When History Comes Due: College Football’s Day of Reckoning
On the final Saturday of November 2024, college football will remind us why it remains America’s most compelling social experiment. In four different stadiums, eight teams will engage in a ritual that’s equal parts sporting event and psychological warfare. These aren’t just games—they’re settling accounts, tests of collective will, and exercises in mass delusion, where entire states convince themselves that the impossible is probable.
In South Carolina, two programs that share nothing but geography and mutual contempt will try to prove that statistics are just numbers on a page. In Columbus, Ohio State faces the cruel irony of finally getting a vulnerable Michigan team after three years of losses, only to discover that beating a wounded rival might be the most challenging task. In Los Angeles, USC will attempt to salvage a disappointing season by derailing Notre Dame’s playoff dreams, proving once again that nothing satisfies quite like ruining someone else’s perfect ending. And in Eugene, Oregon stands ready to exorcise three years of frustration against a Washington program that’s fallen from national championship contender to cautionary tale in less time than it takes to earn a college degree.
Each of these games carries its own particular strain of madness. Together, they form a perfect case study in how rational human beings – coaches, players, and millions of fans – can convince themselves that history, statistics, and probability are merely suggestions rather than laws. In short, it’s everything that makes college football the most irrational, and therefore most human, of our sports.
The Numbers That Lie: A Tale of Two Programs – South Carolina at Clemson
In the gathering dusk of late November, two football programs circle each other like prizefighters, each convinced they’ve decoded the other’s fatal flaw. The statistics tell one story: Clemson, the higher-ranked team with the more prolific offense, should win this game. But anyone who’s spent time in South Carolina knows that numbers, like the sweet tea served at every diner from Charleston to Greenville, can be deceptive.
The conventional wisdom says Clemson has the edge. Their quarterback, Cade Klubnik, throws for nearly fifty more yards per game than his counterpart. Their offense generates more total yards, touchdowns, and everything that should matter. We could all go home now if football games were played on spreadsheets.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
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Welcome back to the Coaches Hot Seat, where we dissect the volatile world of college football coaching and track those whose seats are getting too toasty for comfort. Today, we’re tackling our readers’ fiery feedback and passionate perspectives. Because let’s face it, college football fandom is a crucible of emotions, and sometimes those emotions boil over. So hang on – we’re about to explore the highs and lows, the agreements and disagreements, and the raw, unfiltered takes from the passionate community that makes college football what it is.
A Fan’s Take: Will Hall’s Legacy and the Future of Southern Miss Football
“Will Hall is a good man who did many great off the field teams for the program. But, on the field, it just didn’t work out. His “last season” (2023) was 3-9, replicating his first season, and now this 1-6 start that finally led to the plug being pulled. Southern Miss not many years ago under Jeff Bower and Larry Fedora, consistently had winning records and made bowl games. Jay Hopson had winning teams every year, until resigning after the first game of 2021 after losing to South Alabama.
In the landscape of NIL and up and rising programs like South Alabama that have cut into their recruiting pool, it is going to take a home run hire to bring USM back to relevance in my opinion.”
You bring up some great points about the challenges facing Southern Miss football. It’s a brutal landscape, with the rise of NIL and programs like South Alabama making it harder to recruit top talent.
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Fast-forward to 2024, and the Trojans are stumbling into the Big Ten with offensive and defensive lines as sturdy as a Hollywood movie set. Fans wonder if they’ve bought tickets to a blockbuster or a B-movie flop.
What’s going on? Let’s break it down, play by excruciating play.
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There’s a reason we all tune in, why we obsess over every play, every decision made from the sidelines. College football isn’t just a game; it’s a microcosm of American culture. It’s where the values of grit, glory, and, occasionally, utter chaos are laid bare on the gridiron. And Week 2 of this season? It did not disappoint.
The Preston Report: Fan Sentiment from the Front Lines
We are introducing college football’s latest pulse check: The Preston Report. Named after Preston, our resident USC Trojan has made it his mission to gauge the emotional climate of rival fanbases in his workplace each week. Officially, it’s known as the USC Career Trojan Report, but around here, we call it The Preston Report. And let’s say it’s become an indispensable tool for measuring the temperature of college football fandom across the country.
Why? Because Preston’s observations aren’t just idle chatter—they’re a raw, unfiltered look at how each program’s faithful handle the season’s highs and lows. You get a boots-on-the-ground perspective that cuts through the noise of sports punditry and dives straight into the fans’ psyche.
Take, for instance, his read on Michigan: “The Michigan coworkers feel like their season is over and keep reminding everyone they won a National Championship last year.” It’s a stark picture of a fanbase clinging to the glory of past triumphs while staring down the barrel of a disappointing season. You can almost feel the mix of frustration and defiance in the air.
Then there’s the situation at Oklahoma. Preston’s OU colleague, once confident, now voices concerns about the new offensive coordinator—but with “very little eye contact.” It’s a small detail that speaks volumes. The lack of eye contact isn’t just discomfort; it’s a tell-tale sign of a fan grappling with uncertainty and perhaps a creeping sense of dread. The Sooners might be in for a rocky ride if this sentiment spreads.
And then we come to Miami. Preston says his Miami coworkers are as upbeat as he is, buoyed by the belief that “this will be a special year in College Football.” It’s a statement of hope, maybe even destiny. And in college football, where the line between optimism and delusion is razor-thin, that belief could be the fuel that powers the Hurricanes back into the conversation.
The Preston Report cuts through the static to bring us closer to the heartbeat of the game—the fans. It reminds us that college football isn’t just played on the field; it’s played in break rooms, on text threads, and in the small moments where faith is tested or affirmed.
The Florida Fiasco: Culture Wars and Tailgate Tensions
When trying to change a culture, you don’t just battle opposing teams—you battle history, expectations, and sometimes even your own fans. Florida’s head coach, Billy Napier, spent the offseason preaching transformation, promising a revamped Gators team with a winning mentality. Yet, the cracks are already showing.
Nick Saban’s recent comment—“the culture needs to change at Florida”—is a jab that lands hard, not because it’s controversial but because it rings true to many in the Gator Nation. And it’s not just about what’s happening on the field. Bizarre skirmishes have marked Florida’s start to the season: from debates over the right color shirts to wear in Week 1 to battles over parking logistics by Week 2.
One fan summed it perfectly on Twitter: “UF is a joke right now,” wrote @Ryanmcc_9, capturing the sentiment that Gainesville is a hotbed of confusion rather than cohesion. Even as some demand clarity, @alexregannnn wonders aloud, “What is happening at UF? Like legit behind the scenes at a high level?” That’s the question everyone wants answered as the Gators stumble through their season, searching for an identity that seems just out of reach.
Arkansas: Outgaining the Opponent and Still Losing—A Masterclass in Frustration
There are losses, and then there are Arkansas losses—gut-wrenching, inexplicable, and yet, almost predictable in their agony. Outgaining Oklahoma State by over 250 yards and still losing? That’s not just a defeat; it’s an art form. Arkansas is now 3-10 in one-score games over the past two seasons. That statistic is more than a number; it’s a legacy of close calls that always seem to go wrong.
As @JesseReSimonton points out, “The Razorbacks never stopped fighting, but Sam Pittman’s tenure with the Hogs may be cooked after this collapse.” It’s a telling sign of where things are headed. The numbers tell one story; the fans tell another. And right now, both point to a program that’s lost its way.
Baylor and the “Almost There” Offense
The defense is doing its job at Baylor, grinding and proving its mettle. But only one side of the ball can carry you so far in football. “This defense belongs; the offense needs to catch up,” lamented a Baylor fan, and the sentiment echoes around Waco. Coach Aranda has the defensive unit firing on all cylinders, but without the offense to back it up, it’s like having a shiny, powerful car stuck in first gear.
Cal and the Sweet Taste of Victory
If you’ve been around Berkeley for any time, you know that being a Cal fan often means being prepared for heartbreak. For years, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory has been a staple of Golden Bear football. But this time, the narrative flipped. Cal came out on top in a hard-fought game against Auburn, winning 21-14. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. And for a fanbase that has seen it all, this victory was something special.
“That’s the loudest group of 5000 I’ve ever heard … that was special,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said after the game, speaking to the passion and presence of the traveling Bears fans. The Twitterverse was buzzing with a mixture of disbelief and celebration. “Cal just got absolutely hosed,” one fan wrote, expecting another late-game collapse. But this time, Cal didn’t just hold on—they pushed back, proving that maybe, just maybe, this team has a different fate in store this season. Congratulations to the Golden Bears, who didn’t just survive but thrived.
Colorado and the Deion Sanders Show
And then there’s Colorado, where the spectacle is as much about the sidelines as the gameplay. Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has brought more than just his star-studded sons to Boulder; he’s brought a circus, a spectacle, and perhaps a much-needed jolt to a once-proud program. But is it all smoke and mirrors? As @MattV12345678 bluntly puts it, “Coach Prime is nothing more than a private football coach for Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders, and Shilo Sanders masquerading as a head football coach… Change my mind.”
That’s the thing about narratives—they’re easily built but even more easily dismantled. Colorado’s story under Sanders is just beginning to unfold. Whether it becomes a tale of triumph or a cautionary tale of overhyped theatrics is a chapter still unwritten.
From the Twitterverse
Here’s a snapshot of what fans are saying across the country:
Indiana: “The fact they would play a team like that for the cheap win says everything.”
Florida: @UFLORIDAJOE: “Nick Saban just said ‘the culture needs to change at Florida.’ Billy Napier told us all offseason the culture has been changed and he has the best team he’s had since being at Florida. Yikes. This is bad bad.” @DKThompson: “I don’t know of an athletic department that is worse at PR and fan relations than UF right now.”
Arkansas: @bmoorecfb: “Out gaining your opponent 648 yards to 385 yards and losing the game is wild.” @Eddie_Rado: “Arkansas outgained Oklahoma State 648-385! Incredible.”
Cal: @Adam_Bradford14: “I also hereby propose that as long as Hugh Freeze is at Auburn they play Cal every year. The matchup shall be known as Hippies vs. Hookers.” @CalRivals: “That’s the loudest group of 5000 I’ve ever heard … that was special.”
The Only Certainty is Uncertainty
If there’s anything to take away from Week 2, the landscape of college football is as unpredictable as ever. Coaches, players, and fans alike are left to navigate a season that promises more twists, heartbreaks, and moments that will leave us all questioning, “What just happened?” Welcome to the show. It’s only getting started.
Week 3 Coaches Hot Seat Rankings Out Tomorrow Morning
Stay tuned – tomorrow is the day – Week 3 Hot Seat Rankings – make sure to stop by.
Week 1 of college football is already shaping up to be a scorcher, and nowhere is the heat more intense than in the Sunshine State. The Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators are set to collide in what can only be described as the “Hot Seat Bowl.”
Both Mario Cristobal and Billy Napier are feeling the pressure. Cristobal’s homecoming to Miami has been anything but triumphant, while Napier’s Gators are underperforming despite high expectations. A quick glance at their nearly identical records in key metrics paints a grim picture:
0% winning vs rivals: Neither coach has secured a win against their biggest foes.
22% late season wins: Both teams have struggled to finish strong, a sign of potential coaching issues.
Home field advantage?: While Florida boasts a 69.2% winning record at home, Miami’s is a paltry 50%.
Overall winning percentage: Cristobal’s 48% at Miami is slightly better than Napier’s 44% at Florida.
These numbers tell the story of two programs needing a turnaround. For both coaches, this Week 1 matchup is a must-win.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss could accelerate calls for change, while a win might buy precious time and support. Every decision, every play call, will be scrutinized under the intense Florida sun.
Key Matchup: Miami’s RB Henry Parrish Jr. vs. Florida’s QB Graham Mertz. Parrish must carry the load for the Canes, while Mertz must prove he’s the answer for the Gators.
The Burning Question: In this high-stakes game of coaching survival, who will emerge victorious and cool their seat, if only for a week?
The Hot Seat Bowl is about more than just football; it’s about two coaches fighting for their jobs. The pressure is on, the heat is turned up, and the entire college football world will watch.
Georgia vs. Clemson: Reloading vs. Rebounding
Georgia, the defending champs, is looking to keep the dynasty rolling. On the other hand, Clemson is looking to remind everyone they’re still a force to be reckoned with.
Key Matchup: Georgia’s revamped defense vs. Clemson’s offense under coordinator Garrett Riley.
The Burning Question: Can Clemson’s offense keep pace with Georgia’s relentless defense?
LSU vs. USC: A Playoff Preview?
Brian Kelly’s LSU Tigers are rising, and Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans are always in the spotlight. This clash of powerhouse programs could be a glimpse into the College Football Playoff picture.
Key Matchup: LSU’s QB Garrett Nussmeier vs. USC’s QB Miller Moss. Both quarterbacks are stepping into big shoes, and this game will be their first chance to shine.
The Burning Question: Can USC’s defense, which has been a major focus of offseason improvement, hold up against LSU’s explosive offense?
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M: Tradition Meets High Expectations
Two storied programs collide in a game that could have profound playoff implications. Notre Dame seeks to build on recent success, while Texas A&M aims for a breakout season under Jimbo Fisher.
Key Matchup: Notre Dame’s new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock vs. Texas A&M’s talented defense.
The Burning Question: Can Notre Dame’s offense find its rhythm against a tough Aggie defense?
Penn State vs. West Virginia: Upset Alert?
Penn State is a trendy pick to make the playoffs, but West Virginia hopes to crash the party.
Key Matchup: Penn State’s QB Drew Allar vs. West Virginia’s RB CJ Donaldson. Allar needs to lead the Nittany Lions to victory, while Donaldson has to carry the Mountaineers’ offense.
Key Matchup: Penn State’s QB Drew Allar vs. West Virginia’s RB CJ Donaldson. Allar needs to lead the Nittany Lions to victory, while Donaldson has to carry the Mountaineers’ offense.
Week 1 is just the beginning, but it could be the end for some coaches. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!
The Coaches on the (Supposed) Hot Seat: Lincoln Riley and Ryan Day The college football season hasn’t started, and the “hot seat” talk is already in full swing. Pundits and fans are sharpening their pitchforks, ready to skew any coach who doesn’t deliver immediate, flawless results. Lincoln Riley at USC and Ryan Day at Ohio State are two names that keep popping up. Let’s examine whether these coaches genuinely feel the heat or it’s just the usual preseason hype.
Lincoln Riley: The USC Savior or a Trojan Horse? On the surface, it seems absurd to suggest Lincoln Riley is on the hot seat. He led USC to a Pac-12 Championship appearance and coached Caleb Williams to a Heisman Trophy in his first season. But the Trojans stumbled to an 8-5 record in 2023. While still potent with Williams at the helm, the defense was a sieve, and the offense couldn’t overcome the defensive woes. The sting of losses to Notre Dame and UCLA still lingers (how do you not have your team “hyped” to play your two biggest rivals?), and some question whether Riley is the right man for the job.
So, is Riley’s seat hot? Not really. Let’s be honest; he inherited a program in shambles. Rebuilding takes time, and Riley has made significant progress. The move to the Big Ten is a new ballgame, and he deserves a chance to adapt. His track record speaks for itself – the man knows how to develop quarterbacks and attract top talent. USC’s administration didn’t shell out millions for a quick fix; they’re invested in Riley’s long-term vision.
But, there’s always a ‘but’…
Winning cures all. Riley’s current winning percentage is .704, barely above the acceptable USC minimum of .691(calculated by Coaches Hot Seat.)
USC isn’t just about winning; it’s about tradition. Riley needs to embrace the legacy of coaches like Jones, McKay, Robinson, and Carroll. They set the standard at USC.
Recruiting matters. Southern California is a goldmine of talent. Riley must focus on locking down the local kids, not chasing pipe dreams nationwide.
The Notre Dame rivalry is sacred. Riley’s talk of ditching it and being “more like Alabama” is blasphemy to Trojan fans. USC has its own unique identity, and Riley needs to respect that.
• It’s the little things, too. Assigning jersey numbers with history, opening up to the media, and stop whining about the schedule. Act like you’re a $10 million coach at USC.
Ryan Day: The Buckeye Burden Ryan Day’s resume at Ohio State is stellar: a 55-8 record and two Big Ten championships. But those three consecutive losses to Michigan? They’re a scarlet letter on his otherwise impressive tenure. The Buckeye faithful crave dominance, especially against their arch-nemesis. The pressure to beat Michigan and win a national championship is immense.
Is Day’s job in jeopardy? Not yet. He’s consistently delivered success, and the team is primed for another strong season. The expanded College Football Playoff gives them more chances to contend for a title, even if they slip up against Michigan. Day’s track record and the program’s strength suggest he’s not on the hot seat…yet.
But the pressure is mounting…
Losing to Michigan again would be catastrophic. It’s not just about the rivalry; it’s about maintaining the program’s aura of invincibility.
Missing the playoffs, even with the expanded format, would be a major letdown after a hyped offseason.
A blowout loss in a big game could raise questions about Day’s leadership and ability to make adjustments.
Any signs of player discontent or locker room issues could snowball into a full-blown crisis.
A significant decline in performance, with multiple losses and a lack of competitiveness, could seal Day’s fate.
The Bottom Line Both Riley and Day are under the microscope. But for now, their seats are lukewarm at best. They have the talent, the resources, and the support to turn things around. The 2024 season will be a defining one for both coaches. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the hot seat rumors become a self-fulfilling prophecy? Only time will tell.
We’ve got a real head-scratcher on our hands, courtesy of Comcast Xfinity and their handling of the Big Ten Network’s new additions.
John Canzano over at the Bald Faced Truth Newsletter has been digging into this, and it’s not pretty. The Bottom Line: Comcast is blacking out Big Ten Network games featuring Oregon, Washington, UCLA, and USC. Yes, you read that right. The very schools that jumped ship from the Pac-12, partly for better TV distribution, are now facing blackouts in their inaugural Big Ten season.
The Fumble: Comcast and the Big Ten Network are at odds over whether live games should be part of the basic cable package or require an upgraded sports tier. Comcast wants that extra $10 a month. The Big Ten Network? Not so much.
The Fallout: Fans are understandably furious. Many shelled out the extra cash based on Comcast’s assurances, only to find live games are MIA. We’re talking football, soccer, volleyball – the whole shebang.
The Bigger Picture: This isn’t just about a few missed games. It’s about broken promises, poor communication, and a major fumble on Comcast’s part. Remember those Pac-12 distribution woes that haunted fans for years? Yeah, this feels a bit like déjà vu.
The Silver Lining: Other providers like Hulu, YouTube TV, etc., aren’t having any issues. So, if you’re fed up with Comcast’s shenanigans, you’ve got options.
The Takeaway: Comcast needs to get its act together. Fast. This isn’t how you welcome new teams and their fans to the Big Ten family. Let’s hope they resolve this mess before the first football games kick off. Otherwise, they risk alienating a massive chunk of their customer base.
Stay tuned: We’ll keep you updated on this developing story. In the meantime, let’s hope Comcast sees the light and does right by its customers.
