Jay Kersting's Blog

I have worked in sports talk radio in some capacity for roughly seven years.  From my days at WUTK-FM, through WNOX and my stringing work for Sporting News Radio, ABC Sports Radio, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, Westwood One and even 670 The Score in Chicago, the work that I have done here in Mid-Missouri on KLIK/KFRU's "On a Football Saturday" has been the most fun and personally rewarding sports talk show that I have EVER worked on.  This is NOT meant as a slight to any other shows that I have been a small part of over the years, but this is really a great show on which to be a contributor.

I am certain that a lot of that has to do with the people I am working with.  Jet Roberts, Spencer Kane, Matt LaCasse and Bryan Fulcher are all guys who are not only know football, but they are all fans of the game as well.  Brian Wilson allows the fan friendly atmosphere to exist on the show.  AND NO, that does not mean that he lets us drink....dammit....ha ha ha.

My role is simple and it is based on my background.  I am responsible for conducting an interview with the opposing team coach, or a reasonable knowledgable representative.  Anyone who listens to "On A Football Saturday" has heard the interviews.  Most schools are easy to work with and make the coach available, or are like Oklahoma and provide a great sub, like Merv Johnson.  For those who did not hear that interview, Merv is a Mizzou alum, who has been with Oklahoma for nearly 30 years.  I hope to interview him again...possibly in a few weeks.

Beyond that role, I am considered the "National" guy.  My years covering Tennessee and being a fan of a certain team from the West Coast got me that tag.  AND, I take that role fairly seriously.  I am very open for my HATRED of schools from Gainesville and Westwood, but otherwise I am fairly balanced.

NOW, with all of that said, know that I am as neutral as I can be when I say this.

IF, big IF still, the Missouri Tigers are able to win the next two games, that game at Kansas State AND THE OTHER ONE against Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, then go to the Big 12 Championship Game in San Antonio and avenge their ONLY loss of the season to Oklahoma......how can they be kept out of the National Championship Game?

Well, any number of ways really.  BUT, I would have a hard time justifying any of them.

And hear is the funny part for Mizzou as well.  If Mizzou was to beat a Kansas team with 11 wins and go to the Big 12 Championship Game, Mizzou might ALSO punch Kansas' ticket to another BCS Bowl game.  And if Mizzou was to LOSE the championship game, KU still goes to a BCS Bowl.

Not saying that WILL happen.  Just saying that it COULD happen. 

All of that said, as much as I want a playoff in Division I-A football...(also known as NCAA Division I Bowl Subdivision.....yuck!!)...this interesting type of discussion simply goes away.

Just like talk of a three loss Tennessee team still having a shot at a BCS Bowl.  Go figure.