The College Football Thread

[Thestral]

The caliber of athlete Auburn is able to recruit, being in SEC territory, is far superior to that of Oregon.

Also, I just don't see how the Ducks will handle Cam, who has proven to be one of the all time greats.

I just don't see Oregon as a legit National Championship contender. I think they've played a weak schedule in a weak conference (they'd probably finish 3rd in the SEC West, and would run a close race with South Carolina in the East}. I also think they're soft - once Auburn hits them a time or two, they'll quit. The game will be over by the 4th quarter, so maybe Oregon will score a time or two on Auburn's 2nd & 3rd strings to make the score respectable.

Comedy gold!

 

[Brit]

Anyone who knows football knows the game is won and lost on the line of scrimmage. Auburn's linemen are 15-20 lbs heavier than their counterparts, and will push them around all night long.

Oh you mean kind of like the way Wisconsin was supposed to beat TCU in the Rose Bowl. We all know how that one turned out.

Brit

 

[JM1776]

I just don't see Oregon as a legit National Championship contender.

Get your eyes checked.

 

[Neroon]

People have been doubting Oregon's defense all season long. Last year, they may have had a point. This year? Well, their offense is obviously potent but their defense has played well in coming up with big plays when they've needed it. It is fast and mobile.

If Auburn ignores it, it will be at their peril.

 

[JM1776]

It's going to be an interesting "irresistible force meets immovable object" challenge: Auburn's come back late time and again. Oregon has shut down most everyone they've played in the second half.

I'll take good over evil, and side with the Ducks.

 

[El Lagarto]

The caliber of athlete Auburn is able to recruit, being in SEC territory, is far superior to that of Oregon.

Also, I just don't see how the Ducks will handle Cam, who has proven to be one of the all time greats.

I just don't see Oregon as a legit National Championship contender. I think they've played a weak schedule in a weak conference (they'd probably finish 3rd in the SEC West, and would run a close race with South Carolina in the East}. I also think they're soft - once Auburn hits them a time or two, they'll quit. The game will be over by the 4th quarter, so maybe Oregon will score a time or two on Auburn's 2nd & 3rd strings to make the score respectable.

Comedy gold!

1. I'm amazed anyone would question this point. In Oregon, football is a hobby in the fall. In the South, it's a way of life. Southern athletes prepare for the season every day of the year, and I expect Auburn's players to outclass Oregon's almost every way possible.

2. Cam has led two schools to two National Championships, never losing a game. He is having perhaps the greatest season stat-wise in history. He goes into the BCSNC as a better passer than the opponent's quarterback, and a better rusher than their running back. If he came back for his senior year, he would take all question from the debate.

3. Last year, Oregon cruised to a conference title because the PAC-10 was weak. They got crushed in the bowl game, when they played their first real team. I fully expect the same to happen this year. They are South Carolina with uglier uniforms and Daffy Duck on the sidelines. A two or three-loss team if they played Auburn's schedule.

 

[Neroon]

I set my sig to "Go Ducks" several weeks ago, right when we found out Mallory had passed beyond the veil. That's not changing, and tomorrow night I'm pulling for the Ducks.

 

[Lieut. Arex]

The caliber of athlete Auburn is able to recruit, being in SEC territory, is far superior to that of Oregon.

1. I'm amazed anyone would question this point. In Oregon, football is a hobby in the fall. In the South, it's a way of life. Southern athletes prepare for the season every day of the year, and I expect Auburn's players to outclass Oregon's almost every way possible.

Of course. No one anywhere else practices or works out in the offseason. That's why Ohio State beat Arkansas, Pitt beat Kentucky, North Carolina beat Tennessee, UCF beat Georgia, and FSU beat South Carolinia in bowls this season. Oh, and the Ducks beat the Vols to within an inch of their life this year as well.

2. Cam has led two schools to two National Championships, never losing a game. He is having perhaps the greatest season stat-wise in history. He goes into the BCSNC as a better passer than the opponent's quarterback, and a better rusher than their running back. If he came back for his senior year, he would take all question from the debate.

Cam's won one championship so far. And if he comes back next year, with a complete turnover on the O-line, his performance will not be the same as this season. Witness Mark Ingram's diminished numbers due to injuries to himself and Alabama's offensive line. No team is the same season to season, especially in college.

3. Last year, Oregon cruised to a conference title because the PAC-10 was weak. They got crushed in the bowl game, when they played their first real team. I fully expect the same to happen this year. They are South Carolina with uglier uniforms and Daffy Duck on the sidelines. A two or three-loss team if they played Auburn's schedule.

Auburn was a cat's whisker away from being a four-loss team this season (Clemson. South Carolina, Kentucky!?!, and Alabama) playing Auburn's schedule. Are you so certain the Ducks wouldn't have benefited from the same combination of effort, opponents' mistakes, and luck which got the Tigers through those close scrapes? Any team needs those breaks and the good fortune to remain largely injury-free to reach and win a championship.

Just let the game play out and enjoy it if the Tigers win.

 

[1001001]

I'm going green in honor of our friend Mallory. I'll keep it through the game Monday.

GO DUCKS!!

 

[Dorian Thompson]

I don't want the cheater to win. Go Ducks.

 

[Lieut. Arex]

So you're going to root for the team with the running back who beat his girlfriend? Who's worse, the alleged cheater or the convicted criminal? Both teams have off-the-field shadows over them, enough so to my mind that neither can claim the moral high ground.

 

[Thestral]

1. I'm amazed anyone would question this point. In Oregon, football is a hobby in the fall. In the South, it's a way of life. Southern athletes prepare for the season every day of the year, and I expect Auburn's players to outclass Oregon's almost every way possible.

Oh I'm well aware of the "way of life" having grown up around it thanks. It's still a laughable argument based on past history.

2. Cam has led two schools to two National Championships, never losing a game. He is having perhaps the greatest season stat-wise in history. He goes into the BCSNC as a better passer than the opponent's quarterback, and a better rusher than their running back. If he came back for his senior year, he would take all question from the debate.

A. I don't consider somebody who was (caught being) paid to come to be an "all time great;" B. really? All Time Great? We'll see in 15 years what people think of that.

... North Carolina beat Tennessee. Oh, and the Ducks beat the Vols to within an inch of their life this year as well.

I'll thank you not to bring either of those up or I might be forced to take his side...

 

[Alidar Jarok]

I set my sig to "Go Ducks" several weeks ago, right when we found out Mallory had passed beyond the veil. That's not changing, and tomorrow night I'm pulling for the Ducks.

Yeah, this one is for Mallory. Just that they've made it is amazing.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

No, I'm not rooting for LaMichael James. I just considered it in extremely poor taste to bring him up since everyone was mentioning how much Mallory liked the Ducks.

Auburn winning will prove bad for college football as a whole, ergo I root against Auburn on this occasion. Have daddy shop you, don't get declared ineligible if you go to the right school. Very bad for the game in the long run if that's rewarded with a national championship. If LaMichael James never has another day's luck, that's good by me. He can go play for the Steelers, Eagles, Jets, or Ravens. He'd fit in well.

 

[Lieut. Arex]

No, I'm not rooting for LaMichael James. I just considered it in extremely poor taste to bring him up since everyone was mentioning how much Mallory liked the Ducks.

The truth's never in poor taste but I certainly meant no disrespect to Mallory as he always struck me as a stand-up guy.

Auburn winning will prove bad for college football as a whole, ergo I root against Auburn on this occasion. Have daddy shop you, don't get declared ineligible if you go to the right school. Very bad for the game in the long run if that's rewarded with a national championship. If LaMichael James never has another day's luck, that's good by me. He can go play for the Steelers, Eagles, Jets, or Ravens. He'd fit in well.

Oh, I don't disagree it's bad. If the NCAA and Auburn were being on the up-and-up about it, Newton would have sat at least four games if not the entire season. I've watched Aubies walk around wide-eyed with fright as the investigation moved forward and if in a few months the taste of the season turns to ashes in their mouths with 13 or 14 vacated wins, my feelings won't be hurt in the slightest.

... North Carolina beat Tennessee. Oh, and the Ducks beat the Vols to within an inch of their life this year as well.

I'll thank you not to bring either of those up or I might be forced to take his side...

Sorry. No offense intended.

Roll Tide.

 

[Dorian Thompson]

Fair enough.

 

[Neroon]

2. Cam has led two schools to two National Championships, never losing a game. He is having perhaps the greatest season stat-wise in history. He goes into the BCSNC as a better passer than the opponent's quarterback, and a better rusher than their running back. If he came back for his senior year, he would take all question from the debate.

A. I don't consider somebody who was (caught being) paid to come to be an "all time great;" B. really? All Time Great? We'll see in 15 years what people think of that.

The Heisman seasons of Vince Young and Troy Smith, I think compare quite favorably with Newton's this year. Some variation, of course, but they're too close to elevate one over the other.

 

[El Lagarto]

2. Cam has led two schools to two National Championships, never losing a game. He is having perhaps the greatest season stat-wise in history. He goes into the BCSNC as a better passer than the opponent's quarterback, and a better rusher than their running back. If he came back for his senior year, he would take all question from the debate.

A. I don't consider somebody who was (caught being) paid to come to be an "all time great;" B. really? All Time Great? We'll see in 15 years what people think of that.

The Heisman seasons of Vince Young and Troy Smith, I think compare quite favorably with Newton's this year. Some variation, of course, but they're too close to elevate one over the other.

Did you look up the stats or are you just guessing?

If you looked up the stats, I can't fathom why you included Smith. His passing numbers are similar, but he only had 204 yards rushing with 1 TD. That puts him out of the discussion.

Young is closer, but Cam outrushed him by 400 yards and Young only had a combined 38 TDs. Cam will hit 50 in the BCSNCG, an amazing number (more than Young's entire career) against the top competition in the country while dealing with all sorts of off the field distractions. Definite GOAT candidate. He won't come back, but if he did, it would seal the deal.

2006 Smith: 2542 PASS; 65.3%; 30 TD; 6 INT; 204 RUSH; 1 TD
2005 Young: 3036 PASS; 62.7 %; 26 TD; 10 INT; 1050 RUSH; 12 TD
2010 Cam: 2589 PASS; 67.1%; 28 TD; 6 INT; 1409 RUSH; 20 TD

Cam also had a receiving TD.

 

[Neroon]

I was just guessing, Sparky. But then Newton's season still doesn't seem to merit "all-time greatest" status, especially due to the cloud that follows him. Take some advice from an experienced veteran in these discussions. You're doing little more than reinforcing the negative stereotype of SEC fans, so far.

 

[1001001]

Well, here's hoping for a good game tonight. I'm ready for all the talk to be over. This game being played so late is kinda lame, I think.

Anyway, I obviously want Oregon to win, but I think they have an uphill climb. Regardless of anything else, Newton really is a monster on the field.

Hopefully the Ducks are up for the challenge. I mean, you gotta love a team that has a pissed-off Donald Duck for a mascot, don't you??