TeddyWestside

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Times have changed. Betting is legal and widespread now. Dominantly popular with the college aged demographic.

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All the more reason to be harsh on players that bet on their team’s games. Giving the guy a slap on the wrist introduces the opportunity for avarice and corruption in a legal, regulated industry.

They both damage credibility, but tolerating players gambling on the actual games brings the actual games that people pay hundreds of dollars to see in-person and millions more watch on TV into disrepute, while the rampant cheating and money being paid to recruits really just brings recruiting into disrepute, and recruiting has unfortunately always been disreputable.

The difference between paying players (cheating pre-NIL and then just NIL) and gambling on your team’s games is that paying players did not compromise the idea that every player is playing to win the game and try as hard as possible. Cheating by paying players was widespread, but it didn’t compromise the integrity of the game on the field. If anything, it incentivized playing better.

Gambling on your team’s games is totally different. Aside from the obvious throwing games and point shaving, which I don’t think there is any evidence that the TTU QB did that, players are privy to game plans, injuries, problems with the team, etc that the general public doesn’t. It is a form of fraud or stealing because you are using your position on the team and your insider knowledge to gamble with a higher level of insight than the general public.

And, of course, the fact that a player on the team has a financial interest in the outcome of the game puts the results of the game into question. There is so much wrong with betting on your team’s games, that’s why it has traditionally lead to bans.

Macon, GA isn’t as bad as the cities you mention, but it does deserve an honorable mention.

They’ve lost a few lopsided games since 2008 but it’s probably been since Mike Shula that I’ve seen them get embarrassed and quit like this.

Seems pretty obvious to me that this is the case as well. Oregon got a good win and Ole Miss had a bye.

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Not sure everyone fully understands what's going on here, but they will when their team finishes in the top half of the league and still finds themselves on the bubble come March.

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I remember the dark days of SEC basketball when teams used to finish 10-6 and 4th place in the conference and go to the NIT.

I would definitely not call it an upset alert, but Mercer is 9-1 and ranked #6 in the FCS poll. Auburn should definitely win but if they come out and play poorly Mercer might make them uncomfortable for a half.

Ed Orgeron at Ole Miss and LSU.

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Only real game is the FL/AZ matchup

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All the other games should be snoozers. If not, somebody is in for a bad opening night.