College Football 2017

[Boston Red]

I believe fall camps start today.

[Sea Ray]

Wouldn't this be for College Football 2017?

[Boston Red]

Well, the championship game will be played in 2018. :D

Basically, I'm just a moron. :laugh:

[Sea Ray]

Well, the championship game will be played in 2018. :D

Basically, I'm just a moron. :laugh:

You're definitely not a moron...you're a lawyer though...:)

[cumberlandreds]

I changed to 2017 since the entire regular season will be in this calendar year.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I thought we were just getting an early start on talking about Ohio State's title defense.

[BillDoran]

I thought we were just getting an early start on talking about Ohio State's title defense.

A lot of talent on the field and in the coaching staff. Veteran QB, strong defensive line, plenty of ability at the skill positions. It could be a big year in Columbus. That said, you never win it in the years you expect.

[bucksfan2]

A lot of talent on the field and in the coaching staff. Veteran QB, strong defensive line, plenty of ability at the skill positions. It could be a big year in Columbus. That said, you never win it in the years you expect.

If the game is won in the trenches, OSU will have few rivals.

The one weak link for this team seems to be the WR position. How do they come along and how does JT do in throwing the ball down the field. If they continue to struggle without a deep threat, teams will be able to play their LB's closer to the line. If they have success in the deep passing game, it will open everything up.

[BillDoran]

If the game is won in the trenches, OSU will have few rivals.

The one weak link for this team seems to be the WR position. How do they come along and how does JT do in throwing the ball down the field. If they continue to struggle without a deep threat, teams will be able to play their LB's closer to the line. If they have success in the deep passing game, it will open everything up.

Putting a lot of eggs in the Kevin Wilson basket, but he was able to routinely turn no name recruits into very solid receiving corps. He's definitely got plenty of talent to work with out wide (if Zach Smith can just get out of the way).

[Sea Ray]

Can anyone in the Big Ten compete with OSU? With both Mich schools looking down, it sure seems like OSU's got an easy path to the conference championship.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Can anyone in the Big Ten compete with OSU? With both Mich schools looking down, it sure seems like OSU's got an easy path to the conference championship.

I think Penn St will be pretty good. Barkley is a legit RB and they have some pretty good experience.

Michigan is going to be inexperienced, but they have recruited well so they should have talent and they get to play 11 games first and host OSU this year.

For some reason the @Nebraska game makes me nervous too, but it could just be because I'm having flashbacks of Joe Bauserman throwing balls to Omaha.

[bucksfan2]

I think Penn St will be pretty good. Barkley is a legit RB and they have some pretty good experience.

Michigan is going to be inexperienced, but they have recruited well so they should have talent and they get to play 11 games first and host OSU this year.

For some reason the @Nebraska game makes me nervous too, but it could just be because I'm having flashbacks of Joe Bauserman throwing balls to Omaha.

PSU should be good this season, I doubt they are as good as last years team. McSorley got by last season by completing an unsustainable amount of jump balls to his WR's.

Michigan will be good, but very young. Can Harbaugh develop that talent?

Nebraska doesn't scare me anymore. They are morphing into what Iowa is, a good team at times, but there is a talent discrepancy between them and the big boys.

[Mutaman]

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20210159/preseason-top-25-loaded-traditional-powers-top

Wisconsin ranked #1 among schools where the players have to know how to read.

[Slyder]

Wisconsin just took one on the chin vs Utah State. They're down 10-0 right now.

[Tom Servo]

Josh Rosen is phenomenal.

[Mutaman]

Wisconsin just took one on the chin vs Utah State. They're down 10-0 right now.

How'd that come out?

[Boston Red]

I doubt he'll win the Heisman again, and he'll certainly suffer for the questionable talent around him at some spots (offensive line and RB in particular), but for my money Lamar Jackson is still the best individual player in college football. Guy is fun to watch.

[RichRed]

Howard, led by Cam Newton's brother, beating UNLV despite being a 45-point underdog was one of the cooler stories of the weekend.

Also, shameless plug for my defending FCS champion JMU Dukes, who beat FBS member ECU 34-14. And trust me, it wasn't even THAT close. My brother's an ECU grad so family bragging rights are mine. :-)

[Boston Red]

Liberty beating Baylor was pretty funny. I mean, you could say it's karma, but that's Jerry Fallwell University beating them, so I don't think it's that. Just a really awful football team. KU is poised to be the second-worst program in the Big XII for a while.

[Sea Ray]

Howard, led by Cam Newton's brother, beating UNLV despite being a 45-point underdog was one of the cooler stories of the weekend.

Also, shameless plug for my defending FCS champion JMU Dukes, who beat FBS member ECU 34-14. And trust me, it wasn't even THAT close. My brother's an ECU grad so family bragging rights are mine. :-)

That is a good story but UNLV shouldn't be 45 point favorites vs anyone.

[RichRed]

That is a good story but UNLV shouldn't be 45 point favorites vs anyone.

Possibly, but UNLV was still a FBS team playing against a Howard team that went 3-19 the last two years in one of the weakest conferences in all of FCS. They've been one of the lowest rated teams in all of Div I for a while now.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Possibly, but UNLV was still a FBS team playing against a Howard team that went 3-19 the last two years in one of the weakest conferences in all of FCS. They've been one of the lowest rated teams in all of Div I for a while now.

I know it was last year, but Howard lost to that awful Rutgers team by 39. I'm still not sure if that makes UNLV being a 45 point favorite defensible or not.

[Boston Red]

I doubt he'll win the Heisman again, and he'll certainly suffer for the questionable talent around him at some spots (offensive line and RB in particular), but for my money Lamar Jackson is still the best individual player in college football. Guy is fun to watch.

Same after this week. Stud.

[Boston Red]

Cool story. Enjoyed the video.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20687290/bishop-woods-murray-state-linebacker-marries-girlfriend-field-practice

[Boston Red]

The college football thread is sad this year. I skimmed through last year's the other day, and by this time last year we were through 273 posts. We made it through 1000 posts by mid-December. Lots of ground to make up!

OK, for tonight, I cannot fathom how USF is a 17 point favorite over Illinois. Yes, I know the Illini are really bad, and I know that USF is nominally a top 25 team...but Charlie Strong teams rarely blow anyone out. And Illinois WAS good enough to stomp Western Kentucky as a solid home dog last week. I think it will be close tonight.

Now watch USF win 48-0. :)

[BuckeyeRed27]

I have been traveling the past 2 weekends (one was to go to the OSU game) so I haven't had my usual watching 10 hours of football like I would like ;)

I am very much looking forward to doing absolutely nothing this weekend except watching a tremendous amount of football.

I agree with you on the game tonight, both of those teams aren't very good, but my guess is it will be a close game.

[Chip R]

On September 23rd, ESPN's College Game Day is going to be held in that rabid bastion of college football: Times Square in New York City.

[BuckeyeRed27]

On September 23rd, ESPN's College Game Day is going to be held in that rabid bastion of college football: Times Square in New York City.

That Rutgers to the Big 10 move is finally paying off.

[Slyder]

That Rutgers to the Big 10 move is finally paying off.

Beware the sleeping giants!


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[KronoRed]

Not even halftime yet and there have been 25 penalties called in the Illinois/USF game.

[IslandRed]

The college football thread is sad this year. I skimmed through last year's the other day, and by this time last year we were through 273 posts. We made it through 1000 posts by mid-December. Lots of ground to make up!

For me it doesn't even feel like the season's started yet. FSU lost to Alabama, which was no surprise although the manner was not what I expected, but losing Francois made it feel like we were punching the season reset button one game in. Then, thanks to Irma, we're going three weeks without a game. Oh well, hope the extra practice time is doing Francois' replacement some good.

[Boston Red]

Illinois should drop football.

[Revering4Blue]

Illinois should drop football.

It's far from the worst job (not program - that's an entirely different argument) in the B1G.

Time will tell if Lovie Smith -- a What do we have to lose? type of hire -- will turn it around, but it's easy to see why the program has basically been in shambles for thirty years:

Mike White was the last Illini football HC that could simultaneously coach and recruit.

[GAC]

OK, for tonight, I cannot fathom how USF is a 17 point favorite over Illinois.

Now watch USF win 48-0. :)

Over on our weekly college game pick'em thread there were only three people who took USF to cover the spread. And none of those three are currently involved in this discussion! :p

[Roy Tucker]

Illinois looked young and raw but has talent. I think they can be something.

The apple didn't fall far from the tree with Jeff George Jr. And seeing Ra'Von Bonner was good. He tore up my Mason Comets the last couple years at Sycamore.

[GAC]

Nebraska doesn't scare me anymore. They are morphing into what Iowa is, a good team at times, but there is a talent discrepancy between them and the big boys.

Nebraska (anymore) reminds me of another "big name" program (Texas) that somehow just can't get their **** together. LOL

So far, as I look around at college football, and all the various conferences, I'm really not sure what programs are going to stand out, be strong contenders to make the play-offs. I guess I'm saying I'm not overwhelmed, as of yet (still early though).

SEC ....Alabama (obviously) is one, as well as Auburn and LSU
PAC-12 .... I think USC and Washington are the top of the class there. We'll see on Oregon.
ACC .... Clemson and Louisville. I'm just not that impressed with the rest of the conference, though Va Tech may be a sleeper
B12 .... Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, and I'll throw in Kansas Sate. The rest? Blah!
B1G ..... Hell I don't know! (LOL). OSU will recover from last week, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them end up with another loss, and that could be PSU at home if they don't get things worked out. I read that so far Urban is not happy at all with the performance/play calling of this Wilson-led offense. They don't play Wisconsin. And then there's the Michigan game. Michigan, as usual, will have a stout defense; but have uncertainty offensively and at the QB position with Speight. With rest of the B1G, so far, I'm not impressed.

[Tom Servo]

Nebraska is a big fat mess.

[KronoRed]

Nebraska is a dead program, considering their location and the fact that no recruit was even alive the last time there were any good makes it pretty hard to see them ever being on top again.

[Boston Red]

At least Kansas is still Kansas. That's somehow reassuring.

[cumberlandreds]

UCLA and Memphis in a good one. Memphis leads 27-24 at the half.

Oklahoma State is just pummeling Pitt. They lead 49-14 at the half.

[RedTeamGo!]

Nebraska is a dead program, considering their location and the fact that no recruit was even alive the last time there were any good makes it pretty hard to see them ever being on top again.

Meh, I remember hearing that about Alabama before Saban. All it takes is a great coach.

- - - Updated - - -


Nebraska is a dead program, considering their location and the fact that no recruit was even alive the last time there were any good makes it pretty hard to see them ever being on top again.

Meh, I remember hearing that about Alabama before Saban. All it takes is a great coach.

[RedTeamGo!]

Nebraska is a dead program, considering their location and the fact that no recruit was even alive the last time there were any good makes it pretty hard to see them ever being on top again.

Meh, I remember hearing that about Alabama before Saban. All it takes is a great coach.

[RedTeamGo!]

Nebraska is a dead program, considering their location and the fact that no recruit was even alive the last time there were any good makes it pretty hard to see them ever being on top again.

Meh, I remember hearing that about Alabama before Saban. All it takes is a great coach.

[Tom Servo]

Meh, I remember hearing that about Alabama before Saban. All it takes is a great coach.


Anyway yeah, I don't think Nebraska is any lost cause. Bill Callahan wasn't very good, Bo Pelini was pretty good but done in by self-inflicted off-field drama, and Riley isn't very good.

[Tom Servo]

SMU jumps out to an early 16-7 lead after a quarter against #20 TCU. I'm keeping an eye on that one, I think Chad Morris has SMU on the upswing.

[Revering4Blue]

Meh, I remember hearing that about Alabama before Saban. All it takes is a great coach.

We also heard the same thing about USC in '00 before Carroll was hired as HC. But even if you squint, the Nebraska job isn't in the same stratosphere as Alabama, Texas or USC, as the only thing that prevents either of the aforementioned programs from annual National relevancy/National Championship contention is the coach itself, as top-flight talent will certainly follow. The "right" coach at Nebraska isn't enough anymore for mainly the reasons that Kronored pointed out. I also agree with bucksfan2 about the talent discrepancy preventing Nebraska from (as of today) competing with the big boys.


Anyway yeah, I don't think Nebraska is any lost cause. Bill Callahan wasn't very good, Bo Pelini was pretty good but done in by self-inflicted off-field drama, and Riley isn't very good.

I wouldn't be so quick to shovel dirt on a coach who built Oregon State (Oregon. State.) from the ground up. Ironically, though, Riley's Nebraska offenses with the dual-threat Tommy Armstrong Jr. were pretty effective. Armstrong was far from Riley's prototypical QB for his system, though, to his credit, he tailored his offense to Armstrong's strengths and didn't pull a Callahan (or Hoke/Nussmeier at Michigan) and force-feed a system dependent upon a traditional drop-back QB upon a QB ill-suited for such. Riley, IMHO, is much more likely to land another Armstrong type than, say, a Sam Darnold type for Nebraska.

Conversely for Riley, if given the resources of Texas, Florida or USC (reportedly, Riley actually turned down HC job offers from Alabama and USC (twice), landing a top-flight, NFL prototype QB is exponentially easier, though he has done many times at Oregon State. I can guarantee you that a Riley-coached Florida offense wouldn't be stuck in the mud regardless of QB as it is currently under the leadership of the so-called offense gurus McElwane and Nussmeier.

[Tom Servo]

I wouldn't be so quick to shovel dirt on a coach who built Oregon State (Oregon. State.) from the ground up. Ironically, though, Riley's Nebraska offenses with the dual-threat Tommy Armstrong Jr. were pretty effective. Armstrong was far from Riley's prototypical QB for his system, though, to his credit, he tailored his offense to Armstrong's strengths and didn't pull a Callahan (or Hoke/Nussmeier at Michigan) and force-feed a system dependent upon a traditional drop-back QB upon a QB ill-suited for such. Riley, IMHO, is much more likely to land another Armstrong type than, say, a Sam Darnold type for Nebraska.

Conversely for Riley, if given the resources of Texas, Florida or USC (reportedly, Riley actually turned down HC job offers from Alabama and USC (twice), landing a top-flight, NFL prototype QB is exponentially easier, though he has done many times at Oregon State. I can guarantee you that a Riley-coached Florida offense wouldn't be stuck in the mud regardless of QB as it is currently under the leadership of the so-called offense gurus McElwane and Nussmeier.
Maybe I'm sleeping on Riley but I think a program like Oregon State is kind of his sweet spot. He seems like a good guy but never struck me as someone you wanted leading a premiere program.

[Boston Red]

This Florida/Tennessee game is so ugly it should be illegal. Damn, these programs used to be good.

[Tom Servo]

This Florida/Tennessee game is so ugly it should be illegal. Damn, these programs used to be good.
And Jones and McElwain are supposed to be offensive gurus too.

[Boston Red]

Butch Jones has to get fired soon, doesn't he?

[Boston Red]

Ok, this game has gotten pretty legendary, actually. Great 4th quarter.

[Revering4Blue]

Maybe I'm sleeping on Riley but I think a program like Oregon State is kind of his sweet spot. He seems like a good guy but never struck me as someone you wanted leading a premiere program.

It could go either way. In any case, it's doubtful that any Husker coach moving forward now that the Huskers are in the B1G will match Pelini --who'd likely still be there if not for off-field miscues -- as that's about as much as a Husker fan can realistically ask for.

Even if the Huskers are fortunate enough to win their B1G division -- which is no easy task with Wisconsin as solid as any B1G program now -- they'll have to knock off OSU/Michigan/Penn State in the B1G Championship game. Yeah, I know that Sparty beat out the B1G Three to face Iowa in the B1G Championship game two years ago, but that's likely an anomaly for the near future.

[KronoRed]

Ok, this game has gotten pretty legendary, actually. Great 4th quarter.

A game of who will shoot themselves in the foot less.

[Sea Ray]

This Florida/Tennessee game is so ugly it should be illegal. Damn, these programs used to be good.

Tennessee is still struggling but the thing is they can always count on beating up on a slow, plodding Big Ten team in a Bowl game at the end of the year

[Revering4Blue]

College Football Picks: Week 4 Predictions for Every Game

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2733441-college-football-picks-week-4-predictions-for-every-game

[WVRed]

WVU is routing Kansas now but it was a little closer for comfort earlier.

Khalil Herbert with nearly 270 yards on the ground for Kansas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RedTeamGo!]

I honestly wonder if Kansas will just cease having a football team eventually. I am being completely serious. They lose regularly to smaller conference teams. How do they have fans?

[KronoRed]

I honestly wonder if Kansas will just cease having a football team eventually. I am being completely serious. They lose regularly to smaller conference teams. How do they have fans?

Basketball fans need somewhere to hang out before the season starts.

Hard to believe 10 years ago they were ranked #2 at one point and won the orange bowl.

[WVRed]

I honestly wonder if Kansas will just cease having a football team eventually. I am being completely serious. They lose regularly to smaller conference teams. How do they have fans?

It was pretty sad watching that game toward the end. Hardly anybody left in the stadium.

If I was WVU I would be concerned with defense after that game. Especially run defense. Kansas lost to both Central Michigan and Ohio University in Athens this year already. Not a good look for the Mountaineers regardless of the win.

[Tom Servo]

I honestly wonder if Kansas will just cease having a football team eventually. I am being completely serious. They lose regularly to smaller conference teams. How do they have fans?
I mean it's obviously worse because they have a much lower ceiling and don't have any great history but I'd compare it the discussion about Nebraska last week. It's just been some bad ADs and coaches over the last several years, not really anything insurmountable.

[Revering4Blue]

Basketball fans need somewhere to hang out before the season starts.

Hard to believe 10 years ago they were ranked #2 at one point and won the orange bowl.

Put this in perspective: The Jayhawks' 2007 season and subsequent Orange Bowl victory (and Final Top 10 ranking) are still more recent than Nebraska's last Top 10 finish -- National Runner-up after 2001 season.

[Revering4Blue]

I mean it's obviously worse because they have a much lower ceiling and don't have any great history but I'd compare it the discussion about Nebraska last week. It's just been some bad ADs and coaches over the last several years, not really anything insurmountable.

Good point.

Northwestern, Kansas State and Oregon State were football all wastelands -- and considered, arguably, the most difficult D1 jobs in that era -- but became respected programs. None of the aforementioned schools have/had the resources of KU.

Let's face it, the Big 12 overall isn't exactly murderers row anymore resource-wise (which is one reason that, IMO, Nebraska erred by leaving for the B1G, decreasing the chances of seriously competing in both Football and hoops - the cash-cow sports), so it isn't out of the realm of possibility for KU football to surface for air by the beginning of the next decade.

[Chip R]

I honestly wonder if Kansas will just cease having a football team eventually. I am being completely serious. They lose regularly to smaller conference teams. How do they have fans?

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article174933966.html

[Revering4Blue]

Down goes Oklahoma (at home,no less) to Iowa State.

[Chip R]

Down goes Oklahoma (at home,no less) to Iowa State.

Iowa State did this without their starting QB and a starting LB.

[Tom Servo]

Hell of a finish in FSU/Miami.

[Chip R]

Down goes Oklahoma (at home,no less) to Iowa State.

tOSU fans will appreciate this.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=20947517

[GAC]

tOSU fans will appreciate this.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=20947517

I personally don't like this from any team. I think it's simply poor sportsmanship, rubbing your nose in the opponent's face. Your team did a great job, played a solid game and got the upset. Leave it at that.

[Sea Ray]

Washington St is 5-0 and firmly in the playoff hunt. In fact it looks like they're either headed to the playoffs or the Rose Bowl. Quite a consolation prize. QB Luke Falk looks like an NFL prospect to keep an eye on

[*BaseClogger*]

Washington St is 5-0 and firmly in the playoff hunt. In fact it looks like they're either headed to the playoffs or the Rose Bowl. Quite a consolation prize. QB Luke Falk looks like an NFL prospect to keep an eye on

Way too early to assume any of this...

[Sea Ray]

Way too early to assume any of this...

Of course. Nothing can be assumed in college football. It does look like they'll be favored in every game up until the Apple Cup game vs their in state rivals. They are firmly in the playoff hunt. That's "assuming" nothing.

[Boston Red]

Washington seems to be the class of the Pac-12, though. I can't imagine either of those teams beating a real team in the playoffs.

[Sea Ray]

Washington seems to be the class of the Pac-12, though. I can't imagine either of those teams beating a real team in the playoffs.

It's looking like a Wash-WSU showdown for the conference title. If they lose to a Clemson or Alabama in the playoffs, so what? That's still one helluva year

[Boston Red]

Yes, it would be a hulluva year. I got Washington at 10-1 to make the playoffs. Nowhere close to a done deal, but I think the odds are better than 10-1 now. But there's a reason I didn't bet them to win it all. Just not that good.

[bucksfan2]

Yes, it would be a hulluva year. I got Washington at 10-1 to make the playoffs. Nowhere close to a done deal, but I think the odds are better than 10-1 now. But there's a reason I didn't bet them to win it all. Just not that good.

I think, and its a big I think, the Pac 12 will get left out.

I see the playoffs looking like this,

Alabama
Clemson
B1G Champ (sans a two loss Wisconsin)
Big 12 Champ

I don't see Alabama losing. If they do lose, I don't see another SEC West team making it to the SEC championship. Georgia has a pretty clear path in the East but I don't see them knocking Alabama off.

Who is going to beat Clemson, twice?

The B1G is where I see things getting interesting. Right now on the national scene I still see OSU, PSU, Mich, and Wisconsin. I think Sparty will cause some damage, but I don't think they are a top tier team. Wisconsin has a pretty clear path to the B1G championship, but will have to most probably match up with OSU or PSU, which will be their toughest game of the season. They get Michigan at home, but win or lose, I don't see anyone in the West beating them on top of Michigan. I don't see a one loss, or undefeated OSU, PSU, Mich, or Wisconsin being skipped over for a spot.

If Oklahoma wins the Big 12 I think they are in. The road win @ OSU, on top of a one loss Big 12 title will be more than most teams have done.

The USC hype has come back down to earth and I think Peterson is right, all their games start so late that most of the nation forgets about the Pac 12. To me it seems like they are all good teams, not great teams in the Pac 12. If one doesn't run the table, I will find it hard for them to leapfrog a one loss team from the other power four conferences.

[Sea Ray]

The USC hype has come back down to earth and I think Peterson is right, all their games start so late that most of the nation forgets about the Pac 12. To me it seems like they are all good teams, not great teams in the Pac 12. If one doesn't run the table, I will find it hard for them to leapfrog a one loss team from the other power four conferences.

Both WSU and UW are set to run the table in the PAC12. It'll be tough to leave them out if they do. Yes, it will be very interesting indeed

[Boston Red]

There's no way Oklahoma is getting in over an undefeated Washington or Washington State.

[KronoRed]

Oregon State dumps Gary Andersen.

[bucksfan2]

There's no way Oklahoma is getting in over an undefeated Washington or Washington State.

True, I don't see either going undefeated. If they go undefeated they will make the playoff. I do think a one loss Pac 12 champ will be left out.

[Boston Red]

Oregon State dumps Gary Andersen.

Weird deal with Andersen giving up so much cash. There has to be something else going on there.

- - - Updated - - -


I do think a one loss Pac 12 champ will be left out.

Some funky things would definitely need to happen for a one loss Pac-12 team to get in.

[Assembly Hall]

True, I don't see either going undefeated. If they go undefeated they will make the playoff. I do think a one loss Pac 12 champ will be left out.

I concur.

[Boston Red]

Since this is going to sort itself out, this is meaningless speculation, but....if all the top teams won out, you'd have Alabama, Clemson and Washington (let's assume they beat Wazzu) as locks. Would you take Oklahoma or Ohio State at #4? Seems like it would be hard to take Ohio State given that they lost at home to Oklahoma, but that Iowa State loss is just awful. Maybe take Georgia instead of either of the other two if the Bulldogs lose a close one to Bama in the SEC title game.

Would certainly be interesting, though.

[WVRed]

Since this is going to sort itself out, this is meaningless speculation, but....if all the top teams won out, you'd have Alabama, Clemson and Washington (let's assume they beat Wazzu) as locks. Would you take Oklahoma or Ohio State at #4? Seems like it would be hard to take Ohio State given that they lost at home to Oklahoma, but that Iowa State loss is just awful. Maybe take Georgia instead of either of the other two if the Bulldogs lose a close one to Bama in the SEC title game.

Would certainly be interesting, though.

What if Penn State runs the table?

[kaldaniels]

Since this is going to sort itself out, this is meaningless speculation, but....if all the top teams won out, you'd have Alabama, Clemson and Washington (let's assume they beat Wazzu) as locks. Would you take Oklahoma or Ohio State at #4? Seems like it would be hard to take Ohio State given that they lost at home to Oklahoma, but that Iowa State loss is just awful. Maybe take Georgia instead of either of the other two if the Bulldogs lose a close one to Bama in the SEC title game.

Would certainly be interesting, though.

I’m pretty sure the committee has said in the past head to head trumps all...OSU couldn’t leap a one-loss Oklahoma.

[Sea Ray]

I’m pretty sure the committee has said in the past head to head trumps all...OSU couldn’t leap a one-loss Oklahoma.

It didn't last year. If it did then Penn State would have been picked instead of Ohio State. Hopefully they learned their lesson

[kaldaniels]

It didn't last year. If it did then Penn State would have been picked instead of Ohio State. Hopefully they learned their lesson

Forgive my phrasing then. I was obviously going with the assumption that the poster used that said OSU and OU won out.

What I meant was that if 2 teams are viewed similarly and the committee goes to compare them, yes head to head wins out.

We went through this last year so no need to rehash it...but the committee never got to the place where it was comparing OSU vs PSU. If they had PSU would have been in.

Point being if OSU and OU won out, OU gets in if it comes down to the last spot and those 2 teams are #4 and 5.

Look at 2014. It was moot but BU and TCU fell in the same “bucket.” Despite TCU being ranked higher going into the final poll BU wound up 5 and TCU 6.

OSU and PSU, whether you agree or not, was never in the same “bucket” in the eyes of the committee.

[Boston Red]

What if Penn State runs the table?

I'll be surprised. But good call on the Lions.

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I’m pretty sure the committee has said in the past head to head trumps all...OSU couldn’t leap a one-loss Oklahoma.

That seems logical, but it's Ohio State, and that Iowa State loss was just so ugly.

[Sea Ray]

Forgive my phrasing then. I was obviously going with the assumption that the poster used that said OSU and OU won out.

What I meant was that if 2 teams are viewed similarly and the committee goes to compare them, yes head to head wins out.

We went through this last year so no need to rehash it...but the committee never got to the place where it was comparing OSU vs PSU. If they had PSU would have been in.

Point being if OSU and OU won out, OU gets in if it comes down to the last spot and those 2 teams are #4 and 5.

Look at 2014. It was moot but BU and TCU fell in the same “bucket.” Despite TCU being ranked higher going into the final poll BU wound up 5 and TCU 6.

OSU and PSU, whether you agree or not, was never in the same “bucket” in the eyes of the committee.

I think last year was very analogous to a hypothetical OU/OSU one loss situation this year. Your argument now is that they considered OSU heads and tails better than PSU last yr. Well, fine. If that's the case then head to head does NOT trump all.

Having said all that, in hindsight I think the committee sees that it erred in giving the nod to OSU last yr.

I agree with you that if OU and OSU win out, OU gets the nod this yr.

[Sea Ray]

That seems logical, but it's Ohio State, and that Iowa State loss was just so ugly.

The OSU loss was ugly too. They looked horrible that night. If you forgot, read through the threads from that night. OSU can't count on Iowa St getting them off the hook. It's not that simple

[Boston Red]

The OSU loss was ugly too. They looked horrible that night. If you forgot, read through the threads from that night. OSU can't count on Iowa St getting them off the hook. It's not that simple

Yes, Ohio State's loss was ugly, but it was to Oklahoma. OU's loss to Iowa State was a whole different stratosphere of awful.

[RedTeamGo!]

As an OSU fan, I think that performance against OU should disqualify them from the playoff, unless they completely dominate PSU, UM, MSU, and the B1G championship.

I agree with SR, though, that OU loss was completely horrible.

[Tom Servo]

Penn State has a pretty clear path if they get past Michigan and Ohio State this month, but of course that's easier said than done.

[kaldaniels]

I think last year was very analogous to a hypothetical OU/OSU one loss situation this year. Your argument now is that they considered OSU heads and tails better than PSU last yr. Well, fine. If that's the case then head to head does NOT trump all.

Having said all that, in hindsight I think the committee sees that it erred in giving the nod to OSU last yr.

I agree with you that if OU and OSU win out, OU gets the nod this yr.

Again, I said it was poor phrasing.

When 2 teams are competing for a playoff spot, HTH wins out.

Mistake or not, PSU was not in consideration for a playoff spot last year.

[Assembly Hall]

Don't sleep on Wisconsin.

[RedTeamGo!]

Don't sleep on Wisconsin.

They haven’t played anyone and they only have one ranked team (UM) on their schedule. They know they are going to have a weak conf schedule being in the West, they need to schedule a stronger OOC team. I think the B1G needs to figure out a way to get a better B1G team on that side of the conference. I would move OSU there.

[Sea Ray]

Mistake or not, PSU was not in consideration for a playoff spot last year.

It was a mistake. They should have been

[RedTeamGo!]

It was a mistake. They should have been

Awww, too bad for them. PSU football can go straight to hell.

[Assembly Hall]

They haven’t played anyone and they only have one ranked team (UM) on their schedule. They know they are going to have a weak conf schedule being in the West, they need to schedule a stronger OOC team. I think the B1G needs to figure out a way to get a better B1G team on that side of the conference. I would move OSU there.

My point being they are set to run the table and gain a birth in the B1G championship.

[Sea Ray]

Awww, too bad for them. PSU football can go straight to hell.

They have other ideas. Their path is leading straight to the playoffs. They're a fun team to watch. They have the top Heisman candidate and they're dominating their opponents.

[RedTeamGo!]

They have other ideas. Their path is leading straight to the playoffs. They're a fun team to watch. They have the top Heisman candidate and they're dominating their opponents.

They certainly didn’t dominate a mediocre Iowa team, but yes, they are playing well, but you were complaining about last year, which is what I was referring to.

- - - Updated - - -


My point being they are set to run the table and gain a birth in the B1G championship.

And my point is, unless it’s somehow UM or MSU, the rep from the east will eat their mediocre lunch.

[bucksfan2]

It was a mistake. They should have been

No it wasn't. It was pretty clear at the time that OSU and PSU weren't comparable, was said as much throughout the entire season. Using your logic right now, any team that beats a playoff contender should get in because they won head to head. For example, if OU runs the table and wins the Big 12, should ISU get in over them? It has always been that an extra loss out weighs head to head.

[Sea Ray]

No it wasn't. It was pretty clear at the time that OSU and PSU weren't comparable, was said as much throughout the entire season. Using your logic right now, any team that beats a playoff contender should get in because they won head to head. For example, if OU runs the table and wins the Big 12, should ISU get in over them? It has always been that an extra loss out weighs head to head.

You make a good point. Two loss teams shouldn't get in under most circumstances. PSU should not have gone to the playoffs seeing as how they had 2 losses on the yr. OSU shouldn't have either. They were an embarrassment not only to themselves but to the entire process.

[RedTeamGo!]

You make a good point. Two loss teams shouldn't get in under most circumstances. PSU should not have gone to the playoffs seeing as how they had 2 losses on the yr. OSU shouldn't have either. They were an embarrassment not only to themselves but to the entire process.

Lol

[Sea Ray]

Lol

You don't have any more to add than that? OSU was blown off the field to the tune of 31-0. That's not deserving of a top 4 seed

[bucksfan2]

You don't have any more to add than that? OSU was blown off the field to the tune of 31-0. That's not deserving of a top 4 seed

Washington, MSU, Oregon (Title game), and FSU were all blown off the field. Your argument seems to focus on one choice rather than looking how other teams have fared in the CFP.

[RedTeamGo!]

You don't have any more to add than that? OSU was blown off the field to the tune of 31-0. That's not deserving of a top 4 seed

That’s hindsight and not what bucksfan was talking about. Unless the committee had the ability to see the future the fact they got killed by Clemson has no bearing on this conversation whatsoever. OSU lost 1 game on the road in a very close game to the eventual B1G champ. To act like their resume was poor is silly. PSU lost to unranked Pitt and got absolutely decimated by UM by 39 points.

The lol is because you were clearly just poking bucksfan.

[Sea Ray]

Washington, MSU, Oregon (Title game), and FSU were all blown off the field. Your argument seems to focus on one choice rather than looking how other teams have fared in the CFP.

To be sure, other choices might be bad too. In fact I'd say it'd be rare if they picked the correct 4 teams every year. More often than not, one or two choices will not be right.

Any team that makes it to the championship game has proven its worth in being in the playoff. That's not OSU from last yr

- - - Updated - - -


That’s hindsight and not what bucksfan was talking about. Unless the committee had the ability to see the future the fact they got killed by Clemson has no bearing on this conversation whatsoever. OSU lost 1 game on the road in a very close game to the eventual B1G champ. To act like their resume was poor is silly.

The lol is because you were clearly just poking bucksfan.

Their resume was lacking because they did not win their conference. For you to say I'm calling it "poor" is silly on your part.

[RedTeamGo!]

The playoff should simply be expanded to 8 teams.

[Sea Ray]

The playoff should simply be expanded to 8 teams.

I'm all for that

[jimbo]

The playoff should simply be expanded to 8 teams.

Do that, it's a guarantee that the argument will then be it should be expanded to 12 teams.

I think it's great the way it is. Start expanding it, the more watered down it gets.

[Sea Ray]

Do that, it's a guarantee that the argument will then be it should be expanded to 12 teams.

I think it's great the way it is. Start expanding it, the more watered down it gets.

The advantage of an 8 team is that conference champions would all get in. That would have allowed PSU and Oklahoma to get in last yr.

[bucksfan2]

The advantage of an 8 team is that conference champions would all get in. That would have allowed PSU and Oklahoma to get in last yr.

Wait you mean the team that was embarrassed by Michigan and the team that was embarrassed by OSU?

[Sea Ray]

Wait you mean the team that was embarrassed by Michigan and the team that was embarrassed by OSU?

I think they would have been good contributors to a playoff. They would have scored vs Clemson

[BuckeyeRed27]

4 team playoff is correct. There have been blowouts every year and there will continue to be blowouts every year no matter the number of teams. When you are playing the best teams with great coaching and that much time to prepare, sometimes the outcomes get lopsided.

[bucksfan2]

4 team playoff is correct. There have been blowouts every year and there will continue to be blowouts every year no matter the number of teams. When you are playing the best teams with great coaching and that much time to prepare, sometimes the outcomes get lopsided.

I would move it to eight, but change the framework around a little bit. If you expand to eight I would want the conference championships reworked, I would also require at least one, maybe even two non-conference power 5 games. It has been a problem in college football for decades, but the current format unequally punishes late seasons losses and glosses over early season losses. At the same time it also ignores the fact that many teams improve substantially as the season goes along.

I also think there is too much weighting on conference championships when most knowledgeable football fans realize the inequity between the divisions. There is little reason that Wisconsin shouldn't head into the B1G title game with one or less losses. On the other side it will be a dogfight with 4 of the top 5 B1G schools. Its been the same in the ACC with Clemson and FSU in the same division, Alabama in essence gets a bye in the SEC title game due to the weakness of the East.

If you aren't going to shake things up, then stay at four, because lord knows by the time you get to the 7th or 8th best team, there could be a significant drop off.

[kaldaniels]

Clemson in trouble right now...

[RedTeamGo!]

Clemson in trouble right now...

Quiet you.

[kaldaniels]

Quiet you.

Ha! I’ve seen this movie many times where the dominant team comes back...but the Orange seem rather feisty tonight.

[kaldaniels]

It’s over.

Dino beats Dabo.

[kaldaniels]

Hell of a salute towards Dino Babers.

He has clawed his way up the coaching ladder and he’s turned SU around in a hurry.

[KronoRed]

Game is on the line they put it in the hands of the punter...

[kaldaniels]

Game is on the line they put it in the hands of the punter...

You know. Dabo was pissed at him and I didn’t see why. I thought it was catchable if the receiver came back a bit more for it. Put it in between 2 defenders.

Bad call but why u mad Dabo?

[Boston Red]

Playing this Cal/Wazzu game is absurd.

[Tom Servo]

Playing this Cal/Wazzu game is absurd.
The air even manages to look bad on TV.

[Tom Servo]

Well this has been an eventful Friday night, Wazzu goes down too.

[GAC]

Well this has been an eventful Friday night, Wazzu goes down too.

Not only did they go down... but they took it up the Wazzu :p

Two top 10 teams going down to unranked opponents.

There are some really interesting match-ups coming up over the next month for several of these top ranked undefeated teams....

IN the SEC, the only challenge I see 'Bama facing is their last game vs Auburn. Same with Georgia, who faces Auburn in November

B1G .... Penn State has Michigan next Saturday, then OSU, then Michigan State ... Wisconsin's only challenge (IMO) is Michigan later in November

B12 .... TCU travels to Norman to face the Sooners in November. Gonna be a shoot-out! I doubt Iowa State can do the same to TCU that they did to the Sooners.

PAC-12 ... I think the only challenge the Huskies may have will possibly be Stanford. But then, we just saw WSU go down to Cal. But the Huskies ain't the Cougars (LOL).

[Sea Ray]

Damn. I missed some good football last night. Two huge shockers. Thanks GAC for not including them in your pick 'ems. I would have picked the favorites with no hesitation.

[oregonred]

37-3 Cal. Wow was 17-3 last I saw...

Crazy week with Oklahoma, Wazzu, Clemson and Michigan all losing to unranked teams

[*BaseClogger*]

Washington St is 5-0 and firmly in the playoff hunt. In fact it looks like they're either headed to the playoffs or the Rose Bowl. Quite a consolation prize. QB Luke Falk looks like an NFL prospect to keep an eye on

So probably Rose Bowl I guess?

[Boston Red]

Embarrassing is not a strong enough word to describe Louisville losing to BC.

[kaldaniels]

Wow I step away a bit and all these late afternoon games have tightened up.

[kaldaniels]

Now UW down 13-0 at the half.

I just want to go to bed!

[Mutaman]

Wisconsin freshman Johnathon Taylor needed about 240 yards to become the first freshman in NCAA history to gain 1000 yards in his first six games. Emmitt Smith, Adrian Peterson, and Marshall Falk did it in seven. Taylor only got 219 yards. He ran out of gas a little in the fourth quarter.

[kaldaniels]

So in the past few minutes UW has missed 27 and 21 yard FG.

Still 13-0 ASU.

[GAC]

Damn. I missed some good football last night. Two huge shockers. Thanks GAC for not including them in your pick 'ems. I would have picked the favorites with no hesitation.

I'll tell ya what buddy .... if I had I think we'd be doing worse off then I think some of us are going to (again) (LOL). You just never know. You had three top 10 teams go down to unranked opponents. Ouch!

But there was some really solid, exciting games yesterday..... one point wins by USC and Miami, and it took a clutch FG by Miami, and a late stop by USC to get the win.

I turned the Auburn-LSU game off when it was 20-0 Auburn - bouncing around to other games - and it simply amazed me how LSU fought back and won that game.

In the SEC I don't see 'Bama getting contested until the championship game, which should be Georgia. IMO, Georgia's for real. So IF 'Bama and Georgia run the table, and the Bulldogs win the SEC Championship game - Georgia's in the CFP, but will 'Bama still make it with that being their lone loss? Or will even Georgia be seriously considered if they loss a close game? Because there are going to one some one loss teams in the CFP this year (LOL).

Of the three top 10 teams that went down this week, I think WSU was the biggest pretender (they got exposed). Of the other two (Clemson, Washington), I think Washington is going to suffer the most from their loss (and they still have to play Stanford which is coming on IMO). Clemson lost their starting QB in their narrow loss to Syracuse, and if they run the table I think that selection committee will take that into consideration if it comes down to it. Remember - they had one loss last year to Pit.

Miami, who is undefeated, will crack the top ten this week - but for how long? They got Syracuse this next week. I don't see them making the CFP. I think they're another pretender.

In the B1G, IMO, it's Penn State and OSU. Wisconsin is undefeated, but the East is pretty weak, and who have the Badgers played? The only ranked team they will face is #17 Michigan later on, and Michigan will fall further in the rankings after next week IMO. Michigan is not in a good place.

[Sea Ray]

So probably Rose Bowl I guess?

Who would have thought a 7 turnover game was in their future? That'll derail anyone's playoff hopes. PAC 12 is wide open now. It'll be fun to watch play out.

[Sea Ray]

I'll tell ya what buddy .... if I had I think we'd be doing worse off then I think some of us are going to (again) (LOL). You just never know. You had three top 10 teams go down to unranked opponents. Ouch!

But there was some really solid, exciting games yesterday..... one point wins by USC and Miami, and it took a clutch FG by Miami, and a late stop by USC to get the win.

I turned the Auburn-LSU game off when it was 20-0 Auburn - bouncing around to other games - and it simply amazed me how LSU fought back and won that game.

In the SEC I don't see 'Bama getting contested until the championship game, which should be Georgia. IMO, Georgia's for real. So IF 'Bama and Georgia run the table, and the Bulldogs win the SEC Championship game - Georgia's in the CFP, but will 'Bama still make it with that being their lone loss? Or will even Georgia be seriously considered if they loss a close game? Because there are going to one some one loss teams in the CFP this year (LOL).

Of the three top 10 teams that went down this week, I think WSU was the biggest pretender (they got exposed). Of the other two (Clemson, Washington), I think Washington is going to suffer the most from their loss (and they still have to play Stanford which is coming on IMO). Clemson lost their starting QB in their narrow loss to Syracuse, and if they run the table I think that selection committee will take that into consideration if it comes down to it. Remember - they had one loss last year to Pit.

Miami, who is undefeated, will crack the top ten this week - but for how long? They got Syracuse this next week. I don't see them making the CFP. I think they're another pretender.

In the B1G, IMO, it's Penn State and OSU. Wisconsin is undefeated, but the East is pretty weak, and who have the Badgers played? The only ranked team they will face is #17 Michigan later on, and Michigan will fall further in the rankings after next week IMO. Michigan is not in a good place.

Exciting week indeed. Actually it was 4 top 10 teams going down to unranked opponents. Don't forget Auburn losing to LSU. That doesn't happen every yr but it's fun and makes things interesting. UW is helped by not having USC on its schedule.

[Boston Red]

Anyone else get uncomfortable every time ESPN rolls out Lee Corso.

[RedTeamGo!]

Anyone else get uncomfortable every time ESPN rolls out Lee Corso.

Lol, nah, seems like a nice dude and he really does love college football.

[WVRed]

Lol, nah, seems like a nice dude and he really does love college football.

Same. I view him the same way as Dick Vitale. The passion they have is unmatched by any of their colleagues, but the shtick is annoying.

[Boston Red]

Dick Vitale still has his faculties. Corso is like Dick Clark on his last few New Years Eves.

[Assembly Hall]

Same. I view him the same way as Dick Vitale. The passion they have is unmatched by any of their colleagues, but the shtick is annoying.

Back in the day, when Lee was the HC at IU there was a Lee Corso show on every Sunday that I watched. He was the same back then as he is now.

[RedTeamGo!]

Corso is like Dick Clark on his last few New Years Eves.

No.

[WVRed]

Dick Vitale still has his faculties. Corso is like Dick Clark on his last few New Years Eves.

Vitale makes a living talking about everything but the game he’s actually calling:

https://www.cardchronicle.com/2007/1/23/51024/3678

[JaxRed]

Florida State 2-4 !! Whew.

[Boston Red]

At the beginning of the year, I would have expected a Louisville win in Tallahassee to be more satisfying. But it was still great.

[WVRed]

At the beginning of the year, I would have expected a Louisville win in Tallahassee to be more satisfying. But it was still great.

What is wrong with Louisville this year? Between the BC loss and having to win on aFG against a FSU squad down their starting QB they don’t seem as dominant as last year (until the last three games)

[Boston Red]

What is wrong with Louisville this year? Between the BC loss and having to win on aFG against a FSU squad down their starting QB they don’t seem as dominant as last year (until the last three games)

Mostly a bad defense. But I won't turn my nose up at a win in Tallahassee. That's still a really nice win.

[GAC]

Lol, nah, seems like a nice dude and he really does love college football.

Yep. Give the guy a break. He likes to have fun. That's just the way he is. And I thoroughly enjoy watching him and Herbstreit.

https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/8/31/16233224/lee-corso-kirk-herbstreit-college-gameday


He’s the guy that if you go to a party, there’s 12 people standing around him, and everyone’s laughing. I don’t care where he is. He could be at the White House. It doesn't matter where he is. Lee Corso is standing, and there are 12 to 15 people around him, and everybody’s got a huge smile on their face, and they’re laughing at one of his stories.

That’s just who he is, and that’s who he’s been since I’ve known him.

The F-bomb clip from a few years back (link above), which is hilarious, tells you everything you need to know about Lee (LOL)

[IslandRed]

What is wrong with Louisville this year?

Not as much as is wrong with FSU. It's been a Murphy's-Law kind of season so far, every game except Bama (where we slugged it out pretty evenly but blew the game on special teams) has gone down to the wire. Could easily be 5-1 and still in the playoff hunt. Could just as easily be 0-6. Knife edges are sharp.

[kaldaniels]

NC Odds

Any value plays?

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/futures/

[bucksfan2]

NC Odds

Any value plays?

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/futures/

Georgia.

If, and its a huge if, Georgia beats Alabama in the title game, the odds for everyone else go up substantially.

[JaxRed]

Florida State 2-4 !! Whew.

Florida State 2-5 !! Whew.

[Boston Red]

No bowl for FSU. I wonder if they'll win again. Granted, strange as it is to say, BC is actually really good right now.

Oh, just looked at the schedule. They'll certainly beat Delaware State.

[Sea Ray]

How much of FSU's fall is due to the loss of their QB in the opener?

[Assembly Hall]

How much of FSU's fall is due to the loss of their QB in the opener?

I would say that plays a huge part into it.

[JaxRed]

No bowl for FSU. I wonder if they'll win again. Granted, strange as it is to say, BC is actually really good right now.

Oh, just looked at the schedule. They'll certainly beat Delaware State.

I heard a rumor on local sports radio here in town that FSU was working on rescheduling their cancelled game with Louisiana Monroe in order to get 6 wins and be bowl eligible. Of course, that was before the BC game.

[Revering4Blue]

I would say that plays a huge part into it.


How much of FSU's fall is due to the loss of their QB in the opener?

This about covers it.


Yes, losing Deondre Francois was a problem. While he’s a talent, it’s not like losing Lamar Jackson, or Baker Mayfield, or Sam Darnold.

Other teams had quarterback issues, too, and managed to keep on going. Georgia replaced Jacob Eason early on with a true freshman, and it’s doing fine. Texas A&M had to put in Kellen Mond right away, and the team has been solid.

Iowa State beat Oklahoma with a guy brought in off the streets – and that’s only a slight exaggeration.

This is a Florida State team that still is more than good enough to overcome the loss of Francois. But it doesn’t have it.

What happened? The offensive line was a nightmare early on, and it hasn’t been fixed.

The Florida State offensive line, coming into this game, was 127th in the nation in tackles for loss allowed, and 122nd in sacks given up. It allowed two sacks and six tackles for loss to the Eagles.

There hasn’t been any room for the running game, and there hasn’t been much time for James Blackman to work.

As for the defense, with all that talent, and all those great players in the secondary, the Noles are getting shoved around, they’re not making plays, and they’re not forcing takeaways with just five on the year.

http://collegefootballnews.com/2017/10/florida-state-college-football-most-disappointing-team-boston-college-35-fsu-3http://

[JaxRed]

Penn State - We take pride in having some of the ugliest uniforms in football.

Buckeyes - Hold My Beer.

[Boston Red]

So Louisville and Florida State are the two worst teams in the ACC's Atlantic Division. Did not see that coming.

[Sea Ray]

Penn State - We take pride in having some of the ugliest uniforms in football.

Buckeyes - Hold My Beer.

Ohio State sure isn't getting the calls. If they end up losing there will be hell to pay

[Roy Tucker]

Ohio State sure isn't getting the calls. If they end up losing there will be hell to pay

OSU has been making waaay too many mistakes and penalties.

And as soon as I say that, they block a punt.

[Tom Servo]

Wow, Iowa State upsets #4 TCU (who I thought had kind of an easy schedule up to this point)

[JaxRed]

A lot of rumors floating around that Florida might fire McElwain.

[WVRed]

Wow, Iowa State upsets #4 TCU (who I thought had kind of an easy schedule up to this point)

Iowa State is for real. If not for losses to Iowa and Texas they’d be in the thick of the CFP. Beating TCU and Oklahoma is exceptional.

I think Georgia loses at Auburn to throw the CFP into deeper chaos.

[kaldaniels]

Iowa State is for real. If not for losses to Iowa and Texas they’d be in the thick of the CFP. Beating TCU and Oklahoma is exceptional.

I think Georgia loses at Auburn to throw the CFP into deeper chaos.

See I think SEC is only gettin’ one team in and that’s Bama. Georgia is inconsequential until they beat St. Nick.

[WVRed]

See I think SEC is only gettin’ one team in and that’s Bama. Georgia is inconsequential until they beat St. Nick.

If Georgia runs the table and loses close in the championship it’s possible both get in.

[RedTeamGo!]

Holla at ya boy, Matt Campbell!

[kaldaniels]

If Georgia runs the table and loses close in the championship it’s possible both get in.

That’s been a narrative but I don’t see it happening. Just like you don’t see UGA beating Auburn.

Or let me put it another way. It will take much more than Auburn beating UGA to allow UGA to cause playoff chaos.

[Chip R]

Iowa State is for real. If not for losses to Iowa and Texas they’d be in the thick of the CFP. Beating TCU and Oklahoma is exceptional.

I think Georgia loses at Auburn to throw the CFP into deeper chaos.

I am stunned to agree with you about ISU.

[kaldaniels]

I am stunned to agree with you about ISU.

Along those lines, Lincoln Riley today said the Big 12 is the best conference in college football. Anyone want to agree with that?

[Tom Servo]

RichRod's Wildcats could be putting the stake through the heart of Washington State, it's 44-30 Arizona in the 4th.

[kaldaniels]

RichRod's Wildcats could be putting the stake through the heart of Washington State, it's 44-30 Arizona in the 4th.

Well I was going to turn that on but now it's 51-30.

[KronoRed]

51-37 now, never over with pass a lot offense.

[kaldaniels]

Well I was going to turn that on but now it's 51-30.

51-37 Ok, I'm in.

[Revering4Blue]

Khalil Tate vs. Sam Darnold (Two total offense machines) next week in the Coliseum.

Must see TV.

[Assembly Hall]

Along those lines, Lincoln Riley today said the Big 12 is the best conference in college football. Anyone want to agree with that?

Right here, right now. I agree with that.

[Chip R]

Along those lines, Lincoln Riley today said the Big 12 is the best conference in college football. Anyone want to agree with that?

They may be too good for their own good. If they keep beating each other up they may be on the outside looking in at the CFP.

[JaxRed]

Assuming Bama beats Georgia in the SEC Title game, there's no way Georgia gets in unless everyone else has 2 losses. Now if Georgia edges Bama, there's a chance.

[Assembly Hall]

They may be too good for their own good. If they keep beating each other up they may be on the outside looking in at the CFP.

Pretty much my thoughts as well.

[Boston Red]

Assuming Bama beats Georgia in the SEC Title game, there's no way Georgia gets in unless everyone else has 2 losses. Now if Georgia edges Bama, there's a chance.

I can definitely see Georgia slipping in there. Particularly if they kill people along the way and Notre Dame is 11-1.

[kaldaniels]

Way too early and a lot of wrenches can get thrown into this. But my 4 playoff teams (slots)...

1) Bama/UGA
2) OSU/PSU/UW
3) Clemson/UM/ND
4) OU/TCU/Ok St

Obvioulsy a scenario where say Clemson and ND both get in could easily happen, but that’s how I see it shaking out at this point.

[*BaseClogger*]

Way too early and a lot of wrenches can get thrown into this. But my 4 playoff teams (slots)...

1) Bama/UGA
2) OSU/PSU/UW
3) Clemson/UM/ND
4) OU/TCU/Ok St

Obvioulsy a scenario where say Clemson and ND both get in could easily happen, but that’s how I see it shaking out at this point.

In what scenario does PSU get in over OSU/UW?

[Boston Red]

In what scenario does PSU get in over OSU/UW?

OSU loses to Michigan and then beats Wisconsin?

[GAC]

How important is winning a conference championship game in determining the four team play-offs? Does it, or should it, still carry as much weight in that decision-making process? And not having (playing) in a conference conference championship game can hurt you (as we've possibly seen with the B12). You can get snubbed. And this year, IMO, I think it's going to be really hard for the B12 to get a team (OU, TCU) in it again this year.

And we've seen from the past how it can cut both ways ..... http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/12343527/value-conference-championship-game

SEC .... It appears that Georgia and 'Bama will face off in the SEC Championship. Both have to face #16 Auburn. But even if Georgia should somehow lose to Auburn (not impossible) they'd still win their division and be in that championship game. But how far would that late season loss drop them as far as the CFP ranking? Now with 'Bama it's different.... if they manage to lose to Auburn, then both would have a conference loss, but the tie-breaker would put Auburn in the SEC championship game (like PSU last year with OSU). So there's that possibility (slim) that a 2-loss Auburn team could make the CFP? I don't see that scenario playing itself out, but Auburn has had two close losses to Clemson and LSU. Of course all of this could be put to rest this weekend when they face off vs Texas A&M.

I see only one SEC team making the CFP, and it will be the winner of the SEC.

B1G .... I don't see the current scenario of OSU-Wisconsin in the championship game changing. IMO, the only "test" standing in either's way is OSU has #24 MSU at home, and Wisconsin plays unranked Michigan at home. The loser of the B1G championship game won't make the post-season.

The PAC-12 and ACC, IMO, are harder to call, still too much uncertainty.

Stanford sits atop the North, while USC sits atop the South. USC has to travel to Arizona this week (just destroyed WSU), while three of the four remaining games Stanford has are against WSU, UW, and then Notre Dame. I just don't see any PAC-12 team being one of those 4 CFP teams. The Huskies have the best shot (#12), but we'll see. Just my opinion.

In the ACC .... NC State leads the Atlantic, but they host Clemson this weekend. Miami leads the Coastal, and they have VT this coming weekend. I think the team that has the best shot of making the CFP is Clemson.

B12? .... Iowa State, IMO, put a big hurtin' on either Oklahoma or TCU making the CFP. And ISU is leading the conference (tie-breaker at this stage). They have WV and OK State over the next two weeks. Oklahoma has OSU next week ... but then faces off with TCU. I just don't see the B12 making the CFP.

That leaves me with the one lone independent (Notre Dame). If those guys run the table, with the likes of Wake Forest, #9 Miami. #18 Stanford (SoS is #7), then. IMO, the're in (and deservedly so). Of the four teams ranked above them, two of them will end up suffering a loss if they make it top their respective championship games. Which is the opening. IMO, for ND and Clemson to slip in.

If I had to pick a CFP play-off at this stage, it would be 'Bama, OSU, Notre Dame, and Clemson. But what the hell do I know? ;)

[Boston Red]

The Big XII has a conference championship game this year, by the way. The problem, at this point, though is that it's hard to imagine anyone other than Iowa State winning it, and they're not getting into the playoff even if they win out (which will be pretty lucky for the other teams in the playoff as those guys are en fuego).

[GAC]

OSU loses to Michigan and then beats Wisconsin?

That still wouldn't put PSU in the CFP. Yeah, under your scenario both OSU and PSU would have a conference loss, but OSU would still go to the B1G Championship game because OSU beat PSU head-to head (tie breaker).

But if OSU loses to an unranked Michigan team, but still wins the B1G Championship, I still don't see them making the CFP.

[*BaseClogger*]

OSU loses to Michigan and then beats Wisconsin?

Interesting. Michigan could play the spoiler role they relished so much in the 1990s. I think the argument of including Penn State over other potential one-loss teams that made their conference championship game (Wisconsin, Alabama/Georgia) would be tough. Depending on the conditions of a loss to Michigan, would I be crazy to think an OSU team that say destroys UW in the Champ Game still deserves the spot in the playoff?

[GAC]

The Big XII has a conference championship game this year, by the way. The problem, at this point, though is that it's hard to imagine anyone other than Iowa State winning it, and they're not getting into the playoff even if they win out (which will be pretty lucky for the other teams in the playoff as those guys are en fuego).

Just read where the B12 will take the top two finishers in the regular season and have them compete for the Conference Championship.

[Sea Ray]

That still wouldn't put PSU in the CFP. Yeah, under your scenario both OSU and PSU would have a conference loss, but OSU would still go to the B1G Championship game because OSU beat PSU head-to head (tie breaker).

But if OSU loses to an unranked Michigan team, but still wins the B1G Championship, I still don't see them making the CFP.

I don't think Boston was saying that OSU would get in under that scenario but PSU might.

[GAC]

Interesting. Michigan could play the spoiler role they relished so much in the 1990s. I think the argument of including Penn State over other potential one-loss teams that made their conference championship game (Wisconsin, Alabama/Georgia) would be tough. Depending on the conditions of a loss to Michigan, would I be crazy to think an OSU team that say destroys UW in the Champ Game still deserves the spot in the playoff?

While stranger things have happened in the "politics" of college football ... I just don't see the committee putting a 2 loss OSU team in there (losing to a unranked Michigan), even if they destroy Wisconsin in the Championship Game. And I personally don't think they deserved to be in there either under that scenario.

[Sea Ray]

Interesting. Michigan could play the spoiler role they relished so much in the 1990s. I think the argument of including Penn State over other potential one-loss teams that made their conference championship game (Wisconsin, Alabama/Georgia) would be tough. Depending on the conditions of a loss to Michigan, would I be crazy to think an OSU team that say destroys UW in the Champ Game still deserves the spot in the playoff?

It would take a crazy scenario for a 2 loss team to make the CFP, especially one that lost in late Nov.

[GAC]

I don't think Boston was saying that OSU would get in under that scenario but PSU might.

I understood that. BaseClogger asked "In what scenario does PSU get in over OSU/UW?" Boston replied "OSU loses to Michigan and then beats Wisconsin?"

If OSU manages to lose to Michigan, then that makes two-loss OSU's chances of making the CFP pretty nil. Winning the B1G would only become consolatory. IMO, if his scenario plays out, then the B1G is left out. The B1G's only chance is if OSU and Wisconsin win out - then the winner of that Championship game is in.

[Sea Ray]

I understood that. BaseClogger asked "In what scenario does PSU get in over OSU/UW?" Boston replied "OSU loses to Michigan and then beats Wisconsin?"

If OSU manages to lose to Michigan, then that makes two-loss OSU's chances of making the CFP pretty nil. Winning the B1G would only become consolatory. IMO, if his scenario plays out, then the B1G is left out. The B1G's only chance is if OSU and Wisconsin win out - then the winner of that Championship game is in.

I think we all get that any two loss team is out but I could be wrong about that.

[Boston Red]

Iowa State is the only team that could finish with two losses that I think would merit serious consideration.

[Chip R]

Iowa State is the only team that could finish with two losses that I think would merit serious consideration.

Growing up in Iowa this just boggles my mind that ISU is even in this position.

[Boston Red]

Growing up in Iowa this just boggles my mind that ISU is even in this position.

They were 31 point underdogs at Oklahoma. Thirty-one points.

[*BaseClogger*]

Iowa State is the only team that could finish with two losses that I think would merit serious consideration.

What would give them a better resume than a 2-loss OSU (assuming a B1G Championship Game victory over Wisconsin)?

[Boston Red]

What would give them a better resume than a 2-loss OSU (assuming a B1G Championship Game victory over Wisconsin)?

Oklahoma, TCU, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma again. Plus, the "momentum factor". Ohio State would have lost much more recently, and it would make it harder to argue they're one of the 4 best right now. I'm honestly not sure I'd feel comfortable favoring Alabama over Iowa State on a neutral field right now.

OK, i would, but no one is hotter than the Cyclones.

[Boston Red]

Also, Ohio State would not have beaten as single team of consequence on the road if they lose at Michigan.

[Assembly Hall]

Let us see what Iowa St. does in Morgantown.

[Chip R]

They were 31 point underdogs at Oklahoma. Thirty-one points.

Not to mention their starting QB had just left the team.

[*BaseClogger*]

All good points. We'll have to see how the resumes look when the dust settles. It wouldn't surprise me for Oklahoma/Oklahoma State/TCU all to lose at least once more, and that wins over Penn State and Wisconsin end up being much more impressive...

[GAC]

Oklahoma, TCU, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma again. Plus, the "momentum factor". Ohio State would have lost much more recently, and it would make it harder to argue they're one of the 4 best right now. I'm honestly not sure I'd feel comfortable favoring Alabama over Iowa State on a neutral field right now.

OK, i would, but no one is hotter than the Cyclones.

You bring up some valuable points concerning Iowa State. And to be quite honest with you, I'd love to see a "cinderella" team, that underdog ... a team that historically hasn't a snowball chance in hell of getting into the play-offs because they are overshadowed by the "bigger" national programs" ... FOR ONCE make it instead of the Alabamas, the Ohio States, etc. that always seem to get in there.

And yes, right now, over the past month, the Cyclones are playing solid football. But even though they're "hot" right now, and may have momentum ..... that cannot overshadow the fact, nor should it when it comes to that committee, that this team did suffer two losses to two very mediocre, and currently unranked, teams (Iowa, Texas). And I don't say that to "defend" a two-loss OSU getting in either.

Lets be honest ... while these types of discussions are interesting ... we're debating an imaginary scenario where the selection committee has to make the hard choice between which two-loss team (ISU or OSU) to put into the CFP.

I think for that scenario to even present itself, then those other one-loss teams sniffing OSU's tail feathers in the rankings would have to have incurred a second loss. In other words, it would almost be like a "meltdown" scenario where that committee has to make a choice of a two-loss team.

Then, and only then, could we then begin the debate, on which two-loss team should get in (LOL). But even then, if it came down to all those two-loss teams, IMO, ISU would not be in the discussion while OSU MIGHT. But then that, IMO, is where the "politics" enters the discussion ..... which program draws the most fans to bowl games, would nationally grab the ratings, would be a economic boon to the game locally as far as $$$$?

But again ... I don't see any two-loss team, whoever they are, making the CFP.

[Boston Red]

But again ... I don't see any two-loss team, whoever they are, making the CFP.

Ultimately, I agree. Given the circumstances, I'm just saying Iowa State is the only team I could see getting to the end of the year with 2 losses and really having a legitimate claim.

Also, keep in mind that Iowa State would definitely jump Ohio State the last week of the season if Ohio State loses to Michigan. And there's no way Ohio State would jump back over Iowa State with a win over Wisconsin while Iowa State was beating Oklahoma the same weekend. The dynamics of how the rankings work would not be in Ohio State's favor in that scenario.

[Boston Red]

Taking another look at the rankings, I guess you'd also have to give Auburn a hard look if they finish with two losses (depending on how everything else shakes out). That would mean wins over #1 Alabama one week followed by a win over #1 Georgia the following week.

EDIT: Didn't realize Auburn still has Georgia in the regular season. So that would be wins over #2 Georgia, #1 Alabama and then #4 or 5ish Georgia again. Solid.

[kaldaniels]

I mentioned it elsewhere but PSU is kinda where OSU was at this point last year. They need help but if the dust clears and we got a couple 2-loss conference Champions, PSU is definitely in play.’ They pretty much need OSU to lose though.

I actually can see it coming down to 1-loss PSU/ND/UM/UGA and a 2-loss conference champion all arguing for the final spot. Maybe we won’t get dealt a straight like that but something along those lines is very possible.

[kaldaniels]

And I’ll put it out there - I followed the committee criteria last year and while the criteria is debatable it made sense that OSU got in over PSU last year. So no bones about it if PSU has one loss at the end of the year and OSU has 2 but wins the Big 10...I support PSU getting in over OSU.

[RedTeamGo!]

You keep typing “UM” and my immediate reaction is “well, Kal is high.”

[GAC]

And I’ll put it out there - I followed the committee criteria last year and while the criteria is debatable it made sense that OSU got in over PSU last year. So no bones about it if PSU has one loss at the end of the year and OSU has 2 but wins the Big 10...I support PSU getting in over OSU.

And I would too. But under that scenario I don't see either getting in. OSU for sure wouldn't IMO. But even if PSU wins out, IMO, they're still going to need some "help" when it comes to the other teams currently ranked above them. But it's not an impossible scenario. OSU gets knocked out by Michigan .... OSU knocks the Badgers out by winning the B1G championship. There's two of the teams ranked above them gone. And if I had to choose between a one-loss PSU or Wisconsin, PSU gets the nod IMO based on SoS (PSU 24th, Wisconsin 69th). Put PSU won't need that nod because if Wisconsin loses in the B!G Championship they'll probably drop out of the top 10.

Alabama or Georgia is going to end up with a loss. I just don't know how far it will drop the loser?

Notre Dame is currently #5, but has a tough schedule remaining. If they win out, then other then the loser of the SEC Championship game (depending on margin of victory), they'd be the strongest one-loss team IMO. So it's not an impossibility at all for PSU to move up 3 spots when their only loss was by one pt to a solid OSU team.

[kaldaniels]

And I would too. But under that scenario I don't see either getting in. OSU for sure wouldn't IMO. But even if PSU wins out, IMO, they're still going to need some "help" when it comes to the other teams currently ranked above them. But it's not an impossible scenario. OSU gets knocked out by Michigan .... OSU knocks the Badgers out by winning the B1G championship. There's two of the teams ranked above them gone. And if I had to choose between a one-loss PSU or Wisconsin, PSU gets the nod IMO based on SoS (PSU 24th, Wisconsin 69th). Put PSU won't need that nod because if Wisconsin loses in the B!G Championship they'll probably drop out of the top 10.

Alabama or Georgia is going to end up with a loss. I just don't know how far it will drop the loser?

Notre Dame is currently #5, but has a tough schedule remaining. If they win out, then other then the loser of the SEC Championship game (depending on margin of victory), they'd be the strongest one-loss team IMO. So it's not an impossibility at all for PSU to move up 3 spots when their only loss was by one pt to a solid OSU team.

Yeah, PSU would certainly not be a lock if OSU loses. But I'd say at minimum if they run the table and OSU loses PSU would be right there in the dogfight for the 4th spot.

[kaldaniels]

I'm trying to decide if I should view UW (Washington RTG!) as a threat to end up with 1-loss. That's your spoiler team right there folks. (Spoiler in the sense that they'd spare us from possible chaos) They really don't have an impressive win yet and ASU smothered them.

[GAC]

I'm trying to decide if I should view UW (Washington RTG!) as a threat to end up with 1-loss. That's your spoiler team right there folks. (Spoiler in the sense that they'd spare us from possible chaos) They really don't have an impressive win yet and ASU smothered them.

I say the same thing about the two undefeated teams - #4 Wisconsin and #9 Miami.

Miami has room to impress if they win out because they have two tough games coming up vs #13 VT and #5 ND, plus if they're able to win the ACC Championship game (vs Clemson IMO).

But Wisconsin? :barf:

[kaldaniels]

I say the same thing about the two undefeated teams - #4 Wisconsin and #9 Miami.

Miami has room to impress if they win out because they have two tough games coming up vs #13 VT and #5 ND, plus if they're able to win the ACC Championship game (vs Clemson IMO).

But Wisconsin? :barf:

Yeah I don't believe in them either. Man the Big 10 is out of balance as far as the divisions are concerned. I'd be upfront about it and just fluidly switch teams around every few years if need be - big deal. UM/OSU/MSU/PSU on one side and UW/Neb (ha!) on the other side is going to cost the Big 10 some money/prestige at some point.

[Chip R]

Yeah I don't believe in them either. Man the Big 10 is out of balance as far as the divisions are concerned. I'd be upfront about it and just fluidly switch teams around every few years if need be - big deal. UM/OSU/MSU/PSU on one side and UW/Neb (ha!) on the other side is going to cost the Big 10 some money/prestige at some point.

SEC is basically the same way.

[Sea Ray]

SEC is basically the same way.

Except for Georgia

[kaldaniels]

Bama is so top-heavy right now they will throw off any division they are in. I have faith UGA/UT/UF will keep things respectable on their side most seasons. (Granted it hasn’t been pretty)

The Big 10 has their 3 power programs on one side, and UW and MSU kinda cancel each other out. I’d love for Nebraska to come back but I worry their cornfed brand of football has slid down the slippery slope and ain’t coming back.

Either way as far as each Conference goes, if it gets obviously out of balance just straighten it up.

[GAC]

The Big 10 has their 3 power programs on one side .....Either way as far as each Conference goes, if it gets obviously out of balance just straighten it up.

But do you think the B1G did that intentionally? They knew what they were doing.

Put the perennial power programs in one division to battle it out, beat up on each other, to win that division ..... put the "weaker" ones in the other to do the same. If you split those power programs up in each division then wouldn't they, for the most part, be dominating each respective conference, be in the championship game? And not that they have much of a chance now - but at least being in the "weaker" division gives them a shot, some hope (LOL).

[Sea Ray]

But do you think the B1G did that intentionally? They knew what they were doing.

Put the perennial power programs in one division to battle it out, beat up on each other, to win that division ..... put the "weaker" ones in the other to do the same. If you split those power programs up in each division then wouldn't they, for the most part, be dominating each respective conference, be in the championship game? And not that they have much of a chance now - but at least being in the "weaker" division gives them a shot, some hope (LOL).

By splitting them up they run the risk of them playing twice in a season and trust me, as a Tennessee fan, that can suck. The team you beat fair and square in the reg season can beat you in the championship game

[Assembly Hall]

But do you think the B1G did that intentionally? They knew what they were doing.

Put the perennial power programs in one division to battle it out, beat up on each other, to win that division ..... put the "weaker" ones in the other to do the same. If you split those power programs up in each division then wouldn't they, for the most part, be dominating each respective conference, be in the championship game? And not that they have much of a chance now - but at least being in the "weaker" division gives them a shot, some hope (LOL).

No, I don't think they knew what they were doing. Basically went East/West which is geographically correct, but why didn't they go North/South? Now that would have made better sense. Take the B1G West and move Michigan and Michigan St. into it and becomes the B1G North. Take the B1G East and move Illinois and Purdue into it and it becomes the B1G South. Pretty simple in my book.

[*BaseClogger*]

No, I don't think they knew what they were doing. Basically went East/West which is geographically correct, but why didn't they go North/South? Now that would have made better sense. Take the B1G West and move Michigan and Michigan St. into it and becomes the B1G North. Take the B1G East and move Illinois and Purdue into it and it becomes the B1G South. Pretty simple in my book.

I agree this makes the most sense, but as an OSU fan I simply don't want to play Michigan twice in a season EVER...

[Assembly Hall]

I agree this makes the most sense, but as an OSU fan I simply don't want to play Michigan twice in a season EVER...

Well you would probably want to play them again if they beat you the first time! Keeping in mind the second time would be on a neutral field.

[WVRed]

So Georgia is number one and not Bama.

Also surprised Ohio State AND Oklahoma are on the outside looking in. I didn’t think the Penn State win would spring Ohio State, but Oklahoma’s loss to a very good Iowa State team should get them in over a Clemson team that lost at Syracuse.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Boston Red]

Kinda goofy, but the early playoff rankings almost always are. You get some manufactured controversy, things play themselves out on the field, and everyone gets what they want. Generally.

[kaldaniels]

Kinda goofy, but the early playoff rankings almost always are. You get some manufactured controversy, things play themselves out on the field, and everyone gets what they want. Generally.

I’m fine with rankings. But they present them as “these are the 4 teams would would make he playoffs today.” That makes no sense and is of no consequence. Just give us the rankings and acknowledge the top-4 is meaningless.

[GAC]

I really have no issue with the current CFP ranking. I think we all know that it's not going to stay this way (LOL).

The only reasoning I can figure out why Clemson shot to #4 is their SoS (#4). But again, they had the worst loss among the one-loss teams (Syracuse).

Alabama has not beaten an opponent currently ranked, and have only one win over a Power Five opponent currently with a winning record ( Texas A&M 5-3). Georgia has two solid wins over ranked teams (#3 ND and #17 Mississippi State). Both have to face #14 Auburn. But one of these SEC teams will be eliminated, IMO, after their championship game.

Looking at the way the Sooners have played - I think they go down at some point. Whether that's this week vs Oklahoma State, the following week vs TCU, or at season's end in Morgantown, I see them getting another loss. And then there's the B12 Championship game that pits the top two finishers. ISU sits atop because they beat both OU and TCU. But they've got WV (away), and then #11 Oklahoma State over the next two weeks. I'd love to see them make that championship game, and this time plant that flag in whiny Mayfield's *** LOL

Notre Dame may have the tougher road, as far as games remaining - and I hope there's no letdown vs Wake Forest this Saturday - but I think they'll win out vs #10 Miami (who hasn't played anyone, been tested), and #21 Stanford (2 losses, one of those to SDSU ... barely got by a terrible ORST last week 15-14 .. and will probably fall from the top 25 because they have #25 WSU and #12 WASH over the next two weeks). But, it's the last regular season game and it's AT Stanford, so we'll see.

[WVRed]

I really have no issue with the current CFP ranking. I think we all know that it's not going to stay this way (LOL).

The only reasoning I can figure out why Clemson shot to #4 is their SoS (#4). But again, they had the worst loss among the one-loss teams (Syracuse).

Alabama has not beaten an opponent currently ranked, and have only one win over a Power Five opponent currently with a winning record ( Texas A&M 5-3). Georgia has two solid wins over ranked teams (#3 ND and #17 Mississippi State). Both have to face #14 Auburn. But one of these SEC teams will be eliminated, IMO, after their championship game.

Looking at the way the Sooners have played - I think they go down at some point. Whether that's this week vs Oklahoma State, the following week vs TCU, or at season's end in Morgantown, I see them getting another loss. And then there's the B12 Championship game that pits the top two finishers. ISU sits atop because they beat both OU and TCU. But they've got WV (away), and then #11 Oklahoma State over the next two weeks. I'd love to see them make that championship game, and this time plant that flag in whiny Mayfield's *** LOL

Notre Dame may have the tougher road, as far as games remaining - and I hope there's no letdown vs Wake Forest this Saturday - but I think they'll win out vs #10 Miami (who hasn't played anyone, been tested), and #21 Stanford (2 losses, one of those to SDSU ... barely got by a terrible ORST last week 15-14 .. and will probably fall from the top 25 because they have #25 WSU and #12 WASH over the next two weeks). But, it's the last regular season game and it's AT Stanford, so we'll see.

Oklahoma plays WVU at Oklahoma.

Georgia (and possibly Alabama) may very well lose to Auburn before the conference championship.

[Chip R]

I’m fine with rankings. But they present them as “these are the 4 teams would would make he playoffs today.” That makes no sense and is of no consequence. Just give us the rankings and acknowledge the top-4 is meaningless.

It's done for attention purposes so people like us will talk about who's ranked and who isn't and how the committee either got it right or is full of it. It certainly works. If they didn't want all this controversy they would reveal the final four after the last games have been played.

[GAC]

It's done for attention purposes so people like us will talk about who's ranked and who isn't and how the committee either got it right or is full of it. It certainly works. If they didn't want all this controversy they would reveal the final four after the last games have been played.


See, this is why I'm always telling people you're not as dumb as you look! :mooner:

[GAC]

Georgia (and possibly Alabama) may very well lose to Auburn before the conference championship.

Oh, I absolutely agree. I'm certainly not going to try and take anything away from either Georgia or Alabama. Solid programs. But they're SoS is ranked 51 and 55 respectively.

Auburn has two losses, but to who? Both were very close losses ... they lost in the second week to then #3 Clemson 14-6 ... and then to LSU (now ranked #19) away 27-23. And Auburn has both Georgia and Alabama at home too.

What happens to the CFP if somehow Auburn beats both? LOL

[Assembly Hall]

What happens to the CFP if somehow Auburn beats both? LOL

Am I right in thinking that if the Tigers win out, they would be the SEC West champs? If that is the case that would probably mean a rematch with a 1 loss UGA team in the SEC championship. If they win again, they would definitely be in the discussion. Some dominoes would have to fall, but they could be a 2 loss team that makes it.

[*BaseClogger*]

Am I right in thinking that if the Tigers win out, they would be the SEC West champs? If that is the case that would probably mean a rematch with a 1 loss UGA team in the SEC championship. If they win again, they would definitely be in the discussion. Some dominoes would have to fall, but they could be a 2 loss team that makes it.

Yeah, I don't think a PAC-12 team finishes the season with less than two losses. If that's the case, I can't see a two-loss PAC-12 champion or a team that doesn't win its conference being included over the SEC Champ (and rightfully so IMO)...

[Assembly Hall]

Just for conversation purposes. Let's say Auburn wins out and is the SEC champ. The Pac-12 and Big-12 also have no teams with 1 loss. Clemson runs the table. Notre Dame does as well. Then we got the B1G. What if Whiskey runs the table and loses a nail biter to tOSU in the championship game? Just for conversation purposes.

[*BaseClogger*]

Just for conversation purposes. Let's say Auburn wins out and is the SEC champ. The Pac-12 and Big-12 also have no teams with 1 loss. Clemson runs the table. Notre Dame does as well. Then we got the B1G. What if Whiskey runs the table and loses a nail biter to tOSU in the championship game? Just for conversation purposes.

Then I think your playoff would be:

Clemson
OSU
Auburn
Notre Dame

[bucksfan2]

Just for conversation purposes. Let's say Auburn wins out and is the SEC champ. The Pac-12 and Big-12 also have no teams with 1 loss. Clemson runs the table. Notre Dame does as well. Then we got the B1G. What if Whiskey runs the table and loses a nail biter to tOSU in the championship game? Just for conversation purposes.

If Auburn wins out and wins the West, that puts Alabama in an OSU situation from last year. I think Alabama gets in over Auburn in this situation, but their loss happened in the last weekend of the regular season so that may make this a little different.

FWIW Alabama's schedule has been garbage this season, which may hurt them.

[bucksfan2]

I was thinking about the state of the bowls in college football and what it will look like in a few years.

With the exception of the CFP, most bowl games have lost a ton of their luster. Last season you had some big name players either sit out (McCaffery) or quit on their team prior to kickoff (Peppers.) I think you will continue to see the numbers of players sitting out escalate over the years. I also think the lesser bowls, which once had some luster, have been rendered meaningless with the shear number of teams making bowl games. Fans don't want to go to to a third rate bowl game to watch their 6-6 team play, unless is Florida in the middle of winter. I am wondering if we will see a point over the next 5 years where the CFP expands and the bowls are no longer played.

I think there could be a few tweeks to make this easier on everyone. You would have to give the Group of 5 some money from a playoff because their teams wouldn't be going to bowl games. There also should be extended practice time for all teams, that month at the end of the season is often very important for young teams. But scrap the bowls and give me a 16 team playoff, would anyone really care?

[GAC]

If Auburn wins out and wins the West, that puts Alabama in an OSU situation from last year. I think Alabama gets in over Auburn in this situation, but their loss happened in the last weekend of the regular season so that may make this a little different.

FWIW Alabama's schedule has been garbage this season, which may hurt them.

I was discussing the CFP "situation" yesterday with a buddy... of course he's a big OSU hater ... and he was arguing that if 'Bama and Georgia face off in the SEC Championship game, then it shouldn't matter who loses (since they are #1 and #2 ranked), and the loser should still be in the CFP.

Of course I told him that the loser of that game, because they didn't win their conference, probably wouldn't/shouldn't make it.

He immediately brought up the situation with OSU last year ... they didn't win the B1G last year yet got in. True. And IMO, while winning the conference championship game is a vital variable, it's not the sole variable. Other criteria is involved, as far as that committee is involved.

Yeah, PSU won the B1G BUT .... they were a 2 loss team. And their losses were not good ... we're talking to Pitt, and a shellacking by Michigan.

And wasn't it a couple years ago when Stanford won the PAC-12 championship, but was left out of the CFP, and primarily because they had two losses?

If Auburn were to win out - as impressive as that would be - I don't see them making it as a two loss team.

[Sea Ray]

If Auburn were to win out - as impressive as that would be - I don't see them making it as a two loss team.

I agree. Such a scenario would show weakness in teams like Alabama and Ga if they were to lose to a 2 loss team. I think there'd be 4 more deserving teams under that scenario

[IslandRed]

I was thinking about the state of the bowls in college football and what it will look like in a few years.

With the exception of the CFP, most bowl games have lost a ton of their luster. Last season you had some big name players either sit out (McCaffery) or quit on their team prior to kickoff (Peppers.) I think you will continue to see the numbers of players sitting out escalate over the years. I also think the lesser bowls, which once had some luster, have been rendered meaningless with the shear number of teams making bowl games. Fans don't want to go to to a third rate bowl game to watch their 6-6 team play, unless is Florida in the middle of winter. I am wondering if we will see a point over the next 5 years where the CFP expands and the bowls are no longer played.

I think there could be a few tweeks to make this easier on everyone. You would have to give the Group of 5 some money from a playoff because their teams wouldn't be going to bowl games. There also should be extended practice time for all teams, that month at the end of the season is often very important for young teams. But scrap the bowls and give me a 16 team playoff, would anyone really care?

There's no good reason to scrap bowl games by fiat. If they lose enough luster, they'll die on their own. Until then, it's more football and I like football. I do like the idea of letting every team have the extra practices, though.

[Tom Servo]

In 'Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object' news, Baylor will dispatch of Kansas fairly easily for their first win of the year. They're now both 1-8.

[WVRed]

Do they even play defense in the Big 12?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tom Servo]

If you’re into snow games, Colorado State/Wyoming on CBS Sports is the game for you.

[Tom Servo]

Miami knocks off VA Tech, Hurricanes vs. Irish in Miami next week should be interesting.

[Assembly Hall]

Miami knocks off VA Tech, Hurricanes vs. Irish in Miami next week should be interesting.

Very interesting indeed. A CFP spot is on the line.

[cumberlandreds]

If you’re into snow games, Colorado State/Wyoming on CBS Sports is the game for you.

I was flipping through the channels of games last night and came across this one. I knew GAC had it in our games to pick and I thought I would check in on it. Saw it was snowing and watch the entire 2nd half. Love watching games in the snow. This was a decent game and good come from behind win by Wyoming.

[Sea Ray]

Anyone catch the Western Mich/Central Mich game on Wednesday night? It was officiated by a female referee. Had never seen that before. If I was to give my view of how she did, I'd get accused of being Bobby Riggs and this thread would get moved to the Political section so I'll leave it at that.

[Assembly Hall]

Anyone catch the Western Mich/Central Mich game on Wednesday night? It was officiated by a female referee. Had never seen that before. If I was to give my view of how she did, I'd get accused of being Bobby Riggs and this thread would get moved to the Political section so I'll leave it at that.

LOL.

[GAC]

While there are some key games today with implications .... I think the one most will be watching - especially the B1G and B12 - is the Notre Dame-Miami game. Notre Dame is currently standing in the way of those two conferences possibly making the CFP. So we know who they'll be rooting for. But first things first ..... the Badgers (minus their top receiver) gotta take care of Iowa, and Oklahoma hosts TCU.

Stanford pretty much eliminated the PAC-12 from the discussion by beating the Huskies last night. And ND travels to Stanford for their last game.

If Miami manages to beat #3 Notre Dame, quality win over a top 5 team, remains undefeated, do they vault into the CFP ranking this week above the winner of the OU-TCU game who would still have one loss?

[Sea Ray]

While there are some key games today with implications .... I think the one most will be watching - especially the B1G and B12 - is the Notre Dame-Miami game. Notre Dame is currently standing in the way of those two conferences possibly making the CFP. So we know who they'll be rooting for. But first things first ..... the Badgers (minus their top receiver) gotta take care of Iowa, and Oklahoma hosts TCU.

Stanford pretty much eliminated the PAC-12 from the discussion by beating the Huskies last night. And ND travels to Stanford for their last game.

If Miami manages to beat #3 Notre Dame, quality win over a top 5 team, remains undefeated, do they vault into the CFP ranking this week above the winner of the OU-TCU game who would still have one loss?

Best day of the year to this point in college football. UW losing last night surprised me. OK, I'm down one already...

[JaxRed]

Florida State 2-5 !! Whew.

Florida 3-6 !! Whew