College Football Bowl Season Thread

[sooner333]

Just thought that since the bowls start this week, might as well give them their own thread.

Also, looks like BCS commissioners shot down a deal to pit 3-4 in the Orange Bowl. With a weak #2 team, I wonder why the SEC wouldn't support this matchup...hmmmm....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/12/17/bcs/index.html

Proposed Oklahoma-Va. Tech game busted by BCS
Posted: Monday December 17, 2007 7:02PM; Updated: Monday December 17, 2007 7:02PM
In the chaotic hours following the final, upset-laden night of the 2007 regular season, coaches and fans from as many as seven different teams made their case to earn one of the two spots in the BCS National Championship Game.
The BCS ultimately selected consensus No. 1 and 2 teams, Ohio State and LSU, but many followers -- myself included -- were left disappointed that none of the other highly ranked contenders (Oklahoma, Georgia, Virginia Tech or USC) were pitted against each other in bowl games.

As it turns out, an 11th-hour agreement had been reached that would have allowed the No. 3 and 4 teams in the final BCS standings -- Virginia Tech and Oklahoma -- to meet in the Orange Bowl, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. The conference commissioners who oversee the BCS, however, shot it down -- and several of the affected parties are still wondering why.

According to the official BCS selection process, the Hokies, as ACC champions, and the Sooners, as Big 12 champions, were "contractually committed" to their conference's host games -- Virginia Tech to the Orange Bowl and Oklahoma to the Fiesta Bowl.

However, there's also a written clause -- one that has yet to be invoked during the BCS' 10-year history -- that allows the commissioners to "adjust the pairings ... after the completion of the selection process." Among the circumstances that can be taken into consideration are "whether the same team will be playing in the same bowl game for two consecutive years" (Oklahoma played Boise State in last year's Fiesta Bowl) and "whether alternative pairings may have greater or lesser appeal to college football fans ..."

Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione confirmed Monday that on the morning of the Dec. 2 BCS selection show -- before the results of the final BCS standings were known -- he spoke with Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker about the possibility of invoking that clause to allow the Sooners to face "the highest-ranked team available."

"If we weren't going to be in the 1 vs. 2 game, we wanted to know if there was a possibility to play the highest-ranked team out there," said Castiglione. "At that point, we didn't know which team that would be."
According to sources involved in the discussions, Junker, along with Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe, began contacting officials from the other bowls to see what could be worked out. It was well known by then that the Rose Bowl intended to take Big Ten at-large Illinois to meet Pac-10 champ USC and that automatic entrant Hawaii was heading to the Sugar Bowl, leaving the Fiesta and Orange bowls as the only games with any flexibility.

According to those same sources, the Fiesta and Orange bowls worked out an agreement to "swap" Oklahoma for the Orange Bowl's anticipated at-large choice, Kansas, creating an attractive No. 3 vs. 4 matchup in Miami while also allowing the Fiesta to host a Kansas team it had coveted throughout the Jayhawks' surprising 11-1 season.

Any such "adjustment" to the written placement rules, however, must be requested and then approved by the BCS commissioners following the conclusion of the formal selection process. Beebe said he made the request on behalf of his league's school but was met by resistance.

"There was a lengthy discussion, I made my case for it, and others made a case against it. It didn't prevail," said Beebe. "I don't necessarily agree, but I respect the views of those who were against it."

According to SEC commissioner and current BCS coordinator Mike Slive, "A request was made [to adjust the pairings]; it was considered and rejected.
"After thinking about it, the commissioners exercised their discretion to leave the pairings the way they were. There was a clear consensus."

Both Slive and Beebe declined to say which commissioners blocked the move -- though multiple sources said that ACC commissioner John Swofford and Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese did not oppose it.

Slive, who in his role as coordinator acts as a spokesman for the other commissioners, declined to elaborate on why the request was rejected. Pointing out that similar requests to adjust the pairings have been denied in the past (including in 2003, when the Fiesta Bowl's at-large selection of Ohio State stuck the Orange Bowl with a Miami-Florida State regular-season rematch), Slive said such an override would require "a very high threshold."

"My sense was that the reason wasn't compelling enough given the fact that on two prior occasions -- including the Miami-Florida State year -- the commissioners had set a very high threshold and felt that this did not meet the threshold," said Slive. "There weren't such compelling circumstances as to merit a change."

Two sources not directly involved in the decision speculated that the commissioners feared such a matchup might damage the legitimacy of the Ohio State-LSU title game.

The second-ranked Tigers have the same 11-2 record as both the Hokies and Sooners. Theoretically, a decisive victory by Oklahoma -- which is ranked No. 3 in the AP and Coaches polls -- combined with a less decisive LSU victory over the Buckeyes could have opened the door for a split national championship. (Unlike the coaches, AP voters are not obligated to select the BCS title-game winner No. 1).

"We certainly recognize the rules provide for the top two teams playing in the BCS national championship, and from that a winner will be named BCS national champion," said Oklahoma's Castiglione, whose team routed then-No. 1 Missouri 38-17 in the Big 12 title game. "There could be an argument for a split national champion, and that may be stated by any number of people. The AP is a very reputable poll. We just wanted to play the highest-ranked team. That was our goal all along."
Asked whether the split possibility played a factor, Slive insisted, "It never came up."

Asked why the opportunity to see the No. 3 and 4 teams play would not qualify as a game with "greater appeal to college football fans," as the BCS manual spells out, Slive replied, "Everybody looked at that, and knowing that, still came to the same conclusion. In any such consideration of something like this, you have to look at the question of what precedent does it set -- particularly when there have been more compelling requests that have not been granted -- and what are the unintended consequences?"
Castiglione stressed that Oklahoma is still pleased to be facing West Virginia in the Jan. 2 Fiesta Bowl ("This discussion had nothing to do with our eventual matchup," he said), and apparently Sooners fans are as well. As of last Friday, the school had sold all but about 2,000 of its 17,500 allotted tickets.

Meanwhile, Kansas on Monday sold out its allotment (also 17,500) for the Jan. 3 Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech.

The timing of the rejected Sooners-Hokies request is interesting, however. Over the next six months, BCS officials are expected to formally discuss the possibility of adding a "plus-one" game beginning with the 2010 season. Under the most commonly discussed model, in which the top-four teams would be "seeded" into semifinal bowl matchups, both Virginia Tech and Oklahoma would remain in contention for the national championship.

Slive has expressed his openness to the possibility on numerous occasions, as has Swofford, the ACC commissioner who will take over as coordinator following this year's title game. Such a plan would meet considerable resistance, however, from Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen, due to its potential effect on those leagues' relationship with the Rose Bowl.

Castiglione said the foiled OU-Virginia Tech matchup, "is a real interesting element worthy of further exploration."

"I just hope at some point in time we can hear an explanation of why this wasn't possible given the fact the rules provided that opportunity if it was in everybody's best interest. Clear-thinking, well-intentioned minds would like to know whether something like this is possible."

[vex]

Boomer!

http://fastandfuriousfootball.com/CollegeOffense/2005_Univ_of_West_Virginia_Offense.pdf

[ISiddiqui]

I'm thinking that the commishes that voted it down realized that Kansas vs. West Virginia was going to less ratings than a Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech matchup was going to make up.

[sooner333]

I'm thinking that the commishes that voted it down realized that Kansas vs. West Virginia was going to less ratings than a Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech matchup was going to make up.

The Big 12, Big East, and ACC were for the matchups, according to the sources of the article. Plus, I think VT-Kansas will get the worst ratings of the two real and two hypothetical bowls, if only because it's on the day after New Year's so there will be no benefit of the Rose Bowl lead-in (I know, not the same channel) that the WVU-KU game would get.

[Vegas Vic]

Also, looks like BCS commissioners shot down a deal to pit 3-4 in the Orange Bowl. With a weak #2 team, I wonder why the SEC wouldn't support this matchup...hmmmm....

The BCS was designed to pick two teams to play in a national championship game. Beyond that, the bowls were given conference tie-ins (Rose = Big Ten & Pac Ten; Sugar = SEC; Orange = ACC; Fiesta = Big XII) that they have adhered to at every opportunity over the past ten years. There are many things that the BCS can be criticized for, but criticizing them at the 11th hour for adhering to their own format is a bit absurd. Beyond the BCS commissioners, the Fiesta bowl committee and the Phoenix metropolitan area have big financial interests, and they would be stuck with a much less attractive matchup (while the Orange Bowl and Miami area would benefit) if this swapping of teams took place.

[sooner333]

The BCS was designed to pick two teams to play in a national championship game. Beyond that, the bowls were given conference tie-ins (Rose = Big Ten & Pac Ten; Sugar = SEC; Orange = ACC; Fiesta = Big XII) that they have adhered to at every opportunity over the past ten years. There are many things that the BCS can be criticized for, but criticizing them at the 11th hour for adhering to their own format is a bit absurd. Beyond the BCS commissioners, the Fiesta bowl committee and the Phoenix metropolitan area have big financial interests, and they would be stuck with a much less attractive matchup (while the Orange Bowl and Miami area would benefit) if this swapping of teams took place.

I understand what the BCS is. And to be honest, I'm glad we're playing WVU instead of VT because I think it's a better game...I don't think VT is very good. I don't really care about a split national title either...LSU won the national championship in 2003, OSU or LSU will win it this year.

But why put the clause in the BCS rules if it's not ever going to be used even in this rare situation where pretty much everyone involves agrees. Kansas would probably actually bring more fans. I know I went to the Fiesta Bowl last year...going again the next season isn't as appealing to me or my dad who went with me last year.

[RomaGoth]

The BCS sucks eggs. We need a playoff system, maybe with the top 15 or top 25 teams involved. I don't want to hear about how the season will be too long and players will miss their exams and blah blah blah. The championship game now is on January 7th. Does anyone remember when the big game was on New Years Day???? WTF is wrong with the NCAA??

[JonInMiddleGA]

ESPN story on the swag the players get from the various bowls.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3156173&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

[VPI97]

I don't mind us playing Kansas...beating one Big 12 team is as good as beating the other. I have to admit, though, it probably would have been more fun to beat the one who thought they deserved a title shot after losing to two unranked teams.

[sooner333]

I don't mind us playing Kansas...beating one Big 12 team is as good as beating the other. I have to admit, though, it probably would have been more fun to beat the one who thought they deserved a title shot after losing to two unranked teams.

It would have been a good, hard-fought football game. Both teams play pretty good defense. It would be the best team OU played and without a doubt the second best team VT played--perhaps the best. Unlike Kansas who I believe is the only team in the BCS to not beat a team who is currently recieving votes in the AP poll (I believe Boise is, though I'm too lazy to look it up). VT should take the game...I can't really see the Hokies losing this one.

[sooner333]

ESPN story on the swag the players get from the various bowls.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3156173&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

Wow...the Motor City Bowl sucks.

[RomaGoth]

I don't mind us playing Kansas...beating one Big 12 team is as good as beating the other. I have to admit, though, it probably would have been more fun to beat the one who thought they deserved a title shot after losing to two unranked teams.

Not that I have anything against your team (actually, I am a Miami Hurricane fan), but isn't VT the same team that got hammered by LSU 48-7? Oklahoma-VT would be a better game, but if I was Frank Beamer I would make sure my guys were focused and ready for Kansas. ;)

[RomaGoth]

ESPN story on the swag the players get from the various bowls.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/columns/story?id=3156173&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

Wow, noise reduction headphones from Sony in the GMAC bowl. What a bummer. :(

[VPI97]

Not that I have anything against your team (actually, I am a Miami Hurricane fan), but isn't VT the same team that got hammered by LSU 48-7?
Not really. The offense improved dramatically this season to the point where when we started using the two QB system, we averaged 35 ppg over the last five games (which was our toughest stretch of games, to be honest)...plus, we're healthier than we've been all season (our best OL was out for the first half of the year) and the two new starters on defense who were abused by LSU have turned the corner into solid players.

So, no...I wouldn't consider VT to be the same team that was blown out by LSU. The team that finished the year for us would have blow out that VT team, as well.

[Butter]

Ohio State just suspended their #2 CB for the title game due to an unspecified violation. That's not going to help.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ohio State just suspended their #2 CB for the title game due to an unspecified violation. That's not going to help.

Dirty program. Dirty, dirty program.

[Butter]

Dirty program. Dirty, dirty program.

What's that? I can't see the screen because of all these piles of cash Ed Martin left laying around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

What's that? I can't see the screen because of all these piles of cash Ed Martin left laying around.

I.... don't know what you're talking about. If it has something to do with UofM basketball in the early 90's and Chris Weber, you seem to be under the same weird impression that many folks are that Michigan actuallly had a basketball program during those years and Chris Weber actually played basketball there. It's a common misconception, so I don't blame you, but it NEVER happened. Look in the rule books.

I know Juan Howard went to school there, because I saw him getting his hair cut in my dorm bathroom my freshman year, but there is no record of him playing basketball there. Trust me.

[RomaGoth]

Not really. The offense improved dramatically this season to the point where when we started using the two QB system, we averaged 35 ppg over the last five games (which was our toughest stretch of games, to be honest)...plus, we're healthier than we've been all season (our best OL was out for the first half of the year) and the two new starters on defense who were abused by LSU have turned the corner into solid players.

So, no...I wouldn't consider VT to be the same team that was blown out by LSU. The team that finished the year for us would have blow out that VT team, as well.

Ok. Just thought I would ask. With that being said, I hope you beat the crap out of Kansas.

[RomaGoth]

What's that? I can't see the screen because of all these piles of cash Ed Martin left laying around.

I hope Sweater Vest Tressel can keep hiding all the obvious infractions that are being broken at "The" Ohio State University. Ok, I have no proof of the above mentioned infractions, but I am sure they are going on. Either way, I will say these things because I loathe OSU. :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

Did you know that the new head coach at Navy is the first D1 head coach of Polynesian descent?

If not, then you obviously aren't watching the game since that's pretty much all the booth has said since the 2nd half started.

17-7 Navy after a nice long fullback run.

[cartman]

Hell of a game between Utah and Navy. I thought Navy was dead when they went for it at their own 10 on 4th down with 2 and half to play. They had a shot to get at least into FG range to tie the game with about 30 seconds to play, but the receiver slipped on the route and the ball was picked off.

[Balldog]

Dirty program. Dirty, dirty program.

Thats like the pot calling the kettle black.

OSU's stayed out of trouble the last few years, this year they've had a couple hiccups. Henton earlier in the year and who knows what Clifford actually did. The whole Henton thing was a complete joke.

[Butter]

Ohio State just suspended their #2 CB for the title game due to an unspecified violation. That's not going to help.

The report was they were suspending Donald Washington... the actuality is they're not. Sorry for the misinformation. Not sure exactly what happened, they are being very tight lipped with details.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3164159

Tennessee's football team will be without two of its defensive starters for the Outback Bowl.

Junior tackle Demonte Bolden and sophomore outside linebacker Rico McCoy failed to meet the necessary academic requirements and will be ineligible to play against Wisconsin on Jan. 1, multiple sources within the Tennessee athletic department told ESPN.com.

Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer is expected to announce the suspensions on Friday. The Vols wrapped up their pre-bowl practices on Thursday. Bolden missed practice earlier this week, and Fulmer said at the time that he was tending to academic business.

Bolden started in 12 of the Vols' 13 games this season. He had five tackles for losses and two sacks and was a big part of Tennessee's improvement up front defensively. The Vols, after struggling early, played some of their best defense during their five-game winning streak en route to their SEC championship game appearance. They then turned in perhaps their best defensive performance of the season in a 21-14 loss to LSU in the SEC title game.

McCoy started all 13 games at weak-side linebacker. He was Tennessee's second leading tackler with 106 total hits, including 4.5 for losses. McCoy and junior middle linebacker Jerod Mayo (127 tackles) teamed up to form one of the most productive duos defensive coordinator John Chavis said he's coached at Tennessee.

Senior J.T. Mapu is expected to replace Bolden in the starting lineup against the Badgers, while sophomore Dorian Davis and junior Ellix Wilson are the front-runners to step in for McCoy.

Fulmer also has at least two openings to fill on his staff and possibly more depending on who goes with offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, who's leaving for the Duke head coaching job after the Outback Bowl.

One of the leading candidates to replace Cutcliffe is Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence, who will be in Knoxville on Friday to interview with Fulmer about the job.

edit to add: It gets worse :(
The hits keep coming for Tennessee's football team, as coach Phillip Fulmer announced Friday that six scholarship players would be academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl.

The Vols' leading receiver, Lucas Taylor, is ineligible to play against Wisconsin on Jan. 1 as well as reserve receiver Kenny O'Neal, reserve defensive back Ricardo Kemp and freshman linebacker Chris Donald. ESPN.com reported on Thursday that defensive starters Demonte Bolden and Rico McCoy failed to meet the necessary academic requirements to play in the Outback Bowl, too.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/news/story?id=3165186

[Dr. Sak]

WOW! Amazing Ending to the UCLA/BYU game. BYU blocks a FG to win the game.

[MrBug708]

Fuck BYU

[MrBug708]

The way the Mormon's are rushing the field, you'd think the Golden Tablet's are buried there

*sigh*

[Chief Rum]

Dude, Kyle, gimme a break. That's low commentary in those last two posts.

It was a terrific game, and kudos to BYU for coming up with the play at the end. A finger was really all that stood in the way of a Bruin victory.

Despite the loss, I couldn't be prouder of our guys and the way they fought for this one tonight. The defense was stellar again. We dominated a Top 20 offense, holding them almost 200 yards below their average. We had the first 100 yard rusher against them all season (they had been the only D1 team to not allo w a 100-yard rusher), and we got 162 yards on the ground against the 9th best run D in the country. The goat of the Notre Dame game, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, came in for an ineffective Rashaan (so our 4th string QB replaced our 3rd string QB), did just good enough to keep us in it. By all rights, we should have won this game, and both teams walked off that field knowing it, IMO. Winning this game gets us nothing. The manner of play was far more important. I am disappointed to lose, but BYU made the plays they needed to, and we almost did, too. One play. That's what it came down to.

I am going to miss Bruce Davis, Trey Brown, Chris Horton and the other seniors on this team. That's one heck of a D that's leaving Westwood.

[Vegas Vic]

UCLA played their guts out with a 4th string QB and a puppet head coach. Heck of a game.

[MrBug708]

Dude, Kyle, gimme a break. That's low commentary in those last two posts.

It was a terrific game, and kudos to BYU for coming up with the play at the end. A finger was really all that stood in the way of a Bruin victory.

Despite the loss, I couldn't be prouder of our guys and the way they fought for this one tonight. The defense was stellar again. We dominated a Top 20 offense, holding them almost 200 yards below their average. We had the first 100 yard rusher against them all season (they had been the only D1 team to not allo w a 100-yard rusher), and we got 162 yards on the ground against the 9th best run D in the country. The goat of the Notre Dame game, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, came in for an ineffective Rashaan (so our 4th string QB replaced our 3rd string QB), did just good enough to keep us in it. By all rights, we should have won this game, and both teams walked off that field knowing it, IMO. Winning this game gets us nothing. The manner of play was far more important. I am disappointed to lose, but BYU made the plays they needed to, and we almost did, too. One play. That's what it came down to.

I am going to miss Bruce Davis, Trey Brown, Chris Horton and the other seniors on this team. That's one heck of a D that's leaving Westwood.

I know but this was a tough loss. Had they been blown out, I wouldnt have cared and I echo everything you said in this post, but it's tough when you're team shouldn't have any shot, are in a position to win, and it just missed.

Paulsen should have stopped at the 33 yard line so Kai could have made the long kick

[JonInMiddleGA]

Incidentally ... the refs admitted they blew the call that went against Navy late.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/news/story?id=3165857
The officiating crew from the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl has acknowledged an error in a fourth-quarter call that affected Navy's chances to beat Utah.

The crew and replay official, all from the Mid-American Conference, issued a statement after the game that a fourth-quarter play at the goal line should have been ruled a touchback and Navy ball at the 20-yard-line, rather than Utah ball at the 1-yard-line.

After turning the ball over on downs, Utah scored on its next possession to go ahead 35-25 and held off Navy's late comeback to defeat the Midshipmen, 35-32, on Thursday night.

On third and goal from the 4-yard line, Utah wide receiver Jereme Brooks caught a pass from Brian Johnson. As he extended the ball toward the goal line, he was hit by Navy cornerback Ketric Buffin. The ball fell forward and hit the pylon.

Initially, the referee ruled that the ball belonged to Utah at the 1-yard line. Navy called for a review, but the review official confirmed the call on the field.

After the game, the crew admitted it was the wrong call.

"The ball was fumbled forward and hit the pylon. The pylon is out of bounds and also in the end zone," read an official statement from the officiating crew, citing Rule 8, Section 6, Article 1, Item 1 in the NCAA college football rule book. "There was a mistake made. It should have been ruled a touchback and the ball should have been placed at the 20-yard line."

[st.cronin]

We attended the New Mexico Bowl yesterday, and had a really good time. I would definitely be willing to go again.

[MacroGuru]

I know but this was a tough loss. Had they been blown out, I wouldnt have cared and I echo everything you said in this post, but it's tough when you're team shouldn't have any shot, are in a position to win, and it just missed.

Paulsen should have stopped at the 33 yard line so Kai could have made the long kick

I truly applaud UCLA yesterday, BYU should not have let it get close and I feel our players thought the game was in the bag. UCLA brought, and showed their toughness and resolve..especially with the rash of injuries they had.

Trust me, the text messaging was happening last night through the circle of friends here that we handed that game to UCLA on a silver platter.

Well, we play again in 9 months (or is it 10)...the differences being our offense is a year older and our defense will get younger, but not much.

Praise to UCLA for playing a tough game

[Chief Rum]

I truly applaud UCLA yesterday, BYU should not have let it get close and I feel our players thought the game was in the bag. UCLA brought, and showed their toughness and resolve..especially with the rash of injuries they had.

Trust me, the text messaging was happening last night through the circle of friends here that we handed that game to UCLA on a silver platter.

Well, we play again in 9 months (or is it 10)...the differences being our offense is a year older and our defense will get younger, but not much.

Praise to UCLA for playing a tough game

lol, and you will likely play UCLA's third coach and maybe a different QB, too, in the three game "series". We like to roll out new ones for every rematch. :)

I think there was equal parts giving the game and taking it away from both sides. BYU probably should have beat us by more, going on record. But, frankly, there was no way they were stopping our rush or running the ball against us. And that's a tough recipe to beat or to say UCLA was handed a chance to win.

Put a QB who the opponent thinks will complete a pass at at least a 50% clip, and yesterday's game might not have been too close--the other way.

But like I said, BYU is a very good team, and unlike UCLA, they have a terrific head coach. They should be proud of their season.

Your guess is as good as mine, though, what the team will be like in nine months. New coach almost for sure, the defense will be gutted by graduation, and the offense will be a mishmash of players who were ineffective in the WCO and new players trying to replace the few effective players we had on offense. We'll be lucky to get to a bowl game next year.

[Chief Rum]

Curious, but at what point wqould BYU think they had it in the bag? I could see thinking that at 17-6 in the second quarter (with the way our offense was running), but that should have lasted, oh, to halftime, when UCLA made it 17-13. After that and knowing they were being dominated on both LOS, why would BYU think they ahd it in the bag? If they did, I don't think they were paying too much attention to the game. Just saying...

[Passacaglia]

Didn't they used to show bowl games on Christmas Day? I just looked at espn.com and saw none listed until Wednesday. What the heck am I supposed to do Monday and Tuesday with my in-laws here now?

[MrBug708]

Vegas bowl used to be on Christmas

[Vegas Vic]

Vegas bowl used to be on Christmas

Yeah, I remember the EA Sports Las Vegas Bowl was played a few times on Christmas, but they moved it to increase attendance. Pioneer has taken over the sponsorship the past three years, and all of the games have been sellouts. They like to get BYU because their fans travel well, and there are a lot of local BYU fans in the Las Vegas metropolitan area also.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Didn't they used to show bowl games on Christmas Day?

IIRC there also used to at least one (two?) of the all-star games on Christmas Day? Blue-Gray game maybe?

[MacroGuru]

Curious, but at what point wqould BYU think they had it in the bag? I could see thinking that at 17-6 in the second quarter (with the way our offense was running), but that should have lasted, oh, to halftime, when UCLA made it 17-13. After that and knowing they were being dominated on both LOS, why would BYU think they ahd it in the bag? If they did, I don't think they were paying too much attention to the game. Just saying...

Actually, I think it would have been "In the bag" if we wouldn't have fumbled it at the end of the half.

But here is the thing, UCLA had such a rash of injuries, playing their 3rd and 4th string QB's going against a team that had been on fire up until then. You could only see that they thought it would be a cake walk, the press had it picked that way as well. They were saying UCLA had nothing to lose, and would come at BYU hard, and if BYU played poorly, they have everything to lose....and it almost came true.

[Chief Rum]

Actually, I think it would have been "In the bag" if we wouldn't have fumbled it at the end of the half.

But here is the thing, UCLA had such a rash of injuries, playing their 3rd and 4th string QB's going against a team that had been on fire up until then. You could only see that they thought it would be a cake walk, the press had it picked that way as well. They were saying UCLA had nothing to lose, and would come at BYU hard, and if BYU played poorly, they have everything to lose....and it almost came true.

If you want to say they came in assuming that, I would agree, although they would have been foolish to think so, considering UCLA had beaten them already.

As for the fumble at the end, you guys were handed your second TD off of a PR fumble (essentially). I would say if BYU ever thought they had it in the bag, it was just for that fleeting moment from the second TD to the fumble in the second quarter. So BYU was probably playing more than lightly for the rest of that game.

[Vegas Vic]

ECU is dominating Boise State 24-7 midway through the 2nd quarter. Boise State lost to Hawaii and Washington (the 2nd worst team in the Pac Ten), so it looks like they might be a mirage this year.

There's still a lot of time left, so Boise might come back.

[st.cronin]

The WAC is whack.

[Celeval]

Funny stuff at the end of the BSU-ECU game - the ref calling an penalty lifted his arms to make the call, and the wind took his hat right off and about ten yards away.

ECU impressive.

[MJ4H]

Boise State just tied it up with a minute and a half to go.

[MJ4H]

winner winner chicken dinner. ECU sneaks a field goal in as time expires.

[st.cronin]

East Carolina RB Chris Johnson may decide to go pro after that game. He's a hoss.

[Passacaglia]

IIRC there also used to at least one (two?) of the all-star games on Christmas Day? Blue-Gray game maybe?

I was also thinking maybe the Oahu Bowl, or something in Hawaii.

[Vegas Vic]

Boise State was Hawaii's "signature" win this year?

[miami_fan]

This is really getting ridiculous.

Who is more hated? Boise State last year, Hawaii this year or Nortre Dame over the last 100 years.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Who is more hated? Boise State last year, Hawaii this year or Nortre Dame over the last 100 years.

That's easy: Notre Dame.

They have at least occasionally been relevant as something other than a sideshow.

[Dr. Sak]

The Motor City bowl was a good game. I thought Central Michigan was out of it but a 28 point 3rd quarter got them right back in it. I was really impressed with Dan LeFevour, the QB of CMU. He is only a sophomore and was only 1 TD shy of doing the 20-20 like Tebow did. I have a feeling he will be joining Tebow next year with 20 rushing and 20 passing TDs.

[NoMyths]

Yeesh. I've been calling for Brock Spack to be fired for three seasons now...win or no, let's hope he finally gets the boot.

Go Boilers. :)

[k0ruptr]

Boise State was Hawaii's "signature" win this year?

I think every game was Hawaii's signature win.

[k0ruptr]

This is really getting ridiculous.

Who is more hated? Boise State last year, Hawaii this year or Nortre Dame over the last 100 years.

if Hawaii or BSU last year had been left out of the BCS, no one would be hating, they would instead be rejoicing that there 9-3 team from a BCS conference got in instead.

[IMetTrentGreen]

Because the 9-3 teams are almost always better.

[Young Drachma]

I don't understand what the refs were looking at in the Holiday Bowl with that coach. He didn't touch the ball.

[bhlloy]

College refs sometimes are just beyond bizarre. Unless they had a different angle, there was no way there was indisputable evidence that he did touch the ball. In fact, it was the other way around.

I'm guessing these are Pac-10 refs, as they are the only crews in the universe that consistently incompetent.

[Young Drachma]

I do like how the Texas folks stuck up for him by giving the media the wrong name and not selling him out on national tv.

[Vegas Vic]

This is going to be hilarious if Arizona State comes back and wins because of that idiot.

[IMetTrentGreen]

That idiot is Mack Brown's stepson. That's probably why all the players are protecting him.

[Young Drachma]

Well it's a good thing for him he's sorta related to the head coach if that's the case. Because if he wasn't...he might be turning in his Longhorns gear as of right now.

[IMetTrentGreen]

But anyway I'm glad someone else called the refs out first so Vic doesn't call me biased again. Not a proud moment in referee history.

28-7 now, though. Refs repaid us.

Well it's a good thing for him he's sorta related to the head coach. Because if he wasn't...he might be turning in his Longhorns gear as of right now.

Absolutely. Mack has been a real hardass for the last month, I'm not sure he wouldn't of torn that kid to shreds on national TV had he not been related.

[sooner333]

I thought he touched it, but by no means was it conclusive. But, he can interfere with the play without touching it and they could have called unsportsmanlike on the sideline for being on the field as they had already been warned.

[Vegas Vic]

The Horns now have their own 12th man tradition.

At any rate, it doesn't look like it's going to affect the outcome. Texas came ready to play tonight.

[IMetTrentGreen]

I thought he touched it, but by no means was it conclusive. But, he can interfere with the play without touching it and they could have called unsportsmanlike on the sideline for being on the field as they had already been warned.

That is true, BUT, the ref specifically said the guy touched it. The replays ESPN showed were not conclusive, but one clearly showed the ball's trajectory going unchanged. Unless the replay booth had a different angle, there is no way you can say he definitively touched the ball, especially after the initial ruling that he did not.

[Vegas Vic]

"One of our staff members nearly touched it." LOL

[IMetTrentGreen]

I think Colt McCoy and Greg Davis have money on ASU.

[Vegas Vic]

Nice win for the Longhorns.

Somebody lit a fire under Mack Brown's ass, and the team played with a lot more intensity than I've seen in a long time. If that continues into next season, the Longhorns are going to be a top five team.

[IMetTrentGreen]

Somebody lit a fire under Mack Brown's ass

That person would be Stephen McGee.

[larrymcg421]

Horrible no call in the Michigan State-BC game. BC receiver clearly pushed off on a deep pass and got the TD. The announcer noted it even before the play was finished,

[Schmidty]

Horrible no call in the Michigan State-BC game. BC receiver clearly pushed off on a deep pass and got the TD. The announcer noted it even before the play was finished,

I literally broke my remote by throwing it at the wall. I've never done that before.

Game was stolen was by the refs, although Hoyer's terrible performance didn't help. Normally I'd begrudgingly give the winning team a nod, but in this case, the better team didn't necessarily win.

[terpkristin]

Terps up 14-7 in the Emerald Bowl late in the 1st quarter after a nice run by Darrius Hayward-Bey.

I was worried about which Terps team would show up, looks like so far it's the good version...

/tk

[DaddyTorgo]

I literally broke my remote by throwing it at the wall. I've never done that before.

Game was stolen was by the refs, although Hoyer's terrible performance didn't help. Normally I'd begrudgingly give the winning team a nod, but in this case, the better team didn't necessarily win.

idk...the 5 turnovers by MSU don't exactly help your argument

[Izulde]

Oregon State's uniforms sure are ugly. I may have to reconsider Corvallis. :D

[Schmidty]

idk...the 5 turnovers by MSU don't exactly help your argument

Did you miss the part where I mentioned Hoyer's terrible play being a factor? Pay attention.

Regardless of everything else, that one play was the winning touchdown, and was an absolute joke. Inexcusable.

[DaddyTorgo]

Did you miss the part where I mentioned Hoyer's terrible play being a factor? Pay attention.

Regardless of everything else, that one play was the winning touchdown, and was an absolute joke. Inexcusable.

I musta missed that part. Hoyer was pretty wretched.

[terpkristin]

Ow, Lattimore goes down hard.
I hope this isn't how he ends his college career...

/tk

[st.cronin]

I just don't see Matt Ryan as a top 5 pick.

[Noop]

http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c39216fc25de0116fe19025a0005

[astrosfan64]

Did you miss the part where I mentioned Hoyer's terrible play being a factor? Pay attention.

Regardless of everything else, that one play was the winning touchdown, and was an absolute joke. Inexcusable.

His terrible play being a factor? Come on.

For the record, Michigan State DB and LB were grabbing, hitting early and playing physical all game long. I'm ok with the ref not calling them on it, so when it happens back like with the push off, don't cry about it.

It was just a physical game.

[larrymcg421]

His terrible play being a factor? Come on.

For the record, Michigan State DB and LB were grabbing, hitting early and playing physical all game long. I'm ok with the ref not calling them on it, so when it happens back like with the push off, don't cry about it.

It was just a physical game.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but this was a clear penalty and there's no doubt about it. It's not a question of it being a physical game. This wasn't where guys just bumped into each other or guys are being rough while jockeying for position. He pushed the defender away to create separation and it was a key play in the game. If you're not going to throw a flag on that play, then there's no point in the ref even carrying a flag at all.

[larrymcg421]

dola

Early in the 3rd quarter of Liberty Bowl, and Smith has 90 yards. He needs 91 more to set the record.

[Dr. Sak]

I agree it was a penalty but I can see how the ref didnt call it. The Back Judge responsible was shielded from the push off. He can't exactly see through the WR to see the push off.

Remember we have the luxury of seeing it in replay and at the best angles possible.

[larrymcg421]

Update:

11:30 left and Smith needs 67 yards for the record.

[Dr. Sak]

I just don't want this game to go into OT.

[larrymcg421]

I don't think he's getting the record even if it does go to OT.

[astrosfan64]

this is one ugly game of football.

[RedKingGold]

I just don't want this game to go into OT.

+1 :mad:

Someone score a freaking point.

[Dr. Sak]

I don't think he's getting the record even if it does go to OT.

I don't care about the record, I want to watch Penn State :)

[larrymcg421]

Some classy fan throwing a beer bottle at the Miss State player.

[bhlloy]

As good as Kevin Smith is, Israel is absolutely horrible. Couldn't have played a lot worse.

[B & B]

I don't care about the record, I want to watch Penn State :)


A+M outright. Got in at +224

[Dr. Sak]

I love Erin Andrews!!!

Did anyone else notice that Fowler has a nasty scratch on his forehead? Looks like he got into a catfight.

[MrBug708]

this is one ugly game of football.

It's puntacular

[CU Tiger]

What an A&M bounce...its hard to watch this and the Pats at the same time
...wish I still had my gambling 5 TV set up...

[Dr. Sak]

Wasn't pretty but PSU won. I must say though, this was the most disappointing season in my 25+ Season of watching PSU football.

[Dr. Sak]

A+M outright. Got in at +224

Sorry you lost your money

[Vegas Vic]

aTm is the perpetual turd of college football. Everytime they have a chance to make a statement and take a step forward, they get flushed down the toilet.

[Brownkeg8]

I just don't see Matt Ryan as a top 5 pick.

would agree top 5 might be a reach. He made some very strong throws, reminded me of Favre just trying to hammer it in there or slinging it back across the field. Some very good potential.

[SirFozzie]

California!

Air Force!

It's the Armed Forces Bowl!

(I'm sorry, any game that starts at 12 noon on a non-holiday weekday (yes, a lot of folks take today off, but it's not a holiday), that starts at 9-10 AM local time for the teams involved? Pass. The teams will be eating breakfast along the sidelines ;))

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Anyone heard a final word on whether McFadden will be playing in the Cotton Bowl tomorrow?

[MJ4H]

Local sources say he is. Official word from the university has not been released yet.

[MrBug708]

Oh Cal...always the late season disappointment. It's gone from UCLA, to ASU, to Cal now

[Brownkeg8]

Oh Cal...always the late season disappointment. It's gone from UCLA, to ASU, to Cal now

Cal beginning to make a game of it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

GT 7-0 over Fresno after a nice & easy opening drive.

Quite a few non-senior players, including QB Taylor Bennett, have to know that this might be their last chance in the spotlight so hopefully they'll go hard all game long. I also get the feeling we'll know where Tenuta is going by this time tomorrow.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's now 27-7 Fresno, third quarter just getting underway with another TD.

Like we said, never bet on GT when they leave the time zone.

[mauchow]

Air Forces QB went down with a NASTY knee injury. Too bad as they were pretty much in control of things when he was around. Cal took over after AFA's offense came to a stall.

[JonInMiddleGA]

34-14 Fresno getting late in the third. Tech's defense has looked very average (and I'm being generous), and the Fresno TE just made a defender look downright silly while blocking downfield.

[Vegas Vic]

FSU didn't have to charter buses to get from the hotel to LP Field. They rented a minivan.

7-0 Kentucky, 1st quarter.

[mauchow]

Blah. GT gets a lucky TD to pull within 6.

[MJ4H]

Anyone heard a final word on whether McFadden will be playing in the Cotton Bowl tomorrow?

He is eligible to play:
http://www.hogwired.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=1357495

[Vegas Vic]

Separated at birth?

Fresno State head coach Pat Hill and the guy who played Ike Clanton in "Tombstone".

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6415/stephenlanghs9.jpg

[JonInMiddleGA]

40-28 Fresno final, over 300 yards rushing.

Not really much of a surprise.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Pick six for FSU ties the game at 14-14, 3:28 left first half.

[Vegas Vic]

Oklahoma State up 7-3 over Indiana in the 1st quarter.

It still seems weird watching bowl games on the NFL network.

[Vegas Vic]

Indiana might be wishing that they had just played 12 this year.

Four offensive possessions for Oklahoma State, four touchdowns.

28-3 Oklahoma State, early 2nd quarter.

[HerRealName]

I'm no FSU fan but I have to say that I can't recall seeing a team get bent over by an officiating crew this bad in a long, long time.

[Young Drachma]

Music City Bowl is pretty freakin' sloppy.

[st.cronin]

I've been watching Woodson, trying to get a feel for his strengths and weaknesses. The critique that I have heard on him, that he doesn't always make good decisions, seems to me completely untrue. The problem is that he does not make QUICK decisions, which I think is a much worse flaw. If he's able to fix that, I think he'll be a fine NFL player. I like him a lot better than Matt Ryan.

[Noop]

I am proud of the effort from the Seminoles but good lord Drew is not the answer despite some very bad calls from the refs we had a chance to win this game.

[Vegas Vic]

C. J. Spiller takes it to the house on an 83 yard TD run. Clemson up 7-3 over Auburn.

[st.cronin]

Can somebody tell me Quentin Groves uni #?

[Atocep]

I've been watching Woodson, trying to get a feel for his strengths and weaknesses. The critique that I have heard on him, that he doesn't always make good decisions, seems to me completely untrue. The problem is that he does not make QUICK decisions, which I think is a much worse flaw. If he's able to fix that, I think he'll be a fine NFL player. I like him a lot better than Matt Ryan.


I think he's much more accurate on intermediate and deep passes than Ryan, but his release is way too slow for the NFL. Everything he does seems to be in slow motion in the pocket; the way he moves, his decision making, and his release. He's going to have to get some coaching and be responsive to change because he simply can't take that long to get rid of the ball at the next level.

Ryan's biggest problem that I've seen, and I alluded to earlier, is accuracy. He's just not very consistent with his throws at all. Ryan has not impressed me much. Fine college player, but I don't see him being successful in the NFL.

I still like Brohm the best out of these three, mostly because I think he's the safest pick.

I watched 4 or 5 Hawaii games this year and I still don't know what to think of Colt Brennan. Its impossible to get a feel for a quarterback when just about every receiver he throws to is wide open because they're playing against the equivalent of good high school teams.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Can somebody tell me Quentin Groves uni #?

No idea if this is an actual question or if it's a joke that I'm missing since I was away from the TV but just in case ... 54

[st.cronin]

I think he's much more accurate on intermediate and deep passes than Ryan, but his release is way too slow for the NFL. Everything he does seems to be in slow motion in the pocket; the way he moves, his decision making, and his release. He's going to have to get some coaching and be responsive to change because he simply can't take that long to get rid of the ball at the next level.

Ryan's biggest problem that I've seen, and I alluded to earlier, is accuracy. He's just not very consistent with his throws at all. Ryan has not impressed me much. Fine college player, but I don't see him being successful in the NFL.

I still like Brohm the best out of these three, mostly because I think he's the safest pick.

I watched 4 or 5 Hawaii games this year and I still don't know what to think of Colt Brennan. Its impossible to get a feel for a quarterback when just about every receiver he throws to is wide open because they're playing against the equivalent of good high school teams.

Exactly how I feel, I think its crazy that Brohm isn't considered the #1 qb in this class. Woodson could turn out good with good coaching. Ryan, he just doesn't resemble an NFL QB. I don't think he's even going to be as good as, say, Joey Harrington.

I like the look of that Flacco kid at Delaware, but his stats were pretty unimpressive - 18-10 td/int rate doesn't inspire confidence.

[st.cronin]

No idea if this is an actual question or if it's a joke that I'm missing since I was away from the TV but just in case ... 54

Genuine question, I'm hoping to watch him as closely as possible.

[Vegas Vic]

Watching the Auburn/Clemson game, it's refreshing to see that it's still possible to play a college football game that isn't 38-35 at halftime.

[Vegas Vic]

Auburn wins in OT, 23-20.

Very entertaining game.

[EagleFan]

Air Forces QB went down with a NASTY knee injury. Too bad as they were pretty much in control of things when he was around. Cal took over after AFA's offense came to a stall.

That was one of those cringe worthy injuries. It's a shame too because they were looking good up until that point and I believe that was his last game so it's a real shame for it to end that way.

[B & B]

Sorry you lost your money


Wont be the first bet I lose today, or tomorrow. Just trying to win 1 more than I lose everyday.

Bowl games start in 8 1/2 hours. Tick tick.

[Ajaxab]

Anyone catch Ed Cunningham talking about the Seminole suspension problems yesterday? He declared that we all needed to think about how we were when we were in college and said that "most of us would have done the same thing" as the suspended players. Seriously? Most of us would have cheated? The apocalypse is upon us again.

[cmp]

Wow. Where was that Michigan offense all year long.

[MJ4H]

Thank god we are getting rid of this incompetence. For all of you that don't know why Nutt was fired, please watch the Cotton Bowl right now.

[st.cronin]

Thank god we are getting rid of this incompetence. For all of you that don't know why Nutt was fired, please watch the Cotton Bowl right now.

Is Houston Nutt coaching the Cotton Bowl?

[MJ4H]

Nope.

[Blade6119]

Nope.

That you guys won 9 games in the SEC playing like this makes me seriously rethink the quality of the SEC. Ohio State is looking better and better in that title game, and i hate ohio state

[MJ4H]

You should go back and look at how many of Arkansas's wins were against the st. mary's sisters of the deaf and blind university and not the SEC. And we only have 8 wins. Plus we didn't play most of the good SEC teams. The only good ones we played (besides the miracle in Baton Rouge) beat us.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Unusual instance in the UT-UW game where the replay official actually screws up two calls on a single replay.

edit to add:
WOOT !
Interception at the goal line saves the Vols.

[MJ4H]

Unusual instance in the UT-UW game where the replay official actually screws up two calls on a single replay.

haha i was just thinking that

[MrBug708]

993 consecutive touches without a fumble? That's impressive. Too bad it happened at a terrible time..

[mckerney]

Unusual instance in the UT-UW game where the replay official actually screws up two calls on a single replay.

edit to add:
WOOT !
Interception at the goal line saves the Vols.


Woohoo! Go Rocky Top!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Michigan trickeration (handoff, throwback to the QB then thrown to the end zone) ends up intercepted. Gators struggling still, pinned at their 1, tied 14-14 late in the first half.

[st.cronin]

Happy trails, Tyler Donovan. I enjoyed your work.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Meanwhile, the surprise of the day for me so far is probably Virginia leading Texas Tech 21-7 at the half.

[ISiddiqui]

Mizzou is looking pretty impressive. I just would have liked to have seen them play against a better team.

[Warhammer]

I am pleasantly surprised that the Big 10 is playing as well as they have been against the SEC. I mean who seriously thought that Florida-Michigan or Tennessee-Wisconsin were going to be as close as they have been?

[ISiddiqui]

Touchdown Michigan right before the half!

[st.cronin]

I am pleasantly surprised that the Big 10 is playing as well as they have been against the SEC. I mean who seriously thought that Florida-Michigan or Tennessee-Wisconsin were going to be as close as they have been?

I did.

[MJ4H]

Mizzou is looking pretty impressive. I just would have liked to have seen them play against a better team.

No doubt. It still hacks me off Kansas got into a BCS bowl over Missouri. It is a major red flag that something is wrong with the system.

[EagleFan]

Is it just me, or was that trick play that Tennessee called one of the dumbest play calls ever? The one where they were moving the ball well and decided that they really needed a play where the QB hands the ball to the RB between his legs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Is it just me, or was that trick play that Tennessee called one of the dumbest play calls ever?

No, it wasn't just you.

[MizzouRah]

What a complete smackdown today by Mizzou!!!

Might have been the best tackling game I've ever watched, wow.

Hey BCS, here's a middle finger for you!

[MJ4H]

What a complete smackdown today by Mizzou!!!

Might have been the best tackling game I've ever watched, wow.

Hey BCS, here's a middle finger for you!

I'll second that. And the tackling was very impressive as well. Congrats on the well played game.

[Vegas Vic]

No doubt. It still hacks me off Kansas got into a BCS bowl over Missouri. It is a major red flag that something is wrong with the system.

The system is only designed to pick two teams to play in a national championship game. Most of the general public also thinks that the BCS is supposed to pick the highest ranked teams to play each other in the other BCS bowl games, but that is not the case.

So, I do agree that the design of the system is flawed, but the system itself is functioning as it was intended to.

[MizzouRah]

I'll second that. And the tackling was very impressive as well. Congrats on the well played game.

Thank you!

Arkansas really looked one dimensional today and never could really get a running game going.. although our defense played outstanding.

It's really a shame there is no playoff system.

Edit: Go Hawaii! :)

[MJ4H]

The system is only designed to pick two teams to play in a national championship game. Most of the general public also thinks that the BCS is supposed to pick the highest ranked teams to play each other in the other BCS bowl games, but that is not the case.

So, I do agree that the design of the system is flawed, but the system itself is functioning as it was intended to.

I didn't say the BCS is flawed. The system that picks the teams that play in the BCS bowls is flawed. I realize that the BCS is not designed to pick those teams. However, the part I think is broken is the morons that decided Kansas should play in a BCS bowl over Missouri. I stand by that.

[MJ4H]

Arkansas really looked one dimensional today

Welcome to the last 8 years of Arkansas football. Thank God it is finally over.

[Vegas Vic]

However, the part I think is broken is the morons that decided Kansas should play in a BCS bowl over Missouri. I stand by that.

Well, that would be the Orange Bowl committee. Those guys in the orange sport coats. That's who your beef is with.

[MJ4H]

Among others, yes.

[Jas_lov]

HART FUMBLES AGAIN!!!!! FLORIDA RECOVERS IN THE ENDZONE!!!!!

[CU Tiger]

Anyone catch Ed Cunningham talking about the Seminole suspension problems yesterday? He declared that we all needed to think about how we were when we were in college and said that "most of us would have done the same thing" as the suspended players. Seriously? Most of us would have cheated? The apocalypse is upon us again.

I had to go back and check the quote as well as do a little reading on the whole deal.

From what I gather, the incident was a test in a Music Appreciation Class. The test was online and open book. One student (non-player) apparently took the test in another section and copied thee 20 answers A,B,A,C,C,C, etc. and passed the lsist to a player.

Now in no way was it "right", but if you are asking me, would I have taken answers in an elective, non-major, filler course that was also online and open book, then Yes I would have.

And honestly probably did at some point.
And anyone who says they would not, Im assuming its a safe bet you were not in a fraternity in college (I wasnt either, BTW) because they were alwasy studying and distributting last years tests and other such material.

[Jas_lov]

TOUCHDOWN TEBOW TO CALDWELL! What a turn of events in the Capital One Bowl! Michigan going in for the TD, Hart fumbles AGAIN!!!! Florida marches all the way down for the score! 14 point swing! Tie game!

[MJ4H]

I had to go back and check the quote as well as do a little reading on the whole deal.

From what I gather, the incident was a test in a Music Appreciation Class. The test was online and open book. One student (non-player) apparently took the test in another section and copied thee 20 answers A,B,A,C,C,C, etc. and passed the lsist to a player.

Now in no way was it "right", but if you are asking me, would I have taken answers in an elective, non-major, filler course that was also online and open book, then Yes I would have.

And honestly probably did at some point.
And anyone who says they would not, Im assuming its a safe bet you were not in a fraternity in college (I wasnt either, BTW) because they were alwasy studying and distributting last years tests and other such material.

I wouldn't. But, then, I teach Music Appreciation. Also, my tests are different from one class period to the next, let alone from one year to the next.

[MizzouRah]

Welcome to the last 8 years of Arkansas football. Thank God it is finally over.

Will be interesting to see what Petrino can do... especially without McFadden as he starts his coaching career.

[CU Tiger]

Yep and a fake punt on your own 23.....huervas grandes by Urban

[Joe]

I wouldn't. But, then, I teach Music Appreciation. Also, my tests are different from one class period to the next, let alone from one year to the next.

I think during the game it was said that the test hasn't changed in the past seven years.

[whomario]

Great game so far, pretty entertaining. Florida catching quite a few breaks, Hart fumbling it twice was just crazy, he had like a million carries without a single fumble for the last couple years ... And Florida twice going for it on 4th down and completing only adds to that .
Tebow definitely playing with a lot of poise. Propably not the most in depth comment, but that´s only the 2nd time i´ve seen him play ...

[Joe]

Yep and a fake punt on your own 23.....huervas grandes by Urban

stupid call.. that was like Les Miles stupid

[Jas_lov]

I had to go back and check the quote as well as do a little reading on the whole deal.

From what I gather, the incident was a test in a Music Appreciation Class. The test was online and open book. One student (non-player) apparently took the test in another section and copied thee 20 answers A,B,A,C,C,C, etc. and passed the lsist to a player.

Now in no way was it "right", but if you are asking me, would I have taken answers in an elective, non-major, filler course that was also online and open book, then Yes I would have.

And honestly probably did at some point.
And anyone who says they would not, Im assuming its a safe bet you were not in a fraternity in college (I wasnt either, BTW) because they were alwasy studying and distributting last years tests and other such material.

I would have done the same and I did do the same. It was an online test for a gen ed history class and a bunch of us went to a computer lab in the dorms and took the test together. I purposely answered some differently than all of the others so I didn't get caught, but the other idiots did. The professor never said anything about not taking the test together. If she wanted to be able to watch everybody she should have had the test in the classroom. Having students take online tests outside of the classroom in which no proctor is monitoring the students is just asking for people to cheat! It's not rocket science! Who here would not have consulted with your classmates about the test?

[Jas_lov]

FG gives Michigan a 31-28 lead. This is turning out to be a great game. Hopefully the Rose and Sugar Bowls are this good. Not holding out too much hope for either though.

[cmp]

These turnovers are killing Michigan.

[Jas_lov]

TOUCHDOWN HARVIN!!!!!! SOMEBODY STOP HIM!!!!!!! GATORS TAKE A 4 POINT LEAD!

[Lathum]

Crabtree just made a sick TD grab

[Jas_lov]

WHAT A PASS AND CATCH! MICHIGAN IS THREATENING!

[Lathum]

Sick catch by Arrington

[DeToxRox]

This is a helluva fucking game. Love the fight Michigan is showing for their coach.

[Jas_lov]

TOUCHDOWN HENNE TO ARRINGTON!!! MICHIGAN TAKES A 3 POINT LEAD!!!!

[cmp]

Michigan moves right down the field again. 38-35.

[DeToxRox]

Urban Meyer is watching too many LSU games

[DeToxRox]

Sign of the bowl season

"If you can get Rich quick, why wait for Les"

[Young Drachma]

App State over Florida! Woo.

[Jas_lov]

FG gives Michigan a 6 point lead. Tebow has 2:21 to engineer the game winning drive.

[Vegas Vic]

Boneheaded call by Al Groh and the UVA freshman QB fumbles on their own 5 yard line. Texas Tech punches it in on the next play to tie the game 28-28 late in the 4th quarter.

[st.cronin]

You would think that blitzing Tebow would be an idiotic strategy, but it seems to be working very well.

[Young Drachma]

Ha. Ha. Take that, Heisman.

[DeToxRox]

I think it's finally over.

[Jas_lov]

TURNOVER ON DOWNS! MICHIGAN WINS!!!!!!

[Young Drachma]

Happy for Lloyd Carr going out as a winner. Good for him.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Congrats to Lloyd Carr & Michigan, a great performance all the way around.

[Vegas Vic]

28-28, Texas Tech in field goal range, 24 seconds left. What an amazing comeback.

[cmp]

Great win.

[Mantle2600]

Too bad the Big 10 can't hang with the SEC speed.:rolleyes:

[Lathum]

UVA fans must feel sick

[Vegas Vic]

31-28, Texas Tech scores 17 points in the final 3 minutes of the game to win the Gator Bowl.

[Vegas Vic]

Next up, the Rose Bowl, and we get to listen to that annoying "Tribute to Troy" after every play.

[Dr. Sak]

Good job Michigan! I know I picked against you but I am really happy you won.

[Jas_lov]

TOUCHDOWN BOOTY TO WASHINGTON!!!! 7-0 USC.

[IMetTrentGreen]

Next up, the Rose Bowl, and we get to listen to that annoying "Tribute to Troy" after every play.

No doubt. I wish their band would learn a toe tapper like Boomer Sooner instead.

[sooner333]

No doubt. I wish their band would learn a toe tapper like Boomer Sooner instead.

Or I've Been Workin' on the Railroad.

[IMetTrentGreen]

I guess you missed the "after every play" part of Vic's post.

[st.cronin]

I'll call it: Game over in Pasadena.

[Vegas Vic]

14-0, USC early. This could get ugly.

I sure would have loved to have seen a USC - Georgia matchup.

[Jas_lov]

TOUCHDOWN GREEN TO REED!!!!!! 14-0 USC! RAZZLE DAZZLE!

[DeToxRox]

Apparently Illinois wasted their cap room on players and not game planning.

[Noop]

The Gators lost I am content.

[Jas_lov]

INT GETS ILLINOIS BACK IN THE GAME!!!

[st.cronin]

There's a big break for the Zooksters.

[Jas_lov]

MISSED FG!!! ILLINOIS IS TERRIBLE! This game might be over by halftime.

[Eaglesfan27]

INT GETS ILLINOIS BACK IN THE GAME!!!


You are hilarious. :)

I'll be surprised if USC doesn't win this one by at least 40. Time for them to make a statement today.

[Eaglesfan27]

What a hit by Rey Rey!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Great win by Michigan. A great performance by the seniors in the final. Very inspired.

Hail to the Victors.

Hail to Coach Carr.

[Joe]

UVA fans must feel sick

yeah, about as sick as I felt last year after playing Texas Tech in a bowl game.

[Jas_lov]

TOUCHDOWN WASHINGTON!!!!! USC up 21-0.

[Lathum]

USC is so much faster then Illinois it is ridiculous

[Vegas Vic]

Skippy!

[Blade6119]

Its a sweet day of vindication for us Mizzou fans...our win, coupled with Illinois getting embarrassed is oh so sweet...now all we need is kansas to get killed(which i doubt, not becuase of kansas, but because VT's offense isnt great) for a happy ending

[Eaglesfan27]

Is Herbstreit drunk? Anyway, nice play by Illinois to make the game interesting again.

[mauchow]

Just think if Illinois DE, #99 got out of the way of his safety on his interception, it could be 21-17 right now.

[mauchow]

Ugh, that sucks. USC got a nice break there. good play by the corner to knock it out like so.

[Lathum]

DOH!!

[Jas_lov]

Illinois blew it again in the redzone.

[Jas_lov]

Good God that was a great lateral!

[Neuqua]

Wow, V. Davis ran him down from no where. Great tackle.

[Eaglesfan27]

What a play by McKnight! I'm surprised he was caught from behind though.

[mauchow]

And another USC break. lol

Ah, well.

[Eaglesfan27]

The ball went back almost 2 yards. Stupid challenge.

[Jas_lov]

Touchdown Booty to Davis. What a turn of events. 14 point swing. 28-10.

[mauchow]

Classy group of kids.

[Eaglesfan27]

Terrible throw by Juice.

[Lathum]

Pop

[Eaglesfan27]

42-10 early in the 4th. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Classy group of kids.

They really are. They keep helping Juice up after they knock him down (or he falls down on his own.) :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Double Dola -

Herschel with a TD!! Nice to get him a touchdown to end his career. He's been a great team guy.

[Ajaxab]

Thank you Rose Bowl selection committee. I needed that three hours of sleep. Zzzzzzzz.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Kinda cool to see Fran Tarkenton doing a nice job on the Sugar Bowl pre-game.
(cooler since his nephew is pretty much my best friend)

[MJ4H]

what the hell was that bonerama thing. that was so hilariously entertaining and bad.

[Karlifornia]

I'm rooting hard for Hawaii..let's go Warriors...settle down.

[Young Drachma]

I think that was intentional.

[Young Drachma]

Like, they said.."send them a message." Not a smart play, tho.

[Karlifornia]

I miss Georgia's red uniforms.

[Jas_lov]

Touchdown Georgia.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, who gave Georgia an Easy Button?

[Karlifornia]

Stafford should have a light workload. Georgia can just run it down Hawaii's throat.

[Atocep]

Okay, who gave Georgia an Easy Button?

The BCS commitee.

[Dr. Sak]

Let Hawaii settle their nerves before you call them out just yet...

[Radii]

Okay, who gave Georgia an Easy Button?

the sugar bowl selection committee?

[Karlifornia]

The BCS commitee.

If you're saying that Hawaii shouldn't be there, I disagree. If a team is undefeated, they should get a chance to prove themselves on the big stage. Like, uhm..last year?

[Eaglesfan27]

The BCS commitee.

Exactly. This is a Hawaii team whose best win is against Boise State. They aren't going to be able to match up athletically with Georgia. This shouldn't surprise anyone.