Championship Week
In light of TCU's unfortunate move to the Big East (not that they had any business in the Mountain West, either), I feel compelled to offer my 30-second essay on these mega-conference championship games. How can you produce a true division champion when the teams don't even play the same conference schedule? Isn't this the great debate against interleague play in baseball? Either all conference teams need to play each other and then have a championship game at the end to break a tie, or teams need to play only within their division, in which case why aren't there just two conferences? In the spirit of the old World Championship Wrestling on WTBS, I call the winners of these games the "TV champion" because all these games do is cash in on more television revenue (although it sure beats the Big Ten's system). But hey, if it means an extra week of college football featuring some great match-ups, I guess I will take them. Not sure I would say that if I were an Auburn fan, though, because they have everything to lose against South Carolina on Saturday.
Duel in the Desert
Arizona State - Arizona
7 p.m., Thursday, ESPN
Line: Arizona by 6
* Underdog worth three points
SEC Championship Game
Auburn - South Carolina
3 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Auburn by 5
* Underdog worth three points
ACC Championship Game
Florida State - Virginia Tech
6:45 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech by 4
Big 12 Championship Game
Nebraska - Oklahoma
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma by 3
Connecticut - South Florida
7 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2
Line: South Florida by 1
Good luck.
****#****
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Project Playoffs: Week 13 standings
TCU Makes Wrong Turn on Map to Big East
TCU Makes Wrong Turn on Map to Big East
TCU to the Big East? And in all sports??? Though still entirely the wrong move, it would be one thing to join as a football-only school, but to send your men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, soccer, volleyball, and equestrian teams on cross-country journeys all year just to try to get a slice of the BCS treasure chest is not in the best interest of students, fans, or anyone involved.
As a fan TCU, I'm sorry to say this move represents precisely everything that is wrong with big-time college athletics these days -- it's all about the money, and only about the money. The closest Big East school to TCU is Louisville, 900 miles away! The farthest Big East school, Syracuse, is a mere 3,300 miles away! Talk about not being in the best interest of the student-athlete. How much time away from class are these kids going to spend as they are on tour across the eastern half of the country? And how can any fans of TCU possibly follow their team to away games?
Why is joining the Big East at all necessary? And where was the floundering Big 12 with an invitation for the most natural fit out there?
Where does TCU belong? See the Mid-South conference below for the answer. Everyone talks about fixing the craziness of the BCS system by maybe throwing in a four-team playoff, but nothing will ever fix it, and schools like TCU will continue the madness of moving to an unnatural fit like the Big East, until all conferences are realigned for football.
The Project Playoffs Foundation has taken the top 81 schools by football attendance and divided them into nine geographically correct conferences. Though it will never happen because the greedy college administrators don't want to part with their conference television money, this realignment plan is the most sensible solution and will fix what ails the greatest sport with the worst postseason.
Using the Massey Comparison Rankings, which take every poll and computer rating into account, below is a projection of how the standings would be in each of these realigned conferences as of Week 13 prior to the money grab that is better known as the conference championship games.
Each conference winner gets an automatic birth into the 16-team playoff, and the next best seven teams according to an all-encompassing rating system would also make the playoff. Then all 16 teams are seeded regardless of conference finish using the same all-encompassing rating system.
Problem solved. And here's how the playoffs and realigned conferences would look. And TCU fans might even get to travel to see some away games without booking a cross-country flight.
First-round match-ups:
16 West Virginia at 1 Oregon
15 South Carolina at 2 TCU
14 Virginia Tech at 3 Auburn
13 Nebraska at 4 Stanford
12 Oklahoma State at 5 Ohio State
11 Alabama at 6 Boise State
10 Missouri at 7 Oklahoma
9 Wisconsin at 8 Arkansas
Click here for a full explanation of Project Playoffs.
Northwest
1 Oregon (11-0)
6 Boise State (10-1)
Utah (10-2)
Air Force (8-4)
Oregon State (5-6)
Washington (5-6)
BYU (6-6)
Fresno State (7-4)
Washington State (2-9)
Mid-South
2 TCU (12-0)
7 Oklahoma (10-2)
8 Arkansas (10-2)
12 Oklahoma State (10-2)
Texas A&M (9-3)
Texas Tech (7-5)
Baylor (7-5)
Texas (5-7)
Houston (5-7)
Southern
3 Auburn (12-0)
11 Alabama (9-3)
LSU (10-2)
Mississippi State (8-4)
Southern Miss (8-4)
Tennessee (6-6)
Ole Miss (4-8)
Vanderbilt (2-10)
Memphis (1-11)
Southwest
4 Stanford (11-1)
Arizona (7-4)
Hawaii (9-3)
USC (7-5)
Arizona State (5-6)
California (5-7)
UCLA (4-7)
UTEP (6-6)
New Mexico (1-11)
Mid-North
5 Ohio State (11-1)
Michigan State (11-1)
Notre Dame (7-5)
Illinois (6-5)
Michigan (7-5)
Louisville (6-6)
Cincinnati (4-7)
Purdue (4-8)
Indiana (5-7)
Midwest
9 Wisconsin (11-1)
10 Missouri (10-2)
13 Nebraska (10-2)
Iowa (7-5)
Kansas State (7-5)
Colorado (5-7)
Iowa State (5-7)
Minnesota (3-9)
Kansas (3-9)
Atlantic
14 Virginia Tech (10-2)
North Carolina State (8-4)
Maryland (8-4)
North Carolina (7-5)
Kentucky (6-6)
East Carolina (6-6)
Virginia (4-8)
Duke (3-9)
Wake Forest (3-9)
Southeast
15 South Carolina (9-3)
Florida State (9-3)
Florida (7-5)
Miami (7-5)
Central Florida (9-3)
Georgia (6-6)
Clemson (6-6)
South Florida (7-4)
Georgia Tech (6-6)
Northeast
16 West Virginia (8-3)
Navy (8-3)
Penn State (7-5)
Pittsburgh (6-5)
Connecticut (7-4)
Boston College (7-5)
Syracuse (7-5)
Army (6-5)
Rutgers (4-7)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Big Game
Since the Arkansas-LSU game is the biggest game in the country, its only fitting I include it in a haiku.
Big game this weekend
Party time on the golf course
Bowl implications.
Big game this weekend
Party time on the golf course
Bowl implications.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Pick submission designs of the week
Week 13's contenders for best designs of the week when submitting picks for the top five games. Vote for your favorite.
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| Thanksgiving is an emotional time of the year for me. Relatives of mine travel to Nashville to see the family that they only get to see once a year. And then I rediscover that once a year is once too often. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson |
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Live Fan Feedback: Week 13
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Tough, tough week. This could be really good, really bad, or just average. I've picked against Auburn for the first time this year and picked Notre Dame for the first time this year too. Oh man. I'm nervous! -- Danny K.
But for Notre Dame, I would be in the top group. I may as well ride them all the way to the bottom. -- Dipes AKA Night Life Man
Auburn - I was going to saying Running Back U but since Shawn Alexander has more rushing yards than any Auburn RB it might have been misconstrued. -- Sir Thomas
I would rather take a loss than pick an Oklahoma team. -- Steve S.
Here's to a second straight 5-0 week, and the "too little too late" run for second place... or at least the "A" group! -- Alex Player
Is Mitch Mustain's mother making the call on Barkley playing? -- Sean O.
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Faldon's Other Five Thoughts:
Auburn — Oddest thing about games at MSU? They've not taken John Bond, the former QB who is hip deep in Newtongate, off the pregame videos. There he is telling fans to "Ring Responsibly." There is he encouraging fans to join some high-dollar booster club. There he pitching condos that, oddly enough, cost less than a top-notch run/throw QB.
LSU - Hopefully the Bayou Bengals will lose that hideous Golden Boot trophy before the 2011 game. And, if they do, I hope it's replaced by an actual Golden Boot. Maybe a 24k Wellington as a nod to both the agricultural and hunting traditions in both states.
Florida State - Remember when this game used to matter?
Oklahoma State - Even if Mike Gundy wins a mythical national championship ("mythical" until there's a true playoff system) will he be able to live down the "I'm a man! I'm 40!" rant? And has it already been three (3) years since that magical day?
Notre Dame — Regis Philbin > Dr. Drew
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Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
Auburn - interesting line. Not sure what to make of that.
Hogs- I like our chances. I thought the MSU game would be the big test. Nice to see someone had sense to move the game to Sat, too.
FSU - I have given up all faith in Florida. I just could not believe they can be that bad (see USC game) when the title is on the line.
OSU - I would have taken OU if bonus points were available.
Are you kidding? (translation - USC. Big. I’ll even pull for Kiffin.)
Continually updated throughout the day...
Tough, tough week. This could be really good, really bad, or just average. I've picked against Auburn for the first time this year and picked Notre Dame for the first time this year too. Oh man. I'm nervous! -- Danny K.
But for Notre Dame, I would be in the top group. I may as well ride them all the way to the bottom. -- Dipes AKA Night Life Man
Auburn - I was going to saying Running Back U but since Shawn Alexander has more rushing yards than any Auburn RB it might have been misconstrued. -- Sir Thomas
I would rather take a loss than pick an Oklahoma team. -- Steve S.
Here's to a second straight 5-0 week, and the "too little too late" run for second place... or at least the "A" group! -- Alex Player
Is Mitch Mustain's mother making the call on Barkley playing? -- Sean O.
-
Faldon's Other Five Thoughts:
Auburn — Oddest thing about games at MSU? They've not taken John Bond, the former QB who is hip deep in Newtongate, off the pregame videos. There he is telling fans to "Ring Responsibly." There is he encouraging fans to join some high-dollar booster club. There he pitching condos that, oddly enough, cost less than a top-notch run/throw QB.
LSU - Hopefully the Bayou Bengals will lose that hideous Golden Boot trophy before the 2011 game. And, if they do, I hope it's replaced by an actual Golden Boot. Maybe a 24k Wellington as a nod to both the agricultural and hunting traditions in both states.
Florida State - Remember when this game used to matter?
Oklahoma State - Even if Mike Gundy wins a mythical national championship ("mythical" until there's a true playoff system) will he be able to live down the "I'm a man! I'm 40!" rant? And has it already been three (3) years since that magical day?
Notre Dame — Regis Philbin > Dr. Drew
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
Auburn - interesting line. Not sure what to make of that.
Hogs- I like our chances. I thought the MSU game would be the big test. Nice to see someone had sense to move the game to Sat, too.
FSU - I have given up all faith in Florida. I just could not believe they can be that bad (see USC game) when the title is on the line.
OSU - I would have taken OU if bonus points were available.
Are you kidding? (translation - USC. Big. I’ll even pull for Kiffin.)
Project Playoffs:
Week 12 standings and seedings
If all was fair and right in college football, this is what the realigned conference standings would look like in Week 12 with seedings for a 16-team playoff. (Seedings are derived from the Massey Comparison Rankings, which take every poll and computer rating into account.)
First-round match-ups:
16 West Virginia at 1 Oregon
15 South Carolina at 2 TCU
14 Virginia Tech at 3 Boise State
13 Missouri at 4 Auburn
12 Wisconsin at 5 Stanford
11 Arkansas at 6 Ohio State
10 Oklahoma at 7 LSU
9 Alabama at 8 Oklahoma State
Click here for a full explanation of Project Playoffs.
Northwest
1 Oregon (10-0)
3 Boise State (10-0)
Utah (9-2)
Air Force (8-4)
Oregon State (5-5)
Washington (4-6)
BYU (6-5)
Fresno State (6-4)
Washington State (2-9)
Mid-South
2 TCU (11-0)
8 Oklahoma State (10-1)
10 Oklahoma (9-2)
11 Arkansas (9-2)
Texas A&M (8-3)
Baylor (7-5)
Texas Tech (6-5)
Texas (5-6)
Houston (5-6)
Southern
4 Auburn (11-0)
7 LSU (10-1)
9 Alabama (9-2)
Mississippi State (7-4)
Southern Miss (8-3)
Tennessee (5-6)
Ole Miss (4-7)
Vanderbilt (2-9)
Memphis (1-10)
Southwest
5 Stanford (10-1)
Arizona (7-3)
USC (7-4)
Hawaii (8-3)
California (5-6)
Arizona State (4-6)
UCLA (4-6)
UTEP (6-6)
New Mexico (1-10)
Mid-North
6 Ohio State (10-1)
Michigan State (10-1)
Notre Dame (6-5)
Michigan (7-4)
Illinois (6-5)
Cincinnati (4-6)
Louisville (5-6)
Purdue (4-7)
Indiana (4-7)
Midwest
12 Wisconsin (10-1)
13 Missouri (9-2)
Nebraska (9-2)
Iowa (7-4)
Kansas State (6-5)
Colorado (5-6)
Iowa State (5-7)
Kansas (3-8)
Minnesota (2-9)
Atlantic
14 Virginia Tech (9-2)
North Carolina State (8-3)
North Carolina (6-5)
Maryland (7-4)
Kentucky (6-5)
East Carolina (6-5)
Virginia (4-7)
Duke (3-8)
Wake Forest (2-9)
Southeast
15 South Carolina (8-3)
Florida State (8-3)
Florida (7-4)
Miami (7-4)
Central Florida (8-3)
Clemson (6-5)
Georgia (5-6)
South Florida (6-4)
Georgia Tech (6-5)
Northeast
16 West Virginia (7-3)
Penn State (7-4)
Pittsburgh (6-4)
Navy (8-3)
Connecticut (6-4)
Syracuse (7-4)
Boston College (6-5)
Army (6-5)
Rutgers (4-6)
College football's best five games of Week 13
Happy early Thanksgiving, everybody. I'm sending out the games a little early to help anyone who is traveling in the next fews days or plans to go on a bender.
These five games may be the best five of the season and the most unpredictable with lots on the line and lots of subplots. The Iron Bowl is always filled with intense passion and vitriol, but this one seems like it will be taken to another level. I fully expect the stadium to go up in flames and fans of the losing team to not celebrate Christmas.
In case you are wondering what the deal is with the Notre Dame-USC game, it is off because USC quarterback Matt Barkley is questionable and the oddsmakers are waiting to see if it will be Barkley playing or his backup, the infamous Mitch Mustain.
The Iron Bowl
Auburn - Alabama
1:30 p.m., Friday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 4
Battle for the Golden Boot
LSU - Arkansas
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Arkansas by 3
The Sunshine Showdown
Florida - Florida State
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN
Line: Florida State by 2
Bedlam
Oklahoma - Oklahoma State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma State by 2
Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh
Notre Dame - USC
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Off
Gobble Gobble!
*******#*******
These five games may be the best five of the season and the most unpredictable with lots on the line and lots of subplots. The Iron Bowl is always filled with intense passion and vitriol, but this one seems like it will be taken to another level. I fully expect the stadium to go up in flames and fans of the losing team to not celebrate Christmas.
In case you are wondering what the deal is with the Notre Dame-USC game, it is off because USC quarterback Matt Barkley is questionable and the oddsmakers are waiting to see if it will be Barkley playing or his backup, the infamous Mitch Mustain.
The Iron Bowl
Auburn - Alabama
1:30 p.m., Friday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 4
Battle for the Golden Boot
LSU - Arkansas
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Arkansas by 3
The Sunshine Showdown
Florida - Florida State
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN
Line: Florida State by 2
Bedlam
Oklahoma - Oklahoma State
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Oklahoma State by 2
Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh
Notre Dame - USC
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Off
Gobble Gobble!
*******#*******
Friday, November 19, 2010
Live Fan Feedback: Week 12 Friday
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Sue Everybody by Glenn B:
The Cardinal prevails; Stanford over Cal. Keep your bonus point.
Buckeyes' real talent lies in the "good at losing BCS bowl games" department so for now, it's Ohio State over Iowa.
Coach Beamer makes VT watch this video (it's essentially Cloverfield minus the giant monster and man-eating spiders; replace all the "WOOO"s with "AAIIEEEEEE"s, and this is a very different video) once a week so that the wound stays fresh and the team stays focused. Virginia Tech not distracted by South Beach, defeats Miami.
Thank goodness for the Alabama and Auburn losses; otherwise, this would be the game for Arkansas to lose inexplicably. Now, however, Petrino is loose and limber; Arkansas over Mississippi State. Sorry, Maroon.
Nebraska nearing the end of its Big 12 farewell tour, still irritated that they lost to the Longhorns (the 2010 Longhorns!!); they vent their corn-fueled rage on UT's little brother, Nebraska over Texas A&M.
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Too easy. Knowing that I don't believe in home field in football, this is a sucker setup. Give me all visitors. -- Dean of Sportswriters
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I have to say, while it's nice to be near the top, it stresses me out. How about this for picks:
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
-- Pvt. Smith
-
Aggie Mark Editorial:
Wow, Texas A&M in the pool two weeks in a row. Aggies are almost as hot as soybeans and fish farms - my knowledge of which comes exclusively from John Vratsinas. However, while I have fully invested my kids' college funds into Iowan aquaculture, I cannot jump any further onto the bandwagon of all things Iowa and must select Sweater Vest U over the Hawkeyes. And, because I have to get my shots in when I can, a bonus pick: FIU over Texas - bwaa-haaa-haaaa! Gig 'em.
Personal rant: If you don't win your conference, you can't win the title. Sorry Les Miles, but if LSU is not the SEC champ, they don't deserve to be national champ. Good season, here's a nice bowl game and a nice raise. Better luck next year. Just set up a playoff with eight conference champs and I'll be happy.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Sue Everybody by Glenn B:
The Cardinal prevails; Stanford over Cal. Keep your bonus point.
Buckeyes' real talent lies in the "good at losing BCS bowl games" department so for now, it's Ohio State over Iowa.
Coach Beamer makes VT watch this video (it's essentially Cloverfield minus the giant monster and man-eating spiders; replace all the "WOOO"s with "AAIIEEEEEE"s, and this is a very different video) once a week so that the wound stays fresh and the team stays focused. Virginia Tech not distracted by South Beach, defeats Miami.
Thank goodness for the Alabama and Auburn losses; otherwise, this would be the game for Arkansas to lose inexplicably. Now, however, Petrino is loose and limber; Arkansas over Mississippi State. Sorry, Maroon.
Nebraska nearing the end of its Big 12 farewell tour, still irritated that they lost to the Longhorns (the 2010 Longhorns!!); they vent their corn-fueled rage on UT's little brother, Nebraska over Texas A&M.
-
Too easy. Knowing that I don't believe in home field in football, this is a sucker setup. Give me all visitors. -- Dean of Sportswriters
-
I have to say, while it's nice to be near the top, it stresses me out. How about this for picks:
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
[insert_winner_here]
-- Pvt. Smith
-
Aggie Mark Editorial:
Wow, Texas A&M in the pool two weeks in a row. Aggies are almost as hot as soybeans and fish farms - my knowledge of which comes exclusively from John Vratsinas. However, while I have fully invested my kids' college funds into Iowan aquaculture, I cannot jump any further onto the bandwagon of all things Iowa and must select Sweater Vest U over the Hawkeyes. And, because I have to get my shots in when I can, a bonus pick: FIU over Texas - bwaa-haaa-haaaa! Gig 'em.
Personal rant: If you don't win your conference, you can't win the title. Sorry Les Miles, but if LSU is not the SEC champ, they don't deserve to be national champ. Good season, here's a nice bowl game and a nice raise. Better luck next year. Just set up a playoff with eight conference champs and I'll be happy.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Big O refutes TigerDroppings post on Cam
If I were you, I wouldn't risk even sending the link to Tigerdroppings' latest trash ("garbage" is to high minded a term to describe Blue Tuna's rantings) since its a walking invitation for a lawsuit IF (and that's a big "if") the writer has anyting worth suing over. Here's a good crytic description and analysis of today's mutterings on ESPN (remember, the "E" stands for entertainment") as well as your Tiger Droppings rehash of mostly blogger claims of another day from boards made up mostly of bammers:
(1) If things were as bad as some think, you would expect the NCAA investigators to be crawling around Montgomery and Auburn rather than spending their time with yahoos in Mississippi and Chicago. Wouldn't one be wiser to believe that if either the FBI or the NCAA were interested in the Victoryland connection as surmised, they wouldn't be interviewing Rogers, Bond and Bell (what a trifecta of liars based solely on their shifting claims and finger pointing so far -- if you can believe any of the sports media muckrakers).
(2) The claimed Bell revelations can be summerized as follows:
(a) He doesn't have Cecil on tape.
(b) Cecil never asked him for anything.
(c) Rogers did all the talking.
(d) Bell claims he has never, ever been involved in anything like this before (wonder how or why Rogers would call then?) and he has no idea why Rogers called him in the first place.
(e) He once received a text message from Rogers outlining a payment plan, but his dog ate it (this is the equivalent of the phone being damaged by water, isn't it?).
(3) The Victoryland indictee (not for money laundering as Blue Tuna suggests but rather for bribing Alabama legislators for gambling purposes) was only wire tapped by the FBI (per the court filed allegations published at the time) months after Cam had already signed with Auburn. Just this evening, in response to ESPN's so-called reporting, two of McGregor's lawyers released a specific and detailed set of denials to these claims about Cam and AU which never, let me repeat based upon my 43 years experience as a lawyer, NEVER have been released unless the denials were totally accurate and unrelated to the standing charges, including any tapes related to the indictment. And by the way, the lawyer spokesman in that release is a big time Alabama man.
(4) The Atlanta station just released an update on Cecil's churches repair problems based upon a statement from a representative of the city to the effect that only minimal (low cost) repairs have been done to date -- just enough to put off the city's threatened abandonment procedures, but not enough to permit the building's usage. Bottom line: Cecil has received no money through the church.
(5) Perhaps most important to AU's and Cam's defense is the acknowledgement, I think today, by the NCAA that if their investigation had revealed support, let alone evidence, of the alleged infraction, their procedures would have included at the least a recommendation to AU to hold Cam out of the game last Saturday and/or future games which no credible person could suggest wouldn't have be adopted. Cam is eligible, both before and after the Georgia game, and he played.
(6) One generally overlooked provision of the NCAA rules applicable at the time the Rogers claims ocurred (they were changed effective perhaps a month after the Ole Miss/Miss State egg bowl game in late November 2009) states clearly that loss of eligibility under the alleged circumstances would only apply to the school involved, not any other school. Granted, the provision has been changed for infractions in 2010, muddying the waters but still not mandating ineligibilty. Those changes are not retroactive.
Just a little daylight that needs to be cast upon the drival most are putting out as if anyone knows what the NCAA and/or the FBI is in fact doing or thinking. In my somewhat experienced knowledge about investigations and credibility analysis (43+ years working as a lawyer for both the government and in private practice some what qualifies as my bona fides), I am rather certain that the real target, at least todate, in the FBI's and NCAA's investigations is MSU, with perhaps some tie to bammer due to the interview with their GA. At worst, Cam's dad participated in some sort of discussion with the stellar ex-MSU player Rogers before concluding that the best school for spotlighting Cam's QB skills was AU and their recruitment of Cam offered Cam a chance to not be a "rented mule". As with AU, recruitment by Oklahoma and Tennessee was above board. I do know this: AU's compliance official's strictness for following the rules would never permit AU to go into August practices AFTER the NCAA admittedly was investigating Cam and had communicated this to Auburn if ours hands weren't clean. Furtherfmore, common sense tells us that an unproven junior college player with at most 2 years eligibility would not have justified any serious cash payment discussions pre-signing date involving an AU official or a booster...no one even drempt that Cam would prove to be the player he has, and I'm speaking here from watching him in the A Day game last April, especially since no QB contact was even permitted throughout Spring practice.
Bottom line, a young man who has cleaned up his act after Florida under coach Mullins is in the process of being smeared grossly unfairly, possibly out of jealousy by some other institute's backers. As asked a few decades ago, where does he go to get back his reputation once the NCAA shifts its focus somewhere else? I hope the Newton's sue the hell out of a bunch of jerks and make a pot full of money. Regardless, Cam is possibly the best college player I've ever seen and I've seen a bunch of really good ones. It's a pleasure to watch him play.
Live Fan Feedback: Week 12 Thursday
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
My football picks have been really sad.
My fantasy team is playing real bad.
So here are my picks.
There are five, not six.
It's time to go beat my wife.
(Hey, who said it has to rhyme?)
-- Danny K.
Best bet for Nebraska to not be forced to play the Big East Qualifier in the BCS Bowl game. I predict if Oregon is in the national championship game and there isn't another Pac10 team worthy of a Rose Bowl bid, there is a chance for an early preview of the new Big 10 with Nebraska playing Wisconsin. Yep, you heard it here first... -- Husker Ryan
Whatever crud you had last week you passed along to me electronically so you're getting unfunny, 12-point Sans Serif-font, Nyquil-induced picks this week. -- DJ (cough, sneeze) U-Explicit
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Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
Stanford – fake injuries probably won’t work this week.
Iowa – they crushed MSU at home and ran out of luck against NW on the road, but I think they can recover.
VTech – Never mind what I said last week about not trusting VTech on the road.
Hogs – best all-around game last week, even if it was against UTEP. Beating USC in Columbia was a big step in the right direction. I still don’t like Petrino.
Nebraska – no reason really. I wish they’d show the A&M band at halftime. But no, they want us to listen to the unintelligible Lou Holtz and his contrarian toadie Mark May. Sorry ESPN/ABC or whoever the hell you are, I switch to DVR’d episodes of Mythbusters. Fight the Power!
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SHM Picks in Video:
Cal (Worthington and his dog spot)
Ohio State (your name and business)
Virginia Tech(mo Bowl)
Arkansas (a lady in half)
TexaS NM(NMNM)
The last one was a bit of a stretch.
I was going to pick Nebraska just so I could paste this:
Nebra-ska(talites)
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Regards from the Big O:
1) Stanford (because all Cal did last week was show that the Ducks could be stopped and they would have won had they had any semblence of an offense)
2) Ohio State (because I just can't squander another pick on Iowa)
3) Miami (because they are playing at home)
4) Arkansas (because it's the little doggies that aren't focused and the Hogs want to prove they can play the following week with LSWho)
5) Texas A&M (because they too are playing at home and the 12th man should overcome a Nebraska team that seems to falter at times)
Well those are my picks -- read 'um and weep. Since you pelted me with AU jokes last week, how about this one: What does NFL ex-convict (its late and I can't remember his name) and Cam have in common? They both abuse dawgs! War Cam Eagle, Run Michael Run and Crush Fairley Crush!! By the way have you seen the doctored picture of Georga's QB with flag football strips hanging from his sides? "Bow wow Bull Dog Bow Wow, arf arf," as we used to yell.
-
Faldon's Other Five Things:
Stanford — Too often I've let my love for the hippies at Cal cloud my judgement when picking games. No longer. Those hippies can ball. But those nerds at Stanford can too, thanks to a coach will be a hot commodity this offseason.
Iowa — Like Cal, Iowa has been my downfall due to the school's uniforms. Copying the black and gold of the greatest NFL franchise of all-time (and the true America's Team, not the whine-and-cheese Cowboys) was a smart move Hawkeyes. Even if picking you isn't.
Miami — Driving around town, I'm always tickled to see the stickers boosters of a little private school put on their cars. Union Christian Academy uses a "U" and it's the same color scheme as The U's "U." I can't help but wonder if they realize they're tying their school (albeit every so slightly) to the coattails of one of the dirtiest, raunchiest college football programs in history. WWJD? Probably not hang out with 2 Live Crew and Michael Irvin on South Beach.
Arkansas — This is the first of three wins Arkansas needs to post a really historic season.
Texas A&M — Robert Earl Keen > Larry the Cable Guy
Continually updated throughout the day...
My football picks have been really sad.
My fantasy team is playing real bad.
So here are my picks.
There are five, not six.
It's time to go beat my wife.
(Hey, who said it has to rhyme?)
-- Danny K.
Best bet for Nebraska to not be forced to play the Big East Qualifier in the BCS Bowl game. I predict if Oregon is in the national championship game and there isn't another Pac10 team worthy of a Rose Bowl bid, there is a chance for an early preview of the new Big 10 with Nebraska playing Wisconsin. Yep, you heard it here first... -- Husker Ryan
Whatever crud you had last week you passed along to me electronically so you're getting unfunny, 12-point Sans Serif-font, Nyquil-induced picks this week. -- DJ (cough, sneeze) U-Explicit
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
Stanford – fake injuries probably won’t work this week.
Iowa – they crushed MSU at home and ran out of luck against NW on the road, but I think they can recover.
VTech – Never mind what I said last week about not trusting VTech on the road.
Hogs – best all-around game last week, even if it was against UTEP. Beating USC in Columbia was a big step in the right direction. I still don’t like Petrino.
Nebraska – no reason really. I wish they’d show the A&M band at halftime. But no, they want us to listen to the unintelligible Lou Holtz and his contrarian toadie Mark May. Sorry ESPN/ABC or whoever the hell you are, I switch to DVR’d episodes of Mythbusters. Fight the Power!
-
SHM Picks in Video:
Cal (Worthington and his dog spot)
Ohio State (your name and business)
Virginia Tech(mo Bowl)
Arkansas (a lady in half)
TexaS NM(NMNM)
The last one was a bit of a stretch.
I was going to pick Nebraska just so I could paste this:
Nebra-ska(talites)
-
Regards from the Big O:
1) Stanford (because all Cal did last week was show that the Ducks could be stopped and they would have won had they had any semblence of an offense)
2) Ohio State (because I just can't squander another pick on Iowa)
3) Miami (because they are playing at home)
4) Arkansas (because it's the little doggies that aren't focused and the Hogs want to prove they can play the following week with LSWho)
5) Texas A&M (because they too are playing at home and the 12th man should overcome a Nebraska team that seems to falter at times)
Well those are my picks -- read 'um and weep. Since you pelted me with AU jokes last week, how about this one: What does NFL ex-convict (its late and I can't remember his name) and Cam have in common? They both abuse dawgs! War Cam Eagle, Run Michael Run and Crush Fairley Crush!! By the way have you seen the doctored picture of Georga's QB with flag football strips hanging from his sides? "Bow wow Bull Dog Bow Wow, arf arf," as we used to yell.
-
Faldon's Other Five Things:
Stanford — Too often I've let my love for the hippies at Cal cloud my judgement when picking games. No longer. Those hippies can ball. But those nerds at Stanford can too, thanks to a coach will be a hot commodity this offseason.
Iowa — Like Cal, Iowa has been my downfall due to the school's uniforms. Copying the black and gold of the greatest NFL franchise of all-time (and the true America's Team, not the whine-and-cheese Cowboys) was a smart move Hawkeyes. Even if picking you isn't.
Miami — Driving around town, I'm always tickled to see the stickers boosters of a little private school put on their cars. Union Christian Academy uses a "U" and it's the same color scheme as The U's "U." I can't help but wonder if they realize they're tying their school (albeit every so slightly) to the coattails of one of the dirtiest, raunchiest college football programs in history. WWJD? Probably not hang out with 2 Live Crew and Michael Irvin on South Beach.
Arkansas — This is the first of three wins Arkansas needs to post a really historic season.
Texas A&M — Robert Earl Keen > Larry the Cable Guy
College football's five best games of Week 12
This week's five games feature a common theme -- the home team is the underdog in every game. This is a particularly fun factoid when you consider that in the 55 games featured in the pool so far this season, the home team has been the winner in 30 of those contests. So which of these home teams will come through this week? My money is not on Iowa. (Run and Tweet that, Vratsinas!)
The Big Game
Stanford - Cal
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Stanford by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Ohio State - Iowa
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Ohio State by 3
Virginia Tech - Miami
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech by 2
Arkansas - Mississippi State
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Arkansas by 3
Nebraska - Texas A&M
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Nebraska by 2
Good luck.
****#****
The Big Game
Stanford - Cal
2:30 p.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Stanford by 7
* Underdog worth three points
Ohio State - Iowa
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Ohio State by 3
Virginia Tech - Miami
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech by 2
Arkansas - Mississippi State
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Arkansas by 3
Nebraska - Texas A&M
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Nebraska by 2
Good luck.
****#****
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Winning Streak
For the past two weeks, I have gone 5-0 in my picks. That has never happened before. Usually a 5-0 for me is few and far between. Had to write a haiku about it this week.
5 and 0 again
Happened two weeks in a row
Going for a third.
5 and 0 again
Happened two weeks in a row
Going for a third.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Project Playoffs:
Week 11 standings and seedings
If all was fair and right in college football, this is what the realigned conference standings would look like in Week 11 with seedings for a 16-team playoff. (Seedings are derived from the Massey Comparison Rankings, which take every poll and computer rating into account.)
First-round match-ups:
16 West Virginia at 1 Oregon
15 South Carolina at 2 TCU
14 Virginia Tech at 3 Auburn
13 Missouri at 4 Boise State
12 Wisconsin at 5 Stanford
11 Arkansas at 6 LSU
10 Nebraska at 7 Alabama
9 Ohio State at 8 Oklahoma State
Click here for a full explanation of Project Playoffs.
Northwest
1 Oregon (10-0)
4 Boise State (9-0)
Utah (8-2)
Air Force (7-4)
Oregon State (4-5)
Fresno State (6-3)
BYU (5-5)
Washington (3-6)
Washington State (2-9)
Mid-South
2 TCU (11-0)
8 Oklahoma State (9-1)
11 Arkansas (8-2)
Oklahoma (8-2)
Texas A&M (7-3)
Baylor (7-4)
Texas Tech (5-5)
Texas (4-6)
Houston (5-5)
Southern
3 Auburn (11-0)
6 LSU (9-1)
7 Alabama (8-2)
Mississippi State (7-3)
Southern Miss (7-3)
Tennessee (4-6)
Ole Miss (4-6)
Vanderbilt (2-8)
Memphis (1-9)
Southwest
5 Stanford (9-1)
USC (7-3)
Arizona (7-3)
Hawaii (7-3)
California (5-5)
UCLA (4-5)
Arizona State (4-6)
UTEP (6-5)
New Mexico (1-9)
Mid-North
9 Ohio State (9-1)
Michigan State (9-1)
Michigan (7-3)
Notre Dame (5-5)
Illinois (5-5)
Louisville (5-5)
Cincinnati (3-6)
Purdue (4-6)
Indiana (4-6)
Midwest
10 Nebraska (9-1)
12 Wisconsin (9-1)
13 Missouri (8-2)
Iowa (7-3)
Kansas State (6-4)
Iowa State (5-6)
Colorado (4-6)
Kansas (3-7)
Minnesota (2-9)
Atlantic
14 Virginia Tech (8-2)
North Carolina State (7-3)
North Carolina (6-4)
Maryland (7-3)
East Carolina (6-4)
Kentucky (6-5)
Virginia (4-6)
Duke (3-7)
Wake Forest (2-8)
Southeast
15 South Carolina (7-3)
Miami (7-3)
Florida State (7-3)
Florida (6-4)
Central Florida (7-3)
Clemson (5-5)
Georgia (5-6)
South Florida (6-3)
Georgia Tech (5-5)
Northeast
16 West Virginia (6-3)
Penn State (6-4)
Navy (7-3)
Pittsburgh (5-4)
Syracuse (7-3)
Boston College (5-5)
Connecticut (5-4)
Army (6-4)
Rutgers (4-5)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Pick submission designs of the week
Week 11's contenders for best designs of the week when submitting picks for the top five games. Vote for your favorite.
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| Submitted by DJ U-Explicit Johnson |
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| Submitted by Jeremy P. |
Live Fan Feedback: Week 11 Friday
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Sue Everybody with Glenn B:
There's nothing like being mired in the median of the bell-curve in the bottom quintile to make you get your picks in promptly. So here's my best shot at $800, and glory:
Oldest Rivalry in the Deep South: I don't see Auburn benching Cam Newton until the SEC's version of the National Guard rolls into Opelika and starts smashing the joint up. They have gone too far to stop now. Newton plays a stand-out game, as if it might be his last college-level performance. Auburn over Georgia. Keep your bonus point.
Virginia Tech, with the loss to James Madison solidly in its rear-view mirror, rolls over North Carolina.
Battle of the Brazos: Texas A&M ascendant - this is not like playing the Longhorns in Austin! A&M over Baylor
SEC East Championship: Coming off what must have felt like a bye week (did Carolina's all of starters even dress out for the Razorback game?), the Old Ball Coach shakes off his stupor and, finally concerned about being in a three-way tie with Mark Richt and Houston Nutt for the title of SEC most overrated coach, pulls of the upset in Gainsville. Give me the bonus point.
For all of USC's sins during the last decade, a mere one or two seasons of modest performance is not enough punishment. Here's to hoping that the Lane Kiffin hire is like Napoleon's return from exile on Elba - he gets the gang back together for one more glorious campaign which spectacularly ends at Waterloo and condemns France to second-tier empire status thereafter. USC over Arizona.
-
Auburn's official comment on Cam Newton's status has now been changed to "no comment." If they rule him ineligible for tomorrow's game you gonna count that one in the pool? -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
Auburn - hoping I won’t have to vacate these points next year. -- Chad C.
Hey yo Chico! Survey says, “I’m going 5 – 0 this week.” -- Joe C.
If Texas wins I'll crap a kitten.
But without a doubt I'll sure be smitten.
A five and O would be just grand.
And save my wife from the back of my hand.
-- Danny K.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Sue Everybody with Glenn B:
There's nothing like being mired in the median of the bell-curve in the bottom quintile to make you get your picks in promptly. So here's my best shot at $800, and glory:
Oldest Rivalry in the Deep South: I don't see Auburn benching Cam Newton until the SEC's version of the National Guard rolls into Opelika and starts smashing the joint up. They have gone too far to stop now. Newton plays a stand-out game, as if it might be his last college-level performance. Auburn over Georgia. Keep your bonus point.
Virginia Tech, with the loss to James Madison solidly in its rear-view mirror, rolls over North Carolina.
Battle of the Brazos: Texas A&M ascendant - this is not like playing the Longhorns in Austin! A&M over Baylor
SEC East Championship: Coming off what must have felt like a bye week (did Carolina's all of starters even dress out for the Razorback game?), the Old Ball Coach shakes off his stupor and, finally concerned about being in a three-way tie with Mark Richt and Houston Nutt for the title of SEC most overrated coach, pulls of the upset in Gainsville. Give me the bonus point.
For all of USC's sins during the last decade, a mere one or two seasons of modest performance is not enough punishment. Here's to hoping that the Lane Kiffin hire is like Napoleon's return from exile on Elba - he gets the gang back together for one more glorious campaign which spectacularly ends at Waterloo and condemns France to second-tier empire status thereafter. USC over Arizona.
-
Auburn's official comment on Cam Newton's status has now been changed to "no comment." If they rule him ineligible for tomorrow's game you gonna count that one in the pool? -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
Auburn - hoping I won’t have to vacate these points next year. -- Chad C.
Hey yo Chico! Survey says, “I’m going 5 – 0 this week.” -- Joe C.
If Texas wins I'll crap a kitten.
But without a doubt I'll sure be smitten.
A five and O would be just grand.
And save my wife from the back of my hand.
-- Danny K.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Live Fan Feedback: Week 11 Thursday
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
I have made the Poolsville gods angry! What must I do to quell their wrath? -- SHM III
Like a cowboy and Bandit from Smokey and the Bandit, Les takes his hat off for one thing and one thing only. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
-
Faldon's Other Five Thoughts:
Auburn - You know the old saying "Where there's smoke, there's fire" right? My question about Cam Newton-gate* is who started the fire and why did it take so long for the smoke to appear? This whole thing smells bad - like burned popcorn bad. MSU and Florida better have their houses in order, because they've just fired the first shots in a war of SEC schools ratting each other out. And if you think (insert favorite SEC team) isn't paying players via boosters, then you're in denial.
Virginia Tech - Not a single couch in Blackburg will be safe from a-burnin' Saturday night.
Texas A&M - College bands should take their cues from either A&M or FAU. Either march with military precision or bring the funk. I dream of a halftime of the "Aggie War Hymn" being followed by "The Bed Intruder Song."
Florida - And despiteth thine abscence of St. Tebow of Gainesville, thy Gators will doth claim their rightful place in thine SEC Championship Gameth.
Arizona - Bob Baffert > Bob Barr
* - If the Watergate break-in had happened elsewhere, say if the DNC headquarters was at the Hays-Adam Hotel, what would we do for a suffix to denote a scandal?
-
Dang. I hate that Georgia has been in the pool a lot this year because I CAN'T PICK AGAINST THEM!!! So here we go again ... -- Hilary D.
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
Auburn - If Newton was playing for Ole Miss, I would say there’s trouble coming. Not sure any of the allegations hold water for me though. Anyway, even with Newton out Auburn’s a lot better that UGa. Plus, as stated before, UGa has left me hanging too many times.
UNC – I have a feeling UNC has shaken off their earlier “issues” and I don’t trust VTech on the road.
A&M – another Big 12 contest I both know and care nothing about.
Florida – USC stunk up the place last week. I don’t see them going to The Swamp and doing much better, even with a healthier team. Really depends on which Garcia shows up.
Arizona – see comment reg. A&M/Baylor above and substitute Pac 10 for Big 12.
-
Picks from the Seminole Prognosticator:
Auburn -- Why is it, whenever recruiting violations, wrong doing or just plain old hanky-panky is involved in something, Florida seems to be mentioned??? .... I'm just sayin'....
North Carolina -- Hey, anything to make another heart-breaking Seminole loss a tad bit more bearable.
Texas A&M -- Does anybody really care about this one?
South Carolina -- I have soiled myself enough, no more picking the slim lizards.
Arizona -- Unless of course Mitch Mustain's mom comes out of the stands and suits up.
-
Regards from the Big O:
As we prepare to leave Friday morning to travel to support Cam, et al, as well as to attend the rivalry that brought football to the South in 1892, I'm making sure I don't forget to send my selections this week, especially since I still lead from the front of the Davis clan. Congratulations for the Hogs beating the Cocks at home last week... I didn't think they would, but they proved me wrong. Looking back, I'm actually glad to be wrong on that game because it increases the odds my Auburn Tigers will tie up at the Chicken Bowl in Atlanta in 3 weeks with the Gators. Sheer ANGER drives me and the Auburn Family over Urbans' likely duplicitness in what I call Cam's FERPA raping by a UF football team film gofer. Cam and Company bolstered by the entire Auburn Nation will destoy the pups sinnue by sinnue next Saturday... then bring on the Red Elephant's Cub (hopefully with Nicky as the HC since we're burning all the bridges between Dallas and Tuskalooser). Granted little proof has turned up to date that suggest the 'Phants are connected wit ESPN, Fox Sports and the NYT, but some elephant turd droppings have be found around Starkville and Gainsville near scheduled meetings at those questionable locations. This week's projections: 1) AUBURN by 4 TDS, drawing Cam realy close to the 20 Rushing TDS; 20 Passing TDS record. (Note: by the time the Iron Bowl is here Cam will have his Superman Cape and scorched earth will be our new policy. Then, finish up with a little seasoned gator meat before setting our eyes West. 2) Virginia Tech (Butch Davis will bail...soon); 3) Texas A&M (because the Baptist haven't recovered from their hangover last Saturday evening); 4) Florida (because 25,000 AU fans demand it to celebrate our slightly modified return to Amen Corner for old times sake -- really -- and for retribution! 5) Arizona (because USC is the true cheater -- along with the Tahd -- and their punishment is to be defeated soon and often. Hear they are, only surprised bammer game with MSU wasn't offered as that would be a real tough decision as to whom I actually HATE the most, at least this week.
-
The only ones to pick GA will be those hoping the allegations are true and Cam gets benched on Friday. Texas and Mack Brown were the target of Thayer Evans a few years ago. Anything come of that or did a reporter simply write a bunch of rumors about a top team in the country? -- Woody from Auburn
Continually updated throughout the day...
I have made the Poolsville gods angry! What must I do to quell their wrath? -- SHM III
Like a cowboy and Bandit from Smokey and the Bandit, Les takes his hat off for one thing and one thing only. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
-
Faldon's Other Five Thoughts:
Auburn - You know the old saying "Where there's smoke, there's fire" right? My question about Cam Newton-gate* is who started the fire and why did it take so long for the smoke to appear? This whole thing smells bad - like burned popcorn bad. MSU and Florida better have their houses in order, because they've just fired the first shots in a war of SEC schools ratting each other out. And if you think (insert favorite SEC team) isn't paying players via boosters, then you're in denial.
Virginia Tech - Not a single couch in Blackburg will be safe from a-burnin' Saturday night.
Texas A&M - College bands should take their cues from either A&M or FAU. Either march with military precision or bring the funk. I dream of a halftime of the "Aggie War Hymn" being followed by "The Bed Intruder Song."
Florida - And despiteth thine abscence of St. Tebow of Gainesville, thy Gators will doth claim their rightful place in thine SEC Championship Gameth.
Arizona - Bob Baffert > Bob Barr
* - If the Watergate break-in had happened elsewhere, say if the DNC headquarters was at the Hays-Adam Hotel, what would we do for a suffix to denote a scandal?
-
Dang. I hate that Georgia has been in the pool a lot this year because I CAN'T PICK AGAINST THEM!!! So here we go again ... -- Hilary D.
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
Auburn - If Newton was playing for Ole Miss, I would say there’s trouble coming. Not sure any of the allegations hold water for me though. Anyway, even with Newton out Auburn’s a lot better that UGa. Plus, as stated before, UGa has left me hanging too many times.
UNC – I have a feeling UNC has shaken off their earlier “issues” and I don’t trust VTech on the road.
A&M – another Big 12 contest I both know and care nothing about.
Florida – USC stunk up the place last week. I don’t see them going to The Swamp and doing much better, even with a healthier team. Really depends on which Garcia shows up.
Arizona – see comment reg. A&M/Baylor above and substitute Pac 10 for Big 12.
-
Picks from the Seminole Prognosticator:
Auburn -- Why is it, whenever recruiting violations, wrong doing or just plain old hanky-panky is involved in something, Florida seems to be mentioned??? .... I'm just sayin'....
North Carolina -- Hey, anything to make another heart-breaking Seminole loss a tad bit more bearable.
Texas A&M -- Does anybody really care about this one?
South Carolina -- I have soiled myself enough, no more picking the slim lizards.
Arizona -- Unless of course Mitch Mustain's mom comes out of the stands and suits up.
-
Regards from the Big O:
As we prepare to leave Friday morning to travel to support Cam, et al, as well as to attend the rivalry that brought football to the South in 1892, I'm making sure I don't forget to send my selections this week, especially since I still lead from the front of the Davis clan. Congratulations for the Hogs beating the Cocks at home last week... I didn't think they would, but they proved me wrong. Looking back, I'm actually glad to be wrong on that game because it increases the odds my Auburn Tigers will tie up at the Chicken Bowl in Atlanta in 3 weeks with the Gators. Sheer ANGER drives me and the Auburn Family over Urbans' likely duplicitness in what I call Cam's FERPA raping by a UF football team film gofer. Cam and Company bolstered by the entire Auburn Nation will destoy the pups sinnue by sinnue next Saturday... then bring on the Red Elephant's Cub (hopefully with Nicky as the HC since we're burning all the bridges between Dallas and Tuskalooser). Granted little proof has turned up to date that suggest the 'Phants are connected wit ESPN, Fox Sports and the NYT, but some elephant turd droppings have be found around Starkville and Gainsville near scheduled meetings at those questionable locations. This week's projections: 1) AUBURN by 4 TDS, drawing Cam realy close to the 20 Rushing TDS; 20 Passing TDS record. (Note: by the time the Iron Bowl is here Cam will have his Superman Cape and scorched earth will be our new policy. Then, finish up with a little seasoned gator meat before setting our eyes West. 2) Virginia Tech (Butch Davis will bail...soon); 3) Texas A&M (because the Baptist haven't recovered from their hangover last Saturday evening); 4) Florida (because 25,000 AU fans demand it to celebrate our slightly modified return to Amen Corner for old times sake -- really -- and for retribution! 5) Arizona (because USC is the true cheater -- along with the Tahd -- and their punishment is to be defeated soon and often. Hear they are, only surprised bammer game with MSU wasn't offered as that would be a real tough decision as to whom I actually HATE the most, at least this week.
-
The only ones to pick GA will be those hoping the allegations are true and Cam gets benched on Friday. Texas and Mack Brown were the target of Thayer Evans a few years ago. Anything come of that or did a reporter simply write a bunch of rumors about a top team in the country? -- Woody from Auburn
Auburn Drama
News has come out this week about Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. So, I had to write a haiku about it.
Cam Newton drama
Auburn's luck is running out
Lets see what happens.
Cam Newton drama
Auburn's luck is running out
Lets see what happens.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
College football's best five games of Week 11
Georgia-Auburn was originally not one of the five games this week. An eight-point underdog in the hunt for Poolsville's skunk of the year award playing on the road against an undefeated team did not seem like an enticing pick.
That changed around noon today when Vegas took the game off the board because of the drama surrounding Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. Vegas sometimes keeps a game off the board until an injured player's status is determined, but it is unheard of to take a game off because alleged reports put a player's eligibility in question three days before the game, especially when the head coach has already declared he is playing.
Sorry Oklahoma State-Texas, but this old rivalry suddenly became the game of the week. Don't know what exactly is going on with Cam Newton? Check The Daily Feed in the right column of Poolsville for the latest, or discover the story as told in haiku by Razorback fans.
Oldest Rivalry in the Deep South
Georgia - Auburn
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Auburn by 8
* Underdog worth three points
Virginia Tech - North Carolina
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech by 3
Battle of the Brazos
Texas A&M - Baylor
6 p.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Texas A&M by 3
SEC East Championship
South Carolina - Florida
6:15 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Florida by 6
* Underdog worth three points
USC - Arizona
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Arizona by 4
Good luck.
****#****
That changed around noon today when Vegas took the game off the board because of the drama surrounding Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. Vegas sometimes keeps a game off the board until an injured player's status is determined, but it is unheard of to take a game off because alleged reports put a player's eligibility in question three days before the game, especially when the head coach has already declared he is playing.
Sorry Oklahoma State-Texas, but this old rivalry suddenly became the game of the week. Don't know what exactly is going on with Cam Newton? Check The Daily Feed in the right column of Poolsville for the latest, or discover the story as told in haiku by Razorback fans.
Oldest Rivalry in the Deep South
Georgia - Auburn
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Auburn by 8
* Underdog worth three points
Virginia Tech - North Carolina
2:30 p.m., Saturday, ABC/ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech by 3
Battle of the Brazos
Texas A&M - Baylor
6 p.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Texas A&M by 3
SEC East Championship
South Carolina - Florida
6:15 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: Florida by 6
* Underdog worth three points
USC - Arizona
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Arizona by 4
Good luck.
****#****
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Project Playoffs:
Week 10 standings and seedings
If all was fair and right in college football, this is what the realigned conference standings would look like in Week 10 with seedings for a 16-team playoff. (Seedings are derived from the Massey Comparison Rankings, which take every poll and computer rating into account.)
First-round match-ups:
16 Pittsburgh at 1 TCU
15 Florida at 2 Oregon
14 Virginia Tech at 3 Boise State
13 Arkansas at 4 Auburn
12 Utah at 5 Stanford
11 Iowa at 6 Nebraska
10 Ohio State at 7 LSU
9 Oklahoma State at 8 Alabama
Click here for a full explanation of Project Playoffs.
Mid-South
1 TCU (10-0)
9 Oklahoma State (8-1)
13 Arkansas (7-2)
Oklahoma (7-2)
Texas A&M (6-3)
Baylor (7-3)
Texas Tech (5-4)
Texas (4-5)
Houston (5-4)
Northwest
2 Oregon (9-0)
3 Boise State (8-0)
12 Utah (8-1)
Oregon State (4-4)
Air Force (6-4)
Fresno State (6-2)
Washington (3-6)
BYU (4-5)
Washington State (1-9)
Southern
4 Auburn (10-0)
7 LSU (8-1)
8 Alabama (7-2)
Mississippi State (7-2)
Southern Miss (6-3)
Ole Miss (4-5)
Tennessee (3-6)
Vanderbilt (2-7)
Memphis (1-8)
Southwest
5 Stanford (8-1)
Arizona (7-2)
USC (6-3)
Hawaii (7-3)
California (5-4)
UCLA (4-5)
Arizona State (4-5)
UTEP (6-4)
New Mexico (1-8)
Midwest
6 Nebraska (8-1)
11 Iowa (7-2)
Missouri (7-2)
Wisconsin (8-1)
Kansas State (6-3)
Iowa State (5-5)
Colorado (3-6)
Kansas (3-6)
Minnesota (1-9)
Mid-North
10 Ohio State (8-1)
Michigan State (9-1)
Illinois (5-4)
Michigan (6-3)
Notre Dame (4-5)
Louisville (5-4)
Cincinnati (3-5)
Purdue (4-5)
Indiana (4-5)
Atlantic
14 Virginia Tech (7-2)
North Carolina (6-3)
North Carolina State (6-3)
Maryland (6-3)
East Carolina (5-4)
Kentucky (5-5)
Virginia (4-5)
Duke (3-6)
Wake Forest (2-7)
Southeast
15 Florida (6-3)
South Carolina (6-3)
Miami (6-3)
Florida State (6-3)
Central Florida (7-2)
Clemson (5-4)
Georgia (5-5)
Georgia Tech (5-4)
South Florida (5-3)
Northeast
16 Pittsburgh (5-3)
Penn State (6-3)
Navy (6-3)
West Virginia (5-3)
Syracuse (6-3)
Boston College (4-5)
Connecticut (4-4)
Rutgers (4-4)
Army (5-4)
Monday, November 08, 2010
Ramon's Escoblog: Week 10
So the guy promising to deliver Cam Newton in exchange for $200,000 offered a discount of $180,000 to Mississippi State. Some are calling this controversy a blow to Auburn's great season, but the real tragedy here is that Mississippi State doesn't even have enough boosters to cough up the discount rate to pay players.
Former Auburn coach Pat Dye expresses shock and outrage over the Cam Newton allegations. In his day, not only did Auburn double Mississippi State's price but the player also got a car.
While Auburn fans are focused on the undefeated football season, in related news new basketball coach Tony Barbee was surprised to learn Auburn had a compliance department and has suddenly decided several players are "injured" until all booster checks have cleared.
Rumor has it that Notre Dame coaches have been so impressed with Auburn's offense that they are sending a team of coaches to visit this week. But what Auburn didn't realize is that by "offensive strategies" Notre Dame meant getting around NCAA rules by paying players through donations to churches.
Big finish: Alabama fans have been so jealous of Auburn's success this season that they are restocking the booster coffers to go after some prize recruits. The first target to one-up Auburn: Cliff Lee.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Pick submission designs of the week
Week 10's contenders for best designs of the week when submitting picks for the top five games. Vote for your favorite.
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| "Republican Jesus was 5 and 0 last week while also correctly predicting the salvation of America on Election Day so I'm sticking with him." -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson |
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| Submitted by Jeremy P. |
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| Submitted by Robyn E. |
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| Submitted by SHM III |
Live Fan Feedback: Week 10 Friday
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Maybe this time I'll be right.
I picked all road teams to win their fight.
If in fact they do not win.
I'll go Brett Favre on my wife's chin.
-- Danny K.
I believe I’ve picked Arkansas on several occasions only to be disappointed. In fact, if not for Arkansas, I’d probably be $ 800 richer by now. -- Fish
Some cowboys (Oklahoma State) rode elephants (Alabama) to the Mormon temple (Utah) while carrying some gamecocks (South Carolina) and (Arizona) Green Tea for snacks. -- Kate D.
When you start sending out the “don’t give up” messages it’s time to panic -- it is the Poolsville equivalent of Jerry Jones giving a vote of confidence to his head coach mid-way through the season. -- David M.
I really wish that you would stop putting Arkansas games in the pool. I'm starting to get tired of taking the loss. -- Brendan O.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Maybe this time I'll be right.
I picked all road teams to win their fight.
If in fact they do not win.
I'll go Brett Favre on my wife's chin.
-- Danny K.
I believe I’ve picked Arkansas on several occasions only to be disappointed. In fact, if not for Arkansas, I’d probably be $ 800 richer by now. -- Fish
Some cowboys (Oklahoma State) rode elephants (Alabama) to the Mormon temple (Utah) while carrying some gamecocks (South Carolina) and (Arizona) Green Tea for snacks. -- Kate D.
When you start sending out the “don’t give up” messages it’s time to panic -- it is the Poolsville equivalent of Jerry Jones giving a vote of confidence to his head coach mid-way through the season. -- David M.
I really wish that you would stop putting Arkansas games in the pool. I'm starting to get tired of taking the loss. -- Brendan O.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
From the Champagne Room with Shane Champagne
Sometimes the Champagne Room is a dark, cozy place with a velvet love seat, the smell of strawberry oil, and the relaxing sounds of an R Kelly slow jam. Other times, it's a plastic chair in a large football stadium surrounded by 100,000 fans. In either case, large quantities of Miller Lite are usually involved. Click link to go to the back room with me...
Live Fan Feedback: Week 10 Thursday
Comments on the week from our expert panel of reporters, bankers, doctors, lawyers, ad wizards, lawn guys, bond guys, car guys, pilots, priests, principals, builders, teachers, bums, and nomads.
Continually updated throughout the day...
Factoid: OSU was also the ticker for Outback Steakhouse back when it was still a public company. -- Bizzy B
-
Faldon's Other Five Thoughts:
Oklahoma State — I'm sure you've seen the "House Divided" license plates. Here along the Western Wall of Arkansas, we see them for Arkansas/OU, OU/Oklahoma State, Arkansas/Oklahoma State quite a bit. I've even seen an Arkansas/Arkansas State version. But every time I see one I can't help but wonder if you can get just any two teams on them. For example, could I get a "House Divided" Harvard/UALR or MIT/UA Fort Smith? Moreover, what's wrong with these people who put those plates on their vehicles? The primary driver of said vehicle gets fan ownership rights. So take those silly "House Divided" plates off the front of your car. Put your team on there and tell your spouse to do the same to his/her car, truck or mini-van. The house might be divided, but it's silly for the car to be.
Alabama - Odds Les Miles makes an inexplicable coaching move? 1/1. Odds that inexplicable coaching move miraculously helps his team? 2/1. Odds The Dean cashes a winning ticket on any of Saturday's Breeder's Cup races? 5/1.
TCU - The game of the week is being shown where? I've got roughly 313 channels on DirecTV, but I'm not sure if CBS College Sports is one of them. I think it might be hidden away down in the 600s between the huntin' & fishin' channels and the skateboarding channel, but not as far down the grid as the three soccer channels. Good luck finding it on your TV, it might be the most entertaining game of the weekend.
South Carolina - Arkansas has yet to beat a quality opponent this year.
Stanford - San Francisco Bay>Sonoran Desert
-
I love the people that still want to put so much emphasis on strength of schedule. Boise St and TCU are criticized for playing bad teams at times, but nobody says anything about an SEC team playing Georgia State or Tenn-Chatt. Seems like a double standard! -- Party P
Here's an interesting dissection of the accomplishments of the top BCS teams this year so far. -- Big O
-
Aggie Mark's Election Week picks:
Republicans win. Stock market rallies for bulls, not Bears. Okie St rolls
Lousiana is a red state, but Alabama is so red it's crimson. Darth Saban beats LSU.
Aggie (Rick Perry) stays in the governor's seat. Texans are brilliant. Frogs over Utes.
No legalized pot smoking in California, so the oxygen masks on the sidelines will not be replaced with bongs. Stanford wins.
And finally, in honor of Harry Reid's victory in Nevada, the Cocks win.
-
The first few weeks of this season, I picked based purely on my first reaction when I saw the matchups. The last few weeks, I reverted to my failed practices of last year where I actually did research on the teams before picking. The results seem to speak for themselves, so this week I've returned to the "don't look up a damn thing about the teams" method of choosing. Hopefully, this will get me back on the winning track. -- Brian R.
-
Seminole Memory Lane from the Seminole Prognosticator:
Football just isn't the same without the wit and wisdom of Bobby Bowden to entertain us. It is time we hear from the coach...
"He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear, but then again he doesn't know the meaning of most words."
"A better ending could not have been scripted. Of course, if we had won, that would have been better."
"Don't go to the grave with life unused."
-
Regards from the Big O:
While I agree totally with the idea that the Mythical National Championship should be decided on the field rather than by computer and the Bosie States/TCUs of the world should get a shot when deserved over also-rans like Pittsburgh, the computer has got it mostly right so far as strength of schedule should favor undefeated SEC members and even undefeated Pac 10 members (although the latter is more debatable) if there is to be no playoff. Frankly, but not surprisingly, I think some of the other once defeateds are better than the Tahd and should be rated higher, but that may well take care of itself when bammer meets both Mississippi State and LSU. Safely back from the home of Shepherd Smith with their scalp safely tied to our belt, we look forward to resting Cam, et al as much as possible since I think we can defeat UC for the 21st time with even our third stingers. Now, if I can only figure out how to order pay-for-view on U-Verse this weekend, I'll just settle in for a quite Saturday afternoon/evening on TV rather than enjoying tailgating with Lee's Phi Tau buddies. These are hopefully the winning picks for this week: 1) Oklahoma Sate (because the Green Bears are having to play the game in Oklahoma, thus depriving them of the power of "Aqua Buddah"); 2) LSU (because even The Hat can't afford another loss at home to Saebar when he has an effective defense -- other than against the Best Tigers in the SEC -- to offset his lousy QBs); 3) TCU (because it's truly their time to beat Utah with defense); 4) South Carolina (because the Hogs don't travel as well as they play at home and the home of Fort Jackson plays well at their house); and 5) Stanford (because they are also better at home than Arizona is on the road). That's all for now, but I must add that my boy from LRCA shore did us proud last weekend... War Cam Eagle and Run Michael Run -- I understand he likes Mike better but Michael will look real good on a future Heisman Trophy if he continues to do better than even Bo or Ingram in their freshman years.
-
All the way from Disney World. Don't have time to research, read, or even flip a coin. Here's my best guess... I'll be listening on my long drive back to Arkansas on Saturday. -- Husker Ryan
This is a very difficult week. My loathing of Texas helps with two games, but what about Alabama-LSU? I hate each equally. Oh what to do, what to do. -- Amy S.
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
I can’t seem to break back into the top tier. My title hopes are fading faster than Wade Phillips’ job security.
OSU – the Cowboys have let me down about as often as UGa, but I keep coming back for more. This time I feel pretty good that Baylor is a pretender, though.
‘Bama – I just don’t see LSU scoring here.
TCU – one team that has done me right over the last couple of years has been TCU. I’m going to keep riding this horny toad.
USC – loss of Childs is rough. In light of UGa’s sucking this year, Petrino still has not proven that he can win on the road. I’ll take USC to cover.
Stanford – ‘cause I said so.
-
Best rekognize cuz DJ-U is gonna be reprezentin HogNation on the 50 yard-line Row 5 of Williams-Brice stadium on Saturday. I'll be all lit up on Jack Daniel's and lookin to land in someone's jail. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
Continually updated throughout the day...
Factoid: OSU was also the ticker for Outback Steakhouse back when it was still a public company. -- Bizzy B
-
Faldon's Other Five Thoughts:
Oklahoma State — I'm sure you've seen the "House Divided" license plates. Here along the Western Wall of Arkansas, we see them for Arkansas/OU, OU/Oklahoma State, Arkansas/Oklahoma State quite a bit. I've even seen an Arkansas/Arkansas State version. But every time I see one I can't help but wonder if you can get just any two teams on them. For example, could I get a "House Divided" Harvard/UALR or MIT/UA Fort Smith? Moreover, what's wrong with these people who put those plates on their vehicles? The primary driver of said vehicle gets fan ownership rights. So take those silly "House Divided" plates off the front of your car. Put your team on there and tell your spouse to do the same to his/her car, truck or mini-van. The house might be divided, but it's silly for the car to be.
Alabama - Odds Les Miles makes an inexplicable coaching move? 1/1. Odds that inexplicable coaching move miraculously helps his team? 2/1. Odds The Dean cashes a winning ticket on any of Saturday's Breeder's Cup races? 5/1.
TCU - The game of the week is being shown where? I've got roughly 313 channels on DirecTV, but I'm not sure if CBS College Sports is one of them. I think it might be hidden away down in the 600s between the huntin' & fishin' channels and the skateboarding channel, but not as far down the grid as the three soccer channels. Good luck finding it on your TV, it might be the most entertaining game of the weekend.
South Carolina - Arkansas has yet to beat a quality opponent this year.
Stanford - San Francisco Bay>Sonoran Desert
-
I love the people that still want to put so much emphasis on strength of schedule. Boise St and TCU are criticized for playing bad teams at times, but nobody says anything about an SEC team playing Georgia State or Tenn-Chatt. Seems like a double standard! -- Party P
Here's an interesting dissection of the accomplishments of the top BCS teams this year so far. -- Big O
-
Aggie Mark's Election Week picks:
Republicans win. Stock market rallies for bulls, not Bears. Okie St rolls
Lousiana is a red state, but Alabama is so red it's crimson. Darth Saban beats LSU.
Aggie (Rick Perry) stays in the governor's seat. Texans are brilliant. Frogs over Utes.
No legalized pot smoking in California, so the oxygen masks on the sidelines will not be replaced with bongs. Stanford wins.
And finally, in honor of Harry Reid's victory in Nevada, the Cocks win.
-
The first few weeks of this season, I picked based purely on my first reaction when I saw the matchups. The last few weeks, I reverted to my failed practices of last year where I actually did research on the teams before picking. The results seem to speak for themselves, so this week I've returned to the "don't look up a damn thing about the teams" method of choosing. Hopefully, this will get me back on the winning track. -- Brian R.
-
Seminole Memory Lane from the Seminole Prognosticator:
Football just isn't the same without the wit and wisdom of Bobby Bowden to entertain us. It is time we hear from the coach...
"He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear, but then again he doesn't know the meaning of most words."
"A better ending could not have been scripted. Of course, if we had won, that would have been better."
"Don't go to the grave with life unused."
-
Regards from the Big O:
While I agree totally with the idea that the Mythical National Championship should be decided on the field rather than by computer and the Bosie States/TCUs of the world should get a shot when deserved over also-rans like Pittsburgh, the computer has got it mostly right so far as strength of schedule should favor undefeated SEC members and even undefeated Pac 10 members (although the latter is more debatable) if there is to be no playoff. Frankly, but not surprisingly, I think some of the other once defeateds are better than the Tahd and should be rated higher, but that may well take care of itself when bammer meets both Mississippi State and LSU. Safely back from the home of Shepherd Smith with their scalp safely tied to our belt, we look forward to resting Cam, et al as much as possible since I think we can defeat UC for the 21st time with even our third stingers. Now, if I can only figure out how to order pay-for-view on U-Verse this weekend, I'll just settle in for a quite Saturday afternoon/evening on TV rather than enjoying tailgating with Lee's Phi Tau buddies. These are hopefully the winning picks for this week: 1) Oklahoma Sate (because the Green Bears are having to play the game in Oklahoma, thus depriving them of the power of "Aqua Buddah"); 2) LSU (because even The Hat can't afford another loss at home to Saebar when he has an effective defense -- other than against the Best Tigers in the SEC -- to offset his lousy QBs); 3) TCU (because it's truly their time to beat Utah with defense); 4) South Carolina (because the Hogs don't travel as well as they play at home and the home of Fort Jackson plays well at their house); and 5) Stanford (because they are also better at home than Arizona is on the road). That's all for now, but I must add that my boy from LRCA shore did us proud last weekend... War Cam Eagle and Run Michael Run -- I understand he likes Mike better but Michael will look real good on a future Heisman Trophy if he continues to do better than even Bo or Ingram in their freshman years.
-
All the way from Disney World. Don't have time to research, read, or even flip a coin. Here's my best guess... I'll be listening on my long drive back to Arkansas on Saturday. -- Husker Ryan
This is a very difficult week. My loathing of Texas helps with two games, but what about Alabama-LSU? I hate each equally. Oh what to do, what to do. -- Amy S.
-
Jeff G's Weekly Analysis:
I can’t seem to break back into the top tier. My title hopes are fading faster than Wade Phillips’ job security.
OSU – the Cowboys have let me down about as often as UGa, but I keep coming back for more. This time I feel pretty good that Baylor is a pretender, though.
‘Bama – I just don’t see LSU scoring here.
TCU – one team that has done me right over the last couple of years has been TCU. I’m going to keep riding this horny toad.
USC – loss of Childs is rough. In light of UGa’s sucking this year, Petrino still has not proven that he can win on the road. I’ll take USC to cover.
Stanford – ‘cause I said so.
-
Best rekognize cuz DJ-U is gonna be reprezentin HogNation on the 50 yard-line Row 5 of Williams-Brice stadium on Saturday. I'll be all lit up on Jack Daniel's and lookin to land in someone's jail. -- DJ U-Explicit Johnson
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Another one at the top
Since Auburn was knocked out of #1 in the BCS poll, I just had to put it in the form of a haiku.
Another number one
Auburn fans are cry babies
Constipated too.
Another number one
Auburn fans are cry babies
Constipated too.
College football's best five games of Week 10
This week's intro brought to you by guest commentator Chris "Party" P., TCU class of '91, who joins TCU graduate Bob Schieffer in calling for a vote against the BCS...
ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Salt Lake City for Saturday’s BCS elimination game between TCU (BCS #3) and Utah (BCS #5), a game featuring Utah’s high-scoring offense (third in the NCAA) going against TCU’s always-tough defense (currently giving up the fewest points per game). The winner keeps the slim hope of being able to play in the mythical BCS title game.
But even a win followed by an undefeated season doesn’t guarantee a title shot. Shouldn’t the BCS bowls be rewarded to the best college football teams regardless of conference affiliation? For example, should a Big East team currently with three losses on the season (Pittsburgh) be rewarded a BCS bowl game? Since the BCS includes the Big East as an automatic qualifier, Pitt (despite not being ranked in the Top 25 poll) would land a BCS bowl bid.
Let the schools that are ranked high enough from the non-AQ conferences have a chance to play for the championship against the teams from the BCS conferences. Determine the championship on the field, not by a computer.
Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a Boise State-Oregon or TCU-Auburn matchup in a playoff system? The bad part is no one will ever know how TCU and Boise State would do because the BCS system will never allow those matchups to occur.
TCU has never won (in three tries) at Utah. Can TCU avenge the heartbreaking 13-10 loss at Utah from two years ago? TCU led 10-6 with just over 5 minutes to play, but TCU’s field-goal kicker missed two field goals that enabled Utah to drive 80 yards for the winning touchdown with a mere 48 seconds to play.
Look for TCU to avenge the 2008 loss in what promises to be an entertaining ball game. Go Frogs!!!
Baylor - Oklahoma State
11:30 a.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Oklahoma State by 7
* Underdog worth three points
The Saban Bowl
Alabama - LSU
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 6
* Underdog worth three points
TCU - Utah
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS College Sports
Line: TCU by 4
Arkansas - South Carolina
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: South Carolina by 3
Arizona - Stanford
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Stanford by 9
* Underdog worth four points
Good luck.
****#****
ESPN’s College GameDay will be in Salt Lake City for Saturday’s BCS elimination game between TCU (BCS #3) and Utah (BCS #5), a game featuring Utah’s high-scoring offense (third in the NCAA) going against TCU’s always-tough defense (currently giving up the fewest points per game). The winner keeps the slim hope of being able to play in the mythical BCS title game.
But even a win followed by an undefeated season doesn’t guarantee a title shot. Shouldn’t the BCS bowls be rewarded to the best college football teams regardless of conference affiliation? For example, should a Big East team currently with three losses on the season (Pittsburgh) be rewarded a BCS bowl game? Since the BCS includes the Big East as an automatic qualifier, Pitt (despite not being ranked in the Top 25 poll) would land a BCS bowl bid.
Let the schools that are ranked high enough from the non-AQ conferences have a chance to play for the championship against the teams from the BCS conferences. Determine the championship on the field, not by a computer.
Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a Boise State-Oregon or TCU-Auburn matchup in a playoff system? The bad part is no one will ever know how TCU and Boise State would do because the BCS system will never allow those matchups to occur.
TCU has never won (in three tries) at Utah. Can TCU avenge the heartbreaking 13-10 loss at Utah from two years ago? TCU led 10-6 with just over 5 minutes to play, but TCU’s field-goal kicker missed two field goals that enabled Utah to drive 80 yards for the winning touchdown with a mere 48 seconds to play.
Look for TCU to avenge the 2008 loss in what promises to be an entertaining ball game. Go Frogs!!!
Baylor - Oklahoma State
11:30 a.m., Saturday, Fox Sports Net
Line: Oklahoma State by 7
* Underdog worth three points
The Saban Bowl
Alabama - LSU
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Line: Alabama by 6
* Underdog worth three points
TCU - Utah
2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS College Sports
Line: TCU by 4
Arkansas - South Carolina
6 p.m., Saturday, ESPN
Line: South Carolina by 3
Arizona - Stanford
7 p.m., Saturday, ABC
Line: Stanford by 9
* Underdog worth four points
Good luck.
****#****
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Project Playoffs:
Week 9 standings and seedings
If all was fair and right in college football, this is what the realigned conference standings would look like in Week 9 with seedings for a 16-team playoff. (Seedings are derived from the Massey Comparison Rankings, which take every poll and computer rating into account.)
First-round match-ups:
16 Pittsburgh at 1 TCU
15 Virginia Tech at 2 Oregon
14 South Carolina at 3 Boise State
13 Arizona at 4 Auburn
12 LSU at 5 Alabama
11 Ohio State at 6 Nebraska
10 Stanford at 7 Missouri
9 Utah at 8 Oklahoma
Click here for a full explanation of Project Playoffs.
Mid-South
1 TCU (9-0)
8 Oklahoma (7-1)
Oklahoma State (7-1)
Arkansas (6-2)
Baylor (7-2)
Texas A&M (5-3)
Texas (4-4)
Texas Tech (4-4)
Houston (5-3)
Northwest
2 Oregon (8-0)
3 Boise State (7-0)
9 Utah (8-0)
Oregon State (4-3)
Air Force (5-4)
Washington (3-5)
Fresno State (5-2)
BYU (3-5)
Washington State (1-8)
Southern
4 Auburn (9-0)
5 Alabama (7-1)
12 LSU (7-1)
Mississippi State (6-2)
Ole Miss (3-5)
Southern Miss (5-3)
Tennessee (2-6)
Vanderbilt (2-6)
Memphis (1-7)
Midwest
6 Nebraska (7-1)
7 Missouri (7-1)
Iowa (6-2)
Wisconsin (7-1)
Kansas State (5-3)
Iowa State (5-4)
Colorado (3-5)
Kansas (2-6)
Minnesota (1-8)
Southwest
10 Stanford (7-1)
13 Arizona (7-1)
USC (5-3)
Hawaii (7-2)
California (4-4)
Arizona State (4-4)
UCLA (3-5)
UTEP (5-4)
New Mexico (0-8)
Mid-North
11 Ohio State (8-1)
Michigan State (8-1)
Illinois (5-3)
Michigan (5-3)
Notre Dame (4-5)
Louisville (4-4)
Cincinnati (3-5)
Purdue (4-4)
Indiana (4-4)
Southeast
14 South Carolina (6-2)
Florida State (6-2)
Florida (5-3)
Miami (5-3)
Central Florida (6-2)
Georgia (4-5)
Clemson (4-4)
Georgia Tech (5-3)
South Florida (4-3)
Atlantic
15 Virginia Tech (6-2)
North Carolina State (6-2)
North Carolina (5-3)
Maryland (6-2)
East Carolina (5-3)
Kentucky (4-5)
Virginia (4-4)
Duke (2-6)
Wake Forest (2-6)
Northeast
16 Pittsburgh (5-3)
Penn State (5-3)
Syracuse (6-2)
West Virginia (5-3)
Navy (5-3)
Army (5-3)
Rutgers (4-3)
Connecticut (4-4)
Boston College (3-5)
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