College Football Week 8 discussion

[cartman]

Five matchups between Top 25 teams this weekend:

Notre Dame at Florida State
Texas A&M at Alabama
Kansas State at Oklahoma
Oklahoma State at TCU
Stanford at Arizona State

[Matthean]

A&M/'Bama has lost a lot of early luster, but should be a hell of a game and interesting to see who wins. This could easily be a 4 loss season for 'Bama and I'm not sure where blame lays although in multiple directions might be the answer.

[cartman]

I'm not sure where blame lays although in multiple directions might be the answer.

Go with the safe choice and choose Kiffin. :D

[dawgfan]

Washington travels to Eugene to try to break a 10-game losing streak to the hated Ducks (UW still leads the all-time series 58-43-5 though).

On the positive side, Oregon's defense looks rather vulnerable this year and the Washington defense is showing signs they could be very, very good with two All-American candidates along the line in DE Hau'oli Kikaha and NT Danny Shelton (and another in LB Shaq Thompson) and have been extremely opportunistic in generating and securing turnovers (and converting them to touchdowns).

On the negative side, Oregon looks like a different team with LT Jake Fisher back from injury, and Marcus Mariota is extremely hard to beat when healthy.

[Butter]

Clemson at Boston College should be an interesting ACC matchup.

Clemson just lost freshman phenom QB Deshaun Watson for a few weeks with a broken finger on his throwing hand. With their backup QB, they were able to squeak past Louisville with a special teams TD and a defensive TD to win 23-17.

This matchup really comes down to can BC run on Clemson? If they can, I think BC has a good shot at winning. If not, it will be a long day for the Eagles.

Clemson's offense is ok with their backup QB... he made a couple of drives, but also threw more than 1 near pick. I expect this game to be in the 20's scoring-wise unless Clemson figures out how to run their offense with a pure pocket passer running it.

[murrayyyyy]

3 point dog to Georgia? Will the streak end finally?

[miked]

Going to Columbus to watch RU get destroyed by tOSU.

[CU Tiger]

Clemson at Boston College should be an interesting ACC matchup.

Clemson just lost freshman phenom QB Deshaun Watson for a few weeks with a broken finger on his throwing hand. With their backup QB, they were able to squeak past Louisville with a special teams TD and a defensive TD to win 23-17.

This matchup really comes down to can BC run on Clemson? If they can, I think BC has a good shot at winning. If not, it will be a long day for the Eagles.

Clemson's offense is ok with their backup QB... he made a couple of drives, but also threw more than 1 near pick. I expect this game to be in the 20's scoring-wise unless Clemson figures out how to run their offense with a pure pocket passer running it.

To be fair.
Back up QB took zero snaps last week in practice as he sprained his non-throwing shoulder in the game the week before against NCSU.

That said this game scares me a tad. Clemson's D plays on emotion. The second half against UNC they were totally flat and let UNC almost climb back into the game. BC is a hard place to get up for a game..its crazy quiet there.

My HOPE is the offense features a few Wildcat plays utilizing freshman RB and HS option QB Adam Choice (younger brother of Tashard Choice for the GT crowd)

[Eaglesfan27]

The same company that had a lot of Gurley autographed items has been found to have a large number of Winston autographed items.

[bronconick]

They had a ton of Clowney stuff last year.

[Butter]

So, what's everyone think of Jimbo Fisher's reaction to all of this? Can he really continue to have plausible deniability?

[BillJasper]

So, what's everyone think of Jimbo Fisher's reaction to all of this? Can he really continue to have plausible deniability?

Why was Winston stealing crab legs if he was making money from autographs?

[tarcone]

Iowa travels to Maryland. This is the last tough test on the road. A big game for sure.

[Matthean]

Go with the safe choice and choose Kiffin. :D

Well, I've never been overly sold on Simms.

[TroyF]

So, what's everyone think of Jimbo Fisher's reaction to all of this? Can he really continue to have plausible deniability?

I've stated it many times over the last couple of years, I really cannot stand Jimbo. He just seems scummy to me and always has. Before this fiasco, it was just an opinion with little to go off of. Now at least I have something to feel better about my impression of him.

He's going to continue the plausible deniability until he gets backed into a corner and has nowhere else to go. We've all seen how good the backup QB is right now. If Winston gets suspended, Florida State won't even make the playoff. Nothing will happen to Winston unless he does something else stupid. With this kid,it seems like that is only a matter of time.

[CU Tiger]

Come on Bob...you can do better

Hugh Freeze Addresses Photo of Robert Nkemdiche Holding Bong | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2230213-hugh-freeze-addresses-photo-of-robert-nkemdiche-holding-bong)

[Butter]

So, pretty much his parents got paid for him to go there... because wasn't it going around that they were the ones that steered him to Ole Miss after he was all but committed to Clemson?

And then after that, he's had all these problems? So it wasn't for him to go to Ole Miss so that the university would take care of him... unless by "take care" you mean $$$$.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So, pretty much his parents got paid for him to go there... because wasn't it going around that they were the ones that steered him to Ole Miss after he was all but committed to Clemson?

I don't recall the dad being so much a part of that, was mostly about his mom as I recall.

[Butter]

Right, it was his mom.

[CU Tiger]

Mom got PAAAAAAID, and PAID well.

The Schuessler family (whom Bob lived with in HS) said their biggest fear was him spending too much time back around his brother. Seems to be coming to fruition.

[CU Tiger]

I know ESPN is totally covered up this week with the throw Winston under the bus campaign, and for that I commend them.

But its about time they looked at this story as well as the Nkemdiche one.
Court record: Search of Alabama football player's room turns up 112 grams of marijuana and $4,600 | AL.com (http://www.al.com/news/tuscaloosa/index.ssf/2014/10/alabama_football_player_caught.html)

[albionmoonlight]

Rarely have I seen a fan's argument that a coach should be fired be written so articulately.

Les Miles', LSU players' reaction to injury touches a Florida fan | NOLA.com (http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2014/10/les_miles_lsu_players_reaction.html)

and Florida over the years have engaged in some heated and physical college football games that sometimes stretched the borders of sportsmanship. Saturday night's 30-27 victory by LSU was one of those.

But at least one Gators' fan was touched by the reaction of LSU players and Tigers' coach Les Miles when wide receiver Latroy Pittman went down with what was believed to be a serious injury. He was motionless on the field for several minutes while medical personnel prepped him, put him on a stretcher and wheeled him off the field as a precaution.

Nearby, a handful of LSU players knelt on one knee, took of their helmets and watched, hoping Pittman was OK. It turned out he was hospitalized overnight and released Sunday when he was given clearance.

Florida fan Kyle Morgan felt compelled to share his feelings about the gesture and the way LSU treated the occurrence. He posted the following on Facebook:

"So tonight one of our players was gravely injured in the last minute of the game. I hope Latroy Pittman turns out to be fine or recovers speedily.

"But now I have to stop and thank Les Miles and the LSU Tigers. As some are aware, LSU tends to be seen as rougher around the edges than is normal in the SEC. However, their class in the last minute of the game proved exactly why they deserved to win. Upon Latroy's injury, they removed their helmets and knelt in respect for a fallen player. They clapped when their own injured player got up but remained on their knees with helmets off since ours was still being strapped onto the board to be carted off.

"On our sideline, exactly six of our more than 70 players knelt. Undoubtedly these learned their decency not from Will Muschamp but from their old high school head coaches, since Muschamp took the opportunity to huddle his defense and in typical fashion, yell at them.

"Almost 7 minutes passed before it occurred to him that he may need to go check on the boy the Pittman family entrusted to his care. Of course, Will couldn't be bothered to talk to Latroy. No, he simply walked up, poked a trainer on the shoulder, asked her a question and jogged away.

"LSU continued exhibiting the kind of well-led honor that any decent coach would instill in his players by approaching Latroy once he was on the cart and expressing their sympathies. Indeed after two dozen LSU players had done so a few Gators broke ranks and showed they could learn from a good example by doing the same.

"So I would like to thank Les Miles for improving the lives of roughly a dozen Gators more in five minutes than Will Muschamp had done in YEARS.

"We lost again. We turned the ball over a lot and stuck with a QB who lacks improvement again. We got tired made bad mistakes on defense late again, and relied on desperation plays to keep it close again.

"But more importantly we responded to our fellow man going down by ignoring him and using his injury as a long timeout to yell at defenders who just watched a friend, roommate, teammate get hurt.

"Fire Will Muschamp, Jeremy Foley. If not for being a bad head coach who can't win enough games, then do it for the better reason. Fire him for failing to be a leader of men. Fire him because he lacks the respect for an injured player that over 80,000 other people possessed in that stadium. Fire him because he's a bad human being.

"Thank you again Les Miles and the LSU Tigers. I hope one day we might again contribute to the class of the SEC. You helped our young men learn about class tonight. Your fans should be proud of you. I'm proud to have seen you and your 70+ men. Good game and goodnight."

[JPhillips]

Mom got PAAAAAAID, and PAID well.

The Schuessler family (whom Bob lived with in HS) said their biggest fear was him spending too much time back around his brother. Seems to be coming to fruition.

And the Newton precedent makes that perfectly fine. As long as the athlete can pretend they knew nothing about payments to parents, everything's fine.

[Kodos]

IU is down to their third QB for MSU. This should be good. True freshman Zander Diamont gets the start.

[bhlloy]

Sounds like a bond villain

[Matthean]

University of Michigan board, president will not rush to judgment on athletic director - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11712720/university-michigan-board-president-not-rush-judgment-athletic-director)

Always a fun time when a "long and hard look at the state of the program" gets tossed around.

[NobodyHere]

Is a member of the Ford family on the Michigan board?

[BillJasper]

University of Michigan board, president will not rush to judgment on athletic director - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11712720/university-michigan-board-president-not-rush-judgment-athletic-director)

Always a fun time when a "long and hard look at the state of the program" gets tossed around.

Opening the door for Jim Harbaugh.

[Butter]

Hey man, they just beat Penn State! I think Hoke's gettin' this thing turned around! Way too early to give up on him.

[MrBug708]

Just saw a stat (so unverified) for the PAC-12 that the home team is 4-15 in conference this year. Not to mention that every PAC-12 team has lost at home..

[TroyF]

Look, I don't care at this point if FSU wants to allow Winston to play if he murders someone. They don't seem to care and Fisher continues making idiotic statements just about every single time he opens his trap.

I would ask FSU to just stop lying to us about "investigating" things though. This morning, sources from the autograph vendor are saying FSU have not called them to talk about it or even ask the question about him getting paid for autographs. If you aren't going to even ask the question, you are not running an investigation. It's ok. I think the rule is asinine too. Just be honest about it and stop lying to the world, k thnks

[JPhillips]

The investigation will start shortly after the season ends or FSU loses, whichever comes first.

[TroyF]

Watching the Baylor/West Virginia game. This has to go on the top 20 worst starts you can have to a football game list.

Baylor kicks off
West Virginia catches it at the goal line and returns it
To the 9 yard line before getting tackled by 6 Baylor players
First snap is a bomb thrown into double coverage which the Wes Virgina player acrually catchs
5 feet out of bounds
Next play is a one yard run with another 5 Bears in on the tackle.
3rd and long, drop back, sack, fumble. Baylor recovers
Baylor runs one play, TD, but flag on the play, offside on WVU


14:00 left in Q 1, 7-0 Baylor

[tarcone]

CJ Brown has over 100 yards of total offense already. But Iowa leads 14-10.
Maryland driving though.

[Atocep]

Kevin White draws more PI calls than any receiver I've ever seen.

[The Jackal]

CJ Brown has over 100 yards of total offense already. But Iowa leads 14-10.
Maryland driving though.

That sure looked like a fumble at the 1, but I'm not complaining. 17 unanswered!

[BishopMVP]

Can you review whether a pass is caught behind the line of scrimmage?

Baylor/West Virginia, call is ineligible man down field, overturned after review. Mike Pereira was adamant at first it wasn't reviewable, then admits he has no idea what the college rulebook says.

[Atocep]

Josh Lambert from 54 with plenty of room to spare.

[tarcone]

Iowa just knocked CJ Brown out.

[Atocep]

Can you review whether a pass is caught behind the line of scrimmage?

Baylor/West Virginia, call is ineligible man down field, overturned after review. Mike Pereira was adamant at first it wasn't reviewable, then admits he has no idea what the college rulebook says.

I don't see a specific mention of that in the college rulebook (may have missed it though). What specifically isn't reviewable would be whether or not the lineman was downfield on that play.

Big 12 rules allow any play that isn't specifically listed as not rewiewable in the NCAA rulebook to be reviewed if the replay official deems it an "egregious error".

[tarcone]

5 minutes into the 3rd quarter. Iowa's WRs dont have a catch and just a couple balls thrown their way.
Time to change QBs. maybe?

[TroyF]

The flags against Baylor in the WVU game is starting to border on the absurd. If I were WVU, I would simply drop back and launch bombs on every play. If the call is 25/75, they'll get the PI call on Baylor. Just had a play where the Baylor player plays the thing perfectly, bats the ball away at the highest point. Flag.

I don't care who wins the game, this is beyond bad.

[BishopMVP]

I don't see a specific mention of that in the college rulebook (may have missed it though). What specifically isn't reviewable would be whether or not the lineman was downfield on that play.

Big 12 rules allow any play that isn't specifically listed as not rewiewable in the NCAA rulebook to be reviewed if the replay official deems it an "egregious error".
Cool.

PS in the continuing ESPN self-promotion department, #14 leads #11 by a TD and an unranked team leads #4 by a TD, both in the 3rd quarter... Guess which one is the lead story on ESPN.com under the title Upset Alert?

[BishopMVP]

Poor call by Briles. Should've gone for that 4th & 8 IMO.

[Atocep]

Never thought I'd type these words, but great job by Tony Gibson with the defensive game plan this week.

[The Jackal]

Maryland with a surprising win, outside of getting drubbed by OSU they've had a pretty solid season

[cuervo72]

Yeah, I didn't think they'd be all that strong in the B1G - but they're doing ok so far. Maybe Edsall isn't so bad after all.

A&M/Bama - so is the narrative after this game "WOW ALABAMA IS BACK!", or "hmm, guess A&M really isn't very good, are they?"

[cartman]

A&M's season is imploding.

And I don't think I've ever seen a case of the yips for a kicker as bad as they were for the OU guy today. Missed two chip shots and had a point after blocked.

[JonInMiddleGA]

"hmm, guess A&M really isn't very good, are they?"

I'd go with this one.

[MrBug708]

UCLA is scheming themselves out of the PAC-12 race.

Need to also hold onto the ball

[BishopMVP]

Yeah, I didn't think they'd be all that strong in the B1G - but they're doing ok so far. Maybe Edsall isn't so bad after all.

A&M/Bama - so is the narrative after this game "WOW ALABAMA IS BACK!", or "hmm, guess A&M really isn't very good, are they?"I've always thought Edsall was a solid coach. Perfect for a UConn/BC where he'll win 8-9 games and go to a mediocre bowl almost every year. He should have Maryland in good position the next couple years for the next coach and hopefully decides to move on right around when they dig out of their financial hole.

A&M is just missing the locker room leadership of Johnny Manziel.

K-State arguably loses a game due to their kicker choking, and now gets handed a gift due to one.

I'm loving the Big 12 (and Texas HS football teams) embracing their identity as the perfect weather place for aerial innovation, but jesus, does anyone play D here??? :)

[cuervo72]

I'd go with this one.

I think that's what it should be, but with Baylor going down and FSU/ND pending, I figure it's time to start the 'Bama hype machine back up.

[cuervo72]

I've always thought Edsall was a solid coach. Perfect for a UConn/BC where he'll win 8-9 games and go to a mediocre bowl almost every year. He should have Maryland in good position the next couple years for the next coach and hopefully decides to move on right around when they dig out of their financial hole.

Well, the first couple years things didn't look so good AND a few thought he was a bit of an asshole (if not a raging one) -- but then I guess losing exacerbates that a bit. The past season and a half has been a decent rebound.

[cartman]

BTHO for A&M means "bent the hell over" today

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think that's what it should be, but with Baylor going down and FSU/ND pending, I figure it's time to start the 'Bama hype machine back up.

Eh, if they beat Auburn & Mississippi State en route to running the table, I don't have a problem with them being in the final four discussion.

[JonInMiddleGA]

What a craptacular half by Arkansas, considering how they looked in the opening drive. They've been so bad that not even Mike Bobo can eff things up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Cue the Benny Hill music at Arkansas

[BishopMVP]

Eh, if they beat Auburn & Mississippi State en route to running the table, I don't have a problem with them being in the final four discussion.West Virginia finishing well could also be huge for them. Having a "good" OOC win could help during the inevitable arguments against a team that couldn't win its division (assuming Ole Miss doesn't drop 2+ games, although I guess 3-way tie at 7-1 with the Mississippi's is still on the table - what's the SEC tiebreaker? AP poll rank or whoever hasn't been there in the longest time?)

[miked]

Embarrassing show by RU, but I really hope they at least can injure a starter or two for OSU running it up.

[MrBug708]

Georgia doesn't play bama, a&m, or the mississippis this year. my lord, the sec is less a conference and more a loose configuration of schools who now and then play one another.

[Buccaneer]

Georgia doesn't play bama, a&m, or the mississippis this year. my lord, the sec is less a conference and more a loose configuration of professional programs who now and then play one another.

Fixed.

[cuervo72]

Eh, if they beat Auburn & Mississippi State en route to running the table, I don't have a problem with them being in the final four discussion.

True. Though whatever team(s) out of Bama, Auburn, and the Mississippis that finish with 0/1 wins basically will be. Their rankings collectively floating toward the top just helps each others' chances. (The trick is to have as many of those avoid 2 losses as possible...)

[Buccaneer]

Kickoffs should be an endangered play.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC crushing Colorado 28-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.

[Karlifornia]

What's the difference between a Bear and a Bruin?

A shade of blue and about 500 miles

[bhlloy]

I'm sure if that does turn out to be a serious neck injury his family will appreciate the 75 slo-mo replays you showed, ESPN

[Buccaneer]

Embarrassing show by RU, but I really hope they at least can injure a starter or two for OSU running it up.

Are you for real?!? Just because your poor little team is getting beat does not mean that one should advocate purposely injuring another player. What a despicable attitude.

[B & B]

Time for the VOLS to shock some folks

[MrBug708]

UCLA probably was gifted a INT, but Cal was going deep with 51 seconds left and in FG range, down by 2

[bhlloy]

That's why you are Cal. What a shitty call and decision to throw it

[Buccaneer]

I don't think that was an INT for UCLA. But serves Cal right for calling such a play when they needed short-medium yardages to get into FG range.

[Buccaneer]

typed too slow - what Bug and bhlloy said.

[BishopMVP]

Cal won a game 2 weeks ago when the kicker missed a 19 yarder. Oklahoma lost today (partly) because their kicker missed a chip shot. UMass lost to Vandy because they missed a 22 yarder. I didn't see the specific play/throe yet, but I don't mind going for the end zone with college kickers.

[BishopMVP]

Everett Golson is such a weird quarterback - I can't tell if he's good, if he could be really good, or if this is all he'll ever be. His mobility unquestionably sucks in defenders and makes Kelly's offense work... But he has some of the worst pocket awareness and handoffs/zone reads I've ever seen. He locks on to his first read way too much, and rarely seems to want to roll out... But when he does he throws possibly the best ball of any QB while on the run (look at that game-winning throw vs Stanford or the 2nd TD to Robinson tonight.). Don't get me wrong, I'll take him over Tommy Rees in a heartbeat, and 18-1 as a starter speaks for itself, but sometimes I wonder if we wouldn't be a better team with Malik Zaire in there.

[cartman]

Texas did a good job the past couple of weeks of holding the offenses of Baylor and OU in check. But so far in the first half Iowa State has been able to move the ball really well. It is 28 all at halftime.

[Lathum]

Are you for real?!? Just because your poor little team is getting beat does not mean that one should advocate purposely injuring another player. What a despicable attitude.

as a lifelong Rutgers fan ( my Dad went there)I agree.

[Lathum]

Mizzou has one of the strangest stat lines I have ever seen for a game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Mizzou has one of the strangest stat lines I have ever seen for a game.

Just came here to post the same thing. Through not quite three quarters, it's a bizarre looking box score.

[TroyF]

Eh, if they beat Auburn & Mississippi State en route to running the table, I don't have a problem with them being in the final four discussion.

Agree with you 100%. This is where things are going to get very interesting and everything we KNOW will likely become muddled. Notre Dame looks impressive tonight. The product they put up is wildly inconsistent. They could easily lose @ Arizona St or @USC. Oregon is rolling again but you have Stanford.

Any team with 1 loss has a shot to catch fire now and start to make a push. There can only be 2 perfect teams. (sorry Marshall) I think it is likely the SEC is getting two teams in no matter how everything else plays out. That leaves a lot of potential 1 loss teams up for debate.

Think about it, Big 12, Big 1G and PAC 12 could all have a champ with one loss. I think 2 of those teams would miss out on the playoff.

[MizzouRah]

Mizzou has one of the strangest stat lines I have ever seen for a game.

Yeah.. it's been an odd game for sure. Both teams defenses have shown up and Mizzou's ST (well Marcus Murphy). Both offenses look horrid due to the defenses I guess.

[TroyF]

Just came here to post the same thing. Through not quite three quarters, it's a bizarre looking box score.

To help those not in the mix:

Mizzou is up 42-7 despite having 117 total yards. The starting QB is 6/18 for 20 yards. (1.1 yards per pass attempt) The starting RB has 38 yards on 12 carries.

Here is their scoring drives:

96 yard kick return TD
5 yard TD run - 4 play 19 yard drive
25 yard FG, 18 play, 55 yard drive in 8:30
34 yard FG 4 play, -11 yard drive (that is negative 11, I didn't misplace the -)
82 yard punt return TD
21 yard fumbe return td
46 yard INT return TD


I wonder if any other team in football history has 1 punt return TD, 1 KO return TD, 1 fumble recovery TD and 1 pic 6 in the same game.

Shocking numbers.

[TroyF]

Yeah.. it's been an odd game for sure. Both teams defenses have shown up and Mizzou's ST (well Marcus Murphy). Both offenses look horrid due to the defenses I guess.

You mean the offenses look horrid due to horrific QB play. Sorry, good defenses don't hold starting QB's to 70 yards on 38 attempts. This is not the '85 Bears vs. the '00 Ravens defenses out there.

[BishopMVP]

Hey, some MLB scouts think (Red Sox late round flyer) Jeff Driskel is the best baseball prospect at UF despite not playing in 3 years... Maybe he'll actually try pitching for us now...

(He's not the only CFB player the Red Sox have picked recently... Took a flyer on Shaq Thompson and he had quite literally the worst stat line ever - 0-39 with 37 strikeouts in the GCL. Also drafted Senquez Golson and offered him close to $1 million. When he turned us down on the last day we offered half that money to our backup plan - some small kid named Mookie Betts. Guess it worked out for us.)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Mauk vs Driskell ... most hopeless QB matchup in D1 history perhaps?

[cuervo72]

Ok, I've heard quite enough of this (modest!) century song.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ok, I've heard quite enough of this (modest!) century song.

Reassuring to know that Fall Out Boy still, basically, sucks.

[TroyF]

Winston is just on fire this half. Truly amazing.

Cmon Notre Dame. It's the one time in my life I will cheer for you. Make it happen.

[BishopMVP]

Ok, I've heard quite enough of this (modest!) century song.Still better than ABC's insistence on using Maroon 5 as their final pregame band!

What a great game this has been. Both still young, flawed teams, but I think this is as good an October game I've seen since the Bush Push game. Hopefully it ends more favorably!

[BishopMVP]

Mauk vs Driskell ... most hopeless QB matchup in D1 history perhaps?Did Reggie Ball ever face Tevin Washington in a spring game ;)

[BishopMVP]

Kick the FG or go for it... Our 2nd half defensive strategy has been hope for a dumb FSU penalty that kills their drive.

And that last 3rd down was a perfect example of Golson's poor awareness... once he backs up from the initial pressure, if he rolls to his left I guarantee he has all day and yards of open space to get the first down. Instead he keeps floating to the near sideline and traps himself into a dumb throw.

[BishopMVP]

No Kirk - it's not "a different ND mindset", it's because FSU was dumb and ran 3 times instead of trusting Jameis. Every single time they've ran in the 2nd half I've started cheering.

[larrymcg421]

WHAT?!

[cartman]

EA Sports ending to the Texas-Iowa State game. Texas took the lead 45-38 with 1:19 to go in the game. Iowa State ran 8 plays in 50 seconds and tied the game with 28 seconds left. Texas got two long pass plays to get the ball to the 3 and kicked the game winning FG with 3 seconds left.

[JonInMiddleGA]

No matter then outcome, only decent game I've seen all day really.
GT-UNC being close doesn't really count all that much as "decent" afaic.

[larrymcg421]

That 4th and 18 completion was crazy. When he threw that pass, I was certain it was going nowhere. I couldn't believe there was actually an open ND receiver.

[ISiddiqui]

Holy crap, an offensive interference on a pick... what a dumb play by that WR...

[larrymcg421]

Holy crap, an offensive interference on a pick... what a dumb play by that WR...

Especially since it looked like the defender was gonna be late anyways.

[TroyF]

I swear, Fisher has the most punchable face I have ever seen. Winston comes a close second.

[cartman]

He didn't even try to act like he was running a route

[EagleFan]

All is right with the world when ND loses.

[cartman]

Also, why wasn't there a 10 second run off after the PI call?

[mckerney]

Also, why wasn't there a 10 second run off after the PI call?

Isn't that only for a penalty when the clock is running?

http://www.footballfoundation.org/News/Blog/tabid/521/entryid/63/

The first of these was introduced in 2011. The rules were changed that year so that if the clock is running inside of one minute in either half and a player commits a foul that causes the clock to stop, the opponent has the option of having 10 seconds taken off. This is to reduce the potential clock advantage gained by a team deliberately committing a foul to get the clock stopped. While the clock always is stopped for administration of a penalty, this rule applies to fouls that themselves cause the clock to stop. A false start is one example. Intentionally grounding a pass is another. If the fouling team has a timeout available they can avoid the 10-second runoff by burning the timeout.

[TroyF]

All is right with the world when ND loses.

Normally, I would agree with you 100 percent. Not tonight though.

[kingfc22]

I swear, Fisher has the most punchable face I have ever seen. Winston comes a close second.

Seriously. Grade A jack asses

[cartman]

Yeah, I guess it was how the clock was when the ball was snapped

[mckerney]

Yeah, I guess it was how the clock was when the ball was snapped

I think it has to do with the clock when the play ended were the outcome to stand (in this case stopped because of touchdown) rather than whether the clock is running at the snap (unless of course it's a presnap penalty).

It's designed so a penalty can't be used to give the offense a stoppage of the clock and there was no benefit to Notre Dame in regards to time on the clock with that penalty.

[BishopMVP]

Holy crap, an offensive interference on a pick... what a dumb play by that WR...Brutal ending, but right call. They ran the same play on the first TD of the night so I can't explain why he was so blatant. (Fwiw, when did OPI change from 10 to 15 yards?)

Fwiw, if ND had won that, Jameis should've gone Iceland in Mighty Ducks 2 on Jimbo... 15/16 in the 2nd half (one sack, one scramble for 8), 1.9 yards per rush all game... And FSU ran 3 times?

Oh well, if ND wins out they'll have a better case than most 1 loss teams. Time to start hoping only one SEC West team finishes with less than 2 losses.

[cartman]

Here's the full rules on the 10 second runoff.

In the NFL and NCAA, a 10-second runoff is assessed if any of the following acts are committed by the offense in the last minute of either half:

A foul by either team that prevents the ball from being snapped
Intentional grounding
Illegal forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage
Throwing a backwards pass out of bounds
Spiking or throwing the ball away after a down (unless after a touchdown)
Any other intentional act that causes the clock to stop

The 10-second penalty does not apply if:

The clock is stopped when the ball is set for play and will not start until the ball is snapped.
If the team on offense has timeouts and elects to use one in lieu of the runoff.
If the defense declines the runoff (which prevents the offense from committing fouls to intentionally run out the clock). Note that the team on defense may elect to decline the runoff while accepting the yardage penalty, but may not do the reverse.

So PI doesn't fall under the first section of acts that trigger the runoff

[ColtCrazy]

Horrible way for ND to lose, but it was the right call. Gotta at least look like you want to catch a pass. Still, ND showed a lot playing so well in a hostile environment. And Robinson is a stud. I agree with Bishop, if they can run the table and some funky stuff happens in the SEC, I can see them getting into the playoff.

[BishopMVP]

Hahaha great stat... Teams that allow less than 120_yards are 147-2 in the last couple years... Both losses belong to Will Muschamp and Florida.

Cartman- clock was stopped prior to the pass.

[Dr. Sak]

Also, why wasn't there a 10 second run off after the PI call?

The administration of the penalty caused the clock to stop , not the foul itself. Only when the act of the foul is the sole reason for stopping the clock do we have a potential for a run off.

[Lathum]

Fucking penalty cost me a four team parlay.

[GrantDawg]

Mauk vs Driskell ... most hopeless QB matchup in D1 history perhaps?


I don't know. There have been some bad ones this year, and that is just in the SEC. Funny to think that last year was some of the best QB play probably in the history of the league (Manziel, Murray, McCarron, Mettenberger, Shaw, Marshall, Franklin. Heck even Wallace and Prescott). What a difference a year makes. Basically, Prescott, Marshall and maybe Wallace have been solid this year, the rest have been inconsistent, mediocre or just bad. Been a real stark contrast in one year.

[MizzouRah]

You mean the offenses look horrid due to horrific QB play. Sorry, good defenses don't hold starting QB's to 70 yards on 38 attempts. This is not the '85 Bears vs. the '00 Ravens defenses out there.

Yeah maybe it's time we give Eddie Printz a look.

[MizzouRah]

Normally, I would agree with you 100 percent. Not tonight though.

Me too.. I was pulling for ND vs FSU.

[tarcone]

Well, a day after and I am still very disappointed. Im tired of the same boring football.
Iowa had an easy schedule through the 1st 7 and managed 5-2. And should have lost a couple others.
Our coach has got to go. Someone on HN mentioned starting a kickstarter campaign to buy out KFs contract. I would contribute.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah maybe it's time we give Eddie Printz a look.

Last week was the week for that. He should have been in that Georgia game in the 2nd or 3rd quarter. We've got far too good of a backup for him to continue to sit in that situation.

[MizzouRah]

Last week was the week for that. He should have been in that Georgia game in the 2nd or 3rd quarter. We've got far too good of a backup for him to continue to sit in that situation.

Well Pinkel already said Mauk is his guy.. so who knows at this point.

[JPhillips]

Will the playoff take an SEC west team that doesn't even make the conference championship over a one loss team that wins it's conference?

[bronconick]

Will the playoff take an SEC west team that doesn't even make the conference championship over a one loss team that wins it's conference?


We'll know in six weeks.

[dawgfan]

Cal won a game 2 weeks ago when the kicker missed a 19 yarder. Oklahoma lost today (partly) because their kicker missed a chip shot. UMass lost to Vandy because they missed a 22 yarder. I didn't see the specific play/throe yet, but I don't mind going for the end zone with college kickers.
Sure. But that receiver wasn't even remotely open - Goff should never have thrown that pass.

[Matthean]

A&M's season is imploding.

And I don't think I've ever seen a case of the yips for a kicker as bad as they were for the OU guy today. Missed two chip shots and had a point after blocked.

Playing three ranked teams in a row can wear a team out. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't surprising losses and even a demoralizing one in there depending on the situation. Oh, and 'Bama out to prove a point isn't the game you want to mail in.

Will the playoff take an SEC west team that doesn't even make the conference championship over a one loss team that wins it's conference?

I think the Big 12 is taking itself out of the equation, so go with the conference champ from the other four. If the Pac-12 goes crazy, then two from the SEC will be an easy pick. I'm just glad OU screwed itself out of the playoffs.

[cuervo72]

Playing three ranked teams in a row can wear a team out.

A team doesn't have enough cupcake breaks? Oh boo hoo. :)

[BishopMVP]

Sure. But that receiver wasn't even remotely open - Goff should never have thrown that pass.Like I said, never saw the actual pass, so I'll believe it was a terrible decision by the QB. But both people posting were also calling out the play call.

[Logan]

Embarrassing show by RU, but I really hope they at least can injure a starter or two for OSU running it up.

Hate to pile on a couple days later, but this is really weak. Even beyond all the terrible injuring stuff, there's no such thing as running up the score unless we're talking a paycheck game.

[Matthean]

Hate to pile on a couple days later, but this is really weak. Even beyond all the terrible injuring stuff, there's no such thing as running up the score unless we're talking a paycheck game.

Steve Spurrier agrees. :D

[miked]

Hate to pile on a couple days later, but this is really weak. Even beyond all the terrible injuring stuff, there's no such thing as running up the score unless we're talking a paycheck game.

I didn't say I wanted RU to purposely injure anyone, was merely watching a team that was 100% better running up the score. In one way I was sort of happy to get that kind of welcome to the BIG, in another way it was a bit classless and typical Urban Meyer. But hey, if and you are winning by 50 in the middle of the 4th quarter, passing on every down, and going for it on 4th and goal on the 6 or 7, you deserve what happens...that was my implication. Lack of a paycheck doesn't really limit class.

And yes, if you are up by 40 and going for it on 4th goal, you are running it up.

That being said, I loved going to Columbus, awesome city, awesome fans, and a great marching band, which was consequently more fun to watch than the Rutgers defense (and most of the offense).

[HerRealName]

Hate to pile on a couple days later, but this is really weak. Even beyond all the terrible injuring stuff, there's no such thing as running up the score unless we're talking a paycheck game.

Ohio State also scored 0 points in the 4th quarter.

[Galaril]

Playing three ranked teams in a row can wear a team out. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't surprising losses and even a demoralizing one in there depending on the situation. Oh, and 'Bama out to prove a point isn't the game you want to mail in.



I think the Big 12 is taking itself out of the equation, so go with the conference champ from the other four. If the Pac-12 goes crazy, then two from the SEC will be an easy pick. I'm just glad OU screwed itself out of the playoffs.

If ND runs the table with @USC and @ ASU they are likely going to be in thew discussion for the playoff. I guess SEC champ, FSU, and ND if they both run the table and whoever wins out of Big 12 Champ ,or PAC Champ.

[Bobble]

And yes, if you are up by 40 and going for it on 4th goal, you are running it up.

Or maybe you're getting your young QB and team into some hi-pressure plays in a game that was no longer hi-pressure. A field goal would have been a consolation prize for both teams. Going for it puts the pressure of being embarrassed back on both teams.

Anywho, glad to hear the good reports you have on your experience in The 'Shoe.

[dawgfan]

Like I said, never saw the actual pass, so I'll believe it was a terrible decision by the QB. But both people posting were also calling out the play call.
The play call wasn't terrible - why not take a shot at the end zone to get sure points rather than the risk of a FG attempt being missed or blocked? - but Goff had absolutely no business throwing that pass. The receiver was not open at any point during that play.