Lincoln, Nebraska, was rocking last week against Colorado as the Huskers rolled, 27-10. Is Nebraska back? Not yet. Leading, 27-0, at halftime, Nebraska was undisciplined, unimaginative and lacked the passion they had at game time. But they’ve got a stud quarterback in Dylan Raiola and a solid defense. The other story here is it doesn’t matter how many entertainers, actors, rappers or NFL players Colorado Coach Prime brings into campus, his team is once again being overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage. The “party” may soon be over for Sanders if the Buffs remain uncompetitive.
More: Colorado’s Coach Prime needs to toughen up and face the music.
More: Here’s who Ken Schreiber is going to miss, and a wish list as college football kicks off.
Why weren’t the Irish fighting?
What happened last week at Notre Dame was a colossal meltdown (a 16-14 home loss to Northern Illinois). Sure, still removing the shreds of egg from my face after saying the Irish clinched a CFP spot because their schedule was so weak. It is. But at least “show up“ and be prepared. First, congratulations to Northern Illinois for its victory because the team deserved it. The poor effort, lack of preparation and discipline the Irish displayed cannot be overlooked. The players warrant responsibility but motivating young men, most in their teens and early 20s, is all on the coach. And coach Marcus Freeman has shown an inability to fulfill that element of his job description (26-21 loss to Marshall in 2022). While he acknowledged the Irish weren’t mentally ready, Freeman should have just accepted all of the blame here because he’s the one responsible for mental preparation. Please look in the mirror. The Irish loss, as 28.5-point favorites, is like the freshman team defeating the varsity. A total embarrassment.
More conference musical chairs
Stanford and Cal are both now members of the ACC, traveling 3,000 miles at times to play a game. That’s not good forthe Pac-12, which with just two school members, is not dead yet. Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State and Colorado State, the “best” of the Mountain West Conference, are all leaving for the Pac-12. Every league follows the same motto: Get raided, raid somebody else. In the end, the Pac-12 name and potential revenue was the winner again. Now if the league can persuade two quality schools, perhaps from the Big 12 to join as well, the Pac-12 would have eight teams and can be officially considered for the CFP. Don’t count on it. Stanford and Cal (now in the ACC) might be more realistic except there is a huge exit fee. It says here when this gets sorted out with Florida State and Clemson eventually leaving the ACC — whether that’s in 2036 when there is no monetary penalty for leaving early or perhaps as soon as next year — that is a likely possibility. Tick, tick, tick. Remember, you didn’t hear it here first; you only heard it here, period!
Fans want a refund!
Speaking of Cal, their football team has a pulse, defeating Auburn on the road, 21-14. It was far from impressive as Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne gifted Cal four interceptions. Bettors were so unhappy with Thorne they sent him money requests through his Venmo account wanting refunds of their losses. You think that’s a reflection of the $300,000-plus he makes in NIL money? Yeah, right.
Settlement offer opens floodgates
Four former Michigan players filed a $50-million, class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and the Big Ten Network, alleging they were wrongfully and unlawfully denied an opportunity to earn money from their name, image and likeness. The suit includes ex-stars Braylon Edwards and Denard Robinson who state that the defendants have “systematically exploited these iconic moments.” It’s the first legal action of many more probably involving a massive number of former players. Why? Because the NCAA, by trying settle a class-action suit for $2.7 million for athletes after 2016, opened the floodgates. NIL has only been around since 2021, so how far back should a claim be made when it did not exist? How about Red Grange? Better yet, Jim Thorpe? Where there’s lots of money, there’s always greed and creative lawyers have figured out a way to capitalize on it.
This week’s Top 25 games
No. 20 Arizona at No. 14 Kansas State (-7). While K-State had a nice comeback victory last week at Tulane, it’s impossible to read much into the Wildcats‘ two wins over New Mexico (61-39) and Northern Arizona (22-10). The line of scrimmage will dictate who prevails and, since it’s a night game in Manhattan, Cougars roll!
No. 24 Boston College (+16.5) at No. 6 Missouri. Coach Bill O’Brien’s Eagles are showing some toughness and poise in their two wins. They don’t beat themselves and their dual-threat quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, has been effective both on the ground and in the air. The Tigers’ ranking is based on last year’s 11-2 record and their SEC membership. They have quality players, starting with quarterback Brady Cook, but what have they ever accomplished on the national stage! Beating Ohio State last year in a bowl? Forgettaboutit! This will be a competitive game. Take the points.
2-0 last week against the spread; 3-2 for the season.
followtheschreib61@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: After latest loss, is the end near for Coach Deion Sanders at Colorado
You must be logged in to post a comment Login