As crazy as it got Saturday (Rose Bowl fever in Toyko?), it will get even crazier Sunday. That’s when the new college football polls come out, and they are likely to produce much controversy and debate.
Only one thing is certain: There isn’t a true No. 1 and No. 2 team in the country.
But two teams will occupy those spots Sunday, and three others will argue they should be there.
How far does Notre Dame fall? Does Florida State go back to No. 1? What about Nebraska? What about West Virginia? And what about Auburn, which finished its season 11-0?
Here’s what happened last week: Notre Dame was the consensus No. 1 in the bowl coalition poll. Florida State was a controversial No. 2, 67 points over Nebraska.
If Florida State and Nebraska move up a slot after Notre Dame’s loss, they would meet in the Orange Bowl, assuming both teams win this week.
That could leave Notre Dame out of the championship picture. The Irish contingent, though, will protest vehemently if Notre Dame drops below Florida State.
Each team would have one loss, and Notre Dame beat Florida State. However, the Irish’s win came at home, and then they lost at home, giving up 41 points to Boston College. That’s taboo in the eyes of the voters, who are likely to drop the Irish to at least No. 3.
Florida State seems to be getting a reprieve because of its schedule. The Seminoles still have a tough game Saturday at Florida.
A case also could be made that neither Florida State nor Notre Dame should be playing for the national title. At least, that’s the argument in Morgantown, W.Va., and Lincoln, Neb.
West Virginia was ranked seventh last week, but it is 10-0 after beating No. 4 Miami. That victory ranks higher than any triumph on Nebraska’s schedule; the Cornhuskers are touting victories over UCLA and Colorado.
Both teams, though, hardly have gimmes next week. West Virginia travels to Boston College and Nebraska hosts Oklahoma.
Auburn, meanwhile, went through its season and the Southeastern Conference undefeated and will get its share of votes. However, the Tigers entered this week ranked sixth, making for a difficult long jump. Also, they are on probation and ineligible for postseason play.
