2017 College Football Season thread

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

The Big-10 might be good, but for sure, the PAC-12 is awful. Three coaches, who made the postseason, were fired.

Wait a sec. Mora, Graham and... ?

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Or should I say SuckEC? hehehehehehe

Eh, haters will hate.

True we are currently at 1-3 and our losses were from 7-6 teams.

We've got 5 bowl games on Jan 1 so let's have it play out before we jump to any conclusions.

[pbot]

For the B1G fans - would you rather see the B1G go undefeated in bowl games this year, or go 7-1 with UM as the only loss?

8-0 is nice, but hollow with no team in the playoff. Seeing 3rd/4th place Jim come up small again might just be worth it.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Eh, haters will hate.

True we are currently at 1-3 and our losses were from 7-6 teams.

We've got 5 bowl games on Jan 1 so let's have it play out before we jump to any conclusions.

Yeah I'm far from an sec apologist but i think the sec could very well go 4-1 tomorrow and no worse than 3-2.

I think miss st and lsu are locks.
I think Michigan is a lock.
I CAN'T see both sec teams losing in the CFP but could see both winning. I think both off those games are toss ups that could go either way, though you can best bet however they go will be construed as a memorandum by one side.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by pbot

For the B1G fans - would you rather see the B1G go undefeated in bowl games this year, or go 7-1 with UM as the only loss?

8-0 is nice, but hollow with no team in the playoff. Seeing 3rd/4th place Jim come up small again might just be worth it.

I think it's hard to call 8-0 "hollow" in any way, even if we were talking something extreme like #3 B1G vs #6 ACC or midrange G5.

I don't personally care about the overall record at all. The B1G wasn't great this year which all but the biggest homers would admit, but the record as well as the wins in these bigger matchups sure are nice to throw in the face of the few extreme idiots out there.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Wait a sec. Mora, Graham and... ?

I should say, left

[tarcone]

Originally Posted by Logan

I think it's hard to call 8-0 "hollow" in any way, even if we were talking something extreme like #3 B1G vs #6 ACC or midrange G5.

I don't personally care about the overall record at all. The B1G wasn't great this year which all but the biggest homers would admit, but the record as well as the wins in these bigger matchups sure are nice to throw in the face of the few extreme idiots out there.

I disagree with this. Was the B1G average or was it just good from top to bottom?

The SOS rankings have 6 B1G teams in the top 25. The SEC had 4. The ACC had 7.

Maybe the B1G abd ACC were stronger up and down the conference. And now we see that the B1G pushed the ACC around a little this bowl season.

Im not sure I buy the narrative the that B1G is not really that "great".

[lungs]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Im not sure I buy the narrative the that B1G is not really that "great".

I know we are Big Ten homers but...... no team in the playoff. Whether you or I think OSU should have been or not, they aren't. To me, a "great" conference would have a team in the playoff. I'm just happy with the Big Ten ruining Moonie's gambling. I hope his posting his picks wasn't intended as advice.....

[Logan]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Im not sure I buy the narrative the that B1G is not really that "great".

I think I covered this:

The B1G wasn't great this year which all but the biggest homers would admit

And you really said it yourself. The conference was good top to bottom but the B1G didn't have a really great team up top like they've had plenty of times in the past.

[tarcone]

In the playoff scenario, the B1G is being punished for having a really good, balanced conference. Isnt that the best possible thing to have? Isnt it better for the conference, as a whole, to be more balanced on the good side?
Or is it better to be like the SEC this year and have 2 really good teams and one great team and this gets them 2 playoff qualifiers?

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by tarcone

In the playoff scenario, the B1G is being punished for having a really good, balanced conference. Isnt that the best possible thing to have? Isnt it better for the conference, as a whole, to be more balanced on the good side?
Or is it better to be like the SEC this year and have 2 really good teams and one great team and this gets them 2 playoff qualifiers?

I think in the Power 5 conference, the expectation is winning or seriously contending for a championship.

Having a top 4 team contending is to be expected, top 2 team for the championship is better. Everything else is secondary. I don't think most fans care about a "balanced" (e.g. not good enough) conference if they are not contending.

Now you may say OSU deserved to be in the top 4 but that is a different discussion.

[HerRealName]

Here's a chance for me to look stupid tomorrow. I'm going with an Oklahoma - Clemson final. I think Georgia gets beaten soundly while the other game is closer.

[tarcone]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I think in the Power 5 conference, the expectation is winning or seriously contending for a championship.

Having a top 4 team contending is to be expected, top 2 team for the championship is better. Everything else is secondary. I don't think most fans care about a "balanced" (e.g. not good enough) conference if they are not contending.

Now you may say OSU deserved to be in the top 4 but that is a different discussion.

I wont say tOSU deserved to be in it. But I will say, if they had played Mercer instead of Iowa they would be in. The B1G plays a 9 game conference schedule, while everyone else plays an 8.
Iowa is a pretty good team. Much better than a Mercer type. And tOSU would have blown out a Mercer.

I guess my beef is with the inequality of scheduling. It almost seems like the B1G is being punished for playing more power 5 teams. And are in a conference that is pretty deep. There were no real pushovers outside of Illinois and Rutgers.

[tarcone]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

Here's a chance for me to look stupid tomorrow. I'm going with an Oklahoma - Clemson final. I think Georgia gets beaten soundly while the other game is closer.

Im with you. this is my hope. And prediction. But I have a slight bias.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

Here's a chance for me to look stupid tomorrow. I'm going with an Oklahoma - Clemson final. I think Georgia gets beaten soundly while the other game is closer.

TBH, GA worries me also. I would want GA to win it all and tired of Alabama's dominance in the SEC.

[Kodos]

Can't stop laughing at Moonie.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by tarcone

In the playoff scenario, the B1G is being punished for having a really good, balanced conference. Isnt that the best possible thing to have? Isnt it better for the conference, as a whole, to be more balanced on the good side?
Or is it better to be like the SEC this year and have 2 really good teams and one great team and this gets them 2 playoff qualifiers?

Then again, the PacWhatever seemed relatively balanced this year ... but has kind of been exposed as that being a product of it simply not being very good. Point being, balance is kind of a tricky thing in terms of perception.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

...the PacWhatever...

“PacWhatever”? Don’t we at least get credit for doing our math correctly?

[MrBug708]

The SEC was smart for not adding in numbers, but then again, those are graduate level classes at most institutions

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

“PacWhatever”? Don’t we at least get credit for doing our math correctly?

It's a personal holdover from the round of expansions.

I virtually always say Pac10 (cause nothing else sounds right), my kid almost always corrects me, so it's become the PacWhatever around here

[MrBug708]

No PAC-8?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

No PAC-8?

Dammit, I ain't Bucc

[Edward64]

AR hires A&M DC Chavis to be our DC. Not sure if its that significant of an upgrade for us (or for Chavis TBH).

https://www.si.com/college-football/...or-john-chavis

Veteran SEC defensive coordinator John Chavis is expected to become the next DC at Arkansas, sources have told SI, but there are still some details that need to be sorted out. New Razorbacks coach Chad Morris is working to fill out his staff after coming over from SMU.

The 61-year-old Chavis has spent three seasons at Texas A&M after six years at LSU in the same capacity following a 14-year run as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator. In 2011 Chavis won the Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year award while at LSU.

The Aggies ranked No. 68 in yards per play allowed. They ranked No. 51 and No. 56 in his other two seasons at A&M. Arkansas ranked No. 116 in that category this season.

The Aggies did make a lot of negative plays under Chavis, ranking No. 31 in TFLs in 2017 after ranking No. 7 and No. 3 in the nation in his first two seasons in College Station.

In his six seasons in Baton Rouge, the Tigers’ defense finish in the top 12 nationally in total defense four times (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014).

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

No PAC-8?

I'm a Pac-Dinosuar

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

The SEC was smart for not adding in numbers, but then again, those are graduate level classes at most institutions

We can take off our shoes to count with the best of them.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

Here's a chance for me to look stupid tomorrow. I'm going with an Oklahoma - Clemson final. I think Georgia gets beaten soundly while the other game is closer.

Yeah. I love my dawgs, and I am still all in on wanting to see the second national championship in my life time. But I am so scared you are right.

What I want to see....UGA rolls into Atlanta, and beats Alabama on the largest stage. The apprentice beats the master story line would be sweet.

[jbergey22]

I got the Dawgs 45-28 today while the Tide win in a tight defensive battle.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

I got the Dawgs 45-28 today while the Tide win in a tight defensive battle.

From your mouth....

This is my thoughts on the game. I will admit I cannot really break down Oklahoma, so maybe my pessimism comes from ignorance (or just the general pessimism that comes from being a sports fan in this area all my life). I can give a good assessment of the Dawg's weaknesses that worries me.

First is Fromm. He is one of the most football savvy freshmen I have ever seen in the position. He makes good decisions, and he doesn't have that ego that you often see in highly recruited quarterbacks. He does not try to win the game with his arm when the better options are run or simple passes. He takes shots down field when it's there, but doesn't force things. BUT, he also hasn't had to win games with his arm. I haven't seen any evidence that if the running game isn't clicking, he can take control. Plus, he just seems to really not be able to throw in the middle of field. He is fantastic throwing to the sidelines, and throwing jump balls to tall receivers. When he throws to the middle of the field short to medium range, the throws are often errant. Almost all of his interceptions (though there aren't many) comes from really ugly throws over the middle.

Second, lack of pass rush, especially off the corners. The sack totals are very low. It is very surprising considering Lorenzo Carter is a physical freak, and Bellamy is not far behind him. They both are good at getting free and hassling a QB, but they just don't get him on the ground enough.

So the question, can Georgia keep Mayfield from scoring early and often down field? The closest QB Georgia faced this season to Baker was Drew Lock. He torched the Dawgs early in that game, scoring 21 points in the first half on touchdowns mostly off down field throws. Georgia still out scored them in the half, though. Then they just ground the defense down.

Baker Mayfield is much better than Lock, and he has a much better team around him. If Oklahoma gets up early, and their defense can keep the Dawgs from long time consuming drives to the end zone, I really don't see how Georgia even keeps it close.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

I really don't see how Georgia even keeps it close.

Well, your advantage is in having a far superior defense. Oklahoma has a historically bad defense for a top 5 team. They did play much improved over the past few games however I think the balanced Georgia attack will give them problems again. It is just nice in games like this to know you have a defense that can stop the other team with the game on the line.

I would disagree on who has the better team around them. Georgia is the better team while Oklahoma has the best player out there.

On paper I see an excellent offense with a well below average defense facing a team with an well above average offense and defense.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Well, your advantage is in having a far superior defense. Oklahoma has a historically bad defense for a top 5 team. They did play much improved over the past few games however I think the balanced Georgia attack will give them problems again. It is just nice in games like this to know you have a defense that can stop the other team with the game on the line.

I would disagree on who has the better team around them. Georgia is the better team while Oklahoma has the best player out there.

On paper I see an excellent offense with a well below average defense facing a team with an well above average offense and defense.

Context. I said "if", not that it will definitely happen that Oklahoma will go up big early. It is something I can see happen, not that it definitely will.

If Georgia can make regular stops early, while grinding yardage on the ground, they will win. If they can force mistakes from Mayfield and capitalize on them, they win big. I think that this might be a close game, and really Mayfield is good enough to take them over the top, but then Georgia's defense is good enough to make the stand they need. I fear a loss, even a blow out because I can see how it can happen. I am hoping that I'm just being a well-conditioned pessimist.

Btw, I was saying Mayfield had a better team around him than Drew Lock. I think Georgia may have the better team as a more complete team than Oklahoma. But it is close.

[tarcone]

I think it is hard comparing games. Teams in college really progress throughout the year. I use Iowa as an example. In years past (not this year), they always looked terrible in the beginning of the season, but at the end they were completely different.
Also, with such a long lay off, it comes down to preperation and game planning. Who is the better coach? I think that is a bigger factor in these games than anything else.

Georgia and Oklahoma is going to be a real good one. Who is the better coach?

[tarcone]

Im thinking ND/LSU will be the most boring game of the day

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Im thinking ND/LSU will be the most boring game of the day

They are going to have a tough time reaching the bar Michigan/South Carolina are going to set...

[jbergey22]

I am really intrigued with this UCF/Auburn matchup. The Peach Bowl did well in providing us with a unique game.

[tarcone]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

They are going to have a tough time reaching the bar Michigan/South Carolina are going to set...

Yeah, this was my close 2nd for sure

[JPhillips]

The UCF punter is a big boy.

[tarcone]

UCF a little to amped up

[CU Tiger]

- On the B1G bowl success, without taking anything away from them, and I will readily admit they have done better than I expected, but you can't discount how not having a playoff team affects that record. Every other conference is bumping down a selection (sec bumping down 2) because of playoff participation. This creates favorable seeding matchup for the B1G.

- Regarding Oklahoma vs UGA...I think UGA wins this one convincingly. Mayfield is talented but doesn't handle adversity well. OU has a much better OL than when they played in the Orange bowl 2 years ago, but I still don't think they've seen a DL like UGA will roll out tonight. I think UGA runs the ball consistently and wins a 7-10 pointer.

[HerRealName]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

- On the B1G bowl success, without taking anything away from them, and I will readily admit they have done better than I expected, but you can't discount how not having a playoff team affects that record. Every other conference is bumping down a selection (sec bumping down 2) because of playoff participation. This creates favorable seeding matchup for the B1G.

- Regarding Oklahoma vs UGA...I think UGA wins this one convincingly. Mayfield is talented but doesn't handle adversity well. OU has a much better OL than when they played in the Orange bowl 2 years ago, but I still don't think they've seen a DL like UGA will roll out tonight. I think UGA runs the ball consistently and wins a 7-10 pointer.

On your first point, I've heard that before and I don't think it's accurate. Let's say OSU makes the playoff. Wisconsin still plays in a NY6 and all bowl matchups are the same. Obviously Ohio State would have had an uphill battle winning their playoff game but having two teams in NY6 games negates the playoff difference.

On your second point, the Ohio State defensive line is as good or better than Georgia's. I think Georgia is basically Michigan with a better RB. We will see though.

[Edward64]

South Carolina is lucky they are only down by 3 at this point.

Their offense and special teams have sucked so far.

[Edward64]

I wish they could single thread these games more. You've got 3 bowl games going on at the same time.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

On your second point, the Ohio State defensive line is as good or better than Georgia's. I think Georgia is basically Michigan with a better RB. We will see though.

Just a tiny correction. Better three (possibly 4) running backs.

[Kodos]

Boy, the Big Ten are embarrassing themselves.

[tarcone]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Boy, the Big Ten are embarrassing themselves.

What do you expect from like the 12th worst conference in the world?

[tarcone]

Honestly, I dont think Michigan has played all that well, either.

How bad does it look for the SEC if Auburn loses? Makes the playoffs a little bit of a sham.

[tarcone]

3-0 at half is about what I thought ND/LSU would be. Yawn.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Honestly, I dont think Michigan has played all that well, either.

How bad does it look for the SEC if Auburn loses? Makes the playoffs a little bit of a sham.

I tried telling CM last week, sc vs Michigan was the lock of the year. It's rare when I hide my gambling activity from my wife, but I did this one because she would have had a panic attack.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by HerRealName

On your first point, I've heard that before and I don't think it's accurate. Let's say OSU makes the playoff. Wisconsin still plays in a NY6 and all bowl matchups are the same. Obviously Ohio State would have had an uphill battle winning their playoff game but having two teams in NY6 games negates the playoff difference.

On your second point, the Ohio State defensive line is as good or better than Georgia's. I think Georgia is basically Michigan with a better RB. We will see though.

I disagree on the relative DL comparisons.
Time will tell. OSU signs highly regarded DL prospects for sure. I just don't think they evaluate and select as well as some others.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

I tried telling CM last week, sc vs Michigan was the lock of the year. It's rare when I hide my gambling activity from my wife, but I did this one because she would have had a panic attack.

And if Michigan keeps fumbling the damn ball away...i might myself.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Just a tiny correction. Better three (possibly 4) running backs.

Much as is grieves me to acknowledge it, also a better QB.