Yes, it's that time of year again. The Holiday Season and another BCS mess. The BCS may be in worse shape the economy, thanks to the Big 12 South.
There's still one weekend of games left so anything can happen, and I'm sure it'll only get worse.
The biggest controversy (so far) is how Oklahoma jumped Texas in the BCS and now represents the Big 12 South in the Conference Title Game? We all know they each have one loss and Texas beat Oklahoma 45-35 on a neutral field. You would think the Longhorns would get the edge.
One thing's for sure. If Oklahoma beats Missouri in Kansas City (OU is a 17 point favorite), the Sooners will play for the National Title. If the Sooners lose, they're out. So along with Alabama, they control their own destiny.
Speaking of 'Bama. They're the number one team in the nation but face a HUGE showdown in Atlanta in a winner take all game for the SEC and quite possibly a spot in the National Title Game.
And by the way, the number 1 Crimson Tide are 9 1/2 point underdogs!!! against No. 4 Florida. That's insane! Florida is definitely the best team in the nation. They have a Heisman Trophy winner, crazy speed on offense and defense, and great coaching. The SEC Title Game could be the game of the year and is must see TV.
So if the guys in Vegas are right, Oklahoma and Florida win their conferences. The Sooners go to Miami and play....the Gators?
Not so fast! OK, if Bama wins, they're in the Title Game. But if Florida beats Bama, do they jump Texas?
And let's take into consideration that I'm a huge fan of SEC Football.
Texas's only loss was on the road on the last play of the game to a Top 10 team. The previous play, the Longhorns dropped a tipped pass for an easy interception. Oh, that was big!
Florida lost at home to unranked Ole Miss!
At the beginning of the season, the SEC looked and started out as best conference in football. I'll even admit the SEC doesn't look so strong now, we'll wait and see how the bowl games play out.
So what are Florida's quality wins?
Georgia-a real disappointing season. LSU-see Georgia. South Carolina-not ranked at 7-5. Florida St.-they play in the dismal ACC and the Seminoles have been off the map for some time now. Heck, Bama's undefeated and again a 9 1/2 point! underdog basically because the Tide really don't have any quality wins.
Clemson-a preseason Top 10 team that may of had the most disappointing season in college football. Georgia-See above. LSU-the Tide was fortunate to win in Death Valley in overtime to a sub par LSU team.
Not only did the Longhorns get screwed by not playing the Big 12 Championship Game, they could get screwed again if Florida jumps Texas to play in the BCS Championship.
Wow! That's tough.
Could you believe this scenario. If the Gators beat the Tide, we could possibly be looking at a Big 12 South Showdown in the National Title Game. OU/Texas for all the marbles. That would be nice!
But of course if Oklahoma losses to Missouri on Saturday, all bets are off and we've again got another huge mess.
Since 1991, I think I've bought Madden Football every year.
Nowadays, I still buy Madden, I buy NCAA Football, NBA Live, and occasionally college basketball and an MLB game.
I do get into Tiger Woods' Golf every now and then, but I'm more of a Golden Tee fan.
Yes, college football is officially upon with last week's release of EA Sports NCAA 2009.
Again this year's NCAA Football brings us the play-by-play and commentary from Brad Nessler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit. Yeah, I know what you're thinking, why is Chris Fowler left out?
Like previous years, I'm sure the in studio pregame brings us to the much anticipated prediction from Corso and the donning of the Mascot headgear.
It really got me thinking. A rare occasion, especially in the middle of summer.
Editor's note: I have personally attended each of these stadiums for a prime time game.
10. Nebraska Memorial Stadium (81,067)
We all know how terrible Nebraska has been in recent years. Actually, people outside of the Cornhusker state might be unaware because Husker Football has been MIA.
The much embarrassing Callahan era is finally over and the Huskers have their man, Bo Pelini (yes, the same guy who should be in his 5th year as NU Head Coach) and the football hype and energy in Lincoln has nearly reached the same level of the previous century.
The 'Skers were 4-3 in 2007, highlighted by a 49-31 shellacking in Lincoln by USC. The game was far more unbearable than what the score says. The best thing about this defeat was the fact Nebraska fans finally realized (and admitted) Bill Callahan was the biggest bust since Ryan Leaf.
Memorial Stadium is known as being the 3rd largest city in the state of Nebraska on Gameday. The Stadium also boasts an impressive streak of 288 consecutive sellouts.
From 1991 to 1998 Nebraska held a 47 game home win streak.
After a 17-13 opening game lost to Florida St. (9/7/1985), the Cornhuskers were an astounding 111-6 at home from 1985 to 2002 (losing 27-24 on Nov. 2 at home vs. Texas).
That's 111 wins to 6 loses in 17 years! Holy Shit!
Go back and check my research, I couldn't believe it either.
9. Virginia Tech Lane Stadium (66,233)
In 2007, the Hokies finished 6-1 at home. Their only setback was a Thursday night loss to (at the time) unbeaten Boston College, 14-10. As you all remember, Va Tech was up 14-0 late in the 4th quarter when Matt Ryan somehow, someway lead BC with a Flutie like comeback.
Had Virginia Tech not blown this game, they may have been in the National Championship game.
If you've ever been to a Hokie home game, you know the adrenaline flowing throughout the stadium as the Hokies emerge through the tunnel to "Enter Sandman."
8. Wisconsin Camp Randall Stadium (76,129)
On a personal note, Mad Town ranks as my favorite Big 10 Tailgate school (Definitely top 10 overall). During timeouts and between crucial plays, the PA jams to House of Pain's "Jump Around." The entire stadium jumps up and down, you can't hear yourself think and at the same time you worried about the entire stadium collapsing. Freakin cool.
The Badgers were perfect at home in 2007 (7-0). They're currently on a 14 game home winning streak since a 2005 home defeat to Iowa (20-10).
Since 2004, Wisconsin has been jumpin around at home with a 25-1 record.
7. Oregon Autzen Stadium (53,800)
Autzen Stadium may not have a large capacity, but with the upper tier hanging almost directly over the field, the fans' cheers land directly on top of opposing teams.
Compared to other major schools around the country, Autzen Stadium may lack in quantity, but with the noise on the field, quality is like no other.
Eugene, Oregon may be famous for Nike founding father Phil Knight, but also was the location for every fraternity member's favorite movie, Animal House.
In 2007, the Ducks finished 5-2 at home with losses to Cal and Oregon St.
Oregon has not been undefeated at home since 2000.
6. Oklahoma Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (82,112)
The Sooners protected their house in 2007, going 7-0.
OU has won 19 in row at home since a shocking 17-10 opening season loss to TCU (9/3/05).
Norman is crazy on Gameday. The Chicks are freakin hot! But the only thing holding Norman back is the state law of beer being only 3.2%! Yeah, you really can drink a case of beer.
5. Tennessee Neyland Stadium (102,037)
Good ole Rocky Top! If you're not wearing orange and white on Gameday in Knoxville, or any other day for that matter, you're probably not alive to be reading this. This is SEC country. You know you're on UT campus when all the streets are named either Pat Summit or Peyton Manning.
2007, the Volunteers were perfect at home (7-0).
2006 they were a shocking 5-2 with home losses to LSU and Florida.
4. Penn St. Beaver Stadium (107,282)
For those of you who think JoPa and the Nittany Lions are washed up, Penn St has finished 6-1 at home the past two years. They were perfect in 2007 (7-0), making them 19-2 at home in the last three years.
Beaver Stadium may be one of the most intimidating stadiums in the country and when the "White Out" occurs, look out! Definitely one of the most intimidating sights in all of college football.
Students camp out in front of the main gate weeks before a home game attempting to get the best seat in the house, aka Paternoville. JoPa has even been known to show up to the campsites delivering pizzas.
3. Ohio St Ohio Stadium (102,329)
Buckeye Mania is rampant in the state of Ohio. We've all heard about the riots which occur in Columbus, win or lose a big game. I don't think I've ever seen a town so passionate about their hometown team (which makes it so fun to see the Buckeyes lose in two straight National Championship games.)
I've personally seen a female Buckeye fan punch the lights outta of a male Michigan fan, at 6AM!
Upon leaving the Columbus Airport, I've seen a sign that says, "Thanks for visiting Columbus, unless your from Michigan."
Ohio St was 6-1 in 2007, a 28-21 upset by Illinois.
Since 2008, the Buckeyes are 40-3 at home with losses to Illinois, No. 2 Texas (2005), and No. 16 Wisconsin (2004).
2. Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)
Home to "The Swamp", "Gator Bait", and "The Chomp", this may be the only campus in the country where the mascot roams freely on campus. Yes, there are real live alligators present.
I can't wait to get my hands on NCAA '09 so I can run wild with Superman, um, I mean Football Jesus, um, I mean Tim Tebow.
In 2007, the Gators were 6-1 losing a heartbreaking game to War Eagle and the Auburn Tigers, 20-17.
Since 2004, Florida is 24-2 at the Swamp.
1. LSU Tiger Stadium (91,600) Nicknamed "Death Valley", the stadium's nickname derived from "Deaf Valley." No explanation needed here. It's freakin loud!
With all the upsets in the past week, College Basketball is definitely underway. Unless your interested in what type of footwear Tom Brady is wearing today, NCAA basketball has the spotlight all to itself. ESPN tipped off Saturday morning with its premiere college basketball show, College Gameday. The Site was the home of reigning back to back champions Florida Gators. It may have not been quite a marquee matchup, neither the Gators or Kentucky came in ranked, but nevertheless, it was a great game won by the Gators in overtime. The highlight of the weekend wasn't the game, but Tim Tebow's presence around campus. At halftime of the game, Tebow was center court with his Heisman Trophy thanking the University of Florida for all there support. Saturday also happened to be a major recruiting visit for Florida's football team. What a recruiting tool. You have Urban Myer with his championship ring and Tebow with his Heisman showing recruits around the beautiful Gainesville campus. Throw in ESPN College Gameday, Erin Andrews, and the Rowdy Reptiles chanting "Come to Florida," and I'm guessing all these recruits gave their verbal commitments on the spot. Hell, I'll pimp Tebow and the Gators. He's a freak of nature and a great guy on top of that. Here's to back to back Heismans in '08. By the way, if you have a son or ever do have a boy, to him a favor: make sure he goes to college in Gainesville. Trust me, the kid will thank you for it someday. How you know that you might be partying with minors: Guy asks you if you want a Red Bull and Vodka? Sure! And he hands you a bottle a vodka and a can of Red Bull and tells you to take a swig and swish it around in your mouth. MMMM! Tasty! This weekend? Another matchup of unranked teams in BFE Carbondale, Illinois for Creighton (you lost to Drake at home!) at Southern Illinois. Here's a video with Erin Andrews interviewing Tebow. College Gameday opened with Tebow giving a pep talk to Rece, Hubert, Jay and of course Digger. Pretty hilarious!
