Dueling BCS Busters
Gear up for a cold day in hell and wear a helmet because pigs are going to fly, and stock up on some nice, fluffy toilet paper for the monkeys crawling out of people’s butts. There may very well be two mid-majors in BCS football games this bowl season. Keep your eyes peeled for the four horsemen riding the skies come selection day. TCU and Boise State have been pounding their way through a mostly weak schedule, but they’ve been pounding with authority and they are thus far unscathed. Both are ranked in the Top 10 of the latest BCS Rankings
Assuming TCU and Boise State win out, the two mid-majors will be eligible for an Automatic Qualification under the BCS Selection Procedures. Mid-majors simply must be ranked in the Top 12 of the final BCS standings where both are currently situated. However, under the same procedures only ONE, that being the highest ranked mid-major, is able to gain the coveted Automatic Qualification leaving the other to the mercy of the money hoarders for an at-large selection.
There is the remote chance that the BCS rankings will naturally purge its flaws and deficiencies with either a TCU or Boise State loss. This scenario has played out masterfully in the past to the BCS’s favor saving face as opposed to exposing everything wrong with the system. However, the Horned Frogs close with New Mexico (1-10), a sure slaughter house that would impress the biggest Texas butcher. Boise State has to maneuver through a dangerous Nevada team followed by New Mexico State. The biggest advantage in college football plays to the Broncos favor as they get to host both opponents on the daunted ‘Smurf Turf’.
TCU and Boise State will still be fighting an uphill battle against a well dug-in enemy, that being the BCS conferences. No one is claiming to be Nostradamus here, but it appears Texas and the winner of the SEC Championship will play for all the marbles. The Sugar Bowl will surely set its sights on the SEC #2. This means other than the conference champions from the remaining five conferences, the two final at-large bids would have to come from the #2s of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Big East, or PAC 10. Those conferences must present a team with at least nine wins and ranked in the top 14 of the BCS. Only the Big 12, Big Ten and Big East currently provide a product to fit those specifications.
The list of crass candidates currently includes Oklahoma State, Iowa, Penn State, and Cincinnati (Assumed conference champions: Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Pitt, Oregon). While that list is subject to grow in quantity, the allure of the teams will remain as vile as road-kill. This is exactly what BCS fat cats deserve for spitting upon the notion of a playoff.
As usual, money will rule the day and Penn State will get an at-large bid based on their gigantic fan base with the upper echelon ability to travel and spend lavishly. Not only that, but the repercussions of a outcry in Iowa will only throw fuel on the raging BCS media-buzz fire. So, now the last two spots fall to the choice of two undefeated mid-majors, a one loss Cincinnati, or a three loss BCS conference team.
While the scenario and personnel in place is not out of the equation, only a fool would pass on an undefeated team for the at-large. There exists the prospect of an SEC vs MWC rematch. The strength and power of Big Ten football meets the spread out speed of a mid-major. Given the Big Ten’s recent track record in BCS bowls, this match-up seems fitting. Embrace the possibility of two mid-majors in BCS if not for the match-up, for the simple reason that no other teams seemed willing to put forth a BCS caliber effort.
Musket Bowl Predictions:
Title Game: Texas vs Alabama
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs TCU
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs Pitt
Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs Boise State
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs Oregon
Florida/TCU would be a good game, but for purely sadistic reasons, I’d like to see the Gators play Boise. If Nevada is a dangerous team and New Mexico State must be negotiated, then the Superdome would be ankle deep in Smurf blood when the Broncos met their first real team in 13 games..
Penn State/Boise seems about even or maybe Boise should be favored.
I do think Boise and anybody else who is tired of the welfare check that they get from the BCS now should join DIAA. Their schedule would be tougher, but they would get a playoff. In DIA, I don’t see how any right minded person could include them in any possible legitimate playoff scenario.
Nevada is dangerous like a copperhead is dangerous. They’re still venomous even though they rarely kill ya’. Their QB is going to throw for 2000 yards and run for another 1000 this year. They will finish with two 1000 yard rushers.
I think the bigger disappointment is the lack of quality teams for the BCS to choose from. Penn State? Nebraska? Miami? 15 years ago these would be fantastic choices, today they stink.
I agree. Penn state may get in, but I don’t think the others are even considered. Of course, Nebraska could beat Texas in the B 12 CG. That would gum it all up.
I just don’t know who wants to watch Boise, in the stands or TV. This is entertainment and they are supposed to try to please the audience.
Nevada has guys that have put up big numbers. They very well might be dangerous to Boise.
I disagree. I think Boise is more entertaining than 90-95% of teams this season. They use every inch of the field to spread the ball to nearly their entire roster. Their defense is playing some good ball. From QB to defensive lineman, they may be the most complete (NOT talented) team this season.