College football 2003 could be '74 in reverse

[Awsi Dooger]

As a USC alum, this year I prefer the AP poll. The astute writers and broadcasters will undoubtedly crown 'SC their national champ, given the little matter of a (no fluke) Rose Bowl victory over Michigan.

In '74, the UPI coaches poll (now USA Today/CNN) was the more brilliant poll and the one to recognize. In MIDSEASON that year, the UPI poll finally understood that schools on probation really did not exist, and excluded an unbeaten juggernaut Oklahoma team that was on sanction due to misdeeds during the Chuck Fairbanks era. The Sooners went from consensus number one to off the poll, despite a lopsided victory.

USC's 10-1-1 team, including a desperate one-point last-minute victory over Ohio St in the Rose Bowl, was given the UPI nod in '74. Oklahoma's 11-0 (no bowl) team was crowned by the more forgiving AP voters.

Given bowl victories by USC and OU, this season could be another shared title, but reverse allegiances by the two polls.

[Catholic Sensation]

1. I believe USC is ranked #1 by the ESPN poll

okay I see how the thing works. ESPN gives the #1 spot to the BCS "champion."

Thank God I don't listen to sports talk radio anymore, I'd probably drink poison listening to all the hosts talking about this...