By JOHN TUCKER, New Hampshire Union Leader

BCS backers should have no qualms about an almost-certain rematch between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama in the BCS national-championship game.

Playoff proponents can gripe to their hearts' content about not wanting to see the SEC powers play for all the marbles, because "they've already played."

But it's going to happen.

LSU players and fans must be on pins and needles anticipating Friday's high-stakes game in Baton Rouge against third-ranked Arkansas.

What's to fret?

Polls, pundits and computers all agree that 11-0 LSU is the best team in the land.

The Tigers' defense is at least the nation's second-best -- behind Alabama's.

Tears flowed during a pre-game ceremony like no other. Thunderous chants of "WE ARE ... PENN STATE" roared like never before, and a Beaver Stadium crowd of almost 108,000 helped the healing begin after the most sorrowful week in school history.

It's not unusual for a college-football game to change complexion, even drastically.

There may not be a more classic example than "The Comeback" in 1974, when No. 6 Southern California trailed No. 5 Notre Dame 24-0 late in the first half before the floodgates opened, and USC scored 55 unanswered points.

The tale of two halves has been a recurring theme every season.

If you listened to those powerful statements delivered on the college gridiron last Saturday, you probably realize the road to the Bowl Championship Series title could stay congested for awhile, maybe right to the bitter end.

No. 2 Alabama's convincing 38-10 road win over then No. 12 Florida says the Tide is once again the team to beat in the SEC, probably in the nation.

Even casual fans could get caught up in the college-football craze, if they just let themselves be held captive by this phenomenal game for a day -- just one Saturday, all day ...

Several ranked opponents going head-to-head again this Saturday creates another wildfire of anticipation and excitement as BCS-championship-game contenders continue to duke it out.

With college football's first-quarter performances in the bank, The Unbalanced Line sizes up the best -- albeit still speculative -- investments in the Heisman and BCS title chases.

-- Blue-chippers

If there's an extraordinary demand for psychiatric services in South Bend, Ind. this week, it's understandable.

Who could blame Notre Dame football players and fans for seeking counseling after the devastating gridiron events of the past two Saturdays?

Once again, right out of the gate, college football has succeeded marvelously in reminding fans why they miss this game so much during the offseason, and why they get so pumped up for the start of a new season.

Nail-biting slugfests, underdog uprisings, improbable comebacks and fever-pitch excitement are weekly staples of the college gridiron.

With a convicted ponzi schemer blowing the lid on one of the biggest sports scandals in ages, it's no wonder it seems like college football is giving corporate America a run for its money in the scandal department.

Fallout from an off-season plagued by dreadful decisions by players -- and at least one revered coach -- has been unprecedented.