As The 2015 College Football Season Fast Approaches, Sentiments Can Run Deep:

[MackDonald]

Here are a few perceptions we might want to consider when we toss-around our thoughts and prognostications as we banter back an forth here in the Rx Forum and, when we get down to the serious business of picking winners when the season begins. Already, there are preseason polls and predictions put out by the "experts" and, I'm certain, many of the faithful here in the Forum have formed some pre-conceived notions as to who is going to win [it] all (the 2015 National Championship).

I know there are many posters here in the RX that do considerable research and analysis using returning letterman/starters and recruiting classes, coaching and much more not to mention years of experience gained from following the game before they put their thoughts on the line as to who will win the National Championship, the "Holy Grail" of all sports.

Here are a few facts:

Since 1936 to date (79 years), there has a been total of (30) schools that have won the title with Alabama the leader with (10) followed by N.D (8), Oklahoma (7), USC (7)*, (1) was take away, so officially they've won (6), Ohio State (6), Miami 5), Nebraska (5), Minnesota (4), Texas (4), Florida (3), FSU (3). There are (25) schools that have won (2) or (1) National Title.

Since the formation of the BCS (1998) there has been (10) Schools that have won the Title (counting 2014, the year the play-offs began).
Again, Alabama leads the count with (3), followed by Florida, FSU, LSU, Ohio St, with (2) each. Miami, Oklahoma, Tennessee and
Texas have won (1) each.

It is easy to see why so many of us have pre-conceived notions as to who is going to win-it-all based on past recollections. "Old Memories" die slow. Sentimental "old fools" like me have to be very careful, especially if they put a "few dollars" on-the-line. I'm always very careful when I bet the money-line on Minnesota.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

It i only a matter of time before the NCAA gives USC their NC back, as well as their Heisman Trophy. Now that the world knows the truth about the matter, the NCAA will have to do something to apologize or face a huge lawsuit, one that they cannot win. If you look at the actual years the teams won their NC's, you will notice a trend away from the Northeast teams to the Southern teams. Only USC and Ohio State have bucked that trend, both winning in numerous decades.

 

[cloverleaf]

The exciting news for any old coot who is a Minnesota Golden Gophers fan is they have a good coach who has improved the team each year. 16 wins the past two seasons from a 3 win season four years ago when he started.

Now, if Jerry Kill could just win a bowl game.........

(picking on my friend Mack just for fun)

 

[RunLeeRun]

The BCS closed the door on many of the non-traditional champions the last few years. My personal opinion is that it was a step back from the old-bowl system, but it may have been necessary to get to the promised land. Those teams left out before will actually have a chance now. You might not see a mid-major winning it, but I will not be surprised to see an Oklahoma St/KState/Michigan St-like team on a great run getting to that championship game. In the past that 1-loss excluded them when the other candidate was the "traditional" power.

 

[MackDonald]

It i only a matter of time before the NCAA gives USC their NC back, as well as their Heisman Trophy. Now that the world knows the truth about the matter, the NCAA will have to do something to apologize or face a huge lawsuit, one that they cannot win. If you look at the actual years the teams won their NC's, you will notice a trend away from the Northeast teams to the Southern teams. Only USC and Ohio State have bucked that trend, both winning in numerous decades.

I was not aware that returning the (2004) NC Trophy back to USC was in the works. I am not a big fan of the NCAA but there has to be some over-sight when it comes to rules violations. Too me, the NCAA has always been too political and many times they did not always keep the best interest of College Football in mind.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Minny will learn in a hurry exactly what they have. They host TCU on 9/3 (a Thursday night game) and then go to a Colorado State team that finished the season at 10-3 last year and does not lose a lot of starters. They also must pay a visit to Columbus and Iowa City back to back, but play everyone else, including Nebraska and Wisconsin at home. Minny may have success if they can find a passing attack to go along with their ground game.

 

[Conan]

It i only a matter of time before the NCAA gives USC their NC back, as well as their Heisman Trophy. Now that the world knows the truth about the matter, the NCAA will have to do something to apologize or face a huge lawsuit, one that they cannot win. If you look at the actual years the teams won their NC's, you will notice a trend away from the Northeast teams to the Southern teams. Only USC and Ohio State have bucked that trend, both winning in numerous decades.

+1

(and don't forget this one goees out to Todd McNair who's career was maliciously destroyed by the NCAA.)

 

[RunLeeRun]

Minny loses two very good talents at TE and RB. They won't be easy to replace. There is nothing pretty about what they do, but they do it well. Play physical and keep the game in reach. I've heard they are thinking about trying to implement some hurry-up. That's a step in the wrong direction, imo.

 

[MackDonald]

In the Big10, Minnesota, like Wisconsin and now Nebraska have to recruit out-of-state because of a lake of numbers/talent in state. Wisconsin has had
some success in the past but the Gophers have been slow catching-on. The winters in Minneapolis can be brutal.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

The weather is no help to any team from the Northeast or Northern part of the Midwest. If you are a young stud who can play the game with the best of them, where would you rather go to school. Some old school in the rust belt, or in the part of the country where it is routine to freeze your tail off, or some place like California, or the South, were the sun seemingly shines 365. It is not hard to figure out. Besides that, have you guys seen some of the "Heffers" that pass as females in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and other Midwest states?

 

[MackDonald]

The weather is no help to any team from the Northeast or Northern part of the Midwest. If you are a young stud who can play the game with the best of them, where would you rather go to school. Some old school in the rust belt, or in the part of the country where it is routine to freeze your tail off, or some place like California, or the South, were the sun seemingly shines 365. It is not hard to figure out. Besides that, have you guys seen some of the "Heffers" that pass as females in states like Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and other Midwest states?

You are probing in an "area" I always felt was significant to the success of big-time college football programs...women, right down to the players Mothers and the cheerleaders and other females on campus. I remember Bobby Bowen (FSU) being quoted as saying, sell the players Momma and you get the recruit.