Status Quo for BCS

HOLLYWOOD, Florida (Ticker) - Despite cries by the many for change, the few in charge of the Bowl Championship Series continue to see nothing wrong. After three days of meetings, BCS officials rejected a plan that called for a four-team playoff to determine the national championship.

The proposed playoff would have started in the 2010 season. The new format would have featured the top four teams in the final BCS standings playing in a tournament to determine the national champion. The top seed would have played No. 4 with No. 2 meeting No. 3.

Instead, the current format will stand until at least after the 2014 season. "After a very thorough, very good discussion among the group, we have decided that because we feel at this time the BCS is in an unprecedented state of health, we feel it's never been healthier during its first decade," Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford said. "We have made a decision to move forward in the next cycle with the current format."

The BCS began in 1998 to create an annual national title game involving the top two teams in the country after the regular season. It has created championship games that would have been impossible under the old bowl system, but there has been no shortage of controversy. Among some of the gaffes of the BCS system was an undefeated Auburn team being passed over at the end of the 2004 season. Two years earlier, Nebraska was crushed in its final regular-season game but still wound up playing for the national title.

Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive presented his plus-one plan on Wednesday but it never gained much support from many other BCS officials. "I'm not unhappy," Slive said. "There's no such thing as standing pat. I think we've done a service. I can't say I'm surprised."

BCS: The Inside Story to the Championship

By Jim Ralabate
SportsTicker College Football Editor

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The inside story of Louisiana State's 38-24 victory over Ohio State in the BCS Championship Game.

HEROES:
LSU quarterback Matt Flynn and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton. Aside from his four touchdown passes, Flynn calmly guided the Tigers' offense through some early jitters. The fifth-year senior never lost his composure, a crucial element to LSU's second-quarter comeback. Somewhat prone to making costly mistakes in the regular season, Flynn executed a brilliant gameplan devised by Crowton, who found various ways to use the Tigers' multiple weapons. Flynn completed passes to eight different receivers, including tight end Richard Dickson - a pregame afterthought who caught two TDs. Crowton also was creative with the running game, as eight different Tigers carried the ball in the contest. With so many options at its disposal, LSU was able to continue moving the chains, converting nine of its first 11 third downs.

GOAT:
Ohio State special teams player Austin Spitler. It's tough to pin this label on any one player, as Ohio State essentially was overmatched in all facets of the game. But Spitler made a terrible mistake at the worst time for the Buckeyes, committing a roughing the kicker penalty against Tigers punter Patrick Fisher on 4th-and-23. Trailing by a 24-10 score at the time, Ohio State had successfully stopped LSU's opening drive of the second half and was geared up to gain possession. However, Spitler's 15-yard personal foul swung momentum back in favor of LSU, which scored four plays later to take a commanding 31-10 advantage.

UNSUNG HEROES:
LSU's offensive line. Despite never springing a big offensive play, the Tigers completely gashed Ohio State, which entered with the No. 1 ranked defense in the country. The Tigers' front five deserve a lot of the credit for LSU's offensive success, as Ciron Black, Herman Johnson, Brett Helms, Lyle Hitt and Carnell Stewart did a terrific job protecting Flynn and paving the way for 152 yards on the ground - twice the average total Ohio State allowed this year.

TURNING POINT:
Ricky Jean-Francois' blocked field goal in the second quarter. With the score tied at 10-10, Ohio State appeared primed to reclaim the lead as Ryan Pretorius lined up for a 38-yard field goal early in the second quarter. But the kick was blocked by Jean-Francois and recovered by Darry Beckwith at the LSU 34-yard line, completely swinging momentum in favor of the Tigers. LSU then marched on a 10-play drive and took the lead for good on Flynn's 10-yarder to LaFell.

BIGGEST SURPRISE:
LSU committed just four penalties. The Tigers entered with the second-highest penalty total in the Football Bowl Subdivision, averaging just under 8.7 penalties per game. But LSU was penalized four times for just 36 yards, an endorsement of coach Les Miles' ability to keep the Tigers' energy level under control.

DEFENSIVE STARS:
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis was outstanding in the losing effort, recording a BCS-record 18 tackles. Buckeyes linebacker Marcus Freeman also was all over the field and finished with 14 tackles. Linebacker Ali Highsmith led the way for the Tigers, recording eight tackles - including 1 1/2 sacks - and a forced fumble.

Tigers & Buckeyes Tangle for BCS Title

No. 2 LSU (11-2) vs. No. 1 Ohio St (11-1), 5:00 pm, FOX
Allstate BCS Championship, Superdome, New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) - One year after being a solid candidate to compete for the national championship, Ohio State has quite a bit to prove this time around. The top-ranked Buckeyes hope for a better performance in this year's BCS title game when they take on No. 2 Louisiana State on Monday at the Louisiana Superdome.

A consensus No. 1 in 2006, Ohio State entered last year's title game with a perfect record and the Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Troy Smith. But the Buckeyes suffered a 41-14 thrashing at the hands of Florida, a contest which clearly demonstrated the Gators' superior speed and athleticism. Smith and fellow offensive stars Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez and Antonio Pittman all departed for the NFL the following spring, leaving the Buckeyes with a perceived lack of offensive talent. But Ohio State methodically won its first 10 games this season, climbing to the top of the national rankings before losing in shocking fashion to Illinois on November 10. The Buckeyes rebounded the following week with a win over hated rival Michigan and then watched as several higher-ranked teams lost over the next two weeks, allowing Ohio State to return to No. 1 in the BCS standings.

While the Buckeyes essentially finished first by default this season, LSU fought its way back into the top two to become the first two-loss team to play in the BCS title game. The Tigers were defeated in stunning fashion by Arkansas on November 23, a loss which dropped them from first to seventh in the BCS standings. But LSU bounced back with a 21-14 victory over Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference championship game, a win which vaulted the Tigers to second in both polls. LSU found itself involved in more controversy in the following weeks, as coach Les Miles saw his name constantly linked with the coaching vacancy at Michigan, his alma mater. Miles seemingly secured his future at LSU on December 6, when he signed a contract extension to remain at the school through the 2012 season.

Miles, 54, announced his intent to stay at LSU in an unofficial yet angry fashion five days earlier during an impromptu news conference prior to the SEC championship game. Addressing an erroneous report from ESPN earlier that day, Miles claimed that he did not attempt to interview with Michigan. With Miles' status certain, the Tigers now will have to turn their focus toward the Buckeyes, who boast the nation's No. 1 defense in scoring and total yardage.

Ohio State is led by Butkus Award-winning linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive end Vernon Gholston and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. LSU counters with a high-powered offense which averages 38.7 points and topped the 40-point mark seven times. The Tigers use a two-quarterback system which features Matt Flynn, a pocket passer who tossed 17 TDs this season, and Ryan Perrilloux, who rushed for 203 yards this season and also passed for 243 yards in the SEC title game. LSU has won eight of its last 10 postseason games, including three BCS bowls, and is seeking its third all-time national championship. The Buckeyes are shooting for their fifth all-time title and their first since beating Miami in double-overtime in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

MIssouri Misses Out on BCS

By Jim Ralabate
PA SportsTicker College Football Editor

Missouri entered Saturday's Big 12 Conference championship game with a realistic chance to play for the national title. But less than 24 hours later, the Tigers found themselves completely outside the Bowl Championship Series all together.

Despite placing sixth in Sunday's final installment of the BCS standings, Missouri (11-2) did not receive a BCS bid. The surprising Tigers instead will have to settle for an appearance in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where they will face Arkansas (8-4) on January 1.

Unranked at the beginning of the regular season, Missouri climbed to the top of both the USA Today coaches' and Associated Press polls after defeating rival Kansas on November 24 to win the Big 12 North Division title. But after ascending to the No. 1 spot in the BCS rankings, the Tigers saw their national title hopes end in disappointing fashion Saturday, when they dropped a 38-17 decision to Big 12 champ Oklahoma. A day later, the Tigers watched in vain as both Kansas and Illinois - two teams they defeated during the season - received BCS bids.

However, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel remained positive about the Cotton Bowl, refusing to comment on whether he believed the Tigers were snubbed by the BCS. "I don't really think it's the time for this," Pinkel said. "We had a great year. You never take away a (division) championship and playing in a championship game. Those things will sort themselves out, and this is where we are supposed to be. We are excited about it."

Ohio State Meets LSU in BCS Championship

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Ohio State will play Louisiana State in the Bowl Championship Series title game on January 7 in the Louisiana Superdome. The Buckeyes and Tigers placed first and second, respectively, in the final BCS standings, which were released Sunday.

Ohio State (11-1) climbed two spots to first in both the USA Today coaches' poll and the Harris Interactive poll. The Buckeyes have not played since beating rival Michigan on November 17. But Ohio State capitalized on a bevy of upsets over the past two weeks to reach the BCS title game for the second straight year.

While the Buckeyes essentially finished first by default, LSU (11-2) fought its way back into the top two. The Tigers were defeated in shocking fashion by Arkansas on November 23, a loss which dropped them from first to seventh in the BCS standings. But LSU bounced back Saturday with a 21-14 victory over Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference championship game, a win which vaulted the Tigers to second in both polls.

Losses Put BCS in Utter Chaos

By Michael Grisso
Associated Content

It was all figured out that West Virginia would either play Missouri or Ohio State in the National Championship in college football. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell the Pittsburgh Panthers that they were 28 point underdogs and weren't supposed to even be close in this game. Then with about 5:43 left in the 2nd quarter the Mountaineers quarterback Pat White was sidelined with a dislocated finger and unable to return until the final drive in the 4th quarter. Which by then was too late and W.V. lost 13-9 and all hopes at a chance for the title.

Okay, so there out. Good thing we have Missouri the #1 team in the country left to play Ohio State as long as they can knock off a hot and bothered Oklahoma team wanting everyone to know that Missouri's lone loss to the Sooners earlier in the season was no fluke. Which is exactly what they did with a convincing 38-17 victory in the Big 12 Championship game. Where in the world does the BCS turn to now?

#3 Ohio State- is a shoe-in plain and simple. Unfortunately its the only team up in the top 10 that its conference doesn't have a championship game, sits around for a few weeks and lets everyone beat each other up in the polls to make it back to the title game. Then to put icing on the cake if they lose (especially anywhere near last years debacle) its blamed for the long layoff which was the primary reason they are there in the first place.

#4 Georgia- Still can't figure out why exactly they are even at number 4 in the country to start. They didn't make their conference championship yet they still have a chance to go to the title game? If that happens college football will lose many, MANY fans.

#5 Kansas- Well you can't knock em' for being ranked in the top 5 with their only loss to Missouri this year. Unfortunately again they didn't make the Big 12 conference championship yet they would have a shot to play in the BCS Championship by default?

#6 Virginia Tech- The Hokies would definitely be a feel good story considering the prior year's happenings with the school shootings. They did handle Boston College in the ACC Championship game, but even with the win they stood at .7811 in the BCS Standings while Georgia is at .8274 in the 4 spot. Tough one to call but I think the next team may leapfrog them and leave them hangin' out to dry.

#7 LSU- It wasn't the prettiest of wins, but LSU disposed of Tennessee 21-14 in the SEC Championship. Georgia lingering at #4 is most likely why LSU could possibly leapfrog Virginia Tech and become the #2 team in BCS so the committee can fix the mistakes that brought this all about in the first place. Maybe Les Miles should send the Bulldogs a gift package if that happens or at least invite their team to the game.

#8 USC- The Trojans are finally "gellin' like fellins" and put away a mediocre UCLA squad who was lucky to even be in the Pac-10 Championship game. Will they be able to jump 5 other teams to play in the title game? No, they are headed to the Rose Bowl for the most part, but its fun to talk about nonetheless.

All that can be said is that if all these upsets happened the entire year all the way to the final weekend why does the BCS decide to neglect a team like the Hawaii Rainbows and quarterback Colt Brennan because of the conference they played in during the season? All I can say to that is do you remember Utah demolishing Pittsburgh in a BCS game a few years backs. How about Boise State beating Oklahoma last year. I say give Hawaii a chance. Too bad it won't happen.

Mizzou Is BCS #1

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Missouri is only one win away from the unthinkable - competing for a national title. The Tigers climbed three spots to the No. 1 ranking in the latest Bowl Championship Series standings, which were released Sunday. It marks the first time in school history that Missouri (11-1) has held the top BCS spot. The Tigers will lock up a berth in the BCS title game on January 7 with a win next week over Oklahoma in the Big 12 Conference championship.

Missouri, which entered this weekend fourth in the BCS, held on for a pivotal 36-28 victory over then-No. 2 Kansas on Saturday night to clinch the school's first Big 12 North Division title. Missouri is ranked first in the Harris Interactive poll and second in the USA Today coaches' poll for a BCS average of .978 out of a possible score of 1.000. The Tigers are mere percentage points ahead of second-ranked West Virginia (10-1), which owns a BCS average of .971. The Mountaineers climbed one spot in the rankings but were leapfrogged by the Tigers despite clinching the Big East Conference title Saturday with a 66-21 rout of Connecticut. West Virginia almost certainly will secure a berth in the BCS title game with a victory over rival Pittsburgh next week in the annual "Backyard Brawl."

Both Missouri and West Virginia benefited from the misfortune of Louisiana State, which fell from the No. 1 spot courtesy of a 50-48 triple-overtime loss Friday to Arkansas. Idle Ohio State (11-1) also capitalized on LSU's shocking loss, climbing two spots to third in the rankings with a .919 average. The Buckeyes clinched the Big Ten Conference title November 17 with a 14-3 victory over rival Michigan.

Georgia (10-2) moved up two spots to fourth and likely will receive a BCS bid. But the Bulldogs are a long shot to compete for the national title since they did not reach next week's Southeastern Conference championship game.

Kansas (11-1) fell three spots to fifth following its loss to Missouri in the 116th edition of the rivalry game formerly known as the "Border War." Virginia Tech (10-2) is sixth, followed by LSU (10-2), Southern California (9-2), Oklahoma (10-2) and Florida (9-3). Boston College (10-2) moved up three spots to No. 11 while Hawaii (11-0), the only remaining undefeated team in the Football Bowl Subdivision, also climbed three spots to 12th.