Big Ten playing the big bully

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!'

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.

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

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.

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.

Big Ten gets more serious about expansion

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?

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 52

OK, we all saw Tim Tebow crying. Let it go. It's not that big a deal.

What's making us cry are these BCS bowl match ups. Really? TCU vs. Boise State. That's not what anyone wants to see. Give the little guys a chance. Now one of them will end up undefeated and their congressman will run to Capitol Hill begging and pleading for a playoff.

And who out there doesn't think the Gators won't put a beat down on Cincinnati? Bearcats coach Brian Kelly may not even be around to see it happen as he's interviewing at Notre Dame and wants nothing more than to get out of The Queen City by Saturday so he can start recruiting for the Fighting Irish.

We applaud the Mike London hiring at Virginia and also think Charlie Strong to Louisville is a good call.

With the five Heisman finalists announced we think Alabama's Mark Ingram is the best bet to win, but we like Nebraska long shot Ndamukong Suh. Phil believes the bowl schedule bodes well for the Big 10 this year, while Tom is confident the Big East will hold its own (except Cincinnati).

Charlie Weis - just as classy as you thought he was

So much for Charlie Weis leaving college football without burning a few bridges - or rather blowing them sky high. In an interview with some local homers Charlie handpicked on his way out of town, Weis just happened to drop this bombshell about USC coach Pete Carroll:

"Let me ask you this question: You guys know about things that go on in different places. Was I living with a grad student in Malibu, or was I living with my wife in my house? You could bet that if I were living with a grad student here in South Bend, it would be national news.

"He's doing it in Malibu and it's not national news. What's the difference? I don't understand. Why is it OK for one guy to do things like that, but for me, I'm scrutinized when I swear. I'm sorry for swearing; absolve my sins."

This, shockingly, did not make Pete "Tiger" Carroll happy at all.

Weis, of course, backtracked a day later, claiming he was making a general point about untrue internet rumors. Ya huh, Chuck. Or maybe you're just piling on poor 9-3 Petey.

Either way, that's ugly, Chuck.
And secondly, the reason nobody reports that about you Chuck, is no grad student would put up with you. You're 6-6 at Notre Dame.

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.

Podcast: Episode 49

With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season it's the time of year when the coaching rumors really begin to fly. Did you hear? Bob Stoops, Brian Kelly and Kirk Ferentz are all going to coach at Notre Dame next year. Well, we decided to look at what coach may get the ax who doesn't deserve it and what coach should get fired who won't (Stan Parrish we're talking about you).

We also couldn't ignore the national bashing Ohio State and Iowa took for how last week's game finished (Gregg Doyle were talking about you). It's just interesting to see when Florida and Alabama play to their defensive strengths that it's called hard-hitting SEC football. When two Big Ten teams play that way it's a travesty against mankind.

We also look at The Rivalry, possible bowl match ups and the exciting race in the Mid-American Conference.

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)

Observations from Saturday's games (Sept. 26)

Until it reaches the middle of October there are no upsets. This weekend is more proof why rankings shouldn't begin at least until four weeks into the season (note to all readers: 'Eye and 'Eer rankings begin Monday).

So don't get that excited about No. 6 Cal losing at Oregon, Florida State falling to South Florida, or No. 5 Ole Miss losing at South Carolina (Thursday), and so on. Let's get to the rest of the 'Eer's observations from today.

1. Is there a better receiver in the country than Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard? If you find him let me know. Gilyard is elusive and a nightmare for DBs because he can go long on anyone or take a short dump pass from Tony Pike and score. In the Bearcats 28-20 victory over Fresno State, Gilyard had nine catches for 177 yards and two scores. Nice day.

2. Is there a conference that needs a signature win more than the ACC? Since Notre Dame is an independent it's tough to pick the Irish, so the ACC is it. Saturday was a mixed bag for the league. Clemson losing at home to No. 15 TCU (14-10), Rutgers thumping Maryland in College Park (34-13), and No. 18 FSU playing inconsistent against South Florida (17-7) were devastating for the ACC. It didn't even help that No. 11 Virginia Tech dominated No. 9 Miami and Georgia Tech routed No. 22 North Carolina in Atlanta. The Canes and Tar Heels had a chance to represent the league on a higher level.

3. Is it time for Bobby Bowden to call it a career? It's actually time for the Seminoles to clean house. Not only should Bowden go, but so should the rest of the staff. Any team that plays as inconsistent as the Noles is showing the signs of multiple coaching deficiencies.

4. What happens to The U now? The loss in Blacksburg isn't a surprise, but how the Hokies dominated all game is the shocker. Miami must let it go and get ready for No. 10 Oklahoma or the Hurricanes will quickly go from BCS contender to 2-2. Jacory Harris seems like the type of guy who can put it behind him. However, I question wheather the Canes defense can.

5. Is the SEC still the nation's best conference? Sure, but the league is extremely top heavy (No. 1 Florida and No. 3 Alabama). The Gators and Crimson Tide are arguably the best two in the country, but after that it gets pretty sketchy. Mississippi State had No. 7 LSU on the ropes in Baton Rouge, Tennessee is struggling with Ohio out of the Mid-American Conference, Arizona State is putting up a fight in Athens against Georgia, and consider No. 4 Ole Miss' loss at South Carolina Thursday. However, South Carolina and Auburn should be considered for the Top 25.

6. Should Michigan be concerned after a close win against Indiana? Not at all. The Wolverines are 4-0 and have eclipsed last year's 3-9 season. Of course, Rich Rodriguez and the fans would have enjoyed an easy win this week, but that's not going to happen too often in Big Ten play with such a young team. UM fans should be encouraged that the Wolverines battled down the stretch and frosh Tate Forcier led them on another late TD for the win. Last year's team wouldn't have done that.

7. Who's the happiest coach after Saturday's games? Ohio State's Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes were not flashy in defeating Illinois 30-0 in The Shoe, but Tressel has to love that stat sheet. OSU rushed for 236 yards and passed for 82. That's the type of ball control Tress loves.

8. What was the biggest surprise of the day? Jim Tressel going for it fourth-and-goal from 3 with 1:18 to play the Vest decided to go for it up 23-0. Terrelle Pryor found Dane Sanzenbacher for the score. I don't have a problem with the call, just doesn't fit his personality.

9. What's wrong with Big Ten officials? I have no proof, and don't want to sound like Charlie Weis, but it seems Big Ten refs are flag happy. Watching the Michigan-Indiana game was painful because of all the questionable calls. However, the worst call came on the Hoosiers' final drive when Michigan's Donovan Warren was credited with interception when it was clear Demarlo Belcher had the reception and the ball was pulled away on the ground. I felt bad for IU as it was going for its first win in The Big House since 1967. Indian coach Bill Lynch was not too pleased with the call.

10. Is Boise State a legitimate Top 5 team? Hell no. Of course LA Times dolt Bill Plaschke thinks the Broncos should be ranked No. 1. Boise has a nice team, but does anyone really think they could consistently play the conference schedule of any BCS conference and not lose at least three games? Didn't think so.

Today's notes: Talk about a dangerous precedent

A few thoughts from the blogosphere:

- Geez, Chip Kelly, just cause you got crushed and one of your players cold-cocked a Boise State player, don't give the money back. I'm still waiting on my money from Ohio State for the 1999 Outback Bowl.

- Lane and Urban, sitting in a tree. B-I-T-C-H-I-N-G.
Okay, boys, break it up. This thing's over. Urban, stop talking about the flu. Lane, quit acting like you won. This is football. Grown ups football, boys.

- Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen has lost his favorite jump ball target, Michael Floyd, for the rest of the year. Charlie Weis hints that Big Ten refs were probably to blame.