Yesterday I clearly showed my frustration with the BCS, so why not do things my way?
This is no reflection of how I feel the postseason should be conducted. But this is the system we're stuck with, so let's roll with it.
Fiesta Bowl
Current: Oklahoma vs. West Virginia
CC's dream: Arizona State vs. Missouri
Why it doesn't work now: It looks exactly like last year's Fiesta Bowl. Granted, it was one of the better college football games of all time, but this year's version is missing that magical element that Boise State brought to the table.
Why mine is better: A few reasons. 1. Missouri is in and Kansas is out. 2. Arizona State is in, Hawaii is out. 3. They'll fill the stadium beyond capacity. 4. It has the potential to be the highest scoring game...ever. And people love offense. Tell me this wouldn't be a fun game to watch.
Rose Bowl
Current: USC vs. Illinois
CC's dream: USC vs. Ohio State
Why it doesn't work now: It does, actually. The Pac 10 vs. Big 10 dream.
Why mine is better: Because my Pac 10 vs. Big 10 matchup is better. If I had to pick this game, I'd give Ohio State at least 6 points. And that's why they belong in this game, and not the one on Jan. 7. See the picture, James Laurinaitis agrees (joke).
Orange Bowl
Current: Virginia Tech vs. Kansas
CC's dream: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
Why it doesn't work now: One word: Kansas.
Why mine is better: West Virginia and Virginia Tech are bitter rivals. A high-powered offense against a high-powered defense. These two beat up on each other the earlier part of the decade. The only reason this game shouldn't exist would be to avoid riots in Miami.
Sugar Bowl
Current: Georgia vs. Hawaii
CC's dream: Georgia vs. Illinois
Why it doesn't work now: Hawaii doesn't belong in the BCS.
Why mine is better: Georgia wants to talk about how it's the hottest team in the country, and there's some validity to it. But Illinois is one of the streakiest teams in the country, so this could be a good game.
BCS National Championship Game
Current: LSU vs. Ohio State
CC's dream: LSU vs. Oklahoma
Why it doesn't work now: Because Ohio State flat out doesn't belong.
Why mine is better: If LSU can flip flop places with teams on a week-to-week basis, why can't Ohio State fall in the polls? It doesn't work because, like I said yesterday, Ohio State has regressed from last year. The Big 10 has been down all year and does not deserve a shot in the title game. For the last 48 hours, I've heard talking heads rant about LSU deserving a bid because of the SEC's strength. But what about tbe Big 12? The conference that finished with three teams in the BCS Top 10? What about the winner of that conference? The team that beat the No. 1 team just three days ago, twice this season.
Comments (5)
Wow. I know you don't have any love for Hawaii, but don't you think having an undefeated team not even make the BCS would simply be a huge middle finger to everyone outside of the big conferences?
Furnk, I believe that you would have a better argument, with Illinois not being in. Missouri & ASU should be, Kansas should be out.
With regards to the Fiesta Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl committee made it very clear that they wanted teams that travel well (and will spend lots of money in Scottsdale). The idea of ASU playing in the Fiesta Bowl would be devestating to a tourism-based economy. The folks in Arizona know who butters their bread.
As for Hawaii, they don't need any validation after Boise State beat Oklahoma last year.
And finally.... Kansas has one loss, Mizzou two losses regardless of strength of schedule. MIzzou may be more deserving but, once again, Kansas is projected to travel with a lot more fans than Mizzou. It's who butters your bread that really matters to a lot of these committmees.
Desert, I fully understand the economics of the bowl situation. In another phase of my life, I had enough conversations with Fiesta Bowl people, as a matter of fact, to know the tough spot that they were in. Remember there are still a lot of ASU loyalists involved in a bowl that was created due to the fact that the people in "that southern Arizona city & school that shall not be named", were able to bully the Sun Bowl people in 1968. Not to mention that even if ASU was playing in the game, you don't think that Kansas OR Missouri (who beat Kansas by the way, and while they had two losses, they were both to Okalhoma) would have brought thousands to the game, its first "major" bowl game for either school since the late 60's, early '70s? Might have even ironically been Kansas in '68. So, I am curious to know where those "projected travel numbers" came from? More than likely would have made up for inviting ASU.
As for Hawaii, it is not a matter of validation at all, I understand what the Rose Bowl did, just don't agree with it. Illinois certainly does not deserve a BCS bid. Hawaii absolutely deserves it.
Paul,
I understand what you are saying about the Fiesta Bowl - Kansas and Mizzou would have brought thousands to the game too but I'm not sure either team is better than WVU. I'm just saying that by having two out of town teams who travel well, it's that much more money invested in the local economy in Arizona. I would think that many ASU fans would enjoy the chance to travel with their team to San Diego and enjoy that great town and all the recreational activities it has to offer and get over not playing in their own backyard.
I can live with Illinois in the Rose Bowl - especially considering they knocked off OSU. If they can go toe to toe with USC, than we know they were deserving. Of course, we usually figure this out after the fact.