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DBD 1.08.09 Who's #1?

Bnavatar_tiny by BearsNecessity on Comment 435 comments

I'm sure Twist has some important things to talk about the shocking Gossip Girl revelations. But he can talk about it elsewhere. Today we must mourn the end of another college football season. One game is left, the biggest one of them all, or whatever.

We've already talked about BCS/playoffs this week; if you want a nuanced article on the issue, check out Smart Football's take. If you want a strong and reasonable refutation of the BCS, check out sabermetric Bill James and his thoughts about the irrational calcuation of the computers as to who should be national champion. What we can debate is who you really believe deserves the national championship.

The winner of Florida/Oklahoma: It's the BCS championship, and the winner deserves it, no matter if it ends in a 7-3 slopfest or not. That's what everyone agreed upon, right? Both teams are 1 loss and probably deserving, but are they more deserving than everyone else? Do you believe the winner of this game can essentially beat the other three on a neutral site?

Texas: If Oklahoma wins, some AP voters might consider ranking them #1 since they beat Oklahoma head-to-head. None of those votes will come from the Bay Area. If they do, those journalists should be fired and deported to Somalia. They beat Missouri, Okie State and Texas Tech, but those wins are looking less impressive by the week. So they'll have to pin their hopes on the Red River Shootout being all that was needed to qualify them.

Utah: Undefeated, so they're Rick Reilly's champion, which means so much since he knows nothing about college football. They waxed Alabama from the mighty SEC in what was essentially a home game for them, so that's mighty impressive. They beat TCU, BYU, Air Force, Michigan and Oregon State, and you get the feeling they'd have the ability to compete against Florida or Oklahoma.

USC: Crushed Ohio State, a team that Texas barely scraped by. Beat up an Oregon team that will finish close to the top 10 if not in it. Lost to Oregon State, a team who had three losses to potentially three teams that'll finish in the top 10. They looked the fiercest of all the three contenders in their bowl matchup, eviscerating Penn State for one half and then providing them pity points for the final half when it was clear the Lions weren't playing to win. More importantly, there's a good chance if Florida or Oklahoma played USC, USC would be favored in both matchups.

Who do you think deserves the national championship the most and why? If you believe it should be split, who should get the pieces of the champion pie?

PS: One piece of good news for Hydro; the BCS will be around until at least 2013.

Brown, who has worked at ESPN for 21 of the network's 29 years, is not only the king of the mid-week college football game but also one of the driving forces behind games like the preseason Chick-fil-A College Kickoff game that pitted Alabama and Clemson last year and will match the Crimson Tide against ACC champion Virginia Tech on Sept. 5 to open the 2009 season.

He's also the person to talk to if you want to know if there will ever be a playoff in major college football. The answer, at least for the four-year duration of ESPN's recent agreement to broadcast the BCS bowl games, is a definite no.

"The next four-year cycle is done, so a playoff is not a consideration at this point," Brown said. "I wouldn't want to see the bowls changed because I don't want to create meaningless games during the regular season. I don't think that would be good for college football."

Poll
Who is 2008-09's true national champion?
Oklahoma/Florida winner
7 votes
Texas
0 votes
Utah
14 votes
USC
7 votes
Split champion of some sort!
10 votes

38 votes | Poll has closed

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are, in every way, reflective of the opinions of every California Golden Blogs Marshawnthusiast. Moreover, they are reflective of every employee of SBNation, including Tyler "Blez" Bleszinski.

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Read More: bcs national champion, college football national champion, Oklahoma Sooners, Florida Gators, USC Trojans, Utah Utes, Texas Longhorns

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Utah does not deserve the national title...

There is no way they’d go undefeated in the SEC, Big 12, or Pac-10. They had a great season, good for them. They would get killed by USC, Oklahoma, Texas, or Florida. I’ll also note that Alabama was also probably without their best player in that victory.

As far as a split title, as Blogpoll voter, I will be voting for whatever team that accomplished most on the field over the whole season. Barring disaster in the title game, that means I’ll be voting for the UF/OU winner.

I also think it’s stupid for some people who just want to be counter to the BCS, I think that is ridiculous. If OU or UF have the best overall resume, then they should be #1. If it’s someone else, vote for them. To throw out OU or UF just because they were in the BCS game is as stupid as voting for them simply because they won the BCS game.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 5:35 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Everyone has injuries this time of year. Utah’s victory over Bama is legit. So too are their victories over Oregon State and TCU. Add in a decent BYU and I think their resume is just as good as the above teams (i.e. Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas). How many more BCS victories does Utah have to get before they get respect? They did exactly what any non-BCS team is supposed to do, schedule difficult non-conference opponents (i.e. Michigan and Oregon State). And, they went undefeated. In a year with one-loss teams, that has to count for something.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 7:25 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Michigan considered “difficult” opposition? That 3-9 Michigan team? Oregon St is a bad road team and they needed a miracle to pull that one out. Gotta love that 16 point win over Weber St at home too. AND the 3 point win over New Mexico. You can pick apart any schedule if you look hard enough but I’m trying to illustrate that Utah has its questionable moments too. Just because they went undefeated in an average league doesn’t mean they could do it in the Pac-10, Big 12 or even the Big 11.

Sorry, Utah is a very good team but not worthy this time around. I would take Florida, Zero U, Texas and SC before them.

Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.

by Fire Starkey on Jan 8, 2009 7:46 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, you think Utah thought Michigan would be that easy when they originally scheduled them? The point is, they did everything a non-BCS team could do to win the national championship. They scheduled BCS opponents, they swept their mid-major conference, they beat a top-flight team from a BCS conference in a BCS bowl. And, no other team is undefeated. If not this year, then never.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 7:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they needed Ore St to win the Pac-10, Michigan to be Michigan, or BYU to actually beat somebody. I put ’em at # 3 (behind Florida and USC).

I agree though, they did everything they could do…that’s how it goes when you have 2 good teams + patsies in a non-BCS conference.

That being said, a few years like this and we might need a 7th BCS conference or have Big Least drop out. The ACC’s got Va Tech, FSU, and Miami so I don’t think it’s fair to drop the ACC. But I’d love to see the Big Least and the Mtn West battle it out. Especially if Boise St joins the Mtn West. Or…we could have the Pac-10 expand…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:55 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I still disagree on whether Utah merits #1, but I have been thinking about the 7th BCS conference for quite a while. There is only one BCS conference in the pacific/mountain time zone. That’s absurd, particularly given the growth of cities in that region. Merging the top teams from the MWC and WAC would be a good first step. TCU, Boise State, Utah, and BYU make a pretty decent top half of the conference. Perhaps they could steal a team or two away from the Big 12.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 7:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe even add Fresno St and drop Wyoming?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or Utah St…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would say Fresno State would be in the middle of this mythical 7th BCS conference, but a nice team nevertheless.

Utah
BYU
Boise State
Fresno State
TCU
Texas Tech
Colorado
Colorado State
Nevada
UNLV

I actually think at least Texas Tech would be intrigued by that.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Big 12 could replace those two with Iowa and Tulsa. Then the Big 10 would actually be 10 too. Iowa and Iowa State would be in the same conference also.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I’ve expressed my feelings on Colorado before…I think they are ripe for defection.

Texas Tech…I’m going to have to think about that before shooting off…

I remain hopeful SD St can compete…so much talent close to home + recruits love the STD St girls…but maybe they’re best suited for the WAC.

Regardless, this conference (or a derivative of it) can’t possibly be worse than the Big East.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Texas tech is never going to compete with Texas or Oklahoma for top flight Texas recruits. Heck, even in years when they do well, their class is still populated by mostly three-star guys. This conference would give them a shot at the top third year in and year out with a guaranteed BCS bid and shot at the national championship. They could also build a more traditional rivalry with the likes of TCU.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:22 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just don’t think SDSU fits in the above conference. i tried to set it up so there are five regional rivalries like the Pac-10. I could also see taking out the Nevada schools and replacing them with SDSU and SJSU.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The hypothetical conference would be interested in SD State not for the quality of their football team, but for their access to the Southern California recruiting market. Being able to tell recruits that they’ll be able to play in front of their friends and family and least a couple times is a pretty important draw when you’re trying to lure guys out of state.

Also, the Aztecs have a pretty good basketball program.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jan 8, 2009 9:23 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But would they fit in better than the 10 teams I listed? Who should be taken out and why? I agree, the idea of SDSU is intriguing, especially since there is no BCS school in San Diego area.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dunno; what about going to 12 teams?

- North -
Boise State
Air Force
Colorado State
Colorado
Utah
BYU

- South -
Nevada
UNLV
Fresno State
San Diego State
TCU
Texas Tech

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jan 8, 2009 9:36 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would seen to work, though I would take out Air Force and put in SJSU I think. That said, I prefer 10 team leagues that can play every conference member.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that sounds good…AF has been too up/down over several years plus it would be tough for an academy team to play in this improved conference.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:42 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BeastMode

I respectfully request that you create a separate detailed FanPost on this issue. If that sounds undoable in your shoes, I’d be willing to write a post in the coming days. A couple of key things to address:

- compare/contrast how many teams vs style of play (round robin vs SEC-style)
- rationale for Colo and TTech departing
- rationale why proven BCS busters like Utah and BSU would like to compete in a tougher conference
- rationale why weaker teams would want to join a stronger conference
- discussion on OOC requirements (Pac10 types of schedules or Big12 type of schedules).
- and, of course, cheerleaders

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 10:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Requiest filed. Under submission.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 11:42 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sweet…I’m looking forward to it.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:29 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i like it, but it always runs the risk of dilution. I think 10 teams are the way to go.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how about 1 team from Nevada…my guess is Nevada? UNLV might have the better program historically, but I’m too lazy to look

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:41 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i don’t know that there’s a huge difference between them, but Vegas is by far the more attractive TV market.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jan 8, 2009 9:45 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why do you want the 7th BCS conference?

Wouldn’t that hinder Cal’s chances at receiving a BCS at-large bid?

by chowder on Jan 8, 2009 9:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, already it seems as if a non-BCS gets in every year. Might as well create another conference. it may also provide more television coverage of west coast matchups.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe even provide better bowl alignments.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There would be 3 remaining BCS bids:

I would think the SEC and Big-12 continually places two teams in the BCS. Therefore, leaving the Big-10 (which historically does well placing a 2nd team), the Big East, the ACC, AND Notre Dame fighting for the last spot at-large spot. I just think its a tough challenge given no one watches our games east of the mississippi.

by chowder on Jan 8, 2009 10:11 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not unless we get another BCS bowl…like the Cotton or, in my fantasy, the Eh? Bowl.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 10:39 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i know it throws practicality out the window, as well as good economic sense with regards to the greater american fanbase, but I would MUCH rather have a reason to go to Vancouver for New Year’s than Texas. I even tried to get my friends to go this year, but I got the… ‘i dont have a job, i need money, im lame excuse’

by chowder on Jan 8, 2009 10:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dunno

This hypothetical conference has grabbed an at-large bid 3 of the past 5 years; some might say the Mountain West, as currently constituted, is approaching BCS status anyway.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jan 8, 2009 9:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As I said, props to Utah.

They did what they needed to. But they had the 70th hardest regular season schedule in the nation. That is a joke. They were also perhaps the luckiest team in the top 10 also. They shouldn’t have beaten OSU or TCU, and squeaked by quite a few teams.

They did a damn good job this year, but they are far from the best team in the nation, and I think that is borne out in the resume. They have a few good wins, but 1/2 their schedule would be the easiest game for most Pac-10 teams. When you’re playing a talented team week in and out, you don’t get rest, and that’s much different than having the schedule Utah did, where you can get up for certain games, and not others.

A great season, no doubt. Top 5 worthy. But, in my opinion, not close to #1 worthy. That’s not really their fault, but that’s just the way it is.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 9:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shouldn’t have beaten? Who cares? They did.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:25 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

amazingly, and against my natural reaction, I agree with almost everything an Oregon fan says…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

“Shouldn’t have beaten”?

Well, USC shouldn’t have lost to Oregon State. They’re now my new national champion.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cal shouldn’t have lost to anyone on its schedule. WHOO NUMBER 1 BABY WHOO

Sheriff of the Welcome Team
In Spite of Twist!

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jan 8, 2009 9:47 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This year’s National Championship is so much nicer tan the last 5!

Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jan 8, 2009 10:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That’s because This year’s National Chamionship went to Miami.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 11:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That’s a ridiculous argument based on conjecture (then again, so is the BCS).

The fact is this, Utah is the only undefeated team in college football. They have wins over top-ten TCU, a decent BYU, a good Oregon State, and an Alabama team that spent several weeks at #1 and had a narrow loss in the SEC CG to Florida.

What’s Florida’s record? The most impressive victory they have was a big one over Georgia, but that same Georgia team got run over by Georgia Tech. They made it to the BCS on virtue of that narrow win over Alabama. In all honesty, what makes Florida so worthwhile of being here?

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 7:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not sure it grossly stands out…but they have a 1 point loss to what we now know is a quality team (Ole Miss), they had a decent OOC schedule (FSU/Miami), and they beat Georgia, Bama and LSU. To me, this makes them eligible for the NCG. If Utah beat Bama before we could decide who plays in the NCG, then I think you might have Utah-Florida for all the marbles.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:58 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah yes, they beat now 8-5 LSU. Wow.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 7:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think LSU’s a fringe Top 25 team…definitely Top 30. They lost to 4 Top 15 teams (based on my rankings) and the only real bad loss is Arkansas. Plus they blew the eff out of Ga Tech, a team that beat Top 15 Georgia among others. It’s convoluted for sure, but their resume isn’t as bad as 8-5 suggests.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Um, they also almost lost to Troy and beat no teams of note outside of Georgia Tech, that too with a month to prepare for their crazy offense.

Their losses to good teams were blowouts.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:29 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Miami, FSU, LSU? Sounds good on paper – none of those teams were particularly good.

You know what else Utah didn’t do that Florida did? Play a D1-AA team to pad its schedule.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:01 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rishi, what’s going on here? Aren’t we supposed to disagree?

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:02 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, um, Quizz Rodgers is a surefire first round pick.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For the CFL, maybe.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Look how short he is compared to USC defenders. Imagine how much smaller he’ll be than NFL defenders. It’s a surefire win!

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:29 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wait, USC isn’t in the NFL? I swore they paid their players too. ZING!

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Once upon a time, they used to do a college vs NFL game.

I’d really like to see USC vs Detroit Lions.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:53 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know everyone says a pro team, any pro team, would demolish the best college team. But, you have to factor in Pete Carroll’s defensive game planning too.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And you have to factor in just how bad the Lions are.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, yeah, that too.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cal rugby tends to take on the Rugby Super League (the closest thing the US has to a professional league) champion (just about) every season, and as far as I know, either wins or does well against them.
(This year, it’s Feb. 28th against the New York Athletic Club).

by Yes We Cannon on Jan 8, 2009 10:27 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I’m not defending Florida, my main point is that we didn’t know how good Utah was until the bowl season started. At this point, it was too late. Narrow wins over a bad Michigan team and New Mexico:

8/30 @ Michigan 1-0 (0-0) W 25-23
9/06 UNLV 2-0 (1-0) W 42-21
9/13 @ Utah State 3-0 (1-0) W 58-10
9/20 @ Air Force 4-0 (2-0) W 30-23
9/27 Weber State 5-0 (2-0) W 37-21
10/02 Oregon State 6-0 (2-0) W 31-28
10/11 @ Wyoming 7-0 (3-0) W 40-7
10/18 Colorado State 8-0 (4-0) W 49-16
11/01 @ New Mexico 9-0 (5-0) W 13-10
11/06 No. 12 TCU 10-0 (6-0) W 13-10
11/15 @ San Diego State 11-0 (7-0) W 63-14
11/22 No. 14 Brigham Young 12-0 (8-0) W 48-24

I’m sorry, but this resume doesn’t warrant a NCG invite at the point in time that it was decided. It does now. That’s why the NCG teams should be decided after the bowls. Yes, they have 2 wins over teams (3 if you count Ore St) but no one knew how good TCU/BYU were.

Florida St cracked my Top 25…they have 4 losses to ranked teams and beat a few decent teams too.

Miami…u got me there…but it’s better than Michigan.

Weber St is I-AA

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Once again, Michigan is still Michigan. They scheduled them not knowing that they’d be so bad (I give somewhat of the same leway to Oklahoma for UDub). It’s better than purposely scheduled patsies.

Also, the SEC isn’t as strong as it’s been in years passed.

No one is saying Utah should have been playing in the title game prior to the bowls. All I’m saying is that I would vote Utah #1 if I were an AP voter in order to have a split title.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:26 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Totally agree. It is the victory over Bama that makes the case. Without that victory, no way do I make the argument over Florida, Oklahoma or USC.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:27 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And it’s not just the victory, it’s the nature of the victory. Totally dominating Alabama in a way that Florida could only dream of doing.

And, sorry, but their LT does not play defense and Bama’s defense got torched by Utah.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

21 first quarter points. If only they had their LT! That’s like someone saying, “Hey, Oregon may have beat OSU by scoring 65, but if Quizz was playing . . .”

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Um, Quizz clearly plays both sides of the ball and would have stopped Massouli.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alabama's resume this year

dominating win over Georgia (respectable)
dominating win over Clemson (decent)
squeaking by LSU
barely beating Ole Miss
edging Kentucky

Utah beating them vaults them over USC, Oklahoma and Florida?

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 11:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, first of all, we don’t yet know because their game against Oklahoma has yet to be played out. Second, I’m not sure I see the problem with that resume beyond losing to Florida and Utah, two of the teams we are discussing. Florida lost to Ole Miss, so barely beating Ole Miss is not a dent on their resume.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 11:53 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Florida got into the title game on the strength of the win over undefeated Bama.

Utah just destroyed them.

You tell me.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 12:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

still doesn’t vault them over SC or Florida…they needed one or two more big games

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BYU = not a big game, but LSU does?

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 12:10 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we’ve been over this already…I’m not zOMG LSU/SEC…but I do think this warrants investigation:

LSU – 4 quality losses to Top 15 teams, 1 point loss to Arkansas. 1 kick ass quality win ass whooping over Ga Tech.

BYU – no quality wins. 2 quality losses to TCU and Utah but they lost by a ton (each). Also lost to Arizona who has a nice win (vs Cal) and 2 bad losses. Teams like Tennessee and UCLA went belly up down the stretch. Wyoming even beat Tennessee. Not really in BYU’s control (sound like Utah?). Also played a I-AA team. It’s sad for solid BCS teams to play a I-AA team, but it’s just stupid for teams trying to be BCS busters to play a I-AA team.

If it makes you feel better, if Ohio St lost to Mich. St, I’d also not rank them either…or at I’d least put them in the fringe region (~ Top30). My poll has each team having 1 quality win so I’ve been consistent.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:19 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is no reason to think that BYU is a good team...

The only good teams they faced, they were killed by, and they lost to a wildly inconsistent Arizona team. I seriously don’t get how this is hard to understand that BYU has done NOTHING all season.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They beat ten teams. Do you know how hard it is to win ONE football game?

BYU is a good team. Great? No. Good? Yes.

Sheriff of the Welcome Team
In Spite of Twist!

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jan 8, 2009 12:41 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Top 25 quality? No. Top 35? Prolly (shooting from hip here)

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:43 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Washington State won TWO! They’re going to be a tough out next year!

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 12:49 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let the James Montgomery Era of WSU football begin!

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 12:54 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i bet he wishes he didn’t transfer now…walk on QB competition? yikes…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, I think he is better off than at Cal. When would he see the field in Berkeley?

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 12:58 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, technically he’d see the field.

Sheriff of the Welcome Team
In Spite of Twist!

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jan 8, 2009 1:40 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dood, J-Monty has terrible vision!

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 2:34 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just can’t rationalize that it’s okay for LSU to get blown out by Florida and Georgia and lose to a bowl-less Arkansas, still making them a legit team, but BYU losing big to Utah and TCU (the same TCU that held Oklahoma to their lowest point total all season) and then losing to an inconsistent Arizona (but still a bowl team, mind you) makes them a bad team.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 12:52 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hint hint: It has to do with the conferences they play in.

Oh, and BYU nearly lost to UW. Yes, 0-12 UW.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 12:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

u mean this UW?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To be fair, Jake Locker makes a whole lot of difference. And, if there was ever a team that quit, that’s the one.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 12:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jake Locker. Come on, you’re better than that.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 1:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why u can’t rationalize it is this:

LSU’s conference is stronger AND, most importantly, LSU has a good, quality win. No matter how u slice it, BYU does not have that. As I said, I would have ranked them if UCLA/Tennessee would have panned out or if they played Iowa instead of N. Iowa.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:55 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BYU played a better OOC than LSU.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 1:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What, you think Appy St, N. Texas, Troy, and Tulane are down this year? Can you believe they can get away with 4 home games vs shitty teams? It’s pathetic.

well, it still wasn’t a good OOC schedule…it looked fine (accept for the N. Iowa) before the season, but after the season it looks “meh-”.

still, the saving grace is a Peach bowl ass whoopin of a talented Ga Tech team.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 1:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually, it looks downright horrible. Troy is the best team on there and they ran up a 20 point lead at LSU, but decided to choke away the game.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 1:41 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Luckily the national championship isn't decided on one game...

It’s based on an entire season of work.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:19 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Which includes victories over TCU, BYU and Oregon State (with the brothers Rodgers).

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 12:20 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

u mean TCU and Oregon St…let’s not go loony over BYU here people

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am not saying the BYU victory is exactly on par with those, but I do believe BYU is a good team and it counts as a quality win.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 12:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why do you think that they are a good team?

What have they accomplished this year?

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:23 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ahh…I define quality the finalTop 25 ranking at the end of the year where we can compare the entire body of work of a season. So, I’d give them a “nice job” win over BYU. For you, quality might be in the Top 35…I didn’t use this in my judge/evaluation of teams so I can’t start doing this now.

As I said before, I’d love to see Utah with 2 more games against Top25 competetion. If they won both or even one won and kept the other close then I’d consider split NCs.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:26 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I acknowledge that they’re trying, but I have to take the W’s and L’s at face value juxtaposed to the rest of the teams in the country.

You are right, the SEC isn’t as strong as in years past. But, in my world, they still have 4 Top 15 teams.

Regarding your last sentence, I think I was confused…oops.

Re: Utah, USC, and (presumably) Florida (using my rationale/rankings from my Top 25 FanPost):

Florida: 3 victories over Top 15 teams (2 victories over Top 10 teams), 5 total victories over Top 25. 1 Point home loss to Top 15 team

USC: 4 victories over top 20 teams (2 victories over top 10 teams).6 point road loss to Top 15 team

Utah: 3 victories over Top 15 teams (2 over Top 10 teams). Ten victories over teams that are clearly not in the Top 30. Zero losses.

Again, this is very close. They all have 2 victories over Top 10 teams. To me, one might have to consider USC since Ore St is better than Ole Miss and USC lost on the road. I judge based on quality wins and quality losses. Florida had 6 “quality” games, USC 5, and Utah 3. If they each got 5 or 6, it would be easier to judge this. Of course, Florida has a conference championship game (a prime reason why I want to expand the Pac10) so that gives them an extra quality game. It isn’t fair…but then again, is life fair?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:43 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If there ever was a season that screamed for a split national championship, it would be this year. If there is a split, it has to be Utah and UO/UF. Sorry USC.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whoa…why Utah and mos def NOT USC? Because of Alabama? Who’s best win is # 15 Georgia (3 losses). I don’t get it.

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by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:52 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Utah is still undefeated and the most deserving team.

USC has one loss, but is probably the best team.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, Utah beat OSU whereas USC lost to OSU. Easy distinction.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:57 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not so easy…USC was on the road, Utah was at home…

plus, it still doesn’t give Utah 5 quality games in which to justifiably to put Utah over USC.

If Utah wants to change, I bet they could. They’re hot right now. I’d like a 7th BCS conference, or add a Mtn West conf. and drop the Big East (sounds too good to be true), or expand the Pac-10. That would have given them all of the quality games they deserve.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:02 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, first of all, your “5 quality wins” is totally arbitrary. Second, sorry, home or road, it is still a comparable game.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, 10-3 BYU is not a quality win, but 8-5 LSU, which almost lost to Troy, is.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It’s not totally arbitrary. I didn’t randomly pick these things. It’s an analysis of what we know.

New Mexico had a chance to be quality opponent. But they weren’t Utah beats them by 3.

Michigan had a chance to be a quality opponent. But they weren’t. Utah beats them by 2. Penn St and Ohio St beat them by 30.

Regarding your next sentence: Not when Utah wins by 3 and USC loses by 6…home/road/neutral does matter somewhat.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, wait, why is Colorado State or Air Force not a quality opponent yet New Mexico had a chance? UNLV also had a chance but for their own and ASU’s collapse.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

exactly…I didn’t want to belabor the point. Colo St (if it beats Cal or TCU) or Air Force (if it beat BYU, Navy, and Utah) would have been a quality opponent.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:23 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Conference strength is so cyclical.

This is probably the MWC’s best conference… maybe ever?

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wait, so USC is worthy, despite going 11-1 in a conference that went 1-6 against the Mountain West (prior to the bowl games).

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:05 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

11-1 overall and 8-1 in conference for USC, obviously.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:05 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wait, I’m not disagreeing with you. I’m saying that to carp.

This year, the conference probably go something like this (in power rankings):

Big XII (even after an okay bowl performance)
SEC
Big 10 (there really is no shame in losing to USC. Good depth in league)
MWC (top-heavy)
Pac-10 (if you reverse Pac and MWC, I would not argue)
ACC
Big East

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was replying to carp as well.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:09 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I’m confused…

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by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I entirely disagree with the Big-10 placement. There is no way the Pac-10 can be that low after going 5-0 in their bowl games.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:11 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, been over this. Pac-10 bowl placement, not even in terms of dates, but in who we play in the bowls, is awful.

Sadly, ask any college football writer if the Pac-10 deserves better placement based on performance and they’ll say “of course the Pac-10 went 5-0, they played bad teams”.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree the Pac-10 plays lesser teams than where their own teams ranked in conference play. That said, a game on a neutral field against teams with winning records, ranked, still counts for something.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:17 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup, I agree. Hopefully, next year can be the breakout year for the Pac-10 that the first half of 2007 teased us with.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:18 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

On paper, USC, Oregon and Cal matchup favorably against every other BCS conference’s top three. In 2009 that is.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Don’t forget Oregon State too. Riley has his teams prepared.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sorry

You can say what you want about the Pac’s record against the MWC, but as a conference, it is not better than the Pac-10. I feel that USC, Oregon, Cal would have won the conference if they played in it this year. We can’t help that our bottom teams can’t beat their top teams (in a peak year for their top teams) or choked away a couple games.

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed, those three would probably win that conference or end up 11-1. But, again, if you are saying USC is worthy, that has to be taken into consideration.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:22 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh…I get it…you guys are “undefeated” fans. Hmm…I guess I am too, in the context of quality games. Utah just doesn’t have enough quality games or at least not enough to completely discredit USC efforts in 5 quality games. They needed 5 or 6 quality games. It could have happened if Michigan was as good as in years past and if BYU actually beat somebody. Or if they played another Top25 team instead of Weber St.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:58 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sure, now tell me Florida’s 5 or 6 quality games?

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:01 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Florida: 3 victories over Top 15 teams (2 victories over Top 10 teams), 5 total victories over Top 25. 1 Point home loss to Top 15 team. I copied at pasted this from my Top 25 post:

4. Oklahoma – I think they get embarrassed early and come back to make it a closer loss. Would rank them lower if I could. Best win is now TCU! Wins over Cincy, Texas Tech, and Okie St. Could change depending on how BCS game is played.

9. Alabama – Lost to Florida and Utah…best win is over 3-loss Georgia…Clemson, LSU, and Auburn had disappointing seasons. [Edit] Also beat Ole Miss

11. Ole Miss – Best wins are Florida and Texas Tech…losses to Wake Forrest and South Carolina prevent this from being higher. Wake Forrest and Vandy were ranked when Ole Miss lost to them but have since tanked. Also have a narrow loss to Bama.

14. Georgia – Best wins are LSU and Mich St (!) after ASU and Auburn went belly up.

18. Florida St – All 4 loses were to teams who were ranked at some point in the season. Best win is Va Tech. Deserved better bowl opponent than Wisconsin and, if this happened, would have likely been ranked a little higher.

25. LSU – Hard team to read. Best win is Georgia Tech…but they lost by a lot to Georgia and also lost to Arkansas. Very poor OOC schedule and 7 home games make me suspicious.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I’m really confused why you consider Florida State and LSU quality wins, whereas wins over BYU and Air Force, for instance, are not.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this is why:

Air Force no quality

BYU has 2 quality losses and 1 bad loss.

Florida St quality win and quality losses

LSU Has a quality win and quality lossess

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:21 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Um, in case you forgot, LSU lost to Arkansas. BYU’s “bad loss” is to Zona.

Zona made a bowl, Arkansas did not.

wow nice argument

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Zona made a bowl, Arkansas did not.

by a point. and zona lost some bad games too

I actually think zona and LSU are pretty close but…LSU still has one thing BYU doesn’t: a quality win.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:34 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, margin of victory counts for something. Once again, destroying Alabama vs needing a big fourth quarter to get by them are two entirely different situations.

And don’t use margin of victory against Michigan against Utah. Michigan was an entirely different team back then – they actually played games and the players did not give up on the team like they have since.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:17 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow nice argument

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:21 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice counterpoint.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:23 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Way to back up your argument.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:27 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well…you can’t count “margin of victory” and then immediately discredit it…it’s

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right, let’s ignore circumstances. Great idea.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:35 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

u had me @:

Also, margin of victory counts for something.
And don’t use margin of victory against

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 9:36 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did Florida play Michigan this year?

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

did you?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 11:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, I won on a last second field goal.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 11:17 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Michigan players gave up on the team? What are you talking about? Or is it just Sam McGuffie?

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 11:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, they gave up. They didn’t play hard. They didn’t try.

Think Cal last year a couple games. Now ten times worse.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 12:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Huh?

Did you watch Michigan play this year?

A few players gave up, but most of the team fought the entire year, through Penn State and OSU, beating Minnesota, etc.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:24 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah dude, the Ohio State game was close for one half before the wheels unraveled. They just aren’t very good this year. You’ve construed a worldview where you think Michigan is somehow supposed to be much better than 3-9.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 12:32 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don’t really think he’s capable of “construing a worldview”

Sheriff of the Welcome Team
In Spite of Twist!

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jan 8, 2009 12:40 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let’s put it this way:
Winner of Oklahoma vs Florida = BCS champion
Utah = Rightful claim to nc and should be split
USC = Best team in college football

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:52 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sigh…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:53 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, the BCS does that to people.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Michigan is Michigan?

It does not matter how good Michigan was in the past. If Michigan used to be good, well, Florida should get credit for Miami and Florida State being good a few years ago.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 9:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Big 10 was a joke...

Penn St and OSU were good teams. MSU and Iowa were a step below but still decent. Every other team was road kill (NW could argue but…). The fact that Michigan went 3-9 and lost to freakin’ Toledo AT HOME kills any argument anyone in the universe has that Michigan has any quality about them at all. They totally sucked.

Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.

by Fire Starkey on Jan 8, 2009 9:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cal hoops I assume is still discussable

Cal’s Kamp facing a tall order

Kamp, listed at 6-8, 255 pounds, is the one who will have to make Randle’s prophecy come true. Kamp will be expected to stop Washington State’s and Washington’s leading scorers.

Both of them are posts. Aron Baynes, Washington State’s 6-10, 250-pounder, is leading the team with 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds a game, and Washington’s Jon Brockman, a 6-7, 255-pounder, is tops for his team in points (16.0) and rebounds (9.7).

Though 7-footer Jordan Wilkes and power forward Jamal Boykin are expected to start, Kamp is expected to finish. During the last seven games, he’s averaged 6.6 points and 4.3 rebounds a game in 23.4 minutes and generally made it difficult for the league’s top posts to add to their statistics.

by LeonPowe on Jan 8, 2009 6:56 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What I’ve noticed about Kamp is that he doesn’t have great size, but he does seem to have very good positioning. He may give a few inches/pounds to these guys, but he’s good about getting in their way and contesting easy layups. Montgomery’s done a nice job on him.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jan 8, 2009 8:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ragnarok, are you the resident bball expert here?

255 is heavy in basketball terms – especially in college. To say Kamp doesn’t have size blows in the face of conventional basketball wisdom. While he may not appear to have “great size” the fact that he is listed at 255 lbs says something. Basketball players are generally not some of the biggest/strongest guys out there.

The bench press weight at the NBA combine is a whopping 185lbs and it’s hilarious how many of these first round picks can’t do more than 4 reps. I’d say Kamp has size.

by 33SwisherSweet on Jan 8, 2009 10:43 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His problem isn't weight

It’s height. He’s probably a bit under 6’7, and he doesn’t have great leaping ability, so taller guys could pose a problem. He did a very good job on Hill, however, which is the type of match-up with which he’d theoretically struggle (taller, more athletic forward). Baynes and Brockman are more in Kamp’s mold (heavier, less athletic), but Baynes is taller and Brockman is a lot more experience. It will be really fun to see how Kamp defends Brockman on Saturday.

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jan 8, 2009 10:55 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd say CBKWit is our basketball expert around here.

I can write about basketball without (usually) coming off as an idiot, but often only just. I’m still learning here.

Also, is Kamp that heavy? That surprises me. I didn’t think he was that big. I’ll say this about him: he has good, not great, size for a college player, so probably won’t get any NBA interest, and will be undersized compared to some of the better post players in college. I’ve merely been impressed with how (so far), that hasn’t seemed to matter much.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jan 8, 2009 11:18 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good point Rag

he may not be that heavy – maybe 10 pounds lighter? Regardless, he is definitely our strongest post player (and I mean that literally) and he’s done a good job holding his own against much taller people. Now we get to see how he does against guys that are heavier and possibly stronger than he is.

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jan 8, 2009 11:24 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hot Coco

Farudo has a WSU scouting report up.

Being close for 20 minutes hasn’t gotten it done for Washington State.

The Cougars, who host Cal tonight at Friel Court, have trailed by a total of 17 points in their five defeats this season. That works out to an average halftime margin of just 3.4 points.

Problem is, WSU hasn’t been able to maintain in the second half. In those losses, the Cougs have been outscored by a total of 57 points, or 11.4 per game, in the second half.

The teams that have conquered the Coug — top-ranked Pitt, Baylor, Gonzaga, LSU and Washington — occupy the same strata as the teams they will face in the Pac-10.

"Obviously, against high-level competition you have to play the majority of the game, 40 minutes, or it won’t be good enough," WSU coach Tony Bennett said this week.

"When we’ve been in the game, we’ve played well I think it’s because defensively we’ve been rock solid," Bennett added. "Even in those games where we’ve struggled to score, our defense has held us in there."

by LeonPowe on Jan 8, 2009 7:04 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like this Farudo guy…he needs to whip JO into shape.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:14 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He is doing one heckuva job over there. There are some weeks when JO barely posts, during game weeks even. Farudo has three times as many games and still gets it done every week.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 7:37 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Miller on Tepper

He didn’t report the “Fuck Yes” quote…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:15 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this sounds good 2 me
All-American center Alex Mack and guard Noris Malele are departing, but with Tepper’s return, Cal will welcome back seven offensive linemen with starting experience.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:16 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

any chance JO accepts this question

[1:09 PM PST] From PeteCarrollizghey: Okay Okanes…if cornered, would you rather take a dump in: a) the Port-a-Juan’s abreast to Stadium Rim Way on a hot mid-Septermber afternoon or b) UCSB’s KappaSig frat house after rush?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:21 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

….please don’t ask that.

Sheriff of the Welcome Team
In Spite of Twist!

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jan 8, 2009 9:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no recs for creativity? what if I replaced “take a dump” with “use”

he loves my UCB/UCSB yokes.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 11:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cal must win on the road

Well, duh, but . . .

ver the past 20 seasons, the Cal men’s basketball team has posted a winning road record in the Pac-10 just six times. In each of those seasons, the Golden Bears went on to play in the NCAA Tournament.

Beginning tonight at Washington State, Cal will try to navigate that road map to the postseason.

“If you’re going to compete for top three, you’re going to have to win on the road,” Cal coach Mike Montgomery said. “If it’s a game you have a chance to win, you’ve got to get it. There’s going to be some (games) maybe even your best effort might not get you a win on the road.”

Click this.

by LeonPowe on Jan 8, 2009 7:28 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kiper's board (as of Dec18) - Will T is #2 senior FB
ESPN Insider: Mel Kiper’s Top 5 By Position (Dec 18)

SENIORS
Quarterbacks
1. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
2. Curtis Painter, Purdue
3. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St.
4. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas
5. Drew Willy, Buffalo

Running Backs
1. Javon Ringer, Michigan St.
2. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon
3. Cedric Peerman, Virginia
4. Rashad Jennings, Liberty
5. Devin Moore, Wyoming

Fullbacks
1. Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh
2. Will Ta’ufo’ou, California
3. Quinn Johnson, LSU
4. Eric Kettani, Navy
5. Brock Bolen, Louisville

Wide Receivers
1. Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia
2. Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma
3. Brian Robiskie, Ohio St.
4. Derrick Williams, Penn St.
5. Louis Murphy, Florida

Tight Ends
1. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St.
2. Chase Coffman, Missouri
3. Shawn Nelson, So. Mississippi
4. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin
5. Cornelius Ingram, Florida (out for year with knee injury)

Offensive Tackles
1. Jason Smith, Baylor
2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
3. Michael Oher, Mississippi
4. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
5. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina

Offensive Guards
1. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
2. Andy Levitre, Oregon St.
3. Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech
4. Ray Feinga, BYU
5. Herman Johnson, LSU

Centers
1. Alex Mack, California
2. Max Unger, Oregon
3. Eric Wood, Louisville
4. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama
5. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas

Defensive Ends
1. Brian Orakpo, Texas
2. Tyson Jackson, LSU
3. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
4. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati
5. Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin

Defensive Tackles
1. B.J. Raji, Boston College
2. Peria Jerry, Mississippi
3. Ziggy Hood, Missouri
4. Fili Moala, USC
5. Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech

Inside Linebackers
1. Rey Maualuga, USC
2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio St.
3. Jason Phillips, TCU
4. Darry Beckwith, LSU
5. Worrell Williams, California

Outside Linebackers
1. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
2. Brian Cushing, USC
3. Larry English, No. Illinois
4. Clay Matthews, USC
5. Clint Sintim, Virginia

Cornerbacks
1. Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St.
2. Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
3. Darius Butler, Connecticut
4. Victor Harris, Virginia Tech
5. Mike Mickens. Cincinnati

Safeties
1. William Moore, Missouri
2. Patrick Chung, Oregon
3. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
4. Rashad Johnson, Alabama
5. Michael Hamlin, Clemson

Place-Kickers
1. Louie Sakoda, Utah (and Punter)
2. Sam Swank, Wake Forest
3. Graham Gano, Florida St.
4. Jose Martinez, UTEP
5. Swayze Waters, UAB

Punters
1. Kevin Huber, Cincinnati
2. Chris Miller, Ball St.
3. Matt Fodge, Oklahoma St.
4. Thomas Morstead, SMU
5. Aaron Perez, UCLA

JUNIORS
Quarterbacks
1. Matthew Stafford, Georgia
2. *Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
3. Mark Sanchez, USC
4. Nate Davis, Ball St.
5. Josh Freeman, Kansas St.

Running Backs
1. Chris “Beanie” Wells, Ohio St.
2. *Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
3. *LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
4. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Fullbacks
1. Richie Brockel, Boise St.
2. Anthony Harding, Fresno St.
3. Marcus Sims, Florida St.
4. Cory Jackson, Maryland
5. Paul Homer, Washington

Wide Receivers
1. *Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
2. *Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
3. Percy Harvin, Florida
4. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
5. Kenny Britt, Rutgers

Tight Ends
1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
2. Tim Tebow, Florida
2. Jared Cook, South Carolina
3. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
5. Dennis Pitta, BYU

Offensive Tackles
1. Andre Smith, Alabama
2. Russell Okung, Oklahoma St.
3. Ciron Black, LSU
4. Eben Britton, Arizona
5. Sam Young, Notre Dame

Offensive Guards
1. Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
2. Greg Isdaner, West Virginia
3. John Jerry, Mississippi
4. Kurtis Gregory, Missouri
5. Mike Johnson, Alabama

Centers
1. Thomas Austin, Clemson
2. Josh McNeil, Tennessee
3. Matt Tennant, Boston College
4. Jim Cordle, Ohio St.
5. Erik Cook, New Mexico

Defensive Ends
1. Greg Hardy, Mississippi
2. Willie Young, NC St.
3. Everette Brown, Florida St.
4. Jerry Hughes, TCU
5. Corey Wootton, Northwestern

Defensive Tackles
1. Terrence Cody, Alabama
2. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
3.*Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
4. Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
5. Chris Baker, Hampton

Inside Linebackers
1. Brandon Spikes, Florida
2. Joe Pawelek, Baylor
3. Clinton Snyder, Stanford
4. Micah Johnson, Kentucky
5. Gerald McRath, So. Mississippi

Outside Linebackers
1. *Aaron Maybin, Penn St.
2. Mark Herzlich, Boston College
3. Antonio Coleman, Auburn
4. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
5. Rico McCoy, Tennessee

Cornerbacks
1. Vontae Davis, Illinois
2. Jairus Byrd, Oregon
3. D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt
4. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
5. Sean Smith, Utah

Safeties
1. Taylor Mays, USC
2. Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
3. Emanuel Cook, South Carolina
4. Myron Rolle, Florida St.
5. Justin Woodall, Alabama

Place-Kickers
1. Brett Swenson, Michigan St.
2. Hunter Lawrence, Texas
3. Alex Steigerwald, Toledo
4. Mike Salerno, No. Illinois
5. Jon Striefsky, Delaware

Punters
1. Zoltan Mesko, Michigan
2. Eric Maust, Notre Dame
3. Jeremy Boone, Penn St.
4. Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech
5. Zach Johnson, Eastern Michigan

Notice he lists Tebow as a Tightend and that Zack is nowhere on this list…

by danzig on Jan 8, 2009 7:44 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Follett should be on the list…not sure how Williams makes it and he doesn’t.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The perceived depth of the OLB’s versus the ILB’s I presume.

Joe Starkey...Scholar, Humanitarian, Cal legend, worst radio play by play man of all time.

by Fire Starkey on Jan 8, 2009 7:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I really don’t get the lack of appreciation of Follett. He is a game changing linebacker. I could care less about depth, he is top five regardless.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 7:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don’t think his bull rush technique is really going to work in the NFL like it did against college players.

He’s in the 5-10 range at OLB anyway

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:23 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agree... have no clue how he could logically come to this conclusion

… except for the size issue. Worrell is more ideal and he has legacy in the NFL (DJ Williams).

by danzig on Jan 8, 2009 7:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, the measurements. If only he had the same skill and tenacity as Follett.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:00 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was never Worrell’s position to rush the passer… with all those PBUs and such, Worrell had a great year.

Many more great OLB types anyway.

You have to consider Follett and Williams positions incredibly different

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very true, I was starting to think the same thing. I do wonder how Worrell would’ve done in Follett’s position.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 9:29 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also

A lot of sites have Worrell as the 5-7 ILB

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:31 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Follett is undersized and has always struggled to tackle in the open field; he will struggle trying to take down NFL backs and receivers.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 11:35 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, he’ll take them all down.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 12:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rishi's love of the Pain Train

Coming on his original Fanpost series, the Rishi Hour, debuting right after the BCS title game!

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 12:03 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He’ll take you down too.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 12:17 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is this a joke between you and Rishi? Cause I don’t get it. It kind of just makes you look like a jerk.

by CaliforniaBone on Jan 8, 2009 1:38 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To be fair, in real life I am a jerk. Twist can attest.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 1:45 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actually you are less of a dick in real life than here, oddly enough

Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jan 8, 2009 1:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A dick just says mean things. A jerk does mean things, like me stealing your scarf.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 1:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But you didnt steal my scarf

Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jan 8, 2009 1:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unless you did

Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jan 8, 2009 1:47 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I will note that the best linebacker I ever saw at Cal was Jerrott Willard, Who ended up being a 5th round pick (not sure how much he dropped because of knee issues) – but he didn’t have ideal pro size. You know how the NFL is about measurables instead of watching game tape.

It always seemed to me Pain Train is a little small for an NFL backer.

by LeonPowe on Jan 8, 2009 3:23 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not very tall at least… I think he’s probably 6’1

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 3:34 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and how the eff can Tebow be the # 2 junior TE when he hasn’t played it in college? McShay = New Kuiper?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:49 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If anything, I think Tebow is a top 5 running back or full back. He’s always a threat to throw too so secondaries have to be honest.

As a TE…??? I have no idea.

by danzig on Jan 8, 2009 7:54 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tebow would be a horrible RB. He can take pounding, but he doesn’t have RB speed.

I don’t understand all the Tebow hate. He’s going to be a QB in the NFL, at least initially.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 7:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he’s great as an inside runner… he always finds those seams. However, I agree that once in the open field he looks like a fullback. He is hard to bring down however.

Regardless it looks like he won’t be playing QB. Too bad really, he’s really a playmaker.

by danzig on Jan 8, 2009 8:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As mentioned, it’s because NFL coaches think there’s only one way to play the game.

Run an offense based around Tebow’s skills.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No.

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:32 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<3

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:32 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slut.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:38 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is it weird that I don’t think he’s THAT bad of a QB…his throws look crisp to me…

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 7:59 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Long delivery, non-pro system. I think delivery can be tweaked and he seems to make the right decisions. But I think the key is no one trusts these spread quarterbacks.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:02 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That’s because NFL coordinators try to turn players like Tebow into pocket passers. It doesn’t work.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I honestly think he’s one of the top college QBs of the past decade. I’m not on board the “revolutionizing” the position bandwagon, but he’s not a straight-up running QB like Michael Vick or Pat White. He throws well, has a high completion percentage, and, damn, he can not only take hits, but deliver them as well.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Some throws do

but then again,

STEVE SLATON LOOKED LIKE TOM BRADY IN HIS BOWL GAME AGAINST UNC…

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:33 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I meant Pat White

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:34 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Tom Brady could run like that, no one could ever beat the Pats.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 9:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, no Syd Quan.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:04 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I honestly think NFL scouts don’t view Squid as highly as we do.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 8:07 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think they see he is only 5’9".

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:08 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TFY has him as a 5th-6th rounder next year
http://tfydraft.com/news.php?newsID=308

Interesting tidbit from Syd… he put the feelers out there for the draft:

Syd’Quan Thompson/CB/Cal (1/6/09) – On January 2nd we told TFY Draft readers that Syd’Quan Thompson was awaiting word from the advisory committee and if he received a second round grade or higher he would enter the draft. Earlier today we were alerted that Thompson was informed of his grade, which was lower than round two. Sources have told us this afternoon Thompson will return to Cal for his senior season.

Draft scout has Syd as 2nd rounder! Wow.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=67836&draftyear=2010&genpos=CB

by danzig on Jan 8, 2009 8:10 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no way he goes in the 2nd…the NFL is dumb and they won’t take a 5’9" corner in the 2nd…or will they?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 8:13 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don’t think so either.

Then again Daymieon Hughes is 5’10 and he went in the 3rd round… not only that he was projected to go in the 1st…

Of course, he choked during his 40 run which caused his drop to the 3rd round.

by danzig on Jan 8, 2009 8:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If that is true, that is a huge sigh of relief. I don’t feel comfortable with Conte starting at CB.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 8:20 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes yes yes yes yes

I want Syd to be great in the NFL, but I’m very selfishly glad he’s coming back to cal.

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jan 8, 2009 10:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is that certain…didn’t danzig provide 2 conflicting reports?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 10:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn. January 8, 2008. I must be time traveling again. Probably shouldn’t kill my grandfather and nail my grandmother this time.

Former Cal bear invited to elite soccer camp:

BERKELEY – California former goalkeeper Stefan Frei been invited to the 2009 adidas MLS Player Combine as a member of the 2009 class of Generation adidas, the professional league announced today. This marks the fifth consecutive year that that a Golden Bear has participated in the MLS Combine and Frei marks the first Cal player to be a member of a Generation adidas class.

The players who join MLS as part of the Generation adidas program receive unprecedented opportunities to develop their game and hone their skills at the professional level in Major League Soccer.

“This is a very special day for Stefan and the Cal men’s soccer program,” said Cal head coach Kevin Grimes. “Although he has one remaining year of eligibility, it is best for him to start his professional career now. Clearly, Stefan has been the best goalkeeper in the United States these past two years. There are a number of MLS teams with goalkeeping deficiencies, so the timing is perfect for him. We are very proud of him and look forward to having another Cal soccer alumni in the professional ranks.”

Frei made the All-Pac-10 first team, the NSCAA Far West All-Region team and also named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Season. At the beginning of the season, he was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Award Watch List. Frei tied current Cal goalkeeper coach Henry Foulk for fourth on the school’s all-time list in career shutouts in Cal’s 3-0 victory over San Francisco in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He followed that performance with a season-best 11 saves against UCSB in the second round. Frei’s goals-against average of 0.68 at the end of the regular season was a conference best and ranked him 22nd in the nation. He also led the Pac-10 in shutouts with eight and in save percentage (.829).

Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jan 8, 2009 7:46 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But don’t you want to save the world from monsterous brains?

I guess there’s that condition of being inherently retarded…

by CaliforniaBone on Jan 8, 2009 11:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Four BCS gate-crashers to watch in '09
California (9-4)

Even if Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez goes pro, the Trojans will be prohibitive favorites in the Pacific-10. But Cal, with current sophomore running back Jahvid Best positioned to enter the Heisman conversation, should be good enough to make the league race interesting.

Outside the Pac-10, the Bears will face visiting Maryland (Sept. 5 opener) and Eastern Washington and go to Minnesota. At USC in ‘08, the Trojans won 17-3. They’ll go to Berkeley on Oct. 3.

The big question facing Jeff Tedford’s staff is quarterback Kevin Riley, who was inconsistent and wound up sitting out the 24-17 Emerald Bowl win over Miami.

LINK

by MCM711 on Jan 8, 2009 9:23 AM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agree with all except Boise State

They’re in for a rude pummeling in Boise at the hands of Masoli

They should have never messed with the Ducks at home.

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 9:36 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah but...

that is their only real tough game. And if they do beat Oregon, they should get a good initial rankings boost and the rest of their schedule is pretty weak. Funny to see that they are playing UC Davis. I believe we almost scheduled them as our last available slot.

by MCM711 on Jan 8, 2009 9:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haven’t we?

PS, I did your JO review in yesterday’s thread. Check it.

Maybe I’ll have to post back.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 10:03 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I did read it and recD

Even better than your first. I still can’t believe WeeWee knew about the uniforms before JO. JO better be ready to step it up next year, or his seat could start getting warm, if it is not so already!

by MCM711 on Jan 8, 2009 10:06 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I heard Syd’Quan is going to replace JO next season.

"After review, it has been determined that the previous play was not reviewable"
The Pac-10: where quality officiating happens.

by Berkelium97 on Jan 8, 2009 10:26 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, I heard Syd’Quan was working on his crab dribble.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 10:28 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I heard LBJ learned the crab dribble from Syd’Quan, but he hasn’t yet perfected it.

"After review, it has been determined that the previous play was not reviewable"
The Pac-10: where quality officiating happens.

by Berkelium97 on Jan 8, 2009 11:15 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I heard Best has a faster 40-typing speed than YOkanes.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 8, 2009 11:22 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I heard that too. After the draft evaluations he said he’s tired of being judged by his looks. I also heard he may have Jeremy Ross assist him, as he Ross is also tired of being judged by his looks.

by MCM711 on Jan 8, 2009 10:30 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and yes – definitely deserves a repost

by MCM711 on Jan 8, 2009 10:19 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oregon is weak next year. Very weak. They could easily lose again.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 11:36 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not if TJ Ward gets Kellen Moore… #2 is one of the scariest opposing defensive players returning in the Pac-10

The offense will NOT skip a beat. It runs so much through Masoli and Blount next year… with a whole bunch of 4 star athletes waiting to play.

The DL/OL losses are definitely question marks… but Oregon reloads.

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 11:40 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They should be fine in the long-run, but they’re going to struggle out of the gate with their offense leaving, including their OL, DL and WR coaches.

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 11:41 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It’s not like they’re not going to hire any coaches for next season…. Sometimes changing coaches can be a positive thing (See: Al Simmons)

Don’t downplay the athletes they have up there. They are still near the top of the Pac-10, up or down year.

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 11:44 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They have to go to the Smurf Turf though

If they were at home they’d probably be fine, but a lot of new talent in their first game makes me question the idea that they’d “SMASH KELLEN MOORE INTO GROUND”

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 11:46 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have they ever played a BCS team on the Smurf Turf?

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 11:48 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They crushed OSU

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 11:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Though that was their best team ever. By far.

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 11:50 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lost to BC in the Humanitarian bowl

You ain't got it like Marshawn got it

by Thoroughbred on Jan 8, 2009 11:51 AM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The losses on the O-line really aren't worrying...

A lot of the young players are highly touted, and have had a lot of playing time this year. But the BSU game, being the first game, could be a little rough. I’m much more worried about the DL than the OL.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:27 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

o-line needs continuity though…especially with your weird ass offense.

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:28 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe...

I’m just really not worried. The O-line has an absolute crapload of talent waiting to play, and most of those players have already been playing together, and have played in the Pac-10. In fact, a couple of the young guys beat out seniors by the end of the year.

O-Line has been a huge point of recruitment for Oregon the past 4 years, and this will especially pay dividends this year.

Now, the early schedule for Oregon is tough (@BSU, Purdue, Utah, Cal), but I think there won’t be a lot of drop off, and if Masoli continues to run the spread option effectively, that will take a lot of load off the offensive line in the early going.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:32 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought Masoli was still competing with Roper and the frosh for the QB position. He’s won the job?

by BearsNecessity on Jan 8, 2009 12:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm too lazy to find Bellotti's quote...

…but he said that Masoli was #1 going into spring. Roper isn’t going to beat him out. Costa’s knee is completely unreliable. Darron Thomas has talent, and may push him, but they could try to redshirt him since that was burned this year. So Masoli has a very, very solid lock on it at this point.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:39 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how does Utah juxtaposed to the Mtn West look next year?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

by carp on Jan 8, 2009 12:36 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You really can’t underestimate the value of experience and continuity on offensive line. Especially a run oriented team like Oregon.

It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.

by BeastMode on Jan 8, 2009 12:37 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They are important...

But so is talent, and Oregon has a ton of it coming in on the offensive line. Will there be a dropoff? Most definitely, especially early on. But it’s not going to be as drastic as many think.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Jan 8, 2009 12:44 PM PST to parent up