It made a difference but I wouldn't say it made a major difference. James Quick's lack of awareness at the worst time possible made more of a difference IMO.

I guess the college rules don't call for the little arrow at the first down distance on the sideline opposite the chains. I'm sure that would've helped. To me Quick has always been physical enough so I think it was just a misjudgment on his part.

I guess the college rules don't call for the little arrow at the first down distance on the sideline opposite the chains. I'm sure that would've helped. To me Quick has always been physical enough so I think it was just a misjudgment on his part.

^^^^^ This. There was nothing on that sideline to indicate where the first down was. I was a little surprised how he finished the run but I think there not being some type of maker had an impact. It was a great game.

Because way too many people are overstating its value. UL came 1-2 plays from winning in Death Valley. I prefer to give credit to Dabo, Watson and Cain. Not the folks in the crowd. Lamar's Heisman candidacy is still very much alive and UL is still in the playoff hunt.

 

Had Clemson won 42-24 then I'd say UL was shook and Death Valley got to them. Seeing them lose because of lack of awareness by Quick doesn't make me change my stance of Death Valley being a place of distinct homefield advantage. Especially when I distinctly remember Jameis making Death Valley a mockery in 2013.

 

I'm thinking pretty much the opposite. UL came within a hair of winning. I think on a neutral field they win. Had it been a blowout then I'd say the stadium/crowd didn't have much of an impact. But when a handful of plays decide the game you can't ignore the impact of the environment.

Of course if UL doesn't have another false start due to the noise right before that Quick had enough for the first down there anyway......

 

I said it made a difference. First sentence of the post.

I guess the college rules don't call for the little arrow at the first down distance on the sideline opposite the chains. I'm sure that would've helped. To me Quick has always been physical enough so I think it was just a misjudgment on his part.

 

I thought so also.

Mental errors, a false start and Quick not cutting back for a first down will probably cost UL a playoff spot.

 

I think they get in if they beat Houston. Still a long way to go though. Depends a lot on the other teams.

I'm thinking pretty much the opposite. UL came within a hair of winning. I think on a neutral field they win. Had it been a blowout then I'd say the stadium/crowd didn't have much of an impact. But when a handful of plays decide the game you can't ignore the impact of the environment.

 

Which is why I said it made a difference. I'm simply not overstating its value. For all the talk of Death Valley and for all the glorious impacts Death Valley had UL was one yard of awareness away from making Death Valley a moot point.

Special team kickoff return gave them life, can't let that happen.

 

Death Valley did that. Don't get it twisted.

Special team kickoff return gave them life, can't let that happen.

 

Only one of the night the kicker missed on. Petrino's got him dropping it just short of the goal line, trying to avoid touchbacks. That one he sailed into the end zone, it was bobbled, and the coverage guys were all in the wrong place.

 

Lots of things went wrong last night that didn't have to. That's definitely one that sticks out.

I think they get in if they beat Houston. Still a long way to go though. Depends a lot on the other teams.

Undefeated Washington or 1 loss Louisville?

Undefeated Washington or 1 loss Louisville?

 

Undefeated major conference champ isn't getting left out these days. The powers that be won't allow that, even if their schedule is Baylor-soft.

Undefeated major conference champ isn't getting left out these days. The powers that be won't allow that, even if their schedule is Baylor-soft.

Nor should they. It would be an absolute nightmare scenario if Baylor and Washington were to go undefeated. But there is nothing you can do.

Nor should they. It would be an absolute nightmare scenario if Baylor and Washington were to go undefeated. But there is nothing you can do.

 

Right. It's an imperfect system, but it's better than it was. We'll have to see if things shake out anyway. Lots of scenarios to still play out.

UofL's goal was undefeated. They now have to alter that to be "the best 1 loss team" in CFB. If there is a spot for a 1 loss team in the 3 team playoff (Clemson gets in over them even with a loss), they'll have a great argument for that spot over everyone else. They will almost certainly have the highest quality loss on the board but their SOS will not be great outside of Clemson, Houston and maybe FSU (depending on how they finish out the campaign).

 

Good week for a BYE to regroup and beat the teams they should before Houston.

UofL's goal was undefeated. They now have to alter that to be "the best 1 loss team" in CFB. If there is a spot for a 1 loss team in the 3 team playoff (Clemson gets in over them even with a loss), they'll have a great argument for that spot over everyone else. They will almost certainly have the highest quality loss on the board but their SOS will not be great outside of Clemson, Houston and maybe FSU (depending on how they finish out the campaign).

 

Good week for a BYE to regroup and beat the teams they should before Houston.

 

I agree. I think dropping in the ranking and the national spotlight lifting during the upcoming weeks will sorta help the Cards focus on the hard work necessary for a strong finish.