“Google me, I win”
In a world of contantly changing hype and self-identified experts, Curt Cignetti delivered. It was a welcome change to the college football landscape, where polls and opinions seem to carry the day over actual results until playoff time. My brief thoughts on a great game:
- Miami came to play. The Hurricanes gave everything the Hoosiers could handle and then some. I guess the ACC can play football.
- Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is a tough cookie. From the uncalled targeting penalty (btw – no problem with Miami defender hitting Mendoza – it was that he led with the crown of his helmet in an upward motion) to the QB draw touchdown run, he took the Hurricanes best shot and kept on going. That call by Cignetti was pure stones. Just a great call.
- The Hoosier fan base deserved this. As I have mentioned a couple of times, when we visited that stadium, the hopelessness of the IU fan was obvious and ever present despite a great tailgating environment.
Other FBS observations
Some other thoughts on FBS news, post IU’s win.
- Final AP Top 25 and the Coaches poll still give the SEC plenty of love. Perhaps the most glaring bias – Vanderbilt ranked over Iowa when the Hawkeyes beat the Commodores by seven in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Change is hard, changing your opinion is even harder.
- The playoff format will stay the same for next year. There had been some chirping about going to 16 or 24 teams (me included) but the committee stayed pat. Meh, not the end of the world.
- What does need to be changed is the portal process. What was supposed to be a benefit to players is going to lead to more kids spending four plus years in college without getting a degree and limited prospects outside of football.
This Week
- I will be forgeting my dismal season betting results and constantly highlighting that I went 5 – 2 in picking the college football playoffs. That refrain will reign the entire off-season.
- Four more reviews left to go along with the year end summary. This may eat up my annual winter hibernation.
- And, it is never to early to look at next year. One game is already locked in. My Mercyhurst Lakers take on the University of New Mexico on September 12, 2026. I may have to break out my old jersey.
That’s all I got, stay warm and upright.
Tree