KoKoPuf's Random Thoughts 12/8/11

1.   Looks like the BCS got it right! Bama and LSU, the two best teams in the country, will play for the NC. Isn’t that what it was designed to do? And I thought it was funny that even the talking heads and sportswriters lobbying hard for Okie State acknowledged that Bama was the better team because Bama had their chance. I’m sorry but “your chance” includes the entire season! Head to head rematches are common in all sports championships and it’s also funny that the talking heads had no problems with a rematch when it looked like Oregon might be the second team in.
2.   For all the crying, how is Okie State more deserving than Stanford? The Cardinal lost to Oregon and OSU lost to Iowa State. ISU simply wasn’t a quality team and voters recognized that. Give Stanford credit, they haven’t whined and cried about being left out of the title game. They just put on their helmets and went back to work. My guess is that Stanford kicks OSU butt in the Fiesta Bowl.
3.   I give LSU credit, they have been the best team this year. UGA did a great job in the first half and gave a blueprint on how to beat the Tigers but couldn’t keep it up in the second half. UGA blew two scoring opportunities with dropped TD passes and then kicked the ball to Mathieu late in the half. TM’s return gave LSU momentum going into the half and then Aaron Murray fumbled on UGA’s initial possession setting up an easy LSU score. All downhill for the Dawgs from there. Arky grabbed a quick lead and then fumbled it away and was beaten badly. Bama outplayed LSU but couldn’t score. My point is that to beat LSU you have to capitalize on scoring opportunities, don’t turn the ball over, and win the field position battle. Simple plan but hard to carry out.
4.   Memo to special teams’ coaches: Don’t kick the ball to Tyrann Mathieu! Or if you do, remember high and short is better than low and long. He will burn you and LSU feeds off the momentum. Give up some yards and punt out of bounds and when you have a chance, knock the crap out of him!
5.   I think Coach McElwain made a mistake if he actually turned down the Memphis job. What better time to take over than when a program has hit bottom. Win a few and the fans will come back. UM does need big facilities upgrades, but go 7-5 next year and watch the support grow. And UM does have big money backers. Just look at their basketball program, some of the best facilities in the country. I think UM should be playing at the same level as Louisville, Cincinnati, Houston but they aren’t. That doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t with the right coach in place.
6.   Arizona State made a big mistake by stiffing June Jones IMHO. Jones has proven that he can resurrect a struggling program and his high-powered offense would play well in the desert. UCLA would be another good spot for Jones.
7.   Support seems to be building for some kind of playoff to replace the BCS. But then Big Ten commissioner Delany says the Big Ten would only support a change if they retain a place in the Rose Bowl. Maybe the SEC should counter with a demand for a slot in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl plus a guaranteed spot in the Championship Game. It actually makes more sense than Delany’s proposal.