College Football

[Carey]

Well, just like the Michigan game, what a lovely game so far between Oregon & Georgia.  Speaking for myself of course!

For the futures, I'd go chalk for the Playoff teams (Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State) if my life depended on it.  For a decent payout, one probably needs to either do that & parlay it with something else, OR go off the grid.  Trend in a different direction.

I'm not going to go the Desmond route and put Pittsburgh in the playoff.  It can happen, I just think they might be a year away.  If they lose once to a decent opponent, run the table, and beat a Clemson team that's actually a Clemson team (nothing like 2021), then they'll definitely get in (to get pummeled by Alabama).

I do like something new, and we got that a year ago.  I was conflicted between Alabama and no Alabama in the playoff.  The thing is the teams that are most likely to knock them off face tough (road) tests which would get the Tide back in the mix.  Happened in 2014, 2015, and 2017 (also 2011 & 2012).  The Crimson Tide often get the benefit of the doubt, and I'm okay with it.

So, if I went chalk, I could see Georgia getting in with their SEC title, Bama backdooring again since Arkansas or even Texas A&M might not have what it takes, or something else.  OSU (my Natty pick) should have no trouble in the Big 10.  Clemson (who I think could rebound & knock off PITT or Miami) would bring the ACC back to the tourney.  Then it's a toss between USC & Baylor IMO.  I think both will be very good, but unless USC runs the table, I don't think they'll get there.  Especially if Baylor crushes it in the Big 12

[AimingforYoko]

Always nice when your Kickoff Classic is a woodshed game. Either Georgia is as good as last year or Oregon was vastly overrated at 11.

[Xeliou66]

1 minute ago, AimingforYoko said:

Always nice when your Kickoff Classic is a woodshed game. Either Georgia is as good as last year or Oregon was vastly overrated at 11.

I think Oregon was overrated - they lost a lot of players and I don’t think Bo Nix is a good QB, and I think Georgia is almost as good as they were last year, their defense last year was historically outstanding so it will be hard to match that but they have a boatload of talent, much like Alabama, they constantly have a stream of new talent coming in to replace those leaving for the NFL, and the Dawgs offense looks better this year, this game was the best I’ve ever seen Stetson Bennett play. 

[mojoween]

3 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

Great start for the defending champion Georgia, up 14-0 early in the second quarter over Oregon. And Bo Nix is still a turnover machine.

This doesn't really have anything to do with anything, but I saw a pic of the Oregon coach today and found him to be very handsome.

[Xeliou66]

Florida beats Utah as Cameron Rising throws a pick in the end zone in the final minute, tough loss for the Utes as they could’ve easily tied the game with a FG and the only way they could lose in regulation was with a turnover. Great win for Billy Napier to start his tenure in Gainesville.

Ohio St up 14-10 on ND, the Buckeyes haven’t been nearly as impressive as I expected them to be, ND has played them well. 

[Carey]

Looks like that'll just about do it at the Horseshoe.  ND had a chance with field position, but OSU responded & has a double-digit lead & 5 minutes to go.

ND might actually be better than I though (not factoring their pre-season Top 5 ranking).

Speaking of which, I actually got something right in terms of a gutsy pick (TY Florida)!

[Danielg342]

Never thought I'd see the day where Florida is the underdog against Utah but here we are. I also have to wonder what the Utes were doing at the end there- there's no shame in kicking the ball and going to overtime.

Sometimes it seems these coaches are too clever for their own good.

[Xeliou66]

1 minute ago, Danielg342 said:

Never thought I'd see the day where Florida is the underdog against Utah but here we are. I also have to wonder what the Utes were doing at the end there- there's no shame in kicking the ball and going to overtime.

Sometimes it seems these coaches are too clever for their own good.

I don’t blame Utah for going for the win in regulation, they had a good chance to win, I don’t think it was poor coaching, just good defense by the Gators and a poor pass by Rising.

[Carey]

I think it was second down during that pick.  Can't blame Utah on going for the win; actually I'd be ripping on them if they pulled an East Carolina and missed a FG to achieve a tie

[Popples]

I knew Oregon would lose to Georgia, but damn that was terrible. While he's had a few flashes, Bo Nix has never looked consistently good at Auburn.  Notre Dame losing takes some of the sting out of things. It's going to be a long season.

[Xeliou66]

Holy shit at this LSU/FSU game!! FSU shit the bed epically, and it’s like neither team wants to win. Epic finish.

HOLY FUCKING SHIT LSU SCORES A TD BUT THE XP IS BLOCKED AND THE NOLES WIN!!!! Neither team wanted to win that game, sloppy but thrilling. LSU played horribly on special teams and even then the Noles nearly blew it. Crazy.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Xeliou66

[Court]

6 minutes ago, Xeliou66 said:

Holy shit at this LSU/FSU game!! FSU shit the bed epically, and it’s like neither team wants to win. Epic finish.

HOLY FUCKING SHIT LSU SCORES A TD BUT THE XP IS BLOCKED AND THE NOLES WIN!!!! Neither team wanted to win that game, sloppy but thrilling. LSU played horribly on special teams and even then the Noles nearly blew it. Crazy.

Right? I was all are they trying to lose? Pitching it was beyond stupid. I wanted to go to OT because that was a crazy last 7 minutes. I wanted MORE!

[Popples]

HAHAHAHAHAHA! You deserve that, Brian Kelly! This has been such a great weekend of football so far.

[Stats Queen]

18 minutes ago, Court said:

Right? I was all are they trying to lose? Pitching it was beyond stupid. I wanted to go to OT because that was a crazy last 7 minutes. I wanted MORE!

Me too. That was so crazy!

[Popples]

Pac 12 got the smoke this week! 😆😭

[Popples]

Two in one day!

[Xeliou66]

Clemson pulls away from GA Tech in the second half, winning 41-10, I’m still not impressed with DJ Uiagalelei, he was just mediocre but Clemson is excellent on defense and special teams and is very talented, Clemson’s backup QB Cade Klubnik played in the 4th and led a TD drive, he was impressive, I think Uiagalelei will either have to improve a lot soon or Klubnik will replace him, the way Trevor Lawrence replaced Kelly Bryant in 2018 (and Clemson wound up winning the national title that season). 

[Xeliou66]

Pretty good second week of CFB this week - Louisville/UCF on tonight, the best games tomorrow are Alabama/Texas, South Carolina/Arkansas, Tennessee/Pitt, Kentucky/Florida and Baylor/BYU. 

[Carey]

Definitely a great slate.  Probably why it's easy to skip tailgating and all the festivities.  Whether it's my place, the sports bar, or a casino sportsbook, it's the best day of the week.  Now the pregame, the game, and the postgame is still great especially with a smartphone with service, but whew!  A decent week with a couple Power Five vs Power Five before we hit conference play

[Xeliou66]

Alabama with a subpar first half, a ton of penalties and just not very strong play, and they are tied with Texas at 10 after Texas misses a chip shot FG to end the half. Texas QB Ewers is hurt.

Arkansas playing well against SC, up 21-9, I really like what the Razorbacks have this season. 

[Magog]

For such 2 scummy unlikeable teams, Alabama (20) - Texas (19) was very entertaining.

[Carey]

Yes it was, Magog.  Great game that may have been yet another Bama route in most other years

[Xeliou66]

Bama escapes Austin with a 20-19 win, they played a solid 4th quarter after not playing strong football up until then. Good effort by Texas especially with a backup QB.

Arkansas beats South Carolina, 300 yards rushing for the Razorbacks today, I really like their team and I think they are the biggest threat to Bama in the regular season.

[Carey]

You missed the lead, Xeliou66.  A big reason was the loss of Ewers.  After the GWFG, it probably was curtains for Texas.  Game time was the real reason.  I think the Longhorns definitely win with an additional 3 seconds to work it.  Not much one can do with 10 seconds, though they "employed a PK names Auburn!

Speaking of Arkansas, I actually have the Razorbacks being that sorta annual team that gives Bama its only loss (a future meaningless one) prior to the SEC fining them for storming the field.  Was sorta scared since I mildly considered picking Texas outright

Edited September 10, 2022 by Carey

[Xeliou66]

14 minutes ago, Carey said:

You missed the lead, Xeliou66.  A big reason was the loss of Ewers.  After the GWFG, it probably was curtains for Texas.  Game time was the real reason.  I think the Longhorns definitely win with an additional 3 seconds to work it.  Not much one can do with 10 seconds, though they "employed a PK names Auburn!

Speaking of Arkansas, I actually have the Razorbacks being that sorta annual team that gives Bama its only loss (a future meaningless one) prior to the SEC fining them for storming the field.  Was sorta scared since I mildly considered picking Texas outright

That missed chip shot FG at the end of the first half really hurt Texas as well, they should’ve scored on that possession.

I think Arkansas has the best chance to beat Alabama of any team on Bama’s schedule, I think Sam Pittman is doing a great job there and they have a very physical, tough team with a dual threat QB and a great rushing attack.

Pitt/Tennessee is the best game on now, 10-7 Pitt, both of these teams have potent offenses and good QB’s.

[Popples]

Notre Dame better be unranked next week. Get it Marshall!

Time to dust off an oldie but goodie:

[Carey]

I wouldn't bet on ND getting booed from the rankings, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're gone (b/c it's ND).  Marshall is still an FBS school, but ND is winless, and it's still Marshall.  Oregon isn't ND, but no issue with them getting booted after losing to the champs despite being just outside of the Top 10.  Notre Dame is still in the Top 10 before losing to OSU, but they'll argue it's a loss to a Top 5 team (without factoring in the fact that Oregon would have the same excuse)

[Xeliou66]

Appalachian St beats Texas A&M. A&M was overrated coming into the season, and I am not sold on Jimbo Fisher as a head coach, A&M seems to disappoint regularly. Great win for App St. 

Washington St upsets Wisconsin as well - Wisconsin seems to have slipped in the past couple of seasons, their offense is just weak. 

[Chit Chat]

3 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

Bama escapes Austin with a 20-19 win, they played a solid 4th quarter after not playing strong football up until then.

Our guys made a lot of mistakes, so it's a good thing that they played such a tough team this early in the season so that they can try to get some of their issues fixed.  The O-line definitely needs improvement.  They can't let Bryce get hit that many times.  What I like about him though is that he usually gets right back up either laughing or with a big smile on his face! Roll Bryce Roll!  Hats off to Texas though.  Their defense was pretty awesome, and the receivers made some great catches too.  

 I'd prefer that Bama not be #1 right out of the gate.  We'll drop in the rankings, for sure, but let somebody else have that target on their back for a while!! 

[Salacious Kitty]

Pitt/Tennessee is quite entertaining.

[Xeliou66]

27 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Pitt/Tennessee is quite entertaining.

Good road win for the Vols, I think they are back to being a strong team. 

[Carey]

59 minutes ago, Xeliou66 said:

1 hour ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Pitt/Tennessee is quite entertaining.

Good road win for the Vols, I think they are back to being a strong team. 

Hopefully for Pittsburgh's sake they are.  However, the Panthers have their own concerns

[Xeliou66]

32 minutes ago, Carey said:

Hopefully for Pittsburgh's sake they are.  However, the Panthers have their own concerns

Pitt looked weak without Slovis at QB, they need him to be healthy going forward. 

[Carey]

45 minutes ago, Xeliou66 said:

1 hour ago, Carey said:

Hopefully for Pittsburgh's sake they are.  However, the Panthers have their own concerns

Pitt looked weak without Slovis at QB, they need him to be healthy going forward. 

I think a weakness if not (or addition to) and issue is their offensive line.  Pickett was able to make magic happen.  Slovis not today.  It would have helped to have Addison.  That 14-point swing early on was brutal.  Though Tennessee had their special teams mishaps.

On a related note (to what Pitt misses): If you're a fan of Stanford, just shut it down tonight and try again tomorrow.  Just rest up for the start of a slate of Sunday football.  If it's too early, then head out to the bars and tune into homer commentary with the Baylor game that follows the Florida/Kentucky game

[Xeliou66]

Kentucky beats Florida - Anthony Richardson was absolutely horrid tonight, he cannot pass well, everyone overreacted in Week 1 and called him a great QB after the Utah game and tonight he showed why I don’t think he’s that good. He pretty much cost Florida the game. I’m afraid Florida won’t improve beyond mediocre until they have a better QB.

Kansas beats West Virginia, wow, is Kansas finally getting things turned around? And Neal Brown’s seat is hot now with the Mountaineers starting out 0-2. 

[AimingforYoko]

Appalachian State takes another big scalp and Marshall knocks off the Domers in South Bend. It's only week 2, folks.

[Carey]

I never got to the first rankings...as in sorta legit ones after the teams have played at least one game.

Georgia and OSU swapped places.  Utah fell out of the Top 10 thanks to their road loss to Florida, who entered the rankings.  Georgia "literally" kicked Oregon out of the Top 25, and Notre Dame got typical treatment.  Alabama remained at Number One.

We'll see what's next.  Will they flip Georgia and Bama before the Tide loses?  It wasn't too long ago that someone bumped the Crimson Tide out before Bama lost (if at all).  Think it happened within the past decade.  ND should actually drop out of the rankings, but they'll likely boot Pittsburgh out instead, despite losing to a ranked team (albeit a lower ranked team but an SEC team nonetheless).  Pittsburgh was banged up; they didn't cover (missed by half a point) but it did take OT for Tennessee to escape.

The thing is that Pittsburgh who probably isn't there yet in terms of the Playoff, lost control if its destiny.  Last year, PITT fell to Western Michigan at home, and the latter did look okay following that before they didn't.  I see that happening to Tennessee, though they have to face Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.  It's really all moot, since, like last year, I think the Panthers will lose again.  I have them doing well.  Whether they repeat as Coastal Champs who knows, but I think Clemson is getting their title back this year regardless of if it's PITT or Miami.

A lot of people are on the legacy call stuff as it relates to Bryce Young's protection.  I guess I get it.  That no-call safety and other BS is debatable, but the second hit when Young was pretty much taken down & it was over is getting called more often than not

[Xeliou66]

Nebraska loses to Georgia Southern, I think Scott Frost is officially done there, he’ll get fired before the end of the season. He’s been one of the biggest coaching busts in recent memory in CFB - the Huskers got worse under him when he was supposed to return them to glory. 

[AimingforYoko]

9 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

Nebraska loses to Georgia Southern, I think Scott Frost is officially done there, he’ll get fired before the end of the season. He’s been one of the biggest coaching busts in recent memory in CFB - the Huskers got worse under him when he was supposed to return them to glory. 

Sun Belt Conference: 3 wins and a boatload of cash.

[Mischievious]

10 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

Nebraska loses to Georgia Southern, I think Scott Frost is officially done there, he’ll get fired before the end of the season. He’s been one of the biggest coaching busts in recent memory in CFB - the Huskers got worse under him when he was supposed to return them to glory. 

I suspect it will happen on Oct. 1. Oct. 2 at the latest as the first is when the buyout drops by $7.5 million. 
 

Born and raised in Nebraska. Rooting for them is in my blood but this is becoming torture. Thank goodness for our volleyball team. Slightly off topic, but hell yes to USC and UCLA joking B1G because the conference is going to be amazing for volleyball. 

[Popples]

3 hours ago, Mischievious said:

I suspect it will happen on Oct. 1. Oct. 2 at the latest as the first is when the buyout drops by $7.5 million. 

They didn't wait.

[Carey]

When's the parade & banner ceremony to honor the occasion?  Might be mid first-quarter during Sunday Night Football next week when most people might not see it!

[Carey]

The latest AP Poll has been released, and Georgia has officially regained the Top Spot it hit around the aftermath of their big win against Alabama in January.  And yes, Notre Dame is out of the Top 25.  Not by the ranking number, but PITT and Tennessee basically swapped places (both Top 25 teams).  Unless their second loss is against Miami, assuming the latter is very good, the Panthers will drop from the rankings with another loss.  Penn State returns to the list, first appearance this season, and Oregon backdoors in, though their score was anything but.  Texas A&M tumbled, nearly out of the Rankings, but they're 24th, and Kentucky is in the Top 10!

One more thing on Scott Frost: I mean, I would've been surprised to see him last the season, but I was thinking boot him next month since he'd crumble elsewhere.  Probably best to prolong the inevitable, with Nebraska not caring about the money.  Maybe they can make a run for a Bowl Game or the unthinkable with a nice bowl (maybe NYSIX).

[Phebemarie]

The excitement starts 4 minutes in.  Go Beavers!

[galaxygirl76]

On 9/10/2022 at 6:01 PM, Xeliou66 said:

Washington St upsets Wisconsin as well - Wisconsin seems to have slipped in the past couple of seasons, their offense is just weak. 

At least they have an offense /sad Iowa fan noises.

[Popples]

[Chit Chat]

Funny stuff with the SEC Shorts!!  It's one of the best parts of the college football season.  As a Bama fan, we've got to be able to poke fun of ourselves from time to time! 

It does amuse me though whenever the so-called football experts predict that Bama is going to win by, say, 20 points or more, because all of the Bama fans I know still fret almost every single week knowing that you never, ever count any team out, or look at them as an "easy win."  Yeah, there are games that we're pretty confident that will be a blowout, but most of us (people I talk to) don't take the opposing teams for granted because that's when they come in and kick our ass!!  Kudos to Texas for an exciting game.  We knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park!

[PepSinger]

I am so sick of the people talking about Will Anderson having lost the Heisman because of the Texas game. It’s too damn early in the season for that shit.

I am also sick of people being like “THAT’S The Heisman winning quarterback?” Like, this man (Bryce) had almost no effective O-line, yet in the clutch, he got us close enough to get the winning FG. A Heisman winning quarterback finds a way to win, which is what he did.

[Chit Chat]

8 hours ago, PepSinger said:

A Heisman winning quarterback finds a way to win, which is what he did.

He was great in that last 2 minutes of play!  Again, I love his boyish grin whenever he bounces right back up after getting tackled into the turf!  

[Crs97]

Speaking as an Aggie, that SEC Short is golden!  “Get that woman away from me!”   However much they get paid - it’s not enough.  Whoever decided to make Hope a character should be a millionaire.