Death of a College Football Team today

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 8, 2007, 9:02 pm

I guess Loyd Carr can enjoy the worst season in Michigan football history for his farewell tour. Gotta love the tradition and loyalty as he destroys the mystique! Maybe he'll want to stick around for another few seasons to try and make up for it!

"Ducks roll as Wolverines suffer worst loss since '68"

What a way to follow up the all time greatest upset in NCAA history.

A current Michigan sudent wrote a nice summary of the state of Michigan football last week that I should have copied here. He said the only thing keeping Michigan alive is the alumni as the current students don't care with the stadium being referred to as "The Library" now.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 9, 2007, 12:14 am

Winnow wrote:Pac Ten 39
Michigan 7

roflcopter!

somehow i know you got joy in thinking that this was in some way related to asu.

however, i'm sure osu will lose to washington next week unless our offense actually shows up to a game this season.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 9, 2007, 1:50 am

I figured that with South Florida being on all of the watch lists to upset Auburn, it wouldn't happen...whoops.

Asheran Mojomaster · September 9, 2007, 2:08 am

Year of the underdogs

. Fannin was doing so good until those 2 fumbles in a row. Once they took him out it was mostly up to Cox to throw and he is horrible.

Leonaerd · Post by **Leonaerd** » September 9, 2007, 2:10 pm

aaaaa hahahaha!

in other news...
MSU 2-0!

masteen · Post by **masteen** » September 10, 2007, 11:56 am

I think Sylvus had to be hospitalized for acute depression, and is currently on suicide watch. Either that, or he's holed up with a high powered rifle somwhere overlooking Lloyd's house.

Post by **Sylvus** » September 10, 2007, 12:33 pm

Nah, I'm okay. I'm not particularly happy with the terrible team we have right now, but at least after week 1 my expectations were low enough that my blood pressure isn't in danger. It's much more difficult to go 11-0 and then lose to Ohio State by 4 points than it is to know that your team is shitty from the get-go.

Everyone's got to have a bad year sometimes, guess it's our turn. The reason that it's such big news is that it happens so infrequently to Michigan. We should count ourselves lucky.

I'm not too mad at Lloyd. I know that it's in some part his fault, but he's provided me with enough happy moments in his tenure that I'm not going to be an asshole and act like he's the worst coach ever. Few coaches have equaled his success over the last 12 years. Win or lose, he was going to retire this year, now I'll just be less sad to see him go. The only question is who our coach will be next year? Scuttlebutt says Les Miles, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

We'll be back, I'm not too worried about it.

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » September 10, 2007, 12:36 pm

It is amazing how one bad season start turns into a call for the coaches resignation.

He's dealing with kids playing football. Sometimes they pan out, sometimes they don't. A bad season is not unheard of for any team. It just doesn't pan out every season.

Case in point, so many folks were saying JoePa was washed up a couple years ago, now some winning seasons and some bowl games later, no one says that anymore. Although, I am of the firm belief that joepa is on remote control, similar to a weekend at bernie's situation, but much more elaborate due to the strong engineering college at PSU.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 10, 2007, 12:43 pm

Calls for Carr to be released were being heard well before this season started.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 10, 2007, 12:49 pm

Sylvus wrote:Everyone's got to have a bad year sometimes, guess it's our turn. The reason that it's such big news is that it happens so infrequently to Michigan. We should count ourselves lucky.

'cept for 2 years ago!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 10, 2007, 1:26 pm

Not just a bad season...it's one for the history books of bad. Michigan plays Notre Dame next week I believe. They suck as well (the #1 all time biggest "living in the past' team that gets TV contracts based on what it did 20+ years ago). If Michigan loses to the Irish, they'll be looking at 0-4 with Penn State in week 4.

On the flip side, Pac Ten went 6-0 on Saturday. ASU is ranked in the top 11 in 6 offensive categories while having allowed only one offensive touchdown this season so far. ASU isn't even ranked, but there are plenty of Pac Ten teams in the top 25 and Washington will give OSU a solid game next Saturday.

AP Top 25:

1. USC (40) 1-0 1,594
2. LSU (25) 2-0 1,582
3. Oklahoma 2-0 1,418
4. West Virginia 2-0 1,408
5. Florida 2-0 1,370
6. Texas 2-0 1,290
7. Wisconsin 2-0 1,171
8. California 2-0 1,126
9. Louisville 2-0 1,097
10. Ohio State 2-0 962
11. UCLA 2-0 910
12. Penn State 2-0 896
13. Rutgers 2-0 820
14. Nebraska 2-0 693
15. Georgia Tech 2-0 590
16. Arkansas 1-0 537
17. South Carolina 2-0 477
18. Virginia Tech 1-1 382
19. Oregon 2-0 367
20. Clemson 2-0 349
21. Boston College 2-0 323
22. Tennessee 1-1 284
23. Georgia 1-1 261
24. Hawaii 2-0 247
25. Texas A&M 2-0 243

Others Receiving Votes:
South Florida 220, Missouri 144, Alabama 116, Washington 95, TCU 66, Arizona State 28, Auburn 23, Appalachian State 19, Cincinnati 12, Florida State 2, Iowa 1, Kansas 1, Purdue 1

At least Appalachian state is geting some votes! (I didn't think they could according to someone earlier on this thread)

If Michigan loses to Notre Dame this Saturday, I think that will pretty much put a cap on the entertainment for making fun of them and then it will be just kind of a sad state of affairs until all the "tradition" of letting a coach run a team into the ground runs its course and Michigan gets back on track.

Spang · Post by **Spang** » September 10, 2007, 1:32 pm

ESPN said they couldn't. I thought they would know!

Post by **Sylvus** » September 10, 2007, 1:46 pm

I believe the AP (or Coaches, I forget) recently made the change to allow votes for teams outside of D-1A, I think in the wake of the Appalachian State win. It was briefly mentioned as an aside in an article I was reading, so I could be wrong.

Zamtuk, you can talk all the shit you like. Just know that it'll be revisited upon you in November if your Buckeyes lose to the worst Michigan team in 40 years. Provided you have fast, mobile QB and a spread offense, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Do you?

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 10, 2007, 2:02 pm

Sylvus wrote:Zamtuk, you can talk all the shit you like. Just know that it'll be revisited upon you in November if your Buckeyes lose to the worst Michigan team in 40 years. Provided you have fast, mobile QB and a spread offense, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Do you?

Hopefully their start last Saturday was a fluke too. That was kind of funny seeing them "take the lead" with a field goal making the score 3-2.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » September 10, 2007, 2:36 pm

Ashur wrote:Got this in email today. Seemed appropriate for this thread...

Bud Light presents Real Men of Genius (hum it in your head...)

(Reaaaaaal Men of Genius)

Today we salute you, Mr. Delusional Michigan Fan (Mr. Delusional
Michigan Faaaaaan!)

Season after season, year after year, you try to justify your
absurdly high preseason ranking (clutching at straws!)

Season after season, year after year, you scramble to make futile
attempts at damage control when the Wolverines lose to a grossly
inferior opponent (How’d Appalachian State score Thirty Fouuuuur?)

Inevitably, ! you’ll bring up the past, boast of National
Championships won 40 years before you were born (those were the
daaaaaays!)

You will point out that you have more wins than any other program as
though that is relevant to the current season (been playing since
the 1870’s)

Go on, ignore that loss to Ohio State in the regular season finale
and continue to believe that you’ll defeat your bowl opponent with
striking ease (we’ll win by thirteeeeeey!)

So crack open an ice cold Bud Light, oh Emperor of Excuses, and take
comfort knowing that when you finish ranked number twenty, you’ll be
back to number five when the preseason polls come out next year (Mr.
Delusional Michigan Fan!)

pretty funny stuff even for someone who would have a hard time caring less about college football.

as an aside, those promos used to be called "real american heroes" until 9/11. kinda irratating

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 10, 2007, 2:37 pm

Sylvus wrote:I believe the AP (or Coaches, I forget) recently made the change to allow votes for teams outside of D-1A, I think in the wake of the Appalachian State win. It was briefly mentioned as an aside in an article I was reading, so I could be wrong.

Zamtuk, you can talk all the shit you like. Just know that it'll be revisited upon you in November if your Buckeyes lose to the worst Michigan team in 40 years. Provided you have fast, mobile QB and a spread offense, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Do you?

I hear people wondering if Charlie Weiss can put Demetrious Jones back in at QB and install a spread offense by Saturday.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » September 10, 2007, 2:55 pm

Against that sad and pathetic Michigan defense, they could have me on the field running a spread offense and put up 30 points.

Post by **Sylvus** » September 10, 2007, 4:04 pm

Sabek wrote:I hear people wondering if Charlie Weiss can put Demetrious Jones back in at QB and install a spread offense by Saturday.

I've heard the same thing, though I don't know if that's a feasible option for them.

I've also heard rumors (nothing official) that Chad Henne's injury from Saturday was to an ACL or MCL and will have him out for 6 weeks. Here's hoping Ryan Mallett starting will inspire the team where Henne has not.

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » September 10, 2007, 5:23 pm

The only thing Chad has hurt is his balls. He just watched millions of dollars wash down the shitter.

As for whats going on, having both UM and UD having this type of year. It feels great. Now I will go fucking nuts if PSU loses at Meatchicken. I went though it, I can only hope fans from both college worlds will go though it now also.

Besides, the " How do you make Notre Dame cookies? Easy, Put them in a Bowl and beat them for 4 hours" can also apply to UM also. Now if only Ohio would do the same, then I will feel oh so much better about the shit talk everyone lashed out at PSU. It sucks, but better you than me!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 10, 2007, 6:04 pm

ESPN radio show host Colin (something) brought up a good point about Michigan Football under Lloyd Carr.

While he has a high winning percentage, it's against fluff teams.

His winning percentage against top 25 ranked teams is under .500
His Bowl record is under .500
Lost 5 of last six bowl games.

Comparing Michigan vs the other "elite" teams. He's under .500 vs USC, Texas, LSU, etc.

Basically, Lloyd Carr is sub .500, and only .500 vs arch rival OSU, except for total win record.

You have to compare Michigan with the elite teams of college football and in that comparison, there's really no need to keep Lloyd Carr around.

I need to confirm the numbers, but if Lloyd Carr can't produce a winning record vs equally elite (or at least ranked) teams and loses more Bowls (and the last four bowls in a row) than it wins, I don't see Carr's status as an "untouchable" coach that can't be given the boot.

Something is obviously wrong with the recruiting ,and probably the coaching of this team. The old school mentality is building power defenses designed to stop the run that can't stop any team that knows how to throw the ball. You can't keep blaming the players. Lloyd's slow. Even with his success early on, other coaches adapted and now pwn him. A change is needed, and not just an incestuous one where another Michigan legacy person gets the job.

This is a balance of power thing. I don't want Zamtuk getting too much of an advantage. It's time for an unranked Pac Ten team to put a dent in OSU's record to help even things out this weekend!

Post by **Sylvus** » September 10, 2007, 6:06 pm

I can live with losing to a I-AA team, and following that up with our worst loss in 40 years, as long as Jared from Subway isn't a fan of my team.

PSU hasn't beaten Michigan since I was in high school, and I'm 30 years old now. You're welcome to make fun of us as soon as you win... hmm, what's fair? 3 games against Michigan? 2? Why don't you start with 1 and then we'll go from there. It might finally be your year! If not, maybe it'll be sometime in the 2020s.

Now if only Ohio would do the same, then I will feel oh so much better about the shit talk everyone lashed out at PSU. It sucks, but better you than me!

We've beaten you like 9 times in a row and you don't see me coming and talking shit about Penn State. Not until you start casting the first stone, anyway.

Post by **Sylvus** » September 10, 2007, 6:36 pm

Winnow wrote:His winning percentage against top 25 ranked teams is under .500

I don't know where you got that number, but prior to this season, the sporting news said that he was 39-23 vs. ranked opponents. I'll keep looking for the particular statistic, but sometime before last year's Ohio State game, he had a pretty good record against teams that were ranked #3 or #2 or better, I think he was like 4-1 or something similar. Yeah, he lost to USC a couple times. The same USC who has pretty much been the best program in college football in the 2000s. He lost to Texas once, by 1 point in the Rose bowl. He's never played LSU, and has beaten Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, and Florida. Give me a break on fluff teams, I realize people like to disrespect the Big 10 (the same conference that went 2-1 against SEC bowl opponents last year), but he's won 5 Big 10 titles and a national championship since he's been here. Who (besides Pete Carroll) has won more national titles in the last 12 years? It's a pretty exclusive club.

But what exactly are you trying to point out? I appreciate that you aren't trying to talk about Arizona State in that particular post, though you do mention the Pac 10, but seeing as how I'm pretty much the only Michigan fan here, and I have already said that he should be and is going to be gone after this season, what goal was your post aiming for? Lloyd's done enough for the program and for Michigan that he should be allowed to finish the season and retire like he was already planning on doing. Not to mention the fact that bringing in a new coach mid-season isn't going to help matters at all. With his plan all along having been to retire this year and have some say in naming his successor, I've heard that he's been delegating a lot more responsibility this year, which wouldn't surprise me if it were true. It also leads me to believe that neither (OC) Mike DeBord or (DC) Ron English have any business assuming the reins and it's time to look outside the program for the first time in 40 years.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 10, 2007, 6:45 pm

I just like to disrespect the fact that 11 does not equal 10.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 10, 2007, 6:46 pm

yeah, everytime um or osu tanks they beat the other one. however, it looks like both teams are about to tank (one is already en route!), so it's anyones game who will win in november. though, home field advantage hasn't meant much to the wolverines thus far, so there is that.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 10, 2007, 7:26 pm

Sylvus wrote:I realize people like to disrespect the Big 10

Do we ever!

I understand that these things are cyclical and this quick downturn isn't the end of the world, but...

HO BOY the big 10 sucks right now

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » September 10, 2007, 7:49 pm

Unfortunately for us Penn Staters, I'm sure, as usual, Michigan will play like the best team in the country for one week of the year...the PSU game. Sure hope PSU can put a spread offense together.

Why does everyone hate on the BigTen? just because the best teams in the country are forced to beat on each other so only one can ever play for the championship...doesn't mean you have to hate that division!

All I got to say is, give me a play off system, and we'll see what division shows the most.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 10, 2007, 7:50 pm

Sylvus wrote:But what exactly are you trying to point out?

I hadn't heard that Lloyd Carr said this would be his last year. When a coach starts to falter and is allowed to keep on coaching because of the past, it can go on for too long and hurt the school. As a recruit, I would reconsider going to Michigan next season if this year continues the way it has started. Things may get a boost next summer if Carr actually does retire, but in the meantime, future players are watching this season's games so I think it does make a difference if someone hangs on too long even though alumni can throw away the season as a lost cause.

Reading comments on various boards from current students attending the University of Michigan, it sounds like there's a bit of indifference to the football program. You attend the games so can probably say whether it's true or not. He claims that it's mostly the alumni supporting the team and the stadium. I haven't watched a Michigan game yet this year but I've seen both ASU games and the student section is rocking, even though we're not ranked. (had to mention ASU but it relates to the discussion!)

Obviously, the crowd will be more subdued now, but how has the student section been the past few games?

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 10, 2007, 8:36 pm

Michigan has the biggest stadium in the United States. I'm pretty sure that they've topped 100,000 in attendance every game since 1975. One thing that you can say for the Big Ten is that their fans show up and rock that shit. The crowd probably wasn't as exuberant as ASU's, but that's what happens when you suffer two devastating losses in a row.

In conclusion: Comparing ASU's crowd to UMich's (or OSU's, or Penn State's) is ridiculous. There are really no crowds outside the SEC who even deserve to be mentioned with the Big Ten.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 10, 2007, 8:55 pm

Size doesn't equal exuberance!

I'm a Michigan student and just got back from the game.

I know you think we're all douchbags that always expect to win here at Michigan, but really there aren't many students that care about football anymore and our numbers decrease every year. The rest, the students and alumni that buy tickets and sit on their hands at games, are the reason Michigan football sucks. They don't call it "The Library" instead of "The Big House" for nothing. The mentality of observing games rather than being a part of them is rampant here and the team picks up on it. I know it's not the whole reason we lost that game, but it sure didn't help.

Congratulations to Appalachian State, I'm going to get drunk.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 10, 2007, 9:01 pm

I don't even go to UM and can call complete bullshit on that. Some fag from there got pissed after a loss and rags on the team. That's hardly a statement of fact.

Oh, 3 out of 5 of the most attended stadiums belong to the big ten (UM, OSU, PSU) with the other 2 going to the SEC.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » September 10, 2007, 9:11 pm

Winnow wrote:Size doesn't equal exuberance!

I request you to pause for a moment to consider the connection between exuberance and winning. And the connection between exuberance and not losing horribly.

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » September 10, 2007, 9:41 pm

I never said UM didn't own PSU. I'll fully agree with you good sir!

Although you were in highschool when PSU was able to beat UM.

10/15/1994 @ #5 Michigan #3 Michigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MI W 31-24
11/18/1995 #12 Michigan #19 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA W 27-17
11/16/1996 @ #16 Michigan #11 Michigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MI W 29-17

Other than that, we've lost 9 to UM. At least we can beat our AA cupcakes and Ohio State. Along with outside the shitty years we've had,since 1993 our record in bowl games is 8-3, compared to UM's 8-7 with 4 bowl losses in a row. I think only ND is on par with that great record. I'm glad Penn State has lost to Big Ten teams, and not suck the cock vs outside Big10.

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 10, 2007, 11:18 pm

Raistin wrote: Besides, the " How do you make Notre Dame cookies? Easy, Put them in a Bowl and beat them for 4 hours" can also apply to UM also. Now if only Ohio would do the same, then I will feel oh so much better about the shit talk everyone lashed out at PSU. It sucks, but better you than me!

How many batteries does it take to shock a wolverine?

1 AA

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » September 10, 2007, 11:36 pm

This website is great for all College Football needs!

http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/

Post by **Sylvus** » September 10, 2007, 11:52 pm

Sabek wrote:How many batteries does it take to shock a wolverine?

1 AA

That's a quality joke. It'd be funny if it weren't too soon.

As far as the complaints people have about the Big House, I think a lot of it is in the design. I don't know how many of you have been to it, but it's not a very imposing structure from the outside. Very little of it rises above ground level, it was built deep down into the ground, and I think the lack of enclosure makes it seem quieter than it actually is. However, I've been on the field for a number of games and it's still pretty fucking loud down there.

Here's an example of how it looks.

Compare that with Beaver Stadium

Or Ohio Stadium

And I think that's why people feel like it should be louder, since it holds more people than anywhere else. Sure, there are a lot of old people that go to the games, but that's more a function of the history and tradition coupled with the difficulty in getting season tickets and their price, than it is apathy on the part of younger fans. To even get on the list to buy season tickets, you have to donate a certain amount of money each year, and then wait several years. All the while donating every year. Plus there's a seat license fee... I buy my tickets off my friend's dad, and they were almost $600 a seat this year for 8 games, in one of the end zones in the 40th row.

There's a plan to add luxury boxes - with construction starting after this season - that many traditionalists are opposed to, but I think that will have a noticeable impact on how loud the stadium feels.

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 11, 2007, 9:43 am

I have always heard the Big House is an imposing place to play.

My grandfather, who is an old school Michigan hater on the level of Woody, speaks almost reverently about the atmosphere in the Big House.

Homercles · Post by **Homercles** » September 11, 2007, 2:42 pm

Umm...has Michigan won a game since Bo died? Is this the curse of Bo we're seeing?

On the flip side, Pac Ten went 6-0 on Saturday. ASU is ranked in the top 11 in 6 offensive categories while having allowed only one offensive touchdown this season so far. ASU isn't even ranked, but there are plenty of Pac Ten teams in the top 25 and Washington will give OSU a solid game next Saturday.

sure. 6-0 on Saturday. But lets not forget the Thursday night beatdown the PacTen received via U Cincinnati.
All this talk of the Pac Ten and Big Ten. Blah blah blah. The real conference this year is the Big East.

1-0 vs ACC
1-0 vs SEC
1-1 vs Pac Ten (syracuse)
0-1 vs Big Ten (syracuse)
11-0 vs scrubs that Michigan couldnt even beat

Connecticut 2-0
South Florida 2-0
Louisville 2-0
Rutgers 2-0
Pittsburgh 2-0
West Virginia 2-0
Cincinnati 2-0
Syracuse 0-2

btw, Syracuse will go 0-12 this year. Theyre beyond bad. Theyre Michigan bad.

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » September 11, 2007, 4:39 pm

I would agree that after a few years of hearing the talks of "should the BigEast even get a BCS birth", the schools have turned the image around to show that it does indeed deserve an automatic.

But consistency is the key to conference greatness.

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » September 11, 2007, 5:36 pm

Ever since I saw USF come up from 1AA, I jumped on their band wagon. I loved UCF, but I think they just have this cloud of " We can't win a big game vs. a Big School" and can't get over it.

USF has the 3rd largest college in Florida, UCF is first. Bet you didn't know that!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 11, 2007, 5:50 pm

I wonder why someone felt the need to photoshop the empty seats in that Penn State stadium picture during a pre game warm up shot. You'd expect empty seats during that time frame.

I'm not a big fan of the old style huge bowl stadiums. They remind me of old movie theaters where people's heads would get in he way of your view. Besides that, you sit way back from the action compared to being higher up, but closer to the field (if you're stuck being in a non prime seat)

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 11, 2007, 7:36 pm

The 2007 Irish have not scored an offensive touchdown, even though Weis told his players his first season they would have a "decided schematic advantage" in every game. Some advantage: They've scored 13 points on the season -- fewest through the first two games of the year since 1942. They're last in the nation in rushing offense and total offense.

Man...what's the spread for the Michigan/Notre Dame game?

Michigan's going up against a team ranked last in rushing offense and total offense in the nation. You've got to think UM can win this one.

Other games to keep an eye on this week:

#10 Ohio State at (unranked) Washington

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

Sabek · Post by **Sabek** » September 11, 2007, 7:50 pm

Winnow wrote: #10 Ohio State at (unranked) Washington

This one makes me nervous given the offensive struggles the buckeyes have had, and how well the Washington has played.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 11, 2007, 8:47 pm

I don't see Nebraska being able to hang with USC. They just seem to have squeaked by so far. Then again, this season is so fucked up with who leads who in what quarter, that anything could happen!

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » September 11, 2007, 11:24 pm

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 11, 2007, 11:30 pm

Sabek wrote:
Winnow wrote: #10 Ohio State at (unranked) Washington
This one makes me nervous given the offensive struggles the buckeyes have had, and how well the Washington has played.

Initially I was really worried about this game (see post above). However, I really think our defense will carry us through this like the Chicago Bears. We are number 1 across the board in defense (yeah yeah, shitty teams and only week 2, but still) and I think Beanie and Brandon Saine (who is fucking nasty as a true freshman) will finally show up to play. This will sort of be a vindication game for our offense and our defense is just too nasty to let this team run wild on us.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » September 12, 2007, 12:37 am

Boogahz wrote:I don't see Nebraska being able to hang with USC. They just seem to have squeaked by so far. Then again, this season is so fucked up with who leads who in what quarter, that anything could happen!

Just squeaked by? Granted, the Wake Forest game was a close one, but we blew out our opener 52-10 against an opponent that competed in a bowl game last year (L21-20 vs. Miami_FL). Playing in a bowl game last year is not impressive in and of itself considering the number of bowl games these days, but we certainly didn't struggle or lose to an even crappier non-bowl team (or a good 1AA team). USC looked pretty lackluster against a worse team (Idaho, 4-8 in '06) in their opener. We played a decent Wake Forest team (they have a ton of returning starters from their ACC championship team last year) in their stadium for our second game of the year.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying NU is going to win on Saturday, but I'm not saying they won't. USC is a good team (a better overall team than NU), but NU isn't just going to roll over in Memorial Stadium. If things go right, they'll have a chance at this game. Nebraska has a lot of good players, and the defensive drop-off doesn't seem to be as severe as expected after graduating the entire starting defensive line. Overall, I think they're a better team than many are giving them credit for being. I'm biased, of course, but I try to be objective about this.

I do think Washington is going to take down OSU this weekend, though.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 12, 2007, 10:50 am

I think that Wake Forest game is what I am judging them by. They just did not seem to be ready for the season to start. Yes, I know it is still early in the season, and I want them to beat USC. I just don't see that they have shown the dominance that they brought on the field in the past which I think will be necessary to win against USC (unless a freak September snowstorm hits). I would have said the same thing about LSU after their first game. Sure, it was a shut-out, but they did almost everything on the defensive side of the ball. They proved that they deserved their ranking (although I would put them above USC) last week again Va Tech. I will always root for a Big 12 team in non-conference games (unless they are playing West Virginia) as it only makes the conference stronger when they win them.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » September 16, 2007, 2:26 am

Nevermind

I guess I'll just take comfort in the fact that it wasn't Mississippi State that embarrassed us at home.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 16, 2007, 2:57 am

I watched OSU @ Washington and USC @ Nebraska.

USC looks head and shoulders above all of the other three. It's hard to judge Nebraska against them. From what I saw, Nebraska would have beaten OSU. I haven't seen LSU yet but Florida and USC appear to be on cruise control heading to the National Title game.

Washington's freshman QB Locker looks like the real deal.

The second half of the OSU/Washington game showed OSU is well coached. I don't see them ever losing to a 1-AA team or being blown out, even if they had worse talent than Michigan currently has.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 16, 2007, 10:35 am

Xatrei wrote:Nevermind

I guess I'll just take comfort in the fact that it wasn't Mississippi State that embarrassed us at home.

20º cooler and it might have been a win