Big 12 Title Game Thread

[Alkie]

Let's fucking do this.

TEXAS!!

[JaneDoe]

FIGHT!!

[matadorph]

Ah, fuck it.

Hook 'em Mack.

[Alkie]

Why.

Why did it have to be Mooseburger.

Why.

We're gonna need a lot of beer.

[Rebel Jew]

Alright, I need to get my consolation straight here before the game.  If Texas were to somehow lose this game, would TCU at least go to the title game and we'd all have an underdog to root for, or would we be subjected to Cincinnatti getting fuckstomped by Bama?

[Lurch]

Ah, fuck it.

Hook 'em Mack.

Plenty of room for you

TEXAS!

[Lurch]

Why did it have to be Mooseburger.

The Texas QB is actually named "Colt"!  Oh, and have you heard about his bff Jordan?

[Alkie]

Alright, I need to get my consolation straight here before the game.  If Texas were to somehow lose this game, would TCU at least go to the title game and we'd all have an underdog to root for, or would we be subjected to Cincinnatti getting fuckstomped by Bama?

Well, it hurt Cinci that Pitt lost it's last game, so it'll actually be tight.   I think Cinci will lose human vote points because they had to come back from down 21 to win today by a point.

Tough to say.

What will absolutely ruin my night is if we lose AND Cinci somehow ends up in the title game.

At least if we lose and it's TCU I can get behind the Frogs for the next month, no problem.

[Alkie]

Plenty of room for you

TEXAS!

FIGHT!

[Rebel Jew]

Well, it hurt Cinci that Pitt lost it's last game, so it'll actually be tight.   I think Cinci will lose human vote points because they had to come back from down 21 to win today by a point.

Tough to say.

What will absolutely ruin my night is if we lose AND Cinci somehow ends up in the title game.

At least if we lose and it's TCU I can get behind the Frogs for the next month, no problem.

I'll do you one worse.  What if we lose and Jesus Crybaby gets a rematch with Bama in the title game.

[Alkie]

I'll do you one worse.  What if we lose and Jesus Crybaby gets a rematch with Bama in the title game.

I will kill you and everything in my way.

[Alkie]

Good start.

Greg Davis passing sideways AND a chop block.

[BizidyDizidy]

It would really help Toby if Suh were to actually kill McCoy in this game. While I have no love for NU, my alleigances ares mixed to say the least.

[Alkie]

Fuck my ass.

[Rebel Jew]

Fuck my ass.

what you said

[Rebel Jew]

what you said

"this is not an explosive offense"

"this is a power offense"

mus and herb breaking out all the best euphemisms for "their offense sucks" tonight

[Alkie]

Nice stop.   

[homer]

Nebraska offense make baby Tebow cry.

[Lurch]

Great job D!!

[Alkie]

Ain't very often you give the ball up on your 30 and don't give up points.   Good thing NU has no offense.

[Rebel Jew]

good call nebraska with a slow-developing counter run against a stacked line on 4th down

[Alkie]

God.
Dammit.

[Rebel Jew]

what the fuck???

[SaltyParker]

I had no idea they could reconsider the spot.

[Alkie]

This game is already pissing me off.

[Alkie]

Keys To The Next Drive:

1) Less dumb shit.
2) More forward progress.

[Alkie]

Keys To The Next Drive:

1) Less dumb shit.
2) More forward progress.

Fail.

[Rebel Jew]

Keys To The Next Drive:

1) Less dumb shit.
2) More forward progress.

Greg Davis' brain:

Note to self:  More sideways passes

[Alkie]

Greg Davis' brain:

Note to self:  More sideways passes

Please don't make me kill again.

[Alkie]

Oh, it looks like the fellows in orange can play some defense too.

[Rebel Jew]

holy shit, did nebraska really have an 8 turnover game against iowa state?

[Alkie]

You have got to be shitting me Pyle.

What is this happy horseshit?

[Alkie]

YES, Kirk, they know what's coming because Greg Davis is our OC.

[Alkie]

Hey, you know who's not winning the Heisman?

[matadorph]

I went to get some 'cue and Deschutes Black Butte Porter and I get back just in time to see Colt throw his second INT. What is going on here?

No worries, Orangebloods. I sense an Earl Thomas coming.

[Lurch]

Hey, you know who's not winning the Heisman?

Yep.  Shouldn't have anyway.

[Alkie]

Even if that happens, I suddenly have this horrible feeling.

I've seen this movie before.

I just stepped on a flaming bag on my porch and end up with hot Greg Davis all over my brand new shoes.

[Rebel Jew]

No worries, Orangebloods. I sense an Earl Thomas coming.

i'm assuming that "an earl thomas" is something performed by or performed on the girl in your avatar

[Alkie]

i'm assuming that "an earl thomas" is something performed by or performed on the girl in your avatar

Yes, the Earl Thomas is getting it when you least expect it and the Greg Davis is getting it from behind.   Otherwise, the same move.

[Alkie]

Oh, THIS is what it looks like when you step on your own dick.

I see now.

[Alkie]

This is fucking embarrassing.

HEY!   We get to play Florida after all!

[Lurch]

Relax.  We've seen about 6 of these this year.

[Rebel Jew]

i got a brilliant idea.  why don't you fucking RUN THE BALL???

[Lurch]

i got a brilliant idea.  why don't you fucking RUN THE BALL???

First game this year for you Joey?

[Alkie]

Relax.  We've seen about 6 of these this year.

Yeah, but usually (except OU) against teams we had no business doing it against.   So you knew we'd find a way out of it, usually with superior talent.

I'm not saying that won't happen here; in fact, I think that's what will happen.   But we look totally lost.   Does Greg watch tape?  What DOES he do all week?

[austro]

Hey, here's an idea: throw the fucking ball down the fucking field. These pussy-ass wide-receiver sreens drive me nuts.

[Lurch]

Yeah, but usually (except OU) against teams we had no business doing it against.   So you knew we'd find a way out of it, usually with superior talent.

I'm not saying that won't happen here; in fact, I think that's what will happen.   But we look totally lost.   Does Greg watch tape?  What DOES he do all week?

I don't buy into the Greg Davis bashing.  What he does works... eventually.  I think they're learning the D and will capitalize on it later.

[Alkie]

Run the ball?   Throw downfield?

Ain'tchooboys never watched a Greg Davis first half game plan?

[Alkie]

I don't buy into the Greg Davis bashing.  What he does works... eventually.  I think they're learning the D and will capitalize on it later.

What he does works because eventually the superior talent takes over.   If what he did worked, the shit he drew up to START a game wouldn't leave us in holes against Wyoming and Nebraska.

[Alkie]

I don't know how you can see 15 yards of offense in a quarter and say our OC has a fucking clue.

[Alkie]

Oh THAT run the ball.   Like on the ground.

Gotcha.

[Alkie]

What a shitfest of a quarter.

Nice game plan, Greg.   Way to plan for a defense that you knew was awesome and that has 12 games of tape on file.   You are an anus mime. 

[Lurch]

I don't know how you can see 15 yards of offense in a quarter and say our OC has a fucking clue.

That is complete BS and you know it.  The TALENT had a bit to do with that too.  Don't be that guy.

[Alkie]

That is complete BS and you know it.  The TALENT had a bit to do with that too.  Don't be that guy.

Ok, wait a second.

I am overreacting, yes, but I think you're giving too much credit to a man who had an entire season of film to watch on NU.   I get that he didn't throw the INTs and the players have to play, but do we look prepared to you?

[Lurch]

Ok, wait a second.

I am overreacting, yes, but I think you're giving too much credit to a man who had an entire season of film to watch on NU.   I get that he didn't throw the INTs and the players have to play, but do we look prepared to you?

I've not seen nearly enough to begin suggesting the OC has no clue.  And neither have you.

[Rebel Jew]

fuck

[Alkie]

Good.   It gets even better.

I HATE THAT GODDAMN RUGBY STYLE MOTHERFUCKING PUNT.

PULL YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR ASSES.

[Rebel Jew]

yay

[Alkie]

I like defense as much as anyone.   Really.

This is the ugliest game I've ever seen.

[Outlawscotty]

Couldn't even punt for a first down?

[Alkie]

I've not seen nearly enough to begin suggesting the OC has no clue.  And neither have you.

Which I freely admit.   Again, in case we've just met, I use a bit of hyperbole in my posts.

[Alkie]

Empty backfield on 3rd and 2.

I'm speechless.

[SaltyParker]

Empty backfield on 3rd and 2.

I'm speechless.

It's not just this season, I have seen this shit for too many years. Davis sucks.

[Rebel Jew]

by the way, if anybody here has money.  bet the fuck out of your money on houston alexander to knock out kimbo slice in about an hour.

[Alkie]

Yeah, Davis is great.

What was I thinking.

[Ron Brand]

And for Garrett Gilbert, Opportunity Knocks!

Fuck.

[Rebel Jew]

Yeah, Davis is great.

What was I thinking.

14 points will win this game for Texas.  Nebraska needs turnovers and field position to score.  RUN THE BALL.  EVERY.  DOWN.

[Alkie]

It's not just this season, I have seen this shit for too many years. Davis sucks.

Here's a little quote I just wrote myself.

Only 3 things can happen when you pass the ball and 2 of them are bad.

On 3rd and fucking nothing, you don't EMPTY THE GODDAMN BACKFIELD EVEN IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY THROWING THE BALL BECAUSE THEN THE OTHER TEAM KNOWS YOU'RE PASSING AND THEY COVER EVERYONE AND YOU HAVE TO PUNT, YOU FUCKING TWAT.   AAAAAARRRRRRRGH.

[Ron Brand]

And there were only three receivers downfield.

[Alkie]

And there were only three receivers downfield.

Awesome.

I feel much better.

Thanks.

[Lurch]

Here's a little quote I just wrote myself.

Only 3 things can happen when you pass the ball and 2 of them are bad.

On 3rd and fucking nothing, you don't EMPTY THE GODDAMN BACKFIELD EVEN IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY THROWING THE BALL BECAUSE THEN THE OTHER TEAM KNOWS YOU'RE PASSING AND THEY COVER EVERYONE AND YOU HAVE TO PUNT, YOU FUCKING TWAT.   AAAAAARRRRRRRGH.

Unless you're running Colt.

[Alkie]

Unless you're running Colt.

Yeah, because that would have surprised the hell out of the blackshirts who....what's that?   They did, in fact tackle Colt for a loss when he basically had to take off running?

Crap.

Look, I take your point, but that's NOT what the play was.   We emptied the backfield, held up our index finger to the catcher and screamed "FASTBALL, MIDDLE IN" and then actually THREW a fastball, middle in.   

[Outlawscotty]

Best field position of the game

[Lurch]

Yeah, because that would have surprised the hell out of the blackshirts who....what's that?   They did, in fact tackle Colt for a loss when he basically had to take off running?

Crap.

Look, I take your point, but that's NOT what the play was.   We emptied the backfield, held up our index finger to the catcher and screamed "FASTBALL, MIDDLE IN" and then actually THREW a fastball, middle in.   

God damnit.  Pay attention if you're going to be an asshat.  They emptied the backfield and Nebraska had to call a time out.  THEY CHANGED FUCKING PLAYS and brought in a RB!  Yes the play failed, but youre now mixing the previous playcall with the subsiquent outcome.  Christ.

[Lurch]

Jesus, Davis!  Why run the ball??!  FUCK!!!

[Rebel Jew]

Jesus, Davis!  Why run the ball??!  FUCK!!!

run it again.  run it again.  run it again. run it again.  p

[Alkie]

God damnit.  Pay attention if you're going to be an asshat.  They emptied the backfield and Nebraska had to call a time out.  THEY CHANGED FUCKING PLAYS and brought in a RB!  Yes the play failed, but youre now mixing the previous playcall with the subsiquent outcome.  Christ.

I will continue to be an asshat.   You can't stop me.

If you're happy with the offensive direction of this team, cool.   But you've got a difficult time of convincing some of the rest of us that we couldn't do a whole lot better with our offensive game calling.   The worst thing that ever happened was Greg Davis was handed the keys to a 2005 Vincent and won the OC of the Year award.   

[Lurch]

I will continue to be an asshat.   You can't stop me.

If you're happy with the offensive direction of this team, cool.   But you've got a difficult time of convincing some of the rest of us that we couldn't do a whole lot better with our offensive game calling.   The worst thing that ever happened was Greg Davis was handed the keys to a 2005 Vincent and won the OC of the Year award.   

Let's talk when we FUCKING LOSE A GAME!

[Alkie]

Jesus, Davis!  Why run the ball??!  FUCK!!!

See, here's the difference.

If you call plays that you execute and the other team just stops you, hey, you at least you had a plan.

Passing sideways and running predictable junior high shit at Nebraska isn't good planning.

I can't believe we're still having this discussion.   We have more turnovers than first downs, haven't scored, and you want us to feel good about this?

[BizidyDizidy]

Remember when I said no one knew how good this team was and you may nbe thebest team in the nation by a wide maegin? I was half right.

[Alkie]

Let's talk when we FUCKING LOSE A GAME!

So wait.

Really.

You're telling me that team management is fine as long as they plan for the 2nd half?   I totally agree, the W is the most important thing and in the end, that's what matters, but you don't think it would make things a lot easier if we didn't put ourselves in holes to far inferior teams all season long?

[Lurch]

See, here's the difference.

If you call plays that you execute and the other team just stops you, hey, you at least you had a plan.

Passing sideways and running predictable junior high shit at Nebraska isn't good planning.

I can't believe we're still having this discussion.   We have more turnovers than first downs, haven't scored, and you want us to feel good about this?

Sorry, I'll be more clear in my sarcasm next time for you.

[Alkie]

Well at least Muschamp can bother coaching an entire 60 minutes.

[Alkie]

Sorry, I'll be more clear in my sarcasm next time for you.

No, I caught your sarcasm.   That's what I was responding to.

You were sarcastically making fun of us and I was responding to that.  I totally got you.

[Lurch]

We have more turnovers than first downs, haven't scored, and you want us to feel good about this?

I've seen this episode before, but I won't spoil the surprise for you.

[Alkie]

I've seen this episode before, but I won't spoil the surprise for you.

No, no, I agree.  I agree.

Like I said.  I think we'll win the game too.

I find the first half slapdickery maddening.

[Alkie]

Wow.

That was our 2nd 3rd down conversion of the night?

Wow.

[Rebel Jew]

Run the ball every goddamned down.  NEbraska will not win this game unless Texas fucks it up.  14 points will do it.  turnovers will lose.  texas can play nebraska's game and win. 

[Alkie]

Suh is even better than advertised.

[Alkie]

Hell of a catch.

[Lurch]

So wait.

Really.

You're telling me that team management is fine as long as they plan for the 2nd half?   I totally agree, the W is the most important thing and in the end, that's what matters, but you don't think it would make things a lot easier if we didn't put ourselves in holes to far inferior teams all season long?

I can't believe you think YOU are a better judge of OC talent than The University of Texas and Mack Brown.  And that YOU somehow know what preparation went into this game and/or what they're looking at upstairs leading them to call the plays they do.

[SaltyParker]

Well, lets see if they can pound it in here from the 2

[Alkie]

I can't believe you think YOU are a better judge of OC talent than The University of Texas and Mack Brown.  And that YOU somehow know what preparation went into this game and/or what they're looking at upstairs leading them to call the plays they do.

Is this conversation for real?

Dude.  

This is a fake conversation on an anonymous forum site at 8:30pm on a Saturday night.

Of COURSE I think Mack and Dodds are better judges of this shit than I.   That's why I'm sitting on a couch in my underwear, unshaven and those guys are in a big stadium in Dallas.

[Alkie]

Thank.
God.

[BizidyDizidy]

Put some clothes on for gods sake

[Lurch]

No, no, I agree.  I agree.

Like I said.  I think we'll win the game too.

I find the first half slapdickery maddening.

And I admit, I dont have any more insight into this than anyone else, but I think there is a method to their playcalling madness.  Though they certainly WANT to execute the plays better, they're finding value in what you see as a failure.  The results seem to suggest that being the case.

[Alkie]

Put some clothes on for gods sake

I stand for defense and decloth for wins.   You've got 30+ minutes of football to go.

[Alkie]

And I admit, I dont have any more insight into this than anyone else, but I think there is a method to their playcalling madness.  Though they certainly WANT to execute the plays better, they're finding value in what you see as a failure.  The results seem to suggest that being the case.

Duh.

That's why I can't believe you're actually explaining this to me as if, by chance, I don't understand that.   

[Alkie]

We're winning.

Fuck is everyone so worried about?

[Alkie]

Man, I gotta say.   NU's offense is actually even worse than I imagined.

[Alkie]

Cal just got rolled in Seattle.

[Rebel Jew]

Man, I gotta say.   NU's offense is actually even worse than I imagined.

maybe they make some big change at halftime, but i don't see how they score any more offensive point they way they're going.

[Alkie]

Boy, good thing we don't need style points tonight, huh?

[matadorph]

Man, Colt is running for his life out there tonight. Those Husker linemen, especially Suh, are totally dominating the line of scrimmage.

[Alkie]

Man, Colt is running for his life out there tonight. Those Husker lineman, especially Suh, are totally dominating the line of scrimmage.

That guy isn't human.

[Alkie]

Every single time they show Tebow crying, I wonder....does Jesus hate Tim Tebow? 

[Rebel Jew]

Every single time they show Tebow crying, I wonder....does Jesus hate Tim Tebow? 

if jesus is half the magnificent bastard i think he is, then yes.

[austro]

So who else went "oh fucking no!" when Pitt bobbled the extra point with 1+whatever to go?

[Lurch]

So who else went "oh fucking no!" when Pitt bobbled the extra point with 1+whatever to go?

Non-issue

[Alkie]

So, if I use Axe Body Cum, I will wake up on a couch, outside, with marker on my face, and blood on my pants (possibly mine).

Wow.   Where do I sign up for a product like that?

[BizidyDizidy]

Cal just got rolled in Seattle.

And Arizona beat SC. I am hoping we sneak into the Holiday Bowl and I can avoid El Paso altogether.

[Lurch]

Too bad for Molly it wasn't a lineman competition

[austro]

Non-issue

Well, I'm hoping that TCU will get a chance to prove themselves against first-rate competition. If Cincy leapfrogs them because of a 1-point win against very suspect competition, I'll be disappointed.

[Alkie]

And Arizona beat SC. I am hoping we sneak into the Holiday Bowl and I can avoid El Paso altogether.

W:  Biz
L:  U of A

[Alkie]

Too bad for Molly it wasn't a lineman competition

No fucking doubt.

[Alkie]

Well, I'm hoping that TCU will get a chance to prove themselves against first-rate competition. If Cincy leapfrogs them because of a 1-point win against very suspect competition, I'll be disappointed.

I hope TCU gets either Boise in the Fiesta, even though it means not playing a BCS school or I hope they get Florida.

[subnuclear]

Is there a tax reason companies give away scholarships instead of just cash?

[Lurch]

Elvis.  MJ.  Richard Pryor ... and Howard Stern?  Fail.

[Lurch]

Well, I'm hoping that TCU will get a chance to prove themselves against first-rate competition. If Cincy leapfrogs them because of a 1-point win against very suspect competition, I'll be disappointed.

Ah, then I agree.  Thought you were concerned about Texas.  The comps will have Cincinnati as 2nd tomorrow

[BizidyDizidy]

Is there a tax reason companies give away scholarships instead of just cash?

I don't know the tax treatment, but a scholarship probably looks better from a PR stanpoint (Dr. Pepper loves higher education!!).

[Lurch]

Is there a tax reason companies give away scholarships instead of just cash?

I'm guessing it's more about time value of money.  It's probably paid as its used.

ETA:  Or, if its used

[Alkie]

CBS is projecting U of A in the Holiday and the Cardinal gets fucked into the Murder Capital Bowl.

The worst night of the year, growing up in El Paso and partying in Juarez, was the first night the Sun Bowl teams showed up in town.   All the players would come across and show up in our bars, acting like they owned the place, screaming in English and demanding Mexican bar owners do them favors like they were in a resort town.

It was hilarious watching them try to talk their way out of fights and jail and lose out to us high schoolers with the women.

I'm telling you this because the worst team was Michigan State.   The second worse was Stanford.   Those guys were out of control dicks and should have all spent a night in a Mexican jail.

[matadorph]

Too bad for Molly it wasn't a lineman competition

In which case my money would've been on Dana Jacobson.

[subnuclear]

I don't know the tax treatment, but a scholarship probably looks better from a PR stanpoint (Dr. Pepper loves higher education!!).

I'm starting to think its to target a specific demographic.  I dunno.

[BizidyDizidy]

CBS is projecting U of A in the Holiday and the Cardinal gets fucked into the Murder Capital Bowl.

The worst night of the year, growing up in El Paso and partying in Juarez, was the first night the Sun Bowl teams showed up in town.   All the players would come across and show up in our bars, acting like they owned the place, screaming in English and demanding Mexican bar owners do them favors like they were in a resort town.

It was hilarious watching them try to talk their way out of fights and jail and lose out to us high schoolers with the women.

I'm telling you this because the worst team was Michigan State.   The second worse was Stanford.   Those guys were out of control dicks and should have all spent a night in a Mexican jail.

Wow, that paired with watching our woeful defense against Texas Tech sounds GREAT! Much better than seeing our O (who no-one has been able to slow down) vs. Nebraska in the Holiday.

[austro]

Ah, then I agree.  Thought you were concerned about Texas.  The comps will have Cincinnati as 2nd tomorrow

Texas has their fate in their own hands. Either they fuck it up or they don't. TCU just has to sit back and watch how things shake out.

[Lurch]

Think the QB just called his own number?

[matadorph]

Texas has their fate in their own hands. Either they fuck it up or they don't. TCU just has to sit back and watch how things shake out.

Texas will lose this game when a guy named "Farouk" gets elected governor.

[BizidyDizidy]

Wow. Suh is good.

[austro]

Wow. Suh is good.

Yup. He's pretty remarkable.

[matadorph]

Imagine how good Mario Williams would be with Suh at DT.

[chuck]

Man, I gotta say.   NU's offense is actually even worse than I imagined.

And UT's?

[BizidyDizidy]

Imagine how good Mario Williams would be with Suh at DT.

I was just thinking the Texans needed to spend a pick or two on DL.

[chuck]

I was just thinking the Texans needed to spend a pick or two on DL.

Right, try something new.

[TheWizard]

If Texas wins this game, the Tide would roll all over them if they played like this again.

[Lurch]

Lemme guess.  Cody Green is a running QB.

[Alkie]

Well, we WERE in FG range.

Assholes.

[Alkie]

And UT's?

Depends.  Who we playing?

[Alkie]

If Texas wins this game, the Tide would roll all over them if they played like this again.

Ya think?

[BizidyDizidy]

This game is like what would happen if an unstoppable retard met an immoveable retard.

[Rebel Jew]

kimbo-houston alexander about to get started on spike

[TheWizard]

This game is like what would happen if an unstoppable retard met an immoveable retard.

What happens?

[BizidyDizidy]

What happens?
[/quote

20 million people get bored.

[Alkie]

So, just curious, when do we get to see the offensive adjustments?

[chuck]

So, just curious, when do we get to see the offensive adjustments?

Adjustments? What are you talking about? UT has the lead.

[Alkie]

Adjustments? What are you talking about? UT has the lead.

Ah.

[TheWizard]

It'll be interesting to see if UT barely wins this game in ugly fashion - if they get jumped by another team in the BCS...

[Alkie]

I wonder if Alabama, who is watching this right now, is already printing tshirts and hiring jewelers.

[Alkie]

It'll be interesting to see if UT barely wins this game - if they get jumped by another team in the BCS...

Won't happen.

[Rebel Jew]

kimbo-houston alexander about to get started on spike

JESUS TAPDANCING TEBOW!   nebraska-ut has broken out in the octagon.  boring as shit.

[Alkie]

MEMO TO NEBRASKA:

There is no rule that says you can't punt on 1st down.   If these "drives" are just to kill the clock, you might want to consider that you are losing.

[Lurch]

It'll be interesting to see if UT barely wins this game in ugly fashion - if they get jumped by another team in the BCS...

Computers don't care and voters dont read fan forums.

[chuck]

UT's winning the field position battle.

[TheWizard]

Won't happen.

I doubt it too, just thinking out loud. I think the only way it could have happened is if FL didn't lose big.

[matadorph]

JESUS TAPDANCING TEBOW!   nebraska-ut has broken out in the octagon.  boring as shit.

well, that one dude I've kinda heard of just started beating the shit outta the other one I've never heard of.

[Alkie]

Mount Cody may not sleep for a month after watching this game.

With excitement, I mean.

[Alkie]

well, that one dude I've kinda heard of just started beating the shit outta the other one I've never heard of.

How much money am I winning?

[Lurch]

Mount Cody may not sleep for a month after watching this game.

With excitement, I mean.

Chicks did the longball

[Alkie]

Uh oh.

[austro]

UT's winning the field position battle.

Yeah, until they put their kick "coverage" team on the field.

[Lurch]

An Earl Thomas sighting

[Rebel Jew]

well, that one dude I've kinda heard of just started beating the shit outta the other one I've never heard of.

and it's kimbo by a beard hair.  that was a terrible horrible awful fight.  this nebraska ut shit really is contagious.  you have two guys who previously demonstrated one fighting move-- come right at the other guy and hit him as hard as you can, and yet we still end up with a bunch of punts and dick-stepping.  texas just needs to hurry up and lose so that a real man (tcu) can step up and start kicking ass.  fuck this.

[Alkie]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

[Lurch]

FUCK!!!

[austro]

Catch the fucking ball!!!!!

[chuck]

OK, let me get this straight. The roll out to the left has not worked once this season because Colt cannot throw accurately while running to his left. I'm meant to believe that this is a cunning setup for some future glory?

[Lurch]

OK, let me get this straight. The roll out to the left has not worked once this season because Colt cannot throw accurately while running to his left. I'm meant to believe that this is a cunning setup for some future glory?

I'm calling it right here.  Game winning play in the NC.  Book it.

[austro]

Could this get much uglier?

[Alkie]

OK, let me get this straight. The roll out to the left has not worked once this season because Colt cannot throw accurately while running to his left. I'm meant to believe that this is a cunning setup for some future glory?

We're using it to see their hand.   Then, in February, BLAMMO.   Right in the kisser.

[Alkie]

And now.

We are fucked.

[Rebel Jew]

I'm calling it right here.  Game winning play in the NC.  Book it.

you might be right.

[BizidyDizidy]

Ruh ro.

[matadorph]

Hunter Lawrence must be a Kimbo Slice fan.

[austro]

And there is your Achilles heel. Shit.

[Lurch]

you might be right.

I think Cincy runs that play

[Alkie]

This small-possession game thing scares the shit out of me. 

FG here and it's back to 1 pt.

I don't like this at all.

[austro]

This small-possession game thing scares the shit out of me. 

FG here and it's back to 1 pt.

I don't like this at all.

I hope it's only a FG.

[Alkie]

I hope it's only a FG.

If it's a TD, we are proper fucked.

[Lurch]

Damn, how do you drop that ball?!  Ugh, please don't let that be this seasons Gideon play

[Alkie]

You are SO lucky.

[Alkie]

GODDAMMNIT, HORNS.

ENOUGH FUCKING AROUND.

[Lurch]

Man, that was the play.  A&M scored several times on that, no?

[austro]

Well, this is about 11 weeks in a row where my picks are rolling over. Fuck you, Taras.

[matadorph]

Lost in all the frustration and face-punching is the fact that Hunter Lawrence made a game-saving play on that return.

[Alkie]

You.
Fucking.
Dumbshit.

[Rebel Jew]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[austro]

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

[chuck]

Wow, what a fucked up call. We're about to see what the Horns have.

[Alkie]

So, after we DO lose, you admit Greg Davis is the least competent OC at a Top 25 school, right?

[Lurch]

Lost in all the frustration and face-punching is the fact that Hunter Lawrence made a game-saving play on that return.

Good call.  Open field, no help.

[Alkie]

WHEW!!

[matadorph]

Roommates!

[JaneDoe]

Lost in all the frustration and face-punching is the fact that Hunter Lawrence made a game-saving play on that return.

no kidding.

[Alkie]

I want to see James drop one more fucking pass.

Do it.

[JaneDoe]

Catch.
The.
Ball.

[Alkie]

Huge.

[matadorph]

Jesus mio Malcolm Williams!

[matadorph]

What is he doing? Slide, motherfucker.

[Lurch]

What is he doing? Slide, motherfucker.

Christ that was dumb.

[Alkie]

Hey how come the orange thingy on the sideline that shows what down it is keeps going back to "1" and being moved up the field?

[JaneDoe]

Christ that was dumb.

Why do you keep bringing Tebow into this?

[matadorph]

Texas can play for the FG and the win on this drive.

[Lurch]

Hey how come the orange thingy on the sideline that shows what down it is keeps going back to "1" and being moved up the field?

To spite Davis

[Alkie]

Texas can play for the FG and the win on this drive.

Can I tell you how much better I'd feel with a TD?

[Alkie]

Now.

We are fucked.

[JaneDoe]

OMG

[austro]

Texas can play for the FG and the win on this drive.

Or not.

[matadorph]

Pellini has one helluva defense.

[Alkie]

We fucked around and fucked around and we're going to lose this game.

[austro]

This is really exasperating.

[Alkie]

What a giant fucking turd.

I swear to fucking god.

Greg Davis is an incompetent moron.   Not one adjustment was made.   Unprepared and outcoached out of yet another title. 

FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK.

[Alkie]

Go TCU.

[chuck]

We fucked around and fucked around and we're going to lose this game.

This is the first time all year I've thought that the Horns are going to lose. I hope I'm wrong.

[austro]

Nebraska is going to make a FG with about 45 seconds to go. Can UT pull out a miracle after that? Tune in at 10:30.

[Alkie]

I can't believe we found a way to get outcoached by Nebraska.

[matadorph]

It's Colt's time to shine.

[Alkie]

That is motherfucking huge.

[matadorph]

That's one big break there.

[matadorph]

Horsecollar!

[Alkie]

I can't believe Nebraska just gifted us this game.

[SaltyParker]

34 yard FG if we can manage not to lose any yardage here.

[Alkie]

NO TURNOVERS.

[Alkie]

He better hit this FG.

[Rebel Jew]

HOLY FUCKING TEBOW

[Alkie]

Did we just Les Miles this?

[matadorph]

W


T


F

[BizidyDizidy]

Wouldn't this be something.

[Alkie]

That was some of the dumbest shit I've ever seen.

[chuck]

These last two play calls have been unconscionable.

[austro]

Who the fuck is running this offense?

[matadorph]

This game is incredible.

[SaltyParker]

We managed to only lose 3 yards there. Great offensive effort.

[Rebel Jew]

hurry up and miss already.  i can't take this

[austro]

Ri-fucking-diculous.

[SaltyParker]

No pressure.

[Alkie]

I just broke my arm.

[matadorph]

I TOLD YOU ALKIE

[Alkie]

I TOLD YOU ALKIE

Hahahahahahah.

[matadorph]

Farouk for Governor?

Hunter Lawrence says FUCK NO

[Frobie]

Congrats, Longhorns!  I'll be pulling for you against the SEC.

[matadorph]

Hunter Lawrence is the Player of the Game, and not just for that kick.

[austro]

They'd better pull their heads out of their butts before they play Alabama.

[Lurch]

How cruel was that camera angle?  FUCK ME what a finish

[chuck]

How cruel was that camera angle?  FUCK ME what a finish

Dude, off the foot I thought for certain it was hooking way left. Fuck me, that was nuts.

[Alkie]

They'd better pull their heads out of their butts before they play Alabama.

Alabama by 300.

[Lurch]

Nebraska had 106 total yards... wow

[chuck]

Alabama by 300.

Yeah? I'll take the under.

[Alkie]

Does anyone else kinda feel like they didn't just watch their team win?

I think I'm gonna be up for a while.

[JaneDoe]

Does anyone else kinda feel like they didn't just watch their team win?

I think I'm gonna be up for a while.

Yes.

Me too.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Man.

[BizidyDizidy]

Colt confused about the time - thought there were 15 seconds left in game (play clock) vs. 8 seconds left (game clock). Wow and lucky.

[Alkie]

These last two play calls have been unconscionable.

I don't think this should be forgotten.

We seriously tried to lose that game and got fucking lucky that the ball hit the ground when it did.

[austro]

Colt confused about the time - thought there were 15 seconds left in game (play clock) vs. 8 seconds left (game clock). Wow and lucky.

What?

[chuck]

I don't think this should be forgotten.

We could compile a hit parade of this sort of bullshit if we wanted to.

Whatever, Horns win. See you in January.

[BizidyDizidy]

 Just watch him say in post-game for the second time there were 15 seconds left. Wow.

[chuck]

What?

Apparently amid the mania to build pizza ovens and field level suites someone forgot to put play clocks in view of the players on the field.

[JaneDoe]

Apparently amid the mania to build pizza ovens and field level suites someone forgot to put play clocks in view of the players on the field.

There are players on the field?

[Alkie]

It's been almost 20 minutes and my brain is still waiting for them to break back into coverage to tell us the clock DID run out, NU wins, UT to the Sugar Bowl.

[Alkie]

There are players on the field?

He means on the 80 yard TV.

[DVauthrin]

I'll just take the win and forget this game was ever played.    

[MusicMan]

How cruel was that camera angle?  FUCK ME what a finish

First issue I've ever had with U-verse: the fucking picture FROZE as he kicked.  NExt thing I know, Brent says "he made it!"

[Alkie]

ESPN now reporting UT is not "definitely" going to the title game.

Goddammit.

I mean, I get that it wasn't a playoff, but how the fuck.

[Lurch]

ESPN now reporting UT is not "definitely" going to the title game.

Goddammit.

I mean, I get that it wasn't a playoff, but how the fuck.

Setting up their BCS selection show, no doubt.

[Alkie]

Setting up their BCS selection show, no doubt.

That was exactly what I was thinking.

[Frobie]

ESPN now reporting UT is not "definitely" going to the title game.

Goddammit.

I mean, I get that it wasn't a playoff, but how the fuck.

If I was a betting man--and I'm not--I would be quite confident that it'll be Alabama and UT.  And I have no particular allegiance to either team.

[JaneDoe]

Setting up their BCS selection show, no doubt.

One can only hope...

[MusicMan]

ESPN now reporting UT is not "definitely" going to the title game.

Goddammit.

I mean, I get that it wasn't a playoff, but how the fuck.

Never discount the stupidity of the voters.

Thank God Bama curbstomped the Gators.

[DVauthrin]

Never discount the stupidity of the voters.

Thank God Bama curbstomped the Gators.

Where was the FUCKING outcry when Bama had to block a last second field goal(2 fg blocks in the game) to beat a mediocre Tennessee team 12-10?    Or where was it last week when Bama never had the lead in the Iron Bowl until the last 1:24 of the game.

It was an ugly win.    But all Texas needed to do was win, and they were in.   All this whining over the quality of the win is silly.     It will be Bama and Texas in Pasadena on January 7th.

[chuck]

All this whining over the quality of the win is silly.

I agree totally. When supposedly inferior teams play top-ranked teams they should certainly elevate their level of play and usually do. I've seen plenty of teams this year play above what you might have expected when facing a top team. And good for them. Would I love Texas to beat everyone by 60? Sure. There are precious few teams who have made it this far without losing any games. I don't care where or whom you play, it is not easy to escape a regular season undefeated. These undefeated teams should all be congratulated enthusiastically, and frankly I hope they all win with the exception of Alabama.

[DVauthrin]

I agree totally. When supposedly inferior teams play top-ranked teams they should certainly elevate their level of play and usually do. I've seen plenty of teams this year play above what you might have expected when facing a top team. And good for them. Would I love Texas to beat everyone by 60? Sure. There are precious few teams who have made it this far without losing any games. I don't care where or whom you play, it is not easy to escape a regular season undefeated. These undefeated teams should all be congratulated enthusiastically, and frankly I hope they all win with the exception of Alabama.

One of my biggest pet peeves with college football is the way SEC teams are treated compared to everyone else.     Alabama has nail biters with Tennessee and Auburn, but yet they are gritty wins in a great conference.   Same logic applied for Florida when they struggled versus Arkansas this season.  Other teams(like Texas vs Nebraska tonight) have similar games and the attitude is "the team sucks, move them down in the polls."   

[JimR]

Does anyone else kinda feel like they didn't just watch their team win?

I think I'm gonna be up for a while.

no. there is no such thing as a bad win.

[Ebby Calvin]

First issue I've ever had with U-verse: the fucking picture FROZE as he kicked.  NExt thing I know, Brent says "he made it!"

EXACT same thing happened to me.  Snap, good hold, there's the kick! it looks wide ... AND ..........................Mack Brown cheering.  That's what we got.

I seriously almost passed out.

Hook 'em!

[JimR]

What a giant fucking turd.

I swear to fucking god.

Greg Davis is an incompetent moron.   Not one adjustment was made.   Unprepared and outcoached out of yet another title. 

FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK.

seriously, i cannot believe that Davis was the problem to you. i know you are an astute FB fan. our OL could not block their DL. Colt held the ball way too long most of the night. what adjustment do you make when the OL is getting its ass kicked on EVERY play?

the only possible criticism is for the last minute, and Colt's postgame comments showed he was partly responsible for the clock's running down. the last three calls were QB draw, max protect pass, and sprint out Shipley double moves. the officials did not hear/ignored MB's effort to call time at 12 seconds b/c McCoy was not snapping the ball.

titanic defensive struggle, and we won. i'll take it, and i'm happy. fuck ESPN.

[Alkie]

Ok, so this is fucking terrifying.

I was being sold on the fact that there were no style points last night.   Texas wins, they're in. 

Immediately after the game, ESPfuckingN goes live and starts reminding voters that, hey, Texas looked like absolute shit last night and that TCU or Cinci (who ALSO looked like shit) deserved some looks ahead of Texas in the human polls.

So then I get up this morning and start reading articles about the game and watching video about the game and, so far, I've read/watched 4 people who actually get to vote today.   All 4, ALL FOUR, have said the exact same thing.

"I mean, I wasn't impressed enough by Texas and I'm putting TCU ahead of them when I vote tomorrow, but there won't be enough of us to take UT out of the #2 spot not to mention the huge boost UT will have in the computer polls for a W (margin ignored) over a quality opponent." 

So I go to the Sagarin ratings, the only computer poll that posts prior to the release of the BCS.

SHIT!

We haven't moved.   And fucking FLORIDA is still #2!!!    It's Alabama, Florida, Cincinnati, TCU, Texas.   

So, I have a bunch of voters telling me THEY won't vote Texas #2 and one of the 6 computer polls telling me Texas hasn't moved and TCU and Cinci are still ahead of them.

It's going to be a long day.   

[Ron Brand]

It may be a long day, but it isn't unanimously negative.

[juliogotay]

It may be a long day, but it isn't unanimously negative.

I love Mack's quote " If this had been the SEC you would have called it a beautiful game".

[Alkie]

It may be a long day, but it isn't unanimously negative.

I'll still sweat it out.   Too many people saying "well, *I* won't vote for Texas, but everyone else will."

I have a really hard time believing anything about the computer polls at this point.   If margin doesn't matter, and we're all undefeated, how the fuck is Cinci and TCU ahead of us with, now, worse strength of schedule?

[Ron Brand]

I'll still sweat it out.   Too many people saying "well, *I* won't vote for Texas, but everyone else will."

I have a really hard time believing anything about the computer polls at this point.   If margin doesn't matter, and we're all undefeated, how the fuck is Cinci and TCU ahead of us with, now, worse strength of schedule?

Here's something for you, from the Orangebloods message board. There's no way to verify this, so add salt as necessary:

So, I talked to my friend last night, he said he was up at the Bristol Complex last night getting ready for NFL Gameday today and was watching the game with others there. Here is what he told me....

"Everyone up at ESPN was hoping/praying that Nebraska won. They want chaos. They want TCU and Cincy to argue like heck right now. After the game was over in their own individual corners making phone calls to people they knew to argue against Texas. EVERYONE! Amazing how annimated everyone was/is about NOT wanting Texas to be automatically given the BCS NC bid. There was one individual in particular, who everyone knows, who was taking it upon himself to call Harris Poll voters."

The individual is supposed to be Chris Fowler.

[matadorph]

I'll still sweat it out.   Too many people saying "well, *I* won't vote for Texas, but everyone else will."

Relax, Alkie.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

What team do you think the Powers That Be want to match up against Alabama? TCU, Cincinnati, or Texas?

[BizidyDizidy]

Just read someone saying they blew the end of game review last night - supposedly clock is not supposed to be reviewable on its own and is only supposed to be consulted after overturning another decision.

Hard to get too fired up about it, b/c it ended up being the right call, but still more fodder for the conspiracy theorists.

[matadorph]

Here's something for you, from the Orangebloods message board.

"That'll be ten bucks, please."

[Ron Brand]

Relax, Alkie.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

What team do you think the Powers That Be want to match up against Alabama? TCU, Cincinnati, or Texas?

I don't know who the Powers That Be are, but The Media would enjoy some controversy and fodder for stories.

[matadorph]

Just read someone saying they blew the end of game review last night - supposedly clock is not supposed to be reviewable on its own and is only supposed to be consulted after overturning another decision.

Hard to get too fired up about it, b/c it ended up being the right call, but still more fodder for the conspiracy theorists.

Which is completely wrong from everything I've read.

[Ron Brand]

"That'll be ten bucks, please."

Nah, that's just a teaser for the rest of the content on the board.

Every time I visit it I want to take a shower. The inanity is endless.

[Ron Brand]

Just read someone saying they blew the end of game review last night - supposedly clock is not supposed to be reviewable on its own and is only supposed to be consulted after overturning another decision.

That's just insipid. There had been clock issues all night long, and the referees, by rule, have the ability to refer to the replay to correct the clock. The clock stopped when the pass hit a railing, which was between .02 and .01 left, so they correctly told the clock operator to put one second back on the clock.

[Rebel Jew]

i don't follow texas football as deeply as all you nerds:  who's the quarterback-in-waiting next year while colt's throwing interceptions on the panthers' practice squad?

[matadorph]

gilbert, garrett.

stud.

[BizidyDizidy]

That's just insipid. There had been clock issues all night long, and the referees, by rule, have the ability to refer to the replay to correct the clock. The clock stopped when the pass hit a railing, which was between .02 and .01 left, so they correctly told the clock operator to put one second back on the clock.

The NCAA rules seem to say they can only check the clock on replay following a reversal.

http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080805aac.html

Scroll down to the list of reviewable plays.

[Rebel Jew]

gilbert, garrett.

stud.

sounds pretty good.  looks like the next sideways passing star at ut:

The son of former NFL quarterback Gale Gilbert attended Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, where he broke the state record for most passing yards in a season with 4,827 yards during his junior season.[3] The record was previously held by Graham Harrell. Gilbert again broke the same record his senior season, after compiling 4,851 passing yards. He finished his high school career with 12,537 passing yards, another state record which was previously held by Harrell.[4]

and then there's this:

Former college head coach Jackie Sherrill called Gilbert the best quarterback he has seen since Dan Marino.

[matadorph]

The NCAA rules seem to say they can only check the clock on replay following a reversal.

http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080805aac.html

Scroll down to the list of reviewable plays.

LIMITATIONS ON REVIEWABLE PLAYS

ARTICLE 6. No other plays or officiating decisions are reviewable.
However, the replay official may correct egregious errors, including those
involving the game clock, whether or not a play is reviewable. This excludes
fouls that are not specifically reviewable (Reviewable fouls: Rules 12-3-2-c
and d, 12-3-4-b and 12-3-5-a).

http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rules_5_2204c0005d-845f-4813-8391-54f15136079d.pdf

[BizidyDizidy]

LIMITATIONS ON REVIEWABLE PLAYS

ARTICLE 6. No other plays or officiating decisions are reviewable.
However, the replay official may correct egregious errors, including those
involving the game clock, whether or not a play is reviewable. This excludes
fouls that are not specifically reviewable (Reviewable fouls: Rules 12-3-2-c
and d, 12-3-4-b and 12-3-5-a).

http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rules_5_2204c0005d-845f-4813-8391-54f15136079d.pdf

I'm sure one second is what they had in mind for egregious time calls.

[homer]

I'm sure one second is what they had in mind for egregious time calls.

I'm sure they had some clock monkey falling asleep at the end of the game as non-egregious.

[Lurch]

I'm sure one second is what they had in mind for egregious time calls.

Fucking douche.  Are you really arguing that they should have let the game end by a mistake from the guy running the clock?  And trying to justify it, first by the rules, and then by intent of the rules?  Really?  Fucking douche.

[matadorph]

Did that one second help determine the outcome of that game?

I cannot believe people are actually raising a fuss about that call. It was the right call, period.

[BizidyDizidy]

Put it this way - I saw how Texas fans reacted to the tiebreaker last year. If this had gone the other way, they would be apoplectic. Pretending it's obvious is disingenuous.

[matadorph]

Put it this way - I saw how Texas fans reacted to the tiebreaker last year. If this had gone the other way, they would be apoplectic. Pretending it's obvious is disingenuous.

My Michelle Valles avatar notwithstanding, I am not exactly a UT football homer. I am a neutral observer. The call was not only right and proper, but it would've been an injustice if Texas were prevented from attempting that FG based on some bullshit about what is and isn't supposedly reviewable.

Come the fuck on.

[BizidyDizidy]

I said in my first post thatit doesn't bother me because it was undoubtedly the right call (and I'd like Texas to gplay Alabama and see how everything shakes out).

What I think is bullshit is pretending they didn't blow the call (which happens all the time with NCAA refs and is the real issue here).

[matadorph]

I said in my first post thatit doesn't bother me because it was undoubtedly the right call (and I'd like Texas to gplay Alabama and see how everything shakes out).

What I think is bullshit is pretending they didn't blow the call (which happens all the time with NCAA refs and is the real issue here).

So you think it's the right call but a blown call?

Wtf.

[Lurch]

I said in my first post thatit doesn't bother me because it was undoubtedly the right call (and I'd like Texas to gplay Alabama and see how everything shakes out).

What I think is bullshit is pretending they didn't blow the call (which happens all the time with NCAA refs and is the real issue here).

Sure, thats the real issue.  You're just concerned about bringing NCAA ref issues to our attention.  You're a fucking troll.

[BizidyDizidy]

I think its interesting that a huge call was bown in one of thebiggest games of the year. If the same thing happened in the Bama Fla game you would be talking abiut the refs. I have never seen a thinner skinned bunch.

[kevwun]

I'm sure one second is what they had in mind for egregious time calls.

There's no point in arguing with him about this.  He's just being a contrarian.  The play was clearly reviewable.  It's in the fucking rule book.

[matadorph]

I think its interesting that a huge call was bown in one of thebiggest games of the year. If the same thing happened in the Bama Fla game you would be talking abiut the refs. I have never seen a thinner skinned bunch.

What blown call are you referring to?

[BizidyDizidy]

Put it this way - if anyone can point to any instance besides this game of a review of just the clock (in an college game period) I will admit I'm just a sack of shit trolling stirring things up. I watch as much college football as anyone and have never seen it happen once.

[matadorph]

Put it this way - if anyone can point to any instance besides this game of a review of just the clock (in an college game period) I will admit I'm just a sack of shit trolling stirring things up. I watch as much college football as anyone and have never seen it happen once.

The fuck? Refs instruct the clock operators to put time back on the clock all the time.

[BizidyDizidy]

The fuck? Refs instruct the clock operators to put time back on the clock all the time.

I have never seen a review just to check the clock. That's what I'm asking (and what happened). They correct the clock all the time, but not through replay (or they do it after a reversal). I'm starting to think you don't have a clue what the issue even is.

[chandler44]

Put it this way - if anyone can point to any instance besides this game of a review of just the clock (in an college game period) I will admit I'm just a sack of shit trolling stirring things up. I watch as much college football as anyone and have never seen it happen once.

Does it matter what *you* have or haven't seen?  

The rule was even pointed out for you in the NCAA handbook, yet you continue to call it a "blown call".  

[Lurch]

Textbook troll.

[BizidyDizidy]

Fine, I'm done with it. I think this will become a story. We will see.

[matadorph]

I have never seen a review just to check the clock. That's what I'm asking (and what happened). They correct the clock all the time, but not through replay (or they do it after a reversal). I'm starting to think you don't have a clue what the issue even is.

Fuck off, Bizidy. Of course I know what the issue is--getting the fucking call right, which is the underlying purpose behind instant replay itself.

You agree the call was right, yet you think they should not have used instant replay in that instance because you've never seen it before. It's right there in the goddamn rulebook.

[chandler44]

Story

[Ron Brand]

Fine, I'm done with it. I think this will become a story. We will see.

Who gives a shit if it becomes a story or not? Media coverage has nothing to do with whether something is correct or incorrect.

[Ron Brand]

Feel better yet, Alkie? The Coaches' Poll has Texas as a solid #2.

[BizidyDizidy]

It would be an unbelievable screwjob if Texas got left out and it won't happen. They played the toughest schedule of any of the unbeaten candidates and won the Big 12.

[Lurch]

Feel better yet, Alkie? The Coaches' Poll has Texas as a solid #2.

Is this the one where we get to eventually see who they voted for?

[BizidyDizidy]

Is this the one where we get to eventually see who they voted for?

Yes

[Lurch]

Awfully nice to see USC dropped out entirely!

[BizidyDizidy]

Awfully nice to see USC dropped out entirely!

The one downside to Cal losing is that they probably saved USC from having to go to the Poinsettia bowl.

[chuck]

Awfully nice to see USC dropped out entirely!

I liked how Nebraska moved UP a spot.

[Mr. Happy]

It doesn't matter because Alabama is going to kick Texas's ass.

[Ron Brand]

It doesn't matter because Alabama is going to kick Texas's ass.

If they both play like they did yesterday, you're right.

[Lurch]

If they both play like they did yesterday, you're right.

I'm betting the Oct 24 Longhorns are going to kick the shit out of the Oct 24 Tide.

[Alkie]

Yes, I actually do feel much better.  Thank you. 

[chandler44]

UT #2 in AP Poll

[TheWizard]

Smart's defense is pretty sick... Texas's offense is going to have to step up.

[juliogotay]

I'm betting the Oct 24 Longhorns are going to kick the shit out of the Oct 24 Tide.

"Football games are won by angry young men".  DKR

The 'Horns need to work up a good case of angry against the Tide.

I remember when #2 Texas played in the Cotton Bowl ('64 I believe) against #1 Navy led by Staubach. The eastern sportswriters had written how Navy was going to whip those skinny-legged kids from Texas. With a PA mic stuck in his face during player introductions just before kickoff, Royal's only words were "we're ready". They came out and the run-dominant 'Horns surprised the entire country by hitting on two long TD passes from Duke Carlisle to Phil Harris and Navy couldn't recover against a great Texas defense led by Appleton, Nobis and company.

 Maybe Mack needs to piss in their Cheerios a few times in the next month.

[Alkie]

I'm betting the Oct 24 Longhorns are going to kick the shit out of the Oct 24 Tide.

Actually, Alabama was supposed to annihilate Utah in the Sugar last year, I mean it wasn't even supposed to be fair.

And...um...yeah.

[remy]

I was away from the 'net since yesterday afternooon... and I'm sure it's already been covered somewhere in this mammoth thread...

But GAWD those two chicks at halftime had horrible arms.

[JimR]

Put it this way - if anyone can point to any instance besides this game of a review of just the clock (in an college game period) I will admit I'm just a sack of shit trolling stirring things up. I watch as much college football as anyone and have never seen it happen once.

yes, you are. thanks for admitting it. the review, you dumbass, was whether the incomplete pass stopped the clock in time. if the rule were as you say, a cheating clock operator could just let it run without review.

all you try to do is fuck with people. if you have any value here, i'd like to know what it is.

[JimR]

It doesn't matter because Alabama is going to kick Texas's ass.

fuck you.

[Ron Brand]

OB is reporting that the team has been told it's official, they're going to Pasadena. Take a breath, Alkie.

[HudsonHawk]

OB is reporting that the team has been told it's official, they're going to Pasadena. Take a breath, Alkie.

I can't believe the handwringing and consterntion over this.  If there was *any* way to get Texas in the BCS championship, they were going to find a way.  There is no way in hell they were going to put in someone like TCU over UT.  That's the purpose of the BCS.

[Alkie]

So you're saying the polls are fixed?

[Lurch]

I can't believe the handwringing and consterntion over this.  If there was *any* way to get Texas in the BCS championship, they were going to find a way.  There is no way in hell they were going to put in someone like TCU over UT.  That's the purpose of the BCS.

Who is the "they" that has the power to "put someone in" to meet the purpose of the BCS?

[HudsonHawk]

So you're saying the polls are fixed?

Fixed in that there's no way in hell that they're gonna allow something like 1984 again.  That's why the BCS and it's predecessors was formed, to specifically *avoid* having a team from a minor conference ranked No 1.  And I'm saying that the BCS rankings exists to validate the polls, not provide an alternative.

[HudsonHawk]

Who is the "they" that has the power to "put someone in" to meet the purpose of the BCS?

Those who rank the teams.

[Alkie]

I can't fucking wait for the Boise/TCU game. 

I also couldn't possibly give a fuck less about the GaTech/Iowa Orange Bowl.

[Lurch]

TCUs hand signal is air quotes?  Cool

[Alkie]

TCUs hand signal is air quotes?  Cool

Best in college, by far, is Wichita State.

[Mr. Happy]

fuck you.

You can throw out "fuck you's" all you want. McCoy is a college QB. Nothing more. Alabama has more playmakers than Texas. And a better defense. And a better coach.

[juliogotay]

You can throw out "fuck you's" all you want. McCoy is a college QB. Nothing more. Alabama has more playmakers than Texas. And a better defense. And a better coach.

USC suppossedly had all of those things, too, in 2006. McCoy is a college QB. This is a college football game. Where's the rub?
Do you think McElroy is better? I don't.

[juliogotay]

Actually, Alabama was supposed to annihilate Utah in the Sugar last year, I mean it wasn't even supposed to be fair.

And...um...yeah.

That's not really a comparable. Bama had just lost their conference championship game and obviously wasn't fully motivated. Inexcusable but not the same as playing for the national title. There was some controversy around Bama's all-everything left OT and he got his ass handed to him that night. Saban's boys will be ready.

[juliogotay]

I can't fucking wait for the Boise/TCU game. 

I also couldn't possibly give a fuck less about the GaTech/Iowa Orange Bowl.

I bet Boise/TCU is one of the better bowls. I personally enjoy watching Ga Tech run that option. It's a thing of beauty when done correctly, every bit as pretty as a long pass completion. Just my two cents worth...I'm sure I'm in the minority of Americans on these two games.

[Alkie]

USC suppossedly had all of those things, too, in 2006.

Yeah, that's what I said at dinner tonight.

USC was supposed to kill us too.   Faster, stronger, better RB, better receivers, better lines on both sides, arguably a better QB (using the traditional white QB vs combo black QB bullshit argument).   I even remember people saying that USC team was maybe the best team of all time before the Rose Bowl.   Two Heismans.  Lots of other hardware.  Lots of other jewelry.   Better assistant coaches.  Prettier cheerleaders. 

41-38.

[Alkie]

I bet Boise/TCU is one of the better bowls.

Anyone who disagrees with you just isn't paying attention.

Chris Peterson with a month to prepare is goddamn frightening.   Gary Patterson with a month to prepare an already well oiled machine is goddamn frightening.

If my team wasn't playing in the game, I'd be a lot more excited as a football fan about the Fiesta Bowl than the MNC game.

[Alkie]

Look, if our OL can pull their heads out of their asses and they certainly have enough time to work on shit, we're no worse than Bama.

Chuck and I watched the Bama/Tenn game and laughed and wished we could play Bama in the title game.   Guess we got what we wished for.

If the Tide Vols game had been last night, everyone would be talking about how the Horns are going to beat the Tide by 50.

Also, if I've learned anything about sports, it's that the guys in the desert who get paid to handicap games are pretty fucking good at what they do.    Bama -3.   I can live with that line.   Someone correct me, but I believe SC was favored by 3 in the Rose Bowl as well.

[Lurch]

Also, if I've learned anything about sports, it's that the guys in the desert who get paid to handicap games are pretty fucking good at what they do.    Bama -3.  

Cue HH, in 5..4..3..

[Alkie]

Cue HH, in 5..4..3..

As usual, I'm not looking for validation.   

[ybbodeus]

Boise Cincy would have made for madness. Wish that would have been the Fiesta.

TCU Florida would have been more SEC like.

The Fiesta and Sugar are good bowl match-ups that could have been better viewing, I believe, with those hypotheticals.

[HudsonHawk]

Cue HH, in 5..4..3..

Not sure what this means.

[Alkie]

Boise Cincy would have made for madness. Wish that would have been the Fiesta.

You'd rather watch Boise/Cinci than Boise/TCU?

I'm not trying to change your mind, I'm just saying, I don't agree with that at all and I think that most of the general college football viewing public finds the matchup we actually got to be a lot sexier.

[Alkie]

Also, if I've learned anything about sports, it's that the guys in the desert who get paid to handicap games are pretty fucking good at what they do.    Bama -3.   I can live with that line.   Someone correct me, but I believe SC was favored by 3 in the Rose Bowl as well.

To be clear on my point here...I'm saying that the line tends to be closer to reality than the hype and media bullshit.

If you listen to the media, Bama is going to win this game by 30.

I have a feeling the -3 is going to be a lot closer to reality than the -30 Fox Sports and ESPN seems to be hoping for.

[Lurch]

Not sure what this means.

Thought incorrectly using the vegas line to suggest it represents how professional gamblers rank/rate teams was something you've frequently had to correct

[HudsonHawk]

Thought incorrectly using the vegas line to suggest it represents how professional gamblers rank/rate teams was something you've frequently had to correct

Ah...yes, you are correct.  I missed that.

Alkie...shame on you.  You know better what betting lines represent.

[Alkie]

Thought incorrectly using the vegas line to suggest it represents how professional gamblers rank/rate teams was something you've frequently had to correct

I wasn't even kind of suggesting the line ranked teams.  I was talking about how the line predicts the score of a single game.

[Alkie]

Alkie...shame on you.  You know better what betting lines represent.

That....it's....what....they...think.....the....game...will...be....decided...by....roughly?   Isn't that exactly what I was talking about?

Where did I suggest it was a way to rank teams?

[HudsonHawk]

I wasn't even kind of suggesting the line ranked teams.  I was talking about how the line predicts the score of a single game.

The betting line doesn't predict scores, it encourages betting on both teams. 

[Lurch]

I wasn't even kind of suggesting the line ranked teams.  I was talking about how the line predicts the score of a single game.

Ugh.

[HudsonHawk]

That....it's....what....they...think.....the....game...will...be....decided...by....roughly? 

No...it's...not.

[Alkie]

You know the most awesome part of this forum?

The know-it-all lectures by people who know as much as or less than you about something. 

[HudsonHawk]

You know the most awesome part of this forum?

The know-it-all lectures by people who know as much as or less than you about something. 

No way.  That's only about the fourth most awesome part of this forum.

[Alkie]

No way.  That's only about the fourth most awesome part of this forum.

3rd and I won't bend on this one.

[HudsonHawk]

3rd and I won't bend on this one.

As long as we all agree that the constant stream of profanity is consensus number one.

[Alkie]

As long as we all agree that the constant stream of profanity is consensus number one.

I actually agree with this one.   

I recently became the admin of a much less interesting forum site and in all seriousness, it burns me up inside that I have to make OTHER people stop talking trash and swearing at each other for business sake.   It kills me inside.

[juliogotay]

Look, if our OL can pull their heads out of their asses and they certainly have enough time to work on shit, we're no worse than Bama.

Chuck and I watched the Bama/Tenn game and laughed and wished we could play Bama in the title game.   Guess we got what we wished for.

If the Tide Vols game had been last night, everyone would be talking about how the Horns are going to beat the Tide by 50.

Also, if I've learned anything about sports, it's that the guys in the desert who get paid to handicap games are pretty fucking good at what they do.    Bama -3.   I can live with that line.   Someone correct me, but I believe SC was favored by 3 in the Rose Bowl as well.

I thought the OL was going to be a strength this year. Hasn't worked out that way at all. Suh may be the best I've seen in college though. Bama can't have anyone better than that.

[Alkie]

I thought the OL was going to be a strength this year. Hasn't worked out that way at all. Suh may be the best I've seen in college though. Bama can't have anyone better than that.

Suh is a motherfucking beast from another planet.   I wish my team had a higher pick so they could take him.

And I am fully aware of and absolutely terrified (now) of how we'll contain Cody.

[Mr. Happy]

USC suppossedly had all of those things, too, in 2006. McCoy is a college QB. This is a college football game. Where's the rub?
Do you think McElroy is better? I don't.

McElroy is no better. But McCoy is the Heisman hopeful. McElroy is a serviceable college QB, running an offense that has several playmakers but that doesn't beat itself. Alabama's defense will come to play. I'm no Alabama fan-remember Nick Satan is their coach. However, my position is based on watching both teams play good defenses.

[Trey]

That's not really a comparable. Bama had just lost their conference championship game and obviously wasn't fully motivated. Inexcusable but not the same as playing for the national title. There was some controversy around Bama's all-everything left OT and he got his ass handed to him that night. Saban's boys will be ready.

He didn't get his ass handed to him that night.  He got his ass sent home about four days before the game by Saban (/AD/NCAA) for illegal contact with an agent.

[MusicMan]

Suh is a motherfucking beast from another planet.   I wish my team had a higher pick so they could take him.

And I am fully aware of and absolutely terrified (now) of how we'll contain Cody.

Perhaps Cody will have the decency to tell Chris Hall the safe word in advance.  Unlike Suh.

[ybbodeus]

Boise and Cincy would feature two imaginative offenses going head to head.

TCU Florida would feature two power teams with good defenses getting after each other.

If you prefer contrasting styles, then you lile these match-ups better, and I'm fine with that, too.

TCU feels like it has something to prove, even if astrofrog thinks they already have. A victory over Florida proves more than one over Boise.

[TheWizard]

I don't think McElroy is better.... but Ingram and his fellow backs are a beastly package. 

And I'd take Julio Jones on my pickup flag football team.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

When Gene Stallings, a man I greatly admire, was coach, I tried to pull for 'Bama. I wanted him to win but I wanted the school to lose. It was perplexing.

That Javier Arenas is a kick and punt returning mother fucker and a nifty defensive back. He is great at corner blitzes. He has open field moves that break ankles. I can't believe there are no offensive plays designed for him. His kick and punt returns are  reminiscent of Barry Sanders at Okie State.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

the review, you dumbass, was whether the incomplete pass stopped the clock in time.

Thank you.

Here's a suggestion to crybaby Nebraska Football fans and coaches looking for blame for losing that game. Don't kick the ball out of bounds on kickoffs and don't horse collar tackle.

[AstroFrog]

TCUs hand signal is air quotes?  Cool

Were you around the SWC much?

[juliogotay]

He didn't get his ass handed to him that night.  He got his ass sent home about four days before the game by Saban (/AD/NCAA) for illegal contact with an agent.

That's it. Thanks for the clarification. His replacement IIRC had a tough night.

[juliogotay]

According to the Omaha World-Herald, Carl Pellini shouted at Texas "You should be ashamed to accept that trophy" after the game and Bo Pellini said as he entered the locker room " BCS. That's why they made that call."  The DMN reported yesterday that Pellini and Tom Osborne confered after the game with Big 12 commish Beebe.

Meanwhile, Walt Anderson Big 12 coordinator of football officials maintains the right call was made. "There was a second left so we put that back up". The play could be reviewed because it involved "a clock error at a critical time in the game."

[juliogotay]

Texas is 7-0-1 alltime v. Alabama with a history beginning with a 1902 game in Alabama and most recently at the '82 Cotton Bowl (I was there, it was cold as hell). In 1965 #5 ranked Texas bested #1 ranked Bama 21-17 in the Orange Bowl as Nobis and company had a great goal-line stand against a Joe Namath led squad. That game was significant also for being the first bowl game played at night. The tie came at the 1960 Bluebonnet Bowl 3-3.

[Ron Brand]

I've been to some Cotton Bowls too and the weather is almost ALWAYS cold and sloppy. The first one I went to was a surprise last-minute thing in 1979 and I shrewdly wore a t-shirt and jeans because it was in the 60s the day before. Of course, it was 38 and sleeting during the game and we were pretty far up in the stands. Brrrr.

[ybbodeus]

I knew that the Bear had never beaten Texas, not as the Crimson Tide coach, anyway (he did as A&M's coach--John David Crow era).  I just didn't realize the school never had.  

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I've been to some Cotton Bowls too and the weather is almost ALWAYS cold and sloppy. The first one I went to was a surprise last-minute thing in 1979 and I shrewdly wore a t-shirt and jeans because it was in the 60s the day before. Of course, it was 38 and sleeting during the game and we were pretty far up in the stands. Brrrr.

Fuck Joe Montana.

[Ron Brand]

And Notre Dame.

[juliogotay]

I knew that the Bear had never beaten Texas, not as the Crimson Tide coach, anyway (he did as A&M's coach--John David Crow era).  I just didn't realize the school never had.  

There was the controversy from the Cotton Bowl  of '73 won by Texas 17-13. QB Alan Lowery's TD run included a possible foot OOB. Even the goal line stand IIRC in the '65 Orange Bowl had Bama thinking Namath had crossed the goal. Not that ancient history has anything to do with this game but I personally am looking forward to this matchup.

[juliogotay]

I've been to some Cotton Bowls too and the weather is almost ALWAYS cold and sloppy. The first one I went to was a surprise last-minute thing in 1979 and I shrewdly wore a t-shirt and jeans because it was in the 60s the day before. Of course, it was 38 and sleeting during the game and we were pretty far up in the stands. Brrrr.

Those days, sadly I say, are over as the Cotton Bowl moves to Jerryworld this year. Those of you that don't live in Dallas (most of you obviously) may not realize that Jones' first choice was to put the new stadium in Dallas in or near Fair Park. The mayor at that time would not even meet with him to discuss.

[Ron Brand]

Is it in Jerryworld forever now?

[ybbodeus]

I prefer the darker label of "Jonestown" for said stadium.

[juliogotay]

Is it in Jerryworld forever now?

Yes. After Jerryworld was announced for Arlington Dallas mayor Laura Miller led an effort to rennovate the Cotton Bowl to keep Tex/Ok. and the CB game and she added that they would go get other college games during the season for the rennovated CB. If they have added a game it was a couple of small colleges that wouldn't impact the local economy much. Arlington has had several top-tier schools play in their place this year and one would think that will continue in the future. Meanwhile, an extension of Tex/Ok happened on Miller's watch but she had little if any influence on it. The deal was brokered by a local dairy owner who simply picked up the phone and made a couple of calls to get the parties together to discuss an extension. It will be interesting to see what happens to Tx/OU in the future.

[Ron Brand]

Can we get the Kool-Aid concession?

[juliogotay]

I prefer the darker label of "Jonestown" for said stadium.

That works for me.

[ybbodeus]

Ron's ahead of us both.

[Alkie]

Can we get the Kool-Aid concession?

Flavor-aid, people.  FLAVOR-AID.

Who clearly has the best damage controlling PR on Earth.

[Ron Brand]

On a Blackberry I can't get the YouTube link, but this calls for Guyana Punch by the Judys.

[Ron Brand]

I thought there were pictures of boxes of both Kool-Aid and Flavor-Aid at the site. Not that it matters much.

[HudsonHawk]

On a Blackberry I can't get the YouTube link, but this calls for Guyana Punch by the Judys.

Here ya go...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K74GSl3T7tQ

[sporadic]

The line on Texas/Bama has moved all the way to 5.5.  The SEC money must be coming in like crazy.

[Lurch]

The line on Texas/Bama has moved all the way to 5.5.  The SEC money must be coming in like crazy.

Considering the coverage this is getting, I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit 9.  And that's when it's time to buy.

[juliogotay]

And Notre Dame.

The next ND coach will have to start over at pitch and catch. Claussen and Tate announcing today for the NFL.

[Bench]

The line on Texas/Bama has moved all the way to 5.5.  The SEC money must be coming in like crazy.

No, it's just that the experts are refining their prediction regarding what the final score will be.

[SaltyParker]

No, it's just that the experts are refining their prediction regarding what the final score will be.

There is no prediction. The objective is to get even money on each team, that way Vegas makes money whatever the outcome. The spread will change according to how the money flows in.

[Rebel Jew]

There is no prediction. The objective is to get even money on each team, that way Vegas makes money whatever the outcome. The spread will change according to how the money flows in.

i don't get this recent 'gambling lines aren't predictions' line of thought that seems to be taking hold.  yes, a bookie's goal is usually to set a line in the hope that it will garner even betting, but the method to do that is to make a very educated guess as to how many points a particular team will win by.  bookies study trends and statistics like a hawk.  you never see them set lines based on unfounded popular perceptions, because they know that professional gamblers will be sure to take advantage if they do.

[HudsonHawk]

There is no prediction. The objective is to get even money on each team, that way Vegas makes money whatever the outcome. The spread will change according to how the money flows in.

You need to reboot your sarcasm detector.

[HudsonHawk]

i don't get this recent 'gambling lines aren't predictions' line of thought that seems to be taking hold.  yes, a bookie's goal is usually to set a line in the hope that it will garner even betting, but the method to do that is to make a very educated guess as to how many points a particular team will win by.  bookies study trends and statistics like a hawk.  you never see them set lines based on unfounded popular perceptions, because they know that professional gamblers will be sure to take advantage if they do.

Gambling lines may approach a predicted score, but that is a byproduct of an educated betting pool, not the goal of the bookie.  The goal of a bookie is now, has always been, and will always be, to make money.  In order to do ensure that he does, he must get people to bet on the underdog.  The bookie really doesn't care if the spread is 1 point or 1,000 points, as long as people are betting on both sides.  And this isn't a recent phenomenon, odds and spreads have been standard bookmaking practice since the beginning of gambling.

[BizidyDizidy]

HH, that's by far the best post I've seen you make on this subject. Bookies don't give 2 shits about the outcome of the game - if a magical gnome would just guarantee them that if they used a certain line the action would be 50-50 tehyd take it.

However, the "dumb" money are the people who think theline has no predictive value of the outcome. Exactly as you say, the smart gamblers are the reason (it's just like the stock market - the stock prices you see on the TV are just set by market makers trying to balance thebid ask. They do EXACTLY what bookies do in that regard).However, both in the case of stocks and betting lines, they represent the best possible public knowledge on the issue.

The idea that the line is being set by a bunch of backwater Alabamans and is unrelated to the outcome is idiotic, and exactly what the smart money bettors want the dumb money bettors to beieve.

[HudsonHawk]

The idea that the line is being set by a bunch of backwater Alabamans and is unrelated to the outcome is idiotic, and exactly what the smart money bettors want the dumb money bettors to beieve.

Yes, and no.  If the backwater Alabamans continue to pour endless amounts of money on Alabama to win, the spread will change, regardless of whether it makes football sense or not.  This is unlikely to happen because for every backwater Alabaman who'll put his trailer up for an Alabama win, there is an educated UT fan who'll realize that and put his pocket change up for his team to win, keeping the spread stable.  But if for some reason the betting gets lopsised, the spread will change.  It's a balance for sure, but at the end of the day, it's not about the score, it's about getting people to bet on the score. 

[BizidyDizidy]

Yes, and no.  If the backwater Alabamans continue to pour endless amounts of money on Alabama to win, the spread will change, regardless of whether it makes football sense or not.  This is unlikely to happen because for every backwater Alabaman who'll put his trailer up for an Alabama win, there is an educated UT fan who'll realize that and put his pocket change up for his team to win, keeping the spread stable.  But if for some reason the betting gets lopsised, the spread will change.  It's a balance for sure, but at the end of the day, it's not about the score, it's about getting people to bet on the score. 

What this discounts is that amount of smart money - fans of either team aren't the ones really determining it. This is another way it's very similar to the stock market; Most investors are retail investors (idiots like you and me), but the vast majority of the actual money is professionals. It's the same in sports betting. Obviously hypothetically if everyone in the Southeast bet everything they had on Alabama, it would move the line. All I'm saying is that in practice that's not what happens. I will say that it's more likely to happen in a big game like the national championship than an ordinary one (the smart money is playing every week no matter how exciting the game is, the change is in the dumb money).

Some sports betting sites have an interesting feature where you can see what percent of bettors (not money, that's obviously usually around 50-50) are on each side of the bet. You sometimes see 60-70% of bettors on one side; that's usually a good sign that the dumb money and smart money disagree.

[HudsonHawk]

What this discounts is that amount of smart money - fans of either team aren't the ones really determining it. This is another way it's very similar to the stock market; Most investors are retail investors (idiots like you and me), but the vast majority of the actual money is professionals. It's the same in sports betting. Obviously hypothetically if everyone in the Southeast bet everything they had on Alabama, it would move the line. All I'm saying is that in practice that's not what happens. I will say that it's more likely to happen in a big game like the national championship than an ordinary one (the smart money is playing every week no matter how exciting the game is, the change is in the dumb money).

Right.  I think we all know that in the BCS championship game, the big money is being bet by people who understand college football, not the yahoos who paint their pickup trucks the school colors.

[BizidyDizidy]

Right.  I think we all know that in the BCS championship game, the big money is being bet by people who understand college football, not the yahoos who paint their pickup trucks the school colors.

The counterbalancing fact in general is that the amount of disposable money for the pick-up painting yahoos is naturally limited.

[Rebel Jew]

What this discounts is that amount of smart money - fans of either team aren't the ones really determining it. This is another way it's very similar to the stock market; Most investors are retail investors (idiots like you and me), but the vast majority of the actual money is professionals. It's the same in sports betting. Obviously hypothetically if everyone in the Southeast bet everything they had on Alabama, it would move the line. All I'm saying is that in practice that's not what happens. I will say that it's more likely to happen in a big game like the national championship than an ordinary one (the smart money is playing every week no matter how exciting the game is, the change is in the dumb money).

good post.  the predominant public view of the game is "well, alabama just blew out tim tebow and texas got lucky against nebraska, plus the sec is the best conference and nick saban the best coach, therefore alabama will probably win."  this perception did end up matching up with the actual line, but i guarantee this wasn't the bookie's thought process.  whatever logarithims they use, with whatever standard factors they include, indicated that spread.  if they set the line based solely on the public view, every pro gambler in the country would immediately recognize it and start pouring money in for texas, even though the public was betting 50/50.  vegas would then be biting its nails praying for alabama to win by a touchdown.

if you notice, bookies almost never end up moving their initial lines by more than two points in any one direction no matter how crazy the betting trend on a particular team; anything more is because of a major injury or other major tangible factor.  and if you've ever gambled you know that bookies are so sure about their lines that buying even an extra half point on the spread in your favor will cost you a lot of money.

vegas odds have long since shown themselves to be reliable enough to use as barometers for how much better one team is than the other going into a game.  does it really mean anything at the end of the day?  probably not, but no person or entity has shown itself to be better at predicting games than vegas, and if they are better, then vegas will figure out its metric and incorporate it into their own.

[BUWebguy]

but no person or entity has shown itself to be better at predicting games than vegas, and if they are better, then vegas will figure out its metric and incorporate it into their own.

That's it -- I was "incorporated"!

signed,
Tim Donaghy

[OregonStrosFan]

The clock stopped when the pass hit a railing...

Apparently Colt missed that class...