Q: Should Undefeated Hawaii Play for the National Championship?

A: Georgia 41
Hawaii 10

Here is my simple analysis of the Sugar Bowl and its application to real life;
The University of Hawaii should be very proud of what has been accomplished by the football program there. They have a good team in spite of a recruiting budget that is 10 % of most major schools. They play on an island that is almost like another country. They went undefeated during the regular season, which is a great accomplishment in any conference. Here is a quote from their heisman-candidate quarterback about the lack of respect they have received;

"But not this game, not this time. Everybody's going to be watching. We're going to come out, show up and showcase what kind of team we really have."

Well, yes. That is what happened. The highest scoring, most potent offense in college football scored only 10 points. The score could have been worse. Why? As a Georgia fan, I would love to proclaim their supremecy. But the fact is that half the teams in the SEC could have beaten Hawaii. Again, why? The answer is the regular diet of competition at a high level. It makes you better. Even when loosing. Georgia lost two games this year. At the end of the season, though, they are a MUCH better team than Hawaii because of the adversity of facing such a daunting challenge week after week. If Hawaii played in the SEC every week, the injuries would mount and they would loose some games during the season. But at the end of the season, the linemen would have been able to play much better than they are capable of now.

So what? So, you and I will not play college football in 2008. But we can invite challenges that make us stronger--even if it means an occasional loss. Daring to attempt the difficult and falling short is much more character building than attempting mediocrity and boasting that we are "undefeated". Something to think about as you put the finishing touches on your New Years Resolution.