National title still within reach for OSU
There is still a chance for Oklahoma State to claim a national championship and, truth be told, this title has long been considered the most prestigious in college football.
Voters in The Associated Press poll have been crowning champions since 1936. For six-plus decades, the poll reigned supreme. Some old-fashioned folk like me still consider it the granddaddy of them all. The AP poll was more prestigious than the United Press International poll (1950-90), which begat the USA Today coaches’ poll (1991-present), which now presents its annual trophy to the BCS champion (1998-present).
Though the Cowboys fell .009 short of their quest to play in this season’s BCS national title game, a scenario still exists where they could win the prestigious AP title: If No. 3 OSU is able to convincingly defeat No. 4 Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl and No. 2 Alabama beats No. 1 LSU in a punting contest similar to their 9-6 overtime meeting on Nov. 5, it’s certainly within reason for AP voters to consider the Cowboys at No. 1 in their final poll. In last week’s AP poll, OSU trailed Alabama by 154 points. In this week’s AP poll, the Cowboys trailed the Crimson Tide by just 18 points.
Keep in mind, all national championships in major college football are mythical because there has never been a playoff. Alabama claims 13 national titles in its history, including crowns selected by Williamson, Houlgate, Football Annual and Football Thesaurus. (No kidding.) All OSU is looking for is fair consideration to be crowned national champ by somebody, anybody. If LSU beats Alabama again, all bets are off and the Tigers — coached by former O-State head man Les Miles – are soul rulers. However, if our aforementioned scenario becomes reality, this could really get fun.
OSU supporters can start campaigning now. Put AP voters on your Christmas list. Wish them happy holidays. The key is to keep this good-natured and friendly. No pressure tactics. No insults. Kill these people with kindness. AP voters rarely, if ever, get positive feedback, but all that changes now. As far as you’re concerned, these are the true Wise Men of Christmas.
The Fiesta Bowl is Jan. 2 in Glendale, Ariz. LSU and Alabama play for the BCS national championship in New Orleans on Jan. 9. If the Cowboys defeat Stanford, that gives OSU supporters one full week to schmooze pollsters. Politicking can get unseemly, but this is polliticking. Besides, how unseemly was it for ESPN to promote LSU vs. Alabama for the BCS national title a full week before the matchup was even determined?
Keep your communication with voters short and sweet. Your message could read something along the lines of: “Please consider the OSU Cowboys for your national title if LSU loses. Much appreciated. Love your work. Always have. Enclosed you will find my favorite barbecue recipe. Have a nice day.”
Here is the list of AP voters. Commence polliticking.
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Comments
This is hilarious. What Ok St needed was a death that had a truly touching story – like the Sal Aunese knocking the coaches wife up right before he went tits up. Short of exhuming your women’s b-ball coaches body and parading it around the AP offices you have no chance. Next time when an Ok St. coach does a John-John Kennedy make certain the football players actually know who he is? Extra points if the dearly departed had been in a love triangle with Gundy.
Dave, you should be ashamed of yourself…I’m sure your parents would be if they knew what ugly and vicious thoughts are roaming around in your head.
Does no one from the Oklahoman ever check in on these blogs? Dave needs to be removed, banned and prosecuted.
Dave, I’d love to bump into you sometime.
Dave – you’re disgusting.
Rohde – for better or worse we all (and that includes OSU) agreed to the BCS rules. Maybe we didn’t have much of a choice but still everybody agreed. The AP chosing to go their own way only diminishes their standing.
Unseemly? ESPN? Those 2 are synonymous in my book. Whether its their East Coast bias, Baby James and daddy vs.Leach,the Lopnghorn Network or this most recent example. I watch game broadacasts on ESPN – and nothing else.
Mr. Rhode are u actually say that the AP title is the most prestigious in college football!?! I think I’m in agreement with DAVE. I’ve got a shovel, let’s get to digging. Dave u drive us to the AP offices.
John, did you forget about the loss to IOWA STATE? The AP will not be crowning anyone who loses to IOWA STATE as the national champion. You weren’t being serious were you?
Dave, you obviously are a stupid person. Firstly, due to your blatant disregard for respect and secondly, Sal Aunese had a child with the coaches daughter, not Wife you moron. I pray no one in your family ever experiences a “john-john” moment, but for it to happen to you- might be fitting! PRICK!
Dave, you did go too far. I’m a Bama fan, but would trade my teams place over deaths. This is a game, an important one, but I’d give it up for peoples lives.
[...] Great idea here from John Rhode on what OSU fans can do to affect the national title picture for OSU. (NewsOK) [...]
Mr. Rhode,
As far back as I can remember I have read your articles from the Daily Oklahoman. You are one, if possibly the only one that produces fairness and accurate reporting consistently.
Enjoying your reporting, I was forwarded this article by my daughter—as, yes, I am an OSU fan and more than that–an Oklahoma U fan with regard to the state and the Big 12.
I am also for equity in any system, as much as can be.
Thanks for this as I will be forwarding this on and thanks for the support and also the insight on communicating with the AP writers and voters.
Looking forward to much more from you. Thanks again,
Dean Nixon
Tulsa