Podcast: Episode 63A-The Bellotti Chronicles

Since Phil and Tom had already completed yesterday's podcast before reading the news about Mike Bellotti's departure from Oregon, and the surprising news that OU President Richard Lariviere pushed him out the door because the Ducks Athletic Department was not being run properly, they got together again to briefly discuss this topic.

Enjoy.

This Duck is good

Finally, an Oregon Duck football player who isn't getting arrested or dragged of to jail. Oregon defensive end Terrell Turner is being called an "angel" for being a good samaritan.

'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.

Hey Corso, the kid is blind

This is what Lee Corso gets for picking Oregon to win the Rose Bowl. The ESPN idiot tries to shake the hand of a blind boy during today's Game Day. It hasn't been Corso's best season.

The only thing funnier this season was when Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien couldn't get any love from his teammates who aren't blind.

Bowl Preview: Rose Bowl presented by Citi

Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Ohio State vs. Oregon
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 4:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
Line: Oregon -4

About Ohio State (10-2): The Buckeyes discovered a running game in the second half of the year. Good thing, because the passing game has been missing all year. QB Terrelle Pryor didn't take the giant leap forward people were expecting. Instead it's been very small steps. Jim Tressel remains his ever-boring, ever-conservative self.

Intangibles:
1997 Rose Bowl: +3
Rest of David Boston's career: -2
"Rivalry" uniforms: -5

About Oregon (10-2): The Ducks' offense has been on fire the second half of the season, lighting it up with their wacky spread and wackier uniform combinations. What's this week? Retro - a salute to October 2007? Anyway, Chip Kelly's done a nice job since LeGarrette Blount coldcocked a Boise player.

Intangibles:
Phil Knight: +$120 million
Phil Knight's soul: -3
Chip Kelly in visor: -4

Impact player: Oregon RB LaMichael James. OSU needs to slow this little shit down to have a shot.

Little known fact: The Rose Bowl used to be very important back when Nixon was President and wide collars were in.

Watchability (1-5): 4.9

The Pick: Ohio State 31, Oregon 27

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 11)

Based on a more impressive performance in the SEC title game, Alabama jumps from No. 3 to No. 1, while Texas remains No. 2 despite a lackluster performance in the Big 12 title tilt

Team (LW) Record

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

Others receiving votes: North Carolina, Navy, Missouri, Texas Tech, East Carolina.

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.

Podcast: Episode 46

Phil and Tom can't remember the last time we reached this late in the college football season without a clear-cut No. 1 team. Florida, Alabama and Texas can all make an argument for the position, but can you really count out Iowa, Cincinnati and TCU? We don't think so.

Speaking of the BCS, why are the analysts blathering on about who is where in October? It doesn't matter right now. Let the games be played and we'll see where everyone falls. Your podcast co-hosts also analyze the decisions by two high-profile quarterbacks this week (Sam Bradford and Tony Pike), as well as consider the possibility that Oregon could play in the BCS title game ahead of a 13-0 Boise State. Crazy!

Well, at least the Harris Poll has got it togeth...oh, what's that?

Ahh, early-season polls, it's the smell of stupidity. And not just from the AP and crazy Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. As an OSU fan, I think Doug does a fine job as the PD's beat guy. But man, this vote is caaaaraazzzeeeee.


Computer dork Jeff Sagarin fired up the Commodore 64 and came up with this gem. Now, i guess the BCS only uses the ELO-CHESS version which is totally confusing.

But my winner of this week is the season's first edition from the 141 voters in the Harris poll, who were apparently all together having a substantial kegger when they filled out their votes which include:

- Penn State coming in at #12, which doesn't seem so bad except that Iowa is ranked #14. And the Hawkeyes just won - in Happy Valley - Saturday night. But hey, the Nits have the White Out thing. I guess that's worth two spots.

- Cal at #21 and Oregon at #23. Which would be great except the Ducks just beat the Bears - BY 39 POINTS.

Let's not only watch the game people, let's stick around and check out the final score.

Observations from Saturday's games (Sept. 26)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's notes: Talk about a dangerous precedent

A few thoughts from the blogosphere:

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

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

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

Oregon fans show Blount support

While 'Eye and 'Eer understand the sentiments of these fans outside Auzten Stadium before Saturday's Oregon game against Purdue (the Ducks barely escaped with a 38-36 win), they definitely fit the ultra liberal stereotype that gets slapped on folks from Eugene. I guess they want to rehabilitate suspended RB LeGarrette Bount, like OSU fans would like to do with Maurice Clarett.

No. 9, No. 9, No. 9

Sucker punch

By now everyone has seen the footage of Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount cold cocking a Boise State player after the Ducks' disappointing and lethargic performance late Thursday night (and early Friday morning).



Apparently if you run your mouth all week talking about avenging last year's loss and then you rush for -5 yards, maybe you just want to hit someone. To be totally fair, it appears the Boise player says something out of line, but Blount's display of sportsmanship can't be tolerated by anyone at Oregon.

What I am totally shocked about is how no one from Boise State's team went after the guy. What restraint. However, Boise's fans looked ready to rumble. Now that would have been interesting.

Bad blood

With kickoff just minutes away we provide you with a little musical proof that this Oregon at Boise State game tonight should be worth staying awake on the East Coast. Below are two music videos that are not too flattering (NSFW).

Enjoy.



Here is Boise State's response.



This is going to be fun tonight. Even with that ugly-ass blue field.

Dear Penn State:

Boise State wants you to know "White Outs" are for pansies.

The above photos is from this page, where the Broncos athletic department tells their fans exactly what color of shirt to wear to every game the rest of the year.

What is this, the Beijing Olympics?

I don't want to overstate this, but I'm pretty sure this is exactly how the Nazis came to power.

Podcast: Episode 33

While Tom can't wait for the start of the football season, Phil admits he could use a little more time to save up his energy (and money) for another season of Buckeyes football. However, both of our fearless podcasters have already identified a game during the first week that neither will miss (can you say Oregon at Boise State and Georgia at Okie State?). The guys differ on their opinion about a 13-year-old who has committed to play at Tennessee, while both understand Air Force's Troy Calhoun's complaint about the BCS. Oh yea, Tom gets his digs in on Rich Rodriguez and Bob Stoops again. Enjoy the show.

65 days and counting ...

On a hot, sunny summer day, I had to look. It's just 65 days until the first college football game of 2009. Best game of the day is Oregon at Boise State at 10:15 p.m. (EST) on Sept. 3. As an appetizer make sure to watch South Carolina at N.C. State at 7 p.m.

Just 65 more days.

Phil Knight U. at it again

Ah, Oregon, isn't it a bit strange that the University known for hippies, birkenstocks, weed and naked Ultimate is at the forefront of cutting edge, futuristic football unis?

Next year, I say they go for The Waterboy uniforms.

Preseason: Pac-10 rankings

Yes. Way too early, but what the hey. I really, really wanted to pick someone other than USC. But, in reality, I just can't.

1. USC
Key players: QB Aaron Corp, RB Joe McKnight, RB C.J. Gable, FS Taylor Mays, DE Everson Griffen, WR Ronald Johnson
Predicted Record: 10-2
Yeah, I said it. Two losses. At Ohio State and at Oregon. Wishful thinking? Probably. Trojans will still win the Pac-10 though. Too much depth, too much talent, too much everything. All they need is solid play out of Corp and the offensive line to hold up.

2. Oregon
Key players: RB LeGarrette Blount, QB Jeremiah Masoli
Predicted record: 9-3
Chip Kelly takes over and the Ducks will score lots of points and I think they'll knock off USC at home. But somewhere along the way they'll just be too inconsistent on defense.

3. California
Key players: RB Jahvid Best, CB Syd'Quan Thompson, DE Tyson Alualu, DE Cameron Jordan, LB Mike Mohamed.
Predicted Record: 8-4
The Bears may actually have a functional defense this season with a lot of returning talent. Best is a great RB, but questions will still persist at QB.

4. Oregon State
Key players: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR James Rodgers, QB Lyle Moevau, QB Sean Canfield.
Predicted Record: 8-4
The Beavers have a lot coming back on offense and with the healthy Rodgers brothers coming back, should be able to move the ball. Defensively, OSU loses a lot from last year, but is traditionally solid, if inconsistent.

5. Arizona
Key players:RB Nic Grigsby, RB Keola Antolin, QB Matt Foles, QB Nick Scott, DT Earl Mitchell, LB Xavier Kelly.
Predicted record: 7-5
An interesting year for the 'Cats as Mike Stoops finally reached a bowl game last year, now real expectations follow and there's a QB battle. But the defense should be solid and the running game improved.

6. Stanford
Key players: QB Andrew Luck, QB Tavita Pritchard, RB Toby Gerhart, S Bo McNally.
Predicted record: 6-6
It could be a big year for Jim Harbaugh and the Cardinal if they can stop somebody, anybody. With Gerhart, Stanford has a nice big back and the competition between the talented Luck and experienced Pritchard will be interesting. But Harbaugh seems to have Stanford headed in the right direction, they're just a year away from being a nine-win team.

7. Arizona State
Key players: QBs - any of them, LB Mike Nixon, DT Jonathan English, DE Zach Brown
Predicted record: 5-7
Nobody's sure what to make of the Sun Devils, who disappointed last season after an initial high ranking. The defense returns some very good players, but a huge hole at quarterback and on the offensive line might relegate ASU to another second-division finish.

8. UCLA
Key players: QB Kevin Prince, QB Kevin Craft, OL Micah Kia
Predicted record: 5-7
While Rick Neuheisel had a nice recruiting haul and seems to have people excited about UCLA again, the Bruins have major problems at QB and OL. Not a good combination. At QB Kevin Craft is back, but is untalented. Patrick Cowan is back and is slight less untalented. Kevin Prince has some talent but no experience. UCLA will be improved simply because they'll have better depth to keep some games close.

9. Washington
Key players: QB Jake Locker, CB Quinton Richardson, S Nate Williams
Predicted record: 3-9
Not sure if Steve Sarkisian was aware what he'd bitten off when he took the UDub job. The Huskies are in disarray with questionable commitment from the athletic department. Jake Locker's back, but that doesn't mean much. Three wins would be a nice showing this year.

10. Washington State
Key players: QB Whoever it is, any DBs, anybody really.
Predicted record: 2-10
Wazzu might have been the worst BCS team in history last year, unless it's this year's team. Two wins might be a stretch.