A loss is inevitable in the championship hunt

By John McManus Sports Central Columnist

To say this college football season is unique is certainly an understatement.

It's not going to be a normal one, but if it's any consolation, the season should be a very exciting, as many big games have been rescheduled for the stretch run.

Since the Bowl Championship Series began in the 1998 season, all national champions finished undefeated. This year might be different.

Sure, the elite have made it to this point mostly unscathed, but the tough part of the schedule has yet to come for some of these teams. Let's look ahead and try to get some answers as to which team will remain standing when it's all said and done in Pasadena.

Florida: The Gators look unreal, but they have a tough four-game stretch toward the end of the season. They are at South Carolina, then they host Florida State, followed by Tennessee. If they make it through that, they have the SEC Championship in their procession once again. If the Gators record is unblemished after that stretch, just give them the Sears Trophy.

Miami (Fla.): The 'Canes end the regular season with Washington at home and at Virginia Tech a week later. That is also a tall order.

Oklahoma and Nebraska: These teams have their showdown on October 27 and a possible rematch in the Big 12 Championship. Right now, the Sooners look about as good as anyone, but when you're the defending champ, everyone is ready to hit you with their best shot -- except maybe Texas. You heard it here, the Longhorns are out of the picture, even if they run the table from here on in, which they won't.

Fresno State: The Bulldogs might have the clear road to an undefeated season, but not enough in the BCS to even get to Pasadena.

So, have I answered any questions? Not really.

I will say this, though; I think my preseason pick for the Rose Bowl still looks good. I had Miami beating Michigan for all the marbles. Okay, I know, Michigan already has a loss (a close one to Washington, decided by two plays), but, they lost at the right time, on the road and early in the season.

Miami has a tough stretch coming up, as I mentioned before, but, not as tough as Florida's. So, this scenario could still happen unless a Pac-Ten team like UCLA, Washington, or Oregon decide to crash the party. And what about South Carolina?

It's going to be exciting, but I still say it's Miami over Michigan in Pasadena.