Bleacher Report - Articles by Cullen Buie

Boise State or Ohio State? Let the BCS At-Large Debate Begin

Cullen Buie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:52:07 -0500

Now that the BCS picture is starting to clear up—sort of—it's time to start thinking about BCS at-large bids.

For the first time ever, there are four Non-BCS league teams that qualify for at-large bids. Utah, Boise State, TCU, and Ball State are all in the current BCS top 12, making them eligible for at-large spots in the BCS. However, only the highest ranking team, Utah, is guaranteed a spot. The fate of the rest is up to the discretion of the BCS bowls.

If any of these schools, other than Utah, receive a BCS berth it's likely to go to Boise State. Unfortunately for the Broncos, this certainly is not guaranteed since Ohio State is also eligible for an at-large berth. Seems like we have a good old fashioned BCS quagmire on our hands.

Remember, the only job of the BCS is to determine the top two teams and put them in the title game. After that, the bowls are in business to make money. This means you have to throw things like "emotion" and "fairness" out of the window. Just last year Kansas received a BCS at-large berth over Missouri (who beat Kansas and was also eligible).

Let's take a look at the resumes of Boise State and Ohio State...

Boise State

Conference: WAC
Record: 12-0 (8-0, Conference Champion)
BCS Standing: 9
Sagarin Rating: 11
Sagarin Strength of Schedule: 115
vs Top 10: n/a
vs Top 30: 1-0
Signature Win: @ Oregon (9-3)
TV Rating in BCS Games: 2007 Fiesta - 8.4

Ohio State

Conference: Big Ten
Record: 10-2 (7-1, Big 10 Runner-Up)
BCS Standing: 10
Sagarin Rating: 10
Sagarin Strength of Schedule: 43
vs Top 10: 0-2
vs Top 30: 1-2
Signature Win: @ Michigan State (9-3)
TV Rating in BCS Games: 2008 NCG - 17.4, 2007 NCG - 17.4,
2006 Fiesta - 12.9, 2004 Fiesta - 8.7, 2003 NCG - 17.2

Argument for Boise State

The Broncos are undefeated and undisputed conference champions. The last time they played in a BCS bowl they shocked the world by knocking off the mighty Oklahoma Sooners. The Broncos don't play in the strongest conference but they beat a good Oregon team on the road.

The Broncos are rated higher by the BCS and deserve the chance to play in a big time bowl. Plus, Ohio State has been dominated in their last two bowls and nobody wants to watch that happen again, give someone else a shot. The Buckeyes got blasted by USC earlier this year, we already know they aren't an elite team. America loves to see the underdog and Boise State is the team they want to see.

Argument for Ohio State

The Buckeyes are Co-Champions of the Big Ten and played a stronger schedule than the Broncos. The Buckeyes improved as the season progressed and aren't the same team that lost to USC earlier in the season. Further, Ohio State has one of the largest followings in college football and in today's down economy the Buckeyes will help the BCS make more money.

Also, even though the Buckeyes lost the last two title games, that doesn't mean people won't watch them in a BCS bowl (look at the TV ratings of the last two title games). Whether fans are rooting for Ohio State, or hoping that the Buckeyes lose, they'll be watching.

Prediction

The BCS bowls will select Ohio State, and they won't lose a wink of sleep. Sorry Boise State fans, this is a business and Ohio State is the better business move.

The Pepto Bismol Rankings, College Football Teams Most Likely to Be Upset Week 6

Cullen Buie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:12:40 -0400

It begins.

Now that we’ve had four or five games to anoint our favorites to win the national title or make a BCS game, it’s time for them to start choking! USC got the ball rolling last week and, not to be outdone, Florida and Wisconsin joined in on the fun.

Now the questions is, who’s in danger this weekend? Here are four ranked teams most likely to need a little Pepto on Sunday morning.

1.) Texas Tech (4 – 0, #7 in AP, 7 Point Favorite at Kansas State)
Every year Texas Tech is good for one good gaffe on the road and this game could very well be the one.

The Red Raiders are averaging 46 points per game but they haven’t faced a high quality opponent. Kansas State lost to a respectable Louisville team on the road but they’ve also put up big offensive numbers, averaging 47 points per game.

Texas Tech has yet to prove that they have a defense so look for a shootout. If Kansas State pulls out the win, call it the "Murder in Manhattan".

2.) Texas (4 – 0, #5 in AP, 13 Point Favorite at Colorado)

Texas has looked good, very good in fact, all season. Colt McCoy is having a monster year but this is also their first real test of the young season.

For those of you that think this game is a gimme for Texas, you only have to look to last year when Colorado knocked off #3 Oklahoma in Boulder. Or how about current events, when the Buffs toppled West Virginia in Boulder two weeks ago.

Maybe it’s the elevation, but ranked teams often go there to get the wind knocked out of them. Throw in the fact that Texas faces their nemesis Oklahoma next week, and you can see why this is a dangerous game for the Longhorns.

3.) USC (2 – 1, #9 in AP, 16.5 Point Favorite against Oregon)
Of all the teams on this list, USC is most likely to be ready to play. Unfortunately for the Trojans, their opponent is also significantly better than anyone else’s on this list.

The Trojans had problems defending the run last week and this week they face the nations #4 rushing attack, the Ducks average a whopping 308 yards per game.

Given that Rey Maualuga is questionable, look for Oregon to try to ram it down their throat. USC has plenty of athletes but given the emotional roller coaster of the past two weeks, their psyche must be fragile.

If Oregon comes out fast, look for a battle down to the wire.

4.) Penn State (5 – 0, #6 in AP, 9.5 Point Favorite at Purdue)
The ‘Spread HD’ is in full effect. Penn State is the class of the Big 10 and looks like a lock for Pasadena…or maybe Miami? However, this is the classic trap game.

Last week they won an emotional night game at home against Illinois. Next week, they travel to Wisconsin to face a ranked (currently) Badgers team.

JoePa’s squad hasn’t been tested on the road yet, so this is their first chance to prove they can win outside of Happy Valley. The only perceived weakness the Nittany Lions have is their secondary and pass happy Purdue will try to exploit it.

Don’t be surprised if you see the score scroll across your screen on Saturday and Purdue is keeping it close. The Boilermakers took Oregon, masters of the spread offense, into overtime earlier this year.

Will USC Get Revenge on Oregon? Not So Fast My Friend!

Cullen Buie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:41:13 -0400

Last year, with a healthy Dennis Dixon, the Oregon Ducks beat USC in a 24-17 decision capped off by a Mark Sanchez interception in the closing minutes. Last week, USC failed their post-Ohio State quiz, and a nimble running back named Jacquizz Rodgers made their defense look pedestrian.

This week, everyone—including Vegas, since USC is a 16.5-18 point favorite—thinks that the Trojans will exact revenge on multiple levels against the Ducks.

In the words of that famous College GameDay personality Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend!"

Do we believe that USC’s loss was solely a function of effort? I agree that the loss to Oregon State was largely due to their mindset (as evidenced by their second half comeback), but we have to also give Oregon State and Quizz Rodgers credit for executing a great game plan.

The most surprising thing about USC’s loss to Oregon State was their inability to stop the run. Quizz Rodgers ran around, through, and by would-be Trojan tacklers and embarrassed the USC front seven.

While USC will certainly be dialed in this weekend against the Ducks, the Trojans are also taking a step up in competition. Quizz is good, but the Oregon Ducks’ rushing attack is the best in the Pac-10, and it isn’t even close. Oregon averages 100 yards per game more on the ground than the second-best Pac-10 team, Cal.

Further, the Ducks defense could pose just as much resistance as Oregon State’s D, if not more.

Let’s compare Oregon and Oregon State statistically.

Rushing Offense

Oregon State: 143 yards per game (72nd in the nation)
Oregon: 308 yards per game (Fourth in the nation)

Scoring Offense

Oregon State: 28.5 points per game (57th in the nation)
Oregon: 47.4 points per game (Seventh in the nation)

Total Defense

Oregon State: 320 yards per game (40th in the nation)
Oregon: 330 yards per game (49th in the nation)

Sacks

Oregon State: One per game (102nd in the nation)
Oregon: 3.2 per game (10th in the nation)

Turnover Margin

Oregon State: +0.25 per game (49th in the nation)
Oregon: -0.2 per game (69th in the nation)

Last weekend Oregon State won with ball control (they held possession for 35 minutes) and turnover margin (+2). If Oregon can run the ball effectively—and all of the stats say they can—the Ducks should be able to keep the powerful Trojan offense off the field.

Plus, given the absence of Rey Maualuga at linebacker, look for the Ducks to move the ball "surprisingly" well.

Further, Mark Sanchez will be pressured by the Oregon defensive line more than he’s been pressured all season. It will be interesting to see how Sanchez responds to the additional pressure since he’s only been sacked twice all year.

If the turnover margin is even or slightly in Oregon’s favor, Oregon should have no problem beating the point spread.

In the end, it’s likely that Oregon will lose this game due to turnovers and their inexperience at QB (aren’t they on their third or fourth string guy?!). I think that since this game is in LA, USC will ultimately win, but I’d be surprised if they win by more than 10 points.

USC 31, Oregon 24

Nick Saban's Meteoric Rise at Alabama an Example of Second Year Coaching Magic

Cullen Buie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:28:19 -0400

If you haven’t noticed Alabama, you must live in a hole. The 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide are clearly the biggest surprise of this young college football season.

Many people, myself included, scoffed at the multi-year, multi-million dollar salary Alabama gave Nick Saban—but so far they look to have gotten a good deal. In less than two years Saban seems to have completely changed the culture at Alabama and has young players blending well with seasoned veterans.

After this past weekend’s upsets (including Alabama’s throttling of Georgia on the road), the Crimson Tide are the team to beat in the SEC. More importantly, with their No. 2 ranking, Alabama is in the driver’s seat for the BCS championship game.

Many have wondered how it is possible for a coach to turn around a program so quickly and whether Alabama has a realistic shot at the national title. The answer to the second question is an emphatic "yes," but the first question is far trickier.

Fortunately, we’ve seen this scenario before. Bob Stoops, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer all inherited high profile programs in rebuilding mode and won national championships in their second year. Here is some information on these guys that you may find interesting.

Bob Stoops, Oklahoma

Birthplace: Youngstown, OH
College: University of Iowa
Notable Coaching Roots: Kansas State under Bill Snyder, Florida under Steve Spurrier
First Year at Oklahoma: 7–5 (lost Independence Bowl)
Second Year at Oklahoma: National Champions

Jim Tressel, Ohio State

Birthplace: Mentor, OH
College: Baldwin Wallace (Berea, OH)
Notable Coaching Roots: Ohio State under Earl Bruce
First Year at Ohio State: 7–5 (lost Outback Bowl)
Second Year at Ohio State: National Champions

Urban Meyer, Florida

Birthplace: Ashtabula, OH
College: University of Cincinnati (MA from Ohio State)
Notable Coaching Roots: Ohio State, Notre Dame
First Year at Florida: 9–3 (won Outback Bowl)
Second Year at Florida: National Champions

See any similarities? Maybe, just maybe, winning so quickly has nothing to do with coaching style or philosophy. Perhaps it’s all about pedigree.

All of these guys have Ohio roots, either by birth, from college, or both. All of them are from small towns. All of them had winning (though often not remarkable) first seasons. All of them coached under top minds on their way to the top of their profession.

Now let’s look at Nick Saban.

Nick Saban, Alabama

Birthplace: Fairmont, West Virginia
College: Kent State (Kent, OH)
Notable Coaching Roots: Ohio State, Cleveland Browns under Belichick
First Year at Alabama: 7–6 (won Independence Bowl)
Second Year at Alabama: ?

Obviously, this information is all coincidental, but it’s rather interesting. Saban is also from a small town. Saban also has Ohio roots (college). Saban’s first year was also "modest" by many fans’ standards (remember when we all laughed at their loss to Louisiana-Monroe last year?!).

Perhaps Saban could be the next coach to take a sleeping giant to the Promised Land in his second year.

Another key to each coaches’ success is the fact that they’re all at big time programs. Oftentimes these traditional powers have sufficient talent to win, but the previous coach underperformed (which is why he was fired). A new coach comes in, with a new system, and the college football world doesn’t know what hit them.

Now I realize Nick is not a first year coach (he already has a title), but still, nobody expected him to win so quickly at Alabama. Saban’s Crimson Tide certainly look well on their way to keeping up the recent trend.

If not, though, look out for Bo Pelini in 2009...

Bo Pelini, Nebraska

Birthplace: Youngstown, OH
College: Ohio State
Notable Coaching Roots: New England Patriots under Pete Carroll, Oklahoma under Bob Stoops, LSU under Les Miles
First Year at Nebraska: ?
Second Year at Nebraska: ?

A One-Night Stand with the USC Trojans

Cullen Buie — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:49:15 -0400

"Collision in the Coliseum." This is what ESPN has dubbed tomorrow’s Ohio State-USC game. But if there’s one thing that’s clear, nobody outside of Buckeye Nation wants Ohio State to win.

Forget about who you think will win, who do you want to win? Thankfully for most fans, who they think will win and who they want to win is the same team—USC.

Not because of love for USC, but hate for Ohio State. To many college football fans, this is the year those stinking Buckeyes get what they deserve.

You can hear the vitriol all over their lips, and it’s quite ridiculous. Here are some of the phrases of the typical Buckeye hater...

Statement: “The Buckeye’s backed into the last two national championship games!”

Response: In 2006, OSU was the only undefeated team from a BCS conference (Boise State was also undefeated). Before the championship game, the debate was not over the Buckeyes, it was between Florida and Michigan for No. 2.

Ohio State surely didn’t back into the championship game; let’s not rewrite history

Statement: “The Buckeye’s can’t win the 'Big Game!'”

Response: Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is 4-3 in bowl games and 3-2 in BCS bowls. Further, Ohio State is 6-1 against arch-rival Michigan under Tressel. However, Ohio State’s entire reputation has been judged on two loses. If the Buckeyes had won just one of those games (against Florida in '07 or LSU in '08) they would be looked at in a totally different light.

Plus, is Ohio State the only school to get blasted in a bowl game? Certainly not, here are a few examples:

1996 Fiesta Bowl: Nebraska 62, Florida 24
1997 Fiesta Bowl: Penn State 38, Texas 15
1997 Sugar Bowl: Florida 52, Florida State 20
1998 Orange Bowl: Nebraska 42, Tennessee 17
2001 Fiesta Bowl: Oregon State 41, Notre Dame 9
2002 Rose Bowl: Miami (FL) 37, Nebraska 14
2003 Rose Bowl: Oklahoma 34, Washington State 14
2005 Orange Bowl: USC 55, Oklahoma 19

So why does everyone want Ohio State to lose this game? Well, it’s because if the Buckeyes win, we all know that they’ll be back in the title game for a third straight season. Heaven forbid!

There’s no way the Buckeyes are one of the top two teams again! They’ve had their chance, right? There’s no way that this year’s team is any different from last year, or the year before! We don’t need to see Ohio State play any more games; we already know what will happen!

As a matter of fact, we should just cancel Ohio State’s season and mark a ‘W’ when they play a Big Ten team and an ‘L’ if they play an SEC team. Let’s just mark an ‘L’ for the USC game, as well. Ohio State has no chance in that game; USC cannot be beaten. USC is like 100-0 in their last 99 games.

Saturday’s matchup is more like a presidential debate than a football game. You’ve already made up your mind on who you’re voting for. If Ohio State wins, it won’t be because they're good; it’ll be because they got "lucky." If they lose, well, you knew they stunk anyway, so losing will just confirm your preconceived notion. Why do you even need to watch?

Well, you’ll watch because you want to see Ohio State suffer! So, Buckeye Haters, on 9/13 regardless who you normally root for, you can join college football fans nationwide in a one-night stand with the Trojans. Fight On!

Could There Be a Better Solution Than College Football Playoffs?

Cullen Buie — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:02:06 -0400

First of all, let’s be honest with ourselves. Whether college football needs a playoff or not, WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET ONE!

I know, I know. It hurts, but it’s the truth. There is absolutely no reason to believe that the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) university presidents and athletic directors will ever approve any sort of playoff system. This much was made clear at this past May’s meeting of BCS power brokers (see here).

But don’t fret, college football fans: there is an alternative.

Instead of fighting for a playoff, we should be fighting for more regular-season games like Ohio State vs. USC. Many have spent a great deal of time and energy advocating for a complete overhaul of the FBS postseason, but we haven’t even perfected the regular season yet. Instead of fighting for a playoff, let’s fight for a standardized regular season schedule. The rule could be very simple.

For a BCS conference team (including Notre Dame) to qualify for any BCS bowl, including the national championship game, they must play at least 10 BCS conference schools during the regular season.

It’s simple. It’s practical. It’s a no-brainer.

Presently, after a quick survey of college football, you can see major scheduling discrepancies.

For example, USC plays a whopping 12 BCS conference teams this year (nine conference games, Virginia, Ohio State, and Notre Dame). Meanwhile LSU, last year’s BCS champion, plays only eight conference games. That’s shameful.

And don’t give me that "The SEC is so strong...blah blah blah." If the conference is so strong, leave the South and prove it (kudos to Georgia, Arkansas, Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee for doing just that).

There are several reasons why a standardized schedule would be good for college football:

1. Strong non-conference games separate contenders from pretenders

Thank goodness for Alabama-Clemson this year! If it weren’t for that game, we may have had to ride the Clemson bandwagon well into November.

And for all those who are skeptical of Ohio State and Georgia, just wait until after their road trips out West (USC on Sept. 13 for Ohio State, Arizona State on Sept. 20 for Georgia) before you pass judgment. After those games, we won’t have to "speculate" because we’ll know for sure.

2. Strong non-conference games establish the conference pecking order before the bowl season

Speaking of Clemson and the ACC, the out-of-conference (OOC) schedule helps to evaluate the relative strength of each conference. Adding more BCS vs. BCS games would only make it easier to evaluate teams at the end of the season.

Last year, Virginia Tech had only two losses and was highly ranked in the BCS computers. However, voters were able to properly judge its strength based on its shellacking at the hands of LSU (also a two-loss team). LSU went on to win the title while Virginia Tech lost to Kansas, the third-best team in the Big 12.

3. A stronger non-conference slate would make the best regular season in sports even better

A playoff system would certainly diminish the regular season, particularly the end of season rivalry games. Last year, if there were an eight-team playoff, Pitt beating West Virginia wouldn’t have mattered on the national scale. However, our current system makes rivalry games even more intense. Instead of adding a playoff, let’s just make the regular season tougher.

Now, some may be wondering, "How many BCS vs. BCS games would this rule add?"

Great question. According to ESPN's Thomas Neumann, only 13 BCS schools (out of 61) have played 50 percent or more of their non-conference games against other BCS schools since 1998.

Most leagues schedule eight conference games (Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12), so playing fewer than 50 percent OOC games against BCS competition corresponds to less than two BCS teams per year. Therefore, there’s certainly room for improvement.

So, college football fans, this year let’s start working on the games that already exist before we try to add new ones. Who knows, maybe this is a battle we can win.

The 2008 College Football "All Name Team"

Cullen Buie — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:14:51 -0400

Is it just me, or do you sometimes watch a football game, hear a player’s name called, and think...what?! Sometimes the names are highly ironic (like Reggie Corner, a defensive back that played for Akron last year). Sometimes, the names are just cool.

In honor of those players with some of the coolest, most interesting signatures, here is my 2008 college football "All Name Team." I’m sure I missed some gems, so be sure to add players from your favorite team in the comments.

Offense

QB—Colt McCoy, Texas

What can I say? He's the QB at Texas, and his name is Colt—'nuff said. The kid’s got a good arm too.

Honorable Mention: QB—Juice Williams, Illinois

His real name is Isiah, but that’s not nearly as cool as Juice. He "juiced" Ohio State last year for four TDs en route to an Illini upset.

RB—Javon Ringer, Michigan State

Everybody needs a ringer on their squad. If Michigan State takes another a step forward this year, Javon will have a lot to do with it.

RB—Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

If you don’t know, you’d better ask somebody.

Honorable Mention: RB—Marlon Lucky, Nebraska

Last year, Bill Callahan’s luck ran out. Hopefully, Bo Pelini can get more out of Lucky and the rest of the Cornhusker offense.

OT—Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma

At 6'8", 337 lbs., this guy is a load. He may be the best player on a great offensive line.

OT—Alesana Alesana, Kansas State

The name so nice you have to say it twice. He started 12 games for K-State last year and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors, and he should be even better this year.

OG—Vince Vance, Georgia

What can I say—I love alliteration.

OG—Eric Block, Illinois

That’s just a great name for a guard. Hopefully he can help Illinois prove last year was no fluke.

C—Kristopher O’Dowd, Southern California

Kristopher looks to anchor a Trojan line with its sights on a national title. He played well last year before getting injured early in the season.

TE—Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois

He caught a TD pass last year to help Illinois upset Ohio State in The Shoe.

WR—Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

One of the most exciting players in the game: With Graham Harrell at QB, he should put up ridiculous numbers again this year.

WR—Golden Tate, Notre Dame

With a name like Golden, Notre Dame is the perfect fit for this rising star.

Defense

DT—Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU

During last year’s national championship game, he was the best player on the field, even better than Glenn Dorsey.

DT—Ziggy Hood, Missouri

Everybody loves Ziggy! His real name is Evander. Last year he had eight TFLs, five sacks, and forced three fumbles.

DE—Jarriett Buie, South Florida

The most wonderful last name in the world...but we aren’t related.

DE—Stryker Sulak, Missouri

He had a breakout year in 2007 with 11 TFLs and six sacks.

LB—James Laurinaitis, Ohio State

Last year Wisconsin caught Laurinaitis—the junior had 19 tackles in the Buckeye win.

LB—Prince Kwateng, Northwestern

Admit it: You wish your name was Prince (or Princess).

LB—Rey Maualuga, Southern California

He could be the top LB taken in next year’s NFL draft.

CB—Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina

Let’s see if he can lead South Carolina to a few more wins in the SEC.

CB—Wopamo Osaisai, Stanford

Also happens to be the Pac-10 100 meter champion.

S—Major Wright, Florida

A member of Florida’s heralded 2007 recruiting class. His play in the secondary will have a major role in Florida’s bid for a second national title in three years.

S—Bo McNally, Stanford

Bo has already returned an interception for a TD in 2008.

Are the USC Trojans Overrated?

Cullen Buie — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:07:25 -0400

A new full-time starter at quarterback (66-of-110 passing for 642 yards, 7 TDs, and 4 INTs last year).

Zero reliable playmakers at WR (last year’s best receiver, a tight end, is gone to the NFL).

Only 11 returning starters (one returning starter on the offensive line).

Ten players drafted to the NFL (seven in the first two rounds).

And you're telling me that's a national title contender? Seriously?

It seems as if we throw all of our rules for evaluating teams out of the window when it comes to USC.

Now, in all fairness, USC has been one of the most dominant college football programs (based on winning percentage and bowl game wins) over the last six years. But let’s take a closer look at USC’s ‘dominance’.

I would argue that since Norm Chow left USC in 2004, USC has become more of a regional power than a national power. Sure, they’ve won the PAC-10 six years in a row, but is that really saying very much?

The very definition of a strong league is the ability of multiple teams to win the title. USC's dominance highlights the PAC-10's weakness. Let’s face it; USC has been to the PAC‑10 what Ohio State has been to the Big Ten.

Now let's look at those bowl game victories. USC has won six of their last seven BCS games (impressive), but five of those games were Rose Bowls (in their backyard). USC winning the Rose Bowl is no more impressive than LSU winning the Sugar Bowl.

It’s great, but that’s not exactly a ‘neutral field’. In addition, USC's Rose Bowl victories have come against the second-best team in the Big Ten two times because Ohio State went to the title game (2006, 2007). If the PAC‑10 champ beats the second best team in the weakening Big Ten, in a virtual home game, should we be that surprised?

Now this is not USC’s fault, it’s the Rose Bowl’s fault, but USC beating Illinois isn’t as impressive as West Virginia beating Oklahoma (a conference champ), or Kansas defeating Virginia Tech (a conference champ).

Furthermore, two years in a row USC has found a way to play itself out of the title game by losing to a team they had no business losing to.

In 2006, they lost to Oregon State, seemingly ending their title hopes. Then they got a second chance at the title game when other teams lost, and they blew it against UCLA.

In 2007 it was Stanford, at home! If USC won that game, they would have gone to New Orleans. I don’t care if Booty played with one hand tied behind his back (USC fans blame his injured fingers for the loss), Stanford probably doesn’t have two players on their entire roster that even received scholarship offers from USC.

Also, Stanford won that game with their backup quarterback…ouch.

How did we get here, why does USC get the benefit of the doubt like no other team in college football? I think it all started in 2003.

Carson Palmer, a Heisman winner, graduated and another Heisman winner stepped right in, Matt Leinert. Since then, we’ve all assumed that whoever starts for the Trojans at QB (or RB, or WR) is a star. Why?

For every other team in the nation, a new starter at QB means ‘wait until next year’ for the title talk.

Florida returns 16 starters, including a Heisman winning QB (Tim Tebow), and they’re ranked below USC.

Oklahoma returns 14 starters, and the most efficient QB in college football (Sam Bradford), and they’re ranked below USC.

Texas Tech returns 18 starters, including the most prolific QB/WR tandem in college football, and they’re ranked below USC.

When it comes to USC, and with every other school in the nation, we need a shorter memory. Just because Leinert was successful in his first year, does that mean every Trojan QB will be a star? Heavens no.

Leinert was blessed to have Norm Chow (one of the top offensive minds in all of football, on any level), and four to five future NFL players playing with him (Reggie Bush, LenDale White, etc.).

Sanchez doesn’t have that, he’s got one potential star (McKnight), and several former five-star recruits the world is still waiting to see blossom.

USC is the only preseason Top 10 team breaking in a new quarterback AND a new offensive line. For any other team this would be a warning sign, but when it’s USC we don’t even care.

Thanks to a weak PAC-10, USC will probably pick up another conference title this year. Thanks to a 9/13 showdown with Ohio State, USC will once again be a one or two loss team at the end of the season.

They’ll peak towards the end of the year, everyone will excuse their loss to Ohio State, claiming they’re one of the best teams and that ‘we need a playoff.’

USC will go to the Rose Bowl, again, and beat the second best team in the Big Ten, again, and they’ll be well on their way to a No. 1 or No. 2 preseason ranking next year. Look at the bright side, at least next year they’ll deserve it.

Three Changes That Will Make the Big Ten Dominant Again

Cullen Buie — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:31:00 -0400

The Big Ten has a glorious tradition, but its national image has been tarnished in the past few years. I believe that with a few changes, the Big Ten could turn things around.

Some of the changes are straightforward, while others would take radical moves by university presidents and athletic directors. However, I believe all of them would help return the Big Ten to national prominence in three to seven years.

By the way, by national prominence I mean having two to three teams per year with legitimate national title aspirations, winning more than 50 percent of the conference's bowl games (including BCS), and winning a national title every three to five years.

1. Scheduling

Playing tougher schedules would improve bowl game performance, increase national exposure for the conference (good for recruiting), and help legitimize the conference relative to the others early in the season (good for the BCS). With tougher schedules, fewer teams would get bowl bids, but the teams that go would be legit.

Part of the reason Big Ten teams have done poorly in bowl games is that they haven’t had much experience playing strong teams that they aren’t familiar with. Don’t get me wrong: League games are tough, but after playing the same team for 70 to 80 years, you know their style.

It’s tougher to play a talented team that you’re unfamiliar with. This would be healthy for both players and coaches. The league needs more games like Illinois vs. Missouri and Ohio State vs. USC.

2. Coaching

In college football, it’s all about coaching. Thankfully, many of the coaches in the Big Ten are good or on the rise. Michigan recently upgraded, and this will ultimately be good for the conference.

The biggest, most glaring problem here is Penn State. We all love Joe Pa, but let’s face it: PSU is a sleeping giant. With all of the high school talent in Pennsylvania, they should be competing for a national title every two to four years.

If PSU can upgrade, the Big Ten would have three established national powers (Ohio State, Michigan, and PSU). Add Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan State (all programs on the rise), and the top of the Big Ten would be very formidable.

3. Passing

The Big Ten should start throwing more. Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, "What does he mean? The Big Ten throws!" Well, yes and no.

Did you know Troy Smith was the first Big Ten QB to win the Heisman? (Les Horvath in 1944 doesn’t count—he attempted 32 passes all year.) What does that say about the league?

Quick, name three starting Big Ten QBs. Thought so. I bet you know five Big 12 QBs.

Obviously, Big Ten teams need strong running games to weather the elements in November, but they also need to pass more so that they can attract elite quarterback recruits. Elite quarterbacks attract elite receivers and linemen, and so on and so on. Throwing more will raise the quality of recruiting at skill positions.

Don’t believe me? Look at Ohio State’s recruiting since Troy Smith won the Heisman. I guarantee Jim Tressel popped in a Troy Smith highlight video when he recruited Terrelle Pryor (from PSU’s backyard).