I completely understand, but you guys have had a stellar season regardless. Of course it doesn’t mean as much for you guys – but it doesn’t mean your season isn’t as impressive.

In defense of the Beavers (for I can’t keep letting the Ducks defend us!), yes it is not based on one (or even two games) it based on the entire season. So, interestingly enough I think by the comments here and the vote above that most Beavs fans don’t think we deserve it, and yes I have my questions too. But what is strange is that the Beavs fans seem to be the most down on the season now but things like the polls/voters and writers are giving us a broader more positive outlook on the season. Interesting reversal!

So, let’s say USC does lose to UCLA. Here’s how I personally would break down the teams “deserving” to go:

OSU

Against: Loss to UO and Stanford. Loss in a big way to PSU. Loss to Utah hurts but not as bad for it was close. Couldn’t start and end the season.

For: Beat USC and Cal. Won the conference games they needed to win (up to UO game) and the road win at UA was huge. Strong non-conference schedule (Hawai’i not a big time win but still not a bad one, and did play PSU and Utah on the road). Consistent middle of the season.

UO

Against: Not as strong non-conference schedule (yes playing Utah State and Purdue hurts them on this count). Overall conference performance not as strong as OSU and USC (lost to USC and Cal when both games were needed). Inconsistent (especially the D).

For: End of the season surge and of course beating ranked OSU on the road. Overall record is impressive (only non-conference loss is to unbeaten BSU). Lost only one really bad game score-wise (USC). Offense (for the most part) has been strong this season.

USC

Against: Losses to UCLA and OSU. General consensus was they are the best and should win the conference easily and did not (but I think with the way the Oregon schools are playing SC better get used to this-IMHO). Also not a very strong non-conference schedule.

For: Beating Ohio State. Overall level of the wins has been very strong (except for UA who they only beat by 7). Non-conference schedule was not horrible, for Virginia and ND are not suppose to be that bad so not really USC’s fault (they had no Idahos or Utah States filling up spaces). Defense = one of the best in the country this year.

So that is my opinion and nothing more, for as you can see a ton of subjective measurements. Who ends up going? I would say that the non-conference games were close enough in opponent strength that I would go with overall record and give it to USC. I think OSU gets a bit of a nod over UO because of our overall Pac-10 performance, but yes the Ducks this last game did make this argument a bit harder to defend but I still believe this.

jtlight has an interesting point above that maybe no Pac-10 team should go, I actually kind-of see that point but will disagree. Doesn’t an ACC team get a BCS invite for winning their conference (I could be wrong but I thought so)? I don’t think the Pac has been as strong as recent years, but also have some pride in the conference. On a given day I think any team down to, and including, UA can give most teams around the country a game, but yes the problem has seemed to be that on the other given days we all lose or barely beat the teams that shouldn’t be giving us games.

Personally this year I don’t think OSU or UO are quite “ready” for this type of match up (a top five BCS team), but do think that both teams (especially the Beavs!) will be back in the hunt and sooner or later will be ready.

Take that all as you will.

Lastly:

I only really think USC (obviously after beating UCLA) should go

By the way for this I don’t think anyone here would argue, and if that is what you are implying I’m not sure why the point had to be made.