College Football Thread - 2014

[paulxu]

Pretty soon. Cocks are ready.

Maybe they should make Charlie Strong the head of the NCAA and let him clean house.

[BBC 08]

Louisville is winning it all this year!

[STL_XUfan]

Pretty soon. Cocks are ready.

Maybe they should make Charlie Strong the head of the NCAA and let him clean house.

Ill be making a trip down to Columbia, SC this year to watch Mizzou smack the shit out of your cocks.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville is winning it all this year!

No. I DO have $5 on the Cards at 300-1, though. Also, I'm making the trip to South Bend for the game 11/22. Will you be there?

[BBC 08]

No. I DO have $5 on the Cards at 300-1, though. Also, I'm making the trip to South Bend for the game 11/22. Will you be there?

My dad and I are working out details. With season tickets to both Louisville football and Xavier basketball plus going to the Masters next year is making us tighten our wallet some but we are trying to make it work. I'll let you know if we end up deciding to go.

[paulxu]

Ill be making a trip down to Columbia, SC this year to watch Mizzou smack the shit out of your cocks.

Bring it. Expect same result as last year.

[OH.X.MI]

THE Michigan State Spartans are gonna bring a National Championship back to the Big 10, you heard it here first!

[GoMuskies]

you heard it here first!

...and last

[GoMuskies]

Looks like South Carolina is going on probation Paul: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24647860/south-carolina-self-reports-impermissible-icing-on-cookie-cakes

[American X]

Charlie Strong

http://wac.9ebf.edgecastcdn.net/809EBF/ec-origin.barstoolu.barstoolsports.com/files/2014/01/xcsc.gif

[paulxu]

Looks like South Carolina is going on probation Paul: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24647860/south-carolina-self-reports-impermissible-icing-on-cookie-cakes

Nothing to see here. Move along...

[GoMuskies]

Nothing to see here. Move along...

Are you kidding? There was extra icing on those kids' cookie cakes! This is SMU level scandal. The death penalty is sure to follow.

[Milhouse]

Can't wait for College Football season to finally get here.

I'll be south bending it for the finale against Michigan and hopefully up there for the Stanford game as well.

Just got tickets from the lottery for the game against Purdue in Indy last week. Hotels are damn expensive that weekend so it might just be a day trip from Cincinnati.

[GoMuskies]

Marshall is supposed to be very good this year (not that anyone will be able to tell with the schedule they play). Isn't Porkopolis our resident Thundering Herd expert?

[xubrew]

Marshall should win every game by at least two touchdowns. They'll climb through the rankings by default as everyone else around them loses. They'll then probably blow it in the CUSA Championship game, but in the event that they don't, they'll be bitching endlessly about how they should be in the playoff. We always need that talking point.

[GoMuskies]

They usually have a good non-conference opponent or two. This year they have garbage in the non-conference (Ohio might not be terrible), and that's a shame. They will not really have a shot to prove whether they deserve a shot at the playoffs. They could be the '85 Bears and they wouldn't make the playoffs.

[xubrew]

They usually have a good non-conference opponent or two. This year they have garbage in the non-conference (Ohio might not be terrible), and that's a shame. They will not really have a shot to prove whether they deserve a shot at the playoffs. They could be the '85 Bears and they wouldn't make the playoffs.

Agreed. This is why I still think the current playoff structure is grossly insufficient.

I don't think Marshall is good enough to be considered one of the four best teams in the country, but still. I don't like that it's just assumed. FBS football is the only sport pretty much in the world where teams don't get to play until they lose. Even teams in the non-scholarship Pioneer League make the playoffs at the FCS (1AA) level now.

And, I still think that Boise State was one of the four best teams in the country for the two years they were tearing it up. It sucks that they didn't get a chance at a playoff structure. I don't think Marshall is, but I'd still like to see them get to play until someone beats them rather than it just being assumed. Either way it's not fair. If they make it it's not fair, and if they don't it's not fair.

[xubrew]

For those of us that weren't paying attention, why is West Virginia off their schedule now??

[GoMuskies]

For those of us that weren't paying attention, why is West Virginia off their schedule now??

It was just a short series mandated by state government. WV didn't want to play them in the first place. Marshall would likely kill WV this year, but fortunately for WV they won't have to find that out on the field, and WV fans can continue to beat their chests about how Marshall hasn't beaten them.

[xubrew]

Those two have an interesting history. Marshall chases West Virginia around, begs for a game, gets it, gets creamed every time (I do think one of them actually did go to overtime), and once the series is dropped, Marshall still wants to keep it going.

I don't know what started this. As best I know (correct me if I'm wrong) is that when Marshall transitioned up to FBS, they had a four year deal with West Virginia with all games being played in Morgantown. Two or three games in to the four-game-all-in-Morgantown agreement, Marshall started complaining about how they deserved a home game. West Virginia, understandably, didn't want to give it to them because it wasn't part of the original agreement. Marshall then refused to play the remainder of the series. A few years later, they wanted to resume it, and West Virginia said no way. After years and years of Marshall stalking West Virginia to continue the series, the state legislature actually got involved and somehow mandated that the series resume.

Now, it's stopped again, I guess.

I've probably got some of my facts wrong, but that's my understanding of it. It is a shame, at least from a sports fan point of view, that they aren't playing this year.

[RedsX11]

...and last

Nope you'll hear it from me again one more time as well.

Go (insert anyone here but tOSU)!!!!

[GoMuskies]

16 days to Ole Miss/Boise State

[JTG]

Can't wait for College Football season to finally get here.

I'll be south bending it for the finale against Michigan and hopefully up there for the Stanford game as well.

Just got tickets from the lottery for the game against Purdue in Indy last week. Hotels are damn expensive that weekend so it might just be a day trip from Cincinnati.

I was stunned last week to find out that ND doesn't sell out anymore. It used to be you had to be a "contributing Alum" to be eligible for their ticket lottery, and even then you didn't always get tickets. Now they are selling to the public. Granted, it's not their marquee games, but you can buy tickets to the Rice, Northwestern, and Louisville games from their website. Also there will be plenty of tickets for the ND Purdue game in Indy.
My how times have changed. I guess all that losing under fat Charlie took it's toll at the box office.

[kyxu]

I was stunned last week to find out that ND doesn't sell out anymore. It used to be you had to be a "contributing Alum" to be eligible for their ticket lottery, and even then you didn't always get tickets. Now they are selling to the public. Granted, it's not their marquee games, but you can buy tickets to the Rice, Northwestern, and Louisville games from their website. Also there will be plenty of tickets for the ND Purdue game in Indy.
My how times have changed. I guess all that losing under fat Charlie took it's toll at the box office.

Be that as it may, ND has still sold out every game since the early 1970s.

And when they do sell outside the university's inner circle, they're not really hurting for interest: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2014/07/17/notre-dame-leads-top-25-most-expensive-college-football-tickets-on-secondary-market/

[xubrew]

16 days to Ole Miss/Boise State

11 days until Sam Houston v Eastern Washington. Two top fifteen teams at the FCS level.

[GoMuskies]

I was stunned last week to find out that ND doesn't sell out anymore. It used to be you had to be a "contributing Alum" to be eligible for their ticket lottery, and even then you didn't always get tickets. Now they are selling to the public. Granted, it's not their marquee games, but you can buy tickets to the Rice, Northwestern, and Louisville games from their website. Also there will be plenty of tickets for the ND Purdue game in Indy.
My how times have changed. I guess all that losing under fat Charlie took it's toll at the box office.

Louisville is going to take 10k or more people there, too. I can't believe there are still tickets available for that game.

[JTG]

Be that as it may, ND has still sold out every game since the early 1970s.

And when they do sell outside the university's inner circle, they're not really hurting for interest: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2014/07/17/notre-dame-leads-top-25-most-expensive-college-football-tickets-on-secondary-market/

My point was not about scalpers. The point was you can buy tickets for face value from the school for multiple games, and that was unheard of a few years ago, and clear back to 1970. The 3:30 start time is probable a big drawback, for folks who used to go to 1:00 games, have a nice dinner and still get home by midnight. Now the game lasts until almost 8 pm, you get out of the parking lot by 9, hit a fast food place on the drive back to Indy, Cincy, Louisville, or Chicago, and get home laet, very late.

[Milhouse]

They only have a certain allotment of season tickets they give out to alumni and they release tickets to the public (for lesser games obviously) to help continue to increase the brand and exposure. But typically they release the visiting teams returned tickets like the Tuesday before the game.

Season Tix have been sold out for years and years and those carry a VERY expensive seat license with them as well.

The secondary market for ND tickets is absolutely insane. Was offered $1000 for my pair to the Michigan game early in the week and I'm seriously considering it. That more than pays for my Xavier Season Tickets and we got the ND ones at face value.

[SM#24]

11 days until Sam Houston v Eastern Washington. Two top fifteen teams at the FCS level.

If it's on the red turf, I'm watching.

[xubrew]

Louisville is going to take 10k or more people there, too. I can't believe there are still tickets available for that game.

Notre Dame fans are very sure of themselves even when it has been proven conclusively that they are wrong, so I take what one of them told me with a grain of salt. A Notre Dame season ticket holder told me that they always give 20,000 tickets to the visiting team, but in return they want 20,000 when they go on the road to their place. If that's true, then I'm actually surprised Louisville is only taking 10,000 to the game. If that's true, and I don't know for sure if it is, I'm not sure how that would work for an ACC game since they are technically partial members of the ACC now.

ND fans are also very fickle. Case and point, not wanting to go to a home game that doesn't start at 1pm. I agree that Notre Dame is less popular than they used to be, and I'm glad......


My point was not about scalpers. The point was you can buy tickets for face value from the school for multiple games, and that was unheard of a few years ago, and clear back to 1970. The 3:30 start time is probable a big drawback, for folks who used to go to 1:00 games, have a nice dinner and still get home by midnight. Now the game lasts until almost 8 pm, you get out of the parking lot by 9, hit a fast food place on the drive back to Indy, Cincy, Louisville, or Chicago, and get home laet, very late.

[GoMuskies]

Notre Dame fans are very sure of themselves even when it has been proven conclusively that they are wrong, so I take what one of them told me with a grain of salt. A Notre Dame season ticket holder told me that they always give 20,000 tickets to the visiting team, but in return they want 20,000 when they go on the road to their place.

That's definitely not true in this case. Louisville sold out its allotment of tickets from ND, and there's no way they would have sold 20,000 tickets. Also, Louisville doesn't have 20,000 non-season ticket seats, so there is no way they could reciprocate and provide 20,000 tickets when Notre Dame comes to Louisville in 3 years.

[kyxu]

That's definitely not true in this case. Louisville sold out its allotment of tickets from ND, and there's no way they would have sold 20,000 tickets. Also, Louisville doesn't have 20,000 non-season ticket seats, so there is no way they could reciprocate and provide 20,000 tickets when Notre Dame comes to Louisville in 3 years.

Wonder if we'll see a sea of red for Cardinals fans at ND Stadium, a la Nebraska @ Notre Dame in 2000.

[xubrew]

That's definitely not true in this case. Louisville sold out its allotment of tickets from ND, and there's no way they would have sold 20,000 tickets. Also, Louisville doesn't have 20,000 non-season ticket seats, so there is no way they could reciprocate and provide 20,000 tickets when Notre Dame comes to Louisville in 3 years.

So what you're saying is that Notre Dame gave 20k tickets to Louisville, and will therefore get 20k tickets when they go back in three years.

Got it.

[Milhouse]

There is absolutely no way they give 20K tickets to opposing teams.

Our season tickets are straight across from touchdown Jesus and the opposing team is behind me and slightly to the right. I'd imagine its in the ball park of 5-8,000 seats.

I wouldn't say ND fans are fickle. The fact is they don't play noon home games because they don't have to. More money is pumped into campus and surrounding areas...including ND owned Eddy Street Commons by playing a 3:30 p.m. home game or even an 8 p.m. home game than a 12 or 1 p.m. home game. With their NBC contract they set the schedule.

I don't think it matters where or when the game is ND will sell it out no problem. I was at O'Bryon's 2 years ago at 8 a.m. for Kegs and Eggs for the ND opener that was in Ireland...there was more people there for that game (and they reached capacity I believe) than were there for St. Patricks Day.

There are a lot of ND fans that give the fanbase an awful name. But that's true of any team really.

[GoMuskies]

ND has issues...

[Milhouse]

Self Inflicted Hammer about to drop.

That said good on ND for whatever they decide and not trying to cover it up.

[Milhouse]

So if they do vacate the 2012 season I'd love if I could get my $$ back the NCG in Miami.

[Juice]

Self Inflicted Hammer about to drop.

That said good on ND for whatever they decide and not trying to cover it up.

Like the Prince Shembo rape?

[Milhouse]

Like the Prince Shembo rape?

entirely different situation that was handled very poorly and a huge black eye on the university. I'd like to think that set an example for how to handle things in the future.

ND has a ton of faults I'm one of the first to admit it.

[HudsonFest]

Like the Prince Shembo rape?

I think you need to reevaluate your life if you allow for your dislike of a football team to translate into ridiculous rape allegations. There is a massive difference between what happened in the Prince Shembo situation and rape. Get it together.

[nkymuskie]

There is absolutely no way they give 20K tickets to opposing teams.

Our season tickets are straight across from touchdown Jesus and the opposing team is behind me and slightly to the right. I'd imagine its in the ball park of 5-8,000 seats.

I wouldn't say ND fans are fickle. The fact is they don't play noon home games because they don't have to. More money is pumped into campus and surrounding areas...including ND owned Eddy Street Commons by playing a 3:30 p.m. home game or even an 8 p.m. home game than a 12 or 1 p.m. home game. With their NBC contract they set the schedule.

I don't think it matters where or when the game is ND will sell it out no problem. I was at O'Bryon's 2 years ago at 8 a.m. for Kegs and Eggs for the ND opener that was in Ireland...there was more people there for that game (and they reached capacity I believe) than were there for St. Patricks Day.

There are a lot of ND fans that give the fanbase an awful name. But that's true of any team really.

What section are you in? My families season tickets are in section 19 row 17 I believe. It sounds like you should be very close to where I sit.

[Juice]

I think you need to reevaluate your life if you allow for your dislike of a football team to translate into ridiculous rape allegations. There is a massive difference between what happened in the Prince Shembo situation and rape. Get it together.

I actually was brought up an ND fan. I also think how they handled that situation can be at best described as awful.

I don't need to get shit together. ND does.

The previous poster made it seem like ND was some righteous university for investigating academic fraud. I think ND is like everyone else when push comes to shove.

[HudsonFest]

I actually was brought up an ND fan. I also think how they handled that situation can be at best described as awful.

I don't need to get shit together. ND does.

The previous poster made it seem like ND was some righteous university for investigating academic fraud. I think ND is like everyone else when push comes to shove.

I agree that ND handled that horribly. No argument from me there. I never said anything about that. I'm specifically talking about your rape accusations. I just think it's reckless to accuse someone of something like rape when that clearly didn't even come close to taking place. People need to be more careful with accusations like that when you're putting it out there for all to see.

[Juice]

I agree that ND handled that horribly. No argument from me there. I never said anything about that. I'm specifically talking about your rape accusations. I just think it's reckless to accuse someone of something like rape when that clearly didn't even come close to taking place. People need to be more careful with accusations like that when you're putting it out there for all to see.

Well no one knows because they mangled the investigation. Also when the girl kills herself because players and students threaten her, then you've got a bit of a situation on your hands. ND did nothing. How Brian Kelly is still employed blows my mind. But they're catholic and the students get good grades for the most part so all is well.

[HudsonFest]

Well no one knows because they mangled the investigation. Also when the girl kills herself because players and students threaten her, then you've got a bit of a situation on your hands. ND did nothing. How Brian Kelly is still employed blows my mind. But they're catholic and the students get good grades for the most part so all is well.

Again, I agree that the Notre Dame police botched the investigation which is a black mark against the university. However, their failure was in not speaking with Shembo. They certainly spoke with Seeburg and her own words describe nothing even remotely resembling rape. So yes, we know exactly what happened yet people still recklessly throw out the word rape because they don't like Notre Dame's football team.

Here's the statement made by the St Joseph County police: http://media.trb.com/media/acrobat/2010-12/272335660-16095122.pdf

[GoMuskies]

Let's not ruin a young man's life by posting the word rape on the Xavier message board. What we say here is important!

[American X]

So if they do vacate the 2012 season....

...Lennay Kekua would spin in her grave.

[OH.X.MI]

Seeing reports on twitter that Braxton Miller injured his shoulder and may miss entire season. I'm no tosu fan, but that would be terrible if true.

[GoMuskies]

Be that as it may, ND has still sold out every game since the early 1970s.


10 days to Rice. You can buy 8 tickets together in Section 35 as of this morning. The Domers better hurry up and buy some tickets if they want to keep that streak alive!

[BBC 08]

Go, got my ticket to the Louisville ND game. Nice deal with Miller Transportation. For $195 you get a ticket to the game and a ride up. My dad and I will both be there.

[GoMuskies]

Go, got my ticket to the Louisville ND game. Nice deal with Miller Transportation. For $195 you get a ticket to the game and a ride up. My dad and I will both be there.

Nice, see you in South Bend!

[Milhouse]

10 days to Rice. You can buy 8 tickets together in Section 35 as of this morning. The Domers better hurry up and buy some tickets if they want to keep that streak alive!

Rice is the only true buy game they'll play this season so its not a shocker that it is not a hot ticket....did you literally call the ticket office just to see how many tickets are left?

[GoMuskies]

Rice is the only true buy game they'll play this season so its not a shocker that it is not a hot ticket....did you literally call the ticket office just to see how many tickets are left?

The guy in my office who got me tickets to the ND/Louisville game through the alumni lottery sent me an ad about ND's Shamrock Series uniforms. It also included a link to purchase tickets to the Rice game, so I clicked through to see what you could get.

I'm not shocked that Rice is not a hot ticket, but that's 40 years of history/tradition down the drain if those remaining seats don't sell.

[Milhouse]

ND does this for tons of games. I nearly guarantee these are tickets returned by Rice, at first ND opens it up to alumni and Faculty/Staff (my mom always gets an email nearly 10-12 days before a game about purchasing extra tickets) and will then open it up to the public.

Believe me there is 0% chance ND doesn't sell out the opener.

[ammtd34]

A friend just game my mom 4 tickets to Stanford. We just need to find 5 more. Another friend's mom works in the Kroc Center and we "tailgate" in that building. It's pretty sweet.

[GoMuskies]

These tickets have been available to the public for over a month. Louisville, Rice and Northwestern are not yet sold out. You may be right that they'll make it, but it will be close.

[Milhouse]

A friend just game my mom 4 tickets to Stanford. We just need to find 5 more. Another friend's mom works in the Kroc Center and we "tailgate" in that building. It's pretty sweet.

Might be able to help you out with 2 more. I'll know soon and keep you posted.

[ammtd34]

These tickets have been available to the public for over a month. Louisville, Rice and Northwestern are not yet sold out. You may be right that they'll make it, but it will be close.

No it won't. The same thing happens every year. We got Temple tickets (returned to ND) a week before the game last year.

[GoMuskies]

No it won't. The same thing happens every year. We got Temple tickets (returned to ND) a week before the game last year.

This has nothing to do with tickets returned by Rice. These are tickets that have been available for the general public to purchase for a month.

[GoMuskies]

8 tickets together still available in Section 41. Step it up Irish fans!

[Milhouse]

I'm glad you're concerned about ND's ticket sales. I assure you that they are not. They're about to get several million dollars pumped into campus this weekend.

[ammtd34]

Might be able to help you out with 2 more. I'll know soon and keep you posted.

I just now saw this. That would be awesome. If you don't have extras, does that mean you'll be there? We can have a beer.

[xubrew]

So, who does everyone like tomorrow?? Georgia State or Abilene Christian??

It's the first official game involving an FBS team!!

-TAMU is good, but I think South Carolina is REALLY good. It's an intriguing game, especially by Week One standards, but I don't see it going down to the wire.

-Eastern Illinois is an up and coming FCS program who has gone from complete crap to being worth a crap. They're a top ten FCS team now. I'm curious to see what they can do against Minnesota.

-Tulane at Tulsa should be an epic pillow fight between two low level AAC teams!!

-Boise at Ole Miss would have been a blowout three or four years ago. It's still likely to be a blowout, just with a different team winning.

-I'm interested to see what Wazzu can do this year. Mike Leach has them going in the right direction. That being said, they need to beat Rutgers at home.

-Nova at Syracuse would be a fantastic game!!......if they were playing basketball. Nova looks like a solid playoff team, so it may actually be a somewhat interesting game.

-Penn State v UCF in Ireland. It's two decent teams. I think UCF will be really good again this year, and may even get back to a major bowl, but for some reason this game doesn't interest me.

-Ohio State may have some trouble with Navy. They certainly did the last time.

-North Dakota State won at Kansas State last year, and blew through the FCS playoffs. I think they'll win at Iowa State this year.

-Welcome to FBS Georgia Southern!! They're good by Sun Belt standards. I don't think they're good enough to win at NC State.

-I don't think West Virginia v Alabama will be a good game at all.

-Rice is good. They're not as good as Notre Dame, but they're good enough to where Notre Dame better not sleepwalk.

-Florida Atlantic at Nebraska is noteworthy only because it was supposed to be brother against brother. That was before Carl Pelini went to a frat party at FAU, smoked a ton of weed, and then had it posted all over facebook. I guess we should blame the whole thing on facebook.

-Clemson at Georgia should be awesome. Both teams are ranked in the top fifteen, I think. I also think both are underrated.

-Bethune Cookman will likely beat Florida International. I only mention it because it's another example of the FCS winning over the FBS.

-Wiscy vs LSU is another big game. I'm for Wisconsin, but I think LSU will win

-Miami FL at Louisville on Monday night is a rematch of....whatever the hell bowl it was they played in last year. Louisville is now coached, again, by Bobby Petrino. The guy is like a big plate of buffalo wings and chili cheese fries. When you first get it, it looks amazing and you can't wait. It even tastes amazing and feels amazing at first. But when you're done, it's often an explosive ending and you end up hating yourself for even thinking about ordering it up. I don't think this will end well for Louisville. With Petrino, it almost never does. He's already feuding with his staff and players. But, at least for the fans, it will be a lot of fun for a little while. They'll hate themselves later, but on Monday, they'll be a happy bunch.

[Milhouse]

I just now saw this. That would be awesome. If you don't have extras, does that mean you'll be there? We can have a beer.

I'm likely out for this game anyway. My parents are waiting to see if relatives want to go, after that they give them to me to put up craigslist/stub hub for them. But I'd much rather sell them at face to another X fan.

[DC Muskie]

-Penn State v UCF in Ireland. It's two decent teams. I think UCF will be really good again this year, and may even get back to a major bowl, but for some reason this game doesn't interest me.

How do you think the people of Ireland feel?

I have no idea why they are playing this game in Ireland.

[xubrew]

How do you think the people of Ireland feel?

I have no idea why they are playing this game in Ireland.

I also do not know why they are playing this in Ireland. Hell, I don't even suspect a reason for playing this in Ireland.

[X-band '01]

I'd imagine it's as close to a bowl experience for Penn State as they'll get until the Sandusky sanctions get lifted.

[Milhouse]

I think we'll see this more and more as a "kickoff game" it allows someone to have a game that starts at 830 a.m.

[GoMuskies]

5:30 am for those of us in Vegas. I'll have to get my UCF -1 action Friday night...or perhaps before I go to bed Saturday morning.

[xubrew]

I'd imagine it's as close to a bowl experience for Penn State as they'll get until the Sandusky sanctions get lifted.

Oh come on now. As close as they'll get to a bowl game?? I mean, the game isn't THAT meaningless or uninteresting.

[ammtd34]

I'm likely out for this game anyway. My parents are waiting to see if relatives want to go, after that they give them to me to put up craigslist/stub hub for them. But I'd much rather sell them at face to another X fan.

Awesome. If they become available, I will definitely buy.

[GIMMFD]

As a WVU fan the Marshall game was an 8 year series in agreement, however we are now scheduling better out of conference, start a series with Tennessee, Virginia Tech, etc. rather than a game where we would kill Marshall, surely Marshall would probably beat us this year but Dana Holgersen went back to recruiting from Florida where we got most of our good players (surely you guys remember Geno Smith) rather than trying to out recruit the Big 12 in Texas, and the hiring of Bradley from Penn State gives us the Pennsylvania recruiting pipeline in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas (see Dravon Henry).

As for the actual season, we start with Alabama, and while we are a 27.5 point underdog I think we will show better than that. Being the underdogs we play a lot better (Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, and Clemson in the Orange Bowl, one of the few teams undefeated in the BCS system), but not only that but the Alabama secondary has a lot of questions with a lot of players graduating and going to the NFL, and they have a brand new coordinator in Lane Kiffin (who doesn't really impress me much) and a new quarterback. Our defense should be much improved going back to the 3-3-5 where 3 star recruits seem to thrive and it's a defense that's different to prepare against than a traditional 3-4 or 4-3. Our running backs are stacked with a Pitt transfer in Rushel Shell, Dreamius Smith had a huge 75 yard touchdown run against Oklahoma and was a good rusher, and a lot of potential in Buie, Garrison, and Smallwood, I would like to see some of the last three as slot receivers where they can make short yard plays in open field if all goes well. I think it's still going to be another 5 win, 4 win season, but we are going to improve in the next couple years and look well again!! All about positivity!

[GoMuskies]

I think Holgersen is going to be fired soon....and WV will be better for it.

[xubrew]

When it comes to discontinued rivalries and/or traditional games, WVU is the champ. Marshall wasn't a traditional game, but it was a rivalry (albeit a very one-sided rivalry). They no longer play Pitt, or Virginia Tech, or Penn State. They are playing Maryland this year, but I don't believe it is a regular game anymore.

How do they not play Pitt?? They should at least play in basketball. I hate that all over college athletics, rivals (either traditional rivals or would be rivals) are opting not to play each other anymore because "they don't need to."

[GoMuskies]

I'm glad you're concerned about ND's ticket sales. I assure you that they are not. They're about to get several million dollars pumped into campus this weekend.

Notre Dame really isn't concerned about the tickets apparently. Despite the fact that there are clearly a pretty good chunk of seats still available about 72 hours prior to game time, ND posted this on its official athletics site:

•Saturday will be the 238th straight sellout at Notre Dame Stadium. Every home game since the final two home games in 1964 for the Irish has been a sellout except one – a 1973 Thanksgiving Day game vs. Air Force. Notre Dame has played in front of sellouts in 286 of its last 287 home games.

Whatever happens this weekend, that's an impressive streak.

[xubrew]

Georgia State kicks off against Abeline Christian tonight. It's the first game involving an FBS team. It is not sold out.

[GIMMFD]

I think Holgersen is going to be fired soon....and WV will be better for it.

If he has a crap year he's going to be let go. I think that if he is let go Bradley should become our head coach, however, I like his offensive mind, he's produced some good college quarterbacks and even though they haven't translated to the pros, his new recruiting stance has us in the top 25 recruiting. I would see out his contract but I'm part of the minority of WVU fans that believes that.


When it comes to discontinued rivalries and/or traditional games, WVU is the champ. Marshall wasn't a traditional game, but it was a rivalry (albeit a very one-sided rivalry). They no longer play Pitt, or Virginia Tech, or Penn State. They are playing Maryland this year, but I don't believe it is a regular game anymore.

How do they not play Pitt?? They should at least play in basketball. I hate that all over college athletics, rivals (either traditional rivals or would be rivals) are opting not to play each other anymore because "they don't need to."

I would love to continue to play Pitt, them beating us in 07 was the most heartbreaking loss I've taken on as a fan, and I think it's always a good series. However people in Morgantown are more hostile towards Pitt (throwing batteries, quarters that hit assistants in basketball, etc.) and the atmosphere is much kinder now without any huge hate rivalries in the Big 12.

[X-band '01]

If a college football playoff is indeed upon us, Atlanta is the Dayton of college football. It looks like a play-in game in front of friends and family.

[xubrew]

That was a fun game to watch. I know that not many people did watch it, but it was entertaining.

[Milhouse]

Notre Dame really isn't concerned about the tickets apparently. Despite the fact that there are clearly a pretty good chunk of seats still available about 72 hours prior to game time, ND posted this on its official athletics site:

•Saturday will be the 238th straight sellout at Notre Dame Stadium. Every home game since the final two home games in 1964 for the Irish has been a sellout except one – a 1973 Thanksgiving Day game vs. Air Force. Notre Dame has played in front of sellouts in 286 of its last 287 home games.

Whatever happens this weekend, that's an impressive streak.

I noticed you're not concerned about Nebraska and Michigan...or were you not checking their website for ticket updates periodically as well?

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11419206/nebraska-cornhuskers-michigan-wolverines-football-tickets-available

[GoMuskies]

If a Nebraska or Michigan fan had come on this board and boasted about how ND always sold out and would surely sell out their opener, and if I had reason to be checking on their ticket site anyway because I was planning to attend a Louisville game there this year...then I also would have been checking on Nebraska and Michigan's sites, yes.

Though, I'm not sure what Michigan and Nebraska have to do with Notre Dame and their ability or inability to sell out a game against Rice in two days. This is what the ticket office is currently offering if you want 8 together:

Shopping Cart



Ticket Purchases
Rice
Event Date: Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Facility: Notre Dame Stadium
All sales on this site are real-time, accessing the same ticket inventory available to those purchasing over the telephone or in person at the Notre Dame Ticket Office.
Price Type Price Level Level Section Row Seat(s) Qty Price Fee(s) Amount
Public Notre Dame Stadium T/R 120 2 4-11 8 70.00 0.00 560.00
Modify Selection Select Delivery Method$0.00 - Will Call

[Muskie]

we've got a pick'em going.

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?28517-XH-College-Football-Pick-em

[Milhouse]

I looked back and I never boasted about how ND was always sold out. Someone said they were amazed that ND doesnt sell out anymore. I simply said that was false. And ND has sold out every single game since the 70s.

Looking back you've now checked ND's tickets available 4 times. Or rather you've posted about it 4 times...I dont know how many times you've checked. All I can say is as an ND fan I am not concerned about it in the least. Yet it seems to be a major concern for you...but to each their own I suppose.

[GoMuskies]

I said it was an impressive streak. And it is. And I'm intrigued by whether it will stay alive. And I'm probably keeping it alive somewhat because it clearly annoys you. Which is a bonus.

Muskie, I'm in. Great idea.

[Milhouse]

Annoyed would be a strong word. I'm just fascinated with how much some people hate ND (or any team really) that they follow certain things even closer than the fanbase. It's a different kind of fandom in its own right I suppose.

[STL_XUfan]

Annoyed would be a strong word. I'm just fascinated with how much some people hate ND (or any team really) that they follow certain things even closer than the fanbase. It's a different kind of fandom in its own right I suppose.

I bet there are several people on this board that know more about Uc and Ud than the casual uc or vd fan. College sports is a hotbed of shit talking, and the key to really good shit talking is knowledge.

[GoMuskies]

Annoyed would be a strong word. I'm just fascinated with how much some people hate ND (or any team really) that they follow certain things even closer than the fanbase. It's a different kind of fandom in its own right I suppose.

Well, you're barking up the wrong tree on that one. I'm no Notre Dame fan, that's for sure, but I don't really hate them either. You don't think it's interesting that ND has sold out every game since '73 but apparently has lots of seats available less than 48 hours prior to their season opener?

[Milhouse]

nah not really, there would be larger reports for this if it was a major concern (such as Michigan, Nebraska). It's a problem for College and NFL in general. As prices rise and the home viewing gets better why pay more? Let's put it this way: I'm more concerned with how the team does than how ticket sales do. An undefeated season with only 4 games selling out will be much more valuable to ND than going 6-6 and selling out every single game.

My parents literally live 1 mile from ND's campus. They have season tickets and they never go to the actual game. They go out and tailgate with their friends, give the tickets to others and go home. My dad is a firm believer that their isn't a better seat than in front of his 65" HD in his climate controlled environment. And its tough to argue with that honestly.

[GoMuskies]

My dad is a firm believer that their isn't a better seat than in front of his 65" HD in his climate controlled environment. And its tough to argue with that honestly.

That's a huge problem for sports in general (other than baseball, I guess, which people tend to like in person and dislike on TV). I don't subscribe to that theory, because I love being there in person. To me, the worst seat in the house is almost always better than watching on the best TV. Clearly more and more people are starting to disagree with me on that.

[HudsonFest]

If a Nebraska or Michigan fan had come on this board and boasted about how ND always sold out and would surely sell out their opener, and if I had reason to be checking on their ticket site anyway because I was planning to attend a Louisville game there this year...then I also would have been checking on Nebraska and Michigan's sites, yes.

Though, I'm not sure what Michigan and Nebraska have to do with Notre Dame and their ability or inability to sell out a game against Rice in two days. This is what the ticket office is currently offering if you want 8 together:

Shopping Cart



Ticket Purchases
Rice
Event Date: Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Facility: Notre Dame Stadium
All sales on this site are real-time, accessing the same ticket inventory available to those purchasing over the telephone or in person at the Notre Dame Ticket Office.
Price Type Price Level Level Section Row Seat(s) Qty Price Fee(s) Amount
Public Notre Dame Stadium T/R 120 2 4-11 8 70.00 0.00 560.00
Modify Selection Select Delivery Method$0.00 - Will Call

I believe that any remaining tickets are returns from Rice. As part of the contract, Rice has to purchase a certain number of tickets. If they don't sell out their allotment they are returned to ND and ND has the opportunity to sell them. Whether ND sells them or not, they are still technically "paid for" by Rice even if they aren't purchased by the general public. ND will just give the extras to a local charity in the next couple days and still be able to call it a sell out.

[xubrew]

I believe that any remaining tickets are returns from Rice. As part of the contract, Rice has to purchase a certain number of tickets. If they don't sell out their allotment they are returned to ND and ND has the opportunity to sell them. Whether ND sells them or not, they are still technically "paid for" by Rice even if they aren't purchased by the general public. ND will just give the extras to a local charity in the next couple days and still be able to call it a sell out.

I don't think this is the case at all. Rice is probably getting well over a million dollars, and whatever tickets they were allotted, I'm certain they didn't have to pay for. No school does that for any sport. If they did, then they'd have a very hard time getting teams to play them.

[Juice]

nah not really, there would be larger reports for this if it was a major concern (such as Michigan, Nebraska). It's a problem for College and NFL in general. As prices rise and the home viewing gets better why pay more? Let's put it this way: I'm more concerned with how the team does than how ticket sales do. An undefeated season with only 4 games selling out will be much more valuable to ND than going 6-6 and selling out every single game.

My parents literally live 1 mile from ND's campus. They have season tickets and they never go to the actual game. They go out and tailgate with their friends, give the tickets to others and go home. My dad is a firm believer that their isn't a better seat than in front of his 65" HD in his climate controlled environment. And its tough to argue with that honestly.

Let's be honest, ND Stadium is an awful place to watch a game. It has no leg room, no video boards, and the TV timeouts are endless.

[Strange Brew]

Let's be honest, ND Stadium is an awful place to watch a game. It has no leg room, no video boards, and the TV timeouts are endless.

I've been to many college and pro stadiums and the experience at ND is far from awful. It was far better than my experience at FedEx in DC. As to the TV TOs, NBC has to realize a return on the contract and as an ND fan, it is a small price to pay to see EVERY TREMENDOUS DISPLAY OF ALL THAT WAS AND EVER SHALL BE COLLEGE FOOTBALL each and every Saturday. GO IRISH!

[GoMuskies]

I see that Vandy is Vandy again.

[Smails]

Johnny Manwho? That was quite a display by TAMU and their new QB last night.

[Milhouse]

Let's be honest, ND Stadium is an awful place to watch a game. It has no leg room, no video boards, and the TV timeouts are endless.

Eh it's not ideal compared to a lot of modern stadiums but still is special and a great experience overall. That said if you've experienced it for 45+ years like my parents it kinda loses its luster.

[nuts4xu]

Go Irish!

Muck Fichigan!

[Milhouse]

ND sold out on Saturday...for anyone keeping count.

[gladdenguy]

go irish!

Muck fichigan!

boooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[xubrew]

The new AP top 25 is out.

North Dakota State got two votes this week despite the fact that they're not in the FBS. They did clobber Iowa State, and would otherwise be deserving of votes, but they're technically not supposed to be getting them.

I seriously wonder if whoever voted for them is doing this to make a point, or if they are literally unaware that North Dakota State is not in the FBS. I'm of the belief that the vast majority of voters are no more (or less) qualified to be voting than everyone else who is reading this post.

[GoMuskies]

NDSU is no less deserving of votes than Clemson. Yikes.

[DC Muskie]

Johnny Manwho? That was quite a display by TAMU and their new QB last night.

I just like to point out that this outcome was so Cleveland. The Browns draft Johnny and "it's oh yeah here we go!" then Johnny replacement goes out and in his first game breaks his record.

A collective "Hmmm." from this Browns fan.

[xubrew]

I'm not a Cleveland fan, or for that matter an NFL fan.

Having said that, I don't see how Kevin Hill having a good game makes Johnny Manziel any less good. I just think that it means Kevin Hill is also very good.

....and like Manziel, he apparently loves to party and drink a lot. So, the tradition continues.

[DC Muskie]

I'm not a Cleveland fan, or for that matter an NFL fan.

Having said that, I don't see how Kevin Hill having a good game makes Johnny Manziel any less good. I just think that it means Kevin Hill is also very good.

....and like Manziel, he apparently loves to party and drink a lot. So, the tradition continues.

I think it means that Kevin Sumlin is a great coach of college quarterbacks and Johnny Football could easily become Case Keenum.

[Masterofreality]

I think it means that Kevin Sumlin is a great coach of college quarterbacks and Johnny Football could easily become Case Keenum.

If Johnny Manzeil can play, he'll play with his "issues" aside. If not, he'll be visiting Mr. Pine.

My only take from the weekend is how the "Little 12" came up small again in a cred establishment game. Wisky took the 4th Quarter pipe against LSU.

Where are all the B1G apologists? Probably hanging on to that big Rutgers win.

[xubrew]

I think it means that Kevin Sumlin is a great coach of college quarterbacks and Johnny Football could easily become Case Keenum.

I actually had to look up how Case Keenum was doing in the NFL. Not good, apparently.

[DC Muskie]

I actually had to look up how Case Keenum was doing in the NFL. Not good, apparently.

So did I, but I knew he existed!

But he was a great college quarterback. Browns fan should be excited.

[DC Muskie]

If Johnny Manzeil can play, he'll play with his "issues" aside. If not, he'll be visiting Mr. Pine.

My only take from the weekend is how the "Little 12" came up small again in a cred establishment game. Wisky took the 4th Quarter pipe against LSU.

Where are all the B1G apologists? Probably hanging on to that big Rutgers win.

HEY! Maryland BLEW OUT JMU!

[xubrew]

The Big Ten, like just about every conference, racked up a 12-2 record largely by playing crap teams at home. Penn State had a notable win. That's about it. At least Wisky went out and played someone. I was more impressed with them, despite the loss, than probably anyone else in the league. Michigan State does go to Oregon this week, though.

What's crazy is that if Wisconsin had played....say....Appalachian State (like Michigan did), they'd have had a great shot at going undefeated this year, and basically being a shoe in for the playoff. Their next really tough opponent may be Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship game.

So, my thought on this is that I really hope the playoff committee stops rewarding that crap. If this were basketball, the committee would look at the LSU loss as not a bad loss, and they'd look at the vast majority of wins by top 25 teams as being entirely meaningless. I also don't think four teams as anywhere close to being enough....but whatever. By then it'll be basketball season, and I'll mostly be caring about that.

[ammtd34]

Ohio State and Notre Dame agree to a home in home... in 2022 and 2023.

[xubrew]

Ohio State and Notre Dame agree to a home in home... in 2022 and 2023.

I wish those two played more often.

Having said that, I find it rather amusing that football series, especially with programs like Notre Dame, are scheduled nearly a decade in advance.

[GoMuskies]

No surprise, but enthusiasm is waning in Boise.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/09/02/3353597/boise-state-has-sold-fewer-than.html?sp=/99/104/

[xubrew]

No surprise, but enthusiasm is waning in Boise.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/09/02/3353597/boise-state-has-sold-fewer-than.html?sp=/99/104/

I'm a little shocked that they haven't even sold 30k tickets for a conference game.

[Milhouse]

I hate the schedules that far in advanced. So annoying...can't even get excited for something like that.

[X-band '01]

Ohio State and Notre Dame agree to a home in home... in 2022 and 2023.

So that's why Notre Dame doesn't have room for Michigan for a little while.

Nice series, but will it have the same buzz as it did for the mid-90s?

[xubrew]

I hate the schedules that far in advanced. So annoying...can't even get excited for something like that.

All of the people who will play in those games are currently twelve years old.

[muskiefan82]

All of the people who will play in those games are currently twelve years old.

I wonder if there is some 7th grader football wunderkind wandering around school today completely stoked because he just found out he has a chance to kick OSU's or ND's A$$ on the gridiron in 2022.

I can just see a middle schooler getting all pumped up about this.

[paulxu]

Well, Geno Auriemma did give Mo'ne a call.

[PMI]

Ohio State and Notre Dame agree to a home in home... in 2022 and 2023.

At least one of them has to lose...

[xubrew]

I hate the schedules that far in advanced. So annoying...can't even get excited for something like that.

It's officially getting out of hand.....

http://www.fbschedules.com/2014/09/lsu-oklahoma-reschedule-football-series-2027-28/

[GoMuskies]

BYU is giving a point to Texas in Austin this weekend? I know BYU smoked the Horns last year, but that seems a bit crazy.

I hope the Cougars win, though.

[PMI]

No need for college football for me tonight as I'll be watching my nationally ranked Gonzaga Eagles take down top 5 Centerville on ESPNU.

[DC Muskie]

No need for college football for me tonight as I'll be watching my nationally ranked Gonzaga Eagles take down top 5 Centerville on ESPNU.

That was a beatdown.

[xubrew]

Michigan State v Oregon is a good game tonight.

Western Kentucky v Illinois has been entertaining.

UCF v Penn State was good last week, if you got up in time to watch it.

Wisky v LSU was good.

And.....yeah. Typical start to the college football season. You can count the number of good the first two weeks on one hand. Abeline Christian v Georgia State was actually pretty good, but I'm not sure that counts.

Oh well. It heats up next week. With basketball, it's the same drill. Everyone likes to ease into it rather than jump into it. I think there are more good basketball games the first ten days of play, but that's because there are three times as many total games. Proportionately, it's probably worse.

[OH.X.MI]

Any one else have Fox blacked out on Direct TV? I think it's the entire Cincinnati area? Such bullshit, if I cant watch the MSU game tonight I am going to lose my mind.

[Strange Brew]

Any one else have Fox blacked out on Direct TV? I think it's the entire Cincinnati area? Such bullshit, if I cant watch the MSU game tonight I am going to lose my mind.

Nope, enjoying all the games on my Hopper!

[Masterofreality]

Any one else have Fox blacked out on Direct TV? I think it's the entire Cincinnati area? Such bullshit, if I cant watch the MSU game tonight I am going to lose my mind.

ATT Uverse is superb.

[xubrew]

Any one else have Fox blacked out on Direct TV? I think it's the entire Cincinnati area? Such bullshit, if I cant watch the MSU game tonight I am going to lose my mind.

Having this problem in Alabama as well. I don't understand the problem with DirecTV and not ATT Uverse, when it's the same damn company!!

[OH.X.MI]

Just went and bought an old fashion TV antenna for $15 at WalMart in order to watch the game. It's insane that a free TV channel like FOX can be held hostage by these companies. The football Gods had better pay off my dedication with a win!

[paulxu]

Impressive dedication.

[xubrew]

Just went and bought an old fashion TV antenna for $15 at WalMart in order to watch the game. It's insane that a free TV channel like FOX can be held hostage by these companies. The football Gods had better pay off my dedication with a win!


Impressive dedication.

So far it's been worth it. Great game!!

[xubrew]

I don't like Ohio State. Having said that, I'm more impressed with Virginia Tech than I am unimpressed with Ohio State so far.

[GoMuskies]

The Big Ten is one awful, awful league.

Oh, and welcome to Austin, Charlie Strong. This week should be pleasant for him.

[OH.X.MI]

The Big Ten is one awful, awful league.

Kills me to admit it, but its true. So incredibly disappointed. Ugh.

[GoMuskies]

Ohio State looks like they might survive. They should run roughshod through their Big Ten schedule even without their QB.

[BBC 08]

Wouldn't be surprised if there is now a QB controversy at Louisville. Bonnafon looked real good tonight.

[OH.X.MI]

Ohio State looks like they might survive. They should run roughshod through their Big Ten schedule even without their QB.

If OSU can win I would expect them to go MSU undefeated.... who knows what will happen there. I do think State is a good team that could win out the rest of the season. But in all honesty, I don't expect a B1G team to make the playoffs.

[GoMuskies]

This Ohio State QB looks awful.

I think there's a pretty good chance Bonnafon starts at Louisville next year. But I think Gardner has a pretty solid lock on it this year. UVA probably won't be easy on the road next week, but if they can get past that it's relatively smooth sailing until Clemson. Hopefully Dyer and Parker can be back for that one. I think they'll need Parker to make a couple of plays to win in Death Valley.

[BENWAR]

R.I.P. Big Ten

[GoMuskies]

Looking at the rest of their schedule, I think BYU is poised to be the team from outside the "power 5" (being generous to the Big Ten) to cause some chaos in the playoff discussions. They'll jump into the top 20 this week in all likelihood, and they don't play anyone the rest of the way that should beat them. They DO have games against Nevada, @ Boise and @ Cal that will be relatively high profile chances for them to state their case, too.

[Masterofreality]

The Big Ten is one awful, awful league.


R.I.P. Big Ten

Yes it is. Nebraska needed miracles to beat McNeese State. Penn State was unimpressive vs Akron. Central Mich and No Illinois beat Little 14 teams, and the "Big 3" all go down in spectacular fashion. Wisky scored all of 2 points in their first half.

The American Conference was impressive too.......NOT.

By the way, O-Ho-Ho State had better beat SucKS, or no one will ever hear the end of it.

[94GRAD]

Yes it is. Nebraska needed miracles to beat McNeese State. Penn State was unimpressive vs Akron. Central Mich and No Illinois beat Little 14 teams, and the "Big 3" all go down in spectacular fashion. Wisky scored all of 2 points in their first half.

The American Conference was impressive too.......NOT.

By the way, O-Ho-Ho State had better beat SucKS, or no one will ever hear the end of it.

I'm torn with this one. OSU fans could be knocked down a peg or two within the state

[Juice]

I'm torn with this one. OSU fans could be knocked down a peg or two within the state

That's a classic "I hope a bomb hits the stadium" game

[xubrew]

I hate Ohio State a lot more than UC.

I'm still kinda bummed that McNeese State couldn't finish off Nebraska. They're a top five FCS team. It would have been a real feelgood win for them.

[DC Muskie]

Question...

Is the selection committee of the playoff set up the same way it is for CBB?

The whole Pat Haden running on the sidelines has people arguing that he shouldn't be on the committee (apparently he is a member) while other people are saying that suggestion is silly.

I thought it was funny that Haden ran all the way down to yell at the officials. I'm not sure what that has to do with being on the selection committee. What am I missing?

[X-band '01]

That's a classic "I hope a bomb hits the stadium" game

It's better to hope lightning strikes the stadium. Bombs aren't nice.

[GoMuskies]

I thought it was funny that Haden ran all the way down to yell at the officials. I'm not sure what that has to do with being on the selection committee. What am I missing?

I could not make that connection, either. Does this somehow make it seem like he is too partisan? I assume that no one with a conflict will be able to discuss their own teams anyway. It's not like we woke up today and ALL OF A SUDDEN realized Pat Haden was going to prefer USC over other teams in the playoff mix.

[Filthy Conservative]

It's better to hope lightning strikes the stadium. Bombs aren't nice.

Lightning strikes are ND's specialty. But at least the Irish know to schedule a real Big 10 power.

Sent from my M886 using Tapatalk 2

[Milhouse]

In all my years (and at a ripe 24 that isn't many....) I dont think I've had a better whole day experience than ND vs. Michigan. Absolute perfect tailgating weather. Pretty much 60s and Sunny the whole day...which if anyone has been to South Bend, IN is a huge rarity. Then to just absolutely smack Michigan out of submission was great. Offense, Defense, Special Teams...it was one of the most complete games I've ever seen ND play. I know Michigan isn't great by any means but ND looked better on Offense than it ever did in 2012 or 2013 easily. Then to come out of the game and see OSU completely blow it was a nice little cherry too.

Cannot wait to go to Indy next weekend.

[xubrew]

Question...

Is the selection committee of the playoff set up the same way it is for CBB?

The whole Pat Haden running on the sidelines has people arguing that he shouldn't be on the committee (apparently he is a member) while other people are saying that suggestion is silly.

I thought it was funny that Haden ran all the way down to yell at the officials. I'm not sure what that has to do with being on the selection committee. What am I missing?

The football committee is not the same setup as far as the number of members and how the voting works, but it's the same basic idea.

....and no, I don't think you're missing anything. It's kind of bad form for an A.D. to lose it and get into it with the refs, but that's really all it is. People have also said that the A.D. has no business even being on the sideline. It's been my experience that A.D.s are on the sideline as much as they're in the "press box" (which, they're not really in the press box either. They're typically in a guest suite or luxury box. The press probably would kick an A.D. out.). They can be on the sidelines if they want to be, and they oftentimes are. Having said that, they typically never get into it with the refs like that.

[ammtd34]

In all my years (and at a ripe 24 that isn't many....) I dont think I've had a better whole day experience than ND vs. Michigan. Absolute perfect tailgating weather. Pretty much 60s and Sunny the whole day...which if anyone has been to South Bend, IN is a huge rarity. Then to just absolutely smack Michigan out of submission was great. Offense, Defense, Special Teams...it was one of the most complete games I've ever seen ND play. I know Michigan isn't great by any means but ND looked better on Offense than it ever did in 2012 or 2013 easily. Then to come out of the game and see OSU completely blow it was a nice little cherry too.

Cannot wait to go to Indy next weekend.

Awesome game to watch. The only downside was that I got a text Friday night that said, "Hey, my mom thought you guys were coming Saturday, not for Stanford. She gave me two extra tickets." The guy that texted me had already given them away. Oh well.

[Milhouse]

That's a bummer man sorry to hear. I checked when I was back and it looks like our tickets are all taken except for UNC in october.

[xubrew]

So, I can't find an article confirming this, but I'm hearing that the NCAA has rescinded all remaining sanctions against Penn State. They waived the $60 million dollar fine, and they lifted the bowl ban, which will allow them to play in a bowl game this year.

Anyone else heard this??

[Xville]

So, I can't find an article confirming this, but I'm hearing that the NCAA has rescinded all remaining sanctions against Penn State. They waived the $60 million dollar fine, and they lifted the bowl ban, which will allow them to play in a bowl game this year.

Anyone else heard this??

Don't know about the 60 million but the rest is true....http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11489258/ncaa-drops-postseason-ban-penn-state-nittany-lions#comments

I am extremely conflicted about this. The previous regime did some horrible things especially by covering up things that happened for what sounded like a couple of decades....However, that previous regime has been punished and should the current pool of players and administrators be punished for something that they did not do?

My answer is I don't know.

[DC Muskie]

I could not make that connection, either. Does this somehow make it seem like he is too partisan? I assume that no one with a conflict will be able to discuss their own teams anyway. It's not like we woke up today and ALL OF A SUDDEN realized Pat Haden was going to prefer USC over other teams in the playoff mix.

This morning on Bert and Ernie, both puppets were shocked that there are AD's on the selection committee. Do they not know about college basketball? They knew that Haden would not be allowed in the room if USC was discussed.

I'm too lazy to look it up, but is this committee set up differently than the one for basketball? It looks the same to me.

[xubrew]

This morning on Bert and Ernie, both puppets were shocked that there are AD's on the selection committee. Do they not know about college basketball? They knew that Haden would not be allowed in the room if USC was discussed.

I'm too lazy to look it up, but is this committee set up differently than the one for basketball? It looks the same to me.

Technically?? Yes.

Practically?? No.

I won't bother everyone with the technicalities because I'm pretty sure people really aren't all that interested. Basically, though, it's the same thing.

[DC Muskie]

Don't know about the 60 million but the rest is true....http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11489258/ncaa-drops-postseason-ban-penn-state-nittany-lions#comments

I am extremely conflicted about this. The previous regime did some horrible things especially by covering up things that happened for what sounded like a couple of decades....However, that previous regime has been punished and should the current pool of players and administrators be punished for something that they did not do?

My answer is I don't know.

I felt the same way, until I read this yesterday:

http://deadspin.com/penn-state-students-celebrate-lifted-sanctions-chant-j-1632254408

Now I hope they reinstate some punishment, because a lot of this had to do with people deifying Paterno which in turn helped the coverup.

[Xville]

I felt the same way, until I read this yesterday:

http://deadspin.com/penn-state-students-celebrate-lifted-sanctions-chant-j-1632254408

Now I hope they reinstate some punishment, because a lot of this had to do with people deifying Paterno which in turn helped the coverup.

Agreed that that was part of the problem. However, I am not going to let a few college students shouting a dead guys name sway me one way or the other.

[DC Muskie]

Agreed that that was part of the problem. However, I am not going to let a few college students shouting a dead guys name sway me one way or the other.

They will grow up and become alumni with the same mindset. Trust me, there are tons of alumni who feel the same way.

[Xville]

They will grow up and become alumni with the same mindset. Trust me, there are tons of alumni who feel the same way.

I'm sure that there are. However, should the current players and coaches suffer because of it? Again, I don't know.

[PMI]

They will grow up and become alumni with the same mindset. Trust me, there are tons of alumni who feel the same way.

There are also tons who don't, including the majority of the many I know. Like any large, passionate fan base, you have your rational and irrational fans.

[DC Muskie]

There are also tons who don't, including the majority of the many I know. Like any large, passionate fan base, you have your rational and irrational fans.

I'm actually really good friends with a person who is related to one of the higher ups who was a part of the old regime. She's cool, but then I have about 12 other Penn State grads who fully support the type of thing that happened last night.

[PMI]

I'm actually really good friends with a person who is related to one of the higher ups who was a part of the old regime. She's cool, but then I have about 12 other Penn State grads who fully support the type of thing that happened last night.

I have a lot of Penn State friends and family and my Facebook feed was littered with comments that basically read "I'm embarrassed over my alma mater." It's such a massive school and fan base that there are bound to be tons and tons of fans on each side of the spectrum. It's not a fan base like, say, the Dallas Cowboys, where they are just 100% people who are awful at being fans. And yes, I check the math on that, and it is 100%.

[DC Muskie]

I have a lot of Penn State friends and family and my Facebook feed was littered with comments that basically read "I'm embarrassed over my alma mater." It's such a massive school and fan base that there are bound to be tons and tons of fans on each side of the spectrum. It's not a fan base like, say, the Dallas Cowboys, where they are just 100% people who are awful at being fans. And yes, I check the math on that, and it is 100%.

I agree. 100% of Cowboy fans suck at humanity.

I also agree with fan bases having idiots. I wish my news feed was the same as yours. Obviously I am associating with idiots.

[PMI]

I agree. 100% of Cowboy fans suck at humanity.

I also agree with fan bases having idiots. I wish my news feed was the same as yours. Obviously I am associating with idiots.

Don't underestimate the idiocy with which I associate myself. I would put it up against any idiocy that anyone has to offer!

[DC Muskie]

Don't underestimate the idiocy with which I associate myself. I would put it up against any idiocy that anyone has to offer!

I was born in Cleveland and grew up in Columbus.

I rest my case your honor.

[PMI]

Well... eh. No further questions your honor.

[GoMuskies]

You both kinda sorta associate with me by being on this board, and I'm a Cowboys fan who voluntarily moved to Wichita. So I think you tie.

[PMI]

You both kinda sorta associate with me by being on this board, and I'm a Cowboys fan who voluntarily moved to Wichita. So I think you tie.

We also both live in DC, which means we associate with a lot of Cowboys fans who couldn't point the large country of Texas out on a map. Perhaps further evidence is needed.

[DC Muskie]

We also both live in DC, which means we associate with a lot of Cowboys fans who couldn't point the large country of Texas out on a map. Perhaps further evidence is needed.

This is of course after explaining what a "map" is.

[Masterofreality]

Don't underestimate the idiocy with which I associate myself. I would put it up against any idiocy that anyone has to offer!


I was born in Cleveland and grew up in Columbus.

I rest my case your honor.

So where does that put me? Born in Louisville, went to High School in Nashville, went to college in Cincinnati, lived 13 years in Atlanta.....

And I'm a Cleveland fan....(but Reds too...and first)

I submit that I'm the King of Idiocy!

And it's good to be The King.

[xubrew]

So, here are this week's games that I'm interested in, and the reason I'm interested in them.

-UCF @ Mizzou is a good match up, although it has no impact whatsoever on the national title race unless Mizzou can win the SEC, or something.

-Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech. GA Southern was a very good FCS team that's trying to cut their teeth. I think they'll do okay once Sun Belt play starts, and they may even make Tech sweat....at least for a half.

-Louisville @ Virginia. I think Louisville may be a sleeper team. They do get Florida State at home, but they also have to go to Clemson.

-Georgia @ South Carolina. Possible title implications....at least for one team.

-Minnesota @ TCU. I only mention this because if the Gophers win on the road, they should go into the Michigan game 4-0, which gives them some reason to hope

-Purdue @ Notre Dame. I wonder if Purdue will lose as bad as Michigan did??

-Tennessee @ Oklahoma. They haven't played great teams, but I think Tennessee has looked like a better team than most people probably thought they were. Utah State and Arkansas State aren't great, but they're not pushovers either. Having said that, Oklahoma will probably run them out of the place, but it'll be interesting to see what the Vols can do.

-UCLA vs Texas. I don't think either of these teams have looked that good.

-Nebraska @ Fresno. Oh....if this game had only been played a year ago. I'll give it to Nebraska. They didn't want to play Boise State back in the day, even in a situation where it was just one game in Lincoln, but aside from that, they do go on the road. They're one of the few power conference football schools that is recognized as a football power (I'm not counting schools like Duke, or IU) that actually do go on the road and play good non power teams (at least occasionally). Having said that, Fresno is nowhere near as good as they were last year.

Other than that, it's another shitty week. I'm hoping one of the side effects of a playoff is that there are more good games early in the year. Under the old system where teams had to win all their games, there was no reason to play any good teams. I really still think four teams isn't enough, but hopefully it's a good start. I know there are a lot of crappy basketball games too, but there are also at least a smattering of good games every week prior to conference play starting.

[JTG]

So, here are this week's games that I'm interested in, and the reason I'm interested in them.

-UCF @ Mizzou is a good match up, although it has no impact whatsoever on the national title race unless Mizzou can win the SEC, or something.

-Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech. GA Southern was a very good FCS team that's trying to cut their teeth. I think they'll do okay once Sun Belt play starts, and they may even make Tech sweat....at least for a half.

-Louisville @ Virginia. I think Louisville may be a sleeper team. They do get Florida State at home, but they also have to go to Clemson.

-Georgia @ South Carolina. Possible title implications....at least for one team.

-Minnesota @ TCU. I only mention this because if the Gophers win on the road, they should go into the Michigan game 4-0, which gives them some reason to hope

-Purdue @ Notre Dame. I wonder if Purdue will lose as bad as Michigan did??

-Tennessee @ Oklahoma. They haven't played great teams, but I think Tennessee has looked like a better team than most people probably thought they were. Utah State and Arkansas State aren't great, but they're not pushovers either. Having said that, Oklahoma will probably run them out of the place, but it'll be interesting to see what the Vols can do.

-UCLA vs Texas. I don't think either of these teams have looked that good.

-Nebraska @ Fresno. Oh....if this game had only been played a year ago. I'll give it to Nebraska. They didn't want to play Boise State back in the day, even in a situation where it was just one game in Lincoln, but aside from that, they do go on the road. They're one of the few power conference football schools that is recognized as a football power (I'm not counting schools like Duke, or IU) that actually do go on the road and play good non power teams (at least occasionally). Having said that, Fresno is nowhere near as good as they were last year.

Other than that, it's another shitty week. I'm hoping one of the side effects of a playoff is that there are more good games early in the year. Under the old system where teams had to win all their games, there was no reason to play any good teams. I really still think four teams isn't enough, but hopefully it's a good start. I know there are a lot of crappy basketball games too, but there are also at least a smattering of good games every week prior to conference play starting.

You have waaaaay too much time on your hands, or else you're a bookie or gambler.

[OH.X.MI]

Purdue @ Notre Dame. I wonder if Purdue will lose as bad as Michigan did??

Seeing as Purdue got crushed by Central Michigan, I'm gonna say the game will be a bloodbath. R.I.P B1G :(

[xubrew]

You have waaaaay too much time on your hands, or else you're a bookie or gambler.

I get that a lot. I must be able to read and type a lot faster than most people. It doesn't take five minutes to type out a post. I'm not a bookie or gambler because I hate losing money too much. I also don't know the first thing about most major sports leagues. I just happen to be somewhat submerged in college sports, that's all. Hey, it's cheaper than a lot of other hobbies that a guy could have....

[Milhouse]

Finally fall weather here and football season is in full gear. Best time of the year if you ask me.

I'm off to Indy tomorrow for what I can only assume will be a complete dressing down of Purdue. I would Love for ND to come play UC and Paul Brown, not sure Kelly would be up for it though.

[xubrew]

Finally fall weather here and football season is in full gear. Best time of the year if you ask me.

I'm off to Indy tomorrow for what I can only assume will be a complete dressing down of Purdue. I would Love for ND to come play UC and Paul Brown, not sure Kelly would be up for it though.

Who knows?? I believe Notre Dame has some room on their 2026 schedule for a game like that.

[muskiefan82]

Who knows?? I believe Notre Dame has some room on their 2026 schedule for a game like that.

That game might also be at Paul Brown after UC has to sell the land where Nippert is to pay off the debt they are creating for a non-Big 5 football team.

[xubrew]

That game might also be at Paul Brown after UC has to sell the land where Nippert is to pay off the debt they are creating for a non-Big 5 football team.

UC may need to shut its school down so they can keep their football team going. You have to cover expenses and cut costs some how.

[JTG]

Purdue has a habit of making their games with ND interesting. BTW there are still plenty of tickets. Strangely this game is not a hot ticket. Most ND fans prefer the trek to South Bend over an "away home game". The city is crawling with tv people, with NBC doing the ND game Sat. and ESPN doing the Colt game Monday night.

[ammtd34]

Purdue has a habit of making their games with ND interesting. BTW there are still plenty of tickets. Strangely this game is not a hot ticket. Most ND fans prefer the trek to South Bend over an "away home game". The city is crawling with tv people, with NBC doing the ND game Sat. and ESPN doing the Colt game Monday night.

Yep. It's weird. ND won by a touchdown last year and a FG the year before.

[GoMuskies]

BTW there are still plenty of tickets.

Given that the game is in Indy, this tells me that Purdue fans are just completely beaten down at this point. Can't say that I blame them.

[xubrew]

Given that the game is in Indy, this tells me that Purdue fans are just completely beaten down at this point. Can't say that I blame them.

Unfortunately for them, it's going to get even worse. Basketball season hasn't even started yet.

[Milhouse]

Yeah I know a ton of Purdue fans going to Indy but electing not to waste their time/money going to the game.

I love ND stadium....that said having seen ND play in several NFL stadiums it is very very nice. The ability to purchase Alcohol, have an actual seat, climate controlled environment, and a jumbotron for replays.

[ammtd34]

Yeah I know a ton of Purdue fans going to Indy but electing not to waste their time/money going to the game.

I love ND stadium....that said having seen ND play in several NFL stadiums it is very very nice. The ability to purchase Alcohol, have an actual seat, climate controlled environment, and a jumbotron for replays.

I will say that I'll take the tradeoff of being able to walk around campus all morning with open beers. But seating. Man.

[JTG]

Yeah I know a ton of Purdue fans going to Indy but electing not to waste their time/money going to the game.

I love ND stadium....that said having seen ND play in several NFL stadiums it is very very nice. The ability to purchase Alcohol, have an actual seat, climate controlled environment, and a jumbotron for replays.

Enjoy the $9 Lucas Oil Stadium beers. I usually drink before I get there for Colt games. Lots of bars near the stadium for your pregame enjoyment.

[SM#24]

Looks like Gunner Kiel may be the greatest player that ever lived.

[GoMuskies]

Looks like Gunner Kiel may be the greatest player that ever lived.

Hopefully he roughs up Ohio State.

[paulxu]

Nice. 3rd game of the year and we're featured on ESPN's home page as a desperation time team with today's Georgia game.
Probably true and after A&M ripped us for a bunch of school records, the Cock's defense is as suspect as a St Louis county official press conference.
Maybe somebody will show up today. Maybe the 'ole ball coach has a switch he's been using.

[GoMuskies]

Wouldn't be surprised if there is now a QB controversy at Louisville. Bonnafon looked real good tonight.

Gardner is horrible, but Bonnafon appears to not be ready yet.

[SM#24]

Hopefully he roughs up Ohio State.

If Ohio St loses to UC, they should just go ahead and drop football and try to join the Big East.

[paulxu]

What happened to Louisville?

Also, can someone please return the missing Gamecock defense. There is a reward.

[GoMuskies]

What happened to Louisville?


The Louisville offense and special teams are complete shit.

[GoMuskies]

A poster named Stonebreaker came onto the Louisville board and took a sort of strange, gratuitous shot at the Cards. I wonder if it was our own Svoboda.

And at least UK lost their 28th straight to Florida tonight. I really couldn't have handled having them break that streak on the same day Louisville had a disappointing loss.

[Strange Brew]

A poster named Stonebreaker came onto the Louisville board and took a sort of strange, gratuitous shot at the Cards. I wonder if it was our own Svoboda.

And at least UK lost their 28th straight to Florida tonight. I really couldn't have handled having them break that streak on the same day Louisville had a disappointing loss.

Don't look now but ND is creeping into the top 10.

[Juice]

Don't look now but ND is creeping into the top 10.

Ehhhh, they'll make a good bowl game and get embarrassed.

[Milhouse]

ND has a great schedule so likely they won't get embarassed in a bowl game. Depending on how they weave through the schedule they'll end up with a near equal opponent.


Had a blast in Indy. Would absolutely love for them to do a Shamrock series in Cincinnati...can't remember the last time ND hung 30 points in 3 straight games to open a season.

[bleedXblue]

ND has a great schedule so likely they won't get embarassed in a bowl game. Depending on how they weave through the schedule they'll end up with a near equal opponent.


Had a blast in Indy. Would absolutely love for them to do a Shamrock series in Cincinnati...can't remember the last time ND hung 30 points in 3 straight games to open a season.

Gholston is pretty good and their defense has some speed and athleticism. Something ND has lacked the last 4-5 years

[ammtd34]

Gholston is pretty good and their defense has some speed and athleticism. Something ND has lacked the last 4-5 years

And they actually have RB depth.

[kyxu]

Gholston is pretty good and their defense has some speed and athleticism. Something ND has lacked the last 4-5 years

Yes, Eric Gholston is a really good quarterback at Notre Dame.

[Smails]

Yes, Eric Gholston is a really good quarterback at Notre Dame.

Agreed that Eric Gholston is much better than Timmy Reese. It's also truly amazing that ND has had 8 defensive players drafted in the last 2 years and played for a NC with no speed or athleticism on that side of the ball. The narrative remains intact!

[kyxu]

Agreed that Eric Gholston is much better than Timmy Reese. It's also truly amazing that ND has had 8 defensive players drafted in the last 2 years and played for a NC with no speed or athleticism on that side of the ball. The narrative remains intact!

Tom Hammond called the game on Saturday night. I know he no longer does regular PBP for ND (Dan Hicks took over that role), but I am confident Tom Hammond does not know the name of ND's starting quarterback.

[Milhouse]

Just saw last time they hung 30 points 3x straight was 1943.

[ammtd34]

Tom Hammond called the game on Saturday night. I know he no longer does regular PBP for ND (Dan Hicks took over that role), but I am confident Tom Hammond does not know the name of ND's starting quarterback.

I wonder if NBC made it a point for Mayock to play devil's advocate for any neutral/non-ND fan watching. He pointed out any negative thing he could about Notre Dame.

[American X]

Currently, in the Associated Press poll, the SEC West alone has 4 of the top 8 teams and 5 of the top 10. Overall, the SEC has 7 of the top 14, and 8 of the top 18.

[GoMuskies]

Texas A&M could hang a hundy on SMU this weekend if they felt like it. That would be kind of fun.

[paulxu]

Currently, in the Associated Press poll, the SEC West alone has 4 of the top 8 teams and 5 of the top 10. Overall, the SEC has 7 of the top 14, and 8 of the top 18.

I know we'd have to win out to face you guys again in Atlanta, and with our suspect defense that is highly unlikely...but I can dream.

[American X]

Prior to 3:30 EST on Saturday, many considered Georgia the #1 team in the land based on their pounding of Clemson. An undefeated Georgia run to the SEC championship may have been better for the conference, but the South Carolina win makes the Texas A&M victory over the Gamecocks look even better.

SEC conference play is going to feature some incredible match-ups week after week. SEC officials had better hope teams can emerge out of each division with just one loss.

[STL_XUfan]

Prior to 3:30 EST on Saturday, many considered Georgia the #1 team in the land based on their pounding of Clemson. An undefeated Georgia run to the SEC championship may have been better for the conference, but the South Carolina win makes the Texas A&M victory over the Gamecocks look even better.

SEC conference play is going to feature some incredible match-ups week after week. SEC officials had better hope teams can emerge out of each division with just one loss.

With the B10 being a flaming bag of dog feces, I just don't see any scenario where the SEC is shut out of the playoff.

[GoMuskies]

With the B10 being a flaming bag of dog feces, I just don't see any scenario where the SEC is shut out of the playoff.

BYU, Oregon, Oklahoma and Florida State

There's a scenario. OK, it's not realistic, but it's a scenario. Texas needed to beat UCLA (and everyone other than OK) for this to have any legs at all, though.

[STL_XUfan]

BYU, Oregon, Oklahoma and Florida State

There's a scenario. OK, it's not realistic, but it's a scenario. Texas needed to beat UCLA (and everyone other than OK) for this to have any legs at all, though.

ok, ok, well I don't see TWO scenarios where the SEC is left out.

I think BYU needs a slip up in the pac12 and b12 to get in. If we are looking at a 2 loss SEC champion v an undefeated BYU I think the committee will have a though time leaving out the sec team (unless those losses came in the form of Vandy and Kentucky).

[xubrew]

I wonder if NBC made it a point for Mayock to play devil's advocate for any neutral/non-ND fan watching. He pointed out any negative thing he could about Notre Dame.

To be fair, I didn't see that much of the game. Having said that, Notre Dame was sweating for over half the game. Against Purdue. There aren't many positive things to say when you're sweating against Purdue in either football or basketball.

[xubrew]

BYU, Oregon, Oklahoma and Florida State

There's a scenario. OK, it's not realistic, but it's a scenario. Texas needed to beat UCLA (and everyone other than OK) for this to have any legs at all, though.

Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oregon and Florida State. No SEC teams. Or at least no teams that should be in the SEC.

[kyxu]

To be fair, I didn't see that much of the game. Having said that, Notre Dame was sweating for over half the game. Against Purdue. There aren't many positive things to say when you're sweating against Purdue in either football or basketball.

On an annual basis, Notre Dame struggles with Purdue. That is nothing new.

[xubrew]

I know that. My point is that the announcer wasn't necessarily playing devil's advocate for the simple sake of playing devil's advocate. He may have been negative toward Notre Dame for the simple fact that they really weren't playing well.

[xubrew]

The Big Ten is worse than I thought, and I didn't think it was that good to begin with.

They're 8-33 in OOC games against other power five teams, and 10-21 in bowl games since 2010. Those are 2011-2013 Pac Twelve basketball type numbers.

[GoMuskies]

It's tough selling tickets these days to college football. Even Notre Dame has to work at it to keep their streak alive. I don't understand why people are less interested in going to games these days. Sure, the TVs are better and you can drink a cheap beer, but there's nothing better than attending live sporting events.

1492

[Xville]

It's tough selling tickets these days to college football. Even Notre Dame has to work at it to keep their streak alive. I don't understand why people are less interested in going to games these days. Sure, the TVs are better and you can drink a cheap beer, but there's nothing better than attending live sporting events.

1492

I agree with this in most instances...baseball is much better to see live, hockey in my opinion is far and away the best sporting event to see live, college basketball and football are at most times great as well. However, live nfl games are in my opinion pretty painful to watch honestly...but that is almost a whole different topic.

Anyways, here is why college football and college basketball games have a tough time selling tickets...I'll just give an example of Notre Dame v.s. Rice (crappy boring opponent)...even with Notre Dame's historic stadium, it's Rice...period, end of story. Why go spend money to see Rice when I can spend about the same amount of money to see Notre Dame play someone that actually matters later in the year? Why spend however much money on beer, food, parking, ticket etc when the game is going to be boring? Why wait in line in a bathroom that smells like someone vomited on the floor and then took a shit and peed all over it? No thanks...I'll watch Notre Dame play for the first five minutes when the game is still in doubt in the comfort of my own home, then after that I'll flip to a game that is actually exciting instead of spending my entire Saturday at a boring non-competitive game.

Now I know what you sent was about Louisville vs Notre Dame, and Louisville is far beyond Rice in terms of competitiveness obviously. However, outside of the competitiveness the same rules apply in that i have to spend however much in parking, however much in food, however much in beer (if the stadium sells it there) and it is still the entire Saturday gone. If I am watching at home, I can watch the four hour game and then be done with it...i can also switch channels to watch other exciting games...I can also do other things before and after the game if I needed or wanted to.

[GoMuskies]

You're right, the NFL does suck live. Too many timeouts that last too long. I'll typically only go to an NFL game when someone gives me a ticket for free. Although I may sneak away to Jerry World for a game later this year.

[Kahns Krazy]

Tickets to everything have gotten pretty expensive. During the recession, which also coincided with the explosion of cheap, hi-def tv's, a lot of people realized that they could enjoy the game from home or a bar at a greater perceived value. I think that is a permanent shift.

[Milhouse]

Xville is right it really is determined a lot by quality of opponent. It can be an expensive day out there. Between Tickets, Food, Tailgating, Parking, and some Merch it isn't uncommon to spend $400 for two people just on game day. Add in Gas and 2 night hotel, it can be pretty expensive.

That said I have zero doubt that they'll sell out. GoMuskies was huming this same tune for the rice game. Louisville will certainly bring more fans and play a much better game than Rice. The only negative would be the November cold. Still debating on if I want to make the trip up for Ville or not myself.

[GoMuskies]

I know your panties get tight when anything that seems negative about ND gets posted, but this isn't really about ND. ND is just the example, because they've NEVER had problems selling tickets, and now even they're having to do some serious marketing to manage to sell out. It's an epidemic in college football, particularly, these days. It's not going to be colder this November than any other the last 30 years, Louisville isn't a less attractive opponent than a number of opponents Notre Dame has played over the last 30 years. It's always been relatively expensive to travel and buy tickets to games. There have been scores of other games on TV every weekend for 20 years now. But it's just recently that ND has had to struggle to sell out. And it's just recently that whole rows of the upper deck were empty for Georgia/GT, and that Nick Saban started complaining about student attendance, and that even Florida started struggling to sell out. I'm wondering if we're losing a whole generation of kids who just aren't that interested in attending sporting events in person. And I don't understand it, because going out to a game is one of my favorite things in the world. I take my boys to probably 6-8 Wichita State baseball games a a year, and I really have no attachment to WSU or Shocker baseball (though my boys are starting to).

[boozehound]

I think Kahns is on the right track here. Tickets are expensive, and the tickets that actually have a good view are REALLY expensive, particulary in larger College stadiums that often seat 100K people. You might be able to get tickets for $65, but at that price you probably aren't going to be able to see much. You are looking at over $100 per ticket for good seats in many instances.

You could buy a pretty good TV for what it would cost to take a family of 4 to a game in many instances.

[GoMuskies]

For the record, I'm much more disappointed in Louisville fans than I am in ND fans for the fact that ND/Louisville game has not yet sold out. I'll be there wearing red, but I expected my fellow Louisville fans to gobble up any available tickets, and that just has not happened. Disappointing.

[xubrew]

I don't know either.

I think going to games, especially if it's basketball or football (or hockey, which I know nothing about) is just as much about the atmosphere as it is about the game. In most cases, especially if it's basketball, if you REALLY want to watch the game and don't care about the atmosphere, you actually get a much better view of it on television. Casual fans can go to a game and have just as much of a blast as the die hard fans, but would probably be kind of bored just watching it on TV.

So....what's different about the atmosphere?? Is anything different?? Is it the price of the ticket that keeps people away?? I don't know if it's even that because student attendance is down at football and basketball games, and most students get in for free.

I don't know. Maybe it's just that not as many people care as much anymore.

[Milhouse]

Believe me I'm not your typical ND fan. Notre Dame has completely sucked my entire life. Just recently have they experienced any sort of resurgence. I grew up in South Bend IN and pretty much resented everything about the culture of self entitled ND fans with 0 relations to the University. It just seems like you target ND/ND fans. But I agree its a problem everywhere and its no surprise honestly with expenses constantly going up. Then with the conference landscape shifting a lot of great games are being lost.

I feel it as an X season ticketholder. I absolutely hate our OOC schedule this year and even more so I hate that I spent $500+ just on those games.

[RealDeal]

Has Kelly killed anyone so far this year? Just curious.

[JTG]

Believe me I'm not your typical ND fan. Notre Dame has completely sucked my entire life. Just recently have they experienced any sort of resurgence. I grew up in South Bend IN and pretty much resented everything about the culture of self entitled ND fans with 0 relations to the University. It just seems like you target ND/ND fans. But I agree its a problem everywhere and its no surprise honestly with expenses constantly going up. Then with the conference landscape shifting a lot of great games are being lost.

I feel it as an X season ticketholder. I absolutely hate our OOC schedule this year and even more so I hate that I spent $500+ just on those games.
I read an article recently that college alumni directors, athl directors, and fund raisers have serious concerns that this generation oc students don't seem inclined to attend on campus football and bball. Their concern is that this generation of students are the donors of the future. If they are not interested now, they won't be interested donors 20 yrs from now.

[paulxu]

I blame Madden for this problem.

[Juice]

I read an article recently that college alumni directors, athl directors, and fund raisers have serious concerns that this generation oc students don't seem inclined to attend on campus football and bball. Their concern is that this generation of students are the donors of the future. If they are not interested now, they won't be interested donors 20 yrs from now.

Sell alcohol in the games. Don't crack down on tailgates before games. Problem solved.

[xubrew]

I read an article recently that college alumni directors, athl directors, and fund raisers have serious concerns that this generation oc students don't seem inclined to attend on campus football and bball. Their concern is that this generation of students are the donors of the future. If they are not interested now, they won't be interested donors 20 yrs from now.

TV ratings are down as well. TV contracts are also very bloated. I've said this before, but I don't think that's going to continue because of low ratings.

We may be at a point to where college athletics has apex-ed, at least as far as revenue goes, and that we're going to see a huge decline in the amount of money generated off of TV and ticket sales.

[X-band '01]

If ratings are down in October and November during crunch time, then I think there would be something to declining ratings. Not too many marquee games take place in September.

[xubrew]

If ratings are down in October and November during crunch time, then I think there would be something to declining ratings. Not too many marquee games take place in September.

I just meant in general for college football and basketball.

[Milhouse]

It really depends on how you look at it.

Ratings are down on broadcast and cable television for sports and especially for television shows.

However, people are consuming more television/content than EVER before. It's just a matter of it being spread out so much its hard to aggregate. For example games streamed on ESPN3 are at an all time high but those aren't counted by nielsen ratings in the slightest. Alumni Groups/People watching at Bars is also a growing trend. Also not counted by Nielsen.

There are now more games available than EVER. 25 years ago there was 3 or 4 football games on the 3 broadcast stations every saturday. Fans would tend to watch those games when they couldn't watch their team. That's not the case now. You can seek out any team and any game and watch that. So viewership as a whole is actually up, it's just for the bigger marquee games not necessarily as high as it used to be...although primetime saturday games still do incredibly well.

I think television contracts may have peaked. But people aren't watching less of their favorite teams. Quite the contrary. They're watching more than ever before, some on their televisions, some in person, some out at a restaurant, some streaming to their tv, some on their computers, some on their phones and tablets.

Ratings will become less important to advertisers, but sponsorships and branding will go up. I don't think it will be a stretch to see advertisements on jerseys in the near future, even at the collegiate level.

[xudash]

It really depends on how you look at it.

Ratings are down on broadcast and cable television for sports and especially for television shows.

However, people are consuming more television/content than EVER before. It's just a matter of it being spread out so much its hard to aggregate. For example games streamed on ESPN3 are at an all time high but those aren't counted by nielsen ratings in the slightest. Alumni Groups/People watching at Bars is also a growing trend. Also not counted by Nielsen.

There are now more games available than EVER. 25 years ago there was 3 or 4 football games on the 3 broadcast stations every saturday. Fans would tend to watch those games when they couldn't watch their team. That's not the case now. You can seek out any team and any game and watch that. So viewership as a whole is actually up, it's just for the bigger marquee games not necessarily as high as it used to be...although primetime saturday games still do incredibly well.

I think television contracts may have peaked. But people aren't watching less of their favorite teams. Quite the contrary. They're watching more than ever before, some on their televisions, some in person, some out at a restaurant, some streaming to their tv, some on their computers, some on their phones and tablets.

Ratings will become less important to advertisers, but sponsorships and branding will go up. I don't think it will be a stretch to see advertisements on jerseys in the near future, even at the collegiate level.

This.

[GoMuskies]

Auburn @ K-State

Thursday holiday in Kansas. Lots of "purple flu" going around today at the office.

[xubrew]

It really depends on how you look at it.

Ratings are down on broadcast and cable television for sports and especially for television shows.

However, people are consuming more television/content than EVER before. It's just a matter of it being spread out so much its hard to aggregate. For example games streamed on ESPN3 are at an all time high but those aren't counted by nielsen ratings in the slightest. Alumni Groups/People watching at Bars is also a growing trend. Also not counted by Nielsen.

There are now more games available than EVER. 25 years ago there was 3 or 4 football games on the 3 broadcast stations every saturday. Fans would tend to watch those games when they couldn't watch their team. That's not the case now. You can seek out any team and any game and watch that. So viewership as a whole is actually up, it's just for the bigger marquee games not necessarily as high as it used to be...although primetime saturday games still do incredibly well.

I think television contracts may have peaked. But people aren't watching less of their favorite teams. Quite the contrary. They're watching more than ever before, some on their televisions, some in person, some out at a restaurant, some streaming to their tv, some on their computers, some on their phones and tablets.

Ratings will become less important to advertisers, but sponsorships and branding will go up. I don't think it will be a stretch to see advertisements on jerseys in the near future, even at the collegiate level.

I think Nielsen actually does count bars and restaurants based on the capacity of the venue. ESPN also counts their streams when they tally up the total number of viewers.

I pretty much agree with all of what you said.

[xudash]

I think Nielsen actually does count bars and restaurants based on the capacity of the venue. ESPN also counts their streams when they tally up the total number of viewers.

I pretty much agree with all of what you said.

Nielsen doesn't count out-of-home activity: http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/numbers-102/, though they're in the process of addressing online viewing.

[Milhouse]

I think Nielsen actually does count bars and restaurants based on the capacity of the venue. ESPN also counts their streams when they tally up the total number of viewers.

I pretty much agree with all of what you said.

Nielsen does not count Bars/Restaurants unless they changed within the last 6 months, which I'm positive they haven't (the diary system has barely changed since the 1950s).

ESPN does count their streams but they also show different exclusive content on them. So they don't really count that towards total TV viewers. I'm sure Foxsports, NBCSports, and Big 10 Network are all the same when it comes to streaming since its largely a brave new world. There are also a ton regulations where they can't just simucast the stream and thats why commercials are different (or in some cases non existent).

The popularity of sports is at an all time high, the landscape of it is shifting and changing so frequently its incredibly hard to quantify.

[GoMuskies]

Can K State take away their kicker ' s scholarship mid-season? If so, they should.

[xubrew]

They can amputate his foot, but they cannot take his scholarship.

[paulxu]

This should be fun with Winston out. I hope they beat Clempson anyway.

[GoMuskies]

They'll only beat Clem(p)son by 4 TDs this year.

[GoMuskies]

The ACC is having the kind of week the Big Howevermany had 2 weeks ago.

[paulxu]

Kenny Football.

[xudash]

I didn't realize that Michigan State had a basketball game today.

[GoMuskies]

Serious Clempson choke job.

[xubrew]

New rankings are out. East Carolina checks in at #23 in the AP poll and #24 in the coach's poll. Going strictly off of merit, they should definitely be higher. They won at Virginia Tech and blew out North Carolina, and their only loss was at South Carolina in a game that they were in for most of it. UNC and VA Tech aren't in the rankings, but that's because ECU blew them to oblivion. They had been in the rankings prior to that.

They have two pretty good wins and the one loss doesn't come close to being a bad loss. Yet, they're behind USC, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisky, Stanford, Arizona State, Ole Miss (who did beat Boise, who is kind of good I guess), Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Baylor, all of whom have done virtually nothing.

[Milhouse]

As we see every single year rankings at this point in the season are again largely due to pre-season rankings still playing a factor. I don't believe Alabama is a top 3 team, but with being pre-season ranked they won't drop unless they lose or someone close in the rankings has a huge win.

Gunner Kiel not as impressive this weekend against the worst team in FBS...can't wait to see the OSU UC game next weekend.

[GoMuskies]

That OSU/UC game will definitely be interesting. VaTech has sort of fallen apart since beating the Buckeyes, so UC will be a good test of whether OSU is really that bad or if the VaTech game was just a bad performance. I definitely expected more out of UC against Miami over the weekend, though. Perhaps they got caught looking ahead? HUGE opportunity for UC.