Looking forward to the season for many reasons but very interested to see how much progress might be made under Ruhle in his first year.

Hi nebish.  Yes and no.  I'm sure the Bruins will be the Bruins and win one or two they shouldn't and loose a few they shouldn't either.  We'll see how the freshman QB does.  The team lost lots of starters from last season so will be young and untested in a lot of areas.  Bruins finish 7-5.

I hate the NIL.  IMO it's going to doom college athletics.  More money and resources will be put into the sports that produce revenue: football, basketball and baseball to some degree.  That means less for other sports.  Eventually, they'll get cut.

Just saw that Pat Fitzgerald was fired last night by Northwestern. What a shame. He's such a nice guy, the university loves him and I have a hard time he would tolerate this. AND he turned down more lucrative opportunities to stay put.

But I guess saying you don't know about something in his world is damning too.

Too bad.

I loved Coach Fitz at Northwestern.  But I don't know what I don't know.  Reading the his press release sounds like he was double crossed after the investigation and the suspension agreement and then had the rug pulled out afterwards.  Whether he knew or not I don't know, the investigation sounds like they could not connect his knowledge to it.  People get fired just because public perception sometimes - just doing something because it looks good in the eyes of some critics.  Whether or not it is right matters less.

Regardless if he's a great guy, whether he knew or didn't know what was going on in his locker room, that's a knock against him. How does he go into homes and recruit the next class of kids with that stink on the program? I don't think the President had any choice. These aren't grown ups, these are still naive kids and the head coach is their shepherd.

NW hasn't made the report public, so they may be trying to do the coach a favor by not releasing details. Though, that's kind of backfiring because everyone just has more questions. I find it odd the rest of the staff has remained untouched, but there's probably more to come.

You guys bring up some great points. I don't know if this term is still bandied about there used to be this thing that penalized universities/colleges for "lack of institutional control", whatever that means. To me, it was a way for colleges to basically not release any of the details to the public. 

Since I live in Chicago this is obviously a very hot topic in the local media. There are SO many tentacles to this story:

The baseball coach is under scrutiny for essentially the same thing.

Northwestern is trying to get funding to build a new football stadium which some people are already opposed to. Does this change anything?

Does the university have to pay Fitz the remainder of his contract which is quite a bit?

Did the rest of the staff know anything? They all kept their jobs.

Who would take the job to replace Fitz? Why would you?

Can you say the word LAWSUIT?

I have to be in Evanston this weekend. I will check back in when I learn all of the details.  

Well the plot thickens. the baseball coach was fired yesterday for I think basically the same thing. What kid and the kid's parents want to send their son/daughter to Northwestern? And oh by the way, it is a private institution so the tuition is a small fortune. What a mess.

Yeah current update says hazing & sexual violence is the program-wide culture across the athletic board at NU - “rampant” is what one ex-Wildcat football player called it - rtcl says softball program now in hot water -

unsure if they have a gymnastics team, that sport seems to attract a lotta pervs - Nasser, a former nat’l coach, was recently stabbed in prison

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38129312/sources-big-ten-commissioner-explore-adding-oregon-washington

So now the BIG10 is courting Oregon and Washington? Do conferences even matter anymore? Schools chasing the TV money over tradition and regions is a bummer. It's not going to ruin Division 1 sports, but how much of the pie to these schools think they're going to get? Are we headed to 2 giant divisions that go from coast-to-coast?

We are long past bowl games meaning anything, now they want the big schools playing each other in the regular season. Fans complained about inter-league MLB play and the league survived. A generation won't know about these rivalries, today's fans have already forgotten that Nebraska used to be a power house or that NYU and Fordham once dominated. But all the jockeying for position is going to leave some school out in the cold.

Posted by: @porkchopbob

↑

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38129312/sources-big-ten-commissioner-explore-adding-oregon-washington

So now the BIG10 is courting Oregon and Washington? Do conferences even matter anymore? Schools chasing the TV money over tradition and regions is a bummer. It's not going to ruin Division 1 sports, but how much of the pie to these schools think they're going to get? Are we headed to 2 giant divisions that go from coast-to-coast?

We are long past bowl games meaning anything, now they want the big schools playing each other in the regular season. Fans complained about inter-league MLB play and the league survived. A generation won't know about these rivalries, today's fans have already forgotten that Nebraska used to be a power house or that NYU and Fordham once dominated. But all the jockeying for position is going to leave some school out in the cold.

Looks like they're in.  The game has really turned and sadly, it's not going to be as fun with all the unrealistic conference alignments.  As Paul Finebaum sarcastically said the other day on one of the ESPN morning shows, "It's about the student-athlete, not about the money."  Speaking of ESPN, it's bleeding cash too.

https://www.si.com/college/2023/08/04/oregon-washington-officially-join-big-ten-following-unanimous-vote

@stratdal

If there's a network that doesn't get a bite at the apple, I would stop trying to create another pro football league and start an amateur league to compete with college. Offer kids out of high school who don't want to go to college (or can't) a chance to directly make money right away before they go NFL pro. Especially if the games were in the spring before the draft, you'd get a lot of people watching in the pro off season.

So many changes in the last 10 years and with every major change it kills a little of my passion off.  Major college football has lost me.  They can chase the money, I don't need Ohio State or Alabama or any supposed Power 5 team or whatever.  There are so many teams and games and divisions out there, hell, someday maybe I'm caring about Division ll or Division lll football.  It's out there, not widely available, but select games can be found to watch and more and more ways to get those lower level games will be available.  That is where I'm going.  Don't need the SEC or Big Ten types in my life any more.

Posted by: @nebish

↑

So many changes in the last 10 years and with every major change it kills a little of my passion off.  Major college football has lost me.  They can chase the money, I don't need Ohio State or Alabama or any supposed Power 5 team or whatever.  There are so many teams and games and divisions out there, hell, someday maybe I'm caring about Division ll or Division lll football.  It's out there, not widely available, but select games can be found to watch and more and more ways to get those lower level games will be available.  That is where I'm going.  Don't need the SEC or Big Ten types in my life any more.

sorry to barge in, am not a college football fan, just that, your experience w/it mirrors mine w/baseball - more and more over several years, they’ve changed the game making me less & less a fan 

I’d go to Fishercats Stadium or Centennial Field anyday over an MLB game (they’re both Double A fields)

am a Vt. Mountaineers fan, great semipro league a la the Cape Cod League, I guess about 1,000-1,500 there per night, in a wonderful location in the capital city of Montpelier - great for bike riding then going to the game - go Mounties

that said, haven’t been to Fenway in decades & would like to rectify that - the new stadium in Worcester where Triple A PawSox play, would be fun to check out too (not really new anymore - I guess the team is now known as the ‘Woo-Sox’🥱)

🏈so returning to topic, I hear ya - it’s probly more of A Game in the smaller less-hyped college football divisions - all adore those end of year rivalry games like Williams-Amherst, Norwich-Coast Guard, Hahvid-Yale & the many others🏈 

Not barging in at all Stephen.

I can not even listen to college football talk radio now, or what the TV shows because it is just repeating the same topics and talking about the same 10 teams over and over and over. 

Last year I started watching FCS (IAA) football consistently for the first time and found a lot of enjoyment in that.  Division ll or lll like I said, at this point would be a stretch for me, but I could see me following it in the future.  I like the bottom half of the FBS teams (like say South Alabama or Tulsa or Wyoming or Eastern Michigan or whatever those type teams); they too however can get mixed up in the shuffle as schools try and fill voids and move up themselves and get a bigger share of the pie.

I followed Ivy League football quite closely last year, and as with the other FCS games.  It is not as good of football in-and-out as the elite programs who get and develop the best players.  That didn't bother me, I'm fine watching a lower rung of sport.  The partially filled or even almost completely empty stadiums did bother me - the only time Harvard had a decent crowd was vs Yale, otherwise the stadium was 3/4 empty.  But I've been going to and watching MAC football for decades and they get mostly get little to no fan support either so maybe I should not let it bother me.

It's very disheartening for me to have followed and want to follow a conference or a league to see it just blown up for greed.

The sport has always changed since the beginning of time.  The Big East is gone.  I'd rather it was not, but that kind of stuff does happen over time.  It is not that I am against any and all change here, it is the magnitude and the speed of the changes.  And it is not over.  You can see where it is going.  There is an amazing amount of power in the media companies.  Blame ESPN for Texas and OU going to the SEC and blame Fox for USC and UCLA for going to the Big Ten ... and blame the lack of their commitment to the PAC12 for why that league is on the trash heap now.  Lots of people upset with the Supreme Court these days, add this one on as well, next year will be the 40th anniversary of NCAA vs Oklahoma Board of Regents. The decision neutered the NCAA and gave us the rise of TV companies controlling the sport rather than a true governing body; so this is what we get.

There will always be genuine authentic college football played, it is just harder to find, but it is there.  Like your minor league baseball Stephen.  The overhyped, overexposed, semi-pro shiny objects that they think everyone wants more and more of, I'm leaving that behind.

"Wonderful" to have our state university now a member of The Big 18.....  

So we've bounced around from the actual real annual rivalries from the Big 8 to the Big 12 to the Big 10 and now The Big 18. So we're in a conference where you'll play some conference teams maybe every three or four years, just sad. Plus, depending upon how they realign the "Big 10" we'll probably be in a division with the four former west coast PAC 12 teams. Mostly warmer weather locales with more spread offenses and more talent rich locations to recruit from. Presently we've recruited (I assume) to take on the upper midwest colder weather teams (probably overall way more run oriented offenses). So, another recruiting reset since first of all you want to win your division. Same thing happened when the Big 12 started. Sigh.

We haven't really been in the Big 10 long enough to really develop solid rivalries (IMO) and now you just jumble things again with the PAC 12 teams. Pathetic.

My opinion on this in a word is disappointment. I totally understand people going after $$$ but in my opinion it is taking away much of what makes college football so special. The history, the nostalgia, the atmosphere, the long-term rivalries, the magic that now is will become what was once was.

From a practical standpoint, what about the logistics involved? Are alumni, boosters and fans going to travel across the country to see their team? I doubt it. I live in Big Ten country. I would not fly across the country to see my team play on the west coast.

You can certainly kiss the Pac 10, 12 or whatever it is now good-bye.

I think the ACC is still very relevant. What happens to them?

As was mentioned, I also like watching smaller conferences and teams. I get MAC games during the middle to the week on TV. Will those still exist?

And what about the players, coaches and staff? Isn't this a lot to ask of them?

Will I still watch? I know I can complain about it but I will still watch. Perhaps that is what the NCAA is banking on.

So many people so sensitive and offended these days.  Now the uproar is shirts some Northwestern players and coaches wore at practice

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2023/08/09/northwestern-football-coaches-wear-cats-against-the-world-t-shirts/70560988007/

https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/1688928923655307264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1688928923655307264%7Ctwgr%5E203911919ce01908210e087b69acf25c85bbfecb%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fncaaf%2F2023%2F08%2F09%2Flane-kiffin-mississippi-football-coach-slams-schools-leaving-pac-12%2F70557441007%2F

How many want to do the yahoo pick'em?  We've done it every year since like 2008 or something I think.  I'm not really into it, but I will do it if others want to keep it running.

Posted by: @nebish

↑

So many people so sensitive and offended these days.  Now the uproar is shirts some Northwestern players and coaches wore at practice

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2023/08/09/northwestern-football-coaches-wear-cats-against-the-world-t-shirts/70560988007/

 

Try living in Chicago. NU is in the news more than Trump, which is saying something.

Regarding pick 'em, I will do it but based on the participation around here, I kind of doubt you will get enough people to make it worthwhile. 

I am thinking about getting a fantasy league for the NFL. Never done it before so I'm not exactly sure how to go about it.

I would do it, just to beat @DanB again ... I was thinking about doing the NFL one again, also not sure of the interest 

Well next week is "Week 0" with a few games here and there.  I remember UCLA playing UH during a Week 0 game a few years back.  It was really fun with a decent crowd for the time of year/teams and a good party.  Here's to everyone being undefeated as I post this!  

GO BRUINS!  GO BEARS! (Strat Jr.'s team)

If anyone is interested, I was just contacted by a pal who is running his college football pool. You pick the games each week. No spreads. He chooses the games, which is most (but not all) of the games. Obviously all of the major games, conference games, etc., but not a lot of obscure ones. As we know, there are a ton of them each week.

$30 entrance fee. There is a payout every week, which depends on how many people join. Last year is was $90/week and $150 for the end of year winner.

I have all of the details. He is a good guy, very trustworthy.

I renewed the pick'em league

Previous players should get an email or join our private group here:

https://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/college/register/joingroup

Group ID 7953

Password ABB

Past winners:

2022 - Sang

2021 - Lee

2020 - non-yahoo pool, mixed with nonmembers, ABB members finished 3rd-6th

2019 - Sang

2018 - nebish

2017 - oldcoot

2016 - nebish / kirbyskids (Dannyspell) (yahoo tie break goes to nebish)

2015 - Village Dawg (hoffcl)

2014 - nebish

2013 - DanB

2012 - alloak41

2011 - Wharfrat

2010 - non ABB member (leafsfan friend)

2009 - Bird

I am also running an FCS college football pick'em.  Contact me if you would like to play this.

@nebish 

Hey Scott - 

I got your email and I think I replied to you about next month so just reach out to me. Sounds good.

Do we want to do an NFL pool? I would play in that too.

Thanks for setting these up.

I see there are five of us entered. Let the trash talk commence! 11 games on the slate tonight and nothing for the pool.  

Congratulations to Neon-Deion /Coach Prime (he can pick his own moniker) on his D-1 coming out party!  

Personally, I believe TCU might be just a tad over-rated, but an upset victory deserves kudos.

We might very well be witnessing a new coaching legend in the process of development.  It's a new era - some old schoolers might have some issues and problems.  Bear Bryant's "Junction Boys" was a story of grit and toughness from those golden days.  Those actions in modern times would likely get him fired and disgraced in the media.  That was a different day.

When advised that a few more weeks in a hospital would probably save a couple of toes, Coach Prime said, "Take 'em!  I got a ball game to coach!".  I believe they'll be talking about this for many years!  

I believe that he knows the game as well as anybody on the current scene.  He's a younger man - in touch with the current generation of players.  I believe he'll go far.

Interesting first week - we were all pretty close - should be a fun year - or, for DanB - 1/2 a year ...