College Football Playoff

[BTF]

3 hours ago, temptation said:

Putrid weekend of games.  Maybe 4 was enough?

Probably. That's easy for an Irish fan to say, being that ND would have been part of that field this season. It's fun watching several games that matter though. Players don't opt out of the playoffs. That being said, I guess I'll take 12 over 4. 

[temptation]

The mega conferences allow teams to avoid many of the heavy hitters in their conference which inflates their record.
 

Also, I love the environments and those home stadiums, but we need a less subjective process in order to determine seeding.

College football home field advantage is like no other and is almost worth 10 points in my opinion. Vegas always gives the hometown three but it’s way more than that in college football. 
 

Can’t believe two teams that received a bye this weekend are double digit underdogs next week.

Edited December 22, 2024 by temptation

[Bobref]

19 minutes ago, temptation said:

Can’t believe two teams that received a bye this weekend are double digit underdogs next week.

If there were anything that screams for a tweak in the format next year, it’s this.

So, what’s more important: the ability to host a game, or the week off that the first round bye brings?

Edited December 22, 2024 by Bobref

[temptation]

I’d also like to point out that OSU getting butt hurt about flag planting yet taunting the opposing team during the pre game warm ups when all they were trying to do is get into the locker room is rich…

Not to mention lighting cigars on the sideline and playing Rocky Top as the clock winds down…

I’d ask them to ask like they’ve been there before but I just remembered…they haven’t.

Not as much fun when the monkey has the gun I guess.

Michigan was mentioned 27 times during that game last night…

Edited December 22, 2024 by temptation

[Sparty]

14 minutes ago, Bobref said:

If there were anything that screams for a tweak in the format next year, it’s this.

So, what’s more important: the ability to host a game, or the week off that the first round bye brings?

Host

[temptation]

3 minutes ago, Sparty said:

Host

Agree unless you have a major injury.

[BTF]

1 hour ago, temptation said:

Not to mention lighting cigars on the sideline and playing Rocky Top as the clock winds down…

Where do you draw the line though? I like doing away with the flag planting though. That can be really dangerous when you have a bunch of guys who are 6'2", 240 lbs rumbling in the middle of the field and putting bystanders with no equipment in the middle trying to break up the fight. I remember when Michigan State did that to Notre Dame, I thought it was the ultimate in disrespect. And kind of funny at the same time, watching MSU's desperation in trying to create a rivalry with the Irish. 

The worse though is in high school when your team loses and you're already feeling dejected, only to walk away at the sound of "nah nah nah, nah, hey hey hey, goodbye." Damn, that sucks. 

[Sparty]

17 minutes ago, BTF said:

Where do you draw the line though? I like doing away with the flag planting though. That can be really dangerous when you have a bunch of guys who are 6'2", 240 lbs rumbling in the middle of the field and putting bystanders with no equipment in the middle trying to break up the fight. I remember when Michigan State did that to Notre Dame, I thought it was the ultimate in disrespect. And kind of funny at the same time, watching MSU's desperation in trying to create a rivalry with the Irish. 

The worse though is in high school when your team loses and you're already feeling dejected, only to walk away at the sound of "nah nah nah, nah, hey hey hey, goodbye." Damn, that sucks. 

How about coaches and universities control their own players?

[BTF]

4 minutes ago, Sparty said:

How about coaches and universities control their own players?

Well yeah, that's kind of a given I think. Of course some coaches are better at it than others. Fine the coach for the actions of their players. They'll need a set of rules to go by though. Start with no flag planting? I think it gets pretty complicated. Nowhere in the rule book will you find "no cigar lighting" (did the players actually do that?) and playing the other team's music. I'm good with "no flag planting" for now. Hit the head coach with a $100,000 fine and suspend the player who did it for three games. That should get the message across. 

[Sparty]

9 minutes ago, BTF said:

Well yeah, that's kind of a given I think. Of course some coaches are better at it than others. Fine the coach for the actions of their players. They'll need a set of rules to go by though. Start with no flag planting? I think it gets pretty complicated. Nowhere in the rule book will you find "no cigar lighting" (did the players actually do that?) and playing the other team's music. I'm good with "no flag planting" for now. Hit the head coach with a $100,000 fine and suspend the player who did it for three games. That should get the message across. 

How about coaches don’t allow this behavior?  Cut the kids loose.  

[BTF]

8 minutes ago, Sparty said:

How about coaches don’t allow this behavior?  Cut the kids loose.  

Agree, it just depends on the coach. Some coaches put the integrity of their program over that of state titles, some don't.  I think there's a little more pressure on the college coaches whose victories are an important piece of the puzzle when retaining their multi million dollar lifestyle. 

[temptation]

22 minutes ago, BTF said:

Well yeah, that's kind of a given I think. Of course some coaches are better at it than others. Fine the coach for the actions of their players. They'll need a set of rules to go by though. Start with no flag planting? I think it gets pretty complicated. Nowhere in the rule book will you find "no cigar lighting" (did the players actually do that?) and playing the other team's music. I'm good with "no flag planting" for now. Hit the head coach with a $100,000 fine and suspend the player who did it for three games. That should get the message across. 

Ok so let’s start with the term “flag planting” itself.  I’d venture to say that 90+% of college football fields use field turf in this day and age so nothing is actually being “planted.”  Maybe we need a new term.

It is an emotional game and I do not think my program is above reproach but I think celebrating with your teammates, band, fans after the postgame handshake is the way to go.  If you wanna do a “flag plant” or some sort of photo at the 50 yard line, you do so once the other team has left the field and is in the locker room.

The closest analogy I can come up with is the cutting of the nets after a conference title win or NCAA tournament win in basketball.  Shake hands, cheer with your fans and then bring the ladders out once the other team has left the floor.

Court storming in college basketball is no different and is actually much more dangerous if you ask me.

Being gracious in defeat is only one part of the equation as winning with class also has to mean something.  We are so quick to not only win, but rub our opponents’ faces in it and embarrass them. It’s kinda sad honestly.

Not saying you can’t show emotion but it I have to watch another WR celebrate a first down when they are down 21 points, I may vomit.

 

[BTF]

28 minutes ago, temptation said:

Being gracious in defeat is only one part of the equation as winning with class also has to mean something.  We are so quick to not only win, but rub our opponents’ faces in it and embarrass them. It’s kinda sad honestly.

Not saying you can’t show emotion but it I have to watch another WR celebrate a first down when they are down 21 points, I may vomit.

 

Agree on all accounts. Hell, you even have defenders celebrating after giving up 5-8 yards on a 1st down play. Pretty comical if you ask me. Sure, you made the tackle. But you're team just gave up 8 yards you idiot. 

As a youth in sports, I was the cockiest person the field. That was fun to me, think Larry Bird on steroids. But I was gracious in victory, consoling the other player, and certainly gracious in defeat..........shaking their hand and telling them "job well done." I've never been a believer in beating someone down after they've already been beaten.

Now that being said, I get that some rilvaries are off the charts and emotions get in the way. It's hard to pass judgement on the Michigan kid in a situation like that, although I'd never do something like that myself. If there's going to be a change, it has to come from the very top, and I'm not talking about head coaches. I think we know that 1/3 of coaches wouldn't allow it on thier team, 1/3 are oblivious and will take action after it happens, and 1/3 probably just don't care. 

[Bobref]

1 hour ago, temptation said:

Maybe we need a new term.

How about “marking their territory?” 😂🤣

[PHJIrish]

I enjoyed both night games.  One is of course I'm a Notre Dame fan, and the other because the SEC lovers can eat whatever.  I can't wait to hear Finebaum's excuse for the Vols!  IU gave tOSU a much better game than the Volunteers!

[BTF]

1 minute ago, PHJIrish said:

I enjoyed both night games.  One is of course I'm a Notre Dame fan, and the other because the SEC lovers can eat whatever.  I can't wait to hear Finebaum's excuse for the Vols!  IU gave tOSU a much better game than the Volunteers!

Well said!

[Sparty]

2 hours ago, temptation said:

Ok so let’s start with the term “flag planting” itself.  I’d venture to say that 90+% of college football fields use field turf in this day and age so nothing is actually being “planted.”  Maybe we need a new term.

It is an emotional game and I do not think my program is above reproach but I think celebrating with your teammates, band, fans after the postgame handshake is the way to go.  If you wanna do a “flag plant” or some sort of photo at the 50 yard line, you do so once the other team has left the field and is in the locker room.

The closest analogy I can come up with is the cutting of the nets after a conference title win or NCAA tournament win in basketball.  Shake hands, cheer with your fans and then bring the ladders out once the other team has left the floor.

Court storming in college basketball is no different and is actually much more dangerous if you ask me.

Being gracious in defeat is only one part of the equation as winning with class also has to mean something.  We are so quick to not only win, but rub our opponents’ faces in it and embarrass them. It’s kinda sad honestly.

Not saying you can’t show emotion but it I have to watch another WR celebrate a first down when they are down 21 points, I may vomit.

 

The “emotional” game take by all is lame.  Control your emotions.  

[temptation]

6 minutes ago, Sparty said:

The “emotional” game take by all is lame.  Control your emotions.  

Easier said than done.  When you pour 365 days a year into something, it’s hard, especially for 18-22 year old young men.

[Irishman]

I have been saying 8 teams is enough for years now. What I find funny is that the SEC fans will bitch no matter what. Your commissioner was a driving force creating this current format. Guarantee he discussed a number of scenarios playing out before he approved this thinking there was no way his conference does not come out ahead. I also guarantee NONE of those conversations had Bama goin 8-3 😄 
I have not been on much having family in town this weekend. How about the ACC flopping? People want to complain about IU, but the best 2 teams in the ACC get smoked in round 1.....lol 

One thing that is difficult to do is an honest comparison of conferences. Is the SEC SOOOOO superior that they should have had Alabama and Ole' Miss in???? Maybe 10 years ago, I could say the conference was that good. I am not going to say that now, and I felt that even before Tennessee lost. The current conference set up does not leave any room for top teams from each conference to play each other to get a better picture. 
We will see a 16 team playoff even though 10-12 of the teams have no prayer at winning a title. We will see it seeded 1-16 instead of guaranteed top bids for conference champions. 

Regardless of any changes, one fact will remain, fans of SEC teams will bitch. I think it's funny that the bowl games include 3 ranked SEC teams will play 3 unranked B1G teams, and those same SEC fans will use those games as some kind of proof of something lol. 

[BTF]

17 minutes ago, Irishman said:

I have been saying 8 teams is enough for years now. What I find funny is that the SEC fans will bitch no matter what. Your commissioner was a driving force creating this current format. Guarantee he discussed a number of scenarios playing out before he approved this thinking there was no way his conference does not come out ahead. I also guarantee NONE of those conversations had Bama goin 8-3 😄 
I have not been on much having family in town this weekend. How about the ACC flopping? People want to complain about IU, but the best 2 teams in the ACC get smoked in round 1.....lol 

One thing that is difficult to do is an honest comparison of conferences. Is the SEC SOOOOO superior that they should have had Alabama and Ole' Miss in???? Maybe 10 years ago, I could say the conference was that good. I am not going to say that now, and I felt that even before Tennessee lost. The current conference set up does not leave any room for top teams from each conference to play each other to get a better picture. 
We will see a 16 team playoff even though 10-12 of the teams have no prayer at winning a title. We will see it seeded 1-16 instead of guaranteed top bids for conference champions. 

Regardless of any changes, one fact will remain, fans of SEC teams will bitch. I think it's funny that the bowl games include 3 ranked SEC teams will play 3 unranked B1G teams, and those same SEC fans will use those games as some kind of proof of something lol. 

Alabama lost to Vanderbilt and got smoked by Oklahoma. Why should anyone trust that they could be IU?

[temptation]

9 minutes ago, BTF said:

Alabama lost to Vanderbilt and got smoked by Oklahoma. Why should anyone trust that they could be IU?

Counterpoint:  Bama has been the premier program in America for quite some time now.

They are everyone’s big game and will always get everyone’s best shot.  Everyone circles the Bama game the day the schedule is released.

IU?  Eh…

Edited December 22, 2024 by temptation

[BTF]

6 minutes ago, temptation said:

Counterpoint:  Bama has been the premier program in America for quite some time now.

They are everyone’s big game and will always get everyone’s best shot.  Everyone circles the Bama game the day the schedule is released.

IU?  Eh…

What have you done for me lately? New year, new coach. This isn't a Nick Saban led Alabama team. IU earned their way in over Alabama. Fail three times, twice against non-ranked opponants, you don't deserve to be in. What kind of precedent would be sent if they allowed Bama in?

[Sparty]

55 minutes ago, temptation said:

Easier said than done.  When you pour 365 days a year into something, it’s hard, especially for 18-22 year old young men.

No it’s not.  They are allowed and promoted to act like that.  

39 minutes ago, Irishman said:

I have been saying 8 teams is enough for years now. What I find funny is that the SEC fans will bitch no matter what. Your commissioner was a driving force creating this current format. Guarantee he discussed a number of scenarios playing out before he approved this thinking there was no way his conference does not come out ahead. I also guarantee NONE of those conversations had Bama goin 8-3 😄 
I have not been on much having family in town this weekend. How about the ACC flopping? People want to complain about IU, but the best 2 teams in the ACC get smoked in round 1.....lol 

One thing that is difficult to do is an honest comparison of conferences. Is the SEC SOOOOO superior that they should have had Alabama and Ole' Miss in???? Maybe 10 years ago, I could say the conference was that good. I am not going to say that now, and I felt that even before Tennessee lost. The current conference set up does not leave any room for top teams from each conference to play each other to get a better picture. 
We will see a 16 team playoff even though 10-12 of the teams have no prayer at winning a title. We will see it seeded 1-16 instead of guaranteed top bids for conference champions. 

Regardless of any changes, one fact will remain, fans of SEC teams will bitch. I think it's funny that the bowl games include 3 ranked SEC teams will play 3 unranked B1G teams, and those same SEC fans will use those games as some kind of proof of something lol. 

8 won’t be it.  Or ever be it.  

[Irishman]

2 minutes ago, Sparty said:

No it’s not.  They are allowed and promoted to act like that.  

8 won’t be it.  Or ever be it.  

I am aware. Just stated that the opinion that it should be is all. Even later in the post, I said it would expand to 16. 

[Sparty]

Just now, Irishman said:

I am aware. Just stated that the opinion that it should be is all. Even later in the post, I said it would expand to 16. 

Fine and all.  But to say 8 is not taking in the real reason they expanded from 4.  8 doesn’t do anything.