[NU Sports] 6-6 Waivers

[JHCCLARK at aol.com]

Iowa State has petitioned the NCAA to have a waiver of the 6-6 rule in order participate in the post-season.

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041122/SPORTS020602/411220349/1066

They would be 6-6 if they play in the Big XII Championship Game and lose to Oklahoma.

Their rationale is that their kids should not be penalized for playing in the Big XII Championship Game.  

IMHO, that's a stupid argument.  (1) Choose not to play in the Championship Game if a bowl game is that important; (2) they knew the championship game was out there before the season -- if it was an issue, get your conference to drop the game altogether -- your conference made a choice, now live with it; (3) the argument could be made that Northwestern should go (if we <gasp> lose to Hawaii) at 6-6 because NU players should not be penalized for the Athletic Department's scheduling of an extra game; (4) the rule makes no provision for a waiver; (5) you are taking away opportunities for post-season play from teams which actually have a winning record; (6) if you can't get a winning record you don't deserve to inflict yourselves on the football-watching community in December; and (7) if the post-season is that important, win the $#%!@ game.

Confession:  I was one of the silent minority who didn't think the 'Cats deserved to go bowling if they were 6-6.  I think rewards are for those who do better than "C" work (yes, even with the schedule we played).

Side-bar:  Clemson and South Carolina have opted not to take post-season invites due to the brawl at their game.  Looks like the MAC is gonna take up to five spots.  Even Akron (yes, Akron) is slated by FoxSports to play in December.  And they have us in San Antonio, btw.