Podcast: Episode 60

We've been away from the podcasting airwaves for two weeks and it shows as Phil and Tom drone on for more than 40 minutes about college football. OK, we think it's pretty interesting as we dissect USC's issues with the NCAA and what might happen to the Trojans (does anyone else think the NCAA brass wouldn't mind sticking it to USC just for hiring Lane Kiffin?).

We also turn our attention to the escalating ticket prices at some of the nation's top programs, including Ohio State, which plans to raise single-game tickets to $70 in 2010. Since it's February and we can, we also make our way-too-early prediction on who'll play in the BCS Championship next season. We also can't avoid talking about the ban on eye-black messages (thanks Tim Tebow and Terrelle Pryor) as well as what might happen with Big Ten and Pac-10 expansion. Enjoy another show from Phil and Tom.

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.

Move over Lane

Just wanted to give you a little more Lane Kiffin. Here's his press conference at USC. He acts like a teenager. How did Monte Kiffin's kid get to be so wimpy? Just answer the question from T.J. Simers and move on.

I have a feeling this is not the last time we'll be posting something about Mr. Kiffin.

Podcast: Episode 57

We tried to take a week off from podcasting, but then USC, Pete Carroll and Lane Kiffin had to blow up this week.

Phil and Tom dissect the decisions of all three parties and where Tennessee goes from here in this impromptu podcast. Could the Vols go with Will Muschamp at Texas, Troy Calhoun at Air Force or throw everyone off and go an entirely different direction.

Speaking of Tennessee, what the heck was that athletic administration thinking by allowing the Traitor Kiffin to conduct a media conference at their facility. Bad call folks. So much for a week off. Enjoy the show.

Our boy no more ... Kiffin disappoints with move to USC

So Lane, just one question? Did USC agree to pay your buyout as well as Bryce Brown's?

The seismic news out of SoCal is that first-year Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin figured it was a lot easier winning in the Pac-10 than it is in the SEC (and there's no Urban Meyer to get in his head) so he is now the USC coach after going 7-5 in his one season in Knoxville. (Good news for Bruce Pearl ... that's right you're the Big Man on Campus again). He's definitely escaping Knoxville like he possesses some of that SEC speed.

Word is Kiffin is also taking his daddy--defensive wiz Monte Kiffin--and the $650,000-a-year assistant head coach Ed Orgeron.

The UT message boards and blogs are going crazy. While some at USC are hailing this hire. With the crap that Pete Carroll left behind and the pending NCAA sanctions, wouldn't have made more sense for the Trojans to hire someone who didn't have weekly run-ins with NCAA brass?

While USC seems to have its man, who does Tennessee target now? Duke's David Cutcliffe, Air Force's Troy Calhoun, Virginia Tech's Bud Foster or East Carolina's Skip Holtz make sense. But sense UT doesn't seem to mind the publicity that comes with ego-first coaches, maybe Mike Leach or Jim Leavitt could step in right away.

Let's not forget, Phil Fulmer is still interested.

Bowl Preview: Emerald Bowl

Emerald Bowl
PacBell Field, San Francisco
USC vs. Boston College
Date: Dec. 26
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: USC -7.5

About Boston College (8-4): The Eagles fired their somewhat successful coach last year because he interviewed for another job. That's what happens when you work for the clergy. They don't F around. So BC hired some other guy and they're fine like they always are. Frankly, they could have hired some patio furniture to be the coach and they'd finish 8-4. It's just what they do.

Intangibles:
Doug F*in Flutie: -2
Doug F*in Flutie's hair: +2
In the ACC despite being in BOSTON: -5

About USC (8-4): A plucky, upstart program from a well-regarded program in Los Angeles, USC showed plenty of promise for the future by finishing fifth in the Pac 10. I would like to say I did predict USC would lose three games this year. I also predicted one of them would be to Ohio State. Mother#@@$##$%W$%#@!!#@@!@ Anyway, about time these jokers had a crappy year.

Intangibles:
Pete Carroll: -1
Not Rick Neuheisel: +3
Joe McKnight's Land Rover that's not his: +0
USC in the Emerald Bowl: +45

Impact Player: USC wide receiver Ronald Johnson will catch many passes for many yards and many touchdowns.

Bowl slogan: "Old school football! And by that we mean playing the game in a facility ill-suited for football, like they used to do in the 1890s."

Little known fact: USC losing a couple starters to academic ineligibility won't matter much because they're playing Boston College.

Watchability (1-5): 3

The pick: Men of Troy 34, Eagles 14

Podcast: Episode 54

We're in the thick of the bowl season and we couldn't be any more pleased. Listen to today's show to hear which conferences we think have the most to gain and lose in bowl games, and which conference we think will be the biggest surprise.

We also propose a possible change for the NCAA to consider on coaching changes (OK, Phil doesn't like the idea), and give you are best picks for the next week of bowl games. Phil spends a little time evaluating the USC program, while Tom looks at Virginia Tech's chances of ending its drought against the SEC in the Chick-fil-a Bowl. Both of us also talk about the most memorable college football moment of the past decade. Enjoy.

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.

USC-UCLA rivalry intensifies

Let's be clear ... the USC-UCLA rivalry is back.

At least the contempt for one another is back. In case you missed it (and most of you probably did), USC coach Pete Carroll dialed up a long play-action pass play with less than a minute to play and a 14-point lead. Of course, Matt Barkley threw a perfect pass to Damian Williams for a 48-yard TD.

Today, most of the columnists and other pundits are telling you what a jerk Carroll is and how this broke some sort of etiquette or unwritten rule. I'm here to tell you they are wrong.

Carroll was prepared to let the game end when he had his offense take a knee. But UCLA's Rick Neuheisel called a timeout. So Carroll just responded and made a statement with the TD call. What happened next wasn't pretty, but it's what makes college football rivalries special.

The Trojans were celebrating and jumping around on their sideline. OK, maybe they were taunting the Bruins a bit. Of course UCLA's players were pissed and started to cross the field. No punches were thrown, but the players exchanged some pleasantries.

This game wasn't pretty. UCLA actually slowed the Trojans and were in this game, but the Bruins couldn't overcome self-inflicted mistakes. So the Bruins may not be too far from closing the gap with USC.

Now USC-UCLA is a must-see game again next year instead of being relegated to FOX Sports with a 10 p.m. (EST) kickoff. That's right, the rivalry is back.

USC-UCLA rivalry is alive

There's not as much on the line as in the past, but at least the USC students (or a few rabid fans) haven't forgotten what it means to be part of the rivalry with UCLA. Nice paint job on the Bruin.

Is there a good sushi place around here?

As much as I loathe Jim Harbaugh (I'm not saying that every snap he took in the NFL I prayed for some sort of career-ending, Theisman-like ankle injury, but it was close.) it was kind of nice to see somebody rub it in Pete Carroll's face a little. The Cardinal went up 48-21 with seven minutes left in yesterday's whipping of 'SC, then decided to go for two.

The postgame handshake was a classic according to San Francisco Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto:

"What's your deal? What's your deal?" Carroll said, according to two sources near enough to hear.

"What's your deal?" Harbaugh retorted, and that was that.

Obviously a meeting of minds.

Not sure the rest of the Pac-10 wanted to see a rejuvenated, motivated Pete Carroll. But hey, it was still kind of fun to see.

Video: Stanford mocks USC fans

Something is totally amiss in the college football universe. Stanford players Drew Terrell and Ekom Udofia are actually taunting USC's fans with a sarcastic version of "Fight On."

We're the first to admit that USC is much worse than we expected this season, but don't think for long that USC will be down. This is a blip. The Trojans are starting a true freshman QB (even though we like Andrew Luck much better than Matt Barclay) and the defense has been much more porous than even Pete Carroll could have dreamed.

The Cardinal are supposed to be among the classiest teams and players in the Pac-10, so this seems out of character (except for maybe coach Jim Harbaugh). But Pete and the Trojans won't forget this. Just wait until next year.

Oh yea, heck of a game by RB Toby Gerhart. This guy is a stud.

Who saw this coming?

Raise your hand if you saw this coming after Oregon's lackluster loss to open the season at Boise State. Put your hand down because you're lying.

Pac-10 catches SEC ref fever

It is now the Pac-10's turn to suspend an official (or officials). Following the footsteps of the SEC, the Pac-10 isn't naming names, but league representatives have said the following about Taylor Mays' decapitation of Oregon State's James Rodgers:

“Our members expect a high level of officiating in all our sports and the Conference office shares that expectation. We have taken this action in light of the blatant and dangerous nature of the missed call. We have full confidence in our highly trained and qualified staff of football officials, but they, like the coaches and players, are accountable and must meet the high expectations placed upon them.”

Suspension may be the right call, but let's not forget these guys are not like Major League umpires. There's no union and just a weekly paycheck. Sure, most of them have other jobs, but this is a cut in pay. We all want them to do a better job, but they are also human.

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)

Game Day - Afternoon of chaos

- of COURSE USC lost. A week too late. Criminy.

Crazy loud home crowd? Check.
Great defensive effort? Check.
Solid QB play and gameplan. oh....

anyway, down go the Trojans in their typical PAC 10 style.

- Kirk Cousins, Michigan State quarterback, COME ON. In case you missed it, Cousins drove MSU down inside the Notre Dame 15 where a field goal would send the game into OT. Instead Cousins makes a horrendous decision to scramble then panic as he was thrown to the ground, just flinging the ball right to an Irish defender. MSU's ownership of Notre Dame Stadium came to an end.

- Virginia Tech - lucky as hell.

- Utah. Welcome to the world of the BCS has-beens.

- BYU will be joining you shortly.

Thursday night musings

As I watch 'da U screen and crossing route Georgia Tech into oblivion, my ears are beginning to bleed from the cliche assault of The Pony and The Bachelor. Yikes. Yes, Jesse, speed does indeed kill. Or so I've heard.

Anywho, some notes and thoughts from around CF:

- Matt Barkley didn't throw again today, calling into question whether he'll play this weekend at Washington. Interesting. So what happens if Aaron Corp comes out and lights it up while Carroll's Golden Child watches from the sideline. Hmmmm. Oh yeah and Taylor Mays is dinged up.

- Other injuries: Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson is out for the season. Which means the Illini defense will get, uh, worse?

Ohio State loses starting right tackle Jim Cordle for a month. Buckeye Nation yawns, although are somewhat concerned which player on the line can step up to become the whipping boy. Bryant Browning, do you hear me?

- Interesting stuff from Doc Saturday with this post previewing the Texas-Texas Tech game. Turns out Mike Leach's six plays can be hard to stop for the 'Horns. Of course, Leach is better at stopping himself when he goes for it on fourth and eight from his own six-yard line in the first quarter. But hey, he really likes pirates!

Miscellaneous game-watching commentary section:

- The whole Dr. Lou thing should keep The Lisping Leprechaun Holtz out of the College Football Hall of Fame. Dammit. He's already in.

- Dave Matthews is evil. Pure f*ing evil.

- Pre-teen girls slobbering over Papa Johns crap-ass pizza does not make me want a slice.

- Next week I'm going to count how many times Jesse Palmer says "speed."

Picks of the Week: No. 2

I'll take a 3-2 week, but wow was I off on the Notre Dame-Nevada game. Probably avoid the Irish until I get a better feel for Charlie Weis' team. Let's see if I can do a little better this week.

Texas (-33.5) over Wyoming
Clearly Texas is going to win this game, but by 33.5 points? Without a doubt. The Longhorns are the most talented team in the nation and Mack Brown has been known to run up a score to earn computer points. Colt McCoy will pick apart the Cowboys and Texas will roll big.
Pick: Texas 63, Wyoming 7

Vanderbilt (+14.5) over LSU
The Tigers were shaky in their win at Washington last week. The once-vaunted defense of LSU gave up 478 total yards of offense to the Huskies, who finished 0-12 last year. Les Miles says the defense will perform better this week. Maybe, but not enough to cover the spread. LSU will win though. The Tigers never seem to lose night home games.
Pick: LSU 27, Vanderbilt 21

USC (-7.0) over Ohio State
'Eye will probably be upset to see this pick, but if wants Ohio State in an upset then he should make these picks. This goes against everything I believe in, especially picking true freshmen QBs (Matt Barkley) to win in hostile environments at night. But the Buckeyes have lost five consecutive games against Top 5 teams. The Buckeyes will keep this much closer than a year ago, but USC will control the line of scrimmage and win back-to-back against OSU.
Pick: USC 31, Ohio State 17

Virginia Tech (-19.0) over Marshall
One thing Frank Beamer coached teams usually do well is putting tough losses behind them and focusing on the next game. The Thundering Herd are better this season, but not Hokies' good. VT will score at least one special teams TD and roll in the home opener and erase some of the bad memories of last week's nationally televised loss to Alabama.
Pick: Virginia Tech 36, Marshall 9

Upset of the Week
Stanford (+3.0) over Wake Forest
I'm not feeling a real upset this week. Maybe I'm gun-shy after last week's horrible pick. This would be a minor upset, but if Stanford could go across the country and win at Wake that would be a very nice win. I don't usually pick against Jim Grobe because he's the best coach in the nation (seriously, this guy wins with less talent). But Jim Harbaugh also does a fine job with the Cardinal and following Wake's loss to Baylor last week the Demon Deacons may be losing confidence.
Pick: Stanford 28, Wake Forest 24


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

Podcast: Episode 39

The Big Ten has two big games this weekend that could help enhance its image. First, of course, is Ohio State's shot at redemption against USC at Ohio Stadium. Will the atmosphere of a night game at the Shoe be enough to rattle the freshman QB Matt Barkley? Then there is Michigan's shot at Notre Dame. Both teams need this win in the worst way, but the Irish have more experience, and probably a lot more riding on this game. We also look at the biggest surprises and disappointments from Week 1 (Can you say Iowa and Oregon?), as well as which coach's seat just got a little hotter (Hint: Al Groh).

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