Official College Football Week 5 Thread

[cartman]

Conference play starts en masse this weekend. There are 4 matchups of Top 25 teams this weekend:

Ole Miss at Alabama
Wisconsin at Ohio State
LSU at Georgia
Oklahoma at Notre Dame

[digamma]

Thursday night in Atlanta is always a nice setting. Ga Tech vs. Va Tech.

Ga Tech wearing "throwback" jerseys, though they appear to only throw back to like the early 90s.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1240293_10151737141763163_847754974_n.jpg

[Marmel]

Who does ESPN consider the top QB in football?
That's right, Syracuse's QB!

Total Quarterback Rating - College Football - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/ncf/qbr/_/qualified/false)

He just doesn't qualify yet because he wasn't the starter to start the season.

[Butter]

Also, he got to skip playing Penn State and Northwestern and only played Wagner and Tulane.

[Marmel]

Don't rain on my parade. :(
I think we win the PSU game if he started and he did get a series in the NW game and scored a TD.

[molson]

Well he is at least better than that Oklahoma reject, who couldn't even move the ball against Wagner.

[tarcone]

Iowa travels to Minnesota to play for Floyd of Rosedale.

Starting the B1G season off with a rivalry game. Nice.

Iowa is 3-1. Our wins are against teams with a combined record of 0-10. Our loss is to an average No. Ill. team.

Im not impressed yet.

[Matthean]

Michigan and MSU have bye weeks. The big local board gaming Con is this weekend so that might be a good thing.

[Kodos]

Stupid bye week.

[Matthean]

Floyd Mayweather Wins $200K on Johnny Manziel, Posts Photo to Prove It (http://mashable.com/2013/09/23/floyd-mayweather-manziel/?utm_cid=mash-com-fb-main-link)

[sterlingice]

Stupid bye week.

Hooray! Kansas can't lose this weekend!

SI

[cuervo72]

Stupid bye week.

I thought last week was college football's bye week...

[tarcone]

http://herkyhawk.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mascotRivalries_tbw_006_0.png

[dawgfan]

Washington will be looking for some payback this week with Arizona coming to town. If the Huskies are legit this year, they win this game with a little breathing room and head into the meat of their schedule at 4-0...

[Izulde]

UNLV has a chance to snap a 23 road game losing streak this weekend, as well as set a record for most wins under Hauck with 3.

I'm torn. Part of me wants to see the flameout and Hauck get fired at the end of the year. The other part of me wants to see us get bowl eligible this season and actually make it to the fourth bowl game in school history. (Interestingly enough, we've won all 3 of our previous bowl appearances).

[JPhillips]

http://herkyhawk.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mascotRivalries_tbw_006_0.png

Herky?

I didn't know that.

[Kodos]

I thought last week was college football's bye week...

Maybe that explains why IU looked so unprepared for Mizzou.

[mauchow]

Wisconsin at Ohio State

I'm already going crazy over this game. I'm super pumped up.

Line opened at -7 and pretty much holding steady there.

[Logan]

Executive Committee to gradually restore Penn State scholarships - NCAA.org (http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest+news/2013/september/executive+committee+to+gradually+restore+penn+state+scholarships)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BU8A3EiCcAAQ2uK.png:large

[Butter]

I'm already going crazy over this game. I'm super pumped up.

Line opened at -7 and pretty much holding steady there.

I fear you will be sorely disappointed.

[Lathum]

Executive Committee to gradually restore Penn State scholarships - NCAA.org (http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/resources/latest+news/2013/september/executive+committee+to+gradually+restore+penn+state+scholarships)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BU8A3EiCcAAQ2uK.png:large

Now they can put that business of little boys being molested by a monster while they all stood around and did nothing about it behind them and focus on what is important.

Football!

[Matthean]

I fear you will be sorely disappointed.

The only thing that will make the game interesting is OSU's defense not being a strong point.

[JPhillips]

The only thing that will make the game interesting is OSU's defense not being a strong point.

The D-Line in particular is much weaker than last year.

[cartman]

Sad to see that Jordan Hicks is going to miss another season. He blew out his Achilles in the game against Kansas State. He's eligible for apply for a 2nd medical redshirt, after missing almost all of last season due to an early injury as well.

[BishopMVP]

The only thing that will make the game interesting is OSU's defense not being a strong point.What about the potential for QB "controversy" on Ohio State's sideline? If Miller comes out obviously rusty how long do they stick with him?

[Matthean]

What about the potential for QB "controversy" on Ohio State's sideline? If Miller comes out obviously rusty how long do they stick with him?

I don't expect him to be that rusty since I wouldn't be surprised he's been practicing on some level but just not playing on Saturdays. I don't see how Miller isn't being stuck with unless he's proven to regress by quite a bit this year. If he was the older QB, it would be different.

[Balldog]

Miller has practiced fully for now the 2nd week. Seems like he would have played last week if they were playing a halfway decent team.

As for the DL they are less experienced but have shown to be quite talented. Unfortunately I don't think Washington is going to play. Curtis Grant is the key, can he finally live up to hype he came to Columbus with? They need another LB to step up because Shazier can only do so much.

Outside of MSU I am not sure anyone in the Big 10 will keep OSU under 30 pts.

[CU Tiger]

Now they can put that business of little boys being molested by a monster while they all stood around and did nothing about it behind them and focus on what is important.

Football!

Who is the "they" here?
Everyone involved is either in jail, dead or competing against PSU..

[BishopMVP]

I don't expect him to be that rusty since I wouldn't be surprised he's been practicing on some level but just not playing on Saturdays. I don't see how Miller isn't being stuck with unless he's proven to regress by quite a bit this year. If he was the older QB, it would be different.We'll see... I think so much of Miller's effectiveness is tied up in his ability to run that if he's tentative to cut on that knee (because he doesn't fully trust it like RG3, or he has some advisor in his ear telling him to protect his NFL future) I think Guiton's the better pocket passer. I'll agree it's unlikely, and put the odds somewhere around 15-20% that OSU's offense is slow at the start and they're tied/trailing at halftime, but it's a real possibility.

[Balldog]

Not sure Miller has a NFL future...

Meyer confirmed Miller will start and has taken the majority of snaps in practice. Also said he is close to 100% and looks good to run.

Also confirmed Washington and Bennett will start on the D-line.

So if all these hold true we will finally see OSU at full strength on both sides of the ball.

[Lathum]

With all this talk of BCS schools crushing FBS schools, couldn't they fix it by requiring all opponents be scheduled as hame and home?

I am sure there are a million reasons why it wouldn't work, just a thought.

[Matthean]

With all this talk of BCS schools crushing FBS schools, couldn't they fix it by requiring all opponents be scheduled as hame and home?

I am sure there are a million reasons why it wouldn't work, just a thought.

The forthcoming playoffs will limit these one sided affairs. Teams won't want a FBS school on their schedule when there is only four spots in the playoffs.

[Chief Rum]

With all this talk of BCS schools crushing FBS schools, couldn't they fix it by requiring all opponents be scheduled as hame and home?

I am sure there are a million reasons why it wouldn't work, just a thought.


The forthcoming playoffs will limit these one sided affairs. Teams won't want a FBS school on their schedule when there is only four spots in the playoffs.

Just to be sure I am understanding you both, you guys are talking about FBS (old Division I-A teams) playing FCS (old Division I-AA teams), right?

[Matthean]

Correct. I was lazy and copied the FBS part.

[Lathum]

Just to be sure I am understanding you both, you guys are talking about FBS (old Division I-A teams) playing FCS (old Division I-AA teams), right?

yeah, whatever the hell they are called. I think the meaning was implied.

[mauchow]

I don't think the Buckeyes will be able to stop the run and will all pretty much hinder on Stave completing 55% of passes. The defense limited Tosu offense last year so hopefully that can happen again, but I do have my doubts.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The forthcoming playoffs will limit these one sided affairs. Teams won't want a FBS school on their schedule when there is only four spots in the playoffs.

Umm ... may not be as damaging or limiting as you think.

Last year's BCS top 4 teams (ND, Bama, Florida, Oregon) saw two I-AA teams between them (Bama vs Western Carolina & Oregon vs Tenn Tech) as well as powerhouses including Fla Atlantic, WKU, Jax State, and Ark State.

Last year's season-ending SOS leaders (http://www.fbschedules.com/2013/01/final-2012-college-football-strength-of-schedule-rankings/) included those teams & games as well as gems like:
Missouri vs SE LA
Texas A&M vs Sam Houston St
Kansas vs South Dakota
Kentucky vs Samford
Oklahoma State vs Savannah St
Oklahoma vs Florida A&M

If the rest of your schedule is good enough, an FCS opponent isn't an SOS killer.

[Lathum]

Isn't there going to be a selection commitee for the final 4? That commitee could certainly hold it against you more than a computer.

[molson]

Ya, either strategy could work. If you go undefeated, you're going to make it to the playoffs, so there's a reason to load up on cup-cakes in the pre-conference schedule. If one or two losses is more likely, you're better off beating someone of substance early. Of course, you don't know these things years in advance when schedules are set, so I'd imagine we'll see little change.

[Matthean]

I think there's enough non-FCS cupcakes to add to one's schedule though. I still think it could be a factor even though it would be small. If you are undefeated or have one loss and in one of the power conferences, you are likely OK. If one team is undefeated and four others have one loss, somebody is getting screwed.

[sterlingice]

Isn't there going to be a selection commitee for the final 4? That commitee could certainly hold it against you more than a computer.

Considering the polling humans don't seem to care about it, I don't think committee humans will

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

Isn't there going to be a selection commitee for the final 4? That commitee could certainly hold it against you more than a computer.

But who is that committee? And how many members of it aren't doing/haven't done the exact same thing? As the examples I pulled illustrate, it's not exactly unusual.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Speaking of the selection committee, this is from ESPN.com earlier today

College Football Playoff selection committee expected to be finalized by end of 2013 season - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9723389/college-football-playoff-selection-committee-expected-finalized-end-2013-season)

[bob]

Every time I believe in Georgia Tech... Sigh.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Every time I believe in Georgia Tech... Sigh.

After a while, ya sorta start to know better ;)

(I haven't even bothered to turn it on, still too annoyed by the whole wristband crap from Saturday.)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ho hum, another game, another flop. Another game where the lack of skill players & overall talent cements GT as solidly mediocre. The scheme is fun to watch afaic, CPJ lacks the recruiting ability to have it succeed to any meaningful extent. #EnoughAlready

[Butter]

I don't think the Buckeyes will be able to stop the run and will all pretty much hinder on Stave completing 55% of passes. The defense limited Tosu offense last year so hopefully that can happen again, but I do have my doubts.

The same UW that gave up 468 yards to ASU will be limiting OSU? I'll believe it when I see it.

[Bobble]

With all this talk of BCS schools crushing FBS schools, couldn't they fix it by requiring all opponents be scheduled as hame and home?

I am sure there are a million reasons why it wouldn't work, just a thought.

I'm pretty sure the cupcake teams don't want it at their home. The big payout is when the crusher fills their stadium and then pays out a portion of the take to the crushee (and pays out more money than they could ever dream of making on their own).

Both teams "win". It's the fans that lose.

[MrBug708]

The same UW that gave up 468 yards to ASU will be limiting OSU? I'll believe it when I see it.

ASU is no slouch offensively

[Butter]

I'm not saying they are, but I would expect OSU to match that total or beat it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Both teams "win". It's the fans that lose.

What fans?

Does anybody at Savannah State really mind the beating THAT much? I mean, it's basically funding their athletic department (I believe the ballpark figure was that their take from a couple of absurd beatdowns funded every athletic job outside the football program, give or take)

And while there's a bit of grousing occasionally when the schedules take a weaker turn, truth is that I don't think the season ticket fan base cares horribly at a lot of places. It's treated like an off week for many, a chance to give away tickets to a relative or friend & earn a little good will (and is often the 7th home game, not like you're being terribly cheated really).
I saw no shortage of people who tailgated last Saturday in Athens but seemed pretty content to head home & skip the game (and the rain) vs North Texas entirely.

[Lathum]

I'm pretty sure the cupcake teams don't want it at their home. The big payout is when the crusher fills their stadium and then pays out a portion of the take to the crushee (and pays out more money than they could ever dream of making on their own).

Both teams "win". It's the fans that lose.

I think a lot of people against it are concerned for the D2 kids. I don't think the school cares at all and just wants the money grab.

[Chief Rum]

I'm not saying they are, but I would expect OSU to match that total or beat it.

ASU is one of the better offensive teams in perhaps the best offensive league in the country. It's no disrespect if OSU does not reach that total.

Bug's point is that Wisconsin's D shouldn't be knocked too harshly for giving up a lot of yardage to ASU.

[RainMaker]

With all this talk of BCS schools crushing FBS schools, couldn't they fix it by requiring all opponents be scheduled as hame and home?

I am sure there are a million reasons why it wouldn't work, just a thought.

With all the talk of safety, shouldn't scheduling lower divisions be something that is scrutinized more? Dramatic differences in size and ability.

[JonInMiddleGA]

With all the talk of safety, shouldn't scheduling lower divisions be something that is scrutinized more? Dramatic differences in size and ability.

But if that's the case -- as a safety issue -- then I'd say you have to look at aligning the divisions, and maybe even conferences, on the same basis.

D1 indy Idaho is 0-4 against a weak schedule and has only been within 30 points of one team so far ... and they still have three top 25 teams on their schedule looming ahead.

Florida International (0-4) might actually be worse and they're a C-USA team.

And don't even get me started on the mediocre HS team that's been assembled at Georgia State.

Is playing them somehow better than playing (just picking a random I-AA) Georgia Southern?

[tarcone]

The last game at HHH Dome. Iowa wins and our fans take the goal post out of the stadium. :)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qnUoQZUAdvA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[tarcone]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BVHIy0oCYAARu1P.jpg

[GrantDawg]

Conner Shaw out. Looks like it might be a broken collar bone. That could be really bad for the Cocks' season.

[RainMaker]

But if that's the case -- as a safety issue -- then I'd say you have to look at aligning the divisions, and maybe even conferences, on the same basis.

D1 indy Idaho is 0-4 against a weak schedule and has only been within 30 points of one team so far ... and they still have three top 25 teams on their schedule looming ahead.

Florida International (0-4) might actually be worse and they're a C-USA team.

And don't even get me started on the mediocre HS team that's been assembled at Georgia State.

Is playing them somehow better than playing (just picking a random I-AA) Georgia Southern?

You make good points. I just know that if college football wants to pretend it cares about safety, that'd be a place to look. When a powerhouse matches up with a low-level FCS school, they always post the weight differences of the lines. It can be like 30-50 pounds. Not to mention the other guys are faster, stronger, and playing at home.

At some point it becomes dangerous when one side has such an advantage in a physical sport.

[RainMaker]

The last game at HHH Dome. Iowa wins and our fans take the goal post out of the stadium. :)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qnUoQZUAdvA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I was there for it (was going to college in Minnesota and went up to see a game) and laughed my ass off. Can't believe no one stopped them.

[GrantDawg]

Conner Shaw out. Looks like it might be a broken collar bone. That could be really bad for the Cocks' season.


Now they are saying "slight" shoulder strain. It may be worse than that (it looked bad), but I guess no break at least.

[JonInMiddleGA]

When a powerhouse matches up with a low-level FCS school, they always post the weight differences of the lines. It can be like 30-50 pounds. Not to mention the other guys are faster, stronger, and playing at home.

re: weight -- I see the same thing at the high school level somewhat frequently though. We played at least one team last season that averaged over 300 on the OL (and they didn't even make it to the final four), we had DL that were in the 220s, and we weren't even excessively small really. I've seen a number of those D1 sized lines dating back to at least the mid-90s (in the higher classifications it's not really that uncommon) and mismatches that were in the 60-70 pound range.

[GrantDawg]

This might not be the best thread, but since you are reading this Jon. Have you seen intentional grounding called correctly/often at the high school games you been to? Last night there was at least 6 times that I saw a QB throw the ball into the ground while being tackled that was called an incomplete pass. There is no "takle box" in high school according to the rules, and he wasn't throwing at anyone. I just can't figure out why is wasn't getting called (well, they did call it the first time. Just not the next 6).

[JonInMiddleGA]

This might not be the best thread, but since you are reading this Jon. Have you seen intentional grounding called correctly/often at the high school games you been to? Last night there was at least 6 times that I saw a QB throw the ball into the ground while being tackled that was called an incomplete pass. There is no "takle box" in high school according to the rules, and he wasn't throwing at anyone. I just can't figure out why is wasn't getting called (well, they did call it the first time. Just not the next 6).

Hmm ... {thinks about it}. It's not called all that often to my recollection & most often the ones that seem botched are cases where it's called despite a receiver being in the reasonable vicinity of the ball. I think a little more on cases where it would simply be a missed no-call & don't really come up with very many. I do think it's a little tougher in HS since the QB's are frequently erratic & under no pressure at all I'll occasionally see balls land 10-15 yards from the nearest receiver.

Then again, the team I follow doesn't usually throw much (maybe 8 times a game) and at least 3 of our regular opponents are very much ground-and-pound teams, only 2-3 are balanced or pass heavy ... which means maybe I just don't see as many opportunities for it to arise.

[GrantDawg]

Hmm ... {thinks about it}. It's not called all that often to my recollection & most often the ones that seem botched are cases where it's called despite a receiver being in the reasonable vicinity of the ball. I think a little more on cases where it would simply be a missed no-call & don't really come up with very many. I do think it's a little tougher in HS since the QB's are frequently erratic & under no pressure at all I'll occasionally see balls land 10-15 yards from the nearest receiver.

Then again, the team I follow doesn't usually throw much (maybe 8 times a game) and at least 3 of our regular opponents are very much ground-and-pound teams, only 2-3 are balanced or pass heavy ... which means maybe I just don't see as many opportunities for it to arise.


Yeah, that's quite different from what I have been seeing. My daughter's high school as well as almost every team they have played so far seems to play up-tempo stretch offenses that throw pretty often. The game last night was crazy, with lots of throws. The first play was an 88 yard td pass from our qb. We won 34-31, but they blew 14 point leads twice. Mostly because of the previously mentioned grounding penalties (whenever they got to their qb, he just threw it into the ground for an incomplete pass).

[MrBug708]

WVU trying to kill the clock, is running a hurry up offense?

[Atocep]

WVU trying to kill the clock, is running a hurry up offense?

During the drive that ended in the field goal to put WVU up 6 I didn't mind it. The offense has been sputtering all season and I think keeping the offense's pace was important.

The drive for the field goal after the OSU interception was a mess.

[tarcone]

Iowa defense forces 2 3 and outs.
Offense driving but stalling in Minny territory.
Iowa up 3-0.

[chinaski]

Whats up with ESPN.com not showing any defensive stats for college games?

[mauchow]

Iowa defense forces 2 3 and outs.
Offense driving but stalling in Minny territory.
Iowa up 3-0.

Keep us posted!!!;)

[tarcone]

Iowa scores a TD on a 5 yard Ruddock run to go up 10-0.

Defense is playing very well. Minny cannot pass the ball and we are stuffing the run.

[tarcone]

And speaking of not being able to pass the ball. Minny just threw an interception. Iowa 1st and 10 on Minnys 23.

[tarcone]

After a missed FG. Minny drives to midfield and punts. Iowa just complaeted a 74 yr bubble screen to WR Powell. 17-0 Iowa.

[Matthean]

MSU/Iowa might be the second biggest Big Ten game next week.

[mckerney]

Iowa scores a TD on a 5 yard Ruddock run to go up 10-0.

Defense is playing very well. Minny cannot pass the ball and we are stuffing the run.

Minnesota's offensive line is just terrible. After how they looked opening up against the little sisters of the poor to start the season I didn't think they'd be able to run.

Coming out of non conference play they looked like a team that would be lucky to win a Big Ten game and they're pretty much keeping that up here.

[Thomkal]

Coastal Carolina improved to 5-0, but had a bit of a scare against Elon. They only led by 4 at the half, but then they shut them out the rest of the way to win 53-28. This is the third game in a row that CCU has scored over 50 points. They likely will move into the top 10 in the rankings this week if any of the top 10 lost.

[bob]

Tommy Rees just tried to throw a towel into the clothes hamper in the locker room at halftime. It too was intercepted.

[Matthean]

Minnesota's offensive line is just terrible. After how they looked opening up against the little sisters of the poor to start the season I didn't think they'd be able to run.

Coming out of non conference play they looked like a team that would be lucky to win a Big Ten game and they're pretty much keeping that up here.

So you are saying Michigan has a chance to win next week? :D

[Matthean]

Tommy Rees just tried to throw a towel into the clothes hamper in the locker room at halftime. It too was intercepted.

Considering Kelly seemingly being able to take a water boy and make him a QB, it is all the more telling that Rees hasn't developed into something of a decent QB by this point. I thought he got unjustly hammered for his play two years ago, but I have given up on him even before today.

[mckerney]

So you are saying Michigan has a chance to win next week? :D

Might not even need a defensive stop at the end of the game to close it out! :p

[bob]

Considering Kelly seemingly being able to take a water boy and make him a QB, it is all the more telling that Rees hasn't developed into something of a decent QB by this point. I thought he got unjustly hammered for his play two years ago, but I have given up on him even before today.

Tough to blame Kelly for him all that much though. In reality, Everett Golson would have been the starter this year if not for some academic issues that likely would have been ignored at most schools, and while we have no clue how he would have performed, if the Golson issue happened a month earlier, Gunner Kiel likely wouldn't have transferred.

[JonInMiddleGA]

"LSU has the most defensive backs in the NFL? They could use a few"

Some exposed ass defense today

[Matthean]

"LSU has the most defensive backs in the NFL? They could use a few"

Some exposed ass defense today

Both teams lost a lot on defense. The SEC might be won on offense this year.

[tarcone]

Iowa keeps Floyd of Rosedale home today. A big 23-7 win. We have as many wins this season as last.
Ran the ball down Minnys throat. Ground and pound as usual.

[Lathum]

Fired up for Washington to get into conference play. Couldn't be happier with our non conference slate but ready to see what we are capable of.

[cuervo72]

Upset Alert: #6 LSU 34, #9 Georgia 37 - 8:09 4th Qtr GameCast

Oh, ESPN.

(Seriously. They're #9. And up by a mere three. NOT THAT HUGE AN UPSET.)

[Galaril]

So this ND defense is a joke. I think they lose to AZ in Dallas, USC. and Stanford. Plus, even though they not very good right now ND playing at Air Force up in the mountains at night is always tough. So, they likely are a 6-6 team if they are lucky. How the hell did they get rated in the top 20? Oh yeah right they are ND:)

[mckerney]

Upset Alert: #6 LSU 34, #9 Georgia 37 - 8:09 4th Qtr GameCast

Oh, ESPN.

(Seriously. They're #9. And up by a mere three. NOT THAT HUGE AN UPSET.)

Gotta keep it up now, the #9 team in the country is down late in a game where they are 2 point favorites at home. :popcorn:

[GrantDawg]

Georgia scored way too quick.

[hoopsguy]

Iowa keeps Floyd of Rosedale home today. A big 23-7 win. We have as many wins this season as last.
Ran the ball down Minnys throat. Ground and pound as usual.

Illini, now with three wins, have surpassed last season. Not sure how many I see coming in conference play, but definitely more optimistic about their chances to get a couple than I was heading into conference play last season.

[Julio Riddols]

That Georgia/LSU game was a great one. Murray and Mettenberger both looked great considering the amount of PI that wasn't called.

[Matthean]

'Bama's run blocking is still subpar. They might just have to face the fact they are a passing team this year. They also have three fumbles but recovered all of them. 6-0 over Ole Miss.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hard for me to seriously lament a loss by LSU but that one lies on the shoulders of Chavis. The Mustang package strikes again.

Listening to the Tiger radio network (I ran an errand, caught 'em on Sirius) during that last Georgia drive was interesting. PBP guy was about to lose his mind over the soft coverage, color guy was trying to defend it right up until the TD pass.

[Izulde]

I think a lot of people against it are concerned for the D2 kids. I don't think the school cares at all and just wants the money grab.

FCS != D2. They're still Division I schools.

[Buccaneer]

Division 1-AA has typically been called "Division 2" for a long time. The FCS/FBS are misnomers and complete nonsense.

[Matthean]

Today we have secretly replaced Ole Miss and 'Bama with Big Ten teams. Let's see if anyone notices. :banghead: A combined 26 rushes for 43 yards. Both QBs have a combined 7 incompletions though. Still a sleep inducing 9-0 at half. There were four time outs in the last drive including back-to-back ones with another the play before.

[Solecismic]

Might not even need a defensive stop at the end of the game to close it out! :p

Week 3: Michigan 28, Akron 24
Week 3: Buffalo 26, Stony Brook 23 (5 OT)

Week 4: Michigan 24, Connecticut 21
Week 4: Villanova 35, Stony Brook 6

This week: Buffalo 41, Connecticut 12
This week: Villanova 35, Penn 6

Yes, I think the defensive stop would be quite helpful. Hopefully, it will keep Michigan close at the end. The last two weeks have been not just bad, they've been scary-bad.

[Matthean]

At least defensive stops at the end of the game is one of the only things Michigan does right.

[EagleFan]

Week 3: Buffalo 26, Stony Brook 23 (5 OT)


That's a sadly low score for a 5 OT game.

[Izulde]

Hell of a game going on right now between UNLV and New Mexico apparently, but I can't watch it because the fucking horseshit shit ass fucking feed on UNLVrebels.com keeps fucking buffering/lagging and skipping plays, then cutting out completely whenever UNLV does something great. So I've missed all three UNLV TDs, but yet saw all three Lobo TDs.

21-21 tie at the start of the second quarter apparently.

[mauchow]

Game changing home cookin call. Fuck. Lets stop em now d.

[Matthean]

Ole Miss can't find the end zone despite attempts with going for it on 4th down numerous times. 'Bama can't find the killing blow. There will be less questions about 'Bama's defense but more on why this team is #1. I have a hard time justifying it at this point.

[Izulde]

They finally appear to have fixed the feed and I finally got to see my first UNLV TD.

35-35 tie, 1:48 left in the half.

[Izulde]

35-35 at the half.

Combined 749 yards. New Mexico with 400 rushing yards.

[mauchow]

Well that's likely to be the fuckin dagger. Nice job southward. Who else are you playing over the top against... nobody. Get your fuckin ass over there.

Shelton...freshman man...pick off the play before and none of this shit happens. My gooooooooood.

[Matthean]

Looks to be Hugh Freeze's first time being shut out as a college coach. 25-0 in one of the most uninspired efforts by an offense I have seen. 'Bama had 118 yards rushing on two plays with little else to be excited about. McCarron was accurate, but the pass offense never really challenged Ole Miss much either. I guess I should be happy about shutting out a team that had scored 38 points per game through three, but this team still has a ways to go.

[Izulde]

TD! 42-35 UNLV for their first lead of the game!

[Izulde]

Fantastic defensive stop and after the punt, UNLV has the ball on the New Mexico 49.

[Izulde]

Cornett with just his second career fumble. New Mexico takes advantage and it's 42-42 tie again.

[Matthean]

ASU is one of the better offensive teams in perhaps the best offensive league in the country. It's no disrespect if OSU does not reach that total.

Bug's point is that Wisconsin's D shouldn't be knocked too harshly for giving up a lot of yardage to ASU.

353 near the end of the 3rd. OSU beating that number will partly based on how badly they want to keep it up with the game well in hand compared to ASU who was fighting for all the yards they could get.

The frustrating thing about the game is it reinforces just how far OSU is above the rest of the Big Ten right now unless Michigan decides to remove its head from its own rear end.

[Izulde]

42-42 tie end of third quarter.

[Izulde]

Hell of a catch by Devante Davis! TD and UNLV back in the lead!!! 4:46 left in the game

[mauchow]

353 near the end of the 3rd. OSU beating that number will partly based on how badly they want to keep it up with the game well in hand compared to ASU who was fighting for all the yards they could get.

The frustrating thing about the game is it reinforces just how far OSU is above the rest of the Big Ten right now unless Michigan decides to remove its head from its own rear end.

Yes Ohio St has more athletes than Wisconsin but this game was pretty even especially considering its at the Shoe. Wisconsin is an elite DB away from being great defensively and if if this was a normal year for OL they'd be a lot better tonight..

[Izulde]

Defensive stop!!! NOW EAT UP THE CLOCK, UNLV!!!!

[Izulde]

75 YARD TD RUN BY CORNETT!!! 56-42 UNLV!!!!

[tarcone]

Yes Ohio St has more athletes than Wisconsin but this game was pretty even especially considering its at the Shoe. Wisconsin is an elite DB away from being great defensively and if if this was a normal year for OL they'd be a lot better tonight..

Yeah and Iowa is a couple safeties and WRs away from being a lot better. ;)

[Matthean]

Yes Ohio St has more athletes than Wisconsin but this game was pretty even especially considering its at the Shoe. Wisconsin is an elite DB away from being great defensively and if if this was a normal year for OL they'd be a lot better tonight..

You've played two teams with a pulse and gave up 30+ both times. You need more than a DB.

[Izulde]

REBELS WIN!!!! REBELS WIN!!!! 56-42!!!

To put into perspective just how huge this win was:

1. 23 road game losing streak dating back to October 2009 (Ironically also @ New Mexico) snapped.

2. Our first 3 game win streak since 2003. ...Yeah, a whole damn decade.

3. Over .500 this late in the season for the first time in forever it seems like at 3-2.

4. Halfway to bowl eligibility.

[mauchow]

You've played two teams with a pulse and gave up 30+ both times. You need more than a DB.

Elite offensive teams should score 30+ and osu could qualify as such with Asu possibly as well. Nothing to hang your head on. Stanford is great on d tgus slowed them down. Wisconsin is good on defense and can be great. Add in that the Badgers shouldnt have been screwed at asu for a chance to win... coulda/shoulda been a 4-0 battle.

[BishopMVP]

Tommy Rees just tried to throw a towel into the clothes hamper in the locker room at halftime. It too was intercepted.It's terrible. Let's try Malik Zaire. At least he offers the threat of the run.So this ND defense is a joke. I think they lose to AZ in Dallas, USC. and Stanford. Plus, even though they not very good right now ND playing at Air Force up in the mountains at night is always tough. So, they likely are a 6-6 team if they are lucky. How the hell did they get rated in the top 20? Oh yeah right they are ND:)I'll still take them against USC and Air Force right now.... as for the D, it's the drop-off in athleticism at LB - not just Te'o, but Spond too. Nix and Tuitt (and Day in a couple years) are still day 1 NFL picks up front taking on blockers, and the secondary isn't any worse than the very inexperienced unit it was last year, it's just that we have no speed or decisiveness at the LB spot pursuing side to side.Both teams lost a lot on defense. The SEC might be won on offense this year.It's crazy how many freshmen even the best SEC teams are playing on defense, mostly out of necessity due to so many early departures to the NFL.Game changing home cookin call. Fuck. Lets stop em now d.Was that the "facemask" as Braxton Miller fumbled deep in his own territory when they were interviewing LeBron?

[mauchow]

Well, the Badgers gave themselves a chance for at least a tie. If a few of the boneheaded plays don't happen then you have a different route to likely a similar outcome but a bit closer than this.

Gg buckeyes. I hope you can find a way to lose two games and give the Badgers another shot at the Rose Bowl. (Where we can lose 4 in a row?)

[mauchow]

It's terrible. Let's try Malik Zaire. At least he offers the threat of the run.I'll still take them against USC and Air Force right now.... as for the D, it's the drop-off in athleticism at LB - not just Te'o, but Spond too. Nix and Tuitt (and Day in a couple years) are still day 1 NFL picks up front taking on blockers, and the secondary isn't any worse than the very inexperienced unit it was last year, it's just that we have no speed or decisiveness at the LB spot pursuing side to side.It's crazy how many freshmen even the best SEC teams are playing on defense, mostly out of necessity due to so many early departures to the NFL.Was that the "facemask" as Braxton Miller fumbled deep in his own territory when they were interviewing LeBron?

No the punt fumbled and called back to Borland being six inches in the "backfield" and were called illegal formation. A very pisspoor call.

[Matthean]

Elite offensive teams should score 30+ and osu could qualify as such with Asu possibly as well. Nothing to hang your head on. Stanford is great on d tgus slowed them down. Wisconsin is good on defense and can be great. Add in that the Badgers shouldnt have been screwed at asu for a chance to win... coulda/shoulda been a 4-0 battle.

If ASU and OSU are elite, what are A&M and Oregon because the first two teams aren't in the same league as the others in terms of offense.

[mauchow]

Why can't there be more than two elite offensive teams?

Oregon is a different kind of elite. And yes Asu being elite is a reach I admit.. but good to very good is probably a better description.

[Matthean]

Week 3: Michigan 28, Akron 24
Week 3: Buffalo 26, Stony Brook 23 (5 OT)

Week 4: Michigan 24, Connecticut 21
Week 4: Villanova 35, Stony Brook 6

This week: Buffalo 41, Connecticut 12
This week: Villanova 35, Penn 6

Yes, I think the defensive stop would be quite helpful. Hopefully, it will keep Michigan close at the end. The last two weeks have been not just bad, they've been scary-bad.

I can play this too.

OSU: 52
Cal: 34

Oregon:34
Cal: 0

Early second quarter.

[Izulde]

Division 1-AA has typically been called "Division 2" for a long time. The FCS/FBS are misnomers and complete nonsense.

Really? I've never called it Division 2. Always Division 1-AA and FCS.

[Matthean]

Why can't there be more than two elite offensive teams?

Oregon is a different kind of elite.

The spread offense has warped what we call an elite offense. There's likely one team in a conference that I would consider as being an elite offense with some of them being wait and see. The SEC oddly enough is the one conference that might have three.

[MrBug708]

Oregon is a pretty well oiled machine at this point.

[Danny]

Nice, USC is out of the running for a BCS bowl by week 5

[Danny]

Stanford will be the big game for Oregon again this year

[MrBug708]

Remember that time someone said Lane Kiffin was a good coach?

No, neither did i

[dawgfan]

Division 1-AA has typically been called "Division 2" for a long time.
That would probably come as a shock to the actual Division 2 schools. As someone who has actually followed college football for a long time, I can confirm they've always been referred to as "Division 1-AA" (once that distinction was created in 1978).

[dawgfan]

Nice win today for Washington to open conference play. The conditions were as bad as I've experienced in a long time, making it tough on the Husky pass game in the 1st half (things cleared up a little in the 2nd half).

Still, need to improve on both sides of the ball if we're going to have a chance the next two weeks (@ Stanford then home vs. Oregon).

[Lathum]

Really? I've never called it Division 2. Always Division 1-AA and FCS.

we all know what it implies, who really gives a rats ass?

[Lathum]

Nice, USC is out of the running for a BCS bowl by week 5

were they ever in the running?

[MacroGuru]

Kiffin Fired

USC Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin Terminated - University of Southern California Official Athletic Site (http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092913aaa.html)

[Lathum]

I really hope they don't make a run a Sark.

I'm sure thy will look for a more flashy hire like a Gruden, but not sure they will land a guy like that.

[Lathum]

and as I say that Cowherd is on Sportscenter saying USC will go hard after Sark. Like Herd or not, he is pretty dialed in with USC football.

[MacroGuru]

I think Sark will be their target too, but I think he stays at UW

[Eaglesfan27]

Sark is not a target.

[Lathum]

Sark is not a target.

Not sure how you can say that. Maybe he isn't currently, but when they get rejected by the Grudens of the world they will look elsewhere.

Not to mention if they don't target Sark they are fools. He has all the tools to win there.

[HomerSimpson98]

Sark should most definitely be a target. The question is when does USC star its full court press? UW still has lots to play for this year.

[Izulde]

we all know what it implies, who really gives a rats ass?

Anyone who's interested in using the correct terminology?

And because there's already a Division 2 in football?

D2Football.com - Division II Football (http://www.d2football.com/)

[Lathum]

Anyone who's interested in using the correct terminology?

And because there's already a Division 2 in football?

D2Football.com - Division II Football (http://www.d2football.com/)

And again. Who really cares. We all know what it implies. All you are doing is coming off like an internet message board weenie who gets off on pointing out minor errors.

[Logan]

I assume they'll check in on Franklin before moving to Sark.

[Logan]

BTW I'm ecstatic that we get a big college opening so early this year to get the message board guarantees and other definitive statements started. It's my favorite season of the year.

[Eaglesfan27]

I assume they'll check in on Franklin before moving to Sark.

Nope.. The rape questions will preclude him from being on the list.

[Logan]

Interesting. Who's the top target then? Gruden again? Jack Del Rio (yuck)? Make a run at Fitzgerald?

[RainMaker]

I don't think Fitzgerald will leave.

[Lathum]

I don't think Fitzgerald will leave.

Would they even want him? I would think they would want a guy with a proven track record of recruiting California.

[Eaglesfan27]

Would they even want him? I would think they would want a guy with a proven track record of recruiting California.

Impeccable character. I think he is on the b list if top choices turn them down.

[cuervo72]

Is Tom Coughlin available yet? :D

[Lathum]

Impeccable character. I think he is on the b list if top choices turn them down.

So who are their top choices, if not Sark ( I hope you are right) as you claim?

[Logan]

Apparently some USC people think Jeff Fisher would leave the Rams for this job.

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't think it will be Fisher. I think John Robinson will be interim head coach and I don't want to say who the top permeant targets are yet but they will be going after some big names.

[HomerSimpson98]

Mack Brown will be seeking employment in about 2 weeks :)

In all seriousness, the same names will be trotted out there. Sark has to be number 1. And then you'll hear Chris Peterson too. DO they want to go the sleeze route with Petrino, a proven winner? What about a DickRod? Such choices!!

[MrBug708]

Here come the Jeff Fisher, Jon Gruden, Nick Saban talk from the USC faithful

In all honestly it will probably be a Tim DeRuyter type hire, which is what they need.

I think they stay away from Sark. Had he had a better year last year, he might have been under some consideration.

USC doesnt have a great track record of hiring coaches. Almost UCLA basketballesque

[MrBug708]

It's glad to see EF27 back to being a USC fan. The smack talk was getting lonely :)

[Lathum]

I don't think it will be Fisher. I think John Robinson will be interim head coach and I don't want to say who the top permeant targets are yet but they will be going after some big names.

?

even MBBF gives us more than that.

How can you say Sark isn't a target, then not speculate who is?

I would also love to hear why you think Sark isn't a target.

[MrBug708]

If I'm a UW fan, I want Sark hired by USC so they can go after Mora. As a UCLA fan, I'm torn, but Sark is an upgrade over Kiffin.

I think the SC admin will see Kif and Sark in the same light

[MrBug708]

InsideUSC @InsideUSC

Current #USC coaching candidates: 1. James Franklin (Vandy), 2. Jeff Fisher (Rams), 3. Jack Del Rio, 4. Chris Petersen (Boise)

[MrBug708]

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 5m
#USC A.D. Pat Haden met with advisers during Arizona State's 28-0 run in third quarter and that's when decision made to fire Lane Kiffin

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 10m
To recap, Lane Kiffin pulled of team bus outside LAX private terminal and fired. Team went back to #USC without him

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 19m
If you want specifics, Lane Kiffin was fired right outside Landmark Aviation terminal at LAX #USC

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 26m
I'm told Lane Kiffin told the bus to wait but then #USC administrators told it to go back to campus without him

[MrBug708]

Chris Petersen would be a terrible fit at USC. One, I dont think SouthCentral is his ideal place to work in. Two, he probably doesnt want that pressure cooker of a job

Jeff Tedford gets my vote!

[Eaglesfan27]

It's glad to see EF27 back to being a USC fan. The smack talk was getting lonely :)

Always a fan. With wife and kid, I spend a lot less time on this board in general. Slow day in the ER so I have time to post a bit this morning.

[Eaglesfan27]

?

even MBBF gives us more than that.

How can you say Sark isn't a target, then not speculate who is?

I would also love to hear why you think Sark isn't a target.

I am telling you who the interim will be. Sark's record hasn't been great at UW and they want someone who is a proven winner.

[MrBug708]

Who do you want?

[BillJasper]

Apparently some USC people think Jeff Fisher would leave the Rams for this job.

He may not have a choice if the Rams continue to be as bad as they've been early this season. :lol:

[Eaglesfan27]

Who do you want?

I would love to see Chris Petersen or Charlie Strong take the job.

[MrBug708]

Fisher is a good coach, but he doesnt seem to have the enthusiasm and joy it would take to coach college guys. You seem to need an infectious personality to have success in college.

[MrBug708]

I guess a good start would be how much is the new coach going to get paid. I'd say between 3.5 and 5 million?

[cuervo72]

Not sure I'd characterize him as any less infectious than Saban.

[MacroGuru]

Nope.. The rape questions will preclude him from being on the list.

Rape questions? You mean the same rape questions that kept Sanchez on as a QB and in the NFL? Doesn't seem to matter much at USC...

[MrBug708]

I wouldnt disagree at all. But Nick Saban knows who the college game works and is a college guy who tried the NFL.

Jeff Fisher has only ever coached at the NFL.

[MrBug708]

Keyshawn Johnson wants Herm Edwards

[JonInMiddleGA]

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 5m
#USC A.D. Pat Haden met with advisers during Arizona State's 28-0 run in third quarter and that's when decision made to fire Lane Kiffin

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 10m
To recap, Lane Kiffin pulled of team bus outside LAX private terminal and fired. Team went back to #USC without him

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 19m
If you want specifics, Lane Kiffin was fired right outside Landmark Aviation terminal at LAX #USC

InsideUSC ‏@InsideUSC 26m
I'm told Lane Kiffin told the bus to wait but then #USC administrators told it to go back to campus without him

I have this strong urge to do a happy dance.

[Scoobz0202]

State of Football - USC AD Pat Haden - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-VXv8ob7OyE#t=150)

[JPhillips]

Bradley Roby used the Wisconsin game to completely obliterate his draft status. At this rate I'm not sure he's anything but a day 3 pick.

[Lathum]

Schiano?

[RainMaker]

Would they even want him? I would think they would want a guy with a proven track record of recruiting California.

He's actually recruited Texas and California well. Well enough for Northwestern at least. I don't think he'll have trouble recruiting wherever he goes.

As for why they'd want him, it was rumored that Pat Haden is a big fan of his, and they have a relationship. And I can't think of a better person to wipe away the stink of Kiffin than someone like Fitzgerald who is his polar opposite.

[RainMaker]

BTW I'm ecstatic that we get a big college opening so early this year to get the message board guarantees and other definitive statements started. It's my favorite season of the year.

My girlfriend's brother's boss says the guy who does his landscaping works weekends at the airport and saw such and such coaching candidate getting on a private jet with an AD. Deal will be done by the end of the week.

[JonInMiddleGA]

FTR, that candidate list that put Franklin at the top ... srsly?

I'd have to think the general confrontational vibe around him would be the last thing that Haden would want.

[DanGarion]

I don't think it will be Fisher. I think John Robinson will be interim head coach and I don't want to say who the top permeant targets are yet but they will be going after some big names.

Is Robocoach still alive? He's got to be what.... 80 something now? :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Is Robocoach still alive? He's got to be what.... 80 something now? :D

78 years young. I was there for his second tour of duty and can't believe he will be back even if it is only for a few months. He will turn over the offense to Helton and I am really interested to see what Helton can do with the shackles off. He had some impressive offenses in past gigs.

[Eaglesfan27]

Whelp my source and I are totally wrong. Coach O named interim coach. It wil be an interesting ride to see how this shakes out.

[Matthean]

Charlie Strong

I would put him a lot higher on my list versus a number of candidates being mentioned.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Coach O named interim coach.

Srsly? WTF?

Is Haden high?

[MrBug708]

He's the only guy whose previously been a coach

[JonInMiddleGA]

He's the only guy whose previously been a coach

He's also perhaps as symbolic of Kiffin-itis as anything that still has a job in L.A.

That's a move that's actually almost flabbergasting to me.

Almost makes me wonder if Haden didn't simply knee-jerk his way into the timing of the firing waaaay more than a top-level AD should have. Some sort of Plan B (better than this one) would appear a lot healthier and wiser ... just in my totally sidewalk opinion of cousre.

[MrBug708]

No. I think part of it is is that Haden has never been a fan of O's antics. No matter who comes in, Ogre remains a popular figure at USC. He's giving him more rope to hang himself and clear the way for his removal at USC.

[Matthean]

If they bring in a new coach, it would be unlikely they would stay on anyway.

[Buccaneer]

I have this strong urge to do a happy dance.

I did a happy dance. Now to get USC back to its rightful place.

[Eaglesfan27]

I did a happy dance. Now to get USC back to its rightful place.

:D

[CU Tiger]

I did a happy dance. Now to get USC back to its rightful place.

Kiffin was doing his best to accomplish that then y'all fired him :p

[bob]

It's terrible. Let's try Malik Zaire. At least he offers the threat of the run.

Ok, time for another question from someone that watches a lot of football, but never played so he doesn't know all the logistics of things....

How hard is switching from a righty to a lefty qb? Do blocking schemes and plays change that much?

[dawgfan]

we all know what it implies, who really gives a rats ass?
Do we? There's a Division 2 (as well as Division 3, plus NAIA), so it's actually confusing when folks call FCS teams 'Division 2'.

[dawgfan]

I am telling you who the interim will be. Sark's record hasn't been great at UW and they want someone who is a proven winner.
Sark's record has been terrific given the situation he inherited.

I'm perfectly happy if USC thinks they can do better than Sark, because I'd much prefer he sticks around at the UW.

[dawgfan]

I would love to see Chris Petersen or Charlie Strong take the job.
I think there's about a 0.01% chance Petersen would take the job. He's clearly very content in a low-pressure environment. Even the publicity he gets at Boise State given his success makes him somewhat uncomfortable.

[Eaglesfan27]

I think there's about a 0.01% chance Petersen would take the job. He's clearly very content in a low-pressure environment. Even the publicity he gets at Boise State given his success makes him somewhat uncomfortable.

I agree. I was just saying who I'd like.

[dawgfan]

"We feel the firing of Lane Kiffin was unjust and unwarranted, and we demand his immediate reinstatement!"

Signed, the rest of the Pac-12 (& Notre Dame)

[CU Tiger]

Ok, time for another question from someone that watches a lot of football, but never played so he doesn't know all the logistics of things....

How hard is switching from a righty to a lefty qb? Do blocking schemes and plays change that much?

An an Olinemen, it changed nothing. Your blocking schemes, steps and assignments were determined by the play call. So while it may have changed what plays were called I did the same thing every time that play was called regardless of which hand the QB threw with. (For the record in HS we ran a 2 QB platoon and we had a righty and a lefty. The closest thing to weird was when I was forced into back up center duty...it certainly felt different snapping to the two of them.

Do we? There's a Division 2 (as well as Division 3, plus NAIA), so it's actually confusing when folks call FCS teams 'Division 2'.

[Logan]

UConn fires Paul P.

[Matthean]

Just imagine if they had beaten Michigan, and he was still fired.