Podcast: Episode 58

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.

Tune in Monday

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

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.

AEAAE Top 25 (Final)

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

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

Others receiving votes: Rutgers, Navy.

Podcast: Episode 34

Phil and Tom put down their Xbox wireless controllers long enough to give you 30-plus minutes of College Football banter. We both believe Urban Meyer wants to stay at Florida, but what if Notre Dame comes calling with $8 million a year? It would be tough for the good Catholic boy to pass up the "Dream Job." It's not a shock that Joe Paterno is on Bobby Bowden's side and thinks the NCAA is wrong to strip the FSU coach of 14 victories. Our question is when was the last time Paterno or Bowden actually earned a victory. Shouldn't most of those wins the past few years go to an assistant coach? We also unveil our top three college games we attended in person. Enjoy the show.

Urban sounds like Saban

OK. So Urban Meyer is doing his best Nick Saban impression. He says he's staying at Florida and will never coach at Notre Dame. Really. Do you believe him? I think I do. If he wanted to coach the Irish he would have taken the job instead of Florida. How did that work out for him?

Meyer leaving UF after 2009

Gotta love the SEC. Wait until you hear this one.

It seems University of Florida commit Matt Elam, a stud linebacker from West Palm Beach, Fla., is ready to look around after a coach at another school told him Urban Meyer is leaving the Gators after Tim Tebow's final season in 2009.

Elam, who committed to UF in October, told Rivals.com that he will now take visits to other schools—most likely Alabama, Georgia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Since Elam is a five-star recruit I'm sure rival coaches would do almost anything to get him on their campus instead of Gainesville.

According to the Miami Herald, Elam claims he never told Rivals.com about the Meyer rumor.

But let's say it's true. Which coach has the most to gain? And where does Meyer go after 2009? It sounds like something Our Boy at Tennessee would do. However, I'm leaning toward Mark Richt. He hates Meyer and figures he has nothing to lose in this relationship. Meyer's most likely destination is a no-brainer ... Notre Dame.

So the recruiting of Matt Elam continues. Sorry Gator fans, but this is simply old-fashioned SEC recruiting.

Nick Saban is a baller

I don't need to tell you that Nick Saban's a lucky man. He makes millions, coaches at one of the best college football programs in the nation and his Crimson Tide should be competing for the SEC championship this fall.

But Saban's season was almost put into jeopardy following an injury to his left hand following a pick-up basketball game in the Noon Basketball Association in Tuscaloosa. OK, he wouldn't really miss the season. But could he be considering coaching from the press box to protect himself from more damage?

Charlie Weis is a tough guy and will coach from the sidelines despite the strain on his surgically repaired knee. Saban appears to be equally strong and will not require any special treatment this fall.

Sounds like some good work by team physician Dr. James Andrews.

Nothing better to do links

Hope this saves you some time and gives you some recent college football news.

* At first glance, Nick Saban's snatching of Auburn coach James Willis seemed like a stomach punch to new coach Gene Chizik. On second glance, Saban may have been suckered.

* I've never thought too highly of South Florida's Jim Leavitt. Now he's proving even more what a paranoid, gutless coach he is.

* Finally, another "intelligent college football fan" who doesn't think a playoff is a better option for Division I.

* Good for Chris Smelley, the former South Carolina quarterback who was treated like a piece of meat by Steve Spurrier. Now he'll be playing baseball for the Crimson Tide.

* Maybe the Florida Gators miss former assistant coach Doc Holliday, who is now at WVU, more than anyone expected.

* Syracuse's biggest recruit may actually be at the University of North Carolina right now. Hey Butch, any restrictions on your transfers?

* Now this criticism of the BCS is one I can support.

* Piling on Rich Rodriguez continues. He, he, he he.

Party crashers

I'm not here to figure out all of the what-ifs and possible scenarios that could lead to voters to give Utah a split of the national championship. But what a show the Utes put on in last night's Sugar Bowl.

Experts will give us thousands of reasons why mighty Nick Saban and his Crimson Tide were whipped by Utah in New Orleans. Really, it's simple. Utah showed up to play and was never intimidated by its much more respected opponent.

In Ian Rappaport's blog at the Birmingham News, Utah cornerback Sean Smith, made an observation about the Utes' opponent. "Maybe they were upset that they weren't in the national championship game," Smith said. "But you just don't go out and play like you don't want to be in the Sugar Bowl. I don't think they expected us to come out firing on all cylinders like we did."

Well put Mr. Smith.

I don't believe Utah is the best team in the nation. But last night the Utes played like it.

(Photo courtesy of Tuscaloosa News)

Bowl Preview: Sugar Bowl

Nokia Sugar Bowl
SuperDome, New Orleans
Utah vs. Alabama
Date: Jan. 2
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: FOX
Line: Alabama -9.5

About Utah: A lovely state. I was there this past summer. Really cool. The football team? I dunno. They're undefeated, although it's unclear how and are the BCS Buster yearly sacrificial lamb. Remember Hawaii, last year? Yeah. They were undefeated too.

Intangibles:
Salt Lake City: +3
Mormons: -1
Park City: +2
Utes: +1

About Alabama: The evil genius of Nick Saban nearly prevailed this year as the Tide were a game away from playing in the national championship. Instead, they end up in the Sugar Bowl, which is fine with 'Bama fans - for now anyway, Nick. Saban runs the Tide like an NFL team. That scholarship is purely temporary if you're not performing.

Intangibles:
Bear Bryant: +3
Gene Stallings: +1
Mike Price: -2
Ray Perkins: -1
Bill Curry: -3
Mike DuBose: -5

Impact Player: Alabama OT Andre Smith. Oops. He got suspended. Well, that's an impact, I guess.

Bowl Slogan: "Have a Hurricane! Have three! Your mugger will be awaiting you at Exit 6. Come back soon!"

Little Known Fact: Bama is required by state law to have at least one player named "Travis" or "Cooper" on its roster.

Watchability (1-5): 3

The Pick: 'Bama 28, Utah 10

First impressions

We noted yesterday that the hiring of Gene Chizik as Auburn's replacement for Tommy Tuberville caught us off guard. Clearly the reaction of the Tiger fans (OK, maybe just one fan) at the airport Saturday wasn't a great start.

Dr. Saturday at YahooSports.com noted today that this is in stark contrast to the welcome that Nick Saban received when he became Alabama's coach.

Picks of the Week

After consecutive winning weeks (against the spread), I'm taking some bigger chances this week. Let's see how I do when the stakes are a little bigger.

Alabama (-14.5) over Auburn
Nick Saban will have his Tide ready to play in the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. The Bama fans have been stoked all week and Bryant-Denny Stadium will be bouncing Saturday. This will complete the great turnaround under Saban and propel Alabama into the SEC championship game on a real high.
Pick: Alabama 38, Auburn 9

Baylor (+21.5) over Texas Tech
This is a real leap. I know Tech will be out to make a statement after getting dismantled last week. But Baylor, despite being 4-7, has improved this season under Art Briles. The Bears will lose on the road in Lubbock, but will keep it closer than 21.5.
Pick: Texas Tech 45, Baylor 24

Oklahoma (-7) over Oklahoma State
With a potential spot in the Big 12 championship game, as well as the BCS title game, the Sooners are prepared and will cruise past Okie State. Sam Bradford could even make a last-second Heisman push with a big win here and a win in the conference title game. Mike Gundy has done a great job with the Cowboys, but they won't get the upset on this day.
Pick: Oklahoma 41, Oklahoma State 28

Missouri (-16) over Kansas
Three months ago this looked like a great season-finale for the Big 12 North. Now Missouri is trying to get to 10 victories as the Tigers prepare for either Texas or Oklahoma. KU has slipped a lot from last year's Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech to a 6-5 mark this season. An upset here would help erase some of the tough losses.
Pick: Missouri 49, Kansas 24

Upset of the Week
Oregon (+3) over Oregon State
This game is in Corvalis and the Beavers have a Rose Bowl berth on the line, but without running back Jacquizz Rodgers the Ducks will pull the upset and claim second place in the Pac-10. A victory would also allow Oregon to finish the second winning five of six (of course in six different uniforms).
Pick: Oregon 24, Oregon State 20

Last Week: 3-2
Season: 24-26

Iron Bowl fans

Rivalries are what make college football. Auburn-Alabama in the Iron Bowl is as good as it gets.

For some reason, the pure hate that Alabama and Auburn feel toward each other has hit an all-time high this year. Bama fans really are having a great year. Nick Saban has the Tide at No. 1 in the nation, Tennessee canned Fat Phil Fulmer and Auburn is on the verge of sending Tommy Tuberville packing.

But what if Auburn pulls the upset at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday?

Now Dickie V is a football expert

While casually watching North Carolina whip up on Kentucky in basketball last night (what's happened to the Wildcats?), I'm trying to block out Dick Vitale. He has become a caricature of the vintage Dickie V of the late 1980s. He's annoying and wastes time during good college basketball games.

Then I heard him start talking about college football. Why? Some sub-par basketball coach decides he wants to pontificate about another sport. Stop it.

So, he was chatting with University of Florida alum Erin Andrews about how she must be loving the Gators football team right now. He said, "Mr. Tebow and company look like they're going to ultimately be national champions."

Think Nick Saban was watching? Probably not. Maybe he was poking recruits on Facebook or something. But I'm sure a few Bama fans were watching and heard this choice remark.

"They can't hear us in Alabama, can they?" Vitale said during the broadcast. "They have no shot against the Gators when they play for the SEC title. They have no shot. Nick Saban has done a phenomenal job ... but I'm telling you, that Florida Gators team is like a juggernaut."

Just more fuel for the Saban fire. I'm starting to think more and more that Alabama is going to be so ready for that game. Watch out Gators.

$600,000 more reasons to despise Saban

If you don't like Nick Saban or think he's already overpaid it might be a good time to stop reading.

While scanning the online edition of the Birmingham (Ala.) News today, I ran across these interesting incentives included Saban's contract at the University of Alabama.

* $75,000 for making SEC championship game. (In the bag)
* Additional $50,000 for winning it.
* $65,000 for reaching a bowl game. (Take it to the bank)
* Increases to $90,000 for bowl games such as Chick-Fil-A or Outback. (No problem)
* A BCS bowl appearance makes him $125,000 instead. (Good bet)
* A national championship appearance and it goes up to $200,000.
* A Crimson Tide win? Double it to $400,000.
* Saban can pocket another $25,000 for being named SEC coach of the year (only a conspiracy keeps this from him) and twice that for being the national coach of the year. (Likely, but there is competition)

So what should he get? At a minimum Nick gets an additional $215,000. If he sweeps the incentive-palooza that Bama has set up? $600,000.

How much do you hate him now?

Tide rolls in OT

Going into overtime, LSU had the momentum. Then Jarrett Lee decided to throw another ill-advised pass and he was picked off in the end zone (his fourth of the game). Alabama didn't let the gift-wrapped opportunity pass. In case you missed it, above is the entire OT plus Nick Saban's interview afterward.

Coaching arrogance

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

Many newspapers in Florida have indicated a new coach has taken over the Florida Gators. His name is Arrogant Meyer. The Gator fans were booing them or him at the game Saturday. This hasn't happened since Charley Pell was there. A lot of people think the team has adopted Coach Arrogant's attitude.

Every year there are a few coaches who start believing they are the best thing to ever happen to coaching. Richie Rod, Arrogant Meyer and Charlie "King" Weis will be joined soon by Nick Satan.

He is next. It is in his makeup. Always has been.

Those at the Top ... BEWARE

What happened this weekend should not be such a surprise. After what happened last year to the national championship picture, the upsets yesterday are more proof of how balanced college football is these days.

So don't think anyone is a lock to play for it all right now. New No. 1 Oklahoma may look like a world beater today, but let's see how they do against Texas, Kansas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. Then there's No. 2 Alabama, who dominated Georgia for a half. Nick Saban's boys are playing as well as anyone in the nation. But Bama must get past Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn.

Others have crept into the conversation. Penn State, Missouri, Texas, LSU, BYU and South Florida are all in the mix now. What I realized even more after Saturday is that the usual favorites are still in the mix. Don't be surprised when USC, Florida or Georgia finds its way back into the BCS Championship hunt in November ... because championships aren't won in September.

USC is in the best shape of the one-loss teams. They have the easiest schedule and dropped to No. 9. There are few teams in front of them that will lose just because they play other Top 10 teams.

What's very interesting about the Top 10 is that only two SEC teams are in, but four Big 12 boys are among the elite this week.

Here's a look at the AP Top 10

1. Oklahoma (4-0)
2. Alabama (5-0)
3. LSU (4-0)
4. Missouri (4-0)
5. Texas (4-0)
6. Penn State (5-0)
7. Texas Tech (4-0)
8. Brigham Young (4-0)
9. USC (2-1)
10. South Florida (5-0)

Check out our Top 25 tomorrow night.