2025 College Football Thread: James Franklin decides losing big games wasn’t quite enough (12 Viewers)

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Indiana gonna put 70 on MSU Saturday.

 

[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.

Oregon at 10 behind Georgia and LSU makes a lot more sense than No. 8 where the AP has them.

It’s fascinating how the perception of strength of schedule can change over time. Oregon’s home loss to Indiana is about as good as it gets given how strong Indiana looks. But what about the rest of the schedule? Where are their good wins?

They have about as atrocious a non-conference schedule as it gets: (1) an FCS team; (2) an 0-7 Oregon State team that just fired its coach, and (3) a last place Oklahoma State team that also fired its coach mid-season.

Penn State felt really good at the time, but Oregon took two overtimes to beat a team that got beat by then 0-4 UCLA and Northwestern. And now they’ve fired their coach (sensing a theme) and are currently tied for last place in the Big 10.

So I guess that makes Oregon’s best win to date a 20-point victory at unranked Northwestern.

Oregon’s next two games are against also tied for last place Rutgers and Wisconsin and then against decent but unranked Iowa and Minnesota.

Then it’s USC, which may no longer be ranked by the time they travel to Autzen, and finishing with currently unranked Washington.

It’s not Notre Dame’s schedule by any stretch (as my GB @General Malaise energetically points out) but that schedule looks way weaker today than it did at the start of the season.

EDIT: And this is not a pro-USC argument at all. USC really only has one good win under its belt. But it does travel to Notre Dame, to Oregon, and to Nebraska which will be incredibly tough games.

 

[heckmanm]

Cignetti is such a great story at Indiana, it's not fun to think about him getting poached to go to a PSU, but he has to wonder what he could do with the PSU resources behind him.

This is where I am. He is literally making history at Indiana with a shot at a national championship.

And no JoePa shadow to deal with at IU.

Besides, despite being from western PA, he has more ties to Pitt and WV than to PSU

I would expect Penn State could/would go to financial compensation Indiana would not. But I don't know that.

Insights there?

In terms of IU's willingness/capability? IDK. They gave him an 8/64M extension after last season IIRC. And Mark Cuban's an IU alum with deep pockets.

 

[msudaisy26]

Indiana gonna put 70 on MSU Saturday.

In the first half!

 

[identikit]

Indiana gonna put 70 on MSU Saturday.

A sentence that never existed until now

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Indiana gonna put 70 on MSU Saturday.

A sentence that never existed until now

Hoping it’s the final nail in the coffin for Smith

 

[bigbottom]

Indiana gonna put 70 on MSU Saturday.

A sentence that never existed until now

Hoping it’s the final nail in the coffin for Smith

Are we setting a record for mid-season coach firings? Sure feels like it.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

James Franklin fired

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1977433744773419216?t=r9Rz8_syD0NlmzFkCPwcGg&s=19

That one gets the headlines but Oregon State has fired Trent Bray. This was inevitable but should have been done sooner. He was way over his head. AD needs to be fired too.

Don't worry you can have Smith back soon. He won't be long for East Lansing.

I wouldn’t wish that garbage on anyone.

He did very well at Oregon State. He reminds me of Rich Rodriguez. Not everyone is made to coach at every stop.

He went 34-35 overall and 23-29 in conference. Not very well at all. He was MSUs 2nd or 3rd choice.

I root for a bad program in VT. Like MSU we've had our moments over the past 30 years. But I feel in the current environment teams like MSU, VT, and many others that are average in $s spent and don't have a ton of loaded alums willing to spend on FB ... being .500 is the expected result. I'm not even sure it's worth fighting for a better result. Even if we have 1 good year, other schools will buy those players and coaches and that's it of it.

 

[Chadstroma]

There were a few recruits that committed to Penn St that ND was in the hunt on early on. Hoping for some new recruiting posts to come!

 

[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.

 

[swabs]

They lost by 60

 

[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.

Looks like GM would have them in his top 25, which is higher than the AP poll.

Edit: Well maybe not. I was interpreting dropping out as part of just missed which may or may not be correct.

 

[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.

Question: By the logic above, should Illinois be ranked higher than Notre Dame? Or does the shellacking they took from Indiana make the difference.

And so much riding on this Saturday. Notre Dame has to have this win. But so does USC. I guess it could survive by winning out but that is a really tall order. But so is winning in South Bend.

 

[bigbottom]

Unfortunately for the Trojans, two huge injuries in the Michigan game. Their RB1 Waymond Jordan will undergo tightrope surgery on his ankle and be out 4-6 weeks and their RB2 Eli Sanders is out for the season with a knee injury. That leaves Bryan Jackson who has been out with an injury since the first game of the season and got permission to play in the second half against Michigan after previously being declared out, and freshman walk-on King Miller, who has admittedly been electric when he sees the field.

As much as I like Miller, he’s a freshman without a scholarship and Jackson is definitely not 100%. That’s a scary prospect for rolling into South Bend.

 

[bigbottom]

[hippling complete]

 

[kupcho1]

tightrope surgery

That's autocorrect, right?

 

[Phil Elliott]

https://x.com/SkersNews/status/1977459333706416303?t=fG_sguSF2yw5kYnkDWkltg&s=19

Current favorite for PSU opening: Matt Rhule

Not just for selfish reasons, but I just don't see it. Maybe if Rhule was tearing it up at Nebraska, but he is just over .500

I could see it from Rhule's perspective if he can cash in on a decent start and still having more of a name brand than he should.

And the buyout money is getting ridiculous when the school doesn't want you any longer!

 

[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.

Question: By the logic above, should Illinois be ranked higher than Notre Dame? Or does the shellacking they took from Indiana make the difference.

And so much riding on this Saturday. Notre Dame has to have this win. But so does USC. I guess it could survive by winning out but that is a really tall order. But so is winning in South Bend.

For ND losing by 4 total points against those teams is significant in my view. I think that has to be taken into account. They were in those games.

I can't see placing Texas higher than Illinois at this point in the season.

The USC vs ND game will go a long way to shaping rankings. For both schools, it is do or die.

 

[Chadstroma]

Unfortunately for the Trojans, two huge injuries in the Michigan game. Their RB1 Waymond Jordan will undergo tightrope surgery on his ankle and be out 4-6 weeks and their RB2 Eli Sanders is out for the season with a knee injury. That leaves Bryan Jackson who has been out with an injury since the first game of the season and got permission to play in the second half against Michigan after previously being declared out, and freshman walk-on King Miller, who has admittedly been electric when he sees the field.

As much as I like Miller, he’s a freshman without a scholarship and Jackson is definitely not 100%. That’s a scary prospect for rolling into South Bend.

I half watched the USC game and caught an inkling of the injury issue but didn't realize it was that deep for them.

Hate to see injuries but unfortunately it is part of the game. ND was decimated with injuries last season and figured a way to get to get on that last dance card. If there is one team that I do not have natural sympathy for it is the Trojans.

 

[General Malaise]

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.

 

[General Malaise]

Illinois has the worst defeat of any team being discussed in here. 50 points is inexcusable.

And then to lose 2 weeks later by 20ish, nope. Sorry. Not a top 20 team.

 

[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

 

[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?

 

[General Malaise]

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

USC has only one loss, on the road, by a walk-off field goal.

Notre Dame has 2 losses. One at their home.

Illinois has two embarrassing losses.

Defense rests.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

James Franklin fired

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1977433744773419216?t=r9Rz8_syD0NlmzFkCPwcGg&s=19

That one gets the headlines but Oregon State has fired Trent Bray. This was inevitable but should have been done sooner. He was way over his head. AD needs to be fired too.

Don't worry you can have Smith back soon. He won't be long for East Lansing.

I wouldn’t wish that garbage on anyone.

He did very well at Oregon State. He reminds me of Rich Rodriguez. Not everyone is made to coach at every stop.

He went 34-35 overall and 23-29 in conference. Not very well at all. He was MSUs 2nd or 3rd choice.

The numbers don't tell the whole story. Oregon State is a very difficult place to have coaching success because the resources just aren't there, it's not located in a fertile recruiting area and the next door neighbor has far more donors willing to spend money and a marketing brand that's tops in the country. 23-29 in conference when it was the Pac12 (pretty loaded at the time, just look at the number of players in the NFL) is a remarkable achievement for Oregon State.

He may have done OK in the PAC12 back in the day, but he is not cut out for the B1G. Yea, it's only year 2, but the trajectory of success at MSU isn't there and I don't see it changing in the future. He's way outmatched in this league.

Back in the day? So like, 2 years ago? Did they even have color TVs back then?

He may be outmatched currently, but let's not pretend the Big Ten was light years ahead of the Pac 12 in 2023. Yes, Michigan won it all beating a team from the Pac 12 but it's not like Jonathan Smith was coaching Liberty or in the Sun Belt. The Pac 12 was really good in 2023, just look at the NFL draft from 2024....8 first round picks including Caleb Williams, Michael Penix, Bo Nix, Rome Odunze.

Smith may not work out for Michigan State but it's not a 'league's too big for him' thing. IMO.

Why does Michigan seem to get a free (forgotten?) pass on cheating the entire year? I mean, the Houston Astrisks will never live that down, why is it okay for Michigan's "Championship"?

Or should it be Washington's? It's almost not like Reggie Bush's Heisman.

 

[General Malaise]

James Franklin fired

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1977433744773419216?t=r9Rz8_syD0NlmzFkCPwcGg&s=19

That one gets the headlines but Oregon State has fired Trent Bray. This was inevitable but should have been done sooner. He was way over his head. AD needs to be fired too.

Don't worry you can have Smith back soon. He won't be long for East Lansing.

I wouldn’t wish that garbage on anyone.

He did very well at Oregon State. He reminds me of Rich Rodriguez. Not everyone is made to coach at every stop.

He went 34-35 overall and 23-29 in conference. Not very well at all. He was MSUs 2nd or 3rd choice.

The numbers don't tell the whole story. Oregon State is a very difficult place to have coaching success because the resources just aren't there, it's not located in a fertile recruiting area and the next door neighbor has far more donors willing to spend money and a marketing brand that's tops in the country. 23-29 in conference when it was the Pac12 (pretty loaded at the time, just look at the number of players in the NFL) is a remarkable achievement for Oregon State.

He may have done OK in the PAC12 back in the day, but he is not cut out for the B1G. Yea, it's only year 2, but the trajectory of success at MSU isn't there and I don't see it changing in the future. He's way outmatched in this league.

Back in the day? So like, 2 years ago? Did they even have color TVs back then?

He may be outmatched currently, but let's not pretend the Big Ten was light years ahead of the Pac 12 in 2023. Yes, Michigan won it all beating a team from the Pac 12 but it's not like Jonathan Smith was coaching Liberty or in the Sun Belt. The Pac 12 was really good in 2023, just look at the NFL draft from 2024....8 first round picks including Caleb Williams, Michael Penix, Bo Nix, Rome Odunze.

Smith may not work out for Michigan State but it's not a 'league's too big for him' thing. IMO.

Why does Michigan seem to get a free (forgotten?) pass on cheating the entire year? I mean, the Houston Astrisks will never live that down, why is it okay for Michigan's "Championship"?

Or should it be Washington's? It's almost not like Reggie Bush's Heisman.

Because Michigan won it all several weeks after the sign stealing scandal was unearthed. They were the best team in college football and they didn't cheat to win those games. They beat the hell out of Washington.

Astros cheated to win the World Series. They didn't get caught until well after.

Huge difference, IMO.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

James Franklin fired

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1977433744773419216?t=r9Rz8_syD0NlmzFkCPwcGg&s=19

That one gets the headlines but Oregon State has fired Trent Bray. This was inevitable but should have been done sooner. He was way over his head. AD needs to be fired too.

Don't worry you can have Smith back soon. He won't be long for East Lansing.

I wouldn’t wish that garbage on anyone.

He did very well at Oregon State. He reminds me of Rich Rodriguez. Not everyone is made to coach at every stop.

He went 34-35 overall and 23-29 in conference. Not very well at all. He was MSUs 2nd or 3rd choice.

The numbers don't tell the whole story. Oregon State is a very difficult place to have coaching success because the resources just aren't there, it's not located in a fertile recruiting area and the next door neighbor has far more donors willing to spend money and a marketing brand that's tops in the country. 23-29 in conference when it was the Pac12 (pretty loaded at the time, just look at the number of players in the NFL) is a remarkable achievement for Oregon State.

He may have done OK in the PAC12 back in the day, but he is not cut out for the B1G. Yea, it's only year 2, but the trajectory of success at MSU isn't there and I don't see it changing in the future. He's way outmatched in this league.

Back in the day? So like, 2 years ago? Did they even have color TVs back then?

He may be outmatched currently, but let's not pretend the Big Ten was light years ahead of the Pac 12 in 2023. Yes, Michigan won it all beating a team from the Pac 12 but it's not like Jonathan Smith was coaching Liberty or in the Sun Belt. The Pac 12 was really good in 2023, just look at the NFL draft from 2024....8 first round picks including Caleb Williams, Michael Penix, Bo Nix, Rome Odunze.

Smith may not work out for Michigan State but it's not a 'league's too big for him' thing. IMO.

Why does Michigan seem to get a free (forgotten?) pass on cheating the entire year? I mean, the Houston Astrisks will never live that down, why is it okay for Michigan's "Championship"?

Or should it be Washington's? It's almost not like Reggie Bush's Heisman.

Because Michigan won it all several weeks after the sign stealing scandal was unearthed. They were the best team in college football and they didn't cheat to win those games. They beat the hell out of Washington.

Astros cheated to win the World Series. They didn't get caught until well after.

Huge difference, IMO.

Yeah, I have no idea the timeline. Forget the Washington game then, isn't getting there a pretty big part of it? Anything goes, I get it, but I don't know, they took it too far imo. I actually used to like Michigan more than most but whatever.

"Huge difference"? Beecause of when the cheating occurred? One could argue a season of cheating is worth more, or more beneficial in the long run. Only to be followed by getting to play some P-12 squad, no less? Not a bad deal at all. And in bases, getting to the playoffs isn't that tough now is it? College football playoffs are tougher to reach. So if there is some "huge" emphasis on what cheating matters more, going back to when the cheating took place, then Michigan's "but it was before the playoffs, I swear" argument, is not their best defense.


And are we sure they had nothing on any playoff opponents? Where there's smoke, fire, etc. Hard to believe they weren't doing their due diligence on potential playoff matchups in November.

And did we really get the extent of it all? That, I highly doubt.

 

[Instinctive]

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.

FWIW Oklahoma beat Oklahoma. Texas did a good job not screwing it up. At no point did they look particularly good.

 

[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.

FWIW Oklahoma beat Oklahoma. Texas did a good job not screwing it up. At no point did they look particularly good.

I only caught snippets as I was tuned into a different game, but it really looked like Mateer was rushed back and shouldn’t have been playing. I know it was a big game, but playing 17 days after surgery on your throwing hand seems crazy to me.

 

[Peak]

Cignetti is such a great story at Indiana, it's not fun to think about him getting poached to go to a PSU, but he has to wonder what he could do with the PSU resources behind him.

This is where I am. He is literally making history at Indiana with a shot at a national championship.

And no JoePa shadow to deal with at IU.

Besides, despite being from western PA, he has more ties to Pitt and WV than to PSU

I would expect Penn State could/would go to financial compensation Indiana would not. But I don't know that.

Insights there?

In terms of IU's willingness/capability? IDK. They gave him an 8/64M extension after last season IIRC. And Mark Cuban's an IU alum with deep pockets.

I think you have the buyout wrong for Cignetti. Below is what I found on Google. With PSU paying off Franklin by $50mil, they would spend almost $45mil to buyout IU for Cignetti (maybe $58mill if they offer to pay Curt's portion of the buyout as well), and then they would have to make it worth his while so another big contract value. That's $100mil just for logistical moves and then more to make the contract worth him wanting to make the jump. Thats a lot of money for any program. I just don't see Cignetti going there. I think he's going to stay at IU, but I'm sure he'll take all this talk as leverage with Indiana to get more out of them so he stays to build out that program.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti's buyout cost depends on when he leaves Indiana. The school is owed $56.7 million if he leaves before December 1, 2025, while he would owe Indiana $13 million if he left before December 1, 2025, with the cost decreasing annually until his contract ends in November 2032. It is standard practice for a new school to pay a coach's buyout.

Indiana's cost to buy out Curt Cignetti

• Cost: $56.7 million if he leaves before December 1, 2025.
• Cost reduction: The buyout decreases by $10 Million between 12/1/2025 and 11/30/2026 and by a total of $4 million annually thereafter
  

 

[Instinctive]

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.

FWIW Oklahoma beat Oklahoma. Texas did a good job not screwing it up. At no point did they look particularly good.

I only caught snippets as I was tuned into a different game, but it really looked like Mateer was rushed back and shouldn’t have been playing. I know it was a big game, but playing 17 days after surgery on your throwing hand seems crazy to me.

Yeah we couldn't believe it after seeing how he looked. To send him back out there after halftime was coaching malpractice. Just awful.

Hawkins could have got us 12 points no turnovers and we win 12-6.

 

[General Malaise]

James Franklin fired

https://x.com/On3sports/status/1977433744773419216?t=r9Rz8_syD0NlmzFkCPwcGg&s=19

That one gets the headlines but Oregon State has fired Trent Bray. This was inevitable but should have been done sooner. He was way over his head. AD needs to be fired too.

Don't worry you can have Smith back soon. He won't be long for East Lansing.

I wouldn’t wish that garbage on anyone.

He did very well at Oregon State. He reminds me of Rich Rodriguez. Not everyone is made to coach at every stop.

He went 34-35 overall and 23-29 in conference. Not very well at all. He was MSUs 2nd or 3rd choice.

The numbers don't tell the whole story. Oregon State is a very difficult place to have coaching success because the resources just aren't there, it's not located in a fertile recruiting area and the next door neighbor has far more donors willing to spend money and a marketing brand that's tops in the country. 23-29 in conference when it was the Pac12 (pretty loaded at the time, just look at the number of players in the NFL) is a remarkable achievement for Oregon State.

He may have done OK in the PAC12 back in the day, but he is not cut out for the B1G. Yea, it's only year 2, but the trajectory of success at MSU isn't there and I don't see it changing in the future. He's way outmatched in this league.

Back in the day? So like, 2 years ago? Did they even have color TVs back then?

He may be outmatched currently, but let's not pretend the Big Ten was light years ahead of the Pac 12 in 2023. Yes, Michigan won it all beating a team from the Pac 12 but it's not like Jonathan Smith was coaching Liberty or in the Sun Belt. The Pac 12 was really good in 2023, just look at the NFL draft from 2024....8 first round picks including Caleb Williams, Michael Penix, Bo Nix, Rome Odunze.

Smith may not work out for Michigan State but it's not a 'league's too big for him' thing. IMO.

Why does Michigan seem to get a free (forgotten?) pass on cheating the entire year? I mean, the Houston Astrisks will never live that down, why is it okay for Michigan's "Championship"?

Or should it be Washington's? It's almost not like Reggie Bush's Heisman.

Because Michigan won it all several weeks after the sign stealing scandal was unearthed. They were the best team in college football and they didn't cheat to win those games. They beat the hell out of Washington.

Astros cheated to win the World Series. They didn't get caught until well after.

Huge difference, IMO.

Yeah, I have no idea the timeline. Forget the Washington game then, isn't getting there a pretty big part of it? Anything goes, I get it, but I don't know, they took it too far imo. I actually used to like Michigan more than most but whatever.

"Huge difference"? Beecause of when the cheating occurred? One could argue a season of cheating is worth more, or more beneficial in the long run. Only to be followed by getting to play some P-12 squad, no less? Not a bad deal at all. And in bases, getting to the playoffs isn't that tough now is it? College football playoffs are tougher to reach. So if there is some "huge" emphasis on what cheating matters more, going back to when the cheating took place, then Michigan's "but it was before the playoffs, I swear" argument, is not their best defense.


And are we sure they had nothing on any playoff opponents? Where there's smoke, fire, etc. Hard to believe they weren't doing their due diligence on potential playoff matchups in November.

And did we really get the extent of it all? That, I highly doubt.

I dunno, man, I just feel like this topic was discussed to death in the old college football thread(s) and I'm sort of tired of the topic, to be honest. My eyes told me Michigan was the best team on the field and I just don't believe that it was due to sign stealing. Am I wrong? I don't know, but I'm done caring about it. They clobbered the teams they faced in the aftermath of the scandal.

And I'm okay if others disagree with me. That's fine. I just know how I've come out of it all and I'm moving on.

 

[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.

FWIW Oklahoma beat Oklahoma. Texas did a good job not screwing it up. At no point did they look particularly good.

I only caught snippets as I was tuned into a different game, but it really looked like Mateer was rushed back and shouldn’t have been playing. I know it was a big game, but playing 17 days after surgery on your throwing hand seems crazy to me.

Yeah we couldn't believe it after seeing how he looked. To send him back out there after halftime was coaching malpractice. Just awful.

Hawkins could have got us 12 points no turnovers and we win 12-6.

I didn't see the whole game... just parts. From what I saw, Texas continued to be just not good and they caught OU on a bad day likely as you point out Mateer not ready to come back. I have no doubt that a healthy OU beats Texas easily.

I will be surprised if Vandy, Georgia and T A&M don't all beat them and would not be surprised if Kentucky, MS State or Arkansas beat them.

 

[heckmanm]

Cignetti is such a great story at Indiana, it's not fun to think about him getting poached to go to a PSU, but he has to wonder what he could do with the PSU resources behind him.

This is where I am. He is literally making history at Indiana with a shot at a national championship.

And no JoePa shadow to deal with at IU.

Besides, despite being from western PA, he has more ties to Pitt and WV than to PSU

I would expect Penn State could/would go to financial compensation Indiana would not. But I don't know that.

Insights there?

In terms of IU's willingness/capability? IDK. They gave him an 8/64M extension after last season IIRC. And Mark Cuban's an IU alum with deep pockets.

I think you have the buyout wrong for Cignetti. Below is what I found on Google. With PSU paying off Franklin by $50mil, they would spend almost $45mil to buyout IU for Cignetti (maybe $58mill if they offer to pay Curt's portion of the buyout as well), and then they would have to make it worth his while so another big contract value. That's $100mil just for logistical moves and then more to make the contract worth him wanting to make the jump. Thats a lot of money for any program. I just don't see Cignetti going there. I think he's going to stay at IU, but I'm sure he'll take all this talk as leverage with Indiana to get more out of them so he stays to build out that program.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti's buyout cost depends on when he leaves Indiana. The school is owed $56.7 million if he leaves before December 1, 2025, while he would owe Indiana $13 million if he left before December 1, 2025, with the cost decreasing annually until his contract ends in November 2032. It is standard practice for a new school to pay a coach's buyout.

Indiana's cost to buy out Curt Cignetti

• Cost: $56.7 million if he leaves before December 1, 2025.
• Cost reduction: The buyout decreases by $10 Million between 12/1/2025 and 11/30/2026 and by a total of $4 million annually thereafter

I saw that higher number, but I thought that was only if IU wanted to fire him without cause. I didn't read it as a 56M buyout if he leaves voluntarily for another job - I thought that was the lower 13M figure.

Although if PSU would owe the full 56M on top of what they have to pay Franklin, I'm all for it, since it makes it even more unlikely that they come after him.

 

[General Malaise]

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.

 

[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.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Jeez, the Big 12 Conference twitter account just cooked Brent Venables. Holy hell

https://x.com/Big12Conference/status/1978159609740198024

 

[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".

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

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.

 

[bigbottom]

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.

 

[bigbottom]

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?

 

[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.

 

[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!

 

[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.

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.

 

[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?

He would have to take half of the Indiana program with him to have a chance. Penn St is going to be gutted. And you have to remember the transfer portal. How many of the current players will stay around? That being said, again, he left JMU and basically brought the program with him to Indiana and was off and running. He could potentially think "I did it once, why not again with even more support and backing and the historic prestige of Penn St?"

Penn State had the nation’s No. 1 2027 class as recently as last week. Now, there isn’t a single prospect remaining in the cycle for the Nittany Lions.
Meanwhile, Penn State’s 2026 group remains at 24 players and ranks 16th nationally.

 

[General Malaise]

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.

 

[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.

 

[General Malaise]

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!

WITNESS!

 

[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 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.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

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.