Saturday College Football Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:20:06 AM EST
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Ball State saw its dream of an undefeated season ended last night when the Turner Gill-coached Univ. of Buffalo Bulls beat David Letterman's alma mater 42-24. So much for the battle of unbeatens between Ball State and Boise State.

As you may know, today is a big day in college football. BC meets Virginia Tech in Tampa for the ACC Championship at 1:00 pm. With a win over Missouri in the Big 12 Championship game in Kansas City tonight, Oklahoma will advance to the BCS championship game. In other games, a USC win over UCLA (playing at the Rose Bowl) this afternoon puts them in the Rose Bowl against Penn State, and Pitt meets UConn (both teams are headed to minor bowls.) The United States Military Academy, located in beautiful West Point, NY (Army) meets the United States Naval Academy, located in beautiful Annapolis, Maryland (Navy) in Philadelphia, PA at noon today.

The SEC Championship game is today at 4. The #1 ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama face the #4 ranked Fighting Florida Gators. Injuries are an issue for the Gators, especially with star all purpose player Percy Harvin a game time decision. It should be a great game.

Go Gators!! This is an Open Thread.

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Saturday College Football Open Thread | 73 comments (73 topical)

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Percy Update (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by CoralGables on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:47:49 AM EST

Percy Harvin has officially dropped his role as understudy for Tristan today at the MET, but also is very doubtful to take the field against against the red state pachyderm of Alabama due to lingering damage from a high ankle sprain.

Percy is expected to get more airtime today on CBS from highlights of past games and standing on the sidelines than he will by turning heads on the field of play.

Young Mr. Harvin is expected to return to the spotlight the night of January 2nd at the earliest for the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, but more likely will next be seen lighting up your TV screens the evening of January 8th in the BCS Championship from Miami.

Even with Percy as neither football player or Tristan, the Gators continue to be favored by 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 points depending on your neighborhood bookie**

**(information provided for entertainment purposes only)

: Priceless. (none / 0) (#4)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 10:27:14 AM EST

Daniel Barenboim conducted a most poignant overture to Tristan. Gary Lehman, as anticipated, sings the title role. High anticipation for Rene Pape's entrance. Streaming live now.

BTD, we patiently anticipate your (5.00 / 2) (#5)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 10:28:35 AM EST

reflections on the Favreau incident. Thank you.

Just forget about it. Issue (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 01:57:49 PM EST

today is Bill Clinton's unvetted speech in Singapore.


did you run out of patience? (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Dr Molly on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:23:54 PM EST

I guess so. (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:27:03 PM EST

I figure if the Gators win it will be safe to send a gentle e-mail request. Otherwise, I'll just stew here whilst enjoying "Tristan."


Check out Shakesville in the meantime (5.00 / 2) (#23)
by Dr Molly on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:30:01 PM EST

Good post on the Favreau 'incident' by Melissa (she's always reliable IMO) and good comments too. It will alleviate your stewed feelings.


No filter there. (none / 0) (#29)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:01:34 PM EST

How did you like the hypo: maybe the guys were illustrating sexual harrassment stereotypes, fully aware of the implications, but performing a public service?


: ha, that made me smile. (none / 0) (#31)
by Dr Molly on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:04:04 PM EST

Two notes re today's NYT: (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 05:49:06 PM EST

(1) Dan Quayle is a lobbyist for Cerberus Capital Management, which owns Chrysler; and
(2) William Ayers continues to blur the truth.

Heh. (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by Vico on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:11:32 PM EST

BTD seems to have better luck with his Gators than Kos does with his Cubs.

SEC Champions (5.00 / 2) (#49)
by GGINPB on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:36:37 PM EST

Go Gators! What a great win and a great day to be part of the Gator Nation!

Congrats BTD and Gators--and props to the Tide (5.00 / 2) (#50)
by kempis on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:36:39 PM EST

I'm a die-head Alabama fan, and I'm proud of Bama's season--with a bunch of freshmen. They'll be back. :)

But the Gators and Tebow are special and they deserved to win. Bama played well. The Gators outlasted 'em.

What makes Tebow so hard to stop, (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:48:42 PM EST

both passing and rushing?


He's big, strong and fast. Not your (5.00 / 1) (#54)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 07:43:10 PM EST

typical quarterback physique.

I'll just be glad when he graduates. :)


One more season? (5.00 / 1) (#55)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 07:56:57 PM EST

: Yup (5.00 / 1) (#57)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:40:51 PM EST

only a junior.

Hypothetically speaking, if (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:58:59 PM EST

tomorrow's BCS ranking is OK #1 and FL #2, will BTD advocate a play-off in future seasons?


Yes, NEXT year :) (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:04:45 PM EST

Oklahoma is the one team he didn't want to play. Looks like it will be the Gators vs Oklahoma unless Texas sneaks in.


: Tebow seems to walk on water. (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:14:54 PM EST

Not to worry.

Roll Tide (5.00 / 2) (#56)
by Trickster on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:39:38 PM EST

We took a heckuva shot, but we just aren't quite ready to take down greatness, and Tebow and the rest of Urban's bunch were that today.

But the future is bright. I can't wait for next year's rematch.


: Good sport. (5.00 / 1) (#58)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:41:21 PM EST

Second the congrats! (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by nycstray on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:17:12 PM EST

I don't normally watch college football as I've never "had" a team, but I turned it on to cheer for the Gators {grin}.


Heisman (5.00 / 1) (#67)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:18:48 PM EST

If the Heisman truly goes to the best college football player in the country then it must again go to Tim Tebow.

Good Luck, BTD. (none / 0) (#1)
by easilydistracted on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:40:10 AM EST

Speaking of Turner G, seems like I ran across some talk of late that he wants to return to N(?) Might have been a dream or something.

Fun Day (none / 0) (#3)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:59:19 AM EST

USC will wear their home uniforms today at the Rose Bowl against UCLA. The penalty will be one time out. In the spirit of the game Neuhiesal (sp) will give up one time out.

I look forward to watching this game every year. It comes at the time when our weather is turning from chilly to cold and there's just something special, along with the Pac 10 Big 10 thing, about seeing the game in (hopefully) sunny southern California.

Florida and Alabama should be great fun to watch.

Should be a great day for the greatest sport.

LA does not have cold weather (1.00 / 0) (#6)
by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 10:43:01 AM EST

But good luck against a team we couldn't beat..


Read more carefully (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:49:01 AM EST

just something special, along with the Pac 10 Big 10 thing, about seeing the game in (hopefully) sunny southern California.

I didn't say LA was cold. I look forward to seeing a game played in sunny California.

The Pac 10 Big 10 thing should be a bigger clue.

I live in Michigan.


Michigan does get cold! (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:50:56 AM EST

Today (none / 0) (#24)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:30:52 PM EST

however we've transitioned from chilly to bitter. It's more like January than December.

Today's biggest problem is that USC - UCLA and the SEC championship are on at the same time.

Thank God for the LAST button on the remote.


: Except for the sunny weather fix, (none / 0) (#25)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:35:26 PM EST

is there any suspense expected in the game at the Rose Bowl,today, i.e., are there injuries amongst the song girls? Is the horse ready to ride?

Write more exactly (1.00 / 0) (#30)
by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:03:58 PM EST

...you will watch the game on TV....


I thought you were kidding about USC (none / 0) (#53)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:53:54 PM EST

wearing their home uniforms and losing a time out. But no. Who thunk up that penalty?


: I don't (none / 0) (#59)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 08:57:42 PM EST

know who came up with that. Was a cute little side story. Ya gotta love college football.
Before TV college's often wore the same uniform home and away. I recall some earlier TV games in black and white when teams wearing dark colored jerseys played teams wearing a different color jersey but dark enough that they were indistinguishable. The only way to quickly identify the teams was by the helmet. Not all early TV games came off that way. As I remember most often the visitors wore white.
Maybe the rule came out of TV identity concerns. Just a wild guess.

Fun article: (none / 0) (#7)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 10:45:24 AM EST

LAT

Are our political leanings... (none / 0) (#8)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:09:56 AM EST

...determined by our genes? The Daily Show had a segment on this the other night--an interesting theory. But, I'm left wondering how much is nature and how much is nurture.

How much is politics in the genes?
...on the basis of a new study, a team of political scientists is arguing that people's gut-level reaction to issues like the death penalty, taxes and abortion is strongly influenced by genetic inheritance...It is not that opinions on specific issues are written into a person's DNA. Rather, genes prime people to respond cautiously or openly to the mores of a social group.

http://tinyurl.com/58v5x6

I'm the product of a mixed marriage--Dad was a GOP'er and Mom is a Democrat. I certainly got more of the maternial genes, but I'm not convinced that is truly the reason for my political leanings.

Would that mean (none / 0) (#13)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:58:19 AM EST

that people in states like Idaho, Utah, Oklahoma, etc. have a genetic disposition towards group compliance while people in Ohio, Florida, etc. do not?

The Daily Show is on Comedy Central.


"The Daily Show is on Comedy Central." (5.00 / 2) (#18)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 12:46:39 PM EST

Rest asurred that I wasn't laboring under the assumption that I was watching PBS or CSPAN. I fail to see what that has to do with the larger issue.

Things that are thought provoking can be found just about anywhere, no?

As to your Red v. Blue state question, I don't think genetics can explain why even in places like Utah and Montana, there are pockets of liberals and conversely, there are swaths of conservatives in places like Ohio and Florida.

That seems to more a result of a urban v. rural, socio-economic dynamic--thus pointing more to the nurture side of the spectrum.


Yeah (none / 0) (#27)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:43:09 PM EST

lots of different stuff.

I agree on the thought provoking. Knowledge can come from the most unlikely places.

By the way, please tell me Ferentz isn't on the hot seat. Iowa will be very good next year. The down side is that you're on our schedule and we have to go to Iowa City to play you.


Aside from the usual... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 05:48:15 PM EST

...disgruntled posters on the interwebs, I haven't heard anything to suggest that he's on the hot seat now. It was a good finish to the season--beating PSU and handing Minnesota a whoopin'. Probably more important, no high profile off the field issues of late either.

Most of us understood going into the season that he had a young team to work with. They've competed hard and played their hearts out all year. Their 4 losses came by a combined total of 12 points. 8-4 isn't a bad year, Kirk's staying for now.

The only bad thing is that if they were 10 and 2, Shonn Greene would probably be in the conversation about Heisman candidates. I, among many, many Iowans, sure hope he decides to come back for his Senior year!

Chances are they'll be going to FLA for the Bowl Season--and that always makes the natives happy. And why not, sunny Florida beats the heck of the cold and ice and grey of Iowa.

/Herky the Hawk = Best Big 10 mascot ever


: Okay Mile Hi (none / 0) (#62)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:05:52 PM EST

I agree with all of it except that last part about Herky the Hawk.
I'll put Sparty up against any mascot, anytime, anywhere.

I hope Mizzou wins (none / 0) (#9)
by Makarov on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:28:42 AM EST

to throw a right proper wrench into the whole BCSCG crap. If Missouri wins the Big 12 title game, then it's just more reason to have a playoff system.

To really put a wrench in it, you need (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:35:47 PM EST

Oklahoma and Florida to win and then have Florida not pass Texas in the BCS poll. That's the scenario that will mess it up and the one that will cause BTD to riot.


: Riot! Riot! Riot! (5.00 / 1) (#47)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:15:28 PM EST

/tee-hee

What wrench (none / 0) (#12)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:52:48 AM EST

If Oklahoma loses then Texas will probably be number 2 in the BCS and would play the winner of Alabama/Florida.

A hard matchup to quibble about.


In far more important news (none / 0) (#14)
by rdandrea on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 12:09:33 PM EST

The Nittany Lion mascot was arrested for DUI. He's been suspended and won't attend the Rose Bowl.

That is way to harsh a punishment. (none / 0) (#15)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 12:14:18 PM EST

Isn't the lion in costume? Who would even know if it was the primo lion or a sub?


There will be a sub at the Rose Bowl (none / 0) (#16)
by rdandrea on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 12:30:45 PM EST

But being chosen represent the student body as the Lion mascot is an honor and a privilege. It comes with a scholarship. There are strings.

No, I don't think it's too harsh a punishment.


Scholarship? Wow. (none / 0) (#17)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 12:36:49 PM EST

: Image. (none / 0) (#19)
by oldpro on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 01:28:26 PM EST

Way more important than most things you can name.
Pretty big penalty compared to 10 yards and loss of a down. More like getting tossed out of the game.

It's been a real tough year (none / 0) (#28)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 02:47:14 PM EST

for our Big Ten. First the Wisconsin band suspension and now this.

Does prove that the North Central US is far more colorful than some people think.


I haven't fully assimilated (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:21:24 PM EST

Univ. of Penn into my Big 10 reality.


Big 10? (5.00 / 1) (#40)
by Vico on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 04:51:28 PM EST

Penn is an Ivy League school.


See what I mean? (5.00 / 2) (#42)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 05:45:33 PM EST

Great comeback (5.00 / 1) (#63)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:10:39 PM EST

oculus. LOL.

Seriously though I think that Penn State is a great fit and who doesn't like JoePa.


What conference, if any, did Penn (none / 0) (#70)
by oculus on Sun Dec 07, 2008 at 12:54:02 AM EST

State belong to b/4 the Big 10? Don't they belong with New Jersey, or something?


Penn State (none / 0) (#71)
by cal1942 on Sun Dec 07, 2008 at 03:41:03 PM EST

was an independent.


Thanks. Looking at their (none / 0) (#72)
by oculus on Sun Dec 07, 2008 at 03:42:45 PM EST

sechedules pre-Big Ten, they really played a diverse schedule. California. Ohio State.


: And (none / 0) (#73)
by cal1942 on Mon Dec 08, 2008 at 01:17:32 AM EST

many much lesser lights.
In those days an independent scheduled a number of breaks in the season.

My mom refuses, an MSU alum, (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by free the wm3 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:09:19 PM EST

to acknowledge Penn State. "It's the Big 10, not the Big 11."


Well. there's a word (none / 0) (#32)
by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:10:17 PM EST

that covers it. ;-)


Gators make is look so easy. (none / 0) (#34)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:28:27 PM EST

That Jones kid from Alabama is just a stud. (none / 0) (#35)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:29:05 PM EST

I think he is a freshman.


Well jeez. Alabama made that look easy. (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:30:07 PM EST

Calm down BTD!


O.K. I finally found the game. (5.00 / 1) (#37)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 03:49:47 PM EST

Query: is Percy playing or not?


Not playing. Not even dressed out. (none / 0) (#39)
by Teresa on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 04:15:15 PM EST

My day is complete; I spotted (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:26:48 PM EST

Percy. He looks really happy. Now: whose parents are missionaries to Bangladesh? Tebow? And, when did NCAA football introduce instant replay.


: Missionoary parents: Tebow. (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by oculus on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 06:47:02 PM EST

Instant replay: 2005.
Additional factoid: home schooled kids ok
to play high school sports and pick a school w/i the district of residence. Lucky for Tebow.

: Tebow is just a great (none / 0) (#68)
by Amiss on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 11:58:44 PM EST

kid, all around guy and great leader. He also does missionary work in the summers as well. I hope he does get the Heismann again this year, but kinda feel the guy from Texas will win it.
Great game, and it shows that the Gators are worthy even with Harvin out.
Alabama had some great plays too, that Coffee from Michigan is really good as well as the QB.

If it had been Tebow (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by cal1942 on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 09:11:53 PM EST

with the ankle, different game.


Live on the internet at (none / 0) (#38)
by Natal on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 04:07:44 PM EST

Tide vs Gators

http://www.justin.tv/nateh2022

What game? (none / 0) (#41)
by FoxholeAtheist on Sat Dec 06, 2008 at 05:15:17 PM EST

Ha! A la Matthews.

Cao defeats Jefferson in LA (none / 0) (#69)
by jedimom on Sun Dec 07, 2008 at 12:18:40 AM EST

I know Cao is republican, but I am so happy for the people in his district in NOLA!

Cao came to USA from Saigon as a child and earned three degrees, he has rebuilt in NOLA twice and cares for the city, he wants health care of all things and coastal restoration!

I wrote it up:
http://tinyurl.com/6g4nv7