Official 2015 College Football bowl and awards thread

[tarcone]

I will say this though. It was the most fun I've had as an Iowa football fan in my lifetime. 12-0? Never did I expect to see that. I am always hopeful. Esp. with our facilities and money base and easy press. But it wasnt expected.

I still think its time for Ferentz to retire. And I hope his son isnt the next head coach. And Greg Davis sucks.

[JonInMiddleGA]

What a difference a year makes

[Jas_lov]

College Football should be ashamed of itself for these so called New Year's Six matchups. Every single one a stinker. Why wasn't Ohio St in the Rose Bowl? Everyone knew Iowa was overrated. The Sugar Bowl matchup was a joke. Having the semi finals on New Year's Eve was laughable when you have Saturday, Jan 2 wide open for people who want to sit back and watch football. What's the marquee bowl tomorrow, Alamo? The Championship might be the only decent game we get.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Why wasn't Ohio St in the Rose Bowl?

The Rose Bowl Game has sole discretion on a replacement team, and will generally select the highest‐rated available team, but will take
into consideration final College Football Playoff rankings, head‐to‐head competition, division champions and most recent Rose Bowl
Game appearances.

In other words, the Rose Bowl opted for Iowa.

And as was pointed out elsewhere today (here? some article I saw?) most bowls will go for an Iowa fanbase that's excited to be there rather than a tOSU one that's disappointed.

[Edward64]

Having the semi finals on New Year's Eve was laughable when you have Saturday, Jan 2 wide open for people who want to sit back and watch football. What's the marquee bowl tomorrow, Alamo? The Championship might be the only decent game we get.

I'm looking forward to the Liberty myself.

[tarcone]

Iowa traveled. OSU wouldnt. So, Iowa it is. In fact, thats why bowl games always take Iowa. We travel where ever we play.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Sugar Bowl matchup was a joke.

The #2 team in the Big 12 had to be there since OU was sent to the final four.
And they're number two by virtue of the h2h win, the committee rankings had TCU #11 and OkState #16

[Atocep]

The #2 team in the Big 12 had to be there since OU was sent to the final four.
And they're number two by virtue of the h2h win, the committee rankings had TCU #11 and OkState #16

Yep, this OSU team was probably about even with a healthy WVU team this year as about the 4/5th best team in the Big 12.

The Big 12 had the 2nd toughest bowl SOS behind the Big 10 and matchups like this is a big reason why.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The margins of the NY6 bowl games:
38,29,28,20,16, and 14

And the two non-playoff tied bowls today were 39 & 34.

Then again maybe not a shock since 15 of the other 28 bowls played thus far had double-digit margins or more.

[Butter]

Iowa traveled. OSU wouldnt. So, Iowa it is. In fact, thats why bowl games always take Iowa. We travel where ever we play.

You're kidding, right? You must be kidding.

Rose Bowl took the second highest ranked Big Ten team, which was Iowa. NOT because they travel better than Ohio State.

[tarcone]

You're kidding, right? You must be kidding.

Rose Bowl took the second highest ranked Big Ten team, which was Iowa. NOT because they travel better than Ohio State.

True. But would have OSU traveled as well as Iowa to the Rose this year? It had been 25 years for Iowa. Iowamismknown to travel. So the committee rates Iowa higher.
What has better tv rating potential? OSU/ND or OSU/Stanford?

Don't think these factors were not taken into consideration before the last rankings came out.

[cuervo72]

Do have to hand it to the SEC this bowl season, they have taken care of things. (Even if probably OkSt < Baylor/TCU and NW was the B10 equivalent of Florida... ;) )

[rowech]

True. But would have OSU traveled as well as Iowa to the Rose this year? It had been 25 years for Iowa. Iowamismknown to travel. So the committee rates Iowa higher.
What has better tv rating potential? OSU/ND or OSU/Stanford?

Don't think these factors were not taken into consideration before the last rankings came out.

It pains me to say but OSU travels better than just about any team in the country.

[JonInMiddleGA]

James Franklin vs UGAg.

And they already screwed up the scoreless tie that I'm inclined to root for :(

[CU Tiger]

Congrats to Clemson and CU Tiger

Thank you, sir.

Just got home. Had a great time. Its 58 today in SC and I miss the 87 in Miami...

[CU Tiger]

I think the start time had a ton to do with Stanford being pretty flat in that game. Happens a lot early in the season when west coast teams travel to the central or eastern time zone. Cal against Maryland and UCLA sleep walking to a thin win over a bad Virginia team come to mind recently.

Regular season you cant really travel more than the day before. Bowl season many of these teams have been on location since a day after Christmas

[miked]

Are we really arguing that bowl games would prefer Iowa to Ohio State? Come on.

[Karlifornia]

Iowa traveled. OSU wouldnt. So, Iowa it is. In fact, thats why bowl games always take Iowa. We travel where ever we play.

I'm staying in downtown LA for my wife's birthday, and the hotel we were at was crawling, and by crawling I mean overrun, with iowa fans. My wife and I were headed out to dinner, and they were all coming back from the game. They were all nice, but were pissed at the stanford band :lol:

[Scarecrow]

If a NCAA team can dress up to 125 players, why wouldn't you make sure you had a backup place kicker in case your main PK sprains an ankle?

[JonInMiddleGA]

What an atrocious display of playcalling on the final Penn State "drive".

[digamma]

You didn't like the "we have no time outs so let's call four screens in a row" strategy?

[JonInMiddleGA]

You didn't like the "we have no time outs so let's call four screens in a row" strategy?

Couldn't have happened to a more deserving jackass coach, but still

[tarcone]

Yeah, that was a low blow by the Stanford band. Had we won the game, I would chuckle. But that was insult to injury.

[CU Tiger]

We generally fly to Phoenix (from CLT) 2x/yr for family.
Usually runs <$300.

For the game next week. $700 plus even if I move it up to a week either direction

[Edward64]

Liberty Bowl is entertaining so far. Not a blowout at the half.

[cuervo72]

probably OkSt < Baylor/TCU

Or, you know, perhaps not.

[Edward64]

Good day for AR. The Liberty Bowl against KSU was a fun game to watch, it was in doubt until early 4Q. Also got a commit from 4* RB Devwah Whaley. Good to see the AR seniors leave on a high note and looking forward to seeing some of them play on Sunday.

(The in-progress Oregon-TCU game on the other hand is another boring blowout).

Overall SEC is 8-2 in the bowls and has somewhat redeemed themselves from last year. I think the AL-Clemson game should be pretty good.

[tarcone]

AR/KSU had a lot of Iowa ties to it.

[Edward64]

I stand corrected. The game is at 31-17 at the start of 4Q and TCU is currently at Oregon's 42 and driving.

[dave731]

CUTiger, my flight is the 6:15am out of Charlotte on Sunday...sucks bad given a 3hr drive to the airport and it includes a 3hr layover in Minnesota...but it will be well worth it to see Clemson bring it home in the Championship Game!

[bronconick]

This Oregon-TCU is better than any of the other last three days of games

[Edward64]

This Oregon-TCU is better than any of the other last three days of games

Yup. Would this be a record coming back from 31 down at the half?

[Edward64]

Wow, great game. TCU won in 3rd OT.

Oregon must be crushed, massive choke.

[bronconick]

Bowl record comeback

[tarcone]

Tied the record for biggest comeback.

Fun game. Bowl season needed that after the last few days.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nice story, 'grats to TCU

[bhlloy]

So what is the difference between that play and what Bosa did yesterday, other than the fact that impact was far worse?

[Atocep]

Between the hit on Skylar Howard and the pulled flag on the PI in the endzone I'm loving these officials

[dawgfan]

Oregon must be crushed, massive choke.
This Husky fan is laughing my ass off. :popcorn:

[Arles]

Wow, great game. TCU won in 3rd OT.

Oregon must be crushed, massive choke.
Given the genius that is always attributed to these Oregon offenses, you'd figure the team would have two guys on the roster that could snap the ball from center. That backup center was an atrocity.

[EagleFan]

No mention of the game that followed? That was a great finish to the day, but I think the ASU coach needs to learn end of the game management. Why did he go for one with less than five to play when going for two could put them up by seven? Was he afraid that they would give up two field goals in four and a half minutes in what was already a track meet? Sorry, that just seemed like football 101 for when to go for two.

[Edward64]

No mention of the game that followed? That was a great finish to the day, but I think the ASU coach needs to learn end of the game management. Why did he go for one with less than five to play when going for two could put them up by seven? Was he afraid that they would give up two field goals in four and a half minutes in what was already a track meet? Sorry, that just seemed like football 101 for when to go for two.

Sorry, went to bed. It looked like a close game though.

[Atocep]

No mention of the game that followed? That was a great finish to the day, but I think the ASU coach needs to learn end of the game management. Why did he go for one with less than five to play when going for two could put them up by seven? Was he afraid that they would give up two field goals in four and a half minutes in what was already a track meet? Sorry, that just seemed like football 101 for when to go for two.

Awful decision by Graham.

Strange officiating throughout the game too. I don't think I've ever seen so many flags picked up in a game.

Holgorsen really needed that win and I'm glad he got it. WVU's offense should be incredible next year with more or less everyone returning. The defense will need to be retooled though.

[digamma]

Trivia hour, in three parts...

1. Clemson's stadium seats 81,500. If they beat Alabama, they will be the national champion with the smallest home seating capacity since _____.

2. There have been four national champions (including splits) since 1990 who have home stadiums with seating capacities less than 80,000 (based on today's capacities). Who are they?

3. There are eight schools (Clemson is one) who have greater than 80,000 seat stadiums (based on today's capacities) who have not won a national title in that time frame (since 1990). Who are they?

[ISiddiqui]

Two of #3 has to be South Carolina and Georgia.

[ISiddiqui]

I imagine also Wisconsin and UCLA are on the #3 list as well.

[JonInMiddleGA]

For #3, Texas A&M (based on today's capacity) and depending upon whether you count only consensus (from the poll era) or _any_ poll, Penn State.

[digamma]

I included Penn State on the list of #3. You all are firing away. All six correct. Just missing one.

[Dr. Sak]

A few of my guesses below:

1. Miami
2. Miami, Georgia Tech, Colorado, Washington
3. Penn State, Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, South Carolina UCLA, Georgia, Clemson

Trivia hour, in three parts...

1. Clemson's stadium seats 81,500. If they beat Alabama, they will be the national champion with the smallest home seating capacity since _____.

2. There have been four national champions (including splits) since 1990 who have home stadiums with seating capacities less than 80,000 (based on today's capacities). Who are they?

3. There are eight schools (Clemson is one) who have greater than 80,000 seat stadiums (based on today's capacities) who have not won a national title in that time frame (since 1990). Who are they?

[digamma]

Bingo. Too easy.

[Easy Mac]

#2 is GT, Wash, Miami and Colorado from when we always had co-champs

[Butter]

Is Oklahoma one for #3?

[Butter]

Guess not.

[digamma]

They won the 2000 national championship.

[Butter]

Yeah, I meant #2, and then I looked it up and their current stadium is just over 80k. So I was wrong in varying, multiple ways.

[CU Tiger]

Man, we were headed to Arizona to watch the game Monday. But after sitting in an office with a guy listening to ESPN radio all day I have realized I am wasting my time.

Sounds like the best thing for Clemson to do is meet the Tide at mid-field kiss the ring and beg for their very survival since they obviously have no chance in beating this juggernaut.

[clemsonfan]

Just booked our trip to the CFP! Go Tigers!

[HomerSimpson98]

Man, we were headed to Arizona to watch the game Monday. But after sitting in an office with a guy listening to ESPN radio all day I have realized I am wasting my time.

Sounds like the best thing for Clemson to do is meet the Tide at mid-field kiss the ring and beg for their very survival since they obviously have no chance in beating this juggernaut.

Smart man. SEC! SEC!

If thats what it takes to get you, Dabo, and the Tigers fired up, then have at it. Keep playing that card if it gets you a ring, true or not. Regardless, it should be a great game.

[Edward64]

Let's be clear, its the SEC West.

[Butter]

Smart man. SEC! SEC!

If thats what it takes to get you, Dabo, and the Tigers fired up, then have at it. Keep playing that card if it gets you a ring, true or not. Regardless, it should be a great game.

It really doesn't matter what it takes to get the fans fired up. But Alabama opening as a 7 point favorite in addition to the predictable, numerous, majority media picks of Alabama aren't a figment of someone's imagination.

I'm anticipating a great game that could go either way. I think this is far from Saban's best team, but even so if they play a great game they could well win because he always has the talent.

Clemson has spent years trying to figure out what it takes to compete on a truly elite level. We'll see if they finally have it down or if this is another disappointment.

[HomerSimpson98]

Right and I get that. But what would you set the betting line at? On paper, the Bama athletes are superior to Clemson's. I am not sure how that can be argued, but I am sure someone will. The Bama front 4 matches up very well with the Clemson ground attack. The key is obviously Watson. If he can break containment, complete a few throws, it could neutralize Bama's strength. On the other hand, I am afraid they'll break him in two.

Bama O is not great by any means. But the Clemson D isnt the 85 Bears either. And we still dont know how effective Shaq will be. Coker was very good in beating a very good Sparty defense and if that continues, then Clemson cant just put 8 in the box to stop Henry. The Tiger D played very well against OU, no question. But OU was the worst of the 4 playoff teams.

Regardless of what happens, it will be a great season by Clemson. I'm just getting tired of all the anti-SEC crap.

[Logan]

I'm just getting tired of all the anti-SEC crap.

This is funny.

[HomerSimpson98]

I meant it to be directed at message board postings and not the dipshit talking heads at CBS and E!SPN. Maybe thats the trade-off I guess.

I still cant believe I heard Herbie say that Michigan State needs to tear down their program after the latest Bama blowout. So ridiculous and uncalled for. Sparty is close and that game simply got out of hand for them. No need to torch the place.

[cartman]

Remember how the 2005 USC team was anointed the "greatest team ever" prior to the game against Texas?

[CU Tiger]

Homer,
My post was in response to listening to an ESPN talking head state "If Clemson keeps it a little closer than MSU that should be considered a moral victory for the Tigers."

The best CB Bama will face all year will be Monday night.
Mackenzie Alexander hasn't given up a TD catch in 19 games and has given up 1 in 2 years. On a play he fell down. I think it is entirely possible Mac takes Ridley out of the game 1-on-1. If he can do that, and look even limiting him to ~60 yards receiving and 1 TD is taking him away, that frees up an extra man to shade the middle and drop down to help stop Henry.

Clemson is nearly as deep across the front 4 as Bama on D. Actually I'd submit Clemson's interior DT is better/deeper than Bama's but Bama DEFINITELY has the edge at DE even with Lawson, who wont play much.(I know this is a bit of a tough comp because Clemson plays an even 4 down front most of the time while Bama plays a lot of 3 down and a result Clemson needs more bodies to fill 2 spots than Bama needs to fill 1).

Bama is good but they aren't the 85 Bears either. The 2 B1G wins were against teams that played into Saban's wheelhouse and tried to line up and smash him. You can't line up and smash Bama. However if you make their 260lbn LB'ers chase TE and Slot guys all day...

Look at how much trouble UT gave Bama. UT actually runs a more similar offense to Clemson than Ole Miss does, despite Ole Miss having our former 3rd string QB leading the way. UT however doesnt have the horses Clemson has.

Look I am not blind homer here. Bama is DAMN good. But so is Clemson. This is going to be a game of momentum. Either team could win and the score could be any of 4 directions.

But all the talk of Bama just wearing Clemson down and then drilling them in the 4th quarter....Clemson may do the same to tired Bama LB'ers who have been chasing guys horizontally all game.

If I were setting the line, I'd favor Bama by 3'. I think thats right, FWIW.

[Butter]

Right and I get that. But what would you set the betting line at?

Even.

[Edward64]

Remember how the 2005 USC team was anointed the "greatest team ever" prior to the game against Texas?

Vince Young was fantastic in that game. He won the game.

G'damn, was that back in 2005?

[Kodos]

I meant it to be directed at message board postings and not the dipshit talking heads at CBS and E!SPN. Maybe thats the trade-off I guess.

I still cant believe I heard Herbie say that Michigan State needs to tear down their program after the latest Bama blowout. So ridiculous and uncalled for. Sparty is close and that game simply got out of hand for them. No need to torch the place.

Huh. I love Herbstreit, but that was a dumb thing to say.

[HomerSimpson98]

excellent discussion guys. This is why I like coming to this place and chatting especially with CU Tiger. Great discussion and not the OMG!WTF!LOLZ crap i see on college message boards.

[cartman]

G'damn, was that back in 2005?

The game was in 2006, 10 years ago this past Monday.

[HomerSimpson98]

Remember how the 2005 USC team was anointed the "greatest team ever" prior to the game against Texas?

Sure do. But I also remember Texas being number 2 that entire year, and living here, I got to see those dudes roll through the season in dominant fashion as well. Where everyone short-sighted the Horns was in the athletic ability - they matched up with USC horse-for-horse. Their defense had what, 6-7 NFL starters at that time?!?!?!

Having said that, Reggie Bush's dumbass lateral and Pete's inability to recognize VY couldnt throw for shit, just stop him from running, cost them that game. And VY refused to lose :) Hate that guy but massive respect for him.

[HomerSimpson98]

Homer,
My post was in response to listening to an ESPN talking head state "If Clemson keeps it a little closer than MSU that should be considered a moral victory for the Tigers."

The best CB Bama will face all year will be Monday night.
Mackenzie Alexander hasn't given up a TD catch in 19 games and has given up 1 in 2 years. On a play he fell down. I think it is entirely possible Mac takes Ridley out of the game 1-on-1. If he can do that, and look even limiting him to ~60 yards receiving and 1 TD is taking him away, that frees up an extra man to shade the middle and drop down to help stop Henry.

Clemson is nearly as deep across the front 4 as Bama on D. Actually I'd submit Clemson's interior DT is better/deeper than Bama's but Bama DEFINITELY has the edge at DE even with Lawson, who wont play much.(I know this is a bit of a tough comp because Clemson plays an even 4 down front most of the time while Bama plays a lot of 3 down and a result Clemson needs more bodies to fill 2 spots than Bama needs to fill 1).

Bama is good but they aren't the 85 Bears either. The 2 B1G wins were against teams that played into Saban's wheelhouse and tried to line up and smash him. You can't line up and smash Bama. However if you make their 260lbn LB'ers chase TE and Slot guys all day...

Look at how much trouble UT gave Bama. UT actually runs a more similar offense to Clemson than Ole Miss does, despite Ole Miss having our former 3rd string QB leading the way. UT however doesnt have the horses Clemson has.

Look I am not blind homer here. Bama is DAMN good. But so is Clemson. This is going to be a game of momentum. Either team could win and the score could be any of 4 directions.

But all the talk of Bama just wearing Clemson down and then drilling them in the 4th quarter....Clemson may do the same to tired Bama LB'ers who have been chasing guys horizontally all game.

If I were setting the line, I'd favor Bama by 3'. I think thats right, FWIW.

First line - thats just ridiculous. Did that come straight from Finebaum's jack wagon mouth?

My concern for Clemson is that if the Bama front 4 can control the LOS and Ragland is athletic enough to run with Watson. That puts the onus on the Clemson passing game and Watson cant be as off as he was against OU. I am in total agreement that this will be a game of momentum. Hell, if CLemson gets up early on Bama, forcing Coker to beat them. I dont think he can. X Factor will be Cyrus Jones. If he can make some plays on returns and catch a few passes, that would be huge. But if he reverts to his dropping every other punt, that could kill the Tide.

And FYI, I'd have Bama by 4-4.5

[tarcone]

I wouldn't get to jacked up about The MSU victory. Spartys DBs have been average at best all year. I give credit to Bama for gameplanning to expose that. And then following through on that GP. Well done.


But Clemson is no MSU. Clemson is way more athletic and will be better against the pass than MSU.

Is Clemson big enough up front to slow down Henry? That Im not sure about.

But is Alabama fast enough to keep up with Clemsons offense?

I think this will be a whale of a game.

[CU Tiger]

First line - thats just ridiculous. Did that come straight from Finebaum's jack wagon mouth?

My concern for Clemson is that if the Bama front 4 can control the LOS and Ragland is athletic enough to run with Watson. That puts the onus on the Clemson passing game and Watson cant be as off as he was against OU. I am in total agreement that this will be a game of momentum. Hell, if CLemson gets up early on Bama, forcing Coker to beat them. I dont think he can. X Factor will be Cyrus Jones. If he can make some plays on returns and catch a few passes, that would be huge. But if he reverts to his dropping every other punt, that could kill the Tide.

And FYI, I'd have Bama by 4-4.5

No I'd expect it from Finebaum, it was from Carter or Mattich, one of their supposed "analysts".

Good points all around. Clemson's special teams scare me for sure.

Regarding making DW4 beat them passing, if you havent followed the team the Oklahoma game was an aberration, he was 2nd in the country in completion % on the year Losing one of his 2 favorite targerts 2 days before the game hurt tremendously. Clemson's passing game is a timing route based system where the QB releases the ball before a WR breaks. Route speed difference really hurt Deshaun. Plus there were 5 credited drops and he still threw over 50% despite having a horrible game. Watson is a better passer than a runner, though if you have only watched he last couple games I understand why you would question that.

Clemson can not line up and drive block Bama's DT of the line. The good news is they wont try. Even their inside run game is predicated on "leverage" blocks. It is more about tricking a defender to stepping the wrong way with false OL steps than it is smash and mash.

Conversly where Bama scares me, is crossing routes and swing routes where Clemson LBers have to cover. It is their Achilles heel and I have been shocked more havent exploited it. But the passes will have to come out quick because Clemson WILL get pressure on Coker. Coach Venables is getting pressure even if he kills himself doing it. Bama's Oline are manimals, for sure. But 5 guys cant block 7 and there will be 7 men pressuring more often than not regardless of formation.

[Funny side story: We were sitting front row kind of behind Oklahoma's bench in Miami. 3rd quarter their WR coach was going nuts talking about his WR running free all day and Mayfield not finding them. One of the defensive coaches ( I thought at the time it was Mike Stoops, but in relaying the story to a friend and OU fan he said Mike stays in the box so I dont know...) said, "it really doesn't matter, he can't afford to look down field."]

Bama's defense worries me because of their length and athleticism at DB. The horizontal screen game is a gamble because those dudes can pick it and outrun you the other way. Likewise with fade routes. They will out jump you and take it.

[CU Tiger]

Is Clemson big enough up front to slow down Henry? That Im not sure about.



Starting 4 L-r
6'5 285 - 6'3" 335 - 6'3" 298 - 6'3" 280

2nd 4 l-r
6'4 260- 6'4" 310 - 6'5" 315 - 6'4 270

Size wont be the problem.

And that 2nd string 6'5 315 guy caught the long fake punt pass, can do a standing back flip and was all state in basketball his senior year.

And btw the #1 and #2 overall DTs in the nation are coming to Clemson next year to join the fold...

[Butter]

Clemson's special teams, especially kickoff coverage, has been awful all year. Also, the punter is susceptible to a block, and the kicker has missed a few extra points and probably only has range to 45 yards. Clemson could lose this game in special teams.

As for fade routes, Clemson really hasn't run them this year, except with Leggett. If you get the TE matched on a LB and the fade is thrown properly, I like Leggett to win that matchup (if he can actually not drop it). But hopefully they don't get back to being too cute with the screen game and outsmart themselves. I don't think they will, but we'll see.

My worry is much like you've said... OJ Howard, their giant TE getting matched up on LBs, and Coker being able to pick out short crossing routes to beat the rush.

[CU Tiger]

Coming up on the big game thought a few of you guys might appreciate this.

CLEMSON -– Dabo and Tracy Swinney still haven’t erased the voicemails left by their father. They still go back and listen, thinking back to the meaningful and loving conversations that bloomed from a relationship repaired.

When a high-profile figure suffers a loss, as Dabo did in August when Ervil Swinney died from cancer, the outside world makes a story of it but then moves on to something else the next day. Dabo and Tracy did not move on. The feeling of loss is still very much with them, has been with them throughout a special season that has left Clemson fans pinching themselves with a mixture of delight and disbelief.

“The holidays are a little bit tougher for me,” Tracy said last month. “And I know they are for Dabo, too.”

By now you know all about the havoc and devastation Ervil’s alcoholism caused to his family. Dabo, the youngest of three boys, climbed onto the roof as a child to escape the venom and violence that accompanied his father’s heavy drinking. He and his mother Carol were basically homeless for a time, and she later lived with Dabo for three years when he was at Alabama.

But Ervil started to clean himself up about 15 years ago, and in recent years father and sons connected in a special way. After Ervil was diagnosed with cancer a second time in the spring of 2015, Dabo and Tracy talked him in to moving from Birmingham to Clemson so he could get his treatments in Greenville. Ervil lived in Dabo’s basement and they talked deep into many nights. Dabo often drove his father to Greenville when he was going through eight weeks of radiation and chemotherapy.

“We’ve all seen it on the outside,” said Woody McCorvey, one of Dabo’s trusted confidantes. “But there’s no telling what all went on with him and his dad riding in that truck from here to treatment, and some of the things they talked about while sitting at treatment.”

In August, Clemson was in the meat of August camp and the Swinney family was at the lake house on Keowee winding down after a long day. Ervil had gone back to Alabama because it was home, because he loved sitting at the M&M appliance store and telling stories with all his old friends. That’s where he died, sitting in that chair. He’d been telling everyone how great he felt as he awaited further testing to determine whether the cancer had gone. When the phone call came that day in August, they told Dabo and Tracy that their 70-year-old dad just stopped breathing as he sat in the chair. Ervil was scheduled to be back in Clemson two days later, to come to practice and spend more time with his family.

Dabo spoke at the funeral and it was predictably stirring, a mix of reality and humor and inspiration. He has been more emotional than usual at times during this 14-0 season that’s now one victory away from being a national championship season. He broke down on the sidelines when that win over Notre Dame was complete, largely because his dad couldn’t stop talking about the Notre Dame game before he died. That’s why the victory was a little more special than the others.

Dabo and Tracy embraced that night on the sideline, soaking wet. Then they laughed after agreeing that it wasn’t just Ben Boulware, Carlos Watkins and Kevin Dodd making that stop on the two-point conversion. They were convinced Big Erv also shot through a gap and helped keep DeShone Kizer short of the goal line in the 24-22 victory.

When he returned after the funeral, Dabo was back in his element because he said that’s what his father would’ve wanted.

“Literally, as soon as they put him in the grave, ‘All right, that’s enough. Get yourself back to work. We have some football games to win.’ That was Big Erv.”

That doesn’t mean getting past the loss has been easy. Dabo felt the emptiness each Sunday evening after finishing his weekly teleconference with the media to discuss the previous day’s game. That was the time he’d call dad to catch up.

McCorvey walks regularly, and he remembers walking down Berkeley Drive in Clemson over the summer and seeing Dabo coaching the Little League baseball team at Ashley Dearing Park. McCorvey grew accustomed to seeing Ervil sitting in the passenger seat of Dabo’s Toyota Tundra with the air conditioning cranked, intently watching his grandsons on the field.

“But then all of a sudden, a couple months later, it’s over,” McCorvey said.

Years ago, when Ervil couldn’t stay on the wagon, Tracy was done with him. He didn’t want to be around him. Dabo, though, wouldn’t give up.

Said Tracy: “Dabo, man, he kept hitting him and hitting him: ‘Come on, dad. You need to do this. You need to accept Christ in your life.’ But he still would fail to those demons for so many years. But for the last 15 years of his life, he did rededicate his life. He stopped drinking. He stopped smoking. He was having a great life. He was really happy, and we all enjoyed being around him.”

Big Erv was as big an Alabama fan as they come, going a long way toward explaining why Dabo was as big an Alabama fan as they come growing up in Pelham, Ala. The Crimson Tide and Tigers were Erv’s two favorite teams from the moment Swinney took a job as Clemson’s receivers coach in 2003.

And now the two teams are playing for it all. Big Erv’s presence will be in that dome Monday night in the desert, just as it’s been with Dabo and Tracy all along this season.

“I just have to believe he’s having a lot of fun up there and smiling down, because this would have been like his little shop down there, that little M&M Hardware store down there in Alabaster,” Dabo said. “It would have been a scene right now coming in to see my dad and talking about Alabama and Clemson.”

Said McCorvey: “He knew how much his dad was looking forward to this season. Even though he’s not here physically, Dabo feels like he’s watching from above.”

[Logan]

The CFP committee can say all they want about how they're okay with the NYE playoff ratings, and they think they'll stake claim on the day over the next few years. But here is how it can actually be forced to change:

Media Buyers, ESPN Negotiating $20M in Bowl Game Ad Makegoods | Broadcasting & Cable (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/media-buyers-espn-negotiating-20m-bowl-game-ad-makegoods/146777)

[JonInMiddleGA]

The CFP committee can say all they want about how they're okay with the NYE playoff ratings, and they think they'll stake claim on the day over the next few years. But here is how it can actually be forced to change:

Media Buyers, ESPN Negotiating $20M in Bowl Game Ad Makegoods | Broadcasting & Cable (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/currency/media-buyers-espn-negotiating-20m-bowl-game-ad-makegoods/146777)

Some of that is on naive media buyers however. Anyone worth their salt KNEW that the numbers would be down. And that's idiotic buying on their part (something that isn't uncommon frankly)

[BishopMVP]

Someone at ESPN other than Chris Brown actually coming in with a decent article about how Saban's been forced to change - How Alabama Crimson Tide caught up to the hurry-up - SEC Blog- ESPN (http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/113160/how-alabama-caught-up-to-the-hurry-up)

Now, we'll see Monday night if it's effective... or this is Johnny Manziel part II where Alabama geared their entire offseason around stopping him, then he/Mike Evans still put up 45 points, but it's nice to see how they've been tweaking things.

[PilotMan]

C'mon who's watching? The BISON are on! I've been quiet all week. I just finished work and they are up 17-0 in the second quarter. ESPN 2. Watch it. Could be history today if they win.

[PilotMan]

24-0 now.

Against the to ranked, only lost to Auburn, Jacksonville st team.

[Thomkal]

C'mon who's watching? The BISON are on! I've been quiet all week. I just finished work and they are up 17-0 in the second quarter. ESPN 2. Watch it. Could be history today if they win.

Was not expecting a blow-out. Game is basically over. What do you think are the NFL chances for your QB, PM? Some "experts" seem to think he could be a 1st round pick.

[Dr. Sak]

I worked the JSU playoff game where they went to OT...they don't have the defense needed to keep up with NDST. I figured this would be an easy Bison win.

[PilotMan]

Was not expecting a blow-out. Game is basically over. What do you think are the NFL chances for your QB, PM? Some "experts" seem to think he could be a 1st round pick.

You know a lot of people were saying that this is the toughest challenge the Bison have had in the finals so far. I'll admit that I'm nervous still nervous. It looks good right now but...

As far as Wentz goes? He's clearly the biggest football star in North Dakota history. And I don't mean North Dakota State I mean the entire state. I think a lot of it will determine how he plays in the Senior Bowl. If he has a good showing he could be a mid first round pick. Although I think that might be a little high he's very rough around the edges as far as the NFL goes. Any normal year he's probably late two early three quarterback.

[PilotMan]

Anyone who says this game is over right now is crazy.

[PilotMan]

I was right. They are coming back. Buckle up.

[PilotMan]

Fourth quarter touchdown! Now I can breathe! Let's finish this! WOOHOO!

[PilotMan]

FIVE-IN-A-ROW!

Simply amazing. Something that has never been done in college football before. What a team. What a team. Wow.

[Thomkal]

Congrats to NDSU!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Had to at least vaguely pull for JSU on that one -- geography & all -- but can easily congratulate NDSU on their accomplishment.

[HomerSimpson98]

So I took the Tigers and the 7. But Im not real confident in it. I'm banking on Bama being a little overconfident and Clemson playing that underdog role to the max tonight. And I'm thinking Kiffin gets too cute and doesnt just pound Henry like he should.

The game is either going to be a Bama blowout or a close Clemson win. he momentum swings are going to be the key (obviously).

Cant wait.

[digamma]

There seems to be so little buzz for this game.

[Marmel]

There is no heat for this game at all. I forgot about it until this morning on the radio. I'm probably not going to watch either, unless I see it is close in the 4th, but what's going on? Are we just sick of Alabama now? Clemson really doesn't do anything for this game, obviously, but I thought there would be some hype going in.

[Logan]

I forgot about it until this morning as well. I think it's because NYE feels like a really long time ago, and those games were so boring for the most part that they didn't leave much of an impression or a feeling that you HAVE to see what these teams will do against each other.

Personally though, I think Clemson definitely has a shot and I'm excited to watch (now that I remember).

[jbergey22]

Should be a fantastic game unless turnovers tip the scale.

[albionmoonlight]

I forgot about it until this morning as well. I think it's because NYE feels like a really long time ago, and those games were so boring for the most part that they didn't leave much of an impression or a feeling that you HAVE to see what these teams will do against each other.

It might make more money in the long run, but putting the semi-finals on NYE seems like it is having this negative ripple effect. I cared more about the NC when I actually watched the semis.

[jbergey22]

It might make more money in the long run, but putting the semi-finals on NYE seems like it is having this negative ripple effect. I cared more about the NC when I actually watched the semis.

For years so many people complained about wanting "playoffs" now this common reaction of caring more when it was played earlier. Seems like a no win situation for the NCAA. Personally, I like this better than no playoffs but preferred the golden age of college football in the mid/late 80s even more when it seemed every New Years game had meaningful impact.

IMO playing this game on a Saturday or Sunday night around the NFL playoffs would be better placement.

[ISiddiqui]

For years so many people complained about wanting "playoffs" now this common reaction of caring more when it was played earlier. Seems like a no win situation for the NCAA. Personally, I like this better than no playoffs but preferred the golden age of college football in the mid/late 80s even more when it seemed every New Years game had meaningful impact.

IMO playing this game on a Saturday or Sunday night around the NFL playoffs would be better placement.

I think as you said it, better placement would actually make the playoffs more interesting. The Semis should be on New Years Day. Or, at least, primetime on Jan 1 and Jan 2. Then have the final on the Saturday evening following. Of course, they do it Monday night to avoid going up against the NFL playoffs - but maybe something can be worked out?

[henry296]

The gap between semi-finals and championship is the same this year as last year since New Years Day was Thursday last year.

[ISiddiqui]

It's not the gap that matters, per se. It's that far less people will watch games on New Years Eve - which depresses interest in the Championship.

[Logan]

I posted an article a few days ago about ESPN needing to give $20MM in make goods to advertisers, and there was an article in the Sports Business Journal today about sponsors starting to ramp up the pressure to move it off NYE.

I think the CFP committee is hoping that having NYE fall on a Saturday next year materially improves the numbers before seriously considering a change. Obviously it solves the "work crowd" issue but it could worsen the "alternative plans" component. If it's still way off, they'll give up the charade of calling this a "modest drop" that they're not concerned about.

[JonInMiddleGA]

There seems to be so little buzz for this game.

Too much down time between. And you lose the sustained interest of rest of the country outside the south once NFL playoffs begin.

[albionmoonlight]

I'm preaching to the choir, I know, but it still shocks me that anyone who gets paid to think about these things thought that NYE would ever be a good day for marquee games.

Personally, I'd put the semis before Christmas and have the NC the evening of January 2nd. You keep the bowl momentum going, and you take a time that is not currently already busy and jazz it up with huge games.

[albionmoonlight]

dola:

And, to get to Jon's point, having the NC on the 2nd means that you are out before the NFL playoffs.

[ISiddiqui]

Somewhat related:

Clemson-Alabama is cheapest national title ticket in recent years - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/jon-solomon/25445606/national-championship-clemson-alabama-the-cheapest-ticket-in-years)

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Ticket prices on the secondary market for Clemson vs. Alabama continued to drop Monday, meaning the second College Football Playoff National Championship will likely replace last year's inaugural game as the cheapest ticket in recent national title history.

• 2016: Clemson vs. Alabama in Arizona -- $675
• 2015: Oregon vs. Ohio State in Texas -- $807
• 2014: Florida State vs. Auburn in California -- $889
• 2013: Alabama vs. Notre Dame in Florida -- $1,640
• 2012: Alabama vs. LSU in Louisiana -- $1,808
• 2011: Auburn vs. Oregon in Arizona -- $1,154

[tarcone]

I forgot it was tonight until a guy at work asked who I was rooting for. It would have been different if Iowa was playing, obviously.
Its too late and the timing needs to be changed.

[digamma]

I've been to three national championship games at the Rose Bowl, plus the Auburn Oregon game in Glendale. By far the toughest ticket was USC-Texas. Alabama-Texas was fine. Auburn-Oregon seemed like a tough ticket, but I think that was in part due to not really knowing the landscape around the stadium and where people were selling. The bottom fell out of the Auburn-FSU market, and you could find tickets outside the game for less than $100, just prior to kick off.

[Logan]

Looks like get in price at Stubhub is $125 right now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Somewhat related:

Clemson-Alabama is cheapest national title ticket in recent years - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/jon-solomon/25445606/national-championship-clemson-alabama-the-cheapest-ticket-in-years)


Just eyeballing that, not inclined to actually Google map it & do the math but ... isn't this the largest combined mileage from schools/venue?

edit: Or at least about the same as FSU/Auburn?

[cuervo72]

dola:

And, to get to Jon's point, having the NC on the 2nd means that you are out before the NFL playoffs.

Yep. My attention this weekend was on the NFL, and I mostly forgot about the championship game.

I don't understand why they don't put the semis in December.

[CU Tiger]

Meh, yall might have forgotten but me, my wife and both my kids have been in AZ since Friday.

About to walk into the stadium now.

With Lawson and Alexander both being out(our severely limited), its going to be a tough climb for my tigers. But win or lose im proud of the season we have had.

Go Tigers

[albionmoonlight]

Meh, yall might have forgotten but me, my wife and both my kids have been in AZ since Friday.

About to walk into the stadium now.

With Lawson and Alexander both being out(our severely limited), its going to be a tough climb for my tigers. But win or lose im proud of the season we have had.

Go Tigers

Good luck!

[tarcone]

Good luck.

Go Clemson!

[CU Tiger]

Be interested to see how it plays on TV it's probably a 60/40 Clemson crowd if not 70/30. Not surprising I suppose since it's so more common for Bama. Hopefully the Clemson faithful are cheering late into the 4th quarter.

[Abe Sargent]

Let's go Clemson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Abe Sargent]

So if I were to sign someone to come in and do teh national anthem for a game like this, I'd want someone with some cache, but some serious pipes. Probably Jill Scott. Yeah, Jill Scott.

[JonInMiddleGA]

STrictly so that I'm on the record with an official prediction, this c&p from my social media

So, Bama vs Clemson. I'm predicting Bama, by around two touchdowns & possibly more. I think size/strength up front advantage overcomes the potential issues of a vulnerable secondary. That's my prediction for the record.

But how I'm rooting.? Honestly, I don't know that I am. It's more fun to watch people nationally melt down when Bama wins. I can make an argument about "what's better for the game" in both directions. Dynasties are more interesting than the lack of them but Clemson finally getting the job done isn't a horrible storyline either. Both have some top-notch players. I'm an ACC guy by history & nature but Clemson isn't a particular fave of mine within the conference.

Rooting interest? Honestly I hope that when the game ends fans on both sides can walk away saying "the better team won the game, props to them" and that we don't get some screwy officiating or injuries that play a big role in the outcome. That's about all the rooting I feel coming for me in
this one.

[JonInMiddleGA]

If a walk-on is the eventual star, that's a darned good story I have to admit

[JonInMiddleGA]

And, yes, Clemson has now matched my expectation for their scoring.

[jbergey22]

Clemson going through this Alabama defense like a hot knife on butter.

[jbergey22]

Henry is a man amongst boys out there.

[bhlloy]

Clemson may have missed their chance to pull away. Just get the feeling the momentum has turned

[TroyF]

Clemson got royally screwed at the end of the first half. They could have had another player to get a few more yards and make that field goal easier. I don't think the announcers are making a big enough deal about that. If they lose this game by three, it will be the story of the game for me.

The refs MUST do a better job of that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Clemson got royally screwed at the end of the first half. They could have had another player to get a few more yards and make that field goal easier. I don't think the announcers are making a big enough deal about that. If they lose this game by three, it will be the story of the game for me.

The refs MUST do a better job of that.

I was likewise confused about why no review of the spot on that Bama 3rd down at their own 20. It worked out for them on the next play but it seemed odd not to check that in a game of this magnitude (yeah, that shouldn't matter but ...)

[MrBug708]

#pac12refs

[JonInMiddleGA]

Isn't that at least the third time a receiver on that side has been not just open but wiiiiiide open?

[cuervo72]

Seriously, how do teams that are this good let guys THAT wide open?

[TroyF]

Memo to the announcers, what you are calling a fantastic defensive play is pass interference. I'm sorry that you, like the refs, cannot see that the Bama player clearly grabbed the WR arms before the ball got there. Unless you are a member of the Seattle Seahawk secondary, that is a penalty.

Just thought you'd like to know,

TroyF

Note: I'm not upset the refs missed the call. In real time it would have been difficult to see. (though I think they should have seen it) Those things happen. You, on replay, should be able to see what happened there. You are idiots. Thanks.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Memo to the announcers, what you are calling a fantastic defensive play is pass interference. I'm sorry that you, like the refs, cannot see that the Bama player clearly grabbed the WR arms before the ball got there. Unless you are a member of the Seattle Seahawk secondary, that is a penalty.

Just thought you'd like to know,

TroyF

Note: I'm not upset the refs missed the call. In real time it would have been difficult to see. (though I think they should have seen it) Those things happen. You, on replay, should be able to see what happened there. You are idiots. Thanks.

There's no shortage of defensive holding on a LOT of these plays.

And aside from any penalty (I wasn't looking that far back in the play tbh) I'm not convinced that was a great defensive play so much as his arm just happened to get tangled up in everything. It didn't look all that intentional to me.

edit to clarify: I wasn't suggesting a def. holding occurred on that play. I was referring to some pretty obvious ones that occurred earlier in the game, never mentioned, just visible on routine replays.

[TroyF]

Isn't that at least the third time a receiver on that side has been not just open but wiiiiiide open?


Not only this game. I've seen that type of blown coverage about 10 times in the last three or four weeks, both NFL and college. Unbelievably poor defense.

[TroyF]

There's no shortage of defensive holding on a LOT of these plays.

And aside from any penalty (I wasn't looking that far back in the play tbh) I'm not convinced that was a great defensive play so much as his arm just happened to get tangled up in everything. It didn't look all that intentional to me.


I agree. I'm not as bothered by the refs missing that as the announcers. That makes two times tonight the announcers clearly missed a key play in real time. The first one they tried to correct after the half. On this one, it was still PI after the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth looks, yet they continued to prattle on about a great defensive play. Sorry, the arms were hit before the ball got there and that isn't like the feet getting tangled up. He interfered with the WR catching the ball. They should be talking about how the freshman got away with one, not how terrific of a play it was.

[jbergey22]

Lets guard Howard, Clemson! Wide open the entire game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

1st half was Watson vs Henry.

Henry has been awfully quiet in q3, poor 1st downs will do that.

[TroyF]

You would make one amazing official. It's a shame the world won't get to see it.


Ya know, if you read my post, I mentioned multiple times I wasn't upset they missed the call. I was upset the announcers screwed it up. I made the point that it was tough to call in real time. I'd like to see them get that one right, but it isn't the end of the world if they miss something that close. It happens. The announcer? On slow motion replay? They shouldn't be missing it.

As far as the screw up at the end of the first half? That's unacceptable in a national title game. You can defend your profession all you want, it was a terribly reffed end of the half and it could have a direct result on the game.

I wouldn't have been a good ref. . . then again, I'm also not paid to be either. I can also be critical of players (though I would also suck as a football player), politicians, journalists (I have a journalism degree, am I allowed to be critical of them?), and even the occasional judge or celebrity. What can I say? I'm a scumbag. I'm sure my scathing opinion of refs have caused many of them to kill themselves in shame. Sorry about that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

#pac12refs

I actually thought you were kidding. And then I looked it up.

O.M.G.

[kingfc22]

Well played.

[MrBug708]

Ballsy

[MrBug708]

I hope Dabo is pissed at his own team

[JonInMiddleGA]

Umm ... wow.

[Easy Mac]

So what is Dabo upset about?

[Dr. Sak]

Ya know, if you read my post, I mentioned multiple times I wasn't upset they missed the call. I was upset the announcers screwed it up. I made the point that it was tough to call in real time. I'd like to see them get that one right, but it isn't the end of the world if they miss something that close. It happens. The announcer? On slow motion replay? They shouldn't be missing it.

As far as the screw up at the end of the first half? That's unacceptable in a national title game. You can defend your profession all you want, it was a terribly reffed end of the half and it could have a direct result on the game.

I wouldn't have been a good ref. . . then again, I'm also not paid to be either. I can also be critical of players (though I would also suck as a football player), politicians, journalists (I have a journalism degree, am I allowed to be critical of them?), and even the occasional judge or celebrity. What can I say? I'm a scumbag. I'm sure my scathing opinion of refs have caused many of them to kill themselves in shame. Sorry about that.

I didn't call you a scum bag...quit being a drama queen. I was just being a smart ass.

[kingfc22]

Blown coverage again?

[cuervo72]

Again. What the hell are they doing?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, there's that secondary issue again.

Honestly, have defensive schemes gotten so complex (and so multiple) that players simply can't execute them any more?

[JonInMiddleGA]

I didn't call you a scum bag...quit being a drama queen. I was just being a smart ass.

It came off pretty poorly, fwiw. It didn't read with any light-hearted jab at all IMO.

And nearly prompted a major heartfelt response directed at the profession as a whole.

[kingfc22]

So what is Dabo upset about?

Should be upset about his players blowing assignments and giving up huge plays.

[bhlloy]

Basic blown coverages are going to cost them this game. I know they have at least one backup in there but the coaches should be able to simplify things so that doesn't keep happening

[Dr. Sak]

So what is Dabo upset about?

He's trying to argue that his player did not have an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick and it should have been KCI.

[Easy Mac]

Even with 10 minutes left, id still bet on Clemson to score 2 TDs than Bama to score another.

[kingfc22]

So is Renfro Brady's next slot receiver?

[Dr. Sak]

It came off pretty poorly, fwiw. It didn't read with any light-hearted jab at all IMO.

And nearly prompted a major heartfelt response directed at the profession as a whole.

So let me get this straight...it's ok to make comments (correct or not) at the officials...but when I make a jab back, it's not allowed?

[JPhillips]

Has there ever been a study on whether the increased rate of fumbles outweighs the extra yards given up on all of those strip "tackles"?

[Edward64]

Pretty good game.

[Easy Mac]

We've seen the one part of his game Watson doesn't have yet: touch on his throws.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So let me get this straight...it's ok to make comments (correct or not) at the officials...but when I make a jab back, it's not allowed?

You're welcome to post whatever.

A lot of profession take hits, mine among them.

But defending the indefensible is probably a fool's errand. And that's how a great number of people view sports officiating on the whole: with a reputation for proficiency that is about on par with Congress.

[MrBug708]

So is Renfro Brady's next slot receiver?

I thought the same thing

[Easy Mac]

He's trying to argue that his player did not have an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick and it should have been KCI.

How does that work.

Also, we need to do a ref podcast, call it Ask the Sak.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So is Renfro Brady's next slot receiver?

He's a freshman. Is Brady still around?

[MrBug708]

Geez. Special Teams..

[Easy Mac]

This is why I don't bet. I at least would have hit the over

[kingfc22]

Special teams has been one sided and thus the outcome we have.

[bhlloy]

Now hiring, Clemson special teams coordinator

[Dr. Sak]

You're welcome to post whatever.

A lot of profession take hits, mine among them.

But defending the indefensible is probably a fool's errand. And that's how a great number of people view sports officiating on the whole: with a reputation for proficiency that is about on par with Congress.

So Congress is right 95-98% of the time? Because on average an officiating crew gets 95-98% of the plays right a game.

And your other comment about defending the indefensible only holds true if the person who is being critical actually is correct.

[jbergey22]

Speaking of Refs, they missed 3 holds on the kickoff return that decided this game. Half of Clemsons team ended up on their back.

[Balldog]

Almost looks like he lost control of the ball before he broke the plain...

[JonInMiddleGA]

So Congress is right 95-98% of the time? Because on average an officiating crew gets 95-98% of the plays right a game.

Uh huh. You keep buying that if it makes you feel better, that's cool. Carry on.

Leagues/conferences don't have an interest in admitting the common & frequent incompetence. Officials grading themselves certainly don't and has zero credibility afaic.

But, hey, whatever works for you.

[Marmel]

The only thing wrong more often than refs (besides sak of course!) is troy.

[Dr. Sak]

How does that work.

Also, we need to do a ref podcast, call it Ask the Sak.

Until the ball hits the ground on a kick...whether it be a Free Kick or Scrimmage Kick...the Receiving team has to have an unimpeded opportunity to catch it. The issue is that the receiving team actually has to be able to catch the kick which in the case here....even if Alabama didn't catch it out of the air...no way the player from Clemson would have caught it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Speaking of Refs, they missed 3 holds on the kickoff return that decided this game. Half of Clemsons team ended up on their back.

And nearly half the runs that Watson has made to the outside have featured an obvious hold somewhere downfield (to the point that I'm surprised when I don't see a receiver in particular doing it).

That's the nature of the game today, the players are simply too big to be blocked consistently without someone holding somewhere.

[cuervo72]

Refs aren't perfect, but I'd like to know exactly what pool we should be pulling them from where they'd be significantly improved.

[Dr. Sak]

Uh huh. You keep buying that if it makes you feel better, that's cool. Carry on.

Leagues/conferences don't have an interest in admitting the common & frequent incompetence. Officials grading themselves certainly don't and has zero credibility afaic.

But, hey, whatever works for you.

Buying that...grades from the conferences directly to us reflect it. You don't make them you are gone. But keep believing what you want.

[Easy Mac]

So do you pound it with Henry here, or let Lane Kiffin get cute?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Refs aren't perfect, but I'd like to know exactly what pool we should be pulling them from where they'd be significantly improved.

it can't be done, IMO.

Too many teams = too many games. Every year the players become more athletic, the game becomes faster, and the rules become more complex. The competency pool simply isn't deep enough to keep up.

[kingfc22]

This game has been so entertaining. It has to end with Clemson getting a shot. Only fitting way to wrap this one up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So do you pound it with Henry here, or let Lane Kiffin get cute?

Pounding it is the drill here, but that's a big challenge when this team knows it's coming.

You probably have to take at least one shot down the field

[Easy Mac]

Great call by kiffin

[JonInMiddleGA]

Buying that...grades from the conferences directly to us reflect it. You don't make them you are gone. But keep believing what you want.

There's the thing, very clearly & distinctly: I . Don't. Trust. The. Conferences.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, THAT pun was uncalled for.

[MrBug708]

How does the TE beat you to the edge when you have that side covered?

[Easy Mac]

I think you can run now

[JonInMiddleGA]

If you had Howard & Renfro as the breakout stars for this game, please pm me lottery number for Wednesday.

[Easy Mac]

JakeCoker4Heisman

[bhlloy]

Clemson should have won this. Completely self destructed on special teams and defense when it mattered

[JonInMiddleGA]

Credit Kiffin with a couple of play calls here ... but it came down to execution.

[Edward64]

Great goal line defense so far.

[cuervo72]

it can't be done, IMO.

Too many teams = too many games. Every year the players become more athletic, the game becomes faster, and the rules become more complex. The competency pool simply isn't deep enough to keep up.

I agree, but with that in mind I figure there's little point in bashing them for trying to do what is increasingly an impossible task. I figure my blood pressure is better off accepting it for what it is.

[MrBug708]

He probably did get across. But if he didn't, you go for it anyways right? On the 1/2 yard line?

[Edward64]

I would.

[cuervo72]

I . Don't. Trust. The. Conferences.

Although...no, I don't particularly either. Too much money involved.

[jbergey22]

He probably did get across. But if he didn't, you go for it anyways right? On the 1/2 yard line?

u kick. go up 8. Make them score with a 2 point conversion. Why take the risk of not scoring and losing it on a fluke play?

[Edward64]

Great game. Kudos to Clemson.

[Radii]

He probably did get across. But if he didn't, you go for it anyways right? On the 1/2 yard line?

I'd want the 8 point lead so nothing fucked up can happen to cause a loss in regulation.

[MrBug708]

Ah yes. My math was about as stellar as the powerball 4.33 million math question

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'd want the 8 point lead so nothing fucked up can happen to cause a loss in regulation.

You absolutely had to go for it there if necessary.

I don't think Saban would have kicked honestly. He's, uh, had a bad moment on an unlikely field goal situation.

[TroyF]

Ugh, ugh, ugh.

Saban and Kiffin with a national title. I just threw up in my mouth, a lot. Douche bags unite. I'm guessing they signed the same scumbag deal with the devil that Carroll did. Yuk.

[tarcone]

JakeCoker4Heisman

I take mccaffery.

[Kodos]

Sorry, CU. Your team put up a great fight. Couple of blown coverages away from a win.

[Edward64]

Onside kick coming up. Com'on Bama, don't mess this up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Nothing but respect for Clemson's effort or performance.

I was wrong about them, they were able to compete more than ably.

[jbergey22]

550 yards of offense for Clemson. Has to be heartbreaking for them. They played so well except them just stupid coverage/special teams mistakes.

[Edward64]

Done now. Congrats to both teams for a great championship game.

[tarcone]

The thing is, if you said Clemson would score 40 against Alabama before the game, wouldn't you say Clemson wins?

[jbergey22]

The thing is, if you said Clemson would score 40 against Alabama before the game, wouldn't you say Clemson wins?

Haha! Well you could probably say that for almost any team. Scoring 40 will mean a win 99 percent of the time.

[Easy Mac]

Give it to Cover. he took some bad sacks, but was otherwise flawless in the two most important games of the year.

He also showed some zip on his throws and decent touch. I think he made himself a little more money this month.

[jbergey22]

That score was completely unexpected. Two of the best defenses in the nation give up a combined 85 points. Would have expected scores in the 20s.

[Butter]

Whoever said Clemson is hiring a special teams coordinator... You're right. They don't have one. I was at the game with my wife tonight, just a great atmosphere. It was a great game for the impartial.

Saban, hate him or not, found a way to exploit Clemson's flaws. They busted coverage a few times this year, and their kick coverages were a mess both ways.

Alas. Hopefully Clemson is here to stay, it feels like they are to me.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That score was completely unexpected. Two of the best defenses in the nation give up a combined 85 points. Would have expected scores in the 20s.

Is it THAT impossible though?

Clemson gave up 32 to SC, 37 to UNC, and 41 to NC State.

A shootout was probably a possibility all along, no matter how we perceived it.

Harder to picture with Bama I suppose. They only allowed 40+ once (Ole Miss) but moreso they only allowed 40+ points in any two game stretch when including Ole Miss.

edit to add: That's a credit to Watson.

[JonInMiddleGA]

First tight end to ever be MVP of a title game?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Idle old broadcaster thought: Scott Van Pelt looks about as comfortable tonight in this post-game / Sportscenter (whatever it is)as any announcer I've seen in a while. Doing standups in that environment, not easy. That's a great zone to be in, much like any performer, sometimes you're just completely at ease.

[jbergey22]

Is it THAT impossible though?

Clemson gave up 32 to SC, 37 to UNC, and 41 to NC State.

A shootout was probably a possibility all along, no matter how we perceived it.

Harder to picture with Bama I suppose. They only allowed 40+ once (Ole Miss) but moreso they only allowed 40+ points in any two game stretch when including Ole Miss.

edit to add: That's a credit to Watson.

Well a lot of times game flow can help create a higher than expected game. Such as UNC trying to come back late. The gameflow in this was actually normal until Alabama got the 12 point lead. Certainly if Clemson or Alabama had gotten off to a 21-0 lead I could have seen the score end up this high but this game was tight throughout. The offenses just outplayed the defenses tonight.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Okay, gotta LOL at a callback ... Herbie JUST called Watson "the face of the game" next year (qualified with a "along with McCaffrey")

That aside, really seriously, as the talking heads are saying tonight Clemson did absolutely nothing except help their brand tonight. I know that can't feel like enough for the team or staff or fans or our own CU Tiger, but it's a very real thing. They may all have collectively expected this, or more, from themselves. Most of the rest of the world just didn't. That may have changed for the future based on the effort & performance tonight. The respect I mentioned earlier is deserved & sincere.

[tarcone]

If mccaffery doesn't win the heisman next year, he wasn't used correctly.

[CU Tiger]

So proud of my Tigers. We lost to a very good team. I'm proud that they showed unequivocally they could stand toe to toe with Bama and hold their own in the trenches.

Fwiw I called the inside kick before the Bama XP was even kicked.

I'll post some more thoughts tomorrow that I want to share. But for tonight I want to simmer.

I can't ever recall losing a loss and feeling like this. We lost, we could have won. I might go as far as should have won. But I'm proud of the effort and I tip my hat to Bama great game by them. This one hurts but also offers promise.

I was on the sideline in 08 in the GA dome, Clemson didn't belong on that field. Tonight was a barometer on where we are as a program, and I'd say we are right on track.

[Dutch]

It was a great game.

I hate Alabama....but...SEC! SEC! SEC! :)

Having said that, probably wont open up FB for a couple of days...there will be way too much Roll Tide bullshit there.

[albionmoonlight]

That game helped do a lot to make up for two blowouts on NYE.

Also, when Henry had that first long touchdown, I looked at my buddy and said "This could get ugly quickly." It didn't. Clemson marched right back, and it was on.

Major props to Clemson for the fight. Alabama deserved the win. But so did Clemson. Both teams played a great game and should feel pride.

[Marmel]

Lane Kiffen won this game for Alabama with some terrific play calling in the 4th quarter. I don't like the man, but I have to admit that I came away very impressed.

[HomerSimpson98]

Excellent game by both teams. Congrats to Clemson on a great year.

Reading through the game posts here tho, and was surprised about the bitching about the officiating. Outside of the mess-up at the end of the first half (yeah that sucked but we're talking like 3 seconds here), I thought it was a very well officiated game.

[Dutch]

Compared to the CIN-PIT game, these officials were almost god-like. :)

[albionmoonlight]

Lane Kiffen won this game for Alabama with some terrific play calling in the 4th quarter. I don't like the man, but I have to admit that I came away very impressed.

He's still at the stadium if you wanted to go tell him in person: Alabama team buses accidentally leave Lane Kiffin behind after national championship | For The Win (http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/01/alabama-team-buses-accidentally-leave-lane-kiffin-behind-after-national-championship)

[Kodos]

Excellent game by both teams. Congrats to Clemson on a great year.

Reading through the game posts here tho, and was surprised about the bitching about the officiating. Outside of the mess-up at the end of the first half (yeah that sucked but we're talking like 3 seconds here), I thought it was a very well officiated game.

It probably cost Clemson a field goal.

[Logan]

Excellent game by both teams. Congrats to Clemson on a great year.

Reading through the game posts here tho, and was surprised about the bitching about the officiating. Outside of the mess-up at the end of the first half (yeah that sucked but we're talking like 3 seconds here), I thought it was a very well officiated game.

Well, a lot of what you read was bitching about bitching about officiating.

[CU Tiger]

FWIW I thought it was a fair officiated game. I thought there were a lot of "missed calls" for both sides. In other words a lot of letting them play.

There was tons of holding going on and none was called, well except 1 time against Bama on a play where Clemson still got the sack.

There was also a lot of contact on pass plays both ways and none were called.

You can't complain about that.

The end of the half time thing was ATROCIOUS but I am a fan and probably ant look at it objectively. Clock stopped on a first down. Ref stood over ball and started clock. Clemson had not substituted. Clemson quickly called a time out to prevent time loss. 6 seconds were ran off the clock.

[Logan]

Big 12 can now have a conference championship game without having 12 schools.

NCAA members OK football championship games for all conferences (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/01/13/ncaa-members-ok-college-football-championship-games-all-conferences-big-12/78756848/)

[Logan]

Good breakdown of Monday night's onside kick.

How Alabama exploited a tiny Clemson error into the Championship's deciding play - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/1/14/10763992/alabama-onside-kick-clemson-national-championship-nick-saban-adam-griffiths-marlon-humphrey)

[Kodos]

Hate Alabama, but that is pretty awesome.

[HomerSimpson98]

Big 12 can now have a conference championship game without having 12 schools.

NCAA members OK football championship games for all conferences (http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/01/13/ncaa-members-ok-college-football-championship-games-all-conferences-big-12/78756848/)

lame

[Logan]

Anyone else think all this Harbaugh recruiting stuff is starting to get a little weird/creepy? I'm sure the Michigan fans love it and I don't really blame them.

[cartman]

Anyone else think all this Harbaugh recruiting stuff is starting to get a little weird/creepy? I'm sure the Michigan fans love it and I don't really blame them.

Indeed.

You want me to climb a tree too? I'll the climb the hell out of a damn tree if that is what it takes.

[Kodos]

Holy crap. Sleepovers?

[BishopMVP]

That's the line we're going to start thinking it's creepy? You clearly haven't seen some of these personalized cards and letters that get sent to recruits... (Or how he got his wife to go on a first date!)

It basically reminds me of Calipari in college basketball in that everyone's doing it, but everyone gets mad at the guy who's the best at it. The guy doesn't take vacations, he doesn't get sick, he doesn't observe major holidays, he's a jackhammer. Don't be salty. (Especially you Urban Meyer!)

[Logan]

That's the line we're going to start thinking it's creepy? You clearly haven't seen some of these personalized cards and letters that get sent to recruits... (Or how he got his wife to go on a first date!)


Yeah I think sleeping over at a kid's house is infinitely more creepy than the recruiting assistants sending out 100 letters to a kid or the department's Photoshop guy doing what he does best.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah I think sleeping over at a kid's house is infinitely more creepy than the recruiting assistants sending out 100 letters to a kid or the department's Photoshop guy doing what he does best.

He does have a prior relationship with the kid and the kid's family, but I agree it is creepy anyway.

[BishopMVP]

Yeah I think sleeping over at a kid's house is infinitely more creepy than the recruiting assistants sending out 100 letters to a kid or the department's Photoshop guy doing what he does best.Ehh, I don't even go deep into that world but I've heard stories of ND assistants showing up at recruits houses at 2am, coaches following kids around to each HS class and/or basically stalking them. The only difference I see is that Harbaugh has absolutely zero shame, legitimately doesn't understand why any of us would think him sleeping on a kid's floor would be creepy, and has a high enough profile that stories about him get some national play. Where's our resident expert CUTiger to give us his take? And hopefully some ridiculous stories ;)

[CU Tiger]

You rang?
Lol.
First, Acording to my 15 year old his friends now have deemed him Homo Harbaugh. Apparently Netflix and chill is slang for something way different than what Harbaugh thinks it is

Second, I'm there is a fine line between tenacious recruiting and breaking the rules and then a pretty distant line to going down right creepy. This is creepy.

(BTW A sleepover is apparently a secondary violation. Seems the HC only gets 1 visit day and at 12:01 AM it became a 2 day visit...)

I will say this, Clemson has a staff of right at 50 people that are full time recruiting personnel. These vary from content creators, to social media followers, to report generators...you name it.

(Another FWIW and a lesson to your kids if appropriately aged. Before an official offer can be extended to a recruit from Clemson Coach Swiney requires a report be generated including every report from the last 30 months including ever social media post. Frequently these reports are 100+ pages long. A staffer summarizes them in a report and then Coach gets the summary and the content and reviews it to determine culture fit before extending any offers...)

But that said....everyone is looking for an edge. It used to be hand written notes and the coach mentioning "Did you see I wrote that by hand? That is how much you mean to me. I didnt type it up and print 20 copies with different names I hand wrote that for you."

[Another side bar. One of the first things Swinney did and the first that made me stop and say, "WOW", after getting the job he had every staffer submit a writing sample and hired a software company to design a font for each that looked hand written. Right at $100k was spent to replicate and speed up that personal touch. BTW every "hand written" note, you guessed it. Swinney reviews before they are sent.]

These says that has evolved into....all kinds of silliness.
Butch Jones got a police escort, from the TN state troopers, including 16 cars and a helicopter chase to a recruits house who's mother was a local city cop.

Larry Fedora Landed UNC's helicopter on a recruits field one Friday night minutes before the game was supposed to start (they were at the 50 for the coin toss) and he walked over to the kid and apologized but said traffic in Raleigh was bad and he didnt have time to land at the Charlotte airport and make the game and since the kid was such a priority he couldnt miss his game.

Both of those guys got their guy.


Ive heard a lot of ish. But this is the first sleepover Ive ever heard of.
Well there is the one SEC head coach who's wife was known to be an ACE recruiter for him when he was a position coach. Several recruits stayed at his house, but not the other way around.

[MrBug708]

I bet Swinney doesn't even read them.

[bhlloy]

I seem to remember I read Harbaugh stayed outside the house until 12:01 so his sleepover didn't technically fall foul of the rules.

It's definitely weird, borderline creepy and I wonder how happy the kid is to now be known as the Harbaugh sleepover kid for the rest of his career.

[digamma]

I bet Swinney doesn't even read them.

It's hard to make time for reading notes when you're busy walking on water.
:p :p :p

[Balldog]

While Harbaugh is sleeping with recruits and climbing trees, it seems to be lost in the shuffle that they just pulled their offer 2 weeks prior to signing day from an OL that had been committed since Nov 2013.

Better yet, Harbaugh cannot even be bothered to discuss with the recruit personally because he is too busy recruiting.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think the Harbaugh thing is weird, but I find a lot about college recruiting to be weird and unseemly. It seems like an odd, jacked up world.

Homo Harbaugh? Classy.

[Kodos]

While Harbaugh is sleeping with recruits and climbing trees, it seems to be lost in the shuffle that they just pulled their offer 2 weeks prior to signing day from an OL that had been committed since Nov 2013.

Better yet, Harbaugh cannot even be bothered to discuss with the recruit personally because he is too busy recruiting.

Pure class?

[CU Tiger]

I bet Swinney doesn't even read them.


You would lose. The man is borderline psychotic on his control the message and attention to detail.

I'm not defending it, the no social media for players during the season, the no interviewing of assistant coaches, he is fanatical about his image control. I guess the results speak for themselves but...

I can assure you those reports are read. As well as the weekly report of every negative thing posted on the net (by media members not forum posters ) as well.

B

[Logan]

Michigan&apos;s Jim Harbaugh showing his true colors -- and they&apos;re ugly - Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-michigan-s-jim-harbaugh-showing-his-true-colors-and-they-re-ugly-20160121-column.html)

[Honolulu_Blue]

Michigan&apos;s Jim Harbaugh showing his true colors -- and they&apos;re ugly - Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-michigan-s-jim-harbaugh-showing-his-true-colors-and-they-re-ugly-20160121-column.html)

Article is behind a pay wall for me.

No doubt a scurrilous smear piece by a known Fighting Irish rag!

[Butter]

Try googling it, then going to it from the Google link. Worked for me.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Terry Beckner Jr. arrested for weed.

Looks like the new coach gets to try his hand at discipline right off the bat.

[BishopMVP]

I seem to remember I read Harbaugh stayed outside the house until 12:01 so his sleepover didn't technically fall foul of the rules.

It's definitely weird, borderline creepy and I wonder how happy the kid is to now be known as the Harbaugh sleepover kid for the rest of his career.I hadn't seen the backstory before posting the first time. I guess not only is the other guy there/older brother ex-Stanford AA LB Trent Murphy, but Harbaugh had a relationship with the family even before Trent played under him and actually babysat the kid some times when he was younger. So Harbaugh's still weird as shit, and will probably use this tactic with other kids too, but this one's getting twisted a little bit if you just hear the one sentence description.

Plus that ginger mullet is phenomenal (http://img.scout.com/sites/default/files/Connor%20Murphy-DSC_0097.jpg). But if he's rocking hair like that he knows exactly what he was doing getting attention for this and is assuredly loving it.

[dawgfan]

Article is behind a pay wall for me.

No doubt a scurrilous smear piece by a known Fighting Irish rag!
It's basically what you'd expect given the deal with Swenson getting his offer pulled by Harbaugh, and Harbaugh not even willing to tell him personally (he had Drevno deliver the news and wouldn't take to Swenson about it).

[Kodos]

Looks like it's time to start really hating Michigan again.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Looks like it's time to start really hating Michigan again.

Ah... no.

I'm still feelin' the love from you, Kodos!