College Football - Week of 11/18

Soul · November 19, 2006

The only possible teams I could see that would fit on all criteria (geographically, economically, educationally, competitively) would be ND, Louisville, and Pitt, and I don't see either of them going anywhere.

Why not? If Louisville really wants to become a big time program like they keep saying they want to, a move to the Big 10 would be the perfect opportunity to take it to the next level.

They're not likely to be taken seriously when they play Cinci, Connecticut, South Florida (!), and Syracuse every single year. Those are programs that wouldn't likely fare well in the MAC in football. They're basically basketball schools with an afterthought football program. Rutgers made a move this year, and WV is decent----but it's hard to take them seriously either because they get to beat up on these programs every year too instead of playing tough games against quality, *primary* football programs.

UMFan83 · November 19, 2006

Well damn. Henne and Hart had great games, just not enough to fight off Troy Smith who had an unbelievable game. Michigans weakness is their safties, its the only positions they have just average talent. All year the Dline and LB and Leon Hall have covered their ass because of their solid play. Yesterday OSU's offense was good enough to expose those guys. The 2 long 50 yard runs and the bomb to Ginn were related to those guys not making the proper play or being out of position.

I would welcome a rematch but wont sweat it if UM doesnt get it. They played a helluva game yesterday and it still wasnt good enough to win. I dont know what they would do differently to stop Smith and his offense. Its a good thing this is Smiths last year because im real sick of him. I think Michigan's got em next year though with Chad Henne returning.

A story about asses who live in this world. On Friday a friend of mine was at a bar with his friend who was wearing an OSU shirt and he was wearing a blue shirt and yellow tie. A lady comes up to his friend and says 'go bucks' and high fives him. My friend responds by saying 'go blue'. The lady then makes a comment to him 'Bo's dead'. Are you kidding me.

Pretty much echoed my sentiments. I was a bit upset with how many blitzes Michigan threw at OSU in the first half as Smith was calmly tearing apart the UM secondary. I think Michigan was expecting Smith to run more as he did the last 2 years, but if you watched him this year, he has had a much stronger pocket presence.

I have to wonder what would have changed if that personal foul wasn't called on that 3rd and 15 on OSU's last TD drive. I think we could have won, but OSU definitely played better yesterday.

As far as a rematch, I am the same way. I can't sit there and root against USC/ND/FLA/ARK/etc so that my team can get a rematch. They didn't win their conference, so as much as it sucks, they shouldn't play a rematch. However, should a rematch occur, I would take it. Can you imagine how interesting it would be if Michigan were to beat OSU by like 1 on a neutral field?

CubColtPacer · November 19, 2006

I really wish ND would join the Big 10. They do play their fair share of amount of Big 10 teams and they would be the most logical choice to be the 12th Big 10 team. But, as mentioned, they won't do it because of money.

While I would agree that money is the primary consideration, there is the aspect that ND simply does not want to give up certain games. They feel the favor to Navy to give them an annual game is very important. They of course also would not want to take the USC game off the schedule. That's 2 of the 4 nonconference games already: and that doesn't address teams like Stanford and Boston College who the Irish want to play as much as possible, and also the 1 big game around the country that ND wants to play to get to as much of their fan base as possible. It would just be a really tough schedule fit for ND also, and there would have to be some tough choices and some problems with scheduling if they joined the Big 10-that and the money makes it pretty much impossible.

Soul · November 19, 2006

I really wish ND would join the Big 10. They do play their fair share of amount of Big 10 teams and they would be the most logical choice to be the 12th Big 10 team. But, as mentioned, they won't do it because of money.

While I would agree that money is the primary consideration, there is the aspect that ND simply does not want to give up certain games. They feel the favor to Navy to give them an annual game is very important. They of course also would not want to take the USC game off the schedule. That's 2 of the 4 nonconference games already: and that doesn't address teams like Stanford and Boston College who the Irish want to play as much as possible, and also the 1 big game around the country that ND wants to play to get to as much of their fan base as possible. It would just be a really tough schedule fit for ND also, and there would have to be some tough choices and some problems with scheduling if they joined the Big 10-that and the money makes it pretty much impossible.

Too bad. I agree it would be difficult, but with those 3 academy games on the schedule it really hurts the Irish in the new BCS-type scheme. Years ago, if the Irish were doing well they got the benefit of the doubt from the voters.

But now, with the big conferences tagged and given preference by voters, I just think it's going to be next to impossible for the Irish to be in the title game unless they go undefeated.

I think they should buckle down, make a few sacrifices, and joing the Big 10. But I agree it's probably not going to happen.

CubColtPacer · November 19, 2006

I really wish ND would join the Big 10. They do play their fair share of amount of Big 10 teams and they would be the most logical choice to be the 12th Big 10 team. But, as mentioned, they won't do it because of money.

While I would agree that money is the primary consideration, there is the aspect that ND simply does not want to give up certain games. They feel the favor to Navy to give them an annual game is very important. They of course also would not want to take the USC game off the schedule. That's 2 of the 4 nonconference games already: and that doesn't address teams like Stanford and Boston College who the Irish want to play as much as possible, and also the 1 big game around the country that ND wants to play to get to as much of their fan base as possible. It would just be a really tough schedule fit for ND also, and there would have to be some tough choices and some problems with scheduling if they joined the Big 10-that and the money makes it pretty much impossible.

Too bad. I agree it would be difficult, but with those 3 academy games on the schedule it really hurts the Irish in the new BCS-type scheme. Years ago, if the Irish were doing well they got the benefit of the doubt from the voters.

But now, with the big conferences tagged and given preference by voters, I just think it's going to be next to impossible for the Irish to be in the title game unless they go undefeated.

I think they should buckle down, make a few sacrifices, and joing the Big 10. But I agree it's probably not going to happen.

The academies are more highly rated then you think. Army is the only one of the acadmies that are in the bottom of the NCAA. The other 2? Navy is in the top 50 of the NCAA in just about every ranking, and Air Force is about the same this year as a team like Michigan State in one computer ranking I've seen.

They are overall not the best teams to play, but they are better than some of the other teams. That's why ND's schedule strength is still high in the computers, even though they have had few marquee games-because they simply haven't played many terribly rated teams either.

CubColtPacer · November 19, 2006

Spurrier to Miami? That's something I didn't expect:

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/111906aak.html

cubweiser03 · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)

2. Southern California

3. Michigan

4. Florida

5. Arkansas

6. Notre Dame

7. West Virginia

8. LSU

9. Wisconsin

10. Texas

11. Louisville

12. Boise State

13. Auburn

14. Oklahoma

15. Georgia Tech

16. Rutgers

17. Virginia Tech

18. Boston College

19. Nebraska

20. Wake Forest

21. Tennessee

22. California

23. Brigham Young

24. Clemson

25. Hawaii

CubColtPacer · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Notre Dame
7. West Virginia
8. LSU
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Louisville
12. Boise State
13. Auburn
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia Tech
16. Rutgers
17. Virginia Tech
18. Boston College
19. Nebraska
20. Wake Forest
21. Tennessee
22. California
23. Brigham Young
24. Clemson
25. Hawaii

Well, ND drops again-this time it is again unbelievable. Arkansas was not impressive against Miss State, and because of that game they move past ND? That's typical of how it's been this season (I did look it up-Arkansas was behind ND in the coaches poll last week).

Transmogrified Tiger · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Notre Dame
7. West Virginia
8. LSU
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Louisville
12. Boise State
13. Auburn
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia Tech
16. Rutgers
17. Virginia Tech
18. Boston College
19. Nebraska
20. Wake Forest
21. Tennessee
22. California
23. Brigham Young
24. Clemson
25. Hawaii

Well, ND drops again-this time it is again unbelievable. Arkansas was not impressive against Miss State, and because of that game they move past ND? That's typical of how it's been this season (I did look it up-Arkansas was behind ND in the coaches poll last week).

It's only 17 points.

Previous week aside, who do you think deserves to be ranked higher between the two? If it's Arkansas, then why does it matter?

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Notre Dame
7. West Virginia
8. LSU
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Louisville
12. Boise State
13. Auburn
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia Tech
16. Rutgers
17. Virginia Tech
18. Boston College
19. Nebraska
20. Wake Forest
21. Tennessee
22. California
23. Brigham Young
24. Clemson
25. Hawaii

Who in the world has Wisconsin beat to be rated ahead of Louisville? LSU? Texas? ND? I really love the old boy network.

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

Wisconsin is more unproven than both Louisville and WVU and has a weaker schedule as well.

Sagarin's SOS confirms it. Coming into this week Louisville was 24, WVU was 43 and Wisconsin was 60.

Seek professional help immediately.

Wisky is 6th Nationally in Total Defense per Game and 7th in Total Yds allowed. (And we should add at least 3 spots on both, b/c of Rutgers, Michigan, and LSU stats from today).

Coupled with a freshman 1500 yd rusher that is a pretty good combo.

Our only loss was Michigan, who we played tough on the road for over a half. Sure our non conf schedule was weaker than normal b/c the Mtn West and the MAC had down years (3 of our 4 non cons) but with just under 75% underclassmen, i dont understand why Bielema isnt a shoo in for coach of the year.

They play D2 teams they should have good numbers. You mentioned the only loss but tell us who they beat.

Mephistopheles · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Notre Dame
7. West Virginia
8. LSU
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Louisville
12. Boise State
13. Auburn
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia Tech
16. Rutgers
17. Virginia Tech
18. Boston College
19. Nebraska
20. Wake Forest
21. Tennessee
22. California
23. Brigham Young
24. Clemson
25. Hawaii

Well, ND drops again-this time it is again unbelievable. Arkansas was not impressive against Miss State, and because of that game they move past ND? That's typical of how it's been this season (I did look it up-Arkansas was behind ND in the coaches poll last week).

Rutgers lost, so perhaps the points that made ND ahead of Arkansas last week was because Akransas was behind Rutgers on a lot of peoples ballots. So they moved up one spot, but ND didnt gain anything on those ballots

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

And i was wrong earlier, WVU was eliminated by virtue of Cincy's Win tonight. When RU/WVU get together, RU gets the bid if they win and Louisville goes if WVU wins.

So whomever it is, i think they will play NDU in the Orange Bowl.
In that case:

Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma (Big 12) vs. Boise State (at large)
Rose Bowl - USC (Pac-10) vs. Florida (at large)
Sugar Bowl - ND (at large) vs. Arkansas (SEC)
Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech (ACC) vs. Louisville (Big East)
National title game - OSU (Big 10) vs. Michigan (at large)

- The Big 10 and Pac-10 champs are contracted with the Rose Bowl, the Big 12 champs with the Fiesta, the SEC with the Sugar, and the ACC with the Orange. The first pick of the other eligible teams goes to whatever bowl(s) lose their contracted teams to the title game, then it goes Sugar/Orange/Fiesta.

- The Rose Bowl will get the first pick since they lost OSU to the title game, but they won't want a USC/ND rematch (and they can't take Wisconsin to recreate the Big 10/Pac-10 rematch, which they say they'll do whenever possible), so they'll take Florida.

- Then the Sugar Bowl picks, and they'll take ND.

- Then the Orange, who will take Louisville.

- Then the Fiesta will be stuck with Boise State.

This would be just the way it'll go. That way the Big East team plays the ACC instead of the SEC or Big 10 team and that would prove that we belonged, now it's a lose/lose situation once again.

CubColtPacer · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Notre Dame
7. West Virginia
8. LSU
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Louisville
12. Boise State
13. Auburn
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia Tech
16. Rutgers
17. Virginia Tech
18. Boston College
19. Nebraska
20. Wake Forest
21. Tennessee
22. California
23. Brigham Young
24. Clemson
25. Hawaii

Well, ND drops again-this time it is again unbelievable. Arkansas was not impressive against Miss State, and because of that game they move past ND? That's typical of how it's been this season (I did look it up-Arkansas was behind ND in the coaches poll last week).

It's only 17 points.

Previous week aside, who do you think deserves to be ranked higher between the two? If it's Arkansas, then why does it matter?

I'm really not sure who deserves to be higher right now. Both of them have one blowout loss at home to one of the top 3 teams. Both of them have had a couple games that the other team helped them to win the game (Notre Dame-MSU, UCLA), Arkansas (Vandy, Alabama). Arkansas has beaten Auburn and Tennessee, while ND just has GT-but ND has played the better schedule overall so far.

The teams are very even, but I'm just frustrated because this has happened to ND 3 or 4 times this season. They win, and they drop. I thought going into this week that if ND struggled against Army and Arkansas destroyed Miss State, then Arkansas would probably go ahead. Instead, the opposite happened, and they still moved ahead. What in the games made them deserving to move ahead at all?

CubColtPacer · November 19, 2006

New Coaches poll from USA Today.....

1. Ohio State (63)
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Florida
5. Arkansas
6. Notre Dame
7. West Virginia
8. LSU
9. Wisconsin
10. Texas
11. Louisville
12. Boise State
13. Auburn
14. Oklahoma
15. Georgia Tech
16. Rutgers
17. Virginia Tech
18. Boston College
19. Nebraska
20. Wake Forest
21. Tennessee
22. California
23. Brigham Young
24. Clemson
25. Hawaii

Well, ND drops again-this time it is again unbelievable. Arkansas was not impressive against Miss State, and because of that game they move past ND? That's typical of how it's been this season (I did look it up-Arkansas was behind ND in the coaches poll last week).

Rutgers lost, so perhaps the points that made ND ahead of Arkansas last week was because Akransas was behind Rutgers on a lot of peoples ballots. So they moved up one spot, but ND didnt gain anything on those ballots

Now that's a probable explanation-thanks. It's just been frustrating with the polls the last few weeks.

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

buh bye Big East.

Not exactly. If WVU wins out, their only loss will be to Louisville on the road. They'll have a legitimate case. As would Louisville for that matter.

A legitimate case for what? :-k

The National Title game.

WVU over a school like Michigan, USC, or ND for the national title game? They wouldn't even be in the discussion.

They lost a close game, on the road, to another very good opponent in Louisville. They should most definitely be in the discussion.

I know Cuse has said it but I'm going to repeat it: the complete underestimation and disrespect for the Big East by some people is insane.

Then with all due respect, you & cuse aren't thinking clearly. The only thing that is insane is that teams like that make it up the rankings when they are clearly not in the same league as the power programs in the country.

Put WVU in the national title game and you have a 62-0 national embarrassment, while much more deserving programs play in lesser games as the country moans over not getting to see the best teams play for the title.

Are you kidding me? Did you see the WVU/Georgia game last year? Have you even seen WVU or Louisville play this year? The statement of yours that I bolded might just be the most ludicrous and insane statement I have ever heard or read in my life. Now, I'm not guaranteeing that WVU/Louisville would beat OSU. But it wouldn't be a blowout. Not at all.

It would be, but thankfully we won't have to see it. I watched both those clubs play this year quite a bit. They don't belong on the same field as OSU, Michigan, ND, USC for a national title. In fact, there isn't a Big East ballclub that could go through the SEC, Big 10, or Pac 10 with fewer than 3 conference losses.

Like I said, thankfully the voters realize this and WVU won't be in the discussion, nor will Louisville or Rutgers.

The fact that you think a WVU/OSU game wouldn't be a blowout in OSU's favor is simply insane. I appreciate your opinion and all, but I think it's out in left field with all due respect.

That's funny because I was thinking that those teams you mentioned wouldn't go undefeated in the Big East. I heard Kipper say the same thing and if he had it his way the SEC would be 1-2-3 in the standings but luckily the teams actually have to play instead of foolish assumptions.

cubweiser03 · November 19, 2006

New AP Poll per ESPN.

1. Ohio State (65) 12-0 1,625

2. Michigan 11-1 1,502

3. USC 9-1 1,493

4. Florida 10-1 1,451

5. Arkansas 10-1 1,365

6. Notre Dame 10-1 1,307

7. West Virginia 9-1 1,144

8. Louisville 9-1 1,078

9. LSU 9-2 1,075

10. Wisconsin 11-1 1,049

11. Texas 9-2 1,028

12. Boise State 11-0 878

13. Oklahoma 9-2 856

14. Auburn 10-2 822

15. Rutgers 9-1 736

16. Georgia Tech 9-2 667

17. Virginia Tech 9-2 583

18. Boston College 9-2 516

19. Tennessee 8-3 404

20. Wake Forest 9-2 355

21. Brigham Young 9-2 325

22. California 8-3 302

23. Nebraska 8-3 258

24. Clemson 8-3 122

25. Hawaii 9-2 89

Andy · November 19, 2006

Unless I'm mistaken, ND's the only team in the nation to drop after a win, and it's now happened three times.

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

New AP Poll per ESPN.

1. Ohio State (65) 12-0 1,625
2. Michigan 11-1 1,502
3. USC 9-1 1,493
4. Florida 10-1 1,451
5. Arkansas 10-1 1,365
6. Notre Dame 10-1 1,307
7. West Virginia 9-1 1,144
8. Louisville 9-1 1,078
9. LSU 9-2 1,075
10. Wisconsin 11-1 1,049
11. Texas 9-2 1,028
12. Boise State 11-0 878
13. Oklahoma 9-2 856
14. Auburn 10-2 822
15. Rutgers 9-1 736
16. Georgia Tech 9-2 667
17. Virginia Tech 9-2 583
18. Boston College 9-2 516
19. Tennessee 8-3 404
20. Wake Forest 9-2 355
21. Brigham Young 9-2 325
22. California 8-3 302
23. Nebraska 8-3 258
24. Clemson 8-3 122
25. Hawaii 9-2 89

I think that's a bit better than the Coaches. I suppose Florida beating WCarolina really impressed the voters.

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

Unless I'm mistaken, ND's the only team in the nation to drop after a win, and it's now happened three times.

You should have played Western Carolina and beat them 62-0.

Andy · November 19, 2006

Unless I'm mistaken, ND's the only team in the nation to drop after a win, and it's now happened three times.

You should have played Western Carolina and beat them 62-0.

If we were like Florida and were still throwing up 55, I have no doubt we would have.

Andy · November 19, 2006

I take it back, Florida did just drop from 3 to 4 after the WCU game, so ND's not alone. Give the voters credit for that at least.

soccer10k · November 19, 2006

To make it work both ways, can those teams stop Slaton and White or Brian Brohm's offense? It's all a matter of which side you're on in the debate. OSU, maybe. But USC's defense isn't as good. ND's defense is worse than both Louisville's and WVU's in average ypg allowed.

Those Big East teams have those stats because they play in the Big East

Hello? None of those ballclubs could hold a candle to the top Big 10, Pac 10, or SEC teams if they played those kind of conference schedules. They'd have been beat down by the end of October, and that's just a fact man.

The biggest travesty in the world would be to watch a team that has played junk all year to stay fresh get a free ride to the national title game where they play a real ballclub that has had to go up against big program after big program all year long.

I'd love a playoff system because it would finally once and for all reveal these 240-lb DT schools for the weak sisters that they are.

Here's your national title game, soc:

Ohio State -24 1/2
West Virgina

Oh yeah, can't wait for that one!! The whole country will be putting their New Year's resolutions on hold to catch that! Please.

Come on man, would you get real? Cuse hasn't been here, but could you tell him to get real too? Thanks.

The Big 10 has two, maybe three (we'll see with Wisconsin) good teams. The rest of the conference is crap. You don't think WVU and Louisville could go crazy on the likes of MSU, Minnesota and Northwestern? Now the Pac-10 which is a conference known for offense. You don't think Louisville could put up those numbers there? You, my friend, are the one that needs to get real.

CuseCubFan69 · November 19, 2006

I take it back, Florida did just drop from 3 to 4 after the WCU game, so ND's not alone. Give the voters credit for that at least.

I still don't understand why Florida is ahead of Arkansas but at least the Hogs get a chance on the field to prove they are better.

soccer10k · November 19, 2006

And i was wrong earlier, WVU was eliminated by virtue of Cincy's Win tonight. When RU/WVU get together, RU gets the bid if they win and Louisville goes if WVU wins.

So whomever it is, i think they will play NDU in the Orange Bowl.
In that case:

Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma (Big 12) vs. Boise State (at large)
Rose Bowl - USC (Pac-10) vs. Florida (at large)
Sugar Bowl - ND (at large) vs. Arkansas (SEC)
Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech (ACC) vs. Louisville (Big East)
National title game - OSU (Big 10) vs. Michigan (at large)

- The Big 10 and Pac-10 champs are contracted with the Rose Bowl, the Big 12 champs with the Fiesta, the SEC with the Sugar, and the ACC with the Orange. The first pick of the other eligible teams goes to whatever bowl(s) lose their contracted teams to the title game, then it goes Sugar/Orange/Fiesta.

- The Rose Bowl will get the first pick since they lost OSU to the title game, but they won't want a USC/ND rematch (and they can't take Wisconsin to recreate the Big 10/Pac-10 rematch, which they say they'll do whenever possible), so they'll take Florida.

- Then the Sugar Bowl picks, and they'll take ND.

- Then the Orange, who will take Louisville.

- Then the Fiesta will be stuck with Boise State.

This would be just the way it'll go. That way the Big East team plays the ACC instead of the SEC or Big 10 team and that would prove that we belonged, now it's a lose/lose situation once again.

As I said a couple pages back, it wouldn't be out of the question for WVU to get a second BCS bid for the Big East if they win out.

College Football - Week of 11/18

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