SB Nation User Blog: bruinhoo

An early BCS primer

bruinhoo — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:00:46 -0000

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

This past Sunday's CFB post led to an very interesting series of comments, some of which involved the current state of the BCS picture. While this does not have any direct effect on the Bruins, it was suggested that my comments on the subject may be of interest.

With the advent of the National Championship Game in addition to the existing bowl structure, 10 teams participate in the BCS. The champion of each BCS member conference (ACC, Big 10, Big XII, Big East, Pac-10, and SEC) gain automatic berths, leaving 4 "at-large" spots. The at-large teams are chosen by each BCS bowl that has an open berth, by an annually rotating order.

While at-large berths are, by definition not predetermined, there are certain BCS rules which apportion at-large spots.

The #1 and #2 ranked teams in the final BCS standings play in the national championship game, without regard to conference champion status. If either of those teams did not win its conference (such as Nebraska, 2001) or is the champion of a non-BCS conference, that team takes one of the at-large spots.

The #3 ranked team in the final BCS ranking, if not the champion of a BCS conference, is guaranteed an at-large berth (unless another at-large team from the same conference has qualified for the national championship game). If the #3 team does not require an at-large berth, the #4 ranked team may qualify in the same manner.

Another at-large rule comes from the compromise made a few years ago, with the intent of allowing greater access to highly ranked teams from non-BCS conferences. An exception allowing up to one team per year from a non-BCS conference to gain an automatic bid was created, as follows:

3. The champion of Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference or the Western Athletic Conference will earn an automatic berth in a BCS bowl game if either:

A. Such team is ranked in the top 12 of the final BCS Standings, or,
B. Such team is ranked in the top 16 of the final BCS Standings and its ranking in the final BCS Standings is higher than that of a champion of a conference that has an annual automatic berth in one of the BCS bowls.

No more than one such team from Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, and the Western Athletic Conference shall earn an automatic berth in any year. (Note: a second team may be eligible for at-large eligibility as noted below.) If two or more teams from those conferences satisfy the provisions for an automatic berth, then the team with the highest finish in the final BCS Standings will receive the automatic berth, and the remaining team or teams will be considered for at-large selection if it meets the criteria.

This provision is typically not an issue, as even a single non-BCS team finishing in the top 12/16 has been more of an exception than a rule (2004 Utah, 2006 Boise St). This season is an anomaly in that 3 non-BCS conference champions may finish in the top-16, and would be eligible for automatic bids without the above limitation.

- Utah has locked up a spot in the BCS (12-0, MWC champion, #6 in this week’s BCS)
- Boise State (11-0, #9), having clinched the WAC championship would qualify under 3(a) or (b) with a win next week, but for the one team rule. As it stands, they would need to leapfrog Utah (as well as Penn St, and Texas Tech in the process) to gain a BCS spot.
- Ball State (12-0, #15) has completed its regular season, and will next play in the MAC championship game. A win would result in a 13-0 season, and would likely preserve the team's current position in the BCS top-16, and allowing it to qualify under 3(b) if not for the one team rule (as the ACC champion, at least, will not finish in the top-16).

With the automatic (conference champion) BCS berths are automatic, I'll take a look at how the at-large bids may shake out. To start with, Utah will gain an automatic bid under the non-BCS conference champion exception. As a result, the at-large pool shrinks to 3 berths.

As I see the BCS picture, whichever of Oklahoma/Texas that does not make the Big XII title game gets an at-large bid, as does the loser of the SEC title game (unless Florida loses twice). Together with Utah’s automatic bid, only one at-large spot remains.

The BCS selection rules state that at-large teams are taken from teams finishing in the top-14 of the final BCS ranking, provided that:

1. The team has won at least 9 regular season games, and

2. No more than two teams from a conference may participate in the BCS, unless the #1 and #2 teams are non-champions of a BCS conference.

This rule, seemingly unknown to many, including (as demonstrated last Saturday) some CFB analysts, will eliminate from at-large consideration otherwise eligible teams from the Big XII and SEC. Assuming that the SEC will place Alabama and Florida in the BCS, and two of Oklahoma/Texas/Texas Tech will represent the Big XII, and using this week's BCS ranking and conference standings, 5 teams are eligible for consideration for the final at-large berth: USC (#5), Boise State (#9), Ohio State (#10), TCU (#14), and Ball State at #15 (If USC passes Oregon State to win the Pac-10, this at-large pool shrinks to 4 teams for 1 berth.).

As noted earlier, the team gaining this final at-large berth is picked by the applicable BCS bowl committee, and is limited only by the above rules. There is a chance that if USC wins out, it will gain an automatic BCS berth by finishing either #3 or #4 in the final BCS ranking (if one of Florida/Oklahoma/Texas loses, this is probable). If this occurs, then all at-large berths will be taken. Even if that eventuality does not occur, I find it hard to believe that an 11-1 USC squad would be left out of the BCS.

If USC goes 1-1 to end the regular season, we are left with 10-2 Ohio State and 10-2 USC as the most likely choices for the final BCS bowl bid, with (a possibly 12-0) Boise State holding an outside shot; very slim, but buoyed by its 2006/07 BCS history. Any of these teams could reasonably be chosen by a game shopping for an at-large berth, based upon the unique circumstances of competitiveness and fan travel facing each bowl game. All else equal, I believe that at 10-2, USC would be taken ahead of 10-2 Ohio State. Regardless of how the teams are currently perceived, I believe that the 35-3 beating of tOSU in September makes it impossible for Ohio State to be picked without the narrative of that game being dominated by the issue (in the Sunday comments, bucknellbruin made the case for Ohio State).

As a non-champion of a non-BCS conference, I do not see TCU having any shot at an at-large bid. Likewise, I do not see Ball State with a realistic chance, particularly with fellow non-BCS conference champion Boise State ranked ahead of it in the at-large pool.

Mack Brown boots racist player from UT Football; WWPD?

bruinhoo — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:27:52 -0000

Mack Brown boots racist player from UT Football; WWPD?

We know that Pete Carroll is a forgiving sort when it comes to the Facebook-displayed racism of his players, but his style has apparently not rubbed off on his peers. Coach Brown dismissed one of his players from the Texas program today, following the player's not-so transcendent Facebook update regarding this week's election result (use the title link for details; I will refrain from posting the exact phrase, but to summarize his suggestion that the off-season hunting trip be relocated to the nation's capital).

Bruins crack the AP top-25

bruinhoo — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:21:43 -0000

Bruins crack the AP top-25

#23 in this week's AP poll, and 1 vote outside the top-25 in the coaches' poll.

Chris Kluwe sure can multitask

bruinhoo — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:39:37 -0000

Chris Kluwe sure can multitask

Minnesota Vikings/UCLA punter Chris Kluwe finds the time to excell both at kicking a football, and playing guitar hero.

Baron Davis opts out - Looking to the Clippers

bruinhoo — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:45:26 -0000

Baron Davis opts out - Looking to the Clippers

Ah, Baron making a perfectly logical move to find a team that will sign him to a long-term contract, in light of the Warriors dragging on negotiations.

ASDFHJYHLDG@##@_$!^@)^$*%(#@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ESPN mock draft #6 - Luc gets drafted?

bruinhoo — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:59:30 -0000

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

With only 3 days to go until the big night, Chad Ford of ESPN has released his latest mock draft; this update includes a projection of the 2nd round in addition to the common lottery or 1st round projections popular with most outlets.

While the top 2 spots are considered to be set with some combination of Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, and Juice Deuce a strong contender for the 3rd pick, the real news at the top of the board is the steady rise of Russell Westbrook. Ford now has Westy being selected 4th overall by the Seattle Sonics.

The skinny: We've had Bayless at No. 4 since our first mock draft, but we've gathered enough information over the weekend to suggest that the Sonics may be leaning in another direction.

GM Sam Presti is notoriously tough to read, but sources say it appears that Westbrook, Lopez and Indiana's Eric Gordon are strongly in the mix at No. 4.

So why Westbrook? Two reasons: upside and defense. The Sonics have time to let players develop and Westbrook could turn into a better shooting version of Rajon Rondo down the road

While Westbrook's draft stock is taking a last minute jump, Kevin Love's status has remained steady. Ford has him going to Charlotte with the #9 pick.

The skinny: If the draft plays out this way, Charlotte will have a very difficult decision to make. The Bobcats have been looking for a big man so they can slide Emeka Okafor over to the 4 full-time, and Brook Lopez would be a great complement to Okafor up front.

But a lot of teams are questioning Lopez's upside ... That's where Love comes in. He's a Larry Brown type of player -- he knows how to "play the right way." Love would bring toughness, rebounding, basketball IQ and the ability to step in and contribute right now. While he doesn't have ideal size, he knows his way around the basket

The Lottery status of Love and Westbrook has not been subject to much doubt, particularly here, but the professional prospects of Luc Richard have been up for a lively debate. For Luc's sake, let us hope that Chad Ford's projection is correct.

37. Milwaukee Bucks

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute | SF | UCLA
The Bucks want to keep adding toughness and Mbah a Moute has the potential to be an exceptional defender. He's not going to score a lot, but he can guard just about anyone.

Unveiling of a mural depicting Coach's life, at John R. Wooden High School in Reseda. (Bumped. GO...

bruinhoo — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:51:38 -0000

Unveiling of a mural depicting Coach's life, at John R. Wooden High School in Reseda. (Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N)

Bushgate update - the attempted deposition

bruinhoo — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:19:58 -0000

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

In the ongoing saga of Reggie Bush and his one-time relationship with the aspiring sports agents/marketers of New Era Sports, New Era partner Lloyd Lake had been scheduled to give a deposition today in San Diego. While this meeting was not interrupted by Bush's armed posse, Reggie did find a new way to cut this one short.

Yahoo Sports reports that at the start of Lake's deposition, counsel for Bush filed a motion which would have effectively barred Lake from talking, under a theory that the settlement reached last year between Bush's parents and New Era partner Michael Michaels (regarding allegations that Mr and Mrs Bush received approximately $300,000 in benefits from the firm) prevents Lake from giving testimony regarding Bush's relationship with Lake and New Era

Proceedings halted less than 10 minutes after Lake’s deposition was to begin. Bush’s attorney David Cornwell said the motion was to compel Lake to adhere to the terms of the settlement reached between Michaels and Bush’s parents – LaMar and Denise Griffin.

An irritated Superior Court Judge Joan M. Lewis admonished both sides, but ultimately agreed to postpone all depositions in the case and schedule a hearing for Aug. 1 to discuss the motion.

The motion filed by Bush's counsel is the first confirmation of the previously reported settlement between Michaels and Bush's family; while the general discussion regarding the continuing course of litigation between Bush and Lake has presupposed that Lake is free to testify as to his relationship with Bush (and as rumors of settlement offers between the parties may support), counsel is now asserting that: 1) Lake is bound by the settlement between Michaels and Bush's family, and 2) Bush is covered under the settlement as an "intended beneficiary" of the settlement.

Cornwell [ed. Bush's counsel] said the settlement with Michaels included Bush as an “intended beneficiary” of Michaels, releasing the family of any liabilities. A copy of the settlement filed with the court was heavily edited, removing almost all detail of the transaction.

My own knowledge of Civil Procedure, Depos, and other relevant law covering this sort of settlement in California is limited, so anyone that can shed some light, please feel free.

The big point to come out of this, at least as the agreement is interpreted by Lake and his counsel, is that Bush and/or his family did take money from New Era.

“They’re conceding that they received this money,” Lake’s attorney Brian Watkins said. “But now their argument is that: ‘We got this money, but we paid it back already. We paid it to Michaels and that satisfied Lloyd’s debts.”

Lake was more succinct.

“The key thing is (they said) they never took money before,” Lake said. “Now, they’re saying they did.”

LA Times Q&A session with Coach Wooden. Not specifically about basketball, but since when is...

bruinhoo — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:03:03 -0000

LA Times Q&A session with Coach Wooden.

Not specifically about basketball, but since when is Coach's advice really just about that?

Stanford hires Dook assistant

bruinhoo — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:24:28 -0000

ESPN reports that Stanford has offered its open head coaching position to Duke assistant coach Johnny Dawkins, and that Dawkins has accepted. Dawkins currently serves as associate head coach at Duke; he played at Duke from 1982-86, and was twice named to the All-America team at point guard, and where he returned as an assistant coach in 1998. He also serves as an assistant on the US National team under Coach K.

In one sense, Dawkins is not a bad choice to enter the farm, in that he has experience in recruiting to a school that has strong academic requirements (whatever we may think of Duke/Coach K, they are not Memphis, or SC). It seems that Dawkins is held with some esteem by the Duke fanbase; a quick look at the Duke boards paints a picture of a well respected assistant, with some seeing him as a possible successor to coach K. On the other hand, the track record of Coach K's former assistant coaches after being given head jobs does not strike fear into opponents' hearts (see messrs. Amaker and Snyder).

Not a bad hire in my opinion, but not a hire that I see threatening UCLA's leadership of the Pac-10.