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IRL (In Real Life) => Sports => Topic started by: jamus34 on August 09, 2019, 10:22:01 AM

Title: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: jamus34 on August 09, 2019, 10:22:01 AM
NFL officially back (albeit preseason) and college to start soon.

Whose excited?
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on August 09, 2019, 09:03:34 PM
Man City kicks off 6:30 a.m. CDT tomorrow morning!!  Yay!!  Footie's back!!!  OH!  You meant the other guys.  Never been much of a college fan.  Dig the NFL, but, fantasy football heightens/destroys my enjoyment.  So, I guess it's a love/hate relationship now.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: Gusington on August 09, 2019, 10:07:46 PM
As a lowly Jets fan I am contractually obligated to never get excited.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: Steelgrave on August 10, 2019, 09:48:58 AM
That's the correct attitude for any Jets fan, Gus. In Delaware I once saw this green beater car painted front to back with the Jets logo. I thought it rather symbolized the Jets.   8)

On a more positive note, you've outdone yourself with your new avatar, brother!   :bd: :bd: :bd:
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on August 11, 2019, 01:16:50 AM
Baby's got Bactrian!
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on August 11, 2019, 02:58:13 AM
In my flaying dungeon that I tire in for being a Cowboys fan, I lament the Zeke holdout in between the whips and beatings for my fandom.

As an Auburn fan, I'm sort of not beveling the illusion that Gatewood is going to be the difference maker the media says he is.

I'm cynically slouching towards football season towards disappointment.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on August 13, 2019, 08:27:56 PM
Auburn reportedly has the hardest schedule in Division 1 this season.  The local paper says the super speedy receiver going down was a big loss.  But Saturday there was a big turnout for fan day!
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on August 13, 2019, 11:27:12 PM
Making your excuses early?  ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: acctingman on August 14, 2019, 08:25:17 AM
My Seahawks are looking good, but REALLY young. Let's see if coach Carrol can strike lightning in a bottle twice  :smitten:
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: jamus34 on August 14, 2019, 08:28:05 AM
Looking forward to the Bears starting front 7 defense absolutely destroy opposing QBs.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 14, 2019, 10:19:26 AM
Quote from: airboy on August 13, 2019, 08:27:56 PM
Auburn reportedly has the hardest schedule in Division 1 this season. 

I thought that was TX A&M, who get 4 of the top 6 (preseason) teams in the country: Clemson, UGa, Bama, LSU, plus the rest of their usual suspects like Auburn and the Mississippis. And their other crossover this year is South Carolina.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on August 15, 2019, 07:05:16 PM
Auburn is worse - they get Oregon State, Georgia and at Florida. 

Same West schedule as A&M plus the worst East Schedule.  A&M is supposedly the 2nd worst schedule behind Auburn.

I'm not a huge football fan.  Hopefully UNC will be a little better.  As "good" as they have been lately there is little chance they will be significantly worse.  Sort of like my Nebraska buddies saying they think things will improve this year.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on August 20, 2019, 08:35:14 PM
Football season starts in 4 days.

I'll be pulling for Bama to crush their first opponent.  Hopefully their opponent will have their spirits broken for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on August 20, 2019, 09:33:03 PM
You won't have to pull very hard.  The only question of Duke vs. Bama is how long Bama's first string is going to be in the game. 

Surprised to hear Bo Nix named Auburn's starting QB.  All the Gatewood hype had led me to think he'd get the nod for sure.   Nix is faster but you can't coach Gatewood's frame.

Gatewood might end up having more upside, which makes it a potentially risky decision in today's transfer prone NCAA.

Anyway, on to the season.  Gus hasn't had the best record for having the team ready in the early season, so I'm not going into the game with the most confidence.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on August 20, 2019, 11:07:38 PM
Outside of Cam, the biggest success Malzahn had was with Nick Marshall.  If Nix can play that role, Auburn should be pretty stout.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on August 21, 2019, 12:37:54 PM
Nix and Gatewood are both dual threat guys.  Gatewood's size and weight make him the more Cam type.  Nix can throw the ball better.  Both were hot recruits and both fit Gus's system better than anyone he's had running it since Marhsall, so they could be able to field a good team if the OL and RB situation pan out.

I still don't trust Gus with QB's though.  If he's going to name one or the other he needs to commit to it.  I'm afraid you're going to see the typical Auburn season opener where the starting QB is just a guy that takes the first snap, and Gus is going to get cute again and swap QB's just based on the play he has called.   I'm a fan of giving the guy the keys and letting him get a rhythm.   

Never really trusted his QB decisions since the 2016 four quarterbacks in one game vs Clemson debacle.  (Three were in on one play!!)
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on August 21, 2019, 09:02:34 PM
For Gus's system to work he has to have a real duel threat quarterback.  Given the every day pounding every running back gets in every SEC game, it is real hard to have a QB who can take that amount of punishment for a season.

Even running backs in the SEC if they take a lot of snaps will go down with injuries for at least a couple of games most seasons.  Very few SEC running backs can go for 1,000 yards and not get hurt at some point.  And that goes double for running QBs who have to be able to throw, handoff, and toss-sweep.  Tebow is the only guy I can remember in the last 15-20 years who played for two years consistently as a running QB. 

Cam was hurt in the National Championship game.  And Marshall only started one season.

Nix was named QB in this morning's local paper for whatever that means to Gus.

I'm not the football guru that many are, college basketball is my favorite sport.  But there are not a lot of successful SEC dual threat QBs over time (as opposed to a scrambler of opportunity like Dak Prescott).
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on August 21, 2019, 11:47:08 PM
The running back issue has been long known with Gus, and he's not really been inclined to change.  He's driven backs into the ground by years end.  The man broke Kerryon Johnson and probably contributed to his early exit from the program.

Caddy, as the the new RB Coach, has promised a RB by committee approach more similar to Bama's this year.   We'll see if Gus will follow through. 

As to the QB, yeah, I know it's tough to give a dual threat QB all the pressure all year all the time.   I'm ok if Gus finds a good balance in a two QB system, but he needs to do it in a balance that is logical, not one that breaks the rhythm just on the play-calling or field position.   If he's going with Nix, let the guy run the offense inside the 20. 

And I'm hoping he's picking Nix because he's the more Dak Prescott type than the Nick Marshall.  Auburn would be a monster with a Prescott behind center.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on August 31, 2019, 10:33:09 PM
Well, WAR EAGLE!  Holy crap.  Listening to the local news kind of upset, confused and angry that we won.   They're doing their normal thing talking about how amazing the Alabama win over Duke was, interviewing locals and just talking about how amazing the Tide is.  Most predicted "The Barn" will lose by 10-20.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on September 01, 2019, 12:58:01 AM
Here is an Auburn man!


WAAAAAAAR EAGLE!

Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on September 01, 2019, 12:37:18 PM
If you look at the box score, Auburn's defense shut down Oregon's running attack.  Auburn had more than 200 yards on the ground.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on September 01, 2019, 12:38:27 PM
Perfect opening Saturday.  UNC beat the Gamechickens.  Dook was crushed.  Auburn beat a ranked team on a neutral field.  We went to a BBQ and Bourbon tasting to watch the game.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: CptHowdy on September 06, 2019, 04:49:55 AM
last nights packers-bears game justifies my not having watched a pro game in 13 years. the pro game is horrible and would probably die if not for sports betting. i will keep track of scores and watch a highlight or two just so that i can hold up my end of a conversation if the company i am keeping at the moment wishes to discuss it but gimme a college game any day of the week. same holds true for basketball.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: jamus34 on September 06, 2019, 05:28:24 AM
Yes (speaking as a Bears fan) last nights game was horrible. Nagy's decision to not play starters in the preseason combined with some really terrible playcalling doomed the Bears.

Early season defenses always are better due to lack of cohesion and memory timing on the offense side but the offense looked lost last night.

Both offensive lines were bad too. Packers line at least has the excuse they were going again one of the best front 7 in the league, bears line was just terrible in pass protection.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on September 12, 2019, 11:20:44 PM
Thursday night football is pretty subpar, especially in the early season with teams that have a lot of rust and made questionable preseason decisions with starters.  I honestly wish they'd do away with the Thursday night games overall.  They always seem to be low energy bore fests.

There were a lot better games in the weekend proper.   That Texans/Saints game was a good to watch.   

As much as I do like pulling for my own college team, I can't even enjoy college ball as much as the pros, not even close.  The speed, game planning and execution are just far more preferable to me. 

Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: Martok on September 13, 2019, 12:25:51 AM
Quote from: SirAndrewD on September 12, 2019, 11:20:44 PM
Thursday night football is pretty subpar, especially in the early season with teams that have a lot of rust and made questionable preseason decisions with starters.  I honestly wish they'd do away with the Thursday night games overall.  They always seem to be low energy bore fests.
Agreed.  I'm totally okay with the traditional Thanksgiving games, but otherwise Thursdays should be left alone. 
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on October 05, 2019, 01:11:18 AM
Auburn/Florida tomorrow promises to be epic. 

I can see it going either way.   Auburn's D is elite.  Florida's D the same.   Auburn has a freshman QB.  Florida's OL will struggle against the Auburn front four. 

I hope it goes the Tiger's way.   Auburn already has the best resume in the nation, it'd just add to it. 

Winning in the Swamp is never easy though.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on October 05, 2019, 08:53:52 AM
Quote from: SirAndrewD on October 05, 2019, 01:11:18 AM
Auburn/Florida tomorrow promises to be epic. 

I can see it going either way.   Auburn's D is elite.  Florida's D the same.   Auburn has a freshman QB.  Florida's OL will struggle against the Auburn front four. 

I hope it goes the Tiger's way.   Auburn already has the best resume in the nation, it'd just add to it. 

Winning in the Swamp is never easy though.

Agree on all points and will add one more point.  Auburn has played a much harder schedule to date than Florida.  Auburn's hardest games thus far have been Oregon (neutral field), Texas A&M (away with 110,000 aggie fans) and Mississippi State (home).  Florida's hardest game was Kentucky.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on October 05, 2019, 08:58:00 AM
We are going to the UNC - Georgia Tech game in Atlanta.

Perfect storm of factors.  I got midfield, upper deck on the shady side of the stadium for a total of $50.  The weather is predicted to break today in Atlanta with a high of 81 degrees.  We can drive to a MARTA station outside almost all of the Atlanta traffic, park, get to within three blocks of the stadium and return for a total of $10 for the two of us.

I have not been to a Braves game since they moved because they did not hook up to the train system and it would take a minimum of 3.5 hours to park, get out of parking, and get 20 miles away from the stadium.  And this is an absolute minimum amount of time which ignores the additional 2 hour drive one way.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on October 05, 2019, 09:20:39 PM
Weather was wonderful for the UNC-Ga Tech game.  The tarheels actually won a football game that I went to see (only the 2nd time since I graduated in 1984 - over about 7 games).  Had upper deck tickets.  Sun went behind the deck after only an hour.  Started at 81 degrees and started dropping.  Nice afternoon for a game.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on October 06, 2019, 02:07:42 AM
Well....

Man, I think Bo Nix is a great kid.  But heck, he was not ready tonight.  Talented QB, really, just wasn't put in a place to succeed.

Auburn also really needs an "Auburn back" to run the ball.  Love Boobie Whitlow, but he's not Kerryon, Caddy, Ronnie, Tre, Rudi or any of the other traditional Running Back U back breaker RB's.

The loss doesn't break Auburn, they still control their own destiny. But I really really do wonder if Bo should've worn a redshirt.   This was a super hard game for him and he couldn't really put it together. 

Really should be able to win when your D forces so many turnovers and puts the offense in so many favorable situations. 

Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on October 09, 2019, 01:13:11 PM
Unfortunately for Auburn, Whitlow woke up with a swollen knee on Sunday and had knee surgery this week.  He is out for the next four games minimum.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on November 30, 2019, 09:52:58 PM
Well, WAR EAGLE!

What a game.  A disappointing season ended on a high note.  Can't even be sad about an Iron Bowl win.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on December 01, 2019, 12:46:21 AM
Just hope this doesn't get Malzahn an extension ;)
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on December 01, 2019, 12:59:01 AM
Quote from: MetalDog on December 01, 2019, 12:46:21 AM
Just hope this doesn't get Malzahn an extension ;)

Yeah, that'd be unfortunate. 

Can't hate the win though.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on December 01, 2019, 11:30:53 AM
That was an amazing game.

Why can't Saban recruit a consistent short kicker?  With all of the other talent he has that has always been a mystery to me.

On an even happier note, the Tarheels won six games, beat Dook, and qualified for a bowl after a miserable 2 win season last year.   :clap:
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on December 01, 2019, 09:19:24 PM
I was standing on the front porch, looking in at the tv when that poor kid lined up for the game tying field goal.  I thought to myself, "I wish it hadn't come down to this.  Saban has had so much trouble from kickers over the years."  I was not at all surprised when immediately afterward, he doinked the kick.  I say poor kid because the nature of the rivalry is such that I expect him to get death threats.  I pray truly it doesn't come down to it, but, I suspect it started right after the kick missed.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on December 01, 2019, 10:00:12 PM
Yeah, I knew we had a chance when it came down to a kick. 

It's not that Saban can't recruit a good kicker, he won't.  He doesn't value the position. 

Perfect example are Auburn's last two kickers, Daniel and Anders Carlson.  The Carlson brothers were Alabama legacy recruits.  Their dad was decorated Tennis player for the Tide and their Mom was a recruiter for Bear Bryant. 

Their parents pulled strings for Daniel to go and meet Saban and talk about getting him a scholarship.  Saban flatly refused them, despite Carlson having very solid stats. 

Both brothers went to Auburn when Saban refused them.   

Keeps coming back to haunt him but Saban doesn't care about the position.

And you're right about the death threats worry.  I feel for the kid too. 

I actually haven't lost any friends as of today...that's a record post an Auburn win.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on December 01, 2019, 11:55:01 PM
Congrats on keeping your friends!  I know how trying that can be sometimes :)

I can only imagine giving a scholarship to a kicker leaves a 5 star of any other position off the roster.  And Nick is pretty good at collecting talent.  And as embarrassing as it is to lose on kicks, I think 'Bama fans would hold out 5 National Championships as a pretty fair trade for a few wobbly kicks.  The fact that you crazy people NAME your rivals mistakes is just over the top!
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on December 02, 2019, 12:32:30 AM
That's been the problem with Saban and kickers, he generally only has one Scholarship and one walk on to give out, so if they miss they miss.  Like you say, they've done well without top flight kickers but as some better programs are catching up it might end up being an issue later for them. 

Bama's named a few of their notable Iron Bowls, like The Run in the Mud, Wrong Way Bo, The Kick. 

Auburn fans get a bit over the top with it I admit.   Our fans are also over the top storming the field.  I got it in 2013, but I didn't quite find it necessary or called for yesterday.  Bama doesn't lead the series all time enough, especially since 1980, to really go that nuts on a win.    Heck, Saban's only 10-8 vs Auburn and has never beat an Auburn team with more than 8 wins.  It's nice to enjoy the win but it goes too far sometimes. 
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on December 02, 2019, 10:59:38 AM
I agree about the fanatics who target players in Iron Bowl games.  It is sad.  I've also seen it for AU football players during disappointing seasons.  Some kids were unable to eat out in public due to abuse which is sad.  I never say anything to college athletes/performers that is not positive - except if they don't try (I've almost never seen it at Auburn - and the one baseball coach who had the issue was fired).

We love college sports.  I've had season men's & women's basketball, baseball (and I'm trying to get Softball) tickets for decades.  We go to conference tournaments and national championships.  But at the end of the day it is just a game and for almost all a brief spot in their lives.  I had more season tickets than any other faculty member in one of the largest Colleges at Auburn.

I read that Alabama has missed more field goals than any other FBS team since 2007.  Part of this is having a good enough offense to yield that many attempts.  And I also agree that Saban's formula has been a winner overall.  Still, the kicker seems to be a major chink the armor.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on December 02, 2019, 08:19:28 PM
Bellichick just said to hit'em where their weak.  Just didn't figure it would be the kicker ;)

@SirAndrewD I should have been more clear when I said you guys are crazy about naming games here.  I meant the whole state.  College football anywhere really.  I'm not a CFB fan in a CFB state.  So it makes me smile when I see how the rivalry/hatred plays out.  As much as I hated it for 'Bama in 2013, "You got a second," was pretty funny.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: SirAndrewD on December 02, 2019, 08:25:13 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on December 02, 2019, 08:19:28 PM
Bellichick just said to hit'em where their weak.  Just didn't figure it would be the kicker ;)

@SirAndrewD I should have been more clear when I said you guys are crazy about naming games here.  I meant the whole state.  College football anywhere really.  I'm not a CFB fan in a CFB state.  So it makes me smile when I see how the rivalry/hatred plays out.  As much as I hated it for 'Bama in 2013, "You got a second," was pretty funny.

Gotcha.  You'll forgive me on that one, I know a lot of Bama fans that claim they never name their Iron Bowls because winning against Auburn is "routine" "not worthy of note" and that Tennessee is their "real rival" anyway.  So I've had a few shots sent my way on that one. 

I think it's a bit crazy myself, for both sides, but it can be funny.  Apparently this one's starting to get called "Unfair in Jordan-Hare" due to Saban's comments on the postgame. 

For the record I'm an NFL fan first myself.  I cheer for Auburn because I'm an alum, and it does get intense when we do well.  Outside of that most of my interest in College is on individual players and the draft.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: solops on December 02, 2019, 09:56:21 PM
Quote from: Martok on September 13, 2019, 12:25:51 AM
Quote from: SirAndrewD on September 12, 2019, 11:20:44 PM
Thursday night football is pretty subpar, especially in the early season with teams that have a lot of rust and made questionable preseason decisions with starters.  I honestly wish they'd do away with the Thursday night games overall.  They always seem to be low energy bore fests.
Agreed.  I'm totally okay with the traditional Thanksgiving games, but otherwise Thursdays should be left alone.
+1
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: JasonPratt on December 03, 2019, 08:47:36 AM
Recently discovered this channel. Totally safe for work (so far as I've seen).



"Yeah, it's way too unfair to have a deep threat like a punt at wide receiver." "Now just wait one second--!" "Wait: ONE second?" "...."
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on December 03, 2019, 10:07:50 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 03, 2019, 08:47:36 AM
Recently discovered this channel. Totally safe for work (so far as I've seen).



"Yeah, it's way too unfair to have a deep threat like a punt at wide receiver." "Now just wait one second--!" "Wait: ONE second?" "...."

We watch SEC shorts religiously.  You should watch the one just before this with the Tennessee Fan as Rocky.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: JasonPratt on December 03, 2019, 11:46:45 AM
I did! -- it was great.  ;D TN as expected takes a satirical beating the past few years (not only in that ep, but that was an epic focus for this year).
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on January 01, 2020, 04:58:52 PM
For me, football season is over.  And it was a good year.

The Tarheels won half their regular season games and got a bowl bid.  They won their bowl game and also got the advantage of all of the extra practices.

We saw them in person beat Georgia Tech.  UNC also had a top 20 recruiting class for next year.

Auburn disappointed their serious fans, but unfortunately lived up to my preseason projections to my buddies about their inability to run the ball.  They beat Alabama but lost their bowl game.  Overall, they had a very good defense and a weak offense.  Auburn has the #6 recruiting class - but that is 4th in the SEC.

We are highly likely to go to the kickoff classic in Atlanta next August when UNC plays Auburn.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on January 01, 2020, 05:46:48 PM
Quote from: airboy on January 01, 2020, 04:58:52 PM
For me, football season is over.  And it was a good year.

The Tarheels won half their regular season games and got a bowl bid.  They won their bowl game and also got the advantage of all of the extra practices.

We saw them in person beat Georgia Tech.  UNC also had a top 20 recruiting class for next year.

Auburn disappointed their serious fans, but unfortunately lived up to my preseason projections to my buddies about their inability to run the ball.  They beat Alabama but lost their bowl game.  Overall, they had a very good defense and a weak offense.  Auburn has the #6 recruiting class - but that is 4th in the SEC.

We are highly likely to go to the kickoff classic in Atlanta next August when UNC plays Auburn.

'Bama lost the Iron Bowl and beat their Big 10 opponent.  Crazy how that works.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on January 01, 2020, 06:57:28 PM
^ Many deficiencies of your offense are overcome when your defense scores two touchdowns.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on January 01, 2020, 09:31:34 PM
Yeah.  Mac Jones threw 6 touchdowns that night.  Only 4 to his own guys.  Still could have gone either way.  If that kid hadn't missed the FG, can you imagine how many overtimes there would have been?!  Nothing is ever easy in the Iron Bowl.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on January 01, 2020, 10:09:20 PM
Why Saban won't burn a scholarship to get a good, consistent FG kicker is a mystery.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: airboy on January 14, 2020, 11:44:23 AM
Congrats to LSU.  SEC West is a beast.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: jamus34 on January 14, 2020, 11:51:23 AM
Quote from: airboy on January 14, 2020, 11:44:23 AM
Congrats to LSU.  SEC West is a beast.

It'll be a very long time I think before we see a team demolish the NCAA the way LSU did this year. From start to finish it was a sight to behold.
Title: Re: 2019 Running Football Thread
Post by: MetalDog on January 14, 2020, 08:40:04 PM
It was a procession, for sure.  Burrows threw for 60 tds.  That just boggles my mind.