Received an overwhelming response from those of you who disagree with the criticism here of North Carolina’s hiring of Bill Belichick.
Since then, it was uncovered Belichick made overtures to the New York Jets, inquiring about their opening. Whatever the response, it couldn’t have been promising because within days he’s Chapel Hill bound. The implication being only UNC was out there willing to give him a chance. The NFL? Too many bridges burned. The longer Belichick was out of the head coaching business, the less of a chance of another opportunity.
Let’s make it clear — we want Belichick to succeed. Let’s also be crystal clear — this hire was and is arguably the most prolific in years, bringing UNC an unheard of amount of publicity. Now if he can only win and win big. Just don’t think so. Enough.
Alabama has its hand out
Alabama finishes 9-3, one spot out of the CFP. What’s the reaction? Athletic Director Greg Byrne posted on X a letter to all Bama fans saying, “now is a time for action and for Bama Nation to fight back.” That’s code for “give us lots of money now.” Of course, he’s talking about NIL, and specifically addresses “Yea Alabama,” the department’s NIL entity. Bama just finished with the fourth-best recruiting class. While he may have been speaking to the fans, it’s the boosters who make up much of those “donations.” There may not be oil in Alabama, but the Tide takes a back seat to nobody when it comes to resources.
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Who wins it all? Here’s my pick
With the first round CFP starting this week, let’s tell you who the ultimate champion will be right now. Clemson, Indiana, and Boise State have no chance. Arizona State and SMU also are huge underdogs. Georgia only has a chance if quarterback Carson Beck is back and healthy. Otherwise, they’re done. Penn State? Sorry.
That leaves Oregon, Texas, Notre Dame, Tennessee and yes, Ohio State. With no new seedings, the brackets are flawed and unfair. We all know that. For example, Boise State is playing the Penn State/SMU winner so one of those schools will be in a semifinal. Meanwhile, No. Oregon gets the winner of OSU-Tennessee. Remember that 31-30 Duck victory back in October? An instant classic. Did them little benefit In the end as a rematch looms in the quarterfinals.
However, I’m picking the Ducks in this tournament to win in Atlanta with Georgia the wildcard. Notre Dame has an outside chance to win their first national championship since 1988 but I’m predicting another year of disappointment.
This weekend’s games
There is a growing movement to scrub the December transfer portal because players have to decide to either leave their teams or stay, with another game to play knowing they’re going elsewhere next season. Penn State Coach James Franklin was the latest to come out against the transfer portal after his backup quarterback Beau Pribula left the team. “We got problems in college football.” Ya think? They’re serious problems and they’re not going away. Franklin should concentrate on one thing — trying to win his first-round game against SMU (+8.5) on Saturday. A loss and he may be out. SMU has a special and dangerous player in quarterback Kevin Jennings who is a dual threat. This game puts SMU on the national stage and a victory puts them in the national championship discussion. A game which means so much to the ACC. We know Franklin’s record against Top 10 teams (3-19) and fortunately for him, the Mustangs are ranked 11th. Having said that, look out!
More: Revamped CFP has its flaws; here’s how Ken Schreiber would fix it
∎Same for coach Ryan Day of Ohio State who, even with the endorsement of athletic director Ross Bjork (“he’s awesome… we’re going to support him at the highest level”) must defeat Tennessee (7.5) at home or forgettaboutit. Bjork won’t have a choice if the Vols prevail on Saturday night. The Buckeyes played scared in their loss to Michigan (13-10) and must come out swinging. Either way, this is the best defense they’ve faced all year. Take the points in what’s a tossup game.
∎Clemson needs a victory against Texas just to remain in any discussion of top programs. They get a chance against the No. 5 Longhorns (-11.5), another SEC powerhouse who proved they belong in the CFP with their play in the SEC Championship game (22-19 OT loss) against Georgia. While Tigers quarterback Cade Clubnik has come a long way in his career, expect the Longhorns to pressure him from the get go. Clemson never “belonged” in the CFP but backdoored in by being ACC Champions. Now they’ll go out with an embarrassing lopsided defeat.
∎Indiana at Notre Dame (-7.5). The Battle of the Hoosier state. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is the coach the year. At 11-1, he’s brought the Hoosiers to places unseen in their history. The knock is no victories against a ranked team and that’s a reasonable criticism. But they’re here and in the CFP. The Irish have found their groove after that Northern Illinois (16-14) loss in Week 2 and the game’s in South Bend. Indiana may have the better coach (the Irish’ Marcus Freeman is no slouch) this year, but the Irish have the better talent every year. Another game with little excitement or hype to it. Expect the Irish to run away with it.
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ken Schreiber doubles down on his doubts about Bill Belichick at UNC
