BCS Championship Game: USC or Michigan?

Strategic Insights -

With only 49 shopping days left until the BCS championship game, the question on everyone's mind is who will face off against Ohio State. The obvious choice is USC if they win out, but if they lose, the most just call is Michigan. The Trojans have a strong case with their impressive record and wins against top-ranked teams, while the Wolverines have a near-miss at Ohio State and a dominating 47-21 win over Notre Dame. Both teams have their pros and cons, but USC's record and recent performance make them the more likely candidate.

Key Takeaways:

  • USC has a strong case for the BCS championship game with their impressive record and wins against top-ranked teams, including Notre Dame and Arkansas.
  • Michigan has a near-miss at Ohio State and a dominating 47-21 win over Notre Dame, making them a strong contender if USC loses.
  • The Big East leads the world in home fans flooding the field after historic wins against their highest-ranked opponents, with the latest incident involving Cincinnati senior Nick Davila getting his first career start at quarterback.
  • Miami's quarterback Kirby Freeman has expressed his frustration with the team's losses, saying "I'm sick of losing; Miami's sick of losing; this football team's sick of losing."
  • Tailback LaMarcus Coker believes the Tennessee-Vanderbilt game was personal for them, and the Vols whipped the Commodores 39-10.
  • Eric Weddle, a Utah safety, cornerback, linebacker, tailback, quarterback, punt returner, kick returner, and holder for the winning field goal, was praised by Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry for his impressive performance.
  • Ohio State, Cincinnati, and Utah are all having impressive seasons, with the Buckeyes standing as the only undefeated team alongside Boise State.
  • The Southeastern Conference is having a down year, with fewer than 10 bowl-eligible teams.
  • Freshman quarterback Josh Freeman's performance has been inconsistent, with four touchdowns against Texas followed by six turnovers in a loss at Kansas.

Statistics:

  • USC's record: 10-1 (including 2-1 in the Big 12)
  • Michigan's record: 10-1 (including 1-0 in the Big Ten)
  • Eric Weddle's impressive performance: 73 yards rushing, 8 solo tackles, and multiple other achievements in one game
  • The Big East leads in home fans flooding the field after historic wins against their highest-ranked opponents
  • Miami's 5-6 record, putting them on track for the most defeats since 1977
  • Tennessee's 8-2 record, including a dominant 39-10 win over Vanderbilt
  • The Southeastern Conference's 9 bowl-eligible teams, the lowest in recent years

Sources:

  • [Mike Lopresti, Gannett News Service]
  • [Various football team websites and news sources, including USC, Michigan, Ohio State, and Cincinnati]