College Football

[Carey]

Top 12 (From the 3rd TOP 25 Rankings)

Oregon
Ohio State
Texas
Penn State
Indiana
Notre Dame
Alabama
Miami
Ole Miss
Georgia
Tennessee
Boise State

 

The Third Non-Permanent Playoff Slotting (According to ESPN & Off of the Rankings)

Byes:

1. Oregon [B1G, Plays 8 vs 9 winner]
2. Texas [SEC, Plays 7 vs 10 winner]
3. Miami [ACC, Plays 6 vs 11 winner]
4. Boise State [GO5, Plays 5 vs 12 winner]

 

12/21/24

5. Ohio State vs BYU [05 vs AQ]
6. Penn State vs Georgia [06 vs AL]
7. Indiana vs Ole Miss [07 vs 10]
8. Notre Dame vs Alabama [08 vs 09]

AQ: Represents BYU, currently Number 14.  If things had ended over the weekend & they won their conference championship game, they'd get in over Tennessee.

AL: Represents Georgia currently Number 10.  If things had ended over the weekend, they'd get bumped down a spot.  That is because 2 conference champions, including Boise State from the Mountain West, are ranked below them. 

The Mountain West is a Group of Five conference (GO5 or G5), and per the rules, the highest ranked GO5 team gets into the CFB Playoff.  Given that one of the so-called Power 4 leaders are below them, based off of the rules that the 4 highest ranked conference winners get a first-round bye, they meet that criteria.  The byes into the second round is not limited to the Power conferences (fortunately).

Based off of most recent rankings, after wondering if the 11th ranked team can miss out due to the placements of the teams, it appears that my weekends thoughts were confirmed.  In fact, both teams ranked 11 & 12 can miss out, and they would if Boise State were ranked lower.  For example, if Boise State & SMU were flipped, so be it, as it changes absolutely nothing.  Unless SMU beat Miami in a conference title game.  That would mean Georgia is out, except not (Miami totally drops below Ole Miss & Georgia).

Until proven otherwise, while the rankings are a fun exercise IMO, it's totally moot.  Although it may be a stretch, the Big XII winner jumps Boise.  I do think that the winner of BYU and Colorado (assuming that's the matchup) would have to win out.  Plus they might not have to in the event Tulane beats Boise State

Edited November 26 by Carey
Tulane is in the American and therefore can't face Boise

[DrSpaceman73]

Indiana Ohio state tomorrow. 

 

Literally the biggest indiana game in my lifetime. 

It will be closer than the 13 point spread. 

[Notabug]

On 11/22/2024 at 7:57 AM, DrSpaceman73 said:

Indiana Ohio state tomorrow. 

 

Literally the biggest indiana game in my lifetime. 

It will be closer than the 13 point spread. 

Or not. 😉  

[Mischievious]

Woohoo! Nebraska (my alma mater) is going bowling! 

[Salacious Kitty]

So is my alma mater, UC Berkeley. Yippee!!!

Crazy end to the ASU/BYU game. The goalpost had to be put back into place before play could resume (as well as clearing the field of a thousand drunk students). 😂

[AimingforYoko]

I hope the committee doesn't use this as an excuse to boot Indiana from the playoff.

1 hour ago, Salacious Kitty said:

as well as clearing the field of a thousand drunk students

Not at ASU!

 

[Carey]

Apparently Oklahoma actually doesn't suck. Instead, they spent 12 weeks looking ahead to Alabama, and that sucks for the latter. Not that BAMA has been great as of late, but it sure does suck when enough dead people come together to form a football team JUST to beat Alabama

[Salacious Kitty]

SEC Shorts gonna be LIT. 👀

[kathyk2]

11 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

SEC Shorts gonna be LIT. 👀

The Finebaum show will be epic on Monday. 

[roamyn]

10 minutes ago, kathyk2 said:

The Finebaum show will be epic on Monday. 

You know he'll findsomeway to fit the narrative that AL belongs, even ith 3 losses, and IN and Army don't. 

Edited November 24 by roamyn

[Carey]

It probably helped that several teams that were in the mix lost as well.  Maybe more will do the same next week (Texas, Oregon, etc).  But man, just go back to the 80s to determine a National Champion if Alabama gets in over Indiana.  Heck, I'd argue BSU is a better team even if they lost to Tulane!

[kathyk2]

2 hours ago, roamyn said:

You know he'll findsomeway to fit the narrative that AL belongs, even ith 3 losses, and IN and Army don't. 

I don't think he will Alabama fans will twist themselves into pretzels trying to put them in.

[Carey]

Man, it's going to be quite the chore trying to do a Ranking recap.  Might just link and make a very brief mention.  Plus, NFL football is happening (and I'm more focused on that as mentioned with November/December & January/February action happening).

As kathyk2 mentioned, the guy is probably going to lean toward saying Alabama is done.  I agree there.  He might see a way for Bama to be in over Army, but not Indiana

[Chit Chat]

11 hours ago, kathyk2 said:

I don't think he will Alabama fans will twist themselves into pretzels trying to put them in.

I know that I won't!  The team is too inconsistent.  We're still trying to figure out how they beat Georgia!!  Oh well, it's been an exciting season of college football with all of the changes.  We're watching more games with teams that we didn't watch in seasons past.  I'll almost always root for an SEC team, but seeing the other conference teams has been interesting. 

[Stats Queen]

As a Georgia Bulldog I was hoping that we wouldn’t go to the SEC Championship Game as well need to get healthy.

An improbable series of events had to happen for us to go the game. Bama, Ole Miss and Texas A&M - did an impressive job of losing their games.

What a wild season of football.

[Carey]

The Top 4 spots hold in both rankings following Week 13 Action.  Oregon & Ohio State should be fine against Washington & Michigan, respectively.  I can't say the same against Texas, but I'd be shocked if Penn State lost outright.  After all this time, Penn State will finally be playing for a title, if they win their game next weekend.  Of course, they'll have to win 4 games before losing one starting next month.

Notre Dame and Georgia moving up to 5 & 6 is pretty good news.  Notre Dame should be okay regardless, but winning leaves no doubt.  Probably would've been best if they were 11-0.  Other than perfection, there's nothing to play for.  They'll host a game (unless they don't), but they will have to play on the weekend before Christmas.  Personally, I'd bet someone would change the rules to allow for Notre Dame to get a first round bye before betting that they'd join the ACC or some other conference.  Just feels off that the Big 12 champion or the highest ranking Group Of Five winner gets that final spot instead of them.

I meant to post this before seeing the following while watching football all day: Arizona State vs Iowa State (for the Big XII title) if the records are identical (along with Colorado and BYU) this time next week.

I haven't checked the Big 10 criteria, but I think things will work themselves out as it relates to Indiana, Penn State, and Ohio State.  Probably need OSU to beat Michigan for the first time in half a decade & the first time in half a dozen years at the horseshoe.  I'll bank on that happening in lieu of figuring out the possibilities as it relates to Oregon's opponent one week from Saturday.

Simply put, SMU, Clemson, and Miami should focus on their next game, period.  However, good news for Clemson if SMU and/or Miami lose again before the month ends.

Then there's the SEC.  Looks like things worked out for Georgia after all.  I always thought they needed a little help just-in-case, but they needed carnage to be able to control its own destiny.  Didn't think the latter was going the happen, but, and IMO, it's the new era

[roamyn]

5 hours ago, Carey said:

After all this time, Penn State will finally be playing for a title, if they win their game next weekend.

Not the Big Ten title.  Barring any upsets that will be a rematch of OR & tOSU.

[Carey]

15 hours ago, roamyn said:

20 hours ago, Carey said:

After all this time, Penn State will finally be playing for a title, if they win their game next weekend.

Not the Big Ten title.  Barring any upsets that will be a rematch of OR & tOSU.

Oh no!  Not the B1G title; I totally meant the National Title!  Penn State already played for & won a conference title 8 years ago.

Of course the 2016 Big 10 champions can only play for a conference title if they win their game and Ohio State doesn't win their game.

Meanwhile, Indiana, who I think will win their final game of the regular season, need losses from Penn State and Ohio State.  Unfortunately, knowing that the chances of playing for the Big Ten title are done (unless they aren't), they can't punt either.  Despite the upsets, someone might show up to take the final spots within the Top 12.  By the way, I think we have a chance at the College Football version of bid stealing.  The Big 12 champion possibly could be ranked outside but I think the committee might rise Arizona State (if they win out) to a point where they jump Boise State.  Speaking of BSU, if they somehow & someway lose to Tulane, that would definitely be a problem for 2 of the 3 teams ranked 10-12 (if the Big XII champion is 13th or lower).

Edited.  Even though Tulane & Boise aren't in the same conference, a loss by the MW leader, the chaos will still occur

 

Edited November 26 by Carey
Boise State is in the Mountain West and therefore can't face Tulane

[Carey]

So I think I definitely made a blunder in a couple of my posts.  The blunder is the same.  To be more specific, making mention of a fantasy or faux matchup between Boise State & Tulane.  Although that would be pretty good, or IMHO should be a game to decide the school represent Group of Five in the College Football Playoff, BSU just needs to defeat Army while the winner of a game featuring Tulane & UNLV would need help (Boise losing the Mountain West Championship Game).

Of course, Tulane (or Army) might be fine with a win in the AAC Title Game in the event that Oregon State becomes bowl eligible, but the fact is Tulane and Boise State are not in the same conference.  It would be nice if the 2 highest ranked Group of Five winners played each other in lieu of their normal game on Championship Game weekend.

At the end of the day, I think this might be the first year I'll be laughing at those programs that are left out of the College Football Playoff.  We're not in a period that preceded 1998, the BCS Era, or even the past 10 years.  To be fair, there is no excuse

[Chit Chat]

On 11/24/2024 at 9:51 PM, Carey said:

Then there's the SEC.  Looks like things worked out for Georgia after all.  I always thought they needed a little help just-in-case, but they needed carnage to be able to control its own destiny.  Didn't think the latter was going the happen, but, and IMO, it's the new era

All of the SEC teams beat each other up this time around!  I hope the Bama team that played lights out in several of their games shows up this weekend! Auburn players are already talking smack about us.   Bama's taken a lot of criticism this past week (much of it deserved), but I hope our guys can rise above that and focus on this game and not worry about anything else.  It's a rivalry game though, so anything can happen!  Roll Tide.  

[Carey]

We'll see if the committee realizes that in terms of SEC destroying one another.  Didn't seem to happen in the Big 10, and several of those 10+ win teams will have the pleasure of hosting the SEC.  The latter might be better due to the competition, but that may not be cool having to travel up North.  Not that I'd have a problem with it, but the SOS is something.  Still don't think I'd put the SEC over an OSU or an Oregon on a neutral field (or anywhere).

Looks like the conference title game for the Power conferences are shaping up.  SMU, Oregon, Georgia have all clinched their spots.  Still a battle for the Big 12, but looks like Arizona State & Iowa State are in position to get there.  For the ACC, it'll be either Clemson or Miami, and the Texas/Texas A&M winner gets Georgia.  For the Big Ten, if Ohio State wins, there's not much else to talk about there

[Carey]

Top 12 (From the 4th TOP 25 Rankings)

Oregon
Ohio State
Texas
Penn State
Notre Dame
Miami
Georgia
Tennessee
SMU
Indiana
Boise State
Clemson

The Fourth Non-Permanent Playoff Slotting (According to ESPN & Off of the Rankings)

Byes:

1. Oregon [B1G, Plays 8 vs 9 winner]
2. Texas [SEC, Plays 7 vs 10 winner]
3. Miami [ACC, Plays 6 vs 11 winner]
4. Boise State [GO5, Plays 5 vs 12 winner]

 

12/21/24

5. Ohio State vs Arizona State [05 vs AQ]
6. Penn State vs Indiana [06 vs AL]
7. Notre Dame vs SMU [07 vs 10]
8. Georgia vs Tennessee [08 vs 09]

AQ: Represents Arizona State, currently Number 16.  If things had ended over the weekend & they won their conference championship game, they'd get in over Clemson.  The 2018 champions are currently at the bottom of the Top 12, and they need a win & a little help to control their own destiny for the CFB Playoff.

AL: Represents Indiana currently Number 10.  If things had ended over the weekend, they'd get bumped down a spot.  That is because 2 conference champions, including Boise State from the Mountain West, are ranked below them.

The Mountain West is a Group of Five conference (GO5 or G5), and per the rules, the highest ranked GO5 team gets into the CFB Playoff.  Given that one of the so-called Power 4 leaders are below them, based off of the rules that the 4 highest ranked conference winners get a first-round bye, they meet that criteria.  The byes into the second round is not limited to the Power conferences (fortunately).

Based off of most recent rankings, after wondering if the 11th ranked team can miss out due to the placements of the teams, it appears that my previous thoughts were confirmed.  In fact, both teams ranked 11 & 12 can miss out, and they would if Boise State were ranked below Clemson & Alabama.  As a matter of fact, I think there could be a situation where the 10th ranked team is out.  Just not this year; I don't see Clemson, SMU, and Miami all losing this weekend.  Although that kind of outcome could lead to all ACC teams outside of the Top 12, I hardly think the committee would allow it.  That, along with all Big 12 teams losing out would be the scenario that would result in the 10th place team missing out on the CFB Playoff.  You would have 3 conference champions outside of it.  And an SEC/Big 10 filled postseason.  Of course, that ain't happening, and the committee would simply put someone back into the Top 12 that won its conference.

Until proven otherwise, while the rankings are a fun exercise IMO, it's totally moot.  Although it may be more of a stretch than a week ago, the Big XII winner jumps Boise.  They'd have beaten a much better opponent, assuming it's Arizona State & Iowa State.  On the other hand, the Big 12 might miss out entirely.  Tulane (from the American) is right around the Big 12 leaders.  Heather Dinich made mention of the following last night on ESPN that the 5 highest ranked conference winners being automatic qualifiers can include 2 Group of Five champions.  While unlikely, that it's a possibility.

[Stats Queen]

The CFP committee just creates criteria to fit their desires. Their discussing should be live streamed.

[kathyk2]

College Football needs to change the overtime rules. Making players go to eight overtime periods is crazy. I wouldn't have dropped Georgia in the rankings if they had lost.

[Carey]

46 minutes ago, kathyk2 said:

College Football needs to change the overtime rules. Making players go to eight overtime periods is crazy. I wouldn't have dropped Georgia in the rankings if they had lost.

I'm going to disagree here.  It may be crazy to have the players deciding the game after 8 overtime periods, but only if the rules from the 3rd to 8th OT period were the same as the current second OT rules.

Personally I think it was exciting, unlike the NFL, where it's pretty much pathetic that there is an overtime period within the regular season.  The way it was done was okay.  While I wasn't pleased that Georgia didn't go for 2 in regulation, I also sort of defended them taking the easy point.  Georgia Tech was playing them tough, but not tough enough to win in regulation.

Gotta drop Georgia had they lost.  The good news is that it would've meant winning next week against a team from the Lone Star State in order to get back in.  I agree in not wanting to punish Georgia over a tough game, but I'd still have moved them down if Georgia Tech was the Number One team in the country.  Not a big drop, but probably not holding firm either.

Just put Antonio Brown on the 13 person committee.  No streaming necessary; we'd get all the content without the other 12 ever knowing about it!

[kathyk2]

I like the NFL overtime rules because the game doesn't last forever. I would have college teams start on the fifty instead of the twenty five yard line.

[Carey]

The NFL overtime rules are far from the worst thing in the world, or even in the world of the National Football League.  However, I'm not a big fan since the game can still end in a tie, and with the shortening of the OT from 15 to 10 it's more probable than not.  One thing I'd like to see carried over is the new postseason OT rules.  After changing kickoffs might as well; even without that change, that was a pretty decent change.

I don't mind the college OT rules because it's usually quick.  This lengthy session isn't that common.  Other than Penn State/Illinois, it was only a thing with LSU and Texas A&M half a dozen years ago (that was a real instant classic).

I would prefer they start on one's own 25 & play normally for 5-10 minutes.  Sudden death rules (after both teams get the ball).  Whoever scores in sudden death wins.  If time expires, then go to the current rules.  Something I'd wish the NFL would do, but not in the postseason.

Same goes for College Football.  In the CFB Playoff, I'd rather see the game play on until there is a winner (sudden death).  It's kind of like the top prizes in soccer coming down to penalty kicks; I'd rather not see a champion crowned in a 2-point conversion contest.

I get the dislike; I think it is comical, but it's usually quick, and I was actually excited this time.  Just need to see more football in bonus time and not gimmick nonsense.  Sure you don't want injury, but these are young adults that can take a lot more than most.  Not as much as the pros in their prime but I think a decent overtime session to start bonus football would not be an issue

[baldryanr]

Or go full soccer and have a field goal shootout if the game is tied after an overtime period.  Stupid?  You bet, but I guarantee it would get people talking.

[Carey]

Apparently somebody from the Great Lakes State actually doesn't suck. Instead, they spent thirteen weeks looking ahead to Ohio State, and that sucks for the latter. Not that OSU has been elite this year.  Very good to great?  Sure, but it sure does suck when enough dead people come together to form a football team JUST to beat Ohio State

[AimingforYoko]

Ryan Day has to leave town by sunset, right?

Edited November 30 by AimingforYoko

[Calvada]

Stay classy, Michigan & OSU.  Learn to win and to lose with some sportsmanship.  The Big Ten office is going to have fun reviewing the video.

[AimingforYoko]

5 minutes ago, Calvada said:

Stay classy, Michigan & OSU.  Learn to win and to lose with some sportsmanship.  The Big Ten office is going to have fun reviewing the video.

Ehhh, rivalry games. Especially these two.

[Carey]

Paging Vrabel!

[kathyk2]

South Carolina has to be ranked over Alabama since they beat a ranked team. I don't know how Ohio State lost that game I think they didn't take Michigan seriously.

[Calvada]

4 minutes ago, AimingforYoko said:

Ehhh, rivalry games. Especially these two.

It is laughable how each side is so indignant in the post-game interviews, claiming all righteousness for their team and blaming the other team as the instigator.  But we've all been there, haven't we?  Usually about age six or seven, telling mom it's all the sibling's fault.  

[roamyn]

You MOTHER F****ERS  

How the FUCK do you lose to a non ranked team?!!!!  That f*g CHEATED it's way to a Natty?

I hate to say it, but Day spent too much time talking about the rivalry, instead of preparing for The Game.

[NUguy514]

I would express my overwhelming delight at the outcome of today's installment of "Rivalries Are Puerile, Especially This One" because Ohio State sucks the very most, but I won't say anything because, after all, discretion is the better part of valor.

Edited December 1 by NUguy514

[Carey]

Oregon opens as a 2.5 point favorite over Penn State.  I think that sounds about right.

Nothing between Southern Methodist yet since Clemson and Syracuse can't close, but they're almost there.  The outcome of tonight's game in terms of winning and losing precedes whether Georgia will be favored or not

[Bastet]

USC had one job!  And they had a real shot at indeed knocking off Notre Dame.  But, no - two pick sixes in a row, one for 99 and one for 100 yards.  It's like they've been trying to suck this year (if so, job well done, Lincoln Riley!).

But, hey, at least Ohio State lost, so rivalry week is not without joy.

Edited December 1 by Bastet

[Salacious Kitty]

Brawls all over the place today, they're not reserved for just the UM/OSU rivalry. 

[Chit Chat]

We've got a few "mouthy" ones on the Bama team, but what started that brawl appeared to be by the Auburn player as he hung onto our guy while going out of bounds.  The Bama player got the flag.  I'm sure they'll review the film on that one.  What bothers me about Bama is that we've seen more undisciplined moments like this during this season.  It's a definite shift to the worse without Saban there to lay down the law!  The guys have to keep their tempers in check.  I know that it's difficult, but it can be done.   I think that Saban preached on how you respond to a situation is what matters.  Live it.  Learn it, players!

We watched the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, and I have no love for either team, especially Ohio, but for a player to plant their flag (as reported) on an opposing team's field, well, I can't get on board with that.  I can understand (but don't condone) why the Ohio state player then started tearing up the Michigan flag, but again, they've got to try and get a grip! These guys should be more mature than this.  

It's a bad look for all teams involved in this brawling.  Act like you've been there before!  

[Calvada]

17 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Brawls all over the place today, they're not reserved for just the UM/OSU rivalry. 

The NCAA probably will ban the planting of a team flag at midfield.  It's so stupid; run around the field waving your flag, just don't be a jerk and plant it right in the middle of your opponent's logo.  The Michigan player who was interviewed on the field said OSU needs to learn how to lose; perhaps Michigan needs to learn how to win?  Hey, you managed to do it this year without cheating (as far as we know) - you're halfway there!  

Maybe learn from the Army-Navy game, when at the end, regardless of the final score, each team, the Army cadets, and the Navy midshipmen all stand at attention for both alma maters.  

[Carey]

Probably helps that people from Army / Navy are so much more mature than everyone else twice their age (people playing and roughly 18-22 years from now)

[Chit Chat]

26 minutes ago, Calvada said:

The NCAA probably will ban the planting of a team flag at midfield.  It's so stupid; run around the field waving your flag, just don't be a jerk and plant it right in the middle of your opponent's logo. 

Or do like Bama and sing the Rammer Jammer after a win:  "Hey (team name), we just beat the hell out of you!"  It doesn't sound very nice, for sure, but it doesn't involve throwing punches!!  😜

26 minutes ago, Calvada said:

The Michigan player who was interviewed on the field said OSU needs to learn how to lose;

I wondered if he didn't see the flag planted and therefore didn't understand why the OS player started tearing up their flag.  I'm not making excuses for him, but I thought maybe he was ignorant of the facts when he spoke to the sideline reporter.  If not, then yikes!  There are certain things you don't do while on an opposing team's field.

Years ago, Terrell Owens danced on the Dallas Cowboy's star mid-field, and although I have no love for the Cowboys, it was a classless act by Owens.  I can't remember the Cowboy's player who ran full speed towards him and leveled him where he stood, but that was pretty great!  :)  

Edited December 1 by Chit Chat
Corrected name of player!!

[Salacious Kitty]

Another flag planting incident happened today in Chapel Hill, brawl ensued. I'm not certain what caused the fight between the middling SEC teams. 

[Calvada]

2 minutes ago, Chit Chat said:

Years ago, Randy Moss danced on the Dallas Cowboy's star mid-field, and although I have no love for the Cowboys, it was a classless act by Moss.  I can't remember the Cowboy's player who ran full speed towards him and leveled him where he stood, but that was pretty great!  :)  

I remember George Teague leveling Terrell Owens when he posed on the Cowboys' star, but don't recall an incident with Moss.

[Chit Chat]

4 minutes ago, Calvada said:

I remember George Teague leveling Terrell Owens when he posed on the Cowboys' star, but don't recall an incident with Moss.

Thank you for the reminder.  I will correct my post!!  Don't know why I was thinking of Moss!!  I'll blame it on covid brain this week.  Ugh!

Edited December 1 by Chit Chat

[Calvada]

1 minute ago, Chit Chat said:

Thank you for the reminder.  I will correct my post!!  Don't know why I was thinking of Moss!!

I remember the incident well, because football fans in Wisconsin wished we saw some tackling like that from Teague when he was with the Packers!

[AimingforYoko]

Man, the petty is coming out on rivalry weekend. Indiana just ran a fake punt up 38-0.

[Carey]

Well, it appears that Chris Fowler has overtaken Gus Johnson when it comes to calling the sport to the point where the outcome is so epic that it'll change the world