The 2014-2015 NCAA Football Season Thread

[63dot]

I became a fan of Alabama this year from wife's friend. I never really followed college ball but saw the interest in the field goal debacle between Auburn and Alabama and started paying attention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQC15dPArAc

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I became a fan of Alabama this year from wife's friend. I never really followed college ball but saw the interest in the field goal debacle between Auburn and Alabama and started paying attention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQC15dPArAc

 

[maflynn]

No kidding. Not to mention that with firing Pelini, it is championship or bust at Nebraska as the message to any coach. Can't be good just wining 9-10 games a year

I think Pelini rubbed the boosters the wrong way. He just didn't know how to play the game and that I believe was one factor, but I agree. A winning coach getting fired and then hiring a coach with less experience and a losing record. Its ludicrous

 

[63dot]

Nebraska and Michigan were often mentioned as a place for embattled Niner's coach Jim Harbaugh. His style may lend better to college ball and his personality just doesn't jive with Bay Area press who were used to successful nicer guys like Walsh and Siefert who spoke softly but picked up Lombardis and let the trophy do all the talking/yelling/ranting.

Sometimes an NFL player going into coaching right after playing is a great thing and it's not so crazy when you hear die hard Michigan fans calling for Tom Brady to coach the team in 2016 or so (or later if he stays that long in NFL). Not only does Brady know offense, and how to read defenses, he has had the best in Belichick to have picked up a few things along the way. Former players like Herm Edwards and Dan Reeves did well in both the field and on the sidelines as coach. There's no doubt that players can have the best perspective as a coach whether in NFL or the increasingly lucrative NCAA head coaching jobs.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/869309-top-26-former-nfl-players-turned-coaches

Anyway I am rooting for Crimson Tide to win tomorrow and go all the way.

 

[smallcoffee]

That's fine - if you want to ignore the stats I posted above that's your prerogative. I would say that if any team can overcome giving up 700 yards its Baylor - they have the nation's best offense.

Also, my point in the above was to say that all these teams have one outlier and they play good to great defense. I'm going to guess you haven't watched any Baylor games but instead you listen to national pundits who use our defensive history (which is admittedly awful) and carry it over to this year.

The reality is our defense is actually really good. That Tech game was an outlier mainly because Petty went down and out with a minor concussion - that affected the whole team. We were up 42-17 just after he went out and from there it spiraled out of control.

I don't think there is one dominant college team this year. I think they could all win.

I don't really watch ESPN or anything but I do watch the games. Not all of them, or all day either, so my opinion (and that's what this is) is just based on what I've seen.

 

[jrswizzle]

I think Pelini rubbed the boosters the wrong way. He just didn't know how to play the game and that I believe was one factor, but I agree. A winning coach getting fired and then hiring a coach with less experience and a losing record. Its ludicrous

Riley doesn't have a losing record - 90-86 in his career at Oregon St.

Though he hasn't ever lost less than 4 games - exactly what Nebraska has been stuck on under Pelini so it is a bit puzzling.

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I don't really watch ESPN or anything but I do watch the games. Not all of them, or all day either, so my opinion (and that's what this is) is just based on what I've seen.

I think a lot of people's opinions are swayed by perceptions and history. Will take a few years of playoffs (and certain teams being beat by other teams they've never played before) for things to change.

Not that I don't think the SEC isn't the strongest conference in CFB - the Big 12 is no slouch.....heck, even ESPN's conference power rankings had the Big 12 at #1 this week.....first time the SEC hasn't been #1 in forever.

The top of the Big 12 is incredibly strong. The bottom, not so much. Just imagine what things will look like next year with Texas in Strong's 2nd season and Okie St's young players with more experience. It's going to be a blood bath.

Best part is, as bad as Iowa St. is - they have a knack for ruining team's seasons and have done so 3 times in the last 5 years (beat #15 TCU two years ago). Though they generally do it in Ames.

The perception that the Big 12 is weak is directly related to the fact that TCU, Baylor and Kansas St are vying for the conference championship.

If this were UT/OU again, they'd likely both be in.

 

[maflynn]

Riley doesn't have a losing record - 90-86 in his career at Oregon St.

Though he hasn't ever lost less than 4 games - exactly what Nebraska has been stuck on under Pelini so it is a bit puzzling.

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They're 5 and 7 this year and that's my point. Firing a coach with a 9-3 record and hiring a 5 and 7 record coach.

 

[jrswizzle]

They're 5 and 7 this year and that's my point. Firing a coach with a 9-3 record and hiring a 5 and 7 record coach.
Image

Ahh, sorry - I just meant overall he isn't a losing coach. This season yes....

Though let's be real, the Pac-12 is quite a bit tougher than the B1G these days.

 

[smallcoffee]

They're 5 and 7 this year and that's my point. Firing a coach with a 9-3 record and hiring a 5 and 7 record coach.
Image

I think one of th key differences is that Pelini couldn't get marquee wins. Just doesn't matter if you win a bunch of games nobody cares about. And Riley it seems is doing well with what he has. It's not like he's going 5-7 with USC or something. It's Oregon State. Not exactly a top 30 type of program.

 

[maflynn]

Though let's be real, the Pac-12 is quite a bit tougher than the B1G these days.

I'll not argue that the Pac-12 is wicked difficult, I think he may be a decent coach for Nebraska, but I do think they didn't really do a full expansive search. The AD locked on him early on and put on the blinders for everyone else.

 

[smallcoffee]

I think a lot of people's opinions are swayed by perceptions and history. Will take a few years of playoffs (and certain teams being beat by other teams they've never played before) for things to change.

Not that I don't think the SEC isn't the strongest conference in CFB - the Big 12 is no slouch.....heck, even ESPN's conference power rankings had the Big 12 at #1 this week.....first time the SEC hasn't been #1 in forever.

The top of the Big 12 is incredibly strong. The bottom, not so much. Just imagine what things will look like next year with Texas in Strong's 2nd season and Okie St's young players with more experience. It's going to be a blood bath.

Best part is, as bad as Iowa St. is - they have a knack for ruining team's seasons and have done so 3 times in the last 5 years (beat #15 TCU two years ago). Though they generally do it in Ames.

The perception that the Big 12 is weak is directly related to the fact that TCU, Baylor and Kansas St are vying for the conference championship.

If this were UT/OU again, they'd likely both be in.

The SEC has been down for the last two years actually. I said it last year that things were looking pretty bleak. Everybody else has pretty much caught up to the SEC. Ole Miss, Miss St, Georgia, etc... All of those teams were overrated this year. They were just ranked highly because of past perception.

I do agree that it may be unfair to look at past history, but I do think it's no better or worse than many other subjective measurements. I mean even you just dismissed the B10 as being weak, and what really is that based on? As a conference I think they are doing much better than they have been. Wisconsin kinda derped on that LSU game, because of their QB issue, but right now I think they would steamroll through the SEC east and would be 2 or 3 in the West this year.

I think right now overall there's a lot of parity between the Power 5, and I think that sometimes we put too much stock into ratings and "the numbers". They are a good factor to include into trying to draw up rankings, but being the number 1 conference on a stats list or something I think is largely meaningless. Same thing with overall statistical rankings, to a certain extent of course. A top 20 defense. An handle a top 20 offense, 1-20. Same thing the other way around. It's too hard to really read into those statistics.

I think it would be cool to see Baylor - Oregon or something though. But I don't think it's going to happen. I guess we will see! That's what college football is all about.

 

[jrswizzle]

The SEC has been down for the last two years actually. I said it last year that things were looking pretty bleak. Everybody else has pretty much caught up to the SEC. Ole Miss, Miss St, Georgia, etc... All of those teams were overrated this year. They were just ranked highly because of past perception.

I do agree that it may be unfair to look at past history, but I do think it's no better or worse than many other subjective measurements. I mean even you just dismissed the B10 as being weak, and what really is that based on? As a conference I think they are doing much better than they have been. Wisconsin kinda derped on that LSU game, because of their QB issue, but right now I think they would steamroll through the SEC east and would be 2 or 3 in the West this year.

I think right now overall there's a lot of parity between the Power 5, and I think that sometimes we put too much stock into ratings and "the numbers". They are a good factor to include into trying to draw up rankings, but being the number 1 conference on a stats list or something I think is largely meaningless. Same thing with overall statistical rankings, to a certain extent of course. A top 20 defense. An handle a top 20 offense, 1-20. Same thing the other way around. It's too hard to really read into those statistics.

I think it would be cool to see Baylor - Oregon or something though. But I don't think it's going to happen. I guess we will see! That's what college football is all about.

Agreed - that's why I want a playoff that includes the Power 5 conference champs and 3 at large bids. That way it's our best vs your best. Won't give a WHOLE picture....but it'll be a lot more of a measuring stick than what we've had to this point.

 

[Sydde]

I would like to know what team #7 Arizona had on the field this evening. That was just pathetic.

And what is it about college football that the offense does so well? (The Ducks in 2 games in Santa Clara have scored 16 more points than the 49ers in 6 games there.) Is it primarily because college teams feel the need to run up the score to impress the polls/committee?

 

[ucfgrad93]

Complete domination by the Ducks last night. If Alabama has a tough time with Missouri today, Oregon might jump to the number 1 seed.

 

[iLog.Genius]

Assuming the top 4 remain in the top 4, the committee is going to find a way to put Oregon and Alabama in a separate bracket to provide the chance of them meeting in the championship game. Let's face it, Oregon fans want this to put all the talk to rest that they're not as good as a SEC team and Alabama fans want this to prove that they are still the best by beating arguably the best team in college.

UPDATE:
With Alabama winning by a large margin (game wasn't even close...) there's going to be no change in the rankings unless FSU embarrasses Georgia Tech.

 

[SactoGuy18]

We can say right now Alabama and Oregon are going to be #1 and #2 in the playoff rankings.

Given how TCU stomped all over Iowa State, the fight for #4 will now depend on the how well Baylor, Florida State and Ohio State play in their games.

 

[samiwas]

Full disclosure: Auburn grad and obviously fan

But really, is being an Alabama fan even fun? If you know pretty well that nearly every game you play will be a blowout, is there any real excitement? They've only lost like 4 regular season games in the last four years. It's awesome for a year or two, but I think I'd get bored after a while.

 

[malman89]

They're 5 and 7 this year and that's my point. Firing a coach with a 9-3 record and hiring a 5 and 7 record coach.
Image

I'll not argue that the Pac-12 is wicked difficult, I think he may be a decent coach for Nebraska, but I do think they didn't really do a full expansive search. The AD locked on him early on and put on the blinders for everyone else.

It's totally apples and oranges, though. Nebraska has resources Oregon State could probably only dream of. I find it a puzzling choice still. If the leaks were true, it seemed like Bielema was option 1a and this seemed like a reach after that clearly wasn't going to happen. No HC is leaving the SEC for the B1G.

Full disclosure: Auburn grad and obviously fan

But really, is being an Alabama fan even fun? If you know pretty well that nearly every game you play will be a blowout, is there any real excitement? They've only lost like 4 regular season games in the last four years. It's awesome for a year or two, but I think I'd get bored after a while.

Hell, I was bored this year as a Michigan State fan. Outside of Oregon, Nebraska, and OSU, every game on paper was a guaranteed win, and often a probable blow out. That was mostly their schedule being a joke more than their superiority. I watched 2.5-3 quarters of OSU (turned off when clearly going to lose) and a half of Oregon (missed the other due to a conflict). The only game I watched in full was Nebraska because MSU almost blew their big lead. I watched other teams much more. I may have watched FSU the most - ND, NC State, and now GT - because of the compelling games (and hoping they lose)

 

[AustinIllini]

We can say right now Alabama and Oregon are going to be #1 and #2 in the playoff rankings.

Given how TCU stomped all over Iowa State, the fight for #4 will now depend on the how well Baylor, Florida State and Ohio State play in their games.

This still makes no sense because Baylor beat TCU head to head. If TCU is in and Baylor is out, it should be back to the drawing board.

If OSU goes in over TCU and Baylor, it's even worse. The B1G is trash.

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Full disclosure: Auburn grad and obviously fan

But really, is being an Alabama fan even fun? If you know pretty well that nearly every game you play will be a blowout, is there any real excitement? They've only lost like 4 regular season games in the last four years. It's awesome for a year or two, but I think I'd get bored after a while.

I grew up a Bulls fan and I'm a Blackhawks fan. Yes, winning every game is fun. Knowing your team is the favorite to win it all every season is worth it for pride alone.

Sorry your team did their usual and disappointed you. I'm an Illini; I'm used to it.

 

[malman89]

I wonder what happens first (if at all):

OSU cracks 50 (or 60?)

Wisconsin scores

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This still makes no sense because Baylor beat TCU head to head. If TCU is in and Baylor is out, it should be back to the drawing board.

If OSU goes in over TCU and Baylor, it's even worse. The B1G is trash.

OSU is sure making an argument tonight, but I think Baylor is going to be the odd man out, even if FSU loses.

TCU seems to be a lock - unless the Big 12 calling Baylor the official conference champion (with a win over KSU) really means something to the committee. Supposedly it does.

FSU can't be dropped out with a win over GT. They're just up 3, but are driving, and I think GT's offense won't be able to keep up with the miserable performance from their defense tonight.

I think even if FSU loses, this exclamation point by OSU probably keeps them ahead of a second Big 12 in the CFP, even with their awful VT loss.

 

[ucfgrad93]

No upsets in any of the championship games. I see the top 4 staying the same: Alabama, Oregon, TCU, Florida State.

 

[63dot]

Full disclosure: Auburn grad and obviously fan

But really, is being an Alabama fan even fun? If you know pretty well that nearly every game you play will be a blowout, is there any real excitement? They've only lost like 4 regular season games in the last four years. It's awesome for a year or two, but I think I'd get bored after a while.

I hope Alabama gets it but Oregon looks scary. I don't doubt that this will come down to Alabama v. Florida State and TCU v. Oregon, and for final Alabama and Oregon.

 

[AustinIllini]

I think even if FSU loses, this exclamation point by OSU probably keeps them ahead of a second Big 12 in the CFP, even with their awful VT loss.

I doubt this. Ohio State has the worst loss in the picture. The should be on the outside looking in.

TCU and Baylor should be the actual decision here. Baylor has a worse loss, but Baylor beat TCU.

I'm thinking nothing changes this week.

 

[smallcoffee]

I doubt this. Ohio State has the worst loss in the picture. The should be on the outside looking in.

TCU and Baylor should be the actual decision here. Baylor has a worse loss, but Baylor beat TCU.

I'm thinking nothing changes this week.

I disagree in regard to the loss for OSU because if the circumstances they were in. Really if you want to DQ them for that loss, Baylor losing to a pretty awful WVU at 7-5 should take Baylor out of the conversation too. If they beat TCU, than how are you going to put TCU in?

OSU is going to get that 3rd or 4th slot I think. At least I would be surprised if they didn't.

I do think a Saban-Meyer playoff matchup would be pretty interesting anyway.

 

[malman89]

I doubt this. Ohio State has the worst loss in the picture. The should be on the outside looking in.

TCU and Baylor should be the actual decision here. Baylor has a worse loss, but Baylor beat TCU.

I'm thinking nothing changes this week.

According to Jerry Palm, it'll be:

Alabama
Oregon
FSU
OSU

So I guess we'll see. I'm glad they release the teams at 12;30 instead of late this evening.

 

[smallcoffee]

According to Jerry Palm, it'll be:

Alabama
Oregon
FSU
OSU

So I guess we'll see. I'm glad they release the teams at 12;30 instead of late this evening.

I think he has the top 6 right and I think that's the way it's going to go down today. The committee has said time and time again that their rankings for each week are only for that week, and they didn't consider head to head match ups or anything like that until all the games are played.

I think TCU is definitely out. It's either Baylor or OSU and I think they're going to go with OSU here. Could be surprised though!