College Football: Thanks To SEC, Auburn Doesn't Have To Worry About TCU, BCS

Auburn is sitting in much better position for the national championship this year than they were in 2004. 

Remember six years ago? Auburn was playing a very talented Georgia team who was ranked No. 8 in the country. It was supposed to be the biggest hurdle standing in their way to an undefeated season. It turned out to be a dominant performance. 

Auburn physically manhandled Georgia in a 24-6 win that wasn't even that close. Georgia finally scored against Auburn's backups. It was one of the more memorable games in the Tommy Tuberville era. 

Despite that impressive performance, Auburn was still on the outside looking in. Undefeated USC and Oklahoma continued to take care of business. The BCS was a constant worry for Auburn fans, and rightfully so. 

Fortunately, Auburn fans need not worry about that this year. After four straight national champions from the SEC, the perception now is that the SEC is the best conference.

Combine that with the fact that Auburn has more wins over ranked teams than anyone else in the country, and you find that Auburn is in great shape. 

They don't need to worry about TCU. They don't need to worry about Boise State. They don't even need to worry about Oregon. 

Take care of business, and Auburn will be in Glendale, Arizona on Jan. 10, 2011. Of course, Georgia, Alabama and the winner of the SEC East won't be easy opponents. 

But it is nice to have some control over your destiny. I'm sure the folks in Boise, Idaho would love that. 

So enjoy this ride and this team without concern for the BCS standings. Don't buy into the ESPN hype machine that asks you to watch talking heads discuss the standings for an hour each week.

Make sure not to miss the fun and excitement that should come with a team like this. If you're like me, you spent more time worrying and complaining in 2004 than you did enjoying the excellent football.