2009 Season has Begun

[phule]

Go Boise!

[phule]

Did anyone else see Blount's punch? Wow. Dumb move.

[arod2105]

Yup, was a stupid move on his part that may have cost him a lot. He is a senior and was pretty talented. He hurt his team and possibly a career in the NFL. Think before you react, and always never let your emotions get the best of you.

[phule]

Week 1 Rankings:

AP Top 25

1Florida (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=57) (56)1-01493
2Texas (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=251) (2)1-01424
3USC (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=30)1-01355
4Alabama (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=333) (2)1-01331
5Oklahoma State (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=197)1-01201
6Mississippi (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=145)1-01095
7Penn State (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=213)1-01082
8Ohio State (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=194)1-0985
9Brigham Young (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=252)1-0984
10California (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=25)1-0971
11LSU (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=99)1-0890
12Boise State (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=68)1-0882
13Oklahoma (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=201)0-1782
14Virginia Tech (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=259)0-1652
15Georgia Tech (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=59)1-0630
16TCU (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2628)0-0523
17Utah (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=254)1-0404
18Notre Dame (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=87)1-0383
19North Carolina (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=153)1-0338
20Miami (FL) (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2390)1-0315
21Georgia (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=61)0-1294
22Nebraska (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=158)1-0266
23Cincinnati (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2132)1-0248
24Kansas (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=2305)1-0196
25Missouri (http://espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=142)1-0126

[phule]

I'm rather surprised that Florida St. dropped all the way off. Maybe it's because they couldn't get it done at the end, despite so many chances.

[thagamesova]

I'm a Florida State fan and I have to say that I was really disappointed with the ending to the Miami game. A lot of people made a big deal about only beating Jacksonville State by 10 last week, but considering they only had 2 real practices to prepare, I don't think it's too much to be concerned with. Hopefully they beat BYU this weekend.

[thagamesova]

Well, FSU smacked around BYU pretty good. Glad it will end the talk of them potentially being in contention for the National Championship. Hopefully we continue this momentum.

[thagamesova]

Who does everybody think will win it all this year?

[thagamesova]

As a FSU fan, I'll settle for just about anybody besides Florida. Think Texas has a good shot.

[MrVette83]

Who does everybody think will win it all this year?


I'm not a Florida fan but must say they look tough. I honestly expected many many more points out of them Saturday against Tennessee. They've got all 11 guys from last years championship on defense again this year. They did lose a few key pass catchers but Tebow is making up for that with his running game. They only have 4 away games all year long (5 if you count the Cocktail Party) and the toughest of them is a trip to LSU under the lights. I think if they can leave Baton Rouge with a win and stay healthy the remainder of the season whoever they face in the SEC Championship(Bama, Ole Miss, LSU?) will be thier next toughest game all season. But again, Ole Miss snuck up on them last year and beat them. They also will be facing a tougher opponent in Florida State than they've seen the last few years for the last game of the season.

This is why I love college football, your whole season can hinge on one game. Look at Oklahoma after the loss to BYU. They'll have to get some luck for a Texas, Florida, Alabama loss to get back in the discussion for a chance at the title game.

[thagamesova]

I completely agree with you. I think Florida's D is the best in the country. But the SEC can provide plenty of trap games due to how good the conference is from top to bottom. Like you said, LSU and Georgia will probably provide the two biggest threats to knock them off in the regular season. But I don't think Georgia has the defense to beat them. FSU will provide a little more of a challenge this year, but I don't think they're good enough yet to win the game. It will likely come down to the SEC Championship game. Bama has looked good this year and I think they could possibly beat Florida.

As you said, it usually all comes down to one game. I think Texas has a great shot to go to the National Championship, granted they beat Oklahoma. Cal is another sleeper that could get in if they get past USC. It will be interesting to watch.

[MrVette83]

I completely agree with you. I think Florida's D is the best in the country. But the SEC can provide plenty of trap games due to how good the conference is from top to bottom. Like you said, LSU and Georgia will probably provide the two biggest threats to knock them off in the regular season. But I don't think Georgia has the defense to beat them. FSU will provide a little more of a challenge this year, but I don't think they're good enough yet to win the game. It will likely come down to the SEC Championship game. Bama has looked good this year and I think they could possibly beat Florida.

As you said, it usually all comes down to one game. I think Texas has a great shot to go to the National Championship, granted they beat Oklahoma. Cal is another sleeper that could get in if they get past USC. It will be interesting to watch.

Yes, if Texas keeps their guard up against Oklahoma and the rest of the Big 12 I look for them to play in the title game.

I must say though I'm not a big fan of any of these schools I am glad to see teams like FSU, Miami and Nebraska inching their way back to relevancy. Now if only my childhood favorite Tennessee could get back to their 90s form it'd be great. I give Kiffin a year or two before this happens though.

[ed92]

florida is fast at every position. even good big teams struggle against that, since even if an opponent breaks a big play, there's always a fast enough guy on florida to hold them to 5-10 yard gains.

[thagamesova]

Yes, if Texas keeps their guard up against Oklahoma and the rest of the Big 12 I look for them to play in the title game.

I must say though I'm not a big fan of any of these schools I am glad to see teams like FSU, Miami and Nebraska inching their way back to relevancy. Now if only my childhood favorite Tennessee could get back to their 90s form it'd be great. I give Kiffin a year or two before this happens though.

I don't know, I think Oklahoma has a shot, but a lot has to fall in their favor. However, it's always better to lose early in the year if you're going to lose.

I agree, it's nice to see teams coming back to their old form. Miami's always had talent, but now that actually have competent co-ordinators to coach the talent. I think Tennessee is a year or two away as well. They brought in a great class last year and have a great one lined up this year as well. Hopefully they can get better quick to help knock the Gators off.

[thagamesova]

florida is fast at every position. even good big teams struggle against that, since even if an opponent breaks a big play, there's always a fast enough guy on florida to hold them to 5-10 yard gains.

That's true, Florida has incredible team speed. But it only takes one off day to fall. We'll see, but they definitely have to be considered the favorites right now.

[MrVette83]

The biggest thing that hurt UT this weekend against U of F is Crompton. I can't stand him at all. He's a 5th year senior and plays about like a freshman. He's jittery, isn't very accurate, and makes many bad decisions. If they could get a QB to go with the other players they've got they'd be good now, not great or top 15 material, but good.

Florida proved last year that if you're gonna lose, lose early. Heck even LSU has won the title in the BCS format with two losses. So it IS possible. You just need all the cards to fall in your favor now. I still feel the title game last year should have been between Texas and Florida. Texas was a last second pass away from an undefeated regular season. That one pass and the Big 12's tie break system relegated them to a lesser BCS game. Yet they dominated Oklahoma in a head to head match up.

[thagamesova]

I completely agree, Texas got screwed last year. I hate the Big 12's system. They should just let the 2 best teams play for the Conference Championship. Same for every Conference including the ACC and SEC. The two best teams should play for the Championship regardless of division.

I agree on Crompton. If they had a decent QB, they could be really good this year. They recruited a guy named Tyler Bray who some say has looked really good. He won't come in until next season, but he could answer some of their problems in the near future.

[thagamesova]

Do you think all conferences should have Championship Games, none should have them, or it should be left as is? I say that all should have them if they are going to have them at all.

[MrVette83]

I think concerning conference championships it makes sense for some conferences and not for others. The Big East has 8 teams in college football. I'm not sure if they have separate divisions within their conference but it seems with 8 they would not because they basically have a chance for all teams to play one another every season. Where as the other BCS conferences have 10-12 teams. This allows them to determine an overall champion be representation of the best two schools from each division since with 10-12 teams you're not able to play every team in your conference every year.

I think I just rambled a bit and did not answer the question. I say leave it as it is. I'm not a huge proponent of the BCS system but realize it is currently the most feasible option to determine eligible teams for the National Championship.

[thagamesova]

I agree about the Big East, as they don't seem to have as many members. I guess I should have asked if you thought the Pac 10 or Big Ten should have title games?

I know what you mean about how they usually take the leaders of both divisions, since you usually can't play everyone in the opposing division. For example, the Big 12 is split into the North and South. However, since Nebraska's demise, there hasn't really been too many deserving teams representing the North. Now Kansas and Missouri have been good in recent years, but were they more deserving than a 1 loss Texas, Oklahoma, or Texas Tech team? That's debatable. I say put the top 2 teams against each other whether they are in the same division or not. I do think it's unfair that the Pac 10 and Big Ten do not have to endure a conference championship game like the other big conferences also. Just my take.

[thagamesova]

Forgot to ask, what about a playoff system? Do you think it would be more effective in finding out who the true best team is? So many years it seems like there are about 6 or 7 one loss teams that could be considered, and one team gets left out. Just like you brought up Oklahoma and Texas from last year. Also, Auburn a few years ago and USC in the last couple of years.

I think an 8 team playoff could end a lot of mystery as to who the best team truly is.

[MrVette83]

You brought up a point I forgot concerning the Bic/Pac-10. I had forgotten that they actually do not play a title game.

I also see what you mean regarding the top 2 teams from a given conference. Was it Missouri that Oklahoma played last year while Texas sat at home? I say to decide the true victor of the entire conference that you're right, the top two teams should play, regardless of division. In the SEC over the past few years that has worked out to be the top team from the East and West. That is why you always see one team from each division high in the BCS standings until the conference championship(right now the AP top 4 teams have 1 SEC East and 2 SEC West teams, this will change once Bama and Ole Miss play. You could also add #7 LSU to that as well). People who knock on the strength of the SEC and say that it is inferior to all other conferences must realize that the reason we have many teams ranked high to start the season then less at the end is that we beat each other to death(Not to discredit at all the toughness of the Big 12). In the end though, I don't see it happening this way due to the fact that for example the Big 12 North is much weaker than the South, the North will contend to the sanctioning bodies that this would be an unfair system due to the fact that the North would lose some national notoriaty(read $$$) come November.

[MrVette83]

Oh, and a playoff system I think is a great idea. But the period of time allotted to do that in would not be feasible. The attrition would make whoever the final 2 teams are so weak that the game would not be as enjoyable to play/watch.

[thagamesova]

You brought up a point I forgot concerning the Bic/Pac-10. I had forgotten that they actually do not play a title game.

I also see what you mean regarding the top 2 teams from a given conference. Was it Missouri that Oklahoma played last year while Texas sat at home? I say to decide the true victor of the entire conference that you're right, the top two teams should play, regardless of division. In the SEC over the past few years that has worked out to be the top team from the East and West. That is why you always see one team from each division high in the BCS standings until the conference championship(right now the AP top 4 teams have 1 SEC East and 2 SEC West teams, this will change once Bama and Ole Miss play. You could also add #7 LSU to that as well). People who knock on the strength of the SEC and say that it is inferior to all other conferences must realize that the reason we have many teams ranked high to start the season then less at the end is that we beat each other to death(Not to discredit at all the toughness of the Big 12). In the end though, I don't see it happening this way due to the fact that for example the Big 12 North is much weaker than the South, the North will contend to the sanctioning bodies that this would be an unfair system due to the fact that the North would lose some national notoriaty(read $$$) come November.

I know what you mean about how people would argue, but nonetheless you would be matching up the two best teams in the conference. I think it would be the best scenario. Some would argue, if Texas beat Oklahoma in the regular season and Oklahoma ended up as the #2 Big 12 team at the end of the season, why should Texas have to beat them again? But I still believe that if you are going to have a Conference Championship, the two best teams should play.

I also agree on your points about the SEC. Tough conference from top to bottom usually.

[thagamesova]

Oh, and a playoff system I think is a great idea. But the period of time allotted to do that in would not be feasible. The attrition would make whoever the final 2 teams are so weak that the game would not be as enjoyable to play/watch.

What could happen then is to have a 6 team playoff. Top 2 teams get a bye and then you have #3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5, with the highest winning seed playing the #2 team and the lowest winning seed playing #1. That would call for a total of 5 games in 3 weeks. This would be feasible considering there is usually about a month between a team's final game and their bowl game.

[MrVette83]

What could happen then is to have a 6 team playoff. Top 2 teams get a bye and then you have #3 vs #6 and #4 vs #5, with the highest winning seed playing the #2 team and the lowest winning seed playing #1. That would call for a total of 5 games in 3 weeks. This would be feasible considering there is usually about a month between a team's final game and their bowl game.


Valid point. I believe it would work. The only thing that is standing in the way though is the media juggernaut that is The BCS. The media pays in millions of dollars to these games. I would prefer to see a tournament and just do a lottery for what seeds fall where. How legitimate a claim could you have to being the best team in the country if your draw had you(Let's say you're FL) play USC in round 1. Then the winner of a Oklahoma-Ohio St. match up in round 2, then going for the title against Texas b/c they won their first two games against Penn State and Alabama (which beat Boise State). It would definitely get rid of the nay sayers that we have with the current system. I would love to see this, but doubt we will any time soon.

(Note: I realize my model had 8, I wrote it all up before I realized and didn't feel like re typing it with 6 :))

[thagamesova]

Like I said originally, I think 8 teams would be fine. I only used 6 in my last point to correspond with what you had posted. I know it would be hard to pass that system by the media, but I think it would be better than the current system where every year somebody has a legitimate gripe about being left out.

[MrVette83]

Saw this list today of 10 storied schools that are coming back to their winning ways. Like I said in an earlier post, I don't like Miami, or FSU, or some of the other schools on this list, but I am glad to see them coming back around to the top of the heap.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/pgStory?contentId=10108288#sport=COLLEGE%20FOOTBAL L&photo=10107562

[thagamesova]

Yeah, just checked that out a second ago. I'm glad things are starting to turn around for some of the traditional powers. Should make things interesting in the next few years.

[thagamesova]

What's your expectations for Tennessee for the rest of the season?

[thagamesova]

Oh, and what do you think about Kiffen overall?

[MrVette83]

I expect us(UK) to lose to them AGAIN. But I must say that if we're ever gonna beat them this is the season to do it. Overall I expect UT to finish above or above .500. They've got 4 road games and will probably lose 75% of them(U of F, Miss, Bama, UK). Other than that they're hosting Memphis, Ohio, and Vandy that should all be wins. Aubrun last year would have been an easy win but they're playing better this year. Georgia will be fired up to beat UT as will any team coached by Spurrier. Ever since TN turned their back on the boy from Johnson City, TN chance he gets.

[MrVette83]

As far as Kiffin goes. My jury is still out. It has been a few years sinceyou had heard of UT making headlines. He changed that. Albeit by eating his foot. I do beleive that in year 2-3 you'll really see him get his style of player in the system. Monte Kiffin is a defensive god so that will probably never be a weak point for the Vols. As I said before I think more than anything a good QB would turn them around now. Right now I'll say I like him though. He's reinvigorating the spirit of what it is to be a Vol fan. He may be cocky, but coming into the SEC as a head coach at his age what do you expect? He has to be assertive and let people know he's not to be taken lightly. He claims the reason he started the sparring match with Urban Meyer was to take the pressure off his players and put it on his shoulders. Prior to him saying that had never looked at it that way, seems as though it may have worked. All the ESPN stories last week talked about Meyer, Kiffin, Tebow and FL running up the score, never made any mention of what was expected from the Vol players. That has to have taken a lot of the pressure off.

So, you can tell in general I'm an SEC fan, with UK, UT and whoever is playing FL(though I respect their talent) being my teams. What about you? Who do you root for?

[thagamesova]

I expect us(UK) to lose to them AGAIN. But I must say that if we're ever gonna beat them this is the season to do it. Overall I expect UT to finish above or above .500. They've got 4 road games and will probably lose 75% of them(U of F, Miss, Bama, UK). Other than that they're hosting Memphis, Ohio, and Vandy that should all be wins. Aubrun last year would have been an easy win but they're playing better this year. Georgia will be fired up to beat UT as will any team coached by Spurrier. Ever since TN turned their back on the boy from Johnson City, TN chance he gets.

My bad, thought you were a Tennessee fan. Didn't know Kentucky was your team.

[thagamesova]

I think Kiffen will make Tennessee a contender again down the line. I agree that he stuck his foot in his mouth early on, but he was exactly what Tennessee needed to turn things around.

[thagamesova]

By the way, I'm a Florida State fan. I live in Texas, so I also pull for the Longhorns occasionally, but FSU is my team. I hate Florida and Miami of course, rivals, and also dislike Texas A&M. Other than that I don't dislike too many other teams.

[MrVette83]

My bad, thought you were a Tennessee fan. Didn't know Kentucky was your team.


No no problem man. I am a huge Vol fan and UK fan. I fervently support both in all sports. But when they play, I'm happy for whoever won, and upset for whoever lost. I just want the Cats to get the monkey off their back of consecutive losses to TN(I think it's like 26) and Florida(22).

[MrVette83]

By the way, I'm a Florida State fan. I live in Texas, so I also pull for the Longhorns occasionally, but FSU is my team. I hate Florida and Miami of course, rivals, and also dislike Texas A&M. Other than that I don't dislike too many other teams.

I would have to say of the teams in the Big 12 Texas is my team. Not a big Bob Stoops fan. I'm Sure he's a great man and coach, though he seems to choke in big games like Ohio State does. I honestly believe if OSU and Oklahoma met in the National Title game it would end in a draw.:D

[MrVette83]

I think Kiffen will make Tennessee a contender again down the line. I agree that he stuck his foot in his mouth early on, but he was exactly what Tennessee needed to turn things around.


Agreed. A turn around does not occur over night. There are two phases to a turn around. You've got to work hard to convince players you need THEM to come to your program to help get it back on the right track(as opposed to going to a FL, Texas or USC) then once you've got the groundwork laid and begin to see some results you get more notable recruits in there b/c of how strong the program now is. Things like this don't happen in 1 season.

[thagamesova]

No no problem man. I am a huge Vol fan and UK fan. I fervently support both in all sports. But when they play, I'm happy for whoever won, and upset for whoever lost. I just want the Cats to get the monkey off their back of consecutive losses to TN(I think it's like 26) and Florida(22).

That's cool. I understand that. I would love for them to beat Florida this year! :D

[thagamesova]

I would have to say of the teams in the Big 12 Texas is my team. Not a big Bob Stoops fan. I'm Sure he's a great man and coach, though he seems to choke in big games like Ohio State does. I honestly believe if OSU and Oklahoma met in the National Title game it would end in a draw.:D

Ain't that the truth! They both are choke artists!!! I don't mind Oklahoma too much, wish they would have beat the Gators last year. Ohio State does it every year though. Just goes to show how overrated the Big Ten is.

[MrVette83]

That's cool. I understand that. I would love for them to beat Florida this year! :D


This Saturday the Gators come to Commonwealth Stadium for a 6PM game. Televised on ESPN2. Maybe this will be the year? No, probably not.

[thagamesova]

Exactly on your point about Kiffen. He's pulling in good recruits right now. He's setting the foundation for the years to come. In 2 or 3 years, he'll have them competing for the SEC every year.

[thagamesova]

Lol, yeah...probably not. But I'll be rooting for them.

[thagamesova]

FSU plays USF this year, but Grothe, their star QB, is out for the year. Think we'll handle them pretty good. Although, our pass defense is horrendous. 117th in the country right now...Ouch! Hopefully it improves. We just need Bobby Bowden and Mickey Andrews to retire to get everything on the right track again. I love what Bowden has done for the program, but we have to have a Head Coach who isn't just a figure head.

[MrVette83]

Ain't that the truth! They both are choke artists!!! I don't mind Oklahoma too much, wish they would have beat the Gators last year. Ohio State does it every year though. Just goes to show how overrated the Big Ten is.


I was reading Pat Forde's "Forde Yard Dash" article on ESPN last night and he high lighted that every year you can count on two things. Ohio State will lose a BIG game. They did that two weeks ago. And USC will lose small one. They did that Saturday against Washington. He pointed out that since the start of the 2006 season USC is 14-1 against rankes foes and 22-5 against unranked teams.

[MrVette83]

FSU plays USF this year, but Grothe, their star QB, is out for the year. Think we'll handle them pretty good. Although, our pass defense is horrendous. 117th in the country right now...Ouch! Hopefully it improves. We just need Bobby Bowden and Mickey Andrews to retire to get everything on the right track again. I love what Bowden has done for the program, but we have to have a Head Coach who isn't just a figure head.


Doesn't FSU have a coach in waiting? UK has done that with Joker Phillips, he's one of our assistant coaches. To ease in the transition when Rich Brooks leaves.

[thagamesova]

I was reading Pat Forde's "Forde Yard Dash" article on ESPN last night and he high lighted that every year you can count on two things. Ohio State will lose a BIG game. They did that two weeks ago. And USC will lose small one. They did that Saturday against Washington. He pointed out that since the start of the 2006 season USC is 14-1 against rankes foes and 22-5 against unranked teams.

That is quite true. USC always stumbles against a Pac 10 team they should beat. The last three years they have lost to Stanford, Oregon State, and Washington. Not exactly juggernauts. Ohio State usually saves their big losses for the bowl season, along with Oklahoma.

[thagamesova]

We have a coach in waiting in Jimbo Fisher, the problem is I'm tired of waiting, lol. Bobby Bowden has been a figure head coach for the past 5 or 6 years, in that he really doesn't do much coaching but has the final say in all decisions. He basically ran the team into the ground from 2000-2006 by letting his son Jeff be the offensive co-ordinator. He couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag. Jimbo has started to turn things around, but he needs to have full control to effectively get us back to where we need to be.

Mickey Andrews has been an amazing Defensive Coordinator, could be the best of all time in College Football, but hasn't changed his scheme up in about 36 years. People began to adjust to that and exploit it. He cannot stop spread offenses, hence the fact that Florida has beat us the last 5 years. Many people say that the spread offense evolved due to his effectiveness in shutting down pro-style offenses. But now, we are being victimized by the spread offenses. Also, Mickey plays seniority over talent. We have many players that should not be starting right now but do because of their seniority. Chuck Amato is about worthless as a Linebackers coach. And Jody Allen is a terrible Defensive Ends coach. They all need to go. Once Jimbo has the reigns, you can bet that they will all be gone.

[thagamesova]

In Kentucky's situation, I'm sure that Phillips will do a great job. But Bowden has now overstayed his welcome and needs to do what's best for the program and retire. Like I said, I will always be thankful for where he has taken the program, but his time is up.

[thagamesova]

Also wanted to say that I liked Kentucky's team a lot during Andre Woodson's Junior year. I believe he was a Junior the year that the climbed pretty high in the polls, may have been a Senior. I liked watching him, Rafael Little, and Steve Johnson play. I remember them knocking off Louisville when Louisville was making a big push to be a National Championship contender. Johnson caught a touchdown with about 30 seconds left in the game to seal it.

FSU played Kentucky in the Music City Bowl about 2 or 3 years ago, but about 30 of our players were suspended due to that whole academic scandal we had going on, lol. Kentucky won that game.

[MrVette83]

In Kentucky's situation, I'm sure that Phillips will do a great job. But Bowden has now overstayed his welcome and needs to do what's best for the program and retire. Like I said, I will always be thankful for where he has taken the program, but his time is up.


Give me your opinion. A few years back we beat you guys in the Music City Bowl. We only did so because you had half of your team suspended due to the NCAA Violations. I agree that this was a valid disciplinary action but what I disagree with is voiding all the wins over a period of time. Just like the NCAA made Memphis Basketball do the season of their run to NCAA Championship game. Do you think removing victories from the books is fair punishment?

[MrVette83]

Also wanted to say that I liked Kentucky's team a lot during Andre Woodson's Junior year. I believe he was a Junior the year that the climbed pretty high in the polls, may have been a Senior. I liked watching him, Rafael Little, and Steve Johnson play. I remember them knocking off Louisville when Louisville was making a big push to be a National Championship contender. Johnson caught a touchdown with about 30 seconds left in the game to seal it.

FSU played Kentucky in the Music City Bowl about 2 or 3 years ago, but about 30 of our players were suspended due to that whole academic scandal we had going on, lol. Kentucky won that game.


Haha. I typed the other reply and had no clue you had eluded to that year of play.

I too remember that game. I was on pins and needles the entire 4th quarter. We started that season off in amazing fashion, got close or in to the top 10 and seemed to beat ourselves mentally the rest of the season. We lost like 4 or 5 of our final 7 games.

[thagamesova]

I don't believe it's fair at all. We didn't knowingly play players who were involved. As soon as word got out that there were players involved, we voluntarily suspended them. We imposed sanctions on ourselves before the NCAA ever suggested we do so. I think it's crap that they pulled this crap about taking away wins. It just doesn't make sense. I mean take away scholarships or something, but don't be idiots and try to strip wins when we didn't knowingly break the rules. Just my opinion.

[thagamesova]

Yeah, I remember that. Think that was the same year we played Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.

I still remember the LSU/Kentucky game where Randall completed the Hail Mary to Deverey Henderson with like 3 seconds left to win the game. Kentucky had already doused Hal Mumme with gatorade. That was a tough one.

[MrVette83]

I don't believe it's fair at all. We didn't knowingly play players who were involved. As soon as word got out that there were players involved, we voluntarily suspended them. We imposed sanctions on ourselves before the NCAA ever suggested we do so. I think it's crap that they pulled this crap about taking away wins. It just doesn't make sense. I mean take away scholarships or something, but don't be idiots and try to strip wins when we didn't knowingly break the rules. Just my opinion.


Derek Rose was the basketball player at Memphis who had someone take an ACT/SAT for him. He was in college for one year then the #1 pick in the NBA Draft. I don't think the vacated wins mean a single thing to him. All these types of penalties do is punish the innocent. I see no issue with removing scholarships, banning from post season play, but vacating wins is a moot point.

[MrVette83]

Yeah, I remember that. Think that was the same year we played Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.

I still remember the LSU/Kentucky game where Randall completed the Hail Mary to Deverey Henderson with like 3 seconds left to win the game. Kentucky had already doused Hal Mumme with gatorade. That was a tough one.

I'd rather not comment about that game.:cool:

[thagamesova]

I agree, you always end up punishing the people that didn't commit the crime. It just doesn't make sense. And what good does vacating the wins do? I'll still always remember Memphis getting to the Championship Game and playing Kansas. It doesn't erase what was done.

[thagamesova]

Oh and sorry about bringing up the LSU game, lol. That's just always been something that stuck in my mind. That would suck big time.

[thagamesova]

What are your feeling on what John Calipari is going to do at Kentucky? He brought in a monster class this year. Something like 3 of the Top 5 players in the nation committed and like 5 or 6 total 5 star commits. John Wall is crazy good. You think they make a Final 4 push this year?

[MrVette83]

What are your feeling on what John Calipari is going to do at Kentucky? He brought in a monster class this year. Something like 3 of the Top 5 players in the nation committed and like 5 or 6 total 5 star commits. John Wall is crazy good. You think they make a Final 4 push this year?


I said the day after the final signings were done that if he can get them to play together and not attempt to showboat it'd be a great season. The first 10 days of December will be murder for us. We play Uconn and North Carolina in a 4 day stretch(One game December 5th and one December 9th).

In regards to FSU voiding wins, didn't it drop Bowden out of the neck and neck race with Paterno for most wins in NCAA History?

[thagamesova]

It's still being appealed. Supposedly the NCAA said they would not take away the wins if FSU gives up more schollies, but FSU is trying to fight that. They want the wins to stay and to not have to give up anymore scholarships than the NCAA already took away. We'll see what happens.

[thagamesova]

It's my opinion that he'll never catch Paterno again either way. Penn State has a good team and plays in a really soft conference. Bowden may coach one more year, but that's it. Most likely will finish out this season and go for one more. Jimbo has a clause in his contract that if he is not the Head Coach by after next season, the university will owe him $5 million. FSU won't let that happen.

[MrVette83]

It's my opinion that he'll never catch Paterno again either way. Penn State has a good team and plays in a really soft conference. Bowden may coach one more year, but that's it. Most likely will finish out this season and go for one more. Jimbo has a clause in his contract that if he is not the Head Coach by after next season, the university will owe him $5 million. FSU won't let that happen.


Man I wish I could get a contract paying the amounts with some of the clauses that these guys get. "Okay Jimbo, we're gonna announce you as the next coach of our team once Bowden finally gives up the ghost." [Jimbo] "Well, that sounds real good and all, but what if that's another 10 years? I may get offers from other premier schools by then." "Well how bout this? We'll gaurantee you get to be the head coach by the start of the 2012 Season or you'll get $5,000,000." [Jimbo] "Um, sounds good to me."

[thagamesova]

Lol, pretty much. I'm pretty glad about it actually...it limits how long Bowden can stay and forces him to leave in 2 years.

[thagamesova]

Is this likely Brooks last year?

[thagamesova]

Oh, and by the way, Hal Mumme now coaches at Division 3 school close to where I live, Abilene Christian University. They are ranked #2 in the nation right now and throw for like 500 yards a game, lol.

[MrVette83]

Is this likely Brooks last year?


No, I look for him to continue coaching for a few more years down the line. I would think a transfer of power will likely occur somewhere around the 2012 or 2013 season.

[thagamesova]

Oh, I see. I like Brooks a lot as a coach. I think Mickey Andrews will retire after this year. He's wanted to the last two years and Bowden talked him out of it. I think this will be his last though.

[MrVette83]

Oh, and by the way, Hal Mumme now coaches at Division 3 school close to where I live, Abilene Christian University. They are ranked #2 in the nation right now and throw for like 500 yards a game, lol.


I thought he was at McMurry University? I knew he was in Texas and heard that his team(again, I thought McMurry) was beaten 61-14 this past weekend by Mississippi College. Bringing McMurry's record for the current season to 0-3.

[MrVette83]

Oh, I see. I like Brooks a lot as a coach. I think Mickey Andrews will retire after this year. He's wanted to the last two years and Bowden talked him out of it. I think this will be his last though.


Brooks has brought pride back to the Kentucky Program. We've been in and won 3 straight bowl games and are going for four this year. We'd never won three in a row and had only appeared in 3 consecutive bowl games twice in our school's history.

[thagamesova]

I stand corrected, lol. Got mixed up. My bad. I had read that he has changed their offense from a completely run oriented one to a strictly passing offense. The QB had attempted less passing attempts his whole high school career than he did in their first game, lol.

[thagamesova]

Yeah, he's done a lot with a little there. I respect him a lot for what he's been able to do.

[thagamesova]

What's your outlook on the current season? What do you expect Kentucky's record to be?

[MrVette83]

Who did you lose more respect for in the College to NFL to College dance? Bobby Petrina from Louisville to The Atlanta Falcons to Arkansas, Spurrier from Florida to The Redskins to South Carolina or Nick Saban from LSU to The Dolphins to Alabama?

[thagamesova]

I would have to say Petrino. He quit on his guys big time in the middle of the year. I never expected Spurrier to work out in Washington. Figured he wouldn't last and he didn't. Don't remember if Saban left during or after the season, but I'm pretty sure it was after. For that reason, I lost more respect for Petrino quitting during the season. Seems to have worked out for both the Falcons and Dolphins though.

[MrVette83]

What's your outlook on the current season? What do you expect Kentucky's record to be?

I would love to say 8-4 with losses to FL, Bama, Georgia and Tennessee. But I'm afraid that Mississippi State may be a trap game or Auburn with the way they've been playing. So at least 6-6 but really no better than 8-4. We've got a younger(Soph.) QB who, while better than last year, still needs some snaps to come into his own.

[MrVette83]

I would have to say Petrino. He quit on his guys big time in the middle of the year. I never expected Spurrier to work out in Washington. Figured he wouldn't last and he didn't. Don't remember if Saban left during or after the season, but I'm pretty sure it was after. For that reason, I lost more respect for Petrino quitting during the season. Seems to have worked out for both the Falcons and Dolphins though.


True on both accounts. I lost respect for Petrina most as well. It wasn't so much that he bailed. It was that he bailed barely 75% of the way in to the season, after reassuring everyone in the Falcons program that he was staying and also that he didn't talk to his players. He just left a note taped to their lockers.

The Commissioner of the SEC has basically just told Kiffin and Meyer to shut up. Statement was just released that he has "reached out" to both coaches to help calm the seas.

[thagamesova]

Yeah, I think 7-5 is very possible for you guys. Auburn has look really good this year. Gus Malzahan is a heck of an offensive co-ordinator. Who knows, maybe they'll pull an upset or two.

[thagamesova]

Yeah, that's what I meant. He quit on his team and didn't even consult them. Douche move if you ask me.

[thagamesova]

Kiffen and Meyer both need to shut up. The game is over already. I think Meyer was making excuses to some degree. He should have just accepted the win and kept his mouth shut about the flu.

[MrVette83]

Kiffen and Meyer both need to shut up. The game is over already. I think Meyer was making excuses to some degree. He should have just accepted the win and kept his mouth shut about the flu.

I agree. Hopefully their entire 1st string is down with the flu come Saturday. Not to wish any ill will upon them. But you know.

[thagamesova]

Lol, I'd go for that. Wouldn't mind one bit.

[thagamesova]

By the way, is Hartline still Kentucky's QB. Couldn't remember?

[thagamesova]

Oh, do you keep up with the NFL much?

[MrVette83]

By the way, is Hartline still Kentucky's QB. Couldn't remember?


Yes, Mike Hartline is the QB and we have Randall Cobb at wide out. Cobb does occasionally take snaps in the Wildcat formation but doesn't touch the ball for passing as much as he did this time frame last year.

[MrVette83]

Oh, do you keep up with the NFL much?

Not really too much. I am a Colts fan and keep up on scores for most of the teams. But I follow College Football much more closely. College players have more heart and drive to succeed it seems than pro players do.

[arod2105]

Its because there are no contracts or salaries in the NCAA. They play for championships. Once you get to the pros, its all about the big money, endorsments. Thats the great thing about college athletics, its just more exciting. The school traditions, rivalries, and alot more exciting plays.

[MrVette83]

Its because there are no contracts or salaries in the NCAA. They play for championships. Once you get to the pros, its all about the big money, endorsments. Thats the great thing about college athletics, its just more exciting. The school traditions, rivalries, and alot more exciting plays.


That is exactly right. I've always simplified the difference as saying the college guys are playing for tradition, the pros are playing for a paycheck. No matter how much you enjoy doing what you're doing. When your only motivation is a paycheck and knowing you'll get one for that week, win or lose, you're gonna do it half-assed. I'd rather see The Big Game, The Red River Rivalry, or The Cocktail Party over any NFL Game short of the Super Bowl. And that's only if the Super Bowl is close. It seems if one team gets up by more than two touchdowns the other team is ready to roll over and collect their pay and enjoy the off season.

[thagamesova]

I'll admit that I like College Football more than the NFL, but I have to say that I just love football in general and will take it any way I can get it. I like the College atmosphere, and the fact that anybody can upset anyone at anytime. It makes for a lot more interesting regular season. The NFL is all about the playoffs.

[MrVette83]

I find the older I get the more hooked I have become to football. In everything prior to college I was hooked on Basketball. It doesn't really catch my attention like it once did. Though I am a die hard UK Basketball fan.

[thagamesova]

Basketball and Football are my two sports. Hate Hockey and hate Baseball. I don't follow the NBA quite as much. However, March Madness might be might favorite time of the year due to the unpredictability in the tournament.

[MrVette83]

Was a kid of the 90s. Loved the Bulls in all their glory in winning 6 rings. After Jordan left the Bulls I basically lost all interest in the NBA. I may watch a bit of the playoffs or the finals here or there but that's about it.

[MrVette83]

Oh, and concerning march madness. I enter several pools over the net in filling out my brackets. In the 2007-2008 season I aced the first two rounds and was pumped going into the sweet 16. My brackets then proceeded to implode. I only got 1 team right in the final four and didn't get either team right that was in the title game.

[rc113943]

Remember when this forum used to be about gambling? I'm baaaaaaack

here are my wagers for the day. Last week I was 7-3, but I don't have the same confidence going into this week, looking for some help with a lot of covers...

12:00 Eastern Illinois +35.5
12:00 Syracuse +10.5
12:00 Michigan St -4
12:00 Boston College +14
12:00 Eastern Michigan +23.5
12:00 Arkansas to win
12:20 Tennessee to win
12:30 Houston to win
3:30 Indiana +7
3:30 Texas Southern +48.5
3:30 Wisconson +14.5
3:30 Old Miss to win
7:00 Florida A&M +37
8:00 Georgia Tech to win
8:00 LSU +9
8:00 Michigan +8
Parlay Syracuse +10.5, Mich St -4, Michigan +8