College Football Week 11 Thread

[cartman]

Early start to this week's games.

Central Michigan and Western Michigan just had a wild finish to their game. Western Michigan scored two touchdown in 33 seconds to take a lead with about a minute and a half to go in the game. Central Michigan got a long pass down to the one yard line. The QB appeared to score on 2nd down, but was ruled down at the 1. Replay was inconclusive, so 3rd down. Another sneak is tried, but it looked like his forward progress was stopped, but a second effort gets him into the end zone. This play is also reviewed, and stands as a touchdown. Western Michigan tried the Trinity laterals approach on the return, which showed some promise, but fizzled out around the 40 yard line. Quite the exciting end to a college football game.

[DeToxRox]

Fun game. Central and Western HATE one another. It is as good a rivalry in football as there is, just on a smaller scale. I bet my friends are having fun in Mt. Pleasant.

[IMetTrentGreen]

I am of the opinion that every college football team should dress 11 of the school's soccer team members who only practice the trinity play. They would be prefect at it.

You would have to teach them not to dive, though.

[larrymcg421]

I've never understood why more teams don't go all out on the lateral style at the end of games. Why do guys let themnselves get tackles with :00 left on the clock? They should be throwing it up for grabs, and the rest of the team should be getting in position behind the ball carrier. I've seen plays where guys are in front of the ball carrier, watching him get tackled. There is no excuse for that. We'd have alot more exciting finishes if teams seriously gave this a shot.

[cartman]

I am of the opinion that every college football team should dress 11 of the school's soccer team members who only practice the trinity play. They would be prefect at it.

You would have to teach them not to dive, though.

A buddy of mine went to Trinity, and said that a lot of the guys on the football team also play in the San Antonio rugby league.

[Logan]

Bill Cubit, how I hate you.

[cartman]

Great game going on in Morgantown. WVU just had to punt, up by 3 a little more than halfway through the 4th quarter. Louisville takes over at about their own 10 yard line.

[cartman]

Tie game with three minutes to go. L'ville to kickoff.

[mauchow]

White is kinda fast.

[DeToxRox]

Nice run. I don't like WVU and I am rooting for UConn to make the BCS, but I guess since they still have to play it doesn't matter if both take care of business until then. Still, let's see some OT.

[cartman]

50 yard or so TD scramble by White. 38-31 WVU with about a minute and a half left.

[cartman]

Horrible mistake by the L'ville return guy. They have to start from the 1.

[DeToxRox]

Joey Harrington is apparently at the helm this drive.

[DeToxRox]

This is awful play calling by Louisville and decision making by Brohm. He doesn't have the compsure, imo, of a top 10 NFL pick.

[DeToxRox]

How do you not throw over 20 yards at all yet? Stretch the field at least a little bit, Jesus.

[DeToxRox]

I am sorry but Brian Brohm should've went early. Granted, this years QB class is Alex Smith like weak, but he is as overrated at it gets. And his performance, as gaudy as the #'s are, has been bad enough to I think put him behind Woodson and Brennan potentially after the combines.

[sterlingice]

Bump for Saturday games.

KU has a tough one in Stillwater. I'd imagine the over/under on that game is about 70.

SI

[Crim]

I'm worried about the Gamecocks today. They beat us (first time in ages) two years ago at their house, then the Gators barely survived losing at the Swamp last year, with a fluky field goal block after a defensive collapse in the waning moments of the game. I don't think this year's version of Cock is as good as the past two years', but still, tonight's game definitely bears watching.

[Wolfpack]

It's rivalry Saturday here, so it's time for the obligatory...

GO TO HELL, CAROLINA! GO STATE!

State's already up 3-0, btw. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennesse takes the opening drive the distance, leads Arkansas 7-0 , 10:15 left first quarter.

Now comes the much harder part.

[Buccaneer]

It's funny to be here in Colorado and see Syracuse (my hometown team) and South Florida (my wife's alma mater) play. Besides, I really, really love those SU uniforms (millions times better than the all orange I saw earlier).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Arkansas answers with a FG (after starting in Tenn territory on a good KOR + penalty), 7-3 Vols middle 1st quarter.

edit to add: 10-3 Vols, held to a FG after a great KOR set them up inside the Arkansas 20 (and was 1st & goal at the 7 after a penalty later).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wisconsin 10-0 over Michigan early 2nd.
Clemson 17-7 over Wake early 2nd.
Missouri 7-2 over Tx A&M middle 1st.

[st.cronin]

Wisconsin 17-0 over Michigan

Fixed.

[JonInMiddleGA]

13-3 Tennessee over Arkansas getting a little late in the 2nd quarter.
Another good drive for the Vols but only produces another FG after Arkansas came up with a stop on 3rd & 1.

[JonInMiddleGA]

20-3 Tennessee with a few seconds left in the 1st half.

Georgia Tech manages a FG to tie Duke 10-10 late in the 1st quarter (all Duke points coming from Tech turnovers)

NC State 24-10 over UNC at the half.
Clemson 27-7 over Wake at the half.
Missouri 14-9 over Texas A&M 8 mins left Q2.

[Young Drachma]

Thank goodness that Michigan is losing. Now maybe their ranking will be closer to where it belongs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Arian Foster goes 50ish untouched & Tennessee leads Arkansas 27-3 early 3rd.

Georgia Tech continues to struggle with Duke, now 24-17 Jackets mid Q2.
Mississippi State 10-9 over 'Bama at the half courtesy of a long INT return.

[DeToxRox]

Thank goodness that Michigan is losing. Now maybe their ranking will be closer to where it belongs.

Eh, they're not playing Henne or Hart considering it really doesn't matter. Rankings or not, they win next week, they're in Pasadena.

[Young Drachma]

And good for Sly Croom's MSU bunch. He deserves it.

[Young Drachma]

Eh, they're not playing Henne or Hart considering it really doesn't matter. Rankings or not, they win next week, they're in Pasadena.

Whatever. I just got tired of seeing a team that lost to App State ranked in the Top 15.

[DeToxRox]

Whatever. I just got tired of seeing a team that lost to App State ranked in the Top 15.

Everyone knows that in college football, it's when you lose, not always who you lose it.

[sterlingice]

Nebraska drilling K-State, 38-10 at the half.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Mississippi State now 17-9 over 'Bama early 3rd qtr
Arkansas gets a FG, pulls within 27-6 of Tennesee
Clemson 34-10 over Wake late in the 3rd
NCSU now just 24-17 over UNC middle 3rd qtr

[Young Drachma]

Everyone knows that in college football, it's when you lose, not always who you lose it, so long as you play in one of the 'chosen' conferences or so long as you're a name-brand school.

Fixed.

[DeToxRox]

Manningham 97 yard TD reception to bring Michigan within 10. Two pointer coming.

[k0ruptr]

holy crap

[DeToxRox]

Fixed.

Take that up with the voters. Don't blame the school that the coaches and media don't watch the games.

And furthermore, after the loss they went from 5th to out of the polls. So what else do you want?

[DeToxRox]

Michigan just goes for the XP and hits it to bring them within 9 with basically the entire fourth quarter left.

Sadly Mallett has been bad and got lucky on that TD thanks to soft coverage and pure speed by Mario.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tech settles for a FG in the red zone, leads Duke 27-17 with <30 secs left in the half.

And Arkansas is swinging the momentum their way after forcing a 3-and-out, six minutes left in the 3rd qtr, and they've driven out to around midfield.

[DeToxRox]

Mallett to Arrington for the score. 23-21 Badgers, 7:34 left.

[DeToxRox]

The freshman mistakes of Mallett come back to bite him with a big sack and an INT.

[st.cronin]

Is Mallett a true freshman, or did he redshirt?

[DeToxRox]

TD Badgers. That should do it.

[DeToxRox]

Is Mallett a true freshman, or did he redshirt?

True freshman.

[cartman]

Wow, to have been a fly on the wall during Nebraska's practices this week. They are currently pasting Kansas State 52-10 halfway through the 3rd quarter.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Pick 6 for Jarod Mayo makes it 34-13 Tennessee with about 2 mins to go.

GT now 34-17 over Duke midway thru the 3rd quarter. Tashard Choice returns with 17 carries, 148 yds & 2 TD's so far.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Georgia (wearing black jerseys) picks off Brandon Cox on the first play from scrimmage, gets a FG to take an early 3-0 lead over Auburn.

The black jerseys have been quite the subject this week, as the seniors asked for fans to provide a "Black Out" today but CMR dodged questions about the jerseys much of the week. Captains came out wearing red tops, team emerges through the banner in black & the captains shed the red shirts to reveal black underneath. Next week Richt will probably castrate a bull or something equally inspirational.

[k0ruptr]

Just a reminder, Fresno St. (6-3) @ Hawaii (8-0) is on ESPN2 at 11 eastern tonite.

[k0ruptr]

Dola, so... should I make a big sign that says what better: Colt Brennan or Trout?

:D

[sterlingice]

No, of course not. The best way to get noticed around here is to make a poll. ;)

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Auburn drives for a while & ties the game at 3 with 4 mins & change left in the 1st quarter here in Athens.

[cartman]

Ouch, looks like Texas just lost OL Tony Hills to a broken leg. :(

[JonInMiddleGA]

Busted coverage leads to a 58 yd TD and a 10-3 UGA lead over Auburn late in the 1st :(

[MizzouRah]

Nice win for Mizzou!!!!!!!!!

[k0ruptr]

nice pass by stafford

[JonInMiddleGA]

Illinois 14-14 at Ohio State 1st quarter.

edit to add: Georgia Tech now 41-24 over Duke with 5 minutes to play. Duke has only 157 yds total offense but have scored on a fumble return for a TD, a turnover aided FG and a blocked punt aided TD.

[cartman]

Texas up 14-3 on Texas Tech. Jamaal Charles has 85 yards rushing so far with a minute left in the 1st quarter.

[RendeR]

Illinois 14-14 at Ohio State 1st quarter.


Illinois playing a damn fine football game thus far. beanie Wells has a wrist injury. Gonna be interesting.

How sad is it that Mishitgan has lost 3 games and can STILL go to the rose bowl with a win over tOSU?

[st.cronin]

Its a great day to be a Badger.

[sterlingice]

Boise State rolling again. This week and next they have WAC bottom dwellers Utah State and Idaho. But the next week after that is @ Hawaii for all the WAC marbles. Hawaii has a much tougher road with Fresno State and @ Nevada before hosting Boise State and Washington.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Cincinnati 13-0 over UConn at the end of the 1st qtr.
UCLA 10-0 over Arizona State at the end of the 1st qtr.
Air Force 17-10 over Notre Dame at the half.


Tech finishes off Duke 41-24.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Stafford to Bailey for a short TD pass, now 17-3 Georgia over Auburn with 11 mins left in the first half.

Although it was a nice pass by Stafford for his 2nd TD of the day, Auburn appears to have no secondary whatsoever.

[cartman]

Texas answered Tech's TD with a long TD drive of their own. On the ensuing kick-off, Texas kicked a pooch kick and a Texas guy got the ball at around the 35. Three plays later, Jamaal Charles gets a 25 yard TD run. He's up to 159 yards on the day, with 8 1/2 minutes left in the 1st half. 28-10 Texas.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Auburn shows a little bit of life, drives for a Ben Tate 6 yd TD run to close back within 17-10 with 6 mins left in the 1st half in Athens.

[st.cronin]

4th and 1, Illinois of course lines up in the shotgun spread. I don't care that it worked, you should just be ashamed of yourself for playing football that way.

[st.cronin]

10/11 schools in the Big 10 are now bowl eligible.

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

With Tressel at the helm, I'm not worried....yet.

[ISiddiqui]

How in the Holy Hell did Nebraska score 73 points today?! What a freaking swing... has any team in history given up 70+ points the week before and then score 70+ points?

[Young Drachma]

How in the Holy Hell did Nebraska score 73 points today?! What a freaking swing... has any team in history given up 70+ points the week before and then score 70+ points?

ABC said no during the half-time show of the OSU game.

[st.cronin]

Boeckman, scrambling for his life, makes a panicked throw which is picked in the end zone. Buckeye fan is officially nervous.

[Warhammer]

I-L-L!

[st.cronin]

And now its 28-14 Illinois. Woah.

[Ryno]

I-N-I!

[Warhammer]

10/11 schools in the Big 10 are now bowl eligible.

The Big10 is not as bad as everyone has been saying, and the SEC is not as good as everyone has been saying.

The best conference this year by far is the Pac10.

[Warhammer]

I-N-I!

I-L-L!

[watravaler]

Juice Williams coming out of his shell today...Zook out-coaching Tressell...I love it!

[TargetPractice6]

Phew, Kentucky survives down in Nashville 27-20. Now I can focus on this Ohio St beating.

[st.cronin]

Check out this halftime score: Navy 45, North Texas 49

[Ryno]

Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuice !!!

[st.cronin]

Every third down on this last drive, Illinois has called the same play, and every time, its worked.

[Noop]

I am happy for Ron Zook.

[Cringer]

Did they show any of the post-game fighting between ILL and OSU on TV? Sounded like a good amount from what I heard from the OSU radio broadcast on Sirius.

[DeToxRox]

Ron Zook: "All that money we spent in the off season paid off .. err"

[st.cronin]

I am scared of Ron Zook. If he stays at Illinois, that could easily become the elite program in the Big 10.

[Buccaneer]

Did they show any of the post-game fighting between ILL and OSU on TV? Sounded like a good amount from what I heard from the OSU radio broadcast on Sirius.

Yes, they had it on for about 45 seconds.

[SackAttack]

Did they show any of the post-game fighting between ILL and OSU on TV? Sounded like a good amount from what I heard from the OSU radio broadcast on Sirius.

There was some shoving. I didn't see any fisticuffs.

[Logan]

Did they show any of the post-game fighting between ILL and OSU on TV? Sounded like a good amount from what I heard from the OSU radio broadcast on Sirius.

Yep. My favorite part was how the Illinois guys were just laughing as they shielded themselves from face-shoves by the former #1 team.

[SFL Cat]

Ha! Ha! Ha! Wow...another one bites the dust. Glad to see Zook get it. I thought he got kind of a raw deal at UF...not to take anything away from Urban Meyer.

[Noop]

I guess since they lost the game they want to win the fight.

[timmynausea]

I've heard a lot of people say that Time of Possession is an overrated stat, but Illinois just dominated the 4th quarter without scoring a point. OSU had the ball for just over a minute in the final 15.

[cartman]

Colt McCoy with a great QB draw where he broke about 4 tackles to make the score 45-28 with around 7 minutes to go in the game.

[GrantDawg]

Aliens have taken off Mark Richt and brought in a much less conservative clone. 4th and inches with a big lead, they go for it with a play action pass, and even more surprising it worked.

[watravaler]

Ron Zook: "All that money we spent in the off season paid off .. err"


It's hard to keep up with OSU and company, Illinois' payroll is minimal in comparison...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Y'know what I don't understand?

I don't understand how last year's crop of UGA receivers are now all wearing Auburn jerseys. They drop more balls than a hooker with arthritis.

[Balldog]

Yep. My favorite part was how the Illinois guys were just laughing as they shielded themselves from face-shoves by the former #1 team.

What do you expect when the other team jumps around on your logo? Any other team in America would've done the same thing.

[Kodos]

Always nice to see the Buckeyes lose. Jerks.

[HerRealName]

I don't expect a fun day at work on Monday. I've never rubbed in any of OSU's victories in any Illini fan's face before but the bandwagon Illini fans will be out in full force.

[HerRealName]

Always nice to see the Buckeyes lose. Jerks.

Ohio State loses and a nation rejoices. Thanks for the hatred, it does make me feel better.

[Neuqua]

Northern Illinois finally gets a win in conference against Kent State, woot!

[GrantDawg]

Y'know what I don't understand?

I don't understand how last year's crop of UGA receivers are now all wearing Auburn jerseys. They drop more balls than a hooker with arthritis.


They just seemed to give up. Just stopped playing all together once UGA went up by two td's. Sad, really.

[cartman]

Texas wins the shootout in Austin, 59-43. Crabtree for Tech is a stud. Now the Horns get a bye week to regroup and heal to make the Thanksgiving trip to College Station to take on the hated Aggies, in what will probably be Franchione's final game as A&M coach.

[Kodos]

Ohio State loses and a nation rejoices. Thanks for the hatred, it does make me feel better.

Here's the first step to getting the nation to not hate OSU.

Have athletes stop referring to it as "THE Ohio State University".



:p

[MrBug708]

Two more games with Dorrell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JonInMiddleGA]

They just seemed to give up. Just stopped playing all together once UGA went up by two td's.

We were talking about that while eating dinner tonight, I had the same impression.

And, just out of curiosity ... do chain grocery stores in other college towns put the game play-by-play on the in-store radio too? Or is that just an Athens thing? It's kind of handy, but I've never heard it happen except since we moved here.

[sterlingice]

And, just out of curiosity ... do chain grocery stores in other college towns put the game play-by-play on the in-store radio too? Or is that just an Athens thing? It's kind of handy, but I've never heard it happen except since we moved here.

Hy-Vee in Lawrence always has the KU games on. I've always noticed basketball. Never really noticed football as I'm typically watching (or listening at home to) it and not going grocery shopping at that time ;)

SI

[HerRealName]

Here's the first step to getting the nation to not hate OSU.

Have athletes stop referring to it as "THE Ohio State University".

:p

I don't think Monday night football was the reason the name was changed to include the "The" back in 1878...

http://www.osu.edu/news/history.php

"In 1878 the college's name was changed to The Ohio State University."

[RendeR]

Here's the first step to getting the nation to not hate OSU.

Have athletes stop referring to it as "THE Ohio State University".



:p

I don't think Monday night football was the reason the name was changed to include the "The" back in 1878...

http://www.osu.edu/news/history.php

"In 1878 the college's name was changed to The Ohio State University."


Realize this is Kodos yer trying to talk to here. A- He never needs a valid reason to toss out a smart ass remark and B- He's a Dolphins fan so he's got nothing better to do than bash any team that's actually WON a game.

[Kodos]

It's obnoxious. "Ohio State" is good enough to let people know what school you attended. "THE Ohio State University" is good enough to let people know that you are an ass.

In any case, enjoy your loss. I hope Michigan gives you another next week. :)

Oh: And "HOW 'BOUT DEM BENGALS!!!!"

[RendeR]

It's obnoxious. "Ohio State" is good enough to let people know what school you attended.

Using the schools PROPER name is obnoxious? Get a grip alien-boy.

[TargetPractice6]

Using the schools PROPER name is obnoxious? If the proper name is obnoxious. ;)

[BishopMVP]

Using the schools PROPER name is obnoxious? Get a grip alien-boy.Yes, it is. There is no reason to accentuate the THE.

Navy beats North Texas 74-62 in a ridiculous game. One N.Texas WR had 5 td catches.

Who would have thought a month ago Kansas-Ok State would be the marquee game instead of USC-Cal?

[MJ4H]

Using the schools PROPER name is obnoxious?

absolutely.

[hoopsguy]

Its a great day to be a Badger.

It's a great day to be an Illini.

Had my Dad (also a U of I man) over to watch the game this afternoon. Just a really nice family afternoon while also getting to watch our team win against a #1 team for the first time since my father was 11 years old.

[SFL Cat]

Looks like THE Illinois University crunched THE Ohio State University in Columbus.

[HerRealName]

Looks like THE Illinois University crunched THE Ohio State University in Columbus.

That would be The University of Illinois but nice try.

[SFL Cat]

That would be The University of Illinois but nice try.

No, no. THE....University of Illinois. Thank you.

[JonInMiddleGA]

South Carolina recovers after an awful start (fumbled on the first play, then had a punt blocked on their second possession) and scores to cut Florida's lead to 13-7 with 9 minutes left first quarter.

[Logan]

What do you expect when the other team jumps around on your logo? Any other team in America would've done the same thing.

Yeah, and when every other team cries about losing, it's just as funny.

[Kodos]

Using the schools PROPER name is obnoxious? Get a grip alien-boy.


YOU stand corrected. :p

[sterlingice]

KU gets a great spot vs Okie State on the initial fake punt to get the ball back- the refs botched that one. Now KU is barrelling down the field in this surprisingly scoreless game.

SI

[sterlingice]

Scoreless no more, 7-0 KU. Great catch by Henry.

SI

[JeeberD]

Yes, it is. There is no reason to accentuate the THE.

Navy beats North Texas 74-62 in a ridiculous game. One N.Texas WR had 5 td catches.

Who would have thought a month ago Kansas-Ok State would be the marquee game instead of USC-Cal?

I winder if Todd Dodge can recruit a defense? Of course, SLC usually had a pretty damn good D, so hopefully he can.

In a game that nobody but me cares about, Tulane 17 UTEP 10 at the half.

[sterlingice]

Now the fireworks are starting. 7-7 KU-OSU

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

Illinois playing a damn fine football game thus far. beanie Wells has a wrist injury. Gonna be interesting.

How sad is it that Mishitgan has lost 3 games and can STILL go to the rose bowl with a win over tOSU?

With Tressel at the helm, I'm not worried....yet.

Ha!!! Suck it Fuckeyes!

Ohio State loses and a nation rejoices. Thanks for the hatred, it does make me feel better.

Come on now... I've been hating Ohio State for well over 25 years!

[RendeR]

Ha!!! Suck it Fuckeyes!



Appalachian State

[Honolulu_Blue]

Appalachian State

Weak.

Come on, I expect you to bring your A+ game (Sabres-style!) after the Fuckeyes lose. :)

[RendeR]

Weak.

Come on, I expect you to bring your A+ game (Sabres-style!) after the Fuckeyes lose. :)

Oh I'm sorry, it was my understanding that Illinois was a Division 1A school.... Personally, If tOSU actually LOST a game to a AA school I'd simply stfu. Cause I'd have absolutely no right to enter further Div IA discussions.

[cuervo72]

Here's the first step to getting the nation to not hate OSU.

Have athletes stop referring to it as "THE Ohio State University".



:p


The Johns Hopkins University is the same way - "The" is part of the official name (or at least was when I was there). Yep, it seems a bit pretentious. Thankfully, JHU isn't much for athletics (outside of lacrosse).

And yowza, Navy/North Texas!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh I'm sorry, it was my understanding that Illinois was a Division 1A school.... Personally, If tOSU actually LOST a game to a AA school I'd simply stfu. Cause I'd have absolutely no right to enter further Div IA discussions.

Oh I'm sorry, it was my understanding that Michigan beat Illinois in Champagne.... Personally, if Michigan actually LOST to Illinois I'd simply stfu. Cause I'd have absolutely no right to enter futher Big Ten Discussions.

Ohio State wouldn't stand a chance against a team that REALLY knew how to run a spread offense like Appalachian State. Trust me.

[Atocep]

And yowza, Navy/North Texas!

Scoring 74 points in a regulation game while only attempting 6 passes is amazing.

[st.cronin]

Hail to the losers, baby.

[cartman]

Scoring 74 points in a regulation game while only attempting 6 passes is amazing.

Oh, how I pine for the days of the wishbone.

[MizzouRah]

I'm with you on the "The" Kodos! ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hail to the losers, baby.

We're one win away from a Big Ten Championship, baby.

[RendeR]

I suddenly feel like a Pats fan. Everone hatin'. ;)

[Buccaneer]

Oh, how I pine for the days of the wishbone.

Do I kill you now or later?

:)

[MizzouRah]

I suddenly feel like a Pats fan. Everone hatin'. ;)

Just a brief hate... I turn my focus to Kansas!!! :mad:

[sterlingice]

Why the hate, Todd, why the hate-- never mind ;)

SI

[Chief Rum]

Oh I'm sorry, it was my understanding that Illinois was a Division 1A school.... Personally, If tOSU actually LOST a game to a AA school I'd simply stfu. Cause I'd have absolutely no right to enter further Div IA discussions.

You see, why the 't'? It's stuff like THAT is why fans who don't have any connection to any reason to liking or disliking Ohio State dislike them anyway.

Say it with me. Ohio State. OSU.

[MizzouRah]

Why the hate, Todd, why the hate-- never mind ;)

SI

He hate me. I think the Kansas - Mizzou game is really going to be one hell of a game. A bunch of friends are going down in an RV - too bad I have to be in a wedding... I mean, really..... :rolleyes:

[st.cronin]

I suddenly feel like a Pats fan. Everone hatin'. ;)

How can you feel like a Pats fan on a day when your team lost? This does not compute.

[HerRealName]

You see, why the 't'? It's stuff like THAT is why fans who don't have any connection to any reason to liking or disliking Ohio State dislike them anyway.

Say it with me. Ohio State. OSU.

It's a way to differentiate between Ohio State and Oklahoma State or Oregon State. If Ohio State went 6-6 every year, you wouldn't care.

[WSUCougar]

Drink the KoolAid, CR...THE University of California AT Los Angeles.

[JeeberD]

Good stuff, Coug. I need to start a campaign to make UTEP into THE UTEP. We are The University of Texas at El Paso, after all... ;)

[HerRealName]

Good stuff, Coug. I need to start a campaign to make UTEP into THE UTEP. We are The University of Texas at El Paso, after all... ;)

No one would notice.

[st.cronin]

Actually, Jeeber, it would be TUTEP.

[TargetPractice6]

That Kansas receiver is FAST.

[sterlingice]

w00t!

SI

[Buccaneer]

Earlier, Jeeber mentioned UTEP and mid-tier bowl in the same sentence. No one could be that delusional.

[sterlingice]

80-something yard TD for KU puts them up 27-14 in Stillwater.

SI

[Chief Rum]

It's a way to differentiate between Ohio State and Oklahoma State or Oregon State. If Ohio State went 6-6 every year, you wouldn't care.

Bull. It's the same ole elitist crap. If South Carolina and Southern California can do it, Nebraska and Northwestern can do it, Mississippi and Missouri can do it, so can you.

[Radii]

All Georgia Tech players in the NFL should start proclaiming they are from "The Georgia Institute of Technology".


And clearly either South Carolina or Southern Cal has to change their name, otherwise how will we ever know which USC we're talking about?

[Chief Rum]

Oh, and BTW, if Ohio State went 6-6 every year and we got this elitist crap, believe it or not, we still would not like the elitist crap. Only difference we would call you Notre Dame (or 'SC circa 1998).

[JeeberD]

Earlier, Jeeber mentioned UTEP and mid-tier bowl in the same sentence. No one could be that delusional.

I wasn't the only one. Many sites had us going to decent bowls.

That was before we entered our current tailspin, though

*sigh*

[PilotMan]

I know that noone really cares, but North Dakota State won another game that they should have lost.

They were losing 28-9 on the road in the 4th against Cal Poly, and managed to score 3 td's with 8 plays and a total of 1:19. The last possesion they started on the 8 with 1:12 to play, went backward 4 yards, completed a 16 yrd pass, then an 80-yd TD pass to go ahead.

I know this team isn't playoff eligible, but this is clearly the most amazing season that I have ever seen this team have.

[Warhammer]

I am scared of Ron Zook. If he stays at Illinois, that could easily become the elite program in the Big 10.

The problem Illinois has always had is their inability to keep talent in state. There is a ton of talent in Chicago and a lot has gone to Wisconsin, Notre Dame, and Michigan over the years. If they could keep a larger portion of that base home, they would have an elite program. Zook is a huge step forward in that regard.

He still has a way to go as far as Xs and Os, but he has made strides since he was at Florida in that regard.

[sterlingice]

Okie State getting back into this game, 33-21 going into the 4th quarter.

SI

[sterlingice]

Eep. It's tightened again, with KU up only 33-28 now.

SI

[sterlingice]

Marcus-freaking-Henry! That puts him over 200 yards, I think, to go along with his 3rd TD of the game. KU now up 40-28 with around 8 to go.

SI

[TazFTW]

Colt Brennan for Davey O'Brien!

7-0 The University of Hawai'i.

[Buccaneer]

That should, hopefully, do it. Go KU!

[Buccaneer]

Colt Brennan for Davey O'brien!

7-0 The University of Hawaii.

Oh great, here we go again.

[TazFTW]

Leon 'Action' Jackson 33 yard run for 6. 14-0 The University of Hawai'i.

[TazFTW]

Colt Brennan for rushing TD! 21-0 The University of Hawai'i.

[TazFTW]

Crap. Stupid kickoff coverage.

[Eaglesfan27]

Chauncey Washington finishes with 220 yards rushing today as USC beats Cal, 24-17.

[sterlingice]

KU goes to 10-0 :)

I'll say it again, as a sports fan this is just a fun dream ride I just don't want to wake up from. Never in our wildest dreams could we have even guessed this was how the season would go.

SI

[dime]

the REAL reason they call it "THE" ohio state university is because there is another ohio state university...of cosmetology!

I am pretty sure that they set this up so that tressel's players could get academic credits for classes there.

http://www.ohiostate.edu (http://www.ohiostate.edu/)

read it and weep, buckeyes.

[bhlloy]

KU must be in pole position to play for the national championship now right? A 1 loss LSU team is the only team that could probably end up above them?

[Eaglesfan27]

KU must be in pole position to play for the national championship now right? A 1 loss LSU team is the only team that could probably end up above them?

Their SOS was 106th last week. Oregon's was about 16th. I think a 1 loss (a close loss at that) Oregon team will get in over Kansas.

Edit: Actually Oregon's is 13th in the country.

[TazFTW]

31-7 The University of Hawaii with 11:26 to go in the half.

[Atocep]

Their SOS was 106th last week. Oregon's was about 16th. I think a 1 loss (a close loss at that) Oregon team will get in over Kansas.

Edit: Actually Oregon's is 13th in the country.

Its still quite possible since Kansas would have to beat two top 6 teams in order to finish undefeated and Oregon's remaining schedule isn't going to be of much help.

[MrBug708]

Paul Johnson? Welcome to Westwood

[Crim]

Healthy Tim Tebow roxxorz.

[WSUCougar]

Kansas/Mizzou has epic possibilities.

[sooner333]

I think KU gets in if they win out. They will have beaten two top five teams in a row at neutral sites, assuming Mizzou wins next week at OU wins out until the Big XII game. In fact, if they didn't get in under those circumstances, it would be a pretty big travesty. I don't think the voters will let it happen.

[sooner333]

Scoring 74 points in a regulation game while only attempting 6 passes is amazing.

OU threw 7 in 1980 when they beat Colorado 82-42 (5 of 7 for 117). They also ran 73 times for 758 yards.

[ISiddiqui]

If Kansas beats Oklahoma in the Big XII Title Game (assuming they beat Missou), I think they get in the national championship game. Even though I think Oregon could beat them.

[DeToxRox]

Colt Brennan got KO'ed just now. Absolutely leveled. It was on contact he just dropped.

[IMetTrentGreen]

Facts about Kansas:

1. They are fast
2. They are extremely well-coached
3. They have not played a single good team yet.

That will change if they beat Missouri and get a look at some championship level speed on defense in the Big 12 title game. OU isn't great but they're big and fast, and have a QB who is supernaturally accurate.

[TazFTW]

Colt Brennan got KO'ed just now. Absolutely leveled. It was on contact he just dropped.

:( Grade 3 concussion.

[MrIllini]

He still has a way to go as far as Xs and Os, but he has made strides since he was at Florida in that regard.

I love that folks still like to lean on this. Illinois is 8-0 this season when leading at halftime. Ohio State ran 3 offensive plays in the entire 4th quarter in today's game.

I'd call that pretty good coaching. *shurg*

[Atocep]

:( Grade 3 concussion.

That really sucks. Hope he's ok.

Hawaii isn't nearly the same team without him and I don't see how he could be ready for Boise in 2 weeks. I'd love to see him out there, but for his sake I hope he takes some time off.

[Balldog]

Yeah, and when every other team cries about losing, it's just as funny.

Who is crying about losing?

[k0ruptr]

Wow, fuckin crazy game tonite, just got home. My thoughts are on Colt. this team is amazing, hope you guys watched. I really don't know if they can do it without him..

[k0ruptr]

:( Grade 3 concussion.

dola, Downgraded to minor concussion . so at least it sounds better.

[Chief Rum]

Paul Johnson? Welcome to Westwood

Navy's Paul Johnson? Hell no. I want someone who has had success recruiting to a normal institution. This is no time to be going with someone who has been recruiting to an academy, which is really an entirely different sort of recruiting.

[MizzouRah]

Kansas has the BEST KR/PR guy in college football. Hell, he's better than most NFL return men.

[KWhit]

Kansas hasn't played anybody yet. If they win out, beating Missouri and Oklahoma then they probably deserve to get in the championship game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

If Kansas beats Oklahoma in the Big XII Title Game (assuming they beat Missou), I think they get in the national championship game. Even though I think Oregon could beat them.

Agreed. You can't deny an unbeaten Big XII Champion a shot at the national title game.

[Logan]

Who is crying about losing?

All those Ohio State players who felt the need to act tough? You had 60 minutes to protect your home field and you didn't, so shut the fuck up, watch the guys celebrate on your field, remember that feeling, walk into your locker room, and think about how you blew your shot at the title again.

Instead of Jenkins, with his helmet on, taking swings at an Illini player who didn't have a helmet on. Real tough guy.

[Kodos]

aOSU is all class, all the time.

Belichick would be the perfect next coach for them.

[DeToxRox]

aOSU is all class, all the time.

Belichick would be the perfect next coach for them.

C'mon Kodos, it's a tense time in Columbus. A lot of those kids have golf finals coming up and they aren't prepated for the exams.

[Scoobz0202]

Oh I'm sorry, it was my understanding that Michigan beat Illinois in Champagne.... Personally, if Michigan actually LOST to Illinois I'd simply stfu. Cause I'd have absolutely no right to enter futher Big Ten Discussions.

Ohio State wouldn't stand a chance against a team that REALLY knew how to run a spread offense like Appalachian State. Trust me.

We beat Wisconsin 38-17. You guys got beat 37-21. What the fuck is your point?

I didn't see one buckeye fan in here talking shit about Michigan losing yesterday. I guess that is part of the arrogant fan base you guys are talking about at THE Ohio State University?

Can't wait for next week. Time to go to the big house and bring home another Big Ten championship and a third straight victory against Michigan. No national title? That sucks. Really does. But a big ten title, a victory in the big house, and a rose bowl bid will suffice.

[DeToxRox]

We beat Wisconsin 38-17. You guys got beat 37-21. What the fuck is your point?

I didn't see one buckeye fan in here talking shit about Michigan losing yesterday. I guess that is part of the arrogant fan base you guys are talking about at THE Ohio State University?

Can't wait for next week. Time to go to the big house and bring home another Big Ten championship and a third straight victory against Michigan. No national title? That sucks. Really does. But a big ten title, a victory in the big house, and a rose bowl bid will suffice.

Do we need to take the way back machine to after App State? All (t)OSU fans did was talk shit and rightfully so, but don't be so uppity because you got JUICED

[Scoobz0202]

Lol. Ok. 6 more days.

[JW]

Well, just so it will be mentioned, THE Louisiana State University beat THE Louisiana Tech University 58-10 last night. Among other things, THE Jacob Hester ran 87 yards up the middle for a touchdown.

[CU Tiger]

And clearly either South Carolina or Southern Cal has to change their name, otherwise how will we ever know which USC we're talking about?

You say this in total mockery, but I can tell you that in the South as a whole (I hav lived in NC,SC, GA, FL,AL,MO,LA,TN, and VA at least in those places) until maybe 5 years ago South Carolina was alwas rreferred to as USC and the Univeristy of Southern California was Souther Cal.

As pete Carrol has regained prominence and USC is heard all the time on Tv that is starting to shift, but there is still a large segemnt of the college football world that thought gamecock when they heard USC.

When I lived in San Diego, it was totally opposite, actually no, no one knew who South Carolina was. HAHAHAHA


He still has a way to go as far as Xs and Os, but he has made strides since he was at Florida in that regard.

The ass hat in me wants to say, no playing against much inferior opposition makes him look better as their are clearly better players and coaches in teh SEC.

But in reality, he was never as bad as advertised at Florida. he committed the ultimate sin of following a legend. It happens everywhere.



BTW I was really impressed for the first time all season yesterday with my Tigers. If they can pull it off next week, we are in the ACC Championship game with a probable re-match against VT.

Yesterday was the best noon crowd in 20 years there. With a 7:45 kick and ESPN in the house with an announcement of Gameday's final selection 9Between Mich-OSU and Clem-BC) due Tuesday It should be electric in The Death Valley.

[sterlingice]

Kansas has the BEST KR/PR guy in college football. Hell, he's better than most NFL return men.

Out of curiousity and asking something not having to do with anything in particular, but how is Mizzou's kicker? Is he one of those "booms it out of the end zone" or does he kick it to the 5 every time? Just askin' ;)

SI

[cartman]

Out of curiousity and asking something not having to do with anything in particular, but how is Mizzou's kicker? Is he one of those "booms it out of the end zone" or does he kick it to the 5 every time? Just askin' ;)

SI

With them moving the kickoff back 5 yards this season, I haven't seen any kicker reliably kick it out of the end zone more than about half the time.

[cartman]

Their SOS was 106th last week. Oregon's was about 16th. I think a 1 loss (a close loss at that) Oregon team will get in over Kansas.

Edit: Actually Oregon's is 13th in the country.

Just by playing Oklahoma State, Kansas' SOS moved up to 65, according to Football Frontier. So if they can beat Mizzou and OU, their SOS will easily be in the top 30. I don't think the voters (2/3rds of the BCS component) will drop an undefeated Big 12 Champion out of the BCS title game.

[sterlingice]

Just by playing Oklahoma State, Kansas' SOS moved up to 65, according to Football Frontier. So if they can beat Mizzou and OU, their SOS will easily be in the top 30. I don't think the voters (2/3rds of the BCS component) will drop an undefeated Big 12 Champion out of the BCS title game.

I think the SOS of 106 was from Sagarin. This week, they're up to 97 after Oklahoma State.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt07.htm

SI

[larrymcg421]

I'm kinda rooting for Kansas to go undefeated and be left out. Nothing against Kansas (they've been a great story this year), but anything that erodes the validity of the BCS is good for me.

[MizzouRah]

With them moving the kickoff back 5 yards this season, I haven't seen any kicker reliably kick it out of the end zone more than about half the time.

Yep, unless it's wind aided. Maybe kicking/punting it out of bounds would be better. ;)

[Atocep]

I'm kinda rooting for Kansas to go undefeated and be left out. Nothing against Kansas (they've been a great story this year), but anything that erodes the validity of the BCS is good for me.


This is of no use, though. The NCAA loves the BCS because of the attention it gets, good or bad. To be honest, the NCAA probably doesn't want Kansas in there because of ratings, if they get left out as an undefeated it'd be a win/win. They get a higher rated championship game and the attention that surrounds Kansas being left out.

The BCS isn't going anywhere.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think the SOS of 106 was from Sagarin. This week, they're up to 97 after Oklahoma State.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt07.htm

SI

Yes, that is the SOS I was talking about.

[larrymcg421]

This is of no use, though. The NCAA loves the BCS because of the attention it gets, good or bad. To be honest, the NCAA probably doesn't want Kansas in there because of ratings, if they get left out as an undefeated it'd be a win/win. They get a higher rated championship game and the attention that surrounds Kansas being left out.

The BCS isn't going anywhere.

Would Oregon really provide better ratings than Kansas? I'm not so sure about that.

[Balldog]

Do we need to take the way back machine to after App State? All (t)OSU fans did was talk shit and rightfully so, but don't be so uppity because you got JUICED

It was everyone's fans, not just OSU.

By the way, the horrible Big Ten has 10 of its 11 teams bowl eligible - not too shabby.

[Balldog]

All those Ohio State players who felt the need to act tough? You had 60 minutes to protect your home field and you didn't, so shut the fuck up, watch the guys celebrate on your field, remember that feeling, walk into your locker room, and think about how you blew your shot at the title again.

Instead of Jenkins, with his helmet on, taking swings at an Illini player who didn't have a helmet on. Real tough guy.

Tell me of a time that the away team jumped on the home team's logo and nothing happened.

[Atocep]

Would Oregon really provide better ratings than Kansas? I'm not so sure about that.

An Oregon team with Heisman Trophy winner Dennis Dixon probably would quite easily. There's also Oklahoma and West Virginia hanging around, both would be much more attractive opponents in the bowl's eyes.

Not knocking Kansas here, I'm just saying that regardless of what happens its a win/win for the BCS. However, if Kansas wins out they get into the championship game easily. I'd be suprised if they don't overtake LSU for #1 in the human polls after wins over Missouri and Oklahoma.

The controversy the BCS creates actually drawns more viewers and gets the sport more attention. Praying for a team to get screwed over in hopes that the BCS goes away is useless. It isn't going anywhere.

[DeToxRox]

It was everyone's fans, not just OSU.

By the way, the horrible Big Ten has 10 of its 11 teams bowl eligible - not too shabby.

I know. I am impressed. The teams are all playing well minus Minnesota. Should be fun to see how many jump into bowls since C-USA probably won't meet the bowl tie ins.

[molson]

Tell me of a time that the away team jumped on the home team's logo and nothing happened.

It wouldn't be a story if nothing happened, we would never see it.

[Butter]

I kind of like being on the back end of this thread on Monday, it lets me respond to everything that went on.

Listen, BUCKEYE FANS. Here's a li'l tip from me to you. Take the loss, take the hatred from other fans. Ingest it. Swirl it around a bit. Think about how YOU feel about the Steelers. Or the Patriots. Or the Yankees. That's how people feel about your team right now. It's natural. Just listen to the abuse. Walk away, and smile. Just take the abuse, and understand it. You hate the frontrunners because their fans are so smug and their team so arrogant, etc. etc. Whatever. Doesn't matter. Our team is still 10-1 and fighting to go to the Rose Bowl. You know what, we lose to Michigan, we're STILL going to a New Year's Day bowl game. So don't listen. Don't argue. It makes you look bad. Enjoy the winning. This team has exceeded expectations, and if they beat Michigan, they own the Big Ten yet again, in a season that was supposed to be a rebuilding one. Fucking enjoy it!

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

Indeed.

[VPI97]

Tell me of a time that the away team jumped on the home team's logo and nothing happened.
FSU at BC last week.

[Butter]

Will say this about the OSU-Illinois post-game shenanigans: Malcolm Jenkins deserves a suspension.

[Dr. Sak]

Is he the one that took a swing at an Illini player that didn't have a helmet on?

[Warhammer]

I love that folks still like to lean on this. Illinois is 8-0 this season when leading at halftime. Ohio State ran 3 offensive plays in the entire 4th quarter in today's game.

I'd call that pretty good coaching. *shurg*

He coached well last night, but there were several questionable calls that he made against Michigan when they played.

Zook isn't a great game day coach. He's not as bad as he was made out to be at Florida. That said, he is exactly what Illinois needs right now, and with the exception of Tressell there aren't any great coaches in the Big 10 right now.

[Warhammer]

The controversy the BCS creates actually drawns more viewers and gets the sport more attention. Praying for a team to get screwed over in hopes that the BCS goes away is useless. It isn't going anywhere.

I disagree. I can't remember the last time I watched the actual title game. Let me take that back, I've watched every title game that had OSU in it. The others I have not watched because I abhor the system and will not support it.

Previously, I watched bowl games religiously and frequently had two or more TVs set up on New Year's to watch them all.

[Warhammer]

It was everyone's fans, not just OSU.

By the way, the horrible Big Ten has 10 of its 11 teams bowl eligible - not too shabby.

Agreed. The Big 10 is not as bad as everyone has been saying this year. Nor is the SEC as everyone would have you believe. The best conference in the nation this year is the Pac-10.

[Dr. Sak]

Agreed. The Big 10 is not as bad as everyone has been saying this year. Nor is the SEC as everyone would have you believe. The best conference in the nation this year is the Pac-10.

I totally argree.

[Jas_lov]

An undefeated Big 12 team should get in over another 1 loss team. Kansas will have to beat #4 Oklahoma and #5 Missouri to do it so I think they'll get in over 1 loss Oregon if they both win out.

Can the same be said for Oklahoma and Missouri if one of them wins out and beats #3 Kansas with Oregon also winning out? Will either one loss Big 12 team leap frog the one loss Pac 10 team?

[Warhammer]

Can the same be said for Oklahoma and Missouri if one of them wins out and beats #3 Kansas with Oregon also winning out? Will either one loss Big 12 team leap frog the one loss Pac 10 team?

This is a big flaw in the system for me.

Do we really know how good Kansas is. Yes, they've beaten all the teams laid out in front of them, but let's say they lose to Missouri. What happens then? Missouri gets a big boost from a team that might not be that great. Kansas might be a great team, they might sweep Oklahoma and Missouri, but what happens if they are not great? Missouri or Oklahoma get a huge boost from beating them, and will probably jump Oregon.

Out of all the teams I have watched this year, Oregon is the best. But, I have a feeling they are going to be on the outside looking in at the national title game.

[Dr. Sak]

I think if LSU wins out they are in the title game. Same with Kansas. Oregon needs a Kansas loss and I think they might need another loss by Oklahoma.

I think who gets into the title game has a lot to do with perception. Kansas and Missouri are not perceived to be big football schools, so they will have more trouble leapfrogging Oregon with 1 loss than Oklahoma would.

Ohio State is finished unless a lot happens above them. As unfair as it might seem, voters are going to be weary to put them in the title game after what happened last year.

West Virginia needs Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Oregon/LSU to lose to get in.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Agreed. The Big 10 is not as bad as everyone has been saying this year.

I disagree. I think the Big 10 is as bad as everyone has been saying. The fact that half of the Big Ten's teams are bowl eligible just speaks of the overall mediocrity in the conference.

Who did anyone from the Big Ten beat out of conference?

Let's examine all the Big Ten's non-conference games...

Michigan beat Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan at home, but, as we all know, got beat by App. State and destroyed by Oregon.

Northwestern beat Nevada and Northeastern (I have no idea who they are), but lost to Duke. Duke.

Indiana beat Indiana State, Western Michigan, and Akron. Impressive.

Michigan State beat UAB, Bowling Green, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame. Wow.

Minnesota's only win of the year was against Miami of Ohio, but they lost to traditional powerhouses such as North Dakota State and Florida Atlantic. Uh...

Ohio State's win of Washington at Washington (3-7) was probably the Big Ten's best out of conference win all season. Huge.

Penn State beat Temple, Florida International, Notre Dame, and Buffalo. A Murderer's Row if there ever was one.

Wisconsin took care of business against Washington State, UNLV, The Citadel, and Northern Illinois. Well done, Badgers.

Illinois beat Western Illinois (the Big Ten has dominated every aspect of this state), Syracuse, Ball State, but lost to Missouri (it was close though). Right now, Illinois' 6 point loss to Missouri is the Big Ten's second most impressive out of conference game.

Iowa beat up on Northern Illinois and Syracuse, but lost to the might Cyclones of Iowa State. In-state rivalry. Records mean nothing when these two go head-to-head.

Purdue beat Toledo, Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, and Notre Dame. Sound familiar?

Yes, these teams can only play who was on the schedule, but as far as I can see, the Big Ten's two "best" non-coference games was a win against a poor Washington team and a near loss to Missouri. The rest of the non-conference games were against a bunch of small, directional schools in Illinois and Michigan, a handful of other MAC teams, and the poopiest Notre Dame team of all time.

The Big Ten may not be as bad as some people have said, but there is really no evidence that the conference is all that good. I think it's been a very down year for the Big Ten. Obviously, we will have a better sense come bowl season, but I predict a number of embarassing showings by Big Ten teams.

[Jas_lov]

I think you might be right Warhammer. Oregon is probably one of the top two teams in the country and deserves to be in the title game if they win out, but it's not very well lined up for them. They need a Big 12 scrub to upset one of those three teams otherwise one of them will probably jump Oregon. If Kansas wins out they do deserve it over Oregon though.

[Passacaglia]

I kind of like being on the back end of this thread on Monday, it lets me respond to everything that went on.

Listen, BUCKEYE FANS. Here's a li'l tip from me to you. Take the loss, take the hatred from other fans. Ingest it. Swirl it around a bit. Think about how YOU feel about the Steelers. Or the Patriots. Or the Yankees. That's how people feel about your team right now. It's natural. Just listen to the abuse. Walk away, and smile. Just take the abuse, and understand it. You hate the frontrunners because their fans are so smug and their team so arrogant, etc. etc. Whatever. Doesn't matter. Our team is still 10-1 and fighting to go to the Rose Bowl. You know what, we lose to Michigan, we're STILL going to a New Year's Day bowl game. So don't listen. Don't argue. It makes you look bad. Enjoy the winning. This team has exceeded expectations, and if they beat Michigan, they own the Big Ten yet again, in a season that was supposed to be a rebuilding one. Fucking enjoy it!

Word. All this pissing and moaning about Illinois, Wisconsin, and Appalachian State takes away from THE GAME, where the winner takes the Big Ten. It's games like this that make the rivalry so great.

[Warhammer]

I disagree. I think the Big 10 is as bad as everyone has been saying. The fact that half of the Big Ten's teams are bowl eligible just speaks of the overall mediocrity in the conference.

Who did anyone from the Big Ten beat out of conference?

Let's examine all the Big Ten's non-conference games...

Michigan beat Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan at home, but, as we all know, got beat by App. State and destroyed by Oregon.

Northwestern beat Nevada and Northeastern (I have no idea who they are), but lost to Duke. Duke.

Indiana beat Indiana State, Western Michigan, and Akron. Impressive.

Michigan State beat UAB, Bowling Green, Pittsburgh, and Notre Dame. Wow.

Minnesota's only win of the year was against Miami of Ohio, but they lost to traditional powerhouses such as North Dakota State and Florida Atlantic. Uh...

Ohio State's win of Washington at Washington (3-7) was probably the Big Ten's best out of conference win all season. Huge.

Penn State beat Temple, Florida International, Notre Dame, and Buffalo. A Murderer's Row if there ever was one.

Wisconsin took care of business against Washington State, UNLV, The Citadel, and Northern Illinois. Well done, Badgers.

Illinois beat Western Illinois (the Big Ten has dominated every aspect of this state), Syracuse, Ball State, but lost to Missouri (it was close though). Right now, Illinois' 6 point loss to Missouri is the Big Ten's second most impressive out of conference game.

Iowa beat up on Northern Illinois and Syracuse, but lost to the might Cyclones of Iowa State. In-state rivalry. Records mean nothing when these two go head-to-head.

Purdue beat Toledo, Eastern Illinois, Central Michigan, and Notre Dame. Sound familiar?

Yes, these teams can only play who was on the schedule, but as far as I can see, the Big Ten's two "best" non-coference games was a win against a poor Washington team and a near loss to Missouri. The rest of the non-conference games were against a bunch of small, directional schools in Illinois and Michigan, a handful of other MAC teams, and the poopiest Notre Dame team of all time.

The Big Ten may not be as bad as some people have said, but there is really no evidence that the conference is all that good. I think it's been a very down year for the Big Ten. Obviously, we will have a better sense come bowl season, but I predict a number of embarassing showings by Big Ten teams.

You can say the exact same thing about the SEC. The big non-conference games were against Va. Tech, Louisville, Cal (lost), Ok. State, Kansas St., West Virginia (lost) and FSU (lost).

[Dr. Sak]

I honestly don't believe that LSU is a clear cut #1 as people might think. I did this comparison last week on the podcast, but if you look at the wins that Oregon and LSU have and compare them, you can argue that Oregon should be #1. This is just my opinion please feel free to argue. Here are their top 5 wins...

<u>Oregon</u> - Arizona State, USC, Michigan, Fresno State, Houston

<u>LSU</u> - Florida, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina

First looking at their only losses...you can say that Cal and Kentucky are a wash, but I'd give Cal the slight edge.

South Carolina over Houston
Alabama over Fresno State
Michigan over Auburn (slight edge and this is including a healthy Henne and Hart)
USC over Virginia Tech
Florida over Arizona State (real close here)

Now if you add in the final games of the schedule where Oregon still has Oregon State and UCLA while LSU's only tough one is Arkansas, things get even muddier since we can eliminate Houston and (maybe) Fresno State for Oregon. What it comes down to is that LSU will get that extra boost if they win the SEC title game. This is a year where that title game becomes very important since there are so many teams at 1 loss and everyone is so close.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You can say the exact same thing about the SEC. The big non-conference games were against Va. Tech, Louisville, Cal (lost), Ok. State, Kansas St., West Virginia (lost) and FSU (lost).

I find the SEC's big non-conference games much more impressive, even with the losses.

[Warhammer]

I would say something else about Oregon, they have been dominant. In most the games I have watched Oregon, they have bludgeoned opponents.

LSU has looked great at times, and then have been lucky to escape with wins in many places.

[cschex]

[QUOTE=bsak16;1591783]
First looking at their only losses...you can say that Cal and Kentucky are a wash, but I'd give Cal the slight edge.
QUOTE]

As an LSU alum, I'm very biased but I think losing to UK in triple OT on the road vs losing to Cal at home makes up any difference in the two teams (and between UK and Cal, I think they are very much a wash, i don't see any advantage for Cal). That being said, there is little doubt in my mind that Oregon and LSU are the two best teams and I would love to see them in the title game, though if one has to get left out, of course I don't want it to be LSU. It might be unfair but as a fan, I want my team to win a national championship.

[Warhammer]

I find the SEC's big non-conference games much more impressive, even with the losses.

So what are we saying? If the point of non-conference games is to give us a barometer of how conferences stack up, we can say two things about the SEC, they are better than the Big East, and they are better than the Big 12. I could tell that from watching the teams play. Other than that, I don't know.

That is actually part of my problem with having three Big 12 teams in the top 5, who the heck have they played? Their best win is over Illinois. Their next best win is Miami-Florida, or Fresno State.

It drives me nuts with everyone having a big circle jerk over the SEC, but outside of LSU, who is really all that good in the conference?

[Passacaglia]

So what are we saying? If the point of non-conference games is to give us a barometer of how conferences stack up, we can say two things about the SEC, they are better than the Big East, and they are better than the Big 12. I could tell that from watching the teams play. Other than that, I don't know.

That is actually part of my problem with having three Big 12 teams in the top 5, who the heck have they played? Their best win is over Illinois. Their next best win is Miami-Florida, or Fresno State.

It drives me nuts with everyone having a big circle jerk over the SEC, but outside of LSU, who is really all that good in the conference?

Check your premises. The point of non-conference games are for big schools to make money while tuning up for conference play.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So what are we saying? If the point of non-conference games is to give us a barometer of how conferences stack up, we can say two things about the SEC, they are better than the Big East, and they are better than the Big 12. I could tell that from watching the teams play. Other than that, I don't know.

That is actually part of my problem with having three Big 12 teams in the top 5, who the heck have they played? Their best win is over Illinois. Their next best win is Miami-Florida, or Fresno State.

It drives me nuts with everyone having a big circle jerk over the SEC, but outside of LSU, who is really all that good in the conference?

I have no idea. I really wasn't commenting on the SEC. I have watched several SEC games this year (bit and pieces) and I think Florida and Georgia have looked good. Are they that good, who knows. But they've looked pretty impressive at times.

I was really more focusing on the fact that I think the Big Ten is having a down year. I hope they can rally and put up some solid performances in some bowl games, but I have my doubts.

[Tigercat]

Florida is the key to gaging the SEC's strength, IMO.

You have a defending national championship team, with a guy that is regarded as one of the best coaches in the nation right now, with someone who is regarded as perhaps the most talented skill position player in the nation (Harvin), and with the best or second best QB in the nation right now (Tebow)

So Florida, despite their youth, should at least easily win their half of a major conference right? But instead they have to claw their way to the championship game, and probably won't make it. They have lost three SEC games and none of them are because they played particularly bad.

When a well coached, very talented, defending national championship team can play well but still have three losses hung on them in conference, that shows conference strength in my eyes.

[Warhammer]

Check your premises. The point of non-conference games are for big schools to make money while tuning up for conference play.

Understood, I was commenting from the fan/pollster point of view.

[Warhammer]

I have no idea. I really wasn't commenting on the SEC. I have watched several SEC games this year (bit and pieces) and I think Florida and Georgia have looked good. Are they that good, who knows. But they've looked pretty impressive at times.

I was really more focusing on the fact that I think the Big Ten is having a down year. I hope they can rally and put up some solid performances in some bowl games, but I have my doubts.

Georgia is a complete mystery to a lot of people, which Georgia, or for that matter Tennessee is going to show up in any game?

Florida is the key to gaging the SEC's strength, IMO.

You have a defending national championship team, with a guy that is regarded as one of the best coaches in the nation right now, with someone who is regarded as perhaps the most talented skill position player in the nation (Harvin), and with the best or second best QB in the nation right now (Tebow)

So Florida, despite their youth, should at least easily win their half of a major conference right? But instead they have to claw their way to the championship game, and probably won't make it. They have lost three SEC games and none of them are because they played particularly bad.

When a well coached, very talented, defending national championship team can play well but still have three losses hung on them in conference, that shows conference strength in my eyes.

So says an SEC homer.

Florida lost some key components off that team from last year. Sure, they still have a good team, but you are basically saying that since they won last year, they should win their side of the conference this year. Being good last year does not equate to success this year.

Heck, you could even argue that they might not be recruiting well. Zook was a great recruiter and had big time college experience, it might be that Meyer's system and his recruiting is not going to equal wins in the SEC (for various reasons).

Still, my point is, you can't say that because a team won a title last year and is having problems with the conference this year that they are a great team, or are in a great conference.

[st.cronin]

The argument for Florida can be made for Wisconsin: Wisconsin went 7-1 in the Big 10 last year, and beat the SEC runner-up in their bowl game. This year they've lost three games in the big 10, despite returning I think 19 starters.

The Big 10 is, to me, clearly better than it was a year ago. There is no way in heck this year's Ohio State team would have lost to last year's Illinois team.

[Tigercat]

So says an SEC homer.

Florida lost some key components off that team from last year. Sure, they still have a good team, but you are basically saying that since they won last year, they should win their side of the conference this year. Being good last year does not equate to success this year.

Heck, you could even argue that they might not be recruiting well. Zook was a great recruiter and had big time college experience, it might be that Meyer's system and his recruiting is not going to equal wins in the SEC (for various reasons).

Still, my point is, you can't say that because a team won a title last year and is having problems with the conference this year that they are a great team, or are in a great conference.

Eh? Did you read my post? One part of it was that, yes they are the defending national champion. So they know how to win. But thats just one part.

The other part of it is that they are very talented. Not recruiting well? All independent sources(both recruiting "Experts" and NFL talent "experts") would disagree. So they are talented, thats another part. You also have one of the most well regarded coaches and coaching staffs in the nation at Florida.

The final piece of the puzzle that makes their situation in the SEC more meaningful than, say USC, is that Florida has played well. No Stanford like collapses.

Given all the pieces that Florida has, not just being the defending national championship, it shows conference strength that they have just been out played in three conference games.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Big 10 is, to me, clearly better than it was a year ago. There is no way in heck this year's Ohio State team would have lost to last year's Illinois team.

Cleary better? How does OSU being worse than they were last year, but Illinois being better than they were last year make the Big 10 clearly better than it was a year ago?

[Warhammer]

The other part of it is that they are very talented. Not recruiting well? All independent sources(both recruiting "Experts" and NFL talent "experts") would disagree. So they are talented, thats another part. You also have one of the most well regarded coaches and coaching staffs in the nation at Florida.

True, their recruiting has been good by the "experts" but so has Notre Dame's, we see where that has gotten them. Most recruiting guys look at the starts teams rack up, but they don't follow the subsequent development of players once they get on a team.

I'm not trying to bash Meyer, but I wonder how his system will hold up the more big teams see it and prepare for it year after year.

Given all the pieces that Florida has, not just being the defending national championship, it shows conference strength that they have just been out played in three conference games.

My point is and has been that we do not know how good the SEC is because they are essentially beating up on each other. The only elite team in the conference that I have seen is LSU. But, I have major questions about them because they do not bring it to every game (Les Miles would be a perfect fit up at Michigan).

I'm not saying the SEC is bad, I'm just saying that I don't understand how everyone has annointed them the best conference in the land when the results and the what I see on the field does not indicate that it is.

[Logan]

I'm not trying to bash Meyer, but I wonder how his system will hold up the more big teams see it and prepare for it year after year.

Skydog?!

[Tigercat]

My point is and has been that we do not know how good the SEC is because they are essentially beating up on each other. The only elite team in the conference that I have seen is LSU. But, I have major questions about them because they do not bring it to every game (Les Miles would be a perfect fit up at Michigan).

I'm not saying the SEC is bad, I'm just saying that I don't understand how everyone has annointed them the best conference in the land when the results and the what I see on the field does not indicate that it is.

Previous experience. Florida, as an example, barely survived with just one loss in the SEC last year. And what do they do? Bury their opponents in the national championship game.

And thats my point with Florida this year being a good barometer on why people think the SEC is the best. A team as talented as Florida can bring a "B" or "A" every week and still get three losses handed to them in the SEC.

If USC and Texas had been as consistent(and had as consistent QB play really) as Florida has been this year, USC and Texas would probably be undefeated in their conferences.

[VPI97]

IMO, the problem with ranking conferences against each other is that unless you follow a conference 100%, you have just a vague idea of what the mid-tier teams are like. A LSU fan will rightfully argue that Florida, Kentucky, Auburn & Alabama is a tough four game run, an Ohio State fan can argue that Mich State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois & Michigan is a brutal stretch and even a VT fan can point to BC, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Miami & Virginia as five grueling games in a row. Meanwhile, a PAC-10 fan will look at those and think Oregon's run of USC, Arizona State, Arizona & UCLA is tougher based on his familiarity of those teams and the history between those schools and the one he roots for. No one can be expected to follow all of the mid-tier teams in the country, but anyone who follows a particular conference will automatically understand how tough navigating their way through their conference schedule can be while someone else only sees teams that [insert BCS Contender from another conference] is supposed to beat.

[Butter]

I'm not a big BCS fan, but one thing about the bowl system is that we'll see whether the SEC is as good as people think they are when they go up against the Big Ten directly in at least 2 bowl games (Capital One and Outback (is it still the Outback?) Bowls). Was kinda hoping for Ohio State-LSU in the title game, but Juice Williams had to go fuck that up for me.

[Noop]

The Gators have no defense this season.

As for them beating Ohio State last year for the title was anyone surprised by that outcome? Florida had a top heavy defense(juniors and seniors) and basically ran past tOSU... the speed difference was noticable from the beginning of the game.

[MizzouRah]

This is a big flaw in the system for me.

Do we really know how good Kansas is. Yes, they've beaten all the teams laid out in front of them, but let's say they lose to Missouri. What happens then? Missouri gets a big boost from a team that might not be that great. Kansas might be a great team, they might sweep Oklahoma and Missouri, but what happens if they are not great? Missouri or Oklahoma get a huge boost from beating them, and will probably jump Oregon.

Out of all the teams I have watched this year, Oregon is the best. But, I have a feeling they are going to be on the outside looking in at the national title game.

Personally as much as I hate to admit it, I believe Kansas is much better than people think.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Personally as much as I hate to admit it, I believe Kansas is much better than people think.

That seemed to be my impression after finally seeing them in action on Saturday night.