Local Owl said

The NCAA has inadvertently totally messed up college football. In their attempt to help the players, they have caused so many problems. I fear fan support, tv viewership,  and outside revenue sources will soon decline.  The cash has to start drying up before they try and fix it. I hope it doesn't wait too long. For the first time  in probably 30 years, I have very little interest in the bowls . And I am a true fan. I wish they could have found a way to help the kids without affecting the game so much.

Posted On: Dec 28th 2023, 5:20 AM #419542

Court rulings that made the NCAA framework of amateur sports illegal is what drove the changes we are experiencing now.

The NCAA didn't attempt to "help the players" by paying them and allowing NIL to happen.  The NCAA wanted this to remain amateur, but the popularity of college football and basketball went ballistic and too much money flowed in.

No turning back now, next step…players become full employees, no longer student athletes.  Unionize, collective bargaining, etc.  It will be popular minor league sports.  I wouldn't t be surprised if some of the programs break off and are ran seperate from the actual school moving forward, just utilize the branding.

Be interesting to see if the NCAA can keep things in place like eligibility rules, any standards for being in school to play, etc.  I wouldn't be surprised to see 30 year old men playing "college" sports in the future.  Guy that's a good college QB, but cant start in NFL...just stay for 12 years.  There's money to be made, they will go to the courts with ANY AND ALL rules the NCAA tries to implement....and win.

It sucks, change is tough....if you want to stay engaged, just do what I do and gamble on the games and dont take it too serious.

Regulation will be coming...it has to.

@walty, you said there is money to be made. Only if there is a market and interest. I would not have any interest in that. And the younger generation has even less. College football is only popular because of connection of some kind with the school and players. If it turns into a minor league of the pros, watch for attendance to be equal to USFL . And those players earn peanuts. The current situation just disappoints  the heck out if me.

@walty, as for the wagering, have you done any bowl games? I've done zero. I can't make an educated  pick . I don't know the products the will be on the field

Fenway Bowl Final:

SMU 14, Boston College 23

Boston College defeated #17/24 SMU, 23-14, on Thursday at the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, held at Fenway Park.

Thomas Castellanos was named the game's offensive MVP, rushing for a career-high 155 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles' signal caller was also 11-for-18 for 102 yards in the rainy conditions.

Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings was 24-of-48 for 191 yards and score. SMU posted the most wins since since the 1982 season (also 11).

The loss is the 2nd by ranked AAC teams and moved the conference to 2-3 overall in bowl play.

Liberty Bowl Final:

Iowa State 26, Memphis 36

The Memphis Tigers earned their 10th win of the season, defeating the Iowa State Cyclones, 36-26. Quarterback Seth Hennigan was 24-of-34 (71%) for 364 yards with 4 TD.

Rush defense also played a big part in the victory for the Tigers, as they held the Cyclones to a net mark of zero yards gained on 20 carries.

ISU wide receiver Jayden Higgins had a remarkable day, hauling in nine catches for 214 yards in the loss.

With the win, the American closes out bowl play at .500 (3-3).

Rick said

Liberty Bowl Final:

Iowa State 26, Memphis 36

The Memphis Tigers earned their 10th win of the season, defeating the Iowa State Cyclones, 36-26. Quarterback Seth Hennigan was 24-of-34 (71%) for 364 yards with 4 TD.

Rush defense also played a big part in the victory for the Tigers, as they held the Cyclones to a net mark of zero yards gained on 20 carries.

ISU wide receiver Jayden Higgins had a remarkable day, hauling in nine catches for 214 yards in the loss.

With the win, the American closes out bowl play at .500 (3-3).

Posted On: Dec 29th 2023, 7:51 PM #419582

I am REALLY glad we were able to bring the conference to .500. Wouldn't want to be responsible for a losing bowl season record.


Plus, I'm also selfish – glad to see my Tigers win the Liberty Bowl!