College Football

[stlfisher]

it seems like it could be a very wide open year. You figure Alabama or LSU makes a run, but then who? Ohio State (hurt QB), Oregon (new coach), Oklahoma State, or maybe Clemson? What happens if Alabama and LSU both drop a game? Can Georgia sneak in? OU?

I have a feeling there will be some BCS madness this year.

[ozark trout fisher]

Could see Florida State winning it. Their freshman QB looked really good against Pitt and their defense is always great. They are basically a SEC clone so they may have a chance against the Alabamas of the world. And outside of the Clemson they should be heavily favored in all their games including Florida. I think the winner of Clemson/FSU plays for the title, facing the SEC champion. Wouldn't be too surprised to see Oregon or Stanford either but I don't think OSU or anyone in the Big Ten comes anywhere close. Don't think any Big 12 teams go undefeated though I agree that Oklahoma State has the best chance.

[On The Fly 6]

Clemson is no joke this year. It would be nice to see some team outside of the SEC throw a monkey wrench into their title winning machine. Oregon is still pretty potent, even without Chip Kelly because the system was already in place. Stanford looks solid too, but that rivalry game with USC may be a deciding factor in their bowl bid (I don't like USC, so I'd pull for Stanford) but USC isn't what it use to be.

I never pay much attention to the Big 10. They tend to fade out as title hopefuls as the season goes on.

As far as the Big 12 goes, I agree that OSU could see out a good season and win the conference. BUT, the Bedlam game often makes or breaks either Oklahoma schools season. With it being in Stilwater, it may be tougher for the Sooners. After OSU I see TCU or Baylor being the most difficult obstacle. It'll be a good season nevertheless.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Odds and ends

Well for me it's too early to predict much. over the decades I've thought at times I saw a trend only to find out some team stunk and that was why another team wasn't as good as they looked.

The SEC hasn't always been a powerhouse, but with more and more teams added it gives them more chances at the top rankings.

I think a couple of things have driven A&M. One is recruiting, something they had trouble with against TX and OU, then along comes TCU, Baylor, and Tech to tighten it up more. Offering a chance to play in the SEC can't hurt them. Don't forget, they won the Big 12 only once, so they couldn't feel like they were too good for the B-12.

It will be interesting to see how dropping the MVC games will pan out. A lot of teams over the years have ironed out their wrinkles in safe games, but that might end.

I love the ND/USC game, because I know one is guaranteed to lose.

In my opinion in the end the top ranked teams will all have balance between running and passing, spread the defense.

Over the many years I've been a fan I learned that season after season it generally comes down to the coach. If he can convince some kid that he should come to the school despite the position well filled for the next few years he will win and win season after season. Most kids want to be at a winning school and the more wins the more 4 and 5 star recruits. That is what can hurt the SEC eventually. Alabama, SC and GA force the other schools to talk fast right now. It's the same with the B-12. schools have to convince their recruits they can beat OU and TX. Gundy did and now he and OSU are up there with them. There's more to the coach then being a field general.

[stlfisher]

I often wonder which is more important in college football recruiting or coaching. I am sure both are important, but a trulely great coach can make up for some (not all) recruiting gap. Mack brown and Lane kiffin are examples of how to do less with with more. Saban has it all, but it would be interesting to see some top coaches coach teams with lesser talent.

[ozark trout fisher]

but it would be interesting to see some top coaches coach teams with lesser talent.

Just look at Bill Snyder at K-State. I understand a week after a loss to an FCS team isn't his finest hour but he consistently contends without sniffing the talent of Oklahoma, Texas, or even OSU. Also while I'm not a huge fan, Bobby Petrino is a good example. Arkansas never had the talent to hang with LSU and Alabama but did so anyway. That is the mark of a great coach.

And yes, until last year, you'd have to have Gary Pinkel on that list somewhere near the top.

I get the sense that Saban would be pretty good anywhere at this point in his career. No team avoids complacency or stays focused on a more consistent basis. That in itself has very little to do with talent.

[Feathers and Fins]

You have to have talent all around not just the coach and players but in the assistant coaches as well. Then you have to have everyone buy in to the plan. No matter what in life it is Business, Home or Sports if you have the mentality and fortitude to see through something even when the odds are against you it is amazing what can be accomplished.

The great teams have that, Saban, Miles, Kelley and so many other coaches get the players to believe and that is what makes champions. Great Business has that and Strong families have it.

I was less than optimistic for the Razorbacks this year but looks like Coach B has brought it to AR and the players are believing in it. They might not be the most talented of most experienced but the mental game and believing can overcome more than its given credit for. I still see them as a 7/5 8/4 at best this year but with the right attitude and some more experience next year or the following they could be a 9/3 10/2 team or better.

[Ham]

Alabama was hugely sloppy on Week 1. If they roll that out against Tami, they just might lose. I'm a winner either way, I hate A&M and Alabama.

[Feathers and Fins]

looks like OSU is going to have some very serious problems, could even spill out to LSU

[stlfisher]

OSU might be ok...I read there is a 4 year statue of limitations on infractions. I don't know why I find that comical coming from the NCAA, but I do.

I think LSU could be in bigger trouble if it is still happening.