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Time for another installment of the RamblinWreck Roundtable. Here are this week's questions with my thoughts, along with links to the thoughts of other GT bloggers:
1. A group of playoff proponents have a questionable theory on how to break out of the bowl system and get a D-1A playoff: http://www.boycotttherosebowl
Follow the money. Don't believe anyone who says that there will be less money with a playoff. The issue is not how much money - just who gets to pocket it. The redistribution of income that comes from moving to a playoff system is the core issue that prevents it from happening. The fact that Notre Dame has a special clause that gets them into the BCS every year when they have yet to deserve it just re-affirms - follow the money.
From a pure viewpoint of the good of the game, here's what a playoff does - it makes it very clear who the champion really is. However, it also works to lessen every other team's perceived notion of how their season ended. In the hoops tourney, there is only 1 team that truly walks away elated. There are probably another 5-10 that walk away satisfied and many of the others head into the off-season disappointed. With a bowl system the general rule is - you're pretty happy to be invited to one, and you win your bowl, you go into the off-season with good feelings and hope. Getting an invite to the field of 64 in hoops is never enough for most teams, and a first round win is still incredibly disappointing with a 2nd round loss.
So what would I do? I'd have a playoff in football with the best 8 teams. If Notre Dame is one of them - fine. But kill their special contract. They don't deserve it
2. What change to our football personnel makes you happier this year: Taylor Bennett at quarterback, or John Bond as offensive coordinator?
I'm excited about both, but I have to give the nod to John Bond. I tend to be more critical of people who work ON the system as opposed to those who work IN the system. In my mind, John Bond is an upgrade in leadership, experience and hopefully playcalling. This is to take nothing away from Patrick Nix. It was clear that our offense was better with him running it than with Coach Gailey calling the plays........... but it still had so much more potential. I like the fact that Bond is a bit more in your face with his players....... that he's a hands on guy who gets on the field and works extra with our guys on technique. I enjoyed his recent appearance on "Georgia Tech Sports Today". He was humble, well spoken, and highly positive about his joining the program. Let's hope everything we have seen so far translates to results on Saturdays.
In terms of Taylor, I am thrilled that he's getting his chance this season. He's been a great guy to have in the program and I truly want to see him blossom. The abilities he brings to the field will result in a completely restructured passing game, including the use of the entire field and a wider array of players. I can't wait.
3. Last weekend, Steve Spurrier http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf
Personally, I would stick to what you do best, which also means if I were Steve Spurrier I would also avoid talking about pro football.........................
4. There are always rumors at Georgia Tech of expanding our varsity athletics programs. What programs would you like to see added next? One for men, one for women.
I think I'd vote for a ladies golf team and a men's lacrosse team.
5. The matchups were just announced for the 9th annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge in basketball, and GT plays at Indiana (the teams' first meeting since 1969). In the history of the challenge, the ACC has won 48 out of 75 games, and has "won" every year. Is this a tradition you care about, or would you rather see something started with another conference, e.g. an ACC/SEC Challenge or ACC/Big East Challenge?
I care about it primarily because it tends to result in nice recruiting exposure for the ACC and it allows us to play a quality team early in the season. In terms of consumer interest, I think an ACC/SEC Challenge would garner a LOT more attention and interest, particularly in the southeast. The Big East could become the expansion grudge match, but then we'd have to bring in 52 more teams to match up with the number of teams in that conference..
6. Lightning Round!! Other Conferences Edition!! (Cue "The Matrix" fight music) Name the first thing that comes to mind:
Big East: Potential hoops powerhouse......... some serious contemplation about what they are going to do about football.
SEC: Fat, dumb and happy about it.
Big Ten: uuuuuhhhhh, you mean eleven?
Pac-10: (Cue the Beach Boys)....I wish they all could be...... California girls........
Big XII: At least they can count.
Sun Belt: .... uuuhhhh........................ crickets...................... chirping........................