College Football Week 7 Thread

[ISiddiqui]

WOW... LSU goes down to Kentucky (and how awesome was that 3rd OT) and Cal is losing by 10 late in the 4th Q to Oregon State.

The season of major upsets continue and we may see South Florida in the Top THREE (who would have thought that when this season started up?)

[wade moore]

Hmm, I don't even know what channel Vs. is here..

[wade moore]

there we go...

[TargetPractice6]

Just got back from the game... speechless... unbelievable. I'm only 21 but I imagine there aren't many times you leave a stadium twice in one season saying THAT was the best sporting event I've ever been to.

[wade moore]

WOW... LSU goes down to Kentucky (and how awesome was that 3rd OT) and Cal is losing by 10 late in the 4th Q to Oregon State.

The season of major upsets continue and we may see South Florida in the Top THREE (who would have thought that when this season started up?)I bet there are some USF superfans lookin' at big Vegas payday potential at the end of the season.

[wade moore]

I just turned the Cal game on.

Why is Longshore on the sideline?

[mauchow]

Wow, that turned around real quick! Nice speed on the WR.

31-28 pending EP, 2 minutes to play yet!

[Logan]

Well that was a nice YAC.

[wade moore]

Is it just my Vs., or is the crowd noise REALLY REALLY tinny?

Vs. sucks.

[mauchow]

So close on recovering that.

[wade moore]

That was a perfectly kicked onsides, the Cal guys didn't seem prepared to catch it though.

[Galaxy]

College needs to adopt the horse collar penalty.

Does the USA Today poll matter? I thought it is no longer part of the BCS formula.

[timmynausea]

Is it just my Vs., or is the crowd noise REALLY REALLY tinny?

Vs. sucks.

It does sound weird. I was actually wondering if there could be weird acoustics in the stadium because I've watched Vs. a few times this year (Stanford-USC last week, for example) and it's never sounded this bad before.

[mauchow]

Well one of the Cal guys was in the air when it was at its peak for the guys to get it.. just missed it. Fell into a OSU players hand miraculously.

[Warhammer]

And people say that we don't need a playoff in college football...

[wade moore]

It does sound weird. I was actually wondering if there could be weird acoustics in the stadium because I've watched Vs. a few times this year (Stanford-USC last week, for example) and it's never sounded this bad before.First game I've ever watched on here.

i asked because something with my local FOX affiliate has this happen often during primetime programming, annoyingly often American Idol. But then it happens to all of the sound - this is weird because it seems to just be the crowd noise to me.

[mauchow]

A punt return for a touchdown would be ridiculous. I don't think he'll even get a return, but what if.

[Galaxy]

And people say that we don't need a playoff in college football...

You could argue it the other way too.

[wade moore]

And people say that we don't need a playoff in college football...1 or 0 teams are undefeated at the end of the season, it will be interesting to see how this discussion goes.

I still very strongly that it's not going to happen any time soon and every now and then I waiver back and forth on whether I want a playoff (and this is from someone that LOVES the I-AA playoffs) - but I just don't think it's going to happen any time soon.

[mauchow]

94 yards in less than 90 seconds.. Here we go.

[mauchow]

OMG, almost a safety. How'd he break that?!

I guess all they need is about 70 yards. 60 at least.

[wade moore]

How the heck does that guy not get the safety and seal the game?

[st.cronin]

With a playoff, many of these games would be actually meaningless.

[wade moore]

Why did the clock stop for them to spot it there? And if that was the case, why don't you run a play?

[wade moore]

With a playoff, many of these games would be actually meaningless.

Yeah, this one of the facts that often makes me hop to the bowl system side of the fence.

[mauchow]

You don't need homeruns, you need first downs.

That'll cost 'em. C'mon OSU.

[mauchow]

Nice play!

[wade moore]

Gutsy play there that worked because of good individual effort.

[mauchow]

If he makes the tackle game is over. But boy #7 is good.

[Jas_lov]

They're in FG Range!

[Galaxy]

WOW!

[mauchow]

WTH is going on?

OSU defense is awful, lmao.

[wade moore]

Wow. This has been a fantastic day of football.. I don't like the parity, but the individual games I've gotten to watch have been fantastic.

[wade moore]

If he makes the tackle game is over. But boy #7 is good.
Yeah.. I can't fault the LB TOO much, that was just a great move by #7.

[Galaxy]

I was wondering why Cal keeping trying to air it out. Now I know why.

[mauchow]

Please at worst go into OT. ROFFLE.

[ISiddiqui]

Wow... Cal just won't go quietly... getting really exciting.

[wade moore]

Do an out to pick up some yards, get OOB, kick the FG.

Although it's college, I guess you can go anywhere if you get a first, lineup, and spike it.

[Huckleberry]

College needs to adopt the horse collar penalty.

I thought he pulled him down by his hair. And that wouldn't have been a horse collar penalty in the NFL anyway.

[wade moore]

Flag - wow.

[Young Drachma]

Clearly, Oregon State doesn't want this one bad enough.

[wade moore]

I thought he pulled him down by his hair. And that wouldn't have been a horse collar penalty in the NFL anyway.
Yeah, I meant to say that about the horse collar comment - that wasn't even close to an NFL penalty.

[Jas_lov]

Screw the FG! Go for the win!!

[wade moore]

I'm not so sure about that INT call btw... that one will be talked about if Cal gets a TD here.

If I'm Cal I take a shot at the endzone, and then kick the FG.

[Galaxy]

I thought he pulled him down by his hair. And that wouldn't have been a horse collar penalty in the NFL anyway.

Look like a horse collar. Sorry for confusion.

[wade moore]

OMG.

[mauchow]

WHOOOOOA! HORRIBLE!

OSU WINS@

[Jas_lov]

Ran out of time!!!!!!! OSU wins!!!!!

[st.cronin]

BONEHEAD

[Galaxy]

What is wrong with the QB???????????????????????????

I would be transferring if I'm him.

[Young Drachma]

What a silly decision at the end for Cal. And the upset!

[Huckleberry]

Roffle.

[Eaglesfan27]

Stupid play by the young QB.

[ISiddiqui]

LOLOLOLOL... they ran it... and OSU WON as the time runs out!!! LOLOLOL!!

[wade moore]

That has to be close to being a Webberesque move, yeah?

[mauchow]

Yeah, they needed to spike it.

[Logan]

Unreal. The QB didn't even leave the ball on the field to be snapped.

[mauchow]

Poor kid. Even dumber coach. Kick the field goal.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just turned the Cal game on.

Why is Longshore on the sideline?

I don't see where anyone ever answered this, but Longshore was hurt this week and was out for the entire game. I think his shoulder, IIRC.

[Galaxy]

You would of had time for one more play if he just threw that away. It wasn't like he even had a chance, with two Beaver defenders right in his path.

[wade moore]

I don't see where anyone ever answered this, but Longshore was hurt this week and was out for the entire game. I think his shoulder, IIRC.

Thanks.. My East Coast bias didn't see that news this week ;).

[Young Drachma]

Yeah, he got caught up in the moment and made a poor decision.

[Logan]

Looks like for the second year in a row, Rutgers will be taking on (at worst) the #3 team in the country on Thursday night ESPN.

[Huckleberry]

Nah. Going for the win with that defense completely out of sorts was a good move. Bad decision by the kid. But the coach should have screamed at him from the sideline that he absolutely had to throw the ball.

[st.cronin]

Poor kid. Even dumber coach. Kick the field goal.

I put that 100% on Tedford. The quarterback has to be made to understand the situation, and know what he can and can't do.

[Galaxy]

Poor kid. Even dumber coach. Kick the field goal.

The coach didn't make a dumb decision. He had time for one more shot before a field goal.

[wade moore]

Poor kid. Even dumber coach. Kick the field goal.

I don't think the coaching decision was bad, but I would have to think that the coach should have been saying "whatever you do, don't take a sack or run with it"...

But, maybe he did.. if he didn't, that's his fault with a freshman making his first start.

[Logan]

He could've told him exactly what was necessary and he might've still done that instinctively.

[wade moore]

oh man.. just flipped back to Auburn-Arkansas..

Arkansas is kicking off with 1:30 left, apparently they went up 7-6 somehow... wow...

Great football today.

[wade moore]

He could've told him exactly what was necessary and he might've still done that instinctively.

Right.. like I said, he might have told the kid... but if he didn't, he needs to shoulder some of the blame imo.

[Young Drachma]

Looks like for the second year in a row, Rutgers will be taking on (at worst) the #3 team in the country on Thursday night ESPN.

I hope USF beats them badly. The Big East needs USF to stay where they are.

[kingnebwsu]

#1 Ohio State
#2 BC
#3 South Florida

That has to be the most unexpected top 3 in a long time.

[wade moore]

I hope USF beats them badly. The Big East needs USF to stay where they are.It's definitely in the Big East's best interest for USF to go undefeated.

[wade moore]

I'm thinking Auburn is going to do what Cal didn't.

[Warhammer]

With a playoff, many of these games would be actually meaningless.

Not really. Many of these games where the upsets are happening are conference games which are important no matter which system you have.

However, to me this illustrates why the games need to be decided on the field, not by some computer or by some writer in New York. A few weeks ago, we were saying that we should give this thing to LSU. They get beat this week by a very good Kentucky team.

What the BCS does is take control out of a team's hands. Unless you run the table against a good schedule (read Big 10, SEC, Big East, etc. conference schedule) there is going to be debate. Again, I say take the winner of each conference (there's 11 of them) and take the top winning % independent and throw them in a bracket. Do it like they do the FA Cup. You have a draw, and if you need to play an extra game even though you're out of the SEC, tough. If South Alabama upsets LSU, tough. Winning your conference means something, and there is no debate about who is where. It is all played out on the field.

[Galaxy]

I don't see BC getting through unbeaten.

[st.cronin]

I hope USF beats them badly. The Big East needs USF to stay where they are.

I don't think you have much to worry about. I think the Bulls will pummel Rutgers. That is one very good team Leavitt has built.

[Logan]

I hope USF beats them badly. The Big East needs USF to stay where they are.

Agreed, but I'm not giving up on the BE title and a BCS slot yet, especially with Cincy (edit) now having lost.

[Young Drachma]

Not really. Many of these games where the upsets are happening are conference games which are important no matter which system you have.

However, to me this illustrates why the games need to be decided on the field, not by some computer or by some writer in New York. A few weeks ago, we were saying that we should give this thing to LSU. They get beat this week by a very good Kentucky team.

What the BCS does is take control out of a team's hands. Unless you run the table against a good schedule (read Big 10, SEC, Big East, etc. conference schedule) there is going to be debate. Again, I say take the winner of each conference (there's 11 of them) and take the top winning % independent and throw them in a bracket. Do it like they do the FA Cup. You have a draw, and if you need to play an extra game even though you're out of the SEC, tough. If South Alabama upsets LSU, tough. Winning your conference means something, and there is no debate about who is where. It is all played out on the field.

+1

No matter what, the national champion should be decided on the field and there is no need for polls to be part of it in the 21st century. The game is biased enough as it is without throwing human loyalties and silliness into it.

[Huckleberry]

I'm a fan of all 11 conference champions and 5 at larges using the original BCS system.

[mauchow]

I don't think you have much to worry about. I think the Bulls will pummel Rutgers. That is one very good team Leavitt has built.

I don't think the "This is one great team, they'll never lose" is in effect for ANY team this year.

[wade moore]

Not really. Many of these games where the upsets are happening are conference games which are important no matter which system you have.

However, to me this illustrates why the games need to be decided on the field, not by some computer or by some writer in New York. A few weeks ago, we were saying that we should give this thing to LSU. They get beat this week by a very good Kentucky team.

What the BCS does is take control out of a team's hands. Unless you run the table against a good schedule (read Big 10, SEC, Big East, etc. conference schedule) there is going to be debate. Again, I say take the winner of each conference (there's 11 of them) and take the top winning % independent and throw them in a bracket. Do it like they do the FA Cup. You have a draw, and if you need to play an extra game even though you're out of the SEC, tough. If South Alabama upsets LSU, tough. Winning your conference means something, and there is no debate about who is where. It is all played out on the field.


If I were king I'd actually do this differently...

I'd give some large incentive for 3 I-AA teams (Montana, Delaware, and UMass come to mind) to come to I-A. I would then negotiate some way that we can siphon off two conferences (Sunbelt and Mountain West maybe?) and force the independents into a conference if they want to compete at the I-A level.

So, that's 120 teams into 10 conferences - 12 teams each.

Give the conference Champions a bid and then either 2 (with 1st round byes) or 6 at-large spots.



That would be my ideal.

My more realistic is that only 12 team conferences can get an auto-bid giving us 6 or 7 (assuming that the Big 10 and maybe the Pac-10 would add teams) autobids and then get up to 12 teams with at-larges. This would mirror what I-AA does. Only the larger, better conferences have auto-bids.

[Young Drachma]

Agreed, but I'm not giving up on the BE title and a BCS slot yet, especially with Cincy on the fence against UL right now.

Meh. I don't think they deserve it this year. I mean, those two loses were inexcusable given the expectations and I kinda want the people who are pushing for big-time football On The Banks to get a dose of what it's like not to meet expectations and to get ignored by the national media as a underachieving patsy.

Plus, I want Schiano to address the real fact that he's not recruiting enough offensive weapons and that in order to really be big time, they need to have an offense that can put up points on days when his smashmouth defense falter.

If USF gets to the national title game and somehow manages to pull off a win, that'll be much bigger for the Big East than anything Rutgers would gain by getting into a BCS bowl game and possibly choking or something.

By the time I got to the end of this post, I realized the blasphemy of what I was saying, though.

If Rutgers can hold up their end of the bargain and manage to weasel into the BE title, then I'm all for them putting it on USF, but....nothing I've seen from them this year so far makes me believe they can do that and so, unless they're going to the Big Ten in the next few years, I'd prefer to see the Big East get into position to steal a national title shot and achieve some small measure of national respect.

[Galaxy]

Auburn took the lead.

[Swaggs]

Cincy goes down. Only a handful of undefeated teams make it through this weekend.

I think the Big East is in reasonably good position to get two teams into the BCS right now.

[wade moore]

I don't understand Auburn taking the timeout with 34 seconds left, stupid, stupid move imo.

[Young Drachma]

If I were king I'd actually do this differently...

I would then negotiate some way that we can siphon off two conferences (Sunbelt and Mountain West maybe?) and force the independents into a conference if they want to compete at the I-A level.



The Mountain West is a lot better than the MAC.

[mauchow]

Down with ASU!

[Galaxy]

Auburn escapes, which gives USF a bump as well.

[wade moore]

The Mountain West is a lot better than the MAC.
The only reason I didn't say the MAC is they already have 12 teams (actually 13, so they'd have to lose one).

[mauchow]

If the media says something to the effect of, "Brohm brings himself back into the Heisman Race" I'm going to puke.

[wade moore]

Jeebs would be happy, I have the UTEP game to watch now ;).. that and Colorado vs. KSU.

[Swaggs]

If the media says something to the effect of, "Brohm brings himself back into the Heisman Race" I'm going to puke.

I would tend to agree with you, but who exactly is the front runner? There are a number of players in the conversation and no real favorites at this point, as far as I can see.

[Swaggs]

I wonder how far LSU and Cal end up dropping?

I think you have to keep LSU ahead of Southern Cal and South Carolina. I could see them dropping down just a few spots, to like 4th or 5th.

I think Cal drops to around 11 or 12, losing at home to a .500 team.

[I. J. Reilly]

Resident Oregon State alumn checking in …


YYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

[st.cronin]

I still don't understand the obsession with what is the true national champion in COLLEGE football. Part of what makes college football so great is that nearly every game involves a trophy of some kind. College football embraces its triviality. Minnesota is having a dreadful year, but if they get it together and beat Wisconsin THEY HAVE RECLAIMED PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE!!!!! Let the conference champions be champions; let the bowl game winners be champions; have as many champions as possible. Declaring that there be only one true champion, to me, harms the product.

[mauchow]

If Louisville was in a closer race for anything, I'd consider him. When the team is 9-3 then we can start talking about him, but right now. I say no. A couple more weeks then we can start possibly talking about him as long as he keeps his ridiculous numbers up.

Who is more deserving of the Heisman right now? At least one player on a top 15 team I'm sure is slightly more deserving... I dunno who exactly.

[I. J. Reilly]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU


OREGON STATE FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT !!!!!!!!!!

[mauchow]

omg, if Minny somehow beats Wisconsin this year, I might lose my mind.

[Warhammer]

If I were king I'd actually do this differently...

I'd give some large incentive for 3 I-AA teams (Montana, Delaware, and UMass come to mind) to come to I-A. I would then negotiate some way that we can siphon off two conferences (Sunbelt and Mountain West maybe?) and force the independents into a conference if they want to compete at the I-A level.

So, that's 120 teams into 10 conferences - 12 teams each.

Give the conference Champions a bid and then either 2 (with 1st round byes) or 6 at-large spots.



That would be my ideal.

My more realistic is that only 12 team conferences can get an auto-bid giving us 6 or 7 (assuming that the Big 10 and maybe the Pac-10 would add teams) autobids and then get up to 12 teams with at-larges. This would mirror what I-AA does. Only the larger, better conferences have auto-bids.

My only issue with this is that there is too much bias in the system towards the big conferences. Aside from bias, how do we know that an undefeated Tulane is not as good as a one loss LSU, etc. How do we know that a 2 loss Michigan is better or worse than a 2 loss Georgia. How do you decide which conference champion you keep home? You keep it limited to conference champions and there is no debate. Now, you can argue the same thing with conference tie-breakers and such, but most conferences have a title game, so it is settled there for the most part.

But, I agree with you about getting rid of the independents.

[Eaglesfan27]

I wonder how far LSU and Cal end up dropping?

I think you have to keep LSU ahead of Southern Cal and South Carolina. I could see them dropping down just a few spots, to like 4th or 5th.

I think Cal drops to around 11 or 12, losing at home to a .500 team.

I think LSU definitely remains ahead of USC, but I'd be surprised if they remained at 4 or 5. I think they'll drop to about 7 or 8th in the polls. Cal will drop further, possibly below USC.

[st.cronin]

omg, if Minny somehow beats Wisconsin this year, I might lose my mind.

Yeah me too. Luckily for both of us it's not gonna happen.

[Warhammer]

I wonder how far LSU and Cal end up dropping?

I think you have to keep LSU ahead of Southern Cal and South Carolina. I could see them dropping down just a few spots, to like 4th or 5th.

I think Cal drops to around 11 or 12, losing at home to a .500 team.

Cal also didn't have their #1 QB.

[Warhammer]

I still don't understand the obsession with what is the true national champion in COLLEGE football. Part of what makes college football so great is that nearly every game involves a trophy of some kind. College football embraces its triviality. Minnesota is having a dreadful year, but if they get it together and beat Wisconsin THEY HAVE RECLAIMED PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE!!!!! Let the conference champions be champions; let the bowl game winners be champions; have as many champions as possible. Declaring that there be only one true champion, to me, harms the product.

Right, I forgot, we can't let any kid be a loser. They're all champions for playing!

[cartman]

I see South Florida in about the same spot that Miami was 25 years ago with Schnellenberger.

[st.cronin]

Right, I forgot, we can't let any kid be a loser. They're all champions for playing!

Yes! Well, except Ohio State. They're a bunch of dirty cheaters no matter what.

[ISiddiqui]

I think LSU definitely remains ahead of USC, but I'd be surprised if they remained at 4 or 5. I think they'll drop to about 7 or 8th in the polls. Cal will drop further, possibly below USC.

That sounds about right. But some people may realize that Cal didn't have their #1 QB... especially when the big bonehead play at the end was a direct result of the backup QB having no clue what he was doing.

[sterlingice]

With a playoff, many of these games would be actually meaningless.

Just like NFL games. Because, clearly, winning every game to get, say, home field or a bye, makes a lot of games meaningless.

SI

[Logan]

Meh. I don't think they deserve it this year. I mean, those two loses were inexcusable given the expectations and I kinda want the people who are pushing for big-time football On The Banks to get a dose of what it's like not to meet expectations and to get ignored by the national media as a underachieving patsy.

Plus, I want Schiano to address the real fact that he's not recruiting enough offensive weapons and that in order to really be big time, they need to have an offense that can put up points on days when his smashmouth defense falter.

If USF gets to the national title game and somehow manages to pull off a win, that'll be much bigger for the Big East than anything Rutgers would gain by getting into a BCS bowl game and possibly choking or something.

By the time I got to the end of this post, I realized the blasphemy of what I was saying, though.

If Rutgers can hold up their end of the bargain and manage to weasel into the BE title, then I'm all for them putting it on USF, but....nothing I've seen from them this year so far makes me believe they can do that and so, unless they're going to the Big Ten in the next few years, I'd prefer to see the Big East get into position to steal a national title shot and achieve some small measure of national respect.

Wow, where to begin. Let's start with the complete "What the fuck are you talking about?" re: the bolded piece.

Kenny Britt is on the level of any WR in football and is only a sophomore. I'll be shocked if he's not a 1st round pick. Tiquan Underwood is an excellent complement as a #2 and could be a #1 on plenty of BCS teams. Schiano has a RB who has been a Heisman candidate for two seasons and is just a junior. He has a verbal from a top 10 QB in D.C. Jefferson who chose us over LSU among others. So I'll ask again, what the hell are you talking about?

Recruiting and the overall level of talent is the least of my worries when it comes to the program. Poor special teams, playcalling, and gameday schemes are all potential areas of concern.

I'm not going to get into a whole debate about the merits of Rutgers and how they're sure to be an "underachieving patsy." We've been down this road before, so there's no point in doing so.

But seriously, "weasel" into the BE title? Should they automatically be banned from consideration like all the other (assuming a USF loss down the road) one loss teams just because they have an OOC loss?

BTW, give up on the pipe dream that the BE will ever get national respect. It's a lost cause.

[wade moore]

My only issue with this is that there is too much bias in the system towards the big conferences. Aside from bias, how do we know that an undefeated Tulane is not as good as a one loss LSU, etc. How do we know that a 2 loss Michigan is better or worse than a 2 loss Georgia. How do you decide which conference champion you keep home? You keep it limited to conference champions and there is no debate. Now, you can argue the same thing with conference tie-breakers and such, but most conferences have a title game, so it is settled there for the most part.

But, I agree with you about getting rid of the independents.

I understand the concern you have, but I'd go on the flip side.. why should we be letting in a 2 loss Sun Belt conference champion over a 1-loss 2nd place SEC team?

It's not perfect, but I really feel like you're going to be letting a lot of "under qualified" teams in if you give an auto-bid to every conference and have no at-large bids.

I could maybe get behind your system if it was 11 auto-bids and 5 at-large bids. I just feel very strongly that int he current conference makeup having a playoff with only the conference champions gives an unfair advantage to lower tier, smaller conferences over much better teams.

[wade moore]

I still don't understand the obsession with what is the true national champion in COLLEGE football. Part of what makes college football so great is that nearly every game involves a trophy of some kind. College football embraces its triviality. Minnesota is having a dreadful year, but if they get it together and beat Wisconsin THEY HAVE RECLAIMED PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE!!!!! Let the conference champions be champions; let the bowl game winners be champions; have as many champions as possible. Declaring that there be only one true champion, to me, harms the product.

it harms the product? But it doesn't harm the product of every other NCAA sport including all other levels of football?

[JonInMiddleGA]

I put that 100% on Tedford. The quarterback has to be made to understand the situation, and know what he can and can't do.

+1

More importantly, even if Tedford threatened to eat the rookie's first born child if he didn't throw the ball away, it's up to the coach to have an understanding of the situation and know that you don't do anything there but kick the field goal.

[k0ruptr]

South Florida, Kansas, Boston College, Hawaii, Ohio St., and ASU are the only undefeated teams left now.

[Logan]

As someone said above, they looked like shit and were lucky to have a chance there. I take my shot at the win.

[DaddyTorgo]

mmmmm.....BC

[st.cronin]

it harms the product? But it doesn't harm the product of every other NCAA sport including all other levels of football?

What is the most popular NCAA sport? Obviously, its football. Has the BCS made football more popular relative to other college sports? I don't actually know the answer to that question. But obviously the fact that for years there was no true champion in College Football couldn't have hurt the product too badly ... and I think it may have actually helped the product.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I've reviewed the thread & didn't see this mentioned, so sorry if it's a repeat.

I thought it was very interesting that one of the post-game stories about UGA's 20-17 last second FG win at Vanderbilt mentioned that CMR had to pull the team away from stomping on the "V" logo at midfield.

I'm sorry, but if you're celebrating like you just won something big because you managed to beat Vandy by a FG ... well, you're a hell of a long way from being nationally significant, even in the year of the upset.

[st.cronin]

South Florida, Boston College, Hawaii, Ohio St., and ASU are the only undefeated teams left now.

Plus KANSAS.

[k0ruptr]

ohh my bad, lol.

[cartman]

What is the most popular NCAA sport? Obviously, its football. Has the BCS made football more popular relative to other college sports? I don't actually know the answer to that question. But obviously the fact that for years there was no true champion in College Football couldn't have hurt the product too badly ... and I think it may have actually helped the product.

I would venture to guess that college football's popularity has increased in spite of, not because of, the BCS. Institute 'December Madness', and I'd postulate that it would be much more popular than March Madness, and give NFL playoffs a run for their money.

[wade moore]

I would venture to guess that college football's popularity has increased in spite of, not because of, the BCS. Institute 'December Madness', and I'd postulate that it would be much more popular than March Madness, and give NFL playoffs a run for their money.

Agreed, but I also agree that it's likely that some of the early-season "big" matchups we have now that bring big ratings will go away.

Like I've said, I waffle between which system I would like better.. but some of the arguments people make for one way or the other are just greatly flawed and imo stupid when there are much better arguments. To say that playoffs would harm the product is just silly to me... March Madness practically shuts down business for the first round or two. You think NCAA Football wouldn't like to have that kind of draw? You don't think that would help the product?

[st.cronin]

I would venture to guess that college football's popularity has increased in spite of, not because of, the BCS. Institute 'December Madness', and I'd postulate that it would be much more popular than March Madness, and give NFL playoffs a run for their money.

I disagree. I think the PLAYOFFS would possibly be more popular than the bowls are now, but I think overall the product would be much less popular.

[wade moore]

I disagree. I think the PLAYOFFS would possibly be more popular than the bowls are now, but I think overall the product would be much less popular.

I think you're misplacing product and individual games.

I think week 3 would be much less popular than it is now, but I dont' think it loses as much as you think if they pick playoff spots correctly. We could still be in a position where one loss eliminates or all but eliminates your playoff chances.

[sooner333]

Here's an example of what makes college football great. I'm at the OU game tonight...during the second quarter it's apparent that the LSU-Kentucky game is in overtime. Basically what happens is that there are people in my section constantly hitting refresh on their phones, the people in the suites a few rows behind have switched their TV to a game in Lexington, Kentucky. A friend of mine said in another section there was a guy in front of him giving play by play from a friend on the phone. The suites erupt when LSU is stopped on 4th and 2. Half the crowd erupts during the game and the other half waits until the PA announcer gives the call.

College football fans care about other games because of their effect on the team they root for. The playoffs, while probably the less flawed option, would take away some of the "every game matters" attitude for the teams and fans both. If there were playoffs, OU fans might have been happy LSU lost because their fans were reportedly assholes to anyone in Crimson in the 2004 Sugar Bowl, but probably wouldn't have erupted in cheers because OU and LSU would still probably make the playoffs.

[wade moore]

Here's an example of what makes college football great. I'm at the OU game tonight...during the second quarter it's apparent that the LSU-Kentucky game is in overtime. Basically what happens is that there are people in my section constantly hitting refresh on their phones, the people in the suites a few rows behind have switched their TV to a game in Lexington, Kentucky. A friend of mine said in another section there was a guy in front of him giving play by play from a friend on the phone. The suites erupt when LSU is stopped on 4th and 2. Half the crowd erupts during the game and the other half waits until the PA announcer gives the call.

College football fans care about other games because of their effect on the team they root for. The playoffs, while probably the less flawed option, would take away some of the "every game matters" attitude for the teams and fans both. If there were playoffs, OU fans might have been happy LSU lost because their fans were reportedly assholes to anyone in Crimson in the 2004 Sugar Bowl, but probably wouldn't have erupted in cheers because OU and LSU would still probably make the playoffs.

This is the one thing that makes me like the idea of no at-large bids. If there were no at-large bids, the "every game matters" mentallity would be much higher. Now, OOC games I guess would be completely devalued.. but, you may actually get more big games here because of money and "practice" against big opponents.

I don't know. In the end to me it is VERY strange that NCAA Division I-A Football is the only team sport in college athletics without a playoff system. It just doesn't seem right to me.

But, I love things like what you're mentioning above.

[sooner333]

This is the one thing that makes me like the idea of no at-large bids. If there were no at-large bids, the "every game matters" mentallity would be much higher. Now, OOC games I guess would be completely devalued.. but, you may actually get more big games here because of money and "practice" against big opponents.

I don't know. In the end to me it is VERY strange that NCAA Division I-A Football is the only team sport in college athletics without a playoff system. It just doesn't seem right to me.

But, I love things like what you're mentioning above.

I like a playoff with 12 teams, all conference champs plus one at-large. People will still vie for the at-large all season and the conference champs will all be rewarded. Top 4 get byes, 5-8 host the first round, 1-4 host the second round and the semis and finals are rotated through traditional "Big Five" bowls (adding the Cotton in the new Cowboys stadium) and the two bowls that aren't in the rotation that year host the top four teams left out and play those games between the semis and finals.

[wade moore]

I like a playoff with 12 teams, all conference champs plus one at-large. People will still vie for the at-large all season and the conference champs will all be rewarded. Top 4 get byes, 5-8 host the first round, 1-4 host the second round and the semis and finals are rotated through traditional "Big Five" bowls (adding the Cotton in the new Cowboys stadium) and the two bowls that aren't in the rotation that year host the top four teams left out and play those games between the semis and finals.I could get behind that.

Again, I don't think it will happen any time soon, but...

[Young Drachma]

I think the fans of "good" teams or contenders or even that play in power conferences are in far more favor of a system that's rigged towards them.

I think the reason March Madness is so great is that a George Mason -- even if it's only once every blue moon -- is possible. Even if a Seton Hall gets to the title game and loses, they still got to play their way there.

To me, there is little pleasure in ending the season with a win at the Mackinac Credit Union Bowl in front of 20,000 disinterested people who'd cheer if it were a high school game.

I think that a playoff system puts everybody on a level playing field and says, "ok, you're the best? prove it."

I think the at-large bid thing makes sense, because you have to have some way to balance it out and while it'll probably still be skewed towards the bigger conferences, maybe that's where you have a BCS type poll that allows you to possibly allow an upstart to get in on merit.

But the current system of "OMG, every week is a playoff," is just flawed logic.

Because in a year like this, where we're grasping straws at picking undefeated teams that probably AREN'T the best team in the country, but will be ranked #1 purely the happenstance of a weak schedule and the ability to show up each week and not get upset...isn't choosing the #1 team in the country.

It's nice to see a mockery being made of the system that was flawed to start, but...I think the fundamental issue here is money and given the cash flowing in and the people who are benefitting from it, I can't see a compelling reason that it'll change unless a group comes along to up the ante or a few renegades opt to bow out of the process completely.

Or has the NCAA banned teams for declining a bowl invitation yet?

[JeeberD]

And the Miners lack of defense finally came to bite them in the ass. They scored a TD with 33 seconds left to give themselves a seven point lead and what looked to be a third straight fourth quarter comeback. However, our crappy defense let ECU drive 71 yards in 29 seconds and the Pirates scored on a 34 yard TD pass with no time on the clock to send the game into overtime.

The Miners got the ball first in OT and managed to get a 45 yard FG, but gave up a TD to the Pirates after a controversial catch on the one yard line.

Freshman QB Trevor Vittatoe had another PHENOMENAL game, completing 37 of 54 passes for an even 400 yards with 3 TDs and only his third INT of the year. The kid is the real deal.

The Miners, however, fall to 4-3 on the season and 2-1 in CUSA, leaving them tied for first with Houston and Rice...

[JeeberD]

Jeebs would be happy, I have the UTEP game to watch now ;).. that and Colorado vs. KSU.

Did you watch (any of) the game? What were your impressions?

[Passacaglia]

College should be "Four quarters and go home, win lose or tie."



I agree. And so should NFL.

[kingfc22]

And Cal once again falls on their face when they hold the upper hand on the Pac-10. This is getting frustrating how they like to hand the conference to USC.

[Karlifornia]

And Cal once again falls on their face when they hold the upper hand on the Pac-10. This is getting frustrating how they like to hand the conference to USC.

If Cal wins out, they're still Rose Bowl Bound, at least.

What a crazy weekend..College football is catching up to college basketball in terms of wildness. I'm having fun watching it unfold.

[dawgfan]

Eugene's a nice place to visit.
In general, yes. As a fan of the opposing team at Autzen? Not so much. I've been told waaaaay too many stories of ridiculously belligerent behavior, way above and beyond reasonable taunting and smack-talking (I'm talking out and out assaults)...

[dawgfan]

Dola -

Maybe Ty Willingham could petition the NCAA to shorten games to 2 quarters...

[Karlifornia]

In general, yes. As a fan of the opposing team at Autzen? Not so much. I've been told waaaaay too many stories of ridiculously belligerent behavior, way above and beyond reasonable taunting and smack-talking (I'm talking out and out assaults)...

Dude....you're using second-hand stories as a way of judging a place. I hear these stories all the time about Oakland, but I've never had a problem. I often read or hear things like, "This Raiders fan pissed on my car right in front of me", or, "This LSU fan lit my mom on fire and put her smoldering corpse out with his own piss"

Most every team has asshole fans......even us at Stanford. We just don't have a team good enough for the jerks to come out and cause trouble.

[Chief Rum]

I have read a number of times of the inhospitability of Autzen Stadium, but it magnifies even more in basketball season apparently. The fans at the Mac express their displeasure at your presence strongly and they're right on top of you.

[dawgfan]

Dude....you're using second-hand stories as a way of judging a place. I hear these stories all the time about Oakland, but I've never had a problem. I often read or hear things like, "This Raiders fan pissed on my car right in front of me", or, "This LSU fan lit my mom on fire and put her smoldering corpse out with his own piss"

Most every team has asshole fans......even us at Stanford. We just don't have a team good enough for the jerks to come out and cause trouble.
I understand that every team has asshole fans, but I'm telling you I've never heard stories from other places around the Pac-10 as severe as the ones that have come out of Autzen. Most of the ones I'm referencing come from people who were there and experienced it themselves, and I have little reason to doubt that their stories were for the most part true.

[Buccaneer]

I still don't understand the obsession with what is the true national champion in COLLEGE football. Part of what makes college football so great is that nearly every game involves a trophy of some kind. College football embraces its triviality. Minnesota is having a dreadful year, but if they get it together and beat Wisconsin THEY HAVE RECLAIMED PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE!!!!! Let the conference champions be champions; let the bowl game winners be champions; have as many champions as possible. Declaring that there be only one true champion, to me, harms the product.

Never thought I would be applauding a cronin post but this sums up my feelings that I have been expressing for years here. I would rather see no postseason than an insipid, contrive playoffs system.

[Buccaneer]

Just like NFL games. Because, clearly, winning every game to get, say, home field or a bye, makes a lot of games meaningless.

SI

That's the big difference. In the NFL, you have a very clear, formulaic system of comparing apples to apples in determining seedings. In college, the best that can happen is to compare apples to oranges.

[sterlingice]

Plus KANSAS.

Woo! We get at least one more week to feel good about ourselves. Not too many teams who are undefeated out there proud that they're bowl eligible already :)

But now it's on to road games at Colorado and Texas A&M so we'll probably get knocked from the ranks of the undefeated. But it's been a fun ride. :D

SI

[cartman]

Woo! We get at least one more week to feel good about ourselves. Not too many teams who are undefeated out there proud that they're bowl eligible already :)

But now it's on to road games at Colorado and Texas A&M so we'll probably get knocked from the ranks of the undefeated. But it's been a fun ride. :D

SI


I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Kansas beat A&M at College Station. If A&M can't beat Nebraska this weekend, they have a chance to start the season 5-0 and end up not being bowl eligible.

[sterlingice]

Have you seen Nebraska this year? Seriously?

SI

[JW]

"This LSU fan lit my mom on fire and put her smoldering corpse out with his own piss"

If your mom wouldn't have been wearing that Auburn sweatshirt, we wouldn't have done it. It was her fault.

Rarely do I get to see firsthand the real story as opposed to the myth in such incidents, but a few years ago LSU played Notre Dame in the Independence Bowl -- when LSU wasn't that great and ND was still playing Division 1A football -- and I was right on the scene to witness one event that got blown all out of proportion.

ND people later claimed that their band buses were assaulted by crazed LSU fans throwing things and beating on doors when their buses drove up to the stadium. They said they feared for their lives. The talked about that for weeks.

I was actually there, standing a few feet away, milling around with a few family members. What actually happened is that the buses pulled up, LSU fans saw who it was, and a few dozen gathered around the buses yelling "Tiger Bait" and things like that. It wasn't even particularly rowdy by LSU standards. And these weren't even LSU students. The game was in Shreveport. This was the second string. A lot of those folks I'm sure didn't even regularly attend LSU games.

Yes, a few folks got close to the bus, and, yes, a few people banged their hands on the side of the bus, and, yes, ND band people had to get off the bus in close proximity to LSU fans yelling at them. But to hear them talk, they had to endure a hail of bottles and urine bombs and stuff and were pushed and shoved and abused. Didn't happen that way. I saw it.

And that is just one example of how things get blown out of proportion. In this case I think it was because the ND band members simply had never been in close proximity to SEC football fans. This is typical SEC game behavior. They actually got a junior varsity taunting and acted like a bunch of wuzzies about it.

[cartman]

Have you seen Nebraska this year? Seriously?

SI

A&M and Nebraska are pretty similar. I don't see much difference between them. They both got blown out this past weekend.

[Swaggs]

Coaches' Poll is out.

Some interesting stuff:
--LSU does only drop a handful of spots. I still think that, if they win out, they go to the front of the one-loss team line, regardless of what Oklahoma does.
--Some of the early BCS projections (they come out at 4 PM EST apparently) seem to indicate that the computers love USF, so expect them to be first or second in the BCS polls. BC can probably leap frog them with a win over VT this Thursday.
--Southern Cal is going to have a tough time playing itself back into the national championship picture. The computers don't love them and, it appears, the voters don't either. I think they'll be a few spots lower in the BCS rankings. If they can swing wins over Cal and Oregon, they should be able to get back into the conversation, but I don't think they jump LSU, Oklahoma, South Carolina, or, potentially, a one-loss Ohio State. They will need a ton of help.
--Hawaii continues to stagnate around the 16th range. As I mentioned last week, I think conference coaches will hold them around there for the rest of the season and keep them out of the BCS. The computers reportedly don't love them much, either (they are going to be in the mid- to low-20s in many of the computer rankings).

USA Today Poll
1. Ohio State (56) 7-0 1,495
2. Boston College (1) 7-0 1,383
3. South Florida (3) 6-0 1,320
4. Oklahoma 6-1 1,288
5. LSU 6-1 1,173
6. Oregon 5-1 1,077
7. West Virginia 5-1 1,007
8. South Carolina 6-1 997
9. California 5-1 983
9. USC 5-1 983
11. Virginia Tech 6-1 982
12. Arizona State 7-0 936
13. Kentucky 6-1 874
14. Florida 4-2 726
15. Kansas 6-0 705
16. Hawaii 7-0 558
17. Missouri 5-1 519
18. Texas 5-2 396
19. Auburn 5-2 372
20. Georgia 5-2 282
21. Texas Tech 6-1 232
22. Tennessee 4-2 193
23. Cincinnati 6-1 192
24. Virginia 6-1 184
25. Penn State 5-2 128
Others Receiving Votes
Michigan 127, Wisconsin 82, Boise State 61, Illinois 59, Kansas State 42, Rutgers 25, Purdue 19, Florida State 16, Maryland 15, Alabama 13, Wake Forest 12, Louisville 9, Clemson 9, Brigham Young 8, Michigan State 8, Connecticut 7, Fresno State 2, Wyoming 1.
Dropped From Rankings
Wisconsin 15, Illinois 19, Florida State 21, Purdue 24.

[Dr. Sak]

I find it funny that Penn State is 1 pt ahead of Michigan when they lost to the Wolverines.

[molson]

I find it funny that Penn State is 1 pt ahead of Michigan when they lost to the Wolverines.

Kentucky's still behind LSU, Stanford's still behind USC, etc.

It'll be interesting to see how the rest of South Florida's schedule holds up in the BCS rankings. I mean, does it matter since all the Big East teams are just playing themselves at this point, or will help them if Rutgers and Cincinnati win out other than a loss to South Florida.

[Dr. Sak]

Oh I'm not complaining :)

[Swaggs]

Kentucky's still behind LSU, Stanford's still behind USC, etc.

It'll be interesting to see how the rest of South Florida's schedule holds up in the BCS rankings. I mean, does it matter since all the Big East teams are just playing themselves at this point, or will help them if Rutgers and Cincinnati win out other than a loss to South Florida.

I think USF has to be big Auburn and WVU fans for the rest of this season. Those two teams could both be in the top 12 of the BCS by the end of the season. I'm not sure BC or Ohio State will have any top 12 teams on their resume at the end of the year (since they still have to play the highly ranked teams left on their schedule, while USF already has Ws over WVU and Auburn).

I think on of Louisville, Rutgers, or Cincy will probably be ranked or nearly ranked by the end of the season, so they will have maybe one more opportunity for a quality win. WVU still has to play all three of those teams, though, so one of them could boost their ranking, while knocking WVU down into the high teens.

[DaddyTorgo]

yeah BC! kickass boys!

[DeToxRox]

I think USF has to be big Auburn and WVU fans for the rest of this season. Those two teams could both be in the top 12 of the BCS by the end of the season. I'm not sure BC or Ohio State will have any top 12 teams on their resume at the end of the year (since they still have to play the highly ranked teams left on their schedule, while USF already has Ws over WVU and Auburn).

I think on of Louisville, Rutgers, or Cincy will probably be ranked or nearly ranked by the end of the season, so they will have maybe one more opportunity for a quality win. WVU still has to play all three of those teams, though, so one of them could boost their ranking, while knocking WVU down into the high teens.

If Michigan wins out they'll probably be around 15 going into the UM/OSU game. So OSU fans need to hope UM wins out going into The Game to have a shot at the NC assuming BC and USF win out

[Karlifornia]

Oklahoma, Cal, and USC all ahead of Arizona State?

Arizona State beat Colorado, while OU lost to the Buffs (albeit in Boulder). Cal and USC have losses to middling (or poor) PAC-10 teams at home. That is criminal.

[MrBug708]

Oklahoma, Cal, and USC all ahead of Arizona State?

Arizona State beat Colorado, while OU lost to the Buffs (albeit in Boulder). Cal and USC have losses to middling (or poor) PAC-10 teams at home. That is criminal.

To be fair, this is about the time ASU starts to tank

[Chief Rum]

Oklahoma, Cal, and USC all ahead of Arizona State?

Arizona State beat Colorado, while OU lost to the Buffs (albeit in Boulder). Cal and USC have losses to middling (or poor) PAC-10 teams at home. That is criminal.

Sorry, everyone knows that Team A win over Team B that pulls off big upset over Huge Team C =! Team A > Huge Team C. It's the body of work.

OU has beaten Texas. Cal has beaten Tennessee and Oregon. USC has beaten Nebraska. They all came with more press clippings, too (which, regardless of how you feel about it, is the system we have). I think it's completely fair to rank all three of those teams ahead of a team which has, IMO, played just about absolutely no one.

Even as down as I am about Dorrell, I wouldn't give ASU a pass on beating UCLA in the Rose Bowl--something they haven't done in a while--much less beating Cal or USC.

[Swaggs]

If Michigan wins out they'll probably be around 15 going into the UM/OSU game. So OSU fans need to hope UM wins out going into The Game to have a shot at the NC assuming BC and USF win out

Agreed, but OSU beating Michigan would knock Michigan back into the high teens prior to the final BCS poll.

Edit: Not that it won't be a quality win, but just pointing out that, by virtue of USF having already beaten WVU and Auburn early in the season, it gives those two teams time to recover in the polls and make them look better in the final rankings.

[Swaggs]

BCS rankings from foxsports.com:

The standings
1. Ohio State; 2. South Florida; 3. Boston College; 4. LSU; 5. Oklahoma; 6. South Carolina; 7. Kentucky; 8. Arizona State; 9. West Virginia; 10. Oregon.

11. Virginia Tech; 12. California; 13. Kansas; 14. Southern Cal; 15. Florida; 16. Missouri; 17. Auburn; 18. Hawaii; 19. Virginia; 20. Georgia.

Hawaii is not in too bad of a position--they could be much worse off. If they win out, they could pretty well find themselves ranked high enough to get an auto bid or they could conceibably find themselves ahead of one of the BCS conference champs. Hard to believe that Southern Cal is that low right now--LSU or Oklahoma could possibly lose again in a conference championship and still be ahead of a one-loss USC, which would be pretty hard to believe.

[k0ruptr]

wow , I will take 18 right now for sure.

[Chief Rum]

BCS rankings from foxsports.com:



Hawaii is not in too bad of a position--they could be much worse off. If they win out, they could pretty well find themselves ranked high enough to get an auto bid or they could conceibably find themselves ahead of one of the BCS conference champs. Hard to believe that Southern Cal is that low right now--LSU or Oklahoma could possibly lose again in a conference championship and still be ahead of a one-loss USC, which would be pretty hard to believe.

I think a one loss USC team will be very high. They still have to play Oregon, ASU and Cal (and UCLA and Notre Dame, for what good that does).

[Swaggs]

I think a one loss USC team will be very high. They still have to play Oregon, ASU and Cal (and UCLA and Notre Dame, for what good that does).

I think it is possible for them to get back into the picture, but they will need a ton of help. Recall last season that it seemed like a huge, uphill climb for a one-loss Florida to get back into the national title picture (remember that the argument, even towards the end of the season was who between a one-loss Florida, USC, and the loser of the Michigan/Ohio State game would get to face the Michigan State/Ohio State winner). Well, Florida was #6 in the BCS poll at this time last season.

So, I agree with you that they can get back in. But, even three weeks ago, if you told me that a one-loss USC would be behind a number of other one-loss teams in the BCS, it would be hard for me to believe.

[Swaggs]

I haven't been banging the USF drum much (even though I am a Big East homer) because they don't do very much for me as far as passing the "looks test," but looking at their resume compared to Ohio State's, it is really tough to justify Ohio State being ahead of them in the human polls.

[Eaglesfan27]

BCS rankings from foxsports.com:



Hawaii is not in too bad of a position--they could be much worse off. If they win out, they could pretty well find themselves ranked high enough to get an auto bid or they could conceibably find themselves ahead of one of the BCS conference champs. Hard to believe that Southern Cal is that low right now--LSU or Oklahoma could possibly lose again in a conference championship and still be ahead of a one-loss USC, which would be pretty hard to believe.


USC is low now, but if they win out and LSU or Oklahoma loses again, I'm sure they would be higher than either team in the polls and I think that would compensate for the low computer rankings. Still, USC need all of the undefeated teams ahead of them to lose and they need to start winning more impressively which won't happen if their OL doesn't get healthy quickly.

[Noop]

I am impressed by South Carolina's ranking. The Head Ball Coach has to be one of the best if not the best coach in college football. He has had success with every team he has coached, and one of those teams was Duke.

[st.cronin]

I haven't been banging the USF drum much (even though I am a Big East homer) because they don't do very much for me as far as passing the "looks test," but looking at their resume compared to Ohio State's, it is really tough to justify Ohio State being ahead of them in the human polls.

Geez, even from Swaggs, the Big East Homer? I just don't get this. I have no connection to the Big East, but South Florida to me is clearly the best team in the country. As well coached as they are, I'll be shocked if they lose a game before the bowls start.

[wade moore]

That's the big difference. In the NFL, you have a very clear, formulaic system of comparing apples to apples in determining seedings. In college, the best that can happen is to compare apples to oranges.

And I again say - if this is so, why does it work for I-AA football and EVERY OTHER NCAA team sport?

[VPI97]

Geez, even from Swaggs, the Big East Homer? I just don't get this. I have no connection to the Big East, but South Florida to me is clearly the best team in the country. As well coached as they are, I'll be shocked if they lose a game before the bowls start.
I guess I see the same things that Swaggs sees in regards to USF. While they match up very well with WVU, I'd be shocked if they didn't lose to both Rutgers and Louisville. The USF defense won't be able to handle the straight ahead running of Ray Rice & UL's Brohm will light them up....they'll need to win shootouts in both of those contests and I really don't think their offense is polished enough to keep up.

[Chief Rum]

I guess I see the same things that Swaggs sees in regards to USF. While they match up very well with WVU, I'd be shocked if they didn't lose to both Rutgers and Louisville. The USF defense won't be able to handle the straight ahead running of Ray Rice & UL's Brohm will light them up....they'll need to win shootouts in both of those contests and I really don't think their offense is polished enough to keep up.

If they stopped Slaton, why couldn't they stop Brohm? Not sure a team that can man up to WVU's running attack couldn't find a way to stop Rice either.

Keep in mind, I agree with you that I think they will lose at least one game. But I disagree that the reasons you state will actually happen to the extent you may think.

[VPI97]

If they stopped Slaton, why couldn't they stop Brohm? Not sure a team that can man up to WVU's running attack couldn't find a way to stop Rice either.
Completely different offensive attacks. WVU's rushing attack is predicated on getting their backs into open space and running away from the opposition. While the have the ability (with the big back) to power their way to yards occassionally, if you take away the open space, their offense falters. That's how USF contained them...their defense has the speed to cover inside and outside, thus taking away WVU's strength.

As for Rutgers & Louisville, the Knights attack defenses by pounding the ball and getting Rice into the second level...USF speed won't change that much. The Bulls are a little weak on the front line and Rutgers should be able to consistantly open holes for Rice. With Louisville, the only way to stop them is with stellar DB play...and even USF fans will tell you that the secondary is their weak point. I figure that USF will be able to generate some pressure on Brohm, but Louisville line play has shown that no one can really shut them down. Just ask Cincy.

As for the USF offense moving the ball, they definitely have the horses to keep up, but Grothe still makes too many mistakes out there and, like I said, I'd be shocked if he shores up his play enough to eliminate all his errors. I mean, their win over WVU was basically setup by the defense containing WVU and USF getting lucky on offense. They can't rely on that type of luck against the other big teams in the conference.

[Logan]

Geez, even from Swaggs, the Big East Homer? I just don't get this. I have no connection to the Big East, but South Florida to me is clearly the best team in the country. As well coached as they are, I'll be shocked if they lose a game before the bowls start.

As great as Grothe is/can be, he will make 2-4 terrible decisions every game. It's a matter of whether defenses capitalize on these mistakes that dictates whether or not they win.

While I can see USF running the table in the BE, it wouldn't be any more surprising to see them lose 3 games.

[gstelmack]

Rutgers still scares me with their power running. Louisville not so much, as USF has a great pass rush and really solid corners. And at least Louisville and Cincy are home games.

Regardless, USF is leading the charmed life. It may (probably will?) all come crashing down next week at Rutgers, and the season could fall apart after that. But I am loving a 2nd place ranking and getting first-place votes. Plus they are a fun team to watch.

[st.cronin]

As great as Grothe is/can be, he will make 2-4 terrible decisions every game. It's a matter of whether defenses capitalize on these mistakes that dictates whether or not they win.

While I can see USF running the table in the BE, it wouldn't be any more surprising to see them lose 3 games.

Just out of curiosity, how many college quarterbacks do you think make FEWER than 2-4 terrible decisions each game?

Also, I agree that Rutgers is probably USF's toughest matchup. But I still think that's an easy win for them.

[Logan]

Just out of curiosity, how many college quarterbacks do you think make FEWER than 2-4 terrible decisions each game?

Also, I agree that Rutgers is probably USF's toughest matchup. But I still think that's an easy win for them.

If I could have used a stronger word than "terrible," I would have. I'm talking about things like "There's one WR downfield, flanked by 2 DBs, a safety, and a LB, but I'll force it in there anyway," "Hey, that guy is wearing a red jersey, and there's not a white jersey anywhere near him, but I'll throw it to him anyway and hope one of my guys magically appears," and "It's 4th and 18, I'll run a QB draw."

So to answer your question, I think he ranks pretty high on the bonehead list.

I think you're completely crazy for thinking this will be an easy win.

[st.cronin]

I think you're completely crazy for thinking this will be an easy win.

Yeah, well. When I bet heavily on USF to beat WVU the guys I was with said I was crazy. ;)

I do hope I'm wrong - I always root for no undefeateds (except Wisconsin).

[Logan]

You should've let me know...I would've thrown down with you.

Like VPI said, USF matches up much better with the WVU offense thanks to their overall defensive speed. I think we'll be able to both run and pass on them though. Should be fun...can't wait for Thursday night, gonna get to the tailgate around maybe 1 :).

[bhlloy]

USC is low now, but if they win out and LSU or Oklahoma loses again, I'm sure they would be higher than either team in the polls and I think that would compensate for the low computer rankings. Still, USC need all of the undefeated teams ahead of them to lose and they need to start winning more impressively which won't happen if their OL doesn't get healthy quickly.

You seriously think SC has a chance to go undefeated? I see big losses to both Cal and Oregon in our future and there are trap games galore even if we win both of those. Hell, we could easily lose 5 games if we get the good UCLA team and ASU doesn't tank.

If we get everybody healthy for the Cal and Oregon games we have a shot, but right now the results against common opponents scare the crap out of me.

[Swaggs]

Geez, even from Swaggs, the Big East Homer? I just don't get this. I have no connection to the Big East, but South Florida to me is clearly the best team in the country. As well coached as they are, I'll be shocked if they lose a game before the bowls start.

I really do think that they have the best resume at this point in the season. None of the other undefeateds have as good of wins as USF.

My point was that they win ugly, but they win.

[Swaggs]

Completely different offensive attacks. WVU's rushing attack is predicated on getting their backs into open space and running away from the opposition. While the have the ability (with the big back) to power their way to yards occassionally, if you take away the open space, their offense falters. That's how USF contained them...their defense has the speed to cover inside and outside, thus taking away WVU's strength.

As for Rutgers & Louisville, the Knights attack defenses by pounding the ball and getting Rice into the second level...USF speed won't change that much. The Bulls are a little weak on the front line and Rutgers should be able to consistantly open holes for Rice. With Louisville, the only way to stop them is with stellar DB play...and even USF fans will tell you that the secondary is their weak point. I figure that USF will be able to generate some pressure on Brohm, but Louisville line play has shown that no one can really shut them down. Just ask Cincy.

As for the USF offense moving the ball, they definitely have the horses to keep up, but Grothe still makes too many mistakes out there and, like I said, I'd be shocked if he shores up his play enough to eliminate all his errors. I mean, their win over WVU was basically setup by the defense containing WVU and USF getting lucky on offense. They can't rely on that type of luck against the other big teams in the conference.

Interestingly, the rumor on why Rick Trickett (the well-regarded OL coach that left WVU for FSU prior to this season) was that a big reason he left was that during the USF game last year (when USF also beat us in an ugly, ugly game), at halftime, he told Coach Rodriguez that we should just line up and pound them up the middle with Owen Schmitt and Steve Slaton. He felt like our offensive line was capable of overpowering them, but Coach Rod did not want to go away from his game plan of spreading the field and that they got into a pretty heated exchange over it.

[Swaggs]

You should've let me know...I would've thrown down with you.

Like VPI said, USF matches up much better with the WVU offense thanks to their overall defensive speed. I think we'll be able to both run and pass on them though. Should be fun...can't wait for Thursday night, gonna get to the tailgate around maybe 1 :).

I think Rutgers will have a tough time passing against USF. They have two of the top five CBs in the nation according to Mel Kiper, and an outstanding, but smallish, pass rushing DE in George Selvie. I think Rutgers has pretty solid receivers, but I haven't been too impressed with Teel against good competition. I'm not sure Rutgers has the team speed to compete with USF this season, but I think they may be able to play good, ball-control offense against them and put themselves in position to win.

[SirFozzie]

Boise State 41 - Nevada 41 with 6:00 to play.. I didn't even know this game was ON!

[SirFozzie]

Nevada now up 44-41, but Boise State just returned a KO about 60 yards.. Un freaking real.

(This game is live on ESPN 2)

[SirFozzie]

:03 to play, Boise State to take a 27 yard FG to tie it up and send it to OT.

EDIT: GOOD! We're heading to OT

[SirFozzie]

Yes, I know I'm the only one watching now.. but the first OT lasted two whole plays..

Nevada Run: TD! (XP Good)

Boise St Pass: TD! (XP Good)

This could take a while..

EDIT: First play of 2nd OT.. Boise State Passes for a TD! SICK! SICK SICK SICK I TELL YOU!

[st.cronin]

I've been watching this game, its been quite WACky.

[st.cronin]

And now, 3 plays, 3 tds.

[VPI97]

Yes, I know I'm the only one watching now.. but the first OT lasted two whole plays..

Nevada Run: TD! (XP Good)

Boise St Pass: TD! (XP Good)

This could take a while

lol

And the first play in second OT is a touchdown, as well.

[TazFTW]

Wow, what a QB run.

[st.cronin]

I think that's 4 tds on 5 plays now.

[Swaggs]

I just turned this on, and I think I may be imagining things, but did the color man just compare Nevada's QB to Vince Young?!

[st.cronin]

I just turned this on, and I think I may be imagining things, but did the color man just compare Nevada's QB to Vince Young?!

Well, he is pretty good in the open field. But these announcers are a little punchy now.

[SirFozzie]

I just turned this on, and I think I may be imagining things, but did the color man just compare Nevada's QB to Vince Young?!

The run was like Vince Young's in the Rose Bowl.

1205 yards between the two teams.

[SirFozzie]

This is the perfect counterprogramming for Sunday Night NFL blowouts :)

[SirFozzie]

The SportsCenter guys might as well go home at this point, they've lost 47 minutes of their show :)

[molson]

Another ordinary day for the Broncos.

[SirFozzie]

69-67.. The final shot bounced out at the buzzer... ;)

[st.cronin]

69-67. Too bad, I was hoping one or both teams would break triple digits.

[Mike1409]

If they stopped Slaton, why couldn't they stop Brohm? Not sure a team that can man up to WVU's running attack couldn't find a way to stop Rice either.

Keep in mind, I agree with you that I think they will lose at least one game. But I disagree that the reasons you state will actually happen to the extent you may think.

They didn't stop WVU they created turnovers for easy scores. Even with 6 turnovers WVU outgained them 436-270 and had 200 yards rushing.

[Butter]

USF doesn't have the offense needed to beat a top-10 defense the likes of which they will probably face in the national title game, if it comes to that. I think USF will lose at least once, if not more. Louisville, Rutgers, and Cincy will all have something to prove against the Bulls, and I know at least 2 of those are on the road for USF.

[Logan]

I believe the early line is USF -3. I thought it would be about 6.

[cartman]

I am impressed by South Carolina's ranking. The Head Ball Coach has to be one of the best if not the best coach in college football. He has had success with every team he has coached, and one of those teams was Duke.

+1

The rumor down this way is that there is a well heeled group of boosters at A&M that are looking to raise $50 million to buy out Franchione's contract and offer Spurrier $4 mil to $5 mil per to coach the Aggies.

Not sure if it is all pie in the sky. If somehow he is able to bring a BCS title to South Carolina, he might feel he's done enough in the SEC and would want to come to the Big 12 South to show Stoops and Brown what the "Ol' Ball Coach" can do.

[gstelmack]

USF doesn't have the offense needed to beat a top-10 defense the likes of which they will probably face in the national title game, if it comes to that. I think USF will lose at least once, if not more. Louisville, Rutgers, and Cincy will all have something to prove against the Bulls, and I know at least 2 of those are on the road for USF.

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow><TD width=43>10/18</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>at Rutgers (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=164)</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>7:30 PM</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width=43>10/27</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>at UConn (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=41)</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>TBD</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width=43>11/03</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>#23 Cincy (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2132)</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>TBD</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width=43>11/10</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>at Syracuse (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=183)</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>TBD</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width=43>11/17</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>Louisville (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=97)</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>TBD</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width=43>11/24</TD><TD width=170><NOBR>at Pittsburgh (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=221)</NOBR></TD><TD width=125>TBD</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Cincy and Louisville are both home games.

[Butter]

My fault, I saw the game advertised on a billboard around here for Cincinnati football and assumed UC was the home team for that.

[gstelmack]

What I really like about USF right now is they've got:

An OT road win against a top-10 team (Auburn)
A nationally televised night win against a top-10 team (West Virginia)
Held off a spunky upset attempt by an unranked team (FAU)
A dominating victory over a pesky underdog who had taken a top-10 team to the wire (UCF)This is a young-but-now-tested team.

[VPI97]

What I really like about USF right now is they've got:

An OT road win against a top-10 team (Auburn)
A nationally televised night win against a top-10 team (West Virginia)
Held off a spunky upset attempt by an unranked team (FAU)
A dominating victory over a pesky underdog who had taken a top-10 team to the wire (UCF)This is a young-but-now-tested team.
On the flip side, though....

Auburn was a top 10 team?
WVU outgained USF 437 to 274. Many would say that WVU beat themselves.
"held off a spunky upset attempt by" is code for "looked like crap against" (FAU gained 400+ yards on the vaunted USF defense)
Did what they were suppose to do against a UCF team who was coming off of a beatdown by national power East Carolina.:)

[gstelmack]

On the flip side, though....

Auburn was a top 10 team?
WVU outgained USF 437 to 274. Many would say that WVU beat themselves.
"held off a spunky upset attempt by" is code for "looked like crap against" (FAU gained 400+ yards on the vaunted USF defense)
Did what they were suppose to do against a UCF team who was coming off of a beatdown by national power East Carolina.:)

Auburn also beat at-the-time #4 Florida. They were top-10 when USF played them, and still top-20.
My key point on WVU was the national TV exposure. That seemed to affect WVU, who has played far more of them than USF, more than USF.
Agreed on your analogy, but my point was they still managed to pull out the victory (something WVU didn't manage to do when they played USF and "looked like crap against").
And agreed on UCF, but the point was they got the blowout, something many thought was missing off their resume. Texas couldn't pull this off.My main point in all this is that most other contenders have failed at least one of those tests, while USF has passed them all. Rutgers won't be the first "big game" for USF this season, which will help. Being ranked #2, on the other hand, won't help calm the team down.

This is a huge game Thursday night.

[VPI97]

Auburn also beat at-the-time #4 Florida. They were top-10 when USF played them, and still top-20.
Actually, Auburn was #17 in the AP at the time of that game and followed it up with a loss to Mississippi State.

Either way, I was just funnin' with you. Point being is that almost every college game can be spun positively or negatively...for instance, what I've kept hearing this year is that VT has played like crap in every game (that opinion was illustrated when I saw that Craig James didn't even rank us on his AP ballot after the Clemson win) and I'm of the opinion that we're doing good. I mean, I keep seeing other ranked teams fall to unranked teams and we manage to keep winning and getting no credit for it. Like I said, though, I was just putting the counter spin to your comments to pull your chain.

:)

[gstelmack]

Actually, Auburn was #17 in the AP at the time of that game and followed it up with a loss to Mississippi State.

Either way, I was just funnin' with you. Point being is that almost every college game can be spun positively or negatively...for instance, what I've kept hearing this year is that VT has played like crap in every game (that opinion was illustrated when I saw that Craig James didn't even rank us on his AP ballot after the Clemson win) and I'm of the opinion that we're doing good. I mean, I keep seeing other ranked teams fall to unranked teams and we manage to keep winning and getting no credit for it. Like I said, though, I was just putting the counter spin to your comments to pull your chain.

:)

Gah, can't believe I screwed up Auburn. I thought they were up there when we played them.

And I understand the pulling my chain. I'm just trying to clarify that I'm not using these as examples of why they should be rated #2, but rather that I feel better about the upcoming big games because they've already come through situations that are similar. Ordinarily I'd be going "uh oh, big night game on national TV against Rutgers", but when I realise they've already done the "big night game on national TV" and won, I remove that from the equation and just go "uh oh, they have to beat Rutgers".

[st.cronin]

South Florida has already played the two best teams on their schedule. They may lose a game, but if they do, I think it'll be as big an upset as LSU losing to Kentucky was.

[Logan]

South Florida has already played the two best teams on their schedule. They may lose a game, but if they do, I think it'll be as big an upset as LSU losing to Kentucky was.

Once again, you're crazy, and I mean that in the nicest way possible (re: comment #2, not #1).

[st.cronin]

Once again, you're crazy, and I mean that in the nicest way possible (re: comment #2, not #1).

I never get offended when people call me crazy. Usually, they have a pretty good case.

[WSUCougar]

I'll be curious to hear how your experience at Autzen goes - among Husky fans, Autzen has a reputation for overly belligerent, abusive fans if you go there wearing the opposing team's colors and logos.

Ummm...

:mad: :o :p

More seriously, we were clearly overmatched, but the game could have turned out somewhat differently if Brink hadn't melted down in the first quarter. Two INTs deep in Oregon territory, plus a fumble, really killed us. I have no illusions that we would have won, but the slaughter factor would have been reduced.

As for Autzen, it is a remarkable setting. I was dressed in Cougar garb, as was my one friend; my other friend - a Husky - was wearing an unmarked purple Nike windbreaker and caught more verbal shit for that than we did. the worst I heard was a few college-age guys scrinching up there face at me and saying "Cougars" like an old woman (whatever). There were ample Cougs in the stands, but the place just rocked with green and gold. They represent their team very well. The stadium itself was like walking into the Roman Collosseum as a Christian. I've never experienced anything quite like it.