Even with Darren McFadden performing like a one-man wrecking crew, Arkansas won’t be playing for a national title in ’06. The Razorbacks were defeated by SEC rival LSU 31-26 Friday, which dropped AU to two losses and virtually out of national championship contention. McFadden rushed for 182 yards, was 2 for 2 passing for 33 yards and scored twice. However, the AU defense couldn’t stop JaMarcus Russell (14 of 22 for 210 yards and two TDs) or Trenton Hilton early in the fourth quarter. After an 80-yard McFadden touchdown run that brought the Razorbacks within eight, Hilton returned the ensuing kickoff 92 yards to put the Tigers up for good.
What the Arkansas loss means to the BCS has a resounding effect on the Notre Dame-USC game Saturday. A win over the Irish might be enough for USC to knock Florida out of contention, even if the Gators beat the Razorbacks in the SEC Championship game. A loss by the Trojans, and Florida might be able to set a date with Ohio State if the Gators beat Arkansas. To further complicate things, Michigan still has a shot if both USC and Florida fall. I doubt a one-loss Notre Dame leapfrogs a one-loss Wolverines team after Michigan dismantled the Irish earlier in the season. But hey, this is the BCS, where anything can happen.
