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Week 9 Featured Games:The Underdogs, the Upsets, and the Unraveling

Mark Haines on October 26, 2024

Step back from the spreadsheets, the power rankings and the expert predictions – Week 9 featured games are about to remind us why we watch this sport in the first place: for the moments that defy logic and rewrite the script.

Early Game

No. 12 Notre Dame vs. No. 24 Navy

Noon Eastern/9:00 AM Pacific

Network: ABC

This isn’t just a football game; it’s a collision of worlds. Notre Dame, the wounded lion, stumbles into the arena, its playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Five starters down, they’re a symphony orchestra missing half its instruments. And Navy? They’re the barbarians at the gate, 6-0 and averaging 45 points a game, led by Blake Horvath, a quarterback who turns the triple option into a weapon of mass destruction. Imagine Barry Sanders with a playbook designed to make defensive coordinators spontaneously combust. The line moved? You bet it did. The smart money knows: Notre Dame’s defense is built for finesse, not this kind of organized chaos. They’re chess players facing a barroom brawl. If Navy pulls off the upset, it’s not just a win; it’s a statement. A declaration that the Midshipmen belong in the playoff conversation, while the Irish are left wondering where it all went wrong.

Afternoon Games

No. 21 Missouri at No. 15 Alabama

Gametime: 3:30 PM Eastern/12:30 PM Pacific

Network: ABC

The eyes of the college football world are on Tuscaloosa. Not just because Alabama has stumbled – two losses in three games is practically an apocalypse in these parts – but because a new era has dawned. The offensive guru, Kalen DeBoer, takes the reins from the legendary Nick Saban. The pressure is immense. Can DeBoer exorcise the ghosts of Alabama’s recent struggles and establish his reign? Or will Eli Drinkwitz and his Missouri Tigers play the role of party crashers, exposing the vulnerabilities of a transition program? This isn’t just a game; it’s a referendum on the future of Alabama football.

No. 5 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt

Game Time: 4:15 PM Eastern/1:15 Pacific

Network: SEC Network

While Alabama grapples with a new identity, Vanderbilt embraces its unexpected transformation. They’ve slain giants, toppling Alabama and sending shockwaves through the SEC. Now, they face another test: the Texas Longhorns, a team still finding its footing after a humbling loss to Georgia. Diego Pavia, the Commodore quarterback, embodies this new Vanderbilt: fearless, confident, and ready to take on anyone. Texas, meanwhile, needs to rediscover its swagger. Can they overcome the chaos in Nashville and avoid becoming another victim of Vandy’s magic? Or will the Commodores continue their Cinderella story, proving their rise is no fluke?

Evening Game

No. 3 Penn State at Wisconsin

Game Time: 7:30 PM Eastern/4:30 PM Pacific

Network: NBC

The whispers are swirling in Happy Valley. “Ohio State, Ohio State, Ohio State.” It’s the biggest game on Penn State’s horizon, a clash of titans that could decide the Big Ten East. But first, there’s the matter of Wisconsin, a team lurking in the shadows, hungry to play spoiler. Fresh off a bruising battle with USC, Penn State can’t afford to look past this one. Camp Randall at night is a cauldron of noise and fury, a place where dreams go to die. But this Penn State team, led by the cool-headed Drew Allar, has the grit and the talent to silence the doubters. Their defense is a fortress, and Allar is growing into a true field general. Can they weather the storm in Madison and escape with their undefeated season intact? Or will Wisconsin, sensing vulnerability, deliver a knockout blow and send shockwaves through the Big Ten?

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The $87 Million Question: Hugh Freeze and Auburn’s Football Gamble

Mark Haines on October 9, 2024

Auburn University finds itself at a crossroads in the gladiatorial college football arena, where millionaire coaches pace sidelines and billion-dollar TV deals fuel an insatiable machine. The whispers have already started. The faithful readers of CoachesHotSeat.com, those amateur Nostradamuses of the gridiron, are asking the question that sends shivers down the spine of every Auburn fan: Could Hugh Freeze be fired this year?

It’s a question that isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about cold, hard cash—$87 million of it, to be exact.

That’s the jaw-dropping sum Auburn has either already spent or might have to spend on coaching changes. $67 million shelled out since 2000 to make coaches go away, and potentially another $20 million waiting in the wings for Freeze. It’s a number that would make Wall Street blush and leave most university presidents reaching for the antacid. And now, less than two years into his tenure, Hugh Freeze might be the next name on that expensive list.

Let’s examine the situation at Auburn and see if Freeze will pack his bags before the leaves change color next fall.

The Freeze Gambit

679 days ago, Auburn rolled the dice on Hugh Freeze.

Picture this: A coach with a checkered past but an undeniable offensive mind parachuting into a program desperate to wash away the stench of the Bryan Harsin era. Freeze arrived talking a “big game”. He’d develop quarterbacks. He’d close the talent gap. He’d turn things around “fairly fast.”

Fast forward to today, and Auburn fans wonder if they’ve been sold a bill of goods.

The 2024 season has been a tire fire of epic proportions. Three home losses, including a humiliating defeat to Cal, have left the Tigers staring down the barrel of their fourth straight losing season. Bowl eligibility? That’s a pipe dream at this point.

But here’s the kicker: If Auburn wants to pull the plug on the Freeze experiment on December 1, 2024, it’ll cost them a cool $20,312,500. That’s not a typo. That’s the price of failure in the SEC.

The Quarterback Whisperer Who Lost His Voice

Freeze built his reputation on offensive fireworks and quarterback development. At Arkansas State, Ole Miss, and Liberty, his offenses lit up scoreboards like pinball machines. But at Auburn? The offense has all the potency of a wet firecracker.

Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne was supposed to be the answer. Instead, he’s become the poster child for Freeze’s struggles. Interceptions have become his love language, and Freeze’s public criticism of his signal-caller has raised eyebrows across the college football landscape.

Bo Wallace, who played under Freeze at Ole Miss, didn’t mince words: “We’re approaching the point that he’s thrown so many quarterbacks under the bus that maybe no one wants to play for him?? Don’t be a coward and blame it on kids.”

Ouch.

The $87 Million Elephant in the Room

Now, let’s talk about that $87 million. Since 2000, Auburn has burned through coaches like a teenager with their first credit card. Tommy Tuberville, Gene Chizik, Gus Malzahn, Bryan Harsin – each departure came with a price tag that would make most Fortune 500 companies blush. And if Freeze joins this not-so-illustrious club, the total bill will hit a staggering $87 million.

It’s a number that begs the question: What could Auburn have done with that money instead? How many academic scholarships could it have funded? How many state-of-the-art facilities could it have built? Hell, how many Cam Newtons could it have bought? (That’s a joke, NCAA. Please don’t investigate.)

But here’s the rub: In the arms race that is college football, Auburn isn’t alone. Texas A&M, another SEC school with more money than sense, has reportedly spent nearly $95 million on coaching buyouts in the same timeframe.

It’s madness. But it’s the madness that defines modern college football.

The Recruiting Paradox

Here’s where things get weird. Freeze and his staff are crushing it on the recruiting trail despite the on-field dumpster fire. Auburn’s 2025 class is ranked 3rd nationally. The 2026 class? It’s sitting pretty at 2nd.

It’s like watching a magician pull rabbits out of a hat while the theater burns down around him. Impressive? Sure. But also a little beside the point.

The $20 Million Question

So here we are. Auburn is staring down the barrel of another lost season. They’ve got a coach who can’t seem to develop quarterbacks or win games but can convince 17-year-olds that Auburn is the place to be. They’re facing a potential $20 million buyout for a coach less than two years into his tenure.

What’s a tiger to do?

The coming weeks will be crucial. Games against Oklahoma, Missouri, and the Death Star, which is Alabama, loom large. If Freeze can engineer a miracle turnaround, he might buy himself more time. If not? Well, Auburn might find itself reaching for the checkbook once again.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear: The situation at Auburn is a perfect microcosm of the beautiful, maddening, financially irresponsible world of college football. It’s a world where the pressure to win trumps all, fiscal responsibility is an afterthought, and the next big payday is always just one coaching change away.

As for Hugh Freeze and Auburn? They’re just along for the ride, hoping they can get off before the bill comes due.

What do you think? Should Auburn stick with Freeze?

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The Huddle’s Getting Tense: Week 5’s Hottest Seats Revealed

Mark Haines on September 24, 2024

1. Billy Napier – Florida Gators

First Win, Same Old Problems

Napier finally got a W, but let’s not kid ourselves. Mississippi State was fresh off a loss to Toledo. Florida’s offense looked better, but it was more about Mississippi State’s defensive scheme than Napier’s brilliance.

And the defense? Yikes. Soft zones, missed tackles, and a general sense of panic against an up-tempo offense. If Mississippi State can shred them, imagine what UCF or Tennessee will do.

The 17-point margin is deceptive. This game was a nail-biter until the final minutes.

Nick Saban’s comments on GameDay cut to the heart of the matter. He wasn’t pointing fingers at the coaches but rather at the administration. Florida’s had a revolving door of coaches since the glory days of Spurrier and Meyer. Saban suggested that perhaps the issue lies in the athletic department and the university’s commitment to providing the resources and support necessary for sustained success. It takes more than just hiring a good coach; it takes a culture of winning that permeates the entire program. Gator Nation needs to understand that the solution might lie beyond the sidelines. When this job opens up again, Florida’s administration needs to be ready to demonstrate a real commitment to building a championship program if they want to attract a top-tier coach. Right now, this isn’t a very attractive job.

2. Dave Aranda – Baylor Bears

A Heartbreaking Loss, But a Glimmer of Hope

Baylor’s loss to Colorado was a gut punch, a nightmare finish that will haunt them for weeks. A last-second touchdown, a fumble at the goal line, and a season’s worth of hope seemingly slipping away. But let’s not write the obituary for Aranda’s Bears just yet.

This Baylor team is different. They’re improved, tougher, and more resilient than the squads of recent years. Even in defeat, there were signs of promise. The defense harassed Shedeur Sanders all game, the offense showed flashes of explosiveness, and there was a sense of competence that’s been missing for too long.

The Big 12 is wide open this year, and Baylor’s season is far from over. But the margin for error is razor-thin. Aranda’s known for his defensive prowess, but he needs to find a way to ignite the offense and clean up the special teams miscues. The 2021 championship season feels like a distant memory, and the pressure is mounting.

Aranda’s a good man, well-liked and respected within the athletic department and university administration. But the fickle winds of fan sentiment can change quickly. In the cutthroat world of college football, patience is a rare commodity. He’s got the talent on the roster, but can he mold it into a winning team fast enough to appease the restless Baylor faithful? The next few weeks will be crucial. Aranda’s talking about getting his team’s heart back in its body. He better hope they find it, and quickly, because another losing season could spell the end of his tenure in Waco, regardless of the support he has behind the scenes.

3. Sam Pittman – Arkansas Razorbacks

Riding High, But Challenges Ahead

Sam Pittman and his Razorbacks are flying high after a gritty win over Auburn. TJ Metcalf was the hero, snagging two picks and playing a role in four of Auburn’s five turnovers. It was a defensive masterpiece, especially considering Arkansas’ offense was held well below its usual explosive output.

But amidst the celebration, there’s a cloud hanging over Fayetteville. The indefinite suspension of running back Rashod Dubinion for violating team rules is a blow to an already thin backfield. Dubinion was expected to be a key contributor this season, and his absence will be felt. The Hogs also struggle with discipline and execution, showing flashes of sloppiness that could cost them dearly against more formidable opponents.

Pittman’s got this team playing with grit and determination, but the road ahead is challenging. The SEC is a meat grinder, and Arkansas will need to find a way to replace Dubinion’s production and clean up their mistakes if they want to keep winning. The defense is playing lights out, but the offense needs to find its rhythm.

The Hogs are 3-1 and feeling good, but the real tests are yet to come. Can Pittman keep this team focused and motivated? Can they overcome the loss of Dubinion and their self-inflicted wounds? And can they continue to defy expectations in the toughest conference in college football?

The answers to these questions will determine whether Arkansas is a legitimate contender or just another flash in the pan. Pittman’s got them believing, but the hard work is just beginning.

4. Will Hall – Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Sinking Deeper

The Golden Eagles are in freefall. A historically bad loss to Jacksonville State, a winless team, has Southern Miss reeling. Six turnovers, a benched quarterback, and a freshman thrown into the fire. It’s a mess.

The offense is sputtering, the defense is porous, and the pressure is mounting on Will Hall. This is his fourth year, and the results are dismal. A 1-3 start, a daunting conference slate, and a quarterback situation in shambles.

Hall’s talking a big game, but the reality on the field is bleak. He’s on the hot seat, and the clock is ticking. The next few weeks will be crucial. Can he rally the troops and salvage this season? Or will Southern Miss continue its downward spiral?

Hall’s roster has talent, but execution is lacking. The turnovers, missed opportunities, and lack of discipline all add up to a recipe for disaster. The fans are restless, and the administration is undoubtedly taking notice.

Hall’s future at Southern Miss hangs in the balance. He needs to find answers, and he needs to find them fast. The Sun Belt is unforgiving, and the Golden Eagles are in danger of being left behind.

5. Sonny Cumbie – Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Ticking Clock in Ruston

Louisiana Tech’s loss to Tulsa was a heartbreaker, a game they could have won. A controversial fumble call in overtime robbed them of a victory, and the Bulldogs now sit at 1-2 on the season.

Sonny Cumbie’s seat is getting hotter by the day. He was brought in to replace Skip Holtz, but he hasn’t even matched Holtz’s worst season. The offense is inconsistent, the quarterback situation is unsettled, and the wins aren’t coming.

The talent is there, but the results aren’t. Cumbie needs to find a way to get this team playing to its potential. The fans are growing restless, and the program’s key stakeholders are taking notice.

Time is running out for Cumbie. He needs to find a spark, a winning formula, and he needs to find it fast. The Bulldogs have a proud tradition, but right now, they’re adrift. Cumbie must prove he’s the man to lead them back to glory, or he’ll be looking for a new job sooner rather than later.

See where your coach lands on the full list of 134 FBS coaches

To access the complete list of 134 FBS Head Coaches, click here:https://coacheshotseat.com/#rank

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Week 5 Flashpoints: Auburn’s Struggles, Mack Brown’s Moment, and Nebraska’s Setback

Mark Haines on September 23, 2024

Week 5 Coaches Hot Seat rankings will be posted on Tuesday morning – stay tuned!

The Auburn Abyss: Hugh Freeze’s Nightmare Continues

Auburn, a once-proud program, now resembles a sinking ship, rudderless and taking on water fast. Hugh Freeze, the captain brought in to right the vessel, seems to be steering it straight into an iceberg. The latest loss, a miserable 24-14 home defeat to Arkansas, marked the fourth in six games at Jordan-Hare. Quarterbacks Hank Brown and Payton Thorne looked more like lost freshmen than seasoned leaders, and the offense sputtered and coughed its way to a humiliating defeat.

The numbers paint a grim picture. Auburn is winless against Power 5 opponents this year, with a dismal 6-19 record in their last 25 matchups. The last time they tasted victory against a winning Power 5 team? Halloween weekend of 2021. It’s a haunting statistic that hangs over Freeze like a specter.

His tenure at Liberty ended with a whimper, as he dropped four straight, including a shocking loss to New Mexico State. Now at Auburn, he’s lost 10 of his first 16 games against FBS competition, with another embarrassing loss to, you guessed it, New Mexico State. It’s a pattern of futility that’s becoming all too familiar.

Mack Brown’s Mea Culpa: A Coach on the Brink

The scene in Chapel Hill was nothing short of surreal. Mack Brown, a coaching legend, stood at the podium after his Tar Heels were eviscerated 70-50 by James Madison. The Dukes racked up a staggering 611 yards of offense, and the 70 points they scored were the most ever surrendered by a UNC defense.

Brown, usually the picture of Southern charm, was uncharacteristically blunt. “Embarrassing day, shocking day,” he lamented. “You shouldn’t be at North Carolina and lose to a Group of Five team, period.” His defense, he admitted, looked “awful,” riddled with communication breakdowns and missed tackles.

But his post-game admission sent shockwaves through the college football world. In a moment of raw emotion, he confessed to asking his players if he should resign. It was a stunning revelation, a coach questioning his leadership in the face of such a devastating loss.

He later backtracked, acknowledging he put his players in an unfair position. “I’m supposed to be a leader,” he said, “and probably the worst things I’ve ever said in my life are after losses.” But the damage was done. The image of a Hall of Fame coach teetering on the edge of resignation will linger.

Nebraska’s Setback: Old Habits Die Hard

In Lincoln, the Huskers’ loss to Illinois felt like a punch to the gut. It was a game they could have, should have won. But late mistakes, crucial penalties, and a disastrous overtime performance doomed them to another frustrating defeat.

The offense, while showing flashes of brilliance, struggled to find consistency. The offensive line, a perennial concern, once again underperformed. Special teams blunders cost them dearly. And the defense, which was supposed to be the backbone of the team, looked uncharacteristically shaky.

There were bright spots, to be sure. Dylan Raiola, the young quarterback, showed poise and promise. Wide receivers Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks made some spectacular catches. And the defense, despite its struggles, forced key turnovers.

But it wasn’t enough. The Huskers left the field with a bitter taste in their mouths, knowing they had let one slip away. The 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium felt like a hollow celebration.

The Road Ahead

As the dust settles on another wild weekend of college football, the questions linger. Can Hugh Freeze salvage Auburn’s season, or is he destined to join the ranks of failed coaching hires? Will Mack Brown’s mea culpa galvanize his Tar Heels, or will the scars of that James Madison loss prove too deep? And can Nebraska shake off its old habits and find a way to win the close games?

Only time will tell. But one thing is sure: the drama, the heartbreak, and the unexpected twists and turns that make college football so captivating are far from over. The coaches’ hot seat is burning brighter than ever, and the stakes have never been higher.

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What We’re Watching Saturday

Mark Haines on September 14, 2024

Pre Game / Kickoff Shows

ESPN College Football Gameday from Columbia, South Carolina (LSU at South Carolina)

Fox Big Noon Kickoff from Madison Wisconsin (Alabama at Wisconsin

Early Games

LSU at South Carolina

Time: Noon Eastern, 9:00 am Pacific

Network – ABC

Announcers: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe

Our Pick: South Carolina

Boston College at Missouri

Time: 12:45 pm Eastern, 9:45 am Pacific

Network: SEC Network

Announcers: Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb and Alyssa Lang

Our Pick: BC

Afternoon Games

Texas A&M at Florida

Time: 12:30 pm

Network: ABC

Announcers: Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and Katie George

Our Pick: Florida

Late Games

Colorado at Colorado State

Time: 4:30 pm

Network: CBS

Announcers: Ross Tucker, Rich Waltz, and Tiffany Blackmon

Our Pick: Colorado State

Indiana at UCLA

Time: 4:30 pm

Network: NBC

Announcers: Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, Tappen

Our Pick: Indiana

Full Schedule

All Times Shown are Pacific

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