# Michigan vs. Ohio state. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 11, 2006, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055 "2006-11-11T23:29:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/181 "2006-12-03T17:31:12Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] Vanderbilt, Central Michigan, and Ball State are 1-A? 😃 If you can’t even win your own conference, you shouldn’t be able to play for the national title. [/QUOTE] Sure you should. If the number one team in the nation is in your conference, why should you punished for being in the wrong conference? Like I said, I won’t be disappointed in Ohio - Florida, but I still think Michigan is a better team than Florida, and it will be reflected when Ohio walks all over Florida in the NC. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/182 "2006-12-03T17:34:50Z")
You already had your chance and failed, is why. You already showed you’re not good enough. That can’t be said for other conference champions. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/183 "2006-12-03T17:44:14Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] You already had your chance and failed, is why. You already showed you’re not good enough. That can’t be said for other conference champions. [/QUOTE] When you lose by 3 points in an opponent’s stadium, I think that does make you good enough. At any rate, I wish there were a damned playoff system so we don’t have to have this bullshit arguments every year. So if Florida had lost, who would you want against OSU? Louisville? Boise State? ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/184 "2006-12-03T17:50:50Z")
I think Michigan is a better team, but I want Florida to play OSU for the title, only because I want to see the Gators get crushed, which will hopefully stop the nigh-but relentless whining coming from the SEC. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/185 "2006-12-03T18:04:57Z")
[QUOTE=pulykamell] When you lose by 3 points in an opponent’s stadium, I think that does make you good enough. [/QUOTE] And I think that just means you had your chance. If we’re going to play the “if” game, Florida was one bad ref call from being undefeated this year. No way that was a fumble in the Auburn game. Leak’s arm was moving forward. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/186 "2006-12-03T18:04:58Z")
[QUOTE=pulykamell] When you lose by 3 points in an opponent’s stadium, I think that does make you good enough. [/quote] When you lose, you _lose_. That’s what it’s all about, baby. > [@](#): > > At any rate, I wish there were a damned playoff system so we don’t have to have this bullshit arguments every year. On that we agree. The NCAA has them in every other sport on every other level, so let’s not tolerate these excuses about how they’d infringe on the players’ academic careers. The guys in the lower divisions are far more likely to need something other than football to fall back on, but they have to deal with more of the fall semester devoted to their sport than the 1-A fellas. In fact, I was at a I-AA (er, 'scuse me, “Championship Series”) playoff game at UMass just yesterday, in what could be up to 4 postseason games for the lads. I don’t think you’d find a single one of them, or a single one of their fans, who’d say it wasn’t worth it, that they’d rather study for an Economics final than go to Montana next Friday. They’d all be right, too. But the BCS is heading that direction, a little bit more every year, give 'em credit. As soon as the designated Championship Game is found to bring the NCAA more money than the old bowls do, I think they’ll work it out. Meanwhile, what most needs to go is those bizarre computer rankings, and preferably the official reliance on any polls at all. If they can seen an entire 66-team basketball playoff in the course of a few hours, what’s the big deal with having a committee of the conference reps get on a conference call and decide which 2 teams get into a football game? What’s the problem that’s holding them back from just having the chair ask “OK, who do we want besides Ohio State? Everyone IM their vote - okay, Florida it is.”? > [@](#): > > So if Florida had lost, who would you want against OSU? Louisville? Boise State? That would mean Arkansas had won the SEC and would be the best of the other conference champions/top independents, at 11-1, so they’d be my pick. Why didn’t you list them? ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/187 "2006-12-03T18:07:09Z")
And, just to add a bit of information, I’ll point out that Michigan has won all of their games (except of course, Ohio State) by at least 7 points and most by more than 2 scores. Florida, however, won two of their games by just one point, and another two by 7 or less. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/188 "2006-12-03T18:10:33Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] When you lose, you _lose_. [/quote] Some losses are bigger than others for me. YMMV. > [@](#): > > That would mean Arkansas had won the SEC and would be the best of the other conference champions/top independents, at 11-1, so they’d be my pick. Why didn’t you list them? :smack: Because I am an idiot. I forgot that in my own hypothetical, that would have moved Arkansas to #1 in the SEC. :smack: :smack: At any rate, I’ll be happy to see either Florida or Michigan in the NC. I’m almost more inclined now to have Florida in it, since then I could clearly root loudly for Ohio State. With OSU v. Michigan, I’d be torn. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/189 "2006-12-03T18:11:01Z")
A win is a win and a loss is a loss. Again, that’s what it’s all _about_. Michigan is indeed the best runner-up, no argument. But they’re not champions. Champions win. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/190 "2006-12-03T18:16:30Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] A win is a win and a loss is a loss. Again, that’s what it’s all _about_. Michigan is indeed the best runner-up, no argument. But they’re not champions. Champions win. [/QUOTE] Yes, and both teams have one loss each. One to a #1 team, the other to a #11 team. So…? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/191 "2006-12-03T18:26:34Z")
So one team found a way to \*win \* the game they most needed to win, the game that mattered most, the one that decided the conference championship, and one didn’t. One team had enough in them to win, and one didn’t. Once again, _that’s what it’s all about, baby_. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/192 "2006-12-03T18:34:41Z")
[QUOTE=ElvisL1ves] That would mean Arkansas had won the SEC and would be the best of the other conference champions/top independents, at 11-1, so they’d be my pick. Why didn’t you list them? [/QUOTE] If Arkansas had won they’d be 11-2, not 11-1. They lost to LSU last week. Frankly, if we’re not judging the “quality” of a team’s losses (and wins of course), then the team that plays the Buckeyes should be Boise State. They’re the only other team that has gotten it all done this season. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/193 "2006-12-03T18:56:46Z")
[QUOTE=pulykamell] Sure you should. If the number one team in the nation is in your conference, why should you punished for being in the wrong conference? [/QUOTE] This is how I feel. The two best teams should play for the championship, even if they are in the same conference. My guess is that Ohio will beat the crap out of Florida if they end up playing each other, whereas a Michigan-Ohio rematch could easily go either way (and probably be another amazing game to watch). ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/194 "2006-12-03T21:53:11Z")
Ohio plays Florida in the national championship. > **[BCS voters provide Gator aid](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-dec-04-sp-bcs4-story.html)** > > Florida jumps over Michigan, thanks mainly to gains in the 'human' polls, to finish No. 2 and will play Ohio State for national title. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/195 "2006-12-03T21:59:39Z")
Ohio U. is playing in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile. I think you intend to refer to _The_ Ohio _State_ University, people. Good thing the LAT has an inside source for confirmation. Anybody at USC could have reminded them that those inexcusable computer rankings can prevent the best 2 teams from meeting. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8797f3/32.png) [@The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Universe_Lashes_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/196 "2006-12-03T22:15:19Z")
The only thing better than being the national championship game is seeing Big Ten fans crying about having to play an SEC team. The Gators are the best team in the best conference. I won’t say for sure we win, cause OSU has a fantastic team as well, but we will surprise some people. ---
**Author:** ![Random](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/57b2e6/32.png) [@Random](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/197 "2006-12-03T22:16:33Z")
[QUOTE=Hamlet] I think Michigan is a better team, but I want Florida to play OSU for the title, only because I want to see the Gators get crushed, which will hopefully stop the nigh-but relentless whining coming from the SEC. [/QUOTE] Something to this. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/198 "2006-12-03T22:30:01Z")
Doesn’t matter who wins, really. I mean, I’m definitely rooting for Florida, but I feel like the correct decision was made (assuming that the LA Times article is accurate) concerning who deserves to go to the Big Game. I personally think that OSU will probably win. I’ve been saying that they are the real thing all year. However, Florida has earned the right to play them for the NC, come what may. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/199 "2006-12-03T23:10:00Z")
Bad news- polls take leave of senses and BCS gives Florida the nod over Michigan. Good news- LSU will not be polluting the Rose Bowl with its presence. Better news- OSU and Michigan both win and Big Ten goes 1-2 in final poll rankings. ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055/200 "2006-12-03T23:22:00Z")
USC remains [second](http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt06.htm) in the Sagarin poll. What a joke. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-vs-ohio-state/380055.md?page=11)