Eric and Lisa

Just a few quick thoughts concerning why I think there should be a Ohio State - Michigan rematch for the national title.

1. Since we do not have a playoff system, Michigan should not be punished for losing to Ohio State during the regular season. Our current format is designed to pit the top two teams in a championship game. If Michigan is arguably the 2nd best team, then they should be in the title game.

2. So, what happens when you look at the other 1-loss teams, Michigan's only loss was to the #1 team in the country on the road by 3 points. How does this compare to USC, Florida, Notre Dame, and Arkansas?

USC: Lost to 7-4 Oregon St. by 2
Florida: Lost to 10-2 Auburn by 10
Notre Dame: Lost to 11-1 Michigan by 26 (at home!)
Arkansas: Lost to USC by 36

What makes things interesting is that Arkansas and Florida will meet in the SEC championship game, and USC and Notre Dame will play next week.

3. Basically, regardless of how Notre Dame plays, they shouldn't get the nod over Michigan given how Michigan destroyed them. This may sound like the logic for not letting Michigan have a rematch with Ohio State, but it isn't. In deciding who should be the second team in a BCS title game, we have to compare the 1-loss teams relative to one another. If there is a direct head to head result, then the comparison is made for us. Remember, the BCS title game is about pitting the two best teams against one another. That's it.

4. Now, if LSU beats Arkansas, and Arkansas beats Florida, this would leave the winner of the USC - Notre Dame game as the only other viable one-loss team besides Michigan. Given my comments on Notre Dame, as well as USC's bad loss in a mediocre Pac-10, I think Michigan should get the nod. However, I don't think they will have a chance unless Notre Dame beats USC, and the pollsters vote honestly.

All in all. This year is yet another reason why the BCS needs to go.