College Football - Week of 9/15

[fiver]

Warp,

 

I believe you posed a question about Kodi Burns in last weeks thread. It's taken me several days to care about football again after the Auburn loss this past weekend. Specifically, you asked whether Kodi was the #2 QB at Auburn presently. The short answer is "no". Tubberville would like to redshirt the freshman this year, and Blake Fields is presently the #2 QB. However, Kodi has been getting quite a few reps in practice, and there was an article in the Mobile paper today that suggested that we may see Kodi Burns against Mississippi State this weekend. They made mention of him being utilized for the remainder of this season similarly to how Tim Tebow was used by Florida last year. He definitely possesses far more talent than Cox or Fields.

 

 

Also..you asked about Ziemba. Because Auburn only returned one starter on the o-line from last year, Ziemba is STARTING at tackle. He's going to be great, but he's not great this year.

 

Wow. The Hogs really missed out on those two. Ziemba looks to be a beast in a couple years with all that experience. He's not starting on the left, is he? That would be crazy.

 

Ziemba starts at right tackle this year, but Cox is left handed, so that is his blind side. King Dunlap is the starting left tackle and was supposed to be making his case for first round draft status but has disappointed everyone in the first two games.

[Warpticon]

That's a shame, since King Dunlap is such an awesome name. Especially for a lineman.

[fiver]

That's a shame, since King Dunlap is such an awesome name. Especially for a lineman.

 

agree...I enjoy saying it. They also have a freshman at right guard, so Cox has to trust two freshmen over there to protect his blind side during a pass rush....

 

What are your thoughts on the Arkansas-Bama game? How is Arkansas's offensive line this year? Didn't they lose some starters there from last year?

[inari]

Iowa State has been embarrassed at home by the Kent State Fighting Librarians and I-AA Northern Iowa.

 

They will redeem themselves in their fans eyes and piss me off by beating what should be a heavily favored Iowa team next week.

 

This is from way earlier in the thread, but I had to address it.

 

As much as Ferentz seems to have a tough time getting the players properly prepared for "lesser" opponents (see Indiana last year, Northwestern every year), this Iowa State team is woefully bad. I'd say the Hawks have next to no real chance of losing the game. The defense looked great against Northern, and absolutely everything was clicking against Syracuse.

[Warpticon]

That's a shame, since King Dunlap is such an awesome name. Especially for a lineman.

 

agree...I enjoy saying it. They also have a freshman at right guard, so Cox has to trust two freshmen over there to protect his blind side during a pass rush....

 

What are your thoughts on the Arkansas-Bama game? How is Arkansas's offensive line this year? Didn't they lose some starters there from last year?

 

I think the line is solid. They looked exceptional against Troy. They lost three starters from last year's line, but everybody playing now got significant playing time. Nate Garner's dad worked with me for a while last year.

 

To me, the big question marks for the Hogs is the passing game on both sides of the ball. The secondary is still questionable at this point, and a receiver needs to step up and be available to make big plays. Being without Monk hurts a LOT. If Monk were playing, I'd feel comfortable picking the Hogs in this game. As it is, I'm just hoping they can generate enough offense in the passing game to keep things open for the best backfield in the nation. David Lee says he didn't expose much of the playbook against Troy in preparation for Bama, so we'll have to see.

 

I'm still more confident in this game than Kentucky.

[fiver]

 

I think the line is solid. They looked exceptional against Troy. They lost three starters from last year's line, but everybody playing now got significant playing time. Nate Garner's dad worked with me for a while last year.

 

To me, the big question marks for the Hogs is the passing game on both sides of the ball. The secondary is still questionable at this point, and a receiver needs to step up and be available to make big plays. Being without Monk hurts a LOT. If Monk were playing, I'd feel comfortable picking the Hogs in this game. As it is, I'm just hoping they can generate enough offense in the passing game to keep things open for the best backfield in the nation. David Lee says he didn't expose much of the playbook against Troy in preparation for Bama, so we'll have to see.

 

I'm still more confident in this game than Kentucky.

 

John Parker Wilson didn't throw the ball accurately against Vanderbilt, but he's generally a pretty good passer and DJ Hall is a solid receiver, so your secondary will probably get their test. It's really hard to judge what Alabama has this year, because they haven't exactly played quality teams in their first two games. If their freshman RB, Terry Grant, is able to run the ball as he has so far this year, then this is going to be a tight one. Alabama's o-line is improved. Sophomore OT Andre Smith is already one of the best in the nation, IMO.

 

Both teams have excellent kick and punt returners...should be an exciting game. I'm pretty sure Arkansas wins though.

[SouthSideRyan]

Re: Ties

 

In your Big Ten for example, Wisconsin beats OSU, OSU beats Penn St., Penn St. beats Wisconsin. 3 teams, 1 loss, who goes to the conference championship. This reminds of the radical realignment plans that were floated around with baseball, only more radical.

 

A tie could still happen in the Big 10 now without a conference championship game. Wisconsin beats OSU, OSU beats Penn St., Penn St. beats Wisconsin. All have one loss, which one gets the BCS berth?

 

Right nothing would have changed.

[Derwood]

Re: Ties

 

In your Big Ten for example, Wisconsin beats OSU, OSU beats Penn St., Penn St. beats Wisconsin. 3 teams, 1 loss, who goes to the conference championship. This reminds of the radical realignment plans that were floated around with baseball, only more radical.

 

A tie could still happen in the Big 10 now without a conference championship game. Wisconsin beats OSU, OSU beats Penn St., Penn St. beats Wisconsin. All have one loss, which one gets the BCS berth?

 

Right nothing would have changed.

 

well they've clearly figured out this problem in the SEC and Big 12....

[jjgman21]

While I don't think it would be substantial enough to deter Miles from leaving LSU for Michigan, it would hit someone in the wallet.

 

nd just in case, Bertman had Miles and his agent, George Bass of Dallas, agree to the Michigan item on page 10 of Miles' 20-page contract that was signed on Jan. 21, 2005.

 

Under "Termination of Coach," the contract reads:

 

"Coach covenants and agrees that as part of the consideration of this agreement he will not seek nor will he accept employment as a football coach at the University of Michigan for the term of this agreement. It being expressly understood that should coach accept employment at the University of Michigan, coach shall pay to the University (LSU) in lieu of all other legal remedies, liquidated damages in the sum of one million two hundred fifty ($1,250,000.00) dollars and will forfeit any claim to funds under Section 11 of this contract."

 

Link.

 

if I were able to render legal opinions, I would say that contract provision is unenforceable. liquidated damages provisions are enforced if they reflect a reasonable approximation of damages that would be suffered upon breech. liquidated damages provisions are unenforceable if they are merely a penalty, which are never awarded in contract disputes.

 

the award of damages certainly isn't reasonable as there is no basis upon which to conclude that LSU would suffer 1.25M in damages if Miles left Michigan. it also is an obvious penalty as this provision only applies if he leaves for Michigan and states no reason why leaving for Michigan in particular would lead to such damages.

 

in reality, there would be a negotiated buyout, where Miles returned a lesser amount to LSU. Miles should negotiate a price somewhere around the amount that it would actually cost LSU to find a new coach. speculation about what this will cost LSU in lost revenues is just that, speculation, and will not be allowed into evidence and therefore not considered in the damages award.

 

but I'm not allowed to render legal opinions, so Les, if you're reading, please disregard this post. if LSU's lawyer is reading this, you should be ashamed of yourself, as you know all the above to be true.

[OleMissCub]

While I don't think it would be substantial enough to deter Miles from leaving LSU for Michigan, it would hit someone in the wallet.

 

nd just in case, Bertman had Miles and his agent, George Bass of Dallas, agree to the Michigan item on page 10 of Miles' 20-page contract that was signed on Jan. 21, 2005.

 

Under "Termination of Coach," the contract reads:

 

"Coach covenants and agrees that as part of the consideration of this agreement he will not seek nor will he accept employment as a football coach at the University of Michigan for the term of this agreement. It being expressly understood that should coach accept employment at the University of Michigan, coach shall pay to the University (LSU) in lieu of all other legal remedies, liquidated damages in the sum of one million two hundred fifty ($1,250,000.00) dollars and will forfeit any claim to funds under Section 11 of this contract."

 

Link.

 

I'm not sure if that would be enforceable. LSU would have to show that they'd suffer that amount of damages (which would be hard to do I think), otherwise it's just a flatout penalty, and that seems a bit unenforceable.

 

I've forgotten a good bit from Employment Law unfortunately, so I'm not totally sure.

[Soul]

It does sound like a strange provision...

[Exile on Waveland]

While I don't think it would be substantial enough to deter Miles from leaving LSU for Michigan, it would hit someone in the wallet.

 

nd just in case, Bertman had Miles and his agent, George Bass of Dallas, agree to the Michigan item on page 10 of Miles' 20-page contract that was signed on Jan. 21, 2005.

 

Under "Termination of Coach," the contract reads:

 

"Coach covenants and agrees that as part of the consideration of this agreement he will not seek nor will he accept employment as a football coach at the University of Michigan for the term of this agreement. It being expressly understood that should coach accept employment at the University of Michigan, coach shall pay to the University (LSU) in lieu of all other legal remedies, liquidated damages in the sum of one million two hundred fifty ($1,250,000.00) dollars and will forfeit any claim to funds under Section 11 of this contract."

 

Link.

 

if I were able to render legal opinions, I would say that contract provision is unenforceable. liquidated damages provisions are enforced if they reflect a reasonable approximation of damages that would be suffered upon breech. liquidated damages provisions are unenforceable if they are merely a penalty, which are never awarded in contract disputes.

 

the award of damages certainly isn't reasonable as there is no basis upon which to conclude that LSU would suffer 1.25M in damages if Miles left Michigan. it also is an obvious penalty as this provision only applies if he leaves for Michigan and states no reason why leaving for Michigan in particular would lead to such damages.

 

in reality, there would be a negotiated buyout, where Miles returned a lesser amount to LSU. Miles should negotiate a price somewhere around the amount that it would actually cost LSU to find a new coach. speculation about what this will cost LSU in lost revenues is just that, speculation, and will not be allowed into evidence and therefore not considered in the damages award.

 

but I'm not allowed to render legal opinions, so Les, if you're reading, please disregard this post. if LSU's lawyer is reading this, you should be ashamed of yourself, as you know all the above to be true.

 

If I were able to render legal opinions, I'd agree with this.

[da bears]

This is for the Mizzou fans.

 

My roommate used to work in the athletic department, and he went in today and said his former boss said that there's more than a 50% that the Mizzou-Nebraska game will be a night game. This is not the first I've heard this. I was at Harpo's on Thursday night and one of the bar tenders was on the phone talking about the home football games and he mentioned that its very likely that it'll be a night game. This goes along with the KC Star report that said Mizzou was in negotiations with ESPN for a night game.

 

Man I hope so. We are probably the only Big 12 team that hasn't had a night conference game since I've been in school. I've heard that it could be a 6 oclock game or an 8 oclock game. Also, rumor is either ABC or ESPN.

[Butterscup1679666578]

This is for the Mizzou fans.

 

My roommate used to work in the athletic department, and he went in today and said his former boss said that there's more than a 50% that the Mizzou-Nebraska game will be a night game. This is not the first I've heard this. I was at Harpo's on Thursday night and one of the bar tenders was on the phone talking about the home football games and he mentioned that its very likely that it'll be a night game. This goes along with the KC Star report that said Mizzou was in negotiations with ESPN for a night game.

 

Man I hope so. We are probably the only Big 12 team that hasn't had a night conference game since I've been in school. I've heard that it could be a 6 oclock game or an 8 oclock game. Also, rumor is either ABC or ESPN.

 

I'm a student assistant in the Media Relations Department and my main supervisor (the Director of Media Relations) told us that "it will more than likely be a night game" and we've been in talks with ABC and ESPN about it for awhile now. This is all assuming that Mizzou is still undefeated and Nebraska is still ranked (which should happen even if they lose to USC this weekend).

[TruffleShuffle]

For those of who watched the PSU-ND game on Saturday, you'll understand the new website:

 

http://jcspn.com/

[Jon]

Northwestern just announced new home and home series with Rice and BC. NU plays in Houston on Sept. 18, 2010 and then will host the Owls on Nov. 19, 2011. They'll play at Boston College on Sept. 3, 2011 and then host them on Sept. 15, 2012. Next September is the first of the Syracuse series, as well.

 

In addition, the Ohio road game for next season is now a home game, giving up 7 home games for consecutive seasons. Not that Ohio will be much of a challenge, but it'll be nice having 7 home games for Sutton and Bacher's senior seasons (not to mention no PSU or Wisconsin).

[Derwood]

Northwestern just announced new home and home series with Rice and BC. NU plays in Houston on Sept. 18, 2010 and then will host the Owls on Nov. 19, 2011. They'll play at Boston College on Sept. 3, 2011 and then host them on Sept. 15, 2012. Next September is the first of the Syracuse series, as well.

 

In addition, the Ohio road game for next season is now a home game, giving up 7 home games for consecutive seasons. Not that Ohio will be much of a challenge, but it'll be nice having 7 home games for Sutton and Bacher's senior seasons (not to mention no PSU or Wisconsin).

 

Northwestern plays Syracuse too? The Orange are working their way through the Big 10 it seems (Illinois this year, PSU and NU next year, etc.)

[Jon]

Northwestern just announced new home and home series with Rice and BC. NU plays in Houston on Sept. 18, 2010 and then will host the Owls on Nov. 19, 2011. They'll play at Boston College on Sept. 3, 2011 and then host them on Sept. 15, 2012. Next September is the first of the Syracuse series, as well.

 

In addition, the Ohio road game for next season is now a home game, giving up 7 home games for consecutive seasons. Not that Ohio will be much of a challenge, but it'll be nice having 7 home games for Sutton and Bacher's senior seasons (not to mention no PSU or Wisconsin).

 

Northwestern plays Syracuse too? The Orange are working their way through the Big 10 it seems (Illinois this year, PSU and NU next year, etc.)

The four-game series begins next season. They come to Evanston in 2008 and 2013 while we go there in 2009 and 2012. The deal was announced 2-3 years ago, I believe.

[Andy]

For those of who watched the PSU-ND game on Saturday, you'll understand the new website:

 

http://jcspn.com/

Can't tell you how funny it is that the media outlet that despises Notre Dame the most is being called out for talking about them too much.

 

NARF

[TruffleShuffle]

For those of who watched the PSU-ND game on Saturday, you'll understand the new website:

 

http://jcspn.com/

Can't tell you how funny it is that the media outlet that despises Notre Dame the most is being called out for talking about them too much.

 

NARF

 

ESPN despises Notre Dame? That's funny, because I could've sworn that they spent more time talking about ND during Saturday's game than they did about spent talking about their opponent, which happened to be much better, and also relevant in a major conference race, if not the national championship picture.

 

But in any case, those who watched Saturday's game and have a sense of humor should find the link above to be funny.

[inari]

Northwestern just announced new home and home series with Rice and BC. NU plays in Houston on Sept. 18, 2010 and then will host the Owls on Nov. 19, 2011. They'll play at Boston College on Sept. 3, 2011 and then host them on Sept. 15, 2012. Next September is the first of the Syracuse series, as well.

 

In addition, the Ohio road game for next season is now a home game, giving up 7 home games for consecutive seasons. Not that Ohio will be much of a challenge, but it'll be nice having 7 home games for Sutton and Bacher's senior seasons (not to mention no PSU or Wisconsin).

 

Northwestern plays Syracuse too? The Orange are working their way through the Big 10 it seems (Illinois this year, PSU and NU next year, etc.)

 

My money is on SU being the next addition to the Big Ten, so consider this their trial run.

[Flames24Rulz]

Northwestern just announced new home and home series with Rice and BC. NU plays in Houston on Sept. 18, 2010 and then will host the Owls on Nov. 19, 2011. They'll play at Boston College on Sept. 3, 2011 and then host them on Sept. 15, 2012. Next September is the first of the Syracuse series, as well.

 

In addition, the Ohio road game for next season is now a home game, giving up 7 home games for consecutive seasons. Not that Ohio will be much of a challenge, but it'll be nice having 7 home games for Sutton and Bacher's senior seasons (not to mention no PSU or Wisconsin).

 

Already looking forward to the SIU-NU game next year.

[Andy]

For those of who watched the PSU-ND game on Saturday, you'll understand the new website:

 

http://jcspn.com/

Can't tell you how funny it is that the media outlet that despises Notre Dame the most is being called out for talking about them too much.

 

NARF

 

ESPN despises Notre Dame? That's funny, because I could've sworn that they spent more time talking about ND during Saturday's game than they did about spent talking about their opponent, which happened to be much better, and also relevant in a major conference race, if not the national championship picture.

 

But in any case, those who watched Saturday's game and have a sense of humor should find the link above to be funny.

They talked about us because that's what they think people want to hear. Apart from Jimmy, you'll notice not much of it was complimentary (nor should it have been).

 

I put up with ND getting a ton of attention because it means I get to see most all their games on TV, but that doesn't mean I like it.

[hawkeyecub]

For those of who watched the PSU-ND game on Saturday, you'll understand the new website:

 

http://jcspn.com/

Can't tell you how funny it is that the media outlet that despises Notre Dame the most is being called out for talking about them too much.

 

NARF

 

ESPN despises Notre Dame? That's funny, because I could've sworn that they spent more time talking about ND during Saturday's game than they did about spent talking about their opponent, which happened to be much better, and also relevant in a major conference race, if not the national championship picture.

 

But in any case, those who watched Saturday's game and have a sense of humor should find the link above to be funny.

They talked about us because that's what they think people want to hear. Apart from Jimmy, you'll notice not much of it was complimentary (nor should it have been).

 

I put up with ND getting a ton of attention because it means I get to see most all their games on TV, but that doesn't mean I like it.

 

How can you completely miss the point? JCSPN as in Jimmy Classen. The whole page was centered around Claussen. That is well-deserved when they compared his debut to LeBron, Sidney Crosby and God knows who else. When I saw the tease about that coming after the commercial, I turned away immediately.

 

Saying they despise Notre Dame is absurd. They've slurped on Charlie since he took over. They slurped on Brady to no end. They've done features on Zbikowski. They get 20 times more coverage than they merit and hardly any of it is with a negative slant. The only negative they get is from Mark May and maybe Corso. Holtz evens that out.

[Derwood]

ESPN : Hating ND :: Joe Buck : Hating Cubs/Bears

 

 

the point being, some fans are just hypersensitive to any perceived criticism towards their team, often overstating the actual "bias" against their team