College Football Week 11 thread (spoilers inside)

[TazFTW]

Louisville at Rutgers on ESPN in a few minutes.

[duckman]

Go Scarlet Knights!

[timmynausea]

Louisville is the better team, but I think Rutgers has a shot tonight. I have been looking forward to this one all week.

[Cuckoo]

Go Scarlet Knights!

You do know that a Louisville loss puts Texass closer to another NC game, right?

Go Louisville!! :D

[Neuqua]

Go Rutgers!

[Easy Mac]

Go bananas!

[cartman]

You do know that a Louisville loss puts Texass closer to another NC game, right?



Damn straight.

Go Joisey Boys!!

:D

[cartman]

LOL

I saw someone in the crowd with Burt Reynold's B-Lock signs from the Man Laws commercial.

:D

[kingfc22]

Too bad Rutgers is unable to air it out like that with accuracy.

[JonInMiddleGA]

LOL. Note to Rutgers: That is how you throw deep on 1st down.

[Karlifornia]

Louisville shouldn't lose this game. No way, no how.

[General Mike]

Louisville shouldn't lose this game. No way, no how.

I agree. Rutgers has no chance.

[JeeberD]

Great pick and return...

[JeeberD]

Nice! Go Rutgirls!

[kingfc22]

Sweet :)

[kingfc22]

Go Rutgers. Hopefully they can go undefeated and bring down the BCS when they don't get picked for the Championship game.

[kingfc22]

doh!

[JeeberD]

Well crap...

[duckman]

You do know that a Louisville loss puts Texass closer to another NC game, right?

Go Louisville!! :D

Being the evil bastard I am, I would LOVE to see Rutgers beat Louisville and then West Virginia beat Rutgers. Hilarity would ensue.

[TazFTW]

Heh

[Karlifornia]

What a wild first quarter so far.....

[JonInMiddleGA]

Being the evil bastard I am, I would LOVE to see Rutgers beat Louisville and then West Virginia beat Rutgers. Hilarity would ensue.

On the one hand, bigger picture, that's what I'm hoping for.
But on the other hand, big picture aside, I wouldn't mind a bit if this ended up something like 70-14 Louisville.

[kingfc22]

Oh god. Dickie V is on during the game. I thought I didn't have to mute college sports until basketball season.

[Swaggs]

I'm rooting for Rutgers here, so WVU can get a share of the BE title.

Unfortunately, I think Brohm has gotten his timing back after being injured. When healthy, Brohm is every bit as good as Brady Quinn.

[MizzouRah]

Louisville is impressive so far.

[Swaggs]

Nice pushoff...

[Swaggs]

Unfortunately for Rutgers, this one is over. They aren't going to be able to hold Louisville's offense down enough for the rest of the game to overcome this type of lead.

[mauchow]

Its at home, I wouldn't count them out just yet.. but as of now, Louisville looks like the better team, but we have to play a whole game.

[MizzouRah]

Nice 4 play drive, they need to stop Louisville now.

[General Mike]

*chop* *chop *chop*

[mauchow]

Easily a blocked punt.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Easily a roughing the kicker.

Fixed that for you.

[mauchow]

Its not roughing if its blocked.

[MizzouRah]

Just like Missouri a few weeks ago - DO NOT hit the kicker... kills the momentum.

[WVUFAN]

That was a blocked punt. HORRIBLE call by the ref.

[Swaggs]

That was a blocked punt. HORRIBLE call by the ref.

It looked like it in full speed, but not on the replay.

[cartman]

So the refs said the punt wasn't blocked, he hit a clean 15 yard punt?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Are you watching the same game the rest of the country is watching? The replay seemed pretty clear that the punt wasn't touched by any of the rushers.

[General Mike]

The Fucking Refs are Fucking Rutgers.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So the refs said the punt wasn't blocked, he hit a clean 15 yard punt?

Yep, hurried it out & basically muffed the kick.

[mauchow]

On the replay it looed more like a block.. The defenders hand went right where the ball was.

I'm not a fan of either teams, I just root for football in general and tonight I will now be rooting more for Rutgers to win.

[Swaggs]

Probably the realization that he was about to get drilled made the punter pull a shank.

[Galaxy]

I hate roughing the kicker/running into the kicker calls.

[JonInMiddleGA]

On the replay it looed more like a block

Like I said, are you sure you're watching the same game as the rest of the nation?

[cartman]

Are you watching the same game the rest of the country is watching? The replay seemed pretty clear that the punt wasn't touched by any of the rushers.

It looked to me like the guy in the middle got a piece of the ball. The punter looked like he got the ball off cleanly, if the ball wasn't deflected it should have gone more than 15 yards.

[Swaggs]

I think the refs made the right call and I am rooting for Rutgers tonight.

[mauchow]

Like I said, are you sure you're watching the same game as the rest of the nation?

http://www.39dollarglasses.com/

[MizzouRah]

Do they NOT have instant replay in the Big East?

[Swaggs]

Do they NOT have instant replay in the Big East?

All college football has instant replay now, I believe.

They definitely have it in the BE.

[MizzouRah]

All college football has instant replay now, I believe.

They definitely have it in the BE.

I thought only certain conferences did?

If they do, why wouldn't they just look at it on tape and get the call right?

[General Mike]

Do they NOT have instant replay in the Big East?

Everyone has replay.

Not Reviewable
Examples:
1. Holding.
2. Offside/encroachment.
3. Pass interference.
4. Personal fouls (e.g., late hits).
5. Illegal blocks.
6. Illegal formations.
7. Face mask.
8. Taunting / excessive celebration.
9. False starts.
10. Roughing passer / kicker.
11. Fighting participants.

[cartman]

Erin Andrews is a hottie

[Swaggs]

I'm guessing because the tape was inconclusive, the Rutgers coach decided not to challenge it. It was certainly a situation that justified risking a timeout for, but I don't think the video established that it was blocked, in my opinion. Other than that, maybe penalties are irreversable.

[mauchow]

I thought only certain conferences did?

If they do, why wouldn't they just look at it on tape and get the call right?

I don't believe you can challenge penalty calls. They refs should've gotten into a huddle and came to a determination. I didn't see much of a huddle, so, whatever. :rolleyes:

[General Mike]

In other news, BYU is killing Wyoming 31-0 at the halftime. Jonathan Coachman and Chris Rix may be the "best" broadcast team in CFB history.

[MizzouRah]

Well, that sucks - they should have reviewed it anyway. :)

[timmynausea]

That kick return for a TD was huge. Rutgers D did great against Brohm once they started getting pressure.

Two non-offensive touchdowns were the difference for Louisville last week. The 8 points off the kick return could be the difference tonight.

[mauchow]

Rutgers got away with one there.. At least they're even now.

[Crim]

someone post the score for me please? I'm dyin' ovah heah...

[cartman]

someone post the score for me please? I'm dyin' ovah heah...

25-14 Louisville

[Crim]

thankee. I'll be able to watch the end I think if I hurry...

[mauchow]

First and Goal Rutgers after a scary fumble! Nice reception, what a catch across the middle.

[kingfc22]

Woot. Rutgers finally with a big play

[mauchow]

Touchdown, 25-20.. do they go for two? I'd say no, obviously.

[sabotai]

TOUCHDOWN! W000T!

[kingfc22]

Couldn't the WR been called for illegal touching? Looks like after he was stripped his arm hit out of bounds and then he was the first to touch the ball.

[mauchow]

Wow, they get the two points. Nice little lob.

[mauchow]

Couldn't the WR been called for illegal touching? Looks like after he was stripped his arm hit out of bounds and then he was the first to touch the ball.

Luckily, the ref was too busy throwing down his blue flag to even notice it. But you're correct.. they still would've kept the ball, but plus the penalty.

[cartman]

Touchdown, 25-20.. do they go for two? I'd say no, obviously.

They do, and get it.

25-22 with 4:42 to play in the 3rd.

[JeffNights]

So, if this game remains close and a good one even if Rutgers loses...Do you think they move up, down, or stay the same in the polls?

[kingfc22]

Geez. Just squib the ball down there.

[mauchow]

How did #60 get in there so quickly!

The crowd is going CRAZY! Wow!

[kingfc22]

Big ol MO is on the side of Rutgers

[mauchow]

So, if this game remains close and a good one even if Rutgers loses...Do you think they move up, down, or stay the same in the polls?

Let us worry about that after the game. :)

At this rate, there won't be any worrying about that.. ;)

But to answer your question, I would think they'd stay about the same in the BCS while dropping a tad in the human polls.

[miami_fan]

In other news, BYU is killing Wyoming 31-0 at the halftime. Jonathan Coachman and Chris Rix may be the "best" broadcast team in CFB history.

Coachman from WWE and the former FSU QB? You are joking right?

[General Mike]

Coachman from WWE and the former FSU QB? You are joking right?


No joke.

[mauchow]

So far this half its all Rutgers. There defense has really stepped it up big time since halfway through the second quarter or so.

[General Mike]

Coachman from WWE and the former FSU QB? You are joking right?

No joke. And by "best" I mean the funniest combination possible.

[cartman]

Oh, Louisville got lucky on that wounded duck

[mauchow]

Just keeps on comin'! Almost a huge play for Rutgers.

[mauchow]

Now just get a 5 yard return with no penalty here...

[mauchow]

Rice is rollin'

[mauchow]

Fake coming up? Or is it too obvious..

[mauchow]

Tie Ball Game!

[Galaxy]

Alright Knights!

[cartman]

Tie game. 25-25 with 10:13 to play

[SunDevil]

This is a great game.

[mauchow]

This is a great game.

I'm glad I convinced my wife I needed to watch this game..

[JeeberD]

I'm glad my wife went over to her friend's house tonight, freeing me up to watch the game... :)

[MizzouRah]

Man, that run D of Rutgers.

[mauchow]

GOT to pick up those sacks.. Good elusiveness by Brohm for the most part to pick up 5 yards each time he can't throw.

[mauchow]

Rutgers need to pick up at least two first downs during this drive..

[General Mike]

Defense has done a tremendous job in the 2nd half.

[MizzouRah]

I love college football.

[cartman]

If they can control the ball, they should be able to drive down into FG range and not leave Louisville any time on the clock.

[sabotai]

Big play. They are very close to Ito's range now.

[MizzouRah]

What a call.

[mauchow]

Huge play!!

Rutgers into Louisville territory.

Be prepared to see a HUUUUGE jump in the rankings for Rutgers!

[Galaxy]

What's the kicker's range?

[kingfc22]

What's the kicker's range?

They said 52ish

[mauchow]

What's the kicker's range?

He already nailed a 46 yarder.. cleared it nicely down the center.

NICE RUN BY RICE AGAIN!

[kingfc22]

Huge run for Rice

[Galaxy]

Holy crap.

[sabotai]

Big play by Rice!

[cartman]

What's the kicker's range?

50+

But that's a moot point now

[MizzouRah]

Who is this Rice fella? :)

[kingfc22]

Down with the BCS!! Woo!

[MizzouRah]

If Rutgers does score, I would NOT let Louisville return the ball if they have to kickoff.

[Celeval]

Somewhere in New Jersey a man is about to go ballistic.

[sabotai]

Milk. That. Clock
Milk. That. Clock.


Actually, the worst thing they could do right now is score. Don't want to give Louisville any time at all.

[Swaggs]

Wow... I spoke too soon earlier, obviously.

Win or lose, great game for Rutgers. And a great accomplishment to keep Louisville scoreless for a half.

Again, win or lose, I'm happy for all of the long-suffering Rutgers fans on this board.

[kingfc22]

Looks like Louisville will have 20-30 seconds left.

[cartman]

A first down here would not give Louisville the ball back

[sabotai]

Looks like Louisville will have 20-30 seconds left.

Maybe. Rutgers could still get the 1st down.

[kingfc22]

General Mike is about to explode...

[Galaxy]

I got a bad feeling about Louisville getting the ball.

[cartman]

Regardless of what happens here or in the WVU game, I think Schiano has wrapped up Coach of the Year. Awesome adjustments at halftime.

[MizzouRah]

Keep it away from that return guy.... but they have to make the field goal first.

[vtbub]

just an incredible game

[mauchow]

They'll get about 13 seconds after the kickoff, assuming they kick it normally and its a touchback.

They could do what Wisconsin did and run it down and squib it.. lol

[sabotai]

Keep it away from that return guy.... but they have to make the field goal first.

I was going to post something about Ito earlier, but I'm going to wait until after this kick so I don't jinx him.

[cartman]

I got a bad feeling about Louisville getting the ball.

With the old rules, yes. But now, the clock will start as soon as the ball is kicked, as well as again when the ball is set after a change of possesion. 20 seconds isn't long at all.

[kingfc22]

WOW. Offsides is gonna save Rutgers

[mauchow]

HOLY SHIT!

HE MISSED BUT GETS ANOTHER CHANCE!

[Galaxy]

LOL.

[Joe]

hahaha you retards

[MizzouRah]

No friggin way! I would KILL that guy who was offsides

[Swaggs]

how many heart attacks on that play?

[Galaxy]

BYU took care of Wyoming, 55-7.

[MizzouRah]

Is this the Redskin game?

[sabotai]

Holy crap. Ito missed it but an offsides saved him. I guess just by saying what I did, I jinxed him. :(

[Swaggs]

Money!

[cartman]

Money

[kingfc22]

Crazy crazy game.


Now squib it down the field

[MizzouRah]

Money? LOL! After a second chance.....

[cartman]

1, 2, 3, jinx.

You owe me a coke, Swaggs

:)

[Celeval]

$$$

[sabotai]

So far tonight, the kickoff return has been Louoisville's best play...

[miami_fan]

Does the Big East have a similar rule like the SEC about the fans not storming the field?

[mauchow]

What a loser kicker for missing the first one....

unreal.

Great game, glad I was able to watch Louisville absolutely suck from the second I turned it on(midway through the second quarter). I saw them suck bad against a good Rutgers team.

[cartman]

Does the Big East have a similar rule like the SEC about the fans not storming the field?

Fugheddaboudit

[mauchow]

*heart attack*

[kingfc22]

What the hell were they thinking?

[mauchow]

HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!! HAHAH

[Swaggs]

Wow... the fans actually listened in a quick manner.

[MizzouRah]

I thought he might return it again.

[TazFTW]

No penalty?

[Galaxy]

The students can't tell time very well.

[Swaggs]

Rutgers should have pulled off the Wisconsin trick.

[MizzouRah]

That was funny seeing that herd go back off the field.

[KWhit]

So I guess Louisville doesn't deserve a shot in the National Championship game?

[sabotai]

And there's the game!!! RUTGERS WINS!!!

[Swaggs]

That was funny seeing that herd go back off the field.

They must not drink before games up there. Usually it doesn't work like that. :)

[MizzouRah]

This is what college football is all about. WOW.. congrats to all the Rutgers fans.

..and Louisville fans as they are still one hell of a team...

[SunDevil]

This is what college football is all about.


This is why college football is great.

[Swaggs]

Congrats Rutgers fans, too. I know it's been a long time coming. Thumbs up to you guys for sticking with them.

[cartman]

The students can't tell time very well.

The main scoreboard was at 0:00

[Celeval]

Crazy, crazy, crazy. Great game to watch.

[MizzouRah]

They must not drink before games up there. Usually it doesn't work like that. :)

:D

[Edward64]

I agree. Wow, what a great game.

There's going to be alot of Rutgers football players getting laid tonight.

[Galaxy]

The main scoreboard was at 0:00

Ah, thanks. Didn't hear that.

[MizzouRah]

Everyone wearing red is getting laid tonight. :)

[cartman]

Ah, thanks. Didn't hear that.

They didn't say anything, I just happened to catch it in the corner of the screen. I love HD. :)

[miami_fan]

This is what college football is all about. WOW.. congrats to all the Rutgers fans.

..and Louisville fans as they are still one hell of a team...

""

[mtolson]

So if Rutgers also beats WV and runs the table does anyone think they deserve a shot at the Ohio State/Michigan winner the they also run the table for the National Title ?

[Galaxy]

They didn't say anything, I just happened to catch it in the corner of the screen. I love HD. :)

Bastard. :)

[timmynausea]

Great, great game. Probably in my top 5 most exciting. Probably number 1 for a non-WVU game.

I called it an another thread - Louisville wilts like a daisy away from home.

[General Mike]

Amazing. Great halftime adjustments by Rutgers.

[SnDvls]

hell of a win for Rutgers

congrats.

amazing where the two teams that played in last years Insight Bowl have gone.

ASU is in the toilet and Rutgers is on top of the world.

congrats again.

[SunDevil]

Whatever recruits Rutgers had at the game tonight, they are signing the commitment letter tomorrow, with a hangover and a condom wrapper in their pocket. Welcome to college kids.

[timmynausea]

Plus Rutgers may have saved the Big East. Louisville is good, but I think they would've been embarrassed by either Michigan or Ohio State.

[NoMyths]

Amazing comeback. Congrats, Rutgers. :)

[aran]

WOO! Rutgers finally stops sucking for a year!

Maybe we can start milking Dom Bosco and that high school in Jersey City for there HS top 25 talent? Schiano is the man.

[ISiddiqui]

YEEEESSS!!!! YES!!! YES!! YES!!!

YAHHHH!

Thankfully the defense was dominate and Schiano's playing it 'cute' early on (passing a ton) didn't hurt Rutgers as they remembered they are a running team in the 4th Q!!!

[SnDvls]

Schiano is the man.

how hard is Miami gonna go after him?
how loyal is he to Rutgers?

I hope he stays there.

[KWhit]

So if Rutgers also beats WV and runs the table does anyone think they deserve a shot at the Ohio State/Michigan winner the they also run the table for the National Title ?

Don't be silly.

[KWhit]

Plus Rutgers may have saved the Big East. Louisville is good, but I think they would've been embarrassed by either Michigan or Ohio State.

Agree. Rutgers winning is the best thing that could have happened for the Big East tonight.

[tdydynasty]

Anyone living in New Jersey getting the newspaper tomorrow? Sure to be a collectors item for Rutgers fans for years to come. Wonder if the New York Times Sports Section will have Rutgers on the first page, should be a full page.

[miami_fan]

So if Rutgers also beats WV and runs the table does anyone think they deserve a shot at the Ohio State/Michigan winner the they also run the table for the National Title ?

That is like saying George Mason should have a shot at the national championship in college basketball.

[Dekanth]

Agree. Rutgers winning is the best thing that could have happened for the Big East tonight.

That is insane. If Louisville won, they might have played for the MNC. Further, WV might have still been able to play in a BSC bowl. Two BCS teams would have been a financial bonanza for the Big East. This win gave the BE a perception of better depth, but was not good for the BE as a whole.

[k0ruptr]

what an amazing game.

[KWhit]

That is insane. If Louisville won, they might have played for the MNC. Further, WV might have still been able to play in a BSC bowl. Two BCS teams would have been a financial bonanza for the Big East. This win gave the BE a perception of better depth, but was not good for the BE as a whole.

Until Louisville got blown out in the NC game.

[Dekanth]

Until Louisville got blown out in the NC game.

Yeah, we know that would happen for sure. Just like we knew WVU would get blown out vs. Georgia, and that Louisville would blow through Rutgers and finish 12-0. Not to mention how we knew OSU was going to bury Illinois last week. :rolleyes:

[General Mike]

Anyone living in New Jersey getting the newspaper tomorrow? Sure to be a collectors item for Rutgers fans for years to come. Wonder if the New York Times Sports Section will have Rutgers on the first page, should be a full page.

Yeah I'll get the Star-Ledger and the Home News. Maybe USA Today if they have something.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Y'know, I kinda like it when I have a can't lose proposition like this game. There was an upside to either result as far as I was concerned, so this works out pretty good for me.

[KWhit]

Yeah, we know that would happen for sure. Just like we knew WVU would get blown out vs. Georgia, and that Louisville would blow through Rutgers and finish 12-0. Not to mention how we knew OSU was going to bury Illinois last week. :rolleyes:

Well, I'm not gonna convince you of anything, but I can't see the Big East being anywhere close to the same level as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, or Pac Ten. Big East teams haven't beaten anybody this year except each other (and a shitty Miami team who is 5-4).

[ISiddiqui]

ACC? You are joking right?

The ACC desperately wishes it could pick three different teams to steal from the Big East than the ones they actually took.

[timmynausea]

Yeah, we know that would happen for sure. Just like we knew WVU would get blown out vs. Georgia, and that Louisville would blow through Rutgers and finish 12-0. Not to mention how we knew OSU was going to bury Illinois last week. :rolleyes:

Obviously this is all opinion/speculation, I just don't think Louisville matches up very well with Michigan or OSU (just like I didn't think they matched up with Rutgers very well). For the long term of the conference, I think this was a good result.

If Louisville were to get to the national championship game and get blown out, the Big East might have a hard time getting a team in next time. Now we'll probably see either Rutgers or WVU in the Orange Bowl against an ACC champ that I think they'd match up a lot better with.

[KWhit]

ACC? You are joking right?

The ACC desperately wishes it could pick three different teams to steal from the Big East than the ones they actually took.

The ACC is down this year, but it's really impossible to judge. Unfortunately, the lame-ass system we have doesn't let enough teams play it out on the field to know who really deserves a title shot. We'll never know, but my opinion is that the ACC is a better conference than the Big East - even this year, in the ACC's worst year in a decade and one of the Big East's best.

[General Mike]

Well, I'm not gonna convince you of anything, but I can't see the Big East being anywhere close to the same level as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, or Pac Ten. Big East teams haven't beaten anybody this year except each other (and a shitty Miami team who is 5-4).

Don't even put the ACC on the same level as the SEC or the Pac-Ten. Maryland is tied for 1st place in their division in the ACC and WVU killed them.

[MacroGuru]

My lowly cougars demolished another suck ass MWC team in Wyoming tonight....to bad no one got to see it....stupid POS T.V. that the MWC signed with CSTV....

Anyways....just happy to be ranked again...

[ntndeacon]

Let's Go Rutgers!

[ntndeacon]

ACC? You are joking right?

The ACC desperately wishes it could pick three different teams to steal from the Big East than the ones they actually took.

Umm as an ACC fan Imust call this as the crap it is. The ACC does not wish it had 3 other teams from the Big East.

[KWhit]

Don't even put the ACC on the same level as the SEC or the Pac-Ten. Maryland is tied for 1st place in their division in the ACC and WVU killed them.

One game decides which conference is better? That's kind of a small sample size, don't you think?

I'm an SEC guy. That's the top conference by a long shot in my book. But I absolutely believe that the ACC is a better conference top-to-bottom than the Big East.

When RUTGERS is the best team in the conference, that's pretty telling, don't you think?

[ISiddiqui]

Umm as an ACC fan Imust call this as the crap it is. The ACC does not wish it had 3 other teams from the Big East.

So you'd rather keep Miami, VTech, and Boston College instead of having Louisville, West Virginia, and Rutgers? Well, your loss.

[kingnebwsu]

Amazing game to watch...wow. So much fun! Glad to see Rutgers win. It appeals to the upset-college sports fan in me :)

[ISiddiqui]

One game decides which conference is better? That's kind of a small sample size, don't you think?

I'm an SEC guy. That's the top conference by a long shot in my book. But I absolutely believe that the ACC is a better conference top-to-bottom than the Big East.

When RUTGERS is the best team in the conference, that's pretty telling, don't you think?

When ARKANSAS is the best team in the conference, that's pretty telling, don't you think?

:cool:

And what if this is the first year of a decades long run of 10 win seasons for Rutgers? Just because this is their coming out year, to disparage the conference for it is pretty lame. This ain't two years ago and Rutgers hasn't been a joke for the the last couple years.

[ntndeacon]

So you'd rather keep Miami, VTech, and Boston College instead of having Louisville, West Virginia, and Rutgers? Well, your loss.

Yes I would, I won't judge how good an aquisition the 3 teams would be based on one season. And remember we did not get them in football, they are ACC members in every sport. AND are associated with the other ACC schools academically as well. I can understand maybe some wanting Louisville as they have a good Bball tradition as well, but they aren't exactly East Coast. Rutgers has not been known as a powerhouse however good they are this season. And although WV has had some other seasons of brilliance. (last year coomes to mind but there are other examples as well) For better or worse Isee them as a one sport pony. (I could be wrong there, I admit my lack of Mountaineer knowledge)

[ntndeacon]

Having said what isaid, iwould like to see Rutgers run the table. If they do that they Deserve to go to the championship game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And what if this is the first year of a decades long run of 10 win seasons for Rutgers?

Bwahahahahaha.

Given the ugliness of Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, I needed a good laugh.

Thanks.

[ISiddiqui]

I was exaggerating for effect, but the primary point stands. What if this is Rutgers' breakout season and they are poised to be as tough in the next 10-20 years as schools like Florida State, Brigham Young, and (possibly a better example) Kansas State were after they broke out in the past?

Not saying it WILL happen, but it possibly COULD happen. After all, no body saw Kansas State coming out of no where to challenge Oklahoma and Texas for Big XII supremacy in the mid-late 90s.

[General Mike]

I think alot of people forget that Virginia Tech wasn't always good. Or Miami or Wisconsin or Cal for the most part. There are tons of teams that were perenially bad until they got the right coach. Rutgers now has the right coach, no matter what cthomer thinks. ;)

[ISiddiqui]

Well, Schiano is a great recruiter. As for gameday decisions... well, let's just say I was getting pissy at him for not running the ball so much in the 1st half.

[Swaggs]

How crazy is it that three of the BCS teams this season could be Rutgers, Wake Forest, and Boise State?

Rutgers vs Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl would be interesting.

[Celeval]

So you'd rather keep Miami, VTech, and Boston College instead of having Louisville, West Virginia, and Rutgers? Well, your loss.

I'd definately keep BC. Rather Louisville than VT, but I'd have said that from day one of the switch.

[Logan]

This is the one that makes up for all the disasters I sat through.

When the final seconds ticked off, I didn't make an effort to get on the field. I just stood on my seat and stared in amazement that this actually happened. Way back when the schedule came out, we all looked ahead to this game and knew what kind of potential it could have. And then everything broke right so that it could reach it's potential. And we actually did it. Unreal.

[cthomer5000]

Amen Logan. Having sat through 1-10, having seen them lose to Villanova at home.... made it all the sweeter. As they were driving downfield in the 4th I was asking myself "Can they really be about to pull this off?"

And New Brunswick was total bedlam afterwards, unbelievable stuff. Never thought i'd see anything like it at Rutgers. Unbelievable atmostphere in the parking lots, in the stadium, and in the city afterwards.

[ISiddiqui]

You know in 2001, I sat through a 1 win Rutgers team face off against a 0 win Cal team in the battle of two of the worst teams in college football on the day after Thanksgiving Day (Cal would win a close game, IIRC - and man was it ever easy to find a good seat for that one). 5 years later Rutgers is 9-0 and Cal is 8-1 and both will be ranked in the Top 10 next week.

Wow... things sure do change quickly in college football.

[Young Drachma]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Young Drachma]

Whatever recruits Rutgers had at the game tonight, they are signing the commitment letter tomorrow, with a hangover and a condom wrapper in their pocket. Welcome to college kids.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.

[Young Drachma]

I was exaggerating for effect, but the primary point stands. What if this is Rutgers' breakout season and they are poised to be as tough in the next 10-20 years as schools like Florida State, Brigham Young, and (possibly a better example) Kansas State were after they broke out in the past?

Not saying it WILL happen, but it possibly COULD happen. After all, no body saw Kansas State coming out of no where to challenge Oklahoma and Texas for Big XII supremacy in the mid-late 90s.

It is their breakout season. RUTGERS is in prime recruiting area and unlike teams that play in the Big XII for example, there isn't another top dog college football team in the Mid-Atlantic. Syracuse hasn't been good for years and Maryland is in the ACC and doesn't really have the cache that playing in the NY Metro Area does, even if Piscataway is seemingly a world away from there.

If nothing else, kids would be a lot more likely to stay at home now to play there, the Schiano pipeline to Florida will continue and other top players or even depth guys who might have gone elsewhere, will go to Rutgers.

This is huge, no doubt about it. So long as they don't falter getting to the WVU game -- and I think Schiano will prepare them well -- no matter the result there, this is huge for Rutgers football's long-term prospects.

[Young Drachma]

Amen Logan. Having sat through 1-10, having seen them lose to Villanova at home.... made it all the sweeter. As they were driving downfield in the 4th I was asking myself "Can they really be about to pull this off?"

And New Brunswick was total bedlam afterwards, unbelievable stuff. Never thought i'd see anything like it at Rutgers. Unbelievable atmostphere in the parking lots, in the stadium, and in the city afterwards.

My younger brother and I were talking about and joking about all the riots that would start and how they'd burn the entire state down in their joy. This was really a huge, huge game and those fans...man, what a scene.

[timmynausea]

You know, Bobby Petrino served many years under John L. Smith at Idaho, Utah State and Louisville. Is it just a coincidence that these two guys blow huge leads every year?

The last 3 years Louisville blew a 17 point lead against Miami (2004), a 17 point lead with 10 minutes left against West Virginia (2005) and now an 18 point lead against Rutgers. Meanwhile MSU under John L. Smith blew a 27-10 4th quarter lead against U of M in 2004, a 10 point lead against Ohio State (the blocked kick game) in 2005 and a 16 point 4th quarter lead to ND earlier this year.

[Butter]

How crazy is it that three of the BCS teams this season could be Rutgers, Wake Forest, and Boise State?

Rutgers vs Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl would be interesting.

I hope if Wake Forest does make it to the BCS, that they don't have to play Rutgers. I would rather see Wake v. a power in one BCS game, and Rutgers v. a different power in another BCS game. If these 2 play each other, it doesn't really say anything about how good they really are. If Rutgers wins, it would just mean they were better than Wake Forest, and who the frick knows if they were actually any good or just had a good run through the weakened ACC this year... similar thing for RU... are they good, or was the Big East just not as good as we thought?

But I think WVU beats Rutgers in December to make it irrelevant. WVU will head back to the BCS.

[Ksyrup]

I hope FSU enjoys its spoiler status against Wake this weekend. A nationally televised game to show how far we've fallen...great! Should do wonders for recruiting.

[MylesKnight]

For the pro-Tournament Folks out there, maybe a unbeaten team from a BCS Conference getting past over for a team that's lost at least one is what we need.

Playoffs, Playoffs, Playoffs!!

Congrats to the other Knights up in New Jersey. Hope to see RU win out.

[Bee]

But I think WVU beats Rutgers in December to make it irrelevant. WVU will head back to the BCS.

I think that's probably the best thing that could happen for the Big East. I don't think the Big East is nearly as good as the other BCS conferences but because of the WVU offense I think they have a legitimate chance to stay in a game against just about anyone in the country. I don't think that's the case with anyone else in the Big East. It's always possilbe one of the other teams could play a great bowl game, I like West Virginia's chances much better against a BCS bowl team.

[cartman]

For the pro-Tournament Folks out there, maybe a unbeaten team from a BCS Conference getting past over for a team that's lost at least one is what we need.

Playoffs, Playoffs, Playoffs!!

Congrats to the other Knights up in New Jersey. Hope to see RU win out.

The best thing that can happen for the anti-BCS crowd is for Ohio State or Michigan to trip up before their big game, then the team that lost beat the undefeated team. Have WVU beat Rutgers, and sit back and watch the fun. There potentially could be 10 teams with 1 loss, plus Boise State sitting there undefeated.

[MylesKnight]

KSyr, you are a Nole Fan and former Tallahasseean, right? What are your thoughts on who will eventually replace Bobby Bowden down there?

And Cartman, very good point as well. How about a Baker's Dozen or so of nothing but 1 Loss Teams.. Maybe the BCS can implode from within this way.

[JeeberD]

What...no one is watching the epic UTEP-UAB battle?

[bronconick]

The best thing that can happen for the anti-BCS crowd is for Ohio State or Michigan to trip up before their big game, then the team that lost beat the undefeated team. Have WVU beat Rutgers, and sit back and watch the fun. There potentially could be 10 teams with 1 loss, plus Boise State sitting there undefeated.

A bunch of one loss teams and an undefeated BCS Rutgers would be the best thing.

We've tried multiple one loss teams (2003) Then it was "Well, none of them really deserve it, because they all slipped up."
We've tried too many undefeated teams (2004) Then it was "schedule better teams"

Now it's time to try undefeated BCS teams not making it over 1 loss teams. It almost happenned in 1999 with Virginia Tech just staying ahead of 1 loss Nebraska.

[General Mike]

What...no one is watching the epic UTEP-UAB battle?


I am. I was just busy watching the instant classic on ESPN Classic.

[JeeberD]

Goddamn I love Johnnie Lee Higgins...

[miami_fan]

KSyr, you are a Nole Fan and former Tallahasseean, right? What are your thoughts on who will eventually replace Bobby Bowden down there?

And Cartman, very good point as well. How about a Baker's Dozen or so of nothing but 1 Loss Teams.. Maybe the BCS can implode from within this way.

I would hope they would give Jeff Bowden a shot:D

Seriously being two hours away from FSU, I am surrounded by many Nole fans including my next door neighbor. The impression I get is that most Nole fans have not really given much thought to who would replace Bobby. Most of them really don't want Bobby replaced but they know that Bobby is not going to fire his son so Bobby has to go if Jeff is ever going to go. Best case scenario would be for Jeff to quit.

[JeeberD]

And more JLH... :)

[General Mike]

Congrats Jeebs.

[Craptacular]

But I think WVU beats Rutgers in December to make it irrelevant. WVU will head back to the BCS.

If WVU beats Rutgers, and WVU, Rutgers, and Louisville all end up with one loss, Louisville might end up with the bid. The Big East tiebreaker would be highest BCS rank. The week of the UL-WVU game, when WVU was ranked 3rd and UL was 5th, UL was ahead in the computers (9th to 13th). This week, before the Rutgers - WVU game, Rutgers' computer ranking (3rd) matched their overall ranking, while WVU's computer ranking was 14 compared to an overall of 10. The only difference in their schedules over the last four games was UL playing UConn (currently 3-5) while WVU plays Cincy (currently 5-4) ... they each play(ed) Rutgers, South Florida, and Pittsburgh. The pollsters might have to put WVU a few spots ahead of UL to overcome the computers. It'll be really interesting to see how this would all play out if all three teams end up with one loss to one of the others.

edit: I'd add that I don't think Rutgers would be ranked ahead of either WVU or Louisville, as their games against Cincy and Syracuse will hurt their computer numbers and the pollsters would likely have them below both UL and WVU, fair or not.

[JeeberD]

Thanks. It's about time the Miners held on to a second half lead. There's still a chance we make a bowl game as long as we don't have any more letdowns...

And congrats to you as well for last night's victory. :)

[mtolson]

That is like saying George Mason should have a shot at the national championship in college basketball.

Huh? Rutgers in NATIONALLY RANKED in the top 20. How in the hell can you compare them to George Mason.

[mtolson]

Plus Rutgers may have saved the Big East. Louisville is good, but I think they would've been embarrassed by either Michigan or Ohio State.

Just like WVa. was last year against #10 ranked Georgia ?

[st.cronin]

Huh? Rutgers in NATIONALLY RANKED in the top 20. How in the hell can you compare them to George Mason.

Wasn't George Mason also ranked in the top 20?

[mtolson]

Well, I'm not gonna convince you of anything, but I can't see the Big East being anywhere close to the same level as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, or Pac Ten. Big East teams haven't beaten anybody this year except each other (and a shitty Miami team who is 5-4).

Umm lets see:

Louisville beat Miami by 24
W.Va. beat Maryland by 21
Pitt. beat Virginia by 25
Rutgers beat NC by 5
South Florida beat NC by 17

Well, so much for your ACC argument ! And yes, WF did beat Syracuse by 10 and UConn by 11 and VT beat Cinn. by 16.

So Big East 5, ACC 3 Head-To-Head

[mtolson]

Wasn't George Mason also ranked in the top 20?

I assumed he was metaphorically speaking due to the fact the George Mason is in a relative week conference and not normally ranked in the top 20. In the literal sense, if you are referring to them making it to the Final Four, then that supports my arguement even further. They earned there way to the final 4 DESPITE being in a weaker conference.

If they run the table, Rutgers would have defeated 2 top ten teams this season. However weak there conference appears to be, they would have beaten quality teams.

[cartman]

And more JLH... :)

I was trying to figure out Jennifer Love Hewitt's tie to either UAB or UTEP until I read a few posts before this one.

[miami_fan]

I assumed he was metaphorically speaking due to the fact the George Mason is in a relative week conference and not normally ranked in the top 20. In the literal sense, if you are referring to them making it to the Final Four, then that supports my arguement even further. They earned there way to the final 4 DESPITE being in a weaker conference.

If they run the table, Rutgers would have defeated 2 top ten teams this season. However weak there conference appears to be, they would have beaten quality teams.

Ding Ding Ding

[ntndeacon]

I hope if Wake Forest does make it to the BCS, that they don't have to play Rutgers. I would rather see Wake v. a power in one BCS game, and Rutgers v. a different power in another BCS game. If these 2 play each other, it doesn't really say anything about how good they really are. If Rutgers wins, it would just mean they were better than Wake Forest, and who the frick knows if they were actually any good or just had a good run through the weakened ACC this year... similar thing for RU... are they good, or was the Big East just not as good as we thought?

But I think WVU beats Rutgers in December to make it irrelevant. WVU will head back to the BCS.

I hope Wake makes it to the BCS too. :) in terms of screwing with the BCS though I think it would be funny to see Rutgers play Boise. so we still have an undefeated team ..especially if OSU/Mich winner loses to a 1 loss team.
I would rather though like an undefeated Rutgers in there. Whatever you think of that conference they are still a BCS conference. If you go undefeated in a BCS conference you should have a shot at the championship.

[timmynausea]

Just like WVa. was last year against #10 ranked Georgia ?

I am a WVU fan. I'm not trying to slight the Big East at all. I have a lot of respect for Louisville, I just don't think they could hang with OSU or Michigan (unless maybe the game was at Papa John stadium). I look at giving up 540 yards against WVU and falling apart against Rutgers as some evidence to back me up on that.

The Big East will likely have a much better chance of winning a BCS game now than they would have with Louisville playing for the national title, in my opinion.

It has been a great year for the Big East reputationwise, and I'd love to get another BCS win to top it off. I think we're in a much higher percentage situation for that now.

[VPI97]

So you'd rather keep Miami, VTech, and Boston College instead of having Louisville, West Virginia, and Rutgers? Well, your loss.
Only a lunatic would rather have those three BE teams over the ones that went. Sure, the top of the Big East is having a good year (and all three will likely continue that for a few years), but their records and rankings are a product of getting to play crappy OOC and the other five teams in the conference. You could take three dozen BCS conference teams and give them a typical BE schedule and reasonably expect them finish with nine wins minimum.

If you want to be shortsighted and claim that one media-aided 'breakout' season for the Big East should trump any other opinion of the conference, then I would be remiss if I didn't point out that one of those 'defectors' that you're trying to denegrate has spanked the Big East elite the past two seasons. Maybe we should be expecting our 2004 & 2005 Big East championship trophies to be delivered to Blacksburg, post-haste.

[WVUFAN]

Only a lunatic would rather have those three BE teams over the ones that went. Sure, the top of the Big East is having a good year (and all three will likely continue that for a few years), but their records and rankings are a product of getting to play crappy OOC and the other five teams in the conference. You could take three dozen BCS conference teams and give them a typical BE schedule and reasonably expect them finish with nine wins minimum.

If you want to be shortsighted and claim that one media-aided 'breakout' season for the Big East should trump any other opinion of the conference, then I would be remiss if I didn't point out that one of those 'defectors' that you're trying to denegrate has spanked the Big East elite the past two seasons. Maybe we should be expecting our 2004 & 2005 Big East championship trophies to be delivered to Blacksburg, post-haste.

Good lord, I can FEEL the jealousy coming off this post. The ACC picked up a mid-level Big East team (Boston College), and two thuggish has-beens (Miami, the Chokies). Admit it ... all Virginia Tech is and ever has been are a wanna-be West Virginia team with less class. They wish they could be HALF the team Rutgers is. They wish they had HALF the class the Louisville fans do.

The ACC is the laughing stock of the BCS.

[k0ruptr]

Only a lunatic would rather have those three BE teams over the ones that went. Sure, the top of the Big East is having a good year (and all three will likely continue that for a few years), but their records and rankings are a product of getting to play crappy OOC and the other five teams in the conference. You could take three dozen BCS conference teams and give them a typical BE schedule and reasonably expect them finish with nine wins minimum.

If you want to be shortsighted and claim that one media-aided 'breakout' season for the Big East should trump any other opinion of the conference, then I would be remiss if I didn't point out that one of those 'defectors' that you're trying to denegrate has spanked the Big East elite the past two seasons. Maybe we should be expecting our 2004 & 2005 Big East championship trophies to be delivered to Blacksburg, post-haste.

wow, thats a bad post.

I'm a wac fan, and CLEARLY Louisville, Rutgers, WV, Cinci, South Florida are better then most the ACC. this is sad.

[RedKingGold]

The ACC is the laughing stock of the BCS.

I think this is hilarious considering the quote that is contained in VPI's signiture.

[JeeberD]

I was trying to figure out Jennifer Love Hewitt's tie to either UAB or UTEP until I read a few posts before this one.

Johnnie Lee is the one true JLH... :D ;)

[st.cronin]

wow, thats a bad post.

I'm a wac fan, and CLEARLY Louisville, Rutgers, WV, Cinci, South Florida are better then most the ACC. this is sad.

I agree. I'm a Big 10 fan, but to me it seems like the ACC is just a bad conference this year. I think the SEC is probably down, too. The Big East is having a great year.

[Swaggs]

The ACC's problem this year is that none of their teams have anything approaching a good quarterback this season. Hate him or hate him, if Marcus Vick wasn't such an off-the-field disaster and could have returned to VT, they would have been in the national title hunt, because the rest of that team is very good. I think the same could be said of Florida State (and I believe they will be very good the rest of the season after switching QBs).

The Big East is clearly better than the ACC this season (not long term) because its teams have very good, experienced quarterbacks. No team in the ACC has a quarterback as good as Brian Brohm, Patrick White, or Tyler Palko. I think the Big East will be good for a few more years, as well, as Brohm is only a junior, and White, Teel (Rutgers), and Grutza are all sophomores, and Grothe (of USF) is a freshman.

[Swaggs]

Sure, the top of the Big East is having a good year (and all three will likely continue that for a few years), but their records and rankings are a product of getting to play crappy OOC and the other five teams in the conference.

This is ridiculous and just sour grapes.

Here are the ranked teams in the ACC right now and their OOC games:

18. Wake Forest
09/02 Syracuse W 20-10
09/16 at UConn W 24-13
09/23 at Ole Miss W 27-3
09/30 Liberty W 34-14

19. Georgia Tech
09/02 #2 N Dame L 14-10
09/09 Samford W 38-6
09/16 Troy W 35-20
11/25 at Georgia TBD

20. Virginia Tech
09/02 N'eastern W 38-0
09/23 Cincy W 29-13
10/21 So Miss W 36-6
11/11 Kent St 3:30 PM

22. Boston College
08/31 at C Michigan W 31-24
09/16 BYU W 30-23
09/30 Maine W 22-0
10/28 Buffalo W 41-0

23. Maryland
09/02 W & Mary W 27-14
09/09 M Tenn St W 24-10
09/14 at #5 W Virginia L 45-24
09/23 Fla Int'l W 14-10

Not exactly a powerhouse OOC schedule there. #2 Notre Dame beat Georgia Tech @ GT in a great game. #5 WVU soundly beat Maryland @ WVU. Boston College beat BYU @ BC. Those are three quality games out of 20.

Throw in the fact that UNC, Duke, UVA, Miami (look at the teams they have beaten this season before you question this) and NC State are absolutely terrible this year and it is not like there are not a number of easy wins to be found in the ACC this season.

[st.cronin]

If Miami were in the Big East this year, I think they'd finish about 5th. The top 3 teams in the Big East are better than any team in the ACC, I think this is unquestionable.

[st.cronin]

Boy, Tyler Donovan is a LOT more fun to watch than John Stocco. I don't think I will ever understand how Stocco beat this guy out.

[Swaggs]

Georgia leading Auburn, 10-0.

[WVUFAN]

I think this is hilarious considering the quote that is contained in VPI's signiture.

Yeah, since that quote is taken from a post where I was clearly being sarcastic.

[Ben E Lou]

DAWG BLESS YOU, TRA BATTLE!!!!!!