Official College Football Week 13 Thread

[cartman]

Three weeks left to go in the regular season. Here are the match ups between Top 25 teams this weekend:

Baylor at Oklahoma State
Missouri at Mississippi
Texas A&M at LSU
Arizona State at UCLA
Wisconsin at Minnesota

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Huge game for Mizzou. If they can survive Old Miss, they'll be playing for a trip to the SEC Championship next week at home in the season finale.

Edit: Forgot to note that James Franklin is listed as the starting QB on the depth charts released today.

[MacroGuru]

Ugh, don't know where to post this one...it's not happy news. I know Utah is our rival, but their QB Travis Wilson has been a great kid and a solid QB for them, this news is not good.

Utah football: Wilson out for the season | Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865590805/Utah-football-Wilson-out-for-the-season.html)

The rumors are firing on things from an aneurism to tumor...prayers for Travis.

Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham has been quoted as saying if Travis was to take a head shot, it would means very bad things for him..

[MacroGuru]

DOLA

But to make things fun..BYU @ ND this weekend!

[dawgfan]

Man, Utah is just snake-bit when it comes to QB's lately.

[tarcone]

Iowa-Michigan. We usually handle Michigan pretty well at home. But who knows what will happen. These are 2 programs struggling. Michigan cant find an identity. But if their QB can run, Iowa is toast. Iowa needs to control the ball and the clock.
A win here moves us closer a better bowl game then the Gator.

[Matthean]

Iowa-Michigan. We usually handle Michigan pretty well at home. But who knows what will happen. These are 2 programs struggling. Michigan cant find an identity. But if their QB can run, Iowa is toast. Iowa needs to control the ball and the clock.
A win here moves us closer a better bowl game then the Gator.

Gardner hasn't as of late. If the NW game is any clue, Michigan might be putting a more conventional running game together. Still, Gardner is more of an athlete than he is a QB.

[MacroGuru]

Man, Utah is just snake-bit when it comes to QB's lately.

Yeah they have...update on the condition

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/utes/57146794-89/utah-wilson-season-utes.html.csp

It's a prior injury to an intracranial artery, It's not necessarily career threatening, but will be re-evaluated in three months.

If the kid is smart, he hangs it up.

[Kodos]

We are doomed.

[Butter]

So... any chance Jameis wins the Heisman with current allegations swirling? Seems like this isn't going to get cleared up real soon.

[Logan]

So... any chance Jameis wins the Heisman with current allegations swirling? Seems like this isn't going to get cleared up real soon.

Strongly doubt it, barring a quick resolution as you say.

[General Mike]

I have no desire to watch tonight's game, but I will. Masochism at it's finest.

[Logan]

A buddy of mine asked if it was bad enough where I wouldn't torture myself by watching the game tonight and would want to go to a concert...his uncle manages a bunch of bands, so these usually turn into decent nights.

I'm seeking the torture.

[General Mike]

already ugly.

[mauchow]

already ugly.

Well, I was hopeful that Rutgers would help out Wisconsin for about 7 minutes :)

Perhaps you pull off an Arkansas comeback.

[Logan]

Leave the entire team in Florida.

[Logan]

I hope ESPN has a lot more of these random puff pieces to talk about tonight.

[General Mike]

Well, I was hopeful that Rutgers would help out Wisconsin for about 7 minutes :)

Perhaps you pull off an Arkansas comeback.

Not sure how Rutgers beating UCF would help Wisconsin, but ok.

I can't watch anymore, but I can't stop watching this trainwreck.

[mauchow]

Not sure how Rutgers beating UCF would help Wisconsin, but ok.

I can't watch anymore, but I can't stop watching this trainwreck.

Wisconsin needs to get into top 14 for a possible BCS bid.. UCF is ahead of them in all CPU polls, I believe. A loss helps get one step closer.

[General Mike]

ah, that makes sense.

[General Mike]

heh, punt block td.

[mauchow]

ah, that makes sense.

But a Badger win this weekend likely will give them the bump they need to jump them in most CPU polls anyway... and stay ahead as UCF has no games left against teams that are above .500.

[Matthean]

Realistically Wisconsin needs to win and move up 4 spots so they only need two spots from their final game.

[mauchow]

Realistically Wisconsin needs to win and move up 4 spots so they only need two spots from their final game.

-MSU losing to Northwestern or Minnesota or OSU in B1G CG is required for WI to get a BCS bid.. or tOSU losing twice I guess.....
-One of UCLA/ASU will fall below
-WI will jump UCF in CPU, thus BCS poll
-A&M/LSU play
-A&M/Mizzou play
-Mizzou plays Ole Miss/SEC CG
-NIU/Fresno play tough games in their respective CCG's
-Ok St/Baylor
-South Carolina/Clemson

There are a lot of games that are guaranteed to help the Badgers in some shape or form.. so there isn't too much of a concern of getting to Top 14, for me anyway. And there is usually that huge upset that shocks everyone. What will that be?

[miked]

How many more decommits and embarrassments before we make a change in staff. Gary Nova is 10-31 with a pick and he's still in??

[Izulde]

UNLV up 20-0 at Air Force end of 1st quarter. Come on guys! Let's get bowl-eligible!

[General Mike]

who's got the razor blades?

[MrBug708]

-MSU losing to Northwestern or Minnesota or OSU in B1G CG is required for WI to get a BCS bid.. or tOSU losing twice I guess.....
-One of UCLA/ASU will fall below
-WI will jump UCF in CPU, thus BCS poll
-A&M/LSU play
-A&M/Mizzou play
-Mizzou plays Ole Miss/SEC CG
-NIU/Fresno play tough games in their respective CCG's
-Ok St/Baylor
-South Carolina/Clemson

There are a lot of games that are guaranteed to help the Badgers in some shape or form.. so there isn't too much of a concern of getting to Top 14, for me anyway. And there is usually that huge upset that shocks everyone. What will that be?

What if Wisconsin is that huge upset?

[Izulde]

For the first time in 13 years, UNLV football is bowl-eligible!!! 41-21 final on the road over Air Force, but we frankly almost blew it. Lot of way, way too conservative play-calling in the fourth quarter gave the Falcons numerous chances back in, but luckily our defense held up.

Of course, my gut tells me we need to win our last game to fully lock up the invite.

[MrBug708]

Found the right coach finally?

[BishopMVP]

Found the right coach finally?

:D

[Thomkal]

Congrats to UNLV!

[General Mike]

Rutgers: You can't make this shit up

[mckerney]

Congrats to UNLV!

http://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/hot-dancing-unlv-college-football-fan-2012.gif

[tarcone]

Temps in Iowa City for the game tomorrow: Below 20 temp with 20-30 MPH winds and 35 MPH gusts. Im glad Im sitting in my living room watching that one.

[mauchow]

I will be enjoing TCF Bank as the Badgers Carry the axe around stadium around 5:45 tomorrow

Tailgating in temps in the teens. Boom. Pumped up.

[tarcone]

7-7 at the end of the 1st quarter. Iowa threw a pick 6. And has been driving the ball. It is a decent game to watch.

[hoopsguy]

The Purdue/Illini suckfest is underway, and tied 14-14 early 2nd quarter. I'm not quite sure what I'm rooting for in this one, given state of Illinois football. I really don't know what fastest road to recovery is, but my sense is that whatever that road is Tim Beckman is probably not part of it.

[BYU 14]

Is there even 5000 fans at the Miami / Virginia game today? I thought I had tuned into a late season Marlins game for a minute.

[mckerney]

Still amazed by turnaround of Northwestern to go from #16 in the country and nearly beating Ohio State to needing to beat Illinois next week to avoid going winless in Big Ten play.

[tarcone]

Iowas defense is dominating Michigan. We have out yarded UM 347 to 119. Yet its 21-21 due to a -4 turnover margin.
10 minutes left in the game. Iowa has momentum.

[cartman]

Wake Forest has a chance to tie Duke. Would never have thought these two teams would play a meaningful November football game.

[cartman]

That INT should get Duke to the ACC title game.

If they can beat North Carolina and get to 10 wins, Cutcliffe has a pretty good case for winning a coach of the year award.

[tarcone]

YES! Iowa gets a come from behind win over Michigan on Senior day. Defense was outstanding. Just dominating. Gave up about 129 total yards.
Looks like the Gator Bowl will be calling.

[cartman]

Wow, North Carolina over Old Dominion 80-20. Yes, I posted this in the correct college sports thread.
Still 8 minutes to go, but evidently they are not stopping the clock, and the Tar Heels are taking a knee every down.

[tarcone]

I would like to note that Iowa's 4 losses came to teams that have a combined record of 39-3.
This win makes me very happy.

[britrock88]

Wow, North Carolina over Old Dominion 80-20. Yes, I posted this in the correct college sports thread.
Still 8 minutes to go, but evidently they are not stopping the clock, and the Tar Heels are taking a knee every down.

Interesting way to go about the end of a blowout. Fedora appeared to go all out for 3 quarters. Then he and the ODU coach agreed to a 10-minute fourth quarter, and they're doing what you mentioned. ...Hard to know when and how to call of the dogs, exactly, and I guess this is an alright way of going about it. *shurg*

[Lathum]

Going to be a long day for Indiana.

[Easy Mac]

Furman wins the southern conference if Samford doesnt lose to Elon right now, but Samford isn't playing along.

[cartman]

Wow, Arizona over Oregon 21-3 early in the 2nd quarter.

[cartman]

Don't think I've ever seen a lateral like the one that just happened in the Oregon game. The QB optioned, and while running at near full speed 10 yards downfield, turned and rifled the ball to the RB.

[Thomkal]

Well despite being blown out by South Carolina 70-10, Coastal Carolina wins the Big South Conference! They got some help from Charleston Southern who choked big time the last two games, losing both, including this week to Liberty 56-14. Ouch.

Some bad news however-the tiebreaker went to Butler in the Pioneer League so the very unexpected run of Marist ends here for the season. :(

[BillJasper]

I wonder if Muschamp is now done at Florida?

[MrBug708]

How does Florida keep him?

[Lathum]

I wonder if Muschamp is now done at Florida?

wondering the same

[Buccaneer]

I just realized it was to a mediocre division 2 team...at home. That's pathetic.

[Matthean]

YES! Iowa gets a come from behind win over Michigan on Senior day. Defense was outstanding. Just dominating. Gave up about 129 total yards.
Looks like the Gator Bowl will be calling.

Unfortunately, limiting Michigan's offense isn't that hard. Three of the past four games the most total yardage they had was 175 yards. Yes, you limited them the least and even beating out MSU, but I think the formula is rather well known at this point. I am so done with this year's team. Meyer must giggle himself to sleep thinking of the beat down they are going to lay on Michigan in a year OSU seems hell bent to reach the title game via style points. Congrats on the win though.

I wonder if Muschamp is now done at Florida?

Just wait for the FSU beat down.

[Matthean]

Wow, Arizona over Oregon 21-3 early in the 2nd quarter.

Oregon players openly admitted they wanted to play in the title game and are tired of playing in the Rose Bowl. I guess if this holds up they won't need to worry about that either.

[digamma]

We need to start charging Yale rent.

[Buccaneer]

Arizona is literally running all over the Ducks. I love it.

[MizzouRah]

MIZ baby.. BIG GAME TONIGHT!

[MrBug708]

Oregon gets beaten down

[MrBug708]

UCLA is going to start Myles Jack at RB

[kingfc22]

I just realized it was to a mediocre division 2 team...at home. That's pathetic.

Who completed 0 passes all game and only attempted 3.

[General Mike]

Will Muschamp, we hardly knew ye

[MrBug708]

He can go back to being Texas' coach in waiting

[Matthean]

-One of UCLA/ASU will fall below

Best case scenario in that it looks to be UCLA. The better ASU does, the better that close loss helps.

[Lathum]

uhoh, loked pretty bad for Aaron Murray

[mauchow]

Omg that was a cold game. The Gophers were bad. 15 beelow wind chill was brutal for both sides.

[GrantDawg]

uhoh, loked pretty bad for Aaron Murray


Might be a horrible way to end his college career.

[MrBug708]

UCLA looks terrible

[Eaglesfan27]

UCLA looks terrible

On the very rare night where I was rooting for them to win too :(

[GrantDawg]

They just tweeted Murray left the stadium in an ambulance. Heartbreaking.

[Lathum]

Great start for the Huskies behind freshman Cyler Miles getting the start

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Great win for Mizzou. One win away from a spot in the SEC Championship game.

[Matthean]

Baylor is out. It will be interesting to see what would happen if Auburn won out, would they jump OSU, and the fall out of it. Not that I expect them to.

[Lathum]

Couldn't be happier with the Dawgs effort, easily the best road win in the Sark era. Miles looked really poised on the road and the running game and defense were great.

Wish we came out this prepared against UCLA instead of spotting them 14 early points.

[CU Tiger]

Great win for Mizzou. One win away from a spot in the SEC Championship game.

Please take care of business next week.
As satisfying as it would be to see Bama hang 50 on SC...I'm sick of their fans not knowing how to handle any success.

[JonInMiddleGA]

ACL surgery scheduled for Aaron Murray on Tuesday (per his mom's Tweet)

[CU Tiger]

How does Florida keep him?

Talked with Mark Long (AP), who is as connected to happenings at UF as anyone not on the payroll and maybe more so than some that are, this morning and he says Foley is still emphatic that Muschamp gets one more year. Says even during the interview process Muschamp told him the first 3 would be tough due to the style and quality of players left behind and his intended direction for the program.

I mean, Saban lost to UL Monroe BUT it was year 1....clean house and bleed then build.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Torn ACL now confirmed (the initial reports didn't specify beyond "injured ACL") ... Georgia Bulldogs' Aaron Murray has torn ACL, won't return - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10029963/georgia-bulldogs-aaron-murray-torn-acl-return)

[bob]

Sad for Murray, further sad that GT might have a chance against the decaying corpse of UGA. I don't want CPJ getting credit for a win under these circumstances.

[Matthean]

Talked with Mark Long (AP), who is as connected to happenings at UF as anyone not on the payroll and maybe more so than some that are, this morning and he says Foley is still emphatic that Muschamp gets one more year. Says even during the interview process Muschamp told him the first 3 would be tough due to the style and quality of players left behind and his intended direction for the program.

I mean, Saban lost to UL Monroe BUT it was year 1....clean house and bleed then build.

He might get another year, but there's little reason for hope right now. Even if the offense gets better, they lost a game where they only had to defend the run and couldn't do that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Sad for Murray, further sad that GT might have a chance against the decaying corpse of UGA. I don't want CPJ getting credit for a win under these circumstances.

Eh, I don't see this changing the hopelessness of the situation all that much.

UGA would have to completely phone the game in across every facet of the game to avoid winning ... and even then it's not much more than a toss up. The talent gap is comically tragic.

With Richt & Co. in charge, there's always a chance of them getting outcoached but with CPJ on the other sideline it's a helluva longshot.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So ... Bama, FSU, tOSU now followed by Auburn, Missouri, Clemson

If Bama beats Auburn but somehow loses to Missouri
If FSU loses to Duke (sans Winston, or even with him)
If tOSU loses to Michigan State

Do we get Mizzou - Clemson?
Do FSU & tOSU losses save Bama?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So ... Bama, FSU, tOSU now followed by Auburn, Missouri, Clemson

If Bama beats Auburn but somehow loses to Missouri
If FSU loses to Duke (sans Winston, or even with him)
If tOSU loses to Michigan State

Do we get Mizzou - Clemson?
Do FSU & tOSU losses save Bama?

I'll say one thing. Mizzou still has a legitimate shot to reach the National Championship game even having one loss on their record. In the Big 12, there's absolutely no shot of that happening. This year is a clear illustration of why Mizzou made the move to the SEC.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'll say one thing. Mizzou still has a legitimate shot to reach the National Championship game even having one loss on their record. In the Big 12, there's absolutely no shot of that happening. This year is a clear illustration of why Mizzou made the move to the SEC.

The really confusing possibility I see in all this is that -- under typical voter behavior patterns -- Clemson could end up in front of FSU, but if the 'Noles are playing with one loss with Winston that seems to border on insanity.

Incidentally, while I'm posting anyway ... we're just an SC upset of Clemson away from probably having 4 of the top 8 (you know, that mythical playoff number) teams be from the SEC.

[CU Tiger]

Yep and the ESPn bias is working like crazy.
Who has Auburn beaten?
Mizzou?

Its all crazy I just cant figure out who is after Bama, FSU, OHst.

[Matthean]

Wisconsin up to #15 in the BCS. Odds are good they can move up one with a final win and an expected MSU loss.

[jbergey22]

I'll say one thing. Mizzou still has a legitimate shot to reach the National Championship game even having one loss on their record. In the Big 12, there's absolutely no shot of that happening. This year is a clear illustration of why Mizzou made the move to the SEC.

Was this the reason or is it for that cupcake college basketball schedule?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Its all crazy I just cant figure out who is after Bama, FSU, OHst.

It does get a little problematic.

Things tend to work themselves out in the end, so it probably won't matter who is after those three ... but it is rather confusing to speculate.

Consider this too ... for the teams behind those three to matter, we then have to (re)figure where not only Auburn (who will have beaten Bama) but also Michigan State (who will have beaten tOSU) fit into the new picture.

[Swaggs]

I'll say one thing. Mizzou still has a legitimate shot to reach the National Championship game even having one loss on their record. In the Big 12, there's absolutely no shot of that happening. This year is a clear illustration of why Mizzou made the move to the SEC.

At the risk of falling into a trap here, since I am not questioning that the move to the SEC was a good one...

While a member of the Big 12, Missouri had 1 loss (to Oklahoma in early October) in 2007 and was ranked #1 going the final week of the season (before getting blown out by Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game). I would say that Missouri had a legitimate shot of playing in the BCS championship that season as a one loss team. Additionally, Nebraska (2001) and Oklahoma (2003, 2008) played for the BCS championships as one loss teams.

Similarly, WVU, while in the Big East, had an opportunity to play in the title game in 2007 with one loss (to USF). They were ranked #2 going into that same week and were upset by Pitt. So, theoretically, a Big East team was also capable of making the title game as a one loss team.

This year, there are obviously still three undefeated AQ teams. If all three lose, then it pretty much turns into the same situation as 2007, with a ton of one loss teams jockeying for the #1 and #2 spots.

So, while the move to the SEC was a slam dunk for Missouri and A&M, let's not act like being in the lowly Big 12 keeps one loss schools out of the title consideration.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

At the risk of falling into a trap here, since I am not questioning that the move to the SEC was a good one...

While a member of the Big 12, Missouri had 1 loss (to Oklahoma in early October) in 2007 and was ranked #1 going the final week of the season (before getting blown out by Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game). I would say that Missouri had a legitimate shot of playing in the BCS championship that season as a one loss team. Additionally, Nebraska (2001) and Oklahoma (2003, 2008) played for the BCS championships as one loss teams.

Similarly, WVU, while in the Big East, had an opportunity to play in the title game in 2007 with one loss (to USF). They were ranked #2 going into that same week and were upset by Pitt. So, theoretically, a Big East team was also capable of making the title game as a one loss team.

This year, there are obviously still three undefeated AQ teams. If all three lose, then it pretty much turns into the same situation as 2007, with a ton of one loss teams jockeying for the #1 and #2 spots.

So, while the move to the SEC was a slam dunk for Missouri and A&M, let's not act like being in the lowly Big 12 keeps one loss schools out of the title consideration.

Without Mizzou and Nebraska, that conference doesn't carry nearly the same amount of clout it once did. Those two programs were the only reason the North had any form of respect over the last few years.

Was this the reason or is it for that cupcake college basketball schedule?

Definitely had to improve the non-conference schedule to make up for that. But basketball is a different beast as well. As Kentucky has proven, you don't have to be in a good conference or go through without many losses to achieve great things in college basketball.

[Swaggs]

Without Mizzou and Nebraska, that conference doesn't carry nearly the same amount of clout it once did. Those two programs were the only reason the North had any form of respect over the last few years.

We know you feel that way. You should have just said that, rather than saying that a 1-loss Missouri would never be considered for the championship game in the Big 12, when in fact they themselves and several other Big 12 teams have been in the mix when there are one or fewer undefeated AQ teams.

And, not to take away from Missouri's great 2013, but their above mentioned 2007 season was the only time in the past ten seasons that either team entered the Big 12 championship with a top 12 ranking (as opposed to the South team being ranked in the top 10 every season since 2000) and neither team has won the Big 12 championship since 1999 (when Osborne was still running Nebraska at full throttle), so it isn't like Texas and Oklahoma have been getting any major/relevant SOS boosts from beating up on the North teams over the past 10+ years.

FWIW, Kansas (once), Kansas State (twice), WVU (three times), and TCU (four times) have all finished the season in the top 12 within that time frame, as well.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

FWIW, Kansas (once), Kansas State (twice), WVU (three times), and TCU (four times) have all finished the season in the top 12 within that time frame, as well.

Pretty sure that TCU and WVU were not in the B12 when Mizzou was. They were playing in far difference conferences that allowed them those finishes.

Regardless, I don't anyone outside of the B12 is going to argue against my statement. Until the bias is removed, there's not a better place to be in college football if you want the best shot at a national championship than the SEC.

[Swaggs]

Pretty sure that TCU and WVU were not in the B12 when Mizzou was. They were playing in far difference conferences that allowed them those finishes.

Regardless, I don't anyone outside of the B12 is going to argue against my statement. Until the bias is removed, there's not a better place to be in college football if you want the best shot at a national championship than the SEC.

...and, I wouldn't disagree with any of those statements.

I disagree with this one because recent history suggests that it is simply not true (with Missouri's last good season as evidence):
I'll say one thing. Mizzou still has a legitimate shot to reach the National Championship game even having one loss on their record. In the Big 12, there's absolutely no shot of that happening. This year is a clear illustration of why Mizzou made the move to the SEC.

Congrats on the season -- I'm sure it has been a lot of fun.

[BishopMVP]

Without Mizzou and Nebraska, that conference doesn't carry nearly the same amount of clout it once did. Those two programs were the only reason the North had any form of respect over the last few years.:lol: . The Big 12 North was never respected.

[mauchow]

Wisconsin up to #15 in the BCS. Odds are good they can move up one with a final win and an expected MSU loss.

Wisconsin will probably finish around 10-12 when everything shakes out.

All I keep hearing from bowl projections is that the Badgers would definitely be picked to the Orange Bowl over a disinterested Oregon team. That would be well deserving for the Badgers.

Teams like Oregon, Baylor and whoever else lost big at any point during the season should be knocked down a peg or three.

-I have a feeling NIU or Fresno will lose. Maybe both, yet.
-Badgers will jump the loser of Stanford/ASU Pac 12 CCG
-South Carolina/Clemson loser is a likely jump for WI as well
-MSU HAS TO LOSE TO OSU, or WI's done.
-Does Baylor have another letdown game?
-OKSt/OU
Mizzou/A&M, I know WI won't jump Mizzou but a few computer polls will drop them.

All in all a good season for the Badgers if they can close out the season on a high note on Senior Day against Penn St. Vegas says 24+ point blowout..so lets do it, boys! Send Abbrederris and Borland off in style!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

:lol: . The Big 12 North was never respected.

There was nothing in my statement that disagreed with yours. We're bickering over whether there was very little or none. Hence the reason the two best programs in the North moved on to greener pastures, weakening the entire conference. I'm sure the B12 is still trying to convince themselves that they recruited the equal of Mizzou and Nebraska, but it just doesn't fly.

[Logan]

At the risk of falling into a trap here...

You should have quit there.

[Butter]

Will Muschamp, we hardly knew ye

He can go back to being Texas' coach in waiting

Texas definitely dodged a bullet on that one.

[panerd]

At the risk of falling into a trap here, since I am not questioning that the move to the SEC was a good one...

While a member of the Big 12, Missouri had 1 loss (to Oklahoma in early October) in 2007 and was ranked #1 going the final week of the season (before getting blown out by Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game). I would say that Missouri had a legitimate shot of playing in the BCS championship that season as a one loss team. Additionally, Nebraska (2001) and Oklahoma (2003, 2008) played for the BCS championships as one loss teams.

Similarly, WVU, while in the Big East, had an opportunity to play in the title game in 2007 with one loss (to USF). They were ranked #2 going into that same week and were upset by Pitt. So, theoretically, a Big East team was also capable of making the title game as a one loss team.

This year, there are obviously still three undefeated AQ teams. If all three lose, then it pretty much turns into the same situation as 2007, with a ton of one loss teams jockeying for the #1 and #2 spots.

So, while the move to the SEC was a slam dunk for Missouri and A&M, let's not act like being in the lowly Big 12 keeps one loss schools out of the title consideration.

I don't think MBBF was making this particular point but I will. I think the percieved SEC bias by many across the country is absolutely real. Mizzou and Auburn both started the season unranked and are the highest ranked one loss teams. Look no furthur than Ok State to see what one loss in the Big 12 gets you this year. So while I still would rather be playing OU, KU, KState because that's what I grew up with I do think the move to the SEC is the only reason a one loss Mizzou is being talked about as still in the national title hunt.

(Hope this doesn't come up later in the page I am replying to your post before reading below.)

[kcchief19]

At the risk of falling into a trap here, since I am not questioning that the move to the SEC was a good one...

While a member of the Big 12, Missouri had 1 loss (to Oklahoma in early October) in 2007 and was ranked #1 going the final week of the season (before getting blown out by Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game). I would say that Missouri had a legitimate shot of playing in the BCS championship that season as a one loss team. Additionally, Nebraska (2001) and Oklahoma (2003, 2008) played for the BCS championships as one loss teams.

Similarly, WVU, while in the Big East, had an opportunity to play in the title game in 2007 with one loss (to USF). They were ranked #2 going into that same week and were upset by Pitt. So, theoretically, a Big East team was also capable of making the title game as a one loss team.

This year, there are obviously still three undefeated AQ teams. If all three lose, then it pretty much turns into the same situation as 2007, with a ton of one loss teams jockeying for the #1 and #2 spots.

So, while the move to the SEC was a slam dunk for Missouri and A&M, let's not act like being in the lowly Big 12 keeps one loss schools out of the title consideration.
The 2007 Big 12 and the 2013 Big 12 are two different places. If you're a one-loss SEC team, you have an excellent chance of being in the front of the line. Case in point, the SEC has sent one-loss teams to the NCG, and right now Auburn and Missouri have chances to make the NCG. If Missouri or Auburn win the SEC title, you will get an avalanche of PR from SEC country that a one-loss SEC champion is better than an undefeated Ohio State.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State is the No. 4 one-loss team. And if Missouri beat Alabama in the SEC title game and OSU or Florida State were to lose (or fall victim to scandal), you'd be more likely to get an SEC rematch NCG than a one-loss Oklahoma State Big 12 champs.

When we rose to the No. 1 ranking in 2007, there were four one-loss teams left: Mizzou, Ohio State and West Virgina. OSU lost in week 11 to an unranked Illinois team. WVU lost in week 5 to No. 18 South Florida. Missouri lost in week 6 to No. 6 Oklahoma, and had just knocked off undefeated Kansas. Missouri was a consensus but not unanimous No. 1 over WVU. We were essentially No. 1 because we had the best loss, it was an old loss and we had the best recent win.

Oklahoma State is hurt by a lot of factors, most notably that their loss to WVU this year was simply stunning. It defies logic, but it exists. They are also hurt that Oklahoma and Texas are not what they once were. But they are absolutely lower than Missouri, Auburn and Clemson because the Big 12 isn't as highly regarded.

If Missouri were 10-1 in the Big 12 in 2013, I think we'd be no better than No. 7 or 8, not No. 5.

While a member of the Big 12, Missouri had 1 loss (to Oklahoma in early October) in 2007 and was ranked #1 going the final week of the season (before getting blown out by Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game).
It was 14-14 with five minutes left in the 3rd quarter! :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

I don't think MBBF was making this particular point but I will. I think the percieved SEC bias by many across the country is absolutely real. Mizzou and Auburn both started the season unranked and are the highest ranked one loss teams. Look no furthur than Ok State to see what one loss in the Big 12 gets you this year.

I suppose the computer polls also have an SEC bias programmed in as well?

The aggregate has Auburn, Mizzou and Ok State (in that order) as the top 3 one-loss teams, with Clemson 4th among them. Human voters meanwhile have Clemson ahead of all three, so I guess that's the SEC bia ... oh, wait.

[BishopMVP]

Oklahoma State is hurt by a lot of factors, most notably that their loss to WVU this year was simply stunning. It defies logic, but it exists. They are also hurt that Oklahoma and Texas are not what they once were. But they are absolutely lower than Missouri, Auburn and Clemson because the Big 12 isn't as highly regarded.Agree with most of your points, but the B12 is definitely more highly regarded than the ACC as a whole, and I think they would beat out a 1-loss Clemson team for a title game shot this year (particularly because it would require an FSU collapse making Clemson's blowout loss look worse than it does now.)

[panerd]

I suppose the computer polls also have an SEC bias programmed in as well?

The aggregate has Auburn, Mizzou and Ok State (in that order) as the top 3 one-loss teams, with Clemson 4th among them. Human voters meanwhile have Clemson ahead of all three, so I guess that's the SEC bia ... oh, wait.

See I am kind of the anti-homer/pessimist. It this a fucking fantastic season as a Mizzou fan? Absolutely. How good are the wins really?

Worthless: Murray State, Ark State, Toledo (They did give NIU a run which speaks more to their undefeated season than how good Mizzou is)
Pretty Much Worthless: Kentucky, Indiana (sorry Kodos), Tennessee (Sorry Jon), Florida
Decent Wins: Vandy, Georgia (But the injuries to their stars don't help this much)
Solid but not great Win: At Ole Miss

Our only loss is also the only team we have played that is currently in the top 25. This puts us at #5? Don't get me wrong if the cards fall the right way I will be pulling for a Mizzou national title but this certainly isn't the gauntlet Tennessee has had to run this season. No idea what the computers see here either.

[BishopMVP]

Worthless: Murray State, Ark State, Toledo (They did give NIU a run which speaks more to their undefeated season than how good Mizzou is)
Pretty Much Worthless: Kentucky, Indiana (sorry Kodos), Tennessee (Sorry Jon), Florida
Decent Wins: Vandy, Georgia (But the injuries to their stars don't help this much)
Solid but not great Win: At Ole MissNIU won by 18 at Toledo - more than Missouri beat them by at home (in a game that was 24-23 until the last play of the 3rd quarter and Toledo outgained Mizzou). I don't think this NIU team is very good, and I think they'll be blown out and embarrass the MAC if they sneak into the BCS and match up with a good team (including Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl), but the Toledo game is certainly not the black mark on their schedule.

Conference affiliation aside, I'd definitely put Toledo ahead of Kentucky, and right there in a toss-up with Tennessee and Indiana.

[Kodos]

Pretty Much Worthless: Kentucky, Indiana (sorry Kodos), Tennessee (Sorry Jon), Florida


No need to apologize. Doug Mallory should be the one apologizing to Indiana fans.

[panerd]

NIU won by 18 at Toledo - more than Missouri beat them by at home (in a game that was 24-23 until the last play of the 3rd quarter and Toledo outgained Mizzou). I don't think this NIU team is very good, and I think they'll be blown out and embarrass the MAC if they sneak into the BCS and match up with a good team (including Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl), but the Toledo game is certainly not the black mark on their schedule.

Conference affiliation aside, I'd definitely put Toledo ahead of Kentucky, and right there in a toss-up with Tennessee and Indiana.

Hmmm.... I must have confused Toledo with another team NIU played. I can move them up... my purpose was showing Mizzou's schedule was easy but I don't have a problem making it a little harder. And my "rankings" certainly weren't implying UK, TU, or IU were tough opponents either.

[BishopMVP]

Hmmm.... I must have confused Toledo with another team NIU played. I can move them up... my purpose was showing Mizzou's schedule was easy but I don't have a problem making it a little harder. And my "rankings" certainly weren't implying UK, TU, or IU were tough opponents either.Hey, someone's gotta defend the MAC around here! Or at least the 4.5 teams that are decent (NIU, Ball State, Toledo, Bowling Green, maybe Buffalo). The rest of the conference is actually worse than people think.

[tarcone]

Iowa spanks Nebraska 38-17. If Wisky makes a BCS bowl, Iowa gets the Outback. Unbelievable. I didnt think we would win 3, And 8-4 we finish. And the 4 teams we lost too are sitting at 42-3.
Great season Hawks!

[mauchow]

Iowa spanks Nebraska 38-17. If Wisky makes a BCS bowl, Iowa gets the Outback. Unbelievable. I didnt think we would win 3, And 8-4 we finish. And the 4 teams we lost too are sitting at 42-3.
Great season Hawks!

I was definitely cheering for Iowa. Can you say bye bye Bo? I'd rather him stay though. Hah!

And WI made you look the worst..at your house. It leaves me with some hope that OSU will obliterate MSU next week. :)

[Lathum]

Ugly apple cup so far with stellar PAC 12 officiating as usual

[tarcone]

I was definitely cheering for Iowa. Can you say bye bye Bo? I'd rather him stay though. Hah!

And WI made you look the worst..at your house. It leaves me with some hope that OSU will obliterate them next week. :)

Wisky was our worst loss. We were within 10 of everyone else.

Im hoping Wisky gets a BCS bid, that s how we get the Outback. Otherwise, its the Gator.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ark/LSU has been shockingly good. Will have to see if LSU can come back.

[Lathum]

About time. Amazing what happens when you get the ball in Sankeys hands.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Full disclosure: the writer behind this piece is an old schoolmate of mine. Despite that handicap, I think he did a nice job giving a couple minutes to an announcer who has had one hell of a month ;)

Auburn announcer still stunned over legendary calls (http://www.foxsportssouth.com/collegefootball/sec-conference/story/Auburn-announcer-still-stunned-over-lege?blockID=969227&feedID=3648)