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.

Last-minute Bowl Preview: Independence Bowl

Independence Bowl
Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La.
Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
Date: Dec. 28
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Louisiana Tech –2.5

About Northern Illinois: The Huskies continued to field a football team this year despite not having Michael Tuner or Garrett Wolfe. Why, remains a mystery to many. N. Ill. Did have five players on the all-Academic MAC team. That’s nice, because they’ll need the degree.

Intangibles:
In Illinois: +1
Not in Chicago: -5
6-6:-4
5-3 in MAC: -7

About Louisiana Tech: They're in the WAC. They wear red and blue. I swear, is there a worse damn bowl game? This is pathetic. Would anyone have noticed if I didn't do this preview? Geesh.

Intangibles:
No McCown brother playing quarterback: -7
Karl Malone: -2
Forced to attend school in Shreveport, La.: -3
Cajun cooking; +6


Impact Player: La. Tech cornerback Tym Toussaint. I don’t know if he’s any good, but his parents have a nice sense of humor.

Bowl slogan: “Shreveport in December: for the cold drizzle lover in all of us.”

Little known fact: La. Tech head coach Derek Dooley is the head coach AND athletic director. If you’re at a school that makes you be the athletic director, you need to go to a better school. Unless it’s a Barry Alvarez-power play, then it’s all you.

Watchability (1-5): no rating. in lieu of watching, stab eyes out with ice pick

The Pick: La. Tech 35, Northern Illinois 24