NCAA Football 2024 - it goes to 12!

[degenerasian]

Clearly Michigan deserved to be in the playoff. They handled Ohio state and Alabama no problem.

[Rex]

You know, I kind of like the late afternoon start. They'll never do it for a number of reasons, but I could go for midweek 4PM/8PM doubleheaders for the early rounds of this tournament going forward.

[Giff]

Well that escalated quickly. Irish up 10.

[Johnnie]

Well that escalated quickly. Irish up 10.

17*

[sancarlos]

If only there was a rule against targeting, we might have 0 SEC teams in the semi-finals.

[Giff]

If only there was a rule against targeting, we might have 0 SEC teams in the semi-finals.

Well they missed targeting against ASU on their big interception and let an OL carry the RB into the end zone which is against the rules, so I’d say things evened out.

[P.D.X.]

That might’ve been the shittiest trick play I’ve ever seen.

[Nonlinear FC]

If only there was a rule against targeting, we might have 0 SEC teams in the semi-finals.

Well they missed targeting against ASU on their big interception and let an OL carry the RB into the end zone which is against the rules, so I’d say things evened out.

Agree with Giff here.

With that said, that's probably the most egregious missed targeting call I've seen this year. The interception was kind of borderline.

[brian]

I doubt we’ll see another quarterfinal round in our lifetimes where all top 4 seeds lose.

[Brontoburglar]

a high probability if/when the seeding process is changed for 2025 and beyond

[Giff]

Another year, another bowl game skipped and missed seeing a bunch of friends from the dorms. Next year!

[HaulCitgo]

Bill in his element. https://www.cbs17.com/sports/unc/nc-run ... belichick/

If it doesn't work with lacrosse kids and special teamers and service academy kids they will be right but bill gonna do what bill gonna do

[Giff]

I was talking with my buddy who’s an AP at the high school we went to and there’s a kid who committed to UNC before the coaching change. He is super stoked.

[Nonlinear FC]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/604440 ... iewership/

TV audiences across the board are way up for non-CFP bowl games. Attendance is down at most non-CFP bowl games.

The attendance thing doesn't surprise me, especially when you don't have at least one team within a half day (reasonable drive.) It cost a small fortune to attend the Rose Bowl (I'd do it again), but you are also traveling to a really nice part of the country. Not much incentive to incur that kind of cost for a non-CFP bowl game in a relatively random location.

The TV numbers are pretty surprising. Not shocking, as they've always done pretty well. But in this context, where they are truly just exhibition games and with the issues you guys already mentioned (portal, NFL opt-outs)... Dramatically higher numbers are not what I would've expected.

[Shirley]

I've been a bit fascinated by the interest in random bowl games I've seen on social media this year. I don't get it at all. These games don't even really matter to the kids playing, as evidenced by so many pre-bowl transfers and kids just sitting out. Why on earth would you watch a non-playoff bowl game that your team isn't involved in? I don't get it.

[rass]

These games don't even really matter to the kids playing, as evidenced by so many pre-bowl transfers and kids just sitting out.

A whole lot more kids play than don't, so if it's that black and white doesn't that mean the game does matter to them?

Why on earth would you watch a non-playoff bowl game that your team isn't involved in? I don't get it.

Lots of Americans like to watch football?

[Giff]

I've been a bit fascinated by the interest in random bowl games I've seen on social media this year. I don't get it at all. These games don't even really matter to the kids playing, as evidenced by so many pre-bowl transfers and kids just sitting out. Why on earth would you watch a non-playoff bowl game that your team isn't involved in? I don't get it.

Yeah, I have to disagree with you big time about the players not caring. Citing those who left is not evidence of the kids who stayed and played not caring about the game. Most of the games I watched were typically exciting and chippy. And my alma mater's game definitely mattered to the fans, players, and school overall.

[P.D.X.]

Why on earth would you watch a non-playoff bowl game that your team isn't involved in? I don't get it.

Gambling.

[duff]

Why on earth would you watch a non-playoff bowl game that your team isn't involved in? I don't get it.

Gambling.

The only true answer.

[Rex]

My theory is that the CFP has juiced interest in college football in general, and the weird timing of this bowl and holiday season may have helped. Get the feeling that a lot of people just took 2 weeks off, that’s a lot of idle time.

[Nonlinear FC]

My theory is that the CFP has juiced interest in college football in general, and the weird timing of this bowl and holiday season may have helped. Get the feeling that a lot of people just took 2 weeks off, that’s a lot of idle time.

I'm in this camp. I also think having games that DO matter bookend these holidays played a role (the article mentions this). I absolutely took more time off this year than usual.

[GoodKarma]

The schtick at some of the bowls (Dukes Mayo, Pop Tart and Snoop to name them specifically) has brought some interest as well. As Johnnie mentioned with his experience there is an attempt to drive local interest and give people a reason to attend...that game had 40,000 in attendance when I was only expecting about 15-20k. I think that is the next logical step...a more carnival-like atmosphere surrounding the game.

[Nonlinear FC]

The article also mentions that the non-CFP bowls, whose agreement with ESPN runs out after next year, might return back to the (mostly) non-conference affiliated model that existed for decades.

I can see a scenario like the one that unfolded this year where Alabama and Michigan replayed one of the better CFP games from the year prior. Maybe if Texas and AZ State don't make the CFP, you put those two against each other.

[Shirley]

I've been a bit fascinated by the interest in random bowl games I've seen on social media this year. I don't get it at all. These games don't even really matter to the kids playing, as evidenced by so many pre-bowl transfers and kids just sitting out. Why on earth would you watch a non-playoff bowl game that your team isn't involved in? I don't get it.

Yeah, I have to disagree with you big time about the players not caring. Citing those who left is not evidence of the kids who stayed and played not caring about the game. Most of the games I watched were typically exciting and chippy. And my alma mater's game definitely mattered to the fans, players, and school overall.

Fair enough. I worded that poorly. I agree that the kids actually in the games probably do care. It's just that when so many players leave the team before the game, it gives the (probably correct) appearance that the team/program as a whole doesn't care that much. Certainly not as much as a regular game. At the same time, I understand that means that a bunch of guys who maybe normally don't play get out there, so I'm sure it's a big deal to them.

[Brontoburglar]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

[Shirley]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

[A_B]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

Is that true? Because if they didn't enroll somewhere wouldn't they be ineligible to play the next fall because their grades from the spring semester don't exist?

[HaulCitgo]

More practically, many/most leave for playing time reasons and missing spring practice a good way to find yourself in the portal for the same reason next year.

[Nonlinear FC]

Yeah, you see this type of stuff fairly regularly (post-COVID rules) with 5th year seniors in D3. They take the spring semester completely off so they can come back for one more year of eligibility (If they have it... the COVID kids are now aging out.) Obviously, these aren't guys worried about retaining a spot on the roster, as they are typically established stars or mainstays of whatever team they are on.

Not sure if you all are aware, but the NCAA is considering adding a 5th year of eligibility in all sports, not just football and wrestling, and not just the D1 level.

Not a big deal for this thread, but a fairly big deal across the board. A big part of what is going on is about tuition/room and board for another year...$$$ A lot of the smaller schools are struggling and having a kid stay on for another year/semester is a big deal.

[A_B]

Not a big deal for this thread, but a fairly big deal across the board. A big part of what is going on is about tuition/room and board for another year...$$$ A lot of the smaller schools are struggling and having a kid stay on for another year/semester is a big deal.

But that's a zero sum game in terms of comparison, unless they are expanding all rosters. Because if you have 13 spots on a team, that's 13 scholarships no matter what year they are in. So if a 5th year guy stays, yeah you pay their room/board, but you don't also have to pay for some other kid as well. That other kid just has to go somewhere else or walk on, but there's not really any doubling up or more room and board paid out per year.

[Nonlinear FC]

Not a big deal for this thread, but a fairly big deal across the board. A big part of what is going on is about tuition/room and board for another year...$$$ A lot of the smaller schools are struggling and having a kid stay on for another year/semester is a big deal.

But that's a zero sum game in terms of comparison, unless they are expanding all rosters. Because if you have 13 spots on a team, that's 13 scholarships no matter what year they are in. So if a 5th year guy stays, yeah you pay their room/board, but you don't also have to pay for some other kid as well. That other kid just has to go somewhere else or walk on, but there's not really any doubling up or more room and board paid out per year.

It's absolutely not a like-for-like comparison and now I feel bad for bringing it up here, because it's pretty Off-Topic. D3 rosters in sports like soccer are HUGE (some teams roster up to 30 players.) So they absolutely double up (and more) with tuition and room and board.

[Brontoburglar]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

Is that true? Because if they didn't enroll somewhere wouldn't they be ineligible to play the next fall because their grades from the spring semester don't exist?

A player could stay on the team through spring practice and take advantage of the spring transfer window, but why would a player looking to leave do that when the opportunity exists before then even though it's incredibly poorly timed?

Again, don't blame the players, blame the NCAA calendar.

[sancarlos]

Penn State lost both its two big games (Ohio State and Oregon), yet only had to beat SMU and Boise to reach the national semifinals. Kind of amazing.

[A_B]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

Is that true? Because if they didn't enroll somewhere wouldn't they be ineligible to play the next fall because their grades from the spring semester don't exist?

A player could stay on the team through spring practice and take advantage of the spring transfer window, but why would a player looking to leave do that when the opportunity exists before then even though it's incredibly poorly timed?

Again, don't blame the players, blame the NCAA calendar.

To be clear, I totally blame the NCAA. I just thought you had to be enrolled somewhere to be able to attend the next semester and be in good standing, but I suppose normal people take semesters off from time to time as well. I want the players to be able to move, and I think changing the calendar is the fastest way to a close fix because nothing will ever be perfect . I think I just misunderstood a logistical portion of the process.

While I'm at it, I think scholarships should be 4-year guarantees so long as you meet the requirements, regardless of playing time, and guaranteed for injuries that occur while playing. Recruiting over kids is stupid. You shouldn't be able to cut a kid one year after telling him he was gonna be a star just because you also told Johnny he'd be one at the same position seven months later.

This is not at all well thought out, mind you.

[A_B]

Penn State lost both its two big games (Ohio State and Oregon), yet only had to beat SMU and Boise to reach the national semifinals. Kind of amazing.

Its a Final Four cinderella run from a 6 seed!

[HaulCitgo]

I don't think you can have it both ways. With the cash comes the cuts. Under the previous arrangement sure... guaranteed tuition seems right. But these are professional athletes on contracts. So they probably should compete for spots if you're trying to win and those that help you win should probably insist upon term agreements with termination rights or move along to someone that will

[Shirley]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

Is that true? Because if they didn't enroll somewhere wouldn't they be ineligible to play the next fall because their grades from the spring semester don't exist?

A player could stay on the team through spring practice and take advantage of the spring transfer window, but why would a player looking to leave do that when the opportunity exists before then even though it's incredibly poorly timed?

Again, don't blame the players, blame the NCAA calendar.

Who was blaming the players? I wasn't assigning any blame to anyone.

AB, I think my poor wording may have caused confusion. I meant that players who transfer only need to skip the bowl game if the plan to change schools before the spring semester. And yes, I understand that many football players do that so they can participate in spring practice at the new school. (Although I think for many schools it's tough for non-athletes to transfer in the middle of the year.)

[A_B]

I don't think you can have it both ways. With the cash comes the cuts. Under the previous arrangement sure... guaranteed tuition seems right. But these are professional athletes on contracts. So they probably should compete for spots if you're trying to win and those that help you win should probably insist upon term agreements with termination rights or move along to someone that will

Right, so the athletes start "demanding" 4-year contracts, or hell, maybe even a 3 year contract with some kind of option for both school and player after. No different than an NFL team missing on a draft pick.

But remember, I'm just spitballing anyways. I trust Bronto's knowledge on this way more than, well, TBH, anyone I read or follow. I don't know enough about the specifics, clearly, to do much else. The banter is the fun part!

[Brontoburglar]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

Is that true? Because if they didn't enroll somewhere wouldn't they be ineligible to play the next fall because their grades from the spring semester don't exist?

A player could stay on the team through spring practice and take advantage of the spring transfer window, but why would a player looking to leave do that when the opportunity exists before then even though it's incredibly poorly timed?

Again, don't blame the players, blame the NCAA calendar.

To be clear, I totally blame the NCAA. I just thought you had to be enrolled somewhere to be able to attend the next semester and be in good standing, but I suppose normal people take semesters off from time to time as well. I want the players to be able to move, and I think changing the calendar is the fastest way to a close fix because nothing will ever be perfect . I think I just misunderstood a logistical portion of the process.

While I'm at it, I think scholarships should be 4-year guarantees so long as you meet the requirements, regardless of playing time, and guaranteed for injuries that occur while playing. Recruiting over kids is stupid. You shouldn't be able to cut a kid one year after telling him he was gonna be a star just because you also told Johnny he'd be one at the same position seven months later.

This is not at all well thought out, mind you.

I was agreeing with you fwiw. All scholarships in the power conferences are four-year agreements now too. That was a big movement about 5-10 years ago. I think the next step with direct revenue sharing will make them more like contracts tied to NIL. Of course, that's a lot easier if we could simply classify the players as employees.

[Brontoburglar]

the kids basically have to leave the team before the bowl game if they want to transfer

Only if they want to enroll in the spring semester. And that doesn't change the point. If you plan to leave your school for another, obviously you aren't really bought in on the team you're still on.

Is that true? Because if they didn't enroll somewhere wouldn't they be ineligible to play the next fall because their grades from the spring semester don't exist?

A player could stay on the team through spring practice and take advantage of the spring transfer window, but why would a player looking to leave do that when the opportunity exists before then even though it's incredibly poorly timed?

Again, don't blame the players, blame the NCAA calendar.

Who was blaming the players? I wasn't assigning any blame to anyone.

AB, I think my poor wording may have caused confusion. I meant that players who transfer only need to skip the bowl game if the plan to change schools before the spring semester. And yes, I understand that many football players do that so they can participate in spring practice at the new school. (Although I think for many schools it's tough for non-athletes to transfer in the middle of the year.)

It seemed like you were at least expressing frustration with players who weren't "bought in" when in reality they're basically forced to transfer when they are because of the NCAA's transfer windows. (And the NCAA's lack of rules/enforcement regarding tampering/contacting players)