Official College Football Week 12 Thread

[cartman]

Just a few weeks left in the regular season! Here are the matchups between BCS Top 25 teams this weekend:

Stanford at Oregon
USC at UCLA
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State

[MrBug708]

The North and the South are basically decided in the PAC-12.

UCLA has told USC to not stab the center logo. A lot of Trojans are upset about this. Most UCLA fans find it amusing...haha

[General Mike]

Rutgers gonna lose. Again. Thank god I'm going to be driving to South Carolina so I can pretend like I didn't listen to it on my phone and pulled what little hair I have left.

[WSUCougar]

Sorry, Bug...all their troubles aside, I think USC is going to expose UCLA.

[MrBug708]

Exposed for? And why?

[Logan]

Rutgers gonna lose. Again. Thank god I'm going to be driving to South Carolina so I can pretend like I didn't listen to it on my phone and pulled what little hair I have left.

I have some confidence in this one. Obviously, the offense needs to be opened up, or we can forget about it.

Jamison not playing would be a monster blow of course.

[BYU 14]

Sorry, Bug...all their troubles aside, I think USC is going to expose UCLA.

It could go that way, but USC has been far from consistent defensively and Hundley is a dynamic player. I see a shootout here and if UCLA is in it near the end they have a shot.

[Chief Rum]

It could go that way, but USC has been far from consistent defensively and Hundley is a dynamic player. I see a shootout here and if UCLA is in it near the end they have a shot.

That's what I think will happen. It's going to be a toss up. Last team with the ball and enough time to do something with it wins.

UCLA has too many weapons for a thin USC defense to cover all game, especially if the Bruins do some more of the Oregon-esque up tempo stuff that they have been doing.

But UCLA's secondary is just gawd awful, and Marquise Lee is scary is hell. There is just no way they're stopping Woods and Lee and also keeping tabs on all those tight ends. Barkley is going to have a field day, even if UCLA's front seven puts him on his ass a bunch.

[Kodos]

I'm hoping IU can rebound against PSU this weekend.

And that OSU trashes Wisconsin.

[Logan]

I'm hoping IU can rebound against PSU this weekend.

And that OSU trashes Wisconsin.

OSU is an undefeated team getting points. Red flag.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Syracuse vs. Mizzou should be an interesting game this weekend. Syracuse is coming off a big win last week. Mizzou has won two of their last three with the only loss being a close game at Florida. Chance for Mizzou to become bowl eligible this week and then head to A&M for their finale in College Station where they've won three straight games

[Logan]

Cuse is a much different team in the Dome vs on the road.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sheldon Richardson suspended for Saturday's game.

[digamma]

De facto ACC Coastal Division title game tomorrow in Atlanta between Duke and Ga Tech. Miami can also tie for (and win the tie-breaker) for the conference title, but almost everyone expects them to self impose post-season sanctions once they become bowl eligible.

[Matthean]

This weekend is so uninteresting I'm working on homework and maybe going to one of the comic stores to play board games.

[Scoobz0202]

This weekend is so uninteresting I'm working on homework

Sounds like every one of my weekends for the past 2 1/2 months. Moving to a new town, not knowing anybody, not being the best at going from friendly to friends, and school being harder than ever equals a pretty shitty social life.

I need to fix this problem.

[MacroGuru]

BYU @ 8-2 SJSU....

Utah/Arizona game was bumped from ESPN2 for this one....

[bob]

De facto ACC Coastal Division title game tomorrow in Atlanta between Duke and Ga Tech. Miami can also tie for (and win the tie-breaker) for the conference title, but almost everyone expects them to self impose post-season sanctions once they become bowl eligible.

As a Tech fan, this depresses me. How bad is the ACC that this team could be in the ACC championship game?

[bob]

Looking at this week's schedule, there are some massive turds (including most of the upper echelon of the SEC). When the playoffs start in a few years, do you think schedules will get stronger or weaker? I don't see the incentive to play anyone worth a damn out of conference once 4 teams are in the playoff. Win your conference and don't lose out of conference.

[Passacaglia]

Isn't that what they said when the BCS started? (That's rhetorical, it is what they said when the BCS started)

[bob]

Isn't that what they said when the BCS started? (That's rhetorical, it is what they said when the BCS started)

Maybe I'm not old enough to remember how schedules really were before the BCS and whatever the thing was that preceded it (Bowl Alliance or whatever it was), but to me it does seem like schedules have gotten worse. But maybe I'm wrong.

[BYU 14]

BYU @ 8-2 SJSU....

Utah/Arizona game was bumped from ESPN2 for this one....

Still little brother :)

[EagleFan]

Icing the kicker on a 60 yard field goal to end the first half? Seriously? I can't see how you can ice the kicker on a kick that he is already expected to miss. He is already going into that kick with no pressure because he is "supposed" to miss it.

[tarcone]

Iowa is going to get spanked by Michigan. As Michigan ends their 3 game losing streak to Iowa.
Im so sad.

Go Hawks!

[digamma]

As a Tech fan, this depresses me. How bad is the ACC that this team could be in the ACC championship game?

The Coastal is pretty horrid. The other side only saved by FSU and Clemson.

[digamma]

The Game starts soon. My son is ready.

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/53736695?badge=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/53736695">10000 Men of Harvard</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5571029">Stephen Venable</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

[Matthean]

Looking at this week's schedule, there are some massive turds (including most of the upper echelon of the SEC). When the playoffs start in a few years, do you think schedules will get stronger or weaker? I don't see the incentive to play anyone worth a damn out of conference once 4 teams are in the playoff. Win your conference and don't lose out of conference.

The schedule still needs to be strong enough to help bump you over other undefeated teams. I think Saban has done a great job of picking name teams to go against that still are at least a tier below 'Bama.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Michigan has a RB/WR/QB that wears #16 & has no shoe laces.

Good thing too, as they are down a starting RB...

(Look only if you're not eating)

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750927/toussaint.gifhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750935/owowow_1.jpg

[JonInMiddleGA]

As a Tech fan, this depresses me. How bad is the ACC that this team could be in the ACC championship game?

Bad. Very bad.

[Matthean]

Michigan has a RB/WR/QB that wears #16 & has no shoe laces.

Good thing too, as they are down a starting RB...

(Look only if you're not eating)

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750927/toussaint.gifhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750935/owowow_1.jpg

*sigh* I know his year has been horrible on and off the field, but I liked him enough last year I had genuine hope for him but those type of injuries can end careers.

[Matthean]

Michigan has a RB/WR/QB that wears #16 & has no shoe laces.

"We so didn't plan for this." - Iowa.

[cadmus2166]

Michigan has a RB/WR/QB that wears #16 & has no shoe laces.

Good thing too, as they are down a starting RB...

(Look only if you're not eating)

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750927/toussaint.gifhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750935/owowow_1.jpg

Ahh, the offense that could've been for Michigan this year. I am glad that Denard is at least healthy to line up some at RB. It's gonna suck for Ohio St. to try and gameplan for Michigan for next week.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Halftime in Columbia ... South Carolina 7 - Wofford 7

[tarcone]

"We so didn't plan for this." - Iowa.

"We so dont plan for anything."- Iowa

We are just a bad team. Terrible QB. Defense has been exposed. How many times can you allow a WR to be wide open? Apparently many times.
And did we stop Michigan once on 3rd down?

Im happy the basketball team is playing.

EDIT: I dont want to lay this all on the players. Our coaching staff is worse then the product on the field. Im hoping for some changes next season.

[Jon]

Nice win by Rutgers over Cincinnati as they control their own destiny in the Big East.

[cuervo72]

Not sure if Erin Andrews doing studio show or auditioning for Grease.

[cuervo72]

Oh - color on color in UCLA/USC is interesting.

(and lookin' good Lane, you snively little shit!!)

[mauchow]

Good start for the Badgers. Missed early shots. Dumb decisions from bielema and all of a sudden down 14. Need a score now.

[mauchow]

Ask and you shall receive. Three and out now defense.

[RainMaker]

Michigan has a RB/WR/QB that wears #16 & has no shoe laces.

Good thing too, as they are down a starting RB...

(Look only if you're not eating)

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750927/toussaint.gifhttp://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1750935/owowow_1.jpg

These guys totally don't deserve to be paid.

[mckerney]

Well, this is more interesting than anything else happening in the Big Ten today.

Maryland, Rutgers to Big Ten? (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8644587/maryland-terrapins-rutgers-scarlet-knights-talks-join-big-ten-conference-sources-say)

[cuervo72]

Just how enforceable is that $50M exit fee, anyway? I wonder if something like that could wind up in the courts at some point.

[General Mike]

Didn't see the Rutgers game, but glad we won.

[RedKingGold]

Barkley just got destroyed.

[Scoobz0202]

SHAZIER!

[mauchow]

Badgers are missing a qb today. Still not over. Need to ask defense for one more stop pleaaaase.

[Chief Rum]

Way to go, Bruins! Good win for UCLA today. Not only beat their rivals, but also clinch their spot in the Pac 12 title game.

[cuervo72]

"The game is not over..." -- yep, that's Ed's boy all right.

[MrBug708]

Finished Business!

[Scoobz0202]

Shiiiiiitt

[mauchow]

Yeah, baby. Just kick this out of bounds, do not let them return the kick plz.. thanks.

[mauchow]

Some great passes by Phillips, a fifth year senior who has seen the field less than a handful of games in his career. He's likely to be granted a 6th year next year which will allow for the Badgers to have some options next year as well. I don't see him being the front runner for being a starter but he can push Stave, Houston, O'brien (if he stays) to be better. Looking forward to next year for sure.

[mauchow]

Helluva game regardless of outcome. Badgers have played better but their one-dimensional game nearly cost them(Bielema almost cost them, too, or whoever called the fuckin' run on 1st down with 30 seconds to go.).

[mauchow]

Holding, motherfucker.

[mauchow]

Holding again Motherfucker.

[mauchow]

All right, Ball. Get some.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thanks to UCLA for providing a highlight of the college football weekend. I ain't had too many of those this season, so it's appreciated.

[mauchow]

Horrible play call, Canada or Bielema. Run the fucking ball.

[mauchow]

How fuckin' pitiful. Good game, tOSU. Was a good one. Badgers defense was extremely tough (without our biggest playmaker, Borland) all game and then *sigh* the OT.. We didn't do anything with our drive in OT but that shit was bad on the second and third play of OT for Buckeyes.

[Matthean]

So, the preseason number one team could end up being 7-5.

[TroyF]

So, the preseason number one team could end up being 7-5.

I'm so sick of hearing how Kiffin is this amazing coach. Sanctions and all, this USC team is far better than 7-4. Beyond his record, his actions are horrible and he just embarrasses that program every time he opens his mouth. If he can't win with this team, how is he ever going to win? Arizona is going to continue to get better. UCLA looks to be on the right track. Washington will continue to get better. Oregon isn't going anywhere, with or without Kelly. Colo. . . ok, I just can't go that far. The point still stands though. I think the rest of the conference is going to get better or hold serve and I don't see USC as having better talent in the next two years than what they did this year.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see how he turns it around after this.

[Matthean]

MSU goes 5-6, and I guess it got rather volatile with the fans. I think they have enough to beat Minnesota, but if they don't, they go 3-7 after starting 2-0 and miss out on a bowl.

[mauchow]

LA Tech after being down 41-17 is now down by 3 with two minutes left.

[cadmus2166]

"We so dont plan for anything."- Iowa

We are just a bad team. Terrible QB. Defense has been exposed. How many times can you allow a WR to be wide open? Apparently many times.
And did we stop Michigan once on 3rd down?

Im happy the basketball team is playing.

EDIT: I dont want to lay this all on the players. Our coaching staff is worse then the product on the field. Im hoping for some changes next season.

You may get some coordinator/position coach changes, but there is no way Iowa buys out Ferentz for $21 Million.

[bob]

Just for conversation...

So let's say Kansas St, Oregon, and Notre Dame all lose one remaining game. Bama wins out, as does Florida. Would we get a Bama / UF title game?

What about if FSU beat Florida? Would it be Bama / FSU?

Even better, what if FSU beats Florida and loses ACC championship? Bama / LSU or Bama / Texas A&M?

[Big Fo]

If Oregon beats Stanford, loses to Oregon St., then wins the Pac-12 title game, I think they'd get a shot before Florida, FSU, or anyone other than a one loss SEC champ.

[cuervo72]

Why don't you squib that kick? Even kicking from the 50, the touchback brings it to the 25. Make the kick bounce around, maybe you get lucky.

[bob]

If Oregon beats Stanford, loses to Oregon St., then wins the Pac-12 title game, I think they'd get a shot before Florida, FSU, or anyone other than a one loss SEC champ.

Ok, then let's knock Oregon out by having them lose twice for fun. Then who's in in those situations?

I think ND or KSU losing at this point knocks them out.

Assuming they win out, I think Bama is in. I'm just not sure who would be next in line.

[Scoobz0202]

I think I asked this a few weeks back but I don't recall if anybody responded.

Hypothetical game: If Ohio State was eligible, and they beat Michigan next week, where would they be in the Notre Dame, Oregon, KSU rankings with a down Big Ten. I think they are overrated but I'd be curious to know where the rankings would have them.

[britrock88]

I think I asked this a few weeks back but I don't recall if anybody responded.

Hypothetical game: If Ohio State was eligible, and they beat Michigan next week, where would they be in the Notre Dame, Oregon, KSU rankings with a down Big Ten. I think they are overrated but I'd be curious to know where the rankings would have them.

My preferred computer ranking (the SRS)* has OSU at 15th entering today's games, behind 7-3 USC.

*- Preferred because of its transparency. The formula:
SRS = (average MOV + opponents' average MOV) / 2

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ok, then let's knock Oregon out by having them lose twice for fun. Then who's in in those situations?

I think ND or KSU losing at this point knocks them out.

Assuming they win out, I think Bama is in. I'm just not sure who would be next in line.

The computers, as of last week, really seem to like Florida. That may slide a little after they beat a subpar opponent today, but that might give them the inside track.

Perhaps an even nuttier question is this: if Georgia beats Alabama, who do the Dogs play in the national championship game?

Yeah, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

[mckerney]

I think I asked this a few weeks back but I don't recall if anybody responded.

Hypothetical game: If Ohio State was eligible, and they beat Michigan next week, where would they be in the Notre Dame, Oregon, KSU rankings with a down Big Ten. I think they are overrated but I'd be curious to know where the rankings would have them.

Coming into the week the BCS computer polls have them ranked 11-5-8-6-8-5, which would give them a .770 for the computer segment, the same that LSU currently has at 7th. They're not included in either of the human polls that the BCS uses, but if we just want a rough estimate for where they'd be you could use the AP ranking twice instead of the Harris and Coaches poll. Not exact, but better than anything else. Doing so would put them at 0.7953, which would put at #7 in the BCS and have them just barely behind Florida.

[JonInMiddleGA]

34-10 Vandy going to the 4th quarter by the way.

I guess UT-Kentucky can be the Unemployed Coaches Bowl.

[Big Fo]

Ok, then let's knock Oregon out by having them lose twice for fun. Then who's in in those situations?

I think ND or KSU losing at this point knocks them out.

Assuming they win out, I think Bama is in. I'm just not sure who would be next in line.

I think they'll try and fix it somehow so there isn't another SEC rematch. If Oregon loses twice and Flordia beats Florida State, I think it'll either be Notre Dame or Kansas St. depending on the nature of their defeats.

Hypothetical game: If Ohio State was eligible, and they beat Michigan next week, where would they be in the Notre Dame, Oregon, KSU rankings with a down Big Ten. I think they are overrated but I'd be curious to know where the rankings would have them.

I'd put them fourth out of the four if they all went undefeated. Their schedule kind of sucks, of the teams they play I think only Nebraska and Michigan will end the season ranked.

[molson]

Wild Syracuse/Missouri game, 'Cuse a kickoff and 20 seconds away from pulling it out and becoming bowl eligible. Which these days, counts as a great season for them.

[JonInMiddleGA]

from the Knox News Sentinel twitter feed ... "With the fourth quarter yet to begin, UTAD Dave Hart is waiting on the elevator, apparently to exit the Vanderbilt Stadium press box. "

Yeah, I think we've all seen enough Dave.

[Buccaneer]

Woo hoo, go Orange. They exceeding my expectations this year.

[kingfc22]

KSU in bad shape tonight.

[Julio Riddols]

Tavon Austin seems to be a really good RB.

[kingfc22]

Hold onto the damn ball Stanford.

[Julio Riddols]

Also, looks like KSU was looking past Baylor or something. They're just getting stomped.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I guess this Baylor beatdown makes the fact that WVU just took the lead over Oklahoma even more interesting.

[Danny]

Tavon Austin seems to be a really good RB.

Looks at his ypc for the season

[miked]

I can't believe Miami and GT are playing for an ACC title game. I would love to see either of the 3 (FSU, UM, or GT) play RU in the Orange Bowl (if RU can manage to beat UL).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wait, scratch that, OU is back in front.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I can't believe Miami and GT are playing for an ACC title game. I would love to see either of the 3 (FSU, UM, or GT) play RU in the Orange Bowl (if RU can manage to beat UL).

I'm pretty sure most teams in the country would love to find themselves facing GT in a bowl game. I mean, everybody likes to finish the season with a bowl win.

[kingfc22]

Bad decision by Shaw regardless if he made it.

You need a TD on that drive.

[kingfc22]

Put a fork in KSU.

Golden Domers rejoice for the second straight week.

[Scoobz0202]

I'm strangely saddened by KSU getting smoked. I have no connection to this team. Maybe I've had one too many Founder's Breakfast Stouts

[cuervo72]

Oh boy, ND. Whee.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Last time Vandy beat UT in Nashville was 1982.

The #1 song in the nation was "Truly" by Lionel Richie (which would be replaced by Toni Basil's "Mickey" a couple of weeks later).

[BillJasper]

K-State couldn't handle the pressure of being #1. What a shame.

[JonInMiddleGA]

OU-WVU turned into insanity, 4 lead changes in the final 7:33

[mauchow]

Incomplete I'd say -- didn't have control of it after his shoulder hit. Just barely bobbled it when it was in his hands.

[mauchow]

Wow, I am shocked..

[Easy Mac]

Wow

[Easy Mac]

Still. Oregon could score ten times in 90 seconds.

[mauchow]

14-14 with 1:34 left in the first quarter.. I mean, fourth quarter. Wait, 14-14? The OU I believe was close to 70. Woops.

[mckerney]

Every time I watch football I become more and more confused about what a catch is.

[TroyF]

Incomplete I'd say -- didn't have control of it after his shoulder hit. Just barely bobbled it when it was in his hands.

It really wasn't even a close call. The ball was clearly moving after the shoulder was out of bounds. I was actually laughing out loud at the announcers saying this was a close call.

That should be the last review the guy in the booth ever has.

[mckerney]

I am also not sure if those are supposed to be feathers or chicken fingers on Oregon's helmet.

[mauchow]

Still. Oregon could score ten times in 90 seconds.

Not tonight.

I won't be shocked of Stanford walks off in regulation with a game winning field goal.

[TroyF]

Not tonight.

I won't be shocked of Stanford walks off in regulation with a game winning field goal.

I agree with this. If I were Oregon, I would have ran or thrown a screen on first down. I think it was a very bad call by Kelly. Now they have to come up with a third and ten.

[kingfc22]

Weak PI call

[TroyF]

Wow, I need to see a replay of this one. . .

[Matthean]

I think I asked this a few weeks back but I don't recall if anybody responded.

Hypothetical game: If Ohio State was eligible, and they beat Michigan next week, where would they be in the Notre Dame, Oregon, KSU rankings with a down Big Ten. I think they are overrated but I'd be curious to know where the rankings would have them.

Voters put them higher than the computers, but I don't see them higher than #3 or #4 with a KSU loss.

[Easy Mac]

Weak PI call

[BillJasper]

Every time I watch football I become more and more confused about what a catch is.

Between a catch and holding, I'm not sure what's going on anymore. Watching a game earlier, a receiver had a DB by the fucking collar as he was trying to turn and run down a play with a ref standing right there watching.

[mckerney]

Another thing, nearly every time I say Autzen Stadium I have to stop myself from saying Auschwitz.

[cuervo72]

BSPI

[mauchow]

Aye, aye, aye... *dizzy*

[TroyF]

By strict definition of the rules, that was PI. But I'm guessing they could have called that forty times tonight.

Even the people who are not ref bashers have to agree the reffing in this game tonight has been terrible for start to finish. Inconsistent calls, tons of conferences to correct errors (which were sometimes not corrected) and topped off by two poor calls in the final two minutes. Not a good night for the zebras in this one.

Another third and long. . .

[mauchow]

You HAVE to go for the win. You cannot send it into overtime.

[mauchow]

Not a good kicker either.. this could be it

[mauchow]

Annnnnd I think we will have yet another SEC BCS Champion..

[tucker rocky]

Interesting BCS shakeup coming.

[mauchow]

This is going to be extremely disgusting to see six of the top 9 teams from the SEC.

[BillJasper]

I can't believe it only took Alabama a week to get back into the hunt for the National title. Fuck Nick Saban.

[TroyF]

wow. I am unbelievably bummed.

If it ends up being a ND/Bama championship game, I won't watch a single bowl game. college football will be dead to me for the rest of the year.

[Easy Mac]

Jesus Stanford, hold the ball

[BillJasper]

What kind of play calling was that? Just run the damn ball! :lol:

[mauchow]

WHAT THE FUCK IS STANFORD DOING?

[Danny]

Woe

[Easy Mac]

This is not a gimme

[kingfc22]

No ninja timeout.

[BillJasper]

This is not a gimme

Nope.

[Easy Mac]

The south will rise again

[mckerney]

Dammit, Oregon in the Rose Bowl is not going to be good for the Big Ten.

[tucker rocky]

1 and 2 go down.
SEC back in the picture .

[Danny]

What a crappy weak. I like Stanford and Oregon but wanted to see Oregon in the title game.

[TroyF]

Ugh. Crushing.

[Easy Mac]

Watching hippies cry does make me happy.

[Danny]

Oregon may not be in the rose bowl Stanford controls their destiny o play ucla for PAC 12 title game

[BillJasper]

Really not surprised Oregon lost. They're fast but I figured a good defense that was physical could slow them down. Really surprised K-State shit the bed though.

[Jas_lov]

Oregon won't even be in the Rose Bowl. Pac 12 champ will be and that will be Standford or UCLA. Chip Kelly and Bill Snyder really choked tonight.

[mckerney]

Oregon may not be in the rose bowl Stanford controls their destiny o play ucla for PAC 12 title game

Ah, hadn't checked that. Good.

[Matthean]

1 and 2 go down.
SEC back in the picture .

It feels so empty without SEC. :lol:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YVkUvmDQ3HY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[mckerney]

Oregon won't even be in the Rose Bowl. Pac 12 champ will be and that will be Standford or UCLA. Chip Kelly and Bill Snyder really choked tonight.

Hmm, may not be. Stanford still needs to win at UCLA next week.

[BillJasper]

Alabama would destroy Notre Dame.

[tucker rocky]

So ND will play USC in LA next week, and promptly lose.

[mauchow]

Ah, hadn't checked that. Good.

Yes, thank God. If Wisconsin happens to beat Nebraska I cannot imagine how badly that game would turn out for Wisconsin. It's bad enough to be a possible rematch of last year let alone of one 12-1 team vs 9-4 or 8-5... *shivers*

[JonInMiddleGA]

Watching hippies cry does make me happy.

LOL

[Buccaneer]

wow. I am unbelievably bummed.

If it ends up being a ND/Bama championship game, I won't watch a single bowl game. college football will be dead to me for the rest of the year.

Quoting for posterity. :)

[mauchow]

Alabama would destroy Notre Dame.

This is the only scenario I would accept from the stand-point of ND getting in. I want ND to get smacked around like little girls.

[Matthean]

Voters put them higher than the computers, but I don't see them higher than #3 or #4 with a KSU loss.

Correcting, OSU might have screwed themselves out of a title game because of their ego. Awesome.

[BillJasper]

Hmm, may not be. Stanford still needs to win at UCLA next week.

So they have to beat UCLA to play UCLA in the PAC-12 championship or is next week the championship game?

[mckerney]

wow. I am unbelievably bummed.

If it ends up being a ND/Bama championship game, I won't watch a single bowl game. college football will be dead to me for the rest of the year.

We could end up with Alabama/Florida instead. At least it wouldn't be a rematch.

[Danny]

Yes, if Stanford beats UCLA they play UCLA again for pac 12 championship

[mckerney]

So they have to beat UCLA to play UCLA in the PAC-12 championship or is next week the championship game?

Stanford and UCLA play next week for the final regular season game, a Stanford win will lead to a rematch in the championship game.

[BillJasper]

Yes, if Stanford beats UCLA they play UCLA again for pac 12 championship

Hell, if I'm UCLA, I play my scrubs next week to keep Oregon out of the championship game.

Matt Barkley should've went to the NFL last year. I think he's damaged his stock this year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Help me out here ...

1) if USC beats ND, are we looking at the SEC having the top 4-5 spots in the BCS at that point? (assuming Bama over Auburn, UGA over GT, LSU over Arky and FLA over FSU). Could it be even more than that, with A&M and SC in there somewhere? I'm guessing Oregon & maybe K-State stay ahead of those last two though.

2) Computers loved Florida last week, had them 3rd overall. How much of a hit will the computers give them for playing Jax State today?

[mckerney]

Matt Barkley should've went to the NFL last year. I think he's damaged his stock this year.

True, but if he had went last year he could have ended up on the Browns which would have damaged him more.

[mckerney]

2) Computers loved Florida last week, had them 3rd overall. How much of a hit will the computers give them for playing Jax State today?

Probably won't be that much with teams ahead of them losing, especially when they have Florida next week. If Notre Dame loses to USC and Alabama beats Georgia in the SEC title game I'll be surprised if that match up isn't Alabama and Florida.

[Jas_lov]

I wonder if Oregon will be ranked ahead of KState and if either of them will be ranked ahead of Florida. That will be key if Notre Dame loses. Georgia and Bama won't lose next week so their game in the SEC championship will be for the NCG. If Notre Dame loses then it'll be Florida, KState or Oregon so who is ahead in the rankings will be key because that team would just have to win one game and get in since none of them will probably play in a conference title game. Big 12 doesn't even have a title game, Florida can't win theirs and Oregon has an outside chance of playing in their conference title game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

But who the hell would Georgia play if they upset Bama?

Could this thing actually turn into a Georgia-Florida rematch?

[mckerney]

But who the hell would Georgia play if they upset Bama?

Could this thing actually turn into a Georgia-Florida rematch?

Probably either Notre Dame or Florida. If Florida and Notre Dame lose then college football devolves into total chaos and the BCS just decides to replay last years title game. :p

[Jas_lov]

Notre Dame is in if they win so they would play the Georgia/Bama winner. If Notre Dame loses they're out and it'll either be Florida, Oregon or KState. That's why I think whoever is ahead in this week's BCS standings among those 3 just has to win next week and have Notre Dame lose and they're in. They all play ranked opponents so there won't be much fluctuation among one loss Florida, Oregon and KState.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Probably either Notre Dame or Florida. If Florida and Notre Dame lose then college football devolves into total chaos and the BCS just decides to replay last years title game. :p

You just went roughly where I was thinking.

The next BCS rankings are going to be most interesting indeed, especially the computer part.

[mckerney]

Fuck, I don't want to watch Notre Dame in the title game and I don't want an SEC rematch. What should I be cheering for next week? DO I NEED TO ACTUALLY CHEER FOR FSU?!?! :Confused:

[JonInMiddleGA]

Fuck, I don't want to watch Notre Dame in the title game and I don't want an SEC rematch. What should I be cheering for next week? DO I NEED TO ACTUALLY CHEER FOR FSU?!?! :Confused:

I think you gotta wait to see the next BCS rankings to know for sure.

I honestly don't know how Oregon & K-State are going to slot in after today.

[Matthean]

Help me out here ...

1) if USC beats ND, are we looking at the SEC having the top 4-5 spots in the BCS at that point? (assuming Bama over Auburn, UGA over GT, LSU over Arky and FLA over FSU). Could it be even more than that, with A&M and SC in there somewhere? I'm guessing Oregon & maybe K-State stay ahead of those last two though.

After the future playoffs merely the top four teams or is it suppose to be more spread around? Can't imagine the SEC back lash if 3 of the 4 teams are from the SEC.

[mckerney]

After the future playoffs merely the top four teams or is it suppose to be more spread around? Can't imagine the SEC back lash if 3 of the 4 teams are from the SEC.

Just wait until we have a season where all 4 teams are from the SEC.

[Matthean]

I honestly don't know how Oregon & K-State are going to slot in after today.

KSU is going to get hit hard. On the road or not, 52-24 to an unranked team is hard to deny.

[mckerney]

I honestly don't know how Oregon & K-State are going to slot in after today.

Might be that the human polls still have Oregon higher and the computer polls still have KSU higher. In that case it comes down to how close they're ranked in each of those which is way too hard for me to predict.

[Big Fo]

Ideally just Oregon would have lost and Notre Dame (yeah yeah, if they win next week) could have wound up playing Kansas St. instead of more difficult SEC team. But I can still accept today's results.

[mckerney]

KSU is going to get hit hard. On the road or not, 52-24 to an unranked team is hard to deny.

Are computer polls still not allowed to use margin of victory/defeat? If that's the case they might not get hit that hard in the computer polls and if they're still in it in a couple weeks it could come down to being really close and decided by where individual voters have them.

[Jas_lov]

Yeah, Florida's only loss was at Georgia who could be in the NCG. KState lost on the road to an unranked team. OKState did the same last year and it cost them. Oregon lost at home to a good Stanford team so if I had to guess I'd put Florida ahead among those 3 teams.

[Buccaneer]

Fuck, I don't want to watch Notre Dame in the title game and I don't want an SEC rematch. What should I be cheering for next week? DO I NEED TO ACTUALLY CHEER FOR FSU?!?! :Confused:

Cheering does not affect outcome. ;)

All these SEC/Southern teams plus Notre Dame at the top of the standings make me sad.

[mckerney]

Yeah, Florida's only loss was at Georgia who could be in the NCG. KState lost on the road to an unranked team. OKState did the same last year and it cost them. Oregon lost at home to a good Stanford team so if I had to guess I'd put Florida ahead among those 3 teams.

Florida was already #3 in the computer polls behind Notre Dame and KSU. That alone puts them in great position if Notre Dame loses since teams after the SEC champion will probably be pretty close in points for the human polls.

[Matthean]

Are computer polls still not allowed to use margin of victory/defeat? If that's the case they might not get hit that hard in the computer polls and if they're still in it in a couple weeks it could come down to being really close and decided by where individual voters have them.

Last I knew there was a cap for point difference. I think human voters might be unkind to them as well. 'Bama has proven that losing at home to a decently ranked team doesn't hurt too much so Oregon won't fall far but enough to make it near impossible to get back in for the title game. KSU is flat out screwed.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Last I knew there was a cap for point difference. I think human voters might be unkind to them as well. 'Bama has proven that losing at home to a decently ranked team doesn't hurt too much so Oregon won't fall far but enough to make it near impossible to get back in for the title game. KSU is flat out screwed.

How much would/could a Stanford loss to UCLA and a subsequent trip to the Pac12 title game help Oregon in the NCG picture? (That would put Oregon in the conference c'ship game, right?)

[Matthean]

How much would/could a Stanford loss to UCLA and a subsequent trip to the Pac12 title game help Oregon in the NCG picture? (That would put Oregon in the conference c'ship game, right?)

Assuming ND beats USC, you would need something like GT beating Georgia and then Georgia beating 'Bama. If Georgia and 'Bama win next week, Oregon only gets in if ND gets beat and that's a maybe. A possible one loss Florida team is going to look really strong.

EDIT: I would say if Auburn beats 'Bama, but is that another case of the highest BCS ranked team goes to the conference title game? A&M or LSU would have to beat Georgia then.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Assuming ND beats USC, you would need something like GT beating Georgia and then Georgia beating 'Bama. If Georgia and 'Bama win next week, Oregon only gets in if ND gets beat and that's a maybe. A possible one loss Florida team is going to look really strong.

EDIT: I would say if Auburn beats 'Bama, but is that another case of the highest BCS ranked team goes to the conference title game? A&M or LSU would have to beat Georgia then.

Sorry, I was asking more in terms of a "if ND loses to USC" scenario.

That would put Bama in if they win out obviously, but what then.
If Florida loses to FSU, UGA would have lost to Bama (in this version).

I'm thinking that LSU may end up ahead of Oregon in this week's BCS standings. I was wondering if Oregon might need that extra game (vs UCLA) to pass them, or if a win over Oregon State (needed for any of this to matter) would be enough to put the Ducks back into 4th place.

[Julio Riddols]

The only reason I wouldn't mind seeing ND in the title game is because I like Coach Kelly. He's a class dude and obviously knows how to make the best of his talent.

For Barkley, I agree he has hurt his stock, probably quite a bit. He has 2 1st round quality WRs to throw to and has been very mistake prone and not at all overwhelming as he should be. They're probably better than the receivers will be on whatever NFL team he ends up on. I'd bet on New York.

[dawgfan]

I think Oregon could get back in the NCG picture (assuming Notre Dame loses) if they beat Oregon State, Stanford loses to UCLA and the Ducks end up beating the Bruins in the Pac-12 Championship game.

Their loss tonight should be less damaging than Kansas State's, and they'd add two more wins against ranked teams.

That said, fuck 'em. As much as I'd loathe a NCG consisting of the SEC team du jour vs. Notre Dame, better that than to have to endure Duck fans gloating about a National Championship.

[Matthean]

Sorry, I was asking more in terms of a "if ND loses to USC" scenario.

That would put Bama in if they win out obviously, but what then.
If Florida loses to FSU, UGA would have lost to Bama (in this version).

I'm thinking that LSU may end up ahead of Oregon in this week's BCS standings. I was wondering if Oregon might need that extra game (vs UCLA) to pass them, or if a win over Oregon State (needed for any of this to matter) would be enough to put the Ducks back into 4th place.

I would have Oregon over LSU. It is a hell of a chain of events with three specific losses, but possible since all face quality teams.

[britrock88]

I'm strangely saddened by KSU getting smoked. I have no connection to this team. Maybe I've had one too many Founder's Breakfast Stouts

Yeah. My bet is that Bill Snyder reminds people of their grandfathers.

KSU is going to get hit hard. On the road or not, 52-24 to an unranked team is hard to deny.

Except the BCS forbids use of MOV in the computer rankings! (to screw Oregon???) Ha! (Though, in all honesty, I'm sure the rankers have all kinds of proxies for MOV, as they should, and thus KSU is toast, as they should be.)

[mckerney]

I'm strangely saddened by KSU getting smoked. I have no connection to this team. Maybe I've had one too many Founder's Breakfast Stouts

I am on my second Breakfast Stout of the night and feel the same way.

[tarcone]

Was out tomight. Just looked at ESPN. WOW.

What next?

[Lathum]

Notre Dame is perfectly capable of beating Bama. Kelly is a better coach than Saban and given that much time can gameplan to make up for the talent deficiency. Every game this year people have expected the Irish to get killed in they won. Kelly gets his guys ready, and regardless of who they play he will have the best player on the field. Watch out for the Irish, I thin they will be the national champions when all said and done

[britrock88]

We need:

Florida State over Florida
Georgia Tech over Georgia
Clemson over South Carolina
one of Auburn over Alabama and Arkansas over LSU
Georgia over Alabama/LSU
Georgia Tech over Florida State

... all to get Notre Dame v. Oregon.

[Ben E Lou]

Woohooo!!!!! :D


Question: many of the scenarios here seem to assume that ND is going to lose. I haven't seen them play this year. Is that case of "more interesting to figure out which one-loss teams get in", "I hate Notre Dame", or "ND is the clear underdog against Southern Cal."

Oh, and can't resist this one:If the national title game is Alabama vs. LSU, I will never watch another second of college football again.wow. I am unbelievably bummed.

If it ends up being a ND/Bama championship game, I won't watch a single bowl game. college football will be dead to me for the rest of the year.At least he dialed it down this year. ;)

[Chubby]

SU beats Missouri on the road to become bowl eligible. Oh how sweet it is

[StLee]

I don't think Oregon will plummet out of championship contention with one OT loss, but they will still need a Notre Dame loss.

My best guess for the BCS poll:
1. Notre Dame (#1 in polls)
2. Alabama (#3 in polls)
3. Georgia (#2 in polls)
4. Florida (#6 in polls)
5. LSU (#7 in polls)
6. Oregon (#5 in polls)
7. Florida St (#4 in polls)
8. Texas A&M
9. South Carolina
10. Kansas State (may even be higher in human polls than #10)

[Ben E Lou]

Looking over the BCS numbers a little more closely, the computers will be interesting with Oregon. None of them had them higher than #3, but Stanford was in the #7-#11 range, so perhaps they don't get a big hit there. I still suspect that they fall a little below UGA, but that level of detail probably doesn't matter. If UGA can take care of bidness against Tech and shock the world by beating Bama, that Bama boost very likely puts them in the NCCG.

All that said, I'm reading that Matt Barkley may miss the ND game with a shoulder separation. And Bama plays perhaps the worst Auburn team in 60 years and a very erratic UGA. It certainly looks like Bama-ND to me.

[JonInMiddleGA]

"more interesting to figure out which one-loss teams get in"

This one covers me.

The potential for mass confusion if ND loses is a lot more interesting than Alabama-Notre Dame.

[cougarfreak]

The only reason I wouldn't mind seeing ND in the title game is because I like Coach Kelly. He's a class dude and obviously knows how to make the best of his talent.

For Barkley, I agree he has hurt his stock, probably quite a bit. He has 2 1st round quality WRs to throw to and has been very mistake prone and not at all overwhelming as he should be. They're probably better than the receivers will be on whatever NFL team he ends up on. I'd bet on New York.

That may be the first time I've heard Brian Kelly and "class" in the same sentence.

[Ben E Lou]

This one covers me.

The potential for mass confusion if ND loses is a lot more interesting than Alabama-Notre Dame.Makes sense.

[Ben E Lou]

Dola:

I still can't get my head around the fact that the Dawgs technically control their own destiny all the way to a National Championship.

[Matthean]

If UGA can take care of bidness against Tech and shock the world by beating Bama

I don't think Georgia beating 'Bama is really in the league of shock the world. Not after LSU and A&M showed 'Bama's defense to be not as strong as it was hyped to be. McCarron is still a little too streaky for my taste as well.

[Ben E Lou]

I don't think Georgia beating 'Bama is really in the league of shock the world....then the world hasn't seen Georgia play much of this year. ;)

[Desnudo]

Notre Dame is perfectly capable of beating Bama. Kelly is a better coach than Saban and given that much time can gameplan to make up for the talent deficiency. Every game this year people have expected the Irish to get killed in they won. Kelly gets his guys ready, and regardless of who they play he will have the best player on the field. Watch out for the Irish, I thin they will be the national champions when all said and done

If Notre Dame played Alabama's schedule, they would easily have 2-3 losses at this point. No way they win at LSU for example.

Not buying it!

[BillJasper]

I think Alabama vaults back into the top spot followed by Notre Dame. Then Oregon at three and Georgia at four.

[BillJasper]

That may be the first time I've heard Brian Kelly and "class" in the same sentence.

Living in Cincy, I agree with this statement.

[Wolfpack]

The only thing that can be said with certainty is that every FSU fan probably died quite a bit on the inside after last night's results. They're a shoo-in for the ACC championship and would have been playing Florida with a BCS championship spot on the line.

As a fellow ACC member, I feel a little bad for them, but as a State fan, well...I still have my ticket stub from that night and I'm sure as hell not throwing it in the trash. :D

[mckerney]

So, what has to happen for Ohio State to be named national champs by the AP?

[Thomkal]

Well somehow Coastal Carolina is in the playoffs after winning and watching Liberty win to preserve the three way tie in the Big South-tie breaker goes to the Chants. Will be interesting to see if Stony Brook makes it as well given their record. That might be a first-two teams from the Big South in the playoffs. Coastal finished the season 7-4, which isn't that great, but just one loss in the Big South-to Stony Brook. Depending on whether they get a home game or not, they likely will get stomped in the playoffs. But then I thought this team would struggle in Coach Moglia's first season, so what do I know? Playoff brackets announced at 1:30 EST on ESPN2 (I think).

[Butter]

I know it didn't have the significance of the other matchups, but:

Fuck you, Bret Bielema. Again. 2 years in a row. Dick.

[MacroGuru]

My kids have removed all sharp instruments from within my reach. Losing to SJSU last night was a testament at how suck ass our QB is. But I was impressed with SJSU offense and QB...that kid knows how to play ball...

[BYU 14]

My kids have removed all sharp instruments from within my reach. Losing to SJSU last night was a testament at how suck ass our QB is. But I was impressed with SJSU offense and QB...that kid knows how to play ball...

I am with you. I have always defended Bronco, but a mediocre D1 QB playing hurt, when you continue to keep a seniio with a better arm on the bench is just unexcusable. SJS is a much improved team, but are you fucking kidding me?

Nelson's injury was forcing the ball to sail and cost us AT LEAST two touchdowns in the 4th quarter. The idiocy of letting him continue to start and not give Lark a chance has wasted BYU's best defense in years (one of it's best ever) and turned an 11-1 or 10-2 season into a pile of shit.

[JPhillips]

So, what has to happen for Ohio State to be named national champs by the AP?

I don't think it will happen under any circumstances, but there might be a small chance if Georgia plays K-State for the championship.

[CU Tiger]

Dooley officially fired aNd cleaning out office

[MrBug708]

How much would/could a Stanford loss to UCLA and a subsequent trip to the Pac12 title game help Oregon in the NCG picture? (That would put Oregon in the conference c'ship game, right?)

If UCLA loses to Stanford, Oregon misses the pac 12 title game

[Lathum]

Oregon can at least still go to the Rose Bowl

[digamma]

Dola:

I still can't get my head around the fact that the Dawgs technically control their own destiny all the way to a National Championship.

I am not quite sure about this one. If you have an undefeated Notre Dame team, I know an SEC champion Georgia team would be attractive, but I think you may see some voters take them down a notch because they can't get over 35-7 vs. an overtime loss (Stanford) or one point loss (FSU, if FSU has a decisive win over Florida). I know the computers will prefer Georgia, but I think there is the potential for voter shenanigans.

[Ben E Lou]

I am not quite sure about this one. If you have an undefeated Notre Dame team, I know an SEC champion Georgia team would be attractive, but I think you may see some voters take them down a notch because they can't get over 35-7 vs. an overtime loss (Stanford) or one point loss (FSU, if FSU has a decisive win over Florida). I know the computers will prefer Georgia, but I think there is the potential for voter shenanigans.Fair point. I'm just assuming the computers, with a win over Bama, would push 'em over the top.

Regardless, I'm still picking Bama-ND, with the Tide winning by two TDs or more.

[Ben E Lou]

Coach poll is out:

1. ND 1469
2. BAMA 1386
3. UGA 1348
4. ORE 1227
5. FSU 1199
6. UFag 1166
7. LSU 1062
8. KSU 1056

Oregon isn't as close to the Dawgs as I would have guessed.

[mauchow]

Oregon can at least still go to the Rose Bowl

They don't control destiny though...

[Thomkal]

Coastal travels to Bethune-Cookman in the first found of the FCS playoffs, Stony Brook also gets in and plays at home against Villanova.

2012 NCAA FCS football tournament schedule, results - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/8648653/2012-ncaa-fcs-football-tournament-schedule-results)

[GrantDawg]

Fair point. I'm just assuming the computers, with a win over Bama, would push 'em over the top.

Regardless, I'm still picking Bama-ND, with the Tide winning by two TDs or more.


The only reason I don't pick that is because I still think ND loses to USC. I think it will be Bama and most likely Oregon. Florida is also a possibility but a long-shot.

(I will say, though, a rematch of the 1980 championship game would be too awesome for me to handle)

[Karlifornia]

Georgia is not a title caliber team. I'd be stunned if they make it there.

Oh, but you're welcome ND, Bama, and Georgia fans.

[MrBug708]

No sure thing that Barkley plays yet.

[Matthean]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A8Aj3ufCIAAfPWs.png:large

[Ben E Lou]

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="2"> </td> <td colspan="2" align="center">BCS</td> <td colspan="3" align="center">Harris Poll</td> <td colspan="3" align="center">USA Today</td> <td colspan="8" align="center">Computer Rankings</td> </tr> <tr class="colhead"> <td title="Rank" align="left">RK</td><td title="" align="left">TEAM</td><td title="BCS average ranking" align="right">AVG</td><td title="Previous BCS ranking" align="right">PVS</td><td title="Rank" align="right"> RK</td><td title="Points" align="right">PTS</td><td title="" align="right">%</td><td title="Rank" align="right">RK </td><td title="Points" align="right"> PTS</td><td title="" align="right"> %</td><td title="Computer average" align="right">AVG </td><td title="Anderson & Hester" align="right">A&H</td><td title="Richard Billingsley" align="right">RB</td><td title="Colley Matrix" align="right">CM</td><td title="Kenneth Massey" align="right">KM</td><td title="Jeff Sagarin" align="right">JS</td><td title="Peter Wolfe" align="right">PW</td><td title="" align="right"> % </td> </tr> <tr class="oddrow team-23-87"><td>1</td><td>Notre Dame (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/87/notre-dame-fighting-irish)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.9973</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">2863</td><td align="right">.9958</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1469</td><td align="right">.9959</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">1.000</td></tr><tr class="evenrow team-23-333"><td>2</td><td>Alabama (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.9333</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2732</td><td align="right">.9503</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">1386</td><td align="right">.9397</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">.910</td></tr><tr class="oddrow team-23-61"><td>3</td><td>Georgia (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/61/georgia-bulldogs)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.8763</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">2573</td><td align="right">.8950</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">1348</td><td align="right">.9139</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">.820</td></tr><tr class="evenrow team-23-57"><td>4</td><td>Florida (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/57/florida-gators)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.8434</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">2242</td><td align="right">.7798</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">1166</td><td align="right">.7905</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">.960</td></tr><tr class="oddrow team-23-2483"><td>5</td><td>Oregon (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/2483/oregon-ducks)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.8318</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">2483</td><td align="right">.8637</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">1227</td><td align="right">.8319</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">.800</td></tr><tr class="evenrow team-23-2306"><td>6</td><td>Kansas State (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/2306/kansas-state-wildcats)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.7692</td><td align="right">1</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">2161</td><td align="right">.7517</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">1056</td><td align="right">.7159</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">.840</td></tr><tr class="oddrow team-23-99"><td>7</td><td>LSU (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/99/lsu-tigers)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.7308</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">2077</td><td align="right">.7224</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">1062</td><td align="right">.7200</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">10</td><td align="right">7</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">.750</td></tr><tr class="evenrow team-23-24"><td>8</td><td>Stanford (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/24/stanford-cardinal)</td><td class="sortcell" align="right">.7077</td><td align="right">13</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">1897</td><td align="right">.6598</td><td align="right">11</td><td align="right">934</td><td align="right">.6332</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">6</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="right">5</td><td align="right">.830</td></tr><tr class="oddrow team-23-245"><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>

[cuervo72]

I know, HTH and all, but Florida's wins appear to be much more impressive than UGA's (which the computers seem to agree with).


And FSU needs to get the hell out of the ACC.

[Ben E Lou]

I know, HTH and all, but Florida's wins appear to be much more impressive than UGA's (which the computers seem to agree with).It's not even HTH. In the college football polls, it matters more *when* you lose than how you lose. The Dawgs are ranked higher for losing earlier.

[Matthean]

And FSU needs to get the hell out of the ACC.

ND will help.

[cuervo72]

It's not even HTH. In the college football polls, it matters more *when* you lose than how you lose. The Dawgs are ranked higher for losing earlier.

/looks at date of 'Bama loss

;)

[britrock88]

And FSU needs to get the hell out of the ACC.

FSU's computer rating is getting killed for playing two I-AAs (including terribad Savannah State in that WVU switcheroo that wasn't FSU's fault), not for its ACC schedule (bad as it is, most of the mess is in the other (Coastal) division.)

[Ben E Lou]

/looks at date of 'Bama loss

;)I left off "and where you start matters a ton." #1 typically only falls 4ish spots if they don't get blown out. And then you climb back up as the teams ahead of you fall, no matter the nature of those losses. Look at Bama's spot versus Oregon's for an apples to apples comparison there. Bama benefits from losing a week earlier to the tune of being #2 vs. #5.

[CU Tiger]

FSU's computer rating is getting killed for playing two I-AAs (including terribad Savannah State in that WVU switcheroo that wasn't FSU's fault), not for its ACC schedule (bad as it is, most of the mess is in the other (Coastal) division.)

Shrug, apparently playing a mighty sec team isn't any better for your sos

[bhlloy]

Barkley's out for ND

[cuervo72]

Ok, here's a question (that I am too lazy to look up). How does the SEC out-of-division scheduling work? I get that a team has to play two OOD games a year. This year, 'Bama played Tenn and Mizzou. Next year, they play Kentucky and...Tenn. Actually, they played in 2011 too. Is that just a no-matter-what game?

I just wonder how much control the SEC has to intentionally have strong teams duck each other, or if there is a set rotation.

[Ben E Lou]

(I will say, though, a rematch of the 1980 championship game would be too awesome for me to handle)Well, yeah.

And don't forget the entertainment value of the righteous anger that would be expressed across the internet when people realize that the Dawgs would have played about the softest possible SEC schedule, a laughable set of non-rivalry out-of-conference games, and a down Tech team to get there. :D

Let's be honest: UGA's regular season schedule only had two games that should have been even close, but Richt and Co. managed to make Kentucky and Tennessee close games and USC a not-close game in the wrong direction. Right now, we can point to only one impressive win. Let's just say that I don't have much confidence in this team and staff. It wouldn't shock me one bit to see them pee their chances away against Tech.

[cuervo72]

I left off "and where you start matters a ton." #1 typically only falls 4ish spots if they don't get blown out. And then you climb back up as the teams ahead of you fall, no matter the nature of those losses. Look at Bama's spot versus Oregon's for an apples to apples comparison there. Bama benefits from losing a week earlier to the tune of being #2 vs. #5.

Yeah, I know. I make the mistake of trying to look at an objective snapshot.

[Ben E Lou]

Ok, here's a question (that I am too lazy to look up). How does the SEC out-of-division scheduling work? I get that a team has to play two OOD games a year. This year, 'Bama played Tenn and Mizzou. Next year, they play Kentucky and...Tenn. Actually, they played in 2011 too. Is that just a no-matter-what game?

I just wonder how much control the SEC has to intentionally have strong teams duck each other, or if there is a set rotation.There are rivalries that existed before the east-west split, and those traditions remain. Alabama-Tennessee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Saturday_in_October), Georgia-Auburn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_South's_Oldest_Rivalry), and Vandy-Ole Miss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ole_Miss%E2%80%93Vanderbilt_football_rivalry) are still played yearly. Also, I believe some other teams have designated cross-division rivalries that didn't really exist prior to the split. (I think LSU plays the jean short boys every year, for example.) Bama-Tennessee was quite competitive up until five years ago, and of course Auburn won it all just two years ago. I doubt Auburn and Tennessee remain relative doormats for long. But yeah, with being locked into those rivalry games, those teams cycle through the rest of the other division just one team per year now that the conference has grown again.

[Matthean]

Ok, here's a question (that I am too lazy to look up). How does the SEC out-of-division scheduling work? I get that a team has to play two OOD games a year. This year, 'Bama played Tenn and Mizzou. Next year, they play Kentucky and...Tenn. Actually, they played in 2011 too. Is that just a no-matter-what game?

I just wonder how much control the SEC has to intentionally have strong teams duck each other, or if there is a set rotation.

I think Tenn. was one of the keeper games for 'Bama when they decided to retain as many rivalries as possible. Third weekend in Oct. is when 'Bama and Tenn. traditionally play each other.

[Ben E Lou]

Yeah, I know. I make the mistake of trying to look at an objective snapshot.Indeed. Welcome to college football. :p

[JonInMiddleGA]

It wouldn't shock me one bit to see them pee their chances away against Tech.

That's just the residual effect of Munson & Dooley hyping every opponent to the moon working on you ;)

Tech's best chance of holding Georgia under 60 points is for Murray to have a Bray-like Saturday (which he's definitely capable of). In which case Gurschel just runs for 400 yards against a team that can't tackle. And I'd be shocked if we managed to get 250 total offense unless you've put in the reserves for garbage time.

Brookstone has as much chance of beating the Falcons as this Tech team has of winning on Saturday.

[bronconick]

FSU's computer rating is getting killed for playing two I-AAs (including terribad Savannah State in that WVU switcheroo that wasn't FSU's fault), not for its ACC schedule (bad as it is, most of the mess is in the other (Coastal) division.)

Wrong. If you go to the Sagarin ratings used for the BCS, FSU is 23, Clemson is 24.

The next highest team in the entire conference is Miami at 53rd. By comparison, the MAC has four teams in his top 50. Virginia Tech sits three spots behind Duke at 74th and 4 teams are 93rd or lower, including Boston College at 137th. The conference sucks at football, hasn't beaten anyone worth a damn in non-conference play, and lost to plenty of bad teams.

[digamma]

There are rivalries that existed before the east-west split, and those traditions remain. Alabama-Tennessee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Saturday_in_October), Georgia-Auburn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_South's_Oldest_Rivalry), and Vandy-Ole Miss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ole_Miss%E2%80%93Vanderbilt_football_rivalry) are still played yearly. Also, I believe some other teams have designated cross-division rivalries that didn't really exist prior to the split. (I think LSU plays the jean short boys every year, for example.) Bama-Tennessee was quite competitive up until five years ago, and of course Auburn won it all just two years ago. I doubt Auburn and Tennessee remain relative doormats for long. But yeah, with being locked into those rivalry games, those teams cycle through the rest of the other division just one team per year now that the conference has grown again.

Each team has a permanent cross division opponent. The other non-division opponent is on a rotation.

This is why the realignment last year put Mizzou in the East. The more logical alignment would have moved Auburn over, but that would have shifted Alabama's permanent cross division game to Auburn and ended their Tennessee series. With six division games, the permanent cross division game doesn't make a ton of sense, but it's tradition.

[digamma]

dola...

I think most conferences have the schedule set up this way. For example, in the ACC, Ga Tech and Clempson are permanent opponents, as are Florida State and Miami, North Carolina and NC State and Wake and Duke.

[Ben E Lou]

That's just the residual effect of Munson & Dooley hyping every opponent to the moon working on you ;)

Tech's best chance of holding Georgia under 60 points is for Murray to have a Bray-like Saturday (which he's definitely capable of). In which case Gurschel just runs for 400 yards against a team that can't tackle. And I'd be shocked if we managed to get 250 total offense unless you've put in the reserves for garbage time.

Brookstone has as much chance of beating the Falcons as this Tech team has of winning on Saturday.Heh. While I fully admit to a predilection for some poor-mouthing, we ARE talking about a UGA team that let UT keep it close in Athens, and dang near lost at KENTUCKY. My thinking there isn't so much "Tech is good" as "UGA is fully capable of playing down to Tech's level on any given Sat'day afternoon."

[Matthean]

I remember when Mark Schlabach talked about how Auburn came back on 'Bama during their title run and made some comment how Auburn would have beat 'Bama nine out of ten times. It just rubbed me the wrong way. I look at ESPN's current bowl picks and he's got Georgia playing ND. Whatever dude. I bet 'Bama could equal Georgia's record playing their schedule. I can't say the same for Georgia.

[JonInMiddleGA]

With six division games, the permanent cross division game doesn't make a ton of sense, but it's tradition.

And in this era of conference turmoil, you don't really want to give teams anything to hold a grudge about down the road.

A conference-mandated end to the 3rd Saturday in October would never have been forgotten nor forgiven by UT. Ending Georgia-Auburn would have been extremely unpopular as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If Tennessee AD Dave Hart means the things he's said about the next head coach, seems to me that there's a very short list of possibilities.

Looking at the various quotes & comments he made today in this article (http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/nov/19/restoring-rocky-top-coaching-search-crucial-for/), he wants

Head coaching experience
Integrity
"knows how to be successful"
"(has) had success"
"knows the difficulty of climbing the ladder in the Southeastern Conference"
"can appreciate and identify with what that takes."

With David Cutcliffe publicly taking himself out of the running, how many people fit that criteria?

Tuberville? Terry Bowden? If you stretch the "success" part to cover their career rather than just their head coaching, maybe Gus Malzahn?

It seems like a very short list to me ... if Hart really meant all those things.

[britrock88]

Shrug, apparently playing a mighty sec team isn't any better for your sos

...unless you're in the SEC, in which case it counts double.

Wrong. If you go to the Sagarin ratings used for the BCS, FSU is 23, Clemson is 24.

The next highest team in the entire conference is Miami at 53rd. By comparison, the MAC has four teams in his top 50. Virginia Tech sits three spots behind Duke at 74th and 4 teams are 93rd or lower, including Boston College at 137th. The conference sucks at football, hasn't beaten anyone worth a damn in non-conference play, and lost to plenty of bad teams.

The BCS ratings (Sagarin's ELO-Chess as one of the six) are bogus. They're bogus because they disallow the rankers the use of the second most important piece of information about a football game -- the score -- as part of the calculation of teams' strength.

As far as this discussion goes, though, that's an off-topic rant. We're talking BCS, and the BCS uses ELO-Chess. Instead of the (more accurate) 10s-30s-50s that the Predictor ranks the top half the ACC, it's 20s-50s-70s. So FSU does get pinged for its schedule... though I'm sure the games against #119 Murray State and #243 Savannah State (ELO) weren't much help.

[MrBug708]

The easier answer is 9 games conference play

[BishopMVP]

Assuming both win out, how many points does undefeated #1 Notre Dame get in the title game vs. Alabama. 9.5? 11?

[cuervo72]

The easier answer is 9 games conference play

That would help for stronger schedules, but ideally I'd want to see some cross-pollination. It's the only way (other than an eyeball test) that you can measure the conferences against each other.

I mean, I'd even settle for the dregs of one conference playing the cream of the other at this point. Throw UConn against the Big 10, Maryland against the Big 12, Iowa State against the SEC, Kentucky against the PAC-12.

(I know, still couldn't happen as even teams like Iowa St. are able to schedule cupcakes at home.)

[Ben E Lou]

(I know, still couldn't happen as even teams like Iowa St. are able to schedule cupcakes at home.)Money talks. A curious question, though, is where is the most money to be made? Does a team like Iowa State make more by going to Tuscaloosa or by playing Drake at home? I don't know the numbers on that sort of thing. I would think that Kentucky makes more with a home game against Kent State than they do by going to Oregon, though.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Miami Hurricanes self-impose second straight bowl ban - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8651616/miami-hurricanes-self-impose-second-straight-bowl-ban)

GT to the ACC title game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Money talks. A curious question, though, is where is the most money to be made? Does a team like Iowa State make more by going to Tuscaloosa or by playing Drake at home? I don't know the numbers on that sort of thing. I would think that Kentucky makes more with a home game against Kent State than they do by going to Oregon, though.

Hmm ... here's an article (http://espn.go.com/colleges/florida/football/story/_/id/8629371/florida-gators-spending-more-money-nonconference-wins) from the weekend about Florida & this very subject, sort of.

It estimates roughly $2.5 million per home game for the Gators. Also cites a rule of thumb that "non-BCS league teams are paid around $1 million, while FCS teams will cost schools around $500,000" Those numbers are in line with this one (http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2012/09/13/money-game-uga-florida-atlantic-game-pays-off-for-both-sides/)about UGA playing Central Florida, but that one adds the key detail that I guess we already knew: Georgia doesn’t pay SEC schools or Georgia Tech for playing in Athens because those games are reciprocated when the Bulldogs go on the road.

Now if I've got the math right, dollar wise Kentucky comes out better by playing a home & home against Iowa State. The revenue is about the same, but without paying the fee. But that's short term math, not big picture. Lose a few games to the weak sister from a conference that's perceived as weaker, you hurt the image of the program & it's marketability and profitability. For most teams, the (supposed or real) increased risk of losing to another BCS-conference team is too high to justify, it can damage your program long term more than you make up in the $500k-$1m savings on the appearance fee.

[cuervo72]

Really don't know, Ben. I think for the really big teams...maybe it would make some sense to visit them. But then I don't know how the gates work either. I mean, I'm looking at the UMD - W&M game, and the box score lists an attendance of 31,321 (ISU/Tulsa listed at 54,931, better). No idea how much UMD makes from that, or what they had to pay W&M (though I'm sure that's out there). But that doesn't seem like a huge moneymaker. Also, who sees that game? I think other than Wade ripping it from ESPN3, nobody sees that on TV. Does crap for exposure.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Really don't know, Ben. I think for the really big teams...maybe it would make some sense to visit them. But then I don't know how the gates work either. I mean, I'm looking at the UMD - W&M game, and the box score lists an attendance of 31,321 (ISU/Tulsa listed at 54,931, better).

UMD vs W&M ATTENDANCE: 31,321 ... won
UMD vs UConn ATTENDANCE: 35,491 ... lost
UMD vs GT ATTENDANCE: 33,471 ... lost

And then there's the other end of the spectrum (and a reason that some teams simply aren't available for games)
UGA vs Tenn ATTENDANCE: 92,746
UGA vs Buffalo ATTENDANCE: 92,746
UGA vs Ga Southern: ATTENDANCE: 92,746

[JonInMiddleGA]

Here's one more example too ...

NC State vs South Alabama ATTENDANCE: 54,132
NC State vs Wake Forest ATTENDANCE: 52,567

[Ben E Lou]

Yeah. I should know better than to question it. If this were a way to make more money, they'd very likely already be doing it. ;)

[cuervo72]

And then there's the other end of the spectrum (and a reason that some teams simply aren't available for games)
UGA vs Tenn ATTENDANCE: 92,746
UGA vs Buffalo ATTENDANCE: 92,746
UGA vs Ga Southern: ATTENDANCE: 92,746

Right...that's the thing from the standpoint of the "haves" - you're getting that number regardless. The only way to make them want to schedule marginally better schools is to really hammer them in the computers/polls for playing those games. But everyone plays them, so they essentially cancel out. Or I guess in the case of FSU, maybe you have to think about playing them if your conference is crap.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yeah. I should know better than to question it. If this were a way to make more money, they'd very likely already be doing it. ;)

Plus, you've got a good understanding of how things are for a number of the BCS schools. A game against, say, Iowa State isn't any more compelling a draw in Athens than a game against Troy State, especially not if it means a home & home.

[Matthean]

Barkley is out. Unless some sort of Ewing theory action happens, this should be a win for the Irish.