Path to the National Championship

I have it all figured out, and it really isn't rocket science. To be honest, it is quite rational and highly likely.

Ohio State will be in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, CA on Thursday, January 7th on ABC.

How is this possible you ask? Let's break it down...

These are the current projected BCS rankings (the first official poll will be released on Sunday afternoon) :

1. Florida Gators (undefeated)

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (undefeated)

3. Virginia Tech Hokies (one loss)

4. Texas Longhorns (undefeated)

5. Boise State (undefeated)

6. USC (one loss)

7. LSU (one loss)

8. OHIO STATE (one loss)

9. Cincinnati (undefeated)

10. Iowa (undefeated)

You must be a conference champion to play for the national championship. Keep that in mind as we continue...

Florida or Alabama will be eliminated from championship contention by virtue of this rule. Theoretically, this moves OSU ahead a spot. Oh, wait, make that two spots because Boise State will never play for the national championship and if OSU keeps winning they would ultimately jump the WAC powerhouse.

This leaves teams like Texas, Virginia Tech, USC and LSU ahead of the Buckeyes. Hmmm.... what did I say about the SEC? Only one team will qualify, and there are three teams ahead of the Buckeyes. Eliminate LSU from this conversation, please. They aren't good enough.

Texas hasn't looked quite up to par this season, and have a legitimate shot to lose this weekend to Oklahoma, if not down the stretch. If they lose a game, and win out to win the Big 12 championship then they will probably get to the big dance. I don't think this will happen, though. I have a hunch that Oklahoma will win out by virtue of having a better defense and having their Heisman winning QB back from injury. A two loss OU team wins the Big 12, eliminating Texas.

Virginia Tech and USC are the only two teams in the way of the Buckeyes at this point. If you look from a historical standpoint, the ACC teams will all beat up on each other leaving a 2 or 3 loss conference champion. I don't see why this season won't be any different. I like Virginia Tech, but only as a two loss conference champion. Bump the Hokies from contention.

It comes down to USC again????? That just isn't fair. Well, technically it is fair because the Trojans took down the beloved Buckeyes back on September 12th, but you know what I mean. USC has to play on the road at Notre Dame and red hot Oregon, while also needing to not fall prey to yet another low level opponent.

In short: if USC's competence against lesser opponents, matched with two tough road games, is what stands in front of OSU getting to the national championship game against the SEC champion (I assume), then I guess I am somewhat confident.

Oh, and Cincinnati will lose. It's not even a conversation to be had, really.

Here is how I see things shaking up at the end of the season....

Rose Bowl-

Oregon (10-2) vs Boise State (12-0) ...... I picked this simply for intrigue purposes

Sugar Bowl-

Alabama (12-1) vs Virginia Tech (11-2)

Fiesta Bowl-

Texas (11-1) vs USC (10-2)

Orange Bowl-

South Florida (10-2) vs Oklahoma (11-2)

BCS National Championship Game-

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) vs Florida Gators (13-0)

By the way, I understand OSU and its inept offense have to win out in order to play for the national championship.

I also understand that the offense WILL improve, and that this defense is just as good as Alabama's, Florida's, etc.

Alabama features sheer power; Florida pure speed. OSU has a little bit of everything.