In the beginning, Appalachian State caused one of the biggest upsets in college football history, beating Michigan in the last few minutes by a score of 34-32. In the end, West Virginia lost a heartbreaking game against Pittsburgh, and the Mountaineers’ hopes of a title shot were washed away.

What fell in between has been considered chaos. After a roller coaster ride, the final rankings are in, and the bowl games have been determined. It is difficult to say if things ended the right way, and there is no question that NCAA administrators are getting bashed for instituting a bowl-style format to conclude the end of the college season. When virtually every other sport utilizes some sort of tournament/playoff format, it seems ridiculous that NCAA 1-A football takes a different approach.

For the general sports fan who analyzes the game, it would seem absurd that the only undefeated team in the country, Hawaii, is not playing in the national title game. Missouri, who was ranked #1 prior to the second loss it suffered to Oklahoma, is not even being awarded a bowl game. Finally, many speculated that Georgia, who went 10-2, was going to earn a BCS title shot despite not even winning their own conference championship. It was only a matter of time before a shake up like this occurred, and though it should provide for an exciting BCS title game, there are a handful of arguments against an Ohio State vs LSU match up.

The fact of the matter is that nothing can be done about the controversy. Ohio State and LSU will battle it out for a national title. Virginia Tech will match up against No. 8 Kansas in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Oklahoma will square off against No. 9 West Virginia in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Georgia will play undefeated Hawaii in the AllState Sugar Bowl, and No. 7 USC will host No. 13 Illinois in the Rose Bowl. Given the unpredictable season that fans have witnessed, these games will provide for thrilling excitement, to say the least.

There is even more at stake in the national title game, considering that no team has ever been a two-time BCS champion. The Buckeyes took the crown in 2002, while the Tigers followed in 2003. It is hard to determine who has the edge, but most experts predict LSU, considering they had the more strenuous schedule. You also can’t forget the fact that it took 6 overtimes for LSU to lose twice. On the other end of the spectrum, the Buckeyes failed to defeat the rivaling Fighting Illini after a stunning performance by quarterback Juice Williams. The victory proved substantial for Illinois, as they earned a spot in the Rose Bowl against USC.

All in all, the last few games of the college season will experience dramatic endings. With many teams finishing the regular season with their heads down, those who have been given the opportunity to compete in a bowl game will be taking complete advantage. The countdown begins, and as January 1 nears, teams will be longing for glory.