Ivan Maisel at ESPN.com answers that question for eight of the presidential contenders.

Here, he posts his “guide” to the current college-football teams vying for a spot in the national championship game and the presidential candidates they most resemble.

“Life might not always imitate art, but in this case, football imitates politics,” Mr. Maisel writes.

So who is Hillary Rodham Clinton’s college-football alter ego? This guide says Ohio State University.

Here’s why, according to Mr. Maisel: “The Buckeyes don’t make waves. They go out of their way not to be controversial, including not scheduling anyone this season who could beat them. They hope to bland their way to the nomination.”

How about Rudolph W. Giuliani? It’s Louisiana State University for him: “The Tigers are strong on defense, and their fans aggressively promote their qualifications. They gloss over their past missteps, hoping everyone focuses on their willingness to take on anybody.”

Among the other candidates and teams, Mr. Maisel assigns John Edwards to the University of Oregon; Barack Obama to the University of Oklahoma; Mike Huckabee to the University of Kansas; Mitt Romney to West Virginia University; Fred Thompson to the University of Southern California; and Ron Paul to the University of Hawaii.