2016 NCAA football

[sancho]

They say Briles is out at Baylor. I think that's a bad idea. I'm guessing Baylor regrets this in a few years when Briles is tearing it up for someone else. People forget quickly in college football. An apology with a "I didn't understand the scope of what had happened" followed by a successful season would have probably been enough.

[Diehard Ute]

They say Briles is out at Baylor. I think that's a bad idea. I'm guessing Baylor regrets this in a few years when Briles is tearing it up for someone else. People forget quickly in college football. An apology with a "I didn't understand the scope of what had happened" followed by a successful season would have probably been enough.

You're serious?


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[Jarid in Cedar]

Yes. It is now on the front page of ESPN.com

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[Diehard Ute]

You're serious?


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And by you're serious I mean you really think they should have kept him


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[Jarid in Cedar]

And by you're serious I mean you really think they should have kept him


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Gotcha. I agree. I can't see how he could keep his job with all the info that is making out about the investigation

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[Diehard Ute]

I'm thinking of football only. Baylor isn't Ohio State. There might not be an Urban Meyer to come in and save the day. I think they could have weathered the storm, reprimanded Briles, and kept the only coach who's ever done anything in Waco.

I do think Briles will be successful somewhere else, and many Baylor fans will look back and second guess this decision. We'll see.

Your first sentence is the problem.


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[LA Ute]

Yeesh.

Baylor to fire football coach Art Briles amid sexual assault scandal

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/05/26/baylor-fires-art-briles-football-sexual-assault/84973662/

[DrumNFeather]

Yeesh.

Baylor to fire football coach Art Briles amid sexual assault scandal

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/05/26/baylor-fires-art-briles-football-sexual-assault/84973662/
Looking forward to a sweep in 2023 and 2024!

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[NorthwestUteFan]

Looking forward to a sweep in 2023 and 2024!

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Brian Johnson will have his work cut out for him in his first year as our HC.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

So many tears for Mr. Copy everything Oregon, then accuse Oregon of copying Baylor. I guess now the playoff committee doesn't need to worry about having someone that wants to be buried in Texas when they die on it.

[SoCalPat]

I'm thinking of football only. Baylor isn't Ohio State. There might not be an Urban Meyer to come in and save the day. I think they could have weathered the storm, reprimanded Briles, and kept the only coach who's ever done anything in Waco.

I do think Briles will be successful somewhere else, and many Baylor fans will look back and second guess this decision. We'll see.

The first bolded statement is a fool's errand. Nobody of influence is looking at this only through a football-first lens. The second bolded statement is straight from the naive fanboy playbook. It's often a cliche, but it's the truth in this case: There are things far more important than football

Briles might be successful somewhere else, but it's gonna have to be in the NFL first. What university today would have hired an alive-and-kicking Joe Paterno still in his 50s? Would you hire Art Briles at Utah today? Only an idiot would say yes, because I can guarantee you that for every big-moneyed booster that would be OK with it, there would be dozens more that would just sit on their hands until Briles left.

Sorry, but it annoys the hell out of me when people try and place athletic accomplishment over basic principles. The Baylor fans who would second-guess this decision have little to nothing in the way of core values.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Despite my high level of disdain for Briles taking shots at Oregon, he can be our OC.

[SoCalPat]

Also, I'm willing to bet there's at least one AD in the Big 12 that would've moved to have Baylor kicked out of the league if they kept Briles. The pressure on schools to disassociate themselves from Baylor would have been enormous, and really would've opened up options for the Big 12 with the expansion issue (You know Houston would've loved for Baylor to keep its former HC on board). It would be akin to BYU and the LDS Church reinstating the priesthood ban against blacks, or having never rescinded the practice.

[SoCalPat]

Despite my high level of disdain for Briles taking shots at Oregon, he can be our OC.

"I hate Briles because he insulted my Inner Fan Boy, but not because he actively perpetuated a culture of rape and intimidation at Baylor." What the hell is wrong with you?

[Diehard Ute]

Yeah I don't get the people willing to turn the other cheek here.

Briles and representatives met directly with at least one of the complainants and failed to report the accusations.

How can anyone defend that?


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[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

"I hate Briles because he insulted my Inner Fan Boy, but not because he actively perpetuated a culture of rape and intimidation at Baylor." What the hell is wrong with you?

It was a joke. In response to the post right above mine. Briles coaching career is over for at least the near future, possibly forever.

[SoCalPat]

It was a joke. In response to the post right above mine. Briles coaching career is over for at least the near future, possibly forever.

You easily get the benefit of the doubt here.

[LA Ute]

You easily get the benefit of the doubt here.

Whenever HFN says anything that might seem mean or dumb on the surface, I try to figure out where his joke us. It's just not in his DNA to be mean or dumb.

[Applejack]

Whenever HFN says anything that might seem mean or dumb on the surface, I try to figure out where his joke us. It's just not in his DNA to be mean or dumb.
I didn't think it was mean. :what:

[LA Ute]

I didn't think it was mean. :what:

Neither did I. SCP thought it was dumb, but now sees it was ironic.

[Rocker Ute]

So now that we've established HFN as a truly terrible person, what do you think we can do to get Briles as our OC?


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[Mormon Red Death]

So now that we've established HFN as a truly terrible person, what do you think we can do to get Briles as our OC?


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We can go back to being the deepest in the nation at the offensive coordinator position!

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[LA Ute]

So now that we've established HFN as a truly terrible person, what do you think we can do to get Briles as our OC?


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I'm just rehabilitating HFN. He needs that every so often.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

So now that we've established HFN as a truly terrible person, what do you think we can do to get Briles as our OC?


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:applause:

[sancho]

t-minus 5 hours until this season starts!

[sancho]

The SEC killed opening weekend scheduling:

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/monday-down-south-ring-new-year/

[sancho]

They say this is the best opening weekend of college football in history. Here's the viewing schedule:

Thursday: Utah obviously. The only P5/P5 games are South Carolina @ Vandy and Oregon St @ Minnesota

Friday: CSU/CU rivalry game. Turn to KState @ Stanford during commercials.

Saturday morning: Oklahoma vs Houston. Missou @ WVU during breaks.

Early afternoon: UCLA @ A&M. LSU @ Wisconsin during breaks.

Evening: USC vs Bama.

Sunday evening: Notre Dame @ Texas

Monday evening: Ole Miss @ FSU

[sancho]

This Houston game has been great. Kick 6, baby!

[sancho]

western Michigan knocks off northwestern.

[sancho]

western Michigan knocks off northwestern.

And south Alabama beats Mississippi state.

[NorthwestUteFan]

And south Alabama beats Mississippi state.
That is bad news for Brian Johnson. I hope he gets the Offense together before his return trip to Provo...

[U-Ute]

Richmond 30-7 over Virginia.

BYU fans experiencing serious schadenfreude.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Do they fire Bronco in the parking lot after this one?

Good game, Richmond. Huge win for the Spiders.

[NorthwestUteFan]

There is only one true constant in college football - BYU always gets the good teams when they are having down years.
Don't forget the Miami game in 1990. That was a huge win over the #1 team, who actually ended up having a good season.

[U-Ute]

Don't forget the Miami game in 1990. That was a huge win over the #1 team, who actually ended up having a good season.

Blind squirrels and nuts...

[chrisrenrut]

I'm kind of happy to see both Oklahoma and LSU go down in the first weekend. I know Sancho won't agree, but Go Trojans and Tigers; take out two more top 5 teams this week.

[chrisrenrut]

Huh? I'm on board. I go with what's best for Utah, and a usc victory is good for Utah.

Ok, good. I thought I remembered you having a history of rooting against PAC 12 teams in non-conference games. Maybe that is just Stanford.

[U-Ute]

Well, I don't always root for Pac 12 teams. I just take it game by game. I was pulling for Hawaii last week, for example.

So this is more of a Northern California thing then.

[hostile]

Wheels coming off for the Trojans.

[LA Ute]

Wheels coming off for the Trojans.

I don't like to see Lane Kiffin having a good time.

[U-Ute]

I know it isn't basketball, but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy when Kentucky loses anything painful fashion.

Up 35-10 in the second quarter against So Miss, UK loses 44-35.

[Redbird]

Wazzou loses to Eastern Washington; USC gets the doors blown off; Arizona getting pushed around in the trenches (so far); UCLA loses. I'm not complaining.

[Redbird]

I hate Arizona. we can't do a damn thing to stop them offensively, and they look like garbage tonight.

[NorthwestUteFan]

EWU is a great team and program. Since they won the FCS championship in 2011 (?) They have off or nearly beat an FBS team every year. Beat OSU, nearly beat UW, and now beat WSU.

And now WSU has lost 6 straight season openers...

**Edit** Gage Gubrud threw for 474 yds and rushed for 77 more. Will he be the next hot grad transfer QB? Has Mark Helfrich called him yet? Also Connor Kupp (the best WR in FCS history) had 200+ receiving yds. Impressive.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Equaminius St. Brown (sp?) With a tremendous acrobatic catch for Notre Dame. Want Utah on his short list?

ND vs. Texas is a great game so far.

[Redbird]

fantastic opening weekend. and we still have what should be a great game between Ole Miss and FSU!

[UBlender]

Equaminius St. Brown (sp?) With a tremendous acrobatic catch for Notre Dame. Want Utah on his short list?

ND vs. Texas is a great game so far.

Yes. Utah was also right there for the sons of Torii Hunter, including Torii Hunter Jr who had the scary looking injury tonight.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Yes. Utah was also right there for the sons of Torii Hunter, including Torii Hunter Jr who had the scary looking injury tonight.
For all the kvetching about recruiting, we have been on the short list for a number is tremendous athletes. Several of them will be All-Conference players this year.

[chrisrenrut]

From ESPNU twitter:

Steve Sarkisian is the FIFTH former FBS head coach on Alabama's assistant coaching staff.

[Mormon Red Death]

From ESPNU twitter:

Steve Sarkisian is the FIFTH former FBS head coach on Alabama's assistant coaching staff.
They might be as deep as we are at offensive coordinator

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[LA Ute]

From ESPNU twitter:

Steve Sarkisian is the FIFTH former FBS head coach on Alabama's assistant coaching staff.

Well, we have two former national coaches of the year on our staff. How about that?

[U-Ute]

Air Force going with "Shark Week" themed uniforms.

https://twitter.com/AFFBEQUIPMENT/status/773239437232746497

1913

[Diehard Ute]

Air Force going with "Shark Week" themed uniforms.

https://twitter.com/AFFBEQUIPMENT/status/773239437232746497

1913

Guess when you're already the branch of the military that's the butt of all the jokes there's no real risk


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[U-Ute]

This is awesome.

A second grader's take on the Tennessee/App State game.

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/second-grader-writes-hilarious-summary-tennessee-appalachian-state-game/

1914

[NorthwestUteFan]

FWIW the game between EWU and NDSU will be fantastic. (12:30 PT, ESPN3). They have combined for 5 of the last 6 FCS championships.

Kyle Whittingham needs to become familiar with Gage Gubrud (RS-So) and find a way to get him to graduate early and transfer to Utah before Oregon takes him. (He went 34-40, 474 yds, 5 TDs, 1 int, and rushed 77 yds, 1TD vs WSU).

He is an Urban Meyer dream QB.

[Applejack]

Week 2 viewer guide!

I guess Louisville @ Syracuse is the game to watch tonight?

Saturday morning: Penn St @ Pitt. Rivalry revived? Backup plan: Either UCF @ Michigan or Cincy @ Purdue. Big12 hopefuls get a shot at Big10 teams

Early afternoon: USU @ USC. Can switch to SMU @ Baylor at halftime if the game is a dud. Another Big12 hopeful with a chance to make a splash.

Evening: BYU @ Utah. Check out Arkansas @ TCU and ISU @ Iowa during commercials. I guess VaTech @ Tennessee has the NASCAR thing going for it.

Late game: Wazzu @ Boise. Smurf turf! Cal @ SDSU and TTech @ ASU also look good for the late games.

Late

Louisville game was a dud, except for their QB leaping over guys to score a TD.

Penn St v. Pitt is 14-0 4 minutes in. Go PAnthers.

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Lot of underdogs hanging tough right now.

Georgia going to have a gutsy SEC win today, move them up!

[NorthwestUteFan]

Clemson's opponent with the Kaelin Clay move on what should have been a go ahead TD after a brilliant 74 yd punt return.

[NorthwestUteFan]

FSU is crushing Charleston Southern, who is playing without the services of their starting O Line.

Charleston Southern's entire O Line was suspended by the NCAA, who once again proved they are a despicable organization. The players used their excess book money to purchase pens, papers, and other school supplies. Apparently this is a violation ncaa regs.

Elsewhere today Penn State honored JoePa for 50 years of memories, as well as conveniently forgetting that he covered for a child rapist for nearly 35 years.

And somehow the players for Charleston Southern are somehow the bad guys.

[Diehard Ute]

FSU is crushing Charleston Southern, who is playing without the services of their starting O Line.

Charleston Southern's entire O Line was suspended by the NCAA, who once again proved they are a despicable organization. The players used their excess book money to purchase pens, papers, and other school supplies. Apparently this is a violation ncaa regs.

Elsewhere today Penn State honored JoePa for 50 years of memories, as well as conveniently forgetting that he covered for a child rapist for nearly 35 years.

And somehow the players for Charleston Southern are somehow the bad guys.

The school actually suspended them, not the NCAA.

And ESPN is reporting today the violations were the purchase of headphones and food. The rules allow for the purchase of books and school supplies, so the pens and paper etc was wrongly reported.


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[NorthwestUteFan]

It is always the school who suspends players. There ncaa tools them they were looking at allegations against 40 players.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Central Michigan knocks off Okie State in a game for the ages.

[Diehard Ute]

It is always the school who suspends players. There ncaa tools them they were looking at allegations against 40 players.

Yes. And that school has had all kinds of issues this year.

The "school supplies" part was bad by all those who reported it. It's allowed, but saying a kid was suspended for buying paper is a much better ratings drive than saying he's suspended for buying some Beats.


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[U-Ute]

Louisville to be sporting chrome red helmets Saturday. They look pretty sweet.

https://twitter.com/UofLEquipment/status/775896012825264129

1931

[NorthwestUteFan]

I want to see if Texas can put 400+ yds rushing on Cal.

[U-Ute]

This kid is going places.

https://twitter.com/jordan_trey/status/774667038375542785/video/1

[SeattleUte]

Louisville to be sporting chrome red helmets Saturday. They look pretty sweet.

https://twitter.com/UofLEquipment/status/775896012825264129

1931

I was hoping these were ours with a red-tailed hawk's head until I read "Louisville Equipment".

[DrumNFeather]

Former Ute Connor Manning takes Georgia St. Into Wisconsin and very nearly beats em. They fell 23-17.

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[LA Ute]

I just walked into a restaurant and saw the Louisville-FSU score. I couldn't believe it. 63-10 with 10:00 to go in the 4th.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Clemson's opponent with the Kaelin Clay move on what should have been a go ahead TD after a brilliant 74 yd punt return.

Clay may have finally have been dethroned by South Carolina State.

https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/777196268976279552



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[NorthwestUteFan]

Colorado is up 14-0 over Michigan. Almost 12 minutes left in first quarter.

. I am officially nervous about the game in Boulder.

[DrumNFeather]

Colorado is up 14-0 over Michigan. Almost 12 minutes left in first quarter.

. I am officially nervous about the game in Boulder.

Nobody said winning the South would be easy, they only said it'd be worth it! ;)

[LA Ute]

Both USC and Notre Dame start the season 1-3. Wow.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Both USC and Notre Dame start the season 1-3. Wow.
That makes Stanford happy!

[Utah]

Three G5 teams in the top 25: Houston at #6, SDSU at #19, and Boise at #24. As a new money fan, I love to see this.

SDSU and BSU don't play this year. If they can manage not to blow a game, the MWC championship could be for a NY6 bowl and a top 10 ranking.

The P5 needs to break off from the G5. No way Houston is a top 10 team. Stanford and Washington get punished for playing P5 schools (they received less votes than last week) while Houston gets ranked ahead of both for playing Texas State. I'd bet Houston would not go 2-0 if they played Stanford and Washington in back to back weeks. Hell, I'd bet that Houston has a better shot of going 0-2 than 2-0.

It's a joke.

[mpfunk]

LSU is stupid.

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[NorthwestUteFan]

LSU is stupid.

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Exactly. I hope they have a string a 5-win seasons now.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Also it appears Sancho is more interested in watching Stanford than Utah.

Utah@Cal, 3:00 PT, on PAC-12 Network. Must See TV.

[Applejack]

The P5 needs to break off from the G5. No way Houston is a top 10 team. Stanford and Washington get punished for playing P5 schools (they received less votes than last week) while Houston gets ranked ahead of both for playing Texas State. I'd bet Houston would not go 2-0 if they played Stanford and Washington in back to back weeks. Hell, I'd bet that Houston has a better shot of going 0-2 than 2-0.

It's a joke.

This is stupid, and it's even stupider coming from a Utah fan. Have a little self awareness.

Why should Washington be in the top 10? Because they beat Arizona in overtime? Throw a party! Houston has beaten the preseason #2 and they beat a decent Cincinnati team. Based purely on resume, it's Houston, Wisconsin, Louisville, Bama, and everyone else.

Your argument against Houston sounds exactly like the ones that were leveled against Utah before the 08 Sugar Bowl (and afterwards by BYU fans). They aren't in the P5 so they can't be good. Making arguments like this makes it seem like you have been a Utah fan for 5 years.

[Utah]

This is stupid, and it's even stupider coming from a Utah fan. Have a little self awareness.

Why should Washington be in the top 10? Because they beat Arizona in overtime? Throw a party! Houston has beaten the preseason #2 and they beat a decent Cincinnati team. Based purely on resume, it's Houston, Wisconsin, Louisville, Bama, and everyone else.

Your argument against Houston sounds exactly like the ones that were leveled against Utah before the 08 Sugar Bowl (and afterwards by BYU fans). They aren't in the P5 so they can't be good. Making arguments like this makes it seem like you have been a Utah fan for 5 years.

Have some self awareness? Lol. I have self awareness. I'm intelligent enough to look back at our struggles as we came into P5 and realize that the week in, week out line is real.

There is a reason why that line was used against us...it's legit. Houston plays, what, maybe three teams that can beat them?

How many does Stanford play? USC, UCLA, Washington, WSU and ND...all in consecutive weeks. Do you think Houston would come out of that with no losses?

What's Houston's record after playing Alabama, USU, Stanford and Utah?

And that's just the weak PAC-12.

No, Houston does not deserve to be in the playoff over a two loss Stanford team.

[DrumNFeather]

This is stupid, and it's even stupider coming from a Utah fan. Have a little self awareness.

Why should Washington be in the top 10? Because they beat Arizona in overtime? Throw a party! Houston has beaten the preseason #2 and they beat a decent Cincinnati team. Based purely on resume, it's Houston, Wisconsin, Louisville, Bama, and everyone else.

Your argument against Houston sounds exactly like the ones that were leveled against Utah before the 08 Sugar Bowl (and afterwards by BYU fans). They aren't in the P5 so they can't be good. Making arguments like this makes it seem like you have been a Utah fan for 5 years.

To be fair...had we beaten Arizona last year in overtime we would've thrown a party. :)

[Diehard Ute]

I believe our struggles as we entered the Pac had more to do with our qb situation than with the schedule.

I've never seen compelling evidence that a great g5 team would necessarily struggle with a p5 schedule.

The evidence we do have suggests that great g5 teams do really well against good p5 teams.

As is now, we give p5 teams at least one mulligan that we don't to g5 teams. From year to year, all you can do is evaluate everyone's performance and try to pick the best four teams. There's no sense in eliminating any team from consideration based only on conference affiliation.

Finally, college football is more interesting when there are cinderellas present. I'd much rather watch an unbeaten Houston in the playoff than a 2-loss anyone.

I'd say there's a caveat to all this.

Depth is the difference between the P5 and the good G5 teams. Utah and TCU proved this.

Our first string could always compete. But if we lost someone we were in trouble. We're finally getting to the point where that's less of an issue, however I think we still have some work to do.

And all of that is what leads to the schedule being a problem. Playing teams with better and deeper rosters stresses your roster more.

All that being said, I don't buy the post yeah started this, but pretending there isn't a difference to some degree ignores our growing pains.


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[Utah]

I believe our struggles as we entered the Pac had more to do with our qb situation than with the schedule.

I've never seen compelling evidence that a great g5 team would necessarily struggle with a p5 schedule.

The evidence we do have suggests that great g5 teams do really well against good p5 teams.

As is now, we give p5 teams at least one mulligan that we don't to g5 teams. From year to year, all you can do is evaluate everyone's performance and try to pick the best four teams. There's no sense in eliminating any team from consideration based only on conference affiliation.

Finally, college football is more interesting when there are cinderellas present. I'd much rather watch an unbeaten Houston in the playoff than a 2-loss anyone.

So, Houston wouldn't struggle with Alabama, Stanford, USU and Utah?
Houston would go undefeated vs Kansas St, USC, UCLA, Washington, WSU and then Notre Dame?

What would you peg Houston's record after those games?

Also, you would penalize a two loss Stanford team, who played that gauntlet and let Houston in over them? Have you seen how HORRIBLE Houston's schedule is?

Houston plays one decent team: Louisville. Stanford plays five teams that could beat Louisville IN A ROW.

Again, this is the lowly PAC-12 I'm talking about.

How would Houston fare vs a tougher schedule?

[Utah]

Also, Diehard brings up a great point. How does Utah do year two and three if Wynn never gets injured?

We will never know because he did get injured. As did Wilson. The reality is, players get hurt in football. It is a lot easier to protect your best players in a G5 conference (hence the week in, week out argument). How many games does Houston win if they lose their QB? Odds are they would if they were P5.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Remind me again who Houston played the first week, please?

Chokelahoma would come in somewhere between 3rd and 6th in the PAC-12, possibly a bit higher.

Houston's game against Louisville will be an epic battle.

[Utah]

Remind me again who Houston played the first week, please?

Chokelahoma would come in somewhere between 3rd and 6th in the PAC-12, possibly a bit higher.

Houston's game against Louisville will be an epic battle.

Whoa. Two big games, fifteen weeks apart.

My point exactly. Thank you.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Whoa. Two big games, fifteen weeks apart.

My point exactly. Thank you.
Bullshit. You claim Houston is not a good team because they don't play anybody.

Please use this same logic to tell us how good/bad Utah was in 2004. I happen to believe that 2004 team would beat anybody in the nation and perhaps could have toppled mighty USC on a neutral field.

But our best wins were against a 7-5 Texas A&M team (4th place in Big 12), and a 6-6 UNC (5th place in ACC), and 8-5 Pitt. In fact our best competition in the MWC that year was probably Rocky Long's New Mexico team.

Utah's 2004 team is one of 2 teams in history to beat all of their opponents by 14+ points (along with 1995 Nebraska). And yet by your standard of judging Houston, they weren't very good.

I know this is a new year, but remember that Oklahoma went to the CFP last year. Houston is a very strong program with a coach who possesses one of the brightest minds in CFB. I very badly want Houston to get added to the Big 12, because the idea of Tom Herman going to USC should terrify all of us.

[Utah]

Bullshit. You claim Houston is not a good team because they don't play anybody.

I never said that Houston wasn't a good team. They are a fantastic team. What I've been saying is they don't deserve to be in the playoff, nor did they earn a spot in the playoff.


Please use this same logic to tell us how good/bad Utah was in 2004. I happen to believe that 2004 team would beat anybody in the nation and perhaps could have toppled mighty USC on a neutral field.

But our best wins were against a 7-5 Texas A&M team (4th place in Big 12), and a 6-6 UNC (5th place in ACC), and 8-5 Pitt. In fact our best competition in the MWC that year was probably Rocky Long's New Mexico team.

Utah's 2004 team is one of 2 teams in history to beat all of their opponents by 14+ points (along with 1995 Nebraska). And yet by your standard of judging Houston, they weren't very good.

Again, I've never said Houston wasn't very good. You are putting words in my mouth.


I know this is a new year, but remember that Oklahoma went to the CFP last year. Houston is a very strong program with a coach who possesses one of the brightest minds in CFB. I very badly want Houston to get added to the Big 12, because the idea of Tom Herman going to USC should terrify all of us.

What Houston did to Oklahoma was fantastic. So was what Louisville did to FSU.

And here is my point:

Who is Houston playing this weekend? Who is Louisville playing this weekend?

Do you not see the difference?

Look at Stanford's schedule. So, if Stanford ends up with 1-2 losses, you are going to penalize Stanford for playing a tough schedule? If Stanford loses 1-2 games, is there any doubt they'd go undefeated with Houston's schedule? So, why should Stanford be penalized? Stanford would have done more to earn the right to the playoff spot than Houston.

And yes, Houston can only play who they can play. Sucks for Houston. It's why we joined the PAC-12.

Finally, if you let Houston into the playoff, can you imagine the shit storm you will have created? SOS would become 100% irrelevant. Utah going to the PAC-12 would have been a mistake.

I like Houston. I like watching Houston. BUT, because they only play 2 halfway decent teams this year, they should NOT be even under consideration EVER for a playoff spot. I'd much rather have a two loss P5 champion who played 12 P5 schools (Stanford) than Houston. Hell, if USC were to run the table and win the PAC-12, they should be in over Houston. Starting the year vs Utah, Stanford and Alabama? That shouldn't keep you out of the playoff.

[Utah]

Hell, I'd even consider Houston more if they didn't play Lamar and Texas State in their OOC. That's bullshit. If they had 4 P5 schools, then ran the table, I'd at least listen then. But to schedule those two teams then demand a spot at the playoff table?

Give me a break. That's mocking the system.

[mUUser]

Hell, I'd even consider Houston more if they didn't play Lamar and Texas State in their OOC. That's bullshit. If they had 4 P5 schools, then ran the table, I'd at least listen then. But to schedule those two teams then demand a spot at the playoff table?

Give me a break. That's mocking the system.


There's no question Houston is a good team. They pass the eye test with flying colors, but, college football is a hellacious grind for the P5 schools. if you want to be considered in the top 4 at the end of the year, and, you know your conference schedule is FAR less rigorous than a typical P5 schedule, then, you need to at least make an effort in OOC scheduling. Lamar and TSU are throwaway games. They don't come close to making an effort. Even traditionally middle-of-the-road P5 schools like Arkansas & Syracuse would've ended all arguments.

[NorthwestUteFan]

I don't know why but I thought you were saying Houston want a good team. I guess I need a tl;dr for your posts so i can more readily deduce what you are trying to say.

[U-Ute]

LOL

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/cc6858a75ddf182c2b6a9959c181ba7d.png

[U-Ute]

Ouch.
https://twitter.com/blloyd8298/status/782306759947849728

[NorthwestUteFan]

LOL

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/cc6858a75ddf182c2b6a9959c181ba7d.png
We need to enjoy the ride with Kyle. There is absolutely no guarantee that we will get a better coach after him.

[mpfunk]

We need to enjoy the ride with Kyle. There is absolutely no guarantee that we will get a better coach after him.
I agree completely.

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[LA Ute]

I agree completely.

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So do I. If we stick with KW until he retires and we let him build a Utah football brand, our chances of finding a great successor increase.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SoCalPat]

Houston still in front of Boise in the AP poll. I think the Cougars still control their destiny in terms of a NY6 bowl.

They don't. Navy and Houston are in the same division, so Houston needs help just to make it to the AAC title game. You can't be the G5 NY6 rep and be a non-champion.

[SoCalPat]

Oh, in that case, I think Houston will get the help it needs.

Navy needs to lose twice. If it can split its next two against Memphis and South Florida, it's odds of winning the division increase extensively. If it sweeps, it would take a huge meltdown to not win the division. That's also provides Houston wins its finale at Memphis as well.

[Rocker Ute]

Also, if Houston doesn't beat Louisville, they are in danger of being passed by Boise. In that case, it wouldn't matter who wins the aac.

Hard to argue with the Boise St system of getting into NY6 games and underscores the mistake of going independent for the mighty Cougs. BYU could be steam-rolling fools and then battling BSU for a MWC championship and big bowl money. I still can't understand the fondness BYU fans have for Holmoe with the BSU model of success right in their face.

Side note: I had secretly suspected that Chris Petersen was a product of the BSU system versus him being a great coach (if that makes sense). It would appear I am very wrong.

[U-Ute]

This is brilliant.

The format is similar to Whose Line Is it Anyway. Someone posts a topic, and responses answer.

1959

[Utah]

If BYU were to win tonight, it would be a top 5 win for them, and arguably a top 3 win of all time for them.

heh, heh.

[U-Ute]

A breakdown of Michigan's "Train" formation.

http://mgoblog.com/content/neck-sharpies-five-tight-end-train-trips-mesh-buttdown

[U-Ute]

792515795976728577

[Rocker Ute]

I think the PAC 12 is better than we are getting credit for and I do think we can measure up to the SEC.

Thinking on UW what weakness do they have that we failed to exploit? Not much I can think of. I have a feeling we'll be feeling better about this loss as the rest of the season progresses. Huskies are an elite team.


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[U-Ute]

Ouch.

hj5pMaFw6mb

[U-Ute]

792805523473113088

[mUUser]

Ouch.

hj5pMaFw6mb

The RB doesn't even step out of bounds but stops to admire his work anyway. :rofl:

[Utah]

I think the PAC 12 is better than we are getting credit for and I do think we can measure up to the SEC.

Thinking on UW what weakness do they have that we failed to exploit? Not much I can think of. I have a feeling we'll be feeling better about this loss as the rest of the season progresses. Huskies are an elite team.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree.

The PAC-12's problem is it's Utah, Colorado and Washington at the top and not USC, Oregon and Stanford.

We are the second best conference in the country.

[Utah]

Go Owls!

I remember sitting in the Linc when they won their first game in years. Golden and coaches since have done a great job rebuilding that team. It's exciting.

[Applejack]

Go Ducks! Where is HFNW? The sun is shining in Eugene, no? Well, no is the time to get out your bermuda shorts and your 75 SPF! (Until you come to Utah. Then you can shut it down)

[concerned]

What will we see in 2.5 weeks out of Oregon? They started scoring in the 2nd half last week, and they haven't stopped. They need to win 3/4 vs USC, Stanford, Utah, and OSU. (So, they need 2/3 vs USC, Stanford, and Utah). If they lose to both USC and Stanford, will they have any fight left in SLC? If they win one of those games, they will have plenty to play for when they visit. If they lose them both, will they be playing for an interim coach? Teams always do well for an interim.

I read yesterday an article about which college jobs will be open at the end of the year. Besides LSU and Texas (and one or two others), they said Oregon. Didn't even say it was a possibility; said Helfrich is done. Their dcertainty surprised me. FWIW

[Applejack]

It is not that surprising given Oregon's season thusfar. For a perennial top 10 team to need 3 wins to end the season just to be bowl eligible, I'm not sure he would survive any of the top jobs in the land. I'd love to hire him though!

[Sullyute]

I read yesterday an article about which college jobs will be open at the end of the year. Besides LSU and Texas (and one or two others), they said Oregon. Didn't even say it was a possibility; said Helfrich is done. Their dcertainty surprised me. FWIW

I hadn't heard anything about Charlie strong getting canned so I just googled Texas Head Coach hot seat. A top 10 list of potential replacements was right at the top. Pretty funny list:


10 - Major Applewhite
9 - Art Briles
8 - Lane Kiffin
7 - Todd Graham
6 - Dan Mullen
5 - Jim Mora
4 - Les Miles
3 - Jon Gruden
2 - Tom Herman
1 - Nick Saban

[Sullyute]

Herman was the big prize this year, and some of the shine has worn off with the recent losses. I'd still hire him. He's recruiting big time players at Houston. That's all I need to know.

Agreed. I am sure LSU is also looking at him. Les Miles would also be a good proven coach. But the rest on the list are either not coming (Saban, Gruden), Have not proven to be better than Strong (Mora, Graham, Mullen), tainted (Briles), proven worse than Strong (Kiffin) or unproven (Applewhite). So if they fire Strong, then they go all in on Herman, with Miles as the fall back option?

[Rocker Ute]

Agreed. I am sure LSU is also looking at him. Les Miles would also be a good proven coach. But the rest on the list are either not coming (Saban, Gruden), Have not proven to be better than Strong (Mora, Graham, Mullen), tainted (Briles), proven worse than Strong (Kiffin) or unproven (Applewhite). So if they fire Strong, then they go all in on Herman, with Miles as the fall back option?

Crazy that Les Miles is the fallback option. He took his team to the national championship in 2011 and won one in 2007. Truthfully, Les Miles would be my first pick in Texas, but I know that Texas doesn't think that way and probably the biggest job from being a decent coach is dealing with the boosters at that school.

[Sullyute]

Crazy that Les Miles is the fallback option. He took his team to the national championship in 2011 and won one in 2007. Truthfully, Les Miles would be my first pick in Texas, but I know that Texas doesn't think that way and probably the biggest job from being a decent coach is dealing with the boosters at that school.

Ding, Ding, Ding. I used to like LSU just because Miles was there. He just seems like a good guy.

[Diehard Ute]

Every time I see the name Major Applewhite I wonder if A Tribe Called Quest named him.


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[mUUser]

Agreed. I am sure LSU is also looking at him.....


I hope LSU runs the table. To me, Orgeron was born to coach LSU.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

First Playoff rankings for 2016 released. Two SEC teams, Washington has to settle for 5th. Utes match their other rankings at 16th, extending their streak to all of them.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161101/7e7952c334759e0ba6facaabf7777ac0.jpg


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[Scratch]

The only teams to appear in every CFP ranking since they premiered in 2014 are FSU, Bama, Ohio State, Utah, Clemson, and Baylor.

[Utah]

Why is Colorado ranked ahead of us? Because they lost to USC and we beat USC? Or because for 55 mins vs Mich, they were blown out of the water?

Utah is undervalued again.

[Diehard Ute]

Why is Colorado ranked ahead of us? Because they lost to USC and we beat USC? Or because for 55 mins vs Mich, they were blown out of the water?

Utah is undervalued again.

Because they can give the panel much better weed.


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[DrumNFeather]

Why is Colorado ranked ahead of us? Because they lost to USC and we beat USC? Or because for 55 mins vs Mich, they were blown out of the water?

Utah is undervalued again.

Probably because to date they only have one league loss and played Michigan tough (for a while). It's going to be interesting to see the committee and the experts credit Michigan for beating Colorado and devalue Washington's Pac 12 schedule, which includes missing the buffs.

All that said, if UW wins out, they're in, no questions asked.

[Utah]

Probably because to date they only have one league loss and played Michigan tough (for a while). It's going to be interesting to see the committee and the experts credit Michigan for beating Colorado and devalue Washington's Pac 12 schedule, which includes missing the buffs.

All that said, if UW wins out, they're in, no questions asked.

I agree with most of what you say, except for the Colorado hanging tough part.

Colorado went up 14-0 with 11:48 left in the first quarter. The remaining 56:48, Colorado was beaten down by a score of 45-14. That's not hanging tough. That's Michigan thinking Colorado would roll over and die and when they didn't, Michigan turned on the gas and boat raced Colorado.

Colorado gets all this credit for being destroyed by Michigan. I don't get it.

In the same vein, why is Penn St ranked #12 and Utah #16?

Penn St did beat Ohio St but lost to Michigan by 39. They also lost to Pitt.

Utah did lose to Cal, but Utah was decimated by injuries in the first half. The committee is supposed to take injuries into account. Utah also lost to Washington by a TD...a much smaller margin than Penn St lost to Michigan by.

The CFP rankings are as big of a farce as the AP and Coaches poll. It's the same thing:

1- get as many SEC and Big 10 teams ranked as possible to drive up ratings.

2- get as many big names ranked as high as possible to drive up ratings.

3- fill in the Utah's, the West Virginia's, the North Carolina's around them.

4- put in a mid major or two between 20-25.

[DrumNFeather]

I agree with most of what you say, except for the Colorado hanging tough part.

Colorado went up 14-0 with 11:48 left in the first quarter. The remaining 56:48, Colorado was beaten down by a score of 45-14. That's not hanging tough. That's Michigan thinking Colorado would roll over and die and when they didn't, Michigan turned on the gas and boat raced Colorado.

Colorado gets all this credit for being destroyed by Michigan. I don't get it.

In the same vein, why is Penn St ranked #12 and Utah #16?

Penn St did beat Ohio St but lost to Michigan by 39. They also lost to Pitt.

Utah did lose to Cal, but Utah was decimated by injuries in the first half. The committee is supposed to take injuries into account. Utah also lost to Washington by a TD...a much smaller margin than Penn St lost to Michigan by.

The CFP rankings are as big of a farce as the AP and Coaches poll. It's the same thing:

1- get as many SEC and Big 10 teams ranked as possible to drive up ratings.

2- get as many big names ranked as high as possible to drive up ratings.

3- fill in the Utah's, the West Virginia's, the North Carolina's around them.

4- put in a mid major or two between 20-25.

It's all about the optics of it. Nobody paid any attention to this game, but Colorado going up 14-0 made people sit up and pay attention. Michigan showed it had grit by fighting back and, as it turns out, that CU team might not be so bad (6-2). I could be wrong, but I still think they could find a way to lose a couple down the stretch.

[Utah]

It's all about the optics of it. Nobody paid any attention to this game, but Colorado going up 14-0 made people sit up and pay attention. Michigan showed it had grit by fighting back and, as it turns out, that CU team might not be so bad (6-2). I could be wrong, but I still think they could find a way to lose a couple down the stretch.

Iakjsdlkfajsdkl;fitwon'tletmespacetimetohitentersh ouldihashtagthisfirst?
I agree with your post.

It wouldn't shock me if Colorado lost three of their last four games.

[U-Ute]

Lots of upsets brewing this week.

The Utes picked a good week to have a BYE.

[U-Ute]

Lol

795133412617101312

[DrumNFeather]

Baylor (allegedly) wore black uniforms to protest the firing of Art Briles. I'm very pleased they got their clocks cleaned.

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk

[sancho]

CFB playoffs:

Zero loss teams:

1) Alabama. Looks like a sure thing. Bama hasn't even taken its mulligan yet.

One loss teams:

1) OSU and Michigan. These two play each other. Should be winner gets in, but it's more complicated because Penn State could end up winning the division and playing for the conference title. I feel good about saying the loser of OSU/Michigan will not make it into the playoff.

2) Clemson and Louisville. I think people who have watched both teams believe Louisville is better, but Clemson won the head to head and will likely win the division. Can't imagine the ACC getting two teams in. I think Clemson makes it. What if Clemson wins the ACC but loses to South Carolina?

3) UW. Still has a chance to make a case with games against WSU and the conference title game. I think a 12-1 UW is in.

4) West Va. Computers hate the mountaineers, and they don't have a conference title game. Still, a win over Oklahoma next week would make it hard to overlook them.

Two loss teams:

1) Oklahoma and Okie State. Either team could win the Big 12. In the case of Oklahoma, we know the committee loves brand names.

2) Penn State and Wisconsin. I think the most interesting possible outcome is a 1-loss OSU watching as one of these 2-loss teams wins the Big10. What happens in that case? Do they take the champ? Take the better team? Take both?

3) Florida. Similar situation, but it feels far less likely. If UF beats Bama, what happens?

4) Utah, CU, and WSU. A 2-loss Pac-12 champ could get in if everything falls apart for all the other teams listed. We need to win out, and then we need some combination of the following:

-Louisville loses to Houston
-Clemson loses to either USC or VaTech/UNC
-Bama wins the SEC
-Either OSU or Michigan wins the Big10.
-The Big12 beats itself up over the next 3 weeks

[SoCalPat]

CFB playoffs:

Zero loss teams:

1) Alabama. Looks like a sure thing. Bama hasn't even taken its mulligan yet.

One loss teams:

1) OSU and Michigan. These two play each other. Should be winner gets in, but it's more complicated because Penn State could end up winning the division and playing for the conference title. I feel good about saying the loser of OSU/Michigan will not make it into the playoff.

2) Clemson and Louisville. I think people who have watched both teams believe Louisville is better, but Clemson won the head to head and will likely win the division. Can't imagine the ACC getting two teams in. I think Clemson makes it. What if Clemson wins the ACC but loses to South Carolina?

3) UW. Still has a chance to make a case with games against WSU and the conference title game. I think a 12-1 UW is in.

4) West Va. Computers hate the mountaineers, and they don't have a conference title game. Still, a win over Oklahoma next week would make it hard to overlook them.

Two loss teams:

1) Oklahoma and Okie State. Either team could win the Big 12. In the case of Oklahoma, we know the committee loves brand names.

2) Penn State and Wisconsin. I think the most interesting possible outcome is a 1-loss OSU watching as one of these 2-loss teams wins the Big10. What happens in that case? Do they take the champ? Take the better team? Take both?

3) Florida. Similar situation, but it feels far less likely. If UF beats Bama, what happens?

4) Utah, CU, and WSU. A 2-loss Pac-12 champ could get in if everything falls apart for all the other teams listed. We need to win out, and then we need some combination of the following:

-Louisville loses to Houston
-Clemson loses to either USC or VaTech/UNC
-Bama wins the SEC
-Either OSU or Michigan wins the Big10.
-The Big12 beats itself up over the next 3 weeks

You can get a scenario in which the B1G West has a four-way tie for first at 6-3. If that West rep can win the title game and leave everyone in the East with two losses, you cannibalize the entire league and none of them go.

[sancho]

You can get a scenario in which the B1G West has a four-way tie for first at 6-3. If that West rep can win the title game and leave everyone in the East with two losses, you cannibalize the entire league and none of them go.

I'll root for that!

Clinching scenarios from ESPN:

http://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/106164/clinching-scenarios-for-each-power-5-conference


The Pac-12 South is the only Power 5 division that has three teams (Colorado, USC and Utah) with at least a 20 percent chance of winning, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

[SeattleUte]

As SCP suggested, the beauty of a rematch against Washington would be that a Ute victory would all but cancel out the first loss to Washington and nearly transform them into one-loss team. As we saw two years ago when Ohio State annihilated Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game and hurdled over both Baylor and TCU, how you win also matters. If the Utes suddenly caught fire and rolled over their last two opponents--both ranked in the top 10 and Washington possibly top 5--they'd get a lot of attention. I think if they go 11-2 and beat Washington in a rematch they're in. But I could live with the Rose Bowl.

Can this happen? Maybe only in our dreams. But they have been without much of their team due to injuries (which explains the Cal loss at least), and I have hoped that if they could be in the hunt after the bye and with some of those guys back they'd start playing their best football. I hope the coaches unleash Troy like Majerus did Andre Miller starting his junior year down the stretch. I think Troy has earned it. His last six quarters have been fantastic.

[chrisrenrut]

Interesting that Texas plays TCU, and Baylor plays Texas Tech today, and none of them are currently ranked in the top 25. In fact, Houston is the only team from Texas in the top 25 right now, and may fall out next week week if they lose to Memphis today(and they are currently trailing).

Funny how talent rich Texas is for recruits, but none of the local college teams are performing well. I guess it is better for our recruiting there.

[concerned]

Interesting that Texas plays TCU, and Baylor plays Texas Tech today, and none of them are currently ranked in the top 25. In fact, Houston is the only team from Texas in the top 25 right now, and may fall out next week week if they lose to Memphis today(and they are currently trailing).

Funny how talent rich Texas is for recruits, but none of the local college teams are performing well. I guess it is better for our recruiting there.

You would think all the Herman to LSU or Texas talk would be a huge distraction.

[sancho]

Well, that was a pretty good football game.

OSU in. Now the committee will have to weigh the Big10 title for Wisconsin/Penn State.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Fun day of football, so far.


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[Mormon Red Death]

Oregon St is going to beat oregon

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[concerned]

Oregon St is going to beat oregon

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OSU has better atheletes, after years of superior recruiting. The ducks can't compete with that. They have to accept their recruiting-ordained place in the conference hierarchy.

[LA Ute]

OSU has better atheletes, after years of superior recruiting. The ducks can't compete with that. They have to accept their recruiting-ordained place in the conference hierarchy.

Wait. I thought the explanation was that Oregon's superior talent simply did not gel today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sancho]

If UW and Clemson win next week, we have a relatively controversy free playoff decision:

(1) Alabama vs (4) Clemson
(2) Ohio St vs (3) UW

If either team loses, things get ugly. Michigan, Wisconsin/Penn State, Oklahoma, and CU can all make a case. I would strongly prefer not having two teams from the same conference.

[concerned]

If UW and Clemson win next week, we have a relatively controversy free playoff decision:

(1) Alabama vs (4) Clemson
(2) Ohio St vs (3) UW

If either team loses, things get ugly. Michigan, Wisconsin/Penn State, Oklahoma, and CU can all make a case. I would strongly prefer not having two teams from the same conference.

the best thing to happen to UW season is not having to play USC again on a neutral field

[chrisrenrut]

If UW and Clemson win next week, we have a relatively controversy free playoff decision:

(1) Alabama vs (4) Clemson
(2) Ohio St vs (3) UW

If either team loses, things get ugly. Michigan, Wisconsin/Penn State, Oklahoma, and CU can all make a case. I would strongly prefer not having two teams from the same conference.

There will still be some controversy. Penn State may win the B1G conference championship, including a head to head win over Ohio St, and still be left out in that case. Or Wisconsin could win it, and be left out as the B1G champ with only 2 losses. The committee has said that conference championships matter in the past.

[UtahsMrSports]

There will still be some controversy. Penn State may win the B1G conference championship, including a head to head win over Ohio St, and still be left out in that case.

Good!! The entire country will laugh at their expense and rightfully so!

(I know, I know its a bigger issue worthy of serious discussion and debate but I will always cheer against Penn state and wish ill on them.)

[sancho]

(I know, I know its a bigger issue worthy of serious discussion and debate but I will always cheer against Penn state and wish ill on them.)

I kinda like Penn State, but I don't think picking Ohio State over Penn State will be too controversial for most fans and media members.

Silly thing is that this could be very easy with the 8 team playoff that MRD suggests.

[Mormon Red Death]

I kinda like Penn State, but I don't think picking Ohio State over Penn State will be too controversial for most fans and media members.

Silly thing is that this could be very easy with the 8 team playoff that MRD suggests.
Finally some recognition!

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[SoCalPat]

I really think you discount Oklahoma at your own prognosticating peril. They will have two things neither Washington (and to a lesser degree Clemson and every 2-loss Big 10 team -- including its champion) will have -- superior non-con SOS and a complete cleaning out of their respective division/conference. And the Sooners are on fire right now. The only thing against Oklahoma is the 2 under the "L" column -- two games a lot of teams wouldn't have touched, one of whom is going to be in the playoff. The committee has made a big deal about how you schedule -- I would not be surprised at all to see Oklahoma vault all the way to 3 with a resounding win against Oklahoma State.

[sancho]

I really think you discount Oklahoma at your own prognosticating peril. They will have two things neither Washington (and to a lesser degree Clemson and every 2-loss Big 10 team -- including its champion) will have -- superior non-con SOS and a complete cleaning out of their respective division/conference. And the Sooners are on fire right now. The only thing against Oklahoma is the 2 under the "L" column -- two games a lot of teams wouldn't have touched, one of whom is going to be in the playoff. The committee has made a big deal about how you schedule -- I would not be surprised at all to see Oklahoma vault all the way to 3 with a resounding win against Oklahoma State.

I agree. OU also has a rich football tradition, which matters.

That said, if UW and Clemson take care of business this weekend, they will be in. OU only enters the discussion if one of those teams loses. If that does happen, I would prefer OU 1,000 times over letting in two teams from the same conference. In a virtual tie between OU, Michigan, Penn State/Wisconsin, conference representation should absolutely be considered.

[mUUser]

I agree. OU also has a rich football tradition, which matters.

That said, if UW and Clemson take care of business this weekend, they will be in. OU only enters the discussion if one of those teams loses......


The last 2-loss NC? LSU in 2007. Before that? Minnesota in 1960. And before that? Never.

I believe the committee recognizes there's a razor slim difference between an undefeated and 1-loss team, but a gulf between a 1-loss and 2-loss team. I agree with you. A two loss team is only in the discussion if Washington and Clemson lose in their conference championship.

If the favorites win it isn't much of a debate: Alabama, OSU, Clemson & Washington. If the favorites lose, you can start talking about a half dozen 2 loss teams.

[U-Ute]

The Harambe curse..

803672535778947073

[sancho]

Rankings are out:

Utah moves up to 20(!?).

UW at 4 (win and they're in).

CU at 8 vs USC at 11 for the Rose Bowl. If CU loses, do they fall behind USC? OU and Okie St are 9 and 10 - one of them will lose this week, so USC moves up to at least 10 without playing.

Seems likely that the Pac-12 does get 2 teams into the playoff/NY6, even if UW loses.

Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn St coming in at 5,6,7.

[DrumNFeather]

Does WSU not being ranked impact the bowl pecking order at all?

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[Mormon Red Death]

Does WSU not being ranked impact the bowl pecking order at all?

Sent from my LG-D800 using Tapatalk
No its up to the bowl as long as they aren't more than 1 losses away.

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[SoCalPat]

Pardon me while I beat this drum again ...

It's only been two years. But UW is in a similar boat TCU (and to a lesser degree, Baylor) was back in 2014. TCU was 3, Baylor was 5. The difference is UW has a conference title game, while TCU played some dreg (Iowa State?). This year, the Big 12 champ will have beaten a Top 12 team (Oklahoma or Oklahoma State), and one of those teams will have a higher SOS than 3 of the current top 4 teams, while the other very well could be viewed as a 1-loss team (everyone knows Okie State was robbed against Central Michigan). Now OSU has an SOS problem, but did beat Pitt (a team Clemson couldn't beat). Oklahoma is another beast altogether, for reasons spelled out in my last thread. If OU played Tulsa instead of Houston, they'd be No. 3 at worst.

Are we really to believe that stepping out in the non-con and playing a national title contender and losing (at home, and by more than a few points, admittedly) is worth 7-8 spots in the rankings? Before you answer, Michigan dropped one spot for losing on the road at Iowa, an 8-win team.

The committee has no problems putting teams with more losses ahead of teams with fewer losses. The committee has also made a big deal about SOS -- it's why an undefeated FSU was only No. 3 behind two 1-loss teams in 2014, and why Baylor/TCU cannibalized themselves. I think there are slightly fewer questions about Clemson (did play Auburn and South Carolina in the non-con) than Washington, who played one of the worst non-cons in the league. For Washington, is the committee going to look at Rutgers for being Rutgers, or are they going to view them as a true Big 10 test?

I keep seeing people say UW is a lock if they win, and they very well might be. But I keep seeing that No. 60 SOS, and I figure if there's ever a year for the committee to make a statement on non-con scheduling, it has its perfect test case in UW. It would be very helpful for UW to win decisively -- I think it's safe if it wins by 3 TDs or more. If a disputed call or OT factors into the result, it's very vulnerable, provided at least Wisconsin or Oklahoma win decisively.

[SoCalPat]

And while I ain't opening the vault on this, I'm putting money on it. $10 on OU to win at 40/1. If they make the playoff, I'll hit it again.

[Scratch]

Pardon me while I beat this drum again ...

It's only been two years. But UW is in a similar boat TCU (and to a lesser degree, Baylor) was back in 2014. TCU was 3, Baylor was 5. The difference is UW has a conference title game, while TCU played some dreg (Iowa State?). This year, the Big 12 champ will have beaten a Top 12 team (Oklahoma or Oklahoma State), and one of those teams will have a higher SOS than 3 of the current top 4 teams, while the other very well could be viewed as a 1-loss team (everyone knows Okie State was robbed against Central Michigan). Now OSU has an SOS problem, but did beat Pitt (a team Clemson couldn't beat). Oklahoma is another beast altogether, for reasons spelled out in my last thread. If OU played Tulsa instead of Houston, they'd be No. 3 at worst.

Are we really to believe that stepping out in the non-con and playing a national title contender and losing (at home, and by more than a few points, admittedly) is worth 7-8 spots in the rankings? Before you answer, Michigan dropped one spot for losing on the road at Iowa, an 8-win team.

The committee has no problems putting teams with more losses ahead of teams with fewer losses. The committee has also made a big deal about SOS -- it's why an undefeated FSU was only No. 3 behind two 1-loss teams in 2014, and why Baylor/TCU cannibalized themselves. I think there are slightly fewer questions about Clemson (did play Auburn and South Carolina in the non-con) than Washington, who played one of the worst non-cons in the league. For Washington, is the committee going to look at Rutgers for being Rutgers, or are they going to view them as a true Big 10 test?

I keep seeing people say UW is a lock if they win, and they very well might be. But I keep seeing that No. 60 SOS, and I figure if there's ever a year for the committee to make a statement on non-con scheduling, it has its perfect test case in UW. It would be very helpful for UW to win decisively -- I think it's safe if it wins by 3 TDs or more. If a disputed call or OT factors into the result, it's very vulnerable, provided at least Wisconsin or Oklahoma win decisively.

You're not being fair to UW's schedule. Yes, it's OOC was weak, but Rutgers is not that much worse than South Carolina (OK, they are, but the point is that they both suck), and Auburn is essentially Clemson's 9th P5 game; you have to compare that game to UW's 9th P12 game. Clemson's SOS is only 47, and after this week when UW plays Colorado and Clemson plays VaTech that gap is going to almost disappear.

Moreover, there's no way a 2-loss OU jumps a 1-loss P12 champ that had to play a title game against a top-10 team.

[SoCalPat]

You're not being fair to UW's schedule. Yes, it's OOC was weak, but Rutgers is not that much worse than South Carolina (OK, they are, but the point is that they both suck), and Auburn is essentially Clemson's 9th P5 game; you have to compare that game to UW's 9th P12 game. Clemson's SOS is only 47, and after this week when UW plays Colorado and Clemson plays VaTech that gap is going to almost disappear.

Moreover, there's no way a 2-loss OU jumps a 1-loss P12 champ that had to play a title game against a top-10 team.

Everyone keeps saying "no way" to UW getting jumped with a win but there's a first for everything. Assuming a win Friday, UW will have just five wins against teams with a winning record -- and that includes Idaho. Oklahoma will have five as well, but will have played one fewer game and a significantly tougher SOS.

Also, my wager just ensured I'm hoping for a UW loss. But to the points you've made, I also think Clemson is in a little trouble, too.

[sancho]

Everyone keeps saying "no way" to UW getting jumped with a win but there's a first for everything.

This is true. The committee has shown little by way of logic, depth, or consistency over the years. I'm pretty sure most of the posters on this board would score higher on the LSAT than any committee member, and we're not even that bright.

That said, UW is ahead now, and they still have a game against the #8 team. Their SOS will go up with that game. This looks like a sure thing.

I'm sure the committee would love to make an example of a team for having a weak out of conference schedule, but it wants to make examples out of teams like Baylor.

[SoCalPat]

This is true. The committee has shown little by way of logic, depth, or consistency over the years. I'm pretty sure most of the posters on this board would score higher on the LSAT than any committee member, and we're not even that bright.

That said, UW is ahead now, and they still have a game against the #8 team. Their SOS will go up with that game. This looks like a sure thing.

I'm sure the committee would love to make an example of a team for having a weak out of conference schedule, but it wants to make examples out of teams like Baylor.

I think the committee has been consistent on how it views SOS. Going off memory from earlier research, but I think the lowest SOS in the top 4 in the playoff era was in the 35-30 range. Most were well within the top 20. Now that's admittedly off a small sample size, and outside of TCU/Baylor in 2014, putting together a Final Four has been largely universally perceived as being "done right." The committee really hasn't been tested, IMO. Obviously, UW is a solid favorite to get in with a win, but I don't view them as a stone-cold lock by any stretch.

From a wagering perspective, 40/1 is a helluva price on Oklahoma if you think the committee is a bunch of bumbling fools.

[sancho]

Wilner says UW should be cautiously optimistic:

http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/11/30/college-hotline-pac-12-bowl-projections-and-reaction-to-mark-helfrichs-dismissal/


I’m not sure. I just know that UW fans should make no assumptions. Barry Alvarez is a forceful voice in that room.

Also predicts Utah in Foster Farms, just like everyone else.

[Scratch]

Everyone keeps saying "no way" to UW getting jumped with a win but there's a first for everything. Assuming a win Friday, UW will have just five wins against teams with a winning record -- and that includes Idaho. Oklahoma will have five as well, but will have played one fewer game and a significantly tougher SOS.

Also, my wager just ensured I'm hoping for a UW loss. But to the points you've made, I also think Clemson is in a little trouble, too.

And OU also has 2 losses.

[Two Utes]

I think the committee has been consistent on how it views SOS. Going off memory from earlier research, but I think the lowest SOS in the top 4 in the playoff era was in the 35-30 range. Most were well within the top 20. Now that's admittedly off a small sample size, and outside of TCU/Baylor in 2014, putting together a Final Four has been largely universally perceived as being "done right." The committee really hasn't been tested, IMO. Obviously, UW is a solid favorite to get in with a win, but I don't view them as a stone-cold lock by any stretch.

From a wagering perspective, 40/1 is a helluva price on Oklahoma if you think the committee is a bunch of bumbling fools.

So, right now, after last week, the committee views Washington as the stronger team to Michigan and the others in spite of its strength of schedule and Washington is paying the 8th rated team this week. Michigan is not playing. So, if Washington beats the 8th rated team, it's strength of schedule goes up and it distances itself more from Michigan because Michigan didn't play. Under ANY rational analysis, the only team that could jump Washington at this point, if Washington wins this week, is the 6th or 7th team. One of them will defeat the other and then they have defeated a team that is a little bit better than the 8th rated team. But either Wisconsin or Penn St would have to jump both Michigan and Washington to get to 4. According to the panel, while Mich and Washington are close, 6 vs 4 isn't as close. So, if you can beat a team that is barely ranked better than the 8th rated team, you really can't jump two spots, can you?

Bottom line is, if Washington wins and does not get in, these guys are throwing darts and are making up reasons after the fact. There is no other rational analysis.

[sancho]

Michigan is not playing. So, if Washington beats the 8th rated team, it's strength of schedule goes up and it distances itself more from Michigan because Michigan didn't play.

The only catch here is that Michigan beat CU by 17 (in Ann Arbor), so if UW doesn't beat CU by a good margin, the Big10 fans in the room may again try to argue Michigan over UW.

It sounds like the room was fairly divided between UM and UW. There may be half a dozen old dudes who are prepping stats this week in order to bring back their losing Michigan arguments.

I agree with you, though. If UW wins and doesn't get in, there has been a significant breach of consistency.

[Two Utes]

The only catch here is that Michigan beat CU by 17 (in Ann Arbor), so if UW doesn't beat CU by a good margin, the Big10 fans in the room may again try to argue Michigan over UW.

It sounds like the room was fairly divided between UM and UW. There may be half a dozen old dudes who are prepping stats this week in order to bring back their losing Michigan arguments.

I agree with you, though. If UW wins and doesn't get in, there has been a significant breach of consistency.

But that is not a rational analysis. The Colorado game already happened and has been considered in this week's analysis and Washington is 4, one step above Michigan in spite of its weak SOS. It can not be disputed that Washington's strength of schedule goes up if it beats number 8 and Michigan can't do anything to increase it's profile.

[sancho]

But that is not a rational analysis. The Colorado game already happened and has been considered in this week's analysis and Washington is 4, one step above Michigan in spite of its weak SOS. It can not be disputed that Washington's strength of schedule goes up if it beats number 8 and Michigan can't do anything to increase it's profile.

I just think it's hard to change people's minds. There are apparently some on the committee who sided with UM over UW yesterday. I don't know that UW beating CU will change many of those minds. If the UM faction comes back strong, and someone from the UW side buys into the common opponent argument, it could sway things to UM.

I don't think this will happen - I think UW is in with a win.

[UBlender]

The only catch here is that Michigan beat CU by 17 (in Ann Arbor), so if UW doesn't beat CU by a good margin, the Big10 fans in the room may again try to argue Michigan over UW.

It sounds like the room was fairly divided between UM and UW. There may be half a dozen old dudes who are prepping stats this week in order to bring back their losing Michigan arguments.

I agree with you, though. If UW wins and doesn't get in, there has been a significant breach of consistency.

A key part of that narrative that I'm sure would be discussed is that Colorado was leading in the first half when their QB went down and had to leave the game. With a healthy Liufau for the full game that is a very close game and possibly a CU win. I have no idea how the committee will behave but in my mind that serves to significantly muddy the notion that Michigan is better than Washington based on the comparative score.

[SoCalPat]

UW is not only 99 percent in, they're more likely to get a 3 than a 4. Clemson would also prefer a 4, as it would mean a shorter travel distance and a matchup against a foe they're familiar with. If they stay at 3, they get Ohio State in the Fiesta, and that's practically a home game for the Buckeyes.

If Clemson loses, it's Michigan vs. Big 10 champ vs. Oklahoma for the final spot. Not too late for the Big 10 to cannibalize itself for the final spot, allowing Oklahoma to slide in.

[sancho]

Penn State, once down 28-7, beats Wisconsin. I can cheer for the Lions over USC in the Rose Bowl.

Va Tech can still play spoiler, though. Down 7 with 3 to go.

Edit: Clemson holds on. Looks like Bama, OSU, UW, Clemson, with the order of Clemson/UW being the biggest question mark.

[Solon]

Penn State, once down 28-7, beats Wisconsin. I can cheer for the Lions over USC in the Rose Bowl.
You and me both!
:cheers:

[SeattleUte]

UW is not only 99 percent in, they're more likely to get a 3 than a 4. Clemson would also prefer a 4, as it would mean a shorter travel distance and a matchup against a foe they're familiar with. If they stay at 3, they get Ohio State in the Fiesta, and that's practically a home game for the Buckeyes.

If Clemson loses, it's Michigan vs. Big 10 champ vs. Oklahoma for the final spot. Not too late for the Big 10 to cannibalize itself for the final spot, allowing Oklahoma to slide in.

I disagree. This Husky fan says that the Huskies are screwed by Wisconsin's horrific collapse. Worst case scenario for the Huskies. I think Michigan or Penn State gets in before the Huskies. There is a lot of anti-Pac 12 bias, and the selection committee will punish Washington for its shitty preseason.

[UtahsMrSports]

This season, Penn st honored a man who won a lot of football games and also enabled a serial child predator.

If they ever come to provo, I will buy a byu shirt and go cheer for the cougars to absolutely destroy them.

To hear the announcers last night talk about that game being an incredible story of overcoming adversity and healing was nauseating.

Fight on, baby!!

[mUUser]

This season, Penn st honored a man who won a lot of football games and also enabled a serial child predator.

If they ever come to provo, I will buy a byu shirt and go cheer for the cougars to absolutely destroy them.

To hear the announcers last night talk about that game being an incredible story of overcoming adversity and healing was nauseating.

Fight on, baby!!


Amen to everything said.

If there ever was a program that deserved the death penalty, PSU is it. Even if they end up paying hundreds of millions in settlements, its a slap on the wrist as compared to the dozens upon dozens of children who were abused by a sexual predator while the university conveniently looked away. This is a clear cut case of the tail wagging the dog. Baylor is another.

[SeattleUte]

Penn State's stigma may have helped the Huskies get in. Whew! Huskies play 'bama in the first round. I think this is a big break, as give Petersen several weeks to prepare, and he can beat anyone.

[mUUser]

....the selection committee will punish Washington for its shitty preseason.


Utah's future OOC schedules are pathetic as well. It's a race to the cellar with WSU and possibly the Arizona teams as to who scheduled the weakest possible opponents. BYU is our most difficult OOC opponent until 2023 -- that's embarrassing fellas.

[Devildog]

Utah's future OOC schedules are pathetic as well. It's a race to the cellar with WSU and possibly the Arizona teams as to who scheduled the weakest possible opponents. BYU is our most difficult OOC opponent until 2023 -- that's embarrassing fellas.

Well as long as we play a nine game conference schedule and all the other P5's play 8, we are still competing. I can't stand BYU but, they have the ability to beat you every year. They beat some big name programs this year. They are a lot better than some of the programs scheduled by SEC teams this year.

[SeattleUte]

Utah's future OOC schedules are pathetic as well. It's a race to the cellar with WSU and possibly the Arizona teams as to who scheduled the weakest possible opponents. BYU is our most difficult OOC opponent until 2023 -- that's embarrassing fellas.

Devil Dog is right. The problem is we're stuck with BYU, and all the emotion, wounded pride, tormented history, and hatred that our players and coaches have to confront playing those miserable bastards. It's become BYU's Rose Bowl. No team needs more than one stiff test in the preseason, especially with a nine game conference schedule. I have no problem with the way they're doing it until BYU is reduced to a patsy or we stop playing it. I would cancel BYU. It's a one way street as to risks and rewards.


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[U-Ute]

The selection committee reveals their selection criterion.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161204/3f7006b7123997f5521eccfb0063145a.jpg

[Solon]

Amen to everything said.

If there ever was a program that deserved the death penalty, PSU is it. Even if they end up paying hundreds of millions in settlements, its a slap on the wrist as compared to the dozens upon dozens of children who were abused by a sexual predator while the university conveniently looked away. This is a clear cut case of the tail wagging the dog. Baylor is another.
Because the kids playing last night had something to do with it?
The Penn State story this year is a great story.
Paterno and Sandusky and Spanier and the other people from the past deserve our scorn.
Franklin's team of today deserves our praise.

[LA Ute]

Campus Insiders 2016 First-Year Head Coach Rankings

https://campusinsiders.com/news/2016-first-year-college-football-head-coach-rankings-12-12-2016/

We know some of the coaches on this list.

[sancho]

Mccaffrey doesn't like El Paso and won't play in the sun bowl. A real team first kind of guy.

[UtahsMrSports]

Wow. Have not seen this before. Its one guy but I hope it doesn't become a trend.

[LA Ute]

Mccaffrey doesn't like El Paso and won't play in the sun bowl. A real team first kind of guy.

I guess he wants to focus on getting ready for the NFL combine or whatever it is called. I'm sure his teammates understand. :rolleyes:

[sancho]

I guess he wants to focus on getting ready for the NFL combine or whatever it is called. I'm sure his teammates understand. :rolleyes:

If the football gods have a sense of humor, he'll get hurt doing the combine.

[Diehard Ute]

Fournette is skipping LSU's game too.


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[NorthwestUteFan]

Lane Kiffin appears close to hiring Kendall Briles as his OC at Florida Atlantic. Look for some serious fireworks coming out of FAU in the coming years.

Isn't he still the OC at Baylor though?

[Mormon Red Death]

I guess he wants to focus on getting ready for the NFL combine or whatever it is called. I'm sure his teammates understand. :rolleyes:
Why is it OK for Tom Herrman to abandon Houston for financial gain but not OK for McCaffery or fournette?

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[sancho]

Why is it OK for Tom Herrman to abandon Houston for financial gain but not OK for McCaffery or fournette?


It's not. They're all quitters!

I haven't really thought this through, but it occurs to me that the agreement between coach and team is bound by contract, and there are exit clauses written into the contract. With players, the agreement is more of a gentleman's agreement. You will play for us, and we will give you education, training, support, sugar, women, and power. The players who quit on their team are in that sense closer to being dishonorable.

[LA Ute]

Why is it OK for Tom Herrman to abandon Houston for financial gain but not OK for McCaffery or fournette?

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It is a controversial subject. If he weer my son I'd probably advise him to do the same thing, especially given the meaninglessness of the bowl game he'll be missing. I would hope that my son's teammates would understand, but I'd also understand if they did not.

[sancho]

It is a controversial subject. If he weer my son I'd probably advise him to do the same thing, especially given the meaninglessness of the bowl game he'll be missing. I would hope that my son's teammates would understand, but I'd also understand if they did not.

Meaningless to whom? The Foster Farms bowl is not meaningless to me, and I bet it's not meaningless to Coach Whitwtingham or to the Utah football program.

All games are meaningless in the grand scheme of things, even the NFL games that McCaffrey and Fournette are saving themselves for.

I don't know Fournette's situation, but McCaffrey has little on the line financially. McCaffrey was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. If, heaven forbid, he gets injured in any kind of situation, he will still be a rich guy. Plus, he has 3/4 of a Stanford degree, which to lots of people around here is worth 500% of an entire Utah degree.

He played for three years at Stanford. The Sun Bowl is just one more game, and he's kind of an important piece for his team.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Why is it OK for Tom Herrman to abandon Houston for financial gain but not OK for McCaffery or fournette?

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All that these recent opt outs have proven is that the NFL places way too much of an emphasis on the combine than they do football. They'd rather watch dudes run around a bunch of cones than watch them show how good they are at playing the very game they're attempting to pay millions of dollars to.


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[LA Ute]

Meaningless to whom? The Foster Farms bowl is not meaningless to me, and I bet it's not meaningless to Coach Whitwtingham or to the Utah football program.

All games are meaningless in the grand scheme of things, even the NFL games that McCaffrey and Fournette are saving themselves for.

I don't know Fournette's situation, but McCaffrey has little on the line financially. McCaffrey was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. If, heaven forbid, he gets injured in any kind of situation, he will still be a rich guy. Plus, he has 3/4 of a Stanford degree, which to lots of people around here is worth 500% of an entire Utah degree.

He played for three years at Stanford. The Sun Bowl is just one more game, and he's kind of an important piece for his team.

Meaningless was probably the wrong word. If Stanford were in the Rose Bowl or a NY6 bowl thay would be different to me.


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[Mormon Red Death]

Meaningless was probably the wrong word. If Stanford were in the Rose Bowl or a NY6 bowl thay would be different to me.


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It would be to them as well

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[LA Ute]

It would be to them as well

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I was talking about what I'd do if I had a son in that situation.

[U-Ute]

Sideline reporter complains about the rain and leaves the game during a live broadcast of the BYU/Wyoming game.

811768948547059717

811798418817421312

[sancho]

Not one P5 will play a bowl game before xmas this year. How often does that happen?

The Pac-12 should get out of the Vegas bowl, and the Vegas should be for the champions of the AAC and the MWC. That's the one G5 game everyone would/should want to see.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

Whoa. Good for Brian. http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/12/27/brian-johnson-hired-houston-offensive-coordinator-mississippi-state

[Snowman]

Whoa. Good for Brian. http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/12/27/brian-johnson-hired-houston-offensive-coordinator-mississippi-state

We should have kept in SLC. Good for him, though.

[Dwight Schr-Ute]

LOL. 814579412083544065


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[concerned]

LOL. 814579412083544065


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He had the $450 gift card on him at the time.

[Diehard Ute]

He had the $450 gift card on him at the time.

That's fairly common. Many people who shoplift have the ability to pay...they do it for the rush.


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[Snowman]

Did I miss something?

[Rocker Ute]

Down goes Michigan. Harbaugh is a putz.


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[NorthwestUteFan]

Amazing comeback. What a great ending.

[mUUser]

GA Tech/Kentucky reminds me way back when my son was 10 y/o. His football coach was a former punter for GA Tech. My boy was one of the wings and his son was the QB. They ran the GT offense and implemented about 110 offensive plays. They were unstoppable. Ever since, I've loved watching GT -- Navy, Army, AFA -- really any "wishbone" variety offense.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Sharps were betting on UW a few days ago, and today Led Corso picked them to upset Alabama. I don't see it, but I look forward to UW making a respectable statement.

[U-Ute]

Ha!

815272481816616960

[U-Ute]

At full speed. Ouch.

815270237390114817

[sancho]

Reducing team scholarship limits in college football would be a great thing.

[Diehard Ute]

Reducing team scholarship limits in college football would be a great thing.

Yeah don't agree.

I know you're thinking of it from a recruiting parity standpoint, but from a quality of the game standpoint it would be a disaster

There aren't practice squads or free agents to sign. You'd never redshirt anyone.

A long snapper on scholarship? Forget about it.




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[NorthwestUteFan]

Reducing team scholarship limits in college football would be a great thing.
You would enjoy watching FCS football with their 60 scholarships.

[sancho]

Yeah don't agree.

I know you're thinking of it from a recruiting parity standpoint, but from a quality of the game standpoint it would be a disaster

There aren't practice squads or free agents to sign. You'd never redshirt anyone.

A long snapper on scholarship? Forget about it.


I love college football, and I'm fine if it never changes, but I don't see why not having a long snapper on scholarship would be a big deal for the quality of the game.

I tend to think that parity is good long term in sports. I know there are good arguments against parity though. Baseball seems to be draw the most eyeballs when the Yankees are mid-dynasty.

[NorthwestUteFan]

I love college football, and I'm fine if it never changes, but I don't see why not having a long snapper on scholarship would be a big deal for the quality of the game.

I tend to think that parity is good long term in sports. I know there are good arguments against parity though. Baseball seems to be draw the most eyeballs when the Yankees are mid-dynasty.
We have 3 straight Ray Guy Award winners, and the first player to be nominated for the Lou Groza Award 4 times straight because of our exceptionally talented long snapper. At least several wins each year can be attributed to our exceptional punting and kicking games over the last few years.

Kyle Whittingham knows how important a long snapper can be.

[sancho]

We have 3 straight Ray Guy Award winners, and the first player to be nominated for the Lou Groza Award 4 times straight because of our exceptionally talented long snapper. At least several wins each year can be attributed to our exceptional punting and kicking games over the last few years.

Kyle Whittingham knows how important a long snapper can be.

I love our long snapper, but I would still support reducing scholarships in order to spread the wealth a bit. I don't think it's such a dramatic idea.



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[NorthwestUteFan]

I love our long snapper, but I would still support reducing scholarships in order to spread the wealth a bit. I don't think it's such a dramatic idea.



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Do you mean we should reduce football scholarships to increase the number of scholarships in different sports? Because that is a separate argument, and unfortunately is a losing argument when we see the percentage of AD revenue that comes from football.

I don't necessarily disagree with you.

[LA Ute]

Washington's Peach takeaway? Huskies have work to do

The new Oregon of the PAC-12, the team we'll have to beat to win the conference.

http://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/107678/washingtons-season-ends-with-an-up-close-view-of-the-team-it-isnt-quite-yet


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[Dwight Schr-Ute]

I'm assuming that everyone has seen the clip from the Clemson-Ohio State game of the prostate exam following a tackle? Well, this is weird. Well Clemson's Ben Boulware (who wasn't the one playing a doctor) just tried to give in some context and managed to make it even more weird.

816672289416683520

[NorthwestUteFan]

So his rationale is, "It's not gay if everybody is doing it..."

[U-Ute]

I'm assuming that everyone has seen the clip from the Clemson-Ohio State game of the prostate exam following a tackle? Well, this is weird. Well Clemson's Ben Boulware (who wasn't the one playing a doctor) just tried to give in some context and managed to make it even more weird.

816672289416683520


It appeared more like a hernia check to me. I just assumed he was a med student. Because, you know: student-athlete.

[DrumNFeather]

During the expansion conversations, the Big 12 and Pac 12 discussed a scheduling agreement: http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/big-12-discussed-scheduling-alliance-with-pac-12-during-recent-expansion-talks/

[sancho]

During the expansion conversations, the Big 12 and Pac 12 discussed a scheduling agreement: http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/big-12-discussed-scheduling-alliance-with-pac-12-during-recent-expansion-talks/

Pity. One of these would be fun, with the Big10 (preferably) or with the Big12. I will continue to blame USC and Stanford for nixing these kinds of agreements. So glad we got to see them both play Notre Dame this year, though.

[sancho]

So...did Minnesota just look around, see fleck, and decide to fire their 9-4, holiday bowl champion coach? Would Claeys still have been fired had fleck not been around?

[Diehard Ute]

So...did Minnesota just look around, see fleck, and decide to fire their 9-4, holiday bowl champion coach? Would Claeys still have been fired had fleck not been around?

No.

Look at all that's been going on at that university. Saying it's because a coach is available ignores a lot.


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[sancho]

No.

Look at all that's been going on at that university. Saying it's because a coach is available ignores a lot.


All I know about are the suspensions and the boycott. What else is going on?

[concerned]

All I know about are the suspensions and the boycott. What else is going on?

The a d was very unhappy with the coach' s position and tweets re the boycott. Suspect that had something to do with it

[Diehard Ute]

The a d was very unhappy with the coach' s position and tweets re the boycott. Suspect that had something to do with it

He also wasn't hired by this AD, who has only been on the job 6 months


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[sancho]

The a d was very unhappy with the coach' s position and tweets re the boycott. Suspect that had something to do with it

I heard that too. I just wonder if it still would have happened without fleck sitting out there.

It's a lot easier to fire a 9-4 coach if you have a replacement everyone will be excited about.

[Applejack]

All I know about are the suspensions and the boycott. What else is going on?


Their coach was a monster who only cares about the defense and highjacks the offense in an effort to give his defense the most time to impress. Truly a bad dude.

[LA Ute]

The a d was very unhappy with the coach' s position and tweets re the boycott. Suspect that had something to do with it

I read that the coach took the position that the accused players deserved more due process than they got. There were plenty of calls for his ouster from people who thought the accusers should get the benefit of the doubt.


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[U-Ute]

@fauxpellini breaks down the FCS Championship game involving the real Pellini.

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/collegesports/2017/01/06/twitter-parody-icon-fauxpelini-breaks-saturdays-fcs-championship-game-sort


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[sancho]

Missed hold on Alabama's first td.

Clemson's failed 4th and 1 reminded me of all the times Utah fans got mad at arod this year.

[Scorcho]

this game is teasing me, wanting me to watch the 2nd half

[sancho]

this game is teasing me, wanting me to watch the 2nd half

Now we get to see what would have happened if uw had stopped bama after that pooch punt last week.

[concerned]

Now we get to see what would have happened if uw had stopped bama after that pooch punt last week.

Or browning pooch punt against us that won the game for uw.

[sancho]

Run. 11 yards. Then pass, pass, pass, punt. Is this why Sark didn't win games? Too cute.

[Devildog]

Come on Clemson!

[Devildog]

Well Hell Yeah!

[Devildog]

SEC lost the National Championship. Damn I can't stand the SEC.

[sancho]

Awesome.

The Clemson receivers made Watson look amazing on the last two drives.

Two tds on pick plays. They should just make the play legal since that's how it's called 90% of the time.

[concerned]

I hope our offense next year resembles Clemson this year.

[SeattleUte]

Everybody is saying this may be the greatest football game ever--which demonstrates why basketball is superior. Seesaw, helter skelter, come from behind, last second finish basketball games happen all the time, not infrequently when the stakes are huge.

[sancho]

Everybody is saying this may be the greatest football game ever--which demonstrates why basketball is superior. Seesaw, helter skelter, come from behind, last second finish basketball games happen all the time, not infrequently when the stakes are huge.

People said that about the basketball championship last season too.

Both sports have a lot going for them, and both have their flaws.

[mUUser]

People said that about the basketball championship last season too.

Both sports have a lot going for them, and both have their flaws.

The major problem with basketball is officiating . Poor officiating barely makes the game watchable. On the pro level, the officiating plus the rule changes make everything but the playoffs unwatchable.


In football, my hope is the top of off-season discussion is to eliminate the pick play. Clemson scored twice on it and it impossible to defend. It needs to go away before next season.

Baseball is nearly a perfect game, at all levels. 🙂

[sancho]

The major problem with basketball is officiating . Poor officiating barely makes the game watchable. On the pro level, the officiating plus the rule changes make everything but the playoffs unwatchable.


In football, my hope is the top of off-season discussion is to eliminate the pick play. Clemson scored twice on it and it impossible to defend. It needs to go away before next season.

Baseball is nearly a perfect game, at all levels. 

I agree. Basketball is close to being a perfect sport, but it is impossible to officiate well and/or consistently, which is a serious flaw. The outcome of most close games is somewhat arbitrary. A large percentage of calls in basketball are questionable, larger than in any other sport I know of.

I'm not sure what can be done about pick plays. It's done all the time, and it's called less than 10% of the time. It's a main staple in many of the high powered offenses we see. When the QB rolls out, like the game winner last night, the WR can pretend to be run blocking on a run-pass option. I'm not sure how you call it.

[U-Ute]

The major problem with basketball is officiating . Poor officiating barely makes the game watchable. On the pro level, the officiating plus the rule changes make everything but the playoffs unwatchable.


In football, my hope is the top of off-season discussion is to eliminate the pick play. Clemson scored twice on it and it impossible to defend. It needs to go away before next season.

Baseball is nearly a perfect game, at all levels. 

Majerus nailed the problem with college refereeing: it penalizes the big guy.

The really big guys get called for fouls that shouldn't be called because they are big and people are falling over. Plus, they get hacked and and they're so big compared to the other guys on the court it barely impacts their motion, but it should be a foul nonetheless, and it is often missed because of that.

[concerned]

Majerus nailed the problem with college refereeing: it penalizes the big guy.

The really big guys get called for fouls that shouldn't be called because they are big and people are falling over. Plus, they get hacked and and they're so big compared to the other guys on the court it barely impacts their motion, but it should be a foul nonetheless, and it is often missed because of that.

The other problem with bb refereeing: it penalizes the visiting team. Home filed advantage more pronounced in bb than any other sport, by far IMHO, in part because of refereeing. And in the pros, of course, the refs favor the stars. Finally, different conferences ref differently; what is is foul in one conference is a "let them play" in another. And one more finally: the game is reffed differently the final part of the game than the early part, and the playoffs differently from the regular season.

In other words, refereeing is a bigger factor in bb than any other sport, and the subjectivity and inconsistency hurts the sport.

[SeattleUte]

The other problem with bb refereeing: it penalizes the visiting team. Home filed advantage more pronounced in bb than any other sport, by far IMHO, in part because of refereeing. And in the pros, of course, the refs favor the stars. Finally, different conferences ref differently; what is is foul in one conference is a "let them play" in another. And one more finally: the game is reffed differently the final part of the game than the early part, and the playoffs differently from the regular season.

In other words, refereeing is a bigger factor in bb than any other sport, and the subjectivity and inconsistency hurts the sport.

I think there's more to the home court advantage than refereeing. :rolleyes:

[SeattleUte]

I agree. Basketball is close to being a perfect sport, but it is impossible to officiate well and/or consistently, which is a serious flaw. The outcome of most close games is somewhat arbitrary. A large percentage of calls in basketball are questionable, larger than in any other sport I know of.

I disagree that the end of close games are random. The teams are where they are at game's end, and some teams are better equipped--with gamers or better coaching, motivation or xs and os--to win at the end. How often do we see a player finally start to hit his threes one after the other in the last two minutes. Over the course of as season or even a game the subjectivity of officiating evens out. Everyone is in the same boat. Probably the less that refs call the better. Maybe charge/block should just be a no-call every time unless the shooting arm gets hit.

[sancho]

I disagree that the end of close games are random. The teams are where they are at game's end, and some teams are better equipped--with gamers or better coaching, motivation or xs and os--to win at the end. How often do we see a player finally start to hit his threes one after the other in the last two minutes.

I love basketball for the drama. It was electric when Dillon Brooks hit the game winner against UCLA last week. But go back to that game and count how many calls were questionable. Probably 10-20 calls. In a one-score game, every one of those calls matter as much as Brooks' amazing clutch shot.



Over the course of as season or even a game the subjectivity of officiating evens out.

I don't know if this is true from a statistics point of view. Even if it is true, though, it's hardly satisfying.



Probably the less that refs call the better. Maybe charge/block should just be a no-call every time unless the shooting arm gets hit.

Now this makes sense! So many calls in basketball should be no-calls.

Basketball will always be a very hard game to officiate. I don't blame the officials (though I don't like them either). It's just a tough game to call.

Basketball is really the only game I know of where the best teams are the ones that are able to get the other team to break the rules the most. Getting the other team to foul is a fundamental part of winning basketball. That's a flaw in the game that would still be there even if God could justly officiate the game.

[sancho]

I think there's more to the home court advantage than refereeing. :rolleyes:

Sure, but it's definitely a part of home court advantage.

[concerned]

Sure, but it's definitely a part of home court advantage.


Yep. The home court advantage influences the reffing, not the other way around.