The ACC seems to have spent the season undermining its reputation as a worthy conference for an automatic BCS bid.
Week after week, the favorites fell while every underdog had its day. The conference became little more than a supporting
feature to the story lines in the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC — even the MWC.
Tonight, however, it gets good.
While NASN's live games won't be Virginia Tech v Virginia or BC v Maryland, if we cast a sly glance at the scores of other
games during the feature games, we won't be doing any less than some of the players. As watching the wrong game goes,
we'll be in the thick of the action!
To start, we have Georgia Tech v Georgia, kicking off at the same time as the Hokies hope to defeat Virginia. The
Yellow Jackets need the gobblers to get roasted if they are to make the ACC championship game. Likewise,
while we enjoy Florida v Florida State in our second rivalry game, Boston College will be working against Maryland
to steal the Atlantic Division from the Seminoles. Georgia Tech and Florida State will be playing for regional pride
on the field, but their chances of a BCS berth rest elsewhere.
Not that the Florida Gators might not be sliding their eyes to the scoreboard occasionally — their game coincides
with Auburn's clash with Alabama. Whatever happens, the Crimson Tide and Gators will match up in the SEC Championship game,
but it would make the national championship picture a whole lot simpler if Alabama slipped up right now.
And this may not be the night for going to bed early. The featured late game on NASN2 will be Oklahoma v Oklahoma State,
a game the Sooners cannot afford to overlook. Simultaneously, USC gets ready to shellack Notre Dame, while the Trojans
can only hope Oregon upset Oregon State. Unbeaten Boise State — dominating 60–10 winners over Fresno State
last night — need the result to go the other way, as lower–ranked Oregon State having the inside track on
the Pac–10 BSC berth.
Even Texas Tech, destroyed 65–21 last week by Oklahoma, can get back into the national championship picture today
with the right combination: Alabama could lose, Oklahoma have a tough one, Florida must be careful with Florida State,
and it would be tough for USC if Oregon steals that Pac–10 title! With Texas beaten by Texas Tech already, what
happens if Oklahoma loses, and Texas Tech gets to jump Texas for the Big 12 title game?
A late–losing no.7 moving up to no.2 in time for the BCS game? When does that ever happen? (That would be last year!).
As exciting as the ACC games could be, they might still end the evening as a footnote to headlines elsewhere.
More Ticker Distractions: Because I know you care, an update on Knute's Knightmares: My keeper–league collection of
free agents are now at 7–5, but locked in a divisional battle this weekend that could make or break my playoff bid.
My opponent thoroughly enjoyed having the Titans as his 'Team' on Thursday, but having some guy named Romo didn't hurt my
cause. DeSean Jackson and David Akers made Thursday a fine opening salvo, but it's going to be close. Having passed up
Seattle's John Carlson as my starting TE, Zach Miller may be hurt.
My playoff hopes may prove reliant on a 'questionable groin'...
