Mess with the best, die like the rest.
Schools that aren't named LSU and Alabama have learned that the hard way this year.
Say what you will about the BCS; regardless of which bowl matchup format/playoff scenario you prefer, you can't deny that the best two teams deserve to play each other for all the marbles.
The college football world has been rocked following a weekend in which the second, fourth, fifth, and seventh best teams in the country were upset. When the new BCS standings are released this week (depending on how far Oklahoma State falls), the rankings could look like this:
No. 1: LSU.
No. 2: Alabama.
No. 3: Arkansas.
Ladies and gentlemen, the best three teams in the country right now may all play in the SEC. People are complaining because those teams play each other already during the regular season (a massive LSU – Arkansas matchup will take place on Black Friday). But honestly, if they're the best three in the nation, then two of those teams deserve to play in the national championship game.
Not much in sports will top the Nov. 5 LSU – Alabama matchup that LSU won 9-6 in overtime. It was Nos. 1 and 2 in the nation going head-to-head; it was in prime time and under the lights; it was the most hyped-up college matchup in years. Were there a ton of points scored? No. It wasn't an offensive shootout and missed field goals helped decide the outcome, but football fans from Baton Rouge to Tuscaloosa were left with their jaws on the ground because of two unbelievable defenses.
The three schools don't just play in the same conference; they play in the same subdivision of that conference – the SEC West. Things will get really messy if LSU loses to Arkansas. But either way, I don't see any possible way two SEC West teams don't wind up in the title game.
And that's just how it should be.
Call me Charles Darwin, but isn't everything in sports about survival of the fittest? Alabama started the season ranked second while LSU started at fourth. While the other preseason favorites – like Oklahoma, Oregon, Boise State, and Florida State – have fallen off throughout the season, Alabama and LSU have consistently stayed atop the rankings.
Who else belongs in the title game?
Virginia Tech? The Hokies lost 23-3 to Clemson – the best team they've faced all year and only one of two top-25 teams they'll play.
Stanford? The Cardinals have only faced one top-10 team – Oregon – and they got absolutely shellacked.
Oklahoma State? The Cowboys just lost to a thoroughly mediocre Iowa State team.
The Tigers and Crimson Tide have defeated powerhouses from other conferences – LSU has beaten Oregon and West Virginia; Alabama has beaten Penn State and other impressive SEC schools (including a blowout of Arkansas).
They have the star power – Trent Richardson, Spencer Ware, AJ McCarron.
They have the high-profile coaches – Les Miles and Nick Saban.
They have it all.
If both teams win out, the formula adds up to one simple solution: a national title game – and a rematch – involving Alabama and LSU. It's a no-brainer.
Email: aaron.mansfield@ubspectrum.com
