Who's Number 1?
There has been some debate, and I think with some good reason, whether USC should be number 1 in the football polls despite the fact they are the defending national champions. After their lackluster performances thus far, I was inclined to listen to the argument. After watching the Notre Dame game today, though USC won by the skin of their teeth at literally the last second, I still have to give them the edge on number 1.
I have two general rules of thumb about football (and sports in general):
1. The defending champ stays the champ until they prove they aren't
2. Never bet against a team with lady luck on its side
USC seems to have both these characteristics, so they have my undivided vote as such until they lose. However, despite the loss, I think Notre Dame played like a top ten team. A loss, no matter how valiant, is still a loss. I know, I'm old school. And it gripes me to have to do this; but in all fairness I am moving the Irish up despite the loss, even though were not in my top ten list last week (I had them at 11). That was one heck of a game.
In other football news, my high school alma mater's long regular season football winning streak is finally over. It lasted 3 seasons. Though still in the hunt for the region, the magic is over. And I have to say, they are way, way, way (Seaburians will appreciate that play words) better than when I played. Which was not all that long ago, mind you. At least the days of our 87-20 collective butt kicking are over. That score, which still stands as a TSSAA state record for worst playoff football loss ever, is a record which may endure for eternity. And yes, as I recall, that was a very long bus ride home.
I have two general rules of thumb about football (and sports in general):
1. The defending champ stays the champ until they prove they aren't
2. Never bet against a team with lady luck on its side
USC seems to have both these characteristics, so they have my undivided vote as such until they lose. However, despite the loss, I think Notre Dame played like a top ten team. A loss, no matter how valiant, is still a loss. I know, I'm old school. And it gripes me to have to do this; but in all fairness I am moving the Irish up despite the loss, even though were not in my top ten list last week (I had them at 11). That was one heck of a game.
In other football news, my high school alma mater's long regular season football winning streak is finally over. It lasted 3 seasons. Though still in the hunt for the region, the magic is over. And I have to say, they are way, way, way (Seaburians will appreciate that play words) better than when I played. Which was not all that long ago, mind you. At least the days of our 87-20 collective butt kicking are over. That score, which still stands as a TSSAA state record for worst playoff football loss ever, is a record which may endure for eternity. And yes, as I recall, that was a very long bus ride home.
Comments
If Texas can decided beat Texas Tech next week, I may reconsider. But I have to have conclusive proof before I dethrone a reigning champ with lady luck on its side. I am still not convinced Texas can win the big one. Yes, they have the talent, but have had for some years now. I am just not convinced Mack Brown is the tactician or coach that is going to win a national title. He can build a top 5 team, but he has to prove to me he can take it to the next level.
pax tecum