NCAA Football 2024 season

[Skinypupy]

USC could fire Riley, especially if he loses to UCLA and ND

Riley's buyout is $88 million. I'd be surprised if he went anywhere.

[ImLawBoy]

While I was hoping for the cross-country jinx to give Michigan an edge over Oregon, it obviously didn't happen. Still, the game was a lot more competitive than a lot of people thought it would be despite the final score. Michigan had the ball in the red zone with a chance to cut the lead to 7 in the 4th with plenty of time to get the ball back again. Alas, we turned it over on downs (with a needlessly silly 4th down play) and couldn't get the D to hold in the end. Given we were down our two starting corners (including one who is a potential number 1 pick this year), it could have been a lot worse.

I was also struck throughout the game that Davis Warren is a perfectly cromulent college QB. No one is going to mistake him for the next coming of Tom Brady, but he's got a good arm. Sure, he was turnover prone earlier in the year, but he did a nice job against a good defense this week. If Michigan had a decent line and some receivers he could have been a Jake Rudock level QB at Michigan.

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.

It's louder now than it was when I went there because they've built up suites/press boxes on the long sides and that helps to keep some of the sound in, but it's never going to be on any legit list of loudest stadia. It's not due to lack of fan enthusiasm, but more due to how the bowl is built.

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.

If Penn State had beaten OSU and Indiana went on to also beat OSU, you could have had 3 unbeaten teams at the end of the year because Oregon, PSU, and Indiana don't play each other. They've dodged that bullet, and if IU takes care of business and wins out they'll be in. 18 team conferences are just wonderful.

[Pyperkub]

If Penn State had beaten OSU and Indiana went on to also beat OSU, you could have had 3 unbeaten teams at the end of the year because Oregon, PSU, and Indiana don't play each other. They've dodged that bullet, and if IU takes care of business and wins out they'll be in. 18 team conferences are just wonderful.

18 team conferences **without divisions**. With divisions, you'd have a max of 2 teams who didn't play any other who are undefeated, and if there are 2 undefeated, both go to the conference championship game.

We saw this last year with a 3-way tie for the Mountain West, and the 2 championship game participants were decided by a computer tiebreaker and not decided on the field (Boise St and UNLV made the championship, but SJSU was left out for computer numbers).

I almost think they need to go to 3 divisions for these monster conferences, top 3 and a wild card make the conference playoff.

alternatively, ditch the mega conferences and the playoff, and go back to the old bowl system. ( )

[Pyperkub]

USC could fire Riley, especially if he loses to UCLA and ND

Riley's buyout is $88 million. I'd be surprised if he went anywhere.

If Riley loses his last 3 (Neb, UCLA, ND) for another massive losing streak to end the season, including getting swept by the biggest rivals UCLA and ND for the second straight year (that would be 7 of 8 to close this year, after losing 5 of 6 to close last year before the bowl game), SC will suck it up, I expect. If he only loses to UCLA/ND, he may be gone too.

Yes, they've had a lot of injuries (mostly on Defense, tho D'Anton Lynn has done really well, given the injuries, with their defense), but they've also had players redshirt themselves to opt out early, and some other troubling issues, and SC sees themselves as Ohio St/Alabama, not just any program. I would think that there would be some massive conversations about ripping the band aid off now, instead of waiting another year and I could easily see it happening, even with a win over Nebraska, but losses to UCLA and ND.

[Scuzz]

I am not sure if UCLA looked better today or Iowa just looked terrible. But congrats to the Bruins.

[Skinypupy]

I should be probably about playing BYU tonight, but I’m just so blah on this entire season.

I’ll be there freezing my ass off, but…meh. Expecting we’ll get destroyed, but be happy if there’s some other result.

[Pyperkub]

I am not sure if UCLA looked better today or Iowa just looked terrible. But congrats to the Bruins.

It was UCLA still really pulling it together, the defense is starting to look like last years defense, getting pressure and tackles for loss in bunches, and really stuffed Johnson and Iowa's run game, while also finally showing a run game on offense, after falling from almost 200 ypg last year to last in cfb this year, but getting over 200 against a stingy Iowa rush defense.

It was also Iowa just not being a good road team, but UCLA still has a lot to clean up and improve. It coukd easily have been a UCLA blowout, but Iowa did a good job forcing turnovers in the first half to stay in it, and that is one of the things they are very good at, but without those, UCLA could have scored 30+ in the first half.

Side note, it was really cold at the Rose Bowl last night. It was supposed to be high fifties/60, but it really felt a lot colder. Getting tired of home night games - third straight of 4 home games so far. Another night game at Washington next Friday.

[Skinypupy]

Side note, it was really cold at the Rose Bowl last night. It was supposed to be high fifties/60, but it really felt a lot colder. Getting tired of home night games - third straight of 4 home games so far. Another night game at Washington next Friday.

We definitely have different definitions of “really cold”.

[Pyperkub]

For SoCal, it was really cold.

I definitely wasn't packed for it, and my buddy's wife was freezing despite a heavy coat and a blanket!

[Pyperkub]

Side note, it was really cold at the Rose Bowl last night. It was supposed to be high fifties/60, but it really felt a lot colder. Getting tired of home night games - third straight of 4 home games so far. Another night game at Washington next Friday.

We definitely have different definitions of “really cold”.

So, what's the game time temp?

[Skinypupy]

About 40, clear skies, no wind. Perfect.

[Skinypupy]

I don’t know what Utah did to make the football gods angry, but man…they are pissed at us. Utah had a half-dozen chances to win that game, and somehow, some way found a way to lose.

We had the game won with a 4th down stop, refs throw a flag for a phantom defensive holding (I truly have no idea what the fuck they called), BYU gets a first down, and takes it down for the winning FG.

Two interceptions right in our DBs hands..dropped.

Two 4th quarter BYU fumbles…that bounced right back up into their hands.

In the final drive, BYU QB overthrew his receiver by a good 5 yards, only to have the guy behind him somehow catch it about an inch off the turf.

Our best offensive weapon (Kuithe) goes down with a season ending injury…again.

There is not a single ounce of football karma that has gone Utah’s way this year. Just absolutely brutal. One of those years, I guess.

[DOS=HIGH]

I don’t know what Utah did to make the football gods angry, but man…they are pissed at us.

Look on the bright side, you're not Florida State.

[JCC]

Look on the bright side, you're not Florida State.

Seriously. Hard to remember many or maybe any collapses like FSU this year.

[Skinypupy]

In Utah’s last 5 games, our defense has given up 23, 27, 13, 17, and 15 points.

Utah is now 0-5 in those games

Utah has never been known for its offensive prowess, but this season has gone horribly, horribly wrong.

[Scuzz]

The Utah AD really let the refs have it after the game. Even the quote I saw from the BYU coach made it sound like he didn’t see that last penalty.

And the AD has been fined $40k.

[dbt1949]

I'm still confused. Everybody please stop and unconfuse me.

[Skinypupy]

The Utah AD really let the refs have it after the game. Even the quote I saw from the BYU coach made it sound like he didn’t see that last penalty.

And the AD has been fined $40k.

Absolutely pathetic.

Look Mark Harlan (Utah AD), I know you’re on the hot seat because your two revenue sports have now been disasters for multiple years, but having public temper tantrums doesn’t change that. I expect someone who makes 7 figures a year to have more emotional maturity than my 11 year old, for fuck’s sake.

Was it a bad call in that moment? Absolutely. Did it cost Utah the game? Absolutely not. Not scoring in the second half cost Utah the game. Not being able to get a first down to close it out cost Utah the game. Playing ultra-conservative and only gaining 30 yards in the entire 4th quarter cost Utah the game. Not making the pick-6 when it was right in his hands cost Utah the game. Hell, even after the penalty, BYU still had to go 60 yards to get in field goal range. Those are what cost Utah the game. It wasn’t “stolen” by the refs.

I just need to be done with sports entirely this year. It’s supposed to be a fun escape, and has been anything but.

[ImLawBoy]

I'm OK with Michigan having a down year this year, but Moore has got to stop making stupid mistakes (like letting 30 seconds tick away at the end of the game before using your first timeout) or he's going to find his leash perilously short - at least among the fan base.

At this point, Michigan has played 3 teams that would be in the playoffs if they started today (and another is on the schedule - just a brutal schedule this year). Hard to tell from just single games, but it sure feels like Indiana is not in the same tier as Texas and Oregon.

[Hyena]

Look on the bright side, you're not Florida State.

Seriously. Hard to remember many or maybe any collapses like FSU this year.

Last year's TCU team wants you to hold their beer. From playing in the National Championship in '22 to not even being bowl eligible in '23.

[ImLawBoy]

Look on the bright side, you're not Florida State.

Seriously. Hard to remember many or maybe any collapses like FSU this year.

Last year's TCU team wants you to hold their beer. From playing in the National Championship in '22 to not even being bowl eligible in '23.

FSU was undefeated last year and has 1 win this year. I vote FSU for bigger collapse. Heck, Michigan might end up not being bowl eligible this year after winning it all last year.

[Hyena]

Look on the bright side, you're not Florida State.

Seriously. Hard to remember many or maybe any collapses like FSU this year.

Last year's TCU team wants you to hold their beer. From playing in the National Championship in '22 to not even being bowl eligible in '23.

FSU was undefeated last year and has 1 win this year. I vote FSU for bigger collapse. Heck, Michigan might end up not being bowl eligible this year after winning it all last year.

Eesh...I don't think I was aware that they were undefeated last year. Ok, I'll more than willingly abdicate that throne...

[Skinypupy]

I'm OK with Michigan having a down year this year, but Moore has got to stop making stupid mistakes (like letting 30 seconds tick away at the end of the game before using your first timeout) or he's going to find his leash perilously short - at least among the fan base.

At this point, Michigan has played 3 teams that would be in the playoffs if they started today (and another is on the schedule - just a brutal schedule this year). Hard to tell from just single games, but it sure feels like Indiana is not in the same tier as Texas and Oregon.

I watched most of the Michigan/Indiana game on Saturday. I get that this is an outlier year for both teams, but my brain was having a hard time processing Michigan getting out-physicaled by...Indiana.

[Scuzz]

I'm OK with Michigan having a down year this year, but Moore has got to stop making stupid mistakes (like letting 30 seconds tick away at the end of the game before using your first timeout) or he's going to find his leash perilously short - at least among the fan base.

At this point, Michigan has played 3 teams that would be in the playoffs if they started today (and another is on the schedule - just a brutal schedule this year). Hard to tell from just single games, but it sure feels like Indiana is not in the same tier as Texas and Oregon.

I don’t watch all of Michigan’s games but I have seen parts of the last two. In both games he threw away time outs making challenges that made no sense. I think he may be a fine coordinator but not so fine a head coach.

[Skinypupy]

Not that it really matters at this point, but reports are that Brandon Rose (Utah's QB who got his first ever start against BYU) is now out for the season with a foot injury. I honestly can't even remember the last time Utah started and finished the year with the same QB.

I'm hoping this fulfills the contract of whoever made the deal with the devil to win a couple of P12 titles.

Edit: Now confirmed. This is the second year in a row Utah has lost their first and second string QBs to injury, with the third string missing time as well. Crazy.

[Pyperkub]

Well, Iowa lost their starter for the 2nd year in a row, then had 2 more go down, and then another knocked out of the ucla game and they are on their 5th string walk on qb who had been practicing with the scout team as an lb...

[Scuzz]

Well, Iowa lost their starter for the 2nd year in a row, then had 2 more go down, and then another knocked out of the ucla game and they are on their 5th string walk on qb who had been practicing with the scout team as an lb...

I wondered about Iowa’s Quarterback. I thought they had a portal transfer who had improved their offense, and the guy against the Bruins wasn’t very good.

[ImLawBoy]

I'm OK with Michigan having a down year this year, but Moore has got to stop making stupid mistakes (like letting 30 seconds tick away at the end of the game before using your first timeout) or he's going to find his leash perilously short - at least among the fan base.

At this point, Michigan has played 3 teams that would be in the playoffs if they started today (and another is on the schedule - just a brutal schedule this year). Hard to tell from just single games, but it sure feels like Indiana is not in the same tier as Texas and Oregon.

I don’t watch all of Michigan’s games but I have seen parts of the last two. In both games he threw away time outs making challenges that made no sense. I think he may be a fine coordinator but not so fine a head coach.

The challenge in the last game wasn't so bad. It was first half and they ended with TOs and challenges to spare, so in the end it didn't burn them (although it could have). I can see a scenario where someone caught a camera angle funny and called down to challenge. The week before, my only (weak) explanation is that they were hoping for a make-up call after the refs gifted Oregon their first touchdown on a play that should have been overturned. That's not a very smart gamble, though.

Well, Iowa lost their starter for the 2nd year in a row, then had 2 more go down, and then another knocked out of the ucla game and they are on their 5th string walk on qb who had been practicing with the scout team as an lb...

I wondered about Iowa’s Quarterback. I thought they had a portal transfer who had improved their offense, and the guy against the Bruins wasn’t very good.

They picked up Michigan's old QB Cade McNamara, who lost out to JJ McCarthy after leading Michigan to the first of 3 Big Ten titles and playoff appearances. He's never been able to recapture that year, even when healthy, and it looks like Michigan made the right choice in going with JJ.

[ImLawBoy]

Current top 5:

1) Oregon (beat Michigan)
2) Ohio State (Michigan plays coming up)
3) Texas (beat Michigan)
4) Penn State (hey! Michigan doesn't play them this year!)
5) Indiana (beat Michigan)

Michigan has some legit issues this year, but that schedule is not helping matters.

[Scuzz]

I'm OK with Michigan having a down year this year, but Moore has got to stop making stupid mistakes (like letting 30 seconds tick away at the end of the game before using your first timeout) or he's going to find his leash perilously short - at least among the fan base.

At this point, Michigan has played 3 teams that would be in the playoffs if they started today (and another is on the schedule - just a brutal schedule this year). Hard to tell from just single games, but it sure feels like Indiana is not in the same tier as Texas and Oregon.

I don’t watch all of Michigan’s games but I have seen parts of the last two. In both games he threw away time outs making challenges that made no sense. I think he may be a fine coordinator but not so fine a head coach.

The challenge in the last game wasn't so bad. It was first half and they ended with TOs and challenges to spare, so in the end it didn't burn them (although it could have). I can see a scenario where someone caught a camera angle funny and called down to challenge. The week before, my only (weak) explanation is that they were hoping for a make-up call after the refs gifted Oregon their first touchdown on a play that should have been overturned. That's not a very smart gamble, though.

Well, Iowa lost their starter for the 2nd year in a row, then had 2 more go down, and then another knocked out of the ucla game and they are on their 5th string walk on qb who had been practicing with the scout team as an lb...

I wondered about Iowa’s Quarterback. I thought they had a portal transfer who had improved their offense, and the guy against the Bruins wasn’t very good.

They picked up Michigan's old QB Cade McNamara, who lost out to JJ McCarthy after leading Michigan to the first of 3 Big Ten titles and playoff appearances. He's never been able to recapture that year, even when healthy, and it looks like Michigan made the right choice in going with JJ.

McNamara is who I saw earlier in the year and Iowa was scoring. He is apparently injured as the post up thread says they are are on QB #4 now.

Michigan needs a QB now. They are playing more like an old Iowa team than last year’s Michigan team.

[ImLawBoy]

They're not getting one this year. They're rumored to be putting together a 8 figure NIL deal to flip Bryce Underwood, the number 1 QB commit for 2025 who is currently committed to LSU and is from Michigan. To make it extra funny, I read that Connor Stallions is now calling plays for his high school team!

[Pyperkub]

I'm OK with Michigan having a down year this year, but Moore has got to stop making stupid mistakes (like letting 30 seconds tick away at the end of the game before using your first timeout) or he's going to find his leash perilously short - at least among the fan base.

At this point, Michigan has played 3 teams that would be in the playoffs if they started today (and another is on the schedule - just a brutal schedule this year). Hard to tell from just single games, but it sure feels like Indiana is not in the same tier as Texas and Oregon.

I don’t watch all of Michigan’s games but I have seen parts of the last two. In both games he threw away time outs making challenges that made no sense. I think he may be a fine coordinator but not so fine a head coach.

The challenge in the last game wasn't so bad. It was first half and they ended with TOs and challenges to spare, so in the end it didn't burn them (although it could have). I can see a scenario where someone caught a camera angle funny and called down to challenge. The week before, my only (weak) explanation is that they were hoping for a make-up call after the refs gifted Oregon their first touchdown on a play that should have been overturned. That's not a very smart gamble, though.

Well, Iowa lost their starter for the 2nd year in a row, then had 2 more go down, and then another knocked out of the ucla game and they are on their 5th string walk on qb who had been practicing with the scout team as an lb...

I wondered about Iowa’s Quarterback. I thought they had a portal transfer who had improved their offense, and the guy against the Bruins wasn’t very good.

They picked up Michigan's old QB Cade McNamara, who lost out to JJ McCarthy after leading Michigan to the first of 3 Big Ten titles and playoff appearances. He's never been able to recapture that year, even when healthy, and it looks like Michigan made the right choice in going with JJ.

McNamara is who I saw earlier in the year and Iowa was scoring. He is apparently injured as the post up thread says they are are on QB #4 now.

Michigan needs a QB now. They are playing more like an old Iowa team than last year’s Michigan team.

To be fair, they did have a pretty competent backup in Sullivan, the Northwestern transfer, who led them to victories over Northwestern and Wisconsin while scoring over 40 ppg and was 6/9 for 157 (but with 2 picks and a fumble, all basically forced) against UCLA, but UCLA had him running for his life on most plays, while also completely shutting down the top rushing offense in the B1G. And Sullivan took a ton of hits from the ferocious UCLA defense which dominated the LoS and was eventually knocked out of the game. The walkon who came in did lead a TD drive (with a massive personal foul assist from UCLA on a 57 yd FG attempt - making that 5 of the last 6 TD's UCLA has given up being keyed by a Personal Foul - groan).

[Skinypupy]

They're rumored to be putting together a 8 figure NIL deal to flip Bryce Underwood

I hate this fucking sport.

[Scuzz]

Florida’s main 2026 recruit, a qb has announced he will not be playing for Florida.

[WYBaugh]

Florida’s main 2026 recruit, a qb has announced he will not be playing for Florida.

Is this Will Griffin?

[Scuzz]

Florida’s main 2026 recruit, a qb has announced he will not be playing for Florida.

Is this Will Griffin?

Tramell Jones

[Skinypupy]

Utah will be down to its fifth string, walk-on QB for the second year in a row against Colorado. Add in our two leading receivers out for the year and our second leading rusher leaving the team this week and I’m not entirely sure we’ll be able to get the ball past midfield today. If CU doesn’t win by at least two scores, it would a huge shock.

In an odd quirk, our QB today will have only started two games in his entire 4-year collegiate career…both against Colorado. He won last year, but I have serious doubts he’ll be able to repeat that today.

[Unagi]

I'm always worried CU will lose whenever they are expected to win. Always.

[Skinypupy]

I'm always worried CU will lose whenever they are expected to win. Always.

I get that feeling, but this is an bad Utah team. The defense is decent, but the offense might be the worst I’ve ever seen at Utah.

I’m guessing 24-7 CU. Possibly 24-10 if Wilson plays (beat reporters said he was out with mono, but he’s apparently out there warming up right now, so .)

[Isgrimnur]

Florida’s main 2026 recruit, a qb has announced he will not be playing for Florida.

Is this Will Griffin?

Tramell Jones

So I guess you could say that they're ... untrammeled.