Message Boards

I would not count Bama automatically ahead of BSU/Utah/TCU if they run the string out. Its probable but not certain. One loss for BSU now in the last 3 seasons and one for TCU in the last 2.

In any event I would be worried simply because its easy to see an undefeated B12, tOSU, and Oregon at season's end, regardless of the WAC and MWC winners records.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 02:48 PM ET  10.10 by Armpit

I would not count Bama automatically ahead of BSU/Utah/TCU if they run the string out. Its probable but not certain. One loss for BSU now in the last 3 seasons and one for TCU in the last 2. In any event I would be worried simply because its easy to see an undefeated B12, tOSU, and Oregon at season's end, regardless of the WAC and MWC winners records.

I agree. Not only is it not automatic, it likely isn't even probable. Its not that I don't think the SEC is deep and strong as usual, it is that the teams at the top do not have the WOW factor to garner the support necessary to pass TCU (who still has an impressive Utah to play) or Boise St. It may be the SEC has lots of very good teams but no great teams this year. BAMA was the one so many of us thought MIGHT be great, but they do not appear to be a class above like many thought.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 02:58 PM ET  10.10 by JPax

I agree. Not only is it not automatic, it likely isn't even probable. Its not that I don't think the SEC is deep and strong as usual, it is that the teams at the top do not have the WOW factor to garner the support necessary to pass TCU or Boise St.

Yes, the SEC does not have the separation that it had last year between the first two and the rest of the pack. The conference is good but balanced, so everyone will probably finish with at least one loss. Auburn and LSU still both still have to face Arkansas and Alabama - likely one loss each. As I predicted before the first game started, this is the year that the SEC ends its streak of playing for the National Championship. Ohio State doesn't have to face MI State, so the Buckeyes are in the clear. Oregon has already beaten its best opponent, Stanford, and should run the rest of the table.

I think everyone who says "a one-loss SEC team gets in ahead of an undefeated Boise/TCU" is fooling himself. If there are two undefeated teams at the end of the year, they will play for the crystal football. Thanks for the optimism, Mr. Jethro, but our boys are out of the running for the BCS Title until next year.

^ I think it will be hard for Ohio State to go undefeated. Wisconsin is always tough at home (next week) and Iowa is excellent all around. Michigan shouldn't be too much of a test, but crazy things happen in rivalries like that. And I'm not sure who would be picked between a one loss Alabama or perfect Boise (or maybe a 1 loss SCarolina?). I do think it's very likely that the Sooners or Nebraska will go undefeated though. So it's all up in the air I guess.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 03:33 PM ET  10.10 by Lesterh

I do think it's very likely that the Sooners or Nebraska will go undefeated though. So it's all up in the air I guess.

That's true, too. Nebraska still has to play Texas, OK State and Missouri consecutively, so that's a possible time for a loss. If both make it to the Big 12 Championship unscathed, the winner will go on for coronation or end the year complaining about being left out a la Auburn in 2004. The discussion of who should play for the National Championship may be fierce and opinionated this year, but it will go on without mention of an SEC team. (unless Auburn goes undefeated, and then we can all relive 2004)

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 03:47 PM ET  10.10 by Goal Line Stand

(unless Auburn goes undefeated, and then we can all relive 2004)

I've agreed with everything you've written till this one. I don't think an undefeated Auburn will be left out this year. I also don't think Auburn will go undefeated.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 03:18 PM ET  10.10 by Goal Line Stand

Ohio State doesn't have to face MI State, so the Buckeyes are in the clear

Come on you think MSU would give Tosu a game of it...the big game is in Iowa.

Andy Staples article today talks about this:

"The SEC has produced the past four national champions, but the conference isn't as deep as its fans want to believe. When choosing teams for the BCS title game, an undefeated Pac-10 or Big Ten champ is a no-brainer over a one-loss SEC champ. Nebraska or Oklahoma might emerge undefeated from the Big 12. Boise State should be undefeated, as well. Failing an undefeated offering from the SEC, the Broncos also would be more deserving. Ditto for TCU or Utah, if either emerges undefeated from the Mountain West."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/10/09/alabama.c arolina.insider/index.html