Official College Football Week 1 thread

[cartman]

The college football season kicks off a week from tomorrow! Five straight days of games from Thursday, August 30th all the way to Labor Day, Sept. 3rd. The games kick off with South Carolina traveling to Vanderbilt, and end with Georgia Tech meeting Virginia Tech. Only a couple of games scheduled between Top 25 teams. Boise State goes to East Lansing to take on Michigan State on Friday evening, and on Saturday Michigan and Alabama meet up in a Top 10 match up at Jerry's World in Arlington, TX.

[Matthean]

MSU over Boise in a case of perfect timing of when to play a team. I can not imagine how Michigan beats 'Bama even in a "rebuilding" year.

[Ksyrup]

Wow, seriously?! Haha!

<S>@</S>RobbieAndreu (https://twitter.com/RobbieAndreu) Muschamp has a QB plan: one QB plays 1st quarter, one plays 2nd. Decision then made after that how to do it

[cartman]

I guess that is why he is known as a defensive coach.

[MacroGuru]

I can't wait! Thursday night the Red Cougars visit Provo to take on the Blue Cougars!

I hate that it will be on at 10 pm my time...but I will sacrifice.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think Michigan will get destroyed by Alabama. Won't be pretty.

I think MSU should be able to handle Boise in the first game of the post-Kellen Moore era.

[Logan]

Rutgers is traveling to Tulane for a game on Saturday. Apparently there are no contingencies in place yet with the storm potential but that surprises me. Hopefully it won't be an issue.

[Chief Rum]

UCLA is headed to Rice on Thursday and is similarly keeping an eye on the weather forecast, although my understanding is that they're probably going to miss the storm.

First step in a new era, with Jim L. Mora under helm. If he just provides the Bruins with some toughness and efficiency, that will be a huge step forward, regardless of record.

This team still has a lot of talent, though--they're good enough to make some noise if they can keep focused and don't get too dinged up at a couple key areas (QB, OL). Good enough for second in the Pac 12 South and enough to make sure USC isn't looking past them.

[Kodos]

Hoping to see a lot of improvement over Season 1 of the Kevin Wilson era when IU plays Indiana State this Saturday. By now he has gotten rid of all the players who haven't bought in to his program.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I think Michigan will get destroyed by Alabama. Won't be pretty.

It will be a great lesson though. You get to see what you have and what needs to be done to compete with the best.

[Ksyrup]

Martin Rickman ‏<S>@</S>MartinRickman
in soviet florida quarterback pick you

[Matthean]

It will be a great lesson though. You get to see what you have and what needs to be done to compete with the best.

Agreed. It will closer due to 'Bama rebuilding their defense, but that's about it. 'Bama has been known to kind of ho hum some of these big early games. They could have nailed PSU much harder both times, but kind of walked through both games. If Toussaint is to still be out, I don't see the running game being what it needs to be unless Robinson goes off. This will also be one of the rare cases Robinson throws against a pro style secondary with talent to back it up even if it's inexperienced. Chucking under thrown balls up in the air for grabs and hoping your WRs can get it isn't going to work. Give Michigan a couple of more years and this is far more interesting. The best of the Big Ten isn't ready to hang with the elite programs just yet.

[cartman]

Here's a factoid about the Longhorns I wasn't aware of. I knew they were a young team, but didn't realize how much so.

Only Indiana, Colorado, and Rice have fewer seniors than the Longhorns. They each have eight, while the Longhorns have nine

[bronconick]

Wow, seriously?! Haha!

<s>@</s>RobbieAndreu (https://twitter.com/RobbieAndreu) Muschamp has a QB plan: one QB plays 1st quarter, one plays 2nd. Decision then made after that how to do it

I want to laugh at Florida for that, but then I remember Spurrier's rotating QB in the swamp in 1997 that cost Florida State a national title.

[digamma]

ACC Coastal has a pretty good chance at being decided (or at the very least crowning a heavy favorite) Monday night in Blacksburg.

[Atocep]

WVU plays Marshall in what is the last scheduled game between the two schools and it's highly unlikely that another game is played in the foreseeable future.

I have no idea what to expect from Marshall. Doc has put together a roster that's probably 50% props and transfers.

[Izulde]

UNLV has a 13 game schedule this year.

3-10 sounds about right.

[Ksyrup]

I want to laugh at Florida for that, but then I remember Spurrier's rotating QB in the swamp in 1997 that cost Florida State a national title.

Yeah, but he hasn't even decided on QB1 yet. My guess is they'll only have 1 QB long before the FSU game. If they don't, I'll be happy about that because it means neither of them are doing very well. Muschamp's no Spurrier.

[sterlingice]

I predict Kansas will still suck. I mean, I guess we have a couple of highly touted transfer QBs. If only we had some highly touted transfer offensive and defensive lines- I suspect those will still suck something fierce

SI

[MacroGuru]

UNLV has a 13 game schedule this year.

3-10 sounds about right.

You guys are traveling to Hawaii?

[MacroGuru]

I predict Kansas will still suck. I mean, I guess we have a couple of highly touted transfer QBs. If only we had some highly touted transfer offensive and defensive lines- I suspect those will still suck something fierce

SI

One of them is a redshirt for the season though. Also, if he doesn't change about not liking getting hit and going into meltdown mode....he is going to be horrendous...if the kid gets his head on straight, he can do well.

[BYU 14]

I can't wait! Thursday night the Red Cougars visit Provo to take on the Blue Cougars!

I hate that it will be on at 10 pm my time...but I will sacrifice.

I have practice and will have to record....so no texts, LOL.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Think I may have to splurge on the PPV for the Mizzou game. Need to get a football fix.

[MacroGuru]

I have practice and will have to record....so no texts, LOL.

Your not going to be done with practice at 8:15 MST? Come on Coach! Priorities!

[Chief Rum]

Think I may have to splurge on the PPV for the Mizzou game. Need to get a football fix.

They're not showing the Mizzou game on a regular tier channel in Kansas City?

[DougW]

Just jogging through here to say .. Go Blue !

Edit : And .. Decent Read. (http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=bigten&i=FB&id=56337&w=1c36h&wjb)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They're not showing the Mizzou game on a regular tier channel in Kansas City?

No, it's the deal that the SEC have with their TV contract (B12 has the same deal). If a game isn't picked up by one of the networks, the university can provide a PPV option through their website or TV for the state and spillover markets. Arkansas is offering their game on PPV this weekend as well just as another example.

Now, that will likely change very soon for the SEC. Slive has already said a network option much like what the B10 has is on the way, likely by 2014. Once a conference network is created, there's no need for PPV as all games not picked up by national networks will be shown on the conference network.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Da'rick Rogers to Tennesee Tech. The QB is a former HS teammate (and the son of his HS head coach), another RB from his HS is there as well.

[britrock88]

Missouri Tigers' Henry Josey out for season - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8308548/missouri-tigers-henry-josey-season)

Missouri tailback Henry Josey will not play this year after injuring his left knee in November against Texas.

Can you say "nefarious plot"? :D

[Chief Rum]

No, it's the deal that the SEC have with their TV contract (B12 has the same deal). If a game isn't picked up by one of the networks, the university can provide a PPV option through their website or TV for the state and spillover markets. Arkansas is offering their game on PPV this weekend as well just as another example.

Now, that will likely change very soon for the SEC. Slive has already said a network option much like what the B10 has is on the way, likely by 2014. Once a conference network is created, there's no need for PPV as all games not picked up by national networks will be shown on the conference network.

For someone who lives in a region where pretty much all the local major sports that aren't shown nationally are shown on a first tier regional sports channel, this seems absolutely crazy to me. I had no idea you guys had it so rough to see your teams. Every now and then, we'll see a Clippers game or a Kings game not be televised. But an Angel or Dodger or Laker game? No way in heck. A USC or UCLA football game? No bleeping way. Heck, this probably isn't even true of the Clips anymore, since they get good ratings now.

Point is, outside of my cable or satellite bill (whatever you have), I don't have to pay a thing to watch a reasonably well-followed regional sports team, pro or college.

[MacroGuru]

For someone who lives in a region where pretty much all the local major sports that aren't shown nationally are shown on a first tier regional sports channel, this seems absolutely crazy to me. I had no idea you guys had it so rough to see your teams. Every now and then, we'll see a Clippers game or a Kings game not be televised. But an Angel or Dodger or Laker game? No way in heck. A USC or UCLA football game? No bleeping way. Heck, this probably isn't even true of the Clips anymore, since they get good ratings now.

Point is, outside of my cable or satellite bill (whatever you have), I don't have to pay a thing to watch a reasonably well-followed regional sports team, pro or college.

I am in the same boat now...with BYU's deal with ESPN there were only 5 teams that were shown more on the ESPN networks then BYU. If the games weren't on ESPN they were carried on BYUTV or the Home teams network which was typically another station to watch. (But I don't pay for my cable (Thanks RendeR) so I don't know what is construed as extra pay channels for the sports package)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

For someone who lives in a region where pretty much all the local major sports that aren't shown nationally are shown on a first tier regional sports channel, this seems absolutely crazy to me. I had no idea you guys had it so rough to see your teams. Every now and then, we'll see a Clippers game or a Kings game not be televised. But an Angel or Dodger or Laker game? No way in heck. A USC or UCLA football game? No bleeping way. Heck, this probably isn't even true of the Clips anymore, since they get good ratings now.

Point is, outside of my cable or satellite bill (whatever you have), I don't have to pay a thing to watch a reasonably well-followed regional sports team, pro or college.

It's not nearly as big of a deal as it may seem. It's a game against a FCS opponent and it's likely the only game that won't be on national TV or the SEC distribution. With that said, it will be nice once we get the network going and don't have to pay for games anymore.

We get 140 Royals games and all the Chiefs games, so we don't miss anything there. All the Mizzou basketball games are shown as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's not nearly as big of a deal as it may seem.

This, I think.

Happens once or twice a year with both UGA and UT. I don't see one on the UGA schedule this season (Comcast SportsSouth has the Fla Atl game but it's carriage is spotty beyond Comcast). The Vols game vs Georgia State is PPV-only this year.

[sterlingice]

I'm going to be out of town for the weekend but if I weren't, I'd want to see KU's game against an FBS opponent. It's one of a couple this season we might actually win :D

SI

[Poli]

I'm going to be out of town for the weekend but if I weren't, I'd want to see KU's game against an FBS opponent. It's one of a couple this season we might actually win :D

SI

I will be there!

[cartman]

The Texas A&M-Louisiana Tech is going to be rescheduled because of Hurricane Issac. It was supposed to be played on Thursday night in Shreveport. The game has been rescheduled for Oct. 13th.

[spleen1015]

I guess this is the best place to talk about this.

I just read an article about this billboard of Matt Barkley that was close to the UCLA campus and was taken down. At the end of the article it mentioned all of the things that the USC marketing department was doing to market Barkley for the Heisman.

Does anyone see a problem with a school spending money on promoting a player to win the Heisman? I don't know how much they are spending, but it sounds like a lot given the location of some of these ads.

[Ksyrup]

Not new at all. I remember this going back at least to Joey Harrington. And wasn't the PersaStrong compaign last year, for the Northwestern QB was was hurt most of the year?

[Ksyrup]

Greg Reid went from FSU cornerback to Valdosta State to torn ACL in about 2 weeks.

[cartman]

Not new at all. I remember this going back at least to Joey Harrington. And wasn't the PersaStrong compaign last year, for the Northwestern QB was was hurt most of the year?

It goes way, way back. Before Ty Detmer won, BYU mailed out a bunch of cardboard ties to voters.

[Logan]

I also think it's not so much about marketing the actual athlete for the Heisman, but using that as a link for recruiting. "Not only do we have someone who is a (or even a longshot) Heisman candidate, but look at how we market him". I know when Rutgers put a video billboard in Times Square for Brian Leonard, it was a monster hit.

Found this link:

http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/slideshows/15-awesome-college-football-award-campaigns#1

I knew about the "See Ray Run" campaign for Ray Rice, but thought it was just a website. Didn't know they mailed binoculars to voters.

[tarcone]

Iowa plays Northern Illinois at Soldier Field to start the year. I love that we are playing in a pro stadium. A special time for the players.
We started out 6 point favorites, that quickly went to 10 points. Im hoping we win. Northern Illinois is no slouch. And we have a YOUNG D line. Hopefully our offense can out score theirs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

This is one of the stupider things I can recall seeing come from a broadcaster. The headline sorely undersells the actual comments. If ND (or their radio rights holder as the case may be) allows this guy to stay on the payroll any longer than it takes for h.r. and the legal dept to finish his termination paperwork, they're almost as nuts as he is.

Allen Pinkett - Notre Dame Fighting Irish need few 'bad citizens' to win - ESPN Chicago (http://espn.go.com/chicago/ncf/story/_/id/8314224/allen-pinkett-notre-dame-fighting-irish-need-bad-citizens-win)

[cadmus2166]

As a Michigan fan, I'm kind of glad that no one is giving us a chance to beat 'Bama. The pressure is going to be all on Alabama's shoulders. And since Alabama tends to play very conservative early on in the season, if Michigan comes out playing like they have nothing to lose, Michigan actually could pull the upset. It's not likely, but definitely possible.

[Lathum]

So i just learned direct tv currently is not carrying the PAC 12 network which has the huskies game Saturday night and who knows how many other ones. Sucks to live in Seattle and not have the game on my own tv.

[tarcone]

Ohio players react to the reveal of theur new jerseys. Pretty cool.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hAOfNEBZbE4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Swaggs]

Thought this was pretty funny -- apparently, Kevin Sumlin suspended two players for the first game of the season against La. Tech. That game was pushed back until Oct. due to the storm, so we now see this:

Aggie Sports ‏ @ Aggie_Sports
Sumlin said, early in fall camp, that Jenkins and Matthews "were suspended for the first game of the year."


Aggie Sports ‏ @ Aggie_Sports
To clarify, Jenkins and Matthews suspended for Oct. 13 against La. Tech. Will play in season-opener against Florida.

[Ksyrup]

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1099528/akron-zips-2012-poster-schedule.jpg

[Ksyrup]

Thought this was pretty funny -- apparently, Kevin Sumlin suspended two players for the first game of the season against La. Tech. That game was pushed back until Oct. due to the storm, so we now see this:

Aggie Sports ‏ @ Aggie_Sports
Sumlin said, early in fall camp, that Jenkins and Matthews "were suspended for the first game of the year."


Aggie Sports ‏ @ Aggie_Sports
To clarify, Jenkins and Matthews suspended for Oct. 13 against La. Tech. Will play in season-opener against Florida.

That's really awful. I mean, we all understand how suspensions work - you suspend guys for as many patsies as you have to start the year, then they're back for the first meaningful game. Who ever heard of starting the year with a mid-year suspension? If they deserve to be suspended at all, then they don't play the first game. That's just embarrassing to have to highlight what a joke discipline is in college football.

[sterlingice]

This is one of the stupider things I can recall seeing come from a broadcaster. The headline sorely undersells the actual comments. If ND (or their radio rights holder as the case may be) allows this guy to stay on the payroll any longer than it takes for h.r. and the legal dept to finish his termination paperwork, they're almost as nuts as he is.

Allen Pinkett - Notre Dame Fighting Irish need few 'bad citizens' to win - ESPN Chicago (http://espn.go.com/chicago/ncf/story/_/id/8314224/allen-pinkett-notre-dame-fighting-irish-need-bad-citizens-win)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Allen Pinkett taken off broadcast for season opener - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8318038/notre-dame-fighting-irish-allen-pinkett-taken-broadcast-season-opener)

Looks like it happened.

Honestly, looking at what they posted, I just don't see what's so bad in the comments except I guess admitting that some guys should be getting suspensions.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Allen Pinkett taken off broadcast for season opener - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8318038/notre-dame-fighting-irish-allen-pinkett-taken-broadcast-season-opener)

[cartman]

5 hours to go. I'm already pacing around like Cornholio.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Honestly, looking at what they posted, I just don't see what's so bad in the comments except I guess admitting that some guys should be getting suspensions.

LOL, simultaneous posting :D

I'd say the suspension was for gross stupidity, but if you're looking for specifics, I'd say you could pick between him calling out Ohio State by name (which didn't bother me a ton) or his insistence on repeatedly using the word "criminals". Not crazy guys, not guys with an edge to them, not any of a dozen or more ways he could have phrased it but instead "criminals".

The bit about how you don't suspend people unless you've got people who can make plays behind them was just icing on the cake.

[sterlingice]

Yeah- I saw you had posted at the same time I did and was like "wow- quick response" only to see, yeah, we had posted the same thing :D

That was my second guess was calling Ohio State criminals but wasn't that pretty much true? I seem to remember quite a few Ohio State arrests: Maurice Clarett, Andy Katzenmoyer, that drunk guy who was trying to pull around a tow truck by its hook, etc. I don't know how credible the source is, considering the name but the site Ohio State Sucks! (http://www.ohiostatesucks.org/jim_tressel.html) claims "According to a list compiled by The Associated Press, 20 Ohio State players were arrested or faced disciplinary action for rules violations between Tressel’s hiring in 2001 and 2005."

SI

[Ksyrup]

He shouldn't have said it, but it's true. Every program knows that. The Stanfords of the world are exceptions and catch lightning in a bottle for a few years (see Northwestern back 15 years ago or so), but the schools willing to relax their standards are the ones with the consistently great programs. It's just a fact.

[Lathum]

The sooner people stop sticking their heads in the sand and acting like most of these kids go to school for academics the better off we will be.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Vandy-SC is a tight, if somewhat sloppy game. 10-10 at half. SC lost their starting QB and Lattimore has been pretty average thus far.

[tarcone]

Vandy on top. Upset alert.

[bhlloy]

Not sure Spurrier is using Lattimore to his full potential, especially when the backup QB was in. Let him run the ball up the middle with a full head of steam once in a while.

Flipping between this one and UCLA-Rice. Can't decide if UCLA's offense is that good or Rice is just terrible defensively.

[spleen1015]

Jim Marshall.

[Ksyrup]

This is setting up to be another shoulda won for Vandy.

[bhlloy]

I'm not sure what's funnier, the kid returning it the wrong way or the other team chasing him down to stop him scoring them points. Brilliant all around

[Ksyrup]

When will the coaches of teams like Vandy learn? This game was lost on the 51 yard FG attempt and not going for a 4th-and-2/3 at the 35. You're fucking Vanderbilt. Act like you've never been here before, because you haven't. Sheesh!

[britrock88]

I'm not sure what's funnier, the kid returning it the wrong way or the other team chasing him down to stop him scoring them points. Brilliant all around

Link?... ah, it'll be in the Not Top 10 tomorrow.

[BYU 14]

Despite the fact we are still kicking the shit out of Washington State, PAC 12 officials are once again cementing their place as the fucking worst in the country.

[MrBug708]

UCLA finished strong after some bad wrinkles to start the year. Very excited over Brett Hundley

[Brownkeg8]

Link?... ah, it'll be in the Not Top 10 tomorrow.

Stupidest Football Play In History Occurs As Player Returns Fumble 58 Yards In Wrong Direction Only To Have Opponents Tackle Him (http://deadsp.in/zOYwF2I)

[MrBug708]

Mike Leach had a bad first night

[Ksyrup]

In the end, it didn't matter. By rule, a muffed punt cannot be returned -- or retreated -- and the ball was spotted where Parker grabbed it at the Towson 7.

I guess retreated is the proper term for moving the ball backwards. Would have been awesome if the rule only applied to advancing the ball.

[Ksyrup]

Mike Leach had a bad first night

Lucky for him the headline is not on the ESPN front page. Or even on the ESPN college football page. Bizarre. Maybe they're trying to suck up to him so he'll drop the lawsuit. :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

"Wait a minute ... holy moley "

[Matthean]

Based on my FB feed, I honestly would believe MSU was playing Michigan this week. Seriously, it's the only thing MSU fans are talking about. I can't wait for this streak to end.

[PilotMan]

Stupidest Football Play In History Occurs As Player Returns Fumble 58 Yards In Wrong Direction Only To Have Opponents Tackle Him (http://deadsp.in/zOYwF2I)

video
<script src="http://player.espn.com/player.js?pcode=1kNG061cgaoolOncv54OAO1ceO-I&width=576&height=324&externalId=espn:8320089&thruParam_espn-ui[autoPlay]=false&thruParam_espn-ui[playRelatedExternally]=true"></script>

[MrBug708]

USC had one of their players get out of jail after three months and Kiff brought him back, no games suspended (I dont think) and a walkon lost his scholarship to the convicted felon

Lame.

[Ksyrup]

So much fail in that clip - the punt returner grabbing at a ball he's yelling at everyone to back away from, the guy grabbing it and running the wrong way, the opopsing team tackling him, and the announcers not having a clue that it was a muff and a dead ball.

[Matthean]

BSU up 13-10 on MSU in the 2nd.

[Matthean]

I guess I was one of the few who bought into the idea MSU's offense was going to be subpar this year. They have Bell, but it's ugly outside of him. If BSU was average on offense, this would be over.

[tarcone]

I was hoping MSU would beat Boise. But Im happy to see their QB is not looking good.

[Matthean]

In terms of Big Ten credibility, this would hurt if MSU were to fall. The Big Ten could look ugly this year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee in control over NC State. 32-14 late in the 3rd, nearly 200 yards rushing for the Vols.

Problem is, I honestly don't know how good this makes UT look (certainly better than I feared this could be) or if NC State just isn't very good defensively.

[Swaggs]

Really nice gesture from Steelers' Coach Mike Tomlin.

He came to the Morgantown High School game to support Bill Stewart's son, Blaine. For those that missed it or don't recall, Coach Stewart passed away, very unexpectedly, over the Summer. He had given Tomlin his first coaching job, several years ago at VMI.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Two hurt at Georgia Dome as one falls 35 feet - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8324016/two-hurt-georgia-dome-one-falls-35-feet)

Friend of mine is at the game, here's his FB status update
Man fell 35 feet (minimum) from the upper deck here during the Tenn-NC State game and other than the people next to him (and those he landed on) nobody noticed. There were no unusual noises, no interruptions in play...nothing. If I hadn't gotten an email alert I would have never known it happened.

[Matthean]

Looks like MSU puts it away with 8+ to go with being up 17-13. As bad as MSU's offense has been, BSU's has been borderline non-existent so I doubt they pull off as score to win unless a TO is involved.

[mauchow]

Southwick lacks a real good arm.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Tennessee finishes off a 35-21 with their fourth INT of the night.

[Wolfpack]

Tennessee in control over NC State. 32-14 late in the 3rd, nearly 200 yards rushing for the Vols.

Problem is, I honestly don't know how good this makes UT look (certainly better than I feared this could be) or if NC State just isn't very good defensively.

I think it's a bit of both. It looks like Amerson was a lot of hype (though in some fairness, State suspended one of his DB mates for the game, so who knows how much that meant to his coverage abilities) as he was routinely getting beat. The linebackers failed to make much of an impression (as expected--they'd been an area of concern this season) and it looks like State elected to just rush four most of the time, so there was never a lot of pressure on Bray. At least the run defense showed up a bit.

As for offense, there just isn't a gamebreaker on that side of the ball. That's the one thing I noticed about Tennessee's receivers. They have size and they have speed. State has some size, but Palmer's the only one with speed and he doesn't have size. They also have almost no confidence in the running game because Glennon was pretty much throwing from the get-go. All the passing eventually set up some occasional runs, but in go-to short yardage situations, they just stayed with the pass most of the time.

In other words, this will be pretty much another average year from an average coach and average team in a very average conference. They'll get mauled by FSU and probably Clemson, should beat BC and Maryland, get their usual dogfight from Wake, and then make-or-break themselves against UNC. Suffice to say, Tom O'Brien has hung his hat on beating Carolina every year. If he loses to UNC and falls back to 5-7 or 6-6 overall, it's likely to put him in some risk if not this year, then next year if he fails to bounce back. I don't expect national championships or even conference championships most years (haven't gotten even that much since 1979), but would it be possible to actually enjoy a season once in a while and not have to feel like it's going to be such a grind?

[Schmidty]

Ugly MSU win. I'll take it.

Bell+MSU defense is enough to win the Big10. Maxwell was ugly, but it was his first start. Boise State is a very good team, and I feel confident that beating them when MSU is feeling things out shows that beating teams like U-M and Eastern Michigan won't be as big of a problem.

[RainMaker]

Stupidest Football Play In History Occurs As Player Returns Fumble 58 Yards In Wrong Direction Only To Have Opponents Tackle Him (http://deadsp.in/zOYwF2I)

In his defense, sometimes you can get a little disoriented on things like special teams in situations like this. You're turning, spinning, following a ball, and so on. It's a bad play, but I can see how someone got caught up in the moment.

[Matthean]

Ugly MSU win. I'll take it.

Bell+MSU defense is enough to win the Big10. Maxwell was ugly, but it was his first start. Boise State is a very good team, and I feel confident that beating them when MSU is feeling things out shows that beating teams like U-M and Eastern Michigan won't be as big of a problem.

No offense, but I really hope that's not the best team in the conference based on that performance.

[Schmidty]

No offense, but I really hope that's not the best team in the conference based on that performance.

Well, I'm pretty sure they're better than UM, as will soon be evident. As far as being the best in the conference, I'm not positive, but I'm pretty confident. I can't see anyone scoring more than 17-20 on them in conference play. By then, the Spartans should have the kinks worked out in the passing game. Bell is a Heisman candidate, and the D is top 5 in the nation, so yeah, I feel good.

[Matthean]

Well, I'm pretty sure they're better than UM, as will soon be evident.

I'm not really putting stock in that game as a representation of what Michigan is going to be like this season. Toussaint is out for one thing. I think the three game stretch of @Mich, @Wisconsin, and Nebraska will decide MSU's fate far more than this game will. They did a similar stretch last year and no showed the last game.

[Balldog]

MSU's defense will keep them in every game. I think it will be another down year for the Big Ten - with MSU, UM, OSU, and WIS all being good but not great.

[Ksyrup]

Why is ND on CBS' sports network and not NBC's?

[bronconick]

Why is ND on CBS' sports network and not NBC's?

Navy's the home team.

[MizzouRah]

Think I may have to splurge on the PPV for the Mizzou game. Need to get a football fix.

Thankfully, my dad is loaded and called to tell me he'll buy it if I come over. :)

Uhhh... sure dad.

[Matthean]

Navy's the home team.

In other words, even when ND isn't on NBC, they are on somewhere.

[bronconick]

In late last night news, let's all take this moment to welcome Stanford back to their mediocre football existence in the post-Luck era.

[Grover]

Now that is how you run onto the field of play.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Can't wait for the college football season to begin tonight at 8p!

[Julio Riddols]

Two hurt at Georgia Dome as one falls 35 feet - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8324016/two-hurt-georgia-dome-one-falls-35-feet)

Friend of mine is at the game, here's his FB status update

Must have been a pretty bad fall, too. Guy died, apparently.

[Grover]

Can't wait for the college football season to begin tonight at 8p!

+1,000,000

[bronconick]

Have they scheduled Denard Robinson's memorial service yet?

[Lathum]

So excited to see how Keith Price performs with another year of Sarks tutoring under his belt. He wont win it but I think ig he stays healthy he could have a Heisman worthy season. And watch out for Austin Seferian-Jenkins, best TE in the country this year.

[MrBug708]

That's a lot of kool-aid lathum

[hoopsguy]

Illini hit a 64 yard TD pass on their first possession.

I think a lot of fans are nervous about this Western Michigan game, even though it is at home. New coach, lots of uncertainty around the offense, and a team who played them tough last season. Fan excitement isn't exactly sky high, based on the overwhelming number of empty seats for the 11AM start.

[Lathum]

That's a lot of kool-aid lathum

How exactly is that kool-aid?

3227 yards, 35 TDs and 11 ints last year. Named to the Davey O'Brien award watch list among others and Herbstreit has him listed as his 5th best QB in the country. I don't see how improving off that performance is drinking kool aid

[bronconick]

Illini hit a 64 yard TD pass on their first possession.

I think a lot of fans are nervous about this Western Michigan game, even though it is at home. New coach, lots of uncertainty around the offense, and a team who played them tough last season. Fan excitement isn't exactly sky high, based on the overwhelming number of empty seats for the 11AM start.

Your coach put 103 points on the Broncos in the last two years. You'll be fine.

[tarcone]

You know, Ive never liked PsU. I have always thought it was a poor addition to the B1G. But now I cant even stomach them. I hope Ohio beats them by 100 points. I know this is irrational. But Its how I feel.

[Scoobz0202]

Ohio State is not looking too hot on both sides of the ball in the first quarter

[duckman]

You know, Ive never liked PsU. I have always thought it was a poor addition to the B1G. But now I cant even stomach them. I hope Ohio beats them by 100 points. I know this is irrational. But Its how I feel.
You do realize that those players or the current coaching staff had nothing to do with scandal?

[Buccaneer]

You know, Ive never liked PsU. I have always thought it was a poor addition to the B1G. But now I cant even stomach them. I hope Ohio beats them by 100 points. I know this is irrational. But Its how I feel.

That's how some feel about Iowa. Iowa State would be more palatable in B10 than Iowa.

[tarcone]

I realize the current players and staff have nothing to do with it. I get that. But it is the franchise I dont like.
As for the Iowa/Iowa St. comparison, thats just silly talk. Iowa has been in the B1G for a century. Tell me one person besides yourself who feels this way.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

OK, it's hard to find a reason not to like this. With Mizzou now in the SEC, the local KC stations show all SEC games available and all B12 games available. We get at least 4-5 more games a Saturday without losing what we already had. Pretty awesome if you're a college football fan.

[Scoobz0202]

Ohio State is not looking too hot on both sides of the ball in the first quarter

And the second quarter is much better. Millers arm is still questionable

[tarcone]

OK, it's hard to find a reason not to like this. With Mizzou now in the SEC, the local KC stations show all SEC games available and all B12 games available. We get at least 4-5 more games a Saturday without losing what we already had. Pretty awesome if you're a college football fan.

Last year I found the 11 am SEC game of the week on channel 11 in St Louis.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Last year I found the 11 am SEC game of the week on channel 11 in St Louis.

Yeah, not surprised about that obviously since you're so close to the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Really happy to have that option now.

Georgia is getting all it can handle from Buffalo right now. Just made a 3rd and goal stand at the one yard line to hold them to a field goal. 8 point game at half, but it easily could have been 4.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Buffalo gets a big punt return but settles for a FG as time expires in the half, trailing UGA just 24-16 in Athens. About 80,000 people booing a Georgia defense that was just ripped for nearly 250 yards in the first half. The difference has been special teams, Georgia has a 100 KOR TD and a blocked punt.

edit to add: from the local beat blogger Buffalo has as many or more points in first half than Georgia gave up last year to Ole Miss, Miss. State, Tennessee, Kentucky & Auburn.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And damn is it ever suddenly quiet on my FB wall. Probably 50 status updates between kickoff and that KOR. Not a peep out of a UGA fan in over an hour now. Either the Pabst has kicked in or they ain't happy :D

[whomario]

Go Bobcats ! (my main NCAA 12 dynasty i played with them :) )

What a lucky break right there for Ohio and Tettleton, terrible pass gets tipped (that was harded to tip than to catch) right to a receiver who suddenly has all kinds of room and runs it in for a TD.

[Lathum]

You do realize that those players or the current coaching staff had nothing to do with scandal?

I think most people realize that, but for me it doesn't change the fact that Penn State as an institution has become very easy to root against. I think the main reason I want to see them go down in flames is even after all the over whelming evidence fans of the program continued to support Joe Pa and refused to have any perspective on the larger issues at hand. They tried to make him out to be the victim, as well as the program when it was punished, statute take down, etc... They acted like a travesty was being committed against them. It is because of this lack of compassion and perspective that I don't want to see any of these people enjoy any kind of victory on the field, no matter who it comes against.

It sucks for the players and coaches who had no part, but they were given every opportunity to transfer and no one made the coaches take the job their. You sign on there you know what you are getting into.

[RedKingGold]

You know, Ive never liked PsU. I have always thought it was a poor addition to the B1G. But now I cant even stomach them. I hope Ohio beats them by 100 points. I know this is irrational. But Its how I feel.

Funny. You made me feel that way about Iowa. No one gives a shit about a university stuck in Bumblefuck, America.

[Ben E Lou]

No, their current players had nothing to do with it. It's their long-time fans, like, say, Franco Harris, that are becoming more and more annoying.

http://30fps.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012-September-1-14-41-25.jpg

[Young Drachma]

Ohio is playing good ball and Mickey's kid is a real gamer.

[Lathum]

Thanks for making my point Ben, a picture really is worth 1,000 words.

[duckman]

I'm rooting for the players and coaches. I could care less for their fans or Paterno apologists.

[duckman]

That touchdown should seal the deal for Ohio.

[Young Drachma]

Game set and match, Ohio.

[Young Drachma]

If the Bobcats can play like that the rest of the year with that schedule they have, they could run the table.

[RedKingGold]

Ohio's a good team, I like that QB a lot.

[bronconick]

Oh, Hai USC. Don't get too used to going to bowl games and such again just yet

USC athletics: Figure in corruption scandal says he gave gifts to 2 USC athletes - latimes.com (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-assessor-usc-20120902,0,2754795.story)


A key figure in the ongoing corruption scandal at the Los Angeles County assessor's office said he gave cash and perks worth thousands of dollars to two USC athletes while they were still in school, actions that could violate college sports rules.


The allegations are contained among hundreds of Scott Schenter's county work emails that suggest the former appraiser provided football star Joe McKnight with a car and an airline ticket, and basketball player Davon Jefferson with about $3,700 in cash. The Times obtained the emails from the assessor's office under the California Public Records Act.

[MrBug708]

It's sad when fellow players are willing to not rat out their teammates for cheating. Nobody cares about the implications for their school down the road

[britrock88]

Crazy back-and-forth in the Northwestern/Syracuse game, though I've only been following the box score.

[Solecismic]

Crazy back-and-forth in the Northwestern/Syracuse game, though I've only been following the box score.

I was supposed to head out a half-hour ago. Too addicting. Northwestern scored 28 straight, then Syracuse scored 28 straight.

Northwestern scored with 44 seconds left helped by an extremely questionable late hit call. Now there's 25 seconds left and Syracuse has one last chance. At least there won't be overtime.

[Atocep]

WVU puts an end to the coal bowl with a 69-34 win. The backups played the entire 4th quarter. The defense is young and in a new scheme so I'm not surprised Marshall was able to move the ball (though 17 of Marshall's points came in garbage time).

After the smack talking that's come from Marshall fans over the past week it was satisfying to put the game away early.

[whomario]

Tettleton with a great game, after that lucky TD he played nearly flawless. One of those game where imo you can definitely point to that 1 play where the momentum shifted.

As for Penn State : I don´t think you´ll win many games with McGloin throwing 50 times. Seems like he knows what he´s doing out there but he doesn´t have much arm strength at all and at some point a defense adjusts to you throwing 5 yard passes to the outside.

[RedKingGold]

To summarize, McGloin is just not a good QB.

[whomario]

To summarize, McGloin is just not a good QB.

problem is i can´t help but rooting for theese type of players ... (he isn´t "not a good QB" due to bad decicions or lack of effort. Just not good enough to shoulder the load like that)

[RedKingGold]

problem is i can´t help but rooting for theese type of players ... (he isn´t "not a good QB" due to bad decicions or lack of effort. Just not good enough to shoulder the load like that)

Oh, yeah. McGloin's a great competitor and I cheer for him too. He went to West Scranton, which is 20 minutes away from where I grew up. However, I just don't think he has the physical skills to play QB well at D-1. He would probably tear it up at D-3.

[Buccaneer]

Why did CBSSports have to change their GameTracker? It's another example of an upgrade that made the product worse. For years, I have enjoyed watching college fb and NFL games but they made it nearly unreadable and harder to follow. And don't get me started on the worthless alternative GameTracker for lesser games. I even held my nose and checked ESPN and couldn't find anything like GameTracker.

[Vegas Vic]

Problem is, I honestly don't know how good this makes UT look (certainly better than I feared this could be) or if NC State just isn't very good defensively.

NC State would be better served by opening with teams like Liberty and Western Carolina (like they did in 2010 and 2011). Last night they proved that they're not even in the same class as a bottom feeder from the SEC East.

The fact of the matter is that the ACC is mediocre in football. FSU, Clemson and Virginia Tech are top 20 caliber teams, but that's about it. O'Brien will probably eke out 6 or 7 wins and go to another December lower tier bowl. That appears to be his ceiling at NC State.

[RainMaker]

The Big 10 is not looking very good.

[General Mike]

NC State would be better served by opening with teams like Liberty and Western Carolina (like they did in 2010 and 2011). Last night they proved that they're not even in the same class as a bottom feeder from the SEC East.

The fact of the matter is that the ACC is mediocre in football. FSU, Clemson and Virginia Tech are top 20 caliber teams, but that's about it. O'Brien will probably eke out 6 or 7 wins and go to another December lower tier bowl. That appears to be his ceiling at NC State.

It's what O'Brien did at BC too. He's never won more than 8 games in a regular season. It's like Greg Schiano. At some point you have to get past that point or its not gonna happen.

Edit: He did win 9 regular season games once. His last year at BC. My point still stands.

[JonInMiddleGA]

O'Brien will probably eke out 6 or 7 wins and go to another December lower tier bowl. That appears to be his ceiling at NC State.

I can't help but wonder if that isn't pretty much the ceiling at NC State period.

I mean, they seem to reach 9 wins once or twice a decade every decade for 50 years. They've got one double-digit winning season in school history. At some point I can't help but wonder if that's just basically the high end there due to whatever factors determine that stuff.

[CraigSca]

I think Maryland hit their ceiling today, with a clutch 1 point victory over William and Mary. 1-11 is looking very doable this year.

[Big Fo]

Damn, I am surprised that call in the Clemson - Auburn game got overturned. A nice break for Clemson.

I'm kind of annoyed that two of the three games I most wanted to see today (this game and Michigan - Alabama) will overlap so much.

[heybrad]

First play of the SC game... Marquis Lee, 75 yd TD!!!

[MrBug708]

Hawaii = Bad

[Big Fo]

What a brilliant run by Clemson's Ellington.

[cuervo72]

I think Maryland hit their ceiling today, with a clutch 1 point victory over William and Mary. 1-11 is looking very doable this year.

Their QB...he needs to work on his decision making. Desperately.

[JPhillips]

Michigan is getting a BCS Championship style beatdown.

[Swaggs]

Pitt is getting beat by Youngstown State, 28-10 with around 10 minutes left.

[B & B]

Damn, I am surprised that call in the Clemson - Auburn game got overturned. A nice break for Clemson.

I'm kind of annoyed that two of the three games I most wanted to see today (this game and Michigan - Alabama) will overlap so much.

Well, theres really only one game to watch.



But you can listen to kirk and berger during commercials I suppose.

[Big Fo]

Well, theres really only one game to watch.



But you can listen to kirk and berger during commercials I suppose.

I knew it was possible that this kind of solution might present itself.

[TroyF]

Ya know, I sit down to watch a football game and on back to back plays I see a RB get as clear of a face mask as you will ever see and the call is holding on the offense. On the next play, I see a WR get throttled out of bounds well past 10 yards down the field and I know the official sees it because he throws his cap. yet he doesn't follow it up with a flag and it becomes an interception on a play that was clearly defensive PI. Again, not a more obvious call all week.

Bama was always going to throttle Michigan and they were even before those two calls. . . but good lord you'd think the refs wouldn't have thrown in the towel on the game already. Pretty sad.

[tucker rocky]

The dream is over Michigan, should've played someone like Appalachian State.....

oh wait....:devil:

[tucker rocky]

That new Memphis Burger from Hardees makes me....ur....uhhh.....hungry?
Maybe I'll just watch.....yeah I like to watch. ;) :lol:

[Edward64]

Denard is 3-12 for 26 yards. I think his Heisman hopes dies tonight. Go SEC.

[stevew]

Pitt is getting beat by Youngstown State, 28-10 with around 10 minutes left.

Yay Penguins, I guess. I'm sure nobody on campus will care.

[timmynausea]

Pitt is getting beat by Youngstown State, 28-10 with around 10 minutes left.

It's over. YSU beat Pitt 31-17.

[Lathum]

What are the odds this counts as a win over a top 25 team for Alabama at the end of the year?

[RainMaker]

I don't think it matters who they play, Alabama looks like a well-oiled machine out there.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I don't think it matters who they play, Alabama looks like a well-oiled machine out there.

To be the man, you gotta beat the man.

[timmynausea]

I'm a bit baffled as to why Denard Robinson only has 1 carry so far. Albama looks awesome, but Michigan's offense is probably easier to stop if they voluntarily take away their best weapon.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm a bit baffled as to why Denard Robinson only has 1 carry so far. Albama looks awesome, but Michigan's offense is probably easier to stop if they voluntarily take away their best weapon.

The shoulder injury perhaps?

[timmynausea]

The shoulder injury perhaps?

It's possible, but he had 0 carries before the injury. If he can't run it, he should probably go to the bench IMO.

[gstelmack]

I don't think it matters who they play, Alabama looks like a well-oiled machine out there.

Except LSU in the regular season last year.

[Swaggs]

It's over. YSU beat Pitt 31-17.

Too bad we don't play Pitt this year.

[Swaggs]

Michigan's uniforms tonight are some of the ugliest I have seen in a while. And that is saying something.

[RainMaker]

And Alabama has a pee spot under their number for some reason.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Auburn / Clemson ain't a pair of world beaters, but they're pretty evenly matched for a fairly entertaining game.

[timmynausea]

Too bad we don't play Pitt this year.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Meanwhile Oklahoma State may have to resort to taking a knee to avoid breaking 100 on Savannah State. It's 70-0 as the 4th quarter begins.

[RainMaker]

Why are top-25 schools scheduling the worst FCS teams in the country? OSU should be more embarrassed at being such colossal pussies.

[RainMaker]

Savannah State has one FCS win over the last 7 years. They struggle against D2 schools.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why are top-25 schools scheduling the worst FCS teams in the country? OSU should be more embarrassed at being such colossal pussies.

Meanwhile for Savannah State, games like this (and next week at FSU) are huge lifelines. The combined $860k payout represents 17% (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/31/sports/ncaafootball/savannah-state-hopes-payments-outweigh-likely-losses.html?ref=todayspaper) of the school's entire athletic department budget.

[B & B]

Texas State is beating Houston, late in the 3rd Q


That would be like Arkansas St. beating Oregon later on tonight in terms of colossal upset.


BTW Okla St was favored by 67 pts today

[JonInMiddleGA]

BTW Okla St was favored by 67 pts today

And they covered with ease. 84-0 the final.

[RainMaker]

Meanwhile for Savannah State, games like this (and next week at FSU) are huge lifelines. The combined $860k payout represents 17% (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/31/sports/ncaafootball/savannah-state-hopes-payments-outweigh-likely-losses.html?ref=todayspaper) of the school's entire athletic department budget.

Yeah, I know it is nice for the small schools. Just really pathetic for the so called "powerhouses".

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yeah, I know it is nice for the small schools. Just really pathetic for the so called "powerhouses".

Counts the same as a win over, say, Appy State or Wm & Mary. Also a chance to play a lot of bodies, a glorified scrimmage essentially.

Then again, the right games aren't always easy to come by. I see that at the HS level where the dollars involved are a LOT less, no surprise that it comes into play at the higher levels.

[miked]

There are more penalties than fans in attendance at the RU-Tulane game right now. Totally craptacular effort, but I guess we'll win. Meanwhile, the ACC should be thrilled they grabbed Cuse and PIT.

[duckman]

Why are top-25 schools scheduling the worst FCS teams in the country? OSU should be more embarrassed at being such colossal pussies.
The main reason is that FBS schools simply don't want to come play in Stillwater without being paid $1 million+. It's simply more economical to pay a FCS school for 25-60 % less to get another home game.

Oklahoma ran into the same problem after TCU joined the conference and they lost a conference game. Mid-level FBS schools were asking $1.25-$1.5 million to come play in Norman. That's why they're playing in El Paso and have Florida A&M coming to town.

[bronconick]

Why are top-25 schools scheduling the worst FCS teams in the country? OSU should be more embarrassed at being such colossal pussies.

Michigan and Virginia Tech didn't get credit for losing to App State (44th in the Sagarins in 2007, ahead of 6 Big Ten teams) and James Madison (97th, 29 spots ahead of Vanderbilt in 2010), they got made fun of.

If you're going to play FCS, play someone that wins 2 games a year and remove that 1% chance of hell breaking loose.

[Buccaneer]

There are more penalties than fans in attendance at the RU-Tulane game right now. Totally craptacular effort, but I guess we'll win. Meanwhile, the ACC should be thrilled they grabbed Cuse and PIT.

I'm sure the ACC is thrilled to have Cuse and Pitt for their hoops, that means a lot more.

[MrBug708]

Marquise Lee is the best player on USC

[judicial clerk]

Watching the Michigan vs. alabama matchup reminds me of a scene from he old war movie Battle of the Bulge. Telly Sevalas plays an American tanker. In the movie he complains that the shells from his Sherman tank bounce off the Panzer tanks like tennis balls.

Tonight the shells Michigan were lobbing were bouncing off Alabama like tennis balls.

[General Mike]

There are more penalties than fans in attendance at the RU-Tulane game right now. Totally craptacular effort, but I guess we'll win. Meanwhile, the ACC should be thrilled they grabbed Cuse and PIT.

Yep. Rutgers has looked terrible offensively sans a few big plays, and hasn't looked sharp on D, giving up way too many 3rd down conversions.

[RainMaker]

Michigan and Virginia Tech didn't get credit for losing to App State (44th in the Sagarins in 2007, ahead of 6 Big Ten teams) and James Madison (97th, 29 spots ahead of Vanderbilt in 2010), they got made fun of.

If you're going to play FCS, play someone that wins 2 games a year and remove that 1% chance of hell breaking loose.

Why not schedule a team that plays by the same scholarship rules and is in your sub-division?

I get that it's about some money. Kind of sad to see though. Teams actively avoiding having to play actual competition for as long as they can. God forbid a major school play a couple fucking road games out of conference. The world may come to an end.

[Atocep]

Oh, hey. It must be college football season if Rainmaker is complaining about scheduling.

[JonInMiddleGA]

God forbid a major school play a couple fucking road games out of conference.

Why in the world would any team that plays in a reasonably difficult conference want to do that?

Give away revenue, risk not only your record but your fan support (and the revenue that represent), a coach's job security and team morale just for giggles?

[cuervo72]

Why is Oregon/Arky St even on TV?

(yeah yeah Nike blah blah)

[bronconick]

Why not schedule a team that plays by the same scholarship rules and is in your sub-division?

I get that it's about some money. Kind of sad to see though. Teams actively avoiding having to play actual competition for as long as they can. God forbid a major school play a couple fucking road games out of conference. The world may come to an end.

Get them to put in a system that rewards that, then. There's all sorts of quality non-conference basketball games every year, because you are rewarded for playing difficult games, even if you lose some.

Until they do, doing what you suggest is idiocy.

[tarcone]

Iowa survives Northern Illinoois. I was worried about this one. But I was more concerned about our D Line then our O Line. 6 sacks? Are you kidding me? Little Ferentz better coach them up a little better.

Iowa St. next week. This is The Clowns BCS bowl game. They always get up for us. Never an easy game.

[cuervo72]

Maybe the bowls need to be early season rather than after it, like this "Cowboys Classic." Not road games, just neutral ones. I wonder what payday Jerrah is giving these teams for participating.

I don't know that it's necessarily bad for Michigan's morale to lose to Alabama. I mean, they're the champs, and they're still damned good. So you lose. At least you're in the national spotlight.

[tarcone]

I knew Michigan was over rated. But Alabama looks like it could beat several NFL teams. Wow.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I wonder what payday Jerrah is giving these teams for participating.

$4.7 million each, slightly less than each makes from an average home game.
http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/08/27/Colleges/College-kickoff.aspx

That blows away the previous kickoff classic high of 5.5 million for Oregon-LSU in 2011 (LSU got $3.5m, Oregon got $2m)

[Big Fo]

Why is Oregon/Arky St even on TV?

(yeah yeah Nike blah blah)

It's 11:30pm in the east and I think there's six D1-A games going on right now. Four of them are on TV (for me at least) and the two that aren't are Tennessee-Martin at Memphis and Weber State at Fresno State.

[timmynausea]

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/891/1287557.gif

[RainMaker]

Get them to put in a system that rewards that, then. There's all sorts of quality non-conference basketball games every year, because you are rewarded for playing difficult games, even if you lose some.

I know they are just playing the system. Can't blame them. But there are also a lot of people who want a system where there isn't a lot of competition. I get scheduling a MAC or Sun Belt team, but Savannah State shouldn't even be in FCS.

Maybe the bowls need to be early season rather than after it, like this "Cowboys Classic." Not road games, just neutral ones. I wonder what payday Jerrah is giving these teams for participating.

This would be pretty nice. Great way to kick off the season with a ton of quality games in big venues.

[RainMaker]

I knew Michigan was over rated. But Alabama looks like it could beat several NFL teams. Wow.

Alabama is just so balanced. They do everything well. USC-Bama title game could be one of the best matchups in a long time. Just feels like they are both a big step above the rest.

[Grover]

Glad I missed that one...

[cuervo72]

It's 11:30pm in the east and I think there's six D1-A games going on right now. Four of them are on TV (for me at least) and the two that aren't are Tennessee-Martin at Memphis and Weber State at Fresno State.

Ok, it'll be on TV somewhere regardless. But on ESPN? Seems they could have gotten something at least a littlebetter. *shurg*

$4.7 million each, slightly less than each makes from an average home game.
http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2012/08/27/Colleges/College-kickoff.aspx

That blows away the previous kickoff classic high of 5.5 million for Oregon-LSU in 2011 (LSU got $3.5m, Oregon got $2m)

Thanks. That seems about worth it, though I guess you do cut that game from a good number of fans/students. Atlanta and especially FedEx seem like tougher sells (I mean, FedEx...blech). If Saban thinks it's worth it to participate in these though, maybe they have some merit.

[duckman]

I like OU's scheduling philosophy. Play one marquee game (Notre Dame), one mid-major (UTEP) and one pasty (Florida A&M). Big reason why their SOS is usually one of the best in the country.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I like OU's scheduling philosophy. Play one marquee game (Notre Dame), one mid-major (UTEP) and one pasty (Florida A&M). Big reason why their SOS is usually one of the best in the country.

OU is very fortunate to be tied right now. They could easily be down by six and UTEP is on the move again after the blocked FG.

[Big Fo]

Ok, it'll be on TV somewhere regardless. But on ESPN? Seems they could have gotten something at least a littlebetter. *shurg*

I get what you're saying. There just aren't many games to choose from in this time slot.

[Lathum]

I knew Michigan was over rated. But Alabama looks like it could beat several NFL teams. Wow.

Alabama would lose by 30 to the worst team in the NFL

[Atocep]

I know they are just playing the system. Can't blame them. But there are also a lot of people who want a system where there isn't a lot of competition. I get scheduling a MAC or Sun Belt team, but Savannah State shouldn't even be in FCS.



This would be pretty nice. Great way to kick off the season with a ton of quality games in big venues.

The problem is you only have 12 games in college football. A lot of BCS teams, for economic and fan reasons, want 7 home games. The difference between 6 and 7 home games can be huge for your budget. College basketball teams get plenty of home games during the season and don't rely heavily on non conference gate revenue. They have it far easier.

Let's look at WVU, since I know them better than I know any other school. With the move to the Big 12 WVU now plays 9 conference games. That leaves 3 non-conference spots. WVU now has to travel quite a bit for its conference games so getting 7 home games is now a must so that the fans actually have games they can see.

In years WVU has 5 conference home games you're going to see 2 home games and 1 road/neutral site game. If there's going to be a road/neutral site game it needs to be something in our recruiting area where either the fans can travel to easily or there's a large number of alumni living. This means games in Maryland, PA, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, or Florida (or something within travel distance of those areas like the neutral site game with Bama next year). In years where we only have 4 conference home games you're going to see 3 home non-conference games against teams in those same areas.

So now that we've narrowed down the teams we can play we have to find BCS teams that are looking for a 1 for 1 or non-BCS teams that aren't looking for more money than they're worth to do a 1 and done. Now, assuming the vast majority of BCS teams are looking for similar games you only have so many BCS teams you can play. For FCS teams it really doesn't matter. You're usually looking for a team from nearby that's not asking for money than they have any business asking for to get a 1 and done.

So for WVU this year you end up with Marshall (by state mandate), JMU at a neutral site (about the 5th choice for that game after others turned it down), and Maryland. Florida State was on the schedule, but that game had to be dropped to get down to 12 and it was the obvious choice to drop since the Marshall and JMU games were locked in and Maryland is an important area of focus in recruiting and a long standing rival.

When you're in a BCS conference there's also no reason to play more than 1 BCS level team. There's simply no benefit and when you compare the % of games against quality competition for most BCS teams in football to basketball then football is going to typically come out on top. I see college basketball teams get credit for being willing to play tough non-conference games, but it's also far, far easier to do when you're scheduling 30 games. Those teams still will typically play anywhere from 7 to 10 games against garbage competition.

Long post, but scheduling in college football isn't always as simple as "play better teams".

[Lathum]

I get what you're saying. There just aren't many games to choose from in this time slot.

yeah, but was anyone complaining that LSU-North Texas was on TV? God forbid a league other than the SEC gets some TV time

[MrBug708]

Oregon. Is. Good.

[Atocep]

When it's not at WVU, I don't know if there's anything more entertaining than watching a Rich Rodriguez team in year 1 of his system.

[RainMaker]

Alabama would lose by 30 to the worst team in the NFL

Way more than that.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Michigan's uniforms tonight are some of the ugliest I have seen in a while. And that is saying something.

Yep. I don't know what was uglier, the maize shoulders, the striped socks (any closeup showed something seizure worthy) or that Alabama was stronger, faster, quicker... just flat-out better in every phase of the game. Hats off to them. They looked like a perfect team.

[Vegas Vic]

A hard fought struggle down in El Paso between two evenly matched teams. Halftime score: UTEP 7 Oklahoma 7.

[JeeberD]

If only our stud kicker hadn't left six points off the board. But seeing how I expected us to be down by 30 at the half, I'm more than excited by the tied score. This is honestly the best I've seen our D play under Coach Price...I guess he wants to keep his job after all.

[JonInMiddleGA]

yeah, but was anyone complaining that LSU-North Texas was on TV?

Did anyone (outside of Louisiana & a small part of north Texas) actually notice that it was on?

[Lathum]

Did anyone (outside of Louisiana & a small part of north Texas) actually notice that it was on?

doesn't change the fact that is was

[JonInMiddleGA]

doesn't change the fact that is was

Just sayin that might have something to do with why you didn't get comments about that as opposed to Oregon-Arky State.

[Vegas Vic]

I can't help but wonder if that isn't pretty much the ceiling at NC State period.


I think Amato hit the ceiling at NC State back in 2002 when they won 11 games (with Phillip Rivers at QB) and beat Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl and finished #12 in the final AP poll. That's probably about a once a century high water mark for NC State football.

[Wolfpack]

I can't help but wonder if that isn't pretty much the ceiling at NC State period.

I mean, they seem to reach 9 wins once or twice a decade every decade for 50 years. They've got one double-digit winning season in school history. At some point I can't help but wonder if that's just basically the high end there due to whatever factors determine that stuff.

Yeah, it's a pretty blah tradition State has. A lot of factors contribute. For one, the talent in North Carolina, relatively thin typically for so large a state population is getting cut up in probably eight or nine ways, counting the five FBS schools in the state and then the usual raider schools from Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. State has a strong support base, but it's usually overmatched by the UNC media machine (Nike, Michael Jordan, journalism school, etc), which means even if Carolina absolutely, positively doesn't care about football, the fact that UNC has far more press and interest locally and nationally means they'll end up getting better players even if the recruits end up doing nothing noteworthy for four years other than pass their Af-Am studies courses and get their transcripts posted by accident to prove it.

Hell, my first football memories of State are losing to Richmond after one quarter when I went to my first ever game as a really little kid and me getting upset because I didn't understand that the game wasn't over yet. It didn't really get much better until 1986 when Dick Sheridan took the job after the disastrous Tom Reed years. It was so lousy a time for football that winning seven games felt like a tremendous accomplishment.

Amato gave State fans a very brief taste of what it was like to be a football school because he went out and recruited FSU-style players, leading to that brief blip of wild success in 2002, which lead to lots of stadium expansion projects, which all happened just in time for Amato's bubble to burst. He could recruit, but very little else about his program worked out, especially because he could never keep his assistants. O'Brien replaced him and we've essentially traded a dot-com stock for a very safe bond with low interest, but at least we aren't losing principle (I suppose there's a joke at UNC's expense somewhere in there). It's like being in the Dick Sheridan era again with 7-5 being about where we end up, but after all the investment made since Amato's big splash, it feels like we should be expecting more and perhaps should have achieved more since FSU and Miami have fallen back rather than the rest of the ACC moved up (aside from VT).

Add to that a couple of windows closing, one to catch FSU in football after they declined at the end of Bowden's tenure, the other the dormancy of the basketball program for the past two decades, and it looks like the State football program may have squandered whatever chance it had to become something more than it has been over its history.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hawaii = Bad

Just like Rice.

Still, a nice start to the season for USC.

[MrBug708]

Just like Rice.


Am I missing something?

[RainMaker]

The problem is you only have 12 games in college football. A lot of BCS teams, for economic and fan reasons, want 7 home games. The difference between 6 and 7 home games can be huge for your budget. College basketball teams get plenty of home games during the season and don't rely heavily on non conference gate revenue. They have it far easier.

Let's look at WVU, since I know them better than I know any other school. With the move to the Big 12 WVU now plays 9 conference games. That leaves 3 non-conference spots. WVU now has to travel quite a bit for its conference games so getting 7 home games is now a must so that the fans actually have games they can see.

In years WVU has 5 conference home games you're going to see 2 home games and 1 road/neutral site game. If there's going to be a road/neutral site game it needs to be something in our recruiting area where either the fans can travel to easily or there's a large number of alumni living. This means games in Maryland, PA, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, or Florida (or something within travel distance of those areas like the neutral site game with Bama next year). In years where we only have 4 conference home games you're going to see 3 home non-conference games against teams in those same areas.

So now that we've narrowed down the teams we can play we have to find BCS teams that are looking for a 1 for 1 or non-BCS teams that aren't looking for more money than they're worth to do a 1 and done. Now, assuming the vast majority of BCS teams are looking for similar games you only have so many BCS teams you can play. For FCS teams it really doesn't matter. You're usually looking for a team from nearby that's not asking for money than they have any business asking for to get a 1 and done.

So for WVU this year you end up with Marshall (by state mandate), JMU at a neutral site (about the 5th choice for that game after others turned it down), and Maryland. Florida State was on the schedule, but that game had to be dropped to get down to 12 and it was the obvious choice to drop since the Marshall and JMU games were locked in and Maryland is an important area of focus in recruiting and a long standing rival.

When you're in a BCS conference there's also no reason to play more than 1 BCS level team. There's simply no benefit and when you compare the % of games against quality competition for most BCS teams in football to basketball then football is going to typically come out on top. I see college basketball teams get credit for being willing to play tough non-conference games, but it's also far, far easier to do when you're scheduling 30 games. Those teams still will typically play anywhere from 7 to 10 games against garbage competition.

Long post, but scheduling in college football isn't always as simple as "play better teams".

I know how it works and why it's done. I just think it sucks from someone who likes football. I'd like to see more games between top schools. I'd like to see certain teams actually play an out of conference road game once in awhile. I think it's kind of cool to see Oklahoma play a game at UTEP. It's a big deal for UTEP and a unique experience to fans.

My complaint though was more about scheduling Savannah State. They are absolutely atrocious and belong in D2 or D3. You can still schedule an automatic win and at least give the appearance of a sporting event taking place.

[MrBug708]

Arizona - Toledo: The game nobody wants to win. Arizona has over 600 yards of offense and 17 points to show for it

[Buccaneer]

I knew Michigan was over rated. But Alabama looks like it could beat several NFL teams. Wow.

You still don't know what you're talking about or have any perspective on things.

[Thomkal]

The Coach Joe Moglia era at Coastal Carolina started off well with a 29-13 win at home against North Carolina A&T. CCU has never lost to NC A&T in 4 career meetings, so a win was not really that much of a surprise. Next week they play Furman who we are 2-1 against lifetime, so should be a harder challenge.

[Schmidty]

Denard is 3-12 for 26 yards. I think his Heisman hopes dies tonight. Go SEC.

I saw him a lot last year, and have never understood his hype.

But, he plays for UM, and they always get overrated, just like the their ranking in the preseason polls. They'll be lucky to win 8 games.

[JPhillips]

I don't think that Alabama could beat an NFL team, but they could probably beat the Browns.

[Poli]

Kansas beat SDSU, 31-17. That's South Dakota State, and it was closer than the score sounds.

SDSU set a school record midway through the first quarter with a 99 yard run up the middle for a score. I wasn't thrilled with the ball being placed inside the 1 yard line. Kansas had punted and a coverage guy grabbed the ball inside the 1 but his momentum carried him into the end zone. I think the correct call is a touch back, but I will defer to Dr. Sak before going crazy on it. Beside that, the Jackrabbits can't complain about setting a record.

I had seen a 98 yard reception for a score in high school and a 95 yard run in high school (both by current Jayhawk Brandon Bourbon) and a 97 yard run by one of my youth players...so a 99 yard run was a first for me.

Kansas would eventually take a 10-7 lead at the half thanks to two blocked punts...another first for me. Kansas would add two more scores in the 3rd quarter to take the lead to 24-7. SDSU would score just before the start of the 4th to bring it to 24-14.

A field goal by the Jackrabbits got them within a score for a tie, but Kansas scored another touchdown with 3 minutes left to put the game away.

Had it not been for five turnovers (1 fumble, 4 interceptions) and two blocked punts...Charlie Weis may have started his Kansas career with a loss to FCS South Dakota State.


Bourbon had 5 carries for 17 yards and a catch for 12, most of it came in the 4th quarter.

[bronconick]

I saw him a lot last year, and have never understood his hype.

But, he plays for UM, and they always get overrated, just like the their ranking in the preseason polls. They'll be lucky to win 8 games.

The hype has been him tearing apart mediocre Notre Dame teams in the 2nd or 3rd week of September when they're still ranked in the top 15-20 and then a few overmatched non-conference foes.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

SDSU set a school record midway through the first quarter with a 99 yard run up the middle for a score. I wasn't thrilled with the ball being placed inside the 1 yard line. Kansas had punted and a coverage guy grabbed the ball inside the 1 but his momentum carried him into the end zone. I think the correct call is a touch back, but I will defer to Dr. Sak before going crazy on it. Beside that, the Jackrabbits can't complain about setting a record.

The rule in college is that the ball placement is where the ball ends up, not the player. You can lay your entire body in the end zone and stop the ball outside the end zone and the ball will be placed at the one yard line. Not sure how that relates to your scenario, but that's the rule.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I think the biggest problem with Denard Robinson playing QB is that every time he throws the ball you are removing the biggest threat (Denard's running) on the Michigan team from the play.

While it's true that every time they snap the ball he does touch it, as a passer he is still well below average. Nobody is going to fear him passing, and once he gets rid of the ball he's no longer a threat. As a runner you know where he is on every play... under center. It's hard taking the ball out of his hands because he is such a competitor. I'd still like to see what he could do if he was getting the ball in space.

Next year I would love to see him replace Javid Best on the Lions.

[bronconick]

His biggest threat also gets him beat up consistently. He's not built like Tebow or Newton. He missed time in what, 9 games in 2010?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Oh, and anybody who doesn't get the hype surrounding him or thinks he isn't any good would be wearing his jersey and weeping with joy if he had chosen their school. They're just Michigan haters who still think Charles Woodson is mediocre and probably believe Tom Brady to be the most overrated QB ever.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

His biggest threat also gets him beat up consistently. He's not built like Tebow or Newton. He missed time in what, 9 games in 2010?

Something like that. Which is why they try to limit his runs. Another reason I think he would be better as a RB/WR combo type. Move him around & when he doesn't touch the ball he's still going to keep a defense keyed in on him, which can open up other areas of the field.

I do understand when your best player is the QB and wants to stay there why you try to keep him there. I also think Denard should have asked to switch positions himself. Showing what he can do at another position could have boosted his stock immensely in the draft.

[Ben E Lou]

Ha!

The Official Boise State Twitter Feed Was Honest For About 30 Seconds After The Broncos Lost Their Season Opener (http://deadspin.com/5939961?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow)

[wade moore]

I think Maryland hit their ceiling today, with a clutch 1 point victory over William and Mary. 1-11 is looking very doable this year.

Was at the game rooting on W&M.

Sad thing for UMD fans... The Terps really had no business winning that game.

[bronconick]

Something like that. Which is why they try to limit his runs. Another reason I think he would be better as a RB/WR combo type. Move him around & when he doesn't touch the ball he's still going to keep a defense keyed in on him, which can open up other areas of the field.

I do understand when your best player is the QB and wants to stay there why you try to keep him there. I also think Denard should have asked to switch positions himself. Showing what he can do at another position could have boosted his stock immensely in the draft.

I've heard a bit of this from assorted Michigan friends and fans. The biggest problem with that is that the position was pretty much an empty cupboard behind him. Gardner's obviously already a better WR than QB and would have left Hoke with the same problems as Denard last year. So...you start a true freshman in Bellomy last year?

And when he struggles like all freshman do, and Michigan's 4-3 or 3-4 after losing to State for the 4th straight year what % of the fanbase is screaming to put the guy who had 2500 passing and 1700 rushing yards at the QB position back under center?

Edit: Oh, you said Denard should have asked to move. Everyone else has been screaming that Hoke should have just started a pocket passer last year from day 1.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I've heard a bit of this from assorted Michigan friends and fans. The biggest problem with that is that the position was pretty much an empty cupboard behind him. Gardner's obviously already a better WR than QB and would have left Hoke with the same problems as Denard last year. So...you start a true freshman in Bellomy last year?

And when he struggles like all freshman do, and Michigan's 4-3 or 3-4 after losing to State for the 4th straight year what % of the fanbase is screaming to put the guy who had 2500 passing and 1700 rushing yards at the QB position back under center?

Edit: Oh, you said Denard should have asked to move. Everyone else has been screaming that Hoke should have just started a pocket passer last year from day 1.

I don't think you need a "pocket passer" just an accurate one. I'd like to see what Gardner can do working full time at QB. I didn't see the point in going with a freshman last year, or this year. Robinson certainly didn't look improved last night, but that can have a lot to do with the quality of the opponent. I still didn't see a guy that has any future as a QB, but when he runs he's like trying to catch something that is covered with wet moss.

Alabama showed Michigan to be exactly what it is: A program that is being rebuilt. Michigan wasn't in the same league with them.

I'm not saying that Michigan still won't win the Big Ten. MSU is giddy today, quickly forgetting their ugly win the night before. They also forget what Alabama did to them the last time they took the field. That was even uglier than Michigan last night (and I am taking into account those new unis.)

Time to get ready for Air Force.

PS. Musberger & Herbstreet were awful last night. They didn't seem to know the Michigan players at all (how many times did we hear "Denard Smith") and whenever they talked they were just talking out their asses. Sophomores who never started are now "grizzled veterans?" Gardner runs routes looking like a guy who just started to learn how to do it. Then we hear "he really has come a long way?"

[Poli]

The rule in college is that the ball placement is where the ball ends up, not the player. You can lay your entire body in the end zone and stop the ball outside the end zone and the ball will be placed at the one yard line. Not sure how that relates to your scenario, but that's the rule.


Ball went into the end zone with the player.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ball went into the end zone with the player.

Yeah, looks like a Sak ruling is in order then. :)

[Ksyrup]

UK is a trainwreck. And this won't help.

Matt Jones‏<s>@</s>KySportsRadio
Uk Freshman RB Dyshawn Mobley. Not good RT <s>@</s>DMobes2 (https://twitter.com/DMobes2): Got in for three plays BS

[britrock88]

RM's justified complaining about scheduling has motivated me to keep a tally of BCS teams playing true road games. Here's Week 1:

UCLA at Rice (W)
Washington State at BYU (L)
Minnesota at UNLV (W)
Northwestern at Syracuse* (W)
Rutgers at Tulane (W)
Oklahoma^ at UTEP (W)
Kentucky at Louisville^* (L)

^- ranked in coaches' poll
*- BCS home team

[britrock88]

RM's justified complaining about scheduling has motivated me to keep a tally of BCS teams playing true road games out of conference. Here's Week 1:

UCLA at Rice (W)
Washington State at BYU (L)
Minnesota at UNLV (W)
Northwestern at Syracuse* (W)
Rutgers at Tulane (W)
Oklahoma^ at UTEP (W)
Kentucky at Louisville^* (L)

^- ranked in coaches' poll
*- BCS home team

That's 7 true road contests among 68 BCS teams, one of which (UK@UL) was a rivalry game.

[MrBug708]

Go...us?

[dawgfan]

That's a lot of kool-aid lathum
What, you don't think ASJ will prove to be the best TE in the country?

;)

[Lathum]

Go...us?

going completely from memory here but the PAC 12 does a pretty good job of scheduling road OOC games. Just off the top of my head we go to LSU next week, Wazzou goes to UNLV, Oregon played LSU last year, Stanford and USC go to Notre Dame pretty regularly, we went to Nebraska last year, etc...

[Matthean]

Oh, and anybody who doesn't get the hype surrounding him or thinks he isn't any good would be wearing his jersey and weeping with joy if he had chosen their school. They're just Michigan haters who still think Charles Woodson is mediocre and probably believe Tom Brady to be the most overrated QB ever.

I was gone this weekend, so I'll just chime in now as a Michigan fan and say I have a very low opinion of him and have done so for some time. He's basically a WR with minor throwing skills. It will be interesting to see how fast they make Shane Morris the stater. I don't think this coaching staff can get past the Denard experience fast enough.

P.S. Blake Countess is done for the year with a torn ACL. This season with that schedule is looking like a wash.

[britrock88]

going completely from memory here but the PAC 12 does a pretty good job of scheduling road OOC games. Just off the top of my head we go to LSU next week, Wazzou goes to UNLV, Oregon played LSU last year, Stanford and USC go to Notre Dame pretty regularly, we went to Nebraska last year, etc...

I also remember strong Michigan teams having their high hopes dashed by laying some eggs at the likes of Oregon and Washington in the early '00s.

[bronconick]

That's 7 true road contests among 68 BCS teams, one of which (UK@UL) was a rivalry game.

Week 1 is worse than average because if you do play a cupcake, it's usually the 1st week.

Week 2 has 18 BCS teams on the road (@13 BCS schools, 5 non BCS), 2 at neutral sites (1 BCS, 1 non) and 5 conference matchups.

So 44 of the 68 face each other in week 2.

[Young Drachma]

D3 Eureka beat Knox (who are always bad) 62-55 in a game where he threw for an NCAA-record 736 yards. In one game.

Division III quarterback sets NCAA mark with 736 passing yards - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8329638/division-iii-quarterback-sets-ncaa-mark-736-passing-yards)

[bob]

The hype has been him tearing apart mediocre Notre Dame teams in the 2nd or 3rd week of September when they're still ranked in the top 15-20 and then a few overmatched non-conference foes.

And if i recall correctly, both "great" performances against ND were really made up of some great running plays by him combined with some horrible throw-the-ball-up-and-pray passes that worked out in Michigan's favor due to a truly pathetic ND secondary. Several big plays should have been interceptions or at least knock downs by a decent CB / Safety, but ND players either completely misjudged balls or fell over repeatedly.