Split National Title? Not for Oklahoma State

The OSU Cowboys had a great season, but dreams of
any kind of split national title will not come true.

A lot of people around Oklahoma have wishfully speculated at the outside shot that Oklahoma State could get in on a split national title if Alabama beats LSU in the BCS Championship Game. I hate to rain on that parade, but I will: there is no chance that happens. If there is any kind of split national title, LSU will get the AP title.

I've been over LSU's credentials before. You could argue that the Tigers shouldn't even have to play this game to be the national champions. Their body of work is so much more impressive than anyone else, they may have enough to still claim the AP title if Alabama wins an ugly or controversial game. I still think Alabama would get enough votes to edge out LSU for the AP title in that scenario, though.

Oklahoma State's win over Stanford was great, and it solidified OSU as a strong third and possibly a contender to finish second in the final polls. However, the voters won't just decide they don't like Alabama or LSU and then just jump Oklahoma State over both of them.

Oklahoma State fans should be proud of everything that team accomplished, and they have a right to claim that their team deserves a chance to play the LSU/Alabama winner. However, much like TCU last season and Auburn in 2004 and Boise State a couple of times, those claims are pointless because the game will never happen. .

Does the system stink? Sure, but we knew that in August. It's not changing now. Monday's winner takes all. Those were the rules when the season began, and those will be the rules when the season ends. The winner of Monday night's game will be the national champion. Period

In my opinion, OSU fans should pull for an LSU national title.
Let's be honest: the Tigers deserve it.

If OSU fans want a little controversy and something to talk about, then pull for Alabama with the knowledge that no possible outcome will result in OSU winning the AP national title. An Alabama blowout means a unanimous title for the Tide. A close win by Alabama probably means the same. A ugly or controversial win by Alabama might cause some AP voters to give LSU the title. That's it.

I personally think OSU fans should pull for LSU to crush Alabama so that the Cowboys finish as a strong second in both polls. Make some national runner-up t-shirts if you want. That's the best that Cowboy fans can realistically hope for, and they should be proud of it.