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It’s the day you look forward to and simultaneously dread every fall…The day after the college football national championship.
Your team may have already played its bowl game or never came close to winning a game, but you still keep an eye out for the title bout. The best of the best. No. 1 vs. No. 2. And after it’s over, as the confetti covers the field, you realizes it’s all over and that there will be no more Saturdays in front of the TV for another 8 months. No chance to redeem that loss to your rival, no more eye-popping runs, no more aerial theatrics for a game-winning catch, no last second come backs that all but stop your heart, no more broken records, no more college football.
The book has been closed on another season of upsets, unpredictability, and controversy with the crowning of the undefeated Auburn Tigers as the BCS national champion. They beat the Oregon Ducks 22-19 last night in Arizona. It was an unexpectedly dull affair with the teams finally ratcheting up the drama at the 5 minute mark in the fourth quarter, ending with a last second field goal from the SEC Champs to snatch a comeback victory from the Pac 10 champions.
Will this game stick in the collective memory of college football? It’s too early to tell. We haven’t had the advantage of time to provide perspective discerning what this game will mean to the coaches, players, teams’ destiny, etc. Was this Cam Newton’s crowning moment? Was this the game that relegated Oregon back to anonymity in the Pac 10? We just don’t know yet, but we’ll have pundits around to remind us if it does have lasting importance. The more important question, to me, is will it stick in my memory? Probably not. It was a very average game bordering on dull and I’m not connected to either team (except my favorite college team plays Auburn every year and usually defeats them). What will stick in my mind this year is a mixed bag of events, games, players and off-the-field incidents that was a microcosm of the juggernaut that is college football.
The biggest story of the season is the controversy surrounding Auburn QB Cam Newton. The Heisman Trophy winner dominated everyone he played, having a great individual season, but it has a black mark on it thanks to his father allegedly seeking payment for his commitment to a university. Newton originally committed to Mississippi State out of junior college after he had originally transferred from Florida, but there were allegations that popped up towards the end of the season saying Newton’s father had asked for $180,000 for his son to play at MSU. The NCAA investigated and found that Cam had no knowledge of his father’s actions and allowed him to keep playing. The question is whether this is over or just getting started.
The best game of the season belongs to LSU vs. Auburn. The October showdown pitted LSU’s staunch defense against the offensive juggernaut of Auburn. This game had a little bit of everything: lead changes, big plays, momentum swings, and players playing their best. It wasn’t the highest scoring game or the one that will convert fans, but it had national title implications on the line with both teams refusing to lose. The game was even won with a big play: Onterio McCalebb’s 70-yard run out of nowhere.
Another memory is how the Heisman hype is always wrong. We started off the season by saying the 2009 winner Mark Ingram could repeat as Alabama railroaded everyone on their way to a second-straight national championship, but also had Washington QB Jake Locker, Stanford QB Andrew Luck, and Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett on the shortlist. By week three, the list had already changed to incorporate Michigan QB Denard Robinson, with everyone ready to hand him the trophy because of his individual effort and jaw dropping plays. Unfortunately, he got injured. Meanwhile, Locker disappeared on an average team, Mallett choked against Alabama, Ingram shared touches with Trent Richardson, and Newton came out of nowhere to snatch the award. So for the umpteenth time, can we wait until mid season before hyping the Heisman, please?
Lastly, the other thing I’ll remember is the changing of the game. Spread offense has turned college football into a passing sport with the run being adapted to unique formations and alignments. Gone is the traditional I-formation, abandoned for 5 wide receiver, the Pistol Formation (the hot trend at the moment), and bunch sets and bubble screens are the being employed more and more as an alternative to running plays. For better, in my opinion, is the inclusion of the little guys at the big boys table with TCU getting a Rose Bowl selection and Boise St. coming within the width of a goal post from making it to the BCS back-to-back seasons. No longer is it down to the SEC and Big Ten. Everyone has a shot and had Auburn or Oregon stumbled down the stretch, the Horned Frogs would have been playing last night. The uniforms are even changing. Thanks to Nike (who dominates the college football uniform sponsoring world) and their Pro Combat unis, the usual jersey appearance is looking a century old compared to the high tech fabrics, neon colors, unique piping and stitching, and futuristic numbers and logos. While these uniforms aren’t worn every game, if you catch the game or even highlights, the unis grab your attention and hold on for dear life. Mainly because they look like something you would see a football team wearing if they were playing during a scene of a Michael Bay sci-fi movie.
So the season ends with an undisputed champion (can you hear the sigh of relief from the BCS backers?) and memories of a season filled with relative parity and close calls. Can we keep the momentum going for next fall? Who will knock Auburn off their throne? Who will be the next star? What teams are headed to New Orleans in January 2012? For all that and more, see you in September.
WARNING: We neither support nor advise you to use the following picks to gamble with. Mainly because it’s illegal, also because our logic is mostly flawed.
We’ve talked about ridiculous college football bowl game names previously, but as the college football bowl season will kick off Saturday with a triple-header, we’re going to give you the guide to the 2010-11 bowl season with the first annual “DBD Bowl Mania”.
Saturday, Dec. 18
New Mexico Bowl (12 p.m. ESPN) — UTEP vs. BYU
BYU. Steve Young’s alma mater.
UDrove Humanitarian Bowl (3:30 p.m. ESPN) — Fresno State vs. Northern Illinois
Fresno State. Never bet against a Bulldog.
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (8 p.m. ESPN) — Troy vs. Ohio
Troy. When a team loses to Kent and Temple in the same season, they don’t get a vote of confidence.
Tuesday, Dec. 21
Beef ‘O’Brady’s St. Petersburg Bowl (8 p.m. ESPN) — Louisville vs. Southern Miss
Louisville. We took a vote. They won.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
MAACO Bowl Las Vegas Bowl (5 p.m. ESPN) — Boise State vs. Utah
Boise State. Any team that spends 90% of the season ranked number 3 or 4 can’t be disrespected. BTW This is the best matchup outside of the New Year’s Day/BCS bowls.
Thursday, Dec. 23
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (5 p.m. ESPN) — San Diego State vs. Navy
I’m going Navy. Donnie was in the Navy, so we kind of have to go with the midshipmen.
Friday, Dec. 24
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl (3 p.m. ESPN) — Tulsa vs. Hawaii
Hawaii. They never lose at home in a bowl game.
Sunday, Dec. 26
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (8:30 p.m. ESPN) — Toledo vs. FIU
In the pillow fight of the bowl season, Toledo. The only game I saw them play in they put up 60 points.
Monday, Dec. 27
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (4 p.m. ESPN2) — Georgia Tech vs. Air Force
Air Force. A crowd from Barksdale Air Force Base will show up in Shreveport to cheer on the cadets.
Tuesday, Dec. 28
Champs Sports Bowl (6:30 p.m. ESPN) — North Carolina State vs. West Virginia
West Virginia. The Mountaineers got hot at the end of the season.
Insight Bowl (8 p.m. ESPN) — Iowa vs. Missouri
Missouri. Missouri should wear their Pro Combat unis from last year. Just throwing that out there.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
Military Bowl (2:30 p.m. ESPN) — Maryland vs. East Carolina
Maryland. Better uniforms.
Texas Bowl (5 p.m. ESPN) — Baylor vs. Illinois
Baylor. They need a bowl win to warm everyone’s heart this holiday season.
Valero Alamo Bowl (8:15 p.m. ESPN) — Arizona vs. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State. Did you see THIS play?
Thursday, Dec. 30
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (11 a.m. ESPN) — SMU vs. Army
SMU. I saw ESPN’s 30 for 30 film Pony Exce$$. It was a great documentary.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (3:30 p.m. ESPN) — Syracuse vs. Kansas State
Syracuse. Because they’re The Orange now, not the Orangmen anymore.
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (5:40 p.m. ESPN) — Tennessee vs. North Carolina
Tennessee. One word: Dooley.
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl (7 p.m. ESPN) — Washington vs. Nebraska
Nebraska (easily). Didn’t we already play that game this year?
Friday, Dec. 31
Meineke Car Care Bowl (12 p.m. ESPN) — Clemson vs. South Florida
Push.
Hyundai Sun Bowl (12 p.m. CBS) — Miami vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame. We’re ready to be wrong about this one. In fact, we expect it.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (2:30 p.m. ESPN) — Georgia vs. UCF
UCF. Upset special.
Chick-fil-A Bowl (7:30 p.m. ESPN) — Florida State vs. South Carolina
South Carolina. Marcus Lattimore is a beast.
Saturday, Jan. 1
TicketCity Bowl (11 a.m. ESPU) — Texas Tech vs. Northwestern
Texas Tech. Southern Arkansas University’s own Tommy Tuberville is the head coach for the Red Raiders. Nuff said.
Capital One Bowl (1 p.m. ESPN) — Michigan State vs. Alabama
Alabama. We don’t like settling on the Tide, but I look for last year’s Heisman winner Mark Ingram to run all over Sparty.
Outback Bowl (1 p.m. ABC) — Penn State vs. Florida
Penn State. The perennial head coach vs. the two-time retiree.
Gator Bowl (1:30 p.m. ESPN2) — Michigan vs. Mississippi State
Mississippi State. Look for the Bulldogs to corral Denard Dog.
Rose Bowl (2 p.m. ESPN) — TCU vs. Wisconsin
TCU. Because we love red-headed QBs.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (6:30 p.m. ESPN) — Oklahoma vs. Connecticut
Everyone in unison: Oklahoma. If we have to explain this, you shouldn’t be reading our blog.
Monday, Jan. 3
Discover Orange Bowl (8:30 p.m. ESPN) — Virginia Tech vs. Stanford
Stanford. The Cardinal will defeat them with their brains.
Tuesday, Jan. 4
Allstate Sugar Bowl (7:30 p.m. ESPN) — Arkansas vs. Ohio State
Arkansas. Ohio State is like, what, 0-27 against the SEC?
Thursday, Jan. 6
GoDaddy.Com Bowl (7 p.m. ESPN) — Miami (OH) vs. Middle Tennessee
Miami (OH). The only thing I know about either of these teams in Miami won their conference championship. That’s good enough for me.
Friday, Jan. 7
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic (7 p.m. FOX) — Texas A&M vs. LSU
LSU. What is the difference between the Aggies and Rice Crispies? Rice Crispies know what to do in a bowl.
Saturday, Jan. 8
BBVA Compass Bowl (11 a.m. ESPN) — Kentucky vs. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh. Because their players don’t get arrested for assault.
Sunday, Jan. 9
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (6 p.m. ESPN) — Boston College vs. Nevada
Nevada. Go wolfpack. Too…Sweeeeeet!
Monday, Jan. 10
Tostitos BCS Championship Game (6:30 p.m. ESPN) — Auburn vs. Oregon
Oregon, but hear us out. Does Oregon have Cam Newton? Didn’t think so. And the SEC is 6-0 in BCS national championship games. But, after the NCAA finds out in two years that Newton did commit some wrong in the money scandal involving his dad, the Ducks will be retroactively awarded the championship because Auburn is stripped of its wins.
Hey guys, just taking a bit of a pit stop here today to catch you up on things going on in our world:
— We recently designed a site for Beehive’s rainBOPS rain boots. Go HERE to check it out
— Our videographer and photographer Matt Lange was recently mentioned on an episode of Kelby TV (Scott Kelby’s online show). Check that out HERE.
— Courtney & Sean’s Geico spoof video they shot on their own time to hype last week’s Arkansas vs. LSU game has garnered over 111,000 views as of yesterday. Check that out HERE.
All in all, we’re cranking out website after website and adding more clients as the days go by. It’s an exciting time to be a designer.
If you’ll remember back to early September, we posted our predictions for the now fading college football season. With only one week left, the majority being championship games, it’s time to review our bold predictions and see just how clairvoyant we truly are.
Do we deserve to lift the BCS National Championship trophy?
If you remember, our first fearless forecast was LSU Head Coach Les Miles would be fired at the end of the season. Well, as of Monday, Nov. 29, he has yet to be fired and there are no rumors of him getting the axe. Unless Rich Rodriguez gets canned at Michigan, expect to see that hat on the Baton Rouge sideline again.
Our second prediction was that Ohio State will “get smashed (again)” in the national championship game. Unless some strange voting that borders on bribery happens Sunday, this is not going to happen as Ohio St. is #6 in the BCS rankings and no other teams except #1 Auburn and #2 Oregon play Saturday and Ohio St. didn’t even win its conference outright. However, Courtney and Sean want to further this prediction by saying they will get smashed by Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl (the likely bowl matchup).
Our third forecast was that Louisiana Tech would beat Boise St. in Idaho. It was a game for about 1.5 quarters before the Broncos pulled away from the Bulldogs. Don’t worry though, we’ll get them next year.
Our first somewhat accurate prediction was that Alabama will lose in Baton Rouge and come up short in the Iron Bowl, but still wins the SEC. Alabama did indeed lose in Baton Rouge and was one point shy of upsetting second-ranked Auburn Friday, but we were wrong in saying they would win the SEC. They didn’t even make it to the title game and will miss out on a BCS game altogether.
We got one right by saying Derek Dooley will reach a bowl game in his first season as head coach at Tennessee. The Vols and former Louisiana Tech head coach became bowl eligible Saturday by beating Kentucky. It would be hard for any bowl selection committee to pass up on a storied program with fans as dedicated as Tennessee’s. Look for them to likely be in a lower-tier bowl.
We can go ahead and say we struck out again with our call that Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett wins the Heisman trophy. While he might get invited to New York for the ceremony, the overall consensus is that Auburn QB Cam Newton will take home the trophy with Stanford QB Andrew Luck coming in second and Oregon RB LaMichael James third.
Our final prediction was “Courtney gets another concussion before the season is over.” So far there have been no trips to the ER, but we’re not around him 24-7. But what are we saying? We can control this prediction. Hang on a second…
Lastly, we picked the conference champs and national champion:
- ACC: Virginia Tech
They play Florida State Saturday and are heavy favorites to win it.
- Big East: West Virginia
They can win at least a share with a victory over Rutgers, but get it outright and BCS invite if UConn loses against South Florida this weekend.
- BIg Ten: Ohio State
They finished in a 3-way tie for the conference championship with Wisconsin and Michigan St. but Wisconsin got the Rose Bowl bid due to their higher BCS ranking (tiebreaker).
- Big XII: Texas
We were WAAAAY off on this one. Texas didn’t even finish bowl eligible with a 5-7 record, losing to former whipping boys Iowa St. and Baylor. I don’t think anybody saw that one coming this season. Oklahoma and Nebraska will battle it out in Arlington, TX for the title.
- Pac 10: Oregon
The #2 Oregon Ducks not only won their conference but will have the opportunity to play for the BCS national championship if they beat hated rivals Oregon St. in the Civil War Saturday.
- SEC: Alabama
The Crimson Tide were national title favorites but ended up fourth in the SEC West behind Auburn, Arkansas & LSU. An inconsistent pass defense and weakened running game caused the team to finish up with a respectable, but far below expected, 9-3 record.
- WAC: Boise State
There’s still an opportunity for the Broncos to win their conference, but it’s out of their hands now. If Nevada beats our Bulldogs Saturday, they will hold the tie-breaker over Boise St. thanks to the Wolfpack’s upset win last Friday.
- Non-Automatic Qualifiers/Independent BCS qualifiers: TCU and Boise State
12-0 TCU is ranked 3 in the BCS and should guarantee them an at-large berth to a BCS bowl game. Where they end up is up to selection committees, but they will more than likely play in the Fiesta Bowl against the Big XII champ or in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin. Boise fell hard, dropping out of the BCS top 10 for the first time in 20 weeks after losing to Nevada in OT.
- National Champion: Alabama
We figured a two-loss SEC champion would be enough in a parody-filled season, but the season wasn’t filled with that much parity overall and it looks like there will be an SEC champion playing at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona Jan. 10. Instead, it is the other team from the state of Alabama that will more than likely battle Oregon for the crystal football.
As you can see from this last prediction, we just got our wires crossed. Enjoy the last week of the regular season and we’ll make our bowl predictions next month!
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