Flippin' Freak

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)

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.

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.

Bill-bored with Volunteers

I have defended "Our Boy" Lane Kiffin most of the summer. Those days may officially be over.

After reading The Miami Herald online today I was shocked to see the University of Tennessee has decided to tap its large South Florida base to purchase season tickets for the 2009 season with a billboard in Fort Lauderdale on I-95 and Oakland Park Boulevard.

So where's the logic in this move? It seems Gator-commit and Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson standout Demar Dorsey will pass the billboard on a daily basis. I'm tiring of talking about the poor economy, but someone at Tennessee has to reign in Kiffin and the superfluous spending of the Volunteers Athletic Department.

This is simply a waste of taxpayer or donor money. If the teenager backs out of his verbal over a billboard then the Gators shouldn't have really wanted him that bad. Enough of the incendiary ploys by Kiffin and UT. Here's hoping it backfires.

Leavitt blazes to 5.72 40 dash

One thing is clear, South Florida coach Jim Leavitt is a man of his word. Leavitt promised to run a time 40-yard dash in a challenge race against the student body. Leavitt, who is 52, put up a very respectable 5.72. He predicted a 5.9. He's faster than he thought.

Still, word is 21 out of 22 students beat his time and will receive "Faster than Coach Leavitt" T-shirts. I'm confident I could beat 5.27. Phil-shy could be another story. Maybe that will make a nice summer event. Phil-shy training for his first 40-yarder ... ever.

An 'Eye and an 'Eer has a history of showing Leavitt little to no respect. Today, we have to give it to him. This is a nice springtime marketing ploy and the old man ran a nifty 40.

Who's left to fire?

This is total speculation, but South Florida coach Jim Leavitt doesn't seem like a great boss. That might explain the mass exodus of assistant coaches over the past two weeks from the Bulls' program.

On Thursday, it was defensive backs coach Troy Douglas who made 3-for-3 in coaching losses after he resigned Wednesday to take the same job under Butch Davis at North Carolina. Other recent defections were defensive coordinator Wally Burnham and offensive coordinator Greg Gregory.

Remember how pissed Leavitt was when Gregory was looking to leave for the University of Florida? He's probably running around the Bulls football facilities yelling at everyone today.

Little advice Jim. Maybe you should dial it down a notch and show a touch of compassion.

We hardly knew ye

Robert Marve, another all-everything quarterback coming out of high school, may be done at the University Miami. It's been rumored that Marve, from Tampa, was transferring to South Florida.

On Thursday, he told the Associated Press that he won't be playing in the Emerald Bowl on Dec. 27 when the Hurricanes (7-5) play California (8-4) because he violated "team academic rules." That's a nice way of saying he didn't go to class.

Marve's career was derailed when he was seriously hurt in a car accident before his first practice. After sitting out last season, Marve earned the starting job over true freshman Jacory Harris. However, Randy Shannon may not be that upset to see Marve fade away as Harris performed better this season and he may have favored him over Marve next fall.

While Marve started the final 11 games, Harris played in all 12 games. Marve completed nearly 55 percent of his passes for 1,293 yards and nine touchdowns. Harris, who threw about 50 fewer passes, completed 61 percent for 1,001 yards and 10 scores.

While I've been a big Marve fan, he didn't show signs of improving at all this season. Harris, on the other hand, got better each week and played like a champion. This is the best scenario for Miami.

It could also work out well for Marve if he truly goes to USF, where he could sit out next season as Matt Grothe plays his final season as the Bulls quarterback. Not the storybook career Marve was looking for, but there's still time for a few good chapters.

Bowl Preview: magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl

The magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
South Florida vs. Memphis
Date: Dec. 20
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN2
Line: South Florida –12.5

About South Florida: A mere 12 years ago, the South Florida Bulls didn’t exist. Now, in 2008, coach Jim Leavitt has yelled them all the way into that bowl game down the street. Known as the Ron Zook of west Florida, Leavitt believes no cliché is too worn, no sentiment too tired to motivate his group of players who couldn’t get accepted into actual schools. You had them at “Hey, you!” Jim.

Intangibles:
Home field advantage of Tropicana Field: -1
Beaches: +4
Better than Gainesville: +5
Rays tickets still easy to get: +6

About Memphis: At 6-6 with impressive wins over Nicholls State and Arkansas State, there’s little doubt the Tigers belong in a bowl game. Wait, WHAT? This team lost to frickin’ Marshall for God’s sake. I refuse to watch this game for my own mental health.


Intangibles:
Barbecue: +45
Crime: -21
Graceland: -5
Graceland while drunk: +12
“Walking in Memphis”: -4

Impact player: USF defensive end George Selvie. Think of the last great player named George. My pick? George Rogers of South Carolina. Did you see him at the Heisman ceremony? He wore some kind of giant, plaid tent.

Bowl slogan: “Come for the beaches, stay for the seafood and for God’s sake, skip the football.”

Little known fact: St. Petersburg is to Tampa Bay as Roger Clinton is to Bill Clinton. (There ain’t as much difference as you’d think.)

Watchability (1-5): -4.8

The Pick: South Florida 31, Memphis 4

Leavitt alone

You can always tell a coach who is feeling the pressure of the job or realizes he's done a crappy job of coaching. Some media members in Central Florida said South Florida coach Jim Leavitt was just having some fun and going over the top for emphasis. Looks like a guy trying to deflect attention to his poor performance this year.

Hey coach, you're not paid to be a comedian.

Interesting developments

With my daughter trying to talk to me through her BabyCall monitor, I'm downstairs looking for anything interesting in college football land. Lo and behold, I found some things. Hope you enjoy.

* I have never been a big South Florida believer, and I think Jim Leavitt is overrated as a coach. However, I'm shocked to learn that there is a website calling for Leavitt to be fired. More attention has been heaped on the Bulls because the past two years they have been impressive enough to crack the Top 10 only to fall apart in the second half of the season. Saturday's embarrassing 49-16 home loss to Rutgers seems to have fired up the fringe USF fans. Leavitt built this program from nothing. Think Syracuse wouldn't take Leavitt? Relax folks.

* It may seem like a gag or some odd trivia questions, but Vanderbilt and Mississippi are both bowl eligible. Auburn and Tennessee, however, are not. What's going on in the SEC? The Commodores are bowl eligible for the first time since 1982 and Ole Miss for the first time since 2003. Auburn's only chance of getting into a bowl is by upsetting top-ranked Alabama. Not likely, so the Tigers will miss a bowl for the first time since 1999. The Volunteers are missing out for the second time in four years.

* I still can't believe it has been more than two years since Miami was in the Top 25. The Hurricanes, following a 16-14 victory over Virginia Tech, cracked The Associated Press poll at No. 23. Miami is very young, but improving with each game. Randy Shannon deserves a ton of credit for recruiting well. Now he must continue to coach them up if they want to remain a factor.

* With all of the coaching changes it seems Utah State's firing of Brent Guy (did you really know he was the coach?) totally went under the radar. Guy went 8-38 and is 2-9 this season. He will coach the final game. However, what's interesting about this job is the Aggies are trying to lure former Louisville and Michigan State coach John L. Smith to Logan, Utah.

* In another coaching change, New Mexico's winningest coach, Rocky Long, stepped down today following 11 seasons. Instead of the normal coach-speak reasons for leaving, Long was very frank. He was quoted on ESPN.com as saying, "I want this program to be on top. I wanted it be on top as a player. I wanted it be on top as an assistant coach. And I wanted it to be on top as the head coach. I don't see it happening with me as the head coach."

Observations from Saturday's Games (Nov. 15)

Don't tell me the Big 12 is better than the SEC. Watch Florida for a quarter, or Alabama play defense and it's clear where the best talent is in 2008. Saturday's lame schedule proved to be a pretty good day. Here are some observations from Saturday's action:

1. Heckuva a team. The Florida Gators have amazing talent. I'm still trying to figure out how they lost to Ole Miss at home. With the Ol' Ball Coach returning for just the second time at South Carolina, the Gators put a good ol' fashioned butt-whipping on the Gamecocks, 56-6. That's impressive considering, South Carolina had won six of seven and its defense ranked third in the nation. That defense held strong for a little while, but Spurrier's inept offense put them in so many holes it was impossible to compete with the Gators.

2. Wacky ACC. Where do you start? North Carolina State is like the Pittsburgh Pirates in September. The games don't mean much, but you can play a spoiler role. The Wolfpack did just that with a win over Wake Forest. Then there is Maryland. One week after getting manhandled by Virginia Tech, the Terps squeak by ACC favorite North Carolina 17-15. And right now Florida State is losing to Boston College at home.

3. USF Bulls(hit). Would someone tell South Florida that the season is 12 games, not six. After reaching the lofty status as a Top 10 team earlier this season, Jim Leavitt's boys have imploded again. Don't tell me Rutgers is that good. I picked the upset, but the Scarlet Knights pummeled USF 49-16 in Tampa.

4. Reality check for Tommy. Doesn't it look like Auburn's Tommy Tuberville is coaching like a guy who knows he's about to be fired? He got a little whiny on Saturday as his Tigers fell to Georgia 17-13 (which is also sad that UGA is so inept on offense). So who tops Auburn's wish list right now?

5. Rose Bowl rematch? If Oregon State gets two more wins it could happen. If Penn State downs Michigan State next week it could happen also. If those two possibilities happen, the Beavers and Nittany Lions will play in the Rose Bowl -- an unlikely rematch. In the first meeting Penn State rolled 45-14 in State College. This odd rematch remains alive because Oregon State defeated Cal 34-21 Saturday, while PSU rolled past Indiana 34-7.

6. First 8-loss season. Hey Michigan, you're just one week away from your first 9-loss season. Think Ryan Mallett could have helped a little this season?

7. Not your father's A&M. Remember when Texas A&M was a legitimate Top 10 team and when the Aggies played Texas it was usually a good game and A&M could be favored? Mike Sherman's first year in College Station has been a disaster and nothing makes that point any clearer than a 41-21 loss to Baylor.

8. Best backfield? Maybe many of you would choose Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. But Ohio State's Beanie Wells and Terrelle Pryor are as good as any tandem in the country right now. The Buckeye duo combined for more than 250 rushing yards and two scores in a 30-20 victory at Illinois.

9. Bayou trouble. Not watching the game, but it seems every Score Update on Troy at LSU is another score by the Trojans. Last check it was 31-10 in the third quarter.

10. Better than expected. All week and all day everyone kept talking about the weak slate of football games today. Of course, there weren't the great matchups of ranked teams that we'd like to see. Just look at the primetime game of Boston College and Florida State. But it was still a great day of games. Stop complaining and just enjoy each week.

Coaching carnage

College football has entered a new era. Four head coaches (and at least one high profile coordinator) have been fired during the season.

With the firing of Ron Prince today, Kansas State officially joined the coaching carousel. The Wildcats also entered the daily rumor mill. The hot target? South Florida's Jim Leavitt, who coached under program architect Bill Snyder. Leavitt hasn't officially denied interest in the position. Instead, he was quoted in the St. Petersburg Times as saying, "You guys know this (South Florida) is my heart and soul. I'm very fortunate to be here. I think it's the best job in the country."

Leavitt to K-State makes so much more sense than many of the other rumors surrounding Tennessee, Clemson and Washington right now. Leavitt built the Bulls from the ground up, but he's taken this program as far as he can get it. He's probably ready for the new challenge on a much bigger stage. Only reason to stay is the better athletes available in Florida.

So the only thing left to figure out? Who's next? Syracuse may announce Greg Robinson's fate real soon, but don't be surprised if they don't wait until after the final game. Auburn's Tommy Tuberville could get an early exit as well if the Tigers can't get two more victories in 2008.

Clearly, some of these coaches needed to go. But other schools could take a lesson from Ball State. Coach Brady Hoke had a miserable first three years (10-24) before the Cardinals finally turned it around starting in Year 4. Since 2006, Hoke's teams have gone 21-13 (which includes an apparent victory tonight against Northern Illinois) -- thanks Nate Davis.

Patience can pay off. Unfortunately no one at the big time programs are willing to wait.

So long, Top 25

Memo to any team in country:

Do not go on the road for the Thursday night game.

I know, you need the exposure. You really want the exposure. But you know what's bad exposure? Losing to a national audience.

Welcome to the club, South Florida.

Barring a miracle, the Bulls are about to drop out of the top 25 thanks to this loss at Cincinnati. USF will also fall to 1-3 in the Big East.

This is by no means an embarrassing loss for USF as UC is a solid program with some good talent, but USF is finding out what it's like to have expectations. The Bulls were twice inside the 10 in the fourth quarter and couldn't score.

It's a love/hate thing with Rich Rod

It seems Ron Cook at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is a little too infatuated with Rich Rodriguez. On the other hand, South Florida coach Jim Leavitt is a little arrogant when it comes to his feelings toward the former WVU coach.

Funny thing is, I agree in part with both of them. I am on the record as saying that Rodriguez will rebound and return to his winning ways. But only if Michigan doesn't grow impatient. What is irritating about Rich Rod is the arrogance he portrays--almost I invented football attitude. Enough. He's good, but not the best. He's had great success as an underdog, but when his team's are favored and a lot is on the line he chokes.

In case you were wondering how some Michigan fans feel about WVU's hated son. Check out the Fire Rich Rodriguez website.

The Stache vs. Raspy Voice Guy

VS.



Not blogging LIVE! cause I've got to pick up a friend at the airport, but this game has been interesting.

South Florida decided to show up in the second half after trailing 17-7 at halftime. Now it's 17-14. Both teams are playing to form. Pitt is running the 2000 Baltimore Ravens offense of Matt Cavanaugh and South Florida is horrifically erratic with dumb penalties and poor decisions followed by great athletes running around making plays.

Not sure what will happen the rest of the way. I'm somewhat betting on Pitt being able to pound the ball against an undersized USF front.

Kansas- South Florida Live!

37-34. Reesing throws a bad INT. long return and the freshman kicker who missed earlier makes it. Great game.

5:32 4th quarter: And it just gets better. KU scored again. 34-34. this is an example of two exhausted defenses trying to play on nothing but emotion.

9:51 4th quarter: This is turning into a hell of a game. KU QB Todd Reesing somehow escapes pressure again and throws a TD pass. 34-27 USF leads.

4th quarter: Another TD pass for Grothe and 23 unanswered points for USF. Not sure why KU refuses to blitz. Grothe is just sitting in the pocket, picking that zone apart.

1:09 3rd quarter: wow. what a momentum swing. now it's the KU defense that's completely exhausted. Grothe is making the right decision on every snap. If they play zone, he finds the seam. When they played man, he runs with it. At some point, KU has to blitz right? it wouldn't hurt if they could keep the ball for more than a minute at a time.

4:22 3rd quarter: Great catch by the USF receiver for a TD after the overturn of the original call. Grothe is doing a nice job picking KU's zone apart and USF is running the ball well. Not sure if KU can regain the momentum here. 20-20.

9:30 3rd quarter: Nice drive by USF after holding KU to a 3 and out. But not getting a TD there hurts. 20-13. Observation - KU gets great field position off a penalty on the opening kick and proceeds to throw three incompletions. Total time off the clock? 16 seconds. Why not run the ball? You have a 10-point lead. Shorten the game. One run takes almost a minute off the clock.

2:14 2nd quarter: Wow. Great run by USF QB Matt Grothe to make it 20-10. After missing a wide open tight end, Grothe just kind of ran around until he found a way in. Maybe USF will show a little life now.

3:25 2nd quarter: KU just scored again to make it 20-3 and this is looking like a complete mismatch. USF looks dead tired on defense, not to mentioned very confused in their coverages. KU went hurry up and it only accentuated USF's problems. It didn't help that USF went three and out on the prior posession so the defense went right back on the field.

7:45 2nd quarter: Kansas has looked very solid so far. USF missed a field goal, but the Jayhawks have moved the ball very well with a number of screen and short passes and eventually setting up a long ball. Have to say though, Kansas runs a boatload of pick plays that don't get called.