I apologize as well, as I have let my intense dislike for the AP Poll somewhat cloud my judgement in making posts here. Just when I had hoped their influence had slipped a little, they made USC their champion in 2003, giving them a new legion of fans.
In basketball, we have the NCAA tourney at the end of the year. In baseball, we have qualifiers and the College World Series. In hockey, they have 16 teams qualify and have the Frozen Four compete each year. So in each, we have a clear National Champion. It is settled on the court, on the diamond, and on the ice. In football, it is sometimes tragically settled in the newsrooms by the reporters.
And I have been somewhat jaded against USC because of posts by some of their fans on these boards and others. I'd like to think Auburn and Utah deserve some credit for 2004 and LSU for 2003, but like Arizona State (12-0) in 1975 and Southern Cal (12-1) in 1978, they had equal or better records than the AP-proclaimed "National Champs" and rarely got the recognition they deserve.
USC definitely is a great team and they will go down as one of the greats. But we desperately need a playoff system. As for Vick, he's athletic, but overrated. I hope my Chiefs don't take him. And I am glad NCAA football is over; until August - only 7 months away! Peace.
Peace to you as well, and I agree with all your points on the other sports and the AP. And the lack of a playoff not only screws the other undefeated teams in a given year, but in every other sport, you can have an 'off day' or a bad game, and still end up winning a title by proving it in the playoffs. But in college football, one bad day generally removes you from the chase, which is unfortunate, especially today when there is so much balance throughout the country.
Good luck with your Chiefs. And with regard to Vick, I think there will be some healthy skepticism surrounding his situation for most clubs in the NFL. We'll see. Take care.