James Joyner notes Jim Tressel’s decision not to vote in the coaches poll, and wonders if it will lead to any controversy given the way things have turned out.
Personally, I don’t think so. Here’s what Tressel said about his decision:
“We are excited to play in the BCS title game against a tremendous opponent,” Tressel said in a statement. “After consultation with my director of athletics, Gene Smith, and based upon our unique position in the BCS standings, I believe it is only fair that we not participate (in) the final poll.”
Sounds fine to me. Given OSU’s position, and the whole Michigan rivalry to begin with, it was better for him to sit this one out than risk being the center of a controversy for the next month depending on how he may have voted. Actually, it’s entirely unlikely that Tressel’s single vote would have had any impact on the final Coaches poll anyway and, even it if did, whether that would’ve really impacted the final BCS rankings.
In other words, this is much ado about nothing; although the people that run the poll sound upset:
“We are disappointed with coach Tressel’s decision, but our oversight role does not grant us authority to compel his participation,” USA Today’s managing editor for sports Monte Lorell said Sunday in a statement. “The agreement with the American Football Coaches Association obligates the panel of coaches to disclose final regular season ballots, without exception.
“Coach Tressel’s future involvement in the poll will be part of our annual review with AFCA executive director Grant Teaff.”
Yea right. You’re not going to include one of the best coaches in college football who is on his way to a second national title game in three years. Sure.
Previous Posts:
Florida Passes Michigan To Reach No. 2
BCS Leak: It?s The Buckeyes vs. The Gators
It’s Official: Ohio State vs. Florida January 8th
