What a day amongst the top of the rankings. As the late Bear Bryant probably rolled over in his grave, and Joe Namath's bad knees twitched, the Crimson Tide of Alabama crashed and burned at Auburn. While the announcers remained ever-breathless in finding a way to compliment everybody, this was a game decided by major bone-headed plays. The Iron Bowl indeed. At times it looked like a few players had nothing BUT iron between their ears.
Most will forget how an Auburn safety seemed to go brain-dead, and allow an Alabama receiver to get wide open on a 99 yard touchdown pass to give Nick Saban's boys new life. At that, Alabama was quick to return the favor. One of their own safeties went into cerebral freeze and let an Auburn receiver trot unguarded and untouched into the end zone as well.
But then came the defining moment. With the score tied and time expiring, Alabama eschewed overtime and decided to go for a whopping 57 yard field goal. Nevermind their place-kicker had already badly missed a couple field goal tries from much shorter range, and had another blocked. Away the kick went. It fell far short of the goalposts, and an Auburn player caught it deep in the end zone and tried to run it out. Run it out he did indeed. All the way to the other zone for a game winning touchdown. Assuming Alabama had the usual contingent of 11 players on the field for that play, one is left to wonder how only 3 or 4 of them were even on the same side of the field as the Auburn returner waltzed his way 105 yards into the other end zone for the winning touchdown. Good grief -- what were they thinking on the Alabama sideline?
So scratch Alabama from the national championship picture. They blew it. Unless, of course......
Something happens to Ohio State, and it well might. I'll get back to that. Though 16 point favorites at arch-rival Michigan, the Wolverines gave them all they could handle. Yes, the Buckeyes racked up 42 points against a not-so-good Michigan defense but, in the process, their defense, or lack thereof, was exposed as well. Michigan routinely gouged them for big plays and put a slew of their own points on the scoreboard.
That game had a defining moment as well. With Michigan trailing 42-35 in the waning moments of the game, they scored a touchdown. 42-41. An extra point away from tying it up and likely sending the game into overtime. Then Michigan head coach Brady Hoke made a curious decision. He decided to go for a 2-point conversion. It was basically all or nothing. Though he will surely catch some flak for that decision, the Hokester should be given credit for having the guts to make it. As the old saying goes -- go for a tie on the road, but go for the win at home. And so he did. It didn't work out, and his team lost 42-41. But they really had nothing to lose. Michigan will still go to some lower-tier bowl game somewhere, but had that particular 2-point conversion attempt succeeded, and the unranked Wolverines had knocked off the #3 Buckeyes, it would have been HUGE news.
In the meantime, #2 Florida State predictably blitzed Florida. With Bama losing, FSU will no doubt now be #1. They'll likely cruise into the BCS title game, and will be a formidable opponent for whoever else makes it.
Which brings me back to Ohio State. Though they barely squeaked by Michigan, they ARE still the only other major college team to remain undefeated. Kudos to Northern Illinois, undefeated as well, but mid-majors are never going to get a shot at the big dance for all the glory. Right or wrong, that's just the way the system works.
Yet given Ohio State's performance not only at Michigan, but during a couple other games throughout the regular season -- they certainly seem vulnerable if the right team comes along. And that just might be.....
Michigan State, who the Buckeyes will face in the Big 10 championship game in Indianapolis on December 7th, Pearl Harbor day. No home field advantage for either team. Ohio State has shown they can score a lot of points, but Michigan State has the #1 defense in the country. In fact, in 5 out their last 6 games, they haven't allowed the opposing team to score a single touchdown.
Something's gotta give. OSU head coach Urban Meyer is yet to lose since he took over 2 years ago at Ohio State, and the Buckeyes will likely be favored in this game. But, what if....
Michigan State, certainly no slouches themselves, happen to pull off a mild upset? What then?
Ohio State would plummet from their likely #2 ranking, and who would face Florida State in the national championship game?
This could get interesting.
Stay tuned......
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