AD Kraft said Franklin's record in big games was a factor. AD: Franklin's big-game record played role in firing
Their RB's, both would have been drafted 3rd round or better, came back for a chance at the National Championship. Allar came back for a chance at the Natty, a Heisman and improving his NFL draft status into the 1st round. Dreams crushed.
I think no matter what you think of Arch as a college QB, he's a pretty decent kid with a good grasp of what is what when it comes to evaluation of him as a QB. AUSTIN, Texas -- All smiles after the biggest victory of his career, Texas quarterback Arch Manning said Monday he wasn't bothered by the harsh criticism leveled at him during the first half of the season. Everyone, he said, is entitled to their opinion of him. "Look, I wasn't playing well and I'm going to continue to get better. But you know, everyone has their own opinion. That's what's good about America, everyone gets freedom of speech. It doesn't bother me," Manning said Monday. Manning struggled through his first five games as a starter while No. 21 Texas (4-2, 1-1 SEC) fell all the way from preseason No. 1 to unranked for a week. But a crisp and efficient effort in a 23-6 win over rival Oklahoma in the pressure cooker of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas was the kind of performance by a player and team that could turn a season around.
I interpreted Coach's remarks a bit differently. I do agree with his assessment of the top 5. However what he said about the remainder is where we differ greatly. Going back to the FEI/SP+ advanced analytics final ranking of 2024, Coach says that we're equal on the top 4-5 of each conference- all of whom are ranked in the top 10. However of the remaining 5 he references in each conference - remember that all of whom are ranked in the top 30 nationally - Coach states that all 5 of the those SEC programs can beat you but says that zero of the 5 similarly ranked B1G programs can beat you. That just doesn't pass the logic test with me. He's still the GOAT and I respect him greatly but he just seems to be wearing his SEC blinders on this one, imo
Yep....that's a hard one to overlook. It's not like he hasn't had ample opportunities to get it done, it's just he hasn't gotten it done. That said, here's a man who 1 year ago had his team driving to win a game in the 4th qtr that would place his team in the Natty. Fast forward 3 weeks ago, undefeated and top ranked with a 7 point lead in overtime -v- #2/3 Oregon. Now he's out....happens quickly
Not sure about what "but the B1G is not quite as devoid of competitive programs as Coach would have you believe" is exactly what Saban said. I read what he said. That's not exactly what he said. IMO both conferences are pretty damn close and this "mine is bigger than yours" locker room talk is....well, ridiculous (if fun). And Saban can still KMA.
One of my golfing partners is a LSU grad and his comment on Saban at LSU was that he was an arsehole, but he was our arsehole!
Mel Kiper has his first big board out and my only comment is that two of his QB's on the top 25 players list, while eligible for the draft, would be well served to stay another year in college and gain more starting experience. With NIL they can probably afford to stay, but even if they would get more money by entering the draft this year, it will hurt their long term development. Dante Moore - Oregon #1 overall player Ty Simpson - Alabama #16 overall player Kiper's debut 2026 Big Board: Ranking the top 25 NFL draft prospects, plus position reports
Agreed. Simpson is doing great but he has really only started 6 or 7 games. Saban was always really good about advising his players on the benefits and drawbacks of entering the draft early. He may still do it.
And if you and I were so damn smart Cindy wouldn't be kicking our asses so badly in the Pick em contest.
Is this the most obvious about to happen firing? Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin met with a handful of influential boosters Tuesday, and was told continuing financial support depends on new direction within the football program, three people with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect the ongoing process, said embattled Florida coach Billy Napier could be fired as soon as this weekend. One thing is certain: Napier won't survive another loss. Stricklin declined comment for this story.
One man's opinion. Say what you will about Curt Cignetti. He’s arrogant, brash, and just pretty unlikable in general. He’s also is a heck of a football coach. Taking a team across the country to Autzen and coming out of there with a win is exceptionally impressive. It wasn’t a flukey win either. They flat out beat Oregon and deserved to win that game. They aren’t just a “neat story” anymore. They are a legitimate playoff contender and really could run the table into the Big 10 title game
His limited exposure in the national media conveys a skewed impression of Cignetti. He’s direct, no nonsense, but he’s not arrogant or brash and certainly not unlikable. If you read what he says pregame, he always is complimentary toward the opponent and coach - he was highly complimentary toward Lannon - and he does smile when he’s asked the right questions. He’s just a real serious, no BS guy. I guess to the outside world he’s like Saban at LSU was described in another post somewhere here. He may be a @!£# but he’s our @!£#.
Some really good games this weekend. 1. Ohio State @ Wisconsin Will Day hold back from laying 60 on the woeful Badgers since Fickell is a fellow Buckeye? 2. Miami @ Louisville The Cards are a good not great team and it's a Friday night game. They have no chance. 3. Indiana vs Michigan State The Sparty's were spanked by previously woeful UCLA, They have not a prayer against the Hoosiers. 4.A&M @ Arkansas In years past the Hogs have given the Ags some good games in JerryWorld but this is the Aggies first visit to Fayetteville in a very long time. The Hogs were not competitive when the Irish came calling but with Petrino at the helm they played very well vs Tenn. So which Hog team shows up? 5.Ole Miss @ Georgia Rebs struggled a bit with Wazzu, maybe looking ahead. But after last years upset in Oxford I believe the Dawgs will be ready. 6. Alabama vs Tenn The Vols have an excellent offense but maybe they were looking ahead to Tuscaloosa but their defense didn't have a great game vs Arkansas. The Tide seems to have found their stride on both sides of the ball. 7. Texas Tech vs Arizona State. I'm still wrapping my head around the financial juggernaut the Tech has gong with their version of Boone Pickens, but they look legit. Their QB is questionable but his backup has looked good and in a very un Raider way won last weekend with a RB going for over 250 yards. Don't know anything about ASU. 8. Oregon @ Rutgers Ducks have to go to NJ and coming off a beat down by IU, what's their mental state. RU has yet to win a Big 10 game this season. Might take them a bit to shake off the jet lag but with Kipers #1 player at QB in Dante Moore Ducks can't lose, can they? 9.Georgia vs Ole Miss 10. LSU @ Vanderbilt I play golf with 1 LSU grad and 1 LSU fan, both are ready to be rid of Brian Kelly but don't want to pay hime 50M or whatever his buyout is to get rid of him. LSU has underachieved on offense this year and there has been some thought that their QB has not been healthy this year. It's be about Pavia vs the LSU defense. Georgia Tech @ Duke Can Haynes King keep it gong? Washington @ Michigan Huskies are a good team, UM is a good defense. Lots of other good games as well.
Well the first beneficiary of the Franklin firing is Curt Cignetti! Not a shock to me. Next either Matt Rhule will get a similar big contract from the Huskers or he'll take the job.