Deion Sanders will coach in 2025 after surviving a cancer scare this summer. Had a tumor on his bladder
Quote from: Uncle Rico on July 28, 2025, 12:18:02 PMDeion Sanders will coach in 2025 after surviving a cancer scare this summer. Had a tumor on his bladder
In addition to wanting all of us to be healthy, I'm glad he'll be back on the sideline. He's fun for college football.
Since this thread started.... Is year 3 the end for Fickell in Madison?
I don't live in WI nor do I care about the Badgers football. From my outside vantage point, it seems the heat is on. Perhaps, I'm wrong.
I know the schedule is brutal, so I wonder if he would jump at another opportunity in December if the team makes a Bowl. Save face for all parties.
Quote from: RJax55 on July 28, 2025, 12:44:00 PMSince this thread started.... Is year 3 the end for Fickell in Madison?
I don't live in WI nor do I care about the Badgers football. From my outside vantage point, it seems the heat is on. Perhaps, I'm wrong.
I know the schedule is brutal, so I wonder if he would jump at another opportunity in December if the team makes a Bowl. Save face for all parties.
Recruiting seemed fine years 1 and 2 but not as good lately. Will all depend on the record and if there is momentum by end of year. 7-5 but trending? Probably safe. Another 5-7 year? I think he's gone. Doesn't have a lot of loud support amongst media and alumni.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on July 28, 2025, 12:50:51 PMRecruiting seemed fine years 1 and 2 but not as good lately. Will all depend on the record and if there is momentum by end of year. 7-5 but trending? Probably safe. Another 5-7 year? I think he's gone. Doesn't have a lot of loud support amongst media and alumni.
Are the locals still wanting Jim Leonhard? Or has that ship sailed?
I also think that AD McIntosh could be gone as well if Fickell is out. He was all front and center with that hire, and with the men's hockey coach also struggling, some people with $$$ may be looking for a change. Not to mention the current UW chancellor isn't who hired him.
Quote from: RJax55 on July 28, 2025, 12:53:50 PMAre the locals still wanting Jim Leonhard? Or has that ship sailed?
I think that's sailed. A lot of the locals never really wanted him in the first place anyway.
Quote from: RJax55 on July 28, 2025, 12:53:50 PMAre the locals still wanting Jim Leonhard? Or has that ship sailed?
I think he'd be in the mix? Not sure he'd be interested anymore unless there is a change in the athletic department.
They're kind of in a pickle. The new NIL era probably puts them behind the 8-ball with certain recruits. They just lost a kid that was committed to them to TCU with NIL being cited as a motivating factor. Not sure they have a real plan in place like some schools do.
Fickell doesn't have strong relationships in place with state HS coaches. Alvarez had those from his days at Iowa and Notre Dame. He pulled kids out of Wisconsin when he was at those places. Wisconsin basically had a shield on the state for decades. Not the case anymore.
Hard to know what to expect this year. They went 180 on the offense again. Expectations aren't high nationally and that's when they usually have their best years, so who knows, but that schedule is daunting.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on July 28, 2025, 01:02:17 PMI think he'd be in the mix? Not sure he'd be interested anymore unless there is a change in the athletic department.
They're kind of in a pickle. The new NIL era probably puts them behind the 8-ball with certain recruits. They just lost a kid that was committed to them to TCU with NIL being cited as a motivating factor. Not sure they have a real plan in place like some schools do.
This is another complaint I hear about McIntosh as well.
Quote from: The Sultan on July 28, 2025, 01:05:23 PMThis is another complaint I hear about McIntosh as well.
Barry would have had this wheel greased and ready to go
Maybe Nick Saban will ride in to save the Weasels.
Gotta at least call him ... especially now that Billy Donovan isn't available.
Quote from: MU82 on July 28, 2025, 03:24:47 PMMaybe Nick Saban will ride in to save the Weasels.
Gotta at least call him ... especially now that Billy Donovan isn't available.
I'm certain Andy Reid will come as Nick's OC.
I am very far from a college football expert, but I am surprised Fickell hasn't worked (so far). Also, it looks like Illinois has done OK with their hire.
Even with the standard "preseason polls really don't mean anything" caveat ... it's hard to believe that, given its history, Texas had never before been ranked #1 in AP's preseason poll.
New Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has found himself in the midst of controversy, as screenshots of questionable Venmo transactions surfaced this week on social media.
The pictures show Mateer paying someone in 2022, with the description of the transaction being "sports gambling," and "sports gambling (UCLA vs USC)." The 2022 season marked Mateer's first year with Washington State, meaning he was not allowed to gamble on college football. Mateer's Venmo activity has since been removed or made private.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/oklahomas-john-mateer-denies-gambling-on-college-football-after-questionable-screenshots-surface-per-report/
Well Jim Harbaugh isn't going to be bouncing back to CFB any time soon. Badger fans can cross him of the wish list.
A few days ago, Archie Manning said Arch "definitely" would return to Texas for another season after this one.
Yesterday, Arch said, "Yeah, I don't know where he got that from."
Arch said he would keep all of his options open. He also said Gramps sent him an apology text.
Quote from: RJax55 on July 28, 2025, 12:44:00 PMSince this thread started.... Is year 3 the end for Fickell in Madison?
I don't live in WI nor do I care about the Badgers football. From my outside vantage point, it seems the heat is on. Perhaps, I'm wrong.
I know the schedule is brutal, so I wonder if he would jump at another opportunity in December if the team makes a Bowl. Save face for all parties.
Isn't his buyout pretty massive? If Bucky can't get their NIL game going how are they going to afford to fire Fickel?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on August 20, 2025, 10:43:13 AMIsn't his buyout pretty massive? If Bucky can't get their NIL game going how are they going to afford to fire Fickel?
$40 million.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on August 20, 2025, 10:43:13 AMIsn't his buyout pretty massive? If Bucky can't get their NIL game going how are they going to afford to fire Fickel?
I started reading this a couple minutes after my post, and I was like: "Wait, players have massive buyouts now?"
Then I saw Bucky and Fickel ...
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 20, 2025, 12:56:24 PMBe careful with your sources.
State the correct number with a source. Thanks.
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 20, 2025, 12:56:24 PMBe careful with your sources.
Here is where I got that. (https://www.badgernotes.com/p/wisconsin-football-coach-luke-fickell-receives-standard-contract-extension)
"His buyout currently sits at just over $40 million as it stands, further solidifying coach Fickell's place at Wisconsin for the foreseeable future."
But looking it over, his buyout is set at 80% of the remaining value, which means that I would need to subtract one season at $7.7 million to get to the remaining value. 80% of that is about $37 million.
Quote from: The Sultan on August 20, 2025, 01:11:46 PMHere is where I got that. (https://www.badgernotes.com/p/wisconsin-football-coach-luke-fickell-receives-standard-contract-extension)
"His buyout currently sits at just over $40 million as it stands, further solidifying coach Fickell's place at Wisconsin for the foreseeable future."
But looking it over, his buyout is set at 80% of the remaining value, which means that I would need to subtract one season at $7.7 million to get to the remaining value. 80% of that is about $37 million.
BadgerNotes.com, eh? Must be correct!
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 20, 2025, 01:53:27 PMBadgerNotes.com, eh? Must be correct!
They very well might be wrong. I was just indicating where I found the information.
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 20, 2025, 01:53:27 PMBadgerNotes.com, eh? Must be correct!
List another source with what you believe to be the correct data.
Quote from: MU82 on August 20, 2025, 12:27:33 PMI started reading this a couple minutes after my post, and I was like: "Wait, players have massive buyouts now?"
Then I saw Bucky and Fickel ...
sooner or later, they will.
Pat Fitzgerald settled his lawsuit against Northwestern today and is eager to get back on the sidelines.
The settlement acknowledged that hazing took place, but Pat did not know about it. His camp seems to be spinning that fact as some sort of vindication. Not sure about that. Brings up a lot of questions about Pat's oversight of the program, the culture he established and the coaches he hired.
Will be interesting to see what jobs he is linked to as the carousel gets going this fall.
Quote from: RJax55 on August 21, 2025, 04:12:25 PMPat Fitzgerald settled his lawsuit against Northwestern today and is eager to get back on the sidelines.
The settlement acknowledged that hazing took place, but Pat did not know about it. His camp seems to be spinning that fact as some sort of vindication. Not sure about that. Brings up a lot of questions about Pat's oversight of the program, the culture he established and the coaches he hired.
Will be interesting to see what jobs he is linked to as the carousel gets going this fall.
Head coaches like him are notoriously hands off
There are only three choices:
++ He knew exactly what was going on and endorsed/encouraged it.
++ He knew exactly what was going on but turned a blind eye to it.
++ He didn't know what was going on in his program right under his nose even though college coaches are famously OCD.
Either of the first two should be automatic disqualifiers for any future employment as a head coach. The third should be, too, but I could see administrators at another school talking themselves into it being something they could spin.
Stanford loses to HawaiiS. That trip back to the Atlantic Coast will be that much longer.
No WIAC action yesterday. Teams return next week to help Marquette's cause
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 24, 2025, 08:04:30 AMStanford loses to HawaiiS. That trip back to the Atlantic Coast will be that much longer.
No WIAC action yesterday. Teams return next week to help Marquette's cause
Andrew Luck hiring his pal with zero college experience to coach that team may not turn out to be a good decision.
He is only interim. We will see how this goes.
Quote from: The Sultan on August 24, 2025, 05:19:34 PMHe is only interim. We will see how this goes.
Yea, getting a guy with a solid pedigree (pre-Carolina disaster) on short notice after the coaching carousel and after athletic department scandal after 2 terrible seasons isn't the worst outcome. They were likely gonna stink regardless.
Speaking of stinking, its nice that the kickoff game in Ireland is becoming an annual tradition of lame matchup that nobody would watch if it was the standard 11AM kickoff on a normal Saturday, but people do cause its the first game of the year. And it lived up to it. It ended up being a wild and mildly entertaining 4th quarter after 3 quarters of absolutely wretched football and Kleiman calling a game like he was drunk and playing Madden with his friends.
I liked the K-State coach going for it on 4th down to clinch the victory instead of attempting a FG that would have only put them up by 6 with 2+ minutes on the clock. You trust your guys, including a veteran QB, to get the 4 yards you need to end it. Nice.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 24, 2025, 08:04:30 AMStanford loses to Hawaii
The Japanese kicker who made the game-winning FG for Hawaii, Kansei Matsuzawa, taught himself how to kick by watching YouTube.
Your next MU head coach..... ChatGPT!
Quote from: The Sultan on August 24, 2025, 05:19:34 PMHe is only interim. We will see how this goes.
Hiring an interim in March also was dumb.
I get that they were unlikely to pull a quality HC from another program at that point, but landing a top coordinator - which they may end up with anyhow - was doable. Plenty of coordinators would leave in late March/early April for a head coaching gig.
Instead, they're not only punting on a season, but also on another recruiting cycle, which is going to make the job even less attractive.
And if Luck didn't already have a list of candidates at his fingertips - and possibly contacted agents through backchannels - when he fired Taylor, then that's another mistake.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 25, 2025, 12:02:26 PMHiring an interim in March also was dumb.
I get that they were unlikely to pull a quality HC from another program at that point, but landing a top coordinator - which they may end up with anyhow - was doable. Plenty of coordinators would leave in late March/early April for a head coaching gig.
Instead, they're not only punting on a season, but also on another recruiting cycle, which is going to make the job even less attractive.
And if Luck didn't already have a list of candidates at his fingertips - and possibly contacted agents through backchannels - when he fired Taylor, then that's another mistake.
I disagree. Wait until you get a deeper pool instead of settling for a smaller one. And with the transfer market, you are going to lose your players anyway, but you also have the ability to build quickly.
What college football player in recent years has gone into a season facing more pressure than Arch Manning?
He's the Heisman favorite despite having played very little against legit opponents in 2 years, he plays for the #1 team, he's a Manning, he's in a storied program with a demanding fan base, he makes a gazillion bucks in NIL. And it seems like he's been The Anointed One for a decade already!
Quote from: MU82 on August 27, 2025, 08:14:41 PMWhat college football player in recent years has gone into a season facing more pressure than Arch Manning?
He's the Heisman favorite despite having played very little against legit opponents in 2 years, he plays for the #1 team, he's a Manning, he's in a storied program with a demanding fan base, he makes a gazillion bucks in NIL. And it seems like he's been The Anointed One for a decade already!
Sure, but at the same time, I don't know if anyone has ever been more prepared and in a better position to handle that burden than him.
He's been brought along slowly and has basically shed the #1 recruit label pressure. He's got a QB whisperer as a HC. He's been fantastic and poised when he has played. And he has a Natty contending team around him so he doesn't need to be superhuman to make up for deficiencies.
And to round it off, he has 2 uncles who were Heisman finalists, #1 picks, and SEC legends to advise and guide him, plus a dad who handle his recruitment and assorted chaos around him to perfection.
Is he gonna have an insane year and look like the Heisman favorite wire to wire? Maybe not. But I'd honestly be more surprised if he has a disappointing or underachieving year, I think his floor is super high for this year. Saturday is a hell of a setting to kick off a campaign
Quote from: MU82 on August 27, 2025, 08:14:41 PMWhat college football player in recent years has gone into a season facing more pressure than Arch Manning?
He's the Heisman favorite despite having played very little against legit opponents in 2 years, he plays for the #1 team, he's a Manning, he's in a storied program with a demanding fan base, he makes a gazillion bucks in NIL. And it seems like he's been The Anointed One for a decade already!
Tebow's senior year? Although that was 15 years ago
Quote from: swoopem on August 28, 2025, 09:02:58 AMTebow's senior year? Although that was 15 years ago
Not even close, IMO. Tebow didn't even win the Heisman as a Junior. He obviously was still a huge name and UF was still a title favorite, but McCoy and Bradford were entering that season with as much buzz and hype as he was.
Didn't Tebow win the Heisman as a sophomore and then the natty as a junior (and freshman)? There was tons of hype for his senior year
Quote from: swoopem on August 28, 2025, 10:39:21 AMDidn't Tebow win the Heisman as a sophomore and then the natty as a junior (and freshman)? There was tons of hype for his senior year
Yes. And the Gators were ranked #1 to start the season.
Quote from: swoopem on August 28, 2025, 10:39:21 AMDidn't Tebow win the Heisman as a sophomore and then the natty as a junior (and freshman)? There was tons of hype for his senior year
Yea, but I think there was a ton of hype for the Gators as a team and what he would do in his senior season for his legacy.
He was neck and neck with Colt McCoy going into the year. Not that there wasn't buzz and hype for his senior year, but not the singular "he's the man" that Manning is seemingly getting.
I remember before Manning's HS senior year many scouts said they had never seen a better prospect ever. By the end of that year some had moved him out of the #1 spot to lower in the top ten. Still an amazing, high caliber recruit that any school would kill to have, but it appeared the family name created a bit more accolades than his actual play commanded.
Maybe the same situation is playing out now at Texas. Some may be disappointed if he turns out to be a top 3 college QB and a top 10 NFL pick.
How much hype was there surrounding Trevor Lawrence going into his sophomore year? He was the #1 recruit overall in the country, was 53-3 in high school including wining the last 41 games of his career there, and then won the national title his freshman year going 15-0 while throwing for 3,280 yards, 30 TDs, and 4 INTs.
How about Jimmy Clausen? I remember the hype when he was growing up.
Quote from: cheebs09 on August 28, 2025, 12:12:59 PMHow about Jimmy Clausen? I remember the hype when he was growing up.
Yeah, and I remember people saying after they saw him at practice that his arm strength was questionable.
He was the highest rated ND recruit since Ron Powlus, who Beano Cook said was going to win the Heisman "at least twice" at Notre Dame and be the best quarterback in their history.
Even if Tebow or Clausen is the answer to my question (and I don't really think either is), that was 15 years ago.
Lawrence accomplished all of the things as a freshman that wades documented. Had he not followed up with a great season, I think he would have mostly received a pass (as long as it wasn't awful) - "He won us a title last year, that was an impossible act to follow, etc." Maybe he would have then faced more pressure as a junior?
Manning has accomplished precisely bupkis ... except for being a Manning. The amount of pressure he's facing is incredible, maybe even unprecedented. In this age of social-media douchebaggery and podcast screamers, I sure hope he is mentally strong.
Of non-QBs, Herschel Walker is the most-hyped player I can remember. He was hyped as much as any high schooler could have been back in the pre-interwebs days, and he then had an amazing freshman year that he was expected to replicate, and he then had an awesome sophomore year that he again was expected to replicate.
The guy who probably should be getting hyped more is the Ohio St receiver who's a sophomore. He's probably the best player in the country
Quote from: swoopem on August 28, 2025, 01:16:43 PMThe guy who probably should be getting hyped more is the Ohio St receiver who's a sophomore. He's probably the best player in the country
Yeah, Jeremiah Smith is probably the best player in the nation.
Quote from: RJax55 on August 28, 2025, 01:24:44 PMYeah, Jeremiah Smith is probably the best player in the nation.
That guy is incredible.
Quote from: MU82 on August 28, 2025, 12:57:51 PMOf non-QBs, Herschel Walker is the most-hyped player I can remember. He was hyped as much as any high schooler could have been back in the pre-interwebs days, and he then had an amazing freshman year that he was expected to replicate, and he then had an awesome sophomore year that he again was expected to replicate.
I've got Tony Mandarich holding on line one for you. ;D
Quote from: MU82 on August 28, 2025, 12:57:51 PMOf non-QBs, Herschel Walker is the most-hyped player I can remember. He was hyped as much as any high schooler could have been back in the pre-interwebs days, and he then had an amazing freshman year that he was expected to replicate, and he then had an awesome sophomore year that he again was expected to replicate.
Randy Moss was incredibly hyped, and more than lived up to it.
Big game tonight for Marquette as Wisconsin opens the season at home as big favorites. A Badgers win will help the cause
I think the Badgers go 10-2 and make the playoff
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 28, 2025, 07:17:31 PMI think the Badgers go 10-2 and make the playoff
How many times do they play Nebraska?
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on August 28, 2025, 07:28:46 PMHow many times do they play Nebraska?
Only once but that's an easy W. Probably lose at Alabama and Oregon but win the rest by double digits. Will be a good time for us to have recruits on campus
I stand by my prediction
Maybe the Air Raid offense actually did make them more explosive.
3-0 at half. Wow, against a MAC team that returned 0 starters on offense and 4 on defense.
If the BADgers lose this, I am ready to dagger thier coach, season, and program 1 game into this season.
I am praying harder than I've ever prayed for viper and his family
Quote from: PointWarrior on August 28, 2025, 09:43:37 PM3-0 at half. Wow, against a MAC team that returned 0 starters on offense and 4 on defense.
If the BADgers lose this, I am ready to dagger thier coach, season, and program 1 game into this season.
Nice w for the Badgers. Will help Marquette's cause
After reading the gamers at the NY Post, I think the MAC might be the second best league in college football this year.
Excellent news. Appears Billy Edwards will be back sooner than later. Was impressed with his arm strength and decision making.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 29, 2025, 01:14:12 PMExcellent news. Appears Billy Edwards will be back sooner than later. Was impressed with his arm strength and decision making.
Sarcasm is ALWAYS our best friend.
But, wow, the OL is some hot, smelly crap. Paul Chryst - are you available?
Quote from: Jockey on August 29, 2025, 01:19:12 PMSarcasm is ALWAYS our best friend.
But, wow, the OL is some hot, smelly crap. Paul Chryst - are you available?
Listen, Edwards is everything we though Hornibrook, Mertz, Mordecai and Van Dyke we're but pretty different this time for sure.
Army football a complete mess with Gin Diesel in charge of the military. Sad!
Brutal clock management by Deion at the end of Colorado's loss.
Also, Illinois was favored by 48.5 over W. Illinois ... and won by 49. Never a doubt!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on August 29, 2025, 09:14:44 PMArmy football a complete mess with Gin Diesel in charge of the military. Sad!
https://bsky.app/profile/edsbs.bsky.social/post/3lxlij3ggfs2u
Quote from: The Sultan on August 30, 2025, 05:16:43 AMhttps://bsky.app/profile/edsbs.bsky.social/post/3lxlij3ggfs2u
The Army football team needs Robert E. Lee, known war loser back in their lives
Arch is a bigger nepo baby than the owner of your local dental practice
Quote from: GB Warrior on August 30, 2025, 01:26:29 PMArch is a bigger nepo baby than the owner of your local dental practice
He legit stinks.
I imagine he'll get better as the season goes on, but he's 99% the reason Texas is losing.
Not as good as advertised. Inaccurate throws all over. But it wasn't all bad. Let's see how he grows from playing the #3 team on the road.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 30, 2025, 01:57:13 PMHe legit stinks.
I imagine he'll get better as the season goes on, but he's 99% the reason Texas is losing.
Wait, why does a dentist have anything to do with Texas losing
Quote from: GB Warrior on August 30, 2025, 01:26:29 PMArch is a bigger nepo baby than the owner of your local dental practice
Nepo baby?? His dad is just some real estate agent, right?
Badgers are going to roll the Tide by two touchdowns. Stand corrected. Were an 11-win team
'Were'?
Quote from: The Sultan on August 30, 2025, 02:29:18 PMNot as good as advertised. Inaccurate throws all over. But it wasn't all bad. Let's see how he grows from playing the #3 team on the road.
This is kind of where I am. Very unimpressive, especially as a passer. But it was a tough environment for Start #1, and he didn't get much help from his genius coach. So we'll see how he improves from here on.
Quote from: MU82 on August 30, 2025, 06:14:18 PMThis is kind of where I am. Very unimpressive, especially as a passer. But it was a tough environment for Start #1, and he didn't get much help from his genius coach. So we'll see how he improves from here on.
Yeah Sark as a play caller feels a bit overrated as well.
Quote from: The Sultan on August 30, 2025, 06:20:24 PMYeah Sark as a play caller feels a bit overrated as well.
He was absolutely ATROCIOUS in the red zone, like horribly bad. Arch wasn't great, but shockingly, looked much better when he had a bunch of throws to get into rhythm playing from behind, when he never really got into rhythm most of the game. Most of the game it felt like he was on a leash despite the offense not playing great.
Sark has done a really good job getting the Texas program back to positive place, but he called an awful game today, regardless of how Arch played.
Quote from: JWags85 on August 30, 2025, 08:30:41 PMHe was absolutely ATROCIOUS in the red zone, like horribly bad. Arch wasn't great, but shockingly, looked much better when he had a bunch of throws to get into rhythm playing from behind, when he never really got into rhythm most of the game. Most of the game it felt like he was on a leash despite the offense not playing great.
Sark has done a really good job getting the Texas program back to positive place, but he called an awful game today, regardless of how Arch played.
He was awful in the semis the last two years as well.
That looked like a touchdown to me
You know for a university that's supposed to have really smart people, Northwestern made a really stupid decision.
Tulane head coach calls out Northwestern for denying Hurricane Katrina jersey tribute
"When you show disrespect to the city of New Orleans, that's what's going to happen to you,"
https://awfulannouncing.com/college-football/tulane-northwestern-denying-jersey-request-hurricane-katrina.html
Tulane drowns Northwestern
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gzn2yEWXIAAmSIm.jpg)
Mario Cristobal did Cristobal things late and they tried to give the game away a bit, but hell of an answer from the U. That D line is gnarly
Quote from: JWags85 on August 31, 2025, 10:13:23 PMMario Cristobal did Cristobal things late and they tried to give the game away a bit, but hell of an answer from the U. That D line is gnarly
Playing to get your FAU kickoff specialist a 47 yard FG is peak Mario. The fact that it worked means we will see glorious entertainment down the line
Quote from: JWags85 on August 31, 2025, 10:13:23 PMMario Cristobal did Cristobal things late and they tried to give the game away a bit, but hell of an answer from the U. That D line is gnarly
That truly was a horribly coached second half by Miami - though they won despite it. Meanwhile, the ND offensive coordinator ignored his best player pretty much the entire game.
Oh well ... I guess it's the first week for the coaches, too.
After all the action this weekend, I'm more convinced than ever this will be a truly magical Madison fall
Man after that first drive, UNC looked pretty bad on both sides of the ball. TCU should be up by more than they are.
How does this affect Marquette's cause?
Bill's GF should be on the sideline with a headset by the 4th at this rate.
The ACC "powerhouse" ads are giving me PAC12 "conference of champions" flasbacks.
From Annie Agar:
don't worry guys Bill's used to this big of a numbers gap.
https://x.com/annieagar/status/1962703547226636600?s=61&t=jsIZllSIAp6Fe-FmvZNVnw (https://x.com/annieagar/status/1962703547226636600?s=61&t=jsIZllSIAp6Fe-FmvZNVnw)
More from the intertubes when TCU was up 41-7.
Coincidentally, Bill Belichick was 41 when Jordon Hudson was 7.
https://x.com/mikebeauvais/status/1962703698951393700?s=61&t=jsIZllSIAp6Fe-FmvZNVnw (https://x.com/mikebeauvais/status/1962703698951393700?s=61&t=jsIZllSIAp6Fe-FmvZNVnw)
Quote from: JWags85 on September 01, 2025, 09:10:22 PMBill's GF should be on the sideline with a headset by the 4th at this rate.
TCU is like the 5th or 6th best team in the Big 12. This has been ugly.
Quote from: RJax55 on September 01, 2025, 09:46:28 PMTCU is like the 5th or 6th best team in the Big 12. This has been ugly.
Makes you wonder what Clemson will do to Carolina.
That was fun.
Bill's kid continues to be just an awful defensive coordinator.
BREAKING: Bill Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson reportedly entered the TRANSFER PORTAL after UNC was blown out tonight.
https://x.com/_mlfootball/status/1962707428631351367?s=46&t=wj-kQtLCLPNb9xDTKbHRvQ (https://x.com/_mlfootball/status/1962707428631351367?s=46&t=wj-kQtLCLPNb9xDTKbHRvQ)
Michael Jordan left early.
https://bsky.app/profile/celebjets.grndcntrl.net/post/3lxt54b33xn2f
The last time North Carolina lost a non-conference game by 27+ points, Bill Belichick's girlfriend was in middle school.
It was only 11 years ago, but still.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 02, 2025, 03:40:31 AMBill's kid continues to be just an awful defensive coordinator.
You mean the guy whose Washington defense gave up FOURTY points to Iowa last year isn't good?
Quote from: The Sultan on September 02, 2025, 03:40:31 AMBill's kid continues to be just an awful defensive coordinator.
The only thing that matters is that there was no DEI hire.
Turns out FSU may have beaten Alabama because Alabama is "too gay"
BTW, one more thing about the UNC debacle last night.
I think the sporting media have largely miscalculated how much people really aren't into Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the entire Patriot era. Yes, everyone knows it was a fantastic dynasty - maybe the NFL's best given the operating environment.
But they weren't "beloved" outside of New England. They were a bunch of joyless, type A cranks. Even Nick Saban showed some self-reflection and could make fun of himself late in his career. You get NONE of that out of the likes of BB. And that's why a lot of football fans are just delighted how that game turned out.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 02, 2025, 08:03:52 PMBTW, one more thing about the UNC debacle last night.
I think the sporting media have largely miscalculated how much people really aren't into Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the entire Patriot era. Yes, everyone knows it was a fantastic dynasty - maybe the NFL's best given the operating environment.
But they weren't "beloved" outside of New England. They were a bunch of joyless, type A cranks. Even Nick Saban showed some self-reflection and could make fun of himself late in his career. You get NONE of that out of the likes of BB. And that's why a lot of football fans are just delighted how that game turned out.
Very well said. Hell, Brady was just on TV this weekend saying he critiques/evaluates a young QB based on how he celebrates a touchdown and what he used to do, like give me a f-ing break dude.
Saban showed signs of softening even before he retired, cracking dry sarcastic jokes in his pressers, his commercials, etc... And even when he was an intense lunatic, he was always charming and charismatic, that was part of what made him great. I'd argue that BB has gotten even more prickly and standoffish over the last 5 years. Like I can't even imagine him with a bunch of 19-20 year old athletes.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 02, 2025, 08:03:52 PMBTW, one more thing about the UNC debacle last night.
I think the sporting media have largely miscalculated how much people really aren't into Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the entire Patriot era. Yes, everyone knows it was a fantastic dynasty - maybe the NFL's best given the operating environment.
But they weren't "beloved" outside of New England. They were a bunch of joyless, type A cranks. Even Nick Saban showed some self-reflection and could make fun of himself late in his career. You get NONE of that out of the likes of BB. And that's why a lot of football fans are just delighted how that game turned out.
Superb comment.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 02, 2025, 06:28:11 PMTurns out FSU may have beaten Alabama because Alabama is "too gay"
Roll Pride indeed smh
https://bsky.app/profile/dirtbagqueer.rocks/post/3lxv4rpzzlk2i
Quote from: The Sultan on September 02, 2025, 08:03:52 PMBTW, one more thing about the UNC debacle last night.
I think the sporting media have largely miscalculated how much people really aren't into Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the entire Patriot era. Yes, everyone knows it was a fantastic dynasty - maybe the NFL's best given the operating environment.
But they weren't "beloved" outside of New England. They were a bunch of joyless, type A cranks. Even Nick Saban showed some self-reflection and could make fun of himself late in his career. You get NONE of that out of the likes of BB. And that's why a lot of football fans are just delighted how that game turned out.
As a New York Giants fan I can't agree more!
Oh I have one other thing...
Belichick losing to TCU is even more delicious. Their coach named Sonny, who runs a distinctly college offense, has a history of questionable coaching decisions and has never coached in the NFL. And TCU's social media is managed by a bunch of Zoomer trolls once centered around a cartoon toad.
TCU represents everything I love about college football. It's a little wild, with some marvelous characters, and has too much money floating around, yet it all comes together to create a very watchable product.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 03, 2025, 05:43:03 AMOh I have one other thing...
Belichick losing to TCU is even more delicious. Their coach named Sonny, who runs a distinctly college offense, has a history of questionable coaching decisions and has never coached in the NFL. And TCU's social media is managed by a bunch of Zoomer trolls once centered around a cartoon toad.
TCU represents everything I love about college football. It's a little wild, with some marvelous characters, and has too much money floating around, yet it all comes together to create a very watchable product.
The 33rd NFL team getting worked by Sonny Dykes and Art Briles' kid was poetic. College football lifers from college football families.
There's always been a haughtiness around Belichick and especially his minions. Its a significant reason why so many of his assistants failed miserably as NFL head coaches.
That attitude definitely came to UNC. All the talk of NFL experience, years in league, etc. Hilarious what happened on Monday night.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 03, 2025, 05:43:03 AMOh I have one other thing...
Belichick losing to TCU is even more delicious. Their coach named Sonny, who runs a distinctly college offense, has a history of questionable coaching decisions and has never coached in the NFL. And TCU's social media is managed by a bunch of Zoomer trolls once centered around a cartoon toad.
TCU represents everything I love about college football. It's a little wild, with some marvelous characters, and has too much money floating around, yet it all comes together to create a very watchable product.
Even better, despite having a college coach for a dad, Sonny Dykes played college baseball, initially started coaching HS baseball and didn't have a major college coaching gig until he was 30.
I have no affinity or positive bias towards Dykes, but in the most nepo industry outside of Hollywood, its kind of endearing that despite his dad being a high level college coach from his mid teens till his early 30s, Dykes didn't play college football, started coaching baseball and then football at the HS level, then JUCO, and then first got hired in FCS in his late 20s.
Matt Patricia had a nice debut
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 03, 2025, 10:11:40 AMMatt Patricia had a nice debut
Helps when all but 1 of your defensive starters are returning upper classmen from a National Championship team including your LBs anchored by an All-B10 senior and the secondary by arguably the best DB in the country in Caleb Downs. All of that at home against a QB in his 3rd career start.
They definitely were really good but Patricia's playing with most of the difficulty sliders all the way down. They lost a lot to the draft but still have 2-3 first round picks on that side of the ball, and a few guys who could be in the conversation but haven't gotten the shine yet cause they were behind monsters last year.
Every Scooper has won as many titles without Tom Brady at QB as Belichick has.
But he has won one more playoff game than any of us has - back before just about anyone was using the internet or cellphones.
Quote from: MU82 on September 03, 2025, 01:29:32 PMEvery Scooper has won as many titles without Tom Brady at QB as Belichick has.
But he has won one more playoff game than any of us has - back before just about anyone was using the internet or cellphones.
As much as I dislike both of those people, it was nice to see Brady win a Super Bowl at Tampa and Belichick not winning anything without him
Quote from: pbiflyer on September 03, 2025, 05:05:21 PMAs much as I dislike both of those people, it was nice to see Brady win a Super Bowl at Tampa and Belichick not winning anything without him
No.
Quote from: MU82 on September 03, 2025, 01:29:32 PMEvery Scooper has won as many titles without Tom Brady at QB as Belichick has.
But he has won one more playoff game than any of us has - back before just about anyone was using the internet or cellphones.
Not true. I won a title without Brady....... on my fantasy team.
I hope they lose every game.
https://x.com/mysportsupdate/status/1963651827943002359?s=46&t=ppua9BCUAa7dWM9-SthPmg
Quote from: The Sultan on September 04, 2025, 12:52:21 PMI hope they lose every game.
https://x.com/mysportsupdate/status/1963651827943002359?s=46&t=ppua9BCUAa7dWM9-SthPmg
This is flaming out quicker than expected.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 04, 2025, 12:52:21 PMI hope they lose every game.
https://x.com/mysportsupdate/status/1963651827943002359?s=46&t=ppua9BCUAa7dWM9-SthPmg
Going as well as I expected.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 03, 2025, 11:08:23 AMHelps when all but 1 of your defensive starters are returning upper classmen from a National Championship team including your LBs anchored by an All-B10 senior and the secondary by arguably the best DB in the country in Caleb Downs. All of that at home against a QB in his 3rd career start.
They definitely were really good but Patricia's playing with most of the difficulty sliders all the way down. They lost a lot to the draft but still have 2-3 first round picks on that side of the ball, and a few guys who could be in the conversation but haven't gotten the shine yet cause they were behind monsters last year.
don't forget the QB starting his third game was playing behind an O-line starting four new guys. But this is modern media - tear someone at the first opportunity, especially a QB. They did it was Bryce Young last year.
What is it about creepy old guys who ruin everything they touch? He is messing that up like he graduated from the MU school of dentistry.
Quote from: cheebs09 on September 04, 2025, 01:01:42 PMThis is flaming out quicker than expected.
He promised moms that he'd get their sons great exposure to NFL personnel people. Didn't take long to start breaking that promise.
They won't lose every game because their schedule is too soft. They probably beat UNC-Charlotte by 30+ this week. But they'll lose plenty despite not even having to play Miami and SMU.
Big game in Madison today. Middle Tennessee State comes calling. Think we get another shutout to prep for Alabama who we are going to roll next week to announce to college football We (T.E.A.M.) Are Back.
Penn State should stop playing with their food.
We might have the best defense in college football
Should be a TD favorite against Alabama. Roll Badge!
Lotsa blowouts this week, but 2 ranked teams lost at home (Fla to USF and SMU to Baylor), and Clemson had to rally to beat Troy.
Big day in the WIAC. Lots of good results for Marquette's cause:
UWEC 29 Carroll 7 (Thursday) - Bad result for Marquette. Kids will avoid Waukesha but their health will be better for it since that's Measles country
Platteville 41 Aurora 0
UWSP 28 Albion 21
Stout 38 Dubuque 35
UW-Whitewater 45 Carleton 14
UW-River Falls 45 Alma 33
UW-Oshkosh 31 Linfield 14
Billy Napier's seat in Gainesville has to be pretty boiling at this point, especially since their next 4 are away to #3 LSU, away to #5 Miami, home to #7 Texas, and then on the road to A&M. Very likely they are underdogs in all 4, probably by at least a TD in the next 2.
Clemson also looked horrible.
And...uh...Oklahoma State got absolutely pasted by Oregon. Gotta wonder if they are going to move on from Gundy.
Why is Michigan ranked?
Quote from: The Sultan on September 06, 2025, 09:04:05 PMAnd...uh...Oklahoma State got absolutely pasted by Oregon. Gotta wonder if they are going to move on from Gundy.
We'll always have the hits from Mike
Will be hilarious when a 5-6 Michigan beats an 11-0 Ohio state.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 06, 2025, 09:04:05 PMAnd...uh...Oklahoma State got absolutely pasted by Oregon. Gotta wonder if they are going to move on from Gundy.
Gundy, whose program has billionaire oilmen on speed dial, was whining during the week about the money that Phil Knight and other rich guys give Oregon.
"It never requires extra motivation for an opportunity to go out and kick ass," Lanning said postgame, regarding the message he sent his team. "But it never hurts when somebody pours gasoline on the fire."
Gundy apparently doesn't like the new college football landscape - and he has that right. So he should just quit and let somebody who can handle the landscape take over.
Quote from: MU82 on September 06, 2025, 07:32:35 PMLotsa blowouts this week, but 2 ranked teams lost at home (Fla to USF and SMU to Baylor), and Clemson had to rally to beat Troy.
Wait, Florida was anointed as "being back" last week by the CFP pundits....
Michigan losing is always fun as well...
Saying coaches should quit because they voice displeasure for a change to the sport they coach is like telling someone who complains about something they don't like about America that they can move to a different country. People can voice displeasure, think there are ways to improve things, and still want to be where they are.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 06, 2025, 08:59:57 PMBilly Napier's seat in Gainesville has to be pretty boiling at this point, especially since their next 4 are away to #3 LSU, away to #5 Miami, home to #7 Texas, and then on the road to A&M. Very likely they are underdogs in all 4, probably by at least a TD in the next 2.
A spitting incident contributed to Florida's loss ...
(https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net%2Fpublic%2Fusers%2FIntegrators%2F669d5713-9b6a-46bb-bd7e-c542cff6dd6a%2F1d75fd3a730a463c8648bd84293b832a%2Fezgif-523cc1cf2932f2.gif&t=1757256196&ymreqid=3c8d0d78-3338-e941-1c84-ec00c401a500&sig=dWJ_d3wyckNEmmb5jnquTg--~D)
From The Athletic:
Late in yesterday's in-state battle against USF (and two days after Eagles DT Jalen Carter got baited into spitting on Dak Prescott to open the NFL season), Florida DL Brendan Bett hocked one on an opponent's face, right in front of an official, turning the Bulls' second-and-long deep in their own territory into a first down near midfield with two minutes to go.
The 18-point underdogs didn't squander the slobbery boost, turning it into a Nico Gramatica chip shot as time expired — and thus an 18-16 upset in Gainesville. (Son of fellow Tampa kicking great Martin, yes.) And considering last week's blowout of Boise State, USF is now a favorite for a CFP bid.So are saliva attacks gonna be the new trend in sports?
Quote from: wadesworld on September 07, 2025, 09:47:44 AMSaying coaches should quit because they voice displeasure for a change to the sport they coach is like telling someone who complains about something they don't like about America that they can move to a different country. People can voice displeasure, think there are ways to improve things, and still want to be where they are.
Sure... see Bennett, Saban, Larranaga et al....
Quote from: MU82 on September 07, 2025, 09:52:14 AMA spitting incident contributed to Florida's loss ...
From The Athletic:
Late in yesterday's in-state battle against USF (and two days after Eagles DT Jalen Carter got baited into spitting on Dak Prescott to open the NFL season), Florida DL Brendan Bett hocked one on an opponent's face, right in front of an official, turning the Bulls' second-and-long deep in their own territory into a first down near midfield with two minutes to go.
The 18-point underdogs didn't squander the slobbery boost, turning it into a Nico Gramatica chip shot as time expired — and thus an 18-16 upset in Gainesville. (Son of fellow Tampa kicking great Martin, yes.) And considering last week's blowout of Boise State, USF is now a favorite for a CFP bid.
So are saliva attacks gonna be the new trend in sports?
I'm drooling at the prospect of seeing this trend become commonplace. Anyone else notice the resemblance between the two guys? Bett is the spitting image of Prescott.
Quote from: PointWarrior on September 07, 2025, 09:58:02 AMSure... see Bennett, Saban, Larranaga et al....
Right. Some people decide they don't want to deal with the change. Others roll with the punches. And some speak out about changes they'd like to see made, or about changes that are made that they don't agree with.
Quote from: PointWarrior on September 07, 2025, 09:46:59 AMWait, Florida was anointed as "being back" last week by the CFP pundits....
Michigan losing is always fun as well...
You should be a pundit. You're quite good at pointing out when they're wrong. Would love your insight beforehand. Hot picks today?
Quote from: wadesworld on September 07, 2025, 09:47:44 AMSaying coaches should quit because they voice displeasure for a change to the sport they coach is like telling someone who complains about something they don't like about America that they can move to a different country. People can voice displeasure, think there are ways to improve things, and still want to be where they are.
I respectfully disagree with your comparison. Have a good one.
Quote from: MU82 on September 07, 2025, 10:12:46 AMI respectfully disagree with your comparison. Have a good one.
Man. That is one weak-a$$ response. It was a perfectly good comparison. Problem is you are so dedicated to the bit that you can't see it.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 07, 2025, 11:56:53 AMMan. That is one weak-a$$ response. It was a perfectly good comparison. Problem is you are so dedicated to the bit that you can't see it.
Thanks!
Quote from: The Sultan on September 07, 2025, 11:56:53 AMMan. That is one weak-a$$ response. It was a perfectly good comparison. Problem is you are so dedicated to the bit that you can't see it.
Yea, its the same chorus anytime a coach says anything less than glowing about NIL. Like when Kiffin complained about what a chaotic mess the landscape was. Not that he had a problem with NIL, but that the regulation (or lack thereof), lack of guardrails, and grey area over everything had left the first few years as a total crapshow. He's made similar comments to some extent each year up till now, yet he's taken to it just fine in recruiting and Ole Miss has been on an upward trajectory regardless.
As for Gundy, man I don't envy the position OK St's boosters and AD are in at all. They were awful last year and they started bad this year and there are doubts in regards to him and NIL. But the 3 years before that he finished 12-2 one year and 10-4 in another. His whole career has been meh 8 win seasons alternating with 10 win years.
But they aren't OU, they aren't Texas, hell they aren't A&M. Its been a horrible spot to win forever. Les Miles got the LSU job off of winning 24 games in 3 years. Jimmy Johnson only won 8 games once in 5 years and never finished better than 3rd in conference. Pat Jones had Barry Sanders AND Thurman Thomas and couldn't even finish top 2 in conference. Gundy has been a god send for the program (along with Pickens money). He's probably taken them as far as he can, but I have no idea who they could realistically get that would be better.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 07, 2025, 10:12:39 AMYou should be a pundit. You're quite good at pointing out when they're wrong. Would love your insight beforehand. Hot picks today?
I know, I missed my calling...
Sometimes game officials who screw up do face consequences. From The Athletic:
The Big 12 has suspended an officiating crew for allowing Missouri to punt after scoring a touchdown rather than attempting a traditional kickoff in the Tigers' 42-31 win against Kansas on Saturday.
Missouri scored a touchdown with 10:53 left in the first quarter but was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty, which backed up the Tigers to their 20-yard line on the ensuing kickoff. Missouri's Connor Weselman punted the ball rather than kicking off from a tee.
For punting on the kickoff, officials should have assessed Missouri a 5-yard penalty for an illegal kick, which would have given Kansas the ball at its 43-yard line rather than its 38.
According to a Big 12 statement, the play violated Rule 2, Section 16, Article 6 of NCAA Football rules, which reads: "A kickoff is a free kick that starts each half and follows each try or successful field goal attempt (Exception: In extra periods). It must be a place kick or a drop kick."
Meanwhile, Mizzou's coach had absolutely no moral or ethical problem employing the old, "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'" slogan.
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz asked the officials if the Tigers could punt the kickoff but knew it was against the rules.
"Just wanted to see if we could," Drinkwitz said today at his weekly news conference. "It's like asking your parents if you can do something that you know they probably shouldn't let you do. But sometimes they get it wrong."
Did the refs think it was a drop kick? That's so odd. Doesn't everyone already know its against the rules?
Quote from: The Sultan on September 11, 2025, 09:14:38 AMDid the refs think it was a drop kick? That's so odd. Doesn't everyone already know its against the rules?
Apparently, they simply had a collective brain fart as to what the rule is. Not a good look, given that's their entire job.
I don't know what it is, and Ive not spent tons of time watching Mizzou or dissecting the feeling behind it, but Drinkwitz has always rubbed me the wrong way as a snakey douche of sorts. In a sport full of that kind, something about him is weird, maybe its the lack of charisma to go with it.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 11, 2025, 11:56:54 AMI don't know what it is, and Ive not spent tons of time watching Mizzou or dissecting the feeling behind it, but Drinkwitz has always rubbed me the wrong way as a snakey douche of sorts. In a sport full of that kind, something about him is weird, maybe its the lack of charisma to go with it.
Yes, but he's the kind of character that makes college football its own unique thing in the American sports landscape.
So, while I'm not a fan on his, I do have an appreciation for him. If that makes sense.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 11, 2025, 11:56:54 AMI don't know what it is, and Ive not spent tons of time watching Mizzou or dissecting the feeling behind it, but Drinkwitz has always rubbed me the wrong way as a snakey douche of sorts. In a sport full of that kind, something about him is weird, maybe its the lack of charisma to go with it.
Mizzu fans I've know since well before SEC times, have always acted like the school and teams are disrespected. Not sure why, but they feel like the basketball should be treated KU and football like OU. They are a funny sort but mostly nice people.
Anyone going to any watch parties for the Badgers this weekend?
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 11, 2025, 01:42:13 PMAnyone going to any watch parties for the Badgers this weekend?
Badger world:
Discussing Wisconsin's upcoming Week 3 trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Alvarez said he thinks the Badgers have a real chance to be favored over the No. 21-ranked Crimson Tide.
"I would guess, right now, that (Wisconsin) will be favorites going into that game," Alvarez said.
Real world:
Alabama -21
Quote from: Pakuni on September 11, 2025, 01:47:11 PMBadger world:
Discussing Wisconsin's upcoming Week 3 trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Alvarez said he thinks the Badgers have a real chance to be favored over the No. 21-ranked Crimson Tide.
"I would guess, right now, that (Wisconsin) will be favorites going into that game," Alvarez said.
Real world:
Alabama -21
We should be favored. We're better than Alabama
Quote from: WhiteTrash on September 11, 2025, 01:37:38 PMMizzu fans I've know since well before SEC times, have always acted like the school and teams are disrespected. Not sure why, but they feel like the basketball should be treated KU and football like OU. They are a funny sort but mostly nice people.
Nah. Living in Columbia now, they're like Lions fans. Even when things are going well, they're waiting for things to fall apart. They're definitely little brother to KU and do the F K U chant at all basketball and football games regardless of who they're playing. But they know where they stand.
They definitely get NIL support from throughout the state, though.
Quote from: Pakuni on September 11, 2025, 01:47:11 PMBadger world:
Discussing Wisconsin's upcoming Week 3 trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Alvarez said he thinks the Badgers have a real chance to be favored over the No. 21-ranked Crimson Tide.
"I would guess, right now, that (Wisconsin) will be favorites going into that game," Alvarez said.
Real world:
Alabama -21
Could be the most humbling data point for the UW football program in a long time. Chaos in Tuscaloosa, people calling for DeBoer's head and questioning his leadership...and they are still favored over Wisconsin like its a Sun Belt team/
Quote from: JWags85 on September 11, 2025, 02:46:25 PMCould be the most humbling data point for the UW football program in a long time. Chaos in Tuscaloosa, people calling for DeBoer's head and questioning his leadership...and they are still favored over Wisconsin like its a Sun Belt team/
I fear for Rico's mental wellbeing if the Badgers don't cover
Quote from: Shaka Shart on September 11, 2025, 04:10:27 PMI fear for Rico's mental wellbeing if the Badgers don't cover
Not worried about covering. We're winning straight up
Is there any concern that Wisky could win this game at Alabama? I assume, no? Ty.
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 13, 2025, 11:11:30 AMIs there any concern that Wisky could win this game at Alabama? I assume, no? Ty.
No.
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 13, 2025, 11:11:30 AMIs there any concern that Wisky could win this game at Alabama? I assume, no? Ty.
Alabama could for sure lose. It's early in the season and they aren't what they used to be. Though even with that, this is like a buy game for them.
Penn St. is playing Villanova??? Why?
Kind of a discouraging game, tbh. Going to be hard to run the table now
The Wisconsin football program has essentially become a buy game for Alabama without Alabama having to pay them $1M for the privilege of pounding them.
Back to pre-Barry days.
Worst OL in 30 years at least.
Bucky losing in all things is wonderful. I only want Bucky football to be good enough to keep the majority of the resources from the basketball team.
I have to admit that I felt a little bad for the Weasels' hapless backup center who was instantly beaten for a sack on his one play. Not a good look that Fickell put the first-string center back in despite the fact that the kid was pretty badly hurt.
Meanwhile, Oregon just kept waiting for Northwestern to make mistakes and then capitalized on those mistakes. The NW QB is quite bad, and there simply isn't enough talent on the roster, but the Wildcats played hard and kept it close for awhile.
I've seen enough, Nova isn't joining B1G for football
Whoops. Wide, wide, right. Ouch.
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 13, 2025, 06:26:30 PMWhoops. Wide, wide, right. Ouch.
Wrong thread to be talking about the shooter, Muggsy
Quote from: GB Warrior on September 13, 2025, 06:46:29 PMWrong thread to be talking about the shooter, Muggsy
Tennessee fans have had quite the week
Quote from: Shaka Shart on September 11, 2025, 04:10:27 PMI fear for Rico's mental wellbeing if the Badgers don't cover
You fear for Rico's
what? ::)
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on September 13, 2025, 06:55:43 PMYou fear for Rico's what? ::)
Don't kick Rico while he's down.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on September 13, 2025, 07:13:38 PMDon't kick Rico while he's down.
I watched the game film and think we'll be fine. One or two calls go our way and we would have won today. Mostly disappointed for Marquette's cause
Tennessee scored with 11 minutes left to go up 34-30. I thought they should have gone for 2 to try to go up 36-30. That way, it would take two FGs to tie. Also, it would mean that if Tennessee could add a FG, it would put them up by 2 scores (39-30).
Instead, they kicked to go up 35-30, and a FG a little later only put them up 38-30. So when Georgia scored with 2:32 to go, they were able to tie it with a 2-point conversion.
Had Georgia been down 9, they would have had to change their strategy considerably.
Quote from: MU82 on September 13, 2025, 07:49:26 PMTennessee scored with 11 minutes left to go up 34-30. I thought they should have gone for 2 to try to go up 36-30. That way, it would take two FGs to tie. Also, it would mean that if Tennessee could add a FG, it would put them up by 2 scores (39-30).
Instead, they kicked to go up 35-30, and a FG a little later only put them up 38-30. So when Georgia scored with 2:32 to go, they were able to tie it with a 2-point conversion.
Had Georgia been down 9, they would have had to change their strategy considerably.
Odds are that UT would have missed the 2 point conversion, so I get why they took the safe route with the PAT.
Two bigger errors (to me): 1) Not taking a TO to set up their defense on UG's 2 point conversion (the guy was
wide open!) and 2) screwing around with trying to get a little closer in the final seconds and getting a 5 yard offsides penalty instead.
There is always a chance a defender will be able to punch the ball out for a fumble, so why tempt fate with "just one more down?" It also gave the kicker more time to get nervous about the FG attempt. Just like opponents often do to ice the kicker with a last second TO.
What a finish in South Bend!
Thank you Texas A&M football.
[quote author ;D =MuggsyB link=msg=1757199 :-* date=1757821031]
Thank you Texas A&M football.
[/quote]
Sucks to be ND and 0-2 ;D ;D ;D
Nice! Both of my favorite teams won this week!
More results to help Marquette's cause from the WIAC:
UW-Platteville 56 Dubuque (IA) 27
North Central (IL) 45 UW-Oshkosh 14
UW-River Falls 59 Coe (IA) 47
UWSP 41 St. Norbert's 17 (bad result for Marquette's cause)
Wartburg (IA) 16 UW-Stout 0
UW-Whitewater 37 Saint Xavier (IL) 0
UWEC 35 Kenyon (OH) 6
UW-La Crosse 38 Carnegie Mellon (PA) 14
Damn. I bet $400,000 on the over on Wartburg-Stout!
It will be interesting to see how strength of schedule plays into everything once the bids are announced.
ND doesn't play a single ranked opponent the rest of the way, and by far its toughest remaining game is at Arkansas. ND will almost have to try to avoid finishing 10-2.
You know they'll want ND in the playoffs, so watching them twist themselves into pretzels to justify it will be entertaining.
Big game in Madison this week as our boys look to bounce back against the rival Terps. Don't underestimate this Terps team. They'd win the SEC, imo
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 19, 2025, 07:27:42 AMBig game in Madison this week as our boys look to bounce back against the rival Terps. Don't underestimate this Terps team. They'd win the SEC, imo
Buzz Williams has brought the SEC mentality to that school.
Mike Locksley was a Nick Saban assistant and was born on Christmas Day...just like Jesus. Badgers don't stand a chance.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 19, 2025, 08:36:23 AMMike Locksley was a Nick Saban assistant and was born on Christmas Day...just like Jesus. Badgers don't stand a chance.
Jesus was white
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 19, 2025, 09:18:00 AMJesus was white
blue eyed too. I believe he was born in Sweden (before it became a Muslim no-go zone).
Tailgating scene is wild here today. Shaka is here.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 20, 2025, 09:06:49 AMTailgating scene is wild here today. Shaka is here.
Sad. Doing anything he can to stick it to Buzz.
Quote from: cheebs09 on September 20, 2025, 10:50:30 AMSad. Doing anything he can to stick it to Buzz.
Billy is back, too. Hope the three games he missed doesn't hurt his Heisman hopes
Clemson has fired Dabo Swinney.
Is Maryland D-1 in football?
Quote from: Dish on September 20, 2025, 11:22:48 AMClemson has fired Dabo Swinney.
Link? Not seeing this anywhere online.
Lucky him, if true. Do nothing for a couple of seasons. Grab a cushy analyst gig. Or sit back and live off his millions.
Wonder if Fickell makes it through this year. Have to think that seat is about to get red hot. I actually hope they don't lose too much and do just enough to keep him around. They're completely irrelevant nationally now.
Quote from: MU82 on September 20, 2025, 11:29:47 AMLink? Not seeing this anywhere online.
I'm thinking it's in reference to them getting down 10-0 early to Syracuse.
Have to admit, this game is hurting Marquette's cause
That call was beyond ridiculous. They better overturn it.
Idiotic penalty by Maryland.
Quote from: cheebs09 on September 20, 2025, 12:01:43 PMI'm thinking it's in reference to them getting down 10-0 early to Syracuse.
Tyler from Spartanburg is already on the line.
I'm not much of a college football guy but this has been a highly, highly, entertaining 1st half in Madison, WI!
I hope they have a few bball prospects there today, watching the Badger fans boo the Badgers.
Tough first half for our guys. But adversity presents opportunity
Catch the fking ball!!! Zero focus from Maryland receivers coming out for the 2H.
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 20, 2025, 01:26:34 PMCatch the fking ball!!! Zero focus from Maryland receivers coming out for the 2H.
Excellent news
A tradition unlike any other. Fans sticking around just to "jump around" after the 3rd quarter, just for the stadium to clear out.
Maybe Alabama does still suck.
#Crean2Badgers
Getting blown out by a bottom feeder.
Fickell is officially done. These are his players and they are garbage.
Quote from: cheebs09 on September 20, 2025, 12:01:43 PMI'm thinking it's in reference to them getting down 10-0 early to Syracuse.
Ah.
Nebraska is gashing Michigan on the ground and they decide on 2nd and 3 to throw a fade and 4th and 2 to toss it to their tight end on a touch pass. Great drive goes for nothing.
People act like losing at home by 17 to a ever-mediocre program is a bad thing.
Under Mike Gundy's restructured contract, according to a copy obtained by The Athletic, the buyout is $15 million if he's fired without cause before Dec. 31, 2027, paid out in monthly installments and offset by future employment. The buyout drops to $10 million in 2028, the final year of the deal.
Head coaching is a Fickell career choice.
Madison is back to the Morton years. Do they pull the trigger now to placate fans and play out with an interim coach or let him do the deadman's march the rest of the year?
Quote from: PointWarrior on September 20, 2025, 03:28:35 PMMadison is back to the Morton years. Do they pull the trigger now to placate fans and play out with an interim coach or let him do the deadman's march the rest of the year?
And the rest of the schedule is brutal. Maybe they beat Iowa...maybe Washington..but there isn't many opportunities there.
I would be much more concerned with the lack of effort than anything else though.
Soft. Back in the pre-NIL days, they had to perform to get under the table benefits. All those contracts and money up front disincentivizes them.
Can someone do a wellness check on Uncle?
Quote from: Shaka Shart on September 20, 2025, 04:38:52 PMCan someone do a wellness check on Uncle?
He's fine. He's at my place and I am making him earn his keep by him doing some bush hogging and stump removals.
Viper's BIL is the one that needs a wellness check.
No fan of Syracuse but doing that to Clemson is extremely funny
Wisconsin being this pathetic is really satisfying.
Fickell has a 25 million dollar buyout??? Lol.
Little pbiflyer goes to UCF, they played North Carolina today and the trolled the hell out of belichick.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G1UE_HbXIAAAVKb?format=jpg&name=large)
"But you promised we'd go to Disney World after the game"'
Daddy I need $20 for the concession stand before the game starts.
"Tiffany is asking if I can go to the movies with her and her mom after the game"
https://x.com/ucfknights/status/1969539589393039430?s=61&t=jsIZllSIAp6Fe-FmvZNVnw (https://x.com/ucfknights/status/1969539589393039430?s=61&t=jsIZllSIAp6Fe-FmvZNVnw)
Indiana being a legit football program is fun.
Illinois top 10 feels crazy to me but I haven't watched much CFB this year
Quote from: BM1090 on September 20, 2025, 08:37:09 PMIndiana being a legit football program is fun.
Illinois top 10 feels crazy to me but I haven't watched much CFB this year
Illinois was overrated but they aren't a bad team. In the 20s for sure. But this is a demolition. Good grief
Quote from: Shaka Shart on September 20, 2025, 09:00:52 PMIllinois was overrated but they aren't a bad team. In the 20s for sure. But this is a demolition. Good grief
So ergo, both teams will beat the Weasels comfortably?
Either Indiana has the best defensive line in the Big Whatevs or Illinois has the worst offensive line. Or both.
Quote from: MU82 on September 20, 2025, 09:31:53 PMEither Indiana has the best defensive line in the Big Whatevs or Illinois has the worst offensive line. Or both.
Didn't get to watch the game, but what Michigan did to Patrick Maho...err, Mr. I'm going to copy every single thing I possibly can from Patrick Mahomes from haircut to number to how I run onto the field to how I warm up to my number to how I call the team into the huddle, but then I'll claim I don't want to be compared to Patrick Mahomes, Dylan Raiola, was pretty dominant. Guy should probably study more film on getting the ball out than stalking Mahomes.
We'll be fine
Quote from: MU82 on September 20, 2025, 09:31:53 PMEither Indiana has the best defensive line in the Big Whatevs or Illinois has the worst offensive line. Or both.
Indiana's D line is that good. Kamara will be at least a second round pick, Tucker is becoming a stud, Wyatt started 28 games in three years for Maryland and led them in TFL before transferring.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on September 21, 2025, 09:37:53 AMIndiana's D line is that good. Kamara will be at least a second round pick, Tucker is becoming a stud, Wyatt started 28 games in three years for Maryland and led them in TFL before transferring.
That's good for Illinois, because it was like a turnstile into their backfield.
According to the AP, it was the most lopsided win ever for a non-top-10 team against a top-10 team.
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 20, 2025, 08:10:38 PMFickell has a 25 million dollar buyout??? Lol.
Does Bucky football have the money to buy out Fickell and then pay big bucks for a new coach? It would be one of the largest buyouts in College football history.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/luke-fickell-buyout-contract-wisconsin-head-coach/
I am all for such a buyout because it means less money for rodent basketball. I also don't see South Central Wisconsin State pulling off the football equivalent of paying Wojo to go away and hiring Shaka Smart
Quote from: Badgerhater on September 21, 2025, 10:07:52 AMDoes Bucky football have the money to buy out Fickell and then pay big bucks for a new coach? It would be one of the largest buyouts in College football history.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/luke-fickell-buyout-contract-wisconsin-head-coach/
I am all for such a buyout because it means less money for rodent basketball. I also don't see South Central Wisconsin State pulling off the football equivalent of paying Wojo to go away and hiring Shaka Smart
I think McIntosh and Fickell get one more year regardless.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 21, 2025, 10:22:38 AMI think McIntosh and Fickell get one more year regardless.
Why? Badger insiders hate MacIntosh. There is not a shred of talent on the Fickell year 3 team. They likely will not win a game the rest of the year. Move on is the smart move.
Quote from: PointWarrior on September 21, 2025, 11:40:07 AMWhy? Badger insiders hate MacIntosh. There is not a shred of talent on the Fickell year 3 team. They likely will not win a game the rest of the year. Move on is the smart move.
Buy outs are too expensive.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 21, 2025, 11:47:47 AMBuy outs are too expensive.
I don't agree with the reasoning but you could rationalize yourself into saying he's had rotten qb injury luck which paralyzes his offensive scheme.
Dumb but if you're trying to convince yourself not to pay tens of millions that's how it would go imo
Big day in the WIAC for Marquette's cause:
UW-Stout 56 Northwestern (MN) 13
UWEC 42 Martin Luther (MN) 6
UW-La Crosse 31 Wayne State (MI) 22
UW-Oshkosh 38 Roosevelt (IL) 21
UW-Platteville 28 Springfield (MA) 12
UW-Whitewater 26 Mary Hardin-Baylor 6
UWSP 36 Pacific (OR) 13
Quote from: Shaka Shart on September 21, 2025, 12:55:51 PMI don't agree with the reasoning but you could rationalize yourself into saying he's had rotten qb injury luck which paralyzes his offensive scheme.
Dumb but if you're trying to convince yourself not to pay tens of millions that's how it would go imo
He's alienated high school coaches in the state and did the same in Ohio according to people I trust. If he can't keep the best kids in state, he's screwed.
He's also alienated the fanbase to the point apathy is setting in. Season ticket sales are down and the secondary market is non-existent.
They have a softer schedule in 2026, so they have a reasonable chance to bounce back but the hole might be too big for him to win everyone back.
No way they keep a coach that goes 2-10 and 0 for in the Big Ten. Oregon, Michigan, OSU, and Indiana may beat them 200 combined.
Interesting sentence in Yahoo Sports' college football week wrapup:
Swinney's $60 million buyout stands as a monument to the kind of unnecessary coach worship that schools no longer need to do in this NIL-driven era.
Quote from: MU82 on September 22, 2025, 10:16:25 AMInteresting sentence in Yahoo Sports' college football week wrapup:
Swinney's $60 million buyout stands as a monument to the kind of unnecessary coach worship that schools no longer need to do in this NIL-driven era.
Is it odd to think that a lot of Swinney's success was due to Brent Venables?
Quote from: MU82 on September 22, 2025, 10:16:25 AMInteresting sentence in Yahoo Sports' college football week wrapup:
Swinney's $60 million buyout stands as a monument to the kind of unnecessary coach worship that schools no longer need to do in this NIL-driven era.
A corollary to this: "Badger football will aways suck no matter who coaches them because they can not play the college football NIL game."
Quote from: MU82 on September 22, 2025, 10:16:25 AMInteresting sentence in Yahoo Sports' college football week wrapup:
Swinney's $60 million buyout stands as a monument to the kind of unnecessary coach worship that schools no longer need to do in this NIL-driven era.
AI coaching is going to be the next big thing. Another job rendered obsolete thanks to technology.
Does the hoodie survive the season at UNC?
Quote from: tower912 on September 22, 2025, 02:33:23 PMDoes the hoodie survive the season at UNC?
Yes, unless he resigns.
Quote from: tower912 on September 22, 2025, 02:33:23 PMDoes the hoodie survive the season at UNC?
He is retiring after week 6 in order to hand the reins over to Jordan Hudson.
Mike Gundy out. Free to join ICE
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 23, 2025, 12:03:52 PMMike Gundy out. Free to join ICE
I hope they have some realistic candidates lined up. Kind of odd timing to do it this early. Yes the start to the season was bad, but they have a soft schedule and they are 2 years removed from a second place finish in a much stronger B12.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 22, 2025, 11:35:19 AMIs it odd to think that a lot of Swinney's success was due to Brent Venables?
I don't think I'd say A LOT of it. He won a Natty and had a runner up before he made Venables the associate head coach. I think a lot of it was just consistency with 2 great coordinators in Venables and Elliott and Dabo being a really good HC. He hasn't found the same caliber of guys to replace them.
That snark comment in that article about coach worship is dumb to me. An elite coach is still of vital importance to make a team work, especially when you have an ever revolving set of players due to NIL and the portal. Acting like its a completely diminished role in terms of value and importance is pretty dumb. Its a very different off the field environment but its still the same on Saturdays
Quote from: JWags85 on September 23, 2025, 01:24:44 PMThat snark comment in that article about coach worship is dumb to me. An elite coach is still of vital importance to make a team work, especially when you have an ever revolving set of players due to NIL and the portal. Acting like its a completely diminished role in terms of value and importance is pretty dumb. Its a very different off the field environment but its still the same on Saturdays
I generally agree with you, but if you had to choose great coach or huge payroll, which would you pick?
I'd take the dollars over the coach. (Also, I understand that they are not mutually exclusive in the real world).
Quote from: JWags85 on September 23, 2025, 01:24:44 PMI hope they have some realistic candidates lined up. Kind of odd timing to do it this early. Yes the start to the season was bad, but they have a soft schedule and they are 2 years removed from a second place finish in a much stronger B12.
I don't think I'd say A LOT of it. He won a Natty and had a runner up before he made Venables the associate head coach. I think a lot of it was just consistency with 2 great coordinators in Venables and Elliott and Dabo being a really good HC. He hasn't found the same caliber of guys to replace them.
That snark comment in that article about coach worship is dumb to me. An elite coach is still of vital importance to make a team work, especially when you have an ever revolving set of players due to NIL and the portal. Acting like its a completely diminished role in terms of value and importance is pretty dumb. Its a very different off the field environment but its still the same on Saturdays
Clemson is going through the dynasty collapse stage/falling off of the Dabo era. Most coaches have a hard time avoiding it, with Saban being the exception.
He biffed his assistant hires after Venables and Elliot left and that set them back. After awhile, you can only replace your assistants so many times before you start missing. Dabo missed right away.
Clemson has historically not been as good as it was under Dabo. He overachieved! While they were always one of the so-called "sleeping giants", reality was, maintaining excellence at the highest level over an extended period isn't the norm.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 23, 2025, 01:24:44 PMI don't think I'd say A LOT of it. He won a Natty and had a runner up before he made Venables the associate head coach. I think a lot of it was just consistency with 2 great coordinators in Venables and Elliott and Dabo being a really good HC. He hasn't found the same caliber of guys to replace them.
While you are right about Venables being associate head coach, he was defensive coordinator for all of their six straight CFP appearances from 2015-20. Right but his teams struggled defensively before Venables arrived, and they have struggled the same way since he left.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 23, 2025, 01:24:44 PMI hope they have some realistic candidates lined up. Kind of odd timing to do it this early. Yes the start to the season was bad, but they have a soft schedule and they are 2 years removed from a second place finish in a much stronger B12.
I disagree. I think best to move on and get things officially started for next season now. Sure, they could have let Mike coach out the year, but that simply would have led to two months of heighten negativity.
And it was clear this program was in a free fall. Lost the final 9 games (all Big 12 games) in 2024 and their two games against FBS teams this year was a 66 point loss to Oregon and losing at home to Tulsa. A mid-season turnout seems extremely unlikely.
Fickell to OSU? :D
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/barry-alvarez-slams-spoiled-rotten-wisconsin-fans-after-fire-fickell-chants-that-really-upsets-me/
MU fans have known that (guano) for decades.
Poor Viper. I hope his BIL doesn't act out. Blink twice if you feel threatened, viper.
Gundy claimed Oklahoma State didn't have the money to compete. But they somehow found the money they needed to say adios to him.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 23, 2025, 05:23:08 PMhttps://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/barry-alvarez-slams-spoiled-rotten-wisconsin-fans-after-fire-fickell-chants-that-really-upsets-me/
Wisconsin fans are going to find out the hard way that they're the poverty school in the B1G
Quote from: RJax55 on September 23, 2025, 01:58:40 PMI disagree. I think best to move on and get things officially started for next season now. Sure, they could have let Mike coach out the year, but that simply would have led to two months of heighten negativity.
It seems like they were ready to have him finish out the season but that would have lessened the buyout but Gundy said F that, fire me and pay me, so that's what happened.
I will say, the faster they move on, the faster they can properly respect his legacy. It ended poorly but the man is clearly the best coach in program history and will have a statue soon enough.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on September 24, 2025, 06:35:31 AMWisconsin fans are going to find out the hard way that they're the poverty school in the B1G
https://x.com/Genetics56/status/1970287619301867726
Getting outpaced by EVERYONE quite handily.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 24, 2025, 09:17:25 AMhttps://x.com/Genetics56/status/1970287619301867726
Getting outpaced by EVERYONE quite handily.
Yep, but you know, "Fire the coach" because these dumbasses still think its 2010.
Quote from: JWags85 on September 24, 2025, 09:17:25 AMIt seems like they were ready to have him finish out the season but that would have lessened the buyout but Gundy said F that, fire me and pay me, so that's what happened.
I will say, the faster they move on, the faster they can properly respect his legacy. It ended poorly but the man is clearly the best coach in program history and will have a statue soon enough.
https://x.com/Genetics56/status/1970287619301867726
Getting outpaced by EVERYONE quite handily.
Take what Genetics56 has to say with a grain of salt. He is a Nebraska fan that dislikes Wisconsin and has been predicting their doom for a long time and thinks Nebraska is situated to return to dominance. He claims to have an insider in the athletic department at Madison feeding him information.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on September 24, 2025, 09:22:01 AMYep, but you know, "Fire the coach" because these dumbasses still think its 2010.
Well, but this is why Barry Alvarez needs to STFU. He was the athletic director during most of this time. His longtime assistant is the current athletic director. I have said this before, but the Wisconsin athletic department is bad at generating revenue. This has been a long-time issue, and it's NOT because they don't have alumni or a corporate community that can provide that revenue.
The UW Foundation has almost $6 billion in assets! The Research Foundation has another $3 billion! I realize, those assets can't be directed to the football program, but it shows that the university has plenty of opportunities to generate revenue. Yet the athletic department has a revenue problem? Cmon...
They absolutely need to clean out their athletic department and get some people with a more contemporary understanding of how modern D1 athletics works.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 24, 2025, 09:37:47 AMWell, but this is why Barry Alvarez needs to STFU. He was the athletic director during most of this time. His longtime assistant is the current athletic director. I have said this before, but the Wisconsin athletic department is bad at generating revenue. This has been a long-time issue, and it's NOT because they don't have alumni or a corporate community that can provide that revenue.
The UW Foundation has almost $6 billion in assets! The Research Foundation has another $3 billion! I realize, those assets can't be directed to the football program, but it shows that the university has plenty of opportunities to generate revenue. Yet the athletic department has a revenue problem? Cmon...
They absolutely need to clean out their athletic department and get some people with a more contemporary understanding of how modern D1 athletics works.
Precisely.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 24, 2025, 09:26:24 AMHe is a Nebraska fan that thinks Nebraska is situated to return to dominance.
Strange, I didn't know any of these existed.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 24, 2025, 09:37:47 AMWell, but this is why Barry Alvarez needs to STFU. He was the athletic director during most of this time. His longtime assistant is the current athletic director. I have said this before, but the Wisconsin athletic department is bad at generating revenue. This has been a long-time issue, and it's NOT because they don't have alumni or a corporate community that can provide that revenue.
The UW Foundation has almost $6 billion in assets! The Research Foundation has another $3 billion! I realize, those assets can't be directed to the football program, but it shows that the university has plenty of opportunities to generate revenue. Yet the athletic department has a revenue problem? Cmon...
They absolutely need to clean out their athletic department and get some people with a more contemporary understanding of how modern D1 athletics works.
Or not. I kinda like them like this.
UCF plays at KSU this weekend. And people say Florida is weird.
https://x.com/ucfstool/status/1970882852440121446?s=46&t=wj-kQtLCLPNb9xDTKbHRvQ (https://x.com/ucfstool/status/1970882852440121446?s=46&t=wj-kQtLCLPNb9xDTKbHRvQ)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G1n7goGWQAAZ5Y-?format=jpg&name=medium)
Good day for our boys in Madison to regroup and recharge for a blitz to the playoff. It's not how you start but how you finish. Look forward to an 8 game winning streak to finish the season. T.E.A.M
Michigan is mediocre. But should I be concerned at all?
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 27, 2025, 07:45:36 AMMichigan is mediocre. But should I be concerned at all?
No, we'll beat them easily.
Quote from: MuggsyB on September 27, 2025, 07:45:36 AMMichigan is mediocre. But should I be concerned at all?
they just beat soon to be national powerhouse Nebraska
Petrino era returning to Fayetteville very soon.
James Franklin treats top 10 opponents like Americans treat hole winning putts.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on September 27, 2025, 09:19:55 PMJames Franklin treats top 10 opponents like Americans treat hole winning putts.
James Franklin is just content getting paid by the Saudis?
(Joe Pa knew)
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on September 27, 2025, 09:19:55 PMJames Franklin treats top 10 opponents like Americans treat hole winning putts.
And Kalen "
on the hot seat" DeBoer is like 7-1 vs top 10 opponents.
No WIAC games yesterday, so Marquette's cause remains neutral
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 28, 2025, 08:32:35 AMNo WIAC games yesterday, so Marquette's cause remains neutral
Yeah, but Penn State losing in OT hurt Marquette's cause Big Time because Carolyn Krieger is the women's bball coach there.
I have never seen a field stormed faster than Virginia fans stormed the field after their team's win vs. Florida State. The final pass fell incomplete ... and then within 1-2 seconds, the entire end zone was engulfed by fans. A coupla seconds later, the entire field was engulfed. UVa reported that 19 people were injured badly enough to require medical attention; thankfully, no game participants were among those hurt.
I like college kids being able to celebrate big sports victories, but is there nothing that can be done to prevent scenes like that? I legitimately feared for the FSU receiver and UVa DB who were on the ground as the fans stampeded.
Quote from: MU82 on September 28, 2025, 10:10:50 AMI have never seen a field stormed faster than Virginia fans stormed the field after their team's win vs. Florida State. The final pass fell incomplete ... and then within 1-2 seconds, the entire end zone was engulfed by fans. A coupla seconds later, the entire field was engulfed. UVa reported that 19 people were injured badly enough to require medical attention; thankfully, no game participants were among those hurt.
I like college kids being able to celebrate big sports victories, but is there nothing that can be done to prevent scenes like that? I legitimately feared for the FSU receiver and UVa DB who were on the ground as the fans stampeded.
It's pretty hard to prevent that without the potential for harming fans in other ways. (See UW Madison 30 years ago.)
Unless you actively rescind attendance for those who participate, which would also be hard to enforce, then this is probably what you're going to get.
Quote from: MU82 on September 28, 2025, 10:10:50 AMI have never seen a field stormed faster than Virginia fans stormed the field after their team's win vs. Florida State. The final pass fell incomplete ... and then within 1-2 seconds, the entire end zone was engulfed by fans. A coupla seconds later, the entire field was engulfed. UVa reported that 19 people were injured badly enough to require medical attention; thankfully, no game participants were among those hurt.
I like college kids being able to celebrate big sports victories, but is there nothing that can be done to prevent scenes like that? I legitimately feared for the FSU receiver and UVa DB who were on the ground as the fans stampeded.
Yeah that was insane. I think they were all getting down there prior to FSU scoring late in regulation but I've never seen anything like it. Seconds is even generous for how quickly they were on the field after the ball hit the turf. If there was a flag it would've been even more chaos. I hope the UVA DBs helped protect that WR, I know I would've.
Quote from: The Sultan on September 28, 2025, 10:43:30 AMIt's pretty hard to prevent that without the potential for harming fans in other ways. (See UW Madison 30 years ago.)
Unless you actively rescind attendance for those who participate, which would also be hard to enforce, then this is probably what you're going to get.
A close friend of mine does game ops and for certain games there are specific plans put in place to protect the players in the event of a court or field storm. UVA obviously did not have that in place, especially when you consider there is no barrier and no control at that end of the field. UVA was fined $50k and 19 fans were injured, but it appears the FSU player was not, which is good. The fine needs to be more - $500k in the SEC.
I have no issues with a field storm, I remember storming the court a couple of times at MU and I've been to football games where students stormed the field with no incident. It's part of the college experience. The blame here lies with UVA.
Yeah, I don't know what can be done. Even a bigger fine - as if the students will care.
That was brutal yesterday, though.
It was especially dangerous. I'll post if I get any info regarding how this will be addressed at UVA as I am live within an hour and am in C'ville frequently.
As Billy and Sultan have pointed out, it is at the very least difficult if not impossible to totally prevent the stormings. But the kind like the one in Cville will sooner or later result in serious injuries, possibly even a death if a crowd stampedes.
Sam Pittman out at Arkansas. Bobby "Sexy Time" Petrino in
Quote from: Uncle Rico on September 28, 2025, 01:20:34 PMSam Pittman out at Arkansas. Bobby "Sexy Time" Petrino in
Granted it's just interim for now. But seeing as he is the Arkansas HC again, is he the first college coach to return to the head job at not one but two of his former schools? His failed second run at Louisville and now Bobby P in Fayetteville part 2.
Arkansas booster friend said they might go after Gruden. Look out!
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on September 30, 2025, 09:18:51 PMArkansas booster friend said they might go after Gruden. Look out!
I guess some school has to finish last in the SEC every year, might as well be Arkansas.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on September 30, 2025, 09:31:58 PMI guess some school has to finish last in the SEC every year, might as well be Arkansas.
Funny anecdote I forgot when posting before...
One of my old college roommates was from Louisville. Dad was a former HS FB legend at one of the powerhouse Catholic schools there. He was a solid WR, but his younger brother, Brian, was a stud QB, albeit an option QB so he wasn't a big prospect. But he was dating Petrino's youngest daughter as this was the end of his Louisville heydey the first time around. He was close to committing to Louisville when Ol Bobby bolted for the Falcons. They actually didn't break up until they were done with Atlanta and in Arkansas (coincidentally cause she was going to Louisville to play golf but also cause...). By that time, Bobby had agreed to bring him to Arkansas as a preferred walkon. He played there 5 years as a backup behind Mallett and then Tyler Wilson, even after Bobby crashed out, eventually getting on scholarship from our beloved Bielema.
Well when Petrino came back to Fayetteville last year, he reached out to Brian cause he was still involved with the program from an alumni standpoint and cause they had kept in touch a bit since he had went back to Louisville the second time. Basically asked/said he had an offensive coaching role for him if he was interested. He was kind of flattered, but also kind of odd and was basically like "yea I'm in my early 30s with a wife and kids and a career living in Nashville now, I think I'm good." He doesn't have the animosity some have towards him, but his wanderlust career also didn't instill a ton of confidence in the idea. Given that he's likely finding a new job when Arkansas hires someone else in 2 months, probably a smart call.
I'd think a Sun Belt or CUSA school could do a lot worse than hiring him. He's a scumbag but he can still coach the hell out of an offense. He took Arkansas from a bottom half offensive team to a top 20 total offense team in 2 years and before that took a Missouri St program that hadn't won more than games or a conference title in 30 years to both of those in 2 years. He won't be a lifer and he will potentially flame out, but he's gonna put the program in the right direction for awhile.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on September 30, 2025, 09:18:51 PMArkansas booster friend said they might go after Gruden. Look out!
Gruden is a legitimately good coach, as long as someone else is in charge of his roster.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 02, 2025, 10:34:49 AMGruden is a legitimately good coach, as long as someone else is in charge of his roster.
And probably email account too.
Bump.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on September 28, 2025, 12:13:19 PMIt was especially dangerous. I'll post if I get any info regarding how this will be addressed at UVA as I am live within an hour and am in C'ville frequently.
As Billy and Sultan have pointed out, it is at the very least difficult if not impossible to totally prevent the stormings. But the kind like the one in Cville will sooner or later result in serious injuries, possibly even a death if a crowd stampedes.
The report of 19 people treated for injuries needs a caution flag. After the initial news reports, it is now known that there was a big fight outside of the stadium after the game, and
some of the reported 19 people injured MAY include some injuries from the fight.
Of course, this is
not meant as a defense of the stormers. I think the report of 19 injured simply may need to be put in perspective.
O.G. college football observers remember when Oklahoma ran the wishbone and made stars of QBs like Thomas Lott, who went on to have an NFL career as a RB.
Well, with Gabriel set to start in Week 5 for the Browns, nearly a decade's worth of Oklahoma QBs are now starters in the NFL.
From Yahoo Sports:
Every Sooners QB who started the majority of games each season from 2015-2023 is now an NFL starter. That's six different players and nearly 19% of the league's starters.
Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield (2015-17)
Cardinals: Kyler Murray (2018)
Eagles: Jalen Hurts (2019)
Saints: Spencer Rattler (2020-21)
Bears: Caleb Williams (2021)
Browns: Gabriel (2022-23)
Sign of the times: In addition to all six QBs being former Sooners, they're also all former college transfers. Mayfield (from Texas Tech), Murray (from Texas A&M) and Hurts (from Alabama) finished their careers at OU; Rattler (to South Carolina) and Williams (to USC) began their careers at OU; and Gabriel (from UCF, to Oregon) arrived and departed via the transfer portal.
Lane Kiffin says that SEC dynasties are done. He said that NIL and the portal make it easier for others to keep the likes of Alabama and Georgia from stockpiling talent. Great QBs and WRs and LBs aren't gonna want to sit behind a starter for 2 years when other programs are willing to play them and pay them.
Quote from: MU82 on October 02, 2025, 05:57:32 PMLand Kiffin says that SEC dynasties are done. He said that NIL and the portal make it easier for others to keep the likes of Alabama and Georgia from stockpiling talent. Great QBs and WRs and LBs aren't gonna want to sit behind a starter for 2 years when other programs are willing to play them and pay them.
Sea Kiffin says he'll pay up for talent.
Tiffin is winning with a DII transfer at QB. Kudos. Other than that, he hasn't shown himself to be an oracle.
Quote from: tower912 on October 02, 2025, 06:30:36 PMTiffin is winning with a DII transfer at QB. Kudos. Other than that, he hasn't shown himself to be an oracle.
No, but he's been one of the most honest, frank, and unfiltered voices in the HC ranks about anything and everything NIL. And doing that while on his way to his 4th 10+ win season in 5 years, which is more 10 win seasons than the last 60 years of Ole Miss football combined. So its not like he's tilting at windmills cause he's struggling in the new environment.
People can still dislike Joey Freshwater, but he came out of 3 years of rehabilitation with Saban as a much savvier version of his former self and a pretty damn good FB coach.
Quote from: MU82 on October 02, 2025, 05:57:32 PMLand Kiffin says that SEC dynasties are done. He said that NIL and the portal make it easier for others to keep the likes of Alabama and Georgia from stockpiling talent. Great QBs and WRs and LBs aren't gonna want to sit behind a starter for 2 years when other programs are willing to play them and pay them.
Quote from: wadesworld on October 02, 2025, 06:28:28 PMSea Kiffin says he'll pay up for talent.
Effen autocorrect
Why is the Weasel/Michigan game still competitive? I thought it woukd be over by now.
Michigan looks terrible. Very disappointing.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 04, 2025, 11:16:23 AMMichigan looks terrible. Very disappointing.
Badgers really shoved them around. Impressive drive.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on October 04, 2025, 11:22:30 AMBadgers really shoved them around. Impressive drive.
Agreed. They should have felt good about themselves and directly jumped on the bus back to Madison.
Nm.
Michigan should have called a time-out and punched that in. :)
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 04, 2025, 01:59:29 PMAgreed. They should have felt good about themselves and directly jumped on the bus back to Madison.
They're not talented enough at a lot of positions, but injuries a big part of their problems too. Especially at QB.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on October 04, 2025, 02:38:38 PMThey're not talented enough at a lot of positions, but injuries a big part of their problems too. Especially at QB.
Wisconsin simply can't compete with their academic quality holding back talent. Institutions like Michigan have the advantage
Quote from: Shaka Shart on October 04, 2025, 02:47:45 PMWisconsin simply can't compete with their academic quality holding back talent. Institutions like Michigan have the advantage
Michigan = Ann Arbor Community College.
The Bearcats with a nice win over Iowa State. I don't know if Fickell could even go back to Cincy. ;D
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 04, 2025, 03:10:54 PMMichigan = Ann Arbor Community College.
Michigan was somehow rated +30 spots ahead of Wisky by US News and World Report? Misprint?
I think Wisconsin beats Iowa next week, but if they don't they might be looking at a winless big ten season.
We're getting really close to me firing off a "Penn State has fired James Franklin" post...
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 04, 2025, 03:20:11 PMMichigan was somehow rated +30 spots ahead of Wisky by US News and World Report? Misprint?
They also had Michigan ahead of Dayton, so you know......
Quote from: Dish on October 04, 2025, 04:02:30 PMWe're getting really close to me firing off a "Penn State has fired James Franklin" post...
Anything less than PSU outscoring UCLA by 40 in the 2H is justification for some questions.
Texas really ran Quinn Ewers out of town after leading Texas to a National Semifinal appearance just to have Arch Manning throw for 63 yards in trailing Florida at the half?
Penn St has fired James Franklin.
Nico's dad is going to hold out for more money again.
Quote from: Dish on October 04, 2025, 05:57:47 PMPenn St has fired James Franklin.
He's getting a two bedroom apartment in Cabo with Arch and Fickell. They are going to flip a coin to see who gets the single room.
So many incredibly funny results today. Thank you Penn St and Texas
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on October 04, 2025, 06:04:39 PMNico's dad is going to hold out for more money again.
Nico is gonna end up at a middling B12 program now instead of a MWC school.
This Kyren Lacy story is pretty tragic.
WIAC results that will certainly help Marquette's Cause:
UW-Stout 42 UWEC 17
UW-Oshkosh 21 UW-River Falls 17
UW-Platteville 52 UWSP 0
UW-La Crosse 23 UW-Whitewater 20
Grand Valley beat up on Davenport. More importantly, the band performed brilliantly.
Quote from: tower912 on October 05, 2025, 08:29:18 AMGrand Valley beat up on Davenport. More importantly, the band performed brilliantly.
Excellent! That will help Marquette's cause
Tough day in Ann Arbor for our boys but you can't beat the other team and the refs as well.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 05, 2025, 08:30:34 AMTough day in Ann Arbor for our boys but you can't beat the other team and the refs as well.
Don't leave out the fact that Michigan had a half dozen scouts on the Wisconsin sidelines for the previous games this year.
They should save their cheating for good teams.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 05, 2025, 08:48:46 AMDon't leave out the fact that Michigan had a half dozen scouts on the Wisconsin sidelines for the previous games this year.
So, like every other team
Quote from: wadesworld on October 04, 2025, 04:21:42 PMTexas really ran Quinn Ewers out of town after leading Texas to a National Semifinal appearance just to have Arch Manning throw for 63 yards in trailing Florida at the half?
It really was time for Ewers to move on. Poor Arch come in with a world of hype, but not much of an offensive line.
That said, he seems to lack the field vision, quick decision making, and accuracy you'd expect to see with someone as highly rated as he is.
In the fourth quarter, there was a sequence that really summed it up. Texas desperately needs to make something happen and Arch 1) sits in the pocket too long, 2) doesn't see the open receiver in the middle of the field. 3) scrambles backwards and gets sacked, losing his helmet in the process which necessitates a 10 second run off.
Arch has to sit 1 play because of the helmet thing. His back up comes in a delivers an in-rhythm square in for a nice gain. Arch comes back in an immediately screws up again.
Crazy weekend.
Franklin's new $3.1 million defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, gave up 435 yards to what had been the country's No. 91 offense in yards per play, according to The Athletic.
Arch is Shedeuring himself. Belichick just might not be a genius anymore. Fickell is 15-16 in Weasel Land. Boise State is just another meh non-P4 program. Maryland blew a 20-0 third-quarter deficit to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. Franklin's buyout? A mere $50 million!
https://x.com/ProFootballTalk/status/1975196527271534849
It's amazing that BB, or anyone associated with UNC football, thinks this is a good idea. Especially after they were thrashed again by a conference opponent on Saturday.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 06, 2025, 09:28:55 AMhttps://x.com/ProFootballTalk/status/1975196527271534849
It's amazing that BB, or anyone associated with UNC football, thinks this is a good idea. Especially after they were thrashed again by a conference opponent on Saturday.
This looks just like the Josh McDaniels tenures in Denver and Vegas. Or Patricia in Detroit. Or Joe Judge with the Giants.
Bad football wrapped in a cloak of haughtiness. Like the football regimes above, UNC and BB will end quickly with a whimper.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 06, 2025, 09:28:55 AMhttps://x.com/ProFootballTalk/status/1975196527271534849
It's amazing that BB, or anyone associated with UNC football, thinks this is a good idea. Especially after they were thrashed again by a conference opponent on Saturday.
UNC social media channels did, in fact, celebrate the moment.
https://x.com/UNCFootball/status/1975198435688222913
Quote from: Pakuni on October 06, 2025, 10:17:28 AMUNC social media channels did, in fact, celebrate the moment.
https://x.com/UNCFootball/status/1975198435688222913
Hey A-hole, cool it. We are trying to cancel people here.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 06, 2025, 10:17:28 AMUNC social media channels did, in fact, celebrate the moment.
https://x.com/UNCFootball/status/1975198435688222913
Reportedly reversed this morning.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/unc-social-media-team-directed-to-avoid-patriots-content-which-means-no-drake-maye-highlights/
The Washington Huskies just played Maryland, whose QB is named Washington and whose best DB is named Huskey.
For subscribers of The Athletic, good read from Will Leitch on Arch Manning being the biggest "flop" of the NIL era.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6694360/2025/10/07/arch-manning-texas-nfl-draft-nil/?
The lead:
Watching the seemingly endless rotation of Arch Manning Warby Parker advertisements this past weekend felt a little like watching a political ad after an election in which your candidate has lost.
The ads all seemed to be beamed from a more hopeful past when we were much more innocent, more naïve and definitely more deluded. It was a little like seeing someone wearing an ATLANTA FALCONS SUPER BOWL LI T-shirt.
Later in the piece:
Arch ... is the first college player to flop after being sold as the biggest star of his sport before most people had even seen him play. He's not the first player to have the opportunity to: Just last year, in college basketball, Duke's Cooper Flagg was the face of his sport, the obvious No. 1 pick, playing for the most well-known (and hated) college basketball brand. But Flagg did, in fact, turn out to be the best player, immediately. It was difficult to begrudge him all those New Balance ads when he was dominating on the court. This is not what has happened with Arch.
asdf
Quote from: MU82 on October 07, 2025, 01:11:19 PMFor subscribers of The Athletic, good read from Will Leitch on Arch Manning being the biggest "flop" of the NIL era.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6694360/2025/10/07/arch-manning-texas-nfl-draft-nil/?
The lead:
Watching the seemingly endless rotation of Arch Manning Warby Parker advertisements this past weekend felt a little like watching a political ad after an election in which your candidate has lost.
The ads all seemed to be beamed from a more hopeful past when we were much more innocent, more naïve and definitely more deluded. It was a little like seeing someone wearing an ATLANTA FALCONS SUPER BOWL LI T-shirt.
Later in the piece:
Arch ... is the first college player to flop after being sold as the biggest star of his sport before most people had even seen him play. He's not the first player to have the opportunity to: Just last year, in college basketball, Duke's Cooper Flagg was the face of his sport, the obvious No. 1 pick, playing for the most well-known (and hated) college basketball brand. But Flagg did, in fact, turn out to be the best player, immediately. It was difficult to begrudge him all those New Balance ads when he was dominating on the court. This is not what has happened with Arch.
asdf
Can't deny the trajectory he is on, but maybe too soon for a definitive judgment?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 07, 2025, 01:29:05 PMCan't deny the trajectory he is on, but maybe too soon for a definitive judgment?
Both can be true. He is cearly the NIL era's most significant flop, but he definitely can improve.
OTOH, Ron Powlus never did.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 07, 2025, 01:29:05 PMCan't deny the trajectory he is on, but maybe too soon for a definitive judgment?
The columnist acknowledged as much. He used "so far" a couple of times.
Also, what Sultan said.
Arch Manning = Graham Mertz
Hype, hype, hype, flop.
Quote from: Jockey on October 07, 2025, 02:33:25 PMArch Manning = Graham Mertz
Hype, hype, hype, flop.
Only people in Wisconsin were hyping Graham Mertz.
Arch was always going to have hype on him given his last name. That would be the case with or without NIL.
Until Saturday, I would argue that it was Nico Iamaleava who was looking like the biggest flop of the NIL era. If that game was just a one off for UCLA, still might be the case.
Yeah, that is why I think Ron Powlus is a better comp. ESPN's Beano Cook said he would win three Heismans, just like their current Beano, Paul Fienbaum, said Arch would win it this year.
Quote from: RJax55 on October 07, 2025, 03:05:21 PMArch was always going to have hype on him given his last name. That would be the case with or without NIL.
Yes, but without NIL, he wouldn't be appearing in several national advertising campaigns - ads that have increased his fame and wealth and the sky-high hype surrounding him.
The Athletic's Flagg comparison was right on. The difference is that Flagg delivered, living up to the hype. So far, Arch hasn't.
Ten years ago, one could make the argument that it wasn't a hyped college athlete's "fault" that he was over-hyped. Using Sultan's example, it wasn't Powlus' fault that Beano was going ga-ga over him. But these days, athletes are seeking out the notoriety - and the money and the hype that go with it.
I obviously don't blame Arch or any other athlete for going for the $$$. I am a big advocate of them having the right to do so.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 07, 2025, 03:06:06 PMYeah, that is why I think Ron Powlus is a better comp. ESPN's Beano Cook said he would win three Heismans, just like their current Beano, Paul Fienbaum, said Arch would win it this year.
Speaking of Finebaum, looks like his campaign for public office is flailing.
If arch manning had been born josh smith and went on to dominate small school football somewhere similar, would he recruitment and hype been the same?
Did Arch's name and high school success project him far better than they should have?
NIL is ruining college sports.
https://x.com/ESPNPR/status/1975679377657450711
Quote from: jesmu84 on October 07, 2025, 05:15:31 PMIf arch manning had been born josh smith and went on to dominate small school football somewhere similar, would he recruitment and hype been the same?
Did Arch's name and high school success project him far better than they should have?
Obviously the name brought hype, but he'd have been a top QB prospect if his name were Josh Smith. He's 6'4", about 220 and reportedly was clocked running a 4.65 40 in high school. He's got arm talent.
He's had all of seven starts in his career. He may not live up to the hype, but he's still got tons of runway.
If you look at the track record of 5-star QBs over the past decade, he's far from the biggest disappointment.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 07, 2025, 05:25:45 PMObviously the name brought hype, but he'd have been a top QB prospect if his name were Josh Smith. He's 6'4", about 220 and reportedly was clocked running a 4.65 40 in high school. He's got arm talent.
He's had all of seven starts in his career. He may not live up to the hype, but he's still got tons of runway.
If you look at the track record of 5-star QBs over the past decade, he's far from the biggest disappointment.
Agree with all of this, especially it still being early for him.
But given the level of hype - which, again, he strongly contributed to - he's on a pretty short list of major disappointments. He's not been very good, and his team, ranked #1 going into the season, is mediocre at best. Calling him the biggest disappointment of the NIL era doesn't seem much of a stretch.
So far. Seriously gotta make sure to say "so far," though.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 07, 2025, 01:29:05 PMCan't deny the trajectory he is on, but maybe too soon for a definitive judgment?
4-5 years to judge IMO
Quote from: MU82 on October 07, 2025, 05:55:42 PMAgree with all of this, especially it still being early for him.
But given the level of hype - which, again, he strongly contributed to - he's on a pretty short list of major disappointments. He's not been very good, and his team, ranked #1 going into the season, is mediocre at best. Calling him the biggest disappointment of the NIL era doesn't seem much of a stretch.
So far. Seriously gotta make sure to say "so far," though.
He's indecisive and makes poor choices. It's possible that gets coached out of him but the indecisiveness is a massive problem. A lot of his sacks are on him and not his line. I don't think his line is great but against Florida, a lot of those sacks and pressures were his fault.
Quote from: MU82 on October 07, 2025, 05:55:42 PMAgree with all of this, especially it still being early for him.
But given the level of hype - which, again, he strongly contributed to - he's on a pretty short list of major disappointments. He's not been very good, and his team, ranked #1 going into the season, is mediocre at best. Calling him the biggest disappointment of the NIL era doesn't seem much of a stretch.
So far. Seriously gotta make sure to say "so far," though.
Honest question ... how has he "strongly contributed" to the hype. Willingly sitting on the bench for two years when he could have chosen (out of high school) or transferred to a school where he was promised QB1 doesn't strike me as the behavior of someone seeking attention.
He's basically Drew Allar with a famous surname.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 07, 2025, 06:10:39 PMHonest question ... how has he "strongly contributed" to the hype. Willingly sitting on the bench for two years when he could have chosen (out of high school) or transferred to a school where he was promised QB1 doesn't strike me as the behavior of someone seeking attention.
He's basically Drew Allar with a famous surname.
He made commercials
Quote from: Pakuni on October 07, 2025, 06:13:56 PMSandy Koufax would never
I watched Sandy Koufax sign autographs for six days straight once.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 07, 2025, 05:25:45 PMObviously the name brought hype, but he'd have been a top QB prospect if his name were Josh Smith. He's 6'4", about 220 and reportedly was clocked running a 4.65 40 in high school. He's got arm talent.
He's had all of seven starts in his career. He may not live up to the hype, but he's still got tons of runway.
If you look at the track record of 5-star QBs over the past decade, he's far from the biggest disappointment.
I personally find all the revisionist history about his high school competition to be amusing. None of the video on his is new. The clips of him playing at Isidore Newman have been viewed millions of times and the take away was his play making, his arm, and his mobility/speed for being as big as he is. Now suddenly everyone is pretending they knew his was overrated all along cause his HS competition was weak.
As for the 5 star graveyard, its shockingly stark. Ive seen a few Tik Tok compilations of "Where Are They Now" for the top 5-10 QBs of each class from the early 2010s and onward and its pretty wild how few were impact players. You can make the argument for Arch in the last few NIL years, but compare him to a guy like Tate Martell and he's nowhere near the flop. Martell was insanely highly touted, starred in a Netflix reality series about his recruitment, flipped from Sark at Washington, to A&M, then OSU...then ended up throwing 30 passes total in 5 years of college at 3 different schools.
I'll admit to being completely and utterly wrong about Arch this year. Didn't think he'd waltz to a Heisman but said I'd be surprised if he wasn't really solid. But yea, he's still got another year and a half to prove himself. I'd be as much concerned as Sark losing his team and the entire squad melting down around him as Arch's performance himself.
Yeah I can't figure hire out how Arch "strongly contributed" to the hype. He was just born with a famous last name and was good in high school. So should he just ignore the opportunities that come with that?
Quote from: The Sultan on October 07, 2025, 08:01:52 PMYeah I can't figure hire out how Arch "strongly contributed" to the hype. He was just born with a famous last name and was good in high school. So should he just ignore the opportunities that come with that?
Yes, he should learn humility and play for the name on the front of the jersey
Quote from: Pakuni on October 07, 2025, 06:10:39 PMHonest question ... how has he "strongly contributed" to the hype. Willingly sitting on the bench for two years when he could have chosen (out of high school) or transferred to a school where he was promised QB1 doesn't strike me as the behavior of someone seeking attention.
He's basically Drew Allar with a famous surname.
"Strongly contributed" was too strongly worded by me, so mea culpa. Like Flagg, he (and his agent) made himself a major presence in American households before he ever started a game, which added to the hype, no?
I've already said I don't blame him one iota for taking advantage of every financial opportunity.
He hasn't quite been the Sandy Koufax of college football. But then again, it took Koufax a little time to become a legend.
Quote from: RJax55 on October 07, 2025, 02:58:40 PMOnly people in Wisconsin were hyping Graham Mertz.
ESPN rated him as the best pocket passer in the class of 2019 and 21st highest rated recruit overall.
This seems like a truly terrible idea with no plausible benefits I can see.
https://x.com/ralphDrussoATH/status/1975955626728869911
What's the worst that could happen? It's not as if college players and kids could possibly obtain insider information on pro games. Certainly, no pros would engage in any activities to influence the outcome of a game.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 08, 2025, 01:28:30 PMWhat's the worst that could happen? It's not as if college players and kids could possibly obtain insider information on pro games. Certainly, no pros would engage in any activities to influence the outcome of a game.
Certainly no college student would find himself on a losing streak and be willing to sell inside info or miss a couple free throws to bail himself out of a jam.
LOL.
UNC looks like they are trying to figure out how to fire BB for cause. (https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/article/north-carolina-unc-tar-heels-football-coach-bill-belichick-update-violations-intel-information-news-255928097/)
This thread is amazing.
https://x.com/OllieConnolly/status/1976021814905332067
Quote from: The Sultan on October 08, 2025, 03:52:14 PMThis thread is amazing.
https://x.com/OllieConnolly/status/1976021814905332067
Oh, he doesn't realize he is radioactive, does he?
Quote from: The Sultan on October 08, 2025, 03:52:14 PMThis thread is amazing.
https://x.com/OllieConnolly/status/1976021814905332067
Came to post this too.
Is there a bigger disaster of a coaching hire you can think of? Urban Meyer to Jacksonville was a trainwreck but that's nothing compared to this.
I have to admit I'm loving it.
I bet Brady is, too.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 08, 2025, 08:42:36 PMCame to post this too.
Is there a bigger disaster of a coaching hire you can think of? Urban Meyer to Jacksonville was a trainwreck but that's nothing compared to this.
Im SHOCKED that someone who was notoriously crabby and short tempered with grown men/professionals at the pinnicle of their sport...would quickly grow tired of working with 18 and 19 year olds
Quote from: JWags85 on October 09, 2025, 08:10:42 AMIm SHOCKED that someone who was notoriously crabby and short tempered with grown men/professionals at the pinnicle of their sport...would quickly grow tired of working with 18 and 19 year olds
But enough about his relationship and let's get back to his coaching.
I can't imagine a team wanting to hire him, but I think for sure a network would. I am sure Brady would push back with Fox, but I imagine ESPN or even Amazon would push to have him.
Quote from: cheebs09 on October 09, 2025, 09:43:20 AMI can't imagine a team wanting to hire him, but I think for sure a network would. I am sure Brady would push back with Fox, but I imagine ESPN or even Amazon would push to have him.
He should start a podcast at The Ringer
Quote from: cheebs09 on October 09, 2025, 09:43:20 AMI can't imagine a team wanting to hire him, but I think for sure a network would. I am sure Brady would push back with Fox, but I imagine ESPN or even Amazon would push to have him.
Wasn't he on ESPN last year? He didn't really offer all that much insightful. Just a grumpy looking guy with a monotone voice. Not sure why any network would shell out big bucks for the guy - is anyone tuning in because of him?
Quote from: The Sultan on October 09, 2025, 09:54:08 AMWasn't he on ESPN last year? He didn't really offer all that much insightful. Just a grumpy looking guy with a monotone voice. Not sure why any network would shell out big bucks for the guy - is anyone tuning in because of him?
Is even one viewer not related to or friends with Tom Brady tuning in to watch a game because Brady is the analyst?
Fox paid 849 bazillion bucks for him, anyway.
So I have little doubt that the football coach some consider the best ever could land a nice contract with one of the networks.
Quote from: MU82 on October 09, 2025, 10:33:17 AMIs even one viewer not related to or friends with Tom Brady tuning in to watch a game because Brady is the analyst?
Fox paid 849 bazillion bucks for him, anyway.
So I have little doubt that the football coach some consider the best ever could land a nice contract with one of the networks.
It's kind of a weird standard to judge by. Is anyone turning into any game because of the announcer?
Maybe back in the day, when there were 3-4 nationally broadcast games a week, people tuned in for Madden because his presence signaled "this is a big game." And maybe one could argue some tuned in to MNF 50 years ago to hear Cosell. And if you want to cross sports, maybe Vitale in his 90s heyday.
But nowadays, I'd be hard-pressed to think of any announcers in any sport who themselves are the draw.
I think the Brady deal was clearly in response to Romo, who hit it big off the bat, but now that the Romo novelty has worn off, that clearly was a bad contract.
That being said, the one game I saw that Brady was doing, he was actually fine. Not great, but an improvement.
If I am casually watching a game that I am not emotionally invested in, Benetti.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 09, 2025, 10:43:24 AMIt's kind of a weird standard to judge by. Is anyone turning into any game because of the announcer?
Maybe back in the day, when there were 3-4 nationally broadcast games a week, people tuned in for Madden because his presence signaled "this is a big game." And maybe one could argue some tuned in to MNF 50 years ago to hear Cosell. And if you want to cross sports, maybe Vitale in his 90s heyday.
But nowadays, I'd be hard-pressed to think of any announcers in any sport who themselves are the draw.
Yup.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 09, 2025, 10:49:11 AMI think the Brady deal was clearly in response to Romo, who hit it big off the bat, but now that the Romo novelty has worn off, that clearly was a bad contract.
That being said, the one game I saw that Brady was doing, he was actually fine. Not great, but an improvement.
Agree with all of this. I've also seen one Brady game this season, and he was fine, the same way vanilla Herbstreit is "fine." But I think we can agree that neither I nor anybody else watched that game because he was the analyst.
Quote from: tower912 on October 09, 2025, 10:50:32 AMIf I am casually watching a game that I am not emotionally invested in, Benetti.
There are several play-by-play announcers and analysts that I really like. But I've been watching sports on TV for more years than I care to mention, and I can honestly say that I never once tuned in because of who the announcers were. If I want to watch a game (and I often do), I'll watch it. A very few are so freakin' bad (Dickey Simpkins, take a bow) that I will mute the sound, but otherwise it's immaterial.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 09, 2025, 10:43:24 AMIt's kind of a weird standard to judge by. Is anyone turning into any game because of the announcer?
Maybe back in the day, when there were 3-4 nationally broadcast games a week, people tuned in for Madden because his presence signaled "this is a big game." And maybe one could argue some tuned in to MNF 50 years ago to hear Cosell. And if you want to cross sports, maybe Vitale in his 90s heyday.
But nowadays, I'd be hard-pressed to think of any announcers in any sport who themselves are the draw.
Not necessarily tuning in, but if I turn on a game and Greg Olsen is the analyst, I'll watch because he brings excellent insight without it being a shtick (Romo).
I used to tune in for Gus Johnson (mid to late 2000s) until he became a parody of himself.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 09, 2025, 11:26:13 AMNot necessarily tuning in, but if I turn on a game and Greg Olsen is the analyst, I'll watch because he brings excellent insight without it being a shtick (Romo).
I used to tune in for Gus Johnson (mid to late 2000s) until he became a parody of himself.
Totally, on both.
Great opportunity for our boys to right the ship tonight as we host Iowa. Coach Fickell should have these guys primed to win a trophy game. On Wisconsin!
Antifa is out of control in Oregon
https://bsky.app/profile/harrylylesjr.bsky.social/post/3m2waq3xx5c2e
Would Jimbo go back to FSU?
I believe James Franklin's buyout is close to $50 million
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 11, 2025, 05:47:26 PMI believe James Franklin's buyout is close to $50 million
Give Crowdsource about a week?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 11, 2025, 05:54:40 PMGive Crowdsource about a week?
Honestly, Penn State does a dance marathon every year to raise money for childhood cancer. I bet they could do that and raise the money for this, too
I remember when Indiana was a basketball school.
That might be the best win of the year.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 11, 2025, 06:02:53 PMI remember when Indiana was a basketball school.
That might be the best win of the year.
Perhaps. But keep in mind Oregon barely beat Penn St.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 11, 2025, 06:05:04 PMPerhaps. But keep in mind Oregon barely beat Penn St.
Good point.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 11, 2025, 06:09:23 PMGood point.
So if the Weasels lose to Iowa, is it conceivable they will finish with zero B18 wins? How good are Wash and Minny? I've already chalked up their other games as L's. Ty.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 11, 2025, 06:36:47 PMSo if the Weasels lose to Iowa, is it conceivable they will finish with zero B18 wins? How good are Wash and Minny? I've already chalked up their other games as L's. Ty.
Lose to Iowa??? Iowa has a better chance of scoring 17 in
one quarter than beating Bucky.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 11, 2025, 06:52:54 PMLose to Iowa??? Iowa has a better chance of scoring 17 in one quarter than beating Bucky.
What a dumb throw by the Iowa QB. Why?
Arch played well today, especially in the second half. Oklahoma did Mateer no favors - and did itself no favors - by playing him when he obviously couldn't perform even close to his standard.
Bama's Ty Simpson was 23-of-31 for 200 yards and 3 TDs in a road win over previously unbeaten Mizzou ... and afterward he said he should have played better. He's already really good, and getting better.
I really like Indiana's QB, too. And their D was awesome today.
To answer Muggsy's question ... Washington is a very good offensive team, with an outstanding QB, a very good RB and two WRs who will play in the NFL. Defense isn't great, but good enough to beat the Weasels.
Quote from: MU82 on October 11, 2025, 07:27:49 PMArch played well today, especially in the second half. Oklahoma did Mateer no favors - and did itself no favors - by playing him when he obviously couldn't perform even close to his standard.
Bama's Ty Simpson was 23-of-31 for 200 yards and 3 TDs in a road win over previously unbeaten Mizzou ... and afterward he said he should have played better. He's already really good, and getting better.
I really like Indiana's QB, too. And their D was awesome today.
To answer Muggsy's question ... Washington is a very good offensive team, with an outstanding QB, a very good RB and two WRs who will play in the NFL. Defense isn't great, but good enough to beat the Weasels.
Excellen
Quote from: MU82 on October 11, 2025, 07:27:49 PMArch played well today, especially in the second half. Oklahoma did Mateer no favors - and did itself no favors - by playing him when he obviously couldn't perform even close to his standard.
Bama's Ty Simpson was 23-of-31 for 200 yards and 3 TDs in a road win over previously unbeaten Mizzou ... and afterward he said he should have played better. He's already really good, and getting better.
I really like Indiana's QB, too. And their D was awesome today.
To answer Muggsy's question ... Washington is a very good offensive team, with an outstanding QB, a very good RB and two WRs who will play in the NFL. Defense isn't great, but good enough to beat the Weasels.
Excellent! So we could easily see:
L
L
L
L
L
L
to close the season.
Ole Miss, favored by 35 and playing at home, beat a bad Washington State team by 3.
Getting blown out by Iowa might change some of the fund raising efforts for the UW AD.
Quote from: cheebs09 on October 11, 2025, 08:43:15 PMGetting blown out by Iowa might change some of the fund raising efforts for the UW AD.
It's getting Wojo-esque.
YES!!!!! Touchdown Iowa!!!
I think they'll hold on. :)
Thank you, Iowa.
Sincerely,
Everyone.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 11, 2025, 06:36:47 PMSo if the Weasels lose to Iowa, is it conceivable they will finish with zero B18 wins? How good are Wash and Minny? I've already chalked up their other games as L's. Ty.
Does it even matter how good they are?
Quote from: Jockey on October 11, 2025, 09:57:05 PMDoes it even matter how good they are?
Perhaps I was unnecessarily concerned.
Tough night for our boys but we're into the heart of academic season and the guys are grinding hard in the classroom unlike Iowa, obviously. Hard to compete when we play school and football and the rest of the league doesn't.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 12, 2025, 05:57:47 AMTough night for our boys but we're into the heart of academic season and the guys are grinding hard in the classroom unlike Iowa, obviously. Hard to compete when we play school and football and the rest of the league doesn't.
Let's compare team Gpa's in December and May. We'll have the last laugh still in this rivalry this year.
https://www.reddit.com/r/sports/s/GZQEfCoQfH
Did Wisconsin fans wait until they jumped around after the 3rd quarter to empty Camp Randall?
The Athletic on Penn State:
The preseason No. 2 team is 3-3, heading into four road games (including Ohio State) and two tough home games (including Indiana). With QB Drew Allar now done for the year (and thus likely his college career) due to a leg injury from this game (his backup is redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who has 13 career throws), a losing record is on the table. The updated goal: avoid becoming one of the most disappointing teams of all time.
And on Fickell:
Wisconsin's Luke Fickell ($27.5 million buyout in December) is 15-17 after a 37-0 humiliation against 4-2 Iowa, the Badgers' first home shutout loss since 1980. This comes after Wisconsin players famously did 42 pushups after each spring practice to atone for having lost 42-10 to Iowa last year. What's the exercise punishment for scoring zero? (Making things even more awkward, Fickell's former program, Cincinnati, is 5-1 after beating 3-3 UCF 20-11.)
Quote from: Dish on October 04, 2025, 05:57:47 PMPenn St has fired James Franklin.
For those that don't understand these, I post this when it's over for a head coach. It doesn't mean the team/college follows through, it means they have lost the team.
That being said, Penn State has indeed fired Franklin.
I envy the golden parachute of the college coach.
See what happens when you lose at home to Northwestern?
Must be nice to have such a rich booster base that you can shrug your shoulders at a nearly $50 million buyout.
I'm not in favor of keeping coaches "because who knows if you can get anyone better" arguments, but Franklin has been, by reasonable measures, a very good coach who came close to a title last year. I'm not sure he can't win a title; but I'm not a PSU fan and don't follow them so maybe I'm wrong.
Somebody will be happy to have him next year. I'd think he'll do better than the Wisconsin job.
Quote from: wadesworld on October 12, 2025, 01:58:44 PMSomebody will be happy to have him next year. I'd think he'll do better than the Wisconsin job.
Not sure retuning to the B10 right-a=way would be wise. OK State?
Going to be a dizzying carousel:
P4 openings:
Penn State
UCLA
Arkansas
Virginia Tech
Okie State
Stanford
Possible openings:
Florida
Florida State
Auburn
Wisconsin
Boston College
North Carolina
North Carolina State
Maryland
Kentucky
The Weasel football head coaching position doesn't exactly seem like a desirable job.....unless you're a D3 or hs coach.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 12, 2025, 01:45:15 PMI'm not in favor of keeping coaches "because who knows if you can get anyone better" arguments, but Franklin has been, by reasonable measures, a very good coach who came close to a title last year. I'm not sure he can't win a title; but I'm not a PSU fan and don't follow them so maybe I'm wrong.
This is all reasonable to me. I have come around to "who else are you going to get" being an overrated counterargument, but in this case I can't help but wonder if this is partially a case of Penn St overvaluing Penn St.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 12, 2025, 02:10:52 PMThe Weasel football head coaching position doesn't exactly seem like a desirable job.....unless you're a D3 or hs coach.
If I were the chancellor at Madison, I would first and foremost get the AD out of town, and bring in someone to assess that program from top to bottom. The last thing I would do is let McIntosh make another hire.
Quote from: MUBurrow on October 12, 2025, 02:20:46 PMThis is all reasonable to me. I have come around to "who else are you going to get" being an overrated counterargument, but in this case I can't help but wonder if this is partially a case of Penn St overvaluing Penn St.
Crazy to think just three weeks ago, Franklin was basically at the top of college football. This sort of rapid fall from grace usually happens when there is a scandal.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 12, 2025, 02:50:16 PMCrazy to think just three weeks ago, Franklin was basically at the top of college football. This sort of rapid fall from grace usually happens when there is a scandal.
This was the "all-in-season" for Penn State. Bunch of players coming back to get them over the hump, including a senior QB and dynamic RB. Hired a new DC from the national champ. To put this product on the field? He's hit his ceiling.
I'm not sure what Penn State's ultimate ceiling is anymore. Maybe it's what Franklin has accomplished the last decade and they'll look ridiculous firing him but if this team couldn't get over the hump, I get moving on despite the cost.
I think it'll be the most desired job in this cycle. Just not sure who the next big thing is. Will be interesting to see
WIAC results certain to help Marquette's cause:
UW-River Falls 31 UW-Plattwville 21
UW-Whitewater 45 UWSP 14
UW-Stout 27 UW-Oshkosh 16
UW-La Crosse 41 UWEC 21
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 12, 2025, 03:16:54 PMWIAC results certain to help Marquette's cause:
UW-River Falls 31 UW-Plattwville 21
UW-Whitewater 45 UWSP 14
UW-Stout 27 UW-Oshkosh 16
UW-La Crosse 41 UWEC 21
How many of these teams could beat the Badgers?
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 12, 2025, 03:14:34 PMThis was the "all-in-season" for Penn State. Bunch of players coming back to get them over the hump, including a senior QB and dynamic RB. Hired a new DC from the national champ. To put this product on the field? He's hit his ceiling.
I'm not sure what Penn State's ultimate ceiling is anymore. Maybe it's what Franklin has accomplished the last decade and they'll look ridiculous firing him but if this team couldn't get over the hump, I get moving on despite the cost.
I think it'll be the most desired job in this cycle. Just not sure who the next big thing is. Will be interesting to see
PSU and Florida, if they move on, will be the top jobs.
Funny aside; knowing MSU fans aren't happy, I looked at their fan board and some of the fans think Franklin is too sleazy for the Spartans. Really?!?! ::)
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 12, 2025, 03:14:34 PMI think it'll be the most desired job in this cycle. Just not sure who the next big thing is. Will be interesting to see
Belichick.
$50mil buyout paid?
Fears of bad economy and unaffordable prices seem wildly exaggerated
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 12, 2025, 03:22:23 PMPSU and Florida, if they move on, will be the top jobs.
Funny aside; knowing MSU fans aren't happy, I looked at their fan board and some of the fans think Franklin is too sleazy for the Spartans. Really?!?! ::)
Michigan State maxed out under Dantonio and he was a dirtbag.
John Harbaugh to Penn State?
Quote from: MUBurrow on October 12, 2025, 02:20:46 PMThis is all reasonable to me. I have come around to "who else are you going to get" being an overrated counterargument, but in this case I can't help but wonder if this is partially a case of Penn St overvaluing Penn St.
Results alone didn't get Franklin fired. Even consistently coming up small in big moments didn't get him fired. What got him fired was the lack of accountability (until this week, which was probably too late), that's caused him to completely lose the fan base and, it seems, locker room. It's one thing to lose to UCLA. It's another to blame everyone and everything but yourself.
With Allar out and games left against Ohio State and Indiana, there are more ugly losses on the horizon and not much opportunity for Franklin to win back the masses or build any positive momentum. I can't think of a time in recent memory in which a coach faced this much hostility from the fans and then won them back over.
Maybe the next guy isn't better, but I totally get why Penn State is moving on.
Another wrinkle for the carousel ... the Bengals are the Bungles again and Zac Taylor may not survive Black Monday, if that long. Wonder if they'd be interested in the guy from Notre Dame, who grew up less than an hour from Cincy and played at tOSU? I imagine he wouldn't mind the chance to coach Burrow, Chase, etc.
The only question is whether the Bengals would be willing to outbid Notre Dame. For 90% of NFL teams, the answer is easy, but we're talking about Mike Brown here.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 12, 2025, 09:24:34 PMAnother wrinkle for the carousel ... the Bengals are the Bungles again and Zac Taylor may not survive Black Monday, if that long. Wonder if they'd be interested in the guy from Notre Dame, who grew up less than an hour from Cincy and played at tOSU? I imagine he wouldn't mind the chance to coach Burrow, Chase, etc.
The only question is whether the Bengals would be willing to outbid Notre Dame. For 90% of NFL teams, the answer is easy, but we're talking about Mike Brown here.
Also spent the longest tenure of his assistant coaching career in Cincy as the DC under Fickell. So he knows Cincy well, not just Dayton and Columbus...
Quote from: MUBurrow on October 12, 2025, 02:20:46 PMThis is all reasonable to me. I have come around to "who else are you going to get" being an overrated counterargument, but in this case I can't help but wonder if this is partially a case of Penn St overvaluing Penn St.
Totally agree. My first thought in my group text with my rabid CFB fan friends was "who is Penn State realistically gonna get?"
I get the desirability off the job, but I'm kind of wary of the big successful programs that are kind off the beaten path in weird locales that have their entire success tied to one single legendary coach. Va Tech is another prime example. I actually think Franklin could be a good hire for them but that's a job that should be desirable but it's brutal. Basically ended Justin Fuente's very promising career.
The Franklin situation is particularly unique cause by all metrics besides "we're Penn State, we won titles under JoePa, we SHOULD be national title contenders annually", he was a very good coach there...but yet I completely get why they fired him and wasn't at all surprised.
Its kind of wild. Taking out the COVID year, he won 10+ games 6 out of the last 8 years, 5 of those were 11+ win seasons.
Bill Obrien didn't do nearly that well and even JoePa only won 10+ 3 times in his last 15 years. Franklin actually elevated the program to a place it hadn't been since the mid 90s.
To be honest, Florida probably fires Napier and gets Golesh from USF, but Franklin should be top of their list. But assuming that, I think Maryland should be all over him given his ties there.
I have a friend who went to Penn State for his masters. He told me long ago that while he completely understood why Penn State joined the Big Ten, he thought they would never meet the expectations of the fanbase. Yes they would have success, and an occasional title, but they would have trouble competing year in and year out with Ohio State and Michigan. And yes, eventually Paterno would falter and retire, leaving the place a bit of a mess.
Furthermore, Penn State is REALLY isolated and insular. The same friend said it was the best years of his life, but he knew coming from the outside that he was in a bubble there. It really is a tough place coming from the outside.
Anyway, I would look at either Brent Key or Clark Lea. You would have to take both away from their alma maters in Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt, but they are solid coaches who have worked in outlier type environments.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 13, 2025, 08:01:31 AMI have a friend who went to Penn State for his masters. He told me long ago that while he completely understood why Penn State joined the Big Ten, he thought they would never meet the expectations of the fanbase. Yes they would have success, and an occasional title, but they would have trouble competing year in and year out with Ohio State and Michigan. And yes, eventually Paterno would falter and retire, leaving the place a bit of a mess.
Furthermore, Penn State is REALLY isolated and insular. The same friend said it was the best years of his life, but he knew coming from the outside that he was in a bubble there. It really is a tough place coming from the outside.
Anyway, I would look at either Brent Key or Clark Lea. You would have to take both away from their alma maters in Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt, but they are solid coaches who have worked in outlier type environments.
Having been to the PSU campus (beautiful campus and cool college town) I agree with your take. Incredibily loyal alumni as for four years all they do is live, eat and breathe PSU.
I think they should fire up Google and throw at least $10 million/year at Curt Cignetti. A PA native, all the guy does is win.
I'd like to see Jay Paterno get the job
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 13, 2025, 08:18:18 AMHaving been to the PSU campus (beautiful campus and cool college town) I agree with your take. Incredibily loyal alumni as for four years all they do is live, eat and breathe PSU.
I think they should fire up Google and throw at least $10 million/year at Curt Cignetti. A PA native, all the guy does is win.
Yeah, but if I'm him, I have no idea why I would leave. He is a legend where he is now, making $8 million a year, and a vat of NIL money at his disposal.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 13, 2025, 08:21:19 AMYeah, but if I'm him, I have no idea why I would leave. He is a legend where he is now, making $8 million a year, and a vat of NIL money at his disposal.
you don't know unless you try.
Of course, they need to call Brad Stevens first.
With Cignetri's age and chip on his shoulder, stay at IU, wreak havoc and exact revenge.
You have to put in a call to Billy Donovan, don't you?
What if Bert thinks he's reached the ceiling at Illinois?
The fanbase would be pissed and its probably too much of a jump, but Bob Chesney isn't going to be at JMU much longer.
The Athletic says Matt Rhule is the #1 candidate for the Penn State opening.
He played linebacker at Penn State in the 1990s and has always loved his alma mater. He also worked under Kraft at Temple, where Rhule went from two wins to 10 wins in three years. Then at Baylor, Rhule turned a one-win team into 11 wins and went to the NFL. Things didn't go well with the Carolina Panthers, but Rhule appears to be turning the corner at Nebraska too, as he's 5-1 in his third season. Rhule and Kraft still vacation together. He's the top name to watch for many obvious reasons.
They also mention Cignetti, Kelly, Iowa State's Campbell, Kiffin, Mizzou's Drinkwitz, SMU's Lashlee, Tulane's Sumrall, Duke's Diaz, Minnesota's Fleck, Syracuse's Brown, Kansas' Leipold and TAMU's Elko. That's a lot of mentions!
I forgot that Rhule played there...
That makes a lot of sense. Someone who knows the place and all its quirks, but who has also been a lot of places where he can see how it works.
Hopefully he won't get dragged into the great Joe Pa bronze statue debate.
Quote from: MU82 on October 13, 2025, 10:50:01 AMYou have to put in a call to Billy Donovan, don't you?
Also, it feels like Buzz has been at Maryland forever for him; you have to ask, right?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 13, 2025, 01:20:45 PMAlso, it feels like Buzz has been at Maryland forever for him; you have to ask, right?
Buzz will be at Maryland for as long as they'll have him.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 13, 2025, 01:32:32 PMBuzz will be at Maryland for as long as they'll have him.
Like Dwight Schrute, Buzz values loyalty. If there's a place that values his loyalty more than anywhere else, he will be there.
Quote from: cheebs09 on October 13, 2025, 02:15:26 PMLike Dwight Schrute, Buzz values loyalty. If there's a place that values his loyalty more than anywhere else, he will be there.
"Get busy leaving, or get busy dying."
In The Athletic's "hot seat" check, here's what they said about Fickell:
Things have gotten much worse in Madison. After winning the first two games against Group of 5 opponents, the Badgers have lost four in a row to Alabama, Maryland, Michigan and Iowa by at least two touchdowns. Iowa brutalized the Badgers 37-0 at Camp Randall Stadium after Fickell played the revenge card following last year's blowout loss against the Hawkeyes. It was their first home shutout loss in 45 years.
After the game, Fickell said, "That's as low as it can be. I apologize," adding that he was "dumbfounded." The Badgers have been outscored 74-7 in the first halves of the past four games. Fickell, who did an excellent job at Cincinnati, is 15-17 at a program where Paul Chryst was fired after going 67-26 overall and 43-18 in the Big Ten. And it's likely to get uglier. Wisconsin's next two games are vs. No. 1 Ohio State and then at No. 8 Oregon. They also visit No. 3 Indiana. The combined record of the Badgers' remaining six opponents is 31-6. His buyout is around $28 million. That's a lot, but it's hard to see Wisconsin giving him much more time.
Temperature check: White hot
I have zero sadness about Badger football falling on his face, but its probably a very accurate and concerning parallel for Penn State's current situation, assuming they don't knock the next hire out of the park. Chryst wasn't gonna win at Natty or reliably knock off the best of the B10 East, but that was likely more on Wisconsin's limitations as a program than the coach. So they moved on and it got much worse.
Meanwhile, Franklin was much more successful and had a higher ceiling, but Penn St thought they needed more.
As I said before, Wisconsin has to figure out what to do with McIntosh first. I don't think anyone trusts him to do the next hire.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 14, 2025, 10:34:34 AMAs I said before, Wisconsin has to figure out what to do with McIntosh first. I don't think anyone trusts him to do the next hire.
Would have to imagine he's gone given that Fickell was his move. It will be a miracle if the Badgers win four games.
It comes down to a few things. Can UW afford both payouts? Can they afford NOT to pay them out? Does the Chancellor want Mac gone? Are donors putting pressure on her?
It isn't an exaggeration that UW athletics right now is at their greatest inflection point since Donna Shalala fired Ade Sponberg and hired Pat Richter back in 1989.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 14, 2025, 10:58:34 AMIt comes down to a few things. Can UW afford both payouts? Can they afford NOT to pay them out? Does the Chancellor want Mac gone? Are donors putting pressure on her?
It isn't an exaggeration that UW athletics right now is at their greatest inflection point since Donna Shalala fired Ade Sponberg and hired Pat Richter back in 1989.
They just don't have the money! Wanking motion
1) Every program should take a long look at Lance Leipold, including Penn State
2) Fickell was a homerun hire, no one was complaining when he was brought in. You can certainly question his offense but at the press conference Badger Nation thought McIntosh got the guy. What needs to be determined is why he failed? Something tells me the athletic department has more holes then they want to admit. They have been known to be cheap with assistant pay --- where does the rest of the program rank with regards to recruiting, recruit experience, facilities, culture, routines, the NIL collective etc. I am of the opinion it is not just Fickell to blame.
Horrible luck with QB injuries didn't help him. The Longo hire in hindsight was also terrible.
Quote from: The Lens on October 14, 2025, 12:40:00 PM1) Every program should take a long look at Lance Leipold, including Penn State
2) Fickell was a homerun hire, no one was complaining when he was brought in. You can certainly question his offense but at the press conference Badger Nation thought McIntosh got the guy. What needs to be determined is why he failed? Something tells me the athletic department has more holes then they want to admit. They have been known to be cheap with assistant pay --- where does the rest of the program rank with regards to recruiting, recruit experience, facilities, culture, routines, the NIL collective etc. I am of the opinion it is not just Fickell to blame.
1. I think Leipold has topped out at Kansas. The last couple seasons have been pretty mediocre. I know it's Kansas, but schools like Penn State are going to want a better track record than that.
2. They are cheap with assistant pay and their NIL is way lower than it should be.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on October 14, 2025, 12:46:04 PMHorrible luck with QB injuries didn't help him. The Longo hire in hindsight was also terrible.
It was a terrible hire at the time. The air raid was never going to work at Wisconsin. Wisconsin built its program on winning in the trenches. The offensive line required to run the air raid is a completely different type of lineman. Instead of road graders, you needed lighter on your feet and agile o-linemen. It's a subtle difference but one that meant an overhaul of the type of linemen you had on campus. That's 2-3 years to flip your recruiting to get old on the line. You can use the portal but even that has limited options for that type of offense.
Secondly, the state of Wisconsin is not developing those type of linemen at the high school level. Wisconsin sealed the state largely and kept their best linemen home. Those type of linemen no longer fit the Badgers offense. It was the decision that set this whole debacle in motion.
Modernizing the offense was fine in the sense what you needed was a legit dual threat QB, something Wisconsin just could never recruit. A threat at QB to run with the backs they annually had and that line would have modernized the offense. I'm not talking Kyler Murray here but someone with at least a whiff of running capability.
Include in that finding receivers with NFL potential. Wisconsin annually had dudes that fit the bill going back to Barry. Chryst whiffed there. A lot of the modernizing complaints dry up if you recruit some good wideouts.
Fickell was doomed the day he hired Longo and if McIntosh knew this was the plan, it's so blindingly stupid, I wouldn't let him anywhere near the next hire.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 14, 2025, 01:01:40 PM1. I think Leipold has topped out at Kansas. The last couple seasons have been pretty mediocre. I know it's Kansas, but schools like Penn State are going to want a better track record than that.
He's a very good coach, but I agree. And he's on the wrong side of 60 to not be an his apex. Cignetti was in his early 60s as well when he got hired at Indiana, but he was white hot at JMU.
I think Leipold got screwed a bit by Jalon Daniels, but his recruiting also hasn't been good enough.
Then again, Wisconsin could do way worse if he wanted to come back to the state.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on October 14, 2025, 12:46:04 PMHorrible luck with QB injuries didn't help him. The Longo hire in hindsight was also terrible.
Horrible ability to recruit more than one quarterback or develop a capable backup didn't help him either.
Fickell won pre-NIL with great assistants (Marcus Freeman among others), a weak conference schedule, a very good QB (Desmond Ridder) and Sauce Gardner on D.
He has none of those with him at Bucky, including NIL money apparently.
Quote from: The Lens on October 14, 2025, 12:40:00 PM1) Every program should take a long look at Lance Leipold, including Penn State
2) Fickell was a homerun hire, no one was complaining when he was brought in. You can certainly question his offense but at the press conference Badger Nation thought McIntosh got the guy. What needs to be determined is why he failed? Something tells me the athletic department has more holes then they want to admit. They have been known to be cheap with assistant pay --- where does the rest of the program rank with regards to recruiting, recruit experience, facilities, culture, routines, the NIL collective etc. I am of the opinion it is not just Fickell to blame.
100% and that is on the AD.
cross Cignetti off PSU's list. It's a good thing IU laid off all of those athletic staffers:
https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1978919517087764486
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 16, 2025, 03:31:47 PMcross Cignetti off PSU's list. It's a good thing IU laid off all of those athletic staffers:
https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/1978919517087764486
Zero chance they come to regret this.
Signed,
Texas A&M
Michigan State
(He is a good coach, but I'd be surprised if the current run of success is sustainable. That's a big pay day for a guy who's beaten two ranked teams ever, one of which is no longer ranked.)
Google him.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 16, 2025, 03:44:47 PMZero chance they come to regret this.
Signed,
Texas A&M
Michigan State
(He is a good coach, but I'd be surprised if the current run of success is sustainable. That's a big pay day for a guy who's beaten two ranked teams ever, one of which is no longer ranked.)
It's Indiana. It's Indiana.
Mark Cuban made his first major donation to IU athletics and "bonded with Cignetti." My guess is all of the contract is being funded by Cuban.
https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/mark-cuban-told-cbs-sports-he-gave-big-number-donation-to-iu-athletics/
Why not if you're Cuban? And if you're Indiana and Cuban is funding it, even more why not?
Quote from: Pakuni on October 16, 2025, 03:44:47 PMZero chance they come to regret this.
Signed,
Texas A&M
Michigan State
(He is a good coach, but I'd be surprised if the current run of success is sustainable. That's a big pay day for a guy who's beaten two ranked teams ever, one of which is no longer ranked.)
No idea if it's sustainable, but I'm nearly certain than he's a far better coach than those other two guys.
The fainting couches needed in Madison after seeing this contract is unsustainable
Quote from: wadesworld on October 16, 2025, 04:28:12 PMWhy not if you're Cuban? And if you're Indiana and Cuban is funding it, even more why not?
$90 million or whatever the amount is to Cuban (worth $6 billion), like what, $10,000 is to the average worker? Chump change.
Quote from: BM1090 on October 16, 2025, 04:39:15 PMNo idea if it's sustainable, but I'm nearly certain than he's a far better coach than those other two guys.
Jimbo's got a national title as a head coach and two more as an offensive coordinator. And another playoff appearance as a HC.
But Cignetti won a road game at Oregon and beat up on an overrated Illinois team, so crown him.
Again, I do think Cignetti is a good coach ... but saying he's "far better" than a guy who's won national titles seems a tad premature.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 16, 2025, 05:09:06 PMJimbo's got a national title as a head coach and two more as an offensive coordinator.
But Cignetti won a road game at Oregon and beat up on an overrated Illinois team, so crown him.
Again, I do think Cignetti is a good coach ... but saying he's "far better" than a guy who's won national titles seems a tad premature.
I'm with you. But at the same time, this is the world of college athletics now.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 16, 2025, 05:10:18 PMI'm with you. But at the same time, this is the world of college athletics now.
It's just recency bias.
Things ended badly for Jimbo at A&M, so he's a bad coach. Cignetti just beat a top 10 opponent on the road, so he's the belle of the ball.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 16, 2025, 05:09:06 PMJimbo's got a national title as a head coach and two more as an offensive coordinator.
But Cignetti won a road game at Oregon and beat up on an overrated Illinois team, so crown him.
Again, I do think Cignetti is a good coach ... but saying he's "far better" than a guy who's won national titles seems a tad premature.
Yes he does. But he did both at schools that have historically had a lot of success and resources. Cignetti is 17-2 and both losses were on the road to top 5 teams. The team he took over was 9-27 in the three seasons before he got there.
Time will tell who is more successful, but from a strictly football perspective Cignetti is more impressive IMO
Quote from: Pakuni on October 16, 2025, 05:16:56 PMIt's just recency bias.
Things ended badly for Jimbo at A&M, so he's a bad coach. Cignetti just beat a top 10 opponent on the road, so he's the belle of the ball.
Fickell had Cincinatti in the CFP and now he is going to get fired from his new job five years later.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 16, 2025, 05:02:48 PM$90 million or whatever the amount is to Cuban (worth $6 billion), like what, $10,000 is to the average worker? Chump change.
More like a nickel. The vast majority of Americans would feel a $10K loss more than Cuban would feel a $90M loss.
Quote from: BM1090 on October 16, 2025, 05:17:16 PMYes he does. But he did both at schools that have historically had a lot of success and resources. Cignetti is 17-2 and both losses were on the road to top 5 teams. The team he took over was 9-27 in the three seasons before he got there.
Time will tell who is more successful, but from a strictly football perspective Cignetti is more impressive IMO
Cignetti has been fantastic for Indiana. All credit to him. Just wild to me that a guy who's won nothing is the third-highest paid coach in college football.
As impressive as 17-2 is, it's mostly over mediocire to bad teams. The Illinois win was impressive, and that's a good team, but definitely not the top 10 team. @ Oregon a good win also, but it's worth pointing out that the Ducks' best win this year was squeaking past a team that has since lost to UCLA and Northwestern, and fired its coach.
Speaking of Oregon, holy sh-t do they have a soft schedule.
Quote from: BM1090 on October 16, 2025, 05:17:16 PMYes he does. But he did both at schools that have historically had a lot of success and resources. Cignetti is 17-2 and both losses were on the road to top 5 teams. The team he took over was 9-27 in the three seasons before he got there.
Time will tell who is more successful, but from a strictly football perspective Cignetti is more impressive IMO
I think Cignetti is a very good coach. I think he's an example of why more schools should hire more guys who won a ton at smaller levels (Willie Fritz at Houston is another example of a guy who has won everywhere like Cignetti).
That being said, Cignetti has 1 good win in 20 games at IU. 7 of their 8 wins in the B10 last year were against bottom half of the conference teams. They played an FCS team and 2 low majors in the non conference and then got absolutely obliterated by the first good team they played in Columbus. Then they were thoroughly handled by ND, they were never in that game. This year, the Oregon game is the best win in the country so far, no doubt, but the Illinois win will not age well. That won't be a top 20 win by the end of the season.
Jimbo Fisher inherited a program that was withering on the vine under Bowden. They had finished .500 in the ACC over the previous 5 seasons. Fisher turned them around immediately and won a bunch of important games early on.
Cignette is winning at Indiana. Soft schedule or not, It's Indiana, It's Indiana.
Quote from: wadesworld on October 16, 2025, 09:43:46 PMCignette is winning at Indiana. Soft schedule or not, It's Indiana, It's Indiana.
The soft schedule absolutely matters. Nobody here thinks PJ Fleck is the second coming or with $10MM+ a year, but he put up multiple 9 win, and an 11 win, seasons at a non B10 power with puffy non conference and avoiding the best teams in the B10 in certain years. And that was before the conference expanded and the bottom got bigger and weaker.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 17, 2025, 11:01:23 AMThe soft schedule absolutely matters. Nobody here thinks PJ Fleck is the second coming or with $10MM+ a year, but he put up multiple 9 win, and an 11 win, seasons at a non B10 power with puffy non conference and avoiding the best teams in the B10 in certain years. And that was before the conference expanded and the bottom got bigger and weaker.
I don't like this comparison. Fleck every year had games that kind of showed it was never going to be sustainable. Indiana is running through everyone except top 5 teams on the road. In year 2, with a talent disparity.
I think you're right the soft schedule matters, but the contract feels like a no brainer for a school that has made 5 bowl games since 1993
Last year IU lost to the two ranked teams it faced. This year they have beat both of them (Illinois and Oregon). That Oregon win was legit.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 17, 2025, 12:22:11 PMLast year IU lost to the two ranked teams it faced. This year they have beat both of them (Illinois and Oregon). That Oregon win was legit.
Agreed, and IMO, how they beat Illinois was very impressive.
When I look at the other deals for coaches coupled with the Big10 revenues, IU did just fine.
The other issue is that the athletic director who signs these contracts looks like a hero. And oftentimes moves on for his/her successor to clean up. Sandy Barbour gave James Franklin the extension, she retires in 2022 to great fanfare, and now a guy named Patrick Kraft has to fix it.
Quote from: BM1090 on October 17, 2025, 12:12:24 PMI don't like this comparison. Fleck every year had games that kind of showed it was never going to be sustainable. Indiana is running through everyone except top 5 teams on the road. In year 2, with a talent disparity.
I think you're right the soft schedule matters, but the contract feels like a no brainer for a school that has made 5 bowl games since 1993
Setting aside the Oregon win (which Ive repeatedly said was a fantastic win), where is the "talent disparity"? Its the NIL era, so its not like he's stuck with a clump of mediocre players from the Allen era. He brought in a very solid QB from Cal in Mendoza who threw for 3000 yards and very few picks despite playing on a mediocre team. Hemby was a really good RB at Maryland who had 1000 all purpose yards a couple years in a row before taking his 5th year. And they have an All-B10 WR plus another who was a 4 star from Indy recruited by a bunch of SEC teams.
They aren't stacked like OSU or Penn St, but they aren't behind in talent compared to the mid level B10 teams they are smacking around. Illinois was just absurdly overrated, not sure what they did to merit that top 10 ranking at the time, and its not like they were overflowing with talent compared to IU.
Quote from: wadesworld on October 16, 2025, 09:43:46 PMCignette is winning at Indiana. Soft schedule or not, It's Indiana, It's Indiana.
Yes, maybe this will be his swan song.
Who says no to a Holiday Bowl in Saudi Arabia?
https://bsky.app/profile/foiaball.com/post/3m3g5andixs2y
Wouldn't be a Mario Cristobal team without at least one inexplicable loss to an unranked opponent.
Carson Beck ... over-rated.
Big day for our boys in Madison. Great opportunity to turn the season around
Fan appreciation for college coaches is a Fickell mistress.
The Fickell finger of fate has turned against the Badgers.
The Badger faithful find themselves in quite a Fickell.
Should I go all-in on Ohio St and make a large deposit in the MU NIL fund? I don't gamble but it's only 25.5??
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 18, 2025, 08:46:22 AMShould I go all-in on Ohio St and make a large deposit in the MU NIL fund? I don't gamble but it's only 25.5??
We're winning straight up. Put all your money on a Badger victory.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 18, 2025, 08:46:22 AMShould I go all-in on Ohio St and make a large deposit in the MU NIL fund? I don't gamble but it's only 25.5??
Absolutely. Take out a second mortgage and cash in that 401k. It's easy money.
Really enjoyable ending to Belichick's loss at Cal late last night. UNC actually rallied from a double-digit deficit and was about to take the lead ... but just as the UNC receiver was about to cross the goal line, he was hit and fumbled into the end zone, where Cal recovered for a touchback. Sweet!
Quote from: tower912 on October 18, 2025, 08:43:41 AMFan appreciation for college coaches is a Fickell mistress.
The Fickell finger of fate has turned against the Badgers.
The Badger faithful find themselves in quite a Fickell.
I go with "unnatural carnal knowledgeell sucks"
Quote from: BM1090 on October 17, 2025, 12:12:24 PMI don't like this comparison. Fleck every year had games that kind of showed it was never going to be sustainable. Indiana is running through everyone except top 5 teams on the road. In year 2, with a talent disparity.
I think you're right the soft schedule matters, but the contract feels like a no brainer for a school that has made 5 bowl games since 1993
Is there a talent disparity?
IU's quarterback is a Heisman favorite and projected top 5-10 pick in the draft. Several others (Sarratt, Ponds, Kamara) are projected day 2 picks.
Other than Oregon, who are they beating with a talent disparity?
Nice catch by the Whisky receiver there. Ohio St. needs to pick up the intensity.
Absurd pass interference call on Ohio St. You can't make calls gift calls for one team because they suck and have no chance of winning. This isn't everyone needs to get a trophy like 1st grade soccer.
He should have petitioned to get 7 pts. for each 1st down. They'd still lose, but it wouldn't look so bad.
Love where we have Ohio State at the moment
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 18, 2025, 04:19:49 PMLove where we have Ohio State at the moment
Damn straight! UW deliberately let OSU get a big lead just so they would get overconfident and then UW will score 5 straight TDs.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 18, 2025, 04:19:49 PMLove where we have Ohio State at the moment
They're not focused at all. Quite disappointing.
https://bsky.app/profile/oldtakesexposed.bsky.social/post/3m3isr7llh22g
Quote from: Pakuni on October 18, 2025, 12:11:55 PMIs there a talent disparity?
IU's quarterback is a Heisman favorite and projected top 5-10 pick in the draft. Several others (Sarratt, Ponds, Kamara) are projected day 2 picks.
Other than Oregon, who are they beating with a talent disparity?
I meant a talent disparity compared to the top 5 teams they lost to last year. They have rolled nearly every team that they weren't at a significant talent disadvantage against. Thats a sign of a coach that's going to thrive for a long time.
Quote from: MU82 on October 18, 2025, 10:42:37 AMAbsolutely. Take out a second mortgage and cash in that 401k. It's easy money.
Congrats, Muggsy!
Maybe the should move Jump Around to the end of the 1st Q?
Highly entertaining game between Georgia and Ole Miss. Kiffin's kidz were in control much of the game ... until they weren't. Stockton, Georgia's D and the crowd took over in the 4th quarter.
Athens sure looks like an awesome atmosphere for a college football game.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 18, 2025, 05:44:44 PMhttps://bsky.app/profile/oldtakesexposed.bsky.social/post/3m3isr7llh22g
Between this and in state recruits abandoning Madison in both sports he's probably having a rough time these days
What an idiotic play from USC.
After watching those SEC games yesterday, it is obvious that they won the conference expansion battle with the Big Ten. And the ratings are proving it. Deciding to add schools for the sake of getting the BTN onto local cable in New York and DC seemed like a logical idea at the time, but with people moving away from cable, it was a very short-sighted decision. Now the conference is stuck with Rutgers and Maryland who will never be much football wise. In addition, adding the LA schools was probably OK, but Oregon and Washington too?
In the end, the SEC stuck with adding great programs, with only one school being added that was just to make it an even number - Missouri. And even they aren't terrible my any means. Yes the Big Ten has won the last two national titles, but week in and week out, the SEC has the more compelling games.
From The Athletic:
Hot-seat Coach of the Week: Luke Fickell.
Last week, 37-0 against Iowa was Wisconsin's first home shutout loss since 1980. Yesterday's similar eradication by Ohio State was Wisconsin's first home shutout loss since, well, seven days prior. Sure, it's hard to score on the Buckeyes, but even the Ohio Bobcats did it. (And sure, it's hard to score on Iowa, but even Albany and UMass have done it.)
Last time Wisconsin was blanked in consecutive games: 1977. Last time the Badgers lost consecutive shutouts by a worse margin than these past two: 1968.
It took 90 seconds for Wisconsin fans to start the "Fire Fickell" chants, and then things got even worse for Fickell, 15-18 and on the verge of being the first Wisconsin coach with consecutive losing seasons since Barry Alvarez first began unearthing the program in the early '90s. Oh, and the Badgers' final five opponents include Oregon, Indiana and the top-40 defenses of Minnesota and Washington.
Results from the WIAC that certainly will help Marquette's cause:
UW-Oshkosh 28 UWEC 21
UW-Platteville 38 UW-La Crosse 21
UW-River Falls 52 UWSP 7
UW-Whitewater 34 UW-Stout 2
Quote from: The Sultan on October 19, 2025, 08:22:33 AMAfter watching those SEC games yesterday, it is obvious that they won the conference expansion battle with the Big Ten. And the ratings are proving it. Deciding to add schools for the sake of getting the BTN onto local cable in New York and DC seemed like a logical idea at the time, but with people moving away from cable, it was a very short-sighted decision. Now the conference is stuck with Rutgers and Maryland who will never be much football wise. In addition, adding the LA schools was probably OK, but Oregon and Washington too?
In the end, the SEC stuck with adding great programs, with only one school being added that was just to make it an even number - Missouri. And even they aren't terrible my any means. Yes the Big Ten has won the last two national titles, but week in and week out, the SEC has the more compelling games.
The B18 top to bottom is nowhere near the SEC, but have they ever been? Even if they might have 3/5 ranked teams the rest of that league, led by Wisconsin, is horrid. I'm also not really sure how good IU or Oregon are compared to the top SEC teams.
Big 18 Recap:
Michigan 24 Washington 7 - Huskies travel to Ann Arbor for a noon start. Check cleared.
Notre Dame 34 USC 24 - Lincoln Riley better learn Big XII also-ran language for his next gig
Iowa 25 Penn State 24 - Battle for the Gator Bowl goes to Iowa
Oregon 56 Rutgers 10 - Meathead 2.0 Era in Piscataway just about wrapping up
Minnesota 24 Nebraska 6 - Matt Rhule looks ready for Happy Valley
Indiana 38 Michigan State 13 - Jonathan Smith polishing his resume which is better than what Mel Tucker usually was polishing in East Lansing
UCLA 20 Maryland 17 - Maryland's annual free fall going along swimmingly. Deshaun Foster, woof
Northwestern 19 Purdue 0 - Christ, who watched this trash?
Ohio State 34 Wisconsin 0 - Tough week for our boys but at least they'll be doctors and lawyers in a few years
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 19, 2025, 09:02:36 AMThe B18 top to bottom is nowhere near the SEC, but have they ever been? Even if they might have 3/5 ranked teams the rest of that league, led by Wisconsin, is horrid. I'm also not really sure how good IU or Oregon are compared to the top SEC teams.
Who in the SEC is currently better than Indiana?
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:04:31 AMWho in the SEC is currently better than Indiana?
I honestly don't know. Maybe IU is that good but I have my doubts. I hope they do well because it's a better story....notwithstanding the B18.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:04:06 AMMinnesota 24 Nebraska 6 - Matt Rhule looks ready for Happy Valley
Yeah, how about that? Quite a nice result for his resume.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 19, 2025, 09:08:18 AMI honestly don't know. Maybe IU is that good but I have my doubts. I hope they do well because it's a better story....notwithstanding the B18.
Indiana would be favored over every SEC team on a neutral field
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:04:31 AMWho in the SEC is currently better than Indiana?
Bama. Simpson is the Heisman frontrunner at this time.
Im not sure about Georgia and their defense so I'll but them behind IU.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:15:00 AMIndiana would be favored over every SEC team on a neutral field
Okay. I hope you're correct.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:15:00 AMIndiana would be favored over every SEC team on a neutral field
Current national championship odds suggest otherwise.
Ohio State +250
Alabama +650
Indiana +800
Quote from: Pakuni on October 19, 2025, 09:47:25 AMCurrent national championship odds suggest otherwise.
Ohio State +250
Alabama +650
Indiana +800
I'd take those odds. Don't buy Alabama at all, though Simpson is the real deal.
S+P has Indiana well ahead of Alabama, further ahead of them than they're behind Ohio State.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:51:15 AMI'd take those odds. Don't buy Alabama at all, though Simpson is the real deal.
S+P has Indiana well ahead of Alabama, further ahead of them than they're behind Ohio State.
Alabama has as many wins against ranked opponents this season as the following teams COMBINED:
-Tennessee
-Ole Miss
-Texas
-LSU
-Auburn
-Mizzou
-Arkansas
-Kentucky
-South Carolina
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 09:51:15 AMI'd take those odds. Don't buy Alabama at all, though Simpson is the real deal.
S+P has Indiana well ahead of Alabama, further ahead of them than they're behind Ohio State.
S+P also has Texas as the 11th best team in the country and Utah six spots ahead of a BYU team that beat them last night.
And it believes Oklahoma (best win is at home over currently unranked Michigan) is the cream of the SEC.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 19, 2025, 10:10:05 AMS+P also has Texas as the 11th best team in the country and Utah six spots ahead of a BYU team that beat them last night.
And it believes Oklahoma (best win is at home over currently unranked Michigan) is the cream of the SEC.
I'm sticking with S+P
I think Georgia would beat Indiana pretty soundly.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on October 19, 2025, 09:58:41 AMAhem
I haven't seen TAMU play once this season, so I do not have an opinion on them. Going into ND and winning is a great win but giving up 42 points to Arkansas is a red flag. They have the meat of their schedule coming up, we'll know more about them in the next two weeks.
Thanks to the Big Ten expansion, Indiana has faced the meat of their schedule. The rest of their conference schedule is weaker than a Georgetown non-conference schedule.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 08:54:27 AMResults from the WIAC that certainly will help Marquette's cause:
UW-Oshkosh 28 UWEC 21
UW-Platteville 38 UW-La Crosse 21
UW-River Falls 52 UWSP 7
UW-Whitewater 34 UW-Stout 2
Whitewater game a scorigami???
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 10:22:13 AMI'm sticking with S+P
Hopefully not for gambling.
SP+ vs ATS in FBS games this weekend was 11-19.
Random philosophical question. Two point conversion nearly always involve some sort of roll out option for the QB. Why would you ever choose to place the ball on the hashmark on the side the QB is rolling to? Why would you not place it on the opposite hashmark, giving maximum space for the offense and maximum space for the defense to cover?
Yes, I saw this again yesterday at the game I attended.
Quote from: tower912 on October 19, 2025, 01:03:45 PMRandom philosophical question. Two point conversion nearly always involve some sort of roll out option for the QB. Why would you ever choose to place the ball on the hashmark on the side the QB is rolling to? Why would you not place it on the opposite hashmark, giving maximum space for the offense and maximum space for the defense to cover?
Yes, I saw this again yesterday at the game I attended.
I asked a friend who was an FBS football coach (not HC) that question, as I have wondered the same. His answer was that running short side allows the offense to block more effectively. The "space" on the wide side (according to him) gives the defense a greater opportunity to have a player free and stretch out the play, making the offensive player run horizontally. I don't agree but that was his answer.
Either way, on a fourth and short or two-point conversion, I've always thought a play action handoff and roll out, especially with a mobile QB, is more likely to succeed than a run into the line.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 19, 2025, 12:56:34 PMHopefully not for gambling.
SP+ vs ATS in FBS games this weekend was 11-19.
I'm an evangelical Christian, so I only gamble with my kids college fund
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 19, 2025, 01:18:26 PMEither way, on a fourth and short or two-point conversion, I've always thought a play action handoff and roll out, especially with a mobile QB, is more likely to succeed than a run into the line.
Unless you're out of timeouts with 8 seconds left in the half, in which case the defense is keyed in on the play action rollout pass, picks it off and returns it for a 98-yard touchdown.
Looking at you, Josh Heupel.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 19, 2025, 01:44:35 PMUnless you're out of timeouts with 8 seconds left in the half, in which case the defense is keyed in on the play action rollout pass, picks it off and returns it for a 98-yard touchdown.
Looking at you, Josh Heupel.
He didn't roll out, though; he just lofted it up from the pocket. Had he rolled out, the defender would have likely made a move off the receiver and toward Aguilar.
Billy Napier out.
Rumors out of Madison are Chris McIntosh met with the team last week and told them Luke Fickell will be back in 2026. Supposedly, more money will be allotted to the coaching staff and NIL for players
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 19, 2025, 01:53:19 PMHe didn't roll out, though; he just lofted it up from the pocket. Had he rolled out, the defender would have likely made a move off the receiver and toward Aguilar.
Correct on the lack of roll, but disagree on the defender having to move off the receiver. If you watch the reply, there's a Bama linebacker (#42) spying Aguilar and a second defender (#96) unblocked between Aguilar and the goaline. Either would have had a clear path to make the tackle.
Now maybe the corner gets undisciplined there and leaves his man, but the defense played it about as well as you can. Probably because it was obvious that Tennessee wasn't going to run in that situation.
https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/1979721645137986020
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 02:04:10 PMBilly Napier out.
Rumors out of Madison are Chris McIntosh met with the team last week and told them Luke Fickell will be back in 2026. Supposedly, more money will be allotted to the coaching staff and NIL for players
If true, holy continued crap show.
Quote from: PointWarrior on October 19, 2025, 02:28:46 PMIf true, holy continued crap show.
I think he needs another few years. In favor it, actually.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 19, 2025, 02:34:27 PMI think he needs another few years. In favor it, actually.
Five years to judge.
TM
Fickell is fine. The fair weather UW-directional fans are just being unreasonable and need to have some patience and get some perspective. They have a chance to be competing for bowl eligibility again within the next 2 years. Alvarez was completely right. Those fans have been spoiled for the last 30 years.
Quote from: PointWarrior on October 19, 2025, 02:28:46 PMIf true, holy continued crap show.
McIntosh is gone when they fire Fickell anyway, so don't read too much into it.
Montie Quinn of Division III Curry College rushed for an NCAA-record 522 yards in Saturday's 71-27 win over Nichols College.
Quinn's day included TD runs of 85, 84, 76, 64, 58, 30 and 2 yards.
And he could have hit 600+ yards - he was pulled from the game with more than 9 minutes to play.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on October 19, 2025, 11:43:10 AMThanks to the Big Ten expansion, Indiana has faced the meat of their schedule. The rest of their conference schedule is weaker than a Georgetown non-conference schedule.
Actually, so has OSU - although the Michigan game always looms large. I happened to notice these two remaining schedules this morning when wondering whether these two would end up with the best records and face each other in the B10 Championship game. Here are the remaining schedules for both:
Indiana- UCLA (3-1)
- @ Maryland (1-3)
- @Penn State (0-4)
- Wisconsin (0-4)
- @Purdue (0-4)
Ohio State
- Penn State (0-4)
- @Purdue (0-4)
- UCLA (3-1)
- Rutgers (0-4)
- @Michigan (3-1)
Ten games against opponents that are a combined 10-30.
Hate to agree with Florio but...
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rampant-buyouts-debunk-the-sky-is-falling-college-football-narrative
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 20, 2025, 11:59:42 AMHate to agree with Florio but...
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rampant-buyouts-debunk-the-sky-is-falling-college-football-narrative
Yup. NIL and the portal have increased parity in college football.
Quote from: MU82 on October 20, 2025, 12:20:53 PMYup. NIL and the portal have increased parity in college football.
While I think that there should be some guide rails on transfers and player compensation, the biggest issue is the disparity in revenues and the related resources in football and basketball. The easiest and, IMO, best solution is to separate the truly professional programs from the "college" programs. The data seems to support that fans care about the product regardless of the professional aspect, so why not go all in and create a system outside the NCAA and academia that focuses on the actual product people want and compensation that players deserve?
To that end, the NFL has provided the gold standard of blue prints.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 20, 2025, 12:50:56 PMWhile I think that there should be some guide rails on transfers and player compensation, the biggest issue is the disparity in revenues and the related resources in football and basketball. The easiest and, IMO, best solution is to separate the truly professional programs from the "college" programs. The data seems to support that fans care about the product regardless of the professional aspect, so why not go all in and create a system outside the NCAA and academia that focuses on the actual product people want and compensation that players deserve?
To that end, the NFL has provided the gold standard of blue prints.
I don't see such a separation scenario happening anytime in the foreseeable future, but who knows?
"Guardrails" should come through collective bargaining. Until then, athletes should have the same unlimited freedom-of-movement and right-to-earn situations as is the case with all other college students.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 20, 2025, 12:50:56 PMWhile I think that there should be some guide rails on transfers and player compensation, the biggest issue is the disparity in revenues and the related resources in football and basketball. The easiest and, IMO, best solution is to separate the truly professional programs from the "college" programs. The data seems to support that fans care about the product regardless of the professional aspect, so why not go all in and create a system outside the NCAA and academia that focuses on the actual product people want and compensation that players deserve?
To that end, the NFL has provided the gold standard of blue prints.
Because once you remove the connection to schools it just becomes another minor league football/basketball league. Maybe they are successful, or maybe they flop as all minor leagues do. Why take that risk when theres no significant downside to attaching it to schools?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 20, 2025, 12:50:56 PMWhile I think that there should be some guide rails on transfers and player compensation, the biggest issue is the disparity in revenues and the related resources in football and basketball. The easiest and, IMO, best solution is to separate the truly professional programs from the "college" programs. The data seems to support that fans care about the product regardless of the professional aspect, so why not go all in and create a system outside the NCAA and academia that focuses on the actual product people want and compensation that players deserve?
To that end, the NFL has provided the gold standard of blue prints.
Or just keep it the way it is because it works just fine.
https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-merger-you-never-knew-you-wanted/
https://freakonomics.com/podcast/should-ohio-state-and-michigan-and-clemson-join-the-n-f-l/
Quote from: MU82 on October 20, 2025, 01:11:42 PMI don't see such a separation scenario happening anytime in the foreseeable future, but who knows?
"Guardrails" should come through collective bargaining. Until then, athletes should have the same unlimited freedom-of-movement and right-to-earn situations as is the case with all other college students.
I agree with the collective bargaining. It would be essential to getting the institutions to understand their product is paramount in the competition for dollars, and not the competition with fellow schools or conferences.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on October 20, 2025, 02:18:35 PMBecause once you remove the connection to schools it just becomes another minor league football/basketball league. Maybe they are successful, or maybe they flop as all minor leagues do. Why take that risk when theres no significant downside to attaching it to schools?
I'm not saying completely divorce from the schools. The schools would be the owner, or primary owner of the teams. The same free market consideration the players and coaches get would be extended to the schools should they wish to bring in additional capital.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 20, 2025, 03:09:52 PMOr just keep it the way it is because it works just fine.
That's reasonable but I don't think it is a majority opinion of the D1 schools in the wake of the NCAA settlement. Or, I should say, that is the impression I get.
From the drive by press I hear:
+ women's sports are suffering
+ non-revenue men's are also
+ "many" schools are finding it a challenge to fund the settlement
+ schools and coaches are complaining that the balance of power is being further tilted in the P4 favor
+ schools are complaining that the conference distributions within conferences are unfair
But this maybe the normal for college sports forever and I'm paying a little more attention now.
McIntosh sent out a letter to season ticket holders and students today that went over as well as a Willie Warrior game thread post
How many and what types of genitalia and orifices were mentioned?
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on October 20, 2025, 05:58:50 PMHow many and what types of genitalia and orifices were mentioned?
Puke Dickell
Oregon is a 33.5-point favorite over the Weasels.
FIU gets HAMMERED tonight by Kennesaw State who has been an FBS school for only a year.
Fun time to remember that they fired Mario Cristobal when he was one of the hottest young coaches after a down year. This was after he took over a program less than 5 years old coming off a 0-12 season and NCAA sanctions and won a conference title within 4 years and had 2 fantastic years by mid major standards.
Meanwhile, while very much an imperfect coach, won 2 PAC 12 titles at Oregon and now has Miami as a top 5/10 team for the first time in literally 20 years. FIU on the other hand has 2 winning seasons in the 15 years since firing him after trying a bunch of retreads from Ron Turner to Butch Davis to Mike McIntyre.
HOWEVA, their stadium is name sponsored by Pitbull, yes Mr Worldwide pays $1.2MM a year to have FIU play at Pitbull Stadium. Thats amazing
From The Athletic:
AUBURN, Ala. — On a football Saturday, the tailgate scene around Jordan-Hare Stadium spans more than a mile in each direction. Food and drink spreads. Televisions showing other games. Revelry and fellowship. A lot goes into these gamedays, because there aren't many of them: Six, maybe seven a year at Auburn and most power-conference schools.
So when Auburn announced recently that it was moving one of those precious home games next year — and a good one, against Baylor — to Atlanta, there was an outcry. It was a unique deal, aimed at bringing name, image and likeness dollars to help Auburn procure better players. But Auburn's mayor protested at the loss of city revenue. A local media member estimated 90 percent of the fan feedback was negative.
David Hightower, sitting in his Auburn tailgate tent before the Georgia game, took a more even-keel approach, saying he thought fans would ultimately go along with it if it makes their team better.
Then he added: "If it makes the team better."
Therein lies the key, and why Auburn made the deal, in which the Peach Bowl committee agreed to directly pay Auburn players in exchange for their marketing of the game. Neither Auburn nor the Peach Bowl has divulged what promised guarantees may exist, but a source briefed on the deal said Auburn players could receive at least $4 million, and more if it's a sellout.
"It's not a decision we took lightly. I know it affects a lot of people," Auburn athletic director John Cohen said. "But I also know recruiting is the lifeblood of any institution, the most important factor in recruiting right now is what type of compensation are student-athletes going to get. I'm not going to run from that, hide from that, sugarcoat it. That's a critically important factor in 2025."
The players will do marketing and promotion for the game. David Epps, the chief operating officer of the Peach Bowl, cautioned that guaranteed money is hard to say because the activities have to be cleared by the NIL Go clearinghouse.
"But essentially, yeah, we're going to use their student-athletes to help us market and promote the Aflac kickoff game and ticket sales and fan activity so we can generate some excitement, enthusiasm around the match-up next year," Epps said.
Quote from: MU82 on October 21, 2025, 08:18:08 PMOregon is a 33.5-point favorite over the Weasels.
Oregon have a bunch of injuries?
Quote from: Jockey on October 22, 2025, 04:23:38 PMOregon have a bunch of injuries?
Yeah Woke mind virus
Quote from: MU82 on October 22, 2025, 10:46:43 AMFrom The Athletic:
Therein lies the key, and why Auburn made the deal, in which the Peach Bowl committee agreed to directly pay Auburn players in exchange for their marketing of the game. Neither Auburn nor the Peach Bowl has divulged what promised guarantees may exist, but a source briefed on the deal said Auburn players could receive at least $4 million, and more if it's a sellout.
"It's not a decision we took lightly. I know it affects a lot of people," Auburn athletic director John Cohen said. "But I also know recruiting is the lifeblood of any institution, the most important factor in recruiting right now is what type of compensation are student-athletes going to get. I'm not going to run from that, hide from that, sugarcoat it. That's a critically important factor in 2025."
The players will do marketing and promotion for the game. David Epps, the chief operating officer of the Peach Bowl, cautioned that guaranteed money is hard to say because the activities have to be cleared by the NIL Go clearinghouse.
"But essentially, yeah, we're going to use their student-athletes to help us market and promote the Aflac kickoff game and ticket sales and fan activity so we can generate some excitement, enthusiasm around the match-up next year," Epps said.
How can it make financial sense for the Peach Bowl to pay $4M to the players for a single game?
Quote from: Litehouse on October 23, 2025, 04:42:58 PMHow can it make financial sense for the Peach Bowl to pay $4M to the players for a single game?
ESPN pays nearly $1.3 billion a year to broadcast the 11 CFB playoff games, about $118 million per game, of which the Peach Bowl is one.
Average ticket sale price (before secondary market) for last year's Peach Bowl was $315. Attendance was 71,105. That's another $22.4 million revenue. Add a cut of parking, concessions, sponsorships, and $8 million for the labor seems awfully cheap. Obviously there are massive costs associated with putting on that game, but I'm guessing that $8 million isn't going to break the bank.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 23, 2025, 05:17:55 PMESPN pays nearly $1.3 billion a year to broadcast the 11 CFB playoff games, about $118 million per game, of which the Peach Bowl is one.
Average ticket sale price (before secondary market) for last year's Peach Bowl was $315. Attendance was 71,105. That's another $22.4 million revenue. Add a cut of parking, concessions, sponsorships, and $8 million for the labor seems awfully cheap. Obviously there are massive costs associated with putting on that game, but I'm guessing that $8 million isn't going to break the bank.
But it's not the actual Peach Bowl, it's just Baylor at Auburn for an early September non-conference game that the Peach Bowl organizers are paying to move to Atlanta. Maybe Auburn would normally get the $4M and they're just using this opportunity to pass the money straight to the players.
https://bsky.app/profile/diannarussini.bsky.social/post/3m3zkns6dqc2z
Huh
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2025, 09:25:23 AMhttps://bsky.app/profile/diannarussini.bsky.social/post/3m3zkns6dqc2z
Huh
Agreed, kind of strange. He's done a decent job at Texas, but I don't think he has done enough for Texas to feel like they have to pay up for him. I also don't think he's done enough to warrant an NFL job. Feels like a leverage play against Texas, but I'm not sure he truly has leverage.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2025, 09:49:47 AMAgreed, kind of strange. He's done a decent job at Texas, but I don't think he has done enough for Texas to feel like they have to pay up for him. I also don't think he's done enough to warrant an NFL job. Feels like a leverage play against Texas, but I'm not sure he truly has leverage.
I think he's looking at an 8-4 record and knows that won't cut it after entering the season number 1 in the nation and looking around to get off the bus before it crashes
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2025, 09:55:28 AMI think he's looking at an 8-4 record and knows that won't cut it after entering the season number 1 in the nation and looking around to get off the bus before it crashes
Madison would take 8-4.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2025, 10:06:41 AMMadison would take 8-4.
It's supposed to be windy and rainy tonight in Eugene. That's Badgers weather.
Quote from: Litehouse on October 24, 2025, 02:15:32 PMBut it's not the actual Peach Bowl, it's just Baylor at Auburn for an early September non-conference game that the Peach Bowl organizers are paying to move to Atlanta. Maybe Auburn would normally get the $4M and they're just using this opportunity to pass the money straight to the players.
Ah, I misunderstood.
That said, I still don't think the numbers are outrageous given the revenue college football games generate, from broadcast rights, to ticket sales, to merchandise, concessions, parking , etc.
According to this, LSU got $5 million for participating on the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic in 2024 and $5.1 million for its opener against FSU the year before that.
https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2025/08/26/lsu-football-clemson-payout-money-brian-kelly-dabo-swinney-2025/85824849007/
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2025, 09:49:47 AMAgreed, kind of strange. He's done a decent job at Texas, but I don't think he has done enough for Texas to feel like they have to pay up for him. I also don't think he's done enough to warrant an NFL job. Feels like a leverage play against Texas, but I'm not sure he truly has leverage.
Agree that he may not have done enough at Texas to warrant a big extension/pay raise. At the same time, you've got to wonder if Texas looks at the big jobs that are/will be open (Florida, Penn State, possibly Auburn, probably FSU, possibly LSU) and decides now's not the time to be looking for a new coach.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 25, 2025, 10:36:50 AMAgree that he may not have done enough at Texas to warrant a big extension/pay raise. At the same time, you've got to wonder if Texas looks at the big jobs that are/will be open (Florida, Penn State, possibly Auburn, probably FSU, possibly LSU) and decides now's not the time to be looking for a new coach.
You should be an agent. That is a good point. Plus, if Madison opens up.....
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2025, 09:55:28 AMI think he's looking at an 8-4 record and knows that won't cut it after entering the season number 1 in the nation and looking around to get off the bus before it crashes
Bingo. I haven't looked at the recruiting rankings in a bit but I know they don't have a top 5 class. So if he's thinking it's gonna be a disappointing year, and unless Arch takes a big leap they probably aren't a top 5 team next year, and suddenly his stock isn't so high anymore. The last 2 Texas coaches had their careers tank when they fizzled at UT. Maybe he's proactively looking at a soft landing on his own terms
Also, Ole Miss D looking stout. OU held to 12 yards rushing so far. Ole Miss goes SUPER aggressive on 4th and 1 from their 20, fumbles the snap, gives it to OU in the red zone. IMMEDIATELY pushes them back 15 yards and holds them to a FG. Monstrous
If Lane can pull this off on the road in Norman, hell of a response to last weekend in Athens and right into 4 games where they will be heavy favorites to end the year.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 25, 2025, 01:12:13 PMAlso, Ole Miss D looking stout. OU held to 12 yards rushing so far. Ole Miss goes SUPER aggressive on 4th and 1 from their 20, fumbles the snap, gives it to OU in the red zone. IMMEDIATELY pushes them back 15 yards and holds them to a FG. Monstrous
If Lane can pull this off on the road in Norman, hell of a response to last weekend in Athens and right into 4 games where they will be heavy favorites to end the year.
It's not going well anymore
UCLA story was neat while it lasted
IU still ticked at Purdue alum John Wooden.
Only a 97% chance for Oregon to beat, I repeat beat, the freaking weasels???? According to the "FPI"?? Who runs this organization? Someone please explain how it's not a 100% forgone conclusion? Ty.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 25, 2025, 01:49:34 PMOnly a 97% chance for Oregon to beat, I repeat beat, the freaking weasels???? According to the "FPI"?? Who runs this organization? Someone please explain how it's not a 100% forgone conclusion? Ty.
Nothing is a 100% in sports. It's not complicated.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 25, 2025, 01:09:51 PMMaybe he's proactively looking at a soft landing on his own terms
And if I'm UT, I probably let him. He's a good coach, but I'm not sure he gets them to a level consistently beyond what Mack Brown was doing, for example. And I don't want to hold a guy's demons against him, but Sark definitely has his, so the kind of deal that would make him wave away other offers is too risky for too low a return IMHO.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2025, 01:52:51 PMNothing is a 100% in sports. It's not complicated.
Nothing? I mean there was 0% chance that Virginia would lose to Chaminade. Virginia won while former President Dewey watched.
Quote from: MUBurrow on October 25, 2025, 02:03:14 PMAnd if I'm UT, I probably let him. He's a good coach, but I'm not sure he gets them to a level consistently beyond what Mack Brown was doing, for example. And I don't want to hold a guy's demons against him, but Sark definitely has his, so the kind of deal that would make him wave away other offers is too risky for too low a return IMHO.
I mean, who are they going to get who's better?
Quote from: JWags85 on October 25, 2025, 01:09:51 PMBingo. I haven't looked at the recruiting rankings in a bit but I know they don't have a top 5 class. So if he's thinking it's gonna be a disappointing year, and unless Arch takes a big leap they probably aren't a top 5 team next year, and suddenly his stock isn't so high anymore. The last 2 Texas coaches had their careers tank when they fizzled at UT. Maybe he's proactively looking at a soft landing on his own terms
From what I've been able to find, Sarkisian's buyout is $55 million. I imagine that might decline annually, but even if it drops 20% next year, why wouldn't he just stick around, force them to fire him and walk away with a bag?
Not just Sarkisian, but I'm not sure why any P4 coach would ever leave except for a better P4 program.
Trinidad Chambliss is a big story around here. I may have to pay attention to Ole Miss now.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 25, 2025, 02:45:41 PMI mean, who are they going to get who's better?
That is always the wrong question to ask.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2025, 04:46:22 PMThat is always the wrong question to ask.
Not really. If you can't reasonably improve the position, why would you move on from the guy who got you to the CFP just last year? Texas always thinks they can pull a successful coach from elsewhere, but that rarely happens.
Bama on the struggle bus at South Carolina
Oregon looks abysmal. WTF? Clearly overconfident.
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 25, 2025, 06:53:01 PMOregon looks abysmal. WTF? Clearly overconfident.
Let's go, Badgers!
Looking at the Oregon schedule, they truthfully haven't beaten anyone.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2025, 01:45:30 PMIt's not going well anymore
Hell of a game. OU made their push, but this time Ole Miss had an answer unlike last week. That was really fun and a marquee win for that program
Speaking of wild finishes, regardless of what happens, this Texas comeback was nuts. Credit to them for digging deep. Arch played some of the best he has all year to get them back
Quote from: MuggsyB on October 25, 2025, 06:57:07 PMLooking at the Oregon schedule, they truthfully haven't beaten anyone.
Wisconsin won't lose again this year. Book it.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2025, 09:25:23 AMhttps://bsky.app/profile/diannarussini.bsky.social/post/3m3zkns6dqc2z
Huh
the only good thing about being a college football coach nowadays is the buyout when you're fired. Every other part seems awful.
Given the recent buzz about gambling scandals and the soon to be NCAA impact. Legit ears perk situation in the Georgia Southern-Arkansas St game.
Trailing 31-21, GSU gets the ball back with 10 min left. They make a few plays and are in ASU territory at the 31 with 8:15 left. They get held to a 4th down, but there is a booth review for targeting which is given. They now have it 1st and 10 from the ASU 13, down 10 with 6 min left. They proceed to run 6 straight times, all straight up the middle, including 1 with the back up QB who has 45 rushing yards total on the season. They get stuffed on 3 straight times from the 3 and decide to take the 3 points AFTER the 2 min warning. Oh yea, they have all 3 time outs.
Onside kick fails, ASU drives down and kicks a FG. GSU gets the ball back and runs meaningless plays. Game over. 34-24...the total? 59
Like its not even defensible or curious. They run a tempo offense, they scored 35,41, and 41 in their last 3 conference games. But down 10 late in the game they turn into Iowa.
Yup, Brian Kelly ... it sure is easier to win championships at LSU.
Quote from: MU82 on October 25, 2025, 10:21:29 PMYup, Brian Kelly ... it sure is easier to win championships at LSU.
For all the justified disappointment in Arch Manning, Nussmier at LSU has had an equally underwhelming year. Another top 10 pick QB prospect and Heisman contender who has been entirely pedestrian all year
Quote from: The Sultan on October 25, 2025, 02:45:41 PMI mean, who are they going to get who's better?
Fickell
Yesterday was Brian Kelly's birthday. I hope he had a good one!
Quote from: The Sultan on October 26, 2025, 06:25:10 AMYesterday was Brian Kelly's birthday. I hope he had a good one!
He didn't put anyone's life at risk to film a practice, so that's a win.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 25, 2025, 11:30:15 PMFor all the justified disappointment in Arch Manning, Nussmier at LSU has had an equally underwhelming year. Another top 10 pick QB prospect and Heisman contender who has been entirely pedestrian all year
He's been getting the crap kicked out of him.
I stand corrected, TAMU, that A&M team is good. -9 points at the end of the half on turnovers made the score closer than it was and it wasn't close by the end
WIAC Reaults that help Marquette's cause:
UW-La Crosse 44 UW-Oshkosh 13
UW-River Falls 73 UWEC 21
UW-Stout 42 UWSP 22
UW-Whitewater 29 UW- Platteville 19
Big 18 Recap:
The country's top league had another hard fought day in the trenches. Let's take a look at a lot of games that will directly impact Marquette's cause:
Oregon 21 Wisconsin 7: A valiant effort by our boys comes up just short in the gloom of Eugene. The refs looked to be paid off by Phil Knight, imo.
Michigan 31 Michigan State 20: Defeat with Dignity for Sparty who managed more yards than unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and covered the spread.
Rutgers 27 Purdue 24: Brutal defeat for Purdue who allows Rutgers the inside track to the Pinstripe Bowl.
Washington 42 Illinois 25: The playoff talk for Illinois of September seems quaint.
Iowa 41 Minnesota 3: Thought this was a rivalry game?
Nebraska 28 Northwestern 21: Speaking of rivalry games, the Cornhuskers vanquished their ancient foe in a classic in the corn. Big win for Matt Rhule as he eyes the Penn State gig.
Indiana 56 UCLA 6: UCLA kicked a sad FG late. Embarrassing. Indiana is good, people.
Maybe Brian Ferenz shouldn't have been Iowa's OC. Huh.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 25, 2025, 11:30:15 PMFor all the justified disappointment in Arch Manning, Nussmier at LSU has had an equally underwhelming year. Another top 10 pick QB prospect and Heisman contender who has been entirely pedestrian all year
Cade Klubnik has also entered the chat.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 26, 2025, 07:27:54 AMHe's been getting the crap kicked out of him.
I stand corrected, TAMU, that A&M team is good. -9 points at the end of the half on turnovers made the score closer than it was and it wasn't close by the end
They, along with Ohio State, Indiana and Georgia, are the best teams I've seen this year. Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Oregon are just too messy.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 26, 2025, 08:21:15 AMThey, along with Ohio State, Indiana and Georgia, are the best teams I've seen this year. Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Oregon are just too messy.
I'm not sure I buy Georgia, either. That's not a clean team, imo. The defense has been gashed against good offenses. Lucky for them, they don't play another good offense until the last Saturday of the season
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 26, 2025, 07:27:54 AMHe's been getting the crap kicked out of him.
I stand corrected, TAMU, that A&M team is good. -9 points at the end of the half on turnovers made the score closer than it was and it wasn't close by the end
You are forgiven
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2025, 02:28:31 PMNothing? I mean there was 0% chance that Virginia would lose to Chaminade. Virginia won while former President Dewey watched.
And the UMBC Retrievers in 2018. UVA blown out by the #16 seed by 20 points! That former UMBC coach is now HC at UVA. ;D
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 26, 2025, 07:53:48 AMWashington 42 Illinois 25: The playoff talk for Illinois of September seems quaint.
Yeah, I had trouble buying into the Illini To The Playoffs thing, and I had a LOT of trouble with it after they lost to Indiana by 742 points.
Washington has as talented a group of skill players as any team in the country, so they can make any defense look bad. But as talented as they are, they can be a little loose with the football, and their defense is meh. Which is why the Huskies are merely good and not playoff-worthy.
Get down to the Bayou and get urself a bucket o popcorn
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 26, 2025, 06:47:37 PMGet down to the Bayou and get urself a bucket o popcorn
Prefer crawfish.
Hope he lands at UCLA and talks like Jeff Spicoli at his first press conference.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 26, 2025, 07:16:00 PMHope he lands at UCLA and talks like Jeff Spicoli at his first press conference.
UCLA AD: "
Who's the next UCLA coach?"
Kelly: "
Right here dude"
Nobody's having a worse coaching carousel than Ole Miss' athletic director.
You are seeing some "traditional" powers struggling with this new environment where even Vanderbilt and Indiana can win if they direct their resources wisely.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 26, 2025, 07:46:42 PMNobody's having a worse coaching carousel than Ole Miss' athletic director.
Mizzou's not going to be far behind.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 26, 2025, 07:31:54 PMUCLA AD: "Who's the next UCLA coach?"
Kelly: "Right here dude"
"Me and my FAAA-MUH-LEEE just...love catching a good wave down in Manhattan Beach and then getting fish tacos. Basically our tradition"
Quote from: The Sultan on October 26, 2025, 07:50:26 PMYou are seeing some "traditional" powers struggling with this new environment where even Vanderbilt and Indiana can win if they direct their resources wisely.
What is this going to mean for the coaching market generally? It seems that at a certain point, the whole thing is enough of a crapshoot now that these massive coaching contracts might be worse investments than they were a few years ago? Or maybe is the money for a coach's contract no longer mutually exclusive from the money that puts the product on the field?
He'll get the Nebraska job when rhule leaves and start talking like Larry the cable guy
Wojo is available. Although you have to call Brad and Billy. Seriously, how many good coaches are actually out there?
Gotta say I was legit surprised by the Kelly firing. But in today's landscape I obviously shouldn't have been.
Folks talk about college sports being the Wild Wild West due to the way the athletes move around ... but this coaching shyte far surpasses that in Wild Wild Westness.
These guys have buyouts of tens of millions of dollars, and universities barely shrug as they pay 'em off. Yee-haw!
Quote from: MU82 on October 27, 2025, 12:09:32 AMGotta say I was legit surprised by the Kelly firing. But in today's landscape I obviously shouldn't have been.
Did you watch the A&M game Saturday night? It looked like LSU just gave up and the crowd started filing out. I knew right then it was over, whether yesterday or at the end of the season.
And I cannot believe the LSU AD is going to survive this. His last two football hires were Kelly, and Jimbo Fischer at A&M. Just lighting money on fire.
the craziest (or most LSU) part of the firing it was done by the governor of Louisiana.
As we know, there are no more important issues in LA that the Governor could be acting up, it's firing the football coach who lost to three straight top 10 teams:
https://lsutigerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/lsu/football/2025/10/26/lsu-football-fires-brian-kelly-louisiana-governor-jeff-landry/86921861007/
Yeah, the governor in Louisiana really has an inordinate amount of power over the university. It's been that way since the days of Huey Long.
Another funny thing about this firing is the reactions from people and especially former players that show Kelly is a unique level of pretty boy, even for the coaching profession. Normally there are a bunch of tweets of support and reflections on better memories of the coach, but nope. Just a bunch of players tweeting snarky emojis and bloggers being like "it's a huge buyout but I get why they paid it. F him"
I know someone who was a graduate staffer for him at GVSU who basically decided against pursuing a career in coaching after 2 years with him. A HS teammate of a good friend of mine in college played DB for him at CMU and was ready to graduate early and not take his RS Sr year rather than play another year under Kelly, even after they won the MAC :o , then Kelly left for Cincy so he stayed.
Then I knew about half dozen of his former players at Cincy and literally everyone was like "great football coach, terrible person, won't get a Christmas card from me" to the player. I remember Connor Barwin specifically saying "I don't know if his kids even love him, but he's a psycho who wouldn't give a crap as long as they feared and respected him".
...and that's all before he killed someone
The Athletic is reporting that the AD demanded Kelly fire his OC, and Kelly refused. And then Kelly said he wanted to fire other coaches, and the AD refused and fired Kelly.
While we're all enjoying the schadenfreude, I do wonder if LSU played themselves here. Who are they getting that's better, that they can afford, wants to go to Baton Rouge and is willing to go to a program the fires mostly successful coaches on a whim?
Quote from: Pakuni on October 27, 2025, 08:47:27 AMThe Athletic is reporting that the AD demanded Kelly fire his OC, and Kelly refused. And then Kelly said he wanted to fire other coaches, and the AD refused and fired Kelly.
While we're all enjoying the schadenfreude, I do wonder if LSU played themselves here. Who are they getting that's better, that they can afford, wants to go to Baton Rouge and is willing to go to a program the fires mostly successful coaches on a whim?
I think you underestimate how insane coaches are. They're the living embodiment of the "but it can work for us" meme.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 27, 2025, 08:37:10 AMAnother funny thing about this firing is the reactions from people and especially former players that show Kelly is a unique level of pretty boy, even for the coaching profession. Normally there are a bunch of tweets of support and reflections on better memories of the coach, but nope. Just a bunch of players tweeting snarky emojis and bloggers being like "it's a huge buyout but I get why they paid it. F him"
I know someone who was a graduate staffer for him at GVSU who basically decided against pursuing a career in coaching after 2 years with him. A HS teammate of a good friend of mine in college played DB for him at CMU and was ready to graduate early and not take his RS Sr year rather than play another year under Kelly, even after they won the MAC :o , then Kelly left for Cincy so he stayed.
Then I knew about half dozen of his former players at Cincy and literally everyone was like "great football coach, terrible person, won't get a Christmas card from me" to the player. I remember Connor Barwin specifically saying "I don't know if his kids even love him, but he's a psycho who wouldn't give a crap as long as they feared and respected him".
...and that's all before he killed someone
There is a reason a bunch of his former assistants stayed behind to work with Freeman at Notre Dame.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 27, 2025, 08:47:27 AMThe Athletic is reporting that the AD demanded Kelly fire his OC, and Kelly refused. And then Kelly said he wanted to fire other coaches, and the AD refused and fired Kelly.
While we're all enjoying the schadenfreude, I do wonder if LSU played themselves here. Who are they getting that's better, that they can afford, wants to go to Baton Rouge and is willing to go to a program the fires mostly successful coaches on a whim?
It was completely untenable for him to continue at LSU. It was turning toxic in a way that he would never recover from.
LSU is the best opening right now by a significant margin. It's a better job than both Florida and Penn State. If Kiffin wanted to move on from Ole Miss, LSU would be a better landing spot IMO.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 27, 2025, 08:37:10 AMAnother funny thing about this firing is the reactions from people and especially former players that show Kelly is a unique level of pretty boy, even for the coaching profession. Normally there are a bunch of tweets of support and reflections on better memories of the coach, but nope. Just a bunch of players tweeting snarky emojis and bloggers being like "it's a huge buyout but I get why they paid it. F him"
I know someone who was a graduate staffer for him at GVSU who basically decided against pursuing a career in coaching after 2 years with him. A HS teammate of a good friend of mine in college played DB for him at CMU and was ready to graduate early and not take his RS Sr year rather than play another year under Kelly, even after they won the MAC :o , then Kelly left for Cincy so he stayed.
Then I knew about half dozen of his former players at Cincy and literally everyone was like "great football coach, terrible person, won't get a Christmas card from me" to the player. I remember Connor Barwin specifically saying "I don't know if his kids even love him, but he's a psycho who wouldn't give a crap as long as they feared and respected him".
...and that's all before he killed someone
Sounds similar to the stories my friend tells me about Rich-Rod at WV.
I appreciate Shaka when I hear this stuff. Maybe he will not get another Championship for MU, but he's a person I can be proud of as MU's coach.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 27, 2025, 09:16:55 AMIt was completely untenable for him to continue at LSU. It was turning toxic in a way that he would never recover from.
LSU is the best opening right now by a significant margin. It's a better job than both Florida and Penn State. If Kiffin wanted to move on from Ole Miss, LSU would be a better landing spot IMO.
Yea, in a world of rash firings, I don't really think any of LSU's recent moves have been reckless. Kelly was toxic and lost control. Coach O won a Natty based on an otherwordly roster of talent. Once that talent moved on, his deficiencies were exposed and Burrow/Chase Pt 2 weren't walking through the door. Ive seen interviews with him over the past few years where he basically says he doesn't blame LSU for moving on, he gets it.
And then Les Miles was a similar situation to Kelly. He hadn't bottomed out, but he lost his touch, things were spiraling within the program and they got out in front of it (and that was before all the forfeited games).
LSU's expectation is to be contending for National Titles. And unlike some of the schools in delusional expectation mode, they have the evidence to back it up. 3 titles in the last 20 years under 3 different coaches. Its easily a top 5 job in the country, IMO, when you talk about history, culture, recruiting footprint, resources...and its all modern, not places like ND or other schools who haven't have the success in decades.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 27, 2025, 07:54:46 AMDid you watch the A&M game Saturday night? It looked like LSU just gave up and the crowd started filing out. I knew right then it was over, whether yesterday or at the end of the season.
Didn't see the game, just the score. But you're right, even with that I should have realized he was gone.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 27, 2025, 08:50:30 AMI think you underestimate how insane coaches are. They're the living embodiment of the "but it can work for us" meme.
This. Any proven coach has a massive ego, believing he will be the one to fix whatever's broken.
Quote from: MU82 on October 27, 2025, 12:25:08 PMDidn't see the game, just the score. But you're right, even with that I should have realized he was gone.
This. Any proven coach has a massive ego, believing he will be the one to fix whatever's broken.
Until proven otherwise. This includes AD's giving out ridiculous buyouts and hiring bad dudes. Like, if Urban Meyer wants back in, he'll get hired. And I won't be surprised if Jon Gruden gets a gig this cycle.
I mean, Arkansas is begging for Bobby Petrino to give them a reason to hire him.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 27, 2025, 12:28:41 PMUntil proven otherwise. This includes AD's giving out ridiculous buyouts and hiring bad dudes. Like, if Urban Meyer wants back in, he'll get hired. And I won't be surprised if Jon Gruden gets a gig this cycle.
I mean, Arkansas is begging for Bobby Petrino to give them a reason to hire him.
If an average NFL coach like Belichick can have success at the college level, why not Gruden? ;)
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 27, 2025, 02:40:33 PMIf an average NFL coach like Belichick can have success at the college level, why not Gruden? ;)
Gruden knows his NFL days are done. He's made it known he's willing to listen to college offers.
Again, AD's are non different than coaches and think things will work differently for them.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 27, 2025, 02:40:33 PMIf an average NFL coach like Belichick can have success at the college level, why not Gruden? ;)
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 27, 2025, 02:50:13 PMGruden knows his NFL days are done. He's made it known he's willing to listen to college offers.
The Gruden college rumors come up every year but I still can't see it. I feel like him mentioning interest is good for buzz around his brand, especially since his gig at Barstool has a bunch of college programs interacting with him, sending him gear, having him glaze the program, etc...
He hasn't coached in college in 35 years. Other than the constantly repeated Tennesee connection, he has no real ties to any major school, even from family. And more so, not sure why he would want to. I get why he went back to the Raiders, but getting back to coaching in college seems odd. He's got plenty of money and his media gig right now is pretty sweet. Regardless of how you feel about Barstool, the lane and set-up the got for Gruden is solid and he's really great at it and seems like he's having a blast. Transitioning from that to the insane expectations and meat grinder of a top program seems crazy.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 27, 2025, 02:53:12 PMThe Gruden college rumors come up every year but I still can't see it. I feel like him mentioning interest is good for buzz around his brand, especially since his gig at Barstool has a bunch of college programs interacting with him, sending him gear, having him glaze the program, etc...
He hasn't coached in college in 35 years. Other than the constantly repeated Tennesee connection, he has no real ties to any major school, even from family. And more so, not sure why he would want to. I get why he went back to the Raiders, but getting back to coaching in college seems odd. He's got plenty of money and his media gig right now is pretty sweet. Regardless of how you feel about Barstool, the lane and set-up the got for Gruden is solid and he's really great at it and seems like he's having a blast. Transitioning from that to the insane expectations and meat grinder of a top program seems crazy.
He's crazy
you have to at least give Marc Trestman a call
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 27, 2025, 03:11:28 PMHe's crazy
This is a valid and very plausible counter point. From a pure entertainment standpoint, Gruden in the SEC could be hilarious.
This is shaping up to be the craziest and spiciest coaching carousel I can think of in a long time. 2 programs that have won a national title in the last 10 years already open (Florida/LSU), 3 more that have won in the last 20 years potentially opening up (Auburn, FSU, Texas), 2 more perennial top 20 programs (Ok St, PSU), 2 schools that arguably have the makings of being very attractive (Arkansas, UCLA), plus a school that was a power not all that long ago (VT), and then the wild card, Stanford, assuming being in the ACC helps their program and that Andrew Luck as the GM would be beneficial to them competing in the new NIL area.
I would think LSU goes hard after Franklin. I honestly think that's probably the best option for them, but I don't know how he'd fit in the South (I know he was at Vandy, but that doesn't feel like true SEC.
Call me crazy, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiffin stay. Get himself and his assistants a raise and a bigger NIL pot. I just don't see him at LSU for some reason and I don't know if Florida is all that much better than Ole Miss as a job at this specific moment, other than the SEC East being easier than the West, and the expectations higher and the leash shorter. Though Florida feels like a perfect spot for him and I think he'd kill it. He's got a lot of Spurrier in him
Quote from: JWags85 on October 27, 2025, 08:49:11 PMThis is a valid and very plausible counter point. From a pure entertainment standpoint, Gruden in the SEC could be hilarious.
This is shaping up to be the craziest and spiciest coaching carousel I can think of in a long time. 2 programs that have won a national title in the last 10 years already open (Florida/LSU), 3 more that have won in the last 20 years potentially opening up (Auburn, FSU, Texas), 2 more perennial top 20 programs (Ok St, PSU), 2 schools that arguably have the makings of being very attractive (Arkansas, UCLA), plus a school that was a power not all that long ago (VT), and then the wild card, Stanford, assuming being in the ACC helps their program and that Andrew Luck as the GM would be beneficial to them competing in the new NIL area.
I would think LSU goes hard after Franklin. I honestly think that's probably the best option for them, but I don't know how he'd fit in the South (I know he was at Vandy, but that doesn't feel like true SEC.
Call me crazy, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Kiffin stay. Get himself and his assistants a raise and a bigger NIL pot. I just don't see him at LSU for some reason and I don't know if Florida is all that much better than Ole Miss as a job at this specific moment, other than the SEC East being easier than the West, and the expectations higher and the leash shorter. Though Florida feels like a perfect spot for him and I think he'd kill it. He's got a lot of Spurrier in him
Just FYI, the SEC no longer has an East and West.
But with the new 9-game schedule starting next year, every team will play a group of three opponents annually then the rest of the conference on a rotation.
Ole Miss: LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma
LSU: Ole Miss, A&M, Arkansas
Florida: Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina
Auburn: Alabama, Georgia, Vandy
Quote from: Pakuni on October 27, 2025, 08:56:30 PMJust FYI, the SEC no longer has an East and West.
But with the new 9-game schedule starting next year, every team will play a group of three opponents annually then the rest of the conference on a rotation.
Ole Miss: LSU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma
LSU: Ole Miss, A&M, Arkansas
Florida: Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina
Auburn: Alabama, Georgia, Vandy
You're totally right, brain fart. I remember looking and thinking Florida's future schedule is softer than Ole Miss' regardless. Also, good luck replacing Hugh Freeze in Auburn.
Clever blurb from Yahoo Sports:
The best job in America? A fired college football coach.
Paid not to coach: The 10 coaches who've been fired so far this season will earn roughly $169 million in buyouts, by far the most ever in a single season ($132 million in 2023). Three of the five largest buyouts in college football history have come this month alone.
Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M: $76.8 million (fired in 2023)
Brian Kelly, LSU: $53.8 million (Oct. 26)
James Franklin, Penn State: $49 million (Oct. 12)
Guz Malzahn, Auburn: $21.4 million (2020)
Billy Napier, Florida: $21.2 million (Oct. 19)
Quote from: MU82 on October 28, 2025, 12:17:04 PMClever blurb from Yahoo Sports:
The best job in America? A fired college football coach.
Paid not to coach: The 10 coaches who've been fired so far this season will earn roughly $169 million in buyouts, by far the most ever in a single season ($132 million in 2023). Three of the five largest buyouts in college football history have come this month alone.
Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M: $76.8 million (fired in 2023)
Brian Kelly, LSU: $53.8 million (Oct. 26)
James Franklin, Penn State: $49 million (Oct. 12)
Guz Malzahn, Auburn: $21.4 million (2020)
Billy Napier, Florida: $21.2 million (Oct. 19)
There's just no money
Quote from: MU82 on October 28, 2025, 12:17:04 PMClever blurb from Yahoo Sports:
The best job in America? A fired college football coach.
Paid not to coach: The 10 coaches who've been fired so far this season will earn roughly $169 million in buyouts, by far the most ever in a single season ($132 million in 2023). Three of the five largest buyouts in college football history have come this month alone.
Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M: $76.8 million (fired in 2023)
Brian Kelly, LSU: $53.8 million (Oct. 26)
James Franklin, Penn State: $49 million (Oct. 12)
Guz Malzahn, Auburn: $21.4 million (2020)
Billy Napier, Florida: $21.2 million (Oct. 19)
All but Kelly are represented by Jimmy Sexton.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 28, 2025, 12:20:46 PMAll but Kelly are represented by Jimmy Sexton.
Remind me to sign him up as my agent before I accept my next middle-school basketball coaching gig.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 28, 2025, 12:18:01 PMThere's just no money
I get this take. And it is correct for the list of schools, SEC & B10, and it applies to the ACC & B12 too. I could be wrong, but I don't think the majority of the NCAA is in the same boat.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 28, 2025, 12:20:46 PMAll but Kelly are represented by Jimmy Sexton.
People talk about Boras' impact on MLB, rightly so. But I'd argue Sexton's impact on CFB even dwarfs his. He represented 12 out of 14 SEC coaches then it jumped to 14 out of 16 when Sark and Veneables came with Texas and OU. And that doesn't include Lanning, Dabo, and Mike Norvell. Just insane influence.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 28, 2025, 12:55:32 PMI get this take. And it is correct for the list of schools, SEC & B10, and it applies to the ACC & B12 too. I could be wrong, but I don't think the majority of the NCAA is in the same boat.
Its also apples to oranges. Much like Wojo, the vast majority of the time, its individual or groups of boosters banding together to drop a lump sum to get rid of a coach. Its not the program reaching under the bed to pull out a bag of money to get them to go away.
You could argue that the same boosters could be feeding the fund to pay the players, but even for a rich dude will to blow money on his school's team, writing a $10MM check with a few other people once in a decade is different then pledging a few million more a year, every year, on top of the sizeable amount I'm sure they are already donating annually to get them on the call list to round up a buyout.
I'm certainly not shilling for boosters, and have no problem with players making a ton of money playing (I'm actually shocked how little Ive noticed a difference in CFB since NIL, even with the very well publicized challenges and complaints), but its a different story.
Its not a great comparison, but my friend's wife came from a pretty blue collar family. But her grandparents on his Dad's side had the random East Texas oil money. They weren't the Ewings, but had a net worth comfortably north of $5MM in the mid/late 90s. She was comfortable enough, but certainly not spoiled or decked in Abercrombie/Juicy/(insert whatever popular 90s brand). But her grandparents would go nuts for Christmas and they'd get whatever expensive shoes they wanted or whatever other thousands of dollars worth of presents they wanted. She jokes that it took her till her teens to understand why she couldn't have "nice stuff" all the time all year, but her grandparents could splash out like crazy once a year. Surely they had the money to just do it all year? Obviously lessons about not being spoiled, upstaging the parents, etc... are involved and it makes it a slightly imperfect analogy, but point largely holds IMO ;)
Quote from: JWags85 on October 28, 2025, 02:19:09 PMI'm actually shocked how little Ive noticed a difference in CFB since NIL, even with the very well publicized challenges and complaints
This. So many Eeyores, but it's still college football.
I wonder if some of the driving force behind the coaching changes in the B10 and SEC is the result of the expansions. There are only so many winning teams an 18/16 team league can have. It was much easier for USC, Auburn, UF or Wisky to be a top 4 team in their conferences 10 years ago.
Oh this is going to be fun to watch!
https://bsky.app/profile/jwaltonsu.bsky.social/post/3m4eanxemac2e
Looks like the governor of Louisiana will help spearhead the search for the next LSU head football coach. According to him, the current AD will not be hiring the next head coach.
I see you, Guvnah Long
Quote from: The Sultan on October 29, 2025, 03:34:51 PMOh this is going to be fun to watch!
https://bsky.app/profile/jwaltonsu.bsky.social/post/3m4eanxemac2e
Love it!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 29, 2025, 03:35:47 PMLooks like the governor of Louisiana will help spearhead the search for the next LSU head football coach. According to him, the current AD will not be hiring the next head coach.
I see you, Guvnah Long
You act like he's got anything more important to do.
On U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the "Best States for 2025," Louisiana came in last at number 50.
When breaking down Louisiana's overall ranking, the state also came in last at number 50 in the crime and corrections, as well as economy, categories. Meanwhile, Louisiana's highest category rank was health care at number 44.
Additionally, Louisiana ranked number 46 in education, 46 in fiscal stability, 48 in infrastructure, 49 in natural environment and 46 in opportunity.https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2025/06/10/is-louisiana-the-worst-state-in-the-us-and-why-u-s-news-world-report-best-states-2025-ranking/84118693007/
Small Government is their credo, dontcha know?!?
Quote from: Pakuni on October 29, 2025, 04:02:15 PMYou act like he's got anything more important to do.
On U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the "Best States for 2025," Louisiana came in last at number 50.
When breaking down Louisiana's overall ranking, the state also came in last at number 50 in the crime and corrections, as well as economy, categories. Meanwhile, Louisiana's highest category rank was health care at number 44.
Additionally, Louisiana ranked number 46 in education, 46 in fiscal stability, 48 in infrastructure, 49 in natural environment and 46 in opportunity.
https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2025/06/10/is-louisiana-the-worst-state-in-the-us-and-why-u-s-news-world-report-best-states-2025-ranking/84118693007/
Louisiana's history as our worst state is unmatched by everyone except Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Indiana.
Louisiana and its people fully deserve every bad thing that happens there.
Quote from: Jockey on October 29, 2025, 11:05:39 PMLouisiana and its people fully deserve every bad thing that happens there.
The poor Black people, victims of systemic racism in Louisiana forever, did not deserve to be totally effed by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
Matt Rhule signs an extension to stay in Lincoln. Maybe. Buyout is "only" $15 million and no raise, just extra bonus money.
I think Penn State has their guy already and are sitting on it until end of the season
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 30, 2025, 12:20:23 PMMatt Rhule signs an extension to stay in Lincoln. Maybe. Buyout is "only" $15 million and no raise, just extra bonus money.
I think Penn State has their guy already and are sitting on it until end of the season
Do you think it's Rhule or someone else?
Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 12:44:49 PMDo you think it's Rhule or someone else?
I think it's someone else based on the extension Rhule just signed
Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 12:44:49 PMDo you think it's Rhule or someone else?
I think it would be extremely strange for him to sign that extension if he was already in final talks with PSU. But who knows. The kicker in his deal about a $1M base salary bonus for the life of the deal each time he makes the CFP is kind of cool, but also funny considering he's yet to beat a ranked team at Nebraska, much less be top 25 ranked or in playoff contention...oh and they currently have the worst 2026 class in the B10 at this point. I think he's a very good coach, I think he'll make Nebraska decent over time. But I certainly don't think they will be contending for anything within the next few years.
As for Penn State, the SEC openings have just been brutal for the perception of that job. Current top canidate buzz is Jeff Brohm and Brian Hartline from OSU, niether of which are necessarily bad options, but certainly no splashy.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 30, 2025, 01:36:17 PMI think it would be extremely strange for him to sign that extension if he was already in final talks with PSU. But who knows. The kicker in his deal about a $1M base salary bonus for the life of the deal each time he makes the CFP is kind of cool, but also funny considering he's yet to beat a ranked team at Nebraska, much less be top 25 ranked or in playoff contention...oh and they currently have the worst 2026 class in the B10 at this point. I think he's a very good coach, I think he'll make Nebraska decent over time. But I certainly don't think they will be contending for anything within the next few years.
As for Penn State, the SEC openings have just been brutal for the perception of that job. Current top canidate buzz is Jeff Brohm and Brian Hartline from OSU, niether of which are necessarily bad options, but certainly no splashy.
They should hire Bob Chesney from JMU but I've heard a lot of chatter about Hartline here. I think Hartline could be a great hire but as we know, we know nothing.
Great work here by Ross Dellenger:
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/the-sordid-tale-of-lsu-football-the-louisiana-governor-and-a-years-long-feud-173500472.html
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 30, 2025, 01:41:50 PMThey should hire Bob Chesney from JMU but I've heard a lot of chatter about Hartline here. I think Hartline could be a great hire but as we know, we know nothing.
Do we know that Hartline can coach?
Big swing for a program like Penn State to hire a guy who not only has zero HC experience, but only one year - seven games, really - as a full coordinator/play caller.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 30, 2025, 03:16:15 PMDo we know that Hartline can coach?
Big swing for a program like Penn State to hire a guy who not only has zero HC experience, but only one year - seven games, really - as a full coordinator/play caller.
We don't. We don't know if they hire a current head coach at another program if they can succeed at Penn State either.
Hartline has been one of the lead coordinators at Ohio State since he got there and been the wideouts coach since '17. An argument can be made he's been the best position coach in the nation.
It would be a massive gamble but I don't see a sure thing in this cycle unless there is a coach itching to move like Lincoln Riley or Brian Kelly was in '21 and quite frankly, as good as those looked, the results aren't there.
Ryan Day got the Ohio gig and his resume wasn't exactly a sure thing when hired. It isn't always the name hire that wins big. Dabo wasn't a big name at Clemson. Pete Carroll's hiring was mocked.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 30, 2025, 03:25:43 PMWe don't. We don't know if they hire a current head coach at another program if they can succeed at Penn State either.
Hartline has been one of the lead coordinators at Ohio State since he got there and been the wideouts coach since '17. An argument can be made he's been the best position coach in the nation.
It would be a massive gamble but I don't see a sure thing in this cycle unless there is a coach itching to move like Lincoln Riley or Brian Kelly was in '21 and quite frankly, as good as those looked, the results aren't there.
Ryan Day got the Ohio gig and his resume wasn't exactly a sure thing when hired. It isn't always the name hire that wins big. Dabo wasn't a big name at Clemson. Pete Carroll's hiring was mocked.
Dan Lanning and Kirby Smart are examples of guys who was never a head coach taking over the head gig at a P4 school. But of course you have people like Jeremy Pruitt and Will Muschamp to counter that.
This speculation is fun, but Madison will pick a coach and then LSU and Penn State can pick through the scraps.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 03:40:43 PMDan Lanning and Kirby Smart are examples of guys who was never a head coach taking over the head gig at a P4 school. But of course you have people like Jeremy Pruitt and Will Muschamp to counter that.
All those guys were multiyear coordinators (Smart for eight seasons, Lanning for three, Pruitt for five, Muschamp for seven) before getting a head coaching job.
Hartline has had two seasons as "co-coordinator," but wasn't entrusted with calling plays, which means it was an honorary title to give him a pay raise/keep him happy. This is his first season as a playcaller.
I'm not saying it won't work. He's an elite recruiter, which helps. But there isn't much of a precedent for guys with his inexperience landing that high level of a job. Day might be a comparison, but he did well as the interim HC the year before he got the full-time gig and had stints as the OC at Temple and BC before landing at Ohio State. And he was always Urban's handpicked successor.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 30, 2025, 04:57:14 PMAll those guys were multiyear coordinators (Smart for eight seasons, Lanning for three, Pruitt for five, Muschamp for seven) before getting a head coaching job.
Hartline has had two seasons as "co-coordinator," but wasn't entrusted with calling plays, which means it was an honorary title to give him a pay raise/keep him happy. This is his first season as a playcaller.
I'm not saying it won't work. He's an elite recruiter, which helps. But there isn't much of a precedent for guys with his inexperience landing that high level of a job. Day might be a comparison, but he did well as the interim HC the year before he got the full-time gig and had stints as the OC at Temple and BC before landing at Ohio State. And he was always Urban's handpicked successor.
I don't think he's the guy but I do think they have a guy lined up.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 30, 2025, 03:59:14 PMThis speculation is fun, but Madison will pick a coach and then LSU and Penn State can pick through the scraps.
Hate to say it, but Brian Kelly would be a good fit for Wisconsin.
Though I imagine he might be inclined to lick his wounds for a year, with the help of his buyout, and try to jump back in a year from now.
Speaking of guys who've been sitting out (not necessarily by choice) a little surprised Jimbo Fisher's name hasn't surfaced more. It ended poorly at A&M, and he's understandably not on the list of any high-level programs, but you would think he'd draw some interest from the likes of Okie State, Arkansas or Virginia Tech (though seems to be a lot of James Franklin smoke on the latter).
He could also make sense for a G5 program that loses its coach, if he's willing to go that route.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 30, 2025, 05:56:20 PMHate to say it, but Brian Kelly would be a good fit for Wisconsin.
Though I imagine he might be inclined to lick his wounds for a year, with the help of his buyout, and try to jump back in a year from now.
Speaking of guys who've been sitting out (not necessarily by choice) a little surprised Jimbo Fisher's name hasn't surfaced more. It ended poorly at A&M, and he's understandably not on the list of any high-level programs, but you would think he'd draw some interest from the likes of Okie State or Virginia Tech (though seems to be a lot of James Franklin smoke on the latter).
He could also make sense for a G5 program that loses its coach, if he's willing to go that route.
I'll disagree on Kelly and UW-Madison being a good fit.
One of the knocks on Fickell and Chryst before him was, they aren't good with alum and the boosters. The next guy has some fences to mend and that isn't Brian Kelly's thing.
Secondly, he relies on his assistants to do the heavy-lifting with recruiting and player relations. He didn't bring any assistants with him to LSU from Notre Dame because they didn't want to go with him. His reputation in coaching circles isn't great. Not sure he'd put a good enough staff together to fix Bucky.
Saying that, if that's the route they go, wouldn't mind it.
https://x.com/On3sports/status/1984053089301631388
Money for athletes is not the problem in college athletics.
Quote from: tower912 on October 30, 2025, 07:52:26 PMMoney for athletes is not the problem in college athletics.
The LSU situation isn't a problem. It's awesome!
Quote from: tower912 on October 30, 2025, 07:52:26 PMMoney for athletes is not the problem in college athletics.
Yes! In the SEC.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 30, 2025, 08:35:38 PMYes! In the SEC.
And Big Ten. And ACC. And the Big East. And the Big XII.
Money for athletes is not the problem in college sports and never has been.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 31, 2025, 05:54:57 AMAnd Big Ten. And ACC. And the Big East. And the Big XII.
Money for athletes is not the problem in college sports and never has been.
One issue I don't see discussed however are the taxes.
Quote from: Pakuni on October 30, 2025, 03:16:15 PMDo we know that Hartline can coach?
Big swing for a program like Penn State to hire a guy who not only has zero HC experience, but only one year - seven games, really - as a full coordinator/play caller.
That was the exact reaction in a group chat with some of my OSU buddies. Not even selfishly wanting to keep him, they obviously aren't super stressed about losing coordinators, but they thought he was still a couple years away from being "ready".
Also, not a direct correlation, but every coordinator that has left OSU during Day's tenure has failed pretty notably.
Kevin Wilson got another HC gig at Tulsa after he failed at IU then returned to OSU as OC. Fired after 2 bad years.
Jeff Hafley was the OSU DC, then left to be medicore at BC, then took the Packers DC gig before he eventually was gonna get fired.
Jim Knowles has suddenly looked very ordinary as a DC now that he doesn't have a completely stacked OSU defense.
Chip Kelly has the worst offense in the NFL in LV.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 30, 2025, 03:25:43 PMRyan Day got the Ohio gig and his resume wasn't exactly a sure thing when hired. It isn't always the name hire that wins big. Dabo wasn't a big name at Clemson. Pete Carroll's hiring was mocked.
Day was largely a continuity hire after Urban got gently ushered out. People weren't overly stoked but he was Urban's offensive guy and thought the best choice to keep the upcoming 1-2 recruiting classes which was Garrett Wilson, CJ Stroud, Smith, Paris Johnson, etc..
Dabo was another internal hire in a similar situation to Day taking over midseason and Clemson had actually been on a sharp upward trajectory largely due to his recruiting when he was Bowden's AHC.
Carroll was way out of right field, but he was an experienced 50 year old coach who had been a decent coach in NE, not a complete mess. He wasn't some unproven young coordinator and, importantly, USC had just finished their worst 5 year stretch since WW2. Obviously one of the marquee CFB jobs, but it wasn't super attractive at the time, hence why they couldn't get Bellotti or Dennis Erickson.
I don't disagree that its often a non-big name hire that ends up the most successful, but all those examples were different than a big program (PSU) who just had its best 8 year stretch in 20 years firing their coach to hire an unproven assistant from outside the program who has only been coaching for 7 years, and in their first year as a coordinator.
For comparison, Lanning is the same age as Hartline, but when he was hired 3 years ago, he'd already been the DC/recruiting coordinator at one of the top 5 programs in FCS at the time, spent a year assistant Saban at Bama, was the DC for Norvell at Memphis where they took the program to its highest point in 50 years within 2 years, then obviously help UGA winning a Natty...while Hartline has basically only been a position coach at OSU for 6 years till now.
Quote from: JWags85 on October 31, 2025, 11:12:21 AMThat was the exact reaction in a group chat with some of my OSU buddies. Not even selfishly wanting to keep him, they obviously aren't super stressed about losing coordinators, but they thought he was still a couple years away from being "ready".
Also, not a direct correlation, but every coordinator that has left OSU during Day's tenure has failed pretty notably.
Kevin Wilson got another HC gig at Tulsa after he failed at IU then returned to OSU as OC. Fired after 2 bad years.
Jeff Hafley was the OSU DC, then left to be medicore at BC, then took the Packers DC gig before he eventually was gonna get fired.
Jim Knowles has suddenly looked very ordinary as a DC now that he doesn't have a completely stacked OSU defense.
Chip Kelly has the worst offense in the NFL in LV.
Day was largely a continuity hire after Urban got gently ushered out. People weren't overly stoked but he was Urban's offensive guy and thought the best choice to keep the upcoming 1-2 recruiting classes which was Garrett Wilson, CJ Stroud, Smith, Paris Johnson, etc..
Dabo was another internal hire in a similar situation to Day taking over midseason and Clemson had actually been on a sharp upward trajectory largely due to his recruiting when he was Bowden's AHC.
Carroll was way out of right field, but he was an experienced 50 year old coach who had been a decent coach in NE, not a complete mess. He wasn't some unproven young coordinator and, importantly, USC had just finished their worst 5 year stretch since WW2. Obviously one of the marquee CFB jobs, but it wasn't super attractive at the time, hence why they couldn't get Bellotti or Dennis Erickson.
I don't disagree that its often a non-big name hire that ends up the most successful, but all those examples were different than a big program (PSU) who just had its best 8 year stretch in 20 years firing their coach to hire an unproven assistant from outside the program who has only been coaching for 7 years, and in their first year as a coordinator.
For comparison, Lanning is the same age as Hartline, but when he was hired 3 years ago, he'd already been the DC/recruiting coordinator at one of the top 5 programs in FCS at the time, spent a year assistant Saban at Bama, was the DC for Norvell at Memphis where they took the program to its highest point in 50 years within 2 years, then obviously help UGA winning a Natty...while Hartline has basically only been a position coach at OSU for 6 years till now.
Don't disagree with your points.
And while the chatter is there, I think Penn State has their guy and it almost certainly isn't Hartline.
I'm not an AD and never will be but I'd take Hartline over Clark Lea, let's say, whose success is tied in with Diego Pavia or Brent Key whose team has won a lot of close games.
And I'd definitely have taken him over Matt Rhule.
Quote from: The Sultan on October 30, 2025, 07:54:03 PMThe LSU situation isn't a problem. It's awesome!
https://x.com/38Godfrey/status/1983638003454243193
https://x.com/38Godfrey/status/1983980650765152289
The Louisiana governor says LSU's new football coach will have a "merit-based contract" that won't include a massive buyout.
I'm interested in seeing which coach they get and what that contact, under those parameters, looks like.
Quote from: MU82 on October 31, 2025, 09:43:16 PMThe Louisiana governor says LSU's new football coach will have a "merit-based contract" that won't include a massive buyout.
I'm interested in seeing which coach they get and what that contact, under those parameters, looks like.
Well, it'll be a white guy
Can't say Ohio State was expecting to play an unranked Penn State team with an interim head coach when this game got scheduled.
Take away ESPN/ABC, and the slate of college football games available for YTTV customers in the early time slot is a shade below BLECCCCH!
29 straight losses against ranked teams for Nebraska. Next year they'll be a national powerhouse again though. Or Patrick Mahomes Jr will bail because he's getting introduced to darkness every game.
WIAC Results with direct implications on Marquette's cause:
UW-LaCrosse 31 UW-Stout 14
UW-Platteville 21 UW-Oshkosh 14
UW-River Falls 52 UW-Whitewater 14 👀
UWSP 39 UWEC 36
Big Ten Recap. Some great results for Marquette's cause.
Michigan 21 Purdue 16: Barry Odom made Purdue semi-competent again. Coach of the Year, imo.
USC 21 Nebraska 17: Matt Rhule's record against ranked teams did not improve.
Indiana 55 Maryland 10: Good teams beat bad teams. Great teams hamblast bad teams.
Minnesota 23 Michigan State 20: Spartan fans looking for a coach who will cover up rapes and win games because the current guy doesn't have rapists or wins games.
Ohio State 38 Penn State 14: I'm old enough to remember when Ohio State had questions at QB. Kid might win the Heisman.
Illinois 35 Rutgers 13: Give Bert this, another bowl season for Illinois. Only 2nd time since 1992 they've made bowls in back-to-back seasons.
Mario Cristobal and Carson Beck deserve each other.
ahem, you forgot to mention that is UWSP's first WIAC win in 34 games spanning 6 seasons.... a monumental achievement that needs ot be mentioned.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 02, 2025, 08:40:29 AMWIAC Results with direct implications on Marquette's cause:
UW-LaCrosse 31 UW-Stout 14
UW-Platteville 21 UW-Oshkosh 14
UW-River Falls 52 UW-Whitewater 14 👀
UWSP 39 UWEC 36
Hugh Freeze's afternoon tee time has been postponed. Change on the Plains may be imminent.
Quote from: PointWarrior on November 02, 2025, 10:19:46 AMahem, you forgot to mention that is UWSP's first WIAC win in 34 games spanning 6 seasons.... a monumental achievement that needs ot be mentioned.
Congrats to the Hausers.
Vivid Seats has $11 tickets available at Camp Randall for Saturday's game vs Washington.
Weasel Fever!
Hugh Freeze fired by Auburn.
Nobody saw this ending poorly.
Does Bruce Pearl have another son?
Quote from: MU82 on November 02, 2025, 09:50:15 AMMario Cristobal and Carson Beck deserve each other.
I wonder if they money the Miami collective gave the one Cavender who was dating Beck to stay together until Beck signed can be taken back
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 02, 2025, 03:12:24 PMI wonder if they money the Miami collective gave the one Cavender who was dating Beck to stay together until Beck signed can be taken back
Cavender, or Cadaver?
Quote from: MU82 on November 02, 2025, 03:29:35 PMCavender, or Cadaver?
No, the latter is Miami's playoff hopes.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 02, 2025, 03:12:24 PMI wonder if they money the Miami collective gave the one Cavender who was dating Beck to stay together until Beck signed can be taken back
Beck turning into a pumpkin just in time for Halloween is f-ing brutal. 3 TDs to 6 INTs and a QBR under 75 in each of the last 3 games is $4MM well spent. Also, I like Cristobal, but he can't coach a disciplined team to save his life.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 03, 2025, 09:43:35 AMBeck turning into a pumpkin just in time for Halloween is f-ing brutal. 3 TDs to 6 INTs and a QBR under 75 in each of the last 3 games is $4MM well spent. Also, I like Cristobal, but he can't coach a disciplined team to save his life.
Not surprised to see this Mario Cristobal team perform like every other Mario Cristobal team.
As for Beck, this is kind of who he is.
Quote from: MU82 on November 02, 2025, 02:27:23 PMVivid Seats has $11 tickets available at Camp Randall for Saturday's game vs Washington.
Weasel Fever!
Is that the same company as Vivid entertainment
Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 03, 2025, 11:54:06 AMIs that the same company as Vivid entertainment
It might as well be because anyone paying to watch Bucky is getting f--ked.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 03, 2025, 11:57:40 AMIt might as well be because anyone paying to watch Bucky is getting f--ked.
I'm not here to kink shame But I think that might be illegal in wisconsin.
Auburn has named DJ Durkin its interim coach and says he'll be considered for the full-time job.
Apparently running players to death, literally, is not a dealbreaker.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 03, 2025, 01:50:52 PMAuburn has named DJ Durkin its interim coach and says he'll be considered for the full-time job.
Apparently running players to death, literally, is not a dealbreaker.
Not in the SEC
Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 03, 2025, 11:59:02 AMI'm not here to kink shame But I think that might be illegal in wisconsin.
well, maybe not those bordering the UP
Quote from: Pakuni on November 03, 2025, 01:50:52 PMAuburn has named DJ Durkin its interim coach and says he'll be considered for the full-time job.
Apparently running players to death, literally, is not a dealbreaker.
He spent time at ND and then was an Urban Meyer disciple...sociopathic disregard for underlings during practice is part of the ethos.
But even more of a bad look, Durkin wasn't even a good coach at Maryland before the scandal unlike some of the guys who got second big gigs. And then got pushed out for underperformance at Ole Miss and A&M. Def a good look for Auburn after squeaky clean Hugh
Quote from: JWags85 on November 03, 2025, 04:58:24 PMHe spent time at ND and then was an Urban Meyer disciple...sociopathic disregard for underlings during practice is part of the ethos.
But even more of a bad look, Durkin wasn't even a good coach at Maryland before the scandal unlike some of the guys who got second big gigs. And then got pushed out for underperformance at Ole Miss and A&M. Def a good look for Auburn after squeaky clean Hugh
In would be shocked if they end up with him. It's just something to say to keep everyone motivated.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 03, 2025, 05:01:49 PMIn would be shocked if they end up with him. It's just something to say to keep everyone motivated.
I'm sure you're right, but why even suggest it? I don't think the team is going to be more motivated to go win for Durkin. Half of the roster, conservatively, is already lining up portal visits.
That said, Durkin has done a good job with that defense, which has kept them in every game while Hugh's offense floundered.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 03, 2025, 05:01:49 PMIn would be shocked if they end up with him. It's just something to say to keep everyone motivated.
One of Cam Netwon's hat would do a better job of motivating the team.
Luke Fickell back in 2026
Marquette football will equal Fickell's Big Ten wins for two years then...
Quote from: wadesworld on November 06, 2025, 04:42:30 PMHurts Marquette's cause.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 06, 2025, 04:32:16 PMLuke Fickell back in 2026
This will be hilarious cause they have a soft schedule next year too. Notre Dame will smack the hell out of them, but then Western Mich and Pitt at home, who they might be able to sneak past. Then the B10...no Michigan, no OSU, no Oregon or Washington, no Illinois or Nebraska. Other than USC (and who knows how PSU will bounce back), the only top half B10 teams they play are rivalry games against Iowa and Minnesota. They may have just another medicore year and not properly bottom out and kick the can further down the road.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 07, 2025, 10:40:18 AMThis will be hilarious cause they have a soft schedule next year too. Notre Dame will smack the hell out of them, but then Western Mich and Pitt at home, who they might be able to sneak past. Then the B10...no Michigan, no OSU, no Oregon or Washington, no Illinois or Nebraska. Other than USC (and who knows how PSU will bounce back), the only top half B10 teams they play are rivalry games against Iowa and Minnesota. They may have just another mediocre year and not properly bottom out and kick the can further down the road.
McIntosh talked about committing more resources to the football program. I'm all for them putting more resources into a failing football program under Fickell instead of putting that money toward basketball.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 07, 2025, 10:40:18 AMThis will be hilarious cause they have a soft schedule next year too. Notre Dame will smack the hell out of them, but then Western Mich and Pitt at home, who they might be able to sneak past. Then the B10...no Michigan, no OSU, no Oregon or Washington, no Illinois or Nebraska. Other than USC (and who knows how PSU will bounce back), the only top half B10 teams they play are rivalry games against Iowa and Minnesota. They may have just another medicore year and not properly bottom out and kick the can further down the road.
At this point, Wisconsin is the easy team on the schedule. Non-competitive at home against Maryland and Iowa? One thing to lose, but they're non-competitive.
The selling point from Lurch is they'll spend more next year. Ok. On what? Replace the whole staff? Roster? That's fine if you're starting over like Indiana did but the Badgers are locked in at the Head Coaching position and that's the problem.
I've seen the comparison to Virginia who are the current likely ACC rep in the playoff. It's a house of cards that is going to collapse and Virginia will be looking for a new coach sooner than later.
enjoying undefeated BYU getting blasted by TT - over-rated and played nobody...
That was a heck of a catch by the IU receiver.
Wow. Just wow.
That was the best game of the college football season.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 08, 2025, 02:50:53 PMThat was the best game of the college football season.
Maryland is playing Rutgers, so calm down
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 08, 2025, 02:52:43 PMMaryland is playing Rutgers, so calm down
This Iowa / Oregon game is intriguing in a bad weather kind of way.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 08, 2025, 02:24:12 PMThat was a heck of a catch by the IU receiver.
Indiana receivers made a dozen great catches in the game. Mendoza was amazing on that winning drive. Sensational, entertaining game.
Quote from: MU82 on November 08, 2025, 03:22:53 PMIndiana receivers made a dozen great catches in the game. Mendoza was amazing on that winning drive. Sensational, entertaining game.
That last td was one for the books. Especially in light of what was on the line. Props to that young man. Just a tremendous grab, using his prime-time vert, hands, and I have no idea how he got a foot down. I will admit that even in my prime, with no one on the field, I couldn't have made that play. :(
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 08, 2025, 05:02:44 PMThat last td was one for the books. Especially in light of what was on the line. Props to that young man. Just a tremendous grab, using his prime-time vert, hands, and I have no idea how he got a foot down. I will admit that even in my prime, with no one on the field, I couldn't have made that play. :(
It wasn't that hard
WTF is the University of Washington doing? This isn't patty-cakes. Put those Weasels to sleep and stop playing footsie.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 08, 2025, 05:15:03 PMIt wasn't that hard
dude is 6' tall so it passes the sniff test
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on November 08, 2025, 05:18:36 PMdude is 6' tall so it passes the sniff test
His job is to literally catch the ball and get his feet in bounds. Wake me up when he throws a TD pass or gets a sack
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 08, 2025, 05:21:00 PMHis job is to literally catch the ball and get his feet in bounds. Wake me up when he throws a TD pass or gets a sack
Everybody needs to calm down. It was a tremendous catch and play. Stop disparaging the young man.
Washington is embarrassing themselves. Freaking ridiculous.
Could really help Marquette's cause tonight. Mac saw something we didn't.
Quote from: wadesworld on November 08, 2025, 05:56:50 PMCould really help Marquette's cause tonight. Mac saw something we didn't.
On Wisconsin!
Quote from: wadesworld on November 08, 2025, 05:56:50 PMCould really help Marquette's cause tonight. Mac saw something we didn't.
Boom! Go Badgers!
Will they storm the field at Camp Randall? They're acting like they won a Natty.
Omg they are!!!!
Great win and just the beginning!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 08, 2025, 06:55:20 PMGreat win and just the beginning!
A stepping stone to making a bowl game in the next few years?
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 08, 2025, 06:58:35 PMA stepping stone to making a bowl game in the next few years?
We're going to a bowl game this year. We're going to run the table
Smells like an extension
come on, they just beat a team 3 years removed from playing for a Natty...
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 08, 2025, 06:52:05 PMWill they storm the field at Camp Randall? They're acting like they won a Natty.
Amazing what they can do when they finally get some resources.
Washington played like poop and deserved to lose.
The leading passer for the BADgers was their punter with 24 yards. Unbelievable.
Quote from: MU82 on November 08, 2025, 08:01:54 PMWashington played like poop and deserved to lose.
Big doings in the WIAC yesterday. Many results that help Marquette's cause:
UW-Platteville 24 UW-Stout 23
UW-Whitewater 51 UWEC 10
UW-River Falls 41 UW-La Crosse 7
UW-Oshkosh 41 UWSP 15
Big 18 Recap:
Many great results for Marquette
Nebraska 28 UCLA 21: And UCLA's staff is back to updating their resumes.
Wisconsin 13 Washington 10: Muggsy's boys get a big "W" and prove Lurch is a genius.
Oregon 18 Iowa 16: Oregon learns a valuable Big 18 lesson. Never play at Iowa when it's dark.
Rutgers 35 Maryland 20: Maryland has now lost 5 straight Big 18 games after whimpimh Muggsy's Badgers. Rutgers with the inside track to the Pinstripe Bowl.
Ohio State 34 Purdue 10: The Boilers scored first.
Indiana 27 Penn State 24: Penn State has no concept of time. It's truly remarkable.
USC 38 Northwestern 17: A fetty wapping
Quote from: JWags85 on November 07, 2025, 10:40:18 AMThis will be hilarious cause they have a soft schedule next year too. Notre Dame will smack the hell out of them, but then Western Mich and Pitt at home, who they might be able to sneak past. Then the B10...no Michigan, no OSU, no Oregon or Washington, no Illinois or Nebraska. Other than USC (and who knows how PSU will bounce back), the only top half B10 teams they play are rivalry games against Iowa and Minnesota. They may have just another medicore year and not properly bottom out and kick the can further down the road.
You mean the same Pitt who is undefeated and now tied at the top of the ACC after inserting a true freshman QB into the starting line up?
Best play I saw all weekend was the USC QB hustling after throwing an INT, and not only tackling the Northwestern player but forcing a fumble out of the end zone for a touchback. Lots of QBs don't bother.
Quote from: MU82 on November 09, 2025, 04:58:49 PMBest play I saw all weekend was the USC QB hustling after throwing an INT, and not only tackling the Northwestern player but forcing a fumble out of the end zone for a touchback. Lots of QBs don't bother.
Was that a USC QB or punter?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 09, 2025, 05:22:19 PMWas that a USC QB or punter?
The quarterback, Jayden Maiava. Hell of a game-changing play.
https://www.aol.com/news/one-big-hit-jayden-maiava-054012350.html
Shocked this would be happening at Baylor
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46953809/baylor-ad-taking-leave-set-replaced-cfp-chair
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 13, 2025, 12:59:49 PMShocked this would be happening at Baylor
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46953809/baylor-ad-taking-leave-set-replaced-cfp-chair
We should let Scott Drew pick the new AD. At least then we would know they were upstanding Christians who play fair
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 13, 2025, 12:59:49 PMShocked this would be happening at Baylor
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46953809/baylor-ad-taking-leave-set-replaced-cfp-chair
Baylor is Michigan State South.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on November 13, 2025, 02:20:10 PMWe should let Scott Drew pick the new AD. At least then we would know they were upstanding Christians who play fair
I thought Scott Drew went to Kentucky.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 13, 2025, 04:57:59 PMI thought Scott Drew went to Kentucky.
Nice. Forgot about that.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 13, 2025, 04:57:59 PMI thought Scott Drew went to Kentucky.
A lot of you will have to apologize to Rocket
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 13, 2025, 05:02:03 PMA lot of you will have to apologize to Rocket
I'm sorry for my receding hairline
Big day for Muggsy's Badgers as they travel to Bloomington riding the momentum of a huge Top-25 win. Indiana looked very vulnerable last week and this is a great opportunity for Muggsy's Badgers to remind everyone the Badgers are still part of college football elite.
Indiana football a 28.5 point favorite over the Badgers. What a world.
Quote from: cheebs09 on November 15, 2025, 10:12:59 AMIndiana football a 28.5 point favorite over the Badgers. What a world.
Half the Madison team is in England as Rhodes Scholars.
Muggsy's Badgers 👀
Aggies came to play.
Quote from: Dish on November 15, 2025, 12:43:49 PMAggies came to play.
What's Shane Beamer's current status?
Quote from: Pakuni on November 15, 2025, 02:07:37 PMWhat's Shane Beamer's current status?
I think Beamer is a good coach who has done a nice job at what was probably a bottom 4 SEC job, even before OU and Texas joined...that being said, he may have turned in the worst coaching performance in the P5 this year.
Consensus top 15, borderline top 10 team. Dark horse Heisman candidate at QB. Then they proceed to lose 7 of 8, including 7 straight to ranked teams (when a big part of his resume so far was knocking off ranked teams), culminating in whatever the hell this was today.
I don't think his job is in jeopardy, but if I was a Gamecock fan, I'd be getting worried about Sellers and the portal.
Arch Manning is a fraud
Quote from: Pakuni on November 15, 2025, 02:07:37 PMWhat's Shane Beamer's current status?
I certainly agree with you, I just feel kinda meh about him/South Carolina football to do it.
That fist bumping though as he left the field for halftime...you can't lose that game if you're gonna do that on the road.
Quote from: jesmu84 on November 15, 2025, 08:57:12 PMArch Manning is a fraud
Nah, we've gotten to the point where he flipped from being overhyped to being overly maligned. Hes still a good college QB, not a great one as some expected. He was fantastic the last 2 weeks, was meh against UK, but was very good against OU in the Red River Rivalry.
Hes not been amazing tonight against a much better team in a rough environment, but outside of that pick in the first half, he's not been bad. It's a damn good UGA defense that's strangled everyone at home. Ole Miss put up 35, but they didn't rack up obscene yardage
Big day in the WIAC. Sadly, Marquette's cause is toast, so who cares?
UW-Platteville 55 UWEC 28
UW-Whitewater 24 UW-Oshkosh 7
UW-La Crosse 52 UWSP 0
UW-River Falls 29 UW-Stout 19
Big 18 Results. None helped Marquette for obvious reasons.
Michigan 24 Northwestern 22- Wolverines won despite losing the turnover battle 5-0. No word if they posed with a flag but are now 9-2 since planting their flag in Columbus last year.
Indiana 31 Wisconsin 7- Back to the portal for Wisconsin.
Penn State 28 Michigan State 10- Sparty got a taunting penalty on offense on their last drive when down 18. Never change, Sparty.
USC 26 Iowa 21- Lincoln Riley riding high as they head to Oregon next week. Loser-leaves-town. Can't wait to see how Riley parlays this into a new gig should they make the playoff.
Ohio State 48 UCLA 10- Justin Sayin is your Heisman leader.
Oregon 42 Minnesota 13- PJ Fleck's boat is leaking water as he looks elsewhere.
Illinois 24 Maryland 6- Illinois holds off their bitter rival. Maryland can begin their coaching search in earnest.
Washington 49 Purdue 13- At least Purdue got to spend the night in Seattle.
From Yahoo Sports:
Team A is 10-2, didn't win a conference championship, has played the 29th-toughest schedule in the country, and owns one win over a team on the low-end of the top 25.
Team B is also 10-2, didn't win a conference championship, has played the 43rd-toughest schedule in the country, and owns one win over a team ranked in the top 10.
Based on the blind résumé, you'd probably assume Team B would be ranked slightly above Team A. You'd especially be convinced of that if you learned that when they played head-to-head, Team B defeated Team A.
But in this case, you'd be wrong: Team A is Notre Dame and Team B is Miami.
Its almost as if timing of and who you lose to matters.
Quote from: MU82 on November 19, 2025, 08:54:11 AMFrom Yahoo Sports:
Team A is 10-2, didn't win a conference championship, has played the 29th-toughest schedule in the country, and owns one win over a team on the low-end of the top 25.
Team B is also 10-2, didn't win a conference championship, has played the 43rd-toughest schedule in the country, and owns one win over a team ranked in the top 10.
Based on the blind résumé, you'd probably assume Team B would be ranked slightly above Team A. You'd especially be convinced of that if you learned that when they played head-to-head, Team B defeated Team A.
But in this case, you'd be wrong: Team A is Notre Dame and Team B is Miami.
Or Team C, which is 8-2 and 4-1 against teams in the top 25 - but they do have a bad loss.
That team is Alabama, who is ranked behind Notre Dame.
The committee is once again doing the dumb thing and punishing teams for bad losses more than crediting them for multiple good wins. It's ridiculous.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 19, 2025, 09:03:24 AMOr Team C, which is 8-2 and 4-1 against teams in the top 25 - but they do have a bad loss.
That team is Alabama, who is ranked behind Notre Dame.
The committee is once again doing the dumb thing and punishing teams for bad losses more than crediting them for multiple good wins. It's ridiculous.
Agreed.
And for the record, I don't feel sorry for Miami. Coach well and/or get good quarterback play against Louisville and SMU, and they're already guaranteed a spot in the playoff.
Quote from: MU82 on November 19, 2025, 09:08:08 AMAgreed.
And for the record, I don't feel sorry for Miami. Coach well and/or get good quarterback play against Louisville and SMU, and they're already guaranteed a spot in the playoff.
Yea its not feeling bad for Miami, its yet again the absurd kiddie gloves that ND gets every year. Give them an automatically high preseason ranking, and then let them cling to the top 20 when they lose, then let them climb up beating middling P5 teams while other people lose.
If Purdue or Kentucky had their resume, nobody is talking about them as a top 10 team
Quote from: JWags85 on November 19, 2025, 11:45:52 AMYea its not feeling bad for Miami, its yet again the absurd kiddie gloves that ND gets every year. Give them an automatically high preseason ranking, and then let them cling to the top 20 when they lose, then let them climb up beating middling P5 teams while other people lose.
If Purdue or Kentucky had their resume, nobody is talking about them as a top 10 team
Oh, that's certainly true. They so desperately want ND to be in the playoff every year. It's sickening.
Quote from: MU82 on November 19, 2025, 12:32:46 PMOh, that's certainly true. They so desperately want ND to be in the playoff every year. It's sickening.
They don't need Notre Dame in. They'll get huge ratings regardless.
However, like Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama or any other huge college football name, they'll always have an advantage in these rankings over the lesser programs.
Until college football takes competitive balance seriously (never will happen), I don't take these arguments seriously. The CFB system is as fair as a Russian election. The other pro football, NFL, does it right.
It's like Bezos bitching that Gates paid 1% less in tax. It maybe valid, but I just couldn't care less.
So it looks like LSU may fire Kelly. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47049415/lsu-formally-moves-fire-brian-kelly-response-lawsuit (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47049415/lsu-formally-moves-fire-brian-kelly-response-lawsuit)
WTF?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 21, 2025, 02:10:17 PMSo it looks like LSU may fire Kelly. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47049415/lsu-formally-moves-fire-brian-kelly-response-lawsuit (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47049415/lsu-formally-moves-fire-brian-kelly-response-lawsuit)
WTF?
Easy! The AD fired Kelly but didn't have the authority to fire him, so technically Kelly was not fired even though LSU allegedly said he was fired due to the poor performance of the team. Now LSU wants to refire (or really,
really fire him
this time) for cause 'cause of the AD's mistake who didn't really fire Kelly for cause 'cause he didn't think of it in time when he didn't fire him.
Honestly, I have no idea why you posted WTF.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on November 21, 2025, 02:38:13 PMEasy! The AD fired Kelly but didn't have the authority to fire him, so technically Kelly was not fired even though LSU allegedly said he was fired due to the poor performance of the team. Now LSU wants to refire (or really, really fire him this time) for cause 'cause of the AD's mistake who didn't really fire Kelly for cause 'cause he didn't think of it in time when he didn't fire him.
Honestly, I have no idea why you posted WTF.
;D
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on November 21, 2025, 02:38:13 PMEasy! The AD fired Kelly but didn't have the authority to fire him, so technically Kelly was not fired even though LSU allegedly said he was fired due to the poor performance of the team. Now LSU wants to refire (or really, really fire him this time) for cause 'cause of the AD's mistake who didn't really fire Kelly for cause 'cause he didn't think of it in time when he didn't fire him.
Honestly, I have no idea why you posted WTF.
Not to mention the governor claimed he was fired, and then fired the AD who probably knew about the "for cause" deadline.
I'm no fan of Kelly, but he should get every $$ he is due because the governor managed this like numbskull.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 21, 2025, 03:25:26 PMNot to mention the governor claimed he was fired, and then fired the AD who probably knew about the "for cause" deadline.
I'm no fan of Kelly, but he should get every $$ he is due because the governor managed this like numbskull.
I think the governor should be fired for cause.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on November 21, 2025, 03:32:55 PMI think the governor should be fired for cause.
Louisiana is killing it in education and poverty.
SMALL Government at work again.
Yale - Harvard is expecting the largest crowd (60,000+) in 45 years now that the Ivy League is eligible for FCS Playoffs for the first time ever. Winner of the game wins the Ivy.
It's also the 150 anniversary since their first game and their 141 game overall.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on November 21, 2025, 09:05:42 PMYale - Harvard is expecting the largest crowd (60,000+) in 45 years now that the Ivy League is eligible for FCS Playoffs for the first time ever. Winner of the game wins the Ivy.
It's also the 150 anniversary since their first game and their 141 game overall.
Over 60,000 Harvard and Yale grads in one place. Proof that Hell does exist.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 21, 2025, 09:17:06 PMOver 60,000 Harvard and Yale grads in one place. Proof that Hell does exist.
That's a lot of UW-Madison rejects.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 21, 2025, 09:17:06 PMOver 60,000 Harvard and Yale grads in one place. Proof that Hell does exist.
My two safety schools if I didn't get into MU
Did Bielema go to Dotty's before the game and have a dozen 🍔? With a dozen orders of 🍟? And 6 milkshakes?? No wonder his team looks lethargic and pathetic. Mix in a 🥗. Without dressing. I'm surprised he can walk.
Fickell really looking to help Marquette's cause. In the time of being thankful for things, I am thankful for him.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 21, 2025, 09:17:06 PMOver 60,000 Harvard and Yale grads in one place. Proof that Hell does exist.
That's like 60,000 plagiarists smh
What frauds Illinois turned out to be.
Meanwhile, nice job by Syracuse holding ND under 75.
Weasel fans storm the field!!!
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 22, 2025, 09:49:48 PMWeasel fans storm the field!!!
It's MUBB fans storming the field. I'm out here now. What a time to be alive. Thank you, Luke.
Quote from: MU82 on November 22, 2025, 09:45:33 PMWhat frauds Illinois turned out to be.
Meanwhile, nice job by Syracuse holding ND under 75.
ND was up 21-0 without running an offensive play. Two pick sixes and a punt return.
Quote from: wadesworld on November 22, 2025, 09:50:40 PMIt's MUBB fans storming the field. I'm out here now. What a time to be alive. Thank you, Luke.
Wow! They're 4-7 now. Storming the field was a great way to celebrate. I hope you and the other Marquette fans had fun and didn't get hurt.
I'm disappointed that Marquette fans didn't storm the court yesterday.
UW-Stout won the Culver's Isthmus Bowl, beating Washington University of St. Louis, 31-23
Big 18 results produced a lot of things that may or may not help Marquette's cause:
Washington 48 UCLA 14: Look up UCLA's fake FG. It ended poorly.
Wisconsin 27 Illinois 10: This year's Billy Napier gets a win that has the fan base a-twitter. Idiots.
Penn State 37 Nebraska 10: Matt Rhule losing badly to Penn State is hilarious on many levels.
Michigan 45 Maryland 20: Michigan has lost 3 of 5 RBs and it's All-American FB. They might be in good shape heading into The Game.
Ohio State 42 Rutgers 9: Rutgers hosts Penn State next week to get bowl eligible.
Oregon 42 USC 27: USC, playoff aspiring no more. Colin Cowherd in shambles.
Iowa 20 Michigan State 17: another dignity with defeat day for Sparty who look to avoid a winless conference season next week when they host Maryland.
Northwestern 38 Minnesota 35: Luckily for the Gophers, they aren't cursed since they couldn't hoist an "L" flag at Wrigley.
I know people are happy with the "two wins over ranked teams" narrative around Wisconsin, but I think those may have been two of the softest ranked teams I've seen in awhile.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 23, 2025, 08:25:49 AMI know people are happy with the "two wins over ranked teams" narrative around Wisconsin, but I think those may have been two of the softest ranked teams I've seen in awhile.
Wisconsin had 301 yards of total offense, 84 on one play and 80 yards on their scripted opening drive (a common theme this year).
Illinois is 68th in scoring defense. It's a mediocre defense at best
Quote from: The Sultan on November 23, 2025, 08:25:49 AMI know people are happy with the "two wins over ranked teams" narrative around Wisconsin, but I think those may have been two of the softest ranked teams I've seen in awhile.
Disagree. Those wins completely justify a 10 year extension for Fickell.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 23, 2025, 08:25:49 AMI know people are happy with the "two wins over ranked teams" narrative around Wisconsin, but I think those may have been two of the softest ranked teams I've seen in awhile.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 23, 2025, 09:11:11 AMDisagree. Those wins completely justify a 10 year extension for Fickell.
Yea it's perfect for anyone who doesn't want to see Badger football succeed. Illinois has been a joke of an overrated team all season. This and Washington was the equivalent of a CBB coach pulling a random tourney berth and/or win every few seasons after a bunch of mediocrity to get people to put their pitchforks away.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 23, 2025, 04:31:05 PMYea it's perfect for anyone who doesn't want to see Badger football succeed. Illinois has been a joke of an overrated team all season. This and Washington was the equivalent of a CBB coach pulling a random tourney berth and/or win every few seasons after a bunch of mediocrity to get people to put their pitchforks away.
Chris McIntosh keeping his job is a win for people who don't like the Wisconsin athletic department
Mike Norvell not getting fired.
Apparently a big win over Labor Day carries a lot of weight in Tallahassee.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 23, 2025, 08:25:49 AMI know people are happy with the "two wins over ranked teams" narrative around Wisconsin, but I think those may have been two of the softest ranked teams I've seen in awhile.
2 more than Rhule at Nebraska
Quote from: Pakuni on November 23, 2025, 06:03:45 PMMike Norvell not getting fired.
Apparently a big win over Labor Day carries a lot of weight in Tallahassee.
Yes, for schools with ACC budgets.
I know this is somewhat off topic, but this is probably the best place to put it.
The shooter who killed 3 UVA football players and wounded 2 students in 2022 has been sentenced to 5 life terms. He plead guilty, but apparently his attorneys were trying to get his mental health problems taken into account in the sentencing. The fact that there was a fair amount of planning on the shooter's part took that off the table.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 23, 2025, 06:03:45 PMMike Norvell not getting fired.
Apparently a big win over Labor Day carries a lot of weight in Tallahassee.
I think the $55MM+ buyout carries far more weight than beating Bama. They aren't A&M with a bunch of insane oil tycoons willing to chip in to cover $70MM.
I still think Norvell is a good coach, but winning big with a huge transfer class kind of messed him up. Started looking at the portal as the ticket instead of building a program, and its come to roost badly.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 23, 2025, 08:17:47 PMI think the $55MM+ buyout carries far more weight than beating Bama. They aren't A&M with a bunch of insane oil tycoons willing to chip in to cover $70MM.
I still think Norvell is a good coach, but winning big with a huge transfer class kind of messed him up. Started looking at the portal as the ticket instead of building a program, and its come to roost badly.
Wait. I heard MUBB would be John Wooden's UCLA program if Shaka would just grab someone from the portal every now and then.
Quote from: wadesworld on November 23, 2025, 08:46:13 PMWait. I heard MUBB would be John Wooden's UCLA program if Shaka would just grab someone from the portal every now and then.
I don't think MU pays players as well as UCLA did, even in 1965 dollars.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on November 23, 2025, 07:58:35 PMI know this is somewhat off topic, but this is probably the best place to put it.
The shooter who killed 3 UVA football players and wounded 2 students in 2022 has been sentenced to 5 life terms. He plead guilty, but apparently his attorneys were trying to get his mental health problems taken into account in the sentencing. The fact that there was a fair amount of planning on the shooter's part took that off the table.
While thankfully not as fatal, this coincided with another bizarre bout of CFB related violence in the South...
https://apnews.com/article/alabama-birmingham-uab-football-players-stabbed-455d6da6e6d98cc678ec983b2ff98052
More information will come out I'm sure, but wild. Sweet culture you cultivated there, Dilfer!
Looks like Lane Kiffin is gonna quit on his Ole Miss team just weeks before the playoffs rather than try to lead them to a championship. L$U, here he comes.
The coaching transfer portal is always wide open. Contracts and "loyalty" be damned.
Not that I really blame Kiffin, either. One bad year and some Mississippi millionaires woulda been starting a "fire Lane" campaign.
I'm just glad the athletes are finally getting to cash in some, too.
Quote from: MU82 on November 24, 2025, 07:13:28 PMThe coaching transfer portal is always wide open. Contracts and "loyalty" be damned.
I know this is your favorite drum to bang in college sports, but the transfer portal is always wide open for players too. Multiple QBs and other high level players have transferred during the season and players are hopping around for NIL money far more often than coaches these days. Gotta update your grievances from when players still had to sit out a year. Just because the transfer portal window is a specific period of time annually doesn't mean players are handcuffed like coaches aren't.
As for Kiffin, its still all wild speculation at this point. Stuff is hinting towards LSU, but its all hearsay. He's still coaching the Egg Bowl. As for the playoff, I'd be willing to guarantee he wants to coach it, but neither Ole Miss nor LSU would let him if his intention is to leave next year.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 24, 2025, 08:17:36 PMI know this is your favorite drum to bang in college sports, but the transfer portal is always wide open for players too. Multiple QBs and other high level players have transferred during the season and players are hopping around for NIL money far more often than coaches these days. Gotta update your grievances from when players still had to sit out a year. Just because the transfer portal window is a specific period of time annually doesn't mean players are handcuffed like coaches aren't.
As for Kiffin, its still all wild speculation at this point. Stuff is hinting towards LSU, but its all hearsay. He's still coaching the Egg Bowl. As for the playoff, I'd be willing to guarantee he wants to coach it, but neither Ole Miss nor LSU would let him if his intention is to leave next year.
I did update it, in my last sentence. And yes, the portal only has been wide open for the athletes for a few years - against the objections of the NCAA and most coaches. It's been wide open for the coaches - the ones who preach loyalty non-stop - for decades.
As for Kiffin, looks like he's quitting on a potential championship team. There's no other word for it.
Quote from: MU82 on November 24, 2025, 09:47:19 PMAs for Kiffin, looks like he's quitting on a potential championship team. There's no other word for it.
There is a lot that is being speculated about. But the main buzz is he's being forced out by both his current and future employer in the event of this job change, that's the whole reason for this drama. He's not blind siding Ole Miss and bolting in the middle of the night, and as a result they won't let him coach the post season. Even if he used his leverage and strong armed LSU into saying "I won't leave until after the playoff", Ole Miss wouldn't let him.
It's like if I'm leading a big product roll out for my company that is happening in a week. I'm also interviewing for a new job that is the best decision for my career long term. I inform my current job I'm putting in my two weeks but will still finish the product roll out before I leave...but my boss says, no, forget it, today is your last day. I'm not quitting on my project and my team, Im being forced out because of my future plans.
Quitting is a nasty word in sports/coaching and there are far better uses for it than what's happening here (like when he quit on Tennessee to be frank). But we can agree to disagree, all good
Honestly, the biggest culprit here is the inane timing of the portal happening during the middle of the playoffs, that's why Ole Miss would be doing what they're rumored to be doing forcing his hand, and same with LSU. CBB coaches can play out the NCAA and make a move after their season is over../but this is like a coaches being forced to make a decision cause the portal opens between the first weekend and the S16.
I kind of wish he would stay at Ole Miss cause he's done really cool stuff there and I think their program branding is very cool, but forget salaries, the rumored NIL money LSU is offering is insane.
Hmmm.
I think part of this is very much a Lane Kiffin problem. Looking at other jobs when you are pretty much a lock for the college football playoff is a crappy thing to do.
That being said, LSU is a great job - a destination job. If he wants that job, this is likely the only time he can get it. So I get why he is doing this. And if he is following the exit terms he agreed to in his contract, those are the terms.
But I also get why Ole Miss would want him out ASAP, and LSU would want him there in the same time frame. LSU wants to make sure the talent on their roster stays, and new talent can be brought in. And they're rivals! It's not as though he can do both jobs at once.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 25, 2025, 10:55:17 AMI think part of this is very much a Lane Kiffin problem. Looking at other jobs when you are pretty much a lock for the college football playoff is a crappy thing to do.
That being said, LSU is a great job - a destination job. If he wants that job, this is likely the only time he can get it. So I get why he is doing this. And if he is following the exit terms he agreed to in his contract, those are the terms.
Yea, but like I said, the nature of the CFB schedule and windows necessitate early movement. Kiffin hadn't been floating his name out there aggressively the last few years, it all popped off when 2 huge jobs opened midseason. And like you said, LSU is a huge destination job (so is Florida, they've combined to win 20% of the national titles in the last 25 years). And they don't often open up, especially not in the midst of your best career year. Its a completely fair, understandable, and logical move to make, but the timing of everything makes it impossible to do cleanly and without criticism, no matter who the coach is and how respectful/well-intentioned they are.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 25, 2025, 10:55:17 AMBut I also get why Ole Miss would want him out ASAP, and LSU would want him there in the same time frame. LSU wants to make sure the talent on their roster stays, and new talent can be brought in. And they're rivals! It's not as though he can do both jobs at once.
I also totally agree with this. That was kind of my point from my previous post. Diehards of either school may disagree, Kiffin critics certainly disagree, but I don't think anyone (based on the speculated information) is out of line or acting poorly, quitting, or being unreasonable/petulant. Its just a byproduct of the current crappy recruiting timeline that the NCAA should try to remedy in the future.
Kiffin left Alabama just a week before a playoff game, albeit as OC. Him leaving Ole Miss before a playoff game shouldn't be a surprise.
That said, I think he really likes it in Oxford and would be willing to stay if the money and resources are close. He can lose three games a year at Ole Miss, lose annually to the league's top tier, be a goofball and have a life away from the program, and still be beloved down there.
Same thing puts you on the hot seat at LSU and, apparently, in the governor's crosshairs.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 25, 2025, 11:55:26 AMKiffin left Alabama just a week before a playoff game, albeit as OC. Him leaving Ole Miss before a playoff game shouldn't be a surprise.
Saban relieved him of his duties because he was trying to do both jobs - and he couldn't. If anything it shows why him leaving ASAP is likely the best of a bunch of bad options.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 25, 2025, 12:01:51 PMSaban relieved him of his duties because he was trying to do both jobs - and he couldn't. If anything it shows why him leaving ASAP is likely the best of a bunch of bad options.
Fair, but I believe Saban felt misled about what Lane's commitment would be to Bama vs FAU at that time. It wasn't a fond parting of ways, and you don't decide to oust your OC on a whim a week before a playoff game.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 25, 2025, 12:55:37 PMFair, but I believe Saban felt misled about what Lane's commitment would be to Bama vs FAU at that time. It wasn't a fond parting of ways, and you don't decide to oust your OC on a whim a week before a playoff game.
Oh no doubt. My guess is that Kiffin thought it could do both better than he could, and he chose his future job over his current one.
Okie State hiring Eric Morris from North Texas.
No idea how it turns out, but feels like exactly the kind of hire they should be making.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 25, 2025, 04:55:22 PMOkie State hiring Eric Morris from North Texas.
No idea how it turns out, but feels like exactly the kind of hire they should be making.
Extremely underrated hire that won't get the buzz cause of all the huge jobs opening up. Is a Leach/Kingsbury disciple offensively. Was Mahomes' OC at TTU who helped him go from lightly recruited to an NFL prospect. He's the one who discovered an unknown Cam Ward at the FCS level at Incarnate Word and developed him even further at Wazzu and then turned North Texas around lightning quick and had a great season with an AWESOME offense to watch...with a walk-on freshman QB (who is about to get monster NIL money somewhere unless he follows his coach to Ok St). Absolute home run hire, IMO.
Colorado State is expected to make UConn coach Jim Mora the school's next head coach.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on November 25, 2025, 11:45:49 PMColorado State is expected to make UConn coach Jim Mora the school's next head coach.
I think Belichick and Jordan just found their next gig.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on November 25, 2025, 11:45:49 PMColorado State is expected to make UConn coach Jim Mora the school's next head coach.
Another good hire. What he's done at UConn is one of the most underrated coaching jobs of the last few years.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 26, 2025, 08:13:32 AMAnother good hire. What he's done at UConn is one of the most underrated coaching jobs of the last few years.
Doesn't want the pressure that comes with coaching in the ACC or Big XII
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on November 25, 2025, 11:45:49 PMColorado State is expected to make UConn coach Jim Mora the school's next head coach.
A guy I play basketball with weekly has a son that redshirted his freshman year there this year after tearing his ACL during his senior high school basketball season.
Breaking news: Brian Kelly has been fired.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/college-football/article/lsu-formally-fires-ex-coach-brian-kelly-agrees-to-pay-him-full-buyout-after-legal-battle-004614057.html
Well, bless his heart, y'all!
Quote from: MU82 on November 26, 2025, 07:28:07 PMWell, bless his heart, y'all!
Rough news for his famuhlee on Thanksgiving eve.
There meaning CSU or UConn? And he plays basketball? Is he going out for football?
Quote from: wadesworld on November 26, 2025, 04:28:33 PMA guy I play basketball with weekly has a son that redshirted his freshman year there this year after tearing his ACL during his senior high school basketball season.
Quote from: PointWarrior on November 27, 2025, 12:05:49 AMThere meaning CSU or UConn? And he plays basketball? Is he going out for football?
Colorado State. He's only playing football there, tight end, but played basketball as well in high school and tore his ACL last year.
Quote from: wadesworld on November 27, 2025, 06:37:38 AMColorado State. He's only playing football there, tight end, but played basketball as well in high school and tore his ACL last year.
There are really no reasons for CSU to be this bad outside of poor leadership and coaching hires. Nice campus, great new stadium and facilities, strong fan support, and Ft. Collins is an awesome town.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 27, 2025, 10:48:35 AMThere are really no reasons for CSU to be this bad outside of poor leadership and coaching hires. Nice campus, great new stadium and facilities, strong fan support, and Ft. Collins is an awesome town.
I mean, they are in a mid major conference and the unquestioned number 2 program in the state, not to mention they have no real football history to speak of. 2 coaches there in the last 70 years have had winning records, and one (McElwain) was only there 3 years. Even with CU sucking for awhile, CSU is still little brother...in a state that doesn't produce a ton of D1 talent
Quote from: JWags85 on November 27, 2025, 11:08:33 AMI mean, they are in a mid major conference and the unquestioned number 2 program in the state, not to mention they have no real football history to speak of. 2 coaches there in the last 70 years have had winning records, and one (McElwain) was only there 3 years. Even with CU sucking for awhile, CSU is still little brother...in a state that doesn't produce a ton of D1 talent
How dare you call The Conference of Champions
TM a mid-major.
If Kiffin was staying, he would have said so by now right? I feel otherwise he's just allowing a big distraction.
Quote from: cheebs09 on November 28, 2025, 09:03:24 AMIf Kiffin was staying, he would have said so by now right? I feel otherwise he's just allowing a big distraction.
I've come around to agreeing with this. Lane's a unique cat, so I could see all of this just being set up for him to post the Wolf of Wall Street meme, but there's been enough smoke of a quiet pissing match with the Ole Miss administration that I think he's gone.
LeBron Lane Kiffin to announce The Decision tomorrow.
Just an awful ref showing early in Michigan-OSU. First instigating a personal foul that would make an MLB ump blush, then a bizarre late TD call on the goal line.
Really want Michigan to win just to see Ohio state fans call for Ryan Day's head in the middle of a back to back Natty pursuit.
Is James Madison just HC U at this point?
Belichick wrapped up a helluva first season. Genius, one might even say.
Texas the latest example that scheduling tough non conference games isn't worth it. A 10-2 Texas team is in the playoff. Out because they lost to OSU.
It's a non issue if they beat Florida. Still dumb. No margin for error because they chose to challenge themselves.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 30, 2025, 12:13:30 AMTexas the latest example that scheduling tough non conference games isn't worth it. A 10-2 Texas team is in the playoff. Out because they lost to OSU.
It's a non issue if they beat Florida. Still dumb. No margin for error because they chose to challenge themselves.
I guess. Florida is just a really bad loss though.
So it seems like we have the following locks:
Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Big 12 Champion, and two of the ACC, American and Sun Belt champions. (If Duke wins the ACCCG, the ACC could be shut out.)
If BYU wins the Big 12, it looks like Texas Tech would take the last spot.
But if Tech wins, it's probably Notre Dame, but Texas and Vandy have better claims IMO.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 07:17:09 AMSo it seems like we have the following locks:
Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Big 12 Champion, and two of the ACC, American and Sun Belt champions. (If Duke wins the ACCCG, the ACC could be shut out.)
If BYU wins the Big 12, it looks like Texas Tech would take the last spot.
But if Tech wins, it's probably Notre Dame, but Texas and Vandy have better claims IMO.
Notre Dame, I think, is in no matter what. Given the rankings to date, it's clear the committee wants them in.
Will be interesting to see what happens to Bama if they lose to Georgia in the SEC championship. Are they going to get punished for losing what's essentially a road game against a top 5 team they've already beaten once on the road?
I think they're still in, but if BYU knocks off Texas Tech, things could get interesting. Miami is the other team rooting hard for Texas Tech this weekend.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 08:45:13 AMNotre Dame, I think, is in no matter what. Given the rankings to date, it's clear the committee wants them in.
Agree, and while I hate ND as much as the next scooper, they probably should be. Their two losses are to playoff teams (or a playoff team and the first team out) in the first two games of the year by a combined four points.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 08:45:13 AMWill be interesting to see what happens to Bama if they lose to Georgia in the SEC championship. Are they going to get punished for losing what's essentially a road game against a top 5 team they've already beaten once on the road?
This is what I was thinking as Bama was having trouble with Auburn yesterday. My head spins trying to come up with the exact permutation, but if something like Georgia, BYU, and UVA all win, it gets really crowded at the bottom.
Quote from: MUBurrow on November 30, 2025, 09:56:27 AMAgree, and while I hate ND as much as the next scooper, they probably should be. Their two losses are to playoff teams (or a playoff team and the first team out) in the first two games of the year by a combined four points.
Notre Dame has the same record, and significantly worse metrics, than Vanderbilt and BYU (assuming they lose the B12 game). They have the same record and similar metrics to Miami, a team that beat them head to head.
ND should absolutely NOT be in the college football playoff.
LeBron still hasn't made The Decision, though The Athletic and others are reporting he's LSU bound.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 10:09:12 AMNotre Dame has the same record, and significantly worse metrics, than Vanderbilt and BYU (assuming they lose the B12 game). They have the same record and similar metrics to Miami, a team that beat them head to head.
ND should absolutely NOT be in the college football playoff.
I agree, but in reference to what will actually happen, the component of 'when you lose' has always been a significant factor in college football.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 10:09:12 AMNotre Dame has the same record, and significantly worse metrics, than Vanderbilt and BYU (assuming they lose the B12 game). They have the same record and similar metrics to Miami, a team that beat them head to head.
ND should absolutely NOT be in the college football playoff.
Vandy has a case. Both losses were on the road against quality opponents, and the Bama game was closer than the final score. But really not seeing it with BYU. They have one top 20 win, by 3 at home over Utah. The only other quality opponent they've played is Texas Tech, and that was men vs boys.
Not only has Kiffin decided to bail for LSU, but he's reportedly told his offensive staff to be on the flight with him, or they won't be hired at LSU, which he's doing to pressure Ole Miss to let him coach.
To quote a Twitter post I saw today, "Lane Kiffin wakes up everu morning like 'how can I be the most Lane Kiffin version of myself today?' and then he delivers."
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 10:09:12 AMNotre Dame has the same record, and significantly worse metrics, than Vanderbilt and BYU (assuming they lose the B12 game). They have the same record and similar metrics to Miami, a team that beat them head to head.
ND should absolutely NOT be in the college football playoff.
What advanced metrics are you referring to here? ND is actually ranked much higher than BYU and Vanderbilt, while much closer to Miami, across SP+, Sangarin, etc. NDs placement across advanced metrics is literally the reason ND is placed at 9th at the moment by the committee.
Miami not making an extremely mid-ACC conference championship game is what is hurting them the most, not some grand conspiracy by the committee to get ND in.
But BYU and Bama winning their CCGs negates this whole conversation as they'd both get in over both ND and Miami.
Arkansas hires Memphis' Ryan Silverfield.
Coeds are safe from Bobby Petrino and his motorbike.
ND is beating the ever living shi1 out of mediocre teams, which is exactly what they needed and should have been doing after their early 2 losses.
Do I think that earned them a spot? Maybe not as I think Vanderbilt is a much more compelling case but I'm far from upset and conspiratorial if they're given it due to how the selections work.
I guess it's not Notre Dame's fault the ACC is a dump. (Play in a conference, pretty boys)
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 30, 2025, 11:54:27 AMNot only has Kiffin decided to bail for LSU, but he's reportedly told his offensive staff to be on the flight with him, or they won't be hired at LSU, which he's doing to pressure Ole Miss to let him coach.
To quote a Twitter post I saw today, "Lane Kiffin wakes up everu morning like 'how can I be the most Lane Kiffin version of myself today?' and then he delivers."
A quitter AND a dirtball. Stunning.
Quote from: MU82 on November 30, 2025, 02:14:44 PMA quitter AND a dirtball. Stunning.
Ehhh ... hard to call him a quitter when he's pushing hard to continue coaching his team the rest of the season. If he isn't coaching them in the playoffs, that's an Ole Miss decision, not a Lane Kiffin decision. (For the record, they
should not let him coach in the playoffs if he's taking the LSU job).
The real blame here lies with the NCAA, for creating a portal and recruiting timeline that forces this. Push both back six weeks, and coaches can wait until after their season ends to make a move. But with the portal opening Jan.2 and signing day Feb. 5, coaches can't afford to wait until mid-January to get started at their new job.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 02:20:27 PMEhhh ... hard to call him a quitter when he's pushing hard to continue coaching his team the rest of the season. If he isn't coaching them in the playoffs, that's an Ole Miss decision, not a Lane Kiffin decision. (For the record, they should not let him coach in the playoffs if he's taking the LSU job).
The real blame here lies with the NCAA, for creating a portal and recruiting timeline that forces this. Push both back six weeks, and coaches can wait until after their season ends to make a move. But with the portal opening Jan.2 and signing day Feb. 5, coaches can't afford to wait until mid-January to get started at their new job.
You can't have a transfer portal open up a few weeks into the second semester. It just wouldn't work for the student athlete.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 02:24:21 PMYou can't have a transfer portal open up a few weeks into the second semester. It just wouldn't work for the student athlete.
<Not sure if serious meme>
I am. You need student athletes to enroll in classes. And at most places those classes start in mid to late January. They can't enroll weeks into the semester.
Pat Fitzgerald returns to coaching at Michigan State.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 02:47:45 PMI am. You need student athletes to enroll in classes. And at most places those classes start in mid to late January. They can't enroll weeks into the semester.
If only the NCAA had the authority to do something about this.
The student athletes need to enroll in classes by mid to late January only because the NCAA requires it. The NCAA - which is, after all, just the schools - could create an exception allowing late enrollment with makeup work either during the semester or summer. We're talking about a relative handful of students and the only thing preventing it is the NCAA itself.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 06:37:46 AMI guess. Florida is just a really bad loss though.
For sure. Need to win that game. But if they schedule Western Michigan instead of OSU. They're 10-2 with 2 top ten wins and another top 15 win.
Why schedule a team like OSU if it's going to knock you out if you lose? Vandy is ranked in front of them despite a H2H loss and zero top 15 wins because they chose not to play a top 10 team out of conference.
It is what it is, but that part of the system is broken when scheduling games we all want to watch can penalize you that severely.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:01:48 PMPat Fitzgerald returns to coaching at Michigan State.
Didn't even know MSU was needing a new HC. I suppose Pat's, "turn a blind eye" philosophy fits well in EL.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 03:03:01 PMIf only the NCAA had the authority to do something about this.
The student athletes need to enroll in classes by mid to late January only because the NCAA requires it. The NCAA - which is, after all, just the schools - could create an exception allowing late enrollment with makeup work either during the semester or summer. We're talking about a relative handful of students and the only thing preventing it is the NCAA itself.
The schools require it. Regardless, changing the window wouldn't change anything. Recruiting starts long before the window opens.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 30, 2025, 03:11:05 PMDidn't even know MSU was needing a new HC. I suppose Pat's, "turn a blind eye" philosophy fits well in EL.
It will be interesting to see if this works. He wasn't great toward the end of his career at NW.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:32:18 PMThe schools require it. Regardless, changing the window wouldn't change anything. Recruiting starts long before the window opens.
that's the irony about ripping on Lane for quitting. Half these kids already have a foot out the door. Only difference is they haven't told their current team yet so they're still playing.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:32:18 PMThe schools require it. Regardless, changing the window wouldn't change anything. Recruiting starts long before the window opens.
If only athletic departments held any influence at the schools, maybe things would change.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:40:01 PMIt will be interesting to see if this works. He wasn't great toward the end of his career at NW.
Good point. I'd guess MSU doesn't have a lot of great options, as the luster has come off that program itself.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 03:44:37 PMIf only athletic departments held any influence at the schools, maybe things would change.
So you think athletic departments should change the requirements for registration to impact just a "relative handful" of students? Just to solve a timing problem with the hiring of football coaches?
Yeah, that's not happening.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 03:44:37 PMIf only athletic departments held any influence at the schools, maybe things would change.
The overwhelming perception is that the school presidents have mismanaged the NCAA for decades, so I think the president truly don't care that much at the majority of schools.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 30, 2025, 03:56:58 PMThe overwhelming perception is that the school presidents have mismanaged the NCAA for decades, so I think the president truly don't care that much at the majority of schools.
Absolutely.
Dominoes falling fast.
Florida hires Jon Sumrall from Tulane.
Auburn hires Alex Golesh from USF.
Ole Miss promotes DC Pete Golding to permanent HC.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:51:21 PMSo you think athletic departments should change the requirements for registration to impact just a "relative handful" of students? Just to solve a timing problem with the hiring of football coaches?
Yeah, that's not happening.
I don't care whether they do it or not. But the primary reason a coach like Kiffin (or the guys at Memphis, Tulane, North Texas, etc.) would leave their teams with games to play is because of the recruiting and portal timeline. And if the athletic departments/college administrations perceive that as a problem - and maybe they don't or they don't care - it's well within their authority to solve it. I don't think allowing
exceptions (not changing requirements for the entire school) for 12-15 kids - on campuses of 30,000+ students - is nearly as difficult as you're implying. Schools already make exceptions for athletes as it is. This would be just another.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:01:48 PMPat Fitzgerald returns to coaching at Michigan State.
Director of Hazing.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 30, 2025, 03:11:05 PMDidn't even know MSU was needing a new HC. I suppose Pat's, "turn a blind eye" philosophy fits well in EL.
Izzo knew
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 03:01:48 PMPat Fitzgerald returns to coaching at Michigan State.
I'll be interested to see the terms of Fitzgerald's deal. I see that MSU owes Jonathan Smith $33M. Depending on where the buyout lands, Fitzgerald's baggage might make him less expensive than some of the others MSU could have competed to hire this cycle.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 30, 2025, 03:48:20 PMGood point. I'd guess MSU doesn't have a lot of great options, as the luster has come off that program itself.
MSU will pay Smith for three years not to coach after paying him for two years to be their coach.
Oh yeah, the school is laying off staff, cutting majors and funding (my sister had her MSW program defunded a year in)
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 30, 2025, 05:50:15 PMMSU will pay Smith for three years not to coach after paying him for two years to be their coach.
Oh yeah, the school is laying off staff, cutting majors and funding (my sister had her MSW program defunded a year in)
Yes, Michigan State has made its priorities known many years, scandals, arrests, law suits, penalties, convictions, buy outs and settlements ago.
There always seems to be another coaching offer for white retreads. Even those who went 14-31 over their last four seasons, including 9-25 in the conference, and were forced to leave in disgrace.
Quote from: MU82 on November 30, 2025, 06:18:42 PMThere always seems to be another coaching offer for white retreads. Even those who went 14-31 over their last four seasons, including 9-25 in the conference, and were forced to leave in disgrace.
Check out an MSU fan board. They are very excited ...............
............ for the guy who will replace Pat.
"
If we fired a guy for going 1-8 in conference play only to hire a guy who went 1-8 his last two years in conference play..."
Quote from: MU82 on November 30, 2025, 06:18:42 PMThere always seems to be another coaching offer for white retreads. Even those who went 14-31 over their last four seasons, including 9-25 in the conference, and were forced to leave in disgrace.
Convenient to go the last 4 years instead of a normal 5 cause that cuts out a year they went 8-1 in the B10 and Fitz won COY.
And yes his last 2 years were really bad but he won national COY in the 2020 going 7-2 (6-1).
The hazing situation, regardless of his legal absolution, is an understandable black cloud to the hiring. But chalking him up as another "white retread" because of those last 2 years (when any other 3-4 year snapshot of his time at NW captures really good results for the job) is an absurd underselling of the coaching he did at one of the most unwinnable jobs in the country historically.
And of course MSU fans are mad. They are delusional about their place in the B10/CFB world and have been since Saban left. They weren't happy when Dantonio was hired either.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 30, 2025, 08:55:20 PMConvenient to go the last 4 years instead of a normal 5 cause that cuts out a year they went 8-1 in the B10 and Fitz won COY.
And yes his last 2 years were really bad but he won national COY in the 2020 going 7-2 (6-1).
The hazing situation, regardless of his legal absolution, is an understandable black cloud to the hiring. But chalking him up as another "white retread" because of those last 2 years (when any other 3-4 year snapshot of his time at NW captures really good results for the job) is an absurd underselling of the coaching he did at one of the most unwinnable jobs in the country historically.
And of course MSU fans are mad. They are delusional about their place in the B10/CFB world and have been since Saban left. They weren't happy when Dantonio was hired either.
He had 1 whole conference win in 3 of his last 4 years. That's an entire recruiting cycle. And he oversaw Hazing U.
Barnett won a lot at Northwestern, Walker did A-OK, and yes, Coach Hazy did well before the wheels fell off, too. Since the mid-90s, NW hasn't been the Rick Venturi Mildcats.
You're doing an absurd overselling of Fitzgerald's extreme fade at the end of his run. Not just 2 years. 3 of 4 + Hazing.
Quote from: MU82 on November 30, 2025, 10:14:06 PMHe had 1 whole conference win in 3 of his last 4 years. That's an entire recruiting cycle. And he oversaw Hazing U.
Barnett won a lot at Northwestern, Walker did A-OK, and yes, Coach Hazy did well before the wheels fell off, too. Since the mid-90s, NW hasn't been the Rick Venturi Mildcats.
You're doing an absurd overselling of Fitzgerald's extreme fade at the end of his run. Not just 2 years. 3 of 4 + Hazing.
Randy Walker was 37-46 and had 1 season over .500...definitely A-OK. Gary Barnett was 35-45, had 2 really good years and then faded. Had 2x as many 3 or less win seasons as winning years in 7 years in Evanston. Definitely won A LOT. His last year he was 0-8 in the B10 and still got hired by Colorado and was in consideration for Texas.
That 1995 Barnett team was probably the best NW team of all time, an absolute thunderbolt out of nowhere. But everything about Fitz's total resume at Northwestern completely eclipses both Walker and Barnett, it's not even a debate without a bias pushing the agenda.
Again, how you feel about the hazing colors the argument but I was speaking to specific on field results. Fitz had bad/underachieving 2 year stretches followed by a great year multiple times in his career. That last 1-11 team still had multiple young future NFL players that helped them to 8-5 the next year and he got a MAJOR DC hire to finally replace Hankwitz after a few years. But I get it, you feel the hazing should have banned him from coaching forever and thus he's only rehired cause he's white (cause we really needed another thread to go there) not cause his resume could have gotten the MSU job easily anytime post Dantonio. At least be honest about it.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 30, 2025, 10:42:21 PMRandy Walker was 37-46 and had 1 season over .500...definitely A-OK. Gary Barnett was 35-45, had 2 really good years and then faded. Had 2x as many 3 or less win seasons as winning years in 7 years in Evanston. Definitely won A LOT. His last year he was 0-8 in the B10 and still got hired by Colorado and was in consideration for Texas.
That 1995 Barnett team was probably the best NW team of all time, an absolute thunderbolt out of nowhere. But everything about Fitz's total resume at Northwestern completely eclipses both Walker and Barnett, it's not even a debate without a bias pushing the agenda.
Fitzgerald did fine work at Northwestern, but I wouldn't go nearly as far as to suggest his resume matches Barnett's.
Fitz took over an entirely different Northwestern program than the one Barnett did, from facilities, to the stadium, to record of success, to the support of the university, alumni and fans. Northwestern was easily the worst major-conference program in the country when Barnett took over, and perhaps the worst program overall. They'd won 24 conference games in the previous 20 seasons combined, under five different coaches. In 13 of those 20 seasons, they won two games or fewer. They hadn't had a winning record since 1971 and hadn't played in a bowl since 1948.
Fitzgerald took over a program that had gone to a bowl 5 of the previous 10 years, and finished the season .500 or better five times over that span. He won more consistently than Barnett, but that was only made possible by Barnett's resurrection of the program. Twenty years from now, if someone asks who was the coach that had the most impact on Northwestern football in modern history, Barnett will be the correct answer.
I'd liken it to O'Neill, Crean and Buzz at MU. Buzz had the most sustained success of the three, but the other two rescued the program from potential irrelevancy and made Buzz's success possible.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 30, 2025, 10:42:21 PMRandy Walker was 37-46 and had 1 season over .500...definitely A-OK. Gary Barnett was 35-45, had 2 really good years and then faded. Had 2x as many 3 or less win seasons as winning years in 7 years in Evanston. Definitely won A LOT. His last year he was 0-8 in the B10 and still got hired by Colorado and was in consideration for Texas.
That 1995 Barnett team was probably the best NW team of all time, an absolute thunderbolt out of nowhere. But everything about Fitz's total resume at Northwestern completely eclipses both Walker and Barnett, it's not even a debate without a bias pushing the agenda.
Again, how you feel about the hazing colors the argument but I was speaking to specific on field results. Fitz had bad/underachieving 2 year stretches followed by a great year multiple times in his career. That last 1-11 team still had multiple young future NFL players that helped them to 8-5 the next year and he got a MAJOR DC hire to finally replace Hankwitz after a few years. But I get it, you feel the hazing should have banned him from coaching forever and thus he's only rehired cause he's white (cause we really needed another thread to go there) not cause his resume could have gotten the MSU job easily anytime post Dantonio. At least be honest about it.
Buried his head in the sand while his players were getting brutalized. PLUS he won 1 conference game 3 of his last 4 years. At least be honest about it, Wags!
From Yahoo Sports' Dan Wolken:
This is the product of an ecosystem where players changing jobs on a whim or for a paycheck is a crisis that needs to be dealt with immediately and regulated through a literal act of Congress, while coaches getting paid $10 million a year wrecking their own teams gets met with a shoulder shrug.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 30, 2025, 08:55:20 PMConvenient to go the last 4 years instead of a normal 5 cause that cuts out a year they went 8-1 in the B10 and Fitz won COY.
And yes his last 2 years were really bad but he won national COY in the 2020 going 7-2 (6-1).
The hazing situation, regardless of his legal absolution, is an understandable black cloud to the hiring. But chalking him up as another "white retread" because of those last 2 years (when any other 3-4 year snapshot of his time at NW captures really good results for the job) is an absurd underselling of the coaching he did at one of the most unwinnable jobs in the country historically.
And of course MSU fans are mad. They are delusional about their place in the B10/CFB world and have been since Saban left. They weren't happy when Dantonio was hired either.
Incorrect, they were happy because of Dantonio's ties to MSU and Saban. Many preferred him over the other finalist, Bo Pelini.
Also, Dantonio led them to the CFP, multiple Big Ten title games, a Rose Bowl victory (first since 1987), a Cotton Bowl victory, four top ten rankings, six ten-win seasons, and an 8-5 record against Michigan. They were a top-tier Big Ten program. He just stuck around too long.
Fitz also led NW to not only their first bowl wins in program history but 5 wins - 5-5 record in bowl games, and two Big Ten title games, and played the most competitive conference game against OSU all season, actually leading at the half (the only team to do that other than Alabama in the national title game). His last two seasons coincided with the start of NIL and players not having to sit out after a transfer.
But, he is joining a different Big Ten with Oregon, USC and Washington. I think the realistic expectations for Sparty should be a 7-9 wins max with Fitz as the HC.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 30, 2025, 10:42:21 PMRandy Walker was 37-46 and had 1 season over .500...definitely A-OK. Gary Barnett was 35-45, had 2 really good years and then faded. Had 2x as many 3 or less win seasons as winning years in 7 years in Evanston. Definitely won A LOT. His last year he was 0-8 in the B10 and still got hired by Colorado and was in consideration for Texas.
That 1995 Barnett team was probably the best NW team of all time, an absolute thunderbolt out of nowhere. But everything about Fitz's total resume at Northwestern completely eclipses both Walker and Barnett, it's not even a debate without a bias pushing the agenda.
Again, how you feel about the hazing colors the argument but I was speaking to specific on field results. Fitz had bad/underachieving 2 year stretches followed by a great year multiple times in his career. That last 1-11 team still had multiple young future NFL players that helped them to 8-5 the next year and he got a MAJOR DC hire to finally replace Hankwitz after a few years. But I get it, you feel the hazing should have banned him from coaching forever and thus he's only rehired cause he's white (cause we really needed another thread to go there) not cause his resume could have gotten the MSU job easily anytime post Dantonio. At least be honest about it.
I think Fitzgerald is a decent coach. But I am not sure what made him good at Northwestern translates necessarily to a place like Michigan State, who is going to have much different expectations than Northwestern had. And David Braun has pretty much matched what Fitzgerald has done there when you consider he doesn't have a Big Ten West to feast upon like Fitzgerland did.
I don't think the hazing incidents should disqualify him for future jobs. However I do think he should have to answer questions about what he learned and what he is going to do to prevent that from happening again. Did that happen? Who knows?
Finally, I am not sure if he is going to be a guy who can translate to the NIL / transfer portal era, but who knows...
Quote from: MU82 on December 01, 2025, 08:44:08 AMFrom Yahoo Sports' Dan Wolken:
This is the product of an ecosystem where players changing jobs on a whim or for a paycheck is a crisis that needs to be dealt with immediately and regulated through a literal act of Congress, while coaches getting paid $10 million a year wrecking their own teams gets met with a shoulder shrug.
I don't know who Dan Wolken is, but maybe he doesn't follow US sports?
The Kiffen story is a million miles away from being "met with a shoulder shrug", it is absolutely the biggest story in American sports right now, with people weighing in on both sides.
Also, the concept that coaches and players should be treated the exact same way is foolish considering the myriad of differences. Anyone who takes and honest and informed review of the two situations knows it's 'apples and oranges'; yes both fruits (college sports), but different.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 01, 2025, 10:09:49 AMI don't know who Dan Wolken is, but maybe he doesn't follow US sports?
The Kiffen story is a million miles away from being "met with a shoulder shrug", it is absolutely the biggest story in American sports right now, with people weighing in on both sides.
Also, the concept that coaches and players should be treated the exact same way is foolish considering the myriad of differences. Anyone who takes and honest and informed review of the two situations knows it's 'apples and oranges'; yes both fruits (college sports), but different.
I believe he's talking about the NCAA "establishment" shrugging its collective shoulders about coaches while going ape-shyte about athletes. It might be apples and oranges ... but should it be? You say yes, others likely say no.
Quote from: MU82 on December 01, 2025, 10:17:14 AMI believe he's talking about the NCAA "establishment" shrugging its collective shoulders about coaches while going ape-shyte about athletes. It might be apples and oranges ... but should it be? You say yes, others likely say no.
I actually think most people would, after thinking it all the way through, would not want the coaches and players working under the same rules. I think most people, like myself, think they should both be treated fairly, but differently.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 01, 2025, 10:09:49 AMI don't know who Dan Wolken is, but maybe he doesn't follow US sports?
The Kiffen story is a million miles away from being "met with a shoulder shrug", it is absolutely the biggest story in American sports right now, with people weighing in on both sides.
Also, the concept that coaches and players should be treated the exact same way is foolish considering the myriad of differences. Anyone who takes and honest and informed review of the two situations knows it's 'apples and oranges'; yes both fruits (college sports), but different.
He actually mentions how SEC commish Greg Sankey is lobbying Congress about the perils of the NIL and portal era and how it impact students, but doesn't say a peep when one of its schools is poaching the coach of another one its schools right before the playoffs.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 01, 2025, 10:38:50 AMHe actually mentions how SEC commish Greg Sankey is lobbying Congress about the perils of the NIL and portal era and how it impact students, but doesn't say a peep when one of its schools is poaching the coach of another one its schools right before the playoffs.
I get that. Sankey is doing the bidding of his bosses and maybe it or isn't fair what they are pushing for, but I just think people need to be careful comparing coaches and players as if they are interchangeable. I don't think the players would like some of the contract issues and work demands that coaches have.
Again, I'm in favor of treating players and coaches fairly, but not necessarily the same.
Sounds like UCLA is hiring James Madison's Bob Chesney.
So, maybe two teams heading to the playoff team with a different coach than the one that got them there.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 01, 2025, 11:36:58 AMSounds like UCLA is hiring James Madison's Bob Chesney.
So, maybe two teams heading to the playoff team with a different coach than the one that got them there.
Hmmmm...
I thought that's who PSU has been targeting. They have been very quiet which leads me to believe they have someone all but locked up?
Quote from: Pakuni on December 01, 2025, 11:36:58 AMSounds like UCLA is hiring James Madison's Bob Chesney.
So, maybe two teams heading to the playoff team with a different coach than the one that got them there.
UClA seems like an odd fit. Feels like he could have gotten a higher profile job and doesn't really have west coast ties.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 01, 2025, 11:39:03 AMHmmmm...
I thought that's who PSU has been targeting. They have been very quiet which leads me to believe they have someone all but locked up?
There's been some chatter about DeBoer, but that didn't make sense unless he really hates it at Bama, and probably makes less sense now that they seem headed for the playoffs and has another top 5 recruiting class lined up.
Kalani Sitake's name has been out there, but would he leave his alma mater, especially now that it's shown to be a player in the NIL world?
Manny Diaz makes sense, but will they be happy in State College with a guy who flamed out at Miami?
https://x.com/JoePompliano/status/1995527907481882906?s=20
Quote from: The Sultan on December 01, 2025, 09:27:43 AMI think Fitzgerald is a decent coach. But I am not sure what made him good at Northwestern translates necessarily to a place like Michigan State, who is going to have much different expectations than Northwestern had. And David Braun has pretty much matched what Fitzgerald has done there when you consider he doesn't have a Big Ten West to feast upon like Fitzgerland did.
I don't think the hazing incidents should disqualify him for future jobs. However I do think he should have to answer questions about what he learned and what he is going to do to prevent that from happening again. Did that happen? Who knows?
Finally, I am not sure if he is going to be a guy who can translate to the NIL / transfer portal era, but who knows...
It will be interesting to see who the staff is. Once Mike Hankwitz retired from NU in 2020, the wheels came off. Pat really struggled with QBs and offensive staff during the back end of his tenure in Evanston. He didn't embrace the portal, nor changes to his staff. Things were trending in a very bad direction prior to his dismissal. And this is just the on the field stuff. Honestly, a very puzzling hire by Michigan State.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 01, 2025, 12:17:00 PMhttps://x.com/JoePompliano/status/1995527907481882906?s=20
Hard to believe that a politician would both break a promise and sound like a windbag. Whodathunkit?!?!
Quote from: Pakuni on December 01, 2025, 12:14:32 PMKalani Sitake's name has been out there, but would he leave his alma mater, especially now that it's shown to be a player in the NIL world?
Well, apparently this is who Penn State is hiring.
Jeff Landry is a heck of a negotiator. From The Athletic:
In an unprecedented move, Kiffin's LSU contract also states that it will pay him any Playoff bonus he would have received at Ole Miss this season, including $150,000 for an appearance up to $1 million for winning the national title. That means if new Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding goes on a Playoff run, Kiffin will be paid by LSU for that success.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 01, 2025, 03:08:12 PMWell, apparently this is who Penn State is hiring.
If Bob Chesney, a coach who spent his whole life, much less his coaching career, at smaller schools on the Eastern Seaboard, is an odd hire for UCLA (which I would tend to agree). Then PSU focusing on Sitake, who has spent all but 2 years of the last THIRTY years in Utah, is really bizarre. He's a good coach but I don't know how he fits in State College/the B10
Quote from: JWags85 on December 01, 2025, 10:40:57 PMIf Bob Chesney, a coach who spent his whole life, much less his coaching career, at smaller schools on the Eastern Seaboard, is an odd hire for UCLA (which I would tend to agree). Then PSU focusing on Sitake, who has spent all but 2 years of the last THIRTY years in Utah, is really bizarre. He's a good coach but I don't know how he fits in State College/the B10
Well good thing because apparently he's now NOT leaving BYU.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 02, 2025, 04:10:14 AMWell good thing because apparently he's now NOT leaving BYU.
this was a fun one to track. Penn state basically has to battle the Mormon church and Crumbl for Sitake's services.
From The Athletic:
Every time you think college football can't get any weirder, you're proven wrong.
The latest fascinating story in the sport is that 25-year-old rapper Nau'Jour Grainger, who goes by the stage name Toosii, has committed to play football at Syracuse. Grainger announced the decision Monday on his Instagram, which has more than four million followers.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6853729/2025/12/01/toosii-rapper-football-commits-syracuse/?
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 02, 2025, 04:44:11 AMthis was a fun one to track. Penn state basically has to battle the Mormon church and Crumbl for Sitake's services.
Was reading on X, kind of funny...Crumbl was founded/based in Logan, home of Utah St. One of the two founders, Hemsley, is an Utah St alum and was attending when it started, and Crumbl always had tie-ins and promos at USU events. But Hemsley isn't really a big sports guy. Meanwhile, the other founder, McGowan, is a high school dropout but a rabid BYU fan and booster and is throwing money to keep Sitake around. Lot of people thought Crumbl success was gonna be a growth engine for USU athletics, 'afraid not. The Legend Stew Morill weeps
Quote from: JWags85 on December 02, 2025, 11:44:45 AMWas reading on X, kind of funny...Crumbl was founded/based in Logan, home of Utah St. One of the two founders, Hemsley, is an Utah St alum and was attending when it started, and Crumbl always had tie-ins and promos at USU events. But Hemsley isn't really a big sports guy. Meanwhile, the other founder, McGowan, is a high school dropout but a rabid BYU fan and booster and is throwing money to keep Sitake around. Lot of people thought Crumbl success was gonna be a growth engine for USU athletics, 'afraid not. The Legend Stew Morill weeps
another amusing twist to the whole BYU thing - Hemsley came out as gay this past summer and the BYU policy prohibits same-sex romantic behavior, including dating, holding hands, and kissing, saying it is not compatible with the university's honor code. The current policy explicitly states that all sexual relations must be between a man and a woman in lawful marriage and bans any same-sex romantic behavior.
Ha.
https://x.com/EliManning/status/1995962703886909881?s=20
Quote from: Pakuni on December 02, 2025, 03:57:12 PMHa.
https://x.com/EliManning/status/1995962703886909881?s=20
SEC passion is real.
(real scarry)
https://x.com/BryanDFischer/status/1996236462589948189?s=20
Klein is an alum, and their former OC who's done great work at A&M where he has been the last couple of years. Apparently Okie State looked at him. My guess is KSU wanted to make sure they got him and negotiated a "retirement" for Kileman, who has fell off the last couple of seasons.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 02, 2025, 06:00:22 PMSEC passion is real.
(real scarry)
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 02, 2025, 06:00:22 PMSEC passion is real.
Or, more likely, Kiffin is a liar.
When he leaves LSU in 4-5 years, I'm sure he'll make up another sob story.
(real scarry)
"Don't get me started on Lane. He's been a snake since I met him." - Former Ole Miss defensive tackle Tariqious Tisdale, who played for Kiffin in 2020.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 02, 2025, 02:22:09 PManother amusing twist to the whole BYU thing - Hemsley came out as gay this past summer and the BYU policy prohibits same-sex romantic behavior, including dating, holding hands, and kissing, saying it is not compatible with the university's honor code. The current policy explicitly states that all sexual relations must be between a man and a woman in lawful marriage and bans any same-sex romantic behavior.
One more twist - Franklin served Crumbl cookies at his signing day press conference today. ;D ;D ;D
Crumbl cookies are massively overrated. Yesterday, my wife made peanut butter cookies with peanut butter chips that are 100 times better than Crumbl's best cookie.
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 11:08:38 AM"Don't get me started on Lane. He's been a snake since I met him." - Former Ole Miss defensive tackle Tariqious Tisdale, who played for Kiffin in 2020.
ole miss people are doing great job of showing why ole miss isn't a destination job.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 03, 2025, 12:08:08 PMole miss people are doing great job of showing why ole miss isn't a destination job.
By acting like every other fanbase would in the same circumstance?
I mean, I think you need more happening in your life if you can spend a Sunday afternoon waiting around an airport to boo a departing college football coach, but Ole Miss people are acting no differently than other program's people would.
Brian Hartline is landing a HC gig, and it's not Penn State.
https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1996232186471563628?s=20
Quote from: Pakuni on December 02, 2025, 03:57:12 PMHa.
https://x.com/EliManning/status/1995962703886909881?s=20
Eli has a very underrated sense of humor that gets overshadowed by Peyton. He's cracked me up a few times on Manningcast.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 03, 2025, 09:34:22 AMKlein is an alum, and their former OC who's done great work at A&M where he has been the last couple of years. Apparently Okie State looked at him. My guess is KSU wanted to make sure they got him and negotiated a "retirement" for Kileman, who has fell off the last couple of seasons.
I also wonder how hard of a sell it was for Kleiman. In 8 years at NDSU, between DC and then as HC, won 7 nattys and made another semi. Then gets to KSU and has had some tougher sledding with a lot more pressure. He's made like $30MM+ at KSU. Might be welcoming a step back and a cushy athletic department gig back at NDSU or maybe Northern Iowa.
I don't know Klein's reputation as a recruiter, but otherwise pretty much a home run hire. Best QB in program history (no disrespect Michael Bishop)
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 03, 2025, 12:08:08 PMole miss people are doing great job of showing why ole miss isn't a destination job.
They are really trying to bank heavily on using people's prior feelings on Kiffin to force the narrative on this. A successful and VERY well liked coach who elevated the program to its greatest heights leaving to an unquestionably better job at one of the top 5 programs of the last 25 years...suddenly everyone has always hated him, knows he sucked/is actually overrated, and knew he was actually a scumbag. This coming from a school and AD who employed Hugh Freeze and tried to cover for him so aggressively that they got sued for defamation.
Not at all biased sour grapes...just like that quoted player who actually played for 2 seasons under Kiffin and stunk so bad he only played 11 games over those 2 years after being a starter on bad teams before.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 03, 2025, 12:51:14 PMBrian Hartline is landing a HC gig, and it's not Penn State.
https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1996232186471563628?s=20
Smart move by Hartline, IMO. He wasn't ready for a top P5 gig, IMO. I don't think he was every gonna get PSU. But I heard rumors of UK being interested. But a lot easier to have success quickly at USF, especially for an elite recruiter like Hartline. A lot has been invested in the program, easy conference, and one (arguably 2 if you include FSU) of the huge in-state powers in chaos. Win 8-9 games for 2-3 years and he'll have a bunch of prime jobs to choose from.
RGIII is just trolling, right?
https://x.com/RGIII/status/1995956852895744243?s=20
Quote from: Pakuni on December 03, 2025, 03:14:07 PMRGIII is just trolling, right?
https://x.com/RGIII/status/1995956852895744243?s=20
If the Miami Hurricanes get snubbed for the CFP, Marco Rubio wants President Donald Trump to take over the selection committee. Is he trolling or sucking?
Quote from: Pakuni on December 03, 2025, 03:14:07 PMRGIII is just trolling, right?
https://x.com/RGIII/status/1995956852895744243?s=20
Quote from: Jockey on December 03, 2025, 03:31:43 PMIf the Miami Hurricanes get snubbed for the CFP, Marco Rubio wants President Donald Trump to take over the selection committee. Is he trolling or sucking?
JD Vance is jealous of how much service Little Marco is providing Dear Leader.
Quote from: Jockey on December 03, 2025, 03:31:43 PMIf the Miami Hurricanes get snubbed for the CFP, Marco Rubio wants President Donald Trump to take over the selection committee. Is he trolling or sucking?
I hadn't heard that, but it's the best reason yet to root for Miami to be the odd team out. Hell, now I'd even rather see ND get picked.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 03, 2025, 03:14:07 PMRGIII is just trolling, right?
https://x.com/RGIII/status/1995956852895744243?s=20
As a former RG3 fan, I don't know if he's trolling, but he's leaned so hard into his contrarian angles that I don't think he can see the forest for the trees anymore.
As for his argument before that wild kicker, I can see BYU over ND, but they don't really have a signature win (Utah is fine, nothing more) and got throttled by the only elite team they played. Ole Miss beat OU and that Tulane win isn't much worse than the Utah win. Miami beat ND and has a significantly better differential than BYU despite having one more loss cause they beat the hell out of every mediocre team.
The interesting thing about calling out their P4 performance is the B10 and SEC are strong while the ACC/B12 are barely above G5 level.
Quote from: JWags85 on December 03, 2025, 04:50:14 PMThe interesting thing about calling out their P4 performance is the B10 and SEC are strong while the ACC/B12 are barely above G5 level.
I think the B12 has proven to be better than the ACC, but not close to B10 & SEC.
Quote from: JWags85 on December 03, 2025, 04:50:14 PMAs a former RG3 fan, I don't know if he's trolling, but he's leaned so hard into his contrarian angles that I don't think he can see the forest for the trees anymore.
As for his argument before that wild kicker, I can see BYU over ND, but they don't really have a signature win (Utah is fine, nothing more) and got throttled by the only elite team they played. Ole Miss beat OU and that Tulane win isn't much worse than the Utah win. Miami beat ND and has a significantly better differential than BYU despite having one more loss cause they beat the hell out of every mediocre team.
The interesting thing about calling out their P4 performance is the B10 and SEC are strong while the ACC/B12 are barely above G5 level.
Oh, you're just persecuting Christians.
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 05:48:05 PMOh, you're just persecuting Christians.
are Mormons considered Christians? Do Christians consider them "Christian?" I know plenty of "Christians" who don't consider Catholics as being "Christian."
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 03, 2025, 05:29:34 PMI think the B12 has proven to be better than the ACC, but not close to B10 & SEC.
Yea, there is a big fall off from B10 to B12 and then an even bigger one to the ACC. I'd be pretty comfortable saying any of the top 4 teams in the American (UNT, Tulane, USF, Navy) would finish top 5 in the ACC this year easily.
Speaking of the ACC, kind of funky that neither team in the ACC Championship game played, much less beat, Miami this year. And Duke, who didn't beat a team in the top 40 all season and didn't beat a team with a winning record in the ACC, wins the tiebreak on "conference opponent win percentage" cause their mediocre opponents were slightly less mediocre. Funny enough, not playing FSU helped Duke's SOS.
Quote from: JWags85 on December 03, 2025, 08:13:03 PMYea, there is a big fall off from B10 to B12 and then an even bigger one to the ACC. I'd be pretty comfortable saying any of the top 4 teams in the American (UNT, Tulane, USF, Navy) would finish top 5 in the ACC this year easily.
Speaking of the ACC, kind of funky that neither team in the ACC Championship game played, much less beat, Miami this year. And Duke, who didn't beat a team in the top 40 all season and didn't beat a team with a winning record in the ACC, wins the tiebreak on "conference opponent win percentage" cause their mediocre opponents were slightly less mediocre. Funny enough, not playing FSU helped Duke's SOS.
They really should use a CFP ranking tie breaker instead. Miami and Virginia guarantees an ACC team in the playoffs. A Duke win may keep the conference out - which is pretty embarrassing.
Nothing better for a sports agent than a coach getting fired
https://x.com/On3sports/status/1996397870681919843?s=20 (https://x.com/On3sports/status/1996397870681919843?s=20)
I'm not going to say the Penn State HC hire will end up being bad, but if you were to script a bad outcome, this would be the storyline.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 04, 2025, 08:52:45 AMNothing better for a sports agent than a coach getting fired
https://x.com/On3sports/status/1996397870681919843?s=20 (https://x.com/On3sports/status/1996397870681919843?s=20)
I am interested in the Penn State job.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 04, 2025, 09:23:28 AMI am interested in the Penn State job.
congrats on your $40 million raise!
The best one in here is Rhule. Signs an extension he didn't earn only because he went to school there. Promptly finishes the regular season 1-3, only beating out a coachless UCLA. And finishes it off with the second worst recruiting class in the Big Ten, only ahead of Penn State.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 04, 2025, 09:23:28 AMI am interested in the Penn State job.
The way it's going, you may get it.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 04, 2025, 09:36:11 AMThe way it's going, you may get it.
Hell yes, I want to move to Happy Valley. Sounds like an alright place to coach a couple of games and then retire early.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 04, 2025, 09:38:03 AMHell yes, I want to move to Happy Valley. Sounds like an alright place to coach a couple of games and then retire early.
It's a strange, strange place.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 04, 2025, 09:11:45 AMI'm not going to say the Penn State HC hire will end up being bad, but if you were to script a bad outcome, this would be the storyline.
If the rumors about them zeroing in on Daboll are true, what a hilarious outcome. Can a very successful coach cause you think you should be winning national titles...only to hire a NFL coach who flamed out spectacularly and got chopped mid season. I assume Terry Pegula has a hand in it given he knows Daboll from his time with the Bills, but sheesh. Though, to be fair, Pegula has done a great job owning the Bills and is the godfather of Penn St hockey which has turned into a solid D-1 program from a club sport in less than decade.
I saw buzz about Willie Fritz, but that seems like it turned out to be false. That would be a thoroughly unsexy hire but maybe the best that's been rumored. He's more of a southern guy, but what an absolute winner. Already fixed Holgerson's mess at UH in just 2 years and the stocked pantry he left at Tulane got Sumrall the UF job.
Quote from: JWags85 on December 04, 2025, 11:03:07 AMIf the rumors about them zeroing in on Daboll are true, what a hilarious outcome. Can a very successful coach cause you think you should be winning national titles...only to hire a NFL coach who flamed out spectacularly and got chopped mid season. I assume Terry Pegula has a hand in it given he knows Daboll from his time with the Bills, but sheesh. Though, to be fair, Pegula has done a great job owning the Bills and is the godfather of Penn St hockey which has turned into a solid D-1 program from a club sport in less than decade.
I saw buzz about Willie Fritz, but that seems like it turned out to be false. That would be a thoroughly unsexy hire but maybe the best that's been rumored. He's more of a southern guy, but what an absolute winner. Already fixed Holgerson's mess at UH in just 2 years and the stocked pantry he left at Tulane got Sumrall the UF job.
Rumors are that Matt Campbell might be interviewing there, as well as Jeff Hafely. Hafley was hired by PSU's AD at Boston College.
Daboll spent one year in college as the OC for one of Alabama's championships with Tua. I could have coordinated that offense.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 04, 2025, 11:06:33 AMRumors are that Matt Campbell might be interviewing there, as well as Jeff Hafely. Hafley was hired by PSU's AD at Boston College.
Daboll spent one year in college as the OC for one of Alabama's championships with Tua. I could have coordinated that offense.
Continues to get funnier. Hafley who was 22-26 at BC and left before he would eventually get fired. Campbell who has only had one 10 win season in 10 years in Ames and was perennially outside of the top 3 in the conference until the big dogs left last year and then still managed to lose to everyone good they played this year. He was a hot name, understandably 5-6 years ago, but he's topped out at ISU...which is fine, not an easy place to win, but not exactly an inspiring hire if so.
And totally agree about Daboll. But maybe they were inspired by the collegiate success of his successors as Bama OC, Mike Locksley and Bill O Brien, combined 17-32 the last 2 years at Maryland and BC.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 04, 2025, 11:06:33 AMRumors are that Matt Campbell might be interviewing there, as well as Jeff Hafely. Hafley was hired by PSU's AD at Boston College.
Daboll spent one year in college as the OC for one of Alabama's championships with Tua. I could have coordinated that offense.
If Hafley goes back to college he is objectively dumb as hell. He will get a chance to be a head coach this year or next in the NFL.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 04, 2025, 12:22:40 PMIf Hafley goes back to college he is objectively dumb as hell. He will get a chance to be a head coach this year or next in the NFL.
Kinda wonder if that's just being floated around because of their past connection.
It ought to be fireable offense for Penn State's AD to get a head start on this and be the guy left standing without a chair when the music stops.
When it fired Franklin in October, Penn State had 26 commitments for the 2026 class. They ended signing day yesterday with two.
A possible interesting development: Chesney has not signed his deal with UCLA yet (California bureaucracy holding it up). PSU is reportedly trying to get in before he signs.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 04, 2025, 12:27:44 PMIt ought to be fireable offense for Penn State's AD to get a head start on this and be the guy left standing without a chair when the music stops.
When it fired Franklin in October, Penn State had 26 commitments for the 2026 class. They ended signing day yesterday with two.
From The Athletic:
The other huge reason for Penn State's recruiting-class depletion is likewise a simple one: nearby Virginia Tech's hire of Franklin. Yesterday in Blacksburg, he received paperwork from most of the recruits who were originally assembled by his old Penn State staff, including several four-stars. Two weeks after hiring him, the Hokies rank No. 22, their highest spot since 2013.
The signing party even included Penn State's meme nemesis, Big Cookie, as Franklin put out boxes of Crumbl cookies on the tables.
has Penn State called Brad Stevens yet?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 04, 2025, 01:30:19 PMhas Penn State called Brad Stevens yet?
They did not want to rush Billy Donovan's response.
Quote from: cheebs09 on December 04, 2025, 01:33:05 PMThey did not want to rush Billy Donovan's response.
they have to make them both say "no."
Penn State still could end up with a pretty darn good coach in Iowa State's Matt Campbell. He'd be behind the 8-ball early, though, for all the reasons stated in this thread.
Quote from: MU82 on December 05, 2025, 10:28:23 AMPenn State still could end up with a pretty darn good coach in Iowa State's Matt Campbell. He'd be behind the 8-ball early, though, for all the reasons stated in this thread.
I think that would be quite a letdown and not sure if it's an improvement over Franklin.
Quote from: cheebs09 on December 05, 2025, 10:31:49 AMI think that would be quite a letdown and not sure if it's an improvement over Franklin.
true, but Pete Carroll was quite a letdown when he was USC's fourth choice. Not saying Campbell is going to duplicate the success Carroll had, but a first choice doesn't always work out (see: the last two Nebraska hires).
Quote from: MU82 on December 05, 2025, 10:28:23 AMPenn State still could end up with a pretty darn good coach in Iowa State's Matt Campbell. He'd be behind the 8-ball early, though, for all the reasons stated in this thread.
Is his resume better than Fickell's was?
I don't think its worse, but not sure much better of or different.
I like Campbell, but I also praised Bucky for the Fickell hire.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 05, 2025, 10:40:05 AMIs his resume better than Fickell's was?
I don't think its worse, but not sure much better of or different.
I like Campbell, but I also praised Bucky for the Fickell hire.
Fickell's was better. He had 2 years at Cincy that were better, with better teams, than any year that Campbell has done at ISU.
Like I said previously, ISU isn't an easy place to win, so to create a consistent winner is commendable, but in 10 years he's only won 9 games twice. He's basically winning 7-8 games each year and finishing mid range in the B12. He was a hot name 5 years ago when he beat UT and OU and made the B12 championship game with Purdy and Breece Hall.
But since then he's had 2 7 win seasons, a losing 4-8 year, an 8 win season this year, and a fugazi 11-3 year last year where their best win was over an overrated Iowa team who ended being mid range in the B10 and ended up getting womped by 26 by ASU in the B12 championship game.
I think he's a pretty good coach and won't flame out at PSU if he's hired, but I don't think he's gonna be better than Franklin or offer the same upside.
Pat Fitzgerald gets a nice boost at MSU. $100 million for NIL. Where is our $401 million donor? How about $40.1 million? This is the kind of challenge MU and schools like us are facing in the new era of professionalized college sports.
https://msuspartans.com/news/2025/12/5/general-greg-and-dawn-williams-make-historic-401m-commitment-to-michigan-state-university-and-spartan-athletics
There weren't many people Penn State could have hired who would have been "better than Franklin." Franklin had a tremendous record at Penn State, year in and year out. He just couldn't win the big one and the boosters finally revolted.
No matter who they hired, it would be asking a lot for him to duplicate what Franklin did, let alone be better than he was at Penn State.
Campbell, if he's the choice, will have a tough start. But he'll have a brand name to recruit to (unlike at Iowa State) and a huge budget and top-of-the-line facilities at his disposal.
I am making absolutely no predictions. I'm not sure I saw 10 minutes of ISU football during Campbell's entire time coaching there. But I do know it's a tough place to win, and he did pretty well. Whether that translates to something that placates Penn State boosters, who knows?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 05, 2025, 11:28:53 AMPat Fitzgerald gets a nice boost at MSU. $100 million for NIL. Where is our $401 million donor? How about $40.1 million? This is the kind of challenge MU and schools like us are facing in the new era of professionalized college sports.
https://msuspartans.com/news/2025/12/5/general-greg-and-dawn-williams-make-historic-401m-commitment-to-michigan-state-university-and-spartan-athletics
Our football team is effed.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 05, 2025, 03:18:36 PMOur football team is effed.
Is our 60 year unbeaten steak in jeopardy?
Quote from: wadesworld on December 05, 2025, 03:18:36 PMOur football team is effed.
The $100 million for NIL is for all sports (mainly football and basketball). Who are our big donors?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 05, 2025, 04:39:37 PMThe $100 million for NIL is for all sports (mainly football and basketball). Who are our big donors?
I understand and agree the reality of the situation has to be delt with, and maybe unrelated, but the fact is Michigan State has messed up priorities.
This will be interesting to watch:
Georgia's athletic department is headed to court to try to obtain $390,000 in damages from a former standout defensive end who transferred from the school after his sophomore season in a potentially precedent-setting case.
The Bulldogs have asked a judge to force former defensive end Damon Wilson, currently the top pass rusher on Missouri's defensive line, to enter into arbitration to settle a clause in his former contract that serves effectively as a buyout fee for exiting his deal early. Wilson played for Georgia as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Missouri in January, two weeks after signing a new deal with Georgia's Classic City Collective.
www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47212583/georgia-seeks-390k-de-damon-wilson-transfer-damages
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 05, 2025, 05:00:45 PMI understand and agree the reality of the situation has to be delt with, and maybe unrelated, but the fact is Michigan State has messed up priorities.
Hey now, $11 million is going to the actual university, thats almost 3%. Maybe they can hire back the 99 faculty and staff they let go earlier this year.
Nah...
Was that a missed FG from 25 yards?
My guess:
1. Indiana
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. Texas Tech
5. Oregon
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas A&M
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. Tulane
12. James Madison
I would not be surprised to see Miami in place of Alabama however. Kinda think the committee might give the ACC a slot for the sake of it.
Some NFL team (Buffalo, Baltimore, Pittsburgh) is going to fire its coach and at least call Cignetti, right?
Quote from: The Sultan on December 06, 2025, 10:59:42 PMMy guess:
1. Indiana
2. Georgia
3. Ohio State
4. Texas Tech
5. Oregon
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas A&M
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. Tulane
12. James Madison
I would not be surprised to see Miami in place of Alabama however. Kinda think the committee might give the ACC a slot for the sake of it.
I'm guessing Miami gets in for your stated reason, plus including a 3 loss team that was blown out would cause outrage. The FSU loss looks really bad. But just my opinion and I wouldn't bet on it.
Also, the FCS playoffs are nuts this year. North Dakota State was inexplicably upset at home by Illinois State, who won despite their quarterback throwing 5 interceptions and twice being stopped on fourth and goal. NDSU was the #1 team in the country and hadn't come close to losing all season.
Since they started their dominance in 2011 by winning 11 titles, only two teams have been able to win championships - South Dakota State, who also lost yesterday, and Sam Houston, who is now a very bad FBS program.
Only three of the remaining 8 have won titles - Villanova, Montana and Montana State.
Also in Division 3, Mount Union lost at home to John Carroll (yay Jesuits!) JC left Mount Union's conference this year, which was interpreted by the insufferable Mount Union fans as them ducking.
lol Notre Dame.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 07, 2025, 12:04:39 AMI'm guessing Miami gets in for your stated reason, plus including a 3 loss team that was blown out would cause outrage. The FSU loss looks really bad. But just my opinion and I wouldn't bet on it.
The committee set the precedent last year that they won't exclude a team that's otherwise locked in, because of a conference championship loss. Otherwise, why would a team in Bama's situation this year (or SMU last year) want to play in that game? It's a no-win situation.
Besides, the committee supposedly focuses in three metrics: FPI, SOS and SOR. Alabama is the only team in the country in the top 10 in all three categories.
Notre Dame got hosed, though.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 07, 2025, 11:36:20 AMlol Notre Dame.
I agree.
The in season rankings are completely worthless and makes a joke of the system. Why would anyone pay attention of the in season rankings going forward? CBB > CFB
Quote from: The Sultan on December 07, 2025, 09:11:17 AMAlso, the FCS playoffs are nuts this year. North Dakota State was inexplicably upset at home by Illinois State, who won despite their quarterback throwing 5 interceptions and twice being stopped on fourth and goal. NDSU was the #1 team in the country and hadn't come close to losing all season.
Since they started their dominance in 2011 by winning 11 titles, only two teams have been able to win championships - South Dakota State, who also lost yesterday, and Sam Houston, who is now a very bad FBS program.
Only three of the remaining 8 have won titles - Villanova, Montana and Montana State.
Also in Division 3, Mount Union lost at home to John Carroll (yay Jesuits!) JC left Mount Union's conference this year, which was interpreted by the insufferable Mount Union fans as them ducking.
Yale have Montana State a tough game.
I'm biased because I've lived 10 minutes from the Yale Bowl my entire life.
I wanted Miami to be out because I wanted to see Rubio's head explode, but ND getting hosed (when the exact opposite almost always happens) is a damn good consolation prize.
As funny as it is, it makes absolutely no sense that they had notre dame over Miami, neither team played, and then all of a sudden Miami was in. I'd be absolutely furious.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 07, 2025, 11:52:22 AMAs funny as it is, it makes absolutely no sense that they had notre dame over Miami, neither team played, and then all of a sudden Miami was in. I'd be absolutely furious.
Wonderful isn't it
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 07, 2025, 11:52:22 AMAs funny as it is, it makes absolutely no sense that they had notre dame over Miami, neither team played, and then all of a sudden Miami was in. I'd be absolutely furious.
The selection committee head looks and sounds awful trying to explain Miami. They should have prepped him much better. He didn't do anything to advance the credibility of this system.
By eschewing conference affiliation and landing a mega-zillions TV contract, ND has chosen to be "special." And it's usually worked out spectacularly for them. This time, being special contributed to them being out. Tough nuggies!
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 07, 2025, 11:52:22 AMAs funny as it is, it makes absolutely no sense that they had notre dame over Miami, neither team played, and then all of a sudden Miami was in. I'd be absolutely furious.
You're not wrong, but also Miami should've just been ahead of ND. They played and Miami won. I know it was a home game, but it still has to count.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 07, 2025, 12:02:16 PMYou're not wrong, but also Miami should've just been ahead of ND. They played and Miami won. I know it was a home game, but it still has to count.
The committee head explained it clearly. Head to head matters only when BYU loses a game. ::)
While you could argue ND had better loses, I think head to head should matter a little more and Miami deserves the bid.
Only four repeat teams from last year: Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Georgia.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 07, 2025, 12:17:06 PMOnly four repeat teams from last year: Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Georgia.
But NIL and the portal have created an uneven playing field.
The Irish are taking their ball and going home.
https://www.on3.com/news/notre-dame-decline-bowl-invitation-after-missing-college-football-playoff/
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 12:28:49 PMBut NIL and the portal have created an uneven playing field.
NIL and the portal have let Indiana dominate college football for decades now.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 02:52:08 PMThe Irish are taking their ball and going home.
https://www.on3.com/news/notre-dame-decline-bowl-invitation-after-missing-college-football-playoff/
They are not alone. ISU and K-State (maybe others?) did the same. Are bowl games a waste of time that the staff can better spend on recruiting?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 07, 2025, 03:10:03 PMThey are not alone. ISU and K-State (maybe others?) did the same. Are bowl games a waste of time that the staff can better spend on recruiting?
ISU and KSU are going through coaching changes, so probably.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 07, 2025, 03:15:12 PMISU and KSU are going through coaching changes, so probably.
That didn't prevent JMU, Tulane and Ole Miss from going to a bowl. :D
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 02:52:08 PMThe Irish are taking their ball and going home.
https://www.on3.com/news/notre-dame-decline-bowl-invitation-after-missing-college-football-playoff/
Incredibly on brand.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 07, 2025, 03:58:37 PMThat didn't prevent JMU, Tulane and Ole Miss from going to a bowl. :D
I'm thinking only one of these teams is going to a bowl.
edit - wrong thread
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 02:52:08 PMThe Irish are taking their ball and going home.
https://www.on3.com/news/notre-dame-decline-bowl-invitation-after-missing-college-football-playoff/
There is a string of articles in that thread, including one stating that starting next season, Notre Dame is guaranteed a playoff berth if they are ranked in the top 12. So I'm doubly glad they're not going this year.
As for not playing in an exhibition game, I don't blame them or any other team that turns down the XBox Bowl, Gasparilla Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl or, really, any of 'em.
Quote from: MU82 on December 07, 2025, 07:01:49 PMThere is a string of articles in that thread, including one stating that starting next season, Notre Dame is guaranteed a playoff berth if they are ranked in the top 12. So I'm doubly glad they're not going this year.
As for not playing in an exhibition game, I don't blame them or any other team that turns down the XBox Bowl, Gasparilla Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl or, really, any of 'em.
The whole bowl system feels very outdated for pro football. Would anyone care about the Giants V. Raiders in a one off January game?
Thoughts on Saban's desire to lock out the Group of 5 from the playoff? The SEC commissioner disagrees, but I don't think he has any real influence.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 07, 2025, 08:15:48 PMThoughts on Saban's desire to lock out the Group of 5 from the playoff? The SEC commissioner disagrees, but I don't think he has any real influence.
I think you could run into legal problems with that.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 07, 2025, 08:23:21 PMI think you could run into legal problems with that.
Really? How so?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 07, 2025, 08:15:48 PMThoughts on Saban's desire to lock out the Group of 5 from the playoff? The SEC commissioner disagrees, but I don't think he has any real influence.
I may have heard him wrong, but I don't think he said lock out the G5. I think he said get rid of the autobid. That may be close to the same thing, but it would leave open the door for a G5 program to earn its way in, as Boise State would have last year or Cincinnati in 2021.
Quote from: MU82 on December 07, 2025, 07:01:49 PMAs for not playing in an exhibition game, I don't blame them or any other team that turns down the XBox Bowl, Gasparilla Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl or, really, any of 'em.
I think it's exceptionally lame and shortsighted. I get that their feels are hurt, but they're giving up an opportunity for extra practice, additional reps for young players, a chance for early enrollees to pratice with the team, etc. Even discounting the player development aspect, it's a chance to reward the players with a free trip in late December somewhere better (and warmer) than South Bend, Indiana. And lastly, there are a bunch of kids on that team who will never play football for Notre Dame or anyone again, and this would have given them another chance to put on the uniform and be on the field one last time.
I'm all for players sitting out bowls to protect themselves and their draft stock, but the majority of that or any roster will never play in the NFL, except maybe preseason. ND has deprived those kids of that out of petulance.
Is it an exhibition? Sure. So are most college games. Did Purdue-Minnesota mean anything? Or Wake Forest-Virginia Tech? Any Oregon State game?
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 10:29:22 PMI think it's exceptionally lame and shortsighted. I get that their feels are hurt, but they're giving up an opportunity for extra practice, additional reps for young players, a chance for early enrollees to pratice with the team, etc. Even discounting the player development aspect, it's a chance to reward the players with a free trip in late December somewhere better (and warmer) than South Bend, Indiana. And lastly, there are a bunch of kids on that team who will never play football for Notre Dame or anyone again, and this would have given them another chance to put on the uniform and be on the field one last time.
I'm all for players sitting out bowls to protect themselves and their draft stock, but the majority of that or any roster will never play in the NFL, except maybe preseason. ND has deprived those kids of that out of petulance.
Is it an exhibition? Sure. So are most college games. Did Purdue-Minnesota mean anything? Or Wake Forest-Virginia Tech? Any Oregon State game?
I believe the players themselves voted to skip the exhibition.
Quote from: MU82 on December 07, 2025, 10:36:25 PMI believe the players themselves voted to skip the exhibition.
I'm not sure that's true, but so what? I imagine they were heartbroken about missing the playoffs and not likely in the best frame of mind for that decision a couple hours later. The grown ups in the room ought to made the decision based on what's best for the program, not their feelings being hurt.
Notre Dame's not the first and won't be the last team to feel they were wronged by the playoff committee. They're the first I can remember who acted like this in response.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 09:46:33 PMI may have heard him wrong, but I don't think he said lock out the G5. I think he said get rid of the autobid. That may be close to the same thing, but it would leave open the door for a G5 program to earn its way in, as Boise State would have last year or Cincinnati in 2021.
You are correct. In practice it would eliminate G5 most years and eventually completely eliminate the G5. Valid or not, that's the SEC commish's position.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 10:49:15 PMI'm not sure that's true, but so what? I imagine they were heartbroken about missing the playoffs and not likely in the best frame of mind for that decision a couple hours later. The grown ups in the room ought to made the decision based on what's best for the program, not their feelings being hurt.
Notre Dame's not the first and won't be the last team to feel they were wronged by the playoff committee. They're the first I can remember who acted like this in response.
We'll agree to disagree, Pak. Have a good one.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 10:49:15 PMI'm not sure that's true, but so what? I imagine they were heartbroken about missing the playoffs and not likely in the best frame of mind for that decision a couple hours later. The grown ups in the room ought to made the decision based on what's best for the program, not their feelings being hurt.
Notre Dame's not the first and won't be the last team to feel they were wronged by the playoff committee. They're the first I can remember who acted like this in response.
ND has a long history of skipping bowl games.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 07, 2025, 04:31:11 PMIncredibly on brand.
Perfectly matches the greater ND sentiment online right now. Basically "we love being the exception when it works for us, but we got "screwed" by it here, so its actually a stupid rule and should be changed. ND is bigger than this, we should host out own bowl game, it would get better ratings anyways"
Quote from: Pakuni on December 07, 2025, 10:29:22 PMI think it's exceptionally lame and shortsighted. I get that their feels are hurt, but they're giving up an opportunity for extra practice, additional reps for young players, a chance for early enrollees to pratice with the team, etc. Even discounting the player development aspect, it's a chance to reward the players with a free trip in late December somewhere better (and warmer) than South Bend, Indiana. And lastly, there are a bunch of kids on that team who will never play football for Notre Dame or anyone again, and this would have given them another chance to put on the uniform and be on the field one last time.
I'm all for players sitting out bowls to protect themselves and their draft stock, but the majority of that or any roster will never play in the NFL, except maybe preseason. ND has deprived those kids of that out of petulance.
Is it an exhibition? Sure. So are most college games. Did Purdue-Minnesota mean anything? Or Wake Forest-Virginia Tech? Any Oregon State game?
Its an interesting question about how bowl games are viewed by P5 players now. For G5, I imagine its still amazing, even with NIL. I remember the swag bags my friends got for bowl games, even lesser bowl games. It was f-ing awesome for college kids.
But now if you're at a big SEC school making good NIL money each year, do you care as much about a free trip to El Paso to play in the Sun Bowl for some random goodies? I'm sure some do, but others might not as much as a decade ago?
But as far as the extra practice, team bonding, team activities, etc... Couldn't agree more. It seems very much like a snap decision out of protest to make themselves look bigger than everything, regardless of who is making the decision.
ND to the Big East?
The ND AD said the ACC has permanently damaged its relationship with the Irish. Not sure what the they can do with contract situations, but seems like the ACC went out of its way to sabotage the Irish.
Grab some popcorn and sit back.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 08, 2025, 10:38:14 AMND to the Big East?
The ND AD said the ACC has permanently damaged its relationship with the Irish. Not sure what the they can do with contract situations, but seems like the ACC went out of its way to sabotage the Irish.
Grab some popcorn and sit back.
here's the interview: https://x.com/dpshow/status/1998064300691165574
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 08, 2025, 10:38:14 AMND to the Big East?
The ND AD said the ACC has permanently damaged its relationship with the Irish. Not sure what the they can do with contract situations, but seems like the ACC went out of its way to sabotage the Irish.
Grab some popcorn and sit back.
Notre Dame very mad because the ACC did the unforgivable by advocating for one of its members.
Just when you think the Domers couldn't get any more insufferable.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 08, 2025, 11:09:25 AMNotre Dame very mad because the ACC did the unforgivable by advocating for one of its members.
Just when you think the Domers couldn't get any more insufferable.
I don't really care who's right or wrong, but any hopes or dreams the ACC had of ND becoming a full time member have died. Maybe at better basketball conference home in the BE makes sense?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 08, 2025, 11:15:01 AMI don't really care who's right or wrong, but any hopes or dreams the ACC had of ND becoming a full time member have died. Maybe at better basketball conference home in the BE makes sense?
Notre Dame cares too much about its nonrevenue sports to park them in the Big East.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 08, 2025, 11:22:49 AMNotre Dame cares too much about its nonrevenue sports to park them in the Big East.
That sounds right. ND will extract it's pound of flesh from the ACC some other way.
After having time to ponder it seems an ND ploy to extract more money from the ACC somehow.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 08, 2025, 11:09:25 AMNotre Dame very mad because the ACC did the unforgivable by advocating for one of its members.
Just when you think the Domers couldn't get any more insufferable.
When Iowa State and Kansas State decided to forego bowls, they each agreed to pay the B12 $500k. When ND opted out, the ACC got nothing. ND just wants the best of both Independent status and faux conference affiliation all the time. I hope all the bad things in the world happen to them and only them and nobody else.
Quote from: MUBurrow on December 08, 2025, 11:45:52 AMWhen Iowa State and Kansas State decided to forego bowls, they each agreed to pay the B12 $500k. When ND opted out, the ACC got nothing. ND just wants the best of both Independent status and faux conference affiliation all the time. I hope all the bad things in the world happen to them and only them and nobody else.
The ACC could have done the same as the B10 and said 'No' to ND.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on December 08, 2025, 11:39:44 AMAfter having time to ponder it seems an ND ploy to extract more money from the ACC somehow.
or play fewer conference games (they currently play five).
here's an idea, ND: join the ACC full time. Then you'd have had an opportunity to make the conference championship game and get the automatic bid.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 08, 2025, 12:55:40 PMor play fewer conference games (they currently play five).
here's an idea, ND: join the ACC full time. Then you'd have had an opportunity to make the conference championship game and get the automatic bid.
Starting next year, they don't need to. So there's no incentive for it.
ND is used to getting everything handed to them on a golden platter. I'm really enjoying the tears streaming down their whiny faces now.
The committee decisions and explanations regarding Miami, ND, BYU and Alabama still make no sense.
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 08, 2025, 02:21:07 PMThe committee decisions and explanations regarding Miami, ND, BYU and Alabama still make no sense.
I think it's pretty simple for Alabama - they're the only team in the country in the top 10 in all three key metrics ( FPI, SOR and SOS) and they weren't going to get excluded for losing a conference championship game, especially a road game vs a top 3 opponent.
The committee set that precedent last year by keeping SMU in the field despite losing their conference championship to a mediocre Clemson team.
I think Miami over Notre Dame was the wrong call, but the committee had head-to-head to justify it.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 08, 2025, 02:30:40 PMI think Miami over Notre Dame was the wrong call, but the committee had head-to-head to justify it.
I think it was only an issue cause ND was ranked above Miami all season in the playoff rankings (which I think was wrong to begin with).
ND had better losses, but their best win was against a team ranked around where Miami's losses (SMU/Lville) were. Miami had a much better win and that win was head to head. Pretty easy IMO.
For fun, look at their schedule next year. It's abysmal. The better not lose to Miami again. 3 teams in the bottom 4 of the B10 (Wisky, MSU, PU), 4 in the bottom 5 of the ACC (UNC, Stanford, BC, and Cuse), plus Rice who was near the bottom of the AAC. After Miami, their toughest games are borderline top 25 teams in Navy, SMU, and USC (unless they finally make a leap, they have a huge class coming in)
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 08, 2025, 02:21:07 PMThe committee decisions and explanations regarding Miami, ND, BYU and Alabama still make no sense.
I still have no idea if conference championship games count or don't count. I can see the logic either way, but not randomly.
The lack of logic in the selection process was a result of the ACC not having a team in, and the committee had to put Miami any way possible. The idiots should have just put Miami ahead of ND all along due to the head-to-head.
Quote from: JWags85 on December 08, 2025, 02:36:19 PMI think it was only an issue cause ND was ranked above Miami all season in the playoff rankings (which I think was wrong to begin with).
ND had better losses, but their best win was against a team ranked around where Miami's losses (SMU/Lville) were. Miami had a much better win and that win was head to head. Pretty easy IMO.
For fun, look at their schedule next year. It's abysmal. The better not lose to Miami again. 3 teams in the bottom 4 of the B10 (Wisky, MSU, PU), 4 in the bottom 5 of the ACC (UNC, Stanford, BC, and Cuse), plus Rice who was near the bottom of the AAC. After Miami, their toughest games are borderline top 25 teams in Navy, SMU, and USC (unless they finally make a leap, they have a huge class coming in)
They can lose to Miami again, beat all the Sisters of the Poor they play, and glide into the CFP as long as they are a top-12 team.
I forgot to post this last night. ND insiders implying a revenge conspiracy against them.
https://x.com/mikeberardino/status/1997820174276476938?s=46 (https://x.com/mikeberardino/status/1997820174276476938?s=46)
I enjoy Miami but I kind of hope A&M smacks them so the ND faithful have another justification to lose their minds
I know they were never getting in with a third loss, Texas' resume impresses me a lot more than the teams in front of them.
Schools have said no to the NIT. Al said no the NCAA tournament. I applaud ND's decision.
Quote from: BM1090 on December 09, 2025, 12:24:28 AMI know they were never getting in with a third loss, Texas' resume impresses me a lot more than the teams in front of them.
You have a good point. It all goes back to the Florida loss, a team Miami thumped. Not very common to have a loss in the Swamp be a bad loss.
My view on the "head to head" game is that it was the first game of the season, at Miami, and that ND was starting a true freshman QB. My opinion (as an anti-ND guy too) is that game should have minimal value.
Also, unlike ND, Miami played an FCS team. Was ND's schedule really any weaker than Miami's?
Quote from: tower912 on December 09, 2025, 06:35:23 AMSchools have said no to the NIT. Al said no the NCAA tournament. I applaud ND's decision.
Al also was being whiny and petulant.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 09, 2025, 08:52:11 AMMy view on the "head to head" game is that it was the first game of the season, at Miami, and that ND was starting a true freshman QB. My opinion (as an anti-ND guy too) is that game should have minimal value.
Also, unlike ND, Miami played an FCS team. Was ND's schedule really any weaker than Miami's?
Your points are valid and logical. The overarching answer to all of this is that the committee was not going to leave the ACC out. Their process and explanation does not pass the smell test because they set aside any logic to make it happen.
+ conference championship games don't matter, except when they do
+ head to heads don't not matter, except when they do.
+ For years when you lost and how you were playing at the end of the year mattered, except this year.
I think it is very reasonable to have Miami in over ND, but the process has become the joke.
Quote from: BM1090 on December 09, 2025, 12:24:28 AMI know they were never getting in with a third loss, Texas' resume impresses me a lot more than the teams in front of them.
Its truly unfortunate that they shat themselves at UF cause its a super strong resume otherwise. Best wins of almost anyone...3 top 10 wins against teams that have all stayed basically top 10 (I think Vandy is 11 now). A close loss to the #2 team and then a rough road loss to a top 5 team, which happens. And Arch was playing well down the stretch and looking more like the QB everyone was expecting him to be. But that Florida loss was ROUGH, even before they lost 5 of their next 6.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 09, 2025, 08:52:11 AMMy view on the "head to head" game is that it was the first game of the season, at Miami, and that ND was starting a true freshman QB. My opinion (as an anti-ND guy too) is that game should have minimal value.
Also, unlike ND, Miami played an FCS team. Was ND's schedule really any weaker than Miami's?
Their SOS was basically identical. Both within a spot of each other's in the mid 40s depending where you look. And as you said, that's with Miami playing Bethune Cookman while ND played A&M. So no, ND doesn't get any boost over Miami there.
And who cares that it was the first game of the season. They lost the second game too. Then beat a bunch of mediocre teams. Miami had the better marquee win in addition to having the head to head. If it was Purdue with ND's resume instead, nobody would be flinching over Miami getting the nod.
As noted above, I think Texas is probably more deserving of both of them but obviously they made their bed. Hell, Vandy has better wins than ND and if they lose to Texas in late September instead of November, they are probably in over ND.
Quote from: JWags85 on December 09, 2025, 09:27:29 AMwho cares that it was the first game of the season.
Hell, Vandy has better wins than ND and if they lose to Texas in late September instead of November, they are probably in over ND.
:-\
Quote from: tower912 on December 09, 2025, 06:35:23 AMSchools have said no to the NIT. Al said no the NCAA tournament. I applaud ND's decision.
(https://gifdb.com/images/high/harry-potter-scene-hes-back-akxi2emx3w2serb8.gif)
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 09, 2025, 08:52:11 AMMy view on the "head to head" game is that it was the first game of the season, at Miami, and that ND was starting a true freshman QB. My opinion (as an anti-ND guy too) is that game should have minimal value.
Who's fault is it, other than Freeman and the Whining Irish's, that they didn't have a more experienced QB to start? Not sure why Miami should get penalized or ND rewarded for that. And it also was Miami's first game, no?
Quote from: MU82 on December 09, 2025, 11:00:29 AMWho's fault is it, other than Freeman and the Whining Irish's, that they didn't have a more experienced QB to start? Not sure why Miami should get penalized or ND rewarded for that. And it also was Miami's first game, no?
For any game that early in the season, I would deemphasize head-to-head and instead focus on which team is the better one between the two right now. IMO, ND is the better team right now.
Though a lot of this could be solved if the CFP weren't releasing rankings during the season, it's nothing more than a ratings grab. If ND had never been shown as consistently ranked above Miami during the season, including last week, then a lot of the controversy would have been avoided.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 09, 2025, 11:13:02 AMThough a lot of this could be solved if the CFP weren't releasing rankings during the season, it's nothing more than a ratings grab. If ND had never been shown as consistently ranked above Miami during the season, including last week, then a lot of the controversy would have been avoided.
This is the truth.
Outside of ND fans, I have not heard anyone complain that Miami was the pick. I have heard significant complaints about the process. Paying attention to the in-season ranking is just dumb going forward.
Also, the ACC getting its s**t together would help too.
I was always curious why the B10 was/is entertaining the PE capital infusion; then I read this in the WSJ:
"Now, despite the open money faucet, spending on sports at some Big Ten schools has outpaced revenues. This year, Michigan said it would need a $15 million university contribution to balance its athletic budget. The Buckeyes reported a $38 million deficit across athletics last year. And as Indiana embarked on the best two-year run in its football program's history last season, it needed $34 million in university support to run its athletic department. "
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 09, 2025, 11:13:02 AMFor any game that early in the season, I would deemphasize head-to-head and instead focus on which team is the better one between the two right now. IMO, ND is the better team right now.
Though a lot of this could be solved if the CFP weren't releasing rankings during the season, it's nothing more than a ratings grab. If ND had never been shown as consistently ranked above Miami during the season, including last week, then a lot of the controversy would have been avoided.
Fair enough. But the controversy is the fun part! That, and ND tears and whining.
Sherone Moore fired at Michigan. Interesting timing...
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 10, 2025, 03:46:30 PMSherone Moore fired at Michigan. Interesting timing...
Got to be something to this beyond on-field performance. Given that he was forced to play a totally unprepared true freshman QB, 9-3 with no bad losses is a pretty good outcome.
Update ... there's more to the story.
Lane Kiffin to Michigan.
Quote from: Dish on December 10, 2025, 03:52:50 PMLane Kiffin to Michigan.
Only if Brad Stevens says no.
Seriously, though, it's got to be Jesse Minter, right?
Edit: Forgot Minter has a show-cause against him, though that expires in April.
Too bad Franklin took a job. :D
Brent Venables?
Deboer to Michigan and Kiffin to Bama for mass chaos?
Michigan has to at least make Fickell say no, right?
Quote from: cheebs09 on December 10, 2025, 04:57:23 PMDeboer to Michigan and Kiffin to Bama for mass chaos?
Kiffin to Bama apparently will never happen. I thought he'd have a shot when Saban left, but I've since heard that as long as a handful of powerful boosters are alive, Kiffin is not welcome in Tuscaloosa.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 10, 2025, 05:08:56 PMKiffin to Bama apparently will never happen. I thought he'd have a shot when Saban left, but I've since heard that as long as a handful of powerful boosters are alive, Kiffin is not welcome in Tuscaloosa.
Weird, he seems like a swell guy. ::)
Gotta think Michigan may go back to the NFL for the hire due to timing?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 10, 2025, 05:12:05 PMGotta think Michigan may go back to the NFL for the hire due to timing?
Part of me thinks that they had to have started back channel talks given the timing of the firing? But who knows
Also, I'm not entirely sure they would have wanted to snap up any of the names hired so far except for maybe Chesney? I don't think Kiffin, Sumrall, Campbell, or Franklin would have been on their short lists
GO BLEW!
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 10, 2025, 05:12:05 PMGotta think Michigan may go back to the NFL for the hire due to timing?
The time seems right for John Harbaugh to leave Baltimore.
Only right for Bill B to go coach where Brady won a natty and try to one up him with 2. Plus, when he hires his girlfriend, it's already in the open.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/10/sherrone-moore-arrested-michigan-football/87709407007/
"Inappropriate relationship with staff member"
Also arrested
This relationship wouldn't have been inappropriate if they had simply beaten OSU
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 10, 2025, 06:50:36 PMhttps://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/10/sherrone-moore-arrested-michigan-football/87709407007/
"Inappropriate relationship with staff member"
Also arrested
Wow. Crazy. UofM determined to outdo MSU.
https://x.com/i/status/1998899108283822230
https://x.com/i/status/1998889282673811962
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 10, 2025, 07:03:09 PMWow. Crazy. UofM determined to outdo MSU.
Nah, you can't outdo Tucker and what he did with a rape victim and victims' rights advocate who MSU paid a significant amount to come to campus to meet with the team (adn the paid her a significant amount after Mel did his thing). Sleeping with your 32-year-old "executive assistant?"
Though going to her home and threatening to kill her and himself is taking things to another level.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 10, 2025, 08:01:51 PMNah, you can't outdo Tucker and what he did with a rape victim and victims' rights advocate who MSU paid a significant amount to come to campus to meet with the team (adn the paid her a significant amount after Mel did his thing). Sleeping with your 32-year-old "executive assistant?"
Though going to her home and threatening to kill her and himself is taking things to another level.
I think she was like 24 (cool by me), but the 55% pay raise looks questionable now as well.
From The Athletic:
Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley will likely miss the College Football Playoff after appearing to suffer a freak leg injury in a postgame celebration Saturday night.
Following the Hoosiers' 13-10 win against top-ranked Ohio State to claim the Big Ten championship, Daley jumped to give high-fives with fans in the end zone at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Daley came down wrong on his right leg and started to hop while continuing to slap hands.
"I can confirm that he did sustain an injury, (a) serious injury that will probably not make him available for the remainder of the season." Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
Quote from: MU82 on December 10, 2025, 08:53:42 PMFrom The Athletic:
Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley will likely miss the College Football Playoff after appearing to suffer a freak leg injury in a postgame celebration Saturday night.
Following the Hoosiers' 13-10 win against top-ranked Ohio State to claim the Big Ten championship, Daley jumped to give high-fives with fans in the end zone at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Daley came down wrong on his right leg and started to hop while continuing to slap hands.
"I can confirm that he did sustain an injury, (a) serious injury that will probably not make him available for the remainder of the season." Indiana coach Curt Cignetti told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
Have we learned nothing from Martin Grammatica?
The Ole Miss schmear campaign against Lane Kiffin feels like child's play now.
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 10, 2025, 06:50:36 PMhttps://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/10/sherrone-moore-arrested-michigan-football/87709407007/
"Inappropriate relationship with staff member"
Also arrested
The evidence must have been overwhelming. Give Michigan credit because they apparently didn't try to sweep this under the rug, buy someone off or wait until a more convenient time.
The implications for the Wolverine football program are huge. However, the implications for the university would have been far greater if the matter had been "deferred" or shoved under a rug with a huge booster buyoff of the alleged victim.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2025, 10:00:20 AMThe evidence must have been overwhelming. Give Michigan credit because they apparently didn't try to sweep this under the rug, buy someone off or wait until a more convenient time.
The implications for the Wolverine football program are huge. However, the implications for the university would have been far greater if the matter had been "deferred" or shoved under a rug with a huge booster buyoff of the alleged victim.
I think you're very confused about the circumstances. The staffer is not a victim, and there was a bunch of smoke before the fire that raged yesterday.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 11, 2025, 10:05:31 AMI think you're very confused about the circumstances. The staffer is not a victim, and there was a bunch of smoke before the fire that raged yesterday.
Right. Michigan certainly wasn't trying to find a reason to keep Moore around...
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 11, 2025, 10:05:31 AMI think you're very confused about the circumstances. The staffer is not a victim, and there was a bunch of smoke before the fire that raged yesterday.
We shall see who is confused.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2025, 10:26:20 AMWe shall see who is confused.
She was with him for a long time, got a pay raise, and an abortion.
Yesterday, he (understandably) lost his damn mind after losing his job and likely his family. He threatened to kill her and himself.
What am I missing.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 11, 2025, 10:29:08 AMShe was with him for a long time, got a pay raise, and an abortion.
Yesterday, he (understandably) lost his damn mind after losing his job and likely his family. He threatened to kill her and himself.
What am I missing.
has anyone other than random Twitter accounts actually confirmed that?
and why did he "understandably" lose his mind? Did he not know the consequences, both personal and professional, of what he was doing? There's nothing understandable about a man (or woman) who knowingly engages in such conduct.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 11, 2025, 10:36:35 AMhas anyone other than random Twitter accounts actually confirmed that?
and why did he "understandably" lose his mind? Did he not know the consequences, both personal and professional, of what he was doing? There's nothing understandable about a man (or woman) who knowingly engages in such conduct.
His entire life collapsed in less than a day. He's a fool for all of it, but people who lose everything don't typically act in a rash manner. I'm not excusing any of the things, I'm just saying it is understandable.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 11, 2025, 10:42:38 AMHis entire life collapsed in less than a day. He's a fool for all of it, but people who lose everything don't typically act in a rash manner. I'm not excusing any of the things, I'm just saying it is understandable.
Agreed. "Understandable" in the sense that no one is wondering why he snapped yesterday.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on December 11, 2025, 10:42:38 AMHis entire life collapsed in less than a day. He's a fool for all of it, but people who lose everything don't typically act in a rash manner. I'm not excusing any of the things, I'm just saying it is understandable.
Not to mention people fail to realize how comfortable and bulletproof you can feel with secrets and getting away with them, especially for long periods of time. Its easy to say someone should know the consequences or what they are risking, but it can be VERY easy to not see the forest for the trees (you see it all the time with hidden addictions, illegal activities, other cover indiscretions). Then as soon as you are forced to face reality and those consequences abruptly, that comfort and plausible deniability vanishes and reality gets very cold, very harsh, and very immediate in a hurry. That doesn't mean you feel bad for him, but its certainly understandable as to why there was something that snapped.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 11, 2025, 10:00:20 AMThe evidence must have been overwhelming. Give Michigan credit because they apparently didn't try to sweep this under the rug, buy someone off or wait until a more convenient time.
The implications for the Wolverine football program are huge. However, the implications for the university would have been far greater if the matter had been "deferred" or shoved under a rug with a huge booster buyoff of the alleged victim.
The university has known for months.
Would think Sherronne's wife and kids will be entering the transfer portal.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 11, 2025, 06:01:19 PMWould think Sherronne's wife and kids will be entering the transfer portal.
No RGV? Sad.
Relationships
Groveling
Violent threats
This is going to get far worse before it gets better. Intrigue, infighting, plotting, spying. Typical UMichigan man stuff. (See: Lloyd Carr and RichRod)
Bobby Petrino on speed dial?
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 11, 2025, 01:36:19 PMThe university has known for months.
there were rumors but both parties denied it. Then on Wednesday, the mistress went into the GC's office with proof. My guess is her husband found out.
https://x.com/ErmanniMedia/status/1999152487421587563
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 11, 2025, 01:36:19 PMThe university has known for months.
(https://i.imgur.com/p7pyWQr.gif)
Good information and a mature take from ND's Jeremiyah Love ...
NEW YORK — Jeremiyah Love said Notre Dame not playing in a bowl game was a "team decision" and that the Fighting Irish put themselves in position to miss the College Football Playoff by leaving it up to the committee.
Love and the other Heisman Trophy finalists appeared Friday at a media availability in Midtown Manhattan. No. 11 Notre Dame's season officially ended last Sunday when the school announced the team would not participate in a bowl after being left out of the Playoff.
Love alluded to the idea that many of Notre Dame's best players might have opted out of a bowl game.
"Ultimately came down to us wanting to give the best representation of our 2025 football team," Love said. "We felt like we had a very special group, and at the end of the season, we weren't going to have the same team that we did going into the bowl game. So we wanted to make sure that we didn't want to represent the team in any light that it wasn't throughout the whole 2025 season."
Love said the initial reaction to not making the CFP left out was sadness.
"Everybody at that time didn't understand why," he said. "But once, a few days went by, once some time passed by, we realized that we were only in that position because we put ourselves in that position."
(From The Athletic)
Quote from: MU82 on December 14, 2025, 10:04:52 AMGood information and a mature take from ND's Jeremiyah Love ...
Everybody at that time didn't understand why," he said. "But once, a few days went by, once some time passed by, we realized that we were only in that position because we put ourselves in that position."
(From The Athletic)
I'm sure his AD is not happy with him going against the party line.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 14, 2025, 10:42:46 AMI'm sure his AD is not happy with him going against the party line.
I get that and IMO they got it right, but I can't think of any other AD in same position not reacting the same way. It's really part of the job. CFB has always required playing politics.
Despite being a domer, I very much like Love.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 14, 2025, 12:04:00 PMI get that and IMO they got it right, but I can't think of any other AD in same position not reacting the same way. It's really part of the job. CFB has always required playing politics.
The same way? He was a total arse.
Others have expressed disappointment over the years without being d-bags. Unlike ND, Florida State actually was hosed two years ago, and their reaction wasn't as dirtbaggy.
speaking of being an total arse, I present to you Diego Pavia (the retweeted post is still on Pavia's IG in case you want to confirm it was real)>
https://x.com/LandonTengwall/status/2000258030592741658
Meanwhile, Mendoza was at the Adidas store greeting the kids with MS for whom he set up a shopping spree.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 14, 2025, 03:25:55 PMspeaking of being an total arse, I present to you Diego Pavia.
https://x.com/LandonTengwall/status/2000258030592741658
You expected better from Trailer Park Manziel?
I really liked watching Pavia play. That post makes him look like a clown.
Quote from: MU82 on December 14, 2025, 03:01:20 PMThe same way? He was a total arse.
Others have expressed disappointment over the years without being d-bags. Unlike ND, Florida State actually was hosed two years ago, and their reaction wasn't as dirtbaggy.
FSU really?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatened legal action. :-\
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 14, 2025, 04:18:55 PMFSU really?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatened legal action. :-\
I wasn't aware that he was an AD or coach.
Quote from: MU82 on December 14, 2025, 04:36:39 PMI wasn't aware that he was an AD or coach.
Of course you'd be silent if the Indiana Governor jumped in with threats of legal action on ND's behalf. ::)
The selection committee got it right while simultaneously torpedoing it's legitimacy. No reasonable person will pay attention to the in season polls.
Quote from: MU82 on December 14, 2025, 03:01:20 PMThe same way? He was a total arse.
Others have expressed disappointment over the years without being d-bags. Unlike ND, Florida State actually was hosed two years ago, and their reaction wasn't as dirtbaggy.
Not to re-litigate old controversies, but Florida State wasn't hosed. They weren't a playoff-quality team at the end of the season, a fact supported by every single metric the CFP is supposed to use.
As for dirtbaggy, I mean, the AD did claim the decision made the playoff results illegitimate and later used the snub to extort the ACC for better terms on its possible exit. That's pretty dirtbaggy, I'd say.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 14, 2025, 03:27:40 PMYou expected better from Trailer Park Manziel?
It gets better...
https://x.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2000301228274901283?s=46 (https://x.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2000301228274901283?s=46)
I like cocky players that back it up. Arrogant athletes backing it up and balling out are amazing. Manziel was electric and a a spectacle. But Pavia has taken all the negative aspects of Manziel and amplified them. He was fun as hell and a great story at NMSU, but since he got to Nashville it's been a steady descent into peak hateability.
Manziel did plenty of dumb stuff that was varying levels of unlikable depending who you asked, but that's nothing compared to having your family wandering on the field at games starting fights and getting arrested multiple times while you smirk and condone it. That's not swag, that's not cocky, that's just trash behavior championed by a try hard douche.
I also have never seen a media tour come off so poorly as Pavia the last few weeks. It was short on charm and charisma and veering into anything but. For all his faults, Manziel was the unquestioned biggest story and most exciting player in CFB that Heisman season, nothing was forced. Pavia is none of that but thinks he is and more AND thinks it's complete BS that he's not thought of as such so F everyone else. It's just not remotely entertaining or engaging, that ship sailed months ago.
One of my partners is a Vanderbilt alumn, and in his his words in October, " nobody's quite sure how he got into Vanderbilt" .
Quote from: Pakuni on December 14, 2025, 05:16:09 PMNot to re-litigate old controversies, but Florida State wasn't hosed. They weren't a playoff-quality team at the end of the season, a fact supported by every single metric the CFP is supposed to use.
As for dirtbaggy, I mean, the AD did claim the decision made the playoff results illegitimate and later used the snub to extort the ACC for better terms on its possible exit. That's pretty dirtbaggy, I'd say.
Ok, thanks.
Pavia's apology:
"To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful," Pavia wrote. "I didn't handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry."
He continued:
"Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season. ...
"I've been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I've had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I've learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn't want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl."
He's only been in college 6 years. Just needs to mature a little bit.
Quote from: MU82 on December 14, 2025, 04:36:39 PMI wasn't aware that he was an AD or coach.
Mmm hungwy
Quote from: MU82 on December 15, 2025, 10:33:26 AMPavia's apology:
"To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful," Pavia wrote. "I didn't handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to. I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry."
He continued:
"Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award. I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season. ...
"I've been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I've had to break down doors and fight for myself, because I've learned that nothing would be handed to me. My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn't want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl."
Can anyone ever make an apology without making it into them facing adversity. Just apologize.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on December 15, 2025, 03:16:03 PMCan anyone ever make an apology without making it into them facing adversity. Just apologize.
Literally, everyone is a victim these days, most especially SEC starting QBs. You don't know the trials they experience every day. I give them credit for just getting out of bed :"
I've been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I've had to break down doors and fight for myself" . Pavia is cut from the same cloth as Gandhi and Mandela.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on December 15, 2025, 03:16:03 PMCan anyone ever make an apology without making it into them facing adversity. Just apologize.
Sorry for posting that, but it was tough being a Jewish kid in Connecticut.
I highly doubt he even wrote it. More of an agent or PR team doing damage control.
Since Matt Rhule signed an extension on Oct. 30, Nebraska went an ugly 1-3, then mostly skipped early signing day. The latest: Two-year starting QB Dylan Raiola is expected to transfer out.
(From The Athletic)
Quote from: MU82 on December 16, 2025, 10:24:26 AMSince Matt Rhule signed an extension on Oct. 30, Nebraska went an ugly 1-3, then mostly skipped early signing day. The latest: Two-year starting QB Dylan Raiola is expected to transfer out.
(From The Athletic)
Raiola desperately jumping around his apartment trying to tear his ACL to match Mahomes, who he wishes the comparisons to would stop despite stealing his looks, warmups, number, etc.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 15, 2025, 05:45:14 PMI highly doubt he even wrote it. More of an agent or PR team doing damage control.
Not even good PR. Its ChatGPT-level garbage.
"My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn't want anything to distract from that."
This is hilarious for someone whose family has been the ultimate sideshow.
Quote from: MU82 on December 16, 2025, 10:24:26 AMSince Matt Rhule signed an extension on Oct. 30, Nebraska went an ugly 1-3, then mostly skipped early signing day. The latest: Two-year starting QB Dylan Raiola is expected to transfer out.
(From The Athletic)
His schools of interest is limited to only Texas Tech to continue ultimate fulfillment of his brand
Quote from: JWags85 on December 16, 2025, 10:46:40 AMNot even good PR. Its ChatGPT-level garbage.
"My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn't want anything to distract from that."
This is hilarious for someone whose family has been the ultimate sideshow.
His schools of interest is limited to only Texas Tech to continue ultimate fulfillment of his brand
Temu Mahomes.
The revisionist history around him is already starting in Nebraska. Just like Lane Kiffin they are very quickly throwing him under the bus.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 16, 2025, 01:49:12 PMThe revisionist history around him is already starting in Nebraska. Just like Lane Kiffin they are very quickly throwing him under the bus.
At least Kiffin was good at his job.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 16, 2025, 01:49:12 PMThe revisionist history around him is already starting in Nebraska. Just like Lane Kiffin they are very quickly throwing him under the bus.
I mean what's the revisionist history? He was the #1 ranked recruit (and QB) in his class and he had 2 decent years. Not exceptional, never was a top 5 QB in the B10, much less top 3 (or a top QB nationally) and never elevated an average team to anything more than that. And now he's leaving midway through his career.
Pretending they didn't like him or weren't excited about him would be silly revisionism, but its not like they are suddenly bagging on a great player who did amazing things for the program and downplaying his success(like Kiffin at Ole Miss).
Raiola has 2 years left, he still may become a very good QB, he's got the arm talent, but midway through his college career, he's not been a bust like Malachi Nelson or Air Noland, but he's certainly been quite disappointing compared to expectations. He doesn't have a signature moment or win, his career is centered around his obsessive Mahomes cosplay.
They spent the entire off season talking about how he made the next step and how great he was. Now that he's gone it's shifted to he was never that good and it won't hurt the team.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on December 16, 2025, 05:37:13 PMThey spent the entire off season talking about how he made the next step and how great he was. Now that he's gone it's shifted to he was never that good and it won't hurt the team.
To be fair, I don't necessarily see how those both can't be true. Everyone thought he was making the step, as you'd expect a top recruit to into his sophomore year. But turns out he didn't and was just alright, like I mentioned previously. Now he's leaving, so with him goes the benefit of the doubt and good riddance.
I've got no love or affinity for the Huskers, but I don't really blame their fans here.
Raiola first committed to Georgia, then osu, then Nebraska. Looking for the bag now. I actually do think he could be decent with good, consistent coaching.
Since jim Harbaugh started coaching at um, they have had 11 coaches banished and / or charged criminally. He lost 5 games in a row to osu. Was afraid of losing his job, took a payout, statred cheating and hiring creeps.
Maybe a 3 loss team that has looked dead for 6 weeks shouldn't be in the playoffs?
Quote from: Dish on December 19, 2025, 08:05:49 PMMaybe a 3 loss team that has looked dead for 6 weeks shouldn't be in the playoffs?
Still time to delete.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 19, 2025, 08:34:15 PMStill time to delete.
That dropped pass on third down (sure TD) was the game changing play. 17 point to Bama swing since then
Ok qb not elite. Simpson really heating up. Was not fan of Simpson coming into this game, he is playing well. Ok weak at safety. Crazy game.
I think my awful take singlehandedly rejuvenated Bama.
Dish, all good. Thought those chumps from s bend should've been in before bama.
Quote from: Captain Quette on December 19, 2025, 09:34:41 PMDish, all good. Thought those chumps from s bend should've been in before bama.
No they shouldn't have. Alabama had wins at Georgia, Tennessee, and Missouri and over Vanderbilt. Notre Dame had wins over...USC and Pitt? The only case for ND is total losses, and Alabama only had more because they had to play in a conference title game.
A decent call, but that was earlier in the year. They were awful and really not even competitive v GA in last game. Had minus 3 rushing. Not nd fan but they crushed teams down stretch.
Quote from: Captain Quette on December 19, 2025, 10:08:05 PMA decent call, but that was earlier in the year. They were awful and really not even competitive v GA in last game. Had minus 3 rushing. Not nd fan but they crushed teams down stretch.
They crushed Stanford, Syracuse, Pitt, Navy, and Boston College.
But they didn't lose to 5 win fsu.
Quote from: Captain Quette on December 19, 2025, 10:40:44 PMBut they didn't lose to 5 win fsu.
The committee has always cared way more about who you beat than who you lose to.
The committee also focuses on three metrics: FIP, SOR and SOS. Bama was the only team in the country in the top 10 in all three.
Alabama beat several real good teams. ND lost to the only two real good teams they played. Easy call.
I always thought it was ND/Miami/BYU as last 3
Notre dame gave up 27 and 41 to these putrid displays of offense
So glad we were blessed with a rematch of ole miss blowing out Tulane.
Saban may have had a point about auto-bids for G5 schools.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 20, 2025, 08:30:06 PMSaban may have had a point about auto-bids for G5 schools.
I like the idea of giving the little guys a chance. Unfortunately, they have no freakin' chance, so it just makes for horrible TV.
Quote from: MU82 on December 21, 2025, 12:21:15 AMI like the idea of giving the little guys a chance. Unfortunately, they have no freakin' chance, so it just makes for horrible TV.
I'm no expert, but I remember the FCS threatened moving its season to spring (damagingto FBS schedules and budget), and recently heard a P4 coach defend the Group of 5 bid(s) because the G5 could walk away from the P4 if they had no seat at the table. Maybe the P4 is walking a tight rope trying to keep this structure in place?
Quote from: MU82 on December 21, 2025, 12:21:15 AMI like the idea of giving the little guys a chance. Unfortunately, they have no freakin' chance, so it just makes for horrible TV.
What Saban said would still give them a chance, but they would have to be among the top 12 teams, not automatically given a bid because they win their conference. It's not impossible ... Boise State would have qualified that way last year, and Cincy did it in 2021 when still in the AAC.
It's only interesting giving the little guys a chance if they can be at least competitive and have a punchers chance at least of winning. This isn't what's happening in the CFP. That's why the small schools in the NCAAT are interesting sometimes. Now and then they break through and win a game or even better make a run.
They clearly need to set the bar higher for them to earn their way in. Blowouts and non competitive teams is not at all fair to clearly more deserving teams and then legitimacy of the playoff gets questioned leaving far better teams out.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on December 21, 2025, 08:02:41 AMIt's only interesting giving the little guys a chance if they can be at least competitive and have a punchers chance at least of winning. This isn't what's happening in the CFP. That's why the small schools in the NCAAT are interesting sometimes. Now and then they break through and win a game or even better make a run.
They clearly need to set the bar higher for them to earn their way in. Blowouts and non competitive teams is not at all fair to clearly more deserving teams and then legitimacy of the playoff gets questioned leaving far better teams out.
Actually, if the ACC could simply act like the other P4 and produce quality teams, that would fix everything. it's that simple.
Because I apparently have nothing better to do this morning, I went over CFP rankings since 2014 to see when G5 schools would have qualified without an auto bid.
2014-16: None
2017: UCF
2018: UCF
2019: None
2020: Cincinatti, Coastal Carolina
2021: Cincinatti
2022-23: None
2024: Boise State
2025: None
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 21, 2025, 08:31:47 AMActually, if the ACC could simply act like the other P4 and produce quality teams, that would fix everything. it's that simple.
Uh, Miami?
But the problem of super conferences in football is the result of this year's ACC. Not nearly enough weeks in a football season with way too many teams, requiring a deep dive into tiebreakers to sort it out. That was the problem of this year's ACC and that's how Duke had the opportunity to win the conference championship., which paved the way for two teams who didn't belong in the CFP.
Yeah, those games were embarrassing yesterday and so bad for college football. I demand only playoff games involving P4 teams from now on so we can have more classics like
Georgia 65, TCU 7
Oregon 59, Florida State 20
Alabama 38, Michigan State 0
LSU 63, Oklahoma 28
Clemson 31, Ohio State 0
Alabama 52, Ohio State 24
Clemson 30, Notre Dame 3
This is what America wants.
Not sure what to make of this, but one way or another it has the potential to be highly entertaining.
Bobby Petrino has agreed to become the next North Carolina offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick, sources tell On3's Chris Low, Pete Nakos and Inside Carolina. The move comes after the Tar Heels fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens earlier this month after one season.
https://www.on3.com/news/north-carolina-finalizing-deal-to-hire-bobby-petrino-as-offensive-coordinator/
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 12:00:36 PMNot sure what to make of this, but one way or another it has the potential to be highly entertaining.
Bobby Petrino has agreed to become the next North Carolina offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick, sources tell On3's Chris Low, Pete Nakos and Inside Carolina. The move comes after the Tar Heels fired offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens earlier this month after one season.
https://www.on3.com/news/north-carolina-finalizing-deal-to-hire-bobby-petrino-as-offensive-coordinator/
On one hand, for all his failings in his coaching career, Petrino can still coach the hell out of an offense. They weren't losing games the last 2 years cause the offense couldn't score/move the ball (top 20 offense the last 2 years). And his Missouri St teams scored the ball a ton.
On the other hand, everything at UNC is a disaster and I don't trust the dysfunction of the Bill and Jordyn show, so its bound to bloom the dysfunction that Petrino has had around him for years.
In other news, complete career implosion for Freddie Kitchens post-Browns. From terrible HC to TE coach for the Giants...demoted to "offensive assistant" after a year. Then canned and down to "senior analyst" back in college at South Carolina. Then gets the TE coach job at UNC. BB keeps him around in the transition, promotes him to OC and now tossed after a year.
Quote from: JWags85 on Today at 12:53:54 PMIn other news, complete career implosion for Freddie Kitchens post-Browns. From terrible HC to TE coach for the Giants...demoted to "offensive assistant" after a year. Then canned and down to "senior analyst" back in college at South Carolina. Then gets the TE coach job at UNC. BB keeps him around in the transition, promotes him to OC and now tossed after a year.
Well, you know the old saying: If you keep getting beat, take it out on the Kitchens.