hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Sept 18, 2010 0:41:51 GMT -5
Yeah, this is already an interesting season. Just when we thought there might know something from an early season key matchup, the Hokies throw us a curve by losing to an FCS school. While it isn't as bad as the name might look to a casual fan -- James Madison is second in their National rankings, behind relative powerhouse App. St. and just ahead of recent BE invitee, Villanova -- there's still no denying the impact that the shocker has on the aggregate view of Boise St. And as others have mentioned, the ACC seems to aspire to second-class status as well. In addition to the Hokies rough start, the ACC teams in marquee matchups fared poorly as well. Ohio St. didn't get embarrassed like FSU did, and maybe neither is as tarnishing to the league as Ga. Tech losing to a Kansas team that lost 6-3 only a week earlier to a Dakota St. team. Still, when the conference is hanging its hat on a loss by thinking of it in moral victory status, life is not good. Yes, NC State won their first 3 games to start the season and thanks to the past couple of years, their third win at least appears impressive to the casual observer. But I doubt even the staunchest of ACC apologists will wish to hang his hat on the Wolfpack. Overall, it clearly looks as though the ACC is competing with the BE for the bottom rung of the BCS ladder. The rest is much less clear. Is the Pac 10 as a league competing with the SEC as the best conference? What about the Big 10? For that matter, with the Big 12 still intact this season, are they the "best" conference? Now is the time for those of you to voice your opinions. How do you rank the "Big 6" conferences this season?
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hoya9797
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Post by hoya9797 on Sept 19, 2010 1:26:00 GMT -5
Very pleased to see ND fail once again. That filth deserves nothing but the worst.
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Post by LizziebethHoya on Sept 19, 2010 11:37:23 GMT -5
Very pleased to see ND fail once again. That filth deserves nothing but the worst. I don't hate ND, but to see them lose like that makes me giggle. That was an awesome play on the part of Michigan State. Gotta love gutsy plays like that.
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Sept 19, 2010 12:10:38 GMT -5
Well, I can tell you that in SEC country, the prevailing view of the ACC is one of undisguised contempt: www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/09/david_knox_on_tv_alabama_aubur.htmlAlthough, speaking as an Auburn fan, I think the game lat night showed that the SEC Tigers by no means deserve their ranking. Unless Clemson is the best team in the ACC, which is entirely possible I suppose. Have to feel bad for Clemson, to lose a game that way. Can't remember a long snapper losing a big game like that since the New York Giants botched a crucial game a couple of years ago. And yes, the schadenfreude of Notre Dame going down never stops being delicious.
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SFHoya99
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Post by SFHoya99 on Sept 19, 2010 12:25:00 GMT -5
I don't hate ND, mostly because I don't know any Notre Dame fans, but that was a fantastic and ballsy call.
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RusskyHoya
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Post by RusskyHoya on Sept 19, 2010 13:15:51 GMT -5
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vcjack
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Post by vcjack on Sept 19, 2010 17:01:57 GMT -5
Along with Urban Meyer last winter, it seems like there have been a lot of high profile heart conditins in college football recently
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The Stig
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Post by The Stig on Sept 19, 2010 17:06:22 GMT -5
Strange. If you look around the ranks of college coaches and predict which guys would have heart trouble, Dantonio and Meyer would be pretty low on the list.
Glad to hear that Dantonio is doing well.
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hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on Sept 20, 2010 11:43:25 GMT -5
I don't hate ND, mostly because I don't know any Notre Dame fans, but that was a fantastic and ballsy call. You don't know any ND fans? You do live in this country, correct? ;D Everyone realizes, I'm sure, that if the MSU call had failed, Dantonio would have been excoriated, but I say good for him, and hopefully he'll be fine.
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kchoya
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Post by kchoya on Sept 20, 2010 11:58:14 GMT -5
I don't hate ND, mostly because I don't know any Notre Dame fans, but that was a fantastic and ballsy call. You don't know any ND fans? You do live in this country, correct? ;D Everyone realizes, I'm sure, that if the MSU call had failed, Dantonio would have been excoriated, but I say good for him, and hopefully he'll be fine. The guy in the office next to me went to law school at UCLA. He keeps telling me that UCLA football will be back because Neuheisel will buy better players. I told him this morning that I didn't think buying better players included putting out bounties on the opposing team's top two QBs. ;D
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Sept 20, 2010 12:01:51 GMT -5
I don't hate ND, mostly because I don't know any Notre Dame fans, but that was a fantastic and ballsy call. You don't know any ND fans? You do live in this country, correct? ;D Well, in all fairness, there sure seem to be a lot fewer of them now than, say, when Lou Holtz was in charge.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Sept 20, 2010 17:23:13 GMT -5
Notre Dame finally has a big time QB--as in a guy who is worthy of the hype that Quinn/Clausen received and will carry that over to the NFL with him. They also have blown a great opportunity to have a sneaky season where they could've crept into big time BCS game with such an awful schedule--only 3 true road games-and Kelly needs to get someone better then Bobby Diaco as a DC.
There is Alabama and then everyone else a significant level below right now. That can change but they are most impressive team in all facets--especially Strength and Conditioning. They look like men and other teams look small/frail for the most part. DJ Fluker might be the biggest human being I've ever seen and he's ripped for a kid that big. Saban is in that zone where coaches often get greedy and leave--and if he stays--he'll be winning/in a ton of championship games---but he's got that Pitino like quality and really feel if he does what Pitino didn't--stay at the school he's built to dominate he'll do so. They have so much talent but more importantly seem to be developing it and Saban fits better in college where these guys will be gone by time he really gets on their nerves. Good test for young Secondary facing Mallett this weekend--but Tide appear to be best team by far--I'm not sold on Buckeyes--as they should've destroyed another poorly coached/prepared Randy Shannon team. Shannon needs to fire Swayze the S&C coach--they look like a HS JV team compared to top 10 teams.
Mike Stoops is the biggest A-hole in coaching right now. Guy just acts like a complete tool and it'll cost Arizona from taking next step. His negativity on sideline single handedly had his team falling apart and you can't act like that as a HC--just too stupid and he needs to lay off the "fun stuff" he likes to partake in.
Fire Jeff Tedford--most overrated coach in country and lives off a game he won in '03 due to a missed kick by opposing team in triple OT.
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Sept 21, 2010 11:35:30 GMT -5
Mike Stoops is the biggest A-hole in coaching right now. Guy just acts like a complete tool and it'll cost Arizona from taking next step. His negativity on sideline single handedly had his team falling apart and you can't act like that as a HC--just too stupid and he needs to lay off the "fun stuff" he likes to partake in. Watching this game Saturday night I couldn't help but think of JTIII, who is the absolute opposite of Mike Stoops on the sideline. Stoops doesn't even appear to be rational out there -- it's like he's either gone insane or he's acting. Other weird thing about that game: Kirk Ferentz's portrayal in the media has gone from scrub/overrated coach (remember the shock when he was considered for the Michigan job) to coaching genius in under three years. Amazing what a BCS bowl run will do for your reputation. Fire Jeff Tedford--most overrated coach in country and lives off a game he won in '03 due to a missed kick by opposing team in triple OT. I watched some of this game, and Cal's defensive line/linebackers were dominated by Nevada up front. I don't follow recruiting, but I would guess it's fallen off for the Bears in recent years. Defense was terrible, offense was better but certainly not impressive. Despite all that, I doubt Tedford will ever be fired, as Cal administrators are afraid of returning to the pre-Tedford days when Cal football was truly dead.
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Sept 22, 2010 22:33:52 GMT -5
Things I'm watching/looking for in Week 3:
Big game for Pitt on Thursday with Miami coming to town, and the Panthers still thinking they can make a BCS bowl. I haven't watched much of either team this season, but based on the end of last season I think both offenses will put up a lot of points.
SMU will keep things close with TCU for a half, but the Frogs will win the Iron Skillet going away.
It's errand time during the early time slot on Saturday. Seriously, the best game of the morning is UCF at K-State?
Let's go Colgate.
People who are saying Stanford will finally be tested by traveling to Notre Dame are forgetting that Stanford beat Notre Dame last season. And Stanford is pantsing everyone this season. Cardinal by 17, Jim Harbaugh for coach of the year.
Alabama is going to paste Arkansas. The Hogs don't have the defense to stop the Tide, and they don't have the running game to eat clock. Fayetteville fans will have to actually hope their team gets behind in the second half, because Mallett passing deep is the only way the piggies beat the Tide.
Which Landry Jones shows up for Oklahoma this weekend? Wasn't OU once known for consistent QB play? Where the hell is Nate Hybl when you need him? I don't think the Sooners will have any problems in Cincinnati, but if bad Landry shows up, you never know.
Oh, and I'm still waiting for Texas to find an offensive rhythm. I may have to ratchet down my UCLA prediction.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Sept 23, 2010 22:17:19 GMT -5
That QB at Pitt made me wish I had a head injury--my goodness was he crappy.
The "Stache" sucks so badly--and from discipline lacking, to poor talent evaluation, to sloppy play reflective of the poor coaching, etc......just an awful team to watch.
I still don't know what miami is--this should've been a 60-0 type of game--and Shannon is too nice to his "buddies" but the DL is light year's better with lard ass Clint Hurtt at Louisville now and a real DL coach working with guys.
Jacory Harris still makes too many silly decisions on the road--but 2-1 going into Clemson and another mediocre/awful ACC--this better be a year where Shannon gets to League Title game or he should hit the bricks.
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FLHoya
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Post by FLHoya on Sept 23, 2010 23:55:41 GMT -5
I still don't know what miami is--this should've been a 60-0 type of game--and Shannon is too nice to his "buddies" but the DL is light year's better with lard ass Clint Hurtt at Louisville now and a real DL coach working with guys. Jacory Harris still makes too many silly decisions on the road--but 2-1 going into Clemson and another mediocre/awful ACC--this better be a year where Shannon gets to League Title game or he should hit the bricks. Jacory Harris...*kanyeshrug* Because I don't think Mr. Raiders Onesie Overalls Thing can go for an entire season without another 4-INT Ohio State type game, I think Miami's due for at least one loss in the ACC...although to be honest, next week's game against Clemson may be their toughest for the remainder of the season, think the other road games are Georgia Tech, UVA, and Duke. 1 loss in the everybody-stinks-equally ACC would more than do it. Blech, I hope West Virginia turns out okay (and thank goodness they didn't lose to Marshall), because if Pitt is the best the Big East has to offer...shoot, just make it a basketball only league.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Sept 24, 2010 12:16:53 GMT -5
There are a couple of interesting games in the SEC this week. Aside from the Bama at Arky game, I am really looking forward to the South Carolina at Auburn game. Who do you all think wins that one? I think the line has Auburn favored by a field goal. I guess here is when we find out just how much development Cam Newton has really made.
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theexorcist
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Post by theexorcist on Sept 24, 2010 13:36:37 GMT -5
South Carolina's one really good win came over Georgia. Auburn's one good win came over Clemson. Gotta go 'SC on this one.
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Sept 24, 2010 14:00:50 GMT -5
Thanks, Wannstache, for making me look like a total boob. Pitt's QB was terrible last night -- and the offensive line was worse. RDF's right that Miami's D-Line is improved, but when there's a missed O-line assignment on virtually every play it's not difficult to get into the backfield.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Sept 24, 2010 14:20:02 GMT -5
Thanks, Wannstache, for making me look like a total boob. Pitt's QB was terrible last night -- and the offensive line was worse. RDF's right that Miami's D-Line is improved, but when there's a missed O-line assignment on virtually every play it's not difficult to get into the backfield. Miami's DL improvement is more based on the Ohio State game--they had to defend short field most of game--and if they were as bad as previous years--that game would've been a much bigger rout. They did what they haven't done in past years--dominate a bad OL-and Austin is 100% right--Pitt's OL was awful-but really their whole team was--from guys quitting on plays, pouting, looking like fat slobs, etc....(oh wait--I just described some of Miami's OL too). Shannon just doesn't impress me at all--think he's Ron Zook-ish and has things on right track personnel wise--but needs a better staff overall and more of a go for the throat approach instead of this "nice guy" crap. Blow some people out and don't let up. I like Auburn over South Carolina. Never going to take Stephen Garcia led team in a big game. Guy is slightly better then Pitt's QB which made me think of a bad stomach episode. Also believe UGA sucks and Richt will finally not be able to avoid the firing squad, so Auburn's win over Clemson or "ClemPson" as Craig James said repeatedly last night is more impressive then beating UGA. Bama to rout Arkansas. Washington State has a chance to play with a very WEIRD USC team. Saw them in person against Goophs (not a typo) and really the speed difference wasn't that noticeable and USC needs a lot of improvement--but with limited scholarships won't be happening--so Kiffin's got his work cut out. USC isn't good enough to "count" a W. My favorite new coach i've seen this year--Mike London at UVA. Really liked his work at Richmond and loved what he brought to USC game in terms of attitude/aggression. Reality is they gave that game to Trojans--and expect them to be a surprise this year in typical mediocre ACC. Venables loves to draw up stinkers in games like tomorrow's Cincinnati-Oklahoma game--but think Bearcats suck so bad it wont' matter. Guy is an awful DC/Position coach and OU not playing the best LB prospect they've had under Stoops against Air Force (Ronnell Lewis) was odd. Venables is partial to guys who remind him of him though--loves slow, overachievers who don't make plays and cost his team games. Tom Wort aka "British Bulldog" spent more times on his back then a hooker and he's a midget fake tough guy who gets stupid penalties. Right up OU ally! Will Mike Riley do anything tomorrow? I'm not counting on it. Want him and Beavs to pull upset but Boise Propoganda machine will be rolling tomorrow. Hope for Riley's sake they DONT have Pac 10 refs as those are worst in country--no matter the sport. Just awful officials that need replacement and for a fun league--they've taken some of the fun out by influencing too many games with crappy calls. Only fun thing about them-half look like Bee Keepers, other have like Middle School Science Teachers that love to say "Class take out your Beaker Tongs" and one crew looks like Chris Hansen's next vicitms on "Catch a Predator". Jay Strichertz crew if you follow bad officials. Someone needs to inform ESPN that Jessie Palmer and Craig James are the most obnoxious, uninformed, morons to be employed--no wait--dont' do that--they'll get promoted to the #1 team. BTW--any takers on when Herbstreit and Musberger start talking BCS National Title picture, BCS, and about any other game? I say 6 minutes into the game--and by 4th quarter when Brent is tanked to the byjeezus, we'll get betting lines, etc.....and Herbstreit will have you thinking a 1 possession game is over as is par for him. Ron Franklin-Ed Cunningham, Brad Nessler-Todd Blackedge Barry and the P--Petros Papadakis and the ND telecast Tom Hammond (underrated pro) and Mike Mayock who replaced the solid Pat Haden are only crews I can even stand to listen to. Sad--but that is how bad announcing has gotten--where some crews have good parts--but whole makes it unwatchable.
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