Dear McFly,
"Let me explain something to you: if you can't win at Notre Dame, you are a TERRIBLE football coach. TERRIBLE. It is hands-down the EASIEST place to get recruits and the most tradition-rich school in the country. No contest."
I completely agree with you that there is no excuse for losing at Notre Dame, but to your point on recruiting, I have to disagree. Sadly, recruiting doesn't have anything to do with tradition any more (See: University of South Florida). Otherwise, ARMY may still win national championships... well, at least compete. The likes of Oregon don't help this mentality as kids are picking out schools based on the video game systems they have wired into your locker now. While I'm all for progress, its important to remember the past and I think a lot of schools are moving away from that. Case in point, have you noticed the widespread updating of collegiate logos (look at ARMY for crying out loud) and professional ones for that matter. Thank goodness for the likes of Penn State, Iowa, Texas and several other institutions that have an identity and stick with it.
Your thoughts?
Sup
Tacoma, WA
I'm amazed that this is the portion of the rant that was commented on...but I like it...
The simple points first:
1. Army is traditional but has such strong requirements on grades, size, etc. that they have no chance. My former golf coach was a position coach at Army and said that the nature of recruiting made it impossible for them.
While Notre Dame sees a little bit of this with their academic requirements being so high--but an interesting fact about Ty Willingham--he's been head coach at Stanford, Notre Dame and Washington--guess which one has the highest minimum requirements academically for athletes? Not Stanford or Notre Dame.
2. As far as the Oregon situation goes--yes, that makes a difference, but it doesn't entirely change the climate. Notre Dame still has a leg up on everyone because of their NBC contract, their tradition and the religious background of the university.
3. In regard to tradition, to an extent I agree. The best uniforms in the country are all from the classic programs--but some schools walk around with a chip on their shoulder that they don't necessarily deserve anymore. (Note: the names of these schools tend to rhyme with "Palabama", "To See Hell Eh?" and "Dauburn".)
Complaints...I've had a Few...
If you don't like me constantly talking about sports, might I recommend an email to mcflyblogs@gmail.com with a topic suggestion or question?
I'm happy to write about anything the Arnolds like...I just need to know what that is!!
More Music Picks
Say what you will--but for my money, among 80s movie themes comprised of entirely synthesized notes, bearing the name of the main character of said movies, The Axel F Theme has to be one of the top 4 or 5.
A Towel is just a Towel
I tend to think that gym orientations are a waste of time, but I do think that people should be required an 8 hour class on etiquette and things before you decide to join said gym.
Much in the same way that everyone feels uncomfortable when they're around someone working out in jean shorts, or work boots---they are even more uncomfortable when you're working out next to someone who has a paisley-laden bathroom towel with them.
Really...
Just go with white. You'll thank me later.
I Hope He's Stoned...
I'm going to a Jon Lovitz show tonight. I think the relative enjoyability of this show rests entirely upon the inherent level of stonededness that Jon is under.
If he's sober, it is going to be a long night...
Second Time is a Charm
Dirty Sexy Money backed up its phenomenal opener with a thought-provoking second episode. It is absolutely here to stay, and I predict a time change to a 9 pm slot before the season is out.
For those that watch it, what is the over/under on the number of episodes until Jeremy and Juliet reveal that they have an incestuous relationship? Three?
They may ride that underlying plot all season if ratings stay up--but what a perfect trump card to hold onto...
Picks for the Weekend...
Huge weekend of football. It is cliched to say, but come January, you'll look back at this week and realize that (save the Pac-10) this was the weekend that conference champions were determined.
Here goes...
UPS at Linfield
Unfortunately for the good guys, this won't be a pretty one. UPS came unraveled last week against PLU and are showing no signs of being able to keep up with Linfield's offense. Tough go from here on out for the Logs.
Linfield 33-12
#8 Kentucky at #11 South Carolina
I predict that South Carolina's opportunistic defense will have a sophomore return two turnovers for touchdowns and Andre Woodsen's Heisman run will be derailed.
South Carolina 38-23
#5 Wisconsin at Illinois
Illinois is really the only team in the Big Ten that has drawn looks of awe this year. I just don't see how Wisconsin is #5, Ohio State is #4 and Illinois is unranked! If you're going to drastically overhype the Big Ten, include Zooks' Illini!
Ugly game, but Wisconsin finally gets what they've been asking for all year.
Illinois 21-13
Kansas at #24 Kansas State
Kansas hasn't played anyone. Kansas State is back to form but not great. I don't see a lot of defense in this game.
Kansas State 44-28
#10 Oklahoma at #19 Texas
Even in the beginning of the decade when Oklahoma was dominating this series, there wasn't a talent differential as big as there is this year. Unless Oklahoma starts playing Uno instead of Football like they did against CU, they dominate this game because Texas is AWFUL.
Oklahoma 34-6.
#12 Georgia at Tennessee
The SEC continues to screw itself by scheduling such difficult conference games.
Tennessee 34-33.
#15 Virginia Tech at #22 Clemson
Am I the only person that thinks that Clemson is a decidedly better team than Virginia Tech? At home, unless Virginia Tech scores twice on defense/special teams, Clemson wins this one.
Clemson 24-10.
Stanford at #2 USC
Pete Carroll likes being ranked #1. It doesn't affect a lot of people, but definitely affects him. Despite injuries in the backfield, USC wins by as many points as they want to.
USC 62-9.
#9 Florida at #1 LSU
I'd love to take Florida in this one, but you're dealing with a brutally tough defense, in Baton Rouge, playing a phenomenally talented but frighteningly young Florida team. It has to be LSU...
LSU 28-17.
#20 Cincinnati at #21 Rutgers
I hope you enjoyed being ranked, Cincinnati...you may never be again.
Rutgers 35-10.
#4 Ohio State at #23 Purdue
I think that this is the most intriguing game of the week. Purdue is hot and at home. Ohio State has A LOT to prove despite their #4 ranking. I hate the Big Ten right now but will tune in for this one. I think Purdue comes out slinging but Ohio State's rushing attack wins the second half for them.
Ohio State 21-20.
#25 Nebraska at #17 Missouri
I may have a mancrush on Nebraska but I think that they're going to absolutely kill an over-hyped Missouri team.
Nebraska 38-7.
Utah State (0-5) at #16 Hawaii (5-0)
Is 100 points out of the question here?
Hawaii 88-0.
Comments?
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