COLLEGE FOOTBALL

[king sam]

I saw quite a bit of dropped passes all game by TCU receivers.. It was a good game, but I expected more.

The WAC gets another win

[strike wolf]

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State goes 14-0

BSU 17 TCU 10 Final
I'm impressed by the speed of both these teams as the defenses
are bending but not breaking.
big play of the game
4th and 9 and BSU pulls off a beauty of a fake punt to convert
and extend the drive... which results in a Bronco touchdown.

Andy Dalton threw 4 interceptions all year gets picked 3 times tonight
and on their second to last possession a TCU wide out dropped a long
pass at the goal line. Great game, a lot like a heavy weight fight...
and I'd loved to have seen it go to overtime.

TCU upset BSU last year and the Broncos just returned the favor.

I was disappointed in the Horned Frogs. I think they were too conservative at times and did not like their offensive play calling throughout the game. Their biggest problem though seemed to be that the QB choked. I also think they kind of underestimated Boise in the first half. Either way Boise deserved the win and I'm glad they made it fun just like in the Oklahoma game a few years back.

[oVo]

Boise State 17 . . . (TOP: 34:43)
317 total yards (240 pass)(77 rush) 16 first downs (8 punts) 1 fumble, conversions: 6/18 on 3rd, 2/2 on 4th
K.Moore 24/40 211 yds 0 TDs 0 Ints -- K.Brotzman 1/1 29 yds
Texas Christian 10 . . . (TOP: 25:17)
308 total yards (272 pass)(36 rush) 17 first downs (8 punts) conversions: 1/12 on 3rd, 0/1 on 4th
A.Dalton 25/44 272 yds 1 TD 3 Ints

Independents _ 1-0 (Navy)
Sun Belt _ 1-0
Mountain West 4-1
Big East _ 4-2
Big 12 _ 4-3
SEC _ 5-4
Big Ten _ 3-3
ACC _ 3-3
WAC _ 2-2
C-USA _ 2-4
PAC 10 _ 2-5
MAC _ 0-4

[strike wolf]

Haven't decided on a team of the decade yet, the shrot list includes LSU, Florida, Texas, USC and boise State. However I think the conference of the decade is a fairly straight forward choice as they have 4 National championships which i believe is 2 more than any other conferences this decade. Obviously it's the SEC.

[king sam]

Texas

2009/10 Texas ranked 3rd in nation on defense (1st in rushing defense)
Has a win % of 76.5% on the road or at a neutral site over the last 10 seasons (leads nation)
Has at least 10 wins in the last 8 years (longest current streak in the nation)
Are 2nd most in the nation for team with the most wins ever (behind Michigan)
Are 2nd most in the nation for team with the most bowl appearances (behind Alabama)
Holds a 7-0-1 lead versus Bama (first 3 meetings Texas shut Alabama out)

Coach Mack Brown took over as HC in Austin in 1998 since then

Has a regular season record of 115-26 (.816%)
Big 12 record 72-16 (.818%)
Has competed in a bowl every year (8-3 record)
Won 2 Big 12 Championships and 1 National Title
Has 6 top 10 finishes and 11 top 25 finishes in his 11 years as Head Coach
Has Longhorns averaging 37.6 points per game (2nd to Boise State)
Had 13 first round draft picks in the NFL

Colt McCoy the nations most accurate passer

Is the NCAA most winningst QB at 45-7
09 stats include 3,512 yds and 27 TD's
career stats include 13,244 yds / 112 TD's / 45 INT's/ 70.3 % completion %

[strike wolf]

While we're throwing out stats that seem like they have a lot to do with the game but not as much as they look...

SEC is 4-0 in National Championships this last decade including 2-0 in National Championships vs Big 12. Auburn also went 13-0 in 2004-2005 defeating Virginia Tech 16-13 in the Sugar Bowl but was not given the chance to play for the NC

SEC has won 6 out ofthe last 7 cotton bowls and is 7-5 over the big 12 in that bowl game since it became an SEC vs Big 12 matchup in 1998.

SEC overall has a bowl record of 46-30 since 2000 which is better than Big 12's record of 39-36. It also means that the SEC has been in one more bowl game than the Big 12 over this period.

75%+ of teams in the SEC have made it to a bowl game in 3 of the last 4 seasons including 10 out of 12 this year.

It's hard to define a team by what they or their conference has done in previous years (especially records that date back more than 4-5 years when none of the players that are currently playing for them were there). What matters now and really it's hard to make a head to head comparison of Alabama and Texas, they've played different opponents in conferences that play football in different styles. When it comes down to it, it should be a spectacular game and regardless of who wins I don't think either team will run away with it. That being said I feel that Alabama's defense is still better than Texas and when looking at their offense Alabama's passing attack has improved greatly over their last 5 games and I was highly impressed by McElroy in the SEC championship and the game winning drive in the Iron Bowl. Alabama by 6.

[muy_thaiguy]

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State goes 14-0

BSU 17 TCU 10 Final
I'm impressed by the speed of both these teams as the defenses
are bending but not breaking.
big play of the game
4th and 9 and BSU pulls off a beauty of a fake punt to convert
and extend the drive... which results in a Bronco touchdown.

Andy Dalton threw 4 interceptions all year gets picked 3 times tonight
and on their second to last possession a TCU wide out dropped a long
pass at the goal line. Great game, a lot like a heavy weight fight...
and I'd loved to have seen it go to overtime.

TCU upset BSU last year and the Broncos just returned the favor.

I was disappointed in the Horned Frogs. I think they were too conservative at times and did not like their offensive play calling throughout the game. Their biggest problem though seemed to be that the QB choked. I also think they kind of underestimated Boise in the first half. Either way Boise deserved the win and I'm glad they made it fun just like in the Oklahoma game a few years back.

Not conservative, the entire Offense choked. The D did about as well as expected at least, with Jerry Hughes making a huge turnover. But the refs and numerous commercials were pissing me off.

[strike wolf]

The offense didn't hold up it's end of the bargain but there were a lot of plays where it would be 3 & 5+ and they went with something that unless the defense broke down wouldn't give them more than 6 at the most.

[oVo]

You can toss out all that history because it won't change a thing Thursday night. I'm hoping it's a great game since both teams seem to match up well. While it's possible with a few early breaks that either of these teams could run away with it, I don't think that is likely. Not with these coaches and the durability their teams have exhibited all season long. This will be a sixty minute game regardless of the score and by that I mean, there is "no quit" in either of these teams.

I do think Texas has the advantage of a quicker striking offense with the passing game, while Alabama's edge might be the ground and pound rushing attack. Both defenses are capable of being dominant and if the offensive play calling is conservative, this could become a field position game with special teams making the difference.

Not conservative, the entire Offense choked. The D did about as well as expected at least, with Jerry Hughes making a huge turnover. But the refs and numerous commercials were pissing me off.

I agree... too many dropped balls. I do think TCU was tight for most of the game, a bit frustrated with their inability to execute early and this made them seem impatient. The long commercial breaks and refs did effect the pace of the game and the communication system not working in the first half (of a major BCS bowl game) was weird too. Both defenses showed up big and dominated a game that was expected to have some offensive fireworks. I give Boise State credit for TCU's offensive woes... except when the plays were there and the Frogs didn't make them. Choke indeed.

[king sam]

I just posted the stats of Texas to be fun, but you gotta see the difference here is I posted one team in a conference not the combined of all teams like you did.

I didn't need to. Texas stands out without adding everyone else in there. And all but like 3 things are from the past 10 years.

The overall wins, overall bowl appearances and record against bama are the only old school things in there. Everything else has happened in the last 11 years (since Mack Brown became the coach)

I think more respect needs to be given then what has been to Texas from everyone. I just hope for all the Tide faithful that Saban was able to mentally prepare his team for this and their not walking in there thinking they got this thing wrapped up like the rest of the country wants them to believe or you might see some bama boys crying like Tebow at half time.

It should be a good game, Im hoping it is, why else would you want to watch.

Texas's success will come if they can mitigate the penalties cause they lead the nation in penalties against this year and can protect McCoy. McCoy had an average of less then 4 seconds every drop back in the Husker game and we all see what happened with that. If the offense can get going early I think Texas will have the edge. But I seriously doubt at any point will this game be over and done with until the final whistle.

Good Luck
KS

[muy_thaiguy]

I just posted the stats of Texas to be fun, but you gotta see the difference here is I posted one team in a conference not the combined of all teams like you did.

I didn't need to. Texas stands out without adding everyone else in there. And all but like 3 things are from the past 10 years.

The overall wins, overall bowl appearances and record against bama are the only old school things in there. Everything else has happened in the last 11 years (since Mack Brown became the coach)

I think more respect needs to be given then what has been to Texas from everyone. I just hope for all the Tide faithful that Saban was able to mentally prepare his team for this and their not walking in there thinking they got this thing wrapped up like the rest of the country wants them to believe or you might see some bama boys crying like Tebow at half time.

It should be a good game, Im hoping it is, why else would you want to watch.

Texas's success will come if they can mitigate the penalties cause they lead the nation in penalties against this year and can protect McCoy. McCoy had an average of less then 4 seconds every drop back in the Husker game and we all see what happened with that. If the offense can get going early I think Texas will have the edge. But I seriously doubt at any point will this game be over and done with until the final whistle.

Good Luck
KS

If Texas struggles like it did the first half in Laramie, for only a few minutes, I think Bama will win it. If they can get moving and not get bogged down, then Texas should be fine and put on a good game.

[oVo]

I just hope for all the Tide faithful that Saban was able to mentally prepare his team for this and their not walking in there thinking they got this thing wrapped up.

The Crimson Tide doesn't have to dig too deep to find inspiration,
"Remember Utah" is about all that needs to be said.

If Texas struggles like it did the first half...

If the Longhorns get off to a slow start? "Remember the Buckeyes" is all you need to know.

Orange Bowl:
Iowa 24 Georgia Tech 14 Final
The defense came up big, Stanzi tossed 2 TDs, Wegher added another and ran for 113 yards
while a freshman RB Robinson added 59 more and a couple big first downs for the Hawkeyes.
The Yellow Jackets started to get it rolling in the second half but came up short.

Independents _ 1-0 (Navy)
Sun Belt _ 1-0
Mountain West 4-1
Big East _ 4-2
Big Ten _ 4-3
Big 12 _ 4-3
SEC _ 5-4
WAC _ 2-2
ACC _ 3-4
C-USA _ 2-4
PAC 10 _ 2-5
MAC _ 0-4

[muy_thaiguy]

Well, even though TCU lost the Fiesta Bowl, it is looking more and more like BSU will get the invite to the MWC. Already on the MWC board, there is almost a unanimous call for BSU to be in the MWC, even from BSU fans visiting the board. Won't happen for 2 years, as the Cowboys take on BSU in OOC, with the first game being held in War Memorial Stadium.

I think UW's football conference is going ot be the toughest, or at least in the top 5. We face TCU, BYU, UU, AFA (all in conference) and then add Texas and BSU and you have 6 very hard games to play. Though we do get UU and AFA at home at least.

[oVo]

BSU would be a great addition to the Mountain West Conference
and a good fit too.

[TheMissionary]

Orange Bowl:
Iowa 24 Georgia Tech 14 Final
The defense came up big, Stanzi had a good game and a freshman RB went 100+ for the Hawkeyes,
as the Yellow Jackets started to get it rolling in the second half but came up short.

Brandon Weger isn't the freshman, Adam Robinson is. Weger was injured at the beginning of the season and Robinson was the freshman that came in to replace him. Adrain Claiborne played like an animal, and he's returning next year in hopes of making the national title game.

Go Hawks!!

[strike wolf]

You can toss out all that history because it won't change a thing Thursday night.

Thank you that's more orless the point i was trying to make.

[strike wolf]

I just posted the stats of Texas to be fun, but you gotta see the difference here is I posted one team in a conference not the combined of all teams like you did.

I didn't need to. Texas stands out without adding everyone else in there. And all but like 3 things are from the past 10 years.

The overall wins, overall bowl appearances and record against bama are the only old school things in there. Everything else has happened in the last 11 years (since Mack Brown became the coach)

I think more respect needs to be given then what has been to Texas from everyone. I just hope for all the Tide faithful that Saban was able to mentally prepare his team for this and their not walking in there thinking they got this thing wrapped up like the rest of the country wants them to believe or you might see some bama boys crying like Tebow at half time.

It should be a good game, Im hoping it is, why else would you want to watch.

Texas's success will come if they can mitigate the penalties cause they lead the nation in penalties against this year and can protect McCoy. McCoy had an average of less then 4 seconds every drop back in the Husker game and we all see what happened with that. If the offense can get going early I think Texas will have the edge. But I seriously doubt at any point will this game be over and done with until the final whistle.

Good Luck
KS

I was just pointing things out that by relation made Alabama seem more impressive but really should have litte impact on what people should think about the teams.

[strike wolf]

Orange Bowl:
Iowa 24 Georgia Tech 14 Final
The defense came up big, Stanzi had a good game and a freshman RB went 100+ for the Hawkeyes,
as the Yellow Jackets started to get it rolling in the second half but came up short.

I was relatively impressed with Stanzi as he put up a good game despite some set backs mainly that his timing wasn't quite there for most of the game and you could tell he knew it. He did a good job adjusting around it.

[oVo]

Brandon Wegher isn't the freshman, Adam Robinson is.

Oops... my mistake Missionary, I actually thought Adam had run 100+ and scored a touchdown.
That post has now been edited to improve the factuality and give proper credit where it is due.

Orange Bowl:
Iowa 24 Georgia Tech 14 Final
The defense came up big, Stanzi tossed 2 TDs, Wegher added another and ran for 113 yards
while freshman RB Robinson added 59 more and a couple big first downs for the Hawkeyes.
The Yellow Jackets started to get it rolling in the second half but came up short.

I was relatively impressed with Stanzi

Considering Stanzi's interception at the end of the 1st Quarter gave Tech their only points
of the first half, I think he shook that off and came through when they needed him most.
Interception by Jerrard Tarrant, returned 40 yards for a Georgia Tech touchdown.

[king sam]

I was just pointing things out that by relation made Alabama seem more impressive but really should have litte impact on what people should think about the teams.

P.S. I posted only one thing in the statistics about Bama and that was the record vs Texas in games and the 2 pics just to stir up the pot for tomorrow night, the rest was geared towards your statement as the team of the decade which Bama wasn't even an option in. Of course I agree stats don't mean crap when it comes to Thursday night, its the 2 teams now that are on the field and anything they did to get to that game will come into play because its what got them there but I don't think you can look at games past and say either one of these teams have it locked up because of it.

It should be a good game, as I said my purposes of that last post was to get Texas the respect that I don't feel their getting from analysts and such and to throw it in there for your decade comment.

Any other bartering back and forth is just to make the game even more enjoyable, plus I live in Florida I get the whole "Bama is going to dominant you thing daily", my defense is to turn it and throw it back to keep it interesting. SEC is a great conference that is breeding great teams, I wouldn't want my team playing anyone else in the championship this year.

KS

[muy_thaiguy]

Either way for the NC, Wyoming will have a hell of a time trying to get 6-6 next year. We face Texas on the road, we have BSU at home, TCU and BYU on the road, and then Utah and AFA (who is probably Top 25 material) at home. Though, DC is getting some very promising recruits this year, so we will see how that goes. I don't think we need to worry too much about Southern Utah, but I am unsure of Toledo. For conference;

SDSU-We should win
UNLV- We should win
CSU- We should win (though, the Border War has always been just that, a war)
UNM- We should win

If Wyoming gets 6-6 or 7-5, I'd call that one hell of a second season for DC.

[analbrigade]

Boise St> Alabama>Texas.

[oVo]

Big Ten_ 2-0
SEC____1-0
WAC___1-0
Big 12__0-0
Big East_0-1
ACC____0-1
MWC___0-1
PAC 10_ 0-1

BCS National Championship
#1 Alabama vs #2Texas
Thursday 8PM - Pasadena, California

Orange Bowl
#10 Iowa upset #9Georgia Tech 24-14

Fiesta Bowl
#6Boise State upset #4TCU 17-10

Rose Bowl
#8Ohio State upset #7Oregon 26-17

Sugar Bowl
#5Florida upset #3Cincinnati 51-24

Independents _ 1-0 (Navy)
Mountain West 4-1
Big East _ 4-2
Big Ten _ 4-3
Big 12 _ 4-3
SEC _ 5-4
WAC _ 2-2
Sun Belt _ 1-1
ACC _ 3-4
C-USA _ 2-4
MAC _ 1-4
PAC 10 _ 2-5

[Neoteny]

I'm pretty happy with the Big 10 turnout this year. We've been sucking it up the last few years.

Probably helps that Michigan wasn't involved.

[oVo]

Oh come on... Michigan Wolverines' last bowl appearance was in 2007
and they walloped the previous year's National Champion Florida.

Ohio State was the first team to post a 14-0 record, which was matched
by Boise State yesterday and will be equaled by tomorrow night's winner.