Bowl Season 2010: My Annual BCS Whine

OK...time for the BCS whine 2010 (and, no, I do't want any cheese with that). It's just a thing we fans do - something to go along with all the other NCAAF fodder. True, there is a lot of re-hashing but it's still fun. And hey, a few more years of all this whining and BCS bashing will pay off with a new system. Yes, I really believe that.

Funny

So did the BCS work this year? ESPN went so far as to say on 05 Dec (Bowl Selection day) that there was nothing to complain about this year...the "best match-up since USC-Texas". As far as the championship match-up, I agree. But if the system is so good why does it not work every year? And to say there is "nothing to complain about"? How about VaTech playing in a BCS bowl? Why do we allow the AQ teams who lost to a non-AQ team and an FBS team get the big payout? And how about un-ranked UConn? Why does an un-ranked, 8-4 team get the bid overany of the six 1-loss teams?

It's All About $Money$

This year the BCS bowls will pay out $18MM each while at the other end of the spectrum the New Orleans Bowl will pay out $500,000. Keep the rich rich and poor poor. The problem with that mindset is you will always have a Cinderella team and a "I'll show you" team (ie: TCU, Utah and Boise State). And thank heaven for those teams who have provided just enough to help push the BCS system out. Will it all change now that TCU and Utah are moving to AQ conferences? No - there will always be a non-AQ team reducing the number of BCS proponents and making the remainder find it harder and harder to stand up for the big money and inequalities.

From Dan Wetzel, 24 Nov 2010 (click here to see full article)

"In truth, the BCS isn’t about crowning a champion in college football, it was just a tool created so private bowl games could continue to operate (and profit handsomely from) college football’s postseason. By further entrenching themselves as the postseason operators, bowls continue to take hundreds of millions annually from the pockets of actual colleges. This is why no other sport would allow such a set up. What business outsources its most important and profitable product? The BCS is about protecting the profits of bowl games and nothing else. It’s about money, money and only money. It’s why the BCS employs PR people, Washington lobbyists and multiple law firms to maintain the status quo and create water muddying arguments."

EndZone

Save us Mark Cuban! Mark has so much money he has resorted to fixing college football...literally considering buying the fix for the college football championship argument. Clickhere and here.

Week 14: Regular Season Wrap-Up

The fat lady is warming up for the bowl season...the games are all wrapped up...Cam is ready to receive the bronze trophy next week...the bowls are all set. It's been a great season and here are a few season finale comments....

Any surprise about the final #1 and #2? Well, not since a month or two ago but remember that Auburn and Oregon were pre-season (AP) at un-ranked and #11. It is the right match-up for the championship and I think it will be one of the best ever... reminiscent of the 2005 Texas - USC match-up.

And what about the other pre-season picks? Where are they now? Miami, Iowa, Pittsburgh, Florida, Texas? Wow - there were some serious college kids' dreams shattered over the last few months.

And who'd have thought: Nevada in the top 20? And Hawaii back in the top 25? Mississippi State and UCF? Was anyone even thinking about them four months ago? Some dreams come true.

EndZone

Big, big kudos to Sarkisian for getting UW and Jake Locker to a well-deserved bowl game - their first since 2002. That program is in a big-time, impressive turn-around and will have to be reckoned with in the new PAC-12.

PS: My annual BCS rant is on the editor's desk and will be posted next week.

Week 13: Rivalry Week

Rivalry (n): a person [or team] who is competing for the same object or goal as another, or who tries to outdo another; competitor. Synonyms: antagonism; jealousy. Yea...and you might add in "hatred", "bitterness", and "really great football". Next to bowl season I'd have to say I enjoy rivalry week the most, and this week was no exception. Even a fan of just the game itself, with no favorite team, had to love this Thanksgiving weekend of some great games.

This week we saw...

• ...Auburn fall behind 21 - 0 only to show (again) they just need more pre-game warm-up time.
• ...LSU's luck finally ran out. Hey, it couldn't last forever.
• ...the last true Holy War live up to its reputation and hype: a 1-point win, a last-second blocked field goal and a very poor "further review" decision.
• ...Boise State's dream season and national title hopes dashed by a very determined, well executed 4-year plan by Nevada to stop the Broncos.
• ...two conferences end up in 3-way ties (Big Ten, Big 12 - South) leaving the decision to the precious BCS rankings.
• ...a good Miami coach get fired (apparently winning is everything if you are a college football coach).
• ... the Big East finally get a ranked team (West Va) but that team will likely NOT be the one winning the conference title and going to the BCS game.
• ...six teams from non-AQ conferences are ranked in the Top 25.

EndZone: "Play for 60-minutes"

I've grown weary of this catch phrase and decided that its use should cease (yes...I'm guilty). Teams always play for 60-minutes. That's the rule; they have to. Utah only scored in the 4th quarter and some would even say they didn't play for 60-minutes...yet they won. Auburn didn't play for the first one-and-a-half quarters...yet they won. In fact, one could argue that #1 Oregon and #2 Auburn never play 60-minutes; both are "second half teams" that pour it on in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Boise played all four quarters and OT...yet they lost, but to a team that others would say did play for 60-minutes and OT. And, BYU played for 60 minutes...yet lost (but it was way poor 3rd-quarter play calling, not the players, that lost that game).

What is really meant, and thus what should be said, is "Play at your highest level for 60-minutes". Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Week 12: Winding Down

With all the undefeated teams idle this week and Boise taking care of Fresno on Friday, it was a Saturday for everyone else to make their statement. This probably did not hurt Oregon or Auburn but TCU's absence from the scene allowed Boise to take the #3 spot (that and the fact that OSU and VaTech both had wins over semi-quality opponents).

The Big 10 remains in a 3-way tie but we don't know if any are really any good. It'll take the bowl games to make that decision and it looks as if they'll have at least three going to bowls. Speaking of which... mathematically, the PAC-10 may send only three teams to bowls. Maybe it's a good thing they are expanding to 12 teams. Overall right now there are 70 bowls but only 64 eligible teams.

LSU and Arkansas relied on near miracles to pull out their wins. That's always fun every once in a while but LSU's high ranking comes from their multiple, lucky, last-minute, "it's a miracle" wins.

VaTech brought home the ACC Coastal title and I am glad. I want them to win the ACC as it will add fuel to the BCS fire (VaTech getting a big BCS bowl berth after losing to a FCS school). That's gotta be something the BCS never even imagined possible 12 years ago. Never say never.

Predictions for this Thanksgiving week:

->Auburn gets trounced by 'Bama

->BYU squeaks by Utah

->BSU hammers Nevada silly putting BSU in line for the title game with Auburn's loss

->OK State will finally win the Big 12 South

->LSU's luck runs out against Arkansas

->Florida falls to Florida State

->Georgia beats GaTech handily

Week 11: Stupid

Sometimes, probably once or twice a year, I just have to do a whole separate post on something so unbelievable I just can't include it with my regular weekly post. Here is the first such posting this year.

I know my hindsight is 20/20 and my rants about heat-of-the-moment antics of coaches or players are things I may have even done myself . But not this one. I was watching it live and appalled at the lack of common sense of Auburn's head coach, Gene Chizik. Now let me first say that Auburn obviously has a team and great coaching staff and I give their play-calling and D-line a standing ovation for Saturday's performance. But what happened to their brains in the final two minutes remains a mystery.

There's ~2-minutes left in the game, Auburn has the win in hand but Georgia is driving for a "maybe it won't look so bad" score when their QB (Aaron Moore) gets knocked down byAuburn's Nick Fairly, who' d already been in his face all day l-o-n-g (including a couple of late sucker hits). This time it was fair but big boy Fairly, while falling, hit his giant noggin on Moore's knee / shin sending Moore to the ground reeling in pain. Moore limps off the field and the #2 QB is called in to finish up.

On the next play, the UGA O-line decides to gang up on Fairly for a little revenge. Maybe it was a little much but they did nothing illegal and, hey, it's football. But it did cause a bit of post-play ruckus resulting in a 15-yard UGA penalty and an Auburn ejection (for throwing a punch). Then to rile up UGA some more, during the penalty calling by the ref, Fairly has the fence-post sense to do a little celebration jig about UGA's penalty (although the refs don't notice).

Now at this point, it's obvious (at least to me) that things are a little too chippy out there, emotions are high, the kids are tired, and the coach better pull these guys off the field for the final minute and put in some 2nd- and 3rd-stringers. But no, Chizik just puts Fairly right back out there, giving the UGA O-line another shot at him...resulting in another post-play scuffle...and anotherAuburn ejection (but no UGA penalty).

Up next? Chizik and Auburn face their in-state, Iron Bowl rival, #10 Alabama --- minus two defensive starters for the first half. "Stupid" is the only word I can think to use...and it fits.

Weeks 10 & 11: November Pressure

In September we watch teams figuring themselves out. October brings stability and poll settling. But November...that is when real football is played. The pressure of holding your spot in the polls, getting bowl-eligible, style points to convert your win into extra BCS points, rivalry games, and even pulling for certain opponents to help you move north in the polls. Yesterday we watched three of the four un-defeated teams toy with a loss. Yea, November is the MONEY MONTH.

This is what we saw out of the first two Saturdays of Money Month:

Week 10:

1. Utah's weak schedule was exposed. TCU dominated start-to-finish and embarrassed the obviously over-rated Utes.

2. BYU finally showed some signs of life...and hopefully signs of the next few years. The defense excelled and the offense began to look almost dominant.

3. LSU showed that although player skills is important, coaching skills (play calling) can make up for mediocre player skills.

Week 11:

1. See #1 above (except underline and bold the word "embarrassed").

2. See #2 above (except underline and bold "excelled" and "dominant").

3. Georgia's AJ Green is near super-human...and Auburn's Cam Newton is super-human.

4. Spurrier has got big, impressive things going on in South Carolina.

EndZone

And speaking of Money Month: What is going on with college football and money? We learn this week that Cam Newton's father allegedly asked for money to send his son to Mississippi State. It's bad enough that we have these kids taking money to play from low-life agents and lower-life boosters, but since when did the parents get in on the action? I honestly hope it is all a big lie because I hate to even think that our game, its traditions and indeed the whole fabric of college football society might be reaching such a low point.

Week 9: Take a Risk, Learn to Trust

I spent four hours Saturday afternoon watching the annual Georgia - Florida game, aka the WLOCP. These two teams have struggled this year but the annual rivalry rarely disappoints and this year was no exception. But it was my post-game pondering of the event that became the source for this weeks blog title.

First we have Meyer. Though I am no fan of his personality and off-the-field comments, I do admire and respect his coaching abilities. He's coming off of three straight losses - something neither of his two predecessors ever did at UF. With an extra week to prepare he did what some coaches would consider un-thinkable: make significant changes 2/3 through the season. Why? Because what they had been running was not working. And change he did. He used three different QB's; not in a series or quarter rotation but throughout the game. It was tough at first and a few hiccups were obvious but he took the risk then placed trust in his players and staff. It paid off. UF won the game in OT (darn it).

On the other side of the field Richt's players struggled the first half, scoring only once. By half-time the Bulldog QB had thrown an interception and fumbled another. Was he pulled at half? Were changes made to the offense? No. Richt continued to take risks and keep pushing and keep trusting his players. Georgia dominated the 3rd and 4th quarters, going into the 4th down 28 - 10, and tied the game in regulation. And to start OT did they go conservative and just settle for the field goal given their always on place kicker? No - they went for it all on the first play in OT then again on the third. They took risks and trusted in the players.

And fans respect coaches and teams that try to win instead of trying not to lose.

EndZone

I also caught part of the Oregon - USC game and saw similar traits in the coaching of Chip Kelly. Heading into half-time the Ducks are up 22 - 17 with under two minutes to go...a point where most teams run a play or two, let the seconds tick off and go into half-time with the lead. Not Kelly. He knew that USC had the crowd, the home team advantage, and some momentum. So what did he do? He threw the ball down the field, going for (and getting) one last score before the half. He didn't take a knee and let the clock tick away. He knew every second would count in a game like this and a season like this. That is how he has played all year...non-stop, taking risks, setting high expectations and expecting only the best from the guys that he trusts.

Other coaches (cough...BYU) could learn a thing or two.

Week 8: Another #1 Bites the Dust

Wow - when was the last time three #1's fell in three weeks? (Well, if you consider OU the #1 last week, that was only the BCS ranking). And the new #1, Oregon, has their toughest game yet on the slate for this Saturday (against hungry and looking for r-e-s-p-e-c-t USC). Maybe being #1 mid-season this year is a curse.

In the Coaches poll: 12 teams move up, five drop, and two drop out (Texas lost to Iowa State?). There are three non-BCS teams in the top 10 but none in the rest of the top 25. And the Top 25 surprises that no one would have bet on in August? Mississippi State, Baylor, Michigan...wow. And VaTech is creeping back up the polls...that is going to be interesting at the end of the season if they continue to win (see comments in Week 2).

This Saturday brings us the World's Largest Cocktail Party...one of my favorite games to watch every year. But it's a little different this year. Florida has lost three in a row, Georgia is 4 - 4 and neither team is in the top 25. Georgia is riding a three game score-fest and seems to be turning their season around, plus it's the start of a new decade - all of these favor Georgia (the game is in a weird 20-year cycle thingy). But Meyer, his incessant whining aside, is a great coach whom I think would give up his first-born before losing four in a row.

EndZone

I'm tired and not feeling well and simply can't think of anything worthy of my own whining this week (or I'm just tired of whining about BYU's offensive woes).

Week 7: Shake Ups and Surprises

In the last eight days we have seen three different #1 teams thanks to a couple of upsets. In the top 25 there were 16 teams that moved up while four dropped. This past week brought a new #1 upset along with a list of surprises:

*USC over Cal...are you kidding?

*108 points scored in the Auburn-Arkansas game...where was the defense?

*Kentucky over the Gamecocks...the same Gamecocks that dominated 'Bama last week?

*The once dominant SEC-East is literally up for grabs right now.

* Mississippi State over Florida...when was the last time MSU beat Florida and Georgia in the same season?

*Washington over Oregon State...another Sarkisian surprise.

*Texas' total domination over Nebraska...who saw that coming?

*Hawaii over Nevada...is Nevada a flash in the pan?

EndZone
Besides BYU's struggle to win: TCU routed them (again), Nevada's loss to Hawaii makes BYU's loss to Nevada even worse, and Air Force's loss to lowly SDSU takes a little umph out of BYU's win over SDSU. Mediocrity at its best.

Week 6: Some Shake-Up

Although 'Bama made a big statement last week that is now long forgotten because the Gamecocks made a much bigger statement this week. Not only did they beat the #1 team in the land they dominated from the start and held the two Heisman hopefuls to under 63 rushing yards total! That is a serious statement.

The Top 25 now has two, 2-loss teams (Florida and Oregon State). Two teams dropped in the polls even though they won (Utah, Arkansas). And LSU...those Lucky Stump-jumper Undergrads! That is two weeks in a row they win close and win close on a ref call. Last week was the Tennessee foopah that gave LSU a second chance at a TD and this week their fake field goal had to be reviewed for 10 minutes before they decided it was good! Luck is on their side and it'll have to be to win the SEC-West (they still have to face Auburn and 'Bama).

EndZone: BYU came out of their losing streak and in the first quarter looked like the BYU of old with dominating offensive play calling. Although they pulled off the win, the rest of the game was a nail-biter because they went back to their very conservative ways after the end zone interception. The play calling became predictable and if I didn't know better I'd say you could fit the entire offensive play book on a 3x5 card written out by a kindergartener with an over-sized crayon. C'mon...stick with what works. Calling the same plays over and over will not yield a different result...especially when the defense has figured out your pattern. Conservatism will not result in wins.

Week 5: Why do we keep watching?

Georgia and BYU: Two teams who are currently 1 - 4; two teams who over the past 10 years have been consistent and even dominant in their conferences; two teams with a respectable fan base and following; two teams with OK pre-season rankings and high expectations from their O-lines; two teams who happen to be the two primary teams I follow; two teams who are now looking for answers, hoping for a win, and struggling to keep the fans happy. Yet we still watch...and wonder why we do.

At some point, the game (or the season in these cases) becomes like a bad movie and you just want to walk away....or even run away. Most people will stick with a bad movie thinking it can only get better (or thinking about the ticket price we paid). But my experience has shown that when a movie is really bad...it usually stays that way and simply turns into a wasted 90 minutes. The Georgia and BYU movies are approaching that point, I'm afraid.

But college football is different. We rarely walk out or sell the remaining season tickets. We keep looking for the good even when the bad is the primary topic on Monday mornings. Is it because we've already paid for the tickets? Is it because we think they'll turn it around at half-time or going into the 4th quarter or the last half of the season? Is it that we've seen so many football miracles we're afraid we'll miss one if we give up on the team? Is it because we actually have sat through bad movies that turned out OK?

No to all of the above. We watch because we're fans. Not fair-weather fans but fans with hope. Fans with understanding. Fans that cheer the good and deep down we understand the bad. Fans with a love of the game. But beyond the Saturday night ranting, the Sunday morning gasp at the stats, the Monday-morning quarterbacking and then the lunch-time tirade on the coaches...we still go back on Saturday. We watch because they need us and we need them. We watch because we love the game, even more than the wins. And because if we didn't watch we could not call ourselves fans.

Hang in there Dawg and Coug fans...

Week 5: Big Statements

'Bama and Oregon made some big time statements Saturday while BSU and TCU could only hold on to their dreams with a few style points.

There is a lot of football left to play but right now I think most would like to see 'Bama and Oregon play. Though I do believe that BSU and TCU can hang with the big boys, this season so far has shifted my thinking a bit about putting them in the NC game. Why? Because the other teams at the top seem to be playing multiple high caliber teams

... really high caliber. But, of course, all that can change in one Saturday...and probably will.

I was surprised that Colorado scheduled a typically strong SEC powerhouse team for their 20th anniversary (of their NC) celebration game...most teams would have done it against a

lesser opponent. Obviously, CU was better prepared for this game. It showed in their game plan, their execution and their fans. Give 'em credit for taking the risk and seeing it pay off (even though I paid a pretty penny to be there hoping the Dawgs would pull it off).

EndZone: Second Chance

It's every offensive coordinators dream...the play didn't go as planned but he gets another chance due to a penalty on the defense. It happens a lot, probably every Saturday, but not like it did for LSU: the second chance was the difference between winning or losing. How do the voters take that into account? Do they? Where would LSU be ranked had it gone the Vols way? Do they deserve a higher ranking because they won on a penalty?

Week 4: It Takes September

It really takes the first month of games to see how good, or how bad, the teams really are. It takes a month for the players and coaches to learn their roles. It takes a month for fans to decide whether or not keep the season tickets, or cut their losses and sell to the highest bidder.

What have we seen this first month? Let's start here:

• OSU and Utah stay high or climb the polls but have yet to play anyone of significance.
• BYUs 2-QB system did not work. But we now see why the head coach was not ready to settle on one: neither QB was ready.
• BYU and UGA, as I predicted, would have similar seasons. So far I'm very right, just not the outcome I hoped for. Both teams sit at 1 -3 with three straight losses (first time in five years for BYU, 20 years for Georgia).
• 'bama may be the first team to repeat in the BCS era...their comeback against Arkansas looked like the 'bama of last year and a team that could repeat.
• Right now, 19 of the-top 25 are undefeated and the six 1-loss teams all lost to a ranked team, with the exception of Texas (loss to UCLA).
• Top 25: 6 from SEC, 6 from Big 10, 3 from Big 12, 3 from PAC-10, 2 from ACC, 0 from Big East, and 5 from the WAC and MWC. Hmmmm.....

Just to Vent

The BYU defense could not stop a running play...at all. The play calling was dull, predictable and downright atrocious when they needed it most. Receivers could not catch a ball to save their lives. Heaps is obviously a true freshman...but with potential.

ENDZONE

Please...can the Big 10 step it up a notch? They boast six teams in the Top 25 yet Saturday the Big 10, with the exception of Purdue and Minn, won their games by a total of 345 - 109. Play someone of real caliber and THEN stake your claim as a power conference.

Week 3: No Real Surprises

Kind of a boring weekend in college football when you compare it to the first two weeks. Little change in the Top 25 and all the Top 25 teams won except Houston (QB got hurt) and Iowa.

Houston will be back if Keenum is OK. Iowa will likely shape things up as well. BYU? UGA? Yikes...I don't know if I can stand another weekend of watching those two teams perform almost the same way: spurts of greatness but unable to keep it going. It's killing me!

ENDZONE

Is USC any good? They keep squeaking the games out...darn it. I don't usually wish anyone ill but I really don't want to see Kiffin have a good first year.

Week 2: You Gotta Be Kidding ! !

We are two weeks into the season and four different FBS teams have lost to FCS teams - all four from a different BCS conference! What is going on in college football? What a weekend to remember...

Five teams dropped out of the top 25...three had been ranked 18 or higher.

The ACC had three teams in the top 25...they are now all out.

Florida is 2 - 0 but has dropped in the rankings both weeks...and rightfully so.

BYU went from two QBs to no QB.

UGA could not find an answer for Lattimer...that boy's going places.

Bama made their statement for their precious #1 spot.

And, all the games i watched looked like no one could recall how to tackle.

ENDZONE

Boise State made a great showing against the toughest team on their schedule - VaTech. But then VaTech lost to James Madison...an FCS team...at home...all but nullifying Noise States statement for respect. And if VaTech makes some corrections and takes the ACC, they'll go to a BCS bowl. The BCS is picky about non-qualifying conference teams in their precious bowls but they'll let the ACC Champ, who lost to an FCS team, go automatically? Really now...

Week 1: What We Learned

Here is a sampling from week #1...one of the best kickoff weeks I've seen in years.

What We Learned

• Boise State is for real. Give both teams credit for scheduling a top opponent for game 1 and both for making a great showing.
• Had Va Tech not spent the 1st quarter focused on fashioning their new unis (which are not even the school colors) the outcome may have been different.
• Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State had RBs with 200+ yards in game 1.
• Oklahoma almost lost their first game to another team from Utah.
• Florida........no comment.
• Both UGA and BYU seemed to have found their QBs (two for BYU). NOTE: See the 2010 predictions post.
• LSU and UW offenses were shut out the second half...must have been a little too easy to figure out.
• Ole Miss.....well, it had to happen to somebody and it gives FCS teams some confidence, reminds FBS teams not to take any team lightly, and it reminds us all that the gap is slowly but surely closing year after year.

New Questions

• Will we debate the Boise State in the NC game all year or will they get a little too confident and drop one (to the delight of many a commentator)?
• Are Notre Dame and Michigan finally turning around? Or, was it just their opponent?
• Will Week 2 outshine Week 1? (UGA at South Carolina, Oklahoma at FSU, Penn State at 'Bama and Michigan at Notre Dame)

ENDZONE

Huge shutouts and routs? Oregon wins 72-0, UGA wins 55-7 and I'm sure there were others. Please, lets not return to the days of running up the score...regardless of the opponent and regardless what string of players you have in there. Maintain some decency, respect your opponent for still trying and don't piss off the other teams fans. It WILL comeback to bite you.

Bring on "The Boys of Fall"

Every fan, in their own way, lives vicariously through each game...every play, every tackle, every TD and every bad call. We watch....and high-five, and cheer, and yell...even feel the very emotions as if we were right there on the field.

I really like this video...gets you up and ready for the season.

Click HERE to see the video.

Let the Bashing Begin

A very well written article. A good start for BCS Bashing 2010.

Click here.

Predictions for 2010-11 Season

Off-season over, summer winding down and its getting time for my favorite (and only) sport watching.

I was only 1 of 4 with my 2009 pre-season predictions. Here are my 10 for 2010:

1. Given some of the conference changes the last of some true rival games will be sad and mean the most and will be some of the best games this year.

2. Sanctions against USC will stand and not be relaxed per the USC appeal.

3. BYU will find a good QB and their experienced line, receivers and backs will make for an offense to be reckoned with in the MWC.

4. UGA: same as BYU except they'll do it in the SEC.

5. Laner Kiffin will do or say something really foolish again.

6. Boise State will hush naysayers by having yet another stellar season and finally get some respect and silent apologies from the BCS.

7. TCU: same as above.

8. The BCS will seriously consider the MWC as an automatic qualifying conference.

9. If Boise State and /or TCU go un-defeated the BCS will let one of them into the national championship game. The BCS has been seriously looking for some support from the fans of the non-qualifying conferences and such a decision would would help the future endeavors (money) of the BCS.

and

10. At the end of the season we will still be wishing we had a better system for determing a national champion.

The Off-Season

Here's my take on the the goings ons since January 2010:

Conference Changes

To my dismay, this is what I saw with the shifting around: schools following the money and not following their heart (tradition). These changes are not better for the precious BCS, the conferences or college football as a whole. They don't bring us closer to a better system of determining a true national champion. Each school just wants more money and they'll do what they have to to get it. That is where the sport is heading and I hate that. The real price of all this? The loss of the rival traditions, the loss of rival games that mean something, years of finding new rivals (that won't come close to the originals), and periodic old rival games that mean jack.

Coaching Changes

Dooley will be good for Tennessee...eventually. Tubberville will clean up things and put TT near the top. Holtz will have continued success at South Florida. Carroll is gone and that is good for college football. Kiffin is already about to outdo his mess-making in the SEC and the season hasn't started.

Sanctions Against USC

Well done, NCAA. These were past due and it resets all the schools...and unfortunately college football needed that.

EndZone

Let the games begin!

Season 2009 Wrap-Up

Though the end of January marks my hiatus from NCAAF blogging you may see a post here and there in this off-season - there just seems to be a lot going on that can't be commented on. And you will see an updated look for the blog come August (this is just a draft).

What a year...from the sucker punch to the referee suspensions to the Tebow concussion to McCoy knockout in the big game, to the Tide's (temporary) return to glory, to the season-ending bowls and coaching carousel. Not to mention all the upsets, surprises, lost bets, BCS bashing, parties, road trips, Fiesta Bowl focus on TCU Showgirls, and all the other fun associated with the best of all sports. Now we have an entire off-season of smack-talk and road trip preparation for the upcoming season.

And what's in store for off-season 2010? Lots of talk about TCU, Boise State and Alabama -- all of whom are returning numerous starters. Let's just hope the BCS gets the bowl selection correct next year for TCU and BOise.

And for those of us who can't wait tuntil August for the pre-season polls here is the Rivals.com current, pre-pre-season poll (click here).

Until next season!

Final BCS Rant for 2009 Season

My final thoughts on the BCS - for now. I'm sure there will be more next year...

I have tried to better understand the BCS this year. Primarily, why they think a play-off won't work. They do have some semi-valid arguments but they all contain some holes. Though I think the BCS will be a note in the history books come 2020 we still have to live with it for now. All I'm asking is for some sensible changes... just like everyone else.

When the BCS started it had the intention to pit #1 and #2 - nothing more. But given that the team talent gap has obviously narrowed in the last 10 years it's just time to expand the BCS to at least four teams.

This past season was the top year for the non AQ conferences as far as money...but still nowhere close to what the AQ conferences earned. The BCS will tell us it's getting better but the gap is still huge. Has the percentage of the gap changed in the last 10 years? Why are the AQ conferences guaranteed at least $18 million? It's just the whole rich getting richer thing that bugs so much.

I worry that the NCAAF is turning into the NFL...rich guys, sitting in expensive booths, smoking cigars, under-the-table betting and bartering, wondering why us little folk don't see or suspect it. Hey, we do. PLEASE don't turn the best sport into a business that'll lose the tradition, the respect, the passion and spark and fans that we all so anticipate Feb through Aug and enjoy Sep through Jan.

See a history of BCS controversies here.

But BCS rantings aside, all in all, it could be worse. I just finished reading the autobiography of Vince Dooley (UGA coach / AD for 40 years), in which he stated: "The bowl process was very different back then [late 60's]. Not a lot of people know this but Bear Bryant of Alabama basically controlled the whole system and pretty much dictated who would go to what bowl." At least we have moved from a monarchy to an oligarchy.

1 - 4 on My Pre-Season Predictions

I started the season with five predictions...I was right on only one account. Though I love the unpredictability of college football it still annoys me no end that I can't predict it.

1. Florida does not finish #1.

This was the only one I was right about...indeed it is way difficult to repeat.2. Colt McCoy takes the Heisman.

Did anyone even know who Ingram, Gerhart and Su were at the beginning of the year?

3. BYU finally goes to a BCS bowl.

OK...a was a little too hopeful and biased on this one.

4. The PAC-10 Gap Widens.

Wrong again since more PAC-10 teams went to bowl games this year (7) than last(5). Though I may have just been a year early on this prediction.

5. The Big-10 Exposed.

Wow, did the big-10 ever prove me wrong. They did not look at all patsy this year and their bowl record (4-3) was much more impressive than I expected.

Coaching Changes

Though I admire the work of coaches there have been two that I tend to harp on more than others: Meyer and Carroll (see previous posts). But now Carroll is gone to Seattle and Meyer may not be coaching for a while. What am I to do? Well, a new coach emerged this past season that should fill those shoes nicely...Lane Kiffin, now at USC. Maybe he'll be the only one for me to rail on in 2010 but chances are some other dork will come along.

We always see changes in the coaching ranks this time of year but this has to be one of the most bizarre round of changes I've seen in a while (22 at last count). The most talked about and still the most confusing is Urban Meyer. His time at UF has been amazing and with TT there they made a great combination that is likely not to be matched for a long, long time. But is he leaving? Will he put his family and health before football? He should.

Urban: Though don't care for Meyer's sometimes whiny personality I can not dispute what he has done. He is a great coach, he has brought a lot to the game, he prepares his teams well and he's been good for college football all around. I wish him the best and hope he takes care of his priorities now so he can return to football later.

On Carroll: He built a great team and system at USC though it almost appears that he is getting out just as they may be hitting a rough spot. I hope he's not bailing on them when they most need some consistency and experience at the helm. Again, I can not dispute his success at USC but personally, I'm glad to see him leave the college scene...let the NFL deal with his sore loser antics.

Kiffin at USC? Boy, are they asking for it. They are in the midst of investigations and then they bring in big-mouth, SEC reprimanded, funny hat wearing Kiffin? Who is running that show? I don't see USC wearing a PAC-10 crown anytime soon.

Then there is the Mike Leach thing...what is going on with that? I think Leach did a great job at TT but if he has been doing it under the circumstances we are hearing about then good riddins. I am glad to see Tommy Tuberville back int eh game...we'll see good things out of TT and TT in the near future.

ENDZONE

Dooley at Tennessee? That has got to be a tough for Dad Dooley...40+ years with UGA and now he'll be rootin for his son at a serious UGA rival.

Bowl Wrap-Up 2009-10

This was one of the best bowl seasons I can recall. It just seemed to have more close games and surprises than usual and its this un-predictability that keeps college football so darn fascinating. Here is my commentary on a few of the bowls...

SUMMARY

Though not known for their bowl playing skills, BYU made quite an impression as they man-handled Oregon State(after a sluggish start) 44-20 and started the MWC off to a 4-1 bowl season.

The Georgia-Texas A&M game was rather odd: zero scoring in the first 27 minutes but a final score of 44-20, dawgs being the victor.

Though much was said about the TCU-Boise match-up it was one of the most enjoyable games IMHO. The highly touted and favored TCU team seemed still upset about the missed opportunity to play a team from an AQ conference - they looked confused, plan-less, had no answer for a very good BSU defense, and simply did not play with the intensity that carried them throughout their un-defeated season. It was a huge let down to TCU fans and proponents as the cream-of-the-MWC-crop did not play as expected.

Now take nothing from Boise State. They had a plan, played with confidence and seemed to never doubt their right to be on that stage nor their chances of winning. The BSU defense was the highlight of the game for me. And the O-line made TCU's Hughes a non-factor. BSU is the only team to beat two conference champs and deserve to be higher than their final #4 ranking.

Although the injured McCoy put a bit of a damper on the expected close NC match-up it was still a game that highlighted very good defenses, Alabama's abilities, and Texas coaching adjustments for a new QB. It still had all the flavor of a NC game with added drama that seemed almost scripted.

I was surprised by the Big 10 wins, especially Ohio State over Oregon and Penn State over LSU. I enjoyed the OT Arkansas win, surprised at the Oklahoma win over Stanford, and not surprised at Nebraska over Arizona. The PAC-10 results (2-5) were interesting since they did so well last year.

ENDZONE

There were 34 bowls played, of which, there were seven Top 25 match-ups with the higher ranked team winning only two of the seven. Of the 11 other Top 25 teams that played un-ranked teams, eight won their games. The conference results were as follows:

Conference	Schools	Record	Percentage
Independents (1)	Navy	1-0	1.000
MWC (5)	AF,BYU,TCU,Utah,Wyom	4-1	.800
Big East (6)	Cincy,Pitt,Rut,UConn,USF,WVU	4-2	.667
SEC (10)	Ala,Ark,Aub,Flor,Geor,Ky,LSU,Miss,SCar,Tenn	6-4	.600
Big Ten (7)	Iowa,MichSt,Minn,NWstrn,OSU,PSU,Wis	4-3	.571
Big 12 (8)	ISU,Mizzou,Neb,OU,OklaSt,Texas,TexA&M,TT	4-4	.500
WAC (4)	BoiseSt,FresSt,Idaho,Nev	2-2	.500
Sun Belt (2)	MidTen,Troy	1-1	.500
ACC (7)	BC,Clem,FSU,GT,Miami,UNC,VT	3-4	.429
C-USA (6)	ECU,Hou,Marsh,SMU,SoMiss,UCF	2-4	.333
Pac-10 (7)	Ariz,Cal,Ore,OreSt,Stan,UCLA,USC	2-5	.286
MAC (5)	BGreen,CMich,NIU,Ohio,Tem	1-4	.200

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