Glad to see someone other than Alabama win the CFP

[IANit]

I doubted Stetson Bennett IV. I was wrong, He made plays when he had to and didn't get rattled. Good for him.

Bryce Young didn't look so hot without his two first-round receivers. Being pressured all night didn't help.

I thought officiating was good for the most part. The fumble call on Bennett was unreal. It looked to me in real-time like it was incomplete and the Alabama defender was out of bounds anyway. I didn't even see him catch it. I thought it would be overturned. Then they show the replay and it was clear the ball was out before the arm came forward, and the Alabama defender caught the ball right before his foot went out.

 

[Lmdm]

Unfortunately PSU is not even in the same ballpark with either of these teams

 

[rudedude]

Some perspective: Georgia’s first championship since 1980. Yeah they are at another level than us but, 1980.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

There was a run by UGa late in the game that really showed the difference between an average OL and a TEAM first one that is ready to fight. Z White was hit after 4 yards late in the 4th quarter on first down, ALL 5 of the UGa OL sprinted behind him and pushed him for 3-4 more yards. In fact the last one jumped kind of on the pile late and it could have been a flag, but the effort there was basically saying....this is now our game, and it was. Saban even said it after the game, they kicked their arse in the 4th. The amount of hustle and TEAM first effort they showed is another reason why they won. UGa and Bama have better Jimmy and Joe's than just about everyone. Hopefully NIL starts to level that, but both are still going to be great programs. PSU needs to follow up last years class with another top 7 class and really fill the OL holes up.

As far as Young goes, UGa got to him frequently last night. I don't care if it is Tom Brady versus the Saints....if the defense is constantly hitting or pressuring the QB they will force bad throws and decisions. Losing your top 2 WR's late in the year and during the game doesn't help, but I think Young is still a pretty good QB. A really good one.

2 great teams, best one won I think. Congrats to the Dawgs.

 

[psu31trap]

To me they are one of the same. Two SEC football programs played for the NC last night. Both spending hundreds of millions on facility and the best coaches available. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that Georgia won the National Championship. But this victory by Georgia proves one thing and one thing only, to beat Alabama you have to morph into Alabama.

I’m old enough to say this, the Penn State team that lost to Alabama, beat Georgia, lost to Oklahoma and beat Miami was a profoundly different team from their opponents. Profoundly different!!

 

[Connorpozlee]

It was nice to see defenses that play fast and tackle hard.

 

[psu31trap]

Some perspective: Georgia’s first championship since 1980. Yeah they are at another level than us but, 1980.

Since 1980 they have been knocking on the door numerous times. Just think about the football dynasty’s/factories they were up against over that past four decades. Early on it was Miami, Florida, LSU and most recently Alabama.

 

[NJPSU]

Georgia is as sleazy as they come. I heard this from someone close to the Julian Fleming recruitment. There’s a reason they recruit like they do and it’s not X’s and O’s related.

 

[danvillenit]

Some perspective: Georgia’s first championship since 1980. Yeah they are at another level than us but, 1980.

They have been knocking on the elite door. 58 wins the past five years and five straight top 5 recruiting classes.

 

[rudedude]

They have been knocking on the elite door. 58 wins the past five years and five straight top 5 recruiting classes.

It took them 42 years to win it again, irregardless of all of that.

 

[GregInPitt]

Did someone else win???

Did I miss it??

When was the game??

 

[Mr. Pittsburgh]

After watching those two teams play last night, it made me realize that the Penn State Football program is currently baking cookies and enjoying hot cocoa on planet Pluto. We are light years away from playing at that level. From X's and O's, attention to detail, preparation, athleticism, skill at position, and on and on. I could care less who won the game, but it was an exciting, fun game to watch. For the past few years, while watching PSU I feel like I'm watching the NCAA Football Mausoleum Network (snooze fest). I've been a die hard fan my entire life, my father has been a die hard fan his whole life, my extended family are die hard fans, it is a legit generation thing. We adjust personal lives to not miss a PSU game each and every week during the season. What I saw on television last night is what I want each and every Saturday during the season. I hope to get there soon some day! I'm hopeful.... We Are!

 

[danvillenit]

It took them 42 years to win it again, irregardless of all of that.

Ok. They are now added to the growing list of programs which have won a natty since PSU last did

 

[Georgia Peach]

After watching those two teams play last night, it made me realize that the Penn State Football program is currently baking cookies and enjoying hot cocoa on planet Pluto. We are light years away from playing at that level. From X's and O's, attention to detail, preparation, athleticism, skill at position, and on and on. I could care less who won the game, but it was an exciting, fun game to watch. For the past few years, while watching PSU I feel like I'm watching the NCAA Football Mausoleum Network (snooze fest). I've been a die hard fan my entire life, my father has been a die hard fan his whole life, my extended family are die hard fans, it is a legit generation thing. We adjust personal lives to not miss a PSU game each and every week during the season. What I saw on television last night is what I want each and every Saturday during the season. I hope to get there soon some day! I'm hopeful.... We Are!

Think of it this way. We need Micah Parsons level talent at every level on the offense and defense to compete with Bama and Georgia. If you look at Bama's team, there is a first round draft pick at every level.

 

[IANit]

Some perspective: Georgia’s first championship since 1980. Yeah they are at another level than us but, 1980.

We won our first two years later by beating Georgia. I hope 2023 is our year.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

Think of it this way. We need Micah Parsons level talent at every level on the offense and defense to compete with Bama and Georgia. If you look at Bama's team, there is a first round draft pick at every level.

They are better recruiters, tend to have more consultants/bigger staffs, and realized 2 decades back that it's a business. Remember oversigning.com where the SEC on average would have classes that averaged 4-5 more ships given per year as they were processing people way before the portal was even a thought. NIL if done right at PSU or any legit power 5 school can level the playing field, but we know very well there is a huge part of this alumni base who is stuck in time. The schools need to embrace the change and be forward thinking with it. You are 100% spot on saying those rosters are just at a different level.....they are.

 

[IANit]

Think of it this way. We need Micah Parsons level talent at every level on the offense and defense to compete with Bama and Georgia. If you look at Bama's team, there is a first round draft pick at every level.

We won't have it at every position - but we have quite possibly the best high school QB, RB, and likely DE in the country this year coming in.

 

[psu31trap]

They are better recruiters, tend to have more consultants/bigger staffs, and realized 2 decades back that it's a business. Remember oversigning.com where the SEC on average would have classes that averaged 4-5 more ships given per year as they were processing people way before the portal was even a thought. NIL if done right at PSU or any legit power 5 school can level the playing field, but we know very well there is a huge part of this alumni base who is stuck in time. The schools need to embrace the change and be forward thinking with it. You are 100% spot on saying those rosters are just at a different level.....they are.

I do have a question for you. I tried looking up specifics regarding the NIL policy and cannot find anything other than an athlete can monetize their name, image and likeness. Who exactly does this for a college athlete? Agent, marketing firm or the college itself. Also, are their limits and will it vary according to individual athletes?

 

[rudedude]

Ok. They are now added to the growing list of programs which have won a natty since PSU last did

Most since then have been repeaters. You don’t see too many “odd” teams winning it anymore since it has become an opinion poll vs what happens on the field. Champs of all the conferences should be playoff bound with a few “add ons”. This is the only way to level the playing field. Take final 4 selection out of a committees hands, let the players decide it.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

I do have a question for you. I tried looking up specifics regarding the NIL policy and cannot find anything other than an athlete can monetize their name, image and likeness. Who exactly does this for a college athlete? Agent, marketing firm or the college itself. Also, are their limits and will it vary according to individual athletes?

I'm not an expert at all on this as it is new. Schools are setting up new NIL related offices/teams to help promote kids or get them deals. Basically you will see a NIL staff on most major athletic staffs across the nation to assist kids in getting deals. UConn had a female frosh b-ball player get a deal with Gatorade. I don't think it will be heavily governed as the NCAA still likes those checks coming in and we'll just have to see where it goes. Others are on top of this much more than I am, hopefully one will chime in.

UConn's Bueckers signs NIL deal with Gatorade

UConn star Paige Bueckers has signed a multiyear NIL endorsement deal with Gatorade as she continues to build out her budding marketing profile.

www.espn.com

 

[PSUJam]

Since 1980 they have been knocking on the door numerous times. Just think about the football dynasty’s/factories they were up against over that past four decades. Early on it was Miami, Florida, LSU and most recently Alabama.

What about Clemson? 2 years ago everyone had Clemson dominating for the next decade with Bama. I think Georgia is the new Clemson and will fizzle out when the core group is gone. I think that's what you'll see in the future. Bama will stay the same and every few years a new team will put together a bunch of special players to make a run at them. LSU and Clemson did it, now it was Georgia's turn. Why not PSU?

 

[Nitt1300]

Unfortunately PSU is not even in the same ballpark with either of these teams

neither is anybody else

 

[Midnighter]

What about Clemson? 2 years ago everyone had Clemson dominating for the next decade with Bama. I think Georgia is the new Clemson and will fizzle out when the core group is gone. I think that's what you'll see in the future. Bama will stay the same and every few years a new team will put together a bunch of special players to make a run at them. LSU and Clemson did it, now it was Georgia's turn. Why not PSU?

It could be. But, need this first:

Georgia Recruiting Rankings by Year (per 247):

2021 - 4
2020 - 1
2019 - 2
2018 - 1
2017 - 3

 

[Nitt1300]

Bama has won 6 Nattys since 2008- the reality is that they stand alone and there are 2-3 others who sneak into the discussion from time to time. Everyone else is irrelevant.

 

[PSUSignore]

After watching those two teams play last night, it made me realize that the Penn State Football program is currently baking cookies and enjoying hot cocoa on planet Pluto. We are light years away from playing at that level. From X's and O's, attention to detail, preparation, athleticism, skill at position, and on and on. I could care less who won the game, but it was an exciting, fun game to watch. For the past few years, while watching PSU I feel like I'm watching the NCAA Football Mausoleum Network (snooze fest). I've been a die hard fan my entire life, my father has been a die hard fan his whole life, my extended family are die hard fans, it is a legit generation thing. We adjust personal lives to not miss a PSU game each and every week during the season. What I saw on television last night is what I want each and every Saturday during the season. I hope to get there soon some day! I'm hopeful.... We Are!

We did look pretty good against Auburn this year, I was impressed with how we performed on a national stage. After that one, not so much.

 

[PSUSignore]

It could be. But, need this first:

Georgia Recruiting Rankings by Year (per 247):

2021 - 4
2020 - 1
2019 - 2
2018 - 1
2017 - 3

Bingo. Sure it's been 40 years for UGA to win a title, but they have been one of the top recruiting programs in the country for a while now. I'd guess that if they didn't have to deal with Bama in the same conference they might have some more titles to show for it in recent years. Now A&M is coming to the party too. OSU and Bama are already there. PSU has a long way to go.

 

[Midnighter]

Bingo. Sure it's been 40 years for UGA to win a title, but they have been one of the top recruiting programs in the country for a while now. I'd guess that if they didn't have to deal with Bama in the same conference they might have some more titles to show for it in recent years. Now A&M is coming to the party too. OSU and Bama are already there. PSU has a long way to go.

PSU is not as good as Kentucky.

 

[TiogaLion]

Did Bama fans chant SEC, SEC, SEC,... after the game?

 

[danvillenit]

It could be. But, need this first:

Georgia Recruiting Rankings by Year (per 247):

2021 - 4
2020 - 1
2019 - 2
2018 - 1
2017 - 3

Exactly. That’s the recruiting it took for them to get to the top. Some fans think one top 10 class means we are close. We are not.

 

[gogolion]

Hopefully NIL starts to level that,

I don't know about that. I feel like NIL will make the rich get richer. It is a way for them to legally pay players, more or less.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

I don't know about that. I feel like NIL will make the rich get richer. It is a way for them to legally pay players, more or less.

Yeah but there should be enough to at least give most p5’s a punchers shot. The old way of acting like it didn’t exist wasn’t working either. You could be right, but I’m kind of in wait and see mode. PSU has the largest alumni base in the country so in theory they should be able to raise some money. How much or if they will remains to be seen.

 

[gogolion]

since it has become an opinion poll vs what happens on the field.

Wait, what? It was an opinion poll BEFORE the CFP (remember 1994?). It may be opinion that decides who makes the CFP, but at least the opinion chooses 4 teams who then decide it on the field. Before it was solely opinion that chose the champion. For example, in years past Alabama and Georgia (2 SEC teams, who I think anyone would agree were the 2 best teams) would not have played in a bowl game. So they likely would have played lesser opponents and would have won easily. Under that scenario, since Alabama was #1 going into the bowls they would have been national champs. Instead, the 2 best teams played. Georgia won and deserves the championship.

Sorry, but you're wrong. The CFP is head and shoulders above the old poll based system. It may not be perfect and could use some improvement (expansion), but it's way better than the old system.

 

[Midnighter]

I don't know about that. I feel like NIL will make the rich get richer. It is a way for them to legally pay players, more or less.

You're sort of seeing some of this with the two Top 50 recruits who opted to go to HBCU's instead of normal P5 powerhouses. I think you'll see more of this once NIL programs are up and running at most programs. And you saw it with A&M this year - they've never had a better recruiting class than Bama and this year their money bought them the best class in history. Problem is not everyone has A&M money.

 

[Georgia Peach]

Yeah but there should be enough to at least give most p5’s a punchers shot. The old way of acting like it didn’t exist wasn’t working either. You could be right, but I’m kind of in wait and see mode. PSU has the largest alumni base in the country so in theory they should be able to raise some money. How much or if they will remains to be seen.

I have seen for years the stat about the largest alumni base. What does that mean really? Do we have the largest donor base? Do we have the largest endowment? How do we compare with the top performing football programs in terms of alumni support monetarily? We've been waiting for 10-15 years to just get a new press box on the stadium. The coach has to threaten to leave to get some upgrades in coaching analysts and athletic dorms. I can assure you that Kirby Smart picks up the phone and the money arrives even though Georgia does not have the same number of alumni as PSU.

 

[BobPSU92]

Do we have the largest endowment?

 

[Georgia Peach]

Here is what the other teams are up against.

Roster Talent Breakdown: Five-star (12), four-star (58), three-star (13) Alabama is the textbook example of a recruiting power. So much so that the Tide have 13 three-star recruits on their roster while the other playoff teams average 30 such players.

 

[Georgia Peach]

I expected this response from you. I guess it all depends on the quality of the "who's hottest" pictorials.

 

[WDLion]

What happens when PSU, OSU, Alabama and 15 other schools offer the same 5*. NIL money? Do you get into a bidding war? Call, raise or fold.

 

[psu31trap]

It could be. But, need this first:

Georgia Recruiting Rankings by Year (per 247):

2021 - 4
2020 - 1
2019 - 2
2018 - 1
2017 - 3

Those rankings are amazing. If it were not for a total melt down in the 2018 NC game they would have 3 titles. But you’re correct, according to the recruiting rankings they may be tough for at least three more years. I’ll go out on a limb and predict that they win it again next year.

 

[psu31trap]

What happens when PSU, OSU, Alabama and 15 other schools offer the same 5*. NIL money? Do you get into a bidding war? Call, raise or fold.

In a nutshell, that’s exactly what’s going to happen with respect to NIL contracts. The NCAA will change the rules where an athlete can stay 6 or 7 years earning a mint for his services. We will have student athletes retiring at by the age of 24. I personally believe that this arrangement (in time) will seriously hurt the NFL.