College Football

[AimingforYoko]

4 hours ago, benteen said:

You won't find a program that is more in love with itself and who gets off on it as much as USC.

*coughNotreDamecough*

[Bastet]

Matt Leinart and Vince Young sitting down to reminisce about the national championship game was nice.  Obviously, I have lingering nightmares about that game, but I also have such fond memories of that era of USC football, and that's more important.  It was just such an utterly fun time to watch; they were great, they were pumped up, they ran exciting plays -- it wasn't just the winning, it was how much fun they were to root for.  Plus, that national championship game was a great one.  It just ended wrong.  :-) 

This one is shaping up early to be one hell of a game, too -- Texas is in serious underdog mode and playing their asses off, and Helton's team needs that kind of test.  I like him as a coach on the technical aspects of the game, but I'm not entirely sold on him yet in terms of creating the right attitude among players - reducing mental mistakes, not looking ahead and forgetting to play the game they're in, halftime regrouping, etc. - so this will be illuminating.  I just hope it ends better.  :-)

And I'm getting a good laugh out of the "Fine, it didn't happen - we never lost that game" stance; all the good things USC is supposed to accept never officially happened because of the overblown punishment, I think turning the narrative around and saying this didn't happen either just shows how silly it all is.

[twoods]

This USC/Texas game is bringing back all the bad memories from the championship game. I can't even watch.

[Popples]

As soon as Texas let USC march down the field to get a game-tying field goal with 30 seconds left on the clock, I knew the Trojans would win.

[benteen]

On ‎9‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 8:26 PM, AimingforYoko said:

*coughNotreDamecough*

Yes, Notre Dame.  I'd agree with that.

But USC is like the Targaryens...marrying within their own family.

[xaxat]

They must have bused in everyone  in the crowd for Gameday's Times Square show. 

New Yorkers don't really care about college football and they hate Times Square. 

[Calvada]

Arkansas lost again. I wonder how much longer Bielema will last there. He could have stayed at Wisconsin forever, because for some reason Barry Alvarez thought he was great, but he had to be in the SEC.  How's that working out for you Bret?  Meanwhile Wisconsin had to endure two years of Gary Andersen, but now looks set for years with Paul Chryst.  

Why is Jim Harbaugh wearing a long-sleeved dark blue shirt, and why is the Purdue coach in a long-sleeved black shirt?  Isn't is about 90 degrees there?  Do they want heat stroke?  I hope they are hydrating.  

[xaxat]

I have a heart as cold as the Grinch's. But that piece about the Iowa City children's hospital and the "wave" from the fans may have melted it just a little bit.

[MargeGunderson]

While I generally love a good battle of the defenses, good lord Iowa, locate your offense!

[Minneapple]

8 hours ago, Calvada said:

Arkansas lost again. I wonder how much longer Bielema will last there. He could have stayed at Wisconsin forever, because for some reason Barry Alvarez thought he was great, but he had to be in the SEC. 

Bielema’s buyout rings up at a cool $15 million, dropping to $11 million in January. He’s there unless Jerry Jones hands Arkansas a blank check.

Alvarez’s hero and mentor is Bob Devaney. Bielema was the Tom Osborne to Alvarez’s Devaney, his protege and hand-picked successor. That’s the only reason Bret wasn’t on the hot seat after mediocre seasons in 2007-08 and an embarrassing bowl loss to FSU. 

Anyway, great Iowa-PSU game. Too bad Iowa blew it. Trace McSorley is the world’s biggest douche.

[Bastet]

The officiating in the USC/Washington State game sucked.  A defender has hold of a receiver’s jersey, and they call OFFENSIVE pass interference?

But USC played like ass, instead of overcoming the bullshit calls.  The Trojans’ first drive seemed to indicate Darnold’s talk with himself about calming down and dealing with his sudden-onset confidence issues had worked wonders, but then he was back to this season’s inconsistent self and stayed there.  It’s a big issue, and I have no idea why such a smart, technical player – a contender for the first round pick! - is suddenly making such stupid decisions this year.

An interception setting them up five yards from the goal line, and they have to walk away with three?  That was a huge moment, and I was on edge from that moment on. 

I figured this would be a tight game coming in – two undefeated, ranked opponents who are in the same conference?! - but it was harder on my blood pressure than anticipated.  An offensive line consisting of three back-ups. Darnold’s issues.  And then, holy shit, Washington State’s drive to end the first half nearly caused me to lose my voice screaming at the USC defense – they just escorted them down the field into the end zone, ten yards at a time.

The second half was equally ugly for the Trojans.   The defense couldn’t wrap people up, repeatedly, and gave up a 35-yard run.  And injuries and a tough schedule – this short week, no bye until Thanksgiving, etc. - mean a season full of close calls aren’t sustainable; you can’t hang a season on fourth-quarter offensive surges (yeah, picking up the first on 4th and 13 after the world’s stupidest play call on 3rd down is beautiful, but you can’t keep putting yourself there).

When the Cougars went up by a TD five minutes into the fourth quarter – after the USC defense gave up a must-stop fourth down conversion – I knew that was it.  Then under two minutes left in the game with no timeouts to tie with a FG?   Not happening.  And then the turnover.  Fuck this game.

How USC comes back from this loss will tell all, because this was every weakness they have on display. 

[xaxat]

The proliferation of night games and byes has really weakened the Saturday afternoon slate.

[nowandlater]

8 hours ago, xaxat said:

The proliferation of night games and byes has really weakened the Saturday afternoon slate.

For the first time in years, I 1) woke up late (9 am, around the time that Gameday ends) and 2) spent 5 hours outside and away from my TV on a college football Saturday).

Even though I watched (most of) Gameday at 3 pm PT, which was weird, while simultaneously watching actual football games, I feel like I didn't miss much.

My Cal team's kickoff was 7:30 pm PT...which doesn't sound bad (to East Coasters who have 8 pm or later kickoffs their time), but as a West Coaster,  I like having games end before 9 pm PT. So that I can do other weekend stuff.

[Minneapple]

On 9/30/2017 at 6:28 PM, xaxat said:

The proliferation of night games and byes has really weakened the Saturday afternoon slate.

A lot of it is Fox/FS1 moving the Big Ten games to weird timeslots. And some of it is games being played on Thursdays and Fridays. 

[Calvada]

Nebraska fans, just when you are no longer having nightmares about Melvin Gordon, the Badgers introduce you to Jonathan Taylor.

Nothing like 22 consecutive run plays to set the tone for the 4th quarter.  It's what Wisconsin fans call "Barry Ball."

Edited October 8, 2017 by Calvada

[twoods]

Always a good day when both Oklahoma and Michigan lose. Iowa State planting their flag in the middle of the field was great- I had a bad taste when Oklahoma did that earlier this year. 

[pennben]

43 minutes ago, twoods said:

Always a good day when both Oklahoma and Michigan lose. Iowa State planting their flag in the middle of the field was great- I had a bad taste when Oklahoma did that earlier this year. 

Okay, I have to admit to giggling a bit earlier this year when Oklahoma planted the flag.  I then giggled, and giggled and laughed out loud as it became clearer that a flag was going to be planted in OU's field! Never plant the flag until the season is over and you've won!!  College sports are great! Lessons to be learned!

[xaxat]

So, if you are a kicker who wears school gear on your YouTube site, the NCAA brings out the hammer.

If you are an entire program that benefits for a series of fake classes, no big deal.

[AimingforYoko]

1 hour ago, xaxat said:

So, if you are a kicker who wears school gear on your YouTube site, the NCAA brings out the hammer.

If you are an entire program that benefits for a series of fake classes, no big deal.

One can afford to pay $18m in legal fees. Guess which one, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[roamyn]

3 hours ago, xaxat said:

So, if you are a kicker who wears school gear on your YouTube site, the NCAA brings out the hammer.

If you are an entire program that benefits for a series of fake classes, no big deal.

The NCAA didn't say the classes weren't fake (or rather questionable education wise), just that the athletes alone didn't just benefit.  The classes were available to the entire student body.

Therefore, no proof that the school cheated by having athletes take easy, passable courses.

[Popples]

Wow, Syracuse! Can Dino Babers top the speech when they upset VA Tech?

[DrSpaceman73]

15 hours ago, roamyn said:

The NCAA didn't say the classes weren't fake (or rather questionable education wise), just that the athletes alone didn't just benefit.  The classes were available to the entire student body.

Therefore, no proof that the school cheated by having athletes take easy, passable courses.

That just seems like such a lame excuse. 

So basically the loophole is as long as you let just anyone take easy courses along with the athletes, its OK.  Not only does this decision let NC get away with this, but the NCAA basically just gave out the blueprint for how to let your athletes in school and pass with ease. 

I live in North Carolina, though I am not an alum.  I like the school, follow the program, I cheer for them in most cases. 

But that decision is just such BS. 

[Silver Raven]

Cal Bears beat the undefeated Washington State Cougars last night.  As a Cal alum, I'm shocked and delighted.

[twoods]

I was horrified that those players had to play a game in such unsafe air quality conditions because of the wildfires. I hope their lungs are okay.

Damn it Indiana, why couldn't you have beaten Michigan today so they drop out of the top 25?

[Bastet]

Holy hell, USC escaped with a win, but there are some big problems plaguing them this season.  And I don't fully understand it; I've said before I'm not entirely sold on Helton as a coach because of the players' mental mistakes, but can I really put it all on him?  It's going to be a long and illuminating season (especially with no bye week).

[Minneapple]

15 hours ago, DrSpaceman73 said:

But that decision is just such BS. 

It really is. It proves the NCAA doesn't care about academics at all. The athletes weren't just taking easy classes, they were taking completely fake classes, which should make them ineligible. And if fake classes were available to the whole student body, that should make a UNC degree quite worthless. Note that UNC didn't hold a big press conference -- because they're downright embarrassed, as they should be.

Anyway, quite a weekend of upsets. Took a bite out of the Apple Cup.

[DrSpaceman73]

15 hours ago, twoods said:

I was horrified that those players had to play a game in such unsafe air quality conditions because of the wildfires. I hope their lungs are okay.

Damn it Indiana, why couldn't you have beaten Michigan today so they drop out of the top 25?

As an alum of Indiana, its frustrating to see games like that over and over where they have chances to make statement wins and just can't do it. 

Its also frustrating to be placed in the same division of the same conference as Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan.  Not to mention a usually pretty good Michigan State team. 

The team is on the right track and the program is building, but it definitely limits the ceiling of any expectations you have for the team in the future. 

The divisions in the Big Ten are ally unbalanced and they knew this from the start. 

But still the team has gone from pretty much a joke to respectability at least in the last several years. 

[Popples]

So, Lamar Jackson's repeat Heisman hopes are completely up in smoke.

I'm on "Butch Jones Fired" watch on Twitter.

I wonder what happened to the write-ups @Evolution101 used to do. I enjoyed those.

[Minneapple]

The divisions in the Big Ten are ally unbalanced and they knew this from the start.

They started out with balanced divisions and it didn't work. I didn't mind them, but other Wisconsin fans were furious because we were split from Minnesota and Iowa. A lot of Michigan and Ohio State fans were also annoyed at being in different divisions.

Butch Jones, Mike Riley, Bret Bielema. Lots of coaches on the hot seat today. Although I don't know how Arkansas could fire Bielema, since he has a huge buyout clause in hia contract.

[benteen]

I'm rooting for Penn State to destroy Michigan tomorrow.  Go Lions!

[Bastet]

Is Notre Dame playing USC or the Keystone Cops?  Because at this point I'm amazed the Trojans managed to find their way from the locker room to the field.

[Calvada]

On ‎10‎/‎20‎/‎2017 at 10:03 AM, benteen said:

I'm rooting for Penn State to destroy Michigan tomorrow.  Go Lions!

Is there a way for both teams to lose?  

[AimingforYoko]

On 10/20/2017 at 10:03 AM, benteen said:

I'm rooting for Penn State to destroy Michigan tomorrow.  Go Lions!

Now wish for AimingforYoko to get a million dollars.

[mojoween]

What’s up with these ugly ass Ohio State uniforms?  I didn’t even recognize them or their helmet.

[roamyn]

Great wins & games by tOSU and IASt today.  Wish ND had lost, tho.

[xaxat]

4 hours ago, mojoween said:

What’s up with these ugly ass Ohio State uniforms?  I didn’t even recognize them or their helmet.

Unless I have an established rooting interest I always cheer against any team wearing alternate jerseys. They are so annoying. 

[Minneapple]

3 hours ago, xaxat said:

Unless I have an established rooting interest I always cheer against any team wearing alternate jerseys. They are so annoying. 

Pretty much every NCAA team has some kind of alternate nowadays. Maybe the only exceptions are Penn State and Alabama. And I’m fairly certain that even PSU has gone with the throwback unis at some point recently. The kids seem to like them and they are harmless. Well, I suppose except for when Oregon’s neon colors hurt the eyes.

[xaxat]

9 hours ago, Minneapple said:

The kids seem to like them

And coaches like them even more. Because they get a cut of that sweet sponsorship money.

I assume he's safe this season, but is Florida State going to regret that $40 million buyout for Jimbo Fisher after next season?

[Silver Raven]

13 hours ago, Minneapple said:

Pretty much every NCAA team has some kind of alternate nowadays. Maybe the only exceptions are Penn State and Alabama. And I’m fairly certain that even PSU has gone with the throwback unis at some point recently. The kids seem to like them and they are harmless. Well, I suppose except for when Oregon’s neon colors hurt the eyes.

Does Oregon ever wear the same uniforms twice?

[Popples]

University of Florida and Jim McElwain part ways.

It seems that the players weren't told directly, and heard about it through social media.

[galaxygirl76]

First CFP rankings are out. Georgia is #1

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21242205/cfp-georgia-bulldogs-alabama-crimson-tide-notre-dame-fighting-irish-clemson-tigers-top-four-teams

[galaxygirl76]

This Iowa fan is in a glass case of emotions. I have no idea where the hell this team as been all season!

[bmasters9]

Hard-fought game, Clemson over N.C. State, 38-31; I was dadgum sure that N.C. State would pull a New England Patriots there.

[Silver Raven]

Oklahoma and Ok State have given up on having any pretense of a defense, on either side.

[Stuffy]

3 hours ago, Silver Raven said:

Oklahoma and Ok State have given up on having any pretense of a defense, on either side.

OU's defense sucks period. Mike Stoops may be out of a job after this season. I can't see them keeping him now that his brother isn't the coach. Baker and the offense has been willing the team to victories in spite of the defense. The defense and Stoops is lucky they only have one loss. 

Edited November 5, 2017 by Stuffy

[Bastet]

Other than the Trojans remembering how to play again and winning after letting the Wildcats tie the score, thus controlling their division destiny, my favorite part of the USC/Arizona game came from the announcers discussing the rash of QB injuries in the NFL and one of them (I can't remember who) saying that, nevertheless, the strangest NFL QB story was that Colin Kaepernick doesn't have a job.  Testify.  And good on all those who continue to say it.

Edited November 6, 2017 by Bastet

[Magog]

It was so nice seeing the U (Miami Hurricanes) become relevant again in College Football. That ass whooping that they give to Notre Dame last night was great to watch. It was also nice seeing that Turnover Chain throughout the night. Hopefully, their magical run will continue & we get to see more of that beautiful chain.

Edited November 12, 2017 by Magog

[Popples]

Butch Jones out at Tennessee.

 

28 minutes ago, Magog said:

It was so nice seeing the U (Miami Hurricanes) become relevant again in College Football. That ass whooping that they give to Notre Dame last night was great to watch. It was also nice seeing that Turnover Chain throughout the night. Hopefully, their magical run will continue & we get to see more of that beautiful chain.

That was a beautiful thing to watch. Seeing the perennially overrated Notre Dame getting absolutely thrashed is always a treat.

[AimingforYoko]

1 hour ago, Popples said:

Butch Jones out at Tennessee.

What?!? The fan base didn't appreciate that hard-fought loss to perennial powerhouse Missouri?

[Bastet]

I did not expect the OU/TCU game to be that lopsided.  I'm good with the outcome (lots of family in Oklahoma; OU is basically their pro team and I root in solidarity), but I was expecting a much tighter, more exciting game.

I was almost - almost - feeling sorry for Colorado, because it just wasn't their day.  USC kind of repeated last week's performance against Arizona - dominate, ease up on the throttle too early, and thus have to dominate again.  That's coaching, so I'm still iffy on Helton.  At least they're back in the Pac-12 championship game.