I'm not Political.....

And that's not this blog's intention.

However, I just felt the need to express something this AM as there wasn't much of anything to report on football, with the exception of the Hawthorne, Floyd and Hagerup suspensions.  More on that in a minute....




Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had,
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe...
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

— with Andrea Marie.
Yep....This one got to me....Don't know why.  I guess I want to believe this and know that its real.

Michigan Suspensions

Don't know what these three did and neither does anyone else, it seems.  But Floyd and Hawthorne have played their last game at Michigan and Hagerup is more than likely done.  As soon as something comes out, I will update.

Here's links to the News and Daily.

Bowl Picks and Other Stuff

Non-Football: Can someone please tell me where December went?

Jeez…between holiday activities, practices for kids and life in general, the “extra” week this year from T-day being as early as could be just kind of up and disappeared…It’s true what they say…As you get older, the time starts slipping by a little faster.

Want to know how old you are? I’ve been making the kids listen to the 70’s on 7 on Sirius….A television retro theme came on this morning and my kids didn’t have a clue to what I was talking about when I said,



“This is Jim Rockford, at the tone, leave your name and message and I’ll get back to you…”

Folks, that was every Friday night at 9:00 for this TV viewer from the time I was about 9 until I was 13 or so…And for a great compilation of what used to come after that, we have Wikipedia that can walk you down memory lane….There were some classic messages that Rockford received in the 6 seasons the show was on….

A couple of FMQ Favorites:

"Good morning, this is the telephone company. Due to repairs we're giving you advance notice that your service will be cut off indefinitely at 10 o'clock. That's two minutes from now."

"This is Mrs. Owens with the Association For A Better Malibu. Thanks for your contributions. We've made real strides, but it would help dear, if you could move your trailer."

"Jim? This is Manny down at Ralph's Bar. Some guy named Angel Martin just ran up a fifty buck bar tab. Now he wants to charge it to you. You gonna pay it?"

"That number four you just picked up from Angelo's Pizza? Some scouring powder fell in there. Don't eat it. Hey, I hope you try your phone machine before dinner."

"It's Aundra. Remember last summer at Pat's? I've got a twelve hour layover before I go to Chicago. How about it?"

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed the diversion….God knows it gets hectic this time of year and everyone could use a little break from reality….

Conference Re-Alignment

So, it would appear that the non-FBS Beast schools have had it with being jerked around at every turn when it comes to conference re-alignment. What I never thought would come to pass (the non-FBS Beast members leaving an AQS conference) is going to happen: The primarily catholic/religious institutions are splitting off and forming a new league. What does that mean for everybody else? Well, it can’t be good for the Beast FBS schools that are left. There was some chance that the Beast stayed together with the stability of the Basketball schools, of all things, but now that they’re moving on…it could be over for the Beast. Look for the ACC (which is the next conference to suffer upheaval) and the Big 12 to start looking to dice up what is potentially left. Maybe.

Conference re-alignment is a tricky thing and the conferences only want to do it for the bucks. If the money isn’t there, well, if you’re U-Conn or other Beast teams, you might start feeling cold…

Bucktard Alert

Thanks to several readers for sending me the link. Mike Vrabel, legendary NFL player and graduate of ohio, headbutted a player that was “wearing” a helmet when he wasn’t wearing a helmet during the week of practice leading up to the Michigan Game. The results were obvious to everyone except Vrabel…

Idiot…..

The Bowl Picks

The FMQ has had some pretty bad weeks this year and I’m hoping the bowl picks come through to get us back into the black. If we don’t make it, it’s going to be a losing season which isn’t the goal of the FMQ at all!

So, here goes nothing….OR everything. Depends on your point of view!

National Championship: Domers vs. Bama (-10): This seems like a LOT of points to give the Domers and I’m leaning towards the dog in this one.
Take the Domers and the 10 for $50

Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Wiscy (+7): I don’t know why, but I’m really liking Wiscy here getting points. Barry Alvarez coming out of (sic) retirement to lead the team might be a huge shot in the arm and Wiscy might pull the upset.
Take Wiscy and the 7 for $40

Fiesta: Oregon vs. K-State (+9.5): If the play-off were alive today, one of these teams would be playing for the title. I like the Ducks and I don’t think that a healthy, rested Quack Attack can be stopped….So, in this one game, I’m thinking of laying points….
Take Oregon and lay the 9.5 for $50

Orange: FSU and Northern Illinois (+14): Really? There’s no respect anywhere for the MAC and I think the Huskies might be more than anyone bargained for. FSU will be ticked they’re not playing for a National Title and won’t really want to be there….Still, if that offense gets rolling and the defense is playing like it’s capable of, NIU is in for a lot of headaches….
Take NIU and the points for $20

Sugar: Florida vs. Louisville (+14): Here’s another one with no respect factor: Yes, Gatorland is back. And they’re good. And one win from playing in the National Title game. But strong knows that team and he’s staying where he is. I expect inspired Cardinal Football that evening….
Take Florida and lay the 14 for $20

Capitol One: Georgia vs. Nebraska (+10): Hmm….This is one of those lines that makes you kind of scratch your head. On one hand, we’ve got a B1G team that just got pantsed in the B1G Championship game and another team that was a defensive stand from playing in the National Title against a pretty good Bama squad…I think I have to lay points here again….
Take Gerogia and lay the 10 for $30

Cotton: Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (+4.5): Big 12 traditional match-up on a weird day…January 4th…..Friday. Hmm….I think I like Johnny Football, but is this one of those Heisman curse games for the winner? Scratching my head still on this one….
Take Oklahoma and the 4.5 for $20

Chic-Fil-A: LSU vs. Clemson (+4): This one scares me as well…The ACC is NOT good and LSU traditionally plays very well in this game. Laying points again????
Take LSU and lay the 4 for $40

Outback: Michigan vs. South Carolina (-5): Michigan getting points in Florida against the Ole Ball Coach. Will Borges unwrap the De-Rob/Gardener Explosion package or run up the middle of one of the SEC’s best defenses? I shudder at the thought of this game plan, but I do like Michigan getting points.
Take Michigan and the 5 for $40

Gator: Northwestern vs. Miss State (-2): What????? I figured NU to be favored in this one….That’s a good team and this might be the pick of the bowls. Take the 2 points and call it a gift.
Take Northwestern and the 2 for $30

Buffalo Wild Wings: TCU vs. Sparty (+2.5): This might be another gift, depending on which Sparty offense shows up. The one that beat Wiscy or the one that played the rest of the B1G season?
Take Sparty and the 2.5 for $30

Parlays!

(All pay 6 to 1)

Michigan-Domers-Sparty - $20
And in case I’m totally wrong: Bama – USC – TCU - $20
LSU-FSU-Oregon - $20

That’s a lot of bets….but it is what it is….

Starting Bank:     $671.50
Total Bet:            $430
Bank:                 $241.50

Johnny Football and Other Firsts…Are We SURE The World Isn’t Ending on 12-12-12?

So, a Frosh wins the coveted award of the most exciting player to play college football for the 2012 season. A first of many firsts it would seem for the 2012 season.

Johnny Football was certainly deserving of the award. But if Bama scores on that last drive, are we giving it to someone else last Saturday? My gut tells me that, yes, either Teo or Klein would have been up there making an acceptance speech. Most likely Teo with all the background stories surrounding his final season. It goes without saying that if you had a sympathy vote, with tears in your eyes, you wrote down Teo.

Klein had one bad game, but for an average workhorse QB that doesn’t have a lot of “highlight” reel type of plays on his resume, well, it’s easy to dismiss his candidacy without the perfect season holding him up.

That’s how Woodson won it in 1997. Perfect season and he started playing both sides of the ball – not to mention that he had a stellar game against the Suckeyes….

Right or wrong, its an award that is not going anywhere and I firmly believe that the voters get it right for the most part. It’s not an easy vote and if the MMQ were given one…Well, I would have had a very difficult time this year.

I might have even voted for the Domer (JEEZ, I HATE THESE GUYS!). I know…sad isn’t it? But in the end, only one player can win. It’s an elite fraternity for sure. And Johnny Football now has a chance to do something no one has ever done: Win more than 2? Is it possible? Who knows…As this sport we know and love gets whackier from season to season, I’ll believe anything is possible.

But now that college football has broken the one “unwritten” rule that remained for the Heisman (A freshman CANNOT win the Heisman), what else has happened this season in what can only be described as a weird and eerie seasons of firsts:

1. The number 1 team in the nation did NOT start the season in the Top 25 in any polls (Domers).
2. The pre-Season Number 1 Team (USC) finished outside of the Top 25 (Though this wasn’t a first, it’s a first since the inception of the BCS)
3. The Domers are in the BCS title game for the first time.
4. This is also the first time an Independent has made the Title Game.
5. Surprisingly, (And I will admit that I had to look this one up) this is the first time that the Title Game has featured two teams with a common opponent (Michigan) with the exception of last year’s SEC re-match.
6. First FBS Collegiate Football Team to reach 900 Victories - Michigan. GO BLUE! (Thanks, Sparty)
7. First time any new member to a conference has won 10 games (Texas A&M)
8. First time the Heisman Trophy winner was NOT A STARTER for his team at the beginning of the season. (Johnny’s first game: Florida)
9. An established and quite successful coach in the Big 10 leaves his team and conference for a mediocre team in the SEC West.
10. The Big 10 expands quicker than anyone predicted and goes to 14 members, adding Maryland and Rutgers.
11. Quickest a National Title Coach has been shown the door (22 months): two seasons and a 3-10 record in the SEC (Chizik)
12. Other winning coaches shown the door by impatient fans and red-ink athletic departments/directors.
13. Of course, the last one isn’t a first, but you get my point…..

I’m sure there’s more…but this is what I could come up with off the top of the ole noggin’ on Monday morning. If you can think of any, send ‘em in and I’ll add them to the list.

The Bowls and the Bets

Nothing firm yet, but the FMQ needs to do a lot of work to make up for a rather dismal season…so the MMQ is helping him think things through. Looking to take points this year and hoe the dogs come through!

National Championship: Domers vs. Bama (-10): This seems like a LOT of points to give the Domers and I’m leaning towards the dog in this one.

Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Wiscy (+6.5): I don’t know why, but I’m really liking Wiscy here getting points. Barry Alvarez coming out of (sic) retirement to lead the team might be a huge shot in the arm and Wiscy might pull the upset.

Fiesta: Oregon vs. K-State (+9.5): If the play-off were alive today, one of these teams would be playing for the title. I like the Ducks and I don’t think that a healthy, rested Quack Attack can be stopped….So, in this one game, I’m thinking of laying points….

Orange: FSU and Northern Illinois (+14): Really? There’s no respect anywhere for the MAC and I think the Huskies might be more than anyone bargained for. FSU will be ticked they’re not playing for a National Title and won’t really want to be there….Still, if that offense gets rolling and the defense is playing like it’s capable of, NIU is in for a lot of headaches….

Sugar: Florida vs. Louisville (+14): Here’s another one with no respect factor: Yes, Gatorland is back. And they’re good. And one win from playing in the National Title game. But strong knows that team and he’s staying where he is. I expect inspired Cardinal Football that evening….

Capitol One: Georgia vs. Nebraska (+10): Hmm….This is one of those lines that makes you kind of scratch your head. On one hand, we’ve got a B1G team that just got pantsed in the B1G Championship game and another team that was a defensive stand from playing in the National Title against a pretty good Bama squad…I think I have to lay points here again….

Cotton: Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (+4.5): Big 12 traditional match-up on a weird day…January 4th…..Friday. Hmm….I think I like Johnny Football, but is this one of those Heisman curse games for the winner? Scratching my head still on this one….

Chic-Fil-A: LSU vs. Clemson (+4): This one scares me as well…The ACC is NOT good and LSU traditionally plays very well in this game. Laying points again????

Outback: Michigan vs. South Carolina (-4.5): Michigan getting points in Florida against the Ole Ball Coach. Will Borges unwrap the De-Rob/Gardener Explosion package or run up the middle of one of the SEC’s best defenses? I shudder at the thought of this game plan, but I do like Michigan getting points.

Gator: Northwestern vs. Miss State (-2): What????? I figured NU to be favored in this one….That’s a good team and this might be the pick of the bowls. Take the 2 points and call it a gift.

Buffalo Wild Wings: TCU vs. Sparty (+2.5): This might be another gift, depending on which Sparty offense shows up. The one that beat Wiscy or the one that played the rest of the B1G season?

Idle Thoughts From The Season

-Michigan could actually be better next year.
-More home games with the tougher opponents.
-De-Rob never given a chance to fully show his mettle.
-Borges problem or Hoke problem?
-College Football Head Coaching formula: Find a new coach. Win. Repeat.
-I think Sumelin at A&M has the formula down….
-And he has Johnny Football for at least two more seasons.
-That has to feel pretty good.
-But as soon as you break the formula (Chizik), it’s the front door.
-Talk about your bad deals….
-Of course, Chizik is getting about $5.2M out of the deal to sit on his but for 2 years..
-Or $220,000 per month
-I KNOW I could live on that…
-Who couldn’t?
-Is college football the best season going?
-Tried (really tried) getting into the NFL this season.
-Just doesn’t have the same feel.
-Enjoyed the games, don’t get me wrong.
-But it wasn’t like I was feeling awful if I missed one that I wanted to see.
-But maybe that’s the Lions getting me down
-I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but Michigan Basketball appears to be Back!
-Not that an appearance in the Dance last year is anything to sneeze at…
-They just exited too early last season.
-Wait, it’s still football season.
-Will there EVER be another player that comes through Michigan like DeRob?
-Ever?
-Of course, I didn’t think there would be another Woodson..
-And while there hasn’t been a Woodson, we’ve seen some pretty good kids since then.
-It’s hard to remember that they are kids.
-18-22 year olds playing with their hearts on their sleeve.
-Thank you, Kovacs, for helping me remember that….

The Hot Seat

Well Folks, we have a Winner! The 2012 Hot Seat Mascot is: Elaine Alden! Kind of like the Heisman race, there were no bad choices here. Just some choices that were better than others. And one of the TIGHTEST finals that we've ever seen for the Hot Seat Mascot! One vote was all that separated the top two picks...We could have done worse with our 2012 Hot Seat Corner girl. I think she’ll keep us all warm through the off-season. In case you forgot, here’s some shots of Elaine!

 

The Hot Seat

1. Paul Johnson. Check again – is he still the head coach of GTU?
2. Pasqualoni – What is UConn going to do now that Cinci is taking there spot in the ACC?
3. Randy Edsall: So, who does he have photos of?
4. Mack Brown: He still has a job after losing to K-State….Amazing.


GONE (Find a full summary here):

Surprises on the list: Tommy Tubberville leaves Lubbock in a pinch (again) three years after Mike Leach left. Lubbock is not a hot bed for football, but then again, it’s better than some other places…I think Cinci is kind of one of those places that might be WORSE than Lubbock? I dunno…but Tommy Twotone and the Cinci AD know each other from the days at Auburn.

What is Wiscy gonna do? There’s no logical solution now that Chryst is off the list…Meaning that either Alvarez has another ace up his sleeve or perhaps an assistant gets the nod?

Colorado is just in a shambles…I somehow feel the best coach for that job was already there…

2012 Coaching Carousel tracker : by SB Nation

The FMQ

Army (+7) vs. Navy: OOPS….Didn’t I say I hate rivalry games?

Take Navy and lay the 7 for $40 - LOSE

Starting BANK:    $671.50
Total Win:             $0
BANK:                  $671.50

Day of Infamy

Someone (Who Shall Remain Nameless) wrote to me this year and stated that I should give the Domers credit as a school/university that “does it right” with respect to having true student athletes playing the game and having a high graduation rate without any NCAA incidents, etc., etc., etc….. Everyone and every fan “believes” or wants to believe that their alma mater is doing it right until something comes up and they discover that maybe the school they know and love isn’t doing everything above board. That’s just the way it is. PSU thought that way. Michigan thought that way. And of course, the Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) think that way…

With respect to the Domers: The Domers just haven’t been caught yet. But, their time will come. Just like it (kind of) did at PSU, even though I don’t agree with that decree that was handed down by the band of NCAA merry men. And just like OSU, Bama, Miami, NC State, and yes, Michigan. The NCAA comes a knocking on everyone’s door at some point in time.

The only FBS programs to date that have NOT had the NCAA come knocking on the door for whatever reason(s):

Army
Navy
Air Force

If you want to hold up an example of young men that are students first, warriors second, believe in their country third, and then, oh yeah, play a little football (or basketball) while attending college, you need to look no further than the three institutions above. They are the epitome and measuring stick of “Doing It the Right Way” and I believe that’s what makes these institutions and the students that attend these institutions and participate in athletics special.

Which is why I like the fact that the Army-Navy game is still the ONLY game on the last day of the regular season. Not the Domers….Not Michigan-OSU….Not any other rivalry game. And I’m glad we’re keeping it sacred.

Just one game that counts between schools that are doing a lot more for this country besides “Doing It Right” on the field and in the classroom.

On this day of Infamy, the FMQ throws a hearty salute to the service academies for everything they do and represent that is right in the world of student athletes. 

Coaching Carousel

Malzhan to Auburn…The Crafter of the 2010 offense featuring Cam Newton is back
Butch Jones Hired as Tennessee’s 14th choice…Meaning Cinci is looking again….
Hazel At Purdon’t…Not sure what this means…
Sonny Dykes at Cal….
Beliema at Arkansas…This one still floors me…
Alvarez WON’T hire Chryst from Pitt…..(yet)…
Adazzio to Boston College….
So many openings, so few Rich Rodriguez’s out there looking for gigs…

Conference Expansion – B1G Style

Read Frank the Tank for all the details, but the latest rumor:  Florida State to the B1G…Yep…That’s the latest.  I know…What’s the world coming to?  The MMQ’s comments:    As stated here a couple of weeks ago, whereever the Domers go, disaster follows.  The ACC is vulnerable for a REASON:  Instability and everyone not getting a fair share….FSU is pissed and a pissed school is easy fodder for whatever games Delaney wants to play.  And play he will like the Chess Grand Master he is!  He might court and romance FSU and then glance the Domers way with a “Last Chance, Babe…” look that Daddy $warbuck$ just might have to seriously consider.  Because once the B1G is at 16, it’s over….

MMQ/FMQ Last Minute Christmas Shopping Idea

For anyone that was thinking about getting me something, a last minute gift suggestion is in order:

Yeah, it’s a little pricey. Unless you won the Power Ball last week…Anyone? Anyone? No, huh?
Well….At least the FMQ/MMQ can dream a little…. Thanks to Mike F. who lives in the land of “Forever Turning Left” for the pix…Made my Friday!

This Week’s Pick

Army (+7) vs. Navy:  Navy holds a commanding 11 game winning streak in this rivalry.  And while 2 win Army team probably can’t pull the upset, I can’t help but wonder if they can keep it closer than the spread….After all, this is the Army team that somehow found a way to BEAT Air Force…But then got 63 hung on them by Temple.  So….Which Army team shows up?  I think it might be the latter…But I hate rivalry games.
Take Navy and lay the 7 for $40

Starting Bank:   $711.50
Total Bet:            $40
Bank:                 $671.50

Holy Crap!!!! Beliema to Arkansas????

In what world does this make sense?

3 Time B1G Champ...Three consecutive Rose Bowls...Much loved head coach at Big 10 Original University.

This is one of those times where you get to see your MMQ in action.  Thinking this through...Besides following what must have been a BUTT LOAD of money that Arkansas threw at him (BB was making $2.5M at Wiscy) I had a quirky feeling that maybe ole Barry Alvarez didn't like something he saw in BB without Chryst (the former offensive coordinator for Wiscy) that is now the head coach at Pitt.  And maybe ole Alvarez said, "You want to talk to Arkansas?  Go ahead.  We will talk after you get a number from them."

I will BET you $10 right now that Barry picked up the phone and immediately called Chryst and said, "Hey, what are you doing next season?"

Just a hunch, but don't be surprised to see Pitt left out in the cold again......

And furthermore, after thinking about Brett's Rose Bowl record (I don't think it's very good) there might have been a lot of Fan "Angst" against Brett especially after 2 last second losses last year stole away what was probably Wiscy's best shot at a National Title in.....forever.   Fans can be a rough group and they were more than likely demanding Barry's head after those losses and last season...Thinking that the players come to Wiscy but Brett can't win with them.....In other words, "We love you....Just not enough to tolerate a 2 loss season when it's clear we have superior talent."

Classic...

It’s Over..Some Grades and Thoughts on What’s Left

Hello….It’s the MMQ back in the driver’s seat. I know its Tuesday, but I was still having a hard time focusing when I started to type up yesterday’s blog entry. Things started to blur and my mind was not exactly perfect. So, there’s a little delay this week, but understand that what has happened, this….this aberration on football…may it NEVER, EVER happen again while the MMQ is alive and well.

Domers and Bama ….Jesus Tap Dancin’ Christ….Maybe the world is coming to an end on December 12th or 21st after all when the biggest hypocrites on the face of the earth play the biggest cheaters on the face of the earth…More on that later…

Michigan Grades by the MMQ for the 12 games played. I probably wouldn’t change much after the bowl, so why not hand ‘em out now?

Offense:

QB: Grade: B- Too many costly turnovers in big games. Yes, when they weren’t facing a decent defense, look out. But when they were, well, 6 TO’s in the Domer game sealed this grades fate. Win the rest and DeRob and Devin move up to an A-minus

Running Backs: D-   I truly believe that Michigan is without a running back currently and next year, the prospects don’t look much better. Too many long 2nd down attempts after a 1st down “plow it down their throats”.

Receivers: B   If Roundtree had caught more passes early in the season, this one would be an A. But there were a couple of games where Michigan really need production here and they got it.

O-Line: B-    Nothing special, but they did some good things. Losing the core of this group is going to hurt, but hopefully they can be replaced. Is Taylor Lewan staying?

Coaching: D+ (originally C-) With two offensive weapons like Gardner and DeRob, you NEED to be able to use them both if only as decoys. I was extremely disappointed with several games this year (imagine that -all the disappointments were the losses) and Borges’ name was mentioned way too many times in this blog. This has to be an area that needs to see big improvement next year. A-B-C offenses are okay, but you need to be able to take what defenses are giving and when they take that away, move to something else.
Defense:

Safety: A    What on EARTH are we going to do without Kovacs?

Linebacker: B    This group was better than anyone anticipated and proved it time and again on the field.

Corner:   B       Corner is a thankless job at any level of football. If you’re a shutdown corner with skill, they won’t throw to you anyway.

Line: B+   Better than expected

Coaching: A     I don’t think anyone expected the Defense overall to be this good this quickly after what we suffered through with Dick Rod. Hat’s off to Mattison and his crew.

Head Coach: C    If this had been Hoke’s first year, I would have been a little less severe here. But too many easy road games were left for the taking (Easy is a relative term: I believe Domers and OSU were VERY winnable…Nebraska was winnable, but DeRob getting injured was an outlier…Alabama – I’m not sure how Michigan wins that game) and that has to fall somewhere. This is why they call you the Head Coach. This was an incredibly unimaginative offense at time to what we were used to seeing for so many years.

However, if Brady would like to come in and “Argue his Grade” by stating that 3 of his 4 losses came to two teams in the National Title Game and another undefeated program with a combined record of 36-1, well, I guess the MMQ would listen. BUT (notice the capital), I would say that Michigan DID NOT DO its job by knocking at least one of those teams out of the title game. What’s more: IF You could have beaten at least one of those teams...think of the possibilities. Why didn’t you and why aren’t you in the National Title Game? All that being said, I could see the effort of the argument and move him up to a B-.

The BCS Mess

I was rooting for Georgia to pull it off for no other reason than to make sure that Bama didn’t repeat. Oh well….Now we have a game in which someone that I REALLY HATE is gonna lose…Problem is the other guy has to win…And that thought in the MMQ’s mind presently sucks. Maybe we will have a close game and someone starts a “Florida or Oregon for National Champion” campaign.

What’s really sad is that the greatest sport that we have goes into what can only be described as the WORST post-season of any sport that is played at any level. If you haven’t seen the bowl match-ups yet, well, get a trash can handy because what you’re about to read just might make you puke, especially on New Year’s day (after a hard New Year’s Eve) when all the bowls were traditionally played…. In fact, on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the worst), the MMQ will add his Puke Factor (PF)rating on a few of the selected bowls.

National Championship: Domers vs. Bama (PF: 1): This should be an okay game to watch and root for a loser…I just can’t believe it’s going to be the Domers and as Jeff Probst on Survivor says, you’re guaranteed a 1 in two shot at being the National Champion….

Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Wiscy (PF: 2): While I know a LOT of pundits are upset with a 5 loss team in the Rose, let’s consider the fact that this is NOT Wiscy’s fault as much as it is PSU’s and OSU’s. I think it’ll be an okay game based on what Wiscy did to Nebraska in the B1G Championship, among other things….Wiscy is nobody’s bitch….

Fiesta: Oregon vs. K-State (PF: 1): I think this is a game where it could be argued that the winner is the de-facto National Champion runner up and if there were a 4 team play-off, well, this is one of the semi-final games and the true champion would be the winner of this game vs, the winner of Bama-Domers.

Orange: FSU and Northern Illinois (PF: 5+): How sad is it when a MAC team that the B1G routinely invites to play and get their butt kicked in front of 100K+ gets a bid to a BCS bowl? Dave Doren couldn’t even wait to let people know that he was bolting from NIU to take the head job at North Carolina State…What has happened to the Orange? I remember Orange Bowls from the past hosting some of the most intriguing games ever….

Sugar: Florida vs. Louisville (PF: 4.5) I get the connection and the relationship. But still, a Beast re-tread that couldn’t make the ACC’s short list is going against an SEC team that will more than likely destroy the Cardinals in a yawner that’s over by half time…

Capitol One: Georgia vs. Nebraska (PF: 2.5) At least they are two big names, but after that turd Nebraska dumped in the B1G Championship, the viewability on this one may be even lower than what I rated it. I’m not saying Nebraska won’t put up a fight…I’m just saying there’s nowhere near enough fight in Nebraska to handle a pissed off Georgia squad.

Cotton: Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (PF: 2) Big 12 traditional match-up. This should be a good game, but then again, the LATERS could show up vs. the Sooners and this one could be over quick…But I will at least have it tuned in on New Year’s day. Oh wait…This game is now on JANUARY 4th….wtf…

Chic-Fil-A: LSU vs. Clemson (PF: 3): Would have been 2, but didn’t we already see these two teams play each other this season? Oh…I guess that was last year..but still.

Outback: Michigan vs. South Carolina (PF: 2) I know, you’re all saying Michigan slappy, but this is an intriguing match-up. I like the game but would have preferred Michigan playing Johnny Football and Texas A&M…

Gator: Northwestern vs. Miss State (PF: 3) Northwestern was two games shy of representing the Legends division in the B1G. Two CLOSE games. Miss State is in for a pounding….

Buffalo Wild Wings: TCU vs. Sparty (PF: 2): I actually like this match-up and I think there’s an opportunity for Sparty here to affirm their 6-6 misery. And it’s something decent to watch on December 29th.

Armed Forces: Rice vs. Air Force (PF: 5+): Two 6-6 teams that have no business being in bowls. Air Force will DESTROY Rice…

Pizza Bowl: Central vs. W Kent (PF: 4): Just cause it’s close to home and I might end up with free tickets. I would never admit going to a PF: 5 bowl.

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-Stanford and UCLA is a slobber knocker…
-Stanford is a good team.
-Plain and Simple.
-Why no love for National Title?
-Why?
-Cause they’re in Pac12?
-Oregon was getting love….
-Better PR machine at Oregon? Can anyone say NIKE?
-What gives?
-Stanford will probably kill whoever the B1G sends….
-Georgia looking good early….
-Maybe they can pull this off?
-Nope….fading fast
-Sad….I think this was almost (ALMOST) the de-facto National Championship.
-Unless the Domers beat Bama.
-Then….(God help me….)…then….The Domers are worthy…
-Uh no...I think...I think…I’m gonna be sick….
-Wow…Wiscy up big early in the B1G championship.
-Nebraska can’t stop the grass from growing right now…And it’s artificial….
-Jeez…this is getting embarrassing.
-Bo Pelini isn’t even hitting anybody…
-Guess he figures it’s just over?
-Sad….How does an 8-5 team get to the Rose Bowl?
-Simple…Put everybody else on probation.
-See what I mean when I refer to un-intended consequences?
-SEE?????
-well…There’s always 2013.

The Hot Seat
Hiring, firing and almost too much for the ole MMQ to keep up with. I’m still surprised at some of the folks that DIDN’T get the axe as much as I’m surprised at some of the guys that did. Some of the hires are also raising my eyebrows, but whatever. It is what it is at this point and we have a much MORE IMPORTANT DECISION that is going to be settled hereand now!  Yes, here they are, your 2012 hot Seat Mascot Finalists!  (Note:  Photos selected by the MMQ.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2012 Hot Seat Mascot is ready for the Vote! All 12 girls made the finals this year and I will leave the polls open until January 1, 2013. Vote for one girl and her picture will be the one we get to look at in the upper right corner in the offseason.

The Hot Seat

1. Paul Johnson. Check again – is he still the head coach of GTU?
2. Pasqualoni – What is UConn going to do now that Cinci is taking there spot in the ACC?
3. Randy Edsall: So, who does he have photos of?
4. Mack Brown: He still has a job after losing to K-State….Amazing.

GONE (Find a full summary here):

1. Avey - Idaho
2. Phillips – Kentucky
3. Derek Dooley – I guess paying him the $4 million buyout wasn’t that big of a deal after all…Look for Charlie Strong here…..
4. Chizik – Who didn’t see this one coming. $208,000/month…I think I could live on that.
5. Tedford – What’s Cal gonna do now?
6. Danny Hope – Well, I thought he should have got a lifetime contract…
7. Obrien - NC State…Man, you knock off the Seminoles and there’s no love…
8. Embree – Colorado. Seriously bad coach on a bad team….
9. Spaziani – Boston College…Guy never had a chance…
10. Mike Price – UTEP
11. Cubit – Western Michigan
12. John L. Smith
13. Bill Curry – Georgia State
14. Rob Akey
15. Skip Holtz – This isn’t surprising and I think Skip gets a gig elsewhere….
16. Ellis Johnson

The FMQ

Editor’s Note: Error last week from the betting matrix. I have corrected and the numbers are now accurate, in case anyone was keeping track at home.

Not a terrible result, but man oh man….What was the FMQ thinking when he took Nebraska? What an IDIOT….

UCLA (+10 Today +8.5) vs. Stanford: Nothing wrong with taking a dog in a BIG GAME
Take UCLA and the 8.5 for $60 WIN: Bank: $114

Georgia (+8) vs. Bama: Ditto….And Georgia almost pulled it off…
Take Georgia and the 8 for $60 WIN Bank: $114

Wiscy (+2.5 now: +3) vs. Nebraska: So, tell me, FMQ…Why not stick with that philosophy here?
Take Nebraska and lay the 3 for $40 LOSE……

FSU vs. Georgia Tech (+14): AND here???? Why again?
Take FSU and lay the 14 for $75 LOSE…….

Starting BANK:   $483.50
Total Win:           $228.00
BANK:                $711.50

Bowl Game picks and spreads to come!

Championship Week

Well, here we are.

The entire college football season comes down to the last “meaningful” regular season games. Then, we get into what can only be described as the “weird and wacky postseason” that the FBS division represents.

Some highlights: Another 6-7 bowl team will appear this year. We more than likely WILL HAVE a 6-6 team playing on NEW YEAR’S DAY! We will also have Bowl games starting as early as December 15th, before some schools have finished finals….yet a large, FBS collegiate playoff would interfere with school and studies….Whatever.

The MMQ has already stated things that piss him off (Wednesday’s entry) and the FMQ is not going there. But, the FMQ is also full of opinions……So let’s air a couple of them…

John Gruden to Tennessee: Why this is a horrible Idea. 1. Matt Millen 2. Charlie Weis 3. Bill Callahan.   Is there any more evidence required? I don’t think so. But somehow, there’s a collective Group Think going on in the Tennessee fanbase (and possibly the Athletic Department itself) that if they don’t somehow hire Gruden, it will be the ultimate end of Tennessee Football. They are creating a situation that will generate so much pressure on whoever they hire (filling in for the dream hire that never was) that whoever they get is already going to have one foot out the door. Best candidate: Strong, if he’ll take it. SEC roots and gets recruiting. But I feel for him if he accepts. It’s not a good situation right now in Tennessee.

Borges: If Hoke can’t recognize that the offense needs tweaking, well, then I have a problem. After pouring over mgoblog’s summary of the offense this year, it is very apparent that Michigan has gone from a multi-dimensional unpredictable threat that could score from anywhere on the field to a very predictable, keep banging on them till you break a big one offense that works OK with a superior defense and gifted positional athletes on offense. I like the score from anywhere, anytime offense better. But before we go off too hard on canning Borges (because I just don’t think that’s a solution) let’s see what develops next year. Talent will be less on both sides of the ball, but the Wolverines will have a more favorable (home) schedule. Tweaks here and there are good….So make them.

Louisville to the ACC: I don’t know why this grinds me so much. Somehow, I figure (or have justified in my own mind) that Rutgers and Maryland were NOT bad strategic moves for the B1G. And of course they were great moves for each of those member institutions. AAU* money will flow from Maryland and Rutgers to the B1G (and vice versa) and that’s good. But Louisville will now also receive their share of AAU money (and other federal monies) from the ACC. The ACC members that are part of the AAU – Duke, UNC, Pittsburgh, Virginia. If I missed any, sorry. But Maryland is AAU and that will drop the AAU dollars the ACC was receiving. Was that move good for the ACC academically? No. And if it’s not about academics, fine. But in my opinion, the ACC has taken a step down several slippery slopes and the viability of that conference moving forward is highly questionable.

*Someone sent me an e-mail as to what I’m referring to when I say that someone is an AAU member. This is the Amercian Association of Universities. Every B1G member is an AAU school (with one exception, but Nebraska is BUSTING THEIR ASS to get in) and FEDERAL DOLLARS flow to these universities like you can’t believe. $18.9 BILLION to be exact in the last calendar year (That’s $300M on average for each of the 62 schools – meaning the B1G gets roughly $3.6B of that money alone – probably more). Large, state run universities depend on these federal dollars like a never ending fresh water oasis in the desert and the research done by the universities is for the collective good. Here’s a good chart from their website that I've also inserted here.  The 62 members are listed on the Left.

Oklahoma Nebraska to renew rivalry: Won’t happen till 2021-2022, but this, in the FMQ and MMQ’s opinion is a fantastic thing. New conferences, old rivalries. It CAN BE DONE! In the immortal words of Jean-Luc Piccard:

Make it so.

This Week’s Picks

UCLA (+10 Today +8.5) vs. Stanford: I’m not sure I agree with the wise guys on this one. Or was Jim Mora playing chess and figured, “Hey, I’m in the Championship game anyway. Which one would I rather win? The scrimmage 6 days before hand or the Big One that gets me to the Rose Bowl?” That’s the question everyone is asking: Did UCLA learn enough to keep it within 8.5 points? I dunno….But I can’t disagree with a 1.5 point move and I always like a dog…
Take UCLA and the 8.5 for $60

Georgia (+8) vs. Bama: Line hasn’t moved much. I think this comes down to defense vs. defense and which offense is better equipped to handle the opposing defense. McCarron hasn’t proved to me (ok – once against LSU) that he can perform in a tight game. And Saban hasn’t proven that completely, either. I think Georgia is hungry and, perhaps more importantly, they’re due to make something special happen.
Take Georgia and the 8 for $60

Wiscy (+2.5 now: +3) vs. Nebraska: Is Wiscy really playing that much better or was it the level of competition in the last 6 games? The bettors seem to believe it’s the latter and are coming in on Nebraska. The FMQ isn’t sure, but Wiscy as a two time champion makes me ill….So,
Take Nebraska and lay the 3 for $40

FSU vs. Georgia Tech (+14): This might be the pick on the board. I just don’t see GT hanging with FSU. FSU isn’t going to turn the ball over to this team like they turned it over against the Gators last week.
Take FSU and lay the 14 for $75

Starting BANK:    $738.50
BET:                     $315.00
BANK:                 $560.50

Things That Piss ME (The MMQ) Off

Hello All! It’s the MMQ. I’m back from a brief but sorely needed mental vacation and I’ve been doing some reading and trying to understand the College Football World as it is today. This is SO much easier said than done as we are looking at so many changing landscapes and unintended fall out of those changes that it makes my head hurt. In no particular order, here are some things that when I glance at any sports web page are all over them and they are generally pissing me off.

1. Auburn. Firing Chizik who technically should have been canned after the Cam Newton incident on grounds that he had to know something was going on, but everyone involved just clammed up and the NCAA couldn’t find anyone that would talk. But they can him this year after winning zero (0) SEC games and 3 non-con games. AND, the reports are that the leading candidate is Bobby Petrino to replace Chizik. All that matters are wins, baby. Damn any NCAA investigation or questionable character decisions….Auburn is really pissing me off….

2. Notre Dame. Notice, please, I didn’t say DOMERS (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) out of respect for the institution. But they are really pissing me off. Right when the hypocritical bastards started to come around to the fact that they were probably going to be better off in a conference, they do something stupid and go undefeated. With a good defense. And they have improved all season to the point where Vegas only has them as barely a double digit (10 point) dog against either Bama or Georgia. But what really ticks me off is that it’s pretty clear that Maryland didn’t want to A.) let the Domers in without football and B.)knew they had an escape clause that they said they would use (the Big 10) if the rest of the conference agreed to let the Domers in without football. It didn’t take the Big 10 and Maryland very long to come to an agreement that had all been pre-ordained (Maryland voted to NOT raise the buy out to $50M) knowing that they WOULD be leaving if the rest of the ACC voted to let the DOMERS sans football in. Now, the once strong ACC has become a feeding ground for SEC and Big12 conference strengthening. The rumors are flying hard and fast, but it sounds a lot like FSU and Clemson might be closer to deals then anyone realizes, not to mention that the Big12 is seeing Eastern Expansion as a very real possibility. Once the ACC dyke is broken, I have a feeling all hell will break loose. The Domers are really pissing me off….

3. The BCS (and the SEC Conspiracy). We are going to have this “magical” time in 2014, two years down the road, when 4 teams will be “honored” as being the best 4 teams in College Football and they will get to me in semi-finals and try to beat the collective crap out of each other for a National Title. While that’s great, what about this year? I believe one of the best teams playing in College Football this year is getting completely hosed. That team: Oregon. Yes, they lost to Stanford. On a rainy night in Autzen, Oregon. Their home field. So, too, did Alabama LAST YEAR, lose at home to an incredible LSU squad. Then, miraculously, Okie State pooped their pants at ISU and Stanford lost to Oregon and we have Alabama somehow getting back in the title game by virtue of ranking and some “eye test” of sportswriters and voters everywhere. Well, this guy’s eyes are still telling him that Oregon is the best team in this country with everyone healthy on a neutral field. Why isn’t that 1 loss team getting any love? They are in the Pac 12 and the Domers didn’t lose. Yet, here we are with a solution: let the top 4 teams play in the new propsed format. What is keeping that from happening? Some Bowl contract…. The BCS is really pissing me off….

4. The SEC. Okay. You have 5 teams in the top 10. HOW IS THIS MATHEMATICALLY POSSIBLE? WHY AREN’T YOU PLAYING MORE CONFERENCE GAMES TO SETTLE THE DISPUTES WITHIN YOUR CONFERENCE ON THE FIELD? Why? Because the SEC has figured out that the National Title is worth X amount of $$$$$$$ and there’s NO WAY they will ever give that up without a fight. So, what do they do? Alabama only schedules 6 SEC games (not counting Mississippi and Miss State – come on, they don’t REALLY count as SEC teams) and doesn’t play Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina, three teams that were PRETTY competitive from the SEC East. Instead, everybody pads their schedule with cupcakes and claims they play too hard of a schedule to play any more SEC games…Give me a break. On top of that, the media machine (and Home Depot is a big part of this, along with ESPN) makes everyone believe that the SEC is so far superior to the regular collegiate football team conference that most top level SEC teams would win in the pros…Puke…The SEC is really pissing me off….

5. The Coaching Carousel. Normally, when a team hires a new coach, the next few years are actually worse than the years that preceeded the firing of the former coach. Not in ever case, but most cases. (I can’t believe that Auburn will win any LESS than 3 games next year, but hey, anything is possible. I didn’t think Michigan would only win 3 games, either.) But, does that stop any AD from firing a guy with time left on a contract, paying that coach (or collective of coaches) the fans hard earned dollars and hiring a guy that he knows is less than 50-50 to do better in his first or second season? Not ONLY that, but half of those hires and up getting canned also (See: Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, Mississippi, Arizona, Kentucky, Purdue, Colorado, Illinois, Miami, to name a few). Yes, some, eventually, pay off. See: Brian Kelly, Nick Saban, Urban Meyer. But ask Notre Dame EXACTLY how much the heading “Football Coaches Salary” in the ole ledger has earmarked on it and you can see that wins at schools that fire coaches come at a price…But such is the fickle way of college football. And its probably only going to get worse. I foresee a day when schools may finally say, “Okay, you’re getting a 1 year deal laden with incentives and you will get X number of $$$ if we don’t bring you back next year.” It’s getting that crazy. And it should be about the student athlete and recognizing that EVERY TEAM AT THE FBS LEVEL CANNOT GO UNDEFEATED OR EVEN HAVE A WINNING RECORD….Firing decent coaches for winning 6 games is really pissing me off…

6. The Heisman Trophy. How can a guy that was technically at the top of everyone’s ballot go out in the 3rd to last game of the season and have an off day, follow it up with a great game and be considered, “Out of the running” but sportswriters everywhere? Klein at K-State is the real deal and has done more to help his team win, in exciting fashion, no less, than any other player out there. And yet Johnny Football, and I mean no dis-respect, has a big upset win against Bama but who’s stats are otherwise good, not great and he’s the front runner? Let’s call the Heisman what it is: This week’s beauty contest. If you get hot at the right time, you’re in. If you’re just “average” at the end of the year…Oh well. I guess I can see either side of this argument, but the trophy itself should be awarded to the most EXCITING football player in college football. And I guess I’m pissed that one guy really didn’t get a chance to show case what his talents truly were this year…So maybe it’s not the Heisman that’s pissing me off but Michigan’s offense.

7. Expansion. I guess I’m adding to the rant about the Domers above. Expansion has ruined rivalries and wrecked traditions that are as old as anyone reading this. Texas vs. Texas A&M. WVU vs. Pitt. Nebraska vs. Colorado (granted, that one had paled quite a bit lately). Oklahoma vs. Nebraska (Not so much). Michigan vs. Notre Dame. What do we have now? Michigan vs. Rutgers…(Whoopeee….) Ditto Michigan vs. Maryland. What I want to know is: Does anyone care about the GAME anymore or are is everyone simply chasing money? I know the answer, I just don’t like it and I hope that at some point, somewhere grown men can come to their senses and realize that some things are just meant to be and there needs to be a way for the traditional rivalries to carry forward. Figure it out because losing them is really pissing me off….

8. Penn State and the NCAA: When are we going to stop hearing about Penn State, the money Penn State is paying to “former employees” (Spanier got $3.2M last year and will get an undisclosed amount this year) and how the NCAA is still looking at sanctions against this institution? I’m tired of the NCAA sticking its collective noses into this one. Believe me, PSU GETS IT!!! You’ve made your point now go away and let them figure out how to manage it. And why PSU just doesn’t send Spanier out to pasture is beyond me….Everyone, meaning every institution, has learned something from this and have asked questions internally to all their athletic programs, I’m sure. But the constant reporting of Spanier still getting money and McQueery NOT GETTING ANY compensation for being the whistle blower is really pissing me off…

9. Louisville to the ACC: How can a school that less than 15 years ago that was on the brink of athletic financial collapse, being investigated for MAJOR allegations by the NCAA and almost kicked OUT of C-USA manage to get an invite to what was once (and I guess still is) possibly the most prestigious conference of many widely acclaimed academic institutions that are all AAU recognized? These schools: Duke, North Carolina, Virginia, Clemson, NC State, to name a few, are large public and some private institutions with rich histories. Louisville? A City School that was largely known for basketball and coach Denny Crumm….And Thursday night Football. A school that is currently ranked 160th in academics. Screw academics. Bring on the sports footprint. And, as an academic…I guess that really pisses me off…..

10. ohio: The attorney that blew the whistle on the shady dealings of the football program and coach, not to mention tattoo-gate, got a 1 year suspension that a lot of other attorneys were calling a “little harsh”. He gets a 1 year suspension from practicing felony law and ohio honors the turd that got them in this mess in the first place. Why not go the distance and get a “work release” for Claret and bring him to the 2002 national championship 10 year anniversary as well? ohio is REALLY pissing me off….

So, yes, the MMQ is a little pissed….I guess you can now see why.

Sad Ending for The Seniors

Still the FMQ here. The MMQ is now propped up in the corner wearing a silly looking roman helmet with this red hair stuff sticking out the top of it holding a sword and muttering something about Lane Kiffin being an idiot that has no clue how to call plays at the goal line….

As far as Michigan goes: DI D YOU SEE THE FIRST HALF!???!!!!??!!! Let’s just talk about that. 75 yard Roundtree TD. DeRob lighting it up for 67 yards and a score… Fumbled and recovered punt while I was trying to grab a meatball and I missed it. All the fun stuff Michigan has been doing all year. Then, there was the 2nd half. I should have not watched? Was it my fault? Should I have walked away from the TV in the 2nd half? What happened? A team that looked more than competitive on offense comes out and lays an egg….What gives?

Did Hoke gamble too early? And yes, Michigan turned the ball over too many times….But the ohio game was winnable. Not only winnable, but the Buckeyes were ready for Michigan to take it. They were playing much more conservative than Michigan was. 2nd half woes continue and it got me to thinking about the current coaching regime.

Mattison adjusts. The defense did their job. I have no problem with the effort and execution that I saw on that side of the ball. The offense, Mr. Borges, not so much. I don't think the Offense was getting the plays they needed to make a difference.That’s what’s so absolutely frustrating about 2 of the 4 road losses this year. Both this game and the Domer game were not only winnable, they should have been won.  Period. 

So, without taking too much away from the suckeyes I do believe that Michigan lost this game more than the suckeyes won it. But you can have your 12-0 season where you can’t go to a bowl game and at the same time and in the same game you HONOR Cheaty McSweater Vest that got you into this mess in the first place. Brilliant.

As far as Michigan goes? I think the underlying theme this year has to be under achievement on the road. Yes, they lost to 3 of the top 5 teams in the country (I’m counting the suckeyes as an undefeated in the top 5 – sue me) and 4 out of the top 15 when you figure in the cornhuskers. IS that a good thing? I would have MUCH RATHER BEATEN at least 3 of them.

There will be a bowl against an SEC team that will hopefully get a lot more than they bargained for. But that all still needs to play out this weekend and I’m sure there is potentially more Saturday Armageddon to come. Otherwise, we wouldn’t call it

The BCS Mess

Okay…The Domers hold on to the number 1 spot in the BCS and the SEC more or less has a semi-final game between Alabama and Georgia to earn the right to play the Domers for the National Title.  But at least I'm not Mark May...This poor guy is going to have to quit or pray that the SEC somehow beats the Domers…(I’m starting to see why the MMQ has a bitter taste in his mouth when he has to write this stuff…) What does the rest of it look like?

1. DOMERS (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) (0.9979): Lane Kiffin…Thanks for nuttin’! The Domers have earned it where no one thought they could be 12-0…But can they win the last one?
2. Satan’s Warriors (0.9236): It’s here. And frankly, I think we’re all tired of it…No more SEC play-off for the National Title Game…
3. Georgia (0.8911): Did what they needed to do to against the Wreck to preserve the 3-spot and avoid total anarchy….
4. GATORLAND (0.8882): I know SOMEONE that is ticked off that his team isn’t in the SEC Championship and the loss to Georgia has to make it even worse….
5. DUCKS (0.8526): I didn’t think that Chip Kelly would take his show on the road to the NFL, but now that he’s seeing what Harbaugh is doing…Well, never say never….And they don’t even make the PAC12 Championship….
6. K-State: Nice BCS Bowl…Methinks…  Look out Oklahoma...
7. LSU: Ditto
8. Stanford: And here, also.
9. Texas A&M: Nice back story…but no BCS love for A&M
10. South Carolina: Gator lovin’? Bowl, that is….

The Rest of the Mess

Domers vs. Rubbers: A potential tying score and you don’t try to throw once or twice and instead try to go against the heart of the Domer Defense? Lane Kiffin…Who are you?

Sparty vs. Gophers: Believe it or not, but at 6-6 with everyone in the B1G in trouble, Sparty just made a New Year’s Day Bowl with this victory….

Gatorland vs. Seminole: Wasn’t even close….

Cornsuckers vs. Hawkeyes: Not that it mattered after Saturday, but Iowa had chances…and couldn’t capitalize….

Bowl Projections – for those that care…Michigan is more than likely in Capital One on New Years Day. This changes if Wiscy beats the Cornhuskers in the Championship and the Wolverines more than likely move down to the Outback. Sparty seems to be fittingly in the Buffalo Wild Wings bowl…Heh-heh….

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-Here we go!
-Why does every first drive by the opposing offense make our defense look bad?
-The offense is looking good!
-Go DeROB!!!!
-Go TREEEEEE!
-Okay…This is exactly where we needed to be.
-In this……Why are halftimes in College so long?
-Do the bands need that much time?
-Hoke…PUNT HERE. This is dumb…
-I love to gamble…But only when I have an edge…
-Hoke….Where’s the edge in that 4th down call?
-Anyone?
-Anyone?
-Sheesh…
-Stop turning the ball over.
-HANG ON TO THE BALL!
-DON’T THROW IT TO THE WRONG GUYS!
-Damn…Damn…Damn…
-Suckeye Fans know they got lucky…
-Is there ANYTHING interesting happening at 3:30?
-Come on Trojans!
-Trojans, I’m glad you got Lane Kiffin.
-You deserve him.
-And as soon as the Pete Carroll experiment in Seattle is over, he’ll be back.
-And Lane will be a lot easier to can…
-Speaking of canning….There is a lot of news in the

The Hot Seat

Wow….The Carousel has been fired up and the coaches are flying off it faster than 3 year olds on a pre-school merry-go-round spun by a bunch of older siblings…My guess is it’s NOT over and the GONE list is going to be even longer this year than usual. Reason: Anyone that can come from the ranks of the MAC through the Beast and then take the DOMERS to a National Title Game in three seasons just made it that much tougher for everyone else….

Elaine Alden held off an EXTREMELY strong push at the end of Sarah Shahi. I was very surprised to see the late surge of votes come out for Sarah. Never the less, Elaine makes the finals. The final Hot Seat Mascot nominee for 2012 is upon us and I’m always happy and sad when the day arrives. Happy that we’ll soon know who the Mascot will be for 2012, but sad because I won’t get to look for new nominees all the time….This week, again by fan submission, is a brunette that rounds out the field. With no further ado: Miss Sport Football from 2011 and Playboy Model Hillary Fisher!!!

 

 

1. Paul Johnson. GT’s season has been an up and down roller coaster and losing to Middle Tennessee State should have had him on the list earlier…But he’s here now.
2. Pasqualoni – UCONN This team has not gotten better and only gotten a LOT worse since their Fiesta Bowl appearance two years ago…
3. Randy Edsall: I’m shocked he’s still there…Unless I just missed the announcement….
4. Mack Brown: Losing to TCU didn’t help Mack…

GONE (Find a full summary here):

1. Avey - Idaho
2. Phillips – Kentucky
3. Derek Dooley – I guess paying him the $4 million buyout wasn’t that big of a deal after all…Look for Charlie Strong here…..
4. Chizik – Who didn’t see this one coming. $208,000/month…I think I could live on that.
5. Tedford – What’s Cal gonna do now?
6. Danny Hope – Well, I thought he should have got a lifetime contract…
7. Obrien - NC State…Man, you knock off the Seminoles and there’s no love…
8. Embree – Colorado. Seriously bad coach on a bad team….
9. Spaziani – Boston College…Guy never had a chance…
10. Mike Price – UTEP
11. Cubit – Western Michigan
12. John L. Smith
13. Bill Curry – Georgia State

The FMQ

Hey…At least there was a bright side to the weekend! We didn’t lose EVERY bet….I know….When it goes bad…It’s all bad….but we still have the Championship Weekend and the Bowls….That might help the situation.

Nebraska @ Iowa(+15):
Take the Hawkeyes and the points for $20 (I know, real confident here)
WIN! Bank $38

Virginia vs. Va Tech (-10): Take VaTech and lay the 10 for $50
VA-Tech – U – SUCK: LOSE

Alabama (-34) @ Auburn: Easy Money...Should have bet the house...
Take Bama and lay the 34 for $75
WIN: Bank: $142.50

Domers @ USC (6.5): Not ONLY does Kiffin lose…He doesn’t even cover…
Take USC and the 6.5 for $75
LOSE…..

Michigan (+4.5) @ ohio: And neither do these clowns….
Take Michigan and the 4.5 for $75: LOSE
Take the Over (54) for $50…AND LOSE….

Starting Bank: $558
WIN: $180.50
Bank: $738.50

Early Odds

UCLA (+10) vs. Stanford
Georgia (+8) vs. Bama
Wiscy (+2.5) vs. Nebraska