Looking around the NCAA football landscape and with the upcoming epic matchup between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines I've noted three possible national title matchups that as a Michigan fan would really grind my gears.
With a Loss on November 18th
Ohio St. vs. Notre Dame
While I think this is the least likely of the three scenarios it would end up being the most egregious. While Notre Dame currently is getting little respect from the polls and the BCS, if perchance they face a one loss USC, which would have had USC knock of both Cal and Oregon, and go into LA and slaughter them and somehow jump ahead of Michigan in the standings I would be furious. While Notre Dame would still need a bunch of teams to lose (Florida, Louisville, Texas, etc.) in order to position them in the #2 spot if they ever were ahead of Michigan in the final regular season BCS standings it would be deplorable.
Ohio St. vs. Texas
If Michigan goes into Ohio St. and plays a better game in the horseshoe than did Texas in Austin, which won't be difficult given the Longhorns were defeated comfortably, there is no way the Longhorns should be placed ahead of Michigan in the standings. Simply look at their schedules and you'll see that the Longhorns have yet to beat an excellent team where in contrast the Wolverines have knocked off two teams that currently sit with one loss in Notre Dame and Wisconsin, and if you want to argue that both of those teams are overrated I can certainly counter argue that Nebraska, Oklahoma and every other team in the Big 12 isn't very good. While Texas most likely would be ranked ahead of Michigan if the Wolverines were to lose in Columbus they still would need a losses by both Louisville and Florida to jump into that two spot.
With a Win on November 18th
Ohio St. vs. Michigan rematch
I wouldn't be a proponent for a rematch even if Michigan were to lose a close game, sure I would want it but I wouldn't be upset if they didn't get it even if it was a close game. November 18th is both teams chance to get into the title game and if they lose I think they should be out and headed to the Rose Bowl(Not a terrible consolation prize). However, where as Michigan is heading into Columbus and sits with a disadvantage the Buckeyes will have the majority of an 101,000 seat stadium hollerin for the Scarlet and Gray. If Michigan could go into that stadium and pull out a victory no matter what the circumstances are why should the Buckeyes deserve a rematch in the National Title game. That would completely diminish the importance of this game, and right now as it sits this is the closest thing the NCAA will ever get to a playoff in the near future. This is the NCAA semifinal game. To give the loser a rematch would be lame and if that loser is the Buckeyes and they get a rematch I will be completely annoyed.
With a Loss on November 18th
Ohio St. vs. Notre Dame
While I think this is the least likely of the three scenarios it would end up being the most egregious. While Notre Dame currently is getting little respect from the polls and the BCS, if perchance they face a one loss USC, which would have had USC knock of both Cal and Oregon, and go into LA and slaughter them and somehow jump ahead of Michigan in the standings I would be furious. While Notre Dame would still need a bunch of teams to lose (Florida, Louisville, Texas, etc.) in order to position them in the #2 spot if they ever were ahead of Michigan in the final regular season BCS standings it would be deplorable.
Ohio St. vs. Texas
If Michigan goes into Ohio St. and plays a better game in the horseshoe than did Texas in Austin, which won't be difficult given the Longhorns were defeated comfortably, there is no way the Longhorns should be placed ahead of Michigan in the standings. Simply look at their schedules and you'll see that the Longhorns have yet to beat an excellent team where in contrast the Wolverines have knocked off two teams that currently sit with one loss in Notre Dame and Wisconsin, and if you want to argue that both of those teams are overrated I can certainly counter argue that Nebraska, Oklahoma and every other team in the Big 12 isn't very good. While Texas most likely would be ranked ahead of Michigan if the Wolverines were to lose in Columbus they still would need a losses by both Louisville and Florida to jump into that two spot.
With a Win on November 18th
Ohio St. vs. Michigan rematch
I wouldn't be a proponent for a rematch even if Michigan were to lose a close game, sure I would want it but I wouldn't be upset if they didn't get it even if it was a close game. November 18th is both teams chance to get into the title game and if they lose I think they should be out and headed to the Rose Bowl(Not a terrible consolation prize). However, where as Michigan is heading into Columbus and sits with a disadvantage the Buckeyes will have the majority of an 101,000 seat stadium hollerin for the Scarlet and Gray. If Michigan could go into that stadium and pull out a victory no matter what the circumstances are why should the Buckeyes deserve a rematch in the National Title game. That would completely diminish the importance of this game, and right now as it sits this is the closest thing the NCAA will ever get to a playoff in the near future. This is the NCAA semifinal game. To give the loser a rematch would be lame and if that loser is the Buckeyes and they get a rematch I will be completely annoyed.
Comments