Flippin' Freak

South Florida's Jason Pierre-Paul is a freak.

Just watch him do 13 back flips during a contest with teammate Kion Wilson after a practice for the International Bowl in Toronto.

I thought George Selvie was an amazing defensive end, but Pierre-Paul may have passed him as the most-coveted defensive end in this spring's NFL Draft.

Don't worry, neither the 'Eye or the 'Eer will try to out do them.

(Hat tip: Shootin' the Bull)

Bowl Preview: Allstate Sugar Bowl

Allstate Sugar Bowl
SuperDome, New Orleans
Cincinnati vs. Florida
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 8:30 p.m.
TV: FOX
Line: Florida -13

About Cincinnati (12-0): The Bearcats escaped close games all year by outscoring everyone. Brian Kelly thanked them and promptly took the Notre Dame job. So, Tony Pike can throw the ball and Mardy Gilyard can catch it. Defense? nah. Running game? Occasionally.


Intangibles:
Oscar Robertson: +3
Art Long punching a horse (never gets old): -3
Cincinnati Reds: -4
Skyline Chili: +3

About Florida (12-1): Is there really anything I can say about Florida that everyone doesn't freaking know? Urban Meyer is on a pseudo early retirement play/leave of absence. Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Gonzalez. blah, blah, blah.

Intangibles:
Mohammed: +1
Buddha: +2
Jesus: +3
Tebow: +5

Impact player: Cincinnati QB Tony Pike, or more likely, his offensive line. UC can get guys open on the Gators, but Pike needs to be standing upright.

Bowl slogan: "Have a hurricane, Cincy fans. Have two, have three. It will ease the pain."

Little known fact: Call this one the "coaching clusterf*ck". Urban Meyer is on a leave of absence. Brian Kelly took the Notre Dame job. Jeff Quinn is coaching Cincy, but is actually the Buffalo coach. And Butch Jones, the new Cincy coach, is just watching. uh. okay.

Watchability (1-5): 4

The pick: Florida 41, Cincinnati 24

Bowl Preview: Rose Bowl presented by Citi

Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Ohio State vs. Oregon
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: Oregon -4

About Ohio State (10-2): The Buckeyes discovered a running game in the second half of the year. Good thing, because the passing game has been missing all year. QB Terrelle Pryor didn't take the giant leap forward people were expecting. Instead it's been very small steps. Jim Tressel remains his ever-boring, ever-conservative self.

Intangibles:
1997 Rose Bowl: +3
Rest of David Boston's career: -2
"Rivalry" uniforms: -5

About Oregon (10-2): The Ducks' offense has been on fire the second half of the season, lighting it up with their wacky spread and wackier uniform combinations. What's this week? Retro - a salute to October 2007? Anyway, Chip Kelly's done a nice job since LeGarrette Blount coldcocked a Boise player.

Intangibles:
Phil Knight: +$120 million
Phil Knight's soul: -3
Chip Kelly in visor: -4

Impact player: Oregon RB LaMichael James. OSU needs to slow this little shit down to have a shot.

Little known fact: The Rose Bowl used to be very important back when Nixon was President and wide collars were in.

Watchability (1-5): 4.9

The Pick: Ohio State 31, Oregon 27

Bowl Preview: Capital One Bowl

Capital One Bowl
Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando
LSU vs. Penn State
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: Penn State -2

About Penn State (10-2): Joe Paterno will claim his greatest victory after Friday's game, having outlasted that dastardly Bobby Bowden. Paterno, 145, will coach again next year unless someone forgets to recharge his animatronic soul over the summer. The Nits are okay. Decent defense but the offense struggles to run the ball which puts too much on Darryl Clark at quarterback.

Intangibles:
Non-conference schedule: -3
White Out: +1
Isn't anything involving students at Penn State a "white" out?: -2

About LSU (9-3): Les Miles is quickly wearing out his welcome in Baton Rouge, losing three games this year (including one in stunningly stupid fashion.) LSU is all over the place inconsistent. Sometimes they can run the ball, sometimes they can't. Sometimes they play great defense, some times they don't.

Intangibles:
Tiguh Bayyt: -2
Game clock, Les: -3
The Hat: +3

Impact player: Penn State RB Evan Royster. PSU has to run the ball. HAS TO.

Bowl slogan: "Citrus? Pfft. This country was founded on high-interest debt for people who can't afford it!"

Little known fact: I attended the 1993 Citrus Bowl. Somewhere in that little lake outside the stadium probably still reside some possessions of mine.

Watchability (1-5): 4.3

The pick: LSU 24, PSU 17

Bowl Preview: Konica Minolta Gator Bowl

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
West Virginia vs. Florida State
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: CBS
Line: West Virginia -2.5

About West Virginia (9-3): The Mountaineers of the sweater-vested and slightly confused Bill Stewart have been very close to being very good. They've also been very close to being very bad. Which I guess puts them about where they should be.

Intangibles:
Coach not retiring: -2
Chick as mountaineer: +2
Pat Lazear rap sheet: (redacted)

About Florida State (6-6): Bobby Bowwden is retiring (sniff, sniff) - about eight years too late of course. The 'Noles finally put together a somewhat effective offense this year and the pass defense sucked. geesh. Of course, FSU has no business being in this game but due to St. Bobby's "retirement" road show, they get a New Year's Day Bowl.

Intangibles:
Terry Bowden: -1
Tommy Bowden: -2
Jeff Bowden: -3
Dadgum: -1

Impact player: Noel Devine. This midget needs to get the ball more. Gotta feed the kids, ya know?

Bowl slogan: "We'll fill the seats no matter how ridiculous it may seem."

Little known fact: Chris Rix no longer plays for Florida State. I miss those days.

Watchability (1-5): 2.8

The pick: Florida State 28, West Virginia 24

Bowl Preview: Outback Bowl

Outback Bowl
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Northwestern vs. Auburn
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Auburn -8

About Auburn (7-5): The Tigers/War Eagles/Plainsmen brought in a new coach in Gene Chizek and after being a complete disaster at Iowa State, Chizek was at least passable in his first year at Auburn. The T/WE/P have crazy Gus Malazahn's wacky offense and score lots of points.

Intangibles:
Bo Jackson: +4
Brent Fullwood (look it up, kiddies): -2
Terry Bowden: -2
Terry Bowden in that hat and tie: -4

About Northwestern (8-4): This is probably the biggest bowl for NOrthwestern since the Wildcats went to the Rose Bowl in the mid-90s. NU doesn't do anything great, but they aren't bad at anything. Pat Fitzgerald, who was one of the dirtiest MFers you ever saw play, is a decent coach.

Intangibles:
Pompous alumni: -3
Windy as hell off lake: -2
1980s: +3

Impact Player: Northwestern QB Mike Kafka. This is where I make some witty Franz Kafka reference to show how well-read I am. Except I don't really remember anything by Kafka that I might have read. Maybe something about a jungle? Anyway, Kafka - good runner. Needs to complete some passes too.

Bowl slogan: "We're got a Pirate Ship!"

Little known fact: This game is a complete academic mismatch. I'll let you figure out which way.

Watchability (1-5): 3.6

The pick: Northwestern 35, Auburn 30

Bowl Preview: Chick fil-A Bowl

Chick fil-A Bowl
GeorgiaDome, Atlanta
Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech -5

About Virginia Tech (9-3): Typical Va. Tech. Run the ball, defense, special teams. Don't pass well and have a self-inflated team ego because they hammer crap teams in the ACC. And hell, they couldn't even win that league this year.

Intangibles:
Blacksburg: -1
Bruce Smith: +2
Corey Moore: -1
Michael Vick: -2
Marcus Vick: -4

About Tennessee (7-5): Our boy, Lane Kiffin, did a decent job with a Vols team that was questionable at some key positions. Tennessee managed to win seven games essentially without a passing game. Now, if Lane could just keep his big mouth shut. And not violate an NCAA rule every five minutes. That would be good.

Intangibles:
Daddy working for you: -1
Stupid NCAA with their "rules": -4
All Orange Unis: -4
Vol Ladies: +3

Impact Player: Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton. Seriously, dude, complete some passes and your team has a good chance to win. Play the way you normally due and, well...

Bowl slogan: "Winner, winner, chicken dinner."

Little Known Fact: Phil Fulmer really loves Chick Fil-A.

Watchability (1-5): 4

The pick: Tennessee 21, Virginia Tech 18

Bowl Preview: Insight Bowl

Insight Bowl
Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Az.
Minnesota vs. Iowa State
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 6 p.m.
TV: NFL Network
Line: Minnesota -2

About Iowa State (6-6): The Cyclones reached a bowl under first-year coach Paul Rhoads due to the miracle of the bowl system. They sure as hell don't deserve it. Their six wins are over: North Dakota State, Kent State, Army, Baylor, Nebraska and Colorado. Okay, I'm supposed to believe beating Nebraska is a big deal. I still don't.

Intangibles:
sadly loyal fan base: +3
Ames: -2
Marcus Pfizer: +3

About Minnesota (6-6): In year three of the Tim Brewster era, he's doing everything he can not to get fired. That would include trying to finish above .500. Brewster came to Minnehaha with lots of promises and has built a remarkably mediocre program.

Intangibles:
"Play4Brew.com": -3
Glen Mason giggling self to sleep: -2
Winter: -6

Impact player: Minnesota QB Adam Weber has been surprisingly ineffective this year. Since the Gophers can't really run the ball, Weber has to play well, or at least not suck, for Minnehaha to win.

Bowl slogan: "A vicious battle to see who can finish above .500 who nobody will see because it's on the NFL Network!"

Little Known Fact: Ugh. Nobody cares about the facts for this bowl, little known or otherwise.

Watchabilty (1-5): -2

The pick: Minnesota 23, Iowa State 21

Bowl Preview: Texas Bowl

Texas Bowl
Reliant Stadium, Houston
Missouri vs. Navy
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Missouri -6.5

About Missouri (8-4): The Tigers started off poorly, before rebounding at the end of the year once they started playing within the Big 12 North Division. Same old, Mizzou, though. Lots of passes and lots of points. Not so much tackling.

Intangibles:
Show Me State: -2 (for poor attitude)
Show Me State: +2 (for confidence)
what the hell is in Missouri anyway?: -2

About Navy (9-4): The Midshipmen have had their typical good season. Beat Army, beat Air Force, beat most of the others, but not quite everybody. They run the wishbone, which is sweet. But they can't hang with the big boys, them or their stupid boats.

Intangibles:
Navy Seals: +2
"Navy Seals starring Charlie Sheen": -4
Played at Ohio State and didn't even sail there: -3

Impact player: Mizzou QB Blaine Gabbert has been good when he's healthy. He's healthy now. Look for many, many yards from Gabbert on many, many short passes.

Bowl slogan: "Houston: where the rats are very friendly and very large."

Little Known Fact: Dear Texas, Nobody wants to mess with you. In fact, most of us don't want anything to do with you. We don't want to visit. We don't even want to call. Lighten up.

Watchability (1-5): 2.3

The Pick: Missouri 34, Navy 28

Bowl Preview: Brut Sun Bowl

Brut Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl, El Paso, Tx.
Stanford vs. Oklahoma
Date: Dec 31
Time: 2 p.m.
TV: CBS (NOT ESPN, HOLY CRAP)
Line: Oklahoma -9.5

About Stanford (8-4): The Cardinal haven't seen this kind of postseason glory since Ty Willingham was at the helm. But now, it's former (ugh.) Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh whose overbearing arrogance is a perfect fit for a school filled with students and faculty who are overbearingly arrogant. And they've got this Toby Gerhart kid who's like Tommy Vardell but with talent.

Intangibles:
Tiger Woods: -4
Michelle Wie: -1
The Buddy Tevens Era: -6

About Oklahoma (7-5): Taking the positive on this sucky season for the Sooners, at least Bob Stoops can't lose a big bowl game! Am I right, Sooners? So Sam Bradford got hurt and Oklahoma fell apart like a house of cards in front of Beano Cook. It was like Gary Gibbs was back in charge of the Sooners. Crap were they bad.

Intangibles:
Sooner schooner: +2
Anything else in Oklahoma: -3
The Boz: -2
Jamelle Holieway; +2

Impact player: Gerhart. This dude just ran over Pac 10 defenses like they weren't there - and for the most part, they weren't. OU has some serious studs up front.

Bowl Slogan: "Mmmm. You smell like Brut."

Little known fact: I like El Paso salsa. Bet you didn't know.

Watchability (1-5): 4.3

The pick: Stanford 31, Oklahoma 30

Bowl Preview: Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Tx.
Air Force vs. Houston
Date: Dec. 31
Time: noon
TV: ESPN
Line: Houston -4.5

About Air Force (7-5): Air Force is the same team it is every year. Really, you could just pop a tape in from 1998 and it'd be the same thing. Dudes running wishbone, give good teams trouble for a couple quarters then don't have the horses. Repeat.

Intangibles:
Fly jets: +2
Colorado Springs: +3
Not Army or Navy: -4

About Houston (10-3): Houston scores a crapload of points in the Texas Tech mold. Also in the TExas Tech mold, they take terrible losses. Like losing to UTEP 58-41. Seriously. Of course they also scored 73 points against Rice. Criminy. it's like watching a basketball team.

Intangibles:
Phi Slamma Jamma: +3
Andre Ware Heisman: -3
John Jenkins era: -4

Impact player: Houston quarterback Case Keenum will probably throw for 600 yards and eight TDs, but they could still easily lose.

Bowl slogan: "Helping support the vast military industrial complex that secretly runs the world since 2003."

Little known fact: Houston finished second in Conference USA. Which means diddly squat. Or maybe everyone knew that.

Watchability (1-5): 2

The pick: Houston 64, Air Force 42

Podcast: Episode 55

This is actually the first time we recorded a podcast while games were actually being played. First it was Bowling Green and Idaho in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl and then we finished just about the time Arizona and Nebraska were getting started in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.

Now what's on this week's show. Just when we thought Urban Meyer would be the lead topic for this week's podcast, Mike Leach and Texas Tech had to create all of this drama before playing Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl. Leach is always called a genius, but he's not looking too smart now that he's been fired. Of course, we delve into the Meyer situation in Gainesville. The 'Eye doesn't think Urban Meyer will coach another down for Florida, while the 'Eer believes after a few months of relaxation he'll be ready to return to the sidelines.

We also look ahead to this week's bowl action and we both like the Rose Bowl matchup, but think the Jan. 2 bowl games are atrocious. Both of us also agree that Wisconsin's win over Miami was huge for the Big Ten, but we couldn't believe how the Badgers bullied the Hurricanes. Enjoy this week's show.

Bowl Preview: Pacific Life Holiday Bowl

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Arizona vs. Nebraska
Date: Dec. 30
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Nebraska -2.5

About Arizona (8-4): The Wildcats took another leap forward under Mike Stoops which certainly surprised the hell out of me. I thought he'd take the John Mackovic right turn into hell. Whatever happened to Mackovic anyway? So the 'Cats have a good defense and a decent offense with a decent QB in Nick Foles. That's about it.

Intangibles:
"Bear Down": -2
Tucson Nov-Feb.: +3
Tucson rest of year: -112 degrees

About Nebraska (9-4): Suh, Suh, Suh, is pretty much all you hear about with the 'Huskers. The reason for that is the rest of the team pretty much blows. Offense? Terrible. Special teams? Terrible? DBs? Terrible. Suh. FREAKING AWESOME. Bo Pelini? Curses a lot.

Intangibles:
Still not running triple option: -2
Tom Osborne pulse rate: +34 per minute.
Blackshirts are back: +2

Impact player: Okay. Other than Suh. How about Nic Grigsby, 'Zona's oft injured running back? Without Grigsby the 'Cats stop running the ball and call about 70 wide receiver screens a game.

Bowl slogan: "We love defense at the Holiday Bowl. Just can't get enough of it!"

Little known fact: Bo Pelini was a horrendous safety at Ohio State. When then coach John Cooper said he had "too many slow, white guys" he pretty much had a picture of Bo in his pocket.

Watchability (1-5): 4 (out of respect to history)

The pick: Arizona 14, Nebraska 13

Bowl Preview: Roady's Humanitarian Bowl

Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Bowling Green vs. Idaho
Date: Dec. 30
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Idaho -1

About Idaho (7-5): The Vandals were 2-10 a year ago and play in some kind of weird barn somewhere in that state with the potatoes. This year they're going to a bowl game. And the Vandals managed to lose their last three games, including a 52-49 loss to Utah State. 52 points. to Utah State. and they're in a bowl. This makes me lean towards a playoff.

Intangibles:
Nickname is Vandals: +3
play in something called the Kibbie Dome: -2
visiting Idaho: +2
living in Idaho: -1

About Bowling Green (7-5): The Falcons are on a four-game winning streak, and their only two conference losses were to the two teams in the MAC title game - OU and Central Michigan. That would mean a lot except it's the MAC. BG has already had one run-in with the state of Idaho, getting thumped by Boise State.

Intangibles:
Wind: -3
NW Ohio: -2
Not in Toledo: +2

Impact Player: BGSU QB Tyler Sheehan is a nice player. No, really, I'm not kidding. I have nothing mean to say about him.

Bowl slogan: "Bring a coat... or two."

Watchability (1-5): 1

The pick: Idaho 27, Bowling Green 21

ESPN remains ignorant about conflict of interest

According to a few other folks in the blogosphere, ESPN analyst Craig James has been pulled from the broadcast booth for the Alamo Bowl following allegations that his son was disrespected by Texas Tech coach Mike Leach.

But why was he ever scheduled to be part of this broadcast team?

For some reason, ESPN doesn't grasp the concept of a conflict of interest. Having James provide analysis for a game that includes his son is simply wrong. The WWL has ignored this simple contest many times, including allowing Lou Holtz to broadcast his son's games at East Carolina.

Leach has been suspended for the game, but his lawyer is fighting to get him back on the sidelines for Saturday's game against Michigan State.

James was supposed to work with play-by-play man Mike Patrick and sideline reporter Heather Cox. ESPN made the right call, just a little too late.

Bowl Preview: Champs Sports Bowl

Champs Sports Bowl
Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando
Wisconsin vs. Miami
Date: Dec. 29
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESFREAKINGPN
Line: Miami -3.5

About Wisconsin (9-3): After completely falling apart last year, Wisconsin recovered by beating such powers as Northern Illinois and Wofford in 2009. The Badgers started the season 5-0 and then quickly came back to earth. As it tradition at Wisky, they run the ball and run it and run it some more and really hope they don't have to pass. Because that's bad.

Intangibles:
Darrell Bevell; +2
That guy who played QB last year: -3
Ron Dayne NCAA career rushing leader on 15 million carries: -2

About Miami (9-3): Randy Shannon was feeling the hot seat before the 2009 season and saved his butt by hiring offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who turned the 'Canes offense around. Lots of TV yappers like to ooh and aah over Jacory Harris, but it's Miami's ability to run the ball effectively that sets up the pass game. That and Patrick Nix no longer calling the plays.

Intangibles:
Da 'U: -2
Da U ESPN salute to 20 years of thuggishness and general stupidity: -3
Gloria Estefan: +7
Miami Sound Machine: -4

Impact Player: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien. Unfortunately for the Badgers, at some point they're going to have complete some passes to have a chance in this game. Tolzien should really attempt to not throw them to the other team. He hasn't been so good at that in the second half of the season.

Bowl slogan: "Remember those stupid jersey that said "05" on them? We totally sold that to you."

Little Known Fact: Both of these schools like to pretend they're important in the college football scene. (Hint: Important teams don't play in the Champs Sports Bowl.)

Watchability (1-5): 3.4

The Pick: Miami 24, Wisconsin 23

Bowl Preview: EagleBank Bowl

EagleBank Bowl
RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
Temple vs. UCLA
Date: Dec. 29
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: UCLA -4.5

About Temple (9-3): A perennial powerhouse, the Owls...oh wait, Temple? In a bowl game? Get the hell out of here. That coach deserves a raise from the $18,000 they're paying him.

Intangibles:
John Chaney: +2
John Chaney angry: -4
Bill Cosby: -1

About UCLA (6-6): I'm not sure what's lower - not going to a bowl game or flying across the country to play freaking Temple in the EagleBank Bowl. Criminy, Slick Rick, does not seem to have things going in the right direction for the Bruins.

Intangibles:
Fight song: +2
Cade McNown: -3
the cojones to hire Slick Rick: -1

Impact player: Temple RB Bernard Pierce averages almost six yards a carry and 118 yards a game - and get this - he plays for TEMPLE.

Bowl slogan: "There's nothing like RFK in the winter. Really, who would want this?"

Little Known fact: Temple's bowl history (which has five pages dedicated to it in the postseason media guide) consists of the 1935 Sugar Bowl and the 1979 Garden State Bowl. That's it.

Watchability (1-5): -3 in lieu of watching rip eyes out of sockets with BBQ tongs.

The Pick: Temple 21, UCLA 17 (what the hell)

Bowl Preview: Advocare V100 Independence Bowl

Advocare V100 Independence Bowl
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.
Texas A&M vs. Georgia
Date: Dec. 28
Time: 5 p.m.
TV: ESPN (do I even have to type it anymore?)
Line: Georgia -6.5

About Texas A&M (6-6): In his second year at A&M Mike Sherman has brought the Aggies all the way to Shreveport, La. Many people seem to think the Aggies are on the way back, mostly because they played Texas close on national TV. Those people missed the 65-10 loss to Oklahoma and the 62-14 loss to Kansas State. Yikes. They better be on the way back or Sherman will be rooming with Dennis Franchione.

Intangibles:
12th man: +2
Home games one giant 'spin the bottle' makeout session: -2
The Wrecking Crew: +3


About Georgia (7-5): The 'Dawgs barely felt the losses of last year's first round draft picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshown Moreno...oh wait. Yes, they did. They did a lot. It was like they forgot how to play football. Criminy, has Mark Richt already turned into Bobby Bowden? yeesh. I guess they beat Georgia Tech, at least.

Intangibles:
New UGA (bulldog): +2
Buck Belue, possible best name ever: +4
Richt in bowl games: -4

Impact player: Georgia QB Joe Cox has not had an easy time replacing Stafford. When Cox plays well, UGA can at least score a lot of points. That hasn't been often.

Bowl slogan: "A&M? Even Richt can't screw this one up, right?"

Little Known Fact: In order to seem important, the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl has the ugliest, most confusing web site in the history of the Intarwebbers.

Watchability (1-5): 2

The Pick: Georgia 41, Texas A&M 31

You can relax now

With Urban Meyer's change of heart today that he'll just take a leave of absence as head man at UF, there are fans at many other places who are much more at ease today than just the Gator Nation.

These are the programs who can breathe a sigh of relief that their coach won't be shopping for a new home in Gainesville.

1. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State. Mullen may have only went 5-7 in his first year in Starkville, but he's Meyer bred, has a great offensive mind and could complete a near seamless transition. The Bulldogs can relax for now that Mullen will be back in 2010.

2. Kyle Whittingham, Utah. This would likely be Meyer's choice to replace him, but AD Jeremy Foley knows this is his call. Still, Whittingham would be a great pick and he's proven he can beat Alabama.

3. Bobby Petrino, Arkansas. This just feels like a horrible fit, but Petrino can flat out coach. He's slimy and no one can trust him (just ask the fans at Louisville). Just imagine what he could do with the talent in Gainesville. It's kind of scary.

4. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma. I don't really think he'd leave Norman for this job, but he'd have to give it some serious consideration. Sooner fans just have to get tired of hearing his name come up so often. The funny thing about this one is some ESPN talking head (I think it was Dr. Lou Holtz) who said they should consider his brother Mike at Arizona. That could possibly be the worst suggestion ever (surprised he didn't suggest Skip Holtz from East Carolina).

5. Jim Harbaugh, Stanford. I still think he's waiting to take over at Michigan after next year, but it would be hard for someone as competitive as Harbaugh to not consider going to Florida. Stanford fans want to remind everyone that Harbaugh just signed an extension, but what does that really mean today? The Gators would love this guy's moxie.

6. Kevin Sumlin, Houston. If this had happened there would have been a lot of surprised Florida fans. But Sumlin is well respected and many think he'll get a big-time job in the next year or two. His offensive mind may be better than Meyer's and Mullen's. Houston knows it can't keep Sumlin forever.

7. Chris Petersen, Boise State. Rumor is Petersen is not looking to upgrade from his gig in Idaho, but could he really turn down a choice job like UF? I think not. If you can win the way he has in Boise imagine what he'd do with the talent you can attract in Florida? However, Boise fans can relax because Petersen loves right where he is.

8. Gary Patterson, TCU. Both the 'Eye and the 'Eer are big Patterson fans, so we think this would have been one of the top three options for Foley. The Horned Frogs have been highly competitive during Patterson's tenure, and they play some of the best defense in the nation. He'd also be a great fit in the SEC.

9. Charlie Strong, Louisville. There's probably no one more pleased to hear Meyer will probably be back for 2010. Strong, who has taken the Louisville job, has remained in Gainesville to coach the defense in the Sugar Bowl. If not for the new job, Strong could have been a legitimate inside candidate. Now Strong doesn't have to consider reneging on Louisville.

10. Bill Stewart, West Virginia. I can dream right? He would give the Gators a chance to see what it would be like to have Bobby Bowden coach at UF. Stewart would also coach the superbly talented Gators to a second- or third-place finish and confuse the fans with random, unintelligible post-game comments.

Bowl Preview: Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowls
LP Field, Nashville, TN
Date: Dec. 27
Time: 8:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Clemson -6.5

About Kentucky (7-5): The Wildcats finished their traditional Rich Brooks 7-5 this season, starting out like crap and finishing strong. This miraculously coincided with the schedule getting much easier. Kentucky always seems like it has potential, but really, unless it gets to play Vanderbilt eight times year, this is about the best UK can hope for.

Intangibles:
Fired Billy Gillespie: +2
Hired John Calipari: -2
Not in Louisville: +3

About Clemson (8-4): The Tigers won the ACC Atlantic Division over such heavyweights as Boston College, N.C. State and Maryland. They went to the ACC title game and in front of 12,000 screaming fans came up short against Georgia Tech. Dabo Swinney is still the coach. I figure that'll last about two more years before they Rich Rodriguez away from unemployment after he gets the ax at Michigan.

Intangibles:
Head coach named "Dabo": +1
not coached by any member of the Bowden family: +5
1978 Gator Bowl: -6 (not that I'm still bitter.)

Impact player: Clemson RB C.J. Spiller. Duh. This guy is awesome. It probably still won't be enough.

Bowl Slogan: "It's like the Grand 'Ol Opry with more teeth."

Little Known Fact: I totally made you say Gaylord.

Watchability (1-5): 3.6

The pick: Kentucky 31, Clemson 30

Are you looking to piss off Bama fans?

I have a few friends who are Alabama fans, and a few others who are Texas fans. So it's fun to sit back and watch them chirp at each other.

It's also fun to see which group of fans can out-do the other.

This T-shirt, which you can have for just $15 is a nice jab at the Tide fans. However, what I have learned about Bama's faithful ... don't mess with Bear Bryant.

Waiting now to see what Alabama's response will be.

(Hat Tip: College Gridiron 365)

Bowl Preview: Emerald Bowl

Emerald Bowl
PacBell Field, San Francisco
USC vs. Boston College
Date: Dec. 26
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: USC -7.5

About Boston College (8-4): The Eagles fired their somewhat successful coach last year because he interviewed for another job. That's what happens when you work for the clergy. They don't F around. So BC hired some other guy and they're fine like they always are. Frankly, they could have hired some patio furniture to be the coach and they'd finish 8-4. It's just what they do.

Intangibles:
Doug F*in Flutie: -2
Doug F*in Flutie's hair: +2
In the ACC despite being in BOSTON: -5

About USC (8-4): A plucky, upstart program from a well-regarded program in Los Angeles, USC showed plenty of promise for the future by finishing fifth in the Pac 10. I would like to say I did predict USC would lose three games this year. I also predicted one of them would be to Ohio State. Mother#@@$##$%W$%#@!!#@@!@ Anyway, about time these jokers had a crappy year.

Intangibles:
Pete Carroll: -1
Not Rick Neuheisel: +3
Joe McKnight's Land Rover that's not his: +0
USC in the Emerald Bowl: +45

Impact Player: USC wide receiver Ronald Johnson will catch many passes for many yards and many touchdowns.

Bowl slogan: "Old school football! And by that we mean playing the game in a facility ill-suited for football, like they used to do in the 1890s."

Little known fact: USC losing a couple starters to academic ineligibility won't matter much because they're playing Boston College.

Watchability (1-5): 3

The pick: Men of Troy 34, Eagles 14

Bowl Preview: Meineke Car Care Bowl

Meineke Car Care Bowl
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina
Date: Dec. 26
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Pitt -2.5

About Pitt: The Wannstaches were only a late touchdown away from beating Cincinnati and reaching a BCS game. Instead, they're spending Christmas in Charlotte. Ouch. Pitt's biggest improvement over previous seasons was when offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh took a job with the New York Jets. This let Pitt hire a new OC, Frank Cignetti, who was interested in scoring points. That and they got a freshman running back named Dion Lewis who's sweet.

Intangibles:Peppi's North Side: +5
Pitt campus: -3
Steelers fans: -7
Steelers fans when they suck: +4

About North Carolina: The Tar Heels are returning to the Car Care Bowl for the second season, which may not be quite the visions of Mack Brown-like glory fans were hoping for when they hired Butch Davis. the Heels could be great Saturday. Or they could be terrible. Nobody ever knows. They're kind of like the rest of the ACC. Or any team coached by Butch.

Intangibles: Butch Davis at Miami: +3
Butch Davis with the Browns: -8 (F you, Butch.)
Roy Williams: -3
Not Duke: +3

Impact Player: I'll go with Pitt QB Bill Stull, who I actually saw play in high school as a freshman. He's a little better now. If Stull can make some plays down the field, Pitt wins.

Bowl slogan: "Inviting North Carolina-based teams since 2004 to help our attendance projections!"

Little known fact: North Carolina's uniforms are kind of cool, but kind of gay and make me uncomfortable with own sexuality. Billy, have you ever seen a grown man naked? Wait, what?

Watchability (1-5): 3.8

The pick: Pitt 27, North Carolina 21

Bowl Preview: Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Ford Field, Detroit
Ohio University vs. Marshall
Date: Dec. 26
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Ohio -3

About Ohio: The Bobcats are coached by former Nebraska coach Frank Solich and won the MAC East Division this year. OU has a long history of being one of, if not THE, worst Division I football program -ever. I still find it weird they're in a bowl. I keep re-reading the paper to see if it was all a joke and it's actually Miami, Oh. instead. But no, it's actually OU. That's creepy to type.

Intangibles:
Halloween: +2
"YOU MAY HAVE WON BUT WE PARTY SO MUCH HARDER THAN YOU! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!": -3
Athens during the summer: +3
Athens any other time of the year: -3

About Marshall: The Thundering Herd is the football definition of gettin' a little big for its britches. In the 90s, Marshall went from being a Division 1-AA power to moving to Division I and become a MAC power. All that winning went to its collective head when Marshall made the decision to join Conference USA. Whoops. Can we go back to the MAC? So after mediocrity ensued the Herd has now fired coach Mark Snyder and hired WVU assistant Doc Holliday. Frankly, I have no idea who's coaching this team in the bowl game.

Intangibles:
"Alma mater" of Randy Moss: -3
"We Are Marshall" : +1
Matthew McConaghey in "We Are Marshall": -4

Impact player: Ohio WR Taylor Price is the real deal. Big and fast and can catch the ball. And there was a story about him in the paper today which is why I know these things.

Bowl slogan: "Pizza! Pizza!"

Little known fact: Ohio University is the greatest school on the face of the earth. If you have any doubt about this, ask an alum and they will tell you. AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN. AND THEY WILL NEVER SHUT THE HELL UP ABOUT IT. COURT STREET, HALLOWEEN, YEAH, I GET IT DUDE. IT WAS AWESOME. JESUS.

Little known fact #2: When these two schools were both in the MAC, they used to play a "rivalry" game known as "The Battle for the Bell." Where this bell was located, I was never really sure.

Watchability (1-5): 1.1

The pick: Bobcats 26, Thundering Herd 21

Podcast: Episode 54

We're in the thick of the bowl season and we couldn't be any more pleased. Listen to today's show to hear which conferences we think have the most to gain and lose in bowl games, and which conference we think will be the biggest surprise.

We also propose a possible change for the NCAA to consider on coaching changes (OK, Phil doesn't like the idea), and give you are best picks for the next week of bowl games. Phil spends a little time evaluating the USC program, while Tom looks at Virginia Tech's chances of ending its drought against the SEC in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. Both of us also talk about the most memorable college football moment of the past decade. Enjoy.

Bowl Preview: Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Aloha Stadium, Honolulu
Nevada vs. Southern Methodist University
Date: Dec. 24
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN (no kidding?)
Line: Nevada -12.5

About Nevada (8-4): The Wolfpack were a team that was expected to challenge Boise State in the WAC, mostly because of their dynamic "Pistol" offense. No such luck. While they were busy drawing up plays for the Pistol, they probably should have been working on tackling drills because their defense is horrific. Do you want to know why people, such as myself, think Boise and the WAC are still a joke? Nevada, out of conference schedule vs. Notre Dame, Missouri, UNLV and Colorado State - 1-3. Nevada in the WAC - 7-1.

Intangibles:
Bonanza Casino: +3 (you must go. It's exactly what you think.)
Rest of Reno: -2
Tahoe: +2

About SMU: The Mustangs are back in a bowl game for the first time since receiving the NCAA's death penalty in 1987. The death penalty was so effective that no other school has cheated since. That can be the only reason nobody has gotten the death penalty. It's certainly not because the NCAA is scared to death of hurting the ginormous cash cow of college football. Uh, anyway, so SMU has a team and June Jones is the coach. That ends the extent of my knowledge about SMU.

Intangibles:
Eric Dickerson: +4
Craig James: +1
Craig James as announcer: -5 (stop f'ing giggling, you idiot)

Impact Player: Nevada QB Colin Pumpernickle, err, Colin Copernicus, err something like that. He's very tall and skinny. And you'd think he'd be better. But he's not. Still, it's SMU. How good does he have to be?

Bowl Slogan: "Another indigenous people conquered. But we're not bitter. And we're certainly not spitting in your drinks, you white bastards."

Little Known Fact: Notre Dame played in this game last year, kicked the crap out of Hawaii and became convinced 2009 would be a return to glory. That was beautiful.

Watchability (1-5): .4

The pick: Nevada 41, SMU 28

Bowl Preview: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Utah vs. California
Date: Dec. 23
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN (of course)
Line: Cal -3

About Cal (8-4): This was the Bears' year to challenge for the Pac 10 title. Just like last year and the year before that, and the year before that, etc. Can you be a darkhorse if your're the darkhorse every single year? For some reason people think coach Jeff Tedford is some kind of QB guru. He's actually a running game guru. His QBs, however, stink.

Intangibles:
Chuck Muncie's rec specs: +3
Breeding ground for hippie, pinko Commie liberals: -2
Breeding ground of hippie, pinko Commie liberals who helped polarize this country with this whole "Any means to MY end" BS that runs our political system from both the right and the left. jerks.: -6

About Utah: The Utes didn't really beat any one of note outside of Air Force. Seriously. Air Force is their best win. I guess the positive is they didn't lose to anyone they shouldn't have. Or the positive could be that their schedule was a piece of shit. Either way really...

Intangibles:
Whole state of Utah: +4
Except for giant, dead, stinky lake: -3
Stockton and Malone: +2 (and one!)

Impact Player: Cal running back Jahvid Best won't be playing. Seeing as he was the best running back in the country, that's certainly impactful.

Bowl slogan: "Save .25 percent on your ticket by watching this game online!"

Little known fact: For the past three years, the winner of the Poinsettia Bowl has gone on the next season to be the really whiny non-BCS team that goes undefeated and throws a hissy fit about not being in the national title game. So watch out for Utah in '10.

Watchability (1-5): 2

The pick: Cal 31, Utah 24

Another pointless UCLA video

Another day and another pointless video from UCLA.

I guess getting to see a shirtless Rick Neuheisel leap off the high dive is entertaining, and maybe a few 300-pounders displace some serious water is fascinating. But the folks over at UCLABruins.com are doing a lot of video filler this week. For that, I thank them.

(Hat Tip: EDSBS)

Bowl Preview: MAACO Las Vegas Bowl

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas
Oregon State vs. BYU
Date: Dec. 22
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN (who else?)
Line: Oregon State -2.5

About the Beavers: For the second straight year the Beavers were a game away from the Rose Bowl. Last year they ended up in El Paso. This year, Vegas. A slight step up. OSU is led by a pair of midget brothers, Jacquizz and James. Seriously, how do you name one kid James and the other JACQUIZZ. Either both the kids get crazy names or neither.

Intangibles:
"Beaver" jokes: +1
Mike Riley as coach: +3
Mike Riley as Chargers coach: -4

About BYU: The only school in Division I that has a coach named after a horse (Bronco Mendenhall), BYU once again beat the living beJezus out of the crap-ass dog teams on its schedule, such as Utah State, San Diego State and Oklahoma. Although the Cougars did beat rival Utah, but losing to FSU — at home? Ouch. Makes you want to take a two-year mission to Australia.

Intangibles:
Special underwear: +2
No caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or cursing: -6
Mormonism/Scientology possibly same religion?: -2

Impact Player: BYU QB Max Hall. In the grand tradition of former BYU quarterbacks such as Steve Young, Robbie Bosco, Ty Detmer and Marc Wilson, Hall should try to not be a complete dog in the bowl game. Especially Detmer who has both shoulders separated by Texas A&M after winning the Heisman. Ha. Both shoulders. That still makes me giggle. Does that make me a bad person?

Bowl slogan: "What stays in Vegas is your money, suckers."

Little Known Fact: One of the sponsors of the Las Vegas Bowl is a ventriloquist named Terry Fator, who has a puppet named "Winston, the Impersonating Turtle." Sinatra would be proud.

Watchability (1-5): 3

The Pick: BYU 29, Oregon State 24

UCLA dealing with acrophobia

Hey recruits,

If you go to UCLA you not only get to play for Rick Neuheisel, get owned by USC each year and be the last team in the nation invited to a bowl game, but you also get to hang out with a bunch of good guys who are afraid to ride a rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

What appears to be a nice report on a day off for the team is more like a poor PR/recruiting tape. Unfortunately, one of the players featured in the piece (offensive lineman Stanley Hasiak) was booted from the team.

They would have been much better off going to Disneyland.

Bowl Preview: R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
SuperDome, New Orleans, La.
Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State

Date: Dec. 20
Time: 8:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Southern Miss -3.5

About Southern Miss (7-5): It's the second year of the Larry Fedora era at Southern Miss and he's taken them all the way back to the Big Easy for a second straight New Orleans Bowl. Wow. Talking about taking a team to new heights. Next year - the Independence Bowl! Dare to dream, Eagles fans!

Intangibles:
Fedora cool hat: +3
Wearing fedora in heat of Southern Mississippi: -2
Still ridiculous that Jeff Bower was fired: -3
Lost to Louisville: -8

About Middle Tennessee State (9-3): The Blue Raiders won their last six games over such luminaries as Louisiana-Monroe and Arkansas State. All are members of some conference called the Sun Belt Conference. Huh. Who knew?

Intangibles:
Located in middle of Tennessee: +0
Not Knoxville or Nashville: -2
Not Gatlinburg: +4
NASCAR! HELL YEAH: +3


Impact player: MTSU QB Dwight Dasher leads the team in rushing and passing. And his name is Dwight Dasher. That's a sweet name.

Bowl slogan: "Come for the game, stay for the hookers and crack!"

Little Known Fact: R&L Carriers used to also be known as Gator Freightways in certain southern states. If you worked in shipping and receiving as a college student like I did, you would know this.

Watchability (1-5): .2

The pick: Southern Miss 38, MTSU 33

Jake Locker apparently filled with common sense

Looks like 'Eer and I ('Eye) aren't the only ones who think ESPN's Todd McShay's constant blathering about Washington QB Jake Locker being the No. 1 pick of the upcoming NFL draft was ridiculous. McShay's take led to many media types critcizing Locker's decision to return to UW for his senior season.

According to Profootballtalk.com, Locker didn't receive a first-round grade from his NFL assessment. The source in the story though, does admit Locker could be drafted in the first round because of the need for quality QBs.

The Seattle Times says that the assessment came after Locker's decision to return to school, so he might have still thought he'd be the top pick of the draft when he made the call.

And to that I say - whatever. Locker will benefit greatly from another year under Steve Sarkisian.

And when you listen to Todd McShay tout players as "potential first round pick." Yeah, well, we're all "potential" first-round picks, Todd.

Bowl Preview: St. Petersburg Bowl presented by Beef O'Brady's

St. Petersburg Bowl
presented by Beef O'Brady's
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Date: Dec. 19
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Rutgers -2.5

About Rutgers (8-4): The only thing worse than watching Rutgers play football is watching Rutgers play football against a team worse than Rutgers. Rutgers is so boring they make Ohio State look like the Harlem Globetrotters. Add 50,000 drunken, New Jersey-raised 20 year olds and every home game looks like an episode of "Jersey Shore" broke out.

Intangibles:
Watching "Jersey Shore" for ironic humor +2
"Oh shit, I'm still waching Jersey Shore" -6
Rutgers as "birthplace of collegiate football: +4
Rutgers football during Terry Shea "era": -4

About Central Florida (8-4): The Knights are still coached by the drunken Irishman George O'Leary (okay, it just looks like he's hammered.) O'Leary probably spent last week repeating the phrase "Brian F*ckin' Kelly" over and over in his sleep. The Knights are in Conference USA, which means next to nothing, and look like they bought their uniforms off Ebay from Purdue, circa 2002. They are constantly confused with South Florida and nobody really cares - at least I don't.

Intangibles:
Alma mater of Terrance Trent D'Arby: +7
Alma mater of Menudo member Angelo Garcia: +18
Located in Florida: +2
Not on beach: -7

Impact Player: Rutgers QB Tom Savage was coach Greg Schiano's first big-deal, five-star recruit. However, he tends to struggle when attempting to throw off his back. UCF can't do much, but they can rush the passer.

Bowl Slogan: "Suck it, Tampa."

Little Known Fact: I didn't even know what Beef O'Brady's was before I wrote this preview and now I know that Columbus has TWO of them. This bowl sponsorship has just paid huge dividends for you, Mr. O'Brady.

Second Little Known Fact: UCF's leading receiver and punt returner is A.J. Guyton, which seems like an odd job for 31-year old former Indiana basketball player.

Watchability scale (1-5): 1

The Pick: Rutgers 16, Central Florida 14

Bowl Preview: New Mexico Bowl

New Mexico Bowl
University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.
Fresno State vs. Wyoming
Date: Dec. 19
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Fresno State -10.5

About Fresno State (8-4): This is the Bulldogs second straight December trip to Albuquerque, which doesn't seem like much of a bowl trip until you consider they purposefully live in Fresno all year. Albuquerque is like some kind of goddam paradise. Fresno coach Pat Hill has to be happy he's facing a team he should beat instead of his normal M.O. of acting like a badass and then getting his clock cleaned by decent teams. I'm pretty sure Fresno finishes 8-5 every freaking year.

Intangibles:
David Carr: -4
Trent Dilfer: -2
Trent Dilfer with the Browns: -23
Crystal Meth capital of America: -4
Crystal Meth Capital of America while on Meth: +400

About Wyoming (6-6): A large state located somewhere west of Minnesota and south of Canada, Wyoming is home to many sheep and some local militias. The Cowboys are coached by first-year head man Dave Christensen who came north from Missouri and are the first example this year of why there are just too many damned bowls.

Intangibles:
Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Parks: +6
Places where people can actually live: -4
Fennis Dembo (look it up, kids): +5
Anyone else whoever played hoops at Wyoming: -3

Impact Player: Wyoming receiver David Leonard has 70 catches. For 645 yards. WHAT? 9 yards a catch? how many WR screens can one guy catch? Is he a parapalegic? c'mon David, get DOWN the freaking field.

Bowl slogan: "The only other thing Albuquerque has going for it besides that big balloon deal."

Little known fact: Wyoming's booster club is known as the "Cowboy Joe Club." That's a dumb name.

Watchability scale (1-5): .9

The Pick: Bulldogs 31, Cowboys 13

Podcast: Episode 53

Episode 53

An Eye and an Eer: College Football Podcast

Tom may be on vacation, but he wouldn't let his buddy Phil down and not show up for this week's show. Hey, there's way too much to discuss.

We start with coaching hires (Brian Kelly, Turner Gill, Butch Jones and Doc Holliday) as well as coaches signing extensions (Jim Harbaugh). We also discuss the pros and cons of the potential growth of the Big 10 to 12 teams (what will we call the conference then?), as well as talk about the first week of the bowl season (really, are any of you going to watch the New Mexico Bowl?).

Phil also tackles some big topics in our weekly Quick Hitters, including if Mark Ingram was a deserving Heisman Trophy winner and the decision of Jake Locker to return to Washington for another year of apprenticeship under Steve Sarkisian. Tom questions why Virginia Tech DC Bud Foster is never considered a top candidate for head coaching jobs and the strength of Big East coaches.

Another week, another show.

Jones choosing between Marshall, Cincy?

It may be time to turn to Plan B for the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Following a number of reports that Marshall was ready to hire Central Michigan coach and former West Virginia assistant Butch Jones to replace Mark Snyder, it now appears Jones has been stringing the Herd along.

Now there are reports that Cincinnati wants to replace Brian Kelly with Jones, beating out East Carolina's Skip Holtz for the job.

This can't sit well with an overzealous and totally irrational fan base in Huntington. There was also a group in Huntington who wanted Florida State offensive line coach Rick Trickett, but he has said he's staying put.

Former Marshall coach Bob Pruett has also been rumored to be interested in returning, but that one has gained little to no traction.

So are we up to Plan D now?

Fire Turner Gill already?

So Turner Gill was the new Kansas Jayhawks coach for like 30 minutes when some idiot or a group of idiots created FireTurnerGill.com. Why?

Check out this logic:

Typically when a program fires a two-time Coach of the Year, a big name hire can be expected. Typically if a coach can't win in the MAC, they won't succeed in the BigXII. Well, the Jayhawks thought otherwise. How about a coach with a 20-30 overall record?

With all the great names out there for hire, Lew(ser) Perkins settled for a cheap, easy pick. This was a lazy attempt at a national head coaching search. If this administration wants to become a national program, make a national hire!

You can't predict failure, but anyone can see this train-wreck coming.

To actually consider Gill a failure at Buffalo shows this person's or group's lack of knowledge about college football. What Gill accomplished with the Bulls is one of the more impressive coaching jobs of the past few decades.

When he took over the Bulls in 2006, Buffalo a combined record of 16-85 since 1997. After a tough 2-10 first year, Gill lead UB to an 18-20 mark. It may not be a winning season, but it's much more impressive than what Mark Mangino did in 2007 when KU went 12-1.

Buffalo was the worst Division I program in the nation when Turner Gill arrived. That's right, worse than Temple.

As he leaves, the Bulls have won a Mid-American Conference championship and you have to go back to the 1960s to find a time UB was this competitive.

This is a great hire Kansas. Jim Harbaugh wasn't leaving Stanford for Lawrence, Kan. He's waiting for Michigan to dump Rich Rod next year. Harbaugh was using KU for leverage in Palo Alto.

Stay classy Cincinnati

Dear Bearcats fans,

Let me see if I have this right.

It was a great three-plus years for my family and me in Cincinnati. We won back-to-back Big East Championships, and I'm proud of all the players who helped the Bearcats go 34-6 during my tenure. This past season was unbelievable.

Until today. I know some of you are upset that I bolted from Cincinnati for my dream job at Notre Dame. But egging my house? Seriously?

Sorry you are unhappy, but it's Notre Friggin' Dame. Do you not get it? Hey, maybe we'll schedule you guys in a couple years when you return to mediocrity.

Regards,

Brian Kelly
Head Football Coach
Notre Dame

Pick of the Week: No. 15

With just one regular season game remaining and since I am two games over .500 why not pick the Army-Navy game. However, stay tuned for the 'Eye's bowl predictions. They are always a touch snarky and he'll provide you some factoids that don't mean a thing.

Navy (-14.0) over Army
This game should be closer than it has been in recent years, including last year's 34-0 domination by the Midshipmen. Navy is riding a seven-game winning streak in which it has outscored Army 232-71. So a 14-point spread seems to be a pretty good bet. The Black Knights have made big strides in their first season under Rich Ellerson. Army is averaging 212.1 rushing yards per game and freshman QB Trent Steelman has played well. But Navy QB Ricky Dobbs has more experience, not to mention he's rushed for 23 TDs this season.
Pick: Navy 32, Army 17

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 36-34

And he's even Irish...

The least surprising coaching hire finally became official today as Brian Kelly was named the new coach at Notre Dame.

Kelly leaves undefeated Cincinnati in a bit of a lurch, as he won't coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl against Florida. This left several UC players a bit peeved as Kelly had twice inferred to his team he wasn't leaving.

God forbid I defend Kelly who I find a bit arrogant, but coaches are annually put in these terrible spots.

As for how Kelly will fare at Notre Dame - I think there's little doubt he'll be an immediate upgrade over Charlie Weis, just going off his successful track record. The keys to Kelly's tenure though will be recruiting and upgrading the Irish defense. Kelly's specialty though, is drawing up and calling plays, just like Charlie.

Will Florida notice loss of Strong?

When Charlie Strong officially cuts ties with the Florida Gators following the Sugar Bowl should Urban Meyer start worrying about his future success?

Look, Meyer is a great coach with a slew of talent in a four-mile radius that should equate to unparalleled success by most in the SEC and in the nation. But with Strong's exit to be head coach at Louisville, Meyer loses his second consecutive coordinator in as many seasons. Meyer has actually had seven former assistants go on the be head coaches.

Dan Mullen, the Gators OC in 2008, did an admirable job with Mississippi State this past season and the Bulldogs might just challenge Alabama and LSU in SEC West. Strong will likely be even more successful at Louisville as the Cardinals can become competitive in the Big East in a few years.

But what does this all mean for Gator Nation?

It's going to hurt recruiting ... even for Florida. Many of the outstanding players on Florida's top-ranked defense were recruited directly by Strong, who is considered by many as one of the best recruiters in the country.

So last weekend's dismantling by Alabama may become more familiar than Florida is accustomed to under Meyer.

Why? Call it the Pete Carroll effect. USC had dominated the Pac-10 for nearly a decade and was among the nation's elite. But after losing coordinators to become head coaches (Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, DeWayne Walker, Ed Orgeron, etc.).

It didn't happen overnight in SoCal, but Meyer will lose a level of comfort he had with these guys. So will the players. It may not be noticeable next season, but a dip is certain to occur.

Just watch.