KoKoPuf's Random Thoughts 11/17/11

1.   What a debacle at Penn State! It will take years for the program to recover if it ever does. JoePa stayed way too long trying to beat Bobby Bowden and he succeeded. But I wonder if Joe Pa would trade a couple of hundred wins if he could have his reputation back.

2.   Bama fans need to be praying for a major storm to hit Ames, Iowa this week. Maybe that will slow down the OSU offense. Really cold weather, a little moisture, and a high risk, high powered offense, make for an explosive situation and gives ISU a good chance for the upset.

3.    If OSU loses and Oregon wins out I think the Ducks have gained the advantage for a rematch with LSU. Not saying they deserve it, but the TV guys get all revved up over high-powered offenses. Doesn’t matter if that offense doesn’t look so high-powered against SEC defenses (LSU & AU). It lets Mark & Lou and the guys have something to argue about for a month.

4.   Bama has become saddled with the reputation that it is a “bad” offensive team. Sure the numbers may say otherwise but Bama just grinds teams down without a lot of flash & dash. And Bama seldom runs up the score.

5.   LSU is a long way from an undefeated season. Arky can move the ball on anyone and if they can get a quick break and grab the lead LSU will be in a lot of trouble. And don’t go to sleep on UGA. I know, I know they have played a soft schedule and they lost to SC and BSU, but the Dawgs are playing really well right now. They have always had lots of talent but lacked focus. Larry Grantham has really improved the D and the offense pressures the whole field. Remember, the St. Louis Cardinals weren’t the anywhere near the best team in baseball for most of the year but they won the World Series. I’ll go out on the limb and predict LSU loses at least one.

6.    For my money the BCS has just screwed up the bowls. The Championship game is usually OK but some of the other matchups look pretty bad. Clemson/VT against WVU. SEC vs Houston. Must see TV for sure. If we aren’t going to have a playoff at least try to do some compelling matches in the big bowls. You think the Sugar Bowl official won’t be sick if UGA wins the SEC?

7.   A couple of really plum Big 10 coaching jobs will be open this year – Ohio State & Penn State. Expect Nick Saban’s name to be floated and why not? He would be the first coach I would call if I were in charge. Both PSU and OSU are in the midst of scandals so they need someone with impeccable character & credentials and a proven winner. I think that narrows the search down to one clear leader – It has to be Lane Kiffen!