2003 College Football

[Exhaust Port]

Well another season has begun and Ohio State is looking good again. Even without Clarett they had a great game against Washington and only stumbled a little bit, but nothing to make me worry. But what is up with Ohio State not being number 1 this week? Oklahoma beat up on NORTH TEXAS! Come on, that's not a test of a ranked team.

What are your thoughts on Clarett. The last I read was it looks like he could be gone for the entire season. As much as I'm a fan of OSU football and would love to see them have another great season, I'm glad that they are sticking it to him. I saw an interview with him before the game last week and they discussed the possible suspension length. Clarett showed no signs of remorse or anything. He was like "Oh well, it happens and I'll probably be back soon." It seems to me that his success of last season went to his head and this should bring him back to reality. I would love to see OSU win it all again or win the Rose Bowl or something and have Clarett be forced to watch from his home TV. No ring for you!

[Bel-Cam Jos]

I just think it's now Pitt's turn to have a championship season. OSU had to wait 35 (I think) years between titles; Pitt has gone 26. It's time for a change. I've been a split fan, since I grew up near Youngstown (go YSU Penguins! ) and could choose which teams to support (ah, 4 year olds can be such fair weather fans... ;) ). I am disappointed by Maurice's behavior, but I keep thinking, he's a teenager, one year+ out of high school. Just hope he doesn't hurt The Ohio State University's future.

[Exhaust Port]

I've been a split fan, since I grew up near Youngstown (go YSU Penguins! )

So you have to be a fan of OSU Coach Tressel then since he was a Y-town coach. :D He gave them 4 National championships at that Ohio school and then OSU snapped him up. I give him most of the credit for getting the OSU team to the top last year.

[kool-aid killer]

I dont know if they will win it all this year, but watch out for the Huskers. Last year was a fluke. I think this is the year they return to their spot as one of the elite teams of college football. GO HUSKERS!!!!

[Exhaust Port]

Looking at their schedule, they'll have an easy go of it until the last few games. OSU's schedule is a bit tougher so if they win those games it'll be hard to top them in the BCS scoring system. 7 of the 12 teams are ranked as of now for them where as the Huskers are looking at only 5 ranked teams.

[EricRG]

OSU looked terrible today. I don't think they made a 3rd down conversion until the very end of the game, if at all.

For me, GO 'CANES!!!!

[Exhaust Port]

Today was a poor outing for the Buckeyes to say the least. At least its still a tick in the win column. So far today as been a real struggle for nearly all the ranked teams. It must be something in the air.

I was hoping that Tressel would have pulled the QB after his awful first 3 quarters.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Last year, the Buckeyes won ugly games when they needed to. See yesterday's performance for another example. Defense wins titles, offense wins shoe comercials. If you're one yard in the end zone, how do you get a 100-yard INT return? Add the extra yard, scorekeepers! :rolleyes:

BTW, Pitt manhandled mighty Kent by 40+ pnts! ;)

[kool-aid killer]

I noticed a lot of ranked teams struggling with unranked squads, some even losing. Th Huskers were no exception, they didnt start out too well but fortunately got their act together (at least the defense did) and put Utah away. But their offense needs to improve a lot in my opinion.

[Exhaust Port]

Man, I can't believe that the Gators lost!! What a game.

[QLD]

Gooooooooo Dawgs! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!

[Exhaust Port]

OSU moved down in the standings to number 3 with Miami leaping over them to #2. I'm suprised by that since OSU was never down to San Diego at any point during the game while Miami was man-handled for most of their game only pull it out in the end. Both had a narrow victory but Miami some how was less of a loss? I know I'm bias but once again it seems the teams from Florida are given the edge no matter what.

[Trip J]

You have to bear in mind that Florida was ranked 21st or so and San Jose State was unranked, with a second-string QB making his first start. In light of that, I do think Miami's was the more impressive win.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Big Ten guy and I hate Miami and Florida even more (Blast you, Leak for not coming here!), but I do think the voters took that into account. Don't take it as disrespect for OSU. If they keep taking care of business, as you saw last year, the only ranking that counts is the one you get at the end.

A lot of people here in Hawk country felt a lot better though, after seeing that one. Maybe we'll only lose by 30 when we play the Buckeyes!

[Exhaust Port]

Clarett is gone for good it seems. I would love to see an interview with him now. I'm sure that smug attitude is long gone. Say goodbye to those NFL millions.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Clarett is gone for good it seems. I would love to see an interview with him now. I'm sure that smug attitude is long gone. Say goodbye to those NFL millions.
What about Lawrence Phillips? He made a few NFL millions before tanking. And so did Christian Peter. Ryan Leaf? Yup. His money will be there, just will take longer. :greedy:

[Exhaust Port]

How many years of college play did they get in before making the jump to the NFL? Clarett only got one year in and hasn't done much other than a few token pratices since then. Considering his one and only college year was as a true freshman I can't believe that any franchise will blow a part of their salary cap on him. Plus he was injured for part of his only season.

[kool-aid killer]

Lawrence Phillips was very talented but unfortunately he wasnt too smart. He has somewhat revived his career in other leagues but always does something to keep himself in trouble. I think Clarett is overrated but thats just me. But im sure those of you who follow that program have a better understanding of his value to the team than i do.

[James Boba Fettfield]

As a current Ohio State student, I am glad to see Clarett gone. The Bucks proved they could win without him, and I have no doubt they'll be fine.

[Exhaust Port]

I think Clarett is overrated but thats just me.
Your not alone. I don't necessarily think he was overrated, rather he was untested. Having a few good games is one thing, to be consistant for 3 years in college is another. He'll never be able to prove that he really is good rather than he just got lucky.

Attitudes like his are what turn me off from Pro-Football. I don't want him dragging down the college game, I leave that up to players from the state of Florida. :)

[The 'Xir]

Oh goodness, there go you OSU fans again! Man I don't even care about the Big Ten but Man I think we need some Wolverine Fans on SSG just to hush some of these OSU fans down! :p Well, I know my poor Orangemen aren't going to do crud this year in football, so I won't even go there, although they may suprise a few teams! Sorry EricG but I can't support the Traitorious Canes anymore! What's worse is I was a fan of the Cane's long before they joined the Big East, but F'm now! Now that they've joined the ACC we can all sleep sound knowing that all the criminals will be locked away together in the same conference! Man they could of gone anywhere else and I probably wouldn't have cared, but I just can't stand the ACC! The only team I remotely like out of that conference is Maryland and only 'cause my sister went to school there!
Go 'Cuse!!! Can't wait for B'ball to start up again!

[The 'Xir]

Now that I think about it, maybe Ohio St should join the ACC too, after stealing the National championship last year. They're just as much of criminals as anyone else in that conference! Maurice Clarett is just another shinning example! Now if only Georgetown would get a football team so we can send them to the ACC also...NAH that's too good of a rivalry in basketball, I guess we can keep them around!

[LordBane]

Now that I think about it, maybe Ohio St should join the ACC too, after stealing the National championship last year. They're just as much of criminals as anyone else in that conference! Maurice Clarett is just another shinning example! Now if only Georgetown would get a football team so we can send them to the ACC also...NAH that's too good of a rivalry in basketball, I guess we can keep them around!


I agree with you on dealing the National Championship.I have looked at the tape of that suppose pass interference and still haven't found it.I wouldn't worry about Clarett,he is gone.Ohio St will not win the NC this year,UO or Miami will it.My boys will be in the running!! GO NOLES!!!!!!

[Exhaust Port]

Remember Miami had the ball at the 2 yard line on first down and couldn't get it in the endzone. 2 YARDS!!!! You'd think that a National Champion could move the ball 2 YARDS.

Big upset this weekend with Texas losing. OSU squeezed another one out. Sadly I had to be out the door as the OT began so I didn't see any of the 4 that took place. It looks like another complete season of nail biting wins.

[James Boba Fettfield]

That game yesterday with the OT's, by far one of the most tense I've seen lately. I want the Buckeyes to win, but my confidence is fading each time I see them play and how close they are taking it to the wire. Good job by OSU of hanging in there during the OT's, even with the momentum not being in their favor after regulation. I just hope they can put Bowling Green away next week without any long and tense OT play.

Now, to start the Ohio State thing up from last season's NCAA football thread, O-H!

[Exhaust Port]

I-O!!

Next week should be easier.

[kool-aid killer]

Anybody else catch the Husker Penn State game? I think the Huskers manhandled them and the game wasnt as close as the score would indicate. If the Huskers can get their offense on track i really feel that they could make a run for the championship.

[Exhaust Port]

I only saw a bit and thought that Penn State was in a world of hurt. They've never been a real threat since joining the Big 10.

[Trip J]

I only saw a bit and thought that Penn State was in a world of hurt. They've never been a real threat since joining the Big 10.

Well THAT'S not exactly true, considering they've won a National Championship in the last ten years (1994 they split with Nebraska).

The Husker D looked good on Saturday, though IOWA'S D looked better. Sadly, the offense looked mediocre at best. Next weeks' game against Arizona State should be telling. Then it's Big Ten time!

[Exhaust Port]

1994 is the only exception in my book as they haven't even won the Conference Title in any of the other 10 years in the conference. Penn State was heralded as a powerhouse coming in and was suppose to dominate the Big 10. I've never seen domination. Ohio State has won outright or shared the Big 10 title 4 times and Michigan has done it 3 in the last 10 years. I still stand by my statement that Penn State has never been a threat in the Big 10.

[Trip J]

1994 aside, I agree with you, they haven't been all that impressive. How many big Ten schools have threatened for a National Championship in the last ten years though? Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State. No, they haven't dominated year in and year out, but they have enjoyed success (even if it's not too terribly recent). You're right, they haven't been dominating, but they HAVE been a bowl-eligible team nearly every year they've been with the Big Ten, but they aren't the dominating force they were as an independent school.

At any rate, they certainly aren't all that impressive this year, which is unfortunate. The Big Ten in general the last two weeks haven't been exactly eye-popping with the exception of Michigan (ugh!) I root against the Big Ten when Iowa plays 'em, but I pull for them the rest of the time (also with the exception of Michigan, and maybe Illinois). I'd much rather in the upper half of a strong conference than be the top-dog in a weak one. Right now, a lot of Big Ten schools (Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois) look pretty mediocre, Ohio State looks vulnerable (but they have since like week 5 of last year for whatever that's worth) and a couple others (Iowa, Minnesota) haven't really been tested against strong competition yet. Michigan State, Indiana and Northwestern are pretty weak. I'll be surprised though, if Michigan and Ohio State are both undefeated when they finally hook up late this year.

[Exhaust Port]

but they HAVE been a bowl-eligible team nearly every year they've been with the Big Ten
This is one of my sore spots with College Football today. Is it just me or do they have to many bowls? For a lot of the big schools, as long as your above .500 your still eligible for a bowl somewhere. I swear they made up some bowls in the past just so Ohio State had one to go to while it was struggling under John Cooper. Even then he couldn't win them.

[The 'Xir]

I swear they made up some bowls in the past just so Ohio State had one to go to while it was struggling under John Cooper. Even then he couldn't win them.

Look no further than Notre Dame my friend to back your concerns of the state of College football today! Wait did I say football I meant to say the state of Coporate America... it's all business baby!

Now that the Big East is scrambling with the soon departure of Miami and Co. I have always said that the best thing for the Big East and what would make the most sense is if Notre Dame and Penn State were to join! Long Ago Penn St and Syracuse used to be BIG rivals, and then there's the classic Pittsburgh Penn St back yard brawl! Notre Dame Basket ball is already in the Big East, and there in lies the problem! This little pipe-dream of mine will stay that way, because there is no way Notre Dame football will ever profit share there NBC contract! Also, Notre Dame and Penn State are much bigger schools than any in the Big East, as well known and popular as they are, Syracuse is a private school and I think only has about 18,000+ undergrade where Penn and Notre dame are 50, 60+ if not more! I can't Imagine going to schools like Ohio St and Michigan with undergrades somewhere in the 75-100,000 range! That's crazy!

[Exhaust Port]

I think the only time all those students actually show up on campus at once is for a football game. I know I wasn't the most active student at times during my stint at OSU. :D

Notre Dame....ugh. It blew me away that one of the networks a few years ago paid A LOT of money for the broadcast rights for the Notre Dame football games (ABC?). Even at that point ND was a inconsistant team and since then has done little to spark interest. Now at least one of my few channels is almost guaranteed to be taked up by an awful ND game while I'm hoping for some Big 10 or ranked team match up. I just hate it when money talks.

[The 'Xir]

All I remember, that really ****** my off was that ND had either a losing record or a .500 record about 5, 6 years ago and still went to a bowl, only because they can draw a following or in other words people who will spend $$$$$$$!!! They were like 5-6 or 6-6! It's a bunch of Bul-larkey!!!!!

[The 'Xir]

Oh come on guys, moderaters? You guys are now editing the word P-i-s-s-e-d? You're Killing me! I know it's a kids site, but you guys are getting worse than ******* George ******* Lucas! I've always tried to be as considerate as possible while on this site, but give me a ******* break!

[Exhaust Port]

Oh man, another killer Saturday of college football. OSU squeaked out another one against the underrated Bowling Green team.

And the MAC stuck against Kansas State (6) with Marshall beating them! Wow. Perhaps my days of mocking the MAC are numbered.

Oregon just got screwed out of a touchdown against Michigan!! Man, I hope they impliment instant replay soon.

[LordBane]

Oh man, another killer Saturday of college football. OSU squeaked out another one against the underrated Bowling Green team.

And the MAC stuck against Kansas State (6) with Marshall beating them! Wow. Perhaps my days of mocking the MAC are numbered.

Oregon just got screwed out of a touchdown against Michigan!! Man, I hope they impliment instant replay soon.

This was a very good weekend in college football.KSU,Michigan,and Florida lost.Miami is steam rolling BC as we speak.My boys(Florida State) steam rolled Colorado today.That matchup of Miami and FSU will have National Championship implications!

[EricRG]

:rolleyes:

Any game involving Miami has Nat'l Championship implications.

[Exhaust Port]

This ended up being a day full of upsets. There's going to be a big change in the Top 25 list this week!

[Bel-Cam Jos]

:rolleyes:

Any game involving Miami has Nat'l Championship implications.
I didn't realize there were so many Miami of Ohio fans out there! :p
When OSU is 11-0 near the end of the year (fingers crossed), I don't think people will care how ugly they won. In my book, a 24-17 squeaker is better than a 27-20 loss. I'm just weird that way. :happy:

[Exhaust Port]

This year is almost a carbon copy of last year for OSU with all the close calls.

[LordBane]

This year is almost a carbon copy of last year for OSU with all the close calls.

I don't think Ohio Stae will make it this year.My guess will be Oklahoma,Miami or Florida State...

[Exhaust Port]

True, at this point I'm pulling that OSU can come away with the Big 10 Championship. It seems only a matter of time before they can't save a close game.

[Exhaust Port]

Looking at the Mid-American Conference they played 4 ranked teams and beat 3 of them. Bowling Green was the only team to lose but as we know that was a close one. I'm starting to think that the MAC will be breeding ground for a lot of upsets over the next few seasons. It's only a matter of time before we start seeing some ranked teams come out of that Conference.

I still can't believe that Oklahoma is ranked #1. I mean their schedule has only 2 ranked teams on it and they've yet to prove themselves. Miami and USC have already put up some impressive wins against some good teams. I feel dirty for mentioning Miami....

[Exhaust Port]

PS: is there anyway to edit the thread title to read "2003 College Football"? No point in pigeon holing the coversation to only the Buckeyes especially with so many great games this year.

[Trip J]

After watching Iowa's defense DISMANTLE Arizona State Saturday, I'm wondering just who on their schedule will be able to score more than 14 points against them. Michigan maybe? That defense knocked Navarre into oblivion last year, and Perry won't run wild against that front seven.

OSU? I doubt it, but then again, I don't see how Iowa will score much against them. I'm hoping they both come into their date in Columbus undefeated in three weeks (to do so Iowa has to beat Michigan on the 4th). THAT will be a blast. At least I'm pretty sure it won't be one of the 50-3 pastings they used to lay on us during Hayden Fry's career (don't get me wrong, I loved Hayden, but he had some real problems beating OSU).

[Exhaust Port]

It's safe to say that Iowa won't score much at all against OSU in the first half. The second half will be different I'm sure. OSU can't keep opponents under control for much more than 2 quarters. I think it's the short offensive drives (3 and out most times) that keep the defense out there too long tiring them for the second half.

Seeing 2 undefeated teams go at it would be great. Hopefully they both bring their A-game.

[Trip J]

If both teams could get to that game undefeated, it would be a tremendous boon to the Big Ten in general, and I think to the Hawkeyes in particular, especially if they could win the game.

The media would eat it up: the game everyone wanted last year to settle once and for all the Big Ten champs. There'd be a frenzy. :crazed: The fans for both schools would go nuts, and rightfully so.

And to boot, I think it will be a TREMENDOUS game, whoever wins it.

First things first though, the Spartans and Wolverines. Both will be PO'd at the beatings they got last year. I think we can hanlde MSU, and Michigan?

Well,

John Navarre, welcome to Kinnick Stadium, where Heisman Candidacies go to die! :evil:

[jjreason]

Well Im a little late in jumping into the College Football thread on behalf of my Wolverines this year, what with them soiling the bed out west last weekend. Another season of overinflated hope dashed before the conference schedule even gets started.... when will it end? :D

Someone posted a couple of pages ago that Big 10 teams rarely get to the big bowls. My thought on this is the toughness of the conference schedule. Is having to play Iowa or Illinois or Michigan State. or any other team in conference really a "week off"? No way! These are all established football schools with enormous amounts of pride. There's no tougher task than running the table in the Big 10.

Re. Penn State - I remember their first year in conference, Kerry Collins was at the helm, they beat us with a nice long post pass TD late in the 2nd half. I was in university at the time, and my roommates were giving me the gears something fierce. That would have been 94, as mentioned above. I think it was a good move inviting them into the conference, but they haven't really held up their end of the bargain (by continuing to field winning teams). I think the conference really tried to align them against MSU at the end of the year to create another fierce rivallry, but it's fizzled a little. I think ND had a chance to join as well, but opted to stay independent. Good move for the bank acct there, the NBC deal showed up shortly after that. Too bad (for NBC) they've stunk it up most of the years since. Looks good on them.

[EricRG]

Trip- I for one will be rooting on Iowa when they play OSU! That's because VA Tech is #5 in the polls right now, just behind OSU. The regular season game of the year (after the Iowa/OSU showdown) could well be when #2 Miami travels to VA Tech to take on the #5 (perhaps #4 - I don't see USC losing before then) team in the nation as undefeateds on Nov. 1. VA Tech usually plays Miami very tough at home and it should be a great game.

So, GO 'CANES!!!

[kool-aid killer]

I dont know JJ, i would have to say the BIG 12 is the toughest conference to play in. A couple of the premier teams right now, many quality squads and only two (Baylor and Kansas) wimpy teams. Anybody catch the Husker/Southern Miss. game last night on ESPN? The Blackshirts slapped them up (with the exception of that garbage time touchdown in the fourth) really good. Next week is against a cupcake (Troy State) so hopefully the second team defense and offense will get lots of time to work out and improve. Many people here in the state want to see the backup QB (Joe Dailey) get some playing time in case something happens to Lord and he needs to take over. Some even calling for him to be the starter. I dont think hes ready yet but next year the QB spot is his to lose.

[Exhaust Port]

I still find it hard to believe that Oklahoma is worthy of #1. Look their schedule! They haven't been tested once and only have 2 ranked teams for the whole season as opponents. #13 and #23! Right now I would put Miami as #1.

[jjreason]

Big 12 is tough for sure. Refresh my memory: weren't they the Big 8 (with Kansas, KU, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Okla St, ????? and Colorado teams in the beginning?) Which conference dissolved and donated the other 4 teams? Big West or some damned thing? Im bad for only following the Big 10, and I've dropped off in interest over the past few years - since I started working so many stupid weekend shifts.

[Exhaust Port]

I don't know about the Big 12 as I too am a follower of the Big 10......oops, I mean Big 10 (11). :)

[The 'Xir]

Well we SU fans don't have alot to cheer about this year for football, so I'm gonna toot our own horn when I can. Hey Maurice Clarett, thanks for F'n up 'Cause Walter Reyes is the leading rusher in the country!!! woo-hoo! Now if we can only muster 6 wins this year I'd be happy! However, we've lost one already and we still have Va Tech, Pitt, BC, Miami and Notre Dame left to play and we have a tough Toledo team to take on today! Ok amybe 5 I'll take just five wins this year! :rolleyes:

[jjreason]

I don't know about the Big 12 as I too am a follower of the Big 10......oops, I mean Big 10 (11). :)

They need to apply a little pressure to Northwestern and Indiana to buck up, or else we're going back to a REAL Big 10!!

[James Boba Fettfield]

I'm wondering just who on their schedule will be able to score more than 14 points against them. Michigan maybe?

Michigan State is who.

All kidding aside, Iowa will still be a tough one when they come here to play at the 'Shoe.

[jjreason]

Egads, MSU DID score more than 14 - 20 to be exact. Sorry, man. Good on Sparty though.......

[Exhaust Port]

It looks like OSU will be moving on up the rankings after USC lost to California. I never would have thought that USC would lose that game. I figured them and Miami were 2 of the strongest teams in the top 5. It's starting to look like OSU should start getting more respect with their standing. You can get lucky once, maybe twice, but OSU is putting up win after win (albeit a lot of close ones).

[jjreason]

Michigan will be moving back into the top 10 as well - with any luck up to #9 - after the Oregon loss (blew the wad last week) and that of USC. Ohio State will certainly move up, all that's left to see is how far they drop the Trojans. If UM loss is an indicator, they'll be down near 10th place. At least Oregon was a team of some repute.

Oh, and a warm pat on the back to those hard working BOILERMAKERS, who spoiled Notre Dame's day. Well done, boys!!!! :D

[Exhaust Port]

Oh, and a warm pat on the back to those hard working BOILERMAKERS, who spoiled Notre Dame's day. Well done, boys!!!! :D
You got that right! A Notre Dame loss is almost as fun as a Michigan loss. Go Purdue! :D

[Bel-Cam Jos]

So, a shutout for the current NCAA title holder, eh? That's great defense for ya! Nice to see Pitt turn it around after an embarassing loss last week in the MAC Attack Week. Could it be? Big 10 Ohio State vs. Big East (For One Last Year) Pittsburgh for all the marbles? Ahhhhhgggg... (Insert Homer Simpson drool here) :happy:

Yet another discussion prompt: what do you think about having to root for your rivals when they don't play you, so your own BCS rating will go up with the Strength of Schedule category? Does that irk you? Do you care? Does anybody know what time it is? ([About time] Although I can't image why [Oh no] As I was walking down the street one day... :p)

[Exhaust Port]

Well this year I've all but written off OSU for a repeat (hopefully I eat those words) so I'm pulling for them to win the Big 10 championship. So this season I don't have to put myself in the strange position to root for Michigan or other weeny teams. Bel-Cam Jos, you do bring up a good point that a lot of diehard school fans are forced to rooting for rival teams to improve your own standings. It's like kissing your sister......ew!

OSU's defense gave a great show yesterday. Once again the inconsistant offense leaves something to be desired.

[Trip J]

First things first...



AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!!!!!!

Michigan State?

The same team that lost to LA Tech?

Wow, that sucked. Yes, they gave up more than 14, but the offense was responsible for 13 of the 20 MSU hung on us. They couldn't run, and Smoker didn't do much but dink and dunk all day. After the first drive when they did push us around, they couldn't do much. We could do even less.

Eh, well, if we can take care of Michigan, it'll be okay, I think. Mo Brown should be back in time for OSU and I'll feel a LOT better then.

As far as cheering for rival schools, that's an interesting question. With the exception of Michigan and Illinois, I generally pull for Big Ten schools when they venture out of conference anyway. There was a big group of us Hawkeye faithful down in Miami last year watching the National Championship game after our humbling defeat to USC in the Orange Bowl. We were in some bar pulling hard for the Buckeyes, right in the middle of a bunch of Miami folks who didn't really appreciate it. To heck with them, if it had been ANY Big Ten school, I'da pulled hard for them. It's that simple.

Now, as far as other rivalries, and our only other really big one is Iowa State, well, I pull for the Cyclowns to LOSE AND LOSE BADLY EVERY TIME THEY TAKE THE FIELD.

[Exhaust Port]

Trip J, welcome to having your "season spoiled by Michgan State" club.

I'm a firm Big 10 supporter in the post season. During the season there are too many issues that prevent a desire for a fellow Big 10 school to win. The Big 10 Championship comes first in my opinion but once that's settled I love to see bowl domination by the home teams.

[jjreason]

First things first, Im always happy when we get a win but manage to drop a place in the rankings. That's sweet. :mad:

I root for any Big 10 team to beat teams from any other conference in all sports. Come bowl time or Toury time in March Im all about the Big 10 - and they usually do us pretty proud. What I find tough is who to root for through the football season. Because I want a Wolverine Big 10 championship, I'll be hoping for an OSU loss before the final week of the season - but it would be sweet if we could go into it with both teams perfect in conference. Dashing OSU hopes for a second Nat Champ would make the "spoil factor" that much more pungent.....

[Exhaust Port]

It's not looking good for #2 Miami. 2:00 left and they're down 20-19. Come on West Virginia!!!!!

[Exhaust Port]

Aw man, Miami pulled it out. After that poor show they shouldn't stay at #2 in my opinion. I mean, West Virginia folks.

[EricRG]

Are you kidding me EP??? So you would have OSU who barely beat SAN DIEGO STATE and BOWLING GREEN(!) move ahead of Miami? PLEASE! OSU are the KINGS of barely beating teams they should thrash. But as we all know, it takes a team of character to come back and win when the chips are down. And Miami did that today as well as against Florida.

I've got no fingernails left. Miami's Gore may have a serious knee injury, and they play 3 top 10 teams in the next 4 weeks, two of which are away. I'll be pleasantly surprised if Miami survives unbeaten.

GO 'CANES!!!

[Exhaust Port]

And OSU dropped with each of the close loses (none were won on the final drive as Miami's was either). Not that it wouldn't suprise me to see Miami stay where they are due to the usual bias for all teams from Florida. :rolleyes:

An important note with OSU's 2003 season is they've only been down to the opposing team for less than half of one quarter for the whole season. Other than that first quarter against San Diego, they've never had to come from behind. That's not something a lot of these "power houses" can say about their performance.

[EricRG]

True EP, OSU did move down after close calls. HOWEVER, if it was any other team than OSU with it's own share of close calls to teams they should beat easily, I might agree that perhaps Miami might move down. But right now its OSU behind Miami and there's no way Miami will fall behind them due to OSUs barely beating two teams they should have thrashed.

But don't you worry. Miami will be tested by some very good teams soon enough. Miami will EASILY have the #1 strength of schedule at the end of this season (hey, that's a new one!) So because of this, I actually think that they can afford to lose to one of these top 10 opponents and still play for the Nat'l Championship, even if there is an undefeated team behind them in the BCS at the end of the year.

[Exhaust Port]

Wow, I missed the full day of football and Iowa put the hurt to Michigan! I didn't see that coming.

[jjreason]

God that hurts. An offensive showing that sets a Michigan school record results in a loss? Write them off. No good bowls for us.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Yeah, but you still get to play us (Ohio State), and that's kind of like it's own mini bowl game.

[Exhaust Port]

It's the only game that really matters.

[jjreason]

Yeah, but you guys both know that the motivation to spoil someone else's season is nowhere near as strong as the motivation to keep your own hopes alive. Unless we win the rest leading into the OSU game and can scrape together a share of the Big 10 title. Maybe there's still a little light left at the end of the tunnel.

Congrats to IOWA by the way on a huge win for them. We were really gunning for them after last years debacle, but they stood strong at home. Something to be proud of for sure.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

There's hardly any West Coast representation here on SSG, and I'm not really even a casual fan of West Coast colleges, but UCLA and USC had impressive showings yesterday. Both 20+ margins over pretty good competition (Washington and Arizona St., respectively).

(Hey, when both Pitt and OSU are not playing [well, maybe Pittsburg of Kentucky, or Oklahoma State were :p ], you gotta stay involved somehow! :happy: )

[Exhaust Port]

This next Saturday will be interesting as Oklahoma plays their ONLY ranked team of the season, #13 Texas. I'll definately be rooting for Texas in that match up.

Anyone know when the BCS rankings coming out?

[Trip J]

Meant to get back sooner, but I just got out from under the pile of fans at Kinnick Stadium...

WOW! What a game. After losing to MSU, I had no idea where the Hawks stood, and after we fell down by 14, I thought we were done. The offense put together a big drive and cut the lead, and they just hung tight the rest of the way home.

After laying an egg against us last year, Navarre really played a fantastic game. We couldn't get pressure, and he seemed to nail every single third and long situation. He was awesome.

For the Hawks, special teams and Freddy Russell were the difference. Michigan/Iowa always seems to come down to blocked punt (usually going against us and resulting in a Michigan TD), and that was the difference Saturday, only with our guys getting the block. With that crazy formation Michigan kept throwing up there, it was really only a matter of time.

Anyhoo, no time to get excited. OSU is in less than two weeks. Then we'll see just how good we really are...

[Exhaust Port]

Then we'll see just how good we really are...
And vise versa. I'm really starting to look forward to the Iowa game now. And as an OSU fan, I appreciate all the work Iowa did to expose all the Michigan weaknesses. :D

[kool-aid killer]

Exhaust Port, i dont think its wise to judge a teams opponents by if they are ranked or not. I think if anything this year has proven what Chris Berman has a tendency to say, "Thats why they play the game." How many ranked teams have fallen to unranked? And dont forget the Buckeyes had problems with unranked squads too. I dont think Oklahoma is a paper tiger and wont be suprised to see them in the Big 12 championship (hopefully against my Huskers) or a decent bowl game.

[Exhaust Port]

True several teams have fallen to unranked teams but in a sport that attempts to define a champion among 100+ teams without every team playing each other the ranking system is a key part of that. With only 25 of the 100+ teams ranked its easy for an unranked team to pick off one of the ranked, it's a 1:4 ratio.The ranking system is fairly accurate for the most part when it's treated unbiasly (which I don't think it is when it comes to some teams).

I think those teams listed in the top 30 are better than the rest. How many of the upsets this year came from an unranked team that was ranked 26? 29?

No matter, Oklahoma has not been playing good teams this year.

North Texas? They're 2-3 with wins against such teams as Baylor and Lafayette.

Alabama? They're 2-4 with wins against South Florida and Kentucky.

Fresno State? 3-3 with wins against Oregon State, LA Tech and Portland State

UCLA? 3-2 with wins against Illinois, San Diego and Washington

Iowa State? 2-3 with wins against Northern Iowa and Ohio University

OU's opponents are 12-15 and those 12 wins come against some equally weak teams. UCLA is the only team with a winning record. I don't think anyone can honestly look at OU's schedule and Miami's and say that OU has earned their position.

Rankings don't mean anything when it comes to Conference play as those teams can play enough games to decide who's better. When it comes to National ranking, other factors have to be taken into account other than just a teams record. I believe that is what the BCS ranking attempts to do, by taking into account the strength of the opponents. I think when the first BCS ranking is issued that OU might find itself in another position but it suprises me that currently they sit at #1.

[James Boba Fettfield]

It's good to see Ohio State tries to win by choking Wisconsin's QB. Things like that make me want to see OSU lose, but then again, *looks outside dorm window at Ohio State campus*....I don't want there to be riots if they lose.

[2-1B]

Indeed, that piece of **** Reynolds should be suspended for the rest of the year. :mad:

Awwwwwww, poor Buckeyes, only way they can *come close* to beating the Badgers is to take cheap shots like that. The game's not over yet so anything's possible . . . but how classic will it be that Schabert burned OSU for that 80 yarder? :D

[James Boba Fettfield]

Looks like Brian won't be making any trips outside of his room until daylight. Please rowdy students, don't pee outside my room in disgust of the loss. We got what we deserved.

[EricRG]

WOOHOO! OSU goes down. How can Reynolds not be thrown out of the game for gouging Wiscs QBs throat to the point that he couldn't continue? Real classy.

Miami beat FSU up pretty well. The game was not nearly as close as the score indicates. This all sets up #2 Miami at #3 Virginia Tech the day after Halloween. Game of the (regular) season.

I have to admit Oklahoma looked pretty damn good.

Half of the Top 10 lost. Georgia and USC will benefit greatly by the results this weekend.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Ohio State loses.
Pitt loses.
Even Youngstown State loses (by 34?!?).
Pitt Penguins are 0-1-1.

Sad day in the B-C Jos home. :cry:

I just hope there are no undefeated teams by regular season's end. That'll put a monkey wrench in the works.

[kool-aid killer]

My Huskers lost too. Oh man did that hurt. But i figure after having smacked Missouri around for 24 years straight we were bound to lose one to them someday. But the season is not lost yet, we still have lots of football to look forward to and i still believe we can make a good bowl game. Anybody know how many unbeatens there are now?

[jjreason]

Man, another crazy week of College Football. I though the brown jug would be headed to Minnesota, but somehow the boys found enough pride to pull that out after falling behind 14 - 0. Not like Michigan to stage a "big" comeback like that - they have an abysmal record in games where they've fallen behind by 14 (and until something like last year or the year before had NEVER EVER come back to win once down by that margin).

OSU losing at least makes the Big10 a little more interesting. It wouldn't be so bad to see Iowa take the flag and head west to represent the conference, now that no one (well, at least not very likely at this point) will be headed to a bigger bowl than the Rose.

I personally feel that Oklahoma has expelled any doubt about who the best team is. They took their only "big" game, and used it to show the coaches and writers exactly how much they can dish out. Turns out it's quite a bit. Miami appeared to have a little more trouble with Free Shoes U, but it wasn't THAT close (as was posted above). I was watching the game, it seemed like Miami had the ball the entire time.

[Exhaust Port]

Boy that choking thing really ticked me off. What a crappy display of poor sportsmanship. I hope that Tressle comes down on him hard this week and suspends him. It's bad enough to lose but its worse when some player makes you look like poor losers. I was disgusted.

As for OSU's record, it was only a matter of time before they lost. Of course, Michigan is the only game that matters. Screw Blue. ;)

[Exhaust Port]

I caught on the local news tonight that Reynolds made a public apology for his actions and he has been suspended but I missed for how long. Nice response Coach!!

[2-1B]

When I got home tonight, I saw on the ESPNEWS ticker that Reynolds got a one game suspension.

[Trip J]

Well I guess Nathan Chandler should be safe from choking this week...at least by someone else's hand...

[Trip J]

Since there seem to be a lot of Big Ten folks here, I thought I would bring this up.

Here's ESPN.com's Big Ten Midseason Report (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=gould_herb&id=1638677)

Two questions come to mind. One, with seven teams in the Top 25, is the Big Ten really the strongest conference in the nation, or is it a bunch of mediocre teams? People always argue the Big 12 is better, but after Oklahoma, the other schools that were in the preseason top 5 aren't very good. Texas lost unimpressively twice, and so has Kansas State. Nebraska has been better than in years past, but they haven't played anyone either (not a knock on them, just a fact), and I don't think they can score enough points to win against a truly good defense.

I think that the seven that are ranked in the Big Ten are all very good teams, but all have major flaws. Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Purdue all lost to schools in the pre-conference portions of their schedules that they should have won. Minnesota didn't play anyone, and now that Iowa State and Arizona State have proven to be awful teams, I guess you could say the Hawkeyes didn't either. I don't know if any school in the conference could stand in against Miami or Oklahoma right now, but beyond those schools there seems to be a huge drop-off to the next tier of schools. What do you think?

The other thing I thought was interesting was that they named Kirk Ferentz of Iowa as the Big Ten coach of the year so far. As a lifelong Iowa fan and alum, I can't disagree that he's a fantastic coach and that we're lucky to have him, but Glen Mason in Minnesota has done a fabulous job, Joe Tiller at Purdue has put together another terrific team, John L. Smith at MSU has done a terrific job turning around that train wreck too. Alvarez and Tressel also belong in the conversation. Who is the best coach in the Big Ten?

I'll make the homer argument and take Ferentz. When Hayden Fry retired, he really left the cupboard bare. Timmy Dwight and Tavian Banks graduated, and the players that were left simply were not good. Kirk came in and had a lot of trouble recruiting those first years. A lot of the fantastic players to come through the Iowa program the last two years have been walk-ons (Dalls Clark, Grant Steen, Nate Kaeding and others). While Michigan and Ohio State have both won National Championships inthe last six years, they also get the blue chip recruits. The other schools in the conference fight for the best of the rest. In Iowa's case, it took that amazing run last year to gain respectability to start recruiting those kids again. Anyone could have had Brad Banks, Freddy Russell, Bobby Sanders, Jermelle Lewis, Dallas Clark or any of the offensive linemen we've developed over the last couple of years. And instead of dropping off after a dominating year like every other Big Ten team has done (Michigan and OSU excepted of course), they seem to have reloaded and put together another pretty good team. Now we have some pretty good freshmen lined up, and I think things are going to get even better from here. My only hope is he doesn't bolt to the NFL.

So what do you think? Is the Big Ten the best conference in the land? Who's better? Why?

Who is the best coach in the conference?

[Exhaust Port]

This year as well as years past I think the Big 10 has fronted the best group of teams in college football. A lot of other conferences can't provide the same quality competition for inner-conference play. For a Big 10 school to win the conference says a lot as they had to beat a lot of other great teams to get there. Other conferences can front 2-3 great teams but that's it.

Best coach? That will be decided here in the last weeks of the regular season and the bowl games.

[kool-aid killer]

I will agree that the Big 10 is a strong conference, but i dont think its the strongest. I will have to go with my home conference and say its the Big 12. Nebraska played a previously ranked Oklahoma St. and won against them, i believe Missouri was ranked, dropped out after a loss, and returned after defeating the Huskers so i would have to say they have played against quality squads. Texas seems to always be overrated but despite that they have a talanted team. Kansas St. is a pretender, that i will admit. Exhaust Port, have any Big 12 teams played any Big 10 teams this year and if so, do you know who they were and who won?

[Exhaust Port]

Iowa State lost to Iowa - 40-21
Nebraska beat Penn State - 18-10

That's it for the season between the 2 conferences. I think Trip J's article makes a great point, of the 11 teams in the Big 10, 7 are ranked. The Big 12 doesn't have a great showing overall. Once you get past OU, OSU and Texas the conference suffers. Any team in the Big 10 can and has been a major contender over the years, even Northwestern had their time in the lime light. The Big 12's other schools never step up to the plate.

Texas has a killer schedule this year but OU hasn't been tested and won't be this season. The only reason the Big 10 schools will suffer in the rankings in the next few weeks is because of inner-conference play. Being that so many are ranked they are due to fall as they play each other.

[Trip J]

It's a good point saying that the Big Ten teams will beat up on each other. Nobody's going to run the table this year. Each team has at least one glaring weakness (Iowa and OSU's pass games, Michigan and Wisconsin's Special teams, Purdue's improving running game, Illinois' entire squad) and the conference schedule will be a war of attrition. I'd be surprised to see anyone escape with fewer than two losses on their schedule.

The Big 12 has some excellent teams this year too. Like I said in my previous post, Nebraksa has been excellent so far (until Missouri), Missouri has been very good, Texas Tech's offense is downright scary, Rashaan Woods at OSU is a monster, and then you have Oklahoma, right now the undisputed king of them all. I think, though, if you took any of the top seven in the Big Ten (OSU, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Minnesota), they would match up favorably with any of those schools save for OU. Against one another, it's just going to be one bloody mess (except for those lucky jerks who get Indiana and Northwestern on the schedule!)

[Exhaust Port]

(except for those lucky jerks who get Indiana and Northwestern on the schedule!)
Jealous! ;)

[kool-aid killer]

But all teams in a conference beat up on each other for the most part. Few have a really dominant team so i dont think that argument can be effectively used. I dont think we will come to an agreement over this so i wont post about it anymore (or at least until the seasons end) So now that i know who most peoples favorite team is, who is your favorite underdog? Mine used to be Iowa State when they really sucked but now that they are (or is it were?) semi decent i would have to say its Baylor.

[Exhaust Port]

My new favorite underdog(s) is any team from the Mid-American Conference. They trashed a lot of good teams this year and never get any respect except for the occasionaly kudo to Marshall. Perhaps someday I won't have to hang my head in shame when discussing my old college's football program. :D

[Exhaust Port]

Another idiot player.

http://www.wftv.com/sports/2552858/detail.html

This Nebraska player all out punches a Missouri fan after the game. That is just rediculous!

[Exhaust Port]

Ohio State vs. Iowa

One word - DEFENSE!

Great game!

[kool-aid killer]

I agree that the Husker player shouldnt have socked the fan regardless of the taunting but it wouldnt have happened if he hadnt rushed on the field so the fan isnt without fault either. I was glad to see the Huskers put it to Texas A and M today. Blackshirts forced eight turnovers today. Anybody catch the Oklahoma St. Texas Tech shootout?

[Bel-Cam Jos]

My local Chaffey Panthers got burned today by 46. Gotta represent even the junior colleges, too. But OSU fights their way to another defensive, gritty win; Pitt got to vent some frustrations; and even YSU wins in overtime. Yay!

[Trip J]

Well, that game played out about like I thought it would. Great effort by the Hawks, even though the final score is disappointing. If you like defense and har hitting, this was a game for you!

I didn't think either team would have much success offensively, and that big plays on special teams would be the difference in the game. I'd hoped we would get those plays (and we did get one on that excellent fake FG), but OSU made the big ones that mattered.

All in all, I'd say we have a pretty good football team this year. I thought OSU would be a pretty important measuring stick, and I thought the Hawks measured up pretty well for the most part.

One last thing, why oh why must we always have a punt blocked for a TD in big conference games?

[Exhaust Port]

Yeah, Iowa looked pretty good out there. It just goes to show what amazing defense and special teams both sides had. Of course the Offenses were just plain offensive except for the Iowa running game at times.

I'm still ticked about Krenzels poor handling of the ball when they were at the 1 yd line, first and goal. Why did he feel it was necessary to stretch in traffic, leaving the ball exceptionally prone to fumbling? That was just a dumb play.

[Trip J]

I'm not certain he didn't score there though. It was one of those plays that could have been called the other way. It just went against OSU that time, though it could've just as easily been a TD.

Okay, maybe our shot at a repeat title is done, but bring on Penn State anyway!

[Exhaust Port]

At first I thought he scored but the numerous replays convinced me otherwise. Of course I was more upset with the 2 holds not called against Iowa during the fake fieldgoal. ;) Oh well, it's all part of the game. :)

[Trip J]

Yeah, there were some *interesting* calls in that game, but at least they went both ways. I think Bobby Sanders was blocked in the back on the punt return for the TD that didn't get flagged, the O-Pass Intereference call was interesting on the flea-flicker play. Seemed awfully ticky-tack to me. We were holding on the fake-fg, no doubt about it. And of course, the Krenzel fumble. That's four big calls that impacted the game. At least it was two for each side I guess... :confused:

[Trip J]

Interesting weekend. OSU, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota all looked really strong. I was surprised to see Purdue get handled that easily. And Wisconsin losing to Northwestern? THAT was hilarious.

Hawks didn't allow a PSU first down until the 3rd Quarter.

Well, the Big Ten race is coming down the stretch.

Iowa's remaining schedule (6-2, 2-2):
Illinois
@Purdue
Minnesota
@wisconsin

Michigan (7-2, 4-1):
@MSU
@Northwestern
OSU

OSU (7-1, 3-1):
@Penn St
Michigan State
Purdue
@Michigan

Michigan State (7-1, 4-0):
Michigan
@OSU
@Wisconsin
Penn State

Purdue (6-2, 3-1):
Northwestern
Iowa
@Ohio State
@Indiana

Wisconsin (6-3, 3-2):
@Minnesota
Michigan
Iowa

Minnesota (7-2, 3-2):
Indiana
Wisconsin
@Iowa

With no conference losses, Michigan State looks to be in the drivers' seat, but they've got a tough stretch ahead with games against Michigan and then at OSU and Wisconsin.

I think almost everyone in the conference will wind up with at least two losses, and the winner will end up with just one.

Therefore, the teams in the hunt really are:

Michigan
Ohio State
Purdue
and of course, Michigan State

Interestingly, Purdue only has to play OSU, they dodge MSU (it won't matter because I think Iowa will beat them anyway).

Michigan, OSU, and MSU all play each other down the stretch. I'm not sure who will be left standing, but I'm pretty sure it'll be one of three.

I'll go this route:

MSU
Michigan
OSU

What do you think Big Ten fans? Who will reign supreme?

[Exhaust Port]

I'm thinking that MSU will lose to Wisconsin and OSU as both those games will be on the road for them and both are tough teams. That would put MSU tied with plenty of others for 3rd leaving OSU and Michigan to battle it out for first. No matter how tough either team is that match up is always hard fought. The edge goes to Michigan due to the home field advantage but that didn't help them 2 years ago. I don't think I can't predict who will win.

If Michigan wins, they win it all in the Big 10 (assuming they beat MSU). OSU wins they take it all (assuming they beat MSU). So it looks like the deciding factor will be the ability of Michigan and OSU to beat MSU. Either team fails to do that and MSU takes it all.

[kool-aid killer]

When you say take it all do you mean the Big 10 championship or is that including the national championship?

The Huskers' schedule gets nasty this Saturday with an away game at Texas, followed by another at Kansas. They have Kansas St. at Memorial Stadium and the final game is against Colorado in Boulder. Im scared that the Buffs will prove to be more formidable than their record indicates. They seem to catch on the last games of the season.

[Trip J]

Well I was just talking about the Big 10 (I don't think you'll see a B10 school in the nat'l championship unless stuff falls just right for OSU down the stretch), but the Big 12 should be interesting too.

For the first time all year, I think Oklahoma looked beatable against Colorado last weekend. That last stretch for the Huskers looks tough, but definitely winnable.

I think you'll see an OU-nebraska Big 12 title game.

Kool-aid, I know with the divisional alignment, teams don't play everyone in the conference anymore, but don't they do anything special to ensure Nebraska and OU play every year? I would think that the rivalry would be too important NOT to schedule.

EP, do we do the same in the Big 10? Has there been a year without Michigan-OSU?

[Exhaust Port]

It looks like the OSU-Michigan matchup has happened every year since 1918 but they've been meeting since 1897 with only a few missing years.

http://www.rivalfanatics.com/team_rivalry.htm

[kool-aid killer]

The Husker do not play Oklahoma every year. The only Big 12 teams they play every year are the ones in the north division (Colorado, Kansas St., Kansas, Iowa State, Missouri) and a few in the south. The only way they would be able to meet every year is if they both played in the Big 12 championship game in seasons where they didnt go head to head during the regular schedule. I remember people here saying how the regular season wouldnt be the same without the yearly game against Oklahoma. Im hoping to see an OU-NU matchup in the championship game too. I think the winner of that (even with the Huskers one loss) has a good shot at playing in for the national championship. But i may be wrong, there are other good teams in the nation.

[Exhaust Port]

Well todays games have begun and already Michigan is giving Michigan State a good beating in my opinion. 13-3 by the half. Texas is also shutting out Nebraska 14-0. Wow, I wouldn't have guessed that either of these games would be playing out as they are.

[EricRG]

GO 'CANES!

[thrawndude]

Well did you see BSU (boise state) beat BYU 50-12?! Go BSU!

[James Boba Fettfield]

That game of OSU's was close, a little too close. I thought the Penn State kicker was going to make it, then I was going to cry. Thankfully that did not happen.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Anyone else loving this Miami beatdown? I hope this continues through the fourth.

[Exhaust Port]

WOW Miami falls in a blowout!! Plus Florida takes down Georgia!! The new standings will show some major movement for sure.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

(squeak, squeak)Ohio State squeaks by yet again. A 60 yarder?!? And that thing was close, to quote Lando, "too close."
#1 OKlahoma (cruises)
#2 Miami (will drop; #4 maybe?)
#3 USC (cruises; new #2)
#4 Georgia (will drop; #8 maybe?)
#5 Florida St. (cruises; #3 maybe?)
#6-#7 Who cares? :p
#8 Ohio St. (barely gets by; #7 maybe?)
#9-#24 Who cares? :sur: :frus: ;)
#25 Pitt (winner!; #22 perhaps? :rolleyes: )
I-AA Youngstown St. loses to N. Iowa by 38. :cry:

[Exhaust Port]

I agree with most of your top 10 but OSU is already #7 so will probably end up #4 in my opinion. Miami's destruction will probably drop them to #7 or #8. OSU's lose wasn't as lopsided and they fell to #9 I believe so Miami might be in for a little bit of a landslide. Also #6 Washington State lost to USC so they'll drop far as it will be their second loss. That will move OSU up even further.

Here's my guess:

1. Oklahoma
2. USC
3. Florida State
4. Ohio State
5. Virginia Tech
6. Miami
7. LSU
8. Georgia
9. Texas
10. Michigan

I know Michigan has 2 losses already but they played some great football against a great team. Plus they aren't the only good team with 2 losses now either.


2 other teams to watch are the MAC representatives, Bowling Green and N. Illinois. I think both can man-handle the rest of their seasons and with the rest of the Top 25 playing each other over the next few weeks they could really move up some numbers.

[kool-aid killer]

Sadness. The Huskers were dominated yesterday by Texas. They couldnt stop the run and the O-line couldnt block at all. Texas' coach seems to have Solichs number, 4-1 record against him. Glad they werent the only top 10 team to get beat. Maybe its better this way, they are in a three way tie for the North championship spot and the winner of that will most likely play Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game. I dont think any team in college football can beat them right now.

[Exhaust Port]

The Big 12 will be interesting to watch now that there is that tie in the North. The Big 10 as well is now showing a 4 way tie for #1. That will be quickly resolved as OSU plays all of the 3 other teams in the next few weeks. Other than the Oklahoma runaway, this is turning into a pretty good season.

[EricRG]

Yikes. Miami looked horrible yesterday. That's OK, though. They haven't gotten beaten like that in YEARS. So I'm glad you enjoyed it...it'll be, what, 2007 or so before it happens again?;) Also, Oklahoma is not losing this year, so it'll be OK with me to watch somebody else get pummeled by them in the Sugar.

[Trip J]

I can't remember the last time I saw Miami get killed like that. That really makes the Nat'l title chase interesting!

To the Big Ten. First, to answer my own question from last week, the Big Ten allows each school to choose two other schools (there has to be a mutual agreement) in the conference which will not drop off of the schedule, ever. This ensures we will always see Michigan-OSU. I'm surprised the Big 12 didn't do something like that to preserve Nebraska-Oklahoma (though I'll bet Husker fans are pretty happy about that this year).

It's entirely possible now that the winner of the Big Ten could have two conference losses this year, and that gives me hope. There's some big games left, but Michigan looks to have the inside track with only OSU in their way. I love the fact that the Hawks seem to be playing extremely well right now, and they're finally getting healthy. Seven starters returned to the lineup on Saturday, including Mo Brown, our best wide receiver by far. I think this team CAN win out, but it's going to be a tough road ahead, that's for sure.

BTW...anyone see the two blocks Gallery put on that Illinois DB Saturday? Once he literally knocked the dude out of his shoes. That guy is a monster. We'll REALLY miss him next year!

[jjreason]

I watched the whole Michigan / MSU game uninterupted - a wonderful treat for me (with 2 small kids in the house). The game was nowhere near a 7 point win, Michigan thoroughly dominated, and should have won by 21 pts (they turned the ball over late leading to that Spartan defensive touchdown that made things a little too interesting down the stretch). What an incredible performance by Chris Perry.

[Trip J]

Yeah, Michigan fans will probably look back on this year and think about what could've been.

If the Iowa-Michigan game were in Ann Arbor, I don't think the Hawks would've won (but then again, if OSU played us at Kinnick I don't think they would've won either). Two mistakes on Special Teams cost that game for the Wolves. In the Oregon game, they quit on the run too quickly, and Perry didn't get nearly enough carries.

Perry was a stud Saturday. I was impressed. 51 carries is a pretty big workload. I'd HATE for him to be too tired to carry the rock next week :D !

[The 'Xir]

Better yet! We got a HUGE game comming up here in the Big East! Undefeated(in BE play) #21 Pittsburgh(3-0;6-2) takes on #5 Virgina Tech(3-1;7-1), Saturday Nov 8th! I Know I'm gonna be down in Pittsburgh that weekend, but I don't know if we're going to the game yet! I'll try to get tickets if I can! Any SSG'ers in that area wanna get together for a beer or that may have extra tickets let me know! Let's go Pitt! :( ...when's Basketball start?! Let's go SU!!! Time to defend the National Title! :cool:

[EricRG]

So the BCS says this:
1. Oklahoma
2. USC
3. Florida St.
4. MIAMI
5. Ohio St.
6. Va Tech
7. LSU
8. Michigan
9. TCU
10. Georgia

Good to see Miami still in the Top 4 (and ahead of OSU!). Florida St. is only barely ahead of them. Miami still has big games against Tennessee and Pitt. Anybody care for a Michigan-Miami Rose Bowl, perhaps?

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Good to see Miami still in the Top 4 (and ahead of OSU!). Florida St. is only barely ahead of them. Miami still has big games against Tennessee and Pitt. Anybody care for a Michigan-Miami Rose Bowl, perhaps?
I'm still trying to figure out how it can be a Pitt/Ohio St. Nat'l Title game! Hey, Pitt's #25 in the BCS; it could happen... (no comments about monkeys flying, please :p) P.S. 'Xir, I'd love for the Big East championship to come down to da 'Boigh and The 'Cuse!

[Exhaust Port]

If OSU can win the rest of their games they'll pass by Miami pretty easily thanks to the strength of schedule. Other than that there probably won't be any more changes in the Top 5 unless someone gets knocked off by an opponent. OSU is the only team in danger of having that happen in my opinion.

[EricRG]

You're probably right EP. But OSU will be thoroughly tested to win out. I just looked at their remaining schedule. Ouch. Michigan St, Purdue and at Michigan. And it'll be closer than you think as far as the final BCS rankings, cause Miami still has to play Pitt (especially if Pitt somehow manages to knock off VTech...but I seriously doubt that will occur) and Tennessee. Plus Miami will pick up one more win than OSU if both teams win out; they still also have to play Rutgers and the 'Cuse.

[Exhaust Port]

Man that would be sweet if Pitt could beat VTech!

[Exhaust Port]

Wow, #20 Bowling Green got smacked hard by Miami (OH) last night, 33-10. Looks like they'll be dropping back out of the top 25 next week.

[James Boba Fettfield]

And Miami falls again!

[EricRG]

Yeah yeah yeah, so Miami lost (again). I'm really starting to dislike Brock Berlin. Stupid name, chokes under pressure. Nice INT with the game on the line, there BB. I'm gonna stop talking up the 'Canes this year because they're obviously a flawed team. Oh well. Looks like a second tier bowl for Miami this year. Maybe they'll play in the Holiday Bowl here in San Diego! On the other hand, the steamroller that is Oklahoma continues to pick up speed. I hope the national championship is at least somewhat entertaining.

[jjreason]

I know how you feel, EricRG. When we lost our second game (in Iowa) it near floored me. Good news is, there are a few awesome teams with 2 losses - and there'll be another one (OSU) in 2 weeks time! :Pirate: :D

Maybe we'll see each other in the Rose Bowl?

[James Boba Fettfield]

Another few weeks? Why who do we play?

*looks over schedule*

Oh Michigan, we play at Michigan. Why do you think OSU is going to have a loss then? :Pirate: ;)

[jjreason]

Oh yeah??!!! Well *tries to keep quivering upper lip stiff* we're not scared of you beating us at home (again)!!! :D

[Exhaust Port]

Three Top 10 teams fell today. Miami #7, Virginia Tech #5 and FSU #3. I never saw either of the Florida teams falling today but VT was always a possibility against Pitt. That will move up the Buckeyes to number #4 in the rankings and will also boost them in the BSC up to #3. If OSU can hold off Purdue and Michigan they might be able to squeak out a #2 in the BSC through the points due to the strength of schedule.

To be honest, I feel a lot more comfortable in #3. I would love to see OSU play for another Nat'l Championship but the offense is so bad that they'd get hammered against OU. I could see the defense holding out for a quarter or 2 but without points being added to the board they'd get blown out.

This weekend was another round of upsets. I wonder what next week will hold?

[JetsAndHeels]

I only got one thing to say:
How 'bout them Tarheels!?!? (try not to laugh too loud)
Upset Wake Forest and got their big 2nd win of the season!!
As a Carolina fan I have not had alot to cheer for this football season, so I figured I should take advantage of the rare occasion of a big win over our acc rival!!
Back to losing next week I suppose.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Don't worry jj, I'm scared as hell about that Michigan game myself. But we're gearing up for Beat Michigan week soon, so I'm playing confident and doing my part.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

I'm still trying to figure out how it can be a Pitt/Ohio St. Nat'l Title game! Hey, Pitt's #25 in the BCS; it could happen... (no comments about monkeys flying, please :p)
Well, here's one way it could happen: both Pitt and OSU win out, with every other BCS ranked team in their way losing. Both would be BCS conference winners (Big East/Big Ten+1), with decent strength of schedule points. (Rubs hands greedily) (Drool begins to form on side of mouth) (Sound of "aaaaahhhhhkkk..." is heard) :D

[kool-aid killer]

The Huskers struggled in a win against Kansas yesterday. It was a pretty boring game to watch. With Missouris loss to Colorado, Kansas St. and Nebraska are now tied for the top spot in the north. They play each other this weekend so the winner of that (and assuming they win out) will face Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Now im not too thrilled about the prospect of Nebraska facing Oklahoma this year but i also realize OU can be beaten. Colorado came close to doing it and they arent having a stellar year. And there has been times that a Big 12 team has gone into the conference championship game undefeated and lost in it so i dont think any north team that wins the chance to play them should immediately cower.

[Exhaust Port]

That's the great thing about college sports is that no matter how well you are ranked or have performed in the past you can lose it all in one game. OSU has blown several seasons in recent memory by losing to some underdog team. You're right, OU showed some real weakness in the Colorado game, I don't think the final score really reflects that. They can lose, but will it happen?

[Trip J]

WE DROPPED 10 STINKIN' SPOTS IN BOTH POLLS? We were underdogs, on the road, against a potential BCS school.

No excuses though, they beat us, and did it in a way I'd never thought possible. Purdue ran it right down our throats, and they did it all day.

I just hope we don't wind up back at the Iowa, er Alamo bowl again.

Kool-aid...we could see an Iowa Nebraska Alamo Bowl, that could be interesting.

Bring on Minnesota! We're keeping the pig (Floyd of Rosedale, the bronze Pig statue that goes to the winner of the Iowa/MN game)!!

[James Boba Fettfield]

What a way to win the game! Just like OSU to finish Purdue in OT! Special teams and defense, I love you!

YOU'RE NEXT MICHIGAN!

And after that, we'll be seeing someone in the Fiesta Bowl.*



*I can hope, right?

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Ugh. The Backyard Brawl got Pitt all beaten up. 52 points?!? Yowzah. But they can still face OSU in the title game by winning the Big East. Gotta stop Miami, though.
Ohio State gets by again. That's heart, guts, and perserverence (sp?), fellas.

[James Boba Fettfield]

And luck, that missed field goal in OT was lots and lots of luck.

[kool-aid killer]

Huskers fell hard yesterday against KSU. It was close in the first half but once the second half began it was all KSU. I wish the Huskers would have kept running the ball, Porkchop seemed to be doing well. Well the winner of next weeks Missouri/KSU game will take on Oklahoma for a shot at the Big 12 title, im going for Missouri simply because they arent as arrogant as KSU comes off as being. Next game for the Huskers is against Colorado, that one in my opinion will be their toughest game of the year.

[Exhaust Port]

Wow, that OSU game was great. Both defenses were great! I can't believe both teams missed key field goals. The OSU FG attempt by Nuegent was block, not really a miss, but I was still shocked. Krenzel is still sucking hard at his field awareness. How many sacks and tipped passes did he have? He's got to start remembering that there are other players on the field. I can't even count how many times I was yelling "LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU, YOU IDIOT" at the TV. That time of sloppy play won't work against Michigan or OK if we get that far.

I was suprised at the Husker defeat. I kind of expected KSU to win but not by that margin.

I was also suprised by the Michigan State/Wisconsin game. I never saw that coming!!

[jjreason]

Bah! Enough of this OSU luck!!!!! When will it run it's cursed course????????? :D

I was pulling pretty hard for the Boilers in that one (big surprise, I know) but my relief comes from the fact that OSU won't be coming off a stinging loss next week when they hit the big house. Im hoping to get the day off for the game, my wife thinks Im a little messed up. Big game though, with more implications nationally than we would have thought a month ago. Go Blue!!!!!!!!!!!

[Exhaust Port]

I'm majorly disappointed. I'm on the road through Sunday next weekend so I'll be lucky to catch Sportcenter highlights of the big game. Argh!!

[Exhaust Port]

With the newest BCS rankings, OSU moves past USC for second place. There seems to be some disappointment that the system would move OSU past both LSU and USC even though OSU is ranked #4 in the coaches polls. I still feel the BSC system is flawed but I see nothing wrong with teams being ranked according to how tough the teams they beat were.

[EricRG]

The weakness with the current system is as follows. What if a team like, say Michigan, for example, is really good one season. But the rest of their conference isn't any good. Under this system, they will suffer when it comes to BCS rankings. I agree that strength of schedule should count for something...but currently, it obviously counts for too much. There is NO WAY a team should lose spots in the standings if they just demolished a team that weekend. It's just ludicrous.

[Exhaust Port]

But you also can't expect a team to rise in the rankings after beating a sub-par team. Look at TCU, they're undefeated and aren't even close to OU in the standings. Why? They've been playing some punk teams. The reason opponent ranking is important is that going by score alone doesn't tell the story of the matchup. The score issue would force a team to not only beat a team but run up the score. Then you have ranked teams literally destroying lesser teams at the hope of increasing their BCS ranking.

Every school is scheduled at least one throw away team a year for whatever reason. OSU must play one in-state school each season and they rotate among the eligible schools (Akron, Kent State, Ohio Univ., Bowling Green, Miami University, etc.). Now I don't want to see OSU attempt to humiliate Kent State just for the sake of some ranking system that won't impact KSU's season. I don't feel it's good football to run up the score and without taking into account a schools ranking you're forcing the powerful schools to do just that. Plus, how many points are the "right" amount against a easy opponent? 30? 50? 77?

Another issue that the BCS system does eliminate is the matter of late season games being weighed with more importance. You lose the last game of the regular season and you'll plummet in the rankings. If you lose early but go without a loss for the rest of the season you'll end up at a higher point. Now that doesn't make any sense at all. That is exactly what we see in the human generated polls.

Among the current 1 loss teams they have to arranged somehow. Those with the tougher opponents should be ranked above those who haven't had much of a test.

I look at it this way, at the end of the season you should be able to look at the final records of the schools and be able to place them in order from best to worse no matter what order their games were played. If a team lost their only game in the first week or last week should matter. Those that beat more tough teams should be above those that have an easy schedule.

[EricRG]

I agree with all that you've stated, EP. My point is simply that I feel that too much emphasis is placed on strength of schedule. I didn't say I thought prior systems were better, or that margin of victory should count for anything. I just think that a team that has acheived a certain place in the poll should not be moved down if they didn't lose.

The only way the current BCS system would work properly, is if all teams played X number of Top 25 teams, Y number of home games, and Z number of cupcake teams. And how do you determine that? You can't. No matter how many formulas you add to the mix, there are always variables. The way to get around that is making a team win several times against other proven opponents at the end of the season. Yes I am suggesting a playoff system.

Has there ever been a disputed NCAA basketball champion? Never. That's because if you do well during the season, make it to the tournament (of course, there's room for discussion here because the current system isn't ideal with regards to determining the "best" 64 teams to go in, but the current system does make it interesting for the smaller schools and makes conference tournaments more exciting), and THEN win 6 games in row (most likely against several very good teams on neutral courts), then you deserve to call yourself champion. The rankings provide a mere outline for how the 64 team field will shake out, but in reality do little to determine who will play for all the marbles in the Finals.

Of course, due to the nature of the game, football cannot have a 64-team field, but even something like NCAA hockey's 12-team tournament would be a vast improvement. Even the top ranked team going in has to win 3 games against very good teams. The all-or-nothing one-game winner-takes-all current format of the BCS doesn't work.

[jjreason]

Ah, yes. The age old argument about how to Crown a College Football Champion. I think that with the BCS arrangement (and no, I don't pretend to know everything about the deal) they've taken the first step toward having a playoff of sorts. I think they could do it by having the top four teams play semi's in 2 big bowls, and have the Championship game between the winners the next week in a rotating Championship game. At least that way the two top teams had to earn their shot to play for the Championship, and the argument against having a full playoff (makes the season too long, the kids need time to study for exams, etc) isn't brought up with the same vehemence.


Or we could just give it to the winner of the Michigan / Ohio State game every year.

[Exhaust Port]

I agree that a playoff system is needed but I guess the BCS folks just voted it down again a few weeks ago. I think the top 4 should considered for a playoff tier. It would only add 1 more game for 2 teams and it would be the closest we could come to having a true #1 ranking.

EricRG, I agree that some teams are penalized by not playing very many ranked teams but that is what happens when there is such a large amount of schools. The MAC has some of the worse teams in college football yet they've been able to put 3 teams in the top 25 this year. The each had 1-2 ranked opponents and they trashed them giving them their current standings.

I brought this up before in regards to the Big 10. Every few years the Big10 gets pretty powerful which actually underminds the chances of that conference producing a national champion. With so much inter-conference play, an average Big10 school could find themselves playing 5-6 ranked teams during the season. The Big10 schools in turn destroy themselves and their rankings nationally. Meanwhile those big schools in weak conferences get by with only 1 or 2 tough opponents and after beating them (or even losing) can coast to the postseason with only 1-2 loses while walking over some crappy teams.

The only way to even the playing field for those schools who have to play numerous ranked teams is to account for their strength of schedule. "Sure they have one loss on their record but they had to play 6 Top20 teams and only lost to one by 7 points." OSU is the only 1 loss team whose loss came against a ranked team. Both LSU and USC lost to some unranked punk team.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Less than 24 hours until the game!

Did you get tomorrow off to watch the game, jjreason?

[James Boba Fettfield]

Can't win them all. A sad day, a very sad day.

[kool-aid killer]

Ive been in my dungeon doing homework but did Ohio State lose? If so i cant say im depressed, they should have lost one or two others. Now before you get mad at me for saying that EP, true they may have beaten five top 20 teams but how many of those games where at home? I dont know what their schedule looks like but i recall hearing theyve got quite a few at home. Oh well, take comfort in the fact that they are having a good season, some schools hope to hit .500 every year. Now if they won my post is nill depending on where they played and on how they won. :)

Huskers dont play this week so hopefully next week they can go down to Colorado and shove the ball down their throats. But im leaning towards them having a hard time, possibly losing. College football, got to love it!

[James Boba Fettfield]

They lost at Michigan.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

I can't look to any part of the OSU/UM game with regret. Both teams played well, one turnover each, no real big mistakes. Maybe some missed tackles by the Buckeyes. Michigan just ran better, got open more, and tackled better.

But our punter dominated! :rolleyes:

Go Pitt Panthers! Win that Big East. Could Pitt and OSU actually play each other in a bowl game? :) And one near Southern California? Drooling... :D

[The 'Xir]

HA HA HAAAA!!! Yes, I'm happy! Sure Syracuse lost, but there season was over anyways, everyone's geting psyched for Basketball season here, but I haven't felt such joy in awhile as seeing 'THEE' Ohio state get there butt's trounced! And I hate Michigan too! I don't know what it is, but ever since I've heard THEEse fans, and THEEse former players go on about THEE Ohio State, I've slowly developed a hatred for those plain old ohio st losers! Go Blue and Maz...err what am I saying, "go Blue and Orange"! Time to defend! Go SU!

[jjreason]

Woo hoo! Or something. Im happy with the way Michigan played, and they did a pretty convincing job of winning the Big 10. Too bad that all I can think about is what might have been, had the defense not crapped the bed at Iowa and if the real Wolverines had shown up in Oregon. One loss or the other, and this game might have been to see who got the crack at Oklahoma. Now, with LSU and USC both winning, it was all just much ado about nothing. Super, we get to go to the Rose Bowl - but it won't even be against the champion of the Pac 10. That sucks. I really think these guys could put up a great fight against the Sooners the way they've been going. No doubt that USC deserves to go to the big dance though; they'll be whooping it up tonight after trouncing they're own particular OSU (UCLA of course) for the 4th straight season.

All things being equal though, it's way way way sweeter to be on this end of the score. :happy:

To answer your question, JBF - I had to work, too many other people were off already. I didn't see any scoring take place as I got called out of the office about 1 minute into the game and never got back until the USC game was underway. I had no idea what had even happened until I heard the announcer say "Michigan gave them the chance they needed" or something along those lines. A quick check of yahoo sports, and JJ was a happy fella - until I really got thinking about the whole thing.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Like you said in last years college football thread, we'll be waiting to avenge this loss next year.

[Exhaust Port]

Man, not being able to watch the game just about killed me. We hunted for radio stations carrying the game while we flew and sent numerous text messages to our company headquarters looking for score updates. I got the hotel in time to watch OSU start a comeback and then the 4th quarter happened.... damn. Hey, it was a great game and that's what I love about college football. We're less than a year from the next opportunity to beat Michigan. At least we won't have Krenzel to worry about. ;)

[jjreason]

Nor Navarre nor Chris Perry. :)

[Arrogant Arse]

Wether your team won or not, wasn't it great to hear Keith Jackson announce the game? He is the voice I want to hear announcing college football.

[Exhaust Port]

Keith Jackson is my all time favorite college announcer. It wouldn't be a OSU-Michigan game without him (nor a Rose Bowl).

Wwwhoooooo Nelly.......

[jjreason]

Keith Jackson IS the voice of college football. :)

[kool-aid killer]

Big news here in the Husker Nation is if Solich will be fired or resign after this year (possibly after the Colorado game) due to the Huskers losing big in all three of their losses this year. The program has declined in his watch, one cant really argue that. I dont know, part of me wants to see him go because sometimes he doesnt seem to know what to do but i also realize that we Nebraska fans expect too much every year. We will see how it pans out, right now it is purely rumors.

[Exhaust Port]

On a side note I was in Omaha for the first time this last weekend just as your cold weather arrived. Very cool downtown.

[kool-aid killer]

Im glad you liked it. I rarely go downtown, my "image" doesnt really mesh well with the "image" that comes to my mind in describing the people who visit it frequently if that makes any sense. The cold weather did come but not with the bang expected. So did you check any stores while in the area?

[Exhaust Port]

I wasn't prepared for the change in weather so I didn't venture far from the Sharaton. Most of the sightseeing if you will was done from the warmth of a van. :D I hope to be back once the cold weather snaps some time after May or June. ;)

[Trip J]

Sorry to jump in so late on last Saturday. I was up in Madison for the game and work.

The Iowa/Wisconsin game was tremendous. After we fell down 21-7 in the first quarter, I thought it was all over.

Now, thanks to Michigan taking care of OSU, it looks like instead of San Antonio (which really is a nice city, but we've been there too many times), I'll get to ring in the New Year in Tampa.

The top four finishers in the Big Ten (Michigan, OSU, Purdue, and Iowa) are also all in the top 13 of both polls, and three teams (Mich, OSU, and the Hawks) have at least nine wins and are in the top 12 of the BCS, making them eligible for a BCS bowl, though Iowa won't make it. I think that makes the Big Ten the class of the country this year.

I have to say that I'm extremely proud of the season the Hawkeyes put together this year. I didn't expect that we'd be able to win nine games and beat either Michigan or OSU with all of the guys we lost from last year. I asked earlier in the thread who the Coach of the Year is in the Big Ten, and though I may be biased, I gotta go with Kirk Ferentz.

Congrats to Michigan on winning the Big Ten championship, and congrats to the Big Ten.

[Exhaust Port]

From here on out it's not about rooting for your favorite team it's about rooting for the conference. As hard as it is I'll be pulling for all the Big10 teams, including Michigan, in the bowl games.

Go Big 10!

[jjreason]

Me too. It's all about the conference once the head to head games have come to an end. The Big 10 usually represents very well in the Bowl Games (and also the NCAA Basketball tourie I've noticed). With any luck 5 or 6 teams will get nice bowl bids.

Man, LSU is really lighting up Arkansas today, I wonder who'll get the nod to take on Okalahoma.

[kool-aid killer]

Nebraska won at Colorado today. I was able to watch the first quarter but had to go to work during the middle of the second. Im interested in who they will face and in what bowl. Nebraska usually has a good fan following so it wont be hard for them to sell tickets.

[kool-aid killer]

Well, Coach Solich was fired last night after a meeting with the AD. Shocking to me because i thought he had kept his job with the road win over Colorado. In the six years he guided Nebraska he had a 58-19 record. Unfortunately in the last 28 games he coached the record was 16-12. I dont know how i feel about this. Ive been critical of him but not to the point where i thought he should be fired in a season where the team was 9-3. At least let the guy coach the last bowl game. It will be interesting to see what if any assistant coaches remain now. I hope the AD is confident in his decision because now im expecting a national championship from the next coach who comes in within the next three or four years.

[EricRG]

KAK-

How can you "expect a national championship within 3 or 4 years" of a new coach? That's why winning coaches like Solich get fired. Unreasonable expectations. No matter how good a team you have, you can never "expect" a championship, ever. TWTPTG!

At any rate, Miami managed to clinch a share of the Big East title and will likely play "at home" in the Orange Bowl on New Years Day. Perhaps in a rematch against Ohio State???

[kool-aid killer]

I dont think its an unreal expectation. Look at Oklahoma under Stoops. I just dont like how he was fired before the seasons end. If the AD thinks he had a good enough reason to do that then he better make the right decision that quickly leads them back to being one of the dominant teams every year. Many Nebraska fans expect the team to play for the championship every year, im not that type because i realize that its ridiculous to expect that. But from the press conference that aired yesterday the defensive coordinator (Bo Pelini) seems to be the front runner for the job. I like him, he brings a fire that Solich lacked. My only worry is that he has the NFL (where it is better suited) mindset that one or two losses wont ruin a season. While that is true to an extent, in order for a team to even have a chance at the title it needs to be undefeated in college ball.

[Trip J]

I've heard people make the argument that it took Osborne 25-years to win a National Championship at Nebraska, and that the Huskers were just in the title game two years ago, so the firing is unjustified.

I'm not a 'Husker fan, but since it's THE premier program here in this part of the midwest, we hear a lot about them. Nebraska just does not get whacked like that at home (K-State) without repurcussions, and they got beat by Iowa State last year for cryin' out loud.

The balance of power has shifted to other schools (watch for Iowa next year, they're gonna be something special), and it probably was time for a change.

[Exhaust Port]

How can you "expect a national championship within 3 or 4 years" of a new coach? That's why winning coaches like Solich get fired. Unreasonable expectations.
Tressel did it at OSU in 2 years. It can be done.

[kool-aid killer]

The balance of power has shifted to other schools (watch for Iowa next year, they're gonna be something special), and it probably was time for a change.

AD Pederson was quick to say that he wouldnt let Oklahoma and Texas control the conference. While i dont like the move (they should have let him go out at the bowl game) it probably was in the best interest of the football program. The guy has a reputation for making unpopular choices only to have them come out in his favor.

[EricRG]

Obviously it CAN be done. But to EXPECT it?

[kool-aid killer]

When it comes to the premier programs, yes it is a logical expectation to be in the hunt and possibly win a championship every now and then. But as of lately Nebraska hadnt lived up to its usual expectations, true they played in the game two years ago, but they proved that they werent the best choice. But its done and over with and no amount of complaining will solve anything so im just going to let it go and look forward to their bowl game.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Interesting to see what's happening to Oklahoma right now, isn't it? Anyone think they'll overcome this 4th quarter defecit and win?

I hope not.

EDIT-And an int. return for a TD! 35-7! Oklahoma with 7 points...man, I didn't see this one happening.

EDIT 2-Well, the game is over. Now, who is going to be making it to the Suger Bowl? USC and LSU? Can OU still remain in the top 2? Can't wait til this all gets sorted.

[Exhaust Port]

Wow, I wish I could have watched that game today. OU lost? Just helps to prove my theory that OU's ranking was inflated by it's weak schedule this season. It'll be interesting to see how this shakes up the BCS rankings. Perhaps the sports announcers can stop kissing their (OU) butt in every show. Give us LSU and USC for the championship game.

[jjreason]

Man, knock me over with a feather. We had access to the Big 12 game tonight, it was as lopsided as the score the K State running back averaged 11 yds per carry, for close to 240 yards. They didn't just lose, they got jacked up big time.

I'm totally baffled at this point, Im sure the BCS people are tearing their hair out...... "What will we do? They promised us there would always be a clear #1!"

The team NOT getting the nod to the championship game will have every right to be furious. I have no idea how they'll get this figured out (well, no more than anyone else - they'll check the strength of schedule, and the relative strengths of the teams that beat the 1-loss teams, when the losses came, etc).

I personally think Oklahoma should still be there, they were number one for too long, and put up too many numbers. Still the team to beat in my opinion.

[Exhaust Port]

The new AP poll shows OU in 3rd place now. Sure they were ranked highly in the BCS but this loss was pretty big blow. They were #1 for a long time but only because they didn't encounter tough opposition (other than Texas in my opinion) until the last game of the season. A lot of the other 1 loss teams, and even some of the 2 loss teams, were playing tough teams all season. Had this loss come earlier in the season I would be suprised if they would be ranked where they are now or even be considered for the championship. We should know tomorrow what the new BCS standings are.

[jjreason]

There are teams that played a tougher schedule, no question. As far as USC goes, there wasn't much competition for them in conference this year either. Maybe that makes LSU the most valid choice for #1? I don't know who USC and LSU lost to, but I'd wager a comparison of the schedule quality would have LSU's SEC season ranked as a tougher one. I guess we find out today at 5:30 Eastern Time who'll get the Sugar. It will be a tremendous disappointment to the odd team out (and a near certain loss - they'll have to play Michigan! :D ).

[kool-aid killer]

I was suprised that they lost but not shocked, its happened before in the Big 12 championship game. As for whether they still are the team to beat i would have to say so. This was just one of those games where the best team didnt win. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out and who goes to what bowls.

[James Boba Fettfield]

Looks like Oklahoma gets to play LSU in the Sugar Bowl.

Hey, Fiesta Bowl for the Bucks, though. Here's hoping they win that bowl again.

[jjreason]

Boy oh boy, there'll be howling and growling in Souther Cal tonight. Snubbed on the basis of weekest schedule I guess - and to top it off they'll have to suffer again on New Year's. Not that we've had tremendous success in Rose Bowls over the years, I watched too many times while we got beat by USC (with Rodney Peete at the helm, upsetting Jim Harbaugh) and Washington (Napolean Kaufman beating Tyrone Wheatley).

The Big 10 is well represented, with 6 teams (from what I can gather) playing in bowls.

[kool-aid killer]

I believe the Big 12 has eight teams playing in bowls. So has anybody watched any of the first couple of bowls to be played? Ive only seen bits and pieces of some games but its interesting to watch two teams that you normally wouldnt pay any attention to go at it.

[Trip J]

Actually, the Big Ten has 8 bowl teams: Iowa :D (Outback), Michigan (Rose), Michigan State (Alamo), Minnesota (Sun), Northwestern (Motor City), Ohio State (Fiesta), Purdue (Capital One) and Wisconsin (Music City).

I watched Miami (OH) beat the tar out of NC State the other night. The Hawks opened against them in Iowa City, and I remember being VERY worried about that game because they almost beat us at their place last year. I think we were the only team they played all year to make their awesome QB Ben Rothlisberger look bad (we picked him off four times, sacked him another four), and I know we were the only team all year to beat them.

I'm really looking forward to the Outback Bowl against Florida. It should be a terrific matchup. The ticket situation there is another reason to make me furious at the BCS though.

Because the Big Ten had two schools that were likely to go to the BCS, the Cap One and Outback bowls had to wait on announcing their Big Ten team. The Outback was able to announce Florida a full week before us, and the Gator fans (justifiably) went out and bought all of their schools' allottment as well as all the bulk of the "general" tickets. The result is that Iowa fans (who were 50,000 strong in Miami last year) were left to fight for the remaining 15,000 tickets allotted to our school. Our fans travel strong to follow our school, but many won't be there this year. I planned on going to the game myself, but won't buy scaplped tickets.

I would imagine this will be disastrous for the city of Tampa. Gainesville is only about 2-hours away by car, so Florida fans won't be staying for multiple nights and spending their tourist dollars. Iowa fans are notorious for following out team anywhere, but we won't be in Tampa spending money in restaurants, theme parks, and hotels because we got shut out of tickets. It's really a shame, I would have enjoyed escaping Iowa for a few days for some fun in the sun and a great game, but because of the ticket situation, I'll be staying home this year. :cry:

[kool-aid killer]

Last night was the Huskers/Michigan State game in the Alamo Bowl. I enjoyed the game. The Huskers dominated it despite the not having blown them out score wise. It was a rough night for the Spartans, whose offense was smashed by the Blackshirts. Huskers limited them to 156 passing yards and a meager 18 on the ground. They were able to sack Smoker five times and pick off three of his passes. A good end to Lords NU career too. He went out with a career high in passing yards. I think when the fans look back they will see that he wasnt as bad a player as hes been accused of. Congrats Huskers. Final score Nebraska 17, Michigan State 3. Huskers end the season at 10-3, a solid year.

[Trip J]

That was an IMPRESSIVE display by Nebraska last night. during MSU's first drive Smoker was sacked, threw an incompletion, and was sacked again. The Huskers took the punt and marched right down the field. I'd seen all I need to at that point. They were definitely on a mission. Any ideas who is going to coach that team next year? Are they going to "keep it in the family" or extend the search outside of current and former Nebraska folks?

The Alamo always kicks off the "real" bowl season for me, and I can't wait for the real fun to begin.

[Exhaust Port]

I was suprised at the poor showing of MSU. I thought for sure that we'd see a 4 quarter battle with that match up. Still a good teaser for the rest of the bowl games. :)

[kool-aid killer]

Trip J, the only two known candidates are Turner Gill and Bo Pelini, both of who seem unlikely to get it. But if one of them were to, it would most likely be Pelini. If he doesnt get the position he has been offered a spot on Oklahomas and Ohio States coaching staff so he could fall back on one of those.

EP, Michigan St. did lots of talking and didnt do much to back it up. I was suprised at how easily Nebraska was able to handle them. But Nebraska played much better against throwing quarterbacks, their three loses came against teams with very mobile qb's, so maybe it shouldnt have been much of a shock.

And i agree with both of you, the bowls are starting to heat up.

[Exhaust Port]

Good points KAK. I guess I forgot about Nebraska's strengths since the end of the regular season. I feel like I'm watching foreign teams at times after not seeing them play for over a month. I forget who's who and what the strengths and weaknesses are. I guess that's one more reason that the bowl games are so freakin great to watch.

[Exhaust Port]

I see that Texas lost to Washington State. Texas was the only weak link in the top 5 so it really isn't a suprise that they fell. Perhaps OSU could find itself back in the top 5 after all. ;)

[kool-aid killer]

Texas is the biggest enigma of college football. Its beyond a doubt that they have the athletes to go head to head with any program in the country. They always seem to be around the top recruiting wise. But some weeks they show up to play and other weeks they dont. Maybe they get too caught up in all the hype. Or maybe the coach isnt doing something right.

With that loss the Big 12's bowl record is at 2-2. Exhaust Port, OSU might be able to slide in the top 5, but if Kansas State plays like it did in the Big 12 championship game it will be lights out for the Buckeyes. Has OSU played against good dual threat quarterback this year? I dont think the Big 10 has many of them but i could be wrong. But it should be a good game.

[Exhaust Port]

Purdue and Iowa had pretty good quarterbacks but KSU will be quite a test. Unlike the Michigan game I'll be able to watch this OSU game start to finish.

[kool-aid killer]

Kansas St. quarterback Ell Roberson may not play tomorrow due to violation of curfew. Plus he is being accussed of sexual assault. What an idiot. Without him Kansas State couldnt beat Marshall. I cant help but think about how much he must be disappointing his teammates now. Oh well, i wasnt to big on his arrogant butt to begin with. Hope he looks back and kicks himself over what he got into.

Congrats Trip J, Iowa kicked Florida around pretty good. Always glad to see Miami, FSU, or Florida lose.

[The 'Xir]

F! Ohio St! Good Game KSU. Ya got cheated out of 10 seconds! OSU must of payed off the clock keeper! ;) :p

[Exhaust Port]

The officiating in the OSU-KSU game blew something fierce. I've never seen so many missed calls or improper calls made in any game let alone a bowl game.

With that being said, KSU stunk for the first half and started to come back but with the refs calls becoming worse as the game went on I don't know what to think of the second half.

[jjreason]

Well the season has come to a close. The Sugar Bowl was a well played game, I loved Saban's defensive scheme in this one. He looked like a genius. I also give credit to the tough OU team for not giving up when it looked like (for 30 minutes or so) they weren't going to produce any offence whatsoever. I thought the refs made good calls, though the flags were flying at an alarming rate.

Checking yahoo sports, I wasn't surprised to see that we have yet another shared National Championship. I didn't like USC beating Michigan one bit, but having seen that result, it's pretty evident USC was the real deal - their regular season schedule isn't completely responsible for their outstanding success.

Been great yakking about it, I will look forward to more of the same next season.

[Trip J]

LSU's defense was simply amazing. I know there's a lot of complaining about the slit championship, but I don't think it's necessarily a BAD thing. It lends more excitement to the sport. Ratings for the Rose Bowl were some of the highest ever for a college football game, and I imagine the Sugar will be similar. Yeah, it'd be cool if they could do a playoff and see how USC and LSU would stack up, but arguing it may be more fun.

I don't know if anyone watched Iowa drubbing Florida in the Outback. Did anyone ss the halftime show where that idiot Trev Alberts was demanding that the Nebraska AD hire Kirk Ferentz immediately? I've always hated that turncoat. In addition to being a moron, he's FROM CEDAR FREAKIN' FALLS IOWA, about an hour away from Iowa City.

I'm not bitter about him leaving to go to Nebraska, but to come back and jump on our bandwagon always left a bad taste in my mouth. To make matters worse, he's confrontational with his own studio cohosts, and acts the part of the neanderthal.

Around here, folks are starting to worry that Coach Ferentz will leave for the greener pastures of the NFL. He's rumored to be on the wish lists of Atlanta, Chicago, and the Giants. He's really built something amazing here with his second straight top-ten finish and second straight ten-win season. He says he likes it here and wants to stay, I only hope he still feels that way when some team waves the big money in his face.

[kool-aid killer]

I have not heard Ferentz mentioned as a possible candidate, so i dont think you have to worry about him crossing the state border. He could jump to the pros, no doubt the money is more attractive. But just look at how well Steve Spurrier did in the pros. Some coaches are able to do it, others cant. Hopefully by next seasons start the Huskers will have a coach though. I would like to see it go to Pelini, but i dont see the snobbish AD Pederson doing it anytime soon.

[Exhaust Port]

I was only able to stay up for the first quarter or so and LSU was putting the hurt on OU. I'm suprised the score wasn't higher after just one quarter in LSU's favor. After waking up this morning I wasn't suprised to see that LSU had won but I was disappointed at the champion situation. OU losing just goes to show that they weren't truly tested this year until the end there for making their #1 ranking for most of the season inflated. I see they are talking about some fixes, like a playoff, for the future. We can only hope.

[jjreason]

I heard mention they're considering doing away with the BCS computer.

It would only extend the season 4 days to have at least a partial playoff. 1 plays 4, 2 plays 3 in 2 BCS bowls on the 1st, then have the winners play on the 8th. The BCS bowls would rotate through the 3 big games. Easy.

[Exhaust Port]

Sounds like a reasonable fix but it still doesn't fix the issue of OU type teams getting placed so high. Mediocre opponents led to their vaulted placement in the rankings. If they had lost their 1 game at the beginning of the season, playing those easy teams never would have raised them in the ranks back to where they were pre-bowl games. Something must be done to account for strength of schedule. TCU is a good example. They played not one tough team in my opinion but they cracked the top 10 only because they were undefeated. That's great but I think any number of teams ranked below them could have cleaned their clocks.

I don't necessarily think the BCS computer needs to go away but it does need to be revamped. With a 4 team play off the computer would only need to narrow the field down to the top 4 and it's almost accurate enough to do that in my opinion. Once those 4 teams were finalized then they would be arranged into their 2 bowl games with an eventual championship game. As soon as the regular season was over the BCS computer would be turned off and no longer used to decide further rankings, those would be decided by bowl games and the standard polls.

[The 'Xir]

Sounds like a good enough system as any EP. But, what I was really suprised at this season was how OU remained #1 after losing to KSU? I'm not saying anything against KSU, but I don't know of to many examples where a team hasn't drop atleast 1 spot after losing, now matter their strength of schedule. Especially when I think that same week of the OU loss; If I recall correctly USC, LSU, OSU, and Miami all won, Which should of dropped OU to atleast 3rd.

[Exhaust Port]

OU not dropping is strange. The BCS computer had built the OU score so high that such a loss couldn't touch them. The other polls had them at #3 but the computer didn't care. Stupid.

[jjreason]

It sounds weird, but that loss just brought them back to "even steven" with the other top ranked teams at one loss a piece. From there, the computer still calculated OU as #1 - though I'd wager the margin had narrowed considerably. You are totally right about an early loss - it would have killed them. All things being equal, it looked like LSU was the best team. They were flying on defence - what a line.

I guess the powers that be will need to decide at some point if the bowl game profits would be greatly enough increased by having a mini-playoff. If the BCS computer (running a money management application instead of the ranking system software :D ) figures a huge increase in payoff, you can bet we'll see it sometime in the near future.

[Exhaust Port]

(running a money management application instead of the ranking system software :D )
That's hysterical!!! :D :) :crazed: lol :D


I vote for LSU as #1.

[kool-aid killer]

But doesnt the BCS system take into consideration a teams opponents record and how well they do? I would have to think that if Oklahomas opponents were all pushovers OU's rank would have plummeted due to their schedules supposed weakness. Does anybody know for sure what the BCS takes into account?

[Exhaust Port]

If you look at the BCS rankings you can see what they take into account and yes strength of schedule does factor in. But, the issue not only is what they take into account but how they weigh into the final calculation. Even though strength of schedule is in there, it's not weighed as heavily as it should be IMHO.

Here's the BCS rankings from the second to last week.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/abcsports/BCSRankings

They have a brief explanation at the bottom of the list explaining some of the scoring. Just look at the screwy points for OU. They are ranked 3rd in the AP and USA Today polls but are ranked #1 by nearly every other factor for the computer average? What?

OU has a tougher Strength of Schedule than Michigan but played fewer ranked teams? Looking through a lot of the other top 10 teams you see some impressive ranked opponents that out number OU's but they are scored 2 or 3 times higher (Ie Bigger Penalty). There's something screwy with that.

[kool-aid killer]

I just got back from Nebraskas Red and White game. 61,000 people went to see the #1 offense and defense go up against the #2/3 offense and defense players. It was crazy watching Nebraska throw so much in their new West Coast offense. The game ended 35-6 (#1 winning easily) and on an exciting last minute touchdown pass by the benchwarmers.

[Exhaust Port]

What is the Red and White game?

[James Boba Fettfield]

Think along the lines of what Ohio State is going to be doing next Saturday. The Scarlet vs. the Grey.

[Exhaust Port]

Ah....thanks. :)

[kool-aid killer]

Yep, its a spring game just to get the fans excited (not like much is needed though) about the upcoming season and a glimpse of how its going after a limited number of practice sessions. A few other Big 12 teams had them, but none had the amount of fans that Nebraskas brought in. Does anybody plan on going to their schools spring game?