College Football Week 5 thread

[cartman]

Oregon State is giving USC fits so far.

[TazFTW]

Beat SC!

[TazFTW]

Wow.

[DeToxRox]

Wow, it's all going OSU's way early.

[cartman]

21-0 at the half. Definitely the shocker of the season so far.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm in shock.

[Wolfpack]

Heh. The afternoon drivetime radio guys (well, one of them, anyway) likes to make predictions on the Thursday night games and last year, he couldn't miss. This year, he hasn't gotten one right yet. He picked USC in tonight's game, of course, and by 30 points at that. Oopsie.

[Tigercat]

When is Pete Carroll going to be called out as possibly being a subpar coach?

He is a terrific program recruiter, maybe the best of all time. But his teams to often look like a collection of athletes not coached up close to their fullest potential. Maybe Carroll would find it more difficult being the greatest recruiter of all time if the media started calling his coaching abilities as they are.

[DeToxRox]

Carroll is still a great defensive coach, but tonight the D looks pathetic.

[Eaglesfan27]

When is Pete Carroll going to be called out as possibly being a subpar coach?

He is a terrific program recruiter, maybe the best of all time. But his teams to often look like a collection of athletes not coached up close to their fullest potential. Maybe Carroll would find it more difficult being the greatest recruiter of all time if the media started calling his coaching abilities as they are.

Carroll is an excellent in game coach who has a history of being one of the best at making 2nd half adjustments. Look at the point differential in the 2nd half of USC over the last 7 years and it tells the story convincingly.

[CU Tiger]

Well OSU has covered 9 straight against USC.
The OSU +26 seemed too easy...I only hope it continues and if so tomorrow will be 2 paydays in one....

[Tigercat]

I don't know. Unlike most LSU fans, I have no axe to grind with USC. But USC should crush everyone in the Pac-10 year in and year out with the talent they have. I mean really, the talent level going into USC and Oregon State isn't close. It is several galaxies away from close. There is no excuse to be losing by 21 to this team at half, there is no excuse for being within a mile of Stanford. No excuse losing to UCLA in 2006, ect ect ect. (And when I say no excuse, to put it in another two teams terms, USC losing to most Pac-10 teams is equivelent to Florida losing to UCF.)

The deficit I see with USC coaching is that they neither seem to motivate consistently nor do their players ever play with a great amount of discipline. If you want to instill a team identity beyond having a roster full of super athletes, you need to do one or the other well. (Or preferably a combination of both.)

[cartman]

might want to do an edit there, 'cat. :)

[mckerney]

When is Pete Carroll going to be called out as possibly being a subpar coach?

He is a terrific program recruiter, maybe the best of all time. But his teams to often look like a collection of athletes not coached up close to their fullest potential. Maybe Carroll would find it more difficult being the greatest recruiter of all time if the media started calling his coaching abilities as they are.

Bill Simmons wrote that he was a subpar coach after USC lost to Texas, noting something to the effect that everything he did wrong as a head coach in the NFL he still seemed to still do in college, he just made up for it with much better players. Other than that I haven't seen anyone else say something similar.

[cartman]

I'm surprised they have Erin Andrews covering a Beavers game.

:D

[VPI97]

Look at the point differential in the 2nd half of USC over the last 7 years and it tells the story convincingly.
I'm not arguing whether he's a great game day coach or not, but I've always felt that the second half/late game strength of 'elite' teams is just as much due to depth of talent as it is to coaching adjustments. I look to VT games like our '96 Orange Bowl vs Nebraska (14-17 at the half; 21-41 loss at the end) and the '99 title game vs FSU (29-28 VT after three; 29-46 loss at the end) to illustrate that point.

[Vegas Vic]

Get ready, boys. Here it comes.

[Tigercat]

OSU needs to score at least 14 more to win this one.

[Karlifornia]

Come on, SC....

[kingnebwsu]

Here we go...for USC that is ;)

[Vegas Vic]

Stick a fork in Oregon State. They're done. It was exciting for a while, though.

[Eaglesfan27]

Could be just their depth, but this looks like some good adjustments by the coaching staff to me.

[cartman]

If Oregon State can score on this drive and make it a two score game, the new clock rules will make it really difficult for USC to come back. This is a huge drive coming up.

[Eaglesfan27]

Huge stop.

[cartman]

3 and out by USC deep in their own territory

[Eaglesfan27]

*lets out a long breath* backup kicker FTW!

[Vegas Vic]

No points on that drive by OSU. That was a backbreaker.

[Tigercat]

Don't let it bug you Sanchez, I hit the thumbstick on the road on accident all the time.

[cartman]

another 3 and out by USC. OSU can ice the game on this next possession.

[dawgfan]

Oregon State is a very well-coached team, and they have a history of starting slow but then picking up steam as the year progresses under Riley. Seeing them threaten to upset USC is not a surprise at all - Riley's done it before, and even considering this may be a down year in the Pac-10, it's still very, very hard to run the table in-conference.

[Eaglesfan27]

Time for McKnight to redeem himself.

[cartman]

USC has a LONG way to go

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ugliest pair of good punts I can recall seeing in quite a while.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oops.

[Karlifornia]

HOLYSHIT! INT!!!!!!!!

[DeToxRox]

Get security ready!

[cartman]

Ball game! OSU is gonna win!

[miami_fan]

Wow

[Eaglesfan27]

Congrats to any Oregon State fans on the board. Great gameplan by Riley and his staff and Jacquizz Rodgers was incredible tonight.

[miami_fan]

Get security ready!

Should be some good beatdowns by security tonight

[cartman]

Touchdown Oregon State.

[cartman]

Stick a fork in Oregon State. They're done. It was exciting for a while, though.

Yep. Too bad.

:D

[DeToxRox]

OSU scoring was so stupid. They should've taken a few knees before trying to score.

[cartman]

Well, that makes things interesting. It comes down to the onsides now.

[Vegas Vic]

It ain't over yet.

[DeToxRox]

And just like that this isn't over.

[Eaglesfan27]

Please...

[cartman]

Now it is ballgame

[TargetPractice6]

I wanted USC to recover that just to spite the OSU fans.

[cartman]

Does this portend another Upset Saturday?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Does this portend another Upset Saturday?

ROLL TIDE !

:D

[mckerney]

Does this portend another Upset Saturday?

It would be nice. This game doesn't make the University of Ohio State look to good, hopefully Eric Decker can make them look even worse saturday.

[Radii]

ROLL TIDE !

:D


yes please

[cartman]

If TCU can get a 3rd consecutive win in Norman, you will not find a happier person in the US of A.

:D

[Vegas Vic]

If TCU can get a 3rd consecutive win in Norman, you will not find a happier person in the US of A.

TCU was the better team in 2005. That game wasn't a fluke.

[miami_fan]

Hmmm I know it is early but does USC drop out of the top 5?

[digamma]

yes please

times 3!

[kingnebwsu]

So how many times are the top 2 teams in the country going to lose THIS year (to unranked opponents)? Last year it was 8, and a blast to watch as a football fan. Hopefully we can get at least 5 this year.

That's a big one to start out! Go underdogs!!! :)

[cartman]

Hmmm I know it is early but does USC drop out of the top 5?

I wouldn't be surprised if they drop out of the Top 10. This doesn't help Ohio State either, but it does help Penn State.

[TazFTW]

ROLL TIDE !

:D

Ugh, Saban or Georgia...

[mckerney]

So how many times are the top 2 teams in the country going to lose THIS year (to unranked opponents)? Last year it was 8, and a blast to watch as a football fan. Hopefully we can get at least 5 this year.

This post reminds me of this:

Nervous University Of South Florida Football Team Kind Of Hoping They Lose | The Onion - America's Finest News Source (http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/nervous_university_of_south)

TAMPA, FL—Saying that their No. 2 national ranking is "not something we really want or need at this point," nervous University of South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt told reporters at the team's afternoon practice yesterday that he "more or less was hoping" that his team would lose one or more of their next several games. "Look, our program is barely 10 years old—we're the type of team that goes out there and tries hard, maybe gets a few points on a ranked team here or there. We don't contend for national titles," said a visibly flustered Leavitt, adding that had he known beating Central Florida 64-12 last Saturday would make the Bulls the No. 2 team in the country, he would have fielded his second-string offense in the second quarter. "Leave all this 'win or go home, play for a title every year' nonsense up to the Ohio States or the LSUs. That's not our thing. Maybe a few years from now, but certainly not this year." After realizing that his team matched up quite well with the rest of USF's remaining opponents, Leavitt reportedly contacted the NCAA to discuss downplaying the difficulty of the remainder of the season

[st.cronin]

AWESOME

[Vegas Vic]

USC won't drop out of the top ten behind Texas Tech and Brigham Young.

[cartman]

USC won't drop out of the top ten behind Texas Tech and Brigham Young.

If Penn State wins they could easily drop behind the Nittany Lions.

[Eaglesfan27]

Agreed. I think maybe to #8 or so. It depends if there are any other upsets this weekend.

[GrantDawg]

Agreed. I think maybe to #8 or so. It depends if there are any other upsets this weekend.


But, you know there will be. These things seem to come in groups. Makes my Saturday (which I was hugely nervous about) even more scary.

[Balldog]

It would be nice. This game doesn't make the University of Ohio State look to good, hopefully Eric Decker can make them look even worse saturday.

Did anyone really think USC would not lay their annual turd?

[GrantDawg]

Did anyone really think USC would not lay their annual turd?


No, I thought it likely. I just figured it would come later in the season.

[BishopMVP]

When is Pete Carroll going to be called out as possibly being a subpar coach?8-10 years ago?Bill Simmons wrote that he was a subpar coach after USC lost to Texas, noting something to the effect that everything he did wrong as a head coach in the NFL he still seemed to still do in college, he just made up for it with much better players. Other than that I haven't seen anyone else say something similar.Ooooooh, oooooooh, pick me, pick me! (or any NE fan before they started winning SB's and attracting bandwagoners.) Carroll's success in college after failing here was the main reason I thought Weis would be successful at ND (which may not look quite as good right now,) but you'd be hard-pressed to find any NE fan who wanted Carroll to stay as coach (or return even after Belichick went 5-11 his first year.)

That being said, institutional advantages taken into account, the man can clearly recruit and that's 90% of coaching in college, plus he's a decent DC. He's still probably the 10th-15th best coach in the NCAA even once you take program stature into account.

[Karlifornia]

Did anyone really think USC would not lay their annual turd?

Annual turd? How many undefeated teams are there year in and year out. Singling out USC is foolish. You could say that every that hasn't won a national title in the past decade has laid an annual turd. Except, USC has won a title...you could even say two titles, if you go by AP rankings.

Don't act like that's a USC phenomenon, just because they're perpetually near the top.

[Dr. Sak]

I know it is hard to compare teams to common opponents but this make me even more excited about Penn State after they beat Oregon State 45-17.

[Butter]

I just KNEW OSU could beat USC.

I just picked the wrong one.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ah, one step closer to a #1 vs. #2 matchup in the Big 12 championship game just down the street from me at Arrowhead Stadium.

[Dr. Sak]

Ah, one step closer to a #1 vs. #2 matchup in the Big 12 championship game just down the street from me at Arrowhead Stadium.

Don't they play in the regular season first? If so i would guess that the loser wouldn't climb back up to #2 by the end of the season.

[sooner333]

Don't they play in the regular season first? If so i would guess that the loser wouldn't climb back up to #2 by the end of the season.

No.

[cartman]

Ah, one step closer to a #1 vs. #2 matchup in the Big 12 championship game just down the street from me at Arrowhead Stadium.

Don't they play in the regular season first? If so i would guess that the loser wouldn't climb back up to #2 by the end of the season.

No.

Yes, Texas does play Mizzou in the regular season. :D

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yes, Texas does play Mizzou in the regular season. :D

Merely roadkill on the way to Arrowhead.

[digamma]

So, an OSU > USC, but tOSU < USC?

I just KNEW OSU could beat USC.

I just picked the wrong one.

[Dr. Sak]

Crap got Oklahoma and Texas confused on Missouri's schedule. With the Big 12 being tougher, in my opinion, than the Pac 10 I think it will be tough for one let alone two teams to go the whole way undefeated. In the North there is Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado...the south has Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. But if any one gets out undefeated, they punched their ticket to the BCS title game.

I wouldn't call what USC did choking but it just seems that they lose each year to a team they have no business losing to...Oregon State...Stanford...UCLA a few years ago. They get up for the big games and in the others they think by just showing up they will win.

If they would've lost to Arizona State, Oregon, or Cal, no one would said anything. But honestly, they lost at the right time of the year because come late November, this loss will be a mere memory. Excuses will be made why they should be in the title game if they run the table the rest of the way.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Crap got Oklahoma and Texas confused on Missouri's schedule. With the Big 12 being tougher, in my opinion, than the Pac 10 I think it will be tough for one let alone two teams to go the whole way undefeated. In the North there is Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado...the south has Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. But if any one gets out undefeated, they punched their ticket to the BCS title game.

The Big 12 is ridiculously good from top to bottom this year. Mizzou gets their first test next week on the road at Nebraska.

[Butter]

I wouldn't call what USC did choking but it just seems that they lose each year to a team they have no business losing to...Oregon State...Stanford...UCLA a few years ago.

They lost once each to those teams in consecutive years... and Oregon State also in the year they lost to UCLA. They have a choke against a massive underdog every year.

I can see losing to a decent team, but they always seem to choke it up against one of the Pac-10's bottom 5. I guess time will tell about Oregon State this year, but their previous performances this season suggest they will finish up near .500.

[TroyF]

Have to agree with VPI on the depth factor. USC has such incredible depth, it wears out most teams by the second half. Especially on the lines. Texas did the same thing in their great years. (They made a habit of trailing OSU by 20 and coming back and blowing them out simply by overwhelming them with their talent) They just wear people out and explode in the second half. but lets not knock Pete Carrol on this account. MOST bigtime college coaches are average or below when it comes to the X's and O's.. College is about recruiting. Get the most talented athletes and pretty much any system you want to run will be successful. Don't get the athletes, prepare for a ton of L's and a pink slip.

[TroyF]

Crap got Oklahoma and Texas confused on Missouri's schedule. With the Big 12 being tougher, in my opinion, than the Pac 10 I think it will be tough for one let alone two teams to go the whole way undefeated. In the North there is Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado...the south has Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. But if any one gets out undefeated, they punched their ticket to the BCS title game.

I wouldn't call what USC did choking but it just seems that they lose each year to a team they have no business losing to...Oregon State...Stanford...UCLA a few years ago. They get up for the big games and in the others they think by just showing up they will win.

If they would've lost to Arizona State, Oregon, or Cal, no one would said anything. But honestly, they lost at the right time of the year because come late November, this loss will be a mere memory. Excuses will be made why they should be in the title game if they run the table the rest of the way.


USC now needs A LOT of things to go right. Just running the table won't do it. Looking at the schedule, it's not entirely unlikely that when the year finishes, USC will have only played 2 teams in the year end top 25 and none in the top ten. Can you say ouch?

There could be a case made that a 2 loss SEC team would have a better resume for the title game than USC. The only real hope is to not only not lose the rest of the way, but for this to happen:

1) Blow everyone out. Close games against the teams they are playing won't work. If they beat ASU 21-17, people will look at what Georgia did to them. They need to simply crush teams the rest of the way.

2) They need the Big 12 and SEC to beat the hell out of each other. A one loss team from either conference jumps ahead of USC for the title game. A one loss team from both conferences pushes them out of the title game.

3) Sinse at least one team in the Big 12 or SEC will have one loss and get in (probably 2, but I'm trying to give them a shot here, so I'm saying just one does it), they also have to hope nobody runs the table in the Big 10 or ACC. Wake Forest, Penn St, Wisconsin run the table? Buh Bye. Nice knowing you.

That's a lot that has to go right. Could it happen? Sure it could. But I wouldn't bet on it. The strenght of schedule is going to kill USC. They will take the fall for the conference being as poor as it is.

[Dr. Sak]

Last year they lost to Stanford and people were saying it was a shame that USC wasn't in the title game cause they were the best time at the end of the year.

Votes are 2/3ths of the BCS equation...never under estimate the stupidity of voters.

[Dr. Sak]

And why shouldn't USC see the same sort of drop that tOSU did? tOSU lost to USC...a top 5 team at the time. USC lost to an unranked 2 loss team. Yes they should be out of the top 5 and even the top 10.

Edit: But what is going to be comical is seeing the breakdown of votes that has tOSU over USC in the polls.

[Butter]

Votes are 2/3ths of the BCS equation...never under estimate the stupidity of voters.

What's a thirth?

;)

[TroyF]

Last year they lost to Stanford and people were saying it was a shame that USC wasn't in the title game cause they were the best time at the end of the year.

Votes are 2/3ths of the BCS equation...never under estimate the stupidity of voters.

1) USC also lost to Oregon last year. They had 2 losses.

2) Yes, some people said that about USC. Some people also said it about Georgia.

3) Ohio St. had 1 loss. There were 5 two loss teams who wanted to play for the title. USC, Georgia, Oklahoma, Va Tech, Missouri. USC finished behind all but Missouri in the final AP poll and finished behind ALL of them in the BCS rankings because of the computer.

4) When it comes to the BCS standings, that 1/3 of the computer rankings is going to destroy USC. But don't kid yourself, it's also going to hurt them with the voters when being compared to other 1 loss teams. See last year with all of the two loss teams for an example.

5) Anything can happen. I'm not saying it's impossible. This is college football afterall. . . but it's highly improbable.

[Dr. Sak]

What's a thirth?

;)

HAHAHA

[Dr. Sak]

Troy, I agree with everything you've stated, but some teams get a free pass for slip ups and USC is one of those teams.

[timmynausea]

If this year is as crazy as last year, and I think it will be, USC may be better off to have lost early (assuming they only lose once, of course.)

[DeToxRox]

If this year is as crazy as last year, and I think it will be, USC may be better off to have lost early (assuming they only lose once, of course.)

Ditto.

With that said, I see Ohio State losing again, I see OU and Mizzou both once during the regular season and I don't see any SEC teams coming out unscathed, so assuming USC only loses once they'll be in the title game.

[TroyF]

Ditto.

With that said, I see Ohio State losing again, I see OU and Mizzou both once during the regular season and I don't see any SEC teams coming out unscathed, so assuming USC only loses once they'll be in the title game.

Ummm, no, they won't. A 1 loss SEC and Big 12 team will be in the title game before a 1 loss USC team. I'd be a large sum of money on that right now.

USC needs last years scenario to happen. They need to be the one loss team with a bunch of two loss teams from the SEC and Big 12. That's their only hope with their conference power ranking. That 1/3 of the computer is going to be very, very ugly for USC this year. And they have no way of improving it the rest of the year.

Their only real hope as far as that goes is Ohio State running the table. Then that win becomes huge, both in the minds of voters and the computer and they move up. But I've seen OSU and I don't think they run the table in the Big 10. I also think it's likely that Big 12 and SEC both have at least one, one loss team. That will eliminate the Trojans from title contention.

We'll revisit this in late November. :)

[Vegas Vic]

The Big 12 is ridiculously good from top to bottom this year.

Let's not get carried away. The top eight teams in the Big XII are playing at a fairly high level. Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas A&M and Baylor are terrible.

[timmynausea]

I'm looking forward to the Friday night game more than usual. It'll be interesting to see if Louisville is really starting to come around under Kragthorpe, or if last week was a bit of a fluke. I kind of expect Victor Anderson and Louisville's speed to control it, but Connecticut is a scrappy group. Edsall has racked up a lot of wins without a lot of talent.

[Balldog]

Annual turd? How many undefeated teams are there year in and year out. Singling out USC is foolish. You could say that every that hasn't won a national title in the past decade has laid an annual turd. Except, USC has won a title...you could even say two titles, if you go by AP rankings.

Don't act like that's a USC phenomenon, just because they're perpetually near the top.

Every year they seem to lose to a team they shouldn't. They get up for the big games and relax against the bums.

[MJ4H]

Well, time to watch Hooten Dale get his mudhole stomped in the swamp. At least one game today will be fun to watch.

[Vegas Vic]

The Miami Hurricanes are definitely making good progress in rebuilding their program. They're up early over UNC, 14-0.

[terpkristin]

My first weekend watching the Terps on high def. Damn, Fridge looks HUGE on TV, even at the game last week I didn't realize he was quite that big. Maybe he can blame it on me having a 52" tv?

/tk

[Galaxy]

The Miami Hurricanes are definitely making good progress in rebuilding their program. They're up early over UNC, 14-0.

I think they could be back next year, as a long as they continue to develop with these two recruiting classes.

[ISiddiqui]

And why shouldn't USC see the same sort of drop that tOSU did? tOSU lost to USC...a top 5 team at the time. USC lost to an unranked 2 loss team. Yes they should be out of the top 5 and even the top 10.

Edit: But what is going to be comical is seeing the breakdown of votes that has tOSU over USC in the polls.

Ohio State was already teetering after barely beating Ohio University the week before.

[MJ4H]

Well, Ole Miss fake punts their way to a 7-0 lead in the swamp.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Maybe he can blame it on me having a 52" tv?


Only if he eats it.

[MJ4H]

Florida answers with a field goal, 7-3 Ole Miss.

[MJ4H]

Interception for Florida and a bad break on a returning-the-favor-near interception on the next play (fell right into the receiver's hands) and Florida leads 10-7.

[terpkristin]

Did somebody put Teflon on the Terps' gloves? Seriously, there have been too many balls that should've been caught.

/tk

[Balldog]

Buckeyes running game looks a lot better with Beanie back in action, foot seems okay since he used that foot to jump over the safety - Brian Leonard style. He and Pryor both have around 80 yds a piece at the half.

[PurdueBrad]

Florida and Tim Tebow may be in a bit of trouble now...

[GrantDawg]

Florida and Tim Tebow may be in a bit of trouble now...


Don't we hope. I won't believe it, though. Still way to early in the 3rd to get excited.

[Celeval]

Vandy for SEC East Champion!

[Passacaglia]

Oof. Indiana was down 34-29, and throws a 99-yard TD pass, called back for holding in the endzone. Safety, Michigan State takes a 36-29 lead.

[hoopsguy]

Looks like Clemson has blown their early lead against Maryland and now trails 20-17.

[Celeval]

From the ACC... looks like partying in Durham tonight. It was expected to happen this week, but Duke is up 24-3 on Virginia with about 9 minutes to play. This would bring the Blue Devils to 4-1 on the season, and give them their first ACC win since Clemson in 2004.

It's also, incidentally, the first time Duke will be over .500 in conference play since they started 7-0 (4-0) in 1994. That 8-4 1994 team was also their last bowl appearance, and the four wins to date (assuming that score holds) would make this tied for their best season since then.

[PurdueBrad]

TD OLE MISS on a HUGE run!!! 24-17 Rebels, 52 seconds left 3'rd Q

[PurdueBrad]

I don't know much about Ole Miss (other than Michael Oher and his background) but their defense has been quite impressive, particularly in The Swamp. Wow, place seems silent right now.

[MJ4H]

That was a nice run.

[larrymcg421]

Really disappointed in the Canes. They're making alot of mistakes, especially on defense. Looks like they might blow this one.

[GrantDawg]

Tebow isn't getting much help, is he? Of course, he's not calling a good game on his reads either.

[larrymcg421]

TD North Carolina and theyre up 28-24 with :46 left.

[GrantDawg]

I don't know much about Ole Miss (other than Michael Oher and his background) but their defense has been quite impressive, particularly in The Swamp. Wow, place seems silent right now.


They are not that good. This is just classic college football. Almost any team can beat any team (esp. conference rivals) on a given week. It is the nature of playing a game with 19 year olds. Sometimes, they just don't show up to play when they think they have the win before the game starts.

[JonInMiddleGA]

They are not that good.

Then again, Florida didn't look all that hot even while they were dismantling UT last weekend. Tebow in particular just doesn't seem nearly as sharp.

[Izulde]

Thrilling driving by Miami.

[larrymcg421]

Miami at the NC 20 with :15 left.

[Passacaglia]

WOW! I thought that would be a Miami catch!

[Izulde]

Damn... Hurricanes WR couldn't hang on to the football and the Tarheels intercepted.

[larrymcg421]

Fuck!

[GrantDawg]

Then again, Florida didn't look all that hot even while they were dismantling UT last weekend. Tebow in particular just doesn't seem nearly as sharp.


It is the fact they have taken away the main driving force of this offense, him running up the middle. He just called his own number 3 times and what happened? The Urban Myer offense just isn't all that great when you don't have to worry about Tebow taking off like he did last year. I predict they will go back to last years blend by next week.

[Passacaglia]

Some channel is actually televising Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan here. I just flipped it on now -- they're a niche enough market anyway with a MAC game, but it's also 37-0. I guess they don't have any other games to switch to?

[Neuqua]

Some channel is actually televising Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan here. I just flipped it on now -- they're a niche enough market anyway with a MAC game, but it's also 37-0. I guess they don't have any other games to switch to?

Hey, I was watching that. Go Huskies!

[Vegas Vic]

Some channel is actually televising Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan here. I just flipped it on now -- they're a niche enough market anyway with a MAC game, but it's also 37-0. I guess they don't have any other games to switch to?

I kid you not, right now on Cox Cable here in Las Vegas, Fox Sports Central is showing Winona State at Minnesota State, and Fox Sports Atlantic is showing Indiana (Pa.) at California (Pa.)

WTF?

[PurdueBrad]

Huskies are on TV nearly every week, Comcast SportsNet usually carries them.

[Passacaglia]

Huskies are on TV nearly every week, Comcast SportsNet usually carries them.

Crazy -- maybe this is RCN's way of trying to compete with Comcast. I don't even know what channel that was.

And Neuq -- Go Eagles! :p :confused: :(

[PurdueBrad]

Pass! That's awful, GO HUSKIES!

Anyway, Boilers-Irish coming up here...National Holiday in my house. The wife and the dogs go away for the day and I watch my Boilers take on ND. GO BOILERS!

[PurdueBrad]

WOW, 85 YD TD OLE MISS!!!!!!

[PurdueBrad]

Beautiful play-action on 3'rd and 6 and with 5:30 to go, Ole Miss by 7. Wow, wow, wow. And this alone is making my ESPN Gameplan worth it.

[GrantDawg]

I was just thinking Nutt really needed to pull a rabbit out of his hat right here, or have Gator D really screw up. Well, there's your screw up.

[Passacaglia]

Pass! That's awful, GO HUSKIES!

Anyway, Boilers-Irish coming up here...National Holiday in my house. The wife and the dogs go away for the day and I watch my Boilers take on ND. GO BOILERS!

Well, I always root for the Big Ten over Notre Dame, if that helps.

[PurdueBrad]

Thanks Pass, all is forgiven.

[GrantDawg]

Ole Miss needs another miracle to keep the Gators out here.

[PurdueBrad]

Florida ties it after a nice march. Option for a TD.

[Izulde]

Ugh. Naturally we start with a 3 and out and then have a penalty on the punt. :rolleyes:

[GrantDawg]

Blocked XP!

[PurdueBrad]

WOW, block! Was he helped or not?

[PurdueBrad]

I haven't seen a replay yet. Ole Miss by 1, 31-30 with 3:28. JEEZ!

[GrantDawg]

WOW, block! Was he helped or not?


Nope. Great play. Could this be destiny?

[larrymcg421]

LOL, if he was helped by anyone it was by the the Florida player.

[GrantDawg]

Either Ole Miss needs a big play, or find a way to gind time. I think big play.

[PurdueBrad]

Smart third and long play by the Ole Miss QB.

[VPI97]

Duke beating UVA by four touchdowns makes my day.

[GrantDawg]

Trouble now. FG wins it, and they have to give it back. Just kick it out of bounds, and don't give that big play-maker to break your back.

[GrantDawg]

Or can just make a wobbly unfieldable kick. That'll work.

[PurdueBrad]

Ole Miss' secondary is playing way too soft

[GrantDawg]

Ole Miss will not even hold them for 3 IMO. Florida's about to put this game away.

[GrantDawg]

That was 6.

[PurdueBrad]

WOW, back-to-back big shots but nothing out of either.

[Izulde]

Tejada is now 0/3 on FGs this year after blowing a 44 yarder. We probably should've just gone for it.

[PurdueBrad]

Generous spot there, I had 4'th and 2 coming.

[GrantDawg]

They got the 4th down, so I may have been wrong. But then again, Meyer may go for it.

[PurdueBrad]

Review, good, because I think that was pretty freakin' generous.

[GrantDawg]

Refs give Florida extra time. Home, home cooking.

[PurdueBrad]

If they re-spot, it could also take the QB sneak out of the equation. Although Ole Miss can't stop the option so I would go back to that.

[PurdueBrad]

STOPPED HIM, come on, STOPPED HIM!

[VPI97]

Tebow didn't come close

[GrantDawg]

OMG! Sneak and stop. Ball game, Ole Miss.

[PurdueBrad]

Barring something stupid...BALL GAME! OLE MISS WINS...#4 falls. With #1 falling, #4 falling, and Georgia with a really tough game, this could be an amazing weekend at the top.

[Vegas Vic]

What a win for Houston Nutt and the Rebels.

[gstelmack]

USF could be back at #2 by week 6 again. With any luck they won't collapse this time...

[GrantDawg]

Barring something stupid...BALL GAME! OLE MISS WINS...#4 falls. With #1 falling, #4 falling, and Georgia with a really tough game, this could be an amazing weekend at the top.


This so sucks, because this crap comes in 3's. Who is Oklahoma playing? Maybe they could be the third? Please?

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, at least this week is salvaged a bit. Hopefully, some more of the top teams will fall later today.

[MJ4H]

Izulde buddy we need to get together for one of these games.

[Vegas Vic]

This so sucks, because this crap comes in 3's. Who is Oklahoma playing? Maybe they could be the third? Please?

Oklahoma is playing TCU, who has a three game winning streak against the Sooners. They were also the last team to win in Norman.

[MJ4H]

By the way, Houston Nutt just had a first. It was the first time he has ever had an SEC losing streak of 1. Seriously.

[Izulde]

Izulde buddy we need to get together for one of these games.

We definitely do. I'm busy cursing out the TV right now in my apartment.

[Izulde]

I can't wait till Ryan Mallett next year.

[GrantDawg]

Oklahoma is playing TCU, who has a three game winning streak against the Sooners. They were also the last team to win in Norman.


There you go. That'd be bigger than number 8 beating number 3, right? Please, oh gods of college football!

[Passacaglia]

Michigan with the INT -- we needed that to get something going.

[Passacaglia]

Followed by another three and out. Awesome.

[Izulde]

17-0 Texas just after start of 2nd quarter. This is looking like another ugly game.

[Passacaglia]

Blah. Wisconsin fumbles, and we give it right back to him on a botched option pitch the next play.

[Passacaglia]

Never mind, it's overturned! Now we'll get to punt when we inevitably fail on 2nd and 3rd down.

[Passacaglia]

Oh my God. After punting like I said we would, we've proceeded to fumble a punt return, than after giving up a TD, fumble the kick return. I seriously have lost aount how many turnovers here have been in this game.

[GrantDawg]

This is just...Tenessee is not very good.

[Tigercat]

Well boys, the day has come. Vandy will enter October as not only the best college football team in the state of Tennessee, but possibly on top of the SEC East.

[Vegas Vic]

Navy is whipping the best team in the ACC, Wake Forest, 17-0 at halftime.

[JonInMiddleGA]

This is just...Tenessee is not very good.

I had that on SportsDigs last week.

[Karlifornia]

Navy is whipping the best team in the ACC, Wake Forest, 17-0 at halftime.

Wow..The PAC-10 approves.

[Karlifornia]

Northwestern 5-0? I'd say the O/U on their win total is 7

[Vegas Vic]

Wow..The PAC-10 approves.

Also, Duke beat the crap out of Virginia today. Not quite as bad as USC beat them, but it was a pretty good beat down.

[Schmidty]

I'm glad I'm a Michigan State fan.

I am enjoying this UM - Wisky game even though it's ugly. :)

[Schmidty]

BTW - Threet is terrible.

[Schmidty]

I hope they give Rodriguez a 20-year contract.

[VPI97]

Navy is whipping the best team in the ACC, Wake Forest, 17-0 at halftime.
Five turnovers in the first half for Wake. They'll win if they hold onto the ball better in the second half.

[MJ4H]

btw i hate everyone

[Izulde]

45-3 3rd quarter Texas-UArk.

Man, the Hogs have looked horrible all damn year long.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee stops a drive with a INT and a long return back inside in the Auburn 40 but the offense is still ineffectual. Crompton did manage to scramble for a first down but the veteran O-line still doesn't appear to know how to block anybody for any reason.

[MJ4H]

45-3 3rd quarter Texas-UArk.

Man, the Hogs have looked horrible all damn year long.

Get used to it for awhile. Future is bright, but present is dim as hell.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Man, the Hogs have looked horrible all damn year long.

Karma is a real bitch.

[MJ4H]

Has nothing to do with karma. Has to do with ridding the team of a cancer. This is what happens when you don't recruit for shit for the last 4 years and the ones you do recruit you run off to USC.

[VPI97]

Karma is a real bitch.
+1

[MJ4H]

ignorance of the real situation, frankly

[GrantDawg]

Has nothing to do with karma. Has to do with ridding the team of a cancer. This is what happens when you don't recruit for shit for the last 4 years and the ones you do recruit you run off to USC.


You hired cancer, and I hope it is terminal.

[MJ4H]

More ignorance.

A) These problems are not Petrino's. He's fixing the shambles Nutt left here, not causing it.
B) Most people have no idea what really happened when Petrino was hired and left Atlanta and believe the BS spin ESPN put out. His record of changing jobs before that wasn't any worse than an average coordinator, which is what he was in most of his job changes.

[JonInMiddleGA]

ignorance of the real situation, frankly

Piece of walking e coli like Petrino getting a small portion of what he so richly deserves, frankly.

[MJ4H]

Piece of walking e coli like Petrino getting a small portion of what he so richly deserves, frankly.

Yes, he deserves it because the Falcon organization shit all over him. You got it.

[GrantDawg]

More ignorance.


Ignorance? Petrino came to Atlanta, gutted the team, and cut and run. You hired a piece of crap, plain and simple. Not ignorant at all, but you every definitely fan-blind. Sorry for your teams bad desicion. I'll see you in a couple of years when he leaves you guys high and dry as well.

[MJ4H]

I'm going to love it when he is trouncing the SEC in a few years.

(or I'm going to be really depressed if he's not)

but you guys just really pile on him unfairly without knowing what the hell is going on. Really.

[GrantDawg]

Yes, he deserves it because the Falcon organization shit all over him. You got it.


Ignorance.

[MJ4H]

Ignorance? Petrino came to Atlanta, gutted the team, and cut and run. You hired a piece of crap, plain and simple. Not ignorant at all, but you every definitely fan-blind. Sorry for your teams bad desicion. I'll see you in a couple of years when he leaves you guys high and dry as well.

Look, I make no apology for his performance in the NFL. It happens all the time that a college coach tries the NFL and finds it's not for him. Of course he cut and run. He even got approval from the Falcons to discuss the opening at Arkansas. But when Vick was sentenced, the Falcons decided they had to fight him to avoid bad PR and the shitstorm followed.

And no, I'm not fan-blind. I just know we got a good coach who got shit on by the Falcons on his way out of a bad decision.

If he leaves us high and dry, I'll be right here cursing him with you, but I don't believe he will.

[VPI97]

Houston Nutt beat Florida today while Bobby Petrino is getting what he deserves. The man is human garbage.

[MJ4H]

Ignorance.

Well-documented.

[Karlifornia]

I don't think he'll leave Arkansas high and dry. If I had to guess, I'd say it'll wind up the other way around. Well, maybe not high and dry....but out of a job.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yes, he deserves it because the Falcon organization shit all over him. You got it.

Oh goodie, we can revisit this again.

How about we save some time and skip straight to the part where Petrino and any person who supports him or his actions, can go fuck themselves and then burn in hell while watching an endless loop of Hawgfucker "highlights" for all eternity. You can then supply a pathetic attempt to justify the inexcusable and reveal yourself yet again as a worthless excuse for a human being just like your recently purchased hero and the cycle can be completed.

[MJ4H]

Houston Nutt beat Florida today while Bobby Petrino is getting what he deserves. The man is human garbage.

Houston Nutt beat Florida with a team with 10x the talent he left Arkansas. That's what recruiting does for a team. Houston did the same thing at Arkansas. Took a team that Danny Ford built and nearly won a NC with them. Then was bad to mediocre for the next 10 years with one really good year that should've been better because of freakish talent. Hell, Matt Jones's legs alone extended his stay at Arkansas 5 years.

What you see now, is the way it's been at Arkansas behind that curtain of 3 or 4 hugely talented players we've been lucking into. Now that Nutt has ran off the next crop of them that might've saved his job (including Malzahn who is setting things on fire in Tulsa), the world gets to see what is left. It isn't like Petrino is a bad coach. If you think that, you really are ignorant. Some of the people that know the best talk about him very highly. But there is nothing here to work with but freshmen that Petrino himself mostly brought in when he started. We all know that it will be rough this year and maybe next.

We also know this program is finally rid of Houston Nutt and will be allowed to grow.

[Izulde]

Oh goodie, we can revisit this again.

How about we save some time and skip straight to the part where Petrino and any person who supports him or his actions, can go fuck themselves and then burn in hell while watching an endless loop of Hawgfucker "highlights" for all eternity. You can then supply a pathetic attempt to justify the inexcusable and reveal yourself yet again as a worthless excuse for a human being just like your recently purchased hero and the cycle can be completed.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Let's calm down here.

So you disagree with MJ4H's defense of Petrino. That's cool, but attacking him personally for it is not cool.

[MJ4H]

Oh goodie, we can revisit this again.

How about we save some time and skip straight to the part where Petrino and any person who supports him or his actions, can go fuck themselves and then burn in hell while watching an endless loop of Hawgfucker "highlights" for all eternity. You can then supply a pathetic attempt to justify the inexcusable and reveal yourself yet again as a worthless excuse for a human being just like your recently purchased hero and the cycle can be completed.

How about we skip to the part where you can just go fuck yourself you worthless piece of shit?

[GrantDawg]

Well-documented.


That the Falcon showered him with money, gave him control, and he pissed off his players, lied to the owner, and left? Yup, very well documented.

Ask Louisville. Ask Tommy Tubberville. He is trash, and you are stuck with him until he cuts and runs on you for another job he "really" wanted.

[MJ4H]

And again the people saying Petrino is human garbage usually base it on how he left the Falcons, which was mostly the Falcons' fault, not his.

[Karlifornia]

LOL I love southern football drama....It's like watching a dysfunctional family Christmas dinner.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's cool, but attacking him personally for it is not cool.

Whatever.

Futilely attempting to defend the indefensible a signifcant character flaw & that has been made quite clear. Petrino literally isn't worth the price of the bullet it would take to kill him & I feel exactly the same way about anyone who defends his actions, they're just as big a piece of shit as he is and have earned the exact same scorn.

The only positive thing that will ever be associated with Petrino is someday reading his obituary.

[MJ4H]

That the Falcon showered him with money, gave him control, and he pissed off his players, lied to the owner, and left? Yup, very well documented.

Ask Louisville. Ask Tommy Tubberville. He is trash, and you are stuck with him until he cuts and runs on you for another job he "really" wanted.

No, the promised him control and didn't give it to him. Sure he pissed off the players because they don't respond well, as pros, to his style of coaching which is more suited to college. This happens all the time.

Again, he asked for permission to talk to Arkansas about their job, Blank admitted the job was a lot different than when he took it and gave his blessing. Then Vick was sentenced, and Blank decided to fight him coming to Arkansas and wound up shitting all over him for making the correct decision for everyone involved.

I get it that you don't like him. We do and are happy to be stuck with him.

[MJ4H]

Whatever.

Futilely attempting to defend the indefensible a signifcant character flaw & that has been made quite clear. Petrino literally isn't worth the price of the bullet it would take to kill him & I feel exactly the same way about anyone who defends his actions, they're just as big a piece of shit as he is and have earned the exact same scorn.

The only positive thing that will ever be associated with Petrino is someday reading his obituary.

you stay classy

[GrantDawg]

And again the people saying Petrino is human garbage usually base it on how he left the Falcons, which was mostly the Falcons' fault, not his.


Oh, God. Where do I sign up to get mistreat like the Falcons mistreat him? I want to be mistreated like that regularly.

[Logan]

And again the people saying Petrino is human garbage usually base it on how he left the Falcons, which was mostly the Falcons' fault, not his.

That's pretty funny.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oh, God. Where do I sign up to get mistreat like the Falcons mistreat him? I want to be mistreated like that regularly.

Check with Pumpy, I hear he likes that sort of thing ;)

[GrantDawg]

No, the promised him control and didn't give it to him. Sure he pissed off the players because they don't respond well, as pros, to his style of coaching which is more suited to college. This happens all the time.

Again, he asked for permission to talk to Arkansas about their job, Blank admitted the job was a lot different than when he took it and gave his blessing. Then Vick was sentenced, and Blank decided to fight him coming to Arkansas and wound up shitting all over him for making the correct decision for everyone involved.

I get it that you don't like him. We do and are happy to be stuck with him.


You have some very strange time-lines there. Good luck with the asshole. I promise you'll be calling him that in a couple of years just like every other team that has been suckered into hiring him.

[MJ4H]

That's pretty funny.

It's also true. Do you know what really happened or just what the Falcon players and PR told everyone? That's sure as hell all you'll get from ESPN and most media.

[MJ4H]

You have some very strange time-lines there. Good luck with the asshole. I promise you'll be calling him that in a couple of years just like every other team that has been suckered into hiring him.

I hope not, but I'd be happy to back up that timeline with actual quotes and stories from people intimately involved if you'd like.

[Izulde]

I get it that you don't like him. We do and are happy to be stuck with him.

Um... I have to disagree with you here.

I'm not happy with him the way we've played thus far this year. New coach or not, new system or not, ton of freshmen or not, we shouldn't have to struggle to come from behind to beat freaking Western Illinois and UL-Monroe.

And I -hate- the way he's all smiles whenever they show him on the screen as we're getting our asses kicked.

He should be pissed off or at least grim when we're getting beat down like that. I'm fast losing respect for him.

[Karlifornia]

I've always wanted to see Arkansas succeed. I've always had a soft spot for them from my far removed perch. Might've been my ex-girlfriend who grew up in Arkansas...might've been me rooting for the basketball team to beat evil UCLA back in the mid 90's..

...but, I was disappointed when they hired Petrino. This was Arkansas football. The only game in the whole damn state. SEC football. They had to hire that re-tread from...LOUISVILLE!?!? Add to that the whole lack of integrity, and it was just sad.

[GrantDawg]

I've always wanted to see Arkansas succeed. I've always had a soft spot for them from my far removed perch. Might've been my ex-girlfriend who grew up in Arkansas...might've been me rooting for the basketball team to beat evil UCLA back in the mid 90's..

...but, I was disappointed when they hired Petrino. This was Arkansas football. The only game in the whole damn state. SEC football. They had to hire that re-tread from...LOUISVILLE!?!? Add to that the whole lack of integrity, and it was just sad.


Always sort of liked them as well. Sad, really. But don't worry, it won't take long before he is gone.

[MJ4H]

When I have the time, I'll catch you up on all the shit you've missed in our football program over the last few years.

Look I'm not thrilled either, but Nutt absolutely gutted this team and it is going to take some time to fix this mess.

[GrantDawg]

When I have the time, I'll catch you up on all the shit you've missed in our football program over the last few years.

Look I'm not thrilled either, but Nutt absolutely gutted this team and it is going to take some time to fix this mess.


Who the hell is defending Nutt?

[MJ4H]

Hmm, nobody asked for the sources? Really? Just got right back to trashing him. Yeah, that's what I figured. OK, carry on.

[Tigercat]

Houston Nutt beat Florida with a team with 10x the talent he left Arkansas. That's what recruiting does for a team. Houston did the same thing at Arkansas. Took a team that Danny Ford built and nearly won a NC with them. Then was bad to mediocre for the next 10 years with one really good year that should've been better because of freakish talent. Hell, Matt Jones's legs alone extended his stay at Arkansas 5 years.

What you see now, is the way it's been at Arkansas behind that curtain of 3 or 4 hugely talented players we've been lucking into.

First: Nutt didn't recruit talent, he just inherited some

Second: No, wait, Nutt recruited freakish talent but didn't do enough with it

Third: No, wait, Nutt lucked into that freakish talent


Yea, you aren't a blind fan at all. Nutt was an ass, and an ass that does a good job and acts like an ass probably should be fired sooner or later. But he was a good coach that for the most part had Arkansas performing at the type of level most objective observers would expect them to perform at.

SEC coaches with less talent than Arkansas has right now have done more than Petrino. Petrino has his team just playing dead.

[GrantDawg]

Hmm, nobody asked for the sources? Really? Just got right back to trashing him. Yeah, that's what I figured. OK, carry on.


Read all sides already. He is shit. End of story.

[ISiddiqui]

Houston Nutt beat Florida today while Bobby Petrino is getting what he deserves. The man is human garbage.

QFT. I hope Arkansas doesn't have winning season while he's the coach. Hell, I hope they go longer than that in suckitude for hiring the piece of shit.

[MJ4H]

Who the hell is defending Nutt?

Well, I wasn't responding to anyone defending Nutt. I was explaining to him why our team is a shambles now.

But, someone earlier sure was touting Nutt by pointing out how he beat Florida today (with someone else's talent, with Florida fumbling what 30 times, and a week after losing to Vanderbilt--BOY DOES THAT SOUND FAMILIAR). Houston Nutt is far more despicable to most of us than Bobby Petrino.

I know that's hard for a lot of people outside of Arkansas to grasp since Nutt brought little old Arkansas a .500 conference record!!!!! but it's true.

[Schmidty]

QFT. I hope Arkansas doesn't have winning season while he's the coach. Hell, I hope they go longer than that in suckitude for hiring the piece of shit.

What did he do (in a nutshell)? I'm lazy and don't want to read the last 2 pages.

[MJ4H]

Read all sides already. He is shit. End of story.

Really? Then why didn't you know those things already?

[GrantDawg]

QFT. I hope Arkansas doesn't have winning season while he's the coach. Hell, I hope they go longer than that in suckitude for hiring the piece of shit.


Naw, I'm think anybody can be fooled by a salesman every once in awhile. I just hope they get wise and fire him.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Meanwhile, the InCrompetence continues for the Vols.

[Karlifornia]

ECU getting thrashed at home by Houston....so West Virginia probably just isn't very good.

[MJ4H]

What did he do (in a nutshell)? I'm lazy and don't want to read the last 2 pages.

What pissed most people off is he left Atlanta with 3 games to go in the season by getting on a plane in the middle of the night and leaving a note in the players' lockers apologizing. A lot of people also hold ill-will towards him for trying to get in the door at Auburn while he was at Louisville, I guess.

[Schmidty]

Uh oh. UM might have life.

I hope to God that they don't.

[Vegas Vic]

Houston is beating ECU 38-17 in Greenville, putting the final nail in the coffin of ECU being an "elite" team this year.

[Passacaglia]

Michigan is back in this thing, 19-14!

[MJ4H]

Here's a good transcript of an interview with a sports agent that was involved in Petrino's hiring, if anyone is interested. Most people don't know any of this about what actually happened.

Sporting News - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball and Fantasy Sports scores, blogs, and articles (http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/SharpTusk/159144)

[Schmidty]

What pissed most people off is he left Atlanta with 3 games to go in the season by getting on a plane in the middle of the night and leaving a note in the players' lockers apologizing. A lot of people also hold ill-will towards him for trying to get in the door at Auburn while he was at Louisville, I guess.

Holy shit. How did I not know that?

That's terrible if true.

[VPI97]

...and Texas scores again.

[GrantDawg]

Really? Then why didn't you know those things already?


What "things?" That I don't believe the master-salesman's story? That he can get those he sold to defend him?

Look, you have to have hope because it is your team. I understand and feel bad for you. I'll talk to you in a couple of years when your ready to hate him as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

How did I not know that?

Please tell me this is sarcasm. Right?