Official 2015 College Football Week 13 thread [Archive]

Tigercat

11-23-2015, 03:39 PM

LSU fans look at LSU talent on NFL rosters over the last 10 years and wonder if any 4+ loss season is excusable, plus 8 years since the last national title.

Texas proves you can still screw up hiring even a sure thing at a top job, but even the most optimistic LSU fans don't see Miles bringing in another title. Feeling that pessimistic about future chances at a title isn't acceptable for a program that has the access to talent that LSU has. (Or USC, Texas, Florida,, etc)

Tigercat

11-23-2015, 03:42 PM

Dola, and by the way, Les Miles is an awesome human being and it makes me sick that it has come to this point.

Chief Rum

11-23-2015, 03:56 PM

Not a matchup of Top 25 teams but UCLA at USC on Saturday will be for the Pac 12 South title.

CU Tiger

11-23-2015, 03:56 PM

LSU is a blue blood. I get it. I really do. They expect success and they should.

That said this is one of those situations where a touch of perspective would do all parties well.

LSU won 2 SEC championships in the 30 years before Nick Saban arrived there.
They won 5 total SEC Championships in the 65 years before Saban arrived there.

Saban won 2 in 4 years. Miles has won 2 in 10 years.

Saban is the historical anomaly in LSU's history. Miles is (statistically) better than any coach not named Saban to walk the sidelines in Baton Rouge.

On top of that you are 1 year removed from losing the DC because the administration refused to commit to him. Hiring Kevin Steele was as head scratchingly bad a decision as any I've seen on many levels and if Miles is to be fired for the Steele hire, well I can accept that.

But Les Miles is a recruiting machine.Be careful what you wish for Bayou Bengals, you might get it.

CU Tiger

11-23-2015, 03:58 PM

DOLA- LSU has won 3 titles in 122 years of football. Miles owns one of those. Firing him because he hasn't won one in 8 years...that is a heck of a standard to live up to.

That said, I agree with Tigercat that I dont see him winning another anytime soon. With the athletes he has at his disposal he has to move to a spread/HUNH offense. Evolve or die.

JonInMiddleGA

11-23-2015, 04:21 PM

who will LSU get in that could possibly do better than Les Miles?

If there's a consensus that he's not winning another NC then maybe a 2% chance of hitting a home run is better than standing pat.

ISiddiqui

11-23-2015, 04:29 PM

OTOH, as CU Tiger basically points out, sometimes you have to accept who you are and go with that.

(I think Nebraska after Tom Osborne is the quintessential case of this)

Logan

11-23-2015, 05:20 PM

That said, I agree with Tigercat that I dont see him winning another anytime soon. With the athletes he has at his disposal he has to move to a spread/HUNH offense. Evolve or die.

I know it's been more than a decade but seeing this kind of line, here at FOFC, still makes me smile.

Tigercat

11-23-2015, 06:15 PM

OTOH, as CU Tiger basically points out, sometimes you have to accept who you are and go with that.

(I think Nebraska after Tom Osborne is the quintessential case of this)

It might be an interesting exercise to consider who LSU really is. Louisiana has consistently had the most NFL players per capita for decades, and Louisiana has only one legit college football program. LSU was just a pretty good football program before the 80s in part because of racial issues. Lots of great African American players went to Grambling or Southern. In the 80s and 90s, LSU never found a coach to build LSU into the recruiting powerhouse it should have always been. It took mediocre recruiter and coach Gerry Dinardo to finally do that in the late 90s. If Gerry Dinardo can recruit multiple top 5ish recruiting classes at a school, nearly anyone can.

When Nick Saban left Michigan State for LSU, most people thought he was making a lateral move. But Saban is not a fool, he knew LSU was a sleeping giant recruiting-wise. LSU is no Nebraska, as long as it is the only major university in a talent rich state, it should be a program that can scare any team in the nation with its talent, and by no means should it lose back to back games to Ole Miss and Arkansas with the offensive talent on the team right now.

MrBug708

11-23-2015, 06:18 PM

I know it's been more than a decade but seeing this kind of line, here at FOFC, still makes me smile.

WHen Urban Meyer was going to be shown how real football is played?

Eaglesfan27

11-23-2015, 06:29 PM

FWIW, my friends who are big LSU fans think they will get Jimbo Fisher to jump from FSU.

dawgfan

11-23-2015, 07:00 PM

FWIW, my friends who are big LSU fans think they will get Jimbo Fisher to jump from FSU.
Yes, I'm sure they do. And yet how often do big moves like this actually come to fruition?

I get that LSU fans look at the talent in-state and think they should be doing better than Miles has lately, and that he's falling behind the times. But canning Miles is a risky move.

Eaglesfan27

11-23-2015, 07:12 PM

Yes, I'm sure they do. And yet how often do big moves like this actually come to fruition?

I get that LSU fans look at the talent in-state and think they should be doing better than Miles has lately, and that he's falling behind the times. But canning Miles is a risky move.

I agree, but I have to think that LSU wouldn't actually pull the trigger on Miles unless they have something lined up.

dawgfan

11-23-2015, 07:39 PM

I agree, but I have to think that LSU wouldn't actually pull the trigger on Miles unless they have something lined up.
For their sake I hope so.

Any rumblings on USC? Is Helton still a candidate? Will they make a big push for Whittingham?

Logan

11-23-2015, 07:46 PM

WHen Urban Meyer was going to be shown how real football is played?

You mean CUM right?

Eaglesfan27

11-23-2015, 07:48 PM

For their sake I hope so.

Any rumblings on USC? Is Helton still a candidate? Will they make a big push for Whittingham?

Lots of rumors. Who knows what is true.

Butter

11-23-2015, 07:50 PM

This LSU argument reminds me of the argument we had when Houston Nutt was getting fired at Arkansas.

CU Tiger

11-23-2015, 08:48 PM

Jimbo wants out of Tallahassee. I KNOW that to be true.
Whether lsu lands him, I've no idea.

Eaglesfan27

11-23-2015, 08:54 PM

Jimbo wants out of Tallahassee. I KNOW that to be true.
Whether lsu lands him, I've no idea.

That is the rumor I had heard too. LSU makes a lot of sense as a landing spot if they pony up the bucks and I think they must have their guy ready to go before they let go of Miles.

MrBug708

11-23-2015, 09:01 PM

Speaking of coaching rumors, one USC board has John Harbaugh all but coming to Southern Cal, while another is saying Chip Kelly is in negotiations with Southern Cal

HomerSimpson98

11-23-2015, 09:07 PM

LSU wins IN SPITE of Miles.

Easy Mac

11-24-2015, 06:54 AM

So I see where the WSU program has said Luke Fall is ready to play. How can they be that irresponsible. Watch the video is the most recent hit, he went full T-Rex arms, that's a horrible concussion. Never mind the game before where he literally tried to crawl off the field.

How can Mike Leach continue to be so irresponsible and get away with it?

miami_fan

11-24-2015, 09:03 AM

How can Mike Leach continue to be so irresponsible and get away with it?

Since we are all about being politically incorrect nowadays, it is not his responsibility to decide if the player is healthy enough to play. If the doc says the player is ready to play and the coach believes he is going to help him win (and save his job), the player will be on the field.

JonInMiddleGA

11-24-2015, 09:08 AM

Since we are all about being politically incorrect nowadays, it is not his responsibility to decide if the player is healthy enough to play. If the doc says the player is ready to play and the coach believes he is going to help him win (and save his job), the player will be on the field.

This.

Kodos

11-24-2015, 09:21 AM

OTOH, as CU Tiger basically points out, sometimes you have to accept who you are and go with that.

(I think Nebraska after Tom Osborne is the quintessential case of this)

Indiana getting rid of Bill Mallory in the mid 90s is another example. Not happy with being a Top 25ish team, they brought in Cam Cameron in an attempt to climb higher. The result? One bowl season since 1993.

Indiana Hoosiers football - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Hoosiers_football#Bowl_games)

Honolulu_Blue

11-24-2015, 09:53 AM

OTOH, as CU Tiger basically points out, sometimes you have to accept who you are and go with that.

(I think Nebraska after Tom Osborne is the quintessential case of this)

Or Michigan after Lloyd Carr left, but before Harbaugh returned like Aragorn!

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

ISiddiqui

11-24-2015, 09:54 AM

When Nick Saban left Michigan State for LSU, most people thought he was making a lateral move. But Saban is not a fool, he knew LSU was a sleeping giant recruiting-wise. LSU is no Nebraska, as long as it is the only major university in a talent rich state, it should be a program that can scare any team in the nation with its talent, and by no means should it lose back to back games to Ole Miss and Arkansas with the offensive talent on the team right now.

Every once in a while programs get really shell shocked by a loss which carries over a while. It happens. However, using the example of what Nick Saban did isn't exactly all that compelling - there is only one Nick Saban. It may all work out if LSU gets Jimbo Fisher, but I can't see him do much better than Miles, esp because a Saban led Alabama is in the SEC West as well. And if LSU doesn't get Fisher, well it may get ugly.

JonInMiddleGA

11-24-2015, 10:07 AM

Indiana getting rid of Bill Mallory in the mid 90s is another example. Not happy with being a Top 25ish team, they brought in Cam Cameron in an attempt to climb higher. The result? One bowl season since 1993.

Indiana Hoosiers football - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Hoosiers_football#Bowl_games)

But they were 5-17 in his last two seasons, with only one bowl appearance in his last five. And 8 years removed from being in the top 25.

That's not exactly a short leash.

CU Tiger

11-24-2015, 10:25 AM

Every once in a while programs get really shell shocked by a loss which carries over a while. It happens. However, using the example of what Nick Saban did isn't exactly all that compelling - there is only one Nick Saban. It may all work out if LSU gets Jimbo Fisher, but I can't see him do much better than Miles, esp because a Saban led Alabama is in the SEC West as well. And if LSU doesn't get Fisher, well it may get ugly.

The irony is Jimbo is Les Miles.
He can recruit his ass off but is seldom the best coach on the field.

Major difference is Jimbo can (supposedly) recruit and develop QBs. Jimbo will stick with a pro-style offense, he is way too conservative in big games (when he doesn't have Jameis Winston at QB even more so), and can't keep a staff together.

dawgfan

11-24-2015, 11:29 AM

tarcone

11-24-2015, 11:52 AM

Iowa travels to Nebraska. This is a rivalry game. The Heroes trophy is on the line. Iowa trying to go 12-0 and Nebby trying to become bowl eligible.

Big game. Im worried. In fact, this one scares me more than MSU.

Go Hawks!!!

HomerSimpson98

11-24-2015, 12:31 PM

Hate to admit it, but Jimbo in LSU is a scary thought.

I have no doubts that LSU will kick our ass on Saturday, putting all the Fire Les talk on the backburner. And he backs into a 12-0 or 11-1 season next year.

miami_fan

11-24-2015, 02:07 PM

Unless the Coach overrules the doctors. There have been reports in the past at WSU of such behavior by Leach.

If that is the case, I expect to not only see Leach gone but the athletic director and the school chancellor as well in the same way things were handled at Illinois. Correct me if I am wrong, hasn't Leach been investigated and cleared of that sort of behavior at WSU already?

Understand this is not about me thinking the players should be tougher or anything like that. I am just past the point of expecting the football coaches at FBS level (or the NFL for that matter) to give a damn about the health of their players over wins and losses.

CU Tiger

11-24-2015, 03:22 PM

Leach was accused of the concussion drama at Texas Tech.

As of this year a coach can't overrule concussion protocol in NCAA. Thats a NCAA disbarment level transgression.

tarcone

11-24-2015, 03:57 PM

I have a friend who is a JV basketball coach here. Every year the state athletic association requires the coaches to watch a video on concussions and take a test.
So that type of behavior, with all the worry about concussions, should get a coach banned from coaching at any level.

If it was my kid put into this situation, I would own the university.

dawgfan

11-25-2015, 12:09 AM

Leach was accused of the concussion drama at Texas Tech.

As of this year a coach can't overrule concussion protocol in NCAA. Thats a NCAA disbarment level transgression.
Is it? Pretty sure the NCAA is not levying any penalties for not following protocols, and said protocols are not standardized across schools - they are each allowed to create their own protocols. (http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/11/22/9777392/ncaa-concussion-protocol-trainers)

JonInMiddleGA

11-25-2015, 01:19 AM

Is it? Pretty sure the NCAA is not levying any penalties for not following protocols, and said protocols are not standardized across schools - they are each allowed to create their own protocols. (http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/11/22/9777392/ncaa-concussion-protocol-trainers)

Here's something I didn't know: the recommended concussion protocol also restricts classroom activity (scroll towards the bottom, return-to-learn section)

Concussion guidelines | NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA (http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/concussion-guidelines)

Meanwhile, I've seen first hand at the high school level the problems that an overzealous program can cause. Led to the {coughFiringcough} "decision not to renew the long-running contract" with our medical services provider
(local sports medicine clinic(s) contract to various schools for sideline personnel rather than have them added to the full-time payroll)

We ended up with, well, a zealot who actively looked to nuke kids from playing. I mean above & beyond what as many as three doctors independently were clearing kids, trainer was insisting on holding them out. A kid would sprain his ankle, she'd start trying to run the tests against the baselines. It got ridiculous and really created a deep animosity towards the entire subject. I really thought someone would eventually drag her from the sideline & give her a concussion of her own.

cartman

11-25-2015, 01:59 PM

Baylor is now down to their 3rd string QB, a guy that played WR most of this season.

CU Tiger

11-26-2015, 08:48 AM

MizzouRah

11-27-2015, 03:19 PM

I would love to have Les Miles at Missouri.

JonInMiddleGA

11-27-2015, 05:12 PM

Another reason Jimbo has already packed his bags...

FSU official details favorable treatment of players - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/fsu-official-details-favorable-treatment-players-003622314--ncaaf.html)

Because of media hatchet jobs?

I'm not a fan of Fisher, nor of FSU for that matter, but I don't see anything particularly new in that story nor anything particularly credible when it's based on statements from someone who had a job primarily because of today's victim culture.

NobodyHere

11-27-2015, 05:37 PM

You had one job today Toledo...

tarcone

11-27-2015, 06:06 PM

Iowa beats Nebraska, 28-20. We go 12-0. First 12 win season in school history.

And they won without converting a 3rd down

I am so excited. Just an unbelievable season

On to the B1G championship game.

GO HAWKS!!!!

lungs

11-27-2015, 06:58 PM

MizzouRah

11-27-2015, 08:09 PM

Congrats on the great season, I'll be pulling for Iowa in the Championship game for sure.

Ditto! What a fantastic season for Iowa!!

CU Tiger

11-28-2015, 11:50 AM

Crazy 1st quarter in Columbia.
Time for my Tigers to settle down.

In a related note got tix from a friend and.... I can high five God on big plays. 1 row behind me in the entire stadium.

Eaglesfan27

11-28-2015, 01:51 PM

Multiple reports that Fuente is going to Virginia Tech.

miked

11-28-2015, 02:42 PM

Rutgers outscored 31-10 in the second half for the 5 pt loss. Give up 660 yards and 4 TD runs of 40+ yards. Maryland (2 wins, no coach) runs 40 times for 400 yards. Flood and Hermann need to be gone.

General Mike

11-28-2015, 02:55 PM

Rutgers outscored 31-10 in the second half for the 5 pt loss. Give up 660 yards and 4 TD runs of 40+ yards. Maryland (2 wins, no coach) runs 40 times for 400 yards. Flood and Hermann need to be gone.

I don't know enough about what Hermann has or hasn't done and whether she should be fired, but Flood should have been let go months ago. It's not coincidence that the team's best performance of the season was a game Flood wasn't even on the sidelines for.

Atocep

11-28-2015, 03:25 PM

I think Flood became the first person to ever be outcoached by Mike Locksley today.

General Mike

11-28-2015, 03:28 PM

I think Flood became the first person to ever be outcoached by Mike Locksley today.

And there's still a chance that they don't fire him.

Kodos

11-28-2015, 03:37 PM

Yes! IU beats Purdue to get the Bucket for 3 straight years. We're bowl eligible! So happy for Coach Wilson and the boys!

Congrats to tarcone and his Hawkeyes too.

Eaglesfan27

11-28-2015, 03:39 PM

Yes! IU beats Purdue to get the Bucket for 3 straight years. We're bowl eligible! So happy for Coach Wilson and the boys!

Congrats to tarcone and his Hawkeyes too.

Awesome! Congrats!

Atocep

11-28-2015, 03:41 PM

Multiple reports that Fuente is going to Virginia Tech.

Foster and Shane Beamer staying on staff.

I would have paid admission to see Foster get the coaching job. Seeing how long it would take him to do/say something stupid and get fired would have been worth it.

Dutch

11-28-2015, 04:05 PM

Thomkal

11-28-2015, 04:36 PM

Citadel 41....Coastal Carolina 38 :(

HomerSimpson98

11-28-2015, 04:37 PM

None of the "upper echelon" teams look very impressive today. If thats what Clemson is, my goodness. I know the Cocks royally suck.

JonInMiddleGA

11-28-2015, 04:40 PM

I really hate the Egg Bowl the last couple if years. Last year, Ole Miss screwed up Mississippi States bid for the playoff...and this year the Bulldogs are poised to screw up Ole Miss' chance at the SEC title. I would much prefer either team be good rather than both. But....having said that, I hope Alabama wins and Ole Miss loses....just to get them back. Karma and all that. :)

I can't really argue with my son's take on things:
"Ole Miss sure knows how to make a hype video" :)

Ole Miss vs MSU 2015 Friday Night Motivational on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/147132027)

tarcone

11-28-2015, 04:51 PM

Good for Indiana. Happy to see them get a bowl bid. That's a good offense they have. Congrats, Kodos.

Dutch

11-28-2015, 05:21 PM

MrBug708

11-28-2015, 05:34 PM

Congrats to the SC fans. You guys wanted it more

bhlloy

11-28-2015, 05:37 PM

Ok jas lov :D

Seriously, the way my sporting week is going no way UCLA doesn't win this as time expires

miami_fan

11-28-2015, 05:40 PM

Brian Kelly needs to go to Auburn and kick the shit out of Muschamp:D

miami_fan

11-28-2015, 06:07 PM

44 carries. Alabama doesn't have ANY other RB besides Henry?

bronconick

11-28-2015, 06:13 PM

Maybe Saban "told" his other running backs to take medical redshirts so he could recruit a dozen more?

Eaglesfan27

11-28-2015, 06:22 PM

Great team effort by USC today to beat UCLA 40-21 and win the Pac12 South Championship. Looking forward to the rematch with Stanford.

JonInMiddleGA

11-28-2015, 07:07 PM

44 carries. Alabama doesn't have ANY other RB besides Henry?

Primary backup Kenyan Drake is out with a broken arm, plus Henry is going for a Heisman and the school's single season rushing record.

19 carries in the fourth quarter might have been a tad much but the game was still in doubt for most of those and it did work for taking up over 10 minutes of possession in the final quarter.

Swaggs

11-28-2015, 08:15 PM

So, what happens if Florida loses tonight and then beats Bama next week?

dave731

11-28-2015, 08:20 PM

So, what happens if Florida loses tonight and then beats Bama next week?

The SEC is stripped of all their football programs and forced to become a basketball conference.

MizzouRah

11-28-2015, 08:28 PM

Florida beat Bama? lol.. that isn't going to happen.

JPhillips

11-28-2015, 08:34 PM

So, what happens if Florida loses tonight and then beats Bama next week?

Bama drops from the two seed to the three seed.

Galaril

11-28-2015, 08:35 PM

Florida beat Bama? lol.. that isn't going to happen.
Lol yeah no shit....so based on the way things are going it looks like the 4 playoff teams are as I suspected a few weeks ago BIG 10 winner , ACC winner if Clemson, SEC winner and Oklahoma.

I hate to say it but even as a ND homer I can't put them ahead of Oklahoma. That is if they can pull it out here against Stanford. Oklahoma looks much more dominant against OSU up thru three quarters.
It will be entertaining when the 5th team is ND that gets left out. When all the old timer ND fanbase goes crazy over not getting in I would say we see the eight team playoff pretty damn soon like 2017 season.

JonInMiddleGA

11-28-2015, 08:41 PM

It will be entertaining when the 5th team is ND that gets left out . When all the old timer ND fanbase goes crazy over not getting in I would say we see the eight team playoff pretty damn soon like 2017 season.

Or they figure out that they'll need to actually legit join a conference to be more than an afterthought.

Honestly, I don't know how much "old timer ND fanbase" is left, not that has any sway or particular relevance. The 70s and 80s are over, Notre Dame is just another program in today's landscape.

bhlloy

11-28-2015, 09:47 PM

Stanford doing everything they can to let ND score with no time left. Doesn't make any sense

edit - didn't look like a TD but that's better for Stanford with 3 TO

kingfc22

11-28-2015, 09:57 PM

Don't have to worry about the Irish taking up a spot in the playoffs.

bhlloy

11-28-2015, 09:58 PM

Blown call by the replay booth in ND favor gave Stanford a chance. Hell of a game.

Atocep

11-28-2015, 10:02 PM

Clemson, Oklahoma, Alabama makes for an interesting playoff regardless of who gets in from the Big 10.

Galaril

11-28-2015, 10:03 PM

Blown call by the replay booth in ND favor gave Stanford a chance. Hell of a game.

Yeah it would have been better for ND for the QBs knee have been called down and they could have run more time off the clock. Oh well great season by ND with all the injuries.

Galaril

11-28-2015, 10:04 PM

Don't have to worry about the Irish taking up a spot in the playoffs.
Indeed and Stanford already was eliminated.

Galaril

11-28-2015, 10:11 PM

Or they figure out that they'll need to actually legit join a conference to be more than an afterthought.

Honestly, I don't know how much "old timer ND fanbase" is left, not that has any sway or particular relevance. The 70s and 80s are over, Notre Dame is just another program in today's landscape.

First I agree and welcome them joining the ACC. They may still be just anther program but they seem to have plenty of money and influence to have their own football tv deal so that is that too.

Galaril

11-28-2015, 10:12 PM

Clemson, Oklahoma, Alabama makes for an interesting playoff regardless of who gets in from the Big 10.

Sure will. I am not sure Clemson is the top team in that group, but guess that is the point of the playoff.

digamma

11-29-2015, 05:45 AM

It's hard to look like the best team for 14 or 15 weeks. Clemson looked like the best team in the nation from mid-October through the first week or two of November. They've looked a little more down to earth the last couple of weeks. Similarly Alabama looked pretty pedestrian in late September and early October. They look like they live up to their hype right now. Oklahoma is probably right there with them at the moment.

Dutch

11-29-2015, 06:52 AM

I can't really argue with my son's take on things:
"Ole Miss sure knows how to make a hype video" :)

Ole Miss vs MSU 2015 Friday Night Motivational on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/147132027)

Guess those boys took that shit to heart....

In any event, the Bulldogs had a helluva year considering they lost 10 starters last year....including their running back Josh Robinson....and suffered way too many injuries in their secondary. Hopefully recruiting has been kind to them (something I don't follow).

Eaglesfan27

11-29-2015, 07:01 AM

LSU's AD says that Miles will remain the coach.

bronconick

11-29-2015, 07:36 AM

Either Jimbo said no and they had no plan B or the whole thing was the AD making a power play and getting burned.

CU Tiger

11-29-2015, 09:20 AM

Not sure who here follows LSU or has any insight but the word locally is that Jimbo to LSU was all but a done deal until Jimmy Sexton ran the price up to $6MM/yr.

On a totally unrelated note great daay to be a CLEMSON fan.
12-0 for the 2nd time in my life. I wasnt a Tiger fan, nor old enough to remember it, the first time.

Lots of trash to clean up or it will all crash next week, but its good to be 12-0 for today.

digamma

11-29-2015, 09:29 AM

I read something similar about Jimbo and LSU.

MizzouRah

11-29-2015, 09:30 AM

How in the heck did Texas beat Oklahoma?

bronconick

11-29-2015, 09:56 AM

CU Tiger

11-29-2015, 11:23 AM

UGA has apparently fired Mark Richt

digamma

11-29-2015, 11:35 AM

Georgia should make a run at the Hat. That would be a hoot.

Not sure who Georgia would hire that is available and really an upgrade from Richt. Mullen seems to be the name people are throwing around. Really? I mean he had a nice year last year and all, but if the reason for firing Richt was that he fell down against good teams, Mullen's SEC wins this year were against teams with a combined 10-22 record.

CU Tiger

11-29-2015, 11:39 AM

Smart?
That is the name I keep hearing.

JonInMiddleGA

11-29-2015, 11:41 AM

Smart?
That is the name I keep hearing.

That was going to be my notion as well. Even the CMR backers can't really go all out against Smart since he's an alum.

digamma

11-29-2015, 11:45 AM

I can see that, but again, is that really an upgrade? I would think big schools might be a little skeptical of that approach given the Florida/Muschamp experience.

CU Tiger

11-29-2015, 11:46 AM

I've said openly around here I wanted Smart as SC, only because I think he is a flop looking for a place to happen.

Smart is an ok recruiter, at Bama. He is a good DC, with Bama talent...and Saban looking over his shoulder.

JonInMiddleGA

11-29-2015, 11:54 AM

I can see that, but again, is that really an upgrade? I would think big schools might be a little skeptical of that approach given the Florida/Muschamp experience.

Anything at least has a chance to be an upgrade, given Richt's proven inability to get them over the hump.

I listened to some early pre-pre-tailgate show stuff yesterday while running errands. The phrase being used was "should consistently be a top five program, this is a top five job". I don't agree with that take but that's a lot of the mindset IMO.

I think the Muschamp scenario is possible but at the same time, look at the job McIlwain has done without a stuffed cupboard. You can find coaches that elevate teams. Georgia doesn't have one, they want one, so they'll try to find one.

General Mike

11-29-2015, 11:55 AM

Rutgers fires AD Hermann.

Well it's one shoe. Hopefully the other drops relatively soon.

Logan

11-29-2015, 12:18 PM

Rutgers fires AD Hermann.

Well it's one shoe. Hopefully the other drops relatively soon.

And done. Flood out.

digamma

11-29-2015, 12:27 PM

Anything at least has a chance to be an upgrade, given Richt's proven inability to get them over the hump.

I listened to some early pre-pre-tailgate show stuff yesterday while running errands. The phrase being used was "should consistently be a top five program, this is a top five job". I don't agree with that take but that's a lot of the mindset IMO.

I think the Muschamp scenario is possible but at the same time, look at the job McIlwain has done without a stuffed cupboard. You can find coaches that elevate teams. Georgia doesn't have one, they want one, so they'll try to find one.

Of course they have a chance. I think the greater likelihood is that it isn't an upgrade. Right may not be a top three coach, but he's pretty much proven to be a top 15 coach. Not a lot of margin for error there. It's like they're drawing to an inside straight. You don't hit those very often.

Of course, I'll love watching it if they miss.

Warhammer

11-29-2015, 12:54 PM

On the outside looking in, UGA is a top 5 program. Richt has had them there. He has been relatively clean as well. Unless you are getting a Saban, I am not sure who is an upgrade. I also remember where UGA was prior to Richt, and it was not a good place.

digamma

11-29-2015, 12:56 PM

Reading some Tom Herman gossip.

JPhillips

11-29-2015, 12:59 PM

Reading some Tom Herman gossip.

I don't know if he's ready for the jump so soon, but he's a quality coach.

General Mike

11-29-2015, 01:11 PM

And done. Flood out.

:party:

The timing of firing the AD is truly terrible. I don't like the idea of hiring the HC before the AD is in place, but Rutgers can't wait until the middle of January to hire a HC either.

GrantDawg

11-29-2015, 01:25 PM

All I can say is that I understand the decision, but I am still heart-broken. You don't find many coaches of the quality and class of a Mark Richt, and it is a sad day. I am glad on how it is being done, though. The release says that Richt will be offered a position after the bowl if he chooses to take it. I am guessing that means he is retiring from coaching to be an ambassador for UGA, and spend more time on his mission work. Good for him, and the University.

As for the next coach, I do think the rumored Smart to SC was one of the reasons for the move. There are many boosters who have wanted Smart, and they are likely making the move. That also gives them an opportunity to keep Pruitt, which would be a very good move.

cuervo72

11-29-2015, 01:58 PM

Of course they have a chance. I think the greater likelihood is that it isn't an upgrade. Right may not be a top three coach, but he's pretty much proven to be a top 15 coach. Not a lot of margin for error there. It's like they're drawing to an inside straight. You don't hit those very often.

Of course, I'll love watching it if they miss.

But they might get the next Nick Saban!

Sports fans are just so impatient. I get why they are, but most would be better off if they just chill. Georgia, you're probably not going to roll a better coach than Richt. LSU, same with Miles. Cincy, you're probably not going to improve on Dalton. Ok Eagles fans, you might want to ditch Chip Kelly, but who else is out there?

Be content to be really good more often than not (there are so many fans who would wish to be that fortunate). Sometimes, you'll have a bad season. Sometimes you might catch lightning in a bottle and have a special season. But you know, there's a million teams out there - so you may not. Accept that.

General Mike

11-29-2015, 02:12 PM

:party:

The timing of firing the AD is truly terrible. I don't like the idea of hiring the HC before the AD is in place, but Rutgers can't wait until the middle of January to hire a HC either.

Sounds like the interim AD will make the hire, with input from BOG members Brown and Schmidt and Prez. Barchi.

ISiddiqui

11-29-2015, 02:48 PM

And done. Flood out.

About damn time. Seriously though, should have been fired when it was revealed he tried to get a prof to change a grade. Inexcusable.

MizzouRah

11-29-2015, 04:28 PM

UGA has apparently fired Mark Richt

I'll take him at Missouri as well.

JPhillips

11-29-2015, 04:33 PM

About damn time. Seriously though, should have been fired when it was revealed he tried to get a prof to change a grade. Inexcusable.

This.

One of my daughter's dance friend's mother is a columnist for the Bergen County Record. She's been killing Rutgers for months over this stuff.

Mizzou B-ball fan

11-29-2015, 06:02 PM

I'll take him at Missouri as well.

Was told that they have already contacted him.

cuervo72

11-29-2015, 06:18 PM

Maryland will take anybody!

Atocep

11-29-2015, 06:32 PM

Maryland will take anybody!

I was hoping Locksley would get the job permanently just to see how spectacularly he would melt down, but it sounds like Michigan DC D.J. Durkin is in line to get the job.

Swaggs

11-29-2015, 06:44 PM

I wonder if Rutgers and Schiano could end up back together. With the current state of the Big Ten East, I'm not sure what Rutgers' can expect with their upside, but Schiano is still only 49.

Dutch

11-29-2015, 06:59 PM

I'm surprised Schiano hasn't ended up at one of the Academies...dude is perfect for military life.

JonInMiddleGA

11-29-2015, 07:10 PM

I'll take him at Missouri as well.

So you'd be fine with the program never going higher than it has been already?

MizzouRah

11-29-2015, 07:55 PM

Was told that they have already contacted him.

That's GREAT to hear. Having another SEC coach would be the best, IMHO. Not that we couldn't hire another good non-SEC coach.. but Mark already has those pipelines.. especially at RB!!!

MizzouRah

11-29-2015, 07:59 PM

So you'd be fine with the program never going higher than it has been already?

Mark at Georgia 15 years: 145-51

Gary at Missouri 15 years: 118-73

Sure.. I'd take him in a heartbeat.

cuervo72

11-29-2015, 08:03 PM

Are we assuming MO has the same talent base GA has? (Wait, I think someone blogged about this recently...)

Swaggs

11-29-2015, 08:09 PM

Richt makes a ton of sense for Miami, but he strikes me as the kind of guy who will take some time off or possibly retire altogether. Miami seems like they would prefer being more like their private school peers (rather than "the U") and a guy like Richt could probably fit with that while still fielding some good teams.

It is unfortunate for Richt and Miles that their careers in the SEC overlapped with the Saban and Meyer years. They've both been fantastic, but it is hard to compete with historically great coaches at blue blood programs.

Swaggs

11-29-2015, 08:10 PM

Are we assuming MO has the same talent base GA has? (Wait, I think someone blogged about this recently...)

I think 538 just touched on it and Georgia had the best population ratio of any state.

cuervo72

11-29-2015, 08:12 PM

Looks like SB Nation did too: Map shows the states with the best college football recruiting situations - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2015/4/15/8143431/states-most-players-recruits)

MO doesn't come out badly by recruits per FBS program, but it's still no Georgia. And by those numbers Rutgers should kick ass, but, well.... :D

JonInMiddleGA

11-29-2015, 08:14 PM

Mark at Georgia 15 years: 145-51

Gary at Missouri 15 years: 118-73

Sure.. I'd take him in a heartbeat.

And in the last 9 years, same number of division titles & SEC titles.

cuervo72

11-29-2015, 08:17 PM

This is interesting as well - what programs have gotten out of their recruits:

After Signing Day, Wisconsin Makes The Best Of Its Recruits | FiveThirtyEight (http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/after-signing-day-wisconsin-makes-the-best-of-its-recruits/)

Maybe not quite as good for Richt.

Maybe Mizzou should hire CPJ though! :D

(or just stay put, given that they are even higher on the list...)

GrantDawg

11-29-2015, 08:18 PM

Richt (and his "people") are saying he is not interested in looking at other jobs. Of course, things might change, but it doesn't look likely.

GrantDawg

11-29-2015, 08:25 PM

The players on the defense (as well as recruits) are now campaigning for Pruitt to stay. Interestingly, many reports are saying that Smart would want to bring Muschamp with him. I just can't see it. I know they are very close and all (in each others wedding close), but Muschamp is making $1.5 million at Auburn, and I don't see Georgia matching that (or paying some big buyout if there is one).

JonInMiddleGA

11-29-2015, 09:17 PM

Richt (and his "people") are saying he is not interested in looking at other jobs. Of course, things might change, but it doesn't look likely.

Rumors are ass't AD + "ambassador"

Of course there's another rumor that says Richt as AD with McGarrity ousted to make a spot (which would be the dumbest move in many years)

MizzouRah

11-29-2015, 09:34 PM

And in the last 9 years, same number of division titles & SEC titles.

Looking at the whole bodies of work.. I'm still saying I would love for Missouri to hire him.

General Mike

11-29-2015, 10:38 PM

I wonder if Rutgers and Schiano could end up back together. With the current state of the Big Ten East, I'm not sure what Rutgers' can expect with their upside, but Schiano is still only 49.

I'm not against it per se, but I'm not really for it either. I found this article from 2 years ago, about coaches who returned to a school they had previously been at. Besides Mike Riley, most of them don't repeat their previous success.

Tracking success of college football coaches returning to same school (http://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/sports/ncaaf/2014/01/09/tracking-success-of-college-football-coaches-returning-to-same-school/4374667/)

NobodyHere

11-29-2015, 11:44 PM

Matt Campbell is leaving Toledo to coach Iowa State.

Mizzou B-ball fan

11-30-2015, 12:05 AM

Looking at the whole bodies of work.. I'm still saying I would love for Missouri to hire him.

I don't think he'll be the one in the end. I know the players want Odom. We'll have to see if the AD goes with that or looks elsewhere.

Mizzou B-ball fan

11-30-2015, 07:38 AM

dola

A lot of people forget who was the second option when Pinkel was hired. Richt interviewed and was the second option if Pinkel didn't take the job.

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 07:59 AM

I will be shocked if Richt ever coaches again.

jbergey22

11-30-2015, 08:36 AM

I will be shocked if Richt ever coaches again.

Any particular reason? He is only 55 and could still make millions per year and likely almost any job he wants.

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 08:45 AM

He isnt a grinder. I would argue he is more passionate about his missionary/ministry work than he is football.

Plus there is an intangible here. Bobby Bowden has talked and written many times about his biggest regret being the family relationships he suffered at the expense of being a great coach. Go down the roster of his "tree". You see a lot of guys make a good run and then go into TV or other less time intensive jobs.

Plus I know that Mark and Tommy Bowden are very close friends. Tommy has said Mark has made the comment he was envious of all the time he has with his family now.

Logan

11-30-2015, 09:34 AM

It doesn't seem like Schiano is going to be the guy at Rutgers again but I would have been okay with it. While I doubt he's improved much on his shortcomings which would have limited his ceiling, at least the program would have an identity again and he would recruit as well as can be expected against the big names in the division.

I think Cristobal ends up as the choice if he doesn't get the Miami job, which seems to be how its trending. I know he stunk at FIU for the majority of his time there but that was a tough program to win at, he recruits well, and hopefully he's learned something under Saban.

Rhule will likely take a bigger job, Fleck isn't quite ready to handle the division we're in, and I'd take the potential of Cristobal over Golden at this point.

Babers is the guy I like the most and I guess going to UCF makes sense if he's positioning himself for a jump to one of the Florida or SEC schools within a few years. Smart for him to move now with his stud QB graduating.

JonInMiddleGA

11-30-2015, 09:37 AM

Rather awkward press conference in Athens this morning.

Interesting quotes from CMR

"More opportunities may come in the next 24-48 hours. I'll listen to anyone who has interest in me coaching."

"If and when I do coach again, I'm looking forward to coaching again, as far as being hands on."

That last bit included something to the effect that was the case - being more hands on - whether his next coaching was as an HC, an OC or a QB coach.

It'll be interesting to see whether all this means "I'll listen but something would have to overwhelm me, otherwise I'll just stay on the payroll here in administration" or "I'll take any reasonable offer in order to coach again"

It wouldn't actually shock me to see him turn up at the high school run by his church (Prince Ave Bapist). Becoming a powerhouse in the state's smallest classification, led by perhaps the best HC in the state right now, with former UGA players on staff, former UGA def. coordinator Richard Bell has been on staff for five years. (you should see their staff get off the bus, they seem to have nearly as many coaches as a lot of teams have players)

MrBug708

11-30-2015, 10:10 AM

SC hires Helton. Good move as their list of Payton, Kelly, and harbaugh weren't coming

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 10:13 AM

Wow. The Best job open in the Country and they stick with the Interim.

I think its a good move for USC from what Ive seen, and expect that will get the dominoes rolling with other jobs soon.

Butter

11-30-2015, 10:25 AM

Placeholder until Pat Haden gets replaced / steps down?

cartman

11-30-2015, 10:33 AM

Coach O is wondering why did they stick with the interim this time.

digamma

11-30-2015, 10:37 AM

Pretty sure Coach O is wondering, "Yaw yaw yaw yaw yaaaw yaaawwww, Footbawl."

Atocep

11-30-2015, 10:40 AM

Pretty sure Coach O is wondering, "Yaw yaw yaw yaw yaaaw yaaawwww, Footbawl."

:D

bhlloy

11-30-2015, 11:29 AM

I'm fine with this. Realistically the NFL list looked something like Hue Jackson and Pep Hamilton rather than Chip Kelly and John Harbaugh like a lot of USC fans were hoping.

MrBug708

11-30-2015, 11:33 AM

And if you strike out, you can't hire Helton

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 11:47 AM

Just got a text from a GA High School head coach who has put about a dozen players in D1 in the last 5 years or so I thought some here might find interesting...

UGA did a GREAT man wrong. Classless. It's going to be hard for a new staff to get over that with our staff, I can say that.

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 11:49 AM

Joseph Duarte ‏@Joseph_Duarte 12m12 minutes ago
Coach Tom Herman says he has ‘agreed in principle’ on contract with @UHCougarFB

Atocep

11-30-2015, 12:20 PM

Joseph Duarte ‏@Joseph_Duarte 12m12 minutes ago
Coach Tom Herman says he has ‘agreed in principle’ on contract with @UHCougarFB

With the USC job filling this probably means Strong and Sumlin are staying put.

Eaglesfan27

11-30-2015, 12:26 PM

Wow. The Best job open in the Country and they stick with the Interim.

I think its a good move for USC from what Ive seen, and expect that will get the dominoes rolling with other jobs soon.

Why? Do you think Helton can be a great coach from your perspective?

General Mike

11-30-2015, 12:28 PM

Logan

11-30-2015, 02:47 PM

Not really excited about any of those guys. Babers seems okay, but ugh just not floored.

We're not in the position to get a "floored by" guy with the status of the administration and the financial constraints in place for another 5 years. Let's not let perfect be the enemy of the good. All these options are tremendously more qualified than Flood was.

miked

11-30-2015, 03:18 PM

I'll bet Rettig is thrilled.

JonInMiddleGA

11-30-2015, 05:06 PM

Just got a text from a GA High School head coach who has put about a dozen players in D1 in the last 5 years or so I thought some here might find interesting...

I would hope -- although given some of the HS coaches I've come across I won't guarantee it -- that a lot of them also realize the guy can't coach to a national championship level. Being a great guy is NOT the job.

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 07:09 PM

I would hope -- although given some of the HS coaches I've come across I won't guarantee it -- that a lot of them also realize the guy can't coach to a national championship level. Being a great guy is NOT the job.

I don't think it's THAThe is gone, I think it is HOW it went down.

CU Tiger

11-30-2015, 07:13 PM

Why? Do you think Helton can be a great coach from your perspective?

I don't know enough to have a strong feeling, but the team seems to have responded and he seems like a very strong x&o guy. Which to me is a must at USC. You don't need a great recruiter at USC, the school does that itself. They don't need flash, they've tried that now twice.

Helton seems to love USC , the players seem to respond to him, and he seems like a substance hire.

He might never get to Pete Caroll level but I think his floor is stabilizing the program for ~5 years and averaging 8-9 wins a year.

Senator

11-30-2015, 07:39 PM

The TCU game was the wettest and coldest I've been since the 2004 NAIA playoff game in Sioux Falls. ~~~~~~~

Eaglesfan27

11-30-2015, 07:58 PM

I don't know enough to have a strong feeling, but the team seems to have responded and he seems like a very strong x&o guy. Which to me is a must at USC. You don't need a great recruiter at USC, the school does that itself. They don't need flash, they've tried that now twice.

Helton seems to love USC , the players seem to respond to him, and he seems like a substance hire.

He might never get to Pete Caroll level but I think his floor is stabilizing the program for ~5 years and averaging 8-9 wins a year.

I don't disagree. I'm disappointed that we didn't get any of the rumored big names. But the more I digest this, the better I feel about it. I agree with you that his floor is high and he might surprise with his ceiling. He seems to have some great leadership qualities and will hopefully hire talented coordinators.

Chief Rum

11-30-2015, 08:14 PM

I don't know enough to have a strong feeling, but the team seems to have responded and he seems like a very strong x&o guy. Which to me is a must at USC. You don't need a great recruiter at USC, the school does that itself. They don't need flash, they've tried that now twice.

Helton seems to love USC , the players seem to respond to him, and he seems like a substance hire.

He might never get to Pete Caroll level but I think his floor is stabilizing the program for ~5 years and averaging 8-9 wins a year.

He won't be coaching there for 5 years if he is averaging 8-9 wins per year.

I'll say this for the rival school: Helton is probably the best human being USC has hired as their HC since John Robinson. Admittedly, the past few didn't set the bar high.

I'll be rooting for Helton to do well. Like, 2nd in the Pac 12 South every year. :D

CU Tiger

12-01-2015, 09:04 AM

Question for the committee: Does Clemson deserve to make playoff even if it loses? - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/question-for-the-committee--does-clemson-deserve-to-make-playoff-even-if-it-loses-saturday-065310636-ncaaf.html)

JPhillips

12-01-2015, 09:41 AM

I can't imagine Clemson not getting in unless they are blown out ala Wisconsin.

BillJasper

12-01-2015, 09:46 AM

I guess it would depend on how they lose and what other teams do, in the top six or seven.

JPhillips

12-01-2015, 09:56 AM

It's why I think we're down to five teams at this point.

Clemson, Oklahoma and B1G winner are locks with Alabama probably in no matter what as well, but if they lose they might be replaced by Stanford. I don't see any scenario where the SEC is shut out and the Big Ten gets two bids.

Logan

12-01-2015, 10:47 AM

Started a coach hiring thread:

2015 College Football Coach Hiring Thread - Front Office Football Central (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=90994)

bob

12-01-2015, 10:52 AM

I think I've finally put my finger on what I dislike about the college football system these days. Non-conference scheduling is done way too far in advance.

Since I've heard a lot about UNC's schedule lately in regards to what happens if they beat Clemson, let's take them for example. It isn't like they knew several years ago that their in conference foes would be bad and they could go sign up some decent non-conference games to bolster the schedule - they schedules were set years ago. How were they supposed to know that GT would be horrible, etc, when they set those schedules? They may not be the best example due to the two 1-AA teams on their schedule, but I haven't look into it enough to see if that was due to issues finding suitable 1-A opponents.

The only solution is to schedule big name teams and pray they are actually good. The schedule fluctuations are just too big over time.

I just wonder if this all eventually results in a 32 team league.

Edit: Yes, I know that this has always been an issue. Just seems bigger when picking four teams instead of 2 (or just 1 at the end of the season).

spleen1015

12-01-2015, 10:53 AM

I think I've finally put my finger on what I dislike about the college football system these days. Non-conference scheduling is done way too far in advance.

Since I've heard a lot about UNC's schedule lately in regards to what happens if they beat Clemson, let's take them for example. It isn't like they knew several years ago that their in conference foes would be bad and they could go sign up some decent non-conference games to bolster the schedule - they schedules were set years ago. How were they supposed to know that GT would be horrible, etc, when they set those schedules? They may not be the best example due to the two 1-AA teams on their schedule, but I haven't look into it enough to see if that was due to issues finding suitable 1-A opponents.

The only solution is to schedule big name teams and pray they are actually good. The schedule fluctuations are just too big over time.

I just wonder if this all eventually results in a 32 team league.

I heard on the radio the other day that UNC had 2 teams pull out on them at the last minute and the only teams they could schedule were those 1-AA teams.

JonInMiddleGA

12-01-2015, 10:56 AM

I can't imagine Clemson not getting in unless they are blown out ala Wisconsin.

Or lose Watson to obvious season ending injury early, look like crap and lose by 3 TD's.

JonInMiddleGA

12-01-2015, 11:01 AM

I heard on the radio the other day that UNC had 2 teams pull out on them at the last minute and the only teams they could schedule were those 1-AA teams.

Ohio State, Tennessee and Minnesota all cancelled according the AD

North Carolina AD Bubba Cunningham talks about the Tar Heels' schedule - ACC Blog- ESPN (http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/88828/north-carolina-ad-bubba-cunningham-talks-about-the-tar-heels-schedule)

And in case anyone doubts that tOSU wanted out of a game, here's last year's article explaining that (all the screwy moving around conferences did was going to leave them with only 6 home games in 2017 so they needed to make adjustments)

Ohio State drops football series with North Carolina in 2017 and 2018, replacement should be named soon | cleveland.com (http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2014/08/ohio_state_drops_football_seri.html)