This was no doubt a frustrating night for UK Football Fan. First off, it was crazy cold outside, which made standing up and going nuts in the stands almost impossible. We brought the kids, and I resorted to sitting my son on my lap to try to stay warm. So basically, I was planted to my chair.
I could not have been more wrong about how the game developed. In the beginning, Clemson looked like the team that didn't come to play. We had chances to really take control, and outside of the opening drive, didn't capitalize. Then Clemson started to assert its running game, and the UK offense became one dimensional and just kind of imploded. I don't understand why Mike Hartline did not play. I cannot imagine a situation that would have called for it more.
The saddest moment was Trevard Lindley falling down and looking up to watch a Clemson receiver haul in a touchdown pass. I've never seen a player's career fall apart like this, and I felt horrible for him.
I also understand Micah went down with a minute or so left. I must have missed it. A shame for him, and I hope it isn't serious.
In any event, I had a great weekend and am already looking forward to next season. We'll talk more in the coming days, as Brooks is reportedly "80% sure" he isn't coming back and will apparently decide in the next week.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
I'm in Nashville
The UK Football Fan household is now basking in the afterglow of Christmas. I am waiting for my son to get off the Wii so I can get back to playing DJ Hero. Since he isn't going to do so voluntarily for some time, now is a good time for a blog post. Or not. I actually started this post on Christmas afternoon, aborted mission, and am now finishing up from the Opryland Hotel. I cannot tell if this is where the team is staying. I've seen Mitch Barnhart and Sam Maxwell, but neither are suiting up tomorrow, so who knows.
In any event, we are here. Hopefully we'll meet up with some Cats fans and have a nice day checking the place out with the kids. Tomorrow we'll get up leisurely, check out, and head for downtown. There we'll meet up with several friends and try to find a spot to warm up before the game. They are all big Bengals fans, so we'll be getting in front of a TV for that. The 7:30 start will make for an interesting dynamic. We will freeze out butts off, the game is going to end late, and I have to guard against the often fatal "too early start" on the day's festivities.
Bringing the kids means, among other things, that we'll be heading back to the hotel right after the game. Win, lose or draw, they'll be no repeat of 2008's Memphis shenanigans. Getting old stinks.
Anyway, we are off to a good start on our big weekend. If you are down here hit me up.
In any event, we are here. Hopefully we'll meet up with some Cats fans and have a nice day checking the place out with the kids. Tomorrow we'll get up leisurely, check out, and head for downtown. There we'll meet up with several friends and try to find a spot to warm up before the game. They are all big Bengals fans, so we'll be getting in front of a TV for that. The 7:30 start will make for an interesting dynamic. We will freeze out butts off, the game is going to end late, and I have to guard against the often fatal "too early start" on the day's festivities.
Bringing the kids means, among other things, that we'll be heading back to the hotel right after the game. Win, lose or draw, they'll be no repeat of 2008's Memphis shenanigans. Getting old stinks.
Anyway, we are off to a good start on our big weekend. If you are down here hit me up.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
2010 Signs
With the MCB coming so soon after Christmas, I am starting to see this UK Football Fan year getting away from me. Before I do a game preview, lets focus a little bit on next season. Last year I believe I did a lot in terms of a season preview prior to the bowl. I don't want to do that this year because I think the bowl might tell us a lot about next season. Instead, lets focus on what some of those things might be.
I start with the premise that 2010 might be a rough year, especially with Derrick Locke out of the mix. The most proven part of our offense could be our wide receiver corps. Think about that for a minute. Okay. UK will go with four new starters on the offensive line, a heretofore unused tight end of some variety, and a quarterback who will emerge from what will likely be a war of attrition.
The Defense will have some talented players back, but a number of holes to fill.
In fact, lets start there. Sam Maxwell's injury means that Junior Jacob Dufrene will get the nod at Strongside Linebacker in the Music City Bowl. Dufrene has been seen almost exclusively on special teams in his career, but is the front runner to play in that spot in 2010. This is a big opportunity for him.
It appears Paul Warford and Randall Burden will have the inside track to start at corner in 2010. Burden in particular had some big plays this year, but in my opinion, really struggled at times. Warford was hurt some this season and had a rather quiet year. Randall's coming out party was in last season's Liberty Bowl. It would be nice to see some similar magic from one of these guys to help us gain some confidence.
Over to offense, obviously the big story should be whether Mike Hartline will play, if so how much and how effectively. Based on everything I've observed, the race for the starting quarterback in 2010 is wide open. Hartline was having a great game when he got hurt but had certainly not set the world on fire leading up to it. Already struggling with confidence, Mike basically imploded against Alabama and left Brooks and Co. saying, "he aint much but he's all we got. Newton of course did what he was asked and managed to win some games, though it is questionable how much of a role he really played. I admit I was a tad disappointed in his running ability, and obviously his touch on downfiled passes will need to improve. I personally would be very relieved to see Mike Hartline come into this game, play well, and reestablish himself as the starting quarterback. No matter what happens, I'd expect a battle in the spring. And given what has transpired this year, I expect it will be a three horse race.
Assuming Locke is gone, UK will be looking for a tailback in 2010. Moncell Allen is at the top of the depth chart, and has certainly paid his dues. More importantly, the Turtle has run well when given the opportunity. Despite this, I don't see him getting more than 100 carries next year as the staff doesn't see him as a every down back. He is an unusual size and shape, and lacks the top end speed of an SEC tailback. If I were Brooks, I'd be looking to get Donald Russell or Coshik Williams a couple of meaningful carries on Sunday.
We'll talk a little more as it gets closer. Merry Christmas.
I start with the premise that 2010 might be a rough year, especially with Derrick Locke out of the mix. The most proven part of our offense could be our wide receiver corps. Think about that for a minute. Okay. UK will go with four new starters on the offensive line, a heretofore unused tight end of some variety, and a quarterback who will emerge from what will likely be a war of attrition.
The Defense will have some talented players back, but a number of holes to fill.
In fact, lets start there. Sam Maxwell's injury means that Junior Jacob Dufrene will get the nod at Strongside Linebacker in the Music City Bowl. Dufrene has been seen almost exclusively on special teams in his career, but is the front runner to play in that spot in 2010. This is a big opportunity for him.
It appears Paul Warford and Randall Burden will have the inside track to start at corner in 2010. Burden in particular had some big plays this year, but in my opinion, really struggled at times. Warford was hurt some this season and had a rather quiet year. Randall's coming out party was in last season's Liberty Bowl. It would be nice to see some similar magic from one of these guys to help us gain some confidence.
Over to offense, obviously the big story should be whether Mike Hartline will play, if so how much and how effectively. Based on everything I've observed, the race for the starting quarterback in 2010 is wide open. Hartline was having a great game when he got hurt but had certainly not set the world on fire leading up to it. Already struggling with confidence, Mike basically imploded against Alabama and left Brooks and Co. saying, "he aint much but he's all we got. Newton of course did what he was asked and managed to win some games, though it is questionable how much of a role he really played. I admit I was a tad disappointed in his running ability, and obviously his touch on downfiled passes will need to improve. I personally would be very relieved to see Mike Hartline come into this game, play well, and reestablish himself as the starting quarterback. No matter what happens, I'd expect a battle in the spring. And given what has transpired this year, I expect it will be a three horse race.
Assuming Locke is gone, UK will be looking for a tailback in 2010. Moncell Allen is at the top of the depth chart, and has certainly paid his dues. More importantly, the Turtle has run well when given the opportunity. Despite this, I don't see him getting more than 100 carries next year as the staff doesn't see him as a every down back. He is an unusual size and shape, and lacks the top end speed of an SEC tailback. If I were Brooks, I'd be looking to get Donald Russell or Coshik Williams a couple of meaningful carries on Sunday.
We'll talk a little more as it gets closer. Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Lazy Saturday Post
Obviously, a better blogger would figure out things to write about the UK Football team in December. Usually, when the posts get sparse, I blame work or something external. Right now, the truth is, there is little to say. As the MCB is eight days away, I'll go ahead and set up some angles for the game.
1. It may be Derrick Locke's last as a Cat. From looking at interviews and following conventional wisdom, it appears Locke is likely to turn pro after the season. This is an unusual move for someone who may very well be drafted. But is it the right move? The reasons why Locke might throw caution to the wind and go out are varied. He is a responsible father who wants to provide for his child. His body has taken a beating in the SEC, and he is one more awkward tackle away from being unmarketable. UK is graduating nearly all of its offensive line, so a breakout ALL-SEC senior year is less that assured. Finally, he admits that watching Micah and Trevard slide down draft boards after deciding to come back has weighed on him.
Of course, there are as many reasons to come back. Setting aside the "be true to your school" mantra, Locke is not seen as a sure fire NFL player. He may be drafted in a late round, he may end up as a free agent pickup. It would seem that a good senior season could improve his stock. Another year as a feature back might convince the NFL he could be an every down player. Given that he isn't seen as a certain pick, coming back couldn't possibly hurt. Locke's situation is nothing like Lindley's or even Johnson's. He is projected as a final round pick at best. Why give up your senior year in college for something that isn't a sure thing.
Here is an important question I don't know the answer to. Is Locke of course to get a degree in May 2011? See, this isn't basketball. There aren't the same opportunities to play overseas and in minor leagues. Those playing pro football outside the NFL would probably better off financially getting a white collar job somewhere. So it would make sense to play football for free for one more year in exchange for a diploma unless he was 100% sure he'd be on a roster next year. Unless, of course, he hasn't already made sufficient progress and it isn't an option. I don't know. I wish Derrick the best, and truly hope he makes the best decision for him. If he leaves, the Cats are dealt a crushing blow.
2. Randall Cobb plays to a national audience. Next Sunday is an NFL day, but the Music City Bowl is the only college game of the day. The primetime slot on the East Coast ensures that many casual fans will be tuned in. This is Randall Cobb's chance to showcase his talent to the nation. For some reason, I think he is going to rise to the occasion. While he might not outshine C.J. Spiller, a dual between these two uber talent players will be fun to watch.
3. Trevard. The 2006 Music City Bowl was a coming out party of sorts for Treard Lindley. His spectacular end zone interception was the first of many big plays he made for Kentucky over the first three years of his career. After a pick six against Miami (OH) in the season's opening game of 2009, the big plays quit coming. Lindley came back from injury too soon, and he was less than himself for the rest of the year, basically just another player on the field. He may have cost himself hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. I would love to see a healed up Lindley have a big game, show scouts he is the same guy he was in 2008, and make one last memory for himself and his fans.
4. Me tempting the bowl karma monster by taking the kids. This probably deserves its own post.
5. Quarterbacks. The topic of who will be the starter in 2009 is for a different time, but I'd like to see both Newton and Hartline play in this game. I am not sure that Hartline is practicing at this point. He tried to go on Monday and had swelling in the knee. UK practiced last night and will again today at 11. I cannot get word on whether he participated. Sign of the times: I tried to figure this out just now and looked on Twitter before checking any other site.
6. Which Clemson team shows up? The ACC North champ that nearly beat Georgia Tech to go to a BCS Bowl, or the guys who spit the bit against a reeling South Carolina team two games ago.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday Reset
After another episode of the John Wall show I am sitting here watching Army-Navy. I am cheering for the Midshipmen since an Army win would knock UCLA out of the Eaglebank Bowl in DC. In any event, there have been some developments over the past week, particularly on the recruiting front.
A note first about the new wrinkle that Twitter adds site. I resisted Twitter for a long time. My assessment was that unless you were someone a great mass of people wanted to hear from, Twitter added nothing to Facebook use. Twitter does allow you to follow whoever you want, and the relationship doesn't need to be reciprocal. That is important. Randall Cobb doesn't want to read what I have to say. Anyway, I use twitter almost exclusively for following sports. Here are the people I follow: sportswriters, UK athletes, a friend who happens to be running for the US Senate and the hilarious "Shitmydadsays". That's it. I have recently started posting on Twitter (I refuse to call it what they do) only because of a gadget that allows the posts to appear on this site. This way, I might impart some news and thoughts that don't merit a full post. I do have exactly one Twitter follower, an Auburn Football blog. Why, I don't know. Anyway, if you are on Twitter you can become a follower (not that I expect anyone to), or just feel free to check the posts out over there on the right.
On a related note, at least 2 UK players hit the town last night before this morning's practice. One professed to have a pretty good time.
Anyway to UK football.
1. Derrick Locke seems intent on testing the NFL waters. It started with a Facebook post after the disappointing loss to Tennessee "Should I stay or should I go". Frankly, I thought he was just letting off steam. The idea that he might leave school early never occurred to me. Locke has apparently submitted paperwork to the NFL to help assess his draft position. We know from last year that this doesn't mean much. I cannot foresee a scenario under which Locke doesn't return. He is a good back who would probably put up an eye popping 4o time in the combine. That said, at 5'9", 190 he is far from ideal size for an NFL tailback. Locke's future in the league is probably as a kick returner, speedy coverage guy and sometimes third down back. His only chance of being seen as something more is to come back and carry the ball 225 times while maintaining his health. Other than the possibility of career threatening injury, he risks little by returning. As it is, he is a late round pick at best. I'm all for Derrick doing what is best for him, I just think it would be a mistake.
2. If Locke does leave, would the staff consider moving Randall Cobb to tailback? The knocks are that he doesn't have enough size to take the punishment, and that he lacks the top end speed. I think it would work. Ole Miss made the move this with 5-8, 165lb Dexter McCluster in the middle of his career. They decided that getting the ball in their best player's hands as much as possible trumped other concerns. He had an All-SEC season.
3. This week brought a lot of great news on the recruiting front. I generally don't talk about recruiting because I don't keep up with preps any more and wouldn't have a clue what I was talking about. But right now there ain't much else to say, so here goes. Earlier this week we signed the first 4-star guy in the 2010, CB Anterio Sloan, a sub 4.5 guy from Arkansas. Yesterday came news of UK's first commit for the 2011, Jon Davis from my mom's alma mater, Louisville Eastern. Davis goes 6'3", 233 and is listed as an athlete. He played tight end this year, which has me wondering if he can catch a ball and if he'd like to come play football in Nashville on December 27th.
4. It looks like Clemson is not going to use its allotment of tickets, which as I pointed out earlier in the week isn't surprising. This is good news for me, as for all of my planning, I went braindead when I got on Ticketmaster and bought seats on the Clemson sideline. On the other hand, it end up making me mad because several people who waited longer than I did to get tickets are going to get better seats. I got screwed raw on this at the Liberty Bowl last year. Oh well.
5. For anyone interested, a quick rundown of my bowl game plans. This trip is going to be different from years past since we are bringing the kids. We'll head down the day after Christmas for a night at the Opryland. I've never stayed there, and it might make the trip more palatable for my daughter, who could give a crap about football. Sunday we'll move down to the Hermitage downtown and get checked in around 3. I have a parking pass, but the decision whether to tailgate or hit the bar/restaurant scene prior to the game will likely be made by the weather. If you are out having fun after midnight that night, you'll have to tell us all about it.
A note first about the new wrinkle that Twitter adds site. I resisted Twitter for a long time. My assessment was that unless you were someone a great mass of people wanted to hear from, Twitter added nothing to Facebook use. Twitter does allow you to follow whoever you want, and the relationship doesn't need to be reciprocal. That is important. Randall Cobb doesn't want to read what I have to say. Anyway, I use twitter almost exclusively for following sports. Here are the people I follow: sportswriters, UK athletes, a friend who happens to be running for the US Senate and the hilarious "Shitmydadsays". That's it. I have recently started posting on Twitter (I refuse to call it what they do) only because of a gadget that allows the posts to appear on this site. This way, I might impart some news and thoughts that don't merit a full post. I do have exactly one Twitter follower, an Auburn Football blog. Why, I don't know. Anyway, if you are on Twitter you can become a follower (not that I expect anyone to), or just feel free to check the posts out over there on the right.
On a related note, at least 2 UK players hit the town last night before this morning's practice. One professed to have a pretty good time.
Anyway to UK football.
1. Derrick Locke seems intent on testing the NFL waters. It started with a Facebook post after the disappointing loss to Tennessee "Should I stay or should I go". Frankly, I thought he was just letting off steam. The idea that he might leave school early never occurred to me. Locke has apparently submitted paperwork to the NFL to help assess his draft position. We know from last year that this doesn't mean much. I cannot foresee a scenario under which Locke doesn't return. He is a good back who would probably put up an eye popping 4o time in the combine. That said, at 5'9", 190 he is far from ideal size for an NFL tailback. Locke's future in the league is probably as a kick returner, speedy coverage guy and sometimes third down back. His only chance of being seen as something more is to come back and carry the ball 225 times while maintaining his health. Other than the possibility of career threatening injury, he risks little by returning. As it is, he is a late round pick at best. I'm all for Derrick doing what is best for him, I just think it would be a mistake.
2. If Locke does leave, would the staff consider moving Randall Cobb to tailback? The knocks are that he doesn't have enough size to take the punishment, and that he lacks the top end speed. I think it would work. Ole Miss made the move this with 5-8, 165lb Dexter McCluster in the middle of his career. They decided that getting the ball in their best player's hands as much as possible trumped other concerns. He had an All-SEC season.
3. This week brought a lot of great news on the recruiting front. I generally don't talk about recruiting because I don't keep up with preps any more and wouldn't have a clue what I was talking about. But right now there ain't much else to say, so here goes. Earlier this week we signed the first 4-star guy in the 2010, CB Anterio Sloan, a sub 4.5 guy from Arkansas. Yesterday came news of UK's first commit for the 2011, Jon Davis from my mom's alma mater, Louisville Eastern. Davis goes 6'3", 233 and is listed as an athlete. He played tight end this year, which has me wondering if he can catch a ball and if he'd like to come play football in Nashville on December 27th.
4. It looks like Clemson is not going to use its allotment of tickets, which as I pointed out earlier in the week isn't surprising. This is good news for me, as for all of my planning, I went braindead when I got on Ticketmaster and bought seats on the Clemson sideline. On the other hand, it end up making me mad because several people who waited longer than I did to get tickets are going to get better seats. I got screwed raw on this at the Liberty Bowl last year. Oh well.
5. For anyone interested, a quick rundown of my bowl game plans. This trip is going to be different from years past since we are bringing the kids. We'll head down the day after Christmas for a night at the Opryland. I've never stayed there, and it might make the trip more palatable for my daughter, who could give a crap about football. Sunday we'll move down to the Hermitage downtown and get checked in around 3. I have a parking pass, but the decision whether to tailgate or hit the bar/restaurant scene prior to the game will likely be made by the weather. If you are out having fun after midnight that night, you'll have to tell us all about it.
Monday, December 7, 2009
MCB 2009
A surprise win over the Georgia Bulldogs helps provide Kentucky with a better than expected 7-5 record and a trip to the Music City Bowl to take on the favorite Clemson Tigers. In 2006, our fanbase and team were ecstatic. Clearly more satisfied to be in Nashville than their counterparts, the Cats came to play. The fans showed up in droves and celebrated the team's first bowl trip in 8 years. The result, a not as close as it sounds 28-20 victory.
In 2009, the Cats are in the exact same position, but not really. With the exception of the fifth-year Seniors, no Wildcat has played on a Kentucky team that didn't go to a bowl. It is old hat. We are headed to our third Music City Bowl in four years. The bloom is off the rose a little bit. Like in 2007, many Cats fans are fresh off a trip to Nashville to see us play Vandy. On his criminally under appreciated Demolition album, Ryan Adams sang "Tennessee sucks in the summer". Cats fans who cancelled reservations in Tampa today might not be blamed for thinking it will suck on December 27th as well.
Lets face it, there is some pretty big letdown potential here. After losing the chance to play in Tampa in an overtime game against a hated rival, one wonders what this UK team will have in the tank. The game is far from a sellout, and I don't think UK will bring the contingent it did in 2006 and 2007. Many friends who made the trip before are staying home. Here are some reasons, though, why people should keep the faith, and why the team would be wise to focus.
1. We are underdogs, yes. But if any team could be less happy about being in the Music City Bowl, its Clemson. Five points from playing in the Orange , the Tigers instead took a Bobby Bowden induced dry dive down the ACC pecking order and wound up in this game. They got jobbed, plain and simple. Clemson is ripe for plucking.
2. CJ Spiller. The Cats let the likes of Monterio Hardesty and Anthony Dixon run ragged on them. In the MCB they will play against an even better back. I'm not sure I'd trade Spiller straight up for Mark Ingram. Holding him down would be a tremendous accomplishment for our front seven. Micah Johnson was snubbed by the AP today in All-SEC voting. It would be nice to see him end with a dominant performance.
3. Mike Hartline. Regardless of how Brooks handles the situation, it would be nice to see Mike get to be part of a victory. Next year's quarterback "battle" is going to be an interesting sub-plot in the off season. More on that another time.
4. Winning four bowl games in a row is a very difficult feat. The list of SEC teams that has been to and won bowls the last three years: Georgia, LSU, Kentucky. That is crazy good company. In addition, this is the only positive streak UK can claim to be a part of. Lets keep it going.
5. Nashville is a very nice safety valve for UK come bowl time. How many bowls would pick Kentucky over Georgia? If we throw in a clunker attendancewise, that might disappear.
Of course, one thing would certainly re-energize the Cats and their fans and get everyone pumped for the game: Rich Brooks announcing that it will be his last. Something tells me, however, that this isn't Brooks' way. Even if he decides to hang it up, he may want to take the focus off himself and not do so until after the game. That would be a mistake, in my opinion. We'll see how it goes.
In 2009, the Cats are in the exact same position, but not really. With the exception of the fifth-year Seniors, no Wildcat has played on a Kentucky team that didn't go to a bowl. It is old hat. We are headed to our third Music City Bowl in four years. The bloom is off the rose a little bit. Like in 2007, many Cats fans are fresh off a trip to Nashville to see us play Vandy. On his criminally under appreciated Demolition album, Ryan Adams sang "Tennessee sucks in the summer". Cats fans who cancelled reservations in Tampa today might not be blamed for thinking it will suck on December 27th as well.
Lets face it, there is some pretty big letdown potential here. After losing the chance to play in Tampa in an overtime game against a hated rival, one wonders what this UK team will have in the tank. The game is far from a sellout, and I don't think UK will bring the contingent it did in 2006 and 2007. Many friends who made the trip before are staying home. Here are some reasons, though, why people should keep the faith, and why the team would be wise to focus.
1. We are underdogs, yes. But if any team could be less happy about being in the Music City Bowl, its Clemson. Five points from playing in the Orange , the Tigers instead took a Bobby Bowden induced dry dive down the ACC pecking order and wound up in this game. They got jobbed, plain and simple. Clemson is ripe for plucking.
2. CJ Spiller. The Cats let the likes of Monterio Hardesty and Anthony Dixon run ragged on them. In the MCB they will play against an even better back. I'm not sure I'd trade Spiller straight up for Mark Ingram. Holding him down would be a tremendous accomplishment for our front seven. Micah Johnson was snubbed by the AP today in All-SEC voting. It would be nice to see him end with a dominant performance.
3. Mike Hartline. Regardless of how Brooks handles the situation, it would be nice to see Mike get to be part of a victory. Next year's quarterback "battle" is going to be an interesting sub-plot in the off season. More on that another time.
4. Winning four bowl games in a row is a very difficult feat. The list of SEC teams that has been to and won bowls the last three years: Georgia, LSU, Kentucky. That is crazy good company. In addition, this is the only positive streak UK can claim to be a part of. Lets keep it going.
5. Nashville is a very nice safety valve for UK come bowl time. How many bowls would pick Kentucky over Georgia? If we throw in a clunker attendancewise, that might disappear.
Of course, one thing would certainly re-energize the Cats and their fans and get everyone pumped for the game: Rich Brooks announcing that it will be his last. Something tells me, however, that this isn't Brooks' way. Even if he decides to hang it up, he may want to take the focus off himself and not do so until after the game. That would be a mistake, in my opinion. We'll see how it goes.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Plus One Bowls
Just to finish the thought about my plan for a plus one college football playoff, here is what the bowl pairings would look like given the final BCS standing. The important part, of course, is that the winners of the Sugar and Fiesta would play the following week for the National Championship. The whole thing would be awesome.
Sugar
Alabama v. TCU
Fiesta
Texas v. Cincinnati
Orange
Georgia Tech v. Florida
Rose
Oregon v. Ohio State
Gator
Iowa v. Boise St.
Sugar
Alabama v. TCU
Fiesta
Texas v. Cincinnati
Orange
Georgia Tech v. Florida
Rose
Oregon v. Ohio State
Gator
Iowa v. Boise St.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Proposed "Plus One" BCS Playoff
With our bowl news decided, little else of UK Football note happening, and me announcing my potentially life changing decision to leave my large law firm to join the up and coming young firm http://www.millerwells.com there isn't much need or time for a new column this week. I want to dust off this idea I came up with last December, a plausible, make everyone happy "plus one" college football playoff system. The details relating to all the possible contingencies are clunky, but the plan boils down to allowing two BCS bowls to serve as national semi-finals, then playing a championship game the following week. It changes almost nothing about the current bowl system, and would get us much closer to a true national champion.
From December 2008:
The BCS keeps the Rose, Fiesta, Orange and Sugar and adds the Gator as a fifth bowl. These bowls are to be played on January 1 or 2. At the end of the regular season, the BCS rankings will spit out the four best teams. From there, the teams will be placed as follows:
1.The No. 1 team, assuming it is a BCS conference champion, shall play in the bowl designated by its championship. Fiesta= Big 12, Sugar=SEC, Orange=ACC, Rose=Pac-10 and/or Big 10. The Gator was added for this situation. This will become the Big East's champion's designated bowl. If the #1 team is not a BCS conference champion, it is placed as set forth below.
2. The No. 2 team, assuming that it is a BCS conference champion, shall play in the bowl designated by its championship. If not, it is placed as set forth below.
3. The No. 3 team, assuming it is a BCS conference champion, will be placed in the bowl designated by its championship unless both #1 and #2 are BCS conference champions. Assuming both #1 and 2 are BCS conference champions, the No. 3 team will play against the #2 team at the bowl that team is slotted for. If either #1 or 2 is not a BCS conference champion, it will play at #3's conference designated spot. If neither #1 or #2 is a BCS conference champion the Number #3 team shall play the #4. In the unlikely event none of the top 3 teams are BCS conference champions, the top 2 teams will select, in order, which bowl they wish to attend. The #3 team will then be matched against the #2 team.
4. The #4 team will play highest ranked BCS conference champion at that team's designated bowl unless none are BCS conference champions, in which case it will play the #1 team.
5. Notwithstanding 1-4 above, in the event that both the PAC-10 and Big-10 champions are ranked in the top 4, the teams will play in the Rose Bowl unless the National Championship game will be played in Los Angeles. Assuming the National Championship game is slated for Los Angeles, the lower ranked team will be treated as a not having been a conference champion and will be slated accordingly. If these two teams play in the Rose Bowl, the higher ranked of the two remaining teams shall play in the bowl designated by its conference championship against the final remaining team. If the higher ranked team is not a BCS conference champion, but the lower ranked team is, the teams shall play in the bowl designated by the lower ranked team's championship. In the event neither team is a conference champion, the bowl of the team with the higher ranking will host the game.
6. The other BCS games will be populated by champions from the other BCS conferences and wildcard teams in accordance with the current BCS system.
7. With the exception of the Gator Bowl, all other bowls remained unchanged.
8. The winners of the two games between the nation's top four teams play in a National Championship game approximately one week after the Jan 1 & 2 games. The game will rotate between BCS venues, as it does now.
One thorny issue. Does the Gator get added to the rotation?
This plan is the best anyone is going to come up with. It leaves the current situation virtually untouched while getting us a lot closer to a true national champion. The value of being a conference champion, which seems so important to the BCS, is left intact. The Rose Bowl gets thrown a bone. It doesn't cheapen the other BCS bowls any worse than they've been cheapened. Most of all, it puts some pressure on the various BCS conferences to put a good product on the field. As long as this ACC proves incapable of producing a championship contender, the Orange is not going to host a national semifinal. This is the way it should be. I cannot imagine a coherent argument against this system from either a realist's (which is to say fiscal), academic (no change other than for the two teams that would play twice) or competitive standpoint.
From December 2008:
The BCS keeps the Rose, Fiesta, Orange and Sugar and adds the Gator as a fifth bowl. These bowls are to be played on January 1 or 2. At the end of the regular season, the BCS rankings will spit out the four best teams. From there, the teams will be placed as follows:
1.The No. 1 team, assuming it is a BCS conference champion, shall play in the bowl designated by its championship. Fiesta= Big 12, Sugar=SEC, Orange=ACC, Rose=Pac-10 and/or Big 10. The Gator was added for this situation. This will become the Big East's champion's designated bowl. If the #1 team is not a BCS conference champion, it is placed as set forth below.
2. The No. 2 team, assuming that it is a BCS conference champion, shall play in the bowl designated by its championship. If not, it is placed as set forth below.
3. The No. 3 team, assuming it is a BCS conference champion, will be placed in the bowl designated by its championship unless both #1 and #2 are BCS conference champions. Assuming both #1 and 2 are BCS conference champions, the No. 3 team will play against the #2 team at the bowl that team is slotted for. If either #1 or 2 is not a BCS conference champion, it will play at #3's conference designated spot. If neither #1 or #2 is a BCS conference champion the Number #3 team shall play the #4. In the unlikely event none of the top 3 teams are BCS conference champions, the top 2 teams will select, in order, which bowl they wish to attend. The #3 team will then be matched against the #2 team.
4. The #4 team will play highest ranked BCS conference champion at that team's designated bowl unless none are BCS conference champions, in which case it will play the #1 team.
5. Notwithstanding 1-4 above, in the event that both the PAC-10 and Big-10 champions are ranked in the top 4, the teams will play in the Rose Bowl unless the National Championship game will be played in Los Angeles. Assuming the National Championship game is slated for Los Angeles, the lower ranked team will be treated as a not having been a conference champion and will be slated accordingly. If these two teams play in the Rose Bowl, the higher ranked of the two remaining teams shall play in the bowl designated by its conference championship against the final remaining team. If the higher ranked team is not a BCS conference champion, but the lower ranked team is, the teams shall play in the bowl designated by the lower ranked team's championship. In the event neither team is a conference champion, the bowl of the team with the higher ranking will host the game.
6. The other BCS games will be populated by champions from the other BCS conferences and wildcard teams in accordance with the current BCS system.
7. With the exception of the Gator Bowl, all other bowls remained unchanged.
8. The winners of the two games between the nation's top four teams play in a National Championship game approximately one week after the Jan 1 & 2 games. The game will rotate between BCS venues, as it does now.
One thorny issue. Does the Gator get added to the rotation?
This plan is the best anyone is going to come up with. It leaves the current situation virtually untouched while getting us a lot closer to a true national champion. The value of being a conference champion, which seems so important to the BCS, is left intact. The Rose Bowl gets thrown a bone. It doesn't cheapen the other BCS bowls any worse than they've been cheapened. Most of all, it puts some pressure on the various BCS conferences to put a good product on the field. As long as this ACC proves incapable of producing a championship contender, the Orange is not going to host a national semifinal. This is the way it should be. I cannot imagine a coherent argument against this system from either a realist's (which is to say fiscal), academic (no change other than for the two teams that would play twice) or competitive standpoint.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Bowl News Update
I am not sure why you'd be getting your news here, but if so, it appears that the Music City Bowl is choosing between the Cats and Georgia to play on December 27th. This after a wacky day where the Outback unexpectedly chose Auburn and the Chick-Fil-A then did us a potential favor by picking UT over Georgia.
It has been a lesson in the use of new media. The news has come via tweets, blog and Facebook updates, and it has been fast and furious. We should know our destination soon. If we don't get the MCB call, the conventional wisdom is that we will be snatched next by the Independence Bowl.
It has been a lesson in the use of new media. The news has come via tweets, blog and Facebook updates, and it has been fast and furious. We should know our destination soon. If we don't get the MCB call, the conventional wisdom is that we will be snatched next by the Independence Bowl.
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