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.