sarcasMike Semi: Virginia Tech @ Texas

Virginia Tech takes the pride of the ACC into this semi with the Longhorns
Both Herbstreit and Corso like Texas - even without Heisman finalist QB #12
Tech wins the toss and takes the ball
A quick 3-and-out for the Hokies
Texas strikes without much difficulty - 71 yards in 6 plays - capped by a 19 yd strike from #17 to WR#8; PAT makes it 7-0 Texas
Aided by a roughness penalty - Tech answers on an 80 yard 13 play drive
#5 hits WR#19 from 18 yds out and the PAT ties it at 7 with 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter
Tech forces a punt and takes over on their own 23
But #5 finds the wrong jersey as MLB#11 picks off a pass and returns it to the Tech 45
A holding penalty squashes this drive and Texas punts it down to the Tech 13
Tech cannot get anything going; Texas takes over on their own 38
#17 hits 2 big passes (20 & 22 yds) then scores on a 1 yd plunge; Texas 14 VaTech 7 with just over 6 minutes left in the half
A Tech fumble give the Longhorns good field position but 3 incomplete passes lead to a touchback punt
Another Tech turnover on another interception by MLB #11 and it is Texas ball on the Hokie 30
HB#31 scores on 3rd an short making it 21-7 Texas
MLB#11 Texas is becoming #5's favorite target and Texas takes over again this time on their own 29
The half ends with Texas scrambling the FG team on as time expires - poor clock management
The stats show Texas domination; 237 total yards to 141; yet 7 trips to the redzone for Texas yielded only 3 TDs.
If the Hokies can hold on to the ball in the 2nd half they might be able to make a comeback
The winds might be changing - Texas turns it over on a fumble early in the half- Tech ball on the Texas 44
But they can't take advantage and punt it through the enzone for a touchback
Texas doesn't waste much time; marching 80 yds in 8 plays for a 4yd TD scamper by HB#31; 28-7 Texas
After a quick Hokie possession; LOLB #40 picks of a #17 pass and Tech is in business at the Texas 23
#5 finally finds his own team on an 8yd connection with WR#81; cutting the lead to 28-14
#17 forget the interception and marches his team back down for a score - another TD pass this time to WR#9; 35-14 late in the 3rd
Tech answers on a 10 play (including a 4th down conversion early in the drive) 74 yd drive; HB#32 scores from 2 yds out; 35-21 Tech needs a stop or a turnover
They don't get either but Texas does settle for a 19 yd FG by #15 making it 38-21 with under 4 minutes left
Tech gets only 5 yds on a 4th and 10 - this should wrap it up
Texas adds a meaningless FG making the final 41-21
Texas MLB #11 with his 3 picks, 10 tackles and forced fumble is named the MVP
This sets up a final between Texas and Florida
The plan is to play this simulation on the day of the BCS championship game; see you then

sarcasMike's Semi; Georgia tech @ Florida

Georgia Tech @ Florida

Florida has 2 road victories how will things go in the Swamp? How will they play now that their coach has announced he's stepping down after the season.

Herbstreit likes Florida
Corso puts on the YellowJacket head for an upset pick!
Florida wins the toss and defers
19 play 77 yd drive (mostly on hte ground) ends with a 2 yd TD by FB #21; PAT makes it 7-0 Tech
Florida is playing without HB#2 who was injured last week
After a TD pass is called back on a holding penalty, Florida settles for a 28 yd FG by K#38; 7-3 Tech
Tech has a quick 3 and out and we move to the 2nd quarter with Florida in possession at the Tech 32
Seven plays later the Gators are in the endzone on a 9 yd pass from #15 to WR#16; PAT makes it 10-7 Gators
Tech moved the ball into Gator territory but a sack on 3rd down forces a punt
Florida takes over on their own 4
3-and-out give Tech the ball on the gators 44
They drive into the redzone but miss a 3rd down pass and the subsequent 30 yard FG to keep the score at 10-7
Florida moves into Tech territory but their drive stalls, the half ends 10-7 Gators
Pertinent stats:

	Tech	Fla
1st downs	11	12
Offense	156	180
Rush/yds	27 -110	4 - 15
com-att-int	5-9-0	15-23-0
Pass yds	46	165
3rd down	3-7	2-4
TOP	16:40	13:20

Points to an evenly matched game - 2nd half turnovers or defensive lapses could be the difference
Florida has little success on their first possession a good punt puts Tech back to their own 16
Tech's punter is not as successful as the Gators regain possession at their own 30
Tech FS #22 picks off a #15 pass and Tech takes over on their own 41
Gator defense pushes them backwards they punt on 4th and 18 - Gators take over at their own 25
Yet another 3-and-out - Tech ball at their own 31
A big 22 yd play-action pass from #9 to WR#8 keeps the drive alive
Then HB #20 rips off a 28 yd scamper into the endzone; the PAT makes it 14-10 Tech late in the 3rd
Florida starts promisingly with a 20 yard pass on 2nd down but a penalty later in the drive forces a punt
Tech takes over on their own 12
First play of the 4th quarter ends with Tech facing 4th and inches from their own 20 - they punt - Gators ball on their own 35
Big 13 yd pass on 3rd and 12 keeps the Gators drive alive
two more 3rd down conversions on 6 and 3 yard runs by HB #3 keep moving the chains
#15 drives into the endzone on a 2 yard keeper; PAT makes it 17-14
Gators pick off a #9 pass and take over on the Tech 44 with under 3 minutes left
For whatever reason the Gators throw 3 incompletions leaving 2:23 on the clock for Tech
They take over on their own 20 - their option offense not really a 2-minute drill specialist
CB#5 probably ices the Finals birth with a pick at the Gators 40 with under 2 minutes left
#15 hits HB#3 on 3rd and 8 for a 20 yd gain and that seals it
Florida moves into the first sarcasMike National Championship Game by beating Georgia Tech 17-14

Florida QB #15 finishes 26-46-265 with 1TD and 1 Int and the MVP
Florida will face the winner of the Virginia Tech - Texas game

sarcasMike's M football team of the 2000s

Here's my starters for Michigan football if given he entire 2000-2009 rosters:

Offense
QB - Henne
TB - Hart
WR - Edwards, Manningham, Walker
TE/FB - Ecker
LT - Long
LG - Hutchinson
C - Baas
RG - Schilling
RT - Williams

Defense
DE - Woodley, Graham
DT - Branch, Taylor
OLB - Hobson
ILB - Foote, Harris
CB - Jackson, Warren
SS - Adams
FS - Shazor

PK - Epstein
P - Mesko
Ret - Breaston

Pre-Bowl 2010 Prediction

M is currently #78 (went up one spot since the last ranking). That means M improved 19 spots from end of last season (not 40). I am still going to use 40 spots, because I want to be positive about next season. At # 38, here is what would happen (home field will be applied later.)

Conn #40 Win

ND #47 Win

Mass Win

Bowling Grn #70 Win

IND #92 Win

MSU #60 Win

Iowa #14 Loss

PSU #12 Loss

ILL #88 Win

PU #69 Win

WIS #28 Loss

OSU #9 Loss

That's 8-4.

Accounting for home field

Conn #40 Win

at ND #47 I have to count this as a loss

Mass Win

Bowling Grn #70 Win

at IND #92 Win

MSU #60 Win

Iowa #14 Loss

at PSU #12 Loss

ILL #88 Win

at PU #69 Win

WIS #28 This would be a win

at OSU #9 Loss

Again 8-4.

If Iowa loses, they could drop to a point where home field advantage could give M the predicted win. Otherwise, I don't see much more movement. I would really like to be saying best possible scenario is 9-3 rather than 8-4. Because we know the worst possible scenario is much uglier.

sarcasmike Second Round Summary

9) Georgia Tech 40
1) Alabama 37 (OT)

5) Florida 40
4)TCU 14

14) Penn St 13
11) Virginia Tech 31

7) Oregon 17
11) Texas 45

Would it make more sense to play the semis at home venues or in Bowl type games? I'm going to go with home venues to make less travel required.

Second Round Saturday; Oregon @ Texas

Texas playing tonight without their Heisman finalist QB#12
Nessler says the game can go either way
Herbstreit likes Texas DE #2 and Corso agrees
Texas defers
Oregon runs a fake punt on 4th and 11 at the Texas 44 and only get 4 yards
Texas gets a few first downs and scores on a 48 yd FG by #15; 3-0 Longhorns
Later in the quarter Texas takes advantage of a running into the punter penalty; keeping the drive alive which results in a 3 yd TD run by HB#31; 10-0 Texas
Oregon CB#17 intercepts a pass to start the 2nd qtr - this is followed by a 35yd pass from QB#8 to TE#83
And then by an interception by Texas FS #12
He gets another interception later in the half
This leads to a scoring drive of 7 plays 45 yards and a TD pass to WR#8; Texas 17-0
Oregon seems to be no match for the 'Horns another quick possession for Oregon and then another TD for Texas QB#17 to WR#5; 24-0
the teams throw back to back interceptions (Oregon then Texas); Oregon ball with ~2 minutes in the half
They strike quickly on a 4 yd run by QB#8
Two-point conversion is successful by HB#21; 24-8 Texas
Texas answers with 18 seconds left on a dive by HB#31; 31-8 at the half
The Longhorns have 299 yards of offense in the 1st half and took advantage of 4 Oregon turnovers
Texas makes it 38-8 late in the 3rd qtr
Texas continues to dominate - a late rally makes the final score Texas 45 Oregon 17
Texas QB #17 with his 406 yards passing and 4 TDs is the MVP again playing well for #12
Texas will face Virginia Tech in the semi finals

Second Round Saturday; Florida @ TCU

TCU knocked off an SEC school in the first round, lets see if they can do it again...
40 degrees at TCU for a 3:30 eastern kickoff
Herbstreit likes Florida LB #51 and Corso also takes the Gators
Florida won the toss and will take the ball
After a few quick strikes a questionable defensive holding call keeps the Gators drive alive at the TCU 28
3 plays later QB#15 hits WR#83 for 8 yds and the score; missed PAT by #38 (what is it with SEC kickers>) keeps it at 6-0
After a 3-and-out by TCU, the Gators drive and settle for a redeeming FG by #38 from 42 yds out; 9-0 Florida
TCU fumbles the kickoff return - Gators regain possession @ the TCU 26
They get nothing and miss a 48 yd FG
TCU get a couple first downs but is forced to punt
#15 marches Florida down the field and again hits #83 for a TD; PAT makes it 16-0
Defenses start to dominate and Florida takes advantage of better punting to start @ TCUs 48 with 5 minutes to go in the half
They fake a punt on 4th and 7 and P#17 gets tackled for a loss
TCU takes advantage scoring on a 7 play drive with a 3 yd run by HB#18; 16-7 Gators
Florida CB#28 picks off a pass at the TCU 37 with under a minute left in the half
K#38 stays in the highlights by hitting a 27 yarder as the half expires; 19-7 Gators
At the half Florida leads in total offense 231-138 including and air advantage of 191-101
TCU starts poorly throwing a pick to SS#35 and picking up a face mask penalty on the tackle
Gators ball at the TCU 7
Quick TD strike to WR#11; 26-7 Florida
Florida's defense dominates the 3rd quarter and their offense picks up another TD late with a pass to #83 again (his 3rd TD catch); 33-7 Florida
TCU picks off a pass midway through the 4th - taking over at the Gators 27
An incompletion on 4th and 7 might just spell the end for the Frogs
Former Heisman winner throws his 5th TD pass this time to #11 again; 40-7
TCU gets a garbage TD late to make the final 40-14
Florida expected to be playing Alabama next, but instead they get Georgia Tech
The stats tell the story of a blowout
466 yards of offense to 262; 379 yards passing to 185

Second Round Saturday; GaTech @ Alabama

Everyone picks Bama
They win the toss and defer
After the 2 teams trade short possessions, GaTech gets tricky with a 16yd pass from HB#24 to WR#8 moving into 'Bama territory
But the drive ends scoreless after a missed 50yd FG by K#14
LONG drive by GaTech closes the quarter and starts the 2nd; 18 plays and 94 yards ending in a 5 yd pass from QB#9 to FB#36; 7-0 Georgia Tech
Lots of defense played until with Alabama connects on a bomb from QB#12 to TE#84 for a 48 yd TD; 7-7 with 1:16 in the half
That score holds to the half
And only a few seconds longer as CB#28 returns the 2nd half kickoff 104 yards for a TD; 'Bama 14-7
Tech methodically answers with 35 yd FG following a 10 play 40 yard drive all on the ground; 14-10 ' Bama
Tech intercepts and takes over near midfield with 4:11 left in the 3rd qtr
but give it back after a fumble on the Tide 10 yd line
Tech starts the 4th qtr backed up to their own 8 - but FB#21 rambles 92 yds for the score on the option dive! 17-14 Georgia Tech
Alabama answers as they have all season with a 12 play 80 yd drive, they score on a 4 yd pass from #12 to TE #17, but #99 misses the PAT; 20-17 Tide
With under 4 minutes left, Tech goes for it on 4th and short at midfield and converts
But at the 2 minute mark they are more conservative and take a 24 yd FG on 4th and 2 tying the game @ 20
The kickoff is a touchback; Tide ball at their own 20
2 costly penalties a holding and an offensive interference, make it 3rd and 18 at the Tide 25 with 36 seconds to play - looks like OT and it is...
Alabama has the ball first in OT
They score in 2 plays; 20 yards in the air and a 5 yd TD run by Heisman winning HB#22; 27-20 Bama
Tech faces a 4th and goal at the 9 - TD pass from #9 to WR#84; PAT ties it @27
2nd possessions - Tech takes 5 plays to get back in the endzone on a dive by HB#20; 34-27 Yellow Jackets
Alabama answers with a 1 yd strike from #12 to FB#40; tied @34
Now teams must go for 2 if they score a TD
Alabama goes first and settles for a 27 yd FG by #99, taking a precarious 37-34 lead
FB#21 (the game MVP) ends it with a 2 yard blast making the final Georgia Tech 40 Alabama 37

The tabelizer program screwed up, but the most interesting stat is Georgia Tech's 368 yards on the ground!
The Yellow Jackets will face the winner of the Florida -TCU game

Second Round Saturday; PSU @ VaTech

The noon game is 14th seed Penn State @ 11th seed Virginia Tech
It is snowing in Virginia
Herbstreit picks VaTech because of HB#32
Corso picks PennSt
VaTech wins the toss and defers
PSU drives 51 yards down the field in 10 plays resulting in a 39 yd FG by K#36; 3-0 PSU
Vatech gets 1 first down then punts
3-and-out for PSU
But VaTech throws an interception to FS#28; PSU ball on the Hokies 32 yard line
The Lions turn it into 7 points on a TD pass from #17 to WR#8; 10-0 PSU
2nd quarter starts with Tech driving 4 plays in and 50 yards so far
Another interception ends the drive - 22 yd return by SS #4 puts the ball down to Tech's 33
23 yd FG by #36 makes it 13-0 PSU
Later in the half after a PSU fumble, Tech is getting something going
they have a TD called back on a holding penalty
Settle for a 34 yd FG attempt that is missed by K #6; still 13-0 Penn St
Penn State is in hte 2 minute drill, they convert on a 4th and 6 at the Tech 40
Holding penalties on 3 consecutive plays, one a TD really hurts this drive
PSU has it 2nd and goal from the 27...
The series ends on an interception in the end zone by SS #4; score remains 13-0 to the half
Half time stats:

	PSU	VT
1s downs	15	8
Offense	274	142
Rushing	64	56
Passing	210	86
3rd down	1-7	1-5
turnovers	1	2
Possession	8:45	6:15

On their second possession of the 2nd half Tech mounts a drive and get a 17 yard TD pass from QB#5 to WR#19; 13-7 PSU
The Hokies follow that up with a 42 yard interception return for a TD by CB#22, the PAY makes it 14-13 Tech
PSU goes nowhere on their next drive and fumbles the snap on the punt; Tech ball at the PSU 17
They settle for a 37 yd FG; 17-13 Tech
They've scored 17 points in just over 10 minutes
No scoring the rest of the quarter, we enter the 4th still at 17-13 Tech
Defenses dominate early in the 4th
Midway though Tech mounts an 11 play 75 yd drive that culminates in a 1 yd TD by HB #20; 24-13 Tech with under 5 minutes left
Paterno punts with 4:10 left 4th and 10 at midfield down by 9???
Gets a 3-and-out
3:37 left Penn State ball at their own 43
They fail on 4th and 5; 3:03 left
Tech goes on 4th and inched from the PSU 41 with 2:25 left - the Lions stop them
This must be their last chance... 4-and-out with 1:37 left
Since PSU is using their timeouts, the Hokies decide to score; 4 yd TD by HB#20 makes it a 31-13 final
Hokies shut down the Penn State offense in the 2nd half

	PSU	VT
1s downs	19	18
Offense	377	348
Rushing	83	153
Passing	294	195
3rd down	2-16	5-15
turnovers	2	2
Possession	37:03	22:57

Tech HB#20 filling in after HB#32 was injured (and is out 5 weeks!) finished with 116 yards and 2 TDs for the game MVP.
Vatech will face the winner of the Oregon-Texas game

1st annual Jimpossible&sarcasMike Bowl pool

I created a Bowl Pool on ESPN.com for all the fans of our blog.

Here is the link to join

http://games.espn.go.com/bowlmania/en/group?groupID=32184

Group: Jimpossible&sarcasMike

Password: JiMike

Set your entry as a confidence pick to have a chance to win.

Good Luck!

stealing your Big1T1en expansion plan?

Hey are you bklein09 on mgoblog? This poster is suggesting creating divisions based on the previous season's results in the conference if they add a 12th team. I think your plan based the divisions on more than one season, but it is pretty close

SarcasMike Playoff 1st round summary

16) Troy 0
1) Alabama 21

9) Georgia Tech 24
8) Ohio State 7

5) Florida 31
12) Central Michigan 28

13) Louisiana State 19
4) Texas Christian 44

11) Virginia Tech 38
6) Boise State 17

14) Penn State 44
3) Cincinnati 15

10) Iowa 17
7) Oregon 48

15) East Carolina 0
2) Texas 40

So the 2nd round is:
GaTech @ Alabama
Florida @ TCU
Penn St @ VaTech
Oregon @ Texas

SarcasMike Playoff game 8 ECU @ Texas

60 degrees and clear in Austin
Everyone likes Texas - big
ECU takes the football after winning the toss
ECU moves the ball near midfield but fumbles
Texas does nothing with a 3-and-out
ECU manages to get tackled in their own endzone for a safety on the punt return; 2-0 Texas
After the teams trade scoreless series, Texas drives 77 yards in 10 plays taking a 9-0 lead on a 15 yard pass from QB#12 to WR#8
ECU has a 41 yard TD pass called back on a holding penalty - the drive ends in a punt
Defenses take control through the middle of the half
Texas scores again another TD pass from #12 to #8 makes it 16-0 with about 4 minutes left in the half
ECU fumble is traded for a Texas interception
punt - punt
Late in half Texas QB breaks his toe! He's expected to be out 3 weeks! Oregon likes their chances either way next week now...
After another ECU fumble, Texas back-up #17 connects on a TD pass to WR #9; 23-0 Texas at the half
Texas HB #2 scores on their first possession of the half making it 30-0
Texas blocks a punt late in the 3rd quarter setting up good field position
It yields a FG making it 33-0
The Texas defense is in control; FS#12 returns an interception to the house making it 40-0 with 5 minutes left
That's how it ends 40-0 Texas
Although QB#17 filled in well against ECU, the loss of QB #12 does not bode well for the Longhorns against Oregon

SarcasMike Playoff game 7 Iowa @ Oregon

Rain and chilly weather great the Hawkeyes and Ducks
Everyone favors the Ducks - Herbstreit sees a blowout lead by CB #2
Iowa wins the toss and takes the ball (in this weather???)
After a short penalty aided drive ends in a punt, Oregon strikes quickly on an 87 yard run by HB#9; 7-0 Ducks
Both teams struggle for the rest of the quarter, Oregon misses a FG and Iowa is driving as the 2nd quarter begins
The Hawkeyes have a TD called back on a holding penalty and settle for a 39 yard FG by K #1; 7-3 ducks
Oregon answers late in the half with a 10 play 80 yard drive ending in a 5 Yard TD pass from QB #8 to HB #9; 14-3 Ducks
Early in the 2nd half Iowa FS #30 returns a pick 44 yards for a score; 14-10 Ducks
Oregon comes back with a LONG drive; 20 plays ending in a 21 yard FG by K #25; 17-10 Ducks
A Hawkeye fumble leads to another score for Oregon; 24-10 after an 18 yard pass from #8 to WR #19
Oregon starting to pour it on like the rain now, another TD at the end of the 3rd quarter makes it 31-10
Iowa won't quit they score on a 12 yard pass from #12 to WR #17 tightening it to 31-17 just past the halfway point of the 4th quarter
The Ducks play for keeps a 60 yard bomb on 3rd and 8 makes it 38-17
A late FG for the Ducks is followed by an interception return for a TD by CB #6; 48-17 with under 2 minutes left in Iowa's season
And that's how it ends
Oregon will face the winner of the Texas - East Carolina game

SarcasMike Playoff game 6 Penn St @ Cincinnati

The Bearcats host the Nittany Lions in a nooner
50 degrees but no rain
PSU LB #45 is Herbstreit's key and Corso likes the Lions as well
PSU won the toss and will receive
Apparently without their coach Cincy allows PSU to move down the field in a 10 play 80 yard drive ending in an 11 yard TD pass from QB#17 to WR #83; K #36 misses the PAT and it is 6-0
The Bearcats answer quickly with their own 11 play 78 yard drive and a 3 yard TD run by HB#20, the PAT makes it 7-6 Cincy
PSU QB #17 quickly breaks a 73 yard scramble all the way for the score to make it 13-7 PSU
Cincy gets a 34 yard FG by K#97 late in the quarter to make it 13-10 PSU
Long drive for Penn St ends in a 20 yard FG by F#36; 16-10 late in the half
Cincy's last drive of the half ends in a missed 36 yard FG, still 16-10
They miss another FG on their first drive of the 2nd half, could be tied, instead they still trail 16-10
after a couple empty possessions, Cincy finally makes a FG, the 38 yarder makes it 16-13 with 3 minutes left in the 3rd
PSU scored quickly to widen their lead to 23-13
A Cincinnati fumble leads to another PSU TD pass to WR #27 making it 30-13 half way through the 4th quarter
The Bearcats fumble the kickoff return; and PSU quickly makes it 37-13
More problems Cincinnati muffs a snap back to the punter and it yields another PSU TD; 44-13
A late safety makes the final score 44-15; Penn State
PSU QB #5 is the MVP; 296 yards passing with 4 TDs and another 89 yards and a TD on the ground.

SarcasMike Playoff Game 5 VaTech @ Boise St

They're playing at night on the blue turf - 40 degrees with some rain
Both Corso and Herbsteit pick VaTech
Boise wins the toss and defers
VaTech marches down the field in an 11 play 80 yard drive culminating in a 17 yard TD pass from QB#5 to HB#32, 7-0 Hokies
After 3 traded 3 and outs the Hokies are driving again until LOLB #30 picks off a pass in the red zone for Boise
Unfortunately, they give it right back and HB #32 scores his second TD on a 2 yard run; 14-0 Hokies
After another quick possession for Boise, VaTech scores again on a 21 yard pass from QB #5 t0 WR #81; score remains 21-0 to the half
Boise gets on the board midway through the 3rd quarter with a 24 yard FG by K #35; 21-3 Hokies
Last play of the 3rd quarter may seal it for VaTech, a 4 yard pass from #5 to TE#8 wakes it 28-3
VaTech tacks on another 10 points, but yields a 103 yard KOR for a TD by Boise CB #1 to make it 38-10
VaTech gets the onside kick
Another late Boise TD makes it 38-17
VaTechs out gained Boise 676 to 358. The WAC defense just couldn't handle the ACC...
the Hokies will face the winner of the Penn St - Cincinnati match-up

Big Ten Bowl Matchups

So, we come to the time of the year that the Big T1e1n shows how bad it is. I decided to see if that is really true and compare where the B10 teams rank in their conference and how their opponents rank in theirs. I basically just took conference records as the indicator. For teams with conference championship games, I took the winner of the championship game as #1, the loser as #2

#1 OSU v Pac Ten #1 Oregon
tie

#2-3 PSU v SEC #3 LSU.
slight edge Big Ten

#2-3 IA v ACC #1 Ga Tech
opponent

#4-5 Wis v ACC #4-5 Miami
tie

#4-5 NU v SEC #7-8-9-10-11 Auburn
Big Ten

#6-7 MSU v Big Twelve #4-5
opponent

#8 MN v Big Twelve #8-9
slight edge Big Ten

I came up with 3-2-2, with two of the wins being ever so slight. That means a 4-3 would be a good showing, 2-5 not really surprising. Anything worse would be sad.

Now based on CFRC rankings (which doesn't necessarily prove how bad the B10 isn't, but it should stop everyone from being surprised when the B10 doesn't fare well)

#9 OSU v 6 Ore
opponent

#12 PSU v #11 LSU
opponent

#14 Iowa v #10 Ga Tech
opponent

#29 Wis v #13 Miami
opponent

#57 NU v #36 Aub
opponent

#60 MSU v #26 Tx Tech
opponent

#62 MN v #71 Iowa State
Big Ten

Yes, that's 1-6

As far as the current Vegas odds go, other than PSU being favored over LSU, they go along with cfrc rankings, making a 2-7 record for the Big Ten.

To summarize, even if the Big Ten does what it is supposed to do based on position within relative conference, it is likely the rep of the Big Ten will not change. Most importantly, of course, the teams at the top need to pull off some wins. We really need the conference to start improving in the eyes of the pollsters so the 11-1 2011 Jim Harbaugh-coached Michigan team can go to the BCS Championship game.

SarcasMike Playoff game 4 LSU @ TCU

Clear skies and warm weather greet the teams
Both Corso and Herbstreit like TCU
LSU wins the toss and wants the ball
After a decent return, RB#32 rips off a 23 yard run on the first play from scrimmage, add 15 yards for a face mask penalty and it is LSU ball on the TCU 49
10 play 68 yard drive ends with a 5 yard run by RB # 32; 7-0 LSU
LSU stops TCU 3 and out but roughs the punter...
the second chance yields a matching TD on a 2 yard run by TCU HB #18; 7-7
LSU fumbles quickly back to TCU
2 plays to a quick 1 yard TD plunge by HB #18; 14-7 TCU
LSU marches down the field but Miles goes for it on 4th and inches on the TCU 4 yard line and TCU LE #95 blows the play up for a 5 yard loss
13 play drive (including the end of the 1st quarter) ends with another TD for HB #18; TCU 21-7
LSU gets a 36 yard return from WR #1, tack on 15 yards for a face mask
Calamity strikes LSU as TCU scores on a 73 yard interception return for a TD by CB #10; 28-7 TCU
He does it again on the next drive a 45 yard interception return for another TD! 35-7 TCU
Late in the half LSU finally gets it back together, scoring on a 2 yard run by QB #2; 35-14 TCU
That pretty much takes us to half time; still 35-14 TCU
LSU gets a quick turnover via interception in on TCUs first drive of the 2nd half. They take over on their own 43
They settle for a 210 yard FG by K #6; 35-17 TCU leads
They trade the ball, but a great punt by LSU leads to a safety; 35-19; TCU
Early in the 4th LSU converts a 4th and 10, with a 20 yard pass from #9 to TE #18
Only to turn it over via interception at the TCU 7
TCU wants to end this #14 passes them down the field completing 6-7 for the 93 yards - finishing with a 19 yarder to WR #85; they miss the PAT; 41-19 TCU
TCU adds a late FG, LSU can't mount much of an attack
Final score TCU 44 LSU 19
CB #10, with his 2 interceptions returned for TDs, is the player of the game
TCU will host Florida in the 2nd round

SarcasMike Playoff Game 3; Florida @ Central Michigan

30 degrees and snow in Mt Pleasant - that has to help their chances
Herbstreit likes Florida big and Corso puts on the Gator Head
CMU defers - Florida ball
3 and out x2
Florida takes advantage of having a better punter in the trade and starts at their 41
33 yard run by HB #2 and a PAT makes it 7-0, Gators
Another 3 and out for the Chips
11 play drive for Florida ends in a 22 yard K #38 FG; 10-0 Gators
CMU has a good drive going - first and goal at the 5 - holding penalty on LT #74 - could be put a damper on the drive - Nope TD pass from #13 to HB #35 tightens it to 10-7 Gators
that's where the 1st quarter ends
The Gators gamble on a 4th and 6 near midfield fails - Chips ball at the Gator 47
7 play drive culminates in 18 yard TD pass from QB#13 to WR #5, is this a shocker in the snow? CMU 14-10
Late in the half CMU culminates another long drive with a 13 yard pass from #13 to WR #27 21-10 CMU with 1:06 left in the half
Gators move the ball but the half ends near midfield

the snow hurts CMU as they fumble the 2nd half kickoff -Florida ball on the Chips 25
The Gators need only 5 plays to score on a 5 yard pass from #15 to WR #83; 21-17 CMU
Later in the quarter, the Gators go back on top 24-21 following a 9 play 63 yard drive
Teams trade punts and the 3rd quarter ends still at 24-21 Gators
Early 4th quarter scoring pass from Gator QB #q5 to WR #11, builds the lead to 31-21
CMU down 10 with 3:19 to go starts at their own 10 - not looking good
The Chips score on a 7 yard #13 pass to WR#5 with 47 seconds left; PAT makes it Gators 31-28
Time for the onside kick - we know they pulled one off against MSU earlier this season, can lightning strike twice?
Nope, Florida CB#4 recovers the kick
And the Final in the snow is Florida 31 CMU 28
Great game; Florida had 484 yards of offense, CMU had 390
Florida QB #15 is the Player of the Game
They'll face the winner of the LSU vs TCU game

SarcasMike Playoff game 2; Georgia Tech @ Ohio State

50 degrees and rainy in Columbus
Herbstreit highlights CB #5 from OSU as his key player
Corso puts on the Brutus Buckeye head to make his pick
Tech wins the toss and decides to take the ball
A nice drive ends in an interception by OSU safety #4 at his own 33 yard line
OSU fumble gives it back to Tech at the Buckeye 43
But they get it right back after a screen is intercepted by OSU RE #90; Bucks ball on their 47
First quarter ends scoreless, but Tech is on a decent drive 7 plays so far to the OSU 44
Five more plays and a 27 yard run by HB #20 gives Tech the lead, and PAT makes 7-0
After the teams trade fruitless possessions OSU starts a 2:00 drill drive from their 35
8 play drive ends in a TD pass from QB#2 to WR#82 with 5 seconds left; the PAT ties it at 7
OSU QB #2 starts the 2nd half with an interception returned to the OSU 24 yard line by CB #2
14 yard TD pass from Tech QB #9 to WR #84 makes it 14-7 Tech
Next Tech possession ends in 48 yard FG by K#14 17-7 Tech late in the 3rd quarter
The Bucks get stuffed on a 4th and 3 near mid field - very un-Tressellike; early in the 4th but the Bucks are down 2 scores
13 Play Tech drive ends in a 4 yard run from HB #3 -the bucks can't control the triple option 24-7 Tech leads
OSU QB #2 fumble will probably seal the deal
And it ends Georgia Tech 24 - OSU 7
Tech was 9-13 on 3rd downs and held OSU to 28 yards rushing
HB #20 is the Player of the game
Tech will travel to Alabama for their next game

SarcasMike Playoff Game1; Troy @ Alabama

I'll post highlights as the simulation runs it's course.

73 degrees at game time
Alabama won the toss - defers to 2nd half
teams trade 3 and outs on first series
First down run for Troy HB #8 but he fumbles - Bama ROLB #98 recovers
6 play 41 yard drive culminates in a TD pass from Bama QB #12 to WR#80; PAT makes it 7-0
Another 3 and out for Troy
Bama gets one first down the punts down to the 2 yard line Troy HB #32 is tackled in the endzone for a safety; 9-0 Alabama
Bama's drive stalls - end of the 1st quarter; Still 9-0
Bad series for Troy - false start, holding penalty then a sack forces another punt.
Alabama Fumbles near midfield - Troy takes over
After a quick 20 yard strike - Troy fumbles it back to Alabama at the 25
No damage - Bama punts it back
A 3-and-out for Troy ends the half with the Score Alabama 9; Troy 0
Halftime stats are pretty even - neither team has been able to run the ball much - both teams right around 100 yards total offense.
Bama CB #48 stats off the 2nd half with a 48 yard kick return to Alabama's 46
After a couple first downs, Alabama settles for a 36 yard FG from K #99 to take a 12-0 lead
Another Troy 3 and out and a good return gives Alabama the ball at Troy's 41 yard line
Again Alabama struggles offensively but gets a 41 yard FG - score is 15-0
Troy has a decent series driving to the Alabama 49, but fails on 4th down.
After trading the ball a few times - an interception by Bama SS # 27 probably puts it away late in the 4th quarter
Saban is apparently an ass as Alabama doesn't take a knee but scores on a 2 yard run by HB #22 as time expires - the PAT is missed - final score 21-0, Alabama
Herbstreit calls it "an absolute ugly offensive performance"
Alabama QB #12 was named the player of the game.
Alabama will take on the winner of the Georgia Tech - Ohio State game

Congratulations to Alabama

With their victory over Florida, Alabama is likely the holder of the all-time college football traveling trophy.
I haven't updated the full list to include this yet. I'll try to get to it later today...

SarcasMike Playoff - 2009 final pairings

Now that the regular season is finished, it is time to release the official parings for the 2009 SarcasMike NCAA Football Tournament.

16 Troy (auto Bid Sun Belt)
@ 1 Alabama (Auto Bid SEC)

9 Georgia Tech (auto Bid ACC)
@8 Ohio St (Auto Bid BigTen)

5 Florida (at large#1)
@ 12 Central Michigan (Auto Bid MAC)

13 LSU (At-Large #4)
@4 TCU (Auto bid MWC)

11 Va Tech (at-large # 3)
@6 Boise St (Auto Bid WAC)

14 Penn State (at-large #5)
@3 Cincinnati (Auto Bid Big East)

10 Iowa (at-large # 2)
@7 Oregon (Auto Bid Pac-10)

15 East Carolina (Auto Bid C-USA)
@2 Texas (Auto Bid Big 12)

Since Florida had to face a conference champ on the road - CMU moved up to 12th from the 14th spot, this moves LSU to 13th, and PSU to 14th.

I'll use EA Sports NCAA 2010 to play off the games starting this week.

Good luck to all!

Defran in depth

I finally read the post and listened to the audio of Defran's RR being fired comments.

When I first read the portion of the transcript mentioning the firing, I thought it appeared he must have something there, and really does have sources. Then, when I listened to the entire 'rant' my opinion changed completely.

Defran really is dumb. His arguments are weak, based on non-fact, he stretches the truth and the relationship between things to prove an argument. Simply, he is dumb. And his comments about the firing came in the middle of the ran and just came and went without any fanfare. For a prepared statement, the most important thing he mentioned was buried. Showing he is a bad writer, too.

I, now, 100% don't buy it. (i was at 60% not buying previously).

Basketball timing rules question

I went to the Michigan Basketball game today. Midway through the second half Darius Morris got surprised by a double team while bringing the ball up court. Prior to crossing mid-court stopped his dribble and pivoted a few times looking for an outlet pass. The coaching staff called a timeout. The 35 second clock was at 27 seconds (I know the 35 second clock is not official for the 10-second count to cross mid-court) When Michigan inbounded the ball after the timeout they still took 4-5 seconds to cross mid-court.

Does calling a timeout reset the 10 second count? Should it? I guess calling time on an inbound resets the 5 second count, but then it doesn't reset the shot clock. Why the inconsistency?

Recent Michigan Tradition

RB Vincent Smith is injured.

DeFran "RR will be fired in January"

Did you see this on MVictors or hear DeFran on WTKA yesterday?

DeFran claims to have heard from 3 sources that all of the new AD choices have their own coach in mind, and that Martin will fire RR for cause (Practice violations) in January (I haven't listened - just paraphrasing MVictors quotes)

Since I'm not a DeFran fan it is tough for me to think this has any chance of being correct. I don't think he's ever been a fan of RR, but I don't know why he would create sources and stories that weren't there.

If only Dave Chaffin was still there to get to the bottom of this.

Article from the past

Her is an interesting article from a couple years ago.

Interesting because Stoops is going through the same thing this year with ND. And RR may have been less than honest. Or maybe not. I don't remember when things went down back then.

CBRC

With 13 reporting, M is #89.

That was the sound of hope flying out of the room.

BigTen-ACC challenge if it were football

With the BigTen-ACC basketball Challenge this week. I wondered what this or similar conference challenges would look like if transferred to football for 2010.

BigTen	ACC	BigEast	Big 12	Pac10	SEC
OSU	GTU	Cincinnati	Texas	Oregon	Florida
Iowa	Clemson	Pitt	Nebraska	OSU	Bama
PSU	VaTech	WVU	OK St	Stanford	LSU
N'western	Miami	Rutgers	TxTech	USC	OleMiss
Wisc	BC	USF	Mizzou	Cal	UGa
MSU	UNC	UConn	Okla	A'zona	Tenn
Purdue	FSU	L'ville	KSU	UW	Ark
Minn	Wake	S'cuse	ISU	UCLA	SoCar
Illinois	Duke		TxA&M	ASU	Aub
MICH	NCSt		Colorado	WSU	Ky
Indiana	UVa		Kansas		MSU
	MD		Baylor		Vandy

I have to say, I like Michigan's chances in any of those games.