HDuck

Whatever many of us may think about Mario's in-game management, he deserves a pat on the back (lesser extent Taggart) for demonstrating to the Oregon establishment that it was possible to go nation-wide in recruiting and get players to commit all the way out in Ory-gone far from their mother's home cooking. Who knows the details on Ward. Cristobal is being tight lipped about any deal they had for him to play at least a half. The first half vs second half comparison may actually have enhanced NFL interest in him, because I don't think the second half had wholesale substitutions at other positions.

Will Herbert end up with a record today? NFL passing first 5 seasons: 20,618 - 80 games - Peyton Manning 20,455 - 77 games - Justin Herbert 153 from matching Peyton. At the moment I post this Herbert has 82 so far in first quarter. how much they had in rushing yards first 5 seasons: 556 - Manning 1,163 - Herbert

And, another link about "the long season" Penn State Football: Embracing the Long Grind of a Record 15-Game CFP Season…and Counting | State College, PA WWW.STATECOLLEGE.COM It’s been a long and grinding road for Penn State in 2024. And it’s not over yet. So far, the Nittany Lions have not just survived and advanced despite a

YouTube impression: liked his balance and footwork on his cuts and change of direction moves Sources - Tulane's Makhi Hughes enters transfer portal - ESPN WWW.ESPN.COM Tulane running back Makhi Hughes, who rushed for 1,401 yards and scored 17 total touchdowns this season, has entered the transfer portal, sources told ESPN.

"Getting invited is what counts and a screwed up 12 team CFP is better than a SEC/ESPN rigged BCS or 4 team invitational" As noted in a The Athletic column, more teams mean more programs make the "investment" in their programs because they have a "chance." Even if they fall short as the No. 13 or No. 14 team, or they succumb to the moment and become a blowout loss, that investment provides more teams playing at a higher level during the regular season. That benefits their fans, and creates more interest in college football in the regular season. For programs like Indiana, SMU, BYU, Iowa State, Louisville, Ole Miss, Missouri to name just a few, the "chance" is a tide that raises more boats.

Today Kansas State plays Rutgers in a bowl game. KSU is led by QB Avery Johnson, a dual-threat type, who actually visited Oregon while in high school recruiting mode. KSU "pushed out" current Ohio State QB Will Howard to make a playing opportunity for Johnson this season. Howard assessed his NFL draft stock, and chose the portal instead for one more year and ended up at tOSU. Johnson had multi-years ahead, and KSU didn't want to lose him and telegraphed to Howard that it was Johnson's job to lose in 2024. You gotta think Howard will be extremely motivated to carry tOSU as far as possible. 2:30 today, Thursday, Johnson will try to carry KSU to a win over Rutgers.

To paraphrase Clemenza in The Godfather, "leave the nuts, take the win."

Penn State from 9-1/2 to 11 vs Boise State Ohio State from 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 vs Oregon Same Texas 13-1/2 vs ASU Georgia 1-1/2 vs Notre Dame Basically when odds rise it is because the House gives the underdog more points to attract bettors to that side. For example, Georgia is currently pulling 45% and Notre Dame 55% which means the House has those odds about right.

Ohio State favored by 1-1/2. They were favored by 3-1/2 prior to Autzen visit in October. tOSU was dominating tonight, so that plays in to number the oddsmakers use. Could be a straight pick'em by day of game?

Over the past few hours the initial odds have stayed pretty stable: Penn St 10 vs Boise State Texas 13-1/2 vs ASU Georgia 1-1/2 vs Notre Dame Oregon vs Ohio State should be posted shortly.

Coach Lanning has said more than once in recent days the first order of business was to scout ourselves. Will be interesting to see how much both teams staffs adjust their offense and defense to bring "a new look" to the game. Away from Autzen, I don't think the Ducks can do the same old same old and get a W.

"Tennessee features one of the nation's strongest statistical defenses, holding the No. 4 spot in total defense (278 yds), No. 8 in run defense, and No. 17 in pass defense." End of third quarter for Buckeyes 111 rush 311 pass 422 total Tennessee has 95 rush 92 pass 187 total That Eugene game, Oregon 496, tOSU 467

Tennessee features one of the nation's strongest statistical defenses, holding the No. 4 spot in total defense (278 yds), No. 8 in run defense, and No. 17 in pass defense. 17-1/2 minutes gone, and tOSU has 234 yds.

I would be happy with a tOSU version of this.... 2014 Oregon 59-20 vs Florida St Oregon 20-42 vs Ohio State vs Tennessee vs Oregon

Paul Finebaum just downed his third bourbon.

In pre-game, Herbstreit says he has never seen as many visiting fans in The Shoe.

video of crowd from pre-game... a bunch of orange in the stadium early....

Video of crowd from pre-game...that's a bunch of orange...

Well apparently, someone in the first quarter should have whispered in the ear of Cig and the players there are only 5 minutes left. They did beat both of last year's championship game participants: fuskies and Michigan. Pay attention Ducks, that guarantees nothing.

So, imagine you're an Indiana fan. Are you happy losing on Dec. 20 in 25 degree weather in South Bend, or would you rather have been thinking about 70 degrees in a Tampa bowl game on January 1 while knowing that your chances of advancing beyond South Bend were slim? Now imagine you are a fan of one of the teams playing in Columbus or State College on Saturday. For 3 teams tomorrow, the season is over. No warm weather site, no bowl participant goodie bag, no entertainment option. Will you be satisfied with the chance at the CFP, or have some teeny weenie regrets?

Indiana has averaged 439 yds per game this season. Tonight, with 3 min left they have 187. The record low in a Playoff game was 188 for TCU vs Georgia. Indiana will get enough more to avoid that stat.

Branch is also a heck of a punt returner. It's been awhile since the Ducks had that kind of threat. In 2023, about 20 yds per both punt and kickoff returns. In 2024, his yards per reception was 10.7.

And, he married a Duck athlete!! Jordan Wormdahl, soccer player.

Would be interesting to know which group of fans - Ohio St or Tennessee - have made the most contingent reservations for the Rose Bowl.

"Greatest college football player ever?" It may have the notoriety but I'm not sure the Heisman is the determinant anymore. It is voted on by media members and about 50 former Heisman winners. I'm now more interested in awards selected by coaches. Maxwell Award selected Jeanty, while the Walter Camp selected Hunter.