Bama -20 vs Notre Dame

Clemson -7 vs Ohio State

Posted by: @nebish

 

Will be interesting to see if this team has any opt outs prior to bowl.

I've already posted about this so please forgive me for being redundant. If players, coaches, teams, universities, whatever opt out at the end of December, I have to ask: Why on earth did you agree to start the season to begin with? 

Posted by: @nebish

Bama -20 vs Notre Dame

 

Clemson -7 vs Ohio State

I saw that. Tempted to parlay the dogs. The Ohio State line doesn't surprise me but Bama being favored by that much really does. Almost like they want to sucker you into taking Notre Dame. Lot of points!

Posted by: @nebish

Posted by: @lee

Quite a day yesterday. What a great day to watch football. I thought Notre Dame would give Clemson a better game though. Having said that, who is the fourth team to get in, A&M or ND? I give it to ND. 

 

Didn't think about that. How difficult is it to change it for a day? Regarding The Big Ten, I gotta give kudos to Northwestern. To think about the absolute debacle they were last year, this season was very successful. They hung close with OSU. Good for those kids.

Yesterday was a lot of fun.  I did lose two ML dogs to walk off FGs (Minny and Tulsa), but was still a really fun and productive day.

I'm the wrong person to talk about for rankings and the playoff.  I hate it and gave up caring a few years ago.  Means nothing to me.

So the Colts have a home game today.  But so does the Falcons (SEC) and Dallas (Big Xll).  These crews at the stadiums can flip a stadium in less than 24 hours including field paint.  I don't know.  The Big Ten is wiffed and mismanged about everything they touched this year - no surprise they failed to give Northwestern and Ohio State a fitting field for their game.

Pat Fitzgerald is by far my favorite coach in the league.  New OC, transfer QB and some determination and great coaching and you can see their turnaround.  I wish NW would've won.  People making excuses for Ohio State "we had 22 players out" - yeah 3 mattered.  "We haven't played in weeks" - no you had last week off, a single week after MSU so like a normal bye week.  "one of our best receiver was out" - who cares, Alabama lost one of their best receivers (Waddle) and they never skipped a beat.  Why should The Ohio State university be any different? "well yeah we lost two great receivers last year" - um, so did Bama losing Juedy and Ruggs.  Ohio State fans think they are the best, but they simply do not compare well to the actual best in Alabama and Clemson.

Speaking of Clemson, what happened to DanB in the pickem?  One week he is bragging how good he is doing and then he just stops playing?

We are going to roll that through the bowl games if you guys are cool with that.

Coach Fitz seems like a great guy. I probably posted about the time I went to a NW hoops game before they redid the place and he walked around the arena talking to people for no apparent reason. He and his wife has just had (I think) their first baby and he's just walking around, shaking hands, talking to fans with a baby strapped to his back. Just him. 

Last year at a hoops game the Illinois Secretary of State came in and we were on high alert. The guy had a full security detail. I looked at the cop in our charge and I think I said, "wtf?". It reminded me of the Coach Fitz day.

Regarding DanB, you need to ask Sang. I think they are best friends. 😉 😋 

Posted by: @lee

Posted by: @nebish

 

Will be interesting to see if this team has any opt outs prior to bowl.

I've already posted about this so please forgive me for being redundant. If players, coaches, teams, universities, whatever opt out at the end of December, I have to ask: Why on earth did you agree to start the season to begin with? 

I think there is a big difference between playing a season worth of games vs waiting around 2 weeks for a game that may or may not be played that really doesn't mean what it used to before covid.  Bowls used to be experiences for the teams, but with covid they lose all of that. The season is over and one more game under these circumstances just isn't worth it for some of the teams.  And for some of them, they want to do it.  So either way, it's fine.  I get both sides of it.

Posted by: @lee

Posted by: @nebish

Bama -20 vs Notre Dame

 

Clemson -7 vs Ohio State

I saw that. Tempted to parlay the dogs. The Ohio State line doesn't surprise me but Bama being favored by that much really does. Almost like they want to sucker you into taking Notre Dame. Lot of points!

Alabama was as high as -17 vs Florida so you know they would be favored by more vs Notre Dame.  Bama is a DD fav over everyone and Clemson was just -10/11 over ND.  So from a power ranking standpoint the line makes sense.

Posted by: @nebish

Posted by: @lee

Posted by: @nebish

Bama -20 vs Notre Dame

 

Clemson -7 vs Ohio State

I saw that. Tempted to parlay the dogs. The Ohio State line doesn't surprise me but Bama being favored by that much really does. Almost like they want to sucker you into taking Notre Dame. Lot of points!

Alabama was as high as -17 vs Florida so you know they would be favored by more vs Notre Dame.  Bama is a DD fav over everyone and Clemson was just -10/11 over ND.  So from a power ranking standpoint the line makes sense.

Several years ago there was a college team who was SO good, and I can't remember who it was, but pundits were asking if they could beat the worst NFL team. May have been the year Detroit went 0-16. Anyway, to a man they said there was no way the best college team could beat worst NFL team. I found that thought interesting. 🙂 

I've heard people say that about various Alabama or the old Miami Hurricane teams.  Said about Bengals and insert any team.

It's possible.  If you think about it, an NFL team is a collection of college stars and contributors that should have improved their knowledge and strength and execution over amateurs.  Then again, some of the all time great college teams, there might be like 20 future NFL players on the roster...just at that given moment in time they might be frosh, or sophs or juniors.

So I don't know.  Would Alabama beat the Jets?  Or Jacksonville?  Give me a line and I will tell you who I'd take.  Straight up I would take the Jets I think over Bama.  I might take Bama vs Jacksonville.

Posted by: @nebish

I've heard people say that about various Alabama or the old Miami Hurricane teams.  Said about Bengals and insert any team.

It's possible.  If you think about it, an NFL team is a collection of college stars and contributors that should have improved their knowledge and strength and execution over amateurs.  Then again, some of the all time great college teams, there might be like 20 future NFL players on the roster...just at that given moment in time they might be frosh, or sophs or juniors.

So I don't know.  Would Alabama beat the Jets?  Or Jacksonville?  Give me a line and I will tell you who I'd take.  Straight up I would take the Jets I think over Bama.  I might take Bama vs Jacksonville.

It would be a fun game from a watching standpoint. Of course, it would just look like a joke and would never happen. The line would indeed be interesting!

Remember when college allstars used to play the NFL Champion?  Not literally, I don't think you are that old, but I think in the 1950s they would play the NFL Champion. I'll have to look back into that, I remember reading about it. 

So different now. Nobody from the NFL would play in that game for fear of injury or potential embarrassment (if a college player showed up a pro). 

Just looked it up!  They played 1934-1976!

@nebish

Wow, I didn't know they played until 1976! I was probably barely old enough to have remembered something like that. And you are totally correct about the embarrassment. The NFL players would have zero incentive to participate in something like that.

@Lee @Sang @Danb

Bowl games in the Pick'em, starting today - TUESDAY 12/22.  Please get your picks in.

El-Toro won the regular season.  We will acknowledge who wins the bowl picks, so it is like a new season!

Posted by: @nebish

@Lee @Sang @Danb

 

Bowl games in the Pick'em, starting today - TUESDAY 12/22.  Please get your picks in.

 

El-Toro won the regular season.  We will acknowledge who wins the bowl picks, so it is like a new season!

So many cancelled... I got home too late for the first two.

Yes, most of the bowls were canceled earlier this fall or on Sunday when they were trying to find enough teams to play in them.  So far one bowl game that had both opponents set has been canceled.  It won't be the last.

Looks like a few of our players didn't get in for the bowl picks yet.  Maybe they will still get 'em in a just miss a few games and still be in the hunt with us at the end.

Posted by: @nebish

Yes, most of the bowls were canceled earlier this fall or on Sunday when they were trying to find enough teams to play in them.  So far one bowl game that had both opponents set has been canceled.  It won't be the last.

Looks like a few of our players didn't get in for the bowl picks yet.  Maybe they will still get 'em in a just miss a few games and still be in the hunt with us at the end.

Army just can't a break.  

I forgot to make picks 

Posted by: @danb

I forgot to make picks 

You could still make the picks left and see how your % on games you picked stacks up...maybe you'll hit a better percentage than Sang...you guys like stuff like that.

I really enjoyed the bowls last week.  I don't quite have a feel for these games this week.

I bet the over on the Florida/Oklahoma game. Figured it would be a shootout. Looks like I was wrong. One team is just shooting themselves. I don't know if all of Florida's opt outs would have made a difference or not. Wow were those some bad pics. When ESPN was talking about all of those guys sitting out my wife asked how that was possible. As in, if they were given a scholarship, shouldn't they have to play?

Interesting question. Never thought of that.

20 points down, 46 to go after one quarter. 😉 

When ESPN was talking about all of those guys sitting out my wife asked how that was possible. As in, if they were given a scholarship, shouldn't they have to play?

Interesting question. Never thought of that.

Because I'm feeling a little ornery I'm going to answer that question a certain way, please don't take it personal.

You aren't woke enough if you have to ask that.  The colleges exploit the kids and players should have the right to a full scholarship but not have to play if they don't want to.

OK, I'll give my more serious view.

The players opting out at the end of the season are doing so in their self interest to not harm their NFL draft prospects.

This started happening a few years ago, Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette.  Each year it has become more widespread and prevalent.

To your wife's specific question, the players who opt out generally a quitting school, signing with an agent and going to prepare for their professional careers in football.  So the scholarship is no longer useful for them.

I think the times we live in have exacerbated it for one.  There used to be a time where players were thankful of their opportunity to play football, perhaps position themselves for a chance at the pros and get a free education in the process and they felt they owed their teammates, their program and their school to give their best.  Enjoy the game for what it is, you can't get it back once you leave.  Now, it's players who are entitled to their scholarship and the team and college football is just a means to an end.  Where as not all that long ago, playing college football and the rewards that come with that were the end and anything else you earned through that process in a way of professional football shot wasn't something players counted on being there.  So it's more individual driven for certain players now than ever before.

And two, teams, or better said - some players on the teams, that are out of a conference championship race, or a national championship chance don't see the risk in playing or being injured worth the reward of just playing the game to play the game.  Championship or nothing, if not championship, just quit.  The playoff has made it worse.  Playing in an Orange Bowl used to be a really big deal for a program like UNC.  Now, almost all the NFL talent who wants to be in the league next year couldn't care less.  They are opting out.  Orange Bowl means nothing now that the playoff dominates everything.

We have a covid season, and players were allowed to opt out due to health concerns stemming from a new highly contagious and sometimes deadly virus.  Any player who didn't want to play and practice and sacrifice and put themselves at risk of contracting or spreading the virus could opt out of their sport and still receive their full scholarship.  And that is fine.

Opting out for selfish reasons eying the next level, getting paid - that is quitting.  Florida has a bunch of quitters on their football team.  Oklahoma has some too, 3 I think.  Florida has probably 10 just off the top of my head.  It's all over college football, more often at the big time programs, because that is where the higher concentration of next level talent is, but it happens at small schools too.  Louisiana Tech had 3 of their potential NFL players opt out mid-season.  Or really, they quit on their team, their coaches and their teammates to "prepare for the NFL draft".  I guess now you have to start preparing for the draft in November.

We seem to have this discussion annually.

On one hand - I don't blame those who jump ship for an opportunity to go pro.  The NCAA and the universities certainly make a fortune off the backs of these amateurs.  The players owe them nada.

I'm an old fart.  Played a little in HS (like many here).  There is a thing about honoring your commitment to your team and team-mates.  Well, there used to be.  

That poor, Kyle Trask.  It looked like he was Heisman bound.  Even in the loss to Alabama, he put up Herculean numbers.  Maybe his final performance won't or shouldn't take away from his being considered.  If his receiving crew had just stuck around ...

I've suggested before that perhaps scholarships shouldn't be offered for sports - especially football.  Go back to the days of the walk-on student athlete.  Let the NFL field and fund its own minor league!  (I already know how ya feel about this!  😉 )

Staying on college football, yet digressing slightly - Oklahoma showed why they should have been considered for the final 4.  Yeah, they had 2 losses - but they won more games than Ohio State played.  I think A&M had legitimacy, too.

Happy New Year!

R

I was watching the Armed Services Bowl and a war broke out!  No video link - but check ESPN.  Wowzers!

Arizona Bowl:  Ball State 34 San Jose State 13     OUCH!

We could make a lot of excuses.  But to me, Ball State flat out outplayed us and deserved to win.  GREAT year for SJSU, we have a lot of players back including Nick Starkel.  How he is getting a 5th year of eligibility I don't know.  Must have redshirted one of his two years at Texas A&M I guess.

Posted by: @rusty

I was watching the Armed Services Bowl and a war broke out!  No video link - but check ESPN.  Wowzers!

I was kind of watching the game at work but it ended so I kind of tuned it out after the game ended and was doing something else when I hear the ESPN announcers' voices getting loud so I looked at it and couldn't believe it. The guy from Mississippi State kicking the guy from Tulsa and then running away, the whole thing was unbelievable. And Mike Leach's comments after the game in his interview were typical of him. Kinda poo poo'd it IMO.

@robslob

The SJSU game stunned me. I think the first score I saw was them down by 21 or something. I don't follow them at all but I know they've been playing better and I was shocked.

You guys discussing the whole pro/college thing has indeed been going on for a long time. My wife's question was just something I hadn't thought about. What if they hadn't graduated yet were given a scholarship. Do they have some kind of obligation to fulfill it? I have no idea but I suppose they can opt out. Do they owe money to the university? Highly doubt that. And if they are seniors and are done anyway, I guess it wouldn't matter academically anyway.

This did start several years ago when guys would opt out of bowl games that didn't matter anyway. Can't blame them; why take a chance on getting hurt?

The Trask thing is interesting since all of those guys chose not to play yet he did. And today he is going pro. Good for him.

I find basketball more interesting than football regarding this. Go to one semester of classes. Your grades are okay so you are eligible to play. You go to classes second semester and probably don't even have to finish that semester before the season is over because you are turning pro anyway. Why make the kids even go to college? Not positive but I think that is an NBA thing.

There are several unfortunate things for San Jose State.  The fact they were playing for an undefeated season and arguably being the best team in the last 100 years of their existence was one thing.  Then this bowl game was likely the first time many people across the country had the chance to pay much attention to them and that game is in no way a reflection of the type of season they had.  And finally, it is just so deflating to end this season in that fashion for the players who were there and the ones who weren't.

As Rob implied, there are many factors and reasons that went into that game being what it was.  At the same time, Ball State deserves ton of credit.  Great story for them!

I personally had two wagers in that game and split and I am a little salty bout one of them.  So the first one, I took 1st H Under 33.5.  Well, Ball St scored 27 points with like 5 left in the 1st Q!!  After a series of missed FGs and incomplete or interceptions in the end zones, I escaped with a Win!  Now, this is the one that burns me.  I took San Jose -6.5 in the 2nd H.  Trailing 0-27, all I am asking is to not lose the game by 21 or more.  Lose by 20 or less.  Seemed very reasonable given the play of the game and some remaining potential San Jose had in the final 2 quarters.  Well...Ball St scored first to lead 34-0, ok it was early still, San Jose had to just score 2 TDs and I would cover.  Their first TD they for some reason decided to go for 2?  It's 34-6...what is the difference between being down 27 or 26 points?  they went for 2 and didn't get it then on their final TD, they kicked the xpt.  So San Jose won the 2nd H 13-7 but laying 6.5 due to their decision to go for 2 on the first one I lost the bet by 1/2 point.  I win and lose plenty of bets by 1/2 points, but this one bothers me because of the boneheaded decision making that caused it.

The opt outs for the draft is snowballing and that is the problem.  It's one thing when one super star on a team here or there skips their bowl game looking towards a high first round draft pick.  It's another thing when guys start doing it during the regular season and it is even a different thing when some of the guys doing it aren't first round picks, may not even be first day picks.  Like WR from North Texas.  Guy is a record breaking receiver for them, but he is very small, NFL won't like his size.  I guess he could be a punt returner or something in the NFL.  He probably has hopes of being the next Tyree Hill.  He isn't and won't be.  But he opts out of the bowl game to prepare for the draft.  Good luck, I guess.  Brandon Weedon tweeted something to the effect "did the NFL expand the draft to 15 rounds because there are so many guys opting out how will they all get drafted".  Some of these opt outs are just quitters, some will be good draft picks and NFL players, others are just doing their themselves and their teams a disservice.