(04-26-2013 12:36 PM)RUScarlets Wrote: I'm telling you right now, teams that are locked into the top four going into the final week will mail in those games at one time or another, and there will be a massive uproar once that happens.
I agree 100%, but looking at the situation, I wonder how often this would really happen.
In the last 5 years, going into the last weekend, the only team I can think of that had absolutely zero chance of falling out of the Top 4 after a loss would be 2011 LSU. Heck, they might not have even fallen out of Number One!
In 2012, Notre Dame was probably safe going into the USC game. But with Florida, K-State, Oregon, and the SEC Champ all in the mix, there might have been at least some slight room for doubt if the Irish were to "tank" that one (plus...can anyone really imagine Notre Dame tanking against USC?!?)
In 2011, Alabama, Oklahoma State, and Stanford were all in must-win situations in their season finales. LSU probably could have "tanked", as I mentioned above.
In 2010, Auburn might have been safe (similar to 2012 Notre Dame), but a loss to the Gamecocks would have had them behind Oregon for sure, and possibly TCU. After their near-loss against Bama, a committee might see a "tanking" effort as instability, and instead consider Stanford and Wisconsin for the other two spots.
In 2009, with so many unbeatens, no one was assured of a Top 4 spot with a loss. No chance of tanking that year.
In 2008, with so many one-loss teams (Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, USC, Texas Tech) plus undefeated Alabama and Utah (and Boise...though they were a bit further down to be a dark horse), no one was assured of a Top 4 spot with a loss. No tanking that year, either.
So I agree that this could be a legitimate concern. But thankfully, I think we should feel safe that this won't be a regular occurrence.