To win it all, it takes a good OL, a good QB who can complete a pass on that crucial 3rd and 8, and a good to great defense.
The Youngs and Vicks of the world get the attention because of the highlight reels they produce. Those rockets that Manning and Brady throw around the grid aren't sexy, but they get the job done. I also think that GM's and owners will gravitate toward these flashy runners for a few years because they put butts in seats and draw TV ratings. I don't think Micheal Vick is a great QB. Nor is Vince Young. But you can't help watching them just to see what happens next. It's either, "what a run!", or "what kind of throw was that?". Either way, it's entertaining.
Having said that, I hope my favorite team (Steelers)doesn't get one of these runners.
As for FSU in 2000, Weinke was the Heisman winner and had his way with all the other defenses he faced. And remember, Heupel never saw a down in the pros. Isn't it amazing how some players dominate the college game and then can't pee a drop in the pros?
OU was definately lucky that season, and on more than one occasion. But, so is every Title winner. The Sears Trophy can't be won without good fortune, even if it's only in the form of avoiding back luck and injuries during a season.
I've always said that the line between #1 and #5 is often a very fine line. Take OU this season. They are one jam job and one 2nd half collapse from playing Ohio State for all the marbles. Several teams can say this, of course. I doubt OU could beat this Ohio State team more than 2 out of 10...but I'd have loved to seen them try.
I like a couple of dogs in "pre Jan 1" bowls. Then, I like the favs after bringin in the New Year. Here's my top 4 choices as of today, in no particular order:
Kentucky +10.5 over Clemson in the Music City Bowl. Clemson staggered across the finish line after starting the season with BCS thoughts. Kentucky has improved and will be excited to be in this bowl. I'll take the focused SEC team (and the generous points) over a disappointing ACC team.
Georgia +2.5 over Virginia Tech in Atlanta (Chicken Fillet Bowl). This should be ahome game for the Bulldogs, and they are usually sharp in bowl games. Their QB is rounding into form. Tech is not a good bowl team, which is surprising with a coach like Beamer. Georgia wins outright here.
By the way...you notice the pattern here? Take dogs from great conferences over favs from bad conferences. Simple.
OU -8.5 over Boise St. Barring an OU turnover problem, I just can't see Boise staying on the field with the more talented Sooners. Oh, it'll be close for a qtr or two, but OU will wear down the Broncos in the trenches. Simply put, OU has the edge in this game in every matchup. Even the QB's are even, despite what some people may think. OU wins by 20.
Ohio State -7.5 over Florida. The Gators had some close games down the stretch, while Ohio State has dominated every opponent but Michigan (and maybe a close call at Illinois). I just love the Buckeye QB and his speedster WR's. The defense is solid as a rock, and will consume the gimmick Gator offense. On paper, Ohio State is better by a large margin. The large number also says that Vegas likes Ohio State. Looks like Tressel will raise the trophy for the 2nd time in recent memory...but there will be no controversy in this one.
As a bonus, I like Louiseville to handle Wake Forest (+10.5) in the Orange Bowl. That number is much bigger than you'd think it would be. Wake is the champ of the terrible ACC. Their record is better than they are in my opinion, as they were fortunate all year in the turnover battle. The Cardinals have a great QB who won't make mistakes. Cards big.
