Even before their big #1 vs. #2 showdown on Saturday night, there was already chatter about if the game were close, if the two teams should meet again in the National Championship Game. Of course, it's way too early to make such predictions. Either or both of the teams could lose from here on out. Unfortunately, the game was very tightly knit throughout with LSU eventually winning 9-6 in overtime. Yes, it was the game of the century indeed. Not...
Now, if LSU had won by 3 points at home and the two teams went the rest of the way not losing a game, I could understand a possible rematch between the two clubs, so long as there wasn't another unbeaten outside of LSU. HOWEVER, the game was played in Tuscaloosa, where LSU was a 4-point underdog. Since LSU beat Alabama on their home turf, what really is the point of the two teams playing again, this time on a neutral field? This would do a disservice to the Tigers. What if Alabama won the game on a neutral field? The two teams would have split the season series, with the Crimson Tide winning at a neutral site and LSU winning in Tuscaloosa. What, should they then play the rubber match in Baton Rouge? A plus 1 after the title game, this time at LSU? Let's not do this...
Sadly, Alabama fell to #3 in the BcS Poll. There are still unbeatens outside of Baton Rouge - Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State and Houston. Oklahoma is a 1-loss team as are Clemson and Virginia Tech, among others. Alabama had their shot and at home. Let's give another team a chance to dethrone LSU from the top spot, if they go on to finish the regular season undefeated. Oklahoma State still has to deal with Oklahoma. Stanford plays Oregon this next weekend. Boise State plays TCU next Saturday.
Do I think any of the before-mentioned teams are better than Alabama? Not necessarily. Oklahoma State has a dreadful defense. Boise State and Houston aren't as tested, in playing in the WAC and Conference-USA. Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech, a team they should have handled fairly easily. Clemson fell to Georgia Tech (#20). Virginia Tech was defeated by Clemson. I think of all the teams I listed, if they should finished unbeaten, that Stanford would be the best matchup for LSU. They're solid in both phases of their offense. Quarterback Andrew Luck may be the face of the team, but they've been solid on the ground this year. Their defense is better than most people realize as well. Are they better than Alabama? That's highly debatable. I think they have the better all-around offense, but their defense isn't quite as stout. However, if Alabama finishes with that one loss to LSU and Stanford finishes unbeaten, I think the Cardinal should get an opportunity to beat LSU in the title game. 'Bama had their shot and lost. Unless all the before-mentioned teams lose again this season, I don't think they should be given that second opportunity. Considering that most college football commentators referred to this past weekend's game between the Tigers and Tide as "The Game of the Century," if they were to play again in the title game, that "Game of the Century" would have meant absolutely nothing.
Now, if LSU had won by 3 points at home and the two teams went the rest of the way not losing a game, I could understand a possible rematch between the two clubs, so long as there wasn't another unbeaten outside of LSU. HOWEVER, the game was played in Tuscaloosa, where LSU was a 4-point underdog. Since LSU beat Alabama on their home turf, what really is the point of the two teams playing again, this time on a neutral field? This would do a disservice to the Tigers. What if Alabama won the game on a neutral field? The two teams would have split the season series, with the Crimson Tide winning at a neutral site and LSU winning in Tuscaloosa. What, should they then play the rubber match in Baton Rouge? A plus 1 after the title game, this time at LSU? Let's not do this...
Sadly, Alabama fell to #3 in the BcS Poll. There are still unbeatens outside of Baton Rouge - Oklahoma State, Stanford, Boise State and Houston. Oklahoma is a 1-loss team as are Clemson and Virginia Tech, among others. Alabama had their shot and at home. Let's give another team a chance to dethrone LSU from the top spot, if they go on to finish the regular season undefeated. Oklahoma State still has to deal with Oklahoma. Stanford plays Oregon this next weekend. Boise State plays TCU next Saturday.
Do I think any of the before-mentioned teams are better than Alabama? Not necessarily. Oklahoma State has a dreadful defense. Boise State and Houston aren't as tested, in playing in the WAC and Conference-USA. Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech, a team they should have handled fairly easily. Clemson fell to Georgia Tech (#20). Virginia Tech was defeated by Clemson. I think of all the teams I listed, if they should finished unbeaten, that Stanford would be the best matchup for LSU. They're solid in both phases of their offense. Quarterback Andrew Luck may be the face of the team, but they've been solid on the ground this year. Their defense is better than most people realize as well. Are they better than Alabama? That's highly debatable. I think they have the better all-around offense, but their defense isn't quite as stout. However, if Alabama finishes with that one loss to LSU and Stanford finishes unbeaten, I think the Cardinal should get an opportunity to beat LSU in the title game. 'Bama had their shot and lost. Unless all the before-mentioned teams lose again this season, I don't think they should be given that second opportunity. Considering that most college football commentators referred to this past weekend's game between the Tigers and Tide as "The Game of the Century," if they were to play again in the title game, that "Game of the Century" would have meant absolutely nothing.
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