I'll grouse about the MLB playoff structure some, but yeah -- if you have a playoff system for a championship, that's what you have. An 11-5 TB wildcard team beats a 14-2 KC team, TB's the champ. KC and everyone else can suck eggs.

Of course, those leagues have pretty well-defined rules for who gets into the playoffs, and they've pretty much always had those rules (even if they've evolved). College football has been smoke signals or interpretation of clouds or patterns in magnetic shavings or whatever. People have to unlearn that, I guess. (Though if they're going to have a playoff, I think they need to get a more concrete method of determining who is in rather than plopping a system on top of that same bunch of smoke signals.)
I agree. There still needs to be tweaks to the system. This gives us more results on the field than the press picking the winner.

I don't think there's a way to know who's best because they just don't play enough games. This system doesn't really penalize losses, it penalizes the time of a loss. I think the only thing we can know given the number of games is who is the best in conference, but even that's difficult now that the conferences are so big.

I think the best way to tell who is best is to, I don't know, form some kind of brackets of playoffs and have teams play each other to see who wins. Like every other sport.
Who exactly is getting penalized for when they lost? It looks like to me like the teams are getting weighted more by who they lost to and who they have beaten. How is that not the best way to decide?

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via Connor O'Gara @cjogara

A wild stat worth remembering as Jackson Arnold hits the portal:

The last time Oklahoma had a starting QB begin and finish his career in Norman was Landry Jones.

Jones was drafted by the Steelers in the 2013 draft

I think the best way to tell who is best is to, I don't know, form some kind of brackets of playoffs and have teams play each other to see who wins. Like every other sport.
Who exactly is getting penalized for when they lost? It looks like to me like the teams are getting weighted more by who they lost to and who they have beaten. How is that not the best way to decide?

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Look at my above scenario. Oregon ends with one loss, Georgia ends with three and they don't play each other. I don't think it's clear that Georgia is the better team. I accept that they won the tournament, but if the question is who had the better season, I don't think that's clear.

Since when does the NBA championship determine the team with the best season? World Series? Super Bowl?

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I will add that having a better record with a weaker schedule doesn't prove the best season either. I thought championships were about the best team, not the best manipulators of the schedule.

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Look at my above scenario. Oregon ends with one loss, Georgia ends with three and they don't play each other. I don't think it's clear that Georgia is the better team. I accept that they won the tournament, but if the question is who had the better season, I don't think that's clear.

Since when is the question "who had the better season"? College football tried that, and everyone spent the whole time wishing there was some kind of playoff to choose a real champion.

One of the many differences between the pro sports and college football is the ratio between league participants and playoff participants. And still, pro sports tries to provide balanced schedules.

The NCAA basketball tournament works because of mass participation. Every league gets a representative. The schedule is long enough to make it possible for a committee to reward tough scheduling.

Football has neither. It would be difficult to ever go beyond 16 teams, which means the ratio can't even improve to baseball's long-standing 2 of 16 pennant chases, which lasted until the '60s. Those had the advantage of 154-game balanced schedules - the pennant was perhaps as important as winning the World Series.

There's going to be a league at some point, and it's not going to have 134 teams. Or even 68. That's probably why the ACC was so angry about FSU missing out last year and Miami falling behind Alabama yesterday. They see the writing on the wall, and the new Big 12 and the new ACC aren't going to be around all that long.

Since when is the question "who had the better season"? College football tried that, and everyone spent the whole time wishing there was some kind of playoff to choose a real champion.

Not everyone.

I've said a CFP was a completely idiotic notion consistently for the entire existence of the discussion. The most completely unnecessary invention in sports history and among the most destructive.

Not everyone.

I've said a CFP was a completely idiotic notion consistently for the entire existence of the discussion. The most completely unnecessary invention in sports history and among the most destructive.

Well not too many times we're on the same side of an issue.

In some Hog news ...

Petrino has withdrawn from consideration at Charlotte. Not sure how serious he was pursuing it.

Nice recruiting win for the Hogs. Not sure how it all shakes out but Hogs are ranked #29 right now on 247.

4:15 p.m.: Arkansas crushes UCLA with pair of flips

Arkansas pulled off a Signing Day stunner by flipping a pair of notable recruits from UCLA on Wednesday, including four-star quarterback Madden Iamaleava and borderline four-star receiver Jace Brown of Long Beach (Calif.) Poly. Iamaleava, 6-2, 200, is the nation's No. 19 quarterback in the country according to 247Sports, which also lists him as the No. 25 overall prospect in California for the Class of 2025.

Birmingham bowl seems to be the most predicted. Texas & Liberty bowl also in the mix.

I personally like having a CFP. The Bowl games were fun but most years there would be some controversy on #1.

I would have been happy with 4 or 6 (maybe 8) teams, but 12 teams is too many.

Not everyone.

I've said a CFP was a completely idiotic notion consistently for the entire existence of the discussion. The most completely unnecessary invention in sports history and among the most destructive.

What don't you like about it?

One of the many differences between the pro sports and college football is the ratio between league participants and playoff participants. And still, pro sports tries to provide balanced schedules.

The NCAA basketball tournament works because of mass participation. Every league gets a representative. The schedule is long enough to make it possible for a committee to reward tough scheduling.

Football has neither. It would be difficult to ever go beyond 16 teams, which means the ratio can't even improve to baseball's long-standing 2 of 16 pennant chases, which lasted until the '60s. Those had the advantage of 154-game balanced schedules - the pennant was perhaps as important as winning the World Series.

There's going to be a league at some point, and it's not going to have 134 teams. Or even 68. That's probably why the ACC was so angry about FSU missing out last year and Miami falling behind Alabama yesterday. They see the writing on the wall, and the new Big 12 and the new ACC aren't going to be around all that long.
Nothing they do is going to be "fair." This is at least more fair than a bunch of reporters only voting for the teams they follow or have bias towards, while teams only play the same 8 teams every year. I would much rather have teams needing to schedule tougher opponents, and then having the best teams face off for a winner. I agree that it is far from perfect, nor is the NIL situation nor the portal transfer situation, but all are improvements in their own way. Much of the chaos of this was the NCAA burying their heads in the sand for far too long. They could have gotten in front of it, but instead they have basically lost control. I do imagine it will come down to the major conferences and programs forming some come kind of agreement.

More, the transfers and the NIL stuff hasn't affected my enjoyment in the least bit. Really, I think the games have actually become more interesting largely based on there being a bit more parity of talent. I don't get hung up on recruiting or transfers really. Why do i care if this kids is making money off his talent? Why does it matter that this kid played for NC State last year?

I think Kirby does have a point on the transfers as a whole needs to be worked on. He doesn't have a problem with transfers, but he believes kids ought to have to at least commit the first two years to whatever program they initially sign to. Players transferring after their first year aren't really giving themselves the opportunity to develop, and after two years they can have a better understanding of where they are in the program.

Oregon's next 30 year old starting QB has entered the portal.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Iowa QB Cade McNamara has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteNakos_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeteNakos_</a> reports👀<a href="https://t.co/U31NaOwnr0">https://t.co/U31NaOwnr0</a> <a href="https://t.co/bNpUVrTNZh">pic.twitter.com/bNpUVrTNZh</a></p>&mdash; On3 (@On3sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/On3sports/status/1864328711597670405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wow, you've heard of Cade McNamara?

More, the transfers and the NIL stuff hasn't affected my enjoyment in the least bit.

It's destroyed mine, in terms of rooting interest.

Like all other endeavors, there's the persistent conflict between good and popular, which are not always the same thing. Viewer ratings are up. Most people like the new system.

I don't, but I recognize that's me just being an old man yelling and clouds and out of touch.

Source - UCLA firing offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42796782/source-ucla-firing-offensive-coordinator-eric-bieniemy)

It seems like the trick to being an elite offensive coordinator is having Patrick Mahomes.

It seems like the trick to being an elite offensive coordinator is having Patrick Mahomes.

Similar to what Mike Tomlin said about Joe Burrow on Hard Knocks: "It's like Brett Favre...anyone around Joe Burrow is gonna get a job."

Those elite QBs can make coaches look real, real good.

Oregon's next 30 year old starting QB has entered the portal.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING: Iowa QB Cade McNamara has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteNakos_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PeteNakos_</a> reports👀<a href="https://t.co/U31NaOwnr0">https://t.co/U31NaOwnr0</a> <a href="https://t.co/bNpUVrTNZh">pic.twitter.com/bNpUVrTNZh</a></p>&mdash; On3 (@On3sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/On3sports/status/1864328711597670405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That picture really does make him look like a current day Scott Bakula.

I think Travis Hunter should win the Heisman and is the best player in college football. With that said, seeing these mocks with him going number 1 overall is crazy IMO. He doesn't have number 1 overall skills or positional value on either side of the ball and I also can't see him playing the snap counts he's currently playing and excelling on both sides of the ball like he is now.

This is shaping up to be a weird draft without a top guy and a lot of variation on value from team to team but I'd be disappointed if my team was sitting at number 1 and we ended up with Hunter.

Wow, you've heard of Cade McNamara?
I'm pretty sure he was on a team in TCY.

Ummm...Bill Belichick is interviewing for the UNC job. Wut?

Posted since Jim is a fellow U of M guy who lived in Manchester, or at least somewhere in New Hampshire if I recall...

Manchester, NH erects billboard reading “Welcome to Third Base! Birthplace of Ryan Day� | College Football News Now (https://cfbnewsnow.com/manchester-nh-erects-billboard-reading-welcome-to-third-base-birthplace-of-ryan-day/)

You know that's a fake website, right?

I'd replace fake with satire, Donald

I'd replace fake with satire, Donald

If it isn't on Truth, it's fake.

Lol

Ummm...Bill Belichick is interviewing for the UNC job. Wut?

They're apparently making a run at Matt Campbell. Then Shumann and Jon Sumrall are probably the more realistic favorites.

Somewhere in New Hampshire. But one thing I recall about living there was that if there's one place in the country where college sports is almost completely ignored, it's New England. They wouldn't get that joke. I'm not sure anyone would outside of Michigan.

You know that's a fake website, right?

Ha nope. I didn't even read the story. I just saw the headline, thought of Jim, and came here.

This is the kind of pettiness I want in my college football.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prior to this game, UNLV QB Hajj-Malik Williams mentioned he couldn't find Boise on a map. So the video board has very helpfully been providing him the coordinates after every sack and interception 😁<br><br>📽: <a href="https://twitter.com/StackBackpack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StackBackpack</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BleedBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BleedBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoiseState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoiseState</a> <a href="https://t.co/tlvz6uLGGP">pic.twitter.com/tlvz6uLGGP</a></p>&mdash; First Kick Was Good (@FKWGblog) <a href="https://twitter.com/FKWGblog/status/1865236372652704185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Big 12 CC looks like it'll be a fun one

Skattebo is great and so are the ASU cheerleaders (nothing new)

I don't know what PI is anymore

Big 12 CC looks like it'll be a fun one

Tickets were $12 at one point, and I'm seeing in the 20s now. Very tempting for a cheapskate like me, and honestly, almost better since Michigan isn't in it, no chance of a bad outcome.

EDIT: Sorry, thought you said Big 10

Haha I was like what, how close are you to Arlington???

Mike Gundy got into a pissing match with the Oklahoma State admin and ended up caving by agreeing to a restructured contract that lowers his $25 mil buyout. Oklahoma State had apparently threatened to go after firing him for cause if he didn't restructure. Not sure what he justification would be, but apparently it was enough to get Gundy to back down.

Belichick reportedly just got an interview at UNC because it's Bill Belichick but so far he's been far and away the most impressive candidate interviewed, was the most prepared, and had an incredibly detailed plan for the program that has him actually getting strong consideration now.

Oof this one got out of hand quickly

Oof this one got out of hand quickly

Campbell has maxed out ISU. There's a reason his agent seems to be floating his name around for other openings, especially with the new NIL cap coming in next year. There's going to be a huge gap between those that spend at the cap and those that don't.

Mike Gundy got into a pissing match with the Oklahoma State admin and ended up caving by agreeing to a restructured contract that lowers his $25 mil buyout. Oklahoma State had apparently threatened to go after firing him for cause if he didn't restructure. Not sure what he justification would be, but apparently it was enough to get Gundy to back down.

Belichick reportedly just got an interview at UNC because it's Bill Belichick but so far he's been far and away the most impressive candidate interviewed, was the most prepared, and had an incredibly detailed plan for the program that has him actually getting strong consideration now.

His plan is making sure his son is head coach in waiting and scoping out the crop of incoming freshman girls.

Belichick in college would be fascinating. If he can get some decent talent he would carve up everyone.

Tickets were $12 at one point, and I'm seeing in the 20s now. Very tempting for a cheapskate like me, and honestly, almost better since Michigan isn't in it, no chance of a bad outcome.

EDIT: Sorry, thought you said Big 10
You could get in the SEC championship for $115. I came very close to pulling the trigger, but it wasn't worth the wife friction.

You could get in the SEC championship for $115. I came very close to pulling the trigger, but it wasn't worth the wife friction.

You can get into the B1G championship game for $5 if you are willing to sit in the 500 or 600 section. It’s Oregon and Penn State. Be hard to pick a worse matchup travel wise among the contenders from Indianapolis. Once Ohio State lost all the tickets went from 3-4x over face value to now selling under (sometimes significantly so I saw a 100 section ticket for $40 today (20 yard line)and face value on that ticket would have been somewhere between $130(end zone) and $300(40 yard line) as it’s between those two sections that still have tickets available directly from Ticketmaster.

17 on Georgia is a walking targeting machine.

Dawgs have no offense, defense is keeping it close down 6-0

This has been a snoozer.

I find it oddly satisfying when kicks hit the Allstate hands on FGs.

It's early in this one, but I keeping missing the games that prove that Carson Beck should be the 1st QB taken in the 2025 NFL draft. He has obvious talent but I don't see 1/1 performances

That hit on Beck was painful to watch. Hopefully he's ok.

I think Sark has a point. I’m not sure I can remember a half of football with such a discrepancy in what is a penalty on one team vs the other. Not that most of those Texas holding calls haven’t been valid, but then you’ve got to call it the same the other way too.

It's early in this one, but I keeping missing the games that prove that Carson Beck should be the 1st QB taken in the 2025 NFL draft. He has obvious talent but I don't see 1/1 performances

Hes already dropped out of the first round on just about all projections. He may be iucky to go in the 2nd round. He should return to school and try to rebuild his draft stock.

This game screams that the SEC can only validate so many three loss teams getting in.

Having seen what Texas did at Michigan, and looking at so many inter-conference results, I don't agree. There's just more parity in the SEC. And a lot of great athletes on defense.

You could put six SEC teams in and they'd hold their own. But that's not how it's supposed to work.

How do you not play for a fake punt when their punter just got injured?

Also, if Carson Beck is done for the season, should Georgia drop below Army for an AQ spot? They showed last season that losing your starting QB is enough to miss the playoffs.

#3 celebrating instead of blocking the only defender in the area cost like 30 yards at least.

Also, if Carson Beck is done for the season, should Georgia drop below Army for an AQ spot? They showed last season that losing your starting QB is enough to miss the playoffs.

Not if they beat Texas without him. Probably a valid thought if they have 3 losses and are being compared to other 3 loss teams that have their QB though.

My son is at Lucas Oil tonight to root on Oregon. He became a fan because of their uniforms and they are his favorite team.

I wonder if Georgia has any OT experience.

Crap, I was high last weekend and forgot about Smart spamming TOs in OT. This might be painful.

That was a clear helmet to helmet, but that they're not making him come out for losing his helmet/concussion test is crazy.

Fun game

Texas has no one to blame but themselves.

Should have been over by halftime but they couldn't manage to get out of their own way, time after time after time.

Look like a one & done in the playoff to me, today kind of settles any question of whether Ewers is a QB1 at upper level of college football. He ain't.

Was totally absorbed watching the game and keeping up the Wheel of Time nerdy stuff going on, but Go Fucking Dawgs! They desperately needed the bi for the first week.

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What would have to happen the rest of the way for Penn State to be eliminated tonight? If they lose this 70-31 or something similar would that do it? There is a real chance they give up 70.

....but Go Fucking Dawgs! They desperately needed the bi for the first week.

Fucking Dawgs? Needing the Bi? And here I was thinking Georgians as a rule hated what they called "alternative sexuality"

(I know, autocorrect, but it struck my funny bone)

SMU QB is a baller.

Hell of a job by SMU, but what a cool moment for that freshman kicker.

I don't see how you can keep SMU out at this point, but somehow, someway, they will. :(

I don't see how you can keep SMU out at this point, but somehow, someway, they will. :(

Clemson stole a spot. They either took Alabama’s, Indiana’s, or SMU’s. Up to you who is the least worthy of that bunch I guess.

Clemson stole a spot. They either took Alabama’s, Indiana’s, or SMU’s. Up to you who is the least worthy of that bunch I guess.

Could we maybe just drop all three and go with 9 teams?

Taking a guess here. They're locked into a lot of rematch potential because teams can't reshuffle that didn't play today. Penn State lost to Ohio State, so their two-loss ceiling is behind Ohio State. Clemson rising further than 16 wouldn't change anything as long as they stay behind Arizona State, and Arizona State gets the fourth bye anyway.

So the big question is how far SMU drops, given close losses to BYU and Clemson, but no big wins (they did not play Miami or Syracuse). Their floor is probably Miami. It seems clear it's between SMU and Alabama for the 11-spot. I think it goes to Alabama.

1) Oregon (1)

8) Penn State (6) / 9) Tennessee (7)

4) Arizona State (13)

5) Notre Dame (3) / 12 Clemson (16)

2) Georgia (2)

7) Ohio State (5) / 10) Indiana (9)

3) Boise State (8)

6) Texas (4) / 11) Alabama (10)

12 teams is still better than 4, I know some people like a smaller field, but given how many useless bowl games there are this at least makes the season matter a lot more even if we're just debating two flawed teams. College basketball does this a lot better, but it's far more interesting than 4-team politicking.

Since SMU was higher than Alabama prior to this last sevond loss, they should clearly be in over Alabama.

Since SMU was higher than Alabama prior to this last sevond loss, they should clearly be in over Alabama.

I get the backlash about Florida State last year and I don’t think the loss to GA in the bowl game where 3/4 of the team decided to sit out tells us anything about how they would have done. It’s something we will never know for sure. With that said I’d be perfectly fine if they treated SMU/Clemson like an elimination game.

I can go either way but prefer to see SMU stay in. We need our Cinderella teams.

Alabama has been a player for so long, will hope/be glad to see them as non-factors for the forseeable future.

SMU only beat two teams with winning conference records (Louisville & Duke, who were both 5-3) and only beat them by one score each. Their best criteria is that they have two quality losses. They and Miami were both lucky/unlucky with how their conference schedules played out, by missing the majority of the better teams.

Alabama's history in the playoff/Cinderella stuff should be an absolute non-factor. It's an insult to the competitors to consider that.

Fucking Dawgs? Needing the Bi? And here I was thinking Georgians as a rule hated what they called "alternative sexuality"

(I know, autocorrect, but it struck my funny bone)
Nah, this time it was just good old fashioned drunk posting.

SMU only beat two teams with winning conference records (Louisville & Duke, who were both 5-3) and only beat them by one score each. Their best criteria is that they have two quality losses. They and Miami were both lucky/unlucky with how their conference schedules played out, by missing the majority of the better teams.
I think it should be them 1) because the rankings prior to the Championship game should matter. 2) A Championship game shouldn't eliminate a team that came in as highly ranked as this one (I would get it if they were on the cusp of not making it). 3) I can't overcome the fact that Bama lost three times, and only one you can say was a quality loss. Vandy ends the season unranked, and Oklahoma was a bad team that just killed them.


What makes it hard is that SMU had a cupcake schedule. They have two quality losses, but the problem is they have no signature wins. This comes down to a war between the fact that a Championship game loss shouldn't be as heavily weighted, but a cupcake schedule should also not be rewarded.

I think it should be them 1) because the rankings prior to the Championship game should matter. 2) A Championship game shouldn't eliminate a team that came in as highly ranked as this one (I would get it if they were on the cusp of not making it). 3) I can't overcome the fact that Bama lost three times, and only one you can say was a quality loss. Vandy ends the season unranked, and Oklahoma was a bad team that just killed them.


What makes it hard is that SMU had a cupcake schedule. They have two quality losses, but the problem is they have no signature wins. This comes down to a war between the fact that a Championship game loss shouldn't be as heavily weighted, but a cupcake schedule should also not be rewarded.

SMU was 8th of 12. Let’s not pretend they were soundly in. Teams generally drop 4 or more slots with a loss when they are outside of the elite top 1-4 bracket. Are you looking at their ranking being boosted by the fact that they have to have the top 4 seeds be conference champions? Just because the seed next to them said 3 last week doesn’t change the fact that they were ranked 8th. You are also looking at 2 teams ranked outside the top 12 making it so your argument is that this loss shouldn’t drop them 3 spots? They were a bubble team yesterday and they remain one today, albeit, one that posted another loss.

Surprised Texas never gave Manning a series or two when Ewers couldn't move the ball for most of the game.

Surprised Texas never gave Manning a series or two when Ewers couldn't move the ball for most of the game.

He had a strange game, considering how negatively I think almost everybody viewed his performance. He did move them for quite a bit of the night. There were only two 3-and-outs all night. I'm now convinced, which I think I said up the thread, that's he's "not the guy" ... but he threw for 358, one of the INTs was at worst shared responsibility with the WR, was under consistent pressure, and had no help from the running game to speak of.

7 plays, 48 yards, INT
9,64, FG
14, 56, FG
8, 51, missed FG
7, 16, punt
-------------
4,3, punt
5,6, missed FG
5,75, TD
3, -7, INT
11,47, FG
-------------
7, 10, FG

Indiana is one spot lower than SMU last week. If Indiana won the tiebreaker over Penn State and got to play Oregon does anyone think they still get in with a loss? Because I don’t think they do either. I’m OK with conference championship games being elimination games if they aren’t played between top 5 teams.

Taking a guess here. They're locked into a lot of rematch potential because teams can't reshuffle that didn't play today. Penn State lost to Ohio State, so their two-loss ceiling is behind Ohio State. Clemson rising further than 16 wouldn't change anything as long as they stay behind Arizona State, and Arizona State gets the fourth bye anyway.

So the big question is how far SMU drops, given close losses to BYU and Clemson, but no big wins (they did not play Miami or Syracuse). Their floor is probably Miami. It seems clear it's between SMU and Alabama for the 11-spot. I think it goes to Alabama.

1) Oregon (1)

8) Penn State (6) / 9) Tennessee (7)

4) Arizona State (13)

5) Notre Dame (3) / 12 Clemson (16)

2) Georgia (2)

7) Ohio State (5) / 10) Indiana (9)

3) Boise State (8)

6) Texas (4) / 11) Alabama (10)

Seems right to me, but I'm thinking CFP dudes have said for SMU to drop out "it depends how they lose" - given it was such a close loss, I think SMU gets in over Bama.

I've been seeing so much talk about getting rid of conference championship games, or how teams should not play them. That would be a real shame - I'd hate to see tiebreakers the way things are now decide bye weeks. But I understand the problem - in a setup where losses are more important than wins, more games is certainly more likely to harm than help. I think it would make sense to lock the rankings before these games, and have the championships be played only for the automatic qualifier and chance of a bye. And given that, I'd be fine allowing teams to opt out, too.

Rumor is SMU is in. It has been a rough year for Yankees fans.

Pretty happy with Georgia facing the Indiana-Notre Dame winner.

Hahahaha. Eat a dick DeBoer.

Texas and Penn State both slot in above Notre Dame. They really did not want to penalize Championship game losers, which is probably for the best to prevent backlash against those games completely.

I wonder if we start to see conferences make sweetheart schedules to stack teams in. With conference championship game losses not mattering and loses being more important than wins it would really make sense to schedule, for instance, SMU-Miami-Clemson to not play each other every year in order to maximize your chances of getting the most 1 and 2 loss teams possible.

Oregon got pretty screwed as a number one seed having to face Ohio state likely on game two.

Texas and Penn State both slot in above Notre Dame. They really did not want to penalize Championship game losers, which is probably for the best to prevent backlash against those games completely.
And I think that is as it should be. I love the Championship games, but if they are going to penalize teams for an extra game, then they should do away with them. A Championship game should be a reward, not a punishment.

I've been seeing so much talk about getting rid of conference championship games, or how teams should not play them. That would be a real shame - I'd hate to see tiebreakers the way things are now decide bye weeks. But I understand the problem - in a setup where losses are more important than wins, more games is certainly more likely to harm than help. I think it would make sense to lock the rankings before these games, and have the championships be played only for the automatic qualifier and chance of a bye. And given that, I'd be fine allowing teams to opt out, too.

Seems like they almost did lock the rankings, with SMU dropping below Indiana being the only meaningful move

So if we had a 4 team playoff, we'd see Oregon vs. Penn State, and Georgia vs. Texas, and ND being left out. Fun.

And I think that is as it should be. I love the Championship games, but if they are going to penalize teams for an extra game, then they should do away with them. A Championship game should be a reward, not a punishment.

Agree, with the addition that they really can't do away with them the way scheduling is now. Conferences are too big to rely on an 8 or 9 game schedule to resolve the winners properly

And I think that is as it should be. I love the Championship games, but if they are going to penalize teams for an extra game, then they should do away with them. A Championship game should be a reward, not a punishment.

It has always been a major data point. This change makes the championship games significantly less exciting. In the past you really had to make your game count to get in. This is the first year in memory where these games basically meant nothing. Next year will be the second.

I wonder if we start to see conferences make sweetheart schedules to stack teams in. With conference championship game losses not mattering and loses being more important than wins it would really make sense to schedule, for instance, SMU-Miami-Clemson to not play each other every year in order to maximize your chances of getting the most 1 and 2 loss teams possible.
No, because rankings of the conference winner determines byes, and the team doesn't face a challenge all year they are likely to be penalized. The thing they need to do is weigh even more the need for strong strength of schedule.

So if we had a 4 team playoff, we'd see Oregon vs. Penn State, and Georgia vs. Texas, and ND being left out. Fun.

I'm getting really curious about this. I wonder, if we really did have a 4 team playoff, would the committee really rank these teams 1-4?

I wonder if we start to see conferences make sweetheart schedules to stack teams in. With conference championship game losses not mattering and loses being more important than wins it would really make sense to schedule, for instance, SMU-Miami-Clemson to not play each other every year in order to maximize your chances of getting the most 1 and 2 loss teams possible.

No, because rankings of the conference winner determines byes, and the team doesn't face a challenge all year they are likely to be penalized. The thing they need to do is weigh even more the need for strong strength of schedule.

Not to mention, I don't think any conference had the top 3 teams come in as expected, so they'd all probably screw it up.

It has always been a major data point. This change makes the championship games significantly less exciting. In the past you really had to make your game count to get in. This is the first year in memory where these games basically meant nothing. Next year will be the second.
A bye means a lot. Georgia desperately needed that win. Those were fun games last night with players putting all out on the field. Clemson was playing for their lives because they weren't in without winning that game. Beyond that, conference championships still matter to the kids that earn it, maybe not to talking heads and dudes sitting at home.

Not to mention, I don't think any conference had the top 3 teams come in as expected, so they'd all probably screw it up.
Texas was definitely given a sweet heart schedule by the SEC, and both Bama and Georgia seemed to be purposely screwed over. Kirby slammed the SEC office about it in the trophy ceremony.

A bye means a lot. Georgia desperately needed that win. Those were fun games last night with players putting all out on the field. Clemson was playing for their lives because they weren't in without winning that game. Beyond that, conference championships still matter to the kids that earn it, maybe not to talking heads and dudes sitting at home.

GA is the 5th seed with a loss and gets Clemson and ASU instead of Notre Dame. I think we have a seeding problem too because besides the extra rest I don’t see an advantage of opponent quality existing for being a higher seed. The five seed is very powerful in this format.

GA is the 5th seed with a loss and gets Clemson and ASU instead of Notre Dame. I think we have a seeding problem too because besides the extra rest I don’t see an advantage of opponent quality existing for being a higher seed. The five seed is very powerful in this format.
Georgia needs the rest. They have played a brutal schedule, and they did not want to play next week regardless of the seed. It is easy for someone to say they should want to get the 5th seed when they don't have to suit up and play that extra game.

Pleasantly surprised that SMU got in and Bama is out.

Penn State OC Andy Kotelnicki is a finalist for the WVU job.

Pretty happy with Georgia facing the Indiana-Notre Dame winner.

Yeah, I would be too lol

Boise would be a matchup problem for them ... but I don't think they get past Penn State to make that happen

I've been surprised that they didn't decide to reshuffle the quarters to reward the higher seeds.

I wish the quarterfinals were played on campus sites too.

I wish the quarterfinals were played on campus sites too.
That was to appease the money behind the bowls. It would have been logical to keep the four team playoffs as they were and add a first round and quarter final before the bowls. But the school schedule masses that up, along with their desire to involve as many major bowls as possible.

The committee approach definitely emphasized that the conference championship is a free shot to improve standing, not lose it. So Clemson's win had the effect of taking another bid for the ACC.

They had also emphasized that they would not consider the matchups when seeding, but dropping SMU behind Indiana avoided a Big Ten matchup in the first round.

Clemson's the only 3-loss team, but they played their way in and they only moved up to 16. There are some examples of 1 and 2-loss teams that didn't have any signature wins receiving high rankings.

The ACC was rewarded (unintentionally - the top teams all feasted on Florida State, for example) for its top teams avoiding each other. There aren't any examples of teams that would have been considered had they not lost an out-of-conference matchup (SMU's loss to BYU ended up only affecting seeding), but those aren't exactly encouraged.

The big takeaway is that in-conference schedule strength, which ended up helping the top ACC teams and muddled the Big 12, is something out of your control that's going to end up deciding a good part of the bracket.

I think they're trying to preserve the conference championships at the expense of a stronger bracket.

It would be nice to see the SEC and ACC add a ninth conference game, perhaps even discourage out-of-conference scheduling of FCS teams.

In the end, the bracket is fine. Not including Alabama or Miami or Mississippi or South Carolina doesn't make it less legitimate as a 12-team contest to determine the champion. But it's going to continue to discourage interesting early-season games.

Having "only" three teams will light an internal fire in the SEC. Television ratings and out-of-conference results (the SEC was 13-6 against the other majors) gives them a sense that perhaps they're not optimizing their strengths with the 12-team structure. Expect more talk of a breakaway league.

It would be nice to see the SEC and ACC add a ninth conference game, perhaps even discourage out-of-conference scheduling of FCS teams.

Why in the world would either do that?

Strength of schedule doesn't matter in the current paradigm, SMU being in proves that. If you're in a conference that has a pulse, playing anybody worth a damn is only useful for practice purposes.

And it might be even more idiotic to give teams like Boise (et al) a chance to improve their strength of loss.

Why in the world would either do that?

Strength of schedule doesn't matter in the current paradigm, SMU being in proves that. If you're in a conference that has a pulse, playing anybody worth a damn is only useful for practice purposes.

And it might be even more idiotic to give teams like Boise (et al) a chance to improve their strength of loss.

The only reason for the SEC to add another conference game would be to increase inventory and get an even bigger TV deal. Not necessary for them at this point, but I'm sure they have it in their back pocket as a play if/when needed.

The big story of the season, from the perspective of future developments in college football, was the enormous success of the ABC triple-header with the SEC.

They moved those marquee evening games off of ESPN and into ABC prime time and increased ratings significantly. Enough to show a gap with the Big Ten, which had its own success with a three-tier broadcast approach. The Big Ten had not been using the mid-afternoon slot wisely. They did this year, and saw improvements with its FOX/CBS/NBC numbers (though Michigan/Ohio State wasn't the number-one regular season game for the first time since 2019), plus some improvement even on the Big Ten network, probably due to having more inventory to stash there.

The ACC faltered a bit, relying almost entirely on ESPN and the ACC network. The Big 12 held its own with the Pac 12 additions, but only ended up treading water. The group-of-five was down overall.

Point of all of this - more power for the haves and less for the have-nots, and the ACC/Big 12 is definitely a second tier now. But the SEC is creating some space at the top now.

What I've noticed, as well, is that the SEC has several brands that draw large ratings, while the other majors are more reliant on a small subset of teams to draw those big ratings.

We're quickly moving toward some sort of league, and it's going to be centered around the SEC. If the SEC moves to nine games, that's more big matchups throughout the year, more opportunity to keep viewers on ABC all day Saturday.

Would be interested to know how streaming figures into the reported Nielsen numbers as to my knowledge you either watch ABC games on ABC or not at all whereas the Big Ten’s media deal includes CBS and NBC which share content with Paramount+ and Peacock. The one area where it’s apples to apples is noon and the Big Ten beat the ACC by 1.5 million views on average but I do think that tended to be one of the bigger Big Ten games of the week each week. The blog I pulled the numbers for said streaming numbers on Peacock at the very least aren’t reported.

Makes sense to me. Yes, I know old school fans love their home cupcake matchups. As a home viewer - and for better or worse I think we run the monetary show at this point - bring on extra conference games, or interesting non-conference games. I am NEVER going to watch Alabama/Mercer or Georgia/UMASS. Yes, there is going to be other SEC inventory much of the time, but why tempt me into watching the ACC or the Big 12? Because I will also tell you that if there is a decent SEC or B1G game on, I’m not watching the ACC/Big 12. (Also, ND? Not tuning in to see you romp on the service academies either. I know, you owe them and all that. That’s great but I don’t care to watch it.) So don’t press your luck by making the draw for a given time slot Ole Miss/Kentucky or some such.

Would be interested to know how streaming figures into the reported Nielsen numbers as to my knowledge you either watch ABC games on ABC or not at all whereas the Big Ten’s media deal includes CBS and NBC which share content with Paramount+ and Peacock. The one area where it’s apples to apples is noon and the Big Ten beat the ACC by 1.5 million views on average but I do think that tended to be one of the bigger Big Ten games of the week each week. The blog I pulled the numbers for said streaming numbers on Peacock at the very least aren’t reported.

Back in the old days -- when all the numbers were simply over the air numbers - ACC games didn't do well in Atlanta, usually losing to the lowest tier SEC game as well as Notre Dame, generally similar to any Big 10 games that happened to be on at the same time.

While Syracuse and BC are both in larger media markets, the fact that Syracuse was 9th in average audience for the ACC last season and BC was a woeful 13th, (I haven't seen a 2024 compilation that would include SMU as a member but they were dead last in avg audience last year) but basically if the teams can't even draw eyeballs in their largest home markets, the outcome nationally is kind of a foregone conclusion.

Coastal Carolina qualified for a bowl game with 6 wins and was rewarded? with a home bowl game in Myrtle Beach against 6 win Texas-San Antonio. Yeah?

Aren’t these games supposed to be about tourism (for the hosts)? Why would you want a team playing at their home stadium?

It's taken forever to get here, at least it'll be interesting.

Odom leaving UNLV for Purdue is interesting, but I guess after the Mizzou flame out and rebuilding UNLV opting for a place with bottom tier expectations is a smart way to play things.

Wonder if Brennan Marion is going to come along or if he can land a head coach job in this cycle.

Streaming services are not part of the Nielsen equation, but keep in mind that the Pac 12 no longer exists because, in the wisdom of athletic departments now part of the Big 12 and the Big Ten, streaming does not offer the same future that broadcast or even networks like ESPN offer.

However, this is an evolving world, and the Big Ten did get a lot of money to siphon off games to the Peacock thing (particularly for basketball).

When you look at the noon games and divide them by conference, ESPN's noons with the SEC did a heck of a lot better than their noons with the ACC. Overall, the SEC games on ESPN drew 2.01 million, Big 12 1.56 million and ACC 1.50 million. FOX at noon averaged 5.56 million - that was the Big Ten's prime slot and it beat ABC at noon. But the SEC put its best matchups in the evening slot and averaged 7.38 million viewers there.

Notre Dame took a nosedive, in part because NBC's evening slot became all Big Ten games, leaving Notre Dame primarily in the afternoon.

I see this as a macabre form of musical chairs. The first and most obvious shuttled off to the side were Washington State and Oregon State with their golden parachutes and poor-performing remnants of past Pac 12 contracts. But when you see FSU, Clemson and even North Carolina seemingly desperate to leave the ACC, you can see where this is headed.

The SEC can establish more dominance by moving to nine games, even if ABC doesn't pay more for it right away. Better inventory, all 14 weeks long, never a week to give anyone else a chance to shine. When Georgia is playing Tennessee Tech or Oklahoma is playing Maine, no one cares. I guess they can still tailgate at home, but that's about it.

It's taken forever to get here, at least it'll be interesting.

Odom leaving UNLV for Purdue is interesting, but I guess after the Mizzou flame out and rebuilding UNLV opting for a place with bottom tier expectations is a smart way to play things.

Wonder if Brennan Marion is going to come along or if he can land a head coach job in this cycle.

Marion has missed on a couple this cycle already. I think Appy State was one. UMass may have been another. Charlotte is still looking but no one seems to be interested in coaching the school that's last in everything financial in the AAC.

Tony Gibson to Marshall.

Matt Campbell seems to be serious about leaving ISU. Their NIL and financial support is pretty bad in the Big 12 and it's going to be really difficult for them to compete.

Jon Sumrall appears to be a finalist at both WVU and UNC. He's already turned down UNC once because of their initial contract offer though.

Aren’t these games supposed to be about tourism (for the hosts)? Why would you want a team playing at their home stadium?

A lot of bowls, especially the smaller ones, do kinda like to sell tickets too.

And that's been a problem for that bowl with attendance of 5,000, 6500, 12,000, and 8000.

People complaining about SMU but Indiana is the team that should be out if you want Alabama in. They are worse than SMU in just about every metric.

A lot of bowls, especially the smaller ones, do kinda like to sell tickets too.

And that's been a problem for that bowl with attendance of 5,000, 6500, 12,000, and 8000.

A lot of the bowls force the schools to buy 10k+ tickets just to play in it. It's why the schools go so hard selling tickets and why a lot of schools lose money playing in a bowl.

Happy to draw ND in the first round. Go Hoosiers!

I mean that’s part of my point I guess. If you have a bowl and the crowd is the size of a MAC game on a rainy Wednesday in November, maybe you just ought to give it up.

If you absolutely need games for TV and for teams to go to, just have a dozen of them in Vegas or something.

I mean that’s part of my point I guess. If you have a bowl and the crowd is the size of a MAC game on a rainy Wednesday in November, maybe you just ought to give it up.

If you absolutely need games for TV and for teams to go to, just have a dozen of them in Vegas or something.

Yeah they're mostly just a scam that isn't needed in a playoff.

https://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2024%2F1208%2FCFP_Bracket_241208_5x2_1200pm.jpg&w=628&h=251&scale=crop&cquality=80&location=center&format=jpg

FWIW

First Round

Texas > Clemson
OSU > Tennessee
PSU > SMU
Notre Dame > Indiana


Quarterfinals

Texas > ASU
OSU > Oregon
Boise State > PSU
Georgia > Notre Dame


Semifinals

Texas > OSU
Georgia > Boise State


Championship

Georgia > Texas


Yeah, I know. A third matchup :(

FWIW after being depressed about the Hogs last year, I am much more optimistic with Petrino back as OC. Hoping for a winning season and minor bowl game this year


WooooPigSooieee !!!

Hogs vs Texas Tech (+2.5) in Liberty Bowl

Marion has missed on a couple this cycle already. I think Appy State was one. UMass may have been another. Charlotte is still looking but no one seems to be interested in coaching the school that's last in everything financial in the AAC.

Tony Gibson to Marshall.

Matt Campbell seems to be serious about leaving ISU. Their NIL and financial support is pretty bad in the Big 12 and it's going to be really difficult for them to compete.

Jon Sumrall appears to be a finalist at both WVU and UNC. He's already turned down UNC once because of their initial contract offer though.Shockingly Charlotte pulled in Albin from Ohio. AAC is a step up from the MAC but they must have ponied up to get him to leave a program he had rolling for another rebuild. I find it hard to believe but Belichick to UNC seems to have real smoke. And did Sumrall overplay his hand? He's been linked to every job for a month while his team either quit on him or was exposed as a scheduling mirage.

Re: the playoff it seemed like they wanted to prove they weren't beholden to the SEC (not sure why people thought the Michigan AD led committee was), but they ended up de emphasizing H2H and quality wins too much. Variable SoS within conferences is the biggest issue, and I'd also look to drop any decent OOC game. Ohio State & Penn State both lost close to Oregon, but I think a win at Penn State should help more than a loss to Michigan hurts. I get not wanting to hurt teams who lose an extra game in the CCG but Penn State was in the title game because they didn't play Oregon in the regular season, why shouldn't that loss count like Ohio State's one to Oregon did? And that really matters now if you look at the path each has.

Similarly with Clemson/SMU I'm no Clemson defender or going to cry about the 3 loss SEC brigade, Miami or BYU missing out, but what did SMU do to show they deserve a higher seed than Clemson, beat Louisville and TCU? (Take it further vs Miami and SMU didn't play either Syracuse or GT who knocked off the Canes). They're not going to drop the South Carolina game but Clemson should drop anything like that kickoff classic vs Georgia, they're punished for losing vs a team everyone thinks SMU would also lose to.

16+ team conferences are really dumb, but if they'd at least have divisions that play a round robin it makes some sense, right now these are just loose confederations of teams. I'm not even mad Indiana is in, I like Cinderellas even if it leads to a blowout or two before the semi's, but I don't want to hear about how Indiana got 10 wins "in the tough Big Ten" when they didn't play the teams who make it tough. Army should be nowhere near the playoff but their resume really isn't far off the Hoosiers if they beat Navy, both 11-1 with a blowout loss to the only top 25 team they played. And if you want to say the eye test goes to Indiana not sure why the eye test wouldn't help the 9-3 SEC trio for all their warts.

Sumrall wants the Kentucky job and I think wanted SEC money to leave this year. He's banking on Kentucky opening up.

16+ team conferences are really dumb, but if they'd at least have divisions that play a round robin it makes some sense, right now these are just loose confederations of teams.

Yeah, it's funny that the conferences grew AND they did away with divisions. If anything, I think they need to model after the NFL and have more, smaller divisions. Play everyone in your division each season (3 games), one other rotating division (4 games), then one team from each of the other two divisions, either by last season's standings or by rivalries (2 games). 9 conference games. I'm sure someone can figure out the divisions better than I can, but here's a crack at them.

Texas/A&M/Missou/OU
Florida/Georgia/LSU/SC
Alabama/Auburn/Ole Miss/Miss St.
Kentucky/Tennessee/Vandy/ARK

I don't know, maybe that's too easy a road every year for the Vols. I don't know if you have a mini playoff in the conference, or just say the four division winners move to the CFP. Seems to me the conference championships are kind of obsolete with the CFP too.

I don't know what you do with the B1G's 18 teams. Either go to 20 and have 4 divisions of 5, go 4/4/5/5, or just cut two schools loose.

The problem with divisions was trying to maintain rivalries and balance the divisions. It was an impossible ask that led to things like the 2 Big 10 divisions playing at completely different levels.

Somebody's eggs will need to be broken.

I mean, if they are going to stick with the teams they have, it's probably going to be something like this:

ORE/UW/UCLA/USC
NEB/MIN/IOWA/WIS
OSU/PUR/IU/ILL/NW
MICH/MSU/PSU/MD/RUT

Yes, the last one is kind of stupid, but someone insisted on adding MD and Rutgers to the mix.

This splits up OSU/Michigan; they would have to play their extradivisional game every year. Penn State is just going to have to deal with being in a division with one or the other of them. Get over the fucking hump...or don't.

OSU's second-most played "rival" is the Illini, so I'm cool putting them in that division, which they should dominate. And other than "The Game" I think this maintains most of the long-running matchups (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Big_Ten_Conference_football_rivalry_games) down through Michigan/NW, which, who really cares?

edit: I guess I missed Michigan/Minnesota. Again, eggs. Michigan can't rival everybody.

Carson Beck's injury is a UCL in his right elbow. Still no word on a time table for the injury. Most likely will miss the playoffs. I hate it for him, but sort of excited to see what Gunner can do. Giving him 3 weeks as QB1 before the first playoff game is so huge. If they had to play next week, it might have been a challenge.

Source - Georgia Tech WR Eric Singleton enters transfer portal - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42874640/source-georgia-tech-wr-eric-singleton-enters-transfer-portal)

Somebody's eggs will need to be broken.

No doubt. Right now conferences are more about inventory of games for TV than anything. As I've said on here before, until there's a commish type role for college sports, at least the major sports, we're going to see continued stupidity since everyone is working against one another.

Before the Big Ten can do divisions again they really need some combination of USC/UCLA/Nebraska/Iowa/Wisconsin….atleast three of them to get back to routinely playing high level football. They really have 4 teams with any sort of consistency and three of them play on one side of the country and 1 the other. Divisions would be complicated.

Could be fun having late December games in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio. College stadiums are not exactly built with winter in mind.

Carson Beck's injury is a UCL in his right elbow. Still no word on a time table for the injury. Most likely will miss the playoffs. I hate it for him, but sort of excited to see what Gunner can do. Giving him 3 weeks as QB1 before the first playoff game is so huge. If they had to play next week, it might have been a challenge.
They are now saying Beck and his family are exploring alternative treatments. I think that is suggesting he wants to play, and they are hoping to find a way to make that happen. Of course it could also mean he is trying to find a way to be healthy enough to not hurt his draft stock.

In other bad news, Bulldog punter Brett Thorton is going to have season ending knee surgery on his non-kicking knee. That kids has been a weapon on his own, not to mention a good tackler (Aussie rugby player). Georgia does have a highly recruited Freshman punter that could see some action.

Source - Georgia Tech WR Eric Singleton enters transfer portal - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42874640/source-georgia-tech-wr-eric-singleton-enters-transfer-portal)
There are saying he already had a visit scheduled Athens. Meanwhile, Georgia freshman receiver Nitro Tuggle is entering the portal. Sad mainly because I really like the name.

It's usually better to anticipate the future rather than react to the present. Conference bloat was a reaction, not a plan.

If you look at ratings, you get a sense of the national brands. Part of that is network perception, but there are huge differences even within the same time slot.

The uncomfortable reality is that the major conferences have a lot of non-brands. At some point, football will have to break away into a league, and that's going to involve a financial commitment from each individual franchise.

The sooner that's done, the more likely old conferences can re-form, which would work for every other sport.

The Big 10 and SEC should look around and each add atleast two teams(Notre Dame, Clemson, ???, and ??? each and then turn the tournament into a 14 team playoff where the top 7 teams in each conference make the tournament. Make the conference championship games for a bye and the loser gets the 2nd seed. Go straight 2v7, 3v6, 4v6, 3v5, 1 gets bye. Have all matchups in the first round be B1G vs. SEC and have the conference champ be in the bracket where the other conference has the two seed. Don't play any non-conference games.

IE 1+3 seed B1G, 2+4 seed SEC. I would be more interested in watching that. They could even go beyond 20 for all I care. I know that is fantasy and we have what we have, but this doesn't seem sustainable.

Don't play any non-conference games.


Not worth giving up GT/ugag, SC-Clemson, FSU-Florida, etc and so forth. Not from my fan perspective ... which we already know doesn't matter one iota to the CFB powers that be.

Or at least, it won't until they NASCAR themselves.

PING: Atocep

Re: Fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff!

PING: Atocep

Re: Fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff!

Yeah

Kotelnicki wanted to coach through the playoffs or be paid a shitload to be hired immediately. So he was out. And hold off when the portal opened yesterday.

Writing is on the wall at this point on who it's going to be. It will be interesting to say the least. Which is way different from the Neal Brown era.

Belichick to UNC looking official

Belichick to UNC looking official

Good, he has not been a good addition to the Manningcast.

If Cam Rising goes from Utah to UNC next year, Bellicheck's starting QB will be older than his girlfriend.

It's usually better to anticipate the future rather than react to the present. Conference bloat was a reaction, not a plan.

If you look at ratings, you get a sense of the national brands. Part of that is network perception, but there are huge differences even within the same time slot.

The uncomfortable reality is that the major conferences have a lot of non-brands. At some point, football will have to break away into a league, and that's going to involve a financial commitment from each individual franchise.

The sooner that's done, the more likely old conferences can re-form, which would work for every other sport.

Feels like that will happen soon. There's not many more opportunities for the rich to get richer by adding teams (Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami and Florida State unless they played themselves out are the only options). Once those join the big boys (or if they don't due to the ACC contract and ND's stubbornness), the only way to make more money will be to either kick teams out, or create a new league (functionally the same). And of course they'll do it.

Belichick to UNC looking official

It must feel good for them to have a coach with experience as a national champion.

Yeah

Kotelnicki wanted to coach through the playoffs or be paid a shitload to be hired immediately. So he was out. And hold off when the portal opened yesterday.

Writing is on the wall at this point on who it's going to be. It will be interesting to say the least. Which is way different from the Neal Brown era.

I'm not liking it and going to have to rethink my season tickets. I guess the one thing it will do is shut up all of the fanboys and "money" people that have wanted him back for the past 15 years. I hope the leash is real short, both for winning and shenanigans. I'm getting too old for 5-year plans.

I love the Belichick thing. I think it is ballsier than rolling the dice on a retread or up and coming G5 coach or coordinator. Hearing that he has a plan to create an NFL-like program with the intention of producing NFL players sounds pretty darn good. The only downside, and it is huge, is his age. Still, I'd be happy with trying something unconventional like this at a place like UNC (or WVU) at a time and situation like this.

It's usually better to anticipate the future rather than react to the present. Conference bloat was a reaction, not a plan.

If you look at ratings, you get a sense of the national brands. Part of that is network perception, but there are huge differences even within the same time slot.

The uncomfortable reality is that the major conferences have a lot of non-brands. At some point, football will have to break away into a league, and that's going to involve a financial commitment from each individual franchise.

The sooner that's done, the more likely old conferences can re-form, which would work for every other sport.

What happens to the non-brands, though? Will this be a situation where the Vanderbilts, Purdues, and Northwesterns can own a share of the league/conference without actually participating? It is also interesting to me to see if/when the winnow the lesser programs out and how broadly appealing it is to have only 30-50 programs playing. I can't see myself, as a guy whose alma mater is no longer in the same league and living several 100+ miles away, being too interested in Florida-Tennessee or Oregon-UCLA like I would be for an NFL game. It seems hard to figure that viewership, in total will increase. I guess they are banking on it not decreasing by much (or at all) and the more elite programs having a much bigger share.

I'd describe myself as eager to see how this plays out, but looking at it with no enjoyment whatsoever.

That's the needle they have to thread for sure. Can you keep the things that make college football so attractive for people (alumni ties, rivalries, traditional conferences and bowls, the intersection of education and athletics etc...) without turning it into just another football league?

If you end up with a 30 team league, players who are essentially free agents every year then it's really just an inferior version of the NFL and/or a feeder league at that point.

That's the needle they have to thread for sure. Can you keep the things that make college football so attractive for people (alumni ties, rivalries, traditional conferences and bowls, the intersection of education and athletics etc...) without turning it into just another football league?

If you end up with a 30 team league, players who are essentially free agents every year then it's really just an inferior version of the NFL and/or a feeder league at that point.

I think you can, but you have to pick one. A league consisting of Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, Northwestern, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska would be a ton of fun. I think people going to games aren't going to care if the league includes Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. But what would TV viewership be like?

That's the needle they have to thread for sure. Can you keep the things that make college football so attractive for people (alumni ties, rivalries, traditional conferences and bowls, the intersection of education and athletics etc...) without turning it into just another football league?

If you end up with a 30 team league, players who are essentially free agents every year then it's really just an inferior version of the NFL and/or a feeder league at that point.
If I had to guess how it will shake out, I think it will be closer to 64 teams, a little less than half the schools in now. It could go as high as 70+. I think they keep the major programs (obviously) along with schools that have strong historic ties and the financial means.

We have a few more data points with the bloated conferences. Texas and Oklahoma drew well on SEC telecasts, as did USC and Oregon on Big Ten telecasts.

That's evidence that a league of major college brands would work. Texas/Michigan and LSU/USC both made the regular season top ten list. Georgia Tech/Georgia and Clemson/Georgia made the second ten (Miami/Florida was 21st), and were by far the top telecasts involving ACC teams. Colorado/Kansas a couple of weeks ago was the only game to draw more than 4.2 million viewers during the regular season that did not involve a team from the Big Ten or SEC.

Again, a lot of that is chicken/egg revolving around opportunity, but the brands emerge when you look at different audiences within the same time slot, week to week.

There were 20 schools averaging at least three million viewers per broadcast that had five or more games shown. Seems like a good start to a league. There was a quote a couple of months ago from an anonymous Big 12 AD saying that he didn't know how many Big 12 schools would fully fund the proposed $20 million NIL agreement. Schools that can't probably wouldn't be able to compete in this league because it will require a salary floor.

I don't think the less funded programs in the Big Ten/SEC would want to try that level. And it might be uncomfortable because recruiting has to tie in with concepts like salary caps and floors and there needs to be a CBA so that players can sign contracts and avoid the current problem college football has with the portal.

What happens to the others? They aren't going to run a profit off of football. The trick to keeping football alive in college, period, is figuring out a way for the brands to pay the players and the rest of the college sports world to find a new normal. The bloated conferences are bad for everyone. I would hope the old conferences re-form, somewhat, and for the football programs in the Big Ten and SEC that don't want to try the new league, they can probably cobble together something regional.

I don't see any scenario where conferences shrink. The whole point is to reach as many major media markets as possible. The Big 10 didn't add Maryland and Rutgers because they were nice fits, they added them because they gave the Big 10 Network access to the DC and NY market. Same with USC/UCLA.

If they did shrink, it would be removing small markets that aren't helping the media deals.

Television payout for SEC schools last year was $51 million per school. Big 10 was $60 million, expected to jump to $80 to $100 million per school in the coming years. A $20 million dollar floor is a fraction of just the TV money, not to mention donor money that comes into these programs.

I don't see any scenario where conferences shrink. The whole point is to reach as many major media markets as possible. The Big 10 didn't add Maryland and Rutgers because they were nice fits, they added them because they gave the Big 10 Network access to the DC and NY market. Same with USC/UCLA.

If they did shrink, it would be removing small markets that aren't helping the media deals.

I was talking to a coworker and Maryland grad about how the area doesn’t really support/care about Maryland football, so…

(Basketball yes. Football, with the Ravens and Commanders? Not so much! So it’s a fail on that part I’d say. I’m not a native but I’ve been in the state 30 years now; I don’t think I watched much of the Terps this year other than when they played Penn State. I’m watching the B1G anyway, not because of Maryland. I know what the B1G’s reasoning was, I just don’t know that it was justified.)

I mean, “access.” These games are on ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC. It’s not like they’re on Jefferson Pilot.

Television payout for SEC schools last year was $51 million per school. Big 10 was $60 million, expected to jump to $80 to $100 million per school in the coming years. A $20 million dollar floor is a fraction of just the TV money, not to mention donor money that comes into these programs.

It's expensive to run a representative football program. Minimum of $50 million a year these days. And that $20 million floor is just the beginning.

The revenue estimates for this league will probably come in around at least $80 million per team, with a few easily twice that amount. It'll probably need to work with a soft cap, like baseball's, but the system will not support that many Tampa Bay Rays.

I can see around 40 in this league. Too much larger, and you can't set up reasonable schedules. For legitimacy and start-to-finish interest, they need rivalries and proper scheduling.

List of the bowl schedule.

2024-25 college football bowl game, CFP schedule - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/cfpbowls2024/college-football-bowl-2024-2025-schedule-matchups)


Other than for the CFP games, the other bowl games seem lackluster other than for AL vs MI ... or is it me?

Poor Michigan. What did they do to deserve that matchup? A team that would like revenge for last year's semifinals. A team that was first-one-out for the playoff (Michigan was a long, long, long way from second-one-out).

Michigan is going to be without all four first-rounders for next year's draft, including the two defensive tackles who pretty much won the Ohio State game. One of their three starting quarterbacks this season is now retired and the other two led one of the worst passing offenses in the FBS. Their fifth-string quarterback is already in the portal and everyone's worried about losing the fourth-stringer, who is red-shirting.

It's not going to be a competitive game. I'd be surprised if Michigan can even sell their ticket allotment, and that's not usually an issue.

I’d said it last year and I’ll say it again this year. This transfer portal timing has to change. They have to be able to make exceptions. Players shouldn’t be transferring off of playoff teams before the playoffs even start.

The timing is weird but I assume it is because of academic calendars. It gives players a chance to enroll for the spring semester after finishing up in December.

The timing is weird but I assume it is because of academic calendars. It gives players a chance to enroll for the spring semester after finishing up in December.

There is enough money involved here to fix it. I get why it happens when it does but it can't keep happening this way. I don't know who it was but one of the coaches compared it to NFL free agency happening between week 18 and the start of the playoffs. It's just silly.

Other than for the CFP games, the other bowl games seem lackluster other than for AL vs MI ... or is it me?

Yeah, it's pretty bad ... but that's by design almost. I mean, you've removed 8 teams from any starting bowl relationship (since the 2nd & 3rd round are still technically "bowl games")

And this year, with 82 bowl slots for 82 bowl eligible teams, put those 4-8 teams in and there's actually 4 6-6 teams playing that would have been staying home. Put the bowl ties back in for the teams removed from the pool and suddenly you get quite a few different looking matchups.

Aside from Bama-Michigan, A&M vs USC isn't awful in terms of historical programs, Iowa State-Miami could be okay this year, maybe SC - Illinois? BYU-Colorado could be okay'ish as a draw too perhaps.

There is enough money involved here to fix it. I get why it happens when it does but it can't keep happening this way. I don't know who it was but one of the coaches compared it to NFL free agency happening between week 18 and the start of the playoffs. It's just silly.

I completely agree. There are so many accelerated sessions within semesters these days that they can get these guys enrolled outside of the normal time frame for a transfer.

I don't know who it was but one of the coaches compared it to NFL free agency happening between week 18 and the start of the playoffs. It's just silly.

That was a pretty spot-on comment from Kiffy.

Never let it be said that I refuse to call an idiotic (R) an idiotic (R).

Flag planting at Ohio State would be felony under proposed law - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42913316/flag-planting-ohio-state-felony-proposed-law)

Well, I sincerely hope, looking outside right now, that he ensures the future integrity of Ohio Stadium by adding a clause preventing victorious visiting players from making snow angels on the logo as well.

WVU is finalizing a deal with its next coach. It's not Sumrall, it's not Kotelnicki, it's not Monken, and it's not Rich Rod. The rumor right now from the OSU side is it's Brian Hartline.

Rich really shit the bed with some of the antics his circle pulled trying to get him the job and it eliminated him.

Also, Matt Campbell used his interest from other schools to get a contract extension through 2032.

Yeah, it's pretty bad ... but that's by design almost. I mean, you've removed 8 teams from any starting bowl relationship (since the 2nd & 3rd round are still technically "bowl games")

And this year, with 82 bowl slots for 82 bowl eligible teams, put those 4-8 teams in and there's actually 4 6-6 teams playing that would have been staying home. Put the bowl ties back in for the teams removed from the pool and suddenly you get quite a few different looking matchups.

Aside from Bama-Michigan, A&M vs USC isn't awful in terms of historical programs, Iowa State-Miami could be okay this year, maybe SC - Illinois? BYU-Colorado could be okay'ish as a draw too perhaps.

Missing those journeymen Wisconsin, Mich State, UCLA, Auburn teams. FSU being ass isn't helping either.

Never let it be said that I refuse to call an idiotic (R) an idiotic (R).

Flag planting at Ohio State would be felony under proposed law - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42913316/flag-planting-ohio-state-felony-proposed-law)

Heh! We have broken them, those poor, unhinged people.

Heh! We have broken them, those poor, unhinged people.


I know the rivalry is huge but Ohio State folks having a complete meltdown over it is incredible theater.


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Belichick to UNC about to become official.

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WVU is finalizing a deal with its next coach. It's not Sumrall, it's not Kotelnicki, it's not Monken, and it's not Rich Rod. The rumor right now from the OSU side is it's Brian Hartline.

Rich really shit the bed with some of the antics his circle pulled trying to get him the job and it eliminated him.

Also, Matt Campbell used his interest from other schools to get a contract extension through 2032.

Hartline fell threw. WVU is going to hire Rich, despite the BS, and it's the most WVU thing WVU could do.

Belichick to UNC on a five year deal now official. As someone said on Bluesky, it is going to be real funny to see him lose to Wake Forest.

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Hartline fell threw. WVU is going to hire Rich, despite the BS, and it's the most WVU thing WVU could do.

Unbelievable.

Belichick to UNC on a five year deal now official. As someone said on Bluesky, it is going to be real funny to see him lose to Wake Forest.

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I'll legitimately be shocked if this pans out for UNC.

I have not picked up a college football text sim since NIL became a thing. I can't remember the last version of FOF that I purchased. I just recently learned about how the old recruiting coordinator job has become a GM job in college football. With Belichick reportedly preparing to separate college football coaching from college football recruiting and bringing more of the NFL to college campuses, I might have to jump back in for a college/pro double if they are available.

High Tide! High Tide!

I have not picked up a college football text sim since NIL became a thing. I can't remember the last version of FOF that I purchased. I just recently learned about how the old recruiting coordinator job has become a GM job in college football. With Belichick reportedly preparing to separate college football coaching from college football recruiting and bringing more of the NFL to college campuses, I might have to jump back in for a college/pro double if they are available.

With the revenue sharing and cap most NIL collectives are being absorbed by the schools in some capacity.

I have not picked up a college football text sim since NIL became a thing. I can't remember the last version of FOF that I purchased. I just recently learned about how the old recruiting coordinator job has become a GM job in college football. With Belichick reportedly preparing to separate college football coaching from college football recruiting and bringing more of the NFL to college campuses, I might have to jump back in for a college/pro double if they are available.

And he’s hiring Michael Lombardi to be the “GM” of North Carolina. I listen to Lombardi’s podcast now and then and he is a complete Belicheck toadie and lickspittle.

Dan Mullen replacing Odom at UNLV?

Sounds like Northern Illinois is going to join the Mountain West as a football member only. Was really hoping NDSU would get the invite instead. FCS is going to be the Dakota and Montana schools and not a whole helluva lot else

Northern Illinois is going to join the Mountain West as a football member only

I guess there must be money involved to the point where that makes sense, but it's hard not to interpret this as an attempt to ruin the college football experience for as many people as possible. I just assumed the MAC would be exempt from this stuff because the money's not there for them to do anything else.

It sounds like there has been some pressure from the powers that be to stop plucking FCS schools, which leaves the most dominant school in the rearview mirror. Dreams of Boise State Mk II dashed

NIU does this every generation. Ran off to the Big West from 1993-95, then came crawling back when it backfired.

Sounds like Northern Illinois is going to join the Mountain West as a football member only. Was really hoping NDSU would get the invite instead. FCS is going to be the Dakota and Montana schools and not a whole helluva lot else

NIU has an offer, and the university is apparently discussing it internally today, but the MAC does not allow full members without football programs and the exit fee is pretty steep.

The Mountain West has some cash, so they could pay that, so this is all possible, but there's a "why would you do that" aspect to all of this.

NIU is somewhat of a fit with the Missouri Valley Football Conference (which has some overlap with the Missouri Valley Conference, which would presumably take their non-football sports). But other MVFBC schools like North Dakota State make more sense for the Mountain West, and since they're taking UC Davis (football only), that seems like a plan.

But I'm not seeing the benefit here for anyone concerned. If it's all about these FBS/FCS borders, that's all going to change considerably over the next ten years and the last thing you want is to abandon whatever stability you have.

UC-Davis is joining the MWC, but not in football

UC-Davis is joining the MWC, but not in football

I have to imagine that changes over time. They're already a pretty damn good FCS school and definitely have the size and resources to move up.

They moved to FCS the same time NDSU did (2004) and they have a 2-2 playoff record. The Bison are 48-5 with 9 championships

I think the issue for NDSU is they have a nice local TV contract. Plus, they're really far away from most of the schools in almost every conference. Fine if it's a football only move, but that's going to be hell on the budget for all the other sports. They'd also lose out on a lot of their rivalries. People have been saying if they were anywhere else but the Dakotas, they'd be in an FBS conference by now.

UC-Davis is ranked in the top 10 and they're an enormous school with lots of funding behind it. Close to other schools in the MW too. Not saying they're a better choice than NDSU, but they're perfectly situated for a jump to FBS if they want it.

Ohio State AD confident coach Ryan Day returns in 2025 - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42934556/ohio-state-ad-confident-coach-ryan-day-returns-2025)

In case you were wondering.

My odds

OSU loses in round one - Day is gone

OSU loses in round two - 50/50

OSU loses in final four or championship - Day stays

I am listening to a podcast on UGA, and I couldn't get over the guy saying he thought Ohio State would most likely be the team in the Championship game, and if not, then Oregeon. They were just completely writing off Texas.

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I can see OSU but IMO Oregon hasn't really been battle tested.


Strength of schedule as of Dec

2024 Strength of Schedule For All 134 FBS College Football Teams After Week 14 (https://collegefootballnetwork.com/2024-college-football-strength-of-schedule/)

Clemson (54)
Texas (15)
Arizona St (35)

Tennessee (49)
OSU (23)
Oregon (42)

SMU (64)
Penn State (38)
Boise St (78)

Indiana (67)
ND (57)
Georgia (10)

Here's the Top-25 list

1) Michigan: 254.00
2) Mississippi State: 246.25
3) UCLA: 244.50
4) Kentucky: 243.50
5) Purdue: 239.25
6) Oklahoma: 238.50
7) LSU: 235.75
8) Florida: 231.25
9) Alabama: 230.25
10) Georgia: 225.50
11) USC: 225.00
12) Florida State: 224.00
13) Kansas: 220.50
14) Texas A&M: 217.00
15) Texas: 213.25
16) Vanderbilt: 208.50
17) Houston: 202.75
18) Auburn: 202.25
19) Stanford: 201.00
20) Maryland: 200.75
21) South Carolina: 200.50
22) Michigan State: 200.25
23) Ohio State: 199.25
24) Washington: 198.50
25) UCF: 198.50

I am listening to a podcast on UGA, and I couldn't get over the guy saying he thought Ohio State would most likely be the team in the Championship game, and if not, then Oregeon. They were just completely writing off Texas.

At this point, I'm not sure a QB change fixes Texas but I'm pretty sure it's the only chance they have.

Marshall drops out of their bowl game with Army due to not having enough players after more than 25 have entered the portal since Huff left for the Southern Miss job.

Marshall's saving themselves from getting Florida State'd by 60 with no QB and most of the two deep gone.

I thought the main reason not to play a bowl game is to avoid messing up your NFL career. How is Marshall getting players to not play?

I thought the main reason not to play a bowl game is to avoid messing up your NFL career. How is Marshall getting players to not play?

25 players in the transfer portal including top 3 QBs

25 players in the transfer portal including top 3 QBs

Things got ugly between Huff, the AD, and President there over the last year plus. Huff has reportedly been recruiting the roster hard since he left.

I think Tony Gibson could be a very good coach for them but he's got his work cut out. Gonna be a complete roster rebuild.

DJ Uiagalelei announced he is going pro. I assume it is in pickle ball because it definitely won't be in the NFL.

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Wake Forest is in the Head Coaching search as Dave Clawson is retiring. People I've heard as possibilities are Brad White Kentucky DC, James Madison HC whose name i can't remember, Anongst others

DJ Uiagalelei announced he is going pro. I assume it is in pickle ball because it definitely won't be in the NFL.

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He could get drafted..............into the military.

DJ Uiagalelei announced he is going pro. I assume it is in pickle ball because it definitely won't be in the NFL.

Talk about a guy who I really hope managed to get a degree of some sort from somewhere.

Yikes.

Wasn't he out of eligibility unless he petitioned for a medical redshirt which was no guarantee?

Maybe DJ is hoping for some sort of Tim Boyle scam career.

Maybe DJ is hoping for some sort of Tim Boyle scam career.

I was thinking something similar. With all the commentary about the state of quarterbacking in the NFL thread, I see very little reason why a QB with his measurables would not think he was at least a 4th rounder.

How valuable college sports programs are:

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/19/college-sports-programs-valuations.html

Below, CNBC ranks the 75 most valuable college athletic programs. The rankings exclude military academies and are limited to schools that participate in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, or FBS, which tend to attract top players.

Hogs are at surprisingly #18, valued at $776M.

I was thinking something similar. With all the commentary about the state of quarterbacking in the NFL thread, I see very little reason why a QB with his measurables would not think he was at least a 4th rounder.

In that case he's never watched himself play.

Anthony Richardson somehow got someone to draft him 4th and I thought he was even worse in college.

Anthony Richardson somehow got someone to draft him 4th and I thought he was even worse in college.
Richardson really benefited from not playing nearly as much as DJ in college. He was very much a near blank page with extreme work out numbers. If DJ thinks he can really shine out at his workouts, maybe he can get teams interested. But he has had too time starting and lots of film on him. I don't think teams will look at him as fixable.

He'll get drafted, and people who like him will say he's Josh Allen if Allen had played for a major college program (or three). He'll certainly get attention during the evaluation period.

While there is some correlation between college performance and NFL performance, it's not huge. And for quarterbacks drafted in the first round, it's actually a negative correlation, indicating that some players who might have been drafted high solely because they were great college quarterbacks cannot make the transition.

Quarterbacking in college and quarterbacking in the NFL are different planets.

He'll get drafted, and people who like him will say he's Josh Allen if Allen had played for a major college program (or three). He'll certainly get attention during the evaluation period.

While there is some correlation between college performance and NFL performance, it's not huge. And for quarterbacks drafted in the first round, it's actually a negative correlation, indicating that some players who might have been drafted high solely because they were great college quarterbacks cannot make the transition.

Quarterbacking in college and quarterbacking in the NFL are different planets.
Where are you seeing that? I have looked at a lot of draft boards, and they all had him at the 14-18th ranked quarterback. I have seen several that suggest he is way more likely to play in the MLB than the NFL.

Where are you seeing that? I have looked at a lot of draft boards, and they all had him at the 14-18th ranked quarterback. I have seen several that suggest he is way more likely to play in the MLB than the NFL.

I've seen the same thing, absolutely. He looks like a prototype, and if he tests well, he'll get attention. He's not going in the first round, like Allen did. And that's because he didn't do well at FSU.

But it only takes one team to think of him as a real project, and that's why I think he'll be a day-3 pick. Odds are he won't turn into another Allen, despite the resemblance.

Let’s get this party started!

That is a fast RB on Notre Dame

Rough start.

I don't feel like Indiana is steam made for a comeback. I also feel like ND should have been the 5th seed.

Running it on 3rd and 10 down 14. Guess Indiana is just glad to be invited.

I have a bad feeling -- though not surprised -- that Georgia basically has a bye to the semis, if not to the finals themselves.

That's not a bad feeling. That's the best feeling.

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They certainly don't have a 3 loss Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, or Georgia Tech waiting for them if those are the only teams that can challenge them

We had a far better season than I could have dreamed of. That being said, we clearly need to keep improving if we want to hang with the top teams.

The ND kicker is apparently not back

ESPN actively bashing the B1G now.

That coaching gameplan from Indiana sure was something.

Local media here in Indianapolis is going crazy about how Indiana shouldn’t have been included so they didn’t get embarrassed.

I mean I get that the result wasn’t in doubt because it was 14-0 in the first quarter but Indiana won the last three quarters 17-13. They didn’t get embarrassed and this won’t be the biggest “blow out” in the playoffs. Learn your lessons and keep building. They realistically weren’t likely to win at Notre Dame anyway.

It was obvious all along. Indiana should have been replaced with a team that definitely wasn't going to lose

... but Indiana won the last three quarters 17-13.

Let's not get carried away by garbage time scoring

Yeah, I didn’t see the last quarter, but from what I saw the game was never in doubt and not at all competitive.

This was always the concern with the expanded playoff. In most years it was hard enough to find four really good teams to create competitive games, it’s pretty much impossible to do so with twelve.

Hopefully the games today will be better!

Jeez. Easy touchdown or at the very least a first down. Instead nothing

Allar needs to learn how to slide

What the hell kind of throw was that?

Maybe he doesn't know what team he's on?

Environment/weather seems to be affecting their QB

Penn State doing favors

That was dumb to go for it up 14 on your own 20.

I feel like PSU has no respect for SMU after going for it on their own 19.