Another BCS Championship for SEC

Are you getting tired of the SEC seemingly winning every BCS Championship Game? Many that live around me are. In fact, they're tired of hearing about all the love the SEC receives, especially from the media.

But the conference deserves it. Hard to fathom a Big Ten guy such as myself stating such, but it's true.

Yes, it's tiresome to hear the likes of ESPN's Lou Holtz, Mark May, Kirk Herbstreit and the like continually beef the egos that occupy the SEC coaching ranks, but man can they play some football down south. They always seem to have at least a handful of schools ranked in the top 10 in recruiting classes year in, year out.

The BCS reared its ugly head (to many) in 1998. Many other ugly things have evolved within the BCS since then, but there are a couple of facts cannot be denied.

In the thirteen BCS Championship Games, the SEC has sent a team to the game seven times. Guess what record the SEC holds...7-0. They haven't lost. The SEC won the first ever BCS title game when Tennessee beat Florida State, 23-16. And they bookend that with Auburn's 22-19 victory last evening.

The last time an SEC school did not play in the championship game was the Rose Bowl thriller between Texas and USC. Yes, the Vince Young party.

The most any other conference has sent a representative to the title game is the Big 12 with seven, tying the SEC fir the most. But the Big 12's record isn't even close to that of the SEC's. The Big 12's record is meager 2-5. But the Big 12 is the only other conference that can boast of multiple wins.

The other BCS conferences: Big Ten, ACC, Big East and Pac 10 (soon to be the Pac 12) have all managed one win. The Big Ten has only had one team represent it every tim, Ohio State. They are 1-2 in BCS title games.The same holds true for the ACC and Florida State. Same number of appearances and same record.

One way many like to find a way to judge conferences against each other is by bowl records and/or records in bowls where the two conferences square off. It might be the closest way to do so, but no one can deny how successful the SEC has been when the big prize is on the line.

Just in case you think the Chizik hire was popular, here's a reminder.



I wonder where those hecklers of Gene Chizik and Auburn AD Jay Jacobs are today? That includes you, Charles Barkley!

A Wolverine in Buckeye Land

Many years ago when my father moved us to Ohio, I never gave it thought about living here. To me, it was just a different city and trying to find new friends.

As I grew older, I kind of got a feeling that things weren't always what they seemed. During at least one week every year, my friends were suddenly my enemies. Why? Because I grew into my maize and blue blood while they around me bled scarlet and grey. I learned about the rivalry...Michigan and Ohio State.

When you're young, things like that don't make a lot of sense. My friends (so-called) are now avoiding me? What gives?

It's a rivalry, you idiot. You know, those that actually express a severe dislike to your team...and you.

During the past few years (too many, actually), I've not drawn the ire from friends and family (I'll get into that later) I once did. Not like I did when a guy named John Cooper was in charge of the that program in Columbus. Amazing what a winning streak against your biggest rival will do.

Auburn Wins, Sooners Lose, Irish on Hard Times

So I finally had a day where I could extensively watch a lot of college football. My focus was on three games though.

I intently viewed the LSU/Auburn game. Why?

I remember when Auburn hired Gene Chizik to replace the departed Tommy Tuberville. The overall feeling around the Auburn fans was a "what the hell" type of reaction. People screamed at AD Jay Jacobs for the hire as seen in this video.

Boise State Wanted How Much?

I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon. I find a team I like and I pretty much stick with them through thick and thin. The latest to expand the bandwagon may be the fanbase of Boise State.

Many people have been torn by the recent success of the Broncos. Some "experts" are saying their #3 ranking is a joke while others say it's deserved. One thing I think both sides can agree on, Boise State is a legit football program.

Now I know the real Broncos fans are as devoted as any college football fanbase. I've watched a few of their games and that stadium is absolutely bonkers about their team. And they have every right to be. Chris Peterson has built an excellent program and he deserves a massive amount of credit. A program that was once known for the "Smurf Turf" has evolved into a top program.

That all being said, what I recently read on Omaha.com really threw me for a loop.

One of the cries from Boise State supporters is that no major college program will even give them the time of day. Boise wants to improve its non-conference schedule. But check out this excerpt from the article.

There’s been some bold talk this week out of the Boise State camp of supporters. Nobody in a big-boy conference will play Boise. You think that you can beat the Broncos? Give them a call. We dare you.

Nebraska called. Nebraska tried.

In the past year, NU tried to put together a series with BSU; two-for-one, home-and-home, one-way trip to Lincoln. Whatever. It ended up fizzling out. Why?

Because, according to NU Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Jamrog, Boise wanted a minimum $1 million to play in Lincoln.

Now...this is from an Omaha site, mind you, but it does leave you wondering. Wondering if Nebraska is merely blowing smoke or if Boise State has become that arrogant or if that's just now a sign of the economic times.

The one word that really struck a chord was "minimum". Dr. Evil would be so proud. Are you serious? A mill? What on earth can possess those in charge to demand such a thing?

Before everyone wants to chastise Boise State for such a demand, simply read this from a post on Bleacher Report from last December. You will quickly do an "about face".

Navy received a record payout by Ohio State, a whopping $1 million, for their game in Columbus this year. Generally Ohio State would not pay that much to a visiting team but the pageantry associated with a national service academy warranted paying Navy $1 million.

In the past, the Buckeyes have paid $750,000 to $850,000 in guaranteed money out of net revenues that run between $3.8 million and $4.5 million per game depending on weather and concession sales.

Arkansas State will receive $1 million for games at Auburn in 2010 and at Virginia Tech in 2011.

Neutral site games are also potential huge paydays. Boise State will receive $1.25 million for a game at Fed-Ex Field against Virginia Tech next year. The real whopper is that Texas A&M and Arkansas will each be paid $5 million per year to play their annual game at Jerry's World (Cowboy Stadium). That's better than BCS bowl money, and they don't have to share with the rest of the conference!

Navy got a mill. Arkansas State's getting the same from two BCS teams in two different seasons. Boise State did collect a decent payday just last week. And what is to be made of the cashflow that will be generated at Texas A&M and Arkansas?

I continually hear that "Boise State can't get anyone to play them" and after digesting all of this, I'm ill (and not from the two chili dogs I just consumed). I'm disgusted. It's not that nobody will play Boise State, it's that nobody will pay them.

We go the Gene Smith once again.

"In coming years, the going rate will be $1 million in guaranteed money," Smith said.

The coming years are already here, Gene. You and your BCS brethren better recognize that fact.

And Boise State does have the right to request that amount. Boise State has every right to play in big games outside of BCS games. Boise State has beaten BCS teams and that might still be the real reason Boise cannot attract competition. Boise State has proven they can at least "hang" with the BCS teams.

But here's the real fact.

The big boys are scared and don't want to dole out big bucks and face potential embarrassment.

Masoli to Play in 2010

Every time we think the NCAA finally gets something right, they turn around and make a boneheaded move. This time, on itself. And I'm shaking my head.

The NCAA did Ole Miss and Masoli a favor
by ruling him eligible for 2010.

Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, formerly of Oregon, originally had been denied a waiver to participate in the upcoming 2010 season. Ole Miss and Masoli had filed the waiver under a rule that stipulates (deep breath) that a player can transfer and not have sit out a year after transferring if the student-athlete had received an undergraduate degree from his former school and the institution from where the degree was attained does not offer post-grad courses in the student-athlete's chosen course of study.

Got that? Long winded, I know.

Apparently, Oregon doesn't offer a parks and recreation post-grad curriculum and Ole Miss does as that's the direction Masoli has chosen to pursue. Normally (and I use that word with extreme caution anymore regarding the NCAA), a student-athlete that transfers must sit a year, but Masoli's case is a tad different because Masoli has a degree.

Initially, the NCAA denied Masoli's waiver and ruled that Masoli's transfer violated the "spirit" of the rule. The NCAA Division I Subcommittee for Legislative Relief reversed that ruling.

C'mon. We all know why Masoli is in Oxford. He has a year of eligibility remaining and Ole Miss chief honcho Houston Nutt had only two scholarship quarterbacks coming into 2010. It's as plain as the nose on your face why this marriage was created. Opportunity. Masoli need a place to play and Nutt needed a quality QB.

It is a clear violation of the "spirit" of the rule, but the NCAA was left with no choice but to allow Masoli to play because, as far as the letter of the rule goes, Masoli and Ole Miss did nothing wrong. It's always difficult to find the correct verbiage to incorporate the "spirit of a rule" into a rule. Ask the PGA and the players about the new grooves (which was finally worked out). Realistically, every time the NCAA creates a new rule or amends one, the opportunity for its members to dissect it to find grey area exists. On this particular rule, the can of worms is really open now.

Does Masoli deserve that opportunity? Look at his "record" during his last year in Eugene.

A theft charge relating to laptops and a guitar from a frat led to Masoli being suspended for 2010. Masoli had a redshirt at his disposal so Ducks head coach Chip Kelly kept Masoli on the team. Instead of staying clean and following the rules, Masoli clouded his career in Eugene after being charged with marijuana possession and a variety of traffic infractions. Kelly booted Masoli from the team. Kelly was left with no choice.

Now, for one year, the Jeremiah Masoli era will be in effect in Oxford, Mississippi.

This ruling also goes to prove three things. One, all that's important is finding a way to win. Two, when it comes to "big time college athletics", the term "student-athlete" is overused and overrated. Three, the NCAA is just being the NCAA.

Trojan Turmoil

After a period of more than four years, an investigation into USC's football and basketball programs will apparently come to an ugly end. According to the Los Angeles Times, the penalties against the football program will be severe. The university had already imposed its own sanctions against the basketball program. A press release will come forth today from the university, and the university will have 15 days to appeal the NCAA's findings should that process be pursued.

USC had already self-sanctioned the basketball program from the Tim Floyd era and the happenings of O.J. Mayo (illegal gifts, cash and benefits). But USC and athletic director Mike Garrett chose to fight the charges against the football program, and now, we all know why.

With reports swirling that Nebraska is leaving the Big 12 for the Big Ten and that six other Big 12 teams are jumping ship for the PAC 10, it's about one thing...money, and lots of it, too. I heard that for last season, the North Carolina mens basketball program (the most profitable in the nation) made a little less that $16 million for the season. The University of Texas football team made that...in two home games. I wish I could remember wher I heard that because that blew me away. Two freakin' games?!?! Don't tell me that money isn't ruling here.

That will prove to be the bigger Achilles heel for the Trojans. Their greed, and maybe even a bit of pride.

Bush in his USC days.
Will he keep his Heisman?

The investigation began back in 2006 when it was alleged that the mother, brother and stepfather of Reggie Bush were occupying a house in the San Diego area. That house was owned by an individual that wanted to eventually represent Bush when Bush turned pro. That "transaction" in itself became a mess all on its own.

Here's what the Trojans are potentially facing:

• loss of more than 20 scholarships
• vacating wins from at least the 2004 season(USC won the BCS title)
• 2 year ban from bowl games
• ban from TV
• recruiting restrictions
• probation

I wonder if Lane Kiffin is wishing he'd stayed in Knoxville.

Two more issues can be brought to light here. One is Reggie Bush's Heisman and the other is the BCS Championship won by USC, who we are now being informed, used an ineligible player (Bush).

What about that Heisman? The Heisman Trust is undoubtedly following this situation carefully. I was listening to ESPN's Joe Schad yesterday. He's a voter for the Heisman and he made reference that it says on the ballot something to the effect that the players must conform to NCAA rules and regulations. If Bush has been ruled ineligible, by all rights, the Heisman could be taken from Bush.

The question is, would it happen? This is very delicate ground here. If Bush is stripped of his Heisman, a door will open that can never be shut. The Trust will be able retroactively strip any previous Heisman winner of the honor. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's a move that really does need to be treated with kid gloves. The honor and prestige of being a Heisman winner and that reputation are all at stake. And this is solely in the hands of the Heisman Trust and NOT the NCAA.

The BCS title is on less shaky ground, in my opinion, but not a safe bet by any means. Again, if Bush is ruled ineligible and the team is forced to vacate wins from that season, the BCS could rule to strip the Trojans of the championship. One thing to keep in mind here. The NCAA has no control on this either. It's totally up to the BCS.

I'm really wondering if anyone that is still at Southern Cal is going to be held accountable. The main "culprits" are gone: Mayo, Bush, Floyd, Carroll. When Floyd resigned last year, he cited AD Mike Garrett as his reason for leaving due to lack of support.

That's the one constant left from all the mess, Garrett.

Just thinking out loud here....

Update: The NCAA released a statement regarding the penalties administered to USC. Among the highlights are:

• Four years probation
• Two year post season ban for football
• One year post season ban for men's basketball (self-imposed)
• Beginning in from December 2004, vacating all wins in all football games in which the ineligible football student-athlete participated including any and all postseason games
• Beginning with the 2007-2008 regular season, vacating all wins in all basketball games in which an ineligible student-athlete participated including any and all postseason games (self-imposed)
• From November, 2006 to My 2009, vacating all wins in all women's tennis matches in which an ineligible student-athlete participated including any and all postseason events (self-imposed)
• A reduction of a total of 30 (10 per season) scholarships within the football program
• A reduction of men's basketball scholarships from 13 to 12 for a two year period (self-imposed)
• A reduction of recruiting days from 130 to 110 for the men's basketball program (self-imposed)
• Disassociation of the former football student-athlete, the former men's basketball student-athlete and the representative who provided extra benefits to the former men's basketball student-athlete. This disassociation includes the refusal of any financial or recruiting assistance, as well as other conditions, which the public report further details.
• Prohibition of all non-university personnel, including boosters, from traveling on football and men's basketball charters; attending football and men's basketball team practices; attending or participating in any way with university football and men's basketball camps, including donation of funds; and having access to the sidelines and locker rooms for football and men's basketball games.

Strange how all the original allegations outside the football program led to self-imposed sanctions against the men's hoops and women's tennis program. What I find even more disturbing is that all of the penalties levied are due to one student-athlete in each program. Three student-athletes thinking of only themselves led to this debacle.

Meanwhile, USC AD Mike Garrett has an odd take on the penalties doled out against the Trojans programs.

"As I read the decision by the NCAA, all I could get out of all of this was ... I read between the lines, and there was nothing but a lot of envy, and they wish they all were Trojans."

I'm sure the NCAA will love hearing this. That will look great when Garrett and his other USC cronies go into the appeal of the penalties against USC. Also, Garrett made this statement while addressing boosters at a function that was scheduled before the announcement.

What's even funnier is that Garrett sacrificed the men's hoops and women's tennis programs in hopes of saving the football program from any harm. The NCAA did agree to the self-imposed sanctions, but it also levied penalties against the football program because Garrett refused to set his ego and little program aside for the long-term betterment of the football program. If Garrett had done so from the beginning, things may have turned out better. - SE

Too soon?

I heard of this story last night, and it absolutely shocked me.

New USC head coach Lane Kiffin has received a verbal commitment from a quarterback. Not a big deal...until you consider the kid is only 13 years old and is in the 7th grade.

This whole story is wrong on so many levels, but I'll limit myself to only four fingers to point.

First, the NCAA. They actually classify 7th graders as "recruitable" now. Kids that may not have even reached puberty yet can be recruited by colleges for athletic scholarships. There's nothing wrong with 13 year old children thinking about college if it's for an education that they're seeking, but to be recruited for athletics? Insane!

Second and third go hand-in-hand. Kiffin and Steve Clarkson, the personal coach of this 13 year old. Kiffin was reportedly alerted of this wunderkid by Clarkson and directed him to a video on YouTube. Kiffin watched the video and liked what he saw. The child's age was an issue, but it didn't deter Kiffin from offering the scholarship. Clarkson says this kid is the best he's seen. Better than Matt Barkley and Jimmy Clausen.

And here's where it all starts, the boy's father. It's one thing to have your son involved in athletics, but Clarkson was hired as a "personal coach" three years ago. This boy will no longer have the ability to grow up a "normal" boy. The bulls-eye on his son's back has increased a hundred fold at least. When opponents hear that they're playing his son's team, they will go after him more than other QB they face just because of the label and stigma attached.

"He's the kid already committed to USC. Get 'em!"

We've all been 13 and know that's what will happen.

Thanks, Dad. All I really wanted was an Xbox 360.

Lane Kiffin leaves for USC

UPDATE: Norm Chow will not be joining Kiffin at USC. He will remain at UCLA. It's been said that he and Kiffin have a bit of a frosty relationship.

Fourteen months. Count 'em. Fourteen months was the amount of time Lane Kiffin spent as the head coach for the Tennessee Volunteer football program. Now, Kiffin leaves for the calling for the sunny skies and glitz and glamour of Southern California.

The surroundings will be all too familiar for Kiffin. He was an assistant at USC under Pete Carroll from '01-'06. Kiffin left USC to take the job as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. After being disposed by Al Davis, Kiffin landed on his feet in Knoxville in November, 2008. Now, in January, 2010, Kiffin returns to California.

They will be more familiarity at USC. Monte Kiffin, Lane's father and defensive coordinator, and Ed Orgeron, assistant head coach and recruiting director, will make the trek as well. There are also reports that current UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow could also travel across town to rejoin Kiffin and Orgeron. Chow also worked under Carroll fron '01-'04.

Kiffin was addressing his former team, and some of the players didn't bother to hang around to hear the whole "speech" Kiffin was delivering. They heard all they needed to hear first, Kiffin was leaving. And some reacted angrily. One was overheard calling the football staff "a bunch of traitors".

Sound familiar? Can you say Brian Kelly and Cincinnati? The timing of this whole cycle stinks and the NCAA seriously needs to address it. If it's all about the buck, then the NCAA itself has been delusioned like the rest of us.

Just like Pete Carroll "slithered" out of California,  Kiffin "slithered" out of Tennessee. His televised comments were on tape so that he wouldn't have to face an angry mob. A mob that set ablaze about a thousand T-shirts with his likeness.

But don't forget what lies ahead for Kiffin. Surely, USC's AD Mike Garrett (right) had to assure Kiffin that all is well with the NCAA investigation and that little, if anything, will come out of it. Surely, Kiffin wouldn't leave a nice gig in Knoxville if there are any lingering doubts about USC's status, would he? Just like Kiffin tries to sell kids on his program, you'd think that Garrett had to sell his program to Kiffin.

But this goes deeper. With National Signing Day only three weeks away, this puts the Tennessee program squarely behind in the recruiting battle. Some players have already decommitted to Tennessee and could most likely be following Kiffin and Co. to USC. Some may choose to attend other schools they were considering when they committed to Kiffin's sales job.

But what about the education of these kids? Isn't that supposed to be the primary goal of college athletics? I'm not naive enough to really think it is. It's all about the football, and college football, especially at USC, brings in major bucks. In other words, it's a business and these kids are getting dragged into the net of that business.

Judge this as you will, but Orgeron even contacted all of Tennessee's early enrollees and told them not to attend class today. That way, it would be easier for these kids to transfer, either to USC or some other school. It almost sounds like Orgeron is stating that the education of these kids is secondary to their football commitment. And to some of these kids, unfortunately, it is. The coaches know this. The kids are the ones being expoited the most and, in most cases, don't realize it because of their blind passion for the game.

The Tennessee position is an excellent post to have, and the program will survive, but it may take a year to recover. Possible candidates are former Tennessee assistant and current Duke head coach David Cutcliffe and Texas' defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. But Muschamp is the "coach-in-waiting", and will take the reigns in Austin when Mack Brown decides to leave.

Phillip Fulmer doesn't look so bad now.

Three Coaches, Three Very Different Futures

Today could be the day, the day in which three NCAA football coaches have their fate determined. Even if Florida State's Bobby Bowden, Notre Dame' Charlie Weis and Kansas' Mark Mangino are all let go, they are all heading in vastly different directions.

Bobby Bowden is the highest profile among these three. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Bowden wants to return as FSU's head coach. But this season has been anything but sunny for the 80 year old Bowden. The Seminoles finished 6-6. FSU suffered yet another embarassing loss to rival Florida. And there were times as if Bowden was unaware of his team's situation.

Some want him out and some think Bowden has earned the right to determine when he walks away. As much as the Florida State administration wanted to plan for Bowden's departure, it might be that exact reason the decision becomes complicated.

Jimbo Fisher is to be the next head coach at FSU. Long time defensive coordinator Micky Andrews is leaving. Who will pick Andrews' replacement? If you want to move on with the program, you let Fisher make that choice, and not Bowden. Let me make this clear, I am a big fan of Bobby Bowden. He is the reason I ever watched a Florida State game. But it is time.

Charlie Weis' future is already defined. The odds of him being retained by Notre Dame are slim. Very slim.

After a 45-38 loss to Stanford on Saturday night, Weis was to travel with his team (maybe for the last time) back to Sounth Bend to meet with Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick. Most feel Weis is gone. And most feel that is why QB Jimmy Clausen will be leaving. The fact the Clausen home has been sold is a major indicator. But what if Swarbrick has a change of heart and decides to let Weis have another year?

Who am I kidding! We all know Charlie's history. And we all know what his future holds. It was reported yesterday on Sunday NFL Countdown that 6 NFL teams have already contacted Weis about being an offensive coordinator. Yes, Charlie Weis will be back in the NFL.

Kansas' Mark Mangino's future may have been written more by those actions off the field as much as on. Former players have alledged that Mangino has been physically and verbally abusive. Current players have Mangino's back.

Mangino has pointed out that when Kansas hired him, the program needed discipline and he has given the Jayhawks program that...and then some. And Mangino has delivered winning seasons on top of the "discipline" he was asked to deliver.

This fact doesn't help Mangino's case. After starting out 5-0, Kansas lost its last 7 games. And the Kansas loss in the Border War on a last second field goal won't sit well either. The Jayhawks had the game and let it slip away...or they threw it away, literally.

Regardless of which side you're on, Mangino may not return to Lawrence. And if he's not there, where will he end up?

That's a big question in which there is currently no answer.

If any of these three were to keep their positions, I'd be surprised. But I'm on the record for saying I'd let any of them coach my team.

Anytime, anywhere.

Heisman Candidate...or Not?

We've all been hearing for weeks that this player or that player is worthy of Heisman Trophy consideration.

The list is actually a long one because no one player has really stood out on a national level. The one's we're most hearing about are Florida QB Tim Tebow, Texas QB Colt McCoy, and Alabama RB Mark Ingram. But I've uncovered a few that are receiving little or no buzz about their play this season despite their performances this year.

1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Seriously, what more can this guy do? Moore leads the nation in QB rating (172.5) and TD passes (32). With all those TD passes, Moore has thrown only 3 INT. Almost a 11:1 ratio. He doesn't have the yardage of Houston's Case Keenum, Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen, or Texas' Colt McCoy (barely). Sure, he's just a sophomore, but that's not uncommon ground anymore. Wasn't Tim Tebow a soph when he won?

2. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
Who leads the nation in rushing TD among running backs? It's Gerhart with 19. Only Navy QB Ricky Dobbs (22) has more. Gerhart also has more rushing yards (1,395) than Alabama's Mark Ingram (1,297). Ingram is being touted as the front runner for the award. Granted, Gerhart has more carries. And some may also argue that Ingram means more to the Crimson Tide than Gerhart means to the Cardinal. I ask you one question...Have you seen him run? Punishing.

3. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Spiller's on my list because he is game changer. No so much with his scoring, although he is proficient in scoring, but he flips the field with his returns on punts and more specifically, kickoffs. Spiller is a threat anytime he touvhes the ball to go the distance. In four of Clemson's last 5 games, Spiller has averaged 168.5 yards of total offense. He's the main reason Clemson is on a fivve game winning streak including a 40-37 OT win on the road against Miami (FL).

4. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Some whispers have come out about Texas WR Jordan Shipley for the Heisman. I put Tate ahead of him. Tate has more yards (1,172 to 1,096), more TD (11 to 8), and a higher average in yards per catch (15.8 to 13.5). If you talk about Shipley, you must consider Tate ahead of him despite the Irish's record. One other thought. Where would Irish QB Jimmy Clausen be without Tate?

5. Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green
I know. BGSU is in the MAC. The MAC has given us some exciting NFL players (Miami's Ben Roethlisberger and Kent State's Joshua Cribbs just to name a couple). Barnes could be the next one. A converted QB, Barnes leads the nation in receptions (117), second in receiving yards (1,285) and TD receptions (12). If you're keeping score, that's more yards and TD than the aforementioned Golden Tate. Barnes has eclipsed the 100 yard mark in seven of the Falcons ten games. Not a reach for the senior to be at least in the conversation.

I leave it to you. Who are legit candidates? Did I snub anyone?

The Weekend High 5

This weekend supplied us with a whole lot of stories. Here's a look at five of the best from Friday night to Sunday night.

1. Lakers manage only 23 second half point against Nuggets

No one could have guessed this. We're used to 23 points being a low scoring quarter for the Lakers. But a half? And Kobe doesn't score a single second half point? But it wasn't revelaed by the Lakers until after Sunday night's loss to the Houston Rockets that Bryant has a groin strain. No ups when that groin is bad.

2. Coulmbus Blue Jackets beat Anahiem Ducks in shootout

Doesn't seem like a big deal, does it? Watch.



Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash almost "blew a tire" and still managed to score the shootout goal that gives Columbus the win. Speaking of Columbus...

Big Ten Control on the Line: Iowa/Ohio State

 #10 Iowa @ #11 Ohio State

Controlling your own destiny. Both the Hawkeyes and the Buckeyes are in that position as Saturday's pivotal Big Ten showdown approaches. The winner will have the track to Pasadena while the loser can only ponder what might have been.

Especially Iowa. Entering last week game against Northwestern, the heavily favored Hawkeyes seemed to have the rest of the Big Ten right where it wanted them, chasing. Then, a season ending ankle injury to QB Ricky Stanzi, and the Wildcats pull off the 17-10 stunner. That loss also evaporated any hopes of a shot at the National Championship. But the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl bid are well within the Hawkeyes grasp.

The Buckeyes saw their chance of a National Title game shot go out the window upon their visit to West Lafayette. The Purdue Boilermakers shocked all of college football and the Buckeyes, 26-18. The sloppy Buckeyes handed the game to Purdue in the manner of committing 5 turnovers and being the receiving end of 5 sacks. Despite an early season loss to USC, the Buckeyes still held out hope of that NC shot, although that hope was extremely minute.

The major key to the game will be how Iowa's redshirt freshman QB James Vandenberg handles the hostile environment in Columbus. Stanzi's not the only Hawkeye that won't be playing. Running back Adam Robinson, the Hawkeye's rushing leader, will be sitting this one out as well. Iowa has other starters that will not be playing, and that makes Vandenberg's job all the tougher against the Buckeyes defense.

As it always is with OSU, only one name always gets mentioned, Terrelle Pryor (left). All Pryor did last week was lead the Buckeyes into Happy Valley and pull of an upset that not a whole lot of us saw coming. While Pryor didn't put up stellar numbers, he did not commit a single turnover, unlike the Penn State game last season.

Here's a quick peek at Pryor's numbers: 121-224 (54.02%), 1,668 yds., 15TD, 9 INT, 115 car., 604 yds., 7 TD.

What do you see? Not very accurate. Deadly on the ground (Pryor leads the Buckeyes in rushing). Pryor has accounted for 339 total offensive plays either by passing or rushing. Too much of the game is getting put on Pryor's shoulders. Where's the running game? Outside of Pryor, that is. Not very visible, is it?

Are we seeing a different Buckeye offense? Possibly, but Pryor still holds the key to a Buckeye victory.

There are other games this weekend with BCS implications. #25 West Virginia pays a visit to #5 Cincinnati on Friday night. #1 Florida gets a look at the Ol' Ball Coach Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. #2 Alabama goes to Mississippi State. #16 Utah and #4TCU battle in Fort Worth. #6 Boise State hosts Idaho. #7 Georgia Tech makes its way to Durham and a clash with Duke. Notre Dame will be at Heinz Field for a game with #12 Pittsburgh. #14 Miami (FL) travels Chapel Hill as former Hurricanes coach Butch Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels await.

Gators LB Spikes to Sit a Half. Big Deal!

Update: On November 4, Spikes informed a Gainesville publication that he was going to suspend himself for the whole Vanderbilt game. His reason for his self-promotion, I mean, self-suspension was to not be a distraction to the team.

You might remember (or might not) when the whole story about Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant hit the newswires. Almost all of us saw the video of Oregon's LeGarrette Blount after the Oregon/Boise State game. So this latest "thing" puzzles me even more. Take a look.



As the title of the video precisely describes, that was Florida Gator linebacker Brandon Spikes intentionally sticking his fingers into the front of the opponenets helmet and gouging at the eyes.

Georgia running back Washaun Ealey was defenseless from the attack by Spikes. Head coach and "sheriff" Urban Meyer announced that Spikes would be suspended for the first half against the Gators upcoming opponent, Vanderbilt.

Meyer on Spikes:

"I don't condone that," Meyer said. "I understand what goes on on the football [field], but there's no place for that. We're going to suspend Brandon for the first half of the Vanderbilt game. I spoke with him. That's not who he is. That's not who we are. He got caught up in emotion."

I smell something rotten in the Swamp...and in the SEC.

Look at what Bryant got for lying (granted, to the NCAA) and look at Spikes "punishment". I don't remember hearing of Bryant attempting to harm an NCAA investigator. Spikes systematically went after Ealey's eyesight. And he'll miss only a half against an inferior opponent. What if Florida were playing Alabama?  Or even a top 25 opponent from a different conference? Do you honestly think any "punishment"/suspension would be levied?

Many excuses were made for what Spikes did. From an article on ESPN.com, check out this quote from Florida's QB Tim Tebow:

"I don't think that we did anything in that game that they didn't do," Tebow said Monday. "If you go back and look at it and study it, you can see it in the film, too. It was an intense game, both teams were very passionate about it."

All you are saying, Mr. Heisman, is that your teammate stooped to the same level as Georgia. And that's if the Bulldogs actually did as you are suggesting. It still does not warrant Spikes committing such a spineless act.

The SEC's commissioner Mike Slive has ruled that the suspension is OK by them. What if the eye gouge by Spikes was being done on, say, Alabama's running back Mark Ingram? Would this still be a legit "suspension"?

And here's where I'll revisit the LeGarrette Blount issue here. Blount was, at one time, suspended for th season during a couple of altercations in Boise after the Oregon/Boise State game. Blount has the possibility of returning to the Ducks this week after doing a "laundry list" of things administered by Oregon's Chip Kelly.

I have this for Meyer and Slive: Blount threw a punch in order to do harm to an opponenet. How are the actions of Brandon Spikes any different?

All this proves one thing. Slive doesn't run the SEC. Florida football does.

Oklahoma State WR Bryant ruled ineligible

Update: On November5, the NCAA upheld their suspension of Bryant despite Oklahoma State's appeal. Bryant is currently being projected as a first round pick in the next NFL draft.

This has to go into the file of "Huh?". The NCAA has ruled that Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant (below) is ineligible until October, 2010. The investigation was initiated due to interaction that Bryant had with Deion Sanders.


The university is appealing the decision in the hopes that Bryant could rejoin the Cowboys later this season. The outlook, however, is grim.

Head coach Mike Gundy provided this statement on the appeals process:

"There is nothing new. We've had no response. I think everybody has given up."

Unfortunately, we may have seen the last of Bryant in a Cowboys uniform. And that is sad. It is rumored that Bryant will now go pro due to this decision. All because the NCAA has totally fumbled this situation. It's a turnover that should have never been committed.

In a story from Fanhouse, the investigation into possible NCAA infractions arose when it was thought that Bryant went to a Dallas residence owned by Sanders. It is then suggested that Sanders submitted Bryant to a workout, bought Bryant a meal, and then attempted to build a working relationship between Bryant and agent Eugene Parker (the same agant representing Michael Crabtree).

Amid questioning from the NCAA, Bryant denied all claims, but it was later established that Bryant did visit Sanders (left) in May. The workout and Parker's "involvement" were claims that were unfounded. Bryant was still given his suspension based on NCAA bylaw 10.1 in that Bryant was "...knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the individual's institution false or misleading information."

I underatand that lying to the NCAA is a bad thing, but outside of tha 10.1 bylaw, no rules were violated by Bryant. Did you get that, NCAA? There are reports that Bryant gave the false info to NCAA investigators because he feared that he did, in fact, break a rule. So you take away a kid's year of eligibility because he lied? The only thing Bryant should be accused of is being a kid.

What happens to coaches and programs when they knowingly and repeatedly break NCAA bylaws and rules? If they are found guilty of improprieties, do they receive a suspension? We don't have to wander to far back in the past to see the answer. John Calipari (right) and the Memphis basketball program (and now, the whole John Wall eligiblity issue) and the Alabama textbook scandal are the two of the more prominant issues recently in the news regarding violations. What happened to these institutions?

Both Memphis and Alabama were stripped of wins. There are no reports of any "student-athletes" being given any type of suspension for their participation in the breaking of NCAA rules. Memphis also had to forfeit monies they received from their last Final Four appearance. One of Calipari's players at Memphis, Derrick Rose, is now making a bit of change in the NBA. Did that stigma of the Memphis (and don't forget UMass) program prohibit Calipari from putting a bit of coin in his own pocket?

You might think I'm comparing apples to oranges here. While Calipari's name never surfaced in the Memphis findings, he was still the man in charge. Same for all the Bama coaches. Nothing happened to any of them either. Were these institutions totally forthcoming in their allegations? Doubt it. I once head the expression "if you ain't cheatin', you're not tryin'."

Yet Bryant didn't cheat and is handed a year suspension for giving false information. It's a simple case of the "little guy" get stomped while "the big boys" can rule. Almost like getting bullied. The NCAA is the bully and OK State is the little guy.

Talk about a hypocrisy.

First BCS Standings Show Gators on Top

The first "issue" of the BCS standings were released yesterday, and while we know these will change from week to week, there's always a couple of interesting points to debate. It's no different this time around. A quick peek of the top 5.

1. Florida (6-0) - The Gators used a field goal with 0:09 left to escape an upset bid from Arkansas in its last game (at The Swamp). They also survived one of the toughest atmospheres in all of college sports by beating LSU at night in Baton Rouge, 13-3. QB Tim Tebow (right) has been slowly coming along since his concussion against Kentucky, but the Gators do need more offense. Next up for the Gators: they travel to Mississippi State to face former offensive coordinator and the Bulldogs' new head coach Dan Mullen. Think Mullen knows a thing or two about Florida's offense? Also down the road is the party in Jacksonville against the Georgia Bulldogs.

2. Alabama (7-0) - The Tide jumped over Florida in the AP poll, but that poll is not a factor in the BCS' crazy formula, b ut it still commands attention. Pardon the pun, but maybe the tide is turning in Bama's favor. If things hold up, and at this time of year you just never know if it will or not, the Crimson Tide is on a direct collision course with Florida in the SEC Championship Game with the winner most likely holding down the BCS #1 slot along with a shot at the National Title. Nick Saban and crew have a interestng games ahead: #9 LSU, at Mississippi State, and at Auburn to close out the regular season. I do have this question: Why is hardly anyone mentioning RB Mark Ingram (left) as a legit Heisman candidate? Just thinking out loud, I guess.

3. Texas (6-0) - The Longhorns went to the Cotton Bowl and defeated Oklahoma, 16-13, in the Red River Rivalry. Although it wasn't prtty, QB Colt McCoy (right) and the Longhorns found a way to get the victory. The road to a potential National Championship game doesn't come without possible bumps in Texas' road. This week, it's a night game in Columbia against Missouri. The following week is another road tilt in Stillwater to face the #15 Oklahoma State Cowboys. They have #25 Kansas in Austin and the final regular season game at Texas A&M. If they get by those  lurks the Big 12 Championship Game. Lots a work ahead for Mack Brown and the boys..

4. Boise State (6-0) - The Broncos have the toughest task of any of the top 5 teams. QB Kellen Moore (left) and his Broncos teammates must run the table and have at least a handful of teams ahead and behind them stumble down the road. The hardest part of Boise State's schedule is somewhat behind them. Going to Louisiana Tech will not be a walk in the park despite the fact that Tech is only a 3-3 team. Two big home dates with Nevada and Idaho are games where quite possibly the Broncos can stabilize their ranking, but being at home may also hurt them as far as the BCS is concerned. Exactly how far can an opening week win at home against #16 Oregon carry these guys? It's got the Broncos this far and if the Ducks continue to play well, it can carry Boise State pretty far.

5. Cincinnati (6-0) - The Bearcats hopes could hinge on the health of QB Tony Pike (right) and his wrist. A plate was inserted in Pike's non-throwing wrist last year and during the Bearcats last game at South Florida, Pike took a ht and fell on that wrist. He was forced to leave the game and his chances of playing in UC's next game against Louisville was doubtful at best. That may change as UC head coach Brian Kelly tells The Cincinnati Enquirer that Pike may play. He states that fact at the end of the linked article. The Bearcats cn enhance their chances with games remaining against #23 West Virginia at home and at #20 Pitt. If yu read the article that I linked, you also read where some are saying that Cincy isn't legit. Win the rest of the games and there will be no question even if UC plays in the Big East.

Rounding out the top 10 are #6 Iowa (7-0), #7 USC (5-1), #8 TCU (6-0), #9 LSU (5-1), and #10 Miami (FL) (5-1).

NCAA Football: Two Rivalries and a Bit More

We're all in for a couple of great games this weekend. At noon on Saturday, the Red River Rivalry is renewed at Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Then, one of the greatest rivalries in college football makes its way to South Bend, Indiana.

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The Red River Rivalry is almost here, and with it comes what will most likely be the best matchup of quarterbacks this season. It's true that Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas' Colt McCoy are friends. Well, despite the backdrop, they're insistant of that friendship. They will put that all away tomorrow.

The Cotton Bowl is the home of this particular game in conjunction with the Texas State Fair. What type of ride will this game take us on?

But one thing we can count on...a lot of hitting. We may be able to count on a lot of points, too. Last year's game sported a 45-35 final with Texas coming out on top. To witness that type of scoring again this year is not out of the question as the Sooners have the 13th rated offense and the Longhorns hold down a ranking of 7th.

Oklahoma does possess a good 1-2 punch in the rushing game with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. Both Murray and Brown have rushed for over 350 yards and 3 TD. Texas counters with a decent 1-2 punch of their own in Vondrell McGee and Tre' Newton. They almost match the Sooner duo in TD (5), but in short yardage situations, the Sooner defense should be aware of Texas RB Cody Johnson. Johnson has more rushing touchdowns (5) than any other running back in this game. The Sooners have just a bit better running attack. And that benefits Bradford as he continue to mend from his shoulder injury.

But most of the offensive focus will be squarely placed to the QBs: Bradford (left) for Oklahoma and McCoy for Texas. But who will they throw to? That's actually a bit of a problem because both have one specific target. (You think that's been covered in team meetings?) The Sooners look for WR Ryan Broyles and the Longhorns look to WR Jordan Shipley. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops will announce later today if Broyles will be available for the game. Bradford needs Broyles especially since the Sooners are without TE Jermaine Grisham for the entire season. If Broyles is a no-go, then Bradford's focus turns to WR Brandon Caleb. Caleb has similar stats to Broyles, except in TD.

And this game very well could fall onto the shoulders of Bradford and McCoy (right), but in games like this, a different, unexpected player emerges and grabs our attention. That "guy" could be Texas WR James Kirkendoll. With most of Oklahoma's attention going toward Shipley and the other WR Dan Buckner (in passing situations), Kirkendoll could step forward and provide a memorable game.

I like the Longhorns, but do not count out the Sooners. This will be close...something like 31-28.

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Yet another QB matchup...or is it? USC's frosh QB in Matt Barkley and ND's junior Jimmy Clausen. Not really a contest. Clausen is now getting a bit of Heisman hype while Barkley has missed time with a shoulder injury. One question people are asking is if Clausen has earned the hype. He has...somewhat.

One reason he's receiving a push is because he's playing for Notre Dame. Every game Jimmy Clausen (left) plays is on national television. But look at his performances...his entire work. The most impressive is that Clausen has tossed 12 TD and only 2 INT. He also has a higher QB rating than Texas' Colt McCoy, Florida's Tim Tebow and Cincinnati's Tony Pike. Only Pike has thrown for more TD (15 to 12).

But when Clausen is looking to pass, the Trojans must take WR Golden Tate away from him. And the #6 rated defense for the Trojans will have to do just that. If USC can make the Irish rely more on the rush, the Trojans should walk away from South Bend with a "W". Notre Dame is only rated 59th in rushing, but ranks 7th in passing. USC has a more run oriented offense (out of necessity) ranking 62nd in passing and 16th in rushing.

The x-factor: USC RB Joe McKnight (right). With Stafon Johnson out for the remainder of the season, the running load falls on McKnight's back. He has the talent to take advantage of this situation. For USC to leave with that win, McKnight must produce his best game of the year.

The Trojans got an unexpected boost with the appearance of Johnson at a team meeting. And who can forget the slip 'n' slide adventures? That's the difference between California and Indiana. That's why I like USC, 28-17. They have just enough fun to stay loose. That's why Pete Carroll is one of the five best coaches in college football. He finds ways to keep his guys loose.

Do you think they permit slip 'n' slides in South Bend?

Blount to be a Duck again?

It was the punch that everyone saw. You saw it on SportsCenter. You saw it on YouTube. You might have even had a friend email it to you. You were absolutely in awe of what had happened. Yet, there's a chance that the guy that threw the punch will be back playing this season.

This is what I'm referring to if you haven't seen this already.



Oregon Ducks running back LeGarrette Blount took a shot Boise State's Byron Hout after an exchange following the Broncos 19-8 win over the Ducks on September 3. What makes this "shot" more apalling is that the NCAA had members of each team participate in an pregame handshake as a show of sportsmanship. Blount was one of the particpants in this ceremony.

Today Ducks head coach Chip Kelly is addressing the media after today's practice regarding Blount's status. I'm sure this press conference will be highly attended. I will give Kelly credit on this aspect: Blount has been attending class and participating practices as a member of the scout team. Keeping Blount involved was the best thing to do. This way, Kelly was showing Blount that he wasn't going to let this incident (and there's been another) ruin Blount's life.

When this first occurred, I mentioned on a post from September 4th that Blount had previously been reprimanded and suspended for "failure to fulfill team obligations" in February. Apparently Blount was not holding up his end of the bargain as far as winter workouts were concerned. Some will say that Blount had already been given a second chance and that the Ducks program should have washed their collective hands of him. First, the suspension and then the punch.

It looks like that may not be the case. Kelly has had a "plan" in place to potentially reinstate Blount prior to the end of this year. But Blount has been receiving advice from some very prominent individuals including Tony Dungy, Kermit Washington, and Harry Edwards. Kelly might not have the pull to get Blount on the proper track, but these guys do.

We know of Dungy's working with Michael Vick and that in itself should raise some eyebrows. Washington is the perfect person to help Blount because he's been exactly in Blount's shoes. On December 9, 1977, Washington threw a punch at Rudy Tomjanovich during an on-court altercation. Washington received a 60 day suspension for his part and Tomjanovich received $3.2 million.

Edwards, I think, is the key. His focus has been on African-American athletes and their experiences. Edwards is also a prime advocate of African-Americans being involved in sports management. In an interview with Time from March 6, 1989, Edwards delivers a most thought provoking statement:

"We must teach our children to dream with their eyes open," he said. "The chances of your becoming a Jerry Rice or a Magic Johnson are so slim as to be negligible. Black kids must learn to distribute their energies in a way that's going to make them productive, contributing citizens in an increasingly high-technology society."

Edwards has also served in a consulting role for the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. His primary role was to recruit African-American talent for positions within the front office of those organizations. He still is greatly admired and since the early 70's has been greatly involved in the sociology of sports.

The main force behind Blount's reinstatement has been those attending the Ducks games. "Free Blount" T-shirts were seen at the Ducks last home game.

In baseball it's three strikes and you're out. What about football?

Football has four downs. Blount's on third and long.

BCS contenders on the lookout

We've already had one top 5 team take a tumble this week with Ole Miss laying an egg on the road against the ol' ball coach and South Carolina. The BCS conferences have some interesting games and matchups that could spell for an exciting Saturday.

Big 10 - The fact that ABC has the Iowa/#5 Penn State game as its prime time game tells you how important this matchup is...for both teams. Both enter the contest with 3-0 records. Iowa escaped with a win against Northern Iowa on the opening weekend and has put that game behind them. The Hawkeyes beat a sound Arizona team last week, 27-17. Penn State has had an easy beginning to its season. You know the Nittany Lions come into this affair with revenge on its mind. Iowa kicked a last second field goal last year to knock Joe Pa and Penn State from the ranks of the unbeatens. And with that, thoughts of playing for a National Championship. Iowa has taken 6 of the last 7 and look to extend that. Penn State has looked a little thin on defense and if the Hawkseyes can get the rush going and get to that level of teh Penn State defense, it will be a long night in Happy Valley.

ACC - It's a bit odd that #11 Virginia Tech is not considered the favorite at home. But, then again, their opponent is the resurging #9 Miami Hurricanes. A rebirth of the Hurricanes and its fans have been brewing this year. Still, it's a strange feeling that the Hokies are a home dog. If Miami can pull off the win, it will go a long way to answering the question if the Canes are back. A win in Blacksburg and every critic should be silent...for a while anyways. Their offense has exploded to the likes of 35.5 points a game and 465 yards a game. QB Jacory Harris has matured quickly and the Canes swagger resemble the Hurricanes of old. Don't get caught up looking only at Miami and forget the Hokies QB, Tyrod Taylor. He's as exciting as QBs can be, but Taylor must avoid mistakes if the Hokies want a win. Look for Beamerball to be factor, as always, when you take on Virginia Tech.

SEC - It will be interesting if #1 Florida can look past the Tennessee game and concentrate on the Kentucky Wildcats. That and a possible swine flu outbreak. Notice I said possible. Flu shots have been given to the Gator team and they may be without LB Brandon Spikes, a key defensive player. The Gators were supposed to ravage the Volunteers last week, but that drubbing didn't occur. Now, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, and Gator Nation head north to Lexington. If the past is any indication, this one won't be close (Where have we heard that one before?). Florida has won the last 22 meetings, the last 15 by an average of 28.8 points. It doesn't look good for Rich Brooks and the Wildcats, but don't give up hope UK football fans. You give #1 ranked opponents a tough go of it at Commonwealth Stadium.

Big 12 - No Big 12 conference games this week but there are a couple of compelling matchups with out of conference opponents. Texas Tech will look gain a bit of Big 12 revenge as they invade Robertson Stadium and teh #17 Houston Cougars. Balls will fill the air as these two teams have prolific passing attack and are the nation's top two passing offenses. Houston QB Case Keenum has put his name on the list of Heisman hopefuls by averaging over 360 yards a game while tossing 7 total TD. The Cougars can run, too, averaging 118 yards a game. Houston also leads the nation in scoring. The Red Raiders have the #1 passing attack and are 19th in scoring behind QB Taylor Potts. There'll be a record crowd at soldout Robertson Stadium tonight. Potts and his teammates endured a hostile crowd in Austin last week and played good despite losing 34-24. If there's less than 900 yards of total offense, I'd be a bit shocked.

Big East - No conference games here either, but the Bulls of South Florida can make a major statement for the Big East as they travel to Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles. USF is 3-0 and has not had a tough opponent yet (Wofford, Western Kentucky, and Charleston Southern). Also, the Bulls will be playing without QB Matt Grothe for the first time in almost four years. Grothe, a Tallahassee resident, tore his ACL in last week's victory. The offense will be in the hands of redshirt freshman B.J. Daniels. Look for Florida State to utilize their team speed to get after the inexperienced quarterback and disrupt the Bulls offense. The key will be can the Seminoles stop the Bulls rushing game. Florida State QB Christian Ponder should have a say in this game. His completion percentage is over 65% and he's the team's second leading rusher. A dual threat that USF must take into consideration. Florida State is coming off their huge road win at then-#7 ranked BYU. That may play a role in this contest.

Pac 10 - Admit it. You didn't have the Washington Huskies beating USC last week. That win catapulted the Huskies to #24 in the latest poll. Their reward? A road game at Stanford. We'll see how far Steve Sarkisian has taken the Huskies in his first year at the helm. Washington did all it could in the first week of the season to try to pull off an upset of LSU, but fell short, 31-23. This game will be harder than last week, believe it or not. Stanford has emerged victorious in three of the last four meetings. Stanford doesn't throw as much as Washington, but they sure can run, averaging 204.7  yards a game. This matchup is not a good one for the Huskies who look to build upon last week's tremendous upset win. Conversely, a Cardinal win here (Stanford is favored) could vault them into the top 25. A tough task for Washington to say the least.

A few other games to watch:
Big 10 - Illinois @ #13 Ohio State: Illini beat OSU at the Shoe in 2007
ACC - #22 North Carolina @ Georgia Tech: UNC coach Butch Davis looks to keep Tar Heels undefeated
SEC - Arkansas @ #3 Alabama: Can the Tide contain the Hogs passing attack
Big 12 - Southern Mississippi @ #20 Kansas: both are 3-0
Big East - Fresno State @ #14 Cincinnati: The Bulldogs 1-2 record is deceiving
Pac 10 - #6 California @ Oregon: The Golden Bears have USC next week...looking ahead?

Can Kiffin sing and cash checks?

I've been wondering about a couple of things. Is it possible that Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin is getting his vocal chords warmed up? And if said vocal chords do get warmed up, does he even know all the words to "Rocky Top"? The answer to both question may be "no" because Kiffin should be getting ready for the drubbing of his coaching career.

And he will have earned that drubbing.

Kiffin announced his arrival and brashness upon his being hired by Tennessee when he made an extreme error in judgement. We've all seen the video. (If you haven't, click here to watch it.) Last December, Tennessee is holding a news conference announcing that Kiffin is the new guy in Knoxville. During his "speech", Kiffin stated that it would be a blast singing "Rocky Top" all night long after they beat Florida...this year! Needless to say, that comment raised some eyebrows in Gainsville.

But Kiffin didn't stop there. He even took the opportunity to make a verbal swipe at Florida's Urban Meyer. Kiffin accused the head Gator of breaking NCAA recruiting rules. After review, Kiffin was in the wrong and he later issued an apology to Meyer. The SEC has something to do with that because Kiffin also received a reprimand for his actions.

Kiffin's main issue should be the location of this Saturday's game. At 3:30 PM, the Volunteers will be in The Swamp. Any road game in the SEC is a tough game, but Kiffin placed his team in the crosshairs by the statements he's made. And he has to live with the results.

Since Meyer has come to Florida, the Gators have reeled off four straight wins in this rivalry. Here are the scores during that four year span.
2005: 16-7 (at FLA)
2006: 21-20
2007: 59-20 (at FLA)
2008: 30-6
Total: 126-53
With the exception of 2006, the Vols have been within a touchdown only once. I look at the last two games because Tim Tebow was the Florida starting quarterback in those games and the combined final score: 89-26. Ouch. You know Tebow will keep those comments in mind. Like the guy needs any more motivation.

And 40 is the magic number. Since 2001, Florida is 40-0 when scoring 40 or more points. Almost scary all those 40's. You know that if Meyer has the oppotunity to run up the score, he will. And I can't say I blame him. He will have just cashed in on a chance to throughly beat a conference rival. That's all.

Kiffin? Will he be able to cash the check he wrote?

Doubt it. That bank wasn't covered in the bailout.

Big Ten football on display this weekend

There are many reasons I'm looking forward to both the USC-Ohio State and Notre Dame-Michigan games this weekend.

The Notre Dame-Michigan game intrigues me a little more than the USC-OSU game.

First, we will get a chance to see if Notre Dame can win a so-called important road game. The Big House is still an intimidating place to play and we'll see if Irish QB Jimmy Claussen and head coach Charlie Weis can deal with some pressure. And some people are heaping the pressure on both Claussen and Weis.

Second, I want to see how Michigan responds to playing a "better team". They did win 31-7 last week...against Western Michigan. Now let's see how Coach Rich Rod can handle a bigger game. Rodriguez has got as much pressure on him as Weis. If you don't believe it, ask any Michigan fan.

Finally, how well can Tate Forcier adapt? The Irish defense might be a little more sophisticated than the Broncos. Plus, Notre Dame did shut out Nevada last week and the Wolfpack averaged over 30 points a game last season. That was no lightweight offense they were facing.

The only real thing to watch in the USC-OSU game is USC quarterback Matt Barkley. If he can handle the atmosphere in Columbus, the Trojans should get the win. The Buckeyes defense let them down against Navy and if not for the return on the 2-point conversion, an upset was in the works.

Both games are important to all fans of Big Ten football. If both Michigan and Ohio State can both pull off wins, that will be the biggest step the conference has taken since Ohio State won the National Championship.