On the road and will post a little later.
Oregon fans must be kicking themselves for losing that game to Stanford.
Both Michigan and Texas look much better than their initial games. Will be interesting to see if they can keep improving.
As a Rutgers Alumus, I'd like to apologize for our football program being an embarrassment to the Big 10.
Roll Tide. At the moment, doesn't look like anyone can beat them.
Oklahoma barely escaped disaster. Va tech, Miss State and Okla State and TCU didn't escape. Will Big 12 have a representative in the playoff this year?
Weekend Summary
The upsets all occurred below top ten teams -
ODU over Va Tech - beyond embarrassing for the ACC
Kentucky smokes Miss St 28-7 - the Cats may be better than we think and the Gators loss, although bad, not as bad as we thought
Texas Tech over Ok St
Texas over TCU - good win for Tom Herman
Purdue over BC - Boilers were 0-3 by 8 total points so they were due.
Alabama rolled the Aggies 45-23 and they let up in the 4th Q. A&M actually stopped the Tide running game early but with Tua Bama can now toss it. Georgia had a bit more trouble with Mizzou but still won by 14. Clemson usually has trouble with Ga Tech in the Atl, but not this time. Ohio St just crushed Tulane. OU had to go to OT to beat Army.
Captain Khaki, Mr Harbaugh, opened up a can on Scott Frost and Nebraska, routing them bigtime. The jury may be out on Frost.
Finally, while the Gators have work to do, crushing Tenn in Neyland felt great. The Vols are pathetic, but it is actually fun watching the Gators again.
Kelly Bryant, the QB for Clemson the last 18 games, announces his plans to transfer after being demoted for Freshman Lawrence. The new transfer and redshirt rules are having their impact on the game. Good for the players - not so good for the teams/schools. Will Hurts transfer now that Tua is a leading Heisman candidate?
Weekend Summary
Glad to be home again after an extended time away.
We start at the white out Happy Valley between Big 10 powers Ohio St and Penn St. The Nittany Lions used some big plays to hold a 26-14 lead with 8 minutes left. Dwayne Haskins threw two TDs, aided by some nice runs by the WRs, to take a 27-26 lead late. Penn St then faced a 4th and 5, and then inexplicably called an inside zone read. The Buckeyes easily stuffed the run to preserve the win. In the post game conference, the arrogant James Franklin proclaimed how "great" his program was but not elite. Uh coach, great teams do not squander 12 point leads late.
Notre Dame made a statement win smoking Stanford at home 38-17. QB Ian Book, previously unknown to anyone but ND fans and his family, threw for 4 TDs. We all thought that Brian Kelly was doomed in South Bend, but he has rallied his team into a legit playoff contender. With Michigan playing well, the Irish look pretty good at this point.
Dabo Swinney had an eventful week. Senior QB and previous starting QB Kelly Bryant decided to transfer after learning that he lost his job to highly regarded frosh Trevor "Thor" Lawrence. Bryant is taking advantage of two rules, the grad transfer and the new four game redshirt rule, so that he can start elsewhere. Meanwhile, Lawrence takes on a Syracuse defender head on and cannot play. Enter Chase Brice, really unknown except to the most avid Clemson fans, who rallies the Tigers late to beat Syracuse 27-23.
I was proud of the Gators again as they outlasted Miss St in Starkvegas 13-6. Feleipe Franks has become a serviceable SEC QB and Dan Mullen, returning to an emotional crowd after coaching there 9 years, had the perfect scheme. The Gators are still flawed and need elite players, but I will take 4-1. Kentucky beat SC at home 24-10, and the Gators loss to them, while not great, does not look nearly as bad.
As for the playoff, Alabama is the overwhelming favorite. To me, Ohio St is the next best team. Georgia is very good, but not as good as last year. Clemson I feel the same, but their path within a weak ACC makes them almost a sure thing. Lincoln Riley at OU is the new offensive genius as they score and score again no matter who is playing.
I know this is not new but are they allowed to play defense in the Big 12. Just curious.
its encouraged but not required
Why didn't Kentucky run the ball more?
Weekend Summary
It's taken about 10 years, but The Swamp felt like its old self yesterday and it felt good. LSU came into Gville unbeaten and #5 with two quality wins. The Bayou Bengals then waltzed down the field on the first drive to lead 7-0. They were then moving again on their next drive and then it changed as the Gators forced a fumble. This well played physical contest went back and forth when LSU took a 19-14 lead midway in the 4th Q. The Gators then mounted a long drive using a TE pass to the QB (Spurrier-esque) to retake the lead 20-19. As LSU began their final drive, the Florida pass rush forced Joe Burrow to throw his first pick as a Tiger, resulting in a game winning pick six as The Swamp erupted into the deafening arena it used to be. No telling where the Gators end up, not the roster you can trust yet, but Dan Mullen clearly knows what he is doing. Florida took a very good LSU team's best punch and returned the favor for a 27-19 win.
The other great game was the annual Red River contest in big D, the neutral site affair between Texas and Oklahoma. The Sooners were unbeaten, ranked 6th and scoring points at will on every opponent. Texas broke the game open to take a 45-21 lead into the 4th Q. OU struck back shockingly easy with some quick, really quick, TDs to tie it up at 45. The Longhorns then calmly marched down the field and kicked the winning FG 48-45. Texas won this game on one play, the QB run as OU could not stop it all day.
The other top ten team to lose was Auburn who lost in Starkvegas to Miss ST. Texas A&M beat Kentucky in OT 20-14 in College Station. The Wildcats strangely did not have one snap in regulation on the A&M side of the 50.
As for the national picture, Bama beat Arkansas 65-31 playing average. Their only vulnerable spot is an inexperienced secondary but we are splitting hairs here. Georgia messed with Vandy for a bit and Ohio St did the same with Indiana. Clemson is starting to get interested again as they killed Wake. My man Hunter Renfrow relived his HS days by playing a little QB. Notre Dame had a nice statement win in Blacksburg 45-23 over the Hokies.
The OU loss makes it difficult for the Big 12 to get in the playoff as they, Texas or maybe WV need help. I do not think anyone in the Pac 12 is good enough to win it. Ohio St looks to be in control in the Big 10, but Khaki man in Ann Arbor is sneakily hanging around. Clemson should easily take the ACC. And you have Bama and Georgia in the SEC, which has again regained its crown as the best conference. And then there is Notre Dame giving the committee heartburn. This is about the point when we all have it figured out, and then college football happens.
Only 3 teams have made it to the playoffs undefeated. Lots of football left
Shrapnel from OU's loss to the Texas Longhorns...defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is fired. Not sure but it looks like Ruffin McNeil gets moved up to the DC position now.
Weekend Summary
The first real shake up of the top ten occurred this weekend as #s 2, 6, 7 and 8 all lost. Georgia went into Baton Rouge with impressive wins, although some weaknesses were there, and got blasted by LSU 36-16. Georgia went away from its bread and butter, the run game early and never recovered. Once they fell behind by double digits Jake Fromm could not bring them back against the LSU defense. Iowa St just beat West Virginia 30-14 (never bought into WV as a true contender), Oregon outlasted Washington 30-27 in OT and Mich St edged Penn St 21-17. Anyway, Penn St continues to be great but not elite, sure James.
The beneficiaries of these losses are Texas, Michigan and yes, UCF, still riding the nations longest winning streak at 19 games after squeaking by Memphis 31-30. Even the Gators, overcoming an ugly first half trailing Vandy 21-3 to win 37-27 have an outside chance.
We saw something less than perfect from Alabama as Tua T played with a sprained knee and only threw for 3 scores. The Tide beat Mizzou 39-10. Notre Dame came back at home to nip Pitt late 19-14.
The fickle nature of the game, mental fatigue, injuries, lesser teams improving (ask Auburn losing to Tenn at home) has made this a free for all. It is best just to observe for a week or so before projecting.
SC, Im not sure more observation is needed. I just dont think there is a big difference between #2 and #40 this year. Whole bunch of meh teams this year.
If Tua is healthy, everyone is playing for the right to lose to Alabama, which really isn't that different from most seasons it seems.
csm posted:If Tua is healthy, everyone is playing for the right to lose to Alabama, which really isn't that different from most seasons it seems.
Don't disagree with this or JBurman, but sports is a funny game where a lot can happen.
Ohio State looked pretty crappy this weekend against an average Minnesota team.
csm posted:If Tua is healthy, everyone is playing for the right to lose to Alabama, which really isn't that different from most seasons it seems.
They are a lot less 2-dimensional on offense with Tua.
What a great day yesterday. Michigan beat the Spartans and Ohio State got thumped by Purdue. Go Blue!
Weekend Summary
Well, as always, the chaos shifts from the unbeaten to the one loss teams. Ohio St was perceived to be a team with the talent to challenge Bama, but the weight of the preseason may have caught up with their coach, the pontiff. The Buckeyes went into West Lafayette last night seemingly unprepared as Purdue smashed then 49-20. When an underdog gets the lead on the favorite you are always waiting on the comeback, but Purdue not only held off OSU but they crushed them late with big plays. QB Blough, RB Knox and WR Moore all had big nights. OSU QB Dwayne Haskins is probably still alive in the Heisman race, and he did go 49-73 for 470 yds, but oddly enough this game hurt his chances. I have heard reports that Meyer is complaining of health issues so last night did not help.
Tenn beat Auburn last week so they were somewhat upbeat going into the "3rd Sat in Oct" clash with Alabama. Tua Tagovailoa got the Tide off to a fast start in a 58-21 rout. Tua has thrown 25 TDs with get this, zero picks, and I say he may have locked up the Heisman now. We will see if LSU can slow him down. NC State came into Death Valley 5-0, and in their minds were playing a big game. Yeah right as Clemson beat them 41-7. Everyone is on Dabo for his handling of the QB, but he knows that his only chance to beat Bama is with Trevor Lawrence.
Michigan bested Mich St 21-7, and the Wolverines may finally win the Big Ten this year. There were some unnecessary pre-game antics but Sparty has declined in the past few years and Harbaugh is getting it together,. LSU easily beat Miss St 19-3 setting up the big match in two weeks.
There are some big games upcoming so now is the time to watch and enjoy.
Did FSU play?
SCBEERMAN,
Are you still recovering? 
jburman82 posted:Did FSU play?
Think they took a day off
Weekend Summary
I was a bit late to see if any of you were still out there given the lack of responses lately. I did go out of town for a family function so I was a bit limited in watching games. I am fine as to the Gator outcome because what I expected to happen did happen.
We saw it in 2015, saw it again in 2016 and again in the semis in 2017, and you are going to see it in 2018. Of course, that is Alabama playing Clemson for the title. I know it is college football and anything can happen, but those are clearly the best two teams. This is based on recent history, talent level and the play thus far this year.
Clemson went into Tallahassee in what once was a very compelling series, but not anymore. The T-I-G-E-Rss-S sent FSU to its worst loss at home in program history 59-10. Clemson started slowly but found their stride and started scoring points in bunches while holding the FSU offense to negative yards rushing. Dabo knew he needed Trevor Lawrence to beat Bama and while the decision to start him looked shaky a month ago, it looks great now. FSU, for the first time in almost 50 years, now has to deal with a coach in over his head (and yes, I am still scared they will beat the Gators).
For the first time in ages, the "cocktail party" in Jacksonville was between two ranked teams. Georgia used their depth and overall talent to win 36-17 in a game that was more competitive than the final score. The Gators needed to play a clean game to win, but a minus three turnover margin plus missed opportunities on open pass plays sealed their fate. Florida lost their best cover corner early, CJ Henderson, and that made them have to play vanilla defense thereafter. Dawgs QB Jake Fromm gladly took advantage by throwing three TD passes on 3rd down. The Gators still have a big problem at QB in Feleipe Franks, so hopefully the frosh QB plus the two recruited ones can solve that problem. Georgia is still alive although they have to beat pesky Kentucky (who edged Mizzou 15-14 on the last play of the game) to play Bama in Atlanta. The Gators still can exceed their preseason goals if they can shake this loss off.
The only other big upset was Texas losing in Stillwater to Ok St 38-35. The Horns appear to be one year away and this puts OU back in the playoff hunt.
Interested to see how Ohio State comes out of the bye week, they should put the wood to Nebraska. If not, they are going to have a very difficult time with both of the teams from the state Up North.
Cant believe Durkin got his job back.
jburman82 posted:Cant believe Durkin got his job back.
Disgraceful but not surprising - toxic
jcocktosten posted:jburman82 posted:Cant believe Durkin got his job back.
Disgraceful but not surprising - toxic
How does he recruit with all this history?
A bunch of "p---ies" 
wineart 2 posted:jcocktosten posted:jburman82 posted:Cant believe Durkin got his job back.
Disgraceful but not surprising - toxic
How does he recruit with all this history?
AAANNDDD he's gone again. Did their Athletic Dept use Tenn as their role model?
jburman82 posted:Cant believe Durkin got his job back.
Maryland admin proves they are as obtuse as Napacat. 🙈
He's gone now. Like in many states, the highest paid state employee is the football coach at the big state university. Durkin earned $2 million. He'll get a buyout of about $4 million. Meanwhile, an assistant or associate professor of something important, like physics, engineering, math or English, gets 5-7% of that. (And most English professors do not kill their students)
U of MD. Class of 1975.
irwin posted:He's gone now. Like in many states, the highest paid state employee is the football coach at the big state university. Durkin earned $2 million. He'll get a buyout of about $4 million. Meanwhile, an assistant or associate professor of something important, like physics, engineering, math or English, gets 5-7% of that. (And most English professors do not kill their students)
U of MD. Class of 1975.
When you get fired for cause you should receive nothing! Not the 4-5 Million on the balance of the contract.
Weekend Summary
Well I went to my one game a year in Gainesville, although I had a missed a few years, and it is fun to relive memories, traditions, etc. That being said, this Gators team is reverting to the mean based on its talent level and culture from previous regimes. There is no way that Missouri should dominate Florida in any year, maybe beat them, but not dominate. The Gators need to search within and maybe play some guys now that the four game limit for redshirts will allow it. Mizzou QB Drew Locke had a great time in a 38-17 win.
Alabama is simply making college football boring. The Tide went into Baton Rouge, Death Valley, against a 3rd ranked LSU team and methodically whipped them 29-0. The galling thing is that everyone expected it to be more and it feels like the Tide played an average game. Maybe Georgia, Michigan or most probably Clemson can give them a game, but it does not look that way. I will always hedge with anything can happen, but we could be looking at a historically dominant team.
As for the others, Clemson is on a roll and maybe Dabo can give his alma mater a tussle. The Tigers crushed Louisville 77-14 and suddenly Bobby Petrino is not an offensive genius anymore. Notre Dame won another game 31-21, this time against Northwestern. Michigan made a statement against Penn St 42-7, and maybe Harbaugh is getting his groove with Shea Patterson. Meanwhile, Penn St is not elite, they are not great and maybe merely good. Georgia won their half of the SEC by going to "bluegrass territory" and dispatching Kentucky 38-17. Georgia simply has too much talent for Kentucky. Finally, the Big 12 is down to OU and West "by God" Virginia for possibly a playoff slot. The Sooners edged Texas Tech in a high scoring affair and the Mountaineers beat Texas 42-41 on a two point conversion late.
I would think Helton at USC needs to win out to keep his job. He is working under an AD that didn’t hire him.
scbeerman posted:Weekend Summary
Well I went to my one game a year in Gainesville, although I had a missed a few years, and it is fun to relive memories, traditions, etc. That being said, this Gators team is reverting to the mean based on its talent level and culture from previous regimes. There is no way that Missouri should dominate Florida in any year, maybe beat them, but not dominate. The Gators need to search within and maybe play some guys now that the four game limit for redshirts will allow it. Mizzou QB Drew Locke had a great time in a 38-17 win.
Alabama is simply making college football boring. The Tide went into Baton Rouge, Death Valley, against a 3rd ranked LSU team and methodically whipped them 29-0. The galling thing is that everyone expected it to be more and it feels like the Tide played an average game. Maybe Georgia, Michigan or most probably Clemson can give them a game, but it does not look that way. I will always hedge with anything can happen, but we could be looking at a historically dominant team.
As for the others, Clemson is on a roll and maybe Dabo can give his alma mater a tussle. The Tigers crushed Louisville 77-14 and suddenly Bobby Petrino is not an offensive genius anymore. Notre Dame won another game 31-21, this time against Northwestern. Michigan made a statement against Penn St 42-7, and maybe Harbaugh is getting his groove with Shea Patterson. Meanwhile, Penn St is not elite, they are not great and maybe merely good. Georgia won their half of the SEC by going to "bluegrass territory" and dispatching Kentucky 38-17. Georgia simply has too much talent for Kentucky. Finally, the Big 12 is down to OU and West "by God" Virginia for possibly a playoff slot. The Sooners edged Texas Tech in a high scoring affair and the Mountaineers beat Texas 42-41 on a two point conversion late.
Agreed on the boring. It looks like a two horse race to me with a Tua led Tide having a wide lead. But if Clemson can bring the defensive heat like LSU did, they can make a match-up a lot more interesting with their offense.
It sure isn't boring for us Bama fans. My son decided not to come home for Thanksgiving this year and go to the Iron Bowl instead.
its almost a shame that Notre Dame is undefeated, because I just can't see them getting past the first round of the CFP. This isn't the same Michigan team they beat in week one, and they've had too many close games with teams they should be blowing out. Vegas has Notre Dame at a 20.5 point underdog if they played Bama today.
The Michigan/ND conversation is interesting. Michigan is definitely better than this season and is probably playing better than ND right now. However, people forget ND is playing better than they were at the start of the season two. Their first 3 games Wimbush started at QB and they had no passing attack. Now, they sling it and score points in bunches. Plus, head to head has to count for something.
This is all just pissing into the wind though. Bama and Clemson are going to brutalize whoever is 3 and 4.
Weekend Summary
We all talk about the excitement, the unpredictable nature of the sport, the upsets, etc, that make the game the one we love. Well, it did not happen this weekend. In fact, for the first time since 2009, all top ten teams won this late into the season. Almost all of the games were non-competitive.
The game that was actually exciting was an earlier than expected Bedlam Bowl in Norman. Oklahoma did was they usually do, win a high scoring affair late 48-47. The Sooners offense is led by young genius Lincoln Riley who has another playmaking QB in Kylar Murray. Ok St also scored points at will and the mullet national spokesman Mike Gundy gamely went for two at the end, probably saving both teams from a four hour OT session. OU has the offense to play with anyone, but a team that can pound it will give them trouble.
Summarizing the top ten, Bama was held under 500 yds offense for the first time this year. Miss St actually matched them physically and made them look ordinary. The health of Tua is a concern and he is looking ordinary at this point. Even though Miss St got robbed of a TD on a phantom penalty, Bama still won 24-0. Clemson went up to cold Boston to methodically win 27-7. Notre Dame beat FSU 42-13 in the JBurman classic. Michigan routed Rutgers, as they and everyone else does, 42-7. In the south's oldest rivalry "tween the hedges" Georgia over Auburn 27-10. LSU, Wash St, WV and Ohio St all kept their hopes alive. As for the playoff picture, nothing changed.
Finally, I was one play away from leaving the TV to the driving range but stayed. For the fourth straight week, teams were running up and down the field against Florida. The Gators are really weak at DT (no inside push), LB (I can cover better) and S. However, they have a coach with a will to win and came back to beat SC 35-31. Never should of happened but then again I would have taken anything over 7 wins this year in August so I will leave it there.
Petrino out at Louisville after going 2-8 so far this season and some blow out losses starting with a 66-31 beat down at home by Georgia Tech (542 rushing yards). Watching some of the games, it was clear that he had lost the team. Will they get alum Brohm from Purdue?
The picture in Mike Leach's office makes me love him even more.