College Football National Title Game - Who Does FOFC Want to Win?

[Big Fo]

Lots of people on here and across the world seem to dislike Notre Dame, fewer people dislike Alabama but there are also many who seem to dislike SEC football in general. So I wanted to find out.

[PackerFanatic]

I don't really dislike either team, but I'd like to see ND win it. Either way - I just want a good game.

[mckerney]

Alabama, there's probably only 1 or 2 teams in the coming that Notre Dame could be playing against that would cause me to cheer for the Irish. Would love to see them lose in football today and again at hockey tomorrow.

[Big Fo]

For me it's pretty simple, my Dad grew up near South Bend and basically that whole side of the family all roots for Notre Dame. I was not raised any differently despite growing up in South Carolina.

Plus as a Dolphins fan I'd probably be rooting against Nick Saban no matter who Alabama was playing.

[Kodos]

I'm rooting against ND a little less than I am rooting against Alabama/The SEC.

[BrianD]

Option #4 fit me perfectly. :)

[kcchief19]

The SEC part of me wants Alabama to win. The Catholic part of me wants the Irish to win. Most of me isn't enamored with either of these teams and just doesn't care who wins.

[spleen1015]

I clicked the wrong one. Take one out of the Alabama bucket and put it in the ND bucket.

[Kodos]

It's one of those games where it is a shame both teams can't lose.

[CraigSca]

It's one of those games where it is a shame both teams can't lose.

Seconded.

[gstelmack]

I'm rooting against ND a little less than I am rooting against Alabama/The SEC.

I'm in this camp. I've always thought ND got special treatment it didn't really deserve, and now an entire conference is getting special treatment it doesn't really deserve. Since ESPN is behind the SEC treatment, I think I'll side with Notre Dame / NBC on this one.

[SackAttack]

Alabama, there's probably only 1 or 2 teams in the coming that Notre Dame could be playing against that would cause me to cheer for the Irish. Would love to see them lose in football today and again at hockey tomorrow.

I had to read this twice because the first time through I thought you were saying Alabama had a hockey team, and it broke my brain. :D

[ISiddiqui]

For the first time ever, Notre Dame.

[mckerney]

I had to read this twice because the first time through I thought you were saying Alabama had a hockey team, and it broke my brain. :D

If Alabama Huntsville somehow manages to support a D1 hockey team it probably wouldn't be that absurd for the Crimson Tide to have one.

But no, it is Notre Dame I am going to watch lose each of the next two nights.

[Blackadar]

I'm not planning on watching the game - I refuse on general principle until there's a true playoff system in college football - but I'll root for the underdog on this one.

[RainMaker]

I have friends from Notre Dame so I'll probably root for them despite thinking their program is morally reprehensible.

[Blackadar]

I have friends from Notre Dame so I'll probably root for them despite thinking their program is morally reprehensible.

Ok, I'll bite...why is Notre Dame's program morally reprehensible and how does that differ from Alabama's program?

[tarcone]

It's one of those games where it is a shame both teams can't lose.

Thirded

[Bisbo]

I'm rooting against ND a little less than I am rooting against Alabama/The SEC.

+1

[INDalltheway]

I have a lot of obnoxious Notre Dame fans around me so I would love to see them lose for my entertainment. Preferably by 20+ points or a last second heart breaker.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'll pull for Bama, but fairly lightly. I think Te'o is a class act that any program would be proud to call one of their own & he makes it harder for me to hate on this particular edition of the Irish as much as I have in the past.

Still, a Bama win has the highest entertainment value for me since it would annoy the hell out of so many pretenders to the college football throne :D

[Ajaxab]

Thirded

Fourthed, but if what I heard today about bowl distribution moneys is correct, ND receives the entire $22 million whereas Bama shares it with the rest of the SEC. This speaks to the absurdity of ND's independence and pushes me more towards Alabama. Sure, the argument could be made that ND doesn't get BCS money if it doesn't earn it by getting in, but if they do manage to win the title and continue to get into BCS games, the truckload of money they will rake in is ridiculous. Their refusal to join a conference also sticks in my craw. But then there's Saban...both teams are not worth rooting for.

[CU Tiger]

I will be pulling for ND, but expect bama to Roll unfortunately.

I've got a nickel on Bama minus eight and the hook, so my heart says Irish and my pocket says tide....

[dolf34]

As a Dolphin fan I am no fan of Nick Saban. I'm pulling for ND. I loved Rudy.

[BishopMVP]

Fourthed, but if what I heard today about bowl distribution moneys is correct, ND receives the entire $22 million whereas Bama shares it with the rest of the SEC. This speaks to the absurdity of ND's independence and pushes me more towards Alabama. Sure, the argument could be made that ND doesn't get BCS money if it doesn't earn it by getting in, but if they do manage to win the title and continue to get into BCS games, the truckload of money they will rake in is ridiculous. Their refusal to join a conference also sticks in my craw. But then there's Saban...both teams are not worth rooting for.How much BCS money have Kentucky and Ole Miss gotten in the last 10 years? That's the joke.If Alabama Huntsville somehow manages to support a D1 hockey team it probably wouldn't be that absurd for the Crimson Tide to have one.

But no, it is Notre Dame I am going to watch lose each of the next two nights.Well, UA-H very nearly reverted back to club status for this season, and looks very suspect going forward unless they can get into a conference soon.

[Matthean]

Ok, I'll bite...why is Notre Dame's program morally reprehensible and how does that differ from Alabama's program?

I'm disappointed any time I hear their fight song and it's not the The Imperial March. They are the Dallas Cowboys of college football. As a Christian, Touchdown Jesus rubs me all sorts of wrong ways. I love Kelly as a coach, but...

[booradley]

Don't hate Bama, but I hate Saban. I have always hated Notre Dame, and the 38-0 stomping they gave my alma mater (and that I traveled half the continent to witness) didn't help much. :) Maybe the whole joint will go up ... nah, that's too mean. Even for me.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I wonder if we ran this poll each year, how much the underdog would end up as the perennial winner. I'd imagine quite often.

[Ajaxab]

How much BCS money have Kentucky and Ole Miss gotten in the last 10 years? That's the joke.

As far as I know, BCS money is split equally among conference members so Kentucky and Ole Miss would have received just as much as the LSUs and Floridas.

[Big Fo]

ND was up over 3:1 earlier but there's been some Alabama votes in the last hour or so. I thought it would be closer but perhaps I had underestimated the nation's SEC fatigue.

[Big Fo]

As far as I know, BCS money is split equally among conference members so Kentucky and Ole Miss would have received just as much as the LSUs and Floridas.

Hence the "that's the joke" part of BishopMVP's post.

[cuervo72]

I'm disappointed any time I hear their fight song and it's not the The Imperial March.

My wife always tries to fit lyrics from Popeye to their fight song.

"Popeye the sailor, Popeye the man
Popeye the sailor, Popeye the man
One two three four five six seven eight
Popeye the Sailor Man!"

[Ajaxab]

Hence the "that's the joke" part of BishopMVP's post.

'Course. Got it. Guess that makes me a college football socialist. ;)

[dawgfan]

As I noted in another thread, first (and hopefully last) time ever I'm rooting for Notre Dame. That's how tired I am of the "ESS EEE SEE" propaganda.

[stevew]

Pulling for the terrorists to win.

[cadmus2166]

I'm a Michigan fan who lives in Indiana, so the last thing I want to hear about for the next several months is a ND championship and how Notre Dame is "back".

[Buccaneer]

Hate both teams, as I have had for decades.

[Izulde]

I hate Saban and SEC homers, so this is a pretty easy one for me.

[mckerney]

I'm still waiting for somebody to make the sequel to Rudy where Rudy gets arrested for securities fraud.

[gstelmack]

I wonder if we ran this poll each year, how much the underdog would end up as the perennial winner. I'd imagine quite often.

Yes, all us SEC-haters would be rooting for the underdog. Unless it's two SEC teams, then we'd be rooting for a playoff instead...

[Eaglesfan27]

Hate both teams, as I have had for decades.

Ditto, but hate Kelly and ND more.

[hoopsguy]

I have a lot of obnoxious Notre Dame fans around me so I would love to see them lose for my entertainment. Preferably by 20+ points or a last second heart breaker.

This is sort of my situation. Except I could also live as a hermit for the next fifty years and still want to see Notre Dame lose by 20+ or a last second heart breaker.

[RainMaker]

Ok, I'll bite...why is Notre Dame's program morally reprehensible and how does that differ from Alabama's program?

Well they killed a kid last year so they could get some practice footage (and initially lied about the conditions that led to it). Then the whole multiple sexual assaults that they either helped cover up, intimidate victims, or just flat out smearing the victim (even one who killed herself afterwards!).

[GoldenEagle]

Is this the discussion thread? That was a bad call.

[kingfc22]

Love how Musberger isn't even trying to hide his bias for ND. wow...

[General Mike]

ND getting it from the refs. No lube.

[Galaril]

geez this is going to be a blowout. I guess even with the refs help Bama is leagues better than ND who is not anywhere as good as anyone thought. This embarrassing to watch.

[mckerney]

Is this the discussion thread? That was a bad call.

The second Notre Dame played touched the ball before it hit the ground, pretty sure that's interference when a fair catch is called. It's not fair game as soon as the ball is bobbled.

Database Error (http://www.profootballreferee.com/2087/ncaa-college-football-rule-6-review/)

If after a fair catch signal, receiver muffs the kick, he must be given an unmolested opportunity to catch the ball before it hits the ground.

If the ball touched the Alabama blocker then it shouldn't have been interference, otherwise the second Notre Dame player in definitely interfered with the catch.

[sterlingice]

I don't know which thread but so far all the comments have been about how bad the refs are.

SI

[mckerney]

Notre Dame is getting screwed if this isn't overturned.

[Galaril]

So the answer to what the NFL replacement refs did after the fucked up NFL games has been answered they are the BCS refs. Wow.

[GoldenEagle]

I think the ND argument will be he was pushed into the receiver.

Either way, this is going to be a blowout.

[Buccaneer]

Ok, I'll bite...why is Notre Dame's program morally reprehensible and how does that differ from Alabama's program?

Even going back 40 years ago, they acted like they were God's Chosen and only further enhanced when they alone can dictate a network contract, not mention the all year long media hype. Unsurprisingly, Alabama has been right behind them starting with the deification of an obnoxious coach to the present coach whom I don't think most can stand.

[mckerney]

I think the ND argument will be he was pushed into the receiver.

Either way, this is going to be a blowout.

The first defender in was pushed in the receiver, it was the second one it who touched the ball while it was loose.

[MrBug708]

Nation is getting a nice shot at PAC-12 refs

[Galaril]

Pac 12 refs:)LOL.

[kingfc22]

Settle down Brent...Don't want you to have a heart attack

[GoldenEagle]

Brent just went all creepy.

[Galaril]

Settle down Brent...Don't want you to have a heart attack

No shit.

[kingfc22]

This game might not be worth watching on the field too much longer, but Brent might provide the entertainment needed to continue to watch for 3 more quarters.

[GrantDawg]

Any word on when the ND defense is supposed to make it to the stadium?

[Galaril]

Wow I was hoping this would be an entertaining game. I guess this thing is going to end something like 84 -0 at this pace. Well at least the ND haters are going to enjoy like Mark May. Holtz head is going to explode I am sure too.

[GoldenEagle]

Why is ND going long on everything? The Bama db's have all day to get under those passes.

[kingfc22]

So what is the biggest blowout between a #1 and #2 ranked team?

[mckerney]

Why is ND going long on everything? The Bama db's have all day to get under those passes.

The school's priest assigned them 12 Hail Marys.

[sterlingice]

The school's priest assigned them 12 Hail Marys.

:D

SI

[KWhit]

I'm in this camp. I've always thought ND got special treatment it didn't really deserve, and now an entire conference is getting special treatment it doesn't really deserve. Since ESPN is behind the SEC treatment, I think I'll side with Notre Dame / NBC on this one.

Huh? How does the SEC get treatment it doesn't deserve?

[Grammaticus]

So what is the biggest blowout between a #1 and #2 ranked team?

I'm going to venture Alabama over notre dame. Unless Saint Saban shows mercy.

[cuervo72]

Ditto, but hate Kelly and ND more.

Likewise.

And for once Bucc and my dislikes line up!

[mckerney]

So what is the biggest blowout between a #1 and #2 ranked team?

I think USC 55-19 over OU is the biggest in the BCS era, though I don't know if that game technically counts anymore.

[dubb93]

Huh? How does the SEC get treatment it doesn't deserve?

This isn't a fight that is smart to have while Bama is currently putting the wood to ND on ESPN, but prior to the SEC signing their big TV deal with ESPN the SEC tended to not play for too many national titles. Now they play for all of them. Maybe signing that deal with ESPN really did make the SEC the dominate force they are today, or maybe ESPN controls the polls. Who knows?

[HeavyReign]

Pac 12 refs have been horrible for as long as I can remember. Now the rest of the country gets to see it.

[Desnudo]

This isn't a fight that is smart to have while Bama is currently putting the wood to ND on ESPN, but prior to the SEC signing their big TV deal with ESPN the SEC tended to not play for too many national titles. Now they play for all of them. Maybe signing that deal with ESPN really did make the SEC the dominate force they are today, or maybe ESPN controls the polls. Who knows?

Or maybe most of the best football players come out of Texas and Florida and the sec got smart about recruiting?

[BYU 14]

My god, the Irish are going to have to change the school name to Ntre ame

Cause they sure as hell have no O or D tonight

[dubb93]

Or maybe most of the best football players come out of Texas and Florida and the sec got smart about recruiting?

Maybe? But the SEC does have a losing record against the PAC 10/12, Big 12, and Big East in the BCS era.

[sterlingice]

This isn't a fight that is smart to have while Bama is currently putting the wood to ND on ESPN, but prior to the SEC signing their big TV deal with ESPN the SEC tended to not play for too many national titles. Now they play for all of them. Maybe signing that deal with ESPN really did make the SEC the dominate force they are today, or maybe ESPN controls the polls. Who knows?

Or having a lot of free exposure helps

SI

[dubb93]

I really don't care. Well I kinda do. I can accept that the SEC has some good teams. But I also think the rest of the country does too. Last year Bama-LSU title game really made me dislike the SEC though.

[KWhit]

Well if the Sec ever lost a BCS championship game against a school from another conference you might have an argument.

[Dutch]

Notre Dame getting Clowney'd. Dayum...

[KWhit]

This is embarrassing.

[mckerney]

Not that it really matters at this point, but the replay of the punt.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o_cWilqIPo8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Really can't tell if #13 for Alabama touched the ball, if he didn't he came damn close, though #8 does make contact with the ball.

[kingfc22]

I'll be interested to see the TV ratings for the 2nd half

[JonInMiddleGA]

So d'ya think Lacy hit the "B" button on that TD pass, or did Saban push it?

[Cap Ologist]

I'll be interested to see the TV ratings for the 2nd half

I'll be interested to see the posts for the 2nd half. ;)

[Big Fo]

Ugh, all the SEC people I know here will be whooping it up. The sad thing is they don't even root for the teams that win championships, instead it's schools like South Carolina that haven't ever even won the fucking conference let alone a national title. How much longer will Spurrier be around? Kinda looking forward to them going back to being like Kentucky but without basketball.

[kingfc22]

Best entertainment of the night is following Katherine Webb mentions on twitter.

Check out Darnell Dockett's twitter posts. LMAO!

[Kodos]

Welp. A total smashing of Notre Dame is almost as good as an ND victory.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, there go the ratings.

[RainMaker]

Ugh, all the SEC people I know here will be whooping it up. The sad thing is they don't even root for the teams that win championships, instead it's schools like South Carolina that haven't ever even won the fucking conference let alone a national title. How much longer will Spurrier be around? Kinda looking forward to them going back to being like Kentucky but without basketball.

I have a brother who went to an SEC school. I always found it weird that they cheer for their rivals. I couldn't imagine rooting for the Packers to win the Super Bowl.

[JonInMiddleGA]

In all seriousness, there are conferences that could be competitive with the SEC. The AFC and the NFC come to mind.

:D

[RainMaker]

Come on, it's not like Alabama didn't crush most of the SEC.

[Buccaneer]

In all seriousness, there are conferences that could be competitive with the SEC. The AFC and the NFC come to mind.

:D

Arrogant Confederate.

:D

[Glengoyne]

Though I didn't feel like notre dame was at all deserving to be here,I'm surprised at just how big of a spanking this has been.

[Dutch]

TD SEC!!!!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Norte Dame is just uninterested is all.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Though I didn't feel like notre dame was at all deserving to be here,I'm surprised at just how big of a spanking this has been.

I am not sure if anyone other than Michigan played both of these teams this year, but having watched both of those games and not too much else of either team, this spanking isn't all that surprising.

[jbergey22]

IF they ever would have followed through with that +1 idea we could watch Bama and the Ducks next week. That would be an interesting game.

[miami_fan]

So ummmmm, where the hell did this Alabama offense come from?

[jbergey22]

So ummmmm, where the hell did this Alabama offense come from?

They have a NFL line and they arent playing a SEC defense.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I am not sure if anyone other than Michigan played both of these teams this year, but having watched both of those games and not too much else of either team, this spanking isn't all that surprising.

It actually surprises me, I had 'Bama by a field goal.

I thought the impact of playing so many close games during the regular season - regardless of the caliber of competition at times - would make ND better prepared to handle the pressure. Although I was sure that ND would struggle offensively all night, I thought Alabama would have some problems moving the ball against them & that a turnover (or two) would keep it close.

Obviously I thought wrong.

[MrBug708]

Should have been a late hit call there too

[RainMaker]

Norte Dame is just uninterested is all.

Well done. :lol:

[JonInMiddleGA]

So ummmmm, where the hell did this Alabama offense come from?

Well, in fairness, they broke 40 points 7 times this year and were only held under 30 twice. It's not as though they completely lack any weapons at all.

[miami_fan]

Well, in fairness, they broke 40 points 7 times this year and were only held under 30 twice. It's not as though they completely lack any weapons at all.

John, we are discussing an SEC team and offense. Fairness is not a part of the discussion;)

[JonInMiddleGA]

John, we are discussing an SEC team and offense. Fairness is not a part of the discussion;)

Fair enough :cool:

[mauchow]

Hey the first interesting thing just happened: the center just pushed the QB.... and it was the Bama guys that did it and they're winning by 28. Nice!

[Glengoyne]

Hey the first interesting thing just happened: the center just pushed the QB.... and it was the Bama guys that did it and they're winning by 28. Nice!


+1 at least someone is still interested.


I was pretty happy for the center there.

[mauchow]

Yeah, McCarron was throwing a little hissy fit. lol

[mauchow]

OMG< TURN IT ON< NOTRE DAME IS COMING BACK! 42-28 and they just got another onside kick! Four minutes left!

[JonInMiddleGA]

from a friend ...
"The last time the SEC didn't win the national Championship there were no iPhones for me to type this on."

[britrock88]

OMG< TURN IT ON< NOTRE DAME IS COMING BACK! 42-28 and they just got another onside kick! Four minutes left!

Spam?

[Izulde]

OMG< TURN IT ON< NOTRE DAME IS COMING BACK! 42-28 and they just got another onside kick! Four minutes left!

Sorry to say, but you fail at being funny. Try sticking to cocky in your pissing match with Indiana fans.

[JonInMiddleGA]

from espn.com

Stat of the game... Alabama drives: The longest drive against Notre Dame's defense in the regular season was 75 yards. On Monday, Alabama had drives of 82, 80, 97 and 86 yards.

[Matthean]

Well, in fairness, they broke 40 points 7 times this year and were only held under 30 twice. It's not as though they completely lack any weapons at all.

It took until the Georgia game for the play calling to sync up with the idea that nobody in country could stop their running game. The A&M game would have been far more interesting if they had done that from the start. Also, 'Bama tends to get bored after they go up 21-0 versus a team like Oregon trying to score 70.

[stevew]

Obligatory "big boy foosball" post

[Lathum]

has the ESPN front page been down since last night for anyone else?

[Ben E Lou]

has the ESPN front page been down since last night for anyone else?Working here.

[Ben E Lou]

Come on, it's not like Alabama didn't crush most of the SEC.Of course they crushed the dregs. Oregon or Stanford (and possibly even Notre Dame) would have handled Mizzou/Tennesee/Mississippi State/Auburn/Arky fairly easily, too. Better teams beat mediocre or worse teams badly in college football. There's a significant talent gap. Duh. But the fact remains that three SEC teams gave Bama everything they could handle and the so-called best the rest of the country could muster looked like they didn't even belong on the field with them. Oregon probably gives Bama a better game than ND, and possibly Stanford, but you'd be hard-pressed to come up with any others who'd play them better/closer than LSU, TA&M, and UGA did this year.

[Kodos]

OSU, maybe.

[Butter]

Anybody running a legitimate spread offense would've had a better game than Notre Dame played. ND's "defense" was a joke, so 'Bama probably puts up 28-49 no matter who they're playing, but it's stopping the opponent that was made so ridiculously easy last night.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oh look. Bama just scored again.

[Desnudo]

Anybody running a legitimate spread offense would've had a better game than Notre Dame played. ND's "defense" was a joke, so 'Bama probably puts up 28-49 no matter who they're playing, but it's stopping the opponent that was made so ridiculously easy last night.

I would have liked to have seen an A&M rematch personally. I'm thankful to Alabama for keeping old sportswriters from jerking off over Notre Dame for the next 10 years.

[Matthean]

OSU, maybe.

OSU is around Michigan level so no. Loved the dig by Meyer saying ND would win. Can't wait for him to get back into the title game and 'Bama to send his butt home with a loss.

[Butter]

OSU is around Michigan level so no. Loved the dig by Meyer saying ND would win. Can't wait for him to get back into the title game and 'Bama to send his butt home with a loss.

Judging by the game this year, I'd have to say OSU is above Michigan level.

[BYU 14]

Gotta love Darnell Dockett 'hitting' on McCarron's girl during the game :devil:

Wonder why he put Pumpy's number on there though?

[MJ4H]

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/ww335/kevol80/hugitoutb.gif

[Easy Mac]

How this

http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/aj-mccarron-chest-tattoo-new.jpg

Got this

http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/katherine-webb-aj-mccarron-girlfriend-alabama.jpg

Is one of life's greatest mysteries.

[RainMaker]

Of course they crushed the dregs. Oregon or Stanford (and possibly even Notre Dame) would have handled Mizzou/Tennesee/Mississippi State/Auburn/Arky fairly easily, too. Better teams beat mediocre or worse teams badly in college football. There's a significant talent gap. Duh. But the fact remains that three SEC teams gave Bama everything they could handle and the so-called best the rest of the country could muster looked like they didn't even belong on the field with them. Oregon probably gives Bama a better game than ND, and possibly Stanford, but you'd be hard-pressed to come up with any others who'd play them better/closer than LSU, TA&M, and UGA did this year.

If you're going to proclaim it's all about the conference, you better not have too many dregs. Their average conference win was 25 points. Their only loss came to a team fielding mostly "Big 12 talent".

The SEC is the best conference in the game, but this wasn't a victory for the conference, it was a victory for Alabama who is superior to everyone, including their SEC brethren.

[whomario]

How does McCarron rate as a NFL prospect ? Can´t really judge this, but the couple times i saw him i allways got a kick out of his style of play. The guy moves and throws extremely fluid, if that makes sense.

[Ben E Lou]

If you're going to proclaim it's all about the conference...Where have I claimed that it's "all about the conference?"you better not have too many dregs.If you want to talk dregs, I'm quite confident that if you matched up the SEC's #9-#12 with {pick your conference} #9-#12 in most seasons, the SEC's bottom teams would come out with a winning record.Their average conference win was 25 points.Your number there is wrong, and it's one of the dumber metrics I've ever heard of. Clearly Kentucky was a dominant team, because their average conference win was 20 points. *shurg*The SEC is the best conference in the game, but this wasn't a victory for the conference,And where did I claim that this was a "victory for the conference?"it was a victory for Alabama who is superior to everyone, including their SEC brethren.No, Alabama wasn't "superior" to the better teams in the SEC, unless you want to use that term very loosely (i.e. "a little bit better when it counted." = "superior") It would be one thing if just one top-tier team got lucky one Sat'day and won or played them closely. Then you could make a fair claim that Bama dominated even the top of the SEC. But that wasn't at all the case. They played three good SEC teams, and went 2-1, with all three games going down to the wire. Only someone blinded by hatred/jealousy/frustration would try to claim that Bama was head and shoulders better than the relevant teams in the SEC.

[Matthean]

Judging by the game this year, I'd have to say OSU is above Michigan level.

But not by a lot. It was close at half. If not for Michigan's insanely conservative playcalling in the second half, it would have been interesting. 'Bama would have blown them out as well.

[RainMaker]

Where have I claimed that it's "all about the conference?

Not you, but a lot of people have chalked this up to SEC dominance. It's Alabama dominance. Still the best conference in the country, but not dominant by any means. Alabama is the ones that are the juggernaut and carrying the conference to titles these days.

The 2nd best team in the conference got housed by Louisville. Georgia and South Carolina had tight games against above average Big 10 schools. LSU lost to Clemson. And the team that had one of the most dominant performances was one that is filled with Big 12 talent.

[Butter]

But not by a lot. It was close at half. If not for Michigan's insanely conservative playcalling in the second half, it would have been interesting. 'Bama would have blown them out as well.

I imagine we'll know soon enough how Urban Meyer's Buckeyes match up versus the top tier of SEC competition.

"It was close at half?" You know what, so was LSU-Towson.

[Ben E Lou]

The 2nd best team in the conference got housed by Louisville. Uh, no. The 2nd best team in the conference sleepwalked through a 2-TD win over Nebraska. :(

[JonInMiddleGA]

Uh, no. The 2nd best team in the conference sleepwalked through a 2-TD win over Nebraska. :(

The 2nd best team in the conference beat the crap out of Oklahoma.
The 3rd (or 4th) best team in the conference snoozed past Nebraska.
The 4th (or 3rd) best team in the conference eeked one out over Michigan.
The 5th best team in the conference got beat by Clemson
The 6th best team in the conference got exposed by Louisville.

[Matthean]

I imagine we'll know soon enough how Urban Meyer's Buckeyes match up versus the top tier of SEC competition.

"It was close at half?" You know what, so was LSU-Towson.

At least both Michigan and OSU showed up for that game. LSU obviously sleepwalked through there's. For as many impressive wins OSU had, there were more than enough games to question if they were really the #2-3 team in the country. ND was obviously the #1 team in the country until the title game since they went undefeated up to that point. :lol:

[RainMaker]

I like how the rankings of the teams are completely dependent upon how they did in their bowl game. We can ignore Florida going into College Station and beating A&M. Making Johnny Football look mediocre.

[HomerSimpson98]

I like how the rankings of the teams are completely dependent upon how they did in their bowl game. We can ignore Florida going into College Station and beating A&M. Making Johnny Football look mediocre.

True. A fabulous defense did make a freshman, seeing his first career college football action with about 35% of the playbook being used that day for whatever reason, look mediocre. What do you think an Aggie-Gator rematch would look like next weekend? Aggies by 20? 30?

[RainMaker]

Aggies by 20? 30?

They didn't beat Sam Houston State by those numbers, but they'll beat Florida by it? There isn't a bookmaker in the country that would have that line anywhere near 20 points.

And the irony of this is Texas A&M is mainly "Big 12 talent". Unless the SEC patch on the jersey provides superpowers. Funny how they can step out of mediocrity of the Big 12 and become the "2nd best team in the SEC" overnight.

[jbergey22]

Im not understanding the argument. Seems everyone agrees the SEC is the best conference. How much better is the SEC is that the debate?


Conference Tiers are pretty easy to figure out right now

1.SEC by a good margin
2.Big 12 by a good margin
3. Pac-12/BIG changes from year to year and are ahead of #5 by a decent amount
5. ACC-slim margin over #6
6. Big East

SEC and Big 12 seem to have a large edge over the rest right now but this seems to change every few years. Id expect the BIG to take over the #2 spot in the near future with all of their money and the addition of teams.

[jbergey22]

I like how the rankings of the teams are completely dependent upon how they did in their bowl game. We can ignore Florida going into College Station and beating A&M. Making Johnny Football look mediocre.

Matchups and Timing is an important aspect that people like to overlook.

[JonInMiddleGA]

There isn't a bookmaker in the country that would have that line anywhere near 20 points.

Because bookmakers are looking to drive bets, not predict outcomes.

Florida was smoke & mirrors nearly all season, and faded horribly after catching SC at just the right time. Only one WR, barely a QB, A&M would beat them by roughly however many they wanted at this point.

[FBPro]

Title game was actually SEC Championship game.

[Cap Ologist]

They didn't beat Sam Houston State by those numbers, but they'll beat Florida by it? There isn't a bookmaker in the country that would have that line anywhere near 20 points.


Only because they called off the dogs in the 2nd half. It was 47-7 entering the 4th quarter, but hey don't let that ruin your point.

[Grammaticus]

They didn't beat Sam Houston State by those numbers, but they'll beat Florida by it? There isn't a bookmaker in the country that would have that line anywhere near 20 points.

And the irony of this is Texas A&M is mainly "Big 12 talent". Unless the SEC patch on the jersey provides superpowers. Funny how they can step out of mediocrity of the Big 12 and become the "2nd best team in the SEC" overnight.

It has nothing to do with the patch. Without johnny football they struggle to break even. That is a one man team this year.

[CU Tiger]

The 2nd best team in the conference beat the crap out of Oklahoma.
The 3rd (or 4th) best team in the conference snoozed past Nebraska.
The 4th (or 3rd) best team in the conference eeked one out over Michigan.
The 5th best team in the conference got beat by Clemson
The 6th best team in the conference got exposed by Louisville.

Jon,
The SEC is the best conference in the country and its nto close...but lets not manipulate facts to make it look better than it is

1 agree
2 agree
3 agree but not that much of a snooze..
4 LSU goes here they beat SC
5 Florida goes here see number 4
6 Got lucky against Mishitagain.

But maybe my chicken haterd is showing...but equal records and all losses coming in conference dont you have to rank in order of who beat who?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Jon,
The SEC is the best conference in the country and its nto close...but lets not manipulate facts to make it look better than it is

1 agree
2 agree
3 agree but not that much of a snooze..
4 LSU goes here they beat SC
5 Florida goes here see number 4
6 Got lucky against Mishitagain.

But maybe my chicken haterd is showing...but equal records and all losses coming in conference dont you have to rank in order of who beat who?

re: #3 snooze -- If UGA is the 3rd best team in the SEC then that was a halfassed performance.

re: the rest of it ... and SC handed UGA their ass, much like UF did to SC.

I think -- for the purposes of this particular discussion topic anyway -- you have to look at how the teams were playing at the end of the year moreso than the entirety of the season. And the fact that SC found a way to beat anybody after losing Lattimore carries an enormous amount of weight with me, moreso than a 2 point loss to LSU on the road in particular.

Worth noting too, perhaps, is that the order I listed them is exactly the same as the order they finished in my final top 25 (http://jonsthreecents.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/j3c-college-football-top-25-2012-season-final/)of the year.

[CU Tiger]

SC is used to playing without lattimore they had to do it in all 3 of his seasons :D

[Cap Ologist]

It has nothing to do with the patch. Without johnny football they struggle to break even. That is a one man team this year.

That's ridiculous. He was fortunate to have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Their defense played much better this season than in years past. That's the biggest difference between the past 2 seasons, their defense made plays to win games down the stretch instead of wilting. Manziel is definitely a great playmaker, but without him the only difference in their record would be they probably couldn't have beaten Alabama on the road. But they probably would have still won every other game they won.

[gstelmack]

you have to look at how the teams were playing at the end of the year moreso than the entirety of the season.

So A&M is the true national champion?

[HomerSimpson98]

Title game was actually SEC Championship game.

And what a game that was. Amazing to think that of the Top 5 college football games this season, Bama was in most of them (IMHO of course).

My ranking:
1. A&M vs Bama - yeah, I'm biased
2. UGA vs Bama
3. Oregon vs Stanford
4. LSU vs Bama
5. SC vs Mich bowl game

[Matthean]

That's ridiculous. He was fortunate to have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Their defense played much better this season than in years past. That's the biggest difference between the past 2 seasons, their defense made plays to win games down the stretch instead of wilting. Manziel is definitely a great playmaker, but without him the only difference in their record would be they probably couldn't have beaten Alabama on the road. But they probably would have still won every other game they won.

Will be interesting to see how well he does without that OL and this top 3 WRs.

[Cap Ologist]

So far, it looks like only the left tackle is leaving early. From early indications, Matthews is coming back. So, that'll help. Losing Swopes is gonna hurt the most, he was very reliable. Evans will be back and shows a lot of promise, he just needs to be more consistent and learn to use his size better. Not really sure what else they have though, will be a lot of underclassmen for sure.

[BishopMVP]

Not really sure what else they have though, will be a lot of underclassmen for sure.Well, when you recruit 35 guys in a class...

[BishopMVP]

Hey, according to one of the BCS computers ND is still #1! Split national title! Colley's Bias Free College Football Rankings (http://www.colleyrankings.com/currank.html)

[BYU 14]

And what a game that was. Amazing to think that of the Top 5 college football games this season, Bama was in most of them (IMHO of course).

My ranking:
1. A&M vs Bama - yeah, I'm biased
2. UGA vs Bama
3. Oregon vs Stanford
4. LSU vs Bama
5. SC vs Mich bowl game

Gotta squeeze the Arizona / Nevada bowl game in there somewhere :)

[sterlingice]

Gotta squeeze the Arizona / Nevada bowl game in there somewhere :)

I only watched the last 15 or so minutes of that but it sure as hell was fun.

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hey, according to one of the BCS computers ND is still #1! Split national title! Colley's Bias Free College Football Rankings (http://www.colleyrankings.com/currank.html)

Ah yes, the Colley Matrix ... and I can reasonably understand why it turned out like that. It's weighted pretty heavily on SOS and your opponent's SOS. Bama had the worse loss & pretty much all of the bottom half of ND's wins were better than the bottom half of Bama's wins. You can see what I mean in this table (http://www.colleyrankings.com/scgi-bin/teamsplot.cgi?i1=57&i2=100&i3=32&i4=93&i5=82&s=0)

It's the (near) fatal flaw of the computer rankings: they can't watch games.

I'm actually kinda surprised Ohio State didn't end up #1 after looking at the results table according to Colley.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Speaking of Bama-ND ... 2nd most watched program in cable history, behind only Oregon-Auburn that came down to the wire.

‘BCS National Championship’: Cable’s Second Biggest Audience of All Time - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers (http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/01/08/bcs-national-championship-cables-second-biggest-audience-of-all-time/164576/)