Will the Gators send Urban Meyer out with a win?
I’ll write a lot more about this subject on Friday when I make my predictions, but I sure do miss New Year’s Day as the date that really matters in college football. Here are Five Burning Questions I have about Saturday’s games:
1. Will the Gators send Urban Meyer out with a win? The Outback Bowl between Florida and Penn State is strictly a mindset game. If Florida is excited about playing the game the Gators are going to win because they simply have more athletes. But if Florida comes out flat and uninspired it could get pretty ugly. These kids at Florida have been through a lot in the last 12 months. Last year when Urban Meyer retired and then unretired Florida came out on fire in the Sugar Bowl and just destroyed Cincinnati. It will be very interesting to see how Florida’s players respond to Meyer and his staff in this final game.
2. Will this be the last college game for Alabama running back Mark Ingram? Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2008 and his numbers were down for various reasons in 2009. Will Ingram, a native of Flint, Michigan, go out with a bang against his dad’s alma mater (Michigan State) in the Capital One Bowl? Alabama has a chance to close out the season with 10 wins but Michigan State (11-1) is the only team in the country to beat Wisconsin this season. This should be fun.
3. Will a loss to Mississippi State send Rich Rod on his way? Michigan athletics director Dave Brandon has said he won’t evaluate the status of head coach Rich Rodriguez until after Saturday’s Gator Bowl game with Mississippi State. It seems to me that if Brandon intended to keep Rich Rod he would have done it by now and told the staff to go recruit some defensive players because right now Michigan doesn’t have any. Just keep your eye on this situation because if Michigan comes open, the coaching carousel will crank up big time again. Also keep an eye on Michigan alum Jim Harbaugh, the head coach at Stanford. His team plays Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 3. I personally think Harbaugh is going to the San Francisco 49ers.
4. Can TCU play with the REALLY big boys from Wisconsin? Before this season started I thought this had a chance to be Gary Patterson’s best team at TCU. He had a senior quarterback in Andy Dalton and another fast, athletic defense. The Horned Frogs are 12-0 and will get a chance to prove their worth on one of the biggest stages in all of college football when they play Wisconsin (11-1) in the Rose Bowl. Certainly, this is not the game that the Rose Bowl folks wanted (they wanted Stanford-Wisconsin) but the vagaries of the BCS system gave them TCU. Does TCU play with a chip on its shoulder? Will that matter?
5. Will Oklahoma-Connecticut be a blowout? The boys in Vegas–who drive big cars and live in big houses–certainly think so. They have Oklahoma as a 17-point favorite against the Big East champs. That’s a lot of points for a bowl game, especially when both teams have had a month off. UConn is a solid, well-coached team by Randy Edsall who has a very good player in running back Jordan Todman, the nation’s second-leading rusher with 1,574 yards. That number seems high to me but I’ll discuss this more in Friday’s predictions.
By the way, if you want to read a great college football piece, check out this story from my friend Keith Dunnavant on crimsonreplay.com. There is a historical connection between Alabama and Michigan State that goes back to the civil rights era in the 1960s:
http://www.crimsonreplay.com/gd.php
See you on Friday from New York where I’ll be working for CBS and its coverage of the Sun Bowl between Miami and Notre Dame. Please send out the sled dogs if I get lost.
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158 comments Add your comment
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
12:56 pm
@Buckeye
Yep. He taught his guys how to get their suspensions delayed until after they leave school. Lotta “class” there…
DC
December 30th, 2010
12:57 pm
auburn’s recruits are not many but they are quality..plus got a lot of boys waiting to committ until later…championship game will be huge!
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
12:59 pm
@UGA Insider
You should check your facts. Georgia’s 2011 recruiting class is about 6 or 8 spots better than Auburn’s. FSU is eating your lunch though.
Paul in RDU
December 30th, 2010
12:59 pm
Buckeye – That is an interesting article on the OSU players stating that they will come back in 2011. What if they change their minds between 1/4/11 and the deadline to declare for the draft?
I am glad that OSU is educating them now since the AD stated that they didn’t “adequately educate” them of the rules prior to November 2009.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
1:01 pm
@DC “championship game will be huge!”
It should help — if you win it.
DC
December 30th, 2010
1:04 pm
I’m nervous about the game but something about Cam being bigger than 6 or 8 defensive players makes me breathe easier…I feel oregon is going to have to rely on their pass game a lot more than they want b/c AU is going to shut down the run attack..one dimensional oregon is a win for us…I can’t wait for the game!
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
1:06 pm
Cam isn’t the entire team. You guys also have Nick Fairley. I’m sure that he’s well aware of the fact that the Ducks have no backup QB.
JDawg
December 30th, 2010
1:07 pm
“Did they hire the old SMU crew?”
***************************
Or some Auburn boosters! Haha!
UGA Insider,
I feel for Richt also, but you’ve got to wonder if the losing has something to do with it too. It’s scary to think how bad things might get if he no longer gets the great talent he has gotten year after year.
And “great” isn’t my evaluation, but Scout.com’s, and then ultimately, the NFL’s.
Bob Boey
December 30th, 2010
1:07 pm
Who cares? Bowl games are retarded and pointless.
JDawg
December 30th, 2010
1:10 pm
Scout.com team recruiting rankings:
UGA – 16th
Auburn – 18th (tie)
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
1:10 pm
Bowl games were always intended to be pointless. They were originally designed to be post-season exhibition games.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
1:12 pm
@JDawg
Opinions vary. Tom Luginbill has Georgia at 8 and Auburn at 14.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
1:18 pm
Rivals has Georgia at 17 and Auburn at 23.
Buckeye
December 30th, 2010
1:41 pm
Bystander and RDU,
Bystander, appears you did not read the article. As they say, ignorance is bliss.
RDU, the point is they commited to their teamates and to Tressel they are coming back and will serve their suspension – shortened by appeal or not. If they did not make that commitment, they were not traveling to New Orleans as Tressel stated. Our word is our bond. If you tell your teamates and Tressel one thing and do the other they will get what they deserve.
I’ll leave it you SEC, Spikes. Cam, AJ, Claleb, Waushaun, Fairley, fire Richt, 6 and 6 blowhards to assume the worst – that they will go back on their word. Must be something you’re used to here in SECville.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
1:44 pm
@Buckeye
Arky will eat your lunch and then you won’t even remember these empty promises.
JDawg
December 30th, 2010
1:47 pm
Something else we’re used to down here in SECville, Buckey, is that our state and city governments aren’t broke like most of the ones in BigTenville.
Y’all just go get in the bailout line. The “Annointed One” will give you some “stimulus” (taxpayer money) soon . . .
Paul in RDU
December 30th, 2010
1:50 pm
Buckeye – Do you seriously think that 5 players who sold their “Gold Pants” care about OSU’s tradition? They did what they had to do to be allowed to get on the plane to New Orleans. Maybe they will all be on campus in Fall 2011 but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Hogs Gone Wild
December 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
The Hogs will beat ohio state like a rented mule–mark it down! The Ark offense may put up 40 and pryor will be partying too hard in new orleans to get much done on game day.
From Where I Sit
December 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
No you MMA SUCK MORON!!!
dap01
December 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
Urban will celebrate a victory with a new PC from Cam.
ceph
December 30th, 2010
2:03 pm
With a little bit of luck the self acclaimed MR. CFB will get lost. God what a blessing that would be. He knows less about more than anyone I have ever read or listened to!!!!!!!
JDawg
December 30th, 2010
2:12 pm
So, you keep coming back here why, ceph?
SEC Fact Finder
December 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
Well the SEC bragging rights against the other conferences begins today. We may all argue with each other inside the league but when it comes down to it every win against the Big 10, Big 12, ACC, Big East and others only strengthens our resolve of being the dominant football conference in the NCAA.
It would be nice to go 10-0 in these bowl games, will that happen? Doubtful. But in the end we all flourish when our conference teams win.
Good luck to all of our SECOND brethren.
SEC Fact Finder
December 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
Spell check on BB changed Southeastern Conference to “second”
David
December 30th, 2010
2:29 pm
Tony, aren’t you still mad at Florida for announcing their new coach during the Heisman Trophy ceremony? Shouldn’t they be punished for their poor decision? No way you would have a chip on your shoulder toward Florida. They should burn for what they did!
Dr. J
December 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
Pulpwood, a little bitter on life are you? You obviously aren’t getting any. Can’t be getting some on a regular basis and stay that bitter.
Frank lane
December 30th, 2010
2:46 pm
TV has so screwed up the bowl schedule that my football watching is down over 50%. I cannot be the only one. They outsmarted themselves.
gcs
December 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
1. Urban will probably give this game his all since he’ll have nothing to do the next day. Paterno is a senile stubborn old legend. Gators win.
2. I’ve been wondering about Mark Ingram too. He is a very nice level-headed guy. I wonder if he thinks he has something to prove and wants to come back for one more ring and maybe one more trophy.
3. I think the only way Rich Rod is gone after losing to MSU is if they get blown away like 51-10 or something or if RR does something stupid like Woody Hayes or says something stupid.
4. Wisconsin is overrated. A TCU win proves nothing to me.
5. Sooners cover.
Tony, ask CBS why they are not doing more bowl games this year. This ESPN monopoly is making me uncomfortable.
.
Bell Helicopter
December 30th, 2010
3:13 pm
Send Urban Meyer out with a kick in the a$$.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
3:48 pm
@Frank lane
I haven’t been watching them. I hope that you and I are not alone in our boycott.
Buckeye
December 30th, 2010
4:09 pm
JDawg,
Just to set the record straight, I live in SECville, have paid Georgia taxes for 25 years and did not vote for and been vehemently oppossed to 99.9$ of what the “annointed one” has done in the past two years – not to mention the fact that I pay federal taxes (I’m one of The Rich) and do not receive any bailout tax credit checks on the mail. i.e. stimulus.
Stick that up your lousy 6 and 6 record and enjoy the freakin’ Liberty Bowl. I assume you shift ends in time for kick-off?
One Play away Ray
December 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
Cheaters never win,except in college football
Underground
December 30th, 2010
4:25 pm
The population of Ohio keeps decreasing.
LOL at Buckeye
December 30th, 2010
4:44 pm
If Tressel was a “teacher” and a “class act” he would suspend Pryor and company for the Sugar Bowl. What a hypocritical lot the Buckeyes are.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
4:45 pm
@Underground
What would you do if you lived in Ohio?
I thought so…
Einsteindawg
December 30th, 2010
5:09 pm
Happy New Year Mr. College Football! #1 Penn State will win because Joe Pa always gets his teams more ready against the SEC. #2 Yes. #3 No. #4 TCU is the the real deal and will beat Wisc by 2 tds. I’d like to see TCU admitted to the SEC rather than Texas A&M #5 All signs point to yes.
weezie
December 30th, 2010
5:16 pm
Tressel’s comments sound like black mail to me!!!!!!!!!!! Anybody else agree?? Wonder what NCAAthinks.
Einsteindawg
December 30th, 2010
5:22 pm
weezie, what comments would that be?
weezie
December 30th, 2010
5:28 pm
If I remember correctly Youngstown State-where Tressel came from was slaughtered w/ violations after he left program!!!!
weezie
December 30th, 2010
5:30 pm
Eienstien-Stay and play next year or you can not travel w/ team to bowl.
Einsteindawg
December 30th, 2010
5:33 pm
OK weezie, WTH does that mean? I’m for getting rid of Richt based on his lack of passion and current record. I think we can do better with $3M p/year.
weezie
December 30th, 2010
5:43 pm
ESPN states that Pryor and fellow violators must sign letter saying they are coming back to osu before they can suit up w/ team for bowl game.
I agree Am tired of getting out-coached every game w/ superior talent-never been huge Richt fan.
ARdawg
December 30th, 2010
6:02 pm
Buckeye
I like your coach. Class guy. as far as tearing down some hedges in 2020. Bring it
ARdawg
December 30th, 2010
6:05 pm
LOL@Buckeye
Thats not Tressel’s decision. NCAA cartel is worshiping the almighty dollar. Being careful not to p!ss off the Sugar Bowl committee. NCAAand Barnhart are sellouts
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
6:37 pm
@weezie
That’s an interesting question. I see these letters as little more than a publicity stunt. The obvious easy-out is to violate some team rules to get yourself booted from the team after the bowl game. I do have to wonder if NCAA and Conference bylaws allow a coach to forbid a player from leaving for the NFL after they have become eligible?
Denver Dog
December 30th, 2010
6:56 pm
It appears that Tony is on board with the lame postings and minimal findings of the NCAA. First things first, Gators win, Ingram goes, Miss State wins, and Rich Rod goes. TCU plays a great game and yes OK blows out Conn.
Now then, where are the journalists? Why did we forget about the pay statements about Newton, and the “My dad made the decision comments from Cam. What has been proven over in Mississippi? What did the FBI find out? Why are UNC players suspended and Cam is not? What is the deal about Ohio State? Since when is taking money OK with the NCAA? This stuff was all out there, and the journalists have done nothing! What was the Julio deal? How much more was AJ slated to get? Why do you let Saban get away with calling agents Pimps? All of this is like the Russians saying that the women competitors in the Olympics, that had male parts were really women with male parts. Why was Dooley taking his team to a bar? None of it passes the duck test. I am ashamed to say that Tony is a graduate of the Grady School of Journalism. One more thing, why are there morons on a sport blog talking about Obama? Just asking…………
Upinya
December 30th, 2010
6:56 pm
says bend over and take it like Cam on a Thursday night.
GraceLand
December 30th, 2010
7:05 pm
Memphis is like Atlanta in 1977.
Innocent Bystander
December 30th, 2010
7:21 pm
Funny thing about the Liberty Bowl… The Buckeyes played there 20 years ago.
12/27/1990 Air Force 23 – Ohio State 11
TampaGator
December 30th, 2010
7:33 pm
I don’t think many Gator fans have much faith in the Gators winning this game based on “the no change in offense” news this week. I sure hope the coaches and players are not telling the truth….and Jordan Reed will be the primary QB for most of the game….and Brantley sits with Muschamp and talks about how to play the QB postion in the pro style offense for next year.