Creature vs Creature: Iowa Hawkeyes Rightfully Ranked Over Oregon Ducks

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After Iowa lost to Northwestern exactly one week ago today, fans and media critics alike were calling to put the Hawkeyes on the chopping block.

Iowa fell from fourth in the BCS Standings to 10th but some people argue that the fall wasn't far enough. Many Hawkeye doubters were calling for Iowa to fall out of the top 15.

One team that could argue injustice is Oregon.

After failing to take care of their own business against Stanford, the eighth-ranked Ducks fell to 13th in the BCS standings. The debate of Iowa or Oregon only becomes cloudier.

The BCS has it right, however, stopping the bleeding for the Hawkeyes by limiting the fall to tenth and letting the Ducks plummet to 13th.

First, let's use some simple math skills. Iowa dropped from fourth to 10th—six spots. Oregon fell from eighth to 13th—only five spots.

So, the computers punished Iowa for losing to Northwestern more severely than they did for Oregon succumbing to Stanford—understandable, considering most would agree Stanford is a better team than Northwestern.

But why did Oregon remain behind Iowa in the standings? A simple answer can be found for that question, as well.

Before last week's loss, Iowa had all momentum on their side. National media had the Hawkeyes in the spotlight because Iowa hadn't lost yet (How about that SI jinx in hindsight?).

Oregon had previously flopped against a Boise State team that is looking less and less impressive as their WAC schedule progresses and recorded their second loss of the season.

One loss will beat two losses in most cases, especially when schedule strength is so similar, as is the case for Iowa and Oregon.

In all reality, however, the whole debate may be a little premature. Two games remain that could shed some light on which team is best.

Oregon will roll into Tucson, Arizona to face a hot No. 17 Wildcats team looking to challenge for the Pac-10 title.

The Hawkeyes defeated that same Arizona squad by a score of 27-17—a sound win for Iowa.

Whether or not Oregon can defeat Arizona will go a long way in deciding if they're truly better than Iowa. If the Ducks fall, the argument is over.

On Iowa's side of the debate, lies this afternoon's game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. If Iowa goes into the Shoe and emerges victorious, well, the debate is settled.

The outcomes of Iowa vs Ohio State and Oregon vs Arizona (in two weeks) will finish this debate.

For now, the Hawkeyes have one loss and the same column for the Ducks contains two.

Debate settled, for now.

For Oregon's side, check out Caleb M's article .

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