Darren Perkins

Agree, it's all about the marquee matchups, and honestly the Pac-12 just needs to play better, and I think the Pac is on the brink.

As far as expansion,? I believe the powers that be looked at that, but didn't feel it would generate more revenue per school.

Thanks for the comments. I do believe it as about quality and not quantity. The Alliance games will draw way more eyeballs than, for example, Washington State vs Texas Tech type matchups, of which there would be many, which networks don't get jazzed about. None of the remaining Big 12 teams bring enough name cache to get the networks excited and the SEC knows that. USC was a bit of a dumpster fire when Pete Carrol took over and by year two they were winning the Orange Bowl, It will be a quick bounce back, this is not like rebuilding Oregon State. USC has talent and Riley is bringing in more, the Oklahoma qb, williams, just entered the transfer portal, safe to say he's probaly looking at SC. Also, there will be a next round of expansion, serious talks seem to happen every 5-10 years, if down the road bringing in some of those BIG 12 teams makes sense then it could get donw.

110% the blame goes to Mario.

For sure I can!

The only thing i can think of is it gives backups and others who haven't played much a chance to shine heading into next year.

Yeah, it's kinda like watching a JV game, or a game in garbage time when both teams are playing backups, but just nobody it winning or losing yet.

Well said. I honestly don't know what to expect tomorrow, which I guess makes for some intrigue. It'll be interesting.

Yeah, it 's one or the other, right now we're in the middling, akward stage of tyring to have both the CFP and Bowls, it just doesn't work, and it should become a playoff dominate post season in the next few years.

Yup, let's win, or at least avoid an embarrassing loss.

That's the big saving grace of this game, we get to play Oklahoma instead a lesser brand. Definitely a chance to do something positive tomorrow night.

For sure, it's little more fast-food this year than a nice meal. Thanks for the comment.

Great chance for some backups to step-up and impress for next year, for sure!

yeah, it's a chance to see some guys step up and earn some PT for next, I think i'll feel more like a scout when watching the game than a fan. But, nontheless, Go Ducks!

Yup, I'll be right there with ya, the weird vibe and all!

Yeah, gotta figure, it's a good chance to impress the new coaching staff for some PT next year.

Definitely not the top announcing crew for this game.

Utah, who is completely pumped to be there, better roll over the Buckeyes. But knowing the Pac-12 (ie games they tend to lose), a half-hearted Ohio State might win. But, i'm also thinking that Utah will rise up. So, it should be a good game.

True. It's a good chance for younger players to try to prove themselves, I think....

Yeah, no kidding. When I started to think of things to write about over the weekend, it suddenly hit me, "oh yeah! the game!"

Funny, I almost went with the Spring Game comparison.

I say acquire talent, then let the chips fall where they may... no need to overthink it.

Safe to say none of these programs would be throwing shade if Mullens had made an irrelevant hire such as Kelly or Wilcox. This is an indicator of a good hire.

Clearly they were NOT in game shape. ; )

Would probably need to grab a team that recently played in a bowl game, like Utah State, since they have been keeping in "game shape" and not a team that had shut it down for the year 3-4 weeks ago.