The Official NCAA Football 2005 thread

[sickpuppy]

I'm a SEC man. What the fuck do you guys think about Bama burying Fla.?

 

[LapDawg]

Lapdawg, let me clear something up, I have respect for USC's team, they are, in my opinion, better than almost everybody.

And you are right, they have won 2 NC's the last two years, but they did it in 03 with a loss on their record. And don't you remember what OSU did to Miami, who also had only lost one game in two years to none other than Ohio State.
Just don't get your hopes up to high, man. Like I said, if they can run the table, I will agree that they are the greatest dynasty ever, but until then I'd still have to say the Army team from the 40's was the greatest ever.

I'm also not saying that OSU will beat USC in the Rose Bowl, it's quite possible and quite probable that neither of them will be in the Rose Bowl, a lot can happen between now and January.

It's also obvious that you are passionite about your team, seeing you are from Southern California, so I understand what it's like to have total confidence in your hometeam.

First thing...I'm no USC fan. I'm a UCLA fan first and foremost...but I also cheer for the Pac-10 as a result.

And your opening statement already slights what USC is...better than almost everybody? At this point THEY ARE better than everybody else. Maybe they'll fuck up down the road, but at least recognize what they are right now...and that's the No.1 team in the country...hands down. They've had teams gunning for them 26 straight weeks, mostly while ranked No.1...and have withstood every challenge so far. They have 13-straight wins over ranked opponents and a 12-game road winning streak. Yet to you...they're better than almost everybody. Dare I ask who's better?

Why you're bringing up OSU/Miami seems rather pointless to me. Yeah, that OSU team won it all, but this isn't the same OSU squad and they already have a loss under their belt. It's possible USC may not be in the Rose Bowl, but it's quite probable OSU won't be...just to clear that up.

So what if USC won a NC with a loss on their record? They were robbed by the BCS and still claimed a championship with the respect of the people and the media. And I'll take that Carson Palmer-led USC team over that championship team of OSU any day. By the end of that season the Trojans were lighting up opponents left and right...arguably playing the best football of any college team at the time, topped off with the destruction of Iowa, another hot team down the stretch. I'm not sure OSU would've even gotten by the Hawkeyes that year...but since they didn't play, we'll never know.

From the way you hate on 'SC, it's hard to tell that you respect them. You can't seem to offer one good comment about them when there's plenty to be said. Instead you try to place roadblocks like having to win 3 particular games on the road to seemingly avoid giving praise to a team that deserves it already. Let's not even get into your petty knocks on fan appreciation in Southern California.

 

[LapDawg]

I'm a SEC man. What the fuck do you guys think about Bama burying Fla.?

I think it's going to be a self-devouring year for the SEC. Of course when the Pac-10 goes through a season like that, somehow they're dogged for it while I'm sure SEC fans will say how good the conference is because of it.

We'll see what 'Bama's made of w/ the likely season-ending injury to Prothro. Like Penn State and UCLA, 'Bama's schedule is favorable for making a strong run. I would expect a slip up against either UT, LSU, or Auburn.

 

[smotpoker]

If USC keeps spotting teams big halftime leads like they did last night against ASU, it'sm gonna come back and bite them in the ass. Try to do that against Notre Dame, SC might not get so lucky again.

But the hell with USC, what happened to Florida!!!!!! I'd say that Bama, up to now, looks like the best team in the SEC. But I guess that is pretty obvious.

 

[smotpoker]

Oh and I think Texas IS better than SC. I'd take Vince Young over Leinhart any day of the week.

 

[LapDawg]

^Go ahead and join the 6 big 12 coaches who agree. For you, it must be because they beat OSU at the Horseshoe...or so it's easy to believe from your standpoint. It must've soured your day seeing the Trojans triumph. Only 2 more games before you're supposed to give them respect.

 

[smotpoker]

Lapdawg, lighten up! I would take Vince Young because he is fast as shit. I'm guessing Young's 40 time is way faster than Leinhart's. Would you agree on that at least?

And yes, I was dissapointed that SC pulled it out. If they can get by ND and Cal, then I will agree that they are the real deal, but until then, I'll stand by what I've been saying.

And part of the reason I would take Young IS from what he did against my beloved Buckeyes. He ran all over the best linebackers in the country.

 

[cravNbeets]

dude there's a really good reason that no one gives a fuck if you give usc their due respect. its that you've exhibited over and over in this thread that you know fuck all about the national picture. you're a buckeye fan, not a football fan.

 

[Mysticalis]

I'm a SEC man. What the fuck do you guys think about Bama burying Fla.?

I'm still reeling from that horrible smackdown. UF was practically outclassed in every aspect. It was brutal.

 

[LapDawg]

Originally posted by cravNbeets
dude there's a really good reason that no one gives a fuck if you give usc their due respect. its that you've exhibited over and over in this thread that you know fuck all about the national picture. you're a buckeye fan, not a football fan.

now...usually it's my kneejerk reaction to take anyone to school who dismisses the Pac-10, but perhaps getting some lip service from a fellow buckeye fan will make you realize all your dogging hatred for the Trojans is unfounded, and rather simply just personal. In any case, keep on clinging to your remaining "predictions" if it makes you feel good watching college football.

Onto this week's big Pac-10 battle of the week...(AP 10, Coaches 9)California at (20, 16)UCLA to see who rules the UC system and can stay undefeated. After last weekend's disturbing close call against UDub, I'm a little worried about the Bruins. Drew Olson reverted to his old ways for a bit and the running game has been surprisingly ineffective behind what was considered a solid O-Line. The lack of execution in the blocking schemes, loss of on-field leadership in the WR corps, and the mishaps of a defense that needs to toughen up in almost every aspect have me concerned against the Golden Bears. While Cal does have its own issue with a relatively green QB, Tedford will have this team on its top game. They've gotten by with a relatively easy schedule, so this will be their first real test of the season...one I'm hoping they fail. It should be a close contest throughout...one that could reach OT.

Other big games?

(6)Ohio State at (16, 18 )Penn State: Where are the Buckeye fans? Any opinions? It's hard to say what kind of game this will be, but I have a feeling Penn State will be ready for the task and take a big step forward on the road back to success. Michael Robinson's athletic ability is similar to that of Troy Smith so I believe the Nittany Lions will have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Ohio St., and while the Buckeyes do have the more talented roster, it should be quite the battle one used to expect from this matchup.

(5, 4)Georgia at (8, 7)Tennessee: Hey SEC fans...what's the scoop? This one should be rather interesting. I maintain my belief that the SEC will continue to devour itself and that includes a Vols win over the Bulldogs. Richt's teams of the past have shown to be tough against the Vols winning 3 of the last 4, but the last game was a loss in Athens and the ever expanding Phillip Fulmer knows his team has already been battle-tested far more than Georgia so far w/ the idea of gaining revenge for the humility that was the last Bulldogs/Vols matchup at Neyland Stadium.

The Red River Shootout: With all signs pointing towards a convincing Texas victory, I'll be curious to see how this game plays out early. I think the Sooners will be a tougher test than most believe, though without a healthy Adrian Peterson things will be dicey. Should Texas not roll over the Sooners like everyone thinks they will, questions about the mental toughness and strength of this team will be raised. Oklahoma's defense still remains their strength and should not be underestimated. The secondary seems to be the weak spot and Vince Young should be able to exploit it...but if Stoops can continue to masterfully gameplan against the Longhorns offense, it will be a tense and worrisome 60 minutes for every Texas follower out there.

TCU at Wyoming: Yes...laugh all you want. This game is a big one for the Mountain West and Wyoming is a sleeper Top 25 team who I think will take the Horned Frogs to task at home. The Cowboys' upset over Ole Miss on the road was huge for Joe Glenn's program and has helped them gain the inside track to take the Mountain West crown this season, after going 2-10 just three seasons ago. I hate to say it, but that bowl win over UCLA really gave this team something to build on for this season, and so far it's showing its merit.

Fun game of the week: (AP 25)Oregon at (17, 20)Arizona State. This will be a great shootout to watch as two top-notch offenses go at it against two mediocre to above-average defenses. It should be a starry night for both QBs as Kellen Clemens and Sam Keller have shown so far to be electric playmakers for their teams. The key should be which team will be able to dish out a superior running game, or which team will be able to air it out last for the win. I expect a scorefest that will be as exciting as any game this week with both teams fighting to stay alive in the Pac-10 title hunt.

 

[jacksmusik]

Ohio State @ Penn State.

This is a major game this week!!! OSU travels on the road for the first time this season, and it is to an undefeated teams, under the lights, on national TV. PSU will be pumped up no doubt.

So who will win? Well, PSU has a QB that has finally (after 19 years there) settled in and is throwing. they also have lightning fast receivers. PSUs defense held minnesota to nothing. That is saying something. What is not saying something is their schedule to date:

South Florida
Cincinnati
Central Michigan
Northwestern
Minnesota

They may be for real, and if they are, there isn't a better time to prove they should be with the big boys.

Now, OSU has the best defense in the country (arguablly). Their offense is showing signs of improvement, but still working. OSU needs to get all their key players involved in this game, and not have it become the troy smith show. He will be the winning factor for OSU to win.

I would say look for a low scoring game in which special teams make the difference, giving OSU the edge. Sorry PSU, the bucks win again @ beaver stadium 20-13.

 

[Pander Bear]

Fulmer (the great pumpkin), has actually been shrinking for over a year now. There's like 70 pounds less of him to hate.

As a Dawg fan, I'm terrified. I keep hearing about Georgia's ability to run the ball, but I never see it amount to numbers on the score board. I pity whatever team emerges from the east to play Bama, though.

Beating up on eachother is pretty much all the SEC gets to do, LD. Thats what happens when your conference contains more than a handfull of schools that know which way to run.

 

[LapDawg]

^especially when Vandy actually can win games for a change. :D Of course there's still Kentucky, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Miss State, and hell I'll even toss in Arkansas. When The Commodores fall back to earth (which has already started), guess what? You've only got a handful left of worthy teams.

Alabama's that good already eh? So let's check the '05 scoreboard.

Alabama 24, Arkansas 13.
USC 70, Arkansas 17.

The Trojans scored more points in half a quarter than the Tide did all game. I like that fact.

Oh and the Tide really went out on a limb with their non-conference schedule filled with titans such as Middle Tenn. State and Southern Miss...both at home.

Please don't tell me this is the best the SEC has to offer.

 

[Hypnotik1]

Damn that was a hell of a game last night!!! I just wish I would've seen all of it. When UT was down 21-0 I thought it was over for sure. That's what is so great about college ball, anything can happen.

Yea i was at that game.....

Going in knowing that it was LA's first major football game since Katrina, half of NO's population already in Baton Rouge....plus it was a big rivalry b/w 2 top 10 teams....

The vibe was nothing like i had ever felt at a FB game b4.....Man the crowd was sooo fucking pumped....LSU came out very pupmed (almost a lil too emotionally driven, cuz even in the first half they made some pretty big mistakes...they shouldve been up 35-0)

Then UT finally got their shit together w/ former LSU QB Rick Clausen.....he exploited LSU pass defense w/ a brilliant comeback....even then....LSU offense should have put up more than 3 points.....anymore and LSU would have came away w/ the W....

This is the first time in a longtime ive seen the SEC so evenly matched....They will all eat each other up....and will keep any SEC team out of the NC unless we get lucky w/ a Texas, USC and VT loss....(will prob need all 3 and some one loss teams like Ohio St.)

As for USC....they have much better competition this year and they are looking very strong, however still vunerable....God i hope they fucking lose

As for the OK and Texas matchup coming up soon.....I still think OK has a pretty good chance for the upset...Texas has always been a choke team....I wouldnt be surprised to see them choke again this year

 

[axl blaze]

I am a die-hard Buckeyes fan (hey cravN does this mean my opinion is also moot? ) but I am exremely pleased that PSU is actually stepping up and taking the form of many great PSU teams in the mid 90's.

however, their schedule has been nothing spectacular. schedule strength is big in the NCAA, and this is why LapDawg's no doubt AWESOME USC team might get a little jabs from other fans of teams on this board that may have a little stronger schedules. I still believe that USC is the team to beat, regardless of schedule. we will see what they are made of in the next couple of weeks.

back to PSU VS OSU = I think Ohio State has played stronger teams than PSU and their strength in scheduling will show this game. it is a night game, and we all know Tressel's record at visiting night games and more importantly his record post-bye weeks. I (hope) it will be a great football game but I see OSU squeaking past PSU due to their phenomenal defense, schedule strength, and due to Penn's numerous young guys starting.

we are all football hungry over here on campus and I think I can speak for everyone when I say I hope to see nothing more than a great Big-10 football game!

 

[Hypnotik1]

^especially when Vandy actually can win games for a change. :D Of course there's still Kentucky, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Miss State, and hell I'll even toss in Arkansas. When The Commodores fall back to earth (which has already started), guess what? You've only got a handful left of worthy teams.

Alabama's that good already eh? So let's check the '05 scoreboard.

Alabama 24, Arkansas 13.
USC 70, Arkansas 17.

The Trojans scored more points in half a quarter than the Tide did all game. I like that fact.

Oh and the Tide really went out on a limb with their non-conference schedule filled with titans such as Middle Tenn. State and Southern Miss...both at home.

Please don't tell me this is the best the SEC has to offer.

USC 38, ASU 28
LSU 35, ASU 31

So would that mean that LSU is almost as good as USC....I dont even think LSU is even half as good as USC.....

AL is a young team that will wind up being a much better team at the end of the year than the beg....

I dont think its a good measuring stick....

However.....I dont think this season is about who can beat USC.....Its just really down to who will win the right to lose to USC....

 

[Pander Bear]

^especially when Vandy actually can win games for a change. :D Of course there's still Kentucky, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Miss State, and hell I'll even toss in Arkansas. When The Commodores fall back to earth (which has already started), guess what? You've only got a handful left of worthy teams.

Well, golly, without ole miss, I guess we're just left with Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, and LSU. Hand any of the aforementioned teams your typical USC scheduel, and they'll win as many games. The trojans are a fine team, they've earned their number one spot, and their scheduel shouldn't negatively impact their rank, but come on. Tough conference games are a sign of a tough conference. Cal is overvalued in the 10 spot, and, save the USC game, wont really be challenged. ASU has been beaten by LSU and USC. When are we going to see the championship-level athletics from your conference you keep howling about?

 

[LapDawg]

Hey atlas...mind telling me the last tough non-conference opponent Georgia played on the road? Seems like Boise State at home was the biggest game in years! Let's take a look at some Bulldog history...

Out of conference opponents minus GT (by year)
2004: Georgia Southern (home), Marshall (h).
2003: Mid. Tenn. St., (h) Clemson (away), UAB (h)
2002 (championship year): Clemson (h), Northwestern St. (LA) (h), New Mexico St. (h)
2001: Arkansas St. (h), Houston (h)
2000: Georgia Southern (h), New Mexico St. (h)
1999: Utah St. (h), Central Florida (h)
1998: Kent St. (h), Wyoming (h)
1997: Arkansas St. (h), Louisiana Monroe (h)
1996: Southern Miss. (h), Texas Tech (h)

I'll stop at '96 since that was the last "big" non-conference opponent year for Georgia hahah...once again home games. I don't think I really care to hear what a fan of a team that can only play 3-4 road games tops, all against familiar opponents, has to say about strength-of-schedule.

I'll throw in the fact that by total, the SEC has only won 3 more football national championships than the Pac-10, with Florida, Georgia, and Auburn having as many as Stanford, UCLA and Washington. These are tidbits I've already brought up in the 2004 college football thread along with Kyle's listing of the schools with the most national championships in collegiate athletics. You asked the question...

When are we going to see the championship-level athletics from your conference you keep howling about?

Apparently the answer is "you've been missing it all this time."

And as bGivens, a fellow SEC man like yourself, mentioned earlier...USC's schedule isn't as bad as all of you want to believe it is. Playing at Oregon, ASU, Cal and Notre Dame...along with home games against UCLA and Fresno State isn't exactly a weak schedule. Maybe if any of you cared to look it up, you might discover that the Pac-10 is one of the best conferences when it comes to taking on tough non-conference opponents. What's funny is if there is one conference that always like to talk up how weak everyone else is and how their conference is so elite that they only have to play those particular teams, it is...you guessed it...the SEC. For the most part, when you look at FACTS...that sad arguments is primarily smoke and mirrors.

and hypnotik...ya just had to go there didn't ya? I knew a LSU fan like yourself couldn't resist. You should agree though that my scores stand out a bit more and reflect those games better than the ones you put up. Regardless of the effect my simple stat usage has overall, I think my point's been made for those who try and talk Alabama up right now as if they're the cream of the SEC crop. And how young are we talking here Hypnotik about the Tide? Croyle, Darby, and most of that starting defense aren't exactly young guys. They're a very solid unit...but I'm not sold on the offense yet with Prothro out for the season. He was a difference-maker this season.

AxL - as I mentioned earlier, I'm a UCLA fan first, Pac-10 fan second. Kyle's the main USC supporter around these parts.

 

[smotpoker]

hey fuck you cravnbeets. and FYI, I follow footbal like it's my religion. I make predictions because it gets my bones rattling for Saturday's.

I will continue to post my thoughts for the rest of the year, whether you like them or not. Don't read em if you hate them so much.

I just got done reading my posts from the beginning of the year and most of what I predicted are pretty far off. But hey, I could just be a drone and pick SC like everyone else, but what's ballsy in that?

 

[Hypnotik1]

and hypnotik...ya just had to go there didn't ya? I knew a LSU fan like yourself couldn't resist. You should agree though that my scores stand out a bit more and reflect those games better than the ones you put up. Regardless of the effect my simple stat usage has overall, I think my point's been made for those who try and talk Alabama up right now as if they're the cream of the SEC crop. And how young are we talking here Hypnotik about the Tide? Croyle, Darby, and most of that starting defense aren't exactly young guys. They're a very solid unit...but I'm not sold on the offense yet with Prothro out for the season. He was a difference-maker this season.

Yea I know....i was reaching pretty far w/ that one....I just had to take a shot....

I wasnt really trying to say all that much about Bama....its just I.... really....fucking hate USC

But indeed.....Pac 10 does play a pretty rough non-conference schedule as does the SEC play a pretty weak one....

But would i be reaching so far as to say thats to compensate for the weak ass conference play and vice versa?!?

I do think i make a valid point here