BCS Playoffs: If USC Has a Gripe, So Does Utah.

I will admit this about this season's bowl games: Either they've left me gagging or left me speechless. Either way, we have found ourselves in a conundrum of trouble in regards to Thursday night's BCS Championship Game.

So what do we have to say after the past week's Sugar Shocker?

The USC Trojans handily defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions in the annual Rose Bowl, and afterwards, everyone in California was bidding for them to at least "share" a piece of the BCS Championship. A day later, the Mountain West Conference got arguably its biggest win of the year when the undefeated Utah Utes defeated the former #1 team in the country, The Alabama Crimson Tide (sorry Joe B.) in the Sugar Bowl.

So if USC wants to beg its case for the BCS Crown, Utah may have added their name to the list as well.

While everyone is focused on the screwjob that Texas suffered at the end of the season, people were shying away from the thought of Utah even making it a fight against Alabama. But those seven or eight people who asked, "What if Utah beats Alabama?" can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it's happened.

Despite being in a "weaker" conference, Utah not only proved that they belong in the BCS, they belong in possibly the talk of the possible tie for the BCS Championship. The Utes were better than Alabama on this night. Just like that '06 Boise State Team that shocked Oklahoma, Utah showed that just because they aren't in a stronger conference doesn't mean they won't show up to play.

But we all know that Texas will make its case when they play Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl this Monday night. So here's how it looks heading into Thursday night's game.

USC defeats Penn State 38-24 in annual Rose Bowl Game

Utah defeats Alabama 31-17 in Sugar Bowl

Texas plays Ohio State in a game that many feel is beneath the Horns. The Horns wanted the National Championship, but were rudely denied entry to the game by the BCS Committee. Florida plays Texas' replacement Oklahoma in Miami for the National Championship. But after all that has happened, we now have six teams vying for a shot at the crown...and even when it's over, there may not be a clear cut winner.

Oklahoma is #1 in the country heading into the game (just like Ohio State the last two years). Oklahoma has a Heisman Trophy Winner in Sam Bradford leading them into battle (just like Ohio State's Troy Smith back '06). But unlike 2006, Florida has a tougher defense and a more potent offense leading them into battle.

So...if Florida beats Oklahoma, does that give them the NC outright? In a way yes, but in a way no.

But USC doesn't have the biggest argument for the NC. That debate actually belongs to Utah. So, since they won't give the playoffs a legitimate shot, they should have a one game playoff between Utah and Florida. It's a game where Urban Meyer never thought he would see while in Gainesville, pitting his former team against his current.

And...it would make for some good football. Sorry, USC, but thanks to Utah, your objection is overruled.

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