Intimidation: The U style

I have nothing for this one. I guess this is the way The U intimidates its opponents these days. Apparently Voodoo and demonic possession works in the ACC.

Photos courtesy of The 7th Floor.

Podcast: Episode 55

This is actually the first time we recorded a podcast while games were actually being played. First it was Bowling Green and Idaho in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl and then we finished just about the time Arizona and Nebraska were getting started in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.

Now what's on this week's show. Just when we thought Urban Meyer would be the lead topic for this week's podcast, Mike Leach and Texas Tech had to create all of this drama before playing Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl. Leach is always called a genius, but he's not looking too smart now that he's been fired. Of course, we delve into the Meyer situation in Gainesville. The 'Eye doesn't think Urban Meyer will coach another down for Florida, while the 'Eer believes after a few months of relaxation he'll be ready to return to the sidelines.

We also look ahead to this week's bowl action and we both like the Rose Bowl matchup, but think the Jan. 2 bowl games are atrocious. Both of us also agree that Wisconsin's win over Miami was huge for the Big Ten, but we couldn't believe how the Badgers bullied the Hurricanes. Enjoy this week's show.

Bowl Preview: Champs Sports Bowl

Champs Sports Bowl
Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando
Wisconsin vs. Miami
Date: Dec. 29
Time: 8 p.m.
TV: ESFREAKINGPN
Line: Miami -3.5

About Wisconsin (9-3): After completely falling apart last year, Wisconsin recovered by beating such powers as Northern Illinois and Wofford in 2009. The Badgers started the season 5-0 and then quickly came back to earth. As it tradition at Wisky, they run the ball and run it and run it some more and really hope they don't have to pass. Because that's bad.

Intangibles:
Darrell Bevell; +2
That guy who played QB last year: -3
Ron Dayne NCAA career rushing leader on 15 million carries: -2

About Miami (9-3): Randy Shannon was feeling the hot seat before the 2009 season and saved his butt by hiring offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who turned the 'Canes offense around. Lots of TV yappers like to ooh and aah over Jacory Harris, but it's Miami's ability to run the ball effectively that sets up the pass game. That and Patrick Nix no longer calling the plays.

Intangibles:
Da 'U: -2
Da U ESPN salute to 20 years of thuggishness and general stupidity: -3
Gloria Estefan: +7
Miami Sound Machine: -4

Impact Player: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien. Unfortunately for the Badgers, at some point they're going to have complete some passes to have a chance in this game. Tolzien should really attempt to not throw them to the other team. He hasn't been so good at that in the second half of the season.

Bowl slogan: "Remember those stupid jersey that said "05" on them? We totally sold that to you."

Little Known Fact: Both of these schools like to pretend they're important in the college football scene. (Hint: Important teams don't play in the Champs Sports Bowl.)

Watchability (1-5): 3.4

The Pick: Miami 24, Wisconsin 23

It's a Cane thing

Now this is a 30 for 30 on ESPN I'm looking forward to watching. The U premieres on Dec. 12.

The trailer brings me back to my childhood when I attended about 3 or 4 Miami games at the Orange Bowl every year, including the classic 31-30 Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska. The Canes were cocky and crass and I loved every bit of it, and I loved those teams.

When Miami walked onto the field you always thought it was going to win ... and most of the time the Hurricanes did. Love 'em or hate 'em, The U had something special in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Now it's time to relive Miami's dominance. The U may not be that far away from doing it again.

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 4)

Week 4 rankings at An 'Eye and an 'Eer are about as stable as they have been all season. The top five are the same for the second straight week. Here are this week's rankings:

Team (LW) Record

1. Florida (1) 6-0
2. Alabama (2) 7-0
3. Texas (3) 6-0
4. Cincinnati (4) 6-0
5. USC (5) 5-1
6. Iowa (6) 7-0
7. Boise State (8) 5-0
8. Miami (10) 5-1
9. TCU (11) 6-0
10. LSU (12) 5-1
11. Georgia Tech (17) 6-1
12. Penn State (16) 6-1
13. Oregon (15) 5-1
14. Oklahoma State (19) 5-1
15. BYU (22) 6-1
16. Pittsburgh (25) 6-1
17. Houston (27) 5-1
18. Virginia Tech (7) 5-2
19. Ohio State (9) 5-2
20. West Virginia (23) 5-1
21. Kansas (14) 5-1
22. South Florida (13) 5-1
23. Utah (26) 5-1
24. South Carolina (20) 5-2
25. Texas Tech (NR) 5-2

Others receiving votes: Central Michigan, Arizona, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Idaho, Michigan, Boston College, Arkansas.

Picks of the Week: No. 7

Don't ask me why, but the 'Eer has decided to venture back to the ACC to pick games. That can't be good. The 'Eer also had another winning week, but he still wants that perfect week. Maybe this is it.

Connecticut (-13.0) over Louisville
UConn is so close to being 5-0 right now. The Huskies outplayed Pitt last week, but fell 24-21 at Heinz Field. Nothing helps you avoid a losing skid than seeing Louisville on the schedule. The Cardinals did pull out a 25-23 win over Southern Miss last week, but the Steve Kragthorpe watch is such a distraction and UConn's defense is stingy, so Louisville will struggle in the cold at Rentschler Field.
Pick: Connecticut 28, Louisville 13

Miami (-14.5) over Central Florida
There's always a concern the Hurricanes will let up a bit after that treacherous four-game stretch to start the season. Last week, Miami handled Florida A&M 48-16. This week Randy Shannon is putting his players on charter buses and traveling four hours up the Florida Turnpike to face UCF. Jacory Harris will remain is cool self and lead Miami to an easy win in Orlando.
Pick: Miami 36, Central Florida 10

Ohio State (-13.5) over Purdue
Only 13.5 points? Sure the game is at Ross-Ade Stadium, but the Boilermakers are no match for Ohio State. There are a lot of concerns about the Buckeyes offense, especially the lack of consistency and improvement by sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor. But this is a perfect opportunity to let Pryor work out of his rut, plus the Ohio State defense should pitch another shut out.
Pick: Ohio State 34, Purdue 3

Temple (-9.5) over Army
I couldn't pass up this game. When's the last time Temple and Army were both .500 or better this late in the season? The Owls are 3-2, but lead the Mid-American Conference East Division at 3-0. Temple is also riding a three-game winning streak after falling to FCS-opponent Villanova in the opener and then it was thumped by Penn State. Freshman RB Bernard Pierce is the offensive catalyst. The Black Knights are coming off a huge 16-13 overtime victory against Vanderbilt. Expect QB Brent Steelman to run the ball about three more times than he passes.
Pick: Temple 31, Army 21

Upset of the Week
Wake Forest (+7.0) over Clemson
This pick is based strictly on the two coaches. Wake's Jim Grobe is among the nation's best, while Clemson's Dabo Swinney hasn't impressed many with his preparation (he sure does run around yelling and does a good job of playing a cheerleader). What scares me about this pick? The Tigers are more talented and the game is at Clemson. RB C.J. Spiller is the best player on the field. But don't pick against Grobe in this one.
Pick: Wake Forest 22, Clemson 21

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 16-14

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 2)

Do you need any more proof that preseason polls and the subsequent rankings are totally bogus? Florida State was ready to challenge for the ACC title and maybe a BCS shot. Let's not forget Ole Miss, and how are things going in Norman, Okla., with the Sooners?

Then there is the other side ... you know the teams that no one gave any chance who are doing well. Remember all the talk about no Big East teams in the Top 25? Now we have two (Cincinnati and South Florida) and you could argue there are two others who may be there at some point.

Enough of that. Here is the second AEAAE Top 25 poll for 2009.

Team (LW) Record
1. Florida (1) 4-0
2. Texas (2) 4-0
3. Alabama (3) 5-0
4. LSU (5) 5-0
5. Cincinnati (4) 5-0
6. TCU (7) 4-0
7. Boise State (6) 5-0
8. Iowa (9) 5-0
9. Kansas (16) 4-0
10. USC (8) 4-1
11. Missouri (15) 4-0
12. Auburn (18) 5-0
13. Ohio State (10) 4-1
14. Virginia Tech (12) 4-1
15. South Florida (17) 5-0
16. Miami (23) 3-1
17. Penn State (21) 4-1
18. Oregon (20) 4-1
19. Georgia Tech (NR) 4-1
20. Oklahoma State (19) 3-1
21. Wisconsin (24) 5-0
22. Nebraska (25) 3-1
23. West Virginia (NR) 3-1
24. South Carolina (NR) 4-1
25. Mississippi (NR) 3-1

Others receiving votes: Notre Dame, BYU, Stanford, Central Michigan

Saturday thoughts

- Great win for Miami. Terrible loss for Oklahoma. Can somebody get on Stoops now? (besides the 'Eer.) To recover from that loss to Va. Tech last week and play well against the Sooners means a lot to the mental toughness of the 'Canes. Can they keep it up through the crazy ACC though?

As for the Sooners, I didn't mind the decision to kick the field goal instead of going for a long fourth down conversion late in the game. The problem was with the play calling leading up to that decision. Third and long swing passes don't do it for me. I guess Stoops can pin this one on not having Sam Bradford, but right now it looks wide open for Texas to win the Big 12.

- SEC refs need to lighten up. Also a big win for LSU in a crazy game in Athens. Sets up next week's game with Florida as pure hysteria. The Tigers were hardly dominant though. Lots of questions about their offense and whether they can actually threaten the Gators. They did just enough to beat the 'Dawgs, though. Georgia is just a really weird team.

- Don't even try to predict what will happen in the ACC. Maryland beats Clemson? (Nice Dabo Swinney hire, by the way.) Boston College beats FSU. (Doesn't Bobby have to at least think about stepping down?) Virginia beats North Carolina. (WHAT!?) I give up. Whatever.

- Sparty gets a big win that might help salvage the season. Really, it was a game they should have pulled away with. Easily the worst performance of the year for Michigan.

Canes still ain't what they used to be

While the focus on Miami's resurgence before last week's loss to Virginia Tech has been on quarterback Jacory Harris and Miami's offense, the 'Canes defense is still a shell of its once great self.

Even facing Oklahoma without Sam Bradford could be trouble for a Miami defense that isn't knocking anyone's socks off, at least in a statistical sense.

If Miami's defense doesn't show major improvement up front, it could be a long Saturday night for the 'Canes.

Stoops makes right call with Jones

The headline reads: "Bradford out for Sooners' game at Miami."

It may sound crazy, but it's actually the best news for Sooner fans. Heresy, right? Not at all. Bob Stoops may choke in big games, but he's smart enough to know eighth-ranked Oklahoma's best chance to beat the No. 17 Hurricanes Saturday night is for Landry Jones to remain the QB and not force reigning Heisman winner Sam Bradford back into the lineup.

"Our team has a lot of confidence in Landry's ability and we're looking forward to going into the game with him at quarterback," Stoops said in a statement. "Our approach will be the same that it has been in the last two games."

Both of those wins. This decision may impact the 'Eer's pick in this game. Check back Friday for that.

Podcast: Episode 42

Thanks ACC for reminding us once again why no one should take you seriously until basketball season rolls around. Just when we thought Miami, Florida State or North Carolina might be considered BCS title contenders ... all three reminded us why no team from the ACC will ever when the championship (that includes you too Va Tech).

As painful as it was, both the 'Eye and the 'Eer gave Rich Rodriguez credit for Michigan's 4-0 start, but both agree that 1-3 Michigan State will probably win this weekend. Let's not forget about the potential interesting match ups this week - LSU-Georgia, USC-Cal and Oklahoma-Miami. We also have some fun at the expense of Tony Barnhart, Ron Zook and the Iowa Hawkeyes during Quick Hitters.

To all of our Facebook friends, you can click here to listen to our podcast.

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.

Picks of the Week: No. 4

Guess I'm wimping out this week. I like Bowling Green to cover against Boise State, and Iowa to cover at Penn State. Heck, I even like TCU to cover at Clemson, but I'm not taking any of those games. Forgive me, but I need to improve on my record.

Here's my shot at a better record.

Miami (-2.0) over Virginia Tech
Miami is not back yet. The Hurricanes are much better than most expected, but championship UM teams are better than this squad. However, Randy Shannon's team is oozing confidence and they are more talented than the Hokies. Force Tyrod Taylor to throw and it's an easy win for Miami.
Pick: Miami 33, Virginia Tech 22

Florida Sate (-14.0) over South Florida
A week ago I would have taken the Bulls and the points. Matt Grothe and his ACL tear changes things a bit. Now Christian Ponder will be the best quarterback in this game. Hell, E.J. Manuel may be the second-best QB in Tallahassee. The Noles are rolling into this game following last week's win at BYU. The Bulls are just reeling.
Pick: FSU 34, South Florida 14

Ohio State (-14.0) over Illinois
Been reading all week how Illinois upset OSU two years ago in The Shoe. It's not going to happen, and the Illini won't even cover. The Buckeyes are still the best team in the Big Ten and they'll prove that again this week with a stout defensive performance.
Pick: Ohio State 28, Illinois 13

Alabama (-17.5) over Arkansas
Did you see all of those points the Razorbacks scored against Georgia? Sure, but Arkansas lost. Now Bobby Petrino must get his offense ready to play a much more aggressive and speedy defense. Bama will roll easily.
Pick: Alabama 48, Arkansas 21

Upset of the Week Texas Tech (+1.0) over Houston
The Red Raiders surprised me in a close loss to Texas last week in Austin. Houston had its moment at Oklahoma State. QB Taylor Potts fits well into Mike Leach's system and he'll pick apart the Cougars defense.
Pick: Texas Tech 42, Houston 30

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 8-7

Good bet: UF-UM in BCS title game

At least according to The Miami Herald's Joseph Goodman. It appears the Vegas odds makers think there is a good chance Miami will hook up with Florida in the national title game. Odds today are 12-to-1. UF vs. Texas is still the best bet at 6-to-1.

However, a Canes-Gators match up would create some exciting scenarios in Florida. How about odds on who'll win? What do you think? Lucky for Urban Meyer, Miami's coach Randy Shannon won't provide Lane Kiffin-like bulletin board material.

Podcast: Episode 41

We have a special guest this week on An 'Eye and an 'Eer: College Football Podcast. We welcome Mike Eisenberg from Eisentower30.com and big-time Miami Hurricanes' fan. Eisenberg, a former minor-league baseball player, is now a film student in Chicago. He provides us a little insight into UM's big road test in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech. The 'Eye and the 'Eer take a look at last week's interesting outcomes, as well as look into our crystal balls as we consider some of the possibilities this weekend. We also discuss Pete Carroll, Bobby Petrino, the lackluster Florida Gators, Matt Grothe and Penn State.

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."

Miami-FSU highlights

No matter who you root for, last night's Miami-FSU game was truly a classic and a real treat for any college football fan. What a way to end the long weekend. Above are some highlights from the game.

I'm not sure the Hurricanes are all the way back to being considered a national title contender, but Jacory Harris and the rest of the Young Canes put on a show. I'm not sure FSU has much to be embarrassed about either.

That was by far the best-played Miami-FSU game in the past decade. Maybe Randy Shannon will save his job this year.

Miami-Florida State (Live Blogging! WooHoo!)

If anyone's paying attention

Miami 7, FSU 0
First quarter - Yikes. Nice start for the 'Canes and Jacory Harris at QB. Was that a 12-year old girl who caught the touchdown pass? i've never seen a football player that skinny in my life. Fast girl, though.

Miami 7, FSU 7
This might be the rarest of rare finds in recent Miami-FSU game - one with two quarterbacks who seem competent and don't spend the entire game running for their lives and throwing interceptions. Randy Shannon is leading the world in timeouts used.

Second quarter - This is actually a well-played game. Sorry, but I'm a little shocked. Recent games in this series have been sloppy, emotion-filled games filled with crazy plays and turnovers. Heck, I don't think there's even been a personal foul yet! Is this really Miami-FSU?

Miami 7, FSU 10
Okay - decent offensive line play, no personal fouls, competent quarterbacking and now an FSU kicker NOT named Sebastian Janikowski kicks a 52-yarder??? This is not Miami - Florida State.

Miami 14, FSU 10
I don't know who Mark Whipple is, other than the new Hurricanes' offensive coordinator, but Miami just put together a great drive to take the lead right before halftime. About 1,000 times better than what Patrick Nix was calling a year ago.

Halftime - first big mistake goes to FSU as Christian Ponder throws a pick in the end zone when they were in FG range.

Third quarter

And there's the first personal foul, right on the second half kickoff - and it's on the KICKER for Miami. Somewhere, Michael Irvin weeps.

Miami 14, FSU 16
Short field helps as Ponder scores on a QB draw after another Miami penalty. Nice start to the second half for FSU. And the 'Noles miss the extra point. That's the FSU kicking game I know and love.

So much for good quarterback play. Deep in his own end, Ponder throws up two prayers down the sideline. Miami gets good field position and Harris immediately throws a pick on his own prayer. I think we're officially back to form.

Miami 14, FSU 23
Another nice drive by the 'Noles. Miami's defensive discipline and tackling have disappeared. Be interesting to see if Shannon can convince them they're still in this game. Their body language isn't showing that.

Miami 17, FSU 23
Wow. Never mind. I counted them out a little early. A huge kickoff return by Graig Kooper, a nice pass and, oops, FSU's defense stiffens and forces a FG.

Miami 24, FSU 23
The 'Canes rally and take the lead. Didn't see that one coming at all. Harris looks solid but it's Graig Kooper who is really carrying Miami.

Miami 24, FSU 31
This has turned into one hell of a football game. Back and forth. A blitzer hits Harris, the ball pops into the air, gets picked off and returned for a TD. And Harris is holding his arm. FSU goes for two and....gets it on a slant. Big conversion.

Miami 31, FSU 31
Damn. nice drive. Harris to Cooper. nice move on that one.

Miami 31, FSU 34
Pet Peeve. I don't like the deep fade route as the checkoff when the defense is blitzing. I think it's hard to complete. (This comes from years of watching Ohio State football.)
Anyway, FSU settles for the FG and the lead with 4 minutes left.

Miami 38, FSU 34
Holy crap what a throw by Harris to get the ball to the two. TD Canes with 1:53 left.

Final Miami 38, FSU 34
wow. great finish. FSU WR should have caught that one. The ball hit him in the facemask and bounced down.

Randy Shannon ... this is reality... have we met?

Coaches, God love 'em, are bastions of positivity about the ability of their players right before the season starts. Miami coach Randy Shannon is proof. According to the Miami Herald, 'da U (shudder), wanted to extend Shannon's contract with a small raise, but Shannon has put talks on hold. Why would a coach who has a lifetime record of 12-13 and an ACC record of 6-10, NOT accept an extension?

Cause Randy Shannon thinks he's going to hit the coach lottery once 2009 is over:

He believes privately that Miami can go 9-3 or even 10-2, get into a major bowl and set up his young team for a realistic run at a national championship in 2010.

That means he believes UM can hold its own in the opening stretch of 19th-ranked Florida State, 15th-ranked Georgia Tech, No. 7 Virginia Tech and No. 3 Oklahoma -- the toughest first month in college football.

Randy, here's some advice, with a first four-game schedule like that, you might want to go ahead and sign that extension. That way, when you go 1-3 or 0-4 it won't seem like a COMPLETE disaster.

And yes, for typical Hurricanes yapping about their, uh, dominance in college football, you can read the link for details about Jacory Harris' pink suit he's wearing to the Heisman ceremony.

UM recruit got kicked out of camp for this?

Maybe it was a bit disrespectful, but the Florida Gators coaching staff couldn't overlook this simple salute (OK, maybe he did it twice) by Miami Hurricane-commit Tavadis Glenn to the U while participating in the Friday Night Lights camp at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?

It seems kind of minor considering all of the noise and activity going on at what appears to be a busy evening. And does the UF coaches really think every kid at the camp is going to be a Gator one day? What if the Austin Peay commit paid tribute to the Governors, would they show him the door?

(Hat Tip: The Seventh Floor)