From the Bird's Nest: The case for Oklahoma State

[BirdofParadise]

Inexplicably, OSU is currently fifth in the USA Today and Harris Polls. Voters have been accused of manipulating the rankings in the past. But no one is questioning them this year. Curious, to say the least.

The reality is, if Oklahoma State defeats OU this Saturday in the Bedlam game in Stillwater, the Cowboys deserve to be in New Orleans.

http://espn1420.com/from-the-birds-n...klahoma-state/

[moorecajun]

http://espn1420.com/from-the-birds-n...klahoma-state/

Facts always seem to get in the way!

Very good article.

[CajunsHat]

That's a great synopsis!

[Just1More]

I'm with you on this one. You didn't even mention that OSU lost on the day after finding out two of their coaches went down in a plane crash. A very slight factor... but a factor nonetheless. You just aren't hearing the national media talking up OSU and the Big XII enough and I think this is killing OSU in the polls. I don't think beating OK is going to be enough at this point to change the presiding sentiment in the human component of the BCS poll.

[The Antiwac]

Roll Tide.

[fpc4life99]

OSU's got beat by a team that is ranked 51st in cbs poll.
Alabama's got beat by a team that is ranked 1st in cbs poll.

[ULtimateCajun]

I've been saying, don't be surprised if OSU beats OU with Bama sitting at home that OSU jumps Bama in that last week.

[CajunRed]

Go Okie State.

(but if Alabama is voted ahead of OSU and they end up playing for the championship, I'll be a Tide fan. Unless, of course, Georgia present gives me an early Christmas and beats LaState.)

My dream matchup? OSU vs Oregon.

[sportsfanatic21]

I'm with you on this one. You didn't even mention that OSU lost on the day after finding out two of their coaches went down in a plane crash. A very slight factor... but a factor nonetheless. You just aren't hearing the national media talking up OSU and the Big XII enough and I think this is killing OSU in the polls. I don't think beating OK is going to be enough at this point to change the presiding sentiment in the human component of the BCS poll.

I think the plane crash is a much bigger deal than anyone is making of it. I'm sure it affected the players to an extent, but it had to have a huge affect on the coaching staff. The people that passed away were colleagues of theirs that they probably saw everyday, answered to the same people with, and worked in the same building with. I don't see how this is being so easily dismissed.

That being said, I agree that OSU has a better resume of wins, but Alabama has stomped everyone they've played (except a 60 minute tie to the best team in the country), and have done so without an offensive scheme that lends itself to putting up video game like scores. I really think both teams (if OSU beats OU) are deserving to be in that game.

Another thing I find interesting is how much FG kicking has made a difference in the landscape of college football this year. Obviously, it had a huge effect on the LSU-Alabama game, and at least 3 teams are 1 missed FG away (potentially) from playing in the title game. An undefeated Boise would have a strong case if not for missing a short, last second FG to lose against TCU, Oregon could make a strong case if not for missing a FG as time expired against USC, and the obvious one, Oklahoma State, who had a huge miss in their double OT loss to Iowa State. Anybody think any of these teams would like to have Brett Baer??

[CajunRed]

It is interesting to me...and this is just my opinion...that the Cajuns have a better kicker in Bair than at least 3 of the teams you mentioned above. And that includes Alabama. It's almost like Saban put together his team, then at the last minute said..."oh, yeah...and somebody go get us a kicker somewhere." How could such a high profile program like Bama have been so reckless.?

[Bandwagon King]

Jay I hate to tell you, but one of your facts are wrong. Georgia was a TWO loss team that wasn't elleigible for the conference championship because Tennesse was one of the TWO teams that beat them. The fact in that case was LSU was the best two loss team in America, based on them winning the SEC.

I do agree with you on all your other thoughts, but I don't think LSU cares who they will play.

[BirdofParadise]

Jay I hate to tell you, but one of your facts are wrong. Georgia was a TWO loss team that wasn't elleigible for the conference championship because Tennesse was one of the TWO teams that beat them. The fact in that case was LSU was the best two loss team in America, based on them winning the SEC.

I do agree with you on all your other thoughts, but I don't think LSU cares who they will play.

You're correct about Georgia. That was a mistake on my part.