Bright Side For Texas Fans

Sometimes, life just isn't fair.

Just like Notre Dame in 1993, Miami in 2000, or Auburn in 2004, someone in the national title picture is about to get hosed. 

As everyone knows by now, Oklahoma passed Texas on Sunday in the BCS rankings, thereby winning the Big XII South, and a shot at Missouri and a Big XII title.  The only problem is that Texas beat Oklahoma, had an identical record, was ranked higher going into the weekend, and beat their rival by 40.  In what world does that team get passed by a team that it beat? 

In the event of a three way tie, there is no inherent problem with using the BCS rankings per se.  After all, after four other tie breakers have failed, there has to be some sort of way of determining a champion, doesn't there? 

The problem is the subjectivity of the BCS rankings.  Here's how I see it: the BCS is the formula used for determining a national champion.  Alright, so in the race between Texas, Tech, and Oklahoma, we're using national title eligibility as the determining factor. 

Tech eliminates itself because no national title contender should ever lose by 44 points.  Therefore, it becomes a two team race between Texas and Oklahoma. Here, Texas is the clear winner, having beaten Oklahoma by 10 on a neutral field.  End of discussion. 

The problem is how flawed the BCS is in determining it's positioning.  After the Oklahoma State game, Bob Stoops was being interviewed with "65-21, 39-33" signs behind him.  This seems to say, the best argument for OU's case is a flawed logic argument. 

It's been six years since the first day of logic 101, but let's see if I can remember:  Let A=OU beats Tech.  Let B=Tech beats Texas.  Let C=OU beats Texas.

The first fundamental argument of logic is, if A then B, if B then C, so if A then C.  Except, oh yeah, OU didn't beat Texas!  OU's argument is based entirely off what is known in logic as an incogent argument. 

It sucks for Texas, but let's keep a little perspective.  Take a look back to any preseason magazine, and the consensus would be that this year would not be Texas' year.  

What is unfolding in the BCS race is a travesty, but keep in mind, Texas wasn't even supposed to be in this situation this year.  Just for example, if you take a look in Dave Campbell's Texas Football annual, you would see a prediction for an 8-4 Sun Bowl season for the burnt orange. 

I offer this to pained Texas fans:  take heart.  The fact that Texas is even in the national title discussion is a bonus this year.  Remember that next year was supposed to be Texas' year.

Keep this in mind, Texas fans.  Will Muschamp will be back next year.  Colt McCoy, in all likelihood, will be back next year.  Brandon Collins, Malcolm Williams, Deon Beasly, Earl Thomas, Fozzy Whittaker, Blake Gideon, and the entire young secondary and receiving corps will all be seasoned with big game experience. 

It may seem like a little thing, but tight end Blaine Irby will be back from an injury next year.  Sam Bradford is a likely first round pick in a weak 2009 quarterback draft class (he's just a sophomore, but there's a good chance he's gone). 

So keep the faith, and remember miracles could still happen.  If Florida wins the SEC, there's a chance the computers will keep Texas ranked ahead of them in the BCS with the possibility of an OU-UT rematch for the national championship.  

Texas could win the AP national title (they're currently ranked 3rd, and if USC gets to claim their 2003 AP title, then damn it, Texas should be able to claim an AP championship, too). 

But whatever happens, Texas is BCS bound for the third time, so get ready for a big game, remember that you've beaten OU three out of four years, and next year looks like it'll be even better.