Posted on Monday 20 November 2006 by G @ 12:05 am
Despite Michigan’s loss to Ohio State, Michigan is hanging on as the #2 team in the BCS standings. Their lead over #3 USC, however, is very small. Thus the Trojans will likely leapfrog Michigan if they can win their remaining games against Notre Dame and UCLA. Michigan doesn’t have any more games, so the Wolverines don’t have any more opportunities to impress the voters. Also, if USC loses and Florida wins the SEC championship, the Gators will also have the opportunity to leapfrog Michigan. I won’t even bother discussing scenarios for Arkansas, Notre Dame and West Virginia.
Those arguing in favor of Michigan are focusing on the three-point margin of defeat in their road game against #1 Ohio State. Those arguing against Michigan can focus on the three Ohio State turnovers that made the game close. Without a couple of errant snaps, the Buckeyes could have won that game by three touchdowns. They torched Michigan’s celebrated defense for 42 points and over 500 yards.
I don’t want to see a rematch, and I’m glad to see that USC or Florida will likely pass Michigan if they win out. Neither USC nor Florida has been overly impressive this season, but each will have impressive victories on their resumes if they can win out. It’s hard to argue that they should not get a shot at the Buckeyes. Also, an Ohio State/USC match-up would be awesome.
Meanwhile, Ohio State is the unanimous #1 team in the BCS after Saturday’s win over Michigan.
The No. 1 Buckeyes locked up a spot in the BCS title game Jan. 8 in Arizona with their victory over the Wolverines on Saturday, their 19th straight overall. They also became the first team to have a perfect score (1.000) under the BCS formula introduced in 2004. Ohio State is a unanimous No. 1 in the polls and the best team in the country according to the BCS computer ratings.
The Buckeyes need to take care of business on January 8th, and we know Jim Tressel will have them ready to play.
Michigan does not deserve a rematch. If Ohio State had lost, I would have said the same thing. Why? If you beat the #2 team in what is essentially the Big 10 championship (even if that’s not what it is called), then your team moves on and the loser plays in a lesser bowl. If a rematch is permitted, what was the point of playing the game on Nov. 18th? It would be rendered meaningless.
I think USC, Arkansas, or Florida are the only ones deserving of a shot at this point - presuming they win out. Florida should for sure and USC probably will. If Notre Dame does beat USC, I do not feel that ND should be playing Ohio State due to ND’s drubbing at the hands of Michigan. However, I would love to see Ohio State throttle ND once again if that’s what the BCS decides.
Michigan fan - your team had your chance. Try again next year. The Buckeyes and Jim Tressel own your team right now - deal with it.
For everything I have said, this is even more validation for a college football playoff.