College Football Week 11 Discussion [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

JonInMiddleGA

11-12-2009, 02:11 PM

Didn't see this thread yet, so I'll start it I guess, although it's with a story I wish I didn't read today. And just as much, I wish there was something in the story that actually surprises me :(

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/nov/12/two-football-players-face-armed-robbery-charges-tv/

KNOXVILLE — KNOXVILLE - Three University of Tennessee football players and a female companion are in the Knox County Detention Facility today on charges of attempted armed robbery.

Janzen Jackson, Mike Edwards and Nu'Keese Richardson, all 18, were charged this morning after an armed robbery attempt at a Pilot station on Cumberland Avenue, according to the Knoxville Police Department.

Each player and the woman face three counts of attempted armed robbery. The woman also faces drug charges.

UT athletic director Mike Hamilton released a statement this morning about the episode.

"At this time we are currently evaluating the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Mike Edwards, Janzen Jackson and Nu'Keese Richardson," Hamilton said. "Any decisions or comments regarding their status will not be made until the evaluations are complete."

Both Richardson and Jackson are coming off a week in which they faced discipline from coach Lane Kiffin, the former for missing a practice and the latter for a violation of team rules.

Kiffin has touted the discipline in his program and a clean arrest record as recently as Wednesday's SEC teleconference.

Richardson is a 5-foot-10, 165-pound wide receiver from Pahokee, Fla. Jackson is a 6-foot, 174-pound defensive back from Lake Charles, La. Edwards is a 5-foot-10 defensive back from Cleveland, Ohio.

According to KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk, the incident began at 1:43 a.m. at the Pilot station, 2218 Cumberland Ave., when officers were alerted to an armed robbery in progress.

When officers arrived, they found Cory B. Zickefoose, 20, Benjamin J. Everett, 19 and Corey M. Smith, 18, claiming to have been accosted by two men wearing black hoodies.

The trio told officers they were sitting in a 1998 Hyundai Elantra at the convenience store while a friend was inside the business. As they waited for their friend, a man opened the driver's door, brandished a handgun and stated, "Give me everything you have," DeBusk said.

A second man also wearing a black hoodie then opened the passenger door of the Hyundai and reiterated to the trio, "Give us everything you've got," DeBusk said.

In an interview this afternoon, Zickefoose and Smith told the News Sentinel they had no inkling beforehand that the people in the parking lot were about to attempt a robbery. Even during the incident, Zickefoose, who was driving, said the man with the weapon wasn't overly aggressive.

"I could just tell he wasn't going to shoot me. He didn't have too much authority," Zickefoose said.

The victims said they showed the two men their empty wallets and said they had no money.

"I said, 'Sorry, we don't have anything to give you.' " Zickefoose said.

"We ain't got nothing but a cheeseburger," Smith added, "but they didn't take that."

A third man then approached the car and told the other two men in hoodies, "We've got to go," DeBusk said.

The three men got into a 2010 Toyota Prius driven by a woman and fled the area. Zickefoose said he glanced at the Prius during the attempted heist and noted the woman seemed amused.

"She was smiling, with a big grin on her face," Zickefoose said.

Officers stopped the car on Neyland Drive near Leinard Lane after it had been seen near Gibbs Halls.

Police found Edwards, Richardson and Jackson in the car, which was driven by Marie Montmarquet, 22, DeBusk said.

A search of the Prius revealed a air-powered pellet pistol under the rear seat. Two black hoodies were seen in plain view in the back seat, DeBusk said.

The suspects were taken to the Pilot station where the three victims identified Edwards and Richardson as the two men in black hoodies who demanded their wallets.

Richardson and Edwards were being held on a $19,500 bond each. Jackson was held in lieu of $15,000 bond.

In the glove box of the Prius police found a marijuana grinder, a device to break chunks of compressed marijuana into loose particles so that it can be more easily smoked. Police found a clear plastic bag of suspected marijuana in Montmarquet's jacket pocket, DeBusk said.

Montmarquet told police the grinder and marijuana found in her jacket belonged to her, DeBusk said. Along with the three counts of attempted armed robbery, she also was charged with simple drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was being held in jail this morning in lieu of $119,000 bond.

molson

11-12-2009, 02:17 PM

Boise St/Idaho should be even more interesting than usual here, with the year Idaho is having.

Karlifornia

11-12-2009, 02:18 PM

LOL@ The weed commanding $100,000 more in bail than sticking a gun in someone's face. What a joke.

cartman

11-12-2009, 02:19 PM

A Prius? So much for the SEC speed you always hear about. :D

bob

11-12-2009, 02:25 PM

My hopes and dreams for the weekend:

- WV beats Cincy Friday night.
- Georgia Tech takes care of Duke.
- Spurrier finds a way to beat Florida.
- Idaho beats Boise St.
- Utah beats TCU.

- I'd love for Texas to lose too, but i don't see it happening until the Big 12 championship. Bama can beat Florida again in the SEC championship. Georgia Tech continues to rise.

dawgfan

11-12-2009, 02:26 PM

I read elsewhere that the Pilot chain of convenience stores is owned and/or founded by a prominent Tennessee booster, so an added sprinkling of salt in the wounds for Vols fans.

I wonder if Urban Meyer is sorry he "missed" on Nu'Keese Richardson...

JonInMiddleGA

11-12-2009, 02:37 PM

LOL@ The weed commanding $100,000 more in bail than sticking a gun in someone's face. What a joke.

As was pointed out in the local blogs, that's seems likely to have been a function of this not being the young lady's first encounter with law enforcement.

DeToxRox

11-12-2009, 02:40 PM

Denard Robinson is gonna get the start for Michigan vs Wisconsin this week. Tate has apparently bad a terrible week of practice and Denard has looked good. Considering the streak we're on it can't hurt.

Honolulu_Blue

11-12-2009, 02:41 PM

DeToxRox

11-12-2009, 02:43 PM

So, when does Tate Forcier transfer? End of this season or next?

Oh it's already been rumored but I don't buy it. That said, once Devin Gardner gets on campus next year, all bets are off. He has the potential to be Tate and Denard rolled into a 6'5, 220 lbs freak.

Honolulu_Blue

11-12-2009, 02:50 PM

Oh it's already been rumored but I don't buy it. That said, once Devin Gardner gets on campus next year, all bets are off. He has the potential to be Tate and Denard rolled into a 6'5, 220 lbs freak.

I haven't heard any rumors, it's just that based on his family's some what creepy website (www.qbforce.com (http://www.qbforce.com)), Tate Forcier has switched teams at pretty much every he's played at.

Dr. Sak

11-12-2009, 02:58 PM

This is the one weekend a year I root for Notre Dame.

clemsonfan

11-12-2009, 04:20 PM

I'm hoping Clemson won't let me down Saturday against NC State.

CU Tiger

11-12-2009, 05:07 PM

I'm hoping Clemson won't let me down Saturday against NC State.

This is a new team...I would not fear that.

DeToxRox

11-12-2009, 06:39 PM

It's all in Flash, so I can't post the images to the thread, but check out the new jerseys TCU will wear this weekend vs Utah. Oregon has a run for their money:

Nike Pro Combat (http://procombat.nikemedia.com/index.php?team=texas_christian#/photos)

Click the Nike Pro Combat Uniform link

dawgfan

11-12-2009, 08:36 PM

Pretty wild stuff.

miked

11-12-2009, 08:57 PM

USF looking good in midseason.

MJ4H

11-12-2009, 08:58 PM

That has to 8 muffed kicks in this game for South Florida.

cthomer5000

11-12-2009, 10:28 PM

hey, USF... how my ass taste? - Greg Schiano

Young Drachma

11-12-2009, 10:43 PM

Analysis - College Football Season Sputtering to a Finish - News Analysis - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/sports/ncaafootball/09colleges.html?ref=sports)

Young Drachma

11-12-2009, 10:45 PM

Oh and hell of a job by the Scarlet Knights.

Logan

11-12-2009, 10:50 PM

It's hard to figure out if the boys looked good tonight vs USF or were they just that bad. The easier answer is that they were, and Rutgers was very, very bad in the first half in terms of not being able to capitalize. Honestly, I wonder if being up by 41 at halftime wasn't reasonable. But when taking into account how B.J. Daniels just couldn't even get a second to make a play, I'm pretty impressed with how our defense stood up.

tarcone

11-12-2009, 11:37 PM

Rutgers dominated. Nice win.

Iowa travels to the horseshoe. Hope our Freshman emulates Barkley.

the_meanstrosity

11-13-2009, 06:10 AM

Who exactly from the Big 12 north do you see beating Texas in the Big 12 championship? I'm as big a fan there is of the Big 12 north, but it's a mess this year and would be a huge upset if one of them knocked off Texas.

- I'd love for Texas to lose too, but i don't see it happening until the Big 12 championship. Bama can beat Florida again in the SEC championship. Georgia Tech continues to rise.

bob

11-13-2009, 06:27 AM

I don't actually think its going to happen. But I think its more likely there than against Baylor or Texas A&M. But it needs to for Tech to have a shot.

ISiddiqui

11-13-2009, 09:14 AM

BishopMVP

11-13-2009, 10:19 AM

Who exactly from the Big 12 north do you see beating Texas in the Big 12 championship? I'm as big a fan there is of the Big 12 north, but it's a mess this year and would be a huge upset if one of them knocked off Texas.Nebraska's the only one with a chance imo.This is a new team...I would not fear that.What's changed since Maryland?But with a pedestrian Heisman Trophy field, no elite team that scintillates the masses and virtually no chance of a team outside the Big Three crashing the national title game, this college football season is sputtering to the finish.As the regular season pushes toward its final three weeks, there does not appear to be a single competitive game left on the schedule that directly relates to the national title.
It is a three-horse race, with Texas, Florida and Alabama all running against claimers.Other than this being the year with the best chance for a non-BCS team to crash the title game, the plethora of upsets that happen, particularly when rivals like Auburn/Alabama, Texas/Texas A&M, Florida/FSU, Florida/Spurrier-led SC clash, and conveniently ignoring the SEC title game, this is spot on.

Kodos

11-13-2009, 10:43 AM

Rutgers dominated. Nice win.

Iowa travels to the horseshoe. Hope our Freshman emulates Barkley.

I hope they kick the crap out of Iowa.

molson

11-13-2009, 10:48 AM

Hooray! Rutgers dominates South Florida 31-0 (first regular season shutout USF has ever had). RU is 7-2 and will likely be ranked next week. Really didn't see this after Cincy blew them out in the first game, but Savage has really played well and the future looks bright :).

I'm pretty fired up for my first trip back to the Carrier Dome since about '01 for the Rutgers game next weekend. I'm hopeful, but not optimistic, that Syracuse can keep it close.

Logan

11-13-2009, 10:50 AM

Devin McCourtey had an amazing game last night. Such an all-around stud.

And speaking of stud...that's not what George Selvie is. He's been the most overrated player in the country for the past 3 years. Anthony Davis stopped him dead in his tracks on a bull rush with one left hand to the chest. Shades of Ray Rice's ridiculous stiff arm on Selvie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnRgpdAOvpI)

Lathum

11-13-2009, 11:27 AM

RU looked great last night, makes me really excited for the future.

CU Tiger

11-13-2009, 01:26 PM

What's changed since Maryland?

Well since you asked...

There was a bye week during which the coaching staff challenged every player on the team. And the assistant coaches, Namely Billy Napier the OC, basically a give it all or get out demand.
The results are pretty striking if you ask me.

First 5 games
Average Total Offense: 316 yards
Points per game: 24

Since then
Average Total Offense: 419 yards
Points per game: 42

Not to mention I have missed 1 Tiger's game in 6+ years, and this team is different. The demeanor, the way they carry themselves, the package.

Now they may prove me wrong at 12:00 tomorrow, but I will be shocked.
I am under no delusion that this is a top 5 team, but they may very well be a top 15 team.

I think we will get a chance to demonstrate that over the next 5 games.

BishopMVP

11-13-2009, 05:37 PM

Not to mention I have missed 1 Tiger's game in 6+ years, and this team is different. The demeanor, the way they carry themselves, the package.

Now they may prove me wrong at 12:00 tomorrow, but I will be shocked.
I am under no delusion that this is a top 5 team, but they may very well be a top 15 team.

I think we will get a chance to demonstrate that over the next 5 games.Eh, I hope you're right, and I think I do have Clemson as a top 15 team, but every time they do that they burn me. A rematch with GT where GT doesn't get the huge trick plays early would be very interesting.

BishopMVP

11-13-2009, 05:40 PM

Oh yeah, tonight I'm picking the home team. I thought WV had more potential early in the season, but just when the turnover discrepancy started normalizing the offense began slowing down.

West Virginia @ Cincinnati -9

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 06:54 PM

I could see either team winnning big tonight.

I'd like to see WVU win the turnover battle, for once, this season.

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 07:15 PM

I could see Cincy winnning big tonight.

I'd like to see WVU win the turnover battle, for once, this season.

Ahem... fixed. :)

Atocep

11-13-2009, 08:13 PM

You've gotta be kidding me. That was indisputable?

rowech

11-13-2009, 08:14 PM

You've gotta be kidding me. That was indisputable?

I certainly thought it was. People always underestimate the "breaking the plane" rule. The tip of the ball has to through the start of the goal line...not the end of the goal line.

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 08:16 PM

Didn't look like the Cincy player had control of the ball, but it was awful close. I don't think the play on the field should have been overruled as indisputable.

rowech

11-13-2009, 08:34 PM

Didn't look like the Cincy player had control of the ball, but it was awful close. I don't think the play on the field should have been overruled as indisputable.

I guess watching it a couple more times I could see that. It looks like he has two hands on the ball though when I would think it was a TD. Tough call.

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 09:48 PM

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 09:49 PM

And now, they give up a 40+ yard run on the first play to Cincy... That's close to ballgame, unless Cincy completely stalls out.

Philliesfan980

11-13-2009, 09:49 PM

Let's go Temple!

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 10:03 PM

Hmmm... Sure would be nice to be down by 7 and driving rather than down by 10 and driving.

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 10:07 PM

WVU scores. Cincy is up 24-21. WVU going for the onsides.

Sure wish we would have kicked the FG from the 25 on the prior drive. :(

yacovfb

11-13-2009, 10:11 PM

w00t and with that, Pitt will play in the de facto Big East Championship game on December 5th.

Logan

11-13-2009, 10:34 PM

Swaggs

11-13-2009, 11:18 PM

I'm a Big East guy, and I was pulling for Cincy so they could get their shot at a title game...but that was on the level of the SEC officials doing everything they can to let Florida/Alabama slide, similar to the BE guys doing everything in their power to get WVU to beat Pitt a couple years back when they were standing in their way of the National Championship game.

Yeah. I'm not even going near the WVU messageboards tonight. Between that call (I don't think it was completely heinous, but I don't really know what they could have seen to overturn the play on the field) and Coach Stew not kicking that field goal (and the play on 3rd down before going for it on 4th), it is going to be real ugly over there for awhile.

Oh well, hopefully we can hammer Pitt after the bye week. Unfortunately, I think our offense matches up better against Cincy's defense than it does vs Pitt or Rutgers.

thealmighty

11-13-2009, 11:40 PM

I'll be in Fort Worth at the TCU game with my brother (no, I'm not going to wake-up early to be at the ESPN set).

Atocep

11-13-2009, 11:47 PM

Yeah. I'm not even going near the WVU messageboards tonight. Between that call (I don't think it was completely heinous, but I don't really know what they could have seen to overturn the play on the field) and Coach Stew not kicking that field goal (and the play on 3rd down before going for it on 4th), it is going to be real ugly over there for awhile.

Oh well, hopefully we can hammer Pitt after the bye week. Unfortunately, I think our offense matches up better against Cincy's defense than it does vs Pitt or Rutgers.

What sucks is Stew has been ripped repeatedly for not going for it in situations similar to that all season. Now that he goes for it he'll be torn apart and 2nd guessed all week.

Regardless, as I've said all along, this is a team with holes and next year will be the same. 2011 is the year for this program.

ISiddiqui

11-14-2009, 12:23 AM

Seriously, though, Pike's line tonight was ridiculous. 2-4 for 16 yards and TWO TDs... wtf? While Collaros was 17/25 for 205 and 1 INT.

rowech

11-14-2009, 06:22 AM

Damnit! I really want Coach Stew to be successful and I still think he has a chance, but that was a sill set of plays.

Running on 3 and 8 at the 25 and then going for it on 4th, rather than kicking a FG.

There's nothing wrong with running it on 3rd and 8, assuming you know you're going for it on 4th down. I think it was actually a great call. UC assuming you're going to kick the field goal, you surprise them and get a nice run maybe picking up the 1st or getting a much shorter 4th down play. If you were debating between going for it and a field goal, then I think it was a stupid call.

All that said, I would have kicked the field goal.

JeeberD

11-14-2009, 08:22 AM

I'll be in Fort Worth at the TCU game with my brother (no, I'm not going to wake-up early to be at the ESPN set).

Aww, man, you're not going to watch the Ponies beat my Miners? Though we have done better this year against the spread teams than the run-it-down-your-throat team...see Houston and Tulsa.

thealmighty

11-14-2009, 12:13 PM

Aww, man, you're not going to watch the Ponies beat my Miners? Though we have done better this year against the spread teams than the run-it-down-your-throat team...see Houston and Tulsa.

If you had told me SMU would be playing games where they could become bowl eligible, I would have told you to put away the mushrooms.

MJ4H

11-14-2009, 12:16 PM

Dexter McCluster is one of the best players in the SEC. If he played like he has the last weeks all year he'd be a Heisman candidate (not lol Snead).

cartman

11-14-2009, 12:49 PM

Texas is firing on all cylinders today.

CU Tiger

11-14-2009, 12:56 PM

24-7 tigers at half. Stadium emptied in q1

clemsonfan

11-14-2009, 12:57 PM

24-7 tigers at half. Stadium emptied in q1

That's awesome! I really wish the game was on up here in Ohio. Butter and I are going to have to get season tickets in a couple of years.

Atocep

11-14-2009, 01:03 PM

Tony Gibson is still the worst assistant coach in D1 college football. Some things never change.

At least he's a fairly decent recruiter.

Matthean

11-14-2009, 01:32 PM

Forcier, 20 of 25, 188 yards, 7.5 yards per pass, 2 TDs and 0 INTs and yet down by 11. I just don't see this team having a turnaround next year that keeps RR for a fourth year.

With MSU now losing to Purdue, both Michigan and MSU could miss out on bowls games. Going to be a quiet sports section for papers in Michigan during the bowl season if that happens.
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Matthean

11-14-2009, 01:39 PM

Forcier, 20 of 25, 188 yards, 7.5 yards per pass, 2 TDs and 0 INTs and yet down by 11.
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Make that down by 18.

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mauchow

11-14-2009, 01:40 PM

Wisconsin definitely clicking on offense today, but that's not tough to do this year against Michigan.

I feel somewhat bad for Rich Rod, will he be gone or will they give him another year?

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 01:40 PM

Tennessee in trouble at Ole Miss, down 28-17 with 1 min left in Q3.

Meanwhile GT has scored 42 unanswered & leads Duke 42-10 about 6 mins left.
110 yds & 2 TD's for Dwyer, 6/10 for 195 & 2 TD's for Nesbitt

cmp

11-14-2009, 01:42 PM

Wisconsin definitely clicking on offense today, but that's not tough to do this year against Michigan.

I feel somewhat bad for Rich Rod, will he be gone or will they give him another year?

I think it would be ridiculous not to give him another year.

miami_fan

11-14-2009, 01:42 PM

Dexter McCluster is one of the best players in the SEC. If he played like he has the last weeks all year he'd be a Heisman candidate (not lol Snead).

The more I see Snead, the more he reminds me of Jay Cutler.

rowech

11-14-2009, 01:48 PM

Wisconsin definitely clicking on offense today, but that's not tough to do this year against Michigan.

I feel somewhat bad for Rich Rod, will he be gone or will they give him another year?

I would give him another year but based on what I've heard and read, he's toast.

MJ4H

11-14-2009, 01:49 PM

The more of McCluster I see the more he reminds me of Felix Jones.

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 01:49 PM

35-17 Ole Miss, McCluster just went 71 yds for his 4th TD of the day, he's got almost 250 rushing and there's still 14 minutes to play.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 01:50 PM

I had never even heard of McCluster until today, but he is playing his balls off.

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 01:52 PM

Make that a school record 261 yds rushing for McCluster (303 all-purpose so far)

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 01:55 PM

Tony Gibson is still the worst assistant coach in D1 college football. Some things never change.

At least he's a fairly decent recruiter.

I wonder if Rod would ever sell him out to save his own skin? He is one of the worst position coaches I have ever seen, but he is Rod's BFF.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 02:05 PM

Houston is down by 17, to UCF, with about 9-minutes left. A Houston loss puts SMU ahead of them in their half of the CUSA.

Mizzou is up by 12 on Kansas State, who leads the B12 North. If KSU gets knocked out, that would put Nebraska in good shape to win the North. And, Nebraska is probably the most dangerous team from the North for Texas to meet up with in the B12 championship.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 02:05 PM

This is exactly what the Badgers needed to help their positions in the polls. They are getting no love as a 2-loss team(nearly the lowest 2 loss team in the polls for major conference teams). I know it's only Michigan, but it's still a convincing win, something they've been missing out on all season.

If they can get some help they could still be looking at a New Year's Bowl Game, which is always nice.

lcjjdnh

11-14-2009, 02:07 PM

Bill Martin is retiring as AD at Michigan, so I'd doubt they'd want to do a head coach and AD search in the same year.

Matthean

11-14-2009, 02:15 PM

I wonder if Rod would ever sell him out to save his own skin? He is one of the worst position coaches I have ever seen, but he is Rod's BFF.

I think the new AD says he's gone, or RR can go with him. You HAVE to clean house on the defensive side of the ball after this season.

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mauchow

11-14-2009, 02:15 PM

So Houston is done. Slide the Badgers one spot higher in the polls.

When Iowa or Ohio St loses, I could see the Badgers sliding ahead of them despite having lost to both of them. With Stanzi out the Badgers would beat up on them; and I'm still looking back at this game with complete angst.. if they Badgers win that game they're right in the mix for a BCS Bowl Game, buuuut, it didn't happen so no point in moping.

Assuming Iowa, Houston(already lost), Utah, Arizona, Ok st, Oregon lose at least one more time this year that's five spots the Badgers can climb and then you can count for at least an upset or two somewhere in there. That puts the Badgers somewhere between the 10-15 ranking in the BCS. Just barely on the outside looking in.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 02:16 PM

I think Rod has a $4-million buyout (it may reduce by $500K per year, but not sure). So, if they fired him now, they would have paid $2.5M to WVU to settle the lawsuit, his salary for two years (I think he makes about $2.5-million -- so $5-million there), and then $3-$4-million to buy him out.

That's a $10-million mistake they would be admitting. I think they need to give him another year or two to see if he can make it work (I think he can).

Mizzou B-ball fan

11-14-2009, 02:17 PM

Mizzou is up by 12 on Kansas State, who leads the B12 North. If KSU gets knocked out, that would put Nebraska in good shape to win the North. And, Nebraska is probably the most dangerous team from the North for Texas to meet up with in the B12 championship.

Mizzou is up 38-12 now. Today's performance by Mizzou only magnifies how crucial their two 4th quarter collapses against Neb and Baylor were. Erase even one of those and Mizzou is right in the hunt.

Galaxy

11-14-2009, 02:21 PM

Scary moment in the Ole Miss-Tenn. game.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 02:40 PM

Mizzou is up 38-12 now. Today's performance by Mizzou only magnifies how crucial their two 4th quarter collapses against Neb and Baylor were. Erase even one of those and Mizzou is right in the hunt.

Which just goes to show how terrible the Big-12 is this season.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 02:46 PM

I'm becoming a fan of Stanford. Andrew Luck's dad, Oliver Luck, played for WVU (and a lot of people wish he would become our next AD, as he has been very successful in a lot of different sports businesses) and I like what Harbaugh is doing there.

RedKingGold

11-14-2009, 02:55 PM

Penn State blew goats/chunks/flea-bitten prostitutes today but still wound up with a 31-20 win.

Darryl Clark needs to get benched. Any college/pro quarterback can be good when you have hours of time to throw. After Clark gets hit once or twice, he just locks onto the primary receiver or forces the throw into coverage.

Oh, and whoever is responsible for PSU special teams needs to be fired, tarred, feathered, beaten, whipped, spayed, neutered, and defenestrated at the end of the season.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 02:58 PM

So, if you are Michigan and you somehow successfully divorce from Rich Rod, who do you go for first? Miles or Harbaugh?

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 03:14 PM

So, if you are Michigan and you somehow successfully divorce from Rich Rod, who do you go for first? Miles or Harbaugh?

Please don't take our Harbaugh, Michigan!

I want to make out with the entire Stanford O-line. They are playing out of their minds. Hope it continues.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 03:15 PM

14-0 Stanford, eh? Be funny to see USC shut out. I'd really like to see it.

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 03:18 PM

No way will USC be shut out by Stanford's defense. USC has just had two bad turnovers early, one of which should have been reversed. This game is going to be a shootout.

cougarfreak

11-14-2009, 03:19 PM

So, if you are Michigan and you somehow successfully divorce from Rich Rod, who do you go for first? Miles or Harbaugh?

I know it won't happen, but Brian Kelly would be a tremendous choice.......

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 03:24 PM

No way will USC be shut out by Stanford's defense. USC has just had two bad turnovers early, one of which should have been reversed. This game is going to be a shootout.

Allen Bradford with a rushing TD. 14-7. USC is moving the ball very well. They just need to avoid turnovers.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 03:28 PM

I have confidence the Stanford D will make stops when it needs to. Barkley doesn't have it yet.

We'll see, though. It's going to be a long afternoon. No easy road victories in the PAC X!!

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 03:32 PM

I know it won't happen, but Brian Kelly would be a tremendous choice.......

He's not a "Michigan Man," though.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 03:36 PM

I'm not down on USC (I actually like them pretty well), but it is kind of alarming how they have either fallen back to the rest of the Pac 10 or that the rest of the Pac 10 has caught up to them.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 03:39 PM

I'm not down on USC (I actually like them pretty well), but it is kind of alarming how they have either fallen back to the rest of the Pac 10 or that the rest of the Pac 10 has caught up to them.

USC will be fine. It's just a reloading year for them. They have a true frosh QB (He will be a great one, just not this year), they lost a lot of their defense, but most of all they have a metric TON of injuries. I'm just glad Stanford is playing them down there this year, and at this time. And USC could still walk away with a win.

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 03:39 PM

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Dola -

But today has been painful to watch.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 03:43 PM

Stanford needs to keep hanging up points. Second half could have a different mood. They need to force Barkley to put it in the air, because they can't stop USC's run.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 03:47 PM

lcjjdnh

11-14-2009, 03:53 PM

So, if you are Michigan and you somehow successfully divorce from Rich Rod, who do you go for first? Miles or Harbaugh?

Not sure whether either is still a choice. I think Harbaugh criticized the athletic department a few years ago, complaining about how academics were a low priority for the football when he went to school (not exactly shocking, but Michigan likes to create the illusion its different than every school). Plus, who knows what went on with the whole Miles debacle last time.

k0ruptr

11-14-2009, 04:02 PM

I haven't heard any rumors, it's just that based on his family's some what creepy website (www.qbforce.com (http://www.qbforce.com)), Tate Forcier has switched teams at pretty much every he's played at.

wow, it looks like every Forcier kid has transfered at least once if not twice. this family seems way way to involved in their kids college life.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 04:04 PM

Stanford 21, USC 7 at the half. The two turnovers were huge. The Stanford offense is just a fantastically well-oiled machine. USC needs to get Stanford in 3rd and +5 yard situations then let the chips fall and see what's what. Stanford's offense is deciding what happens. USC's offense can do the same, but Barkley is no Luck, the USC O-line isn't as good as Stanford's, and most importantly

"WE BOW TO NO PROGRAM"

-Jim Harbaugh

USC may come out of the locker room with a different mentality, and Stanford may fold. They did it on the road against Arizona and Wake Forest, and USC has better talent than those two teams combined. I'm super happy, though. USC would be smart to run the ball.

k0ruptr

11-14-2009, 04:05 PM

If you had told me SMU would be playing games where they could become bowl eligible, I would have told you to put away the mushrooms.

June Jones is a decent coach :) I still hate the fact that Hawaii wouldn't promise to upgrade the facilities for him...

Bigsmooth

11-14-2009, 04:11 PM

Atocep

11-14-2009, 04:13 PM

Every time I watch USC play I'm amazed Joe McKnight doesn't get more touches.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 04:21 PM

Harbaugh is a great coach. I completely forgot about the Michigan angle. His style seems like a pretty damn good fit in the Big Ten. Hell, I'd like to see him take over for Mora Jr as the Seahawks coach.

Yeah, I really can't say enough about the guy. I see a lot of similarities with his situation and Sarkisian's at U-Dub. It will be interesting to see what Washington turns into.

It's exciting times for the Pac Ten. A lot of teams on the rise.

Logan

11-14-2009, 04:26 PM

That puts the Badgers somewhere between the 10-15 ranking in the BCS. Just barely on the outside looking in.

And what a joke that would be.

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 04:32 PM

Maybe a huge momentum shift. After Chris Galippo causes a fumble, USC attacks with Barkley to Butler for a long TD. 21-14.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 04:32 PM

Here come the Trojans after the Gerhart fumble. Funny how things tend to even out over the course of a game. Quick TD, great throw by the freshman.

Don't wash your hands, because they're about to get dirty again.

Mizzou B-ball fan

11-14-2009, 04:32 PM

Which just goes to show how terrible the Big-12 is this season.

Meh, it's certainly not a terrible conference by any means. There's Texas, OSU, and then there's a lot of teams that could win 8 games overall. There's a lot of similar teams in the middle that can all beat each other on any given day. It may not make for a lot of nationally hyped teams, but there's some good teams throughout.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 04:34 PM

Meh, it's certainly not a terrible conference by any means. There's Texas, OSU, and then there's a lot of teams that could win 8 games overall. There's a lot of similar teams in the middle that can all beat each other on any given day. It may not make for a lot of nationally hyped teams, but there's some good teams throughout.

Just wait until bowl season. Mark my words. It's a bad year for a good conference.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 04:56 PM

McKnight with a great burst up the middle for an SC TD. Like the announcer said "Don't go anywhere folks, this one's in doubt."

Fun times.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 04:59 PM

And what a joke that would be.

If Miami and USC were to lose... add two more spots for the Badgers. LOL

The NCAA is down this year and I agree it would be bad if the Badgers somehow SNUCK into a BCS bid. I don't think they belong but they aren't as bad as people make them out to be either. They've got some really good players and will be one of the favorites to win the Big 10 next year.. imho

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 05:07 PM

USC now down 35-21 early in the 4th. Luck is making some great throws and showing good mobility.

JPhillips

11-14-2009, 05:08 PM

Dear James Vandenberg:

Your mom's hot.

Thanks.

Logan

11-14-2009, 05:11 PM

If Miami and USC were to lose... add two more spots for the Badgers. LOL

The NCAA is down this year and I agree it would be bad if the Badgers somehow SNUCK into a BCS bid. I don't think they belong but they aren't as bad as people make them out to be either. They've got some really good players and will be one of the favorites to win the Big 10 next year.. imho

I was just surprised, since I'm hoping Rutgers will get into the Top 25 this week now that we're at 7-2 with the two losses coming against the #5 and #8 teams in the country, but would understand if we didn't make the cut. Just don't see much of a difference between the two programs this year, but not looking for a fight or anything...

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 05:11 PM

Wisky is probably a decent choice for a BCS spot. I think it is has been awhile since they have been, so they would probably travel well. They'd probably have a better shot if the B10 champ was going to the championship game, as I'm sure the Rose Bowl would take them or Penn State (probably Wisky, since PSU was just there).

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 05:14 PM

I was just surprised, since I'm hoping Rutgers will get into the Top 25 this week now that we're at 7-2 with the two losses coming against the #5 and #8 teams in the country, but would understand if we didn't make the cut. Just don't see much of a difference between the two programs this year, but not looking for a fight or anything...

Kind of goes back to whether a team should be ranked on its talent (how good they are) or how good their season has been. Rutgers, on talent, is good enough to be in the top 20, but their OOC schedule drags them down. I think they deserve to be ranked this week, though. Probably in the 20-23 range.

Easy Mac

11-14-2009, 05:19 PM

Anyone else watching Florida - Carolina? Cocks down 17-14 with 20 minutes left. I don't think they can win, but they're making it interesting.

Logan

11-14-2009, 05:22 PM

Yeah, flipping between that and Iowa-Ohio State (Iowa just tied it with about 2:30 left).

Looking forward to seeing how the SEC officials ensure this Florida victory. They keep getting more and more original!

Big Fo

11-14-2009, 05:24 PM

Impressive run by Garcia to pick up the fourth down, he looked like a dead duck a few yards behind the line but made a nice move.

Logan

11-14-2009, 05:25 PM

Yep, great play.

In other news, USC is getting their shit pushed in by Stanford.

Easy Mac

11-14-2009, 05:27 PM

mauchow

11-14-2009, 05:32 PM

I can't believe Iowa just let it go into over time like that...pathetic

Logan

11-14-2009, 05:32 PM

Please stop trying to be fair.

Karlifornia

11-14-2009, 05:34 PM

Oh mah gootness. After sitting in a half-empty brand new stadium countless times, I feel so proud of these kids. The job they (along with the coaching staff) have done is just incredible. I am honored to watch them play.

Eaglesfan27

11-14-2009, 05:34 PM

I knew this game was going to be very difficult, but this is just embarassing. Huge disappointment.

Chief Rum

11-14-2009, 05:36 PM

Presuming Stanford holds on for what would be a landmark victory for their squad, I mean this game just portends how tough the Pac 10 is becoming now.

USC-- perennial BCS contender
Cal-- consistent Top 25 team; springboard for skill talent to pros
Oregon-- Kelly might be better than Belotti?
Arizona-- Stoops now in middle of second straight very strong season
Stanford-- Momentum is getting huge; will probably embarass Notre Dame
UCLA-- Huge recruiting momentum and clearly improving under Neuheisel
UDub-- Sark/Holt recruiting strongly, beat USC and on way up
Oreg St-- Riley still one of the most underrated coaches in country

ASU & Wazzu still need to improve a lot, but even ASU has Dennis Erickson and has looked good at times (particularly on D).

I mean, wow, that's just a gantlet right now for teams to get through--and everyone plays everyone every season.

Tigercat

11-14-2009, 05:42 PM

No doubt that right now the Pac - 10 looks like the deepest, and the best, conference. Will be interesting to see how/if that current depth translates to bowl performances.

larrymcg421

11-14-2009, 05:43 PM

Miami scores to make it a 6 point game, but they should be up by 1. North Carolina got a total fucking joke of a TD, where a NC player "fumbles" it forward to a teammate who took it in for the "TD".

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 05:43 PM

Was thinking about ASU the other day. I hated the Erickson hire at the time and it is even worse now that you have added youthful and exciting coaches at Washington, Stanford, Oregon, and UCLA. When you compare him to the other coaches in the Pac 10, Erickson has to look like a dinosaur to high school kids.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 05:46 PM

Ohio State will be playing in the Rose Bowl.

Is the Pac 10 pretty much decided w/ Oregon or can someone else win it?

Chief Rum

11-14-2009, 05:47 PM

No doubt that right now the Pac - 10 looks like the deepest, and the best, conference. Will be interesting to see how/if that current depth translates to bowl performances.

It's interesting to try to translate from one to the other. For instance, last year, in most respects, the Pac 10 was considered down and only had five teams bowl eligible. But all five won their bowl games.

Detractors say, "Look, they only had five teams qualify."

Supporters say, "They beat each other up all year, and when the NCAA went to 12 games, they didn't add another cupcake OOC to get bowl eligible like some other conferences but instead made it so they all had to play each other every year."

So was the Pac 10 bad last year or not? Hard to say.

We'll see on this year. I have a feeling they'll do pretty good.

The UCLA-USC game is looking more interesting to me right now.

RainMaker

11-14-2009, 05:48 PM

Meh, it's certainly not a terrible conference by any means. There's Texas, OSU, and then there's a lot of teams that could win 8 games overall. There's a lot of similar teams in the middle that can all beat each other on any given day. It may not make for a lot of nationally hyped teams, but there's some good teams throughout.
You can make a case that it's the worst BCS conference.

Chief Rum

11-14-2009, 05:48 PM

Ohio State will be playing in the Rose Bowl.

Is the Pac 10 pretty much decided w/ Oregon or can someone else win it?

It's in Oregon's control. They win out and it's theirs. But I think Arizona (of all teams, who called that?) can still overtake them and UO and AZ play next week.

BishopMVP

11-14-2009, 05:49 PM

Yeah, I guess I'm not too surprised -- it is hard to be awesome for a solid decade. It is just that they have kind or reloaded from year-to-year for so long, that it is odd to see them playing in so many close games this year.

If Sanchez would have stayed, as I'm sure most folks expected, they probably have a much different season this year. That gives Barkley a year to develop and ease into the role. Still, it is odd to see their defense like this.Sanchez would have helped some, but USC's just been run over on defense by Oregon and Stanford - hard to see where Sanchez would have helped. Losing Maulauga, Cushing, Rivers, Matthews there was the harder thing to come back from.To be fair, the refs already gave Carolina a phantom td on the saunders "catch"Eh, I thought it was a defensible call, unlike this one...Miami scores to make it a 6 point game, but they should be up by 1. North Carolina got a total fucking joke of a TD, where a NC player "fumbles" it forward to a teammate who took it in for the "TD".That field judge standing right there who reaches for his flag and then doesn't throw it should never be allowed to work a college game again.

Chief Rum

11-14-2009, 05:51 PM

BTW, as for last year, I would say the Pac 10 was top heavy. ASU was not good. Stanford was still a year away. UCLA was in its first year under Neuheisel recovering from the crapitude of the Dorrell era. UDub was mired in the last year of the TWill administration. And Wazzu was still Wazzu (also first year under its coach).

There was a clear separation between the top and bottom teams. This year just reflects that a lot of those bottom teams have taken strong forward steps in the past year.

Speaking of Wazzu, is their any chance the Boise State coach would take the Wazzu job? They have to do something, and I don't know where they can go now. Unless they try to bring back Price.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 05:51 PM

You can make a case that it's the worst BCS conference.

Sagarian has the B12 and B10 as the 5th and 6th best overall. Pac 10 is pretty solidly in first.

CONFERENCE CENTRAL MEAN SIMPLE AVERAGE TEAMS

1 PAC-10 (A) = 79.63 78.92 ( 2) 10
2 SOUTHEASTERN (A) = 78.76 79.13 ( 1) 12
3 ATLANTIC COAST (A) = 76.53 76.33 ( 3) 12
4 BIG EAST (A) = 76.08 76.22 ( 4) 8
5 BIG 12 (A) = 74.04 74.66 ( 5) 12
6 BIG TEN (A) = 73.46 73.98 ( 6) 11
7 I-A INDEPENDENTS (A) = 71.98 70.27 ( 7) 3
8 MOUNTAIN WEST (A) = 69.40 69.93 ( 8) 9
9 WESTERN ATHLETIC (A) = 66.75 67.72 ( 9) 9
10 CONFERENCE USA (A) = 64.86 64.36 ( 10) 12
11 MID-AMERICAN (A) = 61.90 61.73 ( 11) 13
12 SUN BELT (A) = 59.14 59.05 ( 12) 9

larrymcg421

11-14-2009, 06:00 PM

Really, really fucking annoying. Miami played very sloppy and deserves to lose, but it just sucks for it to happen like that. I really hope we get an explanation from the ACC on that. The play was fucking reviewed. It was plainly obvious what happened. And they still confirmed it on the field. It's easily among the worst calls I have ever seen in a football game.

BishopMVP

11-14-2009, 06:00 PM

I know Florida's probably got it locked up, but as long as it's a 10-point game with 6-7 minutes left can the announcers stop acting like Florida is kneeling down to run out the clock? You'd think Tennessee-Alabama would have chastened them.

And UF misses the FG. Still 24-14.

RedKingGold

11-14-2009, 06:01 PM

9-2

Chief Rum

11-14-2009, 06:03 PM

Looking closer at the Pac 10 standings, actually come to think of it, Stanford and Oregon State still have a shot, too, if you presume that 2 losses can win the conference. Both Oregon and Arizona have one loss, and they play each other. So if the winner gets a loss elsewhere (and Oregon still has to play rival Oregon State, too, and Arizona plays Cal today), the conference champ could have two in-conference losses. Given that, you would have to say Stanford and Oregon State also still have chances, with two losses in conference so far.

Three or more losses (where USC is now) is pretty much out of the running.

Food for thought. Stanford's big win today gives them a big push in polls and standings and presumeably to the fringe of the BCS rankings. They toss on a possible pasting of Notre Dame and manage to beat rival Cal, then they could easily be in line for a BCS berth. But no matter what they do, they're a long shot for the conference championship, meaning the Rose Bowl berth goes elsewhere (probably to Oregon).

So if the Pac 10 gets two teams into the BCS, that makes for some interesting bowl pairings down the line. Holiday could go USC, Arizona or Oregon State (I assume USC). Sun Bowl would take Arizona if they're available.

I don't think the Alamo Bowl deal starts until next season, so Holiday is still in line to get the Pac 10's #2 (in normal seasons, that is).

mauchow

11-14-2009, 06:36 PM

I am really sad I won't get to watch the TCU/Utah game... wth?

Denial Of Freedom

11-14-2009, 06:38 PM

I am really sad I won't get to watch the TCU/Utah game... wth?

atdhe.net

mauchow

11-14-2009, 06:42 PM

Well, I wasgoing to play some PC games, but I Guess I can pass that up for the time being.. maybe I can find a ps3 game to play instead.. but then there some good games actually on cable. My night is too filled....

RainMaker

11-14-2009, 06:48 PM

So no one is putting the TCU/Utah game on TV? It's not even on ESPN 360.

Galaril

11-14-2009, 06:49 PM

I was surprised not only by how the PACten is looking but also the Big East. they four very solid teams in Pit, Cincy, USF,W.Virginia. For whoever said the NCAA was down this year I would disagree and find it interesting to see someone else other than USC vs a Big 12 or SEC team every year.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 06:53 PM

mauchow

11-14-2009, 06:53 PM

Will Ohio St play poorly next week against Michigan and will Michigan step up huge and get into a Bowl game?

And yes, I think the NCAA is slightly down this year as far as very good teams go. There are a lot of teams that just aren't that good but are in the top 25. Just one of those years.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 06:54 PM

It is on CSTV (via the CBS affilliate). I'm not sure how wide-spread CSTV is -- we have it on Comcast in the sports tier.

JPhillips

11-14-2009, 06:56 PM

RainMaker

11-14-2009, 06:57 PM

It is on CSTV (via the CBS affilliate). I'm not sure how wide-spread CSTV is -- we have it on Comcast in the sports tier.
Sweet, it's not in the HDTV channels but on my plan. Forgot about that.

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 06:58 PM

Down 14-0 after one quarter, UGA gets right back in the game vs Auburn as Joe Cox suddenly completes three straight passes including a 50 yd TD to Israel Troupe.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 07:02 PM

ATT Uverse doesn't have CSTV. :( Bummer..

Matthean

11-14-2009, 07:09 PM

'Bama looks to remind themselves they are a running team. McElroy looks much better because of it and 'Bama is up 14-0.
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BishopMVP

11-14-2009, 07:10 PM

ND-Pitt in prime time. Time to see if ND is as bad as everyone hopes they are.

BishopMVP

11-14-2009, 07:10 PM

Oh yeah, and TCU goes up 7-0, causes a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and misses a chip-shot FG.

BishopMVP

11-14-2009, 07:25 PM

BS roughing the punter call on ND (i could see running into, but he was going wide until the pitt lineman fell into his leg) extends the Pitt drive, leads to an early FG. 3-0 Panthers.

Utah ties it up 7-7, TCU ball at the Utah 20.

BishopMVP

11-14-2009, 07:38 PM

TCU scores, blocks a punt, scores, up 21-7. LSU having a weak game against Tech. Tech went for it 4th and goal with 2 seconds left, scored the TD to go up 13-10 at halftime.

RainMaker

11-14-2009, 07:39 PM

TCU looking strong. That defense is fun to watch and Hughes is a beast.

Matthean

11-14-2009, 07:52 PM

TCU up 35-7 with 11:40 left in the 2nd.
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CU Tiger

11-14-2009, 07:57 PM

That's awesome! I really wish the game was on up here in Ohio. Butter and I are going to have to get season tickets in a couple of years.

my offer from last year still stands...any game any time let me know and I have 2 tix with your name on em

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 08:04 PM

Mmmmm... Primanti Bros.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 08:12 PM

TCU up 35-7 with 11:40 left in the 2nd.
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Maybe they knew something and figured they wouldn't want to embarrass Utah on national television?

RainMaker

11-14-2009, 08:13 PM

TCU threw a pick in the end zone. Surprised it took so long for Utah to attack the man coverage deep. Announcers just mentioned that Texas Tech has pussed out of next year's scheduled game. Waiting for the college football scheduling gurus to come in and tell us how easy it is for these schools to schedule big name teams.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 08:37 PM

Oh, man. The little man, #22 cut inside instead of outside... might have been the same result but a higher % of breaking it open. Oh, well. Another first down for LA Tech.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 08:40 PM

Feisty little LA Tech'ers. Giving it there all against LSU tonight.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 08:49 PM

GO LT! Big third down stop needed here!!! 3rd and 16.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 08:50 PM

OH, MY! ALMOST A PICK 6. The DB had a great break on it but couldn't come up with the pick... oh, mannnnnn....

Jarrett Lee did not look good at all on that drive..

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 08:53 PM

UGAg goes in front of Auburn 24-17 on a TD run by C. King after a long pass completion to T. King (AJ Green was injured early in the game) ... Auburn runs the ensuing kickoff back 99 yds to tie it at 24 with about 14 mins left.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 08:54 PM

Third hold in LA Tech's last five offensive plays.. the oline is getting tired, I can imagine.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 09:01 PM

Lee overthrowing all his receivers.. and just got a break(pass interference, good call) before having to punt the ball away again. Penalty on La Tech for a first down LSU. Bummer.

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 09:07 PM

Auburn throws another pick, Georgia takes advantage with 39 yds on 4 rushes & leads 31-24 with 7 mins & change left in regulation.

Galaril

11-14-2009, 09:11 PM

ND-Pitt in prime time. Time to see if ND is as bad as everyone hopes they are.

What is weird not that I was wanting to see this but this is not on TV but instead the OK St. game is on here in Colorado.

Galaril

11-14-2009, 09:13 PM

I think you can certainly put Rutgers in that group, too.

Oh yeah thanks I forgot them they are solid also.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 09:17 PM

What a run by Graham in the Pitt/ND game.. Wow, wow. The QB even helped out on that run down field.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 09:19 PM

20-3 and things looking bleak for Weiss' boys.

cougarfreak

11-14-2009, 09:24 PM

Say what you want.......Weis has balls. 4th and 1 from this own 39, and he goes deep.

Celeval

11-14-2009, 09:24 PM

Georgia S Rambo makes a huge hit to knock a ball incomplete that would have been the tying Auburn touchdown with 1:16 left, but has been down on the turf for over five minutes now - putting him on a gurney, looksl ike he was probably knocked out at the hit.

JonInMiddleGA

11-14-2009, 09:39 PM

Second time today there's been a scary moment in an SEC game. No matter my feelings about Georgia, hopefully this one will end up with the same good news as the Lamarcus Thompson injury in the UT game earlier. Late word on that was that all tests were negative & he was cleared to return to Knoxville with the team, not even an overnight hospital stay for observation required.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:00 PM

And BOOM, Notre Dame makes it interesting with 7 minutes to go.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:07 PM

No way they overturn this.. it's a catch.

miami_fan

11-14-2009, 10:11 PM

Pitt is starting to tighten up.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:17 PM

Oh, boy.

They used a timeout when they needed to save it in case they don't convert. So now it's either first down or game over.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:19 PM

Wait a second. No way that is the right call in any circumstance.

miami_fan

11-14-2009, 10:19 PM

Wow. I did not expect that call.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:21 PM

Shouldn't they get their time out back then...

Wow, that was horrible, IMO.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:22 PM

And horrible calls continue to be a huge factor in this year's college football games.

I still don't get it, considering they blew the play dead..

Celeval

11-14-2009, 10:24 PM

Hrm. I'm with Brent & Kirk, I don't think that was a fumble.

henry296

11-14-2009, 10:24 PM

Recent changes to replay rules allow fumble recoveries if it is obvious who recovered even if original ruling was down or incomplete.

I do agree, that seems like an odd reversal, but I think you could view it as an "empty hand" and the ball was coming lose.

bhlloy

11-14-2009, 10:25 PM

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 10:25 PM

Probably better off for the Big East to see Pitt win. Hopefully, Notre Dame will lose out, so that they don't poach the Gator Bowl (they can't be selected over an eligible team from the Big East if they are 6-6). Pitt's o-line impressed me and they have a couple of elite skill players.

I think UConn will give Notre Dame all that it can handle. I'll be interested in seeing what the spread on that game will be.

mauchow

11-14-2009, 10:25 PM

Not only was it not a fumble, the play was ruled dead before the Pitt player picked it up so there should have been no obvious 'Who recovered the ball.."

I'm baffled. Truly baffled.

Celeval

11-14-2009, 10:25 PM

And horrible calls continue to be a huge factor in this year's college football games.

I still don't get it, considering they blew the play dead..

Rules allow continuence if the ball is on the ground for whoever recovers. If it was a scrum, might be a tougher decision, but it was obvious the Pitt guy was the one picking it up.

That was a horrid call.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 10:26 PM

Agreed on the replay. It sure seems like the replay officials have been messing up a lot of seemingly clear calls in the past few weeks (both in the NFL and college).

miami_fan

11-14-2009, 10:30 PM

Wait a second. No way that is the right call in any circumstance.

I would put that in the "right call, terrible rule" category. I am pretty sure that they recently changed the rule to allow them to review that type of play. It does look and feel awkward though.

bhlloy

11-14-2009, 10:32 PM

Agreed on the replay. It sure seems like the replay officials have been messing up a lot of seemingly clear calls in the past few weeks (both in the NFL and college).

The emphasis really seems to have switched from "is there indisputible evidence to overturn" to "what do I think happened" in the last few weeks. If that is going to be what happens I'd rather do away with replay

Galaril

11-14-2009, 10:35 PM

Wow Oregon is destroying Arizona St 30-7 with 8 minutes left in the 2nd.

Celeval

11-14-2009, 10:36 PM

What a HIT in the OSU-TT game, that just let Texas Tech back into it.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 10:38 PM

I wonder if Cincy will get any extra credit from voters if they win out and Oregon State, who Cincy beat on the road, wins out to take the Pac 10.

Celeval

11-14-2009, 10:38 PM

1:38 left, OSU up 7 with the ball inside the red zone, TT with no timeouts left - OSU's QB has a good angle on the outside heading for the end zone, and gets absolutely pasted. Both players still down after that hit, but the ball went loose and TT recovers with a chance to drive for the tie.

Swaggs

11-14-2009, 10:57 PM

Looking things over, it was not a good week to be ranked between 9 and 17. Losers include:

#9 USC
#10 Iowa
#14 Miami
#15 Houston
#16 Utah
#17 Arizona

#13 Oregon looks like they will be fine, as they are winning big over ASU early. #11 Ohio State (who beat #10 Iowa) and #12 Pitt were the only other survivors. That's a big chunk of the rankings to go down. Teams in the high teens and 20s, that won, could climb a whole lot.

RainMaker

11-14-2009, 11:29 PM

Would have been interesting if OSU lost to TT. Texas wouldn't have had a win over a top 25 team.

tarcone

11-14-2009, 11:40 PM

Better then expected. I really like that freshman QB. He threw the ball well. Still inexperienced though.

Orlando here we come.

B & B

11-15-2009, 12:15 AM

Better then expected. I really like that freshman QB. He threw the ball well. Still inexperienced though.

Orlando here we come.

Who are you talking about? ASU pony tail boy?

Karlifornia

11-15-2009, 04:01 AM

MrBug708

11-15-2009, 04:34 AM

Nobody deserved that 2 point conversion more then Pete Carroll.

BishopMVP

11-15-2009, 10:28 AM

Wow ND got screwed. I really don't like where replay is going now, what happened to indisputible evidence?

If they were going to lose probably best case scenario for Charlie. Nice comeback and a bad call away from maybe driving to tie the game against a good team.It was 4th and 16 iirc, and we had just stupidly burned our 2nd timeout, meaning we had to convert, so it was almost certainly going to be a loss anyway, and then this bullshit happens. Just like the ending of the Michigan game where we should have had the chance for a hail mary.Rules allow continuence if the ball is on the ground for whoever recovers. If it was a scrum, might be a tougher decision, but it was obvious the Pitt guy was the one picking it up.

That was a horrid call.Except you could see the ND player(s) (#3 Floyd in particular) completely stop when the whistle blows and the ref is waving incomplete, before Pitt picks it up.

I've been bitching about replay all year and it just keeps getting worse. If the defender chops down on the QB's arm and the ball goes forward 7 yards how does that get overturned? Plus somehow ND doesn't get that timeout back. Ugh. Fuck conference referees awarding joke calls to their teams in the BCS hunt. (Michigan vs. ND and Indiana before they tanked, Iowa vs. Indiana, Alabama vs. Tennessee, Cincy vs. WV, Florida vs. Arkansas, etc) It's too much of a trend to be entirely coincidental at this point, and I can't think of one that went against the more prominent team.

It looks like Texas is peaking right now, and I'm not sure anyone can complain if they are put in the NC game, but I really hope they somehow lose (or Bama gets upset by Auburn, then beats Florida or vice versa) and TCU can play for the national title. It would answer so many questions and eliminate so many arguments.

mauchow

11-15-2009, 12:02 PM

Wow. The Badgers inch ever so much closer to a BCS bid. Northwestern next week will help boost their chances as well...assuming they win.

#14 this week in the coaches poll, right ahead of.... Iowa!

Swaggs

11-15-2009, 12:08 PM

Does Notre Dame use Big East officials? Usually the road team brings their conference's refs, but I'm not sure what the independants do.

Dr. Sak

11-15-2009, 12:33 PM

Notre Dame brings Big East refs with them.

RainMaker

11-15-2009, 12:33 PM

It looks like Texas is peaking right now, and I'm not sure anyone can complain if they are put in the NC game, but I really hope they somehow lose (or Bama gets upset by Auburn, then beats Florida or vice versa) and TCU can play for the national title. It would answer so many questions and eliminate so many arguments.
How can you tell? They haven't played anyone this year.

mauchow

11-15-2009, 12:35 PM

Wow, Stanford goes from #27 to #14 in the AP.

RainMaker

11-15-2009, 12:38 PM

Wouldn't Harbaugh be an interesting option for Notre Dame?

Dr. Sak

11-15-2009, 12:50 PM

Wouldn't Harbaugh be an interesting option for Notre Dame?

Or Michigan

Matthean

11-15-2009, 03:11 PM

Or Michigan

As long as they can smooth over the snide comment he made about the recruits Michigan gets then, yeah, he's one of two no brainer guys I would like to see coach there. He's one of the only two Michigan men I can think of that would be considered big enough name wise for the job and Miles as an option already got the red carpet rolled out for him and he walked away from it.

Oh, and does ND really want to tap the upstart Stanford coach pipeline again after what happened last time?

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MrBug708

11-15-2009, 04:04 PM

Wouldn't Harbaugh be an interesting option for Notre Dame?

Or Michigan

Or the NFL

Young Drachma

11-15-2009, 04:39 PM

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/football/ncaa/11/15/college.football.poll2/bracket2.si.jpg

bob

11-15-2009, 04:53 PM

Oh, and does ND really want to tap the upstart Stanford coach pipeline again after what happened last time?

To be fair, they didn't really want to tap that pipeline last time, but had to thanks to O'Liar.

Karlifornia

11-15-2009, 05:00 PM

Man. That playoff bracket looks amazing. Could you imagine a Boise State/Oregon rematch, with both their seasons on the line? That would be freaking intense. Oh, and Stanford would be in, so that natch raises my excitement level.

RedKingGold

11-15-2009, 05:22 PM

Wow, Penn State ranked in both AP (#13) and Coaches Poll (#12) above Iowa (#15 in both).

If Penn State beats Michigan State, then they have a good shot of at least being alive for a BCS berth (some things would need to shake out ahead...but not too too much).

EDIT: ESPN's Bruce Feldman currently projects Penn State to the Fiesta Bowl to play Boise State.

Buccaneer

11-15-2009, 05:37 PM

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/football/ncaa/11/15/college.football.poll2/bracket2.si.jpg

They have to include Notre Dame since they are now projected for a better bowl over Big East #2. And in this seeding, that would make them 8th or better. What a joke either way.

yacovfb

11-15-2009, 05:39 PM

They have to include Notre Dame since they are now projected for a better bowl over Big East #2. And in this seeding, that would make them 8th or better. What a joke either way.

Only for the Gator Bowl...wouldn't have an impact on a 2nd BCS Bowl, although I doubt the BE could get an at large team in, unfortunately.

Buccaneer

11-15-2009, 05:45 PM

Only for the Gator Bowl...wouldn't have an impact on a 2nd BCS Bowl, although I doubt the BE could get an at large team in, unfortunately.

My point was that the above bracket does not include ND, whereas if it were a reality, they would have to be slotted in there - regardless if they are in the BCS 16 or not. Same thing with the bowl matchups - doesn't the Gator include at least one (or maybe two) of the top 16 teams or so?

Young Drachma

11-15-2009, 06:09 PM

They have to include Notre Dame since they are now projected for a better bowl over Big East #2. And in this seeding, that would make them 8th or better. What a joke either way.

The SI Bracket has nothing to do with the BCS. It's a completely different poll based on voting done by their people, then they create a bracket each week based on said voting. They do a new one each week.

Buccaneer

11-15-2009, 06:27 PM

Still missing the point. You playoffs-proponents think you can come up with a perfect bracket (e.g., like the SI one). But you know in reality, exceptions will have to be made, esp. for ND and other conferences and their number of slots - which is why some of us have been arguing that it won't be that much better of a solution.

RainMaker

11-15-2009, 06:37 PM

MJ4H

11-15-2009, 06:43 PM

How is deciding your championship on the field not a better solution?

Championships should obviously be determined by rivals.com average star ratings.

BishopMVP

11-15-2009, 07:10 PM

My point was that the above bracket does not include ND, whereas if it were a reality, they would have to be slotted in there - regardless if they are in the BCS 16 or not.Notre Dame can't make a BCS bowl if they aren't in the top 16 BCS. I don't see why you're insisting they would get more favorable treatment in a playoff than they currently do in the BCS.

How ND is treated for non-championship bowl games like the Gator is irrelevant, since those are designed for money.How can you tell? They haven't played anyone this year.Since I'm making an argument about how well Texas is playing (particularly compared to the early season) and not who deserves to be ranked higher I can do it by actually watching the team play football.

(Plus Oklahoma is still a good football team, and OK St is ranked higher than any team TCU or Cincy has beaten.)

rowech

11-15-2009, 07:11 PM

Atocep

11-15-2009, 07:14 PM

11 conference winners and 5 at-larges by a BCS type formula or selection committee. Done.

No. Not unless you put a team that's worth a damn in the shitty conferences so you at least have teams that deserve to in the playoff "deciding it on the field".

Celeval

11-15-2009, 07:17 PM

My point was that the above bracket does not include ND, whereas if it were a reality, they would have to be slotted in there - regardless if they are in the BCS 16 or not. Same thing with the bowl matchups - doesn't the Gator include at least one (or maybe two) of the top 16 teams or so?

Not sure what you're talking about here... Gator Bowl takes the ACC #3 as their first opponent, then gets a big confusing mix.

Basically, in the three years and this one, the Gator Bowl takes the Big East #2 twice and a Big Twelve team twice. They've gone Big East, Big 12, Big 12 (WVU, Texas Tech, Nebraska), and so this year is a Big East year.

That said, once during that four-year stretch, they have the ability to replace Big East #2 with Notre Dame. This is completely separate from the rest of the Big East pecking order, so records don't matter. Notre Dame is 6-4 right now, with games against Connecticut (likely win) and Stanford (likely loss) remaining. If they can win both, they'll likely get taken by the Gator at 8-4. Losses in both would probably be a no-go, a split at 7-5 would probably depend on the BCS - if Cincy and Pitt both earn BCS bids, then I'd expect a 7-5 Notre Dame to go to the Gator over Rutgers or West Virginia. If not, I'd expect the one left out to go to the Gator.

Either way, has nothing to do with the top 16 teams in the nation, playoffs or not.

dawgfan

11-15-2009, 08:29 PM

Speaking of Wazzu, is their any chance the Boise State coach would take the Wazzu job? They have to do something, and I don't know where they can go now. Unless they try to bring back Price.
Highly unlikely. First off, there's apparently some type of family health situation that makes it very unlikely Peterson will move. Secondly, Peterson's got a better gig at Boise State that he would at WSU: Nationally ranked team that dominates its conference, has a shot at a BCS bowl. Third, he's paid more at Boise than Wulff currently makes at WSU, so it's doubtful he'd be in line for much of a raise, if any. Fourth, he's supposedly been counseled by Dirk Koetter and Dan Hawkins to think twice about jumping to any old BCS job.

WSU is in a real tough spot - they just don't have the finances to go buying out Wulff anytime soon and bringing in a new guy, so it's almost guaranteed that Wulff coaches next year. Coaching there is a tough job, and the administration has to have patience. The real question is whether that patience will pay off with Wulff. And it has to sting to see former Defensive Coordinator Robb Akey just a few minutes east apparently finally turning the corner with Idaho. Seems likely that Akey is going to see his name thrown around with job openings this December - will he take a better job or stick around Idaho for another year?

MizzouRah

11-15-2009, 08:29 PM

Would LOVE to see the Rams draft Mizzou WR Danario Alexander. He's going to beat Maclin's yardage record.

Logan

11-15-2009, 08:42 PM

Not sure what you're talking about here... Gator Bowl takes the ACC #3 as their first opponent, then gets a big confusing mix.

Basically, in the three years and this one, the Gator Bowl takes the Big East #2 twice and a Big Twelve team twice. They've gone Big East, Big 12, Big 12 (WVU, Texas Tech, Nebraska), and so this year is a Big East year.

That said, once during that four-year stretch, they have the ability to replace Big East #2 with Notre Dame. This is completely separate from the rest of the Big East pecking order, so records don't matter. Notre Dame is 6-4 right now, with games against Connecticut (likely win) and Stanford (likely loss) remaining. If they can win both, they'll likely get taken by the Gator at 8-4. Losses in both would probably be a no-go, a split at 7-5 would probably depend on the BCS - if Cincy and Pitt both earn BCS bids, then I'd expect a 7-5 Notre Dame to go to the Gator over Rutgers or West Virginia. If not, I'd expect the one left out to go to the Gator.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I also thought ND couldn't get the Gator bid unless they were within 2 wins of a Big East team. So if they're at 7-5, and Rutgers finishes at 10-2, they wouldn't get it.

yacovfb

11-15-2009, 08:47 PM

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I also thought ND couldn't get the Gator bid unless they were within 2 wins of a Big East team. So if they're at 7-5, and Rutgers finishes at 10-2, they wouldn't get it.

Correct although it's a handshake agreement rather than anything official. Still, I doubt they'd want a 7-5 ND team with a lame duck coach over an 11-1 Cincy team whose only loss is to Pitt :D

Swaggs

11-15-2009, 09:11 PM

I think the Gator would take a Notre Dame team with a winning record, regardless. The handshake agreement was made, but the Gator Bowl and Big East are in the last year of their agreement and I doubt the Gator Bowl really cares if they upset the Big East, so I would expect them to take Notre Dame over an 11-1 Cincy, 10-2 Pitt, or 9-3 WVU.

None of those teams will bring the fans or TV ratings that Notre Dame would.

Celeval

11-16-2009, 08:13 AM

Mizzou B-ball fan

11-16-2009, 08:20 AM

Would LOVE to see the Chiefs draft Mizzou WR Danario Alexander. He's going to beat Maclin's yardage record.

Fixed.

I'm still amazed at how good of an athlete he is after his injuries. The advances in treatment/surgery regarding sports injuries over the last 10-15 years are simply amazing.

Kodos

11-16-2009, 08:42 AM

9-2

Where is our boy tarcone? Awfully quiet now that his team has lost two straight. :D

JonInMiddleGA

11-16-2009, 08:56 AM

Some good news on UGA DB Bacarri Rambo, the player who knocked out late in the game vs Auburn Saturday night.

Rambo shows positive signs || OnlineAthens.com (http://onlineathens.com/stories/111609/foo_517010074.shtml)
Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo, who was knocked unconscious in a scary moment late in the Bulldogs' 31-24 win against Auburn on Saturday night, was back among teammates at the Butts-Mehre building Sunday after being released from St. Mary's Hospital earlier in the afternoon.

Coach Mark Richt said Rambo will miss Saturday's game against Kentucky with a concussion, but that the redshirt freshman from Donalsonville did not have any other injuries.

"He has recovered extremely well," Richt said. "There's no symptoms from it, no headaches, no neck pain. Every test he has been through, he's passed with flying colors. Still, he won't play, for sure."

Neither will A.J. Green, who is out for the 7:45 p.m. ESPN2 game with a sprained joint in his left shoulder. The injury to the Southeastern Conference's leading receiver won't require surgery.

"He will not play this week, for sure," Richt said. "Not certain after that."

BishopMVP

11-16-2009, 08:58 PM

True, but at 7-5, Weis would be strongly on the hot seat, if not fired already - would ND fans come out to see a team with a lame duck head coach?The decision to fire/retain Weis will be made in the week after the regular season ends. I can't guarantee they'd have the new coach in place yet (although it seems likely - those coaches don't seem to stick around and coach their old team in the bowl game), but it shouldn't be Weis coaching on Jan. 1. (And unless they go 2-0 to finish, and likely retain Weis, I don't think they should be playing on Jan. 1 anyways.)

Logan

11-16-2009, 09:03 PM

Just out of curiosity, why do you feel winning out and an 8-4 record would deserve playing on Jan 1?

BishopMVP

11-16-2009, 09:16 PM

Just out of curiosity, why do you feel winning out and an 8-4 record would deserve playing on Jan 1?Deserve was a bad word choice. At 8-4 coming off a win over mid-pack BE UConn and top 12-ish Stanford I can see the Gator picking them over football-wise more deserving Rutgers, West Virginia or even 10-2 Pitt, complete with the histrionics from fans who pretend not to understand these games are almost entirely about money. But at 7-5 (or, god forbid, 6-6) I can't see the Gator Bowl stooping that low, and as an ND fan even I would think it was a joke.

In other news, just saw in the NFL thread Gruden inked a multi-year extension as a broadcaster. He wasn't my choice for ND, and as we all know contracts are made to be broken, but it is interesting timing.

BishopMVP

11-16-2009, 09:49 PM

Article from Yahoo! about how SEC replay officials still use standard definition TV's - Analog SEC Just Like Your Grandpa -- NCAA Football FanHouse (http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/lack-of-high-definition-tvs-gives-clarity-to-sec-replay-gaffes/)

And Tennessee kicks off 2 of the 3, but keeps Janzen Jackson "suspended indefinitely" for now.

Swaggs

11-16-2009, 10:01 PM

Deserve was a bad word choice. At 8-4 coming off a win over mid-pack BE UConn and top 12-ish Stanford I can see the Gator picking them over football-wise more deserving Rutgers, West Virginia or even 10-2 Pitt, complete with the histrionics from fans who pretend not to understand these games are almost entirely about money. But at 7-5 (or, god forbid, 6-6) I can't see the Gator Bowl stooping that low, and as an ND fan even I would think it was a joke.

In other news, just saw in the NFL thread Gruden inked a multi-year extension as a broadcaster. He wasn't my choice for ND, and as we all know contracts are made to be broken, but it is interesting timing.

Keep in mind that the Gator Bowl and Big East are in the last year of their contract. The Gator Bowl has no reason to do the Big East any favors and, realistically no Big East team will sell as many seats as Notre Dame. WVU could possibly put up a decent number of sales, but we have been there 3 times in the last 6 years and most of the fans don't think Jacksonville is a great destination (not to mention that we'd have to beat Pitt and win @ Rutgers to finish in 2nd place). Pitt and Rutgers (or even Cincy, should they drop their game against Pitt) do not travel well and none of the Big East will bring in the TV viewers that Notre Dame will bring.

Unless Cincy gets upset by Pitt and ends up at 11-1, I'd be absolutely shocked to see a Big East team picked over a 7-5 Notre Dame. I'd bet that the Gator Bowl would think long and hard about taking Notre Dame over Cincy, as well.

RainMaker

11-16-2009, 10:51 PM

Is it really a big deal who goes? I mean we aren't talking the Rose Bowl here. It's the Gator Bowl, something I'd wager that most fans couldn't even tell you who won last year.

Swaggs

11-16-2009, 11:10 PM

Is it really a big deal who goes? I mean we aren't talking the Rose Bowl here. It's the Gator Bowl, something I'd wager that most fans couldn't even tell you who won last year.

From the Big East's standpoint, yes it really is a big deal. While it isn't the Rose Bowl, it is their 2nd highest payout among bowls (behind the BCS bowl), one of the more prestigious/historical bowls still around (been played since the mid-40s and still a NYD game, although it has lost its luster since the BCS came into existence and elevated those four games well above other traditional NYD games) and their only opportunity to play on New Year's Day. If Notre Dame gets the bid, it will pull ~$2.5M away from the conference without substituting another payday in its place. So, while it may not be a big deal to perennial BCS teams, it is a big deal to probably 100+ of the 120 teams in the FBS.

Honest question, and hopefully it won't be taken the wrong way, but are you a college football fan or do you follow a particular team or conference? Some of the posts that you make give the impression that you know a good bit about it, but that you are more of an observer of the "big picture" than a fan (if that makes sense).

Atocep

11-16-2009, 11:45 PM

Matthean

11-17-2009, 12:03 AM

Let the fun of the NCAA investigation of Michigan begin.

Michigan Wolverines didn't keep workout logs, school says - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4660285)

According to his contract, Rodriguez can be fired for cause if the NCAA, the Big Ten or the school determines he has committed a major violation of NCAA rules or he has intentionally committed any other type of violation of NCAA rules.
If the school completes a four-step process to fire Rodriguez for cause, it "shall be without liability to Rodriguez," according to the contract he signed Oct. 24, 2008.

Not sure it would be considered major, but so far admitting you failed to file the one forms that would back your claim that you are being honest about the hours players are putting seems like starting off on the wrong foot.
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RainMaker

11-17-2009, 03:05 AM

From the Big East's standpoint, yes it really is a big deal. While it isn't the Rose Bowl, it is their 2nd highest payout among bowls (behind the BCS bowl), one of the more prestigious/historical bowls still around (been played since the mid-40s and still a NYD game, although it has lost its luster since the BCS came into existence and elevated those four games well above other traditional NYD games) and their only opportunity to play on New Year's Day. If Notre Dame gets the bid, it will pull ~$2.5M away from the conference without substituting another payday in its place. So, while it may not be a big deal to perennial BCS teams, it is a big deal to probably 100+ of the 120 teams in the FBS.
I didn't even think about the money aspect. I thought the lower tiered bowls didn't have much money at stake. I think it would suck for a real good Big East school to get the shaft, but they did sign the agreement so it's hard to feel bad. Live by the sword, die by the sword.

Honest question, and hopefully it won't be taken the wrong way, but are you a college football fan or do you follow a particular team or conference? Some of the posts that you make give the impression that you know a good bit about it, but that you are more of an observer of the "big picture" than a fan (if that makes sense).
Yeah, I'm a fan, although not as much as the NFL. I follow FCS and D2 a lot more since my alma mater is in D2 and I think FCS is a little more pure. My favorite team would be Northwestern, primarily because I'm in the long process of getting a graduate degree from there. Since I'm part-time and didn't get my undergrad there, I don't feel the same connection others do who went to a D1 school out of high school. But I do follow them and do usually get up to a game or two.

I do bet a lot on college football so I guess I could be considered an observer too. I enjoy a lot of aspects of it but also find it getting more and more boring every season (which may be the reason I enjoy betting on it). It just feels like there are only a few teams who matter every season and they only play a few games that matter. You have over 100 teams and over a thousand games, but probably only 10 actually are worth tuning in for if you don't have a team you really care about.

Maybe it's different if you go to the school or are just a diehard fan. To me, it just comes across as a couple teams trying to get some reporters to vote them into a championship. The rest play in 33 consolation games under the guise that the game means something when it's just a way for athletic departments and television networks to cash in.

Logan

11-17-2009, 07:36 AM

Pitt and Rutgers (or even Cincy, should they drop their game against Pitt) do not travel well and none of the Big East will bring in the TV viewers that Notre Dame will bring.

Come on Swaggs, don't put us in the same category as Pitt. While they couldn't send 10k to the friggin Fiesta Bowl, we've brought excellent numbers (comparitively) to locations that are both not desirable and rough to travel to like Toronto, Birmingham, and Houston in the past few years. Amazingly, it was the first bowl in this run of four straight appearances that was a decent location, but Phoenix wasn't easy for a lot of fans to get to. Pittsburgh's poor traveling, and to a lesser extent Louisville's, is a big part of the Big East's bowl problem.

But yes, the deal was put in place so the Gator could get a crack at Notre Dame, and they probably will do so if they're eligible (which I don't think is a lock).

Yeah, the thing about college football is fans of teams that go these bowls absolutely remember them. Where fans of college football differ from college basketball is the focus isn't on winning a championship. College Football players, coaches, and fans are focused on conference championships above everything else and winning bowl games is number 2.

Every year we hear how there's too many bowls, and my response is always "who cares?" As long as you're not being forced to watch, what's the problem? For me, I love that I get an extra month of Rutgers coverage, you start to get insight into who is stepping up in practices now that there's a bit of an eye on next season, and of course, I get to watch my team play one more game.