This is just like watching some random Iowa game. Such a defensive strugglefest

Uhhh what? Taking a timeout to avoid a penalty for a uniform violation? Why even dress in the wrong color socks? So weird

Very strange to burn a timeout 2 minutes in... just take the delay of game penalty

That was probably the most... interesting... rendition of the national anthem I've heard

How about this: sell naming rights to Southwest Airlines. Rebrand as the Southwest Conference. Extend invites to Arkansas, Texas, A&M, and SMU...

In seriousness, while this is a lame idea it's not as concerning as painting corporate sponsor logos on the fields, which seems like it's going to happen soon.

The more I think about it, it's not as bad a deal for the conference as it would be for the PE firm because you're probably right about the conference's limited assets. Money from TV deals, CFP, and the NCAA tourney is pretty much all they own, which by itself doesn't generate more revenue. Unless the trademarks of a conference whose name is an oxymoron and real estate in Irving or something are super attractive to this European company, lol. The real value belongs to the members themselves who could leave at any time or call the whole thing off.

I wouldn't be surprised if this falls apart, especially since it sounds like it was a side pursuit of Yormark and a few Big XII schools rather than the whole league.

And yeah, until user tags get implemented I also have to figure out some hack for flair. On my to-do list after looking into a real game day bot.

This is such a misstep of they go forward with it. Firstly, because it actually gives up equity, rather than the "private capital" discussions floated lately (which is still gross but not as bad). Secondly, it makes no sense for the Big XII specifically. Unless they expect Utah to become a perennial title contender or something, why do they feel the need to try to match the level of funding of the super 2?

It doesn't exactly surprise me though, coming from Yormark. His creative thinking and aggressive expansion probably saved his conference. But I heard an interview (I think on Joel Klatt's podcast) where he came off as a such a pretentious ass. Hyper business focused and does not care at all about the history and tradition of the sport. I have a hunch he is trying to kneecap the ACC, but why would he? The new playoff system with the 4 first round byes is actually fantastic for those 2 conferences.

Also, the article quoted Gerry Cardinale, and although Redbird might not be involved in this deal no one should trust him. He mismanaged the XFL last year.

2 touchdowns in 13 seconds, my goodness

I would say the momentum is all San Antonio in the first half, but I was fooled yesterday by Michigan so...

AND SINCE THAT COMMENT THERE HAVE BEEN TWO MORE IN THE 3RD QUARTER

EDIT: AND ANOTHER - MAKE THAT SIX IN A QUARTER

So many turnovers in this game, my goodness

OH MAN, what a beautiful fake punt only to result in Birmingham getting the ball on the next play anyway! Crazyyyyy

Wild start to the second half with a pick! Would like to see that again

Wow, Michigan has just all the momentum so far in this one

Kind of digging that body cam on the umpire. Kind of feels like watching police footage (especially since they only appear to use it when there's an altercation), but it's definitely better than when they put it in his hat.

Lol, headbutting a guy and it's only the first quarter? Is there some sort of beef between these teams?

And Michigan strikes first! It would be really cool if they could pull off the upset

Hate to say it but Ohio State is in a league of their own with how they handled the portal. Honorable mention would probably be Nebraska.

After that, Oregon, Texas, Miami, Ole Miss, and Syracuse stand out to me, but who knows if their portal splashes will translate to on-field success. Then there's the Georgia and Alabama tier of teams that I expected to lose talent but were able to keep some key guys (Michigan probably belongs here, but lost too many coaches for my comfort).

As for coaching changes, I think New Mexico, Texas A&M (blegh), Houston, Michigan State, and Indiana all had clear upgrades, although it will take a couple years to see the results. And signing classes are still crucial for sustained success, but in this era they're less relevant to winning this season than ever.

Wait, another pick? I literally just went to the bathroom and missed one play. I guess we get the ball right back? Ok cool

Man, injuries suck. Absolutely hate seeing players carted off the field. Hope he'll be all right