By Mike Lopresti

Gannett News Service

It’s not that we lack for reasons to applaud Oklahoma.

The Sooners have 47 touchdown passes this season. The three service academies together have 17.

Oklahoma — after going for 62, 66, 65 and 61 its last four games — is averaging 53.33 points. Auburn, Tennessee and Mississippi State combined — one-fourth of the mighty SEC — average 49.91.

The Sooners lead the nation with only nine turnovers. At the other end, Washington State has 38.

The Oklahoma stat sheet is nearly radioactive. It merits deep respect. Sincere admiration. A really nice bowl in a really warm place.

But not a spot in the Big 12 championship game.

In case anyone’s forgotten: Texas 45, Oklahoma 35. On a neutral field.

That’s the trump card, or ought to be.

Blame the Big 12 South tie-breaker that allows for no insertion of judgment. Oklahoma ranks ahead of Texas and Texas Tech in the latest BCS poll, and that is that.

Here’s what should happen: A clause that states if two teams are within a certain close range of one another on the BCS rankings, then the tie is broken by head-to-head result.

That uses the computers as guidance, not as handcuffs to a flawed decision.

Oklahoma and Texas are as close as electrons of the same molecule in nearly every measure. When that is the case, how can head-to-head not carry the day?

We can argue BCS versus playoffs until the Red River runs dry. But no matter which side of the debate one takes, no matter what system is used to select teams to play for the national championship — be it two for the BCS or eight for a playoff bracket — this can’t happen.

It’s another reminder of the wrong turns that can be taken, when a sport must start choosing.

Thumbs of the week

Up to Billy Flutie. Touchdown pass off a fake field goal is key play in Boston College’s win over Maryland. That last name might ring a bell. Uncle Doug won a Heisman.

Up to Cincinnati. Orange Bowl dead ahead. And while knocking the Big East has become a popular sport, note that the conference has won its last three BCS bowl games.

Up to top five teams in BCS rankings. This is what you call last-minute campaigning. Alabama, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and USC all play rivals — and win by an average of 32.2 points.

Up to Case Keenum. Houston quarterback throws for 494 yards and five touchdowns and sets NCAA record with 25 straight completions, including 22 from the previous game. Cougars lose to Rice, anyway.

Up to Oklahoma State. Cowboys might own the most honorable 9-3 record in history, with the three defeats to teams ranked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 at the time.

Down to Notre Dame. Four first downs and 91 total yards against USC? Irish go from disappointing to impotent. Now the soul searching on Charlie Weis can officially begin.

Down to LSU. Mississippi loss gives the Tigers a 7-5 record — the most regular season defeats for a defending national champion in The Associated Press poll since Ohio State went 3-6 in 1943. Not counting 1993 Alabama, which lost three games but had to forfeit nine.

Down to Oregon State. One home win away from the first Rose Bowl in 44 years — and then the Beavers give up 65 points.

Down to pre-game skirmishes. Notre Dame-USC only the latest. They’re boring, they’re silly, and they’re becoming too common.

Contact Mike Lopresti at mlopresti@gns.gannett.com