2012 College Football

[jazzcyclist]

Perusing the front pages of some of today's college town newspapers makes me realize how out of whack the South's priorities are when it comes to college football. Arizona, Notre Dame, Washington and Georgia all defeated top 10 football teams yesterday. Here are the front pages of those schools' hometown newspapers:

The Seattle Times

Arizona Daily Star

South Bend Tribune

Athens Banner-Herald

It goes without saying that if LSU beats Alabama on Saturday, the front page of next Sunday's Baton Rouge paper will look a lot more like the Athens paper, than the South Bend, Tucson or Seattle papers.

[jazzcyclist]

The diagnosis has not been revealed yet. I hope it is not career-ending. It would be a shame.

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore appeared to suffer one of the worst leg injuries we’ve ever seen, and early reports suggest the injury was every bit as bad as it looked. . . . .

Bryan VanOchten shared the word circulating around the press box at the Alabama-Mississippi State game that Lattimore suffered a broken femur and tore all four of his knee ligaments — the PCL, LCL, MCL, and ACL. Payne Insider adds that he has a chipped knee cap.

http://larrybrownsports.com/college-foo ... mur/160198

[Dutra5]

Living in an area in which Saturday's paper is headlined often by stories of the previous evening's High School games and Sunday by the previous day's "local" college team's games, it's not surprising that the more Southern paper would focus on the Georgia game vs. Florida.

It's possible that the ND game ended too late for the paper to get a headline story prepared other than the final.

[preston]

I was watching the South Carolina game when Lattimore got hurt...what a shame. I know people are talking about what happened with McGahee, but they also need to remember what happened with Napoleon McCallum. Btw, I wouldn't watch the replays; I never watch athletes get hurt.

For me to be a believer in Notre Dame I would have to believe that they could play Alabama within 2 touchdowns. I don't. They can't. The Big 10 is HORRIBLE this year; Stanford and Oklahoma are the best teams they've played and they're both overrated. Notre Dame wouldn't be top-5 in the SEC. Yup, I said it. "Sacriligious U" has a great defense but QB play and overall offense is way too inconsistent. No way they can throw on AL, LSU, FL, GA and maybe even SC and MSU; and all those teams are great at stopping the run. And, next year they join the sorry-assed ACC. Hopefully, Oregon or KSU will win out and play Alabama; and KSU or Oregon (or another SEC team) will play "S U" and beat the stuffing out of them.

[Marlow]

If Bama, Ore, KsSt and ND win out, which well they could, won't the BCS (not yet plus-one) have a melt-down?

[jazzcyclist]

IFor me to be a believer in Notre Dame I would have to believe that they could play Alabama within 2 touchdowns. I don't. They can't.

Who do you believe can stay within 2 touchdowns of Alabama?

The Big 10 is HORRIBLE this year; Stanford and Oklahoma are the best teams they've played and they're both overrated.

And I'm sure that when Notre Dame beat USC, you'll talk about how overrated they are too.

Notre Dame wouldn't be top-5 in the SEC. Yup, I said it. "Sacriligious U" has a great defense but QB play and overall offense is way too inconsistent. No way they can throw on AL, LSU, FL, GA and maybe even SC and MSU; and all those teams are great at stopping the run.

How do you think those teams would do against Notre Dame's defense? Notre Dame has proven they can win dogfights when both teams struggle to score double-digits. They would love for the game to takle place in a phone booth. I also know that LSU fans would trade Zach Mettenberger for Everett Golson in a heart beat.

And, next year they join the sorry-assed ACC. Hopefully, Oregon or KSU will win out and play Alabama; and KSU or Oregon (or another SEC team) will play "S U" and beat the stuffing out of them.

If all four of those teams go undefeated, I pray that the BCS won't cheat the fans and the teams by not matching up the two left-out undefeated teams (presumably #3 & #4) against each other.

[jazzcyclist]

If Bama, Ore, KsSt and ND win out, which well they could, won't the BCS (not yet plus-one) have a melt-down?

Under that scenario, I don't think any of those schools would object to moving up the introduction of the plus-one system from 2014 to 2012.

[preston]

The Big 10 is HORRIBLE this year; Stanford and Oklahoma are the best teams they've played and they're both overrated.

And I'm sure that when Notre Dame beat USC, you'll talk about how overrated they are too.

USC isn't overrated? They LOST to Stanford! Syracuse played them within 13 and they allowed Arizona to score 39 points in a loss this week to the Wildcats! I think you have me confused with someone else. All of them are overrated! (not screaming, just my usual hyperbolic flourish).

But, this is what I'm talking about: there used to be dominant teams like Alabama but now there is just a bunch of mediocre teams that haven't lost; very few of them are "bankable/bettable". They're all the same because of the 85 scholarships; it makes it harder to lock up all the talent - unless you're a Saban type coach (something the other schools can't really claim to have).

How do you think those teams would do against Notre Dame's defense? Notre Dame has proven they can win dogfights when both teams struggle to score double-digits. They would love for the game to takle place in a phone booth. I also know that LSU fans would trade Zach Mettenberger for Everett Golson in a heart beat.

Good point, but slug-fests are usual in the SEC - GA, SC, GA, AL, LSU and MSU can play defense. In addition when their offenses are on they're a lot better than ND's offense at it's best. In a 7 team league of the 6 SEC teams listed above and ND; ND would be at best 2-4, though I would expect 1-5 (they might take MSU on name alone, but it would be closer than most would think).

If all four of those teams go undefeated, I pray that the BCS won't cheat the fans and the teams by not matching up the two left-out undefeated teams (presumably #3 & #4) against each other.

If all 4 teams win out, then they will all play the top 2 games. Why? Because of the reason why I hate ND: ND has special circumstances that allow it to be bowl-eligible and BCS-eligible doing less than every other school (even Hawai'i lost the one game advantage they used to have). All that said, as president of the ND hater's club, if ND wins out they should play (but I feel that if you go undefeated that you get to play [Louisville is about to get screwed]; I don't care if you're Boise St, Ok, State or GA State - I know...they're FBS...more hyperbole).

[gh]

Georgia-Florida story on espn.com

<<It was unwatchable and compelling all at the same time. You didn't know whether to lean forward in your seat or switch to an infomercial for ear wax dissolver....>>

http://espn.go.com/college-football/sto ... all-season

[jazzcyclist]

Good point, but slug-fests are usual in the SEC - GA, SC, GA, AL, LSU and MSU can play defense. In addition when their most offenses are on they're a lot better than ND's offense at it's best. In a 7 team league of the 6 SEC teams listed above and ND; ND would be at best 2-4, though I would expect 1-5 (they might take MSU on name alone, but it would be closer than would think).

1-5?
Now that's some serious anti-Notre Dame hyperbole.

If all 4 teams win out, then they will all play the top 2 games. Why? Because of the reason why I hate ND: ND has special circumstances that allow it to be bowl-eligible and BCS-eligible doing less than every other school (even Hawai'i lost the one game advantage they used to have). All that said, as president of the ND hater's club, if ND wins out they should play (but I feel that if you go undefeated that you get to play [Louisville is about to get screwed]; I don't care if you're Boise St, Ok, State or GA State - I know...they're FBS...more hyperbole).

You obviously don't understand the BCS selection process. There are no special rules for Notre Dame's bowl eligibility. They have to win six games just like everynody else.

EDIT: Also, if Louisville wins out, they're guaranteed an automatic BCS bid.

[Pego]

The diagnosis has not been revealed yet. I hope it is not career-ending. It would be a shame.

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore appeared to suffer one of the worst leg injuries we’ve ever seen, and early reports suggest the injury was every bit as bad as it looked. . . . .

Bryan VanOchten shared the word circulating around the press box at the Alabama-Mississippi State game that Lattimore suffered a broken femur and tore all four of his knee ligaments — the PCL, LCL, MCL, and ACL. Payne Insider adds that he has a chipped knee cap.

http://larrybrownsports.com/college-foo ... mur/160198

If true, this sounds bad .

[preston]

You obviously don't understand the BCS selection process. There are no special rules for Notre Dame's bowl eligibility. They have to win six games just like everynody else.

EDIT: Also, if Louisville wins out, they're guaranteed an automatic BCS bid.

jazz, hyperbole is my specialty...I'd suggest that you stick to the facts. Please google "BCS Notre Dame rule" ... read up on whatever comes up, and don't report back...we don't need you to start sliding, qualifying and saying "what I had meant to say was"... The fact remains that there are special rules for ND.

Also, I recognize that Louisville will be guaranteed a BCS game; however you said...

If all four of those teams go undefeated, I pray that the BCS won't cheat the fans and the teams by not matching up the two left-out undefeated teams (presumably #3 & #4) against each other.

If they were to win out, Louisville would feel screwed for being left out of a game with an undefeated team. That's all I am referring to. They would be just as "entitled", in my reasoning, to play Alabama as Oregon, KSU or Sacriligious U. Actually, priority should be given to Louisville over ND for playing in a conference or not having the letter "d" in their name.

[Marlow]

google "BCS Notre Dame rule" ... read up on whatever comes up, and don't report back...we don't need you to start sliding, qualifying and saying "what I had meant to say was"... The fact remains that there are special rules for ND.

I follow your reasoning (though the rule refers to any independent), but I'm amused by one of the first google hits:

Meanwhile, some delusional non-Irish fans think that somehow, someway Notre Dame has a BCS “rule” that bestows preferential treatment. Nothing is further from the truth.

[preston]

google "BCS Notre Dame rule" ... read up on whatever comes up, and don't report back...we don't need you to start sliding, qualifying and saying "what I had meant to say was"... The fact remains that there are special rules for ND.

I follow your reasoning (though the rule [DOES NOT refer] to any independent), but I'm amused by one of the first google hits:

Meanwhile, some delusional non-Irish fans think that somehow, someway Notre Dame has a BCS “rule” that bestows preferential treatment. Nothing is further from the truth.

Marlow,

Your post is so wrong that I purposely amended it so that others reading it don't begin to believe it. Notre Dame, not "any" independent, has it's own tie-in. You need to google further.

-preston the delusional

[jazzcyclist]

You obviously don't understand the BCS selection process. There are no special rules for Notre Dame's bowl eligibility. They have to win six games just like everynody else.

jazz, hyperbole is my specialty...I'd suggest that you stick to the facts. Please google "BCS Notre Dame rule" ... read up on whatever comes up

I would suggest that you quit confusing hyperbole with facts, unless you can show me where Notre Dame can become bowl eligible with only five wins.

Also, I recognize that Louisville will be guaranteed a BCS game; however you said...

If they were to win out, Louisville would feel screwed for being left out of a game with an undefeated team. That's all I am referring to. They would be just as "entitled", in my reasoning, to play Alabama as Oregon, KSU or Sacriligious U. Actually, priority should be given to Louisville over ND for playing in a conference or not having the letter "d" in their name.

I'm going to go out on the limb and say that you're the only college football fan in America that has any interest in seeing Louisville matched up with an undefeated Alabama, Oregon, Kansas State or Notre Dame. Louisville should be grateful to even play in a BCS bowl with so many close wins despite their pathetic schedule.

[preston]

The squirm begins ...

you've moved from "bcs eligible" to "bowl eligibility"? Well, at least you realize that I was right about nd and the BCS. Anyway, I didn't start hating nd since they formulated the new BCS rules in 2006; I've hated nd for a long time. I said it, you said different...you prove that I'm wrong, I don't have to prove that I'm right - even though I am. If I were you, I would start looking before the Bowl Coalition and the Bowl Alliance, the forefathers of the BCS, and after. You will find, if you find all of the old rules, that nd did indeed have special stipulations or that rules were made specifically to accomodate nd.

I'm going to go out on the limb and say that you're the only college football fan in America that has any interest in seeing Louisville matched up with an undefeated Alabama, Oregon, Kansas State or Notre Dame. Louisville should be grateful to even play in a BCS bowl with so many close wins despite their pathetic schedule.

statements like that weaken your entire argument. I'm the only college football fan? The same has been said about Boise State, BYU and a host of others. If you win all your games then you should be in the conversation. I would rather watch Louisville than nd play any of the other teams, or any other team.

[jazzcyclist]

google "BCS Notre Dame rule" ... read up on whatever comes up, and don't report back...we don't need you to start sliding, qualifying and saying "what I had meant to say was"... The fact remains that there are special rules for ND.

I follow your reasoning (though the rule [DOES NOT refer] to any independent), but I'm amused by one of the first google hits:

Meanwhile, some delusional non-Irish fans think that somehow, someway Notre Dame has a BCS “rule” that bestows preferential treatment. Nothing is further from the truth.

Marlow,

Your post is so wrong that I purposely amended it so that others reading it don't begin to believe it. Notre Dame, not "any" independent, has it's own tie-in. You need to google further.

Both Army and BYU went independent after the BCS was set up.

[preston]

Both Army and BYU went independent after the BCS was set up.

If Army goes undefeated next year, I promise that they would NOT play a BCS game if there are 4-5 other major conference undefeated teams and a some 11-1 teams. This is a nd rule. But, I still don't sure what your point is. Both Army and BYU have flirted in and out of conferences for the last 20 years. Even back to the days when Navy, Miami and FSU and South Carolina were independent there was still the nd factor which lurked: the ability to be treated differently BECAUSE they were nd. The minimum win rule to be eligible had to be tweaked because of nd; because they knew that TV and bowl directors would take a losing record nd over more deserving schools with better records.

One more thing: I hate nd so much that I actually root for the day when Boston College is relevant (again?) so my Irish catholic friends don't think it's religious bigotry why I hate those soulless bastards. I hate Jack Welch BECAUSE he was CEO of GE when NBC crafted the ND network. For a while I stopped watching NBC (I made exceptions for the Olympics...Don't judge me dammit ). I rooted for Ty WIllingham at Stanford and imediately AGAINST him at nd. I think the Gerry Faust years were the best ever. I don't watch nd games UNLESS I'm absolutely sure they're going to lose; I haven't watched a game this year and we all know all their games are televised - so there goes your Stanford, USC, Oklahoma theories. I'm neither irrational nor delusional, I'm a nd hater and it all makes sense to us. Get on board!

[jazzcyclist]

The squirm begins ...

you've moved from "bcs eligible" to "bowl eligibility"? Well, at least you realize that I was right about nd and the BCS.

I admit no such thing. I'm just trying to pin you down amidst your dissembling and obfuscation. Here's is your original quote:

ND has special circumstances that allow it to be bowl-eligible and BCS-eligible doing less than every other school

You still haven't explained to me how Notre Dame gets bowl-eligible doing less than every other school. Furthermore, I would argue that Notre Dame has to do more than any other school to get bowl-eligible, since unlike those other schools, including those in the almighty SEC, they don't play FCS schools. Please explain this to me first or at least admit your errror, and then I'll explain to you the fallacy of your BCS-eligibility argument.

I'm the only college football fan? The same has been said about Boise State, BYU and a host of others. If you win all your games then you should be in the conversation. I would rather watch Louisville than nd play any of the other teams, or any other team.

If you've followed my college football posts over the last couple of years, you know I'm anything but a snob and I have the utmost respect for school like Boise State, TCU and Utah. IMO Louisville hasn't done a thing to be considered in the same class with those schools. There's a good chance Boise State will go to the Orange Bowl this year and I'll be pulling for them.

[preston]

The squirm begins ...

you've moved from "bcs eligible" to "bowl eligibility"? Well, at least you realize that I was right about nd and the BCS.

I admit no such thing. I'm just trying to pin you down amidst your dissembling and obfuscation.
Here's is your original quote:

ND has special circumstances that allow it to be bowl-eligible and BCS-eligible doing less than every other school

You still haven't explained to me how Notre Dame gets bowl-eligible doing less than every other school. Furthermore, I would argue that Notre Dame has to do more than any other school to get bowl-eligible, since unlike those other schools, including those in the almighty SEC, they don't play FCS schools. Please explain this to me first or at least admit your errror, and then I'll explain to you the fallacy of your BCS-eligibility argument.

Nope, not playing that game. You explain your "argument", or not; it makes no difference to me. That said, you can add a [had] after "has" in the above that you quoted. As I've said previously, hating nd is not based upon now, it's based upon my college football watching history. feel free to declare yourself a winner... of what, I don't know.

[jazzcyclist]

If Army goes undefeated next year, I promise that they would NOT play a BCS game if there are 4-5 other major conference undefeated teams and a some 11-1 teams. This is a nd rule. But, I still don't sure what your point is. Both Army and BYU have flirted in and out of conferences for the last 20 years. Even back to the days when Navy, Miami and FSU and South Carolina were independent there was still the nd factor which lurked: the ability to be treated differently BECAUSE they were nd. The minimum win rule to be eligible had to be tweaked because of nd; because they knew that TV and bowl directors would take a losing record nd over more deserving schools with better records.

You're proving my point. Before the BCS, Notre Dame went to the Sugar Bowl with a 6-4-1 record. Now they must have the same number of wins and the same minumim BCS ranking to become BCS-eligible as everybody else does. And they also have be ranked #8 to get an automatic BCS bid while Boise State only needs a #12 ranking regardless of what everybody else does and a #16 ranking depending on whatever everybody else does. And did you know that Boise State started out the year with a higher preseason ranking than Notre Dame? Things aren't what they were 20 years ago in the world of college football.

I hate Jack Welch BECAUSE he was CEO of GE when NBC crafted the ND network. For a while I stopped watching NBC (I made exceptions for the Olympics...Don't judge me dammit).

Not to get political, but Jack Welch has also been accused of stockpiling MSNBC with good Catholics like Chris Matthews, Rachel Matthews, Lawrence O'Donnell, Joan Walsh, Mike Barnicle, etc.

I rooted for Ty WIllingham at Stanford and imediately AGAINST him at nd. I think the Gerry Faust years were the best ever.

Blashphemy!

I'm neither irrational nor delusional, I'm a nd hater and it all makes sense to us. Get on board!

As a south Louisiana Catholic who is the product of the parochial school system, it's against my religion. By the way, did you know that the Vatican gave the Archbishop of New Orleans special permission to fly the Saints flag over St. Louis Cathedral for Super Bowl 44?

[jazzcyclist]

I think it's ironic that by winning today, LSU can end the SEC's reign of BCS dominance.

[j-a-m]

I think it's ironic that by winning today, LSU can end the SEC's reign of BCS dominance.

And then USC can add to the irony by beating Oregon and Notre Dame, thereby sending LSU to the championship game and saving the SEC.

[jazzcyclist]

Did anyone else see College Gameday? FYI, the guest picker was a track athlete who guru loves to hate.

[Dutra5]

Did anyone else see College Gameday? FYI, the guest picker was a track athlete who guru loves to hate.

Track athlete?

I didn't catch her name but they said she was a bobsledder.

[j-a-m]

Did anyone else see College Gameday? FYI, the guest picker was a track athlete who guru loves to hate.

Great appearance actually, knew what she was talking about (wouldn't say the same about Ryan Lochte, the guest picker a couple weeks ago), and called out Denard Robinson along the way ...

[26mi235]

Well, ND is not having an easy time of it against lightly regarded Pitt (4-4). The score is 17-6 and Pitt just got a longish punt return and long run down to the 13 then 11 to the 2 with 1:30 left in the third. Then a field goal, 20-6, 16 minutes left.

[j-a-m]

Well, ND is not having an easy time of it against lightly regarded Pitt (4-4). The score is 17-6 and Pitt just got a longish punt return and long run down to the 13 then 11 to the 2 with 1:30 left in the third. Then a field goal, 20-6, 16 minutes left.

ND got lucky there and just avoided the upset; should make it more difficult for them, though, to get ranked ahead of other undefeated teams in the polls.

[jazzcyclist]

Well, ND is not having an easy time of it against lightly regarded Pitt (4-4). The score is 17-6 and Pitt just got a longish punt return and long run down to the 13 then 11 to the 2 with 1:30 left in the third. Then a field goal, 20-6, 16 minutes left.

ND got lucky there and just avoided the upset; should make it more difficult for them, though, to get ranked ahead of other undefeated teams in the polls.

ND needed the help of all their leprachauns to get past Pitt today. This game basically eliminated any chance Notre Dame had of finishing ahead Alabama, Oregon or Kansas State as long as they win out.

[jazzcyclist]

College football is great on Saturday nights like this. Alabama, Oregon and Kansas State are all in dog fights tonight.

[jazzcyclist]

LSU dominated Alabama for 58 minutes and then went to that old reliable "prevent defense" and the rest is history. Even Saban admitted after the right after game that Alabama had been outplayed. Shame on you John Chavis. Shame, shame, shame!

[Pego]

Did anyone else see College Gameday? FYI, the guest picker was a track athlete who guru loves to hate.

Track athlete?

I didn't catch her name but they said she was a bobsledder.

Mrs Pego, who has little T&F interest quipped as we turned on ESPN, "she is everywhere."

[preston]

...anyone really want to compare SEC football to the facsimile thereofs played elsewhere? Yes, it was a conference game but LSU showed that but for that loss they could play for a national championship. Again, I don't see another defense outside of the SEC that impresses me (Sacriligious U is decent...but PITT!?).

If nd loses to USC (50/50, imo) they shouldn't play one of the top 4 games.

[jazzcyclist]

If nd loses to USC (50/50, imo) they shouldn't play one of the top 4 games.

An 11-1 Notre Dame team, which is the only FBS team in the nation that has neither any FCS team nor non-AQ teams on its schedule, will probably be an automatic qualifier.

[preston]

If nd loses to USC (50/50, imo) they shouldn't play one of the top 4 games.

An 11-1 Notre Dame team, which is the only FBS team in the nation that has neither any FCS team nor non-AQ teams on its schedule, will probably be an automatic qualifier.

True. But, with Alabama #1 in the BCS and Georgia, Florida, LSU and South Carolina holding down spots #5, 6, 7 and 8 it cheapens, to me, nd's claim to be the 4th best team. (and as a nd hater...top 10?) Kevin Sumlin was the right coach for A&M and I think the net positive of the aggies in the SEC is that QB play will get a lot better; because eventually A&M defense will mirror other SEC schools and their offense will be the difference, carrying them to the top of the SEC west.

I still hate nd, stop trying to convince me!