So let me get this straight – after months of preseason hype, an energizing regular season, thrilling conference championships and bowl games, and after the consumption of an endless amount of beef, pork, and grilled onions at tailgating parties across the country – after all of that, there simply won’t be a 2004 National Champion in college football?

We all agree (at least I hope we do) that it is pathetic that the nation’s favorite sport, college football, doesn’t have a playoff system. So, just like this past season, even though two (or more) teams may run the table and go undefeated, someone is given the crystal trophy based largely on where they were in the preseason polls, what conference they are in, and yes, their history.

This issue alone could be solved with a simple eight-team playoff.

Now we have this issue with USC, who the NCAA has slammed with sanctions due to improper benefits given to Reggie Bush.

Although the appeals process has already begun, it is unlikely that it will change things.

Since the “cost” of their illegal activity includes having their wins and their 2004 National Championship from that season taken away, who gets the trophy?

As you recall, this was the season where three teams, USC, Oklahoma and Auburn all went into their bowl games undefeated. Many people, such as myself, felt that the Tigers got the shaft when they were not allowed to play for the National Championship.

Following the Trojans convincing win over the Sooners, many football “experts” felt that, indeed, it should have been Auburn in the title game match up.

When all was said and done, USC ended No. 1 in the polls and Auburn finished second.

Now we discover that USC wasn’t playing by the rules. Auburn was!

Oklahoma didn’t finish undefeated. Auburn did!

So where should that trophy go? To Auburn!

Now before you start emailing me telling me “this is the only way Auburn will ever get a National Championship,” let me save you some time. I’ve already heard that argument.

But the fact remains that we can’t have a college football season with NO CHAMPION. It just can’t happen. Somebody has to be named Champion.

According to Bill Hancock, chairman of the BCS, if indeed the appeals process ends with the Trojans having their wins and championship taken away, there will likely be NO national champion team crowned.

If I were an Auburn player, I would be ticked. They played by the rules, they were given no shot at the title game, and as it turns out, they are the only team left with an undefeated record.

Tuberville should be even more ticked. He lost out on more than a quarter million dollars in bonuses for winning the title.

So how will the Tigers handle this?

Well they could do like their in-state foe. In 1941, despite being 9-2 and having lost to Mississippi State and Vandy, and finishing 20th in the Associated Press Poll, the Tide claims a National Championship. Or, like in 1964, the Tide was named National Champs BEFORE they lost to Texas in the Orange Bowl, leaving Arkansas as the only undefeated team in the country. Still, Alabama claims that title.

So Auburn, just CLAIM the title. It works in Tuscaloosa.

Hold it Bama fans, put the phone down.

My point is that the championship MUST BE DECIDED ON THE FIELD. If we have a playoff system, that will end all of this controversy.

In the case of 2004, only one team ended up undefeated – Auburn!

Just give them the trophy and let’s move on.

Are you ready for some football?

- Hit ‘em straight.

Dale Jones is a writer for The Islander. He is a member of the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Reach him at djones@gulfcoastnewspapers.com.