**Official College Bowl Games Betting Thread**

[t.j 35]

Speaking of turnovers, I think I am hearing that Florida has turned the ball over more times then every other team outside of Akron.

 

I don't know where you heard that, but it isn't true. There are 48 D-IA teams who turned the ball over more times per game than Florida. That said, the Gators turn the ball over 1.85 times per game, as compared to 1.33 by OSU, which is indeed a significant difference.

[Grind 0]

I don't know where you heard that, but it isn't true. There are 48 D-IA teams who turned the ball over more times per game than Florida. That said, the Gators turn the ball over 1.85 times per game, as compared to 1.33 by OSU, which is indeed a significant difference.

 

You are right and I am wrong. Instead of turnovers, it is penalties. Florida has been more penalized then any other team other then Akron. So they turn the ball over often and are penalized often. Too things that typically play a part in big games such as this in deciding the outcome. Add to it the fact that OSU has more talent and is far more balanced then any team Florida has played.

 

As I mentioned earlier, I think the fact that Florida can't kick a FG is going to be big in Tressel's defensive game plan. Starting to talk myself into even more of a blowout then the 20 plus I am already thinking.

[t.j 35]

You are right and I am wrong. Instead of turnovers, it is penalties. Florida has been more penalized then any other team other then Akron. So they turn the ball over often and are penalized often. Too things that typically play a part in big games such as this in deciding the outcome. Add to it the fact that OSU has more talent and is far more balanced then any team Florida has played.

 

As I mentioned earlier, I think the fact that Florida can't kick a FG is going to be big in Tressel's defensive game plan. Starting to talk myself into even more of a blowout then the 20 plus I am already thinking.

 

Oh yeah. The penalties have been bad. I think a lot of what Florida tries to do offensively is too complicated for their own good. They run several different styles of offense, they have a ton of plays, I suspect that they don't get enough practice in the plays they do run. The positive result is that they keep defenses off-balance, but the negative result is the turnovers and penalties. Plus, when you commit penalties and get into long-distance situations, you put yourself in high-risk turnover situations. Certainly avoiding these kind of big mistakes is a key for the Gators to win the game. It'll be interesting to see if the extra practice time results in fewer mental mistakes. I don't really know what to expect in that department.

 

As for the kicking game, I wouldn't rule out Florida kicking a FG or two. Hetland has had a really tough year but was great as a junior and Florida still seems to have some faith in him. Meyer surprised me by choosing to kick a 33 yard field goal on 4th & 2 early in the SEC Championship game. Meyer said recently that Hetland has been making all of his kicks in practice (which could be total BS for all I know). That said, it's one thing to try to kick in practice or when the score is 0-0 in the first quarter, it is another thing to do it in a pressure situation. If the situation is late in the game or Hetland has already missed one, then yeah I would be surprised to see them try any medium or long-range FGA.

[GiantsRule 0]

Bucking all trends and stats that say this is going to be a low-scoring game for this last losing wager to close out my season:

 

Ohio State team points Over 27 (-115)

 

Good luck to all and thanks to the masses for what was a great year (even if I managed to screw it up the last few weeks!)

 

[Lizard1 0]

At 7 pts, i'm taking FL for several reasons mentioned above...

 

Now, for my last 6 games of college/pro football, I'm 0-6. I understand about streaks and yada yada yada, but how come i never get a streak where i'm 6-0 Might start making some parlays out of my reverse bets...

[JT 137]

Overall College YTD: 276-237-6; +59.17 units

Subset: 2 unit plays or higher: 147-117-2; +68.67 units

Subset: Bowls: 20-13; +17.15 units

 

Monday

 

It's been another fun year of college football. I bet much smaller units on every other sport, this is the most important sport for me wagering wise, and it's been a nice couple of years of profit in a row now. On to the last game of the year....

 

Florida (+) for 3 units.

 

Maybe the game will go over the +7 point, so I'll wait until I get home before placing my wager. By now, everyone has an opinion on this game, so I'll keep it brief. Both teams are nearly identical in offensive and defensive numbers. Florida has a better defense and faced the toughest schedule in the country. I can't figure out why this game is 7 points instead of -2 or -3, other than public perception. Truth is, Florida is just as good as Ohio St, and has a decent chance of winning this game. Don't underestimate Urban Meyer's offensive play calling, as he is a very innovative mind, and will have Ohio St off balance on defense. Florida's only loss came at Auburn, in a game Auburn scored nearly all their points on special teams and defense. Fluky loss to be sure. It's also troubling to see Ohio St only beat Michigan by 3 points. Florida is better than Michigan. Since neither team has played in forever, I will take the better defense in a rusty offensive performance by both teams. I like taking big dogs with excellent defenses.

 

Take the points.

 

Maybe I'll be posting again next year, maybe not; it's a lot of pressure and it's a grind. Either way, I'll see you guys around.

 

Philly, thanks for your great insights throughout the year. I've been away a few days, but was able to right my bowl season with an 8-2 run (thanks in part to your Western Michigan pick).

 

I think you've got this one pegged. I got in on this at Florida +8, and am amazed the line is still this high. It's a FG game, friends.

 

Ohio State is very good, very talented, and very well coached. So is Florida. The post-season has shed a bit of light on some of the various conferences strengths and weaknesses. Florida went 9-1 vs bowl teams that went 7-3 in the post season. Ohio State went 7-0 vs teams that went 3-4. Granted, the head-to-head matchups of Penn St-Tenn and Wisc-Ark both went in favor of the Big 10. Wisconsin managed 17 pts; Penn St 20 (with a huge defensive score). Meanwhile, a Michigan team that rolled very nicely vs Ohio State managed 18 pts on USC. The Buckeyes got all they wanted from both PSU and the Wolverines; so why do people think there's going to be enough points scored to justify this big a spread? Doesn't make sense.

 

Coming into this season, all the concerns re Ohio State were on the defensive side of the ball. That young unit has performed very well, but I don't think they've played anyone as good or as fast as Florida. Meyer will match Tressel's preparation, which is really saying something.

 

All throughout the bowl season we've watched offenses take a while to regain timing after a long layoff, and we've watched underdogs out perform expectations. I look for more of the same tonight. Which team will win? Who knows, but if you don't believe that Florida has as good a chance as OSU, you haven't been paying attention. Florida + more than a TD? All day, everyday.

 

Good luck to all, and thanks for making this one of the few threads on the site continually worth participating in. Hope to see you next season.

 

PS...I don't volunteer this info often, but you're a good bunch. If any of you believe in prayer, karma, power of positive thinking, dianetics...whatever works for you...keep me in mind. Been waiting over a year for a double lung transplant (no, not from smoking; genetic) and lungs for a 6'8" guy are as scarce as they told me they'd be. If you're so inclined, keep a good thought for me and my family. I'd be much indebted.

[American Chewy 98]

2006 College betting record

157-133-6 (54.1%) +12.48 units

2+ plays 30-28-1 +1.265 units

 

Florida +7.5 1 unit WINNER!

 

Lot of angles here...dogs done well in national title games of late...Florida has played a much tougher schedule and has an underated def(like philly said)...Less pressure for the Gators...no reason to believe there is a two score separation between these two, i think public perception is a big part of this line...lets close out the season on a high note!

 

P.S. thanks again to everyone who posted...its been another fun and profitable year. I hope to see everyone back next fall.

Also to Philly, you are greatly appreciated as always. I hope you don't feel too much pressure, to me its just a hobby not a 2nd income (as i hope it is to everyone else here). I hope you do come back for another round, i love reading your insight, its some of the best on the net.

[art schlichter's bookie 0]

I'm taking the Buckeyes. I live in Columbus so I have no choice.

 

Buckeyes for a big bet. some at 7.5 and some at 7. bookies have it up to 8.5 here in town as it rises up and up and up...

Also Troy to pass for more yards than Leak for one unit

 

Had fun this year rapping with you guys and see you over in college hoops.

[Skinny_Bastard 157]

Going with Florida +7.5 tonight for 5 units.

The dog have won 6 of the last 8 BCS championship games.

[VaTerp 0]

Anyone else having trouble logging onto Olympic (thegreek.com)?

 

Trying to throw some more $$$ away and I cant get on the site.

 

Guess I should take it as a sign but .....

 

[phillybear 366]

I waited for a long time, but just caught a (+8) on Florida. Good luck to all.

[thekris 0]

PS...I don't volunteer this info often, but you're a good bunch. If any of you believe in prayer, karma, power of positive thinking, dianetics...whatever works for you...keep me in mind. Been waiting over a year for a double lung transplant (no, not from smoking; genetic) and lungs for a 6'8" guy are as scarce as they told me they'd be. If you're so inclined, keep a good thought for me and my family. I'd be much indebted.

 

Good luck with all of that. I'll be thinking of you. I can't imagine having to go through something like that. Also wanna thank PhillyBear, HurricaneDitka, and GiantsRule for the college season. This was my first year betting college ball. Some weeks were good, others bad, but I learned a ton; mostly from your posts. Good luck tonight and will be here next year. Hopefully able to help others out with my picks like you guys did for me!

[brzrboy 0]

Here's my two cents which is an opinion probably not worth that much. Florida seems to have struggled most of this year (and last year) on offense against any decent defenses. I find it hard to believe that Leak and the other Florida QB will put up enough points to hang with Ohio St. Ohio St.'s defense gave up 39 to Michigan and still gave up less pts/game than Florida. I'm not saying Florida can't hang within a TD of the Buckeye's, but they will have to play mistake free ball on offense and hold OST offense to less than 24 pts. That being said, with two quality defenses, and the extended break since the teams have played, I'm going with the first quarter under 9.5. Good luck on all your wagers, and thanks again Philly for all your insight this year.

final score Ohio St. 30 Florida 14

[ROCKET 0]

11-13 for bowls, taking OSU -7

[GridIronAssassin#1 0]

OSU -7

[ROCKET 0]

Ted Ginn Jr. kickoff return for a td . I think he'll be doing that on Sundays too

[Skinny_Bastard 157]

Florida comes right back.

 

Another TD for Florida. 2 possessions, 2 incredible field positions..

[phillybear 366]

The fix might be in. Florida with a phantom TD. 14-7 Gators. Nice start so far.

[Skinny_Bastard 157]

Ohio state not moving the ball very well.

Beside the kickoff return for TD they really haven't done much. Huge possession for Florida now.

[ROCKET 0]

This is by far the best game I've ever seen Leak play. Florida's speed on both sides of the ball is far superior to OSU's. I thought this game would be one sided, but for OSU. It just proves you never know til you see them on the field. It's too bad we don't have a playoff to see LSU/FL and even Boise battle it out. With that being said the Gators deserve the title if they win tonight given the system we have now.

[phillybear 366]

Fantastic play calling by Florida so far. 21-7.

[Skinny_Bastard 157]

21-7 Florida..

 

This has the feel of LSU vs ND. Florida is averaging nearly 8 yards per play. The speed of FLorida looks to be too much for Ohio. It's early but this game might be over if OSU don't respond here.

[ROCKET 0]

OSU fighting back, 21-14. If OSU doesn't somehow make some adjustments and slow down the Gators offense they have no shot. Florida has scored at will and OSU has zero shot if they don't start playing better defense. Man I wish I had the over instead of OSU, what a gift that is.

[phillybear 366]

What kind of call is that by Tressel. 4th and 1 and don't make it. Yikes.

[phillybear 366]

34-14 at the half. What a half for Florida.

[Skinny_Bastard 157]

What kind of call is that by Tressel. 4th and 1 and don't make it. Yikes.

 

That call cost them 10 points. Ouch!

[JT 137]

This is by far the best game I've ever seen Leak play. Florida's speed on both sides of the ball is far superior to OSU's. I thought this game would be one sided, but for OSU. It just proves you never know til you see them on the field. It's too bad we don't have a playoff to see LSU/FL and even Boise battle it out. With that being said the Gators deserve the title if they win tonight given the system we have now.

 

Florida already whipped LSU, 23-10.

[GiantsRule 0]

It's only right that I fvck up a sure winner in the last game of the season:

 

2H Ohio State team under 16 (-115)

 

Gives me Over 27 and Under 30 for the game. Need 28 or 29 points for the middle; 27 or 30 for a win and a push. Not doing this for the middle as much as I am bailing on OSU. I'm sure they can make a game of this in the 2nd half, but no longer willing to risk it. Smith, Tressel, and the whole team look absolutely lost.

[brzrboy 0]

Here's my two cents which is an opinion probably not worth that much. Florida seems to have struggled most of this year (and last year) on offense against any decent defenses. I find it hard to believe that Leak and the other Florida QB will put up enough points to hang with Ohio St. Ohio St.'s defense gave up 39 to Michigan and still gave up less pts/game than Florida. I'm not saying Florida can't hang within a TD of the Buckeye's, but they will have to play mistake free ball on offense and hold OST offense to less than 24 pts. That being said, with two quality defenses, and the extended break since the teams have played, I'm going with the first quarter under 9.5. Good luck on all your wagers, and thanks again Philly for all your insight this year.

final score Ohio St. 30 Florida 14

 

this game is exactly why I share my opinion very little, and listen to Philly. Pretty much everything that I thought would happen is happening the opposite.

[ROCKET 0]

Florida already whipped LSU, 23-10.

 

 

I know, I'm not saying Florida doesn't deserve the title assuming they hold on given the system we have now. Auburn beat Florida too, so what? But we'll never know if LSU, Boise or USC could have beaten the Gators in a title game now. It just sucks that we don't have some type of playoff format. Right now I think USC, Florida and LSU are the cream of the crop and as a fan I'd have like to have seen them face each other now in January. Florida deserves credit for doing what it takes to win a title. I'd just rather see the title decided thru a playoff format.

[JT 137]

I know, I'm not saying Florida doesn't deserve the title assuming they hold on given the system we have now. Auburn beat Florida too, so what? But we'll never know if LSU, Boise or USC could have beaten the Gators in a title game now. It just sucks that we don't have some type of playoff format. Right now I think USC, Florida and LSU are the cream of the crop and as a fan I'd have like to have seen them face each other now in January. Florida deserves credit for doing what it takes to win a title. I'd just rather see the title decided thru a playoff format.

 

I understand, and I'd love to see a playoff system too. But a playoff system would still exclude worthy teams. Let's forget what we've seen in the bowls, and go back to the last game of the regular season. You have to throw out conference championship games too, as they wouldn't exist if there was a playoff. Who would have filled the 8 team playoff field? Think Boise would have been there? Not unless me, phillybear, and the Gov of Idaho were selecting the teams.

 

The problem isn't the end of the season; it's the beginning. When a poll is allowed to designate a team as #1 before a ball has been snapped, you're always going to have problems.

[brian1974 0]

man I hope FLORIDA can hold on, I took them at +240 to win

 

[ROCKET 0]

I understand, and I'd love to see a playoff system too. But a playoff system would still exclude worthy teams. Let's forget what we've seen in the bowls, and go back to the last game of the regular season. You have to throw out conference championship games too, as they wouldn't exist if there was a playoff. Who would have filled the 8 team playoff field? Think Boise would have been there? Not unless me, phillybear, and the Gov of Idaho were selecting the teams.

 

The problem isn't the end of the season; it's the beginning. When a poll is allowed to designate a team as #1 before a ball has been snapped, you're always going to have problems.

 

 

Of course no system is perfect but after all the regular season games it would have been fairly easy to pick the top 8 ranked teams in the country. Sure maybe some team could cry about getting in but the majority of the time you only have about 5-6 at most really solid championship caliber teams anyways. If this system is so great then why don't we just crown the top 2 basketball teams too and forget about March Madness. Instead of 64 teams you have 8. In basketball you probably have a dozen or more teams capable of winning it all in March, in football you won't have more than 8. I think if we keep getting controversies like this year over and over again we'll at least get a 4 team playoff.

[VaTerp 0]

The problem isn't the end of the season; it's the beginning. When a poll is allowed to designate a team as #1 before a ball has been snapped, you're always going to have problems.

 

I have never understood this argument. What the hell do pre-season rankings have to do with anything? Your telling me that Boise St. or some other team from a non BCS conference team would be ranked ahead of Ohio St if they were both undefeated and they started the rankings in week 6 or 7? NO. The traditional powers would still be rated hihger no matter when the rankings start.

 

It does not matter when the polls are released. The powers that be in the NCAA try to tell us that the reg. season and the BCS system work themselves out. Well, to some extent they do. But we still need a playoff system. I would like to have seen teams like OSU, FLA, LSU, Boise, USC, Louisvile, Arkansas, Michigan, and others have a 16 team play-off and see who would be crowned champion ON THE FIELD at the end of the season and not have voters and computers select who they think had the best "body of work" for the season.

 

But to say that the problem is at the beginning of the season and not the end is just stupid. Please tell me how it would be different without pre-season polls?

[phillybear 366]

Overall College YTD: 276-237-6; +59.17 units

Subset: 2 unit plays or higher: 147-117-2; +68.67 units

Subset: Bowls: 20-13; +17.15 units

 

Monday

 

It's been another fun year of college football. I bet much smaller units on every other sport, this is the most important sport for me wagering wise, and it's been a nice couple of years of profit in a row now. On to the last game of the year....

 

Florida (+8) for 3 units WINNER!!!!!

 

Maybe the game will go over the +7 point, so I'll wait until I get home before placing my wager. By now, everyone has an opinion on this game, so I'll keep it brief. Both teams are nearly identical in offensive and defensive numbers. Florida has a better defense and faced the toughest schedule in the country. I can't figure out why this game is 7 points instead of -2 or -3, other than public perception. Truth is, Florida is just as good as Ohio St, and has a decent chance of winning this game. Don't underestimate Urban Meyer's offensive play calling, as he is a very innovative mind, and will have Ohio St off balance on defense. Florida's only loss came at Auburn, in a game Auburn scored nearly all their points on special teams and defense. Fluky loss to be sure. It's also troubling to see Ohio St only beat Michigan by 3 points. Florida is better than Michigan. Since neither team has played in forever, I will take the better defense in a rusty offensive performance by both teams. I like taking big dogs with excellent defenses.

 

Take the points.

 

Maybe I'll be posting again next year, maybe not; it's a lot of pressure and it's a grind. Either way, I'll see you guys around.

 

I'm chalking it up. I regret I didn't place more units on this game, but I didn't want to get greedy. It's been a hell of a run. Last year +77.5 units. This year +62.17 units. Maybe I'll try it again next year. Seems like a lot of regulars turned a profit this year. It's nice when collectively we kick the man in the balls.

 

Final record:

Overall College YTD: 277-237-6; +62.17 units

Subset: 2 unit plays or higher: 148-117-2; +71.67 units

Subset: Bowls: 21-13; +20.15 units

 

[beefy1 0]

I'd like to take this opportunity to say congrats to everyone that turned a profit this year, especially phillybear, who helped me be up 20 units on the year on a sport(college) that I knew nothing about going into this season. I didn't start betting til the 9th week, so I'll consider that a great run. It's gonna be hard not betting all spring and summer but I'll try. Have a wonderful offseason and let's kick some ace next year!

[JT 137]

I have never understood this argument. What the hell do pre-season rankings have to do with anything? Your telling me that Boise St. or some other team from a non BCS conference team would be ranked ahead of Ohio St if they were both undefeated and they started the rankings in week 6 or 7? NO. The traditional powers would still be rated hihger no matter when the rankings start.

 

It does not matter when the polls are released. The powers that be in the NCAA try to tell us that the reg. season and the BCS system work themselves out. Well, to some extent they do. But we still need a playoff system. I would like to have seen teams like OSU, FLA, LSU, Boise, USC, Louisvile, Arkansas, Michigan, and others have a 16 team play-off and see who would be crowned champion ON THE FIELD at the end of the season and not have voters and computers select who they think had the best "body of work" for the season.

 

But to say that the problem is at the beginning of the season and not the end is just stupid. Please tell me how it would be different without pre-season polls?

 

Your failure to understand the argument doesn't necessarily mean it's the argument that's stupid. But I won't get into that. I believe folks can disagree without stooping to insults.

 

You've pre-supposed that I think there should be a poll after week 6, or 7, or somewhere down the road. I don't, and never said I did. People have been lulled into believing the polls and bowls actually matter, and somehow must still be a part of a new system. They don't.

 

I personally know two guys that have votes in the polls. One of them didn't see a full football game this year that didn't involve Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, or the word "bowl". This is representative of many of the voters. They have an inherent bias toward their conference and against others. Games that aren't played in their time zone are often read about in the next morning's paper. Their opinion doesn't matter. The polls serve no purpose other than to muddle up the system and keep the power conference teams in position to win a title.

 

College football's powers that be; the AD's , presidents and coaches of power conferences; don't want a playoff of any kind. Sure, Lloyd Carr or some other big name pukes out a sound bite about the system when it looks like his team might get excluded. But they like the system just the way it is. And the way it is means that, if you're one of the big boys, you're going to be ranked higher in the polls than what may well be a comparable team from a small conference. And where you start has a huge bearing on where you finish. It ceases to become about who is winning games, and is instead about who is not losing. Perception is everything when it comes to the polls. That's why Michigan and Ohio State had a nearly unbreakable stranglehold on the top 2 spots, and why only Florida and USC had any realistic chance to crash the party. It's why Boise, at 13-0 with regular season wins over teams that posted a 4-1 post season mark, and a great victory over a solid Oklahoma team, still finishes 5th. The pollsters won't even believe it when they see it with their own eyes!

 

Every true sports fan wants a playoff, and the 11 conference champs plus 5 at-large bids sounds great.The reality is that this 16 team format that people talk about has as much chance of happening as I do of nailing Carmen Electra (though if that guy in the commercial got her to go bowling with him...). Anyway, the BEST you could hope for is 8 teams. And know who will get in? The champs of the 6 power conferences and two at large teams. This year, they would have been some combo of Michigan, LSU, Notre Dame and Cal. Aside from LSU, how's that group looking? See Boise anywhere?

 

We haven't even addressed the important issue: money. Why would the president of a school with a guaranteed conference bowl tie-in and a multi-million dollar payday risk losing a first round game to Boise, or Rutgers, or BYU, or...you get the picture. Oh, and don't forget the cash cows called conference championship games, that now disappear. How does the school's fan base, who plan and save for a trip to their bowl game, now travel to 2 or 3 post-season games? I know people scoff at the term 'student-athlete' but the vast majority of the players we're talking about are just that. Sure, there are some guys spending a year or two at ol' State U until they learn to write their names well enough to sign a contract, but they're the minority. So what about finals?

 

The BCS has actually done a far better job, as a whole, of delivering solid post-season matchups than the old bowl system did. But, as long as polls...a subjective means of determining a team and conferences value...are a part of the system, this argument never goes away.

[t.j 35]

Your failure to understand the argument doesn't necessarily mean it's the argument that's stupid. But I won't get into that. I believe folks can disagree without stooping to insults.

 

You've pre-supposed that I think there should be a poll after week 6, or 7, or somewhere down the road. I don't, and never said I did. People have been lulled into believing the polls and bowls actually matter, and somehow must still be a part of a new system. They don't.

 

I personally know two guys that have votes in the polls. One of them didn't see a full football game this year that didn't involve Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, or the word "bowl". This is representative of many of the voters. They have an inherent bias toward their conference and against others. Games that aren't played in their time zone are often read about in the next morning's paper. Their opinion doesn't matter. The polls serve no purpose other than to muddle up the system and keep the power conference teams in position to win a title.

 

College football's powers that be; the AD's , presidents and coaches of power conferences; don't want a playoff of any kind. Sure, Lloyd Carr or some other big name pukes out a sound bite about the system when it looks like his team might get excluded. But they like the system just the way it is. And the way it is means that, if you're one of the big boys, you're going to be ranked higher in the polls than what may well be a comparable team from a small conference. And where you start has a huge bearing on where you finish. It ceases to become about who is winning games, and is instead about who is not losing. Perception is everything when it comes to the polls. That's why Michigan and Ohio State had a nearly unbreakable stranglehold on the top 2 spots, and why only Florida and USC had any realistic chance to crash the party. It's why Boise, at 13-0 with regular season wins over teams that posted a 4-1 post season mark, and a great victory over a solid Oklahoma team, still finishes 5th. The pollsters won't even believe it when they see it with their own eyes!

 

Every true sports fan wants a playoff, and the 11 conference champs plus 5 at-large bids sounds great.The reality is that this 16 team format that people talk about has as much chance of happening as I do of nailing Carmen Electra (though if that guy in the commercial got her to go bowling with him...). Anyway, the BEST you could hope for is 8 teams. And know who will get in? The champs of the 6 power conferences and two at large teams. This year, they would have been some combo of Michigan, LSU, Notre Dame and Cal. Aside from LSU, how's that group looking? See Boise anywhere?

 

We haven't even addressed the important issue: money. Why would the president of a school with a guaranteed conference bowl tie-in and a multi-million dollar payday risk losing a first round game to Boise, or Rutgers, or BYU, or...you get the picture. Oh, and don't forget the cash cows called conference championship games, that now disappear. How does the school's fan base, who plan and save for a trip to their bowl game, now travel to 2 or 3 post-season games? I know people scoff at the term 'student-athlete' but the vast majority of the players we're talking about are just that. Sure, there are some guys spending a year or two at ol' State U until they learn to write their names well enough to sign a contract, but they're the minority. So what about finals?

 

The BCS has actually done a far better job, as a whole, of delivering solid post-season matchups than the old bowl system did. But, as long as polls...a subjective means of determining a team and conferences value...are a part of the system, this argument never goes away.

 

I read this entire post and my conclusion is that I have a great desire to nail Carmen Electra.

[VaTerp 0]

Your failure to understand the argument doesn't necessarily mean it's the argument that's stupid. But I won't get into that. I believe folks can disagree without stooping to insults.

 

You've pre-supposed that I think there should be a poll after week 6, or 7, or somewhere down the road. I don't, and never said I did. People have been lulled into believing the polls and bowls actually matter, and somehow must still be a part of a new system. They don't.

 

I personally know two guys that have votes in the polls. One of them didn't see a full football game this year that didn't involve Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, or the word "bowl". This is representative of many of the voters. They have an inherent bias toward their conference and against others. Games that aren't played in their time zone are often read about in the next morning's paper. Their opinion doesn't matter. The polls serve no purpose other than to muddle up the system and keep the power conference teams in position to win a title.

 

College football's powers that be; the AD's , presidents and coaches of power conferences; don't want a playoff of any kind. Sure, Lloyd Carr or some other big name pukes out a sound bite about the system when it looks like his team might get excluded. But they like the system just the way it is. And the way it is means that, if you're one of the big boys, you're going to be ranked higher in the polls than what may well be a comparable team from a small conference. And where you start has a huge bearing on where you finish. It ceases to become about who is winning games, and is instead about who is not losing. Perception is everything when it comes to the polls. That's why Michigan and Ohio State had a nearly unbreakable stranglehold on the top 2 spots, and why only Florida and USC had any realistic chance to crash the party. It's why Boise, at 13-0 with regular season wins over teams that posted a 4-1 post season mark, and a great victory over a solid Oklahoma team, still finishes 5th. The pollsters won't even believe it when they see it with their own eyes!

 

Every true sports fan wants a playoff, and the 11 conference champs plus 5 at-large bids sounds great.The reality is that this 16 team format that people talk about has as much chance of happening as I do of nailing Carmen Electra (though if that guy in the commercial got her to go bowling with him...). Anyway, the BEST you could hope for is 8 teams. And know who will get in? The champs of the 6 power conferences and two at large teams. This year, they would have been some combo of Michigan, LSU, Notre Dame and Cal. Aside from LSU, how's that group looking? See Boise anywhere?

 

We haven't even addressed the important issue: money. Why would the president of a school with a guaranteed conference bowl tie-in and a multi-million dollar payday risk losing a first round game to Boise, or Rutgers, or BYU, or...you get the picture. Oh, and don't forget the cash cows called conference championship games, that now disappear. How does the school's fan base, who plan and save for a trip to their bowl game, now travel to 2 or 3 post-season games? I know people scoff at the term 'student-athlete' but the vast majority of the players we're talking about are just that. Sure, there are some guys spending a year or two at ol' State U until they learn to write their names well enough to sign a contract, but they're the minority. So what about finals?

 

The BCS has actually done a far better job, as a whole, of delivering solid post-season matchups than the old bowl system did. But, as long as polls...a subjective means of determining a team and conferences value...are a part of the system, this argument never goes away.

 

We can certainly disagree without insults and I dont think that I resorted to any. As you pointed out I was calling "the argument" stupid and not you or any other individual. I stand by my contention that stating that the problem with college football is at the beginning of the season and not the end or that pre-season polls are in anyway part of the problem is well . . . . stupid.

 

I am a relatively intelligent person who is capable of understanding arguments even if I dont agree with them. But I have yet to hear any argument in support of the "anti pre-season poll" theory that makes any sense so IMO it is a theory devoid of rational thought. AKA stupid. I would love to hear your points and maybe you could change my mind.

 

I guess I did incorrectly assume that you were in favor of starting a poll later in the season rather than at the beginning. But what exactly are you suggesting? Polls or some other subjective element will always be involved just as they are with college basketball and the NCAA selection commitee. Even if you use the conference champions and at-large teams then how do you select those at large teams and what about the non BCS conferences. Another reason you need more than an 8 team playoff. Sure, a 16 team playoff may not be a possibility right now but if you can do 8 then why cant you do 16.

 

Im not saying there is any easy answer. And believe me, we all know its about the money. I worked in college athletics for nearly 2 years so I know a lot about the thought process of coaches, AD's, and college presidents which is not nearly as consensus as you may think.

 

In the end, we agree that college football needs a playoff. I just dont see how you can say that the problem is with the beginning of the season and not at the end. Either way, there are plenty of people who make a lot more money than me who should be able to sit down work out a system where people still get their $$$ and fans of college football can celebrate a less mythical national champion.

 

But whatever we can continue this discussion at a later date or in another thread, Im just happy that I won some $$$$ on the Gators and a little pissed that I took the points instead of the moneyline. Aw well.