BCS National Championship Game
#2 Florida (12-1) vs. #1 Oklahoma (12-1)
Most college football fans finally have what they have wanted. No, not a playoff, a national championship game without the Ohio State Buckeyes in it. However, those fans, myself included, should be careful what they wish for. Although it hasn't garnered the attention the Buckeyes recent failures have, the Sooners have a pretty miserable big game history in recent years.
In 2003, the Sooners were favorites in the Sugar Bowl, which that year was the national title game, and looked dreadful in a 21-14 loss to LSU. The next year the Orange Bowl was designated as the national title game and the Sooners were humiliated by USC 55-19. Two years ago, they were embarrassed by non BCS school Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, 43-42, and last season they were trounced by West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl 48-28. These recent losses have led to a changed perception of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, once know as "Big Game Bob" to an "egg layer".
The Florida Gators on the other hand have become a media darling under head coach Urban Meyer. The Gators stomped the Buckeyes in 2007 to win their first national title under Meyer. Last year they lost 4 games but that didn't stop their QB Tim Tebow from winning the Heisman. Tonight, when watching the game take a shot every time the announcers verbally praise Tebow, you will be dead by the 2nd quarter. I don't consider myself a hater but the accolades that are laid upon Tebow reach levels of absurdity. The guy seems like he has a good head on his shoulders but he is a QB, let's stop acting like he came up with the cure for cancer.So what does this all mean for tonight's game? Florida is a heavy favorite and the prevailing idea is a Florida beatdown will occur tonight. This perception has been accentuated by the Big 12's less than stellar bowl performances. Missouri needed OT to beat Northwestern, Oklahoma State looked completely inept on defense in its loss to Oregon, and Texas Tech entered fraudville by getting whooped by previous Florida conqueror, Ole Miss. It is starting to seem true that the Big 12 offenses put up huge numbers mostly because no one in the conference plays defense. Where the Gators will certainly have the edge tonight is on defense. The only way Oklahoma can win this game is by creating TOs and getting scores from their defense and special teams. If they try to have a shootout with Florida they will lose. There will be no 60 point effort from Oklahoma in this one and if the Sooners aren't careful this could be a Troy Smith repeat for Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. Bradford is #1 on almost everyone's draft board, with the assumption being he will leave school early after this game. However, if he lays an egg in this one that perception and Bradford's future will change quickly.
The Gators are getting back WR and huge offensive threat Percy Harvin for this game. Harvin missed the SEC Championship game against Alabama and the Gators won in spite of that. With him back the Gators will be at full strength, a scary thought for the Sooners considering the Gators have averaged 49.4 points during their current 9-game winning streak.
I think tonight's game will be a good, high scoring affair, reminiscent of the last great national championship game we had, the Texas/USC clash in 2006. I think Tebow and Bradford will both show why they are the last 2 Heisman winners. I think Oklahoma will be highly motivated in this one to prove that they belong on the big stage, much like Ohio State was in the Fiesta Bowl this year.
I am sick of the Gators, sick of seeing them winning national titles, sick of hearing how great it is to be a Florida Gator, sick of Tim Tebow, and despite my Cornhusker fandom will be rooting for the Sooners like crazy tonight. However, as has been the case for me for most of the past decade, what I want and what I get will be two different things.
Prediction: Florida 44, Oklahoma 41
Bowl Record
Last Week: 8-11
Overall: 18-15
Overall Record (Regular season and bowl record combined)
156-68
8 comments:
I have no real doubt Florida will handle Oklahoma. Upwards of 85% of the action is currently going toward the Gators. So many times though, when EVERYONE expects one thing the other happens. I don't think this is that time. Personally, I simply refuse to watch all things BCS. But, that's just me.
Case in point though would be how heavy everyone was leaning towards Texas and then Ohio State covered.
Do you watch the non BCS bowls? I don't find the BCS evil like others do, it is a somewhat flawed system but better than what we had in the past. I love football, and I think it will be a fun game to watch, the politics and the other b.s. aren't really my concern.
I like to watch the conference championship games. After that, everything college football seems irrelevant. If I happen to be around when a game is on I have a rooting interest in is on, I watch. But, there are just too many other sports options.
I suggested in my own blog we use the same sort of BCS system to determine which two basketball teams play for the NCAA title. LOL
My only real issue is how not every team has a valid chance at the championship. Utah deserved a shot. At least in basketball every team starts off with a shot, sure some have a way more realistic chance than others but everyone is given a chance.
I just don't see how a playoff will satisfy people. How many teams do you put in it? How do you determine those teams? If you put the top 8, then 9-12 will gripe. At least in basketball, people complain about teams 66-70 not getting in but no one really cares because they are so low on the totem pole. To an extent at large bids are decided the same way the BCS works, sure it is people making the decisions but one of the bigger facts are RPI rating and strength of schedule, which is determined by computers.
True on basically all counts. But, I do think eight teams would satisfy almost everyone, while the current system doesn't even come close. Just remind 9-12 that they would have never previously sniffed the 1 & 2 spots the way the teams above them might have. If you look at just 9 & 10 of the past few years, they couldn't get as close as those above them.
We can't even satisfy everybody in the most popular playoff system going, the NFL. The Patriots want to whine they didn't get in at 11-5. Last year, the Browns won ten games. Yet, we all love the NFL playoffs.
Sure, you can't satisfy the world. But you can come much closer than we currently do.
great post, cbh.
Thanks Miz.
Meant to say this a while back but congrats on getting the press pass to the Old Spice classic and the success for your site.
In fairness to the '05 Sooners, USC was probably operating on a very very shady recruiting system. Well, their basketball team is being investigated and there are strong ties to the football team (e.g., there is compelling evidence related to Reggie Bush).
At least you guys get college football! I was a complete failure at watching any bowl game short of buying a cable contract. Thank God I get the NFL, otherwise I would seriously kill myself!
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