Official College Football Thread - Week 10

[Ksyrup]

Let's get it started early!

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z163/kingsxdisciple/LSUvsBama.jpg

:D

[tarcone]

Iowa is going to get spanked by Michigan. This has been a terrible season.

[Matthean]

Iowa at least ran the ball last week and I don't think Michigan has that good of run defense yet, so I think it has a chance of being close. The key for Michigan offensively is the run blocking of the OL to help get the running game going outside of Robinson and if Robinson can throw even decently.

'Bama/LSU to me is a coin flip and I thank God it's a home game for 'Bama. Night game at LSU with The Mad Hatter on the side line with an added bye week to prepare? Oh, hell no. In the words of Keith Jackson, "This is not a good day to be a pedestrian."

[RomaGoth]

I didn't know that Throw Mama From the Train was a 'Bama fan.

[General Mike]

I'm done.

[booradley]

Yeah. Let's not forget the REAL story this weekend. Wake Forest hosts Notre Dame for the first time ever, and I have great seats! There, now you can all be happy. No, no - you're welcome!

[dawgfan]

Huskies will try to break a painful 7 game losing streak vs. the Oregon Zeroes Saturday Night. Stadium should be pretty loud - last game in Husky Stadium before it undergoes a major tear-down and rebuild (only the North upper deck will remain intact), and the school will be honoring the '91 National Championship team as well as celebrating Senior Night.

I know Washington as a program isn't recovered enough to be on even terms with the Zeroes, but we're getting closer and we have enough offense to play a shoot-out with them. We'll have to get a top-notch defensive performance just to slow them down and need to win the turnover battle, but this is the best chance I think we've had since the losing streak began.

[cartman]

I hope that the Texas Tech that played Iowa State shows up, rather than the one that played OU. I also hope that Texas can build on their epic defensive performance against Kansas. Yes, it was Kansas, but what the defense did was impressive, no matter the competition.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Gosh, hope this doesn't hurt the Dawgs too bad against mighty New Mexico State.

ERROR: The requested URL could not be retrieved (http://onlineathens.com/sports/college-sports/2011-11-01/georgia-suspends-running-backs-crowell-thomas-and-malcome-saturdays)

With the suspensions, the #1, #3, and #4 RB's on the depth chart are out this week. #2 RB Richard Samuel, who ended up with most of the carries & had a nice game against Florida was injured (ankle) on the final play of that game, had surgery this morning and is out for a month.

from the article: That leaves redshirt sophomore Brandon Harton and senior Wes Van Dyk as tailbacks available. Both are former walk-ons. Harton has rushed for 33 yards on 11 carries, all against Coastal Carolina. Van Dyk had one carry for one yard also in that game. The leading rusher available is cornerback Brandon Boykin, who has rushed for 95 yards.

My favorite part though was this bit at the end
Athletic director Greg McGarity said “absolutely not,” this afternoon when asked by The Athens Banner-Herald if discipline was held over until after the Florida game.

“This had nothing to do with the Florida game or anything,” McGarity said. “It was all timing.”

Richt declined a request this afternon to comment.

Uh-huh. Sure thing. The only part of that I believe is that the suspensions were "all timing".

edit to add: Samuel, close followers may recall, was the starting RB in 2009 before being shoved aside (to LB) to make room for Caleb King & Washaun Ealey. Seems like a tough break for a kid who had the best moments of his career on a national stage & would have gotten a ton of carries again this week (maybe cementing the job) except for the injury.

[Butter]

Iowa at least ran the ball last week and I don't think Michigan has that good of run defense yet, so I think it has a chance of being close. The key for Michigan offensively is the run blocking of the OL to help get the running game going outside of Robinson and if Robinson can throw even decently.

Iowa lost to fucking Minnesota. Minnesota, who has lost to both New Mexico State and North Dakota State.

While I appreciate your attempt to not overplay your hand, if Michigan doesn't win by at least 2 touchdowns, it's kind of an embarrassment.

[RomaGoth]

Iowa lost to fucking Minnesota. Minnesota, who has lost to both New Mexico State and North Dakota State.

While I appreciate your attempt to not overplay your hand, if Michigan doesn't win by at least 2 touchdowns, it's kind of an embarrassment.

I have to agree, especially since Michigan beat Minnesota 58-0....

[RomaGoth]

And USC beat them 19-17...

I guess by college football logic, that means that Stanford sucks because they almost lost to USC....:D

[Matthean]

Iowa lost to fucking Minnesota. Minnesota, who has lost to both New Mexico State and North Dakota State.

While I appreciate your attempt to not overplay your hand, if Michigan doesn't win by at least 2 touchdowns, it's kind of an embarrassment.

You really can't compare based on those results. New Mexico State was the game Kill had a seizure. North Dakota State also happens to be 8-0 and Kill was still dealing with medical stuff. It's partly why I think Michigan steamrolled them. I look at this much more from a match up point of view. It's why I knew MSU was beating Michigan. Michigan can be run on. Robinson will forever be a QB that can throw for under 50% completion percentage, and oh by the way, he still has 11 INTs to go with his 11 passing TDs. Let's not forget the utter and complete lack of quality road wins by Big Ten teams.

[Tigercat]

I am nervous about LSU Bama; not for LSU as a program, not for the fans, and not even for the players. I am nervous because I have "a want" for Miles to win this one. I really think a win this Saturday will be the feather/cherry on top that makes the case that Miles is very much elite as a head coach. He is such a great and unique guy, that I don't think I've ever wanted a player or coach to succeed quite as much. I can't think of any sports figure who's competence has been ridiculed to such a degree and yet managed to stay 100% good natured in public. Personality wise "the hat" is one for the ages, and hopefully he gets the win Saturday to help prove he is that on the sidelines as well.

[RainMaker]

You really can't compare based on those results.

At least there isn't a system in place that determines National Champions by this comparision. Oh wait....

[Ksyrup]

The game on right now is ridiculous. Who needs the NBA when these teams have put up 109 points and counting.

[tarcone]

Iowa has the worst pass defense in the B1G. Iowa has terrible STs. Iowa struggles passing the ball. Yeah, If Michigan doesnt beat us by at least 2 TDs, they are way overrated.

EDIT: I forgot to add that we cant stop a running QB.

[Ksyrup]

17 TDs. Wow.

[cartman]

That was a damn entertaining game. Not a lick of defense, but a lot of fun to watch.

[Matthean]

I am nervous about LSU Bama; not for LSU as a program, not for the fans, and not even for the players. I am nervous because I have "a want" for Miles to win this one. I really think a win this Saturday will be the feather/cherry on top that makes the case that Miles is very much elite as a head coach. He is such a great and unique guy, that I don't think I've ever wanted a player or coach to succeed quite as much. I can't think of any sports figure who's competence has been ridiculed to such a degree and yet managed to stay 100% good natured in public. Personality wise "the hat" is one for the ages, and hopefully he gets the win Saturday to help prove he is that on the sidelines as well.

I don't know under what measure Miles isn't an elite coach. He's the coach that terrifies me the most when going up against him. I just looked, and the line is 'Bama at -5. Seems high to me as does the 42 o/u.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Georgia Bulldogs suspend three running backs for one game - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7178202/georgia-bulldogs-suspend-three-running-backs-one-game)

ESPN now reporting (via a DawgNation "source") that the suspensions are for failing a drug test administered last week before the Florida game. But yeah, the timing of the suspensions is just coincidence I'm sure.

[Ksyrup]

Georgia Bulldogs suspend three running backs for one game - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7178202/georgia-bulldogs-suspend-three-running-backs-one-game)

ESPN now reporting (via a DawgNation "source") that the suspensions are for failing a drug test administered last week before the Florida game. But yeah, the timing of the suspensions is just coincidence I'm sure.

They had to send them out to be double checked. Came back Monday.

[Butter]

You really can't compare based on those results. New Mexico State was the game Kill had a seizure.

Yes, but they were already down 28-21 and he had the seizure with less than 20 seconds left and Minnesota was outside the 20 yard line needing a TD. It didn't really affect the result of the game.

Seizure or no, you lose to an FCS team and you are not very good at all.

[bronconick]

Heads-up records when favored by 10+ points since 2006

Wisconsin 31-0
Penn State 29-0
Indiana 6-0
Ohio State 42-2
Michigan 21-1
Nebraska 29-3
Northwestern 8-1 .
Michigan State 16-2
Purdue 14-2
Illinois 12-2
Iowa 19-9
Minnesota 2-2

[Tigercat]

Miles takes some crap, and it's probably deserved just not at the level dished out, for his game management. I'm not thinking of specifics here, just the general feeling that he's one of those mad scientist types who occasionally can't reign in that side of things when he needs to.


It only happened under Miles/Crowton. Miles, IMO of course, is the best motivator in the game. His Bowl/bye week record speaks for itself. His teams may not always be best prepared from an X and Os standpoint, but in his 6 1/2 years at LSU, I can never remember his teams coming out and being flat. Miles is also one of the top 5 recruiters in the game.

Miles is just not a good organizational mind in a pinch. He can motivate guys in a pinch, he can pull an awesome call out of the hat in a pinch, but if a coordinator like Gary Crowton isn't managing the troops in a timely and efficient manner, a guy like Miles isn't the type of head coach that can compensate for that. (Whereas a guy like Saban probably could.)

They key is Miles having coordinators that can be counted on to do all their field management on their own. If Miles can be left to motivate, recruit, and call big plays on his own, I wouldn't take any other college football coach above him.

[dawgfan]

YSeizure or no, you lose to an FCS team and you are not very good at all.
New Mexico State is bad, but they are still an FBS program.

[Ksyrup]

http://<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g9tq0IbYWt8" frameBorder=0 width=420 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe width=)

[Butter]

New Mexico State is bad, but they are still an FBS program.

North Dakota State isn't.

[Butter]

True, but the better FCS teams are actually ahead of lower FBS teams in the Sagarin ratings. It's so close these days that the Southern Conference (App. St., Georgia So., Wofford, etc.) is rated above the Sun Belt.

North Dakota St. is currently #50 in the Sagarin ratings, right above Rutgers and Cal. Minnesota is #114 and New Mexico St. is #130.

Obviously not a perfect system, but the divide between the middle to lower tier FBS teams and the top FCS teams is more # of scholarships than quality of team.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt11.htm

So, the argument continues that Minnesota is actually not a bad team then? Or is everyone just arguing to be arguing?

[RomaGoth]

So, the argument continues that Minnesota is actually not a bad team then? Or is everyone just arguing to be arguing?

I think you answered your own question.

[RomaGoth]

I have to agree, especially since Michigan beat Minnesota 58-0....

It's just that Minnesota isn't THAT bad. They probably should have beaten NM St., but it's a team playing a new QB, adjusting to a new coach, having the coach health issues, etc. I'll be interested to see if Kill can get them back to the level Glen Mason had them at or better.

Yes, Minnesota IS that bad. See post #12 in this thread.

[bronconick]

Minnesota beating Iowa means they get the honor as the worst Big Ten team this year, and probably worst BCS team this year instead of going into the archives as one of the worst in X number of years.

[bronconick]

That's just Kiffiekins having one of his derp games.

[Matthean]

Minnesota beating Iowa means they get the honor as the worst Big Ten team this year, and probably worst BCS team this year instead of going into the archives as one of the worst in X number of years.

I'm thinking Indiana is worse than Minnesota.

[Ksyrup]

OK, so I'm not going to bitch about how crappy tonight's Thursday night game is. :p

[Ksyrup]

One of the things I hate about Jimbo Fisher's playcalling is how he refuses to go for the kill shot. They haven't taken a shot down the field once. They get an INT at the 12 and he runs 4 times, twice with the FB and a QB sneak. I just don't get it. I know you don't need the points as good as the D is playing, but the offense can break an opponent's will, too. Fucking take them out - get a TO and throw the damn ball into the end zone and make them want to quit. Jesus.

[bronconick]

The amount of love Jesse Palmer was giving FSU all night was...odd from a Gator.

[Izulde]

I'm fully expecting UNLV to get stomped by Boise at our homecoming. And I'm sure our fans will be drunk, stupid, and rude, so I'll just watch it at my usual bar instead.

[Ksyrup]

The amount of love Jesse Palmer was giving FSU all night was...odd from a Gator.

Well, he was on The Batchelor. Plus, he was probably one of the dozens of ESPN "experts" they made pump us up early in the year, so he's probably trying to save face. And to give him SOME credit, maybe he's being overly complimentary to build the argument that he's neutral. He's no Danny Kanell, that's for sure. Dude KILLS Tebow on twitter. I'd love to see him call a Gator game.

[RomaGoth]

Well, he was on The Batchelor. Plus, he was probably one of the dozens of ESPN "experts" they made pump us up early in the year, so he's probably trying to save face. And to give him SOME credit, maybe he's being overly complimentary to build the argument that he's neutral. He's no Danny Kanell, that's for sure. Dude KILLS Tebow on twitter. I'd love to see him call a Bronco game.

fixed :D

[knolysis]

One of the things I hate about Jimbo Fisher's playcalling is how he refuses to go for the kill shot. They haven't taken a shot down the field once. They get an INT at the 12 and he runs 4 times, twice with the FB and a QB sneak. I just don't get it. I know you don't need the points as good as the D is playing, but the offense can break an opponent's will, too. Fucking take them out - get a TO and throw the damn ball into the end zone and make them want to quit. Jesus.

I know where you are coming from. I think Jimbo is still trying to figure out what the offense can do on the ground and thus forcing the issue. I'm a big Jimbo supporter but it does appear that he can't handle both Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator responsibilities (which isn't uncommon). He needs to find Coley a new position and hire an OC that fits his philosophy and give the guy the reins. We were awesome on offense with Jimbo as OC but merely mediocre with Jimbo as HC.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like the foot of snow in the mountains this week hurt the Colorado crowd.

Weed + Snow > Colorado + USC

[Eaglesfan27]

Colorado actually had a fairly full stadium, just arrived late. Read there were parking issues.

In any case, I know Colorado isn't very good, but it was still nice to see USC take care of business. Barkley set a USC record with 6 passing TD's tonight.

[Suicane75]

Brian Wilson is being awesome on College Gameday right now.

[Matthean]

7-0 Iowa.

[Matthean]

Iowa fails on a 4 and 1. Michigan takes it down for a score with a nifty run by Toussaint. Robinson stays in the pocket long enough to where even I am screaming for him to run with it but finds Toussaint in the end zone. Bad snap on the extra point means it's 7-6.

I'm really starting to like Toussaint as a player. He's patient and reads blocks really well. His run had a great cut back in it. He won't power over people so he needs blocking but given a little space and he's effective.

[Matthean]

Iowa at least ran the ball last week and I don't think Michigan has that good of run defense yet, so I think it has a chance of being close. The key for Michigan offensively is the run blocking of the OL to help get the running game going outside of Robinson and if Robinson can throw even decently.

Iowa lost to fucking Minnesota. Minnesota, who has lost to both New Mexico State and North Dakota State.

While I appreciate your attempt to not overplay your hand, if Michigan doesn't win by at least 2 touchdowns, it's kind of an embarrassment.

I have to agree, especially since Michigan beat Minnesota 58-0....

I look at this much more from a match up point of view. It's why I knew MSU was beating Michigan. Michigan can be run on. Robinson will forever be a QB that can throw for under 50% completion percentage, and oh by the way, he still has 11 INTs to go with his 11 passing TDs. Let's not forget the utter and complete lack of quality road wins by Big Ten teams.

Iowa has the worst pass defense in the B1G. Iowa has terrible STs. Iowa struggles passing the ball. Yeah, If Michigan doesnt beat us by at least 2 TDs, they are way overrated.

EDIT: I forgot to add that we cant stop a running QB.

Yes, Minnesota IS that bad. See post #12 in this thread.

(whistles innocently)

14-6 Iowa.

[RedKingGold]

Really bad stuff coming out of Penn State about Jerry Sandusky (former long-time defensive coordinator), Joe Paterno, and the PSU Athletic Director:

http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=6270

I think as time goes on, more will come out making the program look very, very bad. If any of this is true, the PSU athetic department, and its football program, needs a clean sweep.

[DeToxRox]

Michigan play calling is beyond atrocious today. Just giving this gamre away today.

[Matthean]

Michigan play calling is beyond atrocious today. Just giving this gamre away today.

As much as Spielman is annoying me by complaining every time Gardner goes in, that offense really isn't doing anything. If you are going to put in the QB who has an arm, use it.

I do find the Minnesota/MSU score rather entertaining. 17-14 Minnesota. It's at MSU as well.

[Matthean]

OU mailed in that game.

[mckerney]

I can't even believe Minnesota is still in this game.

[Matthean]

Unless Robinson flips some sort of switch, this game is over. 24-9 Iowa.

I still think MSU finds a way to win, but it's still 24-21 Minn.

[RPI-Fan]

UVA surging in the second half, up 28-13 on Maryland after trailing 13-7. Go Hoos!!!!!

[Matthean]

That was a great TD catch by Michigan that got ruled an incomplete.

[mckerney]

That was a great TD catch that got ruled an incomplete by Michigan.

Wow, I was sure they'd overturn that. Looked like he clearly had his knee down with possession.

[TroyF]

That was a great TD catch that got ruled an incomplete by Michigan.

No question. Every ref associated with the replay should be fired. And no, I'm not joking.

FWIW, Michigan was screwed repeatedly be the refs today. An INT near the goal line at the end of the first half was obvious PI (not even close)

Michigan blew plenty of chances to win the game (including a wide open bomb Denard missed near the end), but the refs took a sure fire 10 points away from Michigan in an 8 point game. They decided the outcome today, not the players.

[Matthean]

Bad calls happen, but it should have been overturned in the booth. Michigan's offense mailed in enough of this game I'm not going to simply blame the refs. The only time Michigan moved the ball was at the end when Iowa was up 24-9 and they knew they could bend decently but not break.

[cartman]

This is why I love college football:

OU 55 - Texas 17
Texas Tech 41 - OU 38
Texas 52 - Texas Tech 20

In the past two games, Texas has out-rushed their opponents 880 yards to 28 yards. Haven't seen that since the old wishbone days.

[mckerney]

Damn, too many mistakes for Minnesota in the second half, starting with the quick TD given up before the half.

[bronconick]

Ferentz post game: "It's nice to be leading whatever division we're in."

Hahahaha.

[Matthean]

Ferentz post game: "It's nice to be leading whatever division we're in."

Hahahaha.

Which, they aren't.

[RPI-Fan]

No question. Every ref associated with the replay should be fired. And no, I'm not joking.

FWIW, Michigan was screwed repeatedly be the refs today. An INT near the goal line at the end of the first half was obvious PI (not even close)

Michigan blew plenty of chances to win the game (including a wide open bomb Denard missed near the end), but the refs took a sure fire 10 points away from Michigan in an 8 point game. They decided the outcome today, not the players.

What on earth are you talking about? He trapped the ball against the ground. As much as I think the "go to the ground with possession" rule is stupid, as it exists that is an easy call - incomplete. And it certainly was not a matter of "incidental" contact with the ground - he used the ground in order to possess the ball.

[Matthean]

What on earth are you talking about? He trapped the ball against the ground. As much as I think the "go to the ground with possession" rule is stupid, as it exists that is an easy call - incomplete. And it certainly was not a matter of "incidental" contact with the ground - he used the ground in order to possess the ball.

From what the announcers were saying, the ball hitting the ground didn't matter as long as he showed it being under control.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

From what the announcers were saying, the ball hitting the ground didn't matter as long as he showed it being under control.

And it looked under control to me.

IT doesn't matter... if one bad call costs you the game, you didn't do what was needed to win. Michigan was outplayed all day and was lucky to even be there at the end.

[RPI-Fan]

From what the announcers were saying, the ball hitting the ground didn't matter as long as he showed it being under control.

That might be a correct statement of the rule, but it is not applicable to the play. The ball was under control before he hit the ground, but he used the ground in order to maintain control.

As I said above, I am as big of a hater of the "maintain possession all the way through the catch rule" as anyone, but as the rule is written is was the correct call, no doubt in my mind.

[Easy Mac]

furman just beat app state! Beat the #4 and #3 teams in consecutive home games.

how did we lose to Coastal and Samford?

[Matthean]

The ball was under control before he hit the ground,... but as the rule is written is was the correct call, no doubt in my mind.

Um....

[Ksyrup]

The ball was sliding out and he used the ground to trap it. Incomplete pass.

Yep. I wanted it to be a TD, but it was ruled incomplete and there's no way that was enough evidence to overturn the call. There was just enough to show the ball coming out as he hit the ground. You can't have a catch by "securing" a pass that bounces back up into your stomach or arms, no matter how close it is.

[BillJasper]

Funny how a single throw can change your thinking on a quarterback. Just watched Landry Jones throw a pass to a receiver who had five defenders within three yards. Terrible throw when he was under absolutely no pressure and it should've been easily intercepted.

He'd slide right out of the first round of the draft after that throw on my draft board. :lol:

[Ksyrup]

Apparently Big 10 favorites are all in a race to the bottom. Nebraska down 7-0 mid-2nd quarter. Yeesh.

[Ksyrup]

BTW, is there no discussion of the Sandusky scandal? This is not only unfathomable and sickening, but could finally lead to JoePa being gone. It appears he had some knowledge of things, and if the timing suggests the guy was still a part of the football team after JoePa reported an incident, it might raise enough questions to force him to leave rather than stick around while reporters dig up more connections.

BTW, this whole thing is worse than SMU, USC, Miami, Ohio State, and Cam Newton combined, times a million.

To make matters worse, Sandusky has a book called "Touched - The Jerry Sandusky Story." Seriously.

[Eaglesfan27]

BTW, is there no discussion of the Sandusky scandal? This is not only unfathomable and sickening, but could finally lead to JoePa being gone. It appears he had some knowledge of things, and if the timing suggests the guy was still a part of the football team after JoePa reported an incident, it might raise enough questions to force him to leave rather than stick around while reporters dig up more connections.

BTW, this whole thing is worse than SMU, USC, Miami, Ohio State, and Cam Newton combined, times a million.

To make matters worse, Sandusky has a book called "Touched - The Jerry Sandusky Story." Seriously.

Agreed - this is sickening. It's a farce if the NCAA doesn't take action.

[bhlloy]

JoePa is a sacred institution. What do you expect to happen?

[Ksyrup]

This is on a whole other level, though. This isn't about academics vs. athletics, or pro vs. amateur. This is equivalent to the Catholic church stuff.

[mckerney]

Which, they aren't.

In his defense he never said that they were, just that it's nice when you are. :lol:

[mauchow]

Good to see Wisconsin continue its domination of sub-par teams. So damn close to a great season. Hope and pray we can get into the B1GCG.

[cuervo72]

Gosh, hope this doesn't hurt the Dawgs too bad against mighty New Mexico State.

Seriously...NM State? I thought every NCAA game was of major importance, especially in the SEC.

[RedKingGold]

This is on a whole other level, though. This isn't about academics vs. athletics, or pro vs. amateur. This is equivalent to the Catholic church stuff.

This. This is beyond NCAA type stuff. As I posted earlier in this thread, I think we've only scratched the surface. It was a pretty big surprise when Sandusky retired in 1999, so I wouldn't be surprised if there are instances back then that were known by PSU and not reported.

[tucker rocky]

Is Keith Jackson going to be in the booth for the LSU/Alabama game? :D

[dawgfan]

BTW, is there no discussion of the Sandusky scandal? This is not only unfathomable and sickening, but could finally lead to JoePa being gone. It appears he had some knowledge of things, and if the timing suggests the guy was still a part of the football team after JoePa reported an incident, it might raise enough questions to force him to leave rather than stick around while reporters dig up more connections.

BTW, this whole thing is worse than SMU, USC, Miami, Ohio State, and Cam Newton combined, times a million.

To make matters worse, Sandusky has a book called "Touched - The Jerry Sandusky Story." Seriously.
It really deserves its own thread. I'd like to hear from some Penn State fans to know what the story was with him "retiring" at age 55 in '99 - sounds fishy to me in light of these allegations.

[RomaGoth]

Oregon State making things interesting against Stanford and Nebraska now losing 14-3 to Northwestern.

[cartman]

I could have sworn I saw a thread with the Penn State stuff earlier today.

[bronconick]

Yeah, Penn State's not a NCAA issue. It's a new President/Board of Regents burning the athletic department to the ground and starting anew type of issue.

[Kodos]

That article about Penn State is just plain sickening. They are my second-favorite college football team, but what occurred there is unforgivable.

[Matthean]

I could have sworn I saw a thread with the Penn State stuff earlier today.

Post #57. It will be interesting to see how the fall out of this happens. Joe Pa is one of the most respected college football coaches ever and could be deemed invincible outside of something of this nature.

[Buccaneer]

Continuously amazed at how accurate Luck is when throwing to receivers in stride, esp. in throwing to the correct side of the body. That's a critical skill to me for a QB, which I don't see a lot of.

[cartman]

Northwestern just got a big strike to go up 21-10 with 12 minutes left in the game.

[cartman]

Will A&M be the first team to hire separate first and second half coaches? It was 13-10 OU at the half, and with time still left in the 3rd quarter the score is 41-10 OU.

[DeToxRox]

Finally over the disappointment of the Michigan game. I figured it'd be close either way and it turns out I was right. The offense needs an identity but in all honesty I can't be too mad because it's still night and day over last year and there are players who are emerging. Blake Countess is going to be a damn good one before his time is done.

[RomaGoth]

Finally over the disappointment of the Michigan game. I figured it'd be close either way and it turns out I was right. The offense needs an identity but in all honesty I can't be too mad because it's still night and day over last year and there are players who are emerging. Blake Countess is going to be a damn good one before his time is done.

A couple more good recruiting years, especially on defense, and we should be back to elite status, especially as overrated as the BIG10 is.

[tarcone]

Go Hawks!
Great win. And a surprising one. Didnt see it. But it sounds exciting. And to end on the Iowa 3 yard line after 4 incompletions by Michigan. Wow.

[Matthean]

MSU is basically handed the Legends division.

[DeToxRox]

MSU is basically handed the Legends division.

In all honesty, I expect Iowa to win next week. They control their own destiny. Beat MSU, then likely beat Purdue and they play for the division vs Nebraska.

[tarcone]

In all honesty, I expect Iowa to win next week. They control their own destiny. Beat MSU, then likely beat Purdue and they play for the division vs Nebraska.

Michigan St. struggles on the road. But Iowa is Bi-polar this season. It will be a battle.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

MSU is basically handed whatever division they are in.

Get it right.

[JonInMiddleGA]

A guy I went to school with is covering the Bama-LSU game for FoxSports. About an hour ago he posted a picture of the stadium along with this comment

Approaching the world speed record for filling up a 102000-seat stadium. Like refugees behind a food truck.

[Matthean]

State has a physical run defense and that's what is needed against Iowa so I'm not willing to simply say Iowa wins although it will be difficult to win there. Let's not forget Nebraska and Iowa still have games they can possibly lose as well.

I think my curiosity in regards to Gardner is waning. He overthrows just about everything and his ability to read coverages can be timed with a sun dial. Robinson does really well in all of the phases of his game outside of his sheer mind numbing ability to not be able to actually throw the ball even near decently. Michigan's offense won't turn the corner until it has a QB go, "Hi. I'm your QB." I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Morris starts at some point as a freshman. Hell, if a top flight QB got recruited in this upcoming class, I could see him getting playing time next year as well. So frustrating to see an offense stuck in transition like this.

[MJ4H]

Just fucking lovely. Arkansas at least isn't playing flat in the first half, but holy shit. Dropped two literally wide open touchdown passes that 6th graders could catch, no points on each drive as a result. Also missed two field goals. 20 pts. left on the table in the first half. 20. Also, handed South Carolina 7 on a silver platter with one of the worst pick 6s I've seen. Still leading by 10 at halftime 24-14. Not exaggerating when saying this should be at least 38-7 at halftime.

Ugh.

[kingfc22]

Saban might want to put a little more effort in recruiting kickers.

[Tigercat]

One organizational aspect that Miles wins over Saban, Miles does an excellent job of recruiting special teams players. Considering how important a punter and a kicker can be, it is strange that going back to his LSU days Saban never placed a real emphasis on finding good kickers.

[Tigercat]

LSU QBs not looking good under pressure on the road tonight. I have a feeling Lee will pick himself up at some point in the game, and thanks to Bama FG kicking, he should have a chance to get LSU a win by that point.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Saban might want to put a little more effort in recruiting kickers.

Well, at least kickers who can hit from longer than 40.

Shelley is 11/12 from <40 this year, but 0/1 >40
Foster, tonight's culprit, is now 1/5 this season >40 (was 5/7 last year at >40)

At this point, longer than 40 you either go for it or punt.

[Tigercat]

No call on holdings happen all the time, but sooner or later the refs need to call one on Bama to keep them a little more honest. There are tons of them along that line right now. I know Danielson is seeing them because he expected one to finally get called there.

[MJ4H]

Well hooray. Another drive where we helped them with half the yards on the drive with penalties. 24-21 Arkansas. Jesus Christ. Halftime it was 250-50 total yards.

[Izulde]

So Boise State was already going to rape UNLV, right? Well, Tim Cornett, our #2 rusher, got suspended for the game along with Tani Maka, our leading tackler.

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised to see Broncos win by 50.

[Matthean]

Just a frustrating half to watch 'Bama move the ball that well and get 3 points for it. LSU's red zone defense isn't really that good, and 'Bama is having a hell of a time getting in the red zone but starting deep in their own territory isn't helping.

[Tigercat]

LSU has allowed 9 TDs in 16 red zone trips by the opposition. Alabama has allowed 5 TDs in 9 red zone trips by the opposition. Nearly equal percentage, I wouldn't say that LSU's red zone defense isn't that good. (Scoring percentage against in the red zone is very overrated, in that it shouldn't be rated at all, only TD % should really matter. If you are a good enough defense to force more FGs and never have to make a goal line stand, it skews against you. A FG allowed in the red zone is a win.)

[B & B]

Roll Tide.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I think my curiosity in regards to Gardner is waning. He overthrows just about everything and his ability to read coverages can be timed with a sun dial.

Gardner is an unknown... He can't really mature as a QB as long as he isn't getting snaps. To run a few plays in practice as the backup/gimmick play guy isn't the same as getting 1st team reps during the week & facing an actual defense series after series on Saturday.

Michigan isn't going to make a switch at this point of the season, but it would be great if, after the bowl game, Robinson went to coach and said "My future isn't going to be as a QB, so let's see how I can help this team win simply as a weapon."

[MJ4H]

30-21 Arkansas over South Carolina after 3 quarters. Very frustrating game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

30-21 Arkansas over South Carolina after 3 quarters. Very frustrating game.

I have to pull against you (for SEC East reasons), so that probably assures you of a win.

[mauchow]

I really hope the MNCG is not a rematch of this game. It's gotta be someone else.

[MJ4H]

I have to pull against you (for SEC East reasons), so that probably assures you of a win.

Totally understand.

My blood pressure can't take this game, nor this team this season.

37-28 Arkansas, 8 and change left.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Not going to panic about the SEC East yet. Just going to need SC to beat Florida and Auburn to beat UGA and I believe that still keeps UGA out of the conference championship game.

Somebody that follows might check my math on that though.

[cschex]

LSU's o-line is the reason we're losing this game right now. How many damn false start penalties can you have on first and 10?

[Tigercat]

OL is getting schooled when it isn't an option run, and QBs can't make throws. And yet, LSU is in a position to fight to win this one. A lot of credit to having to play this defense on the road though, on a neutral/home field our QBs probably wouldn't be quite this awful. If LSU can even just survive this game with a win, even a seriously ugly win, they deserve to be #1. Defense is stepping up and competing, the offense needs to make a play now.

[kingfc22]

I say INT

[mauchow]

Here comes the big challenge - not that it matters, LSU will just do a three and out anyway and bama will get the ball back and kick a go ahead field goal.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's a catch, not a pick.

[mauchow]

I say INT

Agreed. WIlliams didn't have possession yet.

[RedKingGold]

That's a pick, not a catch.

[mauchow]

That behind the end zone angle confirms it for me - interception, easily.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Bullshit call, horrible interpretation & I honestly don't see how anyone - official or FOFC'er - not named Stevie Wonder could miss it.

[mauchow]

Really...?

[Tigercat]

He looked like he had it secured for a millisecond in the air, but it was being bobbled and unsecured (thanks to Reid's hands in there) by the time any part of his body hit the ground, Reid was the only one touching the ground with the ball secured.

[mauchow]

Bullshit call, horrible interpretation & I honestly don't see how anyone - official or FOFC'er - not named Stevie Wonder could miss it.
The behind the endzone view shows that the transfer had already begun before he hit the ground - he never had control of it.

[mauchow]

Nice job Maze..

[Eaglesfan27]

Nice job Maze..

Shouldn't be playing if he can't catch that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The behind the endzone view shows that the transfer had already begun before he hit the ground - he never had control of it.

Unless I'm, quite literally, hallucinating, his back hit the ground with the ball in his hands. The play ends right there, and it's with him in possession of the football.

[Tigercat]

LSU defense might be getting worn down at this point. If Bama is smart they just run, run, run.

[JonInMiddleGA]

How the hell did ASU lose to UCLA?

[JonInMiddleGA]

UCLA over ASU? What?

Yep. ASU missed a FG as time expired apparently, UCLA holds on 29-28. Game-winning TD by UCLA with 49 seconds left.

[cschex]

WTF Tyrann? Do we need to just suspend him again?

[Tigercat]

Hope Kirkpatrick is ok, would not be cool to see a good player injured on a penalty. Honey badger needs to learn to channel himself better, play cleaner and talk less trash.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Umm ... I'm a little less worried about my eyesight here since that was such a long-range replay I can kind of cut myself some slack, but I was expecting a personal foul for what looked like a clothesline rather than a holding call.

[kingfc22]

UCLA now holds their own destiny to reach the PAC-12 title game. rofl!

Hopefully, KSU hangs on which will get Stanford up to #2.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, I can see both how they called it and how I saw something different from the first angle.

[Tigercat]

WTF Tyrann? Do we need to just suspend him again?

He wasn't trying to injure him I'm sure, just trying to take the guy he was supposed to block out of the play. Hope he gets a few earfulls regardless.

[kingfc22]

Umm ... I'm a little less worried about my eyesight here since that was such a long-range replay I can kind of cut myself some slack, but I was expecting a personal foul for what looked like a clothesline rather than a holding call.

Definitely right about that.

[kingfc22]

This game is likely to finish 15-12 with 3OT.

[MizzouRah]

Mizzou gives up almost 700 yards? Ugh....

[Julio Riddols]

I think from watching the game, Alabama is clearly the better overall team. They have moved the ball better and their defense is just ridiculous. LSU is lucky not to be down by 10 or so.

[Izulde]

UNLV-Boise State tied 7-7 in the second quarter. Surprising.

[RedKingGold]

This K-State/OSU game is pretty fun.

[EagleFan]

How wasn't that first down play ruled as being out of bounds? The back landed on the defender who was out of bounds and the back didn't touch the ground until he was out of bounds himself.

[cschex]

Agree that Bama's defense is the best, but LSU's defense is what it has been all year, incredibly opportunistic. Also, conservative play calling is not the way to beat this good of a run D

[Tigercat]

I think from watching the game, Alabama is clearly the better overall team. They have moved the ball better and their defense is just ridiculous. LSU is lucky not to be down by 10 or so.

Overall, they are tonight, but they are also playing a home night game in front of 100k. The game would likely be exactly flip flopped in Baton Rouge. I think the teams are pretty dead even head to head. LSU defense has been just as good as Bama's in the second half, IMO.

[Lathum]

Jesus Christ, we may have a chance if Keith Price would stop throwing the ball to the Ducks.

[EagleFan]

Jeez, how different can two games be.... 6-6 and (about to be) 45-45

[Julio Riddols]

Overall, they are tonight, but they are also playing a home night game in front of 100k. The game would likely be exactly flip flopped in Baton Rouge. I think the teams are pretty dead even head to head. LSU defense has been just as good as Bama's in the second half, IMO.

I think I can agree with that. If either team had a great offense, there would be no doubt who the better team is, but they are pretty much mirror images of each other.

[Lathum]

wow, Alabama looked lost on that last series.

[Julio Riddols]

And Bama might have just lost it there.

[mauchow]

Time for a new kicker.

He has horrible technique.

[DeToxRox]

I don't know how Bill Snyder does it, but KSU has almost no talent but they fucking come to play all the time and are just relentless. I don't expect them to overcome the latest TD by OSU but color me impressed.

[Crapshoot]

Is there any reason for LSU to put the ball in the air?

[JonInMiddleGA]

I cannot believe Alabama has pissed this one away. The kicking has been GT'esque.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Is there any reason for LSU to put the ball in the air?

Other than complete insanity I can't think of one.

[EagleFan]

I really hope either OK St or Stanford runs through undefeated as I don't think I can watch another LSU-Bama matchup.

+1, it's like watching paint dry

[kingfc22]

"Game of the Century" hah!

[EagleFan]

Why run left there?

[EagleFan]

okay, that one made more sense.

[kingfc22]

A blocked kick would only be fitting...

[EagleFan]

okay, back to the exciting game.

[Tigercat]

"Game of the Century" hah!

For defensive coordinators and high school kickers that want more scholly opportunities.

[Tigercat]

That was a game of survival, QBs need to make sure they show up against Arky and in the SECCG.

[DeToxRox]

If Okie State played LSU in the BCS Title game, LSU would absolutely destroy the Pokies. LSU has the best college secondary I can recall seeing.

[Radii]

Grats LSU, condolences to everyone else who wasted a Saturday evening watching that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I honestly can't believe that just happened. I can only imagine how somebody who actually likes Bama must feel.

[EagleFan]

Nice catch, 1st and goal.

[EagleFan]

They took too much time on that play.

[mauchow]

That was 100% pass interference.

[JonInMiddleGA]

LSU has the best college secondary I can recall seeing.

Huh? A better QB would have almost certainly picked apart a group that makes so many coverage mistakes (and tries to cover them with athleticism).

If Arkansas can pass protect, I'd give them a chance to knock LSU off.

[RedKingGold]

Grats LSU, condolences to everyone else who wasted a Saturday evening watching that.

Yup

[EagleFan]

Did he just call the Alabama/LSU game a classic with a straight face?

[DeToxRox]

Huh? A better QB would have almost certainly picked apart a group that makes so many coverage mistakes (and tries to cover them with athleticism).

If Arkansas can pass protect, I'd give them a chance to knock LSU off.

LSU has absurd talent at every position in the secondary. I think with a month plus to prepare for Oklahoma State they will do an absolute number on Okie State. That entire defense is on another level of anything OSU will see all year.

[QuikSand]

Seriously, there couldn't be another game that so clearly shows the fundamental weakness in the NCAA overtime system. The "here, we'll just give you the ball at the other team's 25" notion is so dramatically far removed from what that game was about it's sick.

Also can't believe Alabama lost, though I'll still cash in my winnings.

[EagleFan]

So close.

[Matthean]

I cannot believe Alabama has pissed this one away. The kicking has been GT'esque.

Yep. Mind numbing frustrating and depressing to watch. I really don't want to see 'Bama play BSU is a game they don't care about and one BSU would love to win.

[jbergey22]

If Okie State played LSU in the BCS Title game, LSU would absolutely destroy the Pokies. LSU has the best college secondary I can recall seeing.

Then it would be a great matchup because Okie St has 6 stud WRs and a freakishly good offense. I know we all like to think the SEC is the best in everything but none of the offenses LSU have played are comparable to the skill they would see from OKl St.

LSU might score at will on Okie St but it wont be from LSU shutting them down.

[jbergey22]

Bama can put the blame on their qb that should be starting in the MAC and their kicking.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Did he just call the Alabama/LSU game a classic with a straight face?

I don't have a problem with that, old school football with two exceptional defenses.

You keep Richardson from beating you, in spite of the fact that you have no offensive threat to speak of? And do it under this kind of spotlight? That's pretty classic afaic.

[Tigercat]

Huh? A better QB would have almost certainly picked apart a group that makes so many coverage mistakes (and tries to cover them with athleticism).

If Arkansas can pass protect, I'd give them a chance to knock LSU off.

They are still young (mostly Sophs) at DB, so they do make coverage mistakes. But at least one of the blown assignments today was on our coverage MLB. Also, part of the reason Richardson was held in check in the second half was because slot CBs and Ss were blitzing so often. It was also why LSU generated pressure in the second half. Its the most talented secondary in college football, and I think future NFL drafts will back that up.

To me the bigger question is, does the LSU pass rush live up to its billing? The lack of one is why Smith and WVU carved up some good yardage in the second half of that game, and it is a big reason why Bama had some big passes to WRs during the first three quarters.

[Matthean]

Bama can put the blame on their qb that should be starting in the MAC and their kicking.

Outside of the sack at the end he wasn't all that bad. One INT against LSU isn't too bad. If I want to see sub par QBing, I watch the Big Ten.

The call that lead to the INT near the goal line I thought was horrible. As soon as he dropped back I knew bad was about to happen.

[Izulde]

Was 14-14 but then Boise State scored with 25 seconds left in the first half. I'm still shocked UNLV's hung in there this long.

[Lathum]

Washington is giving Oregon a real game here. If Price keeps settling in, they've got a legitimate chance at this pulling off the upset.

Amazing what happens when we don't turn the ball over.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Have I mentioned that I dislike college overtime?

Fun game tonight though...

[cmp]

If that was a Big Ten game everyone would be complaining about how terrible it was.

[jbergey22]

Outside of the sack at the end he wasn't all that bad. One INT against LSU isn't too bad. If I want to see sub par QBing, I watch the Big Ten.

The call that lead to the INT near the goal line I thought was horrible. As soon as he dropped back I knew bad was about to happen.

He had a lot of chances to make plays and failed. In OT alone he made a horrid pass on the screen to Richardson and overshot him OOB when he open along the sidelines. And yes the Int to the wide open TE was without saying. That is a pass that needs to be completed. You would expect more from a QB on the #2 team in the nation playing at home against a team stacking against the run.

[Matthean]

He had a lot of chances to make plays and failed. In OT alone he made a horrid pass on the screen to Richardson and overshot him OOB when he open along the sidelines. And yes the Int to the wide open TE was without saying. That is a pass that needs to be completed. You would expect more from a QB on the #2 team in the nation playing at home against a team stacking against the run.

Not every QB is Andrew Luck. LSU is the number one team in the country, and I would rather have him over both of their QBs.

[RomaGoth]

Was 14-14 but then Boise State scored with 25 seconds left in the first half. I'm still shocked UNLV's hung in there this long.

I think this is a combination of BSU being slightly overrated and (no offense to UNLV fans), but probably a little bored/underwhelmed for this game as well.

[jbergey22]

Not every QB is Andrew Luck. LSU is the number one team in the country, and I would rather have him over both of their QBs.

It wouldnt take Andrew Luck to make them plays.

[jbergey22]

so if Oklahome State loses to Oklahome and Stanford loses to Oregon which are both very possible does this mean Bama jumps ahead of Boise for the rematch?

[Matthean]

It wouldnt take Andrew Luck to make them plays.

You also missed the point that the number one team in the country doesn't exactly have stellar QBs either.

[Matthean]

so if Oklahome State loses to Oklahome and Stanford loses to Oregon which are both very possible does this mean Bama jumps ahead of Boise for the rematch?

'Bama lost at home. As much as it pains me, Boise State should be ahead of them.

[cmp]

so if Oklahome State loses to Oklahome and Stanford loses to Oregon which are both very possible does this mean Bama jumps ahead of Boise for the rematch?

I think a 1 loss Oklahoma team might get in before Bama.

[Izulde]

I think this is a combination of BSU being slightly overrated and (no offense to UNLV fans), but probably a little bored/underwhelmed for this game as well.

No offense taken. The program is complete shit right now and I'm still not sold on Hauck turning it around. It's frustrating because even if the on campus stadium they've been talking about the last few years never gets built, the football team would get a ton of support if they started developing consistent winning. And I'm not even talking conference titles. I'm talking consistent above .500, bowl-eligible seasons.

I mean hell, the basketball team even when it needed a rebuild when Kruger first came to campus, was still strongly supported (Of course, the Thomas & Mack is also a great place to watch a basketball game whereas Sam Boyd Stadium is a soul-less, dull pit in the middle of the desert).

[jbergey22]

You also missed the point that the number one team in the country doesn't exactly have stellar QBs either.

I didnt get the relevance and I didnt care to debate that. Both teams dont have great QB play. Part of the reason the score was 9-6 tonight.

[cuervo72]

Grats LSU, condolences to everyone else who wasted a Saturday evening watching that.

And to think we made fun of Browns-Seahawks.

[Matthean]

And to think we made fun of Browns-Seahawks.

Don't worry, Denver and Oakland is a featured game tomorrow.

[JonInMiddleGA]

As much as it pains me, Boise State should be ahead of them.

LOL

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think a 1 loss Oklahoma team might get in before Bama.

Not if the pollsters do their job.

[RomaGoth]

so if Oklahome State loses to Oklahome and Stanford loses to Oregon which are both very possible does this mean Bama jumps ahead of Boise for the rematch?

This could also happen if Oklahoma State loses to Oklahoma :)

[cmp]

I just don't see them letting a rematch happen. They jumped a 1 loss Florida team over Michigan in 06 who lost by 3 on the road. Even if Bama was ahead of Oklahoma initially I think Oklahoma would jump them if they won out.

[jbergey22]

This could also happen if Oklahoma State loses to Oklahoma :)

Good call!;)

I never proof read. Its why I end up editing 90 percent of my posts.

[RomaGoth]

I didnt get the relevance and I didnt care to debate that. Both teams dont have great QB play. Part of the reason the score was 9-6 tonight.

I hate the SEC but enjoyed this game. I don't need to see 100 points scored every game to validate well-played football. These were 2 of the best defenses I have seen in a very long time, and I am not so sure that even the second coming of Brett Favre in Andrew Luck would have done much better tonight.

[Lathum]

As much as it pains me, Boise State should be ahead of them.

I'm sorry, but this is an absurd statement IMO. Alabama would beat Boise by 21+. Is Boise a fun program and a nice story, yes, but lets not pretend they are a legitimate NC contender with the schedule they play.

[RomaGoth]

I'm sorry, but this is an absurd statement IMO. Alabama would beat Boise by 21+. Is Boise a fun program and a nice story, yes, but lets not pretend they are a legitimate NC contender with the schedule they play.

This again?

*sigh*

[Lathum]

FWIW I think a 1 loss Oregon team gets in over any of the other 1 loss teams. Their only loss would be to LSU and they would have wins over Stanford, USC, Arizona State, and whoever they play in the PAC 12 title game.

[jbergey22]

I hate the SEC but enjoyed this game. I don't need to see 100 points scored every game to validate well-played football. These were 2 of the best defenses I have seen in a very long time, and I am not so sure that even the second coming of Brett Favre in Andrew Luck would have done much better tonight.

I dont mind defensive battles I just think the bama QB blew it. In games like that you get few chances to make plays so when you get them they need to be made. He blew every chance to make a play he had.

I think Luck would have found a way to get the ball to the wide open TE running a deep cross without having it picked.

[Lathum]

This again?

*sigh*

What again?

Anyone who thinks a team should have a shot in the title game just because they go unbeaten isn't looking at things objectively. Houston is unbeaten, should we be talking about them as a NC contender?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Anyone who thinks a team should have a shot in the title game just because they go unbeaten isn't looking at things objectively. Houston is unbeaten, should we be talking about them as a NC contender?

I'd give them as much consideration as BSU. And I'm not sure they wouldn't present at least as much of a challenge to Bama or LSU.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I dont mind defensive battles I just think the bama QB blew it. In games like that you get few chances to make plays so when you get them they need to be made. He blew every chance to make a play he had.

I don't recall him having very many honestly (and believe me, I've seen enough shitty QB play in the past few years to last a lifetime, so I know it when I see it).

[RomaGoth]

FWIW I think a 1 loss Oregon team gets in over any of the other 1 loss teams. Their only loss would be to LSU and they would have wins over Stanford, USC, Arizona State, and whoever they play in the PAC 12 title game.

Yes, that brutal schedule the Ducks have against Missouri State, Nevada, Arizona, Cal, and Colorado is almost as tough as Boise State's. I realize they lost to LSU and have yet to play Stanford and USC, but c'mon...Oregon? I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose both of those games btw.

[MJ4H]

Have I mentioned I love college overtime?

[RomaGoth]

What again?

Anyone who thinks a team should have a shot in the title game just because they go unbeaten isn't looking at things objectively. Houston is unbeaten, should we be talking about them as a NC contender?

Isn't this how the championship game is chosen? Last I checked, the BCS system is totally subjective.

[Matthean]

What again?

Anyone who thinks a team should have a shot in the title game just because they go unbeaten isn't looking at things objectively. Houston is unbeaten, should we be talking about them as a NC contender?

Are we forgetting that Georgia will most likely win the SEC East and BSU beat them by 14 at Georgia?

[Lathum]

Are we forgetting that Georgia will most likely win the SEC East and BSU beat them by 14 at Georgia?

And it was a nice win. Are we forgetting 'Bama curb stomped Arkansas, Florida, and Penn State?

[Lathum]

Isn't this how the championship game is chosen? Last I checked, the BCS system is totally subjective.

Unless there is a playoff or every team plays each other you have to factor in strength of opponents played. Boise plays 1-2 difficultly opponents a year. Teams in the SEC play almost every week against top competition, you have to factor in attrition.

[Lathum]

Yes, that brutal schedule the Ducks have against Missouri State, Nevada, Arizona, Cal, and Colorado is almost as tough as Boise State's. I realize they lost to LSU and have yet to play Stanford and USC, but c'mon...Oregon? I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose both of those games btw.

You can cherry pick any schedule out there, doesn't mean a thing. Lets hope this argument doesn't matter and the Huskies give them their second loss tonight.

[RomaGoth]

And it was a nice win. Are we forgetting 'Bama curb stomped Arkansas, Florida, and Penn State?

And this thread officially enters the netherworld again. Let's cover it all right here:

We need a playoff system.
Why, this one works just fine! The best teams from the SEC play in the NCG!
Boise State is a cute story, but they could never play with the SEC.
But they beat Georgia this year.
That's irrelevant, Alabama beat 3 SEC teams, so there!
They have also beaten Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and TCU.
Those games don't mean anything though, because they aren't in the SEC!
We need a playoff system, you know, like every other major sport in North America.
Why, this one works just fine!

[cuervo72]

And it was a nice win. Are we forgetting 'Bama curb stomped Arkansas, Florida, and Penn State?

Penn State is a fraud and Florida's victories this year have been against FAU, UAB, Tennessee, Kentucky and Vandy. And oh boy, they'll get another against Furman.

I'll grant you Arkansas.

[HeavyReign]

Solid answer by Washington. If price stays composed this half then they should be able to keep scoring. Could really use a TO by the defense to get even.

[bronconick]

And it was a nice win. Are we forgetting 'Bama curb stomped Arkansas, Florida, and Penn State?

If Florida's Alabama's 3rd best win, the SEC has taken a massive step backwards and Alabama should be happy with their Sugar Bowl bid.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Are we forgetting that Georgia will most likely win the SEC East and BSU beat them by 14 at Georgia?

Only if SC can't beat Florida (which has lost 4 of 5 conference games) AND if Georgia can find a way to beat Auburn, which doesn't seem likely even with a pedestrian looking set of Tigers.

Even more likely IMO is UGA winning the East in spite of going 1-1 in their last two conference games (lose to Auburn, beat Kentucky). At this point, Georgia's best win is against pair of 5-4 teams (Florida & Miss State). It's hard to imagine a less impressive resume for a division champ but that's the reality of how down the SEC East is right now.

edit to add: It's even possible that they could win the East win GT as their best win of the year ... even more disturbing (for SEC fans) is that they could win the east after losing to GT. At that point they're maybe 8-4 with their best win being Florida.

[RomaGoth]

You can cherry pick any schedule out there, doesn't mean a thing.

Uhh, didn't you just cite Boise State's schedule? :confused:

Lets hope this argument doesn't matter and the Huskies give them their second loss tonight.

That is something we can agree on!

[Matthean]

And it was a nice win. Are we forgetting 'Bama curb stomped Arkansas, Florida, and Penn State?

No, but I think it's a crock that a team like BSU who continues to do rather well in BCS games, goes undefeated and is considered unworthy of a title game unless there are no other undefeated teams remaining from the big conferences. I almost dare say a one loss SEC and Big 12 teams might still get the nod over them.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I almost dare say a one loss SEC and Big 12 teams might still get the nod over them.

If they don't then the system is broken, and you've got a legitimate argument for revision.

[Izulde]

And now Boise State is slowly starting to pull away. 28-14.

[Lathum]

Penn State is a fraud and Florida's victories this year have been against FAU, UAB, Tennessee, Kentucky and Vandy. And oh boy, they'll get another against Furman.

I'll grant you Arkansas.

I agree Penn state isn't as good as their record, but they still went on the road and crushed them. As for Florida, I would wager there are more NFL players on Floridas roster than all the teams Boise has played combined if you take Georgia out of the mix.

[Matthean]

If they don't then the system is broken, and you've got a legitimate argument for revision.

You already think 'Bama should be ranked ahead of BSU. If OU beats OK. State, does OU get ranked ahead of BSU? If so, the system is broken.

[Lathum]

Uhh, didn't you just cite Boise State's schedule? :confused:



I cited their schedule, I didn't cherry pick it. Two very different things.

[bronconick]

Boise's administration/coaching knows they're not doing enough to play for titles. I'm pretty sure I've never heard Petersen agitate like Meyer or Mack Brown have. It's always fans or media. They know that even if they somehow filled up their non-conference with Georgia/Ohio State/Texas/USC all on the road or whatever, they'd still need at least everyone else to lose a game if not some teams to lose two.

Why bother? All that got Fresno State was 9-3 seasons. Play one, maybe two difficult games, cash your BCS paycheck and your school is getting discussed on a weekly basis anyway. They're openly scamming the system, and I salute them for that.

[Lathum]

No, but I think it's a crock that a team like BSU who continues to do rather well in BCS games, goes undefeated and is considered unworthy of a title game unless there are no other undefeated teams remaining from the big conferences. I almost dare say a one loss SEC and Big 12 teams might still get the nod over them.

How many teams in the nation would go undefeated with BSUs schedule? Probably 10-15 could do it.

[Commo_Soldier]

I agree Penn state isn't as good as their record, but they still went on the road and crushed them. As for Florida, I would wager there are more NFL players on Floridas roster than all the teams Boise has played combined if you take Georgia out of the mix.

I really don't get the arguments a team is not great because their opponents are not great. BSU can compete with any other team in the nation and has proved it in the past. If Alabama had their roster but played in C-USA should they not have a chance to play for the national championship just because of that? It is insane.

[cuervo72]

The thing about the system is that it's pretty much set up where someone almost HAS to get through undefeated. There will be the dregs of the conference who everyone will beat. You'll have the mediocre teams who will beat the dregs and each other. Then you'll have the good teams. If there are 2-4 in a conference, you'll probably have a couple of them miss each other because of divisions. Every now and then you'll have two in the same division, and the winner takes all, like we saw tonight.

BUT LSU STILL HAS TO PLAY SEC TEAMS EVERY WEEK! So? What do we really know about these teams - the middle teams and the dregs? Yeah, they get some out of conference wins. But they're never against the bottom halves of other BCS conferences. They're against UAB, Elon, Middle Tennessee, Jax St, W. Ky, Ga. St., FAU, etc. All you can go by is "well, they're just the SEC."

Yeah, every now and then you'll see a game like LSU/Oregon. But scheduling that is either ballsy or just plain nuts.

[JonInMiddleGA]

You already think 'Bama should be ranked ahead of BSU. If OU beats OK. State, does OU get ranked ahead of BSU? If so, the system is broken.

Let me check my list (or what I suspect it'll look like on Monday)

1 & 2 - LSU & Oklahoma State
3 & 4 - Bama/Stanford (one way or the other)
5/6/7 - BSU, Oregon, OU

Considering that I might have OU ahead of Boise as early as Monday, yeah, I figure they'd definitely be ahead if they beat Oklahoma State.

[Lathum]

I really don't get the arguments a team is not great because their opponents are not great. BSU can compete with any other team in the nation and has proved it in the past. If Alabama had their roster but played in C-USA should they not have a chance to play for the national championship just because of that? It is insane.

Your roster argument falls flat. How many guys will this Bama team put in the NFL and how many will BSU?

You also have to factor in every week Bama plays other SEC schools where even the bottom feeders have talent, certainly more talent that the bottom feeders in BSUs conference.

I'm not arguing BSU can't beat just about anyone on a given day, but IMO they couldn't play in the SEC, Big 12, Big 10, PAC 12, or ACC without suffering 1-2 losses along the way.

[cuervo72]

I agree Penn state isn't as good as their record, but they still went on the road and crushed them. As for Florida, I would wager there are more NFL players on Floridas roster than all the teams Boise has played combined if you take Georgia out of the mix.

Doesn't mean they are necessarily a good team though. And I think we've established (Tim Tebow!) that non-NFL players can be thrive in college.


(And hey, the 0-16 Lions also had 53 NFL players on their team! ;) Ok, that may not be completely relevant. But more goes into success than just "NFL talent.")

[Matthean]

Your roster argument falls flat. How many guys will this Bama team put in the NFL and how many will BSU?

How many guys from BSU went to NFL compared to OU the year BSU beat OU?

[Commo_Soldier]

Your roster argument falls flat. How many guys will this Bama team put in the NFL and how many will BSU?

You also have to factor in every week Bama plays other SEC schools where even the bottom feeders have talent, certainly more talent that the bottom feeders in BSUs conference.

I'm not arguing BSU can't beat just about anyone on a given day, but IMO they couldn't play in the SEC, Big 12, Big 10, PAC 12, or ACC without suffering 1-2 losses along the way.

The point about the roster argument is basing it only on who they play and if they may or may not go undefeated in the SEC is useless. If they can beat anyone on a given day and do it for the course of the season they should play in the NCG if they are the only, or one of two, undefeated teams. So if they have a team that can beat anyone else why not give them a shot to do it rather then speculate. It is not as though BSU is refusing to play any ranked team, it is just that they can barely find ranked teams that want to play them OOC.

[Lathum]

How many guys from BSU went to NFL compared to OU the year BSU beat OU?

And that was a great win, which BTW happened 5 years ago when everyone on the current BSU roster was in high school.

I agree Boise has some good wins, my point is they would never go through unscathed in a real conference. Which IMO puts them below a 1 loss team from a major conference.

[JonInMiddleGA]

But they're never against the bottom halves of other BCS conferences.

Is this where I point out that an exquisitely mediocre (and that's being incredibly generous) Tennessee team that just went 0-for-October is the only reason Cincinnati isn't unbeaten right now?

Or that Alabama is the only reason Penn State isn't unbeaten right now?
You mentioned Oregon's loss to LSU already of course.

Every other 1-loss team in the country that I see thus far (Oklahoma to TTU, Arkansas to Alabama, Clemson to GT, VaTech to Clemson, SoMiss to Marshall) has lost in conference.

[cartman]

I'm not arguing BSU can't beat just about anyone on a given day, but IMO they couldn't play in the SEC, Big 12, Big 10, PAC 12, or ACC without suffering 1-2 losses along the way.

So if they would also suffer one loss playing in those conferences, why should they get bypassed by a one loss team if they do go undefeated? Isn't it a wash at that point?

[Commo_Soldier]

And that was a great win, which BTW happened 5 years ago when everyone on the current BSU roster was in high school.

I agree Boise has some good wins, my point is they would never go through unscathed in a real conference. Which IMO puts them below a 1 loss team from a major conference.

That is the problem, you don't know if this team would lose, how many they'd lose, or how close those games would be. What if they played in the Big 10 and went undefeated, would that be less impressive because they would have had a loss if they were in the SEC instead? Even if they did have one loss playing in a "real" conference, why would they automatically be below a 1 loss team from a major conference?

[JonInMiddleGA]

So if they would also suffer one loss playing in those conferences, why should they get bypassed by a one loss team if they do go undefeated? Isn't it a wash at that point?

LOL at the notion that BSU would suffer only one loss in a BCS conference. The problem is losses 2,3, or even 4, not the one in & of itself.

edit: In other words, I don't see BSU being any better than 10-2 if they played in even the bottom end of the BCS conferences (i.e. this week's Big East and/or ACC).

[Edward64]

The AL-LSU game was a great defensive struggle. Fun game especially at the end with the closeup shots of the AL fans.

Looking forward to the AR-LSU game but know it'll likely be another AR-AL game. However, the hogs have risen to the occassion against LSU before.

[Edward64]

Personally, I would love to see a Boise vs LSU/AL in a BCS bowl. A dominant defensive teams vs a (supposedly) dominant offensive team.

[cuervo72]

Is this where I point out that an exquisitely mediocre (and that's being incredibly generous) Tennessee team that just went 0-for-October is the only reason Cincinnati isn't unbeaten right now?

Or that Alabama is the only reason Penn State isn't unbeaten right now?
You mentioned Oregon's loss to LSU already of course.

Every other 1-loss team in the country that I see thus far (Oklahoma to TTU, Arkansas to Alabama, Clemson to GT, VaTech to Clemson, SoMiss to Marshall) has lost in conference.

Yeah, this really points out what I think is one of the big flaws of the system. Too many cupcakes, not enough cross-pollination between conferences. Games like Tennessee-Cincinnati are helpful in determining conference strength, but there just aren't enough of them. It also points out that the Big East works the same way as the other conferences. Some team can very well get through with one or no losses just because they play a bunch of other crap teams.

And yes, that goes for Boise too. At this point though they've won some big games and have done this enough times that they begin to look more legit.

[Lathum]

So if they would also suffer one loss playing in those conferences, why should they get bypassed by a one loss team if they do go undefeated? Isn't it a wash at that point?

I'm not saying they should get passed by Penn state, but IMO they shouldn't pass a one loss Alabama or a one loss Oregon whose only loss was to LSU.