Saturday College Football Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 09:22:55 AM EST
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A lot of big games on the slate today. I will avoid the Halloween trick or treat cliches in my review and picks.

In Autzen, the Oregon Ducks host USC. Since the debacle in Boise, Oregon has won 6 straight in impressive fashion. USC has not been as impressive this season. USC is a 3 point favorite, a line that does not reflect the respective performances of the two teams and the Autzen home field advantage. I like the Ducks (+3).

Oklahoma State has a history of blowing big leads against Texas. The Cowboys host the Longhorns today in T. Boone Pickens Stadium. Texas is a 9.5 point favorite. Des Bryant is ineligible and headed for the NFL. I like Oklahoma State (+9.5). Texas' offense has not been as explosive this year. More . . .

Florida and Georgia meet in the World Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. Florida opened as a 17 point favorite but the line has been bet down to Florida (-14.5). Florida's defense has played well but the offense has been awful. Tebow in particular has been terrible. I like the Dawgs (+14.5).

Iowa is the highest rated team in the computer ratings used by the BCS (the ones that ignore scoring margin. In the real computer ratings, Iowa is 12th.) Iowa is a 17 point favorite. According to Sagarin, Iowa should be a 26 point favorite. The problem with Sagarin's rating is Iowa has won only one game by more than 11 points (against Iowa State the second week of the season.) I've won all year with Iowa. Even though the line seems too big to me, I am sticking with the Hawkeyes (-17).

In a very interesting game, the Chippewas of Central Michigan travel to Chestnut Hill to face Boston College. The line is a fair one, BC (-6.5). But I am picking the Chippewas (+6.5).

Ole Miss travels to the Loveliest Village on the Plains to meet Auburn. Auburn is a home dog (+6.5.) Has Ole Miss turned the corner? Has Auburn spit the bit? I think Auburn saves its season today and beats Ole Miss. I like Auburn (+6.5).

Tennessee is a 6 point favorite at home over South Carolina. I guess everyone has decided Tennessee is back. I remain unconvinced. I like the Gamecocks (+6).

Notre Dame is a 27 point favorite over Washington State, a terrible team. But Notre Dame can't be anybody by 27 now imo. I like the Palus(+27).

I am 29-17 (.630) on the season with my picks against the spread.

Go Gators! Go Yankees!

This is an Open Thread.

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Saturday College Football Open Thread | 74 comments (74 topical)

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Hook 'em Horns! (none / 0) (#1)
by Angel on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 09:39:36 AM EST

ducks (none / 0) (#2)
by Turkana on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 09:55:55 AM EST

are going to win big, and prove that if not for another slow start, they'd be in the bcs title hunt. they can play with anyone, right now.

Another very difficult (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:12:18 AM EST

road game for USC against a quality opponent (four such games so far by my count). This one against a legit Top 10 team in what is supposed to be the loudest stadium in the Pac-10.

And rain is on tap -- so the Ducks will be in their natural element.

Only chance for the Trojans is if their defense shows up for a change and creates turnovers.


don't be surprised (none / 0) (#5)
by Turkana on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:25:46 AM EST

if the ducks win big.


I won't be surprised (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:00:03 AM EST

if they win, but would be if it was by a wide margin.

If that happens, coach Carroll will hear a lot more rumbling in already grumpy TrojanLand about whether he's lost his touch ...


Grumbling about Carroll? (none / 0) (#13)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:13:14 AM EST

Really? wow.


Some murmurings (none / 0) (#16)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:42:22 AM EST

that despite being a defense-specialist coach, the SC defense the last two games -- against ND, and ORState at home -- lost two big leads with poor 2d half play.

Then the speculation by some that perhaps a lot of the Trojan success in the Carroll era might have been due more either to his outstanding recruiting skills in the inner city, as compared with some skaky coaching in key games, and also that some of his previous assistant coaches, or the ones in charge of the offense and QB grooming, may have been the greater factors in SC championship seasons.

Of course, whenever SC goes a few years w/o a championship, the rather spoiled Trojan fans are bound to grumble. And losing two games in a season with their solid talent, if that happens, that's probably not the best thing that could happen for Carroll's job security.


Amazing (none / 0) (#18)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:44:07 AM EST

USC is the team of the decade. Thanks to Carroll.


: Well, it's like nearby Hollywood -- (none / 0) (#29)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:58:56 AM EST

it's all very nice what you did back then, and your several Oscars were well-deserved. But what have you done for us lately?

that osu team is underrated (none / 0) (#32)
by Turkana on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:10:09 PM EST

remember- they've been playing their backup qb, all year, and the team's only begun to coalesce around him. osu has a very good offense. their defense just doesn't have the athleticism or depth. and riley teams play with a ton of heart. no shame in that tight game.


heh (none / 0) (#30)
by Turkana on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:06:54 PM EST

how long a dry spell had the trojans had before carroll? this is a very hot ducks team, at home, in ducks weather. they will need some breaks to get into the title game, but the ducks should run the table, from here. they can play with anyone, now.


No question for me (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:24:26 PM EST

that Carroll revived that championship tradition for SC football. But success creates its own set of problems, as in very high expectations and impatience in the fan base.

As for les Canards, they're a talented, lively bunch to watch. My only objection is to their ugly uniforms -- of the 3-4 sets they seem to have, I find only one to be passably presentable on the gridiron.

And their very large "O" logo on the helmets doesn't do it for me -- and is that an O or a "0". Seems like there should be some playful, stylized waterfowl creature there instead ... just a thought ...


: some of their uniforms (none / 0) (#45)
by Turkana on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:53:08 PM EST

are simply embarrassing. they should just stick with the dark green.

Dub do the Ducks have song girls and (none / 0) (#31)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:08:26 PM EST

a white horse?


: heh (none / 0) (#33)
by Turkana on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:11:48 PM EST

they do have some cute cheerleaders, which has not always been the case... a horse would have trouble in the mud. even artificial surfaces can get muddy in oregon...

I would not be surprised (none / 0) (#3)
by Steve M on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 09:56:58 AM EST

if Georgia wins this game outright.

Two questions: why is FL/Georgia (none / 0) (#17)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:43:52 AM EST

game being played in "neutral" place (per ESPN)? And second, how game Gators and Mich. both be on abc at the same time (per ESPN)? Finally, how can anyone support the Yankees?


FL-GA is on CBS (none / 0) (#20)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:45:28 AM EST

As for the Yankees, how can you not be a fan is my riposte? Truthfully, my dad made me a Yankee fan when I was little. And they stunk then.


I should be a St. Louis Cardinals (none / 0) (#22)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:47:31 AM EST

fan for life under that theory.


Well (none / 0) (#26)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:51:50 AM EST

I moved to New York also.


I'm NOT moving to St. Louis! (none / 0) (#28)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:56:49 AM EST

You (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:18:21 PM EST

don't have to move to St Louis. Just move to Jupiter, FL and become a Spring Training groupie at Roger Dean Stadium.


: Great place to watch (none / 0) (#43)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:49:01 PM EST

a ballgame.

Yeah (none / 0) (#38)
by Maryb2004 on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:34:55 PM EST

It's a shame your life took that wrong turn.


: My dream. But would I become a Yankees (none / 0) (#49)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:27:26 PM EST

fan?

As for neutral field (none / 0) (#21)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:46:44 AM EST

Fl-Ga has been played in Jacksonville since forever.

For few years they played home and away when the Gator Bowl was being renovated.


It's held in Jacksonviile (none / 0) (#34)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:15:27 PM EST

and has been since 1933. It's one of those traditions that was only broken when Jacksonville needed to refurbish their stadium for the Jags. In the mid 90's Gainesville got a game and Athens got one before returning to the site of the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

Although technically played in Florida, everyone knows Jacksonville could just as easily be considered South Georgia.

There is always talk about going to home and home. I'm guessing whenever that kind of talk gets chippy, the City of Jacksonville ups their ante and sweetens the financial pot.


Why Irish-Cougs at Alamodome? (none / 0) (#57)
by caseyOR on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 03:41:28 PM EST

A more puzzling question is why is the Notre Dame-Washington State game being played in San Antonio today? I could understand playing a game in Vancouver, WA, where the Cougs have a branch campus, or setting a Notre Dame game in a large metro area that is home to lots of Irish fans. But...San Antonio? Given how bad the Cougs have been playing for the last few seasons, perhaps the respective ADs decided the good people of San Antonio were so starved for live football action that they would buy tickets to anything played on the gridiron.

The Cougars are so bad this year that a Notre Dame win that does not beat the spread should be reason enough to fire Charlie Weis.


Notre Dame (none / 0) (#58)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 04:19:22 PM EST

announced a couple years ago they wanted to have more of a national appeal by playing some "home" games on the road at neutral sites.

2011 Army in Orlando, FL
2012 Baylor in New Orleans, LA
2013 Arizona State in Arlington, TX
2014 Army in Orlando, FL

They've also convinced some teams like Syracuse and Connecticut to play at The Meadowlands, and the Irish play Navy one year in Ireland.

In spite of all that maneuvering they still have seven regular home games each year.


Why didn't you tell me Tebow's ' (none / 0) (#59)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 04:30:14 PM EST

first date was @ Georgia/FL game in Jacksonville?


Here's a little trivia (none / 0) (#60)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 04:59:17 PM EST

Orson Charles, the tight end for Georgia, broke the Gators 2006 National Championship Trophy on a recruiting trip to Gainesville while having his picture taken with it.


: Oh, that I knew already. (none / 0) (#62)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:23:46 PM EST

No great teams in CF (none / 0) (#6)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:26:14 AM EST

this year, and the top 5 teams are all about equally good from what I've seen from afar.

That said, the defending champ FL team, even though they miss the offensive talents of speedster Percy Foreman to take the pressure off of Tebow, still seems to find a way to win each time they have to play a quality opponent.

GA, at home, qualifies as a quality opponent -- and I see the same thing happening today for the well-coached Gators against the overmatched Dogs.

Percy Harvin (none / 0) (#7)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:32:47 AM EST

Perhaps (none / 0) (#8)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:55:02 AM EST

confusion with those dressed in purple thinking of Chuck Foreman.


Great player (none / 0) (#12)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:12:28 AM EST

Former Cane.


Enough I knew it was PercyHarvin. (none / 0) (#23)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:48:49 AM EST

: A requirement for all (none / 0) (#25)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:51:17 AM EST

Talk Left readers.
BTW, Percy has been spectacular for the Vikings.

Right, Harvin. (none / 0) (#9)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:57:50 AM EST

Understandable confusion on my part -- this being a legal blog that has a lot of sports chatter, and the one Percy being as slick and slippery in the courtroom as the other is on the gridiron.

Gators by 10 today. Still too much speed on both sides of the ball for most of their opponents, even without that Percy guy.


: From your keyboard (none / 0) (#14)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:13:53 AM EST

I'll take a 10 point win in a heartbeat.

According to ESPN, neither Georgia nor (none / 0) (#19)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:45:14 AM EST

FL is playing "at home" today.


: Oh. Well if that's the case, (none / 0) (#27)
by brodie on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:55:21 AM EST

then Gators by 14.
Can't quite see the case being made that a 4-3 GA team can match up against the speed and coaching of the unbeaten Gators. What am I missing about the Dogs?

What a country (none / 0) (#11)
by SOS on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:02:44 AM EST

under God, indivisible, with time off to sleep, shower and watch football.

And (none / 0) (#15)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:18:49 AM EST

a non god-given extra hour to sleep tonight (in most of the country)


I was at a gathering recently where (none / 0) (#24)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:50:14 AM EST

we were all directed to stand, face the flag, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I thought: do I even remember the Pledge? Do we still say "under God." Mumble mumble.


When I took Joshua to the races (none / 0) (#41)
by Militarytracy on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:44:43 PM EST

We had to stand for the national anthem. It's such a peculiar thing to always kick off road rage with. It was so cold too that day with a breeze and the humidity. Everyone was freezing and the minister then started to pray and the lady next to me said, "Oh God, not him, he goes on forever." And he did, he even prayed that the crowd would feel like they got their money's worth. He left no base uncovered. Often when I drop Joshua off at school I get caught having to recite the pledge with his class. I stand there with my hand on heart thinking that programming them right is important :)


: Before the dinner at my class reunion (none / 0) (#48)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:25:51 PM EST

recently one of our classmates launched into a very lengthy, definitely Christian prayer. Why was I surprised? Been gone too long I guess.

KUSC-FM opera show is centering (none / 0) (#35)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:17:34 PM EST

on Halloween. Who knew Janacek wrote an opera about living on the moon? "The Excursions of Mr. Broucek."

Met is staging Janacek's "House of the Dead" this season with Salonen conducting. Maybe "Excursions" will be next?

Of course opera show included excerpt from Boito's " Mefistofele" with Norman Treigle.

And now the Carmelites are losing their (none / 0) (#39)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:38:26 PM EST

heads in the last scene of Poulenc's "Dialogue of the Carmelites." Saddest ever.


When I read this (none / 0) (#44)
by Militarytracy on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:52:45 PM EST

story today I thought about your question concerning on roads and not on roads in Afghanistan. I suppose this firms it up too....they are short on boots on the ground and they are short on helicopters too.


The photos of the family are devastating. (none / 0) (#47)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:21:42 PM EST

How many boots on the ground has England sent to Afghanistan? Probably a very small percentage compared to no. of U.S. troops there. How do you do it MT?


My husband isn't on the roads (none / 0) (#50)
by Militarytracy on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:53:46 PM EST

I'm lucky. When he was flying around Iraq though and they were very successful at shootdowns in the early days, I wasn't so sane. I was actually very nuts when I wasn't locked in my room sobbing over no WMDs and so much loss and stress. The Brits fight with us though as do the Canadians and the Australians. If I'm leaving a country out that has committed combat troops I'm sorry. I greatly respect all the nations who have committed combat troops, they tend to send their very best special forces.


Not dissing the Brits. Just opining (none / 0) (#51)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:57:13 PM EST

they have fewer people in Afghan. and probably U.S. needs lots more helicopters than the Brits and probably doesn't have them either; or properly armored vehicles. Disgusting.

As always, sending supportive thoughts your way.


: Oh, I didn't mean to sound like (none / 0) (#52)
by Militarytracy on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 02:05:51 PM EST

I thought that you were dissing them. Facts are facts and America is deeply committed while other countries have a lot of red tape to wade through before they can recommit or increase their numbers. Therefore I'm very grateful to the other nations showing up for the fight, and no matter where this goes in the end, our improved relations will at least increase the sharing of important intelligence gathering to better protect people from terrorism with.

Palus, Palouse, Cougs (none / 0) (#40)
by mcjoan on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:42:31 PM EST

The Palus are a NW Native American tribe, living in the region of Washington generally referred to as the Palouse, where Washington State is also located. Where the team, the Cougars (the "Cougs" to anyone who lives out here) play.

Palus?

Boise State should have problem dispensing San Jose State (1-5) at home today.

Go Ducks. Go Hoosiers.

Broncs Stink (none / 0) (#42)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:48:14 PM EST

: Well, they have, at points (none / 0) (#46)
by mcjoan on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 12:57:55 PM EST

this season. Kinda like them Gators.
I'm not too worried today, except by the Hawkeyes.

Tim Tebow's final reg. season game. (none / 0) (#53)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 02:36:30 PM EST

He has to win!

That can't be right. (none / 0) (#54)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 02:56:54 PM EST

: TV guy must have sd. Tebow's (none / 0) (#64)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:28:24 PM EST

last Georgia/FL game.

Iowa v Indiana (none / 0) (#55)
by Pieter B on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 03:07:15 PM EST

A blowout to most, but from your perspective a squeaker . . .

: How about OSU? Amazing. (none / 0) (#56)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 03:08:02 PM EST

I'm glad we cleared this up. (none / 0) (#61)
by lentinel on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:10:26 PM EST

Abdullah is on the verge of withdrawing from the run-off election in Afghanistan. He seems to object to the same corrupt officials running the show as last time. What a crybaby.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton downplayed the prospect of an Abdullah withdrawal, saying it would not undermine the legitimacy of the election.

Well said, Sect'y Clinton.

All elections, especially run-offs between two candidates, are even more legitimate with only one candidate running against nobody.

Spreading democracy our way.
Priceless.

What would you propose? (none / 0) (#63)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:25:03 PM EST

: Democracy. (none / 0) (#68)
by lentinel on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 07:10:54 PM EST

What I would really like to see is for us to get out of there as fast as our legs could carry us.
But - what I sense is that the US really really wants to stay there and fight. Who and why has not yet been made clear to me. But we must win. Obama said so.
Abdullah has said that he doesn't want to participate in a runoff that is administered by the same people who bungled it the last time. He wants to get rid of the corrupt ballot stuffers. Karzai, on the other hand, is not very anxious to do so.
Clinton, representing what I assume to be the administration position, says that the election runoff will be just as legitimate with Karzai running unopposed. This is embarrassing.
The Obama administration just wants this election over with so that they can send troops there before the American people begin to demand a cessation to this nightmare in the making.
The more Afghanistan is perceived as another country run by a corrupt dictator - a country on the brink of a possible civil war, the less chance the administration has of pursuing its' agenda - whatever it is.
So Clinton says everything is A-OK. Legitimate.

Illini defeat Wolverines (none / 0) (#65)
by caseyOR on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:29:10 PM EST

I don't know how it happened. I guess the planets were aligned. Was Mercury in retrograde? Illinois is victorious over the Wolverines of Michigan, 38-13.

Go, Illini.

Maybe because place kicker just got (none / 0) (#66)
by oculus on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:33:48 PM EST

kicked off Michigan team? Or maybe because Michigan doesn't play football all that well this year?

Radio guys after Georgia/FL game opined Penn State and OSU are best in Big 10, even though Iowa beat Penn State. Bumping up next week's ratings maybe?


: Your reasons could be right. (none / 0) (#67)
by caseyOR on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 06:55:12 PM EST

One thing we know for sure is that Illinois did not win because of their football talent. Which is not say we won't take the win and celebrate it.

The Ducks (none / 0) (#70)
by CoralGables on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:25:29 PM EST

are dominating.

: Ducks win!! (none / 0) (#71)
by caseyOR on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 10:41:39 PM EST

Final score: Oregon 47
USC 20
Will the Ducks finally get ranked higher than the Trojans? They're alone at the top of the Pac-10. Rose Bowl here we come.

9-0 Iowa still under the radar (none / 0) (#73)
by Banzel on Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 11:56:09 PM EST

Iowa is flyover country, so even doing well in the Big Ten gets it no exposure or respect with coastal media.

They're not domineering, but they've found a way to win every nail-biting thriller so far. How long will it last? Who knows. They're down to the third string punt returner and fourth string tailback. The QB is Jekyll and Hyde - 5 ints today, 4 of them in the 3rd qtr, but 3-3 for 177 yds and 2 TDs in the 4th.

12 straight wins. Enjoy it while it lasts.

: Iowa (none / 0) (#74)
by CoralGables on Sun Nov 01, 2009 at 12:07:17 AM EST

was 4th going into today in the BCS poll. I'm not sure that falls in the category of under the radar.
What could get Iowa in the final game? LSU beating Alabama next weekend, and Florida loses the SEC title game or Texas is upset in the Big 12 Championship.
For Boise? that road is a little tougher. Their strength of schedule means they probably need the above plus Iowa losing to Ohio State and maybe TCU losing to Utah.

Domino Effect should help the Broncos (none / 0) (#75)
by cymro on Sun Nov 01, 2009 at 01:36:35 AM EST

Strength of schedule calculations by the computers should help the Broncos. The human pollsters already seem to have a difficult time separating Boise St.and TCU, but it's the computers that are hurting them in the BCS. Here's some speculation about that, which projects Oregon moving up to #7 and Boise to #5:

Domino Effect: USC's Loss Could Set the BCS on Shuffle

And considering that the Oregon USC game was on ESPN and widely viewed, Oregon could go even higher in the human polls. The ESPN commentators were predicting top 5. That makes no difference at all to the computers, but may increase the human voters' perceptions of the value of the BS vs. Oregon result.

We'll see tomorrow ...

: I guess the computers were not fooled ... (none / 0) (#76)
by cymro on Sun Nov 01, 2009 at 07:45:32 PM EST

... by USC's over-hyped reputation. Oregon beating USC did not help either Oregon or Boise State as much as some people expected.
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