College Football 2010: With Traditional Powers Falling Flat, Season Lacks Zing

With apologies to Auburn, Oregon, Boise and TCU, the 2010 season may go down as the least memorable in college football history.  Here are some reasons why it has been ordinary.

First, too many traditional powers are having sub-par seasons.  Texas, USC, Michigan, Florida, Alabama, Miami, Florida State and Oklahoma all have multiple losses.  Yikes.

All of these teams don’t need to be strong for the season to be exciting, but it would help if a few were in the top 10.  The Tide is the closest, sitting at No. 11. 

Besides Alabama, the rest of these powers are so deeply flawed it makes you wonder whether or not they will be bad next season, too.

Second, the Big East and the ACC are terrible. These two conferences specialize in basketball, so it might be unreasonable to expect several good teams from the same schools.  However, there are 20 teams stretching from Miami to Boston, and only two can make into the Top 25?  Sadly, after this week, the number might drop to just one since Virginia Tech and Miami play each other on Saturday.

Third, coupled with the ACC and Big East, the SEC East is borderline atrocious, too.  Divisional races in the SEC are usually one of the top storylines.  This year the East race has been an afterthought.  With the Gators, Volunteers and Bulldogs playing like a FCS teams, few have paid any attention.

Fourth, the only compelling conference race left is the Big Ten where Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State are battling for the crown.  Anyone really care about Auburn vs. SC?  Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State, Part II?  Pitt vs. anyone?

November is generally when the races heat up.  Most are already determined, or lack the flare necessary to be electrifying. 

Finally, there is a strong chance that the most memorable part of the 2010 season will be the BCS system failing to give Boise State and TCU a chance to play for the title.  That is not memorable.  It is unfortunate.

The season might not be an entire bust.  Auburn playing Oregon for the title might produce a classic, at least offensively.  Nebraska winning the Big 12 in their last season as a member of the conference would be touching.  The Spartans sharing the Big Ten title would be great considering the off season turmoil and Coach Dantonio’s comeback from the early season heart attack. 

Regardless, the 2010 season is unlikely to be remembered unless you are a fan of the champion.