Week 1 of college football is in the books. All in all, it was a weekend more or less devoid of drama, the glaring exception being the Ducks’ epic collapse against Auburn (c’mon, it’s time to move forward). But interesting storylines and developments were aplenty. You just need to do a little digging to find them. Week 1 News, Notes …
2036: A College Football Scheduling Odyssey
“I know I’ve made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I’ve still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.” – HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey (although it could be any guy pleading with his wife …
Are the Playoffs and Realignment HURTING College Football?
Calling the current college football landscape “unfair” would be the understatement of the year. Things weren’t always this way, as conferences used to be aligned according to the regions of the country, with sensible, and most importantly, balanced schedules. Conference champions weren’t determined in revenue-driven championship games. They were simply awarded to the team that had the best record at …
Pac-12 Football Is Singing the Summertime Blues
“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in his shoes. Then, when you start criticizing him, you’re a mile away and he has to try and catch you in his socks.” – First uttered by either Will Rogers or Nick Saban. I can’t remember. We’re in the dog days of summer. It’s hot, I’m old, and I’m grumpy! …
Pac-12 in the Playoff? Don’t Count on It
[To the tune of “Limbo Rock” by Chubby Checker] Every Pac-12 player twirl All around Champagne Larry’s world Gonna do da limbo rock Hope da conference won’t be jocked. North be limbo, North be quick South go under limbo stick As the Pac-12’s playoff hopes drop Hey, let’s do the limbo rock! Limbo lower now Limbo lower now How low …
Proposing a CFB Conference Expansion Overhaul
“Evolve or perish,” goes the Darwinian maxim. In the college football world, evolution has taken the form of expansion. But it’s been a few years since the mass realignment and expansion led by Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Utah, Louisville, Syracuse, Maryland, Rutgers, Pitt and TCU. Are we in line for a second wave of expansion in the Power 5 …
College Football Is Around the Corner. Wanna Bet?
(From the movie Stripes.) Cruiser: Maybe I should fold. Ox: Let me see, Cruise. Let me look first. (Looks at Cruiser’s hand.) Fold? Not with a hand like that! Come on, dare me. Bluff me! Cruiser: How much should I bet? Ox: If it was me, I’d bet everything. But I’m Mr. Las Vegas. Come on, go for it. (Cruise …
Is Oregon Ready for a Lone Star Rumble?
(To the tune of ‘The Yellow Rose of Texas”) She’s the sweetest little rose (bowl) bud that Texas ever knew, From Eugene to Dallas, few Ducks have ever flew. You can talk about your Clemsontine and sing of Coach Swinney, But that Duck named Puddles is the only one for me. Gus, he was the OC when Tigers ate Duck …
The Pac-12 Can’t Recruit … Here’s the Fix!
“Son, this is your fifth season at State and you haven’t come close to living up to your five-star rating. I don’t get it, son. Are you simply lacking in IQ, or are you just absolutely apathetic? What in the hay do you have to say for yourself, son?” “Coach, I don’t know and I don’t care.” With the way …
Who’s Going Dancing in 2019?
The 2019 college football season kicks off on August 24, 2019. One of the so-called “Week Zero” games will feature the Florida Gators attempting to chomp the Miami Hurricanes. (I’m not sure what the odds are for the game getting washed out by one of Mother Nature’s hurricanes…) Although hope springs eternal this time of the year, let’s be realistic. …
Pac-12 … Show us the MONEY!
When it comes to all things capitalism, even avowed socialists should listen when the Wall Street Journal speaks. Below are the WSJ’s 25 most valuable college football programs. All forms of revenue, including media distributions, are taken into account. 1. Texas 2. Ohio State 3. Alabama 4. Michigan 5. Notre Dame 6. Georgia 7. Oklahoma 8. Auburn 9. LSU 10. …
College Sports and the Olympic Model: The Times They Are A-Changin’
(To the tune of Maggie’s Farm by Bob Dylan) I ain’t goin’ to work on Emmert’s farm no more. No, I ain’t goin’ to work on Emmert’s farm no more. He hands you a nickel! He hands you a dime! Coach is makin’ millions, From my body on the line. The fans, it’s me they adore. No, I ain’t goin’ to …