re: Down year for College Football

It just feels that way for you because LSU was Texas State Champions.

LSU vs UT 45-38
LSU vs AM 50-7

Ehh I think it's been kind of like this for the past 5-10 years. You have 3-5 really good programs annually, then another 5 or so that are exciting for 1-2 years, then 1-2 of those 5 programs becomes one of the 3-5 constant good programs

Since the playoffs you've had Bama, Clemson, OSU, OU in there multiple times (maybe I'm missing someone but I think that's it).

Then you've often have a 2nd SEC traditional power in/around the playoff (Auburn, LSU, UGA) and a 2nd B1G power a bit lower on that list (Michigan, PSU, Wisky) but in the top 7-8.

Add in a Pac 12 Champ who is usually on the fringe, and you have your top programs.

So no, not a down year to me; more a normal year

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Did anyone else feel last year was a down year? It was almost as if there was a drop in talent and it played out on the field.

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Looks like basketball is shaping up that way for you guys too, but baseball’s just around the corner, so don’t lose hope.

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Did anyone else feel last year was a down year?

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No.

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It was almost as if there was a drop in talent

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Yes, A&M under performed again.

When you lose, 50-7, to the eventual undefeated National Champions, I guess I can see why you would feel that way.

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It's always a down year for me.. now I just genuinely care less and less about all of the 'top' games too throughout the year. When I was a kid and even in my younger 20s I would even watch the MAC on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

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I'm far less engaged in college football than I was when I was a student/post 3-4 years out. There is also nothing wrong with that.

When you're on campus, it's a part of your every day life. You wake up on gameday, and football disney world comes to you. Even when you get out, you likely go to as many games as possible - and with having friends still in school, you likely have places to stay.

When you get past 28, it kind of loses the luster. As an Alabama fan, you play maybe two home games each year that are actually competitive and worth getting excited about. Getting to games becomes more of a hassle than it's worth. If you want to make a weekend out of your drive (SEC average travel for games is roughly 2 1/2 hours), you likely need a hotel. No offense to anyone here, but most of these college towns have limited options, and the good ones will run you 300+ a night.

Even so, I used to go just to see old friends. Now that they've got kids, they've slowly faded to the shadows.

I've found a lot of joy in watching from home, and making the pilgramige once a year.

While NFL ticket prices are by no means cheaper than college, the "all-in price" absolutely is when you factor in gas and lodging. I can leave my house at 10:00AM and have my tent up at MBS at 10:30 for a 1PM game, and be home by the end of Q2 of the 4:15PM games. The stadiums are nicer and the games are far more competitive.

SEC and college football, in general, need to get a grip and go to an all P5 schedule. Back when it was "go or don't see it" for the cupcake non-conference games, there was a small reason to make the drive for those events. With the expansion of TV now, I wouldn't go to those games with free tickets.

Knew someone would say this. Shoulda known an Aggie would say it. Would expect it from a Bama fan but never heard it once from any in their ranks. Aggie, keep dick-riding Bama. Maybe you'll learn something.

The lack of talent across the board reminded me of 2007.

Texas A & M..."Specializing in down years since 1939"