College Football reconsidered

[LandoComando]

If the bowl games continue to make a profit for broadcasters, we will continue to have 3 dozen bowl games.

If bowl games begin to cease making a profit, their numbers will decrease.

It has NOTHING to do with in game attendance.

As with anything on TV, if you are not interested, then don't watch. But don't assume that because you think something is "unwatchable", that everyone agrees with you.

Do you enjoy the bowl games as is?
Do you think bowl games will have the same significance to most fans once the playoff expands?
Bowl are definitely in trouble and they know it.

 

[ivan brunetti]

Do you enjoy the bowl games as is?
Do you think bowl games will have the same significance to most fans once the playoff expands?
Bowl are definitely in trouble and they know it.

I enjoy the close bowl games, sure. Especially when I have a rooting interest. I don't enjoy the blowouts.

Same as always.

 

[LandoComando]

I enjoy the close bowl games, sure. Especially when I have a rooting interest. I don't enjoy the blowouts.

Same as always.

And as the playoffs expand do you think many will agree with you or do you think you're in the minority?

 

[EPC FAN]

I wonder if SCOTUS Judge Cavanaugh who championed and - if I recall - wrote the majority opinion that opened this door to what I term "a chaotic mess", is even aware of what college athletics has become?

Think he cares?

 

[Marylovesthelions]

The samp dragon loses it's teeth. I applaud this ruling. Never assump that these faceless decisi9n makers h Ave a better angel. It's the power they love, not America

 

[RickinDayton]

The bowl games have made something clear to me. We are in trouble, and I don't necessarily or exclusively mean PSU. I am referring to the state of college football. The influence of NIL, the more rampant opting-out, and especially the transfer portal are dramatically changing the quality and spirit of the game - at least from my experience. Please keep in mind that I am commenting upon my perspectives on the game. I understand many will have different opinions and they are welcome. Surely I am older than the majority of those fans who post or comment on this board. To me, college football is vastly different than professional football - or at least, it should be. I fear that difference may be narrowing, and in my opinion rather quickly. A little personal history might be helpful. My first experience of college football was my freshman year at PSU in 1962. PSU had many great players on that team - most notably all-American Dave Robinson and Roger Kochman. I became a dedicated PSU fan and a fan of college football in general. At that time, freshmen ball players had to wait until their sophomore year to play. My understanding for that policy stemmed from the notion that a young freshman player needed to have the time and opportunity to acclimate to a new environment and educational experience. Also, there was the need for first year players to physically gain more strength and weight in order to manage future well-trained and well-conditioned competitors. To me that appeared to be a sane policy that was designed to protect and develop new players both physically and emotionally. The state of the game at that time did not support any PSU players "opting out" of post season bowls, and transfers were quite rare and were accompanied by a provision that required waiting a year except in the most exceptional of circumstances. The vast majority of players completed four years at PSU then became eligible for the NFL. Yes, there were a few exceptions but my memory fails me as to who they may have been. What I am suggesting that in my opinion most players came to PSU to play for PSU, not to prepare themselves for the NFL - that was gravy. I am sure there are those of you who will see it differently. My perception might be a bit skewed! I'll own it.

Obviously things have changed, dramatically so in the past ten years. Opting out is all too common and many players enter the transfer portal for a host of reasons. Should this be permitted? I don't know, but it appears that this has become the new reality, as it seems we are are well on the path to accepting this brave new world of college football , until possibly this year. I am sensing (wishful thinking?) that there is slowly developing disenchantment with: 1) the proliferation of seemingly senseless bowl games often featuring 6-6 teams; 2) the opting out of players who wish not to threaten their market value in the NFL draft because of injury; 3) the increasing number of players entering into the transfer portal, often causing varying degrees of dismay and reorganization within their respective teams. The situation at FSU is emblematical of the chaos that has been gradually increasing and threatening college football as we (or at least I) knew it. And yes, the opting out of some of our defensive stars at PSU surely had an impact on the outcome of the Peach Bowl, with our stand-in defensive backs not up to the task of guarding the fine Ole Miss receivers. The huge blowout by Georgia adds fuel to the developing concern about the direction of college football. Let me not forget to mention the coaches who are equally part of the problem, as they move on to other positions while the team still has post season play. Where is their loyalty? What type of model are they showing to the players they coached?

So what to do? That is the question that is on the minds of many loyal fans, athletic directors, coaches, and even players. I wish I had an answer, but I don't . Nor does anyone else either. But I do hear rumblings - and that is hopeful. Permit me to present a wish pertaining to what I would like to see happen with college football. I would like to see college football again become a true college sport - a stand alone college sport that is not a nursery for the NFL. This does NOT dismiss the notion that many college players aspire to a career in the NFL. But if that goal interferes with the quality of college football - as it seems is more and more the case - then I have a problem and college football will suffer. And we saw that very interference with the opting out for the bowl games. It was a farce, a downright scam to see teams on the field for the bowl games that were not the same personnel as during the regular season. Bowl games may not be part of the regular season, but they ARE part of the total college football season. If we cannot field our best team, then let's stop with the pretense of the bowl games. Ole Miss did NOT play our best team.

I know and you know that money can be the great corruptor. In my opinion, the influence of money (NIL, opting out) will eventually destroy college football. I respect the fact that many will disagree with that statement. Okay, it is just my thought. Yes, I am pontificating, and I know it. Such pomposity on my part! But there are many professions that make far less money that are socially far more important: teaching; medicine; law enforcement; career military service; mental health; etc., etc. I am not naive - I realize the value and importance of money/income. But I also believe the strict pursuit of wealth can be destructive. I think it is time that some of the leaders in college athletics sit down and try to find a direction for college athletics, in this case football, that will preserve it as a sport yet respect the fact that many individuals have professional aspirations. Not an easy task, I think we would all agree.

I agree with your view. In the minority, perhaps? That is OK. For me, much of th lustre has worn off. If I don't attend a PSU game annually and watch every game it no longer bothers me. Loyalty is lacking on the part of too many "star" players.

 

[voltz99]

If the bowl games continue to make a profit for broadcasters, we will continue to have 3 dozen bowl games.

If bowl games begin to cease making a profit, their numbers will decrease.

It has NOTHING to do with in game attendance.

As with anything on TV, if you are not interested, then don't watch. But don't assume that because you think something is "unwatchable", that everyone agrees with you.

Don't assume making money means the product is quality.

 

[Nbergbuck]

Don't assume making money means the product is quality.

The problem is simple to grasp but very difficult to solve. There is simply too much money in and around sports. This is especially true of major college football. Human endeavors will always bend to the money at some point. That is what has happened to college football. Like the present college game or not (I don't), but it is not going back to the old days. Once the money takes hold, it does not let go.

 

[SheldonJoe2215]

Do you enjoy the bowl games as is?
Do you think bowl games will have the same significance to most fans once the playoff expands?
Bowl are definitely in trouble and they know it.

I don't think they are...yet. Only because they get better ratings than anything else ESPN could throw in their place. It will be interesting to see how the ratings look once the expanded playoffs have been in place for a few years.

 

[LionDeNittany]

I don't think they are...yet. Only because they get better ratings than anything else ESPN could throw in their place. It will be interesting to see how the ratings look once the expanded playoffs have been in place for a few years.

The bowl games could shift format and rather than selecting team 5 from this conference and team 6 from another, they select rivals that didn't make the expanded playoffs.

But as long as people chant "SEC SEC" there is a place for the current bowl system.

 

[SheldonJoe2215]

I have actually reached the point where I would like to see one of the big schools, like a Cal, say, 'Nah, we aren't going to do this anymore' and drop down to FCS or just kill their athletic program.

 

[The Spin Meister]

I have actually reached the point where I would like to see one of the big schools, like a Cal, say, 'Nah, we aren't going to do this anymore' and drop down to FCS or just kill their athletic program.

Like the Ivy League did decades ago.

 

[LandoComando]

I have actually reached the point where I would like to see one of the big schools, like a Cal, say, 'Nah, we aren't going to do this anymore' and drop down to FCS or just kill their athletic program.

If Cal did that what would it impact?

 

[LandoComando]

Like the Ivy League did decades ago.

There weren't billions on the line then

 

[Nbergbuck]

The bowl games have made something clear to me. We are in trouble, and I don't necessarily or exclusively mean PSU. I am referring to the state of college football. The influence of NIL, the more rampant opting-out, and especially the transfer portal are dramatically changing the quality and spirit of the game - at least from my experience. Please keep in mind that I am commenting upon my perspectives on the game. I understand many will have different opinions and they are welcome. Surely I am older than the majority of those fans who post or comment on this board. To me, college football is vastly different than professional football - or at least, it should be. I fear that difference may be narrowing, and in my opinion rather quickly. A little personal history might be helpful. My first experience of college football was my freshman year at PSU in 1962. PSU had many great players on that team - most notably all-American Dave Robinson and Roger Kochman. I became a dedicated PSU fan and a fan of college football in general. At that time, freshmen ball players had to wait until their sophomore year to play. My understanding for that policy stemmed from the notion that a young freshman player needed to have the time and opportunity to acclimate to a new environment and educational experience. Also, there was the need for first year players to physically gain more strength and weight in order to manage future well-trained and well-conditioned competitors. To me that appeared to be a sane policy that was designed to protect and develop new players both physically and emotionally. The state of the game at that time did not support any PSU players "opting out" of post season bowls, and transfers were quite rare and were accompanied by a provision that required waiting a year except in the most exceptional of circumstances. The vast majority of players completed four years at PSU then became eligible for the NFL. Yes, there were a few exceptions but my memory fails me as to who they may have been. What I am suggesting that in my opinion most players came to PSU to play for PSU, not to prepare themselves for the NFL - that was gravy. I am sure there are those of you who will see it differently. My perception might be a bit skewed! I'll own it.

Obviously things have changed, dramatically so in the past ten years. Opting out is all too common and many players enter the transfer portal for a host of reasons. Should this be permitted? I don't know, but it appears that this has become the new reality, as it seems we are are well on the path to accepting this brave new world of college football , until possibly this year. I am sensing (wishful thinking?) that there is slowly developing disenchantment with: 1) the proliferation of seemingly senseless bowl games often featuring 6-6 teams; 2) the opting out of players who wish not to threaten their market value in the NFL draft because of injury; 3) the increasing number of players entering into the transfer portal, often causing varying degrees of dismay and reorganization within their respective teams. The situation at FSU is emblematical of the chaos that has been gradually increasing and threatening college football as we (or at least I) knew it. And yes, the opting out of some of our defensive stars at PSU surely had an impact on the outcome of the Peach Bowl, with our stand-in defensive backs not up to the task of guarding the fine Ole Miss receivers. The huge blowout by Georgia adds fuel to the developing concern about the direction of college football. Let me not forget to mention the coaches who are equally part of the problem, as they move on to other positions while the team still has post season play. Where is their loyalty? What type of model are they showing to the players they coached?

So what to do? That is the question that is on the minds of many loyal fans, athletic directors, coaches, and even players. I wish I had an answer, but I don't . Nor does anyone else either. But I do hear rumblings - and that is hopeful. Permit me to present a wish pertaining to what I would like to see happen with college football. I would like to see college football again become a true college sport - a stand alone college sport that is not a nursery for the NFL. This does NOT dismiss the notion that many college players aspire to a career in the NFL. But if that goal interferes with the quality of college football - as it seems is more and more the case - then I have a problem and college football will suffer. And we saw that very interference with the opting out for the bowl games. It was a farce, a downright scam to see teams on the field for the bowl games that were not the same personnel as during the regular season. Bowl games may not be part of the regular season, but they ARE part of the total college football season. If we cannot field our best team, then let's stop with the pretense of the bowl games. Ole Miss did NOT play our best team.

I know and you know that money can be the great corruptor. In my opinion, the influence of money (NIL, opting out) will eventually destroy college football. I respect the fact that many will disagree with that statement. Okay, it is just my thought. Yes, I am pontificating, and I know it. Such pomposity on my part! But there are many professions that make far less money that are socially far more important: teaching; medicine; law enforcement; career military service; mental health; etc., etc. I am not naive - I realize the value and importance of money/income. But I also believe the strict pursuit of wealth can be destructive. I think it is time that some of the leaders in college athletics sit down and try to find a direction for college athletics, in this case football, that will preserve it as a sport yet respect the fact that many individuals have professional aspirations. Not an easy task, I think we would all agree.

Don't be surprised if, in 3-4 years, Oregon is the dominant football program in the B1G. With its Nike money it should be able to land whatever recruits they want.

 

[SheldonJoe2215]

Don't be surprised if, in 3-4 years, Oregon is the dominant football program in the B1G. With its Nike money it should be able to land whatever recruits they want.

I wouldn't be surprised if Oregon is in for a rude awakening once PK passes. I am sure he will leave them a few billion, but once he is gone the bloom goes off the rose. Look at Pickens and Okie St, it's no longer the hot property it was even though he left them a lot of money.

 

[psu00]

I wouldn't be surprised if Oregon is in for a rude awakening once PK passes. I am sure he will leave them a few billion, but once he is gone the bloom goes off the rose. Look at Pickens and Okie St, it's no longer the hot property it was even though he left them a lot of money.

Just from visiting out there, I get the feeling it goes deeper than PK. Nike is based in Beaverton, OR IIRC and has a deep relationship with the university. I assume when PK is gone, that relationship will continue.

 

[psu00]

The bowl games could shift format and rather than selecting team 5 from this conference and team 6 from another, they select rivals that didn't make the expanded playoffs.

But as long as people chant "SEC SEC" there is a place for the current bowl system.

The bowls lost a lot of their influence and interest when they started to save spots for different conferences. The days when people would be tracking which bowl reps were at PSU games trying to organize the best matchups was great. It kept things interesting.

 

[PSU4U]

The bowl games have made something clear to me. We are in trouble, and I don't necessarily or exclusively mean PSU. I am referring to the state of college football. The influence of NIL, the more rampant opting-out, and especially the transfer portal are dramatically changing the quality and spirit of the game - at least from my experience. Please keep in mind that I am commenting upon my perspectives on the game. I understand many will have different opinions and they are welcome. Surely I am older than the majority of those fans who post or comment on this board. To me, college football is vastly different than professional football - or at least, it should be. I fear that difference may be narrowing, and in my opinion rather quickly. A little personal history might be helpful. My first experience of college football was my freshman year at PSU in 1962. PSU had many great players on that team - most notably all-American Dave Robinson and Roger Kochman. I became a dedicated PSU fan and a fan of college football in general. At that time, freshmen ball players had to wait until their sophomore year to play. My understanding for that policy stemmed from the notion that a young freshman player needed to have the time and opportunity to acclimate to a new environment and educational experience. Also, there was the need for first year players to physically gain more strength and weight in order to manage future well-trained and well-conditioned competitors. To me that appeared to be a sane policy that was designed to protect and develop new players both physically and emotionally. The state of the game at that time did not support any PSU players "opting out" of post season bowls, and transfers were quite rare and were accompanied by a provision that required waiting a year except in the most exceptional of circumstances. The vast majority of players completed four years at PSU then became eligible for the NFL. Yes, there were a few exceptions but my memory fails me as to who they may have been. What I am suggesting that in my opinion most players came to PSU to play for PSU, not to prepare themselves for the NFL - that was gravy. I am sure there are those of you who will see it differently. My perception might be a bit skewed! I'll own it.

Obviously things have changed, dramatically so in the past ten years. Opting out is all too common and many players enter the transfer portal for a host of reasons. Should this be permitted? I don't know, but it appears that this has become the new reality, as it seems we are are well on the path to accepting this brave new world of college football , until possibly this year. I am sensing (wishful thinking?) that there is slowly developing disenchantment with: 1) the proliferation of seemingly senseless bowl games often featuring 6-6 teams; 2) the opting out of players who wish not to threaten their market value in the NFL draft because of injury; 3) the increasing number of players entering into the transfer portal, often causing varying degrees of dismay and reorganization within their respective teams. The situation at FSU is emblematical of the chaos that has been gradually increasing and threatening college football as we (or at least I) knew it. And yes, the opting out of some of our defensive stars at PSU surely had an impact on the outcome of the Peach Bowl, with our stand-in defensive backs not up to the task of guarding the fine Ole Miss receivers. The huge blowout by Georgia adds fuel to the developing concern about the direction of college football. Let me not forget to mention the coaches who are equally part of the problem, as they move on to other positions while the team still has post season play. Where is their loyalty? What type of model are they showing to the players they coached?

So what to do? That is the question that is on the minds of many loyal fans, athletic directors, coaches, and even players. I wish I had an answer, but I don't . Nor does anyone else either. But I do hear rumblings - and that is hopeful. Permit me to present a wish pertaining to what I would like to see happen with college football. I would like to see college football again become a true college sport - a stand alone college sport that is not a nursery for the NFL. This does NOT dismiss the notion that many college players aspire to a career in the NFL. But if that goal interferes with the quality of college football - as it seems is more and more the case - then I have a problem and college football will suffer. And we saw that very interference with the opting out for the bowl games. It was a farce, a downright scam to see teams on the field for the bowl games that were not the same personnel as during the regular season. Bowl games may not be part of the regular season, but they ARE part of the total college football season. If we cannot field our best team, then let's stop with the pretense of the bowl games. Ole Miss did NOT play our best team.

I know and you know that money can be the great corruptor. In my opinion, the influence of money (NIL, opting out) will eventually destroy college football. I respect the fact that many will disagree with that statement. Okay, it is just my thought. Yes, I am pontificating, and I know it. Such pomposity on my part! But there are many professions that make far less money that are socially far more important: teaching; medicine; law enforcement; career military service; mental health; etc., etc. I am not naive - I realize the value and importance of money/income. But I also believe the strict pursuit of wealth can be destructive. I think it is time that some of the leaders in college athletics sit down and try to find a direction for college athletics, in this case football, that will preserve it as a sport yet respect the fact that many individuals have professional aspirations. Not an easy task, I think we would all agree.

Everything is changing rapidly either adapt or get left behind. I'm an old school guy who hates some of the changes NIL new transfer rules etc but if I'm going to continue to love college football, I have to get onboard the new train and go along for the ride.