You can argue either way. But Herbie (I think it was Herbie at least) brought up the point that it really doesn't matter if you're #1 or #2. Both are going to the national championship, both won't be leapfrogged unless they lose, and even if #1 loses, I doubt they would just trade places with #2 given whose at #3, #4, and #5. I really don't believe it's that big of a deal if you're #1 or #2, as long as you're there.

As far as something that is a big deal goes, while PSU and USC sounds like an awesome Rose Bowl (and it would be), consider this, what if somehow Oregon State wins the PAC-10?

Week 2: Penn State 45, Oregon State 14.

JFein, that was another reason I hope Oregon State falters on the way to the Rose Bowl: Penn State will hose them. Badly.

@ S2N: If that does happen, then we'll have the potential for "The Upset of the Century" shoved down our throats for a month. Even as a Penn State fan, I'd rather lose to USC in a good game, then kill Oregon State, again. It gets boring after awhile, and besides, nobody wants to see it.

Two things,
As a Penn St fan, I am upset about the loss at Iowa, but a trip to the Rose Bowl is not a bad consoliation prize. Pasadena in January is just awesome. If we were to get Oregon St again, that would be a fun remach. I don't think Oregon St would lay an egg like they did in Happy Valley. USC would be an excellent test as well.

I can see Tech being ranked below Alabama, since Alabama has played tougher OOC opponents, although not by much. Plus as AA mentioned Tech is not a "brand" program yet.

As far as something that is a big deal goes, while PSU and USC sounds like an awesome Rose Bowl (and it would be), consider this, what if somehow Oregon State wins the PAC-10?

oh God, if Penn St plays Oregon St, and even worst if USC plays Ohio St in that particular bowl game

JFein - this is the year USC can be had in the Rose Bowl if they make it. I have not liked watching the Trojans on offense much lately. The shutouts of U-Dub and Wazzu don't count as far as I'm concerned. USC is more like the team that only beats Arizona 17-10 and Cal 17-3. They're coasting on having good defensive skill players. If I'm gambling on a Penn State-USC Rose Bowl, I take Penn State and the points.

Oregon State would be better the second time around; Jacquizz Rodgers has had an impressive season and Sean Canfield seems to be a better fit at QB right now than Lyle Moevao. But Penn State firing on all cylinders beats Oregon State by merely 17-20 points instead of 31.

None of this is going to matter. Those who cry for a playoff are going to get it, because the national semifinals will be the Big 12 and SEC Championship games.

That is, unless Missouri wins the Big 12, and I predict the championship game will then be Florida-USC.

Or...Michigan State-Oregon State.

Oh, the hawwah!

I think you should have to win your conference to be eliglible for title game.

Also, Boise ST should be ahead of Penn St, no way the bottom of the WAC is that much worse than the bottom of the Big 10

The problem is that Oregon State isn't really the best team out of the PAC 10. Yes they beat USC, but Southern Cal has a history of laying eggs against average conference opponents. Plus, Rematches of regular season blowouts are not that interesting. We already know Penn State is better than Oregon State or that USC is better than Ohio State.

The computers have Texas Tech at #1 but since the 2 human polls have them at 2, they are stuck there for now. No way Tech doesn't go to #1 in the human polls with a win over OU

Alabama has a rivalry game against Auburn two weeks hence after Mississippi State. If they get caught looking ahead...

If OSU plays PSU again, I imagine a much closer game. They may not be able to pull out a victory, but both their offensive and defensive lines finally have all their starters and are deciding games.

I can see Tech beating OU. Ou's defense is not that good. However, Missouri has had Tech's number lately. I hope Tech gets by that, because I want the title game to be Texas Tech vs. Florida.

As an Alabama fan (and Alum) I could care less if we are 1, 2 or 3.
If we run the table (beat State, Auburn, Florida), we play for a National Championship.

If we don't, it's all moot.

Same goes for Texas Tech.
Unless something crazy happens, it's going to be the SEC champ vs. The Big 12 champ for the NC. Tough to argue that that isn't the best outcome.