SEC Football Discussion #4

[RedTeamGo!]

Does that mean the SEC East is pretty good? I could use that after the football season I endured.

I don't know what it means about the SEC east, but it means I wasn't lying about bowl record and shouldn't have been called a liar.

[jojo]

And your post related to that game how?

Ummm, it relates to the championship implications?

[RedTeamGo!]

It means trolls like to pick cherries.

It means you shouldn't have offended me by incorrectly calling me a liar.

The mighty sec west went 2-5 in bowl games this year. Fact.

[dabvu2498]

Ummm, it relates to the championship implications?

Perfectly good playoff thread right here on this very board... That would have been a wonderful place for that comment rather than in an SEC thread.

[jojo]

Perfectly good playoff thread right here on this very board... That would have been a wonderful place for that comment rather than in an SEC thread.

Accept the comment was completely SEC and championship centric with obvious sentiments from an Auburn fan's perspective which also clearly transcend just a playoff context.

[dabvu2498]

Accept the comment was completely SEC and championship centric with obvious sentiments from an Auburn fan's perspective.

No. It was all about your dislike for OSU and their fanbase.

[jojo]

No. It was all about your dislike for OSU and their fanbase.

No, it wasn't. Pretty clearly I was happy that OSU won. BTW are your comments about the Vols examples of trolling?

[dabvu2498]

No, it wasn't. Pretty clearly I was happy that OSU won.

But you want them to get embarrassed in a week (which will have nothing at all to to with the SEC, btw).

[dabvu2498]

No, it wasn't. Pretty clearly I was happy that OSU won. BTW are your comments about the Vols examples of trolling?

Lulu and Junior and jokes about orange? Yeah, probably. At least they're conference-appropriate. :)

[jojo]

But you want them to get embarrassed in a week (which will have nothing at all to to with the SEC, btw).

I'm a Beaver. I don't want anyone embarrassed. I want them bitterly angry at the asteroid and fate.

[The Operator]

Trolling is trolling, regardless of the thread title.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bMLrA_0O5I

[dabvu2498]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bMLrA_0O5I

I want ten seconds of my life back. And my ear drums. And may God have mercy on your soul.

[The Operator]

I want ten seconds of my life back. And my ear drums. And may God have mercy on your soul.You didn't watch the whole thing?

This defiant act of no-goodery will be reflected on your annual review.

[GAC]

Dang good post there GAC.

I loved your match-up comments.

Thank you. As for "match-ups" ..... while it obviously is not fool-proof (pun intended), it's one way I look at teams to try and get the best "feel". A lot of times W-L record says (reveals) little, just like it is with MLB pitchers. Not the best evaluation tool IMO. And there are also other variables to consider also (SoS, etc).

But when they announced the play-off game schedule I said playing 'Bama, even though they were #1, best in the country, it was still the best match-up for us. Match-up meaning it gave us the best chance (possibility) to win. But even then I felt the advantage was 'Bama. My brother said this to me yesterday afternoon, as we watched the earlier games, and he couldn't get a definitive answer from me on whether OSU would win or not... "OK. A guy puts a gun to your head and says pick the winner or I blow your brains out! Who you picking?" (LOL).... answer: Alabama.

I think a majority of OSU fans, myself included, felt the Bucks could win this game. But deep down, in their heart-of-hearts, they felt they wouldn't. And I think that was pretty much the consensus among a lot of the sport media too. And that "uneasiness" we OSU fans experience is pretty justified IMO (LOL). All I heard yesterday on TV was that OSU is 0-10 vs the SEC, and has never beaten 'Bama. It was like they were already letting us know "You ain't gonna win".

I'm not afraid to admit that I kept telling myself yesterday "Please, please, just look respectable. Don't get blown out. Don't make the committee's decision to put you in there look like it was a terrible one".

I actually turned the TV off - which is a habit I often do when things ain't going right for my team - about mid-way through the 2nd quarter, got something to eat, because I didn't like what I was seeing. Came back and it's 21-13, and then we score again right before the half. I was glued to that TV from then on.

But c'mon folks.... Irregardless of win-lose, and other then the Oregon-FSU game, those were some damn good football games to watch yesterday.

[GAC]

Auburn's defense seemed to concentrate on the run(cant blame them) coming down the stretch.......and a miracle happened. The Badger QB started throwing passes on target!!!!!!!!!

The Badger's QB (Stave) is simply terrible. He got that early TD pass, and was instrumental in that last drive that put the game into OT, but anytime he puts the ball in the air it's risky (3 INTs). I was surprised he had 27 pass attempts (still only for 121 yds). That's gotta be a record for him (LOL).

I'm glad for Alvarez. I've got a lot of deep respect for that man.

[gonelong]

I just watched a Paul Finebaum interview this morning and he pretty much said after all the smack we talked about the SEC and the BIG10, we have to shut up and take it. You tend to see people's true colors in uncomfortable circumstances. Nicely done Paul. Nicely done.

[jojo]

I just watched a Paul Finebaum interview this morning and he pretty much said after all the smack we talked about the SEC and the BIG10, we have to shut up and take it. You tend to see people's true colors in uncomfortable circumstances. Nicely done Paul. Nicely done.

Paul has made his career by poking SEC fanbases with sharp sticks. This is his true colors but not in the laudable sense that you suggest. Listen to him more closely and you'll see he doesn't believe the schtick.

[Roy Tucker]

Everyone needs a piece of humble pie now and then. There are always ebbs and flows. Don't always believe your press.

[RedTeamGo!]

Everyone needs a piece of humble pie now and then. There are always ebbs and flows. Don't always believe your press.

If you say anything that is not rah rah sec you are a troll. That even goes for SEC radio personalities apparently.

[jojo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bMLrA_0O5I

[traderumor]

I know I've seen the damage control "making conclusions about strength of conference from bowl games is not fair," but I have to challenge that presupposition when you see a league that claims to be strongest from top to bottom, bar none, not just get beat, but get schooled...and the supposedly strongest SEC West. What has happened in the bowl games is simply a knockout punch for that claim for this season. Riding the backs of Miss St. and Ole Miss was a big mistake. We'll see going forward, but the SEC superiority is a busted myth for the current state of the bold and beautiful around the country.

[Assembly Hall]

I know I've seen the damage control "making conclusions about strength of conference from bowl games is not fair," but I have to challenge that presupposition when you see a league that claims to be strongest from top to bottom, bar none, not just get beat, but get schooled...and the supposedly strongest SEC West. What has happened in the bowl games is simply a knockout punch for that claim for this season. Riding the backs of Miss St. and Ole Miss was a big mistake. We'll see going forward, but the SEC superiority is a busted myth for the current state of the bold and beautiful around the country.

Very well said tr. I look forward to seeing the pre-season polls this fall. My assumption is it aint gonna look anything like this past season's. And IMHO it will be directly related to the SEC West's absolute debacle in the bowls this season.

[dabvu2498]

I know I've seen the damage control "making conclusions about strength of conference from bowl games is not fair," but I have to challenge that presupposition when you see a league that claims to be strongest from top to bottom, bar none, not just get beat, but get schooled...and the supposedly strongest SEC West. What has happened in the bowl games is simply a knockout punch for that claim for this season. Riding the backs of Miss St. and Ole Miss was a big mistake. We'll see going forward, but the SEC superiority is a busted myth for the current state of the bold and beautiful around the country.

Would you agree that the regular season is important as well? If so, here's a small factoid... There there were 7 (yes, only 7) non-conference games during the 2014 regular season where two teams who were ranked in the final Top 25 of the CFP poll played:

Ole Miss over Boise St.
LSU over Wisconsin
Georgia over Clemson
Oregon over Michigan St.
Auburn over Kansas St.
TCU over Minnesota
Georgia Tech over Georgia

That's 4-1 for the SEC. And I'll leave you to figure out the rest of the conference records.

Again, the SEC had an outstanding regular season. Poorer than average bowl season (with the exception of the entire SEC East, it seems -- Does that mean they're good???). Being outstanding doesn't mean invincibility and anyone who was arguing that the SEC is invincible was a fool to begin with.

[Assembly Hall]

Actually dab, that is quite astounding. And to be honest, alarming and pitiful.

[Sea Ray]

I know I've seen the damage control "making conclusions about strength of conference from bowl games is not fair," but I have to challenge that presupposition when you see a league that claims to be strongest from top to bottom, bar none, not just get beat, but get schooled...and the supposedly strongest SEC West. What has happened in the bowl games is simply a knockout punch for that claim for this season. Riding the backs of Miss St. and Ole Miss was a big mistake. We'll see going forward, but the SEC superiority is a busted myth for the current state of the bold and beautiful around the country.

Yeah, the SEC West must have been overrated and the SEC East underrated going by their undefeated record in Bowl games this yr

[Sea Ray]

I don't think OSU will win that game, but I think they will give them a fight. I can't wait for the Tennesee fans of the world to be chanting "S-E-C! S-E-C! S-E-C!" after Alabama wins another championship because it somehow makes their crap team look better.

No, they're just chanting SEC, SEC after they just blew away another slow, plodding Big Ten team in traditional fashion. Leave it to the Vols to restore pride to the SEC. This puts the conference at over .500 in Bowl games. Not bad for a down year

[BuckeyeRed27]

No, they're just chanting SEC, SEC after they just blew away another slow, plodding Big Ten team in traditional fashion. Leave it to the Vols to restore pride to the SEC. This puts the conference at over .500 in Bowl games. Not bad for a down year

Sea Ray you are no longer allowed to call Big Ten teams slow and plodding. You must have missed that memo, I'll have someone get you a copy.

[Assembly Hall]

No, they're just chanting SEC, SEC after they just blew away another slow, plodding Big Ten team in traditional fashion. Leave it to the Vols to restore pride to the SEC. This puts the conference at over .500 in Bowl games. Not bad for a down year

LOL SR, hopefully this game was another step to get the Vols back up there. Lord knows it has been rough last few years for me.

BTW, did you hear Butch's comments during the halftime interview?

[Assembly Hall]

Sea Ray you are no longer allowed to call Big Ten teams slow and plodding. You must have missed that memo, I'll have someone get you a copy.

I got the memo BR. I think it should have had an asterisk denoting "Except Iowa"!

[dabvu2498]

You're allegedly excited??

There's a reason I was only allegedly excited... Because it ain't happenin.

[traderumor]

Would you agree that the regular season is important as well? If so, here's a small factoid... There there were 7 (yes, only 7) non-conference games during the 2014 regular season where two teams who were ranked in the final Top 25 of the CFP poll played:

Ole Miss over Boise St.
LSU over Wisconsin
Georgia over Clemson
Oregon over Michigan St.
Auburn over Kansas St.
TCU over Minnesota
Georgia Tech over Georgia

That's 4-1 for the SEC. And I'll leave you to figure out the rest of the conference records.

Again, the SEC had an outstanding regular season. Poorer than average bowl season (with the exception of the entire SEC East, it seems -- Does that mean they're good???). Being outstanding doesn't mean invincibility and anyone who was arguing that the SEC is invincible was a fool to begin with.
Define important. Is that really the point here? Are games played in September the same as games played now? It seems relevant what happened to alleged #1 SEC teams in games played this week, and a defense of "but we did well back in Sept." Is pretty weak.

[traderumor]

Yeah, the SEC West must have been overrated and the SEC East underrated going by their undefeated record in Bowl games this yr
Brilliant. Besides someone already beat you to that little doozy. Must be listening to the same Rebel Radio.

[westofyou]

Methinks some take ribbing and college sports too seriously

I hate OSU

Loved them winning last night

[dabvu2498]

Define important. Is that really the point here? Are games played in September the same as games played now? It seems relevant what happened to alleged #1 SEC teams in games played this week, and a defense of "but we did well back in Sept." Is pretty weak.

Games that were played when teams like UGa, LSU, Ole Miss, and Auburn thought they were in playoff contention? Yeah... Pretty important.

[Assembly Hall]

Games that were played when teams like UGa, LSU, Ole Miss, and Auburn thought they were in playoff contention? Yeah... Pretty important.

dab, were the games played yesterday important for next year?

[dabvu2498]

Methinks some take ribbing and college sports too seriously

I hate OSU

Loved them winning last night

And some think they have the right to an unchallenged opinion.

[jojo]

And some think they have the right to an unchallenged opinion.

And some simply troll.

[dabvu2498]

dab, were the games played yesterday important for next year?

I dunno. Hard to tell. Some folks were saying Bama was falling off a cliff after the end of last year's season. That didn't happen. And they picked up 2 monster commitments at today's high school all star game. Individually, some will slide back (LSU, Miss St., imo), some will continue forward (Ole Miss, Uga, imo). Either way, one day, one week, does not make or break a program, nor a conference.

[traderumor]

And some think they have the right to an unchallenged opinion.
You got to say your piece, did you not? Does one now have to agree with your take because you "challenged" what they asserted?

[dabvu2498]

You got to say your piece, did you not? Does one now have to agree with your take because you "challenged" what they asserted?

Nope. But you seem unwilling to listen to my counterpoint to your point.

[RedTeamGo!]

No, they're just chanting SEC, SEC after they just blew away another slow, plodding Big Ten team in traditional fashion. Leave it to the Vols to restore pride to the SEC. This puts the conference at over .500 in Bowl games. Not bad for a down year

Haha congrats on the win over Iowa. Good win for tenn.

Tennessee bringing some respect back to the sec after the bad bowl season by the sec west is kind of hilarious.

[Assembly Hall]

I dunno. Hard to tell. Some folks were saying Bama was falling off a cliff after the end of last year's season. That didn't happen. And they picked up 2 monster commitments at today's high school all star game. Individually, some will slide back (LSU, Miss St., imo), some will continue forward (Ole Miss, Uga, imo). Either way, one day, one week, does not make or break a program, nor a conference.

That aint what I was really getting at. The SEC will be fine. The schools within it will be fine. But yesterday did change how the rest of the country views the SEC...right here, right now. No different then when what about two weeks into the season and the B1G's best three teams had losses. The media was so down on the conference it made me sick. The B1G has no title contenders? The B1G has been down for quite some time? Yada, Yada, Yada. All I can say is what happened yesterday transcends just what B1G fans feel. PAC-12 and BIG-12 fans are grinning from ear to ear.

[Assembly Hall]

Haha congrats on the win over Iowa. Good win for tenn.

Tennessee bringing some respect back to the sec after the bad bowl season by the sec west is kind of hilarious.

Not to me it's not. It wasn't all that long ago that the SEC East was a monster division. They will get back.

[dabvu2498]

That aint what I was really getting at. The SEC will be fine. The schools within it will be fine. But yesterday did change how the rest of the country views the SEC...right here, right now. No different then when what about two weeks into the season and the B1G's best three teams had losses. The media was so down on the conference it made me sick. The B1G has no title contenders? The B1G has been down for quite some time? Yada, Yada, Yada. All I can say is what happened yesterday transcends just what B1G fans feel. PAC-12 and BIG-12 fans are grinning from ear to ear.

Honestly, I could care less. I watch games. The rest doesn't entertain me a bit. That's why it makes me laugh when some folks get worked up over something stupid Mark May said. I don't think I could pick Mark May out of a lineup.

I'll add something else... The Pac 10 has a leg up on everyone by requiring 9 conference games from their members. The Big 12 also does this, but nobody seems to remember (Baylor/TCU!).

[Assembly Hall]

Honestly, I could care less. I watch games. The rest doesn't entertain me a bit. That's why it makes me laugh when some folks get worked up over something stupid Mark May said. I don't think I could pick Mark May out of a lineup.

I'll add something else... The Pac 10 has a leg up on everyone by requiring 9 conference games from their members. The Big 12 also does this, but nobody seems to remember (Baylor/TCU!).

Well you got me lost.

So you don't watch ESPN and you think the SEC needs to play a 9 game conference schedule?

[dabvu2498]

Well you got me lost.

So you don't watch ESPN and you think the SEC needs to play a 9 game conference schedule?

I don't watch the talking heads and the constant nonsensical chatter, no. I will occasionally watch one of the highlight shows, but once they start their "analysis," I have to turn away. And yes, I think the "Big 5" conferences should require 9 conference games plus 1 nonconference game against a Big 5 school. Having a couple gimme games isn't a big deal to me. Having 4 (Mississippi St., Baylor, my alma mater come to mind), is a bit of a mockery.

[traderumor]

Nope. But you seem unwilling to listen to my counterpoint to your point.I listened and responded. If you are going to look at a team and evaluate where they are currently, wouldn't it make much more sense to refer to what they are doing now than what happened in a September game? Isn't that exactly why Ohio State was there in the first place? It isn't "not listening," its not agreeing with your point. It is called discussion and dialogue.

[Roy Tucker]

I rarely watch any of the analyses that are on the tube. I can talk to my barber and get the same level of expertise. Or my dog.

But I like the games. And if the fans want more competitive games between the big guys, then I think it will happen. Eventually.

[Sea Ray]

Sea Ray you are no longer allowed to call Big Ten teams slow and plodding. You must have missed that memo, I'll have someone get you a copy.

I've said for awhile now that Ohio State is the exception in the B1G. Did you see Iowa yesterday? I'd love to have a team like that on my schedule every year. If that wasn't a slow and plodding team then I don't know what qualifies

[Sea Ray]

Haha congrats on the win over Iowa. Good win for tenn.

Tennessee bringing some respect back to the sec after the bad bowl season by the sec west is kind of hilarious.

I love it! I'll take a 2-5 SEC West Bowl season for a resounding UT win anyday!

[dabvu2498]

I listened and responded. If you are going to look at a team and evaluate where they are currently, wouldn't it make much more sense to refer to what they are doing now than what happened in a September game? Isn't that exactly why Ohio State was there in the first place? It isn't "not listening," its not agreeing with your point. It is called discussion and dialogue.

And again, I'm not sure that one week is truly representative of "where they are now." Especially when you consider that those teams will never again exist (except for Oregon and Ohio St., obviously). In other words, the 2015 Ole Miss Rebels won't look like the 2014 Ole Miss Rebels did, and so on. If a bad bowl week affects their recruiting or fundraising or ability to hire quality coaches long-term, then yes, it's relevant. But I don't think it will have any such effect. If there's a great defection of 2015 or 16 recruits away from the SEC and to other conferences, then we will have a better idea.

Personally, I think we will see a swing back towards more balance between the SEC East and West, and that's not entirely based on bowl season. And that's certainly not what I want, as it affects my favorite team's chances of making a bowl, being ranked, etc. I'd love it if UF and UT continued to stink and if USC kept the ball rolling downhill.

[Assembly Hall]

And yes, I think the "Big 5" conferences should require 9 conference games plus 1 nonconference game against a Big 5 school. Having a couple gimme games isn't a big deal to me. Having 4 (Mississippi St., Baylor, my alma mater come to mind), is a bit of a mockery.

I have no problem with that whatsoever. But historically the BIG schools have always played at least one Big 5/Notre Dame OOC game.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I've said for awhile now that Ohio State is the exception in the B1G. Did you see Iowa yesterday? I'd love to have a team like that on my schedule every year. If that wasn't a slow and plodding team then I don't know what qualifies

Iowa certainly qualifies. Little tongue in cheek there.

[Assembly Hall]

I've said for awhile now that Ohio State is the exception in the B1G. Did you see Iowa yesterday? I'd love to have a team like that on my schedule every year. If that wasn't a slow and plodding team then I don't know what qualifies

I think there are few others out there. BTW, SR, did I call that right or what? LOL Go Vols!!!!!!!!

[dabvu2498]

I have no problem with that whatsoever. But historically the BIG schools have always played at least one Big 5/Notre Dame OOC game.

Agreed. And most of the SEC has, as well. Very few programs have scheduled as aggressively as UGa, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn have. And you have the traditional /geographic rivalries for UF, USC, UGa, and UK. Teams like Ole Miss, MS St., and Texas A/M need to get with the program. It appears that A/M is and Ole Miss has FSU on the schedule for 2016. My alma mater has the problem that virtually no one is going to give them a home-and-home and they're not sexy (and don't have a big enough fanbase) enough for one of those neutral site matchups.

[traderumor]

And again, I'm not sure that one week is truly representative of "where they are now." Especially when you consider that those teams will never again exist (except for Oregon and Ohio St., obviously). In other words, the 2015 Ole Miss Rebels won't look like the 2014 Ole Miss Rebels did, and so on. If a bad bowl week affects their recruiting or fundraising or ability to hire quality coaches long-term, then yes, it's relevant. But I don't think it will have any such effect. If there's a great defection of 2015 or 16 recruits away from the SEC and to other conferences, then we will have a better idea.

Personally, I think we will see a swing back towards more balance between the SEC East and West, and that's not entirely based on bowl season. And that's certainly not what I want, as it affects my favorite team's chances of making a bowl, being ranked, etc. I'd love it if UF and UT continued to stink and if USC kept the ball rolling downhill.

That is why for years the college game, from one season to the next, is all about who is returning, who was lost to graduation/early draft, who recruited, where they were at the end of last season, coaching carousel...you take where they were and build from that. There may be reasons that the bowl game should be discounted, but it is certainly the starting point. All you really did was demonstrate even more why the SEC record in September non-conference games is an inferior fact for evaluating things going forward versus looking at things that occurred after that as being better barometers of where teams are. Basically, you are referring to the barometric pressure on a sunny fall day and saying its just as/more important than a reading today for predicting the weather now.

[Brutus]

I've said for awhile now that Ohio State is the exception in the B1G. Did you see Iowa yesterday? I'd love to have a team like that on my schedule every year. If that wasn't a slow and plodding team then I don't know what qualifies

I don't know how anyone that's watched Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska or even Minnesota this year and come away with the conclusion they are slow and plodding. All those teams have solid team speed. Even Maryland and, to a lesser extent, Indiana, have some tremendous team speed, but they're simply not talented enough or physical enough.

The "speed" issue is a thing of the past for the Big Ten. Yes, Iowa is slow as molasses. Perhaps that's why they were one of the last Big Ten teams picked for a bowl, eh?

[Assembly Hall]

Agreed. And most of the SEC has, as well. Very few programs have scheduled as aggressively as UGa, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn have. And you have the traditional /geographic rivalries for UF, USC, UGa, and UK. Teams like Ole Miss, MS St., and Texas A/M need to get with the program. It appears that A/M is and Ole Miss has FSU on the schedule for 2016. My alma mater has the problem that virtually no one is going to give them a home-and-home and they're not sexy (and don't have a big enough fanbase) enough for one of those neutral site matchups.

Understood.

Back a few years ago the B1G and the Pac-12 had a deal in the works for their teams to meet in basketball as well as football.

The SEC has 14 teams, the B1G now has 14. Hows about they work out a deal to play each other in football?

[Assembly Hall]

I don't know how anyone that's watched Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska or even Minnesota this year and come away with the conclusion they are slow and plodding. All those teams have solid team speed. Even Maryland and, to a lesser extent, Indiana, have some tremendous team speed, but they're simply not talented enough or physical enough.

The "speed" issue is a thing of the past for the Big Ten. Yes, Iowa is slow as molasses. Perhaps that's why they were one of the last Big Ten teams picked for a bowl, eh?


Thank you so much for mentioning the Hoosiers. I wanted to, but I didn't want to be a "Homer"!

[jojo]

The world is fast now. The issue is depth.

The media wants to act like there is a major shift/change happening but really, it's just the nfl has stolen alot of senior years from the SEC. For instance, for all of the bluster of the SEC is overrated myopathy, Wisconsin needed Duke and Coates (two legit nfl quality receivers) to essentially not play and a missed field goal to win despite Auburn's pass rush being lost due to injury and the nfl and the core of their running game being lost to injury or early entry into the nfl.

[dabvu2498]

That is why for years the college game, from one season to the next, is all about who is returning, who was lost to graduation/early draft, who recruited, where they were at the end of last season, coaching carousel...you take where they were and build from that. There may be reasons that the bowl game should be discounted, but it is certainly the starting point. All you really did was demonstrate even more why the SEC record in September non-conference games is an inferior fact for evaluating things going forward versus looking at things that occurred after that as being better barometers of where teams are. Basically, you are referring to the barometric pressure on a sunny fall day and saying its just as/more important than a reading today for predicting the weather now.

To extend your metaphor, their next games will be on a sunny fall day. What a team looks like on January 3rd, 2015 will matter very little on September 5th, 2015.

Edit: In your opinion, does this bowl season increase or decrease the likelihood that Alabama will beat Wisconsin on September 5th? That Arizona State will beat Texas A/M on September 5th? Because if you choose anything other than "neither," I'd say that's a foolish conclusion to draw.

And here's something for you... With the 7 "important" regular season games I mentioned yesterday and the 10 bowls that matched up ranked teams, here's the respective records of the conferences involved:

ACC: 2-3
Big 10: 3-4 (with one to go)
Big 12: 2-3
MWC: 1-1
Pac 12: 3-1 (with one to go)
SEC: 6-5

If we're going to evaluate the totality of the 2014 season, let's evaluate the totality of the 2014 season.

[jojo]

To extend your metaphor, their next games will be on a sunny fall day. What a team looks like on January 3rd, 2015 will matter very little on September 5th, 2015.

And here's something for you... With the 7 "important" regular season games I mentioned yesterday and the 10 bowls that matched up ranked teams, here's the respective records of the conferences involved:

ACC: 2-3
Big 10: 3-4 (with one to go)
Big 12: 2-3
MWC: 1-1
Pac 12: 3-1 (with one to go)
SEC: 6-5

If we're going to evaluate the totality of the 2014 season, let's evaluate the totality of the 2014 season.

BAHBOOM!!!!!

[kaldaniels]

To extend your metaphor, their next games will be on a sunny fall day. What a team looks like on January 3rd, 2015 will matter very little on September 5th, 2015.

And here's something for you... With the 7 "important" regular season games I mentioned yesterday and the 10 bowls that matched up ranked teams, here's the respective records of the conferences involved:

ACC: 2-3
Big 10: 3-4 (with one to go)
Big 12: 2-3
MWC: 1-1
Pac 12: 3-1 (with one to go)
SEC: 6-5

If we're going to evaluate the totality of the 2014 season, let's evaluate the totality of the 2014 season.

That's fair game. But while that's the best we can do now, you will get a new set of rankings after the bowls - I have no idea how that will come out regarding this. Mind as well wait till then.

[Assembly Hall]

That's fair game. But while that's the best we can do now, you will get a new set of rankings after the bowls - I have no idea how that will come out regarding this. Mind as well wait till then.

Good point Kal..........Minnesota will not be ranked.

[kaldaniels]

Good point Kal..........Minnesota will not be ranked.

Nor LSU. Those 2 teams came to mind.

[Assembly Hall]

Nor LSU. Those 2 teams came to mind.

So that would knock 2 wins off the SEC's total, and 2 losses off the B1G's total?

[Sea Ray]

I don't know how anyone that's watched Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska or even Minnesota this year and come away with the conclusion they are slow and plodding. All those teams have solid team speed. Even Maryland and, to a lesser extent, Indiana, have some tremendous team speed, but they're simply not talented enough or physical enough.

The "speed" issue is a thing of the past for the Big Ten. Yes, Iowa is slow as molasses. Perhaps that's why they were one of the last Big Ten teams picked for a bowl, eh?

Tennessee was one of the last schools picked from the SEC yet Iowa didn't belong on the same field with them.

[kaldaniels]

So that would knock 2 wins off the SEC's total, and 2 losses off the B1G's total?

I don't know. LSU/UW is the only game I can think of. I was just saying we mind as well wait.

[Sea Ray]

The world is fast now. The issue is depth.

The media wants to act like there is a major shift/change happening but really, it's just the nfl has stolen alot of senior years from the SEC. For instance, for all of the bluster of the SEC is overrated myopathy, Wisconsin needed Duke and Coates (two legit nfl quality receivers) to essentially not play and a missed field goal to win despite Auburn's pass rush being lost due to injury and the nfl and the core of their running game being lost to injury or early entry into the nfl.

The country loves to root against a front runner. Many have tired of the SEC's dominance so yes, the media is quick to say that the SEC's dynasty is over. In the age of talent leaving early for the NFL and competition being what it is , of course there'd come a time where the SEC goes 2 yrs w/o an NC. Frankly I'd be surprised if we live to see an era where another conference wins so many consecutive football NCs.

Florida is still playing it may very well turn out that the SEC will win 7 Bowl games this yr. Is there any other conference where the media would spin a 7 win Bowl season as a downfall?

[Assembly Hall]

Tennessee was one of the last schools picked from the SEC yet Iowa didn't belong on the same field with them.

C'mon now SR, that game was close, up until the opening kick-off! LOL

[dabvu2498]

So that would knock 2 wins off the SEC's total, and 2 losses off the B1G's total?

That would knock a win off of the SEC's total. LSU played an unranked team (and lost) in their bowl game.

Looking at the teams ranked 25-30 who might move up, most of them lost.

Nebraska and Oklahoma come to mind.

So if we're going to add Marshall (no effect), and Memphis, it would add a win for the SEC and PAC 12 (Ole Miss and UCLA beat them regular season).

[Assembly Hall]

The country loves to root against a front runner. Many have tired of the SEC's dominance so yes, the media is quick to say that the SEC's dynasty is over.

To be honest, in my neck of the woods, everybody is just sick of Alabama. Nobody ever says anything about LSU, Auburn, or Florida.

[Brutus]

Tennessee was one of the last schools picked from the SEC yet Iowa didn't belong on the same field with them.

On that given day, they did not. But a) you can't possibly believe Tennessee is 20-30 points better than Iowa (the spread was 3 points) and b) just because Iowa was absolutely blown out doesn't somehow mean the Big Ten is slow and plodding. You are really jumping roads here to get to a destination.

Speed is not an issue. Many teams across college football now have speed. This isn't 1995 anymore. The teams that win are the ones with more skill, better offensive and defensive lines, and coaches who know how to utilize athletes.

[Brutus]

Thank you so much for mentioning the Hoosiers. I wanted to, but I didn't want to be a "Homer"!

Yep, there's no doubt Indiana has pretty good team speed. IU's problem is they're weak up front on both sides of the ball and the linebackers have no instincts. On a side note, if I'm a GM in the NFL and need a back, I'm looking hard at Tevin Coleman. He's a poor man's Melvin Gordon.

[Assembly Hall]

That would knock a win off of the SEC's total. LSU played an unranked team (and lost) in their bowl game.

Looking at the teams ranked 25-30 who might move up, most of them lost.

Nebraska and Oklahoma come to mind.

So if we're going to add Marshall (no effect), and Memphis, it would add a win for the SEC and PAC 12 (Ole Miss and UCLA beat them regular season).

I thought your win totals were match-ups between 2 ranked teams for the entire coarse of the season? LSU beat Wisconsin in the regular season.

[traderumor]

To extend your metaphor, their next games will be on a sunny fall day. What a team looks like on January 3rd, 2015 will matter very little on September 5th, 2015.

Edit: In your opinion, does this bowl season increase or decrease the likelihood that Alabama will beat Wisconsin on September 5th? That Arizona State will beat Texas A/M on September 5th? Because if you choose anything other than "neither," I'd say that's a foolish conclusion to draw.

And here's something for you... With the 7 "important" regular season games I mentioned yesterday and the 10 bowls that matched up ranked teams, here's the respective records of the conferences involved:

ACC: 2-3
Big 10: 3-4 (with one to go)
Big 12: 2-3
MWC: 1-1
Pac 12: 3-1 (with one to go)
SEC: 6-5

If we're going to evaluate the totality of the 2014 season, let's evaluate the totality of the 2014 season.That is not what you were originally responding to. You are responding to those who were not "evaluating the entirety of the 2014 season." That is a different animal. The assertion was "where are the teams/programs/conferences as of now, what direction are they heading" very broad brush.

By the way, your initial line basically proves my point. If today isn't the best measure to predict a future football game, or evaluate a team's future, then even more so is last September irrelevant to this discussion. In other words, if you were trying to pick that game today, would you do anything with September's results as a starting point in the discussion? Of course not, you would start with last season end, what happened between January and August. Last fall's non-conference top 25 record would be totally irrelevant at this stage.

[Brutus]

There is most definitely an over emphasis on bowl games to evaluate teams and conferences. That said, college football is really next to impossible to fairly evaluate because there are so few games out of league. And since almost no one plays strong competition in non-conference, there is an extremely small sample size -- bowls included -- to truly evaluate.

I think this playoff system has already shown that teams will begin playing one another more often in the years ahead, but there still simply aren't enough games to get a great measure.

[traderumor]

There is most definitely an over emphasis on bowl games to evaluate teams and conferences. That said, college football is really next to impossible to fairly evaluate because there are so few games out of league. And since almost no one plays strong competition in non-conference, there is an extremely small sample size -- bowls included -- to truly evaluate.

I think this playoff system has already shown that teams will begin playing one another more often in the years ahead, but there still simply aren't enough games to get a great measure.As far as what we are discussing, it is using the most recent data as a starting point, which happens to include the last game played. To your overall point, agreed.

[Assembly Hall]

Yep, there's no doubt Indiana has pretty good team speed. IU's problem is they're weak up front on both sides of the ball and the linebackers have no instincts. On a side note, if I'm a GM in the NFL and need a back, I'm looking hard at Tevin Coleman. He's a poor man's Melvin Gordon.

Tevin was a beast. He lit up the Buckeyes..........on a side note, if I was a NFL GM, I would be following Nate Sudfeld as well.

[dabvu2498]

That is not what you were originally responding to. You are responding to those who were not "evaluating the entirety of the 2014 season." That is a different animal. The assertion was "where are the teams/programs/conferences as of now, what direction are they heading" very broad brush.

By the way, your initial line basically proves my point. If today isn't the best measure to predict a future football game, or evaluate a team's future, then even more so is last September irrelevant to this discussion. In other words, if you were trying to pick that game today, would you do anything with September's results as a starting point in the discussion? Of course not, you would start with last season end, what happened between January and August. Last fall's non-conference top 25 record would be totally irrelevant at this stage.

Here's what I've been responding to the whole time:


I know I've seen the damage control "making conclusions about strength of conference from bowl games is not fair," but I have to challenge that presupposition when you see a league that claims to be strongest from top to bottom, bar none, not just get beat, but get schooled...and the supposedly strongest SEC West. What has happened in the bowl games is simply a knockout punch for that claim for this season. Riding the backs of Miss St. and Ole Miss was a big mistake. We'll see going forward, but the SEC superiority is a busted myth for the current state of the bold and beautiful around the country.

You simply want this bowl season to mean more than it truly does. The triumph over the "myth" you claim was 4 games... And one of those was the 11-3 (7-1) Big 10 West Champions over the 8-5 (4-4) tied-for-fourth place team in the SEC West in a game that went to overtime. Another was the fired-up, pissed-off Big 12 co-champs beating the 3rd place team from the SEC West, without their best offensive player. Another was a team facing a triple-option attack without it's defensive coordinator. Now if you want to add LSU's flop to ND in, I may agree with you on that one. I think LSU may be showing signs that they are at the start of a bit of a slide (think Oklahoma).

[dabvu2498]

TR -- Let me ask you this... Did you think Ohio State was in for big trouble after they lost three straight bowls from 06-08?

[traderumor]

Here's what I've been responding to the whole time:



You simply want this bowl season to mean more than it truly does. The triumph over the "myth" you claim was 4 games... And one of those was the 11-3 (7-1) Big 10 West Champions over the 8-5 (4-4) tied-for-fourth place team in the SEC West in a game that went to overtime. Another was the fired-up, pissed-off Big 12 co-champs beating the 3rd place team from the SEC West, without their best offensive player. Another was a team facing a triple-option attack without it's defensive coordinator. Now if you want to add LSU's flop to ND in, I may agree with you on that one. I think LSU may be showing signs that they are at the start of a bit of a slide (think Oklahoma).Right, you disagree with my point, I get that. I've never been one to say UNCLE when someone tries to sit on top of me and make me say it.

[traderumor]

TR -- Let me ask you this... Did you think Ohio State was in for big trouble after they lost three straight bowls from 06-08?Yes, it was showing an inability to win on the national stage. The only way one can win a NC is to win that last game. Please notice I have never said a bowl game tells the whole story. I have not backed myself into that corner with my ORIGINAL comments, which you want to beat on until I agree with you.

[jojo]

On that given day, they did not. But a) you can't possibly believe Tennessee is 20-30 points better than Iowa (the spread was 3 points) and b) just because Iowa was absolutely blown out doesn't somehow mean the Big Ten is slow and plodding. You are really jumping roads here to get to a destination.

So people also couldn't possibly believe the SEC west is overrated based upon a poor day?

[jojo]

Its time scrap bowls, go to a 16 team playoff and be done with it.

[Assembly Hall]

So people also couldn't possibly believe the SEC west is overrated based upon a poor day?

I don't know the answer to that jojo. But I do know that B1G took a beating early in the year when tOSU, MSU, and Wiscy took losses. Automatically the conference was weak. I guess it is a "What have you done for me lately world".

- - - Updated - - -


Its time scrap bowls, go to a 16 team playoff and be done with it.

I am all for that!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joseph]

Its time scrap bowls, go to a 16 team playoff and be done with it.

I agree, it'd be great, but I know you know the cash involved completely prohibits this.

Nowhere U and State College get their 6 wins and they want to play in the Larry's Fried Chicken Bowl of Greater Tulsa.

[KronoRed]

Its time scrap bowls, go to a 16 team playoff and be done with it.

No thanks, last thing anyone wants to see is some 3 or 4 loss team in the playoffs.

[Assembly Hall]

No thanks, last thing anyone wants to see is some 3 or 4 loss team in the playoffs.

Yeah, who wants to see a 13 loss team in March Madness.

[RedTeamGo!]

The world is fast now. The issue is depth.

The media wants to act like there is a major shift/change happening but really, it's just the nfl has stolen alot of senior years from the SEC. For instance, for all of the bluster of the SEC is overrated myopathy, Wisconsin needed Duke and Coates (two legit nfl quality receivers) to essentially not play and a missed field goal to win despite Auburn's pass rush being lost due to injury and the nfl and the core of their running game being lost to injury or early entry into the nfl.

Wait, you are giving the excuse of two WRs leaving early and not wanting to get injured?

Wow.

[KronoRed]

Yeah, who wants to see a 13 loss team in March Madness.

Not me, March Madness should be a lot smaller.

[GAC]

I just watched a Paul Finebaum interview this morning and he pretty much said after all the smack we talked about the SEC and the BIG10, we have to shut up and take it. You tend to see people's true colors in uncomfortable circumstances. Nicely done Paul. Nicely done.

Phyllis really let Paul have it! :lol:

The Tide will rise again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n6jxMKUluE

[GAC]

I don't know how anyone that's watched Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska or even Minnesota this year and come away with the conclusion they are slow and plodding. All those teams have solid team speed. Even Maryland and, to a lesser extent, Indiana, have some tremendous team speed, but they're simply not talented enough or physical enough.

The "speed" issue is a thing of the past for the Big Ten. Yes, Iowa is slow as molasses. Perhaps that's why they were one of the last Big Ten teams picked for a bowl, eh?

Exactly! What does "slow and plodding" mean? What did he use to come to that conclusion? He said OSU is the exception, yet what about MSU and Wisconsin? But you nailed it... the speed is there. It's all about the level of talent assembled on that field, as well as those coaching them.

I personally think there are way too many Bowl games. But that's not gonna change due to money. I'd guess the nation's economic indicators edged up during the Bowl season due to all the economic activity involved (LOL). But I don't even start watching games, other then highlights, till after Christmas. I can understand, I guess, if you're a fan of those respective teams; but I simply had no desire to watch teams that went .500 or below in their conference, yet somehow they were able to get their overall record to "bowl eligibility". Give me a break. It's like the NFL, to a certain degree, taking the division winners, and then adding 20 wild card games to keep their respective fan base interested/involved.

Iowa and Tennessee suck. I had no desire to watch that game.



Did you see Iowa yesterday? I'd love to have a team like that on my schedule every year.

Ah quit complaining. You had Kentucky and Vanderbilt. :p

[jojo]

Wait, you are giving the excuse of two WRs leaving early and not wanting to get injured?

Wow.

Troll.

[redrum]

The world is fast now. The issue is depth.

The media wants to act like there is a major shift/change happening but really, it's just the nfl has stolen alot of senior years from the SEC. For instance, for all of the bluster of the SEC is overrated myopathy, Wisconsin needed Duke and Coates (two legit nfl quality receivers) to essentially not play and a missed field goal to win despite Auburn's pass rush being lost due to injury and the nfl and the core of their running game being lost to injury or early entry into the nfl.
I thought Coates played in the Outback bowl? I could have sworn I saw him on the field.

As for the NFL 'stealing' senior years, I'd counter that when you recruit 4 and 5 star high school players, that is to be expected. Lets face it, most of those highly recruited high school football players are only attending college for the purpose of playing in the NFL. It happens to every major college football program. It happens more in the SEC because they land more of those highly touted recruits. Would you be happier if Auburn recruited more of those 'plodding' big 10 players that aren't projected as 1st round draft picks?

Lots of excuses thrown forth in this post. Frankly I am surprised. Wisconsin is a decent football team, though at best a distant 3rd in the B1G. They were manhandled in their previous game by an Ohio State team that had a number of key injuries. Wisconsin's offensive line was banged up, they were missing a key defensive lineman and were being coached by their AD.

Bottom line is the SEC has been touted as being heads and tails above any other conference in college football for years. The showing in this years bowl games tell a different story. I still believe SEC is the best from top to bottom (although the Pac 12 has an argument) but, at least this year, the chasm wasn't what it was made out to be.

[jojo]

I thought Coates played in the Outback bowl? I could have sworn I saw him on the field.

Coates dressed out and only had limited action, essentially having no role in the game plan.

[Assembly Hall]

I still feel that top to bottom, that the SEC is the best conference in the land, bar none. However this year I would say the BIG's top three schools were better than the SEC's top three.

[RedTeamGo!]

Troll.

Stop calling me names. That was not trolling. I am just surprised you are giving excuses for auburn losing to Wisconsin. Maybe they just got straight up beat by a superior opponent.

[Sea Ray]

On that given day, they did not. But a) you can't possibly believe Tennessee is 20-30 points better than Iowa (the spread was 3 points)

This wasn't just any given day. It was a game in which both teams had a month to get healthy and prepare. They could play again and again and Iowa would still be the slower and plodding team everytime.

Now just because Iowa is slow does not necessarily mean that other Big Ten teams are as well but it does speak to the depth of the two conferences. Iowa had no business earning a Bowl bid and yet they won 4 Big Ten games. They very nearly beat Wisconsin and Illinois

[Sea Ray]

There is most definitely an over emphasis on bowl games to evaluate teams and conferences. That said, college football is really next to impossible to fairly evaluate because there are so few games out of league. And since almost no one plays strong competition in non-conference, there is an extremely small sample size -- bowls included -- to truly evaluate.

I think this playoff system has already shown that teams will begin playing one another more often in the years ahead, but there still simply aren't enough games to get a great measure.

That's what makes it so much fun!

[Sea Ray]

I agree, it'd be great, but I know you know the cash involved completely prohibits this.

Nowhere U and State College get their 6 wins and they want to play in the Larry's Fried Chicken Bowl of Greater Tulsa.

And there's nothing wrong with that. What's the problem with teams not in the playoff playing in a Bowl?

[traderumor]

As this year showed, playoffs and bowl games do not have to be either/or. I think it is a boon to the bowl games. It gives some lesser known programs lots of exposure. This year it was Baylor and TCU, next year it will be someone else.

[Sea Ray]

Iowa and Tennessee suck.

Well you're half right and if you'd watched it you'd know that. Admitting to not watching it and commenting on it isn't too bright on your part





Ah quit complaining. You had Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

Thanks for making my point. As someone who watched all the UT games this year, I can tell you that Kentucky and Vanderbilt were both tougher opponents than Iowa, hence my amazement that Iowa went 4-4 in the B1G

Let me end by attempting to educate you on Tennessee as you admit to your ignorance of their program. The Vols made a QB change in the middle of the season that made all the difference in the world. Therefore, the team that lost close games early in the year to Ga and FL bear little resemblance to the one Iowa saw

[Assembly Hall]

This wasn't just any given day. It was a game in which both teams had a month to get healthy and prepare. They could play again and again and Iowa would still be the slower and plodding team everytime.

Now just because Iowa is slow does not necessarily mean that other Big Ten teams are as well but it does speak to the depth of the two conferences. Iowa had no business earning a Bowl bid and yet they won 4 Big Ten games. They very nearly beat Wisconsin and Illinois

Actually, Illinois wasn't that good either. I would also point out that Iowa beat Pitt at Pitt, but they also had the luck of the draw by not playing either OSU or MSU.

But I agree you take the top 3 schools out of the equation...and throw in Minnesota and Nebraska as good teams...the rest of the conference was marginal at best.

[dabvu2498]

I can tell you that Kentucky and Vanderbilt were both tougher opponents than Iowa...


No. Vanderbilt lost to Temple and should have lost to UMass and could very well have lost to Charleston Southern. Kentucky really wasn't any good, either.

[Brutus]

This wasn't just any given day. It was a game in which both teams had a month to get healthy and prepare. They could play again and again and Iowa would still be the slower and plodding team everytime.

Now just because Iowa is slow does not necessarily mean that other Big Ten teams are as well but it does speak to the depth of the two conferences. Iowa had no business earning a Bowl bid and yet they won 4 Big Ten games. They very nearly beat Wisconsin and Illinois

It's still any given day. Just because you have a lot of time to prepare does not mean that you're going to come out and play your best and doesn't ensure you won't play your worst. I trust since you didn't answer the question that you acknowledge Tennessee is not 30 points better than Iowa, right? They were only 3 point favorites. Vegas isn't always right, but it's not 27 points wrong about two teams.

On multiple days, Tennessee is perhaps half a dozen points better than Iowa at most. Ohio State was better than Wisconsin, but they're nowhere near 59 points better.

[Sea Ray]

No. Vanderbilt lost to Temple and should have lost to UMass and could very well have lost to Charleston Southern. Kentucky really wasn't any good, either.

What do you mean no? I said that Vanderbilt was a tougher opponent for UT. Do you disagree?

[Sea Ray]

It's still any given day. Just because you have a lot of time to prepare does not mean that you're going to come out and play your best and doesn't ensure you won't play your worst. I trust since you didn't answer the question that you acknowledge Tennessee is not 30 points better than Iowa, right? They were only 3 point favorites. Vegas isn't always right, but it's not 27 points wrong about two teams.

On multiple days, Tennessee is perhaps half a dozen points better than Iowa at most. Ohio State was better than Wisconsin, but they're nowhere near 59 points better.

I didn't know you were asking a question. Is your question, how many points is Tennessee better than Iowa? I'd say about two TDs.

[dabvu2498]

What do you mean no? I said that Vanderbilt was a tougher opponent for UT. Do you disagree?

Yes. Vanderbilt was probably the worst team in the Big 5 conferences. They were awful. And Kentucky really wasn't any good either.

[Assembly Hall]

I don't think any SEC fan here would argue that LSU had a disappointing season by recent LSU standards. It showed in their bowl loss to the Irish. It appeared to me anyway that the Tigers just wanted the season to get over, where as the Irish were building towards next year by starting a new QB and it appeared that the team was excited about it.

Iowa had a disappointing season by their standards and I think to some degree that those close loses during the regular season made them where they didn't want to be in that game at all. Tennessee, on the other hand, was using it as a building block and excited about the opportunity to be in a bowl.

JMHO

[Assembly Hall]

Yes. Vanderbilt was probably the worst team in the Big 5 conferences. They were awful. And Kentucky really wasn't any good either.

Dang dab, Vandy was that bad, because that is one heck of a statement.

[Sea Ray]

Yes. Vanderbilt was probably the worst team in the Big 5 conferences. They were awful. And Kentucky really wasn't any good either.

They looked better than Iowa did yesterday...

[Sea Ray]

Iowa had a disappointing season by their standards and I think to some degree that those close loses during the regular season made them where they didn't want to be in that game at all. Tennessee, on the other hand, was using it as a building block and excited about the opportunity to be in a bowl.



I'm trying to imagine a scenario where Bobby Beatherd's son would like like a decent QB...

[Brutus]

I didn't know you were asking a question. Is your question, how many points is Tennessee better than Iowa? I'd say about two TDs.

Well thanks for answering, but it's a silly answer lol

You do realize the difference between the 1st team and roughly 20th team is about two touchdowns. However, the difference between the 20th team and roughly the 65th team is also about two touchdowns. ESPN's power index, which measures results on a points basis, has Tennessee ranked 33rd at 10.8 points above average and Iowa ranked 58th at 3.4 points. So there is about a touchdown difference (I said about half a dozen points earlier).

[dabvu2498]

Dang dab, Vandy was that bad, because that is one heck of a statement.

Lost to Temple by 30

After doing just a hair more research, they were almost certainly in the bottom 6 with Iowa St., Kansas, Colorado, Purdue, and Wake. Sagarin's ratings agree with me. http://sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

[dabvu2498]

They looked better than Iowa did yesterday...

That's actually more of an indictment of Tennessee than anything. The fact that they allowed Vandy to hang with them shows they're probably capable of losing to a team like Iowa on occasion, and aren't truly "2 touchdowns" better than anyone in a Big 5 conference on a consistent basis.

[Sea Ray]

Well thanks for answering, but it's a silly answer lol

You do realize the difference between the 1st team and roughly 20th team is about two touchdowns. However, the difference between the 20th team and roughly the 65th team is also about two touchdowns. ESPN's power index, which measures results on a points basis, has Tennessee ranked 33rd at 10.8 points above average and Iowa ranked 58th at 3.4 points. So there is about a touchdown difference (I said about half a dozen points earlier).

Don't get too hung up on computer stats. Those numbers don't take into consideration injuries and the fact that Tennessee switched QBs a couple months ago. There's no comparing Josh Dobbs and Justin Worley. Therefore the numbers you posted about, though impressive looking, really are quite worthless

[Sea Ray]

That's actually more of an indictment of Tennessee than anything. The fact that they allowed Vandy to hang with them shows they're probably capable of losing to a team like Iowa on occasion, and aren't truly "2 touchdowns" better than anyone in a Big 5 conference on a consistent basis.

Perhaps Tenn didn't play their best game vs Vandy. They may even occasionally lose to a lesser team like Iowa, but I still think they'd beat Iowa by 2 TDs as a general rule on a neutral field

[Brutus]

Don't get too hung up on computer stats. Those numbers don't take into consideration injuries and the fact that Tennessee switched QBs a couple months ago. There's no comparing Josh Dobbs and Justin Worley. Therefore the numbers you posted about, though impressive looking, really are quite worthless

Vegas has been laughing at people telling them for years their numbers are "really quite worthless" yet they keep making billions annually off of them.

Like I said, the spread for this game was 3 points. And despite their accuracy on these matters, people are sure they know better.

[Assembly Hall]

Lost to Temple by 30

After doing just a hair more research, they were almost certainly in the bottom 6 with Iowa St., Kansas, Colorado, Purdue, and Wake. Sagarin's ratings agree with me. http://sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

Iowa St. beat Iowa! LOL But I had no idea Vandy was that bad. You guys need another Hoosier QB!

[dabvu2498]

Iowa St. beat Iowa! LOL But I had no idea Vandy was that bad.

And only lost to K-State by 3 and Texas by 4. So yeah, they're probably better than Vanderbilt.

[Sea Ray]

Vegas has been laughing at people telling them for years their numbers are "really quite worthless" yet they keep making billions annually off of them.

Like I said, the spread for this game was 3 points. And despite their accuracy on these matters, people are sure they know better.

On that game Vegas was off...way off. And I'm happy they were

- - - Updated - - -


And only lost to K-State by 3 and Texas by 4. So yeah, they're probably better than Vanderbilt.

Yeah, they probably are but they sure weren't on Friday

[Brutus]

On that game Vegas was off...way off. And I'm happy they were

- - - Updated - - -



Yeah, they probably are but they sure weren't on Friday

Yeah on the game. But considering Tennessee finished 7-6 against the spread and Iowa 6-7, clearly Vegas has a pretty good handle on what they are. That's the point... these power ratings may miss on single games, but over the whole season, they're pretty descriptive of a team's ability (or lack thereof).

[GAC]

Iowa had no business earning a Bowl bid

I agree. But Tennessee did?


and yet they won 4 Big Ten games. They very nearly beat Wisconsin and Illinois

Gee, they nearly beat 6-7 (3-5) Illinois? Another team that had no business being in a Bowl.


Well you're half right and if you'd watched it you'd know that. Admitting to not watching it and commenting on it isn't too bright on your part

My comment that both of these teams suck was concerning their overall performance/record during the regular season, not the game. I saw enough of both during the regular season, and both were bad, that I wanted no part of watching the game (LOL).


As someone who watched all the UT games this year, I can tell you that Kentucky and Vanderbilt were both tougher opponents than Iowa

Based on what criteria? Vanderbilt, who was 0-9 in the conference, did give you a game; but, as dabvu2498 points out.....


That's actually more of an indictment of Tennessee than anything.

Kentucky was a tougher opponent then Iowa? You beat them 50-16!

All I said was that there were too many Bowl games, and, in my opinion, I had no desire to watch teams who were bad during the regular season play in one simply because they were able to meet they very "stringent" (sarcasm) requirement of "bowl eligibility".

I really have no desire to argue with you over which of these bad teams (B1G, SEC, whoever) was worse. (LOL)

[Assembly Hall]

Does anybody have the number of bowls that there are?

[Sea Ray]

I agree. But Tennessee did?



Gee, they nearly beat 6-7 (3-5) Illinois? Another team that had no business being in a Bowl.



My comment that both of these teams suck was concerning their overall performance/record during the regular season, not the game. I saw enough of both during the regular season, and both were bad, that I wanted no part of watching the game (LOL).



Based on what criteria? Vanderbilt, who was 0-9 in the conference, did give you a game; but, as dabvu2498 points out.....



Kentucky was a tougher opponent then Iowa? You beat them 50-16!

All I said was that there were too many Bowl games, and, in my opinion, I had no desire to watch teams who were bad during the regular season play in one simply because they were able to meet they very "stringent" (sarcasm) requirement of "bowl eligibility".

I really have no desire to argue with you over which of these bad teams (B1G, SEC, whoever) was worse. (LOL)

GAC, my only point here is that you can't just look at records and come to a conclusion about a team. For example one could say that OSU sucked after the Va Tech game but they've improved a great deal since then. Well, I'm asking for the same consideration to be given to other teams. Tennessee's not the same team it was in late Sept either

[Sea Ray]

Does anybody have the number of bowls that there are?

I count 38 not counting the national championship game next week

http://www.ncaa.com/sports/football/bowls

[villain612]

Too many bowls.

[Sea Ray]

Too many bowls.

Other than the Rose and Sugar, I saw a lot of empty seats. I'd be curious how many Bowls sold out. Some I'd question if they even made money

[RedTeamGo!]

Too many bowls.

Too many cooks.

- - - Updated - - -


Other than the Rose and Sugar, I saw a lot of empty seats. I'd be curious how many Bowls sold out. Some I'd question if they even made money

These bowls have nothing to do with attendance.

[Assembly Hall]

I count 38 not counting the national championship game next week

http://www.ncaa.com/sports/football/bowls


Wow.......way too many bowls.

[Sea Ray]

I'm fine with them. It beats watching poker

[gonelong]

Football is getting scarce, never too many games on. I can pick and choose. Watched some of the Toledo game last night. :)

[RedTeamGo!]

Football is getting scarce, never too many games on. I can pick and choose. Watched some of the Toledo game last night. :)

That Kareem Hunt is excellent. 5 touchdowns and around 270 rushing yards.

The center for UT looks to be an NFL player as well, Montz or something.

[GAC]

GAC, my only point here is that you can't just look at records and come to a conclusion about a team. For example one could say that OSU sucked after the Va Tech game but they've improved a great deal since then. Well, I'm asking for the same consideration to be given to other teams. Tennessee's not the same team it was in late Sept either

OK. So you had two teams that installed new QBs (OSU, Tenn). OSU showed a great deal of improvement, after the Va Tech loss, by not only going undefeated the remainder of the season, but at the end put the hurtin' on a couple good (ranked) teams. In other words, the improvement was pretty tangible and evident in their W-L record.

Tennessee went 3-3 in the first half, changed QBs, and went 3-3 in the second half. It's hard to say, very subjective, whether they showed a great deal of improvement or not.

The Vols finished 6-6, and the Hawkeyes finished 7-5. But show me where either of these two teams had a quality win against a good opponent during the regular season? Neither did IMO. That is my indictment of the Bowl "system".

[Assembly Hall]

OK. So you had two teams that installed new QBs (OSU, Tenn). OSU showed a great deal of improvement, after the Va Tech loss, by not only going undefeated the remainder of the season, but at the end put the hurtin' on a couple good (ranked) teams. In other words, the improvement was pretty tangible and evident in their W-L record.

Tennessee went 3-3 in the first half, changed QBs, and went 3-3 in the second half. It's hard to say, very subjective, whether they showed a great deal of improvement or not.

The Vols finished 6-6, and the Hawkeyes finished 7-5. But show me where either of these two teams had a quality win against a good opponent during the regular season? Neither did IMO. That is my indictment of the Bowl "system".

I don't know GAC...Iowa won at Pittsburgh....in my book that is a quality opponent on the road. Better than anybody Ohio St. played on the road OOC. And sure as hell better than anybody Alabama played on the road OOC. Just sayin'

[Sea Ray]

OK. So you had two teams that installed new QBs (OSU, Tenn). OSU showed a great deal of improvement, after the Va Tech loss, by not only going undefeated the remainder of the season, but at the end put the hurtin' on a couple good (ranked) teams. In other words, the improvement was pretty tangible and evident in their W-L record.

Tennessee went 3-3 in the first half, changed QBs, and went 3-3 in the second half. It's hard to say, very subjective, whether they showed a great deal of improvement or not.

The Vols finished 6-6, and the Hawkeyes finished 7-5. But show me where either of these two teams had a quality win against a good opponent during the regular season? Neither did IMO. That is my indictment of the Bowl "system".

Brush up on your facts GAC and I'll be glad to discuss it with you. Frankly, I don't want to embarrass you any further by correcting you publically. Tennessee did not change QBs after 6 games so that changes your whole thesis

[dabvu2498]

Yeah, that was a real murderers' row Dobbs faced.

[Assembly Hall]

Not to change the subject, but I will................

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24937081/report-notre-dames-everett-golson-considering-transfer-to-lsu

[kaldaniels]

Sea Ray, your whole thesis seems to be that UT improved due to various factors as the season went on and finished on a high note.

But can you put your cards on the table today, and say that right now, you think UT is the _____ best team in the country. (A reasonable range would be fine)

Or if the thought of ranking them nationally offends your or doesn't seem reasonable...how about giving us a couple teams that compare right here to UT, as far as how good of a team they are. It really is a reasonable question that I think most fans of college football would be able to opine on for any major team, especially one they are a fan of.

I'm just curious...we know you think they improved...the answer to the above question will tell us how much.

[Brutus]

Brush up on your facts GAC and I'll be glad to discuss it with you. Frankly, I don't want to embarrass you any further by correcting you publically. Tennessee did not change QBs after 6 games so that changes your whole thesis

He wasn't exactly far off. The change came after the 7th game. So he was one week off as Dobbs' first game was against 'Bama, right? They were 3-4 under Worley and 4-2 under Dobbs. However, they also barely beat Vandy with Dobbs, so it wasn't exactly all incense and peppermints.

I think his premise is fair... that there wasn't a huge difference between the two. This issue has been studied over many years, and believe it or not, QB changes are typically only worth a couple points at this level. Every once in a while you might see 5-6 points for better or worse in a QB change, but it's rare. Heck, just look at how seamlessly Ohio State wound up playing with Barrett and now Cardale Jones. Over the long haul, there's not as much difference as you're suggesting.

[Assembly Hall]

Yeah, that was a real murderers' row Dobbs faced.


I got tears in my eyes and I think my kidneys are shutting down.......way too funny!!!!!!!!!

[Sea Ray]

Sea Ray, your whole thesis seems to be that UT improved due to various factors as the season went on and finished on a high note.

But can you put your cards on the table today, and say that right now, you think UT is the _____ best team in the country. (A reasonable range would be fine)

Or if the thought of ranking them nationally offends your or doesn't seem reasonable...how about giving us a couple teams that compare right here to UT, as far as how good of a team they are. It really is a reasonable question that I think most fans of college football would be able to opine on for any major team, especially one they are a fan of.

I'm just curious...we know you think they improved...the answer to the above question will tell us how much.

I'll put it this way. Right now I think they're the 3rd best team in the SEC East behind Missouri and Georgia but that gap is small enough that it could be closed in 2015

What problem do you have with my thesis as you stated? Seems pretty simple to me

[Sea Ray]

He wasn't exactly far off. The change came after the 7th game. So he was one week off as Dobbs' first game was against 'Bama, right? They were 3-4 under Worley and 4-2 under Dobbs. However, they also barely beat Vandy with Dobbs, so it wasn't exactly all incense and peppermints.

I think his premise is fair... that there wasn't a huge difference between the two. This issue has been studied over many years, and believe it or not, QB changes are typically only worth a couple points at this level. Every once in a while you might see 5-6 points for better or worse in a QB change, but it's rare. Heck, just look at how seamlessly Ohio State wound up playing with Barrett and now Cardale Jones. Over the long haul, there's not as much difference as you're suggesting.

That's all speculation. I think with Dobbs they definitely beat Florida and maybe Georgia

[Sea Ray]

Yeah, that was a real murderers' row Dobbs faced.

I never said it was a murders row. Care to make a point counselor?

[kaldaniels]

I'll put it this way. Right now I think they're the 3rd best team in the SEC East behind Missouri and Georgia but that gap is small enough that it could be closed in 2015

What problem do you have with my thesis as you stated? Seems pretty simple to me

No problem at all my man. But I just wanted things a little more in perspective.

[Sea Ray]

No problem at all my man. But I just wanted things a little more in perspective.

Do you disagree that Tennessee is better than they were in late Sept?

[kaldaniels]

I will say this about UT...and I've said before I want them to be "back".

They desperately need a signature win.

- - - Updated - - -


Do you disagree that Tennessee is better than they were in late Sept?

No, and never said otherwise.

[Sea Ray]

I will say this about UT...and I've said before I want them to be "back".

They desperately need a signature win.

- - - Updated - - -



No, and never said otherwise.

Just wanted to know where you stood too.

Tenn's not back. They've won a Bowl but they do need to beat some ranked teams to be back. I expect improvement from them the next two yrs given the way recruiting is going

[Brutus]

That's all speculation. I think with Dobbs they definitely beat Florida and maybe Georgia

It's not speculation that QB's are typically worth between 1-6 points at this level. That's been researched to death.

Saying with Dobbs that Tennessee definitely beats Florida and maybe beats Georgia, that's definitely speculation.

[Roy Tucker]

Watching the OSU-Alabama game replay on the SEC Network. Paul Finebaum and his guys. They can't believe what they're seeing.

[cumberlandreds]

Wow.......way too many bowls.

I agree. I was bored with the bowls I did watch. Except for the two semi final games, I found most very uninteresting.

[Assembly Hall]

I agree. I was bored with the bowls I did watch. Except for the two semi final games, I found most very uninteresting.

I didn't watch a bunch......but LSU/ND, Wisc/Auburn, and MSU/Baylor were very entertaining games.

[Sea Ray]

It's not speculation that QB's are typically worth between 1-6 points at this level. That's been researched to death.

Saying with Dobbs that Tennessee definitely beats Florida and maybe beats Georgia, that's definitely speculation.

Absolutely my guesses are speculation. Your stat of 1-5 pts is just that...a stat. I don't believe for a minute that it encompasses every possibility.

[Revering4Blue]

I'll confidently state this: The Vols would not have even sniffed a Bowl bid if Worley had remained at QB. So, yeah, Dobbs made a HUGE difference, and would have increased the odds that the Vols emerge victorious against Florida and Georgia exponentially.

[Sea Ray]

I'll confidently state this: The Vols would not have even sniffed a Bowl bid if Worley had remained at QB. So, yeah, Dobbs made a HUGE difference, and would have increased the odds that the Vols emerge victorious against Florida and Georgia exponentially.

Even if it's a FACT that QB's only change the score by 1-6 pts???

[Revering4Blue]

Even if it's a FACT that QB's only change the score by 1-6 pts???

Apparently. That's exactly what happened to IU when Sudfeld went down. Oh, wait...

[dabvu2498]

I never said it was a murders row. Care to make a point counselor?

Yeah. There's nothing particularly impressive about beating the 4 teams they beat down the stretch.

[Brutus]

Absolutely my guesses are speculation. Your stat of 1-5 pts is just that...a stat. I don't believe for a minute that it encompasses every possibility.

Does it encompass every possibility? Probably not. However, Vegas believes it's extremely rare.

Tennessee's situation doesn't pass the smell test to be one of those isolated cases. Think about it: Tennessee made its QB change after 7 games, and only did so initially because Worley got hurt. If the UT staff truly felt Dobbs were that much better than Worley, so much so that they'd be one of those statistical outliers we're discussing, they wouldn't have waited at least 7 games to make the change and it would have taken an injury to actually do it.

If Dobbs were actually that much better than Worley, he would have been named the starter far soon after fall practice or after UT started off so poorly.

[Assembly Hall]

Apparently. That's exactly what happened to IU when Sudfeld went down. Oh, wait...

LOL.......that was like a 30 point change!

[Sea Ray]

Yeah. There's nothing particularly impressive about beating the 4 teams they beat down the stretch.

South Carolina was big.

[Sea Ray]

Does it encompass every possibility? Probably not. However, Vegas believes it's extremely rare.

Tennessee's situation doesn't pass the smell test to be one of those isolated cases. Think about it: Tennessee made its QB change after 7 games, and only did so initially because Worley got hurt. If the UT staff truly felt Dobbs were that much better than Worley, so much so that they'd be one of those statistical outliers we're discussing, they wouldn't have waited at least 7 games to make the change and it would have taken an injury to actually do it.

If Dobbs were actually that much better than Worley, he would have been named the starter far soon after fall practice or after UT started off so poorly.

You haven't followed UT have you? If you had you'd know that they held out a far better player because they wanted to redshirt him this year and preserve his eligibility. He was taking a lot of really challenging classes and concurred with this. Whether that was prudent is up to debate. But the fact is that a lot more went into the decision than who was the better player.

My eyeball test tells me that he made a huge difference. In games where he ran for over 100 yds it can be reasoned that he made over 100 yds of difference because Worley was a statue back there. I go by my own eyeballs than some random stat, thanks

[dabvu2498]

South Carolina was big.

Beat them in 2013 also.

[Brutus]

You haven't followed UT have you? If you had you'd know that they held out a far better player because they wanted to redshirt him this year and preserve his eligibility. He was taking a lot of really challenging classes and concurred with this. Whether that was prudent is up to debate. But the fact is that a lot more went into the decision than who was the better player.

My eyeball test tells me that he made a huge difference. In games where he ran for over 100 yds it can be reasoned that he made over 100 yds of difference because Worley was a statue back there. I go by my own eyeballs than some random stat, thanks

Butch Jones himself said Dobbs wasn't ready and wasn't very consistent.

If he were, I guarantee they wouldn't have planned on redshirting him to begin with. You don't preserve someone if they're truly that much of an ugprade. All the rest is just fluff.

BTW, Vegas has been making billions off the "eyeball test" for years LOL

[Sea Ray]

Butch Jones himself said Dobbs wasn't ready and wasn't very consistent.

If he were, I guarantee they wouldn't have redshirted him. You don't preserve someone if they're truly that much of an ugprade. All the rest is just fluff.

BTW, Vegas has been making billions off the "eyeball test" for years LOL

Butch Jones made a big mistake then.

[Assembly Hall]

Butch Jones made a big mistake then.

Happens to coaches all over the country.

[jimbo]

South Carolina was big.

South Carolina was Kentucky's big win also.

[GAC]

I don't know GAC...Iowa won at Pittsburgh....in my book that is a quality opponent on the road. Better than anybody Ohio St. played on the road OOC. And sure as hell better than anybody Alabama played on the road OOC. Just sayin'

That might be a quality win for Iowa (as bad as they were) (LOL). But Pitt wasn't very good this year. Another team that finished 6-6. But as far as road OOC games... what about OSU's first game vs Navy, who finished the year 8-5? Ain't much, I agree; but better then Iowa's IMO.

But take Virginia Tech for instance. This was a team, after they beat OSU, that everyone used to indict and go after OSU on for the remainder of the season because they were considered so terrible. Yet they too managed to finish the regular season 6-6, went to a Bowl game, and manhandled the Bearcats. So were they any worse then any of these other 6-6 teams we are talking about?

Again, I'm still coming from the position that there are just simply too many Bowl games.. and an indictment of the criteria.

[GAC]

Brush up on your facts GAC and I'll be glad to discuss it with you. Frankly, I don't want to embarrass you any further by correcting you publically.

I'm not worried. I haven't been the one getting emabarassed (LOL).

You said...


The Vols made a QB change in the middle of the season

Sorry I took that as being 6 games, which is the middle of the season. It still doesn't change the fact that your team went 3-3 in the first half, and 3-3 in the second, and finished the regular season 6-6. So you can spin it any way you want. I don't really care. Dobbs may be a better QB for the Vols. I guess we'll see next year. Until then, it's all subjective.

The Vols beat a bad Iowa team that even you said - even though Iowa had a better regular season W-L record then the Vols - shouldn't have been in a bowl game.

And on our Bowl thread, almost everyone, including myself, took the Vols because, again, Iowa was that bad (LOL). But as you stated earlier... they were just ANOTHER slow and plodding B10 team. :rolleyes:

[Sea Ray]

Again, I'm still coming from the position that there are just simply too many Bowl games.. and an indictment of the criteria.

I don't understand what the problem is with too many Bowl games. It provides teams with an extra month of practice time, it's fun for fans, it sells stuff for sponsors...I don't see what the harm is.

Having said that, I do think that a proper line has been drawn at not allowing sub 6 win teams into Bowls. In sports like hockey and the NBA you often get sub .500 teams and we've even seen that happen in the NFL.

In the early 80s a 6-5 Michigan team played an defeated BYU team that was earned the Cougars the National championship, so big schools with .500 records playing in Bowl games is nothing new

[Sea Ray]

I'm not worried. I haven't been the one getting emabarassed (LOL).

You said...



Sorry I took that as being 6 games, which is the middle of the season. It still doesn't change the fact that your team went 3-3 in the first half, and 3-3 in the second, and finished the regular season 6-6. So you can spin it any way you want. I don't really care. Dobbs may be a better QB for the Vols. I guess we'll see next year. Until then, it's all subjective.

The Vols beat a bad Iowa team that even you said - even though Iowa had a better regular season W-L record then the Vols - shouldn't have been in a bowl game.

And on our Bowl thread, almost everyone, including myself, took the Vols because, again, Iowa was that bad (LOL). But as you stated earlier... they were just ANOTHER slow and plodding B10 team.

The Vols did make a QB change in the middle of the season. How else would you describe a change in game 8? If you just assumed I meant the midpoint then it's laziness on your part

Where we do agree is that Iowa had no business being in a Bowl game and that they were bad. The fact that such a bad team can finish in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten (and lose to Iowa St) is an indictment of the Big Ten. It's examples like this that show how easy it is to come out of the Big Ten with a decent record. A much better UT team had to scrape and fight to earn Bowl eligibility

[Assembly Hall]

That might be a quality win for Iowa (as bad as they were) (LOL). But Pitt wasn't very good this year. Another team that finished 6-6. But as far as road OOC games... what about OSU's first game vs Navy, who finished the year 8-5? Ain't much, I agree; but better then Iowa's IMO.

But take Virginia Tech for instance. This was a team, after they beat OSU, that everyone used to indict and go after OSU on for the remainder of the season because they were considered so terrible. Yet they too managed to finish the regular season 6-6, went to a Bowl game, and manhandled the Bearcats. So were they any worse then any of these other 6-6 teams we are talking about?

Again, I'm still coming from the position that there are just simply too many Bowl games.. and an indictment of the criteria.

I never watched Iowa play all year til they played UT. Yes, they looked horrid. But looking at their schedule results they weren't that far from going 8-4, and did give Wiscy all they could handle.

[fearofpopvol1]

Is it fair to say that the SEC is overrated? Or was overrated in 2014?

[Assembly Hall]

Is it fair to say that the SEC is overrated? Or was overrated in 2014?


IMO, yes on both questions.

[kaldaniels]

In the early 80s a 6-5 Michigan team played an defeated BYU team that was earned the Cougars the National championship, so big schools with .500 records playing in Bowl games is nothing new


The Vols did make a QB change in the middle of the season. How else would you describe a change in game 8? If you just assumed I meant the midpoint then it's laziness on your part

Early 80s is December 21, 1984? Now you've got me all confused with your descriptive adjectives. Sorry, I've just been reading too much "gotcha" stuff here lately.

[Assembly Hall]

Early 80s is December 21, 1984? Now you've got me all confused with your descriptive adjectives. Sorry, I've just been reading too much "gotcha" stuff here lately.


LOL.........I hear ya Kal.

Actually, you can go back into the 70's when a 7-4 Indiana team got an invite to the Holiday Bowl to play an undefeated BYU team. Of course, the Hoosiers won the game. Long live Lee Corso!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sea Ray]

Early 80s is December 21, 1984? Now you've got me all confused with your descriptive adjectives. Sorry, I've just been reading too much "gotcha" stuff here lately.

I didn't look up the exact date but yeah, that qualifies as early 80s. Would it make a difference to you if it was 1981 or 1984? Is that significant? If so, I apologize for the confusion and for not Googling it before discussing it here. I didn't think it was significant

[Sea Ray]

LOL.........I hear ya Kal.

Actually, you can go back into the 70's when a 7-4 Indiana team got an invite to the Holiday Bowl to play an undefeated BYU team. Of course, the Hoosiers won the game. Long live Lee Corso!!!!!!!!!!!

Make sure you keep Kal happy and Google the exact date so he knows what you're talking about. Just saying "70s" is way too wide open...

[Assembly Hall]

Make sure you keep Kal happy and Google the exact date so he knows what you're talking about. Just saying "70s" is way too wide open...

I don't think that is necessary SR. I am sure Kal knows what I am talking about.

I am just shaking my head!

[GAC]

I never watched Iowa play all year til they played UT. Yes, they looked horrid. But looking at their schedule results they weren't that far from going 8-4, and did give Wiscy all they could handle.

Tue about Wisconsin... and Northwestern beat the Badgers too.

I watched a lot of college football this year with my brothers, especially when it came to the B10. But we thoroughly enjoyed, and looked forward to, a lot of the SEC mach-ups too. Iowa was a team that was an enigma. They came out of the gate rather strong (5-1), and early on I thought they might be someone who could contend. There was so much inconsistency there week-to week. And they really fell off towards the end of the season.

[GAC]

I don't understand what the problem is with too many Bowl games. It provides teams with an extra month of practice time, it's fun for fans, it sells stuff for sponsors...I don't see what the harm is.

I didn't say there was any harm did I? It's obvious, as I mentioned earlier, as to why they have 38 Bowl games (LOL).

All I did was express my personal opinion that as for myself, personally .... unless one is a fan of that particular team .... I have no desire to watch two .500 teams battle it out in a no-name bowl with really nothing on the line other than at the conclusion you get the trophy for winning the DUCK COMMANDER INDEPENDENCE BOWL (LOL).

But to each his own, Have fun!

[Assembly Hall]

Tue about Wisconsin... and Northwestern beat the Badgers too.

I watched a lot of college football this year with my brothers, especially when it came to the B10. But we thoroughly enjoyed, and looked forward to, a lot of the SEC mach-ups too. Iowa was a team that was an enigma. They came out of the gate rather strong (5-1), and early on I thought they might be someone who could contend. There was so much inconsistency there week-to week. And they really fell off towards the end of the season.

Northwestern also won at Notre Dame.

I thought Iowa was in trouble right out of the gate when Iowa St. beat them.

[Sea Ray]

I didn't say there was any harm did I? It's obvious, as I mentioned earlier, as to why they have 38 Bowl games

You said there were too many. If you don't believe that there's any harm in it, fine. No harm, no foul

[WVRed]

Looks like the Gus Bus might be headed to San Fran:

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/auburn-football/rumors-potential-jump-nfl-gus-malzahn-heating/

[IslandRed]

I'm sure jojo will be here shortly to throw cold water all over that rumor, but in this case, I don't see it either. Maybe later in his career, but right now Malzahn just seems more like a college guy to me.

[KronoRed]

Muschamp to be promoted to head coach?

;)

[jojo]

I'm sure jojo will be here shortly to throw cold water all over that rumor, but in this case, I don't see it either. Maybe later in his career, but right now Malzahn just seems more like a college guy to me.

How about just let the referenced link do all of the talking?


At this point, it’s nothing more than conjecture. Auburn fans should not yet be concerned with what is nothing more than a series of tweets. Malzahn told reporters late in the season that he felt the college game was a better fit for him at this point in his career.

“Growing up, obviously, huge Dallas Cowboys fan,” Malzahn told AL.com in November. “Any time you can be associated with them that would be a pretty cool deal, but as you get older, this college football really fits me well, especially at a place like Auburn. Auburn allows me to be who I am and I’m so happy being here. We’ve got a bright future. I think the best is yet to come here.”

[GAC]

You said there were too many. If you don't believe that there's any harm in it, fine. No harm, no foul

I'm glad you finally get it after several pages (LOL)

[RedTeamGo!]

I think Gus Malzahn is a solid college coach, but I do not see him succeeding at the NFL level - I mean, really, who does? I think he will stay at Auburn for a long time and keep the machine running smoothly.

I have never understood why good college coaches go to the NFL anyways, I would absolutely prefer coaching college.

[traderumor]

I think Gus Malzahn is a solid college coach, but I do not see him succeeding at the NFL level - I mean, really, who does? I think he will stay at Auburn for a long time and keep the machine running smoothly.

I have never understood why good college coaches go to the NFL anyways, I would absolutely prefer coaching college.I would imagine it is choosing your poison over trying to supervise and lead entertainers who are making more money than you versus the seedy world of recruiting. Neither seem particularly appealing to me.

[Assembly Hall]

I would imagine it is choosing your poison over trying to supervise and lead entertainers who are making more money than you versus the seedy world of recruiting. Neither seem particularly appealing to me.

Me either. But I also think egos play into the jump as well.

[dabvu2498]

Kenny Hill leaving A/M.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/12141159/kenny-hill-asks-release-texas-tcu-possible-transfer-destination

[jojo]

Kenny Hill leaving A/M.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/12141159/kenny-hill-asks-release-texas-tcu-possible-transfer-destination

Trill just can't stay still.

[RedTeamGo!]

Hill was about to find himself third on the depth chart.

[RedTeamGo!]

and buckeye fans only a week and a half away from another embarrassing loss they'll be forever unable to reconcile though one would think they should be well used to the modern buckeye brand.

WHOOPS

[jojo]

WHOOPS

Troll.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Troll.

:lol:

I wonder if Mary May is walking around the ESPN facilities calling everyone a TROLL?

[jojo]

:lol:

I wonder if Mary May is walking around the ESPN facilities calling everyone a TROLL?

Probably just to the trolls.

[Assembly Hall]

2015 pre-season rankings anyone?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/24958963/way-early-preseason-power-poll-ohio-state-tcu-lead-off-for-2015

[Hoosier Red]

2015 pre-season rankings anyone?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/24958963/way-early-preseason-power-poll-ohio-state-tcu-lead-off-for-2015

Once again i see Indiana is criminally underrrated. I mean with Tevin Coleman gone, I could see where maybe MAYBE they aren't a top 5 team, but thought for sure they'd be Top 10.

[Assembly Hall]

Once again i see Indiana is criminally underrrated. I mean with Tevin Coleman gone, I could see where maybe MAYBE they aren't a top 5 team, but thought for sure they'd be Top 10.

Yeah, I feel the pain HR. Geez, they got to be ahead of Missouri don't they? LOL

[cumberlandreds]

2015 pre-season rankings anyone?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/24958963/way-early-preseason-power-poll-ohio-state-tcu-lead-off-for-2015

Did someone just hit the refresh button on 2014? Looks like the nearly the same as 2014. Some things never change.

[RedTeamGo!]

Troll.

I was just pointing out your wrong statement from a week and a half ago.

When you make statements like the one you made, expect to be called out when you are proven WRONG.

[jojo]

I was just pointing out your wrong statement from a week and a half ago.

When you make statements like the one you made, expect to be called out when you are proven WRONG.

Troll.

[bucksfan2]

Troll.

You going to eat any crow? Admit that your prediction was WAY off?

[Assembly Hall]

You going to eat any crow? Admit that your prediction was WAY off?

You Ohio State fans need to stay out of the SEC forum.........you do nothing but upset jojo. LOL He cant concentrate and eat his crow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[traderumor]

I was just pointing out your wrong statement from a week and a half ago.

When you make statements like the one you made, expect to be called out when you are proven WRONG.Maybe he's providing you a rapper name. Just add a hypen and you're T-roll, which is subliminally supposed to get you to see "Tide Roll," which when you look in a mirror during a dream, will have you saying "Roll Tide" and your conversion to SEC fan is complete.

BAZINGA!

[Sea Ray]

You Ohio State fans need to stay out of the SEC forum.........you do nothing but upset jojo. LOL He cant concentrate and eat his crow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does Jojo care about an Oregon-OSU matchup?

[jojo]

You going to eat any crow? Admit that your prediction was WAY off?

What I will do is point out the grievous SECenis envy of Buckeye fan.... Today of all days to be in an SEC forum? Uh huh. Says volumes.

- - - Updated - - -


Does Jojo care about an Oregon-OSU matchup?

I didn't even watch it.

[bucksfan2]

What I will do is point out the grievous SECenis envy of Buckeye fan.... Today of all days to be in an SEC forum? Uh huh. Says volumes.

- - - Updated - - -



I didn't even watch it.

You don't post in the OSU forum?

[Sea Ray]

Not that it means anything but ESPN has Tennessee in its top 25 for 2015:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/12138345/tcu-leads-2015-way-too-early-top-25-rankings

[jojo]

You don't post in the OSU forum?

Jeeps what grievous SECenis envy of Buckeye fan.... Today of all days to be in an SEC forum? Uh huh. Says volumes.

[Brutus]

Jeeps what grievous SECenis envy of Buckeye fan.... Today of all days to be in an SEC forum? Uh huh. Says volumes.

I wasn't aware that there was a rule where fans have designated days they shouldn't go through a normal routine of discussing sports. That kind of baloney comes across as deflection from a very poor prediction.

[RedTeamGo!]

I wasn't aware that there was a rule where fans has designated days they shouldn't go through a normal routine of discussing sports. That kind of baloney comes across as deflection from a very poor prediction.

Stop trolling.

I learned today that the definition of "troll" is when you point out a horribly wrong prediction a poster made 2 weeks ago on a message board.

[*BaseClogger*]

Well, I'm gonna make it my sig. Who's with me?

[*BaseClogger*]

and buckeye fans only a week and a half away from another embarrassing loss they'll be forever unable to reconcile though one would think they should be well used to the modern buckeye brand.

I think I wear it well!

[*BaseClogger*]

I call this one The Modern Buckeye Brand:

8461

Now that's some quality trolling...

[jojo]

I wasn't aware that there was a rule where fans has designated days they shouldn't go through a normal routine of discussing sports. That kind of baloney comes across as deflection from a very poor prediction.

I wasn't aware that the SECenis envy ran so indelibly deep in the bowels of Buckeye nation. It's the final proof that the SEC is anything but overrated. It's all anyone can talk about.

[jimbo]

Now you're really in trouble.

[jojo]

Stop trolling.

I learned today that the definition of "troll" is when you point out a horribly wrong prediction a poster made 2 weeks ago on a message board.

What you actually failed to learn was that if you don't like the label....don't wear the brand.

[RedTeamGo!]

It's funny. This all started when I came into the SEC thread to talk about Notre Dame beating LSU. I did not say a word about the B1G. In fact, the poster that mentioned the B1G first was jojo.

This actually seems like a raging case of B1Gis envy by jojo.

[jojo]

It's funny. This all started when I came into the SEC thread to talk about Notre Dame beating LSU. I did not say a word about the B1G. In fact, the poster that mentioned the B1G first was jojo.

This actually seems like a raging case of B1Gis envy by jojo.

Troll.

[BillDoran]

:party::party::party:Nobody does contrition like jojo! :party::party::party:

[Assembly Hall]

Don't worry jojo, I will protect you. I will fend everybody off while you finish eating that delicious crow. Btw......how is it tasting? Do you need me to send a gallon of buckeyes down to you for a side dish?

[jojo]

Don't worry jojo, I will protect you. I will fend everybody off while you finish eating that delicious crow. Btw......how is it tasting? Do you need me to send a gallon of buckeyes down to you for a side dish?

An angel gets it's wings every time Buckeye fan shows their SECenis envy.

[WVRed]

An angel gets it's wings every time Buckeye fan shows their SECenis envy.

I'll admit that Ohio State has taken more SEC beatings than Goldman Sachs, but it's time to just admit defeat and move on.

The SEC had a pretty dominant run and will continue to be a force, but the rest of the Power Five conferences are catching up, the last two years being a reflection of that.

[jojo]

I'll admit that Ohio State has taken more SEC beatings than Goldman Sachs, but it's time to just admit defeat and move on.

The SEC had a pretty dominant run and will continue to be a force, but the rest of the Power Five conferences are catching up, the last two years being a reflection of that.

TCU probably wouldve won the national championship game by 14 pts. Concerning what time it it, it's time for expanding the playoff brackets.

[Brutus]

This thread is becoming a perfect demonstration on the concept of red herrings.

[jojo]

This thread is becoming a perfect demonstration on the concept of red herrings.

No it's not. But it is a perfect illustration of Buckeye fan's SECenis envy.

[BuckeyeRed27]

No it's not. But it is a perfect illustration of Buckeye fan's SECenis envy.

If you say it enough, eventually it will become true.

[RedTeamGo!]

What is there to be jealous of? We just won the first ever college football championship after beating the King of the SEC while the incredibly overrated SEC West just took a bowl whoopin and Auburn lost to a team OSU just beat 59-0.

[jojo]

If you say it enough, eventually it will become true.

If you post enough, you'll eventually realize it is true.

[BuckeyeRed27]

If you post enough, you'll eventually realize it is true.

If I post enough I will eventually realize that you think Buckeye fans are envious of the SEC?...I think you post that enough for all of us.

[jojo]

If I post enough I will eventually realize that you think Buckeye fans are envious of the SEC?...I think you post that enough for all of us.

You'll realize that it is true.

[Assembly Hall]

jojo, it is 4th and long bro. Just punt the ball. Nobody would blame you for doing that. Take the beating and get ready for next year. You don't have a leg to stand on. This SEC envy thing is getting old, the West got their arses handed to them this year. Look at the scoreboard my friend. Just sayin'

[jimbo]

jojo, it is 4th and long bro. Just punt the ball. Nobody would blame you for doing that. Take the beating and get ready for next year. You don't have a leg to stand on. This SEC envy thing is getting old, the West got their arses handed to them this year. Look at the scoreboard my friend. Just sayin'

You're new here, aren't you? :D

[traderumor]

I call this one The Modern Buckeye Brand:

8461

Now that's some quality trolling...

With SEC defector right smack in the middle and smiling. Of course, deep down inside, he feels empty and life is futile not having won this championship for the mighty SEC.

[Assembly Hall]

You're new here, aren't you? :D

Lol......not entirely, but I get what you are saying!!!!!!!!!!!!

[traderumor]

You're new here, aren't you? :D

Naive kids.

[Assembly Hall]

Naive kids.

EZ..........don't make me lay some SEC smack on you!!!!!!!! Wait a second, the SEC is all smacked out! My bad, I didn't get the memo.

[jojo]

jojo, it is 4th and long bro. Just punt the ball. Nobody would blame you for doing that. Take the beating and get ready for next year. You don't have a leg to stand on. This SEC envy thing is getting old, the West got their arses handed to them this year. Look at the scoreboard my friend. Just sayin'

I agree that you'd think that Buckeye fan would want to talk about something else. It's kinda funny that they can't help themselves.

[bucksfan2]

jojo, it is 4th and long bro. Just punt the ball. Nobody would blame you for doing that. Take the beating and get ready for next year. You don't have a leg to stand on. This SEC envy thing is getting old, the West got their arses handed to them this year. Look at the scoreboard my friend. Just sayin'

You didn't hear? Alabama just declared themselves National Champs. They said that the BCS should have been used this season therefor they should have played FSU and would have beaten FSU. Rings will be handed out during next seasons season opener.

[villain612]

Nailed it

8466

[Assembly Hall]

You didn't hear? Alabama just declared themselves National Champs. They said that the BCS should have been used this season therefor they should have played FSU and would have beaten FSU. Rings will be handed out during next seasons season opener.

Once again, I missed the memo. WTH? I am disappointed with you guys. I am always the last to know. I have to depend on jojo for all the latest updates!!!!!!!!!!

[jojo]

Once again, I missed the memo. WTH? I am disappointed with you guys. I am always the last to know. I have to depend on jojo for all the latest updates!!!!!!!!!!

You're screwed then if I'm supposed to be your source for random Bama fan ramblings. Truthfully, you'd be kept up to date much better by Buckeye fan who clearly is obsessed and consumed with SECenis envy.

[Roy Tucker]

No need for SECenis envy when you've got a Big 10.

:)

[dabvu2498]

No need for SECenis envy when you've got a Big 10.

:)

And so modest that they even get the number wrong! :D

Not to interrupt the extremely intelligent and "stimulating" conversations going on in here, but Coach O is returning to the SEC. D-line coach at LSU. And they say comedy is dead.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HThi74D-ygA

[Roy Tucker]

Sorry dabvu, I'll behave. I felt like I was in the back of my junior high bus exchanging adolescent put-down jokes.

[dabvu2498]

Sorry dabvu, I'll behave. I felt like I was in the back of my junior high bus exchanging adolescent put-down jokes.

No need to apologize. You guys get at least a week to gloat.

Now when's signing day???

[dabvu2498]

Also, Prescott coming back to Miss St. I'm a bit surprised given what else they're losing.