It's that time again for BCS debate

Y ES, IT'S THAT time on the calendar again. Let the controversy commence anew.

The first BCS standings will come out Sunday. Bet you can't wait. But whatever you think, they will be the sport's dominant storyline for the next 7 weeks. Because the only thing that matters, in a playoff-less landscape, is who makes it to New Orleans on Jan. 9. And, just as arguably, who doesn't.

The BCS wasn't designed to settle all the debates. Its purpose is to provide a No. 1 vs. No. 2 game. And in doing so, it often creates debates. The only time it works to most everyone's satisfaction is when two teams pretty much separate themselves the way that Southern Cal and Texas did in 2005. More often than not you're left with some precinct complaining.

While it can get confounding, it does generate a ton of interest. Even when the end results don't necessarily make sense. See Florida State over Miami in 2000, or Nebraska over Oregon in 2001 for reference points.

There are 13 remaining unbeatens. Two, Boise State and Houston, are non-BCS affiliates. Of those from one of the six automatic-qualifier conferences, the only one that isn't scheduled to play another unbeaten during the regular season is Stanford, which won't even have to face one in the first Pac-10 title game should it get there.

So there's going to be room for movement.

Last year, Oklahoma and Oregon were 1-2 in the first BCS standings. Auburn was No. 4. Oklahoma would finish seventh, while Auburn and Oregon ended up 1-2, followed by TCU (which started fifth), Stanford (12th) and Wisconsin (13th). So whatever happens this week, don't overreact too much. December's still a ways off.

The last time the two that started 1-2 remained there was 2005. That's also the only time it occured, since this system/formula supplanted the Bowl Alliance. Or was that the Bowl Coalition? Twice, 1 and 3 have finished 1-2 (1999 and 2004). Six other times, two that began in the top five made it. Two that started six have made it (Ohio State in 2002, Florida in 2006). A 10 got in in 2006 (Florida), and a 12 (LSU) in 2003.

So it's not about opening statements, although that probably won't stop folks from trying to already identify injustices relevant or perceived.

As always, enjoy.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT

Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles needs four receptions to break the NCAA career record. Who holds it? Hint: He played in this century, in a BCS conference. See Answer Man.

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