There COULD be an Alabama-Florida rematch for national title
Don’t look now folks but we COULD have a rematch of the SEC championship game for the BCS national title.
I know I’ve said for weeks that this cannot happen, that the voters in the human polls would not allow a team that loses on championship Saturday to turn right around and play for the national title a month later. But now we are looking at the real numbers and the numbers do not lie.
Florida and Alabama are 1-2 in the latest BCS Standings. They are tied for the No. 1 spot in the computers. Look at the gap in the total rating between No. 2 Alabama (.9513) and No. 4 TCU (.8689) and No. 5 Cincinnati (.8547). Alabama has almost a full one-tenth of a point over TCU and Cincinnati. In this system that is huge! TCU (12-0) is done for the season and Cincinnati (11-0) plays a Pittsburgh team (9-2) that lost last week to West Virginia.
What does this mean? It means that if Texas loses to Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game, the SEC championship game loser, if it is a really tight game, has a real chance to finish No. 2 in the final BCS Standings. That’s because the computers will still love them because their only loss this season was to a team ranked in the top two.
It will all come down to the human voters and how far they drop the SEC championship game loser. If the loser of that game only drops to No. 3 or No. 4 in the human polls, then it can finish No. 2 in the BCS standings because of the computers. So it could be that a 12-0 TCU, a 12-0 Cincinnati and a 13-0 Boise State get squeezed out.
Remember this: The voters in the human polls realized in 2006 that their votes set up the BCS championship matchup. That’s why they moved No. 4 Florida ahead of No. 3 Michigan in their final polls. Michigan had had its shot and lost to No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 USC had lost.
This also has a chance to be a repeat of 2003 when Southern California finished No. 1 in both human polls and did not get into the BCS championship game. If Texas loses on Saturday, then TCU or Cincinnati could finish No. 2 in the human polls but get left out of the big game in favor of a one-loss team from the SEC.
If Texas takes care of Nebraska on Saturday we will not have this argument. But if Texas loses, look out. If Florida and Alabama have a rematch for the national championship, those who want to blow up the BCS system will have a lot more ammunition that the system unfairly favors the elites of college football.
And boy, will that be a fun argument.
Please follow me on Twitter:
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
306 comments Add your comment
TampaDawg86
November 30th, 2009
6:22 pm
CLEMSON538,
TampaDawg86
November 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
really bro? When was the last time Clemson beat Georgia? ACC is a joke.. Yal are just lucky the U is starting to get their swagger back…
VIcTOmer
November 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
http://WWW.swarmhornetswarm.com
GO Dawgs, Glad Tech people have went to sleep for 365 days.
17 of 20
November 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
Brett Shepherd
Emanuel Moody will score three touchdowns against bama.
Go Gators
Atlanta Gator
November 30th, 2009
6:47 pm
Tpny—-I know you’re paid to write these “what if?” columns, and that some fans eat this stuff up, but I can’t stand them. Let’s keep it simple: unless Texas loses to Nebraska in the Big XII championship game, the Longhorns will face the winner of the SEC championship game for the BCS national championship. Conjecture about a re-match between Alabama and Florida in the BCS game is as misplaced as Big Ten fans’ talk about an Ohio State-Michigan rematch was three seasons ago.
It could happen; it’s just not very likely, and TCU would rightly scream bloody murder.
Atlanta Gator
November 30th, 2009
6:49 pm
Good grief. My previous post was, of course, addressed to “Tony.” I need to get new eyeglasses.
orion in oklahoma
November 30th, 2009
6:58 pm
give me a break////sec was weak this year except for florida and alabama…they played mostly weak non-conference foes….utah spanked alabama last year so who is to say tcu or boise could not do same……cowboys trashed georgia
Reid Adair
November 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
The human polls will NEVER allow that to happen. It would cause even more controversy for the BCS. Whether Texas loses or not, and I don’t think they will, the loser of the Alabama – Florida game will not play for the national championship. They simply cannot afford the problems that will bring.
Atlanta Gator
November 30th, 2009
7:10 pm
Crimson Tide & Gator Fans:
Last year, in the week leading up to the SEC Championship Game, this blog had some of the finest fan commentary from Tide and Gator fans (and others) that I have witnessed in the last 4 years. I would love to repeat that . . . regardless of whether my team wins or loses. Knowledgeable college football fans talking football, making the case for their own team’s strengths and weaknesses, in spirit of good sportsmanship and clean rivalry. It was great—-let’s try for a repeat for the next five days.
If you’re looking for examples of solid fan analysis, read some of Tide Rising or Charlotte Gator’s posts on this blog. These guys (and others) know their college football, and know their own teams well. If only every AJC sports blogger brought as much to the discussion, we would all be a smarter bunch of bloggers from our interaction.
Good luck to Alabama and its fans. Go Gators! May the best team win the SEC, and then win the Big One in January.
Not Impressed
November 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Brett Shepherd,
Thank you for desegregating the South. I’ll send a posthumous note to MLK Jr. just to let him know.
You surfer dudes actually think that you’re relevant, don’t you? It’s been five years since you won a National Championship and there were two other undefeated teams at the end of that season. Prior to that, you have to go back to the 1970’s to find another NC on your record.
You really should just stay quiet and keep figuring out how to avoid the NCAA Death Penalty for R. Bush & Family’s payroll.
Stoopid Trojans …
Look Alive
November 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
SEC loser is not eligible to play for NC because of the UGA rule set by ESPN and other sportcasters a couple of years ago. UGA was clearly the best team in the nation and Hawaii at the end of the season and would have beaten LSU or OSU but because the did not win their conference it was determined that they should not be eligible to play for the NC and settled for #2. The precedence has been set and should not be changed because of media darlings.
Not Impressed
November 30th, 2009
7:26 pm
What is this nonsense about Georgia getting stiffed in the BCS playoff? Are you guys talking about 2007? Really???
You mean the year that you not only didn’t win the SEC, but didn’t even win your division? You mean the year in which you lost to both Tennessee AND South Carolina and barely scraped by Vandy? Is THAT the season that you guys got “stiffed”?
Oh yeah, well that just proves the old media bias argument right there — it sure does …
Atlanta Gator
November 30th, 2009
7:29 pm
Gen Neyland & Tide Rising—-Just heard Lou Holtz, on ESPN, quote the “$18 million” buy-out clause in Charlie Weis’ contract with Notre Dame. Here’s a link to the ESPN.com video:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4700891
What the heck were the Notre Dame people thinking? An $18 million buy-out clause to fire a coach? Clearly, the ND folks have more money than sense.
So Sorry
November 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
October 6, 2007 3:30 pm Georgia at Tennessee Neyland Stadium. Tennessee 35 Georgia 14
In the final game of the 2007 regular season, the Volunteers needed to beat Kentucky in order to secure a berth in the SEC Championship Game. If Kentucky won, then Georgia would be the representative from the Eastern division. The game was an exciting one as it went into 4 overtime periods. The Volunteers eventually won it by sacking Kentucky QB Andre Woodson during a 2-point conversion attempt. Tennessee finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 record in the SEC Eastern division. They tied with Georgia as champions of the SEC East, however, by virtue of a head-to-head victory over Georgia, the Volunteers were the SEC East representatives in the Championship Game.
Not Impressed
November 30th, 2009
7:43 pm
It was reported earlier today on a sports talk radio station that Beano Cook said that the new ND coach has already been selected and that the buy-out (while not a clear-cut, specific amount) is close to $15 million.
LSU won in 2007, everybody else......blah
November 30th, 2009
7:49 pm
Dawgies didn’t win the East or obviously the SEC in 2007, so no National Title Game for them, Too bad.
Florida – 2 BCS Titles
LSU – 2 BCS Titles
Tennessee – 1 BCS Title
Not Impressed
November 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
LSU was incredibly lucky to play for the NC in 2007. They WERE the best team, but it’s unusual to get a shot with two losses — especially when one of them comes against a 3 loss team at the end of the season. That’s life in the SEC, I guess. With the players that they had that year, they should have gone undefeated. How long will ‘The Hat’ be there, now that those players are gone?
Not Impressed
November 30th, 2009
8:12 pm
Excuse me, LSU lost to a FOUR loss team to end that season. Then Arky lost number 5 in their bowl game. AMIRITE?
Longhorn Larry
November 30th, 2009
8:20 pm
The Longhorns will destroy nebraska and then beat either alabama or florida, easily! The Texas passing machine with Colt McCoy cannot be stopped. He’ll put up 300 against any of these overrated SEC teams. Texas wins another national title—bet the house!
2N4YEARS
November 30th, 2009
8:22 pm
HEADLINE: Mr. College Football “There COULD be an Alabama-Florida rematch for national title”
Tony, not that I ever give you much credit for knowing your CF, but this is truly an idiotic statement. Can’t you find something else to write about??
What a moron.
Joe Bob Thibodaux
November 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
I thank the above bloggers for acknowledging LSU. However, the issue is,
as Tony writes, about a possible rematch between Alabama and Florida. I predict Florida in a close win. Bama gets a chance to dispatch TCU. Florida takes Texas. The thing about TCU is that they don’t turn the ball over very much and they don’t make many mistakes. I just can’t accept Boise & Cincy as really champion caliber. Real good teams, but
overclassed by SEC et al. No chance of a rematch between UF and Bama, but the season will end with those teams being ranked 1 and 2. Truly, this was an excellent football regular season.
You're out there Saint Simons!
November 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
We know you are out there lurking. You can’t stay away. Come on, show your face. Just once.
Tide Rising
November 30th, 2009
8:46 pm
gators81
November 30th, 2009
5:47 pm
ps…friend works at hooters…nearest to the stadium in tampa…they did not order extra kegs!!
that says it all!!
Gators81,
I think they will be serving Roy Rogers and Shirley Temples at the ACC title game as opposed to kegs of beer. The kegs of beer you thought would be sold at that Hooters in Tampa have already been rerouted to Atlanta. I hear they’re playing a ball game in Atlanta Saturday.
Tide Rising
November 30th, 2009
8:50 pm
Atlanta Gator,
Yes indeed. Its shocking that the buyout for Weiss is a staggering 18 million. But what is even more shocking than the sheer size of that bailout is the fact that Weiss was given the new contract on the basis of an almost win a couple of years ago against USC.
It was the 05 game where Leinart pushed Reggie Bush actually it was vice versa across the goal line. ND alums were so ecstatic over the big “almost win” that they then awarded this golden contract. That’s what really gets me is the fact that he was rewarded so heavily on the basis of a single “almost win”. Amazing isn’t it?
Not Impressed
November 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
I dunno Longhorn …
Hard to say how effective that passing game is until the Horns face an actual college football defense.
bark in the mirror
November 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
To: Bees Sux
Before you bark something, know what you are barking about. You state that the GT football team was given rings for beating ugay last year. Don’t flatter yourself. They were not given rings for beating y’all. For a person who does not know much about college athletics, senior players are given rings every year. Let me repeat that for you since you are a dawg, or is that a dog, whatever. EVERY YEAR SENIOR PLAYERS ARE GIVEN RINGS. THIS EVEN HAPPENS AT THAT SCHOOOL IN ATHENS. Last years GT seniors elected to put the GT-ugay score on their rings that they were already going to receive. Now go look in the mirror and bark, and while you are barking, ask yourself, do I look like an educated adult with class while I am doing this?
Navigator
November 30th, 2009
9:39 pm
No there can’t and there won’t, and stop smoking that stuff, it will stunt your growth.
NervousNelly
November 30th, 2009
9:44 pm
I am cheering the GATORS on but I have a sickening feeling that the TIDE will win. It’s time for a big upset and I really think UA has been working on this all season long. The only way that UF prevails is if they rattle that Tide QB- …… Better get my pepto-bismal ready!
GO GATORS
Is this thing on?
November 30th, 2009
9:53 pm
Rematch? Sure, but only if God’s gift to football and media darling Florida loses. If Bama gets beat, Hell would freeze over before there was a UA – UF rematch in the MNCG.
Is this thing on?
November 30th, 2009
9:54 pm
Rematch? Surs, but only if God’s gift to football and media darling Florida loses. If Bama gets beat, Hell would freeze over before there was a UA – UF rematch.
Tide4u2c
November 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
Here is why I think Bama will beat Florida. Because Bama has been better tested this year.Florida had a easy schedule and yet they struggled this year.Florida’s offence is not as potent as it was last year and yet Bama played well against it last year and except for the 4th quarter had Florida’s number.Despite Bama’s struggles too this year Bama has found a way to win games regardless.
Swollen Ego Conference
November 30th, 2009
10:31 pm
I am glad we got wusses like Heartburn Bernhardt that sux up to us for whatever we want to hear.UDAMAN Toney!
Gen Neyland
November 30th, 2009
10:31 pm
Atlanta Gator : Notre Dame may have had to wire Rome for the cash but in the circle of Notre Dame football, what’s 18 mil..? If the $$$ amount is 18 mil to get rid of one, just think what the next one coming in could ask for…
Valdosta Dawg
November 30th, 2009
11:18 pm
After listening to the callin show tonight, i think we are keeping Willie. If thats the case, MR’s days are numbered. My lord, enough is enough.
TONY REPLY
November 30th, 2009
11:34 pm
Tony,
If you intentionally did not report on the UGA vs GT game to get a rise out of people; it worked beautifully.
I started to ask why you did not comment on the game, until I saw all of the blog posts stating that very fact and I thought hmmmm… perhaps Tony did it “a’purpose”.
Tide Rising
November 30th, 2009
11:36 pm
General Neyland,
Rome can always just sell a Michalengelo or a DaVinci or one of their many real estate holdings to raise the cash. 18 million is of course chump change to the Vatican.
indianman
November 30th, 2009
11:58 pm
saint simon you know ga will always be the better so learn to live with it i dont have to listen to you bray for 365 days it so sweet and i dont have to listen to tony barnhart bray about tech that learn him to run his mouth
44 Year Dawg Fan
December 1st, 2009
12:29 am
Tony…doubt that it would ever happen but if it did…that would be the end of the BCS. Not such a bad deal if it ended in at least a four team playoff. Oh in that playoff you should never have a team that didn’t win its conference championship.
Bear's Legacy
December 1st, 2009
1:25 am
Bama beats UF by 10—-bank on it:
Bama 27 – UF 17
UF will not be able to deal with that nasty Bama D!!!!! Ingram lights up the UF D!!
50year Tech Fan
December 1st, 2009
2:35 am
Now I know why georgia’s state unemployment is so high. All the dawgs are on line in the morning
when they should be working. I’m surprised your GT boss would let you lay out today.
It was a good ball game and Ga deserved to win, Sat night they outplayed GT. But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a trend. IT IS NOT.
dd
December 1st, 2009
6:08 am
Miami 33 tech 17
UGA 30 tech 24
michael
December 1st, 2009
6:28 am
The media got what they wanted, Florida vs. Alabama. Neither one of these teams are impressive. This was definately the year of mediocracy. Also, it is a shame to see corruption now in NCAA football.
HardTruth Soldier....
December 1st, 2009
8:20 am
To the FART a.k.a. Barnhart, You and the “JOKES”, Bradley and Schultz please report to SANFORD stadium pull your pants down and let Walsh kick your butts(that’s the nice version) you guys suck at this. I see why T. Moore left, at least he had a SET on him, you three should be in Victoria’s Secret this morning!!
HardTruth Soldier....
December 1st, 2009
8:27 am
50 year Tech Fan, It is a TREND, YOU MORON. We beat you guys 8 of the last nine years and you say it isn’t ! 50 years ? Man you are in total denial. After this blog, spend less time on your computer, and more time with a viagra and a paid for 28 year old. At least you’ll get some enjoyment. Mr. Clueless!
Swollen Ego Conference
December 1st, 2009
8:36 am
Did the smelly mutts win the national championship or somethin? son of a buck!!!! I never seen so much celebration. Oh, I forgot you blue collars are still looking for work and got a lot of time on your hands.
I hate to break the news to you …..Florida rules the conference ….Alabama rules the conference. There is nothing after that.
Coach O
December 1st, 2009
9:55 am
No need for Tony to comment on missing picks during rivalry week in the South. Upsets are the norm — always have been.
No need to comment on the Georgia game either. It was a win against an inferior opponent. Georgia had a mediocre season this year. Tony will write about Georgia again when they give him something noteworthy to write.
GSU Eagle 91
December 1st, 2009
10:35 am
A rematch would be a disaster…No one wants to see it! The winner of this game needs to play Texas, or TCU if Texas falls against Nebraska. Personally, I believe Texas will steamroll the Huskers and meet the SEC champ in what will be a great BCS championship…
Doc
December 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
Florida will beat Alabama and then defeat Texas in a rout.
Not Impressed
December 1st, 2009
9:22 pm
Just my opinion, but having watched both teams, I’d say that 2009 Alabama would beat 2008 Alabama. Florida is the exact opposite. The 2008 team was superior to the 2009 team.
That said, anything could happen. I lean toward Alabama winning. I can’t see Texas losing to a mediocre Nebraska team, so any talk of a re-match is irrelevant.
I agree that Texas can’t compete with either of these two team’s defenses.
UA Alum92
December 1st, 2009
9:29 pm
I realize that Bama wrecked UGA’s NC dreams last year with the black out knock out, and perhaps sparked the team’s lingering malaise, but I still hope that Dawg fans will be pulling for us this weekend, particularly given your recent history with the Gators. We don’t play you regularly and you’re really not on our radar screen, but given 17-20 against UF, it figures that you would be rooting for anyone but them; however, I’m guesing you that you think whoever loses gives you some kind of bragging rights. Sad.
At the VA TECH game this year we were chanting, “SEC! SEC! SEC!” Nice win against Tech, but you really need to start keeping up your end of the argument, particularly when UT is the apparent runner-up in the SEC East after losing to the PAC-10.
Get your house in order!