LSAClassOf2000

January 19th, 2016 at 9:36 PM ^

Even though he would obviously have to leave the room whenever Michigan is discussed, just to have him on the committee is actually kind of neat in a way and indeed an interesting honor indeed for him. As an aisde, is there a list of the other finalists, out of curiosity? I was curious to see who else was considered for the vacant positions. 

NittanyFan

January 20th, 2016 at 12:17 AM ^

We have to replace Pat Haden --- that is virtually GUARANTEED to be another Pac-12 AD.  Each Power 5 conference has one AD on the committee.

Carr effectively replaces Tom Osborne.  Older one-time football coach, been around the game forever.  Nobody is going to question their knowledge of the game.  To use a political term, this particular member --- once Osborne and now Carr --- adds "gravitas" to the committee as a whole.

The other 2 members to replace are (1) Michael Gould (who was another "gravitas" type guy) and (2) Mike Tranghese.  I'd guess we get (1) some other former University President who has been involved in politics to a large extent (e.g., Gould version 2.0), and (2) the current Commissioner of some conference like the MWC or Sun Belt or CAA.  The second will "ensure that the non-Power 5 conferences" have their interests protected, blah blah blah.

As you can sort of see, I'm cynical about this committee.  Not that Carr is unqualified.  He obviously knows football.  But this committee, at its core, is still definitely a POLITICAL entity.  

Yeoman

January 19th, 2016 at 11:34 PM ^

"There is one item to attend to before we begin this week's meeting. Mr. Willingham, would you like to lead us today?"

"Yes, certainly, Mr. Carr."

He begins to recite and the others follow: "Now this is the law of the jungle--as old and true as the sky..."

Bando Calrissian

January 20th, 2016 at 12:53 AM ^

"The College Football Playoff is a tremendous reward for a football team. I know from when I coached this game that players appreciate a reward for a really special season, and I look forward to being a part of this truly influential body. No question, Jim."