AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBig 12 or SEC: Who gets left out of the BCS?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was on a conference call yesterday with Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman as we prepared for this Saturday’s College Football Today show on CBS. Just for fun, we started discussing worst case scenarios for the BCS. What COULD happen to bring about, as Brando loves to say, the greatest amount of “angst, anger and bitterness” against the BCS?
We discussed a number of scenarios, including the possibility that No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas Tech finish 13-0 while No. 3 Penn State and Joe Paterno go 12-0 and get left out of the BCS championship game. It would be the fifth time in his remarkable career that Paterno has gone undefeated (1968, 1969, 1973, 1994 were the others) and not won the national championship.
That result would not be popular in the Big Ten, to be sure. And it would not be popular among fans who would like to see Joe Pa get one last shot at a championship. But elsewhere I don’t think it causes that much of a ripple.
Yes, the human polls have Penn State No. 2 right now, but if Texas Tech goes 13-0 against a schedule that includes No. 4 Texas (No. 1 when they played the Longhorns), No. 6 Oklahoma, No. 9 Oklahoma State, you have to put the Red Raiders in ahead of Penn State, whose only wins over ranked teams would be against No. 11 Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan State. Texas Tech would have more wins (13 to 12) against a tougher schedule.
There would also be the Ohio State factor. The voters would remember that the Big Ten champ had been beaten soundly the past two years by the SEC champ. It may not be fair to punish Penn State for the sins of Ohio State. But it would be a factor in the final decision by the poll voters.
But this morning, after taking a long look at the BCS standings my ultimate Doomsday scenario, the one that will cause the most uproar, goes like this:
No. 2 Texas Tech loses at No. 6 Oklahoma on Nov. 22. Penn State moves to No. 2 (trust me, they will).
Everybody wins out and on championship Saturday, Dec. 6, the BCS Standings are:
1) Alabama (12-0)
2) Penn State (12-0)
3) Texas (11-1)
4) Florida (11-1). Florida might catch Texas for No. 3. It will be close.
5) Oklahoma (11-1)
6) Texas Tech (11-1)
7) Southern Cal (10-1)
If Alabama beats Florida in the SEC championship game, it’s simple. Alabama’s in and Penn State, which had not played since Nov. 22, would join the Crimson Tide in South Florida for the BCS national championship on Jan. 8. All those one-loss teams would stake their claim to the No. 2 spot but the arguments would not last long.
But what if No. 4 Florida beats No. 1 Alabama in the SEC championship game and No. 3 Texas beats No. 14 Missouri for the Big 12 championship? Penn State moves to No. 1 (trust me, it will) and both Texas and Florida finish 12-1. Who’s No. 2? Who gets left out of the BCS championship game?
Texas will argue that its only loss was to the No. 6 team in the BCS (Texas Tech) on the road in a game that the Longhorns led with less than 90 seconds left.
Florida would argue that it just beat No. 1 and that its only loss was by one point to Ole Miss on Sept. 27 and that, since then, the Gators have been dominant.
Texas will argue that it beat No. 1 (Oklahoma) back on Oct. 11 and that Florida’s loss came at home, which is worse than losing at Lubbock.
Florida will argue that the SEC is a stronger league that has won the last two national championships.
And so it goes. The SEC and the Big 12 have been the best two conferences all season but in this scenario one of the champions gets left out in favor of an undefeated team from the Big Ten.
So if all this happens—and it’s not far-fetched—which team (Texas or Florida) should get in the big game? The floor is yours.
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Comments
By GaDawg
November 5, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this
Will the lizards be able to field a team after another Felony charge?
By RattlerGator
November 5, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Tony (and I think this is the clincher in your scenario), I think you have to factor in that Florida is quarterbacked by the most popular player in college football today and the current Heisman Trophy winner.
Sorry, Texas, you lose in that scenario.
Quite a long way to go before we get there, obviously. And if recent history holds, that’s scenario is not going to occur. I have a feeling my Gators are going to get left out even if we win out.
By buck b
November 5, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
Tony…Bama will not win out….LSU and UF will take down the Payroll Tide….
UF will play for the BCS Championship…
By baloney
November 5, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
What about UGA? Weren’t they supposed to play for the NC this year after beating Hawaii real bad last year? Weren’t they already taling about a parade route and where to put their trophy and how many fans would travel to witness the game? Is it too late for them to be in the NC game? I don’t understand. I already had T-Shirts made.
By GatorG
November 5, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
My prediction is that there won’t be an undefeated team left at the end of the year. History has shown that. And it usually isn’t the big teams that trip up the undefeateds - it’s the Stanford’s, and yes, the Ole Miss’s.
By the way - I think Stafford just threw another interception.
By man hands
November 5, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
Of course Alabama will not win out, just like there was no way they would beat Clemson or Georgia.
If Tony’s latter scenario plays out, Texas is in. Their loss is light years better than Florida’s.
By m
November 5, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
The BCS is so BAD that it sucks worse than Tony does…and we all know how bad Tony SUCKS. The BCS is the absolute WORST system ever devised by man. For idiots like Tony to try to narrow the field to two teams is RIDICULOUS and trying to say one team is more deserving than another is just CRAZY. OPINIONS should not count in football….ONLY what happens on the FIELD. WE NEED A PLAYOFF!!! Tony, you actually need to quit writing this blog as a public service, because it would be better if you kept quiet and everyone just thought you were a fool, instead of writing this bullshiiiite and removing all doubt. And, as always, Thank God and Greyhound that the Tony Barnhart of coaches, Chan Gailey, is GONE FOREVER. Too bad he didn’t take Tony with him.
By Dead Horse
November 5, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
The horse is dead..stop beating it. There’s not one Penn State fan out there who wouldn’t agree that if Alabama and Texas Tech win out they would deserve to play in the NC game. It would be disappointing for Penn State, but there’s nothing that could be done. I would have to settle for seeing Penn State beat the crap out of either USC or Oregon State (again). However, Florida fans can cry me a river. You lost to an unranked Ole Miss team at HOME. You have no argument. It’s not how you play today, it’s how you have played ALL season. Oklahoma, you had your chance to beat the top team and you didn’t. Better luck next year. Texas Tech, great game last Saturday, but if you stumble, tough luck. You can watch the game on TV with Texas and Oklahoma. I would love to see Penn State play Alabama for the NC. No matter how much you hate Penn State or the Big Ten, the media will be all over this game. A rematch of one of the most historic NC games ever played….goal line stand…the Bear…Paterno….now Saban (the second coming of the Bear) vs Paterno. I can guarantee JoePa wouldn’t go 4 plays up the middle on the goal line this year. I don’t think Bama can get by Florida, so as long as Penn State wins out, it will most likely be Penn State vs Florida in Miami. The Sire vs the Crier. WE ARE PENN STATE!
By Who cares
November 5, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
UGA is the Clemson of the SEC and Mark Richt is Tommy Bowden in red and black!
By BigTen's Fault
November 5, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Penn State should not be in the National Championship over one loss teams from Big 12 and SEC for two reasons:
If strength of schedule were irrelevant, then why not put Boise State in the national championship? According to the RPI, the disparity in conference strength between the Big 12 and the Big Ten is almost as great as that between the Big Ten and the MWC.
This is partly the Big Ten’s fault. Delaney has staunchly opposed a play-off, and his conference does not require a championship game, meaning that it’s members only have to win 12 games and they need not even play the toughest members of their own conference.
By harper
November 5, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
If TT loses to OK, both TT and Texas have one loss in the South and TT beat Texas, so wouldn’t TT be in the championship against Missouri based on head to head. If not, what is the tie breaker?
By wait and c
November 5, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
buck b a.k.a.”THE”village idiot and KING OF HATE, When BAMA runs the table and TAKES N.C.#13 will you have the courtesy to admit your wrong?!!
By g8tr45
November 5, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Tony, it is the inclusion of yet another untested big 10 team that shapes your Doomsday scenario. Until they have a playoff, I don’t care if any undeafeated big 10 team is left out in favor of a one loss SEC/Big 12 Champ.
By Al Key-Hall
November 5, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I’m not buying Bama or Penn St this year. After a number of down years for each program, I don’t think you suddenly become the best team in the nation in one year. Think of Florida State being undefeated right now. Would they likely be the best team in the country ? I think I hear a resounding ‘NO’. Same for the other two, IMO. I’m thinking a one-loss Florida, Texas or Oklahoma, and USC will be the best teams in the country this year, and if two of them win out, they should play for the NC.
By dawggirl
November 5, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
It’s going to be a moot point. Bama is beating Florida. Saban will make sure of it.
By Swamp Buggy
November 5, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
News Flash: It was just reported from Jacksoville that Florida just scored on Georgia again this morning.
By Tim
November 5, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Q. What does Auburn and a possum have in common? A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road!
Did Roswell Ed go into hibernation? Get ready for a biotch slamp from the Dawgs!
By dumb
November 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Here’s a more likely scenario.. Vandy beats UF this weekend and they go to the SEC championship.. the SEC sux, the worst team in the ACC beats the SEC east champ.. pathetic
By dawgthabootyhunter
November 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
I say that uf will beat bama in the SECCG and the SEC will be left out of the big game.
By PTC DAWG
November 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Quite frankly, the BCS is a JOKE.
The SEC Championship is EARNED on the field of play, no vote involved.
Until they have a playoff of some kind, it’s all horsesqueeze.
By All Dawgs Are ButtLickers
November 5, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
GaDawg - That is really funny that a fan of UGA (who is in the top 5 in the nation in player arrests this year - although that is the only top 5 they are in) is poking fun at Florida about players having trouble with the law. LOL
By Ben
November 5, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Harper, under your scenario Oklahoma would also have just one loss in conference play (to Texas). So there would be 3 teams tied with each other, and the tiebreaker would be highest BCS ranking.
Tony is overlooking a big factor here, I don’t think it would be Texas battling Florida for the BCSCG bid. It would be Oklahoma. Texas is done playing good teams, their computer ranking is going to keep going down. If Oklahoma wins out, it will mean they finish the season with wins over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. I think THEY would be the team that wins the South, beats the North champ, and battles it out with the one loss SEC champ to get the spot in the championship game.
By JB
November 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Tony: Here’s another nightmare scenario: the loser of the Bama/UF SECCG gets left oout of the BCS party altogether! Here’s how it could happen: Each of the BCS conferences gets a bid, so that’s 6. The 2nd Big 12 team gets a bid, so that’s 7. If Oregon State wins out and gets the Rose Bowl Bid, then USC would almost certainly get a 2nd Pac-10 bid, so that’s 8. Then whoever remains undefeated between Utah and Boise State would get an automatic bid, so that’s 9. Then the Rose Bowl, assuming Penn State is playing in the NCG, would claim they wanted to maintain tradition, so they would take Ohio State to match up with Oregon State. Now this scenario would also require that Bama or Florida wind up lower that 4th in the final BCS standings, since 3/4 are guaranteed berths, but it could happen because of the stupid freaking Rose Bowl. They screwed up last year and took Illinois and a few people squawked. If they screwed Bama or Florida out of the SEC’s 2nd bid this year, all hell would break loose.
By Joseph
November 5, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Hey Tony, on monday all you wrote about was the GA/FL game which is understandable. Yesterday was Phillip Fulmer which i didn’t like but could make sense. Today you’ve put up some crazy BCS title game article. Any chance you might talk about the team around here who still has a shot the play in a BCS game this year?
By Brock
November 5, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I Hope This Happens
Iowa beats Penn State
Texas Tech beats Oklahoma State
Oklahoma beats Texas Tech
Texas beats Missouri, wins Big 12 title
Alabama wins out then loses to Florida in the SEC Championship by one point.
Oregon State and USC win out
Cincinnati wins out and claims the Big East Championship. Both Utah and Boise State are ranked higher in the BCS than Cincinnati and Georgia Tech
Big 12 Champ - Texas Big Ten Champ - Penn State Big East Champ - Cincinnati ACC Champ - Georgia Tech Pac 10 Champ - Oregon State SEC Champ - Florida
Who should play for the National Championship?
Penn State - 11-1 USC - 11-1 Alabama - 12-1 Florida - 12-1 Texas - 12-1 Texas Tech - 11-1 Oklahoma - 11-1
Next Question:Who gets the remaining BCS spots?
Already Clamed:
Georgia Tech Cincinnati Texas Penn State Oregon State Florida Boise State or Utah
Three Spots Open:
Undeafeated: Utah or Boise State , Ball State
One Loss teams: Alabama, USC , Texas Tech, Oklahoma
Two Loss Teams: Ohio State , Georgia, TCU , BYU
By Conference Champs
November 5, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I’m all in favor of the Big Ten and Pac-10 having 12 teams and playing conference championship games. But to punish Penn State for the lack of one this year is wrong. Penn State already had their conference championship game against Ohio State and won. There is no doubt they are the two top teams in the conference this year. What would it prove to play them again (especially since it apparently didn’t account for much in your eyes the first time)? Many scenarios have been played out in the past using Notre Dame or Pitt as the 12th team. Because of the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, there is no way those two teams would be placed in separate divisions. So even if the Big Ten had a conference championship game, it would be between division champions Penn State and Ohio State this year. So get over it already. Last I checked, Penn State still has 3 games to go. Anything can happen. But if they go undefeated, NO one-loss team should jump ahead of them…PERIOD.
By Tolley Jenkins
November 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it true that the Big Ten and Pac Ten are the only two conferences standing in the way of a plus one playoff format? If so, then sorry PSU, but I’ve got to root against them so the Big Ten can have what it’s been saying it really wants.
By hold em
November 5, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Conference Champs, first of all, the conference championship game comes after the regular season not in the middle, that has to sound stupid to you?? You can’t decide the best teams of a conference in the middle of the season!!! Conference Champ games are what makes the BIG 12 and SEC superior to all other confernces, end of story!!!
By WE ARE USC
November 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Dead Horse:
PLEASE bring Penn State to the Rose Bowl. PSU is no match for USC. We’ll put 50 on your sorry asses and hold your weak a* offence to 10, USC is the number 1 rated defense in the country we held the suckeyes to 3, your 1 touchdown better. BRING IT!
Oregon State was a wake up call, look at what’s happened to our opponents since, we went on a 170-3 scoring streak.
The SEC has at least 3 teams that would have a better than average chance of beating you, Florida or Alabama are a GUARANFCUKTEE.
The Big 12 doesn’t play defense so you may stand a chance, you better hope you draw one of them.
WE ARE USC
FIGHT ON
By hold em
November 5, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
we are USC, i have news for you, there is no DEFENSE in the SEC either, and you don’t play any decent team so its hard to decide exactly how good of a team you are
By Randy
November 5, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter anymore, we all lost yesterday because now we are all socialists.
By Dutch
November 5, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Am hearing a LOT of talk that Tennessee will name Kevin Steele (former UT player), current Assistant Head Coach at Alabama and best recruiter in the nation, as head coach at the end of the regular season.
Steele would be a good move for Tennessee that would continue the tradition of STAYING IN THE UT FAMILY!
By Atlanta Gator
November 5, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Tony——I remember where we were in 2006, four weeks before the end of the regular season. There was virtually no conceivable way the Gators could get into the BCS title game. But the stars aligned and the inconceivable happened. And the team that was “lucky” to be there proved to be the vastly superior team (remember the arguments for an Ohio State-Michigan rematch?).
So, my point is two-fold——
First, there is an awful lot of football yet to be played, and
Second, the unexpected is virtually certain to happen, several more times, before the season is over.
Frankly, however, any controversy over the selection of the two BCS title teams, when there are multiple credible options, has got to push us closer to a plus-one or four-team playoff scenario. An Ohio State-Michigan rematch two years ago was a whisker from happening, and it would have been a travesty not to have tested the Buckeyes with a strong conference champion from another region. This is what can happen and has happened when the BCS title game participants are selected by the polls, not when the bids are earned on the field.
By WE ARE USC
November 5, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Here’s a scenario:(not likely but we’re talking hypothetical)
Alabama loses to Auburn or LSU, Florida loses to Vandy and Florida State. Georgia wins out plays Alabama in the SEC CCG and wins. (Look at the tie breakers)
Texas Tech loses to Ok St. and OU. OU loses to OK St. Texas plays in the BIG 12 CCG and loses to, who cares.
Penn State loses to Iowa and Mich St.
USC wins out and wins PAC 10.
Final BCS poll has USC (10-1), Georgia (10-2), #1, #2, you choose who’s who’s.
GEORGIA vs USC in BSC NCG. USC wins 51-21.
LOL, now that would be a long shot, but hey, we all need a dream.
By USC Sucks
November 5, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Hey USC, any one of the teams ranked ahead of you would have the #1 defense in your pathetic conference. Even the Mountain West kicks your a**!!!
By murfdawg
November 5, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
note to WE ARE USC;
First of all, in this part of the country,USC is UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, founded in 1801. Your school is affectionately know as SoCal. Try to remember that in your next post.
Secondly, because of boogers like you(I mean bloggers) there is a ground swell movement to support the mighty OREGON STATE BEAVERS to win the Rose Bowl birth. If they win out, they get the Rose Bowl because of the tie breaker of head to head game with Tommy Trojan. That is closer to reality than your last scenario.Rmember good ole boys luv beaver!!!
By clay-dawg
November 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
My doomsday scenario involves bama TT and Penn St going undefeated. On one hand, I want a playoff so TT or Penn getting left out serves the argument better. Penn and the Big10 deserve it most.
On the other hand, it would be too funny to see the bama nation lose its frigging mind if they got left out. The whole state would implode (not a bad thing) they might even try to secede from the union, again. After all, all they have is bama football, and talladega, well twice a year. Wait they would still have their teeth,(in their pocket), a trailer, their cousin and/ or sister, a rebel flag and a old rusted out truck. Don’t forget Lynard Skynard
By Conference Champs
November 5, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Hold Em,
My point is that as weak as everyone says the Big Ten is this year, even if the Big Ten had a conference championship game it would most likely be Penn State vs Ohio State this year. Everyone argues that Penn State doesn’t deserve a shot at the NC because there is no conference championship game. Even if there was this year, Penn State would get as much credit for the win as they did when they beat the Buckeyes two weeks ago. Having a conference championship doesn’t necessarily give you a right to play for the NC. In some cases, it’s not always the best team that wins. It’s a game. And like any game, any team can win. What if Tennessee beat LSU last year? Would you still say Tennessee was the best team in the SEC? No. Would you say Tennessee deserved to play for a NC last year if they were the SEC Champs? No (well, maybe you would if you’re one of the dilusional SEC faithful, I’m being optimistic you’re not). Tennessee needed other teams to cannibalize themselves last year to fall a*-backwards into that game. Was it fair? Maybe not. But I didn’t hear LSU griping about it. With the hatred towards Penn State being passed around this year, I’m not sure they’d be respected even if they had to beat an SEC team or Big 12 team in a playoff to play for the NC. All they’d hear is how they got lucky or the team was missing their star player or they got a lucky call from a referee. Don’t hate Penn State because Ohio State couldn’t match up the past two years. Nothing that happens in the past dictates what happens this season. Just ask Georgia. New year, new team.
By dawg92
November 5, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
just like 96 and 06, the gators will be back in the championship game. Unlike Auburn and GA, they seem to have a knack for having everything fall into place for them and get them in the game. In 96 they needed miracle upsets to get a rematch with FSU and it happened. In 06 USC had to lose to a 20+ point underdog, and it happened. With TX losing sat. night, the pieces are starting to fall into place.
Bank on UF playing - my guess is PSU - in Miami. As much as I hate to admit it, they deserve it more than any of the other 1 loss teams.
By Thanks a lot
November 5, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony, thanks for you and Schultz picking against Atlanta’s hometown team, GT, when they were favored to beat FSU by 2 1/2. Tech won (and covered) yet again, tho, in spite of your lack of respect. At least the oddsmakers have some respect for GT, more than I guess we can expect from our hometown newspaper.
By WE ARE USC
November 5, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
USC Sucks?
The PAC 10 may have a problem with the Mountain West, but USC doesn’t. USC is 11-3-1 all time against the Mountain West, and a Pete Carroll coached Team has never lost to them.
I don’t what conference or team you support, but chances are USC has a better than average record against them, and during the Carroll era no team has a better winning percentage, check the records.
This year USC is suffering thru a weak SOS and will most certainly pay for it. But check and you find, this is the worse since 2002 when SC had #1 raked SOS.
So if USC sucks you blow. Check some facts before you blow azz gas out your c** swallower.
By WE ARE USC
November 5, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
murfdawg:
I thought I was clearly stating this was hypothetical.
“Here’s a scenario:(not likely but we’re talking hypothetical)”
“LOL, now that would be a long shot, but hey, we all need a dream.”
You wrote:
“because of boogers like you(I mean bloggers) there is a ground swell movement to support the mighty OREGON STATE BEAVERS to win the Rose Bowl birth”
I’m not sure what I wrote that so offended you but, Who gives a sh!t.
Please do support the Beavers; a BCS birth for them would be good. I really don’t want to see a replay of USC and Ohio State (been there done that).
Do you for a minute think USC won’t get a BCS bowl, if they win out? I would much rather see the Trojans play the SEC champion or #2, than Ohio State. We have had a pretty good time in the Orange Bowl.
Florida, Alabama, Georgia, all good teams, I’d love to see any of these team against the Trojans, all great games. I like our chances, but, who knows, that’s why they play the games.
By Dumb College Football Fan
November 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Man do i love the BCS, i mean EVERY WEEK is a elimination game……this was clearly proven last week when AL played the mighty Arkansas State
HAHA….. lets get on to REAL SPORTS… with REAL CHAMPS…. GO FALCONS, JETS, HAWKS, ROCKETS and GT BASKETBALL!!
O btw… for yall slow to the news of college ball … GT hoops will again be a top 5 team this time next year!!
By USC Sucks
November 5, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Hey USC, I’m a Penn State fan. Your record against us is 4-4…and one of your wins came in 1923. Most recent history, Penn State beat you in 1982, 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Oh, and we also crushed Oregon State this year….how did you guys do?
Why don’t you go find yourself a nice blog about growing your own pot and leave the football talk to the East Coast.
By Gator Nation
November 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
2 Questions
What kind of scenario would it take for Georgia to be able to play for the National Championship?
Mark Richt 2-8 Vs. Florida Urban Meyer 3-1 Vs. Georgia
A disturbing trend or just status quo for the Dawgs?
By dawg92
November 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Thanks for that Gator Nation. Stay classy.
By WE ARE USC
November 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Penn State Fan:
Ok, we beat Ohio State by 35, you beat them by 7, what’s that prove? Do you think Ole Miss could beat Georgia because they beat Florida, of course not? I don’t think a 4-4 record and a win 12 years ago proves much.
I don’t know if you have watched college football for a year or 30 years, but if you watched since 2001 (recent history), you can’t argue, The University of Southern California plays football the way it should be played, and they are as well coached as any team in the NCAA. This year’s team is not the best USC has had, they are a typical Trojan team under Carroll, and that is saying a lot.
Coach Pete Carroll has the highest winning percentage in the NCAA since taking the job at USC (83-15 84.7%). He has 6 consecutive conference titles, 6 consecutive BCS Bowls (5-1), 6 consecutive 11 win seasons, and 2 Nation Championships all records or ties. In 2005 The Trojans we’re 3 points away from a 3rd consecutive National Championship.
USC has not lost by more than 10 points in 6 years. They have ranked #6 or better in the final rankings since 2002, and have the highest average ranking in the NCAA during that period. Carroll’s teams are 12-3 against teams ranked in the top 10 since 2001.
So like I said earlier please bring PSU to the Rose Bowl, we’ll put 50 on you and hold you to 10, your 1 touchdown better than the Buckeyes.
Make sure to pack your lunch we usually get up for big games:
-2003 Defeated #3 Iowa 38-17 Orange Bowl
-2004 Defeated #4 Michigan 28-14 Rose Bowl AP NC
-2005 Defeated #2 Oklahoma 55-19 Orange Bowl BCS NC
-2007 Defeated #3 Michigan 32-18 Rose Bowl
-2008 Defeated Illinois 49-17 Rose Bowl
Our only Bowl loss under Carroll was to #2 Texas in the 2006 Rose Bowl by 3, and that was for the NC.
By Hey USC Sucks
November 5, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Your a liar.
“Most recent history, Penn State beat you in 1982, 1993, 1994, and 1996.”
From Wiki Answers:
As of the 2008 season, Penn State and USC have played 8 games and each has won 4 times.
-1923: USC 14, Penn State 3
-1982: Penn State 26, USC 10
-1990: USC 19, Penn State 14
-1991: USC 21, Penn State 10
-1993: Penn State 21, USC 20
-1994: Penn State 38, USC 14
-1996: Penn State 24, USC 7
-2000: USC 29, Penn State 5
you left out the 2000 azz whoopin USC put on you.
By Gator Nation
November 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
dawg92
I read your earlier post about us backing into the NC game. I actually think you were right on. In 1996 we were particularly lucky to end up in the championship game. And fortune smiled again in 2006.
Regarding your stay classy comment……It aint a rivalary for nothing buddy.
By whatever
November 5, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Holy crap, Big Ten and Pac 10 are on here arguing with each other. That’s like Washington and Washington State arguing over who has the better team this year.
Here’s an idea, join together, become one super conference and play a freakin championship game at the end of the year like the other big boy conferences do. Until then, Big 1 and Pac 1 should be on the outside looking in. EVERYONE outside of your conference is praying that PSU and USC are no where near miami this year, trust me.
By Hey Whatever
November 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
You better pray the Trojans don’t go to Miami; they’ll comeback champions, AGAIN. We love playing in Florida, take a look at the record.
By duh
November 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Hey SoCal fans.. newzflash
YOU LOST TO OREGON STATE.. thats yoru playoff.. its over.. come back next year
By GT
November 5, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
ESPN will have to have Penn State in there to bring the ratings the same way they spun Ohio State the last two years. Watch and see. If the NCAA controlled baseball Tampa would have never seen the light of day in the series. Money, money, money.
By USC Sucks
November 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
To the Wikipedia nerd….look back at my post…I said Penn State and USC were tied at 4-4….that makes eight. I was pointing out the victories Penn State had, noting that one of the USC victories was back in 1923…so in recent history, we have a better record.
And back to the USC guy, first of all, we played Ohio State AT Ohio State…not in the comfort of our own stadium. We also went against a more experienced Terrell Pryor and Beanie Wells. There’s no way USC puts 50 on Penn State. Your sorry excuse for a quarterback would be picking grass out of his ear for weeks after the game. Schools from Washington don’t prepare you for Penn State buddy. Have fun in the Rose Bowl…oh wait…Oregon State will be going there instead.
By SecIsFootball
November 5, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
WE ARE USC….You guys lost to OREGON STATE and you had to come back in the 2nd half to make it look respectable. Sorry is no team in the SEC has ANY fear of USC. UGA, UF and BAMA are all better than Oregon State!
By Lapdog
November 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone but Florida! In 50 years of watching the Dawgs, I have NEVER opened my mouth to the Gators when we win, even last year. Now, Gator fans I don’t even know are coming up to me saying all sorts of vile stuff about Georgia. Forget the pulling for the SEC. If it involves Florida I will NEVER pull for them. I don’t care if my wife is a Gator as are all her family.
By Pago Flyer
November 5, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
We thought the DAWGS were suppose to in The Big Game?
By Hey SecIsFootball
November 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Is Florida better the Ole Miss?
By Will
November 5, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Big Tone,
Got my feelings hurt pretty bad Saturday. That one was pretty ugly!
Our old nemesis came back to bite us: Penalties, turnovers and horrid playcalling.(Although I do think we got more than a couple of really bad calls). But anyways, good teams manage to win those type games….and we’re simply just not that good this year.
Hopefully next year we can come in under the radar where expectations will not be that great. It seems we have played as if we had a noose around our neck all season. I’m really tired of watching these Dawgs just go thru the motions. No leadership as well. I’m glad hunting season has started. UGA should discount my season tickets $2500 for what I spent this year in Jax! What a waste.
By Hey Penn State Fan
November 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
You won’t beat USC or the SEC representatives to the BCS, you better hope on a Big 12 team or you’re in big trouble. Ohio State exposed your offense. You can’t score against even a decent defense. Hope for Oklahoma or Texas, Texas Tech would beat you.
By Mr Wrestling#2
November 5, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Hook ‘em horns
By Getonyoukneeslapdog
November 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
You should hear the wonderful Dawg fans for the last 12 months! Get used to it, you are a second tier team!
WHAAAAAAAAAAA! We did our usual and got our A$$ kicked against Florida and now they are being mean. If you can’t take it, do not dish it out!!!!
UGA back to the Outback bowl!!!!
By Bergwood
November 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
The Gaytors are getting cocky…they are doomed..this reminds me of their mindset before the Tennessee game in 2001 when the were already planning their trip to the Championship game,and UT spanked them ! Spurrier left after the season because of the Gaytor fans and their high expectations….
By Hey Mr Wrestling#2
November 5, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
TT proved Texas can’t stand up to any defense. Even a good three man rush stopped you. Better stick to the other Big 12 teams were defenses are as flat as the Texas panhandle.
By SEC Fan
November 5, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Any scenario that screws over Florida is fine by me. I guarantee you that the outcry out of these entitled pukes will be like nothing you have ever seen if they get screwed by the BCS. Nothing will come close. It will be unprecedented. Further, I will not be waving the SEC flag if Florida is our representative in the BCS. Urban Meyer is a petty, classless, and self-promoting arrogant a$$. Florida’s players are hypocrites and thugs. I once had alot of respect for this program but that has vanished. Times are good but nothing lasts forever. Urban & Co. will pay the piper soon enough. Bet on it.
By USC Sucks
November 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
You’re correct “Hey Penn State Fan”. We won’t beat USC or an SEC representative in the BCS NC game because neither of them will be there. The two of you can duke it out in the Rose Bowl. I just hope the Big 12 team we play has the heisman trophy winner…we tend to do better against teams with heisman trophy winners. Just ask Hershel Walker and Vinny Testaverde.
By JohnnyTide
November 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Great one murfdog.
By SC Rules!!!
November 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Tony,
SoCal will be the one to cause all the SEC/Big12 crying as we stroll into Miami and crush the victim I mean opposition and cruise back to Cali with our newest NC!!!! Don’t hate what you can’t beat just try and keep up! Fight On!!!
By Ever Gator
November 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
UF will win out and get in the Big Dance….count on it!
By KingGator
November 5, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Breaking News: The Gators just scored again on the Dawgs!!
By bmvp
November 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Tony, the real trouble for the Big-12 is if it comes down to the 3-way tie with Tech, Texas, and Oklahoma. BCS rankings will decide who wins the South. The other two have to fight for one other spot in a BCS game. And that’s assuming the South rep beats the North. If OU wins out, they’ll have better numbers than Tech or Texas.
By Hawker
November 5, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Have no idea Tony—-but my sixteenth Jax game and FLA has won 15 of 16. Total DOMINATION of a weak mided Uga team.
Moreno takes himself out of important drives becuase he’s Gassed???? Give me a break-this guy is 19yrs old and he can’t play every down!!!! Boat load of crap. He’s one & done to the NFL and likely number seven is history. Georgia will not miss a beat with Stafford (mr underachiver) gone to play for the Cleveland Browns.
It sad when Mark Richt calls a dumb onside kick. Richt’s shine gets duller by the week. And his team is still the most undiscplined team in the SEC.
By Longhorn fan
November 6, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
All the more reason to have a playoff to determine who plays for the Championship instead of relying on human voters with thier illogical biases and prejudices and computers programmed by people with illogical biases and prejudices. When will the college presidents wake up from their comas and allow playoffs in D1 like they have in all the other college football divisions?
By gatorbait
November 6, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Texas
SEC is overrated!
By macfute
November 6, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
Depending on what happens in the Big 12, the best matchup would probably be Big 12 against SEC champion. Several years ago I read that in bowl games, the winners depend on defense. I also read someewhat later that a good passing team beats a good running team. In any case, I think Florida is the cream of the crop with Bama a close second. After those two the bottom three of the Big 12 among Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahome, and Oklahoma State are probably stronger than any SEC team lower than the top two. The problem with the BCS system is that after the championship game is ruined, the possiblities of some really good match-ups involving the other bowl games never happen. If Georgia had played a stronger opponent in its bowl game last year rather than an overrated Hawaii team, and had been somewhat less impressive the illusion of being number one this year wouldn’t have happened. It’s my feeling that the bowls other than the championship bowl should be tinkered with if the system is going to work.
By warhorse
November 6, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this
Things have returned to normal. The poodle fans have given up the mantra that “the celebration changed forever the Gator hex over the Dawgs.”
Now UGA fans are in their accustomed place in the hierarchy of the SEC East: complaining about the Gators and looking up from below. It is not such a bad spot — at least you are ahead of UT fans. Enjoy your accustomed view from back in the pack.
By ugablows
November 6, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this
well geez Lapdog i wonder why gator fans are rubbing it in your face this week? couls it be that classless crap richt &team pulled in the endzone last year?
this just in: noshow moreno just fumbled again and then took himself out of the game for a break….
By Harry
November 6, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
Tony,
Isn’t it time to relook at UGA’s schedule. It doesn’t look so tough in hindsight.
By reality check
November 6, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
Why is UF even being considered for the NC? They play The F—ing Citadel. I hate that dead horse so I’m going to kick it one more time. Auburn was undeafeated in a very tough SEC, but because they played The Citadel they were denied the NC due to a “weak schedule”. UF has 1 loss in a very weak SEC and they play the The Citadel! Where is the “weak schedule” debate this year? Biased Media!
By HookEm07
November 6, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
The team everyone is forgetting about is OU. OU could jump Texas in the BCS if they win out and so does TCU. With TCU winning out it will improve OU’s strength of schedule tremendously. Also if there is a three way tie at the end of the Big 12 regular season, the team with the highest BCS ranking gets the trip to the championship game in Kansas City.
By SoonerBorn
November 6, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Is everyone forgetting about OU?! Our only loss has been to Texas and if OU wins out, it will be against #2 Texas Tech and #9 Oklahoma State giving us possibly the strongest regular season finish this year in college football!! That will create at three way tie in the Big 12 South between Texas, OU and Tech, to which OU should probably have the highest BCS ranking of the three due to the strong finish. Alabama is going to lose to Florida due to Alabama’s mediocrity. If OU and Florida play and win their respective conference championships, then I don’t think Penn State should have a chance in hell to play in the BCS championship against a one-loss OU and FL. OU-Florida in the BCS championship game would be a fantastic game between the two highest power offenses this year in college football!
By Big 12?
November 6, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Learn to play defense. Your top 4 teams don’t stand a chance against any team that can play hard nosed defense, you can’t score against one. And your can’t stop anyone.
Your best defense in TT and they are only a little above average.
By OU Sucks
November 6, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
OU is 2-4 in BSC bowls with several big loses. No BCS bowl for you.
By Tim
November 6, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
If OU beats Texas Tech at the end of the season, it is possible Texas doesn’t even play in the Big 12 championship game. Assuming Tech wins the rest of its games except OU, it creates a 3 way tie for 1st in the Big 12 south. Through a complicated series of tie-breakers, OU would likely emerge as the south champiion because they will likely have the highest BCS ranking at the time. This makes things much simpler, as Florida likely stays ahead of OU in the BCS.
By huh Tim?
November 6, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Learn to play some defense. OU and the entire Big 12 lack the defensive skill to stop anyone, and the offenses can’t score against even a respectable pass rush.
By 55-19
November 6, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
No way OU deserves the BCS NC game. Remember the last one? 55-19.
By Trader Kevin
November 6, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Nobody has been a stronger and longer proponent of a playoff than Joe Paterno. Don’t blame Penn State, blame the system.
Nobody has won more bowl games than Joe Paterno.
Nobody has a higher winning percentage in bowl games than Joe Paterno. (Minimum 15 bowls.)
JoePa is 6-1 against current Big 12 teams and 8-4 against SEC teams in bowl games.
In 1994 Penn State went undefeated with a powerful offense, but we got the shaft and were told “Defense wins championships.” I haven’t seen anyone in the Big 12 who’s interested in playing defense.
By Hey Trader Kevin
November 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Minimum 15 bowl games? What other active coaches have 15 bowl games? Does that count the minor bowls? What’s his recent bowl history? Carroll and Tressel have the best BSC bowl records, (5-1) and (4-2). Joe Pa’s a great coach, He!! he’s a legend, but his best years have passed. If he get’s this championship, I hope he goes out on top.
I agree, the Big 12 doesn’t play defense.
By Trader Kevin
November 6, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Minimum 15 bowl games? What other active coaches have 15 bowl games?
JoePa has the best bowl winning percentage of all time among coaches with at least 15 bowl games, active or long-gone from the scene.
What’s his recent bowl history?
Last three:
2005 Orange Bowl: Beat Florida State 26-23 2006 Outback Bowl: Beat Tennessee 20-10 2006 Alamo Bowl: Beat Texas A&M 24-17
By DoctorJim
November 6, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
If we want the BCS to have a championship game the best way is to, when in doubt, punish the Big 10 and Pac 10 until they decide that a broader playoff system might be a good idea. Currently, as long as obviously weaker Big 10 teams keep making it, why would they want a playoff, just to be eliminated in the semis instead of the finals? Give it to the SEC and Big 12 champs until the others agree to play ball.
By Klee Irwin
November 6, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
that is where the old bowl system would work better. Under that scenario, Penn State would play against USC in the Rose Bowl, Florida would play Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl and Texas would play Alabama in the Cotton or Orange Bowl. All the games would have meaning and significance and impact the national championship picture instead of one game. It usually sorts itself out, although you could still end up with a split title. That is where you could bring in the Plus One game after the bowls.
By bama6301
November 7, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this
Wide open receivers behind the whole “defense”, and i use that term loosely, should catch the ball and score, especially if the qb has 15 seconds or so to find one. The big 12 has video game offense that works just fine against each other, but what happens when a real defense plants the qb bout three times? Heck, even a Mike Shula coached team beat Texas Tech in 05 and easily held them to 10 points.
Bold: *Ole Miss could beat 3 out of 4 of Ok, Ok St, Tx T, Tex. *
There is small chance that the winner of the SECCG will not also take home the NC.
By BOOMER SOONER
November 7, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
This is the REAL doomsday Scenario and I’m a SOONER fan…
SEC: AL loses to LSU…FL loses to FSU…FL beats AL in the title game and finishes at 11-2.
Big 10: PSU loses to MSU and finishes at 11-1.
Big XII: TX wins the south because OU beats TT and OSU. Either TX beats or loses to Missou in title game.
PAC 10: USC and Oregon St. win out so OSU wins the PAC 10. USC ends up 11-1.
2 different scenarios:
If TX beats Missou, do we then have a TX-OU rematch for the title?
If TX loses Missou, do we then ave an OU-USC title game between two teams that didn’t win their conferences?
By C
November 7, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Tony, You are among the many reason we in the educated North can’t stand the southern mentality of football. It’s homers like you who believe the SEC has won every national title every year. You, and your group of Kool-Aid drinkers are the Fox News of college football, where journalist integrity has left years ago. Fact: The Big 10 has more National Titles than the SEC - we may be down now, but look at the successful coaches in the SEC (Meyer-OSU, Saban-MSU, Miles-UM). I wish, just once, that a journalist of your perceived integrity would give facts instead of editorializing a Southern myth.
By Joe the Sooner
November 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I am intrigued by every post that wants to say PSU doesn’t have a right to play for the NC based on what OSU did the last two years. I am equally intrigued by the more recent posts that state if OU were to win their conference they would not deserve to play in the NC due to a loss to a really good SoCal team a couple of years ago. I am a firm believer that every year should speak for itself, which is why I don’t believe rankings should come out until atleast 4 weeks into the season.
I don’t like the BCS but am also not sold that an eight team playoff resolves the issues faced in every year, how do you choose the eight teams for the playoff?
I think an interesting scenario would be to add one team to the Div I to give 120 teams, divide them into 10 12-team conferences. The conference champions make the tourney. Notice that gives us 10 teams for an 8 team tourney; the four teams with the lowest win percentage in their conference play in two play-in games and the top 6 win percentages receive auto bids.
By Jack
November 7, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
By PSU SUCKS
November 8, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Dead Horse:
You have been weighed and measured, and you have been found wanting.
By Jerry Sanders
November 11, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
If OU beats both T-tech and OSU back to back, there’s no way UT will be ahead of OU in the BCS. Tony Barnhart, obviously has not looked at UT and OU’s early season Non-Conf. Schedule. OU won 2 big games against top 25 teams TCU and Cinnci., while UT played 4 unranked teams. The computer rankings will weigh heavily in OU’s favor if they win out. No matter what the talking heads try to dictate, UT in a 3 way tie, is the odd man out. T-tech should have, and could have, depending on the score of their remaining games, a better claim to a higher ranking than UT.
By Ron
November 11, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
There will be a three-way tie for first place in the Big 12 South and Texas goes to the championship game because it has the highest BCS ranking.
Guess I miss the logic here, UT over OU because they beat OU, did not UT lose to TT, why would UT be chosen over TT since they lost to them. I know OU beat TT, but UT did not, that logic makes no sense. You don’t take TT because UT lost earlier, well OU lost earlier than UT. Let the computers decide because with this human logic is a joke. Hopefully TT wins in Norman as Texas does not deserve to go, remember they lost to Tech… LOL !