By Mike Corasaniti

College football fans are still about a year away from getting what they want, and probably still a lifetime away from getting what they really want.

In about fourteen months, four teams will go into January still with the hopes of calling themselves national champions. 

It's an improvement from the sport's current format (which will almost surely crash and burn in the coming months when K-State, Oregon, and Notre Dame all finish their seasons without a loss), but it still leaves a lot to be desired from fans all across the country. 

What about the one or two-loss SEC teams, that (although hard to admit) are still better than some of the undefeated teams left? What about the undefeateds that accusingly "sneak by" in easier conferences and never get a shot at proving their real worth? 

This year is no exception in considering the awesome potential an 8-team BCS playoff would hold for college football. So while we're sitting and waiting, hoping that the flawed system somehow at least works for this year and hopefully improves next year (please God don't let there by 5 undefeated teams), let's take a look at 5 story lines that would be just awesome to see unfold in a sports event that would be like no other.


National Semi-Final: No. 8  Texas A&M v. No. 4 Alabama

Think Alabama fans are the ones that to see this rematch? Think again.

Nothing would solidify Texas A&M's place in the SEC more, or set up a rivalry for years to come, than if the Aggies showed up at Alabama's doorstep and crushed the Tide once more. This time though, it would be an even more direct shot at the Tide's championship hopes.

BCS National Championship: No. 3 Notre Dame v. Anyone

This one is simple.

It announces the return of one of college football's most storied programs back to national prominence (despite how many people might have been happy to see them at the bottom of barrel). But, more importantly, it would give the opportunity for this years "odd man out" to play for something more than a Rose Bowl banner. 

Obviously, a four-team playoff would be enough for Notre Dame or any other left-out undefeated team to get a shot at a title. But the eight-team format is even more just to prove that, not only are they undefeated, but they beat two more top teams in the country to prove. 

And although I joked about it before, the college football karma gods say that it's only a matter of time before the season ends and seven or eight teams finish their campaigns without a loss. What will we do then?

BCS National Championship: No. 6 Florida v. No. 5 Georgia

How big do you think this cocktail party would get if a national title was on the line?

BCS National Championship: No. 7 LSU v. No. 4 Alabama

Admittedly, this match-up has become less and less exciting for people outside of the SEC football realm. The country doesn't love 9-3 or 10-6 or 3-0 final scores. But the country does, or at least should, love the fact that these two teams rose from the ranks of the stingy new playoff format to face off against each other once again for the championship.

And just to put it out there, a lot of people were annoyed when these two teams played for the title last season, saying the rematch was boring. But just think of the "earned" concept. If Bama proved they could beat Georgia and then, say K-State, and LSU proved they were better than both Oregon and, say, Notre Dame, people would be a lot more excited to see this southern brawl fold out.

BCS National Championship: No. 2 Oregon v. No. 1 Kanas St.

The best part about increasing the playoff field in college football is that when the two top teams in the country end up coming out of it, it gives closure, and it makes everyone happier with that fact that they even more so earned  their spot to play for the title.

This is looking more and more like the match-up we are going to see for the national title this year. It is going to be fast-paced, exciting, and with a ton and ton of scoring. It's the game anybody that's played Madden or likes classic gun-slinging football wants. 

So just imagine, when these two teams steamroll through the playoffs to meet each other for a title, how even more intensified the final meeting would be.

By Mike Corasaniti

Is the south toast?

It has been seven years since a team from somewhere outside the SEC has hoisted the National Championship Trophy.  And whether that changes this year will be in the hands of two west coast darlings of Oregon and USC and if they can take down last years national championship participants. But what makes this year even more exciting however is the fact that if two of the four national title favorites make it to the championship game from the same conference, it will be a little more supported.

But for some "if the season ended today" purposes, let's say that each conference can only send one representative to the title game. What would make each possible national title matchup so intriguing? Let's take a look.

LSU Tigers vs. Oregon Ducks

The highlight matchup of this game would without a doubt be Oregon's Heisman hopeful De'Anthony Thomas against the punishing defensive LSU line led by juniors Barkevious Mingo and San Montgomery. After an 18 touchdown 2011 campaign, all Thomas needs to do is touch the ball for the Ducks to be successful. If the Tigers defense, which has taken more than it's fair share of hits this offseason, can contain the run game, then it will be a much different contest. 

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Oregon Ducks

It's going to be air game versus ground game if these two meet for the title. Oregon's Thomas complemented by senior rusher Kenjon Barner could be the most dangerous combination in the country. But behind Alabama's offensively line (which is one of the best in the country) will be gunslinger AJ McCarron (who is one of the best in the country). After leading the Tide over the Tigers last winter, McCarron has proved that he can take control of any matchup.

LSU Tigers vs. USC Trojans

While this one would be just as exciting as the others, you've got to feel bad for LSU and it's depleted defense as it will try to take on an offense that will probably set more records than a juiced up Barry Bonds. Matt Barkley, Robert Woods and Marquise Lee, and now Silas Redd on the ground? It doesn't really seem fair.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. USC Trojans

The contest that we will most likely see come January 7 will pit the best defense in the country against the best offense in the country. Indeed, the Alabama defense is younger than in years past. But with a pretty good returning core of a side that led the country in all four major defensive categories, Matty Trojan and his band of eligibles might certainly have their hands full. Expect a low scoring game from offenses that won't have a low scoring game all season, and a fourth quarter that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.