Bowl Picks

Now that we're getting into the nitty gritty of bowl season, I figured I'd do an official FTS Pick Set. I'm not picking all of the remaining games, just some of the big ones between now and New Year's Day, starting with tonight.

Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State 30, Arizona 24 - I would have picked the Pokes by an even higher margin, but the distraction around Holgorsen could slow State down a bit. The Wildcats have the talent and coaching, but I see that terrible collapse down the stretch to continue.

Music City Bowl: Tennessee 27, North Carolina 24 - The Vols were clicking late and that could carry over, even with the month-long lay off. Tyler Bray will outplay T.J. Yates in a pretty hum-drum affair.

Holiday Bowl: Nebraska 34, Washington 17 - How did Nebraska slip down to the 5-seed from the Big-XII? This might be the most ridiculous match-up in all of the bowls. Rematches in bowls are fun if the regular season match-up was close, but not when it was a blowout. Sark has done a good job in Seattle, but remember, this was a one-win football team 2 years ago - there's no way they're ready for serious competition. Look for the Huskers to Re-Destroy the Huskies, os should I say, Husk-ees?

Liberty Bowl: Georgia 31, Central Florida 24 - The Dawgs will come out absolutely flat in this one, while the Knights will be itching to get at a big opponent. Throw in the fact that O'Leary and Godsey know how to beat Georgia, and Central could be a handful. In the end, though, Georgia has too much talent: Murray and Green put it away late.

Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina 26, Florida State 21 - Lattimore, early and often. It will be enough for the Cocks to overcome Ponder's limited playing time.

Bulldawgs and Buckeyes

Georgia vs. Ohio State in 2020-21. I wonder what Kirk Herbsreit and Robert Smith will say about this game when it comes up...

"He hated all the religious and commercial aspects of Christmas."

I saw this clip on KTL yesterday, and it got me to thinking.



 FESTIVUS. The best of all of this season's holidays - yes, Fox News, there are other holidays this season - and the inspiration for my airing of 2010 grievances:

5. The NCAA: C'mon guys, let's codify some rules here. A.J. Green, 4 games. Marcell Dareus, 2 games, Cam Newton, nothing, T.Pry and the other Buckeyes, still get to play in the Sugar Bowl, etc. Now, I know the investigation came up clear on Newton and, honestly, they probably made the right call so as not to punish an innocent (relatively) program, but pay-for-play seems way more serious than college student selling their own possessions (Didn't Pony Exce$$ teach us anything?). And, sure Mark May sounded borderline crazy the other day when he tee'd off on the NCAA, but doesn't some small part of you think he's right? Or, rather, do you think some small part of his argument was right? You just don't feel like you've got your shit together, NCAA.

4. The Big East: Jesus, you're terrible. Your best team record was 9-3 and your champion is only 8-4. The fact you get an automatic bid to the BCS seems ridiculous. Good thing you drew "Big Game" Bob; if any coach can lose to UConn, it's him.

3. OK, one non-football one: The right wing: Seriously, fuck you guys. Tax cuts for the wealthy are more important than health care for 9/11 responders? Fox News, the "War on Christmas"conspiracy, the ground-zero "mosque" "controversy", fear-mongering, racism, ignorance, Sarah Palin, Gretchen and her moron friends, etc. All idiots, dangerous idiots. And that's just the tip of the ice berg, but this isn't the place.

2. Georgia's O-line: A combined 155 starts coming into this season. You were supposed to be the rock, the dependable unit, the thing we could rely while Aaron Murray found his footing. Instead, you blocked like a sieve and made sure we could never establish a running game. Individually, you're extremely talented, as a whole, you were extremely disappointing. You know what happens when the line plays down? RB's feel like they have to do it all, which results in turnovers - sound familiar (SoCar, MissSt., Colorado)? Or, your QB takes big hits, cheap shots, and cannot establish a rhythm.

1. The ugliness of the sport we love: Forty-something Todd Grantham making choking motions at a 19 year old kid; Cecil Newton; agents swimming around these athletes like blood-frenzied sharks; college football players demanding that they need more to live on than other college students/athletes; fanbases detached from reality, SEC schools in-particular; reporters releasing confidential information about a player just to get a story; the gang-style beat downs surrounding USC-UCLA; the fact Mike Leach will have another job soon; underhanded boosters; academic cheating for pampered players; dirt-road alum stirring the pot with stupidity; Ralph Friedgen being forced out; the Kyle Brotzman Sucks FB page; firing reporters over hats; cheap hits and no-calls; the BYU alum fixing the Cougars' game against San Diego State; the list goes on and on. It's almost enough to force the conscientious side of me to leave the sport behind forever...almost.

Merry Christmas!

Best lines from the best song:

"I like money, bitches, and eating food."
"I like eating chips. When I dip, you dip, we dip."
"I ribbidy-ribbidy-ribbidy rap-a-lot!"

Damaris Johnson plays football.

Tulsa used 6 first-half Hawaii turnovers and an FBS record-breaking performance to crush the Warriors in the Hawaii Bowl, 62-35. Damaris Johnson racked up 326 all-purpose yards with 98 on the ground, 101 receiving, and 129 on returns. Even if it was a JUCO team he was matched up with, that's an impressive box score - especially considering that he did it on only five carries and four receptions.Gross.

He's probably leaving,...

...but let's remember him well; Even in a loss, he had sick, sick skills:



A Brandon Marshall-esque, "let 'em play" push-off, T.O. in his prime ups, and Jerry Rice hands, er, hand. I would love nothing more than for AJ to come back for one more year with Murray.
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EDIT: I can be as homer-y as anyone, but hey, Julio, do that.

Happy Holidays from FTS!

I won't be aorund until late Christmas Day and there's not much football to be missed except the Hawaii Bowl (Tulsa vs. Hawaii). I'll be on the road and on intellectual/alcohol lockdown in Middle Georgia for a couple days, but I'll be raging back late on Jesus' pretend birthday; I'm going to crack a growler and get the dynasty going again now that Fallout: New Vegas has been beaten. Until then: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Will he stay?

San Diego State just got their 'home-team' on, blasting Navy 35-14 in the Poinsettia Bowl. That caps a great season that included 8 wins and four losses by a combined 15 points. This success is due in large part to Brady Hoke and leaves many wondering if they'll have their coach next season. He had similar success at lowly Ball State before he came to SDSU, and he's caught the attention of a few big name programs. And, while his name popped up a few times early on in the coaching carousel ride, things have been quiet regarding Hoke since then. On a side-note, this 21-point win puts the total of blowout bowls at five out of six. I'd be lying if I said it still wasn't fun, though.

Saturnalia is Over. Merry Christmas!

 Well, the first holiday of my holiday "season" is over. And I don't really celebrate Saturnalia, but it always falls during the first week of my break from work, so it's a convenient excuse for all the drinking, over-eating, and general laying-about I do between the 17th and 23rd. By the way, despite what the pesky Bible-beaters tell you, Saturnalia is the real reason for the season; Jesus would have actually been born closer to April, but the Christians co-opted all the fun, old-school Roman celebrations. Not that I don't celebrate Christmas, too. Fuck, if their was good food and booze, I'd celebrate anything. The only problem with Christmas is now it feels like work; driving and socializing with people I have nothing in common with, forced get-togethers, etc. I think that's why I love the first week of winter break so much. Oh well, Io Saturnalia, bitches! I celebrated by blowing it out downtown Friday night, recovering through Sunday, using Bulldawg Delivery almost every day, finally hitting up The Beer Growler, and enjoying some choice brews. Now, on to the next holiday!

Boise Wins...sort of...

Boise State 26, Utah 3. So, while the Broncos won the Las Vegas Bowl, you can't help but wonder what they lost with that choke down the stretch at Nevada a month ago. Surely a BCS bid and millions of dollars, but also, any interest that passing football fans would have had in their post-season, which will linger into their off-season. Not everyone left Boise behind, though. I was interested in the game and watched almost the whole thing, including what could have been the greatest play I've ever seen: WR Pettis on a reverse sweep option pass...to himself. Too bad it only net only 2 yards and came up 3-short of the goal line; A TD on that would have been sicknastyawesome. And, uh, oh yeah, Pat Forde said something about a bus.

Make it through this without laughing...

Oh, the south. The football's great, but the IQ's are, um, well, I think he sums it up well. Thank you, EDSBS.

Blowout Bowls

BYU, Northern Illinois, and Troy all cruised through their bowl games. These games were absolute blowouts, one-sided affairs dominated by one team from start to finish. However, we did get introduced to this:

Punter Will Goggans and his EPIC beard.

Mike Leach to Maryland?

Maryland and their new AD have told Ralph Friedgen that he will NOT be able to coach the Terps next season. They are asking him to step down and accept a buy-out, but there's been no word of the Fridge's response yet. The most likely candidate to take over in College Park is Mike Leach, and there are even rumors that the new administration are getting rid of Friedgen specifically to go after the mad pirate coach.

It's not all bad.

Well, a couple of UGA players are back in the news...but not in the way we're used to.

Old Spice Guy's a Baller...Who Knew?

We all know this man:

But, most of us never knew his back story, which includes his time as wideout on the almost-natty champ Arizona State Sun Devils in 1996. Well, that's where Jim Weber from lostlettermen.com comes in, sharing Isaiah Mustafa's story in a guest post on Dr. Saturday.

Dynasty Update: Soon.

There hasn't been any news in a while and here's why:

"Never Going Back Again"

Here are the latest ideas floating around in the coaching rumor-sphere:

• James Franklin is going to Vanderbilt....or...James Franklin is going to Pitt. Either way, the "in-waiting" spot will be open in College Park.

• Bill Stewart is retiring after the bowl game. That would leave both Backyard Brawl Rivals looking for head coaches.Update: Dana Holgorsen is going to Morgantown. Only, he's going to remain an OC and serve 2011 under Stewart who is now going to put off retirement until after next season. He turned down Pitt's HC to do this. Is this a good indicator of which job is better?

• Major Applewhite is NOT headed to Florida. Kirby Smart still might be.Update: Smart would replace Teryl Austin, who is heading to Austin to replace whoever Texas' DC was.

• Mike Leach wants a job.

Smart.

Instead of continuing all the updates and edits in my earlier coaching carousel post, I'll just give this topic its own, new post. Guz Malzahn said 'no' to Vanderbilt. And, while I don't personally give a shit about Malzahn personally (actually, there's something about him I don't trust for some reason, but I digress), I have to say this is the smart decision. Not because being the OC at Auburn is a dream job or the most complete fulfillment of Malzahn's potential, but because being the head coach at Vanderbilt is ALWAYS A TERRIBLE IDEA...even for $3 million.

Alabama's Proxy War

Addicted to Quack had a guest poster this week, Kleph, from Roll Bama Roll, and he put together a quick-and-dirty primer on how to hate Auburn in preparation for the BCS Title Game. While the post is somewhat funny, it's the comments that actually provide the most comedy - these two fan-bases really hate each other and hijacked an Oregon thread to make that abundantly clear. I'd say the cyber-Ducks who started this didn't know what they were getting into, but they're no strangers to rivalry based hatred and violence. Having this heated SEC hatred flare up on the west coast has helped put all this in perspective for me, though; The Auburn and Alabama fan bases are NOT DIFFERENT. Use the points Kelph brought up and tell me you can't apply them to both programs, especially cheating (duh), racism (it's Alabama for fuck's sake), and "pants losing" (Hello, Mike Price). I mean, swap the schools in the comments and it makes as much sense. Here's one pulled at random:

Glad y’all have nothing better to do than get on Oregon blogs and whine and complain. You just CAN’T HANDLE Auburn having success. I’m loving it. Look for me on TV in Arizona. WAR EAGLE!

Now, change it up:

Glad y’all have nothing better to do than get on Oregon blogs and whine and complain. You just CAN’T HANDLE Alabama having success. I’m loving it. Look for me on TV in Arizona. ROLL TIDE!

You could have just as easily seen this on a Texas thread last year. And you could argue that this post could appear on any site, being exchanged between fans of any rival schools. But, I had to pick this one because it's the only one that was short enough to post here and not carrying ninety-seven attached replies. Seriously, just take a stroll through the comments, it's good reading...unless you're a fan, then you might be there for a while, fighting the good fight. Man, there's nothing like the straw men and ad hominem fallacies attached to college football "debate"! And nowhere is this better exemplified than in the most heated of rivalries.

(h/t GTP)

Stealing Kirby Smart

Is Muschamp trying to do this? If he was able to take Smart with him to Gainesville, Muschamp would have the Turk-i-est of all Young Turk staffs in the nation. Not only that, but these two are close friends from their playing days at Georgia. Hey Bobo, feeling left out?

Malzahn to Vandy and Golden to Miami.

UPDATE: Malzahn has turned down Vanderbilt.

Guz Malzahn has decided to take the Vanderbilt job...and I'm not really sure why. I mean, I know why - the supposed $3 million offer. But, beyond that, there's no other reward for being the head man in Nashville. Maybe his gimmicky offense can do more with the talent the 'Dores have in stock, but that seems like a stretch. Also, it looks like Miami is ready to make an official announcement naming Al Golden as their new boss-man. I think Golden is a great coach, but I'm not sure he can do what the folks in Coral Gables want. And that's aimed more at the expectations of the Hurricanes' fan base than Golden's shortcomings.

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So, what do we have so far? Let's take a look:

• Texas DC Will Muschamp replaces retiring Urban Meyer at Florida. In tow is another former 'Horn, Major Applewhite, to act as OC. No real word on who will lead the D back in Austin. One rumor I saw today is Randy Shannon.

• Guz Malzahn has (edit: most likely - update: scratch all this) left stayed at Auburn for the Vandy job vacated by Cladwell two weeks ago. We don't know when he's going, and an early departure could cost the Tigers in the BCS Title game. Since this isn't official, there's not been much in the way of new OC rumors on the Plains.

• Al Golden is leaving Temple to replace Randy Shannon in Miami. Shannon has no new job yet - but rumors abound. As far as who will take the Temple job, nobody really cares. Just kidding, a few people care. But let's face it, it won't be a big name or a guy from a big program, and that's who steals the headlines during the peak hours of coaching carousel operation.

•  Oh yeah, Jerry Kill's the new man at Minnesota. But, we knew that last week and it doesn't really affect anything...unless somebody flips the fuck out and give Tim Brewster a big time job.

Cam.

 

Everything went fine and the best man won. But, if I was Cam Newton, I probably wouldn't have said, "My parents do a lot behind the scenes." 

A Bulldog in Gainesville?

Yes, apparently so. Will Muschamp will most likely be officially named head coach of the Florida Gators tomorrow. I think Muschamp will be a good head coach...but I'm surprised that the Gators took this chance. And, if they're going this route, why not go after Charlie Strong, who they know for a fact is a great fit in G-ville?

This is our world.

Awards Night!

In what is the precursor to this weekend's Heisman ceremony, most of the awards went to the right people. Peterson for the Thorpe was a no brainier. Next, as questionably dirty as he is, Nick Fairley was a dominant DT and there's no foul in him winning the Lombardi. I'm mainly so laid back about Fairley's win because I'm so thrilled that Da'Quan Bowers won the Nagurski. I feel Bowers has been more dominant than Fairley, but Fairley benefited from the high profile of an undefeated season; in the end, the results are acceptable...at least for these defensive awards. I do think the Home Depot Coach of the Year Award should have gone to someone who actually succeeded this season with his coaching. Nothing against Gene Chizik as a coach - he's a capable guy - but we ALL know why Auburn's undefeated, and it ain't Chizik. Hell, it's not even all Malzahn*; it's Cam Newton. And while Newton deserves every award he got - and will hopefully get Saturday night - handing Chizik the COTY is a bad call. I'd give it to Kelly or Dantonio first. Offensively, beyond what Newton won (Camp, O'Brien) the right calls were made. LaMichael James (Walker), Justin Blackmon (Billetnikoff), and D.J. Williams (Mackey) were all deserving of their awards. Now it's just 'wait and see' until Saturday night, and I hope the voters do the right thing - regardless of whether or not they think Newton did.
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* Make no mistake here, though: Guz Malzahn Deserved with a capital-D his Broyles Award.

Weekly Picks

Um, Navy?

Goodbye Again, Urban.

Urban Meyer is stepping down and this time it seems like it's for real. The obvious choice to replace Meyer is Dan Mullen...but I'm sure we're going to get a who's who of possible candidates bandied about before the final hire is made. I, for one, hope they promote Steve Addazio.

Wrecking Tech

It's always nice to beat Georgia Tech, even nicer to do it in two different sports in two weeks!

Dynasty Update: "Glory, Glory to ol' Georgia!"

Dawgs Leave No Doubt, Rip Cal 35-7!

From the very first possession, it looked like it was going to be a long night for the Cal Golden Bears in the BCS Title game. Held to a three-and-out, they gave up a touchdown on the ensuing punt return and then turned the ball over again with an interception on their next play from scrimmage. Dawgs coach Ace Journeyman went for the throat, as Georgia scored on a 33 yard TD the very next play, giving UGA a 14-point lead just one minute into the game. Things mellowed a bit through the rest of the first half, with the Bulldog running game churning the field and the clock, and the red and black enjoyed a 21-0 halftime lead. A long, time eating drive to start the third the quarter put Georgia up 28-0 and the Dawgs never looked back. Cal's lone score came early in the fourth with the game already out of hand. Bourbon Street was a sea of red-and-black, with hand grenades and big ass beers consumed in record quantities as the Georgia fans celebrated their first national title in 45 years. For Coach Journeyman, this win meant everything; he's always dreamed of Georgia national titles, ever since he was a young boy growing up in the peach State. The fact he's responsible for bringing one home means even more. 

2024 Recap - 14-0 (9-0) 

* SEC Champs * National Champs *

Appalachian State W 52-13
#9 Ohio State W 21-18
at South Carolina W 34-7
Arkansas State W 52-14
#15 LSU W 30-16
#19 Tennessee W 56-7
Vanderbilt W 42-16
at #25 Arkansas W 28-17
#22 Florida (Jax.) W 31-28
at Kentucky W 42-30
at Auburn W 42-31
#18 Georgia Tech W 38-13

SEC Championship:
#2 Alabama W 31-17

BCS Title Game:
#2 Cal W 35-7

Coaches' Poll Breakdown

Take a look at the interactive coaches' poll. It's not the most controversial thing in the world this year, but there are a few interesting highlights:

• Nobody had Oregon ranked lower than second, but three people had Auburn ranked third. TCU bumped them from the second spot in Mike Locksely and Kyle Whittingham's poll. The Frogs were number one in Rob Akey's.

• Speaking of TCU, five coaches put Wisconsin before the Frogs; four ranked Stanford higher.

• Todd Dodge included Tulsa at 25th, while Schnelly gave Arizona the last spot; they were each the only man who voted for those teams.

• Head-to-heads don't seem to matte much here. I know it's perceived as a stretch (for some reason), but hardly anyone has Nevada over Boise State. Jim Harbaugh has Ohio State over Wisconsin.

Really Early Leans

The BCS Rankings have been released, the bowls have made their picks, and the schedule is set for holiday-season football. Here are a few early leans on some of the key match-ups, taking into account lopsided match-ups or who is let-down or disappointed by their slot and thus likely to play terribly.

First up, the awful Big-XII-PAC-10 match-ups. Two top-tier, ten-win B12 teams have been match against mid-tier PAC-10 teams with 7- and 6-wins respectively. With Stanford getting an at-large bid, the Pac-pool is fairly shallow, which equals unbalanced games against better teams:

Alamo: OK State 31, Arizona 17
Holiday: Nebraska 41, Washington 20

Out of loyalty, let's take a look at all the SEC match-ups:

Compass: Kentucky 31, Pitt 17
Liberty: Georgia 27, UCF 21
Chick-Fil-A: Depends on if Ponder plays or not.
Outback: Penn State 28, Florida 27
Capital One: Alabama 37, Michigan State 24
Gator: Mississippi State 41, Michigan 34

Cotton: LSU 31, Texas A&M 30

The BCS Bowls:

Rose: Wisconsin 31, TCU 21
Fiesta: Oklahoma 41, UConn 17
Orange: Stanford 27, VA Tech 24
Sugar: Ohio State 24, Arkansas 23
BCS Title: Auburn 48, Oregon 36

Arizona State 30, Arizona 29

Well, it was as close as I thought it'd be, but I got the outcome wrong. The first half was sound, fundamental defensive football (i.e. boring) and most of the turning points of the game came on bad kicks: an 8 yard punt, a zero yard punt, and two blocked extra points...in overtime. While Foles played a gutsy game, it wasn't enough to avoid the Wildcats' 4th loss in a row and you have to wonder: Will there ever be dominant football in the Grand Canyon State?

Dynasty Update: Cry Havoc! And Let Slip the Dawgs of War!

There have been a lot of awards sent the Georgia Bulldogs' way recently. First, Georgia won the SEC by beating Alabama 31-17. Headcoach Ace Journeyman won the 2024 Coach of the Year Award - the fourth of his career - while his star receiver took home the Biletnikoff and the Heisman. UGA's big time running back was honored with both the Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards, while the anchor of the D-line brought the Lombardi award to Athens. None of them mean anything, though, if Georgia comes up short in their next test: The BCS Title game against #2 Cal. Fans from both teams have been on Bourbon Street for days now, ringing in the new year and getting ready for what's sure to be a great game. It's Bears and Bulldogs down on the Bayou and Ace Journeyman needs that crystal football to cap of a perfect year!

2024 Schedule    BCS #1 (13-0)

Appalachian State W 52-13
#9 Ohio State W 21-18
at South Carolina W 34-7
Arkansas State W 52-14
#15 LSU W 30-16
#19 Tennessee W 56-7
Vanderbilt W 42-16
at #25 Arkansas W 28-17
#22 Florida (Jax.) W 31-28
at Kentucky W 42-30
at Auburn W 42-31
#18 Georgia Tech W 38-13

SEC Championship:
#2 Alabama 31-17

BCS Title Game:
#2 Cal

Weekly Picks

Tonight: The Territorial Cup - Arizona 31, Arizona State 27 - I still like this Wildcat team,  even if they've been put in their place a time or two. The Sun Devils will make it a tough one, but 'Zona pulls through in the end.


Friday: The MACCG - Northern Illinois 42, Miami (OH) 20 - Haywood has turned around this Red Hawk team, but they won't have enough in the tank to keep up with the Huskies.

Saturday:

West Virginia 31, Rutgers 21 - Meh.

Boise State 62, Utah State 13 - Bounce back, Bronco style; it will be U-G-L-Y for Utah State.

Nevada 31, Louisiana Tech 21 - I'm thinking the Wolfpack might be riding a little too high heading down to Ruston. Watch the Bulldogs make it a fight early, but Kaepernick gallops away with it late.

The Civil War: Oregon 30, Oregon State 19 - I have not liked the Ducks first halves recently. Throw in the emotion of a HUGE in-state rivalry, and this could be disaster for the Oregon. I'm not confident enough to call the upset, though - James and Thomas in the 4th.

The SEC CG: Auburn 41, South Carolina 27 - There are a lot of reasons to think SoCar could take this rematch: Auburn overlooking the challenge, fixing the little things that cost the Cocks last time, a clicking offense...but it's just not happening. Newton is an unstoppable force and will carry the game.

ACC CG: Virginia Tech 26, Florida State 20 - This is the best ACCCG we've ever had and it still seems like a yawn-fest. The 'Noles dismantled Florida last week and could still be riding high, but I'm taking the Hokies to be the first ever BCS team toting an FCS loss.

Big XII CG: Oklahoma 27, Nebraska 17 - I'm not a conspiracy guy by any means - in fact, I hate them. But, there are a lot of reasons to think that this league does NOT want the Huskers to take the league title before hitting the road. And, if the officiating in the A&M game is any indicator, things could be ugly for Big Red.

South Florida 24, UConn 20 - Because a UConn win would be too easy.

Eligible.

Cam's cleared. So now we can put all this behind us and get excited about the opportunity for a fifth consecutive national title from the SEC.