Official College Football Thread - Week 11
 

Starting this to post a couple helmet pics, and my own opinion of how you do it right and wrong. I'll let you decide which is which.

Notre Dame wearing this against Maryland:





Rutgers wearing this against Army:

That Notre Dame helmet is awful.

I'm guessing the stars & stripes one is just because they're playing Army, or is there more to it than that? Washington did a similar helmet for the weekend earlier this year that coincided with the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Veterans Day is Friday. Maybe Rutgers is doing it for that and since they are playing Army.

Ah, good point. Would make even more sense if the game were on Friday, but close enough (similar to the UW helmet and the 9/11 tribute).

Not even so much "ugly" as, I dunno, weak? A shamrock on your helmet isn't exactly an intimidating look.

I liked their attempt to make their gold helmets more closely resemble the Golden Dome, but the green shamrock on the helmet? Bad call.

Biggest game is clearly Stanford vs. Oregon. They are playing at the farm this year which should favor Stanford, but Oregon is a damn good team.

Back in the 60s they used to have that shamrock on their helmets. I think that Lou Holtz even brought them back for a game.

Flying to Atlanta for VPI vs. Ga Tech on Thursday. Should be a fun one. Taking my son, and weather dependent, it will be his first GT game.

Skimming the schedule and picking out games of interest.

Oregon @ Stanford. Nuff said.

Auburn @ Georgia. Last real hurdle for the East title for Georgia.

Michigan @ Illinois. Last easy game for Michigan, but it's on the road. This is a must win for them, or they are looking at going 1-4 after the MSU loss.

TCU @ BSU. Only real challenge left for BSU.

NU @ PSU. Let's just say Penn State suffered a loss in the bye week and now go through three straight games that will be brutal for them to deal with even under normal conditions.

WVU @ Cincinnati. Cincinnati has 4 games to go with a 2 game lead on the rest of the Big East.

MSU @ Iowa. Iowa is frisky at home and MSU's record on the road is non-existent. First team in the Legends division to act like it wants to win it will do so. Maybe.

Texas @ MU. Last visit by the Longhorns.

Wait until the game is played.

Iowa holds the division in their hands. Win the next 3 and we play int he 1st ever B1G title game. Lose on of the 3 and its not a chance.
MSU is nails against the run, but cant play on the road.
You never what Iowa team will show up. Or if a good Iowa team will play 4 quarters.

Go Hawks!

The Notre Dame helmets are fine. It's not like they had an iconic helmet that bore decades of tradition.

?

Is this a joke?

FSU/Miami Saturday afternoon. I hope we kill them, although they've been playing good of late. But so have we.

Pretty sad that these two teams have fallen enough that they can't make anyone's list of semi-interesting games...

I am looking forward to watching Stanford vs. Oregon. I want Stanford to win because I don't want to see Alabama and LSU in the title game. I don't think they'll be able to beat Oregon though.

Wake Forest travels to Death Valley for the ritual beating. Although, blind loyalty leads me to hope - IF we were to win ... Oh, happy day!!!!!

The biggest problem I have with a rematch is, what have you settled if the team that lost the first game wins the second one? LSU beat Alabama at home. If Alabama beats LSU in New Orleans, what point have we settled? That typically, the team that loses the first game has the upper hand in a rematch. I think that's about it.

I'm not in favor of a rematch, unless there's no argument for any other team. If you have a bunch of 2-loss BCS conference teams and a 1-loss Boise State, for example, and LSU was undefeated and Alabama had 1 loss, then OK. But if there's another viable team, I say let them have a shot.

For me, if LSU and Boise St. are the only undefeated teams left, then they need to play.

I get all of the stuff about Boise St. and their schedule, etc. I want to see them play in a game like this just to see how well they really do stack up. If LSU blows them out 56-10, then okay don't do it again. But is BSU wins or LSU wins in 2OT, then it gives it merit.

I'm afraid we're going to see a rematch.Stanford loses to Oregon and OSU loses to Oklahoma and we get a rematch.

My only hope at that point is that LSU loses to Arkansas and/or the SEC title game.

There are still plenty of chances for all the top teams to stumble.

I believe there'd also be the possibility of a rematch if those things happened & Alabama stumbled against Auburn.

Don't completely overlook the possibility of getting Oregon-LSU in that scenario.

We made Michigan look good passing the ball and USC look good throwing it - maybe we can even make Maryland look competent on offense.

It's not like Alabama-LSU was even a fun game to watch. It was painful to anyone who likes watching college football offenses operate. It was like having a root canal.

I would be stunned as anyone if Auburn pulled it off. I'm pretty sure 'Bama wants Auburn's head at this point.

I enjoyed it. I saw a clear difference between that game and the UGA/UF game a week before. That one was painful to watch, because those defenses aren't THAT good, and it was poor offense that ruined the game (I think the QBs were a combined 1-21 at one point in the 2nd half).

I don't mind a 52-45 game, but there's something to be said for two defenses shutting down offenses that average around 38-40 points a game.

That's really the wrong way to pick who gets in, on both counts. Oklahoma lost 55-19 in a championship game once, should they be banned from future BCS consideration? Either you should be there or shouldn't, it's not a program tryout.

It seemed like two teams doing the definition of playing "not to lose" rather than playing to win. I agree, 52-45 is not ideal either. But a nice 28-24 game never hurt anyone. Not watching Alabama's kicker chunk attempt after attempt wide and short.

Yes, I was being sarcastic. I understand Maryland or some other schools doing it. But you're Notre Dame, you have one of the best helmets in the business. So much history and tradition. Why fuck it up with some cheesey shit like this?

I think it was a clear example of two coaches who knew the defenses were better than the offenses, and gameplanning accordingly to not be the one who messed up. I agree that's not exactly exciting, but ineffective beats sloppy/pathetic any day.

Aside from Alabama's special teams, I thought both teams played at a high level. It's just that neither offense was good enough to rise to or above the level of the defenses.

Missed your question the first time around. The school feels very close to the Army program after the way they supported Eric LeGrand and the rest of the team following his paralysis in the game against them last season, and they thought this was another way to show their appreciation.

I sent something to the assistant AD that they should make replicas of this helmet available for sale with the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project. He said it would be something for them to consider.

Cool story. Hope they follow your suggestion, it's a creative way to raise more money for a good cause.

Go Georgetown ... not something I ever really thought I'd be saying but one of their freshmen DL, 6'2 300 lb Jordan Richardson is an graduate of my son's school & a kid I got to watch play most of his HS ball.

Bright young man, articulate, lost his dad when he was very young, just the kind of kid that you find yourself pulling for. After watching him seem to struggle occasionally with focus on the field (or perhaps just lacking a little bit of a mean streak) while in HS, it was exciting to read about him being a contributor to a very good Hoya defense almost immediately upon arrival. That suggests to me that some of the maturity I hoped he'd get is there and, like I said, he's just a kid that you want to see do good.

So ... Go Hoyas

I can't believe they outscored last week's game.

Isn't Toledo the same team that Ohio State struggled to score 25 against, and that Boise State only put about 40 on? What the hell - have they decided to drop one defensive player off the field each week as the season progresses? Because they played like they had maybe 6-7 guys out there.

I would have though Schiano was a shoe in to replace Paterno but now I would be shocked if he did.

Bloom is long off that rose. But they'll go outside the PSU structure anyway.

To be fair, Ohio State mostly played Joe "Crazy Arms" Bauserman against Toledo. I am impressed that we were able to hold them to 20-ish points, considering.

For Lathum:

Politi: Greg Schiano won't be the coach to replace Joe Paterno | NJ.com

Thanks for the link, good read. I haven't been able to keep up as much since my buddy left the program.

Texas and UCLA announce a game at Jerry's World in 2014.

Texas and UCLA to play in Cowboys Stadium - CBSSports.com

In "only Pumpy could possibly care about this" news, Seton Hill tries to avoid having a winless home record for the first time in its 7-year history. The Griffins are 1-9 this year, with a 1-3 road record and an 0-6 home record. They close out their season against conference foe Glenville State. Maybe Seton Hill will play an inspired game this week and manage to match last year's win total of 2.

Ugh.

Less than an hour away from a top 20 NCAA game and FOFC is chatting about Toledo, Schiano and Seton Hill.


After the first Hokies TD, Im posting semi nude pics of Kathy Griffin.

If they aren't fully nude pics then don't bother.

Schiano was a day and a half ago, douche :). How bout some betting advice buddy?

I really enjoy watching the Georgia Tech offense play.

I bet youre a big Army/Navy fan.


As for today, had VT obviously. Might have a scooby snack for Saturday.

Nice touch to the the PSU/NU game as both teams came on to the field and prayed.

Similar to the 'Bama/LSU game, PSU is out playing NU, but the score is 0-0 with the defenses winning the day so far.

Syracuse continues their Big East farewell tour by get stomped at home in front of 6,000 fans. I guess by losing SU and PIT and potentially gaining all the Texas and Idaho teams, we actually improve football. Now RU needs a win from PIT today for Rutgers to have any shot at the Big East title.

MSU up 17-7 on Iowa. MSU playing a bit better than I expected, but not surprised they seem to be handling Iowa's offense.

That was a bullshit personal foul call on Texas. Not looking good for them being down their top 3 rushers plus their top receiver.

Maybe they should save some of that energy for a game that matters. I never understood a team that was in the diver seat for the title game feeling the need to add style points to their wins. Big 12 teams seem to be notorious for it. *cough*OU*cough*

MSU up 24-7 on Iowa. With Indiana and Northwestern next, it would take a pretty big screw up by State to not win the Legends division. NU up 10-0 on PSU. Not to say it's over, but I don't see PSU outscoring much of anybody by 10 in a half.

I'd like to see Oklahoma St to put up 80 just for the sheer fun of it.

Make that 31-7 in the first half. Congratulations Iowa for winning this week's mail in job award.

No style points. Texas Tech just blows lately.

Firing Leach was totally the right move

The 0 points at half it stunning. I figured Oklahoma State would score 50+ but I thought Texas Tech would have no problems putting up 30.

And hammers home OU's mail in job against TT.

The SEC officials for today's game say 'Hi!'.

OSU has an outside chance of winning the Leaders division, but are down 17-14 to Purdue.

Ouch. B12 leading rusher Henry Josey just got carted off with a knee injury. We have depth, but never good to lose the conference leader.

LOL

The SEC defenses say "Hi!"

Had to write it down. Yep, looks just as stupid as the SEC officials comment.

There's a big difference between joking about a call and mocking a severely injured player IMO. I guess we just see things differently in that regard.

He wasnt mocking the player from what I can tell. He was mocking you.

Wonder if Weeden has any chance at the Heisman now that Richardson has eliminated himself. Is it Luck then Weeden at this point?

Two TDs by Iowa and suddenly it's 34-21 MSU with a quarter to go.

I know it might be hard for you to comprehend, but I was not mocking the player, I was mocking you.

Hopefully some of those billions you are getting from donors and the SEC will be spent upgrading that turf. That is two serious knee injuries today.

I appreciate that you at least kept your chicken fetish out of a post. That's a step in the right direction.

And yes, part of the $160M investment in the stadium is to put in new turf over the summer.

Yup.

Weeden has a cannon but his accuracy accross the middle can be shaky at times. Probably a decent 3rd round pick/instant backup for a decent NFL team.

I hate Florida. Can't count on them for anything.

KU up on Baylor 10-0.

PSU has actually made it a game at 17-14 NU.

I hope PSU wins. Through all this, I feel for the poor kids on the football team. They haven't done anything wrong, and are paying a price for others mistakes. It'd be nice if they somehow ended up winning out.

I think one of the players was asked about it and he said he had been playing MW3 most of the week.

Hehe. Smart boy.

Disappointing game for Texas. If you would have told me that they would hold Mizzou to 17 points, I'd feel pretty good about their chances. But having your run first offense to have to rely on the #4 and #5 running backs due to injuries for 3 and a half quarters is tough to overcome. I'm interested in hearing what was wrong with Bergeron, as it was very surprising he wasn't available.

There is something perverse about hearing the South Carolina cheerleaders yelling "Go Cocks!" :)

Not as perverse as hearing anyone else's cheerleaders yelling that ;)

Turnovers killed Iowa today. 14 points off turnovers by MSU and stopped Iowa from scoring on the last on. Bad play Hawks. Some Corporations Stupid Bowl, here we come.

KU 17-0 over Baylor.

Might be the most unbelievable score I've seen all season.

NU wins and MSU looks to be finishing off Iowa. PSU needs to win @OSU and @Wisconsin if it wants to win the Leaders division.

Looks like MSU may be finding their stride down the stretch. And their schedule is a creme puff.

Toussaint already has 121 yards rushing in the first quarter.

ESPN's Gamecast is a joke right now. I started it up twice and failed to get plays added. The second time Michigan completed its drive at the goal line while the Gamecast still had Michigan at their own 41. Michigan up 14-0, but they would of, could of, should of be up by more.

Russell Wilson 13/13, 162 yards, 3 TDs in the first half. Montee Ball, 9 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs(one rushing, one receiving).

THANK GOD (purdue, actually) the Badgers control their destiny to get to the Rose Bowl now as it's pretty obvious that the Badgers are by far the best team in the Big 10.

UGA is OWNING Auburn right now. 28-7, and Auburn defense has yet to stop the offense, and Rambo just picked the ball off and took it to the house.

Not getting it in from 1st and G was pretty disappointing. Illinois has bent but not broken and that series where they held has really gotten them back into the game even though they're not on the board.


... and Michigan misses a FG.

Auburn cheerleaders > South Carolina cheerleaders, except they don't say "Go Cocks!" :)

It's not getting the 4 and 1 in a goal line situation, Illinois fumbling the ball, Robinson getting his mandatory INT, and the next Michigan drive goes inside the 19 and yet no points. If Illinois had a pulse, I would be worried.

EDIT: To clarify, the fumble was right after Michigan failed at 4th and 1 so all Michigan had to do was hang on to the ball.

TCU up 20-14 on BSU. There will be some mighty interesting bowl match ups if BSU falls.

35-7 UGA. The boys came to play today.

Then I'm guessing the most believable score all season would be the final score. I don't think anyone's surprised that KU lost.

16/16, 176 yards, 4 TD passes for Russell Wilson. That'd be sweet to see him go 20/20 with 5 TDs for the day.

Oh, no.. play action on the first play and nick Toon drops the first pass of the day on an underthrown ball from Wilson... and now Toon is hurt possibly.