College Football 2008

[Peanut]

Well, this has been an interesting weekend so far. USC looses to Orgeon State and now Florida went down against Ole Miss...

[termyt]

Something happened over the last few years. Either all the teams have gotten much better or the talking heads who rank the teams have gotten worse. I say it could be either way.

[Peanut]

Something happened over the last few years. Either all the teams have gotten much better or the talking heads who rank the teams have gotten worse. I say it could be either way.

I think it's more the result of limitations in recruiting and development of the Spread more then anything else. As I remember, the NCAA lowered the number of scholarships each team can give out thus spreading out the talent that normally would have congregated around teams like USC. A similar thing occured in college basketball and is the main reason why George Mason was able to make their amazing tournament run (sadly the NCAA got rid of that rule in college basketball thus making runs like that more unlikely...). The spread offense, with it's emphasis on putting speed and athleticism into space, acted as the means to allow these teams to keep pace with opponents who run more traditional offenses but have more talent (thus Appalachian State was able to beat Michigan). Coaching has also been spread out more equally with more well respected coaches ending up at smaller schools with less history (Jim Levitt at USF, Greg Schiano at Rutgers, Howard Schnellenberger at FAU to name a few). Also, you have the SEC which is just ridiculous in terms of it's coaching talent and overall player talent. While it is true that the talking heads always tend to overhype a team that ends up being worse then anyone thought, usually it isn't as widespread as what has been happening. This suggests that College Football has just become more unpredictable, which is good for the sport.

[Doubleshadow]

All that Peanut said, plus the talking heads unwillingness to go back on their own hype. My team my have been tearing up cupcakes all season (has anybody heard of Norfolk State? We didn't even know what state it was in), but other than our kicker falling apart against MTSU, we've been winning by more than thirty despite injuries side-lining some of our top players (and certain dipsticks getting arrested because their stupid). But are we ranked? Noooo... VANDY is ranked and not us! We even made it through another Saturday of upsets. Wish USC had played. We'll see how we stand against our next opponent: Alabama at Alabama. I forsee much pain. Yup.

[Peanut]

Vandy's beaten a ranked team though, that's why they are ranked. Plus South Carolina is a little bit of a tougher foe then Louisville on an off year...On a side note, my Mountaineers finally showed glimpses of looking amazing for the first time since playing Villanova...too bad it was against Marshall...

[WrestlingOtaku]

Man, I gotta stop forgetting to make my picks. That's what killed me the last time I played too. >.>;

Anyways, I'm glad that they did that. Especially if it keeps the teams close athletically, and gives even the small colleges the chance to win. Because, admit it, it's kinda boring seeing the same teams near the top year in and year out, unless it's your team of course. ;D

At least this way, theirs always the chance of a surprise team make a jump in the standings, kinda like what USF did last year.

[Puguni]

I don't think anyone really cares about Virginia, but I'm happy to say that it's definitely turned around. 8D 3 wins and 3 loses plzzz.

[Doubleshadow]

*Looks at the happenings in the SEC.*

My self-respect! T.T

[Peanut]

I don't think anyone really cares about Virginia, but I'm happy to say that it's definitely turned around. 8D 3 wins and 3 loses plzzz.

If only my fellow fans were as happy with our 4-2 record...

*Looks at the happenings in the SEC.*

My self-respect! T.T

Could be worse, you could be in the Big East...

[Roy Mustang]

Really, other then LSU not showing up for the Fla game, everything else that happen in the SEC this weekend is not a shock.

I really felt that Vandy and Ky would go down at some point.


and now I hope that the story is true and that Phillip Fulmer is gone from Tennessee.

oh and other news, Fulmer`s house was egged Tuesday night. Tennessee's QB Jonathan Crompton was the culprit. The police said that 20 eggs were thrown and only six hit the house and that is the reason he was caught.



[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

oh and other news, Fulmer`s house was egged Tuesday night. Tennessee's QB Jonathan Crompton was the culprit. The police said that 20 eggs were thrown and only six hit the house and that is the reason he was caught.

lol...hey at least you've been struggling against teams that are decent. My Mountaineers got outgained by Syracuse...I mean really...Syracuse?! Yeah, sure, Pat White was injured but Jarret Brown should be at the point were he can enter into the offense and be somewhat productive...eh...at least our defense has improved...supposedly...(honestly Syracuse isn't a good measuring stick by any means...)

Edit: Well...this might be it for Coach Stew (or our offensive coordinator)...turns out our one super recruit at quarterback as just decommitted and that in all likelihhod means we've lost the rest of this recruiting class (or a rather large portion of it)...of course, maybe if we beat Auburn in two weeks this will fix some of the problems...however yeah...the future looks bleak...

[Roy Mustang]

Clemson fires coach Tommy Bowden today and it shows that team may have been all for it.

Clemson QB Cullen Harper said this today after Bowden was fired.

Clemson's season started with a big thud, a 24-point loss to then-No. 24 Alabama that senior quarterback Cullen Harper said "really hurt our confidence."

Harper, who was benched after the Tigers' loss to Wake Forest and replaced by highly regarded sophomore Willy Korn, said Bowden needed to be let go.

"They just told us. It's what he deserved," he said. "Dabo Swinney is a fine man and will do an excellent job."

Later Monday, Harper expanded on his comments, explaining that Bowden "tried to motivate us but guys were off the bandwagon. There were things I disagreed with and that my teammates disagreed with. I didn't appreciate it when he would say some off-the-wall things about me to the media. I guess one thing I can say is he gave me an opportunity to come to Clemson and play."

Harper struggled playing behind an inexperienced offensive line this season. His father, Jeff Harper, an offensive lineman on Georgia's 1980 national championship team, said Bowden's dismissal was justified.

"I'd call it karma," he said. "I thought it needed to be done. I think anytime a head coach or someone in a leadership position starts to place blame on his coaches and players, it weakens their respect on the team. His past experiences have shown he's done that."

Now the question is, would West Virginia go after Tommy Bowden?


[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

Now the question is, would West Virginia go after Tommy Bowden?

Doubtful, I think if Coach Stewart is fired or steps down the next West Virginia coach will probably come from this staff (Doc Holliday and Jeff Casteel are names that come to mind...). I'm not a big fan of the group of fans that has been calling for his head since we lost to ECU. You usually can't judge a coach until he's playing with his recruits. With that being said, our offense has been awful and there is no good excuse for that. This is our OC's first year as an Offensive Coordinator and he's come from a system which isn't known for it's offense (Wake Forest), but still you'd think with the talent we have on that side of the ball we'd be scoring 20 points on a bad day, not a good day. And it's not just that having watched almost all of the WVU games so far I have to say that we look less explosive. As evidence, consider the fact that Devine only has 2 touchdown runs this season...that shouldn't be the case at all. If our offense doesn't improve soon...someone is going to get fired, ran out of Morgantown, or demoted to the status as a position coach. So, if Tommy Bowden wants to become an Offensive Coordinator...hey the job might be there for him to take...

Edit: On a not so random side note, the Auburn-WVU game still looks rather interesting. With the way the season has gone for both teams, it's easy to say that this is the pivitol game for both of them. What's also interesting is that they look like mirror images of each other, strong defenses (so far, in WVU's case) mixed in with incredibly dissappointing offenses. I also get the feeling that, at least for Coach Stew, a victory would quiet the critics. Either way, it should be fun and I'm sad I have to wait over a week to see it...

[Roy Mustang]

Doubtful, I think if Coach Stewart is fired or steps down the next West Virginia coach will probably come from this staff (Doc Holliday and Jeff Casteel are names that come to mind...)

If that is the case then they are just better off keeping Stewart. Sorry, but I never like it at all that you fire a couch and then hire one of the member of the staff to run the program again.

I have always felt that if you have the guts to fire a coach, you bring in someone new and let him pick the staff and if that means to clean house, then so be it.

Now I wonder who Clemson will go after? There is a lot of names that have pop up on the list.

I really don't see Will Muschamp leaving Texas right now.

Bobby Johnson from Vanderbilt is a Clemson grad, but would he really want the mess at Clemson?

I would think that Skip Holtz would stay at East Carolina for a bit.

I think Tommy Bowden should have never left Tulane and built that school up.


[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

I would think that Skip Holtz would stay at East Carolina for a bit.

I know for a fact that this isn't the case...Holtz was actually going to interview for the West Virginia job last year before Stewart was hired and from what I've read he was seriously considering taking it. If East Carolina is going to keep him, they are going to need to get into a bigger confrence...of course, the Big East is mostly to blame for this right now...but oh well...

[Roy Mustang]

I know for a fact that this isn't the case...Holtz was actually going to interview for the West Virginia job last year before Stewart was hired and from what I've read he was seriously considering taking it. If East Carolina is going to keep him, they are going to need to get into a bigger confrence...of course, the Big East is mostly to blame for this right now...but oh well...

Well, I think Holtz would want to be at a place that he can really win. I just don't see it at Clemson, not year in and year out.

Some people think of Clemson as the Arkansas of the SEC. They can't win year in and year out, but they will be there to shock teams.

He could take it, I guess, but some other coaches going to be on the hot seat this year, I would think he would wait and see what else opens up or wait a bit before a very big team program knocks on the door again.

I really don't how much East Carolina would want to go the Big East right now. They way that I look at it, they are alot better off in C-USA then going to the Big East or the ACC for that matter if there was an opening.

Plus you know that the C-USA is going to let go of a team since they have a conference championship game, which is something that I feel that all conferences should have.

I know that it looks bad for the Big East this year, but I hope they step it up next year. But I do feel that they need to shake things up and get other big time program in and it would really help if they could have a conference championship game, but they would need four teams to do that.

I wish they could do away with that rule as you must have six teams or more to have a conference championship game and sub division within the Conference.

Too bad the Big East can't get Notre Dame to play football in the Big East conference, but I just know that Notre Dame has a good set up right now with being able to air their home games on NBC for years and the don't have to give any of the money for tv contracts to a conference. But Notre Dame doesn't have a problem with their other sports being in the Big East and is a full member of the Big East.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang [/color][/font]

[Peanut]

I really don't how much East Carolina would want to go the Big East right now. They way that I look at it, they are alot better off in C-USA then going to the Big East or the ACC for that matter if there was an opening.

Allow me to specify what I meant by the Big East didn't help with East Carolina's leap to a bigger conference, and give some insight into why the Big East football conference will more then likely remain pretty much the same (unless the new commissioner does something big...). The problem with the Big East right now is that it is comprised of two groups with very different interests. You have the Basketball portion of the confrence which, rightfully, wants the confrence to stay static and then you have the football portion of the conference which desperately wants to add teams into it (the main reason for this expansionist desire is that there are only 8 Big East football teams, so every other year each team is only going to have 3 home Big East games). The Big East was a basketball conference before it was a football conference so the basketball portion holds more power (and votes) then the football portion. Tranghese (the Big East commisioner) has said that the only way a program could join the Big East right now is to come in as a Football only school, create their own media contract, and do some other things which I can't really remember. Over the off season, the report was that East Carolina was willing to do all of these things to join the Big East and Tranghese said no.

A move to the Big East actually makes a lot of sense for East Carolina. They are an up and coming program which, as they showed this year, would probably be competitive their first year. It would boast their media exposure and help their recruiting classes. Also, it would allow them to continue their rivalry with WVU (which is something WVU fans also seem to want...). Why Tranghese said no to allowing them in as a Football only member makes about as much sense as his decision to not vote for a Plus 1 system. As good as Tranghese has been for the Big East, I kind of can't wait for him to retire because I really believe whoever will come in is going to be willing to try an improve the Big East football conference by at least adding in one more team. But that's just me...

As far as bigger teams joining there were rumors that Maryland wasn't happy with the ACC and was looking at the Big East however I don't know how accurate those were. Notre Dame will never join the Big East football conference not just because of their media deal but also because their AD has a say in the workings of the BCS (no joke...). Penn State is the only other major school who may consider joining. They have a history of rivalries with schools in the Big East and it was Joe Paterno's idea to even have a conference like the Big East. However, as I remember the Big East did something (either by taking to long to form or by not inviting Penn State...I honestly don't remember) that made Joe Pa a little upset with them. So if Penn State was ever to join the Big East, he'd probably have to retire first. But even then...why would you give up a chance to play in the Rose Bowl each year for a conference filled with up and coming programs and a few historical powerhouses which are struggling?

[Roy Mustang]

I already knew all that about the Big East as being more of a Basketball program then it was a football program, but they want to change that and the Basketball portion has more votes and power then the football portion. Which is one reason why ND only join the Big East for basketball and other sports. ND would never want to go to Big East for football over the tv deal that they have with NBC and other matters. So in short, the way things are being dealt with in the Big East with the football program is somewhat in a mess, and if not fix, its just going to get worst. If things keep going the way they are and as much as I don't agree with the BCS, I do feel that the BCS may want to rethink about the bid that the team that wins the Big East gets to play in the BCS bowl game.

For Penn State, they will not join the Big East untill Joe Pa is push in a hole behind the goal posts at PSU. I really wish Joe Pa would retire, he is now just a selfish old man and will stay a the coach untill he dies and keep a head of Bowden. There is a lot of fans on both sides that want to see PSU vs Pitt, but because Joe Pa didn't get his way in wanted the two schools to play every two games at Beaver Stadium for every game played in Pittsburgh, they haven't met since then.

The rumors that Maryland wasn't happy with the ACC is just rumors for now.
It would be kind hard to think that Maryland would leave the ACC since how long they have been there. But if they did, it would open the door for East Carolina and I would kind of like to see that happen. If you look at it, East Carolina would be a great fit in the ACC with all the North Carolina teams in it.

[color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color]

[Doubleshadow]

So, I learned from a friend not getting tickets to our latest home game meant I missed a great finish. I'm sad that we've lost two great players to injuries though.

And in case you've not seen it: SEC referees play tough!

Link

[Roy Mustang]

New ad for SEC football.

The SEC is so tough that even our referees get into the game.


[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

...I heard about this...but seeing it is just...wow...

[Roy Mustang]

...I heard about this...but seeing it is just...wow...

When I was watching the game, I didn't really see that much. It happen so fast and then the LSU LSU defense closed in.

I just thought that South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia slip a bit and it wasn't untill the next day that read about it on ESPN college football news.

Referee Wilbur Hackett Jr. played linebacker at the University of Kentucky from 1967-70,

So, I don't know what to think. Steve Spurrier says Hackett did nothing wrong, but I wonder if he wouldn't have said that if South Carolina didn't score.

[font="Book Antiqua"]
[color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

When I was watching the game, I didn't really see that much. It happen so fast and then the LSU LSU defense closed in.

I just thought that South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia slip a bit and it wasn't untill the next day that read about it on ESPN college football news.

Referee Wilbur Hackett Jr. played linebacker at the University of Kentucky from 1967-70,

So, I don't know what to think. Steve Spurrier says Hackett did nothing wrong, but I wonder if he wouldn't have said that if South Carolina didn't score.

[font="Book Antiqua"]
[color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

I was able to catch enough of that game to feel horrible for Garcia and the Gamecocks, they really looked like they were going to win at the half and then...poof...having a ref tackle you doesn't make things too much better even if he was a linebacker in collge. But seriously...what was that ref thinking? I mean it looks like that was an intentional hit on his part...I mean he literally lowered his shoulder into the guy...I certainly hope that we have a Big East group of officials for thursdays Auburn/WVU game...I don't think either offense needs anymore defenders on the field...with that being said I don't think we need crappy refs either...yes...I just called out my conferences refs...but that's what they get for last years debacle with Lousiville and Uconn...

[Roy Mustang]

I was able to catch enough of that game to feel horrible for Garcia and the Gamecocks, they really looked like they were going to win at the half and then...poof...having a ref tackle you doesn't make things too much better even if he was a linebacker in collge.

Yeah, but that didn't make them lose the game. Gamecocks just choke on defense in the final five mins of the game. They still scored on that drive, when the ref hit Garcia. Also, they were leading at halftime, 17-10.

As for the hit being an intentional hit or not, I can't stay a yes or no. But I do feel that he didn't do much to get out of the way and it did look like he plant his feet and he did lower his shoulder, but I don't know if he did that to hit him or not. When you look at it very slow mo, it looks like he clothesline him more then anything.

I do feel that the SEC should have dealt with it better and made him not ref for a few games, but they didn't and Steve Spurrier said that the ref didn't meant to hit him. So, I guess he feels that it wasn't that big of a deal and people need to move on about it.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

*Impresions on the first half of the "Dissappointment Bowl" (aka Auburn/WVU)*

Both a good first half and a first half that made me turn the game off to watch one of my suite mates. However seeing the score now made me regain some confidence. Auburn is honestly horrible...though they are up 17-10, it seems as if they've gotten a lot of breaks from sloppy play by WVU and some calls which were close and probably should have been challenged but weren't so, no criticizing of the refs from me...WVU's offense actually looks good, we're getting out TOP 21 minutes to 8 and we're outgaining Auburn and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. Auburn may win this game (our D lost probably it's best D-Line/Defensive player) but unless their D can prevent WVU from continuing to move the ball in large chunks then I think this could be counted as a "win" for the WVU offense...so yeah...we may be back...hopefully...just don't turn the ball over guys...

Edit: WVU is officially back. That wasn't just a good Offensive outing, we were dominant against a good Defense...also its safe to say two things: 1. Super recruit Tahj Boyd decided to drop WVU a little too early 2). Jeff Mulen just saved his job 3). I know I said two things but it wouldn't surprise me if Noel Devine starts getting some Heisman talk (not much but some...)...200 yards against Auburn is not just good, its excellent...I am now officially a happy Peanut

Edit Edit: Intersting side note...on a WVU fan forum which I lurk on, I've noticed an intersting trend. Many of the critics of Mullen are now resorting to calling Auburn a bad team. While it is true that as a team they aren't to good, I find it hard to believe that you can call their defense truly bad. Its the SEC, they're highly ranked, and they could barely keep up with WVU's offense...so yeah...just thought I'd mention that...

[Roy Mustang]

Intersting side note...on a WVU fan forum which I lurk on, I've noticed an intersting trend. Many of the critics of Mullen are now resorting to calling Auburn a bad team. While it is true that as a team they aren't to good, I find it hard to believe that you can call their defense truly bad.

I'm not at all shock that some would think that. When you got people that want Mullen or Stew out of there, they are try to find some little loop hole in a win like this.

Auburn is just bad Offensive, but they are rant pretty good on defense and the stats don't lie about that.

Its just like Tennessee, the offense is bad, but the defense has been doing well every since that let down at UCLA.

Georgia was the first team to have a running back rush over a 100 yards on Tennessee all year.

So, where some of the SEC teams are not good offensive, they make up for it on defense.

Auburn did lose a lot of people last year and they did lose their offensive coordinator from last year and he was a good offensive coordinator.

I know that I keep up more with SEC stuff, but I never really understand why some of the WVU fans wanted Stew out of there, when they had a 4-2 at the time and now they are 5-2.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

I know that I keep up more with SEC stuff, but I never really understand why some of the WVU fans wanted Stew out of there, when they had a 4-2 at the time and now they are 5-2.

Expectations mostly. Most fans (myself included) thought there was a high possiblity for us to go undefeated this year. When we lost to ECU and the reality that this is a transition year crashed upon everyone people either started the blame game or adjusted their perspectives to something more realistic. Stew, being the head coach, was the early target however as we started to win games by only scoring 20 some points that switched to Mullen, the Offensive coordinator. People just couldn't really except that even though we do have Pat White we may still struggle offensively as the team adjusts to the new scheme, even last night there were some plays that were poorly executed. Still, its safe to say that when we play our best we are one of the three best teams in th Big East and I'm feeling a lot better about this coaching staff and what the rest of the season may hold...

[Roy Mustang]

Willingham to step down as Huskies coach at season's end

[quote="ESPN"]SEATTLE -- Tyrone Willingham was fired Monday as Washington's coach after failing to restore the Huskies to national prominence.

Two days after Washington fell to 0-7, athletic director Scott Woodward said Willingham will step down at the end of the season. When asked Monday if this was his decision, Willingham said flatly, "no."

Willingham, appearing at his weekly news conference, added he never considered resigning.

"No, it's just not in my makeup," he said.

The decision comes after Saturday's embarrassing 33-7 loss to Notre Dame on national television and after eight days of discussions with Woodward, who has said he did not want to change coaches during the season. Willingham coached Notre Dame for three seasons until being fired in 2004.

"We didn't win enough football games. That's it," Willingham said. "Hopefully, we've done all the other things right, [and] it's a good strong program for someone to jump into and do things."

Willingham, who's out with a year left on his contract, will receive a $1 million buyout, Woodward said.

Word was slow to leak to the team, which hosts No. 5 USC on Saturday.

Quarterback Ronnie Fouch said Willingham pulled him aside just minutes before the announcement.

"It's tough. He's the reason I came here," Fouch said. "It's going to be tough to see him gone after this year."

Willingham has been under fire for not turning around the Washington program. He is 11-32 overall in his four seasons, losing at least six consecutive games in each of those seasons. Washington currently has a nine-game losing streak]


I think Tyrone Willingham is a nice and great guy, but I don't think he is a good head coach. I think it was wise that he is stepping down and I feel that he will get another coaching job like running backs or another assistant coaching job, but not as a head coach.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[Peanut]

He has no excuse this year. Last year he could blame the schedule (Phil Steele ranked their schedule #1) and the fact that he had a young quaterback. However even then they still won more games then they have won this year. This was the right move for Washington, they shouldn't be performing this badly...now if only Syracuse would follow in their example...

[Roy Mustang]

He has no excuse this year. Last year he could blame the schedule (Phil Steele ranked their schedule #1) and the fact that he had a young quaterback.

And the thing is, that young quaterback is the best player on the team. Alot of Washington fans still don't know how they were able to get QB Jake Locker to come there at all.

Willingham was never a good fit

This write up is the truth. I never felt that Willingham was a good fit and they should have hired someone else.

I hope that they go after BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall.

However even then they still won more games then they have won this year. This was the right move for Washington, they shouldn't be performing this badly...now if only Syracuse would follow in their example.

And Tennessee as well.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]