Confusion, Conspiracy, and the Nation's Best Football Program

By Nate Orders

Super Fan

he National Championship is perhaps the most coveted prize in all of college football. Why then, is the outcome decided not by the teams, but by a bunch of fat sports writers who make their decisions based on what they see on ESPN's Sports Center? Why not have a playoff? Why not let the teams determine their standings on the field?

"West Virginia wins National Championship!" Who wants to see that? Apparently not those in charge of college football. These evil men seem bent on handing out this honor every year to Notre Dame, or some team from Florida. Of course, no good conspiracy theory comes without proof, here's mine.

January 2, 1989. WVU assembles what may have been the most talented team of the century. They dominate their opponents despite the best efforts of corrupt officials. Still, they are ignored. Fortunately an astute Fiesta Bowl matches the nations two undefeated teams: Notre Dame vs. West Virginia. The powers that be, who had expected this to be a game of ND vs Miami (one with which they would not have to interfere) take action. The Mountaineer's star quarterback who should have been the Heisman Trophy winner, (I have issues with the Downtown Athletic Club too, but those aren't appropriate here) Major Harris is knocked out on the first series. The injury was attributed to a sack, but did anyone check the grassy knoll? A disgruntled AP pollster with a .22 had shattered Harris's shoulder and WVU's hopes for the championship.

Now to 1993. WVU (as usual) possesses the nation's best team. The opposition, however, now is the Bowl Alliance. Despite the fact that West Virginia was one of the two undefeated teams in I-A football, they are shunned, and sent to the Sugar Bowl to battle Florida. To rationalize this injustice, the pollsters gather the NFL all-stars, dress them up as Gators (those orange uniforms are UGLY), and send them to massacre the broken-hearted Mountaineers. "We told you WVU didn't deserve a shot at the title."

Back to 1997 now. Guess who the nation's best football team happens to be? That's right. Despite a loss or two (those are easily explained by horrible officiating and the drugging of key players), WVU still deserves the title of National Champion. I implore you to write to your local AP pollster and let them know that this fiasco can continue no longer. WVU is number one, and they're not going to stand for this discrimination. They will be heard. And for goodness' sake, institute a playoff system and take the trophy from the hands of those couch-potato sports writers.