Mariota Does Letterman

((HT: Worldwide Pants/CBS))

Our personal favorite is number three as the current Oregon QB went on wearing a full tux...


He is right, y'know...

College Football Playoff Choices: The Most Popular Four Get Picked

Oh boy, the College Football crazies are going to be doing them some arguing today (Sunday).

The College Football Playoff committee announced the four teams that will be competing for the National Championship.

None of those four teams will come out of the Big 12.

Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State will play a game January 1st in different locations to determine who will get a shot at the title a week later.

The surprise is Ohio State, 6th in the playoff rankings and most polls going into Championship Weekend, the Buckeyes leapfrogged both TCU and Baylor, who were ranked above them.

Playoff Committee chair Jeff Long cited a few reasons for this; among them Co-Champs in the Big 12 and Ohio States domination of a probably overrated Wisconsin in the Big 10 title game. Long was adamant that it was about what Ohio State did this week, not about what TCU or Baylor did.

We'd argue Kansas State would beat Wisconsin.

Long spoke at length about "Strength of Schedule", though we'd prefer to call it "Higher Publicity" or "Larger Traditions"...but we aren't on the committee.

The state of Texas is likely to get a bit angry about this and they've got a good argument. In OUR opinion, Ohio State winning "Big 10" games is not the same as TCU or Baylor winning "Big 12" games.

The Big 10 is much better known and represented, but the football...outside the Buckeyes, was abysmal or any other overrated adjective you can think of.



In the long run, no, it really doesn't matter what we think. College Football has never been a game that settled arguments on the field and is not set up to determine a true best team.

It's never been.

College Football is and always has been a popularity contest. No, this season did not provide anything clear cut. There were no real dominant teams. Very little separated them.

But in this scenario, Ohio State losing to a horrible Virginia Tech team meant nothing. And the Big 12 was penalized for not having a conference title game. Long admitted as much.

Anyway, enough ranting on our part.

Here's your semi-final matchups:

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Ohio State

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Florida State....

Good luck fans, you have the 4 most popular teams in all the land to cheer for. May the best....or most popular team win.

BASTA: Oregon Beats Stanford At Their Own Game

((HT: BASTA/Ben Leonard))

Despite a dominant start by Oregon that left the Cardinal down 14-3 mid-way through the first quarter, Stanford charged back and pulled within striking distance. However, the Ducks and Heisman Trophy favorite Marcus Mariota made plays when the Cardinal could not, making the game an absolute laugher. Oregon gave Stanford a dose of their own medicine, dominating them on the ground behind a healthy (finally) offensive front. The Ducks outrushed Stanford 267-131, and were too much for a usually-dominant unit. The Ducks did not let up with the score out of hand until midway through the fourth, clearly releasing two years of pent-up frustration in a 46-16 blowout. Oregon was the first team to score more than thirty points against Stanford since Arizona in 2012.

The Ducks took the ball on the opening kickoff, and wasted no time in marching down the field, going seventy-five yards in just over four minutes. Mariota burned Stanford on the ground and through the air, totaling twenty-seven yards rushing and capping the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass. Stanford’s depleted front seven offered little resistance, letting the star quarterback have his way. Stanford felt the absences of nose tackle David Parry and end Aziz Shittu, key parts of the previously first-ranked defense nationwide. This drive was a microcosm of the rest of the game; Oregon’s speed and physicality brutalized the Cardinal.

Kevin Hogan quite possibly had the best half of his career in the first half, completing thirteen of his seventeen attempts for 162 yards and a touchdown, but he could not finish drives, including the first drive of the game. He was not plagued many of his customary miscues, and was very accurate and collected. He wasted great field position stemming from a Ty Montgomery return, forcing Jordan Williamson into attempting a forty-seven yard field goal, which he nailed. Autzen Stadium has been kind to the fifth-year senior, who hit the redemptive game-winning field goal in 2012. Oregon answered with an even quicker score, taking just over two minutes to go seventy-five yards for the touchdown, a twenty-two yard run in which Mariota escaped pressure and ran in untouched to take the 14-3 lead. Hogan played better on the next drive, but the end result was the same, another field goal to cut the lead to 14-6. The early deficit left Stanford on its heels, forced to play catch-up against the high-tempo Ducks, not a position the Cardinal are built to succeed in.

The Cardinal’s defense let Mariota have all day to throw, and they paid for it, falling behind 24-6 midway into the second quarter. With their backs to the wall, Stanford mustered an excellent seventy-five yard drive for a touchdown, capped by a one-yard touchdown from Patrick Skov to cut the lead to 24-13. Hogan completed eight passes for fifty-five yards on the drive, utilizing screens and sideline passes to his speedy, physical receivers, including Devon Cajuste. Cajuste had a field day against the undersized Oregon secondary, snagging five catches for 115 yards. Stanford went into the half with a chance to steal a win from the Ducks despite only scoring one touchdown in four trips inside the thirty-five yard line.

Stanford came out of the locker room energized, taking the ball all the way down to Oregon’s thirty-two yard line. Hogan ruined a seemingly promising drive with an ugly interception, throwing into double coverage on a pass intended for Devon Cajuste, handing the ball to the potential Heisman Trophy winner at his own one yard line. He had become overly reliant on Cajuste, and missed multiple open options shorter on the right side. Hogan’s blunder ultimately did not cost the Cardinal too much, as Alex Carter snagged an interception on the ensuing drive. Had Mariota thrown outside to his receiver, Carter would have had no play, but Mariota threw it right into Carter’s hands for an easy pick at Oregon’s forty yard-line.

Down 24-13, the ensuing drive could have been a defining moment for the embattled Hogan. Instead, it was just another typical Stanford drive, stalling in the red zone. A holding call against the undersized, overmatched center Graham Shuler contributed to this, leaving Stanford with a first and twenty at Oregon’s twenty-six yard line. Shaw also made a questionable decision on fourth and two at the eight, electing to take a field goal. Stanford needed a catalyst, and a first down would have been. A score would have cut the lead to four points, yet Shaw stayed with his conservative ways, destroying any potential momentum, despite cutting the lead to 24-16.

The end of the third and fourth quarters were another story for the Cardinal. After another Ducks’ touchdown, Kevin Hogan was stripped on an apparently promising drive, giving the Ducks the ball at the forty and the victory. Tony Washington stripped the ball from Hogan on a strong man’s play; ball security was not an issue for Hogan, but it killed any waning hope. Marcus Mariota took advantage of the field position, running in for two more touchdowns to make the game a rout. Mariota finished with 258 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and eighty-five yards and two scores on the ground.

Here's the highlights as proof...
((HT: Pac-12/FoxCFB))


Stanford’s ineptitude on both the offensive and defensive lines is concerning going forward. Oregon’s offensive line was a perceived weakness, yet there was no “Party in the Backfield,” as the Cardinal put almost no pressure on Mariota, and sacked him just once. With the loss, Stanford falls to 5-4 and loses all realistic hope for a Pac-12 North title (The Cardinal would have to win out and Oregon would have to lose out). The loss was their most lopsided since 2007, in which they went 1-11 and fell 41-3 to ASU. Oregon showed no weaknesses, and barring injuries, their path to the College Football Playoff should be relatively easy. They pushed the Cardinal around on both sides, imposing their will on a team that had previously established such an identity.

The Portland (Oregon) Raiders? Nah....

((ht: cbssports.com))

Wouldn't this be interesting....

What if the Oakland Raiders left Oakland Alameda County Stadium and moved to Portland, Oregon?

A group of NFL fans in Portland have drawn a petition looking for just that. The fans have put together a change.org petition asking the Governor of Oregon to bring an NFL to the state's biggest city.

It should be noted Portland is the largest Metro area in the U.S with only on of the Big 3 Major League Sports organizations.

According to CBSSports.com, the Raiders and owner Mark Davis are prepared to move if they don't get a new stadium. And as we all know, the one they currently play in is a relic to a bygone era.

Read the CBSSports.com story RIGHT HERE

The petition, which apparently has over 1,600 signatures, is available to be signed, you can add your support RIGHT HERE

This is kind of amusing.

While we think the idea of NFL Football in Portland, an area that is ardent in its support of the Trail Blazers of the NBA and the Timbers in soccer, would be quite the change in culture, it ain't happening.

Now, the idea the Raiders relocate isn't out of the question. And, we are of those who believe the team will eventually return to L.A. The city of Oakland is hardly in a position to help fund a new stadium and we are guessing neither is the Davis family.

That makes L.A the leader in the clubhouse should the Raiders move.

And while it may not happen this year...or possibly even next. We think it will happen. It's only a matter of time.

To get a team...they might need to work on their tailgating--

Mack Brown Says Situation Hasn't Changed

((HT: ESPN))

Mack Brown addressed his situation in his initial Alamo Bowl presser as Texas anticipates a shootout against Oregon...

So, of course, he addressed the elephant in the room...


Brown plans to meet with new athletic director Steve Patterson and university president Bill Powers about his future as the Longhorns' coach.

There was talk that "late this week" there would be some kind of an answer... whatever that answer is...

And, now, we have to determine the definition of "later this week" from the time it was talked about earlier this week...

Oregon Barely Wins The Civil War 36-35, Sixth Win In A Row Over Oregon State

The 117th Civil War Between Oregon and Oregon State came down to a 12 yard touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota to Josh Huff with 29 seconds left to give the Ducks and 36-35 win over the Beavers.

Thanks Fox Sports 1:

Thanks KEZI-TV, Eugene, Oregon

"Quite frankly, it was a bad throw," Mariota said. "Huff made a great catch. I said, 'Thank you, man, that would've looked bad.'"

“It’s surreal,” Huff was quoted in the Eugene (OR) Register-Guard. “I didn’t imagine my last game would come down like that. It was everything I dreamed of. As a little kid growing up in the backyard playing with my dad and cousins, I always went through those scenarios, and it finally came true. I have been waiting for this moment.”

Huff's touchdown winner capped off a career day with 186 yards receiving, 10th best in Duck history.  Huff added career highs in receptions with 9 and touchdowns with three.

Not a bad final impression by Josh Huff to the Duck fans in Eugene.  A career day, the winning touchdown catch against their in-state rival and the sixth win in a row of Oregon State.

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel: Duck, Duck, Goose

Dear Oregon Fans,

Please stop comparing yourselves to SEC schools. While yes, you can beat a good majority of them, you still can't hang with the Alabama's...or apparently Stanford's of the world.

Signed,

The BCS

Yeah, so that happened. For the second year in a row, Stanford takes care of the Oregon national championship dream.

And in the process, narrowed down our field.

Tell 'em Naitch--



So last week wasn't one of our best. Still we went 8-3 picking games, making the grand total: 113-19. Think about it.

But enough self-promoting drivel, time as Casey Kasem always says to "Get on with the countdown"....

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Florida St. 9-0. Yes, we know about Jameis Winston being tied to a 2012 sexual assault case. No, it doesn't change anything in 2013. This is your best team. We'd take 'em over Alabama. Really, we would.
This Week: vs. Syracuse. Haha! Our Pick: FSU 57, Syracuse 12

2) Alabama 9-0. Nicely done gentlemen. A good win vs. a game, but undermanned LSU team. You have done well to get here. Your only remaining test should be Auburn. Who oustide 'Bama will be happy to see them in the BCS title game again? Anyone?



This Week: at Mississippi St. Our Pick: Alabama 31, Miss St. 13

3) Ohio St. 9-0. Congratulations on your big promotion. Yes, Buckeye fan, you are now one slip away from BCS title land. Where you'll summarily get your ass handed to you by the best team you'll have played in two years. But that argument is for another day. This Week: at Illinois. Our Pick: tOSU 51, Illinois 10

4) Baylor 9-0. We aren't so sure this isn't your #3 team, but for the sake of argument right now, we'll keep the Bears here. Mighty Oklahoma and Bob Stoops hung with them. For about a quarter. Don't expect anyone else to keep up either. This Week: vs. Texas Tech. Our Pick: Baylor 49, T-Tech 20

5) Stanford 8-1. Well done gentlemen. A nice win over Oregon. Again. Now if we could only explain the Utah loss and, well, you'd be on top of the world.



But we digress. This Week: at USC. Our Pick: USC 37, Stanford 31 UPSET ALERT!!

6) Auburn 9-1. Oh boy. Where do we start? Okay, raise your hand if you thought the Tigers would be this good, this fast. Yeah....thought so. Believe it or not folks, though they may not make the BCS title game, this is the team will have a big say in who will. This Week: vs. Georgia. Our Pick: Auburn 27, Georgia 23

7) Oregon 8-1. So, is it now safe to say, much like pulling a Clemson, you can pull an "Oregon" and lose a game later in your season that cost you a title shot? Yes? We can? Alright, great, we'll keep that one in our vernacular. This Week: vs. Utah. Our Pick: Oregon 37, Utah 31

8) Missouri 9-1. So Tiger fan, how much is that South Carolina gag job hurting you? Answer: A Lot. Though to your credit, you've rebounded from that well. Win this week...it's Atlanta and the SEC title game for you. This Week: BYE

9) Clemson 9-1. Finally, you got your bye week. After 9 long weeks. A chance to catch your breath and watch the rest of the world zoom right on by. If FSU wins this week, it's Chick-Fil-A city for you at the end of the year Baby! This Week: vs. Ga.Tech. Our Pick: Clemson 38, Ga.Tech 33

10) Fresno State 9-0. Yes, that's right. We put an undefeated team in the World's GREATEST poll. Mostly because, well, it's our poll. And we don't have to answer to anyone else. This Week: BYE

11) Northern Illinois 9-0. World, meet Jordan Lynch. Jordan Lynch, meet world. This game is being played as we write this. Sorry, the delay couldn't be avoided. Really, I shouldn't be writing this tonight. But anyway, I owe it to you, all 10 of you who read this. Enough. This Week: vs. Ball St. Our Pick: NIU 37, Ball St. 33

12) UCF 7-1. No, we don't know how the Knights are two weeks behind everyone else. But it doesn't matter. This is one of the better teams, you've never seen play. Big Blake Bortles, another pretty darn good QB and one you've never heard of. This Week: at Temple. Our Pick: UCF 41, Temple 20

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:



5) UMass 1-8. They're back! The Minutemen got a reprieve earlier this season after beating Miami (OH), but 3 straight losses bring them back to the promised land. We don't think they'll escape this time.



But they are here. This Week: vs. Akron. Our Pick: Akron 37, UMass 13

4) FIU 1-8. Wha, wha, wha! But hey, at least Carl Pellini wasn't your coach. But you have Ron Turner? Wha? Really? Okay, maybe you do have it pretty bad. This Week: at UTEP. Our Pick: UTEP 23, FIU 21

3) Georgia State 0-9. It's been a tough year for Trent Miles and his boys. We hate to put them on the list, they've played hard all season. But they haven't always played well. And there's the whole Oh-fer thing. This Week: vs. La-Lafayette. Our Pick: LaLaf 40, Ga.State 17

2) Miami, OH 0-9. More MAC action on a Wednesday? Wha? Is there some sort of deadline conspiracy thing going here? Who plays college football on Wednesday night? Come on man! This Week: at Kent St. Our Pick: Kent St. 30, Miami (OH) 12

1) Southern Miss 0-9. We are giving lots of thought on just giving them the "All-Time" Barrel Champ belt. (need to make one--stat). They play Florida Atlantic this week and even without Carl Pellini, FAU is actually the favorite. That's just sad. This Week: FAU 3 Pellini's, Southern Miss 2

Ponder this: (No, not you Sam...or Christian)

DeAnthony Thomas Was Half Right...

((HT: KVAL-TV))

The Oregon running back said that his team would put up 40 on Stanford...

Hate to say it (actually, the HQ doesn't), but Oregon needed the other half as their national title hopes went up in smoke (for now, it is November...) and lost to Stanford 26-20...

Offensively, Stanford stayed with the run and kept Oregon's defense on the field...
Defensively, Stanford pressured Marcus Mariota and kept the running game to only 20-percent of its weekly efficiency...

So much for that idea...

Here's Collin Harmon...


For the second straight year, Stanford knocked them off and blew up Marcus Mariota's post-season trophy hopes...

For now, it is November...

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of the Barrel: You Can't Handle The Truth

Truth be told. This week is one that's going to separate the men from the boys. In many ways.

Oregon vs. Stanford, Oklahoma at Baylor. On a Thursday night no-less. What ever is a football fan to do…?



For those of you young'ins out there, go look this video up. It's from Saturday Night Live and it's the only clue I'm giving you. The rest of us are already familiar with it.

But we have other things to talk about today. Including our record. You know, the reason you read the column. To learn all there is to know about College Football in a true, fair and honest manner.

With occasional humor.

Last week, 11-0 on the predictions. Yes, 11-0 Bitches!



Tell 'em Naitch…That makes us 105-16 on the season. Go back and check.

But there's important business to take care of. Like this week's poll.

So in the words of the immortal Casey Kasem, it's "On with the Countdown"….

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Florida St. 8-0. We proclaim thee, the best in all the land. Though we don't know if the BCS computers are going to agree with us. Really, Miami was the main, potential land-mine, and a date at toothless Florida suddenly doesn't seem so scary. This Week: at Wake Forest. Our Pick: FSU 51, Wake 13

2) Oregon 8-0. Time to find out how tough the Ducks really are. A roadie to Palo Alto. The only team to slow the Quack was UCLA, last week. And they still allowed Oregon 42 points. Marcus Mariota, he's accounted for 29 TD's this season…with 4 games left. This Week: at Stanford. Our Pick: Oregon 38, Stanford 23 (Disregard last weeks early pick)

3) Alabama 8-0. Why do we rank Alabama #3? Because SEC folks, outside Texas A&M, they've not played anyone worth a crap. Nobody. Go ahead, argue this point.



This Week: vs. LSU. Our Pick: Alabama 37, LSU 27

4) Baylor 7-0. Yes America, we are on the Baylor Bandwagon. #4 in all the land. 63 points per game. Flying high. Slowing down for no-one. Until now. If Thursday's game were in Norman, we'd pick the upset. It isn't. This Week: vs. Oklahoma. Our Pick: Baylor 43, Oklahoma 28

5) Ohio St. 9-0. Yes, yes, yes Buckeyes, we know you don't get enough love…or something like that. 9-0, winning by 31 points a game. But you play in the REALLY crappy Big 10. Which is barely a notch above the AAC. Yeah, we said it. This Week: BYE

6) Stanford 7-1. Early on, this was our sort-of dark horse pick to win it all. We'll back off that prediction now, though they are certainly formidable (big word HA!). The Tree has been good, not great and to not be pooped on by the Ducks, they'll need to be great. This Week: SEE #2

7) Missouri 8-1. Welcome back Mizzou. Thankfully the hangover of choking away the South Carolina game didn't carry over. Your fate is now in your hands. The schedule is not difficult from this point forward. Beat the Johnny Football's at the end of the month, you get to go to Atlanta. Period. And face Alabama. Your welcome. This Week: at Kentucky. Our Pick: Mizzou 37, Kentucky 6 (2 3-pt FG's)

8) Oklahoma 7-1. No, the Sooners haven't been dominant. But they've gotten better every week. Still can't explain getting manhandled by Texas, but there's still time to make up for it. Though you'll need to be sharp this week. This Week: SEE #4

9) Clemson 7-1. Looks like the Tigers have regained their mojo, at least a little bit. Though they'll need a lot of help to get to the ACC title game. Otherwise, can you say "Chick-Fil-A"? This Week: BYE

10) Auburn 8-1. We don't buy into these guys as much as the national computers do, though we love the job Gus Malzahn has done. Explain again how Gene Chizik coached here last season….Tighten up the "D" and you are looking at a title contender. Of course keep winning and beat 'Bama…and you are definitely a contender. This Week: at Tennessee. Our Pick: Vols 31, Auburn 30 UPSET

11) Fresno St 8-0. Woo hoo! Undee-freakin-feated….Derek Carr is a fantastic QB and the Bulldogs are worth watching ifyou've got some time. Too bad they play on Pacific time, so a lot of you don't get to see them. Too bad. This Week: at Wyoming. Our Pick: Fresno 37, Wyoming 31

12) Northern Illinois 9-0. Is this a Top 5 team? No. Is this a Top 10 team? Maybe. Is this a team you should be watching? Absolutely. Jordan Lynch is a B.A.M.F (look it up). 31 TD's and counting on the season. A poor man's Marcus Mariota. The Huskies face their toughest test of the season, this week. This Week: vs. Ball St. Our Pick: NIU 43, Ball St. 33

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:



5) UConn 0-7. You know who you are…



You are a REALLY crappy football team…nothing else needs to be said. Prove us wrong. This Week: vs. Louisville. Our Pick: Louisville 58, UConn 10

4) Eastern Michigan 1-8. Yeah…about that whole defense thing. You have to stop the other team from scoring in order to win. They did tell you guys that….didn't they? This Week: vs. W. Michigan. Final Score: oofff…do we have to? Tie Score 45 all…

3) Ga. State 0-9. Sorry guys. Guess you picked a bad year to jump to FBS. Or maybe not? You weren't too good in FCS if we remember correctly. Eh…either way. Congrats on becoming a big schools practice squad. This Week: BYE (at least they won't lose)

2) Miami (OH) 0-9. We're guessing the RedHawks can't wait for the season to end. It's been a rough year. No wins, your top 2 RB's haven't scored a TD. You are at the bottom of the MAC. Unfortunately, you don't play E. Michigan though. So you won't win this year. This Week: at Kent St. (Nov.13), Our Pick: Kent St. 21, Miami 13

1) Southern Miss. 0-9. Oh, the agony of it all. Going on 2 straight seasons with no wins. Oh, the agony. And unfortunately, no end in sight. A lot of things need to change before that will happen. Yeah, just not seeing any bright side here. This Week: at La. Tech. Our Pick: La.Tech 37, S.Miss 10



'Nuff said….

Oregon Suspends 2 For Selling Shoes, 3 Ex-Players Connected...

((HT: Campus Insiders))

There's a certain sense of obvious irony here with the act in the headline and the benefactor of the program, but the HQ digresses for the moment...

But our friends over at Campus Insiders have details on the University of Oregon dropping the hammer on three former players who sold team shoes along with current players Dominic Artis and Ben Carter. Artis and Carter have been suspended until further notice...

Here's their breaker on the subject...

Fred Richardson, Willie Moore and Carlos Emory are the ex-Ducks who were busted. Richardson and Emory transferred after their freshman seasons back in the spring, and Emory used up his eligibility after last season was completed.

And, then came the news releases...

"Ben and Dominic are two good young men who made a poor decision that was against NCAA rules I feel that both regret their decisions and the impact that it has on their teammates and our university," UO coach Dana Altman said.

In the same news release, Artis said: “I want to apologize to the University, to Coach Altman and to my teammates for selling team apparel. I regret my actions and do not want this situation to define me or my character.”

Oregon is set to start their season overseas in the made-for-TV event at Camp Humphreys in South Korea Friday.

The Dirty Dozen and The Bottom of the Barrel: The Overrated Edition

Uh..yeah, so there's that.

Anyone else notice that the 1st week of the "BCS" poll and there's always a slew of upsets? Not that we are throwing conspiracy theories out or anything.

And really, you could apply this chant to pretty much anyone in the SEC this season (Yeah, I said it!--Prove I'm wrong)



Clemson, slaughtered, UCLA, barely a whimper, Texas A&M, bye-bye. Oh, and don't forget Louisville....sigh...

It was a tough week to pick games, but this is a marathon not just a one week thing. Keeping that in mind...here's the tally so far. 10-6 Yikes!!  But 80-14 on the season...



Ha!

As Casey Kasem always said, "Let's get on with the Countdown"

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Oregon 7-0. Kinda would like to see Nick Aliotti (sp?) and Mike Leach square off after last weeks aerial circus in Oregon. But seriously now. And no, don't call me Shirley...



In all seriousness. Ha! The Ducks do face their toughest stretch of the season get through the next 2 weeks...This Week : vs. UCLA, Our Pick: Oregon 47, UCLA 31

2) Florida State 6-0. Yes, really. They embarrassed Clemson. Though admittedly, Clemson kinda made that a little easier. Is there any doubting Famous Jameis now? The ACC is there for the taking. And this time a BCS berth too. This Week: vs. NC State, Our Pick: FSU 41, NC State 20

3) Alabama 7-0. Oh how the mighty have fallen. And don't blame them, the other guys have accomplished more this year. Really. Look it up. Beating Arkie 52-0, not a great accomplishment these days. This Week: vs. Tennessee. Our Pick: Alabama 37, Tennessee 16

4) Mizzou! 7-0. Admit it. How many of you picked them to be here at this point of the season. Stop lying bitches! We aren't sure they'll stay, but for now Gary Pinkel and Maty Mauk, enjoy the ride. This Week: vs South Carolina. Our Pick: Mizzou 27, SC 23

5) Ohio St. 7-0.



No, sorry, you don't. It's not all your fault, your Big 10 brethren are killing you. Even the ones you don't play. But like all good things in CFB, run the table and you get an invite to the dance. The Bucks more than likely will do just that. This Week: vs. Penn St. Our Pick: tOSU 33, Penn St. 31

6) Baylor 6-0. My new favorite team...this year. Come on' man, 64 ppg this year, how can you not love that? And they only give up 16. But they haven't been tested either. That's about to change. This Week: vs. Kansas, Our Pick: Baylor 64, Oklahoma 16

7) Miami 7-0. Dodged a bullet last week 'Canes, didn't ya? It is such an ACC thing to do, almost lose a game you shouldn't. Squeaking by a weak North Carolina team isn't a Top 10 type thing. But anyway. This Week: vs. Wake Forest, Our Pick: Miami 37, Wake 10

8) Texas Tech 7-0. Oh you crazy Kliff Kingsbury, the Big Schools gonna come calling. Very, very soon. Will you stay at the alma mater? You've done a nice job in Lubbock so far. Even if Lubbock is the middle of nowhere. This Week: at Oklahoma. Our Pick: UPSET!! Oklahoma 27, Texas Tech 26

9) Clemson 6-1. Wah, wah, wah....we knew the Tigers would lay an egg at some point, we just didn't think it would be in their biggest game of the season. But there's time to make up for it. Sorta....This Week: at Maryland. Our Pick: Clemson 48, Maryland 13

10) Stanford 6-1. Nice recovery vs. UCLA. We had you way overrated it appears....---sigh---but once again, there is plenty of time to make up for it. But'cha gotta start now. This Week: at Oregon St., Our Pick: Stanford 37, Oregon St. 33

11) Auburn 6-1. Your welcome Mrs. Nelson. We now know the answer as to who was the "real" coach of this team when they won the 2010 title. And no, it wasn't the Chizik. Great start for the Tigers and Nick Marshall is proving to be the real deal. Of course he torched a crappy Aggie D, so take it with a grain of salt. This Week: vs. Florida Atlantic. Our Pick: Auburn 52, FAU 10

12) UCF 5-1. Yes, UCF! Bitches! So they really don't warrant this, but they proved Louisville a fraud and nearly beat South Carolina (should have). Plus we were raised nearby in Longwood, so we love the Orlando area. This Week: vs. UConn. Our Pick: UCF 31, UConn 10

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:



5) UConn 0-6. Oh, the horror. Oh and six and a new coach and little to no chance of pulling out of your tailspin. We feel so bad for you. Well, okay, maybe not. Expect the pain to continue. This Week: See #12

4) Western Michigan 0-8. Well, on the good side, only 4 more agonizing games. On the bad, you get to lose 4 more times. So you've got that to look forward to, which is nice. Hey, at least you are averagin 13 a game. Oh, yeah, you are giving up 37. So there's that too. This Week: at UMass (ew!), Our Pick: UMass 13, W.Michigan 12

3) Miami (OH) 0-7. Oh, you mighty Redhawk or Chicken Hawk or Chicken Pot Pie or whatever you call yourselves these days. You lost to Akron. And you average 10 points a game. Yeah, it's going to be a long year. But hey, basketball's around the corner! This Week: at Ohio, Our Pick: Ohio 47, Chicken Hawks 10

2) New Mexico St. 0-7. We still can't past you giving up 66 to New Mexico 3 weeks ago. How does that happen? Ever? Even if you lose? Well, anyway, now's your chance to escape, you play an FCS team just starting in FBS. Oh, wait, they've won 5 games. That's 5 more than you. This Week: vs. Abilene Christian. Our Pick: Abilene 41, NMSt 10

1) Southern Mississippi 0-6. 18 straight losses. Wah, way! Hey, maybe you can hire Brett Favre? Heck, anyone would be an improvement. It's just hard to believe this was a powerhouse program less than a decade ago. Never would have though it. This Week: vs. North Texas. Our Pick: N.Texas 43, S.Miss 21

Don't know why, but this just popped into my head. Enjoy your Football Weekend:

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of The Barrel: Meet D-Day

So, this is sort of another "Big Week" in the College Football world and it doesn't involve Alabama or Oregon.

Meet our players

Okay, so actually the story of the week involves 2 ACC teams, Clemson and Florida St. The winner, well, they are in a prime position to make a BCS run...unless they do what ACC teams have often done in the past...

It will make sense at about the :24 mark

But enough of that. Last week was not kind to us as we appear to have gotten a bit too overconfident this season. That or the law of averages has caught up.

11-3 on the week, but some REALLY close calls. Makes yours/our total 70-8 on the season. Trust us, we know what we are doing.

So as Casey Kasem always says now it's, "On with the Countdown"

THE DIRTY DOZEN: (Time to Shock the World)

1) Oregon 6-0. Yes, we did it. We bumped them to the top of the pile. They passed the Washington test with Flying colors, take care of UCLA and Stanford and they'll run the table. And how can you not be a fan of Marcus Mariota anyway? (This Week: vs. Washington St. Our Pick: Oregon 57, Wash St. 14)

2) Alabama 6-0. Sorry Nick, we had to do it. The SEC is again kinda top heavy. And you don't play anyone until LSU. You might get your title back then, but not until. Sure you've made it look easy so far, but really, other than The Johnny Football's, you haven't played anyone. (This Week: at Arkansas. Our Pick: Alabama 38, Ark 13)

3) Clemson 6-0. So far you've passed every test. Thanks Tajh Boyd. But the big one is here. Now. In front of millions and millions world wide. Clemson. FSU. Gameday. Prime Time T.V. Tell 'em Ric

This Week: vs. FSU. Our Pick: Clemson 41, FSU 37

4) Florida St. 5-0. See above. Somebody is going home unhappy and out of the Top 5. 

5) Ohio St. 6-0. Again, another team that may run the table because their conference isn't that good. Though the SEC is MUCH stronger than the piss poor Big 10. (Yeah, we said it). Prove us wrong. (This Week: vs. Iowa. Our Pick: tOSU 37, Iowa 21)

6) UCLA 5-0. We're telling you. This is our surprise team of the year. They are much better than us on the East Coast think. West Coast too for that matter. Though there is the matter of the next two weeks. Win those, and you could be looking at another undefeated team. (This Week: at Stanford. Our Pick: UCLA 31, Stanford 28)

7) LSU 6-1. That's a good team you got there Les. And we're pulling for you if for no other reason than you are our favorite press conference head coach of all-time. And funniest. Nothing funny about pounding out a win vs. Florida last week though. Hammer and nail be damned. (This Week: at Ole Miss. Our Pick: LSU 28, Ole Miss 23)

8) Texas A&M 5-1. A good test ahead for the Johnny Football's. They've been racking up big numbers while giving up the same (32 ppg). That is going to have to stop. (This Week: vs. Auburn. Our Pick: Aggies 37, Auburn 17)

9) Miami 5-0. Return of the "U"!!! Something's gone right down in South Florida. The U is on a roll. Though admittedly, beating FAU, Savannah St., S.Florida and Ga. Tech isn't anything to write home about. Outside a date with FSU, the table is set for a strong finish too. (This Week: at N.Carolina. Our Pick: Miami 37, UNC 21)

10) South Carolina 5-1. Come on sportswriter turds. Back off Jadeveon Clowney. What did you expect? For him to jump out of a telephone book and destroy people single-handedly? He's a 21-year old kid with a world of athletic potential. Key phrase "Kid". (This Week: at Tennessee. Our Pick: S.Carolina 31, Tennessee 23)

11) Louisville 6-0. We almost dropped them out of this poll. Realistically, they wouldn't beat any of the teams ranked ahead of them. Arguably anyone in the Top 20, but that's another story for another day. (This Week: vs. UCF. Our Pick: Louisville 34, UCF 31)

12) Baylor 5-0. Yup, they were tested last week. Squeezed by K-State in Manhattan, a good win. We still like them to win the Big 12 too. Mark our words! (This Week: vs. Iowa St. Our Pick: Baylor 63, Iowa St. 18)

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:

5) UConn 0-5. Hey, basketball season is just around the corner. Oh, wait? This is the football team. Yikes! Good thing they are playing in the powerhouse AAC. Oh, wait. Everyone sucks in the AAC. Yeah...see that now too. Oh well. (This Week: at Cincinnati. Our Pick: Cincy 35, UConn 21)

4) W. Michigan 0-7. Wow. 0-7 to start the season? Zoinks...and you play in the MAC. Surely you can win a game there? Oh, well, maybe not. Though you still have 2 directional Michigan schools to play, so there's that. (This Week: vs. Ball St. Our Pick: Ball St. 41, W.Michigan 10)

3) New Mexico St. 0-7. Holy Crap! You gave up 66 points to New Mexico? How does that happen? Oh, wait, you are a perennial Bottom of the Barrel team. That's how. Two words. NEW COACH. That is all. (This Week: at Rice. Our Pick: Rice 66, NMST 14)

2) Miami (OH) 0-6. We were all set to drop NM State here until we realized you lost to UMass last week. And as bad as New Mexico is, they aren't UMass bad. No excuse for losing to them. None. Okay, maybe if you hold this position it's okay. (This Week: vs. Akron. Our Pick: Miami 9, Akron 8)

1) Southern Mississippi 0-6. Aw, geez guys. You've had to simmer with the though of losing to FIU for 2 weeks. How's that eating at ya? The good news, after this week, only 6 more games left. The bad news, you may not win any of those games. (This Week: at E.Carolina. Our Pick: ECU 41, S.Mississippi 21)

After writing the Bottom list here, for some reason this was the 1st thought that popped into our head. Goodnight everyone!

Oregon FB Agrees On Violations... Mostly...

((HT: KVAL-TV))

Now that Chip Kelly has left the University of Oregon for the Philadelphia Eagles, it's time for the NCAA to get all the violations underway... most of the violations the school and the governing body agree on...

Some they don't... at least in the severity of them...

The Oregonian and KATU-TV in Portland filed an open records request and the paperwork focuses mainly on the Willie Lyles/Lache Seastrunk episode involving the written/not-written encouragement of having Seastrunk attend Oregon and Lyles reimbursement for the direction

The violations are considered "major" and involve the idea of "failure to monitor" by Chip Kelly. But, somewhat in conflict, there are no findings of a lack of institutional control or unethical conduct.

Oregon decided to give an incredibly generic statement on the release of the documents:

"The review is ongoing until the NCAA Committee on Infractions issues its final report. The integrity of the process and our continued full cooperation with the NCAA prohibits us from publicly discussing the specifics of this matter."

Here's the report from out west...


Expect Oregon to appeal the findings to the Committee on Infractions in the spring and the school has already performed two self-punishments: a scholarship reduction for each of the next three years and a two-year probation.

What Not To Have In A Photo... Right, Davin Bellamy...???

((HT: Big Lead))

Davin Bellamy is looking at Florida and Georgia as his top two schools before National Signing Day... where it's easy as A,B,C.


A-Always
B-Be
C-Closing

And, probably, after this photo came out Oregon wants nothing to do with Davin Bellamy

Not the way any school wants to see you... with a smoking aid in the bottom of the screen...
Oregon...??? Next move is yours...

DEVELOPING: Chip Kelly To Eagles

After thinking about it, thinking better of it, and thinking again...

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly is going to Philadelphia to see if his style of offense will work in the NFL...

More when we know more...

1240 UPDATE: "Chip Kelly will be an outstanding head coach for the Eagles," said owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. "He has a brilliant football mind. He motivates his team with his actions as well as his words. He will be a great leader for us and will bring a fresh, energetic approach to our team."

Not bad for a guy who was the defensive coordinator for Johns Hopkins ten years ago...

The question was raised early on in the Kelly Green discussion as to whether or not his offensive approach would actually work...
((HT: CSNPhilly))


And, then, there's the whole idea of getting the Santa Claus reference out of the way...
((HT: CSNPhilly))

DEVELOPING: Kelly To Stay At Oregon

((HT:ESPN/Schefter))

from Adam and his sources...

After being courted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year and turning them down before Greg Schiano left Rutgers to take the gig...

And being courted by both the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles this year, it looks like the same story with a different chapter added...

Chip Kelly is returning to Oregon for another year in the Pac-12...

More when we know more, but until then, here's the courting process from Eugene's point-of-view...
((HT: KVAL-TV))

How About A "Try Safety...?"

Sure, okay...

The HQ will bite on this one...

Let's see... if a point-after attempt is blocked, you recover it in your endzone, try to advance it, and get tackled... this is what happens...
((HT: ESPN on ABC/youtube))


A one-point safety... and both in the history of the NCAA happened to Brad Nessler...
Well played, sir...

Here's the other... November 26, 2004...
((HT: ABC Sports/youtube))

Oh, Yeah... The Bee-Cee-Ess Went Into The Blender Last Night...

And it only took two losses for that to happen...

Notre Dame's easy win over Wake Forest (sorry, J-Dub) assures them, at least, the two seed going into their game with USC...

Georgia and Alabama control their own fates at the Ess-E-Cee title game in Atlanta...

But Just as soon as Collin Klein ends up on the cover of the SPorts magazine that has Illustrations, they get whacked by Baylor in Waco...

Didn't really see that coming...
((HT: G4SportsNews))


And, then, The other issue happened in the Pac-12...
Remember what the HQ has always said about fast, athletic defenses squaring off against Oregon and their offense...???

Remember the Ess-E-Cee and their time keeping the Ducks in check...???

Stanford found a way- even if it took extra time to do it...
And, whaddya wanna bet Chip Kelly never ever kicks again...
((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))

#NotSoFastMidget, Corso Schools 5-Year-Old, Chokes Out Duck

((HT: Big Lead Sports))

They got there before we could... they're more technologically advanced...

The Oregon kid who is a fan of the Ducks sang the @CollegeGameday song last year...
As a follow-up, they had young Braden be their guest picker...

Corso was not suffering fools here...
#NopencilNoMercy
((HT: ESPN))


But what followed (and the HQ is sure will be making the rounds) is the kid making a better headdress than any other guest picker and Corso trying to choke out a live duck...

We think Gameday is on to something...
Even if it does scare the crap out of @KirkHerbstreit

The Dirty Dozen and Bottom of The Barrel: Bad Creatures

Eh. How's this for a theme week?



How can you lose? A horrible looking movie starring Debbie Gibson and Tiffany?



Cheesiest stuff ever:



Bwahahahaha!

With this much cheese, how could a college football season ever go on? Especially when it's all but pre-ordained that Alabama is going to win it all again. They finally broke a sweat last week vs. LSU, but then made it look easy driving for the late TD.

Sure, Oregon has put up Video Game numbers but we don't buy the "They Play Defense Too" thing until they play someone good outside the "HIGHLY OVER-RATED" Pac-12.

SHARKTOPUS!



Anyway...

Last Week: 14-0. That's more like it. Though thankfully, we don't pick the Spread. For the season--101-22, much more impressive.

But enough about us: Quoting Dozen favorite Casey Kasem, it's "On With The Countdown"....

THE DIRTY DOZEN:

1) Alabama 9-0. Can anyone beat these guys? Uh...not likely. And no, Johnny Football isn't going to do it either. Saban's monsters just plain overpower everyone. Sure, they struggled to contain LSU, but LSU played their best game of the season, by far. (This Week: vs. Texas A&M. Our Pick: Alabama 31, Texas A&M 21)

2) Oregon 8-0. Ladies and gentlemen, your highest scoring team in College Football. But is it more the piss-poor PAC-12 defenses or is it them? Kenjon Barner had the game of his life vs. USC. The only stunner is the corrupt BCS has them at #3. Lunacy I tell you! (This Week: at Cal. Our Pick: Oregon 54, Cal. 23)

3) Kansas St. 9-0. This is where we find out what they've got. If Collin Klein can't go, then what happens? They've had to be on the past 3 weeks and that won't stop til the season is over. One let-down and it's over. (This Week: at TCU. Our Pick: K-State 31, TCU 27)

4) Georgia 8-1. They were a bit sleepy in the first half vs. a decent Ole Miss team. The second half was total domination. Assuming they don't go back to sleep, they have a date ahead with Alabama. And have a punchers chance there. (This Week: at Auburn. Our Pick: Georgia 43, Auburn 17)

5) Notre Dame 9-0. They should have lost to Pitt. No question about it. We think they are pretty good, but not an "Elite" team. And because they are Notre Dame, if they win out, which they may...they'll be in the BCS Championship game.--sorry Oregon. (This Week: at Boston College. Notre Dame 24, Boston College 3)

6) Ohio State 10-0. Ha! Big F.U to the NCAA here. But even though they haven't lost, they've beaten up on the Big 10, which is AWFUL this year. They don't beat any of the teams ahead of them here other than maybe Notre Dame. (This Week: BYE)

7) Louisville 9-0. Teddy Bridgewater. Best QB none of you have ever heard of. Charlie Strong, best coach. They get to move up because they are still undefeated. Though playing in the wretched Big East is not helping them with everyone else. (This Week: at Syracuse. Our Pick: Louisville 38, Syracuse 21)

8) LSU 7-2. Yes, they got beat last week. But by far, that was the best they've played. The offense wasn't embarrassing and that is a big step. If Zach Mettenberger can continue to improve, they'll be fine. But now, they are just playing for Bowl Game positioning. (This Week: vs Miss. St. Our Pick: LSU 27, Miss. St. 17)

9) Florida 8-1. We'd like to place them higher, but the offense just isn't good. At all. They are lacking in so many places on offense we don't have time to list them. But the "D" is impressive and makes them one of the best teams in the land. (This Week: vs. La. Lafayette. Our Pick: UF 27, La. Laf 12--sorry Lovely Bride)

10) Florida St. 8-1. We still can't figure out how they lost to NC State. Yet they did. Aside from that and the Clemson game, nobody in the ACC has made them sweat. Nor will they. (This Week: at Va. Tech. Our Pick: FSU 37, Va.Tech 23)

11) South Carolina 7-2. God bless Steve Spurrier. Okay, well, maybe not. Maybe one day people will explain to him he isn't omniscient, but then he'd run away and hide. But we digress. The season nears an end and they only have one challenge left. And leave it to the 'ol Ball Coach, he's mouthing off about it already. He may regret that. (This Week: vs. Arkansas. Our Pick: S.Carolina 31, Ark. 10)

12) Oregon St. 7-1. We're going to continue to believe in these guys. They may prove us wrong, but so be it. They have been pretty good and are probably the best of the remaining one loss teams. So they get to stay--for now. (This Week: at Stanford. Our Pick: Oregon St. 24, Stanford 17)

THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL:

5) Colorado 1-8. It was fun while it lasted wasn't it Jon Embree. As a head coach, you were a good assistant. Your team is horrible. And that doesn't begin to describe it. Geez, you are giving up 46 points a game. Really? But at least you are scoring. Oh wait, you score 16 a game. Pffffft. (This Week: at Arizona. Our Pick: Arizona 46, Colorado 16)

4) New Mexico St. 1-8. So...you gave up 42 to Auburn, one of the worst offensive teams in NCAA history. Yeah. That's great. Sure, we didn't think you'd beat an SEC team, but Auburn is barely on the SEC radar this season. ---sigh--- (This Week: vs. San Jose St. Our Pick: San Jose St. 40, New Mexico St. 13)

3) Idaho 1-8. Yeah, we know, they beat NM State. But...they got rid of the starting QB and head coach in successive weeks. And really, aside from the win, they've only had one other close game. Don't expect that to change. (This Week: at BYU. Our Pick: BYU 42, Idaho 3)

2) Southern Miss. 0-9. They get elevated because they kept it close vs. UAB. Uh...wait. UAB only had one win before this too? Damn! So are you saying they still suck? Well, yes, we do say that. And so does pretty much everyone else. (This Week: at SMU. Our Pick: SMU 41, Southern Miss 4--hear that Brett Favre?)

1) UMass 0-9. Mercifully, season one in "Big Boy" football is almost over. And it is a good thing. Sadly, they are back to being the lowest scoring team in the NCAA again. In theory, they should have a chance this week. But we are betting they mess it up. (This Week: at Akron. Our Pick: Akron 10, UMass 9)

And so it goes for another week. 3 More left before Championship Saturday and then a month off before the only bowl games that matter are played. We have a pretty good idea now how it will play. It's just a matter of who slips up.

We give you one Final "BAD CREATURE" movie, possibly the Cheesiest of them all! (Starring Debbie Gibson too!!!!!)