This is not in favor of either Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Missouri or any other team.

But seriously, what does the Big 12 Championship game do? For anyone? Ever?

Case in point: This year, three of the best teams in the country are all in the same division of the same conference. Instead of deciding who is best in the conference, the BCS decides which one of the three should play Missouri. And if Missouri does pull off the upset, sure, they earn a bowl bearth, but they still aren’t in the top three of the Big 12 teams, thereby accomplishing virtually nothing.

If you’re an Oklahoma fan, it’s not a good game either. Kansas City is a snake pit for OU. See 2003 vs. Kansas State in Kansas City. The Sooners were ranked an overwhelming #1 and got beat. Then they still went to the national title game, amidst controversy and argument, and lost to LSU. So what did it do for them?

Then there was 2001 in Dallas, where Texas lost to Colorado. That was pre-BCS as well, but a loss to the Buffaloes cost the Longhorns a solid shot at the national title game.

 Additionally, Big Ten and Pac-10 teams have an easier route to the national championship because they don’t have conference championship games. Those teams use the BCS ranking to their advantage, and it works. They get in, while the extra game gives critics of Big 12 teams more ammunition to eliminate them from national title contention.

This year it’s the “who gets to play Missouri on practically their home field in cold weather?” bowl. What could this game decide, other than possibly eliminate a team who is deserving of their BCS ranking? If OU wins, it won’t be shocking. If OU wins by a lot of points, it could help them. If they win by a few points, it could hurt them and/or help Texas.

Mack Brown has said that too many times, polls eliminate good teams, rather than promote the ones who are deserving. If Oklahoma loses to Missouri, Texas fans will have reason to cheer. But, similar to what Brown said, that scenario eliminates a team instead of promoting them.

The game may make the conference money, give them tons of exposure, give fans an extra game to go to and cheer for, but at what cost?

Brag Alert:

 I love my job. I spent a gorgeous Saturday afternoon (while Roger and Todd froze in Kansas) at Bob Shelton Stadium watching Pflugerville and Smithson Valley in the first round of the playoffs. It was a great game that ended in favor of Smithson Valley, 14-7.

This meant Pflugerville was done. They went to the state championship game in 2007, but wouldn’t get to repeat their amazing run from last year. They gave a very strong Smithson Valley team an excellent game, but came up just one score short.

Defensive lineman Alex Okafor was visibly sad with the result, but still, like the leader he is, took the time to talk to me after it was over. He remained positive about what the team had done in the four years he’d been at Pflugerville, and said he wishes them the best because he’ll be watching next year. Okafor is committed to Texas, and even though his high school days are over, I’m looking forward to seeing him in the upcoming years.

 LBJ made it to the state quarterfinals in 2007, but matched up with Lake Travis in the first round this year. Despite losing to the Cavaliers, the Jaguars showed their amazing talent and focus in the game. They converted several plays that appeared busted into plays with gains of over 30 yards and even touchdowns.  Even though it’s the end of an era for his seniors, it’s a bright beginning for head coach Demo Odems.

And if you haven’t heard, watch out for these two Jaguars: WR Jeremy Moore is committed to Georgia Tech, and LB Kerry Hyder is committed to Texas Tech.

 The era continues for Lake Travis, as QB Garrett Gilbert and company look more and more like the State Champion team they were last year. They play Cibolo Steele in the second round.

Now for the blog-ending shout out: This time it goes to the budding young broadcasters at Pflugerville High School. Their broadcast team was shooting side by side with the professionals at the game, and getting some great shots that I didn’t. From one reporter to another– save those shots of the band, cheerleaders and fans! You’ll use them later!