The Atlantic Sun champions from Mercer took advantage of their 14-seed by taking down Duke in the first round in Raleigh, North Carolina Friday afternoon. As is expected whenever something like this happens in the world of college basketball, the inevitable question about seeing something similar happen in college football popped up on Twitter.
Again, comparing college football to college basketball is like comparing apples and oranges. There are too many differences between the two sports and the way they operate to even make it a worthwhile discussion. Even with the start of the brand new College Football Playoff coming our way this 2014 season is not enough to start making comparisons between the two sports and their respective postseason formats.College football has the BCS busters that have provided some great memories and moments at times. Boise State was put on a map thanks to their trademark blue turf, but it was an upset of Oklahoma that made the Broncos a legitimate household name. Utah managed to win a pair of BCS bowl games against Pittsburgh and Alabama, no small feat that has helped raise their profile to be attractive enough for an invite to join the Pac 10 (now the Pac 12, of course). Others, such as Hawaii and Northern Illinois, have been less fortunate against the bluebloods of the sport, which is similar to the fate most of the heavy underdogs in basketball’s postseason experience.
It’s true. Imaginations run wild when Dayton beats Ohio State and Florida Gulf Coast beats Georgetown, but we are collectively reluctant to embrace the same when Boise State crashes a BCS bowl game or Northern Illinois or Fresno State are making a run. Why is that? For some reason when it comes to football, many prefer to see the teams with the most talent play because the expectation is a more competitive game is more likely.
Instead of spending time wishing college football’s playoff system set a stage for similar March Madness drama or arguing in favor of the sanctity of the regular season, maybe we should just enjoy each sport for what they are. Both are pretty great.
I say it every year, and I’ll say it again: Who wouldn’t want to see Mercer-like scene/story in college football? #realplayoff
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) March 21, 2014
Again, comparing college football to college basketball is like comparing apples and oranges. There are too many differences between the two sports and the way they operate to even make it a worthwhile discussion. Even with the start of the brand new College Football Playoff coming our way this 2014 season is not enough to start making comparisons between the two sports and their respective postseason formats.College football has the BCS busters that have provided some great memories and moments at times. Boise State was put on a map thanks to their trademark blue turf, but it was an upset of Oklahoma that made the Broncos a legitimate household name. Utah managed to win a pair of BCS bowl games against Pittsburgh and Alabama, no small feat that has helped raise their profile to be attractive enough for an invite to join the Pac 10 (now the Pac 12, of course). Others, such as Hawaii and Northern Illinois, have been less fortunate against the bluebloods of the sport, which is similar to the fate most of the heavy underdogs in basketball’s postseason experience.
Little guys rising up to greatness. Something everyone loves until they start talking about college football.
— Michael James (@navybirddog) March 21, 2014
It’s true. Imaginations run wild when Dayton beats Ohio State and Florida Gulf Coast beats Georgetown, but we are collectively reluctant to embrace the same when Boise State crashes a BCS bowl game or Northern Illinois or Fresno State are making a run. Why is that? For some reason when it comes to football, many prefer to see the teams with the most talent play because the expectation is a more competitive game is more likely.
@KevinOnCFB @navybirddog We love Cinderella on the first weekend. We want bluebloods in the Final Four.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 21, 2014
Instead of spending time wishing college football’s playoff system set a stage for similar March Madness drama or arguing in favor of the sanctity of the regular season, maybe we should just enjoy each sport for what they are. Both are pretty great.