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BCS: More Controversy Ahead?

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By JOEY JOHNSTON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2007

Even Kansas coach Mark Mangino, the Buddha of the Big 12 Conference, didn't see it coming.

"If someone had told me this is where we would be back on Aug. 1," Mangino said, "I'd have asked what they were drinking and see if I could get some of it."

The Jayhawks are 9-0, the program's best start since 1908.

In Saturday's 76-39 stomping of Nebraska, a program that once handed 36 straight losses to the Jayhawks, Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing threw a school-record six touchdown passes and led scoring drives on the first 10 possessions.

So what separates Kansas from a Jan. 7 meeting with top-ranked Ohio State in the BCS Championship Game?

Beating Oklahoma State and Iowa State. Taking care of one-loss Missouri on Nov. 24 at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium to clinch the Big 12 North. Then handling Oklahoma, its probable opponent, in the conference title game.

Right?

Not so fast.

Here's something Mangino should be able to anticipate - more controversy for the Bowl Championship Series.

Even if Kansas goes undefeated, unless things change drastically, potential one-loss champions from the SEC (LSU) and Pac-10 (Oregon) will be at the front of the line.

The Jayhawks will not get respect from the computers - what do you expect with a nonconference schedule that included Central Michigan, Southeastern Louisiana, Toledo and Florida International? - or human polls (Kansas began the season unranked).

But here's where it could get extremely interesting. What if Kansas does win the Big 12? What if Ohio State loses to Michigan, leaving the Jayhawks as the only unbeaten team from a major conference?

Wouldn't that look strange - Kansas, a potential 14-0 after winning a bowl game, not even getting a chance to play for a national championship?

Could Kansas even stay on the field against LSU? Would it have a prayer against Oregon?

In the BCS system, we'll never know.

They Said It

"I thought it was a bad dream for a while. But it wasn't." - Notre Dame DE Trevor Laws after watching the Irish sink to 1-8 following a 46-44 triple-overtime loss against Navy (their first loss to the Midshipmen since 1963, ending an NCAA record streak of 43 consecutive victories against one team).

A mismatch. [It was like] a Division III team trying to play against an SEC team." - South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, on the Gamecocks' 48-36 loss at Arkansas.

To me, it's just about winning. Sometimes, I get tired of hearing that we're supposed to play perfect all the time." - Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, following the Sooners' 42-14 win against Texas A&M.

When our backs are against the wall, we play our best. When we need to make plays, we make them." - LSU DT Glenn Dorsey on yet another electrifying comeback victory for the Tigers (41-34 against Alabama).

Sometimes, you let your little brother get excited when you're playing basketball - let them get the lead. And then you come back." - Michigan RB Mike Hart on the Wolverines' comeback from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to win at Michigan State, 28-24.

The mind is a powerful thing, especially in sports." - Texas coach Mack Brown, following the Longhorns' rally from 21 points down to defeat Oklahoma State 38-35. Texas also erased double-digit deficits in 2004 (28 points) and 2005 (19) to beat OSU.

This Week's Key Games

Louisville (5-4) at West Virginia (7-1) - Mountaineers need Thursday night victory to stay alive in Big East race.

Illinois (7-3) at Ohio State (10-0) - Last season, Illini held the No. 1 Buckeyes to regular season-low 224 yards.

Kansas (9-0) at Oklahoma State (5-4) - Jayhawks and Cowboys averaged a combined 68 points in their five Big 12 meetings.

Michigan (8-2) at Wisconsin (7-3) - Wolverines have won seven of past eight meetings (lone loss was in 2005).

Arizona State (8-1) at UCLA (5-4) - Sun Devils need to keep pace in Pac-10, but Bruins have won three of past four in series.

Arkansas (6-3) at Tennessee (6-3) - Vols lead series 12-3, but can they hold down Razorbacks RB Darren McFadden?

Auburn (7-3) at Georgia (7-2) - Road team has been victorious 11 times in past 15 games of this ancient series.

Connecticut (8-1) at Cincinnati (7-2) - UConn continues BCS bowl drive, but Bearcats have won all three meetings.

Missouri (8-1) at Texas A&M (6-4) - Can Tigers keep pace with Kansas for Big 12 North's ultimate matchup?.

Florida State (6-3) at Virginia Tech (7-2) - Seminoles have 12 straight wins against Hokies, including inaugural ACC title game.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353 or jjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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