An 'Eye and an 'Eer

Hope you'll join us!

2010-04-12T21:25:00.002-04:00

What's in a name? Or URL?

Probably not much, but after nearly 20 months of blogging here we have decided to move off the Blogger site and go over to the FanVsFan platform. We're hoping all of you will follow us and continue to offer us your thoughts and feedback. If you want, join the FanVsFan network and read the features and articles posted by the many outstanding resources that are available there.

To keep up with us you'll want to move with us to eyeandeer.com.

Tebow: New face of video football

2010-04-09T12:33:00.000-04:00

What's possibly the least surprising news of the day, Florida's Tim Tebow will grace the cover of EA Sports' College Football 2011 video game. According to the Gainesville legend, he's been a fan of the game since he was 6 and he's darn proud to be on the cover.

Please, wake me when the season starts.

Jock-ularity, jocularity, jocularity

2010-04-08T21:40:00.005-04:00

WVU may be one of the final programs to begin spring practice, but WR Jock Sanders was in mid-season form when meeting with the media.

You gotta love it when Noel Devine pops in for a little love during the interview, and Sanders is really into the Batman and Superman reference. How long until HC Bill Stewart Tweets about this?

PS: If you don't get the headline then you're not a M*A*S*H fan.

Podcast: Episode 63A-The Bellotti Chronicles

2010-04-08T11:21:00.001-04:00

Since Phil and Tom had already completed yesterday's podcast before reading the news about Mike Bellotti's departure from Oregon, and the surprising news that OU President Richard Lariviere pushed him out the door because the Ducks Athletic Department was not being run properly, they got together again to briefly discuss this topic.

Enjoy.

Podcast: Episode 63

2010-04-07T14:02:00.002-04:00

OK, so we're a little late with the podcast. But it was worth the wait.

You'll enjoy Phil and Tom discussing:

Ideas to improve spring practice and make it more fan friendly.
What's wrong with Oregon football coach Chip Kelly's definition of suspension (did anyone notice that suspended QB Jeremiah Masoli is practicing).
Why everyone is just plain foolish to think Boise State or TCU could pull off a Butler-like run in football. We also realize we may be the only two college football bloggers or podcasters who doesn't want a playoff in football.

Let's not forget our Quick Hitters.

This week Phil covers:

Brian Kelly's constant bashing of his current Notre Dame team.
Lane Kiffin the disciplinarian.
What player Ohio State needs to find a replacement for most this spring.

Tom covers:

The return of the Tebow smash in Gainesville.
Big Ten expansion (Phil says we have to stop this).
What player West Virginia needs to find a replacement for this spring.

Enjoy another show.

Big Ten playing the big bully

2010-04-05T21:56:00.006-04:00

There is no way the 'Eye would be happy if Tony Barnhart's outlandish speculation comes true. I'm in no position to question Barnhart's sources or his own instincts when it comes to seeing into the Big Ten's future.

The scribe is one of the best college football guys around.

But does it make sense for the Big Ten to make the leap from 11 to 16 teams? Barnhart seems to think so. It would play well into B10 commish Jim Delany's ego as it has been rumored that this is his way to put a final stamp on his legacy.

Of course Barnhart's fact/fiction has the B10 raiding the Big East of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Connecticut and Rutgers. The fifth and final addition would potentially be Notre Dame. This would all but doom the football sect of the Big East, and relegate West Virginia, Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida will either be left for dead or hope the ACC or SEC scoops them up in an effort to not fall too far behind Delany's dream conference.

More realistically, the four remaining Big East teams would find a home in lesser conferences or try their best to salvage what's left by seeking new members from Conference USA and elsewhere. But maintaining BCS status will not happen.

The SEC doesn't need to overreact, but instead of taking what's left of the Big East it could look at adding Miami, Florida State, Clemson or even Texas.

All of this seems a little crazy, but remember what WVU's Bill Stewart said not too long ago, and Tony Barnhart wouldn't just throw out this crazy plan without some solid information. Right?

ND's Kelly: 'We stink!'

2010-04-02T21:19:00.003-04:00

Brian Kelly will never admit it, but he's trying to accomplish two things by publicly undressing his players during spring drills.

Let everyone know that Charlie Weis ran a loose ship and discipline was not high on the former Irish coach's list.

Provide himself an alibi when the Irish finish 6-6 again (or allow the ND brass offer him a guaranteed 10-year deal when they reach a BCS Bowl).

To be completely up front, this is typical of Kelly. Watching him in the Big East the past few years this is exactly the way he approaches a new job and I believe he will be extremely successful within three years in South Bend.

Have fun guys. It's going to be a long spring.

Intimidation: The U style

2010-04-02T21:12:00.003-04:00

I have nothing for this one. I guess this is the way The U intimidates its opponents these days. Apparently Voodoo and demonic possession works in the ACC.

Photos courtesy of The 7th Floor.

Erin Andrews: Dancing and Gator Chomping

2010-03-31T13:24:00.003-04:00

I'm not a big reality TV person, but waiting for Lost to come on last night I caught the tail end of Dancing With the Stars. Just then I remembered that Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco and ESPN starlet Erin Andrews were contestants. So I paused for a moment as they were preparing to toss a "star" from the show.

When they announced Andrews would be staying she greeted us all with a proper, but unnecessary Gator Chomp in celebration. I'm a big Andrews fan and believe she's an outstanding sideline reporter. But just save us all some time and get hitched to Tim Tebow and produce more Gator offspring.

Save yourself some time and move to the 5:20 mark on the video (unless you want to watch more of Brooke Burke.

Stewart sings 'Country Roads'

2010-03-29T22:41:00.006-04:00

Does anyone think Bob Huggins would act like this if West Virginia's football team was playing for a BCS Championship?

Fortunately for Huggy Bear his singing voice is safe as long as Bill Stewart is the head man at WVU. I know fans adore him for his down-home appeal and his unfettered love of the state. But was it necessary to head downtown and sing John Denver's "Country Roads?"

Stewart was performing mainly for locals as most of the students were off campus for spring break (HT: ESDSBS). That was good news for the Morgantown Fire Department as couch burning was kept to a minimum.

But is this really what the second highest paid person at WVU should be doing on a Saturday night. Guess I'd like him to concentrate on WVU's special teams a little more?

This Duck is good

2010-03-25T22:53:00.002-04:00

Finally, an Oregon Duck football player who isn't getting arrested or dragged of to jail. Oregon defensive end Terrell Turner is being called an "angel" for being a good samaritan.

What happened to a stress-free spring?

2010-03-25T22:22:00.005-04:00

Isn't Urban Meyer supposed to be relaxing?

Now we can see why Cyborg Meyer makes monthly trips to the ER for chest pains and 911 is on the speed dial. In the video you'll see Meyer criticizing Orlando Sentinel reporter Jeremy Fowler for quoting Gator receiver Deonte Thompson. It seems Thompson believes new UF quarterback John Brantley is more a QB than Tim Tebow because he's spreading the ball around.

Even die-hard Gator fans have to admit Meyer was way out of line, especially when he threatens Fowler. Real classy Urban.

Not so fast Pac-10

2010-03-24T21:56:00.004-04:00

So all that expansion talk by the Pac-10 may be losing some steam. According to a recent article by Dennis Dodd at CBSsports.com, Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott says they may petition the NCAA to change the conference championship rule from 12 to 10 teams.

If this happens the Pac-10 wouldn't need to expand, nor share money with two other institutions. While a Pac-10 championship game means more money it's appeal is limited at best. Still, if this happens it would open the door for the Big Ten and Big East to have a conference championship without adding teams. This could also save the current conference alignments.

Scott also tells Dodd he has spoken with Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and Big East commish John Marinatto about holding championship games without expanding to 12 or more.

This would definitely be of interest to the Big East and its eight football members, and possible to an extent the Big Ten and its 11 members. If Delany can't land, say, Notre Dame or Texas, maybe passing on expansion is a possibility.

However, the Big Ten's expansion is more about growing its TV network through large markets and cashing in on all of those homes paying a $1 or more to have the Big Ten Network, so Big Ten expansion is going to happen. It's also interesting to see the Pac-10 is still discussing a similar TV network with the ACC and Big 12.

This story is far from over. Too bad Marinatto remains (OK, he spoke with the Pac-10 from his luxury office in Providence, R.I.) on the sidelines as his conference is in a death roll.

Podcast: Episode 62

2010-03-22T18:16:00.002-04:00

After back-to-back, jam-packed podcasts we have to admit that this one is a little lighter. Maybe it's March Madness or the lack of real football or a couple months. Oh well. Here's what we have this week.

When you consider the NCAA is looking to ruin the basketball tournament and expand to 96 teams because of greed, how much do you think it will screw up a football tournament if we let them have it? That's right, plenty. Money always wins.

We also take an early look at the coaches on the hot seat and who has the best chance of saving their job and who should be sending out resumes. Coaches aren't the only ones on the hot seat. How would you like to be replacing Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford? Think there's a little pressure on John Brantley, Garrett Gilbert and Landry Jones? We also try to explain what Oregon's Mike Bellotti is doing by going to ESPN. Enjoy another show.

Michigan: "Oooh, look at the pretty lights!"

2010-03-18T17:06:00.003-04:00

Michigan has finally relented, announcing today it will play its first night game in history at "The Big House" in 2011 against Notre Dame.

This is big. I'm sure Les Miles will have his troops fired up to beat the Irish.

Tressel's contract extended. Shocker.

2010-03-16T23:11:00.004-04:00

In news as unexciting as his demeanor, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's contract was extended Wednesday. Apparently Tressel turned down a raise on the new contract which will run until 2015.

In coaching contract extensions are pretty much worthless and amount to legalese translation of "here's what we're going to pay you when we fire your ass." But in this case, the extension is probably more about recruiting as the Tressel retirement rumors will likely begin to start in a couple years.

But the interesting part, according to a tweet from OSU beat writer Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch, is that this new contract contains a provision that if Tressel doesn't finish this entire extension, he gets a job as an assistant athletic director.

That's interesting on two fronts: A) Tressel was the AD at Youngstown State and reportedly loved the work and B) his previous contract guaranteed Tressel a spot on the faculty.

Seems to indicate the Senator is thinking about retirement. Maybe not next year, but coming sooner than most Buckeye fans are prepared for.

BCS Tournament Bracket

2010-03-15T18:07:00.003-04:00

The folks at Playoff PAC don't need a crystal ball to see into the future. In the spirit of March Madness and bracketology, they have created the 2011 BCS Tournament Bracket. Not bad and probably accurate.

Way to bury the lead

2010-03-12T22:07:00.004-05:00

Anyone who has ever watched WTAP-TV, a small NBC affiliate in Parkersburg, W.Va., understands that the reporters are green, overworked and underpaid. But if you get an exclusive interview with the head football coach from the state's flagship university do us all a favor -- don't bury the lead.

In a more than 11-minute interview with WVU's Bill Stewart, the TV head waits until the 7:13 mark to ask the big question -- his thoughts on Big Ten expansion. Stewart's response is somewhat surprising. He thinks the Big East is kaput. Here's what he said:

“It’s exciting, it’s disheartening as well. Exciting because the ACC, the SEC, the Big Ten and the Big 12 and Pac-10 — the ones out West won’t impact us but the Big Ten could. They’ll pick a couple of our teams. The SEC and ACC will also do the same. I don’t know where we’re going to land. We could land maybe in three conferences, in the ACC, SEC maybe Big Ten. But right now we’re still Big East and we need to keep that focus. That’s the disheartening thing because when you break up the Big East contingency like we have, we have a lot of fun, a lot of rivals. I hate to see that end, but there is exciting times on the horizon with those new conferences. We’ll be in one of them — which one I don’t know. But that’s down the road a couple years I believe.”

What?

Look I've been saying all along that the super conference model is coming, but Stewart is talking crazy again.

If the Big Ten decides to stop at one school, let's say Notre Dame, then the Big East goes unscathed and commissioner John Marinatto can finally man up and start talking about BE growth.

Now I don't want to totally discount Stewart here. He may just know more than anyone else is letting on and he's just being honest. There are reports the Big Ten presidents and ADs are meeting to discuss growing by three to five. If that happens it will transform the college football landscape and make Stewart look a bit prophetic.

But where WVU lands, if this happens, will be interesting. The ACC is the better geographic fit, but the Mountaineers aren't a good academic fit. West Virginia is actually a great fit for the SEC. That would be interesting.

Hopefully the next time WTAP gets a scoop it should lead with it.

Podcast: Episode 61

2010-03-10T21:38:00.002-05:00

Can anyone talk about college football today and not mention expansion? We couldn't. We actually spend a great deal of time discussing the hot topic, especially the revelation that Notre Dame may actually be ready to end its independent status. This puts the Big Ten in a power position, especially if the conference can reel in the Fighting Irish and even go bigger with Missouri and Nebraska.

As for the Pac-10, expansion seems to be pretty clear-cut ... go with Colorado and Utah and be happy. But what does this all mean for the Big 12? It may not hurt that much, especially if the conference gets TCU, SMU and pulls Arkansas from the SEC. Oh how the dominoes may fall.

We also look at how some of our favorite college players fared in the NFL Combine and the future of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan, especially following the public support from new AD David Brandon. Enjoy another show from Phil and Tom.

You're welcome

2010-03-09T10:18:00.002-05:00

Pac-10 expansion comes into focus

2010-03-05T20:31:00.004-05:00

Thank you Jon Wilner.

While we have spent a great deal of time and space dissecting the potential and pitfuls of Big Ten expansion, 'Eye and 'Eer have shied away from much discussion about the Pac-10's big expansion plans. Mainly because we aren't in touch with it quite like those on the west coast.

But thanks to the San Jose Mercury News columnist, we now have an excellent view of how and why expansion is inevitable in the Pac-10. It's clear from his piece the Pac-10 is willing to abandon its academic high ground for the all important cash. Here is a quote from the story:

“Everything is for sale,” one source told me. “They’ll do anything necessary to make money.’

With state funding becoming more scarce and athletic budgets skyrocketing into hundreds of millions it's easy to see why Pac-10 leaders are jealous of the $200-plus million made by the Big Ten and SEC.

So stay tuned as it is very clear now the Pac-10 will not sit by idly and will look to probably add Colorado, Utah or BYU.

So, once again, what is Big East commish John Marinatto have planned to secure the future of his conference? We're still waiting Big John.

First Amendment and football coaches

2010-03-03T21:58:00.004-05:00

Like the newspaper industry doesn't have enough problems when along comes Guy Morriss and the Texas A&M-Commerce football team.

It seems Morriss believes collaborating on theft and censorship count as a team-building exercise. Someone may also want to tell the lunatic coach this it may also be considered illegal.

As if Morriss coaching career hadn't reach a low point already (remember those ill-fated runs at Kentucky and Baylor) it is now officially unraveling. Clearly, the A&M-Commerce brass can't retain a guy who supports his players lifting all of the East Texan newspapers from the on-campus racks so anyone interested couldn't read about the arrest of two football players.

Morriss is quoted as sayings, "I'm proud of my players for doing that. This was the best team building exercise we have ever done."

Good move coach. So instead of this being a non-story for the rest of the college football world your big team-building exercise backfired a bit. Now we all care (a little).

God told Jim Delaney to expand the Big 10

2010-03-02T20:36:00.004-05:00

Or it came to him in his own thoughts. Same diff in Delaney's world.

The Chicago Tribune reported today that the search firm hired by the Big Ten to explore expansion gave the league the thumbs-up on adding a school.

The basic premise? More teams be more better.

It doesn't hurt to know your audience either. This search firm probably did more research on Jim Delaney than Missouri.

Two sources told the Tribune that they believe the Big Ten will expand largely because Commissioner Jim Delany, who in 2008 signed a five-year contract extension, wants to add another accomplishment to his legacy.

Since taking the helm in 1989, Delany has added Penn State, helped form the highly profitable Big Ten Network and grown revenue from about $20 million a year to $220 million.

"What gets Jim going," said a source with ties to Delany, "is doing something bold."

Great, expansion for expansion's sake and to satisfy Delaney's massive ego.

So, get ready Jersey, nobody can wait for that first Indiana-Rutgers match up. It will have the New York TVs buzzing, I'm sure.

Color me jaded or a traditionalist. As far as I'm concerned the Big Ten can boot PSU and Northwestern and bring back the Maroons of U. of Chicago.

Rare sight: Something good at Penn State

2010-03-01T18:02:00.004-05:00

Both of your authors at An 'Eye and an 'Eer despise Penn State. But there are a number of things the students do well at PSU and this is one of them—THON, a student-run charity that raises money for childhood cancer research at Penn State. This is not small potatoes as THON raised almost $8 million.

This group of Nittany Lions players showed some skills and even included a white boy who rivals the 'Eer's dancing skills. And if you want to see another great video from the event check out Tucker doing Boom Boom Pow.

(HT: Black Shoe Diaries).

Mocking Mallett

2010-02-25T16:09:00.004-05:00

Nothing against Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett, but this video mocking his current mode of transportation is flat out funny stuff. In all honesty, this is the same way the 'Eye got around Columbus during his undergraduate days — all seven years.

(HT: LSUfreek)

Big Ten gets more serious about expansion

2010-02-24T21:24:00.003-05:00

While it comes as no surprise, the Big Ten has hired a firm to investigate the potential of possible expansion partners.

Spending big dollars to consultants seems to be the way of big-time athletics. But is it really necessary? Do Big Ten officials really need to spend millions for a consultant to tell them Rutgers has no football history (other than playing the first game ever), but it is near NYC?

A few interesting revelations that came out of the story are that Notre Dame remains an unlikely decision, that Texas isn't even mentioned among the initial 15 schools and that commissioner James Delaney may make a recommendation to the Big Ten presidents this summer.

Certainly the Pac-10 will follow suit soon. So where's the Big East and commissioner John Marinatto?

Podcast: Episode 60

2010-02-22T18:43:00.001-05:00

We've been away from the podcasting airwaves for two weeks and it shows as Phil and Tom drone on for more than 40 minutes about college football. OK, we think it's pretty interesting as we dissect USC's issues with the NCAA and what might happen to the Trojans (does anyone else think the NCAA brass wouldn't mind sticking it to USC just for hiring Lane Kiffin?).

We also turn our attention to the escalating ticket prices at some of the nation's top programs, including Ohio State, which plans to raise single-game tickets to $70 in 2010. Since it's February and we can, we also make our way-too-early prediction on who'll play in the BCS Championship next season. We also can't avoid talking about the ban on eye-black messages (thanks Tim Tebow and Terrelle Pryor) as well as what might happen with Big Ten and Pac-10 expansion. Enjoy another show from Phil and Tom.

How will the Big Ten grow?

2010-02-19T21:54:00.004-05:00

Everyone just assumes whoever the Big Ten invites to join the cash-rich conference will just jump. But that may not be accurate.

Notre Dame is still a longshot and probably out of reach. It was also a stretch to consider Texas and the Longhorns are in a pretty strong position and will more than likely remain put (or maybe consider a jump to the SEC one day).

So of course the most likely choices are Nebraska and Missouri from the Big 12 or Syracuse, Pitt and Rutgers from the Big East. Look, Rutgers jumps right now. Missouri probably does the same. But is Rutgers or Missouri really the splash Jim Delany is looking for by moving the Big Ten to 12 teams?

Nebraska is better and possible. But Syracuse and Pitt aren't necessarily guaranteed to bolt the Big East for the bigger dollars of the Big Ten.

After recently speaking with a Syracuse source, he said Orange coach Doug Marrone does not support a move and would consider it a big mistake. And a recent article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review makes some valid points as to why Pitt should stay put as well. One key reason is the increasing intensity of the Backyard Brawl.

Now is the time for the Big East to seek new members. What are you waiting for Commissioner Marinatto?

Full-blown, super conferences

2010-02-17T21:37:00.002-05:00

Just when we thought we were being edgy with our suggestions for a new Super 8 conferences realignment, Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples took it a step further.

Staples' suggestion that the top 64 money-making college football programs leave the NCAA and create four CASH Conferences is appealing. Especially when I see the conference makeups ... who doesn't love seeing WVU in the SEC with Louisville, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. All four conferences have 16 teams and somehow the ACC still blows.

TCU is the only mid-major to make the top 64 teams (sorry Boise State and Utah). This will never happen, but I'm glad to see others thinking of ways to improve the current system that doesn't always include a playoff. Good job, Mr. Staples.

Classic recruiting: Herschel Walker

2010-02-16T16:11:00.003-05:00

This Herschel Walker video has been making the rounds today.

I first saw it at Dr. Saturday's Yahoo blog and then again at CollegeFootballTalk.com. Now I'm pretty sure Danny Ford bought Herschel the Camaro, but what could he do about it?

It's interesting to note that recruiting was crazy, even back in the 1970s and '80s. The video is courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

So who's next? Terry Hoage?

Will anyone in the SEC ever score again?

2010-02-15T23:37:00.006-05:00

File it in the "old guys are still in charge" file, but the NCAA wants to crack down on taunting.

If passed, players who draw flags for taunting gestures on their way to a touchdown would have the penalty assessed from the spot of the foul, taking away the score.

Listen, I get it. Taunting is the act of immature young males, hopped up on testosterone and psyched into oblivion by shirtless, chest-thumping assistant coaches. (Okay, that might only be Ed Orgeron.) Regardless, how in hades is a referee supposed to make this call? It was tough enough to make this call with a 15-yard penalty, now you're going to take away a touchdown?

The new rule won't go into effect until 2011, so make sure to get all your taunting in early this year, guys!

Super 8 - conference realignment

2010-02-12T20:08:00.004-05:00

Last week we presented what we think is a plausible playoff scenario that both the 'Eye and the 'Eer could live with. Well after giving it some more thought, and starting to like our idea even more, we wanted to take it step further.

Instead of using the BCS, we propose consolidating the current 11 conferences (and three independents) into the Super 8 conferences. The three losers are the Mountain West, Sun Belt and Western Athletic conferences -- stop the griping now because it makes the most sense when you see how everything shakes out. Also, no institutions are allowed to remain independent (suck it Notre Dame and NBC).

Some decisions were made because they made geographic sense, while others were the best fit for the conference. There was also an attempt not to make a Super Conference or two so everyone can compete on a level playing field in recruiting as well as for TV contracts (ESPN should love this set up). Every conference has 14 teams except Conference USA, which is too big (18 teams) and clearly the weakest conference (Fresno State and Troy are the top two), but the teams will have a brutal conference schedule and the champion would make the playoffs.

With the Super 8 conferences, a 16-team playoff is a realistic expectation and teams that don't win their conference still get a shot at the National Championship.

The Mid-American Conference is the least impacted of all with just the addition of Army from the independent ranks, while the ACC (Central Florida and East Carolina) and SEC (Southern Mississippi and Tulane) landscapes each welcome two additional schools.

The Big 10 is the big winner with the strongest newcomers-- Notre Dame, Nebraska and Missouri. The Big East has the biggest growth spurt from eight teams to 14, however two of the new teams are currently in the conference in all other sports but football. Villanova and Georgetown upgrade from FCS teams and play in the North Division, while the South adds Florida Atlantic, Marshall, Memphis and Navy.

The Big 12 is also reshaped by adding Air Force, Colorado State, Houston, Rice and TCU. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State also move to the North to balance the power. The Pac-10's growth includes one from the Big 12 (Colorado), one from WAC (Boise State) and two from the MWC (BYU and Utah).

Give us another week and we may want to make some additional tweaks, but today this is how we would like to see the Super 8 conferences take shape. Take a look below and let us know what you think.

ACC
Atlantic
Boston College
Central Florida
Clemson
Florida State
Maryland
North Carolina State
Wake Forest

Coastal
Duke
East Carolina
Georgia Tech
Miami
North Carolina
Virginia
Virginia Tech

Big 12
North
Air Force
Colorado State
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State

South
Houston
Rice
Baylor
TCU
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech

Big East North Cincinnati
Connecticut
Georgetown
Pittsburgh
Rutgers
Syracuse
Villanova

South
Florida Atlantic
Louisville
Marshall
Memphis
Navy
South Florida
West Virginia

Big Ten
East Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Northwestern
Notre Dame
Penn State
Wisconsin

West Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Ohio State
Purdue

Conference USA
East
Arkansas State
Florida International
Louisiana-Lafayette
Louisiana-Monroe
Louisiana Tech
Middle Tennessee State
North Texas
Southern Methodist
Troy
Western Kentucky
Tulsa
UAB

West
Fresno State
Hawaii
Idaho
Nevada
New Mexico
New Mexico State
San Diego State
San Jose State
UNLV
Utah State
UTEP
Wyoming

Mid-American
East
Akron
Army
Bowling Green
Buffalo
Kent State
Ohio
Temple

West
Ball State
Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan
Miami (Ohio)
Northern Illinois
Toledo
Western Michigan

Pac-10 North Boise State
BYU
Oregon
Oregon State
Utah
Washington
Washington State

South
Arizona
Arizona State
California
Colorado
Stanford
UCLA
USC

SEC
East
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
South Carolina
Tennessee
Tulane
Vanderbilt

West
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
LSU
Mississippi
Mississippi State
Southern Mississippi

What is Marinatto/Big East waiting for?

2010-02-10T20:52:00.004-05:00

What the hell is Big East Commissioner John Marinatto waiting for?

He's new to the job, but just five years after Boston College, Virginia Tech and Miami bolted for the ACC, the Big East is sitting idly by as the Big Ten and Pac-10 announce each is looking to expand in the next year.

Marinatto should immediately announce the conference is forming a fact-finding group that will look at expanding the Big East to 12 teams. He should also assure everyone that the group will do everything it can to retain all current members, since the Big East may be raided once again by the Big Ten.

Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Syracuse are all considered potential expansion partners with the Big Ten, especially if Big Ten commissioner James Delaney and his fact-finding group decide expanding to 14 teams is a better idea.

So Marinatto needs to be proactive and start thinking of the long-term sustainability of the Big East football schools. This could prove beneficial as he hopes to keep any Big East schools from listening to the Big Ten's overtures.

Remaining idle now will just increase the bashing by those who see the Big East as nothing more than a basketball conference.

There are a number of excellent options for the Big East ... elevating Villanova and Georgetown and adding Memphis, East Carolina, Central Florida or Navy is just one of them. But instead of just looking at the Big East we will soon present a proposal of going to eight Power Conferences.

Hopefully it will be more forward thinking than anything the Big East has to offer us.

Podcast: Episode 59

2010-02-08T20:41:00.003-05:00

Back after a week off and both Phil and Tom are delighted National Signing Day has come and gone. It's not a national holiday for us like it is for so many other bloggers and podcasters. We watch the trends and understand the appeal, but neither of us will lose sleep over the decision of an 18-year-old. There are always some interesting story lines, though.

There's the recruit at Michigan who had some legal issues when he was a minor. With all of the problems facing RichRod, was this really the best decision? It was also interesting to see many of the top recruits from the Midwest bolt the area for Texas, USC and elsewhere. Is this a one-year trend or a bigger problem?

And why is golden boy Tim Tebow become everyone's punching bag? Joe Theismann and some back-up offensive lineman are dissing the former Heisman Trophy winner. We also look at the future of Minnesota prep star Seantrel Henderson and a 13-year-old who is going to USC.

Enjoy another show.

Recruting Rule #1

2010-02-04T19:35:00.004-05:00

- Do not believe anything anyone says. Ever. Seriously. We mean it.

The smiling, happy fellow above is George Edwards. He was one of Florida's most successful defensive coordinators. Undefeated. Great recruiter too, if you believe this year's recruiting rankings. Sadly for the Gators Edwards left for a job in the NFL - before he ever coached a single game for UF.

Amazing timing, though. Edwards didn't announce he was returning to the NFL after his less than one month stint at Florida until the day after signing day.

Weird how that works, getting offered a job the day after national signing day. What a coincidence. I mean, if he knew he was leaving, I'm sure he and all of the Florida staff were completely upfront about that fact with all the incoming recruits.

OSU, WVU give fans something to smile about

2010-02-03T20:55:00.004-05:00

It's National Signing Day and while we believe it's way overhyped and fans get too worked up about it. But we feel it's our obligation to at least publish what we know to be the high school and JC players who signed today with Ohio State and West Virginia.

We don't know enough about them to say much, but I'm sure a bunch of them are 3-, 4- and 5-star recruits. The most notable rejection happened to the Buckeyes as Minnesota prep stud Seantrel Henderson chose the flash, but no substance of Lane Kiffin over the more stoic aproach of Jim Tressel.

Ohio State's 2010 class
Darryl Baldwin, DL, Solon, Ohio
Drew Basil, K, Chillicothe, Ohio
Corey Brown, ATH, Springfield (Pa.) Cardinal O'Hara
Christian Bryant, DB, Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville
David Durham, LB/DE, Charlotte (N.C.) Christian
Taylor Graham, QB, Wheaton (Ill.) North
Chad Hagan, DB, Canonsburg (Pa.) McMillan
Johnathan Hankins, DT, Detroit (Mich.) Southeastern
Carlos Hyde, RB, Fork Union Military Academy
James Louis, WR, Delray Beach (Fla.) Atlantic
Scott McVey, LB, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius
J.T. Moore, DL, Youngstown (Ohio) Boardman
Andrew Norwell, OT, Cincinnati (Ohio) Anderson
Verlon Reed, ATH, Columbus (Ohio) Marion Franklin
Bradley Roby, DB, Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge
Rod Smith, RB, Fort Wayne (Ind.) Harding
Jamel Turner, LB/DE, Fork Union Military Academy
Tyrone Williams, WR, East Cleveland (Ohio) Shaw

West Virginia's 2010 Class
Travis Bell, S, Glades Central (Fla.)
Barry Brunetti, QB, Memphis (Tenn.) University School
Dante Chambers, WR, Miramar (Fla.)
Trevor Demko, DE, Mount Carmel (Pa.)
Mike Dorsey, LB, Warren G. Harding (Ohio)
Qudral Forte, ATH, Booker T. Washington (Ga.)
Troy Gloster, LB, Olney (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel
Jeremy Johnson, ATH, Silsbee (Texas)
Trey Johnson, RB, Varina (Va.)
Quantavious Leslie, WR, Callaway (Ga.)
Deon Long, WR, Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy
Ivan McCartney, WR, Miramar (Fla.)
Doug Rigg, ATH, Bergen (N.J.) Catholic
Jewone Snow, LB, McKinley (Ohio)
Quinton Spain, OG, Petersburg (Va.)
Wes Tonkery, ATH, Bridgeport (W.Va.)
Marquis Wallace, OG, Varina (Va.)
Avery Williams, ATH, Calvin Coolidge (D.C.)

Criminy ... if you want a playoff

2010-02-02T10:45:00.004-05:00

As one of the few (if only) college football blogs that opposes a playoff to decide the national champion, we have contemplated how a playoff might work to our liking. We didn’t spend days researching every half-baked idea that’s been reported over the past decade. Instead, the ‘Eer came up with this plan at work one day and then ran it past the ‘Eye for his approval (OK, he doesn't like everything, but the overall concept works).

Now that President Obama and his Administration is looking into whether the BCS system is legal, and the NCAA is considering expanding the basketball tournament to 96 teams so naturally the playoff wave is moving fast. So we want to get our playoff plan out to the masses because it’s clearly the best option because it still incorporates the bowl games, doesn’t require the addition of too many more games than are already played, and it builds in another level of bowl games that will help alleviate some of the frustration by teams on the bubble.

The two teams that reach the title game will play two more games than each would play under the current system.

Here is are playoff scenario in a nutshell:

Using the BCS Rankings (we would like to see the rankings improved) take the top eight teams. However, only one team per conference and they can come from any of the 11 Division I-A leagues.
All independent programs (currently Notre Dame, Navy and Army) can be included in the playoffs at the same time.
The teams are seeded based on the BCS Rankings. In the first round, the top four teams host a game.
All first-round games are played on Saturday (of course they’ll be on ESPN).
Second-round games are played at either the Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, or Sugar Bowl. Each game will be played on the same date.
The Championship Game site will be decided at least four years in advance (similar to the Super Bowl).
The next eight teams in the BCS rankings play in the Cotton and Gator bowls, and whichever of the Sugar, Orange, Rose and Fiesta bowls that weren’t included in the playoffs that year.
The consolation bowl matchups will be decided by a committee (similar to the NCAA basketball tournament) to achieve the best scenario for each site.

Here’s how a playoff would have worked this year:

Rankings (BCS Ranking)

Alabama (1)
Texas (2)
Cincinnati (3)
TCU (4)
Boise State (6)
Oregon (7)
Ohio State (8)
Georgia Tech (9)

First Round Schedule
Game 1: Georgia Tech (ACC) at Alabama (SEC)
Game 2: Ohio State (Big Ten) at Texas (Big 12)
Game 3: Oregon (Pac-10) at Cincinnati (Big East)
Game 4: Boise State (Western Athletic) at TCU (Mountain West)

Second Round Schedule Game 5: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 4 in Orange Bowl
Game 6: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3 in Fiesta Bowl

Championship
Game 7: Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 in Pasadena, Calif.

Other Bowls (BCS Ranking) Florida (5) vs. Miami (15) in Sugar Bowl
Iowa (10) vs. Virginia Tech (11) in Rose Bowl
LSU (12) vs. Brigham Young (14) in Cotton Bowl
Penn State (13) vs. West Virginia (16) in Gator Bowl

To offer a bit more context to this system, let’s look at 2008 and 2007 to see how it would have worked.

2008 Rankings (BCS Ranking)

Oklahoma (1)
Florida (2)
USC (5)
Utah (6)
Penn State (8)
Boise State (9)
Cincinnati (12)
Georgia Tech (14)

First Round Schedule
Game 1: Georgia Tech (ACC) at Oklahoma (Big 12)
Game 2: Cincinnati (Big East) at Florida (SEC)
Game 3: Boise State (Western Athletic) at USC (Pac-10)
Game 4: Penn State (Big Ten) at Utah (Mountain West)

Second Round Schedule Game 5: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 4 in Sugar Bowl
Game 6: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3 in Rose Bowl

Championship
Game 7: Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 in Miami, Fla.

Other Bowls (BCS Ranking)
Texas (3) vs. Ohio State (10) in Fiesta Bowl
Alabama (4) vs. Texas Tech (7) in Orange Bowl
Oklahoma State (13) vs. Oregon (17) in Cotton Bowl
Georgia (15) vs. Michigan State (18) in Gator Bowl

2007 Rankings (BCS Ranking)

Ohio State (1)
LSU (2)
Virginia Tech (3)
Oklahoma (4)
USC (7)
West Virginia (9)
Hawaii (10)
BYU (17)

First Round Schedule
Game 1: BYU (Mountain West) at Ohio State (Big Ten)
Game 2: Hawaii (Western Athletic) at LSU (SEC)
Game 3: West Virginia (Big East) at Virginia Tech (ACC)
Game 4: USC (Pac-10) at Oklahoma (Big 12)

Second Round Schedule
Game 5: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 4 in Fiesta Bowl
Game 6: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 3 in Orange Bowl

Championship
Game 7: Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 in New Orleans, La.

Other Bowls (BCS Ranking)
Georgia (5) vs. Kansas (8) in Sugar Bowl
Illinois (13) vs. Arizona State (11) in Rose Bowl
Missouri (6) vs. Boston College (14) in Cotton Bowl
Florida (12) vs. Clemson (15) in Gator Bowl

Poor Mark Mangino

2010-02-01T22:38:00.003-05:00

It's not bad enough poor Mark gets mocked constantly for his weight, or that he got the axe from Kansas (Kansas!) just for being verbally and physically abusive to his players (yeah, he's the first one to do THAT)... now Mangino tops this Top 1 list from The Bleacher Report:

The 10 Coaches You Shouldn't Let Recruit Your Son

Ah, I just love lists. Top 10 this, top 5 that. whatever. Listen up - if your kid is good enough to play major college football his coach will be:

A) father figure
B) complete asshole
C) self-serving jerk
D) great human being
E) All of the above.

The answer is E. And that's probably all in the same day.

Cryogenically preserved JoePa

2010-01-30T12:56:00.004-05:00

Not that we meant to go back-to-back on the JoePa posts, but after reading this cover how pissed is Bobby Bowden right now? Probably not as mad as his wife.

Are Penn State fans pleased with this proclamation? They can't be surprised. Seriously, the guy is kept alive through some crazy cryogenic lab in State College anyways, so who's to say he won't be coaching at 100.

Start the bidding at ...

2010-01-29T21:37:00.004-05:00

Does anyone really need to (or want to) see the world through Joe Paterno's eyes besides JoePa? Then why would anyone want to see it through a pair of his glasses?

According to reports, Joe and his wife have donated a pair of the coach's signature thick glasses for an auction put on by PSU's public broadcasting. The auction takes place Feb 20 ... in case you want to make a bid.

To whet your appetite a bit more, JoePa autographed the glasses with a Sharpie. On second thought, the glasses might look good next to my Jerry Tarkanian towel and Bum Phillips cowboy hat.

I'll start the bidding at ...

Eatin' well in Tuscaloosa

2010-01-27T20:47:00.003-05:00

What the hell are they eating in Tuscaloosa?

Alabama's Terrence Cody, a 6-foot-4, 370-pound, run-stopping mass of humanity did not impress many folks at the Senior Bowl when he removed his shirt. Cody may have actually made people forget former Tide OL Andre Smith's jiggling, boob-bouncing 40-yard run at the NFL combine last year.

I don't see a single muscle in Cody's physique (he actually brings an entirely new meaning to Man Boobs), but let's be honest ... the guy can play. Still, did he do any training since the Tide won the BCS Championship on Jan. 7? I'd say he spent too much time here.

Not sure how much this will hurt him on draft day considering the Bengals didn't shy away from Smith. But it may cause the team that selects Cody to reconsider the menu at the rookie camp buffet line.

Podcast: Episode 58

2010-01-25T18:42:00.000-05:00

We're glad to be back after a week off from the podcasting world. Phil and Tom needed a little rest, but now they are ready to look at some of the hot topics in college football.

We start with an evaluation of the coaching hires around the country and evaluate who will make the most immediate impact, who will be the best long-term hire and who is the worst hire. Next, we discuss all of the recruiting wars and player poaching by coaches. Is it not time to have an early signing date for college football, much like basketball and other sports? We then shift our focus to the next decade. The SEC dominated the football landscape during the 2000s, but can it continue its dominance in the teens? There's a good chance, but as conferences look to add new teams the chances are good the SEC will come back to the rest of the pack.

We tried to get through a show without mentioning Lane Kiffin, but we couldn't do it. Sorry guys. We also pick the college football program we would play for today if either of us were 18 and had a lick of talent. Where would you go? Enjoy the show.

Runaway Lane

2010-01-25T10:07:00.001-05:00

It appears Lane Kiffin will have to live with video tributes like this until the season begins. So enjoy the latest Kiffin spoof courtesy of LSUFreek.

Tune in Monday

2010-01-24T21:48:00.004-05:00

We promise we'll be back Monday with a new college football podcast. We also promise to make it interesting. Would we have it any other way?

Pete Carroll keeps sense of humor

2010-01-21T21:42:00.004-05:00

Pete Carroll's Trip to Seattle Delayed from Rob Riggle

Why can't more coaches be like Pete Carroll? Yea, he screwed USC into future NCAA probation and convinced Trojan brass to hire brain-dead Lane Kiffin. But Pete just doesn't take himself too serious.

Could you see Nick Saban doing this? Or maybe Urban Meyer wouldn't need to dial 911 when Tim Tebow slips to the fifth round of the NFL Draft in April. Didn't think so.

The Horror

2010-01-20T22:58:00.004-05:00

Today, SI.com writer Andy Staples told me sports most dangerous job: being a college football coach.

Jesus.

Give me a freaking break, Andy.
Dangerous? No. Stressful. Sure. More dangerous and stressful than being a sportswriter? (And having been one myself) I'll say there are parking lot security guards who have more stress in their lives than some sports writers.

If it's so dangerous how come two 80-YEAR OLDS WERE COACHING MAJOR PROGRAMS LAST YEAR? Octogenarians typically do not hold dangerous jobs.

Are coaches expected to win games and recruit well each and every year? Yes. That's the deal. And they all know it and at the highest levels they're extremely well-compensated for it.

Man, I hate the offseason when we've got to make up story ideas for something to do.

Move over Lane

2010-01-19T09:26:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to give you a little more Lane Kiffin. Here's his press conference at USC. He acts like a teenager. How did Monte Kiffin's kid get to be so wimpy? Just answer the question from T.J. Simers and move on.

I have a feeling this is not the last time we'll be posting something about Mr. Kiffin.

How not to handle a presser

2010-01-16T12:01:00.003-05:00

As someone who has attended way too many pressers, and now helps organize them. This is not the way to do it.

How the media is acting is normal. Everyone wants the scoop or doesn't want to be left out. But the guy organizing the presser needs some medication. Give the media the ground rules and then sit back and let them duke it out. If they want to talk to the outgoing coach they'll fall into line.

Can't spell "Suck it, Lane!" without UT

2010-01-14T23:39:00.004-05:00

After being jilted by the hot, young thing they left their wife for, Tennessee appears to be running back to the old ball and chain, as Phil Fulmer Jr., errr David Cutcliffe is considered the clubhouse leader for the head coaching job.

Cutcliffe has nine wins in two seasons at Duke, which is like 20 wins at any normal school. But his biggest achievement was making Ole Miss just good enough to get himself fired.

Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and Air Force coach Troy Calhoun have each issued the standard coaching hire denials: "Who? What? I've never heard of them before. Tennesse? Don't even know where it is."

In Memoriam: Coaches lost this season

2010-01-13T16:43:00.003-05:00

Leave it to the LSUFreek to create another classic. This is a great take on the coaching changes from this season.

(Hat Tip: EDSBS)

Podcast: Episode 57

2010-01-13T13:43:00.001-05:00

We tried to take a week off from podcasting, but then USC, Pete Carroll and Lane Kiffin had to blow up this week.

Phil and Tom dissect the decisions of all three parties and where Tennessee goes from here in this impromptu podcast. Could the Vols go with Will Muschamp at Texas, Troy Calhoun at Air Force or throw everyone off and go an entirely different direction.

Speaking of Tennessee, what the heck was that athletic administration thinking by allowing the Traitor Kiffin to conduct a media conference at their facility. Bad call folks. So much for a week off. Enjoy the show.

Our boy no more ... Kiffin disappoints with move to USC

2010-01-12T21:15:00.006-05:00

So Lane, just one question? Did USC agree to pay your buyout as well as Bryce Brown's?

The seismic news out of SoCal is that first-year Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin figured it was a lot easier winning in the Pac-10 than it is in the SEC (and there's no Urban Meyer to get in his head) so he is now the USC coach after going 7-5 in his one season in Knoxville. (Good news for Bruce Pearl ... that's right you're the Big Man on Campus again). He's definitely escaping Knoxville like he possesses some of that SEC speed.

Word is Kiffin is also taking his daddy--defensive wiz Monte Kiffin--and the $650,000-a-year assistant head coach Ed Orgeron.

The UT message boards and blogs are going crazy. While some at USC are hailing this hire. With the crap that Pete Carroll left behind and the pending NCAA sanctions, wouldn't have made more sense for the Trojans to hire someone who didn't have weekly run-ins with NCAA brass?

While USC seems to have its man, who does Tennessee target now? Duke's David Cutcliffe, Air Force's Troy Calhoun, Virginia Tech's Bud Foster or East Carolina's Skip Holtz make sense. But sense UT doesn't seem to mind the publicity that comes with ego-first coaches, maybe Mike Leach or Jim Leavitt could step in right away.

Let's not forget, Phil Fulmer is still interested.

Tuberville right choice for Tech

2010-01-11T17:35:00.004-05:00

It certainly is a new day at Texas Tech.

Something just doesn't seem right watching Tommy Tuberville being introduced as the Red Raiders coach. We have questioned this hire, but his initial impression is solid. It was like watching the anti-Mike Leach.

Tuberville is a more traditional coaching choice for Texas Tech, especially since he is a defense-first guy. But he says he embraces the wide-open offense that was employed under Leach. We'll see how long that lasts, especially if you remember how well the Tony Franklin experiment went in his final season at Auburn.

Tuberville can build on Leach's success and that could mean more good days in Lubbock.

Bonus for Tuberville: It appears he found a way to re-use his Auburn sport coat and tie.

AEAAE Top 25 (Final)

2010-01-09T17:37:00.005-05:00

We know Nick Saban has picked up all of the National Title hardware, but if he'd like the trophy that comes with winning the final AEAAE poll he should let us know in the comment section and we'll set up a meeting place.

Team (LW) Record

Alabama (1) 14-0
Texas (2) 13-1
Florida (6) 13-1
Boise State (5) 14-0
Ohio State (7) 11-2
Iowa (9) 11-2
TCU (3) 12-1
Penn State (11) 11-2
Cincinnati (4) 12-1
Virginia Tech (14) 10-3
Oregon (8) 10-3
BYU (17) 11-2
Nebraska (15) 10-4
Georgia Tech (10) 11-3
LSU (13) 9-4
Pittsburgh (18) 10-3
Wisconsin (23) 10-3
Utah (24) 10-3
Miami (12) 9-4
Central Michigan (22) 12-2
USC (NR) 9-4
Mississippi (NR) 9-4
West Virginia (16) 9-4
Clemson (NR) 9-5
Texas Tech (NR) 9-4

Others receiving votes: Rutgers, Navy.

Wild, crazy first day of offseason

2010-01-08T20:54:00.005-05:00

There's enough college football news packed into the first day of the offseason than we'll probably get in the next three months (recruiting news doesn't county).

There's the rumors/credible information concerning Pete Carroll bolting for SoCal to give it another shot in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.

Naturally, no one at USC is sitting around waiting for Pete to make a decision. It appears to some influential Trojans have already reached out to Oregon State's Mike Riley, a former USC assistant, to see if he's interested in coming back to the Pac-10 mecca.

Of course the news at USC doesn't end there. Like rats jumping from a sinking ship, Trojan underclassmen are leaving for the NFL. WR Joe McKnight and WR Damian Williams.

The big news in Florida ... no, it has nothing to do with Urban Meyer or Tim Tebow ... is South Florida firing its one and only coach Jim Leavitt for lying and being a miserable human being.

Of course, Mike Leach doesn't want to be left out of the big day. Leach has fired back at Texas Tech administrators and accused them of making "slanderous and libelous" statements about him.

Now that's a way to start the offseason. Let's hope we get some more days like this.

McCoy handles disappointment with class

2010-01-08T20:44:00.003-05:00

Colt McCoy deserved much better than this. Anyone questioning his toughness after he left the BCS Championship game last night with an arm injury doesn't understand football. Not to say the Longhorns would have won last night if McCoy had remained at QB. But the game would have been much more interesting.

But McCoy didn't pout or make excuses. He was first class when interviewed after the disappointing end to an amazing career.

McCoy wanted nothing more than to give Texas another championship and cement his name and reputation right along Vince Young. Despite finishing second on the biggest stage, McCoy has nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, his performance last night may have been his best ever.

Podcast: Episode 56

2010-01-08T13:28:00.002-05:00

Less than 24 hours after watching Colt McCoy go down early and Alabama claim its 13th, seventh, fifth—I don't know who to believe—national championship, Phil and Tom are breaking down what was the perfect ending to a boring college football season.

We also take a closer look at the other BCS bowl games and discuss whether any conference can lay claim to superiority following the postseason (we like what the Big Ten accomplished on the big stage, and can't overlook the Tide and Florida).

We also look into the future a bit and discuss Terrelle Pryor, Boise State, South Florida without Jim Leavitt and the SEC. Enjoy as we are taking a week off from podcasting and probably won't return until Jan. 20.

Bowl Preview: BCS Super Duper National Championship Game for all the Marbles in the Whole Wide World

2010-01-07T10:19:00.003-05:00

BCS National Championship
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Ca.
Alabama vs. Texas
Date: Jan. 7
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: Alabama -4

About Alabama (13-0): The Tide got here the old-fashioned Tide way - defense, boring offense and deal with Satan. RB Mark Ingram won the Heisman by being the dreaded most important player on the best team. This does not bode well for winning national titles. The big news of the week was that starting LB Rolando McClain ate a "bad taco" which in college football parlance usually means he spent a night getting shitfaced with his friends and hasn't recovered.

Intangibles:
First Heisman trophy winner: -2
Mike Shula (or was it David?): -2
Major Ogilvie: +2

About Texas (13-0): Colt McCoy. Jordan Shipley. Other guys. Texas is generally regarded as the team that lucked into getting to the title game thanks to their weak conference, downfall of a dreaded rival (Oklahoma) and some league officials determined to have the 'Horns play for another title. Good passing game. Running game? Eh. Defense? Eh.

Intangibles:
History of great college football players who suck in the pros: -1
This is college football who gives a crap: +4
Austin: +2
Rest of Texas: -4

Impact player: McCoy. Colt, that is. Great name. Better have a great game.

Bowl slogan: "We're not really a bowl. We're not really a playoff championship. We're just here and you can't do a damn thing about it."

Little Known fact: The aforementioned Satan, lord of darkness, watches Nick Saban and says "That guy is kind of an ass."

Watchability (1-5): 5

The Pick: Texas 23, Alabama 22

Podcast update

2010-01-06T09:24:00.003-05:00

To all of our loyal podcast listeners, we will not have our customary Wednesday show. Instead, Phil and Tom are getting together Friday so we can break down the National Championship game as well as other important college football news. So come back Friday for your weekly update from An 'Eye and an 'Eer.

Bowl Preview: FedEx Orange Bowl

2010-01-05T12:53:00.003-05:00

FedEx Orange Bowl
Land Shark Stadium, Somewhere in the hell that is South Florida
Iowa vs. Georgia Tech
Date: Jan. 5
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FOX

About Iowa (10-2): The Hawkeyes are their traditional selves - a snoozefest on grass. They run the stretch play and run it again and run it again and then they run a QB boot and Ricky Stanzi throws an interception but then the Iowa defense intercepts the next pass and returns it for a touchdown. Victory Iowa!

Intangibles:
Stupid stand-up tight end in the 80s: -2
Chuck Long: +2
Ronnie Harmon throwing the Rose Bowl: -3

About Georgia Tech (11-2): The Yellow Jackets run the wishbone or triple option or one of those things like it's 1978. LOVE IT. Screw the pass. Unfortunately their defense kind of sucks. But keep running the ball, Paul Johnson. Don't ever change, man. (sniff).

Intangibles:
Ramblin' Wreck: +2
Yellow Jackets: -2
Bobby Cremins hair: -3
Matt Geiger's hair: -4

Impact player: Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer was considered a pre-season Heisman contender, but we all know offensive players who play a specific role in an unusual offensive system never win the Heisman, such as Andre Ware, Eric Crouch, Tommy Frazier, Danny Wuerffel, Ty Detmer and Tim Tebow. what was I saying? Oh yeah, Dwyer. Impact.

Bowl slogan: "The least important Orange Bowl since last year."

Little known fact: This game will be viewed by fewer people than that Florida - Cincinnati debaucle. (You can't spell debaucle with UC.)

Watchability (1-5): 2.4

The pick: Iowa 24, Georgia Tech 20

The many deceptions of Chris Petersen

2010-01-05T11:53:00.002-05:00

Despite what the ESPN and Fox analysts want us to believe, we didn't find out last night that Boise State is an elite team. We learned they could outlast another mid-level team. But we also learned the Broncos coach Chris Petersen is one gutsy coach. He has more trick plays and is never afraid to use them. For that ... I love Boise State. Go Broncos!

Unflattering BCS ad to air this week

2010-01-04T22:14:00.003-05:00

We are the last place you'll find support for a playoff, but we would like to offer some suggestions on how to make the BCS system work better. But we have to give it to the group who did this 30-second spot, that according to Sports By Brooks will air in select cities before the BCS Championship game between Alabama and Texas. This reminds us of a political campaign, and if the folks at the BCS don't want this to snowball they should consider a response ad.

All crunked up on UT

2010-01-04T22:03:00.004-05:00

This video proves there is very little difference between being a Virginia Tech fan and a Tennessee fan. You love NASCAR, struggle with the finer points of grammar and you invented the fourth meal before Taco Bell.

Bowl Preview: Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

2010-01-04T00:39:00.003-05:00

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
U. of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Az.
Boise State vs. TCU
Date: Jan. 4
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FOX
Line: TCU -7

About Boise State (12-0): The Broncos earned a BCS berth in the first game of the season when they beat Oregon. After that they trounced a bunch of horrible WAC teams and .. voila! ... it's the Fiesta Bowl! Boise is decent, though. They can do a bit of everything and their defense is good.

Intangibles:
Beating Oklahoma three years ago with remarkable plays: +2
Having to hear it about it every time they take the freaking field: -3
Inevitable non-stop yammering about non-BCS schools during telecast: -3

About TCU (12-0): The Mountain West's performance in bowl games will give TCU a better image than it probably should have. Their one big non-conference victory? At Clemson. A nice win, but well, it was Clemson. The Horned Frogs are fast on defense and have a nice quarterback. And they're balanced.

Intangibles:
Horned Frogs as opposed to regular frogs: +2
Trying to name three players on TCU roster: -3
Having Jesus on their side: +2

Impact Player: Boise State Kellen Moore has big numbers against crap-ass WAC teams. But Moore can be rattled with pressure and doesn't have a huge arm. Moore needs to be above average for Boise to win.

Bowl slogan: "For the world championship of teams people don't care about!"

Little known fact: I, like many people, were upset about this matchup. It's a dumb idea. The very idea behind non-BCS schools making BCS games is that it gives non team-aligned fans an underdog to root for, a system spoiler, etc. Who do you root for in this game? Who gives a crap? One of these teams finishes undefeated and they get a sombrero and some Tostitos.

Watchability (1-5): 3

The pick: TCU 34, Boise State 31

'Eye keeps replaying Rose Bowl

2010-01-02T13:25:00.003-05:00

Anyone trying to find the 'Eye today should stop trying now. He certainly DVR'd the Rose Bowl and is on his fifth re-watch of the game just to make sure Ohio State really won. Enjoy it Phil.

Capital One embarrassment

2010-01-01T21:56:00.003-05:00

Trying to watch any of the Capital One Bowl today was painful (almost as bad as watching Cincinnati's performance against Florida). Everyone involved with organizing that game should be embarrassed by the field conditions that Penn State and LSU were forced to deal with.

Bowl games are supposed to be a memorable experience, and not resemble the movie Hard Rain with Christian Slater. We already witnessed earlier in the week when Miami's Graig Cooper suffered a nasty injury because of the miserable field conditions. This should not have happened and it needs to be remedied before they play another bowl game here.

The above image is from Penn State assistant Jay Paterno's Twitter feed (Hat Tip: Dr. Saturday).

My arm's not supposed to bend that way

2010-01-01T21:47:00.002-05:00

Florida is taking care of business in the Sugar Bowl, but RB Jeff Demps suffered an ugly injury to his left arm as he tried to regain his balance. We don't like posting these videos, but it seems you all want to see them. The video quality is poor, but it's the only one we could find at this point.

Bowden plants his spear

2010-01-01T21:41:00.002-05:00

We are always talking about the traditions of college football are what make it the best game played. Watching outgoing FSU coach Bobby Bowden plant the flaming Seminoles' flag at midfield before the Gator Bowl today was an emotional moment. Wasn't real pleased with the outcome of the game, but a great moment.

No class Nittany Lions

2010-01-01T13:29:00.003-05:00

I'll say it again ... Penn State fans are classless.

Hey Corso, the kid is blind

2010-01-01T13:04:00.003-05:00

This is what Lee Corso gets for picking Oregon to win the Rose Bowl. The ESPN idiot tries to shake the hand of a blind boy during today's Game Day. It hasn't been Corso's best season.

The only thing funnier this season was when Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien couldn't get any love from his teammates who aren't blind.

Flippin' Freak

2009-12-31T22:02:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-31T17:51:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-31T17:35:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-31T16:43:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-31T15:06:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-31T14:19:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-31T11:41:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-31T11:02:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-31T01:30:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-31T00:36:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-30T22:54:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-30T21:07:00.001-05:00

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

2009-12-30T13:52:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-30T13:13:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-29T16:17:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-29T09:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-28T20:32:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-27T23:33:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-27T22:32:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-26T14:57:00.002-05:00

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?

2009-12-26T13:10:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-24T11:18:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-24T10:53:00.003-05:00

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

2009-12-24T09:51:00.007-05:00

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

2009-12-23T13:26:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-23T10:49:00.005-05:00

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

2009-12-22T21:39:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-22T21:22:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-21T22:47:00.004-05:00

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

2009-12-21T21:29:00.004-05:00

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.