Week Zero 2023

 Hey All,

It's time for the first in-season edition of the column that makes your Tuesdays feel like Saturdays, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard. We still miss you, Jim Murray. 

Summary 

USC 56- San Jose State 28: Los Angeles, CA- The Trojan faithful got to see their much hyped 2023 team for the first time last Saturday evening at the Coliseum.  The game proved to be a mixed bag of highs and lows in all three phases of the game.  One offensive high is that defending Heisman Trophy Winner Caleb Williams is still pretty darn good and can get the ball to a very deep and talented receiving corps. Williams had a fine day completing 18 of 25 passes for 278 yards and four TDs.  One of those TDs came on a busted play when Williams picked up a bad snap and then heaved the ball 41 yards to WR Tahj Washington who caught the ball around the SJSU 35-yard line and took into the end zone for a 76-yard touchdown. Another good thing for the offense was that returning RB Austin Jones and transfer RB MarShawn Lloyd can run the ball well. The pair combined for 96 yards rushing with 2 TDs.  Despite setting the stage for the offense to gain 502 yards of offense and score 49 points, the offensive line had a subpar night with a number of missed assignments that led to poor push in the running game and an inability to protect their QBs in the pocket. Now for the defense who had a less than impressive day to say the least. The defense does have a great deal more talent and depth than last year.  The problem is that missed assignments, broken coverages and poor play calling led to SC giving up almost 400 yards of offense and 28 points to the Spartans. Newcomer LB's Tackett Curtis and Mason Cobb played well, but SC was only able truly stop SJSU when veterans Shane Lee and Eric Gentry came in to snuff out three straight drives. The secondary wasn't strong either picking up four holding calls and leaving receivers wide open numerous times. The best part of the whole game was watching freshman WR Zachariah Branch play. The great nephew of Raiders HOFer Cliff Branch caught a 25-yard TD in the third quarter. Then a little over four minutes later, he took a kickoff back 96 yards for another score. Branch has elite speed and makes moves that remind many fans of Adoree Jackson and some other Trojan alum that wants his Heisman back.  For the Spartans, QB Chevan Cordeiro completed 21of 38 passes for 198 yards and three TDs while also running for 52 yards on 10 carries. Cordero's favorite target was WR Nick Nash who torched the Trojan secondary for 89 yards and three TDs on just six catches. 

Telling Stat: Second half separation; Nursing a 21-14 lead to start the second half, USC scored on four straight drives and a kickoff return to take a 56-21 lead with 6:53 left the fourth quarter to put the pesky Spartans away. 

Observations 

...No bowling in Tempe;  ASU has self-imposed a bowl ban for 2023. This is an attempt by the school to get ahead of the NCAA punishment they most likely will receive due to the investigation into recruiting violations while Herman Edwards was the HC.  To announce this a few days before your first game is just lousy. What about all the new kids that committed to ASU this year from high school and those picked up in the transfer portal? I'm sure they would have liked to known they weren't getting a chance to play in a bowl a little earlier in the recruiting process. What's worse is the seniors have had their year ruined before they even play a down.

...Poor timing; The new NCAA rule the allows the clock to run now after a made first down is not good at first glance.  I don't want to see less football when I'm at game just so those plays can be replaced with more commercials or lengthy reviews.

...642 and 2;  USC will play its' 642nd game at the Coliseum this week when they host Nevada. Back on October 13, 1923 USC played their second game ever in the Coliseum against... Nevada.  20,000 saw HC Gloomy Gus Henderson's Trojans shutout the boys from Reno, 33-0.

...Tough Trivia;  There are 133 head coaches in the FBS this year. Which one has lost the most career games on the FBS level?  

...71 is fun; 71 different Trojans saw action against San Jose State.

...The OC got one too;  The saga of Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh's suspension for the first three games by his own admin is well documented.  What we didn't known until now is that his OC, Sherrone Moore is also suspended for the Wolverines home opener v. East Carolina. 

...A Crossbar Zero;  Neither USC or San Jose State attempted a field goal last week.  The teams either scored TDs or didn't get in range to attempt one. 

...A Marriage of convenience; Stanford. Cal and SMU may be Joining the ACC this week.  Those schools need the ACC as much as  the ACC needs them.  With the possibility of Florida State and others leaving the league soon the ACC needs these teams to keep their TV contract in tact.  Why? Because there's a clause in the ACC's TV deal that states if the league drops below 14 teams that their network partners can drastically reduce the total dollar amount of the deal.

...Fun Fact; Before acquiring the nickname Wolves in 1923 which the later on morphed into Wolf Pack, University of Nevada teams were referred to as the Sagebrushers by the local media. 

...Talent alone won't get it done;  USC has a lot more talent on defense. Too bad the defensive scheme is still bad. 

...24/1973;  With their 41-30 win at New Mexico State, UMass snapped a 24-game road losing streak. It also marks the first time UMass has won a road opener against an FBS team since 1973. That year they beat current Big Ten bottom feeder Rutgers, 25-22.  The headman for UMass that year was future Syracuse HC Dick MacPherson.

...The big hurt;  SDSU QB Jaylen Mayden figured out a brutal way to avoid an intentional grounding call at the expense of the Center Judge.  Point Blank 

...FBS perfection; Jacksonville State has made the jump to the FBS in style.  They upset UTEP, 17-14 in their season opener.  That gives Jacksonville State a perfect 1.000 winning percentage in FBS play. Oh, and they are also 1-0 in the C-USA standings. 

...Head scratcher;  Anybody ever wonder where Alabama football would be had Rich Rodriguez hadn't backed out of the HC job back in early 2007?  That left Bama to take their second choice, Nick Saban. 

...Just a rumor; There's no truth to the rumor that UMAss now wants a home and home with Georgia.

...He lived our dream;  When El Segundo's Louis Lappe hit that walkoff homer to win the Little League World Series, he lived out in real life a dream that millions of us who ever picked up a bat have had. Way to go, kid. 

...100 minutes; The was just about the length of the lightning delay that pushed back the start of the Hawaii-Vanderbilt game. Ouch. 

...When age hits hard; It happens when you realize that the LA Coliseum turning 100 years old means you've been going to games there for 50 years.  

...Made me cringe;  Check out this crazy face mask penalty. Backwards!

...Tough Trivia Answer;  North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has lost 139 games on the FBS level. 

...RichRod is back;  Former West Virginia, Arizona and Michigan HC Rich Rodriguez is back in the FBS as the HC of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.  Yes, there's now two sets of Gamecocks in the FBS.

...Less balls for Branch;  USC's Zachariah Branch may not see a ball kicked to him again this year. 

...They have a QB;  Notre Dame has indeed found a QB in 6th year senior transfer from Wake Forest, Sam Hartman. He's also three years older than Indianapolis Colts starting QB Anthony Richardson. 

...He =USC²; Trojan RB MarShawn Lloyd transferred to USC from South Carolina. 

...This says it all; Tell me your stadium renovations aren't close to being finished without actually telling me that your stadium renovations aren't close to being finished. Check this out at Vandy. 2 Cranes

...Paging The Man in Black;  Johnny Cash said you gotta be tough to be a boy named Sue, but what if you're last name is...

CFL Update

The men who play the professional game north for the border are in the middle of their regular season.  The 2022 defending Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts are 8-1 in the East Division. They have a comfortable cushion over the Montreal Alouettes who sit in second place at 6-4.  In the West Division, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are 9-2 and have a two game lead over the second place B.C. Lions. The Commissioner's favorite squad, the Edmonton Elks are once again the worst in the league at 2-9. However, the Elks have won their last two games after starting 0-9.  Their first win snapped a 22-game home losing steak. 

Good Looking Uniform of the Week

Let's take some time to praise Vanderbilt's uniforms v. Hawaii. This uniform gives me great throwback vibes to when the New Orelans Saints sported this shade of gold back in the '70s.  I can see Archie Manning throwing to Henry Childs right now. 

Requiem For a Pair Noble of Trojans

Two great USC running backs passed away this year.  The first was Charles White on January 11th and then C.R. Roberts died six months later on July 11th. In 1956, 14 years before Sam Cunningham ran all over an all-white Alabama team, Roberts ran all over Texas in Austin.  The Longhorns admin told USC that they couldn't bring Roberts to the game.  USC wouldn't play the game without him.  Texas was forced to relent or lose the home game.  Texas relented and Roberts then smashed the Longhorns almost single handedly.  He gashed the Burnt Orange for 251 yards and three TDs on just 12 carries.  That averages to a nifty 20.91yards per carry!  I remember Mr. Roberts sitting in our section for many years at the Coliseum.  I had the pleasure to speak to the man a few times. He was one of the nice guys who bled Cardinal and Gold.  Speaking of bleeding Cardinal and Gold, Charles White sure did.  The little tailback out of San Fernando High was my first Trojan Heisman Hero.  To use the old phrase he was as tough as a nickel steak. Hit after hit, carry after carry, he just got stronger.  Nobody will break his SC record for career rushing which stands at 6,245 yards.  He led SC to the 1978 national title then came back to win the Heisman in 1979 while leading SC to a 17-16 win over Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.  Down 16-10 late in the final period and the ball on the Trojans own 17-yard line, White carried the team on his back on a drive for the ages.  He broke off runs of 31 and 30 yards, then after the Trojans picked up a first down at the Buckeyes 11-yard line he finished off the drive.  White carried the ball four straight times with the last one being a dive over the goal line for the winning score. RIP to this pair of Trojan greats. 

Mr.Roberts goes to Texas (LA Times article from 2006)

Charlie White's Final Drive (YouTube video. Fast forward this video to the 2:25:00 mark)

Departments 

Low Score Game of the Week: Montgomery, AL- In the FCS Kickoff Classic that was televised on ESPN, the Mercer Bears held off the North Alabama Lions, 17-7.  The game was tied 7-7 after the first quarter, then the Mercer defense shutout the Lions the rest of the way.  A 24-yard FG from PK Reice Griffith and a three-yard run from RB Michah Bell provided the margin victory for the Bears.  Next week, Mercer takes on Ole Miss in Oxford. 

Rivalry Game of the Week: Valley City, ND-  A rivalry game in Week Zero, You Betcha!  The Valley City State Vikings beat the University of Jamestown Jimmies, 23-15 to claim the Paint Bucket Trophy. It was the 124th meeting between the two schools that play in the NAIA. VCSU got most of their points in a six minute span that covered the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third.  Two TD passes from Viking QB Avery Thorsgard and a 21-yard TD run form RB Carlos Julian did the major damage for VCSU.  Jamestown's last chance to send the game to overtime ended with 2:22 to play when QB Nick Martinez was sacked on fourth and 14 at the VCSU 41-yard line.  The Vikings then ran out the clock and took possession of the Paint Bucket Trophy.

Razorback Report: The Hogs did not have a Week Zero game and will open up the season on 9/2 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock v. The Catamounts of Western Carolina.  The Razorbacks are playing in Little Rock to help celebrator the 75th anniversary of War Memorial Stadium. 

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

South Shores Meat Shop is a throwback to old San Pedro and I love it.

No store should have a display of pumpkins for sale before Labor Day. 

Hard to believe a tropical storm made landfall here last week. 

 

Until next time, remember that having more talent doesn't always lead to more wins.

-The Commissioner 

The Pac 4?

Hey All,

It's time to talk a bit about the elephant in the room, the two mortal blows that were dealt to the Pac 12 when Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State and Utah announced that they would all be playing in the Big XII in 2024 along with the Big Ten then grabbing Oregon and Washington. Those announcements came a little over a year after USC and UCLA bolted for the Big Ten. That leaves Stanford, Cal, Oregon State and Washington State stranded among the wreckage of what was the Pac 12. Disclaimer: This is just how I see what happened from the cheap seats. Many others know far more than me.

How did we get here?

Short answer: Larry Scott's incompetence and George Kliavkoff's inexperience killed the league. Now, Larry Scott was allowed to be the jerk he was by the university presidents and athletic directors that hired him. A good number of members of that group had changed by the time that Kliavkoff had been given the job. This later group's failing was a not having a firm grasp of reality when in negatiations with the TV networks. 

Long Answer:  The demise of the Pac 12 started the day Larry Scott was hired. Let me list three ways he, without any real oversight by the league presidents and ADs, led the league down a path for destruction. 

1. Failure in TV contract negotiations and the Pac 12 Network

    This failure of these things are joined at the hip. To get a good TV deal that provides great revenue for league members and exposure for the teams requires you have to partner with a network.  Tennis Larry sold the league on not doing so.  He preached that a league that does not partner with anyone can call the shots for money and viewing slots. He was dead wrong.  For your league to succeed, the networks have to have some skin in the game. 61% of the Big Ten Network is owned by Fox. A full 80% of the SEC Network is owned by DISNEY (ESPN/ABC).  I think the Big Ten and SEC are doing pretty well with their partnerships right now.  The Pac 12 was left with an inferior contract and poor TV time slots because of this.  The only reason that the farce known as Pac 12 After Dark exists is because the league had to settle for the leftover time slots from ESPN and Fox.  As for the Pac 12 Network, it's an unseen channel because of no network involvement to plug and promote the channel. Heck, the Longhorn network even has DISNEY (ESPN) and Learfiled Sports as co-owners.  A prime example of how poorly the Pac 12 Network is regarded by broadcasters is that when AT&T, who the league had a streaming deal with, acquired DirecTV, AT&T declined to carry the channel on DirecTV!

2. Larry Scott loved NFL Parity 

    Larry and the lesser schools in the Pac 12 loved it when he spoke of league parity.  Larry wanted a league where anything could happen on any given weekend.  That works for the NFL where 9-8 can get you into the playoffs.  However, going 7-5 or 6-6 in pac 12 gets you unranked and a trip to the Sun Bowl. College leagues thrive on a dominant team or teams. Also, dominant teams get your league more bowl money and better players want to play in your league.  How many years have you looked at the Pac 12 schedules and just see the losses coming due to brutal scheduling?  Remember the years when a team would play back to back road games with the second one coming on a Thursday night? Sigh. 

3. Larry Scott loved spending money on himself

    Larry, loved wasting the league's cash.  Oh, Larry loved going first class.  Private Jets, and expensive hotels were his wont.  Remember the $7,500 a night Las Vegas hotel suite he would stay in at the Pac 12 Basketball tournament?  His salary was about 5 million a year.  That was just a little shy of the salaries of the Big Ten, SEC and Big XII commissioners combined!  He also moved the Pac 12 headquarters from Walnut Creek to San Francisco.  That ended up costing the league at least 11 million dollars in rent alone for Larry's upscale office. The best example of Larry's greed is that he took a $2.5 million dollar bonus then laid off 94 league employees a few months later.  Wow.   

4. Larry overvalued the Olympic sports

    Football carries athletic department budgets.  It accounts for 85-90% of the revenue made.  Basketball accounts for the other 10-15%.  A scant few baseball programs make money and all the other sports run in the red and are paid for by football/basketball dollars. Scott's belief that people would flock to the Pac 12 Network for Olympic sports was flat out nuts.  Olympic sports are amazing, but they don't draw large TV numbers.  Aside from a couple weeks every two to four years when the average American gets Olympic fever, these sports are largely ignored by viewers.

5. Larry's arrogance was staggering

    Scott believed he was always the smartest guy in the room. That attitude crushed any kind of environment where fresh ideas could take the league off Larry's path to destruction. 

Now, for George Kilavkoff's role in the demise of the Pac 12

1. Kliavkoff took the job not knowing how bad things really were

    I liken this to the mid 1980s when Bobby Collins took over as HC at SMU after Ron Meyer ran to the NFL after leaving the Mustang program on the verge of the Death Penalty from the NCAA.  Collins had no idea how bad things were at SMU until he actually started the job.  Kliavkoff had no idea how bad things were going for the Pac 12 until he actually showed up to the office.

2. Kliavkoff had a chance to make the Pac 12, the Pac 20

    (This one isn't really his fault, he didn't have the necessary gravitas as a new commissioner to make this happen.)

    After the Big XII found out that Texas and Oklahoma were leaving for the SEC back a couple of years ago, then Big XII Commissioner Bob Bowlsby contacted Kliavkoff and offered up the idea of a merger of the leftover eight Big XII schools with the Pac 12 to form the Pac 20. A committee was formed to explore the offer. The committee voted it down.  Now, according to an article by Ben Bolch in the LA Times, one of the key people who voted the merger down was USC president Carol Folt.  Specualtion runs rampant now as to if Folt shot down the deal knowing that SC was ready to leave for to the Big Ten.  Whether true or not, the LA Times does love blaming SC for everything. 

3. Presidential stupidity leads to a mass exodus

    USC and UCLA stunned the college football world when it was announced that they were both leaving for the Big Ten in July of 2022.  That put Kliavkoff in scramble mode to put a deal together to save the league.  He could not get a deal done with Fox even though the network had an exclusive three month negotiating window with the league. ESPN was still interested in the league to continue to fill those Pac 12 After Dark time slots and offered up a deal that would pay each team $30 million annually.  Kilavkoff couldn't sell it to the league.  The league's CEO group that consisted of school presidents believed what some media analyst told them and rejected the deal. They then instructed Kliavkoff to ask for $50 million per team.  ESPN pretty much laughed Kliavkoff out of the room. Then, the Big XII came in and took a deal with ESPN and Fox that would pay their member schools $31.7 million annually and then would pay that same rate to any schools the league might acquire in the future. That was it. The networks didn't need the Pac 12 anymore. No more contract offers were forthcoming for the Conference of Champions. So, Colorado did their due diligence and left for the Big XII.  Kliavkoff was working on a subpar streaming deal for the league when Arizona, Utah and ASU all ran to the Big XII.  The six teams left behind would become four quickly.  The Big Ten, buoyed by Fox's money came after Oregon and Washington.  The Big Ten got them cheap too.  They will only get paid a half share until the next media deal is negotiated seven years down the road. 

Thoughts on those left behind 

Who knows what will happen to Stanford, Cal, Oregon State and Washington State?  I have an idea or two.  I think OSU and Wazzu end up in the Mountain West Conference. It makes the most sense to me regionally and because none of the remaining Power Five conferences want them either. Stanford and Cal are joined at the hip like brothers.  Stanford is the older brother who has been forced to take their younger brother everywhere they go by their parents. If they don't go somewhere as a package deal, I'll be surprised. Also, don't forget that Stanford could just drop football altogether.  That would also mean that most other sports would be dropped as well. Stanford loves their Director's Cups, but only if other people's money pays for it.  Stanford loves their money and sports. They just don't like to see the two mix.  If Stanford does drop football, Cal is toast. Cal's athletic department is in so deep in debt, they will never get out of it without a conference pay check.  My gut feel is Stanford and Cal do get a deal from another Power Five conference.  

Until next time folks, remember that real football will be played this Saturday!

-The Commissioner 

Schedules- ACC, Group of Five and Independents

Hey All,

With the college football world still reeling over the conference realignment saga, the 2023 season draws ever closer with football camps in full swing.  Let's take a look at the ACC and hit the highlights of the schedules of the Group of Five schools and the few Independents that are left. We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

ACC

The ACC has 14 teams with no divisions

Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia,Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Top Non Conference Games 

9/2- North Carolina v. South Carolina:  The Gamecocks have had the best of their northern brethren lately including a 38-21 win the last time they met in the Duke's Mayo Bowl at the end of the 2021 season.  The Tar Heels need to grab a win here and wash away the way they stumbled down the stretch last year turning a promising 9-1 start into a 9-5 finish.  The Tar Heels return 17 starters including QB Drake May. He had an impressive rookie campaign, throwing for 4,321 yards, rushing for 937 more and being responsible for 45 touchdowns. May could shred the inexperienced SoCar defense to get the Heels off on the right foot in 2023. 

9/3- Florida State v. LSU: Last year at the Superdome, the Tigers were left stunned after their PAT to send the game to overtime was blocked to give FSU a 24-23 win.  The Tigers won't be taking the 'Noles lightly this year. The Bayou Bengals have playofff aspirations. However, 'Noles HC Mike Norvell has squad that had a breakout year last year and are one of the favorites this year to claim the ACC crown with a boatload of talent back on both sides of the ball.  They also hold little history in their favor as the Garnet and Gold are 8-2 lifetime v. LSU.

9/9- Texas A&M at Miami: Last season the Hurricanes went to Kyle Field and were beaten, 17-9 despite outgaining the Aggies by almost 130 yards and holding the ball for almost 35 minutes. The 'Canes have to finish drives in order to beat Texas A&M.  If Miami can turn last year's field goals into this year's TDs then it will be time to party in South Beach for the kids form Coal Gables. 

9/9- Purdue at Virginia Tech: HC Brent Pry had a pretty tough first year in Blacksburg. The Hokies struggled to a 3-8 mark with their last game canceled due to a shooting at rival Virginia's campus that claimed the life of three Cavaliers players. VaTech will have a tough time with Old Dominion in week one and might need a win over the Boilermakers to keep their bowl hopes alive. Pry's squad will have an experience advantage as the Boilermakers will still be trying to find their way with their new HC Ryan Walters. Look for VaTech to win this one and be at least 1-1 to start the season.  

11/25- Florida State at Florida: If Florida State plays as expected this rivalry game will be a way for the 'Noles to jockey for positioning the CFP standings heading into the ACC title game. 

Intriguing Non Conference Games

9/2- Virginia v. Tennessee:  This game in Nashville will be a stepping stone win for the Volunteers, but it  means so much more for the Cavaliers.  After the mass shooting that ended the lives of three Cavalier players last November, just getting on the field and honoring the memory of those fallen players by just playing the game is more important than a win or a loss.

9/23- Army at Syracuse: This will be the first meeting between these schools since 1996.  Army came into that game 9-0 and was beaten, 42-17.  'Cuse QB Donovan McNabb led the Orangemen to victory at the Carrier Dome that day. HC Dino Babers is back with an Orange squad that started last year, 6-0.  They then went 0-6 to finish the regular season before beating Minnesota, 28-20 in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish up at 7-6. Meanwhile, the Black Knights of the Hudson are coining off a 6-6 season. that included a a win over Navy in 2 OT.  Army will be breaking in a new QB and that could be the deciding factor in this game. 

Top Conference Games

9/23- Florida State at Clemson: This game will be for the early inside track to the ACC title game. The Seminoles have lost seven straight to the Tigers and will need a huge effort to pull off the road upset.  In their last 54 games at Death Valley, Clemson is 52-2.  

9/23- North Carolina at Pitt: These two have split their last four meetings and even the information guru himself, Phil Steele has the two squads tied for third behind Clemson and FSU in his preseason ACC rankings.  UNC's experience edge against Pitt's defense could be the difference in the game.  However, expect HC Pat Narduzzi's Panthers to play the Tar Heels tough. 

10/14: Louisville at Pitt: If the Cardinals go into Pitt and pull the upset, they have one of the easiest paths to the ACC title game.  Why? Because the Cardinals will not play Clemson or Florida State this year. 

11/2- Wake Forest at Duke: The Blue Devils are coming off a 9-4 2022 season that included a 30-13 pasting of UCF in the Military Bowl. This year's Blue Devils return a lot of experience, but they also face a tougher schedule. A win in this Thursday night clash with the Demon Deacons is essential to their bowl hopes. Wake Forest HC Dave Clawson loves his slow mesh offense but will it be enough to get the win? 

11/18- North Carolina at Clemson: For the Tigers. this the last hurdle before playing the ACC title game.  For the Tar Heels, this game could be anything from trying to just pull an upset to salvage their season to fighting for their own place in the ACC championship. 

The ND Factor

The Fighting Irish's loose affiliation with ACC football continues with this slate of games

9/9 at NC State 

9/30 at Duke

10/7 at Louisville 

10/28 Pitt

11/4 at Clemson 

11/18 Wake Forest

How did ND end up playing four road games? I'm sure some investigation will be made by the NCAA to ensure the Fighting Irish get to flip one of these games to South Bend.  Remember that no game played by an ACC team against ND counts the ACC standings. However ND's overall record and ranking factors into ACC bowl game tie-ins and assignments.

ACC Scheduling Observations 

...A baker's dozen; 13 out of the 14 ACC teams will play an FCS team this year. 

..Keystone State is Key; How Pitt fares against UNC, Florida State and Louisville will shape the ACC race.  Oh and they also play ND so the Panthers can affect the national picture as well.

...ACC and the Six; Notre Dame's halfway affiliation with the ACC is truly 50%.  Half of ND's schedule, a full six games, are against ACC opponents. 

...Miami Twice;  The Miami Hurricanes will host Miami (OH) Redhawks on 9/1. 

...Charlottesville 500; When Virginia host James Madison in their home opener on 9/9, it will be the 500th game played at Scott Stadium by the Cavaliers.  

...Freshman accolades;  Notre Dame and Pitt will square off again this year in a series that dates back to 1909.  The only tie game between the two occurred in 1911.  This scoreless tie is memorable for who played in the game. A freshman end named Knute Rockne played for ND.  According to Volume XLV of The Notre Dame Scholastic, Rockne was praised, "Although one of the lightest men on the squad- he weighs but 156 pounds- no opponent was too fierce nor any interference too strong to deter his smashing plunges."

...They used to be together; Miami will play at Temple on 9/23. The two schools haven't faced each other since they were Big East Conference foes back in 2003.  

...21/124; It consists of only 21 games going into this year, but the Syracuse-Army series dates back to 1899.  That first game, won by Army, 12-6 occurred when William McKinley was president. It also was played seven years before the forward pass was legalized.  

...Feeling echos of yesteryear; Seeing that Boston College is playing Holy Cross, Army and Uconn harkens back to the days when I would read the schedules of the Eastern Independents in Street & Smith's Football Yearbook.

Editor's Note: I love this old magazine cover, but I have to dispute Street & Smith's claim to be most complete and informative when they still have the Pac 8 listed.  The Pac 10 was going into its' second year when this issue hit the news stands in 1979. 

Group of Five and Independents 

The Group of Five conferences are the AAC, C-USA, MAC, Mountain West and the Sunbelt. There are still four independent schools left. They are Notre Dame, Army, Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

Notre Dame

ND's ACC portion of the schedule has already been listed, but the non ACC portion of their schedule is pretty interesting.  The Fighting Irish open the season on 8/26 v Navy in Ireland as part of the ongoing Shamrock Series of games held on then Emerald Isle. The Irish also face two teams for the first time ever this year in Tennessee St. on 9/2 and Central Michigan on 9/16. Tennessee St marks ND's first ever game against an FCS school.  Which then leaves USC as the only FBS school to never have played an FCS school. ND will also host TheeeOSU on 9/23 and and USC 10/14.  The Sons of Rockne went winless against these two last year. ND finishes up the season on the west coast at Stanford on 11/25. Full ND Slate

Top Out of Conference Group of Five Games

9/2- Sam Houston State at BYU: Welcome to the FBS SHSU. Here's your door prize.  You get to travel to Provo to take on a Cougar squad looking to make their mark in their first non conference game as members of the Big XII.  Good Luck. 

9/2- Boise State at Washington: This game should be known as the Chris Petersen Bowl.  Last time these two met, the Dawgs trounced the Broncos, 38-7 in the 2109 Las Vegas Bowl.  This year's clash features  a pair of teams that have expectations of winning their respective conferences.  A BSU upset would send a few shockwaves across the nation and considerably weaken the narrative that the Pac 12's final season features some very strong teams. Oh, and it would give the Mountain West Conference some great publicity too.

9/2- Appalachian State at North Carolina: Can these two replicate last year's 63-61 thriller? Probably not, but the Mountaineers from the Sunbelt will give the Tar Heels another tough game and may walk out of Chapel Hill with the win. 

9/2- Coastal Carolina at UCLA: The Sunbelt makes an appearance in the Golden State when the Chanticleers come to the Rose Bowl.  CCU has a new HC in Tim Beck but they have a lot of talent returning against a UCLA squad that has routinely played down to their competition in the Chip Kelly era.  However, the big question about this game is will Coastal have more fans in the stands than UCLA?

9/16- UTEP at Arizona: Expectations are high for the Miners to have a breakout season under HC Dana Dimel. What better way for the Miners to live up to those expectations than to upset the Wildcats? It likely won't happen, but if UTEP plays UofA tough, watch out C-USA!  The Miners could be contenders. 

Fun Fact: Arizona and UTEP were conference foes in the Border Conference from 1935-62.  

9/16- San Jose State at Toledo: The Spartans, a MWC contender, hits the road to take on the MAC conference favorite Toledo Rockets. A win for the Rockets gives the MAC a chance to dream of a New Year's Six Bowl berth.   

Fun Fact: SJSU and Toledo have met only once before in the inaugural California Bowl back in 1981. The game was held in that garden spot of California, Fresno. The Spartans lost that day 27-25. Their HC was Jack Elway. I hear his kid used to be a pretty good football player.

9/23- UTSA at Tennessee: The Roadrunners can be a dangerous opponent for the Volunteers.  UT takes on UTSA after they play their first SEC conference game at Florida on 9/16. Hmmmmm

Top Conference Games Group of Five Games 

10/14- Ohio at Northern Illinois: This one will have implications for both divisions of the MAC as the Huskies from the West are hosting the Bobcats from the East. Winner stays win the inside track for the MAC Championship Game, the loser needs help.  

11/4- Marshall at Appalachian State: This will be the game that decides the East Division in the Sun Belt. The Thundering Herd has won two of their three matchups with he Mountaineers since App State joined the league. The largest margin of victory has been 10 points, so expect this one to be a close one. It will also be played in a beautiful setting at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, NC.

11/4- Western Kentucky at UTEP: C-USA sits at nine teams in one division this year. This game could be an elimination game or just the first game of two between the squads that many pundits believe are the top teams in the league. This is a down year for the C-USA with losing six teams and adding four lesser squads. I think this really will be the first of a two game set between these teams. 

11/25- Air Force at Boise State: The MWC has eliminated divisions this year so the top two teams will play in league title game. This game is similar to the WKU-UTEP game above, however. the chances of these two meeting again in The MWC Championship Game are not as good.  A victory is worth much more here. 

The Important Conference Game Not Played

The American Athletic Conference lost three teams to the Big 12 in Cincinnati, UCF and Houston.  They replaced those three with six teams.  Charlotte Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, UAB and UTSA were added to make this a 14 team league.  This year there will be no divisions and the top two teams will play in the league title game.  Which brings this intrepid reporter to the point.  A 14 team league means that that many teams wont face each other this year.  UTSA and SMU will not play each other. They are arguably the top two teams in this new look AAC. 

Group of Five Scheduling Observations

...Back at it again; SMU and Rice have not faced each other since 2012.  Now they are back in the same league again and face off on 11/4.  There is no truth to the rumor that this game will be added into their old Southwest Conference records. 

...They could do it; UConn could notch their first wining season since 2010.  Jim Mora's squad was a game away form that last year when they dropped the Myrtle Beach Bowl to Marshall last season.  

...LBJ was President;  Rice opens at Texas on 9/2.  The Fightin' White Owls haven't beaten the Longhorns in Austin since 1965.  Rice only won two games that year, but one this one was epic as they took down the #5 ranked Longhorns, 20-17 on a 34-yard FG with :43 left on the clock.   

 

...1-11 blues; UMAss has gone 1-11 in each of the last three full seasons they played. In the pandemic year of 2022, they went 0-4. Ouch.

...Not the first time;  When SDSU hosts UCLA on 9/9 it will mark the continuation of a series that dates back to 1922. How long ago was that?  Well, UCLA was still just the Southern Branch of the University of California and were known as the Cubs, while SDSU was known as San Diego State Teachers College and had no official nickname. They were called the Professors or Staters by various local publications at the time. 

...Do they get air miles?;  In case you wanted to know, the Air Force Academy Football teams takes commercial charter flights to games.  

...The 106 year circle;  Appalachian State plays at Wyoming on 9/23. It will be the farthest trip west for the Mountaineers since 1917. That year they ventured out west to play... Wyoming.  Wow. 

...Menu idea;  If Wisconsin tailgaters fail to have some form of a Buffalo wing cheese dip on the menu for their game v. the Buffalo Bulls on 9/2, it's a cryin' shame. 

...Has to happen;  Whoever loses the game between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the UCF Golden Knights on 8/31 should have to drop the word Golden from their nickname for the rest of the season. 

...Pac 12 East?;  No, this isn't about more realignment. When Florida International takes on Jacksonville State in C-USA play on 10/25 it will be a meeting former Pac 12 HCs.  FIU's HC is former Colorado headman Mike Macintyre, while former Arizona HC Rich Rodriguez will walk the sidelines for Jacksonville State.  

Until next time folks remember, games aren't won on paper. However, the paper makes the games more fun.

-The Commissioner 

Schedules Big XII- SEC

Hey all,

As the game of conference musical chairs continues, it's time to look at the the 2023 schedules of the Big XII and the SEC.

Big XII

Current Members

Baylor, BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia

Top Non Conference Games 

9/9- Texas at Alabama: Who could forget last year's barnburner in Austin that the Crimson Tide pulled out at the least minute for a 20-19 victory? This year's game could be just as good as Alabama and Texas are both loaded.  Texas would love to beat Bama in Tuscaloosa and give notice to the SEC that next year's newcomers will be a force to reckoned with.  UT HC Steve Sarkisian needs a signature win and this would be it. Texas owns the overall series with a 7-2-1 record. However, all seven wins and the tie occurred from 1902-1982.  Coincidentally, 1902 is the last time The Longhorns played the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. 

Fun Fact: Alabama and Texas have faced off in all of the big four traditional bowl game sites. They squared off in the 1948 Sugar Bowl, '65 Orange Bowl,  '73 Cotton Bowl and 2010 BCS title game which was held at the Rose Bowl. 

9/2- Colorado at TCU: This intrepid reporter did touch on this game in last week's blog, but it does deserve another look.  TCU had an incredible run last year and lost both talented players and great leaders to graduation.  However, the Horned Frogs look to be more talented this year and need for a leader to emerge. Colorado's drastic roster makeover means that the new-look Buffs haven't played together yet.  I think TCU pulls away for the win here. 

9/9- Oklahoma State at Arizona State: This game is now a battle of future conference foes. Last year, the Pokes pounded the Sons of Sparky, 34-17 in what would be HC Herm Edwards' next to last game at ASU.  Both teams come into this one after playing a an FCS tuneup game in week one.  ASU will be breaking in a new HC and Okie State will be breaking in a new QB. Very slight edge here goes to ASU. We all know what a house of horrors Sun Devil Stadium can be for young quarterbacks. 

9/9- UCF at Boise State: Many a good team has had their season upended on the blue turf.  UCF is predicted to finish in the lower half of the Big XII while Boise is once again the odds on favorite to win the Mountain West.  If UCF's new QB John Rhys Plumlee, (a transfer from Ole Miss), can find a way to pick apart a Broncos defense with just five returning starters, the Golden Knights might not end up feeling blue on the turf.  

9/9- Oregon at Texas Tech:  This game looks a little less daunting for the Quacks than when they were plucked and spit-roasted by Georgia to start last season. The Webfoots hold a 2-0 series lead, but the teams  met back in 1991 and 1992. The Red Raiders return all 11 starters on offense and will test the Oregon defense, but the Ducks are a Playoff contender and should walk out of Lubbock with the W. 

9/16- BYU at Arkansas: Last year the Hogs went to Provo and hung 52 on the Cougars. A win here would be big for BYU because the rest of their non conference slate is weaker than room temperature decaf.  This game is also interesting if anybody wants to see Kedon Slovis play.  The former Trojan and Pitt Panther QB transferred yet again and should be the starter for the Cougars this year. 

Fun Fact: In his collegiate career, Kedon Slovis will be a starting QB in three of the five, Power 5 conferences. 

9/16- Pittsburgh at West Virginia: The Backyard Brawl came back into being last season after an 11-year hiatus.  Last year the Panthers beat the Mountaineers, 38-31 in Pittsburgh.  This year the game returns to Morgantown where WVU HC Neal Brown is on the hot seat.  The Mountaineer faithful want to sing an uproarious rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads after a beatdown of their ancient rivals.  A loss and Neal Brown will come home to find for sale signs planted on his front lawn.

Intriguing Big XII Non Conference Games

9/2- UTSA at Houston: Last year at the Alamodome, Houston trailed 21-7 at the end of three quarters. It took a 17-point fourth quarter followed by three overtimes for the Cougars to escape with a 37-35 victory. Oh and UTSA QB Frank Harris returns to lead the Roadrunners offense.  All he did last year was torch UH for 400 yards of offense and four TDs.  The Cougars need to be on upset alert here. A loss would be an embarrassing way to start their first year in the Big XII.

9/2 Kansas at Nevada: If the Jayhawks really want to get serious about getting to a bowl game they need to get out of Reno with more than just casino chips, a couple of decks of cards and being comped at the buffet.  This is most talented KU team since the days of Mark Mangino and they need to play like it.  

Top Big XII Conference Games

Once again I leave the rivalry games out here because they are circled on the calendar.  Seriously everyone in Kansas knows when they take on K-State and the Red River Rivalry has a true following all its' own. 

9/23- UCF at Kansas State: For years we have all heard about UCF can't wait to show folks how well they would take care of business if they were in a Power 5 conference.  Here's the Golden Knights "welcome to the league" moment. They have a legitimate shot to to take down the defending league champs at their place. A win grants legitimacy to UCF, a loss turns the Golden Knights into a laughing stock.     

9/23- Oklahoma at Cincinnati: Huh?  Coming off a 6-7 season after the sudden departure of Lincoln Riley, the Sooners need to just pound a conference foe to feel like OU again.  Cincy is ripe for the beating with just three returning starters on offense and a new HC. OU should walk out with a win here no matter how pumped the Bearcats and their fans are for this contest..

9/23- Texas at Baylor: The Bears open up the season with four straight home games. This is the fourth one and it's their conference opener.  This game is a big early road test for a Texas team trying to live up to great preseason expectations. Baylor doesn't play Oklahoma, so getting a win here clears a path for the Bears to make a run at the league title game. 

Fun Fact: The series record between Baylor and Texas includes a forfeit.  It happened in 1910. In the third quarter of a 6-6 tie, the Bears refused to continue playing unless the referee, Don Blake who had ties to the Texas HC W.S. Wasmund, was removed from the game. He stayed, the Bears left and a forfeit win was awarded to the Longhorns. 

11/4- Kansas State at Texas: KSU HC Chris Klieman's Wildcats are the defending league champions, but the kids from the Little Apple have dropped their last six games to the Longhorns and haven't won in Austin since 2011.  A win here most likely gives K-State an inside track to the league title game.  Texas just may be undefeated coming into into this one and could stampede the Wildcats. 

11/11- Oklahoma State at UCF: Will the Cowboys have enough left in the tank to take on UCF after throwing everything into what could be their last ever rivalry game with Oklahoma the week prior? We shall see.

Big XII Scheduling Observations

...Texas stands alone;  The Longhorns are the only team in the league that does not play an FCS foe.  Technically Houston does not either, but they are hosting Sam Houston State who will be playing their first season on the FBS level. 

...Altitude for openers;  Texas Tech heads to Wyoming to start the season on 9/2. Just to remind you all Laramie, Wyoming has an elevation 7,185 feet.  Now, Lubbock doesn't exactly sit at sea level at an elevation of 3,202 feet, but it's still less than half of where Laramie is. 

...They call it a rivalry; The Bedlam Game, aka the Oklahoma- Okie State rivalry really isn't one.  Rivalries are usually competitive. The Sooners hold a 91-19-7 series edge. 

...Battling Houstons;  University of Houston will host Sam Houston State on 9/23.

...Tough Triple;  TCU finishes the season by hosting Texas on 11/11, then Baylor on 11/18, then just six days later plays at Oklahoma on 11/24.  

...Cougar fear;  Maybe Texas and Oklahoma are leaving the Big XII because of BYU.  The Cougars hold a combined 6-1 record against the Longhorns and Sooners. 

...O-O-O Cyclones!;  In three straight weeks from 9/6 to 9/23 Iowa State will take on Ohio University, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. 

...Two Cougars for the Big XII;  Yeah that sounds like a bad movie title, but the Big XII now has two schools with the same mascot in BYU and Houston. It's ok, the SWAC on the FCS level has three sets of Tigers with Grambling, Jackson State and Texas Southern. 

...Just some teams they used to know;  Houston's entrance into the Big XII this year reunites the Cougars with old Southwest Conference foes Texas, TCU, Texas Tech and Baylor.  All that's missing is a freezing Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day and Lindsey Nelson in an obnoxious plaid sport coat. 

...Optimism in Lawrence;  Kansas' Homecoming opponent is... Oklahoma.

SEC

The conference consists of 14 teams split into in two divisions of seven teams each

Current Members 

SEC West: Alabama , Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Texas A&M

SEC East: Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt

Top Non Conference Games

8/31- Florida at Utah: The Gators finished were spanked, 30-3 by Oregon State in last year's Last Vegas Bowl to end HC Billy Napier's first year in the Swamp at 6-7.  This year's Gators are being touted as a vastly improved team and they will be tested to show that improvement in Salt Lake City.  They will be tested on the field by a hard-hitting talented Utes squad and by the weather conditions.  It should be a hot, dry game being played in Rice-Eccles Stadium that sits at 4,265 feet of elevation. Throw in a very hostile crowd led by the Mighty Utah Student Section and the Gators might get sent home as luggage if they can't rise to the occasion.  

9/9- Texas at Alabama: Alabama has heard all off season how Georgia literally is the big dog in the conference and how St. Nicholas of Tuscaloosa and his teams have lost a step or two.  A good way to fight back against that narrative is to score a decisive victory over a future league member. The Crimson Tide only has 10 total returning starters, but all the new players assuming starting roles are mostly five star talents waiting to make their mark in Tide history.  

9/9- Arizona at Mississippi State: The Wildcats come to Starkville on an upward trajectory under HC Jedd Fisch while nobody knows how the Bulldogs will respond after the sudden death of HC Mike Leach last December. The Wildcats may steal a win against what could be an emotional mess of an MSU squad. 

9/9- Florida State v. LSU (Orlando, FL): Last year saw new HC Brian Kelly's Tigers fall flat on their face in a 24-23 upset at the hands of the Seminoles. LSU is touted as a legitimate national title contender this year.  They need a big win here to really get their momentum rolling.  However, the Seminoles own an 8-2 record in the overall series and haven't lost game to the Bayou Bengals since 1982. 

9/9- Texas A&M at Miami: The Hurricanes are looking to avenge last year's, 17-9 loss to the Aggies at College Station.  A lot of memories of last year's tilt will be on the minds of the players as both teams will combine to field 39 returning starters. Wow. This could be one of the best games of the entire 2023 season.  

Intriguing Non Conference Games

9/2- Virginia v. Tennessee (Nashville, TN): Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans will host this battle between the Cavaliers and Volunteers.  The Orange and White had a an incredible breakout second year under HC Josh Heupel in 2022.  They went 11-2 and pounded Clemson in the Orange Bowl.  The Wahoos are coming off a tough 3-7 season and are looking for great improvement in year two in HC Tony Elliott's system. This one should be competitive for a quarter and a half barring the Volunteers falling flat on their face early.  

9/9- Auburn at California: The last time Auburn came to the Golden State in 2002, Carson Palmer scored on a QB sneak with 2:00 left to lift USC to a 24-17 victory.  That was a far more talented Tiger team in 2002 than today, but then again Cal isn't gonna be that great either this year.  Both teams return 17 starters and are desperate to earn enough wins for a bowl game. It will be a battle for early season survival at old Memorial Stadium.  

Fun Fact: Auburn once played in what was known as the Bacardi Bowl.  This bowl was held eight times between 1907 and 1946 in Havana. Cuba. It usually featured a college team from the U.S. v. a Cuban team from the University of Havana or a local athletic club.  However, Auburn played Villanova to a 7-7 tie in the only game to feature two U.S. teams on January 1, 1937.  

10/21- Army at LSU: The Black Knights of the Hudson can certainly throw an opponent off balance with their version of triple-option.  The triple-option chews up the clock, which can eliminate up to a third of total possessions over the course of a game.  It also helps negate an opponent's talent advantage by making them play assignment football on defense. You can't just swarm to the ball or you'll be exposed for a big gain.   To win this game, LSU needs to get off the field on third down and make every offensive possession a scoring drive.  The Tigers also have a HC in Brian Kelly who saw the triple-option every year when he was at Notre Dame and does know how to defend it. LSU will win this game, but it will sure make all the Tiger fans squirm in the process. 

Top Conference Games 

Once again I leave the rivalry games out here because they are circled on the calendar for all schools. 

9/30- Missouri at Vanderbilt: What huh?  Yeah this is stretch, but if perennially overmatched Vandy wants to go to a bowl for the first time since 2018, they have to win.  

9/30- Kentucky at Florida: The Wildcats have won two straight v. the Gators and can immediately put Florida HC Billy Napier on the hot seat with a third straight win.  Florida may be one teams that has it's seasoned ruined by Kentucky on the way to their fifth straight bowl game.  

10/14- Texas A&M at Tennessee: They've only played each other four times ever.  This will be the Aggies second trip to Knoxville, winning in 2020, 34-13.  However, this is a much improved Volunteer squad looking for another 10+ win season.  Tennessee comes into this game off a bye while Texas A&M comes in off of hosting Alabama. Ouch.  

11/4- LSU at Alabama: All due respect to the rest of the division, but this is the game that will decide who wins the SEC West. It's as simple as that.

11/18- Georgia at Tennessee: This the only real roadblock for the Bulldogs on the way to the SEC title tilt. Seriously, with a league schedule for Georgia that includes Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Missouri, the Vols may be the only team that can put a blemish on the Bulldogs record. 

SEC Scheduling Observations 

...They really are in the same league;  Alabama and Kentucky have faced off on the gridiron only 15 times in the last 51 years of SEC play.

...FCS Yes!; All 14 SEC teams will play an FCS team. Funny how they just can't find room for a ninth conference game. Hmmmmmmmmmm

...Road Tide, huh?;  Alabama will play its' first road game at a non Power 5 school since 1992 when they head to South Florida on 9/16.  

...It could happen; Vanderbilt could be 4-0 heading into their conference opener v Kentucky on 9/23.  The Commodores have four winnable games v. Hawaii and Alabama A&M at home to start followed by road trips to Wake Forest and UNLV. 

...They finally meet; LSU will play Grambling for the firs time ever on 9/9.  I know there were a whole lot of years way back when that LSU was just a little leery of facing HC Eddie Robinson and his brand of Bayou Bengals. 

...112 years; Ole Miss and Mercer will square off for the first time since 1911 when the Bears come to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on 9/2.  The Rebels won that first meeting, 34-0 as part of schedule that featured Henderson State, Southwest Presbyterian and the Louisiana Industrial School. 

...Triple A Lone Star State Stint;  Texas A&M hosts Auburn on 9/23, takes on Arkansas at Jerryworld on 9/30, then comes home again for Alabama on 10/7.

...Bye-Bye-Bye; Florida will play three conference games against teams coming off a bye. Toughest of the three games has to be v. Georgia on 10/28.

...They are neutral on the subject;  Eight SEC team play a game at a neutral site this year.

...A month away;  Arkansas has a nightmare stretch away from Fayetteville going to LSU on 9/23, then playing at Jerryworld v. Texas A&M on 9/30 followed by visits to Ole Miss on 10/7 and Alabama on 10/14. Ouch

Until next time folks, remember several more schools could be in new conferences by the next time we meet here.

-The Commissioner 

Schedules Pac 12- Big Ten

Hey All,

As the Pac 12 implodes and Big Ten coaches are getting fired, suspended or roasted online by former players, one thing is clear. The 2023 season will start and both leagues will be fighting it out for a spot in the playoffs. Let's now take a look at the slates of games in both conferences. 

Pac 12

Current Members: USC, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, California, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, Utah and Colorado. 

Top Non Conference Games for 2023

8/31- Florida at Utah: Last year in The Swamp, Utah failed on 4th & Goal at the Gator one-yard line on their first drive of the second half and threw an interception in the Gator end zone on their final drive of the game.  These two red zone failures cost the Utes the game in a bitter 29-26 loss.  This year the Gators travel to the altitude of Rice-Eccles Stadium, (4,265 feet) to try and sweep the home and home series.  Florida hasn't played a Pac 12 team on the road since they battled USC to a 19-19 tie at the Coliseum in 1983. After a couple of Rose Bowl failures a win by the Utes will bring some national credibility to the program.  A loss gets Utah and the Pac 12 hopes for a playoff spot on the ropes before September 1st.

9/2- Colorado at TCU: Huh? Hey, it's the season opener for both squads and we get to see how Deion Sanders' new-look Buffs fare against a TCU team that made the CFP title game last year.  Colorado has more talent thanks to the transfer portal and TCU lost a good amount of talent thanks to graduation. This might be a really good game. 

9/9 Utah at Baylor: Game time temp for this one could be about 115 degrees in Waco.  Ouch.  Biggest thing to see in this one is Utah's bounce back ability.  The Utes will either be tested on how they handle prosperity coming off a big win over Florida 11 days earlier or how they bounce back after a crushing defeat of at the hands of the Gators.

9/9- Auburn at Cal: This game is ripe for a Cal upset.  Auburn comes to the west coast for first time since 2002 in rebuilding mode with a new HC.  Cal was 4-8 last year and Auburn was 5-7.   Both teams return 17 starters and are hungry to improve.  Now, if Cal falls on their face at North Texas to start the season, then don't bother to program your DVR for this one. 

9/16- Washington at Michigan State: The Huskies will travel to the banks of the Red Cedar for the first time since 1969 to battle Sparty. Last year UW QB Michael Penix torched MSU with 397 yards through the air and four TDs in a 39-28 win in Seattle.  A win would most likely lead to a 5-0 start for Washington and bye week to rest up before hosting Oregon on 10/14.  

10/14- USC at Notre Dame:  Last year USC's Lincoln Riley and ND's Marcus Freeman get their first taste of the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football.  USC outclassed the Irish in a 38-27 win to reclaim the Shillelagh.  Now the rivalry moves back to South Bend.  The Trojans have improved their porous defense from last year while the Fighting Irish have taken strides to improve their inconsistent offense.  Both could come into this one undefeated with Playoff aspirations on high. 

Intriguing Pac 12 Non Conference Games

9/2- Wisconsin at Washington State: The Badgers will surely be in revenge mode after their embarrassing loss at home to the Cougars last year.  

9/9- UCLA at SDSU: Even after SDSU reluctantly decided to remain in the Mountain West Conference, the Aztecs get their chance to audition for the Pac 12 when they host the bRuins.  Then one week later SDSU travels to Oregon State for their callback.

9/9- Oklahoma State at Arizona State: The Cowboys won last year, 34-17 and are looking for a home and home sweep.  ASU gets to start the year with four straight home games.  A win here gives new Sun Devil HC Kenny Dillingham and the Sun Devils a great boost with USC two weeks way. 

9/9- Nebraska @ Colorado: Old Big Eight/XII foes with two flashy new HC hires clash in Boulder.  Could be a good one. 

Top Conference Games for 2023 

Note: This list excludes the traditional rivalries. The Battle for the Victory Bell, Territorial Cup, The Axe, The Apple Cup, Civil War, and even Utah- Colorado are already circled on everyone's calendar

10/14- Oregon at Washington: Winner of this one walks out with their conference title hopes still alive, the loser will need help from others down the stretch.  These two have split their last six games with three wins apiece. However, the road team has won four of the last six games.   

10/21- Utah at USC: Neither team could really stop the other last year and a two-point conversion decided the game in the Utes favor.  Has USC's defense improved enough to stop Cam Rising and the Utes?  Does Utah have enough defense to hold the Trojan offense?  Add in the fact that USC could be a little tired after traveling to Notre Dame the week prior. It should be an edge-of-your-seat affair at the Coliseum.

10/28- Oregon at Utah: After taking on SC in LA, Utah return home to host a Duck squad that will have just hosted Wazzu.  Utah may be beaten up a little, but so may be Oregon. The Ducks and Cougars have had some crazy contests over the last decade or so. 

11/4- Washington at USC:  Feels like days of old when a Huskies-Trojans game was a true battle for league supremacy.  This game may be an historical ode to Don James and John Robinson, but this battle of QBs between UW's Michael Penix, Jr. and SC's Caleb Williams will be a thoroughly modern affair.  The scoreboard may short out in this one.  The again, it's at the Coliseum, the scoreboard will be broken at some point during the season. 

11/11- USC at Oregon: What will SC have left in the tank after taking on ND and Washington in two of the three weeks prior? Oregon will pumped up more than ever to take out the Big Ten bound Trojans and stay alive for the league title. 

11/18- Washington at Oregon State: The Beavers are the under the radar pick to make the league title game.  Why?  Well, they don't play either USC or Utah and they host both Washington and Oregon.  A Beavers win here could mean the Civil War game a week later could mean a true shot at the Pac 12 title for both teams. 

Pac 12 Scheduling Observations

...Troy is back loaded; USC's final six games of their schedule are tough. It all starts on 11/14.

11/14 @ Notre Dame

11/21 Utah

11/28 @Cal

11/4 Washignton 

11/11 @ Oregon

11/18 UCLA

...Four for the road;  ASU plays only for road games but they are at Cal, Washington, Utah and UCLA.

...Duck spacing;  Oregon  doesn't have any tough back-to-back games.  Their roughest two week stretch is at UW on 10/14 and then home for Wazzu on 10/21.

...No FCS x3;  USC, Washington and Colorado are the only teams in the league that won't face an FCS opponent.  The Big Sky Conference is this year's win donor to the conference.  Seven different Big Sky members will play a Pac 12 team.  Most interesting match up may be Sacramento State at Stanford on 9/16.  New SU HC Troy Taylor will be on the sidelines across from his former squad. 

...History left behind;  Barring any other moves soon, this will be the 109th and last USC-Cal game. USC holds a 72-31-5 edge in this series that dates back to 1915.  Things do change and time marches on and all that drivel, but I will really miss this series.  

...He said it; Indiana HC Tom Allen at Big Ten Media Day said; "2025, we go out to California and play USC. Last time we played the Trojans, O.J. Simpson was the tailback."  Ummmmmm, no. The last time Indiana played SC was in 1982 at the Coliseum.  The Men of Troy notched a 28-7 victory over the Hoosiers whose HC was some guy named Corso.

...Odd road trips;  Cal opens up at North Texas, Arizona plays at Mississippi State, UCLA plays at SDSU, Oregon travels to Texas Tech and Oregon State plays at San Jose State this year.

...Been a long time; USC's game on 9/2 v. Nevada will mark the first time the Trojans and Wolfpack will meet in 94 years.  The Trojans hold a 5-0 series lead and easily crushed the kids from Reno, 66-0 in their last meeting in 1929.  

...Awkward first dates;  UCLA will play two opponents for the first time when the bRuins take on Coastal Carolina on 9/2 and UNC Central on 9/16.  On 9/9, three Pac 12 teams will play teams for the first time.  Oregon State plays UC Davis, while Washington takes on Tulsa and Cal hosts Auburn. 

...Do they know the way to San Jose?;  Oregon State will play at San Jose State for the first time since 1988.  Last time they met, QB Erik Wilhelm completed 24 of 39 passes for 240 yards and three TDs to lead the Beavers to a 41-27 win over the Spartans. 

Big Ten

The Big Ten has 14 teams split into two divisions for 2023.  

Current Members

Big Ten East: Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers

Big Ten West: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin 

Top Non Conference Games

9/2- Penn State at West Virginia: These two old foes haven't met since 1992 when the Nittany Lions were still listed in the preseason magazines as an Eastern Independent.  PSU should easily win this one as the Mountaineers are picked to finish last in the Big XII,  but it is still good to see this old rivalry being revisited. 

9/9- Nebraska at Colorado: New Huskers HC Matt Rhule is being given no soft landing in his return to the college ranks.  On 8/31, Nebraska opens up with a conference game at Minnesota.  If the Big Red stumble out of the gate, they could lose to the new-look Buffaloes and be 0-2 before Labor Day.  

9/9- Wisconsin at Washington State: After a home opener v. Buffalo, the Badgers and new HC Luke Fickell will test their mettle on the road in the Palouse. A win for Wisconsin avenges last year's embarrassment at the hands of the Cougars and builds momentum for the rest of the season. 

9/16- Washington at Michigan State: The jury is still out as to whether the Spartans made the right move when they hired HC Mel Tucker a few years ago.  A win over the Huskies buys Tucker more time to build the program.  A loss, especially a lopsided one, will have folks googling "Mel Tucker buyout."

9/16- Minnesota at North Carolina: This will be the seventh year that they've rowed the boat in Minneapolis.  The Gophers have been a consistent winner under HC P.J. Fleck but haven't notched a big non conference, regular season victory.  North Carolina is one of the favorites to win the ACC.  A win at Chapel Hill would be huge for those that wear Minnesota Maroon.

9/23- Ohio State at Notre Dame: Like last year, this is one of the biggest games of the entire season. Last year, the team that played the best defense won the game.  Same thing will happen this year. The Buckeyes have won five out of the seven games in this series with ND's only two wins coming in 1935 and 1936.  TheeeOSU will have the uniform advantage coming into this one as ND has renewed their off again-on again, love affair with Kelly green. 

Intriguing Big Ten Non Conference Games 

9/2- Fresno State at Purdue: Then newly defensive minded sons of John Purdue face what should be a Bulldogs team looking at a rebuilding year.  You know that FSU HC Jeff Tedford will have his squad ready to play. Anything could happen in this one. 

9/9- Illinois at Kansas: The Fighting Illini have not faced a Big XII school since 2010 when they stomped Baylor, 38-14. IU will face the best Jayhawk team in a longtime with 17 returning starters and a legitimate shot to make a bowl game for the second time in 15 years. 

9/16- Indiana v. Louisville (Indianapolis):  The Hoosiers come to Lucas Oil Stadium to battle the Cardinals and their new HC Jeff Brohm. Brohm and IU HC Tom Allen have faced off the last seven years when Brohm was running the Purdue sideline. Brohm holds a 4-3 series edge over Allen so this game could be a tight affair. 

9/9- Iowa at Iowa State: It's the 70th battle for the CY-Hawk Trophy. The Cyclones snapped a six-year losing steak to the Hawkeyes with a 10-7 victory.  If both offenses prove to be equally anemic this year we could have a game like the 1906 matchup when the Cyclones won, 2-0.  At least that game had the excuse of being played only a few months after the forward pass was legalized. 

Top Conference Games

Same thing applies here as with the Pac 12.  We all know the traditional rivalry games of this league are huge and some will have playoff implications.  

9/30- Michigan State at Iowa: Sparty needs this road win badly.  MSU has to be successful on the road because they play five road games in the league and only three true home games.  Their final game is on 11/24 v. Penn State and will be at nearby Ford Field in Detroit. On the other side of the coin, Iowa has to win this game to win the West.  If the Hawkeyes lay an egg at Penn State the week prior, this game is a must win to stay in the West Division race.  Iowa does not play either TheeeOSU or Michigan. It would be a tough pill for Iowans to swallow if they blow it with this easy schedule. 

10/21- Minnesota at Iowa: Nobody has rowed the boat well for the Gophers against the Hawkeyes lately. Iowa has won eight straight v. Minnesota.  Simple objective for the Gophers here; beat Iowa and maybe you'll be on the road to a Big Ten title game. Lose this one and the Outback, Guaranteed Rate and Quick Lane Bowl seem a lot more likely destinations. 

11/21 Penn State at Ohio State, 11/11 Michigan at Penn State: Yes, there is a double dip here for the Nittany Lions. Why, because PSU is 2-8 v. these schools the last five years.  Winning both games makes PSU relevant again on the national stage.  Lose both and it's just another frustrating season in Happy Valley. 

10/28- Ohio State at Wisconsin: This game will be the measuring stick as to how far the Badgers have come in a short time under new HC Luke Fickell.  This game is huge for Fickell personally due to his near lifelong association with Buckeye football.  Oh, and if Wisconsin pulls the upset, they should make the Big Ten title game out of the West Division because they don't play either Penn State or Michigan this year.    

11/18- Michigan at Maryland:  This is the true trap game on the Wolverines schedule as its lies after a trip to Penn State on 11/11 and before TheeeOSU comes to Ann Arbor on 11/25. A stumble here against an improved Terrapin squad could spell doom for the Maize and Blue's attempt to get back to the playoff. 

Big Ten Scheduling observations

...Labor Day league play; Nebraska is at Minnesota on 8/31, Indiana hosts TheeeOSU on 9/2 and Northwestern plays at Rutgers on 9/3. 

...Half the league;  Seven Big Ten schools face FCS opponents this year. 

...Awful home slate;  Outside of the rivalry game when TheeOSU comes to Ann Arbor, Michigan's home schedule is very weak.  UM's other six home opponents are East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, Rutgers, Indiana and Purdue. 

...Mining and Tobacco;  We're not talking about a stock portfolio here. Northwestern hosts UTEP on 9/9 then heads to Duke on 9/16.  

...Just a rumor; There's no truth to the rumor that whichever teams loses the Maryland- Towson State matchup on 9/2 has to buy the winner crab cakes for the next year. 

...Neighbors in for a tune-up; Eight different Big Ten teams will play an opponent from the MAC this year. 

...Helton will be spelled with two L's this year;  Clay Helton's Georgia Southern Eagles will play at Wisconsin on 9/9 while his little brother, Tyson brings his Western Kentucky Hilltoppers into the Horseshoe to face TheeeOSU on 9/16. 

...Maize and Blue déjà vu;  Can't blame Penn State for having Michigan flashbacks when Delaware comes to Happy Valley on 9/9.  The Fighting' Blue Hens have worn colors close to Maize and Blue and winged helmets since David M. Nelson, a former Michigan RB, became the HC there in 1951. 

...Meet and greets; Nine game this year will be first meetings between schools.  Minnesota has two such games when they take on Eastern Michigan on 9/9 and then travel to North Carolina on 9/16. 

...Someone they used to know;  Virginia and Maryland will clash for the first time since they were both members of the ACC back in 2013.  The Terrapins hung on to win that last game 27-26 when Cavalier PK Alec Vozenilek missed missed a 42-yard FG attempt with 1:02 left to play. 

Until next time folks, remember, that schedules are just road maps to victory. 

-The Commissioner