January 2, 20206 yr Sure, but one of those SEC blue bloods should not lose to Minnesota. Auburn didn’t have that SEC look in the game that’s all. I have a theory on Auburn under Malzahn. Teams that rely on trickery or out-scheming opponents, misdirection seemingly every other play, shielding of blockers instead of sticking your helmet in their chest, etc. breeds softer play.... on both sides of the ball. It is why I never fully trusted teams like Oregon under Chip Kelly. Granted, Auburn gets great talent and under Malzahn were seconds from winning a national title, but I always have my doubts. Good for Minnesota. Fleck seems to be a heck of a coach and could be in line for a big time job soon enough.
January 2, 20206 yr In the past, sure we wouldn't expect Minnesota to beat Auburn. Generally speaking, I think we put way too much emphasis on bowl games and what they mean to teams/conferences. There are a number of factors we could look at as to why a team doesn't play their best in a bowl game. Yes, that is why Michigan didn’t beat Alabama. Harbaugh was more worried about his kakis than winning that game. We only hear that excuse when SEC teams lose, ever notice that?
January 2, 20206 yr In the past, sure we wouldn't expect Minnesota to beat Auburn. Generally speaking, I think we put way too much emphasis on bowl games and what they mean to teams/conferences. There are a number of factors we could look at as to why a team doesn't play their best in a bowl game. Agreed. And the the one I cannot stand hearing is the “they were disappointed to be here” excuse.
January 2, 20206 yr Yes, that is why Michigan didn’t beat Alabama. Harbaugh was more worried about his kakis than winning that game. Michigan didn't beat Alabama because Michigan isn't better than Alabama.
January 2, 20206 yr Agreed. And the the one I cannot stand hearing is the “they were disappointed to be here” excuse. I do think there is some validity to that, but I also think in those situations, that mentality wears off once the game actually gets going. Dudes playing high level D1 ball are competitors by nature, rarely are they going to just lay down because they don't want to be there. That was the narrative when Louisville beat Florida in the Sugar Bowl. Florida didn't want to be there. Kinda hard to make that claim when Jon Bostik tries to decapitate Teddy Bridgewater in the opening quarter.
January 2, 20206 yr In the past, sure we wouldn't expect Minnesota to beat Auburn. Generally speaking, I think we put way too much emphasis on bowl games and what they mean to teams/conferences. There are a number of factors we could look at as to why a team doesn't play their best in a bowl game. Something I have been consistent with. Judging a conference or team's level of greatness based on how they play in a neutral site bowl game five weeks after playing any football is one of the dumbest thing in sports. Always has been, always will. Similar to how the NCAA basketball tournament shakes out. That thing is a crap shoot. Now you could argue over time you can draw results, but an annual snapshot shows us nothing.
January 2, 20206 yr I do think there is some validity to that, but I also think in those situations, that mentality wears off once the game actually gets going. Dudes playing high level D1 ball are competitors by nature, rarely are they going to just lay down because they don't want to be there. I agree, mostly. I think the validity comes with the preparation. We are dealing with fickle 18-22 year old kids. Say a team had their sights set on a bigger bowl game, then they are told they are playing some "other team" in Waco, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on New Years Eve, from the coaching staff on down, some laziness may creep in since nothing can be gained from a victory. Said "other team" may be taking their preparation in full seriousness mode since this is their big chance.
January 2, 20206 yr We were in 107 Row F - Minnesota sideline on Buccaneer Ship side at 5 yard line. Agreed that is way a really fun game to watch. Just for everyone's reference, the Ship is in the north endzone. You were on the west side of the stadium. You guys were in the shade by the 4th quarter, correct? That sun was brutal on the east side. I actually got a sunburn on my left ear and left side of my face. And I live down here.
January 2, 20206 yr If my guy @GrantNKY and I agree on nothing else, we agree that the conference chest bumping is one of the dumbest things in college athletics. The Auburn fans were SEC pumping so much they booed when the Citrus Bowl score was announced and Alabama had taken the lead over Michigan and cheered when Michgan was up. They really hate Alabama. And when the cameras found a guy in Gators gear and put him on the jumbotron, my God you could not hear yourself for all the booing. I was on the Auburn side.
January 2, 20206 yr Auburn roster: 5-stars: 3 4-stars: 40 Minnesota roster: 5-stars: 0 4-stars: 5 The game defies logic, lest we forget Auburn just beat Alabama.
January 2, 20206 yr Auburn roster: 5-stars: 3 4-stars: 40 Minnesota roster: 5-stars: 0 4-stars: 5 The game defies logic, lest we forget Auburn just beat Alabama. That’s why they play the games. On any given day, any team can be beat!
January 2, 20206 yr Just for everyone's reference, the Ship is in the north endzone. You were on the west side of the stadium. You guys were in the shade by the 4th quarter, correct? That sun was brutal on the east side. I actually got a sunburn on my left ear and left side of my face. And I live down here. Correct - we caught shade in the 4th quarter. I borrowed some SPF 30 from the family in front of us in the 2nd Quarter. The sun was intense even though it was not that hot. Perfect day for a football game especially for Northerners!
January 3, 20206 yr Michigan didn't beat Alabama because Michigan isn't better than Alabama. I was being sarcastic. It’s hard to type sarcastically.
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