The Jets in the AFC Championship: A Strike Against Playoffs in College Football

The New York Jets defeated the San Diego Chargers on Sunday to advance to the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts next week. The most interesting part of the Jets run in the playoffs has been that it almost did not happen. Following a week 15 loss to the Falcons, the Jets were on the outside looking in. With games left against an undefeated Colts team and a division leading Bengals, the playoff chances for the Jets looked grim. In college football, two tough games left on the schedule would almost certainly mean losses for the Jets. But this is the NFL, and unlike college football, playoffs allow teams to rest players when their playoff seats are already decided.

Over the next two weeks, the Jets took advantage of both the Colts and Bengals taking it easy in preparation for the playoffs. They won both games and made the playoffs as the final team in. On Wild Card weekend, they had a rematch against the Bengals who had taken it easy on them the week before. The Jets won easily and after beating San Diego, will now get another shot at the Colts next week. Wouldn't it be funny if the team that the Colts and Bengals went easy on (allowing them to make the playoffs) ultimately knock both of them off?

Now the question ultimately arises, if there were playoffs in college football, would teams rest players late in the season much like the Colts and Saints did this year? If a team knew that they had a playoff game the next week, would they be willing to lose a season finale (most likely against a rival) to rest players?

I know the immediate reaction is to say no. Of course Georgia would not rest players against Georgia Tech. But take a minute and think about basketball. Georgia plays Georgia Tech every year and ultimately the game means very little to the season as whole. If Georgia had already clinched a spot in the SEC Championship and knew they would have a playoff game the week after, would they risk losing the Tech game to give their players a chance to get healthy before two games that really meant something?

I am personally torn on this subject. I would love to see a playoff but I also think it would take away from the regular season.

Leave your thoughts in the comments.

*Thanks go out to Evan and Earl for stirring up this conversation over email today.

DANNELL ELLERBE MAKES A SPLASH FOR RAVENS

As we talked about back in August, former Georgia linebacker was impressing the Ravens staff and linebacker corp, especially since they signed him as a an undrafted free agent (he ended up being the only rookie free agent the Ravens signed).

On Sunday in his third start against the Raiders, Ellerbe got his first career interception just before halftime, and it resulted in a TD by Willis McGahee.

Ellerbe then recovered a fumble in Ravens territory.

Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said Ellerbe's performance was amazing and the difference in the game.

In a lockeroom interview for Sportscenter on ESPN, Ray Lewis also gave high praise to Ellerbe for his efforts.

This is fantastic for Ellerbe. It's always great to see a Dawg succeed, but it is especially sweet since Ellerbe was overlooked in the draft. Despite his history injuries, I was definitely surprised that he didn't at least get taken in one of the late rounds.

Good luck to Ellerbe and I hope his hard work continues to raise his status in the NFL.

DAMN GOOD DAWG.

4th & 2

So, if you're facing 4th & 2 with the game on the line vs. the Ravens, wouldn't you want to at least try to block Ray Lewis...

Just sayin...

Ellerbe Making An Impact At Ravens Camp

I forget which blog I originally saw this link on, but this article from Mike Peterson at the Baltimore Sun is a fantastic thing to see about a loyal Dawg, but unfortunately one that went undrafted. The Carroll County Times in Maryland also wrote another article here about Ellerbe's efforts in camp thus far.

Great quotes from Terrell Suggs on Ellerbe's talent in the Sun article, and Ellerbe speaks in both articles on how going undrafted has affected him.

Make sure to check it out, and let's hope the best for Ellerbe.

Damn Good Dawg.

Asher Allen Declares for NFL Draft

Asher's decided to leave with one year left of eligibility. He was definitely a great asset to our defense. While he will be missed, we wish him luck at the next level. Damn Good Dawg.

McCoy Returns for Senior Season at Texas

Colt McCoy has announced that he plans to return to Texas for his senior season. The Longhorns will have an experienced team which will most likely open the year in the top 5. Most writers and Georgia fans seem to think Matt Stafford will not follow McCoy's lead and instead will declare for the draft (where is is projected in many mock drafts as the #1 overall pick).

My question is: What affect does Stafford declaring for the NFL draft have on Georgia's preseason ranking for next season?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Go Dawgs!