2008 College Football In-Season Thread!

[hoyarooter]

Didn't TCU have a pretty good defense this year?

[RDF]

Dec 7, 2008 3:39:20 GMT -5 hoyarooter said:

Didn't TCU have a pretty good defense this year?

Yep--and that was a game that wasn't indicitive of the score Rooter--TCU lost 35-14 and it was more due to their offensive inability/turnovers they got down early--and then really dominated OU's offense rest of game. AustinHoya saw that game and he can vouch for that.

The matchup doesn't favor OU at all--their OL is big and specifically at OT they are big and SLOW/hold a lot. The quickness/speed of Florida will dominate OU and the offensive attack Gators have--will be too fast for a porous OU defense. Not to mention how ugly it will be to see UF punt/kick returners score 2-3 TD's due to Sooners inept special teams. If they put up a game, I'll give them credit/admit I'd be shocked.

[AustinHoya03]

Bowl Schedule:

sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3444571

I'm looking forward to:
TCU vs. Boise State
Oregon State vs. Pitt
Oregon vs. Oklahoma State
Utah vs. Alabama
Texas vs. Ohio State (duh)

and the National Championship game, but only to see if Florida can top the beatdown administered in Miami in 2004 by SC. Go Gators! (hifi, this doesn't mean I like you.)

[hifigator]

Obviously, I am happy with the way things have worked out and for the most part, the pundits have as well. Not that I am offering an endorsement of the BCS, but I do think that it "got it right" this time. Does anyone think that there should have been a different matchup and if so, which teams? Texas is the team with the obvious beef, but arguments could be made for USC, Penn. St. and Utah as well.

Buff, granted Tebow doesn't throw the pretty ball, but I think it's a bit of a stretch to call them "ducks." Saturday's game illustrated Tebow's "philosophy" -- for lack of a better word -- perfectly. He just doesn't turn the ball over. He will error on the side of safety. The touchdown passes to Carl Moore and David Nelson were perfect examples. Other throws to Aaron Hernandez and Louis Murphy were perfectly located as well. If the ball needed to be on the outside shoulder, then that's where it was. If the throw needed to be high then it was right there where only Hernandez could jump up and catch it. That being said, to succed at the next level, I think Tebow needs to work on his accuracy for sure. But he has the tools -- the arm, the smarts and the mobility -- to be a successful NFL QB, and I don't think that calling his imperfect spirals "ducks" is a fair assessment.

[hoyarooter]

I would add USC - Penn State and perhaps one or two others to that list. I think I would watch the Cotton Bowl just to see Texas Tech. Lots of games fall into the "will watch only if I have nothing else to do" category.

[Boz]

The BCS didn't "get it right" because the BCS is incapable, as a system, of "getting it right," unless there are only two undefeated teams at the end of a college football season. Oh, wait. We have that this year too. Never mind then.

But, that fundamental flaw aside (and seemingly everyone on TV seems happy to set it aside for some incomprehensible reason), the BCS picked two good teams and it will probably be a very good game. Woo-hoo! Good on ya', BCS!!

[hifigator]

Boz, I understand that. What I was asking was really whether or not, in your own subjective opinions, you think the BCS "worked" in so much as asking whether in your own opinions it correctly selected the two most-deserving teams. There is no right and wrong answer.

[kchoya]

Dec 8, 2008 13:30:09 GMT -5 hifigator said:

Obviously, I am happy with the way things have worked out and for the most part, the pundits have as well. Not that I am offering an endorsement of the BCS, but I do think that it "got it right" this time. Does anyone think that there should have been a different matchup and if so, which teams? Texas is the team with the obvious beef, but arguments could be made for USC, Penn. St. and Utah as well.

Buff, granted Tebow doesn't throw the pretty ball, but I think it's a bit of a stretch to call them "ducks." Saturday's game illustrated Tebow's "philosophy" -- for lack of a better word -- perfectly. He just doesn't turn the ball over. He will error on the side of safety. The touchdown passes to Carl Moore and David Nelson were perfect examples. Other throws to Aaron Hernandez and Louis Murphy were perfectly located as well. If the ball needed to be on the outside shoulder, then that's where it was. If the throw needed to be high then it was right there where only Hernandez could jump up and catch it. That being said, to succed at the next level, I think Tebow needs to work on his accuracy for sure. But he has the tools -- the arm, the smarts and the mobility -- to be a successful NFL QB, and I don't think that calling his imperfect spirals "ducks" is a fair assessment.

The only "duck" I saw Tebow throw on Saturday was the pass to Hernandez that he went high to snag at about the 10 yard line. All three TD passes were great passes - he had to fit them in to tight spaces because of the defense. That deep sideline throw in the 4th quarter was a great throw. Watching Harrell and the other top QB's in the country this year, all college QB's throw some ugly balls from time to time. I think Tebow's passing is actually underrated and the Bama game was one of his best passing performances.

[ichirohoya]

Its been at least a page since anyone mentioned the Golden Domers. So...After a season like this one, I will be curious to see how many of the Irish faithful make a Christmas trip to Honolulu for the Hawaii Bowl. I wonder if this was where Weis and company had in mind to go.

The Hawaii-ND matchup is a pretty good one. The Warriors had Cincy on the ropes on Saturday then, to quote a former NFL head coach, "We let 'em off the hook!" ND isn't a great team. Hawaii isn't a great team. It won't make for pretty football, but it will probably be a decent game.

[hifigator]

Dec 8, 2008 14:07:43 GMT -5 kchoya said:

Dec 8, 2008 13:30:09 GMT -5 hifigator said:

Obviously, I am happy with the way things have worked out and for the most part, the pundits have as well. Not that I am offering an endorsement of the BCS, but I do think that it "got it right" this time. Does anyone think that there should have been a different matchup and if so, which teams? Texas is the team with the obvious beef, but arguments could be made for USC, Penn. St. and Utah as well.

Buff, granted Tebow doesn't throw the pretty ball, but I think it's a bit of a stretch to call them "ducks." Saturday's game illustrated Tebow's "philosophy" -- for lack of a better word -- perfectly. He just doesn't turn the ball over. He will error on the side of safety. The touchdown passes to Carl Moore and David Nelson were perfect examples. Other throws to Aaron Hernandez and Louis Murphy were perfectly located as well. If the ball needed to be on the outside shoulder, then that's where it was. If the throw needed to be high then it was right there where only Hernandez could jump up and catch it. That being said, to succed at the next level, I think Tebow needs to work on his accuracy for sure. But he has the tools -- the arm, the smarts and the mobility -- to be a successful NFL QB, and I don't think that calling his imperfect spirals "ducks" is a fair assessment.

The only "duck" I saw Tebow throw on Saturday was the pass to Hernandez that he went high to snag at about the 10 yard line. All three TD passes were great passes - he had to fit them in to tight spaces because of the defense. That deep sideline throw in the 4th quarter was a great throw. Watching Harrell and the other top QB's in the country this year, all college QB's throw some ugly balls from time to time. I think Tebow's passing is actually underrated and the Bama game was one of his best passing performances.

And actually that pass to Hernandez wasn't "bad" as it might first appear. That was a first down play, and he put it where only his guy could get it. There wasn't a safety behind the play. Now I do think the ball tailed on him a tad and I don't think he meant to throw it quite as high as he did, but that only illustrates my point. He is very careful with the ball and is especially aware of down and distance situation. Granted, he should be as the starting quarterback, but I have seen a number of times when a QB doesn't do the smart thing, whether that be throwing the ball away or trying to make a play. Tebow, seems to make that decision correctly almost everytime.

[RDF]

I just don't understand how Bama vs Texas or USC vs either Bama or Texas can't happen. It's what I hate most about the BCS and let's be honest--it comes down to money.

1. Florida being in Miami was a lock as long as they didn't lose 2 games.
2. Oklahoma fans weren't going to the Fiesta for 3 years in a row.
3. Oregon State vs Penn State wasn't going to fill the Rose Bowl or get ratings from TV--so enter USC to save ABC's behind again.
4. Texas will travel to Phoenix and so will Ohio State--who has ZERO BUSINESS in a BCS bowl--seeing they were outscored 48-9 against the only 2 good teams they played all year.
5. Nobody cares about Cincinnati and VA Tech--and any money the city of Miami makes is just icing on cake compared to the National Title game.

It's really become "regionalized" more then ever. Only reason LSU got pimped when everyone had 2 losses a year ago--game was in Superdome. Nebraska made it to face Miami when they didn't win Northern Division of Big XII because they knew Husker fans would fill the Rose Bowl. It's just stupid and pathetic.

Next year--USC and Texas have inside track no matter what happens as long as they only lose 1 game--because title game is in Pasadena and if there is a "controversy" and these 2 are in position--I'll take on any bets they are voted in and "loved" by computers and pollsters.

[hifigator]

RDF, you know the real reason that USC isn't playing anywhere but the Rose Bowl. The Pac 10 and the Big 10 own the Rose Bowl and the Parade of Roses. So they aren't going to compromise on their "Big 10 Champ" vs. "Pac 10 Champ" stance, unless of course they were to lose one or both teams to the National Title game. As attractive as it might be to have a USC-Texas or USC-Bama, it just isn't going to happen unless it's in the title game.


But boy, did the Orange Bowl get a stinker: Virginia Tech vs. Cincy. Yawn!

[hifigator]

Pretty interesting link with the detailed USA Today Coaches polls:

www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/coaches_fb_poll_2008/flash.htm


It couldn't be any closer. Oklahoma #1 over Florida by 1 single point. Texas was a distant 3rd, some 75 points back.

[ichirohoya]

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120802457.html

The Bum decides to throw in his $.02 to the BCS debate. Nothing original. Except, in Feinstein's mind, a discussion of the BCS is a nice way to transition into a discussion of the state of Army's football team.

The man is an unparalleled boob. He has a few pet topics (Army-Navy football, for one) about which he feels the need to constantly talk. He tries to talk about other things, but he just can't make himself focus on a fresh idea for too long without being overwhelmed by a desire to return to topics he "knows" more about.

[kchoya]

Dec 8, 2008 17:21:07 GMT -5 hifigator said:

Pretty interesting link with the detailed USA Today Coaches polls:

www.usatoday.com/sports/graphics/coaches_fb_poll_2008/flash.htm


It couldn't be any closer. Oklahoma #1 over Florida by 1 single point. Texas was a distant 3rd, some 75 points back.

Gary Pinkel - NOT a big fan of the non-BCS schools.

[AustinHoya03]

Dec 5, 2008 2:33:32 GMT -5 hifigator said:

Dec 4, 2008 16:52:01 GMT -5 buffalohoya said:

Nothing to see up here in Western New York. Move along, Tiger fans. Thanks for coming by. Keep moving. Hey!!! Look over in Lubbock!!! What's that!!!

(hides Turner Gill behind Niagara Falls)

Not that I wouldn't think that Gill would be a good hire, but I don't think they will go that direction. I think it is impossible for people around the Country to understand football in Alabama. I know we all have our "diehard fans." I know that we all have our "prominent boosters" who have excessive influence. And obviously, we all have our despised, hated enemies. I haven't hidden my total disdain for FSU ever in my life. That being said, I must admit that Alabama-Auburn just might take it to another level. Remember, Alabama fired their coach after going 10-1, but losing to Auburn. I know there were other circumstances, but come on .... can any of us suggest that "our" program would/should fire the coach after a 10-1 season, "just" because he lost to the "hated enemy?" The point is that aside from Auburn having a dramatically down year, going 5-7, they were manhandled and shutout by their hated enemy in the Iron Bowl. Add to that, the fact that Bama is undefeated and playing for a shot at the National Title, and it's not surprising that TT's time was on life support. I think it is a bad move for them. I think that Tuberville will get hired as soon as he decides to return to coaching. It wouldn't surprise me to see him sit out a year and then select the "prize" job that opens next year. In any case, I think that Auburn should go after Will Muschamp. I don't want them to, but I think that would be a good move on their part.

On the other hand ... Ray Goff is still available ...

hifi: wrong again.

www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=494878

[hifigator]

Dec 8, 2008 20:41:31 GMT -5 AustinHoya03 said:

Dec 5, 2008 2:33:32 GMT -5 hifigator said:

Not that I wouldn't think that Gill would be a good hire, but I don't think they will go that direction. I think it is impossible for people around the Country to understand football in Alabama. I know we all have our "diehard fans." I know that we all have our "prominent boosters" who have excessive influence. And obviously, we all have our despised, hated enemies. I haven't hidden my total disdain for FSU ever in my life. That being said, I must admit that Alabama-Auburn just might take it to another level. Remember, Alabama fired their coach after going 10-1, but losing to Auburn. I know there were other circumstances, but come on .... can any of us suggest that "our" program would/should fire the coach after a 10-1 season, "just" because he lost to the "hated enemy?" The point is that aside from Auburn having a dramatically down year, going 5-7, they were manhandled and shutout by their hated enemy in the Iron Bowl. Add to that, the fact that Bama is undefeated and playing for a shot at the National Title, and it's not surprising that TT's time was on life support. I think it is a bad move for them. I think that Tuberville will get hired as soon as he decides to return to coaching. It wouldn't surprise me to see him sit out a year and then select the "prize" job that opens next year. In any case, I think that Auburn should go after Will Muschamp. I don't want them to, but I think that would be a good move on their part.

On the other hand ... Ray Goff is still available ...

hifi: wrong again.

www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=494878

I wasn't "wrong." I said that Auburn should go after Will Muschamp. Whether they do or not is irrelevant. That is clearly a subjective opinion. As for the Ray Goff comment, you do comprehend sarcasm don't you? The only other real comment was that I think Tuberville will not have trouble finding a job as soon as he is ready. Sorry, I don't see anything "wrong" there a bit.


On Edit: Ok, I see what you were talking about. My comment about not thinking they will go in that direction. I guess an interview does at least indicate some intention to go in that direction. I still stand by my comment, "not that I think it would be a bad pick, but I don't think they will." We'll see.

On Edit #2: You may be right after all. Not that I think he has any real "inside" information, but Steve Russell who does the AM850 Sportscene show everyday from noon until 2pm, told me just today that his gut feeling is that Auburn will offer to Gill and that if so, Gill will most likely take the job. I'm sure Buff isn't real thrilled with that possibility.

[hifigator]

Late Breaking News: Dan Mullen, Florida's current Offensive Coordinator, will be announced as Mississippi St.'s next head football coach later today.

[williambraskyiii]

hifi?

[HeartAttackHoya]

Tubberville to A&M if they had any guts. Looks like they'll stick with Sherman a couple of more years until they realize a East Coast guy with limited Southern Roots cannot recruit in Texas. And that's not even bringing to mention his coaching skills which I think are deficient