# 2015 College Football Omnibus Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [August 30, 2015, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398 "2015-08-30T16:01:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/281 "2015-10-18T10:22:26Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > And that’s 12 straight for the Ducks over those mangy mongrels from Seattle! 😃 Strangely enough, it looks like the Cougs are the best team in the state. They must have had a really off night against PSU. ---
**Author:** ![USCDiver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uscdiver/32/354_2.png) [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/282 "2015-10-18T14:35:13Z")
Can we spend a few minutes talking about that LSU fake field goal? They ran a similar play against my Gamecocks a couple years ago. My understanding of the rule is that the holder isn’t consider down (even though he is in control of the ball with his knee down) only because the kicker is in position to make the kick. Seems that as soon as the kicker begins running away from the ball, that special provision no longer applies and the ball should be dead. ---
**Author:** ![lel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8797f3/32.png) [@lel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lel)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/283 "2015-10-18T15:00:57Z")
Anyone know what Utah was thinking with that forward pass in the end zone? Not that they didn’t break out Booker and roll over the Sun Devils anyway, but that pass was perplexing. What was the point of it? ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/284 "2015-10-18T15:25:47Z")
> [@USCDiver](#): > > Can we spend a few minutes talking about that LSU fake field goal? They ran a similar play against my Gamecocks a couple years ago. > > My understanding of the rule is that the holder isn’t consider down (even though he is in control of the ball with his knee down) only because the kicker is in position to make the kick. Seems that as soon as the kicker begins running away from the ball, that special provision no longer applies and the ball should be dead. Simulating a kick is also covered under the rule. Otherwise you could almost never have a fake in college ball. I would assume that the rule is in force until the holder removes his knee from the ground to attempt the play. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/285 "2015-10-18T15:32:33Z")
Oh, Michigan. I don’t know if that loss tops App. State in terms of hilarity, but I enjoyed it all the same. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/286 "2015-10-18T15:37:38Z")
> [@USCDiver](#): > > Can we spend a few minutes talking about that LSU fake field goal? They ran a similar play against my Gamecocks a couple years ago. > > My understanding of the rule is that the holder isn’t consider down (even though he is in control of the ball with his knee down) only because the kicker is in position to make the kick. Seems that as soon as the kicker begins running away from the ball, that special provision no longer applies and the ball should be dead. Pretty sure that the rules carve out an exception for the holder – he can throw or lateral, even with his knee down, unless he’s touched by the defense, or unless he picks up his knee and puts it down again (then he’s down). Basically, common sense to allow for actual fake field goals. ---
**Author:** ![installLSC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/54ee81/32.png) [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/287 "2015-10-18T16:27:12Z")
> [@TonySinclair](#): > > Strangely enough, it looks like the Cougs are the best team in the state. They must have had a really off night against PSU. Or considering Portland State is now 5-1 and just crushed North Texas by 59 points, maybe Big Sky teams are a lot better than we think they are. ---
**Author:** ![USCDiver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uscdiver/32/354_2.png) [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/288 "2015-10-18T20:51:07Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Pretty sure that the rules carve out an exception for the holder – he can throw or lateral, even with his knee down, unless he’s touched by the defense, or unless he picks up his knee and puts it down again (then he’s down). > > Basically, common sense to allow for actual fake field goals. Well, a majority of the fake FGs I’ve seen involve the holder either running or standing up to pass. LSU is the only team I’ve ever seen have the holder toss the ball to the kicker from a kneeling position. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/289 "2015-10-18T20:56:03Z")
> [@USCDiver](#): > > Well, a majority of the fake FGs I’ve seen involve the holder either running or standing up to pass. LSU is the only team I’ve ever seen have the holder toss the ball to the kicker from a kneeling position. It makes sense to do this, it seems to me – the faster it can go, the more likely it will succeed – and it takes a precious half second or so to get up from one knee, even for an athlete. ---
**Author:** ![USCDiver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uscdiver/32/354_2.png) [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/290 "2015-10-18T21:05:44Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It makes sense to do this, it seems to me – the faster it can go, the more likely it will succeed – and it takes a precious half second or so to get up from one knee, even for an athlete. Well, if the idea is to sneak another player past the line of scrimmage before throwing to him, then I disagree. It depends on how the play is drawn up. Point being, calling the holder down once the kicker is no longer in a position to kick would not affect the vast majority of fake FGs., only those done by LSU. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/291 "2015-10-18T21:27:56Z")
> [@USCDiver](#): > > Well, if the idea is to sneak another player past the line of scrimmage before throwing to him, then I disagree. It depends on how the play is drawn up. > > Point being, calling the holder down once the kicker is no longer in a position to kick would not affect the vast majority of fake FGs., only those done by LSU. I’m not sure about that, but even if this is so, what’s the point? How is football better if these types of fakes weren’t allowed? It’s not like they can’t be defended. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/292 "2015-10-18T21:38:21Z")
In the “Dewey Beats Truman” category, Grand Rapids station WZZM [reported the happy fans spilling out of Michigan Stadium following their defeat of MSU.](http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/local-news-delivers-entire-report-on-michigan-beating-m-1737161749?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow) ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/293 "2015-10-19T05:29:55Z")
**The Thing Fish Ratings – Week 7** (the “take my mind off the freaking Cubs” edition) For the first time this season, a team defends the top spot. Actually though, the top 4 are all basically tied, with a significant gap between #4 and #5, and also between #5 and #6. 1. Utah – nice win 2. Iowa – huge road win, and ooc win against Pitt looking more impressive 3. Alabama – VERY impressive win! 4. TCU – keep winning, Texas Tech now quality win 5. LSU 6. Ohio State 7.Baylor 7. Stanford 8. Michigan State – they ain’t not beat nobody no more! 9. Clemson 10. Florida State 12.Texas A & M 11. Oklahoma – damn. 12. Notre Dame 13. Northwestern – trending down 14. Bowling Green 15. Memphis!! 16. Arizona State 17. Pitt 18. Michigan – ha ha ha ha ha 19. Oklahoma State 20. Texas Tech 21. Georgia 22. Cal – barely hanging on after week off 23. UCLA – ditto bon voyage: USC, Olde Miss, Boise St, Florida bonjour: Pitt, Tex Tech, Memphis, Oklahoma (had dropped out after being #1 in week 2!) ---
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/294 "2015-10-19T06:12:02Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > **The Thing Fish Ratings – Week 7** Wait, where’s Wazzu? ETA: Holy crap, I was joking, but I just looked at the Coaches’ Poll, and WSU got 5 points, same as Oregon! Prolly first time this century. ---
**Author:** ![Thing\_Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/295 "2015-10-19T18:16:50Z")
> [@TonySinclair](#): > > Wait, where’s Wazzu? > > ETA: Holy crap, I was joking, but I just looked at the > Coaches’ Poll, and WSU got 5 points, same as Oregon! Prolly first time this century. Wazzu incurred a large penalty for losing to Portland State; if not for that, I would indeed have them ranked this week. But if PSU gets ten wins, as they seem likely to do, that penalty will be rescinded, so the Cougs could be in good shape if they continue their winning ways. Yeah, I’m not holding mine, either. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/296 "2015-10-19T23:04:41Z")
My mom’s a Michigan State alumna. I think I heard her cheering hundreds of miles away. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Tickles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e4f/32.png) [@Mr.Tickles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Tickles)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2015, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/297 "2015-10-20T04:49:01Z")
> [@Dendarii\_Dame](#): > > My mom’s a Michigan State alumna. I think I heard her cheering hundreds of miles away. Nope, pretty sure that was me and Mrs. Tickles. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/298 "2015-10-20T15:07:35Z")
> [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > 1. TCU – keep winning, Texas Tech now quality win > > \ > > 7.Baylor How do you have this differential? Especially comparing their common opponents, Tech and SMU. TCU vs. Tech - 55-52 BU vs. Tech - 63-35 Just curious for your rationale. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/299 "2015-10-20T15:15:39Z")
He uses a points system which is explained here: > [@Thing\_Fish](#): > > **Happy New Year, mensa**!😃 > > OK, here is the whole system: > > 2 points for beating a P5 team. > > 2 point bonus for beating a top 25 team (per these ratings) – this is retroactive, so teams will be gaining and losing points all season as their former opponents move in and out of the top 25. > > 1 point bonus for winning on the road. > > 1 point bonus for winning by 15 or more. > > No points for beating a non-P5 FBS team, and boy do we need a less clunky way of saying “FBS-but-not-really” – but 1 point bonuses for road and decisive wins still apply. > > No points ever for beating an FCS team, and losing to them incurs a four-point penalty, plus one-point bonuses for home and/or decisive losses. > > Exception: FBS minor league teams and FCS teams which win a total of at least 10 regular season games shall be treated as if they were the next level up. > > The Big 12 regular season champion gets a four point bonus to compensate for the lack of a championship game. > > The first and only tiebreaker is the whim of Thing Fish. > > So, for example, Auburn got 2 points for a close win at home over a P5 opponent, and Baylor got 2 points for a blowout road win over a lesser opponent. Baylor then ended up a few spots higher in the rankings due to, as you surmised, pure anti-SEC malice, as per the tiebreaker rule.😃 The tiebreaker is pretty crucial early in the season but will lose importance as we go on. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398/300 "2015-10-20T18:28:26Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > He uses a points system which is explained here: Thanks [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-college-football-omnibus-thread/729398.md?page=16)