Barring any sort of computer breakdown, Oklahoma and Florida will meet in the national championship game.Everyone and their mother will pick Florida over Oklahoma and with good reason. Their win was more impressive.
The Legend Grows: With Alabama taking a four point lead over Florida and controlling most of the clock in the 3Rd quarter. You would think Florida would counter that with quick touchdowns wouldn't you. Wrong. Florida controlled the clock and ate up 5 minutes and scored the game winning touchdown. They added another score to put the game out of Alabama's reach. The Crimson Tide have nothing to hang their heads on. They improved vastly this year and only have room to improve. And with Nick Saban as their coach and lead recruiter, I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the SEC championship game next year.
Will They Get Exposed: Whitlock had a great column today talking about how Missouri's spread offense got exposed by defenses that can get pressure and make open field tackles. He also talked about how Oklahoma could get exposed by Florida. Sam Bradford and the rest of the Big 12 quarterbacks have had great years because of the week defenses in the conference. But if they face a tough defense that can get pressure Bradford might get exposed. He doesn't have the arm strength or accuracy to deal with the pressure. This should be an intriguing matchup.
Their Is Only Room For Improvement: While UCLA lost again to USC, their is only room to improve for this team. A young offensive line and injuries hurt this team this season. If Rick Neuheisel and Norm Chow can find a great quarterback look out, the monopoly in LA could end. While the Rose Bowl will get a great matchup between USC and Penn St.
If They Provide It, Then Don't Come: Virginia Tech and Boston College played in the ACC championship yesterday in an half-full Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The ACC championship has been an utter disappointment since its foundation. It doesn't help though that neither Florida St. or Miami haven't played in it. But Florida is just not ACC territory. North Carolina is ACC territory, and hopefully for the ACC when their championship moves to Charlotte in 2010, the stadium will be full.
East Carolina Is Still Relevant: After beating West Virginia and Viriginia Tech in the opening weeks, East Carolina looked like a team heading for a BCS berth. But after a loss to N.C. State the bottom fell out. They eventually recovered and won the Conference USA east division tittle. Yesterday they forced Tulsa into seven turnovers and won the Conference outright.
Player of the Week: While Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford both had great games, Cal running back Jahvid Best had the best day. He ran for 317 yards on 17 caries and four touchdowns, beating a horrible Washington team. While I know the SEC likes to proclaim that they have the fastest players in college, Jahvid Best might be the fastest player in college football.
Going Out In Style: Last week Phil Fulmer lead Tennessee to a win in his last game. So this week it was up to Tyrone Willingham. And good ole Ty definitely went out in style. He watched his team lose 48-7 and give up 300 yards to Best. He won't be missed in Washington.
Heisman Watch:
1. Tim Tebow, Florida
2. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
3. Colt McCoy, Texas
4. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
5. Javon Ringer, Michigan St.
Bow Projections:
National Championship Game: Florida vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn St.
Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Texas
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio St. vs. Utah
The bowl picks come out today and we will report on it then.
