Saturday College Football Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 08:46:26 AM EST
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Not a great slate of games this college football weekend, but college football has a way of making every slate of games interesting. For the season, my record is 9-6 (.600, I count the record aainst the spread). Here are my 5 for this week.

In Happy Valley, Iowa visits Penn State (-10). I have been going back and forth on this game. If Stanzi was playing better, I would take a flyer on Iowa winning the game outright (Iowa has beaten PSU 6 of the last 8), but he's not. I'm taking the Nittany Lions (-10).

More . . .

Everyone thinks highly of the Cincinnati BearCats this year, and with good reason. Their win in Corvalis last week was impressive. They are 17 point favorites over Fresno today. I expect a letdown. Fresno keeps it closer than that.

Speaking of Ohio, the Buckeyes (-14) host the Illini today. Ron Zook is a disaster as a coach (great recruiter though.) But the Buckeyes have not shown much juice at home. I like the Illini to keep within the 14 point spread.

The Miami Hurricanes have been rechristened as a top team based on a close win over FSU on the road and a blowout win over Ga Tech at home. I think it is too soon. Va Tech's offense is weak, but Beamer finds a way at home. I'll take Va Tech (+3) over Miami.

Notre Dame (-6.5) travels to Purdue tonight. Purudue is awful this year. But I detest Notre Dame and in fact, this is just the type of game they lose. I like the Boilermakers (+6.5) to cover and maybe even win.

In a non-selection game, my Gators travel to Kentucky. While Kentucky is not great, they are a decent squad. This will tell us a little more about the Gators, who are 21.5 point favorites. If they play well, maybe they can become the team some thought they might be at the start of the season. A struggle, or Gawd forbid, a loss, will indicate they just are not all that this year.

Finally, Cal visits Oregon this afternoon. Autzen provides a famous home field advantage. But I think the disparity between the teams is too great. Cal is the real deal imo. When they meet SC, it will be the game of the week.

Speaking for me only

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Saturday College Football Open Thread | 65 comments (65 topical)

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21.5 points (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Steve M on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:14:02 AM EST

is a lot of scratch to lay on the road. I would take Kentucky and the points.

But of course, all eyes will be on the titanic Michigan State-Wisconsin matchup. Interesting that the undefeated Badgers are only favored by 2 points at home. Let's hope MSU has learned something from their near-miss last week at Notre Dame.

: What Cousins was thinking last week (none / 0) (#4)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:20:07 AM EST

on the last interception is impossible to understand.
And he had played such a great game.

: Steve (none / 0) (#5)
by jbindc on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:24:22 AM EST

Don't you think MSU learned their lesson 2 weeks ago when they lost to the great Chippewas of Central Michigan?? ;) sorry - couldn't resist rubbing it in!
Fire Up Chips!

: The Flu Strikes (none / 0) (#12)
by CoralGables on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 10:48:16 AM EST

"Multiple media outlets reported that several Florida players, including Tebow, were sick with the flu and took a separate plane Friday. The Independent Florida Alligator, the student newspaper at the University of Florida, first reported the story."

: gators (none / 0) (#48)
by Natal on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 06:06:15 PM EST

up 31 points after 1st quarter!

Happy Birthday Jeralyn! (5.00 / 2) (#13)
by barryluda on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 10:48:56 AM EST

Hope you're having a great day.

And in da Bronx (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by nycstray on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:15:20 PM EST

SCJ Sonia Sotomayor tosses out the first pitch :)

Hee Hee! (5.00 / 1) (#46)
by jbindc on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 05:29:58 PM EST

Sen. Debbie Stabenow gets a zinger in to her Republican colleague Sen. Jon Kyl:

The remark came in a Friday meeting of the Senate Finance Committee during discussion on an amendment by Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., that would have removed language to require that insurers provide specific health benefits.
Kyl objected to benefits that, as a male, he would not need.
"I don't need maternity care," Kyl said.
Stabenow, a Democrat, retorted: "I think your mom probably did."

YouTube

When betting a Penn State game (none / 0) (#1)
by rdandrea on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 08:57:35 AM EST

Always take the points.

I've listened to the last 3 Lions games on the radio. They have an inexperienced offensive line, virtually no running game, and make a lot of mistakes. They gave up two sacks against TEMPLE!

I say that although I'm a fan.

They failed to blow out three weak opponents that they should have blown out. They're 0-3 against the spread.

10 point spread... (none / 0) (#14)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 10:49:37 AM EST

...seems a bit high to me. Two questionable offenses playing in the rain against the top two defenses in the Big Ten. I think it ends up being a low scoring affair and decided by a field goal or less (again).

Nobody thinks Iowa has a shot, which feeds into their "us against the world" mentality (along with Coach singing the praises of Penn State since last Saturday). On the other side, I have to wonder if PSU might be just a little too focused on revenge as well.

Go Hawks! Give 'em six seconds of hel! every down.


: I think Iowa has a shot (none / 0) (#18)
by rdandrea on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 11:20:18 AM EST

I don't think the Lions are going to win at all, let alone by 10.

Not about football (none / 0) (#3)
by jbindc on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:14:05 AM EST

(although I'm missing a bunch of games, since I'm stuck at work all day - BOO), here's something else that's a little fun for a Saturday morning, especially if you are a country music or "Mary Jane" fan (I'm looking at you, kdog).

: What a lightweight... (none / 0) (#68)
by kdog on Mon Sep 28, 2009 at 09:08:00 AM EST

that Toby Keith is...:)

Bloombo is running contrast ads (none / 0) (#6)
by andgarden on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:28:27 AM EST

against Bill Thompson. I wonder if he's worried that Obama is going to make an endorsement?

He's got so much money (none / 0) (#7)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:35:13 AM EST

He can't run the same ads.

Plus, you never know is a good approach in politics.


: He's been on in full rotation since March (none / 0) (#9)
by andgarden on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:37:31 AM EST

The last Q poll I saw was really interesting. He commands majority approval from black voters, but only gets about 1/3 of their support in the election.

Interesting thought (none / 0) (#8)
by nycstray on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:36:43 AM EST

I saw them as Bloomie just taking the opportunity to tout his record and define his opponent. Similar to Thompson always referring to Bloomie as a Republican . . .

I think O needs to stay out of our local politics.


This sounds like the Bloomies Game (none / 0) (#11)
by downtownted on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 10:37:32 AM EST

Will Indiana cover the spread against UM? The Bloomies are running the Pistol against Michigan's young, suspect defense. But the game is in the Big House. Will the Bloomies fail against the spread or NOT?


Didn't you hear? Big House does not (none / 0) (#17)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 11:05:10 AM EST

afford Wolverines any home field advantage because the fans are sooooo quiet?


Michigan doesn't need the crowd (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by rdandrea on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:40:45 PM EST

when they play in the Big House.

They have the officials.


Terrible call (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:01:42 PM EST

One of the worst I have ever seen.


But for the call, could Indiana have won? (none / 0) (#34)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:03:00 PM EST

Two-and-a-half minutes to go? (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by rdandrea on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:04:55 PM EST

Absolutely.


Of course they could have (5.00 / 1) (#36)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:05:23 PM EST

There was over 2 minutes left.

Hell, when did you think Michigan scored when it beat Notre Dame?


I'd better stick to opera. (none / 0) (#40)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:19:27 PM EST

: Nah (none / 0) (#62)
by cal1942 on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 03:03:15 AM EST

do both.
You shouldn't give up a treat like college football.

Didn't you say you were a Univ of Florida (none / 0) (#52)
by downtownted on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 07:22:25 PM EST

fan. a grad no less. We watch games from the swamp. Don't whine about ref calls at some other school when Florida has the SEC refs in its pocket.


Last thing I am worried about is (5.00 / 1) (#54)
by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 07:46:01 PM EST

Big Ten officials.
It was a horrible call. Fact.


: Maybe. The ref who called it had to get it right.- (none / 0) (#67)
by downtownted on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 10:48:13 AM EST

No replay help.
I recorded the game because was working Sat morning. Took another look this am. Looks like they were only using a few cameras for this game.
It may be that this was a bad call by the ref. But when the ball was first seen using all angles, the only one who had it was the Michigan player. The call was made. Take a look when they hit the ground. Does the IU receiver, Belcher, have control of the ball or is his hand just stuck there by the arm of the UM interceptor.
Remember Paul Newman in the Verdict "And there is no justice: the rich win, the poor are powerless." In football there is a certainty, even if there is no justice. There will be bad calls against your team.

He's not whining (none / 0) (#53)
by rdandrea on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 07:42:34 PM EST

I am.

Penn State fan. Been there, done that.

It's real.


Ha. U of M already had that game (none / 0) (#32)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:00:06 PM EST

wrapped up, no? Poor Indiana coach.


: Um, no (none / 0) (#61)
by cal1942 on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 02:54:01 AM EST

they didn't have it wrapped up.

If the 4th quarter is Like the 3rd (none / 0) (#24)
by downtownted on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 01:48:42 PM EST

there is going to be a lot of noise . . . . fans screaming about just like last year


OK I turned on ESPN2. Can they (none / 0) (#25)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:12:33 PM EST

do it?


Yes. Touchdown. Go Blue!!!!! (none / 0) (#26)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:17:37 PM EST

Has U of M ever had an African American (none / 0) (#27)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:20:38 PM EST

quarterback before this season?

P.S. Indiana's coach is about to have a stroke.


Sure (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by Steve M on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:25:04 PM EST

First black quarterback was Dennis Franklin back in the 70s.

In my day, Michigan platooned two black quarterbacks, Michael Taylor and Demetrius Brown. I will never forget Brown's incredible seven-interception performance against Michigan State!


Oops. Michigan QB isn't AA. And (none / 0) (#28)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:30:33 PM EST

he is from San Diego and always wanted to play for U of M. Good choice.


: Sorta (none / 0) (#37)
by jbindc on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:08:38 PM EST

One of Michigan's QB's is African-American (Denard Robinson)

Stretching my memory (none / 0) (#60)
by cal1942 on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 02:53:12 AM EST

but I believe I remember an African-American QB named Brown who played for M against Michigan State in 1987. He was intercepted 6 or 7 times. State won that game, the Big Ten, and beat USC in the Rose Bowl.


The Cal-Oregon game (none / 0) (#10)
by domer5000 on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 09:44:12 AM EST

may be a good one

Ducks could play like they did (none / 0) (#31)
by caseyOR on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:59:33 PM EST

against Utah last week. Oregon snapped that very long Utah winning streak. I'm hoping the Boise State game was a tragic fluke, not a predictor of future results.

And just a note on today's Oregon uniforms: the Ducks are wearing "vintage" uniforms--from the 1990's. I have to say, "vintage" to me conjures up the uniforms of the 40s and 50s, not 10-15 years ago. The Ducks' look today does predate their day-glow neon period, though.

Go, Ducks! Please.

A nod to my childhood and my Mom: Go, Illini!. Please.


Ducks beat Cal 42-3 (none / 0) (#49)
by caseyOR on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 06:35:16 PM EST

Now that is more like it. Masoli was good today. He does need to stop fumbling the snap, though.

Donald, I did not mean that the success of Boise State is a fluke. BSU has been fielding competitive teams for quite a few years now. What I meant was that I hope Oregon's dismal performance against the Broncos was a fluke for the Ducks this season.

I am delighted with the Ducks' victory, but surprised by Cal's poor showing. They're a better team than today's game would indicate.


Having picked Cal by a TD this week, ... (none / 0) (#50)
by cymro on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 06:50:51 PM EST

... I'm not going to trust any more of my predictions. For the rest of the season, I swear I'll do nothing more specific than hope, it's safer.


: Hope is almost all I do (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by caseyOR on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 06:58:15 PM EST

during football season. No predictions, no bets, just hope.

Nervous (none / 0) (#15)
by lentinel on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 10:51:27 AM EST

I'm nervous about all this Iran stuff.

There's a lot of pressure on Obama to stop acting like a "wimp".
This came up with George Bush the First. He resolved it by being a big macher with the Gulf War. The Good War. Wimp no more.

Obama is in the pits with a normal but nevertheless stinko approval rating. The economy is going nowhere and/or sidewise. Healthcare is a veritable yo-yo. What do you do? What do you do?

Start something with someone.
North Korea isn't working out.
What about... what about... IRAN!

Am I the only one watching golf & Tiger? (none / 0) (#16)
by mogal on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 11:00:23 AM EST

The Missouri Tigers won last night - hope Tiger does the same.

: Way To Go Mizzou! (none / 0) (#22)
by MO Blue on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 11:53:14 AM EST

And on KUSC FM: today's program (none / 0) (#21)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 11:46:43 AM EST

is all French opera. Wonderful archive recordings of light and lithe voices.

No college fb segue, but excellent (none / 0) (#23)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 01:07:35 PM EST

Glenn Greenwald column today comparing US media's failure to investigate Bush admin. claims re Iraq and WMD pre-invasion and what is missing from coverage of disclosure about Iran's facility.

Is there always an opening prayer (none / 0) (#29)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 02:32:13 PM EST

before NASCAR race? Odd. Also, Miss Delaware isn't a very good singer.

: Yes (none / 0) (#38)
by jbindc on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:11:32 PM EST

And the only 2 sundays they don't race during the season are Easter Sunday and Mother's Day (those good ol' boys should be home with their mommas).

Alicia de Larocha, a wonderful (none / 0) (#42)
by oculus on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 03:45:40 PM EST

pianist, has died.

NYT

Rep. Carolyn Maloney's (none / 0) (#44)
by jbindc on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 04:25:58 PM EST

husband has died, while mountain climbing in Tibet.

My thoughts are with her and her family.

: Yikes (none / 0) (#45)
by andgarden on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 04:58:57 PM EST

The Gators (none / 0) (#47)
by CoralGables on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 06:04:05 PM EST

don't look sick but the Kentucky fans do. I'm beginning to feel sorry for Kentucky and it's only the end of the 1st quarter.

Sotomayor throws out first pitch (none / 0) (#55)
by andgarden on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 08:07:16 PM EST

at at Yankees game today.

I guess I don't really have a problem with this, but I think I could be convinced that it's inappropriate.

I like this photo supplied by NYShooter (none / 0) (#56)
by MO Blue on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 08:30:15 PM EST

better.

She is having so much fun she just shines.


What's inappropriate?! (none / 0) (#57)
by nycstray on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 08:44:29 PM EST

She's a Yank fan. I thought it was great!


It is not inconceivable (none / 0) (#58)
by andgarden on Sat Sep 26, 2009 at 08:48:57 PM EST

that she will have to decide an issue involving the team. It doesn't really bother me, but others might find it unethical.


: I'm guessing that didn't even register (none / 0) (#65)
by nycstray on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 09:18:11 AM EST

with the average (non-legal minded) folk like me {grin} Question, how is it any more unethical than being a die hard fan? They even joked about it in the hearings . . .

Sorry bout Tebow (none / 0) (#59)
by lcdrrek on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 02:34:12 AM EST

But it is a law of averages issue. He is going to get hit and hurt at some point.

After watching The Crimson Tide today I think that at the end of the year they will be the BCS champs. Sorry Gators.

And back to health care for a moment (none / 0) (#63)
by jbindc on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 07:34:04 AM EST

Harry Reid thinks Olympia Snowe's idea of triggers is "a pretty doggone good idea" (h/t Ben Smith).

From a "tele-town hall" Harry Reid said:

The lone Republican who's still talking like she might support health care reform is Snowe from Maine. And here's what she came up with, which is a pretty doggone good idea. She said "OK, here's what I'm willing to consider. We will set standards, goals that insurance companies must meet. And if they don't do it by a time certain, then we have a public option."
I think that is better than this so-called co-op that they're talking about. My first choice is a public option, because I think it will create competition and make the insurance companies more honest. And my number two choice is the trigger, that is, that Snowe talked about. Number three is a co-op.

Roman Polanski Arrested (none / 0) (#64)
by daring grace on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 09:07:34 AM EST

for extradition to the U.S. while arriving in Switzerland to receive an honorary award at a film festival, according to the NY Times.

Oh my... (none / 0) (#66)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Sep 27, 2009 at 10:03:38 AM EST

I'm taking the Nittany Lions.

I tried to tell you, but did you listen? Noooo.

Way to go Hawks!