Without at least one poll to go by since Labor Day we would have no way to frame, quantify or enjoy this Year of the Upset. Just think, South Florida would be floating out there somewhere in the ether instead of reveling in its top five ranking. The same for Boston College.
We wouldn't know that LSU had beaten two top 10 teams on its way to -- what is it called again? -- the No. 1 ranking.
Without a poll you wouldn't have Appalachian State eligible for two national championships -- in the AP poll and the Sports Network I-AA poll. That's what the mother of all upsets at the time does for you. This rant courtesy of WWL which can't wait for Sunday afternoon for the only poll that matters to debut on Sunday: The BCS standings.
Ah yes, the computerized, humanized voice of reason. By then we'll know if Hawaii really has a shot to become this season's Boise State, or just how solid a lead LSU has at No. 1.
Or Cal at No. 2, assuming Cal is No. 2.
If the favorites win -- wait, are you kidding? -- the top five should look something like this Sunday afternoon. 1.
LSU 2. Cal/Ohio State 3. Ohio State/Cal 4.
Boston College/Oklahoma/South Florida 5. Oklahoma/South Florida/Boston College That clear enough for you? "Nothing is for sure," BCS guru Jerry Palm said.
"There are too many variables at this time of year as opposed to the end of November." No matter which teams turn up in the top two, the omens are not good. Only once 2005 have the teams that debuted at 1-2 in the BCS met in the championship game USC-Texas .
Twice 1998 and 2000 neither team that started at the top made it to the promised land. In the remaining six seasons at least one team made it. Here's the deal on Missouri-Oklahoma: All the sudden it's the game of the day.
Missouri hasn't played in a contest like this, maybe ever. Oklahoma is used to it, even though it hasn't won them all recently. The Tigers most likely are going to have to outscore OU to win in Norman, which could happen.
The X factor could be Missouri freshman Jeremy Maclin, the nation's No. 1 all-purpose runner averaging more than 214 yards per game. How important is a good all-purpose guy?
Ever hear of Reggie Bush? Tiger lovers are jumping all over the 9-point line but consider this: Missouri hasn't been within 17 points in Norman since 1987 and hasn't won outright there since 1966. FranScam is all wrapped up nice and tidy.
Not! Texas A M "admonished" coach Dennis Franchione on Thursday. Why the fancy word?
Let's be honest, the path is being greased for Fran's eventual firing. He already has violated his contract. The AP reported that a clause in the deal that runs through 2012 specifically bans income from websites.
Fran will likely fight any attempt to cut into his buyout, which should be good theater. Meanwhile, the Aggies have to travel to Texas Tech where they haven't won since 1993 and have lost the last two meetings by a combined 70 points. WWL would settle for Mike Leach repeating his summation of last season's 31-27 Tech win: "Once in a while a pirate can beat a solider.
" We now know when the Ol' Ball Coach persona was born. It happened in 1989 when Steve Spurrier's Duke team dropped a 41-0 number on North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
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