Oregon v California

[donovan]

It is a deluge. It is also 27-0 at the end of the first quarter. Bears don't swim, ducks do.

[Eric]

Not even the weather can slow this offense down

We'll have to see how De'Anthony Thomas is. I heard he limped off the field after the opening kickoff. They still have a boatload of playmakers and Byron Marshall is just the next great RB in line to be a part of this system.

[Derek]

I think Oregon, provided they go undefeated, would be much better for the NCG. But they are already setting up Ohio State for that role.

Oregon is so much more exciting.

[Eric]

Oregon would be a lock if they go undefeated, but I agree that Ohio State has an easier path there. They topped their first hurdle and the next one comes next week against Northwestern in Evanston. The atmosphere should be electric for that game. It should be the biggest game in Northwestern's history I would imagine. After that, it's basically Michigan and the other division champ in the title game.

Illinois and Indiana have improved offenses, but they have no chance. We saw what happened to Purdue today. Penn State is rebuilding and they go to the Horseshoe. And Iowa looks much improved from last year, but they are still a decent-not-good kind of team that doesn't have the offensive chops to beat Ohio State in the Horseshoe.

It's up to Michigan, Northwestern, and Northwestern/Michigan/Nebraska to save us from Ohio State

[Spence]

Ohio State isn't as good as Oregon. Offensively, they are very good. As good as anyone. The defense just has too many holes. Still lots of talent, but it is hard to imagine they will be a solid unit before the 2nd week of December. Ohio State is still a very good team. They are a team with a load of talent on both sides of the ball. They just aren't ready for prime time yet. They aren't that far off, though, either. Losing CJ Barnett is going to hurt. But the younger players are starting to develop and they should be a very good team by the end of the year. Who ever they play in the bowl game is going to wish they drew someone else's number. I also really like our chances against Michigan by then. Northwestern is going to be a tough game for us next week. After that, I look for Ohio State to start looking the part of contender, no matter who they play.

[Old Ducker]

In two weeks, Oregon plays washington (Duck fans NEVER capitalize the name of the hated fuskies) , then UCLA and Furd. Win all three..yeah, I know about Wazzu..., and we can talk about the title game. Personally, I wouldn't mind playing Ohio State in the Rose Bowl for the final game of the BCS era.

[Spence]

In two weeks, Oregon plays washington (Duck fans NEVER capitalize the name of the hated fuskies) , then UCLA and Furd. Win all three..yeah, I know about Wazzu..., and we can talk about the title game. Personally, I wouldn't mind playing Ohio State in the Rose Bowl for the final game of the BCS era.

I think that would be a fun game too. Except you have the tables turned on us this time. You are the ones with a defense.

[donovan]

Actually that game, Oregon v ohio state...I learned from Old Ducker, at the Rose Bowl would be nostalgia all over again. I like it..

[Spence]

I think Ohio State is going to get to the Rose for their part. I think Oregon is headed for bigger things. I also think this may be their year to hold the coaches trophy.

[Cane from the Bend]

The more I watch them, the more I tend to see things in that same picture frame.

Bama likely has the team that could actually navigate the whole way through their conference without a loss.
But from what I have seen, the SEC is not nearly as scary, defensively, as they have in recent years.
LSU & Georgia (SEC title game) could potentially foul up Saban's 3 peat.

I do see others on the horizon, peaking up to make a championship appearance.
Clemson & fsu both look strong this year.

Clemson has to yet get by fsu, South Carolina and the ACC title game (fsu & USCe have been Clemson's biggest drawbacks season to season).

florida state has Clemson (obviously), Miami, florida and the ACC title game.
None of those games are easy going.

We've got quite a ways to go, still. And this is one of the better seasons I have seen.

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[Derek]

We've got quite a ways to go, still. And this is one of the better seasons I have seen.

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You ain't kiddin about that! I've been very happy with the ways things are going. Very interesting season.

I also share your optimism that Bama can be derailed before the NCG. Which means that Ga COULD keep an SEC team out of the NCG, because I think Ga kicked themselves out by losing to Clemson (who I don't think will lose), and them beating Bama will not cause them to jump anyone with an unblemished record (regardless of SOS).

[donovan]

I do not know if Alabama can will get beat. I do not think they have played as the dominate team this year. Others have. Georgia is a good ball club. I think they may be the ones to do it.

[Spence]

Alabama isn't as good as the last few years. That doesn't mean they are bad. They can get beat, maybe even a couple times. The most dominate looking teams I have seen this year are both in the PAC-10. I also think Florida State is going to be very, very good.

[Cane from the Bend]

fsu had a tough game against BC.

If they get behind like that against either Miami or Clemson, they won't be able to fight all the way back.
Maybe they learned a bigger lessen, which is, you cannot take anyone lightly.

I will put this out there . . . Clemson has looked as good as florida state this year.
I'm not willing to point at either as being better . . . rather, they look equal.
And if Clemson does get by the `noles, the ACC championship is likely theirs.

If fsu wins . . . well, they do have a few tough games left . . . though, they could very well make the National title game.

Right now, it is looking like: Alabama --- Oregon/Staford --- Clemson/fsu --- Ohio State

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[Spence]

Clemson is very good. I still think the Noles will beat them. I also think Georgia is the best one loss team in the nation, I think by the end of the year they will be great.