College Football 2015

[KronoRed]

Those officials should be canned just like the ones for Duke/Miami game. Horrible call.

They were suspended but are still being paid, there is no system in place to punish refs who blow games like this, termination should definitely be on the table.

[cumberlandreds]

They were suspended but are still being paid, there is no system in place to punish refs who blow games like this, termination should definitely be on the table.

So they got a vacation. I wish I could screw up at work and be sent home on a paid vacation.

[jojo]

So they got a vacation. I wish I could screw up at work and be sent home on a paid vacation.

Most Americans have screwed up at work at some point without being fired.

[Assembly Hall]

Most Americans have screwed up at work at some point without being fired.

Most Americans dont have jobs that determine the outcome of a sporting event that is nationally televised either.

[bucksfan2]

Sparty got jobbed. If that receiver was "forced out," then he pushed off to get to the ball as well. Terrible officiating decision, another game changer also. And they even reviewed it. Does anyone really agree with that interpretation of the call?

My biggest beef with replay is too often they don't (or can't) get the call right. It was obvious that the Nebraska player went out of bounds on a good play by the MSU DB. That is a pro level play by the DB, looking back at the QB the entire time, running along the sidelines forcing the WR out of bounds without any obvious pushing. The problem was that once the officials determined that the WR was forced out of bounds all the replay official could look at was whether or not there was contact. It is terrible that during replay you can't overturn an obvious wrong. You should have been able to look at that play, determine that the DB was legal in everything he did therefor the WR should not have been able to touch the ball first. Just an abysmal job by the officials.

[jojo]

There was a targeting foul overturned by replay in the Auburn/A&M game that made no sense based upon replays especially without any explanation. Personally I think replay blew it. That said I don't want the guy in the booth fired, though if you're going to get that wrong, what's the point of replay? Kind of like other recent plays being discussed.

Having a better explanation for why a call was or was not reversed would probably go a long way with a majority of decisions.

[Sea Ray]

Have any of you noticed that the best Bowl games will not be on New Year's Day? The first two playoff games will be on New Years Eve. Keep that in mind as you make your New Yrs Eve plans. Make sure they include a place with nice TVs...

[BuckeyeRed27]

Have any of you noticed that the best Bowl games will not be on New Year's Day? The first two playoff games will be on New Years Eve. Keep that in mind as you make your New Yrs Eve plans. Make sure they include a place with nice TVs...

So dumb they did it that way. Ratings will be fine, but way less than a year ago.

[villain612]

From my understanding, the non-playoff major bowl games (Rose and Sugar) did not want to move from their traditional January 1st kickoff times, thus creating a possible clash in ratings with the playoff games.

Kind of lame if you ask me. New Years Eve is just a weird night for playoff games.

[kaldaniels]

I don't see anything changing soon, but man I wish these sports officials would get with the times and use technology to make the games better. Be it strike zones or pass interference or out-of-bounds calls...if you can quickly get the call right, do it.

I still can't get over the Miami player running on to the field off the sidelines...regardless if he was involved in the play or not. That is as obvious as it gets...throw the flag, even after the play is over if you must.

[Assembly Hall]

I don't see anything changing soon, but man I wish these sports officials would get with the times and use technology to make the games better. Be it strike zones or pass interference or out-of-bounds calls...if you can quickly get the call right, do it.

I still can't get over the Miami player running on to the field off the sidelines...regardless if he was involved in the play or not. That is as obvious as it gets...throw the flag, even after the play is over if you must.

I hear ya.

Did you watch the Colts game yesterday? There was a running play that involved Frank Gore. If I remember right he got a first down on it. No flags on the field. Heck, Indy was lined up for their next offensive play. Next thing you know there is a stoppage in play and even the announcers were puzzled. A WAAAAAAAAAY late flag was dropped on the field. I personally think the refs were looking at the jumbo tron as did the announcers doing the game. Denver got called for a face mask. Then CBS showed the replay and yeah, it was a face mask. Just a bizzare thing all the way around.

[Sea Ray]

From my understanding, the non-playoff major bowl games (Rose and Sugar) did not want to move from their traditional January 1st kickoff times, thus creating a possible clash in ratings with the playoff games.

Kind of lame if you ask me. New Years Eve is just a weird night for playoff games.

I'm not sure I understand. Why should games like the Rose be asked to move from New Years Day? They've always been on that day

[Sea Ray]

I don't see anything changing soon, but man I wish these sports officials would get with the times and use technology to make the games better. Be it strike zones or pass interference or out-of-bounds calls...if you can quickly get the call right, do it.

I still can't get over the Miami player running on to the field off the sidelines...regardless if he was involved in the play or not. That is as obvious as it gets...throw the flag, even after the play is over if you must.

ESPN reported that if a flag had been thrown for that player running onto the field it would not have negated the TD. I don't know if that's correct

[Chip R]

ESPN reported that if a flag had been thrown for that player running onto the field it would not have negated the TD. I don't know if that's correct

I think it is. It's like that FLA-Georgia game a few years ago when one team scored first and the whole bench ran onto the field to celebrate. It didn't negate the TD but the team was penalized.

Getting back to replay, though. Replay is a wonderful thing but I think officials use it as a crutch. They don't have to get the call right because they know if it's wrong it will be overturned. I've said this about baseball replay and I think the same holds for other sports. I'd only like to see replay used if the call was obviously wrong and it should only take 60 seconds to decide. Every sport has had that moment in its history where there was just a blatantly bad call and you could look at replay and see it right away. Now they look at the replay and it takes 5 minutes to see if someone has gained a foot instead of 6 inches or if a player was tagged out the millisecond he wasn't touching the base.

[villain612]

I'm not sure I understand. Why should games like the Rose be asked to move from New Years Day? They've always been on that day

The playoff games are more important than the other bowl games IMO.

They could've just put the playoff games on Saturday the 2nd, but there are probably NFL games that night.

[Chip R]

The playoff games are more important than the other bowl games IMO.

They could've just put the playoff games on Saturday the 2nd, but there are probably NFL games that night.

No law says they have to play them at night.

[Sea Ray]

No law says they have to play them at night.

The law of ratings does

[Chip R]

The law of ratings does

A college football fan would make it a point to watch whether the game was on in the morning, afternoon or evening. I'll bet more people would watch a semi-final than Minnesota-Chicago.

[cumberlandreds]

A college football fan would make it a point to watch whether the game was on in the morning, afternoon or evening. I'll bet more people would watch a semi-final than Minnesota-Chicago.

I know I would watch a college playoff before I would watch the pros anytime.

[IslandRed]

A college football fan would make it a point to watch whether the game was on in the morning, afternoon or evening. I'll bet more people would watch a semi-final than Minnesota-Chicago.

And even more people will watch the semifinal if you don't make them have to choose, is kind of the point there.

[Chip R]

And even more people will watch the semifinal if you don't make them have to choose, is kind of the point there.

I know but I doubt it would be a significant amount. If you're going to take on the NFL, that's the kind of game to do it with. Even if there were not an NFL game there would be competition of some sort.

[bucksfan2]

I know but I doubt it would be a significant amount. If you're going to take on the NFL, that's the kind of game to do it with. Even if there were not an NFL game there would be competition of some sort.

I could be wrong, but the only day that College football doesn't move off of is Jan 1. There is a gentelman's agreement between the NFL and College that they will not compete on Saturdays and Sundays. You don't think the NFL would love to sell a Sat night package? They don't play on Saturday until the College football regular season is over.

[Assembly Hall]

I could be wrong, but the only day that College football doesn't move off of is Jan 1. There is a gentelman's agreement between the NFL and College that they will not compete on Saturdays and Sundays. You don't think the NFL would love to sell a Sat night package? They don't play on Saturday until the College football regular season is over.

No, they(college) have moved off Jan 1 in the past when it fell on a Sunday. But I dont know what the "protocol" is anymore.

[villain612]

Not that it matters one bit but I found it funny in the new CFP rankings, the committee moved Ole Miss from unranked to #23 after losing to Arkansas this week :laugh:

[Assembly Hall]

Not that it matters one bit but I found it funny in the new CFP rankings, the committee moved Ole Miss from unranked to #23 after losing to Arkansas this week :laugh:

Gotta make 'Bama look good?

[jojo]

I know I would watch a college playoff before I would watch the pros anytime.

I would watch a good college football game before I'd watch the superbowl.

[Slyder]

Gotta make 'Bama look good?

Gotta give legitimacy to the golden child. BSPN sports at its finest!

[Assembly Hall]

Gotta give legitimacy to the golden child. BSPN sports at its finest!

Go Gators!!!!!!

[*BaseClogger*]

Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema has an innovative idea that could alleviate the problem of nobody having played anybody: an SEC-Big Ten Challenge.

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/11/19/9757014/big-ten-sec-challenge-football-scheduling

If you scroll down and look at the potential matchups I think they'd pretty much all make for interesting, competitive games...

[BuckeyeRed27]

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/11/19/9757014/big-ten-sec-challenge-football-scheduling

If you scroll down and look at the potential matchups I think they'd pretty much all make for interesting, competitive games...

The Big 10 and Pac 12 tried this a couple years ago and got fairly close before it blew up. It would be nice if this is actually how scheduling happened.

[Assembly Hall]

The Big 10 and Pac 12 tried this a couple years ago and got fairly close before it blew up. It would be nice if this is actually how scheduling happened.

Yeah, pretty sure the Pac-12 called it off due to the fact they play a 9 game conference schedule?

[Assembly Hall]

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/11/19/9757014/big-ten-sec-challenge-football-scheduling

If you scroll down and look at the potential matchups I think they'd pretty much all make for interesting, competitive games...

Let's git-r-dun.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Yeah, pretty sure the Pac-12 called it off due to the fact they play a 9 game conference schedule?

I think USC and to some degree Stanford basically called it off because they already play Notre Dame every year and didn't want to have to add playing a top Big 10 team as well, and USC has a lot of pull in the Pac 12.

[Assembly Hall]

I think USC and to some degree Stanford basically called it off because they already play Notre Dame every year and didn't want to have to add playing a top Big 10 team as well, and USC has a lot of pull in the Pac 12.

Pretty sure you are right on USC.....but Stanford played Northwestern this year and still has to play ND.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Pretty sure you are right on USC.....but Stanford played Northwestern this year and still has to play ND.

Those nerd schools stick together. Nerds!

[bucksfan2]

Pretty sure you are right on USC.....but Stanford played Northwestern this year and still has to play ND.

Playing ND is like playing Indiana. Weak excuse.

[Assembly Hall]

Playing ND is like playing Indiana. Weak excuse.

LOL.......tradition between SC and ND.

- - - Updated - - -


Those nerd schools stick together. Nerds!

Nothing wrong with that. LMAO!

[jojo]

10042

[Assembly Hall]

Gonna be pretty interesting coming down the stretch here.

[Roy Tucker]

IMO, the playoffs start today. Lose at this time of year will be near-fatal.

[Kilgore_Trout]

Florida really solidifying their top 8 placement by simply dominating a putrid 2-8 Florida Atlantic team.

Just kidding. It's 0-0 in the 3rd.

[jojo]

Florida really solidifying their top 8 placement by simply dominating a putrid 2-8 Florida Atlantic team.

Just kidding. It's 0-0 in the 3rd.

Don't know what's uglier-the actual game or the officiating.

[villain612]

Bama is gonna destroy Florida in the championship game.

[Chip R]

Paul Rhodes has been fired at Iowa State. Two epic collapses two weeks in a row sealed his fate.

[Assembly Hall]

Well it appears there arent enough bowl eligible teams to fill all the spots.....

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/25385705/with-40-bowls-spots-expected-open-ncaa-to-decide-how-to-fill-slots

[cumberlandreds]

Well it appears there arent enough bowl eligible teams to fill all the spots.....

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/25385705/with-40-bowls-spots-expected-open-ncaa-to-decide-how-to-fill-slots

Most of those 5-6 teams will not win this week either. Just way too many bowls for a competent game.

[Sea Ray]

With all the new Bowls this was/is bound to happen sooner or later. I do think a lot of those 5 win teams will pull out wins this weekend so it may not be so bad but this will be interesting to watch

[Assembly Hall]

Most of those 5-6 teams will not win this week either. Just way too many bowls for a compitent game.

I could care less, except about one particular team that wears Cream and Crimson!!!!!!!!

[Chip R]

I could care less, except about one particular team that wears Cream and Crimson!!!!!!!!

Oklahoma? ;)

[jojo]

I could care less, except about one particular team that wears Cream and Crimson!!!!!!!!

You don't find it difficult to root for a team that has cream on it's uniforms?

[Assembly Hall]

You don't find it difficult to root for a team that has cream on it's uniforms?

LOL.......well, if it was a substance rather than a color....I would be concerned!!!!!! :mooner:

[cumberlandreds]

I could care less, except about one particular team that wears Cream and Crimson!!!!!!!!

Kentucky for me but I doubt they beat Looooouieville.

[Sea Ray]

We have 127 div 1 teams eligible for Bowls and they have 40 Bowls. Do the math and all but 47 get into a Bowl. But what seems to be throwing the suits into a tizzy is that they may have to allow a sub .500 team to get in. Well duh! As of right now there are 71 Bowl eligible for this yr. They're rooting like heck for teams like Kentucky and IU. But it seems to me that it's only a matter of time before they have a season where they have less than 80 teams with a record of 6-6 or better. Why are they surprised?

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/24/college-bowl-games-are-creeping-dangerously-close-to-the-precipice#comment-63873879

[villain612]

Too many damn bowl games. It's getting pretty ridiculous.

Are you guys excited for the....Raycom Media Camellia Bowl? Or how about Popeyes Bahamas Bowl? Or this gem: Foster Farms Bowl.

I know, I know. It's all about sponsorships and selling ads for TV programming.

But going to bowl isn't much of an accomplishment now.

[Assembly Hall]

Too many damn bowl games. It's getting pretty ridiculous.

Are you guys excited for the....Raycom Media Camellia Bowl? Or how about Popeyes Bahamas Bowl? Or this gem: Foster Farms Bowl.

I know, I know. It's all about sponsorships and selling ads for TV programming.

But going to bowl isn't much of an accomplishment now.

Me and a bud were talking about this the other night......we both grew up in the 70's. So after seeing your post, I just picked out a year and that would be 1975. Things sure have changed...

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1975-bowls.html

[villain612]

Me and a bud were talking about this the other night......we both grew up in the 70's. So after seeing your post, I just picked out a year and that would be 1975. Things sure have changed...

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1975-bowls.html

Wow! Times sure have changed indeed.

Personally, I think the right number of bowls is about 25 or so. That'd be plenty of December/January programming to make money and provide holiday entertainment. With 50 teams, you wouldn't have to be a major program to get a bowl invite, but you'd still have to win about 7 or 8 games for consideration. Level of play of the games improves. Everyone wins.

[Boston Red]

Me and a bud were talking about this the other night......we both grew up in the 70's. So after seeing your post, I just picked out a year and that would be 1975. Things sure have changed...

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1975-bowls.html

I remember being really bummed when Louisville went 8-3 in 1988 and didn't get a bowl game. The Cards were far from great that year, but they did beat North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Different times for sure.

[IslandRed]

Wow! Times sure have changed indeed.

Personally, I think the right number of bowls is about 25 or so. That'd be plenty of December/January programming to make money and provide holiday entertainment. With 50 teams, you wouldn't have to be a major program to get a bowl invite, but you'd still have to win about 7 or 8 games for consideration. Level of play of the games improves. Everyone wins.

Well, not quite everyone. If you listen to coaches talk about what going to a bowl means for their program, they're usually quick to mention the extra practice time. It's like getting an extra spring practice. In the old days, bowl invites tended to reinforce the status quo -- the teams that got the extra practice were the teams that least needed it.

Having said that, unless a team I like is playing in it, bowls 26 through 40 are bowls I never watch. But it doesn't bother me that they exist.

[Revering4Blue]

A dissenting opinion: I have no problem with as many bowls as possible, because, simply, it means more college football games.

Sorry, but unless I have a rooting interest, the stale NFL - with it's asinine rules and boring, lookalike offenses - doesn't cut it for me.

[KronoRed]

A dissenting opinion: I have no problem with as many bowls as possible, because, simply, it means more college football games.

Sorry, but unless I have a rooting interest, the stale NFL - with it's asinine rules and boring, lookalike offenses - doesn't cut it for me.

My feelings exactly, the more college football the better.

[cumberlandreds]

Me and a bud were talking about this the other night......we both grew up in the 70's. So after seeing your post, I just picked out a year and that would be 1975. Things sure have changed...

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1975-bowls.html

I picked that same link for a UK board I am in. Only 11 bowls that year. You had to go 7-4 to be considered at all. I can remember UK going 6-5 a couple of times and not being considered at all for a bowl. Times have changed a lot. When you have to start consider 5-7 teams for a bowl that's when you know you have way too many of them.

[Slyder]

Looking at the College football schedule and seeing TT/UT is fine I know those teams. What is there to look forward to USF/UCF?

[villain612]

A dissenting opinion: I have no problem with as many bowls as possible, because, simply, it means more college football games.

Sorry, but unless I have a rooting interest, the stale NFL - with it's asinine rules and boring, lookalike offenses - doesn't cut it for me.

Generally I agree, but earning a bowl bid should mean something IMO. Having 5-7 or 6-6 teams get rewarded with another game is very NFL-ish to me.

[Assembly Hall]

I picked that same link for a UK board I am in. Only 11 bowls that year. You had to go 7-4 to be considered at all. I can remember UK going 6-5 a couple of times and not being considered at all for a bowl. Times have changed a lot. When you have to start consider 5-7 teams for a bowl that's when you know you have way too many of them.

Basically you had to be in the Top 20 back in those days....and the "Independents" had one heckuva an advantage for that.

[Boston Red]

What is there to look forward to USF/UCF?

Getting to see UCF fall from Fiesta Bowl winner to 0-12 in two short years? Having the opportunity to watch former Western Kentucky QB and head coach (not at the same time!) Willie Taggert massacre the Knights one week after grilling the Bearcats. If you attend the game in person....it means that you're in Florida in late November.

[Revering4Blue]

Baylor quarterback Jarrett Stidham out for season with broken ankle.

[Slyder]

Getting to see UCF fall from Fiesta Bowl winner to 0-12 in two short years? Having the opportunity to watch former Western Kentucky QB and head coach (not at the same time!) Willie Taggert massacre the Knights one week after grilling the Bearcats. If you attend the game in person....it means that you're in Florida in late November.


What about RB/WR?

[villain612]

This TCU/Baylor game is fugly.

[Slyder]

This TCU/Baylor game is fugly.

I swear I put Art Briles right up there with Kiffin for being arrogant enough to to keep lesser teams in games at least once a year. 3rd string qb... rain the entire night.... TCU with all their injuries... And you're going to keep on dialing up deep passes in the 2nd quarter?

[Tom Servo]

Gotta figure that Tom Herman in Houston and Justin Fuente in Memphis will be in high demand after this year. Wonder if any of the current openings interest them and if all the teams with openings after this year would want them, in which case they could punch their own ticket.
Fuente to replace Beamer at Virginia Tech according to the ESPN news scroll.

[dabvu2498]

I think I'd rather have Fuente over any of the other young coaches being mentioned for big jobs.

[Assembly Hall]

I think I'd rather have Fuente over any of the other young coaches being mentioned for big jobs.

As would I. And my Hoosiers are going bowling!!!!!!!!!

[Tom Servo]

In non-SEC coaching news, Flood is out at Rutgers and London is out at Virginia.

[Revering4Blue]

Toledo's Matt Campbell to Iowa State.

[Slyder]

Toledo's Matt Campbell to Iowa State.

I actually like this hire. Can anyone really recruit people to go to Ames, IA though?

[Chip R]

I actually like this hire. Can anyone really recruit people to go to Ames, IA though?

It's not easy but they had some decent teams last decade. I've always said if K-State can do it, ISU can too. They have spent a lot of money upgrading their facilities. Looks like they are hoping Campbell's Michigan and Ohio connections can help them out. We'll see. I'm usually pretty skeptical on their football hires.

[Revering4Blue]

It's not easy but they had some decent teams last decade. I've always said if K-State can do it, ISU can too. They have spent a lot of money upgrading their facilities. Looks like they are hoping Campbell's Michigan and Ohio connections can help them out. We'll see. I'm usually pretty skeptical on their football hires.

McCarney was successful (winning seasons/bowl bids) for awhile, then faded, same with Rhodes. IMO, Iowa State, along with the two Kansas jobs - I wouldn't be at all surprised to see K-State fall off the map once, if they haven't already, Bill Snyder hangs up his whistle - represent the toughest B1G 12 FB jobs.

[Revering4Blue]

Not everybody seems happy about USC’s hiring of Clay Helton as permanent head coach.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/not-everybody-seems-happy-about-uscs-hiring-of-clay-helton/

[Assembly Hall]

Not everybody seems happy about USC’s hiring of Clay Helton as permanent head coach.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/not-everybody-seems-happy-about-uscs-hiring-of-clay-helton/

Me thinks that USC jumped the gun too fast on this one.....just as Illinois did.

[Revering4Blue]

Me thinks that USC jumped the gun too fast on this one.....just as Illinois did.

Yep.

They were band-aids solely to retain recruiting classes. Heck, Cubit only received a two year deal from the Illini.

[Revering4Blue]

Bowling Green head coach Dino Babers is expected to be named head coach at UCF, according to 247Sports and SB Nation, but USA Today's Dan Wolken reports a deal "isn't done."

http://www.coachingsearch.com/coaching-search-ticker

[Assembly Hall]

Yep.

They were band-aids solely to retain recruiting classes. Heck, Cubit only received a two year deal from the Illini.

Exactly. That Illinois deal is pitiful.

[KronoRed]

Not everybody seems happy about USC’s hiring of Clay Helton as permanent head coach.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/11/30/not-everybody-seems-happy-about-uscs-hiring-of-clay-helton/

They shouldn't be, is USCw's first qualification that the coach must be associated with Pete Carroll?

They should have waited and hired Chip Kelly. ;)

[villain612]

The only thing I've read about Helton is that he's a really good recruiter and provided some stability with the current players. I'd give him a shot before throwing him under the bus. Their last two hires didn't exactly work out. I think alums are looking for a big name coach.

[Tom Servo]

I got no problem with Helton, Haden is the bigger issue.

[IslandRed]

Scott Frost got the UCF job. Didn't see that one coming.

[Assembly Hall]

Scott Frost got the UCF job. Didn't see that one coming.

I didnt either......and I dont know what to make of the hire.

[KronoRed]

Do a few years at UCF and then take the Nebraska job.

[Revering4Blue]

Do a few years at UCF and then take the Nebraska job.

Given the fact that Mike Riley is 62 years old, that's exactly what I was thinking.

Sure, you're not in a Power five conference, but you are located within a solid recruiting base with an offense kids should be lining up to play in. I'll say this much for the AAC, especially with the addition of Frost, IMO,from the standpoint of prolific offenses that don't all look the same, it's about the most entertaining league out there.

Honestly, just going by openings alone, UCF is a better gig than several Power Five openings. Is Syracuse a better job than this? Good luck making headway at South Carolina against, to name a few, Alabama, Auburn and LSU. Despite the Under Armour connection, ditto for Maryland coming up for air against OSU, Penn State and the Michigan schools.

[WVRed]

I think I'd rather have Fuente over any of the other young coaches being mentioned for big jobs.

Tom Herman?

[bucksfan2]

Tom Herman?

I am a HUGE Tom Herman fan, think he is one of the best young coaches out there. I however think he needs to stay at Houston for another year or so. It is one thing to win, win at a high level, but it is another thing to learn how to run a program. In order to judge a coach I think you have to give him a recruiting cycle to see what type of players he is able to bring in, if he can coach "his" players up, and learn how to run a program before he jumps into the fire.

[Assembly Hall]

I am a HUGE Tom Herman fan, think he is one of the best young coaches out there. I however think he needs to stay at Houston for another year or so. It is one thing to win, win at a high level, but it is another thing to learn how to run a program. In order to judge a coach I think you have to give him a recruiting cycle to see what type of players he is able to bring in, if he can coach "his" players up, and learn how to run a program before he jumps into the fire.

I completely agree with everything you said there. But sometimes a "big job" just comes knockin'.

[WVRed]

I completely agree with everything you said there. But sometimes a "big job" just comes knockin'.

He's from the Meyer coaching tree, and i think a lot of people are questioning why Houston has done so well while Ohio States offense has struggled without him.

That said, he could be another Dana Holgorsen. Good offensive coach but can't seem to recruit players to fit his system. That gets exposed about three years in.

[Assembly Hall]

He's from the Meyer coaching tree, and i think a lot of people are questioning why Houston has done so well while Ohio States offense has struggled without him.

That said, he could be another Dana Holgorsen. Good offensive coach but can't seem to recruit players to fit his system. That gets exposed about three years in.

I understand all that stuff. My point was there are times a "big time program" wants you whether you have proven yourself or not based on a small sample size.

[dabvu2498]

I am a HUGE Tom Herman fan, think he is one of the best young coaches out there. I however think he needs to stay at Houston for another year or so. It is one thing to win, win at a high level, but it is another thing to learn how to run a program. In order to judge a coach I think you have to give him a recruiting cycle to see what type of players he is able to bring in, if he can coach "his" players up, and learn how to run a program before he jumps into the fire.

Agreed with everything above. I'm leery of coaches who (even as assistants) have never been in one place long enough to see a group of kids through from recruits to graduation. Herman hasn't done that. His three years at OSU were preceded by three seasons at Iowa State and two at Rice. Fuente has been at Menphis for four years and was at TCU for five years prior to that.

Herman also stepped into a pretty nice situation in Houston. They were 8-5 under Tony Levine the previous two seasons and have a brand new on campus stadium. Fuente inherited a program that had won 5 games the previous three seasons combined and the Liberty Bowl -- a dump at best.

[Assembly Hall]

Agreed with everything above. I'm leery of coaches who (even as assistants) have never been in one place long enough to see a group of kids through from recruits to graduation. Herman hasn't done that. His three years at OSU were preceded by three seasons at Iowa State and two at Rice. Fuente has been at Menphis for four years and was at TCU for five years prior to that.

Herman also stepped into a pretty nice situation in Houston. They were 8-5 under Tony Levine the previous two seasons and have a brand new on campus stadium. Fuente inherited a program that had won 5 games the previous three seasons combined and the Liberty Bowl -- a dump at best.

That is one thing that gets lost in all the Herman talk. He "walked" into a good situation and knew he could win right away. Dont blame him a bit!

[Sea Ray]

Right now we have 75 Bowl eligible teams. There are 3 more teams that can win their 6th game this weekend, so we'll be getting anywhere from 2-5 teams with a 5-7 record in Bowls this year. Do you want to know how they'll choose the teams? Well, here's some insight. It will be based not on sports but on academics:


So which five-win schools get to enjoy the postseason? The NCAA announced Monday that those extra bids will be filled based on highest Academic Progress Rates. The top five-win teams in APR score are Nebraska (985), Kansas State (976), Missouri (976), Minnesota (975), San Jose State (975), Illinois (973) and Rice (973). Missouri declined its bowl opportunity Monday, so we’ve included five-win Nebraska, Kansas State, Minnesota, San Jose State and Illinois in our latest bowl projections, accounting for conference tie-ins where possible.

Perhaps the Big Ten will be the beneficiary of 3 "mercy Bowl bids". For the SEC's sake I'm glad Missouri has declined. They'd be an embarrassment.

Incidentally this site projects Tennessee not to play Northwestern but they show them to play the Mich Wolverines. That'd be great! I think UT would beat NW easily. Mich would be a tougher test

http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/01/college-football-bowl-projections-week-13-playoff

[bucksfan2]

Agreed with everything above. I'm leery of coaches who (even as assistants) have never been in one place long enough to see a group of kids through from recruits to graduation. Herman hasn't done that. His three years at OSU were preceded by three seasons at Iowa State and two at Rice. Fuente has been at Menphis for four years and was at TCU for five years prior to that.

Herman also stepped into a pretty nice situation in Houston. They were 8-5 under Tony Levine the previous two seasons and have a brand new on campus stadium. Fuente inherited a program that had won 5 games the previous three seasons combined and the Liberty Bowl -- a dump at best.

Its not just this. There is a difference to coaching at Houston than to be coaching at a big time power school. Just from personal experience, at OSU people know who the OC is, who the DC is, who the Co-Coordinators are, who is the top recruiter. Fans follow every word on press conferences or during the weekly media session by a coach. There is dealing with big time boosters, boosters, alumni groups, and fans in general. There is so much that goes on at a big time school that doesn't happen at Houston. I look at Tubberville here at UC and there is a small rabid base, and he does have his weekly shows, but the vast majority of people in this area don't "care" to the extent that big time programs do.

I think recruiting is important as well. Some coaches are great recruiters but pretty poor game coaches (Les Miles, Brady Hoke, Butch Jones). But you also have to learn how to recruit. While at OSU Herman did have to recruit, but he wasn't the finisher. If he had a guy, he always had Urban to bring in to seal the deal. Not only does Herman have to learn how to recruit as the head coach, he also needs to learn how to be that finisher. Can you develop local ties to an area in recruiting. If Herman can build good ties in Houston that could be a massive boost at another program he goes to. Houston is a huge city, one that I am sure doesn't get quite the recognition it deserves. Oh then you have the daunting task of taking an 18 year old kids and mold him into a good football player as he progresses through school.

[*BaseClogger*]

Incidentally this site projects Tennessee not to play Northwestern but they show them to play the Mich Wolverines. That'd be great! I think UT would beat NW easily. Mich would be a tougher test

I'm salivating at the potential UT-NW matchup now and I couldn't have cared less what bowl NW plays in a minute earlier. Thanks for raising the stakes!

[Sea Ray]

I'm salivating at the potential UT-NW matchup now and I couldn't have cared less what bowl NW plays in a minute earlier. Thanks for raising the stakes!

SI has them matched up vs Mich. I think that's a better game. What do you think?

[WVRed]

Two coaching vacancies filled today:

Kirby Smart to Georgia and DJ Durkin to Maryland.

[Chip R]

With the USC and LSU jobs no longer open, there's no big name spot for Chip Kelly to land if he and the Eagles part ways.

[Sea Ray]

With the USC and LSU jobs no longer open, there's no big name spot for Chip Kelly to land if he and the Eagles part ways.

It's awfully tough to go from an NFL job straight to college. The timing just doesn't work. Harbaugh did it but it cost Mich an entire recruiting class. I don't see Kelly going to college next yr. If he goes anywhere it'll be the Tenn Titans or ESPN

[*BaseClogger*]

SI has them matched up vs Mich. I think that's a better game. What do you think?

I think by the end of the season Northwestern was the better team. I haven't seen any updates on Rudock's shoulder/collarbone, but Michigan's defense finished soft without their starting nosetackle and they had no semblance of a running game on offense. Either way, both teams have terrific coaches who would have their teams ready to play and I don't think either one makes for an easy game for UT. You continue to deride the middle of the pack in the B1G conference, but teams like NW, Michigan, and Wisconsin (and to a much lesser extent Penn State, Minnesota, and Illinois) are all well-coached teams that can play defense and tackle. Their offenses might not look sexy in the dim November Midwestern sun (that's what Indiana is for!) but they aren't a cakewalk either...

[Sea Ray]

I think by the end of the season Northwestern was the better team. I haven't seen any updates on Rudock's shoulder/collarbone, but Michigan's defense finished soft without their starting nosetackle and they had no semblance of a running game on offense. Either way, both teams have terrific coaches who would have their teams ready to play and I don't think either one makes for an easy game for UT. You continue to deride the middle of the pack in the B1G conference, but teams like NW, Michigan, and Wisconsin (and to a much lesser extent Penn State, Minnesota, and Illinois) are all well-coached teams that can play defense and tackle. Their offenses might not look sexy in the dim November Midwestern sun (that's what Indiana is for!) but they aren't a cakewalk either...

I consider NW and MI to be the upper echelon of the Big Ten. They are both ranked very highly and have been for some time. The middling teams are Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana and the other Bowl teams.

I'm not expecting a cakewalk; I never do. Even last yr I didn't dream that UT would beat up Iowa so bad but it happened. Both UM and NW have a better record than UT so they should be better...unless of course their competition was inferior...

[*BaseClogger*]

I consider NW and MI to be the upper echelon of the Big Ten. They are both ranked very highly and have been for some time. The middling teams are Penn State, Wisconsin, Indiana and the other Bowl teams.

I'm bringing a classic Sea Ray semantics battle upon myself here, but I'm bored at work so why not.

if Northwestern and Michigan are upper echelon B1G teams then that means the conference has five high-caliber programs. Impressive, no?

[Sea Ray]

I'm bringing a classic Sea Ray semantics battle upon myself here, but I'm bored at work so why not.

if Northwestern and Michigan are upper echelon B1G teams then that means the conference has five high-caliber programs. Impressive, no?

That remains to be seen. All we know right now is that they're upper echelon w/i the Big Ten.

If you break down the Big Ten into three groups, upper echelon, Middling and bottom feeders, those 5 would be considered upper echelon IMO. How do you see it?

[*BaseClogger*]

That remains to be seen. All we know right now is that they're upper echelon w/i the Big Ten.

If you break down the Big Ten into three groups, upper echelon, Middling and bottom feeders, those 5 would be considered upper echelon IMO. How do you see it?

More tiers:

What we used to call BCS bowl caliber
Iowa
MSU
OSU

New Year's Day bowl caliber
NW
Michigan
Wisconsin

Middling
PSU
Indiana
Minnesota
Illinois
Nebraska

Awful
Maryland
Rutgers
Purdue



For comparison, the SEC:

BCS bowl caliber
Alabama

New Year's Day bowl caliber
Florida
Ole Miss
LSU
Georgia
Tennessee

Middling
Arkansas
Texas A&M
Mississippi State
Auburn
Kentucky
Missouri

Awful
Vanderbilt
South Carolina

The SEC doesn't have as many elite teams and Florida and Georgia are shaky, but it has a big advantage in the middle of the pack. I think those middling B1G schools would get beat up by the likes of Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Mississipi State...

[Sea Ray]

More tiers:

What we used to call BCS bowl caliber
Iowa
MSU
OSU

New Year's Day bowl caliber
NW
Michigan
Wisconsin

Middling
PSU
Indiana
Minnesota
Illinois
Nebraska

Awful
Maryland
Rutgers
Purdue



For comparison, the SEC:

BCS bowl caliber
Alabama

New Year's Day bowl caliber
Florida
Ole Miss
LSU
Georgia
Tennessee

Middling
Arkansas
Texas A&M
Mississippi State
Auburn
Kentucky
Missouri

Awful
Vanderbilt
South Carolina

The SEC doesn't have as many elite teams and Florida and Georgia are shaky, but it has a big advantage in the middle of the pack. I think those middling B1G schools would get beat up by the likes of Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Mississipi State...

To think one of the SEC's awful teams has a win over a team that'll be playing in its power 5 championship game this weekend...

[jojo]

Maryland gets Durbin and Miami appears to have hired Mark Richt. South Carolina is interviewing Muschamp today.

[*BaseClogger*]

To think one of the SEC's awful teams has a win over a team that'll be playing in its power 5 championship game this weekend...

With a loss to The Citadel to compliment it!

[dabvu2498]

Ahem. Vanderbilt beat two of the "middling" teams you have ranked above them. Thank you very much.

[dabvu2498]

Clogger -- Just out of curiosity, what would your prediction be for an Iowa-Florida matchup on a neutral field right now?

[jojo]

The Mark Richt situation really is a prime case for why college football has jumped the shark and is becoming less relevant every season. It's all about the money. When you asked donors for the bread, you have to promise them theyll get wine. But ignore the luxury box deals, just look at the salaries, heck just look at some of the buyouts, associated with the coaching changes that are happening. It's no longer amateur college football. Check that, it hasn't been amateur athletics for a long time it's just no longer possible for typical fans to pretend that it is....

[*BaseClogger*]

Clogger -- Just out of curiosity, what would your prediction be for an Iowa-Florida matchup on a neutral field right now?

We'll know a lot more about Iowa after this weekend. I'd take Iowa by a touchdown in a low-scoring game. I would expect the Hawkeyes to force Florida into a one-dimensional offense while they continue to pound away at the (admittedly superior) Florida defense, with QB experience, special teams, and turnovers ultimately being the deciding factor...

[KronoRed]

Unless Iowa gets annihilated this weekend I think they still end up in a new years six bowl, Florida won't be unless they win.

[jojo]

With the USC and LSU jobs no longer open, there's no big name spot for Chip Kelly to land if he and the Eagles part ways.

It's possible that the Texas job becomes open though Richt to Miami seems to block the Strong exit strategy that had been rumored.

[Tom Servo]

I think Chip's staying in the NFL, whether with the Eagles where he brings in a mobile QB or to Tennessee.

[dabvu2498]

Unless Iowa gets annihilated this weekend I think they still end up in a new years six bowl, Florida won't be unless they win.

Assuming UF loses, who goes to the Sugar Bowl? Ole Miss I guess?

[Todd Gack]

The Mark Richt situation really is a prime case for why college football has jumped the shark and is becoming less relevant every season. It's all about the money. When you asked donors for the bread, you have to promise them theyll get wine. But ignore the luxury box deals, just look at the salaries, heck just look at some of the buyouts, associated with the coaching changes that are happening. It's no longer amateur college football. Check that, it hasn't been amateur athletics for a long time it's just no longer possible for typical fans to pretend that it is....

I'm happy it's jumped the shark as a UM fan :)

[KronoRed]

Assuming UF loses, who goes to the Sugar Bowl? Ole Miss I guess?

Yep.

[Assembly Hall]

I think Iowa gets one no matter how they lose.

[Sea Ray]

I think Iowa gets one no matter how they lose.

Both Iowa and FL could get New Year's Day Bowls. There are a lot of possibilities

[Assembly Hall]

Both Iowa and FL could get New Year's Day Bowls. There are a lot of possibilities

Well to me Iowa is a lock.....as far a FLA, the PAC-12 championship is gonna be a big player in this. If USC beats Stanford, I feel that would knock a spot out for someone. Stanford wins then USC is 8-5.

[Sea Ray]

Well to me Iowa is a lock.....as far a FLA, the PAC-12 championship is gonna be a big player in this. If USC beats Stanford, I feel that would knock a spot out for someone. Stanford wins then USC is 8-5.

The way I see it the SEC has 3 Bowl slots for New Years Day that don't involve PAC12 teams, Sugar, Citrus, Outback

[Assembly Hall]

The way I see it the SEC has 3 Bowl slots for New Years Day that don't involve PAC12 teams, Sugar, Citrus, Outback

I thought we were talking the "New Year's Six"? My bad.

[Sea Ray]

I thought we were talking the "New Year's Six"? My bad.

No, the error's mine. You were dead on:


Unless Iowa gets annihilated this weekend I think they still end up in a new years six bowl, Florida won't be unless they win.

I didn't know there was such thing as a New Year's Six in the post BCS era. This is the first I've heard of it. I now consider myself educated!

[Assembly Hall]

No, the error's mine. You were dead on:



I didn't know there was such thing as a New Year's Six in the post BCS era. This is the first I've heard of it. I now consider myself educated!

LOL Bro.......there is also something that I over looked and that would be the "Group 5". Now I agree with Krono, I think the only way FLA makes the "Six" is they got to beat 'Bama.

[bucksfan2]

Iowa needs to win in order to get into a Big Bowl game. As it is right now I believe Ohio State is 2nd B1G team in whatever picking order follows. If chaos ensues they will be in the playoff along with either MSU or Iowa. If MSU or Iowa lose OSU will be the second B1G team selected by the committee. If MSU loses they will have two losses which will drop them below OSU even with the victory over them. Iowa is an interesting case, granted they are undefeated, with two power 5 out of conference wins. However, they did not play any of OSU, MSU, UM, or PSU in the regular season. Their two games against East teams were Indiana and Maryland, hardly a gauntlet.

Here is my problem with the current state of conferences and their championships, they are lopsided. It makes sense to break things up geographically, not only for common sense reasons but because it also keeps rivalries in most cases. But what happens is you create imbalance. It seems when one side of the conference is up, the other is down and vice versa. Very few times do you get two teams playing at their peak in opposing divisions meet in the Championship. You can make an argument, and a pretty valid argument, that OSU and MSU are the two best teams in the B1G, that they are two of the best teams in the country. You could also make the argument that Iowa, had they had to play OSU, MSU, UM, and PSU would have at least one loss. But as it is they are undefeated, something you can't take away from them, and have a chance to prove the doubters (me included) wrong. I wish the conferences would figure out a way to pit the top two teams in a conference together for the championship, not go strictly divisional.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Iowa needs to win in order to get into a Big Bowl game. As it is right now I believe Ohio State is 2nd B1G team in whatever picking order follows. If chaos ensues they will be in the playoff along with either MSU or Iowa. If MSU or Iowa lose OSU will be the second B1G team selected by the committee. If MSU loses they will have two losses which will drop them below OSU even with the victory over them. Iowa is an interesting case, granted they are undefeated, with two power 5 out of conference wins. However, they did not play any of OSU, MSU, UM, or PSU in the regular season. Their two games against East teams were Indiana and Maryland, hardly a gauntlet.

Here is my problem with the current state of conferences and their championships, they are lopsided. It makes sense to break things up geographically, not only for common sense reasons but because it also keeps rivalries in most cases. But what happens is you create imbalance. It seems when one side of the conference is up, the other is down and vice versa. Very few times do you get two teams playing at their peak in opposing divisions meet in the Championship. You can make an argument, and a pretty valid argument, that OSU and MSU are the two best teams in the B1G, that they are two of the best teams in the country. You could also make the argument that Iowa, had they had to play OSU, MSU, UM, and PSU would have at least one loss. But as it is they are undefeated, something you can't take away from them, and have a chance to prove the doubters (me included) wrong. I wish the conferences would figure out a way to pit the top two teams in a conference together for the championship, not go strictly divisional.

I've always been a big fan of the "pod" idea for conferences and the teams in your division rotate each year. It works better in 16 team conferences where you could have even 4 team pods, but you could make it work with 14 or 12. It doesn't directly eliminate the problem you raise, OSU and MSU could very well still be in the same division, but it eliminates long term balance issues like the Big 12 had with the North and South for a long time.

[bucksfan2]

I've always been a big fan of the "pod" idea for conferences and the teams in your division rotate each year. It works better in 16 team conferences where you could have even 4 team pods, but you could make it work with 14 or 12. It doesn't directly eliminate the problem you raise, OSU and MSU could very well still be in the same division, but it eliminates long term balance issues like the Big 12 had with the North and South for a long time.

Look at the SEC. How many times has there been an East team that was as good as the top few in the West? For every Florida vs Alabama match up you got, you also got a Missouri vs Alabama where it wasn't even close.

FWIW, this year the B1G probably would still have been MSU vs Iowa because Iowa ran the table. I don't have as much a beef as their ranking, because of the difficulty it is to win all your games, than I do a team skating by playing dregs of the other division.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Look at the SEC. How many times has there been an East team that was as good as the top few in the West? For every Florida vs Alabama match up you got, you also got a Missouri vs Alabama where it wasn't even close.

FWIW, this year the B1G probably would still have been MSU vs Iowa because Iowa ran the table. I don't have as much a beef as their ranking, because of the difficulty it is to win all your games, than I do a team skating by playing dregs of the other division.

Well that stuff is pretty cyclical. There was a time not too long ago that Tennessee and Florida were far better than Alabama and LSU. But that is why I like the pod idea and shuffling the divisions. Some years Florida and Tennessee and LSU and Alabama will be in the same division and some years they won't. It makes it far more unlikely that you get several consecutive years of one side of a division being stronger and hopefully getting the top couple teams in a title game.

[Assembly Hall]

Tennessee plays Alabama every year even though they are in different divisions. IU will play Purdue every year even though they are in different divisions. When it comes to the unbalanced schedule, the easiest answer IMO, is too play more conference games. I do believe the B1G is going to a 9 game schedule here pretty soon.

[bucksfan2]

Tennessee plays Alabama every year even though they are in different divisions. IU will play Purdue every year even though they are in different divisions. When it comes to the unbalanced schedule, the easiest answer IMO, is too play more conference games. I do believe the B1G is going to a 9 game schedule here pretty soon.

I don't quite get that one, are UT and Alabama rivals? I understand why they would have two teams in separate divisions play each other year in year out. I believe when the B1G went to Legends and Leaders they did this. Back in those days OSU and Michigan were two teams in separate divisions that always played each other, and it made sense as to why. I also believe that in Big 10 play prior to 12+ teams OSU always played Michigan and PSU, which gave them marquis games, but also were probably the two toughest competitors at the time. Heck in 2002 when OSU won it all, Iowa was undefeated in the Big 10 with their only loss coming against Iowa St.

I like the idea of going to 9 conference games, although that still means you miss out on 4 teams in your conference. That said, split into two divisions, give me 9 conference games, but give me the two best teams in conference in the championship game. The only thin divisions would do is break ties. It would do much, but it would prevent a scenario in which one side was very strong and the other side was a dumpster fire. There is no reason if the B1G East ends like it did this season, MSU should play potentially a 2-3 loss team from the other side.

[*BaseClogger*]

Am I the only person who hates the thought of a bunch of rematches in conference championship games?

[Sea Ray]

I don't quite get that one, are UT and Alabama rivals?

Are they rivals? Your question seems so "out there" to anyone who's gone to school in the south

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Saturday_in_October

Politically speaking, Tennessee and Alabama would not have allowed the division system to happen if they were not permitted to play every year.

I know people think they know Alabama football and all they see is Nick Saban. You'd be amazed how many times supposed Alabama fans can't answer a simple question that I ask to test their fanhood:

Who was the coach there before Saban?

The answer is the guy who was their QB when I was at Tennessee and we beat Alabama all 4 of those years!

[Sea Ray]

Am I the only person who hates the thought of a bunch of rematches in conference championship games?

I sure do. In 2001 LSU beat Tennessee in the SEC championship game although UT had beaten LSU earlier in the year. This extra game cost Tennessee the shot at the national championship. The good news is that they went on to crush Michigan in the Citrus Bowl and they finished ahead of LSU in the final rankings. Tennessee finished #4.

[dabvu2498]

The answer is the guy who was their QB when I was at Tennessee and we beat Alabama all 4 of those years!

Alabama beat Tennessee in 1986 while Shula was still there.

[Sea Ray]

Alabama beat Tennessee in 1986 while Shula was still there.

So what? I wasn't there in 86. What's your point? He was the starter from 84-86

[Assembly Hall]

I don't quite get that one, are UT and Alabama rivals? I understand why they would have two teams in separate divisions play each other year in year out. I believe when the B1G went to Legends and Leaders they did this. Back in those days OSU and Michigan were two teams in separate divisions that always played each other, and it made sense as to why. I also believe that in Big 10 play prior to 12+ teams OSU always played Michigan and PSU, which gave them marquis games, but also were probably the two toughest competitors at the time. Heck in 2002 when OSU won it all, Iowa was undefeated in the Big 10 with their only loss coming against Iowa St.

I like the idea of going to 9 conference games, although that still means you miss out on 4 teams in your conference. That said, split into two divisions, give me 9 conference games, but give me the two best teams in conference in the championship game. The only thin divisions would do is break ties. It would do much, but it would prevent a scenario in which one side was very strong and the other side was a dumpster fire. There is no reason if the B1G East ends like it did this season, MSU should play potentially a 2-3 loss team from the other side.

Yes, 'Bama and the Vols are rivals. But my point was(and I didnt say it right), is those teams that have rivalries and are in different divisions affect the unbalanced scheduling that occurs in the SEC and the B1G. 'Bama is always going to play UT, and IU is always going to play Purdue. That is to say how do the other opponent's schedules change because you have to have UT/Bama and IU/Purdue play each other? Just something to think about. There are several such games in each conference. Heck, I dont want to do away with Ga/Fla, Auburn/Bama, Ole Miss/Miss St., tOSU/Mich., Mich./MSU, etc....., but when you cross "divisions" to play those rivalries it affects things alot.

[dabvu2498]

So what? I wasn't there in 86. What's your point? He was the starter from 84-86

Ah. Your phrasing led me to believe that Shula never beat UT. I seemed to remember him talking about finally beating UT and getting the monkey off his back. I misunderstood your meaning.

And I knew I was a stranger in a strange land in 1995. UT beat Bama for the first time since 85 and there was some burning and vandalizing by UT fans in my neighborhood after the game. I was 200 miles away from UT's campus. It was a tad weird.

[jojo]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/why-students-foot-the-bill-for-college-sports-and-how-some-are-fighting-back/2015/11/30/7ca47476-8d3e-11e5-ae1f-af46b7df8483_story.html

[Sea Ray]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/why-students-foot-the-bill-for-college-sports-and-how-some-are-fighting-back/2015/11/30/7ca47476-8d3e-11e5-ae1f-af46b7df8483_story.html

I'd like more information. Such as, do those athletic fees include tickets to pricey basketball or football games?

[Revering4Blue]

Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia - didn't see that one coming.

Barry Odom - Jojo called this before it occurred officially - remains at Mizzou as HC. Utah State OC Josh Heupel (remember him as a player?) is rumored to be the new OC at Mizzou, so they should display at least some semblance of an offense.

Arizona State OC Mike Norvell is the new HC at Memphis.

ECU - idiotically, IMO - fired Ruffin McNeal as HC.

Nothing earth-shattering, but at least it's official news.

[Assembly Hall]

Pretty interesting stuff here....

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/25401391/big-ten-trying-to-stop-acc-big-12-move-to-alter-conference-title-games

[jojo]

I'd like more information. Such as, do those athletic fees include tickets to pricey basketball or football games?

They are basically a tax for the privilege of having an athletic department exist on your college campus. Total graft done because they can do it.

[Kilgore_Trout]

Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia - didn't see that one coming.

Neither did I. That's a good get for Virginia.

[WVRed]

Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia - didn't see that one coming.

Barry Odom - Jojo called this before it occurred officially - remains at Mizzou as HC. Utah State OC Josh Heupel (remember him as a player?) is rumored to be the new OC at Mizzou, so they should display at least some semblance of an offense.

Arizona State OC Mike Norvell is the new HC at Memphis.

ECU - idiotically, IMO - fired Ruffin McNeal as HC.

Nothing earth-shattering, but at least it's official news.

I kinda wonder if ECU will try to get Lincoln Riley back as head coach. He's rumored with everyone else in FBS for South Carolina but age is the issue. Wouldn't be for ECU though, and if he wins and leaves they'll likely get a nice buyout and be in better shape.

[KronoRed]

Pretty interesting stuff here....

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/25401391/big-ten-trying-to-stop-acc-big-12-move-to-alter-conference-title-games

Just add 2 teams Big 12-2, and fix your divisions ACC.

Yeesh.

[jojo]

Charlie Strong is packing his bags as his Longhorns desperately try to choke a 20pt halftime lead away against a team with a wide receiver playing QB.

[Boston Red]

Hell, he might get an extension after winning at Baylor.

[MWM]

Alabama deserves to be in the playoff if they win, obviously. But it's not like they've been super impressive all year.

[MWM]

Game over. 12-7 is plenty of cushion. Florid has no chance of scoring an offensive TD. Florida's defense is legit, but they have one of the worst offenses in the country.

[Assembly Hall]

Game over.

[androosh]

Alabama deserves to be in the playoff if they win, obviously. But it's not like they've been super impressive all year.I have an obvious bias, but I think any team that plays an FCS team during the year shouldn't be considered for the playoffs. I know they didn't schedule the games this year, but come on - playing two FCS teams in one year (one in November) is just laughable.

[Assembly Hall]

I have an obvious bias, but I think any team that plays an FCS team during the year shouldn't be considered for the playoffs. I know they didn't schedule the games this year, but come on - playing two FCS teams in one year (one in November) is just laughable.

By my count, 'Bama played 1?

[androosh]

By my count, 'Bama played 1?Whoops, you're right. I thought UL Monroe was FCS as well, but they only play like it. Mid Tennessee could probably play in FCS as well, though, haha. My point still stands, though. There are what, 128 teams in the FBS? Find one of them to play that last game against (you already scraped the barrel for two of your other games, why not do it for a third?).

[androosh]

On another note, I really can't wait until they expand the playoffs to 8 teams. I think it's inevitable with how well 4 teams has worked out so far, and letting all 5 power 5 conference champions (although it should be required that the Big 12 actually have a championship game) and 3 "wild card" teams makes a lot of sense and would be a lot of fun.

[dabvu2498]

UNC got a little hosed there.

[Boston Red]

UNC got a little hosed there.

No, not a little.

[KronoRed]

ACC refs are some of the worst around.

[kaldaniels]

These games felt like playoffs tonight.

I would be OK with consolidating to a Power 4 with the conference title games being a de facto playoff leading to a 4 team tournament. Just a dream.

[KronoRed]

So it will be Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Michigan St.

[Boston Red]

These games felt like playoffs tonight.

I would be OK with consolidating to a Power 4 with the conference title games being a de facto playoff leading to a 4 team tournament. Just a dream.

Or expand to 8 and let a non-power 5 team in every year to make the season meaningful for the "other" 60 FBS teams.

[kaldaniels]

Or expand to 8 and let a non-power 5 team in every year to make the season meaningful for the "other" 60 FBS teams.

It's debatable. But with such a playoff atmosphere on championship day, I think losers should be out. (Always)

[dabvu2498]

It's debatable. But with such a playoff atmosphere on championship day, I think losers should be out. (Always)

Agreed. Also don't love the idea of a team like USC potentially weaseling themselves into a playoff spot by virtue of being in a weak division and then winning a championship game.

[Boston Red]

I'd prefer to eliminate conference championship games altogether and add a playoff round. The more quality games between teams in different conferences the better.

[RedsBaron]

ACC refs are some of the worst around.

The ACC suspended the entire officiating crew that blew the conclusion of the Duke v Miami game. After the Clemsonv Nc game I wonder if the ACC shouldn't just blow the whole thing up, fire every official they have, and start over.

[jojo]

The ACC suspended the entire officiating crew that blew the conclusion of the Duke v Miami game. After the Clemsonv Nc game I wonder if the ACC shouldn't just blow the whole thing up, fire every official they have, and start over.

The ACC needs computer referees almost as badly as mlb needs computers calling balls and strikes.

[jojo]

Possibly the worst offsides infraction in the history of football occurred in the 3rd quarter of the Texas-Baylor debacle yesterday. Anyone else see that? Charlie Strong may be at the helm but that program looks like a run away ship at times.

[Roy Tucker]

Clemson outplayed UNC for much of the game, but UNC had a chance to steal that game. They got totally hosed on that offsides call. I don't understand why that is not reviewable.

[Sea Ray]

There's not much drama with the forthcoming announcement of the 4 playoff teams but where teams fall after that is where things might get interesting. Does Ohio State jump Iowa? I'm very curious as to which Big Ten team will play in the Rose Bowl along with a few others.

[Assembly Hall]

There's not much drama with the forthcoming announcement of the 4 playoff teams but where teams fall after that is where things might get interesting. Does Ohio State jump Iowa? I'm very curious as to which Big Ten team will play in the Rose Bowl along with a few others.

It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. Iowa, tOSU, Notre Dame, and Houston are the players.

[Puffy]

I've gotta think the Rose Bowl takes Ohio St leaving Iowa to the Fiesta vs ND, right. I just can't imagine the Rose passing on the allure and travel capabilities of OSU.

[19braves77]

The majority of Alabama fans want to be matched up with the Sooners. I believe Oklahoma would be favored over all playoff teams including us though we would have the smallest spread.

To miss a call at that point in the Clemson game is just ridiculous. It wasn't close.

[Assembly Hall]

I've gotta think the Rose Bowl takes Ohio St leaving Iowa to the Fiesta vs ND, right. I just can't imagine the Rose passing on the allure and travel capabilities of OSU.

One would think that. ND can only go to 2 bowls as the Rose and Sugar have tie-ins. I cant imagine a ND/FSU match-up in the Orange.

[Puffy]

One would think that. ND can only go to 2 bowls as the Rose and Sugar have tie-ins. I cant imagine a ND/FSU match-up in the Orange.

Peach. ND is either going to Fiesta or Peach Bowl

[Chip R]

I've gotta think the Rose Bowl takes Ohio St leaving Iowa to the Fiesta vs ND, right. I just can't imagine the Rose passing on the allure and travel capabilities of OSU.

While they don't match tOSU in allure Iowa historically travels really well. However, there are a lot of snowbirds from Iowa who live in Arizona so there's that.

[traderumor]

While they don't match tOSU in allure Iowa historically travels really well. However, there are a lot of snowbirds from Iowa who live in Arizona so there's that.

They may travel well, but there are also TV ratings to consider. Ohio State would win that battle, unless cornstalks are going to be counted as viewers.

[Chip R]

They may travel well, but there are also TV ratings to consider. Ohio State would win that battle, unless cornstalks are going to be counted as viewers.

I did say Iowa can't match them in allure. I would think that means TV ratings. And there are plenty of cornstalks in Ohio. Regardless, despite the weak schedule, Iowa proved to be a formidable opponent for Sparty. Perhaps SOS should be taken in context.

[Chip R]

Looks like it will be Stanford vs Iowa in the Rose. tOSU gets ND in the Fiesta. Guess they count cornstalks after all. :D

[Assembly Hall]

Looks like it will be Stanford vs Iowa in the Rose. tOSU gets ND in the Fiesta. Guess they count cornstalks after all. :D


And they are dancing in South Bend....they got cornstalks there too!!!!!;)

[Slyder]

Bowl Schedule has been released.

Saturday, December 19
New Mexico Bowl 2:20 PM EST ESPN
Arizona
@
New Mexico

Las Vegas Bowl 3:30 PM EST ABC
BYU
vs.
(22) Utah

Camellia Bowl 5:30 PM EST ESPN
Ohio
vs.
Appalachian St.

Cure Bowl 7:00 PM EST CBSS
San Jose St.
vs.
Georgia St.

New Orleans Bowl 9:00 PM EST ESPN
Arkansas St.
@
Louisiana Tech

Monday, December 21
Miami Beach Bowl 2:30 PM EST ESPN
W. Kentucky
@
South Florida

Tuesday, December 22
Idaho Potato Bowl 3:30 PM EST ESPN
Akron
vs.
Utah St.

Boca Raton Bowl 7:00 PM EST ESPN
(24) Temple
vs.
Toledo

Wednesday, December 23
Poinsettia Bowl 4:30 PM EST ESPN
Boise St.
vs.
Northern Illinois

GoDaddy Bowl 8:00 PM EST ESPN
Georgia Southern
vs.
Bowling Green

Thursday, December 24
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl 12:00 PM EST ESPN
Middle Tenn. St.
vs.
W. Michigan

Hawaii Bowl 8:00 PM EST ESPN
S. Diego St.
vs.
Cincinnati

Saturday, December 26
St. Petersburg Bowl 11:00 AM EST ESPN
Connecticut
vs.
Marshall

Thursday, December 31
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl 12:00 PM EST ESPN
(18) Houston
vs.
(9) Florida St.

Orange Bowl 4:00 PM EST ESPN
(4) Oklahoma
vs.
(1) Clemson

Cotton Bowl 8:00 PM EST ESPN
(3) Michigan St.
vs.
(2) Alabama

Friday, January 1
Fiesta Bowl 1:00 PM EST ESPN
(8) Notre Dame
vs.
(7) Ohio St.

Rose Bowl 5:00 PM EST ESPN
(5) Iowa Iowa
@
(6) Stanford

Sugar Bowl 8:30 PM EST ESPN
(16) Oklahoma St.
vs.
(12) Mississippi

[KronoRed]

Some decent match ups, love bowl season.

[Assembly Hall]

Some decent match ups, love bowl season.

I dont have much experience with it when it comes to my favorite team......how should I act!!!!!! LOL

[bucksfan2]

Some decent match ups, love bowl season.

I hate bowl season.

Bowls are cool for the kids prior to the game. They get some cool swag, get to travel (often to a warm climate), and coaches can get a nice bonus for winning the game. Actually the most valuable thing, especially for a young team, is the extra weeks of practice. Weeks of practice without having to deal with the recovery after a game is very important to young guys. It is also beneficial when winter break starts because there is no class, just football related activities.

But as to the bowls, motivation is tough, especially for teams with playoff aspirations. I will definitely watch OSU play, probably more intently than what I would had they not be playing ND, but I can't say I will be as vested as I would be if they made the playoff.

[jojo]

I hate bowl season.

Bowls are cool for the kids prior to the game. They get some cool swag, get to travel (often to a warm climate), and coaches can get a nice bonus for winning the game. Actually the most valuable thing, especially for a young team, is the extra weeks of practice. Weeks of practice without having to deal with the recovery after a game is very important to young guys. It is also beneficial when winter break starts because there is no class, just football related activities.

But as to the bowls, motivation is tough, especially for teams with playoff aspirations. I will definitely watch OSU play, probably more intently than what I would had they not be playing ND, but I can't say I will be as vested as I would be if they made the playoff.

That's kind of the thing. Most bowls don't mean anything any more. Seriously, case in point, the rose bowl. As a fan, ya, you'd like to travel to Pasadena. But winning it? Other than winning is always more fun than losing, there's no longer any tradition to tie into.

[traderumor]

Looks like it will be Stanford vs Iowa in the Rose. tOSU gets ND in the Fiesta. Guess they count cornstalks after all. :D

Fools. :mooner:

[bucksfan2]

That's kind of the thing. Most bowls don't mean anything any more. Seriously, case in point, the rose bowl. As a fan, ya, you'd like to travel to Pasadena. But winning it? Other than winning is always more fun than losing, there's no longer any tradition to tie into.

I have always wanted to go see OSU in the Rose Bowl. Kinda one of those bucket list things to do. I think the Rose Bowl kept is mystique during the BCS to a certain extent. It sure was better than the Orange, Sugar, and Fiesta. But there were times when OSU was in the title game (2003, 2006, 2007) that the game was lacking for me, not only that OSU wasn't in it, but it was the 2nd Big Ten team. But going forward it starts to become another quality match up, but who cares game. Now it becomes eh, no championship implications, no history, they still have the parade, sunny weather, but the game is somewhat meaningless.

[Assembly Hall]

Fools. :mooner:

Why? Iowa played MSU into the final seconds and lost by 3 with Sparty's starting QB on a neutral field no less. tOSU had Sparty at home with MSU's back-up QB and the Bucks lost. My eye test says the Bucknuts are better than Iowa but on paper the Hawks get the edge. To be honest the Rose and Fiesta are both fascinating match-ups.

[Sea Ray]

Three 5-7 teams made Bowls including two Big Ten Teams, Nebraska and Minnesota.

As a UT fan, I'm good with Northwestern, although Michigan is the bigger football school. We'll see whether Northwestern has the speed to keep up with Tennessee or if it turns out like the Iowa game in last year's Bowl. If I'm Northwestern I'm hoping for a monsoon which would neutralize Tenn's speed

[villain612]

Eh, I don't really care much about going to the Rose or not. The matchup is always more interesting to me.

I'd rather play Notre Dame than Stanford. Sexier matchup.

[kaldaniels]

Three 5-7 teams made Bowls including two Big Ten Teams, Nebraska and Minnesota.

As a UT fan, I'm good with Northwestern, although Michigan is the bigger football school. We'll see whether Northwestern has the speed to keep up with Tennessee or if it turns out like the Iowa game in last year's Bowl. If I'm Northwestern I'm hoping for a monsoon which would neutralize Tenn's speed

The "bottom" 20 bowls or so are pointless yawners anyway. I'm not sure I get your point (or mockery) that gasp! a 5 win team is playing in a bowl (like it is embarrassing). There are too many bowls. If a 5 win team ends up in one so be it, but that reflects on the number of bowls, not the school playing in one.

[kaldaniels]

Sark suing USC. You knew that would happen.

[Sea Ray]

The "bottom" 20 bowls or so are pointless yawners anyway. I'm not sure I get your point (or mockery) that gasp! a 5 win team is playing in a bowl (like it is embarrassing). There are too many bowls. If a 5 win team ends up in one so be it, but that reflects on the number of bowls, not the school playing in one.

My point is that if we have 5-7 teams making it to Bowl games then we must have too many of them. Secondly, the Big Ten was very fortunate to benefit from such a system

[Chip R]

I have always wanted to go see OSU in the Rose Bowl. Kinda one of those bucket list things to do. I think the Rose Bowl kept is mystique during the BCS to a certain extent. It sure was better than the Orange, Sugar, and Fiesta. But there were times when OSU was in the title game (2003, 2006, 2007) that the game was lacking for me, not only that OSU wasn't in it, but it was the 2nd Big Ten team. But going forward it starts to become another quality match up, but who cares game. Now it becomes eh, no championship implications, no history, they still have the parade, sunny weather, but the game is somewhat meaningless.

It's always been kind of meaningless. Now it's more meaningless.

[kaldaniels]

My point is that if we have 5-7 teams making it to Bowl games then we must have too many of them. Secondly, the Big Ten was very fortunate to benefit from such a system

If you really think it was fortunate why did you post earlier something like you were glad Mizzou didn't embarrass itself by going to (accepting) a bowl.

Oh that's right, it was a jab at the Big 10.

[KronoRed]

Sark suing USC. You knew that would happen.

I'm rooting for him.

[Sea Ray]

If you really think it was fortunate why did you post earlier something like you were glad Mizzou didn't embarrass itself by going to (accepting) a bowl.

Oh that's right, it was a jab at the Big 10.

Defensive about the Big Ten, huh? I didn't mention Missou 'cause since they declined they were inconsequential to the conversation. In other words, since they declined, the SEC won't benefit in any way.

As for the Big Ten, they have a chance to really shine this year. Paul Finebaum said yesterday that the Big Ten was the best in college football this year and he made a good point. Be able to take comments that are less than rah, rah team as something other than giving a jab. Enjoy your success

[kaldaniels]

Defensive about the Big Ten, huh? I didn't mention Missou 'cause since they declined they were inconsequential to the conversation. In other words, since they declined, the SEC won't benefit in any way.

As for the Big Ten, they have a chance to really shine this year. Paul Finebaum said yesterday that the Big Ten was the best in college football this year and he made a good point. Be able to take comments that are less than rah, rah team as something other than giving a jab. Enjoy your success

No, you said (paraphrasing perhaps) it would have been embarrassing for Mizzou (or the SEC) to accept a bid.

Yet the Big 10 was very fortunate to have 5 loss team that could get in.

Can I use the transitive property to assume you think it is embarrassing for the 5 win Big 10 teams to play in a bowl...I mean you used that logic for Mizzou.

Calling you out on a veiled zinger isn't me being defensive. It's me pointing out what you are doing.

[Sea Ray]

No, you said (paraphrasing perhaps) it would have been embarrassing for Mizzou (or the SEC) to accept a bid.

Yet the Big 10 was very fortunate to have 5 loss team that could get in.

Can I use the transitive property to assume you think it is embarrassing for the 5 win Big 10 teams to play in a bowl...I mean you used that logic for Mizzou.

Calling you out on a veiled zinger isn't me being defensive. It's me pointing out what you are doing.

I think it's embarrassing for any 5-7 team to accept a bid. Missou turning it down saves them that embarrassment but costs the conference $$. I'm fine with it...and I'm fine with Minny and Nebraska accepting. I really don't know what your issue is but I'm not going there. I'm here to talk college football

[bucksfan2]

I think it's embarrassing for any 5-7 team to accept a bid. Missou turning it down saves them that embarrassment but costs the conference $$. I'm fine with it...and I'm fine with Minny and Nebraska accepting. I really don't know what your issue is but I'm not going there. I'm here to talk college football

Turning down a bowl bid is stupid. Not only is it a cool experience for the players, but it gives you another couple of weeks of practice. Young teams experience tremendous growth during the bowl season practice.

[Sea Ray]

Turning down a bowl bid is stupid. Not only is it a cool experience for the players, but it gives you another couple of weeks of practice. Young teams experience tremendous growth during the bowl season practice.

You're right, there are lots of advantages but for Missouri I think it was the right call. They've had a rough year in all kinds of ways and their coach has other priorities

[kaldaniels]

You're right, there are lots of advantages but for Missouri I think it was the right call. They've had a rough year in all kinds of ways and their coach has other priorities

So to be fair, would you argue Missouri should have declined a bowl even if say, they beat UK early in the year and finished 6-6?

[Sea Ray]

So to be fair, would you argue Missouri should have declined a bowl even if say, they beat UK early in the year and finished 6-6?

No. At that point they would have earned it and deserve the reward

[kaldaniels]

No. At that point they would have earned it and deserve the reward

Then we differ on that front. 6-6 and 5-7 are pretty much the same in my eyes. Disappointing.

But if a bowl bid is there, take it. We are talking about a difference of probably 1 play that went bad. As an AD I don't penalize my guys by declining a bid when you were that close to a "true/deserved" bid.

[Sea Ray]

Then we differ on that front. 6-6 and 5-7 are pretty much the same in my eyes. Disappointing.

But if a bowl bid is there, take it. We are talking about a difference of probably 1 play that went bad. As an AD I don't penalize my guys by declining a bid when you were that close to a "true/deserved" bid.

1 play could go either direction. I don't share your view. By your way of thinking, they shouldn't set 6 wins as Bowl eligible because that eliminates the 5-7 teams who with a call here or there could have been 6-6. I don't view it that way. There's no end to that sort of thinking. As far as I'm concerned 6-6 already allows for that sort of thing since .500 is no great shakes in and of itself

[Sea Ray]

I find it curious that Tennessee is ranked 10 spots below Northwestern but they've opened as a 7 pt favorite. What's up with that?

[kaldaniels]

1 play could go either direction. I don't share your view. By your way of thinking, they shouldn't set 6 wins as Bowl eligible because that eliminates the 5-7 teams who with a call here or there could have been 6-6. I don't view it that way. There's no end to that sort of thinking. As far as I'm concerned 6-6 already allows for that sort of thing since .500 is no great shakes in and of itself

I don't care at all about what the rules are now. But if the minimum is 6 wins and there aren't enough teams it stands to reason some 5 win teams get in. Big deal. But if offered the chance I go bowling. That simple.

If Nebraska turned down the trip to California I'd be sure to me that to mention that on all my recruiting visits when up against the Huskers in the living room. I can't imagine that point will be forgotten when it comes to Mizzou.

[kaldaniels]

I find it curious that Tennessee is ranked 10 spots below Northwestern but they've opened as a 7 pt favorite. What's up with that?

Tennessee is probably the better team going forward into the bowl. I'll be the first to say teams are punished too much in the polls for a loss. But that's the system.

[Assembly Hall]

1 play could go either direction. I don't share your view. By your way of thinking, they shouldn't set 6 wins as Bowl eligible because that eliminates the 5-7 teams who with a call here or there could have been 6-6. I don't view it that way. There's no end to that sort of thinking. As far as I'm concerned 6-6 already allows for that sort of thing since .500 is no great shakes in and of itself

What you fail to understand SR is there are not enough "bowl eligible" teams to fill all the bowl slots. You are blaming the teams, when that is just not the case.

[Sea Ray]

What you fail to understand SR is there are not enough "bowl eligible" teams to fill all the bowl slots. You are blaming the teams, when that is just not the case.

I realize all of that. I'm not blaming teams. Did you miss where I said that I was fine with Minnesota and Nebraska accepting? There are too many Bowls. That's the problem

[kaldaniels]

I realize all of that. I'm not blaming teams. Did you miss where I said that I was fine with Minnesota and Nebraska accepting? There are too many Bowls. That's the problem

But that's not the issue. The issue is you saying "accepting" the bid by those teams is embarrassing.

[Sea Ray]

But that's not the issue. The issue is you saying "accepting" the bid by those teams is embarrassing.

It is but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't do so. It'd be embarrassing if the NY Giants win the NFC East with a less than .500 record but that doesn't mean that I think they ought to refuse it and give it to the Eagles

[traderumor]

Why? Iowa played MSU into the final seconds and lost by 3 with Sparty's starting QB on a neutral field no less. tOSU had Sparty at home with MSU's back-up QB and the Bucks lost. My eye test says the Bucknuts are better than Iowa but on paper the Hawks get the edge. To be honest the Rose and Fiesta are both fascinating match-ups.The bigger issue I have is Stanford leapfrogging Ohio State. There was sarcasm in that post, since I had given the Buckeyes the nod for better ratings status. I honestly don't care that much where they play not being in the playoffs. Ohio State is mercilessly beat on as "don't play anyone/overrated" but I watched the major championship games and Ohio St. was easily on a par with all of those teams. Alabama is not pretty on offense, Clemson is not pretty on defense, Michigan State just plain plays ugly football, and Oklahoma doesn't even have to play a game the last week and backs in because the Big 12 whines incessantly about getting a team in.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The bigger issue I have is Stanford leapfrogging Ohio State. There was sarcasm in that post, since I had given the Buckeyes the nod for better ratings status. I honestly don't care that much where they play not being in the playoffs. Ohio State is mercilessly beat on as "don't play anyone/overrated" but I watched the major championship games and Ohio St. was easily on a par with all of those teams. Alabama is not pretty on offense, Clemson is not pretty on defense, Michigan State just plain plays ugly football, and Oklahoma doesn't even have to play a game the last week and backs in because the Big 12 whines incessantly about getting a team in.

Ohio State would win the playoff. But they didn't earn it, so now they get to go blow out Notre Dame and wonder what if.

[jojo]

The bigger issue I have is Stanford leapfrogging Ohio State. There was sarcasm in that post, since I had given the Buckeyes the nod for better ratings status. I honestly don't care that much where they play not being in the playoffs. Ohio State is mercilessly beat on as "don't play anyone/overrated" but I watched the major championship games and Ohio St. was easily on a par with all of those teams. Alabama is not pretty on offense, Clemson is not pretty on defense, Michigan State just plain plays ugly football, and Oklahoma doesn't even have to play a game the last week and backs in because the Big 12 whines incessantly about getting a team in.

The buckeyes played a two game regular season and played .500 ball losing to one of those ugly flawed times you list at home. Truthfully, I think if they played those four teams, they'd be 0-4.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The buckeyes played a two game regular season and played .500 ball losing to one of those ugly flawed times you list at home. Truthfully, I think if they played those four teams, they'd be 0-4.

They would be favored on a neutral field against all of them except maybe Alabama and that would be less than a FG.

[Assembly Hall]

I realize all of that. I'm not blaming teams. Did you miss where I said that I was fine with Minnesota and Nebraska accepting? There are too many Bowls. That's the problem

It is the system that is in play. We can ***** about it until Hell freezes over, but the bowls are out there. If you dont want to watch, then dont watch. But dont criticize or ridicule what is there. And fwiw, Mizzou made a big mistake by declining an invitation.

[jojo]

They would be favored on a neutral field against all of them except maybe Alabama and that would be less than a FG.

They lost to one on a very, very partisan field. An 0-4 record is very reasonable.

[Assembly Hall]

The buckeyes played a two game regular season and played .500 ball losing to one of those ugly flawed times you list at home. Truthfully, I think if they played those four teams, they'd be 0-4.

Now I take exception to that hoho. Same stuff you spew, just a different year.

[jojo]

Now I take exception to that hoho. Same stuff you spew, just a different year.

It's not "spewing" anything. It's a rational conclusion based upon facts which also utilizes the sentiments of an expert on the matter-Elliot-when characterizing the buckeye season.

[villain612]

The buckeyes played a two game regular season and played .500 ball losing to one of those ugly flawed times you list at home. Truthfully, I think if they played those four teams, they'd be 0-4.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vSxzMNZwM4

[kaldaniels]

The buckeyes played a two game regular season and played .500 ball losing to one of those ugly flawed times you list at home. Truthfully, I think if they played those four teams, they'd be 0-4.

The math on that requires that you give each of those teams (all things being equal - they aren't so you could shift a bit of the odds up or down) better than an 84 percent of beating OSU.

(.84 X .84 X .84 X .84) = 50.3% chance OSU wins 1.

I have to disagree with that.

[kaldaniels]

For the record I also disagree with anyone who states matter of factly OSU would win the playoff. Odds are they wouldn't.

[BuckeyeRed27]

For the record I also disagree with anyone who states matter of factly OSU would win the playoff. Odds are they wouldn't.

Of course the odds are they wouldn't. The odds are that none of the four teams will win it, yet someone will.

[BuckeyeRed27]

They lost to one on a very, very partisan field. An 0-4 record is very reasonable.

That doesn't change the fact that they would be favored against possibly all of the teams, including the team they lost in rain storm against.

[villain612]

Big difference between winning the playoff (2 games) and beating all 4 teams in the playoff.

[kaldaniels]

Of course the odds are they wouldn't. The odds are that none of the four teams will win it, yet someone will.

"OSU would win the playoff"

"I believe OSU would have the best chances of winning the playoff"

Sounds like you agree with the second line, but you said the first one. Worlds apart and honestly it's stuff like that that makes OSU fans an easy target.

[BuckeyeRed27]

"OSU would win the playoff"

"I believe OSU would have the best chances of winning the playoff"

Sounds like you agree with the second line, but you said the first one. Worlds apart and honestly it's stuff like that that makes OSU fans an easy target.

Yet you know when someone says the first that they mean the second, but you want to argue semantics.

I also said that I didn't believe they earned the right to be there, but lets focus on the thing that best makes your point about all OSU fans being easy targets.

[kaldaniels]

Yet you know when someone says the first that they mean the second, but you want to argue semantics.

I also said that I didn't believe they earned the right to be there, but lets focus on the thing that best makes your point about all OSU fans being easy targets.

I totally didn't know that you meant that.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I totally didn't know that you meant that.

"The sun will rise tomorrow"

or

"I believe the highest probable out come is the sun rising tomorrow"

"I will have the chicken for dinner"

or

"I believe the chicken looks like the best thing on the menu so I will order that"

I'm glad we are on the same page now.

[kaldaniels]

"The sun will rise tomorrow"

or

"I believe the highest probable out come is the sun rising tomorrow"

"I will have the chicken for dinner"

or

"I believe the chicken looks like the best thing on the menu so I will order that"

I'm glad we are on the same page now.

Absolutely ridiculous.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Absolutely ridiculous.

It's not, but this is stupid, so if you feel like you need the last word, go ahead.

[jojo]

The math on that requires that you give each of those teams (all things being equal - they aren't so you could shift a bit of the odds up or down) better than an 84 percent of beating OSU.

(.84 X .84 X .84 X .84) = 50.3% chance OSU wins 1.

I have to disagree with that.

It's a very real possibility that OSU would be 0-4. They're already 0-1 against one of the teams in their own house. There is zero outlandishness associated with the assertion.

[Assembly Hall]

It's a very real possibility that OSU would be 0-4. They're already 0-1 against one of the teams in their own house. There is zero outlandishness associated with the assertion.

And Ole Miss beat 'Bama in their house, what is your point?

[kaldaniels]

It's a very real possibility that OSU would be 0-4. They're already 0-1 against one of the teams in their own house. There is zero outlandishness associated with the assertion.

If that's what you think that's fine but I disagree.

If we spot them the MSU game (I figured we were talking about playoff scenarios so I didn't) that still says on average you have Bama/OU/Clemson beating OSU 79+ times out of 100.

That's pretty steep in my eyes. I don't believe that happens to this OSU team.

[kaldaniels]

For instance if you have

Bama beating OSU 80% of the time
Clemson 65%
OU 65%

OSU only is swept in that scenario 1/3 of the time.

[villain612]

Is there any statistical evidence to support the claim that Ohio State would definitely lose against Alabama, Clemson, and Oklahoma in addition to the MSU loss? Or is jojo using his magic 8 ball again?

[kaldaniels]

Is there any statistical evidence to support the claim that Ohio State would definitely lose against Alabama, Clemson, and Oklahoma in addition to the MSU loss? Or is jojo using his magic 8 ball again?

I don't think he ever said definitely. Be prepared.

[villain612]

I don't think he ever said definitely. Be prepared.


Truthfully, I think if they played those four teams, they'd be 0-4.

True, he didn't use that exact word.

[jojo]

True, he didn't use that exact word.

It's not like I said osu WOULD win the playoffs.

[jojo]

And Ole Miss beat 'Bama in their house, what is your point?

Pretty clearly that there is zero reason to state osu WOULD win the playoffs. There is no reason to conclude that. They didnt even win their division.

[BillDoran]

I believe Auburn will go 0-1 in that most prestigious of New Year's Eve Eve games, the Birmingham Bowl.

That's what we're doing here, right? Not so subtle digs at the opposing teams? Mods, please delete if I did it wrong.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Pretty clearly that there is zero reason to state osu WOULD win the playoffs. There is no reason to conclude that. They didnt even win their division.

Their division is probably the best one in college football.
OSU playing their best football is better than the 4 teams in the playoff playing their best football. For that matter Stanford playing their best football is also better than the 4 teams in the playoffs. However those teams had games where they didn't play their best, so they didn't get the chance.

[kaldaniels]

Their division is probably the best one in college football.
OSU playing their best football is better than the 4 teams in the playoff playing their best football. For that matter Stanford playing their best football is also better than the 4 teams in the playoffs. However those teams had games where they didn't play their best, so they didn't get the chance.

How do we draw the conclusion that OSU's best is better than the best of any of the playoff teams? The best I saw them this year was the UM game. Was that enough to convince you that they are better than the best of the playoff teams? Talking 2015 season here, 2014 is ancient history.

[BuckeyeRed27]

How do we draw the conclusion that OSU's best is better than the best of any of the playoff teams? The best I saw them this year was the UM game. Was that enough to convince you that they are better than the best of the playoff teams? Talking 2015 season here, 2014 is ancient history.

Yes. They have a lot more talent than any other team. They were more impressive sleep walking through half their games honestly. Any of the top 4 could beat OSU (obviously since one did), but I do feel like that is an exception. You only get to play the one game though and it didn't work out for OSU. Part of the reason I love college football is every game matters so much. Doesn't change the fact that OSU is the most talented team by quite a bit.

[villain612]

nm

[jojo]

I believe Auburn will go 0-1 in that most prestigious of New Year's Eve Eve games, the Birmingham Bowl.

That's what we're doing here, right? Not so subtle digs at the opposing teams? Mods, please delete if I did it wrong.

That's what you're doing. Others are actually discussing football. Seriously.

[Sea Ray]

It is the system that is in play. We can ***** about it until Hell freezes over, but the bowls are out there. If you dont want to watch, then dont watch. But dont criticize or ridicule what is there. And fwiw, Mizzou made a big mistake by declining an invitation.

Do you think nothing will change because of this? I think we may see a few Bowls dropping by the wayside