College Football Week 15 (Championship) thread........

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Breaking news: Nittany Lion charged with DUI......Rose Bowl status unclear........

Penn State mascot arrested on DUI charge - College football- nbcsports.msnbc.com (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28003283/)

Penn State mascot arrested on DUI charge
Sheep might miss Rose Bowl, has worn Lion costume since January 2007
Mon., Dec. 1, 2008

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - The Penn State senior who plays the Nittany Lion mascot was arrested on a DUI charge and his status for the Rose Bowl is in doubt, police and school officials said.

James Sheep was pulled over on campus around 3:15 a.m. on Nov. 22, hours before Penn State’s 49-18 win over Michigan State, University Police Capt. Bill Moerschbacher said Monday. The officer who made the stop saw that the vehicle was overloaded, with passengers piled onto each other and blocking the driver’s view.

After determining that Sheep had been drinking, the officer administered sobriety tests and took him to the hospital for blood tests, Moerschbacher said. He was later charged with DUI and summary traffic violations.

A telephone message left for Sheep by The Associated Press was not immediately returned Monday.

At the Michigan State game, the final home game of the year, Sheep was honored for serving as the mascot since January 2007.

School spokesman Geoff Rushton said he expects some action from the Office of Judicial Affairs, but said that it would likely be up to the coaching staff to determine if Sheep can attend the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1.

The student in the mascot suit receives a scholarship, but Rushton said he did not know how much it was worth. In addition to football games, the mascot attends several hundred events a year and must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

University sanctions can range from requiring students to take mandatory education classes to expulsion, Rushton said.

[SirFozzie]

Geez, I know UCLA isn't THAT good, but wow, giving up two time outs just so you can wear red against them?

ESPN - USC Trojans willing to forfeit time outs to wear home red against UCLA Bruins (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3738795)

USC coach Pete Carroll says the NCAA can have two of his timeouts from Saturday's crosstown rivalry game with UCLA. He just wants his players to wear their home colors

Carroll said on Monday that the Trojans would wear their cardinal red home jerseys on Saturday at the Rose Bowl. That violates an NCAA rule that requires visiting teams to wear white, and the infraction will cost him two timeouts, one per half.

The last time the Trojans and the Bruins both wore home jerseys -- the Trojans in red, the Bruins in blue and gold -- was in 1982, when the schools shared the Los Angeles Coliseum.

"I just thought it was a really cool tradition," Carroll said.

As for losing timeouts? "I don't care about it right now," Carroll said. "I think it's the fun thing to do, and I think the fans will appreciate it over time."

Carroll said the decision to wear home jerseys is not meant as a sign of disrespect to UCLA, adding that he discussed restoring the tradition with former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell and with current coach Rick Neuheisel.

"It's exciting," Neuheisel said. "I think wearing the home jerseys is a great tradition."

In the meantime, the Pacific 10 Conference has forwarded a request to NCAA football rules committee secretary Rogers Redding, seeking to change the rule. Pac 10 commissioner Tom Hansen said he expected to a decision by Tuesday.

[Crim]

USC's taking it up a notch!!!!1!!two!!!1

[Eaglesfan27]

I love this move by Pete.

[Poli]

I think it's actually, well, disappointing. I know all the USC fans will love it. I know some if not most or all of the UCLA fans may love it. Sure, most of college football fans may love that he's bucking the 'tradition' and going Frank Sinatra on the NCAA. Shoot, I'd like it as well. I'd love to see to solid colors battling it out rather than the solid color vs. white. I hate that it probably still all boils down to telling the difference on outdated black and white televisions.

However, rules are rules. Don't like them? Have them changed during the offseason.

Nothing against USC or the fans, I just don't like the move, regardless of if it was Tennessee, USC, or anyone else.

[Dr. Sak]

Pete is just trying to make it a LA gang war....Bloods vs Crypts

[Eaglesfan27]

I think it's actually, well, disappointing. I know all the USC fans will love it. I know some if not most or all of the UCLA fans may love it. Sure, most of college football fans may love that he's bucking the 'tradition' and going Frank Sinatra on the NCAA. Shoot, I'd like it as well. I'd love to see to solid colors battling it out rather than the solid color vs. white. I hate that it probably still all boils down to telling the difference on outdated black and white televisions.

However, rules are rules. Don't like them? Have them changed during the offseason.

Nothing against USC or the fans, I just don't like the move, regardless of if it was Tennessee, USC, or anyone else.

Actually, the old tradition in this rivalry was for each team to wear their home uniforms. If anything, Pete is going back to tradition, albeit, bucking NCAA rules to do so.

[Eaglesfan27]

Here is a famous painting from 1967 game in which both teams are wearing their home uniforms (the rule doesn't have anything to do with Black and White TV's back then.):


http://www.bnr-art.com/friberg/small/oj-usc-.jpg

[timmynausea]

That's interesting - West Virginia will be wearing all white at home on Saturday. It's a White Out since it's Pat White's last home game. USF agreed to wear their dark jerseys. No timeouts were harmed.

[Poli]

Actually, the old tradition in this rivalry was for each team to wear their home uniforms. If anything, Pete is going back to tradition, albeit, bucking NCAA rules to do so.
I can understand it used to be a tradition, nearly 20 years ago, and probably a great tradition. The rule is very outdated and doesn't need to be in place. That doesn't mean it should be broken or changed this very week because, by golly, Pete wants it.

Unless Pete just stumbled upon the rule or tradition this past week, I still have to resort to "Rules are rules".

Again, I don't like the rule. I despise the rule, but I don't like it when people take matters into their own hands, either.

[Neuqua]

Well Pete is acknowledging the rule, he just chooses to accept the consequences of breaking it.

[Poli]

Well Pete is acknowledging the rule, he just chooses to accept the consequences of breaking it.
Which, of course, is why I'm disappointed.

Great message for the players. Don't like a rule? Screw it.

[cartman]

This is not 'Nam, this is College Football. And there are rules in College Football. WEAR YOUR ROAD UNIFORM!!!

http://www.iconsofthering.com/files/walter_sobchak.jpg

[CU Tiger]

ESPN just crawled that Neuhisal (sp?) has said that IF USC is fined a TO he will take one before each kick off to even the score....

[bhlloy]

Yeah, PC said he cleared it with Neuheisel before the season started (to avoid being "disrespectful") and I guess this is something they talked about becoming a tradition every year. I don't care either way. I see what Poli is saying, but the NCAA obviously isn't too bothered about it otherwise they would have put in an additional penalty.

[gstelmack]

The thing about rules is if you're going to break them, be prepared to accept the consequences. And Pete is willing to accept the consequences. So good for him taking responsibility and having some fun with a game.

[Chief Rum]

I can understand it used to be a tradition, nearly 20 years ago, and probably a great tradition. The rule is very outdated and doesn't need to be in place. That doesn't mean it should be broken or changed this very week because, by golly, Pete wants it.

Unless Pete just stumbled upon the rule or tradition this past week, I still have to resort to "Rules are rules".

Again, I don't like the rule. I despise the rule, but I don't like it when people take matters into their own hands, either.

Look, there's a punishment in place, and Carroll's chosen to accept that punishment. What more do you want? You don't even care about either of these teams, and I doubt you'll watch it.

As a UCLA fan, I love it. And I want to take it a step further. I want Neuheisel to contact Carroll, and offer one of his timeouts to him (the first half one). Seriously. Tell Carroll to keep a team assistant nearby with a cellphone, or work out a signal in advance, and UCLA will call a timeout in the first half whenever USC wants it.

Just once, of course, but there you go, five for each team.

This is what this rivalry is all about. Fantastic. The rest of the country can bite me if they don't like it. This is for the Victory Bell, baby!

[Chief Rum]

ESPN just crawled that Neuhisal (sp?) has said that IF USC is fined a TO he will take one before each kick off to even the score....

Awesome. Another great way to do it. I knew Neuheisel would do something. Not his style to let Carroll do that without finding a response himself to even things out.

[Galaxy]

Just out of curiosity, how good is UCLA's recruiting class shaping up this year? Hopefully they can get competitive again.

[Galaxy]

Kind of funny that LSU can wear white at home, but other teams wear a certain uniform if both teams agree to it.

[Poli]

Look, there's a punishment in place, and Carroll's chosen to accept that punishment. What more do you want? You don't even care about either of these teams, and I doubt you'll watch it.

As a UCLA fan, I love it. And I want to take it a step further. I want Neuheisel to contact Carroll, and offer one of his timeouts to him (the first half one). Seriously. Tell Carroll to keep a team assistant nearby with a cellphone, or work out a signal in advance, and UCLA will call a timeout in the first half whenever USC wants it.

Just once, of course, but there you go, five for each team.

This is what this rivalry is all about. Fantastic. The rest of the country can bite me if they don't like it. This is for the Victory Bell, baby!
Read the rest of my posts, would you? The world doesn't revolve around you.

I said I wouldn't mind seeing it. I'd just rather they do it the right way.

[Chief Rum]

Read the rest of my posts, would you? The world doesn't revolve around you.

I said I wouldn't mind seeing it. I'd just rather they do it the right way.

This particular part of the world (the USC-UCLA game) revolves much more around me than it does you. So, sorry if I don't really give a damn what a UT fan thinks about Carroll's decision.

[Chief Rum]

Just out of curiosity, how good is UCLA's recruiting class shaping up this year? Hopefully they can get competitive again.

Hmm, it's really tough to say at this point, because so much can happen in recruiting. Not sure of our current verbals we'll have or if we can lure any interest from some of those committed to other schools to de-commit and come over here (not normally something I really root for--I hate taking other schools commits, because I know how it feels the other way--but UCLA has had an awful lot of talk about visits from committed recruits of other schools).

I have to get ready for my baseball league sim here, but when I am done there, I'll give a quick breakdown of the class so far.

[Poli]

This particular part of the world (the USC-UCLA game) revolves much more around me than it does you. So, sorry if I don't really give a damn what a UT fan thinks about Carroll's decision.
:rant:

Who made you king of the world?

All I am saying is I don't respect the decision. Fix the rule in the offseason. Let freedom ring.

I don't know why you're all bent out of shape there. Maybe someone didn't give your hug. Take a chill pill.

[Chief Rum]

:rant:

Who made you king of the world?

All I am saying is I don't respect the decision. Fix the rule in the offseason. Let freedom ring.

I don't know why you're all bent out of shape there. Maybe someone didn't give your hug. Take a chill pill.

I'm not the one posting "angry" emoticons, am I? You sure the right guy is taking the chill pill?

I'm actually not bent out of shape at all. You're (as usual) misreading tone through the Internet. I am merely dispensing my opinion of your stance. Sorry you don't like someone actually disagreeing with you, and (with reason) wondering why your opinion on it even matters.

[Poli]

I'm sorry Chief Rum. I'm sorry I ruined your day.

[Chief Rum]

I'm sorry Chief Rum. I'm sorry I ruined your day.

No apology necessary, since no feelings hurt here, nor any day ruined.

[JonInMiddleGA]

and (with reason) wondering why your opinion on it even matters.

Because it's a general topic in a general thread in the off topic forum? Because him, or anybody else on the goddamned forum has as much right to express an opinion as anybody else here? It's not as though he wandered over to a USC forum & ripped on the move, he made a casual observation like most of the posters who participate in the threads here.

Climb off your fucking high horse already.

[Chief Rum]

Because it's a general topic in a general thread in the off topic forum? Because him, or anybody else on the goddamned forum has as much right to express an opinion as anybody else here? It's not as though he wandered over to a USC forum & ripped on the move, he made a casual observation like most of the posters who participate in the threads here.

Climb off your fucking high horse already.

lmao...calm down, guy. I don't want you to bust a gut just because I expressed my own rightful opinion to tell him or you what value their opinion has to me. And look at that! I can even tell you that without having to resort to cuss words. ;)

[Dr. Sak]

I love the pissing match between fans of two teams who wont be going to a bowl game ;)

[Chief Rum]

I love the pissing match between fans of two teams who wont be going to a bowl game ;)

Heh, ain't it grand! :eek:

[Matthean]

What do Big Ten and Pac 10 schools have to do with championship week anyway? :D Let the talk about the semi final and a half for the national title begin.

[Dr. Sak]

You mean the Rose Bowl that will pit two one loss teams against each other...two teams that both actually play defense? :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

And look at that! I can even tell you that without having to resort to cuss words. ;)

You'd have gotten far worse in person. You've got zero business jumping on a regular here for no damned reason. Alas, one of the sad realities of the internet is that you're safe behind your keyboard instead of having somebody knock you upside the head like you seem to be in desperate need of.

[Chief Rum]

Back to the topic at hand...

Quick look at UCLA recruiting. All of the following use Scout rankings.

We have 16 commits right now, with three of them being JC linemen (meaning, they may not get past admissions :( ).

The headliners right now are QB Richard Brehaut (#11 QB), OT Stan Hasiak (#17 OT), DE Devon Kennard (#5 DE) and MLB Todd Golper (#5 MLB).

Brehaut has pretty much been the wagon Neuheisel has hooked his ride to. Really nice looking offensive prospect with a very good arm and smart head. He will have a chance to start as a freshman, probably going head to head with Kevin Prince from this year's class (and hopefully Kevin Craft won't be involved).

Hasiak is still taking visits and is one of those "we'll rest when we have the letter" type of recruits. He's a huge Samoan tackle type from out in Hawaii. Exactly the kind of line talent we need.

Kennard and Golper are blue chip defenders who can make an impact right away.

The JC guys all help critical areas--the line and DT. They have the size that comes with age, so because of that, they might be able to step in right away, which makes them important for a team that is just Gawd awful on the line. UCLA was bad this year for two reasons--Craft and the line (and the line made Craft worse).

We have added more depth in the secondary. They're not blue chippers, but we picked up some excellent DB recruits this past class (Rahim Moore, starting as freshman; Aaron Hester, EJ Woods are two others), so the CB recruits will help with depth.

In addition to Hasiak and the JC guys, we also have a commit from the top guard in CA in Greg Capella, so that will help the line.

Really, UCLA isn't as far away as it would seem from this year.

There is loads of skill talent (Aundre Dean, Derrick Coleman, Milton Knox, incoming Dalton Hilliard at RB; Terrance Austin, Nelson Rosario, Taylor Embree, Antwon Moutra at WR; Ryan Moya, probably Logan Paulsen at TE) on offense.

Former Colorado C Kai Maiava will be eligible next year, this year's best freshman lineman T Jeff Baca and injured T Sean Sheller will all be back and better, so the line should be much, much improved. So if Brehaut steps in or Prince shows he's as talented as he's supposed to be, the offense will be much better.

The defense is good this year, and should be even better next year, with the freshman DBs I mentioned being one year better, and one more year from CB Alteraun Verner, MLB Reggie Carter and DT Brian Price.

The schedule is also much easier next year.

It would be a disappointment if we don't win 7-8 games next year, which would be the next logical step in the second year of a new coaching staff (or at least one as good as Neuheisel's).

Still a long, long, long way behind USC, but it has to start somewhere. My prediction is this game will mean something next year, although it won't truly be a game to watch until 2010, I am guessing.

[Chief Rum]

You'd have gotten far worse in person. You've got zero business jumping on a regular here for no damned reason. Alas, one of the sad realities of the internet is that you're safe behind your keyboard instead of having somebody knock you upside the head like you seem to be in desperate need of.

Got it, so you'll physically threaten me. And toss out the "regular" as if I am not one myself. If you're ever in LA, feel free to stop by and I'll let you tell me whatever you think you're holding back here. Just send me a PM ahead of time, so I know to be home when you come by.

[Eaglesfan27]

ESPN just crawled that Neuhisal (sp?) has said that IF USC is fined a TO he will take one before each kick off to even the score....

Good for him. I'd love to see this become a yearly tradition again.

[digamma]

That's interesting - West Virginia will be wearing all white at home on Saturday. It's a White Out since it's Pat White's last home game. USF agreed to wear their dark jerseys. No timeouts were harmed.

Yeah, Ga Tech went back to wearing white at home this year. They have to get permission from each visiting team. Several years ago, Wake Forest insisted GT wear colors so they didn't have to wear black on a hot early fall Saturday.

[TazFTW]

Just saw on ESPNEWS that Vidal Hazelton is transferring.

[RedKingGold]

Just saw on ESPNEWS that Vidal Hazelton is transferring.

Oooooo...Penn State was the the runner-up in that recruiting chase two years ago.

Not sure if he lands there, but I'd like that very much.

[Poli]

Look, there's a punishment in place, and Carroll's chosen to accept that punishment. What more do you want? You don't even care about either of these teams, and I doubt you'll watch it.

As a UCLA fan, I love it. And I want to take it a step further. I want Neuheisel to contact Carroll, and offer one of his timeouts to him (the first half one). Seriously. Tell Carroll to keep a team assistant nearby with a cellphone, or work out a signal in advance, and UCLA will call a timeout in the first half whenever USC wants it.

Just once, of course, but there you go, five for each team.

This is what this rivalry is all about. Fantastic. The rest of the country can bite me if they don't like it. This is for the Victory Bell, baby!:rant:

Who made you king of the world?

All I am saying is I don't respect the decision. Fix the rule in the offseason. Let freedom ring.

I don't know why you're all bent out of shape there. Maybe someone didn't give your hug. Take a chill pill.

I'm not the one posting "angry" emoticons, am I? You sure the right guy is taking the chill pill?
I'm actually not bent out of shape at all. You're (as usual) misreading tone through the Internet. I am merely dispensing my opinion of your stance. Sorry you don't like someone actually disagreeing with you, and (with reason) wondering why your opinion on it even matters.
After going to bed, waking up, and re-reading this...I still have no idea how you came to be so...bitter.

I posted the angry emot because it reminded me of, well, you. I wasn't angry. What reason would I have had to be angry?

I could care less about the rule per say. I don't believe breaking it is the answer. I believe changing the rule is the answer.

I understand your position. You're a UCLA fan. You want this to happen. I'm a college football fan. I want this to happen. I just want it to happen without breaking a stupid rule. The rule is, after all, stupid. Let every team play each other in their solid color outside of two teams with the same one. I'm all for it.

I didn't like many of the ridiculous rules in my youth football league this year. I questioned a few of them as the season progressed. Now that the season is over I'm looking to get some of them changed. However, breaking a rule because you don't like it is a terrible message.

I don't suspect I'm in the majority here. I don't suspect 10% of the nation would agree with me. I don't suspect, for whatever reason, that you'll ever agree with me on anything. I'm not sure why, but so be it.

[Poli]

Oooooo...Penn State was the the runner-up in that recruiting chase two years ago.

Not sure if he lands there, but I'd like that very much.
Sitting out a year for one year of eligibility? I think he's headed for a FCS school without digging much into ti.

[Dr. Sak]

Oooooo...Penn State was the the runner-up in that recruiting chase two years ago.

Not sure if he lands there, but I'd like that very much.

Both guys that PSU lost on the last day to USC, Brodrick Green and Hazelton have now transferred from USC.

[RedKingGold]

Sitting out a year for one year of eligibility? I think he's headed for a FCS school without digging much into ti.

Probably. No matter what, I'm sure he's heading back to the East Coast. I know his Dad was really pushing him to Penn State back then. I think Hazleton's relatives have been having health problems.

Both guys that PSU lost on the last day to USC, Brodrick Green and Hazelton have now transferred from USC.

Heh, forgot about Green.

[Chief Rum]

After going to bed, waking up, and re-reading this...I still have no idea how you came to be so...bitter.

I posted the angry emot because it reminded me of, well, you. I wasn't angry. What reason would I have had to be angry?

I could care less about the rule per say. I don't believe breaking it is the answer. I believe changing the rule is the answer.

I understand your position. You're a UCLA fan. You want this to happen. I'm a college football fan. I want this to happen. I just want it to happen without breaking a stupid rule. The rule is, after all, stupid. Let every team play each other in their solid color outside of two teams with the same one. I'm all for it.

I didn't like many of the ridiculous rules in my youth football league this year. I questioned a few of them as the season progressed. Now that the season is over I'm looking to get some of them changed. However, breaking a rule because you don't like it is a terrible message.

I don't suspect I'm in the majority here. I don't suspect 10% of the nation would agree with me. I don't suspect, for whatever reason, that you'll ever agree with me on anything. I'm not sure why, but so be it.

I was never bitter or angry whatsoever. You're still reading into it what you want to see, because it makes you feel better about your own reaction, I suppose. I don't know, I'm no psychiatrist. But neither are you, so I say we both just stop trying to guess if the other one is "mad".

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jackets' Dwyer named ACC player of the year | ajc.com (http://www.ajc.com/business/content/sports/gatech/stories/2008/12/03/georgiatech_dwyer_acc.html)

Georgia Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer was named the ACC’s player of the year on Wednesday.

Dwyer led the ACC with 1,328 yards this season from his B-Back position. He also scored 12 touchdowns. He received 30 of 67 votes by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, finishing ahead of Florida State’s Everette Brown (nine votes) and NC State’s Russell Wilson (eight votes).

“There are so many talented players in this conference, I feel very honored and fortunate to receive this award,” Dwyer said in a statement released to the media. “My teammates definitely deserve a part of the award. We have so many talented guys on our offense that it really made things easier for me. I also have to thank our offensive line, which overcame so many injuries.”

Dwyer is the third player from Tech to win the award, joining quarterback Joe Hamilton (1999) and wide receiver Calvin Johnson (2006).

Dwyer, from Marietta, rushed for more than 100 yards nine times this season, to tie a school record.

“I am really proud of Jonathan,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said in a statement released to the media. “He has a lot of talent and is a very gifted young man. We did not have a lot of depth behind him, and he did not miss a game and rarely sat out of practice.

“His work ethic, durability and toughness were very impressive to me. I think Jon is going to continue to get better. I think he deserves this very prestigious honor.”

Johnson was named the ACC coach of the year on Tuesday.

[cartman]

Ball State has turned down the Humanitarian Bowl bid that might have matched them up with Boise State.

Ball State Daily News (http://media.www.bsudailynews.com/media/storage/paper849/news/2008/12/03/Sports/Football.Ball.State.Will.Not.Play.Boise.State.In.Humaniatrian.Bowl-3568099.shtml)

[Young Drachma]

Ball State has turned down the Humanitarian Bowl bid that might have matched them up with Boise State.

Ball State Daily News (http://media.www.bsudailynews.com/media/storage/paper849/news/2008/12/03/Sports/Football.Ball.State.Will.Not.Play.Boise.State.In.Humaniatrian.Bowl-3568099.shtml)

Can't blame them. Why play them on their home turf and take a financial loss (not to mention a possible loss on the field) to do this. Seems silly. Interesting that the Ball State students seem to think that it was a good idea.

I would too, just not played in Boise. Maybe if they did it somewhere else as a one-year thing, that'd be better. Bowls have gone to alternate sites for one year in the past.

[Dr. Sak]

Can't blame them. Why play them on their home turf and take a financial loss (not to mention a possible loss on the field) to do this. Seems silly. Interesting that the Ball State students seem to think that it was a good idea.

I would too, just not played in Boise. Maybe if they did it somewhere else as a one-year thing, that'd be better. Bowls have gone to alternate sites for one year in the past.

You see I think the exact opposite. Boise State already has credibility because of their win against Oklahoma a few years back...this could be Ball State's chance to take that step. A win for them in that game could be huge for their program. If they win Saturday they will be 13-0...great undefeated...but put them at 14-0 and a win against Boise State, and undefeated Boise State would be big.

If you want respect you have to take chances, so Ball State can't complain when they win against an easier opponent but still don't get any respect.

[Young Drachma]

You see I think the exact opposite. Boise State already has credibility because of their win against Oklahoma a few years back...this could be Ball State's chance to take that step. A win for them in that game could be huge for their program. If they win Saturday they will be 13-0...great undefeated...but put them at 14-0 and a win against Boise State, and undefeated Boise State would be big.

If you want respect you have to take chances, so Ball State can't complain when they win against an easier opponent but still don't get any respect.

The home game makes it fundamentally unequal, it's not broadcast at night and it's in a TV market that will ensure it gets little to no pub unless they game was electrifying. If they'd gone neutral site, that'd be better. But to do it in Boise? No way. Let the Broncos go to a BCS game and let Ball State go to the International Bowl and try for an undefeated year.

[Dr. Sak]

The home game makes it fundamentally unequal, it's not broadcast at night and it's in a TV market that will ensure it gets little to no pub unless they game was electrifying. If they'd gone neutral site, that'd be better. But to do it in Boise? No way. Let the Broncos go to a BCS game and let Ball State go to the International Bowl and try for an undefeated year.

I see your point about being behind the 8-ball with it being a home game for Boise but I just see it as an opportunity for Ball State.

When Hawaii played in the Sugar Bowl last year, I am sure they were outnumbered to the place where it was almost a home game for Georgia.

Let me ask you this...what would be better for Ball State's national perception...beating Boise State in Boise...or beating some 7-5 Big East team?

The Broncos are most likely not going to a BCS game because of Utah.

[Scoobz0202]

Obviously beating Boise State would be better for their perception, but I'm sure they are playing with the odd's here.

And beating a 7-5 Big East team to go undefeated for the season is a big enough satisfaction for Ball State.

[Dr. Sak]

Obviously beating Boise State would be better for their perception, but I'm sure they are playing with the odd's here.

And beating a 7-5 Big East team to go undefeated for the season is a big enough satisfaction for Ball State.

I understand your point and DC's point. But it is when the Non-BCS schools say that "no one will play them" or "they don't get their chance to prove how good they are"...well here is their chance. If they are fine with where they are perceived, so be it.

[Scoobz0202]

Yea. I have never gotten that vibe from Ball State though. At least not like Hawaii last season.

[bhlloy]

The headliners right now are QB Richard Brehaut (#11 QB), OT Stan Hasiak (#17 OT), DE Devon Kennard (#5 DE) and MLB Todd Golper (#5 MLB).


Did I miss something? Is Kennard a silent to UCLA or something? Or did I just fall off the face of the planet...

[Eaglesfan27]

Did I miss something? Is Kennard a silent to UCLA or something? Or did I just fall off the face of the planet...

I missed that the first time reading through. From what I've read as recently as earlier this week, everything points to Kennard going to USC, Texas, or ASU with Cal having a slight outside chance.

[bhlloy]

I've read the same through ESPN and Scout. I guess CR has heard something on BRO... either way I'm very interested.

[Crim]

I can understand it used to be a tradition, nearly 20 years ago, and probably a great tradition. The rule is very outdated and doesn't need to be in place. That doesn't mean it should be broken or changed this very week because, by golly, Pete wants it.

Unless Pete just stumbled upon the rule or tradition this past week, I still have to resort to "Rules are rules".

Again, I don't like the rule. I despise the rule, but I don't like it when people take matters into their own hands, either.

Babblefish.com translates this as: "Ardent hates Batman." Weird.

[Buccaneer]

You were able to translate what Poli said? Amazing.

[miked]

Go RU, defense looks crappy, but that's the game.

[Crim]

You were able to translate what Poli said? Amazing.

Yeah. And JiMG's translated roughly to: "HA ain't here to spew profanity and personal attacks, so I'm stepping in."

[Swaggs]

Go RU, defense looks crappy, but that's the game.

Hopefully RU knocks UL out, so ND doesn't steal any of our bowl money.

[TCY Junkie]

Yeah. And JiMG's translated roughly to: "HA ain't here to spew profanity and personal attacks, so I'm stepping in."

The only reason you see this post is because I saw you were the last to post, so I opened the thread.

[General Mike]

Ball State wouldn't be able to stop Rutgers' offense

[General Mike]

Get the forks out, this one is over.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yeah. And JiMG's translated roughly to: "HA ain't here to spew profanity and personal attacks, so I'm stepping in."

I said nothing that could have possibly been any more offensive than I found the unwarranted personal attack on another member that I was responding to.

[Chief Rum]

Did I miss something? Is Kennard a silent to UCLA or something? Or did I just fall off the face of the planet...

Sorry, I typed in the wrong top DE. You probably could have figured that out if you noticed the Scout ranking was the #5 DE, not the #1.

I meant Keenan Graham (still an awesome get).

As far as I know, we're still on Kennard's list, but we are rather distantly behind the schools he is seriously considering.

[Poli]

You were able to translate what Poli said? Amazing.
:confused:

[miked]

After going to last year's game in Louisville, I hope RU doesn't stop until they hit 100. UL sucks.

[Logan]

After going to last year's game in Louisville, I hope RU doesn't stop until they hit 100. UL sucks.

What an ass-raping that was.

Rutgers deserves to be in the Sun Bowl, but my gut is we get shipped to Detroit for a rematch with Ball State.

[miked]

What an ass-raping that was.

Rutgers deserves to be in the Sun Bowl, but my gut is we get shipped to Detroit for a rematch with Ball State.

I keep reading how they love PIT because they have a Sun Bowl history. Load of crap...they played once or twice in the Sun Bowl. PIT hasn't been good for a while and we destroyed them this year. I think Teal completed like 10 passes for 350 yards or some shit against them. Best we can do it hope UConn stuns PIT and WVU takes it in the ass from USF. Even then, we'll get snubbed and end up playing Buffalo or UL-Lafayette or some bozo.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Even then, we'll get snubbed and end up playing Buffalo or UL-Lafayette or some bozo.

You're 7-5, exactly how much should you be expecting?

[Logan]

Outside of their sudden sweating of Notre Dame's nuts, the Sun Bowl has really been about taking the best team, and to them it means the highest ranked team. Pitt would fit...for now.

[Logan]

You're 7-5, exactly how much should you be expecting?

The 2nd Big East tie-in to match the 2nd place Big East finish.

[miked]

You're 7-5, exactly how much should you be expecting?

Well, not that much. However, considering we were 1-5 and rattled off 6 straight wins, including monster wins over USF and PIT (putting up 50+ each time) and our losses to CIN and WVU were by 3 and 7, I'd hope to get the second place Big East game. I'd like for RU to have a bowl shot against an ACC or SEC team. We finished 2nd (depending on the WVU game, but no worse than 3rd) and it would be cool if we got a better game than PIT. They're schedule includes a loss to Bowling Green and slim victories over Iowa, Buffalo, and Notre Dame.

Of course, we fucking lost to Navy. :banghead:

[JonInMiddleGA]

The 2nd Big East tie-in to match the 2nd place Big East finish.

I don't think there any connection to standing, just bowl picking order.
From the conference website
In addition to the Bowl Championship Series, the BIG EAST Conference also has agreements with a number of other postseason bowl games.

The BIG EAST and Big 12 Conferences — along with Notre Dame — forged a bowl partnership beginning in 2006. This agreement assures both BCS Conferences’ and Notre Dame’s participation in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl and Brut Sun Bowl over a four-year period. The Konica Minolta Gator Bowl or Brut Sun Bowl will pick a BIG EAST team after the league’s representative to the Bowl Championship Series has been determined. The Atlantic Coast Conference will provide the opposition in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl and the Pac-10 Conference will participate in the Brut Sun Bowl.

The Gator Bowl has the first selection at the conclusion of each season. During the four years of the deal, the BIG EAST (or Notre Dame) will send a team to both the Gator Bowl and the Sun Bowl twice.

The Meineke Car Care Bowl is now in its sixth year with the BIG EAST Conference. The Meineke Car Care Bowl, which is played in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., picks after the Toyota Gator Bowl or Brut Sun Bowl.

The BIG EAST aligned itself with two additional bowls beginning in the 2006 season. The International Bowl, played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, pairs the BIG EAST representative against an opponent from the Mid-America Conference, while the PapaJohns.com Bowl in Birmingham, Ala., matches the BIG EAST selection against a school from the Southeastern Conference.

The 2008 season sees the addition of a new bowl to the BIG EAST landscape as the conference partnered with Conference USA to provide the matchup for the St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field.

[Dr. Sak]

Looks like Mike Leach is going to be the new Auburn coach.

[cartman]

In another strange quirk, Colt McCoy was named AP Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, but was named second team All Big-12 QB. Go figure.

ESPN - AP Voters: Colt McCoy is Big 12's offensive player of the year, second team all-conference (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3746922)

[Dr. Sak]

Doesn't surprise me since they can't pick the right team to send to the Championship even though they played each other ;)

[gstelmack]

Doesn't surprise me since they can't pick the right team to send to the Championship even though they played each other ;)

Actually, these are the AP voters, the same ones we expect to be smart enough to help decide the national champion...

[Dr. Sak]

Actually, these are the AP voters, the same ones we expect to be smart enough to help decide the national champion...

They aren't in the BCS equation, and only teams like USC care about the AP when they don't get their way. :)

[ISiddiqui]

What an ass-raping that was.

That's putting it mildly.

[Logan]

I don't think there any connection to standing, just bowl picking order.

Unfortunately Jon, I'm all too familiar with the bowl selection rules. WVU getting the Sun Bowl bid would absolutely be understandable considering they're one of the best traveling programs in the country. But I would consider the Sun Bowl taking Pitt, a team that has done a shitty job getting fans to bowls in recent years where they've made it, over us a "snub" considering how we destroyed them in their stadium and are definitely playing better football than them right now.

[Big Fo]

Doesn't surprise me since they can't pick the right team to send to the Championship even though they played each other ;)

A Texas Tech - Florida national championship game would have been fun to watch. Such a pity.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Saw that Sooners QB Bradford will have surgery on his non-throwing hand on Sunday morning after the B12 championship. He's planning to wear a cast on it for the game on Saturday.

[henry296]

One thing about the Sun Bowl is that they are not reliant on the team's fans to sell out the game. Therefore, they are less concerned about Pitt from the perspective and aren't as interested in WVU as Charlotte which needs team fans to sell out

[Buccaneer]

All this talk about a football game in El Paso is absurd.

[Logan]

One thing about the Sun Bowl is that they are not reliant on the team's fans to sell out the game. Therefore, they are less concerned about Pitt from the perspective and aren't as interested in WVU as Charlotte which needs team fans to sell out

The Meineke is going to take UNC, which takes away the need for a traveling crowd, which is why they would be okay with taking Pitt. It also hurts Rutgers since they've played already this year and bowl committees try to avoid rematches (although I'd argue this is definitely not the same Rutgers team).

You're right about the Sun not needing visiting fans to sell out the game, but I guess I can't conceptually grasp why El Paso would rather have an extra 20,000 locals spending money on tickets when those extra seats could be in the hands of more traveling fans who also would be spending money at hotels and bars/restaurants.

[Logan]

All this talk about a football game in El Paso is absurd.

We get it man, it's not a top-tier game so you don't care.

Some of us do.

[Buccaneer]

We get it man, it's not a top-tier game so you don't care.

Some of us do.

That's not it. I don't care where Rutgers go, it's that I can think of 32 other bowl locations (ok, 31, not counting Detroit) that are better than El Paso.

[sooner333]

That's not it. I don't care where Rutgers go, it's that I can think of 32 other bowl locations (ok, 31, not counting Detroit) that are better than El Paso.

But can you see Mexico from any other stadiums?

[timmynausea]

Actually based on what I've seen on the boards, most WVU fans would prefer to just go to Charlotte for the Car Care Bowl. Playing a Pac 10 team would be cool, but short of the BCS game (and maybe the Gator Bowl though we've been there a lot in the past few years) I think most WVU fans would just prefer the shorter trip to NC.

[JonInMiddleGA]

You're right about the Sun not needing visiting fans to sell out the game, but I guess I can't conceptually grasp why El Paso would rather have an extra 20,000 locals spending money on tickets when those extra seats could be in the hands of more traveling fans who also would be spending money at hotels and bars/restaurants.

I suspect you'll see quite a few bowls trying to work out deals for closer teams or even home teams where possible as the economy seems likely to at least cut into the number of fans willing to travel cross country for bowls this year.

[cartman]

Wow, Ball State is getting killed on long fumble returns. The first one was a 99 yard return, after a review denied them a TD an put the ball inside the 1 yard line. Now, they just had a bad snap, and the defender scooped it up and took it back 70 yards. They are now down 28-17 to Buffalo.

[Vegas Vic]

It looks like Ball State's mirage is coming to an end. 35-17, Buffalo in the 4th quarter.

[sooner333]

Humanitarian Bowl probably pretty glad Ball State declined.

[cartman]

It looks like Ball State's mirage is coming to an end. 35-17, Buffalo in the 4th quarter.

I wouldn't necessarily call two long fumble returns a mirage. How often does one happen in a game, much less two?

[Galaxy]

Go UB!

[Neuqua]

Those schools with vacancies better be taking a long, hard look at Turner Gill. Very impressed.

[Galaxy]

Those schools with vacancies better be taking a long, hard look at Turner Gill. Very impressed.

Was a finalist for the Nebraska job last year. I hope he stays around at least one more season.

[molson]

I'm kind of glad to see them fall flat on their face after cowering away from the Broncos.

So now that 16-team tournament template that's going around would have Troy AND Buffalo. No thanks.

Though I'd love to see Syracuse hire Turner Gill. But if he waits another year or two he could probably get a much better job.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I bet Mark Richt just loved this little tidbit from his prize recruit Washaun Ealey's game-winning TD in a narrow 15-7 state semifinal playoff win last night.

Ealey pulled out a towel that read “Ealey 4 Heisman” after the score that resulted in a 15-yard penalty.

[Matthean]

Saturday, it's all about the SEC and Big 12, whose champions could be BCS-bound -- if things go as planned.
Somehow I think ESPN worded that wrong. Both champs will be BCS bound. It's the title game that's in question depending on who wins the Big 12.

Oh, and I'm working an very rare closing shift on Saturday, so I'm missing out on the 'Bama game. *sigh*

[Logan]

That's not it. I don't care where Rutgers go, it's that I can think of 32 other bowl locations (ok, 31, not counting Detroit) that are better than El Paso.

Who said anything about it having to do with Rutgers? The Sun Bowl is a top 10 payout outside the BCS games, so again, it matters.

[Dr. Sak]

Check out Army's Uni's. Pretty cool IMO.

[Galaxy]

Check out Army's Uni's. Pretty cool IMO.

Interesting.

[gstelmack]

Agreed. They are now my second favorite sports uniform after the Columbus Cheetahs in WOOF...

[Vegas Vic]

Appalachian State's bid for a 4-peat is coming to an end, as they trail Richmond 23-7 late in the 3rd quarter.

[yacovfb]

Pitt finishes 9-3 and is about to get a Sun Bowl invite in the locker room.

[Eaglesfan27]

Is a kickoff dead once it bounces into the endzone? I always thought the rule was that it wasn't, and am not sure why Florida wasn't allowed to try to jump on that ball when the Alabama player didn't get to it.

[Dr. Sak]

Is a kickoff dead once it bounces into the endzone? I always thought the rule was that it wasn't, and am not sure why Florida wasn't allowed to try to jump on that ball when the Alabama player didn't get to it.

No it isn't dead but it is the ref's digression if he wants to blow it dead or not since the Alabama guy hadn't touched it and he knew he wasnt going to bring it out.

[SirFozzie]

I thought once a kick hit the end zone it was a dead ball.. it's that way in the video games, let me look it up.

[SirFozzie]

Yup, I'm right.

Page 89 here: http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828c-c2d26b95e6c1.pdf

The ball becomes dead and belongs to the team defending its goal line when a free kick (which a kickoff is) is untouched by team B before touching the ground on or behind Team B's goal line

[Galaxy]

I love the blue-red combo in the USC-UCLA game. Two of the best uniforms/logos in sports (I wish sports team would stop with the modern, funky crap and learn a classic look can be better).

[Eaglesfan27]

Those tricky Bruins score first on a lateral, WR pass to the HB. 7-0.

[Galaxy]

Those tricky Bruins score first on a lateral, WR pass to the HB. 7-0.

Yay!

[Chief Rum]

That was a great play call. And great execution. We essentially need about five of those to win this one. :D

[Noop]

I am honestly shocked to see Florida's offense get stopped.

[Chief Rum]

I love the blue-red combo in the USC-UCLA game. Two of the best uniforms/logos in sports (I wish sports team would stop with the modern, funky crap and learn a classic look can be better).

Yeah, it really looks great. Even though I expect a blowout, I love the look and the atmosphere of this one. I hope people around the country are watching.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, it really looks great. Even though I expect a blowout, I love the look and the atmosphere of this one. I hope people around the country are watching.

Agreed. It looks awesome and really is a nice addition to the vibe of the game. :)

[Noop]

UCLA looking for an upset.

[Galaxy]

Yeah, it really looks great. Even though I expect a blowout, I love the look and the atmosphere of this one. I hope people around the country are watching.

I'm flipping between this and the SEC title game.

[Galaxy]

What was that play by Alabama?

[Eaglesfan27]

McKnight with a rushing TD off a quick reverse. Tie ball game.

[Chief Rum]

Good drive by USC. That 4th down play was key. Carroll has a knack for knowing when to call those and how to run them. Until that play, UCLA's D seemed to have USC running in a rut.

[Galaxy]

Man, Arenas is not a very smart player, is he (he ran one out from the end-zone to the 15-yard-line)?

[Eaglesfan27]

USC with an efficient drive that ends in a TD pass to Damien Williams. 14-7.

[Celeval]

Loved the Army look, particularly the "Duty, Honor, Country" on the back where the names would be.

[Galaxy]

Roughing the kicker/punter (unless it's late) is one of the penalties I hate in football.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC up 21-7 on a 2 yard Stafon Johnson TD run.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah, I hate don't like that penalty either, although I understand it's in place to stop grievous injuries to the punter, who is in a very compromised position. Really, I can't blame anyone but Carter on that play. You just have to be smarter than that, and try to reach with your hand from the side.

All in all, not a bad half for UCLA, considering what we're up against. We're still down by a couple scores, and that's probably the death nell there, since we're going to need more USC mistakes and/or some defensive/spcial teams TDs to get back in this one, and on top of an incredible defensive performance on our end.

The commentators have said it a few times, and it's very true: we really miss the pressure we have been getting from DEs the past few years. The Ball brothers a few years ago, and then Bruce Davis and Justin Hickman after that, we really had some guys who could bring it.

Unfortunately, Dorrell was as bad at bringing in DEs in any timely pattern as he was at just about everything else. We have some good young DEs (one of them is starting), but it's hard to make a real impact at the position as a freshman unless you're just an elite guy from the get-go. If we don't bring a better pass rush in the second half, it's going to be incredibly difficult to muster a comeback.

[CU Tiger]

I played two games today.
VT in a pick'em
And Bama +10.5

If the 4th quarter can go status quo...Im getting a niiiiice Christmas bonus.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sanchez to Turner over the middle! 28-7.

[CU Tiger]

BTW this afterenoon I saw a bumper sticker that made me chuckle.

"The BCS has decided; Germany Wins WWII"
The car also had an OU sticker.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Still some time to go of course but I wonder what sort of prop bet odds you could have gotten on Alabama having both the longest run & longest pass play of the day?

Meanwhile, Florida looks like they're trying everything they can to find enough offense to win this thing. A lot of different things on that drive, even for them.

[Vegas Vic]

Well boys, I just bet against Oklahoma for only the 2nd time in my life. Missouri +17.

[CU Tiger]

Well boys, I just bet against Oklahoma for only the 2nd time in my life. Missouri +17.


I'm only seein 15.5....huge difference

Dont think I could move either way though.
Stoops certainly ahas the guns and motivation to maake it moot.

[CU Tiger]

FAHHHHHHHk,

best laid plans etc....Any chane I can get a BAMA FG at least?

[Buccaneer]

It appears that not too many people in Florida were interested in the ACC game. Shows you what happens when you have two Yankee schools playing in the South (as well as the upcoming Florida game).

[Noop]

And Florida wins.

[CU Tiger]

Yep.....and by 11 the bastids

[Karlifornia]

Yep.....and by 11 the bastids

That sucks.

[ISiddiqui]

Wonder how this would have played out if Harvin was healthy enough to play, but turned into a very interesting back and forth type of game.

[digamma]

The BCS rankings could still be very interesting. If Utah stays ahead of Florida in three of the computers and the vote between Oklahoma and Florida is relatively close, Texas has a shot.

[Noop]

Well Nick Saban is a genius, if only he had an offense with a decent QB.

[RedKingGold]

Looking foward to Penn State v. USC (and hope it's competitive for over a half).

[Mike1409]

SEC Champs!!! FTW

[Buccaneer]

The win assured USC (11-1, 8-1 Pac-10) of an unprecedented seventh consecutive BCS bid, seven straight 11-win seasons and seven conference championships in a row. They'll also made a fourth straight appearance in the Rose Bowl game, where they will meet No. 6 Penn State on New Year's Day.

That's a pretty good dynasty.

[Eaglesfan27]

That's a pretty good dynasty.

So true. I'm disappointed that the bad game against Oregon State will cost them the shot at the National Championship, but I keep reminding myself how far the program has come from the period when I was a student there.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

The other cool stat I like. Pete lost 8 games in his first 2 years there, but hasn't lost that many combined in his last 6 years.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Boy, speed kills doesn't it?

Maclin looked veryveryfast right there.

[MrBug708]

Well, it only took Craft 58 minutes to throw a pick in this game. UCLA's D came to play, they went toe to toe with USC. TOo bad the offense only had 7 (I think?) first downs all game? I don't expect Walker to be at UCLA next year

[Vegas Vic]

I sure feel bad for Demarco Murray. He's worked so hard to get back to his old form, and now he injures his other knee on the opening kickoff return. I've followed his high school career since he was at Bishop Gorman here in Las Vegas. He's a super kid, good student, and very humble.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Looks like OU is playing 11 on 7.

[Eaglesfan27]

Glad I placed my bet on Oklahoma. I just didn't see this team blowing there chance, even though I was hoping they would. Should be a fun National Championship Game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Maybe 11 on 6.

[Mike1409]

It looks likethe Big 12 really is only the Big 2.

[Noop]

MBBF's bold statement a few months ago is hilarious given the current state of events.

[miami_fan]

So when do the calls for eliminating the divisions and just taking the top two teams for the championship game start?

[MizzouRah]

Wow... just... !$@&*%(@! You can't give Bradford all day to throw.. that OU offensive line is brutal...

I still think it's a toss up between Oklahoma - Texas - Alabama - Florida

REALLY, REALLY need a playoff system in place.

[Big Fo]

The Dr. Pepper halftime throwing contest > this game

[RedKingGold]

So, what if Oklahoma looks "so impressive" that voters put Oklahoma at #1 and Florida at #2?

Couldn't the computer spread put Texas into the title game over Florida?

[Buccaneer]

Beating a #1 11-0 team > beating a #20 9-3 team.

[Matthean]

So, what if Oklahoma looks "so impressive" that voters put Oklahoma at #1 and Florida at #2?

Couldn't the computer spread put Texas into the title game over Florida?

Oklahoma and Missouri will wash each other out since the win helps Texas, but the loss also hurts them. Florida will be a no brainer #2 and a 11 point win against a then 12-0 team and is gonna do wonders for the computers. Texas isn't getting in if Oklahoma wins. Period.

[cartman]

Oklahoma and Missouri will wash each other out since the win helps Texas, but the loss also hurts them. Florida will be a no brainer #2 and a 11 point win against a then 12-0 team and is gonna do wonders for the computers. Texas isn't getting in if Oklahoma wins. Period.

Most of the projections I saw had Texas .05 ahead of Florida in the computer polls if Florida beat Alabama. That means that Florida will need to pick up about 40 points in both the Harris and USA Today polls to move ahead of Texas. It is very possible, but the margin between Texas and Florida could be even closer than last week's .012 between Texas and Oklahoma.

[CU Tiger]

HAHA Musberger (sp) had a great line, "The sooners are holding up 4 fingers indicating the 4th belongs to them. Not to mention the first, second and thrid."

[Big Fo]

Why are the OU starters still in the game? Do they have some kind of long standing beef with Missouri or do they actually care about that 60+ points streak? I thought with Bradford's hand they'd at least have him out of there by now.

[Vegas Vic]

Why are the OU starters still in the game? Do they have some kind of long standing beef with Missouri or do they actually care about that 60+ points streak? I thought with Bradford's hand they'd at least have him out of there by now.

Maybe because they aren't assured of being one of the top two teams in the final BCS rankings tomorrow?

[Big Fo]

I thought it was win and they're in for OU.

[Buccaneer]

I would love to see USC's defense vs. OU's offense.

[Vegas Vic]

First team in NCAA history to score 60+ points in five consecutive games.

[cartman]

If the human polls don't both have Florida a full point ahead of Texas, there will be a rematch of the Red River Shootout in the BCS title game.

[TCY Junkie]

If the human polls don't both have Florida a full point ahead of Texas, there will be a rematch of the Red River Shootout in the BCS title game.

#4 just did cover the spread, why should they jump #3 that is significantly ahead of them in the BCS?

[cartman]

I would love to see USC's defense vs. OU's offense.

So you are coming around to the idea of a playoff???

:D

[Buccaneer]

So you are coming around to the idea of a playoff???

:D

Nope. There's just as much chance of them being 1-2 in the BCS as there is them meeting in the playoffs, which is about the same as them meeting in the Rose Bowl. Besides, nearly everyone wants to see UF-OU and the BCS will make that happen more than a playoffs would. :)

[sooner333]

No matter what happens in the bowl season, I'm just glad I got to witness each game from the OU season. It's really been a joy to watch them play, progress, and dominate teams at the end of the season on the offensive side of the ball. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in standings and everything (and it seems easy for me to say this now that OU is looking like a lock to the BCS championship game, but this was true even before last week when it was definitely in doubt), but I think you just have to think about how fun it is to watch college football where each team isn't running the same stuff in different uniforms and where it's the breeding ground for change in systems.

[Tigercat]

#4 just did cover the spread, why should they jump #3 that is significantly ahead of them in the BCS?

Because the spread is a gambling tool and shouldn't be a part of the discussion.

1) They won one more game
2) That extra win was a win in a championship game against the #1 team in the nation

[TCY Junkie]

Because the spread is a gambling tool and shouldn't be a part of the discussion.



What what what.

Alabama had a terrible computer average for their record and the line reflected that.

[Vegas Vic]

Hawaii just took the lead over #13 Cincinnati, 17-10 in the 3rd quarter.

[Tigercat]

What what what.

Alabama had a terrible computer average for their record and the line reflected that.

You are not grasping what is obvious and important. Sorry, only magic fairy dust will make it so Florida didn't just beat the #1 team in the nation in a championship game.

[Matthean]

#4 just did cover the spread, why should they jump #3 that is significantly ahead of them in the BCS?

Because when it's all said and done Florida beat the #1 team in the country by 11 on a neutral field and thus won their conference while Texas sat home and didn't win theirs(justified, or not). Texas only lost poll points on Saturday while Florida, Oklahoma, and USC gained them. Florida would raise a ton of hell if they didn't get in, and they would have "a lot" of backers. Texas has a right to complain, but they got screwed by their own conference's rules. If Texas wants to complain, they don't have far to go.

[Vegas Vic]

Wow! Cincinnati takes the lead over Hawaii 29-24, late in the 4th, on a safety followed by a 69 yard TD strike from Grutza to Gillyard.

[RainMaker]

Because when it's all said and done Florida beat the #1 team in the country by 11 on a neutral field and thus won their conference while Texas sat home and didn't win theirs(justified, or not). Texas only lost poll points on Saturday while Florida, Oklahoma, and USC gained them. Florida would raise a ton of hell if they didn't get in, and they would have "a lot" of backers. Texas has a right to complain, but they got screwed by their own conference's rules. If Texas wants to complain, they don't have far to go.

Texas beat the #1 team in the country on a neutral field too. It seems kind of crappy that the system is based purely on scheduling and when you end up playing the better team.

In fact, there is a case that Florida doesn't belong. The SEC is having a down year (for them at least) and their loss to Mississippi is worse than Texas' loss to Tech.

In any event, the championship is not determined on the field. It's a joke of a system.

[Vegas Vic]

Interesting. The Sagarin ELO Chess rankings just came out, and OU is #1, Texas is #2, Texas Tech is #3 and Florida is #4. If the other computer rankings are similar, Texas might just squeek by Florida in the final BCS rankings.

[Matthean]

Texas beat the #1 team in the country on a neutral field too. It seems kind of crappy that the system is based purely on scheduling and when you end up playing the better team.

In fact, there is a case that Florida doesn't belong. The SEC is having a down year (for them at least) and their loss to Mississippi is worse than Texas' loss to Tech.

In any event, the championship is not determined on the field. It's a joke of a system.

Both teams flipped a switch after their losses and many consider them to be playing the best football out of anybody. That is going to sway voters much more than looking at losses that might of happened months ago.

In terms of systems, if the Big 12 used the same one as the SEC, Texas would have played Missouri. A whole lot less complaints if that happened.

Interesting. The Sagarin ELO Chess rankings just came out, and OU is #1, Texas is #2, Texas Tech is #3 and Florida is #4. If the other computer rankings are similar, Texas might just squeek by Florida in the final BCS rankings.

You have to wonder if the people behind that computer poll aren't looking to fix those numbers during the offseason. TT has zero right to be ranked ahead of Florida and ranked #3. Getting smoked by 40+ means you shouldn't be above any of this year's Big 6.

[QuikSand]

Interesting. The Sagarin ELO Chess rankings just came out, and OU is #1, Texas is #2, Texas Tech is #3 and Florida is #4. If the other computer rankings are similar, Texas might just squek by Florida in the final BCS rankings.

Anyone have any insight here? In prediction markets, you can buy anyone but OU and UF very very cheaply. You think Texas has more than a 3-4% chance to get a berth?

[MizzouRah]

First team in NCAA history to score 60+ points in five consecutive games.

:nono:

I hope Florida kicks OU's ass.

[OldGiants]

A bunch of one-loss teams. Which one came closest to being unbeaten?

Texas lost on the last play of the game. No one else can say that. So for my money, Texas is #1, despite the fact I don't like them. Or any other team in this debate except Penn State.

Who do they play? It doesn't matter. The #2 team will win because that's how this season has gone.

Every #1 team has choked this season, no reason to assume that will change in the bowl games.

There is no champion this season, so let the results show that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Which one came closest to being unbeaten?

I really don't see how that matters, since it seems to assume that "unbeaten" equals "best team" ... and that's not always the case. Otherwise we'd be having conversations about Utah, Boise, and would have had Ball State in the mix until now.

[Crim]

Interesting. The Sagarin ELO Chess rankings just came out, and OU is #1, Texas is #2, Texas Tech is #3 and Florida is #4. If the other computer rankings are similar, Texas might just squeek by Florida in the final BCS rankings.

wtf

[kcchief19]

Most of the projections I saw had Texas .05 ahead of Florida in the computer polls if Florida beat Alabama. That means that Florida will need to pick up about 40 points in both the Harris and USA Today polls to move ahead of Texas. It is very possible, but the margin between Texas and Florida could be even closer than last week's .012 between Texas and Oklahoma.
I've been hearing "projections" from the "experts" that Florida needs anything from 75-150 point lead in the polls to overcome the edge Texas has in the computers.

Here's you BCS uproar for the day. It's distinctly possible that Texas could end up No. 2 in all three human polls and end up with the No. 2 computer average and still not be in the title game if OU remains ahead in the computers and Florida is No. 1 in Harris.

[kcchief19]

:nono:

I hope Florida kicks OU's ass.
Don't care who it is, but somebody needs to kick OU's ass.

You're up 48-21 midway through the fourth quarter and you still have your starters in and are passing downfield? OU didn't set the scoring record because they have a great offense (they do have a great offense -- not disputing that) but because Bob Stoops is a giant d-bag. A lucky giant d-bag at that. He's intentionally run up the score in four of the last five games supposedly under the guise of winning "impressively" for the voters. He's just lucky there wasn't a fluke play or an angry Tiger (it was a chippy game after all) and Bradford ended up with a late hit on his knee.

I was impressed with what Stoops did the first few years at OU. Now, I just see him as a sleazy, manipulative prick. See Bradford's interview after the game where he said OU was tired of people saying they didn't belong in the Big 12 title game and tired of Mizzou saying their last two wins against us were a fluke? Who said either of those things? Yes, people debated about whether Texas or OU was better but NO ONE argued OU didn't belong in the title game. And certainly no one from Missouri was talking fluke this week. Stoops just made that up for motivation.

Whoever plays OU next, please give them a Tennessee stump fuck.

[MJ4H]

a Tennessee stump fuck.

Is this one of those things I can look up in something online and then instantly regret it? Like a rusty trombone or whatnot?

[sooner333]

A) I don't think Stoops has run up the score all year. Prior to the Oklahoma State game, OU averaged just over 4 ppg in the fourth quarter. In the OSU game, OU was up two possessions and OSU just called a time out (not wanting the game to end, I guess)--I'm not going to call it running up the score when that happens and you run the football up the middle, you can call it whatever you want. Obviously, I do think he ran up the score yesterday, throwing deep up 55-21. I think he's just pissed now. Call it poor sportsmanship, call it playing until the end and trying to let the other team stop it, but it is what it is. I've never been anti running up the score, but some people are and I understand.

Secondly, the computer polls don't account for scoring margin because of what is being discussed earlier. Again, I don't like it because if you either cap scoring margin in the computers or make a diminishing rate of returns, you can cure those problems. But, the BCS people didn't want it in there, so it's out. Texas Tech could have lost by 1 at OU or by the margin they lost by and the rankings would be the exact same. Texas Tech actually beat Texas (yes, we don't hear about that one much) and OSU and they played in the best conference in the nation so they get rewarded for losing just as many games this year as Florida, Texas, OU, Alabama, USC, and Penn State in the computers.

[sooner333]

See Bradford's interview after the game where he said OU was tired of people saying they didn't belong in the Big 12 title game and tired of Mizzou saying their last two wins against us were a fluke? Who said either of those things? Yes, people debated about whether Texas or OU was better but NO ONE argued OU didn't belong in the title game. And certainly no one from Missouri was talking fluke this week. Stoops just made that up for motivation.

Whoever plays OU next, please give them a Tennessee stump fuck.

Oh, come on. Lots of people said Oklahoma didn't deserve to be there. I think when people say for two consecutive weeks that Texas deserves to be there because they won head to head (as if that's all that matters in tie between three teams), it at the very least infers that Oklahoma doesn't deserve to be there because they lost head-to-head.

Mizzou people pretty much said the first game was a fluke due to turnovers and they should have won. Chase Daniel said this week that he feels better about the game because he wasn't sick (with a cold) this week like he was last year at the Big 12 Championship. Again, I don't think anyone said "that was a fluke" but you can read between the lines (at least I can read between lines on comments, but I'm not incredibly angry right now).

[TCY Junkie]

You are not grasping what is obvious and important. Sorry, only magic fairy dust will make it so Florida didn't just beat the #1 team in the nation in a championship game.

While I am definitely grasping the obvious, people put too much weight on polls. If OU was to play Alabama I would be one broke guy if Alabama was the favorite. Let me put it in terms you might understand. I would bet OU would be the favorite not that they would win.

[Senator]

After determining the Big-12 championship game participants the BCS computers were put to work on other major contests and today the BCS declared Germany to be the winner of World War II.

"Germany put together an incredible number of victories beginning with the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland and continuing on into conference play with defeats of Poland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their only losses came against the US and Russia; however considering their entire body of work--including an incredibly tough Strength of Schedule--our computers deemed them worthy of the #1 ranking."

Questioned about the #4 ranking of the United States the BCS commissioner stated "The US only had two major victories--Japan and Germany. The computer models, unlike humans, aren't influenced by head-to-head contests--they consider each contest to be only a single, equally-weighted event."

German Chancellor Adolph Hiter said "Yes, we lost to the US; but we defeated #2 ranked France in only 6 weeks." Herr Hitler has been criticized for seeking dramatic victories to earn 'style points' to enhance Germany's rankings. Hitler protested "Our contest with Poland was in doubt until the final day and the conditions in Norway were incredibly challenging and demanded the application of additional forces."

The French ranking has also come under scrutiny. The BCS commented " France had a single loss against Germany and following a preseason #1 ranking they only fell to #2."

Japan was ranked #3 with victories including Manchuria, Borneo and the Philippines.

[Eaglesfan27]

Don't care who it is, but somebody needs to kick OU's ass.

You're up 48-21 midway through the fourth quarter and you still have your starters in and are passing downfield? OU didn't set the scoring record because they have a great offense (they do have a great offense -- not disputing that) but because Bob Stoops is a giant d-bag. A lucky giant d-bag at that. He's intentionally run up the score in four of the last five games supposedly under the guise of winning "impressively" for the voters. He's just lucky there wasn't a fluke play or an angry Tiger (it was a chippy game after all) and Bradford ended up with a late hit on his knee.

I was impressed with what Stoops did the first few years at OU. Now, I just see him as a sleazy, manipulative prick. See Bradford's interview after the game where he said OU was tired of people saying they didn't belong in the Big 12 title game and tired of Mizzou saying their last two wins against us were a fluke? Who said either of those things? Yes, people debated about whether Texas or OU was better but NO ONE argued OU didn't belong in the title game. And certainly no one from Missouri was talking fluke this week. Stoops just made that up for motivation.

Whoever plays OU next, please give them a Tennessee stump fuck.


Completely agreed. Way to protect Bradford's injured hand - keep him in a game where the game is clearly over. Don't tell me he did it because of the polls, that kind of running up the score isn't going to help them in the polls at all. I hope whoever plays them just destroys them.

[DeToxRox]

Completely agreed. Way to protect Bradford's injured hand - keep him in a game where the game is clearly over. Don't tell me he did it because of the polls, that kind of running up the score isn't going to help them in the polls at all. I hope whoever plays them just destroys them.

Well, the National Championship is considered a big game .. so I don't think you need to worry about them being destroyed ;)

[Dr. Sak]

Looking foward to Penn State v. USC (and hope it's competitive for over a half).

Have faith...I do. I think this could be a great game. I respect USC a lot, but they aren't as invincible as many pundits make them out to be.

[Eaglesfan27]

Have faith...I do. I think this could be a great game. I respect USC a lot, but they aren't as invincible as many pundits make them out to be.


I think it could be a great game, too. I think Penn State's defense is talented enough to make things very difficult for USC's offense which has been inconsistent. However, I think USC's defense will win the game for them (barring major injuries in the weeks leading up to the game.)

[Dr. Sak]

I think it could be a great game, too. I think Penn State's defense is talented enough to make things very difficult for USC's offense which has been inconsistent. However, I think USC's defense will win the game for them (barring major injuries in the weeks leading up to the game.)

It all depends which Penn State game plan shows up. If it is the gameplan used against Purdue, Iowa, or Indiana, USC will kill Penn State. If they open it up and use the gameplan like Michigan State or Oregon State I think they can hang with USC.

I know USC fans wanted a tougher opponent, but I think this could be the second best bowl game out there. I am excited to go out to the Rose Bowl!

[ISiddiqui]

Interestingly in the AP Poll (which is not used for the BCS), Florida is ranked #1 (followed by Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama)

[TCY Junkie]

Is Florida about .048 ahead in the coaches poll? I glanced at it and wondered if that was correct.

[digamma]

Anyone have any insight here? In prediction markets, you can buy anyone but OU and UF very very cheaply. You think Texas has more than a 3-4% chance to get a berth?

The numbers guys on various message boards last night were putting it at about 80-20, depending on who stayed between Florida and Texas in the computer rankings (Utah was a key factor) and the spread in the coaches' and Harris polls. We have more data now--namely the coaches' poll, and the spread is large enough to make up for a lot of the computer disparity. With that, I'd say it's back down to 3-4%.

Some good that does you now.

[kcchief19]

Oh, come on. Lots of people said Oklahoma didn't deserve to be there. I think when people say for two consecutive weeks that Texas deserves to be there because they won head to head (as if that's all that matters in tie between three teams), it at the very least infers that Oklahoma doesn't deserve to be there because they lost head-to-head.
There is a real difference between saying someone deserves to be there more and saying OU didn't deserve to be there. Stoops didn't care about the distinction. He clearly told his team that anyone saying Texas deserved to be in the title game was saying OU didn't deserve to be there at all. That simply is not true. No one said that.

Mizzou people pretty much said the first game was a fluke due to turnovers and they should have won. Chase Daniel said this week that he feels better about the game because he wasn't sick (with a cold) this week like he was last year at the Big 12 Championship. Again, I don't think anyone said "that was a fluke" but you can read between the lines (at least I can read between lines on comments, but I'm not incredibly angry right now).
I agree that last year a lot of the Tigers thought the first game was a fluke due to lucky turnovers. I didn't see Daniel's quote about being sick last year (which was true) but how can you draw a line from Chase saying he fells better that he's not sick to "Missouri saying all week our last two wins were a fluke?"

Whatever Stoops needs to motivate his team, that's fine. It just reveals him to be an insecure, egotistical jack. I'm starting to see why his mentor Bill Snyder hates his guts. He's a winner, but so was Barry Switzer.

Oh, I see ...

[dawgfan]

I'm really having a hard time understanding why Poli is so bothered by Carroll's decision to wear home jerseys yesterday. He tried to get the rule changed, it didn't happen in time for the game, so he accepted the established punishment for breaking the rule - losing a timeout.

He knew what the rule was, he knew what the punishment was, and he accepted the punishment. What's the big deal? It'd be one thing if Carroll was bitching about the punishment, but he didn't. Also worth considering is that Neuheisel had no problem with Carroll's actions, and in fact sacrificed a timeout himself in support.

As far as setting an example, pardon me if I disagree with the idea that you should never set an example of breaking a rule. Sometimes there are justifiable reasons for breaking the rules as a means of enacting change. It's obviously nowhere near the same galaxy of importance (and I don't mean to suggest otherwise), but an example of justifiable rule-breaking IMO can be found in the civil disobedience that characterized much of the civil rights movement, a course of action that Martin Luther King learned from the example of Ghandi.

This was an extremely minor rule in the grand scheme of things, and Carroll's actions will spur debate on this rule that probably wouldn't have happened otherwise.

[MizzouRah]

It just reveals him to be an insecure, egotistical jack. I'm starting to see why his mentor Bill Snyder hates his guts. He's a winner, but so was Barry Switzer.

Oh, I see ...

I've always praised Stoops because I think he's a top notch recruiter and coach... too bad I don't respect him anymore.

Beat our ass, ok.. but to run the score up with your 1st team offense and defense wasn't necessary.

[JonInMiddleGA]

He clearly told his team that anyone saying Texas deserved to be in the title game was saying OU didn't deserve to be there at all. That simply is not true. No one said that.

Umm ... since they both couldn't be there, htf could it be interpreted any other way?

[Vegas Vic]

The OU coaches and players were fed up with answering questions all week about whether or not they belonged. Yeah, they ran the score up, and I don't blame them one bit.

"I think it's fair to say that enough has been said about us in the last week or two through different entities or from whoever is doing it," Stoops said. "You know, Sam Bradford has sat out a total of two games, if you want to count up possession time over the entire year. Two games. Down the stretch there, he sat out the third quarter of probably three of our last four games. So if you can't get to a championship game and play to the end -- after all that's been talked about this week about us -- then I'm sorry. We're going to play to the end."

[sooner333]

I've always praised Stoops because I think he's a top notch recruiter and coach... too bad I don't respect him anymore.

Beat our ass, ok.. but to run the score up with your 1st team offense and defense wasn't necessary.

Maybe you guys will return the favor two years from now (or next year in Arlington). You won't hear me complain, starters or not. To quote Billy Tubbs, "if you don't like it, get better."

[sooner333]

Dola--how come nobody ever got on Tom Osborne for running it up? Is it because he seems like a nice guy?

[MrBug708]

Brian, you're coming to LA?

[Eaglesfan27]

Brian, you're coming to LA?

I'm thinking about it. Depends upon if I can get tickets without paying too high of a premium.

[MrBug708]

Dola--how come nobody ever got on Tom Osborne for running it up? Is it because he seems like a nice guy?

Not sure how many message boards there were during Osborne's reign

[Dr. Sak]

I'm thinking about it. Depends upon if I can get tickets without paying too high of a premium.

Plane or tickets to the game?

[cartman]

The numbers guys on various message boards last night were putting it at about 80-20, depending on who stayed between Florida and Texas in the computer rankings (Utah was a key factor) and the spread in the coaches' and Harris polls. We have more data now--namely the coaches' poll, and the spread is large enough to make up for a lot of the computer disparity. With that, I'd say it's back down to 3-4%.

Some good that does you now.

Looks like the magic number for Florida in the Harris Poll is going to be a 120 point lead. If they have the same margin in the Harris Poll as they do in the USA Today poll, they would be ahead of Texas by .006.

[Eaglesfan27]

Plane or tickets to the game?

Tickets to the game.

[sooner333]

They're already selling Florida vs. OU stuff on the Orange Bowl site. Of course, the picture of the t-shirt can always be changed if Texas somehow gets in there.

[MizzouRah]

Dola--how come nobody ever got on Tom Osborne for running it up? Is it because he seems like a nice guy?

Oh no, I can't stand that prick. :D

Honestly, I don't care about an ass beating.. I'm a believer that can help a team.. but at least look like you're not trying to humiliate a team.

I'm over it now.. but I don't think OU is a better team for winning by 40 than it would be by winning by 33.

[MizzouRah]

Maybe you guys will return the favor two years from now (or next year in Arlington). You won't hear me complain, starters or not. To quote Billy Tubbs, "if you don't like it, get better."

We have a LONG way to go before we can hang with Texas or Oklahoma.. unfortunetly.

[Dr. Sak]

Brian, you're coming to LA?

If you were talking to me...yes I am. I leave the 30th and come back the 2nd.

[cartman]

I guess they aren't going to release the Harris poll until the unveiling of the final BCS standings during the show tonight.

[MrBug708]

If you were talking to me...yes I am. I leave the 30th and come back the 2nd.

Initially ya :) Where are you staying?

[digamma]

They're already selling Florida vs. OU stuff on the Orange Bowl site. Of course, the picture of the t-shirt can always be changed if Texas somehow gets in there.

Particularly interesting since the Orange Bowl will be Virginia Tech against Cincinnati.;)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Particularly interesting since the Orange Bowl will be Virginia Tech against Cincinnati.;)

Odd though it may seem, he's right
http://fedexorangebowlmerch.com/2007A//catalog/images/m13.jpg

That's a featured image on their store site, paired with this one
http://fedexorangebowlmerch.com/2007A//catalog/images/m12.jpg

In other words, the official Orange Bowl site has the UofF-OU shirt already but still has a generic image for their own game.

[Chief Rum]

Initially ya :) Where are you staying?

Where ya been, Bug? We talked about this last week! I even mentioned you by name as someone who might be interested in a meet up. ;)

Brian, is your visit (I assume) still contingent on getting tickets at a decent price? Or do you think you have a good source lined up already for those?

[kcchief19]

There is a real difference between saying someone deserves to be there more and saying OU didn't deserve to be there.
Umm ... since they both couldn't be there, htf could it be interpreted any other way?
If I say Texas deserves to be there more, that isn't saying OU doesn't deserve to be there at all. No one said OU didn't have a solid case. I didn't hear ANYONE argue that Texas belongs in the title game and OU had no business being in the title game, which is what Bradford was saying. They both deserved to be there, but you could argue one deserved it more. That's not a slight at all.
Dola--how come nobody ever got on Tom Osborne for running it up? Is it because he seems like a nice guy?
People jumped on him all the time, but like MrBug pointed out we didn't have an online world for everyone to scream about.

There's no reason to take it personally. I have nothing against OU fans. A big part of me hopes to see Bradford a Kansas City Chief one day. I just think Bob Stoops is a world class asshat and I'd like to see somebody to give him the same business. He's lost a lot of respect over the last month.

[sooner333]

I'm over it now.. but I don't think OU is a better team for winning by 40 than it would be by winning by 33.

I'll agree with that statement, just as I would if Missouri scored to cut it to 25--after the first half, it didn't really matter what happened unless Mizzou went on a scoring rampage (which was possible, but definitely not when the last TD was scored). I wouldn't have minded to see Halzle come in either to see what he can do with the starting line since he really hasn't all season except for a drive against Tech which stalled at the one when Stoops put in all the seniors (which is most of the starting line).

[sooner333]

If I say Texas deserves to be there more, that isn't saying OU doesn't deserve to be there at all. No one said OU didn't have a solid case. I didn't hear ANYONE argue that Texas belongs in the title game and OU had no business being in the title game, which is what Bradford was saying. They both deserved to be there, but you could argue one deserved it more. That's not a slight at all.

People jumped on him all the time, but like MrBug pointed out we didn't have an online world for everyone to scream about.

There's no reason to take it personally. I have nothing against OU fans. A big part of me hopes to see Bradford a Kansas City Chief one day. I just think Bob Stoops is a world class asshat and I'd like to see somebody to give him the same business. He's lost a lot of respect over the last month.

Understandable. I still think that they wanted to prove that they were very deserving and I do know that the buzz around here was that OU was getting a lot of disrespect in the media...not just what Stoops told the team, but what people were feeling. I think there are arguments to be made for both sides, but it seems that the mainstream people all said the same thing and it's easy to interpret that as they belong and since there's room for only one, that you don't.

As to the second point...I honestly don't think Stoops had too much national respect left after losing the bowl games and the two national championship games. But, that's a legit opinion and I'm not going to hold it against you or anything like that. And you're right, it certainly could bite him in the ass sometime.

[Logan]

Rutgers will take on NC State in the Papa John's Bowl on December 29th. Interesting matchup considering how hot Rutgers has been and State's much-improved play over the past few games.

Friendly wager Radii? :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Georgia to the Capital One vs Michigan State, LSU confirmed as the opponent for Georgia Tech in the Peach.

Maryland vs Nevada in the Humanitarian (http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2008/12/07/bmurphy/nevada_maryland_meet_2008_humanitarian_bowl)

[Neuqua]

Didn't think we were going to go bowling but 6-6 NIU will play La Tech in the Independence Bowl.

The extra practices will be nice.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Heh. Bet Vegas is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the BYU fan base ;)

(FTR, nothing against them, I'm just not thinking they're going to be big spenders on the Strip)

[Logan]

Well the lack of spending on booze and strippers could be augmented by serving meals to a husband and his wives.

[DeToxRox]

Scout.com has had the last 4 weeks of the BCS 100% and it has UF at .98and UT at .92

Scout.com: 2008 BCS Rankings - FINAL ... OU vs. Florida (http://cfn.scout.com/2/819181.html)

[Vegas Vic]

Heh. Bet Vegas is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the BYU fan base ;)


The Las Vegas Bowl doesn't care about the ancillary revenue to the city of Las Vegas. They only want to make sure that the game is a sellout. BYU has been to the Las Vegas bowl numerous times, and they always buy up more than their share of tickets. Heck, when they come here to play UNLV, they usually have more fans at Sam Boyd Stadium than UNLV has.

[digamma]

Coaches' ballots are public in the final coaches' poll: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/coaches_fb_poll_2008/flash.htm

There are a few interesting things to note:
1. Mack Brown, for all of his politicking, voted Florida #1 and Texas #2. I wonder if he got bad information. I would have thought his ranking would have been Texas, OU, Florida in that order.

2. Mike Leach voted Texas Tech second and Texas fifth. I guess he hates Mack.

3. Art Briles also voted Texas fifth. Mack really hasn't made many friends in his own conference.

4. By contrast, Mark Richt voted Florida and Alabama #1 and #2.

5. Kyle Whittingham of Utah abstained.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Las Vegas Bowl doesn't care about the ancillary revenue to the city of Las Vegas.

Didn't say the LVB was concerned with it, I said I figured the city was really looking forward to the visit.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Coaches' ballots are public in the final coaches' poll: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/coaches_fb_poll_2008/flash.htm

Thought it was interesting to see how many of the voters are now unemployed.

Tommy Bowden, Sylvester Croom, Phil Fulmer, Joe Glenn, Rocky Long, Tommy Tuberville, and Tyrone Willingham.

[Galaxy]

Ok, Fox...This is not the NCAA basketball tournament. Stop trying to hype like it is.

[sterlingice]

Coaches' ballots are public in the final coaches' poll: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/coaches_fb_poll_2008/flash.htm

Wow. Gary Pinkel hates the small conferences for some reason. He put Utah at #15 while no one else had them below 9 and Boise St at 16 for him, while no one else had them below 11. He also had Georgia Tech at 9, easily their highest.

SI

[Vegas Vic]

Didn't say the LVB was concerned with it, I said I figured the city was really looking forward to the visit.

The revenue to the city from this game is negligible. For instance, the typical Mountain West fan would obviously bring more gambling revenue than the BYU fan, but there aren't enough of them to make a difference. Any other MWC team would be lucky to bring 5,000 fans, while BYU brings 20,000 fans to this game, and they do spend money on hotels and restaurants. The security staff at Sam Boyd Stadium loves the BYU fans. They don't get into drunken brawls, and they're the most well behaved fans that you'll ever see.

[digamma]

The revenue to the city from this game is negligible.

Even this year?

[sterlingice]

2. Mike Leach voted Texas Tech second and Texas fifth. I guess he hates Mack.

If you were Leach, wouldn't you be pissed? The guy spent the last 3 weeks of politicking by diminishing your team and how you beat him. Wouldn't you vote yourself better than him head-to-head?

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

He also had Georgia Tech at 9, easily their highest.


Not all that "easily", Tommy Bowden had GT at #10, Mike Bielema had them at #11.

[Dr. Sak]

Where ya been, Bug? We talked about this last week! I even mentioned you by name as someone who might be interested in a meet up. ;)

Brian, is your visit (I assume) still contingent on getting tickets at a decent price? Or do you think you have a good source lined up already for those?

I got my tickets from a guy who isn't going to the game but bought them for me at face value. I am not sure the exact location where i am staying. We are staying at my friend's uncle's house. His uncle will be in Pittsburgh and is letting us stay there for free. He told us it is 15 minutes from the Airport and 45 minutes from the Rose Bowl.

[digamma]

If you were Leach, wouldn't you be pissed? The guy spent the last 3 weeks of politicking by diminishing your team and how you beat him. Wouldn't you vote yourself better than him head-to-head?

SI

I would think that you would want two teams from your conference in the national title game (yes, I realize that the conference pay-out is the same for having two BCS teams), so you might rank them Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas.

[Chief Rum]

I got my tickets from a guy who isn't going to the game but bought them for me at face value. I am not sure the exact location where i am staying. We are staying at my friend's uncle's house. His uncle will be in Pittsburgh and is letting us stay there for free. He told us it is 15 minutes from the Airport and 45 minutes from the Rose Bowl.

Awesome, sounds like West LA area, maybe Manhattan Beach. Is your friend's uncle wealthy? ;)

Sounds like a good base out of which to operate. :D

[Dr. Sak]

Anyone think that if Texas beats Ohio State handily and Oklahoma beats Florida that the AP will vote Texas their champion?