A Final Four is coming to football. What does that mean for OU?
Published: 6/22/2012 7:42 AM
Last Modified: 6/22/2012 7:42 AM
With a Final Four coming to college football in 2014, I thought we might answer some questions as they pertain to Oklahoma.
* Is the end of the BCS a happy day for the Sooners?
Not necessarily. OU played for four BCS championships, including the one in 2004 after being destroyed by Kansas State in the '03 Big 12 championship. The following year, the Sooners' BCS score allowed them to play USC for the title despite the fact that Auburn went undefeated as well.
A four-team playoff will be a lot more fun for everybody, OU included. Just the same, Bob Stoops might want to send BCS computer programmers Jeff Sagarin, Richard Billingsley, Kenneth Massey, Dr. Peter Wolfe, Wesley Colley, Anderson & Hester and Peaches & Herb a parting gift.
* It appears there will be some kind of selection committee charged with making the ultimate call on the four playoff teams. Good or bad?
Dicey is a better word, for the Sooners and every other contender. Consider a few names already suggested, and apply them specifically to OU.
Bobby Bowden
In 2007, the year the Sooners won the Big 12 by beating Missouri a second time, Bowden's final coaches poll ballot had the Tigers sixth and OU 10th. One opinion at the time was the old coot was punishing the Sooners for the '01 Orange Bowl.
Think that might come up again if a committee he sits on keeps a 1-loss Sooners team from the Final Four?
Dan Beebe
If OU president David Boren didn't shove Beebe out the Big 12 door, he probably didn't mind calling security for the escort. Think "agenda" might arise if Beebe has to decide if the Sooners are the fourth- or fifth-best team in 2014?
Keith Jackson
The broadcaster, not the tight end. Now, if the tight end gets a committee invite, OU is golden.
Seriously, this could be a grenade pin for everybody. How do you think Florida would feel about Bowden's inclusion? How do you think Nebraska would feel about Beebe's?
I'm not saying a committee can't work. But I would suggest they name names now so they can use the next two years to compromise and sweet talk.
For that reason, the first committee chair has to be Chuck Neinas. There's no other choice when you think about it.
* If committee members emphasize conference champions, will that help the Sooners?
How many Big 12 titles has Stoops won again? Right.
Two words: You. Bet.
* If committee members emphasize strength of schedule, will that help the Sooners?
Considering that Stoops and Joe Castiglione are still man enough to play one nonconference heavyweight per season… And assuming West Virginia and TCU don't let Big 12 membership weaken them any…
Two words: Most. Definitely.
* It appears the semifinals will be played at BCS bowl sites, with the championship going to a bidding city. What should the Sooners be hoping for?
That Jerry Jones puts up a frazillion dollars to stage the game at Cowboys Stadium, if not annually then perhaps every other year. That's a comfy, familiar site for the Sooners, and a convenient, affordable one for their fans. (Affordable is key, since those same fans might have to shell out to see a semifinal in Pasadena or Miami.)
Plus, Arlington hosting keeps the championship from Atlanta, New Orleans or any other Dixie city interested in making it a pseudo home game for the SEC rep.
The Final Four could net up to $500 million annually. What should OU do with its cut?
I'm working on that one. My best idea so far: Massage therapists on call in the press box.
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
