Podcast: Episode 61

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.

Stay classy Cincinnati

Dear Bearcats fans,

Let me see if I have this right.

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

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

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

Regards,

Brian Kelly
Head Football Coach
Notre Dame

And he's even Irish...

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

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

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

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

Podcast: Episode 51

It may be championship weekend in many of the conferences, but nothing seems to be more important than who'll replace Charlie Weis as coach at Notre Dame (OK, maybe Tiger Woods is more important, but this is about college football). Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer have said no thanks. Brian Kelly is politicking hard for the spot, but hey he's trying to get out of Cincinnati. So what's wrong with Notre Dame? Is this job just not as highly coveted as the Fighting Irish faithful think it is?

We couldn't overlook the retirement of Bobby Bowden and what faces Jimbo Fisher now that he's in charge. Phil and Tom also break down the championship games, as well as look at Toby Gerhart's chances of winning the Heisman Trophy, and they also give you their picks for second-half surprises.

So if you have the time listen to this week's podcast.

Holtz logic rubbing off on Mark May

Remember when ESPN analyst Mark May picked Hawaii to beat Georgia in the 2008 Sugar Bowl? Now he has said something even dumber.

May, who was recently interviewed by the New York Post, said Notre Dame should hire his fellow analyst Lou Holtz for two to three years so he could return the Irish to national prominence. I could buy this if he was just trying to get Holtz off the set at the World Wide Leader (is Trev Alberts available?).

I'm not sure which statement was wackier. Keep up the good work Mark.

Odds favor Meyer, Kelly to be next at ND

So who should I put my cash on to be Notre Dame's next coach?

Urban Meyer or Brian Kelly? There's not much upside to either one as offshor betting service Bodog.com is giving 3:2 odds on either one to be the next Irish coach. Jim Harbaugh is 3:1 but that doesn't look too good as he's about to sign an extension at Stanford.

How about Oregon's Chip Kelly at 5:1? Kirk Ferentz at 10:1? Or Bob Stoops at 20:1? Le't's not forget Jon Gruden at 30:1.

What no odds on Charlie Weis being retained? Hey Charlie who you putting your money on? Maybe I should ask Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick and we could split the winnings.

Picks of the Week: No. 10

Next year I’ll flip a coin on each pick. Not sure I could do much worse than I am this season. I feel good about this week. Calling it now ... This is my first 5-0 week (you see how well my predictions have been all season).

Louisville (+20.0) over West Virginia
Anyone who has followed this Big East rivalry over the years realizes the Cardinals and Mountaineers always play close games ... No matter how much a team is favored. The Mountaineers have more talent and have home-field advantage, but lame-duck Steve Kragthorpe will pull a few magical tricks and keep this much closer than 20 points. Expect Noel Devine to have a monster game against a Louisville defense that struggled with Utah, Pitt and UConn.
Pick: West Virginia 34, Louisville 21

Notre Dame (-11.0) over Navy
The Irish defense will have its full with Navy’s triple-option, but No. 22 Notre Dame is at home and has plenty of momentum and one of the best rushing defenses in the nation. QB Jimmy Clausen has played like the top prospect from a few years ago, including a three-touchdown performance in last week’s 40-14 victory over Washington State. The Irish also get Michael Floyd back at receiver after a five-game absence. This one should never be in doubt.
Pick: Notre Dame 31, Navy 18

Fresno State (-8.0) over Idaho
After a rough start to the season, Pat Hill’s Bulldogs went 4-0 in October to improve to 5-3 and 4-1 in the WAC. The Vandals have been one of the biggest surprises of 2009 sitting at 7-2 and bowl-eligible. This one will be at the Kibbie Dome, where Idaho is 4-0. As much as I’d like to go with Robb Akey’s Vandals, Fresno is more accustomed to playing in big games so the Bulldogs get the edge this week.
Pick: Fresno State 44, Idaho 33

TCU (-24.5) over San Diego State
The Aztecs under first-year coach Brady Hoke are 4-4, but all four victories are against weak competition. Enter the No. 6 Horned Frogs, arguably the best non-BCS team in the nation and probably one of the top eight teams in the country. TCU senior DE Jerry Hughes will harass San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley all afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium.
Pick: TCU 48, San Diego State 10

Upset of the Week
Florida State (+8.5) over Clemson
Since I struggle to pick ACC games why not try one out for the upset of the week. If Clemson’s defense can apply plenty of pressure to Christian Ponder the Tigers will win this game easily. However, FSU seems rejuvenated and with only one Bowden in the stadium and on the heels of DC Mickey Andrews announcing his retirement, the Seminoles are going to find a way to slow C.J. Spiller and Clemson. The ‘Noles will put pressure on freshman QB Kyle Parker to win the game and force him into a crucial turnover late in the game.
Pick: Florida State 36, Clemson 31

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 23-22

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 6)

Florida and Texas play well this week, so both are now ahead of idle Alabama in the weekly An 'Eye and an 'Eer Top 25 poll. Similar to the national polls, Boise State was jumped by TCU, but the Broncos remain ahead of Oregon.

Team (LW) Record

1. Florida (1) 8-0
2. Texas (3) 8-0
3. Alabama (2) 8-0
4. Iowa (4) 9-0
5. Cincinnati (6) 8-0
6. TCU (8) 8-0
7. Boise State (7) 8-0
8. Oregon (12) 7-1
9. LSU (9) 7-1
10. Georgia Tech (10) 8-1
11. Pittsburgh (14) 7-1
12. Penn State (11) 8-1
13. Houston (18) 7-1
14. USC (5) 6-2
15. Ohio State (17) 7-2
16. Utah (15) 7-1
17. Miami (19) 6-2
18. Arizona (24) 6-2
19. Notre Dame (25) 6-2
20. Oklahoma State (13) 6-2
21. Oklahoma (NR) 5-3
22. California (NR) 6-2
23. Wisconsin (NR) 6-2
24. South Florida (NR) 6-2
25. Clemson (NR) 5-3

Others receiving votes: West Virginia, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Auburn, Central Michigan, Texas Tech, Boston College.

Where's the Catholic love?

Boston College's Rich Gunnell and Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen clearly are not friends. Now I just want to know what Gunnell said to Clausen to cause the least-favorite QB in the country to push him following the Irish's close win Saturday.

Podcast: Episode 44

Apparently we can stop the college football season and just let Florida and Alabama play for the national championship. At least that seems to be the consensus around the nation. However, the podcast bozos from An 'Eye and 'Eer just don't see it that way. In fact, we believe Florida and Alabama are outstanding football teams, but maybe a bit overrated considering how weak the SEC is this year. So let's allow the games to be played and see where things fall.

Episode 44 also delves into the good and bad of instant replay, as well as a preview to some of this weekend's big games (USC-Notre Dame, Cincinnati-South Florida and the Red River Rivalry). Surprisingly it is the second week in a row that we talk about Bobby Bowden and what lies ahead. Somehow we also found a way to include Al Groh, Terrelle Pryor, and Marshall into the show. Happy listening.

Eddie George is no expert

It's clear there are way too many "football experts" these days. Hell, the 'Eye and the 'Eer believe they know a little about the game.

But Eddie George, the Heisman-winning running back from Ohio State, has to remove that tag now. He picked Cal to beat USC a couple weeks ago and now he claims Notre Dame will take down the Trojans this weekend.

Hey Eddie, we know you're a homer but this is a little over the top. Make your picks with some facts, not just your heart.

(Hat tip: Conquest Chronicles)

Great prediction Lou

Like we needed any more proof that Lou Holtz is senile, but it's fun to go back and watch his stellar prediction that Notre Dame will play Florida in the BCS Championship Game. Now let's see how he figures out a way to still keep the Irish in the talk for a BCS Bowl Game.

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?

2009's best non-conference matchups

With all of the talk about teams trying to make their non-conference schedules as easy as possible I decided it was time to look at the 2009 schedule and give you the 10 best non-conference match ups.

Here are my picks.

1. USC at Ohio State (8 p.m. EST, Sept. 12, ESPN): Buckeyes hope to end their big-game struggles at the Horseshoe against the Trojans. USC crushed OSU last year 35-3, but the Buckeyes are 23-1 under Jim Tressel in non-conference home games.

2. Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (8 p.m. EST, Sept. 5, ABC): Alabama is back in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Last year the Tide shocked Clemson en route to a perfect regular season. The Hokies hope to represent the ACC in a much better light than Clemson. This game features two of the nation's best defenses and the crowd will be electric.

3. Oregon at Boise State (10:15 p.m. EST, Sept. 3, ESPN): I almost picked this as the top game because the Ducks are traveling to a non-BCS school putting their whole season on the line. The Ducks will also have a new coach and uniforms that will undoubtedly clash with the blue turf. Great game, though, with two Top 15 teams getting the season started on a Thursday night. This is a must watch. If the Broncos win they're probably 12-0 in 2009.

4. Georgia at Oklahoma State (3:30 p.m. EST, Sept. 5, ABC): Georgia didn't play well in big games last season, and Mark Richt could use a win in this game in a serious way. However, when the Bulldogs agreed to this road game Oklahoma State was a middle of the pack Big 12 program. Things are different now and I won't be suprised a bit to see the Cowboys win this game easily.

5. West Virginia at Auburn (7:45 p.m. EST, Sept. 19, ESPN): This was a great game last year in Morgantown. But this year WVU is without Pat White, doesn't have the homefield edge and the Tigers will want to exact a bit of revenge. Think Morgantown is crazy on a Thursday night? Wait until the Mountaineers see Jordan-Hare Stadium. Crazy.

6. Oklahoma at Miami (TBA, Oct. 3, TBA): This matchup brings back memories of Brian Bosworth and Barry Switzer vs. Vinny Testaverde and Jimmy Johnson. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes they aren't quite talented enough to hang with the Sooners. Sam Bradford and the Sooners should have a better outcome this time in Miami.

7. Florida State at Florida (TBA, Nov. 28, TBA): Great rivalry that has been dominated by the Gators of late. The Seminoles are getting better, but Tim Tebow and UF will get another win in 2009.

8. Nebraska at Virginia Tech (3:30 p.m., Sept. 19, ABC): Big 12 vs. ACC. This is another opportunity for the ACC to gain a bit of respect nationally. The Cornhuskers could do the same with a win in front of a hostile crowd at Lane Stadium. Winner of this one gains a lot of traction.

9. Notre Dame at Pittsburgh (TBA, Nov. 14, TBA): Do you remember last year's overtime thriller? I do. I was sitting in a bar in Columbus waiting for a Blue Jackets game to get underway. This game always seems to have a number of twists and turns to keep it exciting. I expect more of the same this year as Pitt believes it can win the Big East and the Irish try to remain relevant. Now if we could just get Penn State to play Pitt or WVU again.

10. Illinois at Cincinnati (TBA, Nov. 27, TBA): The timing isn't the best for Cincinnati as this game is sandwiched between West Virginia and at Pitt. The Bearcats are good enough to repeat as Big East champs, and Illinois is experienced. The winner here could position itself for a solid bowl game.

Weis' warped reality

Sorry, but I don't believe Charlie Weis. Sorry, Teddy Greenstein but you bought his crap.

It seems Weis wants us all to believe he considered stepping down at Notre Dame--giving up tens of millions in future compensation--after the Irish were upset at home by Syracuse.

He says quitting would have been gutless. In reality, he would have gained more respect. Certainly there would have been an NFL coordinator's job waiting for him.

No more meeting with the media. No more alumni functions. No more 18-22 year-olds not listening.

Charlie realizes he has a good gig and he's not going anywhere unless the Irish brass show him the door. After getting ripped by USC it looked like ND would do just that. Instead, they caved. Saw how much it would cost and saddled themselves with Weis for at least another year.

Recruiting went well, but Notre Dame may not be much better than 6-6 this season. So will the Irish buy into Weis again? I wouldn't. You can't believe a word he says.

Ask us a question

Phil and Tom are less than a week away from their next podcast and they would love to answer questions from the fans. If there is something going on in College Football right now that you'd love to hear us discuss, please send us an email at eyeandeer@gmail.com.

Remember we won't discuss Charlie Weis or Notre Dame until either or both become relevant in College Football. However, we'd love to discuss tOSU or WVU.

Regards,

Phil and Tom

Finally some sanity

College football and reality usually don't mix well.

There was the recent revelation the University of Tennessee is paying overhyped wunderkind Lane Kiffin and his bloated staff more than $5 million. There is Texas Tech giving Mike Leach a take or leave it ultimatum on a contract extension that includes something like $12 million more for college football's most overrated coach.

Did anyone at these universities realize we're experiencing an economic meltdown?

Well, finally news that some programs are acknowledging what the rest of us are experiencing is encouraging. The Associated Press reported today that the University of Miami will trade in flights for charter buses and in other story that the three largest schools in Mississippi are preparing for rough times.

This is just the start. No university is immune to the recession. Except maybe Notre Dame, who flew coaches to Hawaii like every day to get linebacker Manti Te'o to commit to the mainland.

Not so fast Notre Dame

It's amazing how one (impressive) victory can alter everyone's opinion so fast.

Just 72 hours ago, we were talking about how Notre Dame didn't have a chance against Hawaii in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. How if the Fighting Irish lost Charlie Weis could still be in trouble of losing his gig as the BIG man in South Bend.

But ND didn't lose. The Irish looked every bit as good as a team stacked with blue chippers and five-star talents should. I watched the game on Christmas Eve and was flabbergasted with how ND looked like an elite team. The Irish were faster, bigger and played with more emotion than the Rainbow Warriors.

And did you see the way Jimmy Clausen played? He set Irish bowl records with 401 passing yards and five TDs as Notre Dame rolled to a 49-21 victory--ND's first postseason win in 15 years.

Now that I've had time to think about it, this performance shouldn't be such a surprise.

Notre Dame should destroy Hawaii. The Irish recruit elite players, who should be able to play at any of the best schools in the nation. Hawaii takes cast-offs like Colt Brennan and hope they develop into stars. What made ND's victory so interesting was that the Irish played with the emotion of a team needing to make a statement--even if it was in a bowl way below ND standards.

Now I'm hearing and reading about how this is the tipping point for ND football. That with all the Irish's returning players next year that they could be a big-time player in college football in 2009.

Bogus.

Remember less than 12 months ago when Georgia entered the Sugar Bowl with all kinds of hype and a chip on the shoulder for not being considered for the BCS Championship? The Bulldogs dominated the miscast Warriors 41-10, and the hype began for the Bulldogs. Mark Richt's team was anointed the favorite for 2008. We all know how well that went for UGA.

Now Hawaii has kick started the Notre Dame hype machine for 2009.

Over at the Bleacher Report, one writer is claiming that ND athletic director Jack Swarbrick's decision to stick with Weis was rewarded with Wednesday's victory. How low have the standards fallen among the Irish faithful that a road win over Hawaii saves a season? Here's how low. Notre Dame used to turn down bowl games like this, especially after a 6-6 regular season. Now they take the game to end bowl losing streaks.

What I think most will remember is that Notre Dame had lost five of its last seven, including an embarrassing 24-23 loss to Syracuse before the bowl win.

There's also talk that Clausen has resurrected his career with this performance. Clausen has a great arm, but he's overrated. Just like his brothers at Tennessee. He'll be the same Jimmy the next two years. Stop the Heisman hype now. He's not that good.

It was a good win. Notre Dame can go into the offseason on a positive note and the coaches can hit the recruiting trail with tales of playing in Hawaii. This isn't anti-ND. This is a reality check. Folks, it was just a win over Hawaii.

ND should have a good record next year. Look at this cakewalk of a schedule (the only tough game is Southern Cal at home). The Irish should be underdogs against Michigan State, Boston College and Pitt.

Notre Dame 2009
Sept. 5: Nevada
Sept. 12: at Michigan
Sept. 19: Michigan State
Sept. 26: at Purdue
Oct. 3: Washington
Oct. 17: USC
Oct. 24: Boston College
Oct. 31: vs. Washington State (at San Antonio, Texas)
Nov. 7: Navy
Nov. 14: at Pittsburgh
Nov. 21: Connecticut
Nov. 28: at Stanford

Even the schedules at Notre Dame have dropped well below Irish standards. So save the resurrection talk until Weis and the Irish win a meaningful game. Looks like the first shot at that is Oct. 17, 2009.

It could look like this

Notre Dame's Athletics Director, Jack Swarbrick, is scheduled to meet with Charlie Weis sometime this week to review the season (and more likely to discuss his future in South Bend). Swarbrick was in LA Saturday when Southern Cal humiliated the Irish 38-3. Folks, it could have been much worse.

For the record, the Irish have been pelted by the Trojans the past two years by a combined score of 76-3.

Swarbrick, who has a law degree from Stanford, is a smart man who will evaluate all of the data available and make a sound decision. He's also relatively new on the job and could be ready to make a swift and career-defining decision here. That could mean Urban Meyer, who Notre Dame flirted with in 2004 when it fired Ty Willingham.

If Swarbrick needs any inspiration this clip could help.

Weis ass

Notre Dame's Charlie Weis discusses getting ready for the USC game and how he's preparing his team on this ESPN clip. Surprised he's not sitting there flashing his Super Bowl rings. It's clear after watching this clip that the storied Irish football program is in bad hands and will keep going down under his arrogant leadership.

But does Notre Dame really want to spend the reported $40 million it might cost to buy him out?