Halfway through the college football season, is it too early to ask: Could the national championship game be a rematch?
Don't worry. I'm not talking about Southern California and Ohio State, who are more likely to be the warm-up act in Pasadena this January.
But if Oklahoma beats Texas on Saturday, the national championship game could be a sequel to the SEC championship game. The possibility is intriguing.
Florida and Alabama already have established themselves as the top two teams in The Associated Press Top 25. If both win today and Texas (second in the coaches poll) loses, the Gators and Tide would be Nos. 1-2 in both polls.
Staying there would be the tricky part. It's tough enough for one team to go through the SEC unbeaten.
But for the purpose of debate, let's assume the Tide and Gators can pull off the improbable.
If both teams finish the regular season unbeaten and play as closely as they did in last year's SEC championship game, how could anyone justify moving a third-place team ahead of the loser?
Alabama 27, South Carolina 10: Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia has improved his numbers this season: nine touchdown passes, three interceptions and no arrests.
But that doesn't mean he's ready for Alabama's defense, which is college football's equivalent of "hard time."
Florida 37, Arkansas 17: The Gators lead the SEC in scoring, fewest points allowed per game, total defense, rushing offense and Heisman Trophy quarterbacks. But if they don't improve their passing attack, they won't repeat as SEC or national champions.
So Florida should welcome the Razorbacks with open passing arms. They rank last in the SEC in pass defense.
Georgia 20, Vanderbilt 17: Both teams are beat up and beat down. The only difference: the Bulldogs are more capable of kicking an opponent when it's down.
Georgia has made 9-of-10 field-goal attempts and leads the SEC in punting. Vanderbilt is 7-for-11 in field goals and last in the conference in punting.
Auburn 31, Kentucky 14: Did you ever think you would hear, "How can we replace Mike Hartline?'
That's not a direct quote, but Kentucky coach Rich Brooks implied as much after losing his starting quarterback to a knee injury.
Scary fact: The Wildcats ranked 11th in the SEC in passing before Hartline was injured.
Ole Miss 37, UAB 14: The Rebels offense line can't protect junior quarterback Jevan Snead but it might prevent him from leaving early for the NFL.
Despite being projected as a high NFL draft pick, Snead is throwing more like Brent Schaeffer than Eli Manning. He has completed only 46.8 percent of his passes and thrown as many interceptions as touchdown passes.
Mississippi State 38, MTSU 20: Happiness for the Bulldogs is playing a non-ranked opponent. So don't be surprised if their captains hug their Blue Raiders' counterparts when they meet at midfield.
Mississippi State's last three opponents were ranked in the top 25. Up next is No. 1-ranked Florida.
Top 25: Texas 28, Oklahoma 27; Virginia Tech 31, Georgia Tech 20; Southern Cal 24, Notre Dame 17; Ohio State 31, Purdue 17; Miami 35, UCF 17; Iowa 24, Wisconsin 16; TCU 27, Colorado State 13; Oregon 31, Washington 24; Penn State 34, Minnesota 17; Nebraska 34, Texas Tech 31; Oklahoma State 34, Missouri 30; Kansas 41, Colorado 34; BYU 38, San Diego State 20; Houston 45, Tulane 17; Utah 42, UNLV 20.
Record: 103-27 (.792) overall, 61-50 (.549) against the spread.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 38
TommyJack writes:
Maybe not. gators could drop a couple before then.
ArealVolsFan writes:
I don't think they will. None of their games after LSU really stand to be a challenge for them. Bama is more likely to lose considering they still have Auburn and LSU to play,and heck who knows what we might pull. Everything goes out the door in a rivalry game.That being said, I think Bama is the better team. Florida is a great team too, but they do have the luxury of riding a fairly easy schedule to the SEC champ. game. It is an interesting thought that the two might play again, but I only see that happening if the number 2 ranked team wins. If 2 losses it opens the door for someone else. Example, Michigan/Ohio State the year Florida won their first one under Meyer. They were 1 and 2 and it was a close game, but Michigan lost and Ohio went on to lose to Florida. Who knows though it is the SEC and anything can happen.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
still spanking John Adams....
Georgia- 31 (by 7.5)
Vanderbilt-17
Miss State- 17 (by 4.5)
MTSU- 14
Arkansas-31
Florida-55 (by 25)
UAB- 14
Ole Miss-30 (by 22)
Kentucky- 24
Auburn-28 (by 13.5)
South Carolina- 7
Alabama-13 (by 17)
Oklahoma- 21
Texas- 28 (by 3)
Virginia Tech- 27 (by 3)
Georgia Tech- 23
USC- 28 (by 10)
Notre Dame- 10
OhIo State- 38 (by 13.5)
Purdue- 7
Miami- 45 (by 14.5)
UCF- 17
Iowa- 24 (by 2.5)
Wisconsin-17
TCU- 34 (by 22.5)
Colorado State- 13
Minnesota- 28
Penn State-31 (by 17.5)
Texas Tech- 27
Nebraska- 31 (by 10.5)
Missouri- 35
Oklahoma State-37 (by 7)
Kansas-35 (by 9.5)
Colorado-20
BYU- 52 (by 17)
San Diego State- 23
Houston- 42 (by 17)
Tulane- 17
Utah- 31 (by 16.5)
UNLV-14
Overall 116-18, 67-53 against the spread LAST WEEK 18-2, 10-7 against the spread
murrayvol writes:
We damn near had an OSU/Michigan rematch in 07' but I doubt the pollsters of America would put 2 SEC teams in the BCSCG.
That said, I didn't think 92 Heisman voters would leave Manning off their ballots in 97' either......completely OFF.
Tgordon writes:
You may see me next week with a will work for food sign on the Cedar Bluff exit, but I'm gonna bet the farm that Arkansas covers the +25 ;)
murrayvol writes:
3 words. Don't do it.
Unless it's a very small farm.
Tgordon writes:
What you think about taking GA and SC to help me buy back the farm?
Volnauburn writes:
Wrong, couldn't happen unless you wanted to rename the SECCG the NCG. Agreed about the one loss and still become national champs, kinda like UF losing to Auburn in 2006 then Ole Miss in 2008. This year it's Bama beating Texas in the title game, book it!
TommyJack writes:
Not there, TG. I've got that exit staked out already.
murrayvol writes:
I would take UGA, not SC.....but no guarantee. Remember this is the SEC where you only gamble what you can afford to lose.
Anybody can pick a winner but precious few beat the spread over time. Those that set the line know what they're doing.
Tgordon writes:
ROFL
Tgordon writes:
Boy Howdy! House wins in the long run or you couldn't place a bet ;)
Tgordon writes:
Good example last week I did couple hours careful research to pick 3 winners on a parlay. Then simply asked the wife to pick 3 ramdom numbers. I played mine and her's long story short she won, I didn't ;)
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
I suggest you tease it up to 31, and take USC down to 4, to hedge you bet. Keep you Sharpie handy just in case. You'll also need a good jacket. I've noticed pets seem to help in the begging department.
Just trying to help.
GO VOLS!! Get Ready For Bama!!!
Tgordon writes:
Florida has run the ball a BUNCH more than pass this year. Meyer has said he thinks to win out they will have to open up their passing game. Arkansas's defense looked a bit better last week but is still somewhere between bad and horrible. I see the Gators trying to air things out tomorrow. However I don't think they are 25 points better than the Arkansas offense. I'll have to come back tomorrow night to gloat or eat my humble pie.
Agent_Orange writes:
Don't worry, John. After the Vols beat Bama, this will be a moot point.
marc_ash#231781 writes:
Doubtful. If things continue as they have, you will see Boise State in the championship game folks.
If you want to do all of the "what if's" lets break it down.
* Lets get Boise State out of the way first. Barring a meltdown, # 5 Boise State will run the table and will have a great chance of being at the top at seasons end.
* #4 Va Tech has a LOT of games they could lose. Virgina is a tough rival game. GA Tech will be a tough game this weekend, not too mention a conference championship game.
* Texas has a chance to lose tomorrow also to Oklahoma. Plus, we all know what happened at the end of last season when Tx played Tx Tech. Not an easy road playing in the Big 12.
* Bama and Florida will meet in the Championship game more than likely..and even if they don't one of those two schools will be eliminated and will drop out of the top few spots. At the very least, they both win out, and one beats the other and the loser drops to 3-4.
Bottom line, I would be greatly surprised if a repeat of any scenarios from last year occurred.
Folks, we may be seeing history with Boise State making a run to the big dance. Boise vs Bama or Fl....interesting.
gatorhator4eva writes:
people are crazy, this is the SEC. if arkansas beats florida, which looks like it is possible, all that has to happen is florida being upset by good ole steve spurrier. i admit tebow is good but something is going to give soon.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
I have thought about starting my own panhandling business out of my own home... and hire people to work on full commission. They get 20% commission on all they collect, and I use the 80% for corporate expenses...such as vacation homes (call it globalization), world travel (call it conferences on international begging techniques), nice cars (call it company cars)... I would almost be willing to bet if I did that, someone would take it just to "have a job."
marc_ash#231781 writes:
Lets look at history...Tebow has never gone undefeated. For that matter, I don't think any florida team has ever gone undefeated.
Uf is good...don't get me wrong, but so much can happen and uf won't be undefeated to end the season. If things play out as they probably will, alabubba will play uf...and the advantage goes to the bubbas.
You are right gatorhator...this is the SEC, and anything can happen...even JC winning SEC player of the week.
Volnauburn writes:
Agreed, and I like the name!
tdvol1989 writes:
You are right about Boise St. The media loves to promote Boise as deserving too because they love to get everyone upset. The problem here is we ALL KNOW that Boise only a few blips on their schedule they could even call a challenge. They could never run the table through a season in the SEC, Big 12, PAC 10, Big 10 (when will it be 11?), or even the beleaguered ACC. BUT, in a 1 game scenario, ala Oklahoma, they perform well as Utah did last year against Bama. I do realize that they cannot really fix the fact they play in a weak conference. But for those people that just love the Bowl System and say that it is the entire "body of work" that should justify a championship, this should be the perfect justification for Boise to be left out. However, it is just those same people, that like the idea of the little guy getting in.
So, what am I saying? 1) Boise doesn't deserve to play in the BCS Championship game. 2) But, if somehow, Boise turned out to be the only undefeated team, they would probably make it in. 3) Solution 1 - have a playoff (my 12 team version is the best). 4) Solution 2 - Somebody in a BCS Game has to stop looking at a Boise or Utah as an undercard and go out there and beat the snot out of them. Blame Oklahoma and Alabama for allowing Boise and Utah to legitimize themselves on a national stage.
Finally, it is really best not to have an SEC matchup in the National Title game. I am pro-SEC all the way, but I fear the backlash. And, our best needs to beat someone else's best to put the issue to rest.
Laydbakvol writes:
Gee Mr. Adams, As long as you want to dream about the "improbable" Why not assume Florida gets 3 SEC losses, (their last couple of games have shown their not immortal) and UT wins out (with their newfound SEC player of the week). Hmm, I guess that puts the Vols in the SEC championship game with LSU or Bama. As long as you're going to dream, dream big!
CrankE writes:
Could UA and UF rematch for the BCS title?
Yeah, and Adams could win a Pulitzer.
If you can't win a championship yourself, the next best thing is to pee on the parade of the presumptuous. (UT vs. UF, 2001; LSU vs. UT, 2001; UT vs. Miami 1986) You can bet that future opponents for both are keyed in on just such presumptuousness.
_________
"...how could anyone justify moving a third-place team ahead of the loser?"
Uh...the same way that UF got ahead of Michigan in 2006, dumbash!
Speaking of losers, John...
DannyVol writes:
Folks, please! How can you even entertain this premise? Wake up and read between the lines! Who do we play next week? The whole point of this story is to yet again mock UT fans. Do you really think even this hack believes a Bama vs. Florida BCS game is possible? Adams is merely reminding you of the Florida loss and forecasting a Vol defeat next week. That's all this story is...and yes, you should take it personally.
99gator writes:
there will be no rematch.
if florida wins today, you can go ahead and send them to atlanta at 12-0.
miss state, georgia, vandy, sc, fiu, and fsu won't score enough on florida if you gave them every possession in the red zone (exagerating for effect)
arkansas is the last opponent left on florida's schedule capable of putting up some points.
same thing holds for bama. auburn is the only team on that schedule even capable of putting up a point total that would give them a shot.
alabama or florida will play for all the marbles.
question is, which one? and it will be one.
marc_ash#231781 writes:
Completely agree!
Case in point, Michigan and Ohio State a couple years back...not only did their conference have one game less to play that season, but they also didn't play in a conference championship!
What upsets me is these schools not only pad their cupcake schedule, but they also have weak conferences and don't play in a NC game. That season, florida had a final game and an SECC game to play...yet UM and OSU were sitting high at the top ready to be the "rematch of the century".
I honestly have to say that if the "rematch" would have occurred, I would have had to considered a boycott for that year. That one was almost as bad as Aubbie being snubbed after going undefeated.
I think seeing Boise in the NC game this year may continue to help the playoff cause. Nobody is talking about Boise currently, but if they make it and some 1 loss SEC teams don't, you can see some cries of anger.
I can tell you this, if it's Boise, Bama and florida sitting at 1-2-3 by the SECCG, I would be IRATE if that loss cost me a trip to the title game over Boise.
The system is lame.
marc_ash#231781 writes:
Probably true, but not a lock. I'll agree with you in pretty much all of your points, and I think Ark puts up some points today, but not enough to beat uf. Still can't believe the line on that one is 25..wow, hello Vegas.
If I'm putting my dough on bama or uf in the SECCG, it has to be uf based on experience. Tebow knows how to win...period. I think bama has a better team, but in crunch time it's tebow.
I'm also taking history on the fact that uf won't finish undefeated. No uf team has done so, nor has Tebow. I honestly can't see who can beat them, but history and statistics says it will happen.
As long as an SEC team win's it all, I'll be happy.
SECFB writes:
Fla/Alabama 2 best teams in 2008, 2 best teams in 2009, but do not think both will arrive in SECCG 12-0. JMO
BolivarBob writes:
Skaroo a bunch of what ifs and what abouts. Boise State will not play for a the NC
Give'em Hell Tennessee!
Beat Bama!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Bama should fricasse Garcia today. Look for the visor to be thrown.
Would like to see Mallet get 400+, also.
Emphasis on "like".
However, "the bulbs never lie".
kman29 writes:
I dont think these teams could be any closer when you look at their stats so far this year. These are their averages per game:
Points Scored:
Alabama- 37
Florida- 39
Points Given Up:
Alabama- 12
Florida- 6
Total Offense:
Alabama- 444
Florida- 486
Total Yards Given Up:
Alabama- 220
Florida- 202
Passing Yards:
Alabama- 221
Florida- 201
Passing Yards Given up:
Alabama- 154
Florida- 115
Rushing Yards:
Alabama- 223
Florida- 284
Rushing Yards Given Up:
Alabama- 65
Florida- 87
Turnovers:
Alabama- 0.5
Florida- 1
Turnovers taken:
Alabama- 2
Florida- 2
Top 10 teams defeated:
Alabama- 1
Florida- 1
How anyone can say who is better is beyond me. Not really any catagory where one has an advantage over the other.
bigorange101582 writes:
Bama beats Florida this year in SEC championship game.
imw8n4u writes:
You have to look at who they've played. That AL win over VT keeps looking better and better. UF's best win is over an extremely overrated LSU team. From here on out AL has the tougher road, so it should be fun to watch.
Bigger_Al writes:
Absurd that they should play in a rematch. Like OSU and Michigan in 2006, that would be unfair to a) the winner of the SEC game, and b) every other conference in the nation.
SouthDakotaBob writes:
I'll watch the SEC CG with full attention not really caring who wins, can't stand Saban or Meyer, but I really don't want to watch them vs each other again for the NC. I want to be able to root for the SEC to smack around a pretender from some other conference and show the nation once again why the best football is in the SEC. GBO!!!
kman29 writes:
Thats a matter of opinion. While I admit Virginia Tech looks like a good team, fact remains they are an ACC team and them dominating teams in the ACC means exactly what? LSU toughest road game so far, 7 point win @UGA. Virginia Tech's toughes road game so far 8 point win @Duke. Not quite sold on VT yet.
Tgordon writes:
I'm loving the razorbacks a whole 1k right now.
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