I mean, just about everybody agrees that LSU can lose the SEC title game on Saturday and it won't matter -- they'll still play in the BCS Championship against Alabama. But who doesn't want that dream match up of a team that didn't win its division versus a team that didn't win its conference to prove on the field which is the best team in America?
At least there's some excitement in the other title games. Like will UCLA yell mercy in the 3rd quarter of the PAC-12 championship game against Oregon, in which the Bruins are a 31 point 'dog? Or who will win the ACC, where...uh...Clemson plays...somebody else...in a game nobody watches anyway? And let's not forget the
Damn, somebody pinch me!
Of course, as mentioned above, the only reason to watch this weekend's games is to see if Michigan can rise from its current spot at #16 in the BCS standings into the top 14. So, who do we need in which contests? Let's discuss, shall we...
B1G Championship -- # 13 Michigan State vs. # 15 Wisconsin
Root For: MSU (although if you can't stomach the thought, it hopefully shouldn't matter)
Why: A win by either should drop the loser behind Michigan. That goes for Sparty even though they beat Michigan since this would be their third loss. And who doesn't like to see Sparty suffer? However, from a strength of schedule standpoint, it might be more helpful if Sparty wins, thus dropping Wisco and beefing up U-M's SOS.
SEC Championship -- #1 LSU vs. #14 Georgia
Root For: LSU to win in a rout
Why: While it probably doesn't matter in terms of the BCS Championship, it does matter big time for Michigan. A Bulldog victory would be very bad. And even a close Bulldog loss could be troublesome. Thus, this is no time for Crazy Les to be on the sidelines. We need focused, grass-eating Les.
Bedlam -- #3 Oklahoma State vs. #10 Oklahoma
Root For: Okie State
Why: Simply put a loss won't drop the Cowboys below Michigan. Maybe a blow out could, but it would have to be massive. But the game's in Stillwater so don't count on it. With two losses already, a Sooner set back would be perfect for the Wolverines' hopes.
PAC 12 Championship -- # 9 Oregon vs. How-The-F*ck-Is-This-6-6-Team-Here UCLA
Root For: UC.. I can't even type it with a straight face
Why: The answer to the question about how on God's earth UCLA is here is that 10-2 USC is on probation. Look, obviously it would be extremely helpful to Michigan if UCLA won (as Oregon would drop like a stone in the BCS rankings) but if you're hoping for that, you're also hoping to find out Santa Claus is real this December and thinking the NCAA is actually going to impose sanctions with teeth against OSU.
Ed. Note: The only good thing about this is the where the PAC 12 stages its title game -- at the home stadium of the team with the better conference record. Thus, there is no need for seat fillers. And it keeps teams playing hard in order to lock up this benefit. Take note, B1G.
#11 Kansas State vs Iowa State
Root For: Iowa State
Why: The computers love K-State. Even though they're only #15 in the human polls, they're #11 in the BCS. A loss ends that problem. And ISU has a lot to play for -- they're 6-5 and another win would significantly improve their bowl outlook. But the game's in Manhattan, KS so it's going to be tough.
ACC Championship #5 Virginia Tech vs. #20 Clemson
Root For: Virginia Tech
Why: A Hokie loss probably won't drop them below Michigan while a Clemson win might -- maybe -- help them vault the Wolverines. So play it safe: Go Va-Tech!
Texas at #17 Baylor
Root For: Texas
Why: Baylor is breathing down Michigan's neck at #17. A win -- with their Heisman Trophy candidate QB -- against a name program and there's a good chance the Bears jump the Wolverines (plus, Baylor President Kenneth Starr will sue if they don't). Go Longhorns!
Conference USA Championship -- #6 Houston vs. #24 Southern Miss
Root For: Southern Miss in a rout
Why: This is another example of a game that may not matter since Houston is #6 and undefeated. However, maybe a big Southern Miss win will cause voters to realize that Houston's "best" victory this season is against...nobody.
Well, Michigan fans, that's the weekend. You now know who to root for. Get at it!
Fingers crossed and...
Go Blue!
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