The Tigers are the national champion again. We're the first two-loss team ever to do so, and the first two-time champion since the advent of the BCS system. The SEC is regarded, if perhaps grudgingly, as the meat-grinder conference we've been saying it is these past few years. Our fellow SEC teams and coaches, both those we've beaten and those who've beaten us, and notably Florida and Urban Meyer, showed an encouraging amount of support for us, which the LSU team affectionately returned with a rub on Urban's head and shake of his hand. There is respect and cohesion among the SEC powers, and that lends itself to the character of this conference. But best of all, in my opinion, is that both the talking heads and University officials acknowledge, finally, that a playoff is inevitable, while not trying to discredit LSU's Championship. Mark Schlabach: "The Tigers beat eight opponents which were ranked when the teams played, including a 48-7 blowout of then-No. 9 Virginia Tech in the second game. LSU beat Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee and defending national champion Florida. Each of the Tigers' two losses came in triple-overtime, 43-37 against Kentucky and 50-48 against Arkansas. LSU won't be remembered as one of the greatest national champions this sport has seen, but under the current system, the Tigers were most deserving." Mike Slive: "This is a season of discussion. It's time to air it all out." At long last, it seems a playoff, however rudimentary, is looming on the horizon. And it was two SEC teams who lit the fuse. How perfectly fitting. The Big 10 and the Pac-10, and of course the Rose Bowl, are going to fight tooth and nail against it, for which I have to grin. If a playoff does happen, national championships between either of those conferences will be scant, and they know it. It's so wonderful when reality asserts itself. It's great to be a part of the SEC. I'm just totally stoked. :lsup: :geauxtige :LSU231: :milesmic: :crystal: :geaux: :helmet: :tigerhead :champs:
