Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes,
Turn and Face the Strange
The presidents of the SEC schools met yesterday and voted not to expand, at this time. That vote all but shut the door on Texas A&M joining the SEC, at this time. Note, the key words are “at this time.” The presidents did not rule out the possibility of expansion in the future – near term or long term. That left the door cracked for Texas A&M.
In spite of yesterday’s vote, there is one thing you can count on for sure. There will be changes coming in conference alignments – sometime. If not now, next year. If not next year, two years from now. Or three years from now. But mark my word, it will happen.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. Turn and face the strange.
And some of the changes will appear to be strange.
When hearing that Texas A&M may be joining the SEC, Swamp Mama said to me, “Texas A&M is not in the southeast.”
I said, “No, but Texas was a Confederate state and Kentucky wasn’t.
Actually, Texas A&M’s reason for wanting to join the SEC is “pride.” Pride that has brought about “rage.” Rage that archrival Texas has its own 24-hour television network.
And the reason the SEC wants Texas A&M? $$$$$$. The SEC is drooling over those lucrative TV markets in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio areas. The more lucrative TV markets, the stronger the negotiating power a conference has when dealing with the networks over new television contracts.
So basically, conferences and their respective members in the future will be much like nature – the survival of the fittest.
If Texas A&M does join the SEC sometime in the future, then it is only logical that the conference would add one or three more teams to remain balanced at an even number of members. And the proverbial question is out there – Who would the one or three additional members be?
When asked in July at the SEC Preseason Media days if there were any plans for expansion, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said there were no near term plans to expand. But he said if he’s is forced to make a move, he is ready to make a move. “I can get the SEC to 16 teams in 15 minutes,” he added.
How strange is that? It tells me that Slive knows the four teams he wants, and if they are asked to join, he knows what their responses will be. Stay tuned.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. Turn and face the strange.
Oh, look out you college football fans.
During the off-season, TCU joined the Big East, effective next season. How strange is that, Swamp Mama? TCU isn’t exactly in the East. The last time I looked, Fort Worth was still west of the Mississippi. And stranger yet, there were reports this summer that the Big East was courting BYU.
There are lots of changes in college football this season. And some of them are strange too. For starters, Nebraska will be competing as a member of the Big Ten Conference. Not the Big 12, but the Big Ten – even though the Big Ten has 12 teams. And the Big Ten will have two divisions – the Losers and the Laggards…..I mean….the Leaders and the Legends – with a conference title game at the end of the season.
The Pac-10 is now the Pac-12 Conference with the addition of Colorado and Utah. At least the Pac-12 can count. The Big Ten with 12 teams and the Big 12 with 10 teams obviously can’t. And the Pac-12 will be holding a conference championship game too.
Boise State has moved from the WAC to the Mountain West Conference. And BYU has left the MWC and become an Independent. Boise State and the MWC have to be disappointed that Utah and BYU have pulled out and TCU will be leaving next summer.
And there are a number of personnel changes this year too. You will now be seeing Urban Meyer on ESPN instead of on the sidelines in The Swamp this season. And talk about strange, did you ever think you would see the Florida Gators coached by a Georgia Bulldog? Probably not, but Georgia grad Will Muschamp will be coaching the Gators this season, and next, and maybe the next, and maybe the next, etc.
Perhaps stranger yet, did you ever think Charlie Weis would be the offensive coordinator at Florida? After various coaching stints with the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New England Patriots, Notre Dame and the Kansas City Chiefs, Weis has surfaced in Gainesville to lead the Gator offense.
There is a big change up in Columbus, Ohio. After 10 years on the sidelines in the Horseshoe, Jim Tressel won’t be coaching the Buckeyes this season. He’s was ousted in late May. Interim coach Luke Fickell will coach Ohio State in 2011. Maybe Urban Meyer won’t be on ESPN next season.
Out west, California has to change its home stadium this season. Cal’s Memorial Stadium is undergoing major renovations. As a result, the Bears will be playing their home games in the Giants’ AT&T Park and the 49ers’ Candlestick Stadium.
Meanwhile, Rockledge Gator had a change. No, not that one. No, not that one, either. He’s already been through male menopause. Rockledge Gator is now on Medicare. Well, not exactly. But he is Medicare eligible.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.
Touchdown Tom
August 15, 2011Three of the four Heisman finalists last year return in 2011 and two of those three returnees are quarterbacks – Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Boise State’s Kellen Moore. Needless to say, Luck and Moore are the two most heralded quarterbacks at preseason.
Luck, a 6-4, 235, junior, came in second in the Heisman voting in 2010. As a sophomore, he led Stanford to a 12-1 record, including a 40-12 win over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Las year, Luck threw for 3,338 yards and 32 touchdowns, while completing 71 percent of his passes.
Moore, a 6-0, 191, senior, finished fourth in the Heisman balloting. As a junior, he led the Broncos to a 12-1 record, including a 26-3 win over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. Last season, Moore completed 71 percent of his tosses, throwing for 3,845 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Just below Luck and Moore in the preseason quarterback accolades are two Big 12 Conference signal callers – Oklahoma’s Landry Jones and Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden. Jones, a 6-4, 230, junior, led the Sooners to a 12-2 record in 2010, including a 48-20 win over Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl. He passed for 4,713 yards and 38 touchdowns, completing 66 percent of his lobs.
Meanwhile, Weeden, a 6-4, 213 senior, led the Cowboys to an 11-2 record last season, including a 36-10 win over Arizona in the Alamo Bowl. He completed 67 percent of his aerials, passing for 4,277 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Luck, Moore, Jones and Weeden may have the spotlight at preseason, but there are several more good quarterbacks around the country waiting in the wings.
Two of the top quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference at preseason are Georgia’s Aaron Murray (6-1, 211, sophomore) and South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia (6-2, 230, senior). Murray was one of the few bright spots for the Bulldogs in 2010. As a freshman, he threw for 3,049 yards and 24 touchdowns, while completing 61 percent of his passes. Garcia, the Gamecocks’ problem child, has been suspended from the team five times in his career. When he is good, he’s exceptional; when he’s bad, he’s atrocious. Last year, Garcia competed 64 percent of his tosses, passing for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns. Should Garcia get off to a bad start in 2011, look for promising up-comer Connor Shaw (6-1, 202, sophomore) to step in.
Another promising quarterback to look out for in the SEC is Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson (6-3, 215, junior). Last year Wilson spent most of the season on the bench behind Ryan Mallett. But he looked composed and confident when he stepped in for the injured Mallett in the Auburn game. Tennessee found a quarterback in Tyler Bray (6-6, 210, sophomore) last season and is hoping for big things from Bray in 2011.
LSU has an experienced quarterback in Jordan Jefferson (6-5, 220, senior), as does Mississippi State in Chris Relf (6-4, 240, senior). Under a new offensive system, supposedly more to his liking, Florida is hoping this is the year for John Brantley (6-3, 220, senior). But if Brantley wobbles, don’t be surprised to see true freshmen Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett enter the fray. After all, Will Muschamp and Charlie Weis have no obligations to Brantley.
In the Atlantic Coast Conference, the best quarterback could be on the worst team. That would be Duke’s Sean Renfree (6-5, 225, junior). Shaky at times last year, Renfree came on strong towards the end of the season. He passed for 3,131 yards completing 61 percent of his throws. Then again, the real star at quarterback in the ACC may be Florida State’s E.J. Manuel (6-4, 234, junior). Manuel, played behind Christian Ponder last season, but played frequently during Ponder’s injuries – and he played well.
Yet another good quarterback in the ACC is Maryland’s Danny O’Brien (6-3, 215, sophomore). The Terp QB threw for 2,438 yards in 2,010, leading Maryland to a 9-4 record and a big 51-20 win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl. Miami has not one, but two good quarterbacks in Jacory Harris (6-4, 195, senior) and Stephen Morris (6-2, 210, sophomore). Hurricanes’ coach Al Golden may have a tough time, deciding who should be the starter. Harris has had some brilliant games in the past, as well as his share of duds. Morris played well as a freshman last season.
And keep your eyes on N.C. State’s Mike Glennon (6-6, 225, junior). Glennon replaces Russell Wilson, who moved on to Wisconsin, taking advantage of the “graduates with eligibility are able to transfer and play rule.” Wolfpack fans are expecting big things from Glennon, the younger brother of former Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon.
The Big Ten Conference has a slew of good quarterbacks waiting to take the field in 2011. For starters, there’s Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins (6-3, 202, senior), Northwestern’s Dan Persa (6-1, 21-, senior), Michigan’s Denard Robinson (6-0, 193, junior) and Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez (6-1, 205, sophomore).
Last year, Cousins led the Spartans to an 11-2 record, completing 67 percent of his passes. Persa passed for 2,581 yards (completing 74 percent) and ran for 519 yards before getting hurt near the end of the season. Denard led the Big Ten in rushing with 1,702 yards, but also passed for 2,570 yards. And finally, Martinez rushed for 965 yards, leading the Huskers to a 10-4 season.
Wisconsin’s chances for winning the Big Ten improved when the Badgers picked up former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson (5-11, 2-1, senior) during the off-season. Wilson has graduated from N.C. State, but still has a year of eligibility. Last year, Wilson passed for 3,563 yards. Illinois has a keen quarterback in Nathan Scheelhaase (6-3, 195, sophomore). Scheelhaase is a threat running and passing. Penn State is sitting with two good quarterbacks in Matt McGloin (6-1, 209, junior) and Rob Bolden (6-4, 211, sophomore). Look for McGloin to start, but if he falters, Bolden will play.
The two best quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference may be in the state of Oklahoma – Landry Jones and Brandon Weeden. But they will be challenged by three quarterbacks from the state of Texas – Baylor’s Robert Griffin (6-2, 220, junior), Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill (6-4, 219, senior) and Texas’ Garrett Gilbert (6-4, 218, junior).
Last year Griffin passed for 3,501 yards and 22 touchdowns, completing 67 percent of his lobs. He also rushed for 635 yards. The Aggies’ Tannehill led his team to a 9-4 record, including wins over Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. Gilbert passed for 2,744 yards in 2010.
The Big East Conference has several good quarterbacks returning, led by West Virginia’s Geno Smith (6-3, 195, junior). Smith, who topped the Big East in passing efficiency last season, threw for 2,763 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his aerials. Another outstanding quarterback in the Big East is Cincinnati’s Zach Collaros (6-0, 223, senior). In 2010, Collaros completed 59 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,902 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Pitt has a good and experienced quarterback in Tino Sunseri (6-2, 210, junior). Last year Sunseri passed for 2,572 yards and 16 touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his throws. Two other good quarterbacks in the Big East are South Florida’s B.J. Daniels (6-1, 214, junior) and Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib (6-2, 227, senior). Daniels enters the season with two years of experience under his belt. Nassib led the Orange to an 8-5 season last year, including a wild 36-34 win over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl.
As usual, the Pac-12 Conference is loaded with some good quarterbacks in addition to Andrew Luck. Oregon’s Darron Thomas (6-3, 215, junior) is a threat passing and running. Last year, Thomas passed for 2,881 yards and rushed for 486 yards, leading Oregon to a spot in the national championship game. USC’s Matt Barkley (6-2, 220, junior) is an exceptional quarterback. He passed for 2,791 yards in 2010.
Arizona has a very talented and experienced quarterback in Nick Foles (6-5, 240, senior). In 2010, Foles threw for 3,191 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 67 percent of his lobs. Washington State’s Jeff Tuel (6-3, 214, junior) gives the Cougars hope for improvement in 2011. Last year Tuel, about the only bright spot on the Washington State team, threw for 2,780 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Two more good quarterbacks in the Pac-12 played in other conferences last year – Utah’s Jordan Wynn (6-1, 210, junior) and Colorado’s Tyler Hansen (6-1, 215, senior). Wynn led the Utes to a 10-3 record in 2010 in the Mountain West Conference, while Hansen completed 68 percent of his passes for the Buffaloes in the Big 12 Conference.
In addition to Kellen Moore, two other quarterbacks stand out in the Mountain West Conference. They are San Diego State’s Ryan Lindley (6-4, 220, senior) and Air Force’s Tim Jefferson (6-0, 200, senior). Lindley passed for 3,830 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2010, leading the Aztecs to a 9-4 record, including a 35-14 win over Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl. Jefferson rushed for 794 yards last season, leading the Falcons to a 9-4 record, including a 14-7 win over Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl.
Conference USA is loaded with several skilled quarterbacks. Houston’s Case Keenum (6-2, 210, senior), a sensation in 2009, returns for a final season. Keenum sat out last season due to a crippling knee injury. UCF is in the very capable hands of quarterback Jeff Godfrey (5-11, 182, sophomore). Last year Godfrey passed for 2,159 yards, completing 67 percent of his passes. He led UCF to an 11-3 season, including a 10-6 win over Georgia in the Liberty Bowl.
Two other outstanding quarterbacks in C-USA are Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne (6-2, 215, senior) and SMU’s Kyle Padron (6-4, 233, junior). Last year Kinne threw for 3,650 yards and 31 touchdowns, while Padron passed for 3,828 yards and 31 touchdowns. Kinne led the Golden Hurricane to a 10-3 season, including a 62-35 win over Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl.
C-USA has two more good quarterbacks, both with the name of Davis – East Carolina’s Dominique Davis (6-3, 22, senior) and Southern Mississippi’s Austin Davis (6-2, 200, senior). Last year, Dominique passed for 3,967 yards and 37 touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his passes. Austin threw for 3,103 yards and 20 touchdowns, completing 63 percents of his aerials.
The one exceptional quarterback in the Western Athletic Conference at preseason is Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz (6-0, 200, senior). In 2010, Moniz passed for an amazing 5,040 yards and 39 touchdowns, while completing 65 percent of his throws.
Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish (6-2, 211, senior) and Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert (6-4, 207, junior) are the Mid-American Conference’s star quarterbacks entering the 2011 season. Last year, Harnish passed for 2,530 yards and 21 touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his lobs. Dysert completed 65 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,406 yards.
The most sensational quarterback in the Sun Belt Conference is Troy’s Corey Robinson (6-0, 214, sophomore). As a freshman, Robinson, the former high school player of the year in Kentucky, led Troy to a 48-21 win over Ohio in the New Orleans Bowl. In 2010, he passed for 3,726 yards and 28 touchdowns, completing 64 percent of his tosses.
Two other good quarterbacks in the Sun Belt Conference are Florida International’s Wesley Carroll (6-1, 202, senior) and Arkansas State’s Ryan Alpin (6-1, 205, junior).
Carroll led FIU to a 34-32 win over Toledo in the Little Caesars Bowl. He passed for 2,623 yards last season. Alpin threw for 2,939 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Red Wolves in 2010.
Among the Independents, Notre Dame leads the way with not one, but two experienced quarterbacks – Dayne Crist (6-4, 235, senior) and Tommy Rees (6-2, 210, sophomore). Crist, the starter last year, went down to a knee injury in the latter part of the season. Rees stepped in and led the Irish to a 4-0 finish in its final four games. Look for both to see action in 2011.
TT’s Top Ten Favorite Quarterbacks at Preseason:
1. Andrew Luck – Stanford
2. Kellen Moore – Boise State3. Brandon Weeden – Oklahoma State
4. Landry Jones – Oklahoma
5. Geno Smith – West Virginia
6. Kirk Cousins – Michigan State
7. Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M
8. Tyler Wilson – Arkansas
9. Corey Robinson – Troy
10. Aaron Murray – Georgia
And keep an eye on:
E.J. Manuel – Florida State; Case Keenum – Houston; Taylor Martinez – Nebraska; Jordan Wynn – Utah; Matt Barkley – USC; Russell Wilson – Wisconsin; Dan Persa – Northwestern; Bryant Moniz – Hawaii; Wesley Carroll – Florida International; Stephen Garcia – South Carolina, and Denard Robinson – Michigan.
Also, Darron Thomas – Oregon; Robert Griffin – Baylor; Ryan Lindley – San Diego State; Zach Collaros – Cincinnati; Jeff Godfrey – UCF; Nick Foles – Arizona; John Brantley – Florida; Dominique Davis – East Carolina; Tyler Bray – Tennessee; Kyle Padron – SMU; Nathan Scheelhaase – Illinois, and G.J. Kinne – Tulsa.
By the end of January, it appeared that Division I-A college football would have 21 new head coaches for the start of the 2011 season. But late into the off-season three more coaching changes were made, one as recent as July 27.
The first of the three last minute changes occurred on May 30. That’s when Ohio State fired Jim Tressel. With the pressure of the NCAA investigation on-going at Ohio State and with Tressel’s obvious involvement and knowledge of the players’ transgressions, Ohio State had no choice but to can Tressel. After all, among other things, Tressel lied to his boss.
Ohio State named Luke Fickell as the interim head coach of the Buckeyes. Fickell, an Ohio State alum and former Buckeye player, was the assistant head coach and linebackers coach under Tressel.
The second of the three last minute changes occurred 11 days later on June 10. That’s when West Virginia fired Bill “Wal-Mart Greeter” Stewart and made new offensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen the head coach. Holgorsen, the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State last season, had been hired by West Virginia during the winter. Holgorsen was to do one season (2011) as offensive coordinator and then step up to the head coach position in 2012. Stewart was to retire after the 2011 season.
But since his arrival in Morgantown, Holgorsen and Stewart never got along. The tangled relationship got to the point where Stewart was spreading rumors about Holgorsen. Stewart also contacted a couple of newspaper reporters and asked them to dig up dirt on Holgorsen. WVU athletic director Oliver Luck wasn’t going to put up with Stewart’s pettiness. Luck fired Stewart and made Holgorsen the head coach one year sooner than planned.
The dumping of Stewart did not upset most WVU fans, or players for that matter. Stewart, unfortunately, had developed the reputation and image of being the “Barney Fife” and “Gomer Pyle” of college football coaches.
Then, on July 27, North Carolina surprisingly fired Butch Davis. Many felt Davis should have been fired at the end of the 2010 season for his lack of candor and apparent knowledge of the academic fraud and other transgressions that plagued the Tar Heel team last season. But when he wasn’t, Davis appeared to be a survivor of the scandal – that is until July 27 when new members of North Carolina’s board of trustees felt differently about the UNC coach. As a fall out from the late removal of Davis, North Carolina’s athletic director has since announced his resignation.
Upon Davis’ announced departure, Everett Withers was named the interim head coach of North Carolina. Withers was the Tar Heels’ defensive coordinator under Davis.
The other 21 coaching changes all took place on or around the end of the 2010 season. After Florida head coach Urban Meyer announced his resignation – for good this time – Texas defensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting Will Muschamp was named the new head man in Gainesville. Muschamp, a former Georgia player and graduate, spent a good part of his youth, growing up in Gainesville.
Two of Meyer’s assistants became head coaches. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio is the new head coach at Temple, and defensive line coach Dan McCarney is the new head coach at North Texas. McCarney is also a former head coach at Iowa State.
At Temple, Addazio replaces Al Golden, who is the new coach at Miami (Florida). Pitt hired Miami (Ohio) coach Mike Haywood as the new coach of the Panthers. Then, just 16 days later, Pitt fired Haywood for domestic violence allegations and hired Todd Graham. Graham was the head coach at Tulsa. Tulsa in turn hired Bill Blankenship to be its new coach. Blankenship was the assistant head coach and running backs coach at Tulsa.
Randy Edsall is the new head coach at Maryland. Edsall left the head coaching job at Connecticut to become the Terrapins’ coach. Edsall, in turn, was replaced at Connecticut by former Syracuse coach Paul “Pass the Baloney” Pasqualoni. Pasqualoni was most recently the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
Michigan hired Brady Hoke as its new coach. Hoke had been the head coach at San Diego State. He also is a former head coach at Ball State. Rocky Long, Hoke’s defensive coordinator at San Diego State was named the Aztec’s new coach. Long is a former head coach at New Mexico.
Jerry Kill is the new head coach at Minnesota. Kill had been the head coach at Northern Illinois. NIU, in turn, hired Dave Doeren as its new coach. Doeren was the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin. Back to the Big Ten, Indiana hired former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to be the Hoosiers, new coach.
Washington Redskins’ tight ends coach Jon Embree is the new coach of Colorado. Also, in the Pac-12, Stanford named David Shaw as its new coach. Shaw steps up from the offensive coordinator position at Stanford. James Franklin, Maryland’s offensive coordinator and head coach-in-waiting, is the new head coach at Vanderbilt.
In addition to Temple and Northern Illinois, there are three more new coaches in the Mid-American Conference. Elon head coach Pete Lembo is the new coach at Ball State. Kent State hired Darrell Hazell. Hazell was the receivers coach at Ohio State. And, Don Treadwell is the new coach at Miami (Ohio). Treadwell was the offensive coordinator at Michigan State.
Last but not least, there are two more new head coaches in the Sun Belt Conference. Mark Hudspeth, the wide receivers coach at Mississippi State, is the new head coach of Louisiana-Lafayette. Hudspeth is also a former head coach at North Alabama. At Arkansas State, Hugh Freeze, the offensive coordinator, steps up to become the school’s head coach.
The Mid-American Conference has the most new head coaches in 2011 with five (Ball State, Kent State, Miami, Northern Illinois, Temple). The MAC is followed by the ACC (Maryland, Miami, North Carolina) Big East (Connecticut, Pitt, West Virginia), Big Ten (Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota) and Sun Belt (Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas) each with three new head coaches. There are two new head coaches in the Pac-12 (Colorado, Stanford) and SEC (Florida, Vanderbilt). One new head coach in each C-USA (Tulsa) and the MWC (San Diego State). And the Big 12 and WAC have no new head coaches in 2011.
As mentioned above, there are 24 new head coaches in Division I-A college football this season. Just as there are new ones coming in, there are always some that are on their way out. We don’t know for sure who these coaches on their way out may be, but we know who potentially is heading in that direction. They are the coaches on the hot seat.
In the Southeastern Conference, there is only one coach who is feeling some serious heat. That coach resides in Athens, Georgia. Mark Richt is definitely feeling some pressure. Some say he must at least win the SEC East Division this year to hold onto his job. It doesn’t seem logical, since Richt is 96-34 in 10 years at Georgia. But his past two seasons have been dismal, and his record against Florida is even more dismal.
There is one other coach in the SEC who needs to keep an eye on the thermometer. The temperature could be rising in Oxford, Mississippi. Houston Nutt needs to be wary. After all, Ole Miss fans turned on David Cutcliffe faster than you can say “hold my magnolia.” And Cutcliffe only had one losing season. And that came after five-straight winning seasons. Nutt’s already had one losing season after only two winning ones.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a relatively secure spot for most coaches right now. The temperature is generally pleasant at the various conference locales. If any ACC coach needs to be a little wary, that would be Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. Swinney is 19-15 in three years with the Tigers. A bad season in 2011 could spell doom for Swinney.
Since Everett Withers is only the interim head coach at North Carolina, he needs to show progress and establish some credibility if he wants to be named the full-time head coach at the end of the season.
Up in the Big Ten Conference, things are relatively safe for most coaches as well. But there is one exception – that exception being Illinois’ Ron Zook. After six years in Champaign, Zook stands at 28-45. Not good. Depending on how things go, this season could well be curtains for the Zooker in Champaign.
Now, that being said, Ohio State’s Luke Fickell will be closely scrutinized this season. His every move and decision will be observed and evaluated. Like North Carolina’s Everett Withers, Fickell is only an interim coach too. If he wants to be the head coach of the Buckeyes come January, he must execute well and in a confident manner. A win over Michigan would do it.
Likewise, the Big 12 Conference doesn’t appear to have any coaches on the short end of the stick. That said, however, if the situation doesn’t improve in Austin this season, Mack Brown will begin feeling the heat. Texas didn’t even make it to a bowl game last year, finishing the season at 5-7. That doesn’t play well in Austin. Another year like 2010 and Gabriel could be tuning up his horn.
And the Big East Conference is a cozy spot for coaches this season as well. However, the temperature could be rising in Piscataway, New Jersey. After 10 years at the helm, Greg Schiano is 59-63 coaching the Scarlet Knights. Schiano has had some great seasons at Rutgers. But last year, the Knights finished 4-8. And this year doesn’t look real promising. Another losing season and things good get tense for Schiano.
Unlike its fellow BCS conferences, the Pac-12 Conference has several coaches on the hot seat. They are UCLA’s Rick Neuheisel, Washington State’s Paul Wulff and Arizona State’s Dennis Erickson. After three seasons in Westwood, Neuheisel is only 15-22. He needs a big season in 2011, but it doesn’t look promising.
Meanwhile, in Pullman, Wulff is suffering badly. After three seasons, he stands at 5-32 with the Cougars. Don’t expect to see Wulff coaching Washington State in 2012. Down in the desert, Sun Devil fans are beginning to lose their patience with Erickson. With a 25-24 record in four years, he needs a big season in 2011. And he may have it. ASU is loaded this year.
One other coach in the Pac-12 is mildly in trouble – Arizona’s Mike Stoops. He’s sitting with a 40-45 records after seven seasons in Tucson. Stoops struggled the first few seasons, but then appeared to be turning around the program. But last year’s season ending loss to arch-rival Arizona State, followed by the humiliating 36-10 loss to Oklahoma State in the Alamo bowl didn’t do anything for Stoops’ cause.
Two coaches in the Mountain West Conference are in trouble – one seriously, the other moderately. The one in serious trouble is New Mexico’s Mike Locksley. In two years with the Lobos, Locksley is a measly 2-22. And 2011 doesn’t look bright for New Mexico. In addition to the poor record, he has had a number of other negative issues in Albuquerque. The one in moderate trouble is Steve Fairchild at Colorado State. After three seasons with the Rams, Fairchild is 13-24. The man really needs a good season in 2011 to survive. But the pundits don’t see a good season on the books.
Like the Pac-12, Conference USA has several coaches feeling the heat – perhaps none more than Neil Callaway at UAB. Callaway is 15-33 following four years with the Blazers. And UAB is picked to finish near the bottom of the C-USA East Division this year. Along with Callaway, Bob Toledo has not performed well after four years at Tulane. Toledo’s record stands at 15-35. It could be worse come December.
In Houston, Rice coach David Bailiff is beginning to feel the heat. After a promising start, Bailiff’s teams have suffered of late. In four years, he has a 19-30 record at Rice. And last but not least, Mike Price remains on the hot seat at UTEP. Price is 40-45 after seven years in El Paso. He appeared to have the Miners’ program turned around early on, but in recent years, his teams have been disappointing.
The only coach in the Western Athletic Conference who could be seeing a pink slip at the end of the season is Idaho’s Robb Akey. In four seasons with the Vandals, Akey is 17-33. He needs to have a winner in 2011. Vandals’ fans can’t stand it that Boise State gets all the attention in the Potato State.
Surprisingly, there are no coaches on the hot seat in the Mid-American Conference. The fact that the MAC has had 13 coaching changes in the past three years probably has something to do with that.
The Sun Belt Conference doesn’t have any coaches in serious trouble. Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger announced last week that he is retiring at the end of the 2011 season. Schnellenberger started the football program at FAU. He is 57-63 after ten years at the helm. If anyone in the Sun Belt is feeling any heat, it may be Rick Stockstill at Middle Tennessee. Stockstill is 33-30 after five seasons with the Blue Raiders. What were supposed to be some stellar seasons recently in Murfreesboro have ended in disappointment. Continued losses to Troy don’t help the matter either.
None of the four Independents (Army, BYU, Navy, Notre Dame) have coaches on the hot seat.
Overall, fewer coaches are on the hot seat in 2011 than there have been in recent years. There may not be that many openings in Division I-A college football this winter. But there will be at least 11 or 12 head coaching jobs available.
“Dude, we are seriously not pleased with this,” Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne, on Texas signing a contract with ESPN for its very own television network.
“I feel bad for Jimmy Buffett, who fell off the stage and knocked himself unconscious during a concert in Australia a few days ago. Thank goodness he’s OK. I’m not saying my boy Jimmy, 64, is getting old, but I think he was playing ‘Wasting away again in Metamucaville’ when he blew out his orthopedic flip flop and fell down,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I think I finally figured out NASCAR’s new scoring system. Here’s how it works: ‘Let Dale Earnhardt Jr. win!,’ ” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Will Muschamp is now officially the football coach at the University of Florida. Just think, only two national titles and 29 more arrests and Muschamp will catch Urban Meyer,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“I can get the SEC to 16 teams in 15 minutes,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, on potential expansion in the SEC.
“Did you see where G.A. Mangus, Steve Spurrier’s quarterback coach at South Carolina, was suspended after police saw him urinating in public? Spurrier used to coach the “Fun and Gun;” now it’s the “Pee and Flee.” Orlando Sentinel sports columnist Mike Bianchi.
“There’s urgency. There’s a sense of urgency in the building. I think the guys know we got to get a lot done in a short period of time. We’re excited about that. I know personally I am, just to get back on the field and get around the guys,” new Miami (Florida) coach Al Golden, at the start of preseason practice.
“There’s urgency. There’s a sense of urgency in the building. I think the guys know we got to get a lot done in a short period of time. We’re excited about that. I know personally I am, just to get back on the field and get around the guys,” new Miami (Florida) coach Al Golden, at the start of preseason practice.
“We don’t worry about it. We just get on the field and execute. That’s the most important thing. Competition only brings out the best in you. We’re good friends, so it’s going to be a healthy competition,” Miami (Florida) quarterback Stephen Morris, on the competition between him and Jacory Harris for the starting job at Miami.
“No doubt, if coach Meyer were still coaching, I’d still be playing for the Gators,” former Florida defensive back Janoris Jenkins, who was dismissed from the team by Will Muschamp.
“Can you believe Rex Grossman predicted that the Redskins will win the NFC East? I’m not so sure the Redskins could win the C-USA East, Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“The Associated Press has obtained public records that show Jim Tressel made $21.7 million while coaching at Ohio State. I’m just wondering if that’s more or less than Terrelle Pryor made at OSU,” Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi.
“Arrogant Ohio State has taken risks and it deserves to get burned,” Fox Sports writer Thayer Evans.
“Arrogant Ohio State has taken risks and it deserves to get burned,” Fox Sports writer Thayer Evans.
“I’m as excited as I’ve ever been,” UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, on the eve of his fourth season with the Bruins.
“I can’t see Florida State making a move. I would be shocked and surprised. I don’t think there is anything to it. Florida State easily deserves to be in the SEC. I am sure if it happens, they will make it good. But I like it the way it is,” former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, on FSU leaving for the SEC.
Elsewhere around college football . . . Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger, 77, announced his resignation, effective at the end of the 2011 season. Schnellenberger became FAU’s first coach when the school started football in 1998. He took the Owls to the Division I-AA national semifinals in 2003 and stepped them up to the ranks of Division I-A football the following season. Overall, Schnellenberger is 157-140-3 as a collegiate head coach. He has been the head coach at Miami (Florida), Louisville and Oklahoma, along with FAU. He was the head coach of the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1973 and 1974.
The Ivy League has sharply reduced the number of allowable full-contact practices teams can hold. The rules were introduced as a growing amount of research suggests that limiting full-contact practices may be among the most practical ways of reducing brain trauma among football players. Ivy League teams will be able to hold only two full-contact practices during the season, compared with a maximum of five under NCAA guidelines…. Big Ten teams will begin playing nine conference games each season, beginning in 2017. Currently teams in the Big Ten play eight conference games during the season.
LSU offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is relinquishing his offensive coordinator duties, but will remain on the Tigers’ staff. Kragthorpe, 46, is the former head coach at Louisville (2007-2009) and Tulsa (2003-2006). He was an assistant coach at Texas A&M last season. Kragthorpe replaced Gary Crowton on the LSU staff after Crowton left to become the offensive coordinator at Maryland…. Arkansas running back Knile Davis suffered a leg injury during a preseason scrimmage and will miss the 2011 season. Davis was the leading running back in the SEC in 2010 with 1,322 yards rushing, averaging 147 yards per game.
Extra PointsThe Ivy League has sharply reduced the number of allowable full-contact practices teams can hold. The rules were introduced as a growing amount of research suggests that limiting full-contact practices may be among the most practical ways of reducing brain trauma among football players. Ivy League teams will be able to hold only two full-contact practices during the season, compared with a maximum of five under NCAA guidelines…. Big Ten teams will begin playing nine conference games each season, beginning in 2017. Currently teams in the Big Ten play eight conference games during the season.
LSU offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is relinquishing his offensive coordinator duties, but will remain on the Tigers’ staff. Kragthorpe, 46, is the former head coach at Louisville (2007-2009) and Tulsa (2003-2006). He was an assistant coach at Texas A&M last season. Kragthorpe replaced Gary Crowton on the LSU staff after Crowton left to become the offensive coordinator at Maryland…. Arkansas running back Knile Davis suffered a leg injury during a preseason scrimmage and will miss the 2011 season. Davis was the leading running back in the SEC in 2010 with 1,322 yards rushing, averaging 147 yards per game.
Blocking dummy? – Joe Paterno, 84, was released from the hospital last Tuesday, after a Penn State player ran into him in practice, injuring his shoulder and pelvis. Remember Paterno was injured during the 2008 season when, during a game, a Wisconsin player blindsided him on the sidelines. He became famous for coaching from the press box for the rest of that season.
Ugh – There is a well-known baseball player in Atlanta named Uggla and a well-known dog just down the road in Athens named Uga. I’m not sure which one is Uglier.
On the Internet – College Football Week now has a Web site and can be found at www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com.
Touchdown Tom
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 1936 was “When I’m With You” by Hal Kemp
…70 years ago this week in 1941 was “Daddy” by Sammy Kaye
…65 years ago this week in 1946 was “To Each His Own” by Eddy Howard
…60 years ago this week in 1951 was “Come On-a My House” by Rosemary Clooney
…55 years ago this week in 1956 was “Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley
…50 years ago this week in 1961 was “Tossin’ And Turnin’ by Bobby Lewis
…45 years ago this week in 1966 was “Summer In The City” by the Lovin’ Spoonful
…40 years ago this week in 1971 was “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” by The Bee Gees
…35 years ago this week in 1976 was “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John & Kiki Dee
…30 years ago this week in 1981 was “Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Ritchie
…25 years ago this week in 1986 was “Papa, Don’t Preach” by Madonna
…20 years ago this week in 1991 was “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams
Don Chandler, who played on four NFL championship teams with the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, becoming one of the leading punters and placekickers of his era, died last week in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 76. The cause was cancer. Chandler was drafted by the Giants in 1956 and then traded to the Packers nine years later in 1965. Donnie G. Chandler was born on September 5, 1934, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, but grew up in Tulsa. He played halfback at the University of Florida and was college football’s leading punter during his senior season in 1955.
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