Official 2015 College Football bowl and awards thread

[cartman]

Here's the bowl lineups (all times Eastern)

DECEMBER 19

Celebration Bowl: Alcorn State (9-3) vs. North Carolina AT&T (9-2)
Atlanta | Georgia Dome
Noon, ABC

Cure Bowl: San Jose State (5-7) vs. Georgia State (6-6)
Orlando | Orlando Citrus Bowl
Noon, CBS Sports Network

New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico (7-5) vs. Arizona (6-6)
Albuquerque | University Stadium
2 p.m., ESPN

Las Vegas Bowl: BYU (9-3) vs. Utah (9-3)
Las Vegas | Sam Boyd Stadium
3:30 p.m., ABC

Camellia Bowl: Ohio (8-4) vs. Appalachian State (10-2)
Montgomery, Ala. | Cramton Bowl
5:30 p.m., ESPN

New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State (9-3) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-4)
New Orleans | Superdome
9 p.m., ESPN

DECEMBER 21

Miami Beach Bowl: South Florida (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky (11-2)
Miami | Marlins Park
2:30 p.m. on ESPN

DECEMBER 22

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron (7-5) vs. Utah State (6-6)
Boise, Idaho | Albertsons Stadium
3:30 p.m., ESPN

Boca Raton Bowl: Temple (10-3) vs. Toledo (9-2)
Boca Raton, Fla. | FAU Stadium
7 p.m., ESPN

DECEMBER 23

Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois (8-5)
San Diego | Qualcomm Stadium
4:30 p.m., ESPN

GoDaddy Bowl: Bowling Green (10-3) vs. Georgia Southern (8-4)
Mobile, Ala. | Ladd-Peebles Stadium
8 p.m., ESPN

DECEMBER 24

Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee (7-5) vs. Western Michigan (7-5)
Nassau, Bahamas | Robinson National Stadium
Noon, ESPN

Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State (10-3) vs. Cincinnati (7-6)
Honolulu | Aloha Stadium
8 p.m., ESPN

DECEMBER 26

St. Petersburg Bowl: Connecticut (6-6) vs. Marshall (9-3)
St. Petersburg, Fla. | Tropicana Field
11 a.m., ESPN

Sun Bowl: Miami (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4)
El Paso, Texas | Sun Bowl
2 p.m., CBS

Heart of Dallas Bowl: Washington (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (9-4)
Dallas | Cotton Bowl
2:20 p.m., ESPN

Pinstripe Bowl: Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6)
New York City | Yankee Stadium
3:30 p.m., ABC

Independence Bowl: Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Tulsa (6-6)
Shreveport, La. | Independence Stadium
5:45 p.m. on ESPN

Foster Farms Bowl: Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4)
Santa Clara, Calif. | Levi's Stadium
9:15 p.m., ESPN

DECEMBER 28

Military Bowl: Pitt (8-4) vs. Navy (9-2)
Annapolis, Md. | Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
2:30 p.m., ESPN

Quick Lane Bowl: Minnesota (5-7) vs. Central Michigan (7-5)
Detroit | Ford Field
5 p.m., ESPN2

DECEMBER 29

Armed Forces Bowl: Air Force (8-5) vs. California (7-5)
Fort Worth, Texas | Amon G. Carter Stadium
2 p.m., ESPN

Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina (11-2) vs. Baylor (9-3)
Orlando, Fla. | Citrus Bowl
5:30 p.m., ESPN

Arizona Bowl: Colorado State (7-5) vs. Nevada (6-6)
Tucson, Arizona | Arizona Stadium
7:30 p.m., campusinsiders.com

Texas Bowl: LSU (8-3) vs. Texas Tech (7-5)
Houston | NRG Stadium
9 p.m., ESPN

DEC. 30

Birmingham Bowl: Auburn (6-6) vs. Memphis (9-3)
Birmingham, Alabama | Legion Field
Noon, ESPN

Belk Bowl: North Carolina State (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4)
Charlotte, N.C. | Bank of America Stadium
3:30 p.m., ESPN

Music City Bowl: Louisville (7-5) vs. Texas A&M (8-4)
Nashville | LP Field
7 p.m., ESPN

Holiday Bowl: Southern Cal (8-5) vs. Wisconsin (9-3)
San Diego | Qualcomm Stadium
10:30 p.m., ESPN

DECEMBER 31

Peach Bowl: Houston (12-1) vs. Florida State (10-2)
Atlanta | Georgia Dome
Noon, ESPN

College Football Playoff, semifinals
Orange Bowl: No. 1 Clemson (13-0) vs. No. 4 Oklahoma (11-1)
Miami Gardens, Fla. | Sun Life Stadium
4 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff, semifinals
Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Alabama (12-1) vs. No. 3 Michigan State (12-1)
Arlington, Texas | AT&T Stadium
8 p.m., ESPN

JANUARY 1

Outback Bowl: Northwestern (10-2) vs. Tennessee (8-4)
Tampa | Raymond James Stadium
Noon, ESPN2

Citrus Bowl: Michigan (9-3) vs. Florida (10-3)
Orlando | Orlando Citrus Bowl
1 p.m., ABC

Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Ohio State (11-1)
Glendale, Ariz. | University of Phoenix Stadium
1 p.m., ESPN

Rose Bowl: Stanford (11-2) vs. Iowa (12-1)
Pasadena, Calif. | Rose Bowl
5 p.m., ESPN

Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State (10-2) vs. Ole Miss (9-3)
New Orleans | Superdome
8:30 p.m., ESPN

JANUARY 2

TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3)
Jacksonville, Fla. | EverBank Field
Noon, ESPN

Liberty Bowl: Kansas State (6-6) vs Arkansas (7-5)
Memphis | Liberty Bowl
3:20 p.m., ESPN

Alamo Bowl: Oregon (9-3) vs. TCU (10-2)
San Antonio, Texas | Alamodome
6:45 p.m., ESPN

Cactus Bowl: West Virginia (7-5) vs. Arizona State (6-6)
Phoenix | Chase Field
10:15 p.m., ESPN

JANUARY 11

College Football Playoff: Championship game
Clemson/Oklahoma winner vs. Alabama/Michigan State winner
Glendale, Ariz. | University of Phoenix Stadium
8:30 p.m., ESPN

[tarcone]

Iowa in their first Rose bowl since 1991. I expect 80,000 Iowa fans at this game.

[Karlifornia]

Iowa in their first Rose bowl since 1991. I expect 80,000 Iowa fans at this game.


Well, sure. What else would they be doing?

[tarcone]

Well, sure. What else would they be doing?

Freezing their ass off.

I priced a package to go. For myself and my wife to get the package, which includes airfare, hotel/3 nights, ground transportation, parade ticket, game ticket, was around $12,000.

Guess Im staying home this year.

[Karlifornia]

Freezing their ass off.

I priced a package to go. For myself and my wife to get the package, which includes airfare, hotel/3 nights, ground transportation, parade ticket, game ticket, was around $12,000.

Guess Im staying home this year.


All snark aside, I'm also going to be on the outside looking in, despite living a 90 minute drive away. Iowa's fans love for their team has surprised me, although I guess it shouldn't have.

It's gonna be a great game, I think.

[tarcone]

All snark aside, I'm also going to be on the outside looking in, despite living a 90 minute drive away. Iowa's fans love for their team has surprised me, although I guess it shouldn't have.

It's gonna be a great game, I think.

There are 2 things you do in Iowa for entertainment, follow Iowa football and drink beer. :)

[tarcone]

Iowa CB Desmond King has won the Jim Thorpe DB of the year and was named 1st team Walter Camp All American DB.
Congrats to King.

Now we will definitely have to replace the junior.

[PilotMan]

The big FCS news last night was Richmond pulling off a huge upset over preseason title favorites Illinois State. That makes today's NDSU-UNI matchup today even bigger for the Bison. UNI has historically made things very hard on the Bison. It's one of the best rivalries in the FCS, but it'll be in Fargo today, where we'll have a big advantage. They are going to need every bit of it.

Because ISU lost last night that means that a win would have us back at home again next week in the Semi's. If UNI were to knock the Bison off today you'd have Richmond hosting next week.

On the other side of the bracket top seeded Jacksonville State put up 58 on Charleston So. They will host the winner of today's Colgate v. Sam Houston State. Sam Houston is back at home after their upset last week. Look for them to be favored in this match up setting a potential trip to top seeded Jacksonville St next week.

Sam Houston St, Richmond, UNI, and NDSU have all had trips to the finals in the last 10 years. If you add a couple more, you'll add Colgate as well. Jacksonville St is the only team left of the teams remaining who hasn't. There are lots of storylines you can build with these teams.

I'm under no illusions about the game today. It's going to be tough on the Bison. I have big hopes, but after 4 straight titles, getting this far after losing the starting QB Carson Wentz, who is going to the NFL, almost 2 months ago. Having to replace him with a redshirt freshman and still getting this far makes the year a successful one.

The game is at noon on ESPN.

[CU Tiger]

Tomorrow, Sunday 12/13 will be 1 year to the day from when Clemson QB Deshaun Watson had a 3lig knee surgery repairing his ACL and 2 MCLs.

Tonight he will sit in New York with the 2 highest QBR in the country. The highest QBR in the 4th quarter in the country. The highest 4th quarter completion % in the country (3rd overall) and the key cog to the nation's only undefeated team.

He will likely finish 3rd in the Heisman voting. Wouldn't trade him for anyone though.

Just need to win 2 more game and who cares about the awards. Or in the words of the 19 year old "I have no control about how other men vote. I have total control over how we play the last 2 games of the season. Im worried and focused about the latter and only interested to see how the former plays out."

[PilotMan]

NDSU up by 8 with 4 to play. The offense is about to get the ball back with a need to kill the clock. If they can't do that UNI will have a chance to go the distance for the tie.

On the other side, Sam Houston St is putting a 41-14 whipping on Colgate.

[PilotMan]

A safety to seal it! And we are still in business! Richmond is coming to Fargo next week! One more win and we'll be back in Frisco for the 5 straight time.

[Thomkal]

And Big South dreams end with a 58-38 drubbing of Charleston Southern by Jacksonville State. :( Next season will be a very odd one for Coastal Carolina as they will not play a Sun Belt schedule, nor be able to play in any bowl game or playoff-very boring actually.

[Thomkal]

congrats to to NDSU!

[JPhillips]

This Army/Navy game is a lot of fun.

[PilotMan]

And Big South dreams end with a 58-38 drubbing of Charleston Southern by Jacksonville State. :( Next season will be a very odd one for Coastal Carolina as they will not play a Sun Belt schedule, nor be able to play in any bowl game or playoff-very boring actually.

How does that work Thomkal?

[Thomkal]

How does that work Thomkal?


They have to sit out one or two years (both via the Sun Belt and Div 1 football) when making the jump to the big leagues. Get to increase their scholarships every year I think. The NCAA wants them to be competetive when they finally start playing as a member of the Sun Belt and this gives time to build a full team. I think they can win the Sun Belt in 2017, but not be in a Bowl. Probably other reasons I've forgotten too. (give them time to get their various stadiums and playing fields time to meet their new level's requirements?) I think they still have a lot of FCS schools scheduled for next season-3 or 4 Big South teams still. Other sports may differ.

[PilotMan]

So they are officially I-A next year? There's been a lot of talk about NDSU going that route, but it would be a mistake. We compete well because of being able to grab guys who aren't getting I-A scholarships. We wouldn't do so well trying to grab guys from Minnesota. It's not the same.

I do remember that SU going through the transition from DII to DIAA. We went 10-1 as an independent, ranked #9 in 2007 at the end of the year. In 2006 we went 10-1 and finished #5, still unable to go to the playoffs. This team could have easily been major factors in the title picture for longer than the last 5 years. I'm very proud of the program that they've built. I see no need for them to move up when the school is reaping the rewards at this level.

[PilotMan]

Although, there have been rumors. Rumors from other D1 schools about approaching the school to be in newly rebuilt conferences that used to be really important and aren't as much any longer.

[Edward64]

Haters are going to hate. It is what it is.

Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy: Alabama RB takes award - College Football - SI.com (http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/11/derrick-henry-wins-heisman-trophy-2015-alabama)
Alabama running back Derrick Henry is the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner.

Henry was announced as the winner and presented with his award on Saturday night at New York City’s Playstation Theater, beating out Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey and Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson for the honors.

Henry rushed for an SEC-record 1,986 yards on 339 carries and 23 scores, leading the nation in rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. The junior was responsible for 2,083 yards of offense, and had four 200-yard rushing games, joining Heisman winners Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson as the third SEC running back ever to do so.

[BishopMVP]

So they are officially I-A next year? There's been a lot of talk about NDSU going that route, but it would be a mistake. We compete well because of being able to grab guys who aren't getting I-A scholarships. We wouldn't do so well trying to grab guys from Minnesota. It's not the same.

I do remember that SU going through the transition from DII to DIAA. We went 10-1 as an independent, ranked #9 in 2007 at the end of the year. In 2006 we went 10-1 and finished #5, still unable to go to the playoffs. This team could have easily been major factors in the title picture for longer than the last 5 years. I'm very proud of the program that they've built. I see no need for them to move up when the school is reaping the rewards at this level.Assuming it hasn't changed since UMass did it, they're officially 1-A but ineligible to win a conference, go to a bowl game, or win a national championship (as unlikely as that would be.) For 2 years iirc - first one we played about half FBS, half FCS teams and it was weird as hell. 2nd one we still weren't eligible to win anything, but basically played a full MAC schedule so it was like being on probation with a bowl ban for a year and we could make measurable progress towards the goal (not that we did, but other schools who made the transition have in that 2nd year.) As far as scholarships, they are restrained by the "25" per year limit, but iirc they are allowed to literally jump from the 63? of FCS to 85 of FBS by handing out 22 more free rides to walk-ons if they want, although obviously they try to balance it and not have 40 players graduating 5 years from now.

I still support UMass's decision to move up based on the possibility we could have (/still can) eventually end up in a 'current AAC'/'old school C-USA' + UConn hybrid and pull all sports up to a higher competition level because I don't want all sports (a.k.a mainly basketball, which is the real potential money-maker here) competing in the same league as St. Bonaventure or Fordham, but no question it's sucked for the football fans. I'd probably feel differently if we pulled off a miracle like Boise State, but I'd take going toe to toe with UNH and James Madison all day over getting blown out by Notre Dame and Colorado. Don't think I'm hating on NDSU here, because you guys clearly have a well run program and I've said the same thing to casual UMass fans who ask when we're getting a B1G or ACC invite, but based on state population, alumni base, TV market size and geography not a chance in hell NDSU is getting an invite to a PAC-16 or either old BIG-10/12 if/when those schools break off and officially consign the other half of current 1-A schools to a middle tier. Again, Boise State is the absolute best case scenario, they made the jump 15? 20? years ago, and if they get invited to one of those I will be stunned. (The Big 12 or whatever its called now could be an outside possibility for them if all the timing and dominoes work right for them - a.k.a. if some schools leave but U Texas refuses to join either the PAC or ACC and uses its gravity to be the fulcrum of a major league, maybe talking Oklahoma and ND along for the ride and just trying to fill out the last slot with the best football school regardless of long-term sustainability or the quality of the rest of their athletics.)

If/when that split happens, maybe NDSU can make the jump up to the new Tier 2 from the Tier 3 that current FCS will become, but as of now it makes zero sense for them. Ignore whether you'd be a "better" football team (you would be, although these UMass teams really aren't that much better than the ones back in like '06 when I went to school and we made the FCS title game) and ask yourself if beating New Mexico State to go 6-6 and make a bowl game would be anywhere close to as enjoyable as being 13-2 and playing Sam Houston State, or UNH, or Northern Iowa on ESPNU. I know my answer.
Haters are going to hate. It is what it is.

Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy: Alabama RB takes award - College Football - SI.com (http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/11/derrick-henry-wins-heisman-trophy-2015-alabama)Can I still hate the two voters who gave Connor Cook a 1st-place vote? I know there's like 1000 voters, and the weekly college coaches poll has some weird votes too, but I just don't get it. Forget shaming them, make it public just so I can try to hear the rationale for that vote. Does his dad write for a paper? Did the NCAA confuse the Heisman and the Naismith and give Magic Johnson a vote?

[MrBug708]

Congrats to the SEC, er, Henry

[PilotMan]

Ignore whether you'd be a "better" football team (you would be, although these UMass teams really aren't that much better than the ones back in like '06 when I went to school and we made the FCS title game) and ask yourself if beating New Mexico State to go 6-6 and make a bowl game would be anywhere close to as enjoyable as being 13-2 and playing Sam Houston State, or UNH, or Northern Iowa on ESPNU. I know my answer.


I completely agree. There is no way the program would succeed at the next level like it has at this one. I think there are a lot of delusional people out there who think that it would benefit the school and the fan base, but when you step back and look at the reality of it. I mean, Marshall had a couple of good years, Boise St has, but then there's schools like Western Kentucky, whose spot we took in the MVFC. They were a top tier football powerhouse and where are they now? They don't even get a second look. Trust me, the fan base is much happier, and continues to grow going 13-2 and playing for National Championships than if we were going 5-6, or 4-7 at the next level.

Just look at recruiting. Right now we are able to grab guys like Marcus Williams, who is playing for the Jets right now and has 5 Int's this year. Minnesota couldn't give him a scholarship, we could. Easton Stick, our FR QB who was recruited by Nebraska, but we could give him a full ride. I just don't think we can compete in the midwest for top tier athletic talent that can go to any of those other schools. Perhaps if we had a campus like Pepperdine, but not in Fargo.

[Thomkal]

So they are officially I-A next year? There's been a lot of talk about NDSU going that route, but it would be a mistake. We compete well because of being able to grab guys who aren't getting I-A scholarships. We wouldn't do so well trying to grab guys from Minnesota. It's not the same.

I do remember that SU going through the transition from DII to DIAA. We went 10-1 as an independent, ranked #9 in 2007 at the end of the year. In 2006 we went 10-1 and finished #5, still unable to go to the playoffs. This team could have easily been major factors in the title picture for longer than the last 5 years. I'm very proud of the program that they've built. I see no need for them to move up when the school is reaping the rewards at this level.

I believe they are yes, but its more like a "in limbo 1-A". Coastal is in a much different position that NDSU. They are 20 minutes from the ocean , Myrtle Beach attractions/shopping, and much warmer (no snow!) weather. That gets them players they normally wouldn't. They routinely beat South Carolina's top schools in other sports besides football. Moving to 1-A should get them better recruits who wouldn't look at a FCS school normally.

[TroyF]

Haters are going to hate. It is what it is.

Derrick Henry wins Heisman Trophy: Alabama RB takes award - College Football - SI.com (http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/11/derrick-henry-wins-heisman-trophy-2015-alabama)

Count me amongst the haters. Henry is a fantastic football player, but this vote should not have been close. There are about a billion reasons all college football awards are irrelevant, but that vote adds another one.

[digamma]

I'm not even sure where to put this, but pretty good player and message board legend Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss) fell out of a 4th story window and suffered several injuries in Atlanta over the weekend. No details on seriousness of the injuries, why or how it happened or why he was in Atlanta.

[PilotMan]

I'm not even sure where to put this, but pretty good player and message board legend Robert Nkemdiche (Ole Miss) fell out of a 4th story window and suffered several injuries in Atlanta over the weekend. No details on seriousness of the injuries, why or how it happened or why he was in Atlanta.

Update (3:15 p.m.): Daniel Pauling of The Clarion-Ledger (http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/ole-miss/2015/12/13/ole-miss-robert-nkemdiche-reportedly-suffers-injuries/77249772/) has more:
Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche fell from a hotel window last night but was conscious and breathing when officers responded to the incident and was in stable condition when taken to a local hospital, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

[JPhillips]

“It appears that the victim broke the window and then walked approximately 15 feet and climbed over a wall and fell approximately 15 feet,”

WTF?

[CU Tiger]

WTF?

Prayers for him and his family.
He has struggled with depression for much of his (young) life. I dont want to speculate, but knowing the back story makes this scary for me. Older brother Denzel frequently acted out aggressively towards others from a young age and Bob was more self destructive...hope this is an accident and not a re-occurence of the pattern.

[CU Tiger]

Congrats to the SEC, er, Henry

Funny, you should say that...



<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Heisman Trophy is back in the SEC! <a href="https://t.co/KVw3Desnk5">https://t.co/KVw3Desnk5</a></p>&mdash; TheBigSpur.com (@TheBigSpur247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBigSpur247/status/675865223362912256">December 13, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>




Though to be fair, it is clearly a league award since his lows of the season (both total yards AND yards pr carry) came against Louisiana Monroe, Middle Tennessee...with Charleston Southern finishing 4th behind only SEC foe Arkansas..

[BishopMVP]

I completely agree. There is no way the program would succeed at the next level like it has at this one. I think there are a lot of delusional people out there who think that it would benefit the school and the fan base, but when you step back and look at the reality of it. I mean, Marshall had a couple of good years, Boise St has, but then there's schools like Western Kentucky, whose spot we took in the MVFC. They were a top tier football powerhouse and where are they now? They don't even get a second look. Trust me, the fan base is much happier, and continues to grow going 13-2 and playing for National Championships than if we were going 5-6, or 4-7 at the next level.Western Kentucky's actually a perfect example. Because you know where they are now? They're 11-2, they won the C-USA and are making a bowl game... and you didn't even know that, because who cares? (I barely knew it too, just recalled it from scanning the standings page when arguing about team's schedules.) I don't think NDSU is likely to succeed at the next level either due to its disadvantages, but I don't think that's the right argument to use with those people. Because if someone told me that UMass couldn't succeed in the MAC, or NDSU couldn't succeed in the MWC/Sun Belt just because of their disadvantages I'd disagree because hard work pays off (and teams can get lucky), but what's the payoff? In our case, it's the hope that it'll pull our basketball team and Olympic sports into a better conference where they can compete nationally, and the necessity of having a D1-A football team before they'd agree to even consider us. But even competing for a MAC title and getting the occasional ESPN game or minor bowl is much less fun than it was playing in those FCS playoffs or a conference with BU, UConn, Northeastern, Rhode Island, etc.

[CU Tiger]

National #2 Overall 5* DT Dexter Lawrence commits to Clemson after spending a long weekend on an OV to NCSU, his childhood favorite and hometown school

[MrBug708]

Is this now the recruiting thread?

[BishopMVP]

National #2 Overall 5* DT Dexter Lawrence commits to Clemson after spending a long weekend on an OV to NCSU, his childhood favorite and hometown schoolI couldn't find a 2016 recruiting thread either when Daelin Hayes committed. Epic twist on the announcement. Much better than the old hat choice with the fakeout or trying to have a press conference at a high school that messes up everybody's day. (And I'm not just saying that because of his decision :p )

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xpxzdtZxA2M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[MrBug708]

Did he get USC to do his too, like Adoree did?

[BishopMVP]

Did he get USC to do his too, like Adoree did?I'm fairly confident USC did not produce that video.

(If serious, I think Bleacher Report did.)

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2015-12-14/brian-schottenheimer-another-departure-uga-staff

While the absence of No-Schott won't hurt UGA in the bowl, it did make me wonder about something ...

is it really as unusual as I think it is for a team to go to a bowl minus its head coach and BOTH coordinators? Or does it happen that way more often than I think?

[CU Tiger]

Since this s now the recruiting thread, Clemson added their second 5* commit of the day in 2017 QB Hunter Johnson.

Rated 12th overall by rivals and the consensus #1 QB in his class he visited this weekend and committed earlier tonight.

Agreeing to take no future official visits, per Clemson standard commit policy.


Side note. Earlier this year a friend and local high school coach said to me, "Clemson's staff has been building this with nothing to sell. If they are actually winning like this there is no telling how good those boys will recruit."

Now this guy is a died in the wool gamecock fan (all also a board member here...though exclusively a lurker)and at the time I brushed it off as a back handed compliment...but you know...he might be right.

[CU Tiger]

For those interested...I'll drop some easy hints as to games I got to work this year:

- The longest game in overtime history (overtime wise)
- The #1 team in the country in a dome.
- Foot solider service academy 3 times...twice at home (once against a Deacon) and once on the road at the plane Service Academy.
- The team in my hometown against an ACC team with a bird mascot.
- I worked at all 3 ACC schools in the Raleigh area.
- A wolf and a cardinal

It was honestly the toughest and most stressful year of doing this avocation, but I look forward to doing it again next year. I did not get a bowl assignment but I did work 2 FCS playoff games so far and am still holding out hope for the FCS Championship.

If he hadnt pulled Watson you might have witnessed a murder.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Since this s now the recruiting thread, Clemson added their second 5* commit of the day in 2017 QB Hunter Johnson.

That you flipped him from UT makes this harder for me to, umm, celebrate.

I will say though that there could be a silver lining in this news for Knoxville. It would certainly have to make landing 2018 prospect Trevor Lawrence more likely for the Vols.

[BishopMVP]

For those interested...I'll drop some easy hints as to games I got to work this year:

- The longest game in overtime history (overtime wise)
- The #1 team in the country in a dome.
- Foot solider service academy 3 times...twice at home (once against a Deacon) and once on the road at the plane Service Academy.
- The team in my hometown against an ACC team with a bird mascot.
- I worked at all 3 ACC schools in the Raleigh area.
- A wolf and a cardinal

It was honestly the toughest and most stressful year of doing this avocation, but I look forward to doing it again next year. I did not get a bowl assignment but I did work 2 FCS playoff games so far and am still holding out hope for the FCS Championship.Awesome, congrats! Weird question - do they give any thought to trying to keep referees closer to home, or is there so much money floating around to put a game on they have no problem flying you wherever and comping hotels etc?

[Dr. Sak]

Awesome, congrats! Weird question - do they give any thought to trying to keep referees closer to home, or is there so much money floating around to put a game on they have no problem flying you wherever and comping hotels etc?

It all depends on what conference you work for...when you work for a conference you can go anywhere that one of the teams plays. The way ours works is that we aren't as highly paid per se as other...but it covers the cost of our travel. Whether it be flying or driving.

Others may pay more...but the cost of the travel is on the official.

I like having my travel paid for because I don't have to nickel and dime flights. I just pick what is best for my schedule and go with it.

[BishopMVP]

Fun little article if we're looking to debate something dumb - College football's easiest to toughest recruiting jobs, 1-65 (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/14312923/college-football-easiest-toughest-recruiting-jobs-1-65)

I love the BC fan's reaction to it - "That's bullshit! We should be ahead of Washington State, Kansas, and... Purdue? Syracuse? Definitely Kansas though!"

[PilotMan]

NDSU will have the last home game of the year this Friday on ESPN 2, playing host to the Richmond Spiders. The Spiders knocked off the #2 seeded Redbirds last week, on the road, and will face and equally tough challenge in Fargo.

NDSU is favored by 7+ points against all remaining teams when playing on a neutral site, and are heavily favored to win out now. That doesn't make me feel any less anxious and the idea of even going to Frisco again for a 5th straight time doesn't even seem real.

Richmond has a big offense with some explosive guys, very similar to both Jacksonville St and Sam Houston St, but none of them has a defense, or has even faced a defense, like the Bison. On top of that they are all undersized when compared to the line of the Bison on both sides of the ball.

I'm trying very hard to keep expectations in check and always fearful of the bad game. The team was helped last week with some incredible special teams play. I hope they only need extra points this weekend.

[cartman]

A&M might go from a QB controversy to no QBs at all. Kyle Allen announced a few days ago that he was going to transfer, and now Kyler Murray is reportedly set to announce his plans to transfer as well.

[cartman]

The Kyler Murray transfer request is official. A&M will be starting Jake Hubenak at QB in their bowl game, who was 12 of 27 on his passes this season.

[GrantDawg]

The word is Murray is leaving to play baseball. Will probably go JUCO till he can enter the MLB draft.

[PilotMan]

The game is at the half and this is the breakdown so far:

<table class="mod-data"><thead><tr class="header"><th>Matchup</th><th>http://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/257.png&h=100&w=100</th><th>http://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2449.png&h=100&w=100</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="highlight"><td>1st Downs</td> <td>2</td> <td>13</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>3rd down efficiency</td> <td>1-7</td> <td>3-6</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>4th down efficiency</td> <td>0-1</td> <td>0-1</td></tr><tr class="highlight"><td>Total Yards</td> <td>67</td> <td>247</td></tr><tr class="highlight"><td>Passing</td> <td>66</td> <td>102</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Comp-Att</td> <td>7-15</td> <td>9-15</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Yards per pass</td> <td>4.4</td> <td>6.8</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Interceptions thrown</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td></tr><tr class="highlight"><td>Rushing</td> <td>1</td> <td>145</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Rushing Attempts</td> <td>10</td> <td>23</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Yards per rush</td> <td>0.1</td> <td>6.3</td></tr><tr class="highlight"><td>Penalties</td> <td>4-20</td> <td>1-5</td></tr><tr class="highlight"><td>Turnovers</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Fumbles lost</td> <td>0</td> <td>0</td></tr><tr class="indent"><td>Interceptions thrown</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td></tr><tr class="highlight"><td>Possession</td> <td>12:25</td> <td>17:35</td></tr></tbody></table>

[JPhillips]

I hope you're playing with your Legos while watching!

[MrBug708]

Clay Helton, a HC with no previous experience as a head coach until this year, hired Tee Martin as OC, a recruiting coordinator with no previous playcalling experience.

Very odd move for a top 5 job in college football

[JonInMiddleGA]

Clay Helton, a HC with no previous experience as a head coach until this year, hired Tee Martin as OC, a recruiting coordinator with no previous playcalling experience.

Very odd move for a top 5 job in college football

I'd say that's probably a move toward keeping Tee in the fold, plus Helton pretty much raves about him.
“Tee is invaluable. I’ve been a college football coach for 21 years and have been around some good ones and Tee is the definition of a complete football coach, in my mind,” Helton said. “Leader, teacher, educator, recruiter, establishes relationships. If there is a blueprint of what to be, Tee Martin is it. I’m so happy for him because he deserves something like that.

Martin had an increased role in gameplanning in the 2nd half of the year, seems clear that Helton liked what he saw & the relationship.

If this were on the side of the ball that Helton doesn't know then I think it'd be maybe more of a concern but with all the circumstances it doesn't seem like anything to be worried about (any more than the hiring of any other coordinator).

[PilotMan]

I hope you're playing with your Legos while watching!

I did get the set put together tonight while I watched. The set also had a mailer for a free minifig and I got that one ordered too. It looks pretty good.

So the Bison, with the big first half, and a dominant, 18-play 10+ minute drive in the second half are going to Frisco for the 5th straight time. They were just dominant all throughout this game on both sides of the ball. It started from the first drive where they used power running to score the first touchdown. It was all downhill from there.

Here are the final numbers from tonight:

<table class="mod-data"><thead><tr class="header"><th>Matchup</th><th>http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/257.png&h=100&w=100</th><th>http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2449.png&h=100&w=100</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="firstDowns"><td>1st Downs</td><td>9</td><td>24</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="thirdDownEff"><td>3rd down efficiency</td><td>3-12</td><td>5-11</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="fourthDownEff"><td>4th down efficiency</td><td>0-1</td><td>1-2</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="totalYards"><td>Total Yards</td><td>209</td><td>418</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="netPassingYards"><td>Passing</td><td>171</td><td>136</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="completionAttempts"><td>Comp-Att</td><td>12-26</td><td>13-20</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="yardsPerPass"><td>Yards per pass</td><td>.0</td><td>.0</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="interceptions"><td>Interceptions thrown</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="rushingYards"><td>Rushing</td><td>38</td><td>282</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="rushingAttempts"><td>Rushing Attempts</td><td>21</td><td>52</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="yardsPerRushAttempt"><td>Yards per rush</td><td>1.8</td><td>5.4</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="totalPenaltiesYards"><td>Penalties</td><td>4-20</td><td>5-47</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="turnovers"><td>Turnovers</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="fumblesLost"><td>Fumbles lost</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="interceptions"><td>Interceptions thrown</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="possessionTime"><td>Possession</td><td>23:23</td><td>36:37</td></tr></tbody></table>
We will either play Sam Houston St, a team we've played 3 of the last 4 years and twice in the finals, or Jacksonville St, the undefeated, top seeds for the tournament. The biggest question will be if Carson Wentz is healthy will he play? Or will they leave it to Easton Stick, who has carried them all this way the last 8 weeks? Mel Kuiper Jr has Wentz as a late first round NFL draft pick right now. That's insane. He went to the same high school as I did. Our team sucked when I was there, and he took them to a state title. That's pretty big news for a homegrown North Dakota boy.

[Thomkal]

Congrats! I'm guessing you will face Jacksonville State in the finals, but Sam Houston certainly has the experience.

[EagleFan]

Two things on that play.

First, to the defensive player that was celebrating the stop WHILE the runner was still up fighting for yards... Dumb ass

Second, to the ref that called it a touchdown... Dumb ass

[cartman]

BYU is looking for the reset switch on their Xbox.

[bronconick]

Bronco Mendenhall appears to have checked out early

[PilotMan]

BYU is looking for the reset switch on their Xbox.

35-0 in the first quarter??? Damn.

[Solecismic]

Five turnovers (including two pick-sixes and a third interception returned to the 1) and a missed field goal. Utah really hasn't done much on offense.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Bronco Mendenhall appears to have checked out early

While that may or may not play a role in this farce, I suspect it'll be a while before we see another lame duck coach allowed to coach a bowl game.

[Atocep]

35 points on 72 yards. That's impressive.

[PilotMan]

<table class="mod-data"><thead><tr class="header"><th>
</th><th>
</th><th>
</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="firstDowns"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="thirdDownEff"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="fourthDownEff"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="totalYards"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="netPassingYards"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="completionAttempts"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="yardsPerPass"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="interceptions"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="rushingYards"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="rushingAttempts"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="yardsPerRushAttempt"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="totalPenaltiesYards"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="turnovers"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="fumblesLost"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="interceptions"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="possessionTime"><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
We will either play Sam Houston St, a team we've played 3 of the last 4 years and twice in the finals, or Jacksonville St, the undefeated, top seeds for the tournament. The biggest question will be if Carson Wentz is healthy will he play? Or will they leave it to Easton Stick, who has carried them all this way the last 8 weeks? Mel Kuiper Jr has Wentz as a late first round NFL draft pick right now. That's insane. He went to the same high school as I did. Our team sucked when I was there, and he took them to a state title. That's pretty big news for a homegrown North Dakota boy.

The finals are set now!

<table class="mod-data"><thead><tr class="header"><th>Matchup</th><th>http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2534.png&h=100&w=100</th><th>http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/55.png&h=100&w=100</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="firstDowns"><td>1st Downs</td><td>15</td><td>26</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="thirdDownEff"><td>3rd down efficiency</td><td>4-17</td><td>11-18</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="fourthDownEff"><td>4th down efficiency</td><td>0-2</td><td>1-1</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="totalYards"><td>Total Yards</td><td>259</td><td>639</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="netPassingYards"><td>Passing</td><td>140</td><td>279</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="completionAttempts"><td>Comp-Att</td><td>14-43</td><td>18-24</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="yardsPerPass"><td>Yards per pass</td><td>3.3</td><td>11.6</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="interceptions"><td>Interceptions thrown</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="rushingYards"><td>Rushing</td><td>119</td><td>360</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="rushingAttempts"><td>Rushing Attempts</td><td>31</td><td>61</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="yardsPerRushAttempt"><td>Yards per rush</td><td>3.8</td><td>5.9</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="totalPenaltiesYards"><td>Penalties</td><td>6-65</td><td>7-77</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="turnovers"><td>Turnovers</td><td>4</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="fumblesLost"><td>Fumbles lost</td><td>3</td><td>1</td></tr><tr class="indent" data-stat-attr="interceptions"><td>Interceptions thrown</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr class="highlight" data-stat-attr="possessionTime"><td>Possession</td><td>22:45</td><td>37:15</td></tr></tbody></table>

Any idea which team won?

Should be quite the game in Frisco on Jan 9. You've got the 4 time defending champs who lost twice against the top seeded, only loss was in double overtime to Auburn, never been to the finals Jacksonville St team. No question, this is what the finals should have been all along.

[Thomkal]

I see I was right about my Jacksonville State prediction. Sure did not predict a 62-10 shellacking. I think this is going to be a tough battle for NDSU. I guess we shall see next year :) Good luck to both teams.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Robert Nkemdiche suspended for Sugar Bowl following arrest (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/14405009/robert-nkemdiche-suspended-sugar-bowl-following-arrest)

Announces that he's entering the draft.

I'd figure he cost himself a little coin with his ... whateverthehell that mess was.

[MrBug708]

Not quite relayed but ucla will host Coastal Carolina in 2023 provided they make the complete move to Div. 1 by 2018

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, WTH?

Denzel Nkemdiche hospitalized at UMMC (http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/ole-miss/2015/12/22/denzel-nkemdiche-hospitalized-ummc/77754436/)

edit: found "unresponsive" yesterday morning

[digamma]

I read elsewhere that Spice is the variety of life for these two. Hope he is ok.

[Thomkal]

Not quite relayed but ucla will host Coastal Carolina in 2023 provided they make the complete move to Div. 1 by 2018

I have not heard that. How thrilling for Coastal. They should be a full member of the Sun Belt in 2017.

[NobodyHere]

I never liked Toledo's white helmets

[MrBug708]

I have not heard that. How thrilling for Coastal. They should be a full member of the Sun Belt in 2017.

Ucla won't play subdivisional schools so they made sure the clause was put in

[NobodyHere]

Despite having ugly helmets, this is the first time I can claim my alma mater won a bowl game!

Woo-b\hoo!

[cartman]

Six games on tap today!

[EagleFan]

Okay, I haven't paid enough attention lately but I see there seems to be twice as many bowl games as there used to be but teams with losing records in a bowl game? Who wants to see that?

[BishopMVP]

Okay, I haven't paid enough attention lately but I see there seems to be twice as many bowl games as there used to be but teams with losing records in a bowl game? Who wants to see that?The people who organize low rung bowl games, or the NCAA that was sanctioning all of them* before realizing there weren't enough .500+ teams? The only under .500 team I'd give a waiver to is the very rare Georgia Tech who is 6-7 after losing in a conference title game - no point punishing them because their division sucks and they got matched up a 2nd time with FSU.

* - (I'm not sure if the NCAA actually has any say in whether a bowl exists, but it is the one who decides which/how many teams are eligible.)

[EagleFan]

Not really a fan of 6-6 teams in a bowl game but at least they got to that magic number of 6 wins... but 5-7 teams in bowl games now...

oh... and GET OFF MY LAWN!!!! :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, I haven't paid enough attention lately but I see there seems to be twice as many bowl games as there used to be but teams with losing records in a bowl game? Who wants to see that?

The contingency plan -- making 5-7 teams bowl-eligible based on their APR ranking -- was announced back in 2012 but this is the first time it's been needed. (I've just read where that plan expires after this season & will be evaluated going forward). Last year, for example, there were 79 teams bowl-eligible with six wins, this year was quite a bit short of that (and one more bowl was added).

From an article last year
By 2015, college football's postseason will have more than doubled in 20 years. There were 18 bowls in 1995 and there will be 40 in 2015. Significantly increasing the postseason has occurred throughout college football history.

The number of bowl games increased from six to 11 between 1955 and 1975. Then they went from 11 to 18 from 1975 to 1995. During the 16-year Bowl Championship Series era, the amount of bowls increased from 20 to 35.

[JonInMiddleGA]

* - (I'm not sure if the NCAA actually has any say in whether a bowl exists

Yes, bowls have to apply to the NCAA for certification and be approved.

[BishopMVP]

Like your article say, 40 bowls = 80 teams... and there are ~120 "bowl eligible" teams in D1 period. Only so many FCS wins to go around.

At the end of the day, shitty bowl games are shitty bowl games, and if we want to allow every team to play an extra game in a warm weather place in December, who cares imo (I also think it's ludicrous that 10?15? practices are tied in to playing in a bowl... shouldn't the bad teams get the extra practice :) ). But I do think the Mountain West commissioner had a good point when he said that if we're allowing 5-7 teams in they should only be eligible to be picked after all 6+ win teams are. (He was mad that two bad MWC teams were matched up in a shitty bowl.)

[BishopMVP]

Btw, whenever people complain about too many bowl games I'd point to games like this Indiana-Duke one. Two historically downtrodden programs that are never going to challenge for national titles, but can go have a fun game and an awesome experience for their fans. So congrats Kodos, whether you win or lose this overtime! (And hahaha on that final FG attempt... idk if the IU kicker's going to start descending into madness over a missed kick here, but that's a classic LACES OUT, DAN! situation.)

Virginia Tech/Tulsa also already 38-21 early 2nd Q... Come on guys, this isn't how Frank Beamer's supposed to go out! Should be a 9-6 win where they score on a blocked punt and a safety.

[ColtCrazy]

Say what you will about 6-6 teams, but 6-6 Indiana and 7-5 Duke are putting on a fun show at least.

[cuervo72]

*shrug* It's programming. Especially if you're not into basketball.

[BishopMVP]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I've been banging the "why wouldn't you put in taller goalposts" drum for years. Glad it'll finally get a little press for "deciding" a meaningless game instead of one in the national title or NFL playoff race.

[Suicane75]

Each post should have a giant 30 foot antenna on top of it so it's clear if it's been touched or not.

[bronconick]

They're not going to bother with taller posts at Yankee Stadium.

[Buccaneer]

Like your article say, 40 bowls = 80 teams... and there are ~120 "bowl eligible" teams in D1 period. Only so many FCS wins to go around.



and apparently only so many fans can attend. There have been bowls, including today, where there doesn't appear to have more than 1,000 people in attendance.

I know it's a losing proposition for some teams to travel to a low-tier bowl but I don't know how some of the bowls themselves can be profitable.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Like your article say, 40 bowls = 80 teams... and there are ~120 "bowl eligible" teams in D1 period. Only so many FCS wins to go around.

At the end of the day, shitty bowl games are shitty bowl games, and if we want to allow every team to play an extra game in a warm weather place in December, who cares imo (I also think it's ludicrous that 10?15? practices are tied in to playing in a bowl... shouldn't the bad teams get the extra practice :) ). But I do think the Mountain West commissioner had a good point when he said that if we're allowing 5-7 teams in they should only be eligible to be picked after all 6+ win teams are. (He was mad that two bad MWC teams were matched up in a shitty bowl.)

Lemme see now
Hawaii Bowl got SD State
Poinsettia got Boise
New Mexico got New Mexico
Idaho Potato got Utah State
Arizona gets Nevada AND Colorado State (the latter filling a C-USA slot)
Armed Forces gets Air Force
-----
that's seven teams for the six bowls that the MWC had contractual ties to (Hawaii/Las Vegas being a split deal)

Then San Jose State got the unfilled-by-the-All America Conf. spot in the Cure Bowl

-------------------

While some of the angst might be genuine, I'd have to think that some of it also stems from the Arizona Bowl being likely among the lowest paying of all the bowls (the only one without a set figure for payouts, instead being based on sponsor & ticket revenue)

In other years 2 of those 8 MWC teams that are bowling could have easily been left at home so I'm not sure I'd complain too much if I were the commish.

[JonInMiddleGA]

and apparently only so many fans can attend. There have been bowls, including today, where there doesn't appear to have more than 1,000 people in attendance.

I know it's a losing proposition for some teams to travel to a low-tier bowl but I don't know how some of the bowls themselves can be profitable.

Official attendance figures for today (the ones that have been posted so far)
Washington vs S.Miss: 20,229
Miami vs Wash State: 41,180
UConn vs Marshall: 14,652

Like a lot of things, butts in seats don't matter nearly as much as tickets moved. Bowl games have been like that for as long as I can remember.

[Kodos]

That was a tough way to lose. So many missed chances.

[MrBug708]

Im not sure if Mora still has this teams attention anymore. He's done a lot for UCLA, but it might be time for him to go back to the pros

[A-Husker-4-Life]

hxxps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiaZdLI3JDc

They kicked him out of the game for tackling the correct way, this could have been the worst call I've seen.

[Atocep]

That was a pretty bad call. Still not as bad as this one IMO:

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Official 2015 College Football Week 9 thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=3062743&postcount=93)

[A-Husker-4-Life]

That was a pretty bad call. Still not as bad as this one IMO:

Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Official 2015 College Football Week 9 thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=3062743&postcount=93)

That's equally as bad, I can't believe what is happening to a once great sport. It's almost like they want them to go low and take out the knees.

[Eaglesfan27]

Im not sure if Mora still has this teams attention anymore. He's done a lot for UCLA, but it might be time for him to go back to the pros

The way he has performed this year, no pro team is going to want him.

[MrBug708]

Recycled NFL coaches are always en vogue

[CU Tiger]

.

I know it's a losing proposition for some teams to travel to a low-tier bowl but I don't know how some of the bowls themselves can be profitable.

When each team/school is required to buy 10,000 seats at say ~$100 each..
The bowl has $2,000,000 to buy 200 ipads. Hire 50-100 "security" personnel and pay the refs.

Aint hard to be profitable

[JonInMiddleGA]

When each team/school is required to buy 10,000 seats at say ~$100 each..
The bowl has $2,000,000 to buy 200 ipads. Hire 50-100 "security" personnel and pay the refs.

Aint hard to be profitable

Gotta rent the stadium. And pay out the guarantee to the teams. But then again aren't most (all?) bowls owned by (technically) non-profit entities?

[NobodyHere]

Gotta rent the stadium. And pay out the guarantee to the teams. But then again aren't most (all?) bowls owned by (technically) non-profit entities?

Exactly what is a non profit nowadays when the executives of said non-profits can earn millions.

The NFL head organization used to be (or is still transitioning from) a non-profit and Goodell pulls down tens of millions.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Exactly what is a non profit nowadays when the executives of said non-profits can earn millions.

That was kinda sorta my point ;)

[NobodyHere]

That was kinda sorta my point ;)

I need to stop posting while drinking...

[JonInMiddleGA]

I need to stop posting while drinking...

's okay, it might not have been crystal clear. I could have been attempting the opposite point ... just happens that I wasn't :)

[BishopMVP]

Lemme see now
Hawaii Bowl got SD State
Poinsettia got Boise
New Mexico got New Mexico
Idaho Potato got Utah State
Arizona gets Nevada AND Colorado State (the latter filling a C-USA slot)
Armed Forces gets Air Force
-----
that's seven teams for the six bowls that the MWC had contractual ties to (Hawaii/Las Vegas being a split deal)

Then San Jose State got the unfilled-by-the-All America Conf. spot in the Cure Bowl

-------------------

While some of the angst might be genuine, I'd have to think that some of it also stems from the Arizona Bowl being likely among the lowest paying of all the bowls (the only one without a set figure for payouts, instead being based on sponsor & ticket revenue)

In other years 2 of those 8 MWC teams that are bowling could have easily been left at home so I'm not sure I'd complain too much if I were the commish.Of course things are never as simple as they seem, but unless he was being the asshole (and pulling a PR boon), he had a point.We suggested swaps, alternative financial arrangements and creative options. Unfortunately, no one was willing to adjust and those efforts were to no avail. Following the outcome of last night's games, it became clear there were 80 teams for 80 bowl slots and the only two openings still available for a pair of MW teams would match them in the same game.I normally couldn't give a care less about Colorado State, and Wyoming, or Tulane, or whoever, but if we have 20 7-5/6/6/5-7 teams playing each other in mneanigless games it should be possible to avoid matching teams from the same conference. But that assumes people are actually interested in the greater good.and apparently only so many fans can attend. There have been bowls, including today, where there doesn't appear to have more than 1,000 people in attendance.

I know it's a losing proposition for some teams to travel to a low-tier bowl but I don't know how some of the bowls themselves can be profitable.:lol:

Kid thinks they care about attendance :eek:

Bowls have some well intentioned people involved, but in the end they're dominated by the leeches that can sell an idea to people and profit off it without actually creating any value. The city can lose money, both schools can lose money, but the organizer never does.I need to stop posting while drinking...
Please don't. This forum's lost enough interaction as is! ;)

[BishopMVP]

They're not going to bother with taller posts at Yankee Stadium.They won't because... :confused:

I understand cost concerns, or feasibility problems. We went through a war over introducing shot clocks to D1 lacrosse schools because a couple itsy-bitsy D2/3 schools claimed they couldn't afford the $2200 ish a basic one would cost. But (at least medium term) there is no reason it has to be more expensive, or "dangerous", or whatever. Like Suicane said, worst case just throw an antenna up on top. It's happened in a (pretty big to people who cared) week 1 NFL game 2? years ago (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LEAF8Q80ojU)... Imagine if that was the Pats/Ravens playoff game?

It's going to "decide" an important game eventually. Can we be proactive in something?

[Atocep]

Imagine if Baylor had either of their first 2 QBs playing...

[MrBug708]

Clemson has already begun "Clemsoning" it with drug suspensions

[Edward64]

LSU is beating up on TT who can't seem to stop the run. That lucky 3Q interception seem to really have swung the momentum.

[jbergey22]

I hate seeing college coaches overworking these talented running backs like Fournette. Getting 30-40 carries per game is extreme over usage. Just shortening their NFL career. This will be his 7th game of over 25 carries this past year. Many of these teams are stacked 4-5 deep with 5 star backs. Might as well share the load a bit more.

[digamma]

Clemson has already begun "Clemsoning" it with drug suspensions

Not to go all Dabo on you (and I realize you'e making a joke), but "Clemsoning" was losing to an inferior opponent after preseason hype--like NC State or Maryland or Wake Forest. Not making it to the playoff and playing a top 4 team as an underdog (whether deserved or not).

[Butter]

Clemson has already begun "Clemsoning" it with drug suspensions

Right after UCLA "Bruined" it and lost to a 5-7 Nebraska in a bowl game.

Don't be a dick, man.

[MrBug708]

It was clear UCLA didnt want to be there and got their ass handed to them. We generally do well out of conference.

I have no problems with it.

[MrBug708]

How was that not a PI on Auburn?!?

[CU Tiger]

A back up true freshman wr, the kickoff specialist and the 4th string TE....much ado about nothing, imho.

I've had a hard time getting a pulse on this team all year, but I feel very confident heading into this game. Nothing that has happened in the last 24 hours changes that.

As long as 4, 3, 2, and 90 in orange are gtg I think the results are the same.

[Logan]

Paxton Lynch not looking like a #1 overall pick today.

[tarcone]

Memphis just fell apart the last half of the season.

[Logan]

Not to go all Dabo on you (and I realize you'e making a joke), but "Clemsoning" was losing to an inferior opponent after preseason hype--like NC State or Maryland or Wake Forest. Not making it to the playoff and playing a top 4 team as an underdog (whether deserved or not).

Speaking of...I'm a big Solid Verbal podcast guy so I enjoyed this:

https://sports.vice.com/en_us/article/a-history-of-clemsoning-or-why-oklahoma-is-favored-in-the-college-football-playoff-semifinal

Speaking of bull crap: the use of Clemsoning that rose to prominence in 2015 is far removed from the term's original meaning, the one that Swinney correctly denounced.

"It got to the point that any time Clemson is on the verge of losing any game, people start using that Clemsoning term incorrectly," Hildebrandt says. "They come back to you and say 'Clemsoning alert'... 'It's a Clemsoning,' even though that was never the original intent."

[MrBug708]

Wow. Brutal call on Wisconsin that essentially changed the outcome of the game for WIsconsin

[bhlloy]

Nothing says Cody Kessler more than a beautifully thrown ball to the sideline on 4th and 10 for 7 yards. Great kid, great intangibles but nowhere near an NFL arm.

[CU Tiger]

It was clear UCLA didnt want to be there and got their ass handed to them.

Everyone wants to be there until they get punched in the mouth.

I hate that excuse

[jbergey22]

Everyone wants to be there until they get punched in the mouth.

I hate that excuse

+1

[JPhillips]

Everyone wants to be there until they get punched in the mouth.

Times Square New Years Eve?

Opening night of Star Wars?

S&M Orgies?

[MrBug708]

Everyone wants to be there until they get punched in the mouth.

I hate that excuse

Considering the rumors are Mora wants back in the NFL, it would certainly explain the mail in job by the coaching staff and players

[lungs]

Nice win for Wisconsin. Joel Stave has taken plenty of heat over his time at Wisconsin so it was nice to see him go out a winner (and having the most wins for a Badger QB of all-time).

WTF was Kessler doing on that last play?

[Logan]

Trevone Boykin got arrested for punching a cop outside a bar after curfew last night. He's out against Oregon.

[jbergey22]

Nice win for Wisconsin. Joel Stave has taken plenty of heat over his time at Wisconsin so it was nice to see him go out a winner (and having the most wins for a Badger QB of all-time).

WTF was Kessler doing on that last play?

He thought it was 3rd down I believe. Forgot he had to spike it on one of the downs.

[tarcone]

Good to see Wiscy beat the pac 12.

[digamma]

In one of the more bizarre stories, Memphis DB Reggis Ball tackled an Auburn ball boy after the Whatever it Was Bowl Game yesterday and stole an Auburn game ball. Then he signed it and put it on Instagram.

Confusing Reports: After Loss, Memphis Player Steals Game Ball, Flips Off Auburn, Flees [UPDATE] (http://deadspin.com/confusing-reports-after-loss-memphis-player-steals-ga-1750346200)

Ball-Snatching Memphis Player Autographs His Prize, Instagrams It, Gets Dismissed (http://deadspin.com/ball-snatching-memphis-player-autographs-his-prize-ins-1750455983)

The second Deadspin article notes that Reggis is the brother of Marcus Ball of the Panthers. It doesn't note however that he's also the brother of former Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball, who was known more for giving balls to the other team. Family revenge?

[JPhillips]

Watching the Houston/FSU game really shows how much OSU missed Herman this year. OSU never ran at the tempo Houston is running.

[Butter]

Bet FSU is wishing they still had Golson right about now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

In one of the more bizarre stories, Memphis DB Reggis Ball tackled an Auburn ball boy after the Whatever it Was Bowl Game yesterday and stole an Auburn game ball. Then he signed it and put it on Instagram.

Confusing Reports: After Loss, Memphis Player Steals Game Ball, Flips Off Auburn, Flees [UPDATE] (http://deadspin.com/confusing-reports-after-loss-memphis-player-steals-ga-1750346200)

Ball-Snatching Memphis Player Autographs His Prize, Instagrams It, Gets Dismissed (http://deadspin.com/ball-snatching-memphis-player-autographs-his-prize-ins-1750455983)

The second Deadspin article notes that Reggis is the brother of Marcus Ball of the Panthers. It doesn't note however that he's also the brother of former Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball, who was known more for giving balls to the other team. Family revenge?

An article I saw noted that AU had been alerted that he tries to do this crap every time he has an interception. They were actually watching/waiting for him to try it apparently.

[JPhillips]

FSU needs to go to a GA Tech offense.

[digamma]

An article I saw noted that AU had been alerted that he tries to do this crap every time he has an interception. They were actually watching/waiting for him to try it apparently.

Well, at least there's some logic to it. Not sound logic, but some.

[Butter]

Either the defensive coordinator for FSU is an idiot, or his players can't follow instructions.

Backup QB is in, all he is going to do is handoff or run draws. They overrun the pocket twice and allow first downs to pretty much end the game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It doesn't note however that he's also the brother of former Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball, who was known more for giving balls to the other team. Family revenge?

More like rain on your wedding day.

[tarcone]

Not sure who I am rooting for. But I like bob stoops since he is a former Iowa player and coach. And a MSU/OU final would be sweet.

[Easy Mac]

It looks like the refs have been told who needs to win.

[bhlloy]

Did Lawson injure himself celebrating? Ran off the field fine and then was on the floor

[Butter]

How about that fake? Pass to a defensive tackle.

[JPhillips]

Love the discussion on the great block from the RB and then the replay shows he whiffs.

[bhlloy]

These announcers are fucking morons. They just told you the rule and you still don't get it?

He also didn't get the ball anywhere close to the LOS

[EagleFan]

How is that a warning on one team and a penalty on the other? Not a big call but hate seeing inconsistency when it has nothing to do with speed of play judgment calls.

[bhlloy]

For such a high profile game, the officiating has been pretty poor so far

[JonInMiddleGA]

Both QBs look right on that ragged Favre edge thus far, Clemson is the first one to get bitten by it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Never noticed/thought about it before (maybe I'm just slow) but Dabo looked a bit like Danny Ford there.

[digamma]

The game has been lots of fun so far. I'll take more please.

[JonInMiddleGA]

For as entertaining as this is, I don't see either of these teams moving the ball consistently against Alabama, there'll be too much pressure.

edit to add: And it'll be tougher to get the edge.

[MrBug708]

For such a high profile game, the officiating has been pretty poor so far

Cosigned

[jbergey22]

For as entertaining as this is, I don't see either of these teams moving the ball consistently against Alabama, there'll be too much pressure.

edit to add: And it'll be tougher to get the edge.

Alabama and Clemson are the two best defenses in CFB nation so it will be a bit tougher to move the ball. However, Oklahoma has a superior offense to Alabama so.....

[Dr. Sak]

For such a high profile game, the officiating has been pretty poor so far

Not a good game for the B1G refs. Can't say I'm sad...couldn't happen to a better bunch of arrogant pricks

[EagleFan]

For as entertaining as this is, I don't see either of these teams moving the ball consistently against Alabama, there'll be too much pressure.

edit to add: And it'll be tougher to get the edge.

Why worry about what they can do against Alabama when the winner will be playing Michigan State?

[Butter]

Beat me to it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why worry about what they can do against Alabama when the winner will be playing Michigan State?

If Cook is healthy they should make a game of it.
If he looks like he did in his last outing I'd be surprised if Sparty even scores.

And I've got nothing at all against Michigan State, hell my kid's HS colors & mascot match theirs. I just don't think without Cook at full speed they've got enough to even be competitive.

[Easy Mac]

Bama has struggled mightily against QBs who play like Watson, but weren't even a quarter as good. Not sure what else Clemson can do at this moment to be favored in the title game, but I can't see why Bama should be favored.

[tarcone]

MSU has a great defense. And Alabama doesn't have a QB. how does Alabama even score?

[MizzouRah]

Clemson has emerged here in the 2nd half. I hope they play Michigan St. :)

Really impressed with Clemson though.. not sure Bama or Michigan St. will handle this team.

[MizzouRah]

MSU has a great defense. And Alabama doesn't have a QB. how does Alabama even score?

Henry...

[tarcone]

Shoot. MSU has seen good backs all year. This won't scare them. 8 or 9 in the box. MSU also has a pair of good to great DBs. They can go one on one on the outside.

[tarcone]

I guess I didn't pay attention to it too much this season, but that band holding that note gets annoying.

[JonInMiddleGA]

MSU has a great defense. And Alabama doesn't have a QB. how does Alabama even score?

Watch & see.

I've had my doubts about Coker but 2,500 yards and basically 66% completion percentage stands up awfully well against anything Sparty sees in the B1G.

[tarcone]

Watch & see.

I've had my doubts about Coker but 2,500 yards and basically 66% completion percentage stands up awfully well against anything Sparty sees in the B1G.


Yeah. That would put him about the 5th best in the B1G.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yeah. That would put him about the 5th best in the B1G.

Umm, it's significantly higher completion percentage and it's with several blowouts that required little passing.

We'll know more in about 3.5 hours or so :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

And props to Clemson on their win, they proved me wrong on this game.

[MrBug708]

Congrats to Clemson and CU Tiger

[tarcone]

Whomever wins the next game is going to have their hands full.

[Butter]

Let's go Sparty!

[Butter]

Neither of these teams look particularly explosive.

[Easy Mac]

So, 3-4 yard run by Henry or a swing pass. This team will definitely give Clemson fits.

[jbergey22]

I am not sure what Lane is doing. He needs to establish the run before he starts passing. Lane is overthinking this situation.

[Easy Mac]

This is as bad as the LSU-Bama slugfests of yore.

[jbergey22]

This is as bad as the LSU-Bama slugfests of yore.

Michigan State has turned this into a game they can win. Thus far the MSU coaching staff is on point while Alabama is not. MSU has turned this into a B1G type game.

[jbergey22]

Ha! Well that didnt take long.

[digamma]

Michigan State has turned this into a game they can win. Thus far the MSU coaching staff is on point while Alabama is not. MSU has turned this into a B1G type game.

I don't know man, this looks a lot like most of the Alabama games this year. Slogging first half in which they wear you out for the second half.

[tarcone]

I don't know man, this looks a lot like most of the Alabama games this year. Slogging first half in which they wear you out for the second half.

Sounds like Michigan St.

[Balldog]

Seems like MSU is just treading water right now. They don't have a lot going on offense and their defense is slowing getting chipped away.

[cuervo72]

I don't know man, this looks a lot like most of the Alabama games this year. Slogging first half in which they wear you out for the second half.

Yep. Seems like Sparty will keep the boulder from rolling down the hill for a while, but will inevitably tire be flattened by it.

[Edward64]

Coker is doing well.

[EagleFan]

WTF is that commercial? Two fingers? Is he telling Kermit to use two fingers next time on Miss Piggy and maybe she'll let him go out with the guys afterwards?

[cuervo72]

Welp, that's the ballgame.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Welp, that's the ballgame.

Eh, too soon. If State doesn't score on the ensuing possession though ...

[Butter]

I know last year was Baylor, but they did come back on this very field from further down than this in the same bowl game last year.

[cuervo72]

Eh, too soon. If State doesn't score on the ensuing possession though ...

Ok, now? :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

Ok, now? :D

Now.

[Galaril]

Um wow.

[cuervo72]

Yeah, certainly now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I missed that call by one kick, that's just the sort of thing they do.

Love it, hate it, whatever. They're arguably my wife's biggest rival (though she's pulling for them), my kid is pulling for Spartans despite having a scholarship offer on the table from Bama, I don't even particularly give a shit one way or the other.

But they are what they are.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And Alabama doesn't have a QB. how does Alabama even score?

I'll just leave this over here.

[MizzouRah]

Should be one hell of a NC.

[tarcone]

Well. That was ugly. MSU, what a let down.

GO CLEMSON

[miami_fan]

For the gamblers, the early line has Alabama as the 7 point favorite over Clemson. Over/under is 53.5

[JonInMiddleGA]

For the gamblers, the early line has Alabama as the 7 point favorite over Clemson. Over/under is 53.5

I like the under.

[jbergey22]

Give me the 7. Ill wait it out and get the 7.5.

[tarcone]

The last time I put a QB down before a bowl game was the 2002 Orange Bowl. I have to quit doing that.

[Edward64]

I like the under also. Go Bama.

[HerRealName]

I just hope the ratings for these games were terrible. I really hate that these games were played on NYE. I got to see about half of the Clemson-OU game and very little of the Alabama-MSU game. Why can't a playoff game take place the same time as the Rose Bowl?

[digamma]

8 out of the next 11 years, the Semifinal games are on NYE. The only exceptions are when the semis include the Rose Bowl.

The ratings are expected to be terrible, so we'll see if anything changes. The negotiations to include the Rose Bowl were pretty tense, but who knows how much leverage they have when dealing with ESPN. d

[MrBug708]

It helps that the PAC-12 and Big-10 go to bat with the Rose Bowl to include NYD

[Warhammer]

The book on how to beat MSU was attack the secondary. Bama did that well.

[MrBug708]

I just hope the ratings for these games were terrible. I really hate that these games were played on NYE. I got to see about half of the Clemson-OU game and very little of the Alabama-MSU game. Why can't a playoff game take place the same time as the Rose Bowl?

last year's rose bowl (fla st/ore): 15.5. yesterday's orange bowl: 9.7.

last year's sugar bowl (bama/tosu): 15.3. yesterday's cotton bowl: 9.9.

[JPhillips]

Without Bosa and Washington this OSU line is pretty awful

[JonInMiddleGA]

last year's rose bowl (fla st/ore): 15.5. yesterday's orange bowl: 9.7.

last year's sugar bowl (bama/tosu): 15.3. yesterday's cotton bowl: 9.9.

And they're the 5th & 7th most watched college games in ESPN history, with a new record high for the watchespn app.

I don't think anybody at the networks were bothered one bit.

We didn't have a dog in the fight at all, yet planned the evening around the games. That's what fans do IMO.

Top 10 markets for Cotton Bowl: Birmingham (48.1), Greenville (21.3), Knoxville (21.2), Nashville (21.1), Atlanta (20.2), Detroit (20.0), Columbus (19.7), Jacksonville (15.9), Memphis (15.9), and New Orleans (15.7).

Top 10 markets for Orange Bowl: Birmingham (35.6), Greenville (29.6), Oklahoma City (29.4) Tulsa (27.9), Knoxville (18.5), Atlanta (17.8), Columbus (17.6), Nashville (15.8), New Orleans (14.4), and Charlotte (14.2).

[Easy Mac]

I assume that's Greenville, SC? I can assure you everyone was watching football here.

[tarcone]

These early games havent been very exciting score wise. But they are interesting at least.

Almost time for the Granddaddy of them all.

Go Hawks!

[JonInMiddleGA]

I assume that's Greenville, SC? I can assure you everyone was watching football here.


I'm sure it is.

[BishopMVP]

Without Bosa and Washington this OSU line is pretty awfulSo I don't know how I feel about the Bosa call... on the one hand I really want to hate a player being thrown out when there was so little contact, on the other he did lower the crown of his helmet for no reason, which is exactly what you want to legislate out of the game. Fwiw the Von Bell one on the overturned TD was worse. (And like I said, idk if Bosa should've been thrown out, or Bell, but I just wonder where that line is.)

PS - I assume every Ohio State fan loves every shot of Chris Spielman in the booth. He looks sooooo uncomfortable in a suit, like all he wants to do is put a helmet back on and play MLB... and I think he might be able to pull it off!8 out of the next 11 years, the Semifinal games are on NYE. The only exceptions are when the semis include the Rose Bowl.

The ratings are expected to be terrible, so we'll see if anything changes. The negotiations to include the Rose Bowl were pretty tense, but who knows how much leverage they have when dealing with ESPN.We didn't have a dog in the fight at all, yet planned the evening around the games. That's what fans do IMO.
I understand the Rose Bowl part, I don't understand why they go Dec 31 over Jan 2... I like to consider myself a fan, but I planned so I could watch those games instead of planning around them, if that makes sense.

I just fundamentally don't understand it on a network level. Like you said, real fans will watch regardless, but the hoi polloi cares more about New Year's Eve than they do about (college) football. Maybe I'm too shortsighted and they can condition the general public into thinking of New Year's Eve day as a time to watch football as part of their celebrations, but I just think it makes so much more sense to let the average person celebrate NYE, wake up hungover and not wanting to leave the couch... but flip on some football (because the winter classic only lasts so long, and who actually wants to watch parades?) Then realize/get targeted with advertising about the playoff happening on Jan 2 and put it in their calendar.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I just fundamentally don't understand it on a network level. Like you said, real fans will watch regardless, but the hoi polloi cares more about New Year's Eve than they do about (college) football. Maybe I'm too shortsighted and they can condition the general public into thinking of New Year's Eve day as a time to watch football as part of their celebrations, but I just think it makes so much more sense to let the average person celebrate NYE, wake up hungover and not wanting to leave the couch... but flip on some football (because the winter classic only lasts so long, and who actually wants to watch parades?) Then realize/get targeted with advertising about the playoff happening on Jan 2 and put it in their calendar.

I think the thinking is, in part, to stretch out one of the most valuable commodities on television into two days instead of one. But also bear in mind that it's more CFB wanting this than the networks. ESPN wanted to shift to Jan 2 and away from 12/31 this year, since it would have given them a Saturday but the college football powers would have none of it.

That bit is in this longer look at the subject, fwiw
Will the College Football Playoff change New Year's Eve traditions? - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/jon-solomon/25423605/will-college-football-playoff-actually-change-new-years-eve-traditions)

[JonInMiddleGA]

That Florida won ten games has to be a testament to coaching. Or a deal with a devil, or something.

[Easy Mac]

Or a really, really bad SEC East

[tarcone]

That Florida won ten games has to be a testament to coaching. Or a deal with a devil, or something.

Or maybe the SEC is overrated?

Sorry, you knew it was coming.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Or maybe the SEC is overrated?

Sorry, you knew it was coming.

Ask Northwestern about that ;)

Seriously though, this is an on-going theme with Florida that I've mentioned numerous times over several years now. They look like crap, repeatedly, but somehow they win more games than the eye test suggests is even possible.

[JonInMiddleGA]

My nearly 18 y/o had an interesting take on the Rose Bowl "it feels like it's always the runner-up bowl, nice but never great".

Looking back, the game really hasn't had much national meaning since he was 7 years old so I guess I get his impression of it.

[tarcone]

That and you live in the Southeast.
If you live in the Midwest, you appreciate the significance of the game. No matter your age.

I was super excited Iowa got the Rose after losing the B1G championship. If you weren't in the BCS Championship or the playoffs, there is no greater reward then the Rose. What a great, great bowl game.

I like how they do the toss. Using the logos of the teams.

[MrBug708]

Jesus Iowa

[tarcone]

Well, that didnt start well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That and you live in the Southeast.
If you live in the Midwest, you appreciate the significance of the game. No matter your age.

I was super excited Iowa got the Rose after losing the B1G championship. If you weren't in the BCS Championship or the playoffs, there is no greater reward then the Rose. What a great, great bowl game.

I like how they do the toss. Using the logos of the teams.

He gets that it has history (and is a future history major remember, so that's cool by him) he just hasn't seen it been meaningful in the big picture.

And that coin thing seems to be all over this year, saw it yesterday too.

[MrBug708]

My nearly 18 y/o had an interesting take on the Rose Bowl "it feels like it's always the runner-up bowl, nice but never great".

Looking back, the game really hasn't had much national meaning since he was 7 years old so I guess I get his impression of it.

They care more about tradition than meaningful matchups.

[tarcone]

Iowa will play zone the rest of the day. No more man to man.

[tarcone]

Best way to defend Stanford looks to be control the ball. Got to be able to run today and we will be fine.

[JonInMiddleGA]

They care more about tradition than meaningful matchups.

Games featuring at least one team ranked #3 or higher

1970s: 6 games, 8 teams
1980s: 1 games, 2 teams
1990s: 6 games, 6 teams
2000s: 4 games, 5 teams (2 were BCS title games)
2010s: 2 games, 3 teams (1 was semifinal)

Point being, the two things were not always mutually exclusive.

[MrBug708]

They'd rather have the PAC-12 champion at 9-3 and the Big-10 champion at 10-2 than two teams ranked 11-1 and ranked top 5

[tarcone]

We look terrible. Just nervous and slow.
Plus, the refs are letting them play. Lots of blocking in the back and holding. And a no call PI.

But, we cant tackle or catch #5.

[JonInMiddleGA]

They'd rather have the PAC-12 champion at 9-3 and the Big-10 champion at 10-2 than two teams ranked 11-1 and ranked top 5

Which is fine (remember, I'd prefer to scrap the whole tournament type approach & return to the strict bowl/conference ties that I grew up with) ... but that goes directly to what he mentioned, that it doesn't feel like an bowl game any more.

It's something that all bowl games face as time goes on & the selection process changes. With every passing year the next generation(s) have less & less connection to the history of the bowls -- not just the Rose but the Sugar with the SEC as well -- and they become less of a thing to future players.

That was why I noted it, just hearing the perspective of a teenager as opposed to how I perceive certain games. When I was a kid/growing up, the Sugar Bowl had at least one top 3 team in every game from 1975 to 1984. (that's me from 8 til 17). That cemented a certain image of the magnitude of the game in my mind. I don't think that happens the same way anymore.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Eek. Getting ugly early.

[tarcone]

Im not posting anymore. This is just shit. Im about to turn the tv off and go to bed.

Well, if a miracle happens, I might post. But at this point, I dont see that happening.

[MrBug708]

To be fair Jon, how do you feel about this current generation and their opinions :)

[MrBug708]

Iowa and Stanford both are power offenses, but Stanford has speed to go with it.

Shaw will get cute, Iowa will get a couple scores, but Stanford will probably play conservative now

[HerRealName]

They'd rather have the PAC-12 champion at 9-3 and the Big-10 champion at 10-2 than two teams ranked 11-1 and ranked top 5

It is going to be pretty rare that the Rose Bowl gets champions from both conferences though. They have the third or fourth best team from the Big 10 this year and the same last year.

That 33% decrease in ratings has to concern ESPN and the CFP. I was expecting a drop from last year but that's just brutal. I guess ESPN has less leverage than I thought. I just assumed the NYE schedule was their evil plan :)

I'm a huge CFB (and CBB) fan but NYE has always been a night where my family has gone out together and had fun. If Ohio State didn't go with the biggest chickenshit offensive gameplan possible against MSU then plans would have changed. If only...

[bronconick]

ESPN wanted the semis on the 2nd today. Bowls wouldn't go for it, I guess.

[JonInMiddleGA]

To be fair Jon, how do you feel about this current generation and their opinions :)

I don't gotta agree ... but I'm conscious of them, and realistic about their impact.

Afaic, college football was better when the Rose and the Sugar and the Cotton meant more. It was better with fewer limitations on scholarships and with fewer D1 teams.

His take actually fit into my bigger pre-existing narrative about the game in general, it was just sorta enlightening to hear how he phrased it and that it was the predominant impression of the game that he has. And he's a much deeper student of the game's history & legacies than the average teenager.

Time passes. Hell, I was surprised that he didn't remember Billy McCaffrey at Duke ... and then I looked it up to be slapped in the face with the fact that his college career ended something like six years before my kid was born.

I'm old. End of story.

[MrBug708]

It is going to be pretty rare that the Rose Bowl gets champions from both conferences though. They have the third or fourth best team from the Big 10 this year and the same last year.

That 33% decrease in ratings has to concern ESPN and the CFP. I was expecting a drop from last year but that's just brutal. I guess ESPN has less leverage than I thought. I just assumed the NYE schedule was their evil plan :)

I'm a huge CFB (and CBB) fan but NYE has always been a night where my family has gone out together and had fun. If Ohio State didn't go with the biggest chickenshit offensive gameplan possible against MSU then plans would have changed. If only...
PAC-12 really needs to play ball with ESPN, but I doubt the SEC would allow that

[kingfc22]

Too bad McCaffery didn't play on the East Coast...

[Butter]

Northwestern and Iowa were overrated, but so are Tennessee and Florida.

Just because Tennessee beat the crap out of Northwestern doesn't mean the SEC East wasn't the worst division in major college football this year. Florida found out how Michigan's ass taste.

I think Alabama - Clemson will be a great national title game. As an OSU childhood and lifelong fan, but now a 3 year Clemson season ticket holder, I'd love both of my teams to claim the first two CFP titles.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's been mixed 24 hours for the B1G I think.

There's a temptation to call it a disaster with high profile utter flops but Michigan and Ohio State got decent to nice wins. (I think what Notre Dame managed this season with their injury problems was impressive so that's the much better of those two wins to me).

Not at all sure how to explain Northwestern beating Stanford but losing so thoroughly today. Looked completely overmatched, and I know full well that UT isn't that good a roster. Better than it was a few years back but not like they looked today.

[jbergey22]

Not at all sure how to explain Northwestern beating Stanford but losing so thoroughly today. Looked completely overmatched, and I know full well that UT isn't that good a roster. Better than it was a few years back but not like they looked today.

Well you talk up Alabama like they are the clear favs and should just dominate any team they play. Tenn lost to them 14 to 19. Tennessee also only lost by 7 to Oklahoma. Tennessee will be one of the favs in the SEC next year. Solid young roster with lots of talent returning.

Matchups are still an important part of football. Northwestern matches up well vs Stanford and doesnt against Tennessee.

And while it is a crappy excuse the numerous times it is used. Iowa was inches away from playing in the playoffs. We are clearly not seeing the best of them today. While they were overrated towards the end of the season they are clearly in a letdown spot. Stanford is not 4-7 tds better than them.

[BishopMVP]

They care more about tradition than meaningful matchups.
They'd rather have the PAC-12 champion at 9-3 and the Big-10 champion at 10-2 than two teams ranked 11-1 and ranked top 5As long as they're gonna be a boobie prize, I have no problem with that. Ohio State/ND was a sweet matchup, but really who cares who won? If 30,000 Iowa fans are gonna take their once every generation trip to Pasadena and have a lifetime of memories from it instead of OSU showing up when most of their fans are disappointed to be there, cool. Nobody saw this margin coming (come on Iowa, don't you have a decent defense?), but I can fully accept that (in non-playoff years) the Rose Bowl isn't trying to please me as a TV viewer/3rd party fan.
ESPN wanted the semis on the 2nd today. Bowls wouldn't go for it, I guess.Reading the article Jon linked "bowls" might not be the correct term (I assumed by that there was some sort of parade or whatever as the hangup)... sounds like "the committee" really does think they can make Dec 31 semifinal day a cultural thing. I disagree, and I'm not just saying that because I personally hate it. I just think the extremely casual fan they're trying to reach cares more about NYE than football. Just thinking about it personally the amount of people I could talk in to watching Jan 2 games is much higher than the amount I could talk in to watching Dec 31 games.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well you talk up Alabama like they are the clear favs and should just dominate any team they play. Tenn lost to them 14 to 19. Tennessee also only lost by 7 to Oklahoma. Tennessee will be one of the favs in the SEC next year. Solid young roster with lots of talent returning.

I discount the margin of the Oklahoma game more than most do I think because it felt like a completely different OU than developed as the season went along. They were still figuring out who they were going to be/what they had more than the average team at that point IMO.

Bama is a weird thing because I'm of the opinion that the game is a lot bigger to UT than it is to Bama, one of those one-sided rivalry kind of things.

Make no mistake, UT is better than they were in recent seasons (thank God). But if they're a top 20 team (and even in my final poll they probably are) then that's a further indictment of the weakened state of college football today more than a mark of them being anywhere near greatness.

edit to add: As for Bama, I don't think there's any team in the country that can outcoach them -- I'm more than ready to declare Saban, whatever deal he cut down at the crossroads aside, the greatest college football coach in history and maybe not even by all that narrow a margin. Their strength up front, with speed to go with it, is beyond impressive to me. Michigan State clearly doesn't suck, yet they were overmatched & overwhelmed to the point of it being downright sad. That this is clearly not the best team Bama team during their run, thanks to a suspect secondary, and yet I still think they're in the very damned good range is almost scary.

And I'm sure as hell not thrilled about having the impression. Celebrated the Ole Miss victory with enthusiasm, would obviously love to see UT get that series back into line. But the only things in my lifetime that I would compare to what has been built & is happening there have been Wooden/UCLA and Auriemma/UConn.

[jbergey22]

I discount the margin of the Oklahoma game more than most do I think because it felt like a completely different OU than developed as the season went along. They were still figuring out who they were going to be/what they had more than the average team at that point IMO.

Bama is a weird thing because I'm of the opinion that the game is a lot bigger to UT than it is to Bama, one of those one-sided rivalry kind of things.

Make no mistake, UT is better than they were in recent seasons (thank God). But if they're a top 20 team (and even in my final poll they probably are) then that's a further indictment of the weakened state of college football today more than a mark of them being anywhere near greatness.

I agree with you on Oklahoma and I also agree with you that their rivalry with Alabama is one sided. I think the emotional aspect plays a very important role in some of these bowl games. I really dont think Iowa is there today. Northwestern was never really as good as some thought they were. Their offense is poor. If they arent creating turnovers they really are limited against good teams.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I thought the halftime comparsions for McCaffrey were good (about the Peewee player that's simply better than everyone else on the field, and something like "an Xbox player against an Atari defense") and they were deserved BUT there was one bit of hyperbole that bugged me: Herbie saying that McCaffrey was clearly the face of college football going into next season.

That's true ... right up until/unless Watson knocks off Bama & wins a national title, in which case we all know how quickly he'd be anointed the same way.

I'm not knocking McCaffrey so please don't nobody even try to go there. I'm strictly digging at the hyperbole & knowing that the narrative would change in a heartbeat in a matter of days if the situation demanded it.

Call 'em 1A & 1B, or say "among the faces" or something, otherwise it just felt like a setup for incredible hypocrisy as a broadcaster gets overwrought in the moment trying to come up with something to say.

[BishopMVP]

Northwestern and Iowa were overrated, but so are Tennessee and Florida.

Just because Tennessee beat the crap out of Northwestern doesn't mean the SEC East wasn't the worst division in major college football this year. Florida found out how Michigan's ass taste.Was Tennessee overrated? Should've beaten Oklahoma, good OOC win over Bowling Green, and 3 other losses by a combined 10 points. Good in the national title sense, no, but I thought they were a pretty talented team all year (if inconsistent, at least partially due to youth.) Jon can be curmudgeonly all he wants, but that's a top 20 team.

And sorry, but the Big Ten West? (or whatever they call the one that Iowa won) was still worse than the SEC East :p Plus the ACC non-Clemson/FSU division, even with the SEC East's terrible winner and drastic dropoff from #3 to #4.

I guess this day is kind of cathartic though... everybody "knew" Florida and Iowa were just getting lucky all year, so it's nice to see it "confirmed".

[BishopMVP]

I thought the halftime comparsions for McCaffrey were good (about the Peewee player that's simply better than everyone else on the field, and something like "an Xbox player against an Atari defense") and they were deserved BUT there was one bit of hyperbole that bugged me: Herbie saying that McCaffrey was clearly the face of college football going into next season.

That's true ... right up until/unless Watson knocks off Bama & wins a national title, in which case we all know how quickly he'd be anointed the same way.

I'm not knocking McCaffrey so please don't nobody even try to go there. I'm strictly digging at the hyperbole & knowing that the narrative would change in a heartbeat in a matter of days if the situation demanded it.

Call 'em 1A & 1B, or say "among the faces" or something, otherwise it just felt like a setup for incredible hypocrisy as a broadcaster gets overwrought in the moment trying to come up with something to say.I watched a day of football early this season where like 5 teams were referred to as having "the #1 defense in America". One was in points allowed per game, one in yards, one in turnover margin, one in 3rd down conversion percentage when the opposing team lines up with two tight ends and has a Senior quarterback, etc... If I posted every time an announcer used hyperbole about a player in their game, I'd have a lot more posts ;)

[jbergey22]

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2015 OVERALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL RATINGS (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/fplus)

Really the best thing I found that kind of keeps announcers stupid comments in check.

[NobodyHere]

I think we better send somebody to check on tarcone after this game

[MrBug708]

Can't believe McCaffrey didn't win the Heisman

[digamma]

Not at all sure how to explain Northwestern beating Stanford but losing so thoroughly today.

I think the start time had a ton to do with Stanford being pretty flat in that game. Happens a lot early in the season when west coast teams travel to the central or eastern time zone. Cal against Maryland and UCLA sleep walking to a thin win over a bad Virginia team come to mind recently.

[Edward64]

Ole Miss is starting to pull away from OSU.

Bowl match-ups don't seem that great this year.

[Edward64]

Can't believe McCaffrey didn't win the Heisman

Yup, I would normally go with the SEC guy but McCaffrey should have won it.

[bhlloy]

Today sure has been one uninteresting blowout after another.

[miami_fan]

Getting flipped head over heels by a blocker into the kicker is a penalty?

[JPhillips]

What a pretty play on the tackle eligible for Ole Miss.

[Edward64]

Nice trick play by Ole Miss just before the half.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Now that's how you end a half.

[mauchow]

Worst season of bowl games in recent memory, if not my life.

big 12 stunk it up.

Big 10, i knew all along was basically one good team in OSU. MSU didn't belong. It's too bad Wisconsin didn't pull their heads outta their asses vs iowa (fumble on 2 yd line late in game for the win) and NW ("dropped" pass in endzone after 6 steps) and they would have been in the b1g CG. Which after last years debacle vs OSU I'm happy they were left out because despite probably being the best defense in the country(behind Bama), our offense couldn't do much against anybody with a pulse, especially against osu who would have maybe not repeated last year vs WI but I don't believe we stood a chance.

[tarcone]

Iowa got exposed tonight. Ugly. Talent sure does outplay hard work, esp. when talent works hard.
Its tough being a developmental program and then running into speed. Not much of a chance.

Luckily, Iowa has a QB coming back and most of their team in general. With Wiscy, Nebby and NW at home and the crossover is Michigan, I like our chances at winning the west again.

Was Iowa over rated? Yeah, I think so.

[tarcone]

But, hey, Iowa won the 2nd half. Woot!

[mauchow]

And shit fuck balls, Dave Aranda leaves for LSU

Who do the Badgers open up against to start next season? LSU.

Fuck.