We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
The words of our forefathers had the outward appearance of covering all bases. However, history has shown us the many ways in which they were just that—words…all men certainly weren’t considered equal…
While far less serious a matter, I can’t help but wonder if the NCAA Playoff Committee referred to the Declaration of Independence when drafting its founding paperwork:
Initially we were informed of the mighty weight a conference championship would carry. Yet, in the few short years since the inaugural system was put in place….at least one team did not have a conference championship in place to win, while at least another was eliminated from championship play following a loss in their conference’s gateway game to the actual championship…
In the weeks leading up to the unveiling of the first round of final four contenders, spectators began stating the plethora of reasons, complete with bullet points…as to why their team deserves a seat at the coveted table….
For some, stellar records have been met with opposition….ask the Badgers of Wisconsin how things played out for them not too long ago. Their accomplishments were minimized week in and week out. Thus, when the most inopportune time for a loss occurred…the championship…it was used to the support a metric that had held no real basis for the entire season…
Oh but there is definitely power in numbers. The fact that the University of Central Florida happens to have the largest undergraduate enrollment in the country may have played a role in the intensity of the pushback given to college football pundits and other fan bases alike. Strength of schedule, said the naysayers. I’d like to believe an ensuing “black and gold wave” is what brought the hypocrisy of last year champions’ continuous cupcake schedule to light.
Throughout our country’s history…various groups saw up close and personal, opportunities escaping them and being bestowed upon others for no other reason than their different lots in life…. civil unrest was inevitable. If not addressed appropriately, history does have a way of repeating itself.
I’m elated to have my Sooners in the playoff fray no doubt! Having a seat at the table for 3 of 5 years hasn’t led to losing sight of the big picture though….it’s the holidays after all—extensions are being placed on tabletops from sea to shining sea—surely there is enough room for four more at this particular table. Boomer Sooner!
