Oklahoma State Unappreciated by Unsound BCS: Until Then, No Legit Winner

Wasn’t it so disrespectful, so unfair? We can whine and swing our arms disappointed, gripe over the unsound PCs that generate a debate each year and complain all night that Oklahoma State was devoid of earning the right to meet LSU in the BCS title game. So they’ll meet again, LSU and Alabama in New Orleans on the national stage.

It’s the equivalent of discounting the sexiest women for a beauty pageant and perhaps giving the honors to the ugliest woman in the contest. It may shock you to discern that Alabama, the second-ranked team in the nation finishing second in both the Harris and coaches’ poll by a large enough margin, qualifies for the national title to contend for the crystal football. We, the people, are disgruntled by the BCS formula, a chaotic situation unless there is an eight-game playoff system instituted to crown the true champ. So it should surprise no one that the formula is a testament to the madness and hysteria this season, as there are heated debates over the second-best team in the country, the one worthy in meeting LSU for the title.

If you were to make an argument, a reasonable argument, you as the voter might have craved LSU-Oklahoma State. The point is, maybe the vast majority wasn’t so fascinated with the notion that an overhyped SEC rematch is scheduled to alter the texture of college football. Like it or not, the current formula determines the BCS, a system not created to choose the honest championship and, no matter what we say, it’s not our call to establish a playoff but the committee’s responsibility to culminate the tumult.

The dysfunction, I’m afraid, is doomed to rise before the selection committee has a remedy to inevitably erase the flaws in the current computer formula from manipulating the teams’ fate and stopping all the political absurdity that has drawn more publicity than the game itself. The victims, of all people, is the self-righteous Oklahoma State after pleading their case with a towering 44-10 beatdown of No. 10 ranked Oklahoma Saturday night.

This time, in fairness, the Oklahoma State had proven that it was the nation’s second-best team, but the SEC monopoly continues to manipulate the formula and there’s a sense the best conference in football for years will dominate the BCS until one’s principle is fairly to orchestrate a playoff. The composition of fixing the unbalanced BCS is clearly to design an unbiased and nonpartisan scheme that chooses a championship matchup.

The rest of the nation can dissect any numbers – computer rankings and try to distinguish the nonsense. The rest of the nation can analyze the schedules and margins of victory, but no matter what the BCS are winners every time, until a playoff is inaugurated. There is not a trace of doubt that a playoff would be the right way to crown the winner, a quick fix to please the vast majority of the nation and even fraudulent voters that would end any prejudice and idiocy in a disoriented college football season.

The rationale is that we don’t have a playoff, as we all know, and until we get one, the BCS fraud will continue to insult the team most deserved to play for the national title. The guess is here that the Cowboys were screwed by the system which is a fraud and insult to the third-ranked team in the nation, neglecting them for the national title bid. The voters omitted the Cowboys, arguably the second-best team in the nation, brainwashed by the overexposed and far more superior conference and overwhelmed by the television ratings. It is what it is, unfortunately, a damn rematch that some desired to see again, while others were longing to witness LSU-Oklahoma State, two national powerhouses in the country.

Given the system, LSU-Alabama is the correct call. This is something we have to deal with, until changes are made to improve the system after Oklahoma State was denied of a trip to the BCS title game, even though it had the body of work and could’ve competed against LSU. The masses say that Oklahoma State deserved a shot, and it would have had it won their final two games. The shocker to Iowa State, at the time the Cowboys were only two wins away from securing a spot in the title game, smeared their national title hopes – stunned by a 29-point underdog.

Since then, the Cowboys were automatically ineligible to win the national title, one game that determined their season. The thing is, Alabama lost by three to the undeniable No. 1 team in the country, when Oklahoma State shockingly dropped a loss to the unranked Cyclones, a team that finished 6-6. That’s what the committee saw, if nothing else. That’s where the committee was incorrect. Just because a team loses to one of the mediocre teams in the nation, doesn’t mean they are unworthy of qualifying for the national stage.

It could be a convenient excuse to keep Oklahoma State out of the national title game, just as it’s another way to praise Alabama and observe the rematch over again. We can assume, by now, that the Big 12 was as superb as the SEC, probably even better had it not been for LSU. At least, the large range of computer rankings says the Big 12 was the best conference in the nation, but sadly blinded by the obsession with the SEC. In the end, four-one loss teams weren’t eligible for a shot at the national title. This is, though the Cowboys may have been the second-best team in the land, the society of college football – a system that is mired in much disarray.

It never makes any sense but as we’ve always said, you have to deal with it, live with it. The fact that Oklahoma State defeated seven teams with winning records and five teams that were ranked in last week’s BCS Top 25 wasn’t good enough. The fact that Alabama had beaten only three winning teams was good enough. It’s the time we live in, a period in college football that the SEC is adored and evidently claimed to be better than most leagues. To us, though, well, to most of us anyway, the Big 12 deserves the nod rightfully so.

There’s nothing in it for Oklahoma State, now that it is ranked No. 3 in the nation but deservedly so it was worthy of the No. 2. And, in this case of college football, we can now suggest perhaps it’s all about politics with evidence that the SEC is overly appreciated and has a top-dollar TV deal with ESPN. And then, just in recent years, the Southeastern Conference had more star power and appreicated athletes from the South, where folks care about football and has been an integral part in the Southern culture, much like a Saturday ritual for the folks in the dirty South.

The presence of Alabama in the BCS title game creates a controversy, but it’s not an absolute travesty either. If that sounds incorrect, you probably haven’t seen Alabama’s defensive dominance, you probably haven’t seen their old-school style defense. This can actually make for a watchable BCS title game, although I’d have preferred LSU vs. Oklahoma State. The Crimson Tide and the Tigers play the best defense in the nation, ranked 1-2 in scoring defense and total defense. As I say so often, defense wins games, whether you like it or not.

By now, you know that each team is fast and physical and had no flaws defensively. If that’s pretty damn good, then why are we startled? It’s because there’s no playoff, there’s no actual proof that Alabama earned the nod over Oklahoma State, yes, maybe on paper but we don’t know if they legitimized that they are better than the Cowboys. This season alone, LSU averaged 41 points per game, while Alabama amassed 39. And then, when they faced each other in “The Game of the Century,” a campaign that was hyped and brainwashed our senses to become infatuated by a rematch, they scored two field goals apiece in regulation.

Still, because Oklahoma State thrashed Oklahoma, there is a sense it was not taken into consideration as the Sooners are the Big 12, not the SEC. Believe it or not, Georgia is an SEC school, and with further evidence, the Bulldogs even played in the SEC title game on Saturday ranked ahead of Oklahoma in the Top 25, albeit that they hadn’t won anybody in the Top 25. What’s a true honor for the Bulldogs, not the fact that they played in the SEC championship game, but the fact that they are in the SEC, which may explain why Georgia was ranked No. 12 entering Saturday’s game.

Being in the wrong conference doomed Oklahoma State, and as a result, they had fallen short of stepping onto the national stage. It’s admittedly good to state that the Cowboys have trounced almost everybody this season, and unfortunately lost once, a heartbreaking loss in overtime that came hours after a plane crash killed two OSU women’s basketball coaches. The Crimson Tide already once lost 9-6 to LSU back on Nov. 5. I recall that night, because I covered it.

Why see it happen again?? It has been a season of controversy, from the BCS fraud to the damn expansions and realignment in conferences. The computer formulas are mathematically incorrect and make the average person cringe. The formulas aren’t honest — the formulas are deceiving, and with plenty of debate about how inaccurate a treacherous system really is when trying to award the real winner. Each season, it seems, the BCS is politically incorrect.

The wise thing is to eliminate the BCS. Until then, we’ll never know the legit winner.

Ryan Mallett's Costly Blunders Devastate Arkansas

This could have been the biggest upset on the year in college football, and because Arkansas is the emergence on turf, as a beautiful story in the game, an upset was brewing. So now, as quickly as the Razorbacks had the top-ranked team in the nation, the dark horses fall out of bowl contention when all Arkansas needed was a thrilling win over Alabama.

And so it ends with a surprise, although it really wasn’t a surprise to watch the Razorbacks fall. During kickoff, the lively crowd was electric and believed that every conceivable element, from a high-powered offense to the rifle-armed pocket passer Ryan Mallett to a frenzy erupting early in the venue to the strong confidence, were well-equipped to stun Nick Saban and Alabama. If nothing else, the Razorbacks are the social consciousness in a town, where the masses occupy a craze on Saturdays and traditionally admire a sport we truly idolize.

This might have been, in sense, the game Arkansas needed to win in order to protect its national title bid and be proclaimed as prime contenders. The delusional belief almost happened with the mania increasingly rising in Fayetteville, where rabid supporters wearing seas of red were rambunctious on the opening drive, of course, coming on the first play when Mallett corralled a high snap and hurled a 31-yard pass to Jairus Wright.

Had it not been for Alabama’s blown assignment on defense that allowed Mallett to follow with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Wingo Jr., then Arkansas would have had a harder task scoring on the first drive. It turns out, the Razorbacks are immensely talented, but couldn’t survive in the end to cap arguably the most dazzling upset, as Alabama survived a 24-20 win. It was a bit shocking that Wingo raced out of the backfield uncovered and untouched on an eye-opening drive to boost momentum.

By halftime, Mallett had his team in position to pull off the improbable and delight a record home crowd of 76,808. The atmosphere was solemn and tense, until the impressive drive materialized and forced the spiritual crowd to wildly erupt. The startling notion of the Razorbacks possibly winning, simply felt rational and believable. In the case of the uncertainty and prodigy, it figured that the Razorbacks were capable of smearing ‘Bama’s national title hopes, it figured that they were mentally built to disrupt the mindsets of a dominant football program, and it figured that they were poise to encounter a challenging matchup.


The problem isn’t what happened, though. The problem is that the Razorbacks had the Crimson Tide. The fact is, Ar-Kansas almost secured a win and stayed unbeaten in a way to mount into bowl contention. For now, however, the nation is already convinced Mallett is a frontrunner in the Heisman campaign, a favorable candidate by judging his powerful arm and his ability to lead a high-powered offense. Even though he has the components of franchise quarterback, even though he is the factor on why the Razorbacks are a compelling team, and even though he is NFL-ready, he still has flaws for his inconsistent throwing mechanics.

And clearly, his miscues so badly cost Arkansas a chance of mounting into the BCS picture on a night the state was initially ready to launch a party into the wee hours. It has been since 1969 for which fans have waited for a game with plenty of implications, and a pivotal showdown so immense. At last, the Razorbacks had a shot a of redemption with a 13 point lead in the second half, but all of the sudden, turned complacent and stumbled in the middle of an onslaught against a composed and balanced Crimson Tide. So, he wasn’t exactly flawless, but almost led the team to a triumphant moment and honestly almost heightened his Heisman status.

There was plenty on the line in this contest, with much to prove as a redemptive tale almost wrote a gratifying ending, but he faltered with much at stake. Just like that, he gaffed of what might have been his sweetest win in his collegiate career. With all this, he is still one of the most admirable quarterbacks in the game today, if not the greatest with his incredible arm strength and athleticism. In the end, Arkansas blew a 20-7 third-quarter lead, to painfully doom an optimistic program and leave a large population disappointed.

In the end, he unraveled and gently committed miscues, happening at a moment when he is projected to be a top pick in the draft, and happening at a moment when the Razorbacks were elite in the SEC, evidently tough enough to send Alabama home teary-eyed, depraved of sustaining back-to-back joy. Much to the chagrin of disillusioned fans, the Razorbacks weren’t able to survive a sizable comeback as moments became painful and excruciating.

The dream of becoming BCS elite faded out of the equation in a game that was supposed to regard a stable program with tremendous talent. Undoubtedly, this was the biggest game in history, just as much as it was the biggest letdown. On his aerial blunders, he overthrew his intended receiver for an interception that lead to two interceptions, and doomed the state of a revival football program. For a moment there, it looked as if the game plan Arkansas had exploited would benefit in their favor.


Even if he threw for 250 yards, he fell short and was eclipsed by the Tides’ brutal rushing attack of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. See, in the first half, Alabama abandoned its running game and showcased aerial deficiencies. The rare blemishes of turnovers were costly for the Tide. It was a rarity to see Greg McElroy have first-half miscues, throwing picks on consecutive first-half possessions that gave Arkansas decent field position to gain a 17-7 lead.

But the brand of Alabama is the lethal running game, a clear understatement and underestimating trend. The savoir on a day it seemed the Tide were vulnerable of a collapse was Ingram. Clearly, he had a 54-yard first-half run touchdown run and stiff-armed two defenders down the sideline, and ran for a remarkable 157 yards on 24carries. His dynamic duo, Richardson, compiled 85 yards on just eight touches. But he had the highlight play of the game, when Alabama picked off Mallett to take over at the 12-yard line.

Losing so agonizingly is a heartbreaker for a state that has been waiting for overjoyed moments and dazzling endings. This was very stunning and upsetting to Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, who had his players prepared for a defining game. This was a major blow to an entire state and town.

This one will hurt for a while.

AJ Green Targeted Suspended Four Games, The NCAA Throws Hammer Yet Again

Harsh, is one word to describe the suspension of wide receiver A.J. Green for selling a jersey that he had worn in a bowl game for $1,000 to someone who qualified as an agent. Since, Green has already sat out a game this season he has three more games on the suspension.

An appeal is likely according to Yahoo Sports' article on the situation, but even then it could take a couple of weeks before the appeal is heard. Since Green would be sitting out anyway there really isn't much of a reason for Georgia to appeal the suspension.

What's even more interesting is that in the article the University of Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus was also punished by the NCAA for accepting $2,000 in improper benefits, but was Dareus's penalty as harsh as Green's? No.

Dareus with his improper benefits doubled what Green made off his jersey, but the NCAA only ruled him out for two games!

The one reason why Dareus's punishment may have been lighter is that Green's is because one is a much more heralded player. When on the field Green is one of the best wide receivers in the country, so this was another example for the NCAA in trying to teach an athlete a lesson.

Last year it was Dez Bryant who was caught lying to the NCAA and the sad part was that Bryant hadn't done anything wrong. It was Bryant's belief that meeting with Deion Sanders who is not an agent would be looked at unfavorably by the NCAA and so he panicked and was not truthful with the NCAA about his meeting with Sanders.





Now this year it is Green. The problem is though is the consistency with the punishment if Green's punishment is four games why isn't Dareus's eight games? Dareus received twice as much as Green did with his improper benefits?

Another problem that is seen is what exactly is an agent according to the NCAA? When looking for the definition of an agent on the NCAA site there's no exact wording for what qualifies as an agent. In this case just because the person who bought the jersey fits the definition of the NCAA as to what an agent is, doesn't necessarily mean the person was an agent.

There's a big difference from fitting the definition of an agent than being an actual agent. Even if Green sold a jersey to an agent the question becomes so what? It was Green's jersey to begin with and he should be able to sell it to anyone he sees fit.

Green has said “I very much regret all that has taken place and the distraction that’s been caused.I’ve learned a valuable lesson and hope others can learn from my mistake. I can only focus my attention now on practicing and looking ahead to getting back with my teammates as quickly as possible.”

The only issue that Green could have faced with selling the jersey to an agent is if there was an agreement for the agent to resale the jersey for a higher amount and then gives that money to Green. Much like Dareus who received the $2,000 in improper benefits.



If Green did that then there should be a punishment for his action, but for selling a jersey for what may or may have not been an agent is inexcusable by the NCAA. Green's suspension is just another example of the NCAA wielding too much power.

If anything Green's penalty should have been a two-game suspension while Dareus should have gotten the four-game suspension.

The biggest issue now is with the NCAA itself and how it hands down the punishments to players and until that is resolved there's going to be issues like this one. Green gets a stiff punishment for something that wasn't a serious violation and yet another player receives improper benefits which is a big deal and gets a light punishment.

Until the NCAA can come up with a better way to hand out these punishments like Green's and Bryant's coaches and players aren't going to be too happy with the process. Green's and Bryant's cases also prove that the appeal process in the NCAA needs to be changed and that if a suspension is being appealed the player should be able to play until the punishment is official.

NCAA Waited Late to Crack Down on Hypocrisy, Conspiracy

If there is any ultimate hypocrisy denting collegiate sports, it’s because of the apathy and recklessness of the NCAA.

The same committee that allowed much to poison the prestigious image of college football wasn’t historically stern enough to investigate a repulsive, ongoing scandal.

Before the recent revelations of wannabe or legit sports agents lavishing student-athletes with a wealthier style of living, the NCAA was deceived and publicly embarrassed when dishonest college stars were duplicitous and extorted the indulgent system.

But suddenly, the NCAA is imposing severe sanctions for any wrongdoings and infractions, tarnishing the reputation of collegiate sports and grasping a sense that athletes have had relationships with corrupted agents.

The brand of the NCAA is scams and shams as numerous schools make a mockery of academia, disrespecting the tenor and significance of education.

By now, trustees and the committees are discerned of the average student-athletes’ wishes, unlike decades ago when education represented higher value, rather than lifting to unimaginable heights at the pro level.


But now that we live in the modern age of athletics and reside in a country where the average kid dreams of blossoming as the next acclaimed superstar, it’s realistic to assume kids aren’t attending school to establish a profession as a doctor, lawyer, or even a sports writer.

As of recently, the dark and gloomy times indeed reduces the aspects of purity and rectitude.

But more than anything, schools aren’t getting involved in the unscrupulous infractions that have created dreaded woes and expunged believability.

Four schools are under investigation for agent-related incidents and apparently, it is only the beginning of an ugly ordeal that maligns the integrity and ignores the magnitude of amateur refinement.

There’s a nightmare brewing in the SEC with the issue of incongruities and hypocrisy as the NCAA is conducting investigations in the Southeastern Conference, aiming to drag down the high-powered and superior conference.

If there are top prospects committing to high-caliber universities and older adults are capable of influencing the minds of college athletes, it’s very unlikely to jettison the scandals.

But the NCAA waited too late in cracking down on sleazy agents and allowed matters to turn worse. The probing of Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina are warning signs of infringement and the epitome of ignorance and unawareness within an association in denial.

Years ago, the NCAA never reacted to agents or addressed the countless violations destroying a school’s pride and respectability.

Years ago, the so-called business advisers approached campuses and athletes, awarding uneducated and unprofessional athletes with unlawful gifts and cash. It’s been a fraudulent industry and rarely were the Infraction Committees proactive in probing misleading agents, labeling collegiate sports as a disingenuous business.

Because agents are the sphere of college sports, as are athletic directors for permitting immunity and having no awareness in what strangers are introducing to their student-athletes, it’s disturbing to know that frauds and lies still exist in college sports, looming as the dirtiest crisis in the NCAA.

Greater than coaches recruiting over the phone, overworking players in practice, or hiring hostesses as a way to coax prospects into committing with the program, the NCAA mismanaged conspiracies and negated the poison of a tattered Tank Black—the former sports agent who donated payments to several Florida players.

But eventually he was charged with federal conspiracy and sentenced to seven years in prison. What’s staggering is that the NCAA refused to investigate Black and had access to public records of his payments.

That year, the Gators won the national title with the deepest and most talented team in the nation, but considering that Black had a meaningful relationship with Florida, ultimately the finest program in the nation wasn’t legit and had tarnished because of the misdeeds.

With all the dismal scandals, the NCAA is finally taking action and helping fortify its own cause for monitoring faulty agents, eroding an industry that profits on high-powered talent, rituals and images.

If ever there were a time to dismiss college football, it would be a good time now, with all the latest destruction at USC.


It used to be the most prestigious university before turning into the most poisonous University for violating NCAA rules, deciding to return its replica of Reggie Bush's Heisman trophy and withdraw from all the achievements of Bush and O.J. Mayo.

It took NCAA investigators three years to probe a malicious scandal at USC, accusing the star running back of unlawful deeds. Bush obtained $300,000 from two wannabe agents during his prosperous career with the Trojans, and his parents were given a $757,000 house.

As a way of punishing Bush for embarrassing the program and violating rules, he will be remembered as a forgotten Trojan.

It’s hardly fair to crack down on two players and insult a pair of prolific stars who aren’t fully accountable for the Trojans infractions.

If the administrators weren’t aware, obviously Bush or Mayo weren’t aware of the scandals becoming a trend and casting facades in college football.

Ravaged by shame, Athletic Director Mike Garrett was dismissed of overseeing the ruptured department at USC on Tuesday.

The mental state of the Trojans is anything but flawless, and punishing Garrett is a severe lesson as Southern California is essentially trying to remove the indulgence and apathy in their program. His cockiness and stubbornness impaired a well-respected program, as did Pete Carroll, who is in denial and arrogantly denies the violations as well as the sanctions.

Maybe he fled Southern California for Seattle because of the sanctions. Above all, they are on four-year probation, losing recruits and stripped of a Heisman. All of this ruins the opportunities of grabbing the top prospects in the country.

But now, the affliction resides allegedly at the Swamp and Alabama. Mostly at SEC Media day, all the talk circulated the muck agents, a nightmarish situation that threatens a program withheld of accusations.

Mike Slive, commissioner of the SEC, vented on the ongoing obstacles and requested for “national strategy” and “education not enforcement.”


If there was one irate coach harshly ripping agents, it was Alabama’s Nick Saban during the press conference on Wednesday, once Marcel Dareus of the Crimson Tide was reportedly announced ineligible after the university compliance officials investigated his involvement with agents.

It certainly doesn’t mean he’s an asterisk or a criminal, until proven guilty. And even if he’s accused of violating rules, then accuse the agent of influencing the minds of young and inexperienced athletes.

There are accusations pending against Maurkice Pouncey, but the ex-Florida star denies ever accepting $100,000 from the representation of a sordid agent at the Southeastern Conference title game and the Sugar Bowl last season.

“I did not accept $100,000, it is an absolutely ridiculous claim. I have completely cooperated with the investigation and answered any and all questions put to me,” Pouncey said in a statement released by his attorney, M. Stephen Stanfield.


Recently, he met with Urban Meyer and Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, and told them he’s innocent and never had a relationship or any connections with agents.

“He never lied to me before,” Meyer said.

Isn’t that what we all want to believe?

As much as the nation admires college football, the investigations involving agent-related inquiries are upsetting and absurd, nauseating our stomachs and disappointing our consciousness as North and South Carolina's programs were announced last week to be part of the NCAA investigation.

This isn’t a coincidence or an illusion, but an omen of corruption—something that should have been discovered and handled a long time ago.

Colt McCoy's Painful Blow Is Just Too Bad

He wasn’t scared to showcase agility, nor was he horrified in the national title game. Not when a game was considered the grandest of a four-year career at Texas, where Colt McCoy emerged and evolved into an endearing citizen.

That is, in a four-year period, he was the likeable athlete on campus as many became attached with a prosperous legacy that developed before their very eyes. For the folks in Austin, there’s much to like about McCoy; like the humbleness, poise, and passion for the most physical and famous sport in America.

When the winningest quarterback in college football history reached the final game dreaming to depart a relentless sport that constituted fame, winning the crystal ball would’ve capped a momentous career. But sustaining a critical injury, sadly, diminished belief and abstracted liveliness from an electric crowd that traveled from Texas to root on McCoy and the Longhorns.

The final game of his superlative career would’ve dilated a remarkable stint, where he has accumulated all the greatest deeds in sports. His goal, of course, was to win the national championship; a jubilant accomplishment that would’ve elevated an indomitable legacy, and mounted his draft status as he anticipates flourishing on the next level. Leaving the campus life to build a foundation in the NFL is a gigantic advancement.

However, to make such a transition, health is an element for forging a future in the pros. It’s emphatically mind-blowing to watch a career end in a despairing fashion. One win away from immortality, McCoy witnessed a nightmarish scene that drastically shifted momentum and spirit towards Alabama. It’s very sad to witness an impact player take a fall in the most significant showdown of an exhausted and tedious 12-game season.

It was painful to watch the final three quarters without McCoy’s presence. His absence killed the souls of the energetic and rambunctious Longhorns’ fans, a large crowd wearing orange to represent school spirit.

They suddenly turned petrified and perturbed, realizing McCoy stood as a symbol and a must-needed centerpiece to have a legitimate advantage against a fully talented Alabama. But, unfortunately on this night, he couldn’t be a savior in Pasadena, where the stars arrived to witness what was supposed to be the classic game of the ages.

Turns out, the Longhorns' weakest link is not having a well-experienced quarterback, engineering greatness with his masterful arm-strength and excellent precision. On the fifth play of the first quarter, a night suddenly declined.


By the end of Thursday night, the headlines focused strictly on the health of McCoy and draft status come April. Like an average quarterback would effectuate when in duress, he took matters into his own hands and carried the ball on an option.

At the time it seemed like a smart idea, until his body collided into the helmet of defensive end Marcell Dareus. From there a different outlook was cast on a team that could have beaten the top-ranked team in the nation. Moments later, he dropped to the beautiful turf at the Rose Bowl. His arm rattled in pain. He walked to the sideline as medical staff treated the senior quarterback.

The scary faces finally showed while despairing fans stared nervously as he walked to the locker room to have an x-ray on his throwing shoulder, the shoulder he badly injured. The saddest thing is, he never returned. Nor did he warm up on the sidelines for a potential return.

He was done, even though temptations were high. So for the first time in his career, McCoy had to painfully watch from the sidelines, and observe his teammates attempt dominance without him.

Only can we imagine it was painful to bear, after having a healthy career. His arm was wrapped. His teammates perpetuated a comeback, but it wasn’t enough to forestall the explosive and starved Alabama. Brave enough to survive late off of the heroics of the inexperienced and freshman quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, who wasn’t bad for a replacement. As confident and titillated the Longhorns seemed about winning a national championship, McCoy’s absence lowered their confidence level.

But more impressive is the fact that Texas hung in there, even though Alabama pulled away late to preserve a 37-21 victory to tell the world the prestigious program is back. Nick Saban, the coach responsible for retooling an unbalanced program, was drenched with Gatorade. It was a thrilling win for a school known for its dominance in the sport. But it was disappointing to watch the Longhorns in what became a long night, a game that didn’t finish in their favor. The Longhorns could have won, if the doctors and coach Mack Brown cleared him to play. But to be cautious, he noticed McCoy had severe pain in his throwing shoulder.

“He was in pain at halftime, and he and his dad were sitting in there with the doctors,” said Brown. “I never even asked the doctors because I could tell, he didn’t need to be back out on the field.”

It really didn’t seem like a serious hit, when McCoy suffered the contact. But it was, removing him from a night he had patiently waited to participate in. It hurt Texas’ offense mightily, unveiling when Gilbert heaved four interceptions on the night, with a few carrying towards the direction of Alabama’s All-American cornerback Javier Arenas.

There were times when he built up momentum and assurance to put aside the blunders. There were several plays where he found Texas’ top receiver Jordan Shipley, a reliable target that has dangerous speed and is great at spreading out the field. As we know, McCoy’s favorite target, roommate, friend and miracle performer who happened to catch McCoy’s accurate throw while riding in a boat on Lake Whitney, was involved in the offense and helped finish a few well-executed plays.

Shipley finished the night with two touchdowns and changed the complexion of the game. Suddenly, the lead was cut within three after the Longhorns trailed on the scoreboard. For much of the night, it was 24-6 before turning into a threatening situation when Alabama led 24-21. Momentarily, the frenzied crowd had a difficult time watching and accepting the latest comeback.

But when linebacker Eryk Anders eased the fear of losing, the crowd increased the intensity level. With three minutes left, he sacked Gilbert and forced a fumble. None of the Longhorns’ players were successful in recovering the loose ball, in which Courtney Upshaw recovered to relax a much-tensed crowd.

Wow. What a sigh of relief.


McCoy, a wise player, was supposed to win, to elevate a sheer legacy. But, unfortunately, it was heartbreaking as our country witnessed an Alabama team that appeared lackadaisical and careless in the first half.

Although he missed the critical part of the game, McCoy had his work cut out for him, meeting a dynamic defensive force that Saban has cultivated. By far, in college football history, we may have witnessed the best defensive class in Tuscaloosa.

Next year, the Crimson Tide may have a much-depleted defense if Terence Cody and Rolando McClain, a pair of powerful defensive stars, decide to declare for the NFL. Meanwhile, we never had a chance to really find out if McCoy could withstand the potent defense.

Early on, the Longhorns made a strong case by forcing the Tide to commit turnovers, which is why Saban’s team didn’t look prepared for the challenge until McCoy left for the night. There’s no doubt in our minds, we never expected the greatest quarterback to collapse. Despite predictions of Alabama trouncing the Longhorns, McCoy painfully going down was never forecast. His devastating loss completely hooked the 'Horns.

Sadly, we never saw this coming as it seemed too special to implode.

Heisman Watch: Although the Competition is Fierce, Vote for Ingram

Oh, the most joyous of days is quickly looming, and a moment doesn’t pass without college football lords discussing the next athlete worthy of the stiff-armed statue. The Heisman race is so intense, occupying the average person’s heart with suspense of which candidate is worthy of hoisting the most special prize in all of sports.

In recent memory—since writing on The Watch —no race has been viewed as tight and tense as the one we have this year. But when several players transcend the culture of college football over the course of a 12-game season, the Heisman presentation becomes must-see television.

What we do know is, that someone will accept the Heisman inside the Radio City Music Hall in New York. If most are unsure of the most deserving athlete, allow me to share my vote on which candidate should be hoisting the Heisman come this weekend.

Rarely, the game worships a tailback as explosive and fiery as Alabama's Mark Ingram. He gets my vote. End of discussion. However last year, at this time, we had spoken prematurely.


I myself even spoke too soon, forecasting that Florida’s Tim Tebow would obtain the honors. In two days, someone’s name inside the envelope could stun us all on Saturday evening. But the truth is, the Southern Eastern Conference had the studs of the year, unless you’re delusional or dislike an abysmal conference.

Armed with tremendous speed, Ingram is excluded from the Heisman picture. Let’s not be cynical by refusing to acknowledge Ingram’s consistency, which helped bolster the offense of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Come on, he’s an essential part on why they maintained leverage and were potent in the SEC Championship Game, a game in which Ingram had a usual performance, accounting for 175 yards and three touchdowns in a 32-13 demolition of Florida.

From there, of course, the Tide reformed into a perennial contender, with the star running back contributing throughout the course of the season. He exemplifies greatness and he has improved mightily from last year, when the Tide finished just shy of a national title appearance.


But this year they have reached the National Championship Game, thanks in large part to the contributions of Ingram. With such a menacing ground attack, the Tide prevailed to reach new heights. I wonder how much of a difference it would’ve been for the Tide if Ingram didn’t post career numbers, which included 1,500 plus yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.

But trust me, he wouldn’t be among the nominees.

There is, believe it or not, high regarded stars and future NFL prospects, all eligible to take home the stiff-arm statue. Because most have given the spotlight to Tebow, he’s favorable to pull off the historic win. In a four year span, he has been invited three consecutive times. No other player has ever been invited three times in a row.

Tebow almost came close to winning it twice, and he try again to become the second player in history, in the company of Archie Griffin, to win the illustrious award twice. His religious beliefs, charitable work, and refusal to leave the campus behind in Gainesville was all it took for the Gators to have large crowds and for Tebow to be cherished.

Despite losing his final game as a Gator, he still can account for a myriad of votes. The passion and intensity Tebow brings to the field are traces of etiquette, in which his inspirational leadership defines sportsmanship. As a result, his unselfishness almost led Florida to its third national title in four years.

However, for the first time in a long time, the Gators finally lost a game. They had won 22 straight ever since his emotionally speech when he apologized for the disappointing loss to Ole Miss.

Although Tebow has won it once, he can win it again. Logic is, a tailback is likely to win, unless Texas’ Colt McCoy is called. However, the typical Longhorns fan residing in Austin still misses Vince Young, the explosive quarterback who led the Longhorns to a stunning and electrifying victory over USC in the 2005 title game.

Never losing out much, coach Mack Brown specializes in grooming quarterbacks within an effective shotgun format. Within the last two seasons, McCoy has conducted the Longhorns, who have been one of the top teams in the nation.


Mind you, it’s not his impressive pass on the shore of Lake Whitney, where he connected with roommate and top receiver Jordan Shipley, who sat on the rear of a boat along with Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones and caught an accurate throw from McCoy. But McCoy has thrown for 3,512 yards, completed more than 70 percent of his passes, and is the team’s second best rusher.

On the downside, he struggled in the first half of the season. Remember, he barely survived arch-rivals Oklahoma and almost stumbled against Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship Game. When a team suddenly breaks down a bit, automatically you assume McCoy is not worthy of winning the Heisman.

Judging by his last game, the numbers have plunged and even though the senior was only a runner-up a year ago, 12 interceptions may not be innocuous if other talented names had more of a consistent year. I’m sure most have forgotten or plain just doesn’t care.


Either way, being aware of a sleeper is always a good practice. I have Stanford’s prolific tailback Toby Gerhart as a sleeper, though I don’t believe he’ll win. Described as a “warrior” by Stanford’s head coach Jim Harbaugh, Gerhart could be mistaken for a bulldozing linebacker weighing in at 235 pounds. Wow. Has he ever considered wrestling?

But his motions tell us different, ranking second in the nation in rushing and first in scoring touchdowns. In the last four games, he averaged 29 carries and 185.5 yards per game.

On the other hand, defense does win games. So shouldn’t defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska win?

But back to Ingram.

There’s no player in the nation as gifted or who is a better offensive weapon in the game. There’s no player as dominant as Ingram. For the gamblers betting on the outcome, the best advice I could give them is bet on the quickest tailback in the nation. There’s no doubt in my mind. He gets my vote.

Yes, assumptions are the platform of all insightful notions. And indeed, it seemingly is nothing wrong with giving a prediction on your Heisman winner.

America—Vote 4 Ingram!

Dear NCAA, Please Oust the BCS

Of course, much drama creates hysteria at the closure of a 12-game season. Either way, that is, someone is enraged of the final results when the BCS has the last word on which school deserves a right to play for a national title. Everyone despises the BCS, a fraudulent system divulging favoritism for well-known conferences and prestigious schools.

For years now, a myriad of talented schools were disregarded after making a strong case to earn national title notability. For years now, schools finished an engaging season hapless of a phony system, rejecting teams in bottom most conferences where less reverence is earned.

For years now, controversy has illustrated endless tension of the revolting polls, settling to rank what could be a top-ranked or third-ranked team at fifth in the nation. Thing is, it is complex pinpointing a ranked program’s status minus a reliable playoff format.

It’s difficult pleasing all teams, when a treacherous system is a sham and lingers as a brainteaser amid a disputable season. Until the committee institutes a substantial eight-team playoff system, a school will be snubbed and left out of the picture.

This is considerably misfortunate for schools that may have actually deserved a legitimate shot, rather than qualifying for an inferior bowl game the masses refuses to glimpse at.

Somehow we must find a way of discarding the chaotic methodology, which has overwhelmed the ravishing game of college football. When a misunderstood machine regulates certitude, immediate excitement reduces and converts into the Bowl Chaotic System. Nothing here in our domain is confusing as the Bowl Championship Series rankings.

As absurd as the rankings are, you’d assume the committee has had enough of listening to disgruntled populace complains. Indeed, the ridiculous computers could’ve smudged aspiration of TCU or Cincinnati, two sensible programs in the nation that deserves spotlight and made valid statements to qualify for a national title.

The standings have burned us out, jaded of all the bias given to noteworthy programs in the country just for amplifying television ratings. Each year, however superior programs meriting eligibility is a fraud, when third-ranked TCU and fourth-ranked Cincinnati are unbeaten respectively.

So when the final outcome was released on Sunday evening, a night we gathered in front of the television to witness the programs worthy of arriving in Pasadena to compete for a national title, top-ranked Alabama and second-ranked Texas celebrated as a rowdy core when it emerged that they’ll play for the crystal football. But once again, the masses are unsatisfied of the selection and forged debates on whether Texas is invaluable of a BCS invitation.

The only answer for dictating a legitimate champion is destroying the computers or forming a virus for the entire system to crash. Then, dispose it in the nearest waste bin. Once all systems are disposed, to pursue in originating a playoff system is a favorable theory for captivation. The NCAA needs an antidote to save itself of all the absurdity, which has played a large role in recent years.

For once, the BCS has done its best to enthrall fans. Although getting rid of the BCS is a priority in the next few years, all five games are must-see TV. Guess there won’t be a reason to stare at reruns of Seinfeld or Family Guy, when some of the match-ups are attracting, though half of us aren’t pleased with a non-playoff system. Bearing with the circumstances is one thing, but seeing your team snubbed is a different standpoint.

Because the Longhorns haven’t played convincing enough, speculations are heating on whether they deserved to play on the national stage. What we’ve seen from Texas was an outlandish 13-12 win, surviving a potential loss against Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game Saturday night.

Mind you, earlier in the year, Colt McCoy’s careless lapses almost cost the Longhorns a critical game against archrivals Oklahoma, a lackluster program, while seeking revenge for the demoralizing beat down the previous season. In a sloppy performance, McCoy, a Heisman candidate, struggled minus good-friend and competitor Sam Bradford, who reaggravated his right shoulder.

Had it not been for a useful backup plan in freshman quarterback Landry Jones heaving downfield passes to petrify McCoy’s stampede, maybe there would’ve been different results. Then again, maybe it wasn’t an illusion, particularly after barely avoiding the Cornhuskers.

Is Texas worthy? Now they are, simply for pulling it off by a point. Otherwise, Cincinnati’s or TCU’s impressive season writes a miraculous storybook, both finishing 12-0 for the first time in school history, and right then, it would’ve urged the nation to acknowledge the Horned Frogs. Thanks to a thrilling season, ignoring the Frogs is a notion of the imprudent Mountain West, a conference that never earns recognition.

Just ask Utah. As most of you can recall, they finished the season unbeaten last season. To all the prejudice, we must realize many schools are well-deserving to rise on the national stage as Texas. But of course none of us are willing to insist that Cincinnati, sixth-ranked Boise State or even third-ranked TCU qualifies for a title game. Instead a political debate provokes a chaotic disaster. Instead the BCS hurts us emotionally, while it actually exhilarates spirit for schools with little attention.

Had Texas lost to Nebraska by missing the game-saving field goal, a heartbreaker would’ve left Austin in a state of heartaches and developed a BCS buster. If so, the Longhorns were ready to travel back to Texas with tears dripping down as bad Tim Tebow cried before thousands when Florida’s reign suddenly came to a closure.

Today, we’d debate whether or not Alabama is effective enough to beat Cincinnati or TCU. I’d have forecasted Cincinnati over the unimaginable Horned Frogs.

For two solid seasons, a fiery Brian Kelly has guided the Bearcats to promising scenes. No wonder why Notre Dame is interested, begging for him to ditch the campus life in Cincinnati and rejuvenate a program in much disarray. During a storybook season, Kelly is fittingly the perfect voice at Cincinnati, where he owns a 33-6 record in two seasons.

You can make a case the Bearcats are worthy of a national title. Then again, some will suggest an unbeaten Boise State, a program with the nation’s highest-scoring attack, doesn’t belong in the Fiesta Bowl, where they’ll meet TCU for a dramatic showdown. In retrospect, the Horned Frogs is respectively mustering limelight for relentless defense and has the second-longest current winning streak in the nation at 14.

Considering the system picked Alabama vs. Texas, rather than Alabama vs. TCU, Boise State or Cincinnati, the BCS again pulls off the victory. That being said, we must sacrifice and accept what the system delivers to us. You might dislike it, but what can you do?

Being like President Obama is the only alternative. He appealed for a playoff system, emphasizing he’s burned out of the endless drama of BCS obstacles. What remains to be seen, is if the committee finally listens to all complaints and institutes a playoff system to satisfy us all, exhausted of all the needless chaos.

You could’ve seen a rematch of Alabama vs. Florida. You could’ve seen Cincinnati prove if they’re really legitimate by facing a school in the Southeastern Conference. You could’ve seen TCU elevate hope within the Mountain West. Or you could’ve seen Boise State finally corral a crack at winning the big one they’ve tried winning for the last three seasons.

Dear NCAA, my advice to you is toss the computers and create a bracket sheet.

Validated: Alabama Is Title Worthy

For the first time ever, at least from what I can remember, Tim Tebow broke down mentally and dripped tears before thousands at the Georgia Dome, where you couldn’t argue it was an electric, national title atmosphere.

The Florida Gators encountered an interesting challenge, a rigid matchup against a superior opponent, and Alabama bombarded the well-balanced villains of the Southern Eastern Conference.

Instantly, it smeared a potential dream of creating a historic finish in NCAA history. It smeared an inconceivable dynasty built on Tebow’s inspirational leadership and unparalleled sprints, stiff-arms and jump passes. Of course, the country such as ESPN’s College Gameday analysts Lee Corso or Kirk Herbstriet, predicted the Gators are victorious crusaders.

This country had forgotten about a potent and dynamic program in the same conference. This country paid less attention to an entire state, which admires football and spends their average Saturday afternoon’s rooting on a systematic program, brilliantly built by Coach Nick Saban.

That would be the Alabama Crimson Tide, a robust program aiming for a national title amid their endeavor. It earned hype as the biggest SEC showdown in conference history, simply for the two powerhouse teams that define college football.

Without Florida-‘Bama in a fray, the game is dull and the BCS system suddenly becomes elusive. If there’s no Florida-‘Bama, there isn’t a point for having a conversation on football.

For a few years now, it has been interesting watching the SEC as the Deep South kept us guessing and produced action-packed, high-powered excitement. Before our very eyes, Florida is no longer as threatening or powerful. Instead, the boys from Sweet Home Alabama have convenient tools to win the national title next month.

After pounding the Gators, not allowing fans to perform the Gator Chomp gestures, emotions flared in an unusual way. Instead, shedding tears indicated agony as a reign many were accustomed to suddenly ceased. Dating back to last season when a distraught Tebow emotionally apologized and promised to fans following a disappointing loss to Mississippi, consecutive losses weren’t much of a concern, until the Gators finally saw triumph perish.

However, the Tide finally avenged their upsetting loss a year ago against the Gators, which cost a national title berth. Getting used to a well-balanced program isn’t as bad as it seems. Yet, Tebow won’t arrive to perform his erratic jump passes or another remarkable finish, Alabama has similarities with a relentless rush attack engaged to confront amid an onslaught all times on turf. Such as playing the Gators, when almost every possession was blown sprints, spins, stiff-arms, and blistering speed of tailback Mark Ingram.

His three touchdown effort set a mental tone in the game, to whereas the Tide dominated until time expired and emerged a celebration. Of course, a delirious Alabama crowd embraced a spirited moment, cheering on the boys from Sweet Home Alabama. In contrast, the Gators were throbbed in a 32-13 loss, and an inspirational tale came to a terminal in a game the religious and well-respected sports figure in the country dripped tears onto his eyeblack.

For the longest time, it took the longest yard for Alabama to reach a pinnacle most are accustomed to. Well, the program finally has a resembling coach of Bear Bryant. When Saban committed to take on a prestigious job in the country, he left behind a complex job at the pro level, signing an enormous deal to coach Alabama. This country criticized him, teased him, expressed anger for a well-known reputation of accepting jobs because of greed and riches.


But now, we can praise Saban for bringing tough-minded, charismatic leadership to this program. Besides dwelling on whether he left behind unfinished business to coach a program willing to throw in huge bucks, dwell on the fact he has revived a program.

Now, we can utter, he prepares kids for big games against huge opponents. If you notice, Alabama plays with tremendous urgency, heart and resiliency. During press conferences Saban emphasizes the point of remaining alert when facing any team.

If someone has grudges with Saban, it doesn’t matter much. Folks, in Alabama appreciate his ability to recruit top high school prospects. If he tries even more so, Saban could possess nearly every top prospect in the South.

Almost everyone knows Saban is experienced and has been around the game long enough to inspire a convincing core. As a result, the Tide are a victory away of renovating championship notability for the first time since winning it all in 1992.

If the Tide smeared a historic picture by manipulating and pummeling the Gators, same goes for the Texas Longhorns. Being denied of a historical finish is painful, especially if you are an upperclassman. And Tebow is a senior, in which it was agonizing missing out on a return to the national title game and trying departing with a bang.

From the bright side, Tebow accomplished something ordinary athletes couldn’t. He was named a Heisman winner, and hoisted the stiff-armed statue. Aside the individual awards, Tebow celebrated and hoisted memorable trophies such as the crystal football, winning three national titles.

Unfortunately, the Gators won’t win its third national title in four years, losing for the first time in 22 games. So now, Alabama will travel to Pasadena, not for roses but a national title game every team dreams to participate in.

With a chaotic BCS system, a team has to be near perfect if expecting to qualify for the final game. And the Tide are near perfect.


Rarely is there a team with complete depth, having its way against defending champs. Ingram ran faster than lighting, McElroy removed the saboteur label and now is an essential piece to Alabama’s championship beliefs.

Julio Jones, arguably the nation’s best wide receiver, was explosive and outran Florida’s defenders, catching an 18-yard touchdown pass on the first play from the line of scrimmage.

Another national title is out of the equation. Had the Gators won, they’d have been off to Pasadena. But instead, the losers earn a privilege to play in the Sugar Bowl, a BCS game with less prestige. As for Alabama, exalted winners will fulfill a dream and play for a national title.

Good luck, Texas. The Tide come in with a complete package, a package full of potential champs.