Official College Football Thread - Week 1

[cartman]

Kickoff of the new season is right around the corner! The first games are on Thursday night, only 4 days away.

A couple of big games on opening weekend:

Oregon vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium
Boise State at Georgia

We have a crew going to the Rice-Texas game on Saturday. My mom and dad are bringing my nieces down and my cousin is bringing his two boys. It will be the kids first College Football game.

Trivia note: Many people are familiar with Kennedy's quote about going to the moon:
We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.
What is less known is the line right before his famous quote:
But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas?

[tarcone]

Iowa hosts Tennessee Tech. Should be a nice warm-up. Need to see how our new QB plays, as well as, the new defensive line.
Marcus Coker should get about 200 yards rushing this game.

GO HAWKS!

[Izulde]

UNLV travels to Madtown. Badgers are going to slaughter us in epic fashion.

[MJ4H]

what is the thursday night game

[cartman]

what is the thursday night game

15 games scheduled for Thursday involving FBS teams.

NCAA College Football Scores, College Football Scores, NCAA Football Scoreboard and Results - ESPN (http://scores.espn.go.com/college-football/scoreboard?confId=80&seasonYear=2011&seasonType=2&weekNumber=1)

[MJ4H]

tx

[Logan]

It's early but there's a good chance Thursday's Rutgers-NC Central game gets pushed back; New Brunswick is under a ton of water.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Words you aren't likely to hear from me very often:
I hope Boise hangs at least half a hundred this weekend.

The ensuing uproar around here (Athens,not FOFC) would be some really cheap entertainment for me ... unless, of course, BSU found a way to score fifty and lose anyway.

[Matthean]

Michigan hosts W. Michigan and it will be interesting to see the being of the Hoke era. 'Bama has a tune up game against Kent St., but they are also breaking in new people on offense so it will be interesting to see how well they do.

[mauchow]

Four more days away! Sorry Izulde.

The Badgers biggest questions: Russell Wilson as good as advertised? Is it possible the offensive line is better than last year? And, how will the DL fair without JJ Watt?

I think all three questions will be positive answers for the Badgers. Yes, Wilson is as good as advertised. Yes, the line will somehow be better than last year. And yes, the DL of the Badgers is very deep this year and should be able to do just fine with the return of MLB Borland who will help create havoc for the DL to make big plays.. Wisconsin's biggest thing is also depth because of this: If Wilson goes down we will be going with a freshman QB who is NOT EVEN CLOSE to being ready because the original backup may be out for the season. And also, if Borland goes down, the Badgers will be relying on the offense to win a lot of the games.

WOOO! IT'S GO TIME!

[Ksyrup]

Kentucky plays Western Kentucky in Nashville Thursday night. I look for UK to struggle. I'm not sold on Joker Phillips at all, and they lost their top RB, QB, WR, and Mr. All-Purpose (Randall Cobb) from last year. WKU has Bobby Rainey, who put up nearly 200 yards on UK last year. I guess I'll be surprised if UK loses, but it wouldn't totally shock me.

[Ksyrup]

FSU plays somebody on Saturday. Now that Bobby isn't here, I don't worry about even knowing who we play for warm-ups anymore.

[Lathum]

I'm a little worried about UWs game against Eastern Washington. Lots of questions going into this season and Eastern is defending D2 champs.

[bronconick]

FSU plays somebody on Saturday. Now that Bobby isn't here, I don't worry about even knowing who we play for warm-ups anymore.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

Oh so true. 2009 I went to a beer and wine festival the 2nd Saturday of the season and would check the ESPN app on my phone for the Jacksonville State-FSU score, steadily drinking more and more each time I checked with JSU up 9-7. right down to the last minute. Check it a few minutes later to see the final of 19-9 and I yelled out "About fucking time!" That was apparently when it was time to take me home.

[MacroGuru]

BYU heads to Oxford to take on Ole Miss and launch their season of independence (Which may not last long)....I am excited for this season. This game will tell us if we can handle the scheduling we have in the future set up...

[Logan]

Four more days away! Sorry Izulde.

The Badgers biggest questions: Russell Wilson as good as advertised? Is it possible the offensive line is better than last year? And, how will the DL fair without JJ Watt?

I think all three questions will be positive answers for the Badgers. Yes, Wilson is as good as advertised. Yes, the line will somehow be better than last year. And yes, the DL of the Badgers is very deep this year and should be able to do just fine with the return of MLB Borland who will help create havoc for the DL to make big plays.. Wisconsin's biggest thing is also depth because of this: If Wilson goes down we will be going with a freshman QB who is NOT EVEN CLOSE to being ready because the original backup may be out for the season. And also, if Borland goes down, the Badgers will be relying on the offense to win a lot of the games.

WOOO! IT'S GO TIME!

Wilson is very good, very talented, but will be very frustrating at times. Admittedly he may have made more progress recently, but he needs to do a better job not trying to do everything himself and forcing situations.

[Izulde]

As a Badger State native, I'm sure Wisky will be fine on offense. They'll go three deep in tailbacks and hammer the shit out of teams.

[knolysis]

FSU plays somebody on Saturday. Now that Bobby isn't here, I don't worry about even knowing who we play for warm-ups anymore.

I haven't been this excited about Seminole football in a number of years. Looking forward to the season.

[Ksyrup]

I think we're at least a year away, and this year's high ranking scares me. I wouldn't be surprised at another 9-3/10-2 season before we really take off. A pre-season top 5/10 ranking's a little absurd, IMO.

[tarcone]

Im jonesing to watch Iowa. So bad, I approached my wife today about re-upping with directv to get the Big Ten Network. I dont think I can make it without a being able to watch.

[bronconick]

I think we're at least a year away, and this year's high ranking scares me. I wouldn't be surprised at another 9-3/10-2 season before we really take off. A pre-season top 5/10 ranking's a little absurd, IMO.

+1

Hoping they split the OU/Clemson weeks and I wouldn't be shocked if Florida's together enough by late November to defend their home field just fine. Add in the seemingly yearly whoopsie vs. some ACC schlub, and you've got 2-3 losses.

[BYU 14]

BYU heads to Oxford to take on Ole Miss and launch their season of independence (Which may not last long)....I am excited for this season. This game will tell us if we can handle the scheduling we have in the future set up...

This game is huge and I hope the team is focused. A stumble here could make for a long 4 week stretch with games at Texas and home vs Utah and UCF following this.

I think depth will be a big help in the humidity and heat as this years team is a solid 2 deep at most every position with all the young players they had to play last season.

[britrock88]

I've got Wisconsin down for at least 11 wins this season.

[dawgfan]

I'm a little worried about UWs game against Eastern Washington. Lots of questions going into this season and Eastern is defending D2 champs.
It would be a significant upset for Washington to lose this game. People remember the FCS over FBS upsets, but the reality is that FCS teams rarely beat BCS conference teams.

The Huskies are in real trouble this season if they aren't able to push Eastern up and down the field pretty much at will...

[dawgfan]

Dola - by playing Eastern Washington, the Huskies will lose their status as one of only 4 FBS programs that have never played an FCS level team. Kind of sucks to lose that distinction, but the prices that bottom-feeding FBS teams are charging now has made it an expensive distinction to maintain...

[RainMaker]

Who are the other teams? I'm guessing USC and Notre Dame are two of them.

Kind of pathetic how many big schools schedule these games regardless of the money. Props to the programs that still have a set of testicles.

[wade moore]

William and Mary travels to UVA this weekend. I'll be making the trip, just like I did in 2009 when we took it to them.

Two wins in a row against UVA would be amazing.

[wade moore]

Dola - by playing Eastern Washington, the Huskies will lose their status as one of only 4 FBS programs that have never played an FCS level team. Kind of sucks to lose that distinction, but the prices that bottom-feeding FBS teams are charging now has made it an expensive distinction to maintain...

Well, in fairness, Eastern Washington is at least the defending FCS Champion.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Who are the other teams? I'm guessing USC and Notre Dame are two of them.

I found an old article from 2009 that listed UCLA as the fourth ... not sure whether that's changed since then & I'm too lazy to look it up at the moment.

[PackerFanatic]

UNLV travels to Madtown. Badgers are going to slaughter us in epic fashion.

Is this some kind of reverse jinx? ;)

[bob]

Words you aren't likely to hear from me very often:
I hope Boise hangs at least half a hundred this weekend.

The ensuing uproar around here (Athens,not FOFC) would be some really cheap entertainment for me ... unless, of course, BSU found a way to score fifty and lose anyway.

I can't agree more with this. This offseason has been amazing to me. UGA fans have gone from wanting their coach's head on a plate to thinking they will probably win the SEC east to thinking that UGA is the only team outside the top 10 with a chance of winning the national championship (I actually heard the local radio station do about 2 hours on this). All while losing AJ Green and I think their #2 WR from last year and their entire RB depth. They assume that at worst the new freshman RB will be Marcus Lattimore. No other fanbase I'd love to shut up early in the season like this.

[digamma]

I can't agree more with this. This offseason has been amazing to me. UGA fans have gone from wanting their coach's head on a plate to thinking they will probably win the SEC east to thinking that UGA is the only team outside the top 10 with a chance of winning the national championship (I actually heard the local radio station do about 2 hours on this). All while losing AJ Green and I think their #2 WR from last year and their entire RB depth. They assume that at worst the new freshman RB will be Marcus Lattimore. No other fanbase I'd love to shut up early in the season like this.

+2

[dawgfan]

I found an old article from 2009 that listed UCLA as the fourth ... not sure whether that's changed since then & I'm too lazy to look it up at the moment.
It is indeed UCLA.

[Ksyrup]

I'll be stoked to see the Gators come out in their new Pro Combat uni's!

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad321/rgoodson1/GatorUniform.jpg

[dawgfan]

Kind of pathetic how many big schools schedule these games regardless of the money. Props to the programs that still have a set of testicles.
On the other hand, those games are relatively large paydays for those FCS programs, the kids on those FCS teams get to play in a big-time stadium at least once in their career, and if they do win, they get a memory of a lifetime.

If a bottom-feeding FBS program is going to ask for 2-3 times the guarantee of an FCS program, can you really blame an AD? Especially when the vast majority of them are already unable to balance their budgets and have to rely on state money subsidies?

[cartman]

I'll be stoked to see the Gators come out in their new Pro Combat uni's!

http://i948.photobucket.com/albums/ad321/rgoodson1/GatorUniform.jpg

I now have a reason to buy Maximum Football.

[MrBug708]

I found an old article from 2009 that listed UCLA as the fourth ... not sure whether that's changed since then & I'm too lazy to look it up at the moment.

Yes. UCLA and USC are lucky because their are enough bad teams in state to continue playing (SJSU, SDSU, FSU)

[tarcone]

I decided to post this here. A great tribute to all our fallen heroes.

Slain Navy SEAL's loyal dog may play role in Iowa Hawkeyes tribute - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/6909913/slain-navy-seal-loyal-dog-play-role-iowa-hawkeyes-tribute)

[larrymcg421]

Eight Canes suspended from 1-6 games. Four more just have to repay benefits. The bright spot for the Canes? Some of the best players involved escaped with just one game suspensions (Jacory Harris, Travis Benjamin, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston).

NCAA: 12 current Miami players accepted benefits - Investigations - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news;_ylt=AoLPtPc3QFs50JbJTJkZHuQcvrYF?slug=ys-wetzel_miami_suspensions_083011)

[Matthean]

Eight Canes suspended from 1-6 games. Four more just have to repay benefits. The bright spot for the Canes? Some of the best players involved escaped with just one game suspensions (Jacory Harris, Travis Benjamin, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston).

NCAA: 12 current Miami players accepted benefits - Investigations - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news;_ylt=AoLPtPc3QFs50JbJTJkZHuQcvrYF?slug=ys-wetzel_miami_suspensions_083011)

If we learned anything from the OSU debacle, it's that the NCAA hates having name players missing significant time.

[MacroGuru]

So BYU loses a TE, not the starter but a role player to a fractured neck. Guess he suffered the injury 10 days ago and it started bugging him on Monday. Xrays and CT found the fracture. He is out for the season and may be done for his career.

Also our only FB with experience is nursing a sprained ankle and our kicker out of all people has a hurt back.....from tying his damn shoes!

I am losing confidence by the day as we get closer to Ole Miss.

[bronconick]

Eight Canes suspended from 1-6 games. Four more just have to repay benefits. The bright spot for the Canes? Some of the best players involved escaped with just one game suspensions (Jacory Harris, Travis Benjamin, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston).

NCAA: 12 current Miami players accepted benefits - Investigations - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news;_ylt=AoLPtPc3QFs50JbJTJkZHuQcvrYF?slug=ys-wetzel_miami_suspensions_083011)

Maryland is requesting that the NCAA re-consider Jacory's suspension.

[RainMaker]

On the other hand, those games are relatively large paydays for those FCS programs, the kids on those FCS teams get to play in a big-time stadium at least once in their career, and if they do win, they get a memory of a lifetime.

If a bottom-feeding FBS program is going to ask for 2-3 times the guarantee of an FCS program, can you really blame an AD? Especially when the vast majority of them are already unable to balance their budgets and have to rely on state money subsidies?

I understand it from the FCS perspective. Tough to turn down that payday for a school with a limited athletic budge.

But major FBS programs, it's sad. I know it's about money, but you're already a major program and I can't imagine that game is all that exciting for the fans. For fuck sake Florida, you win National Championships and you're scheduling a sub-.500 FCS school? That's pathetic.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Got a pretty good chuckle out of this article. Illinois players and coaches are relieved that they have a better chance at starting 1-0 for the first time in five years. My favorite line from the article......

Some Illini players said there are pros and cons to starting out with a victory.

Good to see they can see how an opening win could be a bad thing.

Illinois football: For a change, Illinois will be expected to start season on positive note - chicagotribune.com (http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/sports/ct-spt-0831-illinois-football--20110831,0,7322656.story)

[dawgfan]

But major FBS programs, it's sad. I know it's about money, but you're already a major program and I can't imagine that game is all that exciting for the fans. For fuck sake Florida, you win National Championships and you're scheduling a sub-.500 FCS school? That's pathetic.
Well sure - there's a difference between scheduling an FCS power team like Eastern Washington or Appalachian State and scheduling a team like Presbyterian (really Cal?) or Furman. And I think it's pathetic to see a team schedule more than one FCS team in a season.

Of course, there is some entertainment value for a fan in seeing a game where their team is able to blow out the opponent and get significant playing time for younger guys lower in the depth chart.

[MrBug708]

I think Cal got screwed with the transition of the PAC-12. They are playing a conference foe as a non conference game, that's how hard it was to find opponents. Plus they aren't playing at Memorial Stadium either for the season

[Toddzilla]

Man, I'd trade 9 months of hookers, strip clubs, and cold hard cash for missing 6 games. Where can I sign up?

[Ksyrup]

Since they base the length of the suspension mostly on the value of benefits received, I'd be interested to know where they got the figures for lap dances and such.

[Kodos]

I have never been more excited for the start of college football in my life. Really looking forward to the Hoosier's opening game against Ball State. Can't wait to see Coach Wilson in action. I think he is going to really change how people look at Indiana football in the next few years. Love the attitude change that the team has adopted. GO HOOSIERS!

I just hope we have our power back so I can actually watch the game on Saturday.

[MrBug708]

I have never been more excited for the start of college football in my life. Really looking forward to the Hoosier's opening game against Ball State. Can't wait to see Coach Wilson in action. I think he is going to really change how people look at Indiana football in the next few years. Love the attitude change that the team has adopted. GO HOOSIERS!

I just hope we have our power back so I can actually watch the game on Saturday.

Sounds like the battle cry of UCLA for the last 12 years. Hopefully it works better for you than us!

[tarcone]

B1G unveils its championship trophy

http://thegazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/trophy_vert.jpg

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Might be a fun story to keep an eye on......

Vietnam Vet, 61, Joins College Football Team In Alabama | FoxNews.com (http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/09/01/vietnam-vet-61-joins-college-football-team-in-alabama/?test=latestnews)

[dawgfan]

Garza resigns (http://eye-on-collegefootball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/31675436)

Any USC fans willing to let us in on the speculation of what's going on with Garza? Health issue? Marital problems? Something highly embarrassing that he's involved in that's about to go public?

[Ksyrup]

Miss St has10 guys "not suiting up tonight."

[Ksyrup]

Garza resigns (http://eye-on-collegefootball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/31675436)

Any USC fans willing to let us in on the speculation of what's going on with Garza? Health issue? Marital problems? Something highly embarrassing that he's involved in that's about to go public?

According to twitter, ties to Willie Lyles revealed in Lyles' interview this week.

[dawgfan]

According to twitter, ties to Willie Lyles revealed in Lyles' interview this week.
Wow, that's pretty telling if true.

[Dr. Sak]

If you didn't already hate ESPN, listen to today's Dan Patrick interview of Bruce Feldman who just joined CBS Sports.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah, it looks like it's going to be a blowout, but it's fun to be finally watching some football. Hopefully UNLV makes the evening game a bit more competitive.

[digamma]

Western Carolina may have the worst defense I've ever seen. 21-0 Ga Tech with 6:30 left in the first quarter.

[digamma]

I mean, really bad. 28-0. 3:02 left in the first.

[lungs]

Badgers looking good on first drive.

[Dr. Sak]

New uni's on the officials look sharp!

[Suicane75]

It's 2011 and Temple Vs Villanova is nowhere to be seen in Philly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I mean, really bad. 28-0. 3:02 left in the first.

Much better than the showing against Gardner-Webb, that's for sure. Of course, two turnovers in the first 16 mins definitely provides something to work on.

[digamma]

Yes, they haven't been crisp since jumping out to the lead.

Tough to tell much from this game, though David Sims looks like a potential beast out of the backfield, Orwin Smith looks great and if Steven Hill can catch the ball, man does he have wheels. Both lines look suspect, which could be the undoing down the road.

[sterlingice]

B1G unveils its championship trophy



How is that pronounced? "The Big"? "B-1-G"? "The Big Ten with 12 teams?"

SI

[digamma]

File this under Paul Johnson getting what he deserves a bit. Trying to kick a field goal up 42-14 with :01 left in the first half. Kick is blocked and WCU returns it for a TD. 42-21 at the half.

[JonInMiddleGA]

File this under Paul Johnson getting what he deserves a bit. Trying to kick a field goal up 42-14 with :01 left in the first half. Kick is blocked and WCU returns it for a TD. 42-21 at the half.

Special teams play still a strong point I see ;)

[MrBug708]

Poor Izulde

[mauchow]

So far the defense of the Badgers looks the opposite of last season - we struggled big time against pass and held ground pretty well against the run. UNLV is gaining yards pretty well but just not putting up points. They could easily have 10 points tnight and depending what they finish the drive with add that to the 10.

[lungs]

I know it's just UNLV, but the Badgers offense looks pretty wicked with Russell Wilson.

[cuervo72]

I mean, really bad. 28-0. 3:02 left in the first.

Yes, they haven't been crisp since jumping out to the lead.

Tough to tell much from this game

But this is what the faithful (of any school) want in games, right? Sloppy games that are no contest? At least these all count and are all important though.


(Ok, off my soapbox, and ready to watch some college football. /flips on ESPN. 44-3. Oh.)

[digamma]

But this is what the faithful (of any school) want in games, right? Sloppy games that are no contest? At least these all count and are all important though.


(Ok, off my soapbox, and ready to watch some college football. /flips on ESPN. 44-3. Oh.)

It's 63-21 and I'm enjoying my beer, thank you.

[cuervo72]

It's 63-21 and I'm enjoying my beer, thank you.

I'm sipping wine and watching NFL preseason...so fair enough.

[cartman]

Kentucky has their hands full at the moment. Only beating Western Kentucky 7-3 at halftime.

[General Mike]

Rutgers took care of business against North Carolina Cenntral 48-0. D looked good, O looked rusty, but had some good plays at times.

[molson]

I have DirecTV and the Sports Pack and I'm still resigned to watch Syracuse/Wake through ESPN Gamecast, because it's "exclusive" to ESPN3, which my internet provider doesn't carry. Should be a good finish though if you're still watching football tonight - 29-29, 45 seconds left

[General Mike]

I have DirecTV and the Sports Pack and I'm still resigned to watch Syracuse/Wake through ESPN Gamecast, because it's "exclusive" to ESPN3, which my internet provider doesn't carry. Should be a good finish though if you're still watching football tonight - 29-29, 45 seconds left

Cuse wins it in overtime. Game ends on offensive pass interference. :popcorn:

[Balldog]

Kentucky has their hands full at the moment. Only beating Western Kentucky 7-3 at halftime.

2 of the worst QB performances I've seen in a while! Looks like Kentucky will be in for a long season offensively.

[MrBug708]

Utah gains only 292 yards on Montana St. How about that Norm Chow?

[Balldog]

2 of the worst QB performances I've seen in a while! Looks like Kentucky will be in for a long season offensively.

QBs are combined 9 for 29 with 108 yards and 4 interceptions. In the 4th quarter and Kentucky only has 60 offensive yards.

[MacroGuru]

Utah gains only 292 yards on Montana St. How about that Norm Chow?

Kalani and his defense won that game for them...I am laughing...I can't wait for Sept 17th...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Most encouraging thing from tonight's GT blowout of Western Carolina
Washington and Days were so effective they combined to throw for more yards in the first quarter (148) than Tech totaled in any game last season.

Of course that comes with the caveat of being discouraged by such a stark reminder of just how bad Tech was at throwing the ball in 2010.

[Izulde]

So yeah, we got clobbered 51-17. Spread was UNLV +35.5. Was going to bet because that screamed Gimme to me, but I didn't. Kicking myself a bit over it.

Anyway...

Takeaways
The offense looks much improved over last year already. Caleb Herring impressed me with his potential the times I saw him last year and he was the guy to really make much of anything happen this year. He's got a ways to go yet before he reaches his full potential, but I see him as an exciting two-way threat. Final numbers: 18/27, 146 yards, 2 TDs; 9 carries for 29 yards, including a 19 yard run, so he lost yardage on sacks.

Bradley Randle and Tim Cornett both looked much better than last season as well. Both had over 60 yards rushing and Randle, who I was surprised to see returning kicks, averaged 20.8 yards on returns.

That's the good news.

The bad news? The defense looks even worse than it did last season with Ronnie Paulo having graduated. Will Chandler, who was ballhawk last year, didn't look good this game, which was disappointing.

Our kicker only made one of his FG tries and he nearly missed that one. Ugly, ugly, ugly.

But the person I'm most pissed off with is Phillip Payne. Had an incredibly stupid personal foul that set us back from what looked like a strong shot at a TD, then on 3rd and 18, he dropped a pass that was right to him that would have converted to a first down.

It didn't help that our other starting WR had to stay home because of academic issues.

Seemed like every time we got down and had a good drive in that first half (I missed the second because of a prior engagement), something would happen to screw it up.

So overall, I'm cautiously optimistic about the future of the program. Already in this first game against an elite opponent in one of the toughest places to play in the country, I've seen significant strides over last year.

Can we improve on 2 wins from last year? Maybe. But I still say at most we get 4 wins out of the season, and maybe by next year we can compete to get in a minor bowl.

[Ksyrup]

Not that I'm all that invested in UK, but now living here, I'll root for the "home" team. I haven't been a fan of Joker Phillips since they announced he was taking over for Brooks, and I knew it was going to end poorly, but I thought it would be a slow descent back to awful. I didn't think he would crash and burn this quickly.

That was one of the worst offensive performances I've ever witnessed, given the competition. WKU won 2 games last year, the first of those breaking a 26 game losing streak. If they had any kind of QB play at all, they would have won that game. Dude missed 2 wide open TD passes and was generally clueless back there.

Mrogan Newton is terrible. He looked like he had never played football before, panicking and scrambling when there was barely any pressure, and then when he was pressured, flip-flopping from one side to the other unsure where to scramble to. On the few occasions he did make a decent throw, his receivers dropped the ball.

It's obviously early and no one should overreact to the first game, but with that kind of offensive performance, it's hard to see this team winning an SEC game. The bright side of that is it might hasten Joker's departure and allow them to bring in someone like Mike Leach.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Getting refocused. 27 hours until kickoff for Mizzou. Ready to see Franklin in action. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised.

[MacroGuru]

Utah gains only 292 yards on Montana St. How about that Norm Chow?

Also, there is a melt down and justification scenario happening with Utah fans today....there is a group that already want Norms head, there is another group that believes MONTANA STATE...would beat Vandy, Ole Miss and a couple of other SEC teams...

So based upon play last night and responses today...Utah fans are in Melt down mode.

[tarcone]

B1G is going to use any bowl game sanctions against a team as an eliminator for a tie in the standings to go to the B1G championship game.

[Easy Mac]

Big news in South Carolina. Spurrier has named Connor Shaw the starter over Stephen Garcia. Spurrier says this may not be the case for all games. Players are supposedly revolting on facebook.

[MJ4H]

Players are supposedly revolting on facebook.

Garcia was certainly never a looker.

[Suicane75]

That was funny.

[molson]

Boise St. holding out three players v. Georgia tomorrow (including a starting safety) over eligibility concerns. It's kind of a "Blind Side" situation - three players from Amsterdam came to the U.S. for football camps in high school and ended up staying here and graduating from Boise high schools. Their host families became their surrogate U.S. families, and continued to give them meals, occasional housing, birthday and christmas presents, etc, during and after the recruiting process and during their time as Boise St. players. (But they never legally adopted them, a "loophole" I'm surprised we haven't seen exploited more yet)

And who knows, maybe these host families only let these kids into their homes in the hopes they'd be Broncos someday...and maybe that's something we all need to be super-concerned about....but it sure seems like more silliness. Silly rules, and then minimal consequences when you break major rules. It seems like the smarter course of action, generally, is just to play everyone and hope for the best (and if the best doesn't happen, the NCAA will just slap you on the wrist), but there is some upheveal right now at Boise St. (brand new AD, brand new compliance people), so that probably contributed to this stuff coming up now.

[tarcone]

I think this happens a lot. I know of a family that "took care" of a basketball player in the 80s. They were sort of a "host" family. The kids are far away from home and these people would lend them a car or whatever.
But this was after they were enrolled. So maybe its a different animal.

[cartman]

TCU-Baylor is off to a rip-roaring start. Baylor scores a TD on a trick play, TCU takes the ensuing kickoff down to the Baylor 15, and equalize two plays later.

edit: oops, PAT missed

[bhlloy]

Who the fuck is doing the camera work on the TCU - Baylor game? They completely missed a couple plays already including the TD and now they nearly did the same thing with the blocked PAT because they decided to show some random players on the sideline for no reason.

[cartman]

The ref at the TCU-Baylor game just called:

"False start on everyone but the center. 5 yards"

[Matthean]

MSU 16 YSU 6. YSU had a extra point blocked and a missed field goal. They have 93 yards rushing near the half and are completely ball controlling the game so far. It was 90 degrees here today so it will be interesting how MSU's D holds up in the 2nd half. This really shouldn't be a game, but it's MSU so it is.

[bhlloy]

Fun game so far. Really missed college football.

[tarcone]

Im watching TCU-Baylor on ESPN3. They just had a commercial for a movie called Real Steel. The 1st thing that came to my mind is that they made a movie based in Rock em Sock em Robots. Man, Hollywood is struggling.

[TroyF]

Boise St. holding out three players v. Georgia tomorrow (including a starting safety) over eligibility concerns. It's kind of a "Blind Side" situation - three players from Amsterdam came to the U.S. for football camps in high school and ended up staying here and graduating from Boise high schools. Their host families became their surrogate U.S. families, and continued to give them meals, occasional housing, birthday and christmas presents, etc, during and after the recruiting process and during their time as Boise St. players. (But they never legally adopted them, a "loophole" I'm surprised we haven't seen exploited more yet)

And who knows, maybe these host families only let these kids into their homes in the hopes they'd be Broncos someday...and maybe that's something we all need to be super-concerned about....but it sure seems like more silliness. Silly rules, and then minimal consequences when you break major rules. It seems like the smarter course of action, generally, is just to play everyone and hope for the best (and if the best doesn't happen, the NCAA will just slap you on the wrist), but there is some upheveal right now at Boise St. (brand new AD, brand new compliance people), so that probably contributed to this stuff coming up now.


Really gotta wonder how long Peterson stays. I think this might be his last run at Boise before heading to a big name job.

Baylor looks good, but I can't believe how bad the call was on that last long pass. Clear push off that should have been called.

[TroyF]

ummmm. . . then they miss a clear cut late hit. Yikes. That was brutal.

If Baylor knew how to defend kicks, they'd be winning this game by 4 scores.

[tarcone]

Yeah. I thought it was way late also

[tarcone]

And a bad spot

[MizzouRah]

Getting refocused. 27 hours until kickoff for Mizzou. Ready to see Franklin in action. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised.

Me too.. cannot wait until 11 am tomorrow!!!

[cartman]

If Lache Seastrunk gets his waiver granted, Baylor could be a scary team.

[tarcone]

either of you guys going to the mizzou game?
I was talking to a friend last night and we are talking of trying to get to a game this year.

[bhlloy]

If Lache Seastrunk gets his waiver granted, Baylor could be a scary team.

RG3 is really good. If Colin Kaepernick is a high second round pick, he's gonna go in the first round next year just based on potential alone. And that WR #1 is an absolute beast.

[MrBug708]

RGIII is going to be the front runner for the Heisman after this weekend

[SirFozzie]

TCU is going down in flames.

edit: (Hyperbole Alert) Move over Andrew Luck, RG3 says "I'm here, and you ain't stoppin me!"

[tarcone]

Should I be shocked by Baylor? Just wow. They are dominating TCU

[TroyF]

This is an ass whoopin

[Ksyrup]

I hope Morgan Newton of UK is watching tonight. He could learn a thing or 20 about the QB position.

[tarcone]

MSU update?

[Galaxy]

What is TCU doing?

[tarcone]

About to score. On Baylors 2 at start of 4th qt. Down 47-23

[SirFozzie]

and now 47-39 4 minutes into the fourth. Baylor is losing their minds.

[tarcone]

Baylor is folding. Momentum has shifted

[TroyF]

Baylor is folding. Momentum has shifted

What an incredible game.

[SirFozzie]

If this was a game of NCAA, the Baylor player would be screaming about rubberband AI and comeback code.

[TroyF]

If this was a game of NCAA, the Baylor player would be screaming about rubberband AI and comeback code.

No doubt.

Really, if this end up falling apart for them, it comes down to special teams. I know TCU has missed some FG's, but the Baylor special teams have been horrible tonight.

Kickoff returns after Baylor scores of 73 and 68 yards. A 30 yard punt return and personal foul penalty off a 32 yard punt. A 28 yard shank.

TCU has 14 points on drives of 15 yards or less. They have 3 points on a drive where they lost 5 yards. They have two TD drives of just over 50 yards. (the second coming when I type this)

You rarely get away with special teams that putrid and even stay in the game.

[SirFozzie]

Unbelieveable.

So, how soon do you think they're going to replay this on ESPN Classic? I say noon Monday.

[SirFozzie]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

[Galaxy]

What is TCU doing?

I guess entertaining us in style.

[CU Tiger]

C h o k e

[Galaxy]

Remarkable job by Casey Parchall in his first game starting and cramping up regularly.

[kcchief19]

Does the winner of this game get an automatic bid to the Pac 12?

[tarcone]

Incredible

[TroyF]

Unbelieveable.

So, how soon do you think they're going to replay this on ESPN Classic? I say noon Monday.

We could be watching the game of the year on Friday of week one.

[TroyF]

Does the winner of this game get an automatic bid to the Pac 12?

Baylor will NEVER be in the PAC12. For the same reason BYU won't. I think it's wrong, but there is no way the PAC12 lets them in.

[kcchief19]

Remarkable job by Casey Parchall in his first game starting and cramping up regularly.
Yes, he is indeed cramping up quite well. Or he just watched a lot of soccer before the game.

Love ESPN "trying" to pimp the friendly between the US and Costa Rica: "Don't know why you want to switch from this game, but there is exhibition soccer on on one of our 12 other channels if you want to watch that."

[SirFozzie]

Are we going to get a better/crazier game this year than this one?

edit: Troy beat me to it, but the question has to be asked.

[SirFozzie]

RG3 on the receiving end of a hospital ball that QB's usually throw, not catch.

[SirFozzie]

No pressure, Baylor Kicker..

[CU Tiger]

Kickers gonna gag on it.

[SirFozzie]

Wow. That was close.

[PurdueBrad]

Last minute should be spectacular! What an amazing game.

[Bigsmooth]

Nice kick. Hundred bucks says they return the kickoff to the 50 at least.

[CU Tiger]

Lulz....

[kcchief19]

RG3 on the receiving end of a hospital ball that QB's usually throw, not catch.
As a WR, you can't hang your quarterback out to dry like that.

What are the odds TCU can score in 64 seconds?

[SirFozzie]

5 KR 45.0 AVG.. Holy crap.

[CU Tiger]

Nearly picked

[MizzouRah]

C'mon Baylor!

[Ksyrup]

How can a CB be that oblivious in that kind of situation?

[SirFozzie]

Ball game. Baylor wins.

[CU Tiger]

That time it was....kid almost forgot to hatch that ball

[TroyF]

Great game.

[Swaggs]

So glad that college football is back. :)

[Matthean]

MSU update?

I went and watched a movie, so you can likely just find the recap of it. 28-6 though. This was just another case of a team getting the kinks out in a half and letting their talent take over in the second.

[cartman]

That's what I call entertaining. Hell of a game.

[CU Tiger]

So glad that college football is back. :)

+1

[MizzouRah]

I have an itch to play NCAA 12...

[cartman]

You look and listen to Art Briles, and there is nothing else he could do but be a football coach in Texas.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

either of you guys going to the mizzou game?
I was talking to a friend last night and we are talking of trying to get to a game this year.

The conference games are going to be sellouts. There's some tickets for tomorrow and some for Western Kentucky, but not many. Season ticket sales were very high this year.

I'm going to the Texas Tech game just because that's the only day I don't have a wedding going at the winery.

[MizzouRah]

either of you guys going to the mizzou game?
I was talking to a friend last night and we are talking of trying to get to a game this year.

Not this one, but maybe 9/17.

[Dr. Sak]

Someone needs to tell TCU that they don't start in the Big East till next year...but it looks as if they thought it was this year and they were playing a mediocre conference member. ;)

[Dr. Sak]

Penn State takes the opening kickoff of the 2011 season back for a TD

[Suicane75]

Is Joe Pa on the sideline?

[MJ4H]

Do they just have trouble getting men out of bed early or something? Why is there some girl announcing the Auburn-Utah State game on ESPN2? This always seems to happen in early games. It makes no sense. I'm sorry it doesn't. Not sexist, but it would be like a guy playing Marry Poppins.

[Dr. Sak]

Is Joe Pa on the sideline?

In the Press Box today.

[MJ4H]

Auburn is struggling early with Utah State, down 14-7.

[tarcone]

Coker has a couple early fumbles. So Iowa inserts McCall who runs very nicely. QB Vandeberg a little shaky but just completed a 24 yd pass to Keenan Davis. Then a QB sneak for the TD. Iowa Leads 10-0.

[tarcone]

Alabama is crushing Kent St.
found the SEC network here in St Louis. We only have local channels. So I was happy to find this channel.

[Matthean]

Bah. ESPN 3 is doing nothing for me. It's just sitting there loading, but not actually showing me the game.

[Matthean]

Not sexist, but it would be like a guy playing Marry Poppins.

Not it's not, and yes, it is sexist.

[MJ4H]

21-7 Utah State over Auburn. 8 minutes to halftime.

[MJ4H]

lol auburn

[tarcone]

click on the game at the bottom. when i try and get it from the home page i get an error

[tarcone]

21-14 Utah St. KR for a TD by auburn

[tarcone]

Alabama is LOADED

[Matthean]

Bah. ESPN 3 is doing nothing for me. It's just sitting there loading, but not actually showing me the game.

And it loads after I send a message to support. :lol:

[Matthean]

click on the game at the bottom. when i try and get it from the home page i get an error

I was trying that as well.

[Easy Mac]

I have a game going on the tv with me in the guest bedroom. I can also see the tv in the kid's playroom. I have a game going on the laptop, a game on the pc, and a game on my touchpad.

I may have a problem.

[Easy Mac]

lol auburn

That's what happens when you lose your best player to free agency. Should have offered him more money, or RFA'd him.

[tarcone]

Im "watching" the Iowa game on my laptop on the BTN. Watching Auburn on ESPN3 on the laptop as well and watching Alabama on the TV. I think i have the same problem.

[tarcone]

Iowa scores on an 88 yd TD pass, Vandeberg to McNutt. 17-0.

[tarcone]

Iowas Soph MLB Morris picks off a pass and returns 42 yards. Iowa settles for a FG, 20-0.

[tarcone]

Prater with a pick 6. 89 yards. Iowa leads 27-0 at half.

[Matthean]

Sims really isn't ready to go for 'Bama. The good news is they are up 21-0 so he's going to play a lot today. Huge arm, but he has zero pocket presence and I'm not sure how accurate he is. Kent St's Longest drive so far is 6 yards.

[CU Tiger]

Chillin at the game.... Watchin some directv, waiting on a 3:30 kick......life IS good.

[JonInMiddleGA]

21-14 Utah State over Auburn at the half. Tigers spent much of the half getting knocked back at the line, TOP is 2:1 in favorite of the Aggies. Auburn can't run the ball at all to this point.

[tarcone]

Iowa backup freshman RB McCall rushed for 80 yards in less then a qt. Then hurt his leg. Looks to be season ending. :(

[Galaxy]

Good game in Auburn. Another upset win in the works? (*Knocks on wood*)

[Suicane75]

Utah State has been impressive today, they've never wilted and have answered everything Auburn has done.

[Matthean]

3rd INT for 'Bama QBs and almost a pick 6. Kent ST. still gets the score so it's 24-7.

[TroyF]

21-14 Utah State over Auburn at the half. Tigers spent much of the half getting knocked back at the line, TOP is 2:1 in favorite of the Aggies. Auburn can't run the ball at all to this point.

Utah St. should be up even more than they are. They have dominated Auburn today, but only lead by three now.

I haven't been impressed with Mizzou's new QB at all. He's terrific if you want a check down pass. I know it's first game and all. . . but there is no way Mizou scores enough points against OU, OSU, Texas , Baylor or A&M with him looking like he is now.

[Julio Riddols]

Man would I love to see a long Utah State drive resulting in a TD.

[MacroGuru]

Man would I love to see a long Utah State drive resulting in a TD.

It's happening!

[MacroGuru]

Oh and if Utah St pulls this win off....it scares the hell out of me this season..

[Logan]

The Utah St QB Keeton is a great athlete. True freshman, 2*, no BCS offers and comes in hot.

[Logan]

I was never more confident that a fake FG was coming in the Auburn-Utah St game.

[Galaxy]

WOW!

[tarcone]

Gene Chizik is not a good coach

[Galaxy]

Gene Chizik is not a good coach

Yeah, that national championship he won last year just proves his crapping coaching.

[tarcone]

Well he inherited a ton of great players. I dont think he did a lot of coaching. Its not hard to coach when you have the best QB in the country.

[tarcone]

Oh and he is losing to Utah st. without Newton

[Julio Riddols]

Now they need to run three plays and score.

[Julio Riddols]

2 is fine too. Utah State is a team I will watch more this year.

[MacroGuru]

Utah St has taken it to Auburn. SEC speed, strength and toughness isn't apparent right now.

[Logan]

You're really leaving down 10 with 3:30 on the clock?

[Matthean]

Well he inherited a ton of great players. I dont think he did a lot of coaching. Its not hard to coach when you have the best QB in the country.

They have to rebuild their OL line as well. Both sides of the ball lost so many players they were going to be on a down swing. They just don't have the player base to recover from that sort of loss.

[tarcone]

good call chizik. Lets run off tackle down by 10 with 3:30. GRAEAT COACHING

[MJ4H]

Yeah, that national championship he won last year just proves his crapping coaching.

That NC was not because of Chizik. Newton and Malzahn.

[tarcone]

Good teams reload, they dont rebuild. And that comes from good coaching.

[MacroGuru]

BYU beat writer is saying the press box is dead quiet at Ole Miss while they are watching this game. Stunned is what he says.

[Matthean]

5th TO by 'Bama.

[tarcone]

Quick score. Can Utah St. run the clock out?

[Galaxy]

That NC was not because of Chizik. Newton and Malzahn.

Seems like that can be said for a lot of successful teams with great talent.

[tarcone]

whats happening at the Ole miss-byu game?

[Galaxy]

whats happening at the Ole miss-byu game?

?

[tarcone]

wow, Great onside kick

[Easy Mac]

At the fuck?

[MJ4H]

Seems like that can be said for a lot of successful teams with great talent.

That the win doesn't prove the coach isn't crappy? Yep.

[Logan]

Well that looked easy.

[tarcone]

?

Nevermind. I just figured it out that they are watching the Auburn game. Sorry

[Julio Riddols]

Well, shit.

[Galaxy]

Looks like the Aggies are just standing around.

[tarcone]

shoot

[tarcone]

Iowa is in a weather delay. Some wicked storms rolling through. They cleared the stadium

[Julio Riddols]

Man, did Utah State look scared over the last 3 minutes. Oh well. Still, that TCU Baylor game was something else!

[Matthean]

ESPN 3 wont load the Utah State and Auburn game. *sigh*

[Galaxy]

Iowa is in a weather delay. Some wicked storms rolling through. They cleared the stadium

Sarah Palin is in Iowa. :D

[Logan]

Nice job letting 7 seconds come off the clock before taking the timeout.

[tarcone]

is Minny/USC on espn3?

[Matthean]

Seems like that can be said for a lot of successful teams with great talent.

I don't consider Aubrun as a team with great depth. Still, I think they lost 20+ guys from last season, IIRC. 'Bama lost a ton from it's defense two years ago and they got torched by Mallet for a half last year until they figured out how to get to him. What separates 'Bama in that situation is the fact that 'Bama has been bringing in top 3 classes on a yearly basis. Auburn will improve a lot as the season goes on, but them being 4th in the SEC West really isn't a stretch.

[tarcone]

Not a good start for ND

[bob]

Not a good start for ND

Well, looked good until that fluke. I still think ND can move the ball all over USF.

[Matthean]

W. Michigan 7, Michigan 0. Yep, defense still isn't there and Western has an offense.

[tarcone]

True. They did a nice job of getting down the field.

[Honolulu_Blue]

W. Michigan 7, Michigan 0. Yep, defense still isn't there and Western has an offense.

Yes. I know people are excited about Hoke and the recruiting job he and his staff have done so far, but I think they are forgetting that all that recruiting wont have an impact for another 2-3 years.

The defense is still pretty much the defense.

[MizzouRah]

First game and all.. but I'm with you Troy.. Franklin needs to work on his passing game. :)

A win is a win though and the defense looked great, glad we are pretty deep this year.. more injuries today.

Getting ready for tonight's Oregon - LSU game.

[bob]

Not a good start for ND

Ok, now I agree.

[Matthean]

Yes. I know people are excited about Hoke and the recruiting job he and his staff have done so far, but I think they are forgetting that all that recruiting wont have an impact for another 2-3 years.

The defense is still pretty much the defense.

Agreed. No matter how good the class is, they will still be freshmen next year.

Still trying to get use to seeing a Nebraska score and thinking Big Ten football.

[RedKingGold]

Brian Kelly's face is going to explode.

[bob]

Does anyone have a team I can borrow for the season? The team I cheer for is apparently afraid of the end zone.

[PilotMan]

Wow, Notre Dame is playing some Epic-ly bad football. Wow.

[Matthean]

Michigan gets a 94 yard pick 6. Hold Western, and then go down and get a TD to go up 20-7. You can see how the offense is very much in hybrid mode for Michigan. Robinson had a classic run from him, but there's typical Michigan football in there as well.

[Toddzilla]

So did Appy State pull the upset today? Well, not really an upset, since almost 3/4 of the ESPN clowns pick ASU to win.

[bob]

On the bright side, my weekends have really opened up for hiking this fall.

[Suicane75]

Is there some secret to getting ESPN Gamecast to work? Seems it locks up every few plays and forces me to restart my browser.

[dawgfan]

Wow, Notre Dame is playing some Epic-ly bad football. Wow.
Every year a bunch of national writers tout how "this is the year Notre Dame gets back on track!" and every year, they're wrong.

That said, I think Brian Kelly is a pretty good coach, and it's just a matter of time until he has Notre Dame consistently winning 10+ games. Until then, I'll enjoy their stumbles.

[dawgfan]

Dola -

I expected Oregon State to take another step back this year with Quizz gone and all the injuries and attrition they've had, but losing at the half to Sacramento State? Jeebus...

[tarcone]

Listen to the fans boo ND

[MrBug708]

UCLA is not good

[SnDvls]

Dola -

I expected Oregon State to take another step back this year with Quizz gone and all the injuries and attrition they've had, but losing at the half to Sacramento State? Jeebus...

they are known to be slow starters, but this is shocking :eek:

[TroyF]

Dola -

I expected Oregon State to take another step back this year with Quizz gone and all the injuries and attrition they've had, but losing at the half to Sacramento State? Jeebus...

UCLA getting pummeled by Houston. Add in the Utah struggle last night and this is not a very good opening weekend for the PAC12.

Of course, the only one that REALLY matters is tonight.

[tarcone]

Iowa beat Tenn Tech, 34-7. We lost our backup RB for the season. I guess the positive out of that is that he is a freshman.

[Matthean]

30 minute break in the Michigan game due to weather, lightning/thunder.

[I. J. Reilly]

they are known to be slow starters, but this is shocking :eek:

The sad part is our offensive line is getting manhandled. This could be a very long season.

[cuervo72]

30 minute break in the Michigan game due to weather, lightning/thunder.

Same with ND. (stadium evacuated, kinda surreal looking)

Flipped on ESPN2 and they have Troy/Clemson on. Feel like I'm watching w/o my contact lenses.

[Matthean]

Same with ND.

Flipped on ESPN2 and they have Troy/Clemson on. Feel like I'm watching w/o my contact lenses.

The odd thing is it's only raining with sun at the game, but they are using the rule for weather within a 20 mile radius. It's sunny here in MSU land.