Anybody else tired of all the whining and crying about the BCS? Of course you are. Regardless of whether you're a BCS Believer or a Playoff Proponent, you've just about had it, I'm sure.
This year, Utah, Texas, USC and either Florida or Oklahoma are going to claim they're the best team in the country. And it won't matter what the BCS standings say - again.
There is no clear solution to this problem. In my opinion, playoffs won't work unless you have Conference Champs fight it out in a single elimination bracket. But that isn't possible. These are college students, afterall. They have finals. Unless the season were expanded into February, you can't get there from here.
The often referenced Plus 1 system is flawed as well. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the fifth team - and there will probably be multiple fifth teams at once - will call foul at their being left out. Afterall, the fourth best team gets a shot. Why not them?
Can't go back to the old AP/UPI method - the internet and the popularity of college football has basically ruled that out. There's just far too much scrutiny for the voters (coaches, press, or otherwise) to be allowed to select a champion based purely on a perceived "beauty contest".
So. What's it going to be?
I think we'll see a Plus 1 system in place soon. I also think it will take one season for some fan base or coaching staff to call foul for being left out of the playoffs. We'll have dumped one imperfect system for another.
I'd rather just keep the BCS. Maybe there's some work to do on the margins. Maybe forcing all BCS conferences to align themselves so that they must have a championship game. Maybe tinkering with the formula. I don't know.
I just think college football is not conducive to the playoff system. It's a square peg that won't fit in the round hole. At the end of a grueling college season, I'd rather have a single contest between the two best teams (perceived or otherwise) determine the outcome. Playoffs work in basketball because of the nature of the game - the rarity of the lowest seeded teams actually upsetting the top seeds. The far fewer outside influences on the contest (no weather, no field conditions, one bad play doesn't generally turn the entire game on it's head, etc...). And the NFL is very different than the college game as well. Obviously, the players are not in school and they are greatly compensated for the playoffs. Plus, a 4 loss season in the NFL is a good season. In college football, 4 losses is mediocre for most BCS programs. Imagine a 4 loss team making it through the playoffs to win the national championship. Extreme example, but depending on the model, it could happen. (probably not in the Plus 1, though)
Anyway - I say leave the BCS system in place. Tinker with it to make it different, if not better. And just ignore the inevitable whining that will take place regardless of what system is adopted. If USC has 1 loss and isn't considered in contention, they will always bitch about it, regardless of the system. Same goes for most teams.
Let them bitch. Afterall - it's just a game. (I did not mean a word of that...)
Showing posts with label BCS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BCS. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
How Sweet It Is! BCS Champions!
Questions? Congratulations to Coach Miles and the amazing 2007/8 LSU football team. What an incredible season and what a tremendous group. Dandy Don says their his favorite of all time. He's older than me, so I'm on that bandwagon!
Geaux Tigers!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Two Head Coaches on LSU Sideline: Good Call?
Nebraska's Osborne has given new Head Coach Bo Pelini the green light to coach LSU's defense in the BCS national championship game on January 7, 2008. Les Miles has said repeatedly that this is what he wanted to happen.
Wow. Tough one. Blog wrapup:
GeauxTigers at And the Valley Shook is leaning towards "bad idea."
The Mean Lil' Black and Gold Girls says "Thanks!"
Dandy Don thinks it's great. Shocking, really. (I'm kidding. I read Mr. Don every day. But he the homerest homer in homerdom. Not that that is a bad thing.)
Only 15% of poll respondents at Husker Faithful said Bo should NOT coach the game. And Cornhusker blogger Jon thinks that he SHOULD.
Posters on TigerForums almost unanimously support the move. The only slight concern expressed was a possible egg-laying similar to Mark Richt's let down at Florida State in the BCS championship against Oklahoma on the eve of becoming Georgia's new head coach.
What do I think? I don't like it.
Head coaches at elite-level programs (even those, no ESPECIALLY THOSE, currently getting their asses kicked) are kind of busy. The good news is that Pelini knows Nebraska. The bad news is that Nebraska is not actually located near Louisiana, where Pelini now lives and works. Bo has to change jobs, move his family, hire coaches, recruit, put his kids in school, meet his players, and learn how to be a head coach. That means meeting with the Lincoln (and national) media, boosters, etc. Regardless of how focused Bo thinks he's going to be, he won't be as focused as someone not in his shoes. Paveto, for instance.
But I'm not a coach (except to my daughter's painfully suck-ass soccer team last fall), and I'm certainly not as familiar with Coach Miles' options as he is. So, let me just say STFU to myself.
I wish Bo all the best. But if his defense lays a Richt-sized egg in this game because he's worried about some Cornhusker issue, I will instantly become a Nebraska hater, purely on principle. And I'll be disappointed in Coach Miles.
If it goes well, then I'll be happy and not say another damned word about it.
Wow. Tough one. Blog wrapup:
GeauxTigers at And the Valley Shook is leaning towards "bad idea."
The Mean Lil' Black and Gold Girls says "Thanks!"
Dandy Don thinks it's great. Shocking, really. (I'm kidding. I read Mr. Don every day. But he the homerest homer in homerdom. Not that that is a bad thing.)
Only 15% of poll respondents at Husker Faithful said Bo should NOT coach the game. And Cornhusker blogger Jon thinks that he SHOULD.
Posters on TigerForums almost unanimously support the move. The only slight concern expressed was a possible egg-laying similar to Mark Richt's let down at Florida State in the BCS championship against Oklahoma on the eve of becoming Georgia's new head coach.
What do I think? I don't like it.
Head coaches at elite-level programs (even those, no ESPECIALLY THOSE, currently getting their asses kicked) are kind of busy. The good news is that Pelini knows Nebraska. The bad news is that Nebraska is not actually located near Louisiana, where Pelini now lives and works. Bo has to change jobs, move his family, hire coaches, recruit, put his kids in school, meet his players, and learn how to be a head coach. That means meeting with the Lincoln (and national) media, boosters, etc. Regardless of how focused Bo thinks he's going to be, he won't be as focused as someone not in his shoes. Paveto, for instance.
But I'm not a coach (except to my daughter's painfully suck-ass soccer team last fall), and I'm certainly not as familiar with Coach Miles' options as he is. So, let me just say STFU to myself.
I wish Bo all the best. But if his defense lays a Richt-sized egg in this game because he's worried about some Cornhusker issue, I will instantly become a Nebraska hater, purely on principle. And I'll be disappointed in Coach Miles.
If it goes well, then I'll be happy and not say another damned word about it.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Lookin' good, lookin' good! #2 in the Coaches Poll. Even though it doesn't count, we're also #2 in the AP Poll. Unless the Harris Poll is drastically different, experts are saying LSU is in the BCS championship game. BCS Expert Jerry Palm:
"Unless Oklahoma is No. 1 and USC is No. 2 ... Unless we see something totally off the wall in the Harris poll," Palm said LSU is safe.
Dear Pitt and Oklahoma,
YOU FRICKIN' ROCK!
Your newest fan,
Jeff
P.S. Thankin' You!
________________________
Can you people believe this crap? What a season! Regardless of what happens when the BCS rankings come out tomorrow afternoon, this has been the most incredible, strange, unpredictable, heart-stopping, mood-altering football season EVER.
I'm going to say it. I Told You So! I knew the drama could get better/worse. And it all fell in line. Let's look at what happened - JUST TODAY!!!
First, ESPN said Les Miles was going to Michigan.
Next, Les Miles calls a press conference and says, Bullshit. I'm staying at LSU.
Then, LSU plays clown-ball on offense and keeps the Vols in the game, 7-6 at halftime.
Then, LSU's defense slowly falls apart, and the offense struggles mightily to reverse a 14-13 Vol lead.
Then, LSU scores on an interception and converts the 2 pts.
THEN........they let the Vols roar back inside the Red Zone.
THEN, Darry Beckwith intercepts a pass and the Tigers win.
THEN.....West Virginia loses to Pitt (White injured, in civies, then back in uniform, driving at the end of the game, fails to convert on 4th down).
THEN...................Oklahoma reminds Mizzou that they might be good, but Oklahoma is better.
SO NOW................after being ranked #1 twice this year, LSU has a shot at playing for the BCS championship afterall.
Had I predicted all that might happen, most of you would've laughed at me. Wait, I did at least mention it....
What a day. What a frickin' day.
Your newest fan,
Jeff
P.S. Thankin' You!
________________________
Can you people believe this crap? What a season! Regardless of what happens when the BCS rankings come out tomorrow afternoon, this has been the most incredible, strange, unpredictable, heart-stopping, mood-altering football season EVER.
I'm going to say it. I Told You So! I knew the drama could get better/worse. And it all fell in line. Let's look at what happened - JUST TODAY!!!
First, ESPN said Les Miles was going to Michigan.
Next, Les Miles calls a press conference and says, Bullshit. I'm staying at LSU.
Then, LSU plays clown-ball on offense and keeps the Vols in the game, 7-6 at halftime.
Then, LSU's defense slowly falls apart, and the offense struggles mightily to reverse a 14-13 Vol lead.
Then, LSU scores on an interception and converts the 2 pts.
THEN........they let the Vols roar back inside the Red Zone.
THEN, Darry Beckwith intercepts a pass and the Tigers win.
THEN.....West Virginia loses to Pitt (White injured, in civies, then back in uniform, driving at the end of the game, fails to convert on 4th down).
THEN...................Oklahoma reminds Mizzou that they might be good, but Oklahoma is better.
SO NOW................after being ranked #1 twice this year, LSU has a shot at playing for the BCS championship afterall.
Had I predicted all that might happen, most of you would've laughed at me. Wait, I did at least mention it....
What a day. What a frickin' day.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Big Week - Games of Interest
Games I'll be either watching, recording, or following on "the internets":
Thanksgiving Day
USC @ Arizona State (8pm on ESPN) - Oh, I'm watchin'! All Turkey'd up!
Why? Obviously, to pull for Arizona State. Duh! The lower ranking for USC when LSU wins the crystal football, the better! Yes, yes - I know, the Sol Diablos are #6 in the BCS, so shouldn't I want them to get another loss, just in case? Not at the cost of crushing USC just a little more. Call it a vice.
Friday, 23 Nov
Nebraska @ Colorado (Noon, CBS) - Internet.
Why? Bo Pelini-curiosity. That's why. Neither of these teams are anywhere on the BCS rankings, so I'll just pry the laptop away from my daughter and her Barbie.com, and follow along a bit.
Arkansas @ LSU (2:30, CBS) - Watch/Record/Internet/Holler/Scream/Voodoo Doll/WhatNot
Why? You know why....plus, who doesn't want to watch Darren McHeisman? As long as LSU wins, I'd love him to have a big game and compete for the trophy. As long as the Tigers win. Otherwise, break his legs and send him to the Home Depot human resources recruiter. All BS aside.
Boise State @ Hawaii (9pm, ESPN2) - Record it.
Why? This game features the ugliest uniforms ever, even worse than the Ducks/Beavers game coming up. Plus, Hawaii is a fun team to watch, and Boise State is their first real test this year. Oh - and they have this QB at Hawaii who can puh-lay.
Sat, 24 Nov
Virginia Tech @ Virginia (Noon, ESPN2) - Internets
Why? LSU stregnth of schedule if VT wins. That's pretty much it. Otherwise, been there, beat that, thanks for the defensive stats! Should be a good game, both teams are ranked. It's just that this is all about what VT can do for me and the Tigers.
Tennessee @ Kentucky (1:30, CBS) - Watch and Record.
Why? 'Cause if Tennessee beats the once-Wild Cats, then LSU and Tennessee meet in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game on Dec 1st. If Kentucky finds it's happy place again, then LSU faces Jawja, in Jawja (Atlanta). Personally, I don't care. But lots and lots of people would rather play Tennessee than the apparently hot Bulldogs. I ain't scairt. But it will be interesting to see Tennessee for the first time this year (I've been distracted, sue me.)
Georgia @ Georgia Tech (3:30, ABC) Record it.
Why? I haven't watched Jawja play since the beginning of the season, when they were suckin', so I need to get a look at what all the fuss is about. If the Vols crap their beds against Kentucky, I'll want some TiVo to review before December 1st. Plus, I wonder if Mark Richt will do anything funky this week? Ya never know. And if he does, will Kentucky's Rich Brooks think it's all just bullshit? (If you read EDSBS, you know....)
UConn @ West Virginia (3:30, ABC) Internets.
Why? Because West Virginia just might make it to New Orleans and because UConn is ranked and might maybe kinda sorta hopefully have a shot at a late season upset, and who wouldn't want that against yet another highly mobile Heisman-candidate QB that LSU might have to play. Enough of that shite. Bring back Henig. Besides, too much gold for a BCS championship game, even in HD. And the whole purple jersey taboo thing for LSU, while going out of vogue, is still alive enough to make me root for UConn in this one just on color schemes alone.
Notre Dame @ Stanford (3:30, ESPN2) Watchin'.
Why? Because this is the "morbid curiosity" bowl of the day. On the one hand, I just HAVE to have me a 10 loss Domer season. Mmmm-mmmm good. On the other hand, what would embarrass USC fans more than to have the hapless Irish spank the Stanford team what ruined their hopes and dreams this year? There is really just no down side to this game for me. HA!
Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma (3:30, FSN) - the internets.
Why? Cause. Possible upset. Plus, I'd like to see Kansas try to beat both Mizzou and Oklahoma (conference championship) in the next two weeks. If they do that, then I believe they are really #2.
Florida State @ Florida (5, CBS) - the internets.
Why? Timmay for Heisman! This man-child needs a rest! If he doesn't implode mentally and physically by the end of the bowl season, it'll be a miracle. He'd get my vote. But only if he agrees to get the hell out of college football and go play noseguard for the Patriots. Who the hell wants to play this middle-linebacker-cum-quarterback for two more years? Git! Go on now! Git! Shoo!
Kansas @ Mizzou (8, ABC) - watchin' and recordin'
Why? Because Mizzou is the real deal and Kansas is a paper Jayhawk. Or not. This is the first real game Kansas has played all year. They just might earn their #2 ranking. Or, they might be exposed. Either way, if LSU wins out, and Kansas wins out, I'll want this one on tape.
Bammer @ The Barn (8, ESPN) - internets
Why? Because, although I wish Saban no harm, 6-6 is a fitting record for Alabama this year. And I'm hoping Auburn gives it to them.
Thanksgiving Day
USC @ Arizona State (8pm on ESPN) - Oh, I'm watchin'! All Turkey'd up!
Why? Obviously, to pull for Arizona State. Duh! The lower ranking for USC when LSU wins the crystal football, the better! Yes, yes - I know, the Sol Diablos are #6 in the BCS, so shouldn't I want them to get another loss, just in case? Not at the cost of crushing USC just a little more. Call it a vice.
Friday, 23 Nov
Nebraska @ Colorado (Noon, CBS) - Internet.
Why? Bo Pelini-curiosity. That's why. Neither of these teams are anywhere on the BCS rankings, so I'll just pry the laptop away from my daughter and her Barbie.com, and follow along a bit.
Arkansas @ LSU (2:30, CBS) - Watch/Record/Internet/Holler/Scream/Voodoo Doll/WhatNot
Why? You know why....plus, who doesn't want to watch Darren McHeisman? As long as LSU wins, I'd love him to have a big game and compete for the trophy. As long as the Tigers win. Otherwise, break his legs and send him to the Home Depot human resources recruiter. All BS aside.
Boise State @ Hawaii (9pm, ESPN2) - Record it.
Why? This game features the ugliest uniforms ever, even worse than the Ducks/Beavers game coming up. Plus, Hawaii is a fun team to watch, and Boise State is their first real test this year. Oh - and they have this QB at Hawaii who can puh-lay.
Sat, 24 Nov
Virginia Tech @ Virginia (Noon, ESPN2) - Internets
Why? LSU stregnth of schedule if VT wins. That's pretty much it. Otherwise, been there, beat that, thanks for the defensive stats! Should be a good game, both teams are ranked. It's just that this is all about what VT can do for me and the Tigers.
Tennessee @ Kentucky (1:30, CBS) - Watch and Record.
Why? 'Cause if Tennessee beats the once-Wild Cats, then LSU and Tennessee meet in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game on Dec 1st. If Kentucky finds it's happy place again, then LSU faces Jawja, in Jawja (Atlanta). Personally, I don't care. But lots and lots of people would rather play Tennessee than the apparently hot Bulldogs. I ain't scairt. But it will be interesting to see Tennessee for the first time this year (I've been distracted, sue me.)
Georgia @ Georgia Tech (3:30, ABC) Record it.
Why? I haven't watched Jawja play since the beginning of the season, when they were suckin', so I need to get a look at what all the fuss is about. If the Vols crap their beds against Kentucky, I'll want some TiVo to review before December 1st. Plus, I wonder if Mark Richt will do anything funky this week? Ya never know. And if he does, will Kentucky's Rich Brooks think it's all just bullshit? (If you read EDSBS, you know....)
UConn @ West Virginia (3:30, ABC) Internets.
Why? Because West Virginia just might make it to New Orleans and because UConn is ranked and might maybe kinda sorta hopefully have a shot at a late season upset, and who wouldn't want that against yet another highly mobile Heisman-candidate QB that LSU might have to play. Enough of that shite. Bring back Henig. Besides, too much gold for a BCS championship game, even in HD. And the whole purple jersey taboo thing for LSU, while going out of vogue, is still alive enough to make me root for UConn in this one just on color schemes alone.
Notre Dame @ Stanford (3:30, ESPN2) Watchin'.
Why? Because this is the "morbid curiosity" bowl of the day. On the one hand, I just HAVE to have me a 10 loss Domer season. Mmmm-mmmm good. On the other hand, what would embarrass USC fans more than to have the hapless Irish spank the Stanford team what ruined their hopes and dreams this year? There is really just no down side to this game for me. HA!
Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma (3:30, FSN) - the internets.
Why? Cause. Possible upset. Plus, I'd like to see Kansas try to beat both Mizzou and Oklahoma (conference championship) in the next two weeks. If they do that, then I believe they are really #2.
Florida State @ Florida (5, CBS) - the internets.
Why? Timmay for Heisman! This man-child needs a rest! If he doesn't implode mentally and physically by the end of the bowl season, it'll be a miracle. He'd get my vote. But only if he agrees to get the hell out of college football and go play noseguard for the Patriots. Who the hell wants to play this middle-linebacker-cum-quarterback for two more years? Git! Go on now! Git! Shoo!
Kansas @ Mizzou (8, ABC) - watchin' and recordin'
Why? Because Mizzou is the real deal and Kansas is a paper Jayhawk. Or not. This is the first real game Kansas has played all year. They just might earn their #2 ranking. Or, they might be exposed. Either way, if LSU wins out, and Kansas wins out, I'll want this one on tape.
Bammer @ The Barn (8, ESPN) - internets
Why? Because, although I wish Saban no harm, 6-6 is a fitting record for Alabama this year. And I'm hoping Auburn gives it to them.
Friday, November 16, 2007
THIS JUST IN....
Arizona 34, Oregon 24. The Arizona fans stormed the field. Oregon QB Dixon is hurt.
What a whacky season. Time for LSU to step up and make it right.
What a whacky season. Time for LSU to step up and make it right.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
SI picks USC and LSU in the BCS championship game. Considering they enter the season #1 and #2 in every poll I've seen, I guess they're not going too far out on a limb. They also pick LSU to go 8-0 in the SEC and beat Florida for the championship game.
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