He's no joker.

In the spirit of Halloween, NBC.com contributor Bryan Burwell thought it would be a good idea to try out his favorite costume. Actually, we're not entirely sure he had on any costume when he wrote this article, but he sure comes off as a real clown when you sit down and read his latest column.

We're not sure who this guy writes for full time, but this article reeks of a guy who's hometown team has been bumped out of contention. He just comes off as bitter. It's kind of pathetic when you consider he's paid to write these things.

Check it out.

Mr. Burwell decided to let everyone know why he thinks that Penn State is undeserving of a shot at the national title.

Why is it?

Because Ohio State got spanked the past two tries, of course.

Look, we understand that people don't like the Big Ten, and as soon as those SEC and Big12 teams started piling up losses, everyone was looking for a one loss team to put ahead of Penn State. We're kind of used to seeing articles like this. We realize that because Ohio State can't get up for a big game, that it reflects poorly on the whole conference.

But to say Penn State doesn't even deserve a shot because of another team's poor performance in the previous two years is just ridiculous.

In fact, he claims that he can think of ten teams off the top of his head that deserve a chance to play for the 'ship. Those ten teams? "Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, USC, LSU and even Missouri."

Texas - Ranked one, so they'll get there ahead of PSU if they remain unbeaten.
Alabama - Same as Texas, except second. We understand the BCS, mostly, so we can deal with that. We'll be disappointed, but we get it.
Florida - They lost to Ole Miss, and you want to see them with the best in the country?
Georgia - Didn't they get destroyed at their own field? Probably the worst pre-season number 1 ever.
Oklahoma State - Lost to Texas. That was their National Championship, why should they get to try again?
Oklahoma - Same as OK State.
Texas Tech - We'll see, but you want to knock PSU for not having a difficult schedule?
USC - Got trounced by Oregon State, who got trounced by -- you guessed it -- PSU.
LSU - Two lopsided losses. TWO. You can't put teams in the national championship just because of the name of the school.
Missouri - Really, who didn't see right through that team? Two losses. Do they even have a defensive squad on that team? There's two sides to that ball.

So, Burwell, this is who you pick? A couple of two loss teams and a couple other teams who got the piss beat out of them at one point or another?

The only legit teams that might be on there are already ranked ahead of PSU -- and we're fine with those rankings -- or Texas Tech, which always seems to create some kind of buzz until they play someone that matters.

Why do we think those are the only legit teams? Because they're undefeated.

Everyone knows how the BCS works by now. You go undefeated and you give yourself a chance to play for the crystal. If you lose to unranked teams or get blown out at your home field, you probably won't get that chance. If you lose twice, you really don't deserve that chance.

These teams are not being "penalized for being in a far superior conference," as Burwell states, they are being penalized for losing games.

Some of those teams on his list have already had their chance to play Texas or Bama, and lost. So we're not sure how anyone could make the case for them being more deserving of a chance to play for the championship than Penn State. Why even watch Texas play against one of three teams they already beat the snot out of?

Win games and get in. Lose and you're out. It's simple. You don't get second chances or rematches, so get it done the first time. Every team is under the same pressure.

We can't wait to read Burwell's column on Monday, should Texas lose Saturday.

Ass.