And the BCS playoff winner would be ...
A 16-team make-believe format results in an Oklahoma State national title
Ronald Martinez / Getty ImagesIf there was a college football playoff, Oklahoma State would overpower Oregon in a national championship game, writes Michael Ventre.
OPINION
updated 3:07 a.m. ET Dec. 14, 2011
 | Michael Ventre |
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I sympathize with Chris Petersen. We are kindred spirits. No, that doesn’t mean I want to spend the rest of my life in Boise competing against cupcakes, although the Broncos are moving to the Big East soon, so they’ll upgrade from playing one decent team a year to maybe two. Maybe.
He and I are simpatico in that we detest the current BCS system. Yes, I know, LSU and Alabama are the best two teams in the country, and therefore completely deserving of slots in the title game. But the issue is more about the process that arrived at that conclusion. It’s done with slide rules, charts, graphs and calculators rather than blood, sweat and tears. Boise State, as well as others, deserve a chance to either roll or be rolled.
Hate to flaunt my astute command of the obvious, but we need a playoff format.
Alabama wins BCS championship Click to view photos of title game action between Crimson Tide and Tigers. |
I’m looking at the first 16 teams in the
BCS rankings. I realize by doing that I’m validating the BCS system in a way, because if a playoff system is instituted, there will be a certain amount of subjectivity involved, and probably a great deal of grumbling from Nos. 17 down.
But really, who cares about Nos. 17 down? In any sport, if you don’t position yourself safely beyond the dividing line, you have little cause to complain if you’re dropped below it.
Also, I changed one egregious matchup. I can’t see keeping Stanford at No. 4 and Oregon at No. 5 when Oregon lit up the Cardinal on the road 53-30.
So here are the matchups, and results (for the purposes of this exercise, the higher-seeded teams would host, at least up to the semifinals):
No. 1 LSU vs. No. 16 Georgia: In a rematch of the SEC title game, won by the Tigers 42-10, the outcome this time would be closer. But LSU still prevails by 17.
No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 15 Clemson: These Tigers were a little hard to figure this season — a loss at North Carolina State, a victory over No. 5 Virginia Tech. But the Tide hasn’t been; it has advanced steady and strong. Alabama triumphs, 49-21.
No. 3 Oklahoma State vs. No. 14 Oklahoma: There is no reason to believe the Cowboys would be any less dominant in this rematch than they were Saturday in a 44-10 rout. OSU wins in similar fashion, 42-17.
No. 4 Oregon vs. No. 13 Michigan: I like what the Wolverines accomplished this season. But they wouldn’t know what to do with Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense. The Ducks, 52-28.
No. 5 Stanford vs. No. 12 Baylor: Upset special. While I believe Andrew Luck and Stanford are legitimate, Heisman winner Robert Griffin III & Co. will be high energy and too hard to handle. Baylor, 35-21.
No. 6 Arkansas vs. No. 11 Virginia Tech: The Hokies had only one victory against a ranked team this year — 37-26 over then No. 21 Georgia Tech — and the Yellow Jackets were overrated. The Razorbacks were far more impressive this season. Arkansas, 31-14.
No. 7 Boise State vs. No. 10 Wisconsin: Excellent first-round matchup, a nifty clash of styles and cultures. In the end, the Broncos squeeze out a 28-24 verdict.
No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 South Carolina: A toss-up between two feisty, above-average teams. The Wildcats get the nod, 27-17, on the strength of a quality win over Baylor and a valiant performance in a losing effort at Oklahoma State this season.
Eight teams left. Get psyched for the quarterfinals:
No. 1 LSU vs. No. 8 Kansas State: The Wildcats haven’t faced anyone with LSU’s overall athleticism. Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. Honey Badger, will unspool his own highlight reel. LSU 55-13.
No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 7 Boise State: The Broncos will throw a scare into ‘Bama. But The Tide is No. 1 in rushing defense, and therefore Boise State will be reduced to a one-dimensional offensive team. Plus, Trent Richardson will gallop unfettered. The Tide will rally and win 31-28.
No. 3 Oklahoma State vs. No. 6 Arkansas: When the Razorbacks played elite teams this year – LSU and Alabama – they were outclassed. This will be more of the same. The Cowboys, 35-10.
No. 4 Oregon vs. No. 12 Baylor: This might be the most entertaining game in the tournament. In the end, Oregon’s overall speed and ability to pound the ball on the ground will be too much. The Ducks, 45-38.
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