I like running up the score. I believe in running up the score, in demoralizing your opponent so viciously that they trble in fear the next time they face you.

Why am I bringing this up?

Because in college football, running up the score can be a necessity.

If Texas had any chance of making a claim at the AP portion of the national title, they needed to absolutely demolish Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl Monday night. They didn’t. We did get a thrilling game which Texas won on a briliant final drive, but in seizing victory from the jaws of defeat, the Longhorns already very slim championship hopes were dashed.

USC did what they had to against Penn State, but even their effort will not be enough since Utah dominated Alabama more than the 31-17 final score shows. Coupled with their undefeated season, the Utes performance might actually be enough to sway some AP voters. But in generating excitement Texas failed. They needed to run up the score.

And as long as the BCS is in place teams will need to do so to help their rankings throughout the season.

To be fair, college football isn’t the only sport where running up the score is a wise proposition. Baseball’s perpetual possibility of coming from behind means no score is ever safe.

• January 9, 2009 -- 2008-2009 College Football Wrap-Up (0)
• December 9, 2008 -- Football Coaches Have A Sense of Humor (0)
• December 19, 2008 -- Nate’s Most Intriguing Bowl Matchups (2)
• November 22, 2008 -- Bowl Picture Becoming Clearer (0)
• November 2, 2008 -- Bowl Championship Series Big Craziness Shake-up (0)