Who is the non-BCS darling this year going to be? As the season began, it looked like Marshall would be the top candidate. Their loss to VT, however, has probably taken them out of the picture. If they win out and do it impressively, perhaps they could return to the race. Louisville looks like they have taken themselves out of the picture. Right now, Colorado State looks like the best pick. Their strong out of conference schedule has to be helping them. Other possibilities? If Southern Miss knocks off Alabama this weekend they have to be considered. This, along with defeating Illinois, would give them two good out of conference wins. I don't think, though, that even if they win out that they would be a BCS Bowl candidate. A final possibility would be Bowling Green. They too, however, would have to beat Kansas this weekend (giving them two wins against the Big 12), and then win out the rest of the way. What might help them is if they continue the exciting and dominating offensive performance they've had so far. Like Southern Miss, though, I don't think there's any chance for BG to get BCS Bowl consideration. So, I think there will be a non-BCS darling this year, but whoever it is won't be going to a BCS Bowl.
BG has the best schedule remaining of teams that have a chance to go undefeated. Problem is, they don't have a really tough schedule so they won't be given much credit.
Oh yeah, they have to play Toledo anyway, so that's one loss. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />
I agree that CSU is best positioned for the media darling run......too bad because I think Marshall we very well positioned before V-Tech, particularly because Leftwich is both a great QB and a fine young man (which the press "eats up").
I saw post over on the Vine again deriding the MAC (schedule) because now nobody will give the Herd any credit if they win out........I guess I just don't understand that line of reasoning because if you're a non-BCS school you have to (I repeat, have to) win your big OOC contests if you're to gain national recognition and ranking. It's no different if you're Louisville (who already blew their chance with the loss to unranked Ky), or a MAC team. One loss and you're gone unless you have a good BCS schedule and can win another game to show the loss was a fluke.
Besides, I would contend that Marshall did not need to win that V-Tech game in order to keep a national ranking and respect.......they just needed to take it into the 2nd half as a competitive game. Unfortunately for Marshall they don't get a second chance due to their previous and subseqent OOC schedule. And sure, the MAC schedule doesn't help much (although there are certainly some good teams in the MAC this year), but it makes no difference if you "move up" to C-USA, as you'll still find little to no respect (as a ranked team) if you you aren't competitive with other BCS ranked teams.
<small>[ September 16, 2002, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: exCincy Kid ]</small>