The Archer's Bowl Rant

As I posted previously, the Bull Crap System Bowl Championship Series released its list of end of the season major bowl matchups. I suppose it could have been worse, all things considered, but not by much. I personally think the BCS is inherently flawed, but let's just look at the disappointing matchups:

THE ROSE BOWL
Pasadena, Calif.
Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m. (ABC)
USC (10-2) vs. Illinois (9-3)
Last season: No. 8 USC 32, No. 3 Michigan 18

Next year, this might have been an interesting bowl, but Ron Zook hasn't had enough time to recruit the level of talent needed to stop the USC late season juggernaut. I think USC has as much claim to the title game as any. Granted, Illinois did beat Ohio State, but they also lost 2 other games in an incredibly mediocre Big Ten this year.
What could have been: The Traditional Big Ten/Pac-10 champs Rose Bowl matchup pitting Ohio State and USC. So much more interesting.

SUGAR BOWL
New Orleans
Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. (FOX)
Hawaii (12-0) vs. Georgia (10-2)
Last season: No. 4 LSU 41, No. 11 Notre Dame 14

Hawaii (Hawaii? Are you kidding me? They used to be called the Rainbows!) against Georgia. Granted, they are undefeated, but still...they barely cleared anyone's top ten. They play in the WAC (I actually had to look that up). The only team they played that anyone's heard of is Boise State of the Smurf Turf. Against a Georgia juggernaut that some thought had a shot at the BCS title game (despite not even having won their division in the SEC). The scary thing is if Hawaii freezes over somehow pulls this off, the BCS will likely have a split national championship.
What could have been: Georgia v Oklahoma. That could have been a good game.

FIESTA BOWL
Glendale, Ariz.
Jan. 2, 8:00 p.m. (FOX)
West Virginia (10-2) vs. Oklahoma (11-2)
Last season: No. 9 Boise State 43, No. 7 Oklahoma 42 (OT)

West Virginia choked again. You would think the state would have strangled itself to death years ago after all those chokes. ESPN gurus were oohing and ahhing over their alledged offense. They just had to beat Pitt. No pity. Whatsoever. Oklahoma smacked a good Missouri team amongst others. No contest here.
What could have been: West Virginia and Missouri in the OverratedCryBaby.com Bowl. You know you want it!

ORANGE BOWL
Miami
Jan. 3, 8 p.m. (FOX)
Kansas (11-1) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2)
Last season: No. 5 Louisville 24, No. 15 Wake Forest 13
Kansas had a remarkable season, but when the chips were down against Missouri, not much happened. Still a ways to go from the coach from Kansas. Said one Kansan, "Our coach is phat!" Virginia Tech has been lack luster all year.
What could have been: Illinois v. Kansas. I think that would have been a better all around matchup.

BCS TITLE GAME
New Orleans
Jan. 7, 8 p.m. (FOX)
Ohio State (11-1) vs. LSU (11-2)
Last season: No. 2 Florida 41, No. 1 Ohio State 14

This one was about as good as any, I suppose. Ohio State was in because they are the Big Ten and most sportcasters especially on ESPN worship at the feet of that conference. Also, they were the last man standing with only 1 loss (despite the one loss being the only quasi-top 20 team they played all year. ) LSU has 2 losses and is a bit beat up. They lost their defensive coordinator to Nebraska (which I am really happy about). Granted both losses were in triple over time, but 2 losses are 2 losses. I think USC, Oklahoma, and Georgia all had legitimate gripes.
What could have been: really anybody's call. I think USC, Oklahoma, Georgia, and LSU all could beat Ohio State.

Unless some team steps up big in the Bowl Games, I think there should not be a national title awarded this year unless its split. amongst about 3 or 4 teams.

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