College football 2018 Week 12 thread

I think CFB is more likely to have seasons like this in the future than highly competitive ones. The gaps between the teams and the various conferences is just getting more pronounced on and off the field.

 

I partially disagree. Yes, for a neutral outsider the season has been like reading a mystery where you know whodunit, but there have been some entertaining games along the way. Alabama hasn't been in any of 'em, mind you, but they exist. And no season where Iowa State is actually decent can be a total loss.

 

I'm probably suffering some malaise from my alma mater being ass this year, so take my complaints with a grain of salt, I guess.

 

If Michigan takes another loss, the playoff committee may just as well throw UCF in the playoff. They can lose just as well as the Sooners can.

 

Does Defensive Genius Who Gets Torched In Everybody Big Game retain his job?

 

I think everyone is back next year, but that staff is on notice. Bud probably gets a bit of a pass for the amount of injuries on defense this year.

 

I have a friend who is a VT grad who feels the same way, especially on Bud. Thinks injuries and seniority get him a pass into 2019.

 

The amount of pearl clutching by the national media over the idea of giving UCF a spot in the playoff is ridiculous, like this somehow taints this lily white sport that involves boosters buying players cars and rape allegations being covered up. Anyone entered in this tournament is nothing more than a sacrificial lamb for Alabama so what difference does it make if it's UCF, an Oklahoma that can't play defense or anyone else?

The only team that could possibly beat Alabama is Alabama's scout team.

 

Which is why I consider Herbstreit to be nothing more than a frosted-tipped circus clown. Last year it was obvious that the Big 10 was again down and he was banging the drum for two teams making the playoffs at one point. Then he went on a twitter rant after Bowl season again banging the Big 10 drum, as if one week of meaningless exhibition games somehow eliminated 13 weeks of garbage football.

 

I wonder if he wants it. He'll turn 60 this summer and has 20 years in the Virginia Retirement System. He's got way more than enough money to retire to Claytor Lake.

Bud has had, for the past 25 years, three main reasons to stay in his position:
- A legitimate chance of a big-time season and big-time bowl appearance
- Getting to work with Frank Beamer, with whom he had a great relationship
- Extremely generous compensation, despite likely being below market rate given his accomplishments and role in the program's success

Then Beamer retires, a big loss for Bud from a camaraderie/"family" standpoint. But Fuente’s reputation as a QB whisperer and offensive wizard was likely intriguing. Now that the bloom appears to be falling off Fuente, and with Bud being set financially, does he really have the energy and patience to endure losing seasons (maybe), fan criticism and watching what Beamer built be dismantled on his watch by a coach 20 years his junior who makes three times his salary? Going to be an offseason of reflection, I imagine.

 

Strong take, Circus.