Weekend winners
< College semifinal winners. You have to start the list of weekend winners with Alabama and Clemson, right? And to be more precise, the defenses on each side. Wow, Alabama was everywhere Washington turned and Clemson spent more time in the Ohio State backfield than anyone this side of J.T. Barrett. Kudos to each, and here's a belief that the right two teams are playing to decide the title.
< The New England Patriots handled their BID-ness over the weekend, securing home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a convincing win over Miami. That will make the already difficult chore of beating Tom Brady and the Patriots even more arduous. In addition to the bye Sunday and staying in Foxboro as long as they win, the position means the Patriots' first postseason game will be against a quarterback named McGloin or Cook, Savage or Osweiler, or Moore. Yes, please. (Side question: Which award to we show the most bias for, MVP or coach of the year? We ask because this is another year that Bill Belichick can make a hard argument as coach of the year, but it likely will go to Jason Garrett, Adam Gase or our pick, Dan Quinn.)
< The 'unders' in the bowl betting season. Underdogs went 25-14-1 during the bowl season against the spread. The under in total bets went 24-16. As for the best conference, well, the ACC was overwhelming in this bowl season, going 8-3 straight up and 9-2 against the number. (On the other side of that, Pac 12 teams were 0-6 against the spread - 3-3 straight up - and Big Ten teams were 3-7 overall and 4-5-1 against the spread.)
< Classy moments for a couple of fierce coaching competitors. Denver's Gary Kubiak generated applause in the press row - something that is more rare than a pleased Nick Saban - when he announced his retirement Monday. Kubiak stepped down for personal reasons, and several folks reported it could be health-related. In the NBA, known sourpuss Gregg Popovich presented Craig Sager Jr. with a thoughtful gift - his colorful tie he wore to Sager's father funeral - this weekend. Nice moves, coaches.