By Kyle Soppe
Another week of college football, another unanimous vote for LSU. Les Miles has his Tigers on the fast track for a BCS National Championship berth, but they will have at least one more test when Arkansas visits Baton Rouge. Oklahoma State was second on every poll, as they remained unbeaten. Pollsters were split on Alabama or Oregon, both who have been impressive sans a loss to LSU. Houston, behind Case Keenum, has continued to take care of business, and remains poised to have an argument for a BCS berth should they stay unbeaten. Boise State’s shocking loss to TCU dropped them in our poll, but they remained on every ballot. Michigan State and Nebraska missed the 15th spot by a single point, and four other teams received votes. With the season approaching its conclusion, do we have it right? Do you prefer our ranking or the BCS rankings? Let your voice be heard, here on the pine
| Teams | Points |
| LSU (8) | 120 |
| Oklahoma State | 112 |
| Alabama | 99 |
| Oregon | 99 |
| Oklahoma | 84 |
| Arkansas | 80 |
| Stanford | 63 |
| Houston | 62 |
| Clemson | 57 |
| Virgina Tech | 47 |
| Boise State | 39 |
| Georgia | 28 |
| Wisconsin | 17 |
| South Carolina | 12 |
| Kansas State | 10 |
I like the poll. It seems like we’re down to six teams with legitimate shots at playing for the National Title. Things could awfully weird the next few weekends though. LSU has two games against Top10(IMO) teams left, home against Arkansas and then the SEC Championship Game (In Georgia?). OK State has one game left to win to get in. Bama and Oregon are just waiting for a stumble, as is Oklahoma. And Arkansas controls it’s own destiny.
Personally, I would rather see Houston play for the National Championship against LSU than I would see Bama or Oregon get a rematch. The BCS board says that the BCS is better than a playoff because every game is a playoff. In that case, Bama and Oregon already got their shot, so while I agree that they are both Top 5 teams, I don’t believe they should get a shot at the NC. Just my opinion, though.
Not alot of big games this weekend.
I thought our poll was more accurate in at least 1 respect; we dropped BSU farther than we did Stanford. Stanford lost to a very high-ranked team. Boise, as much as I was rooting for them, lost to a team that has only crept back into the top 25 on the wings of that win Saturday.
I expect OSU to lose to OU and I would be VERY impressed if LSU can beat both Ark and UGA. If I am right, that leaves the strong possibility that Alabama will be in the NC game without even earning the right to play for the SEC championship. That doesn’t seem right. If OSU and LSU both lose, I would much rather see an Oreg/OU matchup.
Don’t forget that if LSU loses just once, they may have a claim over Oregon and/or Alabama.
Another scenario to keep in mind. Georgia is one of the hottest teams right now in college football. If Georgia gets to the SEC championship game and knocks of LSU – would they suddenly get National Championship consideration. If you are going to lose, better off losing early. Their 2 losses are to ranked teams.
Not saying it will happen, but I think it has to be considered. And right now after watching both teams, I think Georgia can beat LSU behind Aaron Murray and co.
Smitty – I love the Georgia argument. I like their team, and you’re right, they are peaking at the right time. Arkansas still in the hunt as is OU. We may not have a playoff system, but we will have a few “playoff” games in conference championships should seeding hold.
Arkansas and LSU have to play before the SEC Championship, correct? I think that game will knock Arkansas out of the National Championship, or put LSU in serious jeopardy.
If Oklahoma knocks of the Oklahoma State, and Georgia was to win the SEC, this could end up being a very interesting conversation. Both teams could end up sneaking in.
But Kyle – you are right. Every game is a must win from here on in.
Georgia is #14 in the BCS rankings guys. A lot is going to have to happen for them to be in the top two.
Chas, good call on LSU. If they beat Arkansas and lose to Georgia, I know I won’t drop them behind Bama or Oregon. How could anyone do that? They dominated Oregon and beat Bama in Bama! In my opinion, as long as LSU doesn’t lose to both Arkansas AND Georgia, they will be deserving of playing in the BCS Championship.
Am I alone in thinking that OK State crushes Oklahoma? The Cowboys are playing better than anyone in the country right now. Is there a Big12 Championship, who would OK State play in that game?
You are right Spock a lot has to go Georgia’s way for this to happen, which is why I prefaced my comment with the premise that this will probably not happen. I was trying t think outside the box, as things don’t always work out the way we think they will.
Drew, you are not alone in that thinking. If Oklahoma State’s defense can play reasonably well, I think the Cowboys will win.
I am just trying to consider the X factor because there always is one, and I am not talking about singing.