O.K. So we’ve lost our shot at the BCS championship. That doesn’t mean that a Rose Bowl appearance is out of the question. Besides, isn’t that what Big Ten football is all about – the Rose Bowl?
If everything falls in place, and this is in now way a stretch, Ohio State could be looking at a rematch against USC. Don’t think for a minute that most of the sporting world will be doing everything in their power to stop it but at the same time, it’s not much of a stretch.
Add to that a regular season game against USC next fall and we’re looking at a possible best of three scenario. The biggest question for me is will the Buckeyes be ready for another game against USC in California?
I’m not going to spend much time in this post about what it will take for the Buckeyes to beat USC. At the moment, it looks like it comes down to one issue – can/will the offensive line play like the offensive line they should be or will they continue to put in mediocre performances. The defense has stepped up, Pryor is starting to throw the ball, Wells has shown he can run, that leaves the offensive line. If they don’t start playing up to speed giving Pryor the time he needs and opening up some solid passing lanes, then I’m not so sure I want to see a rematch against USC.
Let’s take a look at what it will take to get us there and the games this weekend that factor in.
Penn State (bye)
O.K. So Penn state doesn’t play this weekend. Doesn’t matter. They are pretty much the primary link for us getting to the Rose Bowl. If the Lions can run the table and finish out undefeated, there is no question they will get into the BCS game.
Regardless of the media favoritism that goes into a one-loss SEC team, Penn State has one thing going for it that trumps any one-loss SEC team – Joe Paterno. Face it, he can barely get to the press box to coach. During the Ohio State game they were still imiages of him as if he’d died already. There is nothing the pollsters would love more than to send JoPa out with the big win.
I’m not completely convinced that Penn State is ready for the BCS Championship, there is no way they will keep an undefeated Joe Paterno from one last great victory.
I’m also not completely convinced that Penn State won’t blow it before they get their chance. They should finish the Big Ten season without a problem. It is the Big Ten however and this is Penn State. I’m not putting money on it until it happens.
#1 Texas vs. #7 Texas Tech (Texas favored by 3)
Now this is a big game. Both teams come into this game undefeated and both teams have potential Heisman candidates (Colt McCoy/Texas and Graham Harrell/Texas Tech) and a big performance for either could seal the deal.
If Texas wins, they should pretty much seal their shot at the BCS Championship. Even with a Big 12 Playoff, they pretty much spanked Missouri already and the toughest teams on their schedule are behind them.
As for the game, I’m going with Texas. Yeah, Texas Tech looks good but have the been tested? Tech may be able to put the points on the board but so will Texas. The over under on this one is at a ridiculous 73.5 points and that may be a little low.
This one is going to be an offensive shootout but with that many points on the board, it will come down to more than a field goal. I’m taking Texas to beat the spread.
Alabama vs. Arkansas State (Bama by 23.5)
If Alabama and Texas go undefeated, then we’ve got a slug fest between Penn State and Bama for the BCS title spot. Yes, the SEC will fire up their annual cry baby campaign but face it, an undefeated JoPa out trumps a whining Urban Meyer any day.
Arkansas shouldn’t give them much of a struggle this weekend. LSU may get in the way but come playoff time, their either looking at Florida or Georgia. I don’t think Georgia will make the same mistakes twice and I don’t think they can keep up with Florida.
Expect a one loss Alabama in a southern Bowl game.
Oklahoma vs. Nebraska (OK by 21.5 points)
Oklahoma should have a pretty easy weekend ahead. However, they’re looking at Texas Tech and Oklahoma State down the road. Get by them and they’ve got Texas in the playoff. I think they’ll be happy to be a two loss team come bowl time.
USC vs. Washington (USC by 43.5)
Can the Pac Ten really be this bad? Of the BCS teams, USC has had about the easiest schedule. Their toughest opponent should have been the Buckeyes but face it, did we even show up for that game. Baring some sort of tragedy, USC has a clear shot to the Rose Bowl.
No Mark May, they wont’ get to play in Miami no matter how bad you want them to.
Georgia vs. Florida (Florida by 6.5)
For the one loss SEC teams, this is pretty much it. Both teams bring a solid offensive punch to the game. Georgia will test the Gators but the Gators are pretty angry after loosing last year to the Bull Dogs.
This will be a close one but I think Florida will pull it out in the end winning by a touchdown.
Sooooooo:
If Penn State runs the table and gets into the BCS Title against Texas. That opens the door for Buckeyes to meet USC in Rose Bowl (granted we win out) regardless of what happens in the SEC.
