College Football Week 10 discussion

[cartman]

Great game going on right now between Bowling Green and Buffalo.

On Thursday, Virginia Tech tries to right the ship against East Carolina, and on Friday Boise State travels to play Louisiana Tech.

The big games on Saturday will be:

LSU at Alabama
Ohio State at Penn State

The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with Nevada playing San Jose State.

[JS19]

I've never really gotten into college football, pretty much just watch the big games. For all you college football gurus, is there any kind of scoop of Buffalo's TE, J. Rack? Anyone heard of him? Has potential? Decent player but doesn't have a shot beyond college?

[Passacaglia]

So we're in Week 10 now? I figured a Tuesday game would still be part of Week 9.

Anyway, I'm a little behind in the BGSU-Buffalo game -- I just wanted to comment on how the announcers made jokes about increasing their cholesterol count at a pizzeria while coming out of two different commercial breaks -- then after another commercial break, give a little memorial about how one of their crew passed away last week after being taken to the hospital with...wait for it...chest pains. :rolleyes:

[Matthean]

LSU at Alabama
Ohio State at Penn State

As long as McElroy shows up, 'Bama will be fine. Not exactly a PSU backer, but it's OSU, so I'm all for OSU going down.

I'll add Michigan vs. Purdue. Why? RR said it would be an embarrassment if Michigan didn't make a bowl game. If they don't beat Purdue, Michigan is looking for a win @Wisconsin(who has to be looking for payback), or against OSU to be bowl eligible. 5-2 to missing out on a bowl, which you publicly stated would be an embarrassment, and having the NCAA look at you. Have fun with that off season. Michigan beats Purdue and suddenly things get easier for RR.
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[clemsonfan]

I'm hoping my Tigers will look great for the Prime Time game against FSU. The Tigers hold their own destiny now.

[cartman]

Interesting read for those saying all Boise State has to do is schedule BCS teams:

No incentive for BCS conference teams to play Boise State | Voices.IdahoStatesman.com (http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/11/04/bmurphy/no_incentive_bcs_conference_teams_play_boise_state)

[RomaGoth]

Interesting read for those saying all Boise State has to do is schedule BCS teams:

No incentive for BCS conference teams to play Boise State | Voices.IdahoStatesman.com (http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/11/04/bmurphy/no_incentive_bcs_conference_teams_play_boise_state)

I have been saying exactly this for a couple of years now. Nobody wants to schedule an OOC potential loss like Boise State when they can schedule teams like Troy and Delaware State.

The BCS is such a sham, it has really lessened my interest in college football.

[molson]

While I'm sure its difficult, I don't buy at all that it's impossible. If scheduling BCS opponents is the goal of Boise St (which I'm skeptical about), then they need to get other people in there that can accomplish that.

Utah and BYU manage to schedule 2 BCS opponents most years.

[Passacaglia]

I have been saying exactly this for a couple of years now. Nobody wants to schedule an OOC potential loss like Boise State when they can schedule teams like Troy and Delaware State.

The BCS is such a sham, it has really lessened my interest in college football.

While this is true, it was just as true before the BCS was around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The BCS is such a sham, it has really lessened my interest in college football.

I actually don't feel like the BCS-system has negatively affected my enjoyment of bowl games or college football in the slightest.

I guess under the old system, there was a chance that two, maybe three, bowl games had national title implications (as opposed to really just one now), but that doesn't really bother me. Unless Michigan is fighting for a national championship (not going to happen for a while), I just want to watch interesting match-ups and entertaining games. For example, I really don't think I would have enjoyed that Oklahoma-Boise State game from a few years back any more under the old system as I did under the current one, just as I don't think I would have cared any more/less about last year's Texas/OSU game under the old system.

If anything, the one year it really would have mattered to me, 1997, I would have much preferred the BCS system so Michigan and Nebraska could have gone head-to-head for the national championship.

I like how the current system (or older system) generates all the debate about which conference is stronger, who should be playing in what bowl game, all those interesting talking points that bsak referenced above. That's a huge part of college football.

Unless Michigan is playing for the national championship (which, again, is really not something I have even considered in a while), I could care less who was crowned "National Champion".

[Butter]

Who is Missouri playing this week? How can we have gotten this far in the thread without this vital piece of information??????

They're still ranked in the top 60 in most ranking systems.

[Karlifornia]

I'm thinking about going to Stanford/Oregon, to see what should be a shootout. The Ducks are going to score on Stanford's D. Can Stanford keep up? Can they catch a few breaks and manage a W, making them bowl eligible for the first time since 2001?

[RomaGoth]

I actually don't feel like the BCS-system has negatively affected my enjoyment of bowl games or college football in the slightest.

I guess under the old system, there was a chance that two, maybe three, bowl games had national title implications (as opposed to really just one now), but that doesn't really bother me. Unless Michigan is fighting for a national championship (not going to happen for a while), I just want to watch interesting match-ups and entertaining games. For example, I really don't think I would have enjoyed that Oklahoma-Boise State game from a few years back any more under the old system as I did under the current one, just as I don't think I would have cared any more/less about last year's Texas/OSU game under the old system.

If anything, the one year it really would have mattered to me, 1997, I would have much preferred the BCS system so Michigan and Nebraska could have gone head-to-head for the national championship.

I like how the current system (or older system) generates all the debate about which conference is stronger, who should be playing in what bowl game, all those interesting talking points that bsak referenced above. That's a huge part of college football.

Unless Michigan is playing for the national championship (which, again, is really not something I have even considered in a while), I could care less who was crowned "National Champion".

I understand where you are coming from. I would rather have the old system of bowl games, with any one of 3 of them potentially deciding the champion, rather than what we have now, which is a mockery of rational thought at best and downright atrocious at worst. I still don't think that BSU should play for a title game in this format, but at least a playoff would give them the opportunity to prove themselves. From what I have seen of the system this year, it is a forgone conclusion that the winner of Florida/Alabama will play Texas for the title. Assuming BSU, TCU, and Cincinnati all end up undefeated, the system has proven itself inadequate to perform what it was intended to do, which is determine a true national champion. Because of all this, I don't find the drama behind the games to be all that interesting at this point.

[Swaggs]

I actually don't feel like the BCS-system has negatively affected my enjoyment of bowl games or college football in the slightest.

I guess under the old system, there was a chance that two, maybe three, bowl games had national title implications (as opposed to really just one now), but that doesn't really bother me. Unless Michigan is fighting for a national championship (not going to happen for a while), I just want to watch interesting match-ups and entertaining games. For example, I really don't think I would have enjoyed that Oklahoma-Boise State game from a few years back any more under the old system as I did under the current one, just as I don't think I would have cared any more/less about last year's Texas/OSU game under the old system.

If anything, the one year it really would have mattered to me, 1997, I would have much preferred the BCS system so Michigan and Nebraska could have gone head-to-head for the national championship.

I like how the current system (or older system) generates all the debate about which conference is stronger, who should be playing in what bowl game, all those interesting talking points that bsak referenced above. That's a huge part of college football.

Unless Michigan is playing for the national championship (which, again, is really not something I have even considered in a while), I could care less who was crowned "National Champion".

Agreed.

People are fixated on the national championship and I always watch (and can usually find a reason to root for one team or the other), but I am infinitely more interested in my team's bowl game than the national championship. There are a number of different levels of success for a college football team and its players to accomplish in any given season, so the bowl system is just fine for me. If anything, I wish there were fewer ties to the bowl games, as it seems like the Big East's are always against the ACC and a lot of the SEC's are against the Big 10 -- I'd like to se more variation on the matchups.

[RomaGoth]

I'm thinking about going to Stanford/Oregon, to see what should be a shootout. The Ducks are going to score on Stanford's D. Can Stanford keep up? Can they catch a few breaks and manage a W, making them bowl eligible for the first time since 2001?

Oregon should win this one going away. I see them as a top-3 team right now.

[Swaggs]

I understand where you are coming from. I would rather have the old system of bowl games, with any one of 3 of them potentially deciding the champion, rather than what we have now, which is a mockery of rational thought at best and downright atrocious at worst. I still don't think that BSU should play for a title game in this format, but at least a playoff would give them the opportunity to prove themselves. From what I have seen of the system this year, it is a forgone conclusion that the winner of Florida/Alabama will play Texas for the title. Assuming BSU, TCU, and Cincinnati all end up undefeated, the system has proven itself inadequate to perform what it was intended to do, which is determine a true national champion. Because of all this, I don't find the drama behind the games to be all that interesting at this point.

The system was designed to get the top 2 teams to play each other, which it does. And really, at a micro level, to get the Big 10 and Pac 10 involved beyond their relationship with the Rose Bowl.

[RomaGoth]

Agreed.

People are fixated on the national championship and I always watch (and can usually find a reason to root for one team or the other), but I am infinitely more interested in my team's bowl game than the national championship. There are a number of different levels of success for a college football team and its players to accomplish in any given season, so the bowl system is just fine for me. If anything, I wish there were fewer ties to the bowl games, as it seems like the Big East's are always against the ACC and a lot of the SEC's are against the Big 10 -- I'd like to se more variation on the matchups.

I suppose I didn't really think about it this way. Maybe I am getting caught up in the media hype as well. :confused:

[I. J. Reilly]

I'm thinking about going to Stanford/Oregon, to see what should be a shootout. The Ducks are going to score on Stanford's D. Can Stanford keep up? Can they catch a few breaks and manage a W, making them bowl eligible for the first time since 2001?

You should go to Berkley instead, should be a much better game. And be sure to cheer for the Beavs, I think we’re going to need all the help we can get.

[RomaGoth]

The system was designed to get the top 2 teams to play each other, which it does. And really, at a micro level, to get the Big 10 and Pac 10 involved beyond their relationship with the Rose Bowl.

Without getting into a BCS debate, I will just add that the problem is how do we know if the top two teams are actually playing each other? At least in a playoff system, teams have the chance to prove it on the field, rather than by clueless voters and a computer.

[Karlifornia]

You should go to Berkley instead, should be a much better game. And be sure to cheer for the Beavs, I think we’re going to need all the help we can get.

Sorry, I like watching student/athletes..not pro teams.

[Karlifornia]

Oregon should win this one going away. I see them as a top-3 team right now.

The bandwagon is standing room only right now for the Ducks, as it should be. Road conference games are still no gimme, especially against a solid team. Just ask the previous incarnations of USC.

[I. J. Reilly]

Sorry, I like watching student/athletes..not pro teams.

Is that a shot at Cal or OSU? I don't really follow either way.

[Karlifornia]

Is that a shot at Cal or OSU? I don't really follow either way.

Whoever's willing to take the bait. It's how we Stanford fans barb fans of superior teams.

[I. J. Reilly]

Whoever's willing to take the bait. It's how we Stanford fans barb fans of superior teams.

Ah. Cal fans, are you going to let him get away with that:)

[Swaggs]

Without getting into a BCS debate, I will just add that the problem is how do we know if the top two teams are actually playing each other? At least in a playoff system, teams have the chance to prove it on the field, rather than by clueless voters and a computer.

I understand, but the problem with college football is that there are 120 teams and each of them only play 12 or 13 opponents a year (and some of those are subdivision teams). All the teams cannot play one another and you are still going to have the same problems in selecting playoff teams that you do in selecting the top two teams -- it will just be more dilluted and take several more weeks.

For example, under your scenario of Florida/Texas/Cincy/TCU/Boise St. all going undefeated, if we picked the top 4 teams, who do you leave out and why? If you take the top 8 teams, based on today's rankings/standings, do you take Georgia Tech (ranked 10th in the BCS, but the top ranked ACC team -- and the ACC has largely been ranked ahead of the B10 and B12 this season) and cut one of the other top 8 teams? Do you cut the loser of the Alabama/Florida game to get the best 8 teams?

[RomaGoth]

I understand, but the problem with college football is that there are 120 teams and each of them only play 12 or 13 opponents a year (and some of those are subdivision teams). All the teams cannot play one another and you are still going to have the same problems in selecting playoff teams that you do in selecting the top two teams -- it will just be more dilluted and take several more weeks.

For example, under your scenario of Florida/Texas/Cincy/TCU/Boise St. all going undefeated, if we picked the top 4 teams, who do you leave out and why? If you take the top 8 teams, based on today's rankings/standings, do you take Georgia Tech (ranked 10th in the BCS, but the top ranked ACC team -- and the ACC has largely been ranked ahead of the B10 and B12 this season) and cut one of the other top 8 teams? Do you cut the loser of the Alabama/Florida game to get the best 8 teams?

How about a 16 team playoff? Or even a 25 team playoff? We are at the point now where we have college football games on television on any given night of the week and on Saturday. Hell, last week we had a game on Sunday night.

So we have the top 25 teams playing each other in a playoff, with one of them being a play in (due to the odd number of teams, or we have the #1 team get a bye the first week).

How this is all done is not within my realm of understanding, although I do have ideas about it, I doubt my thoughts really matter in any case.

[larrymcg421]

I understand, but the problem with college football is that there are 120 teams and each of them only play 12 or 13 opponents a year (and some of those are subdivision teams). All the teams cannot play one another and you are still going to have the same problems in selecting playoff teams that you do in selecting the top two teams -- it will just be more dilluted and take several more weeks.

For example, under your scenario of Florida/Texas/Cincy/TCU/Boise St. all going undefeated, if we picked the top 4 teams, who do you leave out and why? If you take the top 8 teams, based on today's rankings/standings, do you take Georgia Tech (ranked 10th in the BCS, but the top ranked ACC team -- and the ACC has largely been ranked ahead of the B10 and B12 this season) and cut one of the other top 8 teams? Do you cut the loser of the Alabama/Florida game to get the best 8 teams?

I would rather screw the 5th, 9th, or 17th place team than the 3rd place team.

[Swaggs]

I would rather screw the 5th, 9th, or 17th place team than the 3rd place team.

At the end of the day, what's the difference, though?

It really doesn't matter much to me either way, but if Alabama/Florida, Texas, Cincy, Boise St., Iowa, and TCU are all undefeated (and they should all be favored the rest of the way, w/ the exception of possibly Iowa) at the end of the season and you screw the 5th and/or 6th place team, won't they have a beef for being shut out?

[MJ4H]

At the end of the day, what's the difference, though?



It's a huge difference. You can leave out legitimate title contenders that can do nothing more than they have done when you only have 2 teams. When you have 16, that is FAR less likely.

[RainMaker]

With a 16 team playoff, the 17th team can complain, but they don't have much of a case. Kind of like the 66th team in the NCAA tournament. They had their opportunities to make it during the season.

[BishopMVP]

I have been saying exactly this for a couple of years now. Nobody wants to schedule an OOC potential loss like Boise State when they can schedule teams like Troy and Delaware State.And every time you say it it's pointed out that other WAC and MWC and C-USA teams have no problem scheduling multiple BCS schools. With many of these BCS schools traveling to their "lesser" counterparts.
The system was designed to get the top 2 teams to play each other, which it does. And really, at a micro level, to get the Big 10 and Pac 10 involved beyond their relationship with the Rose Bowl.With the exception of pairing the #1 and #2 ranked teams, particularly when there are 2 major conference unbeatens, instead of "the top 2 teams", +infinity. People hate the BCS because it's not a playoff (and I'm on record as supporting a playoff), but would you rather have split titles like 1994 and 1997 or the Miami-Ohio St and USC-Texas classics we've had the last few years? There's still arguments when a 3rd team is undefeated (2004, 2008) or when multiple 1 or even 2-loss teams are fighting for a place (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008), but the BCS was never designed to solve those - it was created, and then expanded with the Rose/Big10/Pac10 to ensure that if 2 major conference teams end up undefeated, they face each other, and as far as that's concerned, it's done it's job.How about a 16 team playoff? Or even a 25 team playoff?Because once you get beyond 8 it eliminates the importance of regular season games and conference championships, actually reduces the incentive to schedule high-profile OOC games, and leads to less football since the regular season would be cut to 11 games.

If a perfect storm plays out this year (Texas losing or Bama/FLA losing before the SECCG then winning that, the other 4 staying undefeated, then whichever one is picked, let's say Iowa, beating the SEC champion in an ugly low-scoring game while a the #3 team, say Cincinnati, blows out their opponent and gets a lot of AP voters to proclaim it national champion) I wouldn't be surprised to see the BCS expand into a plus-1, or essentially 4-team playoff format. The BCS has added a bowl game, and the extra revenue stream, every 4-5 years since it started.

[BishopMVP]

Also, while it won't help the defense stick to its assignments or tackle, WR Michael Floyd returns vs. Navy after the broken collarbone suffered vs. Michigan. Turns a dangerous offense back into one of the best in the country.

Some bad injury news for 2010 though, as backup QB Dayne Crist tore an ACL vs. Washington State and is out 4-6 months. It won't be much of a problem this year as ND has a senior backup in Sharpley, but if Clausen leaves after this year ND won't even have a scholarship QB for spring football, which will really hamper the development of the passing game. (Side question - if they needed him and he wanted to, would the current senior backup QB be allowed to practice with ND in the spring, even though he's not coming back next fall? Or is that against NCAA rules?)

[tarcone]

Im out of town this weekend. Not sure if Im taking the computer or not. So if Iowa loses and Im not around thats why. Not that Im ducking the bashing I will take.

Big game. NW always plays us tough.

GO HAWKS!

[hoopsguy]

Big game. NW always plays us tough.

On the one hand, they are all big games this time of year when you are undefeated. Plus there is the look-ahead aspect of Ohio State. On some level, I get it.

On the other hand, you do not see Florida fans posting "Big game. Vandy always plays us tough and we'll be done our best defensive player for a half." If Iowa is really elite then Northwestern is not a big game. Of course, Indiana should not be tugging on Superman's (er, Iowa's) cape either ...

[RomaGoth]

And every time you say it it's pointed out that other WAC and MWC and C-USA teams have no problem scheduling multiple BCS schools. With many of these BCS schools traveling to their "lesser" counterparts.

Did you read the article that Cartman posted? Of course C-USA, other WAC schools, and most of the MWC schools have no problem scheduling multiple BCS schools. They don't pose a serious threat to an undefeated season like a Boise State would. The toughest OOC game for TCU so far has been Clemson. They have the benefit of being in a better conference than Boise State so they play teams like BYU (who has been proven to be rather fraudulent), and Utah.

[Dr. Sak]

People hate the BCS because it's not a playoff (and I'm on record as supporting a playoff), but would you rather have split titles like 1994 and 1997 or the Miami-Ohio St and USC-Texas classics we've had the last few years? .

There should've been a split title in 1994 but there wasn't :(

[Honolulu_Blue]

Also, while it won't help the defense stick to its assignments or tackle, WR Michael Floyd returns vs. Navy after the broken collarbone suffered vs. Michigan State.

He cut his knee against Michigan when he fell on the track near the field. He left the game to get stitches and didn't come back (because he's not a hockey player). Notre Dame's offense was very different without Floyd on the field. He's a great player. I hope the collarbone has sufficiently healed and it's not a Charles Rogers type thing that re-breaks immediately.

[RainMaker]

Did you read the article that Cartman posted? Of course C-USA, other WAC schools, and most of the MWC schools have no problem scheduling multiple BCS schools. They don't pose a serious threat to an undefeated season like a Boise State would. The toughest OOC game for TCU so far has been Clemson. They have the benefit of being in a better conference than Boise State so they play teams like BYU (who has been proven to be rather fraudulent), and Utah.
How has BYU been provent to be fraudulent? Their losses are to TCU and Florida State. They beat Oklahoma on a neutral site. Not a top team but still a real solid one.

The Clemson and Virginia games came on the road for TCU. In fact, all their big wins did. The top teams in the MWC are better than the top teams in all but a couple major conferences in this country (I'd say everyone but Pac-10 and SEC). Not sure if you're trying to denegrate their schedule but TCU has shown over the years that they are not afraid to schedule tough.

[RomaGoth]

How has BYU been provent to be fraudulent? Their losses are to TCU and Florida State. They beat Oklahoma on a neutral site. Not a top team but still a real solid one.

The Clemson and Virginia games came on the road for TCU. In fact, all their big wins did. The top teams in the MWC are better than the top teams in all but a couple major conferences in this country (I'd say everyone but Pac-10 and SEC). Not sure if you're trying to denegrate their schedule but TCU has shown over the years that they are not afraid to schedule tough.

I have no problems with TCU at all, they are a top team for sure. My issue with BYU is that both of their losses were at home and were complete blowouts. A top team doesn't get blown out at home. If you think that getting destroyed at home to a subpar Florida State team makes BYU a real solid team, more power to you.

[tarcone]

On the one hand, they are all big games this time of year when you are undefeated. Plus there is the look-ahead aspect of Ohio State. On some level, I get it.

On the other hand, you do not see Florida fans posting "Big game. Vandy always plays us tough and we'll be done our best defensive player for a half." If Iowa is really elite then Northwestern is not a big game. Of course, Indiana should not be tugging on Superman's (er, Iowa's) cape either ...

I would compare it to Florida getting beat by Mississippi last season. Not Vandy.
But in a rivalry sense, closer to Georgia/Florida.

But no Florida fans wont post that because they are in running for a national championship every season and are loaded with 5 star type players that out talent most teams. Iowa doesnt have that luxury, so yes, the Kitties worry me.

[RedKingGold]

Excited for PSU-OSU. So long as PSU wins out, we should at least be in-line for a BCS bid (hopefully an Orange Bowl matchup with either Miami or Pitt).

[Swaggs]

Excited for PSU-OSU. So long as PSU wins out, we should at least be in-line for a BCS bid (hopefully an Orange Bowl matchup with either Miami or Pitt).

Orange Bowl will almost certainly have the ACC Champs (unless GT somehow climbs to the top 2 in the BCS, which would be near impossible) -- so you are probably looking at Georgia Tech, Boston College, or Clemson as one team.

[Swaggs]

Dola. Guess I should mention that Duke, technically, controls its own fate in the ACC, as well. If they can win out (@UNC, GT, @Miami, Wake Forest, and then the ACC championship game) -- they would be the ACC champs, as hard as that is to believe.

[BishopMVP]

Did you read the article that Cartman posted? Of course C-USA, other WAC schools, and most of the MWC schools have no problem scheduling multiple BCS schools. They don't pose a serious threat to an undefeated season like a Boise State would. The toughest OOC game for TCU so far has been Clemson. They have the benefit of being in a better conference than Boise State so they play teams like BYU (who has been proven to be rather fraudulent), and Utah.Yes, I read the article and the one it was taken from, and it sounds like the commisioner has little idea what he's talking about. "WAC commissioner Karl Benson isn't sure of the exact number of schools that have said no, but figures it is close to 10." Considering it's for 2011, when many teams are already filled out, and Boise is trying to work it around their other 12 already scheduled games, I'm betting it comes down more to logistics than being scared of Boise as the commissioner and Bruce Feldman want you to believe.

I'd go through the named "elite" teams in the article allegedly ducking Boise and see their 2011 OOC's, but the author loses all credibility when he lists Arizona, Texas A&M and Oklahoma St as elite programs, so let's look at the prominent BCS-busters. The most consistently tough non-BCS schools the past decade have been BYU, Utah, TCU, Fresno and Boise. (I'm leaving Hawaii out because of the odd benefits of scheduling them, but they've also played multiple BCS schools every year.) We can go through one by one and see all the teams they've played or scheduled.

Boise St: (2005-Georgia, Oregon St) (2006-Oregon St) (2007-Washington) (2008-Oregon) (2009-Oregon) (2010-VT, Oregon St.) (2011-None) (2012-Oregon St.)
BYU: (2005-BC, ND) (2006-Arizona, BC) (2007-Arizona, UCLA) (2008-Washington, UCLA) (2009-Oklahoma, FSU) (2010-Washington, FSU) (2011-Arizona St) (2012-)
Utah: (2005-Arizona, UNC) (2006-UCLA) (2007-Oregon St, UCLA, Louisville) (2008-Michigan, Oregon St) (2009-Oregon, Louisville) (2010-Pitt, Iowa St, Notre Dame) (2011-Pitt, Iowa St, Oregon St.) (2012-Washington St, Colorado)
TCU: (2005-Oklahoma) (2006-Baylor, Texas Tech) (2007-Baylor, Texas) (2008-Oklahoma, Stanford) (2009-Virginia, Clemson) (2010-Baylor, Texas Tech) (2011-Texas Tech, Baylor) (2012-Oklahoma, Virginia)
Fresno St: (2005-Oregon, USC) (2006-Oregon, Washington, LSU) (2007-Texas A&M, Oregon, KSU) (2008-Rutgers, Wisconsin, UCLA) (2009-Wisconsin, Cincinnati) (2010-Cincy, Ole Miss, Illinois) (2011-Ole Miss, Nebraska, Colorado) (2012-Colorado)

Out of the 40 seasons there, 30 involve playing multiple BCS schools. There are 2 times (2005 TCU, 2006 Utah) a non-Boise team only plays 1 BCS team, 2 (Fresno 2012, BYU 2012) with unfinished schedules, and then a whopping 6 of 8 years from Boise where they've played/scheduled 1 or 0 BCS opponents. Now, you can argue that after seeing Georgia annihilate Boise 48-13 to open 2005, BCS AD's suddenly got more scared of Boise than the other non-BCS schools, or you can add up the hints (other teams have scheduled these games, ESPN is pushing behind the scenes) and see that Boise isn't actually offering to play any good BCS school with no conditions attached.

EDIT - I also think it's hilarious you call BYU - who beat national title hopeful and currently ranked Oklahoma - fraudulent, and mention TCU's win at Clemson - a preseason BCS darkhorse, and currently just outside the top 25 - and somehow think this helps your case that good teams won't schedule teams like Boise for fear of ruining their seasons.He cut his knee against Michigan when he fell on the track near the field. He left the game to get stitches and didn't come back (because he's not a hockey player). Notre Dame's offense was very different without Floyd on the field. He's a great player. I hope the collarbone has sufficiently healed and it's not a Charles Rogers type thing that re-breaks immediately.My bad. I do think the hockey player analogy is pushing it a little, because as badass as it is to come back with stitches on your face, you don't use your face to run/skate. :)

Definitely agreed on the last sentence, because while he'll allegedly be "eased back in", a broken collarbone really isn't a pulled muscle or bruised whatever that can be managed and aggravated by too much contact - the collarbone is either healed and can withstand a blow, or it's not and it's going to re-break.Dola. Guess I should mention that Duke, technically, controls its own fate in the ACC, as well. If they can win out (@UNC, GT, @Miami, Wake Forest, and then the ACC championship game) -- they would be the ACC champs, as hard as that is to believe.It's been awhile since I said David Cutcliffe was a phenomenal coach, and it's absurd Ole Miss ran him out of town because all the seniors (including Eli) graduated after their 9-3 year, and he was running out the youngest team in the SEC the next.

[Dr. Sak]

Don't look now but the Temple Owls are 7-2! :eek: :eek:

[cartman]

Don't look now but the Temple Owls are 7-2! :eek: :eek:

I didn't think basketball season had started yet!

[RedKingGold]

Don't look now but the Temple Owls are 7-2! :eek: :eek:

....with one of their losses to Villanova. :D

[molson]

Boise St: (2005-Georgia, Oregon St) (2006-Oregon St) (2007-Washington) (2008-Oregon) (2009-Oregon) (2010-VT, Oregon St.) (2011-None) (2012-Oregon St.)
BYU: (2005-BC, ND) (2006-Arizona, BC) (2007-Arizona, UCLA) (2008-Washington, UCLA) (2009-Oklahoma, FSU) (2010-Washington, FSU) (2011-Arizona St) (2012-)
Utah: (2005-Arizona, UNC) (2006-UCLA) (2007-Oregon St, UCLA, Louisville) (2008-Michigan, Oregon St) (2009-Oregon, Louisville) (2010-Pitt, Iowa St, Notre Dame) (2011-Pitt, Iowa St, Oregon St.) (2012-Washington St, Colorado)
TCU: (2005-Oklahoma) (2006-Baylor, Texas Tech) (2007-Baylor, Texas) (2008-Oklahoma, Stanford) (2009-Virginia, Clemson) (2010-Baylor, Texas Tech) (2011-Texas Tech, Baylor) (2012-Oklahoma, Virginia)
Fresno St: (2005-Oregon, USC) (2006-Oregon, Washington, LSU) (2007-Texas A&M, Oregon, KSU) (2008-Rutgers, Wisconsin, UCLA) (2009-Wisconsin, Cincinnati) (2010-Cincy, Ole Miss, Illinois) (2011-Ole Miss, Nebraska, Colorado) (2012-Colorado)

Out of the 40 seasons there, 30 involve playing multiple BCS schools. There are 2 times (2005 TCU, 2006 Utah) a non-Boise team only plays 1 BCS team, 2 (Fresno 2012, BYU 2012) with unfinished schedules, and then a whopping 6 of 8 years from Boise where they've played/scheduled 1 or 0 BCS opponents. Now, you can argue that after seeing Georgia annihilate Boise 48-13 to open 2005, BCS AD's suddenly got more scared of Boise than the other non-BCS schools, or you can add up the hints (other teams have scheduled these games, ESPN is pushing behind the scenes) and see that Boise isn't actually offering to play any good BCS school with no conditions attached.


That's a very telling summary.

They seem to know what they're doing, but they're definitely risking falling into that Atlanta Braves-mindset with the fanbase. It's a very boring team to follow. You can take for granted a certain amount of success, but there's very little drama outside of the 1, or or occasionaly now 0, BCS opponents. The only interesting thing that could happen is BSU losing a WAC game.

[Atocep]

Interesting read for those saying all Boise State has to do is schedule BCS teams:

No incentive for BCS conference teams to play Boise State | Voices.IdahoStatesman.com (http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/11/04/bmurphy/no_incentive_bcs_conference_teams_play_boise_state)


Considering the WAC hired a PR firm at the start of the season to try to help push Boise into a BCS bowl I think I'll take anything said by conference officials with a grain of salt.

[DeToxRox]

Just reading on some Rivals boards, people on an OSU site are hearing the Big 10 has approached Rutgers about joining the Big 10. Take it FWIW but it wouldn't shock me.

[Atocep]

Just reading on some Rivals boards, people on an OSU site are hearing the Big 10 has approached Rutgers about joining the Big 10. Take it FWIW but it wouldn't shock me.

The rumor is Mizzou, Rutgers, and Syracuse are targets along with the pipe dream of getting Notre Dame to finally join.

[RomaGoth]

The rumor is Mizzou, Rutgers, and Syracuse are targets along with the pipe dream of getting Notre Dame to finally join.

I still don't get why ND won't join the Big Ten. Do they really make that much more money by being an independent? :confused:

[Atocep]

I still don't get why ND won't join the Big Ten. Do they really make that much more money by being an independent? :confused:

They have their own TV deal for football.

Yes.

[Huckleberry]

They should make a deal with Notre Dame where they get to keep their home game contract with NBC. Then the Big Ten gets Notre Dame for their conference road games, 4 per year after the move to a 12-team league. Notre Dame still gets 4 non-conference games a year to play Southern Cal, Navy, Army, and one other scrub.

Obviously the other teams would hate that deal but Notre Dame already gets special treatment everywhere so what's the biggie?

[JPhillips]

Why would ND give up their special BCS status?

[dawgfan]

So, Chief Rum and MrBug - how confident are you guys heading into tomorrow's game? Pretty much a make or break your season game for both teams with regards to a bowl game, so motivation ought to be high on both sides.

Huskies have obviously had their issues playing on the road against UCLA, not having won in Pasadena since 1995. But it sounds like Locker is ready to go, and the bye week should provide help both in terms of the team getting healthier as well as giving the staff a chance to self-reflect a bit and ponder strategic changes to their approach.

[Swaggs]

Notre Dame also has a sweetheart deal with the BCS where they get a fixed amount per year, whether they make it or not, and they get to keep a bigger chunk than they would get if they shared within a conference when they make it to the BCS.

[Atocep]

Notre Dame also has a sweetheart deal with the BCS where they get a fixed amount per year, whether they make it or not, and they get to keep a bigger chunk than they would get if they shared within a conference when they make it to the BCS.

Not to mention they're in the Big East for all other sports and they're essentially considered part of the big east for non-bcs bowl purposes.

As long as they have the setup they have, joining a conference just doesn't make sense.

[Kodos]

I think Big Ten teams should stop scheduling Notre Dame if they won't join the conference.

[Dr. Sak]

Notre Dame isn't going anywhere as long as they can ass rape the Big East...which is quite ironic given that they are Catholic...

[Passacaglia]

Why does the Big East let them do that, anyway?

[Kodos]

They kinda like it.

[Swaggs]

The Big East football schools are handcuffed by the Big East basketball schools, who all want Notre Dame involved in "all sports" (which doesn't include football, by our definition). To be fair, I doubt the Big East would have had its involvement with the Gator and Sun Bowls without Notre Dame, which would have been a crippling blow after the ACC raid and, since Notre Dame has a seat at the BCS table, it helps to have them as an ally.

Notre Dame is an easy target for bitter Big East fans, but realistically, the only problem they cause is that they vote with the basketball schools, which prevents the conference from adding football-only schools to improve scheduling. The Big East is the only BCS conference with less than 10 teams and, with only 8, they only have 3/4 locked-in home games each year. It would be a lot easier for the football teams, for scheduling purposes, to have 4 or 5 certain home games on your schedule when building for the future. In addition, having only 8 teams allows for only 4 votes in the coaches' poll which gives them a big disadvantage to the 12-school conferences who can sneak mediocre conference teams into the bottom of their top 25s each week and then boast about the number of ranked teams they have.

Anyway, the WVU boards (and, I'm sure most of the other BE boards) constantly have a handful of expansion and/or breakaway from the basketball schools threads discussing options, but Notre Dame football really isn't much of a problem for the Big East.

[cartman]

Louisiana Tech is making things a bit interesting. They were down 27-7 to Boise State at the half, but just made it 30-21, and recovered the surprise onside kick.

[RainMaker]

For those trashing Boise's schedule, looks like they are having trouble finding opponents.

Bleymaier frustrated by scheduling woes | Voices.IdahoStatesman.com (http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/11/06/ccripe/bleymaier_frustrated_scheduling_woes)

[Buccaneer]

My son, being the college football nut that he is, is so excited to watch ESPN College Gameday coming from right up the road.

[Passacaglia]

My son, being the college football nut that he is, is so excited to watch ESPN College Gameday coming from right up the road.

If it's right up the road, why not go there?

[CU Tiger]

Hey guys...just wanted to post up from the parking lot...about 2 hours in to a tailgate party.

Huge game tonight as far as the ACC is concerned...Clemson-FSU with the winner clearly in the driver seat for ACC Atlantic division.

Here is hoping we make Bobby and Mickey's last trip into Death Valley as miserable as possible.

GO TIGERS!

[molson]

For those trashing Boise's schedule, looks like they are having trouble finding opponents.

Bleymaier frustrated by scheduling woes | Voices.IdahoStatesman.com (http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2009/11/06/ccripe/bleymaier_frustrated_scheduling_woes)

Someone had a good recap of this in the other thread, but IMO, they're either being disingenuous, or they just suck at schedule making, compared to Utah, TCU, BYU, who all manage to play BCS schools.

[digamma]

Hey guys...just wanted to post up from the parking lot...about 2 hours in to a tailgate party.

Huge game tonight as far as the ACC is concerned...Clemson-FSU with the winner clearly in the driver seat for ACC Atlantic division.

Here is hoping we make Bobby and Mickey's last trip into Death Valley as miserable as possible.

GO TIGERS!

Good luck to the Tiggers. No more ESSO CLUB for you?

One note on the Atlantic race...FSU would still need some help from Boston College due to their head to head loss to win the division.

[digamma]

As for me, I had the misfortune of being volunteered to smoke pork for our departmental tailgate at the UCLA-UW game. It's been on the egg for 11 hours, so that's going to be great and all, but then I have to sit through that dreadful game while the Jackets are trying to hold serve in the ACC Coastal.

[MacroGuru]

For me...I am actually concerned about BYU @ Wyoming...it's in Laramie, we haven't played well of late.....time to see if something changes.

Also, there is a big up to do about some "die" hard cougar fans going beyond being fans...egging a coaches car...verbally abusing players wives in the stands....players are saying they would rather play away than at home right now...that definitely concerns me...when home field is supposed to be a major advantage.

Granted 2 blow out losses at home...but come on....we have the chance at a 10 win season again...would make it 4 years in a row for us.

[Lathum]

Stanzi walking very gingerly off the field with assistance.

[JonInMiddleGA]

13 mins left in the first half, UCF leads Texas 3-0

[Wolfpack]

The difference between Miami and Virginia: Virginia punted a rushed punt with Miami selling out trying to block. Miami's returner looked like he was going to get swarmed under by about five Cav players with nary a teammate in sight. Nope. He slipped a tackle, outran the remaining pursuers to the other side of the field, then picked up several hellacious blocks to turn the corner and run up the other sideline for a touchdown. Not quite Devin Hester-quality, but impressive anyway.

[Lathum]

Colt McCoy has made some really poor throws today

[Lathum]

Jordan Shipley is good...

[mauchow]

Down goes Iowa. Finally.

[Eaglesfan27]

Down goes Iowa. Finally.

:D

[k0ruptr]

YAY thats 1 undefeated going down, maybe Boise can move up one.

[RendeR]

Iowa goes down to Northwestern, Stanzi being hurt destroyed the hawkeyes.

[RendeR]

Now lets see tOSU take down Penn State and clamp down on this conference.

[JonInMiddleGA]

9-1

[mauchow]

Navy stand a chance? Could go up a touchdown early, they're inside the one yard line.

Why am I watching this game?

[RendeR]

Got something against Iowa jon? =)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Got something against Iowa jon? =)

Not much more than being damned sick & tired of hearing about them.

[k0ruptr]

Navy stand a chance? Could go up a touchdown early, they're inside the one yard line.

Why am I watching this game?

I fucking hope so, I really don't wanna see ND back there way into a BCS game.

[RendeR]

Its funny because even being a Bit 10 fan I haven't really heard that much about them all year.

[k0ruptr]

Not much more than being damned sick & tired of hearing about them.

I'm with Jon.

[Noop]

Iowa lost!!!! They can still win the Big-10 right!?

[RendeR]

Iowa lost!!!! They can still win the Big-10 right!?


They need a lot of help to make it happen.

[Noop]

Sarcasm RendeR sarcasm.

[mauchow]

Not a LOT of help is needed.

they need Ohio St to beat Penn St tonight and then Iowa to beat Ohio St when they play. Not a lot of factors.

[mauchow]

Go Navy, Go!

[RendeR]

Not a LOT of help is needed.

they need Ohio St to beat Penn St tonight and then Iowa to beat Ohio St when they play. Not a lot of factors.


They also need to win out and without Stanzi thats probably not going to happen.

[Izulde]

Hogs appear to have wrapped up a win over South Carolina. Moves us to 5-4 (2-4). Hopefully we get another couple wins and sneak into a bowl game.

[lcjjdnh]

Another embarrassing Michigan game

[clemsonfan]

Here is hoping we make Bobby and Mickey's last trip into Death Valley as miserable as possible.

GO TIGERS!

Amen!

[DeToxRox]

It looks like another bowl less year for Michigan which is disgusting. I said 7-5 before the year, but right now they are too emotionally fragile. They had every chance to win today after allowing a huge swing in the third and didn't do it. That said, in the grand scheme of things next year is the year that has really only mattered but for Rodriguez now it better be a 9 win type team or I think he might be done, especially with a new AD in town to start the 2010 season.

I still firmly believe he can turn it around but now you're looking at 2-3 year job turning into a 3-5 year job and I know the boosters won't allow that to happen.

If nothing else the call to arms around the program will be hilarious.

All I can say is after these past two years, as much as I live for sports, I am so glad I don't let it ruin my day.

[RainMaker]

I'd love to see Navy win. I don't think it's a huge upset either, Navy is a pretty good squad.

[mauchow]

14-0 Navy over ND.

[Young Drachma]

For me...I am actually concerned about BYU @ Wyoming...it's in Laramie, we haven't played well of late.....time to see if something changes.

Also, there is a big up to do about some "die" hard cougar fans going beyond being fans...egging a coaches car...verbally abusing players wives in the stands....players are saying they would rather play away than at home right now...that definitely concerns me...when home field is supposed to be a major advantage.

Granted 2 blow out losses at home...but come on....we have the chance at a 10 win season again...would make it 4 years in a row for us.

BYU-Wyoming in Laramie is a good time. But no worries this year, BYU is up 31-0 at halftime. Wyoming - as usual - can't produce any freaking offense.

[RainMaker]

It looks like another bowl less year for Michigan which is disgusting. I said 7-5 before the year, but right now they are too emotionally fragile. They had every chance to win today after allowing a huge swing in the third and didn't do it. That said, in the grand scheme of things next year is the year that has really only mattered but for Rodriguez now it better be a 9 win type team or I think he might be done, especially with a new AD in town to start the 2010 season.

I still firmly believe he can turn it around but now you're looking at 2-3 year job turning into a 3-5 year job and I know the boosters won't allow that to happen.

If nothing else the call to arms around the program will be hilarious.

All I can say is after these past two years, as much as I live for sports, I am so glad I don't let it ruin my day.
I'm not a fan of Rodriguez but I think you have to give a new coach 4-5 years, especially when he's implementing a brand new system. He needs a chance to get his players in and develop in his system before judgement can be made.

[Atocep]

It looks like another bowl less year for Michigan which is disgusting. I said 7-5 before the year, but right now they are too emotionally fragile. They had every chance to win today after allowing a huge swing in the third and didn't do it. That said, in the grand scheme of things next year is the year that has really only mattered but for Rodriguez now it better be a 9 win type team or I think he might be done, especially with a new AD in town to start the 2010 season.

I still firmly believe he can turn it around but now you're looking at 2-3 year job turning into a 3-5 year job and I know the boosters won't allow that to happen.

If nothing else the call to arms around the program will be hilarious.

All I can say is after these past two years, as much as I live for sports, I am so glad I don't let it ruin my day.

I watched the Notre Dame game early this season and the Illinois game last week and the thing that I see that really sticks out is the defense just seems to give up at times. Rich is also making the same head scratching decisions in crunch time that he always has. I haven't followed Michigan recruiting at all the past couple of seasons, but a thing that is still hurting WVU is how Rich would recruit almost exclusively for offense. Any athlete that came into the program was given a look on offense first and then thrown into the secondary if they didn't stick. Right now WVU's secondary is full of high school quarterbacks that didn't make it on the offensive side of the ball.

When he came to WVU his scorched earth approach and personality worked and I can only guess is WVU football was down at that time and he had a bunch of 2 star recruits that probably didn't know any better. I have to wonder if the approach is failing because guys come to Michigan with a different mindset and different expectations that what he had to initially deal with at WVU.

Like I said, I haven't followed Michigan much this year at all, but the fact that the team appears to be regressing this deep into year 2 isn't a good sign.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

MONSTER first half for Mizzou's Blaine Gabbert. 21 of 27 for 322 yards with 2 TD's. Amazing what a healthy ankle does for his abilities.

[RendeR]

I'm not a fan of Rodriguez but I think you have to give a new coach 4-5 years, especially when he's implementing a brand new system. He needs a chance to get his players in and develop in his system before judgement can be made.



I'm more than happy to give richrod the next decade to prove he's an awful head coach.

[RomaGoth]

Im out of town this weekend. Not sure if Im taking the computer or not. So if Iowa loses and Im not around thats why. Not that Im ducking the bashing I will take.

Big game. NW always plays us tough.

GO HAWKS!

How convenient for you, being out of town and all. (I keed, I keed) :D

[Eaglesfan27]

MONSTER first half for Mizzou's Blaine Gabbert. 21 of 27 for 322 yards with 2 TD's. Amazing what playing against Baylor's 88th ranked defense does for his abilities.

Fixed that for you.

[k0ruptr]

Oregon is getting destroyed by Stanford 24-7 , but plenty of time left. 10 minutes in the 2nd quarter. please let Oregon come back, I can't handle a post USC loss/depression/failure.

[k0ruptr]

Touchdown ducks . ...edit maybe they are reviewing.

[k0ruptr]

yay touchdown . 24-14 stanford now. need to keep the momentum ducks. It's interesting though, I'm really not that worried, because this Ducks offense can score quickly and a ton. It's not like some teams that get down 24-7 and shit that game is over.

[miami_fan]

GO NAVY! BEAT ND!

[k0ruptr]

FML 31-14 stanford now, ok I'm fucking worried.

[flounder]

Georgia Tech playing a horrible game defensively even by their standards. Wake Forest up 17-10 and they have the ball with 2 minutes left in the half.

[Tigercat]

LSU over Alabama 7 - 3 at half. LSU offense will need to score more than 7 points in the second half to finish this game with the lead.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Mizzou's looking to pull defeat from the jaws of victory. An 11 point halftime lead is now a 11 point 4th quarter defecit.

[Matthean]

LSU over Alabama 7 - 3 at half. LSU offense will need to score more than 7 points in the second half to finish this game with the lead.

Consider how bad 'Bama is on offense, I'm not sure how much LSU needs. I'm wondering how long before Saban looks at Star Jackson for any sort of spark plug. The play calling has been bad as well though. Stud RB and a struggling QB and you throw 10 out of the first 12 plays?

I'm not a fan of Rodriguez but I think you have to give a new coach 4-5 years, especially when he's implementing a brand new system. He needs a chance to get his players in and develop in his system before judgement can be made.

His system has nothing to do with the defense. Michigan has given up 30, or more points in 6 games. The four teams to not score 30 are Western and Eastern Michigan, MSU, and Delaware State.
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[Big Fo]

ND has been impressive in screwing up so many different ways today. Two missed FGs, stopped on 4th and goal from the 2, fumbled on the Navy 1 yard line, and an interception deflected off Floyd's back (again in the red zone) when he didn't turn around for the ball.

Navy has done well though. Their fullback is beasting the ND defense and they fooled them for a long TD pass on one of their rare throwing attempts.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Baylor beats Mizzou on a final minute defensive stand and gets their first win.

In related news, it's basketball season.

[Radii]

Georgia Tech playing a horrible game defensively even by their standards. Wake Forest up 17-10 and they have the ball with 2 minutes left in the half.

very frustrating game to watch so far, but 17-17 now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Dwyer goes 59 yds to make it 17-17 GT-Wake.

[Noop]

Baylor beats Mizzou on a final minute defensive stand and gets their first win.

In related news, it's basketball season.

I blame Obama.

[Lathum]

that wasn't UCLA TD and I can't believe it wasn't reviewed.

[flounder]

Two straight good defensive series by GA Tech. Paul Johnson must have threatened them with physical harm.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Paul Johnson must have threatened them with physical harm.

If he didn't ...

[Chief Rum]

that wasn't UCLA TD and I can't believe it wasn't reviewed.

I was surprised it wasn't reviewed.

The Dawgs should count their stars they still have Butler. He shouldn't even be playing in this game anymore after that helmet-to-helmet. If UCLA wins behind their backup QBs, that's karma. I hope it happens.

[Lathum]

I was surprised it wasn't reviewed.

The Dawgs should count their stars they still have Butler. He shouldn't even be playing in this game anymore after that helmet-to-helmet. If UCLA wins behind their backup QBs, that's karma. I hope it happens.

I agree CR, it was a dirty hit.

[JonInMiddleGA]

3rd chop block called against GT today, bet that's going to be a hell of a conversation between CPJ and the conference this week. Keep in my, the ACC asked Johnson to work with officials in the off-season to help them understand the difference between a chop & not, so well does he understand the distinction.
And that last one was not a chop block.

Meanwhile, one of the funnier lines of the weekend might be Johnson's answer about why he didn't let the players go with their uniform choice (gold pants, gold tops)for this week : "they'll look like french fries"

[JPhillips]

Had Purdue ever beaten OSU and UM in the same season?

[Chief Rum]

I agree CR, it was a dirty hit.

I will say, if you're going to make a play like that, they did it on the right guy. Prince was taking the UW D apart. Craft...well, did you hear the collective groan in the Rose Bowl when Craft started taking snaps in the third quarter?

5 TOs for UCLA now. At least Craft is still generally moving the ball. But he's a pick-6 waiting to happen.

[Noop]

Notre Dame loses to Navy.

[JPhillips]

Looks like Iowa is all that stands between OSU winning the Big Ten.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nesbitt scampers for a 24-17 lead on a QB draw, 8:19 left in Atlanta.

[Radii]

Huge 80 yard drive by Georgia Tech to take the lead back, 24-17 with just under 9 minutes to play. They're up over 400 yards on the ground now as well.

[Chief Rum]

UDub drives it down, and gets in line for chip shot, but the kicker misses it.

Still a lot of time left in this one, and no lead is safe with Locker at QB. UCLA 24-23, UCLA ball.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wake answers with a long drive of their own, tied at 24 with 4:27 left in regulation.

[Chief Rum]

lol...6th fumble for UCLA. They recover (they have lost three today). Unbelievable.

[Lathum]

lol...6th fumble for UCLA. They recover (they have lost three today). Unbelievable.

If only we could stop you guys on 3rd and long. Another one coming up

[Chief Rum]

If only we could stop you guys on 3rd and long. Another one coming up

Got it stopped there. Wish we could have pinned you further back toward the end zone, though. The 10 isn't nearly as dangerous as the 5 or closer.

[Tigercat]

LSU over Bama 15 - 13 in the fourth, but Bama has momentum as of right now. LSU trying to go toe to toe on the road with the the starting QB, RB, and best defensive player on the bench.

[Tigercat]

Dola, and with said CB on the bench, Julio Jones breaks a long TD to give Bama the lead.

[Radii]

oh lord. Wake Ball with 1:50 left. Disgusting.

[Lathum]

Horrible play call there

[Radii]

Wow, huge intentional grounding call on Wake. Pretty questionable call,that. 3rd and 10 for Wake.

[k0ruptr]

So Oregon looks to be hung over, and is on there way to a loss at stanford :( but the good news is they still control there own destiny, if they win out they are in the Rose Bowl automatically.

They have Arizona State at home, then @Arizona (tough tough game) then the Civil War at home. I think the two home games shouldn't be to much of a problem, but the Zona game I'm worried about. It's insane to think that Arizona also is still in the BCS hunt. lol

[Chief Rum]

OMG, huge play by Rahim Moore.

Locker threw that perfect. Deserved better. Is he a senior? I really want this to be the last time UCLA plays him.

[Radii]

Heh, 21 yard completion on 3rd and 10 for Wake, not quite in FG range yet but 1st down.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Iffy call on the grounding is offset by the blatant hold (on the left) they ignored on the next play to let Wake get the first down.

[Chief Rum]

Horrible play call there

Yeah, not sure that was the right play call. But that whole drive I was wondering why the Huskies were playing such "ball control" style when they needed to get in FG range.

[k0ruptr]

'This Bama game has been fantastic.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Derrick Morgan with a huge sack for GT forcing 4th down.

[Radii]

SACK!!!!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Perfect bounce on the Wake punt, they down it on the 3 with 58 secs left in regulation.

[Eaglesfan27]

OMG, huge play by Rahim Moore.

Locker threw that perfect. Deserved better. Is he a senior? I really want this to be the last time UCLA plays him.

Nope, he has 1 more year of eligibility left but he might go Pro early.

[Chief Rum]

UCLA gets the first, and that should do it. They escape. Very hard fought game against UDub.

Huskies will be disappointed in this one (and rightfully), but I don't think they have any idea how important this game is to UCLA.

[Eaglesfan27]

'This Bama game has been fantastic.

Yes, it has. However, it also makes me think that there isn't any truly dominant team this year. Every top team has some significant flaws.

[Chief Rum]

Nope, he has 1 more year of eligibility left but he might go Pro early.

I hope he does. Or he realizes his destiny is in baseball and quits the football team and school to go play in the Angels' minor league system. :)

[Tigercat]

I have my doubts if the game will stay close with a backup QB, RB, and Peterson limping on and off the field constantly.

[Lathum]

Yeah, not sure that was the right play call. But that whole drive I was wondering why the Huskies were playing such "ball control" style when they needed to get in FG range.

they are playing ball control because the defense can't stop anyone. Sark knows if he leaves even a little time UCLA will likely drive and get close enough to kick a FG. On 2nd and 1 just get the first down, we were moving the chains.

Regardless, no excuse, 5-0 on turnovers, there is no reason the game should even be in question at that point.

[flounder]

This GT game is going to kill me. Credit to the defense for turning things around in the second half.

[k0ruptr]

HUGE CALL in the LSU game. WOW looks like roughing the kicker, on a bama punt!

[k0ruptr]

dola, running into the kicker. LSU is relieved.

4th and inches. what do they do now.

[Lathum]

Nope, he has 1 more year of eligibility left but he might go Pro early.

Man I hope not, if we can get it together on defense we could go to a decent bowl next year. Plus Montana coming in next year, give him a year in the system and then make a nice transition.

[HeavyReign]

UCLA gets the first, and that should do it. They escape. Very hard fought game against UDub.

Huskies will be disappointed in this one (and rightfully), but I don't think they have any idea how important this game is to UCLA.

Washington now needs to win out vs WSU, Cal, and Oregon St to get bowl eligible. Winning 2 out of 3 seemed possible but 3/3 seems out of the question. I'd say they needed this game pretty bad too. I'm gonna go be sick now. Not winning a game with a +4 turnover margin is rediculous.

[terpkristin]

Richmond lost to Villanova, 21-20. Looks like Richmond had a lot of issues with field goals, missed a few extra point opportunities and missed a field goal with 10 seconds left that would've won the game for them.

Watched it on Comcast Sports, towards the end of the game, one Comcast production people (I'm guessing) must've been talking near a hot mic, I heard quite clearly, "Come on, let's just end this fucking game" (or something very similar, "fucking" was definitely there).

/tk

[k0ruptr]

Yes, it has. However, it also makes me think that there isn't any truly dominant team this year. Every top team has some significant flaws.

yea, I agree. just another reason to see a playoff, since we really don't know who the best team is.

[JonInMiddleGA]

GT-Wake headed to OT, Wake with the ball first.

[Chief Rum]

they are playing ball control because the defense can't stop anyone. Sark knows if he leaves even a little time UCLA will likely drive and get close enough to kick a FG. On 2nd and 1 just get the first down, we were moving the chains.

Regardless, no excuse, 5-0 on turnovers, there is no reason the game should even be in question at that point.

Yes, this wasn't the best day for UDub's defense. I think the Wildcat really threw them, too. UCLA has pulled that out a time or two this season, but not so much that UDub's staff would have been expecting it to be used so much today.

[Tigercat]

HUGE CALL in the LSU game. WOW looks like roughing the kicker, on a bama punt!

Thought that was textbook running into, he only clipped his foot and calf, not his body/

[k0ruptr]

yea, not bad at all.

LSU has really played there hearts out tonight, I think they really want it.

Interception LSU!!! they might review this.

[k0ruptr]

I think it was a pick! wow his toe got in!

[Eaglesfan27]

I've been thinking all game that McElroy is going to cost Alabama some game this year and he might still cost them this one. That looks like an interception to me.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wake leads 27-24 with a FG, GT ball coming up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nesbitt reads it right & gains 11, 1st down GT at the 14.

[k0ruptr]

I've been thinking all game that McElroy is going to cost Alabama some game this year and he might still cost them this one. That looks like an interception to me.

+1

[k0ruptr]

Wow. thats tough to overturn, but thats a huge call in this game right now. I truly truly thought it was an interception.

[mauchow]

Wow, alabama home cookin refs there..

Wow. What a horrible call.

[Greyroofoo]

LSU just got screwed

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow, alabama home cookin refs there..

Wow. What a horrible call.

Yep, SEC has to keep their undefeated teams alive in the race.

[Big Fo]

I thought that call would be reversed in the LSU-Bama game, hmm.

[k0ruptr]

Dola, and it turns out could be the difference in this game, if Bama gets any kind of score here, its pretty much over. If that call was overturned like it should of been IMO, LSU gets the ball with 6 minutes to go down by 6. Huge Huge play/call/etc.

[Lathum]

I can't believe GT is gonna go for it here.

[JonInMiddleGA]

GT is 4th & 1 at the six, CPJ sends the offense out to go for it, Wake calls time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Right or wrong, I started screaming "GO" as soon as Nesbitt went down. Win or lose, I'm with CPJ on this one.

[JonInMiddleGA]

They wouldn't bite, tried to draw 'em offsides.

[k0ruptr]

4th down coming, Bama gonna attempt a 40 yard fg or so. game is all but over , if he makes it.


ITS GOOD.

[k0ruptr]

wow. I'm shocked that Alabama is going to win this game. They just keep finding ways to win. Good teams do.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And before the FG try, I think there's a better chance of Nesbitt getting 1 yd on 4th than there is of Blair hitting even a chip shot.

[Radii]

WOW! I love it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Sonuvabitch, no FG, Wake leaves a gap & Nesbitt sneaks for the first down.

[JonInMiddleGA]

TOUCHDOWN NESBITT !!!!

[Radii]

BALLGAME!!!!!!

[Greyroofoo]

wow. I'm shocked that Alabama is going to win this game. They just keep finding ways to win. Good teams do.

bribing the refs is often times a good strategy.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Dwyer with a pancake that cleared the way for 9-1.

[k0ruptr]

Oregon has climbed within 6 points, but only 2:25 left and Stanford will be receiving the kick off.

[Tigercat]

LSU just snake bitten tonight. I think the play has been pretty even, but badly timed injuries and tough calls have hurt.

That INT should have been an INT in the field, that is the BS. You give the benefit of the doubt to the play when you are unsure. (And clearly the refs were unsure on the play.) But they didn't, and the replay wasn't "indisputable."

[Radii]

Sonuvabitch, no FG, Wake leaves a gap & Nesbitt sneaks for the first down.

Even with the risk of the false start/offensive miscue, I really really like that. The other team has to let up and assume you're kicking the FG after the "try to draw 'em offsides and call timeout" move.

[Balldog]

I have to give Pryor some credit, his numbers weren't great but he played his best game of his career today.

[k0ruptr]

Oregon has climbed within 6 points, but only 2:25 left and Stanford will be receiving the kick off.

It was just too little too late for the Ducks today. The Offense was fine, and out played Stanfords Offense. but the Defense/ST was horrible.

[Chief Rum]

Washington now needs to win out vs WSU, Cal, and Oregon St to get bowl eligible. Winning 2 out of 3 seemed possible but 3/3 seems out of the question. I'd say they needed this game pretty bad too. I'm gonna go be sick now. Not winning a game with a +4 turnover margin is rediculous.

Oh, no doubt UDub needed this game. But I think the points at which both programs are at, it was much more critical for UCLA.

UDub is coming off of an 0-12 season. They have gotten some good commits, have been better than expected, have a guy under center who is getting tons of NFL talk and have a landmark victory over USC. For a first season by a staff, that's a great season coming off of 0-12. Even if they fall short of a bowl, that's something to build on, and the staff is still early enough in its job to sell recruits on immediate playing time.

UCLA is one further year in. Last year was the bad year. Coach Rick landed a terrific class on the basis of playing time and building momentum. For that to continue, UCLA needed to show improvement this season. A bowl game, a better record, etc. Well, after a good start, they completely stumbled in conference play. Tons of issues showing on the field and off. Recruiting is going good again--but how long before the recruits start to question if this staff can get it done?

If UCLA loses the game today, they are 0-6 in conference and even lost against an opponent they should beat at home. Oregon and Cal are semi-excusable losses at home right now. Washington, coming off last year, is not. And especially this far into the season. If UCLA loses, there is a ton of pressure on the team and it becomes virtually impossible to get bowl-eligible (they would have had to win out, including against USC in the Coliseum). Even as good a recruiter as Neuheisel is, I don't see the staff pulling in quite the same class if they don't show significant improvement. And that improvement is finally starting to show, with the win today and the comeback almost-win on the road against Oregon State.

If UCLA can win at home against ASU, and beat Wazzu on the road (both achievable), they will be bowl-eligible and above .500 going into the USC game, which would be a very solid turnaround and something the staff can continue to sell recruits on.

Basically, it's quite possible if UCLA lost this game today, Neuheisel might not survive in the long run. The damage to this year's class and with next year's schedule, I don't know that he would have escaped the results. So this game was probably about as important a game UCLA has played since they beat USC in 2006.

[Mantle2600]

Had Purdue ever beaten OSU and UM in the same season?

i think the announcers said they did in 2000 i believe

[k0ruptr]

i think the announcers said they did in 2000 i believe

Was that Drew Brees at QB then?

[dawgfan]

He shouldn't even be playing in this game anymore after that helmet-to-helmet.
Bullshit. Watch that play at normal speed - there's no way you can assume Butler was intentionally trying to spear Prince. He saw the QB running towards him and not sliding, and he got low to deliver a shot. A fraction of a second either way in what Prince does and that's a shoulder hitting his helmet and not Butler's helmet.

It was a deserved penalty, but there's no way you can assume given the speed of the play and how quickly everything happened that it was a dirty play, with Butler intending to spear Prince.

Horribly frustrating game - I haven't been this angry in a long time. Once again, a game the Huskies should've won but for a bad call by the officials - that "TD" by Austin hit the ground first, and I'm stunned that a review wasn't called for. A big mistake by Sark not demanding a replay.

And just like the Notre Dame game, that call shouldn't have mattered in the long run. To get 5 takeaways in the game and be +3 in turnovers, you should win the game. Sark had the run game working beautifully with Polk in the first half, but only ran him 7 times despite over 100 yards of rushing.

Not sure what happened with Folk on that FG attempt in the 4th quarter, but it was an ugly kick. Make that kick and we're likely talking about how the Huskies barely held on in a game they should've won by a decent margin.

They've put themselves in a really tough spot to get to a bowl game. Beating WSU should be a cakewalk, and the December home game against a Cal team that probably won't have a lot of motivation could be a win, but going into Corvallis and beating the Beavers is a real longshot.

This is another horrible missed opportunity, just like the Notre Dame and Arizona State games. While I like what Sark has done this year, there are some definite concerns as well.

[dawgfan]

Dola - my day is brightened slightly by seeing Notre Dame and Oregon lose...

[Buccaneer]

Very excited to see Notre Dame lose and gets kicked out of a BCS bowl. The hatred of Notre Dame stems from special rules, conditions and broadcasts that only apply to them.

[Eaglesfan27]

Didn't see it, but it sounds like Jahvid Best just had a nasty fall on his head on a leaping play and is knocked out cold. Hope he is ok.

[Swaggs]

The more football that I watch college football, the more I realize how much parity there is between the teams aside from the top 4 or 5 teams and the bottom 25 or 30 teams.

[Lathum]

Very excited to see Notre Dame lose and gets kicked out of a BCS bowl. The hatred of Notre Dame stems from special rules, conditions and broadcasts that only apply to them.

I have no problem wit hthe broadcast rules, money talks, but I totally agree on the other points. The BCS rules are basically written so a 9-2 Notre Dame team can go to a BCS game.

when the BCS wrote the rules they looked at Notre Dames schedule and said, OK, we will let them lose to Michigan and USC, beat the other 10 cupcakes and we can still get the monster ratings from their BCS game appearance.

[Noop]

God I hope Best is alright that looked bad.

[Eaglesfan27]

God I hope Best is alright that looked bad.

Yeah, that looked brutal. :(

[digamma]

What a weird GT-Wake game. We almost double them up in yards, but several times either miss a block or have a key penalty to stall a drive. Also, a TD was called back.

And I agree with JiMG and radii...how many coaches go for it on 4th and 1 in overtime there and did you ever have a doubt CPJ wouldn't do it?

[digamma]

One other thing to keep in mind on GT...this was their 10th straight game without an off week. You're bound to have an off week or two and you just hope it is when you are better than the other team.

[Galaril]

Yeah, that looked brutal. :(

That was an horrendously frightening fall. My wife and I watching saying forget the poor kid being paralyzed which from the way his body reacted right after seemed to be a real possibility biut that could be life threatening. I am not a fan of the Golden Bears but my prays go out to that kid.

[Recoil]

One other thing to keep in mind on GT...this was their 10th straight game without an off week. You're bound to have an off week or two and you just hope it is when you are better than the other team.

Also, Jim Grobe is a hell of a coach. WF's record doesn't do their team justice.

[Galaril]

I have no problem with the broadcast rules, money talks, but I totally agree on the other points. The BCS rules are basically written so a 9-2 Notre Dame team can go to a BCS game.

when the BCS wrote the rules they looked at Notre Dames schedule and said, OK, we will let them lose to Michigan and USC, beat the other 10 cupcakes and we can still get the monster ratings from their BCS game appearance.

I am not saying the ND schedule in the past few years has not been filled with some cupcakes but this year there are far from "10 cupcakes". Anyways, I earlier today saw that Texas was playing Central Florida WTF.??? So, I took a look at the Longhorn schedule what a joke. I think a great many big schools load there schedule with cupcakes quite a bit. ND most certainly is not the only school doing it.
Is this schedule that much better than NDs:
Texas schedule:
Louisiana-Monroe W 59-20 --
at Wyoming W 41-10 --
Texas Tech W 34-24 --
UTEP W 64-7 --
Colorado W 38-14 --
(20) Oklahoma W 16-13 --
at Missouri W 41-7 --
at (13) Oklahoma State W 41-14 --
UCF W 35-3 --
at Baylor 12:00 pm --
Kansas TBA --
at Texas A&M 8:00 pm --

[digamma]

Also, Jim Grobe is a hell of a coach. WF's record doesn't do their team justice.

Absolutely. It's the first time this season I thought Paul Johnson met his match situationally.

[JonInMiddleGA]

ESPN-U announcers for the UT-Memphis game just mentioned that Jahvid Best preliminary diagnosis is a concussion but that does have movement in all extremities.

Scary looking thing for sure though, glad he sounds to be alright or at least nothing severe.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Incidentally, with his 4 TD passes against Memphis tonight, Jonathan Crompton now leads the SEC with 20 TD passes.

{shakes head}
{rubs eyes}
{worries about impending Armageddon}

[Eaglesfan27]

USC is up 7-3 at ASU at halftime. A very disappointing half of football. The linebackers continue to get pushed around and carried for extra yardage by the running backs. The defense is being helped by Danny Sullivan making bad plays, but they still aren't making enough plays. The offense is being almost completely shut down by ASU's defense and Barkley has had his worst half of football.

[Eaglesfan27]

Damian Williams with an absolutely spectacular play for a 75 yard TD. 14-3.

[thealmighty]

And now for something completely different...

Yea Horned Frogs.


(sorry, no man with three buttocks here)

[Celeval]

That Jahvid Best replay was the ugliest thing I've seen in a while - wow. Glad to hear he's moving.

[k0ruptr]

Woah, whats going Hawaii has scored 21 points, and lead 21-7 in the 2nd quarter. haven't seen this Offense since June left.

[clemsonfan]

Spiller is the toughest player I've seen in a while. I just wish we had a decent kicker.

[Lathum]

Woah, whats going Hawaii has scored 21 points, and lead 21-7 in the 2nd quarter. haven't seen this Offense since we played Washington state earlier this year.

fixed

[Eaglesfan27]

ASU just pulled off a very nice interception in which a defender got his foot on the ball before it hit the ground to kick it up into the air to his teammate.

[mauchow]

Holy crap. The ASU USC game just had the craziest sequence of a events, EVER!

After the pass was thrown, the ball was tipped about five times before being KICKED in the air by a ASU defender and landing into the hands of another player who then returned it some yards who then fumbled it but it STILL landed in the hands of another Devils player. POW no doubt.

[k0ruptr]

Uconn just pulled within 2 of Cinci, and if they make the 2 point conv. it will be tied at 40. in a fight to stay undefeated.

and Lathum, nah this is the offense from the June days when we would score 50-60 a game. and 30 a half, not the Wash St. game earlier this year.

[k0ruptr]

2 point attempt failed. Cinci 40-38 with 5 minutes left.

[k0ruptr]

Hawaii 28 -7 with 5:25 left in the 2nd quarter, and with the ball again.

[k0ruptr]

Hawaii with a 70 yard run to the Utah St. 25!

[k0ruptr]

but in another sense, I haven't seen this offense since 1997 when we were a running team. Hawaii has ran for 150 yards in the first half so far.

[Lathum]

and Lathum, nah this is the offense from the June days when we would score 50-60 a game. and 30 a half, not the Wash St. game earlier this year.

I get that, but any chance I get to take a shot ate Wazzu I'm gonna take it

[k0ruptr]

dola, 200 yards rushing now in the first half for Hawaii.

[k0ruptr]

I get that, but any chance I get to take a shot ate Wazzu I'm gonna take it

haha, good call!

[k0ruptr]

Touchdown! 35-7 UH with 2 minutes left in the first half!

[k0ruptr]

damn Cinci somehow scored on 4th and 1. they will remain unbeaten, but it wasn't pretty.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Houston kicks a FG as time expires to beat Tulsa 46-45. That's after they missed a 2-point conversion that would have tied it up.

[Atocep]

Cincy and UConn combined for nearly 1200 yards of offense tonight.

[k0ruptr]

Cinci won by 2... good game.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC with a very ugly win, 14-9.

[Recoil]

Can't wait for a rematch against Clemson in the ACCCG. Not.

[bhlloy]

USC with a very ugly win, 14-9.

I'll take any win in Tempe against a Dennis Erickson coached team. That being said, it's unreal how bad this offensive line is for a unit that was supposed to be the best in the country going into the season. I think at this point I'm in favor of benching both tackles and seeing what Kalil and Graf can do, wouldn't mind seeing Khaled Holmes get a shot at guard either. When it's a key play the line gets beat off the ball, every single time, and the holding penalties are even worse.

[Noop]

Got to love Clemson fans rushing the field after beating a 4-5 team.

[sooner333]

USC with a very ugly win, 14-9.

Better than a very ugly loss. Believe me, I know.

[MrBug708]

Bullshit. Watch that play at normal speed - there's no way you can assume Butler was intentionally trying to spear Prince. He saw the QB running towards him and not sliding, and he got low to deliver a shot. A fraction of a second either way in what Prince does and that's a shoulder hitting his helmet and not Butler's helmet.

It was a deserved penalty, but there's no way you can assume given the speed of the play and how quickly everything happened that it was a dirty play, with Butler intending to spear Prince.

Horribly frustrating game - I haven't been this angry in a long time. Once again, a game the Huskies should've won but for a bad call by the officials - that "TD" by Austin hit the ground first, and I'm stunned that a review wasn't called for. A big mistake by Sark not demanding a replay.

And just like the Notre Dame game, that call shouldn't have mattered in the long run. To get 5 takeaways in the game and be +3 in turnovers, you should win the game. Sark had the run game working beautifully with Polk in the first half, but only ran him 7 times despite over 100 yards of rushing.

Not sure what happened with Folk on that FG attempt in the 4th quarter, but it was an ugly kick. Make that kick and we're likely talking about how the Huskies barely held on in a game they should've won by a decent margin.

They've put themselves in a really tough spot to get to a bowl game. Beating WSU should be a cakewalk, and the December home game against a Cal team that probably won't have a lot of motivation could be a win, but going into Corvallis and beating the Beavers is a real longshot.

This is another horrible missed opportunity, just like the Notre Dame and Arizona State games. While I like what Sark has done this year, there are some definite concerns as well.

UCLA should have blown UW out in that game. We had 5 TO's and most of them were ticky tacky, not holding on to the ball. The hit on Prince was dirty, but it wasn't malicious. Prince needs to learn to slide, but if Butler does that in the NFL, he's probably tossed from the game.

And that call was the right call on the TD. The ref was right there to make the play. Even if they review it, there was little chance they overturn it. And in the small chance that they did review it and overturned it, UCLA was sitting on 1st and goal on the 1 yard line. It didn't cost you the game like you intended. Hell, Prince going out probably saved you from being blown out in that game. We had first and 10 from about the 22 yard line when he got hurt. First two plays with Brehaut were running plays and the third one, Paulsen his block, Brehaut held the ball too long and was creamed, losing the ball and at least 3 sure point.

Locker and Polk are good ones. You also have some nice receivers as well.

[MrBug708]

USC with a very ugly win, 14-9.

USC could very well lose to Arizona still. Arizona does have the meaty part of their schedule left though, well that and ASU

[MrBug708]

Washington beating Arizona and USC was the worst thing for the program. Everywhere I look, UW fans point to the job Tedford did in one year at Cal. Not a realistic goal IMO.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC could very well lose to Arizona still. Arizona does have the meaty part of their schedule left though, well that and ASU

No doubt. USC is so banged up right now, that I think they can lose to anyone left on their schedule.

[MrBug708]

Well, if Craft beats you, I think it's time for Carroll to hang up his coaches whistle