College Football! RAH! RAH! RAH!

[sammy]

Preseason Rankings from Rivals.com (http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=815280)

[schaefe]

I must now insert my obligatory, "On Wisconsin!"

and...I suppose follow it up with...

ahem...

sigh...

"Go Dawgs"

[goody]

I can't wait. I have HD this year!

[Darrin]

Goody, you know that OSU is just gonna torture you again this year.

[goody]

Goody, you know that OSU is just gonna torture you again this year.

I'm prepared. I'll enjoy the regular season but I'm not going to watch the bowl game. I can't be hurt anymore.

[Evan]

You're jumping the gun on this one, Sammy. This thread should start with the AP pre-season poll. I think it's only fair to wait another few weeks before I have an opportunity to point out that Michigan beat Florida last year.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

OK, so the coaches pre-season poll is out today, so there is some legitimacy to starting this thread.

So I will now take the opportunity to point out that Florida might be ranked much higher than Michigan, but Michigan beat Florida last year.

Also, Michigan is ranked?!? Gotta love those coaches.

Go Blue!
Evan



<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow><TD>1. Georgia (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=61) (22) 0-0 1,438</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>2. USC (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=30) (14) 0-0 1,430</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>3. Ohio State (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=194) (14) 0-0 1,392</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>4. Oklahoma (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=201) (3) 0-0 1,329</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>5. Florida (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=57) (5) 0-0 1,293</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>6. LSU (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=99) (3) 0-0 1,163</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>7. Missouri (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=142) 0-0 1,143</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>8. West Virginia (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=277) 0-0 1,008</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>9. Clemson (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=228) 0-0 999</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>10. Texas (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=251) 0-0 979</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>11. Auburn (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2) 0-0 888</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>12. Wisconsin (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=275) 0-0 747</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>13. Kansas (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2305) 0-0 714</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>14. Texas Tech (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2641) 0-0 644</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>15. Virginia Tech (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=259) 0-0 568</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>16. Arizona State (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=9) 0-0 560</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>17. Brigham Young (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=252) 0-0 547</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>18. Tennessee (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2633) 0-0 506</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>19. Illinois (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=356) 0-0 422</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>20. Oregon (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2483) 0-0 399</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>21. South Florida (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=58) 0-0 350</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>22. Penn State (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=213) 0-0 313</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>23. Wake Forest (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=154) 0-0 203</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>24. Michigan (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=130) 0-0 112</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>25. Fresno State (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=278) 0-0 91</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>Others Receiving Votes

Alabama 83, South Carolina 64, Utah 60, Rutgers 53, Florida State 53, Boston College 47, California 41, Pittsburgh 34, Boise State 25, Oregon State 23, Nebraska 17, Cincinnati 13, Virginia 12, Connecticut 9, Michigan State 9, Mississippi State 6, Kentucky 5, Notre Dame 5, TCU 5, Maryland 4, Texas A&M 3, UCLA 3, North Carolina 3, Louisville 2, Georgia Tech 2, UCF 2, Tulsa 1, Oklahoma State 1, Arizona 1, Colorado 1.










</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[PRaynor]

Hate to be contrarion, but preseason rankings are piss in the wind. Georgia will lose this season. USC will lose multiple times. Sanchez is no Leinhart.

[sammy]

Raynor this thread exists expressly because of the lack of reason and the abundance of passion.

Last year's thread was an epic with 2 mighty CINners taking potshots at each other's team the entire year...and then having those teams meet in a Bowl Game.

ah, memories.

Also, Constantine Maroulis sucks.

[sammy]

Michigan State, 9 votes

I would like to thank the 9 of the Big Ten teams that were humble and gentlemanly enough to vote for MSU. Such a shame that Rich Rodriguez has already been tainted by the superiority complex inherent in UofM culture :P

[PRaynor]

Thanks Sammy.

[Evan]

The AP poll is out.

1. Georgia (22)
2. Ohio State (21)
3. USC (12)
4. Oklahoma (4)
5. Team beaten by Michigan in bowl game last year (6)
6. Missouri
7. LSU
8. West Virginia
9. Clemson
10. Auburn
11. Texas
12. Texas Tech
13. Wisconsin
14. Kansas
15. Arizona State
16. Brigham Young
17. Virginia Tech
18. Tennessee
19. South Florida
20. Illinois
21. Oregon
22. Penn State
23. Wake Forest
24. Alabama
25. Pittsburgh

Others Receiving Votes

South Carolina 84, Fresno State 83, California 59, Utah 53, Cincinnati 44, Florida State 41, Michigan 36, Boston College 32, Rutgers 32, Michigan State 21, Boise State 17, Arkansas 14, North Carolina 14, Connecticut 10, Tulsa 7, UCLA 6, Oregon State 5, Mississippi State 4, Virginia 4, Arizona 3, Nebraska 2, Notre Dame 2, Hawaii 1, Washington 1.


From my Michigan perspective, this makes a lot more sense than the coaches' poll. I take this season as a complete unknown. I'm just going to enjoy watching the kids play hard. That's the one thing Coach Rodriguez promised the Chicago alumni when he stopped by during the summer - the kids will play hard. I feel comfortable with the defense, but I have a hard time figuring out how the offense will score. I guess I'll just take it on faith that Coach Rodriguez will make it happen.

So what I want out of this season is a bowl game. I know, not much. But then I take it I will be pleasantly surprised when they do so much more. A dream season for me is that we beat OSU. And go to a bowl game. If Coach Rodriguez can squeeze that out in his first year, then I will be ecstatic.

Key games - the opener against Utah. Thanks goodness we get them at home. I'll be watching to see if we stay strong in the fourth quarter. Then the Notre Dame game. I have no idea if we can win this. It would be a nice way to get on top of the rivalry games. Then Michigan State. Coach Rodriguez duly notes this as a rivalry game, although Sammy hasn't gotten his team to a win for a while. Blame Sammy. I have to believe the Spartans smell blood in the water this year. My impression is they put everything into this game, and they'll be extra desperate to get a win while they can. Bonus - I'm going to be at this game!

Our first three Big Ten games are Wisconsin, Illinois and Penn State. I wish these were at the end of the year, as I have faith that the team will learn the new game plans as the year goes along. Those three games will determine where we end up in the Big Ten. If we win two out of three, that will be huge. Just huge. Luckily two are at home (Wisconsin, Illinois). Unfortunately, I have a hard time seeing how we can compete with systems that are already in place. I'll keep the faith for now and say we gather ourselves after a loss to Wisconsin and beat Illinois and Penn State because we always do.

Then there is OSU at the end of the year. Everyone will be talking about Bo and how he beat OSU's greatest team his first year at Michigan. I hated hated hated the fact that Tressell beat Michigan his first year. That was super miserable. I'll just leave it that I think Michigan will be capable of beating OSU by the end of the year, and just say I hope they play hard all game long.

My overall sense of the college football season is that the SEC will kill each other, the Big 12 will kill each other and USC will have a hard time fending off all the other PAC 10 teams. Probably leaves a Big Ten - ACC/Big East national championship game which will make everyone scream bloody murder about strength of conferences. I hope its as crazy a season as it was last year.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I am also hoping for a crazy season like last year. As a Gator fan, I am fairly certain that we will drop a game that we aren't supposed to, and craziness will help us get into the title game.

Evan, don't worry about Michigan. As much as folks want to talk about how you don't have a Pat White, they seem to forget that when RichRod was at Tulane and Clemson as an OC, they threw the shit out of the ball with their spread offenses. He will adapt the offense to the talent that he has. You will get your bowl game.

PS - And yes... I am fully aware that Michigan beat UF last year. I almost broke my TV.

[Evan]

Games that interest me this week:

#17 Virginia Tech at East Carolina. For some reason I see this as an upset. On the road against a fairly experienced team spells trouble for VA Tech.

#5 Florida vs. Hawaii. Wrong year for Hawaii. I think this is the ouch blow-out of the week. Florida has lots of people who want to score. Florida will quickly wash out of its mouth the taste of losing to Michigan in their bowl game last year.

#3 USC at Virginia. Nice to see a West Coast team make the trip east. Does anyone care about their first two games? Bring on OSU.

#7 LSU vs. Appalachian State. Nothing against LSU, but if we could replace pictures of ASU beating Michigan with pictures of ASU beating LSU, I would really like that. Considering that LSU is only #7, ASU might not be sufficiently up for this game.

#9 Clemson vs. #24 Alabama. It's like a bowl game in August. I think Saban has his team better prepared and they'll win this.

#6 Missouri vs. #20 Illinois. It's like another bowl game in August, only this time in a place where they wouldn't hold a bowl game in late December. Illinois is lucky because they can't rest on their laurels with this game. I think they win. The Big Ten needs this.

#18 Tennessee at UCLA. A match-up of big time programs. Fulmer has always struck me as Carr-esque, which usually means losing when you head out to the West Coast. But this time around UCLA is too far down. Lucky for Fulmer.

#1 (in my heart) Michigan vs. Utah. I have no idea what to expect. Our defense is probably a fine match for their offense, but I still have no way of knowing how we're going to score. My guess is that we come back in the fourth quarter and win it.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

go baylor. plus 12.5

[timalimdim]

#7 LSU vs. Appalachian State. Nothing against LSU, but if we could replace pictures of ASU beating Michigan with pictures of ASU beating LSU, I would really like that. Considering that LSU is only #7, ASU might not be sufficiently up for this game.



I'd love to see my Mountaineers pull this one out, but I really doubt we can sneak up on LSU like we snuck up on Michigan.

However, Hurricane Gustav is doing interesting things to this game. Instead of a 4pm, Central kickoff, it'll be a 10am, Central kickoff.

Early morning. Perhaps a quieter, less rowdy house. I'm curious to see what this'll do.

Interesting stuff.

[MattyO]

Washington got 1 vote.

Meet your new Pac-10 Champions. Jake Locker was forged by Jesus Christ himself.

UDUB.

[Darrin]

Games that interest me this week:

#17 Virginia Tech at East Carolina. For some reason I see this as an upset. On the road against a fairly experienced team spells trouble for VA Tech.

#5 Florida vs. Hawaii. Wrong year for Hawaii. I think this is the ouch blow-out of the week. Florida has lots of people who want to score. Florida will quickly wash out of its mouth the taste of losing to Michigan in their bowl game last year.

#3 USC at Virginia. Nice to see a West Coast team make the trip east. Does anyone care about their first two games? Bring on OSU.

#7 LSU vs. Appalachian State. Nothing against LSU, but if we could replace pictures of ASU beating Michigan with pictures of ASU beating LSU, I would really like that. Considering that LSU is only #7, ASU might not be sufficiently up for this game.

#9 Clemson vs. #24 Alabama. It's like a bowl game in August. I think Saban has his team better prepared and they'll win this.

#6 Missouri vs. #20 Illinois. It's like another bowl game in August, only this time in a place where they wouldn't hold a bowl game in late December. Illinois is lucky because they can't rest on their laurels with this game. I think they win. The Big Ten needs this.

#18 Tennessee at UCLA. A match-up of big time programs. Fulmer has always struck me as Carr-esque, which usually means losing when you head out to the West Coast. But this time around UCLA is too far down. Lucky for Fulmer.

#1 (in my heart) Michigan vs. Utah. I have no idea what to expect. Our defense is probably a fine match for their offense, but I still have no way of knowing how we're going to score. My guess is that we come back in the fourth quarter and win it.

Go Blue!
Evan


Evan, step away from the ledge.

[Evan]

Evan, step away from the ledge.

I'm not on the ledge, even now. I wouldn't say I was disappointed in the offense. I didn't know what to expect from them, and after watching one game, I still don't know what to expect from them. The rushing can't be as bad as it looked, and from the way I saw it the passing game was mostly a problem with throwing and the QB, whoever it is, ought to get better with that.

My disappointment came with the defense in the first half. It just didn't make sense to me that our front line was not getting pressure on their quarterback. The front four are the best part of our team, and they just didn't get to the quarterback in the first half. I was much happier with the second half on defense and I expect to see a lot more of that during the rest of the year. Our new D coordinator is supposed to favor an aggressive blitzing defense, so the first half was a mystery to me, while the second half was much more what I expected.

The other encouraging sign was that we clearly won the fourth quarter and our guys looked fresh in the fourth quarter. I knew Utah could do nothing on offense, and it was just a question of whether our offense could figure out anything. When they have 80 yards to move, it isn't going to happen, but if our defense had been what it was supposed to be in the first half, the offense would have been enough.

I'll be at the Miami (OH) game next week. I hope to see a better running game and a shut out on defense. Is it possible that the ND game could go into overtime with a score of 0-0?

As for my other games of interest, I pretty much had it called except for Illinois. And I would have missed the MSU game if I had written about it. My Big Ten boosterism sometimes blinds me. But, hey, at least Minnesota won!

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

Are there any interesting games this week? I'll try:

#5 Florida vs. Miami (FL). Interesting for old times sake. Florida will make it not so interesting for current times sake.

#4 Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati. Cincinnati is an up-and-coming program, right? They'll still be up-and-coming after this week.

#19 Penn State vs. Oregon State. I think I'm supposed to think this is interesting because it's Big Ten vs. Pac 10. I'm sure Penn State will make is less interesting pretty quickly.

#1 (in my heart, still) Michigan vs. Miami (OH). Funny how Michigan and the team it beat in a bowl game last year, Florida, are both playing Miami teams. And both beating Miami teams. I'll be in the Big House to witness RichRod's first win as Michigan's head coach!

Go Blue!
Evan

[PRaynor]

What about # 8 W. Virginia and E. Carolina?
Stanford and #15 Arizona State?

[Evan]

What about # 8 W. Virginia and E. Carolina?
Stanford and #15 Arizona State?

#8 West Virginia vs. ECU. ECU had their surprise. It doesn't happen again, even at home.

#15 ASU vs. Stanford. Wait a minute, is Stanford good this year? Is there another reason I should care?

Overall, lame week for college football. We can rest up for next week's national championship game between OSU and USC.

Evan

[PRaynor]

Wow, for a season as unpredictable as last season, one would think that any game is up for grabs. And yes, Stanford is good this year. They are well coached and had the second biggest upset last season. Arizona State beat NORTHERN ARIZONA 30-13.

Did you watch the East Carolina, VT game last week?

[d_kendall]

This weekend doesn't have anything too overly exciting to watch. The games I'm looking forward to are:

Oklahoma/Cincinnati: This should be a high scoring affair plus Oklahoma looks great. It should be a fun game to watch.

WVU/ECU: As much as I don't want to like a school that has a coach named Holtz, I don't think ECU got lucky. They're a good team but they are in C-USA so who cares. I still think WVU is going to win, but I think this should be a great game.

Penn State/Oregon State: This should be a good game but if the storm makes it's way to PA, it'll all be on the ground. If you like watching two run defenses go at it, then you'll be in heaven.

Next week is going to have some great games but we'll worry about that when it arrives.

[Evan]

Wow, for a season as unpredictable as last season, one would think that any game is up for grabs. And yes, Stanford is good this year. They are well coached and had the second biggest upset last season. Arizona State beat NORTHERN ARIZONA 30-13.

Did you watch the East Carolina, VT game last week?

I am a believer in "regression to the mean" so I think this season will be much more predictable than last year. The good thing is that there might not be a ton of top 5 teams upset by unranked teams, but there is plenty of parity amongst the ranked teams to shake things up as the season goes along.

I was trying to figure out if you thought the biggest upset last season involved my team (Michigan) getting upset, or my team's coach (RichRod) getting upset, but then I just gave up and comforted myself with the thought that Stanford's coach played for Michigan. I could even see him coaching at Michigan one day if we forget about his comments about how we let our players slide through on the academic side.

I did not watch ECU - VaTech, but I did pick ECU to win. OK, I'm willing to admit that this week's ECU game will be a good one to watch because ECU will be trying like hell to win again. Now that I think about it, it will probably be the best game of the week. I can admit when I'm wrong. I'm still not so sure about ASU and Stanford. But I'll admit it if I was wrong.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PRaynor]

I was referencing Stanford vs USC last year as one of the biggest upsets, but it honestly cant beat Ap. State.

Evan, what did you think of Mcguffie? He is a true freshman, and it was his first game, but the only excitement I saw was his run at the end.

It also looks like they found their QB, which is good.

[Evan]

Evan, what did you think of Mcguffie? He is a true freshman, and it was his first game, but the only excitement I saw was his run at the end.

It also looks like they found their QB, which is good.

McGuffie and Shaw are going to be featured running backs this year because we have a terrible offensive line, so we won't be pounding it up the middle, we'll be trying to run around the outside. I didn't see much in either McGuffie or Shaw to think they're anything but talented freshmen. I don't see them making a big impact. The hope is that they're dangerous enough to take some pressure off the passing game. Too bad our experienced backs won't be able to make much happen, which is more the line's fault than their fault. If our running backs are going to make any difference, it is going to be on screen passes, and McGuffie and Shaw seemed equiped for that, which is why they're playing more than the other backs.

The other thing that makes me hopeful is that the only way all these freshman are getting playing time is that they are working very hard. Yes, they fit the system that RichRod wants to run, but he wouldn't have them out there if they weren't battling every day in practice. It gives me hope for the future.

As for the QB, I wouldn't give Threet the job just yet. He deserves to start, but if he can't make quick, accurate passes, he's not going to be effective. I watched most of the Mizzou - Illinois game and I have great admiration for Chase Daniel - he just got the ball and fired it off. That's what Threet needs to do, and when you're just starting out I think it's tough to make your reads, make a good decision and make a good pass all in about two seconds. His other disadvantage is that Sheridan is more mobile and if Sheridan could at least make defenses think for a moment they need to worry about Sheridan running, then a big advantage of the spread will be realized - you can't play 11 defenders against 10 offensive players if you have to account for the quarterback running. I would like to see us settle on one quarterback, but I don't think that will happen until after the Wisconsin game - the coaching staff will think they can move back and forth through Miami (OH) and ND, but the Wisconsin game will be where they'll need to make a decision.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PRaynor]

E. Carolina defeats WV... they did it again... mark my words, ECU will be a BCS bowl team !!!!!!!!!!!

[Evan]

I'm glad PRaynor made me realize the importance of the ECU game, but ECU managed to make it a pretty uninteresting game. WVU looked lost out there on the field. Still, at the end of the day, my picking every top 25 team to win worked out pretty well for me.

It was good to see Michigan keep its perfect record against the MAC. The offense gave me moments of hope, including two substantial touchdown drives, but it's still hard to know what to expect out of them. The defense is good but susceptible to mistakes that lead to big plays. Although I can see why Threet is ahead of Sheridan, Threet still isn't making the throws that would cement him as the starter. I don't think we completed any downfield passes. How can that be? The shifty little freshman are looking good and are holding on to the ball, but putting those guys against Big Ten defenses is a little scary to me.

I ended up watching a ton of college football on Saturday. It is the benefit to having a football obsessed nephew - I liked having the excuse to just sit in front of the TV and watch bits and pieces of: ECU-WVU, ND-SDSU, PSU-Oregon State, BYU-Washington, USF-UCF, Florida-Miami.

ECU looked totally dominant. I didn't watch much of Penn State, but they clearly have an offense that is clicking and putting up many many points. The celebration penalty call against Washington was a crime - there was nothing malicious about his reaction to scoring a touchdwon with two seconds left. Terrible terrible terrible. I stopped watching USF-UCF when USF was up by 14 with four minutes left, then I saw that it was tied up on the score ticker at the bottom of the Florida-Miami game and caught the overtime. I thought USF looked pretty good. Florida was just a whole lot better than Miami.

Which brings us to ND. Nothing in the Michigan game gave me much hope that we can beat ND, but nothing in the ND game caused me to worry very much. ND is at its best when Clausen has time to throw a long pass. He is a really good passer. So I guess it comes down to whether ND's offensive line can stand up to the pressure of Michigan's defensive line. I don't think they can. I'm not expecting many points from ND. On the other hand, ND's offensive line is probably better than Michigan's. I can't believe I just typed that. We have no experience, and an injury at left tackle, which doesn't help matters. I expect another game of no downfield passes. The secret is out that Threet can kinda run if there is a fake that leaves him about 15 yards from any defender, so the QB running that got us our first TD against Miami is probably not an option. It will be up to our shift freshmen to make some plays. Sadly, this will be a competitive game, probably just as competitive as OSU-USC, just, you know, without the really good football part. I don't see more than 20 points total scored in the UM-ND game. Joy.

I would like to think that OSU will beat USC. Can anyone give me a compelling reason to think that is possible?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

Not that anyone cares (judging from the anemic postings in this thread), but here are some thoughts on this week's interesting (to me) college football games:

#5 Ohio State vs. #1 USC. Dear Lord, all I want is for OSU not to embarrass the Big Ten. Just once. It's more fun when the underdog wins, right? I am picking OSU to win this game just so I have another reason to be mad at them if they lose, and I can be happy for the Big Ten if they win. RichRod can't get Michigan in shape soon enough to prevent more OSU national championship game embarrassments.

#13 Kansas vs. #19 South Florida. It's one of those games we wouldn't have cared about two years ago. Something tells me Kansas isn't for real. Maybe USF isn't either, but no one will notice in the Big East. I'm going with the home team in this one.

#10 Wisconsin vs. #21 Fresno State. I am counting on a big weekend for the Big Ten. I have faith in Wisconsin holding up their end of the bargain. Forward!

#16 Oregon vs. Purdue. The Big Ten will be forgiven for losing this game, but only if the conference comes through in the other big games. Otherwise it's just another piece of evidence that doesn't look so good. Should be lots and lots of points.

#1 (against MAC teams) Michigan vs. Notre Dame. No one knows what to expect. That's a reason to tune in right there. This is a total toss-up game. Chances are ND retools their game to throw 50 screens and 50 short passes. Retooling the offense for one game - that's what Weis is all about, right? That doesn't have me too worried as it appears Clausen is most effective when he is bombing it down field. Michigan, on the other hand, has a run game. The only question is whether they can give the rushers some room by actually completing a pass that is thrown more than eight yards past the line of scrimmage. Hey, even bad football can be entertaining if the teams are evenly matched! Michigan will win and I will let a little sigh of relief because that will be vital for our bowl game chances.

What other games am I missing?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Ldub]

Go Horned Frogs!

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n316/u2lindsay/untitled-6.jpg

[goody]

#5 Ohio State vs. #1 USC. Dear Lord, all I want is for OSU not to embarrass the Big Ten. Just once. It's more fun when the underdog wins, right? I am picking OSU to win this game just so I have another reason to be mad at them if they lose, and I can be happy for the Big Ten if they win. RichRod can't get Michigan in shape soon enough to prevent more OSU national championship game embarrassments.

I don't feel good at all about the Buckeyes this week. Man oh man, I'm worried for Saturday night. Maybe that will help them win. They pissed me off so much last week I almost punched my dog.

I'm also looking forward to the Michigan/ND game; such a classic. It's a toss up.

[Darrin]

I don't feel good at all about the Buckeyes this week. Man oh man, I'm worried for Saturday night. Maybe that will help them win. They pissed me off so much last week I almost punched my dog.



Tell Hollywood to take the dogs for a LOOOONG walk saturday night. maybe rent a hotel. I have a feeling that Lord Wessex could be running for his life otherwise. Without Beanie, it could get REAL ugly.

And I am not bashing OSU... It is just that USC is REALLY good. I would be scared shitless if UF were playing them this week.

[PRaynor]

Not that anyone cares (judging from the anemic postings in this thread), but here are some thoughts on this week's interesting (to me) college football games:

#5 Ohio State vs. #1 USC. Dear Lord, all I want is for OSU not to embarrass the Big Ten. Just once. It's more fun when the underdog wins, right? I am picking OSU to win this game just so I have another reason to be mad at them if they lose, and I can be happy for the Big Ten if they win. RichRod can't get Michigan in shape soon enough to prevent more OSU national championship game embarrassments.

#13 Kansas vs. #19 South Florida. It's one of those games we wouldn't have cared about two years ago. Something tells me Kansas isn't for real. Maybe USF isn't either, but no one will notice in the Big East. I'm going with the home team in this one.

#10 Wisconsin vs. #21 Fresno State. I am counting on a big weekend for the Big Ten. I have faith in Wisconsin holding up their end of the bargain. Forward!

#16 Oregon vs. Purdue. The Big Ten will be forgiven for losing this game, but only if the conference comes through in the other big games. Otherwise it's just another piece of evidence that doesn't look so good. Should be lots and lots of points.

#1 (against MAC teams) Michigan vs. Notre Dame. No one knows what to expect. That's a reason to tune in right there. This is a total toss-up game. Chances are ND retools their game to throw 50 screens and 50 short passes. Retooling the offense for one game - that's what Weis is all about, right? That doesn't have me too worried as it appears Clausen is most effective when he is bombing it down field. Michigan, on the other hand, has a run game. The only question is whether they can give the rushers some room by actually completing a pass that is thrown more than eight yards past the line of scrimmage. Hey, even bad football can be entertaining if the teams are evenly matched! Michigan will win and I will let a little sigh of relief because that will be vital for our bowl game chances.

What other games am I missing?

Go Blue!
Evan


You are missing Texas vs. Ark
Missouri vs Nevada


Evan,

Michigan will be ND by more than 2 touchdowns. Notre Dame is awful. awful. awful....They should have lost last week if that poor guy didn't fumble on the 1 yrd line. I am getting sick of ND being so piss poor. In my opinion, the whole program is stupid for giving Weis an extension after 1 yr. Nebraska did that with Callahan, and look where that got em. ND doesn't execute for shit.
Michigan will win BIGTIME!!!

I predict that USC will be OSU by 3 or more touchdowns.

Kansas will lose tonight, but I think it will be close.

Wisconsin will win by 10.

Oregon will win by 14+

Those are my picks.....

[Darrin]

WOW! Michigan is a lot crappier than I thought. Also, WTF happened to the UCLA team that beat UT? The stormin mormons ride on!

[Evan]

Notre Dame is awful. awful. awful....

This doesn't make me feel very good. We handed that game to them gift wrapped in gold foil, with a diamond necklace ribbon, on a platinum platter. What a gift. No, we don't want the ball, what would we do with that? Other than the turnover after turnover after turnover, I was most disappointed in the defensive line. We knew the big passes were coming from Clausen, and we didn't get pressure until late in the game when it was raining anyways. I felt like if we were within 10 points going into the fourth quarter, we could pull it out, but silly me, I wasn't thinking that we'd give them back the ball whenever we got close to the goal line. I was encouraged by Threet and his ability to actually get the ball fairly close to some downfield receivers, and of course McGuffie. I think Coach Rodriguez needs to say Threet's our guy. ND took advantage of their chances and if we hadn't handed the game away it would have been close, competitive and exciting. Yes, I am saying that Michigan can hang with ND. Oh, man, it is going to be a long season.

Now I'm just trying to figure out where we get five more wins. The next two games are hosting Wisconsin and Illinois. If we can't win one of those two games, we're making the MSU game a must-win, and that's kind of scary. Plus, going to Purdue and, good Lord, even Minnesota could start to look scary.


I predict that USC will be OSU by 3 or more touchdowns.

Nice call. Can OSU please crawl off the national stage and not return for a while? I know it is the rest of the Big Ten's responsibility to do that, so I'm looking to Wisconsin, Penn State and Illinois to do this sooner than Michigan will be able to.

Kansas will lose tonight, but I think it will be close.

Impressive.

Wisconsin will win by 10.


Oregon will win by 14+

Close enough on the first one. It would have been nice to see Purdue hang on against Oregon. Thanks to Wisconsin and Purdue for making the Big Ten look at least somewhat decent this weekend.

I am curious how the SEC will shake out. No one SEC team has really dominated (but how could they, what with the SEC being so great from top to bottom? Just look at what Vanderbilt has done this year. They made Rice look like, well, Rice!). I would say it is the Big 12 champ vs. USC for the national championship game, although USC has proved itself quite capable of getting upset the last few years. Now we are assured that the Big 10 won't be able to put OSU back in the national championship game, and it won't be the ACC or Big East. Of course, ND is still undefeated...Anyways, the polls have been moving around based on games, but there has not yet been a cataclysmic upset yet. Someone needs to make this happen and remind us of last year.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PRaynor]

Evan,
6 turnovers. That is a lot of turnovers. That was a crappy day to play football. You might have to suck it up this year, but I have little doubt that Michigan will be dominate soon. Rich Rod is a proven offensive guru, and Michigan made a smart hire.

I was wrong about Oregon. Did not see that one coming.

I agree with you about the Big 12 champ going against USC, but I am still not convinced on Sanchez. I think that USC could still lose. Watch out for Alabama.

Hopefully, the USC dominance of OSU will shut the Buckeye fans up for a while.

[goody]

It was a rough weekend. After the first Buckeye drive I was like, "Wow! We have a chance! Let's keep this up!" It wasn't kept up. I even thought with the INT to end the half if we stopped them on their first possession then scored, maybe. No dice. They got their asses kicked. I don't like Boeckman. I'm excited for Pryor though. I thought he looked great. I can't wait for him to be at the helm.

One good thing: the tix prices for OSU vs Northwestern may drop a bit now.

The only other game I watched was VT and GT. The move to un-redshirt Tyrod Taylor I guess paid off.

Oh, VT reminded me of ECU. They're off with a bang but had a scare this week.

Is this Penn State's year? I guess we'll see once that play someone.

Is TN terrible? Will the Florida game be worth watching? Even though they lost to UCLA they usually play Florida tough, right?

[Evan]

I don't like Boeckman. I'm excited for Pryor though. I thought he looked great. I can't wait for him to be at the helm.

So now OSU has a quarterback controversy. As bad as this game was for Ohio State, the worst part is the quarterback controversy is its lasting legacy. I can't say how Tressel handled it because I wasn't paying much attention, but every time Pryor was in, it looked like he ran for 10 yards. So if Tressel caves, gives up on Boeckman and then Pryor gets too much time and throws his inevitable freshmen interceptions, Tressel is stuck with a confidence-shattered Boeckman to try and get his team back on track.

Michigan had this with Drew Henson, super-freshman, versus Tom Brady, future super-pro-quarterback (although no one realized it at the time). Every fan wanted Henson in there, but Brady never played really badly and Henson kept making mistakes. This is how I remember it, actual facts may not back me up. At any rate, it made it tough for the team. Only when Brady was firmly the quarterback did he really excel. This was supposed to be OSU's year (more so than last year when every other contender lost a game they shouldn't have) and that means sticking with Boeckman and use Pryor in very defined situations. Is that already falling apart? The way the announcers were talking, the OSU players were more excited when Pryor was in there. I doubt any senior on OSU wants to put Pryor in a build for the future. I just see it as a mess. Any thoughts from actual OSU fans would be very interesting to me.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Is TN terrible? Will the Florida game be worth watching? Even though they lost to UCLA they usually play Florida tough, right?

The game is in Neyland, so UT will be jacked for it. They almost always play us close there. Still, UT's offense is craptastic, and our defense is playing lights out so far. I think it is tight till the 3rd, and then our speed pulls away.

I disagree that a Big 12 team will make it to the title game... they will all play each other and beat each other up like the SEC. Missou and OU will have to duke it out in the title game (if they both make it past TX and KU), and Colorado is always good to upset one of them. Plus, don't look past Nebraska as a possible upset. Pelini will at least ahve them playing great defense by the end of the season.

USC will drop a game this year, I guarantee it. They have played a terrible UVA team, and a pretty bad OSU team and looked dominant, but I see some speed bumps ahead for them in Oregon, ASU, and Cal. Hell, even Stanford might be good for a scare.

[Darrin]

... the other scary thing is that BYU might actually have a shot to get into the title game this year, depending on how UCLA fares later in the season.

[John P. Glynn]

Someone is on a mission to destroy the ACL of Tom Brady and everyone who ever coached him.

Watch your fetlocks, Belichick.

[Ldub]

TCU

<TABLE class="tablehead teamTop colOne" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow><TD>8/30</TD><TD align=left>@ New Mexico (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=167)</TD><TD align=middle>1-0 (1-0)</TD><TD align=right>W 26-3 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430167)</TD><TR class=evenrow><TD>9/06</TD><TD align=left>Stephen F. Austin (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2617)</TD><TD align=middle>2-0 (1-0)</TD><TD align=right>W 67-7 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282502628)</TD><TR class=oddrow><TD>9/13</TD><TD align=left>Stanford (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=24)</TD><TD align=middle>3-0 (1-0)</TD><TD align=right>W 31-14 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282572628)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Next up is SMU. This game is always unpredicatble but I will be pissed if TCU loses. And after that, OU. That's gonna be gooooood.

[sammy]

Lindsay,

All those schools sound fake.

My record this season so far:


8/30 @ Southeastern Michigan W 31-17
9/6 Amerigo Vespucci W 24-14
9/13 Carlton Banks W 28-21

[Evan]

Sammy would rather lose to a real team (California) than beat those two fake teams (Eastern Michigan and Florida Atlantic).

Go Blue!
Evan

[Chip]

TCU should beat SMU, I think. I don't think SMu is used to their new coach's ways yet. Should serve them well in the long term, but maybe not quite yet.

Heck, Rice beat SMU. If you lose, then I can rub that one in. ;)

-Chip

[sammy]

Sammy would rather lose to a real team (California) than beat those two fake teams (Eastern Michigan and Florida Atlantic).

Go Blue!
Evan

Evan,

This will be an ugly year for the Big 10. More so for my Spartans and your Wolverines.

sigh.

[Darrin]

TCU

<table class="tablehead teamTop colOne" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="oddrow"><td>8/30</td><td align="left">@ New Mexico (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=167)</td><td align="middle">1-0 (1-0)</td><td align="right">W 26-3 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282430167)</td></tr><tr class="evenrow"><td>9/06</td><td align="left">Stephen F. Austin (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2617)</td><td align="middle">2-0 (1-0)</td><td align="right">W 67-7 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282502628)</td></tr><tr class="oddrow"><td>9/13</td><td align="left">Stanford (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=24)</td><td align="middle">3-0 (1-0)</td><td align="right">W 31-14 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282572628)</td></tr></tbody></table>

Next up is SMU. This game is always unpredicatble but I will be pissed if TCU loses. And after that, OU. That's gonna be gooooood.

TCU has a sick defense, but I don't think they can hang with OU. Too many athletes... but it could be a great game.

[Ldub]

Lindsay,

All those schools sound fake.



Ummmm, I guess I can understand the first 2 but you've never heard of Stanford? Although, if you're not from Texas, Stephen F. Austin probably does sound weird.

Am I riiiiiight, Texans?

[sammy]

Ummmm, I guess I can understand the first 2 but you've never heard of Stanford?

Duh.

Of course I've heard of Stanford.

Stanford, Kentucky that is. (http://stanford-ky.com/)

[DiMarco]

Lindsay,

All those schools sound fake.

My record this season so far:


8/30 @ Southeastern Michigan W 31-17
9/6 Amerigo Vespucci W 24-14
9/13 Carlton Banks W 28-21

You only beat Carlton Banks by 7 when you were a 23 point favorite. I lost a bundle on that game. It's going to be a long year for you Sammy.

[sammy]

Yeah, they put up a tough fight. I have give their RB, Alfonso Ribeiro, his due. That kid juked our D right out of their shoes. He has moves.

<object height="344" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jKlxjbhB9HE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></object>

[Evan]

And now, it's back to actual College Football 2008.

Games of interest to me this week:

No. 9 Alabama vs. Arkansas. Something about the coaches having ditched NFL teams. Petrino will have former Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallet, but not until next year. Although Mallet did some things well, like beat Notre Dame 38-0, what sticks in my mind is his having to go into the MSU game when Henne got hurt, almost running onto the field with his baseball cap on, getting the ball and fumbling it immediately, which Hart actually turned into a first down, and then coming out immediately so that Henne, who couldn't really run or throw much due to injury, could continue to be the quarterback. That and his receivers yelling at him on the sidelines all the time. And yet I still wish he had stayed at Michigan.

No. 4 Florida vs. Tennessee. In my "Phil Fulmer is Lloyd Carr" philosophy, Fulmer actually wins this game. Lose on the west coast, then beat a conference rival. Carr did this a lot so that we could think he was crafty and lulling conference opponents into complacency so he could achieve the one true goal of Michigan teams - play in the Rose Bowl.

No. 18 Wake Forest vs. No. 24 Florida State. Wait a minute, FSU is ranked? It's hard to care about the ACC these days, but hey, it's a battle of ranked teams. I'll go with FSU since they're at home.

No. 6 LSU vs. No. 10 Auburn. All the good stuff is happening in the SEC this weekend. Ugh. I can count on Auburn always beating Florida, so why not LSU? I'll once again go with the home team.

No. 3 Georgia vs. Arizona State. This was supposed to be interesting, then last week's ASU loss made it less interesting. But maybe they got it back together. I would like an SEC loss, but hoping for Big Ten wins didn't help me last week, so I'll go with the obvious choice - UGA.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan State. Didn't MSU blow a huge lead in this game a few years ago? Sammy, maybe you can remind us of the details. MSU wins this one and then I start worrying about the Michigan - MSU game.

Michigan doesn't play this week. We are hopefully prepping for some exciting crazy spread offense plays against boring old Wisconsin next weekend.

What other interesting games am I missing? Also, don't just name the games, tell me why they're interesting and who will win.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

No. 4 Florida vs. Tennessee. In my "Phil Fulmer is Lloyd Carr" philosophy, Fulmer actually wins this game. Lose on the west coast, then beat a conference rival. Carr did this a lot so that we could think he was crafty and lulling conference opponents into complacency so he could achieve the one true goal of Michigan teams - play in the Rose Bowl.

He is like Lloyd carr in the fact that he should be fired. Gators roll, but it is close for a half.


No. 18 Wake Forest vs. No. 24 Florida State. Wait a minute, FSU is ranked? It's hard to care about the ACC these days, but hey, it's a battle of ranked teams. I'll go with FSU since they're at home.


The sad thing is that FSU fans think that winning this game will mean that they are "back". It is Wake Friggin Forest!

I will also be watching Auburn/LSU to see if either team can move the ball against 2 brick walls of defense. I like Auburn at home.

I also want to see if Miami can muster any offense against a bad Tx a&M team.... or if the team bus explodes, which I would like even more.

[sammy]

My team wrapped up its non-conference schedule with a nail-biter over University of Okoboji. I'll admit we're a bit undersized and had to use the "wrong ball" trick play to win.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cSnew1PIYqk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cSnew1PIYqk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Our record this season so far...
8/30 @ Southeastern Michigan W 31-17
9/6 Amerigo Vespucci W 24-14
9/13 Carlton Banks W 28-21
9/13 University of Okoboji W 17-14

[Evan]

I ended up on the wrong side of most of my "the home team usually wins" picks.

I am going to try and not worry about MSU.

The SEC is going to eat itself alive once again this year.

Penn State is really good at scoring a lot of points.

Wisconsin better be ready for some tricky tricky plays next week. I wouldn't put the "wrong ball" shenanigans past RichRod. He needs a win.

Go Blue!
Evan

[macarthur31]

Shhh. Don't tell anyone else...but...my Northwestern Wildcats are 4-0.

Shhhh.

[schaefe]

I know that Michigan got off to a...well...bad start, but I hope Wisonsin goes to Michigan to play some solid ball, not lay back and go "Oh, this will be easy, Michigan sucks this year...".

[Ldub]

Yeah Horned Frogs! They made it to No. 24. Sweeeeeeet.

1.USC (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/uub)
2.Oklahoma (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/ooc)
3.Georgia (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/ggb)
4.Florida (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/ffa)
5.LSU (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/lli)
6.Missouri (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/mms)
7.Texas (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/tth)
8.Alabama (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/aad)
9.Wisconsin (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/wwo)
10.Texas Tech (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/tto)
11.BYU (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/bbi)
12.Penn St. (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/ppb)
13.South Florida (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/sbn)
14.Ohio St. (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/oob)
15.Auburn (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/aar)
16.Wake Forest (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/wwa)
17.Utah (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/uuc)
18.Kansas (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/kka)
19.Boise St. (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/bbe)
20.Clemson (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/ccl)
21.Vanderbilt (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/vva)
22.Illinois (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/iic)
23.East Carolina (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/eea)
24.TCU (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/tta)
25.Fresno St. (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/teams/ffe)

[Evan]

Shhh. Don't tell anyone else...but...my Northwestern Wildcats are 4-0.

So is Minnesota. The Big Ten is back!

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

So is Minnesota. The Big Ten is back!

Go Blue!
Evan

.... except that its two "big teams" are terrible this year.

[schaefe]

Man, I hope UGA can roll over the Tide.

[Darrin]

Man, I hope UGA can roll over the Tide.

You guys are gonna have your hands full. Their D-line is nasty, and if you think SC gave you fits.....

You are officially entering the meat-grinder of your schedule. If you make it out, you deserve to go to the NC game without a doubt.

[Evan]

Here are the games I am interested in this week:

No. 24 TCU vs. No. 2 Oklahoma. You figure the Sooners are all over this one, then you read that TCU has won its last two games at Oklahoma. Then your mind is blown. Then you pick Oklahoma anyways.

No. 8 Alabama vs. No. 3 Georgia. I believe in the evil that is Saban. UGA just gives me the feeling like maybe everyone shouldn't have been so high on them before the beginning of the season. The polls reflect my feelings. Alabama confirms them.

No. 22 Illinois vs. No. 12 Penn State. You're kidding me, a top 25 match-up of Big Ten teams? The SEC and Big 12 have the top 10 match-ups locked up this year, so I'll take what I can get from the Big Ten. Penn State just scores and scores and scores. Illinois just makes all their fans worried all the time. I think Penn State takes this one, but there is always the possibility that Illinois finds a way to get a big win and show they are in the top three of the Big Ten. If this game were at Illinois, I would pick them, but Penn State at home at night is a scary place to be. Of course, I thought PSU would use that atmosphere to beat OSU last year, and Illinois did beat OSU at Columbus last year, but that was last year. This year Penn State wins this game.

No. 13 South Florida vs. NC State. I watched some of the USF - UCF game and that ending made me less impressed with USF. For some reason I think NC State is going to win this. I am sure I will be proven wrong.

Purdue vs. Notre Dame. Even though ND beat Michigan, I don't think they're any good. MSU confirmed this for me. Purdue will confirm it for me even more.

No. 1 (among 1-2 teams) Michigan vs. No. 9 Wisconsin. I am always scared of Wisconsin. Our D line slimmed down this off season, which makes me more afraid of Wisconsin. Plus they still have that PJ Hill guy with his huge butt. But I have faith that RichRod cooked something up these last two weeks and our offense will start clicking. Our defense is good enough to stop a pounding back and won't get tired in the fourth quarter. Michigan really needs one of the next two games, and I think playing Illinois after they've lost to PSU will be harder than catching Wisconsin somewhat unaware this week. So it's gotta be this week. Michigan wins!

What games have I overlooked?

Go Blue!
Evan

[PRaynor]

Come on, Evan! What about Va Tech at Nebraska?

[Evan]

Come on, Evan! What about Va Tech at Nebraska?

OK, OK, OK, I should have had that in there. Do you go with the rebuilding legendary program with a new coach, or old coach trying to make a season that got off to a rough start less disappointing. I am sure Beamer will take any win he can get, but with this game at Nebraska, I think Bo gets a "look my rebuilding thing is working out" boost. Besides, the ACC is a wreck this year and the Big 12 is awesome, so this will just prove the point.

But what do I know? Someone tell me what I'm missing.

Go Blue!
Evan

[sammy]

Well, Evan, Sammy-U is starting conference play this weekend. I racked up an impressive 4-0 non-conference record but with 7 games in the BigPacSunCoastMountain USA, it could get dicey.

To Recap:
8/30 @ Southeastern Michigan W 31-17
9/6 Amerigo Vespucci W 24-14
9/13 Carlton Banks W 28-21
9/13 University of Okoboji W 17-14

What do you think about our upcoming home game this weekend against St. Matthews (Massachusetts)? Dave Greene looks sharp QB and he definitely has a great supporting cast with Charlie Dillon, Chris Reece, Rip Van Kelt and Jack Connors. Rumor has it there's some team strife, but I'm not sure how that will play out on the field.

[Evan]

What do you think about our upcoming home game this weekend against St. Matthews (Massachusetts)?

No. 317 Sammy-U vs. St. Matthews (Massachusetts, not the better-known St. Matthews in Arkansas)). Hard to believe the rankings even go as far as 317, but that being said it just makes it harder to believe St. Matthews (M,ntb-kSMiA) isn't ranked. Clearly Coach Patel won't fall for the "wrong ball" trick, unless his Comcast internet connection is out. Again. We got it, Patel, Comcast service in your area is not so hot, please stop telling us this at on the Monday BigPacSunCoastMountain USA conference call. There's a reason Sammy-U is ranked No. 317, and the reason is because they can beat St. Matthews (M,ntb-kSMiA), just like at least 316 other teams, not all of them even technically college football teams. My only source of concern for this predicition is that there is a YouTube video of Greene actually missing the broad side of a barn, like, literally. Standing 10 yards from the broad side of the barn. And he misses. To the left. If I knew how to embed YouTube videos, I would do that. It doesn't matter, St. Matthews (M,ntb-kSMiA) is just that bad.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

USC just got whipped by the Beavers!!!!

It's gonna be another one of those seasons.....

[Chip]

USC just got whipped by the Beavers!!!!

It's gonna be another one of those seasons.....

Great game! Looked like USC might have come back at the end. Sweet stuff!

This is the first time a #1 ranked has lost to an unranked team since 1985, btw.

[Evan]

I saw the USC upset score on the elevator TV screen and my brain just about 'sploded. What!?!? Curious if anyone actually saw the game - was Oregon State better or just lucky? USC has clearly developed the capacity to lose games they Just. Should. Not. Lose. Ever. I think people in this thread have voiced the opinion that USC would drop a ridiculous game at some point. We are prescient.

This is good for the Big Ten because Penn State destroyed Oregon State, so for Oregon State to go on to beat the #1 team shows just how good the Big Ten is.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

OSU pounded them in the first half on the ground.... with a 5'6" freshman running back. The kid went on to have 186 yds. It was 21-0 at halftime. USC came back a little, but thier last score was with like 1:00 left, so it really wasn't even as close as it looked.

[goody]

Evan,
I saw the last touchdown of the first half and the last 3 minutes of the game. A guy at work told me USC couldn't stop OSU's...I mean Oregon State's freshman running back. USC brought it back to 21-14 with like 3:00 left. USC had the ball at their own 12 or something like that and Garcia overthrew a reciever and was picked off. OState returned it to the 3 and scored but missed the PAT. I was for sure that was going to burn them.

The student section started piling over onto the sidelines at this point. OState's coach got drenched with Gatorade and he got pissed cuz there was still plenty of time; I think 2:30.

USC went right down and scored with 1:17 left.

They kicked an onside and didn't get it.

I think this could be Penn State's year.

[Evan]

Thanks for the views of the game. If Stoops has developed a rep for losing BCS games, I think Carroll has now earned a rep for losing games USC Just. Should. Not. Lose. Ever.

After the USC - Ohio State game, someone on ESPN said they would want Tressell as their coach most weeks, because he doesn't let his team lose to teams they shouldn't lose to, but he would want Carroll coaching the big games because Tressell loses those and Carroll is always prepared for them. Makes sense. Hard to know who you would rather have as your coach.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

It is wierd how much 3 games can change the perception of someone, an entire conference for that matter. Tressel ued to be the posterboy coach for "the big game". He beat Miami in '02, has owned Michigan since he has been there, and won a few national titles while at Youngstown State. Leading up to the UF game. all everyone could talk about was how "nobody beats the Sweater Vest in a big game".

I think he has fallen victim moreso to his teams being a little overhyped. He has had good teams at OSU, it's just that folks have hailed them as GREAT teams before they had done anything to prove themselves. Then when they get matched up against a great team, they get exposed a bit, and everyone calls them trash.

Sadly for the Big 10 (espescially Penn State or Wisconsin this year), it leads to the perception that the conference is trash, since its premier power keeps getting thumped on a national stage. I think Penn St and Wisconsin both have a shot at making the title game this year, but only if they go undefeated. If they have a loss, the pollsters will jump a 1 loss SEC or Big 12 team over them in a second. I also think that if it comes down to it, even a midmajor (Utah, BYU, Boise St) could jump them if they finish unblemished, and the Big 10 champ has 1 loss.

Is that fair? I don't know for sure, but until the Big 10 steps up in a big game, it will continue to be the reality.

[Evan]

Is that fair? I don't know for sure, but until the Big 10 steps up in a big game, it will continue to be the reality.

Good thoughts. Perception is reality in college football, and I'm fine with that. The Big Ten needs big non-conference wins to change the perception. In 2006, OSU had a big non-conference win at #2 Texas, and the next week Michigan had a big non-conference win at #2 ND. Those were the last two major, nationally recognized Big Ten non-conference wins and it set up the season for them to meet as #1 and #2 at the end of that year. Seriously, folks, that was less than two years ago. Perception changes quickly - two bowl seasons, two non-conference seasons later and the Big Ten is down, down, down.

Once the non-conference schedule is done, the conferences are pretty much locked in with how they are perceived. Once again, the Big Ten didn't do enough to distinguish itself, and now we have to wait until the bowl season to change the perception going into next year. And the bowl season is a danger for the Big Ten because we're often playing teams that are higher-ranked, because all Big Ten schools travel well, and we play plenty of teams basically in their backyards because no one seems to want to come to the Midwest in the middle of winter.

In other words, I am very optimistic about Michigan's chances this year in the Motor City Bowl.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

You gotta be kidding me. I'm glad I didn't post at halftime of the UM - Wisconsin game, because at that point I was wondering if we were going to score any points in the Big Ten this year. That comeback was unfathomable. On our first touchdown drive, I was honestly just happy that we managed twenty yards of offense. Anything after that was gravy. Then the defense kept holding on and the offense kept moving forward and suddenly we're ahead. Awesome. You have to hope this powers the team through the rest of the schedule.

This weekend reminds me of last year. Could we have another Craziest College Football Season Ever? If Florida can lose like that, if USC can lose like that, if Georgia can get destroyed like that, well, yeah, it's going to be crazy. This is where playing in the SEC helps - Florida and Georgia can both still win the SEC and that will likely put them in the national championship game. My guess is an Oklahoma or Missouri with one loss but the Big 12 championship will also make it to the national championship game. I don't think it is the case for Ohio State, Wisconsin and USC.

Wisconsin can recover because it can beat OSU and Penn State at home. Penn State looks very good, but at this point I don't think that any Big Ten team is going to run the table in the conference. Should make for a fun year.

Go Blue!
Evan

[macarthur31]

Here we go 'Ca-ats, Here we go! *clap clap*
Here we go 'Ca-ats, Here we go! *clap clap*

Winnin' ugly, indeed. I'll take it. My favorite part of the win...seeing Brendan Smith lay an ear-ringer on the Iowa stud RB. Dude got laid out like NFL Blitz. We may give up yards, but our boys are bringing the pain.

With CJ Bacher finally figuring out the new concept offense, and a healthy Tyrell Sutton, the 'Cats are primed to be the sleeper team in the Big10 this year.

My Purple People Eaters are 5-0. In the words of our esteemed alumnus, Stephen Colbert -- Sparty, you're on notice!

/wrestling promo mode off

BTW, nice win for the 'verines. Bigtime win over a stout Wisky squad.

[Chip]

This is where playing in the SEC helps - Florida and Georgia can both still win the SEC and that will likely put them in the national championship game.

They can, yes, but the road to the SEC goes through LSU.

[sammy]

8/30 @ Southeastern Michigan W 31-17
9/6 Amerigo Vespucci W 24-14
9/13 Carlton Banks W 28-21
9/20 University of Okoboji W 17-14
9/27 St. Matthews (Mass.) W 30-20

http://www.lazydork.com/movies/schoolties.jpg
Well, due to a honor code cheating scandal and some religious tension, St. Matt's was in disarray.

We'll take any help we get. We're 1-0 in BigPacSunCoastMountain USA play!

Next up, the California Atoms

[Darrin]

They can, yes, but the road to the SEC goes through LSU.


Wrong. I think it was pretty clear last night that it goes through Tuscaloosa. The way Bama played last night, there wasn't a team in the country that could have beaten them. Luckily for my Gators, they won't be on our schedule until December (if we are lucky enough to make it that far).

[Evan]

Wrong. I think it was pretty clear last night that it goes through Tuscaloosa. The way Bama played last night, there wasn't a team in the country that could have beaten them.

Saban is evil. Alabama sold their soul for this. I hope they enjoy it before the Devil comes to collect whatever it is he's due. It makes me wonder what Alabama had to offer up. Bubba Gump Shrimp?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

Next up, the California Atoms

They rely too much on their kicker. Just keep scoring touchdowns and you'll be fine.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Saban is evil. Alabama sold their soul for this. I hope they enjoy it before the Devil comes to collect whatever it is he's due. It makes me wonder what Alabama had to offer up. Bubba Gump Shrimp?

Go Blue!
Evan

Saban is this decade's Spurrier in the SEC... only not as funny.

[Evan]

Interesting to me this week:

No. 13 Auburn vs. No. 19 Vanderbilt. I just can't pick Vanderbilt.

No. 9 USC vs. No. 23 Oregon. Would anyone want to play USC after last week's game? Not me. USC is going to try and win this by, like, a million points.

No. 4 Missouri vs. Nebraska. I'm picking Missouri, but this has upset written all over it.

No. 10 USF vs. Pitt. Wasn't Pitt supposed to win the Big East this year? Sure, they lost that opener, but who's to say they that wasn't a fluke? Oh, right, anyone who has watched Pitt play since Wanny became head coach. But they bet RichRod last year! Okay, I'm just trying to convince myself this is an interesting game. USF wins, uninterestingly.

Rutgers vs. West Virginia. Interesting only because UM supposedly offered Schiano the job before RichRod, and some even say Schiano took the offer and then changed his mind. Thank goodness. WVU wins this one.

No. 14 Ohio State vs. No. 18 Wisconsin. I am a believer in Wisconsin's defense. Sure, they maybe weren't so good in the second half of the game against Michigan, but if they were awesome in the first half. I think they'll keep it together for the full game, at home and all. I want them to sack Pryor repeatedly. Wisconsin is going to win this game.

No. 1 (in the Big Ten!) Michigan vs. Illinois. This will be a good competitive game that Michigan will win. Here is hoping that we get off to a better start than last week. I am optimistic that we will better defend their spread attack and that we can score ten more points than them in the fourth quarter. We have owned the fourth quarter, except against ND, and we would have if it wasn't raining and our ball allergy wasn't acting up. I am looking for 1-of-2 against Illinois and Penn State, and although we own PSU it is at Happy Valley, so we need to put away Illinois.

Tell me why a game I didn't mention is interesting to you.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

No. 1 (in the Big Ten!) Michigan vs. Illinois. This will be a good competitive game that Michigan will win. Here is hoping that we get off to a better start than last week. I am optimistic that we will better defend their spread attack and that we can score ten more points than them in the fourth quarter. We have owned the fourth quarter, except against ND, and we would have if it wasn't raining and our ball allergy wasn't acting up. I am looking for 1-of-2 against Illinois and Penn State, and although we own PSU it is at Happy Valley, so we need to put away Illinois.



Yeah, you said "ball allergy"

[sammy]

(optimism)


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p236/Mendy_010/Flowers/ImSorryForYourLoss.jpg

[Evan]

I feel like this was a miserable week. I don't believe in Vanderbilt, I make fun of Pitt, and they make me look silly.

Michigan's defense evaporated. I was so happy with the opening of that game when it looked like we actually had an offense. But then Illinois just pounded us. It appears you have to outscore Illinois to beat them, and there was no way Michigan was going to do that. I would be optimistic about the rest of the season if I were an Illinois fan because they will not face anyone with as much fire power as Missouri and Penn Sate. But I'm not. And although I'm not pessimistic, I do look at the Penn State game and wonder if we'll be able to prevent severe embarrassment. And I look at the MSU game and it makes me very worried, although I think we can beat a good running back with our defense, while a good running quarterback continues to be our nightmare. Which brings me to Ohio State. I really thought Wisconsin would win this one, and watching them lose because Pryor drove his team down the field in the waning minutes was about as bad as it could get. Can we please not give this kid confidence? I was so happy when he threw that interception and for a period of time in the third quarter when Wisconsin was getting to him a lot. But the ending was terrible. I can't take another Troy Smith.

On the bright side, if Michigan continues to lose one, win one, we'll beat Ohio State!

It's at times like these when it's good to have understanding friends like Sammy. I hope you beat that mule.

Go Blue!
Evan

[sammy]

The California kicking machine was just too much for us, Evan. Our defense is predicated around "bend, don't break" but when you face a team that finds a loophole in NCAA rules and fields a mule that can kick 50 yard field goals...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y7RP89EQL.jpg
http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/g-i/gus02.jpg

...lets just say their home field advantage combined with their mule made jackasses of our D.

8/30 @ Southeastern Michigan W 31-17
9/6 Amerigo Vespucci W 24-14
9/13 Carlton Banks W 28-21
9/20 University of Okoboji W 17-14
9/27 St. Matthews (Mass.) W 30-20
10/5 California Atoms L 36-14

We're 5-1, 1-1 in BigPacSunCoastMountain USA play.

[Darrin]

Vanderbilt has by far been the biggest surprise for me. They have traditionally played teams close in the SEC, but blown it in the end. Now they are winning close games, and that reflects directly back to the head coach. Bobby Johnson has made them tough enough to win in the SEC. The ironic thing is that in the preseason, he was voted 12th (out of 12) in a ranking of head coaches in the league, but he may end up being the National coach of the year.

[Evan]

This is a good week for top 25 match-ups:

No. 5 Texas vs. No. 1 Oklahoma. The Big 12 looks so great this year, but they need someone to rise above the rest and be a clear BCS national championship game participant. That would be Oklahoma, and it starts here.

No. 4 LSU vs. No. 11 Florida. Once again, the SEC eats itself alive. Florida screwed it up by losing to a bad team, and now starts screwing it up for everyone else in the SEC by beating LSU. This is why we're going to have a Penn State - USC national championship game, folks.

No. 17 Oklahoma State vs. No. 3 Missouri. This would be interesting if Missouri wasn't so freaking good. Missouri will outscore even Oklahoma State. I believe in Chase Daniels. I would trade Threet for him.

Notre Dame vs. No. 22 North Carolina. The unthinkable will happen and Notre Dame will beat a ranked team. What makes this even more unthinkable is that North Carolina is the ranked team.

No. 23 Michigan State vs. Northwestern. Oh, how I want to pick Northwestern to win this one. But MSU will instead add to my fears about the upcoming "Little Brother" game with Michigan. I fear Dantonio is doing something right and that Ringer can't be stopped. Not even by Northwestern. Sorry, I wish I felt differently.

No. 6 Penn State vs. Wisconsin. I think Wisconsin should win at home always. I think their defense is awesome. But if they failed against Michigan and OSU, I fear they will fail again against Penn State. And Penn State has the defense to stop the pounding running game. This is another one I wish I felt differently about, because I would be happier if Wisconsin could pin losses on OSU and PSU after losing to Michigan, but I think Penn State takes this one. All the better for Michigan to knock them off next week.

No. 1 (against MAC teams - still!!) Michigan vs. Toledo. I want three touchdown drives of greater than 70 yards, no fumbles on kick or punt returns, and 10 points or less from Toledo. That is all I ask for. I think Michigan will give it to me.

So what am I missing?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Gentrup]

I just want to mention that my Ball State Fighting Razor-Beaked War Cardinals have broken into the top 25 for the first time in school history.

A lot has changed since I was there and we were threatening to break the record for longest losing streak in D-1 football.

Go Cards!

[Darrin]

Upset Alert:

Minnesota vs Illinois- These are the games that the Zooker is famous for. Don't be suprised if the Illini lay an egg.

Colorado vs Kansas - KU has managed to not beat anyone of any importance, and look unimpressive doing it. Plus the Buffs need a win Badly.

Vandy vs Miss. State - Vandy will have trouble dealing with the hype this week, and MSU will pound the rock against them mercilessly.

Nebraska vs Texas tech - The Huskers need this, but I don't think they can slow down Tech's offense enough. If it were in Lincoln, Nebraska would have a very good shot. Then again, TTech always blows one of these games.

New Mexico vs BYU - Shhhhhhh. New Mex beat Arizona at home (for their only loss of the season), and BYU has to stumble eventually, right? nah... maybe not.

[PeteFitz]

The Big 12 looks so great this year, but they need someone to rise above the rest and be a clear BCS national championship game participant.

Notre Dame vs. No. 22 North Carolina. The unthinkable will happen and Notre Dame will beat a ranked team. What makes this even more unthinkable is that North Carolina is the ranked team.



I disagree on two things here.

1) The Big 12 has 4 teams in the top 7. I think they have the inside track to put a team in the national championship. If you play well in that conference, you're in. One loss and all.

2) I'll bet money that North Carolina beats ND like a drum. Last time ND went on the road they got pounded.

[Evan]

1) The Big 12 has 4 teams in the top 7. I think they have the inside track to put a team in the national championship. If you play well in that conference, you're in. One loss and all.

I agree that a one loss Big 12 team has a good shot at the BCS title game. What I'm trying to convey is that in that group of four, Texas plays each of the other three, and the others play at least two others (since MO will play one of the three from the South in the championship game). I can't do all the math, but to my mind we're either looking at one of those four being undefeated with the others having at least two losses each, or two of those four having one loss, with one of those losses coming in the Big 12 championship game. Maybe the Big 12 team that loses along the way but wins the Big 12 championship will have the poll momentum to get in the BCS championship game, but I think it is iffy and dependent on how other teams play because that one-loss Big 12 champ may have to jump over an undefeated PSU, one-loss USC team, a one-loss SEC team (they wouldn't be able to jump an undefeated SEC champ), or conceivably an undefeated BYU or one-loss Ohio State. So I think for there to be a clear Big 12 BCS championship participant, one of those teams has to go undefeated, which will mean they will separate themselves from the rest of the rest of the pack.

And I'll stay crazy and stick with ND.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

Upset Alert:

Vandy vs Miss. State - Vandy will have trouble dealing with the hype this week, and MSU will pound the rock against them mercilessly.

I would normally look at this week as an upset alert for a team like Vandy, but isn't Miss. State, like, really bad? Or is their record deceptive?

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

a one-loss SEC team (they wouldn't be able to jump an undefeated SEC champ)


This is where I disagree. I think the Big 12 will get in over the SEC winner, having the same amount of loses. And I think they would get in over USC.

I think the perception of the big 12 will be higher then the SEC and the Pac-10.

[cosmicpowers]

Upset Alert:

Minnesota vs Illinois- These are the games that the Zooker is famous for. Don't be suprised if the Illini lay an egg.


Gosh, I hope not - perhaps you've heard about the Worlds Biggest Basketball Practice happening in the stadium immediately after the game?

The UI marketing department figured out and applied for an exception to the NCAA to use the 2 hours per week that coaches are allowed to interact with players (probably for both this week and next week) to hold Midnight Madness a week early. In the football stadium. In front of 60,000 people. The top 5 recruits from Illinois in the class of '11 will be there (UI is done recruiting hoops for '09 and '10 already). Plus the tops of the next classes after that, and some assorted extra '09s and '10s in case we oversign by 1, or someone leaves the team after this year. Just tons of high-profile recruits since no other Midnight Madnesses are going on that same weekend (except Kentucky, who heard about this plan and got the same exception). This practice will likely be specifically prohibited next year.

This has the makings of the biggest Illini hoops recruiting event (er, ah, I mean fundraiser for cancer research) ever - I hope for a raucus trouncing of the Goden Gofers that leaves the crowd hyped, not grumbling, through the MM event.

MP

[SKSmith]

2) I'll bet money that North Carolina beats ND like a drum. Last time ND went on the road they got pounded.

23-7 against MSU really wasn't a pounding since it was a one score game most of the day and ND's defense just got tired at the end.

However, here are my reasons everyone should like Notre Dame(ignoring their annoying fans).:

1) They make their players go to class and graduate them. Such a novel concept in college sports today. Compare that to Florida and SexCannon Grossman who bragged in an interview about "Picking classes that were closest to the Football offices so I wouldn't have to walk".

2) They give lots of money to charity. From their coach raising money for developmentally disabled kids to the food stands inside and outside the stadium, they collect lots of money for good causes. Their coach even built a baseball field for special needs kids to play on.

3) The bathrooms at ND stadium are the cleanest of any sports facility I have ever been in. I saw an LSU game at the Superdome once and thought I was stuck in PoopyandPee Poseidon Adventure. And anyone who went to old Soldier Field or the Old Chicago Stadium probably has horror stories of their facilities. I think I saw the corpse of Machine Gun Jack McGurn in one of the temporary Portajohns they used inside old Soldier Field.

4)College Football has become all about big state schools who cheat left and right. Part of me likes the idea of a Catholic School with a mediocre team annoying the crap out of so many Southerners and football snobs.

[PeteFitz]

23-7 against MSU really wasn't a pounding since it was a one score game most of the day and ND's defense just got tired at the end.

Sorry dude. 16 yards rushing and 7 points. That is getting crushed. Don't care how you slice it.

When you give up a 200 yard rusher you didn't play well. At all.

And as far as your reasoning to like Notre Dame, pretty lame.

If my team isn't cheating I'd be dissappointed. I want to win. Winning teams cheat in college. That's it.

I could give a shit if the school I root for graduates guys. If those dopes can't realize that an education isn't the worst thing in the world why is it the coaches fault. Coaches don't force the players to take basketweaving. Survival of the fittest. The fit are usually intelligent. Sure they use the players, but then the players should use the uni for the education. Most schools are pretty expensive, and they get that for free. Fuck em, if they waste it on dumb classes.

Win Games.

College football should pay their players and just get on with it.

[SKSmith]

And as far as your reasoning to like Notre Dame, pretty lame.

I disagree, good sir.

If my team isn't cheating I'd be dissappointed. I want to win. Winning teams cheat in college. That's it.

Cheating is cheating. From Sammy Sosa to Dallas Cowboys, cheaters stain their accomplishments.

I could give a shit if the school I root for graduates guys. If those dopes can't realize that an education isn't the worst thing in the world why is it the coaches fault. Coaches don't force the players to take basketweaving.

Actually, the NCAA has gotten reports from players they were forced into majors to keep them playing. In a story last year about the Michigan Wolverines, some ex-players said they were steered away from harder majors to stuff like Kinsieology so they'd stay eligible. I think the NCAA is basically a protection racket and as long as they keep getting paid, the cheaters will get away with it.

[PeteFitz]

Lame.

Players can think for themselves.

All colleges cheat. Even Notre Dame.

*By the way I have no idea what you are talking about with the Cowboys.

[Darrin]

This is where I disagree. I think the Big 12 will get in over the SEC winner, having the same amount of loses. And I think they would get in over USC.

I think the perception of the big 12 will be higher then the SEC and the Pac-10.

Not a chance. The SEC has produced the last 2 National Champions and is widely viewed as the toughest conference top to bottom. If their champion has 1 loss, they are in- guaranteed.

The Big 12 has a few really good teams at the top, but then a bunch of craptastic ones at the bottom. Don't get me wrong... Oklahoma, Texas, and Missou all look very good so far, but I think that they will (as Evan said) eat each other alive in the coming weeks. Texas Tech will also manage to beat one of them, but still finish with 3-4 losses- and I wouldn't count out Kansas pulling an upset. The main thing setting this feeding frenzy apart from the SEC are the bottom feeders like Iowa State, Baylor, A&M, K State... even Nebraska at this point, who are pretty much a guaranteed win for the big boys. It isn't a big difference, but it is enough to get them the bump over the other conferences in the title game.

[Darrin]

I would normally look at this week as an upset alert for a team like Vandy, but isn't Miss. State, like, really bad? Or is their record deceptive?

Go Blue!
Evan
No, they are pretty bad on offense... but they play solid D. Vandy is still playing with a backup QB (I believe), and if they come out flat, those cowbells could start ringing for MSU.*

*for those who didn't know, the NCAA has a ban on all noise-making devices at events, but turns the other cheek to the MSU fans' cowbells.

[Darrin]

Upset Alert:

Minnesota vs Illinois- These are the games that the Zooker is famous for. Don't be suprised if the Illini lay an egg.

Colorado vs Kansas - KU has managed to not beat anyone of any importance, and look unimpressive doing it. Plus the Buffs need a win Badly.

Vandy vs Miss. State - Vandy will have trouble dealing with the hype this week, and MSU will pound the rock against them mercilessly.

Nebraska vs Texas tech - The Huskers need this, but I don't think they can slow down Tech's offense enough. If it were in Lincoln, Nebraska would have a very good shot. Then again, TTech always blows one of these games.

New Mexico vs BYU - Shhhhhhh. New Mex beat Arizona at home (for their only loss of the season), and BYU has to stumble eventually, right? nah... maybe not.

2 out of 5 ain't bad. Plus, the Nebraska game went into overtime.

[macarthur31]

Ack. I gotta man up on this one. Congrats, Sammy. Sparty played a very disciplined game on Saturday. Mark D'Antonio is the real deal. Hoyer managed the game quite well, and was able to keep drives going. However, it didn't help that we kept giving you sweet field position and turnovers.

Good think I didn't wager you this year.

[Evan]

No. 5 Texas vs. No. 1 Oklahoma. The Big 12 looks so great this year, but they need someone to rise above the rest and be a clear BCS national championship game participant. That would be Oklahoma, and it starts here.

Wrong.

No. 17 Oklahoma State vs. No. 3 Missouri. This would be interesting if Missouri wasn't so freaking good. Missouri will outscore even Oklahoma State. I believe in Chase Daniels. I would trade Threet for him.

Wrong. Except for the part about trading Threet for Daniels.

Notre Dame vs. No. 22 North Carolina. The unthinkable will happen and Notre Dame will beat a ranked team. What makes this even more unthinkable is that North Carolina is the ranked team.

Wrong.

No. 1 (against MAC teams - still!!) Michigan vs. Toledo. I want three touchdown drives of greater than 70 yards, no fumbles on kick or punt returns, and 10 points or less from Toledo. That is all I ask for. I think Michigan will give it to me.

Wrong.

I didn't watch this game (why are weddings on Saturdays?). I didn't get what I want (although I'm not sure on the fumbles part, maybe I got that, but it doesn't make me happy).

I can no longer use my standby "No. 1 (against MAC teams)" thing for Michigan, which is really just sad.

Also, for good measure I was wrong about Vandy not getting upset.

I am not very good at picking winners of games. I'd hate to think how I'd do picking against the spread.

Go Blue!
Evan

[sammy]

Ack. I gotta man up on this one. Congrats, Sammy. Sparty played a very disciplined game on Saturday. Mark D'Antonio is the real deal. Hoyer managed the game quite well, and was able to keep drives going. However, it didn't help that we kept giving you sweet field position and turnovers.

Good think I didn't wager you this year.

I don't know what you're talking about. If I did, and I don't, but if I did...then that would automatically inform the fates to break my heart. So I don't know what you're talking about. Sparty who?

[Evan]

Well, bring on the Spartans! Who's better, the team that just gave up 46 points on the road, or 45 points at home? If Penn State is winning for the first time in 10 tries, I'm sure MSU sees their opening. I hope Michigan can at least uphold the newly-started Little Brother tradition this year.

On to other subjects, because I don't have much more I want to say about Michigan:

What happened to Wisconsin? I thought they were very good against Michigan and Ohio State, and Penn State was understandable, but I don't understand yesterday or the score. That team is a complete mystery to me.

So, yeah, Texas is good. And Washington State is bad. I wonder how many points Texas would have scored against Washington State.

I still think Alabama and Texas will lose somewhere along the way. I think Penn State is looking the best for a trip to the national championship game. I just want them to beat OSU next week.

I really thought LSU would be exposed as a bad team yesterday, but Spurrier didn't make it happen.

Poor BYU. If I were a ranked team, I wouldn't want to play on Thursday. It's been a graveyard for ranked teams this year.

I'll be in the Big House for the Little Brother game. It should be another good one.

Go Blue!
Evan

[sammy]

I don't know what you're talking about. If I did, and I don't, but if I did...then that would automatically inform the fates to break my heart. So I don't know what you're talking about. Sparty who?

Even mentioning that I didn't want to mention it was enough apparently.

dammit, MSU. just dammit.

[Darrin]

Well, bring on the Spartans! Who's better, the team that just gave up 46 points on the road, or 45 points at home? If Penn State is winning for the first time in 10 tries, I'm sure MSU sees their opening. I hope Michigan can at least uphold the newly-started Little Brother tradition this year.

On to other subjects, because I don't have much more I want to say about Michigan:

What happened to Wisconsin? I thought they were very good against Michigan and Ohio State, and Penn State was understandable, but I don't understand yesterday or the score. That team is a complete mystery to me.

So, yeah, Texas is good. And Washington State is bad. I wonder how many points Texas would have scored against Washington State.

I still think Alabama and Texas will lose somewhere along the way. I think Penn State is looking the best for a trip to the national championship game. I just want them to beat OSU next week.

I really thought LSU would be exposed as a bad team yesterday, but Spurrier didn't make it happen.

Poor BYU. If I were a ranked team, I wouldn't want to play on Thursday. It's been a graveyard for ranked teams this year.

I'll be in the Big House for the Little Brother game. It should be another good one.

Go Blue!
Evan


I find it odd that 4 teams that played each other last week, are now playing their opponents opponents this week. (UM vs PSU and OSU vs MSU)

Teams have figured out what others have known about Wisconsin all along: They run a high school passing game... if that. Their D has been disappointing though.

I don't think it was so much of Texas being that great this weekend, moreso how overrated Missou is. They aren't even a Top 25 team in my book. Sure, they look good against 1AA schools, but they still can't hang with the big boys because they aren't tough enough up front... and No, Nebraska ain't one of the "big boys".

Texas is good, but they will lose a game, maybe this weekend. If PSU doesn't lose this weekend, it is tough to find a game for them to lose. Sparty will have a shot, but Iowa is also an upset possibility... not probable, but it IS college football, anything can happen.

Bama might have a tough time with UT this weekend. I know that sounds ridiculous- considering how bad UT has been- but they match up well. Plus UT plays the run tough, and it is a night game in Neyland (so no one will notice if all of the fans leave at halftime).

Spurrier will never have more than moderate success at SoCar. His offense depends around having superior talent than the defense. He had that at Florida... not so much at USCe.

Also, LSU is not a bad team. They fell victim to UF's superior speed, and a few bad breaks. They still have a very good shot to win the SEC west.

BYU hit a hot TCU team on Thursday. There aren't very many teams (if any) who would have beaten TCU that night. They were just plain "on".

[JPanic]

Everybody ready for a USC-Ohio St. title game?!?!?

[Evan]

Everybody ready for a USC-Ohio St. title game?!?!?

It is a rule that teams that already played each other during the regular season can't play in the national championship game, even if they are the two best teams. See 2006. Yes, I am still bitter even though the bowl games proved me so, so wrong. So terribly wrong. Which made last year's Michigan - Florida game feel so right. So, so wonderfully right.

I would stop living in the past if the present were not so painful.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

I don't think it was so much of Texas being that great this weekend, moreso how overrated Missou is. They aren't even a Top 25 team in my book. Sure, they look good against 1AA schools, but they still can't hang with the big boys because they aren't tough enough up front... and No, Nebraska ain't one of the "big boys".

I am surprised to hear you say that about Missouri. I watched some parts of a few of their games and came away impressed by how Chase Daniel was just awesome. I can't say much about their defense, but their offense was enough to make me think they were at least a top 10 team, even if that hasn't been shown in the last two weeks. An offense that goes so long with no three and outs and a QB who has more TD passes than incompletions (that was true for some significant and measurable time - a game, two games? whatever) is worthy of high consideration, even if the opposition isn't all that hot.

Also, LSU is not a bad team. They fell victim to UF's superior speed, and a few bad breaks. They still have a very good shot to win the SEC west.

I'll trust you on the SEC, but I've read a few opinion things from people who seem to generally know what they're talking about and they seem to think LSU is not all that. But if they end up besting Alabama in the SEC West, I'll eat my words, which has led to quite a weight gain this year.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I am surprised to hear you say that about Missouri. I watched some parts of a few of their games and came away impressed by how Chase Daniel was just awesome. I can't say much about their defense, but their offense was enough to make me think they were at least a top 10 team, even if that hasn't been shown in the last two weeks. An offense that goes so long with no three and outs and a QB who has more TD passes than incompletions (that was true for some significant and measurable time - a game, two games? whatever) is worthy of high consideration, even if the opposition isn't all that hot.

Chase Daniel is a great player, but like all QBs, he gets rattled under pressure. When he has all day to throw the ball, he will put up those Madden numbers, but he can be confused just like every other QB. Okie st and TX were the first two teams with the balls to blitz him this year. He will get a lot more of it later in the season. Don't be shocked if they drop a few more games.

LSU has a ton of talent, and as much as I hate to admit it, Les Miles can flat out coach. I am very tempted to pick them over UGA.

Also, there is no way either USC or OSU get in over a 1 loss SEC or Big 12 team. The strength of schedule for each is terrible. At the end of the season (if they both win out) they will each have exactly one win over a current top 25 team. That won't cut it with the polls or the computers.

[Chip]

LSU has a ton of talent, and as much as I hate to admit it, Les Miles can flat out coach.

Why do you hate to admit it? I can't say I've disagreed with many of his choices at all. For example, I like the 2 QB system he has going. It works for LSU.

[Evan]

Games that interest me this week:

No. 7 Texas Tech vs. No. 23 Kansas. It sounds like Texas Tech will have its way slinging the ball all over the place. On the other hand, they haven't really played anyone yet, right? Also, Kansas's coach is freakin' fat. Clearly, I don't know anything about this game. Texas Tech wins!

No. 25 Florida State vs. VA Tech. FSU is 5-1 and only ranked 25th? Oh, ACC, where is the super-conference you promised us? I'll go with the home team (FSU).

No. 7 Georgia vs. No. 13 LSU. People on this board like Miles's decisions. I ask, what about his decision not to take the Michigan job? It all comes back to Michigan, doesn't it? I'm going with UGA only because I think I repeated some stuff about LSU not being "all that" and now I need some Georgia help.

No. 1 Texas vs. No. 6 Oklahoma State. Another week, another top 10 opponent for Texas. I say they stumble, but when we least expect it. So Texas wins here and then loses to someone silly in a few weeks. And then we can get back to talking about how college football is crazy, y'all!

No. 2 Alabama vs. Tennessee. In the Fulmer = Carr world, Fulmer wins this because that's what Lloyd would have done. Upset special! I'm going with Tennessee! Someone save our souls from Saban!

No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 9 Ohio State. I am picking Penn State because I really, really want them to win.

No. 1 (against MSU the past six years) vs. Michigan State. I'm going to be at this game! Michigan is going to win, probably in a way that once again rips out the heart of all those Spartans, who can go back to feeling inferior, except this time they're inferior to a not-so-great team, which must really hurt. But don't worry, you'll keep getting our hand-me-down Rose Bowl t-shirts from a few years back. Little Brother!

I'm trying to really use the ! today.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Why do you hate to admit it? I can't say I've disagreed with many of his choices at all. For example, I like the 2 QB system he has going. It works for LSU.


I hate to admit it because Uf as to play them every year.

[Evan]

Michigan's season is headed for territory marked "painful". I am looking forward to basketball season and regretting I never became a hockey fan. We'll have a new quarterback next year, but will that really help? Won't our defense just get worse? It's not even November and I'm talking about next year? What is this world coming to?

On other games, I'm sad Tennessee didn't win, or even come close. But I do feel somewhat vindicated by that LSU loss, so maybe I am figuring out the SEC. The Big Ten, on the other hand, is unfigureoutable. Wisconsin and Illinois should have been at least a top 25 matchup, then Wisconsin melts away, but then wins this. And Northwestern loses. The only thing I can count on is Minnesota and Penn State.

If I were a Buckeye fan, I would be very disturbed by the lingering shot from that game - Pryor on the bench, all alone, helmeted head in his hands, and no one - not a coach, not a player, not a random person on the sideline - is anywhere near him to offer him any encouragement. Based on the thin evidence of that visual and the one player who thought Boeckman should be playing again, I'm going to conclude that his teammates hate Pryor. That's sad. I can understand, what with the golden boy image paired with some truly terrible passing decisions (I can't believe he was intercepted just on that last play, he wafts up thirty yard jump balls that force his receivers to stop dead in their tracks and he's lucky PSU's defensive backs never turned back to actually look for the ball). They're going to need a few years of getting people in place who are younger than him and might not hate him in order to return to their glory years of getting wasted in the national championship game. Needless to say, I find all this quite encouraging.

Go Blue!
Evan

[BigHig]

Michigan's season is headed for territory marked "painful".

Michigan is 2-6. I submit that it's been painful for 8 weeks.

[Evan]

Michigan is 2-6. I submit that it's been painful for 8 weeks.

Eh, I was hoping to avoid a losing record and keep the bowl streak alive. A win against MSU would have kept those hopes burning as well as taken care of one of our rivalry games. Losses to Utah and ND were frustrating, losses to Illinois and Penn State were understandable, and the loss to Toledo was embarassing, but there was always some hope that the season could be salvaged. Now this season becomes painful because the season is done for. Even some improvement won't make a difference this year. About all we can look forward to is an upset of OSU, which would be awesome, granted, but the absolute best possible scenario is a trip to the Motor City Bowl. This better all be worth it in 2010.

Go Blue!
Evan

[schaefe]

How's about them Dawgs?

And wonder of wonders, the Badgers finally won a game! Woot! A good College Game Day for me!

[Darrin]

It is going to take another 2 years for Michigan to get it turned around. You will undoubtedly get some hotshot QB who has been running the spread since he was 8 to sign this year, and then he needs another year to grow into the role. Plus you have to overhaul the OLine that was used to smashmouth football, and teach them zone blocking. The defense is also learning a whole new system, so that will take some time. (meanwhile your former DC is turning around a very bad louisville D form a year ago into something decent.) it is a painful process, but you will get back there.

LSU has flat out baffled me this year. they played with no heart whatsoever against UGA. I am ok with it though bc hopefully UGA will come into the Cocktail Party with an inflated head. I AM SO FRIKKIN STOKED FOR THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!

[Ldub]

TCU - No. 12. Hellz yeah. :D

[schaefe]

I am ok with it though bc hopefully UGA will come into the Cocktail Party with an inflated head. I AM SO FRIKKIN STOKED FOR THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!

I predict another "whole team" end zone celebration...by either team, depending on who scores first.

Florida to get back at UGA for last year, or Georgia just to do it again...

[Darrin]

nah, Urban would NEVER let UF celebrate like that.... although I certainly understand why Richt did what he did, and I am glad he did it. The intensity of the rivalry had slipped in recent years with the Dawgs. Now it is back 10 fold. Regardless of what Richt's final record in the series is, he will go down in history as the man who re-energized the Cocktail party.

[Evan]

I think it would be cool if Florida could organize the total opposite of the UGA thing and not celebrate their first touchdown at all. Whoever scores just hands the ball to the ref. No hugs, jumping into each other, high fives, pats on the back or anything else. Just line up for the extra point. And for extra emphasis, no cheering from Florida fans. Florida message: it's no big deal to score a touchdown on Georgia.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I just want a win. I mean, if they run it up Spurrier style, I will be ecstatic... but I will be happy with a 1 point win as well.

[Evan]

Here's what's interesting to me this week:

No. 15 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech. It's weird for me to see FSU in the top 25. How times have changed. Georgia Tech just about knocks them out of the rankings this week.

No. 6 Georgia vs. No. 8 Florida. I think Florida just absolutely destroys Georgia. That celebration last year was short term gain, long term pain.

No. 1 Texas vs. No. 7 Texas Tech. My guess is that the Texas defense shuts down the crazy Texas Tech offense. And then Texas loses sometime in the next two weeks. After playing top 10 teams for a solid month, there has to be a letdown.

No. 21 Michigan State vs. Wisconsin. We all know MSU is going to lose this one, right? The athletic department is selling t-shirts to commemorate a victory over Michigan, yes, that Michigan, the one that is 2-6. Toledo doing something like that, I might be able to understand. But come on, Spartans, have an ounce of self respect.

No. 1 (among recruits looking to play immediately) Michigan vs. Purdue. How bad is Purdue? I actually feel kind of comfortable that we can win this one. It will be nice to get a breather before Northwestern and Minnesota. Wait, we need a breather before Northwestern and Minnesota?

So tell me I'm an idiot, but also please tell me why.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I want Ga tech to win, but I see FSU as sneaking on out against them. they are finally catching on to the fact that they still have more talent than everyone else in the ACC.

Florida is going to smash UGA by at least 2 TDs.

I think that this is the week that Texas falls... of course I have thought that for the past 3 weeks as well.

Neither Michigan St or Wisconsin have a clue about how to throw a forward pass. I like Wisconsin because they need this win a little more, and they have several backs to spread the carries around to.

I think Michigan's player have finally had enough of the media bad-mouthing. Look for RichRod to tweak the offense this week to tailor to their strengths. I think Michigan plays hard, but Purdue wins one for their outgoing coach. It is gonna be one ugly offensive game.

[Gentrup]

Ball State is #16 going into this weekend.

[Chip]

Wow, hell of a finish to that Texas/TT game! Anyone else catch it?

[PeteFitz]

I did. I caught it.

[Former Hoosier]

Ball State is #16 going into this weekend.

Sweet!!!! My old school is kicking backside. Did you see the SI write up?

[Darrin]

Did anyone see the end of the Florida- Georgia game?



... because none of the Bulldog fans did!

Suck it UGA!

Suck it long, and suck it had.

[Evan]

Seems there were a lot of last minute or overtime finishes this week.

First off, my apologies to MSU. I underestimated you because, well, because you are the Spartans and why would you continue to bother playing football after beating Michigan? You should just call your season right there. But at some point you woke up, so kudos to you.

That Crabtree catch and touchdown at the end of the Texas - TX Tech game: are you kidding me?

I think Florida probably still has some lingering anger to take out on Georgia next year.

And now that Michigan will officially have its first losing season in my lifetime (and I am old), let me just ask, where is our defense? We finally put up a bucket of points, and Purdue, of all people, puts up more with their third-string quarterback? They got that last touchdown in a hurry. I just wanted a bowl game, so this season is not a success for me, the meager realistic Michigan fan. At this point I am (1) just hoping for a bowl game next year and (2) looking forward to basketball season for the first time in this millenium. RichRod, what hath you wrought? Now, that's not to say I've lost faith in RichRod, because I think we'll have a better idea about whether this was a successful hire in 2010 and 2011, but it is difficult for me to understand how this team is so bad that it can't even meet the win total predicted by Herbstreit.

My thanks to Wisconsin, because after losing to Purdue, I was thinking we are the worse team in the Big Ten, but then I remembered we at least beat Wisconsin, and somehow they are worse than us. Losing to MSU post Michigan victory just proves it.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

In a span of a few seconds, I lost 2 games in the pick'em as MSU drove the length of the field to beat Wisconsin, and Minnesota threw a pick 6 with 12 seconds left. I was pretty furious.

Both the Big 10 and the ACC have chomped me in the ass all season.

At least I got the Texas tech pick correct :)

[Evan]

In a span of a few seconds, I lost 2 games in the pick'em as MSU drove the length of the field to beat Wisconsin, and Minnesota threw a pick 6 with 12 seconds left. I was pretty furious.

Both the Big 10 and the ACC have chomped me in the ass all season.

At least I got the Texas tech pick correct :)

Tell me about it. Last second scores and overtime cost me four picks this week.

Evan

[Darrin]

Tell me about it. Last second scores and overtime cost me four picks this week.

Evan

I lost 7 games.... 6 of them on the last play of the game. This hurts a lot worse than Week 2, when I lost 1 game on a last second FG.

[Evan]

OK, here goes:

No. 8 Utah vs. No. 12 TCU. There's a TCU fan around here, so let me apologize before saying I think Utah will win this one. If this was at TCU, I'd think differently.

No. 19 North Carolina vs. No. 20 Georgia Tech. Everyone starts thinking of this game, and then starts thinking about basketball season. ACC! Again, I'll take the home team (UNC).

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 16 LSU. You can just feel the hate. Evil, evil Saban gets what he deserves this week. I get this picture in my mind of Saban as Emperor Palpatine, telling Luke to feel the hate and strike him down. Well, unlike the movie, LSU actually strikes him down. LSU wins!

No. 2 Texas Tech vs. No. 9 Oklahoma State. Once again, they key is home field advantage. Texas Tech keeps rolling, but won't make it to the national championship game. Some other one-loss team with a loss earlier in the season will get there. BCS!

No. 7 USC vs. No. 21 Cal. Are you kidding me? USC won't let them in the endzone. Is seeing a team that lost to Oregon State crowned national champion better than seeing a team that lost twice crowned national champion? USC wins.

No. 11 Ohio State vs. No. 24 Northwestern. I would really like Northwestern to win this game, except I also want to fatten OSU for the slaughter. Yes, I am still deluded enough to think Michigan could beat Ohio State. So, yeah, OSU wins.

No. 1 (in, oh, I don't know, punting?) Michigan vs. Minnesota. This one is for the Little Brown Jug. Carr was inordinately fond of this trophy. This game featured one of the most unbelievable comebacks I've seen (Michigan's biggest ever a few years back) and most inexplicable losses (2005 when Minnesota was looking to run out the clock and get to overtime and inadvertently got a 60 yard rush that put them in field goal range. Wow, I find myself fondly recalling the 2005 season right now). So it is a big deal. Our last chance to seal an undefeated record in whatever their dome is called. We don't have a quarterback, we don't have much of a defense, and yet you know this is coming: Michigan wins!

This is actually a pretty good week of games. What am I missing?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Rush Howell]

Well, you're missing a few things -

1) A pretty good season by the ACC - See, e.g., http://http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbc08.htm

2) The fact that Oregon State is a pretty good team - http://http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt08.htm - not to mention that both losses from the "two loss champ" were worse than losing to Oregon St. (see above) (and that Florida has a loss at home to Mississippi.) Yeah, USC lost as a 25 point favorite, but most teams have at least one game per year where they miss the spread by 20+... it's just that for most teams it's more likely to appear in the form of a 45-20 loss to Illinois when you were a slight favorite. The USC's, Florida's and Oklahoma's of the world have it yield shock losses instead of shock thrashings.

3) The Penn State at Iowa game and it's title game ramifications. If you put Penn State at about 75%, 85% and 80% to win their last three games (and I do) then they are 51% to win out from here. Making the rest of their season a high risk/reward coin flip.

and

4) Clemson at FSU - will Bobby Bowden throw another game to Clemson before he remembers they fired his kid?

[Darrin]

Well, you're missing a few things -

1) A pretty good season by the ACC - See, e.g., http://http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbc08.htm



Actually, I think it is a very average season for the ACC. Some of the bottom feeders are better than usual, but they do not have a single team that could be considered "elite". Theya re just a bunch of pretty good teams who are taking turns beating each other up. The fact that almost everyone is still in the title hunt just shows that no one team is good enough to step up and grab the brass ring.

The SEC is a little bit down this year in the fact that UT blows so horribly, and Miss St has taken a step back from last year. Other than that is it business as usual with 2 teams in the hunt for the NC.

[Evan]

The ACC has yet to live up to its promise after the addition of Miami, BC and VA Tech. I agree the perception problem (and in college football, it's all about perception) this year is that they don't have a national championship contender. I say you have the Big 12 and SEC, and then the other BCS conferences and it's hardly worth splitting hairs about which of the remainder is better. It's nice to hear from an ACC booster! FSU vs. Clemson!

I hear you on Iowa being a "trap game" for Penn State, but I would really be shocked if Penn State loses in the Big Ten this year and I would give them way better than a 50-50 chance of winning out, despite all your fancy math. Looking at the Top 10 in the BCS standing, I'd say Penn State has easily the best chance of not losing before bowl season, with the exception of Boise State, but they don't count, right? That raises the question: is it more lucrative for a conference to get two teams in the BCS or to have a conference championship game? That and the Rose Bowl choosing any viable Big Ten candidate are the reasons the Big Ten gets two teams into the BCS so often. And getting our teams into the national championship game, which I suppose may be more of a curse than a blessing.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

The ACC has yet to live up to its promise after the addition of Miami, BC and VA Tech. I agree the perception problem (and in college football, it's all about perception) this year is that they don't have a national championship contender. I say you have the Big 12 and SEC, and then the other BCS conferences and it's hardly worth splitting hairs about which of the remainder is better. It's nice to hear from an ACC booster! FSU vs. Clemson!

I hear you on Iowa being a "trap game" for Penn State, but I would really be shocked if Penn State loses in the Big Ten this year and I would give them way better than a 50-50 chance of winning out, despite all your fancy math. Looking at the Top 10 in the BCS standing, I'd say Penn State has easily the best chance of not losing before bowl season, with the exception of Boise State, but they don't count, right? That raises the question: is it more lucrative for a conference to get two teams in the BCS or to have a conference championship game? That and the Rose Bowl choosing any viable Big Ten candidate are the reasons the Big Ten gets two teams into the BCS so often. And getting our teams into the national championship game, which I suppose may be more of a curse than a blessing.

Go Blue!
Evan

Conference championship games rake in millions for the conference, as long as they sell out. The Big 12 and SEC have no problem with that year in and year out. You have to look at ticket sales, plus corporate sponsorship, and you are easily looking at more than the guaranteed payout for a 2nd tier BCS game. Those 2 leagues also manage to get 2 teams into the BCS pretty frequently, so the title game isn't hurting them in that aspect.

The ACC tried to follow suit, but their game has been a wash the last few years for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the geography problem: It is hard to get BC fans and students to come to Jacksonville, FL for a game because it is too farr, and there aren't that many of them anyway. Same with Wake Forest, UVA, NC State, etc. This year the game is in Tampa, so they have to be praying that FSU and Miami get into it, or they won't sell 30,000 tickets.

The other issue is that the ACC is and always will be a basketball first conference. Most of the fans give up by November to start following hoops.

[sammy]

...but I would really be shocked if Penn State loses in the Big Ten this year and I would give them way better than a 50-50 chance of winning out, despite all your fancy math. Looking at the Top 10 in the BCS standing, I'd say Penn State has easily the best chance of not losing before bowl season...

R.I.P. Evan's prognosticating skills

[Evan]

R.I.P. Evan's prognosticating skills

Those died a long time ago. Most brutally at the beginning of last season. They are sort of like zombie prognostication skills right now, repeatedly receiving headshots from various teams, week after week.

I also missed on Alabama, but I'll take some comfort that LSU got it to overtime. This game warms my heart as it proves hate (LSU fans' hate of Saban) is not as strong as love (Saban's love of money).

But I don't care about any of that, because my eternal Michigan pick actually came out the right way this week! This is the way this team was supposed to work - the defense holds down the other team while the offense kind of flounders but ends up with enough points to win. Unfortunately, we arrived at this point about a month later than we needed to for our bowl hopes. Now all of us Michigan fans can overreact and start dreaming of our OSU upset.

This weekend will turn MSU fans into Michigan fans. If PSU was perfect going into the MSU game and MSU won (and OSU beat Michigan), there would have been a three-way tie among OSU, MSU and PSU (viva la "state" schools!) and MSU would have the tie-breaker (OSU beat MSU beat PSU beat OSU, so it goes to number of FBS opponents, weird!). But now if MSU wins and OSU beats Michigan, then OSU has the tie-breaker over them because of the head-to-head win (I think I'm right on this, but I'll apologize later if I am wrong). So, Sammy, let's hear it from you: Go Blue!

Now, we all know that Alabama and Texas Tech will lose somewhere along the way, right?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Those died a long time ago. Most brutally at the beginning of last season. They are sort of like zombie prognostication skills right now, repeatedly receiving headshots from various teams, week after week.

I also missed on Alabama, but I'll take some comfort that LSU got it to overtime. This game warms my heart as it proves hate (LSU fans' hate of Saban) is not as strong as love (Saban's love of money).

But I don't care about any of that, because my eternal Michigan pick actually came out the right way this week! This is the way this team was supposed to work - the defense holds down the other team while the offense kind of flounders but ends up with enough points to win. Unfortunately, we arrived at this point about a month later than we needed to for our bowl hopes. Now all of us Michigan fans can overreact and start dreaming of our OSU upset.

This weekend will turn MSU fans into Michigan fans. If PSU was perfect going into the MSU game and MSU won (and OSU beat Michigan), there would have been a three-way tie among OSU, MSU and PSU (viva la "state" schools!) and MSU would have the tie-breaker (OSU beat MSU beat PSU beat OSU, so it goes to number of FBS opponents, weird!). But now if MSU wins and OSU beats Michigan, then OSU has the tie-breaker over them because of the head-to-head win (I think I'm right on this, but I'll apologize later if I am wrong). So, Sammy, let's hear it from you: Go Blue!

Now, we all know that Alabama and Texas Tech will lose somewhere along the way, right?

Go Blue!
Evan

Texas Tech impressed the hell out of me last night. They are just so damn efficient on offense. The over/under on their game with OU in 2 weeks has to be somewhere around 150. I am very interested to see how their D-Line matches up with OU's monster Oline, and vice versa.

Also, Florida is going to destroy Bama in the SECCG. It might be over by halftime.

[schaefe]

I do wish that the Big Ten would have a Championship game...I'm tired of the occasional "Co-Championship" results that the conference sometimes gets. I think the game would do well financially for the Big Ten as well...

[Evan]

I do wish that the Big Ten would have a Championship game...I'm tired of the occasional "Co-Championship" results that the conference sometimes gets. I think the game would do well financially for the Big Ten as well...

I just read that getting a second BCS bid gets the conference $4.5 million, so it sounds like a conference championship game would probably be worth more to the conference than the extra BCS bid that the Big Ten picks up all the time because their second best team doesn't get stuck with an extra loss in a conference championship game.

I am tempted by a Big Ten championship game, but it would also take some of the luster off the Michigan - OSU game, so I am fine with the current state of affairs. The Big Ten seems to always be looking for a 12th school, because the name isn't absurd enough right now, but I haven't heard much about it recently.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

The Big 10 and Pac 10 are both very staunch in their stance of not allowing any other teams, or having a championship game. The commish of the Big 10 has also vehemently rejected the idea that any of his teams play a regular season game after Thanksgiving Day.

Why?

I don't know, but they were also the 2 biggest opponents of the plus-1 proposal during the off-season.

[Evan]

The Big 10 and Pac 10 are both very staunch in their stance of not allowing any other teams, or having a championship game. The commish of the Big 10 has also vehemently rejected the idea that any of his teams play a regular season game after Thanksgiving Day.

The Big Ten will start going past Thanksgiving in 2010. They did this to give teams a bye week while playing 12 games. This change probably caused Carr to retire. I'm somewhat serious.

I think the Big Ten would be open to a 12th team if one made sense, but maybe that's just idle speculation amongst fans.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

The Big Ten will start going past Thanksgiving in 2010. They did this to give teams a bye week while playing 12 games. This change probably caused Carr to retire. I'm somewhat serious.

I think the Big Ten would be open to a 12th team if one made sense, but maybe that's just idle speculation amongst fans.

Go Blue!
Evan

I always thought that they should just add ND and get it over with. Then again, ND has it made, so why would they?

[gatesy]

I haven't really been following this thread that much, b/c I don't go on this thing anymore, but I just have to give some mad props to UNC's football team. They are working with a young team. Their quarterback was third string at the beginning of the season and they lost their best offensive player (Brandon Tate). Both loses (VT and UVA) were each by only 3. Most importantly the have effectively made me postpone my thoughts on UNC basketball. This is a huge feat in itself. I'm excited about the end of UNC's football season and the possibility of a greater season next year.

Also, now only about 1/3 of the UNC fans at home games wear suits and ties or sleeveless Carolina blue dresses with heels. We've come a long way.

Just need a Miami win against VT on Thursday.

P.S. Go Heels!

[Evan]

Time to once again publicly humiliate myself:

No. 4 Florida vs. No. 25 South Carolina. Florida should relax about scoring all those points. It doesn't matter what the computers think of you if you win the SEC, or if you lose it, for that matter. Florida takes a deep breath and wins by a little bit.

No. 16 North Carolina vs. Maryland. UNC is going to lose. But it doesn't matter because basketball season has begun.

No. 6 USC vs. Stanford. USC does need to impress the computers. And make up for last year. This is going to hurt.

No. 11 Ohio State vs. Illinois. Before the season, this looked like an awesome game. Post-WMU-loss, not so much. Illinois can win this game, I just don't think they will. Whoever keeps ragging on Zook, you knew all along.

No. 1 (in the Metrodome) Michigan vs. Northwestern. What to make of this game? Northwestern actually has a decent defense, which is not so good for Michigan. But aren't they missing all their offensive weapons? Michigan fans need more of a reason to overreact and think we can beat OSU. Michigan wins!

I am sure I have said something ebarrassing. Please point it out.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Rush Howell]

It doesn't matter what the computers think of you if you win the SEC, or if you lose it, for that matter...

USC does need to impress the computers. And make up for last year. This is going to hurt.




Margin of victory is not permitted to be a part of the computer ratings, so you are echoing a common misconception that somehow the "computers" are what forces teams to run up a score.

It's the pollsters that are affected by margin of victory. So, if you're running it up on Kentucky, or Oregon, or A&M or whoever, you're only going to be helped by the polls. (I think margin of victory should be allowed into the computer formulas, but that's another topic.)

Maybe you're making the nuanced point that the whole BCS system is a "computer system", but the forumla is so basic that I don't think that's really appropriate either. Anyway, margin of victory helps you only through human decision.

Oh, and Cal at Oregon State is a really interesting game. If OSU can win out (3 solid games remain - Cal, at Arizona, Oregon) they go to Rose Bowl and if USC also won out, you would get a very good bowl game somewhere.

[Evan]

Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt, but I just plain forgot about that with the computers. Somewhere in my brain I knew that. So, anyways, all one-loss teams need to score a lot to impress the pollsters. Isn't this unfair? Why don't we have a selection committee for the BCS bowls?

I know you are trying to get me to respect Oregon State, but sadly the only time I watched them play for even a little bit was during the Penn State game, so they have a lot to overcome to change my perception, especially since I am not going to watch them play again unless they are in the Rose Bowl. But you bring up an interesting point, isn't the Rose Bowl looking at two possible rematches - USC vs. OSU and Penn State vs. Oregon State? I bet most people would say we shouldn't be subjected to a USC vs. OSU rematch, but then those same people would tell you that Oregon State should get another crack at Penn State. Think about it. At least in my mind, it is a sign of anti-Big Ten bias.

Go Blue!
Evan

[DG5]

Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt, but I just plain forgot about that with the computers. Somewhere in my brain I knew that. So, anyways, all one-loss teams need to score a lot to impress the pollsters. Isn't this unfair? Why don't we have a selection committee for the BCS bowls?

I know you are trying to get me to respect Oregon State, but sadly the only time I watched them play for even a little bit was during the Penn State game, so they have a lot to overcome to change my perception, especially since I am not going to watch them play again unless they are in the Rose Bowl. But you bring up an interesting point, isn't the Rose Bowl looking at two possible rematches - USC vs. OSU and Penn State vs. Oregon State? I bet most people would say we shouldn't be subjected to a USC vs. OSU rematch, but then those same people would tell you that Oregon State should get another crack at Penn State. Think about it. At least in my mind, it is a sign of anti-Big Ten bias.

Go Blue!
Evan


Evan you make a great point about Pac10 vs Big10 perception. The nation has extreme Big 10 bias (and this is from an SEC grad). I think people have gotten to the point where they will jump on any excuse to dismiss the Big10 and will immediately overlook any semblance of competence (i.e. that grotesque game in Orlando involving my Orange and Blue).

My question is, where did the overwhelming sense that any team from the Pac10 is the lovable underdog come from? Is that just me being ignorant? It just feels to me like if a team outside the conference is playing a Pac10 team that is not USC, immediately they are the underdog vs. the "Big" Conference bullies (see UGA at ASU). Is that a false perception of mine?

[MattyO]

Dan,

Coming from a Pac-10 school (Go Huskies, even though you haven't won a game yet...) there is more weight put on fucking up your neighbors Christmas than getting to the big Bowl Games. There is nothing like the promise of a rival school getting a bowl bid that brings out the giant upset wins.

I would say consistently there are 2 crap teams in the Pac-10, 2 very good teams, and 6 that have the potential to win on any Saturday. The constant beating they throw on each other may dick them over on the ranking, but I think it makes for better college football.

I am 100% biased as being from the West Coast it always felt like the Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas could get a bowl game even with a 6-4 season.

That and I haven't gotten over the 1991 co-championship we had to share with Miami. What a crock of shit.

[Evan]

(i.e. that grotesque game in Orlando involving my Orange and Blue).

I assume that "grotesque" game was Michigan's moment of triumph last year. Hey, we had the #1 draft pick, our all-time leading passer and rusher, and two awesome receivers. Don't feel bad, we were just finally healthy. We should have won the national championship last year, but that's the way it goes.

I think with the Pac10, USC has dominated for so long that everyone assumes that if someone else in the Pac10 does well it must be some kind of Cinderella season. There also, to my mind, hasn't be a second team that is consistently good. The teams are more up-and-down. I know Rush wants me to think Oregon State is actually pretty good, but I look at their record, see three losses, including a loss to Stanford, and their six wins are over teams with a combined record of 20-36 - only USC is above .500 and take them out and the combined record is 12-35. Not exactly a formidable #2 for the Pac10.

So USC's dominance makes the rest of the Pac10 look weak. Sort of like the Big 2 - Little 8 label for when the Big Ten is dominated by OSU and Michigan.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Rush Howell]

I'm only suggesting that you should include Oregon St./Cal in your interesting games for the week (*). OSU beat USC and lost by a FG at Utah, they have won six of their last seven, Sagarin has them #16, so it seems like they might be ok. (Indeed, Sagarin predicts that they would beat Utah, UGA, LSU, FSU, and Michigan State on a neutral field, and his method has been pretty successful). But now they play 3 decent teams in a row so they'll be put to a bit of a test.

I'm not familiar with any real pro or anti-Pac 10 bias. Most people just seem to think, accurately, that the Pac 10 is weak this year. I think the bias against the Big 10 is largely due to two factors:

1) The perception that the Big 10 has been rewarded with bowl games it does not deserve.

2) The Big 10 and its commissioner are perceived as arrogant impediments to progress re a college football playoff.

Point 1 is probably more prevalent and more interesting. The Pac-10 receives less negative sentiment because the Pac-10 has not had a single team obtain a debatable BCS bowl berth this decade (**). Of course, you can argue, as many do, that the rest of the Big 10 should not be punished for a few, possibly outlier, games played by Ohio State in years past (though when you crowned them champion by going 1-15 against them, I think Big 10 fans waived that argument). What's really interesting to me is that Oklahoma continues to elude criticism when they keep underperforming after controversial selection to BCS games.

Anyway, I agree with you on the PSU/OSU rematch. I think the benefit that would come from it is getting USC out of the Rose Bowl and into what would be perceived as a more marquee matchup. But it would be a shame and feel a little unfair for PSU to have to play the Beavers again.

(*) - I do think you should give some credit to the ACC rather than continuing to refer to it as a basketball conference in a year in which they are 12-7 against the other BCS conferences (+ ND). True they have no top teams, but it's a solid conference. The dreams of it being a great conference by adding VT and Miami(Fl) were optimistic from the start. Plus, the Big East is a way better basketball conference right now.

(**) - this nonetheless fails to prevent SEC fans, who irrationally hate USC, from constantly lamenting the "special treatment" given to that "media darling". The same special treatment that will put a 1 loss SEC team in the title game in front of a 1 loss USC team this year. (For the record, a decision that I agree with).

[Evan]

This was a fairly sedate weekend. Nothing crazy happened, right?

Florida knows how to score a lot of points. It's basically the SEC and Big 12 championship games as our national semifinals. Of course, there's still a lot of football to be played and I personally would love to see one of those top SEC and Big 12 teams lose a game and then come back and win the conference championship game and screw everything up. I think USC wants that to happen, too, and then we can watch Oregon State (I am starting to think they are good) win the Pac 10 and have another one of those "but that team didn't even win their conference" national championship games. Or, even better, lots of chaos and Utah in the national championship game. At this point, I'm rooting for chaos.

And hopefully that chaos will extend into the OSU - UM game. It's been a tough year. When we're winning national championships in a few years, it will all seem worth it, but right now all I have learned is that if you don't have a good quarterback it is hard to win. I think I could have guessed that. The realistic me just wants to see them play hard, sort of like how I just want our basketball team to play hard and not have a 10 minutes scoring drought against UCLA, but the real me wants this miserable season to end on a win and this miserable stretch against OSU to turn the corner. So, people, feel for me next weekend. That's all I ask.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

ESPN got the rights to the BCS games beginning with the 2011 games (the ones that come after the 2010 season). I for one am very happy to hear this. It was always jarring for me to watch ESPN all season long and then switch over to Fox and watch their graphics and have their announcers, who I never thought were anywhere near as good as the ESPN folks (at least, the best ESPN folks who would have been doing those games). I just wish ESPN could wrestle the NCAA tournament rights away from CBS so they could show all the early round games on the ESPN channels (incl. ABC).

That will be just in time for Michigan to return to the BCS.

Go Blue!
Evan

[goody]

Big week, Evan.

I predict OSU - 45 Mich - 13

OSU goes to the BCS Championship vs Florida and beats them 45 - 13.

I'm mostly joking. I think OSU will pull it out late over Michigan with Boeckman QB'ing the final drive.

[Evan]

Big week, Evan.

I predict OSU - 45 Mich - 13

OSU goes to the BCS Championship vs Florida and beats them 45 - 13.

I'm mostly joking. I think OSU will pull it out late over Michigan with Boeckman QB'ing the final drive.

I think Michigan will win. I have the same feeling as I did before last year's Florida game, where we actually did win. So anything can happen. The circumstances leading to that win (everyone who was injured had time to get healthy) don't apply here, and our better quarterback won't play, and they're kicking guys off the team and the internets are buzzing with other transfers, and the entire team appeared completely demoralized after losing to Northwestern, and everyone just wants this year to be over, and this should have been the year that OSU won the national championship but they somehow screwed it up but they've got a ton of talent, and we've broken a million positive streaks this year so of course we'll break the "last five UM coaches beat OSU in their first try" streak, and our defense is always terrible against scrambling quarterbacks because our safeties are terrible and we won't be able to cover their receivers while Pryor is running around, and, oh, jeez, I'm just going to stop now. Michigan will win.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

ESPN got the rights to the BCS games beginning with the 2011 games (the ones that come after the 2010 season). I for one am very happy to hear this. It was always jarring for me to watch ESPN all season long and then switch over to Fox and watch their graphics and have their announcers, who I never thought were anywhere near as good as the ESPN folks (at least, the best ESPN folks who would have been doing those games). I just wish ESPN could wrestle the NCAA tournament rights away from CBS so they could show all the early round games on the ESPN channels (incl. ABC).

That will be just in time for Michigan to return to the BCS.

Go Blue!
Evan

I like the NCAA on CBS. I think they do a good job. Plus they put all of the games online, so I can watch them at work. And "boss vision" is awesome. ESPN would make you pay for those early round games.

[Evan]

We're running out of college football to talk about:

No. 17 Ball State vs. CMU. I would have had this up here, I swear. Now it's kind of moot. I think I would have said CMU would win, so I can be thankful for a Wednesday night game.

No. 23 Miami vs. Georgia Tech. Rush has a point, the ACC is an interesting conference if you like parity and no team rolling over everyone else. Of course, the SEC and Big 12 have lots of parity and still manage to fill up the top 5. Anyways, I would go with the home team here (GA Tech).

No. 4 Florida vs. Citadel. Interesting to me only because of the potential to replace App State in the college football world's consciousness. Probably won't happen.

No. 7 Utah vs. No 14 BYU. With every Utah win, Michigan's loss to them looks better. I hope Utah wins and then everything blows up and Utah gets in the national championship game. Wouldn't that be crazy?

No. 21 Oregon State vs. Arizona. I don't dare leave Oregon State off this list. I'll go ahead and say they'll win this game.

No. 19 Cincinnati vs. No. 20 Pitt. How did Pitt climb up this far? Cincinnati wins.

No. 25 Maryland vs. FSU. Another battle of 7-3 ACC teams. Time to shake out the ACC. FSU wins this one.

No. 2 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oklahoma. I have doubted Texas Tech all year long and I have finally have come around to thinking that Texas Tech can win this game, which means that Oklahoma will win it. So I will pick against myself and go with Oklahoma. It will help with my chaos hopes.

No. 8 Penn State vs. No. 15 Michigan State. MSU should lose this game, and I should be happy they lose this game because they should lose it and lord knows I don't want MSU winning games it isn't supposed to. But you know what, MSU is far more together than they've been in the past, so I'm going nuts and picking MSU.

No. 1 (in all time wins and winning percentage - even after this season!) Michigan vs. No. 10 Ohio State. Remember two years ago, when this was a No. 1 vs. No. 2 match-up, and Michigan lost by only three at Ohio Stadium? I do. So this year, not so much. With every Michigan loss, I can tell myself if a few things here or there were different, Michigan would have won. The only exception is that Jan. 1, 2004 Rose Bowl game where No. 1 USC made it clear that there was no way we were going to win that day. So, what that means to me is that if things go our way, Michigan will win. Sure, they might have to go our way a little more than any other year, but still, it can happen. I believe. I pick Michigan!

This is a long list. Did I miss anything?

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

There are only 2 weeks left... how crazy can it get? most websites have resigned to a texas tech vs UF mathcup for the BCS title. While I am totally ok with that, there is a lot of football left to be played.

The following teams still have a legit shot at the title:

Win out, and they are in:

1. Texas tech - They could even lose to Oklahoma, and still get in via the Big 12 tiebreak rules.

2. Bama - they could lose to Auburn (as long as it is close), and still get in by beating UF in the SECCG if: The Big 12 South winner (TTech, OU, or Texas) loses in the Big 12 CG. This is not a lock, but I think that the voters would be reluctant to jump a team who didn't win their conference over the SEC champion.

3. Florida - they control their destiny, but cannot afford a loss like the other 2.

Need to win out plus some help:

1. Texas - they need OU to beat Tech, but not convincingly enough to let OU jump them in the polls. They then have to hope that OU beats Okie St the next week, but again... not convincingly enough to jump them in the polls. They could also sneak into the NC game if Tech loses in the B12CG, but it is unlikely if they aren't their conference champion (see above).

2. Oklahoma - they have to hope that beating Texas Tech can jump them over Texas (who they lost to earlier in the season). I think that their game against Okie St will also require a victory with "style points", since Texas only beat them by 4.

3. USC - They have to pull for the more improbable: OU beats Tech, then loses to Okie St. Then Tech loses to Missou in the B12CG. They also have to win BIG in their last few games and pray that Oregon St drops one along the way. Then they can play the "Conference Champion" card to get in over Texas.

4. Utah - they need a minor miracle. They would need Bama and Tech to lose twice, and all of the other teams to drop at least 1 game, while beating BYU mercilously. They either have a major advantage (or disadvantage) in the fact that their last game is Saturday. They can sit back and watch everyone else clobber each other.

5. Penn St - See Utah above.

[PeteFitz]

Still think if Texas or Oklahoma win the big 12 championship, i.e. get through without losing again , they will be in front of Florida.

The Big12 was a better conference then the SEC this year.

Florida may face one of them in the national championship, but they will be ranked #2.

[Evan]

I think there is plenty of room for crazy. Last year no one seemed to want to play in the national championship game. That was why a two-loss LSU became our national champs. Last year in week 12, OSU was ranked #7. Last year entering the final week you were looking at a Missouri - West Virginia national championship game.

Plenty of time for crazy. Starts tomorrow in the Horseshoe.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Still think if Texas or Oklahoma win the big 12 championship, i.e. get through without losing again , they will be in front of Florida.

The Big12 was a better conference then the SEC this year.

Florida may face one of them in the national championship, but they will be ranked #2.

It wouldn't matter to me whether they are 1 or 2 (as long as they are one of the above), but it all depends on who wins the big 12, and how they finish their season.

If OU beats Tech this weekend, and wins out, they will have beaten exactly 1 top 10 team (at the time they played). Plus OU is going to split votes with those who feel that they shouldn't be ranked above Texas, and also those who won't want to drop Tech below UT.

If UF beats #1 Bama in the SECCG, they will have beaten 3 (LSU was #3, UGA was #6). UF would ascend to #1 in that case, espescially with they way they have been murdering people.

The Big 12 has more contenders this year than the SEC (3-2), but top to bottom the SEC is still a better conference.

[PeteFitz]

I don't think so.


Tex Tech v. Alabama
Texas v. Florida
Oklahoma v. Georgia
Oklahoma State v. LSU
Missouri v. Vandy
Nebraska v. Mississippi
Kansas v. South Carolina
Colorado v. Kentucky
Baylor v. Auburn
Kansas State v. Miss St.
Texas A&M v. Arkansas
Iowa State v. Tennessee

Honestly I don't see the difference at the bottom. Baylor and K State are decent. The hogs and Tennessee are abysmal just like Tex A&M and Iowa State.

I'll take the Big 12 for overall dominance.

[Darrin]

I don't think so.


Tex Tech v. Alabama - Bama, easy
Texas v. Florida - UT's secondary blows. Gators would roll them.
Oklahoma v. Georgia - Oklahoma
Oklahoma State v. LSU - close, but I will give it to Okie St
Missouri v. Vandy - Missou
Nebraska v. Mississippi - Ole Miss, hands down (they should be 9-2)
Kansas v. South Carolina - USCe has a top 10 defense, KU has beaten no one. Cocks, easy
Colorado v. Kentucky - Colorado is terrible. UK easy
Baylor v. Auburn - Baylor? Really? Even with Auburn being down this year, they would smoke Baylor
Kansas State v. Miss St. - K State in a route. Miss St has NO offense
Texas A&M v. Arkansas - Arkansas is better than their record. A&M isn't.
Iowa State v. Tennessee - Even in it's sad state of affairs, UT would roll Iowa St.



Using your matchups, I see the SEC going 8-4.

Texas Tech was exposed last night in a big way. They cannot handle a team with a good defensive front 4, and Oklahoma is the only team in the Big 12 that has one. Bama or Florida would kill them, just like Oklahoma did.

Good defense beats good offense every time, and the SEC has much better defenses from top to bottom.

[PeteFitz]

Using your matchups, I see the SEC going 8-4.

Texas Tech was exposed last night in a big way. They cannot handle a team with a good defensive front 4, and Oklahoma is the only team in the Big 12 that has one. Bama or Florida would kill them, just like Oklahoma did.

Good defense beats good offense every time, and the SEC has much better defenses from top to bottom.

Agree to disagree brother.

You're in love with the past. The Big 12 is better this year my friend.

College football has changed. A good offense is dominant. Ask the the big ten.

[Darrin]

Agree to disagree brother.

You're in love with the past. The Big 12 is better this year my friend.

College football has changed. A good offense is dominant. Ask the the big ten.

Is there a good offense in the Big 10?

When UF hangs 50 on the Big 12 champ, we will see that defense is still king.

[Evan]

Well, the season is over for me. Thanks goodness. Watching what else happens is entertaining, but my heart isn't in it when Michigan's season is done. RichRod has successfully reset my expectations. If we are back to our Big Ten dominance by 2012, I will be happy. Anything earlier than that, and I'll be ecstatic. Just get us in a bowl game next year, RichRod.

As for the rest of the Big Ten, I would say Illinois is a bigger disappointment than Michigan. I would say that Wisconsin was about as big a disappointment as Michigan. What makes it worse for those two teams is that they are stumbling after some good seasons. At least Michigan can comfort ourselves with being on an upswing (presumably). MSU and Northwestern exceeded expectations, maybe Iowa, too. Penn State was better than expected and OSU was worse that I expected, but both teams dominated the Big Ten. Kudos to them.

Now, please, Big Ten teams, do your part and win your bowl games. Please.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Evan]

Is there a good offense in the Big 10?

Ha ha, but, c'mon, Penn State scores a lot of points.

When UF hangs 50 on the Big 12 champ, we will see that defense is still king.

If I had to choose, I rather my team have a dominating defense than dominating offense. Offense seems too variable to me, like an offense can have an off game and you lose. Defense seems to be more consistent. I think it's more likely that you'll lose scoring 50 points than you'll lose giving up seven points. Also, Michigan's best teams have been great due to defense, so I tend to agree that defense is king. That being said, I am sure RichRod's scorching hot offense in 2012 will change my mind.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Well, the season is over for me. Thanks goodness. Watching what else happens is entertaining, but my heart isn't in it when Michigan's season is done. RichRod has successfully reset my expectations. If we are back to our Big Ten dominance by 2012, I will be happy. Anything earlier than that, and I'll be ecstatic. Just get us in a bowl game next year, RichRod.

As for the rest of the Big Ten, I would say Illinois is a bigger disappointment than Michigan. I would say that Wisconsin was about as big a disappointment as Michigan. What makes it worse for those two teams is that they are stumbling after some good seasons. At least Michigan can comfort ourselves with being on an upswing (presumably). MSU and Northwestern exceeded expectations, maybe Iowa, too. Penn State was better than expected and OSU was worse that I expected, but both teams dominated the Big Ten. Kudos to them.

Now, please, Big Ten teams, do your part and win your bowl games. Please.

Go Blue!
Evan

I have to agree that Wisconsin is a HUGE disappointment this year. The have a lot of talent up there, and it was being mismanaged. I would say the same thing for Illinois, except (as a Gator fan) I have seen first hand how poorly Zook can manage talent. I think he is a top-notch recruiter, but has no clue on gameday.

I thought Michigan would be better, but I didn't realize how badly the QB's would play.

Penn St is a pretty good offensive team, but essentially they are (insert any of the following: UF, OU, Missou, Texas, etc) with less speed and overall talent. I like Royster a lot though. Tough back.

[Darrin]

If I had to choose, I rather my team have a dominating defense than dominating offense. Offense seems too variable to me, like an offense can have an off game and you lose. Defense seems to be more consistent. I think it's more likely that you'll lose scoring 50 points than you'll lose giving up seven points. Also, Michigan's best teams have been great due to defense, so I tend to agree that defense is king. That being said, I am sure RichRod's scorching hot offense in 2012 will change my mind.

Go Blue!
Evan

It is just like baseball: Great pitching beats great hitting every time. I know that, and I don't even LIKE baseball.

[PeteFitz]

It is just like baseball: Great pitching beats great hitting every time. I know that, and I don't even LIKE baseball.

Yeah. The Phillies rotation of Hamels, Moyer, Myers, and Blanton was pretty unstoppable.

[Darrin]

Yeah. The Phillies rotation of Hamels, Moyer, Myers, and Blanton was pretty unstoppable.

That is all Greek to me. They might as well be named Colbert, Bush, Antwerp, and Hushmanzedah.

I freely admit my baseball ignorace. I just know that it is a commonly held opinion that great pitching beat great hitting most of the time.

[PeteFitz]

True. I think there are exceptions to the rule though.

I just can't wait for the Utah v. GaTech BCS matchup. Crap.

Barack needs to get this playoff thing going.

Athough I'm cool with Florida v. Oklahoma. Urban Meyer with a month to prepare is scary proposition.

[Darrin]

True. I think there are exceptions to the rule though.

I just can't wait for the Utah v. GaTech BCS matchup. Crap.

Barack needs to get this playoff thing going.

Athough I'm cool with Florida v. Oklahoma. Urban Meyer with a month to prepare is scary proposition.

As a Gator fan, Oklahoma is the scariest possible matchup for us. They have big, physical running backs, and their offense hasn't really been stopped all year. Even in the Texas game, they (and the officials) stopped themselves. UT's defense never really slowed them down.

[Evan]

Oregon beating up on Oregon State is either great for the Big Ten or terrible. Penn State will presumably get the marquee Rose Bowl game against USC. If Penn State can beat USC, that is huge for the Big Ten. Also, with USC not taking a BCS at-large, Ohio State might get one and a chance for some BCS redemption. Other Big Ten teams will move up the bowl order accordingly. Of course, the flip side is that all of the Big Ten bowl games just became harder, so this could be a great bowl season for the Big Ten's reputation, or another hit. Please, Big Ten, put it together.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Speaking of conference reputations, the SEC crapped its pants this weekend against the ACC. Luckily UF avoided the fate of our conference brethren. I sort of expected Wake to beat Vandy and knew that Clemson was also capable of beating USCe.... but Ga Tech over UGA? That shocked the hell out of me, especially the fact that they hit them with over 400 yds rushing. UGA fans might need to be talked down from the ledge after this season... with them starting #1 and all. I guess it just shows how crucial injuries to the OL and DL can be to a team with a lack of depth.

[Evan]

Curious where folks fall on the whole Oklahoma vs. Texas thing. I think if I were to decide, I would put Texas in there instead of Oklahoma. The head-to-head does it for me. It seems like any argument from Oklahoma would simply be answered with: yeah, but Texas beat you.

Interesting how the BCS controversy filters down to the Big 12 championship game this year.

Also, since this was decided by the computers, more or less, can we just point out that the computers have Alabama third. And we're relying on the computers here?

Go Blue!
Evan

[nichbob]

heard this morning that the SEC, in the case of a 3 way tie, would pretty much dismiss the lowest ranked team and then if the top two teams are within 5 spots of each other in the BCS, then it's head-to-head.

seems to make sense.

the other thought, texas will likely get an at-large BCS bid...so now TT has a legit gripe about beating them head-to-head and getting hosed.

what a wonderful mess.

[Rush Howell]

Curious where folks fall on the whole Oklahoma vs. Texas thing. I think if I were to decide, I would put Texas in there instead of Oklahoma. The head-to-head does it for me. It seems like any argument from Oklahoma would simply be answered with: yeah, but Texas beat you.

Interesting how the BCS controversy filters down to the Big 12 championship game this year.

Also, since this was decided by the computers, more or less, can we just point out that the computers have Alabama third. And we're relying on the computers here?

Go Blue!
Evan

I think asking for the head-to-head is an unfair simplification. For that reason I don't like the SEC "bottom team drops out rule." The (somewhat) simple fact is that Texas Tech beat UT. Texas Tech also tied for the title, but they lost to Oklahoma. You say, "yeah but Texas beat Oklahoma." I say, "yeah, but Texas Tech beat Texas." We are at an impasse.

Ex ante the rulemakers considered this situation and came up with using BCS standings as a tiebreaker. As alternatives go, I think that's a decent one. I would not want to rely on a coin flip or tossing one team out (which is fine) but then abandoning the very system that dictated which team you tossed out and imposing a brand new system. Instead the Big 12 decided to let the system toss two teams out. Deal with it Longhorns (specifically, deal with it by beating Texas Tech.)

Further, the reason the BCS standings favored Oklahoma is that they played a tougher schedule. When you remove common opponents and the total cupcake games (2 for each team) you get the following -

Texas beat - Rice (9-3), Arkansas (5-7), Colorado (5-7), and #19 Missouri (9-3)

Oklahoma beat - #13 Cincinnati (10-2), #11 TCU (10-2), Kansas State (5-7), and Nebraska (8-4)

Even if you think Missouri is the best win there (and neither I, the AP, or the BCS would agree), you still should come to the conclusion that Oklahoma faced a tougher road.

And that's what we do when we pick national championship game teams (which is, of course what picking the Big 12 South winner was designed to do), we try to pick the team's with the best body of work over the season. I like Oklahoma's argument better there. (I also happen to think they are better than Texas, but worse than both USC and Florida, but we are not trying to pick the best two teams.)

Obviously, it's all subjective and you can't possibly find the best answer, but I think that, of all the things the BCS does, the one it does best is picking two teams to play for the title.

Also, the ACC has 10 bowl eligible teams, went 6-4 against the SEC, 4-0 against the Big 12, and 15-8 overall against BCS teams (+ND). It's worst team has a better Sagarin rating than the 7th best SEC team or 9th best Big 12 team. So, I thank you for not referring to them as a basketball conference for one week. Though after the ACC-Big 10 "challenge" you may want to again.

[Darrin]

Also, the ACC has 10 bowl eligible teams, went 6-4 against the SEC, 4-0 against the Big 12, and 15-8 overall against BCS teams (+ND). It's worst team has a better Sagarin rating than the 7th best SEC team or 9th best Big 12 team. So, I thank you for not referring to them as a basketball conference for one week. Though after the ACC-Big 10 "challenge" you may want to again.

The ACC has a bunch of average teams, but not a single great one. Not even one that I would consider really good. If they want a pat on the back for acheiving that, they should get in line behind the WAC, MWC, and MAC- whose champions are all more highly rated than whoever will come out of the stinkfest of a title game in Tampa.

[Evan]

If you look at the head-to-head match-ups of Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech, this is what you have:

1. Texas beat Oklahoma on a neutral field by 10 points.
2. Texas lost at Texas Tech by a last second (literally) touchdown.
3. Oklahoma crushed Texas Tech at home.

I think it is somewhat disingenuous to introduce the "body of work" analysis that favors Oklahoma through no fault of Texas (Texas beat the teams they played, and they can't help it if those teams aren't as good) while ignoring a similar comparison in the head-to-head match-up, which clearly favors Texas. Seems to me that if you are going to essentially rely on computers to tell you which team had the best overall year, you could run those same computer formulas on the head-to-head match-ups and see where you come out. In that case, I would think Texas would be the winner.

I happily acknowledge that the ACC had a good year in football, but my one knock would be that they didn't produce any compelling match-ups for non-ACC fans like myself. On the other hand, I am often interested in ACC basketball games. Maybe the tenth time is the charm for the Big Ten this week.

Go Blue!
Evan

[ms.george]

I think it is somewhat disingenuous to introduce the "body of work" analysis that favors Oklahoma through no fault of Texas (Texas beat the teams they played, and they can't help it if those teams aren't as good) while ignoring a similar comparison in the head-to-head match-up, which clearly favors Texas.

I think a fair counter-argument could be made that Oklahoma shouldn't be punished for having played more competitive out-of-conference teams, which they do have some control over (though I must admit that I didn't see Cincinnati being quite this good at the beginning of the season). Strength-of-schedule is a blade that cuts both ways, so failing to reward a team for having a stronger schedule when they exposed themselves to a bigger risk of a loss makes no sense to me.

I'm also not clear on how the head-to-head match-up clearly favors Texas. As was stated above, Texas won over #1 Oklahoma (+10), lost to #7 TT (-6). Oklahoma lost to #5 Texas (-10), won against #2 TT (+44). Unless you're applying some incredibly large scalars for rank of opposition/home field advantage (which would have to give some incredibly large boost to beating a #1 team vs. a #2 team)*, I fail to see how the comparison in this particular circle-of-death clearly favors Texas.

Leah W**

*Hi, I am a math nerd.
**I am from Oklahoma and lived on the OU campus for two years during high school; please realize I lack any objective clarity whatsoever.

[PeteFitz]

Personally I think OU is the best team of the three anyway.

So I don't really have a problem with any of this.

Both teams will end up in the BCS making cash. I'm sure the conference heads don't care either. When you have to have a conference championship (more money) this comes with it. The Big 12 likes the cake. They have to lie in their own bed.

[Monahan]

Personally, I loved Mike Leach's idea of going with the school with the highest graduation rate as a tie-breaker. Though, while 79% is a far better mark than 46% (OU) or 50% (UT), it's still a pretty sad number.

[Rush Howell]

I think it is somewhat disingenuous to introduce the "body of work" analysis that favors Oklahoma through no fault of Texas (Texas beat the teams they played, and they can't help it if those teams aren't as good) while ignoring a similar comparison in the head-to-head match-up, which clearly favors Texas. Seems to me that if you are going to essentially rely on computers to tell you which team had the best overall year, you could run those same computer formulas on the head-to-head match-ups and see where you come out. In that case, I would think Texas would be the winner.



I'm sorry, but I had trouble understanding the above.

I agree with the poster who said that if you do a full "head-to-head" analysis it looks pretty good to Oklahoma. (I would suggest a decent tiebreak, though not necessarily better than the one in place, is points differential in the games between all teams tied for the top spot. Encourages running up the score, but I challenge you to differentiate that from the current landscape of the Big 12.)

I also hate the argument that Texas didn't control it's schedule. First off, it did. Second, it didn't beat the teams it played, it beat all but one of them. Third, that argument quickly leads to a Utah/Boise St. title game since they can't control that they didn't get to play anyone good this year and they truly did beat all the teams they played. I think we are long past the point of debating whether or not strength of schedule is an acceptable tiebreak. I find it unfair to attack that concept only at the margins.

But I don't know what you mean by using computers to run the head to head matchups. I do know the most reliable computer predictors suggest that Oklahoma would beat Texas head to head tomorrow, but I don't think that's what you're talking about.

My argument here should be simple -

1) Start, as always, with head to head. You reach an impasse due to the fact that you have three even teams when comparing head to head.
2) You need a tiebreak.
3) BCS is an acceptable tiebreak.
4) BCS got it right b/c Oklahoma had the better body of work this year - the computers (formulas established ex ante) agreed. The pollsters (formulas established ex post and swayed by Mack Brown and others campaigning) are less decisive. I prefer the former.

I think people need to stop pretending that two teams tied for the Big 12 South Division. That's a fallacy promoted by Texas fans and standard blowhard media types.

* Since we're putting biases out - I absolutely hate Oklahoma.

[Darrin]

I am ok with Oklahoma getting into the Big 12 CG because I honestly think that they are a better team than Texas. Yes, I am aware that UT beat them earlier in the season, but UF lost to Ole Miss earlier in the year too (at home no less), but I don't think there is any argument as to who is better there. Upsets happen in college football, the BEST team doesn't always win... that is what makes it so much damn fun.

All that being said, UT could end up benefiting from being left out. OU beat Missou twice last year, and Missou just lost to their arch rival. This game will make or break their season. OU will have their hands full. If they drop that game, UT will be sitting pretty to backdoor into the title game.

[DG5]

If they drop that game, UT will be sitting pretty to backdoor into the title game.

Darrin, I think you just started a whole new debate. If OU loses and Alabama loses in a close game, who gets to face Florida?

Texas- Who has one loss and will move up in the rankings due to OU's loss
USC - Who has been destroying everyone they play since their one loss (UF style)
Alabama - Who has one loss in a close SEC CG matchup with UF

Personally, I don't think it's fair in this situation to send Texas to the title game just because they had a week off. My vote would be for USC, but then again, I don't have a vote.

[Evan]

I'll restate my argument:

You have three teams to consider putting into the Big 12 championship game. They are still tied after going through the first four tie-break steps, all of which make sense.

What I don't understand is why the next step is to look at their entire season. Looking at the entire season is based on some measure of the "quality" of their work. So why don't we apply the "quality" judgment to the three games they played against each other instead of jumping to their entire season?

I think lining up Oklahoma's schedule and Texas's schedule is unfair to Texas because we don't know if Texas would have beaten all of the same teams Oklahoma beat. They probably would. So that tells us that Oklahoma has better "quality" wins against different opponents than Texas, but I think that should be a secondary consideration to the "quality" of the wins in their little round-robin tournament. As to how to determine "quality" in their round-robin tournament, I submit that you do it the same way the BCS determines "quality" for the entire season.

So if TX, OK and TX Tech win the rest of their games, what do you get? OK at #1, TX at #2 even though they beat #1 and have arguably a better "quality" loss (road vs. neutral site game, 10 pts vs. last second touchdown). So avoid that mess and put Texas in the Big 12 championship game.

As for loyalties, I really don't care, but I like hearing different points of view so I am prepared in a few years when Michigan will be on cusp of going to the national championship game and I need to make all the other arguments. And no one is picking up the Texas banner, so it might as well be me.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Rush Howell]

Evan,

Thanks for clarifying. Under your system, I'm confident the computers would pick Oklahoma if margin of victory were included, and confident that there would be another tie if you could not consider margin of victory.

But OU comes out of those 2 games +34
Texas is +4
Tech is -38

I don't think there is any real question about which of the 6 performances was most impressive. It was OU against TT.

And I'm fine, as I said, with using point differential in the games between the tied teams. I'd also be ok with using point differential in all games against the Big 12 South, since that is ostensibly the tie you are breaking.

(That would yield: OU +124, UT +72, TT +23)

But, I think you should be a little practical here as well and realize that this tiebreak is also deciding who will play in the NC game. With that understanding (and that was certainly foreseeable), it makes sense to me to incorporate the entire body of work on the year.

But I'm fine with either way. And either way OU is the choice.

[Darrin]

Darrin, I think you just started a whole new debate. If OU loses and Alabama loses in a close game, who gets to face Florida?

Texas- Who has one loss and will move up in the rankings due to OU's loss
USC - Who has been destroying everyone they play since their one loss (UF style)
Alabama - Who has one loss in a close SEC CG matchup with UF

Personally, I don't think it's fair in this situation to send Texas to the title game just because they had a week off. My vote would be for USC, but then again, I don't have a vote.

As long as USC takes care of their business this weekend, I have no problem with that either. I don't think that the voters will agree with us, though. I think that UT would get the sympathy vote.

However, USc hasn't really been "destroying" everyone. They blew out WSU and Washington, but they are the two worst teams in college football (regardless of division). Their other Pac 10 games weren't that lopsided (ASU, Cal, Stanford). However, they may be the most dominating D in college football, and it would be a good matchup against UF.

I would hate the idea of a rematch between either UF and Bama or UT and OU. I think that re-matches in championship games are retarded. (Yes, I realize how hypocritical that is coming from a Gator fan.) You have already played the game once... if it was a classic, leave it be. The sequel is never as good as the original (Empire, and GF II notwithstanding).

[sammy]

The sequel is never as good as the original (Empire, and GF II notwithstanding).

Aliens and Terminator 2 would like to say hello.

[Darrin]

OK, another subject: who is coach of the year?

My candidates-

Greg Schiano- Rutgers was 1-5 halfway through the season. If they beat Louisville, they finish 7-5. Damn fine turnaround.

Houston Nutt - took last year's SEC cellar dweller (Ole Miss) to a new years day bowl, and won at UF and LSU along the way.

Paul Johnson - he installed a totally new (old) offense, and is taking the ACC by storm.

[PeteFitz]

Short list.

Nick Saban. Alabama
Brian Kelly. Cincinnati
Kyle Whittingham. Utah
Brady Hoke. Ball State
Chris Peterson. Boise State

I'd probably lean towards Brian Kelly or Kyle Whittingham.

[DG5]

Ty Willingham

[Darrin]

Ty Willingham

Only if he achieves perfection this weekend.

[PeteFitz]

Personally I'd vote for Weis. He made me the happiest.

[Evan]

First, let me register my surprise that someone looking at the TX, OK, TX Tech round-robin would think OK did better than TX. But I think we've moved on from that, at least until OK squeaks by with a win in the national championship game, TX dominates its BCS game, and the AP votes TX #1.

Coach of the year - possibly Saban's bank account, but I agree with whoever was picking the Utah coach and Cincinnati coach.

Weis is coming back! That makes me happy as a Michigan fan. But the ESPN Big Ten blogger has a point that a good Notre Dame helps the Big Ten with its image. Also, I used to love those early season top 5 match-ups between Michigan and Notre Dame and I would like to see that happen again in three years when Michigan is good again. Clausen scares me. I think he can be really good next year. He'll have two years of starting experience and I think he will lead the team to a better record. Unless Weis can sabotage it. If they don't improve next year, I am sure Weis is gone because he will be out of excuses if that is the case.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

First, let me register my surprise that someone looking at the TX, OK, TX Tech round-robin would think OK did better than TX. But I think we've moved on from that, at least until OK squeaks by with a win in the national championship game, TX dominates its BCS game, and the AP votes TX #1.

1. Texas played the game of its life to beat OU, and OU got jobbed a bit by the officials (INT in the end zone was a terrible call and turning point of the game). Thankfully, Stoops didn't whine about it. Tech played the game of its life to beat UT. OU beat Tech like a prison dick. Also against common opponents and OOC schedule, OU blew UT away. As an interested party (UF would play one of them in the BCS title game if we win out), I would much rather play Texas. We would beat Texas by 20... OU scares me a little.

2. There could definitely still be a BCS/AP/split title mess. We need a plus one system.

[Darrin]

Maybe I am crazy, but I have a feeling that Oklahoma is going down this weekend. I don't know why, but I think Missouri is going to pull one out of their ass.

Maybe it is because I want the BCS chaos that would ensue.

[PeteFitz]

Maybe I am crazy, but I have a feeling that Oklahoma is going down this weekend. I don't know why, but I think Missouri is going to pull one out of their ass.

Maybe it is because I want the BCS chaos that would ensue.


I'll take that bet.

Mizzou 116th out of 119 against the pass.

I think Oklahoma may win by 30.

[Darrin]

I'll take that bet.

Mizzou 116th out of 119 against the pass.

I think Oklahoma may win by 30.

They very well may... actually, they should win by 30. But all it takes is a few OU miscues (Bradford has a bum hand).

Probably won't happen, but it is college football.

[Evan]

I'm with Darrin on this one. Missouri was denied last year, and revenge is sweet. I am prepared to be wrong on this one, but my gut tells me college football is crazy.

I'm also picking Alabama, which shouldn't be crazy since they're #1, but is crazy because Florida is rolling. I believe in evil.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

So I am reading today that Auburn is trying to lure Houston Nutt away from Ole Miss. Didn't they just fire the last coach they stole from there? Ole Miss, meanwhile is upping the ante by offering him a contract extension. So apparently that moves them down the road to Mike Leach.

Meanwhile, Chris Peterson (Boise St) is in negotiations with Mississippi St.

If both are hired, it will be for at least $2 mil a year. Between these raises/new hires, and the deals that Meyer, Saban and Miles recently got, Steve Spurrier -the man who reinvented offense in the conference- could soon become the lowest paid coach in the SEC. Wierd, huh?

[PeteFitz]

Nice. Boom.

[Evan]

I'm with Darrin on this one. Missouri was denied last year, and revenge is sweet. I am prepared to be wrong on this one, but my gut tells me college football is crazy.

I'm also picking Alabama, which shouldn't be crazy since they're #1, but is crazy because Florida is rolling. I believe in evil.


Wrong and wrong. At least evil didn't triumph.

Big Ten either earns redemption in the BCS bowls or slides further downhill. Please, Penn State and Ohio State, make it happen for us!

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I think Ohio State is going to surprise some people. They have been embarrassed on the national stage three years in a row, and they really have something to prove. They got a great draw with Texas, who is going to be a little disapointed about being left in the cold. Plus, I am interested to see what UT can do against a team that actually plays some defense.

[Evan]

So far, so bad for the Big Ten. I think Northwestern did better than expected, but Wisconsin, ugh. The Big Ten's record outside of the BCS games probably doesn't matter, for good or for bad, but it would have been nice to have a good looking bowl record going into next season when RichRod will resurrect the football team like Beilein is doing with the basketball team.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I kinda figured Wisconsin would lay an egg, but NW was surprisingly spunky. So far, there have been a lot of great games this bowl season... hopefully that trend continues.

[Evan]

The Big 12 is starting to be in danger of looking like the Big 10 with this bowl season. I promise you, Big 10 fans are hoping Texas and OK lose just so everyone can beat up on another conference for a change.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

The Big 12 is starting to be in danger of looking like the Big 10 with this bowl season. I promise you, Big 10 fans are hoping Texas and OK lose just so everyone can beat up on another conference for a change.

Go Blue!
Evan

You're kidding right?

The Big 12 is 1-1 so far. They game they lost pitted the Pac-10's #2 vs. the Big 12 South's #4 team. And OKSt.'s best player got hurt during the game. We'll see how this plays out. Granted that sounds like making excuses, but I'd say, with the mighty 0-2 start and a difficult slate ahead, you know who is going to be this years Big Ten of the Bowl Season?

The Big Ten.

By the way if anyone wants to take Ohio State in an OSU v. Texas bet let me know. Just gimme that chance.

[Darrin]

You're kidding right?

The Big 12 is 1-1 so far. They game they lost pitted the Pac-10's #2 vs. the Big 12 South's #4 team. And OKSt.'s best player got hurt during the game. We'll see how this plays out. Granted that sounds like making excuses, but I'd say, with the mighty 0-2 start and a difficult slate ahead, you know who is going to be this years Big Ten of the Bowl Season?

The Big Ten.

By the way if anyone wants to take Ohio State in an OSU v. Texas bet let me know. Just gimme that chance.

I already have $400 riding on that bet in my pick'em.... well that and Penn State.

I must say that I haven't been very impressed with the Big 12 Offensive Machines so far. Yeah, Bryant was hurt, but Oregon's secondary was terrible. Also Missou looked like warmed over ass, and they were very lucky to win.

[Evan]

PeteFitz, wow, you sound like a Big Ten fan. Start rationalizing. It feels good. OK State was favored. Missouri was a huge favorite. It just looks like the Big 12 is a little overrated, that's all. After such an awesome season, if they keep laying eggs in bowl games, everyone will say they suck. Especially if OK loses in the national championship game. Those are the rules. Big Ten fans are all too familiar with those rules.

TX vs. OSU is going to be a great game. If it's like TX vs. UM a few years ago, we're in for a treat. I'd say OSU has a huge amount more motivation to win, and that counts for a lot.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Wow, you sound like a Big Ten fan. Start rationalizing. It feels good. OK State was favored. Missouri was a huge favorite. It just looks like the Big 12 is a little overrated, that's all. After such an awesome season, if they keep laying eggs in bowl games, everyone will say they suck. Especially if OK loses in the national championship game. Those are the rules. Big Ten fans are all too familiar with those rules.

TX vs. OSU is going to be a great game. If it's like TX vs. UM a few years ago, we're in for a treat. I'd say OSU has a huge amount more motivation to win, and that counts for a lot.

Go Blue!
Evan

Nah, wouldn't say I am a Big 10 fan... I just think that those two teams match up well against TX and USC. Penn st has been great against the run all year, and I am not impressed at all with Mark Sanchez. Also, it is the last game for a large senior class at OSU, and I think they will show up and play with a lot of heart. Plus UT hasn't seen anyone who can play defense.

[Evan]

Sorry, I was referring to PeteFitz. I think our posts crossed.

Although, it's good to hear some positive thoughts about the Big 10 out there.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

I am a Big 10 fan. Went to Michigan. Just like you.

Just think it's wishful thinking to think some conference will take the suckass crown away from the Big Ten. Especially the Big 12.

1 egg in two games (in which the team won anyway) does not a bad bowl season make.

Talk to me in a week.

P.S. Unless you have $400 on that game alone, it's not a $400 bet. It's a $10 pool.

[Evan]

I am all about wishful thinking. See any of my posts in this thread.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

I am a Big 10 fan. Went to Michigan. Just like you.

Just think it's wishful thinking to think some conference will take the suckass crown away from the Big Ten. Especially the Big 12.

1 egg in two games (in which the team won anyway) does not a bad bowl season make.

Talk to me in a week.

P.S. Unless you have $400 on that game alone, it's not a $400 bet. It's a $10 pool.

it's a $20 pool, but I was just joshin'. I would never put that much money on a game. I only said that bc I am the only person to wager big points on those 2 teams. It will either turn out to be really smart, or really stupid.

[Darrin]

has anyone ever seen a worse bowl game than Oregon State and Pitt? Bill Stull is the shittiest college QB in history.

[macarthur31]

I know I'm late to this party, but I just need to say that I'm still sad about how that Alamo Bowl went down.

Our defense held the vaunted Mizzou o-fense to half their offensive production, and we botched 11 points to special teams.

I still very proud of the effort, and even more prouder that we've got Fitz (hopefully for life).

Meh.

[Evan]

Big Ten = fail. Wishful thinking = fail. Unless TX, OK and TX Tech implode spectacularly, it's another year of everyone talking about the terrible Big Ten. Man, this bowl season is depressing me. I'm 10-18 so far in my bowl picks. The Big Ten is 1-27 as Big Ten teams were invited to play in and lose multiple bowl games because Big Ten fans travel so well and every other conference wanted to pad their bowl performance. My guess is maybe Penn State picks up a top 10 pre-season ranking next year and the Big Ten will be left out of the "which one-loss team deserves to play in the national championship game" discussion once again. The Big Ten needs to decline any bowl invitation that involves USC. Just say no, flush tradition down the drain. We should go back to the days when only one Big Ten team was allowed to go to a bowl, make that bowl the Motor City Bowl, justify it by saying we are being sensitive to Big Ten fans' wallets in this tough economy, then bribe Perles to select the worst MAC team possible as the opponent.

Ugh.

Go Blue! We didn't lose a bowl game!
Evan

[Darrin]

The worst part for the Big 10 is that even if OSU beats TX, there will be a caveat attached to the game now. "Texas was just disppointed to be in that game.... etc".

The Big 10 is going to have to win several big games to get back its prestige, because a single win or two will be seen as an aberration.

with all that being said....


Help me Jim Tressel.... you are my only hope.

[Evan]

My wishful thinking re: Big 12 disaster is still alive!

In other good news, Michigan came closest to beating Utah this season! If their punter was 5% less effective, we might have won that game.

I'm feeling better today.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

My wishful thinking re: Big 12 disaster is still alive!

In other good news, Michigan came closest to beating Utah this season! If their punter was 5% less effective, we might have won that game.

I'm feeling better today.

Go Blue!
Evan

Wrong again my friend. TCU led Utah at home with under a minute to play and gave the game away with under ten seconds.

Michigan had the ball 3 times down 2 and didn't gain a yard.

TCU = Closa!

Big Ten disaster will be hard to top. Texas by 20!

[SKSmith]

Its sad. I feel bad Midwestern Football is taking such a beating yet I couldn't root for OSU unless Jesus Christ was playing QB and Moses was playing MLB. Ohio State isn't a college, its that muddy pit that the Urukai were spawned in during The Lord of the Rings.

[Darrin]

Ohio State could very well run it down TX's throats with Beanie Wells and/or Pryor on the option. I have yet to see any defense out of that conference.

[Evan]

Wrong again my friend. TCU led Utah at home with under a minute to play and gave the game away with under ten seconds.

Michigan had the ball 3 times down 2 and didn't gain a yard.

TCU = Closa!

Big Ten disaster will be hard to top. Texas by 20!

Brother, why are you trying to harsh my mellow?

I did not follow Utah football this season. I checked their results. Michigan lost by 2. Every other team lost to Utah by at least 3. In my mind, Michigan came closest to beating them. Thanks for correcting me, but seriously, no thanks. Seriously. Stop. Let me be happy.

On the wishful thinking front, tomorrow's game is no-lose situation for me. Either OSU = spectacular fail for the third year in a row, or Big 12 = one loss away from epic fail. On balance, I would like to see OSU win, not just because it would be good for the Big 10, but because that would set up a no-lose national championship game for me - either SEC = BCS fail or Big 12 = epic fail.

And, yes, PeteFitz, Big 10 = fail no matter what happens. That is not news. I'm past it. I need some schadenfreude, any way I can get it. Between you and Rush, I get no peace in this thread. By the way, how did the ACC do this bowl season? I don't know because I don't care. I kid, Rush, I kid! Although in this case it is funny because it is true.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Evan, I think tonight was quite possibly the best possible scenario for you. The Big 12 underachieved once again this bowl season, but OSU still got their hearts broken.

[Evan]

Evan, I think tonight was quite possibly the best possible scenario for you. The Big 12 underachieved once again this bowl season, but OSU still got their hearts broken.

Darrin, you know me so well. I loved the first half from my schadenfreude perspective, and the second half was entertaining. In my heart of hearts, I wanted the Big 10 to be well represented with a win, but who cares since this bowl season was already lost for the Big 10.

I have to hand it to Texas, they know how to dramatically win a BCS game. The three BCS games I have seen Texas play are the Rose Bowl against Michigan (TX win on last second field goal), Rose Bowl against USC (TX win at the end on Vince Young) and last night's game. They pull it out in the end. Good for them.

I go back and forth between being scared of Pryor and not scared of Pryor. He is clearly not much of a passer right now. Presumably that will improve, but you don't have to be scared of him as a passing QB. But then he does things like catch the touchdown pass and I see two more years of Michigan not being able to stop the guy in whatever it was he was doing. Using Boeckman (sp?) was interesting, but not particularly effective. Beanie got hurt, but I don't think it mattered at the end, unless you think OSU might have done more running and chewed up more clock. OSU was better than their last two bowl games, but a loss is a loss. Anything to ding up Tressel's reputation makes me happy, now we just need RichRod to push him aside. Please, RichRod, please.

I still can't figure out the defense on the play where TX scored their last touchdown. Clearly bad execution on the tackle, but there was no one else in position to stop someone from getting into the endzone over those last 15 yards? I know they were blitzing, but that looked like a bad call to me from the defensive coordinator.

My other observation is that TX's defensive coordinator is nuts. Clearly, he saw a hold on that play early on in the game. That was hilarious.

Fun game to watch. On balance I think I'm still shadenfreude win-win for the national championship game, with my ideal probably being Florida losing by a little. Whatever, I just want an entertaining game like we had last night. More offense would be fun to watch, but if one of those teams pulls it out in the last half minute, I'll be happy.

Go Blue!
Evan

[Darrin]

Pryor kept "warming up" his arm or shoulder. I don't know exactly what he was doing... but it looked like his arm was hurt. I am not making excuses... he could just be a shitty passer, but some of those throws just looked like something was wrong with him. He is deadly on his feet though.

I couldn't believe Tressell didn't just run the clock out and kick the FG for the win. That made NO sense whatsoever. Texas' offense had been running up and down the field on them in the 2nd half.

[PeteFitz]

Good Passers don't get split out wide. Doesn't happen.

As soon as Beanie stopped running, OSU stopped being scary. For all the points the didn't socre with him, they racked up major yardage. Their 3rd down play calling sucked dong in the first half.

Right now, Pryor is just another running quarterback. Granted he is only a freshman. Unless they find a runningback that can maul, he will be severly less effective.

OSU is losing a ton of quality guys this year. Good times.

Hook em.

[Darrin]

I say UF rolls: 45-24

Anyone else?

[PeteFitz]

Everyone seems to be on Fla's jock, and desrvedly so. These things never seem to go as planned. So I will take Oklahoma.

OK - 35 Fla - 31

[Evan]

I will go with the theory that the Big 12 defenses made the Big 12 offenses look awfully good, whereas Florida was tested more in the SEC and their offense still managed to thrive. I pick Florida to win. Honestly, I would prefer OK winning, just because Urban's smug smile when they announced the 2006 NC game pairing is forever seared into my mind, and I hate it. Beating Florida in last year's bowl game helped, but I don't think I will ever forgive him.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

Wow. The spread is up to 6. Supposedly it is going to be around 7 or even 7.5!!! at game time.

Where's the Sooner love. Granted I think Florida is the better team, but a touch plus v. Oklahoma? That's pretty rich.

[Darrin]

Anyone want to bow to the feet of the Gators?

We are now accepting applications for a whipping boy in 2009.

Go Gators!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Evan]

Congrats to Florida. That game turned out to be quite the defensive struggle. Oklahoma doesn't need to look further than being inside the 10 twice without coming up with any points. I wish there was a game winning drive as time ran out, like TX-OSU, but at least this game was much more interesting than the last two NC games.

So, another year of college football is in the books. Any closing thoughts?

Go Blue!
Evan

[cosmicpowers]

I wonder how Tebow's jock is feeling today - probably sore from the announcers working it all last night!

"That may be the first mistake he's made in his life." LOL

"Sometimes, they see the reaction, and the second guy gets penalized."

[Darrin]

This season was yet another fine example of why we need a playoff. Don't get me wrong, I am totally happy that we won, and don't really think Utah or USC have any legs to base their gripes on.... but I would love to see it settled on the field simply because if this season taught us anything, it taught us that we really don't KNOW who is the better team until they line up in front of each other.

Sadly, I don't think this will get accomplished anytime soon. The BCS loves the hate, it fuels arguments from January to August, and then translates into money as people flock to buy tickets, pre-season mags, and tons of merchandise with the vain hope that it will help their team improve in some way.

Everyone thought that the Big 12 was unstoppable on offense (cough cough PeteFitz cough cough), but in reality they just didn't face any good defenses week in and week out. It is easy to score points against air. Once they got in bowl games, their offenses were stiffled. The cliche rings true once more: Defense wins championships. End of discussion.

It has also shown us that the gap between the mid-majors and the majors is shrinking rapidly. The Mountain West owned the Pac 10, the champ from Conference USA beat the champ from the ACC, Utah beat Bama, Toledo beat Michigan etc, etc.

Overall, was this season as crazy as last year?

Maybe. The upsets were more spread out, but I think they were just as plentiful.

[Evan]

Ignoring for a moment Michigan's season, I thought this was a good college football season. There was a lot of movement in the top 10, there were a lot of top 5 match-ups (mostly in the Big 12), some good old fashioned upsets, good mid-major teams to mix things up and some stellar individual and team play. I think this year will teach pollsters to pay more attention to defense, as the Big 12's big numbers seemed to get votes, but didn't result in the overwhelming success in bowl games that you would expect based on the adoration the conference got in the polls all year long.

Another thing we learned is that conferences have to have stand-out teams to get noticed. Rush convinced me that the ACC had a good year, but too much parity means not much national attention or respect. The ACC should be filled with killer teams, but they seem to be two years away from that. The Pac 10 has the opposite problem - USC has been so good for so long that everyone assumes the rest of the conference just isn't that good (that and their record this year against - I can't remember - the WAC or MWC). Their bowl record would suggest otherwise.

For the Big Ten, some teams stepped it up to give us a solid middle of teams, but the perception of the conference is so low that even Penn State had a hard time being considered an elite team on the national level. It is going to take two years of near-perfect play outside the conference against top BCS competition, better than .500 in bowl games, and no losses in BCS bowls before a one-loss Big Ten team is going to make it to the NC game over a one-loss team from the SEC, Big 12, Pac 10 and probably ACC. The Big Ten just has to get better, and has to have at least one elite team that can beat the best from the other BCS conferences. There has to be a change in how Big Ten teams play, and that is why I am so happy that RichRod is at Michigan. It will take two more years to get past OSU and Penn State, but when Michigan gets past them, we will be ready for the rest of the country.

As for Michigan, this was a disappointing year. Don't read that as any lack of faith in RR or the players or the program. It just was what it was. When your highlights are a massive comeback against a deceptively bad Wisconsin team, or a win against a Minnesota team that was melting down, and you can't really point to anything else, it's a disappointing season. When Toledo beats you and still fires their coach, it's a disappointing season. But there were flashes of good play and you could see how the system could work. If execution gets 10% or 20% better (ok, those are random numbers, but whatever), the offense will explode. Clearly, there were problems on defense, and less of a clear path to success, but the defense will be there when it is needed. The lack of experience cautions against being overly optimistic for next year, but great coaches have a history of making huge strides in their second year, and I still think RichRod is a great coach.

Go Blue!
Evan

[PeteFitz]

this season sucked. Michigan was terrible. Again, Rose colored Evan sees them getting better. I don't see how.

They need a miracle freshman quaterback or they are stuck with two schlub cubes. Their wideouts blow, their runningback is a youtube phenom who is 5'6 150. Their defense was supposedly their strong point and blew.

As for Rich Rod, facts are facts. He coached Michigan to the worst record they've had in 50 years. In a bad big ten. He lost at home to a Toledo team that won 3 games. Decent coaches with no talent win that game. Pat White is the man, and so is Steve Slaton (see Texans), the man may be able to recruit, but he can't coach for shit. He'll be gone in 4 years.

Michigan is the new Notre Dame. Hell, Notre Dame is better then them.

I see Michigan winning 5 games next year.

[Darrin]

Michigan needs a few years to stock the cupboard with the athletes that it takes to run RichRod's system. I don't really keep up with recruiting, but they need that Tebow/Pryor-type QB from this class, or it might be another bad year next year. I don't know how many mulligans Michigan fans will give Rodriguez given the price they paid to get him.

[Rush Howell]

Evan,

ACC went a (disappointing) 4-6 in bowl games (7-3 ATS). The BC loss (awful) and the Georgia Tech egg were the real killers though UNC had WVU nearly dead and fumbled that one away also.

With the excellent bowl seasons for the SEC (6-2) and Pac 10 (5-0), I think you saw a constricting of the top 4 conferences and a reminder that the gaps probably aren't that big. I suppose the SEC comes out on top with the (I thought inevitable) Big 12 collapse that reminds us that, statistically speaking, college football probably has such a small sample of legitimate non-conference games prior to the bowls that all analysis should be Bayesian weighted to the past couple of years if you really want to understand what's going on. Witness the computer overrating of the MAC and Big 12 and underrating of the Pac-10 and (less so) MWC ... but these teams don't ever play against the other conferences (or not enough so that we can, as stated earlier in this thread "really know what would happen.")

Anyway, I'm surprised you are asking for closing thoughts now given that things are just heating up. I thought round 1 was pretty fun. I like USC to roll Texas in the West semis and Florida to finally take down Utah in the East. Then I like USC to win the title in two weeks. Should be a lot of fun. It is a travesty that this playoff system has detracted from the Humanitarian Bowl and Motor City Bowl which so thrived before we instituted the playoffs. And I'm sad that kids are missing a week of class whereas, in the past, they always went right to class after celebrating their bowl wins.

On a serious note, I think USC has earned the right to be given the benefit of the doubt next time they are tied for anything. They've now been "screwed" (meaning,simply, left out of the big game when they had the same record as the participants) 3 times in 6 years. In that same time, neither they nor the Pac-10 has been given a single favor. Yet USC is now 28-1 with 25 wins of 14+ (27 of 10+) in their last 29 non-conference games (19 of which were against ranked teams.) Instead, Oklahoma, who, admittedly, looked good on paper this year, but who have lost 5 straight BCS games continues to get breaks (as does, to bring up a sore point, your utterly, disgustingly, awful Big 10.) I understand that we like to pretend that we look at things on a year to year basis, but that's obviously a farce (see the SEC getting (deservedly) every break on earth since Auburn got frozen out (correctly) from the '04 title game, or plenty of other examples.)

(Final USC note - they just signed to play Bama (in Dallas) to start the 2010 season - fun.)

Playoff '09. Please. Enough already.