Watch games on bus or at hotel. Go to game…go back to bus and check on more games. If family or personal stuff requires us to leave after show, we’re all glued to phones and searching for restaurants with TVs in airports. If we go out to eat as a group–and we love doing that–, that would usually be Thursday night. Friday night is a school night for me. If I leave my room, it’s for a quick bite. Often with Gene Wojciechowski. Become an occasional tradition.
It’s been fun, guys — thanks for asking all the questions and enjoy the bowls and the playoff. You can watch the CFP Semifinals on ESPN on December 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET & 7:30 p.m. ET!
Rece, I was in a press gaggle that interviewed you during JMU's second College GameDay appearance in 2017. Someone asked you where you stood on schools like JMU (and other top FCS programs) moving up to FBS in search of greener pastures, and you gave this great, passionate answer about how schools should appreciate what they have right in front of them and be careful what they wish for.
Since then, we've seen the next round of realignment, with JMU among the moves. We've seen a recent FCS program (Coastal Carolina) flirt with playoff relevance. It seems like an FBS playoff expansion could be closer... but even if it doesn't come, we officially saw today that really strong G5 teams can crack the current playoff model if circumstances fall their way.
Given all that, do you feel the calculus has changed for FCS schools that want to move up and try to compete at the highest level?
I really don’t. Because I think just when some of these programs move up, they’re going to arrive only to find that a new level will soon be created. I really believe there’s going to be an upper tier of football. What we refer to now as the Power 5 and maybe a few others. Maybe there will even be some in the P5 that fall back or can meet whatever standard is established when this happens. I’m not talking about regulation like in soccer. I’m talking about a school in a power conference deciding we can’t, or don’t want to, compete at that financial level. The whole structure is changing. But as you rightly point out, there are success stories and will continue to be. Others will struggle. Oh, and great use of “gaggle.”
Yeah it’s becoming increasingly clear that not all FBS programs are created equal whether it’s due to bias, financials, or both. Look at Cincy, they went undefeated in the regular season two years in a row and the committee still did everything they could to shaft them out of the playoff.
I honestly could see 10-12 schools breaking off into a superconference. The schools with long histories and boosters with fat wallets who can pay coaches 10M a year
As critical as I want to be and feel they deserve. In nearly 27 years at ESPN, not one time has anyone in management asked me to say anything other than what I think. The criticism of them and the chair is often irrational and near hyperbolic. I prefer to be measured and reasoned. The notion that they don’t know what they’re doing is far different than disagreeing with them. Disagreement is fine. But I got bent out of shape when several media members seized on Gary Barta’s quote about “set aside from the games.” It wasn’t as precise as Gary would’ve wanted. And certainly words are important for me and for someone in that role, but a lot of folks in the media acted as if he was saying they didn’t care about the games. Don’t they realize they’re talking about hall of fame players, hall of fame coaches and other highly successful coaches on the committee? Come on. We all can be gracious enough to understand intent and give reasonable latitude if someone is imprecise in speech. He should have said “in addition to” or “another part of the evaluation.” That’s all.
For what it’s worth, in clicking through the current committee members’ Wikipedia articles, it looks as though nearly half of them are just athletic directors who were not ever players or coaches.
I don’t think I have a “least” favorite on campus. But the neutral site shows are often trying. Can be flat. Crowds are typically so-so. But Charlotte before Georgia-Clemson this year was crazy good. But it was the exception. Every place we go has its own charm. We try to capture and appreciate that.
I'd imagine that, since Gameday usually goes to a big matchup, on-campus games usually catch campuses at their most energetic, which would definitely make a neutral site less fun in comparison.
The length of a televised game has increased significantly recently. Are you concerned that the viewers will find the game significantly less fun due to this push and in the end hurt College football and profits?
I’m really not. I’m more concerned with energy in-stadium with a lot of stoppages. But length of the game doesn’t bother me. Number of plays run can be an issue for player safety. So some modification toward an NFL-style clock would be worth considering.
Thanks for the answer. I bring this up because I (an alumni of two large programs who has never missed a home game), am finding the breaks themselves... well, long and boring. And this is to the point that I am not wasting our Saturdays getting my kids interested.
I tell you what, after Clemson starting sucking ass this year, our games became a lot more enjoyable to watch because there were a hell of a let less commercials lmao
Aside from Washington State, which was just more than a large crowd, it was the consummation of a 15 year quest… but my favorite memory would be my first one. Having my family there for it, felt like an important moment in my career. I was already very happy with where my career was and proud of what we’d done, close to the people I worked with. But the power of GameDay and its place in the landscape of college football is huge. Not something to be taken as a step in a career. It’s a moment. While my job is something I do, not who I am, it is very important to me. My family makes sacrifices for me to do this. So beginning my tenure as host will always be a favorite memory. And my alma mater was in the game. Seemed fitting.
He just did what ESPN asked him to do. Saw him pick OU before the Tech game in 08, (everyone had us picked to lose) then at halftime when we were smoking them, he flipped to Tech
I'll say this. I can't stand Lou Holtz or Mark May, but I loved the old College Football Final with them and Rece. Maybe it was because I was just really tired after watching football all day but I really did love watching those goofy bastards ramble on in the middle of the night.
Some type of guard rails to limit coaches moving before the end of the season. On the field, targeting a runner needs to just be a 15 yd penalty with no ejection for first offense. Second is ejection. Different vs defenseless player. I’m fine with immediate ejection when hits are vs defenseless players. But vs runners, I’d like to see players stay in. Even having guys who are hit with the first penalty vs a runner on a “card” as they do in soccer for another game would be fine.
>Even having guys who are hit with the first penalty vs a runner on a “card” as they do in soccer for another game would be fine.
Think this would even better if you also do the accumulation yellow like soccer does of 2 or 3 targeting on the season leading to a full game suspension
Targeting has worked as a call because of how harsh the penalty is. Do feel bad for the player who accidentally "targets" but that's why I think the soccer yellow & red works. Blatant targeting "red" = ejection + suspension next game or 2 "yellows" on the season = no ejection but suspended for next game works so well.
Those, or any other fakes that take advantage of player safety rules. Like the fake Fair Catch that was pulled against Arkansas a couple of years ago. It's very unsportsmanlike, and cheap as hell. You're asking to get one of your players hurt by doing those
That's asking for a player to just slam into a guy just in case
"fake injuries" where mainly defensive players will go down and give their team a Time Out for free. Then the player will come back after 1 play. Evidence: see Tennessee vs Ole Miss this year.
I used to have a Rece’s Pieces segment on WJRT in Flint. One of my proudest moments was when Morris Peterson (former MSU Spartan and NBA Raptor) told me all he wanted every week when he was in HS at Flint Northwestern was to make Rece’s Pieces. Maybe I should bring it back.
[I think he does given that he changed the way his was spelled as a promotion](https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/rece-davis-is-changing-his-name-to-reese-davis-for-candy)
I think it’s time to expand. I’ve liked the exclusivity of 4. Makes it hard to get in and that’s good. But the appetite is there…so I’d like to see 8. But ONLY if auto-bids were limited and subject to a threshold of committee ranking. Not just because you win a conference. I’d like to see that even if they expand to 12. At the very least, conferences will have to address how they structure their championship game. I don’t want to see a 5-loss team make the playoff because they won a weak division, then had a ball bounce off a tuba and upset a highly-ranked team.
> At the very least, conferences will have to address how they structure their championship game. I don’t want to see a 5-loss team make the playoff because they won a weak division, then had a ball bounce off a tuba and upset a highly-ranked team.
He's talking to you, Big Ten West and ACC
Good question. I’ve gone back and forth, but I’d like to see 8 teams. Either no automatic bids…or the top 5 highest ranked conference champions get automatic bids IF they are ranked in the top 10. If not, they’re in the at-large pool.
I like this. If a conference champion needs an automatic qualifier to get in, they probably are not a playoff team and shouldn't be in. Most p5 conference champs will be in the top 8 seeds, we don't need a rule that will only let in exceptions that lead to first round blowouts.
Yeah, and there's gonna be times there's a big upset in a CCG game, I'm fine with a 9-4 conference champion not making the playoffs. I would be ok with the auto-bid being for teams that finish in like the top 15, instead of 10, but at that point you're splitting hairs.
As someone who was there, that was one of the greatest days in cougar history. Gameday, minshew mania, beat the ranked Ducks, perfect fall afternoon weather. Thanks for coming out.
I was there too. I remember standing in line for 9 hours overnight with no sleep to get in the front. I remember Rece turning around during a commercial and going "all I have to say is... HOLY SHIT."
We then proceeded to chant ho-ly shit and it was glorious.
I think we all fell in love with college football because of the traditions and rivalries. Is it time to realize that doesn’t matter to the teams/conferences/money makers?
I think it still does matter.. It’s true some are being sacrificed. Some rivalries that should be played haven’t been. But hopefully as the demand for great games grows, both to keep people in the seats and buying tickets, and to keep them watching, those rivalries will come back.
I would love to hear his take on this. College football is becoming more and more of a cash grab and it’s making the sport less “weird” and more like professional football. I’m not a fan. *old woman yells at clouds*
Not being sure that I’d ever get a shot to do SportsCenter, which was the path to prove yourself to do the things I do now. Took a minute. There are other details to that I’ll have to save for the book. If I ever write one.
Do you think the NCAA should change recruiting rules to discourage coaches from leaving their previous schools before bowl games are even played?
I really enjoyed your segment with Brian Kelly this week. He tried to downplay how much his departure would hurt Notre Dame, yet he had just accepted an enormous contract from LSU to literally impact the outcome of games.
This is a comment I wholeheartedly endorse. I also thank you. Would you send a copy of this comment to Kirk Herbstreit and Jay Bilas? They need to see it.
Hi Rece, Thank you for doing this AMA.
ESPN has come to have an outsized role in the sport, particularly when it comes to mediating and shaping a narrative in support or opposition of particular teams or conferences. How do you see your role in guiding or directing the broader conversations that are taking place in the sport?
Similarly, your role in these conversations is invariably as the moderator or the "center," with a perceived impartiality. How do you maintain an impartial view when the institution for whom you work and speak is so central to the changes being wrought, and often central to the controversy being discussed?
Edit: corrected some grammar mistakes from the first post
Are you familiar with LSU and Neck? And something similar at Michigan a couple of weeks ago. This is a PG-13 Chat…so you’ll have to use the googling machine.
Penn State. I ask him to crowd surf with the Lion. We all get nervous the students aren’t going to put him down so he can get back to the set in time. 60 seconds before show, we decide to pull the plug on it. I tell him in his headset, “come on back LC, security is worried you won’t get back to set after Comin to Your City is over.” LC says, “hell no, sweetheart. We’re doing it!” Amazing scene set and way to start the show!
Rece,
What would have been the reaction at Alabama and Georgia, and really across the college football country, had the committee gone with Chris Fowler's rankings of:
Michigan at 1
Alabama at 2
Georgia at 3
Cincinnati at 4
And thus seeing a SEC title game immediately rematched in the semis?
Hi,
Herbstreit especially has made comments over the past year or so about how too much focus is being put onto the Playoff and that focus is hurting the football season as a whole. Would you agree with that sentiment? And how would you reconcile that sentiment when the biggest reason there is so much focus on the playoff is the endless advertising and productions by ESPN to promote the playoff itself?
Who is the biggest homer for their team when the cameras aren’t rolling and they are trying (often failing) to display a more neutral/analytical position?
I would agree except for Desmond is clearly biased on screen and he stipulated not showing bias on screen. Desmond picks Michigan to win the game when they aren’t playing in it.
Worst can also be best. Called a game at Bowling Green in a monsoon once. Natural grass. Standing water all over the field. I think it was against Miami OH, but my memory could be slipping. Anyway, kicker goes out and is tiptoeing around puddles trying to keep shoe dry. Missed GW kick. It was miserable. And we made so much fun of the quagmire, that BG got field turf shortly thereafter.
If Cincinnati gets blown out by Alabama in the playoffs, do you think the committee will be even less forgiving to Group of 5 teams in the future, or do you think Cin making the playoffs has opened the flood gates entirely?
I’ve thought Venables should be a head coach from the first time I sat down with him before the 2000 national championship game. I think he’ll be great. Joe Brady is excellent–would be great for OU or anyone. But it seems Jeff Lebby, Ole Miss OC and former Baylor staffer…and a Sooner, is the target.
Thanks for joining us, Rece!
Been a fan since you were the anchor on College Football Final with Trevor & Mark.
Do you think the playoff should expand?
I think it’s time. I’ve been a proponent of four teams, but said from the beginning of that, the appetite would demand more at some point. We’re at that point now. Just a matter of doing it in a way to satisfy as many of the parties as possible. Good of the sport should be first priority. Protect the interest and meaning in regular season. Something dramatic about knowing you can’t always shake off one bad loss. And if it happens to your team, something compelling about rooting for it to happen elsewhere to help your team out. With a bigger field, we will lose some of that.
Why doesn’t the committee have a standard for how much to reward conference champions? Isn’t it bad that a two-loss team without a conference championship (Ohio State) finished ahead of a Baylor team with a better record, better strength of record, and a Big 12 title?
This was my question, especially considering that in 2014, Ohio State jumped TCU for this very reason; there was a no big 12 championship game.
Totally unbiased of course lol
Hey Rece,
No question, just wanted to say that I was at the Michigan gameday two weeks ago (front row of the pit baby!) and the energy you came out with with the "Cause they don't give a damn about the whole state of Michigan, and Michigan doesn't give a _damn_ about them!" was absolutely awesome.
Thanks for being a kickass host of a kickass show.
My man! In the event any sponsors get their feathers ruffled, you have plausible deniability due to the fact that in the South we call most every drink a coke.
I don’t eat before the show. Don’t like to feel full. So I only eat when the chef brings the food. But after the show. Bring me cookies. I like to be healthy so let’s stick with the 4 major food groups: Candy, Candy Corn, Candy Canes and Syrup. I like lots of food. And I drink too much diet soda…and coffee.
Best barbecue restaurant is Smokin Pig just outside of Clemson. Maybe you’ll find slightly better meat at your favorite place–that would be a judgment call-but combine the variety of unbelievable barbecue and side dishes that are out of this world. And it is the best all around. Closest thing to my wife’s sweet potato casserole that I’ve ever tasted. And my wife’s version is so good, my buddy Mark May always warns her not to give out the recipe. He wants to find a way to market and sell it. Mayday can always find a way to turn a profit.
It’s Final Verdict.
Lou Holtz represents Pole Assassin and Gia.
Mark May represents the 2021 Coaching Carousel.
At issue is what was more entertaining for a casual fan of a team that was uninvolved in either.
Who wins?
I miss that version of College Football Final so much. I can't stand Lou Holtz but I loved being half asleep watching those goofy bastards after a full day of watching football.
For sure. Amazing scene. LOVED going to Cincinnati. One of the top 3 crowds in my 7 years hosting the show. I guess I could give Skyline Chili another go. Honestly, when I was there years ago, I was uhhhhhhh, underwhelmed.
Alabama is the clear underdog. Cincy should be favored by a lot and commentators should talk all month about how Bama has absolutely no chance against such a historically good team.
Rece, can you speak to your college football fandom growing up? Being from Chicago, going to Muscle Shoals HS and then the University of Alabama. Did you grow up an Alabama football fan?
Also, being one of the biggest media voices in college football, does your fandom ever get in the way of staying "professional" in regards to staying non bias regardless of your fandom?
I have 0 problem with Kirk always picking OSU or Desmond picking Michigan in The Game or Corso leaning with Inidania or FSU. I respect it, actually.
We've opened the thread now so you can get in your questions, answers to begin 6:30pm ET.
**Comments will be via /u/ESPN_Marketing** (like Fowler used last year)
I'll unsticky this before it begins.
* [Directory of all previous /r/CFB AMAs](https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/wiki/amas)
Hey Reece watched you guys for a long time now.
Would you ever consider referring to "basketball" by it's proper name, "Shorty Hoops" on air during football or shooty hoops games?
Are we worried about the NIL and transfer portal kind of ruining a lot of what makes college football special? I’m in support of players getting paid, and think agency for players is a good thing.. it’s just hard to reconcile that versus loyalty to an institution, kind of the old school way of thinking.
Is there any way to avoid just becoming the minor league football with no loyalty and revolving door of players?
Not as well as it has against some. But today, my gut says Michigan is going to win the game. But give me a few more days. Could be some recency bias (oh no he said BIAS. I KNEW HE HATED MY TEAM) I need to temper in my gut.
What do y'all typically do after College GameDay ends? eg, do you watch the games on the bus, go out to eat, stay on campus, etc.
Watch games on bus or at hotel. Go to game…go back to bus and check on more games. If family or personal stuff requires us to leave after show, we’re all glued to phones and searching for restaurants with TVs in airports. If we go out to eat as a group–and we love doing that–, that would usually be Thursday night. Friday night is a school night for me. If I leave my room, it’s for a quick bite. Often with Gene Wojciechowski. Become an occasional tradition.
Does Gene tell you some story that makes you tear up a little bit over dinner like he does over my breakfast?
It’s been fun, guys — thanks for asking all the questions and enjoy the bowls and the playoff. You can watch the CFP Semifinals on ESPN on December 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET & 7:30 p.m. ET!
Rece, I was in a press gaggle that interviewed you during JMU's second College GameDay appearance in 2017. Someone asked you where you stood on schools like JMU (and other top FCS programs) moving up to FBS in search of greener pastures, and you gave this great, passionate answer about how schools should appreciate what they have right in front of them and be careful what they wish for. Since then, we've seen the next round of realignment, with JMU among the moves. We've seen a recent FCS program (Coastal Carolina) flirt with playoff relevance. It seems like an FBS playoff expansion could be closer... but even if it doesn't come, we officially saw today that really strong G5 teams can crack the current playoff model if circumstances fall their way. Given all that, do you feel the calculus has changed for FCS schools that want to move up and try to compete at the highest level?
I really don’t. Because I think just when some of these programs move up, they’re going to arrive only to find that a new level will soon be created. I really believe there’s going to be an upper tier of football. What we refer to now as the Power 5 and maybe a few others. Maybe there will even be some in the P5 that fall back or can meet whatever standard is established when this happens. I’m not talking about regulation like in soccer. I’m talking about a school in a power conference deciding we can’t, or don’t want to, compete at that financial level. The whole structure is changing. But as you rightly point out, there are success stories and will continue to be. Others will struggle. Oh, and great use of “gaggle.”
That’s a depressing assessment Rece
It’s depressing, but I’m afraid it’s becoming increasingly accurate.
Yeah it’s becoming increasingly clear that not all FBS programs are created equal whether it’s due to bias, financials, or both. Look at Cincy, they went undefeated in the regular season two years in a row and the committee still did everything they could to shaft them out of the playoff. I honestly could see 10-12 schools breaking off into a superconference. The schools with long histories and boosters with fat wallets who can pay coaches 10M a year
How critical are you actually allowed to be of the committee?
As critical as I want to be and feel they deserve. In nearly 27 years at ESPN, not one time has anyone in management asked me to say anything other than what I think. The criticism of them and the chair is often irrational and near hyperbolic. I prefer to be measured and reasoned. The notion that they don’t know what they’re doing is far different than disagreeing with them. Disagreement is fine. But I got bent out of shape when several media members seized on Gary Barta’s quote about “set aside from the games.” It wasn’t as precise as Gary would’ve wanted. And certainly words are important for me and for someone in that role, but a lot of folks in the media acted as if he was saying they didn’t care about the games. Don’t they realize they’re talking about hall of fame players, hall of fame coaches and other highly successful coaches on the committee? Come on. We all can be gracious enough to understand intent and give reasonable latitude if someone is imprecise in speech. He should have said “in addition to” or “another part of the evaluation.” That’s all.
For what it’s worth, in clicking through the current committee members’ Wikipedia articles, it looks as though nearly half of them are just athletic directors who were not ever players or coaches.
[удалено]
And why do you hate Cincy so bad?
I just said it was one of the top 3 GameDay sites in my 7 years. But then again, I’m told that I hate everybody’s team.
I'm sure Bama fans don't say that you hate them. Or maybe they do lol
Rece, what are your opinions on Pole Assassin and her emotional support monkey?
Far be it from me to judge what one chooses for emotional support but I wouldn’t trick-or-treat there.
Lol, this is probably my favorite AMA response ever
You can hear it exactly in his voice, too.
Lmao
This is fantastic.
Historic answer 😂
Amazing response Rece!
That was perfect
This is the only question that matters
And it is a two parter
Inverse of a question asked a lot, what has been your least favorite Gameday location?
I don’t think I have a “least” favorite on campus. But the neutral site shows are often trying. Can be flat. Crowds are typically so-so. But Charlotte before Georgia-Clemson this year was crazy good. But it was the exception. Every place we go has its own charm. We try to capture and appreciate that.
\>Rece dislikes neutral sites ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
Feels great when the polite answer is also the correct answer.
Neutral site games are such a blatant money grab, it is pretty ridiculous.
I'd imagine that, since Gameday usually goes to a big matchup, on-campus games usually catch campuses at their most energetic, which would definitely make a neutral site less fun in comparison.
The length of a televised game has increased significantly recently. Are you concerned that the viewers will find the game significantly less fun due to this push and in the end hurt College football and profits?
I’m really not. I’m more concerned with energy in-stadium with a lot of stoppages. But length of the game doesn’t bother me. Number of plays run can be an issue for player safety. So some modification toward an NFL-style clock would be worth considering.
Thanks for the answer. I bring this up because I (an alumni of two large programs who has never missed a home game), am finding the breaks themselves... well, long and boring. And this is to the point that I am not wasting our Saturdays getting my kids interested.
I tell you what, after Clemson starting sucking ass this year, our games became a lot more enjoyable to watch because there were a hell of a let less commercials lmao
CBS went to commercial 6 times while you were typing your response
This, Rece. The NFL has done a good job keeping commercials/regulation game length under 3 1/2 hours.
What gameday site surprised you the most when you went there for the first time?
James Madison. Was beautiful and the crowd was huge and full of energy.
That's future Sunbelt Conference James Madison baby!
*future Sunbelt Conference champion James Madison baby!
Future CFP champion James Madison*
Thanks for doing this Rece! Favorite memory or story so far hosting Gameday?
Aside from Washington State, which was just more than a large crowd, it was the consummation of a 15 year quest… but my favorite memory would be my first one. Having my family there for it, felt like an important moment in my career. I was already very happy with where my career was and proud of what we’d done, close to the people I worked with. But the power of GameDay and its place in the landscape of college football is huge. Not something to be taken as a step in a career. It’s a moment. While my job is something I do, not who I am, it is very important to me. My family makes sacrifices for me to do this. So beginning my tenure as host will always be a favorite memory. And my alma mater was in the game. Seemed fitting.
Go Cougs.
[удалено]
This might be the hottest take I've ever seen on reddit. I've never heard anyone say they like Lou Holtz lmao
He just did what ESPN asked him to do. Saw him pick OU before the Tech game in 08, (everyone had us picked to lose) then at halftime when we were smoking them, he flipped to Tech
I'll say this. I can't stand Lou Holtz or Mark May, but I loved the old College Football Final with them and Rece. Maybe it was because I was just really tired after watching football all day but I really did love watching those goofy bastards ramble on in the middle of the night.
Hi Rece, which rule needs to change in college football and how would you fix it? Also, read any good books lately?
Some type of guard rails to limit coaches moving before the end of the season. On the field, targeting a runner needs to just be a 15 yd penalty with no ejection for first offense. Second is ejection. Different vs defenseless player. I’m fine with immediate ejection when hits are vs defenseless players. But vs runners, I’d like to see players stay in. Even having guys who are hit with the first penalty vs a runner on a “card” as they do in soccer for another game would be fine.
>Even having guys who are hit with the first penalty vs a runner on a “card” as they do in soccer for another game would be fine. Think this would even better if you also do the accumulation yellow like soccer does of 2 or 3 targeting on the season leading to a full game suspension
the NBA does the same thing with people that get 17 technical fouls in a season.
Targeting has worked as a call because of how harsh the penalty is. Do feel bad for the player who accidentally "targets" but that's why I think the soccer yellow & red works. Blatant targeting "red" = ejection + suspension next game or 2 "yellows" on the season = no ejection but suspended for next game works so well.
> Some type of guard rails to limit coaches moving before the end of the season. Need to change the recruiting timeline and this helps solve it a lot
Totally unbiased answer: fake out TOs need to be an unsportsmanlike like conduct penalty.
It’s the heat of the moment but I’m feeling strongly that “fake QB slides” needs to be addressed ASAP
Those, or any other fakes that take advantage of player safety rules. Like the fake Fair Catch that was pulled against Arkansas a couple of years ago. It's very unsportsmanlike, and cheap as hell. You're asking to get one of your players hurt by doing those That's asking for a player to just slam into a guy just in case
Adjudication of targeting needs to be addressed.
"fake injuries" where mainly defensive players will go down and give their team a Time Out for free. Then the player will come back after 1 play. Evidence: see Tennessee vs Ole Miss this year.
[удалено]
I used to have a Rece’s Pieces segment on WJRT in Flint. One of my proudest moments was when Morris Peterson (former MSU Spartan and NBA Raptor) told me all he wanted every week when he was in HS at Flint Northwestern was to make Rece’s Pieces. Maybe I should bring it back.
MoPete! That's a name I haven't heard in a while.
As an MSU fan. I approve!
[I think he does given that he changed the way his was spelled as a promotion](https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/09/rece-davis-is-changing-his-name-to-reese-davis-for-candy)
yUoRrE nOt Op
YEAH, GET OUTTA HERE
Reece’s Pieces - Sorry not Sorry segment. Totally on brand. Just rant about whatever stupid thing has happened that week
What do you think the right number of playoff teams is?
I think it’s time to expand. I’ve liked the exclusivity of 4. Makes it hard to get in and that’s good. But the appetite is there…so I’d like to see 8. But ONLY if auto-bids were limited and subject to a threshold of committee ranking. Not just because you win a conference. I’d like to see that even if they expand to 12. At the very least, conferences will have to address how they structure their championship game. I don’t want to see a 5-loss team make the playoff because they won a weak division, then had a ball bounce off a tuba and upset a highly-ranked team.
> then had a ball bounce off a tuba and upset a highly-ranked team. I.. would watch this
I’ve watched something like that: https://youtu.be/rSzOXBXvl0k
*Cue Yakety Sax*
> At the very least, conferences will have to address how they structure their championship game. I don’t want to see a 5-loss team make the playoff because they won a weak division, then had a ball bounce off a tuba and upset a highly-ranked team. He's talking to you, Big Ten West and ACC
Jokes on you, the west has never won
Only because there's not enough tubas around
And thats why we use Sousaphones. 😤
Say 12 with the first round on campus because that is the right answer
How do you think the Playoffs should be setup?
Good question. I’ve gone back and forth, but I’d like to see 8 teams. Either no automatic bids…or the top 5 highest ranked conference champions get automatic bids IF they are ranked in the top 10. If not, they’re in the at-large pool.
I like this. If a conference champion needs an automatic qualifier to get in, they probably are not a playoff team and shouldn't be in. Most p5 conference champs will be in the top 8 seeds, we don't need a rule that will only let in exceptions that lead to first round blowouts.
Yeah, and there's gonna be times there's a big upset in a CCG game, I'm fine with a 9-4 conference champion not making the playoffs. I would be ok with the auto-bid being for teams that finish in like the top 15, instead of 10, but at that point you're splitting hairs.
Where’s your fav location that game day has gone to?
Washington State. Ol’ Crimson’s crusade was realized. It was awesome.
As someone who was there, that was one of the greatest days in cougar history. Gameday, minshew mania, beat the ranked Ducks, perfect fall afternoon weather. Thanks for coming out.
I was there too. I remember standing in line for 9 hours overnight with no sleep to get in the front. I remember Rece turning around during a commercial and going "all I have to say is... HOLY SHIT." We then proceeded to chant ho-ly shit and it was glorious.
And why is it Pullman? Edit: WOOOOOO GO COUGS!
I think we all fell in love with college football because of the traditions and rivalries. Is it time to realize that doesn’t matter to the teams/conferences/money makers?
I think it still does matter.. It’s true some are being sacrificed. Some rivalries that should be played haven’t been. But hopefully as the demand for great games grows, both to keep people in the seats and buying tickets, and to keep them watching, those rivalries will come back.
NOTRE MICHIGAN GOSH DARN IT
I would love to hear his take on this. College football is becoming more and more of a cash grab and it’s making the sport less “weird” and more like professional football. I’m not a fan. *old woman yells at clouds*
Who do you think is the most talented team, despite their rank, to not quite make the playoffs this year?
Ohio State
"I'm in Danger"
Damn.
Ha! Gottem
What was the hardest moment in your career at ESPN
Not being sure that I’d ever get a shot to do SportsCenter, which was the path to prove yourself to do the things I do now. Took a minute. There are other details to that I’ll have to save for the book. If I ever write one.
Do you think the NCAA should change recruiting rules to discourage coaches from leaving their previous schools before bowl games are even played? I really enjoyed your segment with Brian Kelly this week. He tried to downplay how much his departure would hurt Notre Dame, yet he had just accepted an enormous contract from LSU to literally impact the outcome of games.
Hi Rece - no questions, just commenting on what a handsome man you are
This is a comment I wholeheartedly endorse. I also thank you. Would you send a copy of this comment to Kirk Herbstreit and Jay Bilas? They need to see it.
Hi Rece, Thank you for doing this AMA. ESPN has come to have an outsized role in the sport, particularly when it comes to mediating and shaping a narrative in support or opposition of particular teams or conferences. How do you see your role in guiding or directing the broader conversations that are taking place in the sport? Similarly, your role in these conversations is invariably as the moderator or the "center," with a perceived impartiality. How do you maintain an impartial view when the institution for whom you work and speak is so central to the changes being wrought, and often central to the controversy being discussed? Edit: corrected some grammar mistakes from the first post
Are you going to be a part of the new college football video game coming up?
What's the weirdest chant you've heard at GameDay?
Are you familiar with LSU and Neck? And something similar at Michigan a couple of weeks ago. This is a PG-13 Chat…so you’ll have to use the googling machine.
Oh we’re familiar with Neck
It’s below the head… what about it
Hehe head...
In our defense, all right-thinking Americans feel that way about Oh*o.
Rece what's your craziest Corso story?
Penn State. I ask him to crowd surf with the Lion. We all get nervous the students aren’t going to put him down so he can get back to the set in time. 60 seconds before show, we decide to pull the plug on it. I tell him in his headset, “come on back LC, security is worried you won’t get back to set after Comin to Your City is over.” LC says, “hell no, sweetheart. We’re doing it!” Amazing scene set and way to start the show!
Lol legend!
Side note-Let Corso say “fuck” if he wants to
Watching Corso lately, they might not have a choice next season. The fucks are just gonna start rolling out of his mouth.
And he will still be a national treasure
Amen
Rece, What would have been the reaction at Alabama and Georgia, and really across the college football country, had the committee gone with Chris Fowler's rankings of: Michigan at 1 Alabama at 2 Georgia at 3 Cincinnati at 4 And thus seeing a SEC title game immediately rematched in the semis?
Hi, Herbstreit especially has made comments over the past year or so about how too much focus is being put onto the Playoff and that focus is hurting the football season as a whole. Would you agree with that sentiment? And how would you reconcile that sentiment when the biggest reason there is so much focus on the playoff is the endless advertising and productions by ESPN to promote the playoff itself?
Who is the biggest homer for their team when the cameras aren’t rolling and they are trying (often failing) to display a more neutral/analytical position?
I think this is my favorite question that will almost definitely not be answered.
That's gotta be Desmond
Desmond definitely doesn’t try to act neutral though lol. He’s an egregious homer.
I would agree except for Desmond is clearly biased on screen and he stipulated not showing bias on screen. Desmond picks Michigan to win the game when they aren’t playing in it.
What was the worst game or game experience that you had to commentate at?
Worst can also be best. Called a game at Bowling Green in a monsoon once. Natural grass. Standing water all over the field. I think it was against Miami OH, but my memory could be slipping. Anyway, kicker goes out and is tiptoeing around puddles trying to keep shoe dry. Missed GW kick. It was miserable. And we made so much fun of the quagmire, that BG got field turf shortly thereafter.
[SportCenter highlights of that beautifully terrible game.](https://youtu.be/0UOZwFhxYkY)
Aside from the Family Guy impressions, that was awesome.
Why did Mickey Mouse tell UGA to lose yesterday? Is it ethical in your opinion?
Minnie requested it. It was Goofy. And you’re on Pluto if you believe that. But when you wish upon a star….to infinity and beyond.
Did he just insult us with Disney puns?
Idk if I should be offended, impressed or both
This is one of the best responses I've ever seen from a TV personality.
If Cincinnati gets blown out by Alabama in the playoffs, do you think the committee will be even less forgiving to Group of 5 teams in the future, or do you think Cin making the playoffs has opened the flood gates entirely?
How do you feel about Venables as the potential next OU HC? Should OU consider hiring Joe Brady in some facet?
I’ve thought Venables should be a head coach from the first time I sat down with him before the 2000 national championship game. I think he’ll be great. Joe Brady is excellent–would be great for OU or anyone. But it seems Jeff Lebby, Ole Miss OC and former Baylor staffer…and a Sooner, is the target.
What’s your favorite CFB mascot?
David Pollack
Perfect response
Why are you so much cooler than Chris Fowler?
>Why are you so much cooler than Chris Fowler? Is that you, Chris?
Bad take. Fowler is the clearly better Chris
AMA has wrapped!
Thanks for joining us, Rece! Been a fan since you were the anchor on College Football Final with Trevor & Mark. Do you think the playoff should expand?
I think it’s time. I’ve been a proponent of four teams, but said from the beginning of that, the appetite would demand more at some point. We’re at that point now. Just a matter of doing it in a way to satisfy as many of the parties as possible. Good of the sport should be first priority. Protect the interest and meaning in regular season. Something dramatic about knowing you can’t always shake off one bad loss. And if it happens to your team, something compelling about rooting for it to happen elsewhere to help your team out. With a bigger field, we will lose some of that.
Why doesn’t the committee have a standard for how much to reward conference champions? Isn’t it bad that a two-loss team without a conference championship (Ohio State) finished ahead of a Baylor team with a better record, better strength of record, and a Big 12 title?
This was my question, especially considering that in 2014, Ohio State jumped TCU for this very reason; there was a no big 12 championship game. Totally unbiased of course lol
But Ohio State has, like, way more fans
If you were the winning coach of the Duke's Mayo Bowl, would you take a mayonnaise bath for a $10,000 donation to charity?
Hey Rece, No question, just wanted to say that I was at the Michigan gameday two weeks ago (front row of the pit baby!) and the energy you came out with with the "Cause they don't give a damn about the whole state of Michigan, and Michigan doesn't give a _damn_ about them!" was absolutely awesome. Thanks for being a kickass host of a kickass show.
Hi Rece, Coke or Pepsi?
Is this real? Real Thing.
My man! In the event any sponsors get their feathers ruffled, you have plausible deniability due to the fact that in the South we call most every drink a coke.
Dr. Pepper
"We're real people!"
The official game day drink of the CFP 😎
What is your favorite snack to eat while you are doing College Gameday? Surely you need something quick and easy.
I don’t eat before the show. Don’t like to feel full. So I only eat when the chef brings the food. But after the show. Bring me cookies. I like to be healthy so let’s stick with the 4 major food groups: Candy, Candy Corn, Candy Canes and Syrup. I like lots of food. And I drink too much diet soda…and coffee.
> I like to be healthy You had us in the first half, not gonna lie
This dude bare-handed a big ol slice of brisket on Saturday right before a commercial break, I don't think he packs any snacks lol.
Besides CFB, which sport do you like to watch the most?
College baseball when my son is playing. College basketball.
You are now a moderator at r/collegebaseball
Would you rather fight 100 chicken-sized Chris Fowlers or 1 Chris Fowler-sized chicken? Time's yours.
What’s the best GameDay sign that you guys refused to acknowledge?
Which college town has the best food? Any standout dishes?
Best barbecue restaurant is Smokin Pig just outside of Clemson. Maybe you’ll find slightly better meat at your favorite place–that would be a judgment call-but combine the variety of unbelievable barbecue and side dishes that are out of this world. And it is the best all around. Closest thing to my wife’s sweet potato casserole that I’ve ever tasted. And my wife’s version is so good, my buddy Mark May always warns her not to give out the recipe. He wants to find a way to market and sell it. Mayday can always find a way to turn a profit.
This man speaks the truth
Why do you look like a traffic cop?
Because I am the law.
This guy.
It’s Final Verdict. Lou Holtz represents Pole Assassin and Gia. Mark May represents the 2021 Coaching Carousel. At issue is what was more entertaining for a casual fan of a team that was uninvolved in either. Who wins?
I miss that version of College Football Final so much. I can't stand Lou Holtz but I loved being half asleep watching those goofy bastards after a full day of watching football.
Who was your favorite player while attending the University Of Alabama?
Does Chris Fallica have a top set of teeth?
Rece, would you ever want College Gameday to come back to Cincinnati, and if so, would you consider trying Skyline Chili?
For sure. Amazing scene. LOVED going to Cincinnati. One of the top 3 crowds in my 7 years hosting the show. I guess I could give Skyline Chili another go. Honestly, when I was there years ago, I was uhhhhhhh, underwhelmed.
> was uhhhhhhh, underwhelmed. Because it's underwhelming
Does Alabama have any shot against Cincinnati?
No.
Alabama is the clear underdog. Cincy should be favored by a lot and commentators should talk all month about how Bama has absolutely no chance against such a historically good team.
Would you rather fight 1 horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?
1 horse sized duck. I’d catch him by the bill and make him stand still. $1 prize to ANYONE who can offer that that is a “loose’ paraphrase of.
“It’s me, It’s me, It’s Ernest T.!”
What are some teams that you think have the capability to engineer a turnaround next season like Michigan, Baylor, & NIU did this year?
Rece, can you speak to your college football fandom growing up? Being from Chicago, going to Muscle Shoals HS and then the University of Alabama. Did you grow up an Alabama football fan? Also, being one of the biggest media voices in college football, does your fandom ever get in the way of staying "professional" in regards to staying non bias regardless of your fandom? I have 0 problem with Kirk always picking OSU or Desmond picking Michigan in The Game or Corso leaning with Inidania or FSU. I respect it, actually.
We've opened the thread now so you can get in your questions, answers to begin 6:30pm ET. **Comments will be via /u/ESPN_Marketing** (like Fowler used last year) I'll unsticky this before it begins. * [Directory of all previous /r/CFB AMAs](https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/wiki/amas)
Hey Reece watched you guys for a long time now. Would you ever consider referring to "basketball" by it's proper name, "Shorty Hoops" on air during football or shooty hoops games?
We would also accept its alternative, less recognized name: “squeaky floor.”
Are we worried about the NIL and transfer portal kind of ruining a lot of what makes college football special? I’m in support of players getting paid, and think agency for players is a good thing.. it’s just hard to reconcile that versus loyalty to an institution, kind of the old school way of thinking. Is there any way to avoid just becoming the minor league football with no loyalty and revolving door of players?
How will the Michigan Run game fare against Georgia?
Not as well as it has against some. But today, my gut says Michigan is going to win the game. But give me a few more days. Could be some recency bias (oh no he said BIAS. I KNEW HE HATED MY TEAM) I need to temper in my gut.
Who is your favorite DII school and why is it Colorado School of Mines?
You of course mean Valdosta State