2021 CFB Catch All Thread

[Kennythetiger 9334]

I didn’t realize that TCU had such a good record record against you guys. 

[LTtxfan 48962]

28 minutes ago, Kennythetiger said:

I didn’t realize that TCU had such a good record record against you guys. 

 

"Texas leads the overall series (TCU) with 52 wins against 27 losses and one tie between the two teams." 

[LTtxfan 48962]

Yahoo Sports

Ranking the top 15 non-conference college football games in 2021

Sam Cooper   Tue, August 3, 2021

We're less than a month away from the start of the college football season.   Last year, many of the marquee non-conference games were wiped from the schedule because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Entering 2021, plenty of big-time matchups are back on the slate. 

Below are the 15 non-conference games we're most looking forward to, omitting the traditional rivalry games we see every year. 

(All odds via BetMGM. Odds not available for every game.)

15. Virginia Tech at West Virginia (Sept. 18)

This used to be a yearly affair, including when VT and WVU were members of the Big East. However, the two have faced off only once since 2005, and that was a neutral site game at an NFL stadium. This time, the Hokies will travel to Morgantown in an intriguing early-season matchup. While WVU seems to be trending in the right direction under Neal Brown, there are plenty of questions surrounding Justin Fuente’s job status in Blacksburg.

14. Louisiana at Texas (Sept. 4)

Texas better not overlook the Ragin’ Cajuns. The Steve Sarkisian era will kick off at home against Louisiana, a team that has a 21-4 record over the past two seasons. ULL went into Ames and beat Iowa State to open the 2020 season and it has every intention on doing the same to the Longhorns in Austin.

13. Nebraska at Oklahoma (Sept. 18)

These longtime rivals from their Big Eight and Big 12 days will reunite for the first time since 2010. Oklahoma is on its way out of the Big 12 to the SEC. Before that plays out, though, the Sooners have legitimate national title aspirations under Lincoln Riley. Nebraska, 12-20 in three years under Scott Frost, would just like to play in a bowl game. This game might not be close, but it will at least be nostalgic to see these two back on the field together.

Point spread: Oklahoma -19.5

Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2020. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

12. Boise State at UCF (Sept. 2)

There are a few fun matchups on the Thursday of Week 1, but this is the best one. It’s two of the top G5 programs in the country in a primetime environment making their debuts with new head coaches. For UCF, it’s Gus Malzahn taking over after his time at Auburn. For Boise State, it’s Andy Avalos returning to his alma mater following Bryan Harsin’s departure to, coincidentally, Auburn. This will be a fun one.

Point spread: UCF -3.5

11. Cincinnati at Indiana (Sept. 18)

These programs were two of the bigger stories in college football last year. Cincinnati went undefeated (before losing to Georgia in the Peach Bowl), but was kept well on the outside looking in for College Football Playoff consideration. Indiana, meanwhile, was one of the better teams in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers upset Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin and took Ohio State to the wire. Can IU replicate that success in 2021?

10. LSU at UCLA (Sept. 4)

Following an unbelievable run in 2019, LSU fell back down to earth in 2020. And it fell hard, finishing 5-5. The Tigers open 2021 by traveling cross-country to Los Angeles to face a UCLA program that seems to be finally showing signs of life under Chip Kelly. The Bruins went 3-4 last year, but those four losses came by a combined 15 points.

Point spread: LSU -4.5

9. Oklahoma State at Boise State (Sept. 18)

Boise State hasn’t hosted a Power Five opponent on the blue turf since Virginia visited in 2017. The Broncos lost that matchup, but Boise typically handles itself quite well in these matchups. BSU beat Washington State in 2016, Washington in 2015, Oregon State in 2010 and Oregon in 2009. Though the two teams faced off in 2018, Oklahoma State will actually become the first (and maybe the last depending upon this next batch of realignment) Big 12 member to make the trip to Boise.

8. Liberty at Ole Miss (Nov. 6)

Hugh Freeze is set to make his triumphant return to Oxford. Freeze’s tenure at Ole Miss went up in flames, but he has resurfaced at Liberty and has an 18-6 record in two years. The Flames went 10-1 last year, and should present quite a test for the Rebels, who are feeling good entering Year 2 under Lane Kiffin. This game also presents an exciting QB matchup: Liberty’s Malik Willis vs. Ole Miss’ Matt Corral.

Hugh Freeze was the head coach at Ole Miss for five seasons before landing at Liberty. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

7. Auburn at Penn State (Sept. 18)

It’s always fun to see a prominent program from another conference play in an environment like Beaver Stadium. It’s a transition year for Auburn with new coach Bryan Harsin, and this will be his first test as Tigers head coach. Penn State is coming off a disappointing 2020 season but still boasts one of the Big Ten’s most-talented rosters. This should be a fun one.

Point spread: Penn State -7.5

6. Cincinnati at Notre Dame (Oct. 2)

This is a tremendous opportunity for Cincinnati. The Bearcats went undefeated in the regular season and won the AAC last fall, but were down at No. 8 when the final CFP rankings came out. It will almost certainly take expansion for a Group of Five team to reach the playoff, but trips to both Indiana and Notre Dame will provide Cincy with potentially excellent resume boosts.

Point spread: Notre Dame -3.5

5. Alabama vs. Miami (Sept. 4)

Fresh off an undefeated, national championship season, Alabama opens 2021 in Atlanta against Miami. The game will mark the first career start for Bryce Young while the Hurricanes counter with D’Eriq King, who is returning from a knee injury suffered in last year’s bowl game. Alabama typically cruises in these early-season neutral site games, but perhaps Miami will put up a legitimate fight.

Point spread: Alabama -17.5

Bryce Young is entering his first season as Alabama's starting quarterback. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

4. Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Sept. 25)

Here’s a game that could have an old-school, smash-mouth feel to it. The fact that it’s being played at Soldier Field in Chicago only adds to that feeling. Another added element in this matchup is Jack Coan. Coan was the starter at Wisconsin, but missed 2020 due to a foot injury. That opened the door for Graham Mertz to take the reins for the Badgers and ultimately led to Coan’s transfer. He landed at Notre Dame, where he is considered the frontrunner to pick up where Ian Book left off.

Point spread: Wisconsin -1.5

3. Washington at Michigan (Sept. 11)

Michigan gets a big test early in its seventh season under Jim Harbaugh. Things were rough for the Wolverines last year, but an early season win in a marquee matchup would be a positive development for a program that could use a jolt of energy. Washington, meanwhile, is entering its second season under Jimmy Lake. There’s a lot of talent on the UW roster, especially on defense, and the Huskies are one of the favorites to win the Pac-12.

Point spread: Michigan -1.5

2. Oregon at Ohio State (Sept. 11)

Mario Cristobal has been stockpiling talent at Oregon, and now he’ll have the chance to showcase that talent on a huge stage in Columbus against the mighty Buckeyes. Oregon is the current betting favorite in the Pac-12 and Ohio State has won four consecutive Big Ten titles. The biggest question surrounding OSU is the QB battle. With No. 1 recruit Quinn Ewers skipping his senior year of high school, there are now four contenders for the job with C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller generally considered the frontrunners.

Point spread: Ohio State -10

1. Georgia vs. Clemson (Sept. 4)

Two national title contenders facing off in Week 1? Yes, please. With Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne off to the NFL, Clemson is working in some new faces on offense, including QB D.J. Uiagalelei. Uiagalelei got a brief taste of the spotlight last year against Notre Dame, but now he’s got the reins of the Tigers offense. On the Georgia side, JT Daniels’ presence really helped open up what has long been an uninspiring offense. Will we see that from the start in 2021?

Point spread: Clemson -4

 

[Doc Sam Beckett 5782]

Nebraska makes the list as a 20 point underdog. Scintillating 

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

 

9) TEXAS

 Pressure is high, yes, but the opportunity to win big in Austin has never left. The Longhorns print money every season as college football's most lucrative program per most recent gross revenue reports pre-COVID, but even with unlimited resources and support, the Texas gig may not be the “plug and play” job many think it is at this stage. The burnt orange and 'Hook Em Horns' sells itself on the recruiting trail, but top-ranked classes in the Big 12 have not resulted in titles and now the Longhorns head into the meat-grinder that is the SEC. One 10-win season this decade is all the Longhorns have to hang their hat on right now with first-year coach Steve Sarkisian hoping to turn things around in short order.

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

[Don Johnson 4745]

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

23 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

FOOTBALL SCOOP....

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --  No. 14: Travis Williams, UCF

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-assistant-coaches-2021-travis-williams-ucf

 

 

Cumbie was #15...

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-assistant-coaches-2021-sonny-cumbie-texas-tech

 

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 13: Liam Coen, Kentucky

Coen's last offense finished 58th in FCS. After three years in Sean McVay's program, now he's revamping an SEC offense.

ZACH BARNETT.      AUG 4, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-liam-coen-kentucky

[LTtxfan 48962]

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 12: Jess Simpson, Miami

For years, Miami has been Next Year's Team. With an established QB and a re-tooled defensive staff led by Jess Simpson, next year is this year for The U.

ZACH BARNETT.     8 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-jess-simpson-miami

[maninblack 7974]

On 8/4/2021 at 8:25 AM, LTtxfan said:

 

 

9) TEXAS

 Pressure is high, yes, but the opportunity to win big in Austin has never left. The Longhorns print money every season as college football's most lucrative program per most recent gross revenue reports pre-COVID, but even with unlimited resources and support, the Texas gig may not be the “plug and play” job many think it is at this stage. The burnt orange and 'Hook Em Horns' sells itself on the recruiting trail, but top-ranked classes in the Big 12 have not resulted in titles and now the Longhorns head into the meat-grinder that is the SEC. One 10-win season this decade is all the Longhorns have to hang their hat on right now with first-year coach Steve Sarkisian hoping to turn things around in short order.

 

That was dumb and fuck CBS and their god damn pop ups

[LTtxfan 48962]

On 8/5/2021 at 9:40 PM, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 12: Jess Simpson, Miami

For years, Miami has been Next Year's Team. With an established QB and a re-tooled defensive staff led by Jess Simpson, next year is this year for The U.

ZACH BARNETT.     8 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-jess-simpson-miami

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 11: Tim Banks, Tennessee

At a program that's put the Power T in instability, Tim Banks hopes to bring a steady hand to Tennessee's defense

ZACH BARNETT      AUG 6, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-tim-banks-tennessee

[LTtxfan 48962]

Mack lost 18

 

Fat Gare lost 17

 

[SimonBolivar 10911]

I didn't know that about TCU. Hey @angelos's frog how many were in the 2 deep? 

[Hozz 1012]

Goddamn Tennessee.  That's an entire classes worth of players up in smoke.

[LTtxfan 48962]

13 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 11: Tim Banks, Tennessee

At a program that's put the Power T in instability, Tim Banks hopes to bring a steady hand to Tennessee's defense

ZACH BARNETT      AUG 6, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-tim-banks-tennessee

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 10: Mike Bobo, Auburn

A head coach with no SEC experience hired an offensive coordinator with ALL the SEC experience. How's this going to work?

ZACH BARNETT.  7 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-mike-bobo-auburn

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

[Royale with cheese 1456]

42 minutes ago, LTtxfan said:

 

 

Where do they get those wonderful names?

[LTtxfan 48962]

13 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 10: Mike Bobo, Auburn

A head coach with no SEC experience hired an offensive coordinator with ALL the SEC experience. How's this going to work?

ZACH BARNETT.  7 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-mike-bobo-auburn

 

#9 -- meh 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021

No. 9: Jeff Grimes, Baylor

After a dismal debut season, Dave Aranda hired the coordinator of the nation's top 2020 offense and re-tooled his offense around the wide zone. But when defenses adjust, what's Baylor's counter-punch?

ZACH BARNETT   1 HOUR AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-jeff-grimes-baylor

Edited August 10, 2021 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 48962]

😂😂😂

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

In case you missed this,  SI actually tweeted "Horns Down"  😂😂😂 

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

Ranking the Top 25 college football coaches heading into 2021

Connor O'Gara | 2 days ago

Quote

We’re changing things up this year.

Instead of getting into a back-and-forth wherein I dig deep into subjective rankings that you’ll probably disagree with, “positive vibes only” is the approach we’ll use when ranking the Top 25 college football coaches in 2021.

I’m going to simply list 1 thing I like about each coach. That can be based on something 2020 showed us, or it can be based on something the past decade showed us.

Ranking coaches, for those who have done it, is difficult. Why? Some of it is based on who is the most accomplished person. You can look at someone like Kirk Ferentz and say his longevity at Iowa with 168 career wins and 9 AP Top 25 finishes make him more accomplished than someone like Matt Campbell, who just delivered his first Top 25 season as a head coach.

And what about Jimbo Fisher? Shouldn’t he be ahead of Ryan Day because he has a ring and Day doesn’t?

Past accomplishments matter, yes. But these are 2021 rankings. We can add some current context to this.

I base these rankings on if I were an athletic director, who would I want to lead my program tomorrow? That’s ultimately what this should be about. If you were lining up to draft coaches to build a program under the same 5-year contract with the same resources, who would be picked first?

With that in mind, here are my Top 25 coaches in college football for 2021:

25. PJ Fleck, Minnesota

One thing I like — Fleck led top-15 finishes at Western Michigan and Minnesota before turning 40 years old. Oh, and he did it within 4 years at both places. Say what you want about his energy — Fleck says often that he’s “not for everyone” — but that’s a remarkable recruiting pitch.

24. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan

One thing I like — Remember. Positive vibes only here. How about the fact that during the 2010s, Harbaugh spent 6 seasons coaching at the Power 5 level, and 5 of those teams earned top-20 finishes. Those 6 seasons during the 2010s also included a conference record of 40-13. As easy as it is to poke fun at the Michigan coach, those numbers are darn impressive.

23. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss

One thing I like — In the past 7 seasons he operated in offense, it finished ranked in the top 16 in scoring 5 times. Only 1 of those 7 seasons failed to produce a top-30 offense (2018 Florida Atlantic). During that stretch, Kiffin’s starting quarterback averaged 3,380 scrimmage yards per season. That’s an elite offensive mind.

22. Gary Patterson, TCU

One thing I like — Besides the fact that Patterson owns the Big 12’s most recent top-10 defense nationally (yes, in 2014)? TCU has 10 finishes inside the top 10 of the AP Poll, and Patterson owns 6 of them. That’s why they built him the statue, and that’s why going 18-17 (12-15 vs. Big 12) in the past 3 years didn’t drop him from this list. Whoops. Positive vibes only.

21. Luke Fickell, Cincinnati

One thing I like — Here’s the list of coaches riding a streak of 3 consecutive AP Top 25 finishes:

Luke Fickell

Kirk Ferentz

Dan Mullen

Kirby Smart

Dabo Swinney

Nick Saban

Now raise your hand if you did that at a Group of 5 program and are freshly removed from a top-10 finish? OK, that was too specific. You can put your hand down, Luke. You’re legit.

20. Mario Cristobal, Oregon

One thing I like — When you recruit 3 consecutive top-11 classes, you put yourself in a position to win 3 consecutive Pac-12 titles and appear in 3 consecutive New Year’s 6 bowls. Granted, Cristobal is still working on achieving that 3-peat. Even though 2020 should probably have a bit of an asterisk on it in the Pac-12, Cristobal is a solid 2021 away from accomplishing something that Chip Kelly did a decade ago.

19. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa

One thing I like — How do you become the longest-tenured FBS head coach? In Year 17, you begin a 6-year run in which you produce a Big Ten record of 35-17. That 6-year conference record was even better than Ferentz’s 2002-07 stretch that included 3 top-10 finishes (he was 31-17 in Big Ten play).

18. Kyle Whittingham, Utah

One thing I like — Besides the 5 seasons with 9-plus wins during the 7 years of the Playoff era? How about the fact that from 2017-20, Utah had 21 players selected in the NFL Draft — the same exact amount as Georgia — despite the fact that none of those players were from top-30 recruiting classes. Whittingham can absolutely develop with the best of them.

17. James Franklin, Penn State

One thing I like — Even though the full-time switch to the 12-game regular-season schedule benefited Franklin, it’s incredible to think that he had 3 seasons with 11 wins in a 4-year stretch, which Joe Paterno last accomplished at Penn State in 1971. Franklin’s Big Ten winning percentage (.623) is actually only a shade worse than Paterno’s (.638). And that’s the last Franklin-to-Paterno comp we’ll make today.

16. Mark Stoops, Kentucky

One thing I like — Here’s the list of SEC coaches who held their respective jobs for 9-plus years entirely during the 21st century:

Mark Stoops, Kentucky (2013-present)

Nick Saban, Alabama (2007-present)

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina (2005-15)

Mark Richt, Georgia (2001-15)

Les Miles, LSU (2005-16)

Dan Mullen, MSU (2009-17)

Yes, that 21st century caveat excludes people like Tommy Tuberville (1999-2008) and Houston Nutt (1998-2007). Still, though. That’s some elite company for Stoops, who is 20-22 vs. SEC competition in the past 5 years, all of which included a bowl game. At a place with 1 winning SEC season in the last 40 years (Stoops did that in 2018), that’s why he deserves immense credit for what he built in Lexington.

15. David Shaw, Stanford

One thing I like — Palo Alto. Just kidding. Not about liking that area of the country, though. That’s for real. I like that in 10 years at Stanford, Shaw had a winning record in Pac-12 play 9 times, and he did so with just 1 top-15 class during the Playoff era. That’s why Shaw has been at Stanford longer than any head coach before him, even Pop Warner himself.

14. Matt Campbell, Iowa State

One thing I like — Besides the fact that Campbell just gave Iowa State its best AP Top 25 finish in program history? OK. Before 2017, Iowa State appeared in the AP Top 25 in 3 of the previous 35 seasons. Campbell, who started in Ames in 2016, led Iowa to a Top 25 appearance in each of the past 4 seasons. And in all likelihood, that’ll continue if and when Iowa State earns its first preseason top-10 ranking in school history.

13. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin

One thing I like — Since the start of the 2015 season, here are the coaches who won more games at their current school than Chryst (56):

Nick Saban (79)

Dabo Swinney (79)

Brian Kelly (57)

Yep. That’s a pretty darn good list.

12. Mike Leach, MSU

One thing I like — History tells us that Year 1 with Leach is always rough, so don’t let a poor 2020 cover up the fact that in his 19 seasons as a head coach — 12 of which produced 8-plus wins at non-power programs — his teams failed to have a top-5 passing offense a total of just 3 times (2000, 2012, 2020). What do all of those years have in common? They were all Year 1 at a new program.

11. Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern

One thing I like — In the past 9 years, Fitzgerald’s teams finished in the AP Top 25 5 times. From 1953-2011, the Wildcats earned 2 Top 25 finishes … and Fitzgerald was the All-American linebacker on both of those teams. Build the statue already.

10. Mack Brown, UNC

One thing I like — “Like” isn’t a strong enough word for Brown’s dance moves. He’s a top-10 coach at postgame celebrations. Easily. As for the 1 thing I like about his ability to coach? How about Brown taking 5 years off, and then returning at age 67 with a modern offensive approach from former Ole Miss offensive coordinator Phil Longo, and putting up consecutive offenses that rank in the top 1/4 in FBS in his first 2 seasons.

9. Ed Orgeron, LSU

One thing I like — Even after a disastrous 2020 season, Orgeron still boasts 13 wins vs. top-10 teams in 4 seasons as LSU’s full-time head coach. From 2017-19, he had more such wins than Lincoln Riley, Tom Herman, Dan Mullen, Jim Harbaugh, Jimbo Fisher, James Franklin and Brian Kelly combined. That Florida game last year was a reminder that one mustn’t throw shoes and also, you can never count LSU out against anyone (with the exception of Alabama last year).

8. Dan Mullen, Florida

One thing I like — He was the first coach to start at a new place by winning consecutive New Year’s 6/BCS bowls. Then he went off and won his first division title and led the nation’s No. 1 passing attack. Mullen dropped a bit on this list for me in part because of some of the off-the-field incidents of 2020, but we’re still talking about an elite offensive mind who showed that he can coach up virtually any style of quarterback.

7. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame

One thing I like — Against non-top 5 teams in the past 3 years, Kelly is 32-1. That’s a floor that most programs won’t ever sniff. Kelly is going to continue to get heat for not beating Alabama and Clemson, but we’re not appreciating how good he is to be able to do that at Notre Dame, where top-10 classes are by no means a given.

6. Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma

One thing I like — Since he took over the Sooners’ offense in 2015, Riley has never:

A) Lost the Big 12

B) Produced an offense worse than No. 6 nationally

C) Had a QB with a quarterback rating worse than 172.6

D) Finished worse than No. 7 in the AP Top 25

E) All the above

It’s “E.” It’s always “E.”

5. Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M

One thing I like — He just led the Aggies to their best AP Top 25 finish in 81 years. It’s also true that when you sign a fully guaranteed contract for $75 million, Playoff berths are the expectation. But considering where Fisher was at this point last year — on the heels of arguably 3 consecutive (somewhat) disappointing seasons (including his final year at FSU) — that 2020 season was still a monumental year for Fisher’s status as an elite coach.

4. Kirby Smart, Georgia

One thing I like — In the past 4 years (2017-20), Smart has 2 losses against a team that finished outside of the top 10 of the AP Poll. One was last year against Florida, which finished No. 13. So yeah, as much as Georgia historically has this reputation as the team that blows it against weaker competition, Smart really hasn’t been that guy. In Mark Richt’s best 4-year stretch in Athens (2002-05), he had 5 such losses.

3. Ryan Day, Ohio State

One thing I like — Here’s the list of active coaches to start off by earning consecutive Playoff berths:

Ryan Day

Lincoln Riley

Now consider this. You might think that’s not really a big sample size because we’re limiting it to a 7-year window. But of the 65 Power 5 teams, how many have had the same coach throughout the Playoff era? Thirteen. In other words, 52 teams have gone through at least 1 coaching change, and Day is part of a 2-person club. In that 2-person club, Day is the only one who also won a Playoff game. Pretty good.

2. Dabo Swinney, Clemson

One thing I like — Nobody else has a current streak of 6 consecutive top-4 finishes. Here’s that active list of consecutive top-4 finishes (“active” is the key word there):

Clemson, 6

Ohio State, 3

Alabama, 1

Texas A&M, 1

Um, yeah, no wonder why Swinney isn’t crazy about expanding beyond the 4-team Playoff. If you want to exclude Notre Dame from being an ACC team, Swinney has an active streak of 30 consecutive wins against conference foes dating to the Syracuse loss in 2017. That’s a solid foundation for a top-4 finish.

1. Nick Saban, Alabama

One thing I like — If you’ve heard me say this before, I apologize. Saban’s most impressive feat is not that he hasn’t lost to the SEC East since South Carolina in 2010. It’s that he hasn’t lost to a team outside of the top 15 of the AP Poll since that wild day in Columbia. That’s a full decade of beating teams that undoubtedly had nothing to lose, yet Saban is perfect in those games. That’s better than just beating 2 or 3 East opponents per year.

 

 

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/college-football/ranking-top-25-coaches-college-football-2021/

[LTtxfan 48962]

RB: Breece Hall, Iowa State (Jr.)

RB: Bijan Robinson, Texas (So.)

Hall could challenge for 2,000 rushing yards after averaging 131 yards per game and scoring 21 touchdowns in an abbreviated 2020 season. Robinson came on strong late in his debut year and should be the focal point of new Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's explosive offensive scheme. 

LB: Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma (Jr.)

LB: Mike Rose, Iowa State (Sr.)

LB: Will Anderson, Alabama (So.)

Bonitto (32 tackles, 8.0 sacks) grades out as the best edge rusher in the country. But Rose (96 tackles) is the most impactful defender in the Big 12 from his spot on the second level of the Cyclones' defense. The sky is the limit for Anderson, who has already proven himself to be one of the best in the SEC.

 

Nik Bonitto ??? 

[LTtxfan 48962]

On 8/10/2021 at 11:45 AM, LTtxfan said:

No. 9: Jeff Grimes, Baylor

After a dismal debut season, Dave Aranda hired the coordinator of the nation's top 2020 offense and re-tooled his offense around the wide zone. But when defenses adjust, what's Baylor's counter-punch?

ZACH BARNETT   1 HOUR AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-jeff-grimes-baylor

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 8: Mike Tressel, Cincinnati

Perfection is the expectation and you'll be blamed for every touchdown surrendered. Welcome to Cincinnati, Coach Tressel.

ZACH BARNETT    2 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-mike-tressel-cincinnati

[LTtxfan 48962]

On 8/11/2021 at 12:59 PM, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 8: Mike Tressel, Cincinnati

Perfection is the expectation and you'll be blamed for every touchdown surrendered. Welcome to Cincinnati, Coach Tressel.

ZACH BARNETT    2 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-mike-tressel-cincinnati

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 7: Mike Yurcich, Penn State

No offensive coordinator has been more consistently productive over the past eight seasons than Mike Yurcich. Now he's returned to his adoptive home state to lead a revival in Happy Valley.

ZACH BARNETT.  AUG 12, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-mike-yurcich-penn-state

-------------------------------------------------------------------

No. 6: Deland McCullough, Indiana

Deland McCullough voluntarily left the Chiefs for Indiana. The goal? To forever change the paradigm of Hoosier football.

ZACH BARNETT   AUG 13, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-deland-mccullough-indiana 

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

With higher number of returning experienced players -- and not as many "Super-Stud" QBs  for 2021 teams -- defenses should be better this season..

Why Defense Will Make A Comeback This Season (Late Kick Cut)

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

On 8/15/2021 at 10:30 AM, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 7: Mike Yurcich, Penn State

No offensive coordinator has been more consistently productive over the past eight seasons than Mike Yurcich. Now he's returned to his adoptive home state to lead a revival in Happy Valley.

ZACH BARNETT.  AUG 12, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-mike-yurcich-penn-state

-------------------------------------------------------------------

No. 6: Deland McCullough, Indiana

Deland McCullough voluntarily left the Chiefs for Indiana. The goal? To forever change the paradigm of Hoosier football.

ZACH BARNETT   AUG 13, 2021

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-deland-mccullough-indiana 

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 5: Bill O'Brien, Alabama

The Houston Texans head coach a year ago, O'Brien is now implementing "Alabama's offense." The question isn't if he wins a national title, but when and how many?

ZACH BARNETT  20 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-bill-obrien-alabama 

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

Navy vs Air Force Game on Sept 11th, 2021 

Alt Uni's for NAVY (Honoring The Marines)

 

While the Marines and Navy are viewed as separate branches of the military, technically the Marine Corp is a part of the Navy dating back to an 1834 decision by Congress to put the Marines under the Naval arm.

 

 

 

 

https://footballscoop.com/news/navy-unveils-new-alternate-uniforms-inspired-by-the-marines#gid=ci028ad39d10002560&pid=navy-marine-uni-1 

 

Edited August 17, 2021 by LTtxfan

[Parliament 14128]

America, FUCK YEAH

[SurlyGator 860]

Very strong threads.  Helmet?  Meh.

[YeeYeeCTE 230]

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --
No. 5: Bill O'Brien, Alabama
The Houston Texans head coach a year ago, O'Brien is now implementing "Alabama's offense." The question isn't if he wins a national title, but when and how many?
ZACH BARNETT  20 HOURS AGO
https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-bill-obrien-alabama 
 

Yurcich at penn state is exciting, I expect them to do a lot better than last year

[LTtxfan 48962]

15 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 5: Bill O'Brien, Alabama

The Houston Texans head coach a year ago, O'Brien is now implementing "Alabama's offense." The question isn't if he wins a national title, but when and how many?

ZACH BARNETT  20 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-bill-obrien-alabama 

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 --

No. 4: The Michigan staff (pretty much all of 'em) 😂😂😂

Jim Harbaugh's staff is almost entirely new -- to Michigan, to their roles, or both. Did he find the right mix to revitalize a stagnant program?

ZACH BARNETT. 12 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-michigan-mike-macdonald-matt-weiss-steve-clinkscale-mike-hart-ron-bellamy-george-helow

[LTtxfan 48962]

14 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 -- No. 4: The Michigan staff (pretty much all of 'em)  

😂😂😂Harbaugh's staff is almost entirely new -- to Michigan, to their roles, or both. Did he find the right mix to revitalize a stagnant program?

ZACH BARNETT. 12 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-michigan-mike-macdonald-matt-weiss-steve-clinkscale-mike-hart-ron-bellamy-george-helow

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 

No. 3: Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame

Rare is a coordinator hire hit with National Championship or Bust expectations. This is one of those occasions.

ZACH BARNETT   4 HOURS AGO 

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-marcus-freeman-notre-dame

Edited August 18, 2021 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 48962]

Most Intriguing Coaches

1. Steve Sarkisian, Texas. The Longhorns spent nearly $50 million to fire Tom Herman and hire Sark, with the express purpose of him leading the $100 million charge into the Southeastern Conference era (whenever it comes to pass). That’s a lot to throw on the shoulders of a guy with a 46–35 career record who hasn’t been a head coach since 2015. But everything is bigger in Texas, including the gambles. Sark will need some time to build his program but could be afforded little of it. Dangerous underdog Louisiana comes to Austin on Sept. 4 with hopes of making a mockery of Texas’s SEC summer power play.

 

 

Edited August 18, 2021 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 48962]

On 8/18/2021 at 10:46 AM, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 

No. 3: Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame

Rare is a coordinator hire hit with National Championship or Bust expectations. This is one of those occasions.

ZACH BARNETT   4 HOURS AGO 

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-marcus-freeman-notre-dame

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 

No. 2: Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas, LSU

In bringing in two of Joe Brady's colleagues, Ed Orgeron has embarked on one of the great philosophical experiments in football history.

ZACH BARNETT     4 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-jake-peetz-dj-mangas-lsu

[LTtxfan 48962]

College TV deals show huge paydays for Big Ten, SEC, ACC; projections top $1 billion in 24-25

The college athletics world is in a state of flux, but big money is scheduled and projected to keep flowing into college football - especially in the sport's top conferences.

JOHN BRICE.  15 HOURS AGO 

https://footballscoop.com/news/acc-sec-big-ten-getting-richer-with-billion-dollar-tv-revenues

[LTtxfan 48962]

19 hours ago, LTtxfan said:

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021 

No. 2: Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas, LSU

In bringing in two of Joe Brady's colleagues, Ed Orgeron has embarked on one of the great philosophical experiments in football history.

ZACH BARNETT     4 HOURS AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-jake-peetz-dj-mangas-lsu

 

The 15 most important assistant coaching hires of 2021

No. 1: Pete Kwiatkowski, Texas

A decade of mediocrity, an impending SEC move and a work-in-progress offense mean the eyes of Texas are upon its new defensive coordinator.

ZACH BARNETT.   38 MINUTES AGO

https://footballscoop.com/news/15-most-important-2021-pete-kwiatkowski-texas

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

Xavier Worthy  🤘

[LTtxfan 48962]

The Big Ten, Pac-12 and ACC are expected to make a formal announcement about their alignment soon, perhaps as early as next week, multiple sources told The Athletic. It's not yet clear how specific the announcement will be because there are so many details to iron out, although administrators in all three leagues have stressed in recent conversations that issues of governance can and should be front and center.

Schools within the three conferences believe they are like-minded, that they want to continue to prioritize broad-based sports offerings and that the academic profile of their institutions matters — as does graduating athletes. For example, Big Ten schools sponsor an average of 24.8 sports per campus, with the ACC (23.8) and Pac-12 (22.9) not far behind. SEC schools offer an average of 19.9 sports.

Edited August 20, 2021 by LTtxfan

[LTtxfan 48962]

B/R CFB: Breaking Down Your Boldest 2020-21 Season Takes with Adam Kramer

ADAM KRAMER      AUGUST 19, 2021

Quote

There's a fine line between being bold and spewing nonsense. Today, we've set out to find exactly where that line is.  With the college football season barreling down, it's prediction time. But we're not just looking for any prediction. 

Alabama will win the national championship. 

Spencer Rattler will win the Heisman. 

Pac-12 officials will make horrendous calls.

These kinds of opinions have no home in this piece. No, today we're celebrating those willing to say something daring. 

More specifically, we're highlighting some of the boldest takes B/R readers supplied us with this week. Needless to say, they delivered.   

No need to tease it any further. Let us dive right in and embrace them all. 

    

Down Goes 'Bama in Week 1

User: @Jmt429

Prediction: "Miami beats Bama Week 1 [eye emoji]"

This is, without question, the best time to play Alabama. 

Considering what this team lost over the offseason—a starting quarterback, a Heisman-winning wide receiver, another big-play wide receiver, a game-changing running back, key offensive linemen, a shutdown corner and more—Miami will face a completely rebuilt roster.

The problem? This is also Alabama. 

Nick Saban's team has been labeled as an 18.5-point favorite. That really speaks to the sheer talent scattered across Alabama's roster and just how routine Saban makes these yearly reboots look. 

Alabama isn't the only team losing pieces, though. Miami's defense lost Jaelan Phillips, Quincy Roche and Gregory Rousseau (who didn't play last year) to the NFL. These were massive contributors during their time with the Hurricanes.  

An upset isn't out of the realm of possibility. But despite all the new faces in Tuscaloosa, it still feels unlikely considering how significant the talent gap is in so many areas.

Where this gap isn't significant, however, is quarterback. Miami's D'Eriq King, fresh off an ACL tear, appears healthy. If that is the case, given just how much he can impact a game, the Hurricanes have a shot.

(To cover.)

                

KU Goes Bowling

User: @Garejordans

Prediction: "KU football has a winning season and makes a bowl game."

I feel like I am being trolled, although allow me to engage.  

The last time Kansas had a winning season, I had recently turned 21 years old. I am now 36, a father of three and completely washed. My back hurts, and I am old. 

It's been a minute, folks. 

In the past 12 years, Kansas has 26 wins. I don't have words for that. I suppose this is where I remind Texas fans that they are one of the 26. 

Anyway, DraftKings has given Kansas a win total of one game. ONE.   

I do really like the hire of Lance Leipold from Buffalo. He did an exceptional job turning around that program, which was an appetizer to the main course he is now being served.

In time, he could do well. But it will take years for him to overturn the roster and remake Kansas football.

The good news in 2021 is that the Jayhawks open with South Dakota. That is about the only good news on a schedule that includes out-of-conference games against Coastal Carolina (yikes) and at Duke. 

Kansas will steal at least one game this year. The product will be much improved. But three wins would frankly be a massive turnaround. A bowl game would be one of the greatest stories in the history of the sport. 

Not an exaggeration. 

              

A New Playoff Face and National Champion

User: @thegodfaubel

Prediction: "A team that hasn't made the playoff before will win the National Championship."

First and foremost, golf clap for this prediction. Given how familiar the faces have been in the era of the College Football Playoff, this might be the boldest prediction made.

Well, other than the person who said Alabama would go 0-12. Swing away, my friend.

Here are the teams that have made the College Football Playoff since it began in 2014: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Washington, Florida State and Michigan State. (I am still deeply bitter it wasn't Iowa over Michigan State in 2015-16.)

That's 11 teams total in seven years, which isn't exactly a lot of variety. It's worth noting that Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Georgia and Oklahoma are the five favorites to win the national championship this season, according to DraftKings.

Now, let's explore teams that could see this through.

USC has a shot to make the playoff out of the Pac-12. Texas A&M could be in line to take the next, next step in the SEC. And Iowa State, which returns a ton of really good players, might be the best candidate of them all in the Big 12. It would also be foolish not to mention Cincinnati.

If I'm being honest, however, betting against the chalk doesn't seem wise. Could a new team make the playoff? Without question. This feels likely. But winning the four-team bracket is another task entirely.

As a proud member of #TeamChaos, however, I support this movement.

              

Florida finds a New Star at Quarterback 

User: @Bungle4Burrow Prediction:

Prediction: "Emory Jones outshines predecessor Kyle Trask."

First, let me come clean. I am sitting on an Emory Jones Heisman wager. While he's now 40/1, I snagged him earlier this offseason at 80/1. For an elite athlete playing under quarterback-whisperer Dan Mullen, that felt like tremendous value. 

Translation: If this prediction proves to be correct, I'm buying.

I suppose, however, much of this depends on your definition of "outshines." While Kyle Trask was dreadful in his final collegiate game—throwing three interceptions against Oklahoma without many of his starting wideouts—his season was spectacular.

He accounted for 46 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, ultimately finishing fourth in Heisman voting.

This will be difficult for Jones to match, although I am intrigued to watch him try. When he saw the field last year, he flashed with the limited reps he was given. His style of play, a mix of passing and running, will certainly make him a must-watch.

Look, I bet him to win the Heisman. Regardless of whether I agree with you, I sincerely hope you're correct.

               

Boo Hoo Sooners

User: @frog_man

Prediction: "Spencer Rattler disappoints, Oklahoma misses out on the CFB Playoff."

This isn't an outrageous prediction. That is not to say either will occur, although the margins are so much smaller when the expectations for a player and a team reach this threshold. 

Let's start with Rattler. After some early struggles last year—the Kansas State game certainly stands out—he rounded into form. 

His numbers weren't enormous, although it wouldn't be surprising to see them improve. His wideouts are great, his head coach is brilliant and the schedule, which doesn't appear to be all that challenging on paper, should produce plenty of numbers and wins.

But again, this is the Heisman favorite and one of the top choices to win the national championship. Anything less than perfection, especially for a team that has been looking to finally make a title game, would be a disappointment. 

I certainly don't think Rattler will be bad. I also don't believe Oklahoma will lose more than two games. But with so much pressure to deliver yet again, there is a possibility that either team or player fails to reach their ceilings. 

There is also a possibility that Oklahoma finally breaks through, and Rattler winds up as the No. 1 pick in next year's NFL draft.

Fascinating potential. Enormous stakes. I am punting on an answer but wildly curious as to how it plays out.

            

LSU is Certifiably 'Meh'

User: slothrageWD

Prediction: "LSU will be a .500 ball club again"

While this sentence would have been considered blasphemy a few years ago, it doesn't seem all too outrageous now.

The Tigers are stockpiled with talent—more so than most teams in a conference overflowing with great players—so a rebound of some kind wouldn't shock anyone. And yet, there are legitimate concerns and reasons to believe this season could be a replay of 2020.

It starts with a schedule that features familiar, challenging faces.

How's this for a gauntlet? LSU plays at home against Florida followed by back-to-back road games against Ole Miss and Alabama. The Tigers also play at Mississippi State, against Auburn and against Texas A&M.

Heck, even the opener at UCLA is a bit tricky. The Tigers are only a four-point favorite in that game, which is a bit eye-opening.

While there are plenty of exciting pieces on both sides of the ball, including Derek Stingley Jr., the best cornerback in the country, the road will not be easy.

And if the Tigers lose the opener? Look out.

 

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

NCAA reportedly considering expanding 25-man signing limit

The transfer portal has led to unintended consequences -- for players and coaches. The Football Oversight Committee is attempting a fix -- that could come with its own unintended consequences.

ZACH BARNETT    34 MINUTES AGO

The NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee is weighing proposals to expand the 25-man signing limit, according to a report Friday from Sports Illustrated.

Expanding the limit has been viewed as a necessary counterweight to the transfer portal. With players able to leave without consequence, the 25-man limit has left a number -- most? almost all? -- teams well short of the 85 allowed scholarships. In addition to being a headache for coaches, it could also present a player safety issue if teams are short at certain positions.

The transfer portal has also led to an unwanted shift in the recruiting marketplace. Many coaches have used the portal as their primary talent source, rather than a stop-gap to fill a roster hole, since portal signees will be more "committed" to their program than high school players having used their 1-time exemption to sign with their new school. 

"You're not going to get a developmental kid in the transfer portal. You're going to get a kid that adds to (your) size and depth to be ready to play immediately," Texas State head coach Jake Spavital said after his program did not sign a single high school recruit in the 2021 class.

While everyone many can agree the 25-man limit is a problem that needs fixing, debate remains about the best way to do it.

One option, per SI, would be a one-for-one system, where a team gains an additional scholarship beyond the original 25 for every player they lose to the portal. Another would be similar -- but requires teams to use their original 25 scholarships on high school players. Another would just increase the total number of scholarships to 30 or more. 

A potential sticking point would be adjudicating which type of departure warrants an additional scholarship. Players leaving for the NFL, players kicked off the team, players told to play elsewhere would not count toward the bonus scholarship system -- but who decides the true reason for a player's departure? 

“Is there a possibility of that happening? Yes,” AFCA executive director Todd Berry told SI, “but players who are run off are usually not happy. They’ll come in and tell compliance ‘They kicked me off the team.’” 

The fix, assuming the Oversight Committee can agree upon one, could be in place before the 2022 recruiting cycle is complete. 

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

Starting QB Week 1

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin tests positive for COVID-19

Harsin's first game as the Tigers' head coach is just two weeks from Saturday.

ZACH BARNETT       AUG 20, 2021

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Friday. Harsin is thus far asymptomatic. 

Jeff Schmedding will take over as interim head coach for in-person activities ahead of the staff's first game next Sept. 4 against Akron. 

The negative test came in Thursday, putting him within the 14-day quarantine to coach his first Auburn game from the sidelines, although the CDC guidelines allow for ending a quarantine after Day 10 so long as the infection remains asymptomatic. 

When asked directly if he was vaccinated at SEC media days last month, Harsin declined to answer but spoke positively of the vaccine.

"There's so much information out there. What we can do is educate our players on the vaccination, what that means, what the SEC is requiring as far as the numbers and those things. Like I said before, this is a personal decision. Dr. Goodlett is phenomenal. He does a tremendous job and he's available for all of our players, staff, anybody that wants to get it or needs more information on it," he said. 

"I'm not going to make a comment on my situation because I wouldn't expect our players to be asked that or our staff to be asked that, and that's something we started a long time ago."

[A’Dam Psycho 1469]

On 8/4/2021 at 9:25 AM, LTtxfan said:

 

 

9) TEXAS

 Pressure is high, yes, but the opportunity to win big in Austin has never left. The Longhorns print money every season as college football's most lucrative program per most recent gross revenue reports pre-COVID, but even with unlimited resources and support, the Texas gig may not be the “plug and play” job many think it is at this stage. The burnt orange and 'Hook Em Horns' sells itself on the recruiting trail, but top-ranked classes in the Big 12 have not resulted in titles and now the Longhorns head into the meat-grinder that is the SEC. One 10-win season this decade is all the Longhorns have to hang their hat on right now with first-year coach Steve Sarkisian hoping to turn things around in short order.

 

Texas not being in the top 5 on these lists is laughable. 

[LTtxfan 48962]

  https://footballscoop.com/news/the-15-most-important-assistant-coaching-hires-2021#gid=ci028b3d0a70002426&pid=sonnycumbie15

(For full articles on each coach click ABOVE LINK ^^^ )

 

FOOTBALL SCOOP

The 15 most important college football assistant coaching hires of 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 21, 2021 by LTtxfan

[Parliament 14128]

Former walk-on, current grad assistant gets one more chance.  Good for him.

 

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2021/08/17/former-iowa-state-qb-zeb-noland-goes-from-grad-assistant-to-south-carolina-qb/

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

 

[LTtxfan 48962]

BADASS  !!!

Video: Utah unveils new battleship inspired alternates with hand-painted helmets

Utah's new USS Salt Lake City uniforms pay homage to a historic battleship and feature stunning hand-painted helmets.

DOUG SAMUELS    AUG 24, 2021

The USS Salt Lake City fought in more combat engagements than any other ship in the US Pacific fleet during World War II, and has been chosen as the inspiration for the Utah Utes new alternate uniforms.

The base color for the new alternate is a dark grey, just like the ship itself, with "dazzle-camo" accents on the shoulders and sides of the pants, and the unique pattern of the ship itself can be seen on the sides of the uniforms and gloves.  

While there are a ton of details that went into this one, the helmets are the star of the show.  Each helmet has been hand-painted by a single artist and features the historic battleship in action.

 

Hear the full story of these alternates and the significance of the details in the clip released by the school.

 

Edited August 25, 2021 by LTtxfan