College Football - Week of Nov. 28th

[Jon]

Iowa fans: What was the experience like last year with the Outback?

 

The Outback certainly has an advantage over the Alamo because it's Florida vs. San Antonio (though a great city if you're only going to spend 1 day exploring), but when it comes down to a possible Outback vs. Champs, I don't see any advantage that the Outback possesses. Yes, it's a January bowl game, but there are now 14 January bowl games and it's played early in the morning, which also makes it a little worse for travel. Champs, on the other hand, has a Tuesday night in primetime all to itself. Last year's Monday night Alamo Bowl drew 50% more viewers than the Outback. From everything I've seen, I'd much prefer Champs to the Outback.

 

Of course, I don't think we're going to jump Wisconsin anyways.

 

What is it about an early game that makes you think it's worse for travelling? I'd take the Outback bowl without question. I much prefer Tampa to Orlando, I'd rather go down there, enjoy new years with the added anticipation of a big game the next morning, plus leaving you the rest of the day after it ends to do as you please. Day football is more enjoyable than night games. As a TV viewer I love waking up and turning on that first game early sitting on the couch.

You're on the east coast, though. The game starts at 11 AM eastern, meaning 8 AM on the west coast. And 2 hours later, the Capital One bowl begins. That's the big reason why the Outback drew 4 million viewers last year and the Alamo drew 6 million. Northwestern needs the continued national exposure, so an only game of the night would be advantageous. It would also be nice to have a televised night game. We've played 1 night game all year and that was only on ESPN360 (@ Syracuse). There were a pair of mid-afternoon starts in Evanston, but aside from that, they've all been 11 AM central games.

 

It would personally be better for traveling since I can't stay that long. I'd go in the evening before, enjoy Orlando the day of the game, and leave the following morning. For those making a full vacation out of it, it makes no difference. But if you're really just going in for the game, it's easier to deal with hotels this way.

[jersey cubs fan]

You're on the east coast, though. The game starts at 11 AM eastern, meaning 8 AM on the west coast. And 2 hours later, the Capital One bowl begins. That's the big reason why the Outback drew 4 million viewers last year and the Alamo drew 6 million. Northwestern needs the continued national exposure, so an only game of the night would be advantageous. It would also be nice to have a televised night game. We've played 1 night game all year and that was only on ESPN360 (@ Syracuse). There were a pair of mid-afternoon starts in Evanston, but aside from that, they've all been 11 AM central games.

 

It would personally be better for traveling since I can't stay that long. I'd go in the evening before, enjoy Orlando the day of the game, and leave the following morning. For those making a full vacation out of it, it makes no difference. But if you're really just going in for the game, it's easier to deal with hotels this way.

 

I'm not sure what a couple more million eyeballs are going to do for Northwestern. And for travel, why wouldn't you just go down new years eve day and leave after the game? If you can't stay long, the night game isn't any better for getting in and out.

 

Plus, there is nothing to enjoy in Orlando, it sucks.

[dew1679666265]

CFN is full of crap if they think a 6-6 UGA with 2 losses in its final 2 games gets into a Bowl above a 6-6 UT with a better finish and a head to head win.

 

Or they think the Atlanta based bowl would pick the team based in that state?

 

Don't they want the fans to travel and spend money in their town and stay in their hotels, etc? If so, they'd likely take Tennessee - which is just far enough away for some people to choose to at least spend the night before and after - over Georgia, whose fans can drive to the game on gameday.

 

That said, I really don't see Kentucky getting an Outback Bowl bid and Tennessee getting a Music City bowl bid. The only chance of that happening, I think, is for Tennessee to lose (and maybe convincingly) to UK. A Tennessee loss to Kentucky could happen, but even if it did, Tennessee travels better than UK, is a "bigger name" in football circles and has the potential for more fans to show up due to the Monte/Tampa area tie.

 

Kentucky to the Outback is extremely unlikely. UT or Auburn (or even Georgia) would be picked first.

 

If UK finishes 2nd in the SEC East by beating UT on Sat., I can't see any reason how UK doesn't go to the Outback at 8-4 (4-4).

 

I was thinking they'd be 7-5 (one game better than UT). Assuming a UK win, at 8-4 I could see them getting an Outback bowl bid over UT. The winner Saturday will probably go to the Outback and the loser will likely go to the Chick-Fil-A or Music City bowl.

 

As for the game itself, I'm expecting a good game. Especially since it'll be in Lexington. Monte and the UT defense will need to contain Randall Cobb and it'll be interesting to see how the UT offense attacks Kentucky's defense. Our linebacking corps has been decimated, so slowing down Cobb/Locke will be tough.

 

I haven't watched much UK football the past couple of weeks, is Hartline back starting? Cobb had been running quite a bit at QB in whichever the last game I watched was and I think I remember Hartline being hurt, but I'm not sure.

[Jon]

You're on the east coast, though. The game starts at 11 AM eastern, meaning 8 AM on the west coast. And 2 hours later, the Capital One bowl begins. That's the big reason why the Outback drew 4 million viewers last year and the Alamo drew 6 million. Northwestern needs the continued national exposure, so an only game of the night would be advantageous. It would also be nice to have a televised night game. We've played 1 night game all year and that was only on ESPN360 (@ Syracuse). There were a pair of mid-afternoon starts in Evanston, but aside from that, they've all been 11 AM central games.

 

It would personally be better for traveling since I can't stay that long. I'd go in the evening before, enjoy Orlando the day of the game, and leave the following morning. For those making a full vacation out of it, it makes no difference. But if you're really just going in for the game, it's easier to deal with hotels this way.

 

I'm not sure what a couple more million eyeballs are going to do for Northwestern. And for travel, why wouldn't you just go down new years eve day and leave after the game? If you can't stay long, the night game isn't any better for getting in and out.

 

Plus, there is nothing to enjoy in Orlando, it sucks.

I think it's pretty significant for Northwestern. If it was Wisconsin or Michigan State, then things would be different. But I think the ratings really do matter.

 

Since I won't be renting a car, I wouldn't have anywhere to put my bag after checking out if I left new years day when I'd go to the game.

[Vanilla Ice]

So, does TCU make the championship game if Texas were to lose this week or in the Big 12 championship?

[UK1679666180]

 

I was thinking they'd be 7-5 (one game better than UT). Assuming a UK win, at 8-4 I could see them getting an Outback bowl bid over UT. The winner Saturday will probably go to the Outback and the loser will likely go to the Chick-Fil-A or Music City bowl.

 

As for the game itself, I'm expecting a good game. Especially since it'll be in Lexington. Monte and the UT defense will need to contain Randall Cobb and it'll be interesting to see how the UT offense attacks Kentucky's defense. Our linebacking corps has been decimated, so slowing down Cobb/Locke will be tough.

 

I haven't watched much UK football the past couple of weeks, is Hartline back starting? Cobb had been running quite a bit at QB in whichever the last game I watched was and I think I remember Hartline being hurt, but I'm not sure.

 

Hartline will be out till the whatever bowl game they're in. They have Fresh. Morgan Newton starting at QB, who's been solid but not spectacular (5-1 as a starter).

[hawkeyecub]

Jersey is right. Orlando sucks. From everything I've heard the stadium is old and terrible. The area around the stadium is even worse. Basically everything around the Outback Bowl is better than the Cap One except the timeslot and the team you play. Because of that I'd rather be in the Cap One than Outback, but Champs Sports over Outback? No way.

Tampa caters to the visitors and you're playing on New Year's Day in a really nice stadium against a top 4 SEC team. Compared to Dec. 29th in Orlando in a terrible stadium and area against a mediocre ACC team.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think it's pretty significant for Northwestern. If it was Wisconsin or Michigan State, then things would be different. But I think the ratings really do matter.

 

Since I won't be renting a car, I wouldn't have anywhere to put my bag after checking out if I left new years day when I'd go to the game.

 

I do this all the time, leave your bags at the hotel. Most of them have that option, either with the bellhops or somewhere else.

 

Your night game plan requires a 2-night stay anyway. You can do the day game with a 1 night stay, or just as easily add a 2nd night after the game.

 

And really, what do you think those extra eyeballs are going to do for Northwestern? It's great to get the exposure of a bowl game, but outside the difference of a weedeater bowl vs the rose bowl, I really don't see any advantage to being on one with a slightly larger audience. It can only be a negligible advantage.

 

I really think you're making a mistake by glossing over the "stuck in Orlando" factor. That town sucks.

[TheVolCub08]

I think it's pretty significant for Northwestern. If it was Wisconsin or Michigan State, then things would be different. But I think the ratings really do matter.

 

Since I won't be renting a car, I wouldn't have anywhere to put my bag after checking out if I left new years day when I'd go to the game.

 

I do this all the time, leave your bags at the hotel. Most of them have that option, either with the bellhops or somewhere else.

 

Your night game plan requires a 2-night stay anyway. You can do the day game with a 1 night stay, or just as easily add a 2nd night after the game.

 

And really, what do you think those extra eyeballs are going to do for Northwestern? It's great to get the exposure of a bowl game, but outside the difference of a weedeater bowl vs the rose bowl, I really don't see any advantage to being on one with a slightly larger audience. It can only be a negligible advantage.

 

I really think you're making a mistake by glossing over the "stuck in Orlando" factor. That town sucks.

 

Not to mention difference in payouts, which might not be significant, but in this economy, even $500k is nothing to sneeze at.

[Andy]

So, does TCU make the championship game if Texas were to lose this week or in the Big 12 championship?

I think they should be in the championship game whether Texas loses or not.

[Vanilla Ice]

So, does TCU make the championship game if Texas were to lose this week or in the Big 12 championship?

I think they should be in the championship game whether Texas loses or not.

But, that obviously won't happen. You think we could actually see a team outside the power conferences make the championship game this year?

[shnsajax]

So, does TCU make the championship game if Texas were to lose this week or in the Big 12 championship?

I think they should be in the championship game whether Texas loses or not.

 

I think they have a very legit chance against Florida, Bama, or Texas. I hope they play the SEC loser just to see how they stack up.

[dew1679666265]

 

I was thinking they'd be 7-5 (one game better than UT). Assuming a UK win, at 8-4 I could see them getting an Outback bowl bid over UT. The winner Saturday will probably go to the Outback and the loser will likely go to the Chick-Fil-A or Music City bowl.

 

As for the game itself, I'm expecting a good game. Especially since it'll be in Lexington. Monte and the UT defense will need to contain Randall Cobb and it'll be interesting to see how the UT offense attacks Kentucky's defense. Our linebacking corps has been decimated, so slowing down Cobb/Locke will be tough.

 

I haven't watched much UK football the past couple of weeks, is Hartline back starting? Cobb had been running quite a bit at QB in whichever the last game I watched was and I think I remember Hartline being hurt, but I'm not sure.

 

Hartline will be out till the whatever bowl game they're in. They have Fresh. Morgan Newton starting at QB, who's been solid but not spectacular (5-1 as a starter).

 

Thanks. I've heard good things about Newton, but didn't realize he was starting.

[hawkeyecub]

 

Not to mention difference in payouts, which might not be significant, but in this economy, even $500k is nothing to sneeze at.

 

The Big Ten splits the bowl money up.

[Exile on Waveland]

 

Not to mention difference in payouts, which might not be significant, but in this economy, even $500k is nothing to sneeze at.

 

The Big Ten splits the bowl money up.

 

Commies.

[Guest]

So, does TCU make the championship game if Texas were to lose this week or in the Big 12 championship?

I think they should be in the championship game whether Texas loses or not.

But, that obviously won't happen. You think we could actually see a team outside the power conferences make the championship game this year?

 

I'd absolutely put TCU in the title game if Texas slips up. Their SOS is just as good as Cincinnati's and they blasted BYU and Utah, their two biggest games. It would take Cincinnati beating Pittsburgh in a similar fashion in two weeks for me to change my mind.

[Derwood]

so, the Big Ten is done, which means the Pac 10 has, what, 5 more weeks left?

[Exile on Waveland]

I'm not exactly sure why an undefeated Texas team should inherently take precedence over an undefeated TCU team. Other than BCS conference bias and name recognition.

[TruffleShuffle]

So, does TCU make the championship game if Texas were to lose this week or in the Big 12 championship?

I think they should be in the championship game whether Texas loses or not.

But, that obviously won't happen. You think we could actually see a team outside the power conferences make the championship game this year?

 

I'd absolutely put TCU in the title game if Texas slips up. Their SOS is just as good as Cincinnati's and they blasted BYU and Utah, their two biggest games. It would take Cincinnati beating Pittsburgh in a similar fashion in two weeks for me to change my mind.

 

i'd say beating clemson on the road was more impressive than beating utah at home. clemson is now up to 8-3 and ranked #15/16 in the polls.

 

tcu this is reminds me of utah in alex smith's last year there; undefeated and ranked in the top 5 not because they play in a "soft" conference, but because they're that good. i'd love to see tcu play the loser of the sec title game, but it probably won't shake out that way. most projections i've seen have tcu playing the winner of the acc (hopefully ga tech) in the orange bowl. it would be awful if clemson won the acc and we got a clemson-tcu rematch.

[hawkeyecub]

Big Ten All-Conference teams linked.

 

Coaches: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/football/story.asp?list_id=46&story_id=3377146

 

Media:

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?story_id=3377147&list_id=46

[ConstableRabbit]

I love how Markshausen, an undersized, former walk-on from UW-Plattville beat out a bunch of guys who were top HS recruits to make the all-conference second team. Good for him!

[apete6]

Big Ten All-Conference teams linked.

 

Coaches: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/football/story.asp?list_id=46&story_id=3377146

 

Media:

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?story_id=3377147&list_id=46

 

That's gotta be the worst All Big-10 team in a while. There may not be a starting NFL player on that list.

[SouthSideRyan]

 

Not to mention difference in payouts, which might not be significant, but in this economy, even $500k is nothing to sneeze at.

 

The Big Ten splits the bowl money up.

 

I just assumed every conference did this.

[Derwood]

Big Ten All-Conference teams linked.

 

Coaches: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/sports/football/story.asp?list_id=46&story_id=3377146

 

Media:

http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?story_id=3377147&list_id=46

 

That's gotta be the worst All Big-10 team in a while. There may not be a starting NFL player on that list.

 

I see quite a few

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm not exactly sure why an undefeated Texas team should inherently take precedence over an undefeated TCU team. Other than BCS conference bias and name recognition.

 

That's about it. They smoked Oklahoma St. but who cares? TCU has the better resume IMO. If you squint a little, you could probably put them ahead of Florida.