LUCAS OIL STADIUM- INDIANAPLOIS- The BCS/playoff committee is putting an emphasis on style points when it comes to selecting the 4 teams that will play in the playoff system. Ohio State blasted the Heisman Trophy candidate Melvin Gordon and the # 14 Wisconsin Badgers 59-0. Wisconsin also came into last night’s Big Ten Championship with a top 5 defense.
The Buckeyes have three quality wins against Michigan State, Minnesota and now Wisconsin. Cardale Jones, the third string quarterback, proved that the Buckeyes apparently have the best quarterback depth in college football.
How does a third string quarterback annihilate a top 4 defense? Wisconsin ranked #4 in pass defense only giving up 150.8 passing yards per game. The Badgers ranked # 17 in rush defense giving up 118.9 passing yards per game. How can the committee ignore this 59 point shutout victory over such a high quality opponent? Why not let Urban Meyer take on Nick Saban? Fans would love to see that chess match.
Ohio State’s loss to Virginia Tech may still hurt them but the committee can get away with overlooking it. The offensive line and rush defense vastly improved since the loss to Virginia Tech.
Will TCU be rebuked by the committee?
Many fans and reporters may disagree with this but Texas Christian University (TCU) is likely to get snubbed. Their conference doesn’t have a Championship game. In addition to that, any team can defeat the two win Iowa State Cyclones. That is all too easy. Their only loss is to Baylor.
Baylor defeated Kansas State. The playoff committee probably came together to watch these games for the first time all year. With that being the case, they saw TCU blast an inferior opponent while Ohio State blasted a superior opponent. Don’t let the rankings get to your head, Ohio State was the underdog and pitched a shutout. TCU has three quality wins against Minnesota (8-4), Oklahoma (8-4), and West Virginia (7-5). However, the Buckeyes wins against Michigan State (10-2), Minnesota (8-4), and Wisconsin (10-3) will likely leave stronger impression on the committee. Being a co-champion doesn’t have the same impact on the committee as being outright conference champions. Alabama, Florida State and Ohio State are outright conference champions therefore these teams should automatically being in.
Why does Florida State stay in?
It is not an easy thing to rob the defending national champions and undefeated Florida State Seminoles. Everyone can make a case for snubbing them for too many close calls but it is a futile attempt. Florida State will likely jump to # 3.
Playoff selection show
The selections will be made at 12:30 p.m. today.
Top 4 teams to be in the playoff system
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
2. Oregon Ducks
3. Florida State Seminoles
4. Ohio State Buckeyes