Official College Football Thread - Week 13

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What may be the final Border War (for a couple years) this week along with the UT-A&M hate fest. I think this open letter on Tigerboard summed up the thoughts on this week pretty well for Tiger fans. I'm sure the UT-A&M matchup will contain similar hatred........

Dear Kansas fans, students and citizens:

Let's cut to the chase...I don't like you.

I've never liked you. I have friends who are ku fans, and I don't really like them either. Chances are, my parents didn't like your parents, and chances are also that a great-grandparent of mine shot at a great grandparent of yours. For generations, this "rivalry" has existed away from the spotlight, behind the seedy, dingy curtain of humanity..away from the Iron Bowls and glares of ESPN lights.

Many people say that the Mizzou vs. kansas rivalry isn't that powerful because the two never really played for anything meaningful. I say, this is what made it MORE of a rivalry. ANYBODY can "hate" on their opponent or insert a bad word into their fight song about them or poison their bushes/trees/shrubs or whatever "big name" rivalries do. But it takes a special kind of hate and dislike to detest the very ground you walk on...all the way to the very air your web-footed, inbred children breathe...when absolutely nothing but pride is on the line. If Duke and North Carolina were both 10-23 in basketball, would it be "heated"? If Ohio St. and Michigan were both 1-10 going into their final game, would the rivalry burn as hot?

No. And the reason why is because they don't know hate like we do. We've hated each other for 170 years. Our relatives shot hot lead at each other. Your slack-jawed, "union" relatives pillaged and plundered innocent civilians behind the justification of a flag, while we retaliated by burning your rat-infested sh8thole town to the ground. In other words: I don't need Dick Vitale or Kirk Herbstreit to tell me how much I hate your guts. Real rivals dont' have to ask at all.

Which brings me to this week...this final week of weeks, where we part ways, and leave you to fend for yourself in a pigpen of burnt orange slop. "Good riddance" you say. "Enjoy being the b*tch of the SEC" you cry. And my personal favorite from your very athletic department "we win".

Even at the end...you never did get it. It's painfully obvious you'll never get it. You may scoff at us, and claim to everyone you can find that Mizzou's departure doesn't bother you. But nothing could be further from the truth. It most certainly will bother you in the next six years or fewer..and most certainly when you find your sorry selves fighting for your very existence as a (semi) relevant sporting entity.

Nothing says, "We don't care" more than screaming out "we don't care".

I saw ESPN's special on the "fierce" rivalry between Auburn and Alabama..and how even the most staunch of enemies put everything on hold to help their neighbors in the wake of a devastating Tuscaloosa tornado. This is where the talking heads get it wrong, and the outside world simply doesn't get it.

I woulnd't help rebuild one of your sh*thole towns if it were raining gold coins. I wouldn't help your fans if parts of their home blew all the way to my front yard. "If you want this sh*tty old Lay-Z-Boy...then you can drive up here and get it." I wouldn't give 2 cents to a relief fund in your honor just as I wouldn't give a second thought to all your pain and suffering in the world.

The outside world doesn't know the hate between us and couldn't possibly begin to grasp it. That's why they don't understand how this whole SEC thing is killing you on the inside. It's eating away your soul and chewing out your heart, bit by bit from the inside out. This is the final chapter...this is the end game. As Mizzou trots to their 7th bowl game in a row, your hapless band of defense-deficient misfits (coming off another 600 point loss), simply look to save face in the wake of a new coaching staff making their way to Lawrence next year.

In conclusion, this will be the last week...pretty much ever, that myself or many of my comrades will even think about your sorry ass for a long long time. Perhaps you will be a part of a trivia question? Perhaps SportsCenter will highlight your latest coaching change? On the other hand, we will be breaking in new rivalries, trotting across the landscape of the most big time, well respected and powerful football conference on earth..where you are sitting literally years (or less) away from your complete extinction.

I thought I would be more giddy about your doomed future. I thought I would giggle with delight thinking about your athletic department sending "pick me!" letters to every conference in America.

But I don't.

I don't claim victory. I don't wish to rub your faces in the dirt, as you most certainly would do if the tables were turned. Truth be told...I barely even pity you. I pity your predicament, just as I pity your existence. When Mizzou is done pounding your sh*t team for 60 minutes on Saturday in Kansas City, my mind will give a fleeting thought to your demise...a quick smirk will cross my face...seconds before my thoughts will move on to bigger and better things.

And you my friends...who shall be left beaten, bruised and butthurt, will simply fade away in the rear view mirror...your sobs gently oozing into a soft murmur and eventually into deafening silence.

From bloody Civil War battles to bitter rival to finally silenced and beaten....You can claim "victory" every day until the end of time, but we won't be around to hear it.

If that how you wanted the war to end...if that is how you measure "ultimate victory" then who are we to question your delusions? Congratulations on your "victory" and please be sure to think of us often as we play under brighter lights and bigger stages.

Oh, and enjoy your colon-throbbing assbeating on Saturday

Not sincerely,

AJ - Missouri native

[tarcone]

Speaking of new rivalries, Friday night in Lincoln. Iowa travels too play Nebraska. The University where the "N" on the helmet stands for Knowledge. Because of this "state", the trees in Iowa lean West. You know why, Nebraska sucks. Where the cheerleaders wear long skirts to hide the fly strips. Where the field surface had to me made field turf to keep the cheerleaders from grazing.
Go Hawks!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Where the field surface had to me made field turf to keep the cheerleaders from grazing.

They stole that idea from Athens, GA

[mauchow]

Penn St travels to Wisconsin where as of right now they're 18.5 point underdogs.

[k0ruptr]

lets see here, how about this week lets have #1, #2, and #4 get upset.

[Swaggs]

Probably the last Backyard Brawl for awhile on Friday, as Pitt and WVU likely won't have OOC room for at least a few seasons as they transition to their new conferences. Hate to lose it.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by mauboy1

Penn St travels to Wisconsin where as of right now they're 18.5 point underdogs.

I am not saying Penn State will win, but that spread is a bit much given that only 2 teams have scored more than 20 on PSU this year.

[Young Drachma]

Though it's unlikely and they screwed the pooch by failing to win games they should've won, I hope Rutgers can back into the Big East title over the next two weeks with a bit of help.

Wyoming is bowl eligible for the 2nd time in 3 years, which is no small feat. So I'm glad that Dave Christensen was able to turn the ship around, especially after losing his starting quarterback to transfer before the year even started (he's sitting out a year at Vandy now) and when they were picked to be second to last in the MWC.

[k0ruptr]

I think Montee Ball and Russell Wilson might have something to do with that Wisconsin line.

[Logan]

Sorry Swaggs, gotta pull for Pitt this week...

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Logan

Sorry Swaggs, gotta pull for Pitt this week...

I just threw up in my mouth

[Logan]

This hurts me more than it hurts you.

[RedKingGold]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I am not saying Penn State will win, but that spread is a bit much given that only 2 teams have scored more than 20 on PSU this year.

This.

PSU has a good chance stopping R.Wilson, their defense has played pretty well against mobile quarterbacks the last two weeks.

[k0ruptr]

No, I also believe it's pretty big line. Scary though. I wouldn't touch either side.

[Matthean]

OSU @ Michigan. 'Bama @ Auburn. Everything else is irrelevant. This weekend is such a love/hate relationship. It's also the final time I really care about college football until certain bowl games. I only have a mild interest in conference title games at this point.

Side note that I think I brought up in the recruiting thread. Michigan is hosting a bunch of top recruits this weekend and should include the #2 WR in the nation. If Michigan is to win, The Big House will be absolutely nuts. I find it hard to believe somebody would go there, experience that, and then say no to wanting to play there. Michigan has already met and really exceeded expectations in a throw away year. At this point, they are playing with house money and that's a fun thing to be able to do.

[digamma]

That Mizzou thing may be the douchiest message board "statement" I've read and that's saying something.

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by digamma

That Mizzou thing may be the douchiest message board "statement" I've read and that's saying something.

I think it's cute how so many rivalries think theirs is the biggest. Trying to say the KU/Mizzouri rivalry is bigger than some of the other bigger rivalries is like listening to a non-stop barking chiwawa thinking it's important. Oh, but we live next to each other. Yeah, that makes it unique.

[Matthean]

Forgot to add the newest bowl projections. Not sure if I should be happy they assume Michigan beats OSU, or not and how manageable Houston would be for Michigan.

College Bowl Games - 2011 College Bowl Projections and Schedules - ESPN

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by digamma

That Mizzou thing may be the douchiest message board "statement" I've read and that's saying something.

My favorite part was the guy talking about how he wouldn't help them if their lives were destroyed.

Was that your favorite part to?

[jbergey22]

The person writing that message doesnt grasp reality all that well.

He is right about two things though. Kansas does suck and most of the nation wont care about that game.

[k0ruptr]

I'm not gonna lie the rest of this season doesn't mean much to me. After Hawaii losing to Fresno St this weekend there season is pretty much worthless. They won't win the remaining two games vs Tulane and BYU. No bowl game after being predicted to win the Depleted WAC. We move on to the MWC now and we are rebuilding. The only good that should come from this season is Coach Mac has to be fired. And probably at least half the staff as well. I love Nick Rolovich as OC but I'm being to personal about it. He was an amazing QB years ago with us. He picked up the run and shoot faster then any other QB we've had. But his play calling has been horrendous. No creativity, it's like bare bones R&S. I'm not sure which direction UH will go from here but don't be surprised if these next 2 games are the last time we see the Hawaii Run and Shoot. It's a special thing to see a team go from winless and worst in the country to playing in the Sugar Bowl in 8 years. The Run and shoot and June Jones. We havent been even close to the same since June left. And it's probably going to be similar without the system.

So anyone know any Coaches that might be interested in a nice house over looking Waikiki? The rest of the gig is pretty crappy though. Lol

[Swaggs]

Someone pointed out that Boise State, even though they are ranked ahead of Houston, isn't guaranteed a BCS bid because TCU will win the MWC and non-AQ teams have to win their conference in order to meet the guarantee.

[jbergey22]

You must mean Tulsa and not Tulane. Hawaii would own Tulane.

They lost their QB for the last game didnt they? Probably cost them the game.

[k0ruptr]

Yea Moniz is done. And I really thought it was Tulsa too but for some reason on Yahoo Hawaii page it has it listed as Tulane.

Well Shit. Tulsa and BYU. We are seriously fucked now. Lol.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by k0ruptr

Yea Moniz is done. And I really thought it was Tulsa too but for some reason on Yahoo Hawaii page it has it listed as Tulane.

Well Shit. Tulsa and BYU. We are seriously fucked now. Lol.

I looked, its Tulane. You arent going to lose to them. They are pathetic.

[k0ruptr]

It's odd rooting for a team so far away from all the universities. I'll never make excuses obviously they get an amazing home field advantage but I know it hurts our recruiting budget every year. Our recruiting has been not so good these last couple years. Im a fan but I think we are going to get our asses kicked in the MWC the next few years at least.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by k0ruptr

It's odd rooting for a team so far away from all the universities. I'll never make excuses obviously they get an amazing home field advantage but I know it hurts our recruiting budget every year. Our recruiting has been not so good these last couple years. Im a fan but I think we are going to get our asses kicked in the MWC the next few years at least.

June Jones was great at selling that location to the unhappy "Pac-10" type players. You probably need another big name coach like him back to even things out. Plus that system(run and shoot) had to be great for selling kids offense and big numbers in a fun environment.

[k0ruptr]

It's sad that that game will make no difference. We gotta go 2 for 2 to get back to the Hawaii bowl. But hell we don't deserve it. BYU is most definitely the best team we are playing this season. Even at home. We lost to Fresno and Fresno is bad this year and pretty decimated with injuries. Hell we lost to unlv by like 20 something. Lol I dont even know how we won 5 games. Haha. The college football fan late season depression is kicking in.

[k0ruptr]

We need a bigger name coach that doesnt need the money and wants the challenge. Were screwed or fml hello Norv Turner. Lmao

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Someone pointed out that Boise State, even though they are ranked ahead of Houston, isn't guaranteed a BCS bid because TCU will win the MWC and non-AQ teams have to win their conference in order to meet the guarantee.

Probably for the best. This Boise team isn't on par with previous ones. Still think they were maybe the best team in the nation last year.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Probably for the best. This Boise team isn't on par with previous ones. Still think they were maybe the best team in the nation last year.

What makes this years team so much different than last years team? They both lost one of their last games of the season. They had many of the same players/key players and they pretty much dominated every game other than the 1 they lost.

Im just not sure how you can say last years was "maybe the best team in the nation" while this years "isnt on par with the previous ones" when they returned 15 starters.

Im thinking you either are overrating last years team or underrating this years team.

[digamma]

A story line for Clean Old Fashioned Hate...

These are the Total Offense national ranks of the FBS teams on Georgia's schedule:

14 Boise State (L 35-21)
45 New Mexico State (W 63-16)
80 South Carolina (L 45-42)
87 Mississippi State (W 24-10)
91 Florida (W 24-20)
93 Auburn (W 45-7)
98 Tennessee (W 20-12)
102 Vanderbilt (W 33-28)
114 Ole Miss (W 27-13)
118 Kentucky (W 19-10)

Ga Tech currently is #16 in total offense.

[k0ruptr]

One thing I find interesting is Houston is definitely a good team. But they have there toughest game of the season next week an you never know Tulsa could absolutely win. Then Boise is more then likely @ 6 or 7 in the BCS, maybe 8 and they can't get a BCS game. It's there own fault for that loss but it would be heartbreaking to be a mid major and finish that high in the BCS without any thing real to show for it.

[k0ruptr]

It probably won't even come close to happening but how would Boise feel if Georgia somehow pulls that upset in the Sec championship. I dont know how you convince yourself to feel better knowing you beat them. That would be rough.

[k0ruptr]

Dola I realize they can still get invited. But the BCS isn't going to invite a 1 loss mid major (if they win out). It just wont happen.

Mid majors know they have to go undefeated. But I guess I didnt expect them to still be this high in the BCS with 1 loss. I really hope the computers drop them a couple places for some reason if they win out. At least it won't look as bad if they end up at 9 or 10.

[MJ4H]

the westboro idiots say they are going to protest the arkansas football player's funeral. that wont go well, i can assure you.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

What makes this years team so much different than last years team? They both lost one of their last games of the season. They had many of the same players/key players and they pretty much dominated every game other than the 1 they lost.

Im just not sure how you can say last years was "maybe the best team in the nation" while this years "isnt on par with the previous ones" when they returned 15 starters.

Im thinking you either are overrating last years team or underrating this years team.

Two of their starting wide receivers now play in the NFL. That was a pretty deadly offense they had. They're still good this year, but just don't have the offensive weapons they did last year.

[MrBug708]

Nothing defines the crosstown rivalry more than this picture. It sums up the fan bases pretty well too as all of the USC flags are out in full force again

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by k0ruptr

It's sad that that game will make no difference. We gotta go 2 for 2 to get back to the Hawaii bowl. But hell we don't deserve it. BYU is most definitely the best team we are playing this season. Even at home. We lost to Fresno and Fresno is bad this year and pretty decimated with injuries. Hell we lost to unlv by like 20 something. Lol I dont even know how we won 5 games. Haha. The college football fan late season depression is kicking in.

Yeah, but I am worried about this game for BYU...Riley won't travel due to the collapsed lung leaving Jake Heaps and James Lark as our QB's and it will be your guys bowl game plus it is a heated rivalry....I expect a close game, I expect it to come down to the wire with BYU barely pulling it off. If Hawaii wins, it will be a blowout.....

[RomaGoth]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

What makes this years team so much different than last years team? They both lost one of their last games of the season. They had many of the same players/key players and they pretty much dominated every game other than the 1 they lost.

Im just not sure how you can say last years was "maybe the best team in the nation" while this years "isnt on par with the previous ones" when they returned 15 starters.

Im thinking you either are overrating last years team or underrating this years team.

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Two of their starting wide receivers now play in the NFL. That was a pretty deadly offense they had. They're still good this year, but just don't have the offensive weapons they did last year.

It is true they lost both Austin Pettis and Titus Young (who caught a TD pass yesterday for the Lions), but the offense isn't the problem this year with the Broncos. The real difference between this team and last year's team is the defense. BSU has an inexperienced secondary (and several injuries) and they aren't putting enough pressure on opposing QB's. No way does TCU's QB put up over 400 passing yards against last year's BSU defense. They aren't shutting down other teams and dominating games like they did last year. Perhaps this will change next year, but then....they won't have Kellen Moore anymore either.

[cartman]

Yeah, if you have to write an open letter to your rival to try and explain why the rivalry is a big deal, that is pretty weak. You don't see anything like that for Texas-OU or Texas-Texas A&M. The only written form of the venom in the rivalry are Aggie jokes.

[panerd]

Originally Posted by cartman

Yeah, if you have to write an open letter to your rival to try and explain why the rivalry is a big deal, that is pretty weak. You don't see anything like that for Texas-OU or Texas-Texas A&M. The only written form of the venom in the rivalry are Aggie jokes.

Its just a message board post much like the ones Oranglebloods and other Texas message boards have had the past two weeks giving excuses on why they lost to Mizzou and K-State (again). Turf, officiating, never outplayed.

[Logan]

And now it's a message board post here thanks to MBBF.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

Nothing defines the crosstown rivalry more than this picture. It sums up the fan bases pretty well too as all of the USC flags are out in full force again

Heh...to EF27, Dangarion, bhlloy... F Y'all this week. No offense (well, not too much offense).

I hope to high Heaven that Rick Neuheisel is booted from his job next week. But I hope it's with at least one USC feather in his cap.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Huh.

I just realized that all of the traditional January 1st bowl games are going to played on Monday, January 2nd this year. I understand that the conflict with the NFL, but I doubt too many people have January 2nd off (I know I don't).

I don't like this.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Huh.

I just realized that all of the traditional January 1st bowl games are going to played on Monday, January 2nd this year. I understand that the conflict with the NFL, but I doubt too many people have January 2nd off (I know I don't).

I don't like this.

You're going to be even more disappointed when you notice the date of the Winter Classic.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Huh.

I just realized that all of the traditional January 1st bowl games are going to played on Monday, January 2nd this year. I understand that the conflict with the NFL, but I doubt too many people have January 2nd off (I know I don't).

I don't like this.

Actually, I believe most people will indeed have Monday, January 2nd off. As a rule, pretty much all government, school and bank employers go with giving the actual holiday day off on Monday following a Sunday holiday. I know most conventional corporate office employers use similar rules, so corporate America will largely be off that Monday as well.

I don't know what business you're in, though, so that sucks if you have to work. My second job is in the service industry, so I pretty much expect to be working that day myself.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Actually, I believe most people will indeed have Monday, January 2nd off. As a rule, pretty much all government, school and bank employers go with giving the actual holiday day off on Monday following a Sunday holiday. I know most conventional corporate office employers use similar rules, so corporate America will largely be off that Monday as well.

I don't know what business you're in, though, so that sucks if you have to work. My second job is in the service industry, so I pretty much expect to be working that day myself.

I don't have it off, but it doesn't mean I can't take it off. I might do that.

It's possible we do get it off, but I just don't know it yet.

[MJ4H]

I will be teaching school on Jan 2nd.

[Matthean]

Michigan Wolverines discuss big rivalry - ESPN

Hoke on calling OSU Ohio.