2009-10 College Football Bowl Season thread

[Izulde]

39 yard FG attempt hits the upright and bounces off!

[Izulde]

34 seconds left. Another shitty Breeding punt to put the Pirates at midfield. They have all their damned timeouts left.

Fuck it. We don't deserve to win.

[tarcone]

Love the running commentary.

[Izulde]

15 seconds left. 2 TOs left for ECU. 1st and 10 for Pirates on Hogs 37.

9 seconds left after a 7 yard scramble by ECU QB and of course he gets out of bounds.

[Izulde]

22 yard line after our run defense sucks it hardcore again. :banghead: 3 seconds left and ECU takes a timeout.

[Izulde]

another 39 yard attempt. And there's the silly icing move.

[Izulde]

WIDE RIGHT! WE GOIN' TO OT, BOYS!

[Eaglesfan27]

another 39 yard attempt. And there's the silly icing move.

Looks like the icing may have worked ;)

[Izulde]

Looks like the icing may have worked ;)

True, but I'm just not a fan of it.

[Izulde]

The D comes up with a stop on 3rd and 2.

Here's a 35 yard FG attempt by ECU. AND HE MISSES LEFT!

SHANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[tarcone]

That kid is going to commit suicide

[Izulde]

3rd and 4... please, please, please convert. Do not force it to Tejada.

[Izulde]

Dropped damned pass.

Tejada...

[Izulde]

37 yard FG attempt. ECU says "Here you go, Hawgs. Here's your icin' right back atcha."

[Izulde]

TEJADA NAILS THE 37 YARDER!!!

TEJADA NAILS THE 37 YARDER!!!

HOGS WIN!!! HOGS WIN!!! HOGS WIN!!!

FIRST LIBERTY BOWL VICTORY IN FOUR TRIES!!!!

WOOOO!!! PIG SOOIEE!!!!!

:) :) :) :)

[sterlingice]

I never pictured Izulde as an Arkansas fan for some reason.

SI

[Eaglesfan27]

True, but I'm just not a fan of it.

I'm not either. Overall, some games that were boring in the 1st half but have had exciting finishes today.

[Izulde]

I never pictured Izulde as an Arkansas fan for some reason.

SI

I wasn't until I went to UArk to start my MA in English last fall. :)

[sterlingice]

Ah, that makes a lot of sense :)

SI

[Matthean]

TT beats MSU in a rather entertaining game. It will be interesting to see if they keep the coach, or not.
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[Schmidty]

That sucked.

[BishopMVP]

Yeah, my mileage does vary, because you're taking a very slanted view of those games:

vs. Wake Forest:
17-82, 4.8 avg

Hardly Gerhart's fault Harbaugh decided to emphasize the passing game in that one, with 34 passes attempted vs. 26 runs. Gerhart did well when called on.

vs. Oregon State:
20-96, 2 TD, 4.8 avg

Not Gerhart's fault Stanford's defense sucked ass in this game and forced Stanford to throw more than they wanted. Pretty good output by Gerhart even considering.

Compare that with Ingram's game vs. Auburn, a game Alabama struggled to win, where Ingram came up small with 16-30, 1.9 avg.Fair enough that I am taking a slanted view of Gerhart's games ever since people got on Ingram for his 18-99 performance vs. Tennessee, and I'm really not an Ingram fanboy since I think he's the 2nd/3rd best Heisman candidate on his team (after McClain and maybe Cody) and the 2nd best RB on his own team after Richardson, but I just got annoyed with the overrating of Toby Gerhart weeks ago and can't let it go for some reason. Maybe it's because in the back of my mind (and people will get mad for me saying this) at least part the credit comes from his being white, articulate, and playing for Stanford, or maybe it's because I'm always contrarian, but I just feel like guys like Anthony Dixon, Ryan Mathews, Javarris James, Evan Royster and Damion Fletcher were as good or better (more in terms of talent and not necessarily in terms of 2009 - although Dixon and Mathews can match up quite well there.)BCS dodged a bullet last night.It's quite possible TCU would have shit the bed as bad as Cincy did (although I think they'd at least have a better defense and keep it close) but before this becomes gospel - Cincy was not in line to make the title game. They finished 3rd in the BCS, slightly ahead of TCU, but the polls went (Alabama) Texas, Cincy, TCU and the computers went (Alabama) Cincy, Texas, TCU. Since Cincy was already ahead of Texas in the computers, a Nebraska win would have almost assuredly bumped TCU into the title game.I usually let comments like this go because for the most part fans are ignorant of the rules, mechanics, and what really is a foul. Don't fool yourself to think announcers know any more or less. Fans also think that officials have great views like we all do on tv and have tons of time to process the info because they never get bitched at for throwing a late flag.

I'm not saying all officials are perfect and never make the wrong cause but to call the vast majority of them horrible is just stupid.Couldn't agree with the overall sentiment more, and since I've refereed I could never imagine getting subjected to a slow-mo replay of anything I had to decide real time. The only thing I want to comment on is the line in bold. Allegedly the SEC officials, aka the most highly-watched league that brings in $15+million/week, use 26" standard definition TV's for replay. Which means that we at home literally do have a better view than they do on close plays. The article I saw that in was jokingly pointing out that his dad can't tell the difference between SD and HD, ... but I constantly walk in to my dad watching an SD channel when HD is available... and most SEC officials are 50+.TT beats MSU in a rather entertaining game. It will be interesting to see if they keep the coach, or not.Yah... Leach is gone. Even if he wins the lawsuit, it'll be for monetary compensation. There's no way he can come back. If you're talking about the "interim" coach, it'll probably depend on which agents have contacted the AD. Ex-assistant/interim coaches really don't have a great track record when/if they get hired full-time.

[Honolulu Blue]

It hasn't been a great few days. Stanford & Texas Tech covered, West Virginia and Cincinnati didn't. Both "extra" bets (STAN +300 and TT-MSU under 60.5) lost. Call it 3-3 overall. I'm not quitting my day job.

Lets take a look at the remaining games... BSU is up to +7.5 and CMU is down to -3. No reason to change my opinion on those games.

P.S. On officiating, my view is you get what you pay for. Does anyone know how much they pay college officials? Does it vary by conference? How about the pros?

P.P.S. Texas Tech could do worse than promote their interim coach. He'd be cheap and unlikely to cause problems.

[Matthean]

If you're talking about the "interim" coach, it'll probably depend on which agents have contacted the AD.

Yeah, I meant the interm one. Kind of interseting that he made a likely unintended swipe at Leach by saying if a player comes to TT he'll make sure to treat them well.

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[JonInMiddleGA]

Does anyone know how much they pay college officials? Does it vary by conference?

Some Googling didn't turn up anything definitive I could find but most of the answers I came across were consistent in claiming that it definitely varied by conference and that the range seemed to be between $400 and $950 per game per official (presumably with a range for the different officials within a game as well, since that's how high schools do it that would make sense to me).

[MacroGuru]

Yeah, I meant the interm one. Kind of interseting that he made a likely unintended swipe at Leach by saying if a player comes to TT he'll make sure to treat them well.

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Don't think that was unintended. Since getting the "interim" position he has been throwing Leach under the bus in some of his statements and officially been lobbying for the position himself. Kind of a Cable vs Kiffin thing from my understanding.

[rowech]

Don't think that was unintended. Since getting the "interim" position he has been throwing Leach under the bus in some of his statements and officially been lobbying for the position himself. Kind of a Cable vs Kiffin thing from my understanding.

The evolution of this guy's comments have been unreal to watch. I've never seen someone angle for a job as much as this guy. The university will no doubt eat it up and hire him and he will no doubt destroy the program.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The university will no doubt eat it up and hire him and he will no doubt destroy the program.

We can only hope.

[Dr. Sak]

Not including expenses, Big East officials get 1200 a game, and ACC ones get around 1500 a game.

[Honolulu Blue]

Not including expenses, Big East officials get 1200 a game, and ACC ones get around 1500 a game.

Thank you and JimGA for your research, knowledge, and comments. Not bad for a day's work, but not nearly enough for a full-time living - which is kind of the point.

[dawgfan]

Fair enough that I am taking a slanted view of Gerhart's games ever since people got on Ingram for his 18-99 performance vs. Tennessee...
It was my impression that people really got on Ingram after his dud vs. Auburn.

[Dr. Sak]

Thank you and JimGA for your research, knowledge, and comments. Not bad for a day's work, but not nearly enough for a full-time living - which is kind of the point.

There is also going to be a physical requirement for officials in the coming year(s). So those who were complaining about the older refs not being able to keep up might have seen their last days.

There are more issues that I have seen but I'm not sure ya'll really want to hear them.

[PadresFan104]

Hey guys - Using a board game called Momentum Football, I thought I'd see how things might turn out if there was a 16 team tournament to determine the National Champion. The winner was surprising... You can check out the result on my blog: RANdom Gamer (http://www.randomgamer.net)

[k0ruptr]

Hey guys - Using a board game called Momentum Football, I thought I'd see how things might turn out if there was a 16 team tournament to determine the National Champion. The winner was surprising... You can check out the result on my blog: RANdom Gamer (http://www.randomgamer.net)

I really enjoyed the article! I hope someday we will get to see something like this in real life!

[PadresFan104]

I really enjoyed the article! I hope someday we will get to see something like this in real life!

Thanks for reading! And I agree, any sort of playoff or tourney would be great for the fans.

[henry296]

Thank you and JimGA for your research, knowledge, and comments. Not bad for a day's work, but not nearly enough for a full-time living - which is kind of the point.

Even NFL officials are not full-time. Not sure what they make per game, but they do have other jobs.

[Dr. Sak]

Even NFL officials are not full-time. Not sure what they make per game, but they do have other jobs.

I think you could live on an NFL Official's salary. They make between 150k and 200k a year.

[henry296]

I think you could live on an NFL Official's salary. They make between 150k and 200k a year.

Thanks. I wonder if that has gone up in recent years, because I remember plenty of stories about the refs day jobs include Ed Hochiuli.

[Dr. Sak]

Thanks. I wonder if that has gone up in recent years, because I remember plenty of stories about the refs day jobs include Ed Hochiuli.

Yeah he's a lawyer. I think a lot of them have regular jobs still though.

[MJ4H]

TEJADA NAILS THE 37 YARDER!!!

TEJADA NAILS THE 37 YARDER!!!

HOGS WIN!!! HOGS WIN!!! HOGS WIN!!!

FIRST LIBERTY BOWL VICTORY IN FOUR TRIES!!!!

WOOOO!!! PIG SOOIEE!!!!!

:) :) :) :)

Let me tell you, that game was mother fucking COLD. I am just now getting my feeling back in my toes.

[digamma]

When I was 14, my mom took me to Denver to see Ga Tech play in the Final Four. I'm happy to be able to return the favor with an Orange Bowl trip this year. We meet in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow. Go Jackets!

[JonInMiddleGA]

When I was 14, my mom took me to Denver to see Ga Tech play in the Final Four. I'm happy to be able to return the favor with an Orange Bowl trip this year. We meet in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow. Go Jackets!

Good job digamma.

[Radii]

When I was 14, my mom took me to Denver to see Ga Tech play in the Final Four. I'm happy to be able to return the favor with an Orange Bowl trip this year. We meet in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow. Go Jackets!

Enjoy!! Go Jackets!

[Kodos]

Nice to see the Big Ten holding their own in bowl games this year. Surprising, since this was definitely a down year in an overall down cycle for the conference. I was really hoping MSU could pull out the win over Texas Tech.It was looking good there for a while...

[Dr. Sak]

Nice to see the Big Ten holding their own in bowl games this year. Surprising, since this was definitely a down year in an overall down cycle for the conference. I was really hoping MSU could pull out the win over Texas Tech.It was looking good there for a while...

If Iowa wins, it has to be considered a success for the Big Ten. Like you said Michigan State held their own missing over 10 starters and Northwestern came extremely close to winning. Wisconsin beat Miami and OSU and Penn State won when they were underdogs.

[tarcone]

Im getting nervous. And I cant wait. Its like Christmas Eve.

[Honolulu Blue]

I think you could live on an NFL Official's salary. They make between 150k and 200k a year.

I think I could like OK on that. :)

Thank you for your input.

[Eaglesfan27]

Looking forward to the game tonight, even though I would have preferred both teams against traditional powers.

[Eaglesfan27]

Boise State's defense looking better than I thought on the first drive. Also, how was that not a personal foul against TCU. The whistle blew repeated times, the rusher was unabated, and he gets away with hitting the QB.

[kingfc22]

Looking forward to the game tonight, even though I would have preferred both teams against traditional powers.

Agreed on both points.

I was actually looking forward more to watching this game than the title game.

[sterlingice]

Looking forward to the game tonight, even though I would have preferred both teams against traditional powers.

Unfortunately, I just don't see how it was going to happen in any form or fashion:
College Football Week 14 (Conference Championship Week) discussion - Page 14 - Front Office Football Central (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?p=2180582#post2180582)

SI

[sterlingice]

Wow. Horrible, horrible call. Should have been offensive pass interference.

SI

[JPhillips]

Watch out, TCU fans are going to get your nose!

[cuervo72]

Wow, some of those Boise State majorette types are uh...substantial.

[Senator]

Help me cheer on the Frogs! #18 is a friend on the families.

[cuervo72]

"Cummunication", Fox? Really?

[MJ4H]

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/51/cowbell.gif

[Young Drachma]

Where do folks get their live internet TV from these days? I forget...

[Matthean]

Awesome fake punt.
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[kingfc22]

That was a ballsy call.

[Matthean]

That was a ballsy call.

Yep, rush was there as well. If that doesn't work, it might be game over going the other way. I fully admit I was drinking more of the TCU Kool-Aid before the game, but I'm happy to see BSU doing so well.

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[MizzouRah]

Awesome fake punt.
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I love the way Boise St. pulls tricks out of their hats on every big game they play in. Both teams have been fun to watch.

[Galaril]

I love the way Boise St. pulls tricks out of their hats on every big game they play in. Both teams have been fun to watch.

Great game to watch. The Boise state program is impressive that last few years. I did not give them much chance tonight but it is obvious they came to win.

[sterlingice]

This has been a really fun game to watch. Tho I'd really like it to come down to the wire here with TCU a lot closer. Hell, or OT.

SI

[Galaril]

Wow, some of those Boise State majorette types are uh...substantial.

Yeah, no kidding I thought the same thing. I guess that is why the cameras are on the TCU girls 85% of the time.

[sterlingice]

Oops. Dalton just threw it up for grabs one too many times.

SI

[SackAttack]

Yeah, no kidding I thought the same thing. I guess that is why the cameras are on the TCU girls 85% of the time.

Including, evidently, the obligatory "We have to get footage of SOMEBODY crying after that ending...quick, to the song girls/cheerleaders/whatever the hell they're called!"

[Matthean]

Yeah, no kidding I thought the same thing. I guess that is why the cameras are on the TCU girls 85% of the time.

Well, a number of the TCU cheerleaders/fans were rather attractive.

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[Senator]

We do have pretty girls in Fort Worth.

[bronconick]

Well, a number of the TCU cheerleaders/fans were rather attractive.

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I don't think I've ever seen such a disparity in the hotness of fanbases at a bowl game. Big Ten schools don't have a high percentage, but with 40,000 on campus, they usually can scrounge up enough for the bowl games.

[Galaril]

Well, a number of the TCU cheerleaders/fans were rather attractive.

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oh yeah for sure. My wife walking by the tv a few times and could not figure out why I was watching this game until she so some of the girls in purple:)

[Senator]

For some reason I thought this was well known.

[RainMaker]

Yeah, holy shit. I should have gone to school in Texas. Puts the midwest girls to shame.

[molson]

14-0 looks pretty good.

And 49-4 the last 4 seasons, with 2 undefeated seasons, and 3 undefeated regular seasons. With 22 starters back next year, it will be interesting to see where they're ranked pre-season.

And yes, Boise St. is not a hot chick school. And a lot of the men are rural cowboy types - so it's a real uphill climb, as far as I can tell.

[sterlingice]

Seriously? All 22 starters back to Boise State?

Who do they have scheduled in the non conference?

SI

[sterlingice]

Looks like I just answered my own question

2010 Boise State non-conference games:
<table class="ScheduleTable" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="odd" scope="row" nowrap="nowrap">Sat, Sep 11 </td> <td class="odd"> Toledo </td> <td class="odd" style="padding: 3px;"> Boise, ID (Bronco Stadium) </td> <td class="odd time" nowrap="nowrap"> TBA </td> <td class="odd" align="CENTER">
</td> <td class="odd" align="CENTER">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even" scope="row" nowrap="nowrap"> Sat, Sep 18 </td> <td class="even"> Wyoming </td> <td class="even" style="padding: 3px;"> at Laramie, WY </td> <td class="even time" nowrap="nowrap"> TBA </td> <td class="even" align="CENTER">
</td> <td class="even" align="CENTER">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd" scope="row" nowrap="nowrap"> Sat, Sep 25 </td> <td class="odd"> Oregon State </td> <td class="odd" style="padding: 3px;"> Boise, ID (Bronco Stadium) </td> <td class="odd time" nowrap="nowrap"> TBA </td> <td class="odd" align="CENTER">
</td> <td class="odd" align="CENTER">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even" scope="row" nowrap="nowrap"> Sat, Oct 02 </td> <td class="even"> Virginia Tech </td> <td class="even" style="padding: 3px;"> at Fed Ex Field </td> <td class="even time" nowrap="nowrap"> TBA </td></tr></tbody></table>

Oregon State and Virginia Tech. If they win both of those...

(...well, they'll still get screwed out of any legit chance they have to win it all. But it will definitely look good on paper.)

SI

[bhlloy]

I don't think a Va Tech win will look better than the Oregon win this year. So yeah, if they didn't make it this year they have no shot next year. They need a lot of help (no unbeaten teams from any BCS conference, no real impressive 1 loss team either)

Replace Toledo and Wyoming with 2 mid-feeder BCS conference teams and you might have a shot.

[Ajaxab]

Including, evidently, the obligatory "We have to get footage of SOMEBODY crying after that ending...quick, to the song girls/cheerleaders/whatever the hell they're called!"

It seemed like there was an obligatory fan base shot after every single play. The basic directorial pattern involved showing the play, showing the replay, cut to crowd shot 1, cut to crowd shot 2, and show one of the coaches. Rinse and repeat. I felt like I had tuned in to watch the 2010 Fiesta Bowl Fans as much as I was watching the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Just a random aside from the overnight ratings (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings.aspx?id=monday).

Year to year ratings for the Fiesta Bowl, A18-49, down 30% from the Texas-Ohio State matchup a year ago (4.2 from a 5.7).

Last year's pre-game actually outdrew this year's game (4.4 to 4.2).

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Just a random aside from the overnight ratings (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings.aspx?id=monday).

Year to year ratings for the Fiesta Bowl, A18-49, down 30% from the Texas-Ohio State matchup a year ago (4.2 from a 5.7).

Last year's pre-game actually outdrew this year's game (4.4 to 4.2).

If that's a quarterfinal matchup of a playoff, it draws a lot better ratings. The game is useless without a true playoff from a ratings perspective.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If that's a quarterfinal matchup of a playoff, it draws a lot better ratings. The game is useless without a true playoff from a ratings perspective.

That game was useless regardless of a playoff. Hell, the game was almost half over before I even remember they were playing, and I at least kept up with a lot of the obscure bowls in mid-December. A playoff wouldn't change my interest in Boise vs TCU in the least and would simply diminish my interest in the subsequent games when one of them moved on.

Sadly, I doubt tonight's ratings will be any better.

[sterlingice]

But what's the answer, pertaining to this year, JIMGA?

Most of the marquee programs are down just a little. Heck, you could see that in the rankings: the only two conferences with 4 ranked teams were the Big 10 and Pac-10 and they ended up beating up on each other so there was no 0-loss team and the highest ranked in those conference were 7 and 8, respectively, and went to the Rose Bowl.

Sure, I would have loved TCU/Boise vs Alabama, TCU/Boise vs Texas, and Cincy (pre-Kelly leaving) vs Florida. But that never would have happened, not with the current NCAA leadership.

And, short of a playoff, there weren't many good "traditional" matchups out there. God knows I don't need 4 loss LSU or Nebraska in there just because they are name programs.

Really, do even Alabama or Texas strike a lot of fear into anyone's heart? They're talented but incomplete teams. Then when your top 10 continues with Cincy, TCU, Florida, Boise St, Oregon, Ohio St, Georgia Tech, and Iowa- what's a bowl game to do?

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

But what's the answer, pertaining to this year, JIMGA?

I think there's certainly a degree of "the teams are down, the ratings will probably be down" this year. Not sure there's any way to avoid that from time to time. The Fiesta went with a game that kind of fits their wildcard image anyway, the ratings just paid the price for it.

Without taking the time to go back through all the scenarios, I think Penn State might have been the only unselected option in the top 14 that might have improved the ratings but that would have been marginal too.

It was just a down year for college football in general I think, it's going to happen once in a while.

[cuervo72]

Bah, they should just do away with all the pretense and just set up bowls with USC, Texas, Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska, The U and half the SEC every year and just give the big 'ol finger to everyone else.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Bah, they should just do away with all the pretense and just set up bowls with USC, Texas, Notre Dame, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Nebraska, The U and half the SEC every year and just give the big 'ol finger to everyone else.

{shrug} Would be more interesting to me than the prospect of seeing Boise play in January.

[cuervo72]

{shrug} Would be more interesting to me than the prospect of seeing Boise play in January.

Right - and you're obviously not alone. So in throwing these schools a bone to make their process look more like a legitimate "championship", they're not fully satisfying those schools (they don't have an ACTUAL shot at the big game), they're pissing off fans that want a playoff, they're pissing off fans that don't want a playoff and just want the big programs, and they're sacrificing ratings.

The BCS doesn't seem optimal.

[tarcone]

Game time is close at hand.
Talked to my brother earlier today, who is in Miami. Says temp is 58. Colder weather should favor Iowa and slow down GT.
35,000 Hawk fans down there. Good showing.

GO HAWKS

[JonInMiddleGA]

The BCS doesn't seem optimal.

I can't disagree with that statement too much. It accomplishes its primary purpose -- matching the #1 and #2 ranked teams head to head in a bowl -- well enough I think but beyond that we end up with less appealing matchups even than the pre-BCS system(s) provided.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Game time is close at hand.
Talked to my brother earlier today, who is in Miami. Says temp is 58. Colder weather should favor Iowa and slow down GT.
35,000 Hawk fans down there. Good showing.

GO HAWKS

You think 58 degrees is cold enough to actually impact the game? How is 58 degrees going to slow GT down? What are they a bunch of hot house flowers that wilt and die when the temperature falls below 60?

58 degrees is quite moderate. Unless it's raining or really windy, I can't see how 58 degrees is going to impact the game or benefit one team or another.

As Stringer Bell so eloquently put it:

"Aint nobody got nothing to say about a 40-degree day. Fifty. Bring a smile to your face. Sixty, shit, n_____ is damn near barbecuing on that motherfucker. Go down to 20, n_____ get their bitch on. Get their blood complaining."

[JonInMiddleGA]

You think 58 degrees is cold enough to actually impact the game?

Y'never know, I mean I've heard complaints (from the local press) today that included how ice in drinks wasn't melting because it was so cold (i.e. 50'ish).

[tarcone]

One can hope.

Should be a great game. Cant wait to the start. Iowa hasnt won a BCS-type game since the mid 50s. Hoping Ferentz learned from the shellacking USC put on us the last time we were in the Orange Bowl.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Iowa hasnt won a BCS-type game since the mid 50s.

Sounds familiar, GT hasn't won a current BCS bowl since 1955, beating Pitt 7-0 in the Sugar.

[Karlifornia]

GT/Iowa is gonna be the game I'm gonna skip. Just don't care at all about either team. No real exciting players. I think the Warriors are playing tonight.

[JonInMiddleGA]

No real exciting players.

Now Lord only knows I can find plenty to criticize the Jackets this year but I can't say that's one of the issues I've run across before.

Jonathan Dwyer & Derrick Morgan are likely first round picks (although I'm concerned whether Morgan will look like one tonight), Demaryous Thomas & Nesbitt are both fun to watch in their own way and Tarrant isn't dull as a punt returner. And the Tech defense can usually find a way to make anyone's offense exciting.

[cuervo72]

You know...I wonder if there are just too many "Division I" (FBS, whatever) teams. Take the BCS conferences (and ND), make them their own top division, and mandate that they can only play other schools in that superdivision. No Upper Middle Arkansas State, no more College of the Immaculate Potato Chip, no more Dewey College for Librarians.

Those schools can't survive w/o the money they now get for prostituting themselves? Fine - the bigger schools can just give them the same kickbacks from revenue sharing or NCAA dues or whatever.

Boise State, BYU, Utah, TCU and the rest of those guys then get their own playoff for their level.

[JonInMiddleGA]

"Coach Johnson, what do you need to do to win tonight"

And as that question hung in the air, I sincerely wondered whether he was going to reply "Score more points than Iowa".

[Radii]

LETS GO YELLOW JACKETS ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[tarcone]

TD IOWA

[mauchow]

Woot! Go Big 10.

If they can win the four of the bigger games, that would be great.

Wisconsin over Miami
Penn St over LSU
Ohio St over Oregon

soon to be Iowa over GT..?

And everyone saying the Big 10 was down big time this year.. glad to see they're holding their own this bowl season.

[tarcone]

3 and out, GT. YES

[Eaglesfan27]

Georgia Tech needs to respond on both offense and defense now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Will the Georgia Tech secondary please report to the white courtesy phone?
Paging the Tech secondary.

[tarcone]

TOUCHDOWN IOWA

[Radii]

Really, really need one of those 15 play drives right here.

[markprior22]

Stanzi looking impressive after being out so long

[Balldog]

Woot! Go Big 10.

If they can win the four of the bigger games, that would be great.

Wisconsin over Miami
Penn St over LSU
Ohio St over Oregon

soon to be Iowa over GT..?

And everyone saying the Big 10 was down big time this year.. glad to see they're holding their own this bowl season.

Holding their own is an understatement if Iowa continues to dominate like this.

[Eaglesfan27]

That is a good response :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

One thing about Tarrant, it's not dull wherever he is on the field ;)

[tarcone]

Typical Stanzi

[Radii]

hey look a stop on defense!

[JonInMiddleGA]

hey look a stop on defense!

Even more amazing, Iowa punted !

[JonInMiddleGA]

Looking over the box scores, that was the first punt by a Tech opponent since the last play of the 3rd quarter versus Duke, 10+ quarters ago.

[flounder]

I will say that it's a refreshing change to get torched through the air instead of torched on the ground.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I will say that it's a refreshing change to get torched through the air instead of torched on the ground.

It's a dual-threat defense

[tarcone]

Iowa is no giant on offense as seen by that awesome finish to a drive with great field position

[JonInMiddleGA]

Iowa is no giant on offense as seen by that awesome finish to a drive with great field position

Tech's defense can make pretty much anyone look like the Andre Ware era Cougars.

[tarcone]

Whats with all the delay of game penalties

[CU Tiger]

Come on Bees......I need this.
Christmas was hard on the wallet....I had faith for some reason....come on Bees....I'm begging here.

They are only down 7 but thats 13.5 to me.....CPJ dial up the genius knob....

[JonInMiddleGA]

Whats with all the delay of game penalties

It almost has me wondering whether the play clock may be running fast or something.

[tarcone]

I love the defense. And Clayborn is coming back nest season.

[Recoil]

Tech should be happy to only be down by 7 at the half. Should be interesting to see CPJ's adjustments for the 2nd half.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yep, should be very happy considering the problems.

Nesbitt looked very tentative to me, especially in the 1st quarter, a far cry from the confident master of the option that we saw for large parts of the season. Not sure whether it's as simple as all the men in the box & the good job Iowa has done playing assignment football/manhandling the Tech OL or if there's something Iowa is doing that Nesbitt wasn't prepared for.

[tarcone]

Iowas D line is dominating right now. I think thats the difference.

[Radii]

Yeah, I'm thrilled to only be down 7, Paul Johnson usually does a good job making halftime adjustments and I'm hopeful that they'll be able to put up big rushing numbers in the second half still.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yeah, I'm thrilled to only be down 7, Paul Johnson usually does a good job making halftime adjustments and I'm hopeful that they'll be able to put up big rushing numbers in the second half still.

Finding BeBe about three times would help a lot too.

[Recoil]

Finding BeBe about three times would help a lot too.

The quick out to Bay-bay would help. Iowa is sold on the run.

[tarcone]

It better be a quick out. Because Iowa is all over Nesbitt.

[Eaglesfan27]

This game hasn't been nearly as exciting as I expected/hoped.

[tarcone]

whew

[JonInMiddleGA]

Meh. I know he'd hit 8 of his last 9 but we still need an upgrade at kicker.

[tarcone]

Jon, how would you like to have Iowas O line?

[tarcone]

Thats big. Ate a lot of clock and got points.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jon, how would you like to have Iowas O line?

There are times I'd be happy just to see a legit D1 offensive line across the board.

[JonInMiddleGA]

3 quarters of being largely manhandled by a physically superior team, feels like a miracle that it's still this close.

I'll give Iowa credit for doing a very good job of playing their assignments so far tonight as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I really wish Allen had spent his whole career playing under CPJ. He's got to be one of my favorite Tech players to watch in at least the last 20 years.

[Radii]

Damn good looking drive there. come on get another stop!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Now, it is getting more interesting. Come on Yellow Jackets!

[tarcone]

Dang.Up to the offense.

[Recoil]

I really wish Allen had spent his whole career playing under CPJ. He's got to be one of my favorite Tech players to watch in at least the last 20 years.

Is his YPC average still over 9? He's an absolute warrior. One of the very best GT transfers ever.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Is his YPC average still over 9? He's an absolute warrior. One of the very best GT transfers ever.

Currently 9.65 per carry through that last one.

[tarcone]

uh oh

[Dr. Sak]

Way to go Iowa!

[tarcone]

YES YES YES

[Radii]

why throw it, WHY. god.

[tarcone]

Come on clock

[Dr. Sak]

What a stupid fake

[Recoil]

Fake no good

17-14 Iowa

[tarcone]

dang

[kingfc22]

Ehhh leave the trickeration to Boise State.

[Recoil]

With Blair as your kicker, it's a great fake attempt

[Radii]

Iowa coach outthinking himself there? That's a situation where if you want the TD just run the offense out and get it IMO.

Now, no more fucking passes. The run has been unstoppable all half, no penalties, no risky throws, run it down their throats.

[sterlingice]

Man, so close but not quite a safety

SI

[CU Tiger]

WTF?


Bye Bye Benjamins

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well that was a glorious clusterfuck of a play.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nice play butterfingers

[Recoil]

Haha. Game.

[Logan]

Did the commentator really just compliment Dwyer without even mentioning that he stupidly ran back 10 yards into his end zone for no reason?

[tarcone]

man oh man

[tarcone]

Buttheadistan.....LOL

[Radii]

sure could use another pick 6.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Unless he manages to complete something in the final seconds (assuming Tech even gets the ball back) Nesbitt is on pace for his least productive game since mopup duty in the Humanitarian Bowl two years ago.

[JonInMiddleGA]

sure could use another pick 6.

Better chance of a fumble return for a TD probably, but I'll take either.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And now barring a miracle, it's over.

[sterlingice]

Buttheadistan.....LOL

I've snickered at that commercial the few times I've seen it

SI

[tarcone]

GO HAWKS

[CU Tiger]

For fucks sake just let him run..all the fucking way...fuck the fucking fuckers....


Oh btw congrats tarcone

Fuck

BTW I really hate GT....I know beter than to bet on teams I hate

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hawkeyes earned it plain & simple. Dominated physically, played smart, that's how you do it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And was there anyone who didn't see that coming?

[tarcone]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HGVMHVMHCLJYFJGNBCMNGCNJGDKJNHVGCKJF<J

[tarcone]

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[sterlingice]

Good night, folks. Don't forget to tip your waiter.

Most of my wife's family will be happy as her mom lives in Iowa City and her sister and brother-in-law went to Iowa :)

SI

[cmp]

The Big Ten sure sucks.

[JonInMiddleGA]

1 target for Thomas tonight.
{shakes head}

[tarcone]

In heaven there is no beer, thats why we drink it here

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hey, whaddya know, they threw to him again.

[sterlingice]

Those were kindof some odd and awkward post-game goings on

-There was the Orange Bowl woman who couldn't remember what Iowa's mascot was
-The awkward question trying defensive player to acknowledge the crowd and then burning him
-Then the even more awkward question about middle America

They're from Iowa. Not Mars. *sigh*

SI

[Recoil]

First of all, congrats to Iowa. They were the much better team tonight.

2-3 years seems so far away, but that's when CPJ recruiting class(es) will start making an impact.

And I sure as shit hope they do.

[dawgfan]

Kirk Ferentz is love.

Paul Johnson is not.

[Radii]

First of all, congrats to Iowa. They were the much better team tonight.

2-3 years seems so far away, but that's when CPJ recruiting class(es) will start making an impact.

And I sure as shit hope they do.


Well, this was Georgia Tech's first ACC title since 1990, wasn't it(I think they tied for one along the way somewhere). Its the same discussion as after the UGA loss. That one game really stung and there is a lot of improvement that can be made but things appear to be heading in a great direction.

[flounder]

Nesbitt seems pretty comfortable with the running part of the spread option. I hope that means he can spend the offseason working on his passing. Eventually he has to be able to make the defense respect the pass at least somewhat.

On a brighter note, after giving up those two TDs, the defense played lights out. They're the only reason the game was as close as it was.

[Dr. Sak]

The Big Ten this Bowl Season had 4 wins over Top 15 opponents…Ohio State over Oregon, Iowa over GT, PSU over LSU, and Wisconsin over Miami.

This was only the 2nd time that this was accomplished…the last conference to do it was…The Big Ten.

[Kodos]

GO BIG TEN!

[Kodos]

WITHOUT HELP FROM INDIANA, OF COURSE!






At least Indiana was beating Iowa for three quarters or so.

[RainMaker]

I don't get why there is a shitty bowl thrown in tonight. Shouldn't the NCAA block that from happening?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I don't get why there is a shitty bowl thrown in tonight. Shouldn't the NCAA block that from happening?

Same reason there's still no playoff system..........money.

[ISiddiqui]

Yes, we should just have absolutely no football tonight and mandate that they play sometime in the last week of December... who cares?

[gstelmack]

The best part is the broadcast networks love to throw up stats like "Has played in X January bowls". Maybe that used to mean something, but not anymore...

[Dr. Sak]

Officiating in every sport I watch has been worse the last 3-5 years. Period. Replay certainly makes it easier to second guess officials but again, I'm not talking about calls that are bang-bang, or calls that are just super close. I'm talking about missed calls. Now whether that's because of the issues I mentioned, the pay not being high enough to get the best, unions preventing the removal of bad officials, or games being fixed, who knows.

Sorry for the long rant.

I will never criticize an official for making a judgment call because we they are human and even though they are trained basically the same way, our perception of what is and isn't a foul can differ. But to interpret a rule wrong or miss a rule is something that should be spendable.

I've already mentioned that the CFO (the governing body of officials for the NCAA) and the NCAA is going to start implementing a fitness program. I've heard it is going to be based on your BMI, which I hope they they don't use the antiquated 1960's one, but a more updated one but either way there is hope there.

There are other problems. Just like everything else in life, there are politics involved. I mean I won't lie, the reason I got 3 games as a first year guy was because of who i knew. My old High School Principal was a Division 1 line judge and another guy that has been helping me out is a Big East Official. They went to bat for me to the assigner and got me my first game this year, to which they texted me before the game "Don't fuck it up."

So there was my break, I did good and got a few more games. But some aren't that lucky.

There is also a rift between the older officials and the younger ones over the philosophy of calling the game. Older officials like to use the term "fish in your own pond." What that means is you have an area and you only call fouls that occur in your area and if no one is in your area then you are free.

The younger guys (when i say younger i mean 40s and lower) are more of that we are a team out there and we should help each other out. So if there is no one in my zone, I'll look to where I think there is a possibility for a foul and i help a fellow official.

That has gotten me into a few, slightly heated, arguments over calls I have made. And the problem is that the older guys are in the power positions so if you piss them off too much you won't get games...no matter if your calls are the correct ones or not.

The BCS conference are moving towards getting NFL guys as their assigners, and observers. Our new assignor is a head referee in the NFL, which I am really looking forward to learning from. And I know the Big East and a few of the other BCS conferences have recently hired NFL guys to head up their officiating.

Finally, another issue is that there is no uniform mechanics for College Football. Each conference has different quirks as to what official keys what players. But like everything in life, it is a big pissing match because no one wants to admit that another conference does it better than they do.

I'm not saying I am ready for big time college football...in all honesty i'd probably crap my pants if put in that position. I know I need to put in my time, do lower level games to learn how to handle the pressure of the game. I feel very confident in my abilities to recognize the correct call and make it, but to do it under the pressure of a big game is something that i continue to learn how to deal with each time.

Sorry for the long windedness of the post but I thought maybe a few of you might find this interesting.

[Eaglesfan27]

I found this to be a very interesting post. Thanks for sharing.

[Honolulu Blue]

Sorry for the long windedness of the post but I thought maybe a few of you might find this interesting.

I found it very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

P.S. I'm one of the few that cares about tonight's game.

[Eaglesfan27]

Tonight's game has been the most entertaining of the week for me.

[MJ4H]

Heck of a game, and that was one HECK of a catch.

[Logan]

Tonight's game has been the most entertaining of the week for me.

Anyone who has a clue about college football knew that this had the potential to be a great game.

I don't get why there is a shitty bowl thrown in tonight.

[DeToxRox]

Anyone who has a clue about college football knew that this had the potential to be a great game.

<3 LeFevour.

[Eaglesfan27]

<3 LeFevour.

He is fun to watch. Looking forward to seeing what he does in the NFL.

[k0ruptr]

I must say I'd much rather see Boise St. play each January then Georgia Tech. Ugh.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I must say I'd much rather see Boise St. play each January then Georgia Tech. Ugh.

You're in Hawaii? what time does the final week kick-off for you, about 330p? Hell, you probably missed the debacle that was the first half.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oh and that reminded me to look it up ... as bad as the 3.5 avg rtg 18-49 was for the Orange Bowl, the overnights were up 17% over last year's Cincy-Va Tech matchup.

edit to add: And the household rating was a 6.8, up 26% over last year.

[cartman]

Kickoff tonight cannot get here soon enough!!!

My prediction for the game:

It is going to be a close, low scoring game, with Texas winning off of a defensive or special teams score, 24-21.

[Kodos]

Not a big fan of either team, but I s'pose I'll be pulling for Texas in this one.

[cartman]

One of my cousins is going to be at the game. His best friend from high school is Greg McElroy. He's going to be sitting with the McElroy family. I offered to loan him some burnt orange to wear, but he declined. :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh and that reminded me to look it up ... as bad as the 3.5 avg rtg 18-49 was for the Orange Bowl, the overnights were up 17% over last year's Cincy-Va Tech matchup.

edit to add: And the household rating was a 6.8, up 26% over last year.

That's because Iowa and Stanzi apparently don't just represent one school or one conference, but all of "Middle America". There are a lot of TVs in Middle America.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's because Iowa and Stanzi apparently don't just represent one school or one conference, but all of "Middle America". There are a lot of TVs in Middle America.

Y'know I almost didn't get the reference at first. I was about to point out that how Atlanta led all markets with an impressive 21.5/32, followed by Birmingham (19.6/27), Columbus (18.9/29) and New Orleans (12.8/19). ... but then I remembered the post-game stuff.

[Cuckoo]

Roll Tide! :)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Y'know I almost didn't get the reference at first. I was about to point out that how Atlanta led all markets with an impressive 21.5/32, followed by Birmingham (19.6/27), Columbus (18.9/29) and New Orleans (12.8/19). ... but then I remembered the post-game stuff.

Yes. It was one of the dumbest questions I have ever heard.

[bhlloy]

So thanks to the BCS national championship game I don't have to go to work today. They are using my office as the RV Parking lot, some general parking and the shuttle point to and from the Rose Bowl and we managed to convince management that it wasn't worth the effort to come to work and we all got WFH days. I am now a big fan of the BCS :lol:

[sterlingice]

Nice insightful and informative post on the last page, Dr Sak. Didn't know you were a ref.

SI

[Warhammer]

Oh and that reminded me to look it up ... as bad as the 3.5 avg rtg 18-49 was for the Orange Bowl, the overnights were up 17% over last year's Cincy-Va Tech matchup.

edit to add: And the household rating was a 6.8, up 26% over last year.

Does this mean ratings are down compared to pre-BCS days?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Does this mean ratings are down compared to pre-BCS days?

Darned if I can find numbers going back that far, but I suspect some are down & others are up, depending upon the matchups.

Overall vs last year so far it's essentially flat in rating, up slightly in total viewers simply because of more people in the country. Go back further than that & the landscape is so different for TV in general that I'm not sure how valid the comparisons would be anyway.

[Matthean]

Having to wait this long to see if your bowl season is a good one, or not really sucks. I don't care how ugly, or close it is, as long as 'Bama wins I'm happy.
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[MrBug708]

210/134 was packed today. The Bammer fans far outnumber the Texas fans. It's gotta be something like 10-1

[Senator]

Texas in the NC and Dallas in the WC.

This is fun.

[bbgunn]

Man, I wish they were showing this game live in Japan. Roll Tide.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ain't easy to say it but ... Roll Tide.

[Eaglesfan27]

I keep going back and forth on who I want to win. On one hand, I'm sick of hearing about how great the SEC is. On the other hand, I don't want Texas to get another title this decade after beating USC. I guess I'm just rooting for a fun competitive game.

[RainMaker]

My Prediction:

Alabama 24
Texas 10

McCoy disappears against good defenses and Alabama is strong. Think they'll be able to control the clock and the game and score enough to keep themselves comfortably ahead all night.

With that said, Texas will probably beat them by 30.

[Senator]

I am one nervous F!!

[Dr. Sak]

I want Bama to win so Penn State has a chance to play the defending BCS champs next year.

[Karlifornia]

Texas 24, Alabama 20

[CU Tiger]

My heart says go Texas...but my $$$ say Bama -4.5

[Young Drachma]

New BCS director Bill Hancock: Current system in schools' best interest - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4805271)

[Young Drachma]

Utah hired their QB from last season Brian Johnson as their new quarterbacks coach today, too. He's 23.

[Eaglesfan27]

I like the move by Saban to take the ball first. Nice psychological boost for his offense.

[mauchow]

wtf?

[SirFozzie]

Saban goes WAY off the reservation there. wonder if he has money on the Horns

[Eaglesfan27]

I thought it was great to see Saban go so far off his tendencies.. just didn't work out.

[Karlifornia]

This is why I love Championship Games..McCoy now hurt. Wow. A lot of action in just a few minutes!

[Senator]

Please be ok x 10

[JonInMiddleGA]

I didn't know Saban had a drinking problem.

Nothing else explains his decision back there.

[cuervo72]

I keep going back and forth on who I want to win. On one hand, I'm sick of hearing about how great the SEC is. On the other hand, I don't want Texas to get another title this decade after beating USC. I guess I'm just rooting for a fun competitive game.

I say we pledge our support to Senator's cause for this one in exchange for Saturday night.

[Dr. Sak]

I say we pledge our support to Senator's cause for this one in exchange for Saturday night.

DONE!

[Eaglesfan27]

I say we pledge our support to Senator's cause for this one in exchange for Saturday night.

Sounds like a good idea. Besides, I think it will be impressive if Texas can somehow pull this out without McCoy or with a hurt McCoy.. that turnover helps.

[SirFozzie]

Ok, Alabama came out flatter then a souflee smashed by a steamroller

[Senator]

This is bad, he is such a good kid.

Fight on boys!!! Everybody pull the weight!!

[Senator]

I say we pledge our support to Senator's cause for this one in exchange for Saturday night.

I give up Dallas for this one, if I can't have both.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ok, Alabama came out flatter then a souflee smashed by a steamroller

I dunno, they seem more supertight than flat to me.

[Matthean]

I dunno, they seem more supertight than flat to me.

And yet only down 6. If you can't get a nice big lead when it's handed to you, it tends to come back and get you. 'Bama just needs to get past the nerves phase.

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[RainMaker]

The Colt McCoy injury isn't the end of the world. He is usually just a dink and dunker against good teams. Their defense is the key tonight.

[Izulde]

Wow, 'Bama's come out looking bad.

[RainMaker]

Nick Saban is outcoaching himself. Use your Heisman Trophy winner.

[Easy Mac]

Flat and super tight? That sounds like my prom date.

[Noop]

Flat and super tight? That sounds like my prom date.

Love the tight. Hate the flat.

[Noop]

Muschamp is calling a hell of a game.

[k0ruptr]

You're in Hawaii? what time does the final week kick-off for you, about 330p? Hell, you probably missed the debacle that was the first half.

nah on vacation this week! woohoo. but saw the whole game, actually in a completely off subject thought, I've only missed maybe 3 bowl games this whole bowl season!

[I. J. Reilly]

For those of us stuck at work, what happened to McCoy?

[Eaglesfan27]

For those of us stuck at work, what happened to McCoy?

His throwing shoulder was hurt when he got squashed by a defensive lineman.

[mauchow]

The Colt McCoy injury isn't the end of the world. He is usually just a dink and dunker against good teams. Their defense is the key tonight.

While it isn't the end of the world, if definitely does matter.

Because it happened, I can't see how Texas will move the ball for the rest of this game. They haven't moved the ball at all when Saban doesn't give them field position.

[JPhillips]

Josh Grobin, Flea and a mariachi band?

[RainMaker]

Ingram is a beast.

[Senator]

The Colt McCoy injury isn't the end of the world. He is usually just a dink and dunker against good teams. Their defense is the key tonight.

Half of what you said makes alot of sense.