CFB51 College Football Fan Community
The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: OrangeAfroMan on March 22, 2020, 02:58:44 AM
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Here's some fun matchups, pitting the last 64 national champions. They're not seeded, but the most recent vs furthest from the past, and so on. I skip every 4 games to make it random-ish for a potential tournament.
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I cheated a bit, as '65 had 2 champs, so instead of leaving one out, I just added '66 MSU in. Instead of doing a bunch of polls and stuff, just look at the matchups and share your thoughts.
Maybe I'll progress it, maybe not. Just some fun off-season stuff.
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2019 LSU vs 1966 Michigan St
2015 Alabama vs 1969 Texas
2011 Alabama vs 1972 Alabama
2007 LSU vs 1974 USC
2003 USC vs 1977 Notre Dame
2000 Oklahoma vs 1980 Georgia
1997 Nebraska vs 1984 BYU
1993 Florida St vs 1988 Notre Dame
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2nd part of the bracket:
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2018 Clemson vs 1966 Notre Dame
2014 Ohio St vs 1970 Texas
2010 Auburn vs 1972 USC
2006 Florida vs 1974 Oklahoma
2003 LSU vs 1978 USC
1999 Florida St vs 1981 Clemson
1996 Florida vs 1985 Oklahoma
1992 Alabama vs 1989 Miami
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3rd Region:
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2017 Alabama vs 1967 USC
2013 Florida St vs 1970 Nebraska
2009 Alabama vs 1973 Alabama
2005 Texas vs 1975 Oklahoma
2002 Ohio St vs 1978 Alabama
1998 Tennessee vs 1982 Penn St
1995 Nebraska vs 1986 Penn St
1991 Miami vs 1990 Georgia Tech
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Final Regional:
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2016 Clemson vs 1968 Ohio St
2012 Alabama vs 1971 Nebraska
2008 Florida vs 1973 Notre Dame
2004 USC vs 1976 Pitt
2001 Miami vs 1979 Alabama
1997 Michigan vs 1983 Miami
1994 Nebraska vs 1987 Miami
1991 Washington vs 1990 Colorado
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2019 LSU vs 1966 Michigan St
Big offense vs killer Defense
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2015 Alabama vs 1969 Texas
Option offense vs Saban's great run D....any answer against big Derrick Henry?
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2011 Alabama vs 1972 Alabama
All-time great pass D vs a team that didn't pass
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2007 LSU vs 1974 USC
Steller Tiger D vs Anthony Davis n crew
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2003 USC vs 1977 Notre Dame
Montana and great run D vs Leinart & Co.
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2000 Oklahoma vs 1980 Georgia
One-dimensonal Dawgs vs Sooners' great D and Heupel
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1997 Nebraska vs 1984 BYU
I just assume everyone would thump the Cougs.
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1993 Florida St vs 1988 Notre Dame
If the '93 Irish could beat them, why wouldn't the '88 version?
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2nd part of the bracket:
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2018 Clemson vs 1966 Notre Dame
Great all-around Tigers vs Irish #1 in scoring O and D.
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2014 Ohio St vs 1970 Texas
Could Elliott maintain his run vs the Horns? Texas averaged 375 rushing yds/gm
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2010 Auburn vs 1972 USC
Best team Keith Jackson ever saw vs Cam Newton
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2006 Florida vs 1974 Oklahoma
Surprising Gators vs best option offense ever
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2003 LSU vs 1978 USC
Trojans' limited offense vs diverse Tigers and tough run D
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1999 Florida St vs 1981 Clemson
Big offense Noles vs D-heavy Tigers
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1996 Florida vs 1985 Oklahoma
Gators' passing and Sooners' option attacks
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1992 Alabama vs 1989 Miami
Could this version of the Canes' offense affect the legendary Tide D?
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3rd Region:
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2017 Alabama vs 1967 USC
Hurts & Tua vs great run D and O.J.
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2013 Florida St vs 1970 Nebraska
Major Noles offense vs precursor to great '71 team
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2009 Alabama vs 1973 Alabama
Could Ingram & Richardson hit paydirt vs rough D and great wishbone attack?
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2005 Texas vs 1975 Oklahoma
OU wouldn't pass vs great Horn DBs, but could they contain VY?
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2002 Ohio St vs 1978 Alabama
Buckeyes wouldn't be starstruck vs this Tide crew
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1998 Tennessee vs 1982 Penn St
Blackledge & Warner able to score enough vs ball-control Vols?
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1995 Nebraska vs 1986 Penn St
Lions could defend pass vs Canes, but this Husker option is a different animal
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1991 Miami vs 1990 Georgia Tech
Great Cane D vs untested Jackets
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Final Regional:
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2016 Clemson vs 1968 Ohio St
Watson's big offense vs hard-nosed Buckeyes
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2012 Alabama vs 1971 Nebraska
Great all-around Tide vs legendary Huskers
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2008 Florida vs 1973 Notre Dame
Tebow & Harvin vs Irish D that didn't allow anything
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2004 USC vs 1976 Pitt
Would Tony D be enough vs talent-filled Trojans roster?
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2001 Miami vs 1979 Alabama
Talented Canes had it easy with another option team...
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1997 Michigan vs 1983 Miami
All-time great Wolverine D vs the Canes that stood up to a colossal offense
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1994 Nebraska vs 1987 Miami
This version of Canes much bigger threat than team UNL faced in '94.
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1991 Washington vs 1990 Colorado
Would a 5th down be enough to keep up vs all-around great UW team?
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I posted separately about how the size of OLs (and DLs) really jumped circa 1980ish. I wonder if those 1960s great teams would be remotely able to deal with a 2000+ team on that basis alone.
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No Dayton play in round?
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I posted separately about how the size of OLs (and DLs) really jumped circa 1980ish. I wonder if those 1960s great teams would be remotely able to deal with a 2000+ team on that basis alone.
That's why we can't envision them actually playing - every recent team would destroy every historical team.
We have to compare them by ability level, dominance of peers, and play style.
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We've had this conversation before....
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Are you playing this on your game?
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1997 Nebraska vs 1984 BYU
1995 Nebraska vs 1986 Penn St
2012 Alabama vs 1971 Nebraska
I like the Husker's chances in the matchups above
1994 Nebraska vs 1987 Miami
This version of Canes much bigger threat than team UNL faced in '94.
I assume the 87 team had better offense. The 94 Cane team was stout defensively. The 94 Huskers are one of my favorite teams. Would be interesting..
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Are you playing this on your game?
I haven't played my game in months. Too busy sending out orders.
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1997 Nebraska vs 1984 BYU
1995 Nebraska vs 1986 Penn St
2012 Alabama vs 1971 Nebraska
I like the Husker's chances in the matchups above
1994 Nebraska vs 1987 Miami
This version of Canes much bigger threat than team UNL faced in '94.
I assume the 87 team had better offense. The 94 Cane team was stout defensively. The 94 Huskers are one of my favorite teams. Would be interesting..
Yes, the 87 Canes had Michael Irvin and Brian Blades at WR.
The 94 Canes were very limited on offense, and Nebraska should have blown them out.
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well, tough to blow out a team with that type of defense playing on their home field
Washington put 38 points on them, but the next best during the season was 20 by #3 FSU
DE 90 Kenny Holmes So
DT 94 Dwayne Johnson Sr
DE 96 Kenard Lang Fr
LB 52 Ray Lewis So
DB 9 Chad Wilson Sr
DB 24 Tremain Mack Fr
DB 18 C. J. Richardson Sr
DT 43 Pat Riley Sr
LB 45 Twan Russell So
DT 76 Warren Sapp Jr
Defense ranked #1 in the nation
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That was Miami's worst QB in over a decade, though.
The special thing about 94 UNL was having a FB average 7.2 ypc. You have that in a triple option scheme, you're not losing many games. Yeah, Frazier had to come in, yeah both teams had great defenses, but to have that gut punch in your arsenal is special. And it played out that night in the OB.
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It wasn't just 1966 with split national champions.
1970 had Nebraska and Texas.
1973 had USC and Alabama.
1974 had Oklahoma and USC.
1978 had USC and Alabama.
1990 had Colorado and Georgia Tech.
1991 had Miami and Washington.
1997 had Nebraska and Michigan.
I'll only discuss the ones about which I think I have some knowledge.
2015 Alabama vs 1969 Texas. Alabama was very strong, beating every team during prior to the CFP championship by a more than a TD. And all of its FBS opponents had winning records. (There was also a blowout win over FCS Charleston Southern.)
Texas looked unbeatable for 9 games, in which they only played one team (OU) that finished the season with a winning record, then had to mount late-4th-quarter comebacks against #2 Arkansas in the season finale and against Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl. I can't remember if there was some late-season injury that might have been responsible for the offensive downturn, or if it was just the case that they were playing good teams for the first time.
Tough call, but edge to Bama
2000 Oklahoma vs 1980 Georgia. Oklahoma looked like the dominant team in the country through the middle of the season, with a blowout win over a very good Texas team, a 10-point win over a very good K-State team, and a come-from-behind blowout win over a very good Nebraska team. But then nearly every game the rest of the way was a grinder, including a comeback over Texas A&M, a 5-point win over a bad oSu team and a 3-point win over K-State (again) in the CCG. The MNC-game win over FSU was a defensive struggle in which OU won the turnover battle.
Georgia struggled early in the season, with a 1-point win over mediocre-at-best Tennessee in the 1st game and a 4-point win over mediocre Clemson in the 3rd. From that point, the Dawgs cruised for much of the rest of the season, struggling to win by 3 points over USC-E and 5 points over Florida in the WLOCP. The Sugar Bowl game with Notre Dame was a solid 17-10 win.
I'd give mid-season Oklahoma the edge but would favor end-of-season Georgia.
2014 Ohio St vs 1970 Texas. The 2014 Ohio State University Buckeyes were an offensive juggernaut that gave up a lot of points in some of their games. I'm sure that we would see lots of hilarious comments directed at that team had they been playing in the Big 12. However, they only lost once, by 14 points to a mediocre Va. Tech team in the 2nd game, and the only close game they had the rest of the way (which included a blowout over Wisconsin in the CCG) was a 7-point win over Alabama in the CFP Semifinal. The 42-20 win over Oregon in the NCG left no doubt that the Buckeyes were the best in all the land.
IMO, 1970 Texas was a better team than the '69 squad. 4 opponents prior to the regular-season finale finished with winning records, and Texas was only really challenged by one of them, at UCLA, in the 3rd game. There was a blowout win over Oklahoma (which had just installed the wishbone during the bye week before the RRS) and a blowout win over Arkansas in the 10th game. Notre Dame beat the Horns 24-11 in the Cotton Bowl, a game that seems, like an aberration compared to the rest of the season. This opened the door for Nebraska to win the AP (post-bowl final poll) half of the MNC.
Both teams were shaky early and dominant late. Except for Texas in its bowl game. TOSU's loss was in the 2nd game and Texas' was in the last one. If you're playing the teams as they were at the end of the year, advantage Buckeyes.
2006 Florida vs 1974 Oklahoma. The 2006 Florida Gators celebrated the 100th anniversary of the program and the 10th anniversary of their 1st MNC season. Facing the top-ranked schedule in all the land, they mixed blowout wins over weak teams with solid wins and cliffhangers over good and very good teams. The only blemish was a 10-point loss at Auburn (finished 11-2) right in the middle. The 41-14 win over Ohio State in the BCS NCG was a dominant way to finish the season.
The on-probation 1974 Oklahoma Sooners were given the late-season label of "the best team you never saw" by Sports Illustrated. They entered the season on an 18-game unbeaten streak (marred by a 7-7 tie at USC in the 2nd game of the '73 season). The wishbone offense was the best of the three seasons (1973-75) QB'd by Steve Davis. They played a so-so schedule, and were only threatened once, by Texas in the RRS, a 16-13 Sooner win. They beat Nebraska 28-14 in Lincoln, then blew out oSu in Stillwater 44-13 to close out the season. They stayed home through bowl season thanks to the probation.
A tough call.
1996 Florida vs 1985 Oklahoma. Steve Spurrier had the Gators flying with the passing of Danny Wuerffel and the receiving of Ike Hilliard, Reidel Anthony, and Jaquez Green. They also had a new DC who would turn out to be pretty good HFC in his own right. Through 10 games, the closest thing they had to a squeaker was a 28-20 win over Vandy, who, with the benefit of a strip-six of Wuerffel rallied from a 21-3 halftime deficit and 28-6 3rd-quarter deficit to make it close. Then, in the season finale, in a rough game in which FSU was called twice for roughing the passer (and arguably could have been called for the same several more times), Wuerffel was sacked 6 times and there 3 picks. FSU rallied late from a 24-14 deficit, but couldn't come all the way back in a 24-21 loss. Despite a dominating win over Alabama in the SEC CCG, Florida's hopes for a national championship looked dim. But other games broke right for the Gators. Texas beat Nebraska in the inaugural Big 12 CCG. TOSU beat ASU in the Rose Bowl. So Florida would play in the Sugar Bowl for the MNC. Against FSU. Spurrier made some offensive adjustments, Wuerffel threw 3 TDs and ran for another one, and the Gators blew out the Noles 52-20 for their first national championship.
From 1985 through 1987, Oklahoma went 33-3. The three losses were to Miami. That unhappy string started with the 4th game of the 1985 season. OU had a dominant defense led by LB Brian Bosworth, NG Tony Casillas, and DE Kevin Murphy, and the offense was led by promising sophomore QB Troy Aikman operating an I-formation offense. After a 13-7 win at Minnesota, a blowout win over Kansas State, and a 14-7 win over Texas in the RRS, the Sooners hosted Miami. The Hurricane defense knocked Aikman out of the game (and the season) with a broken ankle, and won the game 27-14. The Sooners, back to the wishbone with freshman QB Jamelle Holieway, went on a rampage over the rest of the season, outscoring the next six opponents 229-33. After a 35-13 win over SMU to close out the season, OU beat #1 Penn State 25-10 in the Orange Bowl for the Natty.
Pass defense was the '85 Sooners' Achilles heel, so I'd give the edge to the Gators and Danny Wuerffel in a relatively close, medium-to-high-scoring game.
2013 Florida St vs 1970 Nebraska. This was one of the great FSU teams, led by QB Jameis Winston, dominating the ACC, blowing out rival Florida in Gainesville, and blowing out Duke in the ACC CCG. The only tough game was vs. #2 Auburn in the Rose Bowl BCS NCG. But, after trailing at halftime 21-10, and after three quarters 21-13, the Noles came back to score a TD with 7 seconds and win that one 34-31. The CFB world thanked them for preventing yet another tedious off-season of fans from SEC schools that went 4-8 boasting of their conference's prowess.
The 1970 Huskers were a year away from being one of the all-time great teams in CFB history. This year, they were just very, very good. They tied USC 21-21 in Los Angeles in the 2nd game, then more or less dominated all their opponents the rest of the way. The closest game was a 28-21 win over Oklahoma in Lincoln in the last game of the regular season. Because of the tie, they would not have been national champs except for UPI national champs Texas losing in the earlyish Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. This set up Nebraska in position to win the AP half of the championship, which they did with a 17-12 victory over LSU in the Orange Bowl.
I'd give the edge to FSU in this one.
2005 Texas vs 1975 Oklahoma. Mack Brown's best team, maybe Texas' best team ever, a team that--in a marvelously thrilling Rose Bowl--beat a bunch of USC Trojans that media-types were calling the best-ever, vs. OU's weakest-ever NC team, a team that wouldn't have even been playing for the MNC had not several other, earlier bowl games broken just the way they did, eliminating better teams than the '75 Sooners from consideration.
Easy--edge to the Horns.
2012 Alabama vs 1971 Nebraska. Alabama dominated its first eight opponents 325-65. Then won a 21-17 squeaker in Baton Rouge. Then got beaten by Johnny Effing Football 29-24 in Tuscaloosa. Then dominated the rest of the way, finishing with a 42-14 blowout win over Notre Dame in the BCS NCG. What to make of that?
The 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers are at least the 2nd-best Nebraska team of my lifetime, and one of the strongest defenses ever. In Norman, in the real Game of the Century, the real Greatest Game of All Time, they beat the Sooners 35-31, then played a tune-up game at Hawaii, then blew out SEC-champ Alabama 38-6 in the Sugar Bowl.
Edge to Nebraska.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETu1lVMWAAIc4p-?format=jpg&name=large)
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETu1lVMWAAIc4p-?format=jpg&name=large)
2, 3, 5, 7, 7 - 5 programs in 3 adjacent states. I wonder where the talent is?
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2000 Oklahoma vs 1980 Georgia. Oklahoma looked like the dominant team in the country through the middle of the season, with a blowout win over a very good Texas team, a 10-point win over a very good K-State team, and a come-from-behind blowout win over a very good Nebraska team. But then nearly every game the rest of the way was a grinder, including a comeback over Texas A&M, a 5-point win over a bad oSu team and a 3-point win over K-State (again) in the CCG. The MNC-game win over FSU was a defensive struggle in which OU won the turnover battle.
Georgia struggled early in the season, with a 1-point win over mediocre-at-best Tennessee in the 1st game and a 4-point win over mediocre Clemson in the 3rd. From that point, the Dawgs cruised for much of the rest of the season, struggling to win by 3 points over USC-E and 5 points over Florida in the WLOCP. The Sugar Bowl game with Notre Dame was a solid 17-10 win.
I'd give mid-season Oklahoma the edge but would favor end-of-season Georgia.
This one is tough for me. At first glance, I see a very one-dimensional UGA team vs a great defense. That should be that. BUT, Herschel was a damn-good 1-man band AND that OU squad was inconsistent, as you said.
2006 Florida vs 1974 Oklahoma. The 2006 Florida Gators celebrated the 100th anniversary of the program and the 10th anniversary of their 1st MNC season. Facing the top-ranked schedule in all the land, they mixed blowout wins over weak teams with solid wins and cliffhangers over good and very good teams. The only blemish was a 10-point loss at Auburn (finished 11-2) right in the middle. The 41-14 win over Ohio State in the BCS NCG was a dominant way to finish the season.
The on-probation 1974 Oklahoma Sooners were given the late-season label of "the best team you never saw" by Sports Illustrated. They entered the season on an 18-game unbeaten streak (marred by a 7-7 tie at USC in the 2nd game of the '73 season). The wishbone offense was the best of the three seasons (1973-75) QB'd by Steve Davis. They played a so-so schedule, and were only threatened once, by Texas in the RRS, a 16-13 Sooner win. They beat Nebraska 28-14 in Lincoln, then blew out oSu in Stillwater 44-13 to close out the season. They stayed home through bowl season thanks to the probation.
A tough call.
I'm not sure who I'd confidently pick vs the 74 Sooners, if anyone.
1996 Florida vs 1985 Oklahoma. Steve Spurrier had the Gators flying with the passing of Danny Wuerffel and the receiving of Ike Hilliard, Reidel Anthony, and Jaquez Green. They also had a new DC who would turn out to be pretty good HFC in his own right. Through 10 games, the closest thing they had to a squeaker was a 28-20 win over Vandy, who, with the benefit of a strip-six of Wuerffel rallied from a 21-3 halftime deficit and 28-6 3rd-quarter deficit to make it close. Then, in the season finale, in a rough game in which FSU was called twice for roughing the passer (and arguably could have been called for the same several more times), Wuerffel was sacked 6 times and there 3 picks. FSU rallied late from a 24-14 deficit, but couldn't come all the way back in a 24-21 loss. Despite a dominating win over Alabama in the SEC CCG, Florida's hopes for a national championship looked dim. But other games broke right for the Gators. Texas beat Nebraska in the inaugural Big 12 CCG. TOSU beat ASU in the Rose Bowl. So Florida would play in the Sugar Bowl for the MNC. Against FSU. Spurrier made some offensive adjustments, Wuerffel threw 3 TDs and ran for another one, and the Gators blew out the Noles 52-20 for their first national championship.
From 1985 through 1987, Oklahoma went 33-3. The three losses were to Miami. That unhappy string started with the 4th game of the 1985 season. OU had a dominant defense led by LB Brian Bosworth, NG Tony Casillas, and DE Kevin Murphy, and the offense was led by promising sophomore QB Troy Aikman operating an I-formation offense. After a 13-7 win at Minnesota, a blowout win over Kansas State, and a 14-7 win over Texas in the RRS, the Sooners hosted Miami. The Hurricane defense knocked Aikman out of the game (and the season) with a broken ankle, and won the game 27-14. The Sooners, back to the wishbone with freshman QB Jamelle Holieway, went on a rampage over the rest of the season, outscoring the next six opponents 229-33. After a 35-13 win over SMU to close out the season, OU beat #1 Penn State 25-10 in the Orange Bowl for the Natty.
Pass defense was the '85 Sooners' Achilles heel, so I'd give the edge to the Gators and Danny Wuerffel in a relatively close, medium-to-high-scoring game.
Facing Nebraska in 95 would have helped prepare for this Sooners squad. The Gators' offense was actually better in 95, but the defense was a different animal in 96. This would come down to Xs and Os, and these Sooners wouldn't have seen anything like Spurrier's Fun 'n Gun.
2012 Alabama vs 1971 Nebraska. Alabama dominated its first eight opponents 325-65. Then won a 21-17 squeaker in Baton Rouge. Then got beaten by Johnny Effing Football 29-24 in Tuscaloosa. Then dominated the rest of the way, finishing with a 42-14 blowout win over Notre Dame in the BCS NCG. What to make of that?
The 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers are at least the 2nd-best Nebraska team of my lifetime, and one of the strongest defenses ever. In Norman, in the real Game of the Century, the real Greatest Game of All Time, they beat the Sooners 35-31, then played a tune-up game at Hawaii, then blew out SEC-champ Alabama 38-6 in the Sugar Bowl.
Edge to Nebraska.
This Bama team probably doesn't get its due. The 11 NC team had an all-time great pass D. This D was overall great as well, but the offense was bonkers. McCarron was no longer a game-manager, but a big plus. The 2-headed monster at RB. I think what holds this Bama team back, historically, was the perceived weakness of their final opponent, ND.
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I think every few days I'll pick the round, with input from you guys. We can argue and you guys can tell me how wrong I am. It'll be fun.
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sounds fun to me
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These (mostly) 70s option teams had some outrageous stats and results, BUT...I think that's because teams would try to man-up and lay beef-on-beef to scrum and shut it down. Yeah, that didn't work.
We saw from the FL teams mostly, how to combat the option - smaller, quicker defenders. Recruit safeties to play LB, recruit LBs to play DE. Option attacks are hindered by guys plugging things up, but by penetration. Quick guys getting up the field messes up everything. Fast guys on the 2nd level can avoid OL coming at them.
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So if I were to pick against 74 OU deeper in the tournament, it would have to be a speedy, modern team.
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might work, or the smaller speedy team might get bulldoziered
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Those Miami teams that inflicted the three losses on OU during the 33-3 run of 1985-87 did it by putting their best, fastest athletes on defense and slowing the wishbone to a fullback-centric, 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-astroturf offense. OU's wishbone was always best as a speed, not power, offense. (Texas' early wishbone teams were not all that fast. Maybe because--at least in 1969--they didn't have any black guys on the team.)
And Miami had good passing teams, and OU didn't face much of that in the old Big 8. I think that if the 1987 MNC game vs. Miamia had had 5 quarters, OU might have won, having finally adjusted to Miami's passing attack. But, alas! they only played 4 quarters.
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Aside from a late fumblerooski, Miami's defense held that option offense to 7 pts and 150 yds rushing on 50 carries.
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Yep. 3 yards and a cloud of Astroturf.
Maybe 6 quarters.
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I went through and organized these 64 teams georgraphically, and it came out interestingly convenient.
16 teams from the west. That's one region, right there.
The midwest has 14 teams.
The east (PA) has 3.
The southest has 31.
We could take 2 from the east, throw them in with the midwest, and that's another region.
Then split the SE + 1 East into to 2 regionsl.
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It'd be more like March Madness. But in the fall. Not going to replace what we already have, but here's what it would look like:
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West Regional: 05 Texas, 04 USC, 03 USC, 67 USC, 69 Texas, 70 Texas, 72 USC, 74 USC, 74 OU, 75 OU, 00 OU, 91 Washington, 78 USC, 84 BYU, 85 OU, 90 CU
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Midwest Regional: 14 OSU, 66 MSU, 66 ND, 68 OSU, 70 Neb, 71 Neb, 73 ND, 02 OSU, 97 UM, 97 Neb, 95 Neb, 94 Neb, 88 ND, 77 ND
Here's where we could throw in both Penn States if we wanted, to get to 16........82 PSU, 86 PSU
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To split up all the SE teams, I was thinking 'deep south' vs FL teams + others? I know there's 11 from FL and a whole lot of Bama, so let's see:
Regional 3: 19 LSU, 18 Clem, 17 Ala, 16 Clem, 15 Ala, 12 Ala, 11 Ala, 07 LSU, 72 Ala, 73 Ala, 03 LSU, 92 Ala, 10 Auburn, 09 Ala, 78 Ala, 79 Ala
So basically, it's Alabama, LSU, Clemson, and Auburn
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Which means, Regional 4 is the FL teams, GA teams, and a couple others.
13 FSU, 08 Fla, 06 Fla, 76 Pitt, 01 Miami, 99 FSU, 98 Tenn, 96 Fla, 93 FSU, 91 Miami, 80 UGA, 83 Miami, 87 Miami, 89 Miami, 90 GT
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Meh, I lost someone along the way, but you get it. LA, AL, FL, GA, and SC are responsible for A LOT of NCs these past 30 years.
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Alabama has been so good for so long that every 1st round game of a regional would have a Bama AND 2 of the games would have Bama-on-Bama matchups. That's gross.
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Out west would be the USC invitational. The midwest is all Huskers n Irish.
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don't cornsider the Sooners to be midwest?
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gonna have a lot of recency bias, but trying to remove that as much as possible.
region 1 i'll take (read like bracket left to right, winners):
19 lsu
15 bama - 15 bama
11 bama - 11 bama - 11 bama
74 usc
03 usc - 03 usc - 03 usc - 03 usc on to final 4
80 uga
97 neb - 97 neb
93 fsu
tough call for me. really think by end of season both 03 usc and 11 bama were lights out good and both could win the whole thing. both had ridiculous d, usc had just that little more off firepower.
region 2:
18 clemson - 18 clem - 18 clem - 18 clem on to final 4
70 texas
10 au - 10 au
06 uf
03 lsu - 03 lsu - 03 lsu - 03 lsu
99 fsu
96 uf - 96 uf
92 bama
10 au has an argument to be in final 4. that would have been one impressive run, though, as 18 clem, 06 uf and 03 lsu are all great teams. almost had 2 03 teams that we should have seen in real life.
region 3:
17 bama
70 neb - 70 neb
09 bama
05 texas - 05 texas - 05 texas - 05 texas on to final 4
02 osu
82 psu - 82 psu
95 neb - 95 neb - 95 neb
91 miami
oh my, what a tough call. 95 'skers arguably the best team ever... but so is 05 texas. probably a helping of recency bias, but i'm giving the slightest of edges to 05 texas.
region 4:
16 clem
12 bama - 12 bama
08 uf - 08 uf - 08 uf - 08 uf on to final 4
04 usc
01 miami - 01 miami - 01 miami
83 miami
94 neb - 94 neb
91 wash
another crazy hard call. 08 uf is one of my favorite teams not from bama. just great all around. tebow, percy, spikes with prime meyer and mullen/strong as o/d coords. stacked. but talk about stacked, 01 miami? 94 neb? 04 usc? this one is loaded with talented teams. but i'm taking uf.
so for final 4 you have:
03 usc
18 clem
- i'll take 03 usc. 18 clem was a great team, but seems like the weakest of the final 4, imo.
05 texas
08 uf
- i'll take 05 texas. as much as i was fanboying over 08 uf above, 05 texas is just as stacked and was just slightly better overall.
final:
03 usc
05 texas
- 05 texas settled this on the field as much as possible. man would this be fun to watch, though.
so, yep, lot of recency bias, but it's my picks. tough brackets.
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don't cornsider the Sooners to be midwest?
Well there's just fewer schools out west in general, it's less condensed. So if you have any history of doing 'bracketology', you know everywhere west of the Mississippi is considered "West" when it comes to brackets. I lumped Nebraska in the midwest because they joined the B10.
It's all just for fun, anyway.
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I always lump the Sooners and Huskers together because of the old Big 8
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For the first regional, I'd have it like this:
19 LSU over 66 MSU
15 Bama over 69 Texas
11 Bama over 72 Bama
74 USC over 07 LSU
03 USC over 77 ND
80 UGA over 00 OU
97 UNL over 84 BYU
93 FSU over 88 ND
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I respect that Spartans D, but they can't cover everything, all the time. Accurate QB AND the top WR and another great WR and a good RB, and that QB can scramble. It's too much.
I think 70 Texas was better than 69, and too much Henry + that D.
Usually when an option team plays an all-time great D - advantage option team, BUT...you know how LSU didn't cross the 50 until the 4thQ in the title game? I'm not sure 72 Bama crosses the 50 at all vs the 2011 Tide.
I'm not overly impressed by 74 USC or 07 LSU. I just think Anthony Davis has another big day in a big game.
03 USC was sick. That is all.
If Herschel was the best ever, he'd be enough vs this 00 Sooners' squad.
I'd pick any of the other 63 teams to beat 84 BYU.
Because 93 FSU lost to ND that year, I think they focus on the 88 Irish and play up to their talent level.
.
2nd round matchups:
19 LSU vs 15 Alabama
11 Alabama vs 74 USC
03 USC vs 80 Georgia
97 Nebraska vs 93 FSU
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2nd region:
18 Clemson over 66 ND
14 OSU over 70 Texas
72 USC over 10 Auburn
74 OU over 06 Florida
78 USC over 03 LSU
99 FSU over 81 Clemson
96 Florida over 85 OU
92 Bama and 89 Miami would be a scoreless tie
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18 Clemson close, over 66 ND. I think the Irish had the athletes (relative) to match up well, but were probably too conservative for their own good. Clemson would actively make big plays and pull it out.
I wanted to pick the 70 Horns, but if downfield passing with Barrett is your team's only weakness, that's a damn good team.
I'll go with Keith Jackson's 'best team ever' over Cam and Auburn's shaky defense
I'm not sure the 06 Gators defense could last 4 quarters vs that Sooner option
I thiink the 78 Trojans were just more talented than that 03 LSU team
In maybe the 2nd blowout I'd predict, I think the 99 Noles would embarrass 81 Clemson
I don't think Spurrier gets pantsed 2 years in a row by a great option team. Florida scores and scores.
Hmm. 2 all-time great defenses. I think Miami makes the mistake of trying to pass and turns it over. I'll take the 92 Tide, with bleach.
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2nd round matchups:
18 Clemson vs 14 OSU
72 USC vs 74 OU
78 USC vs 99 FSU
96 Florida vs 92 Alabama
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This is fun, the 2nd round is already getting sexy.
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For the first regional, I'd have it like this:
66 MSU over 19 LSU - MSU had one close game vs tOSU in Columbus in wind and rain (Bubba Smith! Clint Jones and Gene Washington played for the Vikings) 4 of the top 8 picks in the NFL draft
69 Texas over 15 Bama - Bama lost to an ole miss team that wasn't great - James Street just refused to lose
11 Bama over 72 Bama - 72 team lost 2 games, 11 team lost a game in OT then avenged that loss 21-0
74 USC over 07 LSU - Pat Haden and Anthony Davis
77 ND over 03 USC- tough call - Joe Montana over Reggie Bush
00 OU over 80 UGA - Sooners schedule much more impressive
97 UNL over 84 BYU - easy choice because of BYU's perceived weakness
93 FSU over 88 ND - tough call - FSU lost to ND in 93, why not again?
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Region 3:
17 Bama over 67 USC
13 FSU over 70 Nebraska
73 Bama over 09 Bama
05 Texas over 75 OU
02 OSU over 78 Bama
98 Tennessee over 82 PSU
95 Nebraska over 86 PSU
91 Miami over 90 GT
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I know most people would go with the Trojans, but they were OJ and not much else. I'm not especially enamored with the 17 Tide, but you don't want to be one-dimensional vs Saban.
13 Noles close over the pre-legendary Huskers. The FSU offense is just too much.
09 Bama had Ingram and Julio Jones, but Jones wasn't all that productive. The 73 Tide had a whale of an offense for back then.
05 Texas pretty easy, but I don't see them going that far. I have this aversion to one-man gangs.
If the 02 Buckeyes faced the 79 Tide, I'd pick against them, but the 78 Tide wasn't nearly as good as they'd be a year later.
The 98 Vols were lucky, and they're lucky to face such a pedestrian national champ in the 1st round.
I actually think 86 PSU would hang in vs the great 95 Huskers, but they wouldn't keep it close.
A 3rd big blowout I'd predict - the Canes vs the Jackets. GT was plucky, but didn't beat anyone great. They couldn't run that offense vs Miami's LB trio.
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2nd round:
17 Alabama vs 13 Florida St
73 Alabama vs 05 Texas
02 Ohio St vs 98 Tennessee
95 Nebraska vs 91 Miami
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4th Region:
16 Clemson over 68 OSU
71 Nebraska over 12 Alabama
08 Florida over 73 ND
04 USC over 76 Pitt
01 Miami over 79 Bama
97 Michigan over 83 Miami
87 Miami over 94 Nebraska
91 Washington over 90 CU
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The run-through-a-brick-wall Buckeyes would be irrelevant vs Watson & Co.
12 Tide was really good, but these Huskers are all-time elite
73 ND was legit, but would be predictable vs a talented Gator D.
04 USC's overall talent too much for Dorsett & Co.
79 Bama was better than 78 - and the defense was crazy, but 01 Miami would be overwhelming.
If the 83 Canes play like they did vs Nebraska, they would win, but on the average, Michigan would win (and they have the best player on the field).
The 94 Huskers' breakthrough came, in part, because the 94 Canes were a far cry from their late-80s breathern.
I'm not sure what anyone could do vs the 91 Huskies. 09 Buffs their first victim (of many to come).
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2nd round:
16 Clemson vs 71 Nebraska
08 Florida vs 04 USC
01 Miami vs 97 Michigan
87 Miami vs 91 Washington
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So my 2nd round, in total:
19 LSU vs 15 Alabama
11 Alabama vs 74 USC
03 USC vs 80 Georgia
97 Nebraska vs 93 FSU
.
18 Clemson vs 14 OSU
72 USC vs 74 OU
78 USC vs 99 FSU
96 Florida vs 92 Alabama
.
17 Alabama vs 13 Florida St
73 Alabama vs 05 Texas
02 Ohio St vs 98 Tennessee
95 Nebraska vs 91 Miami
.
16 Clemson vs 71 Nebraska
08 Florida vs 04 USC
01 Miami vs 97 Michigan
87 Miami vs 91 Washington
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I'm kind of thinking the 4th region is the 'region of death'.....wow.
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I'm already fretting these 2nd-round matchups. Okay, 1st region:
19 LSU vs 15 Alabama
This Tide team is sort of set up to have a chance to win this game. Ball-control offense with Derrick Henry, just feeding him the rock. Outstanding defense. Blowout wins vs a monster schedule. They've got it all. But I'm going to give the slight nod to the Tigers here. If they face a similarly-built team again, their 'luck' will run out.
19 LSU over 15 Bama
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11 Alabama vs 74 USC
Neither team is special overall. 74 USC faces the wrong team to show some offense against. Bama's offense is ball-control with Richardson & Lacy with McCarron game-managing. USC will run, run, and run some more vs a brick wall. And every time they pass will end in disaster...they'll be looking forward to a mere incompletion. Roll Tide.
11 Bama over 74 USC
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03 USC vs 80 Georgia
UGA eeked out a win just running Herschel 40 times in round 1, but that won't work here. USC's defense is as good and their offense is special. This one get's sideways early and is an easy win for the Trojans.
03 USC over 80 UGA
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97 Nebraska vs 93 FSU
These Huskers tend to be the 'other' one, behind 94 & 95, but they were damn good. You couldn't run on them. And the QB, RB, and FB all averaged over 6 ypc - that's sick. Now, Charlie Ward would give the defense fits, and the Noles are probably more talented overall, but in what some might call an upset, I think these Huskers get it done.
97 Nebraska over 93 FSU
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Sweet 16 - Region 1
19 LSU vs 11 Alabama
03 USC vs 97 Nebraska
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Region 2 - 2nd Round:
.
18 Clemson vs 14 OSU
This isn't a tournament you can win by simply "being hot". OSU beat 2 legit teams to earn its NC, but this Clemson team doesn't really have a weakness. I'm simply picking against the team with the leaky defense in this one.
18 Clemson over 14 OSU
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72 USC vs 74 OU
Whoa Nellie! This is a big'un. Pull-up-your-pants, hold-my-beer type of a matchup. No one respects 439 yds rushing per game more than I do, but USC did have a great defense. The Trojans were more battle-tested. But if these teams actually played, the fact that USC was willing to pass the ball would be their downfall - leading to a couple of turnovers. As long as the Sooners didn't fumble it a bunch of times (which is certainly possible), I think they eek it out.
74 OU over 72 USC
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78 USC vs 99 FSU
Tough game to pick. FSU has the most dynamic player on the field (Peter Warrick), but Weinke threw too many INTs. This Trojan squad could actually pass the ball (better than 72). USC would run the ball some, and complete a couple of long passes. FSU would probably abandon the run, and despite Smith and Lott getting some big hits on receivers, they'd score. Big edge to FSU in the kicking game, and maybe that's the difference in a close one.
99 FSU over 78 USC
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96 Florida vs 92 Alabama
Big O vs Big D. As good as Bama's D was, their offense was...offensive to watch. Ick. It may be unfair, but we got to see the adjustments Spurrier made in their rematch with FSU's pass-rushing pair, implementing the shotgun and fixing his blocking scheme. If the 92 Gators could give the Tide fits, the 96 national champs could score enough to beat them.
96 Florida over 92 Alabama
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Sweet 16 - Region 2:
18 Clemson vs 74 Oklahoma
99 Florida St. vs 96 Florida
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Region 3 - 2nd Round:
.
17 Alabama vs 13 Florida St
This isn't one of the elite Saban teams. They'd be able to really move the ball on the ground vs this Noles D, but I can't take them in a shootout. This FSU offense was all-time great. Bama keeps up the pressure for 60 minutes, but never gets close enough to steal the win.
13 FSU over 17 Bama
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73 Alabama vs 05 Texas
Listen, Bama would run and run and run on these Horns. USC did in the RB and this Tide squad averaged 6 yards per carry as a team. Crazy. AND they passed extremely well, despite only tossing it 9 times per game. But...while they'd get their yards and points on the ground, Texas' great DBs would prevent those limited, successful passes. Meanwhile, the Horns would run at will as well, and make gains through the air (somewhat). It will be enough to move on.
05 Texas over 73 Bama
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02 Ohio St vs 98 Tennessee
These guys might be in over their head in this region. While the Buckeyes showed they can handle anyone by beating Miami, they're still flawed. If/when they face a great passing team here, they'll be in trouble. But the Vols couldn't exploit that. Actually, this would be a low-scoring, probably boring game of two teams insistent on running the ball and not really being able to. But I think the Buckeyes pull it out.
02 OSU over 98 Tennessee
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95 Nebraska vs 91 Miami
I feel like we all know everything there is to know about Nebraska here. This Miami team did not let you pass (under 5 yards per ATTEMPT!) AND shut out the 91 Huskers in the OB. Sheesh. But the offense used the run merely as a change-up and the passing game wasn't elite or anything. Their best weapon was Kevin Williams, the punt returner. With their trio of LBs (Armstead, Barrow, Smith), I'd go so far to say they'd make these Huskers look mortal and really struggle to drive the ball down the field. Maybe they'd even hold them to 21-24 points...but that would be more than enough.
95 Nebraska over 91 Miami
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Region 3 - Sweet 16:
13 FSU vs 05 Texas
02 Ohio St. vs 95 Nebraska
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Region 4 - 2nd round:
16 Clemson vs 71 Nebraska
Yes, Deshaun Watson will get his yards and points, but this Husker D is special. Clemsson's relative weakness is run defense - uh oh. Not a good team to face in that case. Back-and-forth game, but the lockdown D wins out.
71 Nebraska over 16 Clemson
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08 Florida vs 04 USC
Yeah, I don't know. If it's a shootout, I lean USC. If it's lower-scoring, Florida. Trojans have Bush, Gators have Harvin. Similar total O and D numbers. Both with great punt returners. Both cause plenty of turnovers. I guess if I had to find an edge here, there's kicking game (adv Florida) and offensive balance. USC is more pass-heavy, and the Gators showed what they could do vs OU's big pass game. Florida's attack is more balanced, harder to key on any one thing. That'll tip the scale in a CLOSE game.
08 Florida over 04 USC
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01 Miami vs 97 Michigan
I see this one similar to the 95 Neb/91 Miami game - one team reliant on defense limiting their superior opponent, but unable to muster much of a threat on the scoreboard. Portis, McGehee, Gore, Johnson, Shockey...Woodson can't cover all of them. I don't think the UM offense does much of anything here, and while the defense plays valiantly, it's just not enough.
01 Miami over 97 Michigan
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87 Miami vs 91 Washington
Great Cane team - great defense, good offense - all that. Big names on both sides of the ball....but the Huskies! You could not run on them. At all. That's okay, because they didn't let you pass, either. Very balanced offense. Honestly, I'm not sure who I'd pick to beat this UW team. We'll see, but not here - and not close.
91 Washington over 87 Miami
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Region 4 - Sweet 16
71 Nebraska vs 08 Florida
01 Miami vs 91 Washington
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Updated Sweet 16:
.
19 LSU vs 11 Alabama
03 USC vs 97 Nebraska
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18 Clemson vs 74 Oklahoma
99 Florida St. vs 96 Florida
.
13 FSU vs 05 Texas
02 Ohio St. vs 95 Nebraska
.
71 Nebraska vs 08 Florida
01 Miami vs 91 Washington
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08 Florida vs 04 USC
Yeah, I don't know. If it's a shootout, I lean USC. If it's lower-scoring, Florida. Trojans have Bush, Gators have Harvin. Similar total O and D numbers. Both with great punt returners. Both cause plenty of turnovers. I guess if I had to find an edge here, there's kicking game (adv Florida) and offensive balance. USC is more pass-heavy, and the Gators showed what they could do vs OU's big pass game. Florida's attack is more balanced, harder to key on any one thing. That'll tip the scale in a CLOSE game.
08 Florida over 04 USC
OU lost the NC game to both of those teams. 08 Florida won by 10, while 04 USC won by a jillion. 04 OU was a more talented team than 08 OU, but it was also a team that quit when the going got rough. I still think 04 USC was better than 08 Florida.
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OU lost the NC game to both of those teams. 08 Florida won by 10, while 04 USC won by a jillion. 04 OU was a more talented team than 08 OU, but it was also a team that quit when the going got rough. I still think 04 USC was better than 08 Florida.
Yeah, it's basically a coin flip to me.
USC had 4 close calls (one possession) wins, 3 of which were with unranked opponents. Florida had the 1-point loss, but beat everyone else by double-digits.
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A prudent case can be made for either team.
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Reggie Bush – Sophomore - was getting paid
along with who knows how many others on the 04 team
nod to 08 Gators
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Reggie Bush – Sophomore - was getting paid
along with who knows how many others on the 04 team
nod to 08 Gators
It would have been OK with me had you left 04 USC out of this tournament, as they did have to vacate the BCS NC.
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I was thinking I should have included 04 Auburn and 94 Penn State, but I forgot to. Meh.
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glad you forgot
04 Auburn = cheaters
94 PSU should have received a share, but they did not
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I don't even want to pick the rest of this tournament, they're all so good.
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95 Nebraska vs 71 Nebraska
for all the marbles
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I'm researching 1980 UNC, and in during the broadcast of the 1980 Bluebonnet Bowl, they had the audience call one phone number to vote yes and another to vote no on if college football should go to a playoff.
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Anyone remember something like that going back further?
.
**Also, we need to bring back punters with neck rolls!
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150,000+ voted yes
13,000+ voted no
.
Cost 50 cents to vote.
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I'm researching 1980 UNC, and in during the broadcast of the 1980 Bluebonnet Bowl, they had the audience call one phone number to vote yes and another to vote no on if college football should go to a playoff.
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Anyone remember something like that going back further?
.
**Also, we need to bring back punters with neck rolls!
I remember this. ABC did this in their baseball coverage too. Toll phone calls, what a world that was.
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they didn't provide the 800 toll free #?
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They were 1-900 numbers.....don't miss-dial !!!
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back when phone companies weren't bothered by the internet
they just kept buying bigger rakes to sweep up the money!!!
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Sweet 16 - First half of the bracket:
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19 LSU vs 11 Alabama
This. This is the matchup. THE best offense in recent memory vs THE best defense of recent memory. Joe Burrow threw for eleventy billion yards and 60 TD. Alabama held SIX opponents to under 100 yds passing. LSU had a 1,400 yard rusher and two 1,500+ yard receivers! Bama was first in passing defense and rushing defense. It allowed the fewest yards per play I can find. Add to that the Tide's efficient QB play and ball-control offense with 2 great RBs....and there's your recipe. All you need is perhaps the best defense ever and to move the chains on offense.
11 Alabama over 19 LSU
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03 USC vs 97 Nebraska
The Trojans could pass the ball all over you. They were a year away from the Bush/White monster-mash. And you could NOT run on them (sub-2 ypc allowed). Oops, the Huskers just want to run? Uh oh. Frost might hit some big passes, and Ahman Green was a great back, but this is not a good matchup. Nebraska may score in the 20s, but USC might double that.
03 USC over 97 Nebraska
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18 Clemson vs 74 Oklahoma
The Sooners were the best ever at what they did. But against their best opponents, they had close games. The Tigers blew out all of their ranked foes. They're so well-rounded. Great QB, RB, WR, run D, pass D. OU would be wise to play keep-away, but I don't think they could do it against Clemson's DL, couldn't keep those chains moving. They'll score, sure - a few breakaways. But this Tiger team is overwhelming, just ask Bama.
18 Clemson over 74 Oklahoma
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99 Florida St. vs 96 Florida
There's a lot I could say here, but I just want to share one stat that might surprise you:
Opponent's completion percentage: FSU defense: 71%......Florida defense: 45%
In a game that's going to have a lot of passing (as neither team let you run much), I think that might be an important stat. The Gators averaged 43 points vs the 6 opponents ranked in the top 16 they played. FSU averaged 38 vs the 5 teams they faced in the top 20. In a game of Twelving, I think I have to go with the Visor.
96 Florida over 99 FSU
.
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Half of the Elite Eight:
11 Alabama vs 03 USC
18 Clemson vs 96 Florida
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150,000+ voted yes
13,000+ voted no
.
Cost 50 cents to vote.
13,000 smart people were willing to pay $.50 to have their opinion on record.
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Sweet 16 - First half of the bracket:
.
99 Florida St. vs 96 Florida
There's a lot I could say here, but I just want to share one stat that might surprise you:
Opponent's completion percentage: FSU defense: 71%......Florida defense: 45%
In a game that's going to have a lot of passing (as neither team let you run much), I think that might be an important stat. The Gators averaged 43 points vs the 6 opponents ranked in the top 16 they played. FSU averaged 38 vs the 5 teams they faced in the top 20. In a game of Twelving, I think I have to go with the Visor.
96 Florida over 99 FSU
.
.
Half of the Elite Eight:
11 Alabama vs 97 Nebraska
74 Oklahoma vs 99 Florida St.
as far as twelving, both teams averaged 17 points given up. FSU went wire to wire at number 1. Undefeated
96 Florida lost to FSU in 96. Obviously they avenged that loss, but were lucky Texas upset the Huskers in the Big 12ving champ game. Otherwise, no rematch
I think 99 FSU was better than 96 FSU - I'm going with Bowden
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Sweet 16 - First half of the bracket:
.
03 USC vs 97 Nebraska
The Trojans could pass the ball all over you. They were a year away from the Bush/White monster-mash. And you could NOT run on them (sub-2 ypc allowed). Oops, the Huskers just want to run? Uh oh. Frost might hit some big passes, and Ahman Green was a great back, but this is not a good matchup. Nebraska may score in the 20s, but USC might double that.
03 USC over 97 Nebraska
which great rushing offense did the Trojan defense face? where they tested? Michigan's Chris Perry had 85 yards in the Rose - not great Michigan finished 38th rushing. They shut out Auburn. Auburn finished 29th in rushing. they lost to Cal
Matt Leinart was gonna pass the ball all over the blackshirts? The blackshirts in 97 took on Daunte Culpepper and Peyton Manning.
USC lost to Cal
Pete the cheat had no chance vs the 97 Huskers - Tom was retiring, Peyton Manning had no chance
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Sweet 16 - First half of the bracket:
18 Clemson vs 74 Oklahoma
The Sooners were the best ever at what they did. But against their best opponents, they had close games. The Tigers blew out all of their ranked foes. They're so well-rounded. Great QB, RB, WR, run D, pass D. OU would be wise to play keep-away, but I don't think they could do it against Clemson's DL, couldn't keep those chains moving. They'll score, sure - a few breakaways. But this Tiger team is overwhelming, just ask Bama.
18 Clemson over 74 Oklahoma
Oklahoma was loaded with talent, evidenced by its eight All-Americans. OU's wishbone offense, triggered by running back Joe Washington, fullback Jim Littrell, and quarterback Steve Davis, averaged 73.9 rushing attempts per game, which still stands as an NCAA single-season record, as does its 21.4 rushing first downs per game.
Oklahoma also featured a tough defense led by senior All-American Rod Shoate, a swift and punishing linebacker, and a defensive front consisting of brothers Lee Roy and Dewey Selmon, and Jimbo Elrod.
Clemson would have no idea what hit them on both sides of the ball
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74 OU seems to be in the Sweet 16 twice. Once vs. 18 Clemson and also vs. 99 FSU.
I would pick them against either, even though the roll of the dice has them losing to 18 Clemson already.
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78 Sooners were even better
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as far as twelving, both teams averaged 17 points given up. FSU went wire to wire at number 1. Undefeated
96 Florida lost to FSU in 96. Obviously they avenged that loss, but were lucky Texas upset the Huskers in the Big 12ving champ game. Otherwise, no rematch
I think 99 FSU was better than 96 FSU - I'm going with Bowden
I don't think it matters much. The next opponent for either is a toughie.
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74 OU seems to be in the Sweet 16 twice. Once vs. 18 Clemson and also vs. 99 FSU.
I would pick them against either, even though the roll of the dice has them losing to 18 Clemson already.
Huh?
I'm listing the matchup first, then the blurb of my thoughts, then the pick last, in bold.
Is it confusing?
I picked 74 OU to beat 06 Florida and then 72 USC.
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I don't think it matters much. The next opponent for either is a toughie.
it really doesn't matter a tall, but I'm going with Bowden
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it really doesn't matter a tall, but I'm going with Bowden
Yeah, you said that.
Although, by then, he was into his safari hat, figure-head period.
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you're right the end was near, but the following season, 2000, was his 14th straight finishing in the AP top 5
the end was also near for Spurrier, 2000 was his SEC championship, but then after 2001, off to the NFL
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78 Sooners were even better
Switzer's most talented team. But had too many fumbles in Lincoln. Some of those fumbles were induced by the Blackshirts.
That was a tough Nebraska team.
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Huh?
I'm listing the matchup first, then the blurb of my thoughts, then the pick last, in bold.
Is it confusing?
I picked 74 OU to beat 06 Florida and then 72 USC.
You've got 18 Clemson beating 74 OU in the Sweet Sixteen.
18 Clemson vs 74 Oklahoma
The Sooners were the best ever at what they did. But against their best opponents, they had close games. The Tigers blew out all of their ranked foes. They're so well-rounded. Great QB, RB, WR, run D, pass D. OU would be wise to play keep-away, but I don't think they could do it against Clemson's DL, couldn't keep those chains moving. They'll score, sure - a few breakaways. But this Tiger team is overwhelming, just ask Bama.
18 Clemson over 74 Oklahoma
Then you've got this:
Half of the Elite Eight:
11 Alabama vs 97 Nebraska
74 Oklahoma vs 99 Florida St.
How did 74 OU get beaten by 18 Clemson in the Sweet Sixteen then face 99 FSU in the Elite Eight?
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tough team desperate for a win vs those sooners
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You've got 18 Clemson beating 74 OU in the Sweet Sixteen.
Then you've got this:
How did 74 OU get beaten by 18 Clemson in the Sweet Sixteen then face 99 FSU in the Elite Eight?
that might have been my edit
I had 97 Huskers and 74 Sooners winning
as it should be
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that might have been my edit
I had 97 Huskers and 74 Sooners winning
as it should be
Right you are.
In both respects.
I "fixed" my erroneous post.
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It's always erroneous to read Fearless' posts...:)
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but, you always read them!
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2nd half of Sweet 16:
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13 FSU vs 05 Texas
Noles had an all-time great offense. While it wasn't just passing, that's what they preferred to do. Two 1,000 WRs. Defense was good, too, especially vs the pass. The problem for FSU is that they lacked a pass-rushing threat. And while both defenses' strength was vs the pass, FSU would still insist on throwing the ball, while the Horns would shrug and run the ball/scramble with pleasure. FSU could be the pic here if they'd run the ball more, but I just don't believe they would.
05 Texas over 13 FSU
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02 Ohio St. vs 95 Nebraska
These Buckeyes know how to take on a great team and win, so they'd scratch and claw, avoiding the blowout. But with a limited passing game, that makes it hard to move the ball effectively. They stymied the Canes' running game, but that was a pro-set offense. Not sure how they'd hold up vs 4 quarters of the option. I just don't see them scoring enough.
95 Nebraska over 02 Ohio St
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71 Nebraska vs 08 Florida
Right off the bat, you go with the Huskers here. But there are some problems. The Gators have at least the 3 fastest players on the field. A massive kicking game advantage. Nebraska's running game moved the chains, but not explosive at all. While Tagge had a great passing season and Rodgers was special, UF's pass D would shut that down. All that being said, the key to Florida's offense was the dive play - the Huskers D-Line was special. Not just Glover, but Harper and Jacobsen would retard the read-option. In an ugly game, the Gators feel like their driving a Ferrari, but can't drive a stick-shift.
71 Nebraska over 08 Florida
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01 Miami vs 91 Washington
Most talented vs most underrated? The 91 Huskies are rarely mentioned as an all-time great team, but they certainly were. One of the best run defenses ever. Great DBs. Abusive D-line. Starting RB averaged 6.0 ypc. Great WR (Bailey). We all know about these Canes, and they were great. You couldn't pass on them at all and the Nebraska game showed us they could shut that down, too. Miami had more offensive stars, but UW's defense was better. Did we see in '02 how Miami plays when they can't just out-talent you? Call it an upset, if you want.
91 Washington over 01 Miami
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Remaining half of the Elite 8:
05 Texas vs 95 Nebraska
71 Nebraska vs 91 Washington
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Elite Eight:
11 Alabama vs 03 USC
18 Clemson vs 96 Florida
05 Texas vs 95 Nebraska
71 Nebraska vs 91 Washington
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Update:
11 Alabama vs 03 USC
This game feels like the coverage of last year's NCG - where Clemson got a lead and everyone was anticipating Bama's comeback - they're too good, they're going to make a run, etc....but it never happened. I think this Tide team is good enough to get up on USC and just hold them off for the last 3 quarters of the game. Leinart and his receivers would be facing the best of the best pass defenses and just wouldn't be able to climb all the way back. If this was the 04 or 05 Trojans, their running game could matter, but this version was all about the pass.
11 Alabama over 03 USC
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18 Clemson vs 96 Florida
These Gators were really good, all-around. But...their good run D probably wouldn't prevent Clemson from moving the chains. Their great pass D probably wouldn't be able to handle the depth of the Tigers' WRs. QB Lawrence was a little too tight with the ball, so turnovers would be tough to come by. Florida would pass the ball around some and score some points, but this Clemson team was just a little bit too good in all aspects. Not really any one thing to exploit.
18 Clemson over 96 Florida
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05 Texas vs 95 Nebraska
For a national champ, Texas' run D was relatively porous...and they're facing 95 Nebraska. And the trick to beating a VY-led Longhorn team is to be up more than 1 score as time winds down. This Nebraska team was good enough to do so.
95 Nebraska over 05 Texas
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71 Nebraska vs 91 Washington
This would be the biggest game of this round for me. Epic. Close. Tough. Back-and-forth. The winner would probably score under 20 points. The team with the ball last will be pushed back one last time by the unyielding defense that holds fast for 60 minutes. Slobber-knocker.
71 Nebraska over 91 Washington
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Final Four:
11 Alabama VS 18 Clemson
.
95 Nebraska VS 71 Nebraska
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well, there goes the chance of huskers vs huskers for all the marbles
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Luck of the draw from the beginning.
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well, there goes the chance of huskers vs huskers for all the marbles
Just what I was thinking.
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Final Four:
11 Alabama VS 18 Clemson
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95 Nebraska VS 71 Nebraska
11 Alabama vs 18 Clemson
I'm not sure Alabama's offense will be enough here. That Clemson DL is stout and I think the Tiger offense will score enough so that Bama can't just be comfortable in their ball-control, efficient offense. Maybe McCarron is asked to do too much. But also, with the Bama pass D being so great, Clemson would have to rely more on their running game, and it's not nearly as effective as when it's playing off the pass as a change-up. Etienne only had 20+ carry games twice in 2018. And against that Bama defense, it may not be effective.
In a relatively low-scoring game between these 2 programs (for a change), I think Clemson does just enough.
18 Clemson over 11 Alabama
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95 Nebraska vs 71 Nebraska
Is the 71 Husker offense too ordinary to pull this one off? A good passing game. A good WR. Solid RB. Good FB. It was good enough to blow out #2 Bama in the bowl. I'm just having trouble seeing it being effective vs the 95 D. How are they getting yards here? Can't get outside on them. Going to run it right at the Peter bros? Going to pass it on them?
Now the defense for the 71 squad, that's your immovable object. That'll keep them in the game, right? But the I-backs average 7.7 ypc. The top 3 RBs do! And this isn't a low-carry, draw-play system, it's get-your-face-wet smashmouth option football. Hell, 95's offense looks more like it came from 1971 than 71's offense did. Teams aren't suppose to average 7 yards per carry, your speedster back up RB is. The 1971 defense was truly great - even immovable. And Rodgers will score. But the '95 Huskers are too irresistible.
95 Nebraska over 71 Nebraska
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I'm not even that in love with 2018 Clemson. If i ranked all these teams, they wouldn't be in my top 3. But this is how the bracket went.
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95 Nebraska vs 71 Nebraska
Is the 71 Husker offense too ordinary to pull this one off? A good passing game. A good WR. Solid RB. Good FB. It was good enough to blow out #2 Bama in the bowl. I'm just having trouble seeing it being effective vs the 95 D. How are they getting yards here? Can't get outside on them. Going to run it right at the Peter bros? Going to pass it on them?
Now the defense for the 71 squad, that's your immovable object. That'll keep them in the game, right? But the I-backs average 7.7 ypc. The top 3 RBs do! And this isn't a low-carry, draw-play system, it's get-your-face-wet smashmouth option football. Hell, 95's offense looks more like it came from 1971 than 71's offense did. Teams aren't suppose to average 7 yards per carry, your speedster back up RB is. The 1971 defense was truly great - even immovable. And Rodgers will score. But the '95 Huskers are too irresistible.
95 Nebraska over 71 Nebraska
this game would be worth a helluva lot of my money to watch
might not end up a close or great game, but watching those 2 offenses try to smash those two defenses would be entertaining
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Yeah, when you're facing someone like the 71 Huskers D, you find yourself wondering, "What do I do?" But that's the thing, if an offense just does what it does and does it well, they're not asking themselves that question. And especially an option offense, that counts on wearing the defense down and having a greater chance of success in the 4th quarter (a la the 95 Orange Bowl) - with that built-in incentive to not deviate from the plan, you can break through. (Or you could end up getting shut out, a la the 92 Orange Bowl - but at least you danced with who brung ya)
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I'm thinkin the forward pass would be needed to open things up vs the 71 defense
That 52 defense was murder on the run game, any run game
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Switzer's most talented team. But had too many fumbles in Lincoln. Some of those fumbles were induced by the Blackshirts.
That was a tough Nebraska team.
good stuff about the 78 game in Lincoln
Tom Shatel thinks it's the greatest game ever played in that stadium
1978 Oklahoma: My second choice was going to be the 1984 Orange Bowl. That’s still my favorite game that I’ve covered. It elevated Tom Osborne and the program. I can’t believe this, but I’m going to pass.
The main reason: I got to the end of my list and realized I didn’t have a home game. The story of NU football needs to show Memorial Stadium, full of red and jumping.
There was never a home game like that 1978 OU game. Or a more physical Nebraska game. The sound that John Ruud made. The hit on Billy Sims and the fumble that saved the day. The oranges flying onto the field. Rick Berns slashing his way to the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Mostly, the emotion of Osborne finally beating OU. Beating Miami later was huge. But getting Barry Switzer off his back was even bigger for Osborne. For one, it might have saved his job.
https://dataomaha.com/huskers/history/game/1978-11-11-oklahoma (https://dataomaha.com/huskers/history/game/1978-11-11-oklahoma)
best stat - OU attempted 2 passes, completed zero
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I look at those NU and OU option teams and compare them with the ancient Spartans. They perfected one method of war. I think everyone realized it, knew they couldn't beat them using the same methods (option/phalanx), and had to do something differently (navies/passing).
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it wasn't a completely novel method of war at the time
they weren't the only 2 or 5 teams running that offense
as you said, they had perfected it
and a version of it still worked in in 1995, more than 20 years later
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it wasn't a completely novel method of war at the time
they weren't the only 2 or 5 teams running that offense
as you said, they had perfected it
and a version of it still worked in in 1995, more than 20 years later
That's what I mean, everyone was just lining up in a phalanx, even against Sparta, knowing they'd lose. That's what college football was doing until BYU/Miami in the 80s, onto a lot of G5 programs, FSU, Florida, and Bill Walsh in the 90s. Everyone was running the option, which is why the helmet programs almost exclusively stayed on top in that decade. Other programs were trying to do the same thing with inferior talent/coaching - it was idiotic, to be honest.
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good stuff about the 78 game in Lincoln
Tom Shatel thinks it's the greatest game ever played in that stadium
1978 Oklahoma: My second choice was going to be the 1984 Orange Bowl. That’s still my favorite game that I’ve covered. It elevated Tom Osborne and the program. I can’t believe this, but I’m going to pass.
The main reason: I got to the end of my list and realized I didn’t have a home game. The story of NU football needs to show Memorial Stadium, full of red and jumping.
There was never a home game like that 1978 OU game. Or a more physical Nebraska game. The sound that John Ruud made. The hit on Billy Sims and the fumble that saved the day. The oranges flying onto the field. Rick Berns slashing his way to the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Mostly, the emotion of Osborne finally beating OU. Beating Miami later was huge. But getting Barry Switzer off his back was even bigger for Osborne. For one, it might have saved his job.
https://dataomaha.com/huskers/history/game/1978-11-11-oklahoma (https://dataomaha.com/huskers/history/game/1978-11-11-oklahoma)
best stat - OU attempted 2 passes, completed zero
Tom Shatel's opinion is about as authoritative as it gets on that subject.