The BCS bowls were announced on Sunday and as always, there was controversy. It was obvious that Texas and Alabama would meet for the championship after their wins on Saturday. However, there was almost a major shakeup after Nebraska had an amazing defensive effort and slowed down the jaugernaut that is the Longhorns offense. (Side note: Ndamukong Suh is an absolute BEAST. If he gets no recognition for the Heisman, it would be a travesty. I remember one play in general, when Texas ran the ball up the middle and Suh was fighting off a Texas offensive linemen with one hand, then grabbed the RB with the his off hand and threw him about 3 yards to the ground. I have never seen a player dominate a game like that on defensive ever. Ill get off his nuts now.) If Nebraska had any offensive output in that game at all, we would be talking about one of the biggest upsets in recent memory and a circus to determine the team that would face Alabama in the championship. Texas proved they were a good team and good teams find a way to win under any circumstances. The other bowl games that were selected were not what everyone wanted. I will list the bowl games and give my opinion on the game, as well as the team I believe will win.
National Championship: Texas vs Alabama- I wont automatically hand Bama the trophy just yet, but their dominance displayed against Florida combined with Texas' deer-in-the-headlights look against Nebraska makes it look like Bama will run away with this thing by the first half. I have watched a lot of Texas football this year (unfortunately) and they look unbeatable when their firing on all cylinders. However, on Thanksgiving night, Texas A&M exposed them and if it wasnt for Colt McCoy's superman like play, they lose that game. You cant tell me that Nebraska didnt see what A&M was doing and used that same gameplan to stop Texas. Now Nick Saban (who I do not like one bit but Im not dumb; the man is one hell of a coach) has a whole month to prepare for McCoy and the Longhorns. That is bad news for Texas fans. I predict Alabama wins this game, but I am reluctant to say it will be a blow-out.
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs Iowa- This game in my mind is the weakest of the bowl games. Ive seen Iowa play a couple times this year and they seemed to pull some kind of miracle out of their ass every week. When they were in the top 5 this year, you just knew they didnt belong and they were gonna screw up somehow. Then it happened. They lose to Northwestern. Then again to a solid Ohio State team the next week. Their glory was short lived. Havent seen much of Tech this year. Only two losses were to Miami who was solid to start the season and Georgia, who was a dissapointment this year. Im giving this game to Georgia Tech, soley on the fact that if Iowa trails, they have no more magic left. Plus you gotta give the ACC some love. Its no longer just a basketball conference.
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs Cincinatti- Very interesting match-up. I was a little upset that TCU didnt get a chance to play Florida and prove to everyone that they are a legit contender. However, this game should be outstanding. Im seeing lots of big, breakout plays and a high scoring affair. Cincinatti can put points on the board, no denying that. Florida is coming off a devestating defeat to Bama in the SEC championship game. I have seen Tebow play a lot in his career and he never looked more out of sync than he did in that game. Bama proved he was human, something that hasnt happened since he got his head knocked off against Kentucky earlier in the year. One interesting fact about this game: The game will be played in the Superdome in New Orleans on New Years Day. Yeah. Im just saying. If I am a college student in NO on New Years Eve, I think its against Man Law not to go scope the Mardi Gras-like party that is happening just a block away. Im sure Urban Myer is planning an Alcatraz-like security lock down of his hotel just so none of his players even think about the opportunity. That being said, I have Florida winning this game, IF Florida is smart and none of their players get suspended, which is highly unlikely. Florida is used to the big stage, as they have won two championships in recent years. I also think that Cincy lacks the "Big Game" experience that is often overlooked in these situations. It also doesnt help that their head coach will be interviewing for the Norte Dame job during the preperation for this game. Talk about a distraction. We really know where his priorities are.
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs Ohio State- This game has potential to be an entertaining match-up. Oregon is fun to watch. I mean the first game of the year, their stud RB thinks hes Iron Mike in his prime and cold-cocks this dude who has no idea its coming. (It was one of those moments when you feel bad for the guy whos laying unconscious, but can stop watching the replay thinking to yourself, "That was so bad ass". Anyone who has played a sport knows there are times when you just want to release your fury on someones grill. Some people just handle it differently than others.) Ohio State on the other hand reminds me of the San Antonio Spurs. Boring as hell to watch, but very efficent. Run-and-Gun Outlaws vs Grind-It-Out Professionals. Two contrasting styles playing for the Roses. That QB Masoli for Oregon made a very solid USC defense look like he was playing a Pop Warner All-Star team. (over 400 total yds and 2 TDs). And Chip Kelly is a perfect fit for that program. Give me the Ducks in this one.
Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs Boise State- Ok thats it. To hell with the BCS. TCU deserves better than this. I hate that they are getting penalized because they play in a weak conference and that they didnt have a Conference Championship game. This team is for real. Gary Patterson is a great coach and dosent get the credit he deserves. The man pretty much has to watch all the top recruits in his state go to the Longhorns, but it dosent matter. He wins with what he gets. And whats even better, he doesnt complain about it one bit. Whenever everyone thought he would go to Norte Dame, he signs an extension to stay in Fort Worth, because he believes he can win a National Championship at TCU even with the corrupt BCS system. TCU is lucky to have that kind of loyalty. Anyways, off that soapbox. Boise State is no push over. I just think everyone would have liked to seen how Boise State and TCU matched up with the power conference teams. Oh well, this is what we get. Havent seen much of Boise this year, with exception of the 1st round TKO that happend in the first week of the season (see above). They beat an Oregon team, which I am high on, so this game will be hard fought and interesting. But after this game, the winner will have to face the questions of how good they really are. Its not fair. These smaller conference schools can play with the big boys, they just need a chance. (Example: Boise State upends Oklahoma on the famous Statue of Liberty play, and last year Utah smoked Alabama 31-17. Nobody gave Boise or Utah a shot in those games.) I have TCU winning this game in a close one.
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6 comments:
AMAZING INTRO BLOG!!
My thoughts...
- The last defensive player that was as dominant as Suh was, that I can remember, was Andy Katzenmoyer at OSU. I SWEAR he heard every offensive play-call because he ended up RIGHT where the offense designed their play to be.. EVERY TIME!
- Tell me when Texas looked "unbeatable" against a decent team. Maybe I'll give you Ok. St. but thats IT.
- The fact that Georgia Tech got a BCS game is a joke. They would be a BELOW-AVERAGE SEC team - see Georgia game and Georgia's record in SEC.
- You're right on about Gary Patterson - SHOULD be Coach of The Year... no questions asked.
1- Bama did play amazing, but that was because Bama's QB played ungodly. No doubt in my mind that Colt definately lost the Heisman trophy to Mark Ingram on saturday night but Ingram has his quarterback to thank for that. Everytime Florida loaded the line, Bama went play action or would hit timing patterns perfectly to keep Florida guessing. Florida had no answer for anything because they had to play against everything. Is Bama going to have that kind of offensive output against Mitch's Texas D? Texas has a better secondary and front line then Florida (who was missing it's starting DE, due to suspension) if you look back two weeks ago and then another several weeks back, Bama stuggled against Auburn in a game where their offense in the second half luckily for Bama fizzled out. And there was the game against Tennessee, where a blocked field goal saved the season for Bama. Remeber, the last several times a Longhorn has lost in the Heisman race, he ended up winning his bowl game (most notably the Rose Bowl game UT over USC... does that reFRESH your memory?)
2- All other arguments for other bowl games is just another reason why college football needs a playoff system. Every other division has it. I know the money(sponsorships) is a huge factor, but is that the main hinderance? Universities cant possibly be worried about athletes missing class since the last bowl game ends the first week of class (Which is awesome that Alabama cancelled classes for its students to show their pride and support for it's atheltic program) and the playoffs would take place over the break in semesters. I hope it's not because of the cost of transportation since it seems every year tuition and fees seem to rise. I thought the whole point of competition was to decide a winner, not have the season over with potentially 3 UNDEFEATED teams and at least 2 for sure. At least basketball and the FBS have it figured out...
Look at my response to your post on FB about this blog response.
I will say that I enjoyed your post. I would agree with a majority of your thoughts however I'm actually somewhat excited to see the TCU vs Boise State game. I mean yeah I would love to see TCU take down a big conference team just like Utah last year and Boise the year before, but the fact is it really doesn't change the minds of many. I mean anytime you make that case against someone argueing that TCU is in a week conference it seems as if they don't care what happened to Alabama and Oklahoma in those bowl games. These people who we are wanting to give the small conference teams respect are so close-minded to it that it's not even worth it. I'm just going to look at it in a positive way and be excited to see 2 exciting offenses duel it out. I think TCU has the chance to blow the Broncos out of the water but on the other hand it could be one of those 52-45 back and forth battles. I really don't know what to expect but I would choose TCU with a decent advantage.
Ok, now I have to rip you for giving any props to Colt McCoy and his weak Longhorn team. Here's my thoughts. They have beat 6 teams with winning records. 2 of those teams shouldn't even count as winning teams (UCF, and Texas Tech). They should have lost 2 games this year and if it wasn't for lucky breaks they would be 11-2. In the Red River Shootout I can almost gaurantee a loss had Bradford not gotten hurt. I don't know anyone that would argue otherwise. Big 12 Championship against the Huskers would have been loss number 2 if it wasn't for 3 breaks that UT got in the last minute of the game. First, NE kicker makes a retarded kick that rolls out of bouds. Texas gets the ball on their own 20 and they lose that game. Then the Huskers defense gets a horsecollar tackle penalty to tack on 15 yards which Texas desperately needed. Lastly, Colt McCoy rolls out for the most idiotic play I have ever seen and floats the ball out of bounds leaving a lucky 1 second on the clock. Oh crap I forgot their was a 4th lucky moment. Their kicker slides in a long field goal that tied for his longest all year. Enough said UT will get crushed assuming Alabama does anything positive during the game. Only chance that it's a close game is if Texas continues to get lucky and gets some turnovers. I want to say more but I'll stop there.
You make a valid point Matthew. Ill forget the Nebraska bias that is coursing through your veins. However, there are a lot of 'what ifs' in your arguement. The reality is the NEB kicker did kick it out of bounds, and that defender did horse-collar tackle that player. Mental mistakes on the biggest stage is whats crucial and seperates the good teams from the great. What if Bradford had played? We will never know. Unfortunately thats what makes sports so frustrating. Give you an example: 'What if' Tim Donaghy never referred that Dallas Mavericks Finals series in 2006? Some will say Dallas wins that series. I dont think so, but I know certain fans who beg to differ (Cough, Will). Cheap shot, I know. Couldnt help myself.
You can't deny the lucky breaks though. I mean they had to get all the yards they did just to be in range to take the field goal attempt. The kick almost made it to the endzone before going out of bounds and not onlyt that but the UT guy almost picked it up or touched it which would have been a break the other way, but the fact is UT got the break. I don't think that win separates UT from good to great. No way, I mean lets not forget they beat a Nebraska team who couldn't even sniff the endzone. It wasn't UT's D either I mean I think we know that from their circus act against A&M. I just don't think that you can say they are great. Give me one good win they had all season where they showed dominance. Oklahoma State I guess???, but they lost to Houston and got shut out by a less than great Oklahoma team. I just look at teams like Cincinatti, TCU, even Boise State and yeah they played some weak teams in conference but reputation aside the Big 12 was weak this year, and their non conference schedule included Wyoming who they struggled with for a half, Louisiana Monroe, Utep, and Central Florida. Talk about cream puffs. Just look at it this way, regardless of the conference you are in you are always going to have some really tough games. For TCU it was Utah and BYU. For Cincinatti it was West Virginia, Pittsburg. For Texas it was Oklahoma (without their heisman qb), and Nebraska (who only has one side of the ball). Ok so they all went undefeated in conference. Next you go to non conference shedule. TCU beat Clemson and Virginia, who I know for a fact that are much tougher than Central Florida and Lousiana Monroe. Chalk it up for me on this one. UT doesn't deserve to be in and they will embarress the committee for this brain fart of a decision.
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