In a fair world a conference's #1 would play another conference's #1, a #2 faces a #2.... For years I have noted that the SEC catches a raw deal in most of its Bowl match-ups. This year is no different.
Consider this extreme example. Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Central Florida all claim the title of conference champion. Oregon is rightly pitted against our #1. But Ohio State gets a Division #2. Central Florida faces a division #3. And Michigan State squares off against a Division #4. (Inject that bit of information into the next debate you are privy to about which conference is best.)
In double OT the an ACC division #3 bested and SEC #4.
BIG Ten #8 Michigan faces what has to be considered the SEC #9 Mississippi State
ACC Division Champion Florida State is rightly matched with SEC Divsion Champ South Carolina.
Big Ten #6 Penn State plays Florida, who is either the SEC #4 (by virture of finishing in #2 in the East) or the SEC #6 (by virtue of their record versus other SEC teams)
LSU vs. Texas A&M are both Divison #3s, so that is good.
And the Big East #3 Pittsburgh is somehow mated with the SEC #10 Kentucky.
Viewed in this manner, the SEC faces 6-Mismatches, 3-Fair fights, and 1-that can be wither Fair or a mismatch. 10 Bowls and not one pairing where we have an advantage.
Consider this extreme example. Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Central Florida all claim the title of conference champion. Oregon is rightly pitted against our #1. But Ohio State gets a Division #2. Central Florida faces a division #3. And Michigan State squares off against a Division #4. (Inject that bit of information into the next debate you are privy to about which conference is best.)
In double OT the an ACC division #3 bested and SEC #4.
BIG Ten #8 Michigan faces what has to be considered the SEC #9 Mississippi State
ACC Division Champion Florida State is rightly matched with SEC Divsion Champ South Carolina.
Big Ten #6 Penn State plays Florida, who is either the SEC #4 (by virture of finishing in #2 in the East) or the SEC #6 (by virtue of their record versus other SEC teams)
LSU vs. Texas A&M are both Divison #3s, so that is good.
And the Big East #3 Pittsburgh is somehow mated with the SEC #10 Kentucky.
Viewed in this manner, the SEC faces 6-Mismatches, 3-Fair fights, and 1-that can be wither Fair or a mismatch. 10 Bowls and not one pairing where we have an advantage.
