MMBSD: C-Town Love, Myth Bustin and Surprises

A great sports weekend, especially for those of us located in Central/Northern Ohio. I don't remember the last the Cavs, Browns and Buckeyes all won on the same weekend. I shall cherish it always will with a commemorative plaque. Also I shall reward myself with an extra helping of stuffing at the family food fest known as Thanksgiving. You know it’s my family’s thanksgiving when all food preparation is prefaced- this is made with light (fill in blank)). Anyway a lot of thoughts on a fun weekend of sports.

Myth Busting
Well contrary to the fears/wishes of the pundits we have two teams lined up for the BCS Championship game...Texas and USC. Even with a loss in the coming weeks, I question if either of these teams will be nudged from their place at the Rose Bowl. However this week introduced a dilemma that is over looked by the usual lackey's of the college football playoff system. Typically the argument goes that playoffs will give you a more definitive winner. The problem is who gets to go the playoffs. Theoretically it would the same 8 BCS bound teams. The problem is that the 2 at large bids are just as (and in my opinion more) controversial as determining the top 2 teams. Who deserves the two at large bids? I have my own biased opinions but here are the contenders (in order of my bias)

Notre Dame - Only two losses (USC and Michigan State) and they beat ranked Michigan. They also have a legion of fans which counts if you want to make money (although not necessarily if you want the "best teams").

The Ohio State University - Only two losses and both of those were to BCS bound teams. Nice win at Michigan and QB Troy Smith seemed to play better as the year went on. They too have a lot of supporters, fans, and a good number of local militias (armed with flaming couches).

Miami - Two losses also although to two lower ranked teams (FSU and G-Tech). The good news Miami fans would travel well to the Orange Bowl. The bad news is all of the player might be in jail by January.

Oregon - Only one loss to top ranked USC. They also have cool helmets. School doesn't travel well and I think Joey Harrington is contractually obligated to show off his piano skills if they go to a BCS bowl game.

Auburn- After losing their QB and top two running backs I thought this team would take a step back. They did....two losses. The two loses were to tougher than expected G-Tech and SEC Championship bound LSU. However, they barely beat Georgia when Georgia's starting QB was out. Also not a lot of drawing power as this team has been below the radar all season.

LSU, Georgia, Texas, V-Tech - Are also possible at large bids depending on the outcomes of varius conference championship games. My sense is that all but Georgia will win and a loss at the end of the season pretty much ends Georgia's chances at a BCS bowl bid (or should).



Surprises

1. I didn't realize Reggie Bush was that good. 513 all purpose yards? You got to be kidding. That’s hard if you’re playing Madden Football. He's bigger than I thought (200 lbs) and a lot faster. I haven't seen someone turn the corner and accelerate that fast outside of a select few (Marcus Allen comes to mind). The Heisman Trophy Award is his. Period.
2. Didn't see the Chicago victory coming either. The New Monster's of Midway sacked, attacked and possibly sexually harassed Jake Delhomme all day and then egged his car for good measure. If the NFC's representative at the Super Bowl is murkier than ever, the number of NFC teams legitimately vying for the playoffs is shrinking faster than Publius in a cold lake. By my own calculations the list of possible teams (i.e. teams with better record still in the hunt) goes down to the suddenly disappointing 5-5 Washington team. Next week against San Diego is a must win for the 2005 Gibbs bunch.
3. Who Dey (of the ex-Bungals variety) played Indianapolis tough but usually if let the opposing team score touchdowns five straight times to open the game you have a hard time winning. Usually. My sense is that Marvin Lewis doesn't have the personnel yet to stop the run. Playoffs should keep the Southern Ohio faction happy but the Super Bowl isn't in the cards this year. Both San Diego and KC (who plays the Pats next week) need wins next week. The Steelers need Roethlisberger back. Tommy Maddox's impersonation of a washed up quarterback while believable is not helping the team.
4. Who picked the Dallas Mavericks to do better this year? Who said it would be with the help of Desagna Diop (a man who while in Cleveland could barely run, let alone dribble, let alone score)? I don't know if Dallas can keep this up but as of right now I have them as the top challenger to the Spurs.