BCS provides a different kind of political football

Several hours before the latest version of the BCS standings was released Sunday, Oregon spokesman Andy McNamara tweeted a set of numbers. Turns out – who knew? – the Ducks have more victories over FBS-level teams with a winning record (four) than Alabama or Kansas State (three each).

And although Florida also has beaten four opponents with winning records, the stat was augmented by Oregon's average points per game (47.8), better than Florida (26.3), Kansas State (35.3) or Alabama (36.3).

Which is only to say: Political campaigns have nothing on the spin that swirls during college football's silly season.

In the next few weeks, we can expect more tweets. Voters in the polls and various opinion-makers can expect emails filled with bullet points touting why this team has a stronger argument for making it to the BCS championship than those other teams. In years past, coaches have taken to pushing their product, when necessary, in interviews.

The stat comparison from Oregon was interesting, if incomplete. For example: What was each opponent's ranking? Where were the games played? If we're listing points per game, how about margin of victory? Or opponents' points per game, which would measure defensive prowess? Or cumulative records of all opponents? And so on.

But it was clearly a preemptive strike against a development that was suspected, and eventually revealed:

Oregon, No. 2 in the polls, was ranked No. 3 in the initial BCS rankings released a week ago. The Ducks fell to fourth on Sunday, edged by Kansas State on the strength of the Wildcats' higher computer rankings.

Duck fans probably don't need to fret too much at this point. The BCS standings are volatile. Oregon's strength of schedule is backloaded, with several opportunities to make statements against currently ranked opponents and to impress the computer formulas.

Three of the Ducks' last five games are on the road; they play at No. 9 USC (Nov. 3), against No. 17 Stanford and at No. 7 Oregon State – followed, if they win out, by the Pac-12 championship, which might be a rematch with USC.

Kansas State, meanwhile, finishes with three of five at home, including No. 14 Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and No. 23 Texas.

But the point is, we should get ready for plenty of similar comparisons in the next few weeks. The calendar shows we're still in October – but college football's silly season has begun.