NCAA Football 2024 season

[Unagi]

Outside of Oregon, that’s fairly abysmal.

Colorado's one loss should be a win. Just sayin'

I think the KSU loss and the Baylor win sort of cancel each other out, no?

Look - the Baylor game - that's just how football is sometimes. That's a win.
But that KSU game, that was theft!

[Pyperkub]

Also, can we all collectively point and laugh at USC now, after losing to…Maryland? The most underperforming record money can buy!

Lincoln Riley is now 5-9 in his last 14 games. I suppose his seat is probably hotter at this point.

He has to be the most disappointing hire in recent memory.

SC just had their 3rd Defensive Player Redshirt themself (at least this time it was due to actual injuries - Gentry has concussion issues, apparently).

Gentry:

USC linebacker Eric Gentry, having suffered a concussion and being concerned about his overall health, has decided to redshirt this year, having not played more than four games in the 2024 season. Gentry made the announcement on social media.

And previous ones Bear Alexander and Raesjon Davis

Following their 38-21 win over Wisconsin, Trojans defensive lineman Bear Alexander and linebacker Raesjon Davis both announced their intention to redshirt. Alexander is not ruling out going back to an SEC team.

It's feeling like Riley is losing the team. Not good news for D'Anton Lynn at DC either... but he got his paycheck.

[Pyperkub]

I have no idea what happened, but this Utah team is simply broken. No fight, no effort, mental mistakes everywhere, lackluster play all over. As un-Utah like as I’ve seen in years.

At least I can go to bed early…not staying up for this debacle.

I think you’re seeing an offense that is designed for Rising being operated by a QB best suited for a different style. The Utes defense seems to be okay, they just have trouble scoring.

Of course the whole Big12 seems pretty weak this year.

That’s definitely some of it, but I think it’s more than that. Utah has never had the most elite talent, but always made up for it by being tough and physical, and with smart coaching. Both of those things have disappeared completely this year, and it’s really tough to figure out how or why. Unless Coach Whit has simply checked out knowing he’s gone at season’s end, which is entirely possible I guess

Wouldn’t surprise me at all to see OC Ludwig fired tomorrow. His play calling has been truly abysmal over the past three games.

There’s also the reality that the P12 was simply not very good. The record of P12 teams in their new conferences this year:

Arizona 1-3
Utah 1-3
ASU 2-2
Colorado 3-1
Cal 0-4
Stanford 1-3
UCLA 1-4
USC 1-4
Washington 2-2
Oregon 4-0

Outside of Oregon, that’s fairly abysmal.

TBH, UCLA, Arizona and Washington all have new coaches this year after pretty good seasons last year, and ASU lost their Starting QB this weekend, otherwise they'd probably 3-1 in conference, and 6-1 overall

[disarm]

Hoosiers steamroll another opponent!
Their biggest challenges are still a couple weeks away (Michigan, then Ohio State), but they're still looking really strong. It's amazing that they've somehow managed to turn around 20 years of awful all at once, but I'll take it!

Well damn...starting QB Kurtis Rourke is out for at least the next game with a hand injury. Can the back-up QB keep the offense alive? I guess we'll find out...

[Pyperkub]

Oh wow. Liberty, undefeated with G5 playoff thoughts, just lost to the worst team in college football!!!

I love it when the televangelist school trying to buy a college football program loses like that...

[Skinypupy]

We miss two easy field goals, turn the ball over late in the game, make countless mistakes (dropped balls, shanked punts, stupid penalties, etc), and lose to 2-5 Houston by 3. Jesus…

This is easily a new low under Whittingham. Probably the lowest this program has been since the early 90’s. Absolutely everything has gone horribly wrong. But hey, at least we have basketball season to look forward to!

Oh. Oh no.

[Hrothgar]

Houston expects to beat you in basketball. Maybe you can return the favor.

[Scuzz]

We miss two easy field goals, turn the ball over late in the game, make countless mistakes (dropped balls, shanked punts, stupid penalties, etc), and lose to 2-5 Houston by 3. Jesus…

This is easily a new low under Whittingham. Probably the lowest this program has been since the early 90’s. Absolutely everything has gone horribly wrong. But hey, at least we have basketball season to look forward to!

Oh. Oh no.

Did Wilson get hurt? I noticed the next QB played a lot.

[Skinypupy]

We miss two easy field goals, turn the ball over late in the game, make countless mistakes (dropped balls, shanked punts, stupid penalties, etc), and lose to 2-5 Houston by 3. Jesus…

This is easily a new low under Whittingham. Probably the lowest this program has been since the early 90’s. Absolutely everything has gone horribly wrong. But hey, at least we have basketball season to look forward to!

Oh. Oh no.

Did Wilson get hurt? I noticed the next QB played a lot.

They benched him to try and “create a spark”. Then the backup was equally as bad. SMH

[Pyperkub]

Heh. Texas Tech accusing Baylor and TCU of pulling a Michigan...

The school is asking the league to review its 59-35 loss to Baylor on Oct. 19 and last Saturday's 35-34 loss to TCU.

The request comes as amid concerns that opponents may have been able to tap into unencrypted frequencies to listen in on coach-to-player communications.

[Unagi]

Thanks, Michigan

[ImLawBoy]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

[LawBeefaroni]

If it's unencrypted, is it really hacking?

[Scuzz]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

You’re not hacking in if they are over the air and not encrypted, you are just looking for an opportunity to win.

[Pyperkub]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Still sensitive about being the Houston Astros of College football I see

[ImLawBoy]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Still sensitive about being the Houston Astros of College football I see

National Champions baby!

[Unagi]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Not really. Anything to win. Anything. That's the lesson. If they did 'more' - they just want it 'more'.

[ImLawBoy]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Not really. Anything to win. Anything. That's the lesson. If they did 'more' - they just want it 'more'.

That's just silly. I have to remember that you're not rational on this topic.

[Unagi]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Not really. Anything to win. Anything. That's the lesson. If they did 'more' - they just want it 'more'.

That's just silly. I have to remember that you're not rational on this topic.

I think I'm more rational than you are free of bias on the topic.
I'm defending the dwindling honor in the sport, your just certain Michigan wasn't all that bad in its deeds. I think we are probably both right - but that makes me more right.

[ImLawBoy]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Not really. Anything to win. Anything. That's the lesson. If they did 'more' - they just want it 'more'.

That's just silly. I have to remember that you're not rational on this topic.

I think I'm more rational than you are free of bias on the topic.
I'm defending the dwindling honor in the sport, your just certain Michigan wasn't all that bad in its deeds. I think we are probably both right - but that makes me more right.

Here's the thing. I fully admit my bias, but throughout the whole outbreak of the scandal and the aftermath, I've also done a very good job (IMNSHO) of posting all of the facts and speculation as they came out, adjusting my view when the facts warrant, and always advocated for appropriate punishment. Of course, the key is "appropriate" punishment, and you actually have to know all the facts before you can determine that.

We've had multiple lengthy discussions on the topic and just when I think you and I are seeing eye to eye, the topic comes up again and you're back on your original starting point - Michigan is bad and destroying the integrity of the sport. You seem to consistently ignore many of the key facts and have an idealized (and incorrect) vision of the past integrity of the sport. That's why I think you're not rational on the subject. No matter how many facts I bring up, you seem to be unable to move off of your predetermined position.

[Scuzz]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Still sensitive about being the Houston Astros of College football I see

National Champions baby!

. Just like a lawyer, it’s not how you get there it’s getting the result you want.




Just kidding.

[ImLawBoy]

Hey, man. Lawyers have ethical rules!

(And some of us take them seriously!)

[Pyperkub]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Still sensitive about being the Houston Astros of College football I see

National Champions baby!

[Unagi]

C'mon, now. Hacking another team's in-game electronic communications is a whole other step beyond advanced in-person scouting to help obtain signals.

Not really. Anything to win. Anything. That's the lesson. If they did 'more' - they just want it 'more'.

That's just silly. I have to remember that you're not rational on this topic.

I think I'm more rational than you are free of bias on the topic.
I'm defending the dwindling honor in the sport, your just certain Michigan wasn't all that bad in its deeds. I think we are probably both right - but that makes me more right.

Here's the thing. I fully admit my bias, but throughout the whole outbreak of the scandal and the aftermath, I've also done a very good job (IMNSHO) of posting all of the facts and speculation as they came out, adjusting my view when the facts warrant, and always advocated for appropriate punishment. Of course, the key is "appropriate" punishment, and you actually have to know all the facts before you can determine that.

We've had multiple lengthy discussions on the topic and just when I think you and I are seeing eye to eye, the topic comes up again and you're back on your original starting point - Michigan is bad and destroying the integrity of the sport. You seem to consistently ignore many of the key facts and have an idealized (and incorrect) vision of the past integrity of the sport. That's why I think you're not rational on the subject. No matter how many facts I bring up, you seem to be unable to move off of your predetermined position.

Okay, fine - the sport was on fire before Michigan ran up to it with a gas can. We good?

[Unagi]

Anyhow - I'm super excited for the Duck's game tomorrow. My BiL is an Oregon alum, and hence - they are my adopted "feel-good team".


Super nervous too. MI has a way of ruining things.

[LawBeefaroni]

Anyhow - I'm super excited for the Duck's game tomorrow. My BiL is an Oregon alum, and hence - they are my adopted "feel-good team".


Super nervous too. MI has a way of ruining things.

I'll just say it now. Welcome to the B1G.

[Unagi]

Anyhow - I'm super excited for the Duck's game tomorrow. My BiL is an Oregon alum, and hence - they are my adopted "feel-good team".


Super nervous too. MI has a way of ruining things.

I'll just say it now. Welcome to the B1G.

I've loved my induction so far. The Ducks are a fun team to be a genuine fan of, as I'm certain Michigan is too.

Seriously hope these Ducks can handle the pressure of the Big House. That is a serious advantage they have - not sure if everyone realizes that is the biggest stadium in the United States... nearly, the world. Every NCAAF team that plays MI needs to handle that crowd. MI never has to handle anything like it, and instead rides on the enormous advantage every year.


GO DUCKS!

[Skinypupy]

Seriously hope these Ducks can handle the pressure of the Big House. That is a serious advantage they have - not sure if everyone realizes that is the biggest stadium in the United States... nearly, the world. Every NCAAF team that plays MI needs to handle that crowd. MI never has to handle anything like it, and instead rides on the enormous advantage every year.


GO DUCKS!

I remember talking to a couple Utah players after Utah played in the Big House in Harbaugh’s first game.

Their general observation was that while the sheer size of the crowd was intimidating at first, the stadium itself isn’t particularly loud. Mainly because of the way it’s built, with the building stretching out flatter (to accommodate so many people) instead of straight up, which holds in the sound. They both said playing at Autzen was far, far, far louder in terms of crowd noise.

I think Oregon will handle it fine.

[Unagi]

Seriously hope these Ducks can handle the pressure of the Big House. That is a serious advantage they have - not sure if everyone realizes that is the biggest stadium in the United States... nearly, the world. Every NCAAF team that plays MI needs to handle that crowd. MI never has to handle anything like it, and instead rides on the enormous advantage every year.


GO DUCKS!

I remember talking to a couple Utah players after Utah played in the Big House in Harbaugh’s first game.

Their general observation was that while the sheer size of the crowd was intimidating at first, the stadium itself isn’t particularly loud. Mainly because of the way it’s built, with the building stretching out flatter (to accommodate so many people) instead of straight up, which holds in the sound. They both said playing at Autzen was far, far, far louder in terms of crowd noise.

I think Oregon will handle it fine.

Nice to read.

I wonder how Nebraska's Memorial Stadium ranks up there with the player's experience. I feel I've heard reports that it's loud as hell.

[Pyperkub]

Seriously hope these Ducks can handle the pressure of the Big House. That is a serious advantage they have - not sure if everyone realizes that is the biggest stadium in the United States... nearly, the world. Every NCAAF team that plays MI needs to handle that crowd. MI never has to handle anything like it, and instead rides on the enormous advantage every year.


GO DUCKS!

I remember talking to a couple Utah players after Utah played in the Big House in Harbaugh’s first game.

Their general observation was that while the sheer size of the crowd was intimidating at first, the stadium itself isn’t particularly loud. Mainly because of the way it’s built, with the building stretching out flatter (to accommodate so many people) instead of straight up, which holds in the sound. They both said playing at Autzen was far, far, far louder in terms of crowd noise.

I think Oregon will handle it fine.

Nice to read.

I wonder how Nebraska's Memorial Stadium ranks up there with the player's experience. I feel I've heard reports that it's loud as hell.

I didn't go today (Yay Bruins!), but I did go to a game in the nineties and, even tho it was sleeting, it was packed and fun. It was effectively for the big 12 championship against Colorado around Thanksgiving. A good experience.

[Scuzz]

Arizona State is beating Oklahoma State easily today. Their coach should be under consideration for coach of the year, as they were terrible last year. And he must have somehow put together a good offensive line as their running back is having a great season.

[disarm]

Maybe Indiana, now 9-0 for the first time in school history, can finally get some recognition and move up in the polls after destroying Michigan State today?

Sure, they allowed another team to score in the first quarter and trailed for the first time this season...but then they totally shut MSU down and scored 47 unanswered points for a 47-10 win.

And yet, somehow, there is still a lot of doubt they can earn a spot in the playoffs or even a shot at the Big Ten championship unless they win all of their final three games... including a matchup against Ohio State in two weeks.

[Skinypupy]

And yet, somehow, there is still a lot of doubt they can earn a spot in the playoffs or even a shot at the Big Ten championship unless they win all of their final three games... including a matchup against Ohio State in two weeks.

Conference championship games are between the top two teams in the conference. If Indiana is one of those top two, they're in. If they're not one of the top two, they're out. There are several layers of (sometimes ridiculous) tiebreakers if multiple teams end the season with the same record.

The playoffs are a far more subjective criteria and, outside of auto-bids for conference champs, can be a bit of a beauty contest. Still too early to determine if Indiana will be pretty enough to make the cut.

Watching Houston beat K State and Texas Tech take down Iowa State makes me even more frustrated about Utah's complete faceplant this year. The B12 is entirely up for grabs this year, but the best we can do now is play spoiler. Bah.

Also, watching USC lose again makes me happy.

[Scuzz]

Clemson and Penn State losing may affect the playoffs. Indiana probably will have to beat Ohio State, but why shouldn’t they. Oregon probably has one half the championship game locked up, so it may very well come down to Ohio State and Indiana.

I hope Indiana wins that game.

[disarm]

And yet, somehow, there is still a lot of doubt they can earn a spot in the playoffs or even a shot at the Big Ten championship unless they win all of their final three games... including a matchup against Ohio State in two weeks.

Conference championship games are between the top two teams in the conference. If Indiana is one of those top two, they're in. If they're not one of the top two, they're out. There are several layers of (sometimes ridiculous) tiebreakers if multiple teams end the season with the same record.

The playoffs are a far more subjective criteria and, outside of auto-bids for conference champs, can be a bit of a beauty contest. Still too early to determine if Indiana will be pretty enough to make the cut.

By records, Indiana and Oregon are currently at the top of the Big Ten as the two undefeated teams, but the somewhat subjective "strength of schedule" puts them in a situation where they won't play for the championship unless they beat Ohio State in two weeks, even if that is their only loss.

As for the playoffs, one would think they could make an impression on the "beauty" side. How many other undefeated teams this season can boast winning by an average of 32.9 points? The closest anyone has come to them is 14 when the clock has run out. They've scored 51 more total points in Big Ten play than any other team in the conference, and 101 more than any team in the conference since the season started. They've outscored all of their opponents 419-123. Both their offense and defense have dominated every team they've played, and yet they've been stuck at #13 in the polls for three weeks now and it's still not clear if they'll crack the top 10 this week. What would it really take to be granted a spot in the CFP?

[dfs]

they've been stuck at #13 in the polls for three weeks now and it's still not clear if they'll crack the top 10 this week. What would it really take to be granted a spot in the CFP?

10 lost. 11 lost and 12 lost. I think Indiana will slip into the top 10.

[Skinypupy]

By records, Indiana and Oregon are currently at the top of the Big Ten as the two undefeated teams, but the somewhat subjective "strength of schedule" puts them in a situation where they won't play for the championship unless they beat Ohio State in two weeks, even if that is their only loss.

If Indiana beats Ohio State and ends the season undefeated, they will be in the conference title game.

If Ohio State beats Indiana and they both end with one conference loss, then it seems entirely logical that the winner of that head-to-head matchup is the one who makes it to the conference title while the other doesn’t. Especially since that scenario would mean Ohio State’s only loss is by 1 point to Oregon at Autzen.

Seems like the best option is to just…beat Ohio State.

[Carpet_pissr]

they've been stuck at #13 in the polls for three weeks now and it's still not clear if they'll crack the top 10 this week. What would it really take to be granted a spot in the CFP?

10 lost.

Hell yes they did, and bigly.

[Pyperkub]

Indiana has benefited from the weakest schedule in the B1G. They have played none of the ranked teams. Their only game against the other top teams in the B1G is the one against Ohio St, every other team on their schedule is likely to be under. 500 in conference (in part due to losing to Indiana, but the schedule has been all of the bottom feeders). Indiana is really good, but we have no idea if they are elite.

Also, everyone here is assuming an Ohio St win over Michigan. That rivalry game is never a gimme, tho huge edge to Ohio St.

Indiana - Michigan is also really intriguing. Michigan isn't very good this year, but they are still Michigan and have a chance.

If Ohio St beats Indiana, but loses to Michigan, things get really interesting between Penn St and Indiana for that second spot in the championship. It would probably be Penn St based on the tiebreakers.

Which also sets up Penn St losing to Oregon in the B1G championship, and Indiana leapfrogging them for a playoff spot, and a very interesting conversation between Indiana, Penn St and Ohio St for a playoff spot, probably booting Penn St.

All of that said, I really think we're looking at an Oregon - Ohio St rematch in the B1G Championship game. And maybe Penn St losing at a red hot Minnesota team and missing the playoff. Indiana might be good enough to beat Ohio St, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[Pyperkub]

Arizona State is beating Oklahoma State easily today. Their coach should be under consideration for coach of the year, as they were terrible last year. And he must have somehow put together a good offensive line as their running back is having a great season.

Dillingham is going to be at the top of a lot of coaching searches. Per above (my post about UCLA a few weeks ago) tho, he is an ASU alum and could easily spur money from the Big 2 conference schools making a change.

Another guy who will be on some short lists is Jake Dickert at Washington St.

I've also heard that Florida is going to go hard after Lane Kiffin from some Florida alums.

Possible Big 2 openings?

High:

Florida
Maryland

Ole Miss (per above if Kiffin jumps)

And then things get interesting

USC could fire Riley, especially if he loses to UCLA and ND
LSU could fire Brian Kelly if he loses to Bama
Auburn probably won't pull the plug on Freeze because he's recruiting well, but it could happen
Penn St could decide Franklin has topped out. I think that would be stupid - he's flawed, but I think there is a significant risk they get dramatically worse if they do it, and they really need to give the Franklin /Kotelniki combo more time. If they fire him, it could easily be like Nebraska when they fired Solich, decades of mediocrity.