American Sports Thread

[gallsman]

I can't help but love him a little bit. Massively entertaining.

[AZOffaly]

I can't help but love him a little bit. Massively entertaining.

I would if he was poor boy made good and just couldn't handle the fame, but he is rich already. Remember all the money gestures he used to do at A&M and the fast cars his Daddy bought for him? A spoiled brat is what I'd be thinking to be honest, and the only reason I'm sorry he's not playing is because I'd love to see Geno Atkins eat his lunch for him next week

[AZOffaly]

ESPNs current bowl predictions. I love bowl season   By the way, whoever asked me above, this year is one of those years there might be up to 5 teams with a 5-7 record in the bowls.

College Football Playoff semifinals

College Football Playoff at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas Thursday, Dec. 31, 4 or 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Alabama vs. Michigan State
McMurphy: Alabama vs. Michigan State

College Football Playoff at the Capital One Orange Bowl
Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida Thursday, Dec. 31, 4 or 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Schlabach: Oklahoma vs. Clemson
McMurphy: Clemson vs. Oklahoma

College Football Playoff National Championship

University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona Monday, Jan. 11, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Schlabach: Alabama vs. Oklahoma
McMurphy: Oklahoma vs. Alabama


Bowl schedule

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m. (ABC)
Schlabach: California vs. New Mexico
McMurphy: Central Michigan vs. New Mexico

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas Saturday, Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Schlabach: San Diego State vs. Washington State
McMurphy: Washington State vs. San Diego State

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama Saturday, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Akron vs. South Alabama
McMurphy: Western Michigan vs. Georgia Southern

AutoNation Cure Bowl
Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. (CBSSN)
Schlabach: UConn vs. Georgia Southern
McMurphy: Tulsa vs. San Jose State

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Appalachian State vs. Southern Miss
McMurphy: Louisiana Tech vs. Arkansas State

Miami Beach Bowl
Marlins Park, Miami Monday, Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Temple vs. Western Kentucky
McMurphy: Western Kentucky vs. USF

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho Tuesday, Dec. 22, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Ohio vs. Nevada
McMurphy: Akron vs. Boise State

Boca Raton Bowl
FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Memphis vs. Toledo
McMurphy: UConn vs. Toledo

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego Wednesday, Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Boise State vs. Northern Illinois
McMurphy: Air Force vs. Northern Illinois

GoDaddy Bowl
Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama Wednesday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State
McMurphy: Bowling Green vs. Appalachian State

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas Thursday, Dec. 24, noon (ESPN)
Schlabach: Middle Tennessee vs. Western Michigan
McMurphy: Middle Tennessee vs. Ohio

Hawai'i Bowl
Aloha Stadium, Honolulu Thursday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: BYU vs. Tulsa
McMurphy: BYU vs. Temple

St. Petersburg Bowl
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida Saturday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: USF vs. Marshall
McMurphy: Marshall vs. Cincinnati

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas Saturday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m. (CBS)
Schlabach: Louisville vs. UCLA
McMurphy: Miami vs. Utah

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl
Cotton Bowl, Dallas Saturday, Dec. 26, 2:20 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Louisiana Tech vs. Missouri
McMurphy: Southern Miss vs. Nevada

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York Saturday, Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Schlabach: Pittsburgh vs. Indiana
McMurphy: Pittsburgh vs. Indiana

Camping World Independence Bowl
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana Saturday, Dec. 26, 5:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: NC State vs. Kentucky
McMurphy: Duke vs. Illinois

Foster Farms Bowl
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California Saturday, Dec. 26, 9:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: USC vs. Utah State
McMurphy: Penn State vs. UCLA

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland Monday, Dec. 28, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Duke vs. Navy
McMurphy: NC State vs. Navy

Quick Lane Bowl
Ford Field, Detroit Monday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m. (ESPN2)
Schlabach: Central Michigan vs. Minnesota
McMurphy: Cal vs. Minnesota

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Schlabach: Colorado State vs. Arizona
McMurphy: Colorado State vs. Arizona

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Air Force vs. Washington
McMurphy: Utah State vs. Washington

Russell Athletic Bowl
Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida Tuesday, Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: North Carolina vs. Oklahoma State
McMurphy: North Carolina vs. Oklahoma State

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl
NRG Stadium, Houston Tuesday, Dec. 29, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Texas A&M vs. Texas Tech
McMurphy: LSU vs. West Virginia

Birmingham Bowl
Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama Wednesday, Dec. 30, noon (ESPN)
Schlabach: Cincinnati vs. Auburn
McMurphy: Memphis vs. Auburn

Belk Bowl
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Wednesday, Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Mississippi State vs. Virginia Tech
McMurphy: Virginia Tech vs. Mississippi State

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee Wednesday, Dec. 30, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Miami vs. Georgia
McMurphy: Arkansas vs. Nebraska

National University Holiday Bowl
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego Wednesday, Dec. 30, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Utah vs. Wisconsin
McMurphy: Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Georgia Dome, Atlanta Thursday, Dec. 31, noon (ESPN)
Schlabach: Houston vs. Florida State
McMurphy: Florida State vs. Iowa

Outback Bowl
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida Friday, Jan. 1, noon (ESPN2)
Schlabach: Tennessee vs. Northwestern
McMurphy: Northwestern vs. Tennessee

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl
Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida Friday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. (ABC)
Schlabach: Florida vs. Michigan
McMurphy: Michigan vs. Florida

Fiesta Bowl
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona Friday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Iowa vs. Notre Dame
McMurphy: Notre Dame vs. Houston

Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California Friday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Ohio State vs. Stanford
McMurphy: Ohio State vs. Stanford

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans Friday, Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Ole Miss vs. Baylor
McMurphy: Ole Miss vs. Baylor

TaxSlayer Bowl
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, Jan. 2, noon (ESPN)
Schlabach: Penn State vs. LSU
McMurphy: Texas A&M vs. Louisville

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee Saturday, Jan. 2, 3:20 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Arkansas vs. Kansas State
McMurphy: Texas Tech vs. Georgia

Valero Alamo Bowl
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas Saturday, Jan. 2, 6:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: TCU vs. Oregon
McMurphy: TCU vs. USC

Cactus Bowl
Chase Field, Phoenix Saturday, Jan. 2, 10:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Schlabach: Arizona State vs. West Virginia
McMurphy: Kansas State vs. Arizona State

[gallsman]

I can't help but love him a little bit. Massively entertaining.

I would if he was poor boy made good and just couldn't handle the fame, but he is rich already. Remember all the money gestures he used to do at A&M and the fast cars his Daddy bought for him? A spoiled brat is what I'd be thinking to be honest, and the only reason I'm sorry he's not playing is because I'd love to see Geno Atkins eat his lunch for him next week

He's a bellend of course and it is indeed very enjoyable to watch opposing linebackers mock the money gestures. When I said I can't help but love him a little bit, it's not out of respect or hoping for him to succeed, it's purely the entertainment. One of the sources of entertainment is him playing for a truly awful team and getting hit frequently.

[AZOffaly]

I get ya.

[gawa316]

I remember the first time I came out to the States with the then girlfriend, I turned down a ticket to the Rosebowl cause I thought I would be too hungover after New Years and didn't want to get sick on the 4 hour journey. Her Uncle was/is an USC allumini and throws an 'awesome' tailgate, think it was 2007...worst decision ever!!

[AZOffaly]

I remember the first time I came out to the States with the then girlfriend, I turned down a ticket to the Rosebowl cause I thought I would be too hungover after New Years and didn't want to get sick on the 4 hour journey. Her Uncle was/is an USC allumini and throws an 'awesome' tailgate, think it was 2007...worst decision ever!!

Jaysus, yes, worst decision ever.

[gawa316]

I remember the first time I came out to the States with the then girlfriend, I turned down a ticket to the Rosebowl cause I thought I would be too hungover after New Years and didn't want to get sick on the 4 hour journey. Her Uncle was/is an USC allumini and throws an 'awesome' tailgate, think it was 2007...worst decision ever!!

Jaysus, yes, worst decision ever.

New Years was a damp squid to boot! Drove up to Shaver Lake to the Trading Post, had about 4 pints, almost got beat up by 2 women because we took there seats, got threatened by the owner because I lifted a menu from the behind the bar (it was signed by Adam Sandler when he filmed Click up there) and then drove home!

[cadhlancian]

If the Browns can find a way to lose, they usually do. The fact that Manziel was relegated to third string after going out on the tear (apparently) didn't help matters when McCown went down.

Penultimate College Football Rankings out tonight. I presume it will be 1 - Clemson, 2 - Alabama, 3 - Oklahoma 4 - Iowa/Michigan State 5 Michigan State/Iowa

And unless Clemson lose to UNC or Alabama lose to Florida, then the final four will be made of up the top three and the winner between Iowa and Sparty.

What odds on the Tar Heels or Gators to cause chaos?

Actually Austin Davis took them down the field going 7/8 76 yards and a TD...

[gallsman]

He also made a ridiculous mistake by sliding and forcing them to burn a timeout instead of getting out of bounds. I'm no expert but even I was pretty dumbfounded watching that.

[Oraisteach]

Ah, to be a long-suffering Browns fan.  And that's why I play fantasy football.  At least in defeat, Travis Benjamin's TD earned me 17 points.

As for North Carolina and Florida upsetting Clemson and Alabama respectively, the Tar Heels are 6.5 pt underdogs, and in my view have a viable chance of shocking the Tigers.  Florida, on the other hand, after their dismal performance against the Noles, are 17 pt underdogs to the Tide and haven't got a chance in hell in my view, though of course, as a Buckeye fan, I'd love to see the double upset.

[Clov]

He also made a ridiculous mistake by sliding and forcing them to burn a timeout instead of getting out of bounds. I'm no expert but even I was pretty dumbfounded watching that.

The timeouts are no good when the game is over. There were only 8 secs left and they still had another timeout. There's no possible way they could have used both timeouts if he had gone out of bounds.

[AZOffaly]

They also didn't trust him to try and throw a quick slant to pick up 6 or 7 yards before a timeout and make it more like a 44 yarder. 51 yards was probably 60-40 at best.

I think he did fine, but it didn't help that you had to go to your third string (effectively) QB. It will be interesting to see who is named starter this week.

[Clov]

They also didn't trust him to try and throw a quick slant to pick up 6 or 7 yards before a timeout and make it more like a 44 yarder. 51 yards was probably 60-40 at best.

I think he did fine, but it didn't help that you had to go to your third string (effectively) QB. It will be interesting to see who is named starter this week.

That's on the coach though. Would they have called the slant with McCown or Manziel back there? I'm guessing not given that in endgame situations you see so many coaches, even with very highly rated QBs, calling runs up the gut the minute they get over the 'magical' line that denotes FG range.

[AZOffaly]

I think with McCown or Manziel they would have thrown a quick slant for 6 or 7 yards, and an immediate timeout. That would take about 4 seconds off the clock. I think what you are talking about normally happens when they are within 45 or so, not 50+ yards out.