Podcast: Episode 63

OK, so we're a little late with the podcast. But it was worth the wait.

You'll enjoy Phil and Tom discussing:

• Ideas to improve spring practice and make it more fan friendly.
• What's wrong with Oregon football coach Chip Kelly's definition of suspension (did anyone notice that suspended QB Jeremiah Masoli is practicing).
• Why everyone is just plain foolish to think Boise State or TCU could pull off a Butler-like run in football. We also realize we may be the only two college football bloggers or podcasters who doesn't want a playoff in football.

Let's not forget our Quick Hitters.

This week Phil covers:

• Brian Kelly's constant bashing of his current Notre Dame team.
• Lane Kiffin the disciplinarian.
• What player Ohio State needs to find a replacement for most this spring.

Tom covers:

• The return of the Tebow smash in Gainesville.
• Big Ten expansion (Phil says we have to stop this).
• What player West Virginia needs to find a replacement for this spring.

Enjoy another show.

OSU, WVU give fans something to smile about

It's National Signing Day and while we believe it's way overhyped and fans get too worked up about it. But we feel it's our obligation to at least publish what we know to be the high school and JC players who signed today with Ohio State and West Virginia.

We don't know enough about them to say much, but I'm sure a bunch of them are 3-, 4- and 5-star recruits. The most notable rejection happened to the Buckeyes as Minnesota prep stud Seantrel Henderson chose the flash, but no substance of Lane Kiffin over the more stoic aproach of Jim Tressel.

Ohio State's 2010 class
Darryl Baldwin, DL, Solon, Ohio
Drew Basil, K, Chillicothe, Ohio
Corey Brown, ATH, Springfield (Pa.) Cardinal O'Hara
Christian Bryant, DB, Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville
David Durham, LB/DE, Charlotte (N.C.) Christian
Taylor Graham, QB, Wheaton (Ill.) North
Chad Hagan, DB, Canonsburg (Pa.) McMillan
Johnathan Hankins, DT, Detroit (Mich.) Southeastern
Carlos Hyde, RB, Fork Union Military Academy
James Louis, WR, Delray Beach (Fla.) Atlantic
Scott McVey, LB, Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius
J.T. Moore, DL, Youngstown (Ohio) Boardman
Andrew Norwell, OT, Cincinnati (Ohio) Anderson
Verlon Reed, ATH, Columbus (Ohio) Marion Franklin
Bradley Roby, DB, Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge
Rod Smith, RB, Fort Wayne (Ind.) Harding
Jamel Turner, LB/DE, Fork Union Military Academy
Tyrone Williams, WR, East Cleveland (Ohio) Shaw

West Virginia's 2010 Class
Travis Bell, S, Glades Central (Fla.)
Barry Brunetti, QB, Memphis (Tenn.) University School
Dante Chambers, WR, Miramar (Fla.)
Trevor Demko, DE, Mount Carmel (Pa.)
Mike Dorsey, LB, Warren G. Harding (Ohio)
Qudral Forte, ATH, Booker T. Washington (Ga.)
Troy Gloster, LB, Olney (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel
Jeremy Johnson, ATH, Silsbee (Texas)
Trey Johnson, RB, Varina (Va.)
Quantavious Leslie, WR, Callaway (Ga.)
Deon Long, WR, Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy
Ivan McCartney, WR, Miramar (Fla.)
Doug Rigg, ATH, Bergen (N.J.) Catholic
Jewone Snow, LB, McKinley (Ohio)
Quinton Spain, OG, Petersburg (Va.)
Wes Tonkery, ATH, Bridgeport (W.Va.)
Marquis Wallace, OG, Varina (Va.)
Avery Williams, ATH, Calvin Coolidge (D.C.)

'Eye keeps replaying Rose Bowl

Anyone trying to find the 'Eye today should stop trying now. He certainly DVR'd the Rose Bowl and is on his fifth re-watch of the game just to make sure Ohio State really won. Enjoy it Phil.

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.

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 9)

Thanks to Les Miles' poor game-day management LSU has plummeted in the rankings and Ole Miss is back in at No. 24. However, the top six are still the same, while Ohio State jumped Pitt and Georgia Tech after a so-so win against Michigan.

Team (LW) Record

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

Others receiving votes: West Virginia, Houston, Wisconsin, Stanford

Stay classy Michigan

Can anyone explain why Michigan RB Michael Shaw thought this was a good idea? Remember when Michigan used to claim it was above the fray? Seems the standards sure have dropped since Rich Rod moved to Ann Arbor.

Remembering Stefanie Spielman

We just wanted to take a moment to remember the brave fight that Stefanie Spielman, wife of former Ohio State great Chris Spielman, put up against breast cancer. She lost that 11-year battle today at the age of 42. She was inspirational and raised millions of dollars for cancer research. It's a sad day for all Buckeyes' fans.

RIP Stefanie.

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.

Podcast: Episode 48

What a weekend!

Ohio State is back in the Big Ten race and looks like a good bet to represent the conference in the Rose Bowl. So Buckeye fans are raucous again. West Virginia has a chance to remain in the hunt for the Big East title as the Mountaineers travel to Nippert Stadium and face undefeated Cincinnati. Would it be better for the Big East to have Cincy win or lose? We'll tell you what we think.

As much as we hate to do it, Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez are back on the program. How can you leave them off? These two jokes are ruining once proud programs. We give our opinion on where we think Tommy Tuberville and Phil Fulmer may be coaching next season as well as potential replacements for Weis and Rodriguez (can you say Brian Kelly and Les Miles?).

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 7)

With Iowa's loss the AEAAE poll loses one of the undefeated teams from the top. The top 3 three remain the same, while Stanford, BYU and West Virginia return to the rankings.

Team (LW) Record

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

Others receiving votes: Navy, Virginia Tech, Oregon State, Nebraska, Auburn

Podcast: Episode 47

How dedicated are we? Both Phil and Tom are down and out with the flu, but we didn't want to postpone an episode of An 'Eye and an 'Eer.

So naturally we had to talk about Brandon Spikes' eye-gouging moment against Georgia, but more importantly the inconsistent discipline being handed out for such incidents (hey folks, Urban Meyer is not he choir boy he plays on TV).

How damaging was Michigan's loss to Illinois for Rich Rodriguez' future in Ann Arbor? His life expectancy may have been shortened from four years to three because of it. RichRod better hope for that sixth win soon and a bowl bid.

How about Oregon's shredding of USC last weekend? Does this mean Boise State could screw up the whole BCS thing? Probably not. But it does mean we could have four or five undefeated teams at the end trying to stake a claim. A couple other tidbits from the show: Phil doesn't see how Ohio State can win at Penn State, while Tom thinks this is the year a player from a non-BCS school could win the Heisman Trophy.

AEAAE Top 25 (Week 5)

For the third consecutive week the top three stayed the same, but Iowa jumped to No. 4 from No. 6 after winning at Michigan State on the last play of the game. Appears our Big Ten members voted en mass this week to push the Hawkeyes up the rankings. The Big East voters let down Cincinnati as the Bearcats dropped two spots to No. 6.

Team (LW) Record

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

Others receiving votes: Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas Tech, Clemson, Brigham Young

Podcast: Episode 45

It seems like almost every college football fan agrees that Florida, Alabama and Texas are the top three teams in the nation (pick the order). So does it seem odd that all three seem to have glaring weaknesses and there is no dominant team in any conference. So let the season play out and see what happens.

Phil and Tom also dissect the problems with Ohio State following the Buckeyes surprise loss to Purdue, as well as take on the BCS system. During Quick Hitters we discuss Charlie Weis and moral victories, Tony Pike and the Bearcats' future, as well as our thoughts on the Heisman race.

Enjoy.

Nice schtick

As a marketer, I'm all for a good schtick when it works. This is a pretty good one by Cincinnati radio station WLW. When the Bearcats and Ohio State finally meet on the field, UC may not stand a chance. But while Cincy is playing like the best team in the state the Bearcats might as well capitalize on it while they can. I'm also starting to believe Cincinnati could beat Ohio State this year.

Wonder how the 'Eye feels about this one? He's been kind of quiet since Saturday.

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

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)

Picks of the Week: No. 6

Mixing it up a little again this week. In hopes of improving his record the ’Eer is adding a mid-major game and getting away from all of the ranked teams. He believes this is the week he turns the corner and proves his supernatural abilities at picking games against the spread.

Michigan State (-4.0) over Illinois
It just seems like the Spartans should be much bigger favorites in this one. The Spartans have won five consecutive games at Illinois' Memorial Stadium (Illinois' last home win in the series came in 1992) and they could easily be 4-1 instead of 2-3. Despite the early missteps, Mark Dantonio will have MSU ready for the Illini and keep the Spartans in the Big Ten race.
Pick: Michigan State 33, Illinois 20

Alabama (-5.0) over Mississippi
This game scares me a bit because Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt always does his best work when his team is overlooked or counted out. But Alabama’s coaches, players and fans just seethed during the offseason when everyone was picking the Rebs to win the SEC West (of couse we didn’t). QB Greg McElroy is 5-0 as the ‘Bama starter and he won’t be nearly as harassed as his counterpart Jevan Snead.
Pick: Alabama 28, Mississippi 17

Wisconsin (+16.0) over Ohio State
Can you believe Wisconsin has the best red zone offense in the nation? It’s true. The Badgers have converted 20-of-20 attempts in the red zone. Wisky hasn’t faced a defense quite as good as the Buckeyes so getting into the red zone may be tough. However, 16 points is too much to give UW and not take it. Plus, the Badgers defense isn’t too bad and they might keep Terrelle Pryor in check enough to keep this much closer than the odds makers think.
Pick: Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 17

Ohio (-3.0) over Akron
The Bobcats are the surprise of the Mid-American Conference and at 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference they are primed to win the East Division. An easy four-week run begins at Akron this weekend. Ohio QB Theo Scott has been efficient this season, including a 11-of-19 for 203-yard performance in a win against Bowling Green. The Bobcats also have a solid running game led by Chris Garrett.
Pick: Ohio 29, Akron 17

Upset of the Week
Connecticut (+7.0) over Pittsburgh
This is a nice Big East match up that’s receiving regional ABC coverage. UConn is one stupid penalty away from being undefeated, but instead the Huskies are 3-1 and boast the conference’s best defense. Pitt gets the home-field advantage (if there is such a thing at Heinz Field for Pitt) and a stronger offense. But UConn has something to prove and the Huskies don’t want another mid-season meltdown. That starts with a win on the road at Pitt.
Pick: Connecticut 24, Pittsburgh 14

Last Week: 3-2
Season Record: 13-12

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

Picks of the Week: No. 5

The 'Eer knew there was a reason he avoided picking ACC games last year. Now he's staving off this schizophrenic conference until it becomes more stable. Let's see what we can find around the rest of the nation for this week's picks. Dude, I need a good week.

Ohio State (-18.0) over Indiana
The Hooisers should have won at Michigan last week. That was more an aberration and Ohio State will remind everyone of that this week. The Buckeyes have pitched consecutive shutouts. I'm not predicting three in a row, but Terrelle Pryor and the OSU offense will score plenty to keep the Buckeyes on top in the Big Ten.
Pick: Ohio State 34, Indiana 10

Cincinnati (-29.0) over Miami, Ohio
This pick scares me a bit because of the 29 points. But the Redhawks won't be able to stop the Tony Pike-Mardy Gilyard tandem in Oxford. So far this year Miami has been outscored on average 41-11 and the Bearcats are the best team it has faced all season (sorry Boise State fans).
Pick: Cincinnati 55, Miami 7

Penn State (-7.0) over Illinois
Did you watch the Illini last week? Inept is a kind evaluation. Penn State didn't look much better in its home loss to Iowa, but JoPa will ... wait a minute ... Tom Bradley will have the Nittany Lions back on track in Champaign.
Pick: Penn State 30, Illinois 17

Washington State (+33.5) over Oregon
The Ducks are on a roll, but following last week's dominating performance against Cal it's time for Oregon to struggle a bit. Wazzu won't pull out the upset, but they'll keep it closer than expected. Why? Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli will turn the ball over enough to thwart at least two Ducks' scoring drives.
Pick: Oregon 38, Washington State 9

Upset of the Week
LSU (+3.0) over Georgia
This one just seems odd. The Tigers are ranked fourth in the nation and are undefeated. Georgia is ranked, but have given up a ton of points and didn't look too impressive in its loss at Oklahoma State. SEC types will tell you how difficult it is to win on the road in the conference ... blah, blah, blah. Mark Richt is about as good at coaching big games as Bob Stoops. LSU may need a little luck like last week, but they'll pull the upset (if you can call it that).
Pick: LSU 33, Georgia 32

Last Week: 2-3
Season Record: 10-10

Picks of the Week: No. 3

If Stanford hadn't buckled in the second half, and if Texas didn't sleep walk through the first half 'Eer would have been 4-1. Instead the week wasn't as good as I had hoped. So this week I have to prove my mettle. Here we go.

Ohio State (-20.5) over Toledo
Jim Tressel is not known as a guy who runs up a score. But after last week's near-win against USC and the heat he's taken all week from the fans, Coach Tressel will try to show he can still call an effective game. This should be like a home game for the Buckeyes as most of the crowd in Cleveland Browns Stadium will be rooting for No. 11 OSU. Just Toledo will get the huge gate receipts.
Pick: Ohio State 42, Toledo 13

Texas (-17.5) over Texas Tech
How bad does No. 2 Texas want to avenge its only loss of 2008? Watch this game and you'll see. Colt McCoy and Mack Brown want payback and to keep the Longhorns on track for a BCS Championship showdown. Beside, Mike Leach and the Red Raiders don't fare well in Austin. Another interesting fact is since 2000, the Red Raiders have lost all four games played against ranked teams in August and September.
Pick: Texas 45, Texas Tech 21

Tulsa (+17.5) over Oklahoma
The 12th-ranked Sooners will win this game, but it's going to be much closer than 17.5 points. The Golden Hurricane are 2-0 and one of the top teams in Conference USA. This is Tulsa's best chance to win this in-state battle. Don't overlook the fact that Tulsa is road-tested this season with wins over Tulane (37-13) and New Mexico (44-10).
Pick: Oklahoma 38, Tulsa 28

North Carolina (-7.5) over East Carolina
The Pirates were everyone's early season darling in 2008. This year Skip Holtz' defense is a bit more porous as is evident in ECU's opening games against the Mountaineers (35-20 loss to West Virginia and 29-24 win over Appalachian State). Butch Davis' boys struggled at UConn last week, but returning to Chapel Hill and a focused week of practice is all the 24th-ranked Tar Heels need to win this week.
Pick: North Carolina 32, East Carolina 14

Upset of the Week
Georgia (-1.0) over Arkansas
Something doesn't seem right about this one. UGA is the underdog at Arkansas? OK. I'll bite. The Bulldogs got the offense going against South Carolina last week (wish I could say the Dawgs' defense looked better). QB Ryan Mallett is a nice player and could light up Georgia, but I'm going with the more talented team ... that's Georgia.
Pick: Georgia 32, Arkansas 24

Last Week: 2-3
Season Record: 5-5