POLL: Which BCS Championship Game Do You Want to See?
By Kyle Kensing
January 8, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders perform during the Fan Fest pep rally in the French Quarter for the 2012 BCS National Championship game to be played on January 9, 2012 between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
The back-and-forth on BCS championship game possibilities is well underway, and every columnist/blogger/radio host/pundit has a theory. CBS Sports featured this “Blind Test” of the top four teams’ resumes, an interesting experiment albeit one neglecting that there is a fifth undefeated, BCS conference team out there.
Alabama vs. Oregon
Since the inception of the BCS, there has been just one SEC vs. Pac-12 title game. Auburn-Oregon came a knee away from becoming the first overtime BCS championship game, as well. The Crimson Tide are much different from the Cam Newton-led Tigers, but Oregon has evolved since two years ago. The Ducks’ lightning quick offense is still the same, but added emphasis on size could be an interesting wrinkle in the battle of the Old School vs. New School.
Alabama vs. Notre Dame
Remember those low television ratings of a season ago? No way would Disney Corp. have to sweat a repeat with two of the most historic (and regionally opposite) programs squaring off. Both are defensive-minded teams, and any inch given in this hypothetical match-up would go a mile.
Alabama vs. Kansas State
Kansas State is another defensively impressive team, but the Wildcats are garnering interest for their offense. Collin Klein has been unstoppable this season — would Alabama prove to be the Decepticons to Optimus Klein?
Oregon vs. Kansas State
K-State wins largely through ball control, but Oregon doesn’t need much possession time to go to work. This could be a track meet (and the karmic installment of a previously schedule non-conference tilt).
Kansas State vs. Notre Dame
The most unlikely match-up due to each lacking a 13th game, the Wildcats and Fighting Irish would offer another defensive war of attrition. Should this come to pass, I say the Heisman committee abstain from voting until afterward — Collin Klein and Manti Te’o can settle it on the field, face-to-face.
Notre Dame vs. Oregon
Kelly-on-Kelly violence ensues when the Irish and Ducks clash. Notre Dame’s defense has bottled up all comers, but can it slow the fast-paced Oregon attack? Brian Kelly likely wants the Notre Dame offense to eventually resemble Chip Kelly’s offense, but there’s still work to be done on that front.
Louisville vs. Anyone
The Cardinals are an afterthought by most accounts, but Teddy Bridgewater has been among the nation’s most exciting quarterbacks. Getting to see how the super soph fares against one of the abovementioned four elite defenses piques my interest.