2025 College Football Thread: FSU loses to Stanford in battle of academic powers (33 Viewers)

[Chadstroma]

Is it possible that Cignetti decides to stay at Indiana, especially if he wins it all? Seems like he's got everything he needs right now to succeed and they LOVE him there. He's no spring chicken, maybe this is where he wants to be? It's lovely in Bloomington. Lots of limestone. Nice trees. Midwest nice people.

Penn St has money. Not only to spend on the contract but what they spend on the program. $80 million for 23-24 versus Indiana's $34 million in the same time span. Penn St has the money to not only spend on the program but to spend on making pretty much anyone think twice about their salary upgrade.

But...

Penn St's strong recruiting class is being blown up with this and assuming Indiana make playoffs and goes deep then he will be coming in to a program hobbled. Sure, he could do another JMU and bring half of the roster with him to Penn St but that puts you in a bad position. As a HC, I would look at the fact that Franklin brought this program back up from a has been to meaningful again and paid a small bank to get rid of him as a spot that would tell me that there is a short leash that could get yanked on hard at any moment. Meanwhile, at Indiana, he has made a never was program relevant and is a god of that entire state now. Things go south a bit and he will still be a god and have a chance to bring it back.

He has shown that money isn't the only thing to building a program. He can stay in Indiana and be the man even if they do not get that Championship ever. If he did, he is a legend. Or he can chase the money to go to Penn St and even with the smallest stumble be seen as a money grubbing fool. I mean, Kelly is seen as a big clown now with LSU and that is the same set up that Cignetti could stumble into if he did it. And that way that Cignetti talks in interviews, it will not take much to make him look like an even bigger clown than Kelly.

Rhule makes much more sense to me. If Cignetti bolted, it would be obvious it was a $$$ thing. If Rhule left, I am not going to hold it against an alum to go back to their school if they have the chance to do so. Rhule could make the change and I think most people would think "makes sense".

I think you're totally off here. If Cignetti goes to Penn State, it's about going to a blue blood program in his home state where there are more resources to win a national title. He makes plenty of money at Indiana.

Will he be closer to winning a national title at Penn State than he is right now?

Historically speaking yes. That's like asking is it easier to win a basketball title at Texas Tech or at UNC.

Historically, yes, but portal and NIL has really changed the landscape of college football. The only thing that historic prestige of a program turns into now is $$$. Does $80 million over $34 million help you win more? Yes but it is the money and not the change of logo on the hat you wear.

 

[bigbottom]

GM's Top 20 - Oct. 13, 2025 - Shake-up City

1. Ohio State - Disposed of Illinois rather easily, looking much the best currently.
2. Indiana - This win was no fluke, they manhandled Oregon on the road. Overtakes Idol Miami for #2 this week.
3. Miami - There's really nothing standing in this team's way now. Should coast to the playoffs and get a bye.
4. Texas A&M - Rocking and rolling teams right now. At LSU in two weeks. HUGE game. Don't overlook Petrino's Razorbacks.
5. Ole Miss - Boy, Lane Kiffin almost barfed this one up to a lowly Wazzou team. Looking forward to Georgia, perhaps?
6. Texas Tech - Been saying it all season, this team is loaded and legit.
7. Alabama - That loss to Florida State seems like ancient history. Hats off to Mizzou.
8. Georgia - SEC is just silly good when Georgia is its 4th best team currently.
9. LSU - And even sillier when LSU is 5th best.
10. Oregon - Just abandoned the vertical passing game and got outclassed and outcoached by Indiana at home. Travel to Rutgers and we'll see how or even if they can rebound.
11. Tennessee - The fired coach effect seemed to galvanize Arkansas but the Vols held them off and go to Alabama next in what should be a thrilling game.
12. Georgia Tech - What sort of efforts are being made to retain Coach Key? Whatever they are, they should triple them.
13. Notre Dame - Obliterated NC State and the defense has found its footing.
14. BYU - Number of undefeated teams is dwindling rapidly. This is one of them at 6-0. Holy War next and it should be terrific.
15. Oklahoma - Missed this game entirely but I wonder how healthy Mateer was. 3 interceptions on the day seemed out of character, though Texas has some studs on D.
16. Missouri - Good team that can right itself against Auburn.
17. Virginia - How in the world did this team lose to North Carolina State?
18. USC - Statement win over Michigan. Lone hope to derail Notre Dame.
19. Texas - Quality win over OU, time to string some wins together.
20. Vanderbilt - Hosting LSU, so this ranking may not last, but they've earned it so far.

Dropping Out:

Michigan - Didn't see too much of this one, but gosh it's nice to see two blue bloods square off in LA in traditional uniforms. I think Michigan is good but not good enough to crack the top 20 this week.
Illinois - Another team that's decent but not good enough to beat the teams above them.

Just Missed:

Memphis - My pick for the G5 playoff team at the moment.
South Florida - The other G5 potential playoff team, Beat the brakes off a previously undefeated North Texas team.
Utah - Manhandled Arizona State and can crack the Top 20 if they beat BYU.
Nebraska - Well look at this! Matt Rhule can coach!
Cincinnati - Shuke's happy, I'm happy.

Illinois got beat by your #1 and #2 and beat your #18 but you have them unranked. They are at least better than Texas, which though they beat Oklahoma, got beat by a very unimpressive Florida team.

No, they are not better than Texas and USC would beat this team by 30 in a rematch on a neutral field at a normal start time.

A lot of excuses there for SC

I mentioned it upthread but not sure whether or not you saw it. Any interest in laying the points at -7.5?

And just to be clear, this is just for choosing the other person’s avatar for a month, like my bet with Longtime Lurker. Am I weak for wanting the points? Heard the spread is up to 9.5 now with the USC RB injuries.

Sorry, read and thought to come back to this and forgot.

The spread makes sense but it is one of those things that scare you. Like one of those times the football gods set up someone that no one knows about to just come out and blow up. But let's go. Notre Dame football logo vs whatever cheesy Trojan thing you got going on.

You know what. Screw the spread. Heads up!

You are feeling yourself.

The beauty of this bet is that a Notre Dame avatar will hurt me way way less than a USC avatar will hurt you. I’ve only been a USC fan for about six years now (once I started spending my retirement on tuition) so hating Notre Dame isn’t in my DNA. Now give me an avatar of Nickelback and that will hurt me.

 

[Chadstroma]

GM's Top 20 - Oct. 13, 2025 - Shake-up City

1. Ohio State - Disposed of Illinois rather easily, looking much the best currently.
2. Indiana - This win was no fluke, they manhandled Oregon on the road. Overtakes Idol Miami for #2 this week.
3. Miami - There's really nothing standing in this team's way now. Should coast to the playoffs and get a bye.
4. Texas A&M - Rocking and rolling teams right now. At LSU in two weeks. HUGE game. Don't overlook Petrino's Razorbacks.
5. Ole Miss - Boy, Lane Kiffin almost barfed this one up to a lowly Wazzou team. Looking forward to Georgia, perhaps?
6. Texas Tech - Been saying it all season, this team is loaded and legit.
7. Alabama - That loss to Florida State seems like ancient history. Hats off to Mizzou.
8. Georgia - SEC is just silly good when Georgia is its 4th best team currently.
9. LSU - And even sillier when LSU is 5th best.
10. Oregon - Just abandoned the vertical passing game and got outclassed and outcoached by Indiana at home. Travel to Rutgers and we'll see how or even if they can rebound.
11. Tennessee - The fired coach effect seemed to galvanize Arkansas but the Vols held them off and go to Alabama next in what should be a thrilling game.
12. Georgia Tech - What sort of efforts are being made to retain Coach Key? Whatever they are, they should triple them.
13. Notre Dame - Obliterated NC State and the defense has found its footing.
14. BYU - Number of undefeated teams is dwindling rapidly. This is one of them at 6-0. Holy War next and it should be terrific.
15. Oklahoma - Missed this game entirely but I wonder how healthy Mateer was. 3 interceptions on the day seemed out of character, though Texas has some studs on D.
16. Missouri - Good team that can right itself against Auburn.
17. Virginia - How in the world did this team lose to North Carolina State?
18. USC - Statement win over Michigan. Lone hope to derail Notre Dame.
19. Texas - Quality win over OU, time to string some wins together.
20. Vanderbilt - Hosting LSU, so this ranking may not last, but they've earned it so far.

Dropping Out:

Michigan - Didn't see too much of this one, but gosh it's nice to see two blue bloods square off in LA in traditional uniforms. I think Michigan is good but not good enough to crack the top 20 this week.
Illinois - Another team that's decent but not good enough to beat the teams above them.

Just Missed:

Memphis - My pick for the G5 playoff team at the moment.
South Florida - The other G5 potential playoff team, Beat the brakes off a previously undefeated North Texas team.
Utah - Manhandled Arizona State and can crack the Top 20 if they beat BYU.
Nebraska - Well look at this! Matt Rhule can coach!
Cincinnati - Shuke's happy, I'm happy.

Illinois got beat by your #1 and #2 and beat your #18 but you have them unranked. They are at least better than Texas, which though they beat Oklahoma, got beat by a very unimpressive Florida team.

No, they are not better than Texas and USC would beat this team by 30 in a rematch on a neutral field at a normal start time.

A lot of excuses there for SC

I mentioned it upthread but not sure whether or not you saw it. Any interest in laying the points at -7.5?

And just to be clear, this is just for choosing the other person’s avatar for a month, like my bet with Longtime Lurker. Am I weak for wanting the points? Heard the spread is up to 9.5 now with the USC RB injuries.

Sorry, read and thought to come back to this and forgot.

The spread makes sense but it is one of those things that scare you. Like one of those times the football gods set up someone that no one knows about to just come out and blow up. But let's go. Notre Dame football logo vs whatever cheesy Trojan thing you got going on.

You know what. Screw the spread. Heads up!

You are feeling yourself.

The beauty of this bet is that a Notre Dame avatar will hurt me way way less than a USC avatar will hurt you. I’ve only been a USC fan for about six years now (once I started spending my retirement on tuition) so hating Notre Dame isn’t in my DNA. Now give me an avatar of Nickelback and that will hurt me.

There is no school I dislike more than USC so yes... but don't worry, I like you, so I have no plans on sending you into a depression for a month with one if Nicklebacks album covers. Enforcing ND's dominance is good enough for me.

 

[heckmanm]

Is it possible that Cignetti decides to stay at Indiana, especially if he wins it all? Seems like he's got everything he needs right now to succeed and they LOVE him there. He's no spring chicken, maybe this is where he wants to be? It's lovely in Bloomington. Lots of limestone. Nice trees. Midwest nice people.

Penn St has money. Not only to spend on the contract but what they spend on the program. $80 million for 23-24 versus Indiana's $34 million in the same time span. Penn St has the money to not only spend on the program but to spend on making pretty much anyone think twice about their salary upgrade.

But...

Penn St's strong recruiting class is being blown up with this and assuming Indiana make playoffs and goes deep then he will be coming in to a program hobbled. Sure, he could do another JMU and bring half of the roster with him to Penn St but that puts you in a bad position. As a HC, I would look at the fact that Franklin brought this program back up from a has been to meaningful again and paid a small bank to get rid of him as a spot that would tell me that there is a short leash that could get yanked on hard at any moment. Meanwhile, at Indiana, he has made a never was program relevant and is a god of that entire state now. Things go south a bit and he will still be a god and have a chance to bring it back.

He has shown that money isn't the only thing to building a program. He can stay in Indiana and be the man even if they do not get that Championship ever. If he did, he is a legend. Or he can chase the money to go to Penn St and even with the smallest stumble be seen as a money grubbing fool. I mean, Kelly is seen as a big clown now with LSU and that is the same set up that Cignetti could stumble into if he did it. And that way that Cignetti talks in interviews, it will not take much to make him look like an even bigger clown than Kelly.

Rhule makes much more sense to me. If Cignetti bolted, it would be obvious it was a $$$ thing. If Rhule left, I am not going to hold it against an alum to go back to their school if they have the chance to do so. Rhule could make the change and I think most people would think "makes sense".

I think you're totally off here. If Cignetti goes to Penn State, it's about going to a blue blood program in his home state where there are more resources to win a national title. He makes plenty of money at Indiana.

I didn't know he was from Penn St. Did he grow up a Penn St fan? I will say, that if I was a coach and had the chance to coach at ND I would drop everything to make it happen. So, I can understand that. But if I had a chance to coach UCLA (never would care to coach USC) or Stanford or Cal.... I guess those are the best California programs... just because I grew up in California.... even with more money and more program resources to drop a situation where you are the man and will be the man of legend forever just by keeping the program relevant? No thanks.

He's from western PA, but has ties to Pitt (and WV). No ties to PSU that I've heard about.

 

[Peak]

Is it possible that Cignetti decides to stay at Indiana, especially if he wins it all? Seems like he's got everything he needs right now to succeed and they LOVE him there. He's no spring chicken, maybe this is where he wants to be? It's lovely in Bloomington. Lots of limestone. Nice trees. Midwest nice people.

Penn St has money. Not only to spend on the contract but what they spend on the program. $80 million for 23-24 versus Indiana's $34 million in the same time span. Penn St has the money to not only spend on the program but to spend on making pretty much anyone think twice about their salary upgrade.

But...

Penn St's strong recruiting class is being blown up with this and assuming Indiana make playoffs and goes deep then he will be coming in to a program hobbled. Sure, he could do another JMU and bring half of the roster with him to Penn St but that puts you in a bad position. As a HC, I would look at the fact that Franklin brought this program back up from a has been to meaningful again and paid a small bank to get rid of him as a spot that would tell me that there is a short leash that could get yanked on hard at any moment. Meanwhile, at Indiana, he has made a never was program relevant and is a god of that entire state now. Things go south a bit and he will still be a god and have a chance to bring it back.

He has shown that money isn't the only thing to building a program. He can stay in Indiana and be the man even if they do not get that Championship ever. If he did, he is a legend. Or he can chase the money to go to Penn St and even with the smallest stumble be seen as a money grubbing fool. I mean, Kelly is seen as a big clown now with LSU and that is the same set up that Cignetti could stumble into if he did it. And that way that Cignetti talks in interviews, it will not take much to make him look like an even bigger clown than Kelly.

Rhule makes much more sense to me. If Cignetti bolted, it would be obvious it was a $$$ thing. If Rhule left, I am not going to hold it against an alum to go back to their school if they have the chance to do so. Rhule could make the change and I think most people would think "makes sense".

I guess money is always a factor but once you’re making 30+ million I feel like it’s all F you money. At that point, things like legacy and appreciation and loyalty should take precedence. But that’s probably spoken like someone who will never have F you money.

Yeah, I wouldn't even need F you money to be a happy camper as a coach at a school like Indiana. I'd settle for some 'gosh darn you' money and try win 9-10 games a year, hug the babies, pet the dogs, be all goofy during press conferences because I'm so galldarn happy with a few million and maybe access to a good fishing lake.

Yea, seems to me that he has life made in Indiana. Doesn't have to win a championship and still be the man. Wins a championship and he is proclaimed Emperor for life of Indiana. At Penn St, you better win a Championship in your first two years or else.

I think part of that is with Penn State spiraling right now, there is a vacancy as one of the top teams in the B1G. Where it used to be OSU, UM, PSU (now ORE and WASH), there is an opening for Cignetti to take IU to be one of those top tier programs in the B1G. He's started laying that groundwork these first two years. If he can make a deep playoff run this year, he'll be in a good spot to next year to secure that top spot.

Matt Rhule makes the most sense to me. He went to / played at Penn State. This would be a coming home type of scenario for him. I also think it would be a step up from Nebraska to Penn State.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

GM's Top 20 - Oct. 13, 2025 - Shake-up City

1. Ohio State - Disposed of Illinois rather easily, looking much the best currently.
2. Indiana - This win was no fluke, they manhandled Oregon on the road. Overtakes Idol Miami for #2 this week.
3. Miami - There's really nothing standing in this team's way now. Should coast to the playoffs and get a bye.
4. Texas A&M - Rocking and rolling teams right now. At LSU in two weeks. HUGE game. Don't overlook Petrino's Razorbacks.
5. Ole Miss - Boy, Lane Kiffin almost barfed this one up to a lowly Wazzou team. Looking forward to Georgia, perhaps?
6. Texas Tech - Been saying it all season, this team is loaded and legit.
7. Alabama - That loss to Florida State seems like ancient history. Hats off to Mizzou.
8. Georgia - SEC is just silly good when Georgia is its 4th best team currently.
9. LSU - And even sillier when LSU is 5th best.
10. Oregon - Just abandoned the vertical passing game and got outclassed and outcoached by Indiana at home. Travel to Rutgers and we'll see how or even if they can rebound.
11. Tennessee - The fired coach effect seemed to galvanize Arkansas but the Vols held them off and go to Alabama next in what should be a thrilling game.
12. Georgia Tech - What sort of efforts are being made to retain Coach Key? Whatever they are, they should triple them.
13. Notre Dame - Obliterated NC State and the defense has found its footing.
14. BYU - Number of undefeated teams is dwindling rapidly. This is one of them at 6-0. Holy War next and it should be terrific.
15. Oklahoma - Missed this game entirely but I wonder how healthy Mateer was. 3 interceptions on the day seemed out of character, though Texas has some studs on D.
16. Missouri - Good team that can right itself against Auburn.
17. Virginia - How in the world did this team lose to North Carolina State?
18. USC - Statement win over Michigan. Lone hope to derail Notre Dame.
19. Texas - Quality win over OU, time to string some wins together.
20. Vanderbilt - Hosting LSU, so this ranking may not last, but they've earned it so far.

Dropping Out:

Michigan - Didn't see too much of this one, but gosh it's nice to see two blue bloods square off in LA in traditional uniforms. I think Michigan is good but not good enough to crack the top 20 this week.
Illinois - Another team that's decent but not good enough to beat the teams above them.

Just Missed:

Memphis - My pick for the G5 playoff team at the moment.
South Florida - The other G5 potential playoff team, Beat the brakes off a previously undefeated North Texas team.
Utah - Manhandled Arizona State and can crack the Top 20 if they beat BYU.
Nebraska - Well look at this! Matt Rhule can coach!
Cincinnati - Shuke's happy, I'm happy.

Illinois got beat by your #1 and #2 and beat your #18 but you have them unranked. They are at least better than Texas, which though they beat Oklahoma, got beat by a very unimpressive Florida team.

No, they are not better than Texas and USC would beat this team by 30 in a rematch on a neutral field at a normal start time.

A lot of excuses there for SC

I mentioned it upthread but not sure whether or not you saw it. Any interest in laying the points at -7.5?

And just to be clear, this is just for choosing the other person’s avatar for a month, like my bet with Longtime Lurker. Am I weak for wanting the points? Heard the spread is up to 9.5 now with the USC RB injuries.

Sorry, read and thought to come back to this and forgot.

The spread makes sense but it is one of those things that scare you. Like one of those times the football gods set up someone that no one knows about to just come out and blow up. But let's go. Notre Dame football logo vs whatever cheesy Trojan thing you got going on.

You know what. Screw the spread. Heads up!

You are feeling yourself.

The beauty of this bet is that a Notre Dame avatar will hurt me way way less than a USC avatar will hurt you. I’ve only been a USC fan for about six years now (once I started spending my retirement on tuition) so hating Notre Dame isn’t in my DNA. Now give me an avatar of Nickelback and that will hurt me.

There is no school I dislike more than USC so yes... but don't worry, I like you, so I have no plans on sending you into a depression for a month with one if Nicklebacks album covers. Enforcing ND's dominance is good enough for me.

Could be worse. You could be rocking this baby.

(I was going to go with Nigel Tufnel's nemesis David St. Hubbins' girlfriend Jeanine)

 

[bigbottom]

GM's Top 20 - Oct. 13, 2025 - Shake-up City

1. Ohio State - Disposed of Illinois rather easily, looking much the best currently.
2. Indiana - This win was no fluke, they manhandled Oregon on the road. Overtakes Idol Miami for #2 this week.
3. Miami - There's really nothing standing in this team's way now. Should coast to the playoffs and get a bye.
4. Texas A&M - Rocking and rolling teams right now. At LSU in two weeks. HUGE game. Don't overlook Petrino's Razorbacks.
5. Ole Miss - Boy, Lane Kiffin almost barfed this one up to a lowly Wazzou team. Looking forward to Georgia, perhaps?
6. Texas Tech - Been saying it all season, this team is loaded and legit.
7. Alabama - That loss to Florida State seems like ancient history. Hats off to Mizzou.
8. Georgia - SEC is just silly good when Georgia is its 4th best team currently.
9. LSU - And even sillier when LSU is 5th best.
10. Oregon - Just abandoned the vertical passing game and got outclassed and outcoached by Indiana at home. Travel to Rutgers and we'll see how or even if they can rebound.
11. Tennessee - The fired coach effect seemed to galvanize Arkansas but the Vols held them off and go to Alabama next in what should be a thrilling game.
12. Georgia Tech - What sort of efforts are being made to retain Coach Key? Whatever they are, they should triple them.
13. Notre Dame - Obliterated NC State and the defense has found its footing.
14. BYU - Number of undefeated teams is dwindling rapidly. This is one of them at 6-0. Holy War next and it should be terrific.
15. Oklahoma - Missed this game entirely but I wonder how healthy Mateer was. 3 interceptions on the day seemed out of character, though Texas has some studs on D.
16. Missouri - Good team that can right itself against Auburn.
17. Virginia - How in the world did this team lose to North Carolina State?
18. USC - Statement win over Michigan. Lone hope to derail Notre Dame.
19. Texas - Quality win over OU, time to string some wins together.
20. Vanderbilt - Hosting LSU, so this ranking may not last, but they've earned it so far.

Dropping Out:

Michigan - Didn't see too much of this one, but gosh it's nice to see two blue bloods square off in LA in traditional uniforms. I think Michigan is good but not good enough to crack the top 20 this week.
Illinois - Another team that's decent but not good enough to beat the teams above them.

Just Missed:

Memphis - My pick for the G5 playoff team at the moment.
South Florida - The other G5 potential playoff team, Beat the brakes off a previously undefeated North Texas team.
Utah - Manhandled Arizona State and can crack the Top 20 if they beat BYU.
Nebraska - Well look at this! Matt Rhule can coach!
Cincinnati - Shuke's happy, I'm happy.

Illinois got beat by your #1 and #2 and beat your #18 but you have them unranked. They are at least better than Texas, which though they beat Oklahoma, got beat by a very unimpressive Florida team.

No, they are not better than Texas and USC would beat this team by 30 in a rematch on a neutral field at a normal start time.

A lot of excuses there for SC

I mentioned it upthread but not sure whether or not you saw it. Any interest in laying the points at -7.5?

And just to be clear, this is just for choosing the other person’s avatar for a month, like my bet with Longtime Lurker. Am I weak for wanting the points? Heard the spread is up to 9.5 now with the USC RB injuries.

Sorry, read and thought to come back to this and forgot.

The spread makes sense but it is one of those things that scare you. Like one of those times the football gods set up someone that no one knows about to just come out and blow up. But let's go. Notre Dame football logo vs whatever cheesy Trojan thing you got going on.

You know what. Screw the spread. Heads up!

You are feeling yourself.

The beauty of this bet is that a Notre Dame avatar will hurt me way way less than a USC avatar will hurt you. I’ve only been a USC fan for about six years now (once I started spending my retirement on tuition) so hating Notre Dame isn’t in my DNA. Now give me an avatar of Nickelback and that will hurt me.

There is no school I dislike more than USC so yes... but don't worry, I like you, so I have no plans on sending you into a depression for a month with one if Nicklebacks album covers. Enforcing ND's dominance is good enough for me.

Could be worse. You could be rocking this baby.

(I was going to go with Nigel Tufnel's nemesis David St. Hubbins' girlfriend Jeanine)

Oh, that would have cut like a knife!

 

[General Malaise]

I think Cignetti's team can win it all. Now, I'm obviously suffering from recency bias having watched his team dog-walk the Ducks in Autzen, but this is a very complete team. I think they can compete with the likes of Ohio State and Miami. Indiana's got all unranked teams left. Only Maryland has a winning record. Penn State no longer looks like a threat. And if he wins it all, why not stay? Or if he even comes close.

I just wouldn't want to leave a comfortable setting for a pressure cooker but I lack the ambition of most two legged creatures (and four, for that matter).

 

[FairWarning]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

 

[Chadstroma]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

 

[massraider]

And if he wins it all, why not stay?

Resources mainly. Remember that scene in Moneyball when Billy Beane takes the meeting with Boston? Same idea. I hope he stays and hope he turns Indiana into a perennial contender. I don't like anything about Penn State.

But it's not a lock that he can do this over a sustained time with Indiana. PSU is a much safer bet.

 

[bigbottom]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I think the personnel you mention is what favors ND more so than the rain.

 

[Chadstroma]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I think the personnel you mention is what favors ND more so than the rain.

Well, in terms of the running game. If SC doesn't have much to go to on the ground and conditions make the air game limited, then that to me push's the favorability even more towards ND. We did lose our starting Center though.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

 

[Chadstroma]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

I'm not sure, I didn't hear that. All i know forsure is he stepped in and looked like he was shot out of a cannon. His success could be part Michigan, he had some nice holes to run through, but he was gashing them for some big gains.

 

[bigbottom]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

No, that’s Bryan Jackson who will play along with King Miller. And reading the tea leaves, I don’t think SC got a stern looking at. Yes, they did get a $5000 fine which is a slap on the pinky. Lincoln said in his postgame press conference that they contacted the league at half time to confirm that he could play after being listed as out on the availability list. And then a day later, the League fines SC $5k and says they won’t entertain any questions about it. So what I am pretty sure happened is that Lincoln contacted the league after two of their running backs went down with major injuries and confirmed that Jackson was medically cleared, and the league said, fine, he can play, but we’ll have to fine you a nominal amount for not following the availability list. And Lincoln said fine. Seems pretty clear this is what happened.

 

[bigbottom]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

I'm not sure, I didn't hear that. All i know forsure is he stepped in and looked like he was shot out of a cannon. His success could be part Michigan, he had some nice holes to run through, but he was gashing them for some big gains.

He did that earlier in the season as well. King is really electric, but it remains to be seen if he can keep it up as a starting RB. My guess is that he splits time with Jackson, assuming Jackson remains healthy after playing a bit last week.

Currently, King Miller has 29 carries for 310 yards (a 10.7 average) and 3 touchdowns. A true freshman walk-on without a scholarship. It’s pretty amazing. But it’s not like he needs a scholarship financially as I understand that Dr. Dre is his uncle.

 

[bigbottom]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I think the personnel you mention is what favors ND more so than the rain.

Well, in terms of the running game. If SC doesn't have much to go to on the ground and conditions make the air game limited, then that to me push's the favorability even more towards ND. We did lose our starting Center though.

Fair point. Will be interesting to see whether King Miller is the real deal.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

I'm not sure, I didn't hear that. All i know forsure is he stepped in and looked like he was shot out of a cannon. His success could be part Michigan, he had some nice holes to run through, but he was gashing them for some big gains.

He did that earlier in the season as well. King is really electric, but it remains to be seen if he can keep it up as a starting RB. My guess is that he splits time with Jackson, assuming Jackson remains healthy after playing a bit last week.

Currently, King Miller has 29 carries for 310 yards (a 10.7 average) and 3 touchdowns. A freshman walk-on without a scholarship. It’s pretty amazing. But it’s not like he needs a scholarship financially as I understand that Dr. Dre is his uncle.

No kidding, that definitely takes care of money.

I watched an interview with him and he seemed like the kind of kid that's easy to root for, humble and thoughtful. He made a fan of me and i hope he keeps on rolling.

 

[Chadstroma]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

No, that’s Bryan Jackson who will play along with King Miller. And reading the tea leaves, I don’t think SC got a stern looking at. Yes, they did get a $5000 fine which is a slap on the pinky. Lincoln said in his postgame press conference that they contacted the league at half time to confirm that he could play after being listed as out on the availability list. And then a day later, the League fines SC $5k and says they won’t entertain any questions about it. So what I am pretty sure happened is that Lincoln contacted the league after two of their running backs went down with major injuries and confirmed that Jackson was medically cleared, and the league said, fine, he can play, but we’ll have to fine you a nominal amount for not following the availability list. And Lincoln said fine. Seems pretty clear this is what happened.

You can't call $5K anything with contact... heck, a stern look is probably too strong to describe a $5K fine for a program in college football. Side eye might be a better description.

 

[Sparky Polastri]

Just heard this premise today. Texas, PSU, Clemson finish 1,2,3 in some order and two of those three play for the title. Is this just the clickbait world we live in or am I missing something?

I went back to find this post from my man Sparky. Amazingly prescient. Let me know if you have some favorite lottery numbers.

Sorry BB....was on a vacation

Those seemed like the easiest of my predictions. They aren't all going as smoothly. Still Bill doesn't make it longer than two years at UNC. Still think that Michigan is a four loss team. I completely whiffed on Vandy going to Bama and winning (homer glasses). I said I thought that the SEC still runs through Athens, which isn't as clear in my mind now as it was then. I also said I didn't think any of the QBs in this class were worthy of high draft picks in the upcoming draft.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

 

[Sparky Polastri]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

As much as I want to be hyped about my Canes and I do think this is one of the most balanced teams Miami has since maybe the late 80s-early 90s era
But I've watched Miami for a couple decades now just lose ACC games to inferior programs so i am not taking any games for granted right now

Louisville 4-1
Miami 5-0 -13.5 on an ESPN Friday Night Special

FSU lost one of these a couple weeks ago
It is at home and that's where Miami plays a lot of games this season
Miami has played just one road game this season and that was Doak Campbell vs FSU

Louisville and Stanford at home next two weeks, that's right the Miami Hurricanes play 6 of their first 7 in Miami
A road game vs SMU looks a little scary
They finish the season on the road...Va Tech and Pittsburgh, that last one vs Pitt on the road in late Nov is a little creepy as well

I see people jus putting the Canes in the Playoffs, long way to go right now and this team tends to drop games they should win
I understand this team is different than those we saw a couple years ago but Cristobal has not changed and he tends to sit on leads and get very conservative
I think Mario could actually cost Miami a game along the way if he doesn't learn to go for the kill , up 21-3, make it 35-3, don't give the other team hope in the 4th Q

Go Canes!

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

Honestly, i think you're likely right if i let my rational mind take over for a second. The fanatic in me says we're winning out though, so is college football.

Yup, our good friend bigbottom won our bet on the Michigan USC game and I'm the proud owner of this fancy new avatar for the next month.....

 

[Sparky Polastri]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

Honestly, i think you're likely right if i let my rational mind take over for a second. The fanatic in me says we're winning out though, so is college football.

Yup, our good friend bigbottom won our bet on the Michigan USC game and I'm the proud owner of this fancy new avatar for the next month.....

dang....always considered BB a really good dude

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

Honestly, i think you're likely right if i let my rational mind take over for a second. The fanatic in me says we're winning out though, so is college football.

Yup, our good friend bigbottom won our bet on the Michigan USC game and I'm the proud owner of this fancy new avatar for the next month.....

dang....always considered BB a really good dude

That's what i thought too

 

[bagger]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

No. That was Bryan Jackson.

 

[whoknew]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

If you want to get into the weeds on it, MGoBlog makes a pretty compelling case that Wink is TERRIBLE and needs to be fired immediately.

 

[Yo Mama]

Cignetti signed a big extension at Indiana, so no Penn State for him.

 

[Chadstroma]

Cignetti signed a big extension at Indiana, so no Penn State for him.

Yea... didn't see it. I don't see Freeman leaving ND for there either. Maybe Rhule because of it being alma mater. They could always go after Kelly, he would jump at chance of more money.

 

[bigbottom]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

No, that’s Bryan Jackson who will play along with King Miller. And reading the tea leaves, I don’t think SC got a stern looking at. Yes, they did get a $5000 fine which is a slap on the pinky. Lincoln said in his postgame press conference that they contacted the league at half time to confirm that he could play after being listed as out on the availability list. And then a day later, the League fines SC $5k and says they won’t entertain any questions about it. So what I am pretty sure happened is that Lincoln contacted the league after two of their running backs went down with major injuries and confirmed that Jackson was medically cleared, and the league said, fine, he can play, but we’ll have to fine you a nominal amount for not following the availability list. And Lincoln said fine. Seems pretty clear this is what happened.

You can't call $5K anything with contact... heck, a stern look is probably too strong to describe a $5K fine for a program in college football. Side eye might be a better description.

Heads up - if the Trojans are getting whooped and I’m not active in the thread during the game, know that it’s not because I’m running scared. I am working a Chance for Hope event that night and will be limited to checking the game periodically on my phone. Unfortunate timing. Hope it turns out to be a good one, and hope even more that it’s not the last USC game in South Bend!

 

[massraider]

Cignetti signed a big extension at Indiana, so no Penn State for him.

Sweeeet! Happy for IU fans.

 

[Sparky Polastri]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

If you want to get into the weeds on it, MGoBlog makes a pretty compelling case that Wink is TERRIBLE and needs to be fired immediately.

It seemed rather obvious to me that Minter was the straw stirring that drink and nothing in his NFL transition would suggest otherwise. In both those games the defense just looked like they forgot they had a game that day.

 

[bigbottom]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

No, that’s Bryan Jackson who will play along with King Miller. And reading the tea leaves, I don’t think SC got a stern looking at. Yes, they did get a $5000 fine which is a slap on the pinky. Lincoln said in his postgame press conference that they contacted the league at half time to confirm that he could play after being listed as out on the availability list. And then a day later, the League fines SC $5k and says they won’t entertain any questions about it. So what I am pretty sure happened is that Lincoln contacted the league after two of their running backs went down with major injuries and confirmed that Jackson was medically cleared, and the league said, fine, he can play, but we’ll have to fine you a nominal amount for not following the availability list. And Lincoln said fine. Seems pretty clear this is what happened.

You can't call $5K anything with contact... heck, a stern look is probably too strong to describe a $5K fine for a program in college football. Side eye might be a better description.

Heads up - if the Trojans are getting whooped and I’m not active in the thread during the game, know that it’s not because I’m running scared. I am working a Chance for Hope event that night and will be limited to checking the game periodically on my phone. Unfortunate timing. Hope it turns out to be a good one, and hope even more that it’s not the last USC game in South Bend!

Hey Chad, Trojan Blade is a great USC podcaster and I linked his pregame analysis last week for Longtime Lurker. Here is his ND analysis for this week’s game. As Bagger mentions upthread, his analysis tends to be very good and also objective. He’s definitely not a homer (other than his score predictions). Check it out:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[Chadstroma]

One inch of rain possible for the USC-ND game Saturday.

I have to think thay favors ND with Love and Price vs the third guy in SC?

I agree with this, but that 3rd guy, King Miller looked electric against Michigan (ymmv as Michigan is still looking for consistency). Having nobody to back him up is problematic though.

Is that the guy that was not supposed to play and then did and SC got a stern looking at for doing that?

No, that’s Bryan Jackson who will play along with King Miller. And reading the tea leaves, I don’t think SC got a stern looking at. Yes, they did get a $5000 fine which is a slap on the pinky. Lincoln said in his postgame press conference that they contacted the league at half time to confirm that he could play after being listed as out on the availability list. And then a day later, the League fines SC $5k and says they won’t entertain any questions about it. So what I am pretty sure happened is that Lincoln contacted the league after two of their running backs went down with major injuries and confirmed that Jackson was medically cleared, and the league said, fine, he can play, but we’ll have to fine you a nominal amount for not following the availability list. And Lincoln said fine. Seems pretty clear this is what happened.

You can't call $5K anything with contact... heck, a stern look is probably too strong to describe a $5K fine for a program in college football. Side eye might be a better description.

Heads up - if the Trojans are getting whooped and I’m not active in the thread during the game, know that it’s not because I’m running scared. I am working a Chance for Hope event that night and will be limited to checking the game periodically on my phone. Unfortunate timing. Hope it turns out to be a good one, and hope even more that it’s not the last USC game in South Bend!

Hey Chad, Trojan Blade is a great USC podcaster and I linked his pregame analysis last week for Longtime Lurker. Here is his ND analysis for this week’s game. As Bagger mentions upthread, his analysis tends to be very good and also objective. He’s definitely not a homer (other than his score predictions). Check it out:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

Thanks, worth the listen. (Put it on in the car ride home from the boys swim practice).

 

[Desert_Power]

Cignetti signed a big extension at Indiana, so no Penn State for him.

Yea... didn't see it. I don't see Freeman leaving ND for there either. Maybe Rhule because of it being alma mater. They could always go after Kelly, he would jump at chance of more money.

I love the idea of Rhule coming to Penn State because it would finally kill that program. An absolute fraud.

I'm not rooting for the demise of the nitty lions though.

 

[Chadstroma]

Cignetti signed a big extension at Indiana, so no Penn State for him.

Yea... didn't see it. I don't see Freeman leaving ND for there either. Maybe Rhule because of it being alma mater. They could always go after Kelly, he would jump at chance of more money.

I love the idea of Rhule coming to Penn State because it would finally kill that program. An absolute fraud.

I'm not rooting for the demise of the nitty lions though.

I don't know... he turned a never has been Temple team and a Baylor team around in a few seasons before the portal and seemingly doing well enough in the NIL/portal age with making Nebraska respectable again.

 

[Sparky Polastri]

Anyone been following the private equity battle in the B10? If so, can you explain why this is even a consideration given their position in the CFB landscape?

 

[WDIK2]

Anyone been following the private equity battle in the B10? If so, can you explain why this is even a consideration given their position in the CFB landscape?

Is it as simple as, "We have a lot of money and want more money."?

 

[Chadstroma]

Anyone been following the private equity battle in the B10? If so, can you explain why this is even a consideration given their position in the CFB landscape?

Some schools are struggling with the new financial landscape to keep up with the Joneses on the explosion of spending. They want to sell media rights for basically a payday loan to infuse capital. From my understanding most everyone other than those needy schools think it is a horrible idea.

 

[Peak]

Anyone been following the private equity battle in the B10? If so, can you explain why this is even a consideration given their position in the CFB landscape?

Best I could find:

The deal in plain terms​

This fall, the Big Ten has been reported to be in talks about a private capital arrangement that could bring roughly $2 billion into the conference and its member schools and extend the conference’s grant-of-rights out decades as part of the package.

Under the idea being discussed, the conference would form a centralized commercial arm that packages media rights, sponsorships and other marketing assets. A private investor would take a minority stake in that commercial business while the conference and its schools retain control over on-field decisions like scheduling or championships.

Proponents say the move would let the league better sell itself as one product and unlock money that the conference currently leaves on the table. Critics worry that whatever protections are written into the deal might not be enough to prevent commercial priorities from influencing how college sports operate.

 

[Peak]

Anyone been following the private equity battle in the B10? If so, can you explain why this is even a consideration given their position in the CFB landscape?

Is it as simple as, "We have a lot of money and want more money."?

Per Gemini, the money would be used for the following:

• Athlete revenue sharing: A major catalyst is the new compensation model for college athletes, stemming from the House v. NCAA settlement. Schools must now set aside millions of dollars annually for revenue sharing, placing a significant new financial burden on athletic departments.
• Facility debt: Many Big Ten schools have accumulated large debts from the "arms race" to build state-of-the-art athletic facilities to attract top recruits. An upfront cash payment would provide an immediate lifeline to service this debt.
• Untapped revenue: The conference wants to "better sell itself as one product" to unlock additional value from its media rights, sponsorships, and branding. Proponents believe a private partner has the expertise and capital to grow these revenue streams more aggressively than the conference could on its own.
• Long-term stability: The proposed deal would also extend the Big Ten's "grant of rights," which binds member schools' media rights to the conference for decades. This would provide long-term stability and deter teams from leaving to join a so-called "super league".

 

[heckmanm]

prevent commercial priorities from influencing how college sports operate.

 

[bigbottom]

prevent commercial priorities from influencing how college sports operate.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Anyone been following the private equity battle in the B10? If so, can you explain why this is even a consideration given their position in the CFB landscape?

Maybe a technicality but the funding source would not be private equity but (under the current proposal) would come from the University of California pension fund, "UC Investments" (https://www.ucop.edu/investment-office/index.html). Technically a non-profit entity, but that might be a distinction without a difference. It appears USC and Michigan have come out in opposition to the proposal. USC could be because they're not in the elite group of OSU/Michigan/PSU who would receive a higher level of funds. I'm not sure why the Michigan board is opposed.

The basic structure is that a new entity would be created - Big Ten Enterprises - which would handle commercial revenue, sponsorships, media rights, etc. UC Investments would take an ownership interest in the B10 Enterprises entity together with the 18 member schools. These assets would be bundled together and used to support the investment, which would be distributed to the schools according to an allocation model that is probably the subject of significant dispute at the moment.

The reasons for this are exactly what you'd expect - athletic departments are under economic stress in the new world of college athletics. Although this has apparently been in the works for a year or more, there still seem to be lots of moving parts and uncertainty to it. I'm sure the other conferences are also exploring their options. I read that the SEC is working with Goldman Sachs on a similar concept and the Big 12 was looking into this years ago, but put it on pause due to opposition from the university presidents. I'd expect them to hit the unpause button soon based on this recent news. The American Conference (the tiny AAC, not the ACC) has already rolled out its version of Big Ten Enterprises - the American RISE Ventures entity.

 

[swabs]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

If you want to get into the weeds on it, MGoBlog makes a pretty compelling case that Wink is TERRIBLE and needs to be fired immediately.

It seemed rather obvious to me that Minter was the straw stirring that drink and nothing in his NFL transition would suggest otherwise. In both those games the defense just looked like they forgot they had a game that day.

Is everyone forgetting the OSU game? No terrible DC does that.

 

[whoknew]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

If you want to get into the weeds on it, MGoBlog makes a pretty compelling case that Wink is TERRIBLE and needs to be fired immediately.

It seemed rather obvious to me that Minter was the straw stirring that drink and nothing in his NFL transition would suggest otherwise. In both those games the defense just looked like they forgot they had a game that day.

Is everyone forgetting the OSU game? No terrible DC does that.

This is all fourth hand, obviously. I'm only regurgitating what I have read/listened to on places like Mgoblog. So don't shoot the messenger.

But it's my understanding that mid-last season, the defense had a big Come to Jesus meeting with the coaching staff. And one of the things they stressed was the coaching staff was trying to do too much fancy stuff - when they are just college kids on a limited practice schedule. They aren't NFL players. Their capacity to process, understand, and execute a bunch of exotic defenses is WAY less than an NFL defense. And Wink is a loooooooong time NFL DC. So they asked him to scale it back. And he did. And the D was really good.

Well, presumably everyone thought that would carry over to this year. But it hasn't. Wink is back to running all these exotic defenses with a bunch of 19 and 20 year olds. Also - for example - all season long, when the opposing offense went to a 2 TE set, Wink has responded with a 5-2 look. Well, leading up to the USC game, the Mgoblog folks repeatedly said, "You CANNOT do that against USC. Their TEs are TEs in name only. They are effectively WRs who split out." Nonetheless, during the game, USC ran a bunch of 2 TE sets, MI runs a 5-2 and gets trashed.

So ... whether y'all believe all of that or not - I don't know. But the guys who have been analyzing M for a long time believe it strongly. I defer to them. But I get it if y'all don't wan to.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Still think that Michigan is a four loss team

And here i was going to welcome you back.....

(Other than that, nice predictions )

Sorry GB. Just didn't/don't see them ready to run yet. And being honest, the defense is not as good as I thought. Either that or the DC just completely checked out for the games against OU and USC. By the way, what the hell is that avatar? Did you lose a bet or something?

If you want to get into the weeds on it, MGoBlog makes a pretty compelling case that Wink is TERRIBLE and needs to be fired immediately.

It seemed rather obvious to me that Minter was the straw stirring that drink and nothing in his NFL transition would suggest otherwise. In both those games the defense just looked like they forgot they had a game that day.

Is everyone forgetting the OSU game? No terrible DC does that.

This is all fourth hand, obviously. I'm only regurgitating what I have read/listened to on places like Mgoblog. So don't shoot the messenger.

But it's my understanding that mid-last season, the defense had a big Come to Jesus meeting with the coaching staff. And one of the things they stressed was the coaching staff was trying to do too much fancy stuff - when they are just college kids on a limited practice schedule. They aren't NFL players. Their capacity to process, understand, and execute a bunch of exotic defenses is WAY less than an NFL defense. And Wink is a loooooooong time NFL DC. So they asked him to scale it back. And he did. And the D was really good.

Well, presumably everyone thought that would carry over to this year. But it hasn't. Wink is back to running all these exotic defenses with a bunch of 19 and 20 year olds. Also - for example - all season long, when the opposing offense went to a 2 TE set, Wink has responded with a 5-2 look. Well, leading up to the USC game, the Mgoblog folks repeatedly said, "You CANNOT do that against USC. Their TEs are TEs in name only. They are effectively WRs who split out." Nonetheless, during the game, USC ran a bunch of 2 TE sets, MI runs a 5-2 and gets trashed.

So ... whether y'all believe all of that or not - I don't know. But the guys who have been analyzing M for a long time believe it strongly. I defer to them. But I get it if y'all don't wan to.

I read the MGoBlog link you provided too. It's a compelling argument against Wink and there's probably something to it, but this is also a young defense and team. There's a ton of talent and not a lot of experience to go with it. On the road in Norman and at the Coliseum is no easy ask. I can't push the panic button on anything I've seen from the offense or defense at this point. There's plenty of room for improvement, but i think that's expected. They probably are a 4 loss team and that wasn't an uncommon prediction from fans going into the season.

I'm celebrating the wins and hoping the losses are a chance to gain experience and get better. If Wink could learn from his mistakes last year i see no reason he won't now. He's seen what the defense can do in tough road games and I'd hope he adjusts for the remainder of the season. Time will tell how it all works out, but my hopes remain high for the future of this team.