Bowl Season 2021-22

[Irishize]

This Alabama team is not near as good as the teams that we played against. Remember, they should have lost to Auburn and lost to A&M. They are flawed.

Agreed & Cincy has two huge flaws. On offense they run the quick passing game which makes it easy to defend b/c the defenders know the QB doesn’t have time for pump fakes so they can knock down as many passes as they can get in front of. On defense they are so scared of letting Jameson burn them (despite having 2 of the best CB in the nation) that they’re allowing Bama to gash them for as many rushing yards as Bama wants.

 

[phork]

I just hope Bama is just playing some rope a dope and holding back. Doing just enough. The thought of scUM winning the whole thing makes me want to jump off a cliff.

 

[Irishize]

Michigan is going to win it all.

the scUM QB ain’t no Bryce Young. UGA is gonna load up on the run and dare McNamara to beat them with his arm.

 

[IrishLax]

I can not believe Cincinnati is putting up a better fight against Alabama than we could the last two times we played them.

This Bama team kinda sucks, certainly not on the level of the Bama super team we saw last playoffs that destroyed everyone in the playoffs by multiple TDs and had zero losses during the season.

Bama should’ve lost to a terrible Auburn team and did lose to a bad Texas A&M team. People have a warped perception of their talent because of one game against Georgia.

 

[IrishLax]

Michigan is going to win it all.

If they get past Georgia they will probably smack Bama with their pass rush.

 

[ND88]

I can not believe Cincinnati is putting up a better fight against Alabama than we could the last two times we played them.

Why not? Seasoned Marcus Freeman players coached up to play with heart and discipline ready to compete, not like they are showing up for a business meeting at the local Best Western. Also, notice how their offense is horrible. Makes sense to me.

 

[Bishop2b5]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I think Urban Meyer has been better over the last 20 years.

lolwut?

Meyer has won 3 titles, but he's been plagued by scandal everywhere since taking the Florida job. Saban has 7 titles, and none of the baggage. Meyer > Saban is a completely indefensible position.

 

[ND88]

Michigan is going to win it all.

You are a consistently good poster, but this should not be typed out ever. Like ever. (Even if it might have truth to it.)

 

[ND88]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

Lol.

 

[DONTH8]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

Yeah I agree with this. I was telling my friends that if Sabah wins this year, it might be one of his better jobs overall (I think definitely in his time at Bama. I’m not old enough to remember LSU and Michigan St.) Developed talent. Used it well. And his adjustments with the scene of college football outside of just the game has been impressive.

Anyoen that thinks he only wins because of the talent is kidding themselves. He’s great-elite at everything you could want in a coach.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

His resume pre-Bama makes it clear he's an excellent coach, regardless of talent level. And no, he's obviously not coaching circles around people on a level playing field, but that's just CFB. There's never been parity. ND enjoys that advantage over 90% of the teams we play as well.

 

[Bishop2b5]

This Bama team kinda sucks, certainly not on the level of the Bama super team we saw last playoffs that destroyed everyone in the playoffs by multiple TDs and had zero losses during the season.

Bama should’ve lost to a terrible Auburn team and did lose to a bad Texas A&M team. People have a warped perception of their talent because of one game against Georgia.

I've been saying this just about all season. We may (or may not) be the best team this season, but we're definitely not a dominant, great team. Very flawed team with some weaknesses. Not sure anyone else is capable of exploiting those weaknesses and flaws, but that doesn't mean they're not there.

 

[NDRock]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

When people make that argument it is usually in regards to his success (or lack of) at the NFL level. Most acknowledge what a great college coach he is, probably the best ever. It does seem like he bolted from the NFL and took the easier path. Can’t argue with his decision as it worked out great. I just don’t put his success on the same level as the top pro guys.

 

[DONTH8]

I’m glad I live in the Universe/timeline where the ND team decided to jump on Freeman instead of waiting for Fickell. Could you imagine if we didn’t have Freeman, our recruiting class falls apart, coaches all leave, and ND is waiting on Fickell and this is the performance we get? Not to mention we would be waiting to see if Day to the Bears was happening. I.E would be losing their collective minds I think.

However, I do wish I could travel to that Universe and read it myself.

 

[Irishize]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

It’s just sour grapes b/c folks are tired of seeing Saban win. I have zero problem w/ it b/c once the rules are set, Saban adapts to them and maximizes them. He told everyone the immediate transfer would end up hurting CFB overall. Now he’s using other P5 teams as a minor league system. Be careful what you wish for.

Georgia has been hyped (and not wrongly based on recruiting rankings) since Smart got there b/c of all the stockpiling UGA was doing. Where has that gotten them? Getting their asses beaten by Bama. We were told UGA had the greatest D of this generation…maybe ever. Bama exposed it. If UGA doesn’t win it all this season they will need to come up w/ a term for them that is similar to “Clemsoning” b/c that’s exactly what they’ve done thus far despite stockpiling all that talent.

 

[ND88]

Anyoen that thinks he only wins because of the talent is kidding themselves. He’s great-elite at everything you could want in a coach.

No one with a modicum of sense thinks this though. But the number of 5 star recruits obviously matter and it doesn’t take a complex argument to explain how the two go together. Alabama is a machine.

 

[Blazers46]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

It helps. How did he do at Michigan State with less talent? Not this good, and I’ll give you one reason why.

 

[Irishize]

When people make that argument it is usually in regards to his success (or lack of) at the NFL level. Most acknowledge what a great college coach he is, probably the best ever. It does seem like he bolted from the NFL and took the easier path. Can’t argue with his decision as it worked out great. I just don’t put his success on the same level as the top pro guys.

Who does put his success on the same level as the top pro guys? I haven’t heard this but he’s undisputedly the greatest HC in CFB. Let’s not act like that’s a consolation prize.

 

[T-Boone]

The "Saban only succeeds because he stockpiles talent" argument is silly. That's like saying, "You only won the Indy 500 because you built the fastest car." Well yeah, isn't that the goal? Recruiting talented players is a HUGE part of CFB success. It's not like he also doesn't develop the players he gets better than just about any other program, put together top staffs, do a great job making adjustments during games, prepare his teams better than anyone else, or motivate them better than just about anyone else. What deficiencies do you think he has as a coach that get covered by stockpiling talent.

If he was particularly good at those things wouldn't he have been a successful NFL coach?
He was a failure at the NFL level and split after 2 years because he knew he wasn't all that good at those things.
Also when you bring motor sports into it, he is a bit like Lewis Hamilton, he SHOULD win every year because he has easily the fastest car. All he needs to do is keep it on the track.

 

[NorthDakota]

It helps. How did he do at Michigan State with less talent? Not this good, and I’ll give you one reason why.

Wasn't he pretty good at MSU?

 

[Irishize]

I've been saying this just about all season. We may (or may not) be the best team this season, but we're definitely not a dominant, great team. Very flawed team with some weaknesses. Not sure anyone else is capable of exploiting those weaknesses and flaws, but that doesn't mean they're not there.

You have been saying this all season. I remember you posting it.

 

[Irishize]

His resume pre-Bama makes it clear he's an excellent coach, regardless of talent level. And no, he's obviously not coaching circles around people on a level playing field, but that's just CFB. There's never been parity. ND enjoys that advantage over 90% of the teams we play as well.

Including Okie St yet it’s basically a toss up despite the disparity in talent.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

This Bama team kinda sucks, certainly not on the level of the Bama super team we saw last playoffs that destroyed everyone in the playoffs by multiple TDs and had zero losses during the season.

Bama should’ve lost to a terrible Auburn team and did lose to a bad Texas A&M team. People have a warped perception of their talent because of one game against Georgia.

True. Bama's OL has been their Achilles' Heel all season. Though they somehow managed to stonewall Georgia's pass rush in the SECCG and give Bryce enough time to pick apart the Dawgs' secondary, which is basically the only way to beat that ridiculous defense. Who's to say they can't do that again against the skunkbears?

Though I don't expect Michigan to get past Georgia anyway. They shouldn't be able to run on Georgia's front seven, nor do they have the skill talent to pick apart their secondary like Bama did. Here's hoping Kirby takes care of business.

 

[Irishize]

Wasn't he pretty good at MSU?

Yes. MSU had not had a winning season since 1990, and the team was sanctioned by the NCAA for recruiting violations committed under his predecessor and former mentor, George Perles. Yet he turned them around before realizing he could attract better athletes down south. Pretty smart if you want to ensure the best players.

 

[IrishLion]

Fuck Mike Denbrock

 

[Bishop2b5]

It’s just sour grapes b/c folks are tired of seeing Saban win. I have zero problem w/ it b/c once the rules are set, Saban adapts to them and maximizes them. He told everyone the immediate transfer would end up hurting CFB overall. Now he’s using other P5 teams as a minor league system. Be careful what you wish for.

Georgia has been hyped (and not wrongly based on recruiting rankings) since Smart got there b/c of all the stockpiling UGA was doing. Where has that gotten them? Getting their asses beaten by Bama. We were told UGA had the greatest D of this generation…maybe ever. Bama exposed it. If UGA doesn’t win it all this season they will need to come up w/ a term for them that is similar to “Clemsoning” b/c that’s exactly what they’ve done thus far despite stockpiling all that talent.

I'm 100% opposed to the new transfer rules for the same reason Saban was. Even though it clearly benefits my team, it's bad for CFB. I hope they fix it.

You're right about Georgia. If stockpiling talent was all there was to it, UGA would have 3 recent NC's by now. There's so much more to it. Maybe the term "bulldogging" will catch on. Or Georgiacating. UGAflop?

 

[Luckylucci]

Watching this game I can’t help but think what if. What if ND had a legitimate NFL QB. Good teams playing competitive football but these are not playoff teams of years past. Of course this is the year that Michigan gets in and ND doesn’t.

 

[Irishnuke]

Well that went as expected

 

[Whiskeyjack]

It helps. How did he do at Michigan State with less talent? Not this good, and I’ll give you one reason why.

When Saban took over at MSU, they hadn't had a winning season in 3 years. He capped off his tenure there with a 10-2 season and a victory over Florida in the Citrus Bowl, which was the best season the Spartans had had in 30 years. He set the table for Dantonio's success.

If he was particularly good at those things wouldn't he have been a successful NFL coach?

The NFL's very different from CFB.

He was a failure at the NFL level and split after 2 years because he knew he wasn't all that good at those things.

The Dolphins finished the 2005 season with a 9-7 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. They finished 2006 at 6-10, Saban's only losing season as a HC anywhere, largely because they didn't have a QB. Their defense and run game were very solid.

Also when you bring motor sports into it, he is a bit like Lewis Hamilton, he SHOULD win every year because he has easily the fastest car. All he needs to do is keep it on the track

That's how CFB has always been. No one claims Saban is coaching circles around others on a level playing field like Belichick does. But his resume prior to 'Bama proves he's an excellent coach. He didn't simply luck his way into an unassailable position.