Oh Sweet Blindness

College Football Week One – Five Straight Days of Football

Oh Sweet Blindness

(With apologies to the late Laura Nyro)

Let’s go down by the gridiron, drink my daddy’s beer. Get happy!
Down by the gridiron, drink my daddy’s beer. Get happy, happy!

After seven months of waiting, college football season is here!

The season kicks off Thursday evening and opening weekend continues for the next four days, ending on Labor Day night – five-straight days of football. Does it get any better?

Oh sweet blindness, a little magic, a little kindness.
Oh sweet blindness, all over me.

Oregon State lineman Tyler Patrick Thomas was psyched for opening weekend last week. The Beavers’ offensive lineman was caught nude in a stranger’s home. When police arrived, Thomas got down in the three-point stance and charged the officers. One of the cops pulled out his stun gun and tazed Thomas. Police reported that Thomas was absolutely intoxicated.

Four leaves on a clover, and I’m just a bit of a shade hung over.

Ah, don’t you love college football? I figure Thomas should have told police he was practicing for the lingerie bowl. Thomas, by the way, has been dismissed from the Oregon State team.

Yes, the action commences Thursday with a TV doubleheader on ESPN – Southern Miss at South Carolina, followed by USC at Hawaii. ESPNU has Minnesota at Middle Tennessee, while Versus is carrying Pitt at Utah. Take your pick.

For the first time in more than 40 years, the season is beginning without Bobby Bowden. But on the eve of a new season, Bobby couldn’t stay out of the spotlight. He revealed last week, what we all knew, that he was “pushed out” by Florida State.

Bobby said he could have come back for one more year as the “ambassador coach.” But Jimbo Fisher would have been making the calls and running the team. He said he couldn’t cope with that kind of set up. His only other option was to “quit.”

You know, I thought I heard the Seminole cheerleaders revising a classic cheer last season. Instead of “Push ’em back, push ’em back, way back,” they were cheering “Push him out, push him out, way out.”

Friday night, Arizona makes a visit to Toledo to play the Rockets. ESPN is broadcasting the game.

Several games are on TV Saturday, including Connecticut at Michigan, Kentucky at Louisville, Purdue at Notre Dame, Texas at Rice, UCLA at Kansas State, Washington at BYU, Oregon State at TCU, LSU vs. North Carolina and Cincinnati at Fresno State to mention a few.

Georgia introduces a brand new Uga Saturday – Uga VIII. You may remember that Uga VII died at the end of last season. I suppose Uga VIII will be barking:

“I’m Uga the eighth I am
Uga the eighth I am, I am
I got married to the bitch next door
She’s been married seven times before
And everyone was an Uga (Uga)
She wouldn’t have a Rover or a Fido (no Fido)
I’m her eighth old Dawg, I’m Uga
Uga the eighth I am”

Sunday afternoon, ESPN2 broadcasts Tulsa at East Carolina, while ESPN televises SMU at Texas Tech.

And finally, on Labor Day Monday, ESPN offers a doubleheader – Maryland at Navy, followed by Boise State vs. Virginia Tech from Fed Ex Field in Landover, Maryland. Enjoy the games.

Swamp Mama and I hosted a college football season kickoff party Saturday night. The guests, fans of several different colleges, wore school t-shirts, team jerseys and brought flags, banners and other paraphernalia representing their schools.

Flags and banners of N.C. State, Notre Dame, Duke, North Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky and Florida were draped over the banister on our front porch. When Brent Stancil brought his N.C. State flag, he draped it over top of the North Carolina flag. But Betty “The Duchess of Indialantic” Pappas wasn’t going to put up with that. She made sure her Tar Heel banner was displayed. Betty is also a big Georgia fan.

Rockledge Gator and Bootsie brought a football that all of the guests signed. It’s now a valued keepsake for Swamp Mama and me. Bootsie wore an Auburn shirt.

Tom and Jane Sharpe brought several Florida State t-shirts and sweatshirts and Swamp Mama actually draped the shirts inside the house. I had to take Swamp Mama’s temperature. I thought she must to be sick.

Swamp Mama’s good friend from high school Patti Maggiore and her husband Larry drove over from Punta Gorda, Florida, for the party. Patti and Larry brought a blowup Gator (Albert) that we setup in the backyard.

Dieter and Deb Gum wore their Florida Tech t-shirts that read: Florida Tech Football, Still Undefeated. Florida Tech doesn’t have a football team, but the Panthers are starting a team in 2013. So Dieter and Deb may have only three more years to wear those shirts.

John and Karlene Tuttle represented the Kentucky Wildcat contingency. They also brought our tickets for the Kentucky-Florida game. Roger and Sara Schenk represented more schools – Purdue, Duke, Notre Dame, Georgia and Michigan – than any other couple at the party. We had Roger’s large Purdue flag in the backyard.

And our friend Stephanie Stein made sure that Syracuse got its fair amount of attention at the party. We missed Steph’s husband Neal who was unable to attend. We also missed Brent Stancil’s wife Angela who was under the weather.

So, we’re ready. All we need now is for the games to begin.

The three most talked and written about teams at preseason are Alabama, Ohio State and Boise State. Each has a big test early in the season. Boise State opens against Virginia Tech. If the Bulldogs win that game, it is highly likely they will finish the season undefeated. Boise State’s only other test is a home game against Oregon State.

Alabama, hoping to repeat as national champions and given a good chance of doing it, has a meeting with Penn State in Tuscaloosa the second weekend of the season – September 11. That same day, Ohio State hosts Miami (Florida) in the Horseshoe in Columbus.

In the SEC, Alabama and Florida are the favorites to meet again in the SEC title game. If they do, it would be their second encounter of the season. The Crimson Tide and the Gators meet in Tuscaloosa on October 2. And don’t count out Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Georgia or South Carolina. One of those teams could surprise.

Virginia Tech and Florida State are the favorites to play for the ACC championship. The Hokies and the Seminoles don’t play each other during the season, but both have to play Miami on the road. Do Miami, Clemson, Boston College, Georgia Tech or North Carolina have enough to surprise?

Nebraska appears to be a sure bet to tangle with either Oklahoma or Texas for the Big 12 championship. And it will be Nebraska’s last year in the Big 12. Texas and Oklahoma play September 2, and the Longhorns play at Nebraska on October 16. The Huskers and the Sooners don’t meet during the season.

Ohio State is the solid favorite to win the Big Ten. If the Buckeyes slip up, Iowa and Wisconsin are given the best chance to win the conference. Penn State could surprise. Iowa has all three – Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State – at home. Ohio State also plays at Wisconsin, but the Buckeyes host Penn State. Wisconsin and Penn State don’t play. Michigan State and Michigan won’t surprise, but they could cause some problems to the above mentioned teams.

In the Big East, Pitt is the general favorite. West Virginia is given the best chance to challenge the Panthers. Connecticut, Cincinnati or Rutgers could surprise. Pitt and West Virginia meet in Pittsburgh on November 26.

The two Oregon’s – Oregon and Oregon State – are the favorites in the Pac-10. USC, on probation, will be playing for pride and could win out in the conference. Stanford, Washington or Arizona could be the surprise team.

TCU is the overwhelming favorite in the Mountain West. The Horned Frogs biggest challengers are Utah and BYU. Air Force could surprise. TCU has BYU in Fort Worth, but is on the road at Utah.

Boise State is the hands down favorite in the WAC. Only Nevada and Fresno State are slight threats to the Bulldogs and that is a minimal threat at best. Boise State has Fresno State at home and plays at Nevada.

In Conference USA, Houston is the solid choice to meet either UCF or Southern Miss for the C-USA championship. Southern Miss is at UCF on November 13 and hosts Houston on November 20. Houston and UCF don’t meet during the season.

Temple and Northern Illinois are the favorites to meet for the Mid-American championship. If they do, it would be a second encounter. The two teams meet at Northern Illinois on October 9. Ohio and Central Michigan could surprise.

Middle Tennessee is the pick of the Sun Belt, but Troy is a very serious threat to the Blue Raiders. The two teams meet at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on October 5.

Navy appears to be the best of the Independents. The Middies play both Notre Dame and Army. Navy plays Notre Dame at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 23.

There are two new bowl games in the 2010 season – the Pinstripe Bowl and the Dallas Classic. The Pinstripe Bowl will be played in Yankee Stadium on December 30 between a Big East team and a Big 12 team.

The Dallas Classic will be played January 1, 2011 in the Cotton Bowl. The Classic will pit a Big 12 team against a Big Ten team. The Cotton Bowl game is moving to Cowboys Stadium. There are 35 bowl games this season. The International Bowl has been discontinued.

College football has two new rules this year. No messages, words, phrases, etc. will be allowed on eyeblack. And no more wedge blocking on kick returns.

We welcome three new teams to the college football ranks this season – Lamar, Georgia State and South Alabama. Lamar is resuming its program after dropping football several years ago, while Georgia State and South Alabama will be playing football for the first time.

All three schools will be in the FCS (Division I-AA). Although South Alabama will move up to the FBS (Division I-A) in 2013. The Jaguars will compete in the Sun Belt Conference. Next year, Texas-San Antonio begins playing football as an FCS school.

And finally, the results of an extensive survey of men were published and broadcast last week. The survey, and I kid you not, found that 1-in-4 grown men sleep with a stuffed animal. I thought how could that be? But then it hit me. After all these years of traveling with Rockledge Gator, I now know why he always traveled with a second suitcase.

For the next four months, it’s chili dogs, cold pizza and beer for breakfast on Saturday mornings. College football is here!

Ain’t that sweet-eyed blindness good to me!

Touchdown Tom
August 30, 2010


Quotes of the Week

“And that roaring applause you heard Monday was pancake house waitresses and porn queens across the world rejoicing. Tiger is single again!,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Dear NFL, I apologize for tweeting during the game but that was two months of my Bugatti payments you just took from me. I won’t do it again,” Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, on his $25,000 fine from the NFL for tweeting during a game.

“Fired might be a little too strong. Pushed out ain’t bad. I was definitely pushed out, no doubt about it. I didn’t want but one more year. Gosh, I’m 80,” Bobby Bowden, on his departure from Florida State.

“When I was a kid my dad used to take me to Tuscaloosa to watch the games. I think the last time I was there just watching as a fan was 1948 when I was a senior in high school and they were recruiting me. I always wanted to go back. And now I can,” Bobby Bowden, on going to an Alabama game again.


The 20 Hottest and Most Intriguing Games of the Opening Week … and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Boise State vs. Virginia Tech – (WAC vs. ACC) – Ten years ago no one had ever heard of Boise State. Now, no one wants to play them – at least not in Boise. Not on the Smurf Turf. Forty years ago no one had ever heard of Virginia Tech. The school was VPI then. They were the Gobblers, not the Hokies. Now, no one wants to play them in Blacksburg. So, the two teams – Boise State and Virginia Tech – are meeting at Fed Ex Field in Landover, Maryland. It’s the first meeting of the season (the only one this weekend) between two Top-10 teams. Boise State is favored. I say the Hokies win, but the Bulldogs keep it close. Bulldogs get poked – Virginia Tech 20, Boise State 15.

RUNNER UP: 2. Oregon State vs. TCU – (Pac-10 vs. MWC) – TCU begins the season ranked in the Top 10. The Beavers are in the Top 25. But the big question on everyone’s mind about this game is will the Oregon State offensive linemen suit up, or will they play in the nude. A bunch of naked offensive linemen could be pretty ugly – especially when they are down in the three-point stance. Look for the Frogs to stun the Beavers. But I say it’s closer than the oddsmakers have it. Beavers get tazed – TCU 17, Oregon State 12.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. LSU vs. North Carolina – (SEC vs. ACC) – Up until Thursday night, the bookmakers called this game even. Now, it’s off the books. Thursday night, all hell broke loose in Chapel Hill. North Carolina revealed that it is investigating a cheating scandal – academic fraud, improper tutoring. Sounds like a contagious disease that North Carolina caught from Florida State. UNC is supposed to have one of the best defenses in the country, but at this point, no one knows who and how many Tar Heel players will be held out of the game. Meanwhile, LSU coach Les Miles needs to win this game. As the season begins, Miles is feeling some pressure. The Tigers are somewhat of an unknown commodity. The talent is there. But the question is: how will the talent perform? It should perform well against UNC’s offense. Even if all the Tar Heels play, UNC’s offense was considered to be so-so at best. Prior to Thursday night’s news, I had LSU winning 17-14. Tigers claw through the defense of Tar – LSU 20, North Carolina 10.

4. Pitt at Utah – (Big East vs. MWC) – This is a rematch of the Fiesta Bowl played at the end of the 2004 season. Utah under coach Urban Meyer and with quarterback Alex Smith clobbered the Panthers, 35-7. It was Meyer’s last game at Utah before leaving for Florida. Pitt is not favored in this contest either, but it should be a lot closer. If the game were played in Pittsburgh, the Panthers would be favored. Utes on a Panther hunt – Utah 22, Pitt 17.

5. Washington at BYU – (Pac-10 vs. MWC) – The winner of this game could jump into the Top 25. All eyes will be on Huskies’ quarterback Jake Locker. The Washington senior, who turned down the NFL draft in the spring, is expected to have stellar year – possibly a Heisman one. He’ll have his work cut out for him in this game. BYU has incentive, because the school was spurned by the Pac-10 Conference during the expansions in June. Oddsmakers have the Cougars winning. I think not. Cougars trapped in the Locker – Washington 26, BYU 24.

6. Connecticut at Michigan – (Big East vs. Big Ten) – Pressure is on Rich Rod, but he says he can deal with it. A loss to UConn and the Wolverine fans will be howling. This may be Randy Edsall’s last chance to beat Rich Rod. Edsall was 0-4 against West Virginia when the Rod was coaching the Mountaineers. He never even came close. Now Edsall has another opportunity. Last year, UConn went into South Bend and beat Notre Dame. No reason the Huskies can’t go into Ann Arbor and beat Michigan. Oddsmakers have Michigan by three. I’m calling for the upset. R-Rod is no A-Rod – Connecticut 24, Michigan 22.

7. Purdue at Notre Dame – (Big Ten vs. Ind.) – New coach at Notre Dame. New quarterbacks at both schools. The Brian Kelly era begins in South Bend. Will it last longer than the Charlie Weis era? Former Miami (Florida) quarterback Robert Marve is directing the Boilers’ attack, after sitting out last season. Purdue is expecting big things from Marve. The Irish offense will be led by junior Dayne Crist. Florida governor Charlie Crist was a college quarterback. No relation. ND is favored by a touchdown and a field goal. I say the Irish win, but it will be closer. Kelly’s heroes – Notre Dame 28, Purdue 27.

8. Southern Miss at South Carolina – (C-USA vs. SEC) – This was supposed to be the year of the Gamecock – Steve Spurrier’s best season since he came to South Carolina in 2005. Then scandal hit South Carolina – like North Carolina, but for different reasons. It had to do with where some of the Chickens were roosting. Now, we don’t know who and how many Gamecock players may be held out of the game. We do know that South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders won’t play. Spurrier had already suspended him. Chickens fowl up the Eagles – South Carolina 26, Southern Miss 14.

9. Cincinnati at Fresno State – (Big East vs. WAC) – Like Pitt, Cincinnati has a tough opener on the road – and out west too. The Bearcats have a new coach too – Butch Jones. But Jones is making few if any changes to Brian Kelly’s offense at Cincinnati. Quarterback Zach Collaros should pick up where Tony Pike left off. Even though Fresno State coach Pat Hill just got a contract extension, he really needs the win. Last year, when the two teams met in Cincinnati, the Bearcats won a thriller. It could be a thriller again this year, only the Bulldogs win. Dogs collar the Cats – Fresno State 27, Cincinnati 22.

10. Marshall at Ohio State – (C-USA vs. Big Ten) – The last time these two played, the Buckeyes had to make a long field goal as time expired to win the game. That won’t be the case this time. Tough initiation for new Marshall coach Doc Holliday. Buckeyes have Pryor experience – Ohio State 45, Marshall 3.

11. SMU at Texas Tech – (C-USA vs. Big 12) – The Tommy Tuberville era begins at Texas Tech. The June Jones era continues at SMU. The Mustangs are getting better under Jones. But not better enough to beat the Red Raiders – only enough to make it close. Raiders corral the Ponies – Texas Tech 29, SMU 24.

12. Illinois vs. Missouri – (Big Ten vs. Big 12) – Illinois has not done well in this series and it looks bleak again this year for the Illini. This could be the beginning of the end for Illinois coach Ron Zook. There is some hope for the Illini. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel has suspended running back Derrick Washington for the game. Tigers book the Zook – Missouri 26, Illinois 19.

13. Wisconsin at UNLV – (Big Ten vs. MWC) – This may be a long season for new UNLV coach Bobby Hauk. Wisconsin won’t make it any shorter. Badger running back John Clay should have a field day. No running in these Rebels – Wisconsin 38, UNLV 15.

14. Maryland vs. Navy – (ACC vs. Ind.) – Navy is a hot team this year. The Middies should be with quarterback Ricky Dobbs. He can do a lot on the field – a lot of bad things for Maryland. Terp coach Ralph Friedgen could be looking at his last season with the Turtles. Battleships shell the Shells – Navy 25, Maryland 16.

15. UCLA at Kansas State – (Pac-10 vs. Big 12) – How long are Bruin fans going to put up with the mediocrity from Rick Neuheisel? He is 11-14 after two years in Westwood. And 2010 isn’t forecast to be that bright. Meanwhile, Bill Snyder is in his second year back, trying to rebuild the Wildcats. Bookies say that K-State is going to win by three. I beg to differ. Bruins come out of hibernation – UCLA 24, Kansas State 17.

16. Northwestern at Vanderbilt – (Big Ten vs. SEC) – The lone private school of the Big Ten vs. the lone private school of the SEC. The one from the Big Ten has been playing the better football. Pat Fitzgerald has the Wildcats playing competitive ball. Vandy has an unexpected new coach – Robbie Caldwell – who hopes to be around in Nashville for more than one year. Back to lining the fields – Northwestern 25, Vanderbilt 17.

17. Kentucky at Louisville – (SEC vs. Big East) – Both schools have new coaches – Joker Phillips at Kentucky and Charlie Strong at Louisville. Neither has a lot of talent, but Strong has the bigger rebuilding job of the two. Strong becomes weak – Kentucky 30, Louisville 17.

18. Minnesota at Middle Tennessee – (Big Ten vs. Sun Belt) – Last year, Middle Tennessee beat Maryland on the road. This year the Blue Raiders have the chance to beat a Big Ten team – and at home. It was looking real good for the Raiders until star quarterback Dwight Dasher was suspended from the team last week. But all hope is not gone. Minnesota is pretty grim. Hopes not Dashed – Middle Tennessee 24, Minnesota 23.

19. Western Michigan at Michigan State – (MAC vs. Big Ten) – These directional Michigan schools love to give the Spartans fits. Last year, Central did. This year it is Western. The pressure is on Mark Dantonio. He can’t afford a loss to the Broncos. The prospects look better for the Spartans. Will Spartans’ quarterback Kirk Cousins have a breakout season? Broncos broke – Michigan State 26, Western Michigan 15.

20. Washington State at Oklahoma State – (Pac-10 vs. Big 12) – If any coach is in danger, it is Washington State’s Paul Wulff. The Cougar coach is 3-22 in two years. And 2010 is looking dismal. Fortunately for Wulff, the prospects for Okie State aren’t much better. But unfortunately for Wulff, not nearly as bad as the Cougars’. Bookies have the Cowboys winning by two touchdowns. I’m figuring the Cougars make it closer. Cowpokes conduct a shootout – Oklahoma State 25, Washington State 22.


…AND ONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

21. Colorado vs. Colorado State – (Big 12 vs. MWC) – This may be the last time Dan Hawkins faces Colorado State. Hawkins is not expected to survive the year in Boulder. But fortunately for Hawkins, his team should beat the Rams in what most likely is his final contest against them. Ralphie rams the Rams – Colorado 26, Colorado State 21.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Miami (Ohio) at Florida – (MAC vs. SEC) – This isn’t the Miami from south Florida. The one everybody wishes Florida was playing. This is the Miami from south Ohio – southwestern Ohio. This Miami is often called the cradle of coaches. But nobody ever calls them the cradle of players. We will not only get to see John Brantley in action, but most likely, his backup too – and maybe the backup’s backup. Gators cruise. Swamp Thing – Florida 42, Miami (Ohio) 6.

Coastal Carolina at West Virginia – (Big South vs. Big East) – The Coastal Carolina Canabeers…I mean…Chanticleers. Why do South Carolina teams have chickens for mascots? Are they trying to tell us something? Coastal Carolina isn’t exactly on the coast. It’s about 16 miles from the sea. But at least the school got a better name than one at the other end of the state – Upstate U. Or is it Upstate State. Just think, Coastal Carolina could have been Downstate U. Or Downstate State. I know, I’m rambling. But when you play Coastal Carolina, you have to write about something. Mountaineer fans are anxiously awaiting the debut of quarterback Geno Smith. Eers coast. Chicken Pluckers – West Virginia 38, Coastal Carolina 6.

Western Kentucky at Nebraska – (Sun Belt vs. Big 12) – Last year, Nebraska played its first two games against Sun Belt Conference teams. This year the Huskers are playing another Sun Belt team. It’s getting to be a habit isn’t it? Maybe Nebraska AD Tom Osborne is sending a message. He’s about to retire to the Sun Belt. Or maybe Nebraska just wishes it was in the Sun Belt…not the conference. Actually, WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky – hardly the Sun Belt. Remember the Everly Brothers? They grew up near there. Their last song to make the Top 40 was titled “Bowling Green.” They sang about the girls in Bowling Green. “A man in Kentucky sure is lucky to lie down in Bowling Green.” Obviously, the girls in Bowling Green are better than the football players. Huskers roll. Herbie Tops the Hill – Nebraska 49, Western Kentucky 3.

Elon at Duke – (Southern vs. ACC) – Duke, Elon’s a comin’ you better hide. No, no, no, what am I thinking about. That was Eli. This is Elon. Elon just got a divorce. No, no, no that was Elin. This is Elon. Elon is lipstick and hand lotion. No, no, no that is Avon, Duke’s opening opponent next year. Avon’s mascot is the Ding Dong. Elon’s mascot is the Phoenix. I guess that means Elon rose from the ashes. Oh, where am I going with this? At least Elon’s mascot isn’t some kind of chicken. Elon’s from North Carolina, not South Carolina. Duke has a habit of opening against teams like Elon every year. And the Dookies often struggle with these teams. Devils turn up the heat – Duke 29, Elon 14.

Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia – (Sun Belt vs. SEC) – Georgia’s first game and the debut of Uga VIII. Wonder how long he will live? Hopefully they don’t feed him any Cajun food from Lafayette. Did you ever eat at a Cajun restaurant in Lafayette? Everything on the menu is good. But everything on the menu is bad for you. After the meal, you have to pop about 10 Lipitors. This is supposedly the season that Mark Richt will be popping hypertension pills. The pressure is on the Georgia coach. And some of his players (Washaun Ealey, etc) aren’t making it any easier on Richt. But no hypertension pills are needed for this game. It’s a Dawg day afternoon. Lafayette, Uga is here – Georgia 40, Louisiana-Lafayette 9.

Texas vs. Rice – (Big 12 vs. C-USA) – After three seasons of Colt McCoy, it’s time for a new quarterback at Texas. The honor falls on Garrett Gilbert. Gilbert should have no problem in the opener. Rice plays like Krispies. Longhorns stampede. Gilbert throws Rice – Texas 45, Rice 10.


Comment: Will Randy Edsall get his first win over Rich Rodriguez? Will Pitt and Cincinnati survive their trips out west? How many North Carolina and South Carolina players will be held out of their respective games?


AROUND FLORIDA:

Florida State opens at home against Samford…. Miami is home, hosting Florida A&M…. South Florida entertains Stony Brook…. UCF is hosting South Dakota…. Florida Atlantic visits UAB…. Bethune-Cookman has a home opener against Edward Waters…. Jacksonville U. opens on the road at Old Dominion…. Florida International opens next week.


Thursday’s Television Schedule – September 2

Minnesota at Middle Tennessee State – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Southern Miss at South Carolina – 7:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
Pitt at Utah – 8:30 p.m. ET – Versus
USC at Hawaii – 11:00 p.m. ET – ESPN


Friday’s Television Schedule – September 3

Arizona at Toledo – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN


Saturday’s Television Schedule – September 4

Miami (Ohio) at Florida – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Samford at Florida State – 12:00 noon ET – ESPNU
Western Michigan at Michigan State – 12 noon ET – ESPN2
Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia – 12:20 p.m. ET – SEC Network
Illinois vs. Missouri – 12:30 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Connecticut at Michigan – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC/ESPN2
Kentucky at Louisville – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
Purdue at Notre Dame – 3:30 p.m. ET – NBC
Texas at Rice – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN
UCLA at Kansas State – 3:30 p.m. ET – ABC
North Texas at Clemson – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Washington at BYU – 7:00 p.m. ET – CBS-CS
Washington State at Oklahoma State – 7:00 p.m. ET – Fox Sports Network
Memphis at Mississippi State – 7:00 p.m. ET – ESPNU
Oregon State vs. TCU – 7:45 p.m. ET – ESPN
LSU vs. North Carolina – 8:00 p.m. ET – ABC
Cincinnati at Fresno State – 10:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
Wisconsin at UNLV – 11:00 p.m. ET – Versus


Sunday’s Television Schedule – September 5

Delaware State vs. Southern – 12:00 noon ET – ESPN
Tulsa at East Carolina – 2:00 p.m. ET – ESPN2
SMU at Texas Tech – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN


Monday’s Television Schedule – September 6

Maryland vs. Navy – 4:00 p.m. ET – ESPN
Boise State vs. Virginia Tech – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Colorado and Ohio State will meet in Columbus, Ohio, next season in a one-game contract in which Colorado will receive $1.4 million…. Wisconsin has added UTEP to its 2012 schedule. The game will be played in Madison…. USC and Texas have agreed to a two-game home-and-home series to be played in 2017-18.

Georgia has added Buffalo to its 2012 schedule. The game will be played in Athens…. Pitt has added Delaware to its 2014 and 2019 schedules. Both games will be played in Pittsburgh…. SMU extended June Jones contract through the 2014 season. It’s a two-year extension.

Extra Points

On the Internet – College Football Week now has a Website and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.

On the Radio – Listen live to Touchdown Tom every Friday morning from 8:05 to 8:40 ET on the Bill Mick Live show, talking college football with Bill Mick on NEWS TALK 1240 and 1350 WMMB AM. The show streams on http://www.wmmbam.com/. To listen, go to the Web site and click on “Listen Live.”

Enjoy the next four months and 10 days. College football 2010 comes to an end on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona, at the National Championship Bowl.

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but as the Labor Day weekend approached and college football fans were stoked for the start of another great season, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1935 was “East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)” by Tom Coakley

…70 years ago this week in 1940 was “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey.

…65 years ago this week in 1945 was “On The Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe” by Johnny Mercer

…60 years ago this week in 1950 was “Goodnight Irene” by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers

…55 years ago this week in 1955 was “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” by Mitch Miller

…50 years ago this week in 1960 was “It’s Now Or Never” by Elvis Presley

…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “Help!” by The Beatles

…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “War” by Edwin Starr

…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Get Down Tonight” by K.C. & The Sunshine Band

…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Sailing” by Christopher Cross

…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News

…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “If Wishes Came True” by Sweet Sensation


Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were three passings of note last week – George David Weiss, Gloria Winters and William P. Foster.

George David Weiss, a songwriter who had a hand in some of the biggest hits of midcentury pop music, recorded by some of the biggest stars, died last week at his home in Oldwick, New Jersey. He was 89. Among his most famous numbers were “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” recorded by Elvis Presley, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” recorded by the Tokens, and “What a Wonderful World,” recorded by Louis Armstrong. Weiss’s other standards include “Lullaby of Birdland” (1952), “Surrender” (1946), recorded by Perry Como, “Confess” (1948), recorded by Patti Page, and “Wheel of Fortune” (1952), recorded by Kay Starr.

Gloria Winters, who personified youthful, clean-cut American innocence as Penny in the 1950s television series “Sky King,” died last week at her home in Vista, California, just north of San Diego. She was 78. “Sky King” was a contemporary western about an Arizona rancher and pilot, the title character, who ran into the likes of jewel smugglers, bank robbers and gangsters. Winters played Sky’s blond, baby-faced, perky but earnest and unfailingly helpful teenage niece, Penny, who often became involved in the adventures. She played the role from 1952 to 1959. Winters also did guest acting roles in numerous 1950s television series, including “Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” “Racket Squad” and “Death Valley Days.”

William P. Foster, who revolutionized the once-staid world of collegiate marching bands as the founder and longtime director of the high-stepping, crowd-wowing Marching 100 band of Florida A&M University, died last week in Tallahassee, Florida. He was 91. Foster arrived at Florida A&M in Tallahassee in 1946. He retired as the Florida A&M band director in 1998.

What It Was, Was Football? Or, You Can Take FIFA and Shove It Up

College Football Week – Still preseason, but the landing gear is down

What It Was, Was Football?
Or, You Can Take FIFA
and Shove It Up Your Vuvuzela

Just as the sun was setting on the college football scene last season, a bad moon was rising on Rocky Top. The “Mouth of the South” announced he was leaving the greenest state in the land of the free to become the head coach at USC. After only one year in Knoxville, the “Mouth of the South” was bailing to become the “Jest of the West.”

Yes, Lane Kiffin skipped a light fandango and turned cartwheels across the floor. And while Tennessee fans were feeling kind of seasick, Kiffin called out for more – assistant coaches and recruits. Vols said there is no reason and the truth is plain to see.

And so it was that later, as the Commodore told his tale, Phillip Fulmer’s face at first just ghostly, turned a whiter shade of pale. So Kiffin pulled out of Knoxville and headed for USC, but only one of sixteen Volunteer virgins was leaving for the coast. And although Tennessee fans’ eyes were open, they might just as well have been closed. Didn’t everyone else in the SEC warn Tennessee fans about Kiffin?

Lame Kiffin. Blame Kiffin. Whatever you want to call him. Lord knows, Tennessee fans have some worse names – unmentionable in this column. Then there were the videos, showing the reactions of some Tennessee fans – the videos that were widely circulated on e-mail. They were unbelievable. I know. I saw a few.

Rockledge Gator sent me one. And he added a message: “Do not show this to Swamp Mama. If you do, don’t tell her that I sent it. If you do, I’ll deny it.” That should be evidence enough of how bad it was. I also got one from Greg Walker with a warning: “Before you open this video, be aware that the language is pretty strong.” “Pretty strong” was putting it mildly.

Of course, down in Gainesville, Gator fans were going through their own soap opera, as the on again, off again story of Urban Meyer played out. First the Florida coach resigned. Then he changed his mind. Then he said he was going to take an “indefinite leave of absence.” Six months? Twelve months? Who knew?

Finally, Meyer announced he was taking off for only four or five weeks – from early February to early March. He said he would be back for spring practice. What am I missing here? Isn’t that a common time for most coaches to lay back and take off – between national signing day and spring practice?

The last coaching vacancies were filled in January, as Louisiana Tech and East Carolina announced their new head coaches. Tech hired Sonny Dykes to replace Derek Dooley. Dooley, of course, had gone to Knoxville to replace….well….we know who. Dykes, the son of former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes, was the offensive coordinator at Arizona.

Ten East Carolina hired Ruffin McNeil to replace Skip Holtz, who had left the Pirates for South Florida. McNeil, an ECU alum and former player for the Pirates, was the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech.

The conferences’ revenue from the BCS Bowl games was announced. The SEC and Big Ten each received $22.2 million. The ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Pac-10 received $17.7 million each. Others included the MWC – $9.8 million; the WAC – $7.8 million; C-USA – $2.8 million; the MAC – $2.1 million, and the Sun Belt – $1.5 million.

Still in January, a new college football award was announced. At the end of the 2010 season, the Paul Horning Award will be presented to college football’s most versatile player – as if we don’t have enough awards already. And, as if a blue turf isn’t enough, Eastern Washington announced it was going to install a red turf prior to the start of the 2010 season. My eyes are hurting already.

Remember sports broadcaster Tom Brookshier? He used to team up with Pat Summerall. Sadly, Brookshier died from cancer in late January. He was 78. Brookshier was a defensive back for the Philadelphia Eagles and he led the team to the 1960 NFL championship. A native of Roswell, New Mexico, Brookshier played college ball at Colorado.

In February, something dawned on me. Remember near the end of the 2009 season when Florida State and Bobby Bowden were going through their trials and tribulations? An awful lot of FSU fans told me then that Jimbo Fisher was the problem.

They said, “Jimbo’s not so hot. You can’t blame Bobby. Jimbo’s the problem.”

Then after Bobby was gone and Florida State signed a great recruiting class, the same FSU fans were saying, “Isn’t Jimbo great? He should have been the coach sooner.”

Oh well, it was just something that dawned on me.

I did become concerned for Rockledge Gator. He was becoming fickle again. Having already dropped Britney for Fergie and then Fergie for Lady Gaga, it looked as if he was going to drop the Gaga for Pink. Stay tuned.

Swamp Mama and I decided if Urban Meyer could take a leave of absence, we could too. We took off to Pine Mountain, Georgia, for four nights and five days in a cozy cottage at Callaway Gardens. Driving home from Callaway, I read where FCS (Division I-AA) was moving its championship game to from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Frisco, Texas. The FCS title game had been in Chattanooga for 13 years. Frisco will have the game for at least three years.

Football lost an icon in March. Merlin Olsen, an All-American at Utah State, a 15-year veteran with the Los Angeles Rams and an NFL and Rose Bowl broadcaster on TV, died. He was 69. Olsen typically teamed up with Dick Enberg during his broadcasting days. He was also an actor – “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy.”

We also lost a few entertainers. “Mission Impossible’s” and “Airplane’s” Peter Graves, and Fess Parker of “Davy Crockett” and “Daniel Boone” fame both died. Then Alex Chilton, lead singer of the Box Tops (“Cry Like a Baby” and “The Letter”) passed away.

Around the end of March, Urban Meyer demonstrated that his leave of absence wasn’t indefinite enough. During a spring practice session in Gainesville, Meyer lost his cool and lashed out at Orlando Sentinel sports writer Jeremy Fowler, threatening to ban Fowler from all future Gator practices.

All Fowler had done was quote Gator receiver Deonte Thompson in an article. Comparing new Florida quarterback John Brantley to Tim Tebow, Thompson said that Brantley was a “real quarterback.” He said with Tebow, you never knew if he was going to run with the ball or throw it.

Meyer later apologized to Fowler. But remember it was about this time last year when Meyer lashed out at former Florida quarterback Shane Mathews for comments Mathews had made six months earlier about Florida’s offense in the loss to Ole Miss. Meyer later apologized to Mathews too.

Duke beat Butler to win the NCAA basketball championship, a championship where three No. 1 seeded teams failed to make the Final Four. Michigan State and West Virginia were the other two teams in the Final Four. Not long after Duke’s win, the NCAA announced it was expanding the tournament to 68 teams in 2011.

Talk of conference expansion heated up in April, as did the NFL draft. Where and when would Tim Tebow be drafted? Tebow was the first pick of the Denver Broncos – drafted 25th in the first round.

Northwestern and Illinois announced they would play their game this season at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier was attributed to being the source behind a rumor that Arkansas wanted to join the Big 12.

Meanwhile, forget Lady Gaga and Pink. They took a back seat. With Erin Andrews and Pamela Anderson on “Dancing with the Stars,” Rockledge Gator was drooling all over his TV set.

In June Urban Meyer informed us that after losing to Alabama last year in the SEC title game, his medical problem wasn’t a “pain of heart” or a “heart a pain.” It was an esophagus spasm. He added that prior to the game he hadn’t eaten for days. My esophagus would have spasms too if I didn’t eat for days.

The biggest sporting event in the world – The Vuvuzela Cup – began in June. Also known as the World Cup, it is the international competition the rest of the world calls football and Americans call soccer.

Most Americans don’t really like soccer except for once every four years when the Vuvuzela Cup is held. And then we only like it until team USA gets knocked out of the competition which generally doesn’t take long. About two weeks this time.

For soccer to become more popular in the USA, it needs to take notice of the following:

1. In football, when an official calls a penalty/foul, he not only has to state the foul, but also he has to identify the player who committed the foul. In soccer, the official can call a foul and he is not required to identify the foul or the player who committed the foul.

2. In football, a team is not penalized for speed. If the quarterback throws the football when the receiver is beyond the defender, it is not off sides. In soccer, when a player kicks the ball to a teammate when the teammate is between the goal and the defender, off sides is called, and the ball is turned over to the other team.

3. In football, there is more than one official on the field. In soccer, there is only one official to cover 22 players on a field that is larger than a football field.

4. In football, there is instant replay. In soccer, there is no instant replay to catch the many mistakes the one official makes.

5. In football, the fans yell and cheer throughout the game. In soccer the fans are so bored from the start that they sit and blow obnoxious horns (Vuvuzelas).

6. And finally, soccer is governed by an archaic, corrupt, political and backward thinking organization that lives in the 19th century – FIFA.

During the Vuvuzela Cup, David Letterman commented on the 10 Russian spies who were caught and deported. Letterman said they were so well trained at being Americans that they even pretended to like soccer for two weeks.

Now, having said all of that, I like soccer. I have followed the English Premier League for years. My team is Chelsea. Has been for more than 30 years. But there is something more exciting about league play than international competition.

Don Coryell, former coach of the San Diego Chargers and the San Diego State Aztecs and architect of football’s modern passing game died on June 30. He was 85. Coryell coached the Chargers from 1978 to 1986. Wide receiver Charlie Joiner, tight end Kellen Winslow and running back Chuck Muncie played for Coryell at the Chargers. A native of Seattle, Coryell played defensive back for the Washington Huskies in college. He was the coach at Whittier College in California, then at San Diego State, where he coached the Aztecs to a 104-19-2 record from 1961 to 1872. Before the Chargers, he was head coach of St. Louis Cardinals where Jim Hart was his quarterback.

The NCAA placed USC on a two-year probation – no bowl games and a reduction in scholarships. Upon this announcement, the U.S. Geologic Survey office reported that a Richter scale reading of 3.7 was recorded in Tennessee.

Speaking of earthquakes, Georgia athletic director Damon Evans was pulled over in Athens for a DUI. Evans, 45, who is married with two children, had a 28-year-old female companion in the car with him. The cops noticed that a pair of red panties were positioned on Evans’ lap.

Upon reading this, Swamp Mama yelled, “Thank God the panties weren’t orange or blue!”

Athens police said that Evans tried to use his position to coerce them, saying, “Do you know who I am? Do you know who I am?” When this tactic failed, Evans then pleaded with the cops to just take him and his companion to a motel and forget that anything happened. The cops refused and at this point the police said that Evans broke down, crying uncontrollably.

 A few days later, Georgia president Michael Adams fired Evans.

Michigan finished renovation on its football stadium, making the Big House truly the Big House. After renovations, Michigan Stadium now seats 109,901. Following the recent NCAA sanctions, USC fired athletic director Mike Garrett and hired former USC quarterback Pat Haden to replace him.

The summer of 2010 truly belonged to Spain. In July, Rafael Nadal won the men’s singles title at Wimbledon, Spain won the World Cup and Alberto Contador won the Tour de France. Viva Espana! I love Spain.

Tim Tebow became the spokesperson for Jockey, as the underwear company signed Tebow to be its poster boy. Tebow then revealed that he is a tighty-whitey kind of guy. Are poses reminiscent of former Baltimore pitcher Jim Palmer on the horizon?

Upon the Big Ten’s announcement that the conference would hold a championship game following the 2011 season, Green Bay, Wisconsin, put in a pitch to host the game. Are you kidding me? Were they actually serious? Green Bay in December? I mean you don’t even want to go to Green Bay in the summer. Even the people there look like sausages. The Big Ten awarded the game to Indianapolis where it will be held indoors in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts.

And speaking of Tim Tebow again, many thought he had given up football and was trying out for a part in the movie “Robin Hood” – the role of Friar Tuck. It turns out his veteran teammates were having some “tonsured” fun with the rookie Tebow.

It didn’t take Georgia long to find a new athletic director to replace the fallen Damon Evans. Greg McGarity, who has worked for Jeremy Foley in the Florida athletic department since 1992, was named the new AD in Athens. McGarity, a Georgia graduate, played tennis for the Bulldogs.

There was the headline out of Orlando two weeks ago: “Donald Duck accused of groping woman.” The alleged assault occurred at EPCOT. The article didn’t say if Donald groped the woman with his left wing, his right wing or one of his webbed feet.

Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach will broadcast games on the CBS College Sports Network this fall. Hopefully none of his broadcasts are Texas Tech games, as the suit is still on-going. Leach will work with play-by-play announcer Roger Twibell.

They say people in Alabama are always saying, “Thank God for Mississippi.” And people in Mississippi are always saying, “Thank God for Alabama.” Well, folks in Mississippi are one up on Alabama now. Printing the football tickets for the Mississippi State game to be played in Tuscaloosa in November, Alabama misspelled Mississippi on the tickets. The tickets read: Mississipi State.

Be careful what you put on your head. Florida grad, Renee Gork was fired last week by her employer, an Arkansas radio station, after she wore a Gator ball cap to a Bobby Petrino news conference. Gork was a reporter and broadcaster for a radio station that calls itself Hog Sports Radio. At the news conference, Petrino answered her first question, but finished by saying, “I’ll not answer any more of your questions while you’re wearing that hat.”

Just when we thought we were going to make it through an off-season without any absurdities out of South Carolina, up popped Alvin Greene. Need I say more?

A few updates from last week’s column. More eruptions have occurred in the conference shakeup scene – this time in the MWC and WAC. First, BYU, thinking it is the Texas of the MWC, said if the rest of you MWC schools won’t kiss our butt, we’re going to up and leave the MWC. BYU was going to become an independent in football and compete in the WAC for all of its other sports. Kind of like Notre Dame with the Big East.

So the MWC, now down to eight teams, invited Fresno State and Nevada from the WAC to join the MWC. Fresno State and Nevada accepted the invitations. This increased the MWC to a 10-team conference. But it reduced the WAC to a six-team conference. And this is now causing BYU to have some reservations about leaving the MWC. Do the Cougars really want to have basketball and the other sports in a diminished six-team conference? Stay tuned.

And another update from last week. My friend the right-honorable Terry Conner of Houston, Texas, informed me that I was incorrect when I reported that the other Big 12 schools have to say 10 Hail Bevo’s a month. According to Terry, they have to say 15 Hail Bevo’s a month. Oh, the Texas-Nebraska game is going to be fun this year. And it is in Lincoln too – October 16. Stay tuned.

And finally, I know you are dying to know. Pink lost the cat fight and Lady Gaga is still Rockledge Gator’s woman. But there’s this new one – Katy Perry. Stay tuned.

Touchdown Tom
August 23, 2010


The Teams – 2010

Who’s the best in 2010? There are enough preseason polls out there trying to tell us who the best is. Interestingly, they all pretty much agree on who the No. 1, 2 and 3 teams are. We’ll get to that in a second.

Every year, I take the results of the preseason polls and blend them together to come up with my Top 40 consensus preseason poll. This year’s Top 40 consensus poll represents the combined input from 11 polls – AP, Coaches, the five preseason magazines, and four sports Website polls. Ten of the 11 polls agree that (1) Alabama is the No. 1 team in the country. And most pretty much agree that the Crimson Tide is followed by (2) Ohio State and (3) Boise State.

The general consistency stops after Boise State, but the consensus of the 11 polls has (4) Florida, (5) Texas and (6) TCU in the next three spots. The Horned Frogs are followed by (7) Oklahoma, (8) Nebraska, (9) Virginia Tech and (10) Oregon who round out the Top 10.

The second 10 is headed up by (11) Iowa, (12) Wisconsin and (13) Miami (Florida). Then there is a tie for the No. 14 spot between (14) Pitt and (14) USC. Next is (16) North Carolina, followed by (17) Arkansas, (18) Florida State and (19) Penn State. (20) LSU rounds out the Top 20.

Then we have another tie between, of all teams, (21) Georgia and (21) Georgia Tech. The remainder of the Top 25 are (23) Auburn, (24) Oregon State and (25) West Virginia. The Mountaineers are trailed by (26) Utah, (27) Houston and (28) Cincinnati. (29) South Carolina and (30) Notre Dame fill out the Top 30.

The final 10 in the Top 40 is led by (31) Connecticut, (32) Missouri and (33) Stanford. Next are (34) Arizona, (35) Boston College and (36) Navy. The final four teams in the consensus Top 40 are (37) Washington, (38) Texas A&M, (39) Clemson and (40) Texas Tech. Barely missing out on the Top 40 are (41) BYU and (42) Michigan State.

If the consensus Top 40 is any indication, who is the strongest conference? Well, based on the most spots in the Top 40, the ACC and SEC both placed seven teams, and both had four of those seven in the Top 20. Then the Big 12 and Pac-10 each placed six teams in the Top 40. But the Big 12 had three in the Top 20 compared to two teams from the Pac-10. The Big Ten and Big East came in at four teams each in the Top 40. All four of the Big Ten teams were in the Top 20, while only one Big East team made the Top 20.

The Mountain West and the Independents were 2/1 and 2/0 respectively. The WAC and C-USA both had one team in the Top 40, with the WAC’s one team placing in the Top 20. No teams from the Mid-American or the Sun Belt made the Top 40. The highest-placed team from the MAC is Temple at 59 and from the Sun Belt is Middle Tennessee State at 62.

Based on awarding 40 points to the No. 1 team down to one point for the No. 40 team in the consensus poll, the strongest conference is the SEC with 172 points. The ACC is next with 135 points, followed by the Big Ten with 120 and the Big 12 with 116 points. Next are the Pac-10 with 93 points and the Big East with 66 points. The MWC comes in seventh with 50 points, followed by the WAC with 38, the Independents with 16 and C-USA with 14 points. The MAC and Sun Belt had no points.

If the consensus Top 40 poll holds up, then Alabama will meet Ohio State for the national championship on January 10 in Glendale, Arizona. But don’t hang your hat on it. According to last year’s consensus poll, Florida (1) would have played Texas (2) for the national title. Close, but instead of Florida, Texas played Alabama for the championship. Alabama was No. 6 in last year’s preseason consensus poll.


Looking at the preseason polls for the individual conferences, Florida is the overwhelming favorite to win the Southeastern Conference’s East Division. And, as is often the case in recent years, Georgia is picked to finish second. South Carolina is a solid choice for third place in the SEC East. Then it is a tossup between Kentucky and Tennessee for fourth place. Vanderbilt is the unanimous pick to finish at the bottom of the SEC East.

Over in the SEC West Division, Alabama, like Florida in the East, is the overwhelming favorite. Then it gets interesting. Arkansas, Auburn and LSU figure to have a good, old-fashioned Tiger and Hog fight for the second spot in the West. The Razorbacks are the slight favorite, followed by Auburn. Ole Miss and Mississippi State are forecast to argue over fifth place. Alabama is the pick over Florida for the SEC championship.

Up in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Florida State is the solid choice to win the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Then the forecasters have Boston College and Clemson slugging it out for second place in the East. It’s anybody’s call. N.C. State is the pick for fourth place. At the bottom of the Atlantic, Wake Forest and Maryland are forecast to be in a struggle to stay out of the cellar. The Demon Deacons are slightly favored to beat out the Terrapins for the fifth spot.

Virginia Tech is favored to win the ACC Coastal Division, but there is precious little breathing room between the Hokies and Miami. A few think the Hurricanes could win the division. North Carolina and Georgia Tech are picked to fight it out for third place in the Coastal. The Tar Heels are slightly favored. Likewise, Duke and Virginia will bring up cellar, with the Cavaliers most likely on the bottom of the two. Virginia Tech is the pick over Florida State for the ACC championship.

Moving into the heartland, Nebraska and Missouri are a unanimous choice to finish first and second respectively in the North Division of the Big 12 Conference. Then, it becomes an interesting battle between Kansas and Colorado for third place. The Jayhawks are slightly favored. Kansas State and Iowa State will struggle to stay out of the basement.

In the Big 12 South Division, it looks like another classic battle between Oklahoma and Texas for the division title. It’s too close to call. Texas A&M and Texas Tech are forecast to finish third and fourth respectively. Oklahoma State and Baylor are in a dual to finish fifth in the division. The Bears appear to be the losers. Texas is the pick to win the Big 12 championship. But if Nebraska wins the Big 12 North as expected, don’t bet your house on Texas.

Ohio State is the hands down choice to win the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes may have little to no competition for the title. If there is competition, it figures to be Iowa and Wisconsin. Both the Hawkeyes and the Badgers are strong favorites to fight for second place in the Big Ten. Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan appear to have the fourth, fifth and six spots respectively locked down. Then Northwestern and Purdue are favored to fight it out for seventh place. The Wildcats are slightly favored. The forecasters like Illinois to finish ninth in the Big Ten. Indiana and Minnesota are slated for the basement, with the Gophers the worse off of the two.

The Big East Conference title could come down to the Backyard Brawl. Pitt is the favorite to win the conference, with West Virginia the general choice to finish second. Then Connecticut and Cincinnati are picked to battle for third place. The Huskies are slightly favored. Rutgers appears to have the fifth spot locked up, followed by South Florida. Syracuse and Louisville will struggle to stay out of the cellar.

Out west, USC is not forecast to win the Pac-10 Conference this year. That honor goes to Oregon. But the Trojans are expected to be right on the Ducks’ tails. It could be close. Everyone then has Oregon State set to finish third in the Pac-10. After the Beavers, Washington, Arizona and Stanford appear headed for a fierce fight to finish fourth in the Pac-10. California, UCLA, Arizona State and Washington State are expected to bring up the bottom of the conference in that order.

TCU and Utah are the unanimous choices to finish first and second respectively in the Mountain West Conference. BYU is generally given credit for finishing third, but some think Air Force could steal away that spot from the Cougars. Wyoming and San Diego State could be in a good race for fifth place in the MWC. Colorado State seems to be the favorite for seventh place, while UNLV and New Mexico will struggle to remain out of the cellar. The outlook for the Lobos is not good.

Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State, in that order, are the solid picks for first, second and third in the Western Athletic Conference. Beyond those three, it’s anybody’s guess who finishes fourth in a shootout between Louisiana Tech, Idaho, Hawaii and Utah State. All agree that New Mexico State and San Jose State are doomed for the bottom of the WAC.

The battle for first place in the East Division of Conference USA figures to be a good one between UCF and Southern Miss. The Knights are a very slight favorite. Likewise, the battle for third place in the C-USA East figures to be a good one between Marshall, East Carolina and UAB. Memphis is the general pick for the cellar.

First place in the C-USA West Division seems to be already settled. Houston is the overwhelming favorite. Then the C-USA West gets interesting in a battle for second place between Tulsa and SMU. It’s wide open. Most feel that UTEP and Rice have fourth and fifth place respectively sewn up. No one has any hope for Tulane, forecast to finish last in the West. Houston is the favorite to win the C-USA championship.

The Mid-American Conference East Division appears to have no interesting races if you follow the forecasters. Temple, Ohio and Kent State are the choices for first, second and third place respectively. Then Bowling Green, Buffalo and Akron are picked in that order as the next three teams. Miami is the consensus pick for the basement of the MAC East.

The MAC West Division is a little more interesting. Although Northern Illinois is the solid choice to finish first, Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Toledo are in a tight race for second place. Then the MAC West gets predictable – Ball State in fifth place and Eastern Michigan at the bottom in sixth. Temple is the pick to win the MAC championship.

Middle Tennessee State is the solid favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference in 2010. But the Blue Raiders can expect problems from Troy, the forecasted second-place team. After Troy, Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic are picked to duel it out for third place in the Sun Belt. Then it is anybody’s guess between Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas, Florida International and Louisiana-Monroe as to who will finish in fifth place. All agree that Western Kentucky is destined for the cellar.

Among the Independents, Navy looks to be strong. The Middies could be a Top-30 team. Notre Dame can’t be bad and Army is improving.


The Running Backs – 2010

Just as three quarterbacks are getting most of the accolades at preseason, three running backs are drawing most of the attention as well – one in particular. The one in particular is Alabama junior Mark Ingram (5-10, 215), last year’s Heisman Trophy winner. In 2009, Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Just below Ingram on the marquee are Oregon State junior Jacquizz Rodgers (5-7, 188) and Pitt sophomore Dion Lewis (5-8, 195). Last season, Rodgers rushed for 1,440 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Lewis accumulated 1,799 yards, averaging 138.4 a game.

Three more running backs are drawing a significant amount of attention at preseason. They are Oregon sophomore LaMichael James (5-9, 180), Virginia Tech sophomore Ryan Williams (5-10, 211) and West Virginia senior Noel Devine (5-8, 180). In 2009 James rushed for 1,546 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, while Williams totaled 1,655 yards, averaging 127.3 a game. WVU’s Devine tallied 1,465 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry.

Looking around the country, there are a multitude of talented runners, any of whom could take away the spotlight from Ingram. In the Southeastern Conference, Ingram has competition from his own teammate sophomore Trent Richardson (5-11, 220). If the Crimson Tide doesn’t wear opponents down with Ingram, it will with Richardson.

Elsewhere around the SEC, Florida has a flashy running back in junior Jeff Demps (5-8, 184). Demps is Mr. Speed. Georgia has a very talented back in sophomore Washaun Ealey, as does Kentucky in senior Derrick Locke (5-9, 191).

Checking out the Atlantic Coast Conference, there are several quality running backs in addition to Virginia Tech’s Ryan Williams. In fact, like Mark Ingram, Williams has strong competition on his own team from junior Darren Evans (6-0, 223). Boston College has a real threat in junior Montel Harris (5-10, 200). Harris rushed for 1,457 yards in 2009.

North Carolina has a talented back in senior Shaun Draughn (6-0, 210). Maryland has a winner in its backfield with senior Da’Rel Scott (5-11, 200).

Moving into the Midwest, the Big 12 Conference has a slew of good runners, the best of whom may be Oklahoma senior DeMarco Murray (6-1, 214). Murray will have competition in the conference from Kansas State senior Daniel Thomas (6-2, 228). Thomas led the Big 12 in rushing in 2009 with 1,265 yards. Meanwhile, Nebraska has a solid running back in senior Roy Helu (6-0, 220).

Senior Derrick Washington (6-0, 225) hopes to keep Missouri competitive this year with his running skills. A healthy Kendall Hunter (5-8, 197 – senior) may be the only bright spot for Oklahoma State in 2009. Texas is counting on sophomore Tre Newton (6-0, 200) to have a breakout season.

The Big Ten Conference boasts one of the best running backs in the country. He is Wisconsin junior John Clay (6-1, 248). Clay led the Big Ten in rushing last season with 1,517 yards, averaging 116.7 yards per game. Right behind Clay in the Big Ten is another good back at Penn State – senior Evan Royster (6-1, 213).

Ohio State should have a good season from senior Brandon Saine (6-1, 219). The only thing good about Illinois in 2010 may be running back Mikel LeShoure (6-0, 230 – junior).

In addition to Dion Lewis and Noel Devine, the Big East Conference sports a number of other good running backs. For starters, when WVU needs short yardage, the Mountaineers will lean on sophomore Ryan Clarke (6-0, 247). Cincinnati is expecting a good year from junior Isaiah Pead (5-10, 193).

Connecticut has an outstanding back in junior Jordan Todman (5-9, 190). Todman rushed for more than 1,100 yards in 2009. Rutgers has a solid runner in junior Joe Martinek (6-0, 215). And the lone bright spot for Louisville this season may be running back Victor Anderson (5-9, 184 – junior).

Along with Jacquizz Rodgers and LaMichael James, the Pac-10 Conference has some other good running backs who should pile up the yardage this season. One of the better ones is Washington sophomore Chris Polk (5-11, 210). Polk accounted for more than 1,100 yards last year.

Arizona counters with senior Nic Grigsby (5-10, 190), while California is keen on junior Shane Vereen (5-10, 199).

In the Mountain West Conference, Utah is loaded in the backfield with two dangerous runners – Eddie Wide (5-10, 195 – senior) and Matt Asiata (5-11, 229) – senior). Like Utah, Air Force has a threatening duo – junior Asher Clark (5-8, 185) and senior Jared Tew (6-0, 210).

The two best backs in the Western Athletic Conference may be Nevada senior Val Taua (5-10, 220) and Boise State senior Jeremy Avery (5-9, 179). In 2009, Taua rushed for 1,345 yards, averaging 122.3 yards a game. Avery tallied 1,151 yards rushing.

Two other talented backs in the WAC are New Mexico State senior Seth Smith (5-8, 198) and Idaho senior Deonte Jackson (5-8, 190). Smith rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.

Conference USA sports one of the best and most exciting running backs in the country. He is UTEP senior Donald Buckram (5-10, 195). In 2009, Buckram rushed for 1,594 yards, averaging 132.8 yards a game. Also in C-USA, UCF has a skilled rusher in junior Brynn Harvey (6-1, 207).

As usual, the Mid-American Conference has a slew of good running backs. The best of the MAC is Temple sophomore Bernard Pierce (6-0, 218). Pierce led the Owls to a bowl game last year, rushing for 1,361 yards. Another strong back in the MAC is Northern Illinois senior Chad Spann (5-9, 198). Spann tallied more than a 1,000 yards rushing in 2009.

Bowling Green has a capable rusher in senior Willie Geter (5-8, 175), as does Kent State with senior Eugene Jarvis (5-5, 170). Two more capable backs in the MAC are Ball State senior MiQuale Lewis (5-6, 201) and Miami senior Thomas Merriweather (5-10, 214). And last but not least, Eastern Michigan’s lone strength this season may be senior Dwayne Priest (5-8, 192).

The Sun Belt Conference has a handful of good runners in 2010. The best of the bunch may be Florida Atlantic junior Alfred Morris (5-11, 222). In 2009, Morris rushed for 1,392 yards, averaging 116 yards a game. Right behind Morris in the Sun Belt is North Texas junior Lance Dunbar (5-9, 202). Dunbar accumulated 1,372 yards rushing last season.

Louisiana-Monroe has a quality back in senior Frank Goodin (5-9, 211). Last year, Goodin rushed for 1,126 yards. And finally, Middle Tennessee State has a talented runner in senior D.D. Kyles (5-9, 211).

Among the Independents, keep an eye on Notre Dame senior Armando Allen (5-10, 201).

TT’s Top Ten Favorite Running Backs at Preseason:

1. Mark Ingram – Alabama
2. Jacquizz Rodgers – Oregon State
3. Noel Devine – West Virginia
4. John Clay – Wisconsin
5. Dion Lewis – Pitt
6. Ryan Williams – Virginia Tech
7. Montel Harris – Boston College
8. Evan Royster – Penn State
9. Trent Richardson – Alabama
10. Val Taua – Nevada

And keep an eye on:

LaMichel James – Oregon; Jeff Demps – Florida; Donald Buckram – UTEP; Bernard Pierce – Temple; Asher Clark – Air Force; Darren Evans – Virginia Tech; Chris Polk – Washington; Alfred Morris – Florida Atlantic; Jeremy Avery – Boise State; Nic Grigsby – Arizona, and DeMarco Murray – Oklahoma.


The Other Positions – 2010

Next to the quarterbacks and running backs, the wide receivers are typically the most celebrated and featured players on the field. And to no one’s surprise, college football 2010 has a typical group of phenomenal wide receivers.

Most are juniors, as it is rare that a good receiver will hang around beyond his third year of college ball. They tend to be lured away by the NFL draft. Among this year’s better receivers are Georgia junior A.J. Green (6-4, 207), Oklahoma junior Ryan Broyles (5-11, 178), Notre Dame junior Michael Floyd (6-3, 220) and Texas A&M junior Jeff Fuller (6-4, 215).

More outstanding juniors are Jonathan Baldwin (6-5, 225) of Pitt, Julio Jones (6-4, 211) of Alabama, DeVier Posey (6-2, 200) of Ohio State, DeAndre Brown (6-6, 231) of Southern Miss and Damaris Johnson (5-8, 170) of Tulsa. The lone seniors among the better receivers are Oregon State’s James Rodgers (5-7, 188), Houston’s James Cleveland (6-2, 205), Boise State’s Austin Pettis (6-3, 197) and San Diego State’s Vincent Brown (6-0, 195).

Among the better crop of tight ends, all are seniors except for one – Notre Dame junior Kyle Rudolph (6-6, 265). The seniors in the group include Wisconsin’s Lance Kendricks (6-4, 239), Cincinnati’s Ben Guidugli (6-0, 237), Arkansas’ D.J. Williams (6-2, 251), Tennessee’s Luke Stocker (6-6, 253) and South Carolina’s Weslye Saunders (6-6, 273).

Some of the better centers in college ball this season are USC senior Kristofer O’Dowd (6-5, 300), Florida senior Mike Pouncey (6-4, 310), Ohio State junior Michael Brewster (6-5, 293) and TCU senior Jake Kirkpatrick (6-3, 305).

More good centers include Georgia’s Ben Jones (6-3, 300 – junior), Arizona’s Colin Baxter (6-4, 295 – senior), Utah’s Zane Taylor (6-2, 309 – senior) and Stanford’s Chase Beeler (6-3, 277 – senior).

A large number of quality offensive linemen include Wisconsin senior Gabe Carimi (6-7, 315), Pitt senior Jason Pinkston (6-4, 305), Ohio State senior Justin Boren (6-3, 320), Florida State senior Rodney Hudson (6-2, 282) and TCU senior Marcus Cannon (6-5, 350).

Also, Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo (6-7, 295 – senior), Fresno State’s Andrew Jackson (6-5, 295 – senior). Wisconsin’s John Moffitt (6-5, 323 – senior), USC’s Tyron Smith (6-6, 285 – junior) and Georgia’s Clint Boling (6-5, 304 – senior).

More good offensive linemen are senior Zach Hurd (6-7, 323) of Connecticut, junior Barrett Jones (6-5, 280) of Alabama, senior Nate Solder (6-9, 300) of Colorado, junior Matt Reynolds (6-6, 329) of BYU and senior Kyle Hix (6-7, 320) of Texas.

Others include Missouri junior Dan Hoch (6-7, 315), USC senior Butch Lewis (6-5, 285), Utah senior Caleb Schlauderaff (6-4, 300), Michigan senior Stephen Schilling (6-5, 303) and Boston College senior Thomas Claiborne (6-3, 325).

And finally on the offensive line Florida’s Carl Johnson (6-5, 360 – senior), UTEP’s Rod Huntley (6-3, 320 – senior), Auburn’s Lee Ziemba (6-8, 320 – senior), Penn State’s Stefen Wisniewski (6-3, 297 – senior) and Ohio State’s Bryant Browning (6-4, 313 – senior).

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a number of top-notch defensive ends. They include Iowa senior Adrian Clayborn (6-3, 282), Pitt senior Greg Romeus (6-6, 270), North Carolina junior Robert Quinn (6-5, 270) and Ohio State senior Cameron Heyward (6-5, 288).

Also, Jeremy Beal (6-3, 261 – senior) of Oklahoma, Allen Bailey (6-4, 288 – senior) of Miami (Florida), Marcell Dareus (6-3, 306 – junior) of Alabama, and Ryan Kerrigan (6-4, 263 – senior) of Purdue.

Other quality defensive ends include UCF’s Bruce Miller (6-2, 255 – senior), Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers (6-4, 280 – junior) and Mississippi State’s Pernell McPhee (6-4, 285 – senior).

Still on the defensive line, some of the better defensive tackles are Oregon State senior Stephen Paea (6-1, 311), Nebraska junior Jared Crick (6-6, 285), North Carolina senior Marvin Austin (6-3, 305) and Clemson senior Jarvis Jenkins (6-4, 310).

More top defensive tackles include senior Sam Acho (6-3, 260) of Texas, junior Jurrell Casey (6-1, 295) of USC, senior Karl Klug (6-4, 270) of Iowa, senior Jerrell Powell (6-2, 330) of Ole Miss and senior Drake Nevis (6-1, 292) of LSU.

Looking at the better linebackers around the country, they include Michigan State senior Greg Jones (6-1, 228), North Carolina junior Quan Sturdivant (6-2, 230), Oklahoma senior Travis Lewis (6-2, 232), Alabama junior Dont’a Hightower (6-4, 260) and Boston College sophomore Luke Kuechly (6-3, 225).

Also, Arizona State’s Vontaze Burfict (6-3, 245 – sophomore), UCLA’s Akeem Ayers (6-4, 254 – junior), Ohio State’s Ross Homan (6-0, 227 – senior), LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard (6-3, 239 – senior) and TCU’s Tank Carder (6-3, 232 – junior).

Other quality linebackers are junior Korey Williams (6-2, 233) of Southern Miss, senior Lawrence Wilson (6-1, 217) of Connecticut, senior Bruce Carter (6-3, 230) of North Carolina and senior Alex Wujciak (6-3, 245) of Maryland.

And last but not least, Texas A&M senior Von Miller (6-3, 240), California senior Mike Mohamed (6-3, 238), Central Michigan senior Nick Bellore (6-1, 241), Boston College senior Mark Herzlich (6-4, 238), Washington senior Mason Foster (6-2, 244) and Oregon senior Casey Mathews (6-2, 237).

Among the best corner backs are LSU junior Patrick Peterson (6-1, 211), Nebraska senior Prince Amukamara (6-1, 205), North Carolina senior Kendric Burney (5-9, 180) and South Carolina sophomore Stephon Gilmore (6-1, 188).

More good corner backs include junior Brandon Harris (5-11, 195) of Miami (Florida), junior Trevin Wade (5-11, 182) of Arizona, senior Curtis Brown (6-0, 180) of Texas and senior Rashad Carmichael (5-11, 190) of Virginia Tech.

Still others include Ohio State’s Chimdi Chekwa (6-0, 190 – senior), Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling (6-2, 205 – senior), Florida’s Janoris Jenkins (5-11, 186 – junior), Texas’ Aaron Williams (6-1, 192 – junior) and Air Force’s Reggie Rembert (508, 185 – senior).

The nation’s best safeties include UCLA junior Rahim Moore (6-1, 195), Clemson senior DeAndre McDaniel (6-1, 210), Alabama junior Mark Barrow (6-2, 210) and Iowa junior Tyler Sash (6-1, 210).

Also, Boise State’s Jeron Johnson (5-11, 195 – senior), North Carolina’s Deunta Williams (6-2, 210 – senior), Oklahoma’s Quinton Carter (6-1, 193 – senior) and TCU’s Tejay Johnson (6-1, 212 – senior).

Other competent safeties are junior Robert Sands (6-5, 221) of West Virginia, junior Blake Gideon (6-0, 200) of Texas, senior Brian Lainhart (6-1, 207) of Kent State and senior Ahmad Black (5-9, 189) of Florida.

Among the kickers, the top placekickers consist of UCLA senior Kai Forbath (6-0, 192), Georgia junior Blair Walsh (5-10, 185), Missouri junior Grant Ressel (6-1, 190), Arizona State senior Thomas Weber (6-1, 207), Auburn senior Wes Byrum (6-2, 211) and Fresno State junior Kevin Goessling (6-0, 190).

The select punters are Georgia junior Drew Butler (6-2, 203), Florida senior Chas Henry (6-3, 222), Oklahoma sophomore Tress Way (6-1, 215) and Baylor senior Derek Epperson (6-3, 235)

More good punters include Iowa senior Ryan Donahue (6-3, 190), California junior Bryan Anger (6-4, 201) and UCLA sophomore Jeff Locke (6-1, 208).

And even better, two of the best who both placekick and punt are Nebraska senior Alex Henery (6-2, 175) and Miami (Florida) senior Matt Bosher (6-0, 205).


Quotes of the Week

“I love it when someone tells me I cannot do something,” Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, on those who do not think he will make it in the NFL.

“I love my Knights. I plan on being at all the home games this fall. I hope I can get some good seats,” Playboy Playmate and UCF grad Shanna McLaughlin, who posed for pictures in the UCF locker room, wearing panties with the UCF logo.

“We welcome any pirate who wants to come on board. He’s a little bit different. It’s going to be interesting to hear his insights,” ABC/ESPN’s Brent Musburger on former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, who is joining the CBS College Sports Network football broadcast team this season.

“Jimbo Fisher has already done something Bobby Bowden couldn’t do. He’s beaten Urban Meyer. Not officially. Symbolically. When James Wilder Jr., arguably the best high school recruit in the country, chose Florida State over the Gators earlier this week, it gave the Seminoles’ rookie head coach the PR boost his program desperately needs,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The best thing about ‘Playboy’ playmate Shanna McLaughlin doing the sexy photo spread in UCF’s locker room? Now maybe Tiger Woods will become a Knights’ season-ticket holder,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Brigham Young is actually thinking about leaving the Mountain West Conference and becoming an independent? This would mean the Mormon school is not bound by just one conference but would set up unions with multiple conferences and opponents. Just call it pigskin polygamy,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“I am thankful we are ranked. I hope we play well enough to move up. That’s the plan,” Georgia coach Mark Richt, when asked about the AP poll.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Michigan State and UCF have added Jacksonville State to their 2014 schedules. The Spartans will open the 2014 season against the Gamecocks in East Lansing, while UCF will host Jacksonville State in Orlando on September 20, 2014…. Miami (Florida) and Cincinnati have scheduled a two-game home-and-home series for 2014-15.

Former Florida State quarterback Danny Kannell will be a college football broadcast analyst on ESPNU this season. Kannell, along with partner Pam Ward, will work a 15-game schedule for ESPNU this fall…. Tennessee has added Buffalo to its 2011 schedule. The game will be played in Knoxville…. Maryland and Texas have agreed to a two-game series for 2017 and 2018. The 2017 game will be played in Austin, while the 2018 game will be played at Fed Ex Field in Landover, Maryland.


Extra Points

Get your bell rung – Athletic directors from the SEC met last week in Orlando and set up a system of “cowbell” fines to dish out at football games in Starkville, Mississippi this fall. If cowbells are heard while the game is in play, the first offense will cost Mississippi State $5,000. The second offense is $25,000 and the third offense is $50,000. The fines are set per game, not per violation. The cowbells can be used during pregame, at halftime, and during timeouts. But not during game action.

On the Internet – College Football Week now has a Web site and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.

On the Radio – Listen live to Touchdown Tom every Friday morning from 8:00 to 8:40 ET on the Bill Mick Live show, talking college football with Bill Mick on NEWS TALK 1240 and 1350 WMMB AM. The show streams on HUwww.wmmbam.comUH. To listen, go to the Web site and click on “Listen Live.” The first show of the new season airs Friday, August 27 at 8 a.m. ET.

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were six passings of note last week – James J. Kilpatrick, Bobby Thomson, Bill Millin, Harold Connolly, Johnny Bailey, and David R. Franco.

James J. Kilpatrick, a prominent conservative voice for half a century as a newspaper editor and columnist, author and television personality, died last week in Washington, DC. He was 89. Kilpatrick was born November 1, 1920, in Oklahoma City, and grew up there as the son of a lumber dealer. He graduated from the University of Missouri.

Bobby Thomson, who hit the most famous home run in baseball history – the so-called “shot heard round the world” – for the New York Giants against the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Ralph Branca at the Polo Grounds on October 3, 1951, to cap baseball’s most memorable pennant drive, died last week at his home in Savannah, Georgia. He was 86. Thomson’s three-run homer endures as perhaps the most dramatic moment in baseball history. It was a stirring conclusion to the Giants’ late-summer comeback. Robert Brown Thomson was born on October 25, 1923, in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to the United States at age two. The son of a cabinetmaker, he grew up on Staten Island in New York and signed with the Giants’ organization for a $100 bonus in 1942 out of High School. After winning the pennant, the Giants were beaten in the World Series by the New York Yankees in six games. Thomson was traded to the Milwaukee Braves in February 1954. He played for the Giants again in 1957, then with the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles, and retired after the 1960 season with a batting average of .270 and 264 home runs over 15 years.

Bill Millin, a Scottish bagpiper who played highland tunes as his fellow commandos landed on a Normandy beach on D-Day and lived to see his bravado immortalized in the 1962 film “The Longest Day,” died last week in the western England county of Devon. He was 88. After wading ashore in waist-high water that he said caused his kilt to float, Private Millin reached the beach, then marched up and down, unarmed, playing the tunes of “Highland Laddie,” “Road to the Isles” and others.

Harold Connolly, who overcame a withered left arm to win the hammer throw in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, and then married the women’s discus champion, Olga Fikotova of Czechoslovakia, after a storybook cold war romance, died last week in Catonsville, Maryland. He was 79.

Johnny Bailey, a record-breaking running back in the small college ranks and a former NFL Pro Bowl kick returner, died last week. He was 43. Bailey rushed for 6,320 yards in college at Division II Texas A&I.

David R, Franco, a good man from a loving family, died at his home in Indialantic, Florida. He was 26.

So, the Big Ten is the Big 12 and the Big 12 is the Big Ten

Preseason and Counting Down to Kickoff
So, the Big Ten is the Big 12
and the Big 12 is the Big 10

Not quite, but the Pac-10 is the Pac-12.

A lot took place in college football during the off-season. I’ll provide a complete review next week. But the biggest hullabaloo of the past seven months occurred in June – the conference shake-ups. The Big Ten gained one new member. The Big 12 lost two. The Pac-10 gained two new schools. The Mountain West Conference gained a member and lost a member, while the WAC lost one.

At one point, it looked like the Big 12 was going to become Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians” – and then there were none.

Late last year, Big Ten Conference commissioner James Delany announced that the conference would conduct a 12-18 month study on expansion. Shortly thereafter, Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott issued a similar statement, regarding the Pac-10.

Following those announcements, all was quiet and no one expected to hear anything from the two conferences for at least a year or so. After all, both the Big Ten and Pac-10 are viewed as staid and conservative conferences where nothing moves fast.

But never under estimate the power of the almighty dollar. Money makes the world go around and money can make things move faster than anticipated. The reason behind conference expansion is money – “can we make more of it?”

In April, just four months (not 12 to 18) after the Big Ten announced its expansion study, Delany said the Big Ten was ready to expand. And word was the conference may not just stop at one school, but it may add three or five, expanding to 14 or 16 members. This sent shock waves into the Big East Conference. Then the Pac-10 followed suit, indicating it was ready to expand. The combination of the Big Ten and Pac-10 announcements made the Big 12 a little queasy.

If the Big Ten added three schools, or heaven forbid five, that meant three or four schools (Connecticut, Pitt, Rutgers and/or Syracuse) out of the Big East could be involved. And at least one (Missouri) from the Big 12. Of course the school that the Big Ten coveted the most was Notre Dame. But the Irish were not a movable feast. Notre Dame sent out strong signals that it was still clinging to its independent status in football.

Then other schools appeared on the Big Ten’s scope – Maryland, Virginia and Georgia Tech from the ACC, and Texas from the Big 12. Meanwhile, as everyone was closely following the Big Ten’s dallying, the Pac-10 acted first, plucking Colorado from the Big 12. Soon afterward, Nebraska surfaced as the Big Ten’s target. Within days, Nebraska announced it was joining the Big Ten. The bottom must have fallen out at Missouri. Mizzou had to feel like the bride left standing at the church.

While the Big Ten then decided to cool its heels and remain at 12 schools (one expansion) for the time being, the Pac-10 went for the whole enchilada. In addition to already acquired Colorado, the Pac-10 offered a package deal for Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to join the west coast conference.

Had this plan born out, it would have left Big 12 members Missouri, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor hanging out on the vine to dry. Then again, it could have been a big plus for the Mountain West Conference, as the MWC was ready to invite those five Big 12 schools to join. And while all of this was going on, Oklahoma and Texas A&M claimed the Southeastern Conference was trying to lure them into the SEC. SEC commissioner Mike Slive would neither confirm nor deny these comments.

It appeared the three Texas schools and two Oklahoma schools from the Big 12 were going to join the Pac-10 – done deal. But Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe was doing everything he could to keep his 10 remaining schools together. Finally, when the other nine Big 12 schools agreed to kiss Texas’ butt and say 10 Hail Bevo’s every month, Texas agreed to stay with the Big 12 and keep the conference (minus two schools) together.

The Pac-10 then proceeded to grab Utah from the MWC. Like the Big Ten, it became a 12-team conference and decided to cool its heels for awhile. To counter, the MWC acquired Boise State from the WAC. And it all came to an end – at least for awhile.

So, where does it all go from here? Personally, I think the Big Ten will sit on its 12-team status for at least a year and probably two or three years. Only a big move by one or two other conferences would force the Big Ten to act sooner. But I do think the Big Ten will eventually grow to 14 and then 16 teams.

The conference still covets Notre Dame. The longer it sits on further expansion, the better chance it has of getting the Irish. Currently, Notre Dame has the best of both worlds – independent in football with its own TV contract (NBC), and a member of the Big East for all of its other sports. As long as the conferences remain on the 12-team-max format, Notre Dame is fine. But, once it appears that several 16-team mega conferences are going to form, Notre Dame will join a conference for all sports.

I think Missouri still has a good chance of landing in the Big Ten. The conference could still use another team from the Midwest, along with Nebraska. And Missouri best fits that slot. Then to keep Penn State happy, I think the Big Ten will take a couple of teams from the Northeast. Or, it could look south.

The Big Ten was wise to take Nebraska. The conference needed an immediate boost in its football status and Nebraska best provides that lift. A Missouri, Pitt, Syracuse or Rutgers wouldn’t give the Big Ten the plus factor in football that Nebraska does.

The Pac-10 will eventually expand to 16 teams as well, but perhaps not anytime soon. Most likely the Pac-10 will sit and wait for the Big 12 to disintegrate. After the shakeups this summer, new Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville said the Big 12 won’t last. Of course he was reprimanded by Dan Beebe for having said that. But when the Big 12 disintegrates, where will the schools go – the Big Ten, Pac-10, SEC, MWC? Or, the Big 12 could take the initiative, become proactive, and expand the existing 10 schools to 14 or 16. Most likely, Texas would have to forego its self indulgence for that to happen. But it could.

Then there is the SEC and the ACC. Both remained fairly quiet throughout the shuffling activity in June, although the SEC may have made overtures to Oklahoma and Texas A&M. But we have learned that both conferences privately put together “what if” plans in June in case they had to act. The SEC’s “what if” plans supposedly include a raid into the ACC. Eventually those “what if” plans for the SEC and ACC will be executed.

That leaves the Big East. The greatest conference in basketball, the Big East is doomed as a conference in football. Its survival chances are worse than the Big 12’s. Look for the Big East football schools to migrate into Big Ten, ACC and SEC.

We can only guess at this point. But what we do know is that the Big Ten Conference, with 12 teams, will remain the Big Ten Conference. And the Big 12 Conference, with 10 teams, will remain the Big 12 Conference. Confusing isn’t it? Go figure. Conversely, the Pac-10 Conference, with 12 teams, will change its name to the Pac-12. How logical!

Next week, I’ll comment on the other happenings during the off-season – Lane Kiffin, Georgia’s athletic…I mean, former…athletic director, etc, etc. And, oh yes, that other football activity – the World Cup.

Touchdown Tom
August 16, 2010


The Quarterbacks – 2010

Each year, college football has its share of talented and gifted quarterbacks who are not only exciting on the field, but also just plain fun to watch. 2010 should be no exception.

Three signal callers are leading the parade in pre-season hype on the eve of the 2010 campaign. And well they should be. The three are Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett (6-7, 238 – junior), Boise State’s Kellen Moore (6-0, 186 – junior) and Houston’s Case Keenum (6-2, 210 senior).

Last year, Mallett passed for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Razorback QB completed 56 percent of his tosses. Moore completed 64 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,536 yards and 39 touchdowns. The Bronco quarterback was second in the country in passing efficiency. And finally, Keenum threw for an amazing 5,671 yards, including 44 touchdowns. The Cougar quarterback completed 70 percent of his passes. Keenum and Mallett respectively were sixth and seventh nationally in passing efficiency.

Three more quarterbacks are just beyond the range of Mallett, Moore and Keenum in pre-season hype. They are senior Terrelle Pryor (6-6, 233) of Ohio State, senior Jake Locker (6-3, 226) of Washington and sophomore Andrew Luck (6-4, 234) of Stanford.

In 2009, Pryor passed for 2,094 yards and 18 touchdowns, completing 57 percent of his tosses. Pryor also rushed for 779 yards. Locker completed 58 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns. And Luck threw for 2,575 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Stanford quarterback completed 56 percent of his passes and led the Pac-10 in passing efficiency. Luck is the son of former West Virginia and Houston Oiler quarterback Oliver Luck.

Mallett, Moore, Keenum, Pryor, Locker and Luck are the marquee quarterbacks going into the 2010 season. But there are several more signal callers waiting to grab the spotlight.

Looking around the country, the Southeastern Conference has a number of good quarterbacks in addition to Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett. Alabama returns senior Greg McElroy (6-3, 225). McElroy led the Crimson Tide to a national championship last season, throwing for 2,508 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Tide QB completed 61 percent of his passes.

South Carolina is hanging its hopes on a consistent season from junior Stephen Garcia (6-2, 230). Garcia passed for 2,862 yards in 2009. Likewise, LSU is counting on the experience of junior Jordan Jefferson (6-5, 220). Jefferson needs to perform well or he could easily lose his starting slot. The Tiger QB has some challengers.

A lot is expected from two SEC quarterbacks who will be starting for the first time this season. They are Florida’s John Brantley (6-3, 218 – junior) and Auburn’s Cameron Newton (6-6, 247 – junior). Brantley is faced with the daunting task of following in the footsteps of Tim Tebow at Florida. He’s not the runner that Tebow was, but he may well be a better passer.

Meanwhile at Auburn, Newton looks to improve on the Tigers’ success under second-year coach Gene Chizik. Newton began his college career at Florida, but was dismissed from the team in 2008 for allegedly stealing another student’s laptop. He spent the 2009 season playing junior college ball and transferred into Auburn during the off-season. Tiger fans are expecting big things from Newton.

Then, in an interesting twist in Oxford, Mississippi, former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (5-11, 214) has surfaced and will play for the Rebels in 2010. Masoli, who was dismissed from the Oregon team for the 2010 season, has already graduated from the Eugene school. He is taking advantage of a fairly new NCAA rule that allows a graduate with a year of eligibility left to transfer to another school and play immediately, without having to sit out a year. Masoli may not be the starting quarterback at Ole Miss, but he will definitely play and his running ability adds a new dimension to the Rebels offense.

In the Atlantic Coast Conference, two of the best quarterbacks may be from the ACC’s two Florida-based schools – Florida State’s Christian Ponder (6-3, 227 – senior) and Miami’s Jacory Harris (6-4, 190 – junior). In 2009, Ponder threw for 2,717 yards and 14 touchdowns, completing 69 percent of his passes. His name appears on some Heisman candidate lists. Meanwhile, Harris passed for 3,352 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. He completed 60 percent of his throws.

Just north of Florida, the ACC has another good quarterback in Georgia Tech’s Josh Nesbit (6-1, 218 – senior). At Tech, Nesbit spearheads Paul Johnson’s option offense. Last year, Nesbit passed for 1,701 yards and ran for 1,037 yards. He scored more touchdowns rushing (18) than he did passing (10). Another outstanding QB in the ACC is Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor (6-1, 217 – senior). Taylor led the ACC in passing efficiency last year, tossing for 2311 yards and 13 touchdowns. He completed 56 percent of his passes.

N.C. State is in excellent shape at the quarterback position. For starters, the Wolfpack have junior Russell Wilson (5-11, 201). Wilson threw for a cool 3,027 yards in 2009, completing 59 percent of his passes. He had 31 touchdown tosses. Should Wilson slip, he is backed-up by the capable Mike Glennon (6-6, 217 – sophomore).

Two other good quarterbacks in the ACC are senior T.J. Yates (6-4, 220) of North Carolina, and sophomore Dave Shinskie (6-4, 216) of Boston College. Both passed for more than 2,000 yards in 2009. And finally, Clemson quarterback sophomore Kyle Parker (6-1, 200) could make the Tigers a threat on offense.

Out in America’s heartland, the Big 12 Conference has a number of quality quarterbacks returning in 2010. The best may be junior Blaine Gabbert (6-5, 240) of Missouri. Gabbert was second in passing efficiency in the Big 12 last season, behind Texas’ Colt McCoy. Gabbert tossed for 3,593 yards, including 24 TD passes. He completed 59 percent of his throws.

Or the best could be Texas A&M’s Jerrod Johnson (6-5, 243 – senior). Johnson was no slouch in 2009, passing for 3,579 yards, completing 60 percent of his tosses. He threw 30 touchdown passes. Another good QB in the Big 12 is sophomore Landry Jones (6-4, 216) of Oklahoma. Filling in for the injured Sam Bradford last year, Jones threw for 3,198 yards, including 26 touchdown passes. He completed 58 percent of his launches.

Nebraska has high hopes for senior Zac Lee (6-2, 215). Lee led the Huskers to a 10-4 season in 2009, including a 33-0 blanking of Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. Texas has a new, but capable, starter at quarterback in sophomore Garrett Gilbert (6-4, 212). We saw Gilbert in action in last season’s Rose Bowl, when he came in for the injured Colt McCoy.

Texas Tech returns a good quarterback in senior Taylor Potts (6-5, 218). Last year, Potts passed for 3,440 yards, completing 66 percent of his tosses. Ironically, under new coach Tommy Tuberville, Potts may not be the starting QB when Tech’s season begins. Iowa State has a good returning quarterback in senior Austen Arnaud (6-3, 226).

Colorado will stick with junior Tyler Hansen (6-1, 205). But if Hansen should falter, look for the return of senior Cody Hawkins (5-11, 190). Hawkins, a former starter at Colorado, is the son of Buffalo coach Dan Hawkins. And finally in the Big 12, Baylor is expecting big things from sophomore Robert Griffin (6-2, 210).

In addition to Terrelle Pryor, the Big Ten Conference has six other quality quarterbacks returning for the 2010 season. Two of the best may be Wisconsin senior Scott Tolzien (6-3, 208) and Iowa senior Ricky Stanzi (6-4, 230). The Badgers’ Tolzien led the Big Ten in passing efficiency last year. Tolzien threw for 2,705 yards, completing 64 percent of his passes. Meanwhile, Stanzi wasn’t far behind, passing for 2,417 yards with a completion rate of 56 percent.

The two Michigan schools in the Big Ten are well-represented at quarterback. Michigan State leads with junior Kirk Cousins (6-3, 202). In 2009, Cousins was third in the Big Ten in passing efficiency, tossing for 2,680 yards. He completed 60 percent of his passes. Over in Ann Arbor, sophomore Tate Forcier (6-1, 194) had 2,050 yards, passing for the Wolverines. Forcier directs Rich Rodriguez’s spread attack.

Indiana and Minnesota both have experienced and capable quarterbacks. The Hoosiers are led by senior Ben Chappell (6-3, 239). Chappell passed for 2,941 yards in 2009 and completed 63 percent of his tosses. The Gophers’ Adam Weber (6-3, 221 – senior) threw for 2,582 yards last year. Purdue has high expectations for Robert Marve (6-1, 210 – junior). Marve, a transfer from Miami (Florida) sat out the 2009 season.

Moving into the Big East Conference, a handful of quarterbacks stick out at preseason. The two most prominent appear to be Rutgers sophomore Tom Savage (6-5, 230), and Cincinnati junior Zach Collaros (6-0, 209). As a freshman, Savage threw for 2,211 yards. Meanwhile, Collaros stepped in for the injured Tony Pike and kept the Bearcats undefeated during his stand. The Bearcat junior completed 75 percent of his passes.

Sophomore B.J. Daniels (6-1, 210) returns for South Florida. In 2009, Daniels filled in for the injured Matt Grothe, passing for 1,983 yards and rushing for another 772 yards. In Morgantown, West Virginia will have its third starting quarterback in three years. Following Pat White and Jarrett Brown, sophomore Geno Smith (6-3, 210) takes the reins of the Mountaineers.

Out on the west coast, the Pac-10 Conference features three more outstanding quarterbacks at pre-season, in addition to Jake Locker and Andrew Luck. They are USC sophomore Matt Barkley (6-2, 230), Arizona junior Nick Foles (6-5, 245) and California senior Kevin Riley (6-2, 223). As a true freshman, Barkley passed for 2,735 yards last season, completing 60 percent of his tosses. He led the Trojans to a 9-4 record.

Arizona’s Foles threw for 2,486 yards, including 19 touchdown passes. He completed 63 percent of his projections. And Riley, tossed for 2,850 yards, completing 55 percent of his passes.

Three quarterbacks dominate the Mountain West Conference at pre-season, led by TCU senior Andy Dalton (6-3, 215). Dalton was second in the MWC in passing efficiency in 2009, throwing for 2,756 yards and 23 touchdowns. He completed 62 percent of his tosses.

The other two MWC quarterbacks entering the season with established credentials are San Diego State junior Ryan Lindley (6-4, 215) and UNLV senior Omar Clayton (6-1, 200). In 2009, Lindley passed for 3,054 yards and 23 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Clayton tossed for 2,230 yards, completing 60 percent of his passes.

Still out west, the Western Athletic Conference has a few name players at quarterback in addition to Kellen Moore. Nevada has an outstanding signal caller in Colin Kaepernick (6-6, 220 – senior). Last season, Kaepernick not only passed for 2,052 yards, completing 59 percent of his throws, but also he ran for another 1,183 yards. He accumulated 36 touchdowns passing and running.

Two more good quarterbacks in the WAC are Idaho senior Nathan Enderle (6-5, 233) and Utah State senior Diondre Borel (6-0, 190). In 2009, Enderle led the Vandals to its first bowl game since 1998 and its first winning season since 1999. He was second in the WAC in passing efficiency, throwing for 2,906 yards and completing 62 percent of his tosses. Meanwhile, Borel passed for 2,885 yards.

In addition to Case Keenum, Conference USA is loaded with good quarterbacks, coming into the 2010 season. For starters, there is UTEP senior Trevor Vittatoe (6-2, 220). Vittatoe passed for 3,308 yards last year. SMU and Tulsa have solid quarterbacks in Kyle Padron (6-4, 210 – sophomore) and G.J. Kinne (6-2, 219 – junior) respectively. SMU’s Padron completed 67 percent of his tosses last season, while Tulsa’s Kinne threw for 2,732 yards.

Southern Miss has two experienced quarterbacks in junior Austin Davis (6-2, 208) and senior Martevious Young (6-1, 188). Davis returns to the starting position after suffering a foot injury. UCF is hoping that junior Rob Calabrese (6-2, 220) will have a consistent hand in 2010. And finally, Marshall senior Brian Anderson (6-3, 213) gives the Thundering Herd experience. Last season, Anderson threw for 2,646 yards, completing 58 percent of his passes.

Two quarterbacks stand out in the Mid-American Conference at pre-season. Foremost of the two is Northern Illinois junior Chandler Harnish (6-1, 215). Harnish completed 64 percent of his passes in 2009. The other is Ohio senior Boo Jackson (6-1, 202). Jackson missed most of the 2009 season due to a torn labrum.

The Sun Belt Conference has two feature quarterbacks at pre-season – Middle Tennessee State senior Dwight Dasher (5-10, 202), and Florida Atlantic senior Jeff Van Camp (6-5, 210). Last season, Dasher passed for 2,789 yards, tossing 23 touchdown passes. Meanwhile, Van Camp had a hot hand for the Owls, completing 59 percent of his lobs.

Among the Independents, Navy and Army both return experienced signal callers. Navy features senior Ricky Dobbs (6-1, 198). In 2009, Dobbs racked-up 2,234 yards of offense, rushing for 1,203 yards and passing for another 1,031. Up on the Hudson, sophomore Trent Steelman (6-0, 185) returns for the Cadets. Last year, Steelman led Army to its most wins (5) since 1996.

TT’s Top Ten Favorite Quarterbacks at Preseason:

1. Andrew Luck – Stanford
2. Ryan Mallett – Arkansas
3. Jake Locker – Washington
4. Case Keenum – Houston
5. Kellen Moore – Boise State
6. Terrelle Pryor – Ohio State
7. Jacory Harris – Miami (Florida)
8. Christian Ponder – Florida State
9. John Brantley – Florida
10. Ricky Stanzi – Iowa

And keep an eye on:

Scott Tolzien – Wisconsin; Landry Jones – Oklahoma; Trevor Vittatoe – UTEP; Tyrod Taylor – Virginia Tech; Garrett Gilbert – Texas; Matt Barkley – USC; Colin Kaepernick – Nevada; Josh Nesbit – Georgia Tech; Tom Savage – Rutgers; Nathan Enderle – Idaho; Tate Forcier – Michigan; Andy Dalton – TCU; Zach Collaros – Cincinnati, and Ricky Dobbs – Navy.


The New Coaches – 2010

Until last month, there were 22 new head coaches in FBS (Division I-A) college football going into the 2010 season. Then in mid-July, Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson abruptly retired. Johnson’s surprising announcement upped the new head coach count to 23.

It also upped the number of new head coaches in the SEC from two to three. The SEC joins the Big East, C-USA and the MAC as the conferences with the most new head coaches at three each. The ACC, Big 12, WAC and Sun Belt each have two new head coaches. The Pac-10, MWC and Independents have one each. There are no new head coaches in the Big Ten this year.

Shortly after Johnson’s announcement, Vanderbilt named Robbie Caldwell to be the interim head coach of the Commodores. More recently, the interim was dropped, as he was made the head coach. Caldwell was the assistant head coach under Johnson at Vandy. Another assistant head coach will be running a program this year for the first time. He is Doc Holliday the new coach at Marshall. Most recently, Holliday was the assistant head coach (and recruiting coordinator) at West Virginia. A WVU graduate, Holliday had previously been on staffs at Florida (under Urban Meyer), N.C. State and West Virginia (under Don Nehlen).

Nine of the new head coaches in 2010 were existing head coaches who in most cases are stepping up to bigger programs. The biggest step may be in Knoxville, where Derek Dooley, son of former Georgia coach and athletic director Vince Dooley, is making the leap from Louisiana Tech to take the reins of the Vols. At Tennessee, Dooley, of course, is replacing Lane Kiffin, who after coaching the Vols for only one year, abandoned Tennessee for USC. Depending on your ties, you may or may not consider Kiffin’s move a step up. At worst case, it is a lateral move.

Another big jump occurred in South Bend, where Brian Kelly became the new coach of the Fighting Irish. Kelley was previously the coach at Cincinnati for three seasons where he guided the Bearcats to a 34-7 record. At Cincinnati, Kelly was replaced by Brian Jones, who was previously the head coach at Central Michigan. Ironically, Jones had also replaced Kelly at Central Michigan.

Yet another coach leaving the MAC for a bigger plateau is Turner Gill. Gill is the new head coach at Kansas. He takes the reins of the Jayhawks after having coached Buffalo for four seasons. Gill, who turned around the Buffalo program, is a former quarterback at Nebraska. Skip Holtz, son of the former coach and current ESPN commentator Lou Holtz, is the new coach at South Florida. Holtz makes the move from East Carolina, where he was the head coach for five seasons.

Two coaches are moving up to the FBS (Division I-A) from head coaching positions in FCS (Division I-AA). Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck is the new coach at UNLV, and former Richmond coach Mike London is the new coach at Virginia. Both Hauck and London were very successful at Montana and Richmond respectively. Then we have a former head coach who sat out the 2009 season, but is back in the saddle again for 2010. Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville is the new coach at Texas Tech. Tuberville was terminated at Auburn following the 2008 season.

Five of the new head coaches are making the adjustment from the offensive coordinator position. And two of those were designated head-coaches-in-waiting – Jimbo Fisher at Florida State and Joker Phillips at Kentucky. Fisher, of course, replaces the legendary Bobby Bowden in Tallahassee. Sonny Dykes, son of former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes, is the new coach at Louisiana Tech. Dykes had been the offensive coordinator at Arizona. Likewise, Jeff Quinn, who was the offensive coordinator at Cincinnati, is the new coach at Buffalo.

Todd Berry, the offensive coordinator at UNLV, is the new coach at Louisiana-Monroe. Berry was previously a head coach at Illinois State and Army.

Three defensive coordinators are now head coaches in 2010. Best known of the three is new Louisville coach Charlie Strong. Strong, who has been around on coaching staffs for some time, was most recently the defensive coordinator at Florida. Ruffin McNeil, the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech, returns to his alma mater to become the head coach at East Carolina. And, interestingly, Mike MacIntyre, the defensive coordinator at Duke, is the new coach at San Jose State.

Willie Taggart is one of three running backs coaches to become a head coach this season. Taggart returns to his alma mater as the new coach of Western Kentucky. He was previously the running backs coach at Stanford. Larry Porter leaves the running backs coach position at LSU to become the new coach at Memphis. And, Dan Enos is the new coach at Central Michigan. Enos previously was the running backs coach at Michigan State.

Last but not least, Rob Ianello, who was the wide receivers coach at Notre Dame under Charlie Weis, is the new head coach at Akron.

Four well-known former coaches are in the market for a head coaching position. Former Tulane and Clemson coach Tommy Bowden and former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, both terminated in 2008, had hoped – like Tommy Tuberville – to get back into coaching in 2010. Neither surfaced. Maybe they will reappear in 2011.

Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and former South Florida coach Jim Leavitt, both terminated at the end of last season, hope to be coaching again in 2011, after sitting out this season. We’ll see.

And then there is Terry Bowden, the current coach at North Alabama. Some speculate that he wants to make the move from the Division II school and return to coaching at the FBS (Division I-A) level. Stay tuned.


Coaches on the Hot Seat – 2010

As I see it, at least 21 coaches enter the 2010 season on the hot seat. Granted, the 21 seats have varying degrees of heat, but even those that are not as hot have a tendency to heat up during the season. Only a few, if any, will cool off.

The heat begins in the Southeastern Conference where two of the coaches – LSU’s Les Miles and Georgia’s Mark Richt – are feeling some warmth. Miles, 51-15 in five years coaching the Tigers, would be in great shape at most other schools. But in Baton Rouge, the pressure to win, and win big, is extreme. Likewise for Richt, who is 90-27 in nine years guiding the Dawgs. Both coaches need to have good seasons in 2010 or some shake-ups could occur. Another loss to Florida could be detrimental for Richt.

The Atlantic Coast Conference has two coaches on the hot seat – one warm and the other scorching. The hottest seat in the ACC definitely belongs to Ralph Friedgen of Maryland. Friedgen, a Maryland grad, barely survived the 2009 season. The Terps finished 3-9. The outlook in College Park doesn’t look good for 2010. N.C. State’s Tom O’Brien is beginning to feel some heat in Raleigh. O’Brien, the former Boston College coach, is 16-21 after three seasons with the Wolfpack. A losing season this year could be O’Brien’s Waterloo.

Out in the Midwest, the Big 12 Conference only has one coach on the hot seat. That would be Colorado’s Dan Hawkins, who is on a very hot seat. Like Maryland’s Friedgen, Hawkins barely survived last season when the Buffs finished 2-10. Hawkins has a 16-33 record after four seasons in Boulder.

In the Big Ten Conference, it is a tossup between Illinois’ Ron Zook and Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez as to which one is on the hottest seat. The honor may belong to Zook. The Illini coach is 21-39 after five years in Champaign. And the 2010 season is looking bleak. Up in Ann Arbor, Rodriguez, 8-16 in two years, is definitely feeling the pressure. The Wolverines need a breakout season in 2010 for Rodriguez to survive.

Among the conferences, the Big Ten has the most coaches on the hot seat. Three other coaches in the conference are feeling heat. They are Indiana’s Bill Lynch, Minnesota’s Tim Brewster and Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio. Of the three, Dantonio has the best chance to survive. He is the only one with a winning record – 22-17 in three years – and Michigan State is the only one of the three with some hope for 2010. The outlook for Lynch and Brewster, both 14-23 after three seasons, is bleaker.

The Big East Conference has no coaches on the hot seat entering the 2010 season. All coaches in the Big East are either too new or doing too well to be on the hot seat. That said, some West Virginia fans aren’t sure but what Bill Stewart is more of a Wal-Mart greeter than he is a football coach. And, recent NCAA rules violation charges against WVU should be reason enough to give Stewart the boot if the Mountaineers don’t have a suitable season.

Three coaches in the Pac-10 Conference are feeling heat – two more so than the third one. The two hottest butts in the Pac-10 definitely belong to Washington State’s Paul Wulff and Arizona State’s Dennis Erickson. Wulff has only coached the Cougars for two years, but what a disastrous two years – 3-22. And the outlook for 2010 is not good.

Meanwhile, the Sun has not been shining on the Devils in Tempe. To put it bluntly, Erickson has been a major disappointment at ASU – 19-18 in three years. He needs a stellar season this year or it is curtains. While we’re still in Arizona, we can’t leave the Pac-10 without mentioning Mike Stoops, coach of the Arizona Wildcats. Stoops seat is definitely warm, especially after the 33-0 drubbing Nebraska gave Arizona at the end of last season in the Holiday Bowl. The Wildcat coach is 33-39 in six seasons. Patience could be running thin in Tucson.

Like the Big East, the Mountain West Conference has no coaches on the hot seat. However, that said, New Mexico coach Mike Locksley needs to be minding his P’s and Q’s.

The only coach in the Western Athletic Conference on the hot seat is Pat Hill at Fresno State. And his seat is only lukewarm. Hill has coached the Bulldogs for 13 seasons to a 100-66 record. But in recent years, Fresno State has been in a funk.

Conference USA has two coaches on the hot seat entering the 2010 season – UTEP’s Mike Price and UAB’s Neil Callaway. After six seasons, Price is 34-38 in El Paso. The Miners have been stumbling in recent years. In three seasons at UAB, Callaway has been nothing short of disaster with an 11-25 record.

Doug Martin of Kent State is the only coach in the Mid-American Conference who is in trouble. Martin has guided the Golden Flashes to a 24-46 record in six seasons. Short of a winning season in 2010, Martin can expect to get the pink slip.

Next to the Big Ten, the Sun Belt Conference has the most coaches on the hot seat at four. The hottest seat in the Sun Belt belongs to North Texas’ Todd Dodge (5-31, three years). Dodge came to North Texas as one of the hottest high school coaches in the country, but he has failed to produce in Denton.

Louisiana-Lafayette’s Rickey Bustle and Arkansas State’s Steve Roberts are sitting on the edge. Both have coached their respective schools for eight years. Bustle is 38-56 and Roberts is 41-55. Both need to win in 2010. And finally, patience is wearing thin for Mario Cristobal at Florida International. After three years at FIU, Cristobal is a disappointing 9-27.

Among the Independents, all coaches are safe. None are on the hot seat.

After the 2009 season, 12 coaches were fired. Four more retired (two forced retirements) and seven others left to take the same position at a higher profile school. Look for at least 12 coaches to be canned during or after the 2010 season.


Quotes of the Off Season

“If I’m ‘Focus on the Family,’ the religious organization that is paying for Tim Tebow’s much-debated right-to-life Super Bowl commercial, I would call up CBS right now, ask for a refund of the $2.5 million advertising fee and tell them to not run the commercial. With all the publicity the commercial has already generated, ‘Focus on the Family’ doesn’t even need the commercial anymore and could save the $2.5 million. By the way, did you see CBS turned down a commercial request from the homosexual dating website – ManCrunch.com? But isn’t this the United States of America, where Gators and Gaytors should both be able to air their controversial viewpoints?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“And speaking of the Crimson Tide, did you see where they are building a statue of Alabama football coach Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa? My question: Will there also be a little figurine of Alabama sports columnist Paul Finebaum kissing Saban’s feet?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Some Gator fans plan to rent a billboard in Tallahassee to remind the Seminoles, ‘It’s been more than 2,000 days since FSU last beat Florida in football!’ If FSU fans had a sense of humor, they would construct a retaliatory billboard in Gainesville: ‘Yeah, but it’s been less than 2 days since a UF football player got arrested!,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“And don’t you get a little misty-eyed when they sing ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ before the Derby? This year, the song has been amended to honor John Calipari’s recruiting class at UK. It’s called, ‘My New Kentucky Home’ – but only for the next two semesters until I’m eligible for the NBA draft,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The first piece of evidence is in that the Jaguars blew it on draft day. Tim Tebow wasn’t drafted by the Broncos until April 22 and still sold more jerseys in the month of April than any other NFL player,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Still can’t believe the NFL is going to have a Super Bowl in New Jersey. Isn’t that sort of like having your daughter’s Sweet 16 party at a biker bar?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The first reaction across the South? Kind of obvious. Fall over in laughter over the fact that Lane Kiffin’s Valhalla just turned into a shack with the word, ‘Condemned’ on it,” Atlanta-Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz, on USC’s probation.

“Take Your Big Red and Shove It,” sign outside an Austin, Texas, restaurant, when Nebraska announced it was leaving the Big 12 for the Big Ten.

“And now let’s listen in on a future Big 12 budget meeting where Texas Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds is divvying up the TV revenue: ‘Two for us, one for you! Two for us, one for you! Two for us, one for you!’,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Did you see where University of Georgia athletic director Damon Evans was arrested for DUI? And did you see his police mugshot? Geez, I thought I was looking at Uga VII,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Am I the only one who gags whenever I hear how much LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh ‘sacrificed’ so they could sign together with the Miami Heat? Sacrifice is a word that should be used to describe our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq; not NBA players getting $15 million a year instead of $16 million,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Instead of ‘The Decision,’ the one-hour LeBron James special on ESPN should have been entitled, ‘The Egotistical Narcissist,’ ” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Did you see where USC apologized for falsely accusing the University of Florida of cheating? My question: How could USC of all programs accuse anybody of cheating?,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“The ACC has signed an exclusive deal with ESPN, which means ‘Duke’ Vitale can suck up to Coach K even more than he already does,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Lindsay Lohan is going to jail. Her big mistake: Not getting arrested in Gainesville,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“LeBron James says, ‘I’m taking my talent to South Beach,’ which would be a lot better if he were a bartender and not a basketball player because the Heat play closer to town. Who says stuff like this? When somebody signs with an Atlanta team, do they say, ‘I’m taking my talent to Buckhead?,’ ” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Those same people watch ‘Jersey Shore’ and ‘The Kardashians,’ so you can’t take them seriously. That show was silly,” Charles Barkley, when told that 10 million viewers watched LaBron James’ ‘The Decision.’

“Football is not life but it’s a way of life and it consumes your life. You only have so many years to live and you want to see it a different way. In fact, I do. Some guys want to coach with one foot in the coffin. But I want to do some other things,” Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson, at his surprise retirement last month.

“Anything less than an ACC championship and we will be disappointed,” Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder.

“I’m not just some face or swimsuit girl thrown into a sideline role,” Jenn Brown, who is replacing Erin Andrews as ESPN’s new college football sideline commentator.

“BP has contained the oil leak. That’s the good news. The bad news is: no one has figured out how to contain Mel Gibson,” California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Welcome to the zoo: SEC media days,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“Forget Southern Cal, Alabama is the NCAA’s most consistent cheater,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.

“Tennessee doesn’t just have a football problem, it has an image problem,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz.

“I don’t think I’ve won enough games lately to have any outlandish quotes,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, at the SEC Media Days.

“I told my wife, if it’s two days or 20 years, I will now be able to say, ‘Hey, I was a head coach one time.’ This is the greatest thrill of my life other than my child being born. I go from lining the field to being a head coach in the SEC,” new Vanderbilt coach Robbie Caldwell, at the SEC Media Days.

“I can still walk in places and nobody knows me. Last night I was opening the door for people, and they gave me a tip. They have no idea who I am,” new Vanderbilt coach Robbie Caldwell, at the SEC Media Days.

“FSU and Clemson went from Bobby and Tommy to Jimbo and Dabo. Just a hint if you want a coaching job,” from the Tallahassee Democrat.

“Houston Nutt has proven again he’s certifiably a dirty coach,” Sports Illustrated writer Stewart Mandel, on the Ole Miss coach accepting Oregon transfer Jeremiah Masoli.


In the Huddle

Elsewhere around college football . . . Navy and Penn State have agreed to a game in 2012. The Midshipmen will meet the Nittany Lions in State College on September 15, 2012…. Notre Dame and Miami (Florida) have contracted for three future games. The two teams will meet in 2012 in Soldier Field in Chicago. Then the Irish and the Hurricanes will play in South Bend in 2016 and in Miami in 2017…. The Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando has removed its natural grass and installed an artificial “turf” field.

Alabama athletic director Mal Moore received a three-year extension to his contract and a $125,000 pay raise. Moore, 70, had his contract extended to 2014 with an annual salary increase from $425,000 a year to $550,000 a year, plus bonuses…. Rutgers and Temple have scheduled a four-game home-and-home series for 2015-2018…. Bowling Green and Maryland have scheduled a two-game home-and-home series for 2015-2016…. Alabama and Michigan will open the 2012 season at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be played September 1, 2012.

LSU and Oregon will open the 2011 season at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be played September 3, 2011…. The first ever Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, in December 2011…. Notre Dame and Texas have scheduled a four-game home-and-home series. Notre Dame will host Texas in South Bend on September 5, 2015. On September 3, 2016, the Fighting Irish will play in Austin. The series will continue in Austin on August 31, 2019. The final game of the series will be in South Bend on September 12, 2020.

Navy and Southern Miss have scheduled a two-game home-and-home series to begin in 2011 in Annapolis…. LSU has added Western Kentucky to its 2011 schedule. The game will be played in Baton Rouge. LSU has also added Jacksonville State to its 2015 schedule…. Louisiana Tech has added Ole Miss and Illinois to its 2011 and 20122 schedules respectively. The games will be played in Oxford and Champaign…. Georgia Tech and Ole Miss have scheduled a two-game home-and-home series for 2017 and 2018.


Extra Points

Red Turf – Eastern Washington has joined Boise State as the only two colleges who have a football field that isn’t green. The FCS (Division I-AA) school in Cheney, Washington, recently installed a red turf to match its school colors – red & white. It isn’t official, but the field may be called “The Inferno.” Boise State’s famous blue field is known as the “Smurf Turf.”

On the Internet – College Football Week now has a Web site and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.

On the Radio – Listen live to Touchdown Tom every Friday morning from 8:00 to 8:40 ET on the Bill Mick Live show, talking college football with Bill Mick on NEWS TALK 1240 and 1350 WMMB AM. The show streams on http://www.wmmbam.com/. To listen, go to the Web site and click on “Listen Live.” The first show of the new season airs Friday, August 27 at 8 a.m. ET.

Touchdown Tom


P.S.

Not directly college football related, but as the summer was winding down and college football fans were anticipating the start of another exciting season, the number one song in the country…

…75 years ago this week in 1935 was “And Then Some” by Ozzie Nelson

…70 years ago this week in 1940 was “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey

…65 years ago this week in 1945 was “On The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe” by Johnny Mercer

…60 years ago this week in 1950 was “Goodnight Irene” by Gordon Jenkins and the Weavers

…55 years ago this week in 1955 was “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets

…50 years ago this week in 1960 was “It’s Now Or Never” by Elvis Presley

…45 years ago this week in 1965 was “I Got You Babe” by Sonny & Cher

…40 years ago this week in 1970 was “Make It With You” by Bread

…35 years ago this week in 1975 was “Jive Talkin’ by The Bee Gees

…30 years ago this week in 1980 was “Magic” by Olivia Newton-John

…25 years ago this week in 1985 was “Shout” by Tears for Fears

…20 years ago this week in 1990 was “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey


Not directly college football related, but on a sad note, there were six passings of note last week – Ted Stevens, David L. Wolper, Dan Rostenkowski , Richie Hayward, Abbey Lincoln and Paul Rudd.

Ted Stevens, a former United States Senator from Alaska. He was 86.

David L. Wolper, an award winning movie and television producer best known for the TV mini-series “Roots” and “The Thorn Birds,” died last week at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 82. Movies produced by Wolper included “The Bridge at Remagen,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “L.A. Confidential.”

Dan Rostenkowski, a former United States Congressman from Illinois. He was 82.

Richie Hayward, a rock drummer who was an original member of Little Feat, died last week near Vancouver, British Columbia. He was 64. Hayward formed Little Feat in 1969 and remained a member through its various incarnations. Though basically rock, the band’s music drew from a variety of other genres, including country, jazz and blues. Among the group’s best known songs were “Willin’” and “Dixie Chicken.” In addition to Little Feat, Hayward recorded with Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Buddy Guy, and Barbra Streisand, among others.

Abbey Lincoln, a singer whose vocal command and poetic songs made her a singular figure in jazz, died last week in New York City. She was 80. As a singer, she was often likened to Billie Holiday. Lincoln was also an actress and songwriter. In 1956 she appeared with Jayne Mansfield in “The Girl Can’t Help It,” and in 1968 opposite Sidney Portier in “For Love of Ivy.”

Paul Rudd, a Broadway, TV and movie actor of the 1970s and 1980s, died last week at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was 70. His Broadway credits include “The Glass Menagerie” (1975 with Jean Stapleton), “Streamers” (1976) and “Romeo and Juliet” (1977). With the New York Shakespeare Festival, Rudd played the title role in “Henry V” (1976 with Meryl Streep). On TV, Rudd played Brian Mallory, the scheming Irish-born chauffeur, in the short-lived series “Beacon Hill,” broadcast on CBS in 1975. He also played John F. Kennedy in the TV movie “Johnny We Hardly Knew Ye” (1977). Other TV credits included guest roles on “Hart to Hart” and “Moonlighting.” Rudd also appeared in “The Betsy,” a 1978 movie based on the Harold Robbins novel.


Not directly college football related, but Susan Eaton should be happy. In Princeton Review’s Top 20 Party School list released earlier this month, Georgia is No. 1. However, the SEC is slipping. Only four SEC schools made the Top 20 compared to six from the Big Ten. The Big 12 chimed in with three schools, while the ACC had two schools on the list. BYU was named the country’s most boring college for the 12 th consecutive year.

1. Georgia
2. Ohio University
3. Penn State
4. West Virginia
5. Ole Miss
6. Texas
7. Florida
8. UC Santa Barbara
9. Iowa
10. DePauw
11. Florida State
12. Wisconsin
13. Alabama
14. Sewanee-The University of the South
15. Indiana
16. Colorado
17. Missouri
18. Illinois
19. Maryland
20. Michigan State


Not directly college football related, but alligator hunting season opened in Florida yesterday. The season runs through November 1. Last year, a total of 12,593 permits were issued statewide and 7,844 alligators were killed. The current alligator population in Florida is estimated to be a little more than one million or about one alligator for every 18 people in the state.