Subject: College Football
Date: Sun Dec 18 12:22:28 2016
User: hotnurse
Message:TN, dang, didn't watch it. Hubby was had the remote all day with other games. Can you pu a link here?
Date: Sun Dec 18 14:00:05 2016
User: TNmountainman
Message:No, hottie. I was just being facetious. I knew you were almost certainly not watching, so just a tiny little good-natured barb. :)
Much more important was the feat (and feet) of Donnel Pumphrey.
Oh......on third thought, ok. See below. It *is* a good article. But ignore the part about Houston's play calling. I think Buzz nailed that.
[disclaimer: I will *not* be posting about each and every bowl game. Leaving that to Buzz.]
Link: The Aztecs go off on the Cougars
Date: Sun Dec 2 14:07:21 2018
User: BuzzClik
Message:And the silly season is in full swing. The FBS Selection Committee has bestowed playoff status on Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma. Georgia and Ohio State will be stewing in their juices for awhile, but there's redemption: the 37 or so meaningless bowl games have yet to be announced.
In the meantime, playoffs are in full swing for FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. They've made it through the quarterfinals already using a revolutionary approach: they play the games on the field.
Brackets:
NAIA: http://www.naia.org/SportSelect.dbml?DB_LANG=C&&SPID=96219&SPSID=1177431&DB_OEM_ID=27900
Division III: https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/d3/2018
Division II: https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/d2/2018
FCS: https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/fcs/2018
A minimum of 12 games made the playoffs (most brackets started with 16 teams), and they'll be finish with the entire playoff by Jan. 5 at the latest.
Date: Thu Dec 13 13:11:48 2018
User: TNmountainman
Message:The names of the stadiums they've appended to these bowl sites is approaching the hilarity of the names of the bowls: "Dreamstyle Stadium", "Camping World Stadium"; "Cramton Bowl"; etc.
It'll be interesting (or will it?) to see if South Florida can come out of their *5-game losing streak* (in which they lost them all by at least 10). Or which teams will lose their game to finish ingloriously under .500, yet can still claim they "played in a bowl game". Well...........at least everything else in our country is rational and on track. It's good to have things to distract from the montony of perfection.
Date: Thu Dec 27 10:48:37 2018
User: BuzzClik
Message:The Servopro First Responder Bowl (actually featuring one ranked team) was cancelled due to continued lightning strikes in the area.
First ever bowl game called due to weather.
Date: Thu Dec 27 11:07:31 2018
User: TNmountainman
Message:I was gonna comment that **somebody** (looking heavenwards) decided that all this bowl madness was a few bowls too far.
Date: Thu Dec 27 12:04:49 2018
User: BuzzClik
Message:But what about the disappointed fans? Nearly 10,000 people had packed into the 90,000+ capacity Cotton Bowl to witness the blessed event.
Date: Thu Dec 27 12:56:58 2018
User: TNmountainman
Message:They got what they deserved?? (Mostly) just kidding. I guess I can kinda be a tiny bit sorry for someone who bothered to fly (or drive) in from Beantown or Potatotown.
Or maybe a bit of karma for moving the "Cottom Bowl Classic" over to AT&T Stadium?
Date: Sat Oct 16 23:40:34 2021
User: Klepp
Message:I'm watching the Wisconsin Badgers take on the Army Midshipmen at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison...the teams have run the ball thus far 37 times, and only three passes, all by Wisconsin...this is like your average college football game pre-war...
Date: Sun Oct 17 01:49:17 2021
User: Klepp
Message:It may also be the worst Wisconsin team in three decades.
Date: Sun Nov 7 14:28:45 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:A natural consequence of a committee selecting teams for playoffs is that the snubbed teams will be miffed. The "best" part of the NCAA football selection process is that we get six weeks of this nonsense.
First in line for the angry teams is University of Cincinnati: ranked sixth despite a quality win against Notre Dame and an undefeated season (thus far). Their ire was given a national stage when ESPN's Game Day visited Cincy this weekend. Despite all the vitriol directed toward the selection committee and the five teams ranked above them, the Bearcats did nothing yesterday in their game against Tulsa (3-5) to convince anyone that they are a playoff team. The Bearcats were listless in their game, and Tulsa looked solid by comparison. Tulsa was camped on inside the Cincinnati 10-yard-line for the final two minutes of the game, but they couldn't punch it in and lost 28-20.
My suggestion would be that the U of Cincy fans quit yammering, but I'm sure that this national embarrassment will not deter them. On the other hand, having them make the playoffs and watching them get dissected by whatever team is lucky enough to draw them would be amusing.
Date: Sat Nov 27 09:59:49 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:The FCS Championship series (II-A) starts today! Sixteen teams, eight games. I'll be glued to screen.
.happy dance
Date: Sat Nov 27 12:23:03 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:Been waiting a while to call you on this, Klepp.............but do you still think so poorly of the Badgers? 6-2, ranked 14th, winner of 7 in a row (today may make it 8). Just wondering.
As to the I-AA.................................I agree, but there is quite a bit too much weight there in the Big Sky and MVC. MVC - 6(!) teams in; Big Sky - 5(!). It's the parallel argument for allowing the 13th team from the Big Ten or Big 12 into March Madness: if you can't even finish in the top 3 (or so) of your own conference....................
Date: Sat Nov 27 14:20:19 2021
User: Klepp
Message:Jim Leonhard's defense is supposedly second-best in the country behind GA; we'll see what happens next year when the 17-year-old phenom RB Braedon Allen has a full year under his belt...gaining 150yds/game and he's a *minor* until January? Whoa...
Date: Sat Nov 27 18:53:47 2021
User: Kaos
Message:Yeah, the Massey composite of computer polls has Cincy at 7. They’re even behind Notre Dame (at 5) and the Badgers are just one behind Cincy at 8. I’m looking for a jump by the Wolverines (I’m a grad) after the bested the Buckeyes earlier today. Woo Hoo!
Date: Sat Nov 27 19:49:12 2021
User: Klepp
Message:I guess all I can hope for is stronger OL and QB play for Bucky next year.
Good for Michigan, too bad for Auburn (good Iron Bowl try), and go Cincy! A National Championship for a non-power conference team? The best chance ever being this year...
Date: Sat Nov 27 20:22:46 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:You're welcome on the Minnesota-Wisconsin jinx.
Date: Sat Nov 27 21:42:36 2021
User: Klepp
Message:I could probably bench press Paul Bunyan's Axe three, possibly four times...(if I'd practiced).
Date: Sun Nov 28 13:55:26 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:Date: Sat Nov 27 12:23:03 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message: "As to the I-AA.................................I agree, but there is quite a bit too much weight there in the Big Sky and MVC. MVC - 6(!) teams in; Big Sky - 5(!). It's the parallel argument for allowing the 13th team from the Big Ten or Big 12 into March Madness: if you can't even finish in the top 3 (or so) of your own conference...................."
Some conferences and individual teams opt out of the playoffs (e.g. Ivy League). The biggest problem is the tendency for the I-AA teams to accept non-conference games to be the pre-season or midseason punching bags for the big boys. A team might go 5-2 in conference but end up 5-5 overall; no postseason for those teams. For example, the best record in the MEAC was 5-5. Some teams within conferences have opted out of the playoffs to allow them to play traditional/rivalry games during the first week of playoffs.
An argument might be made that some deserving 7-4 teams have been left out of the playoffs, and a couple of the Ivy teams could probably compete well in the playoffs. But, there are other priorities.
Regardless, a 24-team playoff with 8 games on each of the first two weekends is far superior to the FBS concept.
Date: Sun Nov 28 14:29:16 2021
User: TNmountainman
Message:Oh, I totally agree with your last statement. It's just that like most things, there's plenty of room for improvement.
UC-Davis shouldn't have been rewarded a bid. They lost their last two games, and their 30+ point loss yesterday (to end 8-4) confirms that.
Northern Iowa got in with 6-5(!), and promptly lost (to a good Eastern Washington team) to end 6-6.
South Dakota got in with 7-4 (with a miraculous Hail Mary to get to that), and also lost yesterday to end 7-5.
I'm mostly just saying that the Big Sky and MVC seem to have too much power on the selection committee.
The "biggest problem" you mention is a near-necessity for a large percentage of I-AA teams for financial reasons. That's just life in that pond.
Date: Sun Nov 28 16:32:28 2021
User: BuzzClik
Message:The finances are their reality. I have no idea how much money these teams make (or if they have a net loss) from traveling to some other teams field for the honor of playing on ESPN+ (streaming only). On the contrary, a few games against SEC or Big10 teams could be some fat pay days.
Date: Sat Nov 5 15:11:33 2022
User: Klepp
Message:Tennessee versus Georgia? A National Championship Game disguised as a conference showdown?
GO TN!
Date: Sat Nov 5 17:35:11 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Ouch
Date: Sat Nov 5 20:26:01 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:The Massey Rankings composite had GA #2 and TN #3. The only better rankings would come from the top Sports bettors - like Jeopardy James. I was momentarily surprised when I saw TN was ranked number 1 but then it dawned on me that the CFB rankings committee must have started.
FWIW, I’d take my alma mater (Michigan) over TN on a neutral field.
Date: Sat Nov 5 21:13:14 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:I would absolutely have my alma mater ahead of Georgia et al., but D-III teams are not considered in the FCS polling.
Date: Sat Dec 3 22:25:44 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:FCS(1-AA) tournament is in full blast. At the end of the second round today, here are the teams surviving:
Holy Cross, Incarnate Word, William&Mary, South Dak St, Montana St, Samford, N Dak St, Sacramento St
Quarterfinals are Dec 9 and 10. Semis on Dec 16/17. ESPN+ has been been carrying the games so far.
ABC will carry the finals on January 8.
Date: Sun Dec 4 00:40:57 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:In the FBS, we have some clarity:
1) USC was pounded by Utah on Friday night. Say goodbye to USC in the playoffs.
2) Michigan handled Purdue easily.
3) Georgia thrashed LSU
4) TCU (aka Hypnotoad) lost to K-State in overtime
My prediction for the final alignment for the FBS playoffs:
1) Georgia
2) Michigan
3) Ohio State
4) Hypnotoad
Anything else (other than tweaking of the final four) would be a travesty.
Date: Sun Dec 4 01:27:15 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:No need for 4 teams this year. Just put M go Blue and the Dawgs into the title game. Choosing a 3rd and 4th team to muddy the waters will be a huge travesty.
Date: Sun Dec 4 11:01:34 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Dr. B, in 59 minutes your travesty will be unveiled. Let's hope my travesty is avoided.
Date: Sun Dec 4 13:42:55 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:Well buzz, looks like you could qualify for a job on the CFP committee or as an ESPN pundit!
Date: Sun Dec 4 15:00:25 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:At least in my own mind, Dr. B. Anyway, we both got what we wanted.
And, one of my favorite teams (Kansas State) was able to win yesterday without bouncing the Hypnotoad from the playoffs.
Date: Sun Dec 4 17:37:36 2022
User: Punster
Message:Ohio State ranked #2 at the time, loses to #3 ranked Michigan and drops to #5....
.....#3 ranked TCU loses to #14 ranked Kansas State and doesn't drop even 1 spot ????????????
Date: Sun Dec 4 19:32:52 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:This week, Southern Cal dropped six spots after getting trucked by Utah. Last week, Ohio State was thrashed by Michigan at home, so they dropped below the undefeated teams and one spot below one-loss USC .
Not sure what you're looking for, Punster. TCU lost by a field goal in OT at a neutral site, not by three touchdowns at home. Do you think there's a two-loss team more deserving than one-loss TCU of a spot in the playoffs? Not that it matters, but I'm curious.
Date: Sun Dec 4 22:15:17 2022
User: Punster
Message:I thought they should have at least dropped to #4.
Date: Sun Dec 4 22:35:00 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:If they dropped TCU to number 4, we’d have an OSU, UM replay.
FWIW, I think TCU is about the 8th, 9th, or 12th best team in the country. They are neck and neck with USC for most overrated. Penn State over TCU on a neutral field. Ditto Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, or even Clemson
Date: Mon Dec 5 10:42:03 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Dr. B, how TCU ranks depends entirely on the strength of Kansas State. Considering that K-State had to break in a new quarterback mid-season due to repeated injuries to their starter, it's difficult to assess them. There's no question that K-State is good, but just how good is difficult to know.
The teams from 5-12 are all heavily flawed with some really bad losses. The Frogs' OT loss to K-State doesn't compare.
Wouldn't it be great to have a full playoff to answer these questions? 2024 cannot get here soon enough.
Date: Tue Dec 6 00:06:24 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:TCU barely beat some bad teams; just like USC. I trust the Sagarin Elo rankings most of all and Jeff has TCU at #10.
I’d still be happiest if it was just UG vs. UM for all the marbles. Even if both lost their semis in close games I’d put them at 1 and 2 so why even play the semis this year?
Date: Tue Dec 6 07:34:51 2022
User: firenze
Message:Money.
Date: Tue Dec 6 09:13:40 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Dr. B!
If you trust Sagarin, then you must agree that Michigan is NOT the #2 team. So, you'd need a semifinal to witness the game you want because that would pit #1 Georgia vs #4 Michigan.
Date: Tue Dec 6 10:53:05 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:Sagarin has OSU, ‘Bama, and UM in a virtual 3-way tie for second if you look at the numeric values. But, if you look at the Sagarin Recent column, there is a clear #1 and #2.
Date: Tue Dec 6 14:47:26 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Jeff seems to give us a smorgasbord of rankings. If you don't like one result, move on to the next. Using his RATING, PREDICTOR, and GOLDEN_MEAN, Michigan ranks no higher than #4. If we decide that RECENT is our ranking of choice (and Sagarin lists it last among his rankings), then Michigan and Tennessee are in a "virtual tie" for #2. We still need a play-in game.
Gratefully, all of our yammering will be ignored by everyone else in the universe, and the four-team playoff is going to happen.
Date: Tue Dec 6 18:57:18 2022
User: Dr.Bombay
Message:Hmmm. I thought this was a spirited debate...
The history behind Jeff having all those flavors is because before the CFP, the bowl selection had the averages between the AP and Coaches poll, plus a composite of the top computer rankings to choose #1 and #2. But, the computer rankings weren't allowed to use margin of victory! WTH - They made Jeff use less information than was available and led to his multiple versions. RECENT column was his most recent addition. My hunch is if we asked Jeff which columns to use to place bets, he'd say PREDICTOR and RECENT.
Date: Tue Dec 6 19:58:00 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Dr. B --
Spirited and cordial. The "yammering" was mine; your comments were well informed and provided an interesting perspective. I disagree with you, but ... I'm yammering again. 🧐
Let the games begin! In three weeks. 🥺
Date: Fri Dec 16 23:00:23 2022
User: BuzzClik
Message:Speaking of playoffs: the Division II championship game is tomorrow. Colorado School of Mines vs Ferris. Awesome!!
The Division III playoffs concluded this evening with North Central beating Mount Union 28-21.
Date: Sun Jan 1 10:28:19 2023
User: Kumquat-of-Conciliation
Message:TCU apparently was, and is, for real. I think, based on the two games last night, "the system" got it right this time.
Date: Sat Oct 7 15:56:02 2023
User: firenze
Message:Bud Wilkinson would be proud.
Date: Sat Oct 7 16:03:02 2023
User: BuzzClik
Message:Crazy game! That was a good showing by the Sooner QB in light of all the hype surrounding the UT QBs.
Post follow-up