Ohio State still getting mention in national championship discussions is unfortunate and I hate LSU for losing to Arkansas this weekend.  That simply should not have happened.  The worst is that the Buckeyes might back into the Championship game thanks to that loss, especially should Missouri lose to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship.

Your arguments for Hawaii and the tie-in to the Boise State win against Oklahoma last year hold water except for the simple fact that without a top-10 opponent among their scalps, it is difficult to put them in the final game with a good conscience.  Quite honestly, 3 of the best teams in the nation have managed to get themselves out of the discussion starting with LSU and including Florida and Georgia.  To a lesser extent, Tennessee might even deserve mention in the same sentence.

The simple fact is that the SEC is easily the best conference in football, followed by the PAC 10, Big 12, ACC and Big East and not necessarily in that order.  Anyone getting through any of these conferences with only 1 or 2 losses deserves to be considered in championship discussions.  Despite their loss to Arkansas, any analyst who doesn't still consider LSU to be one of the best teams in the country is just crazy and if they beat Tennessee they deserve to be back in the discussion.  Both of their losses were in multiple overtimes and to strong offensive teams.

If the Boise State's and Hawaii's from conferences like the WAC want consideration for the national title, they need to start scheduling at least one game against a top-tier opponent during the season.  Otherwise, they can rotate their attendence at the Fiesta Bowl and we'll enjoy the entertainment.