A dropped hold on a PAT. An errant kickoff out of bounds.
Two plays, they're all that kept a non-BCS team from crashing the BCS title game party for the first time.
But it wasn't to be. Pittsburgh's dropped PAT attempt allowed Cincinnati to escape with a 45-44 victory. Hours later, Texas squeezed by Nebraska with a 13-12 victory, in large part thanks to the kickoff that went out of bounds following the Huskers' go-ahead field goal.
So the BCS conferences can breathe a sigh of relief. Alabama will face Texas in Pasadena for the BCS national championship. TCU, Boise State and Big East's Cincinnati will be left to fight over the scraps.
For what it's worth, the Bearcats will edge the Horned Frogs for the third spot. And had Hunter Lawrence missed his 46-yard field goal as time expired, Cincinnati would've been the team in Pasadena.
Boise State, on the other hand, should be sending some roses to Mr. Lawrence. Texas' victory just about assured the Broncos' safe passage to their second BCS bowl appearance in four years.
The BCS bowl matchups:
BCS national championship game: Alabama vs. Texas
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs. Cincinnati
Fiesta Bowl: Iowa vs. Boise State
Orange Bowl: TCU vs. Georgia Tech
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Projected Final BCS Standings: 1. Alabama (expected to score a perfect 1.000 in the BCS ratings), 2. Texas, 3. Cincinnati, 4. TCU, 5. Boise State, 6. Florida, 7. Oregon, 8. Ohio State, 9. Iowa, 10. Georgia Tech, 11. Penn State, 12. Virginia Tech, 13. LSU, 14. BYU, 15. Miami (Fla.).
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33 comments:
I completely disagree. I think Cincinnati should be in the BCS game but the only reason why they wont be in the BCS game even tho they played a harder schedule and didn't have to squeeze out a last second win literally, they wont because they are not in a large football recognized conference. They deserve to be recognized just as much as every other team.
I hate to say this as a Gator fan, but when you factor in everything (lost the big prize, DC leaving, many juniors heading for the draft, many seniors already in the draft, etc) there isn't a hope or prayer this team will beat Cincy. They will come even less organized than that trash team they put on the field in Atlanta. I'm just saying, if you bet....I will tell you if I get some other feeling from UF along the way...put your money on Cincy. I will. If they actually give points...it's the best bet on earth. Heck, Cincy may be better straight up in a nuetral situation anyway. UF is a wreck on offense and confused on defense....with no motivation to fix it.
what were you watching? Cincinnati didn't squeeze out a last second victory? Hell, they were down several touchdowns. I admit they had a nice comback. But Pitt is a good team, but one that has several loses. I don't like either Texas or Alabama, but they dealt with the pressure all year long and it is the system we have. Stop pounding sand and enjoy the season.
Thanks longhorns go! boise state
Problem with these bowls is that in the end it doesn't really make anything clearer, except maybe whether Cincinnati has a good argument for being in the championship game (and whether Texas should have been in).
TCU and Boise? I'm not sure that beating Georgia Tech or Iowa proves that they belong. While we chastise Florida and Texas for their weak schedules, Boise State at best has 3 out of conference games equivalent to Florida's conference games while their entire conference is more equivalent to Florida's out of conference games. Georgia Tech and Iowa are middle of the road teams in the Pac 10 or SEC.
I think that middle of the road Iowa team beat the number 2 team in the Pac-10 by double digits.
It should be #1 Bama v #2 TCU. We all know that. Don't kid yourselves.
Someone please tell me who TCU has played this year?
TCU has no argument either. AT least not one that trumps Texas.
They barely beat Air Force in a close game.
Remember. Texas has the longest win streak in the country. Texas played an extra game that TCU and Cincy did not have to play. If Tx played in the weaker(still respectable... but it is weaker) MWC conference... their season would've been over last week and TCU/Cincy would've have had any kind of chance to overtake TX.
Its unfortunate that TCU/TX couldn't play each other. Would have been epic.
TCU has beat Clemson, BYU and Virginia on the road, Utah at home. And you're kidding yourself if you think BYU and/or Utah wouldn't finish at least 4-4 in the Big 12 South. It's a shame TCU couldn't play Boise State in a non-BCS title game to strengthen their schedule over Texas in the idiot pollster eyes.
I hate Texas. But now I just sound like Max Hall.
Clemson, BYU and Virginia on the road, Utah at home... if that's all you got, i'ma let you finish..., but no. Bobby Bowden built a monster program @ FSU ... the same team that is not the best in the ACC by far (really a shell of its former Glory) and they SHELLED BYU, I mean they beat that ASS.(in byu's house none the less) When you base the strength of your schedule on Clemson, and UVA.... *crickets* Years from now, and TCU keeps going and winning then fine, otherwise... Enjoy Bama and TX . BTW I do think TCU is well on its way, but you can't play in that conference and not play MIAMI's opening schedule and have a prayer. THE END.
If the AQ conference teams would stop being f'radie-cats and agree to include playing the non-AQ teams on a regular basis they wouldn't be able to hide behind this argument anymore. But they feel so threatened. Seems to be a "class" system going on in FBS which protects the big teams.... out of greed and glory I suppose. Who wants to risk sharing it when you've already go a corner on the market?
Florida/Cincinnati is a great matchup and Alabama ran wild on Saturday. They didn't really expose any of Florida's weakness. Florida's weakness was themselves. The Defense had no answer for Ingram and McElroy and the offense just couldn't do anything.
It was what you would call "A VERY BAD DAY". Sure maybe to some you think its a understatement to say it was a bad day. Yes they need to correct offensive AND Defensive miscues but now that Tebow has sulked, he's now pissed that he didn't accomplish the goal of a undefeated season, and he is going to want to end his senior season on a high note and his teammates follow suite. So does Tony pike, but when you piss off the Florida Gators, you just need to hold on for dear life.
Granted I don't think it will be a blowout, and it will be a close game, but Florida will beat Cincy 37-28. If they play.
I still think it might be a Florida/Boise State matchup. If that happens I think boise has a better shot at beating Florida than Cincinnati and likewise TCU, will WIN if they play Florida.
However to say that the Gators won't be focused for their bowl game...Meyer won't let that happen, Tebow won't let that happen. And if you think they will be less organized, you obviously haven't been a Gator fan for long.
GO GATORS!!
The biggest game of the year and you score 13 with no weather problems in a dome or give up 44 points to a strait up the middle running team? It must be good to have the built in excuse of being in a BCS conference and the horrendous burden of playing a Big State University finishing ranked in the 20's!!!!! Joker 12 and Big Defenseless East.
I think that middle of the road Iowa team beat the number 2 team in the Pac-10 by double digits.
And they lost to Ohio State, who got beat by the #6 pac 10 team. What's your point?
They lost 2 games in a much weaker conference. In the Pac 10 they're 5-4, right in the middle. They don't do any better than splitting Stanford/Cal, USC/UCLA, and losing to both Oregon teams or dropping an away game at Washington or Arizona State.
Complain all you want about non-AQ conference schools not getting respect but the argument that TCU played "Clemson, BYU, Utah, and Virginia" is ridiculous. Yes it is unfortunate that teams won't schedule them and the SEC and Big 12 schools usually schedule terrible teams for their OOC schedule, but in the end the SEC and Big 12 schedules are still tougher than TCU or Boise.
More than half of the non-AQ schools' schedules would be ridiculed on the AQ schools' schedules. At least Florida can only schedule 3 cupcakes a year. TCU and Boise have them built in.
It would be nice if we had more out of conference matchups between these big schools but clearly the best bet for the AQ schools is to not play anyone out of conference so they can end the season undefeated or with 1 loss, and go to a BCS game. They have nothing to gain.
The bottom line is we can't sit here and hypothetically argue who is best without the teams playing each other.
BUT, having seen TCU play, I believe they honestly are strong - ranked top in defense (ouch - sorry Texas) and in offense.
Cincy, Pitt, Iowa and even Boise - they are all good too and deserve to be ahead of Texas.
By the way, Texas has the longest winning streak, but remember who has the SECOND longest winning streak? TCU
Listen to Charles Barkley and who he says is best:
http://search.espn.go.com/charles-barkley/college-football/28
The Pac-10 is very about the same as the Big-10. No way Iowa, doesn't contend for the Pac-10 title. Yes, Iowa lost to Ohio St in overtime with their second string quarterback. Injuries are part of football. I guess this is the good thing about bowl season. We get to see how conference champs match up.
The best overall team in the country will not play for the NC. What a travesty.
NCAA rankings before the bowl games of the undefeated:
Defense:
1. TCU
2. Alabama
3. Texas
13. Boise State
48. Cincinnati
Offense:
4. TCU
6. Cincinnati
8. Boise State
20. Texas
35. Alabama
My Bowl Predictions:
Rose: Oregon-Ohio St.
Orange: Georgia Tech-Cincinnati
Sugar: Florida-Boise State
Fiesta: TCU-Iowa
half of TCU's schedule: Texas State, Southern Methodist, Colorado State, UNLV, San Diego State, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
What's the over/under on NFL players from those teams?
TCU may well be a top team but when that's your schedule you can't use offensive and defensive stats as arguments.
It's official - the BCS sucks.
They are too afraid to pair up TCU and Boise with BCS teams. Typical. They won't even let us prove anything on the field.
Both TCU and Boise deserve better. Horrible choice for a bowl.
Think about this:
The BCS Standings as of December 6 were:
1. Alabama
2. Texas
3. Cincinnati
4. TCU
5. Florida
6. Boise State
7. Oregon
8. Ohio State
9. Georgia Tech
10. Iowa
The selection process went down as follows:
1. Sugar Bowl used 1st replacement pick to take #5 Florida
2. Fiesta Bowl used 2nd replacement pick to take #4 TCU
3. Orange Bowl used 1st regular pick to take #10 Iowa
4. Fiesta Bowl used 2nd regular pick to take #6 Boise State
5. Sugar Bowl was left with #3 Cincinnati
Interesting "selection" process, don't you think?
You tell me whether the "selection" process was honest, or it was "pre-determined" as part of a "backroom" deal to segregate TCU and Boise State in a bowl to keep them from playing any of the 6 power conference teams.
Think about this:
The BCS Standings as of December 6 were:
1. Alabama
2. Texas
3. Cincinnati
4. TCU
5. Florida
6. Boise State
7. Oregon
8. Ohio State
9. Georgia Tech
10. Iowa
The selection process went down as follows:
1. Sugar Bowl used 1st replacement pick to take #5 Florida
2. Fiesta Bowl used 2nd replacement pick to take #4 TCU
3. Orange Bowl used 1st regular pick to take #10 Iowa
4. Fiesta Bowl used 2nd regular pick to take #6 Boise State
5. Sugar Bowl was left with #3 Cincinnati
Interesting "selection" process, don't you think?
You tell me whether the "selection" process was honest, or it was "pre-determined" as part of a "backroom" deal to segregate TCU and Boise State in a bowl to keep them from playing any of the 6 power conference teams.
The bowl is a travesty - TCU and Boise can't prove anything now. The BCS was too scared.
It's not a matter of the BCS being "too scared." It is just how the selection process played out. Fiesta bowl got a great matchup for themselves (as TCU and Boise State are close geographically and will travel). They did this by picking TCU first, knowing BSU would drop to them.
Of course, this screws everyone out of a good matchup. A shame, TCU-Florida would be a telling matchup, as would seeing Boise State playing, say, GT. Too bad.
Three undefeated Div I teams that played a full schedule of meaningless games. Why were the entire schedules of TCU, Cincinnati and Boise St meaningless? Because it didn't matter if they won all their games or lost all of their games, they weren't going to get a chance to play for the National title no matter what. What a joke!
vr, Xei
The BCS didn't matchup Boise and TCU because they are scared. They did it because it was the smart business decision.
Since '02, four non-AQ teams have played in BCS games. Two times the game that featured the non-AQ team (UGA-Hawaii in '08 and Utah-Pitt in '05) had the worst TV ratings of the five BCS games. The other two times (Utah-Bama in '09 and Boise-Oklahoma in '07) recorded the second-lowest TV ratings of the five BCS games. The ratings of those games were still low but weren't last due to even weaker matchups (VaTech-Cincy last year and Louisville-Wake in '07).
There are three schools that lack a large national following included in this year's BCS: Boise State, TCU and Cincinnati. That's three potential games that could be ratings clunkers. The smartest thing to do was pair two of those teams together and match the third one up against a team with a large following. Florida certainly fits the bill.
Complain about the BCS all you want (I agree that it sucks; it should be more about football and less about business), but at least we have #1 playing #2 every year. That only happened eight times prior to the BCS. There isn't always a consensus #1 and #2, but there's always been controversy over that.
If you think the BCS is a mess, then just imagine what would have happened pre-BCS if #2 Texas, #3 TCU and #4 Cincinnati would all win their bowl games. You're left with three undefeated teams who all won high-profile bowl games. How do you sort that mess?
And please don't say playoff... it's not going to happen.
Advertisers and sponsors want high TV ratings. It's in the best interest of the BCS to make those people as happy as possible.
It's probably worth noting that this is the first time the BCS bowls will feature the top 10 teams in the nation (before the fifth bowl, the top 8 were never featured either).
OT-
I wouldn't say that TCU and BSU were screwed by being matched up together.
1. Everyone knew the Sugar was going to select the loser of the SECCG, the Sugar has a long tradition with the SEC just like the ROSE-P10,B10.
2. #4 TCU was picked second, no disrespect there except to #3 Cincy.
3. The Orange went all the way down to #10 Iowa, but once again more disrespect to Cincy. There were several other teams available at least or more attractive than Boise (Iowa, Penn State, Cincy).
4. The Fiesta picked BSU (more disrespect to Cincy). BSU was probably the best team for the Fiesta, ranked #6, West Coast team, etc.
5. BSU was lucky the Fiesta did not take Cincy, if they had taken Cincy to matcup against TCU, the Sugar was likely to pick Virginia Tech to matchup against Florida. Bigger TV ratings, and a certain sellout. Then BSU would have been screwed.
all of this is just what they want. everybody talking about college football. That is why they will never have a real championship playoff system set up. I mean do you really think the winner of Texas alabamma game is the best in the country. What a joke!
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