11/21/24
January 02, 2007
Boise State Wins Fiesta in Unforgettable Fashion: After a wild finish that defies description, the Boise State Broncos knocked off the favored Oklahoma Sooners 43-42 in overtime at the Fiesta Bowl, using a hook-and-lateral touchdown with seven seconds left, wide receiver option pass for a touchdown, and statue of liberty play for a winning two-point conversion in overtime when they could have tied the game with a kick. To cap off the storybook ending, Ian Johnson, the star running back who scored on the play, ran off the field, dropped to a knee, and proposed to a Boise State cheerleader on live television.
I didn't end up watching the game, but reading that FPP reminds me of a Simpsons episode: "Oh, Doctor! A 98-yard triple-reverse ties the score at 63--63! We have seen nothing but razzle-dazzle here today, three visits from Morganna the Kissing Bandit, and the surprising return of Jim Brown!" -- Keith Jackson calls the football game, ``Homer the Heretic''
posted by grum@work at 08:37 AM on January 02, 2007
Geez thanks rcade ... I turned the TV off at halftime. IDIOT!
posted by Amateur at 08:43 AM on January 02, 2007
One of the best football games I've ever seen. I thought for sure Boise State was done when Oklahoma tied it up. The INT TD just meant it was going to be in regulation rather than overtime. Mrs. Jeffwa got sucked into the game with me and was rooting for Boise State (underdog factor) and was really bummed when Oklahoma went ahead, both in regulation and overtime. She felt so bad for those kids. However, this morning she's just mad at me for 1) getting her sucked into the game, and 2) for it going until ~1AM EST. (And not to be nit-picky, though I am, the wide receiver option pass was for a TD in overtime, not a two point conversion.)
posted by Jeffwa at 08:44 AM on January 02, 2007
I started watching in the final quarter, turned it off for a minute after the Oklahoma interception for a touchdown, then came back before the hook-and-lateral. A good friend's an EPL fan who thinks there's nothing in U.S. sports that compares -- in terms of edge-of-the-seat fans, crowd atmosphere and long-term loyalty -- to the Premiership. My answer: "College football." Last night's game is the reason you watch 1,000 games to the bitter end. On the rare occasion in sports genuine magic happens. For another generation, kids will be trying the statue of liberty in their sandlot games, because they have proof that it works.
posted by rcade at 08:47 AM on January 02, 2007
the wide receiver option pass was for a TD in overtime Oh, you're kidding. Now I have to waste another 20+ minutes of my life watching SportsCenter. (I remember when watching sportscenter used to be fun...)
posted by tieguy at 08:48 AM on January 02, 2007
SportsCenter and ESPN Radio have been leading with this game today. The live call from the KBOI radio announcers in Boise of the hook-and-lateral is pretty funny. They had trouble articulating the words as the play transpired.
posted by rcade at 08:51 AM on January 02, 2007
Glad to see I wasn't the only one who missed the game. The two hours of sleep I had the night before had me sawing wood really early. It just figures that ends up being the most entertaining game of the day. Oh well. Way to go, Boise State!
posted by dyams at 08:52 AM on January 02, 2007
Turned the channel about 2 minutes into the 4th with Boise St. looking relatively dominant. I had intended to turn it back, but got sucked into another show and promptly fell asleep in the couch. I woke up in time to see the ridiculous celebration and proposal. I missed all the fun stuff. What a game.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:58 AM on January 02, 2007
It's been a good bowl season, period, with many very good games, but this was the icing on the cake. Congrats to Boise State, it's hard not to like their program.
posted by mjkredliner at 09:13 AM on January 02, 2007
I too, missed the end of the game and very sorry that I did. Even though I live in Sooner nation, I was rooting for Boise. Congrats Boise!! I'll have to watch Sportscenter to see those awesome plays!!
posted by lil'red at 09:30 AM on January 02, 2007
This has to add further to the call for a playoff system. Why shouldn't Boise have a shot to prove they're the top team in the nation, on the field? Let's also not forget the last time a team from a non-BCS conference played in a BCS bowl, was Utah two years ago. That Utah team absolutely destroyed their BCS opponent, and I would argue could have beaten anyone in the nation. But again, why shouldn't they have had a chance to prove it on the field?
posted by split atom at 09:34 AM on January 02, 2007
I think this game provides a good argument for why the NFL's overtime system sucks.
posted by fabulon7 at 09:44 AM on January 02, 2007
Here's the end-game highlights somebody posted on YouTube.
posted by rcade at 09:59 AM on January 02, 2007
Wow. Talk about vindication.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 10:03 AM on January 02, 2007
Boise State's undefeated season? Hawaii's Colt Brennan a possible Heisman candidate for next year? Might be time to start taking the WAC seriously......
posted by NerfballPro at 10:08 AM on January 02, 2007
Why shouldn't Boise have a shot to prove they're the top team in the nation, on the field? Because they needed a hook-and-lateral, WR option, and Statue of liberty play in OT to beat Oklahoma?
posted by bdaddy at 10:10 AM on January 02, 2007
I think this game provides a good argument for why the NFL's overtime system sucks. I agree. The NFL would be much more exciting with the NCAA overtime system. As for the game, much more exciting than the shit fest I watched at 5:30.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 10:20 AM on January 02, 2007
I'm sitting here in my "cube" trying to stay awake through lunch because I'm working on less than 2 hours of sleep. I made the mistake of watching the game instead of turning off the TV and going to sleep. Even though the game was over, I got so worked up by the ending, I couldn't fall asleep. The alarm went off at 0500, and I knew it would be a long day. BOISE STATE, I HATE YOU AND YOUR FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND YOUR STUPID BLUE FIELD. At least I will until I can get some sleep! ;>) Congratulations.
posted by Howard_T at 10:32 AM on January 02, 2007
Well I feel a little better that I'm not the only one that turned the TV off after the interception touchdown. I sure thought it was over then. I was pulling for BSU being a lifetime OU hater. The underdog factor made it even better.
posted by scottypup at 10:49 AM on January 02, 2007
Two things here I agree with, one being the overtime system in the NFL does suck. Two this is all the reason why there should be a playoff system implemented into the NCAA Div I football. Another thing, Boise State played Oklahoma head to head the whole game and let them get back into it in the last quarter, still playing head to head. They (BSU) ran right at them and over them. Sure it took a trick play to tie the game, anything for the "W" that shows the making of a true champion in my book. 13 -0 mmmmmmmmm should be #1
posted by Dammit at 10:58 AM on January 02, 2007
Why shouldn't Boise have a shot to prove they're the top team in the nation, on the field? Because they needed a hook-and-lateral, WR option, and Statue of liberty play in OT to beat Oklahoma? Boise State didn't NEED those plays to beat Oklahoma, they just used them to beat Oklahoma, the Number 8 team in the nation. What should they have done, given up?, or run something more straight laced, and lost? I imagine there are any number of college football teams today, (Michigan comes immediately to mind) that wish they had used a hook-and-lateral, WR option, and Statue of Liberty play yesterday, and throughout the bowl season. Boise State, co-national champs in my book, assuming that Ohio State wins, and if not, outright national champions. Undefeated just kind of says it for me. I watched the entire game and Boise State dominated both sides of the ball the entire game, and are full measure for the victory, the proposal after the game, just beautiful.
posted by tommybiden at 11:01 AM on January 02, 2007
Because they needed a hook-and-lateral, WR option, and Statue of liberty play in OT to beat Oklahoma? Actually, BSU was dominant for all but the last eight minutes when they began to play more along the lines of the damned "bend but don't break" defense that seemingly always breaks and after luck (OSU punts, it hits a BSU blocker's leg, fair ball, OSU recovers) sent the momentum to OU. When they were playing their style, they looked pretty good out there. I don't think they have a great chance against a premier team (OSU/FLA/USC/Michigan, despite their lackluster performance at the Rose), but as they proved last night, they seem to grow against the opposition and don't let the odds phase them. One of the greatest finishes I have ever witnessed. It seems that every year you see added pressure on the BCS committee for a playoff and you have to wonder when it will all break down. Both coaches and some players called for a playoff system at the end of this game. The University of Florida president has gone on record, as well as Meyer. Despite what the NCAA may feel is best for the athletes, it seems that the athletes themselves are asking for it. It will be interesting to note if this game will help topple the cards (especially if Florida gets blown out) or if it will just be another piece of evidence to a growing argument.
posted by PublicUrinal at 11:05 AM on January 02, 2007
Because they needed a hook-and-lateral, WR option, and Statue of liberty play in OT to beat Oklahoma? Maybe the point isn't that they HAD to use trickery, but that one of the top tier teams in the country COULDN'T stop them. I hate the idea that using trick plays is somehow less valid than your good ol' HB dive or 15 yard out pattern. Who the hell made that rule? I think that many people use that as an excuse for when their teams couldn't hack it; they may have lost, but they are so much more "sophisticated" for not using trick plays. Lame. All the same, there is a most likely a big difference between Boise/OU & OSU (& i'm a Big 12 fan). However, until we get a playoff system (which will probably never happen) we can't know.
posted by brainofdtrain at 11:07 AM on January 02, 2007
Looks like i was a little late. Good job Trump & urinal
posted by brainofdtrain at 11:08 AM on January 02, 2007
Hey bdaddy, OK needed some fortunate plays, the muffed punt, tipped ball and lucky fumble recovery to take the lead with ONE minute left against BOISE STATE. OK showed no class in that game, if I were a OK fan, I would be very disappointed in my team's lack of respect for an opposing team and sportsmanship shown on the field and terrible play calling and terrrible blocking on kickoffs and awful offensive line blocking. I watched the whole game, my wife and her family is from Boise, so I have become a fan as well. what a game....one of the best I ve ever seen. I have been to the blue turf a few times and hung out with the bronco nation, they are wonderful fans and really get behind the team, now they have respect. Congrats!!!
posted by sauceysays at 11:12 AM on January 02, 2007
but that one of the top tier teams in the country COULDN'T stop them I guess that was my point. Top tier to me is the top 5 or so teams, as that's what we're talking about (playing for the national championship). Oklahoma is NOT a top tier team this year. Them beating Oklahoma (with a fluke play that I've only seen work twice in my life ) does not justify them being able to play against the #1 team in college. In fact it justifies them being ranked exactly where they were and playing in that exact game. Now if they would have blown out Oklahoma, that would be a different story. OSU would demolish them just like OSU would demolish Oklahoma. I know that. Anybody who knows anything about football knows that. Why do you think they're only ranked #8 after an undefeated season? Because while they may be better than Oklahoma, they are NOT better than teams like OSU, Florida, USC, etc. The BCS did what it was supposed to do..it put 2 middle tier teams battling it out in a middle tier Fiesta bowl. The result (a tight game by the #8 and #10 teams, going into OT) proved that those 2 teams should have been matched up. That does not prove that either of those teams should have the privledge of playing OSU. I just don't see how everyone thinks this game justifies a playoff system. This game justifies that the BCS is actually pretty accurate, given the BCS ranked #8 and #10 teams played to a draw that was decided in sudden death.
posted by bdaddy at 11:40 AM on January 02, 2007
Bdaddy, what this game showed me is that BSU has a legitimate chance at playing toe-to-toe with the top-tier teams. Granted, OU is not near the talent of OSU, but what BSU showed that game is that it grew according to the opposition. I still think that their chances of beating OSU are slim, but many said the same of their shot at OU. I think the point here is that they did what they had to in order to get a legitimate shot and proved that they were worthy of it. Thus, it isn't fair to deny them the opportunity. The playoff system would prevent just that: not ruin a national title game with perhaps a team that is wildly overmatched, nor deny that same team the shot they need to prove us all wrong.
posted by PublicUrinal at 11:51 AM on January 02, 2007
Does anybody have a link to a clip of the Boise radio station announcing the game? I would certainly love to listen to everything past the beginning of the OU game-tying drive in the 4th.
posted by PublicUrinal at 11:55 AM on January 02, 2007
I too stayed up to watch the best college game of my life-it had it all from the heavily favored making the 17 point comeback(27-10 I believe, correct me if I'm wrong)to them (OK)taking the lead with 1:02 left in regulation-to the 4th & 18 hook & lateral by Boise State, to OK scoring easily on the first play of OT-to the Statue of Liberty 2 pt conversion-I woke up my wife and kids by yelling, at first for OK, whom I had money on, and then for the excitement of the upset I just witnessed. Great year Broncos-Your shot at a BS game will come
posted by oh2rooper at 12:22 PM on January 02, 2007
I'm a huge OU fan. This loss hurts, but it not as bad as the USC loss, or even the Oregon "loss" this year. Maybe because it was a great story for Boise. Maybe the best football game ending i've ever witnessed live. I think for some odd reason OU played better this year without Adrian Peterson. Sounds crazy, but it might be true. It also didn't help that our top wideout got his bell rung early and didn't play the rest of the game. Congrats on your win Boise State. Last night was surely your night to shine. I don't think OU was winning this game no matter what.
posted by sgtcookzane at 12:34 PM on January 02, 2007
Them beating Oklahoma (with a fluke play that I've only seen work twice in my life ) does not justify them being able to play against the #1 team in college. In fact it justifies them being ranked exactly where they were and playing in that exact game. Now if they would have blown out Oklahoma, that would be a different story. Does that mean the Steelers should not be called NFL champs last season because of the trick play pass for the touchdown? So what if they used a trick play. Every team has them in their playbook. OU couldn't stop it. Maybe OU's touchdown after the punt fumble recovery should be disallowed because it was dumb luck?
posted by scottypup at 12:46 PM on January 02, 2007
Because they needed a hook-and-lateral, WR option, and Statue of liberty play in OT to beat Oklahoma? Somebody at work today used this asinine line of reasoning to pooh-pooh Boise State, as if the fact that Oklahoma fell for trick play after trick play is the result of some cheating by BSU. If you can't defend the gimmicks, you'll lose when the other team uses them. I'm sure that in his long career, Bob Stoops has never used anything gimmicky, including fake punts, fake field goals, a halfback pass, flea-flicker, reverse, or anything else similarly underhanded. I'm sure of it!
posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:48 PM on January 02, 2007
OSU would demolish them just like OSU would demolish Oklahoma. I know that. Anybody who knows anything about football knows that. Why does this logic only apply to college football? Anybody who knows anything about football knows that the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears will demolish every team they play and meet in the Super Bowl. The beauty of a playoff is that it wipes out armchair certainty. Vegas had Boise State as a huge underdog. Anybody who knows anything about football had their money on a Sooners win. Too bad they actually played each other and screwed that up all of that expertise.
posted by rcade at 12:51 PM on January 02, 2007
The parenthetical comment about the trick plays aside, bdaddy has a good point though -- how does this game suggest a need for a complete overhaul? Boise State and OU, on this night, were so evenly matched that they went to overtime. That suggests to me (to echo bdaddy) that the BCS succeeded in creating a good matchup in a major bowl game. That doesn't prove that the BCS is the best possible system, or even a good one -- but it certainly doesn't support the idea that it's broken.
posted by Amateur at 12:55 PM on January 02, 2007
Every play is a trick play. The ones BSU used last night were just a tetch more theatrical than your basic play-action or handoff-between-the-tackles. I get the feeling that games like this confirm whatever side you already believe: if you wanted a playoff before, this confirms your position, and if you think a playoff is a bad idea for whatever reason, this justifies that position too. I didn't go to a US college, so a lot of the appeal of NCAA sports in general is lost on me, but this was a fun game to watch.
posted by chicobangs at 01:06 PM on January 02, 2007
Don't know if many of you have played football, but the "trick" plays are actually harder to run than the "regular" plays. That was hands down one of the best football games I have ever watched, and infinitely better than the "granddaddy" of all bowl games played earlier in Pasadena.
posted by irunfromclones at 01:12 PM on January 02, 2007
Oklahoma is NOT a top tier team this year. Then why are they in a BCS bowl? This seems like more of an argument for opening up the BCS to other conferences and teams, than an argument as to why non-BCS conference schools should be kept out.
posted by graymatters at 01:17 PM on January 02, 2007
Ok, if the BCS is not broken, why did Oklahoma get to play for the National Championship 3 years ago when they couldn't even win their own Big 12 conference?? Kansas State spanked them up one side and down the other. The BCS was a joke then, just like they are now and always have been. I live in Tulsa and I'm so glad to see OU lose. What a way to start out the new year! And who cares if they use trick plays. They won didn't they?? Nobody can say that was not an exciting game right down to the finish.
posted by Buckfever14 at 01:20 PM on January 02, 2007
Does that mean the Steelers should not be called NFL champs last season because of the trick play pass for the touchdown? That's not my point. My comment about the trick plays wasn't as a line of reasoning as to the fact that Boise didn't deserve to win or they won dirty. I'm more pointing out that they won "close" and won "lucky" (and there's no crime against either). I was pointing out the simple (and obvious) fact that had they not pulled off a fluke play, they would have lost. Given the game was that close, needed a play of that extreme to even tie it, all to a team that is OKLAHOMA, just doesn't SELL the fact that this team deserves a shot at the title to me, and that is all I was saying. Again, if they would have beaten the crap out of Oklahoma, that's another story. But to beat a #10 team, in a closely fought game, and to do it on a gadget play with 7 seconds left...that's not a dominant victory that tells me they deserve any other shot than the shot they had (which was to play Oklahoma in the Fiesta bowl) Why does this logic only apply to college football? Anybody who knows anything about football knows that the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears will demolish every team they play and meet in the Super Bowl. well it doesn't apply only to college football, but college football is the only one that has that rule now. I'm not against a playoff system in college football, I just personally think the BCS works as a decent alternative since it's apparant that college football does not ever WANT to go to a playoff system. I just don't think the BCS is a "broken" system. It puts the teams together as best as it can do given strength of schedule, rakings, etc. And it's pretty damn accurate based on that and does a much better job than those of you that think Boise should be playing OSU in a few days :-)
posted by bdaddy at 01:27 PM on January 02, 2007
What an awesome win. The trick plays were the icing on the cake. Boise State was the better team. The reason why this suggests the need for an overhaul is because it introduces uncertainty and doubt into who is the legitimate champion. And that's exactly what a playoff system is designed to remove. Ohio State v. Boise State one more game!!! (Unless Florida wins then BS is the champion!!!)
posted by vito90 at 02:21 PM on January 02, 2007
A good friend's an EPL fan who thinks there's nothing in U.S. sports that compares -- in terms of edge-of-the-seat fans, crowd atmosphere and long-term loyalty -- to the Premiership. My answer: "College football." I'll give you that, not least because the rivalries are much more comparable, but also because the playbooks are so much more diverse. Harrumph about 'gadget plays' if you like, but that TD run featured a rugby pass worthy of a decent club side. (Note to college teams: practice for a couple of afternoons with the rugby boys.) The beauty of a playoff is that it wipes out armchair certainty. The FA Cup's third round is this weekend. It remains the best weekend in the entire club game. That said, I'd worry that a playoff in I-A might push a get-no-respect team like Boise State to play more conservatively, when what you want is a bit of no-holds-barred giant-killing.
posted by etagloh at 02:46 PM on January 02, 2007
I was pointing out the simple (and obvious) fact that had they not pulled off a fluke play, they would have lost. If Oklahoma's defensive back doesn't run the interception back for a touchdown, but instead takes a knee or steps out of bounds, they move down the field for a couple of plays, eat the clock, and kick a game-winning field goal. Fluke happens. But it shouldn't take away from Boise State's perfect execution of those plays.
posted by rcade at 03:40 PM on January 02, 2007
I was pointing out the simple (and obvious) fact that had they not pulled off a fluke play, they would have lost. The punt hitting the BSU player in the back of the leg was not a fluke? Had that not happened they never would have tied it late in the 4th. 1/2 of the big plays in any given game are flukes. It's a fluke when a all american DT slips while getting blocked opening up a hole for a big touchdown run. It's a fluke when a DB slips while turning to defend the WR on a deep route. That is generally what makes big plays is some fluke. As far as calling them trick plays. Every play action is a trick play. A team either is good enough to recognize a trick play and stop it or they get made to look foolish and lose. BSU deserved to win. They outplayed OU for 45+ minutes. OU deserved to lose they fell for a play and it cost them.
posted by scottypup at 03:54 PM on January 02, 2007
I give up. You guys are all missing my point (which must mean I'm not explaining it well enough but I honestly don't know any other way to explain it than what I already did)
posted by bdaddy at 04:12 PM on January 02, 2007
I think, bdaddy, they are choosing to focus on your decription of BSU's choice of plays as "gadgets" and "flukes." That was a poor choice of words, because as someone pointed out earlier, nearly all plays have some bit of deception and misdirection in them. It just appears that a) the Broncos run them to perfection and b) OU has no fucking clue how to stay home on defense. However, I agree with those calling for a playoff system. Though the gulf between Oklahoma and Ohio State is a vast one, we'll never know how vast, or whether Boise State could have stepped up its game even more. In a 12-team playoff, it's very likely BSU would have faced OSU in the second round (assuming the Buckeyes had a bye and the Broncos defeated the fifth seed), and we'd have our answer, instead of the guessing game we have now. As for the Fiesta Bowl itself, I went to bed at halftime and caught the highlights this morning. I then spent the remainder of the day demonstrating and diagramming the "gadget" plays for Canadians (who aren't as familiar with the State of Liberty and the Hook and Ladder as they should be). Get on that, Weedy.
posted by wfrazerjr at 04:36 PM on January 02, 2007
That was a poor choice of words, because as someone pointed out earlier, nearly all plays have some bit of deception and misdirection in them. It just appears that a) the Broncos run them to perfection and b) OU has no fucking clue how to stay home on defense. Zactly. I doubt you're one of those old-schoolers who considers pass plays wimpy, but not even the traditional running teams win these days simply by handing it to a back and pounding the line. And if you concede the point that creativity in designing plays, misdirection and out-thinking the defense are fundamental parts of the game, then we're just arguing degree. (As a fan of the round-ball game, I bemoan the fact that free kicks outside the penalty box are now the domain of Beckham wannabes.)
posted by etagloh at 04:49 PM on January 02, 2007
Yeah, what a great game and story! That Statue of Liberty was mind-blowingly well-executed. Boise State proved their worthiness in a big way. As for Boise State needing trickery to beat Oklahoma, one can also argue that Oklahoma needed Boise State to play way too conservatively to even let Oklahoma back into the game. Anyway, good to see them get a decent bowl matchup, unlike the arguably even better 2003 Miami of Ohio (quaterbacked by a fellow named ben Roethlisberger)and 2004 Utah teams, both of which finished with as good a record as any major college team, and slaughtered their far inferior bowl opponents. Definitely the best finish I've seen. I do think an 8-team playoff would be better than what we have now, especially since I suspect that 2-loss USC is really the best team this year, and Boise State proved at very least worthy of a shot.
posted by ballhawk at 06:18 PM on January 02, 2007
This game proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the BCS system is flawed and that a playoff system should be implemented in college football. Oklahoma is a team that, if not for some horrible breaks from officials at Oregon, would possibly be playing in the national championship. Also, to anyone who is saying that Boise State couldn't keep pace with the so-called elite NCAA football programs such as Michigan or USC let's look at this years football season. Oregon State defeats USC who thoroughly rips Michigan a new one in the Rose Bowl. Boise State defeated OSU by a score of 42-14 if I recall correctly. Sure, this doesn't mean for sure that they would win in a head-to-head matchup against these "elite" teams, but it does show that they have a damn good shot, one that they deserve. All the BCS is is politics. But congrats to Boise State on the huge victory, and to Ian Johnson.
posted by NightingalesGone at 06:49 PM on January 02, 2007
I live in Tulsa and I'm so glad to see OU lose. What a way to start out the new year! Buckfever....I bet you loved that game last year in '05 when OU was trying to figure out the QB situation and find themselves as a team.
posted by sgtcookzane at 06:49 PM on January 02, 2007
What a game! I think that the NCAA ought to really consider revamping the way they determine the national champion for football and this game is a good reason why. Maybe David will slay Goliath every once in a while. The hook and lateral play was amazing, and reminded me of the Miami/San Diego AFC Championship play which turned the game around for Miami. Kudos to Boise State.
posted by TXGLFR at 06:50 PM on January 02, 2007
Excellent point Rcade. I never thought of it that way.
posted by sgtcookzane at 06:52 PM on January 02, 2007
Stop dreaming let the computer figure it out! insert sarcasm here!
posted by luther70 at 08:36 PM on January 02, 2007
Hey sgtcookzane, I lived in Kansas most of my life. All we ever heard of was OU,OU,OU! Anytime OU gets beat in anything, my day just got better. I moved to Tulsa in the last year and it sure is nice to see these damn Okies cryin about how bad them poor ol Sooners have been treated. The best game I can ever remember with OU was when Arkansas beat em 31-6 in the 78 Orange Bowl. I know, I know. This has nothing to do with last night, but thanks for the memories!
posted by Buckfever14 at 08:43 PM on January 02, 2007
You might recommend Paxil to your docter :) buckfever
posted by sgtcookzane at 10:00 PM on January 02, 2007
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Buckfever14 at 10:12 PM on January 02, 2007
Oregon State defeats USC who thoroughly rips Michigan a new one in the Rose Bowl. Boise State defeated OSU by a score of 42-14 if I recall correctly. Sure, this doesn't mean for sure that they would win in a head-to-head matchup against these "elite" teams, but it does show that they have a damn good shot, one that they deserve. Oregon State beating USC and losing to Boise St doesn't mean much. Let's go round and round here...UCLA beat USC, who whipped Michigan. Florida St. beat UCLA...does that mean Florida State is better than USC? No. Otherwise, I may draw the conclusion that Florida will beat Ohio St. based on the fact that FSU beat UCLA who beat USC who whipped Michigan who barely lost to Ohio St. Right? That said, I'd worry that a playoff in I-A might push a get-no-respect team like Boise State to play more conservatively, when what you want is a bit of no-holds-barred giant-killing. Man... playing as if there is a tomorrow...instead of all or nothing, interesting point.
posted by tselson at 10:28 PM on January 02, 2007
I suppose it's all a question of what you want from the end of a short season with a regional, unbalanced schedule. If the aim of bowls is simply to get competitive one-offs between contrasting styles, then you certainly can't fault the BCS selectors for that pairing. While Boise State might what-if about a championship matchup, they leave the field with the reputation that their season deserved. If you really want to know the best team in the nation over the entire season, then you might create a nationwide superconference, but that's just not going to happen in the NCAA. If you want the drama of the upset, you do a 64-team March Madness, but that's not feasible for college football. Americans like their playoffs, but college football fans like their traditional rivalries and heated arguments for supremacy even more.
posted by etagloh at 01:07 AM on January 03, 2007
Oregon State beating USC and losing to Boise St doesn't mean much. Let's go round and round here...UCLA beat USC, who whipped Michigan. Florida St. beat UCLA...does that mean Florida State is better than USC? No. exactly. Football is not a transitive property.
posted by bdaddy at 09:01 AM on January 03, 2007
Football is not a transitive property. That's a T-shirt waiting to happen.
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:33 AM on January 03, 2007
Yup. Definitely not transitive. It's all about the way teams match up. The "Bow Down to Entropy" rankings have an excellent and amusing analysis of this. If I recall correctly, Bowling Green was #1 in 2003 by transitive logic from the losses of all the teams that were genuinely considered for the national championship that year.
posted by ballhawk at 11:53 AM on January 03, 2007
In my defense I did say that that doesn't mean that they would beat them. I just said it shows that they would possibly have a chance and so they deserve a shot.
posted by NightingalesGone at 09:19 PM on January 03, 2007
ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGH. I went to sleep after OU's last TD in regulation. I'm an idiot. ARRGGGGH. (And I think this game probably converts me into a supporter of a playoff; I've always said the regular season was the playoff but clearly that assumes that the non-BCS conferences could never play with the big boys- which might not be as true as I'd thought.)