The entire Texas argument is actually based on Oklahoma's performance against Tech. Tech was beaten so bad by the Sooners that they should be excluded from a three way tie in the standings? Nonsense. You can't penalize Oklahoma and Tech for what happened in Norman. If Tech is reduced to second-tier status, then that makes OSU second tier or worse, which got blown out by Tech, also second tier. OK, Texas lost to one and barely beat the other at home.
I love how the BCS is inappropriate to use to settle a three way tie in the standings but perfectly fine to narrow a field from three to two. How convenient.
For the gem of the day (and I take no credit for this as I lifted it from elsewhere), Texas coach Mack Brown voted Texas 15th in his final 2006 ballot. The issue? He voted the A&M team, with an identical 9-3 record, that just beat the Horns in Austin, 22nd in the country. Head to head hypocrisy.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Oath Proposal for ESPN
ESPN's talking heads seem quick to point out how much emphasis should be put on the result in Dallas. It seems they really want to frame this as a two-team race despite the reality of a three way tie and the reality that TECH would go to Kansas City with an OU loss in Bedlam. For all those that claim it MUST come down to head to head, then every media member should have no problem applying their logic to answer these simple questions.
If Oklahoma loses to OSU and Tech beats Missouri in the Big 12 title game, would you vote Tech over Texas for a spot in the BCS title game?
If Oklahoma loses to Missouri in the Big 12 title game, would you vote Tech over Texas for a spot in the BCS title game?
Do you have Florida ranked based on their resume or how they are playing SINCE their HOME loss to unranked (at the time) Ole Miss?
If Oklahoma loses to OSU and Tech beats Missouri in the Big 12 title game, would you vote Tech over Texas for a spot in the BCS title game?
If Oklahoma loses to Missouri in the Big 12 title game, would you vote Tech over Texas for a spot in the BCS title game?
Do you have Florida ranked based on their resume or how they are playing SINCE their HOME loss to unranked (at the time) Ole Miss?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
BCS rankings may decide the Heisman
Oklahoma has to beat Tech and OSU - no easy task - but we are a nation of speculators. Sports, capital and commodity markets, doesn't matter. We like to think ahead. If OU wins out and creates a three-way tie, the Big 12 South will likely be determined by (gulp) the BCS rankings.
What about the Heisman Trophy? Tebow has reappeared but the leading candidates appear to be the 3 QBs in the Big 12 South. It figures that the Big 12 South QB with the best chance at the Heisman is the one that will emerge as the key figure in the 'winner' of the toughest division in college football and the one that will have the prime time opportunity to leave a lasting impression with a strong performance and win in the Big 12 championship game.
What about the Heisman Trophy? Tebow has reappeared but the leading candidates appear to be the 3 QBs in the Big 12 South. It figures that the Big 12 South QB with the best chance at the Heisman is the one that will emerge as the key figure in the 'winner' of the toughest division in college football and the one that will have the prime time opportunity to leave a lasting impression with a strong performance and win in the Big 12 championship game.
The Plus One Idea
What if the playoff opposition is just too strong? There has been some support for looking into a plus one. Most recommend a four team playoff of the top 4 ranked BCS teams after the final Saturday of the regular season/conference championship games.
Let's examine last year. I would be willing to bet that you take a random poll of college football fans across the country and ask them a simple question "Which team would have won a four team playoff?" that USC and Georgia would be extremely popular responses. Problem - USC and Georgia would not have been in a four team playoff last year. That's right. The final regular season BCS rankings were Ohio State, LSU, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma. 3 of those 4 got 'exposed' in their bowl games. Now you see the potential for continued controversy.
Plus, a four team playoff with a plus one still leaves two of the four BCS games irrelevant. To me the main issue with the post-season is that the BCS bowls have become irrelevant with the stand alone title game held several days after. To solve this problem and make the Rose and other bowls happy that would like to maintain conference ties - play the BCS bowl games on January 1st - Old School style - and then the BCS formula selects 2 of the 4 winners for a plus one. Controversy remains but this is about making the BCS games relevant again. Must see TV. Just like the first Saturday in December is now - channel surfing to check on whether or not a late upset will shake up the title chase.
Let's examine last year. I would be willing to bet that you take a random poll of college football fans across the country and ask them a simple question "Which team would have won a four team playoff?" that USC and Georgia would be extremely popular responses. Problem - USC and Georgia would not have been in a four team playoff last year. That's right. The final regular season BCS rankings were Ohio State, LSU, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma. 3 of those 4 got 'exposed' in their bowl games. Now you see the potential for continued controversy.
Plus, a four team playoff with a plus one still leaves two of the four BCS games irrelevant. To me the main issue with the post-season is that the BCS bowls have become irrelevant with the stand alone title game held several days after. To solve this problem and make the Rose and other bowls happy that would like to maintain conference ties - play the BCS bowl games on January 1st - Old School style - and then the BCS formula selects 2 of the 4 winners for a plus one. Controversy remains but this is about making the BCS games relevant again. Must see TV. Just like the first Saturday in December is now - channel surfing to check on whether or not a late upset will shake up the title chase.
Playoff system that might work and a plus one idea
The great topic in college football is BCS v. playoff. The BCS is flawed but a minority of college football fans appreciate the drama it creates during the regular season. The type of drama and impact that simply does not exist in any other sport's regular season. One game can mean everything with respect to a title contender in college football. Ask Pete Carroll. If USC beats Oregon State in late September, they are currently at least one of the top two teams in the country. Instead, because of that loss, they are on the outside looking in. Their title hopes essentially rest with Missouri knocking off the Big 12 South representative in Kansas City. Because of the system, USC fans will be glued to a TV or at least their mobile phone for scoring updates. Does that happen with a playoff system in place? Nope.
I have seen a lot of playoff ideas. Most are incredibly naive because they do not account for the dynamics of college football. College football is not the NFL - even though plenty of so-called fans seem to think it could be - thank God its not. I like football but the NFL regular season is a yawner. Individual games don't matter that much. The games matter only in aggregate and only to reach a certain benchmark to qualify for the "second season" - the post season. Fans complain about .500 teams making pre-Christmas bowl games. What about when .500 teams make the NFL playoffs and can compete with a 14 win team? If you like the "reset" of the season, fine, just don't tell me the regular season matters that much.
What defines the best team? Over what time period? The Giants were Super Bowl champs because they were the best in January - a fraction of the overall season. They couldn't beat the Cowboys in the regular season (home or away) or New England at home. They didn't win their division and yet they are the Super Bowl champs. Were the Giants truly the best team in the NFL? Not for me.
Let's say you vote with President Elect Obama and want a playoff. Here is one that might actually have a chance to work when you consider the dynamics of college football in that it is a collection of self-governing entities.
First, the system would be run by the BCS. The power conferences and their schools want no part of turning over the keys to the post-season money to the NCAA.
8 team playoff that begins with the BCS bowls:
Rose - Big Ten vs. Pac-10
Fiesta - Big 12 vs. TBD
Sugar - SEC vs. TBD
Orange - ACC vs. Big East
8 spots - 6 BCS conference champions, 1 spot for the highest ranked non-BCS conference champ and a wildcard (Notre Dame factor should they get smart and let go of Weis and become competitive again). However, the teams must be ranked in the final 14 of the BCS rankings or a spot opens up.
Why does the Rose get their matchup even if it might be No. 1 USC vs. No. 2 Ohio State in a given year? Because, the Rose Bowl has been a thorn in the side of a playoff or plus one because they want to keep tradition. If you give them their traditional matchup every year (given they rank in the top 14), then the Rose would champion such a playoff system. If not, they won't play ball and as long as the Pac-10 and Big Ten are willing to side with them and boycott a new format, no system is truly legitimate without consensus of the major conferences. Like it or not, do the homework of previous articles/discussions on the subject and you will find the Rose has a tremendous amount of leverage.
Why not just top 8 in the BCS? Because of what happened last year where the top 8 consisted of 3 Big 12 teams and no Big East champ (West Virginia) and no Hawaii. If the money comes from the BCS appearances, the conferences won't sign off on a system that could see two dominant conferences (SEC and Big 12) take almost all of the post-season money in a given year.
Play the BCS games January 1st/2nd and then the highest ranked winners host a semi-final round? Why? Logistics. It is economically unrealistic for even a large fan base to take the time and money to travel to three straight neutral site games in a row, particularly on the heels of the holiday season. The home semis helps keep the initial fan focus on the BCS games and creates major incentive for teams to stay as high in the rankings as possible. The title game is played at a neutral site on a Sat night in mid January.
I have seen a lot of playoff ideas. Most are incredibly naive because they do not account for the dynamics of college football. College football is not the NFL - even though plenty of so-called fans seem to think it could be - thank God its not. I like football but the NFL regular season is a yawner. Individual games don't matter that much. The games matter only in aggregate and only to reach a certain benchmark to qualify for the "second season" - the post season. Fans complain about .500 teams making pre-Christmas bowl games. What about when .500 teams make the NFL playoffs and can compete with a 14 win team? If you like the "reset" of the season, fine, just don't tell me the regular season matters that much.
What defines the best team? Over what time period? The Giants were Super Bowl champs because they were the best in January - a fraction of the overall season. They couldn't beat the Cowboys in the regular season (home or away) or New England at home. They didn't win their division and yet they are the Super Bowl champs. Were the Giants truly the best team in the NFL? Not for me.
Let's say you vote with President Elect Obama and want a playoff. Here is one that might actually have a chance to work when you consider the dynamics of college football in that it is a collection of self-governing entities.
First, the system would be run by the BCS. The power conferences and their schools want no part of turning over the keys to the post-season money to the NCAA.
8 team playoff that begins with the BCS bowls:
Rose - Big Ten vs. Pac-10
Fiesta - Big 12 vs. TBD
Sugar - SEC vs. TBD
Orange - ACC vs. Big East
8 spots - 6 BCS conference champions, 1 spot for the highest ranked non-BCS conference champ and a wildcard (Notre Dame factor should they get smart and let go of Weis and become competitive again). However, the teams must be ranked in the final 14 of the BCS rankings or a spot opens up.
Why does the Rose get their matchup even if it might be No. 1 USC vs. No. 2 Ohio State in a given year? Because, the Rose Bowl has been a thorn in the side of a playoff or plus one because they want to keep tradition. If you give them their traditional matchup every year (given they rank in the top 14), then the Rose would champion such a playoff system. If not, they won't play ball and as long as the Pac-10 and Big Ten are willing to side with them and boycott a new format, no system is truly legitimate without consensus of the major conferences. Like it or not, do the homework of previous articles/discussions on the subject and you will find the Rose has a tremendous amount of leverage.
Why not just top 8 in the BCS? Because of what happened last year where the top 8 consisted of 3 Big 12 teams and no Big East champ (West Virginia) and no Hawaii. If the money comes from the BCS appearances, the conferences won't sign off on a system that could see two dominant conferences (SEC and Big 12) take almost all of the post-season money in a given year.
Play the BCS games January 1st/2nd and then the highest ranked winners host a semi-final round? Why? Logistics. It is economically unrealistic for even a large fan base to take the time and money to travel to three straight neutral site games in a row, particularly on the heels of the holiday season. The home semis helps keep the initial fan focus on the BCS games and creates major incentive for teams to stay as high in the rankings as possible. The title game is played at a neutral site on a Sat night in mid January.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Requiring interviews for minority candidates
The story was out this week about the lack of minority head coaches in college football. Much progress has been made in the college coaching profession with the number of minority assistants rising. The head coach is the high profile position. There was a state by state poll on ESPN.com and only North Dakota felt that schools should be required to interview minority candidates. I believe they have the rule in some sports and what it usually becomes is a sham. Isn't the token minority interview a slap in the face when the media has already reported a team is locked in on a particular candidate? A good argument for it might be that person gets the experience of going through the interview process.
This stretches into other social issues but the ultimate goal is that minorities don't need assistance. We aren't there yet but mandating minority interviews is not the way to move in that direction either. I say no mandate. As an alternative, use a potent form of action that would involve the players (minority or not) that make up collegiate sports. Instead of mandates, an organization could track and provide information to recruits on the background, hiring and firing records of any school. This organization could push this information to recruits and their parents to make it part of their evaluation process - if they so choose. We need to push more responsibility on our younger people - not less.
The same organization that collects and distributes this info to high school recruits should also gather feedback and report it back to the schools. If an athletic director sees a report that a number of high profile recruits eliminated his school partially due to the school's previous and existing record on hiring coaches (minority or not), over time changes will be made because they AD wants to win or he will be out of a job.
I hope we can agree that even though minority coaches may be behind in getting head coaching jobs because of their race, they are not getting fired because of their race. It's about record. Look around the country at plenty of white coaches getting the boot. Ron Prince and Tyrone Willingham. I offer Tommy Bowden and Phillip Fulmer. Fulmer won a national title and played in the SEC championship game just last year. People like to bring up the Willingham boot from Notre Dame. We are a society of speculators and the business of college football is no different as we closely project the future by analyzing recruiting classes. Maybe race did play a role but the comparison to Weis has to be met with some caution. It's not about Weis' race, it's about he and his agent pulling off the greatest coaching con of all time by artificially creating a market in the NFL for his services and thus Notre Dame paid up and signed him to a long-term extension out of fear. It's about timing. Think Weis would get that contract now? The Notre Dame AD has had to release a statement about his job security after an article in the Sun-Times raised some doubt.
This stretches into other social issues but the ultimate goal is that minorities don't need assistance. We aren't there yet but mandating minority interviews is not the way to move in that direction either. I say no mandate. As an alternative, use a potent form of action that would involve the players (minority or not) that make up collegiate sports. Instead of mandates, an organization could track and provide information to recruits on the background, hiring and firing records of any school. This organization could push this information to recruits and their parents to make it part of their evaluation process - if they so choose. We need to push more responsibility on our younger people - not less.
The same organization that collects and distributes this info to high school recruits should also gather feedback and report it back to the schools. If an athletic director sees a report that a number of high profile recruits eliminated his school partially due to the school's previous and existing record on hiring coaches (minority or not), over time changes will be made because they AD wants to win or he will be out of a job.
I hope we can agree that even though minority coaches may be behind in getting head coaching jobs because of their race, they are not getting fired because of their race. It's about record. Look around the country at plenty of white coaches getting the boot. Ron Prince and Tyrone Willingham. I offer Tommy Bowden and Phillip Fulmer. Fulmer won a national title and played in the SEC championship game just last year. People like to bring up the Willingham boot from Notre Dame. We are a society of speculators and the business of college football is no different as we closely project the future by analyzing recruiting classes. Maybe race did play a role but the comparison to Weis has to be met with some caution. It's not about Weis' race, it's about he and his agent pulling off the greatest coaching con of all time by artificially creating a market in the NFL for his services and thus Notre Dame paid up and signed him to a long-term extension out of fear. It's about timing. Think Weis would get that contract now? The Notre Dame AD has had to release a statement about his job security after an article in the Sun-Times raised some doubt.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Rankings and BCS
I understand the playoff push but I like the what the BCS does to the regular season. So much more interesting. It makes college football the best regular season sport even if it means the post-season can be a major disappointment. The BCS is probably going to work - again. Depends on a personal definition of "work." The likely matchup is going to be the SEC champ vs. the Big 12 South champ. That is assuming the games play out as expected. Florida and Alabama win out until their meeting and the Oklahoma/Tech winner wins out with Texas. Then the controversy is squarely on the BCS rankings to select the winner of the Big 12 South but there is plenty of football to be played.
Rankings:
1. Texas Tech - impressive performance when many predicted a big win hangover.
2. Alabama - here because they are undefeated but they just aren't as impressive as other teams. If LSU got decent QB play, they beat Bama.
3. Texas - needed a spark to break away from Baylor but they were due for a letdown game.
4. Oklahoma - the Sooners might outscore every team but special teams is downright embarrassing and defense is improving but still giving up too many big plays.
5. Florida - these rankings are about resume and the Gators have a home loss to Ole Miss.
6. USC - impressed with the defense but offense not so much.
7. Utah - lucky that TCU can't make a FG but still undefeated.
8. TCU - wish they could make a FG.
9. Penn State - the anti-Big Ten faction can rest easy
10. Oklahoma State - disappointing performance at Tech but still could play the role of a spoiler.
Viewer's Guide
Thu - VT at Miami is a decent name matchup.
Fri - Cinci at Louisville might be worth a check in.
Saturday
Early Big Ten games only might be worth it for potential inclement weather football.
Texas at Kansas 11:30cst FSN HD - KU has tanked lately. A Texas loss would ripple across the Big 12 South.
South Carolina at Florida 3:30 eastern - CBS HD - the ole ball coach returns home.
That's it. A good weekend to put up Christmas lights.
Rankings:
1. Texas Tech - impressive performance when many predicted a big win hangover.
2. Alabama - here because they are undefeated but they just aren't as impressive as other teams. If LSU got decent QB play, they beat Bama.
3. Texas - needed a spark to break away from Baylor but they were due for a letdown game.
4. Oklahoma - the Sooners might outscore every team but special teams is downright embarrassing and defense is improving but still giving up too many big plays.
5. Florida - these rankings are about resume and the Gators have a home loss to Ole Miss.
6. USC - impressed with the defense but offense not so much.
7. Utah - lucky that TCU can't make a FG but still undefeated.
8. TCU - wish they could make a FG.
9. Penn State - the anti-Big Ten faction can rest easy
10. Oklahoma State - disappointing performance at Tech but still could play the role of a spoiler.
Viewer's Guide
Thu - VT at Miami is a decent name matchup.
Fri - Cinci at Louisville might be worth a check in.
Saturday
Early Big Ten games only might be worth it for potential inclement weather football.
Texas at Kansas 11:30cst FSN HD - KU has tanked lately. A Texas loss would ripple across the Big 12 South.
South Carolina at Florida 3:30 eastern - CBS HD - the ole ball coach returns home.
That's it. A good weekend to put up Christmas lights.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ring that bell Raiders
The ringing of the bell at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock is an odd sight but it's a small price to pay for a classic game with an unbelievable ending that will live on for generations of Tech fans. Texas looked spent after last week's OSU game and they certainly looked on fumes to start this one but I anticipated and got the inevitable comeback. So many what if's in this game.
What if the flag for illegal block in the back had not been picked up by the officials thereby nullifying the momentum booster TD punt return by Jordan Shipley (is this guy having a monster senior year or what?)? Maybe I didn't see the best angle or playback but I'm still clueless as to why the penalty was not enforced.
What if Michael Crabtree is not called for a pass interference with Tech inside the Texas 10 and threatening to seal the deal with a TD that would have put Tech up two possessions? Cheap call and raises the eyebrow of the conspiracy theorists that believe Texas gets the calls in the Big 12.
What if Blake Gideon holds on to a floating deflected pass that would have iced the game for the Longhorns and prevented the Crabtree heroics?
Tech was better than Texas last night. However, I would not be surprised to see Tech lose to Oklahoma State next Sat. The Pokes are solid but Tech may not be able to come down off Cloud Nine to focus enough on the task at hand. If the game was not in Lubbock, I would say bet the house on OSU. Oklahoma is trying to solve some issues on defense but their offense can outscore anybody and Tech has to visit Norman on November 22nd. Therefore, I think Penn State fans should stay calm over the latest developments.
Florida sure moved up in a hurry. They have been very impressive but maybe a tad bit of a kneejerk reaction. Remember, college football is like an HR department reviewing resumes and the Gators still have the home loss to Ole Miss as a strike. Maybe the SEC just isn't that good for a change. The defense argument has kind of fallen apart in recent weeks. Alabama's signature wins over Clemson and Georgia have lost their initial wow factor. Both are overrated.
I think Matthew Stafford has a bright future but maybe now the overhyping can stop. Gary Danielson tried to cheapen the Big 12 QBs last week and the respected Tony Barnhart called Stafford the best QB in college football last week in one of his columns. Stafford is not in the top tier of college QBs. Not talking about what he might do in a pro day or combine workout, just playing the actual game. Great physical tools but the consistency is still not there.
What if the flag for illegal block in the back had not been picked up by the officials thereby nullifying the momentum booster TD punt return by Jordan Shipley (is this guy having a monster senior year or what?)? Maybe I didn't see the best angle or playback but I'm still clueless as to why the penalty was not enforced.
What if Michael Crabtree is not called for a pass interference with Tech inside the Texas 10 and threatening to seal the deal with a TD that would have put Tech up two possessions? Cheap call and raises the eyebrow of the conspiracy theorists that believe Texas gets the calls in the Big 12.
What if Blake Gideon holds on to a floating deflected pass that would have iced the game for the Longhorns and prevented the Crabtree heroics?
Tech was better than Texas last night. However, I would not be surprised to see Tech lose to Oklahoma State next Sat. The Pokes are solid but Tech may not be able to come down off Cloud Nine to focus enough on the task at hand. If the game was not in Lubbock, I would say bet the house on OSU. Oklahoma is trying to solve some issues on defense but their offense can outscore anybody and Tech has to visit Norman on November 22nd. Therefore, I think Penn State fans should stay calm over the latest developments.
Florida sure moved up in a hurry. They have been very impressive but maybe a tad bit of a kneejerk reaction. Remember, college football is like an HR department reviewing resumes and the Gators still have the home loss to Ole Miss as a strike. Maybe the SEC just isn't that good for a change. The defense argument has kind of fallen apart in recent weeks. Alabama's signature wins over Clemson and Georgia have lost their initial wow factor. Both are overrated.
I think Matthew Stafford has a bright future but maybe now the overhyping can stop. Gary Danielson tried to cheapen the Big 12 QBs last week and the respected Tony Barnhart called Stafford the best QB in college football last week in one of his columns. Stafford is not in the top tier of college QBs. Not talking about what he might do in a pro day or combine workout, just playing the actual game. Great physical tools but the consistency is still not there.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Rankings and second half season distractions..
Rankings after the games of the weekend of Oct 25th
1. Texas - another highly ranked opponent, another win, although this one much tougher than the previous week. How much is left in the big-game tank and will playing in front of a hostile crowd make any difference?
2. Penn State - not the sharpest looking win at Ohio State but effective and the Buckeyes were rolling on offense before only scoring 6 against Penn State.
3. Alabama - avoided the upset trap at Tennessee. Saban's return to LSU is preceded by a "why is this game on the schedule for November 1st?" matchup with Arkansas State.
4. Florida - rolling into the game formerly known as the "World's Largest Cocktail Party"
5. Oklahoma State - The Cowboys are getting a lot of credit for never leading Texas but they proved they belong with their play in Austin.
6. Oklahoma - movement in the rankings reflect the trend of the defense since the loss of Ryan Reynolds - slipping big time. Back to back weeks of getting lit up by QBs from the Sunflower State. Good thing Sam Bradford is the better QB and the running game is back on track.
7. Texas Tech - the consensus overrated top ten team just a week ago. Defense showed up at Kansas. They are going to need a repeat performance to slow down McCoy enough for what should be a shootout in West Texas.
8. Georgia - is the payback for the TD celebration of a year ago coming this Saturday?
9. USC - didn't improve their stock with the trip to Arizona. Defense continues to shine. Offense just isn't as good as expected.
10. TCU - at Utah on November 6th should warrant national interest.
Tis the season of distractions. Early entry and coaching questions will heat up as the temperatures fall. Sam Bradford is already being asked about the potential to leave - will he bolt after his redshirt sophomore year? (I say not this year) How many coaches are being linked to the Washington post now that Willingham is officially out after the season? Will there be strong interest about Texas DC Will Muschamp?
1. Texas - another highly ranked opponent, another win, although this one much tougher than the previous week. How much is left in the big-game tank and will playing in front of a hostile crowd make any difference?
2. Penn State - not the sharpest looking win at Ohio State but effective and the Buckeyes were rolling on offense before only scoring 6 against Penn State.
3. Alabama - avoided the upset trap at Tennessee. Saban's return to LSU is preceded by a "why is this game on the schedule for November 1st?" matchup with Arkansas State.
4. Florida - rolling into the game formerly known as the "World's Largest Cocktail Party"
5. Oklahoma State - The Cowboys are getting a lot of credit for never leading Texas but they proved they belong with their play in Austin.
6. Oklahoma - movement in the rankings reflect the trend of the defense since the loss of Ryan Reynolds - slipping big time. Back to back weeks of getting lit up by QBs from the Sunflower State. Good thing Sam Bradford is the better QB and the running game is back on track.
7. Texas Tech - the consensus overrated top ten team just a week ago. Defense showed up at Kansas. They are going to need a repeat performance to slow down McCoy enough for what should be a shootout in West Texas.
8. Georgia - is the payback for the TD celebration of a year ago coming this Saturday?
9. USC - didn't improve their stock with the trip to Arizona. Defense continues to shine. Offense just isn't as good as expected.
10. TCU - at Utah on November 6th should warrant national interest.
Tis the season of distractions. Early entry and coaching questions will heat up as the temperatures fall. Sam Bradford is already being asked about the potential to leave - will he bolt after his redshirt sophomore year? (I say not this year) How many coaches are being linked to the Washington post now that Willingham is officially out after the season? Will there be strong interest about Texas DC Will Muschamp?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series of College Football Games
I may not watch a single inning of the World Series. In response, here are 7 games worth watching this Saturday.
Texas Tech at Kansas - 11a cent ESPN HD - Tech's first real challenge. KU coming off an impressive offensive performance (but yet a loss) at Oklahoma. Will the home field aid the defense to allow Reesing to outscore Harrell? The Big 12 arena league continues.
Kentucky at Florida - 11:30 cent Raycom HD - Florida seems to be the popular pick to rise from BCS #10 to the SEC championship and BCS title game. Gators have already been defeated at home by a lesser team.
Georgia at LSU 2:30 cent CBS HD - everyone chasing the spot of the one-loss SEC champ that couldn't be left out of the title game if teams at the top falter. Or could they?
Oklahoma State at Texas - 2:30 cent ABC (HD?) - another week, another highly ranked opponent for the Horns. Missouri was exposed. Is OSU about to get exposed like their benefactor T. Boone Pickens?
Alabama at Tennessee - 6:45p cent - ESPN HD - Alabama has looked shaky recently and now they have to go on the road minus monster DT Terrance Cody.
Penn State at Ohio State - 7p cent ABC HD - game of the day because BCS #3 is on the road in what should be their last obstacle to a perfect season.
USC at Arizona 9:15p cent / FSN HD - this might be the last chance for another upset of USC.
Texas Tech at Kansas - 11a cent ESPN HD - Tech's first real challenge. KU coming off an impressive offensive performance (but yet a loss) at Oklahoma. Will the home field aid the defense to allow Reesing to outscore Harrell? The Big 12 arena league continues.
Kentucky at Florida - 11:30 cent Raycom HD - Florida seems to be the popular pick to rise from BCS #10 to the SEC championship and BCS title game. Gators have already been defeated at home by a lesser team.
Georgia at LSU 2:30 cent CBS HD - everyone chasing the spot of the one-loss SEC champ that couldn't be left out of the title game if teams at the top falter. Or could they?
Oklahoma State at Texas - 2:30 cent ABC (HD?) - another week, another highly ranked opponent for the Horns. Missouri was exposed. Is OSU about to get exposed like their benefactor T. Boone Pickens?
Alabama at Tennessee - 6:45p cent - ESPN HD - Alabama has looked shaky recently and now they have to go on the road minus monster DT Terrance Cody.
Penn State at Ohio State - 7p cent ABC HD - game of the day because BCS #3 is on the road in what should be their last obstacle to a perfect season.
USC at Arizona 9:15p cent / FSN HD - this might be the last chance for another upset of USC.
Which is Worse: BCS or Donor Financing?
BCS rankings are out and lots of discussion. Texas and Alabama control their destiny but with obstacles. Can Texas keep it going against this tough slate? Sure looked like it on Saturday night. Missouri was exposed as a true pretender and while Oklahoma State still looks potent and improved on defense, are they next to get exposed? Are the Big 12 offenses that good or the defenses that bad? Stronger argument for the former with a quality group of QB that has never been rivaled in the league and probably won't for some time. The key is that many of these QBs are running sophisticated spread passing schemes in high school in the south.
All eyes on the highest one loss team since the assumption of more shake-up is the safest bet. Oklahoma is the highest for now but they might suffer the last minute snub by voters that push a one-loss SEC champ past them. Unlike some, I think USC will miss out due to the computer ranking. Their remaining schedule hurts while teams in the Big 12 and SEC have opportunities to enhance their resumes.
I like the BCS. I like the mid-season talk in college football. Already we are anticipating the impact of this week's games. This week's slate of NFL games - yawn. Wake me up when the playoffs begin.....without the Dallas Cowboys.
The economy is going to take a bit out of the arms race in college football. The big news may be what is going on at Oklahoma State, which was building a Dubai of athletic facilities from the $165 million donated by T. Boone Pickens. The money was donated and then reinvested in Pickens' hedge fund which has sustained substantial losses. Secrecy may be the rule but there is lots of smoke coming from Stillwater that Boone's failed gamble on oil prices may put OSU in a nightmare scenario. Oklahoma may lose a few million from Chesapeake exec Aubrey McClendon who had to sell tons of company stock to make a margin call. More articles about Pickens and the relationship between the economy and money collected at fundraisers will be forthcoming.
All eyes on the highest one loss team since the assumption of more shake-up is the safest bet. Oklahoma is the highest for now but they might suffer the last minute snub by voters that push a one-loss SEC champ past them. Unlike some, I think USC will miss out due to the computer ranking. Their remaining schedule hurts while teams in the Big 12 and SEC have opportunities to enhance their resumes.
I like the BCS. I like the mid-season talk in college football. Already we are anticipating the impact of this week's games. This week's slate of NFL games - yawn. Wake me up when the playoffs begin.....without the Dallas Cowboys.
The economy is going to take a bit out of the arms race in college football. The big news may be what is going on at Oklahoma State, which was building a Dubai of athletic facilities from the $165 million donated by T. Boone Pickens. The money was donated and then reinvested in Pickens' hedge fund which has sustained substantial losses. Secrecy may be the rule but there is lots of smoke coming from Stillwater that Boone's failed gamble on oil prices may put OSU in a nightmare scenario. Oklahoma may lose a few million from Chesapeake exec Aubrey McClendon who had to sell tons of company stock to make a margin call. More articles about Pickens and the relationship between the economy and money collected at fundraisers will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Red River Rivalry Recap
As a long-time Sooner fan and alumnus, I am still stunned by the outcome of Saturday's clash in Dallas. This was a game that Bob Stoops was supposed to win. The highest ranked team had won every meeting since 1996. (The lower ranked Horns were actually favored in 2000 through 2002.) Stoops was 6-0 against Mack Brown with a top ten team. Mack Brown had only beaten one ranked OU team in his tenure. Oklahoma was better on paper (although not by much) but Texas was better on the field. It was a game in which the often criticized Greg Davis was the coach that had the greatest impact on the game with his game plan.
Texas won because they outcoached and outplayed the Sooners. In a game of relative equals, it's about finding weaknesses. Texas won because they exploited all three of the Sooners' main weaknesses. 1) Special teams 2) Lack of a running game and 3) Lack of LB depth
Special Teams
Jordan Shipley's kick return TD may have saved Texas from an early knockout attempt by the Sooners. The TD not only closed the gap from 14-3 to 14-10 but more importantly it was a Texas-sized can of Red Bull momentum. From that point on, the Texas crowd believed and the their team responded to every lead by the Sooners.
The other key special teams play was Bob Stoops rolling the dice with a fake punt still up 28-27. I personally did not like the call given the circumstances of being up one and having the opportunity to nail Texas inside their own 10 with a good punt. Texas was rolling on offense but I still thought back them up and give your defense more opportunities to make a play or two that might result in a stop. Even if they score, you have time and the confidence your offense will retake the lead.
The fake punt call had too much momentum riding on it for Texas and not enough for Oklahoma. If the Sooners make it and score a TD, assuming they kick the extra point to go up 35-27, Texas could still tie the game with one drive. If the Sooners were up 2 or 3 points and the score would have put them up 2 scores on Texas, then I might see the payoff on such a gamble. (Maybe Stoops would have elected to go for 2 to increase the lead to 9 but most coaches would prefer an extra point for an 8 point lead and force the other team to convert a 2-point conversion just to tie).
I had more of a problem with the design of the fake punt. The success of the play was dependent on a punter running for more yards than DeMarco Murray's longest run from scrimmage since the opener against Tenn-Chatt. It was 4th and 6 but you have to account for the yardage the punter has to make up from where he catches the snap. It's about 15 yards or so. He nearly made it but he nearly got tackled twice earlier in his run. Going back to OU's fake punt against Alabama in 2003, that was a better design because the punter simply had to execute a lob over one defender to a capable ball carrier who was expected to be all alone based on film study.
Lack of a Running Game
Something is just not right with Oklahoma's run game both in the guys blocking and the guy carrying the ball. OU's OL can pass block with the best but they are lacking a surge off the ball. DeMarco Murray showed his speed on a catch out of the backfield in the first quarter and on two second half kick returns. The problem is that he needs a lot of run to get going. He doesn't have the acceleration of a year ago and he looks to run into tackles as crazy as it sounds.
Because OU could not run the ball effectively, the play action element was all but gone and short yardage was more based on execution than simple power football. Credit Bradford for an outstanding performance in and out of the pocket but when it came down to it - Texas broke a couple of runs to make the difference even though OU was supposed to have the better line and the better backs.
LB depth
The one player that Oklahoma could not lose on defense was Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds was finally healthy off 2 knee surgeries and playing so well people no longer thought what might have been had Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Curtis Lofton had stayed for his senior year. The Sooners other two LBs were playing far beyond expectations but Reynolds was the heart and soul of the defense and lined everyone up. The loss of Reynolds was a huge in the second half. Texas was already having success with an offensive gameplan they had not used in 8 years which worked the middle of the field but it was made even more effective with Reynolds out. Credit OC Greg Davis and Colt McCoy for spotting the weakness and taking advantage of it. There is no doubt in my mind that the late big run that sealed the game for Texas with a subsequent TD for Texas doesn't go for more than 5 yards if Reynolds is on the field because his inexperienced replacement was a step away from making the tackle but there were several plays that Texas made to ultimately win the game.
The game was labeled as a classic, which is really was, but it doesn't feel that way for fans of the losing team.
Texas won because they outcoached and outplayed the Sooners. In a game of relative equals, it's about finding weaknesses. Texas won because they exploited all three of the Sooners' main weaknesses. 1) Special teams 2) Lack of a running game and 3) Lack of LB depth
Special Teams
Jordan Shipley's kick return TD may have saved Texas from an early knockout attempt by the Sooners. The TD not only closed the gap from 14-3 to 14-10 but more importantly it was a Texas-sized can of Red Bull momentum. From that point on, the Texas crowd believed and the their team responded to every lead by the Sooners.
The other key special teams play was Bob Stoops rolling the dice with a fake punt still up 28-27. I personally did not like the call given the circumstances of being up one and having the opportunity to nail Texas inside their own 10 with a good punt. Texas was rolling on offense but I still thought back them up and give your defense more opportunities to make a play or two that might result in a stop. Even if they score, you have time and the confidence your offense will retake the lead.
The fake punt call had too much momentum riding on it for Texas and not enough for Oklahoma. If the Sooners make it and score a TD, assuming they kick the extra point to go up 35-27, Texas could still tie the game with one drive. If the Sooners were up 2 or 3 points and the score would have put them up 2 scores on Texas, then I might see the payoff on such a gamble. (Maybe Stoops would have elected to go for 2 to increase the lead to 9 but most coaches would prefer an extra point for an 8 point lead and force the other team to convert a 2-point conversion just to tie).
I had more of a problem with the design of the fake punt. The success of the play was dependent on a punter running for more yards than DeMarco Murray's longest run from scrimmage since the opener against Tenn-Chatt. It was 4th and 6 but you have to account for the yardage the punter has to make up from where he catches the snap. It's about 15 yards or so. He nearly made it but he nearly got tackled twice earlier in his run. Going back to OU's fake punt against Alabama in 2003, that was a better design because the punter simply had to execute a lob over one defender to a capable ball carrier who was expected to be all alone based on film study.
Lack of a Running Game
Something is just not right with Oklahoma's run game both in the guys blocking and the guy carrying the ball. OU's OL can pass block with the best but they are lacking a surge off the ball. DeMarco Murray showed his speed on a catch out of the backfield in the first quarter and on two second half kick returns. The problem is that he needs a lot of run to get going. He doesn't have the acceleration of a year ago and he looks to run into tackles as crazy as it sounds.
Because OU could not run the ball effectively, the play action element was all but gone and short yardage was more based on execution than simple power football. Credit Bradford for an outstanding performance in and out of the pocket but when it came down to it - Texas broke a couple of runs to make the difference even though OU was supposed to have the better line and the better backs.
LB depth
The one player that Oklahoma could not lose on defense was Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds was finally healthy off 2 knee surgeries and playing so well people no longer thought what might have been had Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Curtis Lofton had stayed for his senior year. The Sooners other two LBs were playing far beyond expectations but Reynolds was the heart and soul of the defense and lined everyone up. The loss of Reynolds was a huge in the second half. Texas was already having success with an offensive gameplan they had not used in 8 years which worked the middle of the field but it was made even more effective with Reynolds out. Credit OC Greg Davis and Colt McCoy for spotting the weakness and taking advantage of it. There is no doubt in my mind that the late big run that sealed the game for Texas with a subsequent TD for Texas doesn't go for more than 5 yards if Reynolds is on the field because his inexperienced replacement was a step away from making the tackle but there were several plays that Texas made to ultimately win the game.
The game was labeled as a classic, which is really was, but it doesn't feel that way for fans of the losing team.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Big Game Bob
If there is one game that has defined the Bob Stoops era, it's the Red River Rivalry. In Stoops' first OU-Texas game, the Sooners jumped out to a quick 17-0 lead before Texas rallied for a 38-28 win. It was a pattern that would repeat itself several times during Oklahoma's rebuilding year of 1999 - double digit lead that ended up with a loss. That was a different time. After a decade of futility, it was viewed as encouraging progress.
The Stoops mystique over the rival Horns began in 2000 as the Sooners rolled Mack Brown into a Texas-sized apology with a 63-14 beatdown. Oklahoma was ranked 10th, Texas 11th. The Sooners would go on to beat No. 2 Kansas State and No. 1 Nebraska in consecutive games to reclaim the school's first top ranking since 1987. Oklahoma held on to the No. 1 ranking for the remainder of the season and claimed the national title.
The Sooners went on to win five consecutive games (2000-2004) that featured three games where both teams were ranked in the top five and two blowouts when Texas was ranked around 11th. Oklahoma endured an unexpected rebuilding year in 2005 due to the combination of departing seniors from the '04 squad and the impact of unusual attrition in some highly ranked recruiting classes. Texas ended up cruising through a weak Big 12 but topping USC in a game for the ages.
During the nine matchups between Stoops and Brown, Texas has only defeated a ranked Oklahoma team once in 2006. The #14 Sooners actually outgained Texas by 100 yards but the Longhorns won the turnover battle 4-0 and forced timely key plays that resulted in a victory.
The winner of this game has won the Big 12 South during the Stoops era. Only twice has the loser appeared in the conference championship game - 2001 and 2006. In 2001, Oklahoma lost to Nebraska and then dropped a second game to Oklahoma State - one of the two home losses in the Stoops era. Texas dropped their final two games of the '06 season to allow Oklahoma to claim the South by beating Oklahoma 27-21 in Stillwater.
Stoops has definitely had the upper hand in a matchup of two of the top coaches in college football. Both have national titles but Stoops has 5 conference titles to one for Mack Brown. Some would argue that the phenom of Vince Young deserves all the credit but Brown did bring him and defensive coordinator Gene Chizik (present for both of UT's wins over OU) to Austin. Bob Stoops has 5 conference titles with 5 different QB and while two were national award winners, none of the previous 4 had NFL staying power.
The Stoops mystique over the rival Horns began in 2000 as the Sooners rolled Mack Brown into a Texas-sized apology with a 63-14 beatdown. Oklahoma was ranked 10th, Texas 11th. The Sooners would go on to beat No. 2 Kansas State and No. 1 Nebraska in consecutive games to reclaim the school's first top ranking since 1987. Oklahoma held on to the No. 1 ranking for the remainder of the season and claimed the national title.
The Sooners went on to win five consecutive games (2000-2004) that featured three games where both teams were ranked in the top five and two blowouts when Texas was ranked around 11th. Oklahoma endured an unexpected rebuilding year in 2005 due to the combination of departing seniors from the '04 squad and the impact of unusual attrition in some highly ranked recruiting classes. Texas ended up cruising through a weak Big 12 but topping USC in a game for the ages.
During the nine matchups between Stoops and Brown, Texas has only defeated a ranked Oklahoma team once in 2006. The #14 Sooners actually outgained Texas by 100 yards but the Longhorns won the turnover battle 4-0 and forced timely key plays that resulted in a victory.
The winner of this game has won the Big 12 South during the Stoops era. Only twice has the loser appeared in the conference championship game - 2001 and 2006. In 2001, Oklahoma lost to Nebraska and then dropped a second game to Oklahoma State - one of the two home losses in the Stoops era. Texas dropped their final two games of the '06 season to allow Oklahoma to claim the South by beating Oklahoma 27-21 in Stillwater.
Stoops has definitely had the upper hand in a matchup of two of the top coaches in college football. Both have national titles but Stoops has 5 conference titles to one for Mack Brown. Some would argue that the phenom of Vince Young deserves all the credit but Brown did bring him and defensive coordinator Gene Chizik (present for both of UT's wins over OU) to Austin. Bob Stoops has 5 conference titles with 5 different QB and while two were national award winners, none of the previous 4 had NFL staying power.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The fallout continues..
The Cocktail Party just lost some luster. Florida and Georgia go down - both at home - both to conference foes. It brings up a point that was emphasized in the aftermath of USC's loss to Oregon State - conference play brings upsets. Conference opponents know each other better and are not intimidated....and its just getting started.
Who's No. 1? Oklahoma says the polls although the argument has been made for Alabama due to their impressive wins. The Clemson win doesn't look nearly as impressive as it did at the time but I'm willing to put some stock in the moment. Georgia was exposed as a fraud - at least for now - but it was a solid win for Alabama.
No opponent has even come close to even putting a mild scare in Oklahoma. Cincinnati isn't going to help the Sooners in strength of schedule because the 17 starters or so they had back from a 10 win team last year is in trouble as their top 2 QBs have gone down. Washington isn't going to help the Sooners or Tyrone Willingham's job status now that Jake Locker is out for most or all of the season. TCU was a pretty solid team and we shall see how they fare in conference.
Both Oklahoma and Alabama have solid lines and good skill players. The big difference is at QB. Kudos to John Parker Wilson for a nice start but there is no neutral observer that would pick Wilson over Sam Bradford.
Both the Sooners and the Tide are going to face challenges in tough conferences. One thing to watch - the Tide's win over Georgia and the subsequent No. 2 ranking has turned them from the hunter into the hunted. The Tide has a long history of championship football but this group has not experienced what they are about to face with exposure, pressure and the bullseye. Not a knock because a lot of teams that have experience in the VIP room of rankings haven't handled the spotlight well lately.
Oklahoma has to watch out but they have the best draw imaginable given the circumstances. Texas is neutral. Kansas and Tech is in Norman. The road games is where OU has tripped up but K-State and A&M? I thought they were trap games a few weeks ago but not right now. The Bedlam game could be huge in Stillwater but the more people talk about an upset there, the more unlikely it is to happen.
A lot of people are already anticipating a Red River Rivalry showdown between a pair of top five teams but Texas needs to watch out. They are in the exact same spot at Oklahoma last year before they were upset in Boulder. The Longhorns have not been tested and although they will say the right things, it wouldn't be tough to suggest they might be looking ahead to the game in Dallas, especially after Colorado's pathetic performance at Florida State in which the Noles score 39 points. This is the ultimate trap game because Colorado will rebound at home. It may not be enough but Texas will be tested on Saturday.
Oklahoma's box score against TCU looked solid - the score and passing yards anyway. Here's thinking the Sooners' offensive line is going to get lit up in practice after averaging 0.7 yards against TCU's defense. TCU sold out to stop the run - really sold out - and left the big pass play wide open. But the Sooners' massive and talented OL should have at least opened enough creases to spring their backs for some decent gains against an overly aggressive defense. Baylor's elusive freshman QB Robert Griffin will get the Sooners attention in the film room.
Who's No. 1? Oklahoma says the polls although the argument has been made for Alabama due to their impressive wins. The Clemson win doesn't look nearly as impressive as it did at the time but I'm willing to put some stock in the moment. Georgia was exposed as a fraud - at least for now - but it was a solid win for Alabama.
No opponent has even come close to even putting a mild scare in Oklahoma. Cincinnati isn't going to help the Sooners in strength of schedule because the 17 starters or so they had back from a 10 win team last year is in trouble as their top 2 QBs have gone down. Washington isn't going to help the Sooners or Tyrone Willingham's job status now that Jake Locker is out for most or all of the season. TCU was a pretty solid team and we shall see how they fare in conference.
Both Oklahoma and Alabama have solid lines and good skill players. The big difference is at QB. Kudos to John Parker Wilson for a nice start but there is no neutral observer that would pick Wilson over Sam Bradford.
Both the Sooners and the Tide are going to face challenges in tough conferences. One thing to watch - the Tide's win over Georgia and the subsequent No. 2 ranking has turned them from the hunter into the hunted. The Tide has a long history of championship football but this group has not experienced what they are about to face with exposure, pressure and the bullseye. Not a knock because a lot of teams that have experience in the VIP room of rankings haven't handled the spotlight well lately.
Oklahoma has to watch out but they have the best draw imaginable given the circumstances. Texas is neutral. Kansas and Tech is in Norman. The road games is where OU has tripped up but K-State and A&M? I thought they were trap games a few weeks ago but not right now. The Bedlam game could be huge in Stillwater but the more people talk about an upset there, the more unlikely it is to happen.
A lot of people are already anticipating a Red River Rivalry showdown between a pair of top five teams but Texas needs to watch out. They are in the exact same spot at Oklahoma last year before they were upset in Boulder. The Longhorns have not been tested and although they will say the right things, it wouldn't be tough to suggest they might be looking ahead to the game in Dallas, especially after Colorado's pathetic performance at Florida State in which the Noles score 39 points. This is the ultimate trap game because Colorado will rebound at home. It may not be enough but Texas will be tested on Saturday.
Oklahoma's box score against TCU looked solid - the score and passing yards anyway. Here's thinking the Sooners' offensive line is going to get lit up in practice after averaging 0.7 yards against TCU's defense. TCU sold out to stop the run - really sold out - and left the big pass play wide open. But the Sooners' massive and talented OL should have at least opened enough creases to spring their backs for some decent gains against an overly aggressive defense. Baylor's elusive freshman QB Robert Griffin will get the Sooners attention in the film room.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
U-S-C you later....
Just when you think it won't happen - it does. USC was supposed to cruise through a weak Pac-10 schedule. In fact, throughout this week the talk was whether or not the weak Pac-10 would cost USC a title game spot in a BCS beauty contest. Before the season, I thought this might be the one game USC might have trouble. Not Ohio State. Oregon State. It's about timing, setting and circumstances. For the last 10 days or so, USC has read about how great they are in the media. Some experts even starting putting Mark Sanchez in the Heisman race. USC took the Ohio State game seriously. Tonight's game is the type of game we see an elite team show up flat because they just aren't that fired up.
Make no mistake - this should be the loss that effectively eliminates USC from the national title hunt UNLESS the SEC and Big 12 champ has more than two losses. This is another bad loss and Carroll (who I still consider to be the best coach in college football) needs to get a ton of criticism. Oregon State lost the opener to Stanford and then got rolled by Penn State. There is no way that USC should elevate any Big 12 or SEC team with the same number of losses at the end of the season.
Tonight is what separates college football's regular season from all others. There is NOTHING like this in the NFL regular season. Not even close. This is why the system may frustrate but it's also great for the regular season. If not for the system, USC simply captures another Pac-10 title and gets a playoff spot. Tonight's game is a footnote instead of a shocking development that turned the college football world over.
It will be interesting to see how Oklahoma responds this weekend against TCU knowing that a win puts them at No. 1. If the Sooners are ranked No. 1 next week, I believe they would take the lead in most weeks at No. 1 of all time passing Notre Dame.
Make no mistake - this should be the loss that effectively eliminates USC from the national title hunt UNLESS the SEC and Big 12 champ has more than two losses. This is another bad loss and Carroll (who I still consider to be the best coach in college football) needs to get a ton of criticism. Oregon State lost the opener to Stanford and then got rolled by Penn State. There is no way that USC should elevate any Big 12 or SEC team with the same number of losses at the end of the season.
Tonight is what separates college football's regular season from all others. There is NOTHING like this in the NFL regular season. Not even close. This is why the system may frustrate but it's also great for the regular season. If not for the system, USC simply captures another Pac-10 title and gets a playoff spot. Tonight's game is a footnote instead of a shocking development that turned the college football world over.
It will be interesting to see how Oklahoma responds this weekend against TCU knowing that a win puts them at No. 1. If the Sooners are ranked No. 1 next week, I believe they would take the lead in most weeks at No. 1 of all time passing Notre Dame.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Get your errands done early Saturday..
The Big Ten loves brunch football but nothing that should cause you pause unless you are a fan of such team. Some of the media was trying to play up the Alabama at Arkansas game. I don't think people realize just how mediocre the Razorbacks are right now. If not for Ike, Texas would have rolled them into obsurcity last week.
The only early afternoon game of interest is Florida at Tennessee (3:30e/2:30c CBS HD). Florida probably was set to face medium resistance from an average Tennessee team in Knoxville and then some comments got out that Gators questioned the Vols' pride last year. I would not be surprised if Tennessee rose up and made it a four quarter affair. The Gator offense needs to get back on track after a subpar effort vs. Miami.
Speaking of Miami, they travel to Texas A&M in a game of names only. I would be more interested to get some of the Canes mic-ed up. Those guys from South Florida have never seen anything like the bizarre scene in College Station.
If Notre Dame beats Michigan State, are they really headed to a bounce back season? I know they are 2-0 but it's the weakest 2-0 in the country outside of Arkansas.
Florida State has an opportunity to get back on the radar by defeating Wake Forest tonight in Tallahassee. The Noles have struggled due to poor QB play for several years but it looks like they might have something - maybe. The ACC stinks anyway.
What's the over-under on TDs tonight in the LSU at Auburn game? Two?
Is Arizona State more dangerous after losing to UNLV last week? They certainly don't have anyone on the bandwagon now. There is no pressure on Arizona State. Georgia has looked vulnerable. The Dawgs are better on paper but this one could go a number of different ways. Likely result: Georgia by a late FG.
The only early afternoon game of interest is Florida at Tennessee (3:30e/2:30c CBS HD). Florida probably was set to face medium resistance from an average Tennessee team in Knoxville and then some comments got out that Gators questioned the Vols' pride last year. I would not be surprised if Tennessee rose up and made it a four quarter affair. The Gator offense needs to get back on track after a subpar effort vs. Miami.
Speaking of Miami, they travel to Texas A&M in a game of names only. I would be more interested to get some of the Canes mic-ed up. Those guys from South Florida have never seen anything like the bizarre scene in College Station.
If Notre Dame beats Michigan State, are they really headed to a bounce back season? I know they are 2-0 but it's the weakest 2-0 in the country outside of Arkansas.
Florida State has an opportunity to get back on the radar by defeating Wake Forest tonight in Tallahassee. The Noles have struggled due to poor QB play for several years but it looks like they might have something - maybe. The ACC stinks anyway.
What's the over-under on TDs tonight in the LSU at Auburn game? Two?
Is Arizona State more dangerous after losing to UNLV last week? They certainly don't have anyone on the bandwagon now. There is no pressure on Arizona State. Georgia has looked vulnerable. The Dawgs are better on paper but this one could go a number of different ways. Likely result: Georgia by a late FG.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The perfect setup for a national title
It doesn't appear that USC will face much resistance the remainder of the season. They might get a scare if they overlook an opponent with some talent but they should be upset-proof in a mediocre Pac-10 conference. Most of the in-conference teams that might be able to hang for a while (with breaks) have to visit the Coliseum. Just don't see another Stanford.
USC has been brilliant in BCS games under Carroll. The loss to Texas was a classic game and the result of a super-human performance by Vince Young and the Longhorn defense stopping the inside run on the defining play of the game.
However, the USC players talked about complacency as the cause of last year's Stanford loss. They vow it won't happen again and it probably won't in the regular season. The question is that if USC cruises through a weak Pac-10, could it re-appear before the title game? No doubt ESPN will build them up as a candidate for greatest of all time - as they did before the Texas game.
Time and time again we see teams that have it too easy get overconfident, lose focus and are stunned at the first sign of a challenge. There is no way Oklahoma should have lost to Arkansas in the late 70s. No way Miami should have lost to Penn State in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl. Overconfidence played a role in Alabama's shocking upset over Miami in the early 1990s or Florida State's inept performance against Oklahoma in the 2001 Orange Bowl.
The best recipe for a team other than USC to win a national title is for the challenger to become battle tested through a tougher conference to counter the Carroll's post-season mojo. Right now the prime contender seems to be the winner of a potential Big 12 title game with Oklahoma/Missouri or perhaps the winner of Georgia/Florida. That rounds out the current top 5. Don't worry about the polls and a snub so early in the year.
Oklahoma's schedule is more favorable than Georgia's as they play Texas on a neutral field like the Bulldogs do with the Gators. However, quality and potentially dangerous teams Kansas and Texas Tech have to play in Norman. The Sooners have been extremely vulnerable on the road in recent years. 1-2 last year with the win being a near disaster against a poor Iowa State team. Saturday was a sign this Oklahoma team might be different. I think every rational Sooner fan expected some kind of struggle - at least early. Instead, the Sooners cruised in every way possible. Sam Bradford, who actually looked like a rookie on the road last year, looked as calm and cool as he would have in Norman. Oklahoma is virtually unbeatable in Norman but it looks like they are going to take more of their A or B game on the road to upset-minded K-State, A&M and Oklahoma State.
Missouri continues to roll up PlayStation type numbers and they have a favorable schedule outside of the trip to Austin which they have to win to get into the national title mix. The Tigers are a confident bunch and I'm sure they would prefer to see Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game to get over that hurdle and get a lot of respect.
Georgia has potential but they did not impress on Saturday. Still, it's early and the schedule is there to make an impression. Matthew Stafford is a quality player but still does not belong in the category of elite college QBs right now. The Bulldogs got a major break with the fumble that prevented a potential OT game. Florida did not look sharp against Miami but they have the talent and a somewhat favorable draw in the SEC this year.
If USC ends up playing Oklahoma, I can easily see a scenario in which the consensus and the Trojans themselves think it will be a cakewalk because of what happened in the 2005 Orange Bowl. All things considered, it would be the best scenario for what would be a battle-tested Oklahoma club that plays well with a chip on their shoulder. Georgia or Florida probably would not be as overlooked by USC. Hard to say with Missouri.
So far the upsets don't seem to be a lot of flukes like last year, just confirming that the polls need to be adjusted. We'll see. Lots of football to be played.
USC has been brilliant in BCS games under Carroll. The loss to Texas was a classic game and the result of a super-human performance by Vince Young and the Longhorn defense stopping the inside run on the defining play of the game.
However, the USC players talked about complacency as the cause of last year's Stanford loss. They vow it won't happen again and it probably won't in the regular season. The question is that if USC cruises through a weak Pac-10, could it re-appear before the title game? No doubt ESPN will build them up as a candidate for greatest of all time - as they did before the Texas game.
Time and time again we see teams that have it too easy get overconfident, lose focus and are stunned at the first sign of a challenge. There is no way Oklahoma should have lost to Arkansas in the late 70s. No way Miami should have lost to Penn State in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl. Overconfidence played a role in Alabama's shocking upset over Miami in the early 1990s or Florida State's inept performance against Oklahoma in the 2001 Orange Bowl.
The best recipe for a team other than USC to win a national title is for the challenger to become battle tested through a tougher conference to counter the Carroll's post-season mojo. Right now the prime contender seems to be the winner of a potential Big 12 title game with Oklahoma/Missouri or perhaps the winner of Georgia/Florida. That rounds out the current top 5. Don't worry about the polls and a snub so early in the year.
Oklahoma's schedule is more favorable than Georgia's as they play Texas on a neutral field like the Bulldogs do with the Gators. However, quality and potentially dangerous teams Kansas and Texas Tech have to play in Norman. The Sooners have been extremely vulnerable on the road in recent years. 1-2 last year with the win being a near disaster against a poor Iowa State team. Saturday was a sign this Oklahoma team might be different. I think every rational Sooner fan expected some kind of struggle - at least early. Instead, the Sooners cruised in every way possible. Sam Bradford, who actually looked like a rookie on the road last year, looked as calm and cool as he would have in Norman. Oklahoma is virtually unbeatable in Norman but it looks like they are going to take more of their A or B game on the road to upset-minded K-State, A&M and Oklahoma State.
Missouri continues to roll up PlayStation type numbers and they have a favorable schedule outside of the trip to Austin which they have to win to get into the national title mix. The Tigers are a confident bunch and I'm sure they would prefer to see Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game to get over that hurdle and get a lot of respect.
Georgia has potential but they did not impress on Saturday. Still, it's early and the schedule is there to make an impression. Matthew Stafford is a quality player but still does not belong in the category of elite college QBs right now. The Bulldogs got a major break with the fumble that prevented a potential OT game. Florida did not look sharp against Miami but they have the talent and a somewhat favorable draw in the SEC this year.
If USC ends up playing Oklahoma, I can easily see a scenario in which the consensus and the Trojans themselves think it will be a cakewalk because of what happened in the 2005 Orange Bowl. All things considered, it would be the best scenario for what would be a battle-tested Oklahoma club that plays well with a chip on their shoulder. Georgia or Florida probably would not be as overlooked by USC. Hard to say with Missouri.
So far the upsets don't seem to be a lot of flukes like last year, just confirming that the polls need to be adjusted. We'll see. Lots of football to be played.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
No Doubt on 1 and 2
USC is No. 1. Oklahoma is No. 2. Period.
Things change in college football so don't put this matchup in ink for the BCS title game. You might be able to put USC in ink though. Outside of the Trojans, the Pac-10 teams are almost as much a disgrace as the conference's officials. I don't think Oklahoma is traveling out to the west coast anytime soon. I don't think Tyrone Willingham will have to worry about Pac-10 officiating much longer. I have never seen so many cheap penalties in one game. Oklahoma was tabbed for 114 yards of penalties. Only 8 for Washington.
USC and Oklahoma look scary good. The Trojans look to be the more complete team but Oklahoma's no huddle offense might be an equalizer. The Sooners have the lines to compete with anyone. Sam Bradford is the Tom Brady of college football and the Sooners are loaded with weapons. We know things change quickly but no team is in the same zip code as the Trojans and the Sooners tonight.
I thought USC might need to watch out for the trip to Oregon State. No more. I don't see any team even challenging USC from here on out - but is that a good thing? We have seen plenty of college football teams cruise through the season only to lay an egg in their bowl game. USC doesn't lay eggs in January. That is a burden Oklahoma has to lift off its back.
I think tonight puts to rest any fears of Ohio State getting back to the national title game. Even as crazy as college football is with upsets and the reshuffling of the top ten of a year ago, no way do the voters allow the Buckeyes to work their way through the Big Ten to sneak back up into one of the top 2 positions.
Things change in college football so don't put this matchup in ink for the BCS title game. You might be able to put USC in ink though. Outside of the Trojans, the Pac-10 teams are almost as much a disgrace as the conference's officials. I don't think Oklahoma is traveling out to the west coast anytime soon. I don't think Tyrone Willingham will have to worry about Pac-10 officiating much longer. I have never seen so many cheap penalties in one game. Oklahoma was tabbed for 114 yards of penalties. Only 8 for Washington.
USC and Oklahoma look scary good. The Trojans look to be the more complete team but Oklahoma's no huddle offense might be an equalizer. The Sooners have the lines to compete with anyone. Sam Bradford is the Tom Brady of college football and the Sooners are loaded with weapons. We know things change quickly but no team is in the same zip code as the Trojans and the Sooners tonight.
I thought USC might need to watch out for the trip to Oregon State. No more. I don't see any team even challenging USC from here on out - but is that a good thing? We have seen plenty of college football teams cruise through the season only to lay an egg in their bowl game. USC doesn't lay eggs in January. That is a burden Oklahoma has to lift off its back.
I think tonight puts to rest any fears of Ohio State getting back to the national title game. Even as crazy as college football is with upsets and the reshuffling of the top ten of a year ago, no way do the voters allow the Buckeyes to work their way through the Big Ten to sneak back up into one of the top 2 positions.
Letdown in the Coliseum?
The Beanie Wells situation following Ohio State's struggle to beat Ohio last week at home has really taken some of the punch out of this matchup. I tend to go against the grain of conventional logic at times. The consensus probably thinks USC will roll and there is a good chance of that but time and time again we see a closer game or an upset because the favorite gets overconfident and the underdog plays with a chip on their shoulder.
Ohio State has a lot of talent on offense. The problem is that Todd Boeckman simply has not played well against good to great competition. The goal was to lean on Beanie Wells to slow down the pace of the game, move the sticks and take pressure of Boeckman in the passing game. Now, Ohio State has to be creative early unless the Buckeye defense creates some early turnovers. Tressel has to allow some of the younger backs with more play making ability than veteran Mo Wells the ability to make an impact. Tressel has to mix in Terrelle Pryor at the right time to possibly shake up USC's defensive approach.
Any chance for Ohio State begins with their defense in slowing the USC run game and putting Sanchez in predictable passing situations. Virginia provided no test for USC's inexperienced offensive line. We don't know much about them yet but we will find out tonight. If the Buckeyes can pressure Sanchez, the game may play out much different than some people think.
USC looked sharp in the opener but Sanchez had no pressure. Too many people only look at one side of an outcome. Virginia looks to be one of the worst teams in a bad conference. The Cavs are a far cry from the decent group that had Texas Tech on the ropes in the Gator Bowl. That group had Chris Long coming off the edge.
I might stick up for Ohio State more than most people that comment on college football but if the Buckeyes get blown out, I hope and expect the voters see to it that the Buckeyes have no shot to work their way back to the title game through the Big Ten schedule.
Ohio State has a lot of talent on offense. The problem is that Todd Boeckman simply has not played well against good to great competition. The goal was to lean on Beanie Wells to slow down the pace of the game, move the sticks and take pressure of Boeckman in the passing game. Now, Ohio State has to be creative early unless the Buckeye defense creates some early turnovers. Tressel has to allow some of the younger backs with more play making ability than veteran Mo Wells the ability to make an impact. Tressel has to mix in Terrelle Pryor at the right time to possibly shake up USC's defensive approach.
Any chance for Ohio State begins with their defense in slowing the USC run game and putting Sanchez in predictable passing situations. Virginia provided no test for USC's inexperienced offensive line. We don't know much about them yet but we will find out tonight. If the Buckeyes can pressure Sanchez, the game may play out much different than some people think.
USC looked sharp in the opener but Sanchez had no pressure. Too many people only look at one side of an outcome. Virginia looks to be one of the worst teams in a bad conference. The Cavs are a far cry from the decent group that had Texas Tech on the ropes in the Gator Bowl. That group had Chris Long coming off the edge.
I might stick up for Ohio State more than most people that comment on college football but if the Buckeyes get blown out, I hope and expect the voters see to it that the Buckeyes have no shot to work their way back to the title game through the Big Ten schedule.
The Big Least gets off the mat...for now
I'll admit, I lost temporary interest in last night's ESPN2 showdown between Kansas and S. Florida after the Jayhawks jumped out to a quick lead and looked like it was just going to get worse. USF scored the all important TD before the half to keep them mentally in the game and they owned the 3rd quarter. Kansas came back but QB Todd Reesing made a late game mental error by sending a deep ball into the middle of the field without recognizing the safety playing center field. The pick and subsequent return setup the Bulls for the last second win. Reesing has been a gamer but a mistakes like that can linger in the mind for a while. I'm glad I paid enough attention to watch the finish because it was a great college football game.
The stock of Rutgers and coach Greg Schiano is dropping fast. The opening loss to Fresno at home was a mild surprise but a blowout loss to North Carolina at home? Butch Davis is quickly improving the Tar Heel program with some good looking talent at the skill positions and an attitude on defense but the Scarlet Knights looked clueless on defense.
Less than a week after West Virginia gets humbled by East Carolina, the folks in Morgantown sign up Bill Stewart to a 6-year contract extension. Interesting timing. Credit the WV admin for showing support but the consensus of college football fans think they will end up playing this man for several years after they release him. This is Larry Coker all over again except the decline is already happening. At least Coker won a title and nearly another one with program Butch Davis rebuilt before the decline.
The stock of Rutgers and coach Greg Schiano is dropping fast. The opening loss to Fresno at home was a mild surprise but a blowout loss to North Carolina at home? Butch Davis is quickly improving the Tar Heel program with some good looking talent at the skill positions and an attitude on defense but the Scarlet Knights looked clueless on defense.
Less than a week after West Virginia gets humbled by East Carolina, the folks in Morgantown sign up Bill Stewart to a 6-year contract extension. Interesting timing. Credit the WV admin for showing support but the consensus of college football fans think they will end up playing this man for several years after they release him. This is Larry Coker all over again except the decline is already happening. At least Coker won a title and nearly another one with program Butch Davis rebuilt before the decline.
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