More observations from the blogosphere

If you haven't noticed, Ted Miller has done an amazing job transitioning traditional beat writing into blog form. He writes prolifically about the Pac-10 for ESPN. Some of his observations from USC's 17-3 escape over Cal on Saturday:

• The Trojans, owners of the nation's No. 1 defense, haven't allowed a touchdown in more than 10 quarters.
• The Trojans have held their last four opponents to fewer than 200 yards of total offense.
• In five games in the Coliseum this year -- a schedule that included three ranked teams -- the Trojans have outscored opponents, 180-16.
• Cal began the game with the nation's No. 19 scoring offense (36.4 points per game) but scored only three points, its lowest output since 2000. The Bears previous scoring low this season is 24 points.

Miller wasn't pointing all this out to build USC up as much as he was saying that even the most suffocating defense won't win a national title without some help.

Defense used to win championships, but in the BCS era you need to score style points.

-- Adam Rose

PS: I don't just like his blog because he also uses bullet-points and double-dashes -- honest.

Comments

[gerrrg]

There is irony to the changes they made in the BCS. Now, more than ever, style points matter. It's a sign of the times, that people get to choose who they want to play for the NC.

Not much chance USC gets up into the NC game. But it might be that the Pac-10 will get two teams into the BCS, and all schools will benefit monetarily.