, was the lone loss amongst the Undefeateds.
A funny thing happened in Iowa this week. A shoe-in national contender got their hopes and dream season dashed by a last second FG. So long, Miami. Hello. L.A.
Well we're down to the final 5 undefeateds this week. I think by this time last season, there were only 1 or 2 undefeateds left, so despite all of the upsets this year in CFB, there are a few teams still managing to sneak through the gauntlet untouched. I've added a new analysis section under each team regarding their BCS standings, scenarios, etc.
As our friend Hyman Roth would say, "So....Enjoy" 1. Alabama (10-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: @LSU, @Georgia. Near Misses: Kentucky, LSU. Remaining Toughies: Auburn, SEC CC. BCS Breakdown: Currently #1 in the BCS standings, the Crimson Tide's destiny is in their own hands. Win out, and you're in. They've already sewn up a spot in the SEC Championship Game, to be paired with the #4 Florida Gators, which should be one of the better games of the season, and instant classic. A loss to Auburn or Florida this late in the season would likely nix their chance at a spot in the Top 2. Comments: It's not that LSU is bad or even mediocre. It's that they are totally hamstrung at the most important position, and I'm not talking QB. It's headcoach Les Miles. It's ultimately his decision to keep a struggling, young QB out on the field in the biggest game of the year. What does his QB, Jarrett Lee, do, he throws more completions to the other team than to his own. Honestly, with as many mistakes as Bama made against LSU, they should have lost. Any other team would've taken advantage of so many turnovers and block-headed decisions by Saban and the Tide. LSU's defense and special teams played a great game, and caused the turnovers and missed pts needed for an upset. LSU's ground game was even decent enough to poke holes in the Bama defense. However, it seemed every step forward for the Tiger was followed by two steps backward on an INT. Kudos to Bama for eeking out the tough win on the road. This is the type of win that usually separates the NC contenders from the pack. Winners find new and extraordinary ways to win.
2. Texas Tech (10-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: Okalhoma St, Texas Near Misses: Texas. Remaining Toughies: @Oklahoma, Big 12 CC. BCS Breakdown: Sitting at #2 in the current rankings, Tech controls its own destiny. Win out, and you play in the BCS Championship Game in Florida. Oklahoma and likely Missouri (in the Big 12 CC) might have something to say about it. OU would love nothing better than to beat #2, and vault themselves up into the top 2 spots of the BCS. This and the SEC championship game will be the 2 most important games of the year. A Tech loss virtually assures them of dropping too far down, too late in the season, and possibly losing an at-large BCS birth, which Texas is lined up for as a second Big 12 representative. Comments:
The Red Raiders parlayed their success against the tough teams of the Big 12 again this week, giving Oklahoma St. a thorough spanking in Lubbock. Unlike Texas the week before against the Red Raiders, OSU was able to come right out and punch Tech on the nose with opening TD. However, that's about as much momentum as OSU would have all night. Tech quickly turned the tables into a rout. OSU was unable to keep up or slow down the juggernaut offense of Tech. They now have 2 weeks to plan and prepare for a primetime showdown at Oklahoma on 11/22, which undoubtably will be their toughest test of the year. 3. Utah (10-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 50% Key Wins: TCU, @Michigan, Oregon St. Near Misses: Plenty. Remaining Toughies: BYU. BCS Breakdown: At #7, the Utes are sitting sweet for a BCS bowl game. They have virtually no chance of playing in the NC game, as the system does not give much hope of that happening for a non-BCS school. However, they still have everything to lose in a regular season ending game versus BYU. With both BYU and Utah lingering in the BCS Top 25, this year's Holy War should be one of the best ever. A loss knocks Utah down to a middling bowl at best, and allow non-BCS buster, Boise St, to move into the coveted non-BCS slot for the big shows. Comments:
Utah made me a believer this week in beating TCU with a late game touchdown. The vaunted TCU defense lived up to its billing, and held the Utes down all game. However, an underrated Utah "D" stepped up, and kept the Hornfrogs off of the scoreboard as well. Utah found the late game energy to drive the field inside the last few minutes, and sneak away with the win. Like Alabama against LSU, or Tech against Texas, the best teams find a way to win the biggest games at the toughest moments.
4. Boise State (9-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 99% Key Wins: @Oregon. Near Misses: @Oregon. Remaining Toughies: Fresno St. BCS Breakdown: #9. Any other season, if you saw Boise St sitting at #9 this late in the season, you'd think, "Wow! They're getting one of those non-BCS at-large bids easily." However, this year, they're looking up to another undefeated non-BCS squad at Utah. The Broncos are big BYU fans this year, needing the Cougars to dethrone the Utes in their season finale, in order the Broncos to be the highest ranked non-BCS school. I doubt Oklahoma wants to see them again on the field in Tempe. Maybe they'll see the Texas Longhorns instead, if BYU gives them the help. Comments:
The Broncos cruised to a blow-out victory over Utah St. this week, as QB Kellen Moore threw for almost 400 yards and 2 TDs on the blue turf. BSU's schedule is a total skate this year, and barring a slip in mental preparedness, the Broncos should see themselves sitting in the final polls at 6-7 and no higher. This is one of those teams that no one really knows what they're made of, as they have yet to be challenged all year and have not played anyone. Don't look for that to change for the last 3 games of the year. 5. Ball State (9-0) Chance of staying undefeated through the season: 66% Key Wins: @Indiana (relatively speaking). Near Misses: None. Remaining Toughies: LOL, they play a bunch of directional teams from here out. BCS Breakdown: #14. No, that's not a typo. The Ball St. Cardinals are sitting at #14 in the BCS polls with
