Sunday, December 7, 2008

BCS National Championship

I wrote last week how it was possible for Texas to get in the championship instead of Florida. Well with Florida ahead of Texas by 73 votes in the Coaches Poll, and if these updated computer polls are correct(http://www.tellshowbcs.com/CP.html), Florida needs ahead by Texas by 92 votes or more in the Harris Poll. Check out this site for the computer rankings. I will update once the Harris Poll comes out.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Red River Rematch

I read a blog from a former SN poster today which makes a lot of sense. Here is the link for you to read your self www.brokenfacemask.com. He talks about the possibility of a Texas-OU rematch for the national title. I kind of figured it could happen, but after reading his post and crunching some numbers it is really not that far fetched. Two things must happen in order for it to work. OU has to beat Missouri and Florida beat Alabama. I will give you the numbers and some notes of how things will shake out. First of all here are my projected computer rankings for Texas and Florida as long as OU and Florida wins.



Florida Rank

Massey 4
Sagarin 4
Billingsly 2
Hester 5
Wolfe 5
Colley 3

Total Average 4
BCS Points .88

Texas Rank
Massey 3
Sagarin 2
Billingsly 3
Hester 3
Wolfe 2
Colley 2

Total Average 2.5
BCS Points .94

These projections are based on where they are currently. Also taken into consideration is where OU could move up and could Alabama fall.

If this was the case Florida would need to make up 0.06 from the 2 human polls to offset this.

In the Harris Poll Florida has a 44 point lead on Texas. Now keep in mind Florida is #2 in the Harris Poll so they can not move very far. In addition OU could jump them and Alabama would surely fall behind Texas as well. With that in mind Texas will gain votes as well. For arguments sake lets say the separation is now 75 votes between Texas and Florida. If that is the case then Florida needs to be ahead of Texas in the Coaches poll by 52 votes.

Here is the math.

75 votes / 2850(total possible points in Harris)= 0.0263
0.06(Computers) - 0.0263= 0.0337
0.0337x 1525(total possible points in Coaches)= 51.39

Right now Texas is 11 votes ahead of Florida in the Coaches Poll. Again Florida can only move up so much as OU could and should move up to number 1, while Texas will move up as well because Alabama will surely fall to at least #4. The key will be what is the difference between Texas and Florida. I realize 75 votes in the Harris Poll and Coaches Poll do not sound like much, really look at the two polls and you will see that there is not much movement available. Florida, OU, and Texas will all move up and gain votes, the key is how many more do each of the teams gain. It will be in the voters hands because there will be quite a difference Florida will need to make up in order to offset the computers.

Big 12 Tie Breaker

I realize and understand there is a ton of arguments that can go either way in this three way battle. Just keep in mind what you can argue for one you can also argue for one of the other two.

A lot has been talked about head to head in the this huge debate between OU and Texas. Remember there is a third team involved and that is Texas Tech. Many fans, coaches, and media eliminate Tech because of their huge loss to OU. So therefore, since they are so called eliminated then people want to talk head to head. If OU doesn’t dominate Tech, are they still in the equation? Sure they are but they should still be in the discussion right now. So OU is being punished for dominating Tech. Fans, media and coaches appear to be forgetting that Tech beat Texas and to be honest with you Tech dominated that game for 3 quarters, not that they won in the last second like everyone wants to remember. Texas had the lead in that game for 1:28. Sounds a bit different than “losing in the last second.”

The BCS was the last tie breaker for the decision on who got to go to the Big 12 Championship. It’s a bit funny how a ton of fans and media dislike the BCS for determining this result. The same people prefer the ACC and SEC methods instead. I guess they prefer this method because it is a different outcome but the big contradiction is they use the BCS to determine this as well.

Look at the coaches poll the last 2 weeks. Keep in mind no one in the top 10 lost this week. OU loses 15 votes for beating #12 Oklahoma St 61-41 on the road. Florida lost 16 votes for beating #20 Florida St on the road. Now look at the gains. Alabama understandably gained 3 points for shutting out Auburn. Texas gained 26 votes for beating a 4-7 Texas A&M at home 49-9. USC gained 10 votes for dominating Notre Dame(I can see 10 votes as good as they looked). PSU gained 19 points for playing no one? Utah stayed the same as they should for not playing. Texas Tech gained a whopping 43 points for beating Baylor by 7 at home and they had to come from behind to do so. Granted Crabtree did not play the whole game and Harrell was shook up but to gain that many votes? Boise State gained 11 votes for finishing their season undefeated and Ohio State gained 5 votes for playing no one. I realize any coach can change their minds week in and week out but this is absurd. I realize there has been a ton of politicking by some coaches but the movement for the teams that did not play or barely beat an under 500 team at home is crazy. You can tell some coaches had some agenda. This is a perfect example why all polls should be public knowledge week in and week out.

Brent Musburger mentioned during the OU-Oklahoma St game that rather than use the BCS the Big 12 should use point differential amongst all the common teams they played in conference. While I agree, he changed his tune on ESPN the next day and wanted to use point differential to get it down to 2 teams and then head to head. This was just another way to eliminate OU. Here is an issue with this new theory. OU would be punished for dominating Texas Tech. Here’s why. Here is the point differential against the Big12 South and Kansas being all three played Kansas.

OU 138
Texas 100
Tech 65

Lets say OU only beat Tech by 9 instead of 44. Then it would look like this.

OU 103
Texas 100
Tech 100.

OU still wins the differential but now Texas and Tech are tied. So again OU is would be punished in this scenario for dominating Tech. In addition, how many teams would be comfortable with only having a 9 point lead with Tech. This would also make it to where teams are not just playing football and trying to manage the number of points scored.

Couple of things that worked in OU’s favor in all this. Although unfortunate here me out and you can see why. The weekend OU lost to Texas, number #2 Missouri and #3 LSU lost as well. This vaulted Texas past #4 Alabama and only dropped OU to #6 being the others lost behind them as well. Unfortunately when Texas lost no one else behind them lost and they fell to #7. That same week OU moved to #4. As the weeks went by both Texas and OU kept moving up and OU’s destroying Tech vaulted them up higher. Now the next week we saw the agenda work and put Texas within 1 point of OU. As you can see, although not always fair, sometimes when you lose makes a difference. It just so happens that those 2 other teams lost the same week as OU and Texas did not have that luck.

Bottom line in all this is that there are 3 teams that are very deserving of going to the Big 12 Championship, unfortunately only 1 can go. All have valid arguments and each argument can go in a circle. While I can look at all sides it is very hard to come up with a solid argument for anyone of the 3.
The bigger injustice is that there is three teams that should be going to a BCS game for the second year in a row yet only two can go. The one main thing that I think needs to be changed is to make all the votes public all year long so anyone and everyone can see any hidden agendas and trying to manipulate the BCS.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Big 12 South and the BCS

There has been a lot of disputing over the Big 12 South and BCS games over the last couple of weeks, and if OU and Texas Tech win there games on Saturday there will likely be even more.

First of all, with the three teams involved there are arguments for each team on why they should be where they are ranked and who should go to Kansas City to play the Big 12 Championship and also possibly the National Championship. We all know Texas beat OU on a neutral field, Tech beat Texas at Lubbock, and OU crushed Tech in Norman. All three will be tied at 7-1 in the conference. The majority of Texas fans will argue that they should get the nod because of beating OU head to head on a neutral field. Why is it they do not figure Tech into the equation? OU fans say they slaughtered the team that beat Texas and they are playing the best football right now. I have yet to hear any comments on why Tech should get in the game. I know, I know, they got crushed by OU so they are out of the argument. Some will say being they are out of the argument then you have to talk head to head. You cannot rationalize this theory because of three teams being tied with identical records and they all beat each other. If a fan says Tech is out of the equation because of there huge loss to OU, Texas may have won the head to head with OU, but the team that Texas lost to was beaten soundly by OU. Sounds like to me the huge win OU had over Tech actually hurt OU because fans and pollsters eliminate Tech from the equation?

Now a few points to remember about the three games. The Texas-OU game was a very good and closer game than most will admit being the score was 45-35. The Texas- Tech game was pretty much one sided up until the last quarter, although most only remember Tech winning the game with one second left. Remember that Texas only had the lead for a little more than a minute in that game. The OU-Tech game was a total domination by the Sooners from beginning until the end.

Couple of other points to consider. If Texas would have lost to A&M yesterday, do you rank OU ahead of Tech being OU beat Tech? Yes because of the head to head. If Tech was to lose to Baylor on Saturday, do you rank Texas ahead of OU? Yes because of the head to head. If OU was to lose to Oklahoma State on Saturday, do you rank Tech ahead of Texas. Yes because of the head to head, yet that will more than likely not be the case because of where they are ranked right now. Tech might get close if they were to beat Missouri in the Big 12 Championship game. The opponents they have faced will be the same. But will voters remember they beat Texas?

So as you can see what you can argue for one you can argue for another. I have yet to hear an argument for any of the teams that solidifies who should be ranked where. Head to head cannot be a part of the equation when there are three teams involved. My last question is if Tech is out of the equation because of there lopsided loss to OU, would this not make OU a frontrunner instead of trying to spin it to head to head with Texas? Lets see what shakes out with the OU-OSU and Tech- Baylor games and then we can make an argument. Also if Florida and/or Alabama were to lose this weekend and/or the loser beat the winner in the SEC Championship, who knows you may see a rematch from that game in Dallas to be in Miami.

Monday, November 17, 2008

BCS Poll and Computer Rankings

In an interesting twist with the computer rankings of Utah. Now I am not saying they do not deserve where they are ranked in the computers but where they are at could have national title implications. Texas currently has a 2.75 average computer ranking, Utah is at 4.75 and OU is at 5.50. Why do I mention this? If OU, Texas, and Texas Tech end up being tied in the Big 12 south, Utah being in between Texas and OU could be a deciding factor in who goes to the Big 12 Championship then on to the National Championship if they win out. Would OU wins over Texas Tech and Okie State be enough to move them past Utah and Texas? Not sure but that Utah- BYU game could have national championship implications as well if OU and Texas win out.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Big 12 Tie Breaker

There has been a lot of comments and articles about the Big 12 south with the possibility of OU, Texas and Texas Tech finishing tied. I have talked about this scenario since OU lost to Texas on October 11. There also has been a lot of talk of where they are ranked and why. Here is my 2 cents worth and another scenario that could come into play if everything shakes out.


As a OU fan I agree Texas should be ahead of OU right now. Couple things can be said about why they are ranked the way they are. 1. The same week OU lost, #3 LSU and #2 Missouri lost as well. Now when Texas lost no other top 10 lost. So not only losing early helps but if others lose around you at the time you do not fall as far. 2. Keep in mind OU was 63 points ahead of Texas in the coaches poll and 44 ahead in the Harris poll in the polls that followed the Texas loss. The newest poll one week after the aforementioned weeks poll OU is only ahead of Texas by 14 points in the coaches poll and now 44 behind Texas in the Harris poll. The only game in between the 2 polls is OU beating Texas A&M and Texas beating Baylor. Looks like to me more voters realized the head to head match up, not because they both beat cupcakes. If Texas beats Kansas then they will be in front of the Sooners. But if OU beats Tech and Okie State they may move back in front of the Longhorns being they are so closely matched in the polls.

Still a lot of football left. Texas has to beat Kansas and Texas A&M, OU has to beat Texas Tech and Okie State, and Texas Tech will have to beat Baylor for this all to matter anyways. I have been talking about this scenario ever since Texas beat OU, and it seems to be coming to fruition, but there is those 5 games that still seem to matter.

Here is one more scenario I have been thinking about as well. Say Texas makes the Big 12 Championship because of winning the tie breaker because the three teams tie. Now Alabama will be #1, Texas or Florida will be #2 and #3 or OU could be at #3 but could be #4. We know the winner of the SEC championship will be going to the National Championship. But what if Texas loses in the Big 12 championship, OU moves in. Now the same can be said if OU went to the Big 12 championship and lost Texas would move in. I am sure I am going to hear the argument about winning your conference, but who can you put in the game. It could be said as well about USC moving in to the game, but if Oregon Sate wins out USC won't win their conference either. I don't see anybody else moving into the game in this scenario. So all this arguing about where they are ranked and the Big 12 championship may not matter if they don't win their games. The bottom line is they all need to win and then let the rankings work themselves out, and if needed we can argue about it then.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Weekly Predictions

I have had this weekend marked on the calendar for quite some time. Anybody that is a fan of any sport, looks forward to the annual game against a rival. There is OSU-UM, USC-UCLA, UF-UGA, Duke-UNC, the list goes on and on. But the biggest of all is Oklahoma and Texas. This annual game is always the 2nd Saturday in October and always really close to my birthday. This game always has at least BCS implications if not National Title implications. But even if neither a BCS game or title game happens, a season by either of these two teams can be won or lost in this game. I read another blog about the game the other day about how the writer stated before he dies he is going to a OU-UT game. I am right there with him as it would be great to be part of the atmosphere and everything that goes into this rivalry. There is nothing like seeing the divided stands at the 50 yard line, on one side they are wearing crimsom and the other side burnt orange. Okay I have rambled enough about the OU-UT game, because this may be the main event but there is some other gotta see games this weekend. PSU-Wisconsin, UF-LSU, but if you like offense the game to watch maybe the Missouri-Oklahoma State game. I would not be surprised to see a total of 100 points in that game. Anyway get your drinks, chips and food ready for the best day in college football so far this year. Here are my picks this week, I did pretty good this week even getting pretty close on some of the scores. I was off on my upset alert, so I will try to show love to those Nittany Lions this week!!

Picks
Tennessee@ #10 Georgia
Georgia looks to rebound after the disappointing loss to Alabama a couple of weeks ago. Georgia gives Tennessee a constant diet of Moreno and wins 28-17.

New Mexico @ #9 BYU
BYU dominates this game from the opening minutes. BYU will win by at least 4 TDs. I am thinking 48-10.

Arizona St @ #8 USC
The media has talked all week if Sanchez will play. Carpenter is out for ASU. I think Sanchez plays but he will only be needed for the first half as USC wins 42-6.

Nebraska @ #7 Texas Tech
Gotta feel bad for those Husker fans, first they lose to Virginia Tech, then get pummeled by Missouri and now have to face Harrell And Texas Tech. Don't worry Husker fans Bo will get that program back on track, it just won't be today or this year. Texas Tech wins 48-24.

#6 Penn State @ Wisconsin
You know when you pick upsets you look at games like this. Wisconsin has dominated PSU when they play at Camp Randall and they are due for a win after the two close calls the past weeks. I can't do it this week PSU wins 28-20.

#4LSU @ #11 Florida
You want to see some smash mouth football, this is the game for ya. LSU made a mistake and started to talk some trash. I think this wakes up the Florida offense and Florida wins 28-17.

#17 Oklahoma State @ #3 Missouri
This is my upset of the week. Difficult to pick this being they are playing at Missouri, but I think OSU outscores Missouri 55-48 in a shootout. It is going to come down to who can get a stop or who has the ball last.

#5 Texas @ #1 Oklahoma
Oklahoma has won the last 3 matchups when the two teams are both ranked in the top 5. Oklahoma continues the trend and wins 42-28. Muschamp will have the longhorns ready but OU just has too many options and better defense. It will be interesting to see how each team reacts if the game stays close being they have dominated there earlier games this year.

Enjoy the great day of games. By the way you may want to check the batteries in your remote, because if you are like me you will be giving that remote a workout by the end of the day. Enjoy!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

College football picks and superstitions

Weekly Predictions 10-03-08

The last time and only time I have done a weekly prediction for college football was this same weekend last year. I posted the predictions on SN for the top 10 ranked teams. Needless to say I did not do very well, I missed 7 of the 10. To go back in time on this very memorable weekend, there was 6 teams in the top ten that lost that weekend. Oklahoma lost at Colorado, Florida lost at home to Auburn, S. Florida beat West Virginia, Kansas St upset Texas, and Rutgers was upset by Maryland.

I bring this up as most athletes young and old are very superstitious. I think about these little things when it comes to Oklahoma football. My hope was being if I quit posting weekly projections, OU would win the rest of there games. Well that did not happen so that brings me to today. Sounds dumb I know, but deep down all of you have your habits when you watch your favorite teams. Some have favorite shirts, maybe a hat. Maybe you have to sit in a particular chair or side of the couch. Maybe only certain foods or drinks. Maybe it is a favorite bar or a particular persons house. We all have these tendencies, but the question is how many of you try something different just to see if your luck changes. When I watch OU play especially a big game(I do this as well when the St Louis Cardinals play), I do all kind of crazy little things to try to help change the momentum or luck. Sometimes if I am sitting watch the game, I will change course and lay down or vice versa. I have changed shirts or hats in the middle of a ball game. I have went to a different room in the house to try to help. I have quit watching a game in hopes of my team playing better, but it never lasts very long because you have to check and see if it did anything by you changing the channel. I have got a different type of drink. I have even changed which feet were crossed over the other in hopes of helping my team. I do realize my superstitious beliefs and trying to motivate my team by changing positions is really not going to work, but I do it anyway for my team. How many of you do the same? Any other further obsessed tendencies?

Here’s the pick for this week

1 OU at Baylor- OU wins 48-26. Baylor hangs but cannot slow down the OU offense.

Kentucky at 2 Alabama- Alabama wins going away 33-21, but Kentucky keeps it close for awhile.

4 Missouri- Nebraska- Nebraska cannot keep up and Missouri gets first win in Lincoln in 30 years. 42-20

5 Texas- Colorado- Texas avoids trap game and heads to Dallas to play top 5 game against OU. 35-24

6 Penn State- Purdue- I think PSU wins 28-24 but this could be upset alert.

7 Texas Tech- Kansas St- Texas Tech wins this in blowout fashion 55-18

23 Oregon- 9 USC- I feel bad for Oregon. Back up QB and USC looking to make a statement. USC 48-17



Hopefully these picks do not jinx me. If they don’t I will be back next week to make these weekly projections. Either way next week I will have a preview of the Red River Shootout, hopefully with at least OU undefeated but for some odd reason I want UT to be undefeated as well.

Enjoy your games and your teams this weekend and if you need to turn your hat around maybe it will bring some good luck.