College Football: Week 1 Discussion

[TargetPractice6]

A shutout for the Kentucky defense! Suck it, Louisville!

[JonInMiddleGA]

A shutout for the Kentucky defense! Suck it, Louisville!

Then again, it looks like the defense outscored the offense, so I'm not sure how much celebrating I'd be doing just yet. A win is a win, especially over a rival, but this might not be the best harbinger of things to come either.

[TargetPractice6]

Then again, it looks like the defense outscored the offense, so I'm not sure how much celebrating I'd be doing just yet. A win is a win, especially over a rival, but this might not be the best harbinger of things to come either.Oh, I'm definitely concerned about the offense. However, we were breaking in a QB with a total of 6 pass attempts before today against perhaps our biggest rival. With three creampuffs coming up, I'm hoping things will be moving a bit smoother by the time SEC play starts. I'm also very happy with what the defense showed today. It's supposed to be the best UK D of the last 20 years and it hasn't disappointed so far.

Even if it wasn't pretty it was very nice to crush a rival that we'd only beat twice in the last 9 years.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Even if it wasn't pretty it was very nice to crush a rival that we'd only beat twice in the last 9 years.

That's cool, just making sure you were maintaining a little perspective is all ;)

[Celeval]

Even so, it's absolutely mindboggling how horrible the league looks outside of Wake Forest so far. Heck, the mere suggestion that Wake Forest is apparently the league's team to beat would've been a staggering one at the time of the expansion a few years ago.

Hey, Tech hasn't looked bad yet. :)

Grobe, I think, has really upped his respect lately.

[Vegas Vic]

Colorado goes up 7-0 early in the 2nd quarter on a 35 yard TD pass from Cody Hawkins to Scotty McKnight.

[ISiddiqui]

WOW!

Colorado returns a kickoff for a TD and on the ensuing kickoff, CSU returns the kickoff for a TD!

AMAZING!

[watravaler]

The Illinois/Mizzou game was fun to watch. I fully expect Mizzou to be in the running for the national title come October, and Illinois shouldn't have much of problem getting to 10 wins...

[timmynausea]

Louisville is going to have a LOOOOONG season.

I thought they could have defensive problems, but I was surprised at how poor their offense was. Hunter Cantwell looked good when he got time in the Petrino years. He looked horrible today. The Louisville offense today played like they expected to lose. No energy at all.

[SFL Cat]

It never fails, just about when you think the Cards will be a bowl contender on a regular basis, something happens and they drop back into football purgatory for 3-5 years.

UK football will always be the poor stepchild next to the basketball program.

[hoopsguy]

The Illinois/Mizzou game was fun to watch. I fully expect Mizzou to be in the running for the national title come October, and Illinois shouldn't have much of problem getting to 10 wins...

Have you seen the Illini schedule the rest of the way?

@ PSU, @ Michigan (happy to get that game earlier in year), @ Wisconsin, and Ohio State at home?

Between the ground game, lackluster special teams play, conditioning concerns, and overall bad defense that I saw on Saturday, I think 10 wins is a very lofty goal.

I would be take 9 wins right now, with a 5-3 mark in conference play and a bowl win. But I hope that you have it right and I'm just being overly pessimistic about a loss to a strong foe.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yes, I survived the Mizzou game, though I needed a trainer afterwards. No one sat for most of the game, so timeouts were welcome so you could sit down for a minute or two. Quite a track meet. Illinois' #13 was blowing by one of our CB's on several occasions. They'll obviously have to address that before B12 play. Maclin is OK and may rest for a week or two as we have a weak non-con the rest of the way.

[General Mike]

http://www.siyumhaseinfeld.com/images/chars/mandelbaums2.jpg says:
"It's go time!
Mendelbaum!
Mendelbaum!
Mendelbaum!"

[miked]

Go RU!

[Vegas Vic]

Boneheaded move by Rutgers there.

[General Mike]

Our D is playing well.

[Vegas Vic]

What a horseshit call.

[miked]

Just dreadful. If I see that run play again, I'm expecting to see "the defense seemed familiar with that play" or something.

[Young Drachma]

Touchdown RU. Nice.

[TazFTW]

Great catch.

[General Mike]

This team is gonna make me kill myself. I'm not joking.

[Vegas Vic]

It's been an interesting first week, with one more entertaining game tonight at UCLA.

I think I had Clemson and Virginia Tech rated lower than everyone else in Cartman's first poll (I didn't even have Clemson in the top 10), and I'm one of the few people who had Fresno State in the top 25. It will be interesting to see how the FOFCers vote this week.

[MizzouRah]

Yes, I survived the Mizzou game, though I needed a trainer afterwards. No one sat for most of the game, so timeouts were welcome so you could sit down for a minute or two. Quite a track meet. Illinois' #13 was blowing by one of our CB's on several occasions. They'll obviously have to address that before B12 play. Maclin is OK and may rest for a week or two as we have a weak non-con the rest of the way.

Gettis got hurt I think and that's when that side went to shit.. anyway.. where is Pig Brown when you need him. :)

Sounds like you had a fun time, I'll be making the trip up to Columbia some time VERY soon!

I'd sit Maclin at LEAST a week, but he really wants to play.. so I hope Pinkel does what's right.

[miked]

Man, how do the McCourty twins have jobs? I think they may be the worst CBs in the NCAA.

[timmynausea]

It's been an interesting first week, with one more entertaining game tonight at UCLA.

I think I had Clemson and Virginia Tech rated lower than everyone else in Cartman's first poll (I didn't even have Clemson in the top 10), and I'm one of the few people who had Fresno State in the top 25. It will be interesting to see how the FOFCers vote this week.

I wanted to take a look cause I couldn't remember if I had Fresno St. tucked in the bottom of mine (I did at 25). I was pretty surprised to see that VT was actually unranked in two polls and the majority didn't have them in the top 15 (you and I had them 14th and 15th.)

It'll be interesting to see if Clemson drops all the way out. I had them 8th, though I predicted they wouldn't win the ACC in the predictions thread.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's Football Time ... in Tennessee

[Chief Rum]

Interesting first set of downs. Saw issues for both teams on each side.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Prediction: Crompton will do much better if he manages to both hold on to the football & not try to fall down on his drop back.

[Chief Rum]

Prediction: Crompton will do much better if he manages to both hold on to the football & not try to fall down on his drop back.

Yup. Another prediction is if UCLA keeps throwing these high loft passes into the arms of Vol DBs, and this is going to be a veeeeerrrrrryyyy long game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, let's stop sugarcoating it: neither QB looks worth a damn so far (especially after Crompton's last one hopper)

[bhlloy]

Anybody know why UCLA is trying to go downfield with a QB who wasn't even good enough to play for his father at San Diego State?

[Chief Rum]

Anybody know why UCLA is trying to go downfield with a QB who wasn't even good enough to play for his father at San Diego State?

Actually he redshirted as a freshman. Not unheard of. And then started as a redshirt freshman for his father's replacement.

As for why they're trying to go downfield is probably because receivers have been open. Can't find out what you have until you try.

I am disappointed to see what sounds an awful lot like Trojie trolling here this early. Don't be a hater, just watch the game. Save it for December 3 or whatever date it is this year.

[Chief Rum]

Wow, plays like that can be critical in games like this. Nice play there for UCLA. Tennessee needs to figure something out about its protection schemes and UCLA's rush tactics (although that was on a punt, so a little different).

[miami_fan]

I hate that punt formation. Why give them a free run at the punter and hope the three guys in the back can block?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oh goody. Overwhelmed on a simple punt, a QB who looks like he's throwing in thin air, and an inability (and seemingly an unwillingness) to run the football. NOT a great start for the Vols.

[bhlloy]

Try again. I want UCLA to win this game (and I told Bug the same last night)

Craft is clearly not good enough to be making the throws he is attempting though, that is a fact. He is going to end up with a 5 INT game if he keeps going downfield like this. His last INT was one of the worst throws I have ever seen.

.... nice punt block :) I think UCLA can win this if they can get some yards on the ground. Defense looks good.

[bhlloy]

I hate that punt formation. Why give them a free run at the punter and hope the three guys in the back can block?

+1. Virginia kept running it against USC, and I was screaming at them to rush more than 2 guys. I guess if you get the punt off there is not much chance of a big return, but it's a big risk to take.

[Chief Rum]

Try again. I want UCLA to win this game (and I told Bug the same last night)

Craft is clearly not good enough to be making the throws he is attempting though, that is a fact. He is going to end up with a 5 INT game if he keeps going downfield like this. His last INT was one of the worst throws I have ever seen.

.... nice punt block :) I think UCLA can win this if they can get some yards on the ground. Defense looks good.

Well, sorry, if that was not your intent, but given your well-known allegiance, you can kinda see where I am coming from, right?

If you're here to offer fair commentary, comment away. If you're here to make this "rip away at your rival" night, please cease and desist and allow me to enjoy the game.

[Chief Rum]

UCLA has Tennessee's line pretty jumpy. Too bad the strategy Tenn is using is a sound one. The D is already tired, and is only going to get more tired if the offense can't go on a long drive of any sort.

Big play right now and IT has the ball on the 10.

[Chief Rum]

TD Tennessee. an XP from a tie.

[bhlloy]

Well, sorry, if that was not your intent, but given your well-known allegiance, you can kinda see where I am coming from, right?

If you're here to offer fair commentary, comment away. If you're here to make this "rip away at your rival" night, please cease and desist and allow me to enjoy the game.

Sure, point taken

[SirFozzie]

Stupid Rutgers.. I picked them to win as my first "ESPN Streak for the Cash" entry.

Needless to say, my streak of correct picks will be stuck at 0 for at least 1 day

(anyone else doing it? :D)

[Chief Rum]

Good Lord. Bell, Paulsen, Everett. At this rate, we'll have the second string offense out there by the third quarter. I hate injuries.

[Chief Rum]

BTW, I'm not a big fan of them making Moline the #2 RB. He's a big back/fullback type. Get Carter in there. Or Dean. At least those guys can run around players. And they have more talent than Moline, too. Only thing they don't have on Moline is experience (well, okay, and they aren't fullback sized).

[Chief Rum]

Excellent defensive series. JIMG is right on that Crompton is looking pretty poor. Despite the two picks, Craft may grade out slightly better at this point. All that said, Crompton led the Vols on a scoring drive. Craft has only managed to return the ball to UT in relatively short order.

[Chief Rum]

Oh, Gawd, really. Take those plays out of the playbook and burn them, please!

[Chief Rum]

And that means, there's no doubt Craft has fallen below Crompton in crapitude at this point. Thank you for the defense, although Craft's play is going to continue to lead them to be tired and unable to stop UT late.

[Vegas Vic]

Man, this QB for UCLA is horrible. I'm not even a fan, but he's giving me a headache.

[Chief Rum]

Man, this QB for UCLA is horrible. I'm not even a fan, but he's giving me a headache.

Yeah, he's not exactly earning himself a spot in UCLA lore just yet. Or at least not the good kind. Oh, for the days of Bethel-McLeod!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Y'know, the really scary part is that at least UCLA knows they're playing with their 3rd stringer. Crompton is (supposedly) the best QB on the roster for the Vols. At this point I'm not sure he's even as good as, I dunno, Taylor Bennett.

[MacroGuru]

Yeah, he's not exactly earning himself a spot in UCLA lore just yet. Or at least not the good kind. Oh, for the days of Bethel-McLeod!

There is a reason SDSU helped him pack his bags to get him the hell out of there you know.

[JetsIn06]

Wow

[miami_fan]

Wow wow wow

[Chief Rum]

lol...can't say that's much of a shocker.

[Vegas Vic]

What's the NCAA record for most interceptions thrown in a game?

[miami_fan]

I have seen this before over the last couple of years. I think teams should avoid playing on Labor Day at all costs.

[Chief Rum]

I wish I could blame Labor Day, but, really, JIMG is right on. This is our third stringer. And Macro is right that if he were the stud you would like to see there, he wouldn't have left SDSU, even if eh didn't see eye to eye with Chuck Long.

I think what I am disappointed by is that there should be more poise and intelligence exhibited with these passes. I didn't expect the kid to light it up, especially against a great D like Tennessee, but I thought with his past D1 experience, he wouldn't look like a shell-shocked freshman. And that's what he looks like right now.

It's odd for me to say this, because I am not a big fan of his, but if Olson is healthy, we're up a couple TDs right now. Instead, we're down by one score, and we really don't have an option to go to after this guy. So Craft has to figure it out now.

[Chief Rum]

What's the NCAA record for most interceptions thrown in a game?

I would look it up, but I don't want to give myself a threshold of "badness" to root for avoiding. ;)

[Vegas Vic]

Craft is 7 out of 18 for 66 yards, 0 TD's and 4 INT's.

His NCAA passing efficiency rating in the 1st half is 25.2 (using the NFL formula, it is 10.1)

[Chief Rum]

Craft is 7 out of 18 for 66 yards, 0 TD's and 4 INT's.

His NCAA passing efficiency rating in the 1st half is 25.2 (using the NFL formula, it is 10.1)

So he's still better than Grossman? Good.

[Dr. Sak]

Craft is 7 out of 18 for 66 yards, 0 TD's and 4 INT's.

His NCAA passing efficiency rating in the 1st half is 25.2 (using the NFL formula, it is 10.1)

This is a replay of the South Carolina QB from Thursday. They won so that's a good sign for UCLA.

[SirFozzie]

Just a question.

Does anyone want to WIN this game?

[Chief Rum]

Unbelievable. Giving up the third down turned out to be the best thing for UCLA, since we forced the fumble on the next play.

[Chief Rum]

Just a question.

Does anyone want to WIN this game?

I do! But my eligibility has expired.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Does anyone want to WIN this game?

I hope so ... since that would at least mean that this dually painful exhibition would be over.

[Dr. Sak]

I do! But my eligibility has expired.

I still have 2 years left...give me Rick's number and I'll go out for a try out!

[Chief Rum]

Wow, good pass, great catch, great hit. Whoda thunk that play happens in this game?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wow, good pass, great catch, great hit. Whoda thunk that play happens in this game?

I believe that was the football equivalent of monkeys typing Shakespeare.

[Chief Rum]

It's funny, really, because we're in a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation with our respective offensive issues. We came in with huge offensive line issues. My read is that passing offense, our line is quite a bit better than expected. But we're just as bad running it with this line as expected. We're getting outmuscled by the Tenn D-line. Result is, we can't run it, even though we have some pretty good backs.

Now, passing wise, we're protecting Craft pretty well, and Chow is using some roll outs to help, too (along with some quick pass plays). But that also puts the ball in our primary culprit's hands: Craft.

Craft was much better when Paulsen, his likely #1 safety valve and a difficult target to cover, was out there in the beginning. We're really missing him now, out with the ankle injury, and they just said Paulsen won't be back this game. :(

[Chief Rum]

I believe that was the football equivalent of monkeys typing Shakespeare.

It was the best of times, it was the blorst of times.

[Chief Rum]

Good call. No catch. Fantastic throw, though. Maybe this Crompton kid ain't so bad.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Good call. No catch. Fantastic throw, though. Maybe this Crompton kid ain't so bad.

13/28 for 143 & a pick. Don't get carried away ;)

[Chief Rum]

13/28 for 143 & a pick. Don't get carried away ;)

Heh, true enough. To be fair, though, I really think that UCLA's defense got a lot of unfair "down" talk in the offseason because of losing Bruce Davis and the entire starting secondary. But it is actually a very good defense that might end up even better this year. We were very deep in the seconday and the recruiting class there was great, Carter is the most talented middlebacker we have had since Justin London, Alterraun Verner was actually a bit better than either of our four year starters at corner last year, and the broadcasting team is rightly pointing out how terrific the tackle duo of Harwell-Price is. Verner, Price, Harwell, Carter and Moore (at least) should be playing in the NFL soon.

And Crompton's not getting much help from his line (although they're playing better now). And he looks much, much better than Craft. ;)

[Chief Rum]

Look, ma! An offensive score!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Looks like a baaad call.

[Chief Rum]

That was a safety. Great play by UT. Bad call by the refs.

[Chief Rum]

BTW, UT was favored by 7. Think the bettors are a little worried what to make of this one right now?

[Chief Rum]

I don't know how they review that and come up with the same call. Seemed obvious to me.

[SirFozzie]

I reiterate my question from earlier:

Does anyone want to win this game?

[Chief Rum]

Wow. That offside.

http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/norica/government-blank-pistol.jpg

http://www.clipartof.com/images/clipart/xsmall2/11882_human_foot.jpg

[Chief Rum]

But UT has a nice punt return and are looking good right now to add more than they would have gotten from a safety and a long drive.

[Chief Rum]

Wow. That offside.

http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/norica/government-blank-pistol.jpg

http://www.clipartof.com/images/clipart/xsmall2/11882_human_foot.jpg

I will offer this up once more.

[SirFozzie]

Ok. End the game. Give both teams a L and move on

[Chief Rum]

Wow. That offside.

http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/norica/government-blank-pistol.jpg

http://www.clipartof.com/images/clipart/xsmall2/11882_human_foot.jpg

Ok, I'll just keep quoting this time every time UT shoots itself in the foot.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Still can't f'n block anybody. Still making the same mental mistakes, Foster back to fumbling, finally hit a FG and get a delay of game. This shit is getting very old. All that's left to return to some of the recent horrors is for the defense to start arm tackling again.

[Chief Rum]

I owe bhlloy an apology. His early criticism is spot on. There was no reason for Craft to be throwing far downfield. He is doing well with the rinky-dink.

[Dr. Sak]

I don't know how they review that and come up with the same call. Seemed obvious to me.

Disagree. The forward most point of the ball reached the goalline when the forward progress was stopped.

[Chief Rum]

Disagree. The forward most point of the ball reached the goalline when the forward progress was stopped.

Really? I didn't see that. I thought the ball was clearly still in the endzone when his knee hit and that the ball didn't progress forward out into the field of play until the second surge after the knee touch. But I have been looking back and forth between the screen and the computer, so maybe I missed a better replay (the one I saw was from slightly behind Carter).

[Dr. Sak]

What a catch!

[Chief Rum]

Wow, you're kidding me.

[Dr. Sak]

This is great!

[Chief Rum]

Who is this guy? Where is Kevin Craft?

WTF am I talking about? Who the F cares where the real Craft is!

[Chief Rum]

This is great!

Glad this game could get more entertaining for once. Broadcasters are saying right now how terrific it is for Craft to turn this around and what it says about his character. I agree 100%.

BTW, I don't think that should be a TD.

[Chief Rum]

Huh, they made it stand. Okay, Dr. Sak, tell me how that stands? I am actually curious. Maybe I don't understand the rule.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Should have fired Fat Phil & the consistently clueless John Chavis a long time ago. Instead, the idiots in charge of the money gave the Fat One an extension to ensure continued seasons of mediocrity, spotty recruiting, and unconscionable losses. There ought to be a moving fan in front of the sorry son of a bitch's house when he gets back to Knoxville.

And the same is true even if they somehow get a miracle & rally.

[Dr. Sak]

Huh, they made it stand. Okay, Dr. Sak, tell me how that stands? I am actually curious. Maybe I don't understand the rule.

The goalline extends out of bounds. Even though the ball was in his right hand and out of bounds he wasn't out of bounds yet (by touching anywhere out of bounds) so it is a TD.

[Dr. Sak]

Really? I didn't see that. I thought the ball was clearly still in the endzone when his knee hit and that the ball didn't progress forward out into the field of play until the second surge after the knee touch. But I have been looking back and forth between the screen and the computer, so maybe I missed a better replay (the one I saw was from slightly behind Carter).

From what I saw I thought his initial surge got him near or right on the goalline then he was pushed back. Rule of thumb for us officials is to give the offensive guy the benefit of the doubt that he got out unless there is no question he was stopped in the endzone.

[Dr. Sak]

Facemask

[RPI-Fan]

From what I saw I thought his initial surge got him near or right on the goalline then he was pushed back. Rule of thumb for us officials is to give the offensive guy the benefit of the doubt that he got out unless there is no question he was stopped in the endzone.

That seems pretty f'ing stupid to me. Why assume one thing or other instead of just calling it as accurately as possible?

[Dr. Sak]

That seems pretty f'ing stupid to me. Why assume one thing or other instead of just calling it as accurately as possible?

I don't have the luxury or instant replay like they do so that's just what we are told.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Looks for all the world like this team was coached all spring by Chan Gailey.

[Chief Rum]

The goalline extends out of bounds. Even though the ball was in his right hand and out of bounds he wasn't out of bounds yet (by touching anywhere out of bounds) so it is a TD.

Huh, makes sense as explained. I think if I designed the rules, the out of bounds on the side should be just as legit as non-scoring areas as the regular playing field, since you certainly couldn't catch a pass out of bounds to the side of the endzone and have it count. But then I didn't design the rules (and, hell, I'll take it).

[Chief Rum]

Looks for all the world like this team was coached all spring by Chan Gailey.

This game is certainly far from over, but, yes, I agree, this is one I think you lay at the feet of the coaching staff. UCLA has some good innovative minds on the sideline and some good young talent, but it's young, and there is not enough of it. Tennessee is much bigger and more talented. This shouldn't be close, even on the road.

[Chief Rum]

Huge first down for UT.

[Dr. Sak]

I'm impressed with UCLA's defense. Like CR said, I think they got an unwarranted bad rap.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee is much bigger and more talented.

And more experienced. Unfortunately, that seems to mean absolutely nothing to this team.

[Dr. Sak]

Shitballs

[Chief Rum]

Big play UT. They take the lead.

[DeToxRox]

UCLA's showing a lot of fight tonight. Even if they lose I think this will be a team that surprises people.

[Chief Rum]

Neuheisel says he's the King of the Two Minute Offense. I guess we'll get to see.

[Dr. Sak]

Neuheisel says he's the King of the Two Minute Offense. I guess we'll get to see.

Let's see what he can Craft....oh yea I did it.

[RPI-Fan]

I don't have the luxury or instant replay like they do so that's just what we are told.

Yep, and I think that makes it MORE stupid.

[Chief Rum]

Let's see what he can Craft....oh yea I did it.

Good Heavens, you sure did.

[Dr. Sak]

Yep, and I think that makes it MORE stupid.

I'd rather fuck up and give the guy the benefit of a spot, then mess up and give the other team 2 pts they didn't deserve. It isn't easy dude, we don't have the luxury of the point of views that you see on tv.

[SirFozzie]

They should give :10 back, they let :10 run off before deciding to call for the chains

[JonInMiddleGA]

I feel kind of like SD watching Richt throw & throw and turn his back on the run. It's amazing when they actually remember to run instead of insisting on the painful experience of watching them throw.

[SirFozzie]

Make that :20 run off because the refs blew it

[Chief Rum]

I'm not big on moral victories, but I admit I am thrilled either way here. I want this win. But we did show people something tonight.

[Chief Rum]

Ok, Craft just had the same play he blew two, maybe three times in the first half, and put it right on the money. Who the F is this guy?!?

[Vegas Vic]

Phat Phil looks like he's about to crap in his pants.

[Dr. Sak]

Phat Phil looks like he's about to crap in his pants.

He's hungry..he hasn't eaten since halftime.

[Chief Rum]

What, what's the rule the broadcatsers are talking about here? Linemen downfield?

[SirFozzie]

Refs are fucking up by the numbers :D

[DeToxRox]

That was an ineligible man downfield. The linemen was past the line of scrimmage before the pass was thrown.

[SirFozzie]

What, what's the rule the broadcatsers are talking about here? Linemen downfield?

If you throw the ball past the line of scrimage, a Lineman can't cross the line of scrimmage till the ball's thrown

[Dr. Sak]

What, what's the rule the broadcatsers are talking about here? Linemen downfield?

He caught it in the neutral zone.

Yeah they are calling for lineman down field. It was a good no call.

[Chief Rum]

That was an ineligible man downfield. The linemen was past the line of scrimmage before the pass was thrown.

Ah got it.

[DeToxRox]

But I am all for that. I hate Tennessee and I wanna see UCLA pull it out.

[Dr. Sak]

That was an ineligible man downfield. The linemen was past the line of scrimmage before the pass was thrown.

Doesn't matter when the pass was thrown. It matters where it was caught.

[Chief Rum]

Damn!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Shitty no call, but that's not the difference in the game.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, watching the replay, looks like it was a good no call.

[Chief Rum]

YES!!!

[DeToxRox]

Wow. Amazing. I hope USC fans take note, because I think this staff is gonna make this program legit.

[SirFozzie]

I take back my "Does anyone want to win this game" statements.

WOW.

[Chief Rum]

I'm dancing in front of the TV right now, lol.

[Vegas Vic]

What a game!

[Vegas Vic]

I hate this, and I see it time after time. Short kickoff, and they only need a short distance to be in field goal range.

[Dr. Sak]

http://www.trojanwire.com/football/images/ucla_loses.jpg

[JPhillips]

I haven't been watching, but looking at the stats I can't believe UCLA is going to win. How can you outgain, outrush by almost 150 yds, and be +2 on turnovers and lose?

[Dr. Sak]

No offense CR...but I'd love to see OT.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If you think the fury was bad after the Cal loss, wait'll Phat Phil gets home after this one.

[Vegas Vic]

It's not over yet.

[DeToxRox]

I'm calling partially blocked FG

[SirFozzie]

Will the Redemption of players continue?

[Chief Rum]

lol...I can see OT still being pretty awesome. But, yeah, gotta err on the side of winning here. I want this one wide left (or right).

[Dr. Sak]

We got OT

[DeToxRox]

What a start to the season.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I wouldn't have given you a nickel for his chance of hitting that.

[Big Fo]

Glad I tuned in for the last few minutes after getting bored watching the first half.

[Vegas Vic]

When will teams learn that you can't give a team a long FG attempt by doing these squib kicks at the end of the game? You've got to kick it deep and take your chances.

[Radii]

I hate this, and I see it time after time. Short kickoff, and they only need a short distance to be in field goal range.

yeah, I totally agree. I hate the short kick here.

[Chief Rum]

Going to OT! Good series by Tennessee to keep themselves in it. Yes, I hate those short kicks in situations like these, too. Should have booted it out of the endzone and forced them to go forward from the 20.

[Dr. Sak]

I love college OT.

[Chief Rum]

It's on. We're going extras. I'm always torn between how weird college football overtime is, but how fun it can be at the same time. It's certainly not going to help my gastro-intestinal health.

[JonInMiddleGA]

When will teams learn that you can't give a team a long FG attempt by doing these squib kicks at the end of the game?

I don't know, pretty defensible decision in this case I think.

Lincoln finished last season 1 for 5 and had a pair of not even close misses tonight, making him 1 for his last 7 from 40+.

[Vegas Vic]

I'm not a fan of either team, but I'm going to be disappointed if UCLA loses this one.

[Dr. Sak]

It's on. We're going extras. I'm always torn between how weird college football overtime is, but how fun it can be at the same time. It's certainly not going to help my gastro-intestinal health.

The only change I'd make is maybe move it back to the 30 or 35.

[SirFozzie]

Heh. UCLA seems to be one half off, one half on, and now in the "third half" off again.

[Chief Rum]

All right, kick the FG, and get the D out there.

[Chief Rum]

The only change I'd make is maybe move it back to the 30 or 35.

That would be a good change.

One advantage is with our kicker (not that long FGs will really be needed here), but we do have a good one.

[Chief Rum]

All right, let's block this one!

[Dr. Sak]

Missed it!!

[Vegas Vic]

YES!

[MJ4H]

you could see that coming a mile away

[Chief Rum]

AWE


SOME


:banana:

[JonInMiddleGA]

And that's what Lincoln has looked like for nearly half a season now.

Grats CR, UCLA did what they had to do.

[SirFozzie]

Congrats UCLA.. and would someone pass the ketchup? I need to eat some words here :)

[Chief Rum]

you could see that coming a mile away

I didn't want to say nothing to jinx it, but, yeah, sorta thought so, too.

[Dr. Sak]

Great win for UCLA. Congrats to their team and their fans.

[Chief Rum]

And that's what Lincoln has looked like for nearly half a season now.

Grats CR, UCLA did what they had to do.

Thanks, JIMG, at least this isn't your main team. And as crappy as it is, it's a nonconference road game. It matters little to you unless you thought you were going for the national title (and even then it's not out, given last year).

[Chief Rum]

I am going to be in my car on the way to work tomorrow well before 6 a.m. PDT, so that I catch every word of that ass Colin Cowheard tomorrow. All week last week he was calling this a blowout. Fuck that guy. He has a whole West Coast hour from 6 to 7 a.m., and he's going to be eating crow the whole time.

[Chief Rum]

I just found out why we won. John Wooden was in the stadium.

[Dr. Sak]

I am going to be in my car on the way to work tomorrow well before 6 a.m. PDT, so that I catch every word of that ass Colin Cowheard tomorrow. All week last week he was calling this a blowout. Fuck that guy. He has a whole West Coast hour from 6 to 7 a.m., and he's going to be eating crow the whole time.

Cowheard is a moron and most likely he will find a way to either deny it or not talk about it at all.

[MacroGuru]

Grats to UCLA and as a BYU fan, this team scares the hell out of me...unless 1st half Craft shows up.

I have only seen him play one other time like he did in the 2nd half and he torched BYU all game long when he did.

Wow is all I can say.

We have Washington then UCLA heads to Provo.

[Chief Rum]

Grats to UCLA and as a BYU fan, this team scares the hell out of me...unless 1st half Craft shows up.

I have only seen him play one other time like he did in the 2nd half and he torched BYU all game long when he did.

Wow is all I can say.

Not sure yet what to make of the game two weeks from now. It feels like we have played you guys enough, you know? And you must be just as sick of us.

[Chief Rum]

Cowheard is a moron and most likely he will find a way to either deny it or not talk about it at all.

Hopefully his helpers call him on it then. He usually takes calls, too, in that hour when he's not talking out of his ass (so maybe five minutes), so at least one of those calls will have to be a UCLA fan. :D

[MacroGuru]

Not sure yet what to make of the game two weeks from now. It feels like we have played you guys enough, you know? And you must be just as sick of us.

I am, but a lot of the fan base originally wrote the game against you as a win based upon the injuries, but the fight that was shown tonight is scary. And our games have all been close.

[ISiddiqui]

Wow... what a game. That Craft guy really pulled it together in the 2nd half, eh? ;)

Well, he was 3rd string and obviously uncomfortable in the 1st half.

[Chief Rum]

I am, but a lot of the fan base originally wrote the game against you as a win based upon the injuries, but the fight that was shown tonight is scary. And our games have all been close.

Yup, I figure this one will be close, too, especially if the players who got hurt tonight are able to get back on the field, particularly Paulsen and Bell. I think UCLA will feel like they have unfinished business after Las Vegas last year.

[Vegas Vic]

Grats to UCLA and as a BYU fan, this team scares the hell out of me...unless 1st half Craft shows up..

Yeah, I remember watching the Las Vegas Bowl last year. UCLA had a 3rd string QB and a puppet head coach, yet BYU had to block a field goal at the end of the game to preserve the win.

[Chief Rum]

We have Washington then UCLA heads to Provo.

Is Washington your first game?

That's a good one to get the first game jitters out of the way. Washington also will have Pac 10 sized players, even if they suck. But then BYU always struck me as a Pac 10 program trapped in a lesser conference, so that shouldn't make a difference.

Point is, you should beat Washington and come home to a hungry crowd as a tested football team. No easy task for any team, much less UCLA.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah, I remember watching the Las Vegas Bowl last year. UCLA had a 3rd string QB and a puppet head coach, yet BYU had to block a field goal at the end of the game to preserve the win.

Yup. That third stringer is now a sixth stringer (counting Cowan and Olson, fourht not counting). The puppet head coach is back the D coordinator. But we lost a lot of talent, particularly on the line and at spots on the D. And I think BYU more or less got stronger.

But, yes, it will be a much stronger overall coaching staff.

[dawgfan]

Washington also will have Pac 10 sized players, though their head coach sucks.

Fixed that for you...

[Chief Rum]

Fixed that for you...

You know, you're right, dawg. I actually like a lot of your players. But TyWill is the ultimate in suck. I'm sorry you have to go through that. We got rid of our "suck" last year.

On the bright side, maybe you'll hire Walker away from us next year.

[Vegas Vic]

The OU/Washington game has me worried, especially the Pac Ten officiating and replay crew.

[Vegas Vic]

Phat Phil, classy in defeat:

"They were crying about the quarterback situation; I knew darn well they'd be ready for us," Fulmer said. "We made enough mistakes tonight to fill three or four games.

"We will play better teams than UCLA is, and I know we're a better team than we were tonight."

[timmynausea]

The NCAA really needs to redo this supposedly non-existent comeback code. I've never seen a more clear cut case of a flipped switch than Craft's 4 INT first half to 2nd half hero. Total BS.

[Vegas Vic]

The NCAA really needs to redo this supposedly non-existent comeback code. I've never seen a more clear cut case of a flipped switch than Craft's 4 INT first half to 2nd half hero. Total BS.

There's no way that Tennessee would have lost that game if Cooleyvol did the simulation.

[MrBug708]

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hell of a game, took me almost two hours to get home and I live 10 miles from campus!

[clemsonfan]

I'm so sad. Hopefully Tommy won't stay too much longer. I could scream when I think about last year's contract.

[bob]

I'm so sad. Hopefully Tommy won't stay too much longer. I could scream when I think about last year's contract.

Georgia Tech fans felt the same way when the outgoing AD extended Chan Gailey's contract. New AD fired him anyway. If Tech can afford it (and trust me, they really can't), Clemson should have no problem eating that extension if they really want to.

[Poli]

Congrats to the UCLA fans. Tough loss for us there. Crompton was too erratic. He has to be more effective in order for the Vols to win.

[Logan]

Wow, looks like I missed a good one while recovering from Rutgers-Fresno.

Man we played like shit. Just left way too many points on the field in the first half; Fresno looked like they knew they had it won going into the locker room at 0-0. McNulty quickly reverted back to his way-too-conservative playcalling that he showed off when we struggled last year. Too much running on 1st down (with zero 1st down play-actions), too many stretch plays (they didn't work with Ray Rice, they won't work with Young and Robinson), and just not enough passing in general. Teel wasn't good -- not stepping into throws, not audibling when there's 10 in the box and Britt has single-coverage, automatically progressing to the 2 yard route on 2nd and long.

The defense was actually pretty solid I thought, save for the blown coverage on two plays that lead to Fresno's first 10 points. And that horrible defense on the 3rd and 23 play, where a stop probably wins us the game given the momentum at that point. The good sign is that our LB play was awful last year, and with D'Imperio healthy and Abreu in the lineup, the LBs looked great.

Big test on 9/11 vs UNC. Our offense better do what it is capable of or it's going to be a long season.

[Celeval]

Wow, wish I tuned in to that one for the end.

[MrBug708]

Oh ya, I sat 2 seats over from Jason Kapono and his wife, that was pretty cool. Kapono ditched his wife there at halftime though, from what I can tell, she was pretty nice considering she's an NBA players wife.

[VPI97]

Beamer just announced that Tyrod is redshirting...ugh.
...and Beamer just announced that the redshirt is off Tyrod. A week too late, but at least that means we don't have to sit through any more of Glennon.

[dawgfan]

On the bright side, maybe you'll hire Walker away from us next year.
I think Walker definitely deserves a shot and should be on the list, though I'd prefer getting someone that already has head coaching experience.

[Butter]

...and Beamer just announced that the redshirt is off Tyrod. A week too late, but at least that means we don't have to sit through any more of Glennon.

Does Beamer get a pass on this decision? That's ridiculous.

[VPI97]

Does Beamer get a pass on this decision? That's ridiculous.
Meh...as long as he got it right in the end, I'm happy. I mean, it's not like we were going to be competing for anything this season anyway...regardless of which one was going to see time at QB. We're young everywhere else, so I think if we're going with youth at every other position, it only makes sense to go young with our QB, as well.

[VPI97]

Does Beamer get a pass on this decision? That's ridiculous.
dola -

And as for criticizing Beamer or whatnot, I think it's a moot point. Word is that will be his last year.

[Butter]

Meh...as long as he got it right in the end, I'm happy. I mean, it's not like we were going to be competing for anything this season anyway...regardless of which one was going to see time at QB. We're young everywhere else, so I think if we're going with youth at every other position, it only makes sense to go young with our QB, as well.

Considering that the assumed conference favorite was destroyed against Alabama, and FSU and Miami have sucked for years now... I don't think you can assume that VPI will not be competing for anything this year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And Week 2 will begin with USC taking over the #1 spot in at least the coaches' poll.

[DanGarion]

#1 Baby!

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