1 Attachment(s)
College Football Playoffs - 2004 Edition - First Round
For those who don't know, I've been doing a lot of tracking lately for a hypothetical playoff system that involves every conference in the college football world. Four brackets, 24 teams, one champion. And yes, I know there're some logistical issues, but bear with me here. This'll be fun, I think.
If you look at the attachment, the brackets fill out exactly like NFL playoff seedings, with the top two teams in each receiving a first-round bye. Each conference champion, from the SEC to the Pac-10 to the Sun Belt, receives at least a home game in the first round, which will explain teams like Toledo and North Texas. Other than that, it's single elimination, winner moves on.
Now, here's where you all come in. I'll post the matchups in a poll, along with a short synopsis for each, and you vote for whoever you think would be the winner in such a matchup. Whichever teams get the most votes move on, loser goes home. We'll play this out until we get a national champion. Sounds good? Good!
(Oh, yeah, keep in mind that these seedings are just my personal speculation, too. Roll with it.)
#3 Michigan vs. #6 Navy - Mobile, Alabama
The Wolverines were able to secure a share of the Big Ten title, while the Midshipmen put together an impressive 9-2 mark on an independent agenda. Impressive, at least, until you realize that they haven't beaten much of anyone this year. Regardless, the Middies' option attack may catch Michigan off-guard. The Wolverines, on the other hand, are led by Braylon Edwards, one of the best WRs in the nation.
#4 North Texas vs. #5 Wisconsin - Charlotte, North Carolina
The Mean Green, Sun Belt champions, boasted the nation's leading rusher until Jamario Thomas was lost to a broken shoulder blade. The Badgers, once contenders for the national title, lost two straight to end the year. They'll be looking for redemption, but will North Texas comply?
#3 Iowa vs. #6 Boston College - San Jose, California
The Hawkeyes claimed a share of the Big Ten title, relying on a stout defense and an offense that didn't make mistakes. Boston College had a chance to claim the Big East title outright, but a loss to Syracuse nearly knocked them out of the picture altogether. Both teams, in a way, have something to prove.
#4 Toledo vs. #5 Florida State - Phoenix, Arizona
The Rockets shook off a poor start to their season to rally back and claim the MAC title. Led by quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, their offense proved to be one of the most explosive in their conference. The Seminoles, a popular preseason pick as ACC champion, settled for third as quarterback issues took a toll. Will Chris Rix finally step up and take charge?
#3 Tennessee vs. #6 Virginia - Fort Worth, Texas
Big things were expected of both teams, and both fell short. The Volunteers lost twice to Auburn, but put together a nice season otherwise. Virginia had been a darkhorse pick in the ACC, but couldn't hold up against the competition. Rick Claussen and Marcus Hagans, the quarterbacks, will be a key matchup.
#4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 LSU - San Diego, California
The Panthers, led by embattled coach Walt Harris and young QB Tyler Palko, came out of nowhere to claim the Big East title. Meanwhile, last year's champs suffered a bit of a letdown, losing out to Auburn in the SEC. Their defense, though, will be a tough match for Pitt's aerial attack.
#3 Boise State vs. #6 Arizona State - Orlando, Florida
The most underrated team in the nation packs the second-highest scoring offense in Division I-A. Normally, the Sun Devils would be up to meeting such a task, but record-setting QB Andrew Walter was lost with a shoulder injury in their defeat against Arizona. Without their on-field leader, beating the Broncos won't be easy.
#4 Miami, FL vs. #5 Georgia - Nashville, Tennessee
Two hot picks for title contenders didn't fit the bill in 2004, but that won't stop these two teams from pounding each other. Miami's Brock Berlin had been brilliant until the last few weeks, while David Greene couldn't lead the Bulldogs to the SEC title despise setting numerous team records. Both defenses were tough on opponents during the season, so this would likely be a low-scoring matchup.
