SNL Season 39.3 Review - Bruce Willis, Katy Perry

Bruce Willis was sort of an odd choice to host the third episode of SNL this season.  It's not like he's a regular host that comes back year after year.  This was only his second time hosting and the first since 1989.  He doesn't have a project to promote or have his name in the tabloids at all recently.  So why did he host?  Good question.  I really don't have an answer to it, but it was a bit of fun to watch.  Bruce Willis has such a dry, deadpan delivery, and it was obvious he was having the time of his life.  It wasn't a great episode by any means, but it did give some pretty solid laughs.

Cold Opening

It was a great idea to combine two current events like this into one sketch.  They start with a spoof of the hit movie Gravity with two astronauts getting hit by debris and finding themselves in some serious trouble.  When they call down to mission control, no one is there but the custodians due to the government shutdown.  Clever premise and decent execution.  I think Taran Killam is trying to be in every sketch this year.

Monologue

It seems that whenever they don't know what to do with a host during the monologue, they find some random talent to exploit.  This was one of those days.  After Bruce got us caught up on his personal life over the last 24 years, and Bobby Moynihan informed us that, after playing the baby in Look Who's Talking, he's been like a son to Bruce, they decide to jam a little on the harmonica.  Bruce was actually pretty good, but that could just be comparative after Bobby was as bad as he possibly could be.

Weekend Update

This is really starting to become a highlight of every show once again.  Cecily is sounding more like she's been a Weekend Update anchor for three years, not three episodes, and the chemistry between her and Seth is great.  The guest bits weren't great, however they did have some laughs.  The Congress chaplain, played by Kenan, who insults political figures in the context of his prayer, showed why his experience on the show is so necessary right now.  Also, Brooks Wheelen gets his first great time to shine as he informs the world of the dangers of impulsive tattoos.  However, like I said, the highlights were Seth and Cecily, which was capped by a back-and-forth roast of the Bruce and Kris Jenner break up.  It was like they didn't know which joke to go with so they just went with all of them.

Best Sketch

This one is easy.  The Boy Dance Party.  All the ladies go dancing and leave all the boys at home to watch the game, but instead they throw their own dance party just for the boys.  That's really all there is to say about it.  Enjoy!

Worst Sketch

This one is pretty easy too.  With a guy like Bruce Willis hosting for the first time in 24 years, there were a lot of films and moments to make fun of.  Some worked, like the military group about to attack a compound and Willis wanting the plan to be allowing him to John McClane his way in and out (and everyone else eventually agreeing).  This one did not work.  Spoofing Armageddon, the crew is about to reach the asteroid to plant a nuke.  Enter the most annoying character that has ever gotten a repeat appearance on the show, Kirby and his wittle kitty cat.  It's just stupid and not funny at all.  I was hoping the nuke actually did blow up that cat so we never have to see him and his owner again.  (I'm actually posting the good sketch I mentioned below to make up for how terrible the other one is ... and this one is actually pretty funny)

Dark Horse Sketch

It was short, but it was brilliant.  At a party for Centauri Vodka, Bruce Willis is hired to play a vodka-serving centaur, at least the front half of him.  The back half, played by John Milhiser in his first real screen time this season (if you can call it that), was having trouble breathing, and Willis seemed to be the only one that cared.  What happens next is just hilarious.

Grade

There were some definite laughs in this episode, and some definite eye rolls (Lady Gaga Talk Show).  It saw the first re-run sketch with the e-meth commercial getting a second viewing.  It also featured another appearance of a "YouTube Sketch" as rush week in a fraternity goes a little sideways (or almost sideways??? ... never get a chance to use that in an actual sentence).  Bruce Willis wasn't a great host, but I think he deserves a call more than every 24 years.

***C+***

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SNL Season 39.2 Review - Miley Cyrus

Everyone's interest was peaked when they heard Miley Cyrus, the most talked about and controversial personality in Hollywood over the last few months, would be joining the exclusive ranks of being host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live.  Pulling this double duty only happened three times last season (Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, and Justin Timberlake), and it's an honor not to be taken likely.  She had hosted once before in 2011, but did not get to sing.  Was someone like Miley Cyrus worthy of such an honor?  Or had she received this job because of her notoriety instead of her talent?  Either way, her hosting gig became the most buzzed-about episode since JT joined the "5-Timers Club" midway through last season.  All I can say is she definitely delivered.

Cold Opening

We open on a post-apocalyptic America 50 years from now as two survivors reminisce about what caused the destruction of America.  Although some blame in on the current government shutdown, it turns out it all started at the 2013 VMA's with Miley Cyrus's controversial performance (of course).  Nothing says SNL quite like hitting a controversy head on and making fun of it.  After a visit from her impersonator, Miley is also encountered by several other scary celebrity impressions.  Rarely does the host show up in the cold opening, but this was a perfect way to start a show with as much buzz as this one.  It definitely got the show off on a great foot.

Monologue

Since the cold opening spent the whole time making fun of its host, there wasn't much left for the monologue.  This led to one of the shortest monologues in recent memory.  Outside of seeing Bobby Moynihan hanging from a wrecking ball in his underwear, there really wasn't worth mentioning.  OK, fair enough, there wasn't anything worth mentioning.

Weekend Update

When done right, Weekend Update can provide a jump start for the show after the first musical performance.  This definitely served that purpose.  Cecily Strong was definitely feeling more comfortable at the Update desk in her second show, and it also involved three solid gold guest bits provided by Kate McKinnon, Jay Pharoah, and Vanessa Beyer.  McKinnon's soccer mom obsessed with GTA Five was spot on, as much of her bits have become.  She has quickly grown on me as one of the best parts of any episode.  Also, whenever Pharoah is allowed to do an impression on the show, it is must-see TV.  This time, it came at the expense of NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe.  It was all wrapped up by Bar-Mitzvah Jacob, one of the great characters from last season.  A classic Update it was!

Best Sketch

I couldn't decide which sketch was my favorite so I am claiming a tie.  First, we have screen tests for the leads in the new 50 Shade of Grey movie, which is always great because it allows the cast to show off their many faces and impressions.  The best of the group being Christoph Waltz and Jane Lynch.

The second sketch is one of the most bizarre sketches you will ever see, but I just loved it.  The government shutdown had to be addressed somehow, but how do do that with Miley Cyrus hosting?  I want to know whose idea it was to make Miley into a sexy Michele Bachmann opposite Taran Killam's scantily clad John Boehner as they re-write Miley's hit into a song called "We Did Stop (The Government)."  This is so wrong in so many ways, but I can't help but love it.  Best moment of the sketch is Obama looking in the window.

Worst Sketch

There were really only two sketches that didn't really work, the worst of these being a cheer squad attacked by aliens.  Yes, a cheer squad attacked by aliens.  They did that.  I don't really think I need to explain anymore than that.  Try to enjoy.  Even though the sketch didn't really work, Taran Killam once again proved that he is the funniest guy in the cast right now.

Dark Horse Sketch

There were two solid sketches worth mentioning after the midnight hour.  My favorite of them was a sketch of a Miami morning show filming their promos for each show of the week.  They show just how fake those morning hosts can be.  If you are wondering why she keeps asking for full names, wait for the payoff at the end.

The second sketch worth mentioning is more for the format than anything.  Everyone was wondering what the new cast members would bring to the table.  They decided to give something new a try with the last sketch of the night, and it was actually pretty funny.  This sketch was not live and looked more like something you would see on YouTube, which makes sense since many of the new cast members were discovered thanks to YouTube.  It wasn't a great sketch, but it has the potential to develop into something great that could end up finally being what the show needed to replace the Lonely Island gang's creativity and originality.

Grade

I loved this episode.  I was expecting to hate it with everything Miley Cyrus had been known for over the last month or so, but it hit on almost every level.  Miley also showed that she can be self-deprecating, but also showed that she is who she is and doesn't really care what other people think.  The new cast members are starting to get comfortable, and the show is starting to find its new stride.  The have some great new talent that we just have to get to know.  This was a great start.

---"A-"---

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Week 7 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, BCS Projections

So, this was the most eventful week of the season so far. I may have jumped the gun a bit on Baylor, but one of the great equalizers in college football is the revenge factor. Last year, Baylor ended K-State’s BCS Title run, and the Wildcats nearly returned the favor on Saturday. Washington proved that they can go blow-for-blow with Oregon, but a couple of late scores and miscues turned the score into a lopsided venture. Marcus Mariota was really the only difference between the teams talent-wise. Oklahoma had a very Sooner-like embarrassing upset loss in the middle of the season. Stanford got stunned in Utah. A few others struggled to avoid bad losses on the road. Check out the aftermath below!

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: East Carolina, Michigan, Northwestern, Oregon State, UCF

Dropped from the rankings: Michigan (19), Northwestern (20), Florida (24)

25 (NR). Michigan State (5-1) – With how bad their offense has been, there is no way that I thought they could be 5-1. You have to commend D’Antonio, though. He is one of the best in the business.

24 (NR). Houston (5-0) – They have not lost yet, but their conference is just terrible. They may have a battle of unbeatens in Louisville November 16^th.

23 (13). Oklahoma (5-1) – The Sooners had another classic confusing loss in a season that was so promising. I love it.

22 (23). Northern Illinois (6-0) – The Huskies continue to win in unimpressive fashion. Wins are wins, though…

21 (22). Nebraska (5-1) – Blowing out Purdue is nothing special, but they seemed to have really shored up that defense that got torched early in the year.

20 (21). Oklahoma State (4-1) – IDLE. Next week: vs TCU.

19 (12). Georgia (4-2) – Their injuries finally caught up to them. They still deserve a ton of credit for taking down most of the teams throughout the toughest part of their schedule.

18 (NR). Missouri (6-0) – They got it done against Georgia in their first test of the season. Their starting QB is also now out for the year. This will probably be their peak ranking this season.

17 (25). Virginia Tech (6-1) – Looking at their wins, none of them are overly impressive. Looking at who they lost to and how, it is clear that they deserve a bit more respect.

16 (18). South Carolina (5-1) – The Cocks obliterated Arkansas on the road. This team, more than any I can remember, wins in different ways each week. I don’t understand them.

15 (9). Washington (4-2) – They suffered a painful loss against Oregon with everyone in the country watching. They are still a fine team, but they may still be a year or two away from really competing for a Rose Bowl in the nation’s toughest conference.

14 (17). Fresno State (5-0) – IDLE. Next week: vs UNLV.

13 (16). Texas Tech (6-0) – They won with a different quarterback, which seemed to reignite the offensive attack. They are going to be a tough out.

12 (15). Miami (5-0) – IDLE. Next week: at North Carolina.

11 (4). Stanford (5-1) – I knew that Utah would give them all they could handle, but I didn’t think they could actually pull it off. There is no shame in losing that game, but their title hopes are all but gone. This seems similar to their loss in Seattle last year.

10 (14). Texas A&M (4-1) – The Aggies took the best shot in a road test against desperate Ole Miss. Johnny Football came up big again, this time in the running game. That offense is so ridiculously dynamic…

9 (11). LSU (6-1) –LSU continues to impress after a sluggish win over Florida.

8 (10). Louisville (6-0) – I told you that those Thursday games are always a little weird. Rutgers nearly pulled off the stunner when Louisville finally had the national stage. They are going to get every AAC team’s best shot week in and week out. I am not sure if they are good enough to withstand it.

7 (8). UCLA (5-0) –The Bruins looked strong against the putrid California defense. No one is talking about their championship hopes, but they are right there in the running with Oregon in the Pac-12.

6 (7). Ohio State (6-0) – IDLE. Next week: vs Iowa.

5 (6). Florida State (5-0) – IDLE. Next week: at Clemson.

4 (5). Clemson (6-0) – BC gave both Florida State and Clemson tough tests leading up to their long-awaited matchup next week. Clemson was able to get by…barely.

3 (2). Baylor (5-0) – The Bears had to gut out a victory against an inspired team on the road. The long touchdowns will not be available against everyone, but if this offense withstood this test, then they might not lose at all.

2 (3). Alabama (6-0) – Alabama had another cruising win in the weak part of the SEC. They finally opened it up on offense, though. They are looking unbelievably strong.

1 (1). Oregon (6-0) – The Ducks look absolutely unstoppable. I can only think of a few teams in the nation that could possibly upset them, unless they just have an off day and turn it over. That doesn’t seem likely at this point, however.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Auburn at Texas A&M (#10), 12:30PM CBS – We really don’t know too much about Auburn just yet. Can they show up on the road against the toughest offense in the conference? My pick: Texas A&M

4. UCF at Louisville (#8), Friday 5:00PM ESPN – UCF has proven that they are a viable opponent, and Louisville has the national stage once again. Can they survive their toughest test of the season so far? My pick: Louisville

3. BYU at Houston (#24), 12:30PM ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU – BYU has the talent and offense to upset anyone. Houston will receive their first true test of the year. I am intrigued by this one. My pick: BYU

2. UCLA (#7) at Stanford (#11), 12:30PM ESPN2 – This will be a battle. Stanford cannot afford a second loss in conference. UCLA has been rolling, especially on the road. This should be a tremendous game. My pick: UCLA

1. Florida State (#5) at Clemson (#4), 5:00PM ABC – Obviously, this is the biggest game of the week and one of the biggest of the season. They both withstood BC’s inspired upset-minded efforts leading into next week. Who takes the next step toward the BCS Title Game? My pick: Florida State

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA – Hundley may be the top quarterback taken in the draft whenever he comes out. When they finally get a big game next weekend, the nation will take notice of this phenomenal talent.

4. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson – He has another huge game next weekend to show the nation that he is the best QB in the country. Can he keep up the pace in that unique offense?

3. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State – He had the week off, but playing against the senior Boyd on the road next week will really show if he has a real chance to win this.

2. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M – If he can take his team to a one-loss season the way they have been going, then he needs to be right there at the top of everyone’s ballot once again.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – The early season favorite normally cannot keep up the pace all year, but he is the exception, I suspect. He is clearly the best player on whatever field he steps onto.

BCS Projections

Rose Bowl – UCLA over Ohio State

Orange Bowl – Clemson over Louisville

Sugar Bowl – Alabama over Fresno State

Fiesta Bowl – Baylor over LSU

BCS Championship Game – Oregon over Florida State

What did you think of this weekend? Rankings? Heisman predictions? Let me know below!

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SNL Season 39.1 Review - Tina Fey, Arcade Fire

The new season of Saturday Night Live started a couple weeks ago, and being a big SNL fan I thought I would let you know how the season is going and give you the highlights of each episode.  This is really a transition year in the show as many of the stars of the last decade have moved on over the last couple seasons, like Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Jason Sudeikis.  To make up for the loss, the show added six new featured players this year, all but one of them guys.  This first episode of the season really became a showcase for the new cast to introduce them and show what they could do.  Having Tina Fey as host made this transition even smoother.  However, it also made for a slightly average show as they try and find their new way with new personalities on stage.

Cold Opening

The cold opening is always one of the most memorable moments of any SNL episode.  It sets the tone for the rest of the night.  If there is ever any political drama going on at the time, this is usually when it appears.  With the start of ObamaCare only a few days later, SNL thought they could spotlight that as well as one of their best impressions of the last decade.  Jay Pharoah's Obama is less an impression and more an embodiment.  As he explains (poorly) how ObamaCare works, they couldn't help but have a cameo mentioning the series finale of Breaking Bad as an example of what happens without ObamaCare.  Aaron Paul was great, as was every other bit.  This was one of the show's highlights, if for no other reason than to hear Pharoah's Obama say, "It's good to keep in mind our butts."

Monologue

As you prepare for a former cast member to host, you get excited to see all the former sketches they made regular come back, like Kristen Wiig's Target Lady and Will Ferrell's Alex Trebeck.  However, Tina brings light to a simple fact that all of us were thinking at the same time, she didn't have any recurring bits.  She had no characters.  As she says, she's just pleasant.  She then starts the shameless parade of the new cast members by indoctrinating them in true SNL fashion, dancing during the monologue.  This later appeared again in the game show, "New Cast Member or Arcade Fire."

Weekend Update

There are three standards to base any episode of SNL on: the cold opening, the monologue, and Weekend Update.  This Weekend Update had a lot going for it.  It was the start of the farewell to Seth Meyers as he moves on to Late Night later this year.  It also had the debut of Cecily Strong as co-anchor, definitely one of the show's breakout stars last year.  You also had one of the most loved Weekend Update hosts of all time hosting.  Still, it fell a little flat.  Cecily did great in her first time out, but using Tina only to give her some advice as a female Weekend Update anchor?  It was a waste.  They also tried letting a newby establish a new character of Bruce Chandling, an unfunny comic playing the crowd.  It didn't work.  Thank you Drunk Uncle and Aaron Paul, his Meth Nephew (or Meth-ew if you want) for saving the show).

Best Sketch

In a night of solid but not outstanding sketches, the best was probably the parody of the show Girls.  I have never watched the show personally, but I feel like I have after watching this.  I just wonder if they will actually introduce Tina Fey's Blerta to the show.  I think it would add a lot of depth.

Worst Sketch

There was definitely a clunker in that first episode.  This look at a classic film made by someone being blackmailed by a taxidermist just wasn't funny.  That's all there is to it.  It was weird, it was silly, and it wasn't funny.  At least we got to meet Kenan's Reese De'What.

Surprising Sketch

The surprising sketch of the night usually goes to one that comes after the first musical performance and Weekend Update.  This is usually saved for some lesser, weirder, more random sketches.  These can tank (like Reese De'What's classic movies) or it can become gold.  Either way, it's well after midnight by that point so they can do whatever they want.  This episode's surprising sketch features the only bit from a new cast member to work in that first episode.  Mike O'Brien's used car salesman from the 20's was perfect.  "We've got all the latest brands.  Model T..."  Then enter his wife that belongs in a looney bin, and you have some good laughs.

Grade

This is a hard episode to judge.  It was so different with the focus on the new group.  You also had a host that is very talented, yet still fairly one-dimensional (which she admitted herself).  There was nothing here that will go down in history as a classic bit, but it didn't suck (besides the stuffed animals).  It was a solid average show.

---"C"---

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Gravity (2013) Review

Directed by

Alfonso Cuaron

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for outer space.  Ever since the first time I saw Apollo 13 (or maybe it was the 30th time I watched, I'm not sure), I have had an obsession with space travel with all the glory and peril it presents.  So when I heard about the release of Gravity this year, one could understand that it quickly became one of the top movies on my must-see list of 2013.  Some would think I was guaranteed to like it, but I also could be more critical of it due to my love of the subject matter and genre.  However, Alfonso Cuaron, who I have never known to disappoint me before, made an absolute masterpiece that leaves you on the edge of your seat from start to finish of this 90 minute nail biter.

The film opens with an American crew on the space shuttle Explorer out on a space walk to install some new technology on the Hubble Space Telescope.  The leader of the expedition, NASA vet Matt Kowalski (played by George Clooney), was wandering around the site in a jet pack supervising while Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) installed her new technology on the telescope.  During the procedure, word came in from mission control (voiced by Ed Harris ... who else) that the Russians had shot down one of their own satellites.  The space debris from that explosion had destroyed several other satellites in the area which caused a storm of debris to head towards the Explorer and its exposed crew.  As the debris storm came and caused chaos, the remaining crew is forced to struggle for survival in the emptiness of space.

As the first screen appears, explaining that there is no air in space, not even to carry sound, you know it is going to have a very eerie feel, which in space is probably quite realistic.  As you see explosions and destruction happening all around, not a sound is made which actually adds to the suspense and tension.  At least on earth, you can hear something bad coming.  In space, it is silent whether all is well or all hell is breaking loose.  The setting of space basically gave Cuaron an extra character to work with that he utilized to its full extent.

The performances in this film are outstanding from the two people you actually see in the film.  I have yet to see a performance from Clooney that doesn't prove he is one of the top actors of his generation.  The surprise was Sandra Bullock who puts in the best work of her career.  She may not have deserved the Oscar for the role she won it for, but the physical and emotional demands that this role put on her, and her ability to shine through all that, prove that she deserves the title of Oscar-winning actress.  Without her performance, the movie falls flat.

I was on the edge of my seat, to say the least, from start to finish.  First off, the setting of space adds an element of suspense to begin with, but add in the circumstances of the characters and it puts you over the edge.  The emotional roller coaster that is Gravity you could actually say had me on the edge of my seat about half the time because the other half the time I was squirming in my seat as I was trying to help the characters make it through from my theatre seat.  I like to think it helps.

Gravity is definitely a movie-going experience that all should go through, especially if you enjoy space, or suspense, or tales of survival, or ... human beings.  The story is so good, but even if you don't like it the visuals are worth seeing it alone.  It is a masterpiece from Cuaron, who has me torn.  I want to see him make more films, but I also see what he produces when he gives himself a few years to develop the film.  So I don't know Alfonso, find a way to make masterpieces faster.

Rating:

4 stars 

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If I Were in Charge: 5 Ways to Fix the NCAA

I love this time of year.  It takes a lot for me to say that because I love the summer, and it is quite depressing as it comes to an end every year.  However, with the fall comes football which makes it all worth it.  We are well into yet another fantastic football season.  I love the NFL, but I catch myself more attracted to college football; partially because of all the teams to follow, but also because I usually have more time on Saturdays to sit and enjoy.  However, you can't talk about the great product on the field without mentioning all the drama and debate that has followed the game.  For every good story, there seems to be two more controversies, whether it be improper benefits, BCS vs. playoffs, or conference realignment.  To me, it seems the NCAA is sitting back and letting controversy define their product (which is still pretty amazing as it is) when it could be so much better.  It is always easier to make and question the decisions when you aren't the one responsible for them, but here are five things I would change in the way the NCAA runs college football that would make it the sport as great as it can be.

1.  Administrate, don't just police.

Ever since Mark Emmert was named the president of the NCAA, it has seemed that the NCAA as a body has become a policing agency, handing out suspensions and probations to anyone who seems to think about breaking the rules.  Roger Goddell's NFL has become very similar.  However, that's not what an administrator is for necessarily.  Sure, it is part of it, but the overall goal is to make the situation better.  Focusing so much on the negatives does not accomplish this.  Also, if so many are breaking the rules, maybe the rule is what is broken, not the violator.  Part of the problem is Mark Emmert may be the president of the NCAA,  but the university presidents have more power than he does.  If they want him to be the NCAA disciplinarian, great.  Change his title.  However, if he is the president and administrator, let him administrate.  So many times I hear about how this change should be made or that change should be made, but the university presidents won't allow it.  That's why you hired an unbiased administrator to make those decisions.  Let him do it.  When you allow the universities to make decisions, they have shown their decisions are made to do what is best for the university when decisions should be made to help benefit the student-athletes and the overall game.  Let you administrator be more than the disciplinarian.  All these other changes are assuming the fact that this happens.

2.  Fix the Conferences

Ever since Nebraska jumped ship from the Big 12 to the Big Ten before the 2011 season, there has been a mass conference realignment taking place.  Much of it has been based on (what else) money, while some were based on competition levels.  Either way, the landscape of the NCAA has been in a constant state of transition for the last three years, and it is not over with big-name schools like Maryland and Rutgers scheduled to switch conferences next year.  Many people say this is going to continue to transition and change until the NCAA consists of four "super-conferences."  There have been other rumors about creating a new division (Division 4) of the NCAA for all the big conference schools.  I have written articles on several of these possible alternatives on how they could work.  They are both solid options, but why do we have to go through 10 years of weird transition time and schools abandoning tradition for a pay day when we can institute one of these programs now and save all this in between time?

I have a couple problems with what is going on here.  First, the university should not have control over what conference they are in.  If you are going to bother with having an over-arching NCAA administration, then this is something that administration should have power over.  Second, all your BCS conferences should have the same rules, especially concerning conference dues.  The fact that schools like Nebraska, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Colorado ran from the Big 12 because Texas controls the conference and has rules that benefit them over everyone else in the conference is just wrong.  Third, stop pretending some of this conference realignment is about the academics, or keeping some schools out of conferences because of the academics.  Have a set academic standard across the NCAA (or again, at least in the BCS conferences) that all schools have to meet.  Finally, if you know where all this realignment is heading in the long run, institute that program now and make realignment a decision that comes from your NCAA administrator.  All of this will allow traditions to remain while keeping an overall majority of schools happy, as well as settle the uneasiness and transition the NCAA conferences are currently in.  It also keeps small schools from trying to jump up to the big conferences because of a couple years of success.  That doesn't mean a small school can't elevate themselves, but have a system set up that can qualify schools (like Boise St.) for a BCS conference while also having a system that can demote schools that are less successful.

3.  Schedules are set by the NCAA, not the individual schools.

Over the last few weeks in college football, it has been exposed just how much of a joke this is.  Why are schools allowed to schedule FCS teams in the middle of their conference play?  Sure, they pay the small schools a sum able to help support their program, but when it pads the schedules of championship contenders with wins that don't even have a chance to compete, there is something wrong.  This happens because the schools control their schedules.  Having these small schools on their schedule make it easier to contend then scheduling a game that could actually pose a challenge.  Also, when was the last time Alabama traveled to the west coast for a non-bowl game?  It was 2000 when they traveled to play UCLA.  Between now and then, they have only played four road non-conference games.  Especially recently, if they have a big non-conference game, it is in Tuscaloosa or at a neutral site close to home (Dallas is the furthest away they have gone).  Nick Saban has only played one road non-conference game, Penn St. in 2011 (and that was after Penn St. came to Alabama the year before).  There are years where they don't even play a BCS conference school in their non-conference schedule.  Now I'm picking on Alabama because, frankly, it's easy to do, but I could say the same about most of the BCS conference schools (yes, even my beloved Cornhuskers).  The fact that schools are allowed to stack their schedule has to change.  Let the NCAA set the football schedules.  With most schools having three non-conference games, BCS schools should have scheduled two BCS schools (one home, one away) in non-conference and one non-BCS school (alternating each year home/away).  FCS schools should not be allowed in the picture.  Also, schools cannot change their schedule.  They are set.  Wouldn't that make for a fun season?

4.  Set the playoff you want.

Similar to the conference realignment, a lot of people say the playoff system entering the picture in 2014 will eventually be expanded after everyone complains that the 4 team playoff is not enough.  The reason it took so long and is only at four right now is because, once again, university presidents didn't want to lose the money the bowl games offered them.  Also, their stacked schedules to pad their stats wouldn't mean so much if they ended up having to work on the back end to get to a championship game.  The NCAA administrator should be able to make a change like this that will better the game instead of letting the university presidents telling him what his job is and isn't.  Set up an 8-team or 16-team playoff.  I would like a 16-team playoff personally (see my Holiday Madness article), but set up the system you want.  Don't put the game into even more of a transition than it already is.  You can even keep the bowl games since they will mean as much with a playoff as they do without.  Just get an adequate playoff system in place.

5.  Pay the players as student workers.

It seems like more schools have been reprimanded over the last few years for improper benefits than not, highlighted by Johnny Manziel and Reggie Bush.  This is one rule where if so many schools are breaking it, maybe the system is broken.  Now I'm not saying making college football a way for a player to make millions of dollars, but there is a serious problem with the current system where universities make billions of dollars on their football teams, coaches are multi-millionaires, but the players don't have money for food.  The fact is being a student-athlete, especially in a high-profile sport at a high-profile university, is a full-time job.  Between school, practice, games, conditioning, etc., there is no time to work.  Sure, they get a free education, but when kids are coming from low-income areas (or even middle-class) and the only way they are able to attend college is their free education, then just tuition is not enough.  Other students are allowed to be employed by the university in libraries and offices and are therefore paid by the university for services rendered.  Why can't the same happen with athletes?  Allow scholarshipped athletes to be paid a maximum of 20 hours per week at minimum wage (like other student workers are allowed to do), and also provide transportation for parents to come see their kids play once or twice a year.  This isn't excessive in any way.  It doesn't allow for a bidding war for recruits or anything like that.  It's just fair.

So those are my ideas to improve college football.  Like I said, it's pretty great as it is, but it could be so much better.  Now these are things that would improve football.  Maybe another move the NCAA could do is have different rules and conference alignments and such set up for other sports.  Allow each sport to function in a way that is best for it instead of trying to find one system that works for everything.  Either way, I won't stop watching, but I also won't stop wishing...

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Week 6 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, BCS Projections

There were definitely some interesting developments in week 6. Ohio State flirted with a loss on the road under the lights. Washington lost to Stanford, but maybe proved to the rest of the country that they are a bonafide top 10 team. If not for an opening kickoff returned for a touchdown, I am not sure Stanford would have ever gotten into the end zone. Baylor and Oregon continue their record point scoring. Florida State showed just how schizophrenic college football can be by dropping a 63-0 whooping on recently-ranked Maryland. Georgia cannot catch a break on offense, now having lost their top three receivers and top two running backs. We are almost at the midway point of the season. We are starting to really get to know what these teams are made of. Check out my recap of the action:

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: East Carolina, Houston, Michigan State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Rutgers, UCF, Wisconsin

Dropped from the rankings: Mississippi (21), Arizona State (24), Maryland (25)

25 (NR). Virginia Tech (5-1) – They have quietly rolled off five wins since their opening season loss to Alabama. They could make a bit of noise in the ACC.

24 (NR). Florida (4-1) – In a game that people were calling for a potential upset, the Gators ended Arkansas early on. If they can score, they will get their share of wins again.

23 (23). Northern Illinois (5-0) – The Huskies pulled another dominating win in the MAC. Look out BCS…

22 (NR). Nebraska (4-1) – The Huskers have been totally solid, even without their starting quarterback. Oh, except for that one half against UCLA. They will get it together with another bye week coming up after an easy trip to Purdue.

21 (20). Oklahoma State (4-1) – They survived a pretty tough matchup with the quietly improving K-State squad. Last week was a fluke.

20 (18). Northwestern (4-1) – The Wildcats were in position to win several times. The program is legit now. They just need that signature win that frequently eludes them.

19 (22). Michigan (5-0) – The bye week treated the struggling Michigan team well, who blew out an inspired Minnesota team in the Big House.

18 (15). South Carolina (4-1) – They somehow can keep winning, while looking less and less impressive doing it. The Cocks won a close one against terrible Kentucky.

17 (19). Fresno State (5-0) – The offense led by future NFL player Derek Carr is scary good. There might not be a team remaining on their schedule who can keep up.

16 (16). Texas Tech (5-0) – This team is so up and down. They could put up 50 on anyone, or they could put up 5 turnovers against anyone. I will just leave them here.

15 (17). Miami (5-0) – The Hurricanes might just be the team that comes out of the ACC if they continue to play offense this way. No one could have expected that coming into the year.

14 (12). Texas A&M (3-1) – IDLE. Next week: at Mississippi.

13 (14). Oklahoma (5-0) – The Sooners seem to take a misstep at this point in the year ever season. It hasn’t happened yet. Red River Rivalry upset next week?

12 (11). Georgia (4-1) – They lose another handful of starters in another win without much defense. I don’t know what to think of this team. Flirting with a loss to Tennessee? Really? Yeah, the SEC is totally better than the Pac-12. *sarcasm*

11 (13). LSU (5-1) – LSU has really developed into one of the more solid and balanced teams in the nation. I think they will eventually take down Alabama.

10 (10). Louisville (5-0) – Yeah, they can score against Temple. Cool.

9 (5). Washington (4-1) – If this were a power ranking, then they would not have dropped. They proved against Stanford that they were the better team overall yesterday.

8 (9). UCLA (4-0) –Playing in Utah is one of the biggest hurdles for any team in the Pac-12. It is just one of those places where teams go to die. The Bruins came out alive.

7 (7). Ohio State (6-0) – A few bounces go their way, and they remain unbeaten under Urban Meyer. They are not losing this season.

6 (8). Florida State (5-0) – Just when people wanted to buy into Maryland, the Seminoles go and do that. Wow. Jameis Winston for Heisman?

5 (4). Clemson (5-0) – They obliterated Syracuse on the road, which is always impressive. That is another one of those sites that favorites seem to struggle.

4 (3). Stanford (5-0) – They just do not lose with Kevin Hogan at QB. I cannot wait for that high-powered Oregon attack to take on the Cardinal.

3 (2). Alabama (5-0) – They had a scrimmage against Georgia State, and they looked good. Nothing really to take away from that.

2 (6). Baylor (4-0) – 73 more points. Wow... I would love to see what they can do when they aren’t up 50 points in the second half.

1 (1). Oregon (5-0) – …just like this team. Will they be tested next week in Seattle? We will see if Washington can lick their wounds after a gut-wrenching loss in Palo Alto. It could be quite s show.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Oklahoma (#13) vs Texas, 9:00AM ABC – The Red River Rivalry is going to be an entertaining game. There is a clear favorite this year, which make me think that there could be a big upset.

4. Missouri at Georgia (#12), 9:00AM ESPN – Does anyone know anything about unbeaten Missouri? Yeah, I didn’t think so. We find out next weekend.

3. Rutgers at Louisville (#10), Thursday 4:30PM ESPN – Louisville has a home game, but these Thursday games are always a little funky. Rutgers has the talent to keep up. Can they?

2. Florida (#24) at LSU (#11), 12:30PM CBS – These types of matchups seem to come weekly in the SEC. People will call for another defensive struggle, but these teams will put up some big numbers. Too bad it is at the same time as…

1. Oregon (#1) at Washington (#9), FS1 1:00PM – This is maybe the best and most physical rivalry in the conference. The teams simply despise one another. If there is any team that could go score for score with the Ducks in the Pac, it is Washington. It’s going to be loud. This is a must-see.

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville – He may not be multi-dimensional like the other quarterback contenders, but if the voters want a throwback pocket passer to win the award again, then this guy is as good as it gets.

4. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M – He had the week off, but he still has a bunch of spotlight games this year to remind us how electric and exciting he and his offense are.

3. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State – He has the ESPN hype behind him. His passing numbers are maybe the best ever for a freshman at this point in the season. They might not lose a game.

2. Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor – If he ever has to play an entire game and get 30 carries, then he is going to put up some ridiculous stats. He is a freak, and we are all still wondering what this would look like if he hadn’t screwed up at Oregon…

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – He continues to dazzle in every game. Next week he has Washington. Stanford is coming up soon. We will see what he is truly made of against two of the five best defenses in the nation.

BCS Projections

Rose Bowl – Stanford over Ohio State

Orange Bowl – Alabama over Clemson

Sugar Bowl – LSU over Northern Illinois

Fiesta Bowl – Florida State over Louisville

BCS Championship Game – Baylor over Oregon

What did you think of this weekend? What games are you most wanting to see? Let me know!

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