Excitement is building hourly for Saturday's SEC championship game.
On one sideline, you will have No. 1 LSU, which is basically guaranteed a berth in the BCS national championship game as long as it doesn't turn into South Carolina from the last SEC title game.
On the other sideline, you will have Georgia, which had its coach on the hot seat midway through the season and still can't find a full-time mascot.
To further break down the matchup: Georgia beat Kentucky by nine points; LSU beat everybody but Alabama by 13 points or more.
This should be every bit as suspenseful as the last two conference title games, which gave us Auburn 56, South Carolina 17 in 2010, and Alabama 32, Florida 13 in 2009.
You want a close game? Then give the Bulldogs the day off and pick an all-star team from the East to play the West champion.
LSU 37, Georgia 13: No matter what happens in the Georgia Dome, LSU coach Les Miles and Georgia coach Mark Richt should part on better terms than Miles and Arkansas' Bobby Petrino, who didn't embrace Miles' decision to kick a fourth-quarter field goal when the Tigers were already up three touchdowns.
While Richt's vocabulary is more suitable for a G-rated audience, his team isn't any more capable of keeping the score close.
Wisconsin 37, Michigan State 24: So much was made of the Spartans' miraculous last-second, regular-season victory over the Badgers that folks overlooked the clumsy clock management of coach Bret Bielema.
It warranted a tip of the cap from Miles.
The memory of the Hail-Mary loss should be as much of an incentive as a Big Ten championship for Wisconsin, which leads the conference in 14 statistical categories, including scoring, scoring defense and turnover margin.
The Badgers have both the Big Ten rushing leader (Montee Ball) and the pass-efficiency leader (quarterback Russell Wilson).
They're good enough to take the clock out of Bielema's hands this go-round.
Virginia Tech 34, Clemson 20: The sight of the Hokies should bring back pleasant Clemson memories right up until kickoff.
When the teams met the first Saturday of October, Clemson was acting as though it had greater football aspirations than the Chick-fil-A Bowl. The 20-point victory over Virginia Tech was Clemson's third consecutive win against a top-25 team.
Now, the Tigers are just another slumping team coached by a guy named Dabo.
Oklahoma 37, Oklahoma State 34: The Big 12's marquee matchup is not to be confused with the SEC's marquee matchup last month (No. 1 LSU 9, No. 2 Alabama 6). The Sooners' and Cowboys' bands can score that much.
Keeping it in the 30s actually qualifies as stout defense in the Big 12, where a conference team has scored 40 or more points 36 times. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have averaged 90 points and almost 1,100 yards combined.
And neither one wastes time trying to establish the running game. Oklahoma State is averaging 399.2 yards per game passing; Oklahoma, 383.5.
Oregon 45, UCLA 17: The Bruins are Team Extreme. They've managed to qualify for the Pac-12 championship game and get their coach (Rick Neuheisel) fired in the same season.
After roaring into the championship game via 50-0 loss to Southern Cal, the Bruins can't expect any sympathy from the Ducks, who run up the score as well as they run the ball.
In the last two seasons, they have won six games by 42 points or more.
But what's one more bashing? The NCAA has granted UCLA's appeal to go bowling at 6-7 — just another reason why this is a great country.
Houston 51, Southern Mississippi 34: The Golden Eagles are averaging 36.9 points per game, which makes them the slowpoke in this matchup against the Cougars, who lead the nation with a 52.7 per-game average.
Houston is on a runaway binge that the Ducks could appreciate — seven consecutive victories by 30 or more points.
Boise State 61, New Mexico 6: Both teams have come tantalizingly close to perfect seasons.
Boise State's only loss has been to TCU, 36-35. New Mexico's only victory has been against UNLV, 21-14.
Kansas State 34, Iowa State 20: Bill Snyder's coaching sequel at Kansas State is starting to look as good as his original rebuilding job.
Baylor 38, Texas 34: The Bears have a chance to total more than 15 victories in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1985-86.
The Longhorns have a chance to total at least 12 losses in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1996-97.
Record: 160-40 (.800) overall, 101-81 (.555) against the spread.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com. Follow him at http://twitter.com/johnadamskns.
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Comments » 32
FanNotSheep writes:
If Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma, I think they should get a shot at LSU. I really don't think they will beat the Sooners though -- too much pressure.
No other team should be moved ahead of Alabama, no matter what the crybaby fans think. Stanford lost to Oregon, a team LSU beat easily. They play in a conference that is so bad, one of the teams in their conference championship game is 6-6.
Virginia Tech plays in the ACC. This is not basketball season. Enough said.
I will admit an undefeated Houston team would be an interesting opponent. Until about halftime, when the score would probably be 31-7, in favor of LSU.
The problem with a rematch is that if Alabama wins a close game I don't see how that makes them the national champions. Wouldn't they need to play two out of three?
snuffysmiff writes:
I agree with most of what you say but UCLA at 6-6 represents the Pac-12 South in the championship game due to Lane Kiffin's USC team being on probation. The rule is teams on probation aren't allowed to compete for the title.
FanNotSheep writes:
Alabama has the #38 strength of schedule; Oklahoma State is #10 already and it will climb if they beat Oklahoma. Stanford is #62, so I don't think they deserve a shot.
I do give credit to the fact that Oklahoma State's loss came just after those coaches were killed in a plane crash -- a tragic distraction. But if Oklahoma beats them this conversation doesn't matter.
Nothing against Alabama. But if they do get in the game and win a close battle with LSU, why would they deserve to be #1? They would be 12-1 and LSU 13-1 and they would have split their head-to-head games.
I just hope LSU wins out. That way they will be 14-0 and nobody can say they don't deserve it.
sol_way writes:
i think Georgia gives LSU a better game than Adams is predicting .
yankintenn#395643 writes:
I just woke up from a year sleep.....is it true VANDY is going to a bowl after going 2-8 and UT isnt? Can't be....
murrayvol writes:
So you're predicting 37-16 perhaps?
murrayvol writes:
This is football. The only numbers that count are on the scoreboard.
heathshulerbbq21 writes:
Nobody seems to remember that Alabama never got past LSU's 17 yard line. LSU wore them down by the end of the game. Those kicks that Alabama missed were 44, 49, 50, and 52 yards with a terrible kicker. Seems like bad coaching to kick from that far with someone not skilled enough to make it. LSU outgained the vaunted Alabama RB's by 50 yards, and the only points they scored were from 2 horrible throws by Jarrett Lee. Anytime Alabama got near the redzone they went backwards. Say what you want about Alabama not executing, but the LSU defense had a big hand in that.
Having said that, Alabama is the second best team. But, I would be happy to see LSU beat them again.
IndyVol1962 writes:
The college football season and post-season is way too limited to allow rematches. Why a one loss team deserves a second shot more than any other one loss team deserves a first shot is a mystery to me.
This year reminds me of 2006. When all we heard all year was how great Ohio State and Michigan were. They were head and shoulders above everyone else. Teams for the ages. The OSU-Michigan games was the game of the century. The big debate about Michigan getting another shot. And then Florida absolutely destroys Ohio State. Nothing against The Crimson Tide, but I would rather see LSU play someone other than Alabama....again.
The BCS was created for a very specific purpose: eliminate the conference/bowl alliances and ensure that IF there are two clear (i.e. undefeated) superior teams at the end of the year, they play in a bowl game. In any other scenario, such as this year, the BCS game is going to be somewhat of just another big bowl/payday. Especially if LSU loses and we end up with 1/2 dozen one loss teams.
FanNotSheep writes:
My bet is if Oklahoma State wins we will see the pollsters jump them up and the computers already love them. But I really think they lose to Oklahoma.
The only options for playoffs that are viable are a plus-one, where you go with the top four teams, or an expanded playoff with first round home games for the higher ranked teams. I am in favor of the plus-one, but I could support an expanded playoff IF the losers of the first round games get a bowl game. Even a meaningless trip to a sunny destination is a nice reward for players and fans.
For example, if you had Oklahoma State at number 3 and they hosted and lost their first round game against, say, Boise State or Arkansas. I don't think that should keep the team and their fans from heading to Florida or someplace warm for a nice bowl week.
UTKin1992 writes:
I see UGA hanging around for a quarter or two before being overwhelmed.
On another subject, I hope to goodness there isn't an LSU-Alabama rematch for the NC game. Houston is the only other unbeaten team and deserves the drubbing by LSU. That's fair. What a state college football is in! The BCS royally stinks.
Volunatic writes:
Succinct and accurate.
Volunatic writes:
I like the bowl system, and hope it never changes.
The arguments are part of CFB.
I don't care who Tulane fans deem to be the '98 National Champion, and they probably don't care that everyone else thinks it is Tennessee.
hueypilot writes:
Kudos for mentioning the LSU running backs. I think 11 and 42 have NFL scouts drooling and their third and fourth-string backs are as good as any starting rb's in the conference. Richardson is a great back, but I don't think he's any better than either of LSU's first two RB's
CCLC writes:
The plan is to get a pair of hand trucks and roll out a ceramic Spainiel painted red pre-game and then again at Half time. I think C Richt saw how well that worked for UT/Dooley prior to the Vandy game and is on it. Y'all should have taken it to Cantucky with you.
just sayin'
14_counting writes:
I'm tired of hearing how Oklahoma State was grieving the death of the basketball coaches and that it somehow contributed to them losing to Iowa State. THEY HAD A HUGE IST HALF LEAD. DID THEY NOT FIND OUT ABOUT THE PLANE CRASH UNTIL HALFTIME? THEY GOT WHIPPED! THERE IS ONE TEAM IN AMERICA THAT HAS EVEN A TINY SHOT OF BEATING LSU! ALABAMA!
Volunatic writes:
I think 13_counting might be a tide fan. Just a hunch.
lahvolman2 writes:
Maybe.... but if Georgia had played Tennessee's schedule, they wouldn't be in the championship game in the first place....
FanNotSheep writes:
You had your shot. Played 'em close. Lost.
Give someone else a shot.
14_counting writes:
Good guess Volunatic! I think we definately need some sort of playoff system. I do feel Alabama and LSU are the two top teams but it really isn't fair for LSU to have to play Bama again. Having said that I'm glad for a second chance! Go Sooners!
Volunatic writes:
Did they not take the ceramic dog with them to Lexington? If so, then I'm blaming the equipment manager for the loss to the Wildcats.
CCLC writes:
Goodness ya'll lost to Kentucky when they were without a qb using a 2nd string wr and 6/8 plays from the play book. You lost to 4 teams in the East....... hmmmmmm you are not very good....orange painted ceramic dog not with standing. schedule or no. IF...???IF??? If And IF a bull had tits, it would be a cow, and if a frog had wings it wouldn’t bump its butt." Don't worry about "if"... worry about "when" and "when" is a long...long... way away for you.
just sayin'
CCLC writes:
No .... and there was a loss of proper shower procedure/etiquete after the Vandy game..... team never recovered and there was a general malaise during the Cantucky game.
just sayin'
14_counting writes:
How 'bout showing a little class CCLC. Everything goes in cycles. It's only been 10 weeks since Georgia fans (if your honest that includes you) were wanting a coaching change. Just sayin'
jawga writes:
21-17 DAWGS. Bama & Okie St in BSC Champ game where Bama spanks Cowpokes for another title.
CCLC writes:
Nope never bailed on Richt.... he is at Georgia until his contract ends in 2013 and he changes careers. I think he will . His choice. But I believe he has had enough. Got us back to the title game and restocked the pantry. Auburn played the most true freshmen in the SEC this season with 17 and was second nationally to Texas’ 18. Tennessee was tied for fifth nationally with 15 true freshmen playing. Florida and Georgia were tied for eighth nationally, each with 13 true freshmen playing. I'd rather see UT strong.... makes family reunions and such easier. Richt fought out of a hole. UT can do it too. But it' s gonna be awhile.
just sayin'
sambad writes:
I am in complete agreement with your last question. There is no way that Alabama should get a free ride after losing to LSU at home. The NCAA should provide that id Alabama were to win that another game should be played within two weeks and the winner would then be awarded the crystal ball. I am not a fan of either team but I see this as the only fair and reasonable solution.
14_counting writes:
FYI- The NCAA has absolutely nothing to do with the BCS and therefore have no authority to make changes. When the season started we had a system (BCS) that required every team play their schedule and after that schedule was played out the top two teams as determined by the BCS computers, coaches, and Harris polls would play one game to determine the champion. The only question is who those two teams are. It does not matter whether or not those two teams played during the regular season. I'm a Bama fan but if after tomorrow night the BCS recognizes LSU and OSU one and two I will have no problem with that. However if it's LSU and Bama and Bama wins (that one game) Nick will hoist the crystal ball once again and I will be changing my log in to 14_counting! Roll Tide Roll!
FanNotSheep writes:
If Nick hadn't gotten out-coached by ol' Les "Grass-Eater" Miles a few weeks ago he wouldn't have to sweat out the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game.
14_counting writes:
I (unlike most) like Les. I like his sneakiness and lets say confidence (cockyness). However I wouldn't trade CNS for him even for one game. Your right though just how did Nick miss all those FG's? He must have had a sore foot!
Bufforange00 writes:
JUST SAY NO TO BAMA
volpreacher writes:
jawga is the one who just got spanked. I predicted 45-10, just missed on it. Way to go LSU 42-10. Go Oklahoma State, don't want Alabama in title game.
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