I always thought the 1996 Ohio State Buckeyes should have received more recognition for their 11-1 record after beating Arizona State in the Rose Bowl, but OSU finished second in the Associated Press voting to 11-1 Florida.

As I recall, the Buckeyes received only one first-place vote, and it was mine.

I was stunned that no one else climbed on board, but a lot of people considered Florida’s 52-20 domination of Florida State in the Sugar Bowl too much to overcome.

But look at the set-up for that day.

Florida State had beaten Florida 24-21 in late November on the way to a perfect 11-0 record. The Seminoles were ranked No. 1 entering bowl season.

Arizona State, also 11-0, was ranked No. 2.

Florida, with the one loss, was No. 3 and Ohio State, with its last regular-season game a 13-9 loss to Michigan, was No. 4.

Florida was given a second chance to beat its arch rival and did, in a big way.

Ohio State was given a chance to beat an undefeated team as well, and in a stadium a lot closer to Arizona than Ohio.

Monday poses a similar dilemma. Louisiana State has already beaten Alabama, even if the 9-6 score was not so conclusive.

Now, in the national championship game, whoever wins will be declared the national champion, even if it’s Alabama.

Most people will tell you the system isn’t right the way it is. It wasn’t right in 1997, either.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.