sdsbubba

Politics and money clearly rule major college sports...business as usual for years now...for example- nonsensical mascot names and ugly uniforms...its not about school spirit or fans but consumers and revenue streams. 'Landsharks' has more meaning and appeal than 'Black Bears'; metallic accented uni's haven't improved our coaches' game management or player performance that I can tell. That said, I still love college football!

I've said it before and I'll say it again in this writer's terms: annual athletic budget + population within 200-mile radius of campus = "pecking order" (hint-it's like 6A vs 3A in high school year after year). So, be proud of your team when they win, either because of these advantages or in spite of those of the opponent. It's as simple as that-so schools like MSU should be proud to truly compete with the Alabama's with ~twice their budget and resources that money buys.

The circumstance/background is irrelevant. 2 young men assaulted a sports official (from behind) on the field of play with the obvious intent to physically injure him. There is no rationalization that will excuse their behavior. They should be suspended immediately from their participation in sports and their school, which likewise should face a disciplinary review by the local/state education system. If you take exception to this, then maybe you as a fan are part of the problem of sports related violence?

When any team in football has a 41-0 halftime lead, then scores 5 more touchdowns in the 2nd half...this should appear in Wikipedia under "Running up the score." Why not just leave this byline out of the article? Ole Miss dominated UTM. They weren't being rude or disrespectful or nice...they simply RAN UP THE SCORE!

Is it possible to enjoy rivalry without being rude, even in the SEC? For some, apparently not... Food for thought (we ARE allowed to think in the SEC): consider the athletic budget and surrounding population (200-mile radius say) of any given SEC school; programs that have more money and larger populations to recruit from have enjoyed more overall success on the field. It's Walmart vs the corner grocery, 6A vs 3-4-5A year after year. Some years talent and coaching level the field, but not most. So be proud of your team when they excel and expect more out of your fans...and keep a better perspective-it's a college sport played by teenagers and 20 year olds.

I think the whole SEC West and SEC vs the world topics have in large part been engineered by the media...and the desired effect was achieved...piquing interest and controversy...and nationwide attention. If you don't think this affects teams during game preparation, then replay GT Coach Johnson's parting postgame comment to the ESPN interviewer on the field. No smart coach (or player) wants to willingly provide added motivation for his opponent!

MSU has the talent but lacks the ability to play anywhere near their best in big games. Losing to Bama, Ole Miss and GT is not as big an issue as how they were never really competitive in each of those games. Coaching during the game, discipline/execution and figuring out the right chemistry are going to be Dan Mullen's challenges; if he can't figure it out, MSU will settle back into the middle of the pack season after season. To be fair, consider athletic/football annual budgets and population demographics of recruitment regions-you'll find that more $ + more population within 200 miles of campus = more on field success year after year.

This incorrect call highlights the problem with the college replay rule and interpretation. Why not just allow the replay official to make the correct call instead of requiring "irrefutable" evidence to overturn the call on the field? If the ref had raised his hands, then the CORRECT call, TD LSU, would have been upheld. There is seemingly an unwritten corollary not to embarrass officials on the field if there is any way possible to uphold their call (maybe...just maybe... his knee was down???). This is the worst call of the year that I have watched, and I'm not an LSU fan (grew up rooting for the Irish).

I agree with expanding the playoffs. Once the sponsors see how much $ they can make this year, they'll lead the charge. Face it- the bowl system has been defended for decades because of the $. With increasing numbers of good football programs nationwide ("parity"?), now it makes $ sense to install playoffs (engage more markets). I personally think that the other major college sports playoffs are much more exciting than the BcS fiasco and current DI football mess.

Refs blew it on this play (literally blew the whistle when the ruling on the field was a fumble-live ball in the hands of LSU lineman). Wouldn't it be fun to restart the play like a hockey face off or rugby scrum-football version?!? Give Mr. Garrett the sack...not that he'll need any padding of his stats from what I've seen this season.

I understand that the targeting rule is controversial, but as an objective fan (not pulling for either team in this case) this call was pretty clear. By lowering his head the DB led with the crown of his helmet. This used to be called spearing and is an awful and dangerous tackling technique for both players. There's not a defensive coach on any level I know that doesn't teach you to keep your eyes/head up. Don't get me started on big hitting versus big tackling in today's game...

I'm just glad he's not on my team (Jameis Winston or Mr. Kanell)! You cannot coach or play away basic character flaws (or excuse them away-Mr. Kanell) without humility...admit bad behavior and accept responsibility. Not entirely his fault...just preparing for pro sports, isn't he?

Why you so serious? My theory: folks who never succeeded personally in athletics (but wish they had) are trying to live through their teams and express their bitterness in ways like some of these barbed comments.