NCAA Conference Championship Weekend

[Ben E Lou]

I'm quite surprised to see the Dawgs as only 1.5-point underdogs. It seems to me that if we play our very best, and the Tigers play their very best, we lose by at least 7-10 points. Here's hoping LSU continues their turnover woes.

[FBPro]

I'm quite surprised to see the Dawgs as only 1.5-point underdogs. It seems to me that if we play our very best, and the Tigers play their very best, we lose by at least 7-10 points. Here's hoping LSU continues their turnover woes.
Concur!!

[duckman]

I hate myself for say this: Go Longhorns!


I'm going to be sick.......

[B & B]

I'm quite surprised to see the Dawgs as only 1.5-point underdogs. It seems to me that if we play our very best, and the Tigers play their very best, we lose by at least 7-10 points. Here's hoping LSU continues their turnover woes.


Thats the game, in a nutshell. If someone could tell me exactly how many ints Russell is gonna toss, then Id sit back, count my money and take the rest of the year off.

[JeeberD]

This weekend makes me sad... :(

[Coffee Warlord]

I hate myself for say this: Go Longhorns!


I'm going to be sick.......

...

DIE.

[Joe]

What time is the Big 10 championship game on? :(

[duckman]

This weekend makes me sad... :(
Go Tulsa! :D

[JeeberD]

Yeah, it would be a moral victory if a team we beat wound up as CUSA champs...

[Senator]

Visions of the 2001 Big 12 Championship swirl in my head. At least Chrissy isn't our QB for this game.

[VPI97]

Well, I had tickets to tonight's ACC Championship game, but since my in-laws couldn't keep the kids for the weekend, I'm still in Atlanta. At least I get to watch all the other games.

[duckman]

Visions of the 2001 Big 12 Championship swirl in my head. At least Chrissy isn't our QB for this game.
I highly doubt it, but it would "Mackish" for this team to choke to a 7-4 division champion.

[Swaggs]

Thought this was funny and would be appreciated here: College Football Teams as Simpsons (http://heyjennyslater.blogspot.com/)

[VPI97]

Thought this was funny and would be appreciated here: College Football Teams as Simpsons (http://heyjennyslater.blogspot.com/)http://www.fof-ihof.com/upload/VPI97/accsimpsons.jpg

[Dr. Sak]

Go Bruins & Buffs!

[Galaxy]

Navy-Army play?

[vtbub]

2:30 ET

[cthomer5000]

Colorado comes out and is putting together the perfect opening drive, then turn it over in Texas territory. Now I bet it's game over by the end of the first quarter.

[Celeval]

I'm quite surprised to see the Dawgs as only 1.5-point underdogs. It seems to me that if we play our very best, and the Tigers play their very best, we lose by at least 7-10 points. Here's hoping LSU continues their turnover woes. Anyone else think Dawan Landry (FS, Georgia Tech) spent some time with little brother LaRon (FS, LSU) leading up to this week?

[st.cronin]

Tulsa and UCF are playing a very entertaining game.

[cthomer5000]

Texas is lucky to have this scrimmage beteween the regular season and the national title game.

[vtbub]

Unreal. Texas is scary good.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Unreal. Texas is scary good.

Or is Colorado frightenly mediocre?
(Not entirely a knock on the Buffs either -- doing Top 25's for Cartman's poll all season has made me very aware how few very good or better teams there really are in college football right now)

[vtbub]

Or is Colorado frightenly mediocre?
(Not entirely a knock on the Buffs either -- doing Top 25's for Cartman's poll all season has made me very aware how few very good or better teams there really are in college football right now)
Nope, Texas is that good and Colorado is below average.

[vex]

Go TU!

[vex]

TD!

[sooner333]

I hate myself for say this: Go Longhorns!


I'm going to be sick.......

Why would you do this...even if it was for the good of the conference, it would have been better for CU to win because the Big 12 would likely have two BCS teams with more money coming in. However, at this point, the point is moot.

[JeeberD]

What channel is the Texas game on? I can't find it anywhere...

[sooner333]

What channel is the Texas game on? I can't find it anywhere...

ABC, but its at the half. Although, you are inferring that it is still a "game". I think Colorado just agreed to bring some guys, put them in uniforms, and continue sucking the way they have for the past two weeks. What a lame team.

[Senator]

Why would you do this...even if it was for the good of the conference, it would have been better for CU to win because the Big 12 would likely have two BCS teams with more money coming in. However, at this point, the point is moot.


I just want one national championship in my lifetime. Please.

[sooner333]

I just want one national championship in my lifetime. Please.

Can't blame you...this should be the year. I was just saying as an OU fan who feels like they had to root for Texas for the good of the conference was actually doing the wrong thing by pulling for the Horns.

[mauchow]

real boring game.

[Solecismic]

I know it's fun to root against the BCS, but it looks like this year, they got us a game that otherwise wouldn't have been possible (of course, UCLA could always make this a very entertaining mess).

[cthomer5000]

this game is kind of embarassing to watch.

[MrBug708]

*sigh*

[Cuckoo]

Can't blame you...this should be the year. I was just saying as an OU fan who feels like they had to root for Texas for the good of the conference was actually doing the wrong thing by pulling for the Horns.

For me personally, as much as it pains me, I'm rooting for Texas for one reason. I want USC to lose. As much as I dislike Texas, I dislike USC more. And I think Texas may be the only team who can beat them.

As to this game, Texas is a very good team. But Colorado is also a very mediocre team, playing steadily worse as the season progressed. Just like last year with OU/Colorado, I didn't expect this to be a game at all.

The problem for Texas is that they haven't been challenged very often this year, which may make them unprepared for the talent that USC has. I hope that's not the case and they can remember back to Ohio State.

[MrBug708]

This is where Mack needs to show some class and take out everyone of note.

[mauchow]

Uggghh.... I feel awful for Colorado now. 62-3 with 10 minutes to go...in the 3rd quarter.

I'd just forfiet the 4th quarter if I was them. Running clock starts now, even on time outs; please!

[cthomer5000]

Texas can hit 100 points if they want to.

[mauchow]

Okay. My high school team that went 0-7 or whatever this year, could beat this CU team at the second..... Fumble and it's Texas' ball already.....


Ugh.....

[GrantDawg]

I just hope the SEC championship doesn't look like this.

[cthomer5000]

what's Colorado's worst loss in history? Texas biggest win?

[sooner333]

Colorado losing consecutive Big 12 Championship games 112-6.

[sooner333]

It will be interesting the split between sooner fans rooting for usc or texas. I think USC will lose a game next year, so I'm not worried about the streak. I don't really like usc all that much, and will normally pull against them just because I like the underdog, and I'm not a big Carroll fan. But I don't hate them...I do hate texas. So, I guess I'll be rooting for the Trojans...hopefully they lose so I can root for JoePa.

[sooner333]

At least Joel Klatt doesn't know his team is down 67 points right now.

[MrBug708]

The Big-12 is awful this year.

Oklahoma State: 4-7 team with 3 wins coming against Montana State, Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic. Scores? 15-10 over Montana, 23-3 over FA, 20-10 over Arkansas State. I think it is safe to say they aren't a good team

Iowa State: beat Iowa but so does everybody else early in the season, an 11 pt win at home against Illinois State and a 7 pt win at Army

Colorado: besides Texas they have been decent this year beating the OOC powerhouse of New Mexico State..they did squeak by CSU though

Nebraska: Beat the powerhouse of Maine 25-7 in a game that was close throughout, beat Pitt 7-6 and did drub Wake Forest

Mizzou: Whats with Arkansas State? Lost to New Mexico 45-35 but did beat that Troy powerhouse

Kansas: OOC includes FA, Appalachian State and La Tech..yippee. Funny how they lose their first four conference games then destroy Nebraska

K-State: Did beat Marshall by 2 and also Florida International and North Texas..congrats

Texas Tech: Florida International, Sam Houston State, Indiana State. Only loss to Texas..if you ignore that loss to Oklahoma State

Oklahoma: Loss to TCU and UCLA but coincidentally have turned it around against the conference

AM: lost to Clemson, beat Texas State by 13 but hey they beat SMU

Baylor: beat SMU, Samford, Army

Basically if you look, the teams that played decent OOC opponents, which is few, lost and the teams magically built up their record in what I determine to be a terrible conference

[Dr. Sak]

So, I guess I'll be rooting for the Trojans...hopefully they lose so I can root for JoePa.

And I will get to spend New Years in LA. That sounds a lot better than being in Miami. Plus after the past two years, and going through hell being a Penn State fan, I want this so bad for Joe. Plus I'd like to play Texas. There are quite a few interesting storylines with a PSU/Texas game.

[Solecismic]

Biggest single-game point totals of the 2005 season:

Texas Tech 80 (Sam Houston State 21, 11/17)
Bowling Green 70 (Temple 7, 11/19)
USC 70 (Arkansas 17, 9/17)
Boise State 70 (Idaho 35, 11/19)

If this game ended right now, it would be the biggest margin of victory in any I-A game this year (the biggest so far is Wisconsin's 65-0 victory over Temple on 9/10).

[VPI97]

Go Navy!

Their offense is really clicking now.

[st.cronin]

I think Colorado can still come back.

[Cringer]

Wow. Woke up, worked out, showered, sat down and turned on Army-Navy. I just flipped up a channel and find Texas up 70-3. I have never felt bad for a major college team before now. This is just sad. Colorado player barely even walking as he goes to the locker room, QB getting nailed still. I almost wish they would call the game off, but then again that would just be worse for the Buffs players.

[timmae]

Well, I had tickets to tonight's ACC Championship game, but since my in-laws couldn't keep the kids for the weekend, I'm still in Atlanta. At least I get to watch all the other games.

Dude man... you have to be persistent in a case such as this. A man has his needs, no?

[Cringer]

Well, I had tickets to tonight's ACC Championship game, but since my in-laws couldn't keep the kids for the weekend, I'm still in Atlanta. At least I get to watch all the other games.

That stinks. Wish I had known. I was in GA this week, I could have stopped by, grabbed the tickets, and had a good time at your expense. :D

[JW]

I'm quite surprised to see the Dawgs as only 1.5-point underdogs. It seems to me that if we play our very best, and the Tigers play their very best, we lose by at least 7-10 points. Here's hoping LSU continues their turnover woes.

It should be a good game. LSU has not shown the ability to pull away from quality opponents. I think LSU should be favored more than 1.5, but I think it will be a close game. After all, it is a 'home' game for Georigia, lol.

But a related factor of interest has been the continual drumbeat that Auburn is the best team in the SEC and that LSU doesn't deserve to be in the SECCG, from several on ESPN, particularly Lou Holtz, who has always disliked LSU, and from some on CBS. They keep pointing to Auburn's missed field goals in that game, as if those are the only factors of importance in the game. Let me give you the rest of the story, FOF fans.

Okay, Auburn missed FGs of 39,40,48 & 51 yards in that game. LSU missed fiedl goals from 28 and 38 yards, both shorter than the shortest Auburn miss, and dropped two touchdown passes. One was a sure catch in the chest, and continued a weekly problem LSU has had w/dropped passes. In fact, that dropped TD pass was followed by the 28-yard field goal miss with LSU up 14-10 late in the 3rd quarter. LSU could easily have been up 21-10 late in the game. Yet Holtz and the others who keep bringing up Auburn's missed FGs never mention LSUs misses and the dropped touchdowns. It is as if LSU played a perfect game and Auburn made all the mistakes in that game.

This doesn't fault Auburn, btw. They have a great team, probably just as good as LSU, but they did not win the SEC West. LSU did.

And this, btw, hurts Georgia, Skydog. Because if Georgia wins, Auburn people and apparently Lou Hotlz and ESPN and CBS are going to be saying that Georgia didn't prove a thing because it didn't beat the best team in the West.

[sooner333]

Barnett could ask for a running clock like Franccione did down 77-0 to OU in 2003. Bottom line, Colorado 3rd or 4th best team from the North...getting crushed like they should. I just thought they'd put up a better fight.

[ISiddiqui]

I hate that. Auburn lost! Who cares if they missed FGs... that's part of the game. What, we are now going to say that "Wide Right" never happened and FSU was the best team in those years that they only lost to Miami? Please. They lost, ESPN and CBS need to get over it.

(FTR, I'm neither an Auburn or LSU fan).

[JonInMiddleGA]

re: UGA vs LSU -- Much as it gags me to say this, I'm honestly surprised that LSU is the favorite in this one given the site. I don't find either team to be particularly impressive but think Georgia has more overall talent + homefield advantage.

That said, it also wouldn't surprise me if LSU won the game in a rout (since Georgia seems to be waiting to have a day like Colorado) but in the fictional "if they played 10 times scenario", I'd expect Georgia to win at least 6 of them (all by less than 10 pts).

[BishopMVP]

I don't find either team to be particularly impressive but think Georgia has more overall talentI disagree with this. Georgia could well be a better team, but LSU has possibly the most talent in the country top to bottom in terms of future NFL players. (USC's offense is obviously better, but their defense is pretty bad, with Bing the only real good upperclassman.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Bush already breaking off a great run :)

[vex]

LSU has possibly the most talent in the country top to bottom in terms of future NFL players.
How do you figure this?

[st.cronin]

re: UGA vs LSU -- Much as it gags me to say this, I'm honestly surprised that LSU is the favorite in this one given the site. I don't find either team to be particularly impressive but think Georgia has more overall talent + homefield advantage.

That said, it also wouldn't surprise me if LSU won the game in a rout (since Georgia seems to be waiting to have a day like Colorado) but in the fictional "if they played 10 times scenario", I'd expect Georgia to win at least 6 of them (all by less than 10 pts).

I agree in the sense that I don't see a lot of difference in the two teams. I think they're both pretty good.

As far as The Battle of Los Angeles, I don't think enough gets said about the Trojan O-line. Those guys are amazing, definitely the best squad in the country.

[Easy Mac]

i honestly think keith jackson has no idea what is happening each play.

[ISiddiqui]

Jebus! If Bush can make runs like that against UCLA, why pass at all today?

[vex]

i honestly think keith jackson has no idea what is happening each play.
He never does.

[Easy Mac]

Jebus! If Bush can make runs like that against UCLA, why pass at all today?
I don't know if you saw, or if it was mentioned here, but there is a reggie bush highlight video at the NY TImes... from high school. Some of that stuff, wow.

Link to article (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/30/sports/ncaafootball/30reggie.html?ex=1291006800&en=f471a3326a2edc52&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss) (video link is below picture on the left)

[Eaglesfan27]

Sheesh. We shouldn't have gone away from Bush once we got inside the 20. Bush only jad 59 yards on 6 carries. Why give it to him again, why not have Leinart throw 3 passes on a very breezy day?

[Chief Rum]

Bush is amazing, and because of that USC is still moving the ball pretty well. But it's not helping Leinart yet. UCLA's secondary is still doing a good job sticking with their receivers, and he seems to be a little off right now.

[Chief Rum]

Give credit tot he Bruins pass D, though. Yeah, they might be ont op of the conference against the pass becuase everyone and their mom runs on them. But that doesn't mean they're bad at it. We have good athletes and experience and are deep there.

[ISiddiqui]

Wow... Leinhart can't hit the side of a barn in the early going. Just give it to Bush and let him run it down their throats.

[Chief Rum]

Hmm...I know you don't want Drew to get the ball, but honestly, giving UCLA a start on the 35 every time ain't gonna do SC much good.

[Easy Mac]

that was a generous spot.

[Eaglesfan27]

Excellent tackling to stop the receiver from getting the 1st.

I wonder if UCLA risks it in their own turf..

[Chief Rum]

GO FOR IT!!!

[Chief Rum]

HAHA! Great run, Drew.

[st.cronin]

What the hell???? You go for it on 4th down at midfield, and then in USC territory you punt???

I will never understand some coaches.

[Eaglesfan27]

What the hell???? You go for it on 4th down at midfield, and then in USC territory you punt???

I will never understand some coaches.
To be fair, that second 4th down was much longer than the first one.

[st.cronin]

To be fair, that second 4th down was much longer than the first one.

I think it took USC one play to get back to where UCLA had the ball on 4th down. It was clearly an idiotic punt, and now they're down 10-0.

[Eaglesfan27]

Bush just broke 100 yards... in the 1st quarter... with 3:30 left on the clock. 10 carries for about 105 yards.

[Eaglesfan27]

Leinart to Jarrett for the TD!!!! :) 10-0 USC.

[Chief Rum]

USC's offense is rolling now.

BTW, I would have gone for the field goal if I were Dorrell. I know it's a risk, but Medlock has a foot on him. Can't go for it on fourth and then get nothing. Horrible playcalling really in that downs following the fourht down conversion. I mean a screen to the FB (which he dropped) and a 2-and-10 run up the middle, against USC's strength? Come on guys go get that secondary! No one on USC can cover Lewis one on one.

[Solecismic]

So, is Bush worth all the hype? Is he better than LaDanian Tomlinson? The latest PFW quotes a scout as saying he hasn't rated a back this high since Marshall Faulk.

It would kind of be funny if Matt Leinart changed his last name to Kerry. That way we could have more topical Heisman voting.

[Easy Mac]

wow, 60 yard run and they still couldn't bring him down.

[Eaglesfan27]

3rd and 10 from their own 2, and Bush busts off about a 60 yard run!

[Eaglesfan27]

So, is Bush worth all the hype?
Yes!

[Chief Rum]

lol...amazing.

[GrantDawg]

And this, btw, hurts Georgia, Skydog. Because if Georgia wins, Auburn people and apparently Lou Hotlz and ESPN and CBS are going to be saying that Georgia didn't prove a thing because it didn't beat the best team in the West.

The day I care what Lou Holtz says is the day I stop watching college sports, because I know I've been taken by a has-been idiot cheater. If "Granny" was good at anything but running dirty programs, he'd still be coaching.

[bhlloy]

What's the all time record for rushing yards in a D1 game? With Bush needing all the Heisman help he can get after Young's game earlier he's going to get a lot of carries.

[Easy Mac]

So will Pete Carroll leave his starters in when its 70-3?

[Eaglesfan27]

Lendell White with a (approximately) 20 yard TD run! 17-0 USC :)

[GrantDawg]

So, is Bush worth all the hype? Is he better than LaDanian Tomlinson? The latest PFW quotes a scout as saying he hasn't rated a back this high since Marshall Faulk.

It would kind of be funny if Matt Leinart changed his last name to Kerry. That way we could have more topical Heisman voting.
I think Young will be number 2 in voting, though. Too many Bush votes that will not give a second place to a guy on the same team.

As for is he better than LT, that is not a question that can be answered until he is playing on Sundays. The amazing thing about LT is not just his talent, but his durability. Let's see if Bush can handle being a week-end and week-out premier back at the next level.

[Easy Mac]

Hmm...I know you don't want Drew to get the ball, but honestly, giving UCLA a start on the 35 every time ain't gonna do SC much good.
Seems to be working ok. :)

[mauchow]

I think Bush wins the Heisman easily.

[Chief Rum]

Uh oh...getting ugly...

[Eaglesfan27]

This is going so much better than I even thought it would. Maurice Drew just fumbled the kickoff, and this is looking like it could be a big rout. I'm glad I didn't let the huge spread stop me from making a bet with a co-worker who is a UCLA alum.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think Bush wins the Heisman easily.
I think so too. Especially if he breaks 300 yards rushing in this game which looks likely.

[Easy Mac]

I think given UCLA's propensity for making late comebacks, Carroll could legitimately leave his players in when it's 42-0, at least.

[Easy Mac]

trickeration! trickeration!

[Eaglesfan27]

That was an ugly pass from Jarrett. I know he wanted to make it easy for Leinart to catch, but darn that was ugly. Least it worked ;)

[Ben E Lou]

They're just playing with 'em now.

[Easy Mac]

holy shit, how did he make that jump?

So 14 rushes, 200 yards, 1 td in 20 minutes.

[Eaglesfan27]

Bush with a very athletic 13 yard TD run! :)

[Karlifornia]

Touchdown, President Bush.

[JeeberD]

What's the all time record for rushing yards in a D1 game?


:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Joe]

UCLA sucks

[st.cronin]

So, is Bush worth all the hype? Is he better than LaDanian Tomlinson? The latest PFW quotes a scout as saying he hasn't rated a back this high since Marshall Faulk.

It would kind of be funny if Matt Leinart changed his last name to Kerry. That way we could have more topical Heisman voting.

He's very good, and I think he'll be an excellent pro, but I notice that on virtually all of his big runs his offensive line basically knocks the other team out of the stadium. He doesn't break a lot of tackles. So, I think he'll be good, but I suspect he will not be on the same level as LdT and Faulk.

[GrantDawg]

Again, I hope the SEC championship game doesn't look like this.

[Easy Mac]

He's very good, and I think he'll be an excellent pro, but I notice that on virtually all of his big runs his offensive line basically knocks the other team out of the stadium. He doesn't break a lot of tackles. So, I think he'll be good, but I suspect he will not be on the same level as LdT and Faulk.
he doesn't break a lot of tackles? Have we been watching the same game? And I'd rather have Barry Sanders than LT or Faulk.

[Easy Mac]

Post Count
Fixed that for ya.

[JeeberD]

Fixed that for ya.


Do you even understand what I was trying to convey there?

[Eaglesfan27]

He's very good, and I think he'll be an excellent pro, but I notice that on virtually all of his big runs his offensive line basically knocks the other team out of the stadium. He doesn't break a lot of tackles. So, I think he'll be good, but I suspect he will not be on the same level as LdT and Faulk.
You haven't watched him much this year than. He stiff arms guys, he jukes guys out, he breaks a lot of tackles.

[Easy Mac]

Do you even understand what I was trying to convey there?
empathy?

[st.cronin]

You haven't watched him much this year than. He stiff arms guys, he jukes guys out, he breaks a lot of tackles.

I didn't mean he wasn't capable of breaking tackles. I've seen him do all those things. I agree he's quite good, worthy of a high draft pick. I just am not convinced he's quite a Hall of Famer yet.

[st.cronin]

dola

My main point is that a lot of the credit that Bush gets properly goes to his O-line, which is just an amazing squad.

[Chief Rum]

Seems to be working ok. :)

Ha...didn't see this til now. Hopefulyl we'll do a better job of proving this wrong as we go on, but yeah, right now, you're right.

[cthomer5000]

You haven't watched him much this year than. He stiff arms guys, he jukes guys out, he breaks a lot of tackles. Huh? I think you missed the point there. I think it's clear to all of us that this guy is a rare talent, he's been better at the college level than anyone I can ever recall seeing. But st. cronin's point there was we won't know if he's better than Tomlinson until he's playing on Sundays. If he stays healthy, I think he ends up the best runner we've seen since Sanders, but will probably also be as involved in the passing game as Faulk was in his prime. To me, he's clearly the #1 player in the draft.

[Celeval]

Early break for UGA to fall on that.

[Eaglesfan27]

Huh? I think you missed the point there. I think it's clear to all of us that this guy is a rare talent, he's been better at the college level than anyone I can ever recall seeing. But st. cronin's point there was we won't know if he's better than Tomlinson until he's playing on Sundays. If he stays healthy, I think he ends up the best runner we've seen since Sanders, but will probably also be as involved in the passing game as Faulk was in his prime. To me, he's clearly the #1 player in the draft.
I thought his point was that Bush was only doing this well due to his O-Line. That I disagree with. However, I definitely agree that we can't compare him to LT until he does it on the pro level.

[MikeVic]

229 yards rushing at the half?!?!?!

[mauchow]

229 yards rushing at the half?!?!?!
Yeah, he sucks.

[VPI97]

I'm hoping VT makes it 4 for 4 on blowouts this evening.

[Celeval]

Is LSU playing with ten men on defense, leaving out a corner or a safety or something? Just curious.

[Eaglesfan27]

I love how well our defense is playing against the alleged "Best Quarterback in the Nation" as they just forced him to fumble and have stopped Olson all day.

[VPI97]

UGA got robbed on that fumble call.

[MizzouRah]

What a Rose Bowl it is going to be. Two blowouts, two great teams squaring off in Pasadena.

Everyone keeps saying Texas is the favorite, and I'm a Big 12 homie, but damn USC looks good and they always seem to win the BIG games.

[st.cronin]

Everyone keeps saying Texas is the favorite...

I don't see it. I think USC should be favored by 7-10 points.

[Eaglesfan27]

I agree that it looks like a great match-up for the National Championship. I think Texas will give USC all it can handle and it should be a great game. I can't wait to watch it :)

[MizzouRah]

I don't see it. I think USC should be favored by 7-10 points.
I don't either, but the consensus sees Texas as the better all around team, although after this game.. the USC defense should get some recognition.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Lendell White just set the USC Career Record for Rushing TD's with 54. I think like today, USC is going to have to rush the ball very effectively to help keep the defense fresh so they can contain the Texas offense somewhat.

[Glengoyne]

he doesn't break a lot of tackles? Have we been watching the same game? And I'd rather have Barry Sanders than LT or Faulk.
Yeah....Not me. I saw Barry trot off the field with 15 carries for 12 yards too many times.

Barry was spectacular, but he also went MIA a number of times. I'd have taken Emmit Smith or Thurman Thomas over Barry in their primes. Certainly Faulk, and possibly Tomlinson.

[vtbub]

By far USC's best game this year.

[st.cronin]

I think Texas has been no more impressive than OU was last year.

[Joe]

with a loss today, does LSU get a BCS at-large bid? its guaranteed if they drop no further than #6, right?

[Celeval]

Noles look strong early.

[Easy Mac]

with a loss today, does LSU get a BCS at-large bid? its guaranteed if they drop no further than #6, right?
I don't think they should, Ohio State's two losses are far better, and Oregon's only loss was to USC. Note I'm saying I don't think they should, not that they won't... but of course Notre Dame is getting a bid, so it makes sense.

[Easy Mac]

I think its top 4 for BCS schools, top 6 for everyone else.

[cthomer5000]

with a loss today, does LSU get a BCS at-large bid? its guaranteed if they drop no further than #6, right?
im pretty positive that the Top 6 stuff only applies to schools in non-BCS conferences.

[Easy Mac]

damn you time stamp

[Joe]

well that's good news then. please take Ohio State, BCS

[JW]

I'm quite surprised to see the Dawgs as only 1.5-point underdogs. It seems to me that if we play our very best, and the Tigers play their very best, we lose by at least 7-10 points. Here's hoping LSU continues their turnover woes.

Congrats on the win. No excuses. Congrats to the SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs.

[oykib]

Dola -

Lendell White just set the USC Career Record for Rushing TD's with 54. I think like today, USC is going to have to rush the ball very effectively to help keep the defense fresh so they can contain the Texas offense somewhat.

Isn't the Rose Bowl a month away? I'd think that they'd be plenty rested no matter how much they were on the field today...

[GrantDawg]

Congrats on the win. No excuses. Congrats to the SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs.
All I can say is, shocked.

[TazFTW]

Wow, a Gino Torretta mention.

[kingfc22]

Those 10 were a piece of cake...

[timmynausea]

Pat White has two long td runs (65 and 77 yards) as WVU is putting South Florida away, 28-6 in the 4th. I can't believe it's not on tv.

[cthomer5000]

A live shot of VPI:

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:GL05p1TG9UQJ:tell.fll.purdue.edu/JapanProj/FLClipart/Medical/sweat.gif
(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:GL05p1TG9UQJ:tell.fll.purdue.edu/JapanProj/FLClipart/Medical/sweat.gif)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well ... doesn't that make things interesting.

[cthomer5000]

Did Virginia Tech think this was a Miami rematch?

[Ksyrup]

At this point, we could still lose and I would consider this a win. I was expecting a 30-40 point loss.

[Ksyrup]

The clock is freaking CRAWLING!

[cartman]

Jeebus, Musburger. It's 1st and goal at the 3. A facemask penalty isn't going to change things much.

[cthomer5000]

I'm sorry to say, but this is really an embarassing performance by Virginia Tech.

[vtbub]

What a horrible game.

[Ksyrup]

Aside from being speechless, this game actually pisses me off, because there's no reason this team has lost 4 games. None.

[cthomer5000]

I'm hoping VT makes it 4 for 4 on blowouts this evening.
Be careful what you wish for.

[Ksyrup]

When Kyler Hall is consistently making plays, you know it's FSU's night.

[mauchow]

So... Florida State gets to the Orange Bowl? What a bunch of B(C)S.

[bronconick]

When Kyler Hall is consistently making plays, you know it's FSU's night.
I was convinced of that when that WR dropped the wide open touchdown (even discounting the flag)

[Ksyrup]

That's the price you pay for the extra money conferences make by having a championship game. No different than an 11-19 basketball team making the tournament.

[Vegas Vic]

So... Florida State gets to the Orange Bowl? What a bunch of B(C)S.

It's too bad that South Florida couldn't win their last two games. It would have been priceless to see the look on the face of those pompous asshats in the Orange blazers contemplating a FSU-USF Orange Bowl.

[Dr. Sak]

So... Florida State gets to the Orange Bowl? What a bunch of B(C)S.

Now they can hype a Paterno vs Bowden Orange Bowl Retirement Match.

[Ksyrup]

FSU is winning by employing the multiple 12 men on the field penalty gameplan.

[Easy Mac]

That's the price you pay for the extra money conferences make by having a championship game. No different than an 11-19 basketball team making the tournament.
It's more like a 20-10 team, and people normally don't complain if they have a nice run through the tourney.

[st.cronin]

owwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

that looked painful

[Ksyrup]

There have been several teams with losing seasons get into the tournament - and frankly, that's worse than this (assuming it happens - game ain't over yet).

[Ksyrup]

That looked like a good catch to me.

[cthomer5000]

2 point conversion looks good to me.

[Ksyrup]

That last replay they showed, I saw separation of the ball from his hand/arm as it came down toward the ground. I think that's why they called it no good.

[cthomer5000]

huh? I can't see what replay showed the WR not posessing the ball.

[General Mike]

Fuck the ACC. What an overrated conference.

[Ksyrup]

O- kaaaaaay?

[Ksyrup]

Up by 18, VT finally showing some signs of life...let's go 3 and out and take 2 seconds off the clock!

[General Mike]

huh? I can't see what replay showed the WR not posessing the ball.

There wasn't conclusive evidence to overturn the call.

[mauchow]

Could've at least been a sympathy call. I mean, c'mon, the guy got hurt refs.

[Vegas Vic]

It will be interesting the split between sooner fans rooting for usc or texas.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9071/usccheer3pf.jpg

Fight On!!!

[mauchow]

Woops. Dropped a touchdown. Underthrew it, but still... gotta score there.

[st.cronin]

USC's cheerleaders rule.

[Dr. Sak]

Catch the Fucking ball!!!

[Ksyrup]

Here we go...

[mauchow]

Pfft. Penalties keeping VT in the game.

[MizzouRah]

I've watched a few VT games recently and they've never really impressed me much. Vick has a long way to go before he learns to do what his brother did, and maybe never will.

I will say though, like USC, it seems like Florida St. had a great gameplan tonight.

[mauchow]

Why, oh, why would you spike the ball when you're down by twelve mounting a comeback? Guh.

[cthomer5000]

There wasn't conclusive evidence to overturn the call.
but the ref stated "There was conclusive evidence to uphold the ruling on the field."

That was a blatant lie, and I personally thought there was conclusive evidence that he caught the ball. Every angle that showed his hands showed him posess it and change hands with it.

[st.cronin]

I've watched a few VT games recently and they've never really impressed me much. Vick has a long way to go before he learns to do what his brother did, and maybe never will.

I will say though, like USC, it seems like Florida St. had a great gameplan tonight.

I agree. I've felt all year that Vatech & Vick were overrated.

[cthomer5000]

Why, oh, why would you spike the ball when you're down by twelve mounting a comeback? Guh.
college refs are waaaaay too quick to make that call though.

[Ksyrup]

college refs are waaaaay too quick to make that call though.
Yeah, I don't get it. It's no like he spiked it right at the feet of an FSU player. Since when is an emphatic spike unsportsmanlike?

[kingfc22]

Should have gone for 1 both times. They would only need a TD and a FG if they had done that.

[cthomer5000]

by the way, it's the wrong decision to go for 2 there. You hold off on that as long as possible. They have to score another TD anyway, so you go for it next time.

[VPI97]

This game has been a fucking joke.

[Ksyrup]

College coaches have no idea how to use the 2-point play. I can't believe how many coaches go for two way early in the game if they've missed an extra point. When you'r talking about combinations of scores by 2, 3, 6, and 7 points, you hold off on going for 2 as long as you can.

[VPI97]

Pfft. Penalties keeping VT in the game.You gotta be shitting me.

[mauchow]

college refs are waaaaay too quick to make that call though.
I'm pretty sure there is no spiking of any kind allowed in college football.

[mauchow]

You gotta be shitting me.
Just in this last drive I'm talking. They were the right calls for the most part.

[mauchow]

Stunning night for the Dawgs. I'm happy, but I can't help but wonder what might have been had Richt called other games as he called this one.
A happier SkyDog?

[Ben E Lou]

Stunning night for the Dawgs. I'm happy, but I can't help but wonder what might have been had Richt called other games as he called this one.

[st.cronin]

College coaches have no idea how to use the 2-point play. I can't believe how many coaches go for two way early in the game if they've missed an extra point. When you'r talking about combinations of scores by 2, 3, 6, and 7 points, you hold off on going for 2 as long as you can.

The odds are a little bit different in college; kickers aren't as reliable and the two point conversion rate is higher.

[Ksyrup]

This is why Jeff Bowden sucks. You don't win by playing not to lose. At least freaking try to get 1 or 2 first downs. Just awful play calling, whether or not we win.

[cthomer5000]

College coaches have no idea how to use the 2-point play. I can't believe how many coaches go for two way early in the game if they've missed an extra point. When you'r talking about combinations of scores by 2, 3, 6, and 7 points, you hold off on going for 2 as long as you can.
the first time was at least debatable, the seoncd time they went for it was flat-out incorrect.

[mauchow]

Doesn't Dr. Pepper have any better commercials than that? I mean, after the 43rd time of the day, it kind of loses it's charm...if there was any to begin with.

[Swaggs]

man... time is seriously not moving in this game. It started at 8 PM EST, right?

It is almost midnight and there are still almost 9 minutes left.

[Ksyrup]

the first time was at least debatable, the seoncd time they went for it was flat-out incorrect.Agreed, because the first time would have made it a 2-score game instead of 3. And on the second, you were corect earlier that if you can put off the 2-point try until the next TD, you do so.

[Ksyrup]

OK, let's count how many guys are on the field.

[Ksyrup]

Woooo-hooooo!

[cthomer5000]

Either the playcalling sucks or Vick sucjs, because they should be tearing FSU up on 7-10 yard routes right now, they're in a prevent defense!

[Ksyrup]

Just take a fucking knee. At least that way, whe you lose 2 yards, you won't risk a fumble. God this is infuriating.

[sooner333]

Why should you wait as long as possible when you are down by that much with relatively little time to go though (less than a quarter). I know it depends on what the other team does, but at least you know that you will definetly have to do later on in the game, also realizing if you give up another score, you are likely done anyway. I say you figure out what you need to do before the last chance (that way you can speed your offense up accordingly to the situation).

[Ksyrup]

No. You take the 1-point because that makes it an 11 point game, and you can wait to go for 2 on the next TD that you need. Even if you get 2 there and make it a 10-point game, you still need another TD. So you take the sure 1 point first, then wait to go for the 2 later.

[Joe]

Stunning night for the Dawgs. I'm happy, but I can't help but wonder what might have been had Richt called other games as he called this one.

They'd be undefeated and not in the rose bowl

[sooner333]

No. You take the 1-point because that makes it an 11 point game, and you can wait to go for 2 on the next TD that you need. Even if you get 2 there and make it a 10-point game, you still need another TD. So you take the sure 1 point first, then wait to go for the 2 later.

Makes sense. You know you have to score at least one more TD, and you would have to score again after that anyway, so then you could gameplan for a FG or a TD at that point. Okay, I'm convinced...haha.

[Ksyrup]

Damn, where has this defense been all year?

[bronconick]

I hate the three man rush.

Edit: Hell, this is a 2 or 1 man rush.

[Ksyrup]

If you're going to play prevent, though, it's not a bad idea to drop one of the lineman to protect against the scramble or short cross against a guy like Vick.

[Swaggs]

Vick really has trouble passing against good man-to-man DBs. He kills zones, though.

[bronconick]

Roughing the passer. Doh.

[Swaggs]

What year is King? He is a stud.

[cthomer5000]

i thought the ball hit the ground on that "catch" by King.

[Swaggs]

Yeah, it looked like the bottom half of the ball was on the ground during the replay. It seems that they pick random plays to review in college...

[Vegas Vic]

It ain't over yet! Onside kick pending.

[ISiddiqui]

That's it... FSU wins the ACC! WOW!

[Swaggs]

where does VPI end up now? Will the Gator Bowl take them over Miami?

[kingfc22]

Nothing like an unranked team with 4 losses making into a BCS bowl.http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[ISiddiqui]

Nothing like an unranked team with 4 losses making into a BCS bowl.http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/rolleyes.gifHey, blame it on the conference championship setup... Well, if anyone deserves this, it's the ACC! LOL!

[Swaggs]

Nothing like an unranked team with 4 losses making into a BCS bowl.http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Couldn't happen to a nicer conference.

[cthomer5000]

where does VPI end up now? Will the Gator Bowl take them over Miami?
I was thinking the same thing. I guess that would leave Viriginia Tech in the Peach Bowl.

[VPI97]

Damn, where have these refs been all year?Fixed.

[Ksyrup]

Fixed.
:rolleyes:

[Ksyrup]

The refs didn't lose this game for you. If you need an excuse that bad, just go with Beamer/FSU = Schottenheimer/Denver.

[VPI97]

:rolleyes:I'm just saying that they were calling things extremely loose...if you get a typical set of refs, FSU would have had 2-3 more pass interference calls. They were loose with our secondary, too, but we didn't take advantage of it like we should have by blitzing more and relying on more physical press coverage.


The refs didn't lose this game for you. If you need an excuse that bad, just go with Beamer/FSU = Schottenheimer/Denver.Refs didn't cost us the game...our coaching did. We never adjusted to the appropriate style of play for the game.

[cthomer5000]

I don't think i saw the same game VPI did. Vick couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, the receivers couldn't catch, the DBs lost out again and again on the deep ball to FSU receivers, and the offensive line was a turnstyle for the FSU d-line... funneling them to their sacks in orderly fasion.

[Celeval]

I was thinking the same thing. I guess that would leave Viriginia Tech in the Peach Bowl. College Football News predicts:

Gator - Miami
Peach - Virginia Tech
Champs Sports (Orlando) - Clemson
Meineke Car Care (Charlotte) - NC State
MPC Computers (Boise) - Boston College

Music City (Nashville) [From the SEC, not enough qualifiers] - Georgia Tech
Emerald (San Francisco) [From the PAC-10, not enough qualifiers] - Virginia


dola... which sucks, because Peach Bowl officials were saying earlier in the day that if Georgia beat LSU, it'd be a likely GT - UF matchup in the Peach. Instead we get Minnesota or some random Big 10 team.

[Ksyrup]

I was happy to see them calling the plays (correctly) like that in the secondary. They weren't getting there early, they were playing great defense, best game of the year (I don't count Miami because neither team's offense was worth shit that night). You adjust to how they're calling them, you don't sit there and point for a flag every time the ball gets knocked away on close coverage.

[VPI97]

They weren't getting there early, they were playing great defenseYeah, okay.

[ISiddiqui]

College Football News predicts:

Gator - Miami
Peach - Virginia Tech
Champs Sports (Orlando) - Clemson
Meineke Car Care (Charlotte) - NC State
MPC Computers (Boise) - Boston College

Music City (Nashville) [From the SEC, not enough qualifiers] - Georgia Tech
Emerald (San Francisco) [From the PAC-10, not enough qualifiers] - Virginia


dola... which sucks, because Peach Bowl officials were saying earlier in the day that if Georgia beat LSU, it'd be a likely GT - UF matchup in the Peach. Instead we get Minnesota or some random Big 10 team.Um... yeah. I'd rather see Virginia Tech v. Florida in the Peach Bowl. You GTech fans can go to Nashville to play... whoever :p.

[Swaggs]

By the way, I guess Ohio State gets an automatic BCS bid since they will probably be ranked #4, right?

[Noop]

I am sure glad about this win. Our first week practicing in pads and we return to playing like we gave a damn. In fact we are undefeated when we actually practice in pads. Go Noles!!!!!!!!

[VPI97]

By the way, I guess Ohio State gets an automatic BCS bid since they will probably be ranked #4, right?Yep...both ND and OSU are locked into the BCS now.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, okay.Sorry, while I agree there could have been some pass interference calls made - because I see shitty calls like that made way too much on Saturdays - they weren't called tonight and it was the right decision on pretty much every non-call I saw.

[Ksyrup]

I am sure glad about this win. Our first week practicing in pads and we return to playing like we gave a damn. In fact we are undefeated when we actually practice in pads. Go Noles!!!!!!!!
The downside being that this gives Jeff Bowden another year. I guess that's worth $15M?

[Noop]

The downside being that this gives Jeff Bowden another year. I guess that's worth $15M?
I hope we fire the QB coach though. Oh well I guess I will be at the Orange Bowl this year.

[VPI97]

Sorry, while I agree there could have been some pass interference calls made - because I see shity calls like that made way too much on Saturdays - they weren't called tonight and it was the right decision on pretty much every non-call I saw.That's becuase you're a FSU fan. As a VT fan, I see the exact opposite. The truth is somewhere in the middle.

[Ksyrup]

The truth is in the reaction from the announcers, fans, and people on the board. I don't really see anyone outraged that the refs took the game away from VT by failing to call multiple obvious pass interference penalties. That's because they by and large didn't happen.

[Ksyrup]

I hope we fire the QB coach though. Oh well I guess I will be at the Orange Bowl this year.
I think that's the guy who used to coach Presbyterian College. I went there for a year.

[VPI97]

The truth is in the reaction from the announcers, fans, and people on the board. I don't really see anyone outraged that the refs took the game away from VT by failing to call multiple obvious pass interference penalties. That's because they by and large didn't happen.Whatever you say.

[TazFTW]

And in nothing to do with conference championship games news, Hawaii beat San Diego State 49-38. What was noteworthy was that Hawaii ran the ball 39 times for 262 yards. :eek:

Nate Ilaoa ran the ball 15 times for 151 yards and a TD, first time a UH RB had a 100+ yard game. Reagan Mauia ran 10 times for 56 yards and a score. That is interesting because Mauia is a 6' 360lb defensive tackle that June Jones has been using as a RB the past two games.

Smash mouth football!

[GrantDawg]

College Football News predicts:

Gator - Miami
Peach - Virginia Tech
Champs Sports (Orlando) - Clemson
Meineke Car Care (Charlotte) - NC State
MPC Computers (Boise) - Boston College

Music City (Nashville) [From the SEC, not enough qualifiers] - Georgia Tech
Emerald (San Francisco) [From the PAC-10, not enough qualifiers] - Virginia


dola... which sucks, because Peach Bowl officials were saying earlier in the day that if Georgia beat LSU, it'd be a likely GT - UF matchup in the Peach. Instead we get Minnesota or some random Big 10 team.
Really? They said in the game that the looser of the SEC championship game would be going to the Peach. They showed the SEC bowl connections, and they had Peach as third. Now I thought they were fourth, which would then make sense for Florida to be Peach bound. But if that graphic was right and it they are third, then LSU > Florida easily.

[Celeval]

Really? They said in the game that the looser of the SEC championship game would be going to the Peach. They showed the SEC bowl connections, and they had Peach as third. Now I thought they were fourth, which would then make sense for Florida to be Peach bound. But if that graphic was right and it they are third, then LSU > Florida easily.
Dunno the math of it... perhaps they thought bringing LSU to Atlanta again wouldn't be the best bet? I was focused on the Tech part. ;)

[SirFozzie]

College Football News predicts:
MPC Computers (Boise) - Boston College


That fucking sucks. I mean, BC beats the teams ahead of them, finishes ahead of them in the standings, but they get sent to higher paying/better location bowls?

[cthomer5000]

That fucking sucks. I mean, BC beats the teams ahead of them, finishes ahead of them in the standings, but they get sent to higher paying/better location bowls?
That's interesting. I know in the Big East, a bowl would be forced to take BC over NC State by virtue of finishing 2 games ahead of them in conference play. I guess the same doesn't hold true in the ACC?

[Celeval]

It only holds true for the Gator and Peach bowls. The big f*d up one is NC State - Charlotte has basically said that they want State because of the draw despite who else was available. The question is if the ACC can (and will) lean hard enough on them to take BC instead.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That fucking sucks. I mean, BC beats the teams ahead of them, finishes ahead of them in the standings, but they get sent to higher paying/better location bowls?

Yep, because the others have done their hitch in Boise, and everybody (except BC I guess) wants somebody who hasn't been there to go.

[JeeberD]

That fucking sucks. I mean, BC beats the teams ahead of them, finishes ahead of them in the standings, but they get sent to higher paying/better location bowls?

Same thing (kinda) happened in CUSA. UCF fans are pissed because the #2 CUSA bowl is the GMAC Bowl, but before the championship game UTEP agreed to go to the game, sending #2 UCF to Fort Worth. Of course, UTEP fans are pissed about this as well because traveling to Mobile is going to be a bitch while traveling to Fort Worth to face a Big 12 team would have been easier and a better game to watch.