Official College Football Week 15 thread

[cartman]

This, save for the Army-Navy game next weekend, is the end of the regular season for college football. Here's the matchups for the conference championship games:

MAC
Bowling Green vs. Northern Illinois

ACC
Duke vs. Florida State

Big Ten
Ohio State vs. Michigan State

SEC
Missouri vs. Auburn

PAC-12
Stanford vs. Arizona State

Mountain West
Utah State vs. Fresno State

Conference USA
Marshall vs. Rice

There are two games between Top 25 teams that aren't conference championship games, but will decide the winner of the Big 12.

Texas at Baylor
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

[Butter]

Big Ten
Ohio State vs. Michigan

No thanks, we already played that one.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

No thanks, we already played that one.

Michigan has appealed to the conference for a redo and the appeal was granted.

[cartman]

Oops, my bad. Fixed it.

[General Mike]

Rutgers is gonna lose to USF

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Just noticed that CBS is the official network of Mizzou Athletics on Saturday. UCLA vs. Mizzou (basketball) in the early afternoon followed by Auburn vs. Mizzou in the SEC Championship Game.

[larrymcg421]

So... Duke wins, Michigan State wins, Auburn wins. Do we get an Alabama-Auburn rematch?

[SackAttack]

Duke winning needs to happen. Duke in a BCS Bowl?

C'mon. That would be the greatest thing ever.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So... Duke wins, Michigan State wins, Auburn wins. Do we get an Alabama-Auburn rematch?

I think it's at least possible.

Then again, so is Bama-Mizzou IMO if the Tigers win.

[Ben E Lou]

So... Duke wins, Michigan State wins, Auburn wins. Do we get an Alabama-Auburn rematch?Seems like a definite if all of those things were to happen, but I can't fathom Duke winning. It seems at this point to be a near-given that it's FSU vs. Ohio State or (if MSU wins) the SEC Champ. I don't see Auburn jumping OSU even if they blow out Mizzou and OSU has a lackluster win.

[Ben E Lou]

Oh, and at this point, I have a hard time envisioning anyone other than FSU winning it all, Winston or no Winston. I think Bama or Oregon (on a good day) could have given them a run for their money, but I'm just not seeing Ohio State, Duke, Auburn, or Mizzou getting it done against FSU.

[panerd]

Seems like a definite if all of those things were to happen, but I can't fathom Duke winning. It seems at this point to be a near-given that it's FSU vs. Ohio State or (if MSU wins) the SEC Champ. I don't see Auburn jumping OSU even if they blow out Mizzou and OSU has a lackluster win.

I realize that I take things Mizzou far too personal but the current meme I keep seeing all over ESPN and other places is the "if Auburn blows out Mizzou...". What exactly has happened this year that would make this seem likely? Mizzou has lost one game in 2OT and basically won by 10-15+ in every game except A&M. Auburn on the other hand has been winning as well but not blowouts. Why is this blowout all of sudden part of the discussion?

[larrymcg421]

I realize that I take things Mizzou far too personal but the current meme I keep seeing all over ESPN and other places is the "if Auburn blows out Mizzou...". What exactly has happened this year that would make this seem likely? Mizzou has lost one game in 2OT and basically won by 10-15+ in every game except A&M. Auburn on the other hand has been winning as well but not blowouts. Why is this blowout all of sudden part of the discussion?

I don't think people are necessarily saying that's likely. They are simply trying to construct a scenario where Auburn could jump an undefeated OSU. If they both win by similar amounts or if Auburn loses, then there's nothing to discuss because OSU is in.

[Ben E Lou]

I realize that I take things Mizzou far too personal but the current meme I keep seeing all over ESPN and other places is the "if Auburn blows out Mizzou...". What exactly has happened this year that would make this seem likely? Mizzou has lost one game in 2OT and basically won by 10-15+ in every game except A&M. Auburn on the other hand has been winning as well but not blowouts. Why is this blowout all of sudden part of the discussion?People like playing "what if" scenarios. Based on the numbers, Auburn *does* have a small chance to move over Ohio State if they blow out Mizzou, so people like to talk about it. And yes, it sounds like you're taking that way too personally. ;)

[Matthean]

I'll be at Sola13 for Friday and Saturday so I'm unable to watch games I don't care about. :lol:

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

National Coach of the Year finalists are David Cutcliffe, Gus Malzahn, and Gary Pinkel. SEC title game will likely decide who wins this award.

[Lathum]

Seems like a definite if all of those things were to happen, but I can't fathom Duke winning. It seems at this point to be a near-given that it's FSU vs. Ohio State or (if MSU wins) the SEC Champ. I don't see Auburn jumping OSU even if they blow out Mizzou and OSU has a lackluster win.

A lot of the talking heads seem to diagree and feel a 1 loss Auburn could jump tOSU. I personaly think it would be absurd, but there are a lot of people who feel the SEC has some right to a team in the NC game. If that is the case make it an auto bid and be done with it.

[Lathum]

National Coach of the Year finalists are David Cutcliffe, Gus Malzahn, and Gary Pinkel. SEC title game will likely decide who wins this award.

So you think Cutcliff has no shot at it?

[JonInMiddleGA]

So you think Cutcliff has no shot at it?

That's probably the damnable shame of it.

What he's done there is probably the more remarkable than even a national title came appearance for the other two IMO.

[panerd]

A lot of the talking heads seem to diagree and feel a 1 loss Auburn could jump tOSU. I personaly think it would be absurd, but there are a lot of people who feel the SEC has some right to a team in the NC game. If that is the case make it an auto bid and be done with it.

Personally I think it is more just to give them something to talk about and generate ratings. What is a better way to get people to call in than a hot button issue like a one loss SEC team? The SEC is something that you either love or you hate. It's just like Stanford a month ago, Baylor a few weeks ago... something to talk about. It will likely be decided this weekend anyways.

[Ben E Lou]

A lot of the talking heads seem to diagree and feel a 1 loss Auburn could jump tOSU.Talking heads are in the business of creating controversy to drive up ratings and clicks much more than they're in the business of making accurate predictions. ;)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like we're going to find out what happens/doesn't happens regarding the Jameis Winston situation and how it affects the NC picture. Investigation is complete and news conference is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 PM EST to reveal results.

[cartman]

They are going to announce at 2pm tomorrow the scores of the games on Saturday?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They are going to announce at 2pm tomorrow the scores of the games on Saturday?

Yes.

[cartman]

That's the only way it is going to affect the national championship picture.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's the only way it is going to affect the national championship picture.

I wont' lie: I'd definitely put tOSU ahead of FSU w/out Winston, would give serious consideration to putting several other teams ahead of them as well ... which is the same philosophy that the selection committee for the playoffs will be using next season btw, at least according to it's inaugural chair

injuries would be another factor that the committee could take into consideration, saying “it would be unfair if we didn’t take [them] into account.”.

College Football Playoff reveals full selection committee | CollegeFootballTalk (http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/16/college-football-playoff-reveals-full-selection-committee/)

[cartman]

But that's next year. This year still has the computers as 1/3rd of the equation, and as long as they beat Duke, Winston or no, there won't be enough pollsters that drop them to keep them out of the #1 or #2 spot.

[JonInMiddleGA]

But that's next year. This year still has the computers as 1/3rd of the equation, and as long as they beat Duke, Winston or no, there won't be enough pollsters that drop them to keep them out of the #1 or #2 spot.

Now THAT part I suspect you're right about.

It would take a significant move on the humans & there may not be enough with the nerves it would require.

[cartman]

I might be completely wrong, but if they were going to indict Winston, wouldn't he already be/have been in custody? I can't seem to remember an instance of a prosecutor calling a press conference, then issuing an arrest warrant. Usually the press conference was after the person had been arrested. With all of the attention from the sports media, it seems that if he had already been picked up (or there was some sort of deal for him to turn himself in tomorrow), it would be all over the news and/or social media by now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I might be completely wrong, but if they were going to indict Winston, wouldn't he already be/have been in custody? I can't seem to remember an instance of a prosecutor calling a press conference, then issuing an arrest warrant. Usually the press conference was after the person had been arrested. With all of the attention from the sports media, it seems that if he had already been picked up (or there was some sort of deal for him to turn himself in tomorrow), it would be all over the news and/or social media by now.

My thought as well, this almost has to be to announce he's either exonerated or at least that there will be no prosecution for lack of evidence.

[panerd]

I might be completely wrong, but if they were going to indict Winston, wouldn't he already be/have been in custody? I can't seem to remember an instance of a prosecutor calling a press conference, then issuing an arrest warrant. Usually the press conference was after the person had been arrested. With all of the attention from the sports media, it seems that if he had already been picked up (or there was some sort of deal for him to turn himself in tomorrow), it would be all over the news and/or social media by now.

Wasn't a press conference called for Aaron Hernandez pre arrest? Gives all the lawyers their moment in the sun.

[cartman]

Wasn't a press conference called for Aaron Hernandez pre arrest? Gives all the lawyers their moment in the sun.

I think there were several different press conferences by the authorities in his case. Not sure of the exact timing, but one was to say he was a person of interest, then there was another one when he was in custody. And they were all within a short time frame after the murder occurred.

Here's what I found:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/timeline-of-aaron-hernandez-murder-investigation/
June 26, 2013 - Hernandez is taken away from his home in handcuffs and driven away in a police cruiser. Authorities later announce that he is under arrest and being booked at the North Attleborough Police Station.

[Kodos]

Written by a Gator

‘Twas the night after Auburn
and all through the land,
not a “Roll Tide” was uttered
by a Crimson Tide fan.

They used to be boisterous,
they used to be loud,
they used to be boastful,
and cocky and proud.
-
But they lost all their swagger,
they lost all their swing.
For one little second
had changed everything.
-
The score it was even.
The clock had run dry.
When Nicholas Saban
then started to cry.
-
He demanded a second
be put on the clock.
The worse that could happen?
A miss or a block.
-
But fate it is fickle,
and greed has a price,
and what happened next
just wasn’t too nice.
-
The previous kicks,
wide left and wide right.
So he put in a rookie,
'twas not very bright.
-
The kick was a boomer
of 56 yards,
but the extra yard needed
was not in the cards.
-
And back in the end zone
a lone Tiger stood.
He caught that ol’ football,
he caught it real good.
-
He started to run,
he heard the cheers grow.
The Crimson Tide offense?
Too fat and too slow.
-
One hundred and nine
he ran for a score.
If needed he could have
run one hundred more
-
The crowd it erupted
while storming the field.
The Crimson Tide’s season
was settled and sealed.
-
A cry of “War Eagle”
soon echoed the plain.
Nick Saban’s expression
was one of pure pain.
-
And up in Ohio
they shouted "Go Bucks"
It gave hope to many
except for the Ducks.
-
And in Tuscaloosa
you could hear a pin drop.
And in Tallahassee
a tomahawk chop.
-
For the night after Auburn
the Tide does not roll.
The new boss in town
wears garnet and gold.

[Ben E Lou]

Written by a Gator
{snip}

And in Tuscaloosa
you could hear a pin drop.
And in Tallahassee
a tomahawk chop.
-
For the night after Auburn
the Tide does not roll.
The new boss in town
wears garnet and gold.Does....not...compute.

[gstelmack]

Apparently Florida hates Alabama more than FSU.

Wait, I agree, does...not...compute.

[Dr. Sak]

Charges not expected for Jameis Winston: Commentary on the unredacted police report - Tomahawk Nation (http://www.tomahawknation.com/2013/12/5/5177808/jameis-winston-police-report-charges-announcement)

[Logan]

David Cutcliffe won Walter Camp Coach of the Year.

[mckerney]

Written by a Gator

‘Twas the night after Auburn
and all through the land,
not a “Roll Tide” was uttered
by a Crimson Tide fan.

They used to be boisterous,
they used to be loud,
they used to be boastful,
and cocky and proud.
-
But they lost all their swagger,
they lost all their swing.
For one little second
had changed everything.
-
The score it was even.
The clock had run dry.
When Nicholas Saban
then started to cry.
-
He demanded a second
be put on the clock.
The worse that could happen?
A miss or a block.
-
But fate it is fickle,
and greed has a price,
and what happened next
just wasn’t too nice.
-
The previous kicks,
wide left and wide right.
So he put in a rookie,
'twas not very bright.
-
The kick was a boomer
of 56 yards,
but the extra yard needed
was not in the cards.
-
And back in the end zone
a lone Tiger stood.
He caught that ol’ football,
he caught it real good.
-
He started to run,
he heard the cheers grow.
The Crimson Tide offense?
Too fat and too slow.
-
One hundred and nine
he ran for a score.
If needed he could have
run one hundred more
-
The crowd it erupted
while storming the field.
The Crimson Tide’s season
was settled and sealed.
-
A cry of “War Eagle”
soon echoed the plain.
Nick Saban’s expression
was one of pure pain.
-
And up in Ohio
they shouted "Go Bucks"
It gave hope to many
except for the Ducks.
-
And in Tuscaloosa
you could hear a pin drop.
And in Tallahassee
a tomahawk chop.
-
For the night after Auburn
the Tide does not roll.
The new boss in town
wears garnet and gold.

I enjoyed this take on the ending.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TsLNtp8DFQM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[gstelmack]

I enjoyed this take on the ending.

Thread won.

[Logan]

ESPN reporting no charges for Winston.

[Logan]

Oof.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bavnn6bCMAEa_tV.jpg

[Matthean]

ESPN reporting no charges for Winston.

I hope they beat the crap out of OSU.

[Kodos]

I hope they beat the crap out of OSU.

x2.

[Butter]

Assuming OSU beats Sparty.

[cartman]

Assuming OSU beats Sparty.

Has anyone seen John L. Smith lately? :D

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BawVgHkCEAErtcw.png

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

Love it when Mr. SEC does this near the end of the season in football and basketball.

The BCS Title Game: Five Teams, Two Slots, One Test Of Blind Resumes - MrSEC.com | SEC Football News | SEC Basketball News | SEC Football Recruiting | SEC Basketball Recruiting (http://www.mrsec.com/2013/12/bcs-title-game-five-teams-two-slots-one-test-blind-resumes/)

[RedKingGold]

Fucking Maine.

[digamma]

dola

Love it when Mr. SEC does this near the end of the season in football and basketball.

The BCS Title Game: Five Teams, Two Slots, One Test Of Blind Resumes - MrSEC.com | SEC Football News | SEC Basketball News | SEC Football Recruiting | SEC Basketball Recruiting (http://www.mrsec.com/2013/12/bcs-title-game-five-teams-two-slots-one-test-blind-resumes/)


That comparison seems to be missing a row. I would title that row: "Losses."

[Matthean]

Assuming OSU beats Sparty.

I know OSU has had games where they show they might not be title game worthy, but they have a gear that MSU doesn't. If OSU comes to play, they'll win by a fair amount.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Vintage Pinkel. SEC requires teams in the championship game to do a 15 minute walk-through on Friday. Pinkel has never done a walk-through for any road game this season. In order to avoid any deviation from routine, Pinkel told his team they would walk out on the field today and stand there for 15 minutes to hold to the SEC rule.

Should make for some amusing video. Maybe he'll take a tape measure out on the field and prove to the kids that the goalpost crossbar is still 10 feet tall even on that field.

[Butter]

That is fuckin' classic Pinkel.

[Passacaglia]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BawVgHkCEAErtcw.png

Who's voting from the oceans?

[ISiddiqui]

Cruise ships customers, obviously.

[panerd]

So question about next year's 4 team tournament... suppose you are a fan of a team like Missouri who makes a once in a lifetime run (insert other team that like us has never sniffed a national championship game) Do you spend the money on the opening round or hope for the big one? Seems like the first round games can't do all that well as the amount of people who can spend the money and take off work for two road trips at expensive destinations has to be pretty small.

[panerd]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BawVgHkCEAErtcw.png

Why the hate in Delaware?

[GrantDawg]

Written by a Gator

‘Twas the night after Auburn...


You need to listen to it read by the daughter of a local radio host:

T'Was The Night After Auburn by RobJenners on SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds (https://soundcloud.com/robjenners/twas-the-night-after-auburn?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter)

[General Mike]

Why the hate in Delaware?

Rednecks. :popcorn:

[molson]

Why the hate in Delaware?

Probably only 10 people voted. Sometimes I think I can swing the Idaho vote in those things.

[Lathum]

So question about next year's 4 team tournament... suppose you are a fan of a team like Missouri who makes a once in a lifetime run (insert other team that like us has never sniffed a national championship game) Do you spend the money on the opening round or hope for the big one? Seems like the first round games can't do all that well as the amount of people who can spend the money and take off work for two road trips at expensive destinations has to be pretty small.

My guess is the NC game will be like the Superbowl where there are very few fans from either team there and it is more of a corporate event. I think the first round will be much better represented.

[General Mike]

Bowling Green taking it to the Huskies

#MACtion

[mauchow]

I enjoyed this take on the ending.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TsLNtp8DFQM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

That was great.

[tarcone]

Northern Illinois losing their BCS bowl. Looks like the B1G gets 2 in the BCS bols. Iowa to the Outback. :)

[Young Drachma]

I'm obviously Mr. Root for the Underdog (though in this case NIU isn't, but are in the grand scheme of things..) but this team we're watching now has no business playing in a BCS game. I know you big school lovers would say that no matter what, but..I can't even defend this performance on any level.

I think what you want to see is a team that's dominant and that you can say "ok, so they're not amazing, but they're clearly better than the best teams in their conference..." and instead, Bowling Green came ready to play and Jordan Lynch isn't anything close to looking like the best player in college football right now. Not that I ever believed he was, for what it's worth. But I thought he deserved to at least be invited to New York.

Now I'm not even so sure of that.

[Matthean]

I'm just glad it eliminates a possible match up of them taking on somebody like 'Bama. I have zero interest in watching that outside of sheer loyalty.

[Kodos]

Northern Illinois losing their BCS bowl. Looks like the B1G gets 2 in the BCS bols. Iowa to the Outback. :)

Congratulations, Tarcone!

[cartman]

Ok, I'm finally going to make my prediction for the SEC Championship game. After careful analysis and deliberation, here is my pick:


The Tigers will win the game

[Lathum]

I dunno. I still think the BCS finds some way for bama to win the SEC

[Buccaneer]

Northern Illinois losing their BCS bowl.

Whew.

[Buccaneer]

Why are there only a hundred or so people at the UCF-SMU game?

[cartman]

Why are there only a hundred or so people at the UCF-SMU game?

Frozen roads. People are just hunkering down in the Metroplex.

[cartman]

I feel so dirty having to hope that OU wins.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Almost game time! Go get 'em, Mizzou!

[General Mike]

Could be a big night for the State University of New Jersey. A win gets us a bowl matchup with Notre Dame, and looks like we are on the verge of a new head coach coming to town.

[ISiddiqui]

Holy crap, OSU - what was that at the end?

[cartman]

And with that, the last game ever at Floyd Casey Stadium will determine who wins the Big 12.

[Thomkal]

It is 1, yes 1 degree in Missoula Montana where Coastal Carolina is playing #8 seed Montana. Coach and players said all week they weren't going to let the cold bother them. I didn't believe them since it was 70 degrees when they left on Thursday for Montana....guess I should have believed Coastal leads big time at the half 35-14. Let's hope they can just hold on now.

[bob]

Let's say FSU wins, Ohio St. loses, Missouri narrowly beats Auburn.... Does BCS team #4 Alabama get in, or would Missouri jump them?

[Thomkal]

35-21 Coastal now.

[duckman]

Oklahoma now has an outside shot at a BCS Bowl bid.

[ISiddiqui]

It is 1, yes 1 degree in Missoula Montana where Coastal Carolina is playing #8 seed Montana. Coach and players said all week they weren't going to let the cold bother them. I didn't believe them since it was 70 degrees when they left on Thursday for Montana....guess I should have believed Coastal leads big time at the half 35-14. Let's hope they can just hold on now.

Jeez Louis, I am impressed. It has been bitterly cold in MT the last few days. I wouldn't even want to visit, let alone play in that weather.

[Thomkal]

Coastal with a very quick answer back 50+ yd rushing TD to make it 42-21

[Thomkal]

Jeez Louis, I am impressed. It has been bitterly cold in MT the last few days. I wouldn't even want to visit, let alone play in that weather.

Me either-its not very windy I think which is helping QB Ross is 13/15 for 171 yards with no INT's and 3TD's, which is just awesome for this kind of cold they are experiencing.

[Thomkal]

Furman even more surprisingly, holding on in the cold at Fargo against #1 North Dakota State 7-7 about midway through the 2nd.

[Young Drachma]

Could be a big night for the State University of New Jersey. A win gets us a bowl matchup with Notre Dame, and looks like we are on the verge of a new head coach coming to town.

Sure hope so.

[RainMaker]

NDSU is smart enough to play in a dome actually.

Isn't there a Towson fan here? Going to have to come to Eastern Illinois next week and play the best QB in college football.

[Thomkal]

NDSU is smart enough to play in a dome actually.

Isn't there a Towson fan here? Going to have to come to Eastern Illinois next week and play the best QB in college football.

ah did not know that about NDSU.

NDSU ahead 10-7 at the half.

[bob]

Curious - are fans of the "established" SEC teams pulling for Auburn over Missouri here given that Missouri is the new team on the block?

[General Mike]

Oklahoma now has an outside shot at a BCS Bowl bid.

More than outside chance. If Michigan State loses, I see them dropping past the required #14 in the BCS. I guess the bigger issue is can they move up into the top 14 themselves.

[ISiddiqui]

Been fairly sloppy, but the SEC Championship Game is already super exciting.

[Thomkal]

oh crap, 42-35 Coastal with about 5 minutes left

[BillJasper]

Missouri is going to get ran out of the building if they don't figure out how to slow down the run game.

[Thomkal]

oh crap, 42-35 Coastal with about 5 minutes left

Coastal wins! Coastal wins! They ran out the clock, but not before a near heart stopping fumble from the QB. Thankfully Coastal recovered, and ran one more play to end the game. Whew!

Biggest win in Coastal's short history and they await the Furman/NDSU winner, and it looks like it will be North Dakota State now as they have pulled out to a 30-7 lead.

[Buccaneer]

I guess I haven't been following the Big12 but why are there two games today and which one was the conference championship?

[ISiddiqui]

Big12 doesn't have the teams for a conference championship, IIRC.

[ISiddiqui]

WHOA MIZZOU!!!

What an ending to a fantastically entertaining 1st Half.

[BillJasper]

I guess I haven't been following the Big12 but why are there two games today and which one was the conference championship?

They don't have enough teams for a championship game. If Oklahoma State had won they would've won the conference, but I think it now comes down to the winner of Texas/Baylor.

How does Auburn allow the reciever get behind their secondary?

[Buccaneer]

That's right, they're under 12 I think. Guess having the two games today was a way to compete on championship weekend.

[sterlingice]

The SEC title game is pretty fun

SI

[General Mike]

That's right, they're under 12 I think. Guess having the two games today was a way to compete on championship weekend.

Correct. The Pac Ten had multiple games on Championship Saturday when they were at 10 teams.

[General Mike]

Dola, congrats to Baylor.

[General Mike]

That should be an ejection.

[cartman]

Yep, congrats to Baylor. They broke the game open in the 3rd quarter, and did a great job of their defense feeding off of their offense. Art Briles has done one hell of a job in Waco.

[tucker rocky]

As Verne Lundquist would say:

"What are they doing out there!"

[Suicane75]

I can't tell if I'm watching amazing offenses or atrocious defenses.

[mauchow]

Very tired defenses for sure..read option is tough to defend. Even tougher if they're constantly chasing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

This video game has the worst defensive AI I've ever seen. Where's the beer tent?

[bob]

I vote craptastic defenses.... Pulling for both FSU and Ohio St (feel dirty saying that)- don't want either of these defenses in the championship game.

[Suicane75]

Ohio State just gave up 40+ to Michigan so it's not like they have much to hang their hat on either.

[tucker rocky]

This video game has the worst defensive AI I've ever seen. Where's the beer tent?

Looks like Auburn and Missouri were switch out for 2 Arena League teams.

[Young Drachma]

This video game has the worst defensive AI I've ever seen. Where's the beer tent?

Welcome to <s>Hollywood.</s> Atlanta.

[Matthean]

'Bama fans have to be drinking themselves silly right about now. I know 'Bama's D wasn't that stellar this year, but this is downright sad.

[PilotMan]

Coastal wins! Coastal wins! They ran out the clock, but not before a near heart stopping fumble from the QB. Thankfully Coastal recovered, and ran one more play to end the game. Whew!

Biggest win in Coastal's short history and they await the Furman/NDSU winner, and it looks like it will be North Dakota State now as they have pulled out to a 30-7 lead.

Yeah, that was a huge win. Montana is really tough at home and has a great FCS tradition so congrats.

We looked off in the first half, but came out and really took charge in the second. Welcome to Fargo, it was only 110 db in there today. Next week should be more of the same. Go Bison. :)

[Suicane75]

CBS is airing the MW title game at 10pm est? That just seems so weird.

[Suicane75]

Well that was about as blatant a "let em score" as you'll ever see.

[General Mike]

congrats auburn

[General Mike]

CBS is airing the MW title game at 10pm est? That just seems so weird.

Yeah. I think it was part of the deal they made to get more money to keep Boise in the fold.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Go Duke ! Go Michigan State !

I don't care THAT much really, I just want to watch the heads explode when we get Auburn vs Bama II :D

[EagleFan]

Why not kick the field goal there? They needed 2 recovered onside kicks and a FG at some point. At least put the team in position to try that first onside kick.

[cartman]

During the OU-OSU game, the OSU kicker made a field goal while an earthquake was occurring. A real, actual earthquake, not seismic meters picking up stadium effects.

Oklahoma State's Ben Grogan kicks 41-yard field goal during earthquake against Oklahoma | Campus Union - SI.com (http://college-football.si.com/2013/12/07/oklahoma-state-ben-grogan-field-goal-earthquake/)

[cartman]

Also, congrats to Rice for beating Marshall, to give the Owls their first conference title since 1957. I guess they were inspired by their performance in Kodos's NCAA 13 Online Dynasty. :D

[Lathum]

Winston looks really off. Wonder if he is feeling the pressure or exhausted frim the last few weeks.

[Crapshoot]

Stanford up 28-7, rushed for 200+ yards so far. How this team lost to Utah and USC, I don't know.

[MizzouRah]

Well shit.. crappy day. :(

[JPhillips]

I'd pass every play against OSU. That secondary is terrible.

[gstelmack]

Someone should tell Gary Pinkell that sending his LBs to the Manti Te'o Summer LB Clinic was probably a bad idea...

[Lathum]

Duke hits hard for a bunch of smart kids.

[Matthean]

Winston looks really off. Wonder if he is feeling the pressure or exhausted frim the last few weeks.

The problem for Duke is they still have to outscore FSU.

[General Mike]

Rooting for Florida State just because I don't want to see another all SEC national championship game, and Ohio State looks dead in the water.

[Lathum]

tOSU is finding out what it's like to play a team with a pulse.

[Matthean]

I thought OSU had a higher gear than MSU, but they don't have a gear right now.

[mauchow]

Chick was pretty cute who won the dr pepper 100k at halftime of osu/msu.

She pushed (like a basketball pass) the balls in while the guy threw em normal. Good strategy, girl.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That was f'n brilliant by the girl in the Dr. Pepper contest

[BillJasper]

Does Michigan State go to the Rose Bowl, win or lose?

[General Mike]

Does Michigan State go to the Rose Bowl, win or lose?

They have to be top 14 in the BCS. If they lose will they drop out of the top 14?

[cartman]

Does Michigan State go to the Rose Bowl, win or lose?

I think if they lose, they still have to be in the Top 14 of the BCS.

[Young Drachma]

Good to see Flood and his boys pull this one out like they're supposed to.

[Young Drachma]

I still want him fired, but...at least they didn't completely lay the egg.

What bowl game is Duke headed to with the probable loss?

[JonInMiddleGA]

I still want him fired, but...at least they didn't completely lay the egg.

What bowl game is Duke headed to with the probable loss?

Sun Bowl vs UCLA seems to be the most common projection

[mauchow]

With an MSU loss they will still be top 14 I think. Niu losing helped a lot. Asu losing helps too.

[Matthean]

MSU would have to lose big to not go. Although, with the 24 point run it might be in the works.

[Young Drachma]

MSU would have to lose big to not go. Although, with the 24 point run it might be in the works.

Only way they don't go if they lose is if Auburn somehow jumps Ohio State.

[Matthean]

Looking at the rankings, yeah, it is going to be near impossible for them to not go.

[tarcone]

Rose Bowl is taking a B1G/Pac 12 match up in their 100th year anniversary.

I would say its a 99.9% guarantee the B1G gets 2 BCS bowls since NIU lost.

[Young Drachma]

Michigan State is jacked up.

[Vegas Vic]

Florida State demolishes Duke in the ACC Championship game, and ABC reporter Heather Cox asks Jamies Winston four consecutive questions regarding the alleged rape charges (although the prosecution decided there was not enough evidence to go to trial.)

[Bobble]

Sparty just locked this one up. Bucks defense is woeful.

[heybrad]

That should take care of Ohio State.

[mauchow]

That's the end of that! No OSU in title game and freakin' SEC lives on!

HOpefully FSU can beat 'em good.

[BillJasper]

Is it wrong that I like watching Urban Meyer lose?

[BillJasper]

That's the end of that! No OSU in title game and freakin' SEC lives on!

HOpefully FSU can beat 'em good.

I figure they're still trying to find a way to crunch the numbers to get Alabama in there. :lol:

[Young Drachma]

MWC title game to see who gets to go to...Vegas. Ugh.

[PilotMan]

Is it wrong that I like watching Urban Meyer lose?

or Ohio State in general? I was just saying how easy it is to cheer against them.

[Bobble]

Great game, Sparty. If we give up 34 to Sparty, we were never going to hang with FSU.

[Matthean]

Is it wrong that I like watching Urban Meyer lose?

Hell no. I just hate that MSU was involved. I still think Dantonio is the best game day coach in the Big Ten and one of the few best in the country.

FSU and Auburn will be high scoring, but I'm going with FSU having an actual defense.

[Buccaneer]

or Ohio State in general? I was just saying how easy it is to cheer against them.

Both and Big10 as well.

[Crapshoot]

My disdain for the SEC shines through here. If only Stanford hadn't lost to frigging USC...

[cuervo72]

Chick was pretty cute who won the dr pepper 100k at halftime of osu/msu.

She pushed (like a basketball pass) the balls in while the guy threw em normal. Good strategy, girl.

That was f'n brilliant by the girl in the Dr. Pepper contest

The kid who won the SEC version did the same, as did a girl in the ACC (though she lost).

[Kodos]

Thank you, MSU!

[Schmidty]

Well. I'm pretty happy. :)

[miami_fan]

So the final BCS championship game pits a team from a conference that most of the country hates against a team from a conference that everyone believed should have been booted from the BCS (3-13 in BCS appearances) altogether.

I like it.

[panerd]

So the final BCS championship game pits a team from a conference that most of the country hates against a team from a conference that everyone believed should have been booted from the BCS (3-13 in BCS appearances) altogether.

I like it.

Seems to be another year of the BCS getting it right after weeks of people complaining about scenarios that never end up happening. The better question is what would this magical 4 team playoff committee have done? It would have definitely been two SEC teams and a huge debate over the 4th and disdain for a potential Iron Bowl rematch in either round one or the title game. Never understood how misunderstood the BCS was.

[RedKingGold]

So, if we did have a 4-team playoff, who would be the 4th team today? Stanford? Ohio State? Baylor?

[Kodos]

So, if we did have a 4-team playoff, who would be the 4th team today? Stanford? Ohio State? Baylor?

Indiana, baby!

[BillJasper]

So, if we did have a 4-team playoff, who would be the 4th team today? Stanford? Ohio State? Baylor?

Florida State, Auburn, Michigan State, Baylor.

[RedKingGold]

Florida State, Auburn, Michigan State, Baylor.

Michigan State has a very compelling argument, but Alabama would definitely be in the 4-teamer next year.

[RedKingGold]

FWIW, my final four would be Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, Stanford.

I think the overall weakness of the Big 10 would cost Michigan State, but they would be my 4B.

[Matthean]

Florida State, Auburn, Michigan State, Baylor.

This assumes they only take conference champs. Baylor doesn't jump Stanford considering Stanford beat a higher ranked team, by more points, and while on the road.

[mauchow]

I would probably go FSU, Auburn, Bama, MSU.

No way you put a two loss Stanford team in, imo. Losses to Utah and USC...

Baylor and MSU before them.

[Desnudo]

or Ohio State in general? I was just saying how easy it is to cheer against them.

As a neutral I wasn't planning to watch OSU- FSU. I will probably watch Auburn-FSU.

[Matthean]

MSU lost to the Irish and have a single win against a ranked team. That ranked team had one win against a ranked team and that said ranked team had zero wins against other ranked teams and three loses including PSU. Stanford beat two Top 25 teams three times. Granted, I don't think making your case off of ASU is a good idea, but they beat Oregon when Oregon still cared. The rest of the Pac-10 I would deem to be better then the rest of the Big Ten. I do think MSU is an interesting pick for a playoff, but I'm not sure they get in there as the purely 4th best team in the country. Oddly enough Stanford and MSU get to play each other in what will only be a physical game from both sides of the ball.

FYI, MSU went undefeated in Big Ten play with no one closer than 10 points. While impressive, it points to how weak the conference is.

[Matthean]

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1489245_10202994747860001_875120484_n.jpg

[General Mike]

My BCS projections

National Championship - FSU vs Auburn
Rose Bowl - Stanford vs Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl - Baylor vs UCF
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Oklahoma
Orange Bowl - Ohio State vs Oregon

[JonInMiddleGA]

FWIW, my final four would be Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, Stanford.

Same as mine, except I'd flip the 3 & 4 to avoid a semi-final rematch.

(Actually it's because I reached the conclusion late last night that "good Stanford" might be just a micrometer better than Bama)

[Noop]

Florida State

:)

noop

[sterlingice]

Florida State

:)

noop

It's not often I say this, but go Florida State

SI

[Buccaneer]

You guys are funny. For years you have been clamoring for a playoffs and you can't even decide what four teams to include.

So, assuming Alabama is one of the four, would you be content that despite Auburn beating Alabama AND Missouri in consecutive weeks, they might not even play for the championship while Alabama would.

[Matthean]

You guys are funny. For years you have been clamoring for a playoffs and you can't even decide what four teams to include.

So, assuming Alabama is one of the four, would you be content that despite Auburn beating Alabama AND Missouri in consecutive weeks, they might not even play for the championship while Alabama would.

If 'Bama won it's initial playoff game and Auburn lost heirs, then yes.

[GrantDawg]

If 'Bama won it's initial playoff game and Auburn lost heirs, then yes.


Yup. Don't complain about that in the NFL, or every other sport in existence that has playoffs.

[gstelmack]

You guys are funny. For years you have been clamoring for a playoffs and you can't even decide what four teams to include.

That's because it needs to be 8 teams, as there are 5 conference champions (6 back in the day) that all needed to be included. With only 4 teams, no way I agree on Alabama, the real question is which 2 of MSU, Stanford, and Baylor to include. FSU, Auburn, Baylor, Stanford would be mine.

[sterlingice]

So, assuming Alabama is one of the four, would you be content that despite Auburn beating Alabama AND Missouri in consecutive weeks, they might not even play for the championship while Alabama would.

Yes, because while we have to use something to determine who gets in (body of work up to this point), the nice thing about a playoff is determining who is best on the field at the end of the season. (And, for the record, I'm all for an 8 or preferably 12/16 team playoff so that there really isn't a legit team with a beef getting shut out; EDIT: and while you could argue teams without legit shots would be let in, they would have to prove it on the field that they were legit).

SI

[GrantDawg]

Here is my main thought after this weekend: Tre Mason has to get an Heisman invite, right? 300 yards in a champioship game (after a really impressive season), has to garner at least a third place finish.

[panerd]

Yes, because while we have to use something to determine who gets in (body of work up to this point), the nice thing about a playoff is determining who is best on the field at the end of the season. (And, for the record, I'm all for a or preferably 12 team playoff so that there really isn't a legit team with a beef getting shut out).

SI

You know there would still a talk radio week of why #13 is getting screwed. :)

And in your 12 team scenerio (because of your post about cheering for FSU above) would you be ok with Auburn, Bama, Mizzou, and South Carolina making up 33% of the field?

[sterlingice]

You know there would still a talk radio week of why #13 is getting screwed. :)
Yeah, the difference is that, say, Seth Greenberg would bitch and we'd hear about it on the selection shows but the next day no one would care. Whereas quite a few teams have had legit BCS game beefs and we still can argue them today. #13 has a lot less legitimate of a beef to make it in as now we're down to 2 and 3 loss teams debating who gets in instead of "which one loss team", "which conference", and the politicking beauty pageant we have now where there is not a significant difference between them.

And in your 12 team scenerio (because of your post about cheering for FSU above) would you be ok with Auburn, Bama, Mizzou, and South Carolina making up 33% of the field?

If they make it in, they make it in, and then have to prove it on the field.

I haven't really put pen to paper, but just some rough outlines (and, frankly, I like 16 more than 12).
* I would still have a system like the BCS that has computer and human input. I like that there is a chance for the computers to take some of the bias and politics out of the human polling.
* Every major conference winner gets in (ACC, Big 10, Big XII, Pac-12, SEC) regardless of rank.
* Any other conference winner in the top, say, 16 or 20 of the "new BCS" also get an automatic spot (AAC, CUSA, MAC, MWC, SunBelt).
* You know Notre Dame is going to get a provision similar to the above so let's just add that.
* Then the remaining spots are filled with at large teams based on their rank in the "new BCS". That could be as few as 1 or as many as 7 with the above provisions (5/11
* If it's 12 teams, the top 4 teams overall in the "new BCS" rankings get byes.
* Lastly, I think the games for these tournament games need to be more geographically distributed. Each major conference should contribute one from their "geographical territory" and the rest either using existing bowls or rotated like the basketball tournament. The Big Ten should have a game in Soldier Field, the Big XII at Arrowhead, and the ACC at FedEx Field rather than having all the games concentrated in warm weather climates in the south. The best team needs to be able to win in all climates, not just be able to build a warm weather team to win in warm weather bowls and wonder why cold weather teams struggle in warm weather bowls.

SI

[mckerney]

Missouri looked like a team that could have used a Friday walkthrough when they were out there yesterday.

[CU Tiger]

My BCS projections

National Championship - FSU vs Auburn
Rose Bowl - Stanford vs Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl - Baylor vs UCF
Sugar Bowl - Alabama vs Oklahoma
Orange Bowl - Ohio State vs Oregon



Sounding like
Sugar: Bama v Oregon
Orange: Clemson v Ohio State

[Izulde]

Looks like UNLV is headed to the Heart of Dallas Bowl against North Texas... aka the Smastresk Bowl. (UNLV President Neal Smastresk, who has been a rockstar as president, is leaving to take the same position at North Texas in order to be closer to family down there).

[mauchow]

Sounding like
Sugar: Bama v Oregon
Orange: Clemson v Ohio State

That should actually get Oregon pumped up enough to 'try'. Would be a fun game to watch.

OSU and Clemson will be good, too as they're more evenly matched than a OSU/FSU game would have been. Should be a great BCS Bowl Season before PLAYOFFS!

[General Mike]

Sounding like
Sugar: Bama v Oregon
Orange: Clemson v Ohio State

McMurphy says its Bama-Oklahoma and Clemson-Ohio State.

[SackAttack]

I still maintain that if you don't play in your conference championship game, you shouldn't get to go to a BCS bowl.

It's the same bullshit as 6 years ago. Not being good enough to get to play in the conference championship should not = "well the other team lost in the championship so let's give the bid to a division runner-up instead because we like them better." If you don't like the conference runner-up enough to give them a bid, find a conference runner-up somewhere else.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

ESPN saying that FSU/Auburn is the matchup. No surprise there.

[BillJasper]

I still maintain that if you don't play in your conference championship game, you shouldn't get to go to a BCS bowl.

It's the same bullshit as 6 years ago. Not being good enough to get to play in the conference championship should not = "well the other team lost in the championship so let's give the bid to a division runner-up instead because we like them better." If you don't like the conference runner-up enough to give them a bid, find a conference runner-up somewhere else.

While I'm more for only conference champions being eligible, this idea at least makes sure a team like Alabama doesn't play one less game then other teams and then sneak into the playoffs.

+1

[CU Tiger]

I still maintain that if you don't play in your conference championship game, you shouldn't get to go to a BCS bowl.

It's the same bullshit as 6 years ago. Not being good enough to get to play in the conference championship should not = "well the other team lost in the championship so let's give the bid to a division runner-up instead because we like them better." If you don't like the conference runner-up enough to give them a bid, find a conference runner-up somewhere else.

I agree in a playoff scenario, BUT (and admittedly this is a biased opinion) look at the ACC this year.

Clemson is a legit top 15 team who can argue for the top 10. Clemson lost 1 conference game (to FSU the conference champ) Duke lost 2 conference games. Because of division alignments etc.

Plus if you are the Orange Bowl Clemson will eat their allotment and spend $$$ and Duke, well not so much unless they have a basketball exhibition against the heat at halftime.

Yes I am a Clemson fan but I cant help but think that 10-2 with both losses coming to top 10 teams, deserves a BCS bowl shot.

[MacroGuru]

BYU / Washington in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl...

Intriguing matchup, although with Sark out of the picture and Marques as interim coach, the former player going up against his old team as a HC excitement is gone.

[cartman]

Yes I am a Clemson fan but I cant help but think that 10-2 with both losses coming to top 10 teams, deserves a BCS bowl shot.

Congrats!

[tarcone]

Im hoping for an Iowa/Mizzou Outback.

[cartman]

Im hoping for an Iowa/Mizzou Outback.

Iowa v. LSU in the Outback. Okie State v. Mizzou in the Cotton. Not happy with Texas drawing Oregon in the Alamo Bowl. That is a bit of a mismatch.

[mauchow]

Dang. They had a great opportunity for a GREAT game in Bama/Oregon but I know that Oregon doesn't travel well.. but damn.. Tide by 24+ in that one, unfortunately.

[mauchow]

Wisconsin vs South Carolina. I'm pumped for it!

[tarcone]

Iowa/LSU may be a defensive? struggle. Not much offense in those teams.

[mauchow]

Iowa v. LSU in the Outback. Okie State v. Mizzou in the Cotton. Not happy with Texas drawing Oregon in the Alamo Bowl. That is a bit of a mismatch.

I think Oregon continues to stay uninterested and the game may be okay.

[cartman]

I wouldn't want to be someone having to sell tickets for the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Syracuse v. Minnesota. That might end up being one of the smallest crowds of all the bowls.

[Lathum]

I think the Zeros got exactly what they deserved after those punks ran their mouths about not wanting a Rosé Bowl.

[cartman]

It is clear that the Sugar Bowl picked OU so that Saban could do some advanced scouting before playing against them again next year at the Red River Shootout...................

[JonInMiddleGA]

At first glance I like the Oklahoma State-Mizzou matchup pretty good, Wisconsin-South Carolina, and if Manziel hasn't gotten healthy (or whatever) then Duke might just finish their season with a victory.

[cartman]

At first glance I like the Oklahoma State-Mizzou matchup pretty good, Wisconsin-South Carolina, and if Manziel hasn't gotten healthy (or whatever) then Duke might just finish their season with a victory.

I'd bet on the 'whatever' portion. He turned 21 a couple of days ago. :D

[MrBug708]

I think the Zeros got exactly what they deserved after those punks ran their mouths about not wanting a Rosé Bowl.

It didnt go quite like that, but I understand the take :)

[Matthean]

'Bama should do well if they can remain interested. Tough to read the KSU/Michigan matchup. If nothing else, Michigan's OL has even more time to gel. I think both teams will benefit from having more playing time. There's some other nice matchups in a number of other games.

[MizzouRah]

I like Ok St vs Mizzou too.. should be a good one.

[jbergey22]

I wouldn't want to be someone having to sell tickets for the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Syracuse v. Minnesota. That might end up being one of the smallest crowds of all the bowls.

Yeah this one is an issue. The Gophers usually travel well but were at the same bowl last year and these teams have played each other often recently.

Maybe Syracuse can surprise and bring in a nice crowd.

[jbergey22]

I think the Zeros got exactly what they deserved after those punks ran their mouths about not wanting a Rosé Bowl.

Well, they probably had goals of the National Championship so at the point the comments were made the Rose Bowl would have been a disappointment.

[SackAttack]

I feel like I've seen this movie before. Somebody remind me.

Have the Tigers lost a conference championship game before and been sent to the Cotton Bowl while a team that couldn't win their division gets the league's second BCS berth?

It's like an itch I can't scratch. This is a thing that's happened before, right?

Go jump out a window, BCS. Hit every branch on the way down.

[Butter]

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1489245_10202994747860001_875120484_n.jpg

I must've missed the point of this pic?

[CU Tiger]

Wisconsin vs South Carolina. I'm pumped for it!

Wisky should run for 400 yards against SC

[Butter]

The Orange Bowl committee clearly has no concern for my marriage... as a lifelong Ohio State fan who was a first-time Clemson season ticket holder this season (mainly due to my Clemson-alum wife), January 3rd is probably not going to go real well in the Butter household.

[gstelmack]

I must've missed the point of this pic?

I think it's the Columbus, OH paper, and they barely mention Ohio State's loss in the upper-right corner. The big story is a high school football game.

[Logan]

Credit where it's due...congrats to Mizzou on an impressive season. Gotta find ways to get the ball in DGB's hands more often next year.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think it's the Columbus, OH paper, and they barely mention Ohio State's loss in the upper-right corner. The big story is a high school football game.

Umm ... the upper right story is Ohio State basketball, not football.

edit to add: That's likely an early edition printed before the football game even ended.

[Butter]

It was past press time when the game ended. Unless you are an idiot about how physical media works, I don't see why that's even a thing. Most cities have even earlier press times for Sunday papers because of how involved they are, which often leaves late-breaking Saturday night news out of the Sunday morning paper.

[panerd]

It was past press time when the game ended. Unless you are an idiot about how physical media works, I don't see why that's even a thing. Most cities have even earlier press times for Sunday papers because of how involved they are, which often leaves late-breaking Saturday night news out of the Sunday morning paper.

It doesn't even go that deep, it is just an internet selective picture to try and make Ohio State look bad. I think that was the front page of the sports page and this is the front page of the paper.

http://webmedia.newseum.org/newseum-multimedia/dfp/jpg8/lg/OH_CD.jpg

[Butter]

You can't make them look worse than they looked on the field Saturday night.

That said, I'll take 12 wins and an Orange Bowl over 7 wins and some fucking restaurant bowl every night of the week and twice on Sunday.

[panerd]

I feel like I've seen this movie before. Somebody remind me.

Have the Tigers lost a conference championship game before and been sent to the Cotton Bowl while a team that couldn't win their division gets the league's second BCS berth?

It's like an itch I can't scratch. This is a thing that's happened before, right?

Go jump out a window, BCS. Hit every branch on the way down.

Agree on Mizzou often getting screwed in the bowl process and getting lesser bowls than their season dictate. (Besides the two you mention the 8-4 Tigers were also passed over for a 6-6 Iowa State team a few years back and sent to the Texas bowl) Don't agree on the cause though. It isn't the BCS, it isn't the Big 12 or the SEC... it's because Mizzou doesn't travel well to bowl games and the purpose of a bowl game is to make money for the sponsor/venue/city. I have been to a few bowls and our crowds are always pretty sorry. You could argue the chicken/egg that we won't travel well when we get crappy bowls but the simple fact is the South Carolina, LSU, A&M, Bama, Tennessee... are all going to travel a lot better than Mizzou.

[Matthean]

You can't make them look worse than they looked on the field Saturday night.

That said, I'll take 12 wins and an Orange Bowl over 7 wins and some fucking restaurant bowl every night of the week and twice on Sunday.

Lighten up Francis. Also, I got the image from a friend who lives in Columbus and pointed out the lack of coverage on the sports page.

[Matthean]

Agree on Mizzou often getting screwed in the bowl process and getting lesser bowls than their season dictate. (Besides the two you mention the 8-4 Tigers were also passed over for a 6-6 Iowa State team a few years back and sent to the Texas bowl) Don't agree on the cause though. It isn't the BCS, it isn't the Big 12 or the SEC... it's because Mizzou doesn't travel well to bowl games and the purpose of a bowl game is to make money for the sponsor/venue/city. I have been to a few bowls and our crowds are always pretty sorry. You could argue the chicken/egg that we won't travel well when we get crappy bowls but the simple fact is the South Carolina, LSU, A&M, Bama, Tennessee... are all going to travel a lot better than Mizzou.

Also see Michigan State. MSU practically has to force a bowl to take them.

[mauchow]

Wow.. Wisconsin 1.5 pt favorite against South Carolina in cap one bowl.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Heisman Trophy finalists -- Jordan Lynch, Johnny Manziel, Tre Mason, AJ McCarron, Andre Williams, Jameis Winston - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10111560/heisman-trophy-finalists-jordan-lynch-johnny-manziel-tre-mason-aj-mccarron-andre-williams-jameis-winston)

[cartman]

I wonder who was on Manziel's ballot. :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

I wonder who was on Manziel's ballot. :D

Don't be silly. He voted for himself ... repeatedly :D

[CU Tiger]

Wow.. Wisconsin 1.5 pt favorite against South Carolina in cap one bowl.


Thats not a Wow to me.
Seriously...Wisky by 21+...

Clemson ran for over 200 yards on SC and has no run game.

Plus no Clowney in the bowl game.

[Swaggs]

Heisman Trophy finalists -- Jordan Lynch, Johnny Manziel, Tre Mason, AJ McCarron, Andre Williams, Jameis Winston - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10111560/heisman-trophy-finalists-jordan-lynch-johnny-manziel-tre-mason-aj-mccarron-andre-williams-jameis-winston)

Anyone else impressed that Andrew Williams managed to have over 300 carries for 2100 yards and did not catch a single pass all season?

[mauchow]

Thats not a Wow to me.
Seriously...Wisky by 21+...

Clemson ran for over 200 yards on SC and has no run game.

Plus no Clowney in the bowl game.

Because of his going 110 mph speeding ticket?

[Matthean]

Because of his going 110 mph speeding ticket?

Somebody should tell me he doesn't get to play in the NFL any faster that way.

[MrBug708]

lol@Tre Mason getting invited.

[Atocep]

Anyone else impressed that Andrew Williams managed to have over 300 carries for 2100 yards and did not catch a single pass all season?

I was also impressed that somehow Seastrunk failed to catch a pass this year in the Baylor offense.

[CU Tiger]

Somebody should tell me he doesn't get to play in the NFL any faster that way.


Well he will be academically ineligible. He hasnt attended class all year and has lived off campus only coming to practices, and he was only an academic Sophomore coming in (in year 3)....conspiracy theorists suggest that the speeding ticket (in which he was stopped by a SC booster whos father played football for SC in the 70s) was created in order to allow him to be suspended for the bowl game without losing face. (He had already told team mates he wasnt going to risk injury and the academic thing)

[Lathum]

Well he will be academically ineligible. He hasnt attended class all year and has lived off campus only coming to practices, and he was only an academic Sophomore coming in (in year 3)....conspiracy theorists suggest that the speeding ticket (in which he was stopped by a SC booster whos father played football for SC in the 70s) was created in order to allow him to be suspended for the bowl game without losing face. (He had already told team mates he wasnt going to risk injury and the academic thing)

I would stay as far away from that guy as I could. Albert Haynsworth 2.0

[BillJasper]

Well he will be academically ineligible. He hasnt attended class all year and has lived off campus only coming to practices, and he was only an academic Sophomore coming in (in year 3)....conspiracy theorists suggest that the speeding ticket (in which he was stopped by a SC booster whos father played football for SC in the 70s) was created in order to allow him to be suspended for the bowl game without losing face. (He had already told team mates he wasnt going to risk injury and the academic thing)

I just don't see how an NFL team can use a high-draft pick on this guy at this point. I know he has physical tools but really seems like a "me" guy.

[Butter]

Lighten up Francis. Also, I got the image from a friend who lives in Columbus and pointed out the lack of coverage on the sports page.

So, is this the football equivalent of "some of my best friends are black / gay"? Got it. I'll "lighten up".

[panerd]

Thats not a Wow to me.
Seriously...Wisky by 21+...

Clemson ran for over 200 yards on SC and has no run game.

Plus no Clowney in the bowl game.

How bad is Clemson then if they lost by 14 to such a crappy team?

[Young Drachma]

A look at how 2013 first-team All-SEC players were rated as recruits | Saturday Down South (http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/all-sec-players-ranked-as-recruits-2013/)

[CU Tiger]

How bad is Clemson then if they lost by 14 to such a crappy team?

re read my post please.
They have a horrible run defense and Wisky has a good run game.
Clemson committed 6 turnovers, including fumbling 2 punts inside the 30, and throwing an INT in the endzone.

But they lost, no doubt about that. But that wasnt the point of my post.

Match up comparison Wisky will give SC fits.

[Logan]

So when should we be expecting the announcement that Clowney won't be playing in the bowl game?

[CU Tiger]

I would say the day before if ever.
It might be another "doesn't want to play" excuse.

[BishopMVP]

I would stay as far away from that guy as I could. Albert Haynsworth 2.0I know Haynesworth has that rep after signing with the Redskins, but he was pretty dominant on his initial contract. 2x All-Pro and possibly the best D-Lineman in football his last 2 years in Tennessee. I still agree with you that I'd stay away from Clowney at #2, but Haynesworth was an amazing pick at #15, and arguably the 2nd best player in his draft class (after Ed Reed, with Freeney and Peppers coming close at DL and Westbrook/Portis at RB.)

[General Mike]

I would say the day before if ever.
It might be another "doesn't want to play" excuse.

If he doesn't want to play, he should just sign with an agent now.

[Young Drachma]

He's not the first guy that might be tired of college bullshit and just ready to get on the with the pros. Might be a "character issues" situation but...sounds like he'd be a hell of a value if he falls. Not that I'd draft him, but not wanting to play in a bowl game isn't a good enough reason to pass on a dominant guy at a position that's hard to fill straight out of college. I can understand why as a fan of said team you'd be irritated though, I get that totally.

[Young Drachma]

Heisman Trophy finalists -- Jordan Lynch, Johnny Manziel, Tre Mason, AJ McCarron, Andre Williams, Jameis Winston - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10111560/heisman-trophy-finalists-jordan-lynch-johnny-manziel-tre-mason-aj-mccarron-andre-williams-jameis-winston)

When did they start inviting six people? Wasn't it three for the longest time?

[BishopMVP]

He's not the first guy that might be tired of college bullshit and just ready to get on the with the pros. Might be a "character issues" situation but...sounds like he'd be a hell of a value if he falls. Not that I'd draft him, but not wanting to play in a bowl game isn't a good enough reason to pass on a dominant guy at a position that's hard to fill straight out of college. I can understand why as a fan of said team you'd be irritated though, I get that totally.Plus, players from South Carolina with work ethic issues do sometimes work out

ALSHON JEFFERY TOUCHDOWN VS VIKINGS AMAZING LEAPING CATCH 46 YARD TD WOW BEARS VS VIKINGS 12.1.13! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2qbsXGj7_k)

[Lathum]

I know Haynesworth has that rep after signing with the Redskins, but he was pretty dominant on his initial contract. 2x All-Pro and possibly the best D-Lineman in football his last 2 years in Tennessee. I still agree with you that I'd stay away from Clowney at #2, but Haynesworth was an amazing pick at #15, and arguably the 2nd best player in his draft class (after Ed Reed, with Freeney and Peppers coming close at DL and Westbrook/Portis at RB.)

yeah, he was a monster with Tennesse. My comparason was more along the lines of once he got paid he stopped putting in the effort.

[digamma]

When did they start inviting six people? Wasn't it three for the longest time?

nah, it varies year to year based on vote count.