The College Football Playoff; What Would Have Been
Fans have long been demanding the BCS to transform from a bowl only system to a playoff system to crown the true national champion. Like it or not, the BCS has yet to change, and likely will not. But if there was a playoff system, here is what it might look like this year. Using an eight team playoff system, with the winner from each automatic qualifying conference (SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big East, Big 12, Pac 12) receiving an automatic invite to the playoff, and two more teams, would make up the playoff bracket. To determine the non-automatic qualifying teams, I chose the two highest ranked BCS teams. (Alabama and Stanford) Then, I reseeded each team based on their BCS rank. So the bracket looks like this; out of the SEC, LSU emerges as the #1 seed. They will be matched against the Big East winner, West Virginia. (#8). Alabama receives the #2 seed and will face the ACC winner, Clemson, in the first round. The Big 12 winner and the 3rd ranked BCS team, Oklahoma State, will square off against Big Ten Champion, Wisconsin. Oregon, the winner for the Pac 12 will be pitted against fellow Pac 12 foe, Stanford. Ironically, Stanford has the higher BCS rank, so they receive the fourth seed, whereas Oregon receives the 5th. Now that the bracket is set, the games can begin!
#1 LSU versus #8 West Virginia
This game is a grudge match for West Virginia, who was thwarted by the Tigers at home back on September 24th. LSU dominated that game, 47-21, and there is no doubt the result would be the same in this contest. LSU did not have dual threat quarterback, Jordan Jefferson, who was serving the end of his suspension in the first game. He gives LSU even more firepower, although thanks to one of the most dominating defenses in the country, they likely do not need it. LSU makes a statement in this game and completely dismantles the Mountaineers, advancing to the next round where they will face the winner of the 4-5 matchup.
LSU 52 West Virginia 17
#4 Stanford versus #5 Oregon
This game is another rematch, as the Ducks traveled to Stanford and dominated them, winning 53 to 30. LaMicheal James ran wild against the Cardinal defense, accumulating 146 yards and crossing the pylon three times for scores. Andrew Luck did all he could, attempting 41 passes. He threw three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions. Those two interceptions certainly would not happen again, but the Ducks still have too much firepower and will knock off Stanford again. Some ducks may not be able to fly, but that does not bother these Ducks, as they will stay grounded and let LaMicheal James carry them to victory. This win sets up another team for second round action.
Oregon 45 Stanford 38
#3 Oklahoma State versus # 6 Wisconsin
This three versus six matchup provides a lot of intrigue. Oklahoma State lost their bid for an undefeated season when they travelled to Ames and were upset by Iowa State in triple overtime. The Badgers lost consecutive road games to Michigan State and Ohio State on last second Hail Mary’s. The Badgers boast an impressive ground and pound attack, compiling an average of just over 237 yards per game. They have put points up in bunches, scoring 44.6 points per contest. However, the Cowboys boast a very high octane offense as well, scoring the second most points in the nation at 49.3 per game. They prefer to go to the air to move the ball, averaging 383.6 yards per game. This attack is led by outstanding senior passer Brandon Weeden and explosive junior wide receiver Justin Blackmon. This would certainly be an entertaining game, as two of the best college football offenses battle it out. However, I have to give the edge to the Cowboys, as this will be a close game, and the Badgers just seem to let the close games slip away. If they allowed a Hail Mary to Kirk Cousins and Braxton Miller, I just do not see them able to stop Weeden.
Oklahoma State 59 Wisconsin 56
#2 Alabama versus #7 Clemson
The Crimson Tide rolled through the season with just one blemish, an epic overtime battle in Tuscaloosa versus number one LSU. Clemson ended their season in an impressive fashion, overwhelming the Hookies 38-10 in the ACC Championship game. In this game the Tide’s defense, which surrenders a minuscule 8.8 points per game will be the difference in this contest. Clemson’s high flying aerial assault, led by talented sophomore Tajh Boyd, will meet their maker in Alabama, as their defense stifles the Tigers on their way to an impressive victory.
Alabama 17 Clemson 3
Semi Final Round
#1 LSU versus #5 Oregon
This game is another rematch from back when the Ducks were the third ranked team in the nation in week one. LSU toppled Oregon in that matchup, 40-27. Since these two teams squared off on September 3rd, the Tigers continued to be tested playing ranked teams on the road against Mississippi State, West Virginia and Alabama. They also were pitted against tough ranked teams at home, going to war against Florida, Auburn, Arkansas and Georgia. LSU remained flawless, crushing every team they faced, with the exception of Alabama, who they ousted by an overtime field goal. This game will be similar to the first game, with LSU hammering the Ducks. They will contain the fireball in LaMicheal James, win the special teams battle, and play well enough offensively to win.
LSU 31 Oregon 20
#3 Oklahoma State versus #2 Alabama
Many people thought that the Cowboys were going to be the team to square off against the SEC winner in the BCS, but their hopes were dashed by Iowa State. Thanks to the playoff system they still get their shot against one of the big boys from the SEC. This game has a lot of intrigue as well as the Oklahoma State offense is one of the best in the nation and Alabama’s defense gives up the fewest points in the nation. It is strength versus strength in this marquee matchup. In the end it will be the greatness of the physical Alabama defense that will be able to stun the Cowboys and create turnovers to give them just enough to overcome Oklahoma State, setting up round two of the epic LSU versus Alabama battle.
Alabama 24 Oklahoma State 20
The Championship!
#1 LSU Vs. #2 Alabama
Make fun of the BCS all you want. Point out all of its flaws, but let’s be honest. This year, despite all the chaos going on, the BCS nailed it. The two best teams in the nation are squaring off in the national championship. In fact, by this playoff format, this game would mark the fourth grudge match. But to the national championship game…LSU beat Alabama once on the road, but one of the toughest things to do in sports is to beat a great team twice. (Yes I realize LSU has done that twice during this playoff scenario). However in the end, LSU will prove victorious once again, as they just have the bigger play makers. This is a much tougher road for LSU than just being pitted against Alabama for the second time, so it is more likely that a team can trip them up. But LSU is the nation’s best team and I just do not see anyone who can beat them this year. The playoff system might be very alluring to fans, but at least in this year it would feature a lot of rematches, which are not nearly as exciting. Maybe we can get a playoff in the future, but for now tune in to the great bowl matchups, and of course the national title game! These two teams clearly are the two best teams college football has to offer this season.
LSU 13 Alabama 10
