So here we are, after all the kicking and scratching (and debating) we have Alabama playing the Clemson Tigers for the National Championship. At least the AP and the coaches will not decide. After the second year of the play-off format there are a few questions left unanswered:
1. Would an 8 team play-off have made any difference (changed anything) based on what we've see so far.
2. Are these kids ready or 13 & 14 game schedules/seasons; We've seen a lot of burn-out, injuries and lack of interest with the exception of Clemson, in most games) ?
3. Do season-end coaching changes throw a monkey-wrench into the process (i.e. Kiffin a lame-duck).
4. Does a (4) week (game) lay-off with Christmas break thrown-in, take the edge off ? Is the desire still there (what about rust)....the pros take-off only 2 weeks prior to the Super Bowl
The NCAA must come-up with a lot of answers; To do it right they must face some hard facts and I'm not talking about ($ & TV).
1. Would an 8 team play-off have made any difference (changed anything) based on what we've see so far.
2. Are these kids ready or 13 & 14 game schedules/seasons; We've seen a lot of burn-out, injuries and lack of interest with the exception of Clemson, in most games) ?
3. Do season-end coaching changes throw a monkey-wrench into the process (i.e. Kiffin a lame-duck).
4. Does a (4) week (game) lay-off with Christmas break thrown-in, take the edge off ? Is the desire still there (what about rust)....the pros take-off only 2 weeks prior to the Super Bowl
The NCAA must come-up with a lot of answers; To do it right they must face some hard facts and I'm not talking about ($ & TV).
Southern schools have big advantages:
-recruiting great HS QB's, warm weather teams can tell them they will play in warm weather games thus increasing their ability to make accurate passes AND the receivers will be able to catch the ball more easily than in goddam Michigan or Wisconsin... receivers, too
-come bowl time, most of the games are in warm weather and the cold weather power teams like Michigan and Ohio State go against warm weather passing oriented teams that have played that style all year
It isn't just the discomfort of the cold, it is total technique, the way you catch the ball, the way you hold the ball, etc... but when you play in warm weather (or indoors) it is much different.
On the other hand, for example, IF this year's Michigan - Fla State was played in Michigan in 15-20 degree weather this year and some good cold wind, Michigan would win by 13-17, even without Peppers.
-recruiting great HS QB's, warm weather teams can tell them they will play in warm weather games thus increasing their ability to make accurate passes AND the receivers will be able to catch the ball more easily than in goddam Michigan or Wisconsin... receivers, too
-come bowl time, most of the games are in warm weather and the cold weather power teams like Michigan and Ohio State go against warm weather passing oriented teams that have played that style all year
It isn't just the discomfort of the cold, it is total technique, the way you catch the ball, the way you hold the ball, etc... but when you play in warm weather (or indoors) it is much different.
On the other hand, for example, IF this year's Michigan - Fla State was played in Michigan in 15-20 degree weather this year and some good cold wind, Michigan would win by 13-17, even without Peppers.
