Could the media be right?

I keep hearing on TV that my beloved USC Trojans are "down" this year. I can understand the love for Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Florida ahead of us this year even though I don't believe it. What I can't understand, is hearing that Texas Tech should be in the National Championship Game ahead of USC if Oklahoma were to lose this week to Oklahoma State. Seriously? A team that just lost by 44 would win the Big 12 South and play for the Big 12 Championship and thus automatically be in the BCS Championship game. They lost by 44. Texas Tech also played 2 1-AA teams this year. Should they be rewarded for that? Get ready for another blowout if this happens. Sorry media. Here are some reasons that USC should be in the BCS Championship Game:

- USC never gets blown out.
- 79-9 last 7 years
- 9 losses by combined 36 points!
- 3-0 vs ranked opponents this year outscoring them 96-16
- #1 defense in country
- #2 point differential in country
- 5-1 in BCS Games
- 11 wins 6 straight seasons (soon to be 7)

USC is second in the nation in point differential at 30.1 points per game. How does that compare to the last 7 USC teams, including the undefeated 2005 team?

2002 17.2
2003 22.7
2004 25.2
2005 26.3
2006 15.3
2007 16.6
2008 30.1

This years team is the best in the Pete Carroll era in point differential. Must be a bad year for the mighty Trojans! I don't see how USC is "down" this year. Must be the offense then. The media thinks the reason is because of the offense. How does USC points per game look for the last 7 years?

2002 35.8
2003 41.1
2004 38.2
2005 49.1
2006 30.5
2007 32.6
2008 38.4

This years team is the third highest scoring team of the Pete Carroll era. While the offense has been inconsistent at times, the talent is obviously still there.

I am biased, but I still think USC deserves a shot to play for the title if Oklahoma loses this week. Who wants to watch another blowout BCS Championship Game? Oklahoma has lost 4 straight BCS Games but should they win out, they will play the SEC Champion for the title. If they should lose though, the Trojans are the team that needs to be there!