Lowdown

In recent years I've usually had a pretty good feeling that Oregon could handle UCLA, which was down for a long time.

I don't know how to call it this season.  Both teams have had some good moments and far too many bad ones.

Vegas isn't any clearer on the matter, with the Ducks being a slight favorite.

I think both teams are ranked now right about where they should be at this stage given their problems, but also their considerable untapped talent.

Unfortunately, one of them has to lose and will drop even further in the minds of the new playoff committee.

In playing nine league games this season the chances are that the Pac-12 will slice and dice itself to pieces.  I doubt if there is a one-loss team standing at year's end, unless it's presently undefeated Arizona.  I think the odds are against them, however.

In the meantime, the 14-team SEC plays just eight counters in conference and awards itself with a group of cupcake games late in the season.

Some pundits are already wishfully saying three SEC teams may make it to the final four.

The sooner a legitimate playoff is organized among all the conference champions the better.  It would be too bad if the PAC champion was left out with two losses.

That would be tantamount to saying the PAC is weak, which it isn't.

College ball is entertaining, but with such imbalanced scheduling it is far too political to take seriously.


TS