Official 2015 College Football Championship week thread

[cartman]

The match-ups between AP Top 25 teams are all Conference championship games:

Temple at Houston (AAC Championship)
Florida vs. Alabama (SEC Championship)
Stanford vs. USC (PAC-12 Championship)
Michigan State vs. Iowa (Big Ten Championship)
North Carolina vs. Clemson (ACC Championship)

[digamma]

I'm sure that there is a saying about expectations, but I'm most looking forward to seeing the UNC/Clemson game, and I expect the Big Ten and SEC games to be duds. In other words, make sure you are in front of your TV for Bama/Florida.

[Kodos]

Florida has no offense to speak of. No thanks.

Hoping MSU can beat the Hawkeyes (no offense, tarcone--MSU has become my second-favorite team in college football). Whoever wins the Big Ten is who I want to win it all.

[cartman]

Ping

[tarcone]

I thought I missed it.

If you think the B1G championship will be a dud, you are not a football fan. Great running attacks. Very good QBs. One a gun slinger and one a classic pocket passer. Very good front 7s. Good DBs.
This game has all the makings of a classic.
And Kodos, MSU is my 2nd favorite, also.

Im looking forward to Clemson/UNC also. But I think its on at the same time as the B1G.

And luckily enough, Santa delivered a new TV to my house to watch Iowa win.

Go Hawks!!!!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Kind of a non-story since it was unlikely he'd ever see the field again as a QB (he's the regular holder though) after the Florida debacle but ... UGA 3rd stringer Faton Bauta will not be with the team for the bowl, will transfer with immediate eligibility since he's a redshirt junior that has already graduated.

http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2015-12-04/qb-faton-bauta-transferring-georgia

Kind of ironic that he's the first player to announce he's leaving in the wake of CMR's dismissal, given that the loss to Florida is reportedly when the decision to make a coaching change was made.

[tarcone]

Damn, Im nervous. And its only Friday.

[CU Tiger]

Heck with nervous.
I aint got shit done at work today.

Can't wait.

My son has a wrestling tournament in the AM that will prevent us from getting to the tailgate as early as we'd like, but I can't wait for 8pm tomorrow.

Win or lose this has been a magical season for my Tigers and should they lose I am still going to campaign for their CFP spot (even though they would have no shot).

All the talking heads seem to be giving Clemson no chance and talking about how explosive UNC's offense is. This has to play right into the hands of the master motivator...

Go Tigers!

[tarcone]

I have wirn the same Iowa shirt every Friday for the entire season. Ive worn the same Iowa shirt every game day for the entire season. Yes, Im superstitious. We are undefeated.

Im reffing tomorrow from 11:45 to 5. Thanks goodness I have something to do. Then Im cooking some jumbalaya. Then settling in to watch.

The average combined score of Iowa vs. MSU int he last 13 years is 28-22 in favor of Iowa. Always a quality game.

Watch for Iowa's speed on the turf. With no elements.

I am so stoked for this game. Come on 7:17 Saturday.

[CraigSca]

I do that with my Maryland shirts. I need to buy a 10th jersey this year as 9 others have gone by the wayside :(

[tarcone]

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

[GrantDawg]

I think the Big Ten game will be the best of the day, with it coming down to the final possession. Alabama is probably going to a make a statement in the SEC championship with a blow-out type win. Clemson will win handily, with UNC making a run at the end to make the score respectable.

[bob]

I just wish the Big 10 championship game wasn't on Fox. I hate their college football broadcasts.

[Jas_lov]

I thought Bama was supposed to dominate this game. I hope they drop out of the playoff but they'll probably squeak out a win and move up to #1.

[digamma]

I haven't paid a ton of attention to the bowl projections for the non-playoff Big Six (or whatever it is called) bowl games. Who is the SEC's second most attractive team?

Rose: Ohio State vs. maybe Stanford?
Fiesta: Houston vs. ??? Can the Big Ten get a third team?
Peach: North Carolina/Florida State vs. Notre Dame?
Sugar: Florida/Ole Miss? vs. Oklahoma State? (edit: Didn't realize the Big 12 went to the Sugar)

[NobodyHere]

I think the Big Ten game will be the best of the day, with it coming down to the final possession. Alabama is probably going to a make a statement in the SEC championship with a blow-out type win. Clemson will win handily, with UNC making a run at the end to make the score respectable.

It looks like Alabama-Florida will coming down to the final possession.

[cuervo72]

Nah, I think Bama gets its act together in the second half.

(I say this because I want a Florida upset, so naturally they'll blow it.)

[PilotMan]

NDSU keeps the title train rolling with an absolute whitewash of Montana, the team they lost to in week 1 on the road. Next week will still be at home against either Portland St or Northern Iowa. The Bison were hefty 9 point favorites, but the final score ended up being a measly 37-6.

[digamma]

Colgate who went 1-2 against Ivy League Teams with a combined 6-15 record is in the FCS quarterfinals. Stupid Ivy League presidents.

[cuervo72]

Still think its funny seeing Zaxby's commercials when there are no Zaxby's anywhere near me.

[GrantDawg]

It looks like Alabama-Florida will coming down to the final possession.


Yeah, that didn't really happen. Florida was just not good enough to run with the Tide.

I hate this set-up with three games playing at the same time. The ACC championship and the B10 championship couldn't possibly be more different types of games, but both are fun to watch. The hardest thing about the B10 game is not knowing who to root for. I usually pull for MSU, though I really can't tell you why. But Iowa scrappy come-out-of-nowhere story is great, ad it is very hard to root against.

[Thomkal]

NDSU keeps the title train rolling with an absolute whitewash of Montana, the team they lost to in week 1 on the road. Next week will still be at home against either Portland St or Northern Iowa. The Bison were hefty 9 point favorites, but the final score ended up being a measly 37-6.


woohoo!

[Thomkal]

Still think its funny seeing Zaxby's commercials when there are no Zaxby's anywhere near me.


Happy to have one five minutes down the road from me...or maybe not given my Low Salt diet.

[GrantDawg]

Happy to have one five minutes down the road from me...or maybe not given my Low Salt diet.


About to be one five minutes away from me as well. Probably not going to be good for my waist-line.

[cuervo72]

We did stop at one on the way back from one of our trips (might have been OBX but probably Daytona). Pretty good I guess.

(What I'd like is a Del Taco - used to plan stops at the one in Rock Hill before it closed. :| )

Agreed on the game times, too. Spread them out, please.

[GrantDawg]

State is moving. Are they about to start grinding out a lead?

[GrantDawg]

Well, they took the lead, but still only a field-goal. Will there be a touchdown in this game?

[bhlloy]

McCaffrey should win the Heisman

[General Mike]

McCaffrey should win the Heisman

He should get it, but he won't.

[JPhillips]

Will there be a touchdown in this game?

You rang?

[GrantDawg]

Iowa miracle big play! Finally a td!

[GrantDawg]

McCaffrey should win the Heisman


Not enough people saw him play, his team won't make the final four (baring some miracle), and there are at least three players going to the playoffs with strong arguments. He has a uphill battle to win it.

[GrantDawg]

State driving again. They need to get in the end zone to have a chance.

[GrantDawg]

Play of the game coming right here.

[GrantDawg]

Wow! Option keeper for the first. MSU still alive.

[GrantDawg]

The defender with his back turned kept him out of the endzone. Big play.

[Easy Mac]

This MSU-Iowa drive may be one of the greatest things I've ever seen.

[spleen1015]

Wow

[Easy Mac]

Wow, they had him stopped and he somehow reached over

[GrantDawg]

This MSU-Iowa drive may be one of the greatest things I've ever seen.


No kidding. He squeaked to finish a tough, long, grinding drive. Great football here.

[GrantDawg]

All I can hear in my head is Larry Munson saying "and he is only a freshman!"

[Easy Mac]

Iowa hasn't had a play past midfield in the second half, yet was about 8 inches away from winning.

[spleen1015]

That last drive by MSU was fun to watch. Those 5-6 plays inside the 10 were exciting.

[Recoil]

Tarcone, how's it like to face a real team?

[kingfc22]

UNC gets hosed on a brutal offside call on an onside kick they recover.

[Easy Mac]

ACC had to make sure they had a team in the playoffs

[Jas_lov]

I'd say Iowa played the real team toe to toe and came within inches of winning. They definitely proved they belonged. Played them just as good as Ohio St did, and Ohio St was playing against the backup QB's not the senior.

[GrantDawg]

I'd say Iowa played the real team toe to toe and came within inches of winning. They definitely proved they belonged. Played them just as good as Ohio St did, and Ohio St was playing against the backup QB's not the senior.


Truth. Hawkeyes deserve respect.

[tarcone]

I think the Big Ten game will be the best of the day, with it coming down to the final possession. Alabama is probably going to a make a statement in the SEC championship with a blow-out type win. Clemson will win handily, with UNC making a run at the end to make the score respectable.

Fuck you and your negative karma.

Just fuck you.



BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[JonInMiddleGA]

If Cook isn't healthy (presumably that's why he was only so-so) then Clemson should handle Mich State. But the Oklahoma-Bama game is for the national championship.

Bama will annihilate Clemson, OU vs Clemson would be a fun shootout.

[GrantDawg]

Fuck you and your negative karma.

Just fuck you.



BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


Hey, I didn't pick winner on that game. I was pretty dead on right though, wasn't I ? :cool:

[tarcone]

Im in a serious funk right now. Im not a happy camper. Gosh darn it. So close. I hope Iowa gets the Rose. Ohio St. doesnt deserve it.

Great game. And congrats to MSU. They did what they had to do. Ran it down our throats on the last drive.

[tarcone]

Well, Iowa will be roght back next yerar. Only King is gone. So Im optimistic. This is a loss that you can build on.

[jbergey22]

If Cook isn't healthy (presumably that's why he was only so-so) then Clemson should handle Mich State. But the Oklahoma-Bama game is for the national championship.

Bama will annihilate Clemson, OU vs Clemson would be a fun shootout.

Not this year. Clemson is not the Clemson of years past. Best defense in the nation.

[GrantDawg]

Jon Morosi ‏<s>@</s>jonmorosi (https://twitter.com/jonmorosi) <small class="time"> 2m2 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/673365552262352896) </small> Michigan State led Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa for grand total of 7 minutes, 38 seconds . . . Record in those games: 3-0. <s>@</s>FOXSports (https://twitter.com/FOXSports)

[tarcone]

Hey, I didn't pick winner on that game. I was pretty dead on right though, wasn't I ? :cool:

I know. Just a knee jerk reaction to the negative media all year. :)

[tarcone]

So depressing. I was hoping of meeting up with CU Tiger at the Orange Bowl.

[GrantDawg]

Not this year. Clemson is not the Clemson of years past. Best defense in the nation.


I agree with you. I think Clemson-Bama would be a great game. Bama can beat Oklahoma. A Bama-MSU game could be a 6-3 game.

[tarcone]

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHJJHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[tarcone]

Going to watch the end of Along Comes Polly to decompress

[GrantDawg]

The final 4: 1) Clemson 2) Bama 3) MSU 4) Oklahoma. State jumps Oklahoma because the lack of a 13th game.

[tarcone]

Shit, MSU should be 2. Fuck Alabama. Who did they play?

[jbergey22]

Really sucks for Iowa to lose out like that. And why wasnt Scott getting more carries earlier this year? Game of inches.

[Recoil]

Strength of schedule (per teamrankings): 60

Iowa is garbage

[GrantDawg]

Shit, MSU should be 2. Fuck Alabama. Who did they play?


You are probably right, but you know that is not what's going to happen.

[tarcone]

Strength of schedule (per teamrankings): 60

Iowa is garbage

And FUCK YOU. Watch the game.

[Kodos]

Heartbreaking loss, Tarcone, but your guys played a great game. Great season, and I hope you win your bowl. Happy to see MSU pull it out. Go Spartans!

[tarcone]

Yep. Im onboard. Go Spartans.

[Kodos]

This MSU-Iowa drive may be one of the greatest things I've ever seen.

The winning drive was a thing of beauty. If you don't appreciate a drive like that, you don't like football.

[tarcone]

Yep. Ran it down our throats. I was hoping they would throw it. Man, I wanted King to get a pick.

[tarcone]

Im Pissy and Im catching a buzz. Time to load up Civ 5 and kick Panama Cities ass, who just happens to be on my border. FUCK PANAMA CITY. FUCK THE PANAMA CITY SPARTANS!!!!!!!

[Kodos]

Yeah, I didn't want Cook to try even one throw. He was off all day, probably due to the shoulder injury. Hope he can get healthy for the playoffs.

[Recoil]

When your best win is a 3 point victory over Pitt..

Iowa.

Worst 12-0 college football team in sport history. Congrats, tarcone.

[tarcone]

When your best win is a 3 point victory over Pitt..

Iowa.

Worst 12-0 college football team in sport history. Congrats, tarcone.

Oh yeah, Dont mention the 40-10m win over #10 Northwestern. You must be the stupidest college football fan ever.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Not this year. Clemson is not the Clemson of years past. Best defense in the nation.

Statistically dominated UNC, won the turnover battle ... and had to escape with a one possession win.

Alabama will outcoach them and outplay them. Very likely to an embarrassing degree.

[tarcone]

Yeah, I didn't want Cook to try even one throw. He was off all day, probably due to the shoulder injury. Hope he can get healthy for the playoffs.

I think Iowa re-hurt his shoulder. He got hammered a couple times.

[Recoil]

Oh yeah, Dont mention the 40-10m win over #10 Northwestern. You must be the stupidest college football fan ever.

Same team that beat Purdue by 7? Keep reaching..

[tarcone]

Same team that beat Purdue by 7? Keep reaching..

Wow. Keep trolling, douche bag. Im not in the mood.

[Kodos]

Same team that beat Purdue by 7? Keep reaching..

#TrollMode

[jbergey22]

Statistically dominated UNC, won the turnover battle ... and had to escape with a one possession win.

Alabama will outcoach them and outplay them. Very likely to an embarrassing degree.

They will get outcoached but the level of talent on Clemsons defense and the one dimensional bama offense leaves this game a toss up. Hard to dominate a great defense with one threat.

[digamma]

Not sure about Clemson-Alabama. Watson is exactly the type of QB that has given Saban fits (See Manziel, John; Marshall, Nick; et. al.). And on the other hand a run straight ahead offense plays into the strength of the Clemson defense.

That said, I'm not sure either gets past the first game.

[cuervo72]

Hey Recoil - let's ease up on the dickery. Breaking a 4.5 month posting silence for the express reason of trolling...not too cool.

[digamma]

Hey Recoil - let's ease up on the dickery. Breaking a 4.5 month posting silence for the express reason of trolling...not too cool.

This.

[tarcone]

Ahtletically. Clemson is the best team Ive seen all year.

[Jas_lov]

Im in a serious funk right now. Im not a happy camper. Gosh darn it. So close. I hope Iowa gets the Rose. Ohio St. doesnt deserve it.


I'd like to see Iowa in the Rose. I guess it depends if they drop Iowa below Ohio St in the rankings. I think Iowa could stay ahead with the close loss tonight. They both have one loss to the same team and Iowa's was on a neutral site in a championship game against Cook vs Ohio State's at home vs backup QB's. One team will go to the Fiesta, the other to the Rose.

[tarcone]

If Iowa doesnt get the Rose, Im hoping for an Iowa vs. Notre Dame Fiesta.

I have a Niece through marriage that may put me up for a couple nights at the Fiesta. :)

Would be a party. I hear they like to drink. :)

[tarcone]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGJHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[tarcone]

Fuck Lisa

[ColtCrazy]

I'm usually a Sparty fan after IU, but I was rooting for Iowa tonight. Would have been a great story to see the Hawkeyes in the playoff. Alas. Still, damn good game. And anyone over Ohio St. wins in my book.

[Recoil]

Wow. Keep trolling, douche bag. Im not in the mood.

Don't flatter yourself, you window-licking mutant. You're an annoyance on your best day; just a delusional child with nothing resembling a cerebral thought on nights like these.

[tarcone]

Who fucks a scuba instructor on their honeymoon night and then comes back in 3 weeks to try and reconcile threir marriage. You suck, Lisa.

[tarcone]

Don't flatter yourself, you window-licking mutant. You're an annoyance on your best day; just a delusional child with nothing resembling a cerebral thought on nights like these.

Thank you. You put it all in perspective. It is only a game. No reason to be depressed for too long. There are people out there with a lot less then me. I appreciate it.

Now to take my frustration out on Panama City.

[digamma]

Don't flatter yourself, you window-licking mutant. You're an annoyance on your best day; just a delusional child with nothing resembling a cerebral thought on nights like these.

Two weeks.

[tarcone]

This is going to be a great playoff. Smashmouth football. Great stuff.

[tarcone]

I think 4 weeks cures Connor Cooks shoulder. Cook to Burbirdge could cause problems. Especially if MSU can run.

[BillJasper]

Who fucks a scuba instructor on their honeymoon night and then comes back in 3 weeks to try and reconcile threir marriage. You suck, Lisa.

I'm lost. :lol:

[tarcone]

I'm lost. :lol:

Sorry, watching Alng Comes Polly. Great comedy. Highly Recommend it.

[tarcone]

There were 2 great defenses out there tonight. Lots of banging going on. That was a great drive by MSU to win it. Depressing for me, but congrats to MSU, they deserve it.

[tarcone]

AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[AENeuman]

Window-licking mutant? Gotta say the idea of mutants going around licking windows and causing someone to say, "that's exactly like that football fan I hate!" is awesome.

[Solecismic]

Great game tonight. It helps to have an MSU grad with you when watch them come out on top. I wouldn't count the Spartans out against the other three teams - especially if Cook gets healthy.

That true freshman RB Scott is something else. He wasn't even supposed to be the starter this year.

Looks like the committee got lucky again with an easy four to pick - even easier to pick than last year.

[Kodos]

I'm usually a Sparty fan after IU, but I was rooting for Iowa tonight. Would have been a great story to see the Hawkeyes in the playoff. Alas. Still, damn good game. And anyone over Ohio St. wins in my book.

It's like I'm looking in a mirror. :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

They will get outcoached but the level of talent on Clemsons defense and the one dimensional bama offense leaves this game a toss up. Hard to dominate a great defense with one threat.

I just don't see Clemson being able to move the ball without Watson being highly effective. And I don't believe he can be highly effective against the Bama defense. I like the kid's game, quite a bit in fact, I just don't think he's seen anything like what he'll see.

And I believe Coker will do enough to allow Henry to be effective, especially in the second half.

I'm not expecting Bama to hang 50 or anything. I just anticipate one of those ultimately dull thorough domination things.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Looks like the committee got lucky again with an easy four to pick - even easier to pick than last year.

That's not luck, that's just college football these days. It's pretty rare that isn't the case IMO.

Would have been just as easy to pick two.

[CU Tiger]

I just don't see Clemson being able to move the ball without Watson being highly effective. And I don't believe he can be highly effective against the Bama defense. I like the kid's game, quite a bit in fact, I just don't think he's seen anything like what he'll see.

And I believe Coker will do enough to allow Henry to be effective, especially in the second half.

I'm not expecting Bama to hang 50 or anything. I just anticipate one of those ultimately dull thorough domination things.

Jon , of the 3 teams headed to the playoffs, Bama scares me least.

Clemson will hang 35 plus on Bama.

Bama is a shell of themselves this year.

Don't forget, this Florida team they couldn't put away got SMOKED last week against FSU with Jimbo headed out the door.

The SEC is way down this year.

[Logan]

That was the most unprompted and random trolling I've seen in a long time.

[tarcone]

Well, I've had a much better morning. Though it was at the expense of my wife. I posted "Depressed" on my wife's facebook. I don't have an account.
Her Dad called this morning at 7 am and a bunch of people are sending messages and prayers to my wife. Yes, I am laughing. She is pretty peeved at me.

I hope the Rose picks Iowa.

[Schmidty]

I'm so happy today!!!!! :D

Didn't get to watch it until this morning!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

[Schmidty]

Iowa is a hell of a team. Hope you get the Rose Bowl.

[Julio Riddols]

This thread was like.. Total Recoil, man.

Window licking mutant is a hilariously off the wall, ridiculous insult. It's something I would expect to hear my character yell in Fallout.

FWIW I wanted Iowa to win too, because I love those stories where a team comes out of nowhere and makes noise.

[MrBug708]

McCaffrey deserves the Heisman but I don't think he gets it

[CU Tiger]

Kind of agree, Mr. Bug.

To me, and obviously I am biased, Watson is the best player, McCaffrey has had the best season and Henry will win it because, 'BAMA!

[TroyF]

Tarcone, how's it like to face a real team?


At first I wondered if this was kind of a friendly jabbing. Then i read the rest of your posts and realized you are a troll of the highest degree. iowa and their fans should be proud as hell. If facing a real team and losing by a FG in a hard fought contest is poor, you simply don't understand this game.

What a great night of football. McCaffrey had an amazing game against USC, the Air Force/San Diego St game is the best game nobody watched, a great couple of championship games (only marred by the horrific offside call, that ref should lose his job)

Looking forward to the playoff. Not a fan at all of MSU, Oklahoma or Alabama. I think I'll cheer for Clemson, Michigan St, Oklahoma and Alabama in that order. :)

[digamma]

With all of the talk yesterday of Henry breaking Herschel Walker's SEC single season rushing record, I started thinking about how to compare them. My first thought was to discount Henry immediately because his record is over 13 games and Walker's was in 11. But Walker needed 385 carries in 1981 to Henry's 339 this year.

Sort of the same thing going on with McCaffrey and Barry Sanders with the All Purpose yards record.

I think I'd argue Henry faced easier competition, getting a game against FCS and also Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Monroe. Still interesting to think about and kind of strange how similar the stats are. Henry has 97 receiving yards and Walker had 84. Henry is a total throwback.

And yes, tend to agree he might win because of Bama and all that.

[TroyF]

McCaffrey deserves the Heisman but I don't think he gets it


He clearly deserves the Heisman and I don't think it's that close. Just rushing, he comes close to matching Henry. 1,986 to 1,847 with Henry getting more carries. Receiving? 540 yards to 97 yards for McCaffrey. Then McCaffrey has another 1,100 yards on returns and 7 special teams tackles to boot?

Henry is a great player, but I'm going to be sick when he wins that award.

[CU Tiger]

great couple of championship games (only marred by the horrific offside call, that ref should lose his job)




Actually, it was the right call and I am not sure why the talking heads are missing the explanation that was given by the ACC last night.

5827

NCAA rules require all KO tea members to be inside the "9 yard hash" at the time the ball is kicked. The far side outside guy "loops" inside the hash. The near side player did not and gunned right down the field outside the hash.

Look at the replay, the flag comes out immediately, well before the recovery. No controversy here.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Actually, it was the right call and I am not sure why the talking heads are missing the explanation that was given by the ACC last night.

Because controversy sells.

[TroyF]

Actually, it was the right call and I am not sure why the talking heads are missing the explanation that was given by the ACC last night.

5827

NCAA rules require all KO tea members to be inside the "9 yard hash" at the time the ball is kicked. The far side outside guy "loops" inside the hash. The near side player did not and gunned right down the field outside the hash.

Look at the replay, the flag comes out immediately, well before the recovery. No controversy here.


wow, learn something new everyday. very well then.

[CU Tiger]

FWIW I didnt know that either until it was said last night.

[MrBug708]

Hopefully the PAC-12 will learn that 9 conference games only hurts the conference. The other conferences *cough* SEC *cough* know that it's not about playing tough teams, it's about playing the weakest schedule so that you can lose as few games as possible.

[HomerSimpson98]

All this anti-SEC bullshit here makes me hope Bama wins both games they play 59-0. And I really dont like posting that.

[MrBug708]

Now you know how everyone else feels when we watch anything about college football

[MizzouRah]

All this anti-SEC bullshit here makes me hope Bama wins both games they play 59-0. And I really dont like posting that.

Don't worry Bama will win the NC.. as much as I don't want that to happen.

[digamma]

Actually, it was the right call and I am not sure why the talking heads are missing the explanation that was given by the ACC last night.

NCAA rules require all KO tea members to be inside the "9 yard hash" at the time the ball is kicked. The far side outside guy "loops" inside the hash. The near side player did not and gunned right down the field outside the hash.

Look at the replay, the flag comes out immediately, well before the recovery. No controversy here.

FWIW, this isn't the explanation that the ACC coordinator of officials gave. His quote last night was that an official saw a UNC player break the plane.

My guess is he said that before discussing with the full crew, but that quote was out there and in a lot of the recounts of the game.

[Edward64]

Hopefully the PAC-12 will learn that 9 conference games only hurts the conference. The other conferences *cough* SEC *cough* know that it's not about playing tough teams, it's about playing the weakest schedule so that you can lose as few games as possible.

I actually admit the SEC East wasn't good. I think the SEC West was pretty tough. Just googling on some strength of schedule ranking and you'll see the Arkansas (and AL) were ranked pretty high up there.

As always, I would never bet against Saban and AL. They've got a fair shot to beat any team on any given day.

I'm looking forward to the playoffs ... how the heck did it take us so long to get them.

[britrock88]

Just realized that Sak _could have been_ the one to throw that offsides flag, and I really hope he wasn't.

[Chief Rum]

Just realized that Sak _could have been_ the one to throw that offsides flag, and I really hope he wasn't.

Per his FB, it does not appear to me that Sak worked that game, so he's good.

[HomerSimpson98]

Now you know how everyone else feels when we watch anything about college football

Yeah, I can definitely see that. I just dont get the venom. Whether anyone wants to admit it, the SEC has been pretty damn good the past few seasons. This year, it is waaay down and the Bama team going, while excellent defensively, has serious offense concerns. Frankly, any of the 4 can win this thing, depending on matchups. OU is the weakest of the bunch, IMO.

Personally, I think Sparty is the most dangerous team in the final 4.

[Atocep]

I just dont get the venom.

Really? If you could watch a weekend of college football as a non-SEC fan you'd understand. ESPN crams the SEC down everyone's throats because they've put so much money into it.

Non-SEC top 10 team loses it's because the conference just isn't as good as we thought.

SEC Top 10 team loses it's because the SEC is so strong top to bottom.

They've taken the same thing they've done with the ACC and Duke in basketball and applied it to the SEC.

Fans have been turning against the SEC because the rhetoric is getting old and people are tired of being told how their conference is inferior to the SEC on a weekly basis.

[cuervo72]

Not just ESPN.

https://www.cbspressexpress.com/cbs-sports/releases/view?id=42760

[tarcone]

Iowa to the Rose Bowl.

Good stuff. Im happy that is the consolation prize. Very happy.

[miami_fan]

All this anti-SEC bullshit here makes me hope Bama wins both games they play 59-0. And I really dont like posting that.

I feel the same way. That is despite having to live in an area with a high population of Gator fans, a brother in law who is a obnoxious Bama fan and have worked with a guy who came into the office every day for six years screaming "WAR EAGLE!"

[miami_fan]

That being said I get it, they have won too much and their fan bases are irritating.

[digamma]

FWIW, this isn't the explanation that the ACC coordinator of officials gave. His quote last night was that an official saw a UNC player break the plane.

My guess is he said that before discussing with the full crew, but that quote was out there and in a lot of the recounts of the game.

Here is the ACC's official statement:

“The 35-yard line is treated as a plane and if any part of a player breaks that plane before the ball is kicked it’s offsides. The officials saw a member of the kicking team break the plane before the ball was kicked.”

[Dr. Sak]

Just realized that Sak _could have been_ the one to throw that offsides flag, and I really hope he wasn't.

Thanks man...it wasn't me. As a rookie I won't be doing that level of a game (or bowl game) this season. But I did work a playoff game last week and work one this week.

[britrock88]

My only other Carolina gripe will be this: at #10 (thanks for keeping us put, committee), I understand how the chips fell and why we're the first team out of the New Year's Six. But the fallback is the Russell Athletic Bowl? srsly?

[CU Tiger]

That's on the ACC.
Though I must admit when Clemson played in it last year it was a good time and well organized.

The years where the Peach is a NY6 the Russel Athletic bowl is the ACC #1 tie in. You can still call in the Tangerine Bowl if it feels better, we did.

[Butter]

All this anti-SEC bullshit here makes me hope Bama wins both games they play 59-0. And I really dont like posting that.

Don't worry Bama will win the NC.. as much as I don't want that to happen.

It's ok, guys. It only took a few years for A&M and Mizzou fans to join the "SEC!" fans for real, so we don't really blame YOU.

[jbergey22]

Lots of Michigan State love all of a sudden and well I am not real sure why.

Michigan State early in the season was scoring points without any real issues but couldnt stop anyone. Later in the season their defense came around but the offense lost its rhythm. Yes, the Ohio State and Iowa wins were impressive in that they had to crawl, fight, and scratch to get them wins. I think we were all kind of expecting Ohio State to fall as they just werent playing well and winning a lot of games without playing their best ball. I dont want to take anything away from Iowa's magical season but despite being undefeated they were still ranked around 20-30th in the computer rankings.

My odds would look something like this
Alabama +150
Clemson +200
Oklahoma +350
Michigan State +900

I also see Clemson is 4 point underdogs in their game against Oklahoma. Kind of surprising line IMO.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Don't worry Bama will win the NC

And I'm actually not at all sure about that.

I don't like an Oklahoma matchup for them on just a week's preparation.
And I rate OU-Clemson a completely wide open toss up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That's on the ACC.
Though I must admit when Clemson played in it last year it was a good time and well organized.

The years where the Peach is a NY6 the Russel Athletic bowl is the ACC #1 tie in. You can still call in the Tangerine Bowl if it feels better, we did.

But it's not THE Tangerine Bowl. That's the Citrus

This is the old Blockbuster (later CarQuest) Bowl.

[Butter]

Oklahoma - Clemson has both teams looking for motivation...

Oklahoma has it in losing 40-6 in the bowl game last year, albeit to a much better Clemson defense.

Clemson has it in Oklahoma opening as a 3 point favorite.

Also find the Alabama love very interesting. This is a team that lost to the highest ranked team it played in convincing fashion. All of the other teams in the playoff have at least 3 wins over teams ranked in the top-20. 'Bama has 2, over #19 and #20.

'Bama is getting a good matchup in the first round, but they are going to struggle against whichever team they play in the final, if they can even make it past Michigan State. But I think Michigan State will be able to hold that offense to 10 points or less. Henry is a good back, but I also might be able to get 100 yards behind their offensive line if you gave me 45 carries a game.

[Kodos]

And in the battle of unlikeables, we have Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. Who to root against more?!? Gotta give the edge to the Golden Domes.

[Butter]

Was trying to remember the last time the Fiesta Bowl was on during the daytime. Scheduled for a 1 PM eastern start, which will be 11 AM local time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Was trying to remember the last time the Fiesta Bowl was on during the daytime. Scheduled for a 1 PM eastern start, which will be 11 AM local time.

Per Wikipedia ... last year was a 4pm eastern start

[Dutch]

That being said I get it, they have won too much and their fan bases are irritating.

This is the gist of it...no matter what perspective you start from. I dont like the PAC and their annoying fans when they are winning either. :)

[tarcone]

Michigan State has a beast of an offensive line. They will wear Alabama down. And MSU has a very good defensive line.
They will beat Alabama.

I predict Clemson Vs. Michigan St. in the final.

[Butter]

Per Wikipedia ... last year was a 4pm eastern start

Before last year then, because I didn't watch it last year. :D

[CU Tiger]

Michigan State has a beast of an offensive line. They will wear Alabama down. And MSU has a very good defensive line.
They will beat Alabama.

I predict Clemson Vs. Michigan St. in the final.

That is what makes the Bama MSU game interesting.
Bama's greatest strength is their depth of D linemen. They are legitimately 7 or 8 deep for 3 positions. Hard to wear that many down.

Bama is built to stop the run/pro offense. (See LSU; every year) Want to beat Bama? Spread them out and make those big run stuffing LB-ers play coverage against slots and scat backs.

Also cant help but think Smart and UGA is somewhat a distraction for them.


On the other side...Clemson-Oklahoma.

Man everyone knows where my allegiances lie but Im just not sure on this one.
Clemson is tired and the time off will help a lot. Not only do they have the longest win streak in the country they have also played the most consecutive weeks in the country (11 after the early season bye) . Now they get to rest, finally.

But there is some turbulence inside the locker room. Dabo is always positive, the most positive guy Ive ever known. It wears on players though. Plus a surprising number of Juniors are looking at the NFL. A Lot that shouldnt be. Can they focus for 2 more games?

[miami_fan]

Umm... there are 40 bowl games? Really? They can't be all profitable can they?

[Dutch]

Mississippi State vs NC State is the ultra-prestigious Belk Bowl...

[CU Tiger]

most TEAMS that go to bowl games lose money.

But it is a nice tax write off and marketing expense for the title sponsor and it gets the schools extra practice

[Kodos]

Well at least Indiana will get the chance to beat Duke in something this year. And the Pinstripe Bowl is actually close enough for me to kick around going to it...

[Logan]

Well at least Indiana will get the chance to beat Duke in something this year. And the Pinstripe Bowl is actually close enough for me to kick around going to it...

I've been twice when Rutgers was in. We got lucky with the weather both times, once where it was just generally nice and another where it was actually warm. Sightlines are pretty bad but Yankee Stadium does a decent job as gameday host. There isn't much going on in the days leading up unless your group is planning something in the city on its own. It's not bad to have as part of a few days in NYC but as a gameday only thing, your tailgating will be in the crappy bars around the stadium.

[molson]

You can usually find a "homebase bar" for your team at a random bowl game. That can be fun if you're not going with a big group.

[jbergey22]

'Bama is getting a good matchup in the first round, but they are going to struggle against whichever team they play in the final, if they can even make it past Michigan State. But I think Michigan State will be able to hold that offense to 10 points or less. Henry is a good back, but I also might be able to get 100 yards behind their offensive line if you gave me 45 carries a game.

The only teams that Michigan State held to 10 or less this year were Maryland(on their 3rd string QB) and Central Michigan. This same team allowed 20+ to Western Michigan, Air Force, Purdue, Rutgers, Michigan, Indiana and Nebraska.

[Dutch]

You can usually find a "homebase bar" for your team at a random bowl game. That can be fun if you're not going with a big group.

For Tampa, that means: Florida, Florida St, and Ohio St...

[CU Tiger]

But it's not THE Tangerine Bowl. That's the Citrus

This is the old Blockbuster (later CarQuest) Bowl.

Yep but after Carquest it was renamed the Tangerine bowl, albeit briefly

[NobodyHere]

Umm... there are 40 bowl games? Really? They can't be all profitable can they?

It's profitable for the organizers

[cuervo72]

The years where the Peach is a NY6 the Russel Athletic bowl is the ACC #1 tie in. You can still call in the Tangerine Bowl if it feels better, we did.

Seriously - I want my bowls to be things that sound like Pac Man bonus items. Not jock straps, tires, and mortgages.

[Edward64]

Liberty Bowl for AR vs KS. I guess I'll take it all things considered ...

[BishopMVP]

Also find the Alabama love very interesting. This is a team that lost to the highest ranked team it played in convincing fashion.Sorry, can't let this slide. Alabama was -5 on turnovers, Ole Miss had that long crazy tipped touchdown, and it was a 6 point game where Alabama had the ball and chance to win late. I hate the Saban Death Star too, and agree this isn't one of their best teams, but that wasn't a blowout loss.

And in the battle of unlikeables, we have Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. Who to root against more?!? Gotta give the edge to the Golden Domes.Was trying to remember the last time the Fiesta Bowl was on during the daytime. Scheduled for a 1 PM eastern start, which will be 11 AM local time.Wish it was a playoff game, but Ohio State/ND should be great. Hopefully we can break the streak of not winning a "January bowl game" in 25+ years, even if that is a bit of a misleading stat, and I'd rather do it vs a "real" team instead of getting matched up some year with a Houston-type or in a meaningless bowl. I'm sure the Rose Bowl demanded the 5pm slot, but agreed it's weird that the Fiesta Bowl is at 1pm EST and the Sugar Bowl got the 8:30 EST start.

I'm not sure how I feel about the playoff games being on NYE but I'm leaning against it. I think I would definitely prefer them on New Years Day instead, but the NFL also has no games scheduled for Saturday Jan 2nd, so I'm not sure why they chose to move the games back to Dec 31 instead of doing Jan 2 again like last year.

[CU Tiger]

Sorry, can't let this slide. Alabama was -5 on turnovers, Ole Miss had that long crazy tipped touchdown, and it was a 6 point game where Alabama had the ball and chance to win late. I hate the Saban Death Star too, and agree this isn't one of their best teams, but that wasn't a blowout loss.



Bama scored 14 points late against back ups to lose by only 6.
And turnovers are part of the game, they go both ways. I literally listened to Finebaum say last week this, "Bama should be #1 because Clemson (who turned the ball over 4 times against SCar) barely won this week, and the only loss Bama has they turned the ball over 5 times."

How is that for circular logic?

Turnovers are caused by the opponent

[tarcone]

Did you see the 8 team playoff breakdown?

1. Clemson vs. 8. Notre Dame
2. Alabama vs. 7. Ohio St.
3. MSU vs. 6. Stanford
4. Oklahoma vs. 5. Iowa

And the 9 and 10 teams really cant make a case. It would be an outstanding 8 team playoff this season. So much good in those match ups.

[BishopMVP]

Bama scored 14 points late against back ups to lose by only 6.
And turnovers are part of the game, they go both ways. I literally listened to Finebaum say last week this, "Bama should be #1 because Clemson (who turned the ball over 4 times against SCar) barely won this week, and the only loss Bama has they turned the ball over 5 times."

How is that for circular logic?

Turnovers are caused by the opponentAlabama got the ball back down 43-37 with 3:01 left in the game (and promptly turned it over for a 5th time, before also getting it back with :31 seconds left which I won't really count). I wasn't watching the game too closely or know the Ole Miss roster that well, but if they were scoring vs Backups that's a pretty big screw up on Hugh Freeze's part because it was still a game. (Now that you say that I do vaguely recall that they did go backups in for the TD drive at 43-24, but like I said my memory from 1am that night is a little hazy.)

Of course turnovers are a part of the game, but they're also partly luck and not nearly as predictive as general success rate, and this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSzOXBXvl0k) was clearly all luck (although on the flip side there was a pretty crazy bounce and onside kick recovery by Alabama - I don't think I've ever seen a team recover an actual onside kick that far down the field). But I'm not arguing that the loss shouldn't count against Alabama, just that it was a 50/50 game where they had more yards, first downs, t.o.p. and a chance to win on their last real possession while Ole Miss got big plays whenever it needed one and then hung on to win. The idea that Ole Miss was convincingly better or Alabama only made it close in garbage time is bollocks. (I'm also not sure why we're even discussing Alabama's loss to a pretty good team as a weak spot when MSU and Oklahoma both got outgained in losses to 5-7 teams, but that's a separate argument.)

PS if you hate SEC bias so much, you probably shouldn't listen to Paul Finebaum... :p And fwiw that's not circular logic, just ignorance or deliberately misleading on Finebaum's part.

[digamma]

Wish it was a playoff game, but Ohio State/ND should be great. Hopefully we can break the streak of not winning a "January bowl game" in 25+ years, even if that is a bit of a misleading stat, and I'd rather do it vs a "real" team instead of getting matched up some year with a Houston-type or in a meaningless bowl. I'm sure the Rose Bowl demanded the 5pm slot, but agreed it's weird that the Fiesta Bowl is at 1pm EST and the Sugar Bowl got the 8:30 EST start.

I'm not sure how I feel about the playoff games being on NYE but I'm leaning against it. I think I would definitely prefer them on New Years Day instead, but the NFL also has no games scheduled for Saturday Jan 2nd, so I'm not sure why they chose to move the games back to Dec 31 instead of doing Jan 2 again like last year.

I think you answered your own question. Pretty sure the rose bowl deal gives them 5:00 on New Year's Day regardless of whether a playoff game or not.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Did you see the 8 team playoff breakdown?

1. Clemson vs. 8. Notre Dame
2. Alabama vs. 7. Ohio St.
3. MSU vs. 6. Stanford
4. Oklahoma vs. 5. Iowa

And the 9 and 10 teams really cant make a case. It would be an outstanding 8 team playoff this season. So much good in those match ups.

And only one of those seems likely to be much of a game right now. Stanford might give MSU some problems given the way the Spartan QB looked against Iowa but otherwise I see no chance at all you end up with anything other than the same final four you have already.

[Butter]

The idea that Ole Miss was convincingly better or Alabama only made it close in garbage time is bollocks. (I'm also not sure why we're even discussing Alabama's loss to a pretty good team as a weak spot when MSU and Oklahoma both got outgained in losses to 5-7 teams, but that's a separate argument.)

I don't necessarily think that Ole Miss was convincingly better overall. But from a resume standpoint, 'Bama's best wins were against fringe top-20 teams, while all the other teams had multiple top-15 wins. That's the point.

[Butter]

And only one of those seems likely to be much of a game right now. Stanford might give MSU some problems given the way the Spartan QB looked against Iowa but otherwise I see no chance at all you end up with anything other than the same final four you have already.

This is laughable. You did watch the Sugar Bowl last year, right?

[BishopMVP]

And only one of those seems likely to be much of a game right now. Stanford might give MSU some problems given the way the Spartan QB looked against Iowa but otherwise I see no chance at all you end up with anything other than the same final four you have already.You don't think the team that lost by 2 at Clemson would have a shot in a rematch on a neutral field?

I completely agree with the final 4 and think none of 5-8 can have any complaints, but there's only one team amongst those 8 who would get blown out imo.I think you answered your own question. Pretty sure the rose bowl deal gives them 5:00 on New Year's Day regardless of whether a playoff game or not.
Doesn't answer why Fiesta (MST) gets the early slot while the Sugar (CST?) gets the later one. Not that I'm complaining, although my liver might.

I don't necessarily think that Ole Miss was convincingly better overall. But from a resume standpoint, 'Bama's best wins were against fringe top-20 teams, while all the other teams had multiple top-15 wins. That's the point.Yeah, that's the main point of your post, but the idea that Alabama was blown out seems to get thrown around a lot (notice CUTiger jumping on board immediately talking about garbage time) and I'm calling out that specific phrase. I do also think that quality of loss does matter - would Alabama's resume look better if they'd beaten Ole Miss but lost to Arkansas? Would Michigan St's be worse if they'd beaten Nebraska but lost to Oregon? Not in my mind, but people seem to care a whole lot more about parsing the differences in wins, while just lumping every loss together.

I also don't really agree with the committee's rankings past that top 4. Sorry Tarcone, I was actually rooting for your guys to shock the world and win the whole thing, but I still don't think Iowa is a top 5 team. I don't think TCU or Baylor are as good as their ranking with their QB situations. If you want one pro-B1G/anti-SEC (although it does help Bama's case a little) I think Wisconsin is at least as good a team as Florida and should be in the top 25 even if they didn't beat anybody.

And finally, manner of victory does matter in my mind. Michigan State winning 4 games in the last minute including possibly the least likely win ever vs Michigan is awesome as a fan, but that plus 2 more teams (Oregon/Purdue) having the ball near midfield and a chance to win in the last minute really doesn't seem impressive or sustainable. I don't think MSU is outclassed, and I've learned not to hate too much on B1G playoff teams who were unimpressive in the regular season after the 2003 and 2015 Ohio State titles, but I'm not shocked by the 9-pt spread in Alabama's favor. If you really think MSU is as good (or has the better resume) that's a pretty juicy line.

[digamma]

I thought you were just asking about why the playoff games were on NYE.

[BishopMVP]

I thought you were just asking about why the playoff games were on NYE.Oh, on that part I'm trying to figure out why they went with Dec 31 over the same Jan 2 date that worked last year,but I definitely threw multiple trains of thought in there. I liked the idea of having a number of pretty good games on Jan 1, but then having the 2 real games the next day. Not that they actually matter either way, but having the consolation bowls the day after the playoff games makes them seem even more anti-climactic. It'll be interesting to see how ratings play out - whether more casual fans will put the game on because they're out at gatherings or whether you'll see a big drop-off in viewership in the 2nd half, particularly if that game starts going a little long...

I'll just say that my roommate who is a Clemson alum and a pretty big NYE fan was terrified that Clemson would be in that 8pm game. ;)