Speedblog; Alabama or Penn State

Speedblog: Alabama or Penn State

Well, which is it?

In light of the games over the weekend, we know that both Alabama and Penn State are fighting for that second spot in the polls, ensuring a shot at the National Championship. From what we know at this very second, Texas is still going to be #1 (and should be) but now the question is raised; who is second?

I am sure many SEC fans want Alabama to stay #2, after all they didn’t lose, but now the question has to be raised, what about Penn State?

Both Alabama and Penn State are undefeated and deserve a chance at the championship, but the fact is only one can go, if all three teams finish out undefeated. There is no doubt that if Texas sweeps the schedule and win the Big 12 Championship, they deserve to be the best team in the nation. But now you’d have to create the argument about who is second.

And with both teams still perfect, you’d have to look at the strength of schedule and then look in the future for both teams. Let’s start with Alabama.

When you look at Alabama’s schedule thus far, only 3 games really stand out. Their big win over #9 (at the time) Clemson, the win over #3 Georgia and the close game vs. Kentucky. These are the signature wins thus far, but we could also add in some close games that a #2 team should not have had a problem with.

We know that Clemson was over rated and may not even qualify for a bowl, and while Georgia is still “in the mix”, we may be finding out that Kentucky also overachieved as well. The close win over Mississippi can have some people wondering how legit this team is, especially when you compare it to other teams that dominate their games, but may have one loss.

Penn State would make it’s argument in that they defeated Oregon State, Wisconsin, Michigan, #20 ranked Illinois and recently, #9 Ohio State. But you’d have to factor out Michigan because like Clemson, they may not make a bowl. And although Wisconsin started out good, they have stumbled heavily. But that win last night AT Ohio State was huge, and you now have to wonder if this team should be ranked ahead of Alabama.

The BCS rankings at this moment have Alabama with a .9487 and Penn State with a .8666. That’s quite a difference between two teams in the top 3, meaning Penn State needs the wins, and quality ones at that. They got that last night, while Alabama beat a Tennessee team that is currently 3-5. So who is the better team?

According to Alabama’s schedule, their next game is against Arkansas State, then they play slipping LSU, Mississippi State and finally Auburn. IF they get through all this, they’ll play in the SEC Championship against Georgia or Florida. I still don’t see them winning all their games, but if they do, it might be enough to have them #2 in the nation.

But it is possible they might flip with Penn State before then. Remember that the voters have a sway in this, and some might feel that Penn State’s win at Ohio State was enough to jump over Alabama. With just 3 games left, Penn State plays Iowa, Indiana and finally, Michigan State. Only one quality game left, and their regular season is over. For Penn State to stay #2, they need Michigan State to get back on the top 25 rankings so that game will have a greater meaning.

If both teams go undefeated, Alabama might get the nod because their schedule is slightly tougher. But Penn State might get the nod this week because of the big win. Alabama won’t help themselves next week with a weak game, but they still have a chance to step over Penn State if they win out, and win the SEC Championship.

But the odds are against them, I don’t see Alabama going undefeated, and it looks like Penn State just might be in the BCS Championship…any chance of a Rose Bowl look-alike (hint, USC?)