A LETTER TO THE BCS COMPUTERS

Dear BCS Computers,

Before I start this letter, I just want to say that I’m a fan of yours. While everyone is out there bitching and moaning about you, I’ve stuck up for you – I know I couldn’t do that job! However, I feel that you’ve made a big mistake this weekend. Now I know that the Texas/Texas Tech game was one of – if not the most exciting game so far this season. But you’ve made a mistake and ranked the Red Raiders above the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Texas Tech is a great team without a doubt Mr. BCS Computers, however you clearly weren’t paying attention in the second quarter of Saturday’s game. If it wasn’t for Texas’ sluggish start (on the road with a hostile crowd), the Red Raider’s would have lost that game as they lost the second half by a score of 27-17. That’s 27 points given up in the second half! Penn State has only let up more than 17 points once (24 to Illinois). Tech has given up 24 points to Eastern Washington, 19 points to Nevada, 28 points to Kansas State, and 25 points to Texas A&M. It's clear that they've had to out gun each and every team they've played this year.

I know you’re a fan of offense, don’t worry I am too. But we can’t forget about the defensive side of the ball. Did you know that Texas Tech is giving up an average of 349.6 yards a game? That doesn’t seem like a team either of us would like to see play for the National Championship. I know you’re probably scrambling your mega bytes right now trying to figure out how many ypg Penn State gives up – don’t hurt yourself, I’ll tell you…it’s 265.9. That’s almost 100 yards less. Hmm, it makes you think, doesn’t it?

I know…I know. I can already hear you grumbling. Texas Tech has a higher strength of schedule than Penn State. Before you say a word – let me remind you that Penn State pummeled Oregon State out of the Pac 10 earlier in the year by a score of 45-14. That’s the same Oregon State team that beat your beloved USC Trojans. I know you must have shorted out a few circuits on that night after your Trojan baby boy’s lost. Never fear, we all know you have the power to make them jump Penn State too.

Who has Texas Tech beat computers? Yes, they beat # 19 Kansas – I’m aware of that. However before you start telling me about Penn State’s schedule, remember that the Red Raider’s have played Eastern Washington, Nevada, SMU, UMASS, Kansas State, Nebraska and Texas A&M. Not exactly the cream of the crop. UMASS? Marcus Camby is is probably their offensive coordinator. You bite your tongue the next time you try to bitch about Penn State’s strength of schedule.

I apologize, that was rude. But I can't help it, I feel like I’m writing this letter to you with the help of thousands of other angry college football fans. I know it's not completely your fault, but this season is beginning to remind us Penn Stater's of 1994. You weren’t even a twinkle in our eye then, but Penn State finished undefeated that season and had to watch the National Championship from home.

I’m not asking you to change your mind and put Penn State into the number two spot right now. I’m simply asking you to take a step back next week when making your choice. There’s a lot on the line here and a lot of different angles to look at the situation from. I know that there a lot of other great teams too. Yes, you’re correct – Florida did look pretty good on the road in Georgia. So did USC and Oklahoma. But Joe Paterno’s boys have looked just as good as anyone else in the country – and more disciplined (Penn State had zero turnovers on the road against a very strong Ohio State team – with a very loud crowd). You just don’t see that type of disciplined and well-coached football from many other teams in the Nation (certainly not from Texas Tech who had 8 penalties for 79 yards at home against Texas).

Thanks for your time BCS Computers. I know you are swamped this time of year. We do, we really do appreciate all the hard work you do, but please, please rethink your decision and put the correct teams in the top two spots next weekend. You’ll be doing the whole country a favor.

Sincerely,

Daniel A. DeMonte

P.S. I know you don’t have a heart – but if you did, you would want to see Joe Paterno have the chance to win another National Championship.