In Defense of Blowouts

Last week ESPN Radio host John Kincade ripped the Florida Gators and other big-time college football programs for scheduling weak teams from smaller schools at the start of the season. Meanwhile, he praised Oklahoma for scheduling a tough opponent, Brigham Young, the first week, even though the Sooners' star quarterback was injured and the team from Norman lost the game.

This week he panned Oklahoma for destroying a lesser team 64-0 yesterday. The Gators, at the same time, stomped another cupcake by 50 points, and their national championship hopes remain alive. Apparently Kincade only likes it if a team risks its season every week.

As a Florida alum and someone who usually roots for the underdog, it can be embarrassing to watch these blowouts. But there is a certain logic to them.

First, the NCAA, unlike the NFL, doesn't have a preseason, and so early season tilts aren't necessarily the best barometer of what a team will be later in the year. It is probably also the time of maximum risk. These matchups serve as needed exhibition games.

Second, small-school teams aren't forced to play these mismatches. They are compensated well and have a chance to showcase their product before a wider audience. And as Kincade knows, upsets do happen.

Third, the Gators aren't aiming to please critics such as Kincade. They are aiming to win a championship. That's what it's all about. And, so far, they've done a pretty decent job of it, winning two of the last three titles. They will play the big boys soon enough-they always do. I for one want them to be ready.