Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Russ: I'm gonna begin with my college football predictions: I have Georgia and Alabama as no. 1 and 2; to come up with the remaining two teams is tough, though. I believe the remaining two teams will come from these four: Cincinnati, Oregon, Ohio State and, maybe, Notre Dame. John: I guess figuring out the culprits who figure into the consideration is pretty universal, but this year, it’s not that tough. Instead of hitting y’all with predictions, I want to speak a bit to the format of the playoffs. The format, in my opinion, favors Big Blue Brothers, as Les Grobstein from The Score WSCR 670AM would call it.
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Donald: So, who’re these Big Blue Brothers? John: Glad you asked. With the current format, teams such as Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, would get the benefit of the doubt with one loss apiece. Cincinnati could go undefeated and still be denied a playoffs spot because, according to the experts, they don’t schedule quality opponents. That would be fine, but the hypocrisy comes in when these same experts don’t hold Alabama or Ohio State to those same standards.
Donald: Right, and it’s especially true in Alabama's case, because their out-of-conference schedule has a couple of presumed easy-wins in Citadel and New Mexico State.
Patrick: Where do you have Notre Dame?
Patrick: A team that Alabama crushed earlier 59-3.
Patrick: Oh, wow. Well, I’m pulling for Notre Dame to get there. A loss by a couple of the teams ahead of them and it’s on. All right, so, what do y’all think should be done differently?
Donald: At 8, after Cincinnati, Michigan and Michigan State.
the winners of those two games play either Georgia or Alabama. Then, the last two teams rock it out—winner takes all. I feel this is fair. Donald: I agree.
Russ: Ouch. All right, enough with the depressing stuff. I’m going back to my predictions! So, if I had it my way, it’ll be Georgia versus Ohio State, and Alabama taking on Notre Dame. I do feel bad for Cincinnati, Oregon, Michigan State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, but, shoot, everybody can’t make it, right? Donald: Now, I love me some Notre Dame—root for them like I went there—but, at the moment, I’m going with Georgia at 1, Alabama at 2, Oregon at 3, and Ohio State at 4.
John: My solution is the four best teams, based on their merit—quality victories—are selected. Basically, hold teams like Alabama and Ohio State to the same standards as teams like Cincinnati. Have teams earn their way to the playoffs—not have to play politics. Russ: Okay, so, I would have Notre Dame play Oklahoma State, have Oregon play Oklahoma and, then,
Russ: And, by the way, I personally like Georgia and Notre Dame. These other teams still have a shot, but it’s a long shot. Michigan State, Michigan, The University of Texas at San Antonio—yes, and undefeated at 10-0—can still get a good bowl game and go out and kick some booty like Boise State did to Oklahoma a few years back. Patrick: I guess one way to deal with it is to sit back, kick one’s feet up, and enjoy the action. Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org
