Upon Further Review: Tigers’ title argument loses steam
Over past the four weeks, I’ve argued that Auburn should be playing for the National Championship against USC. But after watching the Sugar Bowl on Monday night, I’m not so sure of that anymore.
The Tigers may have finished the year 13-0, but so did Utah — and I don’t think Utah is a No. 1 team.
Going undefeated is a very difficult thing to do in any sport, and those who achieve such great success should be commended.
The Tigers faced Virginia Tech who has a pretty solid program, but not a team that should give the No.1 team in the country much trouble.
Auburn played well and its defense showed no sings of breaking, that is, until the final two minutes.
Auburn needed to dominate the game if it had any hope of upending the Sooners or Trojans for the No.1 spot. They came out quickly and marched down field, but had to settle for field goals in each of their first three scoring opportunities. Not very impressive if you’re trying make a case for the No.1 spot in the season-ending poll.
In the days leading up to the game, head coach Tommy Tuberville and his team made their pitch as to why the Tigers should have been playing in the Orange Bowl, and not the Sugar Bowl. And his argument was a strong one. Only five teams in SEC history have ever finished the regular season 12-0. Four of those went on to win the national championship. Florida was the fifth, but fell to Nebraska in the title game in 1995.
Some may say a win is a win, and going undefeated should have put the Tigers playing for the title. Wrong, Utah went undefeated but is in no way in the same league as USC or Oklahoma — or even Auburn, for that matter.
Auburn beat then No. 5 LSU and then No.10 Tennessee during their season, and slipped past No. 9 Virginia on Monday. Not a bad record, to be sure, and one that should have some influence on how the Tigers finish in the rankings.
Regardless of how you might feel, this entire scenario is evidence supporting the fact college football needs a playoff system. They should just take their top eight teams, and finally be able to see who is really No. 1.
But what will happen to all the bowl games, and all the sponsors’ money?
There’s a pretty smart group of people out there that I’m sure could sit down and figure out a way to keep the money coming in, while not disrupting the traditions of great bowl games like the Cotton, Rose or Sugar.
Frankly, I wasn’t sure which Tennessee team would show up. But the Vols ended the season with an overwhelming victory and should move up several spots in the final poll as a result of it.
But you know what? All the talk about bowl games, rankings and the BCS sure has made for some great conversations around the nation. And in my opinion, it has brought a new spark to college football.
If you’re an Auburn fan you’re going to feel you have the No. 1 team. Or if you’re a USC or Sooner fan, then you’re going to feel the same way.
So keep it like it is, it makes it fun.