College Football Week 1 – Quarterbacks, start your engines!
Here comes football, here comes football

“And I say, it’s all right”

It was certainly all right for California on Friday night. The Golden Bears beat Hawaii, 51-31, in Sydney, Australia. Cal quarterback Davis Webb, a graduate transfer from Texas Tech, passed for 441 yards and four touchdowns. More than 61,000 Australians turned out to see the game.

“Little darling, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here”

Yeah, the college football season is underway. And it really gets going this week, commencing Thursday night. Fasten your seatbelts.

Every year there are changes to the rules in college football and this year is no exception. In fact, there are nine rules changes this season.

1. Coach Ejection: Coaches can now be ejected from a game. If the coach is ejected, he must leave the field of play. Ejection occurs when the coach receives the second of two unsportsmanlike penalties in the same game. Previously, coaches were immune from ejection.
2. Tripping: Defenders cannot trip the ball carrier. Previously, tripping the runner was not a foul.
3. Any runner ‘giving himself up’ (sliding with feet first) is considered ‘defenseless’: If a defender makes forcible contact with a runner who has given himself up, the defender will be ejected for the remainder of the game and the defender’s team will receive a 15-yard penalty.
4. Low hits on the passer are clarified: If the defender is coming in at the passer’s knee with his head or shoulder first, the defender will be flagged. Previously, the defender was only flagged if he came in at the passer’s knee (or below) head first. Now the defender cannot make a conventional tackle at the knee or below.
5. Kicking loophole tightened up: For an offensive formation to be legal during a regular play, at least five linemen must be numbered 50 to 79. No matter where they lineup, these players are always ineligible. When an offense is lined up for a field goal, extra point or punt, they get an exception and can have fewer than five. Some coaches have exploited this when attempting a fake kick or punt. Now, to get the numbering exception, the offense must have at least one player 10 or more yards behind the line of scrimmage or two players at least seven yards behind the line of scrimmage. Previously, they only had to have at least one player seven yards back. This applies to plays when it is obvious that a kick will be attempted.
6. Targeting foul update: Replay officials in the booth can now call targeting fouls if they believe one occurred and was missed by the officials on the field.
7. Ineligible receivers concern: There are no changes to the three-yard limit for ineligible receivers downfield. However, the NCAA has instructed officials to stringently enforce the rule in 2016. It is felt that too often in the past, officials have missed this infraction.
8. Blocking below the waist modification: Players who leave the tackle box are prohibited from blocking below the waist toward the initial position of the ball.
9. Technology: Electronic devices will now be allowed inside the press box and locker rooms during games. However, electronic devices will still be prohibited on the sidelines.

Then there is a rule change that will only take place in the Ivy League this season. But it could be a sign of the future. In games between two Ivy League teams, kickoffs will be from the 40-yard line. Touchbacks will place the ball at the 20-yard line.

Placing the ball at the 40 for kickoffs should produce more touchbacks. This will reduce the number of runbacks when potentially dangerous collisions occur, often resulting in serious injuries. Currently in college football, kickoffs are from the 35-yard line and touchbacks place the ball at the 25-yard line.

Several coaches believe that the new Ivy League kickoff rule will become standard for all of college football in the near future, while others think that kickoffs will eventually be eliminated from college football. Stay tuned.

“Here comes football, here comes football
And I say, it’s all right”

There may be rules changes, but for the first time in many years, there are no changes to the number of bowl games – not even any name changes. Again this season, we have 40 bowls, plus the national championship game.

The national championship game will be played at 8:30 p.m. ET, on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The two semi-final bowls this season are the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, and the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. Both games will be played on December 31.

Speaking of the playoffs, there is a fair amount of speculation at preseason about the possibility of two teams from the same conference making the playoffs this year. We’ve been through two years of playoffs and it hasn’t happened so far. But the feeling is that it could happen this year.

Here’s the scenario: No team in the Pac-12 is overpowering. They end up beating each other up and no one from the Pac-12 makes the playoffs. In the Big 12, Oklahoma stumbles along the way and no one else from the conference steps up. Alas, no one from the Big 12 makes the playoffs.

That leaves three conferences for four spots. Theory #1 – Florida State and Clemson, both from the ACC, make the playoffs. They join a team from the Big Ten (say Ohio State) and a team from the SEC (say Alabama).

Theory #2 – Alabama and LSU, both from the SEC, make the playoffs. They join a team from the ACC and a team from the Big Ten. Theory #3 – (Perhaps the least probable) Ohio State and Michigan, both from the Big Ten, make the playoffs. They join a team from the ACC and a team from the SEC.

Put that in your pipe and smoke on it.

“Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here”

The conferences pretty much remain the same this year. There were no changes whatsoever to the memberships of the Power 5 conferences. But stay tuned to see what the Big 12 does.

The only change came among the Group of 5 conferences. The MAC (Mid-American Conference) threw out Massachusetts. UMass joined the MAC as a football only member a few years ago, but the relationship didn’t work out. It wasn’t a marriage made in heaven. So the MAC is back to a 12-team conference, while UMass will compete as a FBS (Division IA) Independent in 2016.

Otherwise, just a minor change in the works: Coastal Carolina (remember them from the College World Series?) has been accepted for membership in the Sun Belt Conference. The Chanticleers are going through a transition year this season, moving up from FCS (Division IAA). They will be a full-fledged FBS (Division IA) member of the Sun Belt next season. Coastal Carolina first started playing football in the 2003 season.

“Here comes football, here comes football
And I say, it’s all right”

And speaking of the conferences, here’s the general predictions for each this season. In the SEC East, Tennessee is the favorite. Georgia and Florida are the challengers. There are no dark horses, while Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina and Vanderbilt are hopeless.

In the SEC West, Alabama is the favorite. LSU and Ole Miss are the challengers. Arkansas, Auburn and Texas A&M are the dark horses. Mississippi State is hopeless. Alabama is favored to take the conference title.

In the ACC Atlantic, Clemson and Florida State are the favorites. Louisville is the challenger. NC State is the dark horse. Boston College and Syracuse are hopeless. In the ACC Coastal, North Carolina and Miami are the favorites. Virginia Tech and Pitt are the challengers. Georgia Tech is the dark horse. Duke and Virginia are hopeless. It’s a tossup between Clemson and Florida State for the conference title.

In the Big Ten East, Ohio State is the favorite. Michigan and Michigan State are the challengers. Penn State is the dark horse. Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers are hopeless. In the Big Ten West, Iowa is the favorite. Nebraska and Wisconsin are the challengers. Northwestern is the dark horse. Minnesota, Illinois and Purdue are hopeless. Ohio State is favored to take the conference title.

In the Big 12, Oklahoma is the favorite. Baylor, Oklahoma State and TCU are the challengers. Texas and West Virginia are the dark horses. Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Texas Tech are hopeless.

In the Pac-12 North, Stanford and Washington are the favorites. Oregon is the challenger and Washington State is the dark horse. California and Oregon State are hopeless. In the Pac-12 South, UCLA and USC are the favorites. Utah is the challenger. Arizona and Arizona State are the dark horses. Colorado is hopeless. The conference title is a tossup.

In the AAC East, South Florida is the favorite. Cincinnati and Temple are the challengers. Connecticut is the dark horse. East Carolina and UCF are hopeless. In the AAC West, Houston is the favorite. Navy and Memphis are the challengers. Tulsa is the dark horse. SMU and Tulane are hopeless. Houston is the favorite to take the conference title.

In the MWC Mountain, Boise State is the favorite. Air Force is the challenger. Colorado State, New Mexico and Utah State are the dark horses. Wyoming is hopeless. In the MWC Pacific, San Diego State is the favorite. Nevada is the challenger and San Jose State is the dark horse. Fresno State, Hawaii and UNLV are hopeless. Boise State is the favorite to take the conference title.

In the MAC East, Bowling Green and Ohio are the favorites. Akron is the challenger. There are no dark horses. Buffalo, Kent State and Miami are hopeless. In the MAC West, Western Michigan is the favorite. Northern Illinois and Toledo are the challengers. Central Michigan is the dark horse. Ball State and Eastern Michigan are hopeless. Western Michigan is the favorite to take the conference title.

In C-USA East, Marshall, Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky are the favorites. There are no challengers. Florida Atlantic is the dark horse. Charlotte, Florida International and Old Dominion are hopeless. In C-USA West, Southern Miss is the favorite. Louisiana Tech is the challenger. Rice and UTEP are the dark horses. UTSA and North Texas are hopeless. The conference title is a tossup.

In the Sun Belt, Appalachian State is the favorite. Arkansas State and Georgia Southern are the challengers. UL-Lafayette and Troy are the dark horses. Georgia State, Idaho, New Mexico State, South Alabama, Texas State and UL-Monroe are hopeless. Coastal Carolina is stepping up.

And finally, among the Independents, Notre Dame is a winner and BYU is a competitor. Army and Massachusetts are losers.

“Little darling, I feel the ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear”

Five-straight days of football this weekend – it doesn’t get much better than that. Make sure the fridge is well-stocked, because you don’t want to leave the house, unless you have to take the dog for a walk. Here’s your lineup for TV viewing.

The first kickoff of the five-day weekend is at 7 p.m. ET, Thursday, in Louisville, Kentucky – Charlotte at Louisville. In all, there are more than 15 games Thursday, but the game to watch that evening begins at 8 p.m. ET – South Carolina at Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks at the Commodores features a debut coach (Will Mustake…..I mean…..Muschamp) against a hot-seat coach (Derek Mason).

During timeouts of the South Carolina-Vanderbilt game, you may want to check in on the big encounter taking place in Knoxville – Appalachian State at Tennessee. This may be the Vols biggest opener in the history of the school – so big that classes were canceled on the Tennessee campus for Thursday in order for students to get prepped and psyched for the game.

The action continues on Friday night with more than 10 games on tap. The game to watch Friday is Kansas State at Stanford, a 9 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will be your first viewing this season of Heisman Trophy candidate Christian McCaffrey. As an appetizer, you can start at 8 p.m. ET, watching an hour of Colorado-Colorado State from Denver.

During timeouts in the Kansas State-Stanford game, you can check in on Toledo at Arkansas State. These two Group of 5 powerhouses play exciting football. Both Toledo and Arkansas State are serious challengers for their respective conference championships – the MAC and Sun Belt.

Saturday is going to be a long day. I mean a long day. It begins with breakfast in Dublin. More specifically, a 7:30 a.m. ET breakfast at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, while watching the Georgia Tech-Boston College game.

You’ll want a breakfast of bacon rashers, pork sausages, white pudding (black pudding, if you prefer), baked beans, mushrooms, fried tomatoes and soda or brown bread. You can wash it all down with a Guinness or two – three if you like.

For lunch on Saturday, I suggest you sit in on Oklahoma at Houston or Missouri at West Virginia – both 12 noon ET starts. During timeouts, check in on Western Michigan at Northwestern. It could be fun.

Afternoon tea will be served at 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, for the LSU-Wisconsin game (from the Packers’ Lambeau Field in Green Bay) and the UCLA at Texas A&M game. Take your pick – both should be good.

Afternoon tea will be followed by hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. ET, for the North Carolina-Georgia game from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

A two-course dinner Saturday night begins at 8 p.m. ET, with Alabama-USC from Arlington, Texas. The second course will be served at 9 p.m. – Clemson at Auburn. Look hard and you might see Bootsie and Rockledge Gator. They will be at the game.

After dinner drinks will be served at 10:30 p.m., while watching BYU-Arizona from Glendale, AZ. Having begun the day with Guinness, you can end the day with Tequila shots – remember: lick, sip, suck.

You get to sleep late on Sunday – no breakfast games. In fact, you can sleep all day. The action doesn’t resume until 7:30 p.m. ET, that evening with Notre Dame at Texas.

The long, five-day weekend comes to a close at 8 p.m. ET, Labor Day night from Orlando – Ole Miss-Florida State. What a climax!

Conference USA has the opportunity this weekend to give itself a pat on the back – a big pat. That is if Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss can step up to the plate. Louisiana Tech plays Arkansas and Southern Miss plays Kentucky.

Likewise Appalachian State, from the Sun Belt, in its game against Tennessee.

A game between two Group of 5 teams that could be interesting is Toledo, a powerhouse from the MAC, against Arkansas State, a powerhouse from the Sun Belt.

Every year on opening weekend there is at least one FCS (Division IAA) team that knocks off an FBS (Division IA) team. Sometimes there are two or three. Here are four alerts for potential FCS upsets this weekend: William & Mary at NC State, Richmond at Virginia, Northern Iowa at Iowa State and Eastern Washington at Washington State.

“Here comes football, here comes football
And I say, it’s all right”

Speaking of FCS, an interesting trivia question this summer has been: What school plays both Florida and Florida Tech this season? The answer is Presbyterian College. Presbyterian, an FCS school, is located in Clinton, South Carolina.

Presbyterian actually played in a bowl game once. On January 1, 1960, the Blue Hose lost to Middle Tennessee, 21-12, in the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando. The game was billed as the Blue Hose against the Blue Raiders. Presbyterian’s biggest rivals, by the way, are The Citadel, Furman, Newberry and Wofford.

And speaking of Presbyterian, the school offers a most-interesting course called “The Religion of SEC Football.” I kid you not. The class is one-credit elective.

Remember Kenny ‘The Thrill’ Hill, the former quarterback at Texas A&M? He had that sensational season-opening game against South Carolina two years ago. But by the time the season was over Aggie fans had lost their Thrill on Kenny Hill.

If you remember, Hill transferred out of Texas A&M after the 2014 season. He wound up at TCU. Last week Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson named Hill the starting quarterback for TCU.

I enjoyed my time with Mark Moses last week, talking college football on the “Mark Moses Show” (3-6 p.m. weekdays) on Sports Radio 1560 – The Fan. And it was good hearing from Scott Greenwood (a Husker/Gator), Tom Grillo and Gary Schwartzkopf last week. Thanks again for the heads up, Tom.

I wrote about Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio last week and Gary Schwartzkopf provided an additional tidbit on Del Rio. I mentioned that Del Rio played quarterback his senior year for Valor Christian High School. Gary informed me that Valor Christian won the Colorado Class 5 state championship that year, but Del Rio wasn’t the best player on the team. The best player was Christian McCaffrey. Gary also informed me that Del Rio originally committed to Oklahoma State, before he decided to walk-on at Alabama.

“Football, football, football, here it comes”

So I can’t help but wonder, who will be the first coach ejected from a college football game? Any bets?

Regardless, let’s just all hope we get through this season without hearing Miranda Lambert sing “Desperado,” without seeing Blake Shelton’s underwear and without hearing Ciara sing the “National Anthem.”

“And I say, it’s alright”

Enjoy your weekend.

Touchdown Tom
August 29, 2016
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

(Note: Next week’s CFW will be posted on Tuesday morning – September 6 – the day after Labor Day.)


Quotes of the Week

“I don’t want a victory lap. I’ll swallow hard and handle it,” Verne Lundquist, on his last season announcing SEC games on CBS.

“You’ve got to be a fan of Cracker Barrel,” Verne Lundquist, on announcing games in the SEC.

“I think Ohio State fans and Alabama fans are almost interchangeable. They both have great tradition. They both have the biggest and best of everything. And they both have the two best coaches in college football. So there’s a lot of commonality. And they both have that iconic, bigger-than-life coach in the past in Woody Hayes and Bear Bryant. And they both have bigger-than-life coaches now,” the SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum.


Quote from the Past

“I don’t expect to win enough games to be put on NCAA probation. I just want to win enough to warrant an investigation,” Nebraska coach Bob Devaney.


Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for
Opening Weekend’s 12 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games.…and then some

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Ole Miss vs. Florida State – (SEC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Monday, ESPN – Ole Miss better enjoy the moment. The Black Bear, Landshark Rebels better enjoy every moment they have before they go on probation. It’s looking more and more like the NCAA is going to come down hard on Ole Miss. You have to wonder if coach Hugh Freeze will survive the mess. But first the Black Bear, Landshark Rebels have to survive what could be a mess on Labor Day night in Orlando. It could all come down to how well Florida State freshman quarterback Diondre Francois performs. Or, how well FSU conditioning coach Vic Viloria lubricates the Noles. Ole Miss has the advantage here with experienced quarterback Chad Kelly. But the rest of the Ole Miss team may not measure up to the Noles. The Landsharks suffer a Brain Freeze – Florida State 27, Ole Miss 20.

RUNNER UP: 2. USC vs. Alabama – (Pac-12 vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – This will be the eighth meeting between the Trojans and the Tide. And it takes place in Arlington, Texas. The two teams first played in 1938 and last played in 1985. Bama leads in the series 5-2. They met in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 1946. Bama won that game, 34-14. The Tide are the reigning national champions and the No. 1 team in the country at preseason. The Trojans are a preseason Top 20 team, picked by some to win the Pac-12. First-year USC coach Clay Helton needs this win more than 10th-year Alabama coach Nick Saban. A Trojan victory would be a big feather in Helton’s hat. But Helton is no Yankee Doodle – Alabama 28, USC 23.

REST OF THE BEST: 3. Oklahoma at Houston – (Big 12 vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – Houston wants in the Big 12 so bad. A Cougar win over Oklahoma would send a strong message to Big 12 headquarters. Something tells me Bob Stoops is fearful of this game. After all, Houston knocked off Florida State in last season’s Peach Bowl. Every Power 5 school that was looking for a new coach wanted the Cougars Tom Herman. He could have had any opening he wanted. But he decided to remain at Houston. The Cougars will be tough with quarterback Greg Ward back. But OU will have a toughness of its own with quarterback Baker Mayfield back. Even more so with running back Samaje Perine back. The Sooners break the Cougar’s back – Oklahoma 28, Houston 20.

4. Clemson at Auburn – (ACC vs. SEC) – 9 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is sitting on top of the world. Clemson is coming off a strong run for the national championship. Heisman Trophy candidate Deshaun Watson returns to quarterback the team. Powerful running back Wayne Gallman returns. What more could Swinney ask for? Meanwhile, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is sitting on top of a hot seat. Once the King of Toomer’s Corner, Malzahn has become the Pauper of Chizik Street. Last season could not have been any worse for Auburn. And it doesn’t start out any better this year. Aubie sings, “Don’t cry for me, Bootsie” – Clemson 30, Auburn 24.

5. LSU vs. Wisconsin – (SEC vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Although LSU is playing in Wisconsin, it says “versus” Wisconsin instead of “at” Wisconsin. That’s because the game is being played at the Green Bay Packers stadium – Lambeau Field. There will be lots of sausages around and someone needs to inform the LSU players that it’s not Andouille or Boudin. Otherwise, Brandon Harris, Leonard Fournette and the Tigers might get upset stomachs eating the Bratwurst and Bockwurst. And heaven forbid if they get their hands on Liverwurst or Curry Wurst. Both teams are supposed to be good. But both teams have some question marks. Still, Les Miles looks good in Lederhosen – LSU 27, Wisconsin 22.

6. Notre Dame at Texas – (Ind. vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Sunday, ABC – Notre Dame is so talented at the quarterback position that Brian Kelly can’t decide which one is better – DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire. While in Austin, Charlie Strong is still trying to find a quarterback. Strong is also trying to find a way off the hot seat. Last year, the Irish won this game, 38-3. Anything near that this year and Strong needs to start writing his obituary. Charlie is toast, Texas toast – Notre Dame 27, Texas 19.

7. North Carolina vs. Georgia – (ACC vs. SEC) – 5:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – After 15 years of driving a Richt, Uga decided to trade in his Richt for a Smart. We’ll soon find out how smart of a trade it was. But yeah, the Richt, as in Mark Richt, had a lot of mileage on it. So the Dawgs are debut driving the Smart, as in Kirby Smart, this season. Richt left a pretty full cupboard for Smart. One experienced quarterback – Greyson Lambert, and two solid and experienced running backs – Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Plus Smart picked up a star-studded quarterback – Jacob Eason. Eason will be the starter against North Carolina. But the Dawgs do have to rebuild their defense. Meanwhile, North Carolina is flying high under Larry Fedora. The Heels were 9-4 last season. They darn near knocked off Clemson in the ACC title game. UNC should be good again this year, but in this game, Uga will cool Fedora’s Heels – Georgia 26, North Carolina 20.

8. UCLA at Texas A&M – (Pac-12 vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – Does Texas A&M have any quarterbacks or assistant coaches left? It’s hard to imagine. Kevin Sumlin has lost more quarterbacks and suspended more assistant coaches than you can shake a fist at. Fortunately for UCLA, the Bruins have not lost quarterback Josh Rosen. Rosen, the freshman sensation last season, is the key to the Bruins success – that and a good defense. The Aggies need to play good defense too – much better than last year. Kevin Sumlin needs to win this season or he will have a footloose – dancing out of College Station like Kevin Bacon come December. Kevin gets revvin’ – Texas A&M 35, UCLA 24.

9. Kansas State at Stanford – (Big 12 vs. Pac-12) – 9 pm ET, Friday, FS1 – So, does Stanford have anybody else on its team besides Christian McCaffrey? I think he plays every position on the team. You know sometimes when a baseball player retires and during his last game they have him play a different position each inning. Well, McCaffrey already does the equivalent of that every game in football. I’m surprised he doesn’t march with the band at halftime. Then again, maybe he does. This year, however, don’t you know everybody will be keying on McCaffrey. He faces a challenge this season. He’s not an unknown anymore. But K-State won’t be much of a challenge. Where’s the K-State band when the Wildcats need them? – Stanford 34, Kansas State 17.

10. Western Michigan at Northwestern – (MAC vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPNU – Don’t laugh. Western Michigan is good. The question is: Are the Broncos good enough to beat Northwestern? WMU is favored to win the MAC. Northwestern is picked to finish fourth in the Big Ten West. So, on a scale of 1 to 128 where does that put them? In my Consensus Preseason Poll, Northwestern was 38th and WMU was 54th. Does that say Northwestern by 16? How ’bout the Wildcats by 3? – Northwestern 30, Western Michigan 27.

11. BYU vs. Arizona – (Ind. vs. Pac-12) – 10:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – BYU has two of the better quarterbacks in the country – Taysom Hill and Tanner Mangum. Word is Hill is going to start. But BYU also has a new coach. New coaches have a way of making changes. And changes can slow a team down early in the season. At Arizona, Rich Rodriguez is back for his fifth season with the Wildcats. But the defensive staff is new. Rich Rod sacked his defensive coaches at the end of last season. And Arizona’s defense needs to sack the BYU quarterback. It won’t be easy with Ty Detmer running the offense for the Cougars. The scoreboard will get lit up in this one. But Rich Rod doesn’t want to see the scoreboard when the game is over – BYU 36, Arizona 33.

12. Missouri at West Virginia – (SEC vs. Big 12) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FS1 – My how times have changed in Columbia. They have gone from good to bad. Missouri, the school where the inmates run the asylum, ain’t what it used to be. Its football team ain’t what it used to be either. Remember when the Missouri fans would chant back-and-forth, across the field, “M-I-Z” followed by “Z-O-U?” “M-I-Z – Z-O-U.” Well now, they chant “M-I-S” followed by “E-R-Y.” M-I-S – E-R-Y.” Even the Missouri basketball team has gone to hell in a hand basket. Misery…..I mean…..Missouri comes in to Morgantown hoping to pull an upset – shock the Mountaineers. Well, WVU coach Dana Holgorsen could use some shocking – a shocking good season. You see ole Dana is kinda on the hot seat. He’s at the short end of a contract. Dana needs a stellar season for a big-time contract renewal. It’s only the first game of a 12-game season, but Dana comes away from this encounter with a smile on his face – West Virginia 30, Missouri 20.


…AND TWO TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

13. Boston College vs. Georgia Tech – (ACC vs. ACC) – 7:30 am ET, Saturday, ESPN2 – Both coaches – BC’s Steve Addazio and GT’s Paul Johnson – are mildly on the hot seat. Both teams were a disaster last year. Another disaster this year and it is curtains. To decide this tilt, the two teams traveled to Ireland. But neither coach needs the luck of the Irish. What was it John Lennon sang? “If you had the luck of the Irish, you’d wish you were dead instead.” Regardless of which team wins, it still could be a long season – for both. Then again, both BC and GT could be dark horses this year. Addazio forgot to kiss the Blarney Stone – Georgia Tech 24, Boston College 20.

14. South Carolina at Vanderbilt – (SEC vs. SEC) – 8 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – There is no pressure on the Gamecocks in this game. It is Will Mustake’s…..I mean…..Muschamp’s debut season. First-year coaches aren’t expected to win at South Carolina. Lou Holtz was 0-11 his first season in Columbia. Next year, Muschamp will be expected to win. The pressure is on Vanderbilt – more specifically on Vandy coach Derek Mason. In two years with the Commodores, Mason is 7-17. He probably needs to win at least six games this year. South Carolina is one of the few winnable games on Vandy’s schedule. Mason breathes a sigh of relief – Vanderbilt 20, South Carolina 16.


YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:

Massachusetts at Florida – (Ind. vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – What happened? I thought Jalen Taber and Cyontai Lewis were suspended for this game. Taber even laughed about the suspension on his Twitter account. But Jim McElwain changed his mind. He must have thought the suspension was funny too. Surely he isn’t fearful of Massachusetts. No one fears UMass. Not even UMass fears UMass. With Taber and Lewis back on the team, McElwain gets to play everybody in this game – even the band and the cheerleaders. The Gators turn the Minutemen into the Secondmen – Florida 48, Massachusetts 6.

Fresno State at Nebraska – (MWC vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – There was a time when Fresno State was a competitive team – very competitive. A lot of big-time teams didn’t want to schedule the Bulldogs. But those times are long gone. Fresno State hasn’t been competitive in a while. The Bulldogs lost their will to win. Nebraska hasn’t lost its will to win. The Huskers just haven’t won as many games as they once did. Still the fire is there. It just smolders at times – a lot of smoke and no fire. Last year Nebraska lost seven games, but no loss was by more than 10 points. Only two of the seven losses were by more than five points. One loss was on a Hail-Mary pass as time expired. Another loss was in overtime. Three losses were by two points or less. And the Huskers ended the season with a big win over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl. You gotta figure this season will be better than last. The first game will definitely end better than last year’s opener – Nebraska 48, Fresno State 9.

North Carolina Central at Duke – (MEAC vs. ACC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3 – The Dookies have had some decent seasons in recent years, but things could take a turn for the worse this season. It’s definitely a rebuilding year in Durham. The victories may be few and far between. But against North Carolina Central, the Dookies will start the season with a victory – even without quarterback Thomas Sirk who reinjured his Achilles tendon. They just may not see another one for a long, long time. Enjoy it while it lasts – Duke 41, North Carolina Central 12.

Eastern Kentucky at Purdue – (Ohio Valley vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, ESPNNews – Unlike the Dookies, Purdue has not had any decent seasons in recent years. Unlike the Dookies, things can’t get any worse for Purdue. They are already bad enough as it is. But like the Dookies, victories will be few and far between for Purdue. Like the Dookies, Purdue will start the season with a victory. And like the Dookies, the Boilers may not see another win for a long, long time. Can I make it sound any worse? A rare celebration in West Lafayette – Purdue 37, Eastern Kentucky 19.


ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

Indiana at Florida International – (Big Ten vs. C-USA) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPNU....

Florida A&M at Miami – (MEAC vs. ACC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3....
Southern Illinois at Florida Atlantic – (Gateway vs. C-USA) – 6 pm ET, Saturday....
Florida Tech at Newberry – (Gulf South vs. South Atlantic) – 6 pm ET, Saturday....

South Carolina State at UCF – (MEAC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3....
Towson at South Florida – (Colonial vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN3....
Sacred Heart at Stetson – (Northeast vs. Pioneer) – 7 pm ET, Saturday....

Alcorn State at Bethune-Cookman – (SWAC vs. MEAC) – 1 pm ET, Sunday, ESPN....

Jacksonville U. opens next week

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not exactly 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 1941 was “Green Eyes (Aquellos Ojos Verdes)” by Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra

…70 years ago this week in 1946 was “To Each His Own” by Eddy Howard

…65 years ago this week in 1951 was “Come on-a My House” by Rosemary Clooney

…60 years ago this week in 1956 was “Hound Dog”/“Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley and “My Prayer” by The Platters

…55 years ago this week in 1961 was “Wooden Heart” by Joe Dowell

…50 years ago this week in 1966 was “Sunshine Superman” by Donovan

…45 years ago this week in 1971 was “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” by Paul & Linda McCartney

…40 years ago this week in 1976 was “You Should Be Dancing” by The Bee Gees

…35 years ago this week in 1981 was “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

…30 years ago this week in 1986 was “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood

…25 years ago this week in 1991 was “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams


Not exactly college football related, but there was one passing of note last week – Steven Hill.

Steven Hill, who originated lead roles on two notable television series, “Mission Impossible” in the 1960s and “Law & Order” in the 1990s, died last week in New York City. He was 94. In 1966, Hill was cast as Daniel Briggs in the new series “Mission Impossible.” However, he was thrown off the show after one season and replaced by Peter Graves. About 25 years later, Hill took on the role of Adam Schiff on the new series “Law & Order.” Steven Hill was born Solomon Krakowsky on February 24, 1922, in Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington. In 1948, Hill played a sailor in the Broadway, Tony Award-winning comedy “Mr. Roberts,” which starred Henry Fonda. He appeared in several movies, including “A Lady Without Passport” (1950), “It’s My Turn” (1980), “Rich and Famous” (1981), “Yentl” (1983), “Brighton Beach Memoirs” (1986), “Running on Empty” (1988), “White Palace” (1990), “Billy Bathgate” (1991) and “The Firm” (1993).

College Football Week – Preseason 2: Has the band taken the field yet?
Anticipation is keeping me waiting

Yeah, the anticipation is keeping us waiting. But the wait is almost over – only 10 days to go.

“We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway”

And do we ever. Not knowing what the season will be like, we think about it all the time. We think about it, full of anticipation.

For Florida fans, they don’t have to think about who the starting quarterback will be. Not anymore. Last week Gators coach Jim McElwain ended the anticipation when he named transfer, redshirt-sophomore Luke Del Rio the starter for the opening game against Massachusetts on September 3.

Del Rio, from Santa Rosa Beach, California, originally enrolled at Alabama as a walk-on in January 2013. That fall, he was listed on the roster as the No. 3 quarterback for the Tide. But he never played during the 2013 season and he remained a walk-on.

In January 2014, Del Rio transferred to and enrolled at Oregon State. Under the rules, he was able to transfer and play without sitting out a year since he was just a walk-on at Alabama. At Oregon State, Del Rio became the second string quarterback and played in three games for the Beavers during the 2014 season.

When Oregon State coach Mike Riley left to take Nebraska job after the 2014 season, Del Rio transferred to Florida. Since he was on scholarship at Oregon State, Del Rio had to sit out the 2015 season in Gainesville. He lost a year of eligibility when he played in those three games for the Beavers. That’s why he is listed as a redshirt-sophomore at Florida.

In high school Del Rio spent his junior year playing quarterback at Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, Florida. His senior year he was the quarterback at Valor Christian High School in Colorado. His father is Jack Del Rio a former USC and NFL linebacker and current head coach for the Oakland Raiders.

Actually, there was little, if any, doubt that Del Rio would be named the starter. A couple weeks ago, Steve Spurrier, who recently was named the Consultant To and Ambassador For the Florida Athletic Department, let the cat out of the bag. Upon accepting his new position in Gainesville, Spurrier informed everyone that Del Rio would be named the starting quarterback.

When McElwain finally made the announcement about Del Rio last week, everyone kind of went, “Well, duh.” Even Paul Finebaum, on his daily TV show, said we knew that because head coach Steve Spurrier already told us.

And speaking of Spurrier’s title – Consultant To and Ambassador For the Florida Athletic Department – does that mean in close games Spurrier will send plays down to McElwain from the press box? And does that mean he will occasionally reside in Embassies and Consulates located in Baton Rouge, Lexington, Knoxville, etc?

No more waiting about the starting quarterback at USC, either. Trojans head coach Clay Helton named redshirt-junior Max Browne over redshirt-freshman Sam Darnold. Darnold had been challenging Browne for the starting position. The Trojans open against Alabama on September 3.

However in South Bend, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly doesn’t plan to name a starting quarterback. He said he would play both DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire in the Irish’s opener against Texas on September 3. Regardless of which quarterback begins the first offensive series for Notre Dame, Kelly said neither Kizer nor Zaire would be considered the starter. Not yet, at least.

Back in Gainesville, Gators coach Jim McElwain has suspended cornerback Jalen Tabor and tight end Cyontai Lewis from the opening game against Massachusetts – not that any Gators player would be missed against UMass.

Tabor and Lewis were suspended for getting into a fight during practice. Apparently, it was a nasty fight. Obviously, McElwain’s announced suspension had little to no effect on Tabor. Afterwards, the cornerback tweeted, “Scuffles happen in football all the time. Didn’t know you could get suspended for it. LOL.” Wonder if McElwain was LOL.

“Anticipation, anticipation
Is making me late
Is keeping me waiting”

Anticipating the upcoming, big game against Alabama, the bookstore on the USC campus last week began selling t-shirts that said, “Roll, Tears, Roll.” Not to be outdone, Alabama responded with a t-shirt of its own that said, “Our O.J. Only Killed Clemson.”

“Our O.J.” is Alabama tight end O.J. Howard who had a superb performance last season in the national championship game against Clemson. No responses from USC, yet.

Speaking of superb performances, how ’bout Usain Bolt’s performances in the Olympics? And I’m thinking, what a sensational receiver that guy would have been in football. With his height (6’5”), his weight (207 lbs.) and his speed, no one could have defended him. Just thinkin’.

If Rockledge Gator ever recommends a movie, you might want to think twice about going. But I must say that last week my friend Rockledge was actually honest about a movie he watched. Or at least I think he was.

The movie is “The All American,” a 1953 film starring Mamie Van Doren and Tony Curtis. Curtis plays a college quarterback in the film. The other day, I got a text message from Rockledge that said:

“Watched the worst, baddest football movie I’ve EVER seen last night. It is soooo bad that you MUST watch it. It is so bad you cannot stop watching. It’s like whoever made it had no idea whatsoever about college football.”

Well, it sounds soooo bad that I don’t want to watch it. The idea and thought of Tony Curtis playing a quarterback is enough to make you question the movie. That alone should be a dead giveaway that it’s bad. I’ve seen most all the football movies. Don’t know how I missed this one. But it sounds like I should be glad I missed it.

It was good to hear from Tim Muth and Ken Burger last week. Tim is going to be a grandfather and Ken shared a great story about an Oregon-USC football game he once attended in Los Angeles.

I keep saying we only have 10 days to go, because that is the Thursday night going into Labor Day weekend when several teams begin their seasons. It’s the traditional opening of college football. But this year, there is an earlier game. This Saturday, Hawaii and California actually open the 2016 season in Sydney, Australia.

However, Saturday in Sydney, is actually Friday in the U.S. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET, Friday, August 26. ESPN is broadcasting the game.

G’day, mate!

“And tomorrow we might not be together
I’m no prophet; I don’t know nature’s way
So I’ll try to see into your eyes right now
And stay right here, ’cause these are the good old days”

Yes, these are the good old days!

Touchdown Tom
August 22, 2016
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Quotes of the Week

“It gives me peace of mind,” Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, upon signing a $5 million insurance policy against a career-ending injury.

“Scuffles happen in football all the time. Just didn’t know you could get suspended for it. LOL,” suspended Florida cornerback Jalen Tabor.

“Luke (Del Rio) is going to work as the starter the rest of the camp and start in the season opener barring any unforeseen development. Our other quarterbacks remain in the plans and are ready to move forward and help the Gators any way they can,” Florida coach Jim McElwain, naming his starting quarterback.


Quote from the Past

Son, you’ve got a good engine, but your hands aren’t on the steering wheel,” Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.


The Teams – 2016 (Touchdown Tom’s Consensus Top 40)

When it comes to preseason rankings, the anticipation ended yesterday when the last of the preseason polls – the Associated Press Poll – was released. Like 9 of the 11 polls already out, Alabama was No. 1. And like 7 of the 11 polls already posted, Clemson was No. 2.

As is tradition every year, I take the results of all the legitimate preseason polls and combine them together to come up with Touchdown Tom’s Consensus Top 40. This year, there were 12 polls in my calculations. Once the numbers of the 12 polls were crunched, Alabama came out as the clear No. 1 team. Clemson was a solid No. 2.

The rest of the Top 10 in my Consensus Top 40 included Florida State – 3; Oklahoma – 4, and LSU – 5. The Tigers were followed by Ohio State – 6; Michigan – 7; Tennessee – 8; Stanford – 9, and Notre Dame 10.

Yes, Alabama was No. 1 in 10 of the 12 polls. One poll ranked the Tide 2nd and another poll had Alabama 4th. Clemson was No. 2 in 8 of the 12 polls. None of the polls ranked the Tigers lower than 5th. Of the two polls that didn’t have Alabama ranked 1st, one had Florida State at the top and the other had LSU at No. 1.

Each of the Power 5 conferences is represented in the Top 10, led by the SEC with three teams – Alabama, LSU and Tennessee. The ACC and Big Ten each have two teams – Clemson and Florida State (ACC) and Ohio State and Michigan (Big Ten). The Big 12 and the Pac-12 each have one team – Oklahoma and Stanford respectively. There is one Independent in the Top 10 – Notre Dame.

Continuing down the Consensus Top 40, the second 10 consists of Washington – 11; Ole Miss – 12; Michigan State – 13, TCU – 14; Baylor – 15; Iowa – 16; UCLA – 17; USC – 18; Houston – 19, and Louisville 20.

Finishing out the Top 25 are Georgia – 21; Oklahoma State and Oregon (tie) – 22; North Carolina – 24, and Miami (Florida) – 25.

So the Top 25 is made up of five teams each from the ACC, Pac-12 and SEC; four teams each from the Big 12 and Big Ten, and one Independent. The Top 25 has one team from the AAC (Group of 5 conference) – Houston.

The rest of the Top 30 consists of Florida – 26; Boise State – 27; Texas and Utah (tie) – 28, and Wisconsin – 30.

The final 10 teams in the Consensus Top 40 are Auburn – 31; Texas A&M – 32; Arkansas and Nebraska (tie) – 33; San Diego State – 35; Washington State – 36; Pitt – 37; Northwestern – 38; Penn State 39, and Virginia Tech – 40.

Just missing the Top 40 was South Florida – 41. Trailing South Florida was West Virginia – 42.

The Consensus Top 40 consists of nine teams from the SEC (six from the SEC West); eight teams from the Big Ten; seven each from the ACC and Pac-12, and five teams from the Big 12. The Group of 5 conferences are represented by three teams – 2 from the MWC and one from the AAC. There is one Independent.

The highest ranked team from the other three Group of 5 conferences is Western Michigan – 54 – from the MAC, Western Kentucky – 55 – from C-USA and Appalachian State – 61 – from the Sun Belt.

Last year, the Top 5 teams in Touchdown Tom’s Preseason Consensus Top 40 were Ohio State – 1; TCU – 2; Alabama – 3; Baylor – 4, and Oregon – 5. At the end of the regular season, the Top 4 playoff teams were Clemson – 1; Alabama – 2; Michigan State – 3, and Oklahoma – 4.

Of those four, only Alabama was in the Top 5 at preseason. Clemson was 12th, Michigan State was 7th and Oklahoma was 21st. Alabama won the national championship, beating Clemson in the title game. In the finals polls, it was Alabama – 1; Clemson – 2; Stanford – 3; Ohio State – 4 and Oklahoma –5. Stanford was 17th in the consensus preseason poll.


The Running Backs – 2016

Four running backs are topping the charts at the beginning of the 2016 season. But two of the four are so hot, they are off the charts. They are Stanford junior Christian McCaffrey (6-0, 202) and LSU junior Leonard Fournette (6-1, 230).

Last year, McCaffrey did it all – everything that is but win the Heisman Trophy. And he should have won that. McCaffrey racked up 3,864 all-purpose yards – running, returning and receiving. He even threw passes. But when McCaffrey lined up at quarterback, they didn’t call it the wildcat quarterback at Stanford. They called it the wildcaff quarterback.

Purely as a running back, McCaffrey rushed for 2,019 yards in 2015. He averaged 144 yards per game and 6.0 yards per carry.

Fournette was no slouch either. The Tigers running back rushed for 1,953 yards last year. He averaged 163 yards per game, 6.5 yards per carry and scored 22 touchdowns.

The other two running backs high on the charts are Florida State junior Dalvin Cook (5-11, 206) and Oklahoma junior Samaje Perine (5-10, 234). Last season, Cook rushed for 1,691 yards, scoring 19 touchdowns. He averaged 141 yards per game and 7.4 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Perine, who shared some of his running time with Joe Mixon for the Sooners, still managed some flashy statistics. The OU back rushed for 1,349 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Perine averaged 104 yards per game and scored 16 touchdowns.

So, Christian McCaffrey, Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook and Samaje Perine are the top four running backs heading into the 2016 season. But don’t think that you won’t hear about some other running backs before the season is over.

Along with Fournette, the SEC has three other marquee runners, two from the same school – Georgia. The two Dawgs are junior Nick Chubb (5-10, 200) and junior Sonny Michel (5-11, 212). Chubb suffered a knee injury in 2015 that cut short his season, but he still managed to rush for 747 yards. More impressively, he averaged 125 yards per game and 8.1 yards per carry.

Filling in for Chubb, Michel rushed for 1,161 yards. But during the off-season, Michel suffered a broken left forearm in an accident on an ATV. Chubb and Michel are expected to be ready at the start of the season. But will both, only one or neither be a full strength?

The other running back of note in the SEC is Tennessee junior Jalen Hurd (6-4, 240). Tall for a running back, Hurd rushed for 1,288 yards in 2015, averaging 99 yards per game. He scored 12 touchdowns.

In addition to Dalvin Cook, the ACC has two other outstanding running backs. They are Clemson junior Wayne Gallman (6-1, 215) and North Carolina junior Elijah Hood (6-0, 220). Both put up some pretty impressive stats in 2015.

The Tigers’ Gallman rushed for 1,527 yards, scoring 13 touchdowns. He averaged 109 yards per game. The Tar Heels’ Hood rushed for 1,463 yards last year, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He averaged 105 yards per game and scored 17 touchdowns.

The Big Ten has three top running backs at preseason. The best of the bunch may be Northwestern junior Justin Jackson (5-11, 190). Last season, Jackson tallied 1,418 yards, averaging 109 yards per game.

The other two gems in the Big Ten are Penn State sophomore Saquon Barkley (5-11, 222) and Wisconsin senior Corey Clement. Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry in 2015. He averaged 98 yards per game. The Badgers’ Clement has the potential for a great 2016. He suffered from injuries last season.

Three running backs will be competing with Samaje Perine for bragging rights in the Big 12 this season. Two of them – Baylor senior Shock Linwood (5-9, 200) and Iowa State sophomore Mike Warren (6-0, 200) were impressive in their own right last year. Linwood rushed for 1,329 yards. He averaged 111 yards per game and 6.8 yards per carry.

As a freshman, Warren racked up 1,339 yards, averaging 112 yards per game. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, West Virginia senior Rushel Shell (5-10, 220), who played in the shadow of Wendell Smallwood (1,519 yards rushing) last year, hopes to make a big impact in 2016. Shell managed a respectable 708 yards in 2015. And keep an eye on Perine’s teammate Oklahoma sophomore Joe Mixon (6-1, 226).

The Pac-12 has a slew of good running backs. Almost sharing the marquee with Christian McCaffrey is Oregon junior Royce Freeman (5-11, 230). Freeman rushed for 1,836 yards in 2015, averaging 141 yards per game. He scored 17 touchdowns, while averaging 6.5 yards per carry.

Not far behind Freeman is Washington sophomore Myles Gaskin (5-10, 193). The Huskies’ back tallied 1,302 yards last year, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Gaskins scored 14 touchdowns and averaged 100 yards per game. The two Arizona schools – Arizona State and Arizona – each have a good running back. For the Sun Devils, it is junior Demario Richard (5-10, 220) and for the Wildcats it is junior Nick Wilson (5-10, 215).

USC has not one, but two good running backs. They are senior Justin Davis (6-1, 195) and sophomore Ronald Jones (6-0, 185). Both rushed for more than 900 yards last year. Jones averaged 6.5 yards per carry. And finally, Washington State is set at running back with junior Gerard Wicks (6-0, 226).

In the Group of 5 conferences, the AAC features two star backs at preseason. Leading the twosome is South Florida junior Marlon Mack (6-0, 210). Mack came on strong last year, rushing for 1,381 yards. He averaged 115 yards per game and 6.6 yards per carry. Temple has a mighty mite in senior Jahad Thomas (5-10, 188). Thomas rushed for 1,262 yards and scored 17 touchdowns last season.

In the MWC, San Diego State senior Donnel Pumphrey (5-9, 180) tops a list of four good running backs. In 2015, Pumphrey rushed for 1,653 yards. He averaged 118 yards per game and scored 17 touchdowns. Two of the other three key backs in the MWC are Boise State junior Jeremy McNichols (5-9, 205) and Nevada junior James Butler (5-9, 200).

Last year, McNichols rushed for 1,337 yards, scoring 20 touchdowns. He averaged 111 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry. Butler countered with 1,342 yards rushing. He averaged 103 yards per game and 6.5 yards per carry. The fourth running back to keep an eye on in the MWC is Wyoming junior Brian Hill (6-1, 219). Hill rushed for a respectable 1,631 yards. He averaged 136 yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry.

Two of the best backs in the MAC are from the same school – Toledo. They are senior Kareem Hunt (6-0, 225) and junior Terry Swanson (5-10, 200). Last year, Hunt rushed for 973 yards and Swanson added another 923 yards. Hunt averaged 108 yards per game, while Swanson averaged 6.5 yards per carry. But keep your eye on Northern Illinois senior Joel Bouagnon (6-2, 228). In 2015, Bouagnon rushed for 1,285 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

C-USA has a few good running backs to watch out for. Among the best in C-USA is UTEP senior Jarveon Williams (5-9, 200). In 2015, Williams tallied 1,042 yards, averaging 95 yards per game. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry.

Southern Miss has a top back in junior Ito Smith (5-9, 195). Last year, Smith racked up 1,128 yards and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. Rice is hanging its hopes on senior Darik Dillard (5-10, 215).

The top two running backs in the Sun Belt Conference are New Mexico State junior Larry Rose (5-11, 184) and Georgia Southern senior Matt Breida. Rose rushed for 1,641 yards in 2015. He averaged 138 yards per game, 6.9 yards per carry and scored 14 touchdowns. Breida rushed for 1,608 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. He averaged 124 yards per game and scored 17 touchdowns.

Appalachian State has a capable running back in senior Marcus Cox. Last year, Cox rushed for 1,423 yards. He averaged 119 yards per game and 5.9 yards per carry. And finally, Louisiana-Lafayette is in good shape with senior Elijah McGuire (5-11, 208). McGuire rushed for 1,058 yards last season.

Among the Independents, BYU may have the best answer at running back with senior Jamal Williams (6-2, 220). In recent seasons, Williams has gotten off to a great start, only to get injured. If he can stay injury free in 2016, it could be a good season for the Cougar running back.

TT’s Top Ten Favorite Running Backs at Preseason:

1. Christian McCaffrey – Stanford
2. Leonard Fournette – LSU
3. Samaje Perine – Oklahoma
4. Dalvin Cook – Florida State
5. Royce Freeman – Oregon
6. Nick Chubb – Georgia
7. Elijah Hood – North Carolina
8. Matt Breida – Georgia Southern
9. Donnel Pumphrey – San Diego State
10. Corey Clement – Wisconsin

And keep an eye on:

Wayne Gallman – Clemson; Shock Linwood – Baylor; Jalen Hurd – Tennessee; Kareem Hunt – Toledo; Sonny Michel – Georgia; Justin Jackson – Northwestern; Joe Mixon – Oklahoma; Larry Rose – New Mexico State, and Jamal Williams – BYU.


The Other Positions – 2016

Wide Receivers

Among the 16 best wide receivers in college football this season, five hail from the SEC. They are Alabama sophomore Calvin Ridley (6-1, 188), Texas A&M sophomore Christian Kirk (5-11, 200) and Mississippi State senior Fred Ross (6-2, 207). And LSU has not one but two top receivers – senior Travin Dural (6-2 203) and junior Michael Dupre (6-3, 190).

The ACC comes up with three of the best receivers. They are Virginia Tech junior Isaiah Ford (6-2, 19), Florida State junior Travis Rudolph (6-1, 189) and Clemson senior Mike Williams (6-4, 220).

The Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 each have two of the top receivers. In the Big Ten are Michigan senior Jehu Chesson (6-3, 200) and Nebraska senior Jordan Westerkamp (6-0, 200). The Big 12 counters with Baylor junior K.D. Cannon (6-0, 180) and Oklahoma State junior James Washington (6-0, 205). The Pac-12 has USC junior JuJu Smith-Schuster (6-2, 215) and Washington State senior Gabe Marks (6-0, 188).

The MAC has an outstanding receiver in Western Michigan senior Corey Davis (6-3, 213), as does C-USA with Middle Tennessee sophomore Richie James (5-9, 177).


Tight Ends

The four best tight ends hail from the SEC, ACC and the Big Ten. They are Alabama senior O.J. Howard (6-6, 242), Ole Miss senior Evan Engram (6-3, 227), Clemson senior Jordan Leggett (6-5, 255) and Michigan senior Jake Butt (6-6, 250).


Centers

The seven top centers this season are from the Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC. The Big Ten provides Ohio State senior Pat Elflein (6-3, 300), Wisconsin senior Dan Voltz (6-3, 301), Michigan State junior Brian Allen (6-2, 303) and Iowa junior Sean Welsh (6-3, 288).

From the Big 12 are Baylor senior Kyle Fuller (6-5, 310) and West Virginia senior Tyler Orlosky (6-4, 295). And the SEC rep is LSU senior Ethan Pocic (6-7, 309).


Offensive Guards

The six best guards are from the SEC, Big Ten, ACC and MWC. The two from the SEC are Auburn junior Braden Smith (6-6, 286) and Florida sophomore Martez Ivey (6-5, 312). The Big Ten has two as well – Indiana senior Dan Feeney (6-4, 31) and Ohio State junior Billy Price (6-4, 315).

The ACC has Pitt senior Dorian Johnson (6-5, 300) and the MWC provides San Diego State senior Nico Siragusa (6-5, 335).


Offensive Tackles

Of the 10 best tackles in the country, three each are from the SEC, ACC and Pac-12. One is from an Independent. In the SEC, they are Alabama junior Cam Robinson (6-6, 327), Arkansas senior Dan Skipper (6-10, 326) and Texas A&M senior Avery Gennesy (6-5, 310).

The ACC’s tackles on the list are Florida State junior Roderick Johnson (6-7, 307), Pitt senior Adam Bisnowaty (6-6, 300) and Clemson sophomore Mitch Hyatt (6-5, 295). Out of the Pac-12 are USC senior Zach Banner (6-9, 360), UCLA senior Conor McDermott (6-9, 310).

The Independent is Notre Dame junior Mike McGlinchey (6-7, 310).


Defensive Ends

Among the 13 best defensive ends, an amazing eight are from the SEC. They are Texas A&M junior Myles Garrett (6-5, 262), Alabama senior Jonathan Allen (6-3, 294), Tennessee junior Derek Barnett (6-3, 257) and Missouri junior Charles Harris (6-3, 255).

Still from the SEC are LSU sophomore Arden Key (6-6, 231), Auburn junior Carl Lawson (6-2, 257), Alabama senior Dalvin Tomlinson (6-3, 307) and Ole Miss junior Marquis Haynes (6-3, 220).

Two out of the Big Ten are Michigan senior Chris Wormley (6-5, 303) and Ohio State junior Tyquan Lewis (6-4, 260). The remaining three best defensive ends are from the ACC, Big 12 and Pac-12. They are Florida State senior DeMarcus Walker (6-3, 273), Oklahoma junior Charles Walker (6-2, 299) and UCLA senior Eddie Vanderdoes (6-3, 305).


Defensive Tackles

The country’s five best defensive tackles represent two from the SEC and one each from the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12. The two from the SEC are Auburn senior Montavius Adams (6-4, 296) and LSU junior Davon Godchaux (6-4, 293).

The other three are Clemson senior Carlos Watkins (6-3, 300), Michigan State junior Malik McDowell (6-6, 280) and Utah junior Lowell Lutulelel (6-2, 310).


Linebackers

Out of the 14 best linebackers, five are from the SEC and five are from the Big Ten. The other four are from the ACC (2), Big 12 and Pac-12. From the SEC are Florida senior Jarrad Davis (6-2, 240), Vanderbilt junior Zach Cunningham (6-4, 230), Alabama senior Reuben Foster (6-1 240), LSU senior Kendell Beckwith (6-2, 252) and Tennessee senior Jaylon Reeves-Maybin (6-0, 225).

The five from the Big Ten are Michigan junior Jabrill Peppers (6-1, 208), Ohio State junior Raekwon McMillan (6-4, 240), Northwestern junior Anthony Walker (6-1, 235), Wisconsin senior Vince Biegel (6-4, 242) and Michigan State senior Riley Bullough (6-2, 230).

From the ACC are Louisville senior Devonte Fields (6-4, 245) and Clemson senior Ben Boulware (5-11, 240). The Big 12 and the Pac-12 are represented by Texas sophomore Malik Jefferson (6-3, 238) and USC sophomore Cameron Smith (6-2, 245) respectively.


Cornerbacks

Of the 11 best cornerbacks in the country, four are from the SEC and two from the Big Ten. The SEC four are Florida junior Jalen Tabor (6-0, 199), Tennessee senior Cameron Sutton (5-11, 186), LSU senior Tre’Davious White (5-11, 191) and Alabama sophomore Marlon Humphrey (6-1, 198).

The Big Ten duo are Iowa senior Desmond King (5-11, 200) and Michigan senior Jordan Lewis (5-10, 175). The other five best cornerbacks are out of the ACC – Clemson senior Cordrea Tankersley (6-1, 195), out of the Pac-12 – USC junior Adoree Jackson (5-11, 185), out of the AAC – Connecticut junior Jamar Summers (6-0, 185), out of the MWC – San Diego State senior Damontae Kazee (5-11, 185) and out of the MAC – Northern Illinois junior Shawun Lurry (5-8, 180).


Safeties

The SEC and the ACC have six of the 8 best safeties. From the SEC are LSU junior Jamal Adams (6-1, 211), Alabama senior Eddie Jackson (6-0, 194), Florida senior Marcus Maye (6-0, 210) and Auburn senior Johnathan Ford (6-0, 203). The two ACC safeties are Florida State sophomore Derwin James and Virginia junior Quin Blanding (6-2, 205).

The other two safeties are from the Big 12 – Oklahoma senior Ahmad Thomas (6-0, 199) and from the Pac-12 – Washington junior Budda Baker (5-10, 184).


Kickers

The four top placekickers at preseason are Auburn (SEC) junior Daniel Carlson (6-4, 214), Utah (Pac-12) senior Andy Phillips (5-11, 209), Memphis (AAC) senior Jake Elliott (5-10, 165) and Florida (SEC) sophomore Eddie Pineiro (6-0, 183).


Punters

Four of the best punters in the nation are from the SEC and MWC. Out of the SEC are Alabama junior J.K. Scott (6-5, 198) and Florida junior Johnny Townsend (6-1, 210). From the MWC are Colorado State senior Hayden Hunt (6-0, 220) and San Jose State junior Michael Carrizosa (5-10, 226).

The other three best punters are from the Big Ten, C-USA and the Sun Belt. They are Ohio State senior Cameron Johnston (5-11, 195), Florida Atlantic senior Dalton Schomp (6-1, 220) and Idaho senior Austin Rehkow (6-3, 208).

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not exactly college football related, but there were two passings of note last week – Arthur Hiller and Jack Riley.

Arthur Hiller, an Academy Award-nominated director whose long career flourished in the 1970s with crowd-pleasers like the successful “Love Story,” died last week in Los Angeles, He was 92. “Love Story” starred Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw. Hiller piloted nearly 70 feature films, television movies and episodes of TV series. Hiller’s personal favorite among his films was “The Americanization of Emily, which starred Julie Andrews and James Garner. Hiller was born on November 13, 1923, in Edmonton, Alberta. After high school, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and navigated bombers over enemy territory in Europe during World War II.

Jack Riley, who played the self-absorbed patient, Elliot Carlin, on the 1970s sitcom “The Bob Newhart Show,” died last week. He was 80. Riley also appeared in the Mel Brooks films “Silent Movie,” “High Anxiety,” “History of the World: Part I” and “Spaceballs.” He reprised the Carlin character on “ALF” and “St. Elsewhere,” and played a character very much like Carlin on “Newhart” in the 1980s. Riley also voiced commercials and made appearances on several TV shows, including “Different Strokes,” “Night Court” and “Seinfeld.” Jack Riley was born on December 30, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio.

College Football Week – Preseason 1: Are the pads on yet?
The start of football season is like Christmas

“Every year it seems to get longer and longer between seasons.”

That’s what Gators fan Christy Brigman wrote in an email to me last week.

Christy does have a point. From early January when the national championship game ends to the start of a new season on the following Labor Day weekend, it does seem to take longer and longer each year. It’s like waiting for Christmas to get here when you were a little kid. It took forever.

But it shouldn’t take forever. Not for us older folks. The older you get the faster time seems to fly. No sooner than Christmas is over and it’s here again.

Just last Thursday, I was getting my teeth cleaned and examined. During the cleaning, my dental hygienist – Monica – said to me, “Don’t you think the years go faster the older we get? Where does the time go?”

But if time does go by faster the older we get, then why, as Christy said, does it take so long for football season to get here? Christy, it’s because the start of football season is like Christmas. In our minds, we become little kids again, waiting for it to get here. And it takes forever.

Well, the wait is almost over – just a couple of weeks to go.

By the way, getting my teeth cleaned every four months is another story. You see Monica is a Florida State grad and a big Noles fan. While she’s cleaning my teeth, she goes on and on, saying great things about FSU, and on and on, saying terrible things about the Gators.

And, unfortunately, I can’t disagree with her. More accurately, I’m not about to disagree with her. Not when she has all those sharp objects in my mouth. I’m not that stupid. I just sit there with clenched fists and tell her she’s right. I say the nicest things about Florida State. Then after my appointment is over, I rush home and wash my mouth out with soap for telling all those lies.

Speaking of Florida State (actually, Monica and I are good friends), the Noles have lost quarterback Sean Maguire, for the first two games of the season. During practice last week, Maguire broke a bone in his right foot.

That means freshman quarterback Deondre Francois will start for FSU in its opener against Ole Miss on September 5. Francois may have been the starter anyway, but not having Maguire will hurt.

Sadly, there have been several season-ending injuries, impacting a number of teams. West Virginia lost starting defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry – torn ACL. LSU defensive lineman Christian LaCouture, a starter, is out with a torn ACL, as is backup LSU linebacker Corey Thompson.

Starting NC State wide receiver Jumichael Ramos is out with a knee injury. Vanderbilt has lost two players – starting offensive lineman Andrew Jelks and backup quarterback Shawn Stankavage – with unknown injuries. Washington State starting wide receiver Gabe Marks is out for an unspecified period of time with a leg injury.

Florida has lost three backup players for the season – offensive guard Antonio Riles (torn ACL), corner back C.J. McWilliams (torn ACL) and safety Quincy Lenton (broken foot).

All those injuries makes me think of rugby and the lack of injuries in that sport. I’ve really enjoyed watching the rugby matches during the Olympics. I’m glad they added rugby to the program. It’s fun to watch. The Fiji squad is amazing.

Rugby is a rough sport, but the players don’t where any pads or helmets. Maybe American football should take notice.

Speaking of rugby, I’m not about to start playing the sport, but I did start a new routine in March. Since I have been retired (six years), I have been taking long walks around my neighborhood most everyday – five, six mile walks.

But in March, I decided I needed to do something more. So I began participating in a workout class three days a week over at the fitness center. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 7:30 to 8:30, I work on my core and my upper body strength. My next-door neighbor, Russ Grunewald, goes with me.

The first day I went, I was struggling. About a third of the way into the class, huffing and puffing, I said, “When are we going to take a break?”

The instructor replied, “We don’t take a break in this class.”

I said, “Oh-h-h-h-h, oh-h-h-h-h, oh-h-h-h-h!”

But I endured. And six months later, Russ and I are still going at it three days a week. The other evening while Swamp Mama was watching television, I walked into the room bare-chested and stood in front of her. I held my fists up above my shoulders, stuck out my chest and said, “I’m working on my six pack”

Swamp Mama said, “What? Do you have two beers in the refrigerator?”

Speaking of Swamp Mama, you may have read where Tim Tebow announced the other day that he is going to try to play major league baseball. Within the next month, Tebow will hold a workout where all 30 major league baseball teams will be invited to observe. He hopes he will be signed by one of the teams.

Well, it seems there have been any number of reactions to this – some encouraging, some discouraging and some scratching their heads. Then there was the response from Swamp Mama. Upon hearing about Tebow’s latest venture, Swamp Mama said, “You know, I think Tebow just needs to get laid.”

Yeah, the season hasn’t started yet, but a lot has been going on. The Big 12 is looking into expansion. Some 19 schools, yes 19, are officially seeking membership in the conference. Some are schools that you would expect – Houston, BYU, Boise State, Cincinnati, UCF, etc.

But others are schools you wouldn’t expect – Arkansas State, Northern Illinois, Temple. I mean, can you imagine how thrilled Texas or Oklahoma fans would be about playing Arkansas State or Temple in football?

Speaking of that, Tennessee opens this year against Appalachian State and you would think it’s the biggest game the Vols have ever played. The game is Thursday night, September 1, in Knoxville, and UT has canceled classes that day. Yes-er-rie bubba. Appy State is such a big rival that UT has to give the students a day off to exude their enthusiasm for the game.

And what do Tennessee fans have against Kenny Chesney? The following week, Tennessee plays Virginia Tech at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The night before the game, Chesney is giving a pre-game concert in Bristol. When this was announced, UT fans voiced and tweeted their displeasure – “We don’t want Chesney”….. “Chesney has no business doing this….. “Why Chesney?”….. “Chesney has no right.”

I mean, isn’t Chesney from Tennessee?

It was quite a summer. Baylor fired Art Briles in late May. Ole Miss and Hugh Freeze are in trouble – 14 major violations. Joe Paterno knew about Jerry Sandusky as far back as 1976. After only 15 months on the job, Missouri athletic director Mack Rhodes left Missouri to become AD at Baylor. Really? Isn’t that like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire? Is Missouri that bad? Penn State coach James Franklin slams Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State for negative recruiting against the Nittany Lions. Maybe Franklin should start winning a few games first before he starts that crap.

Oh well, summer is almost over. It’s going to be a fun season. Have you seen the lineup of games on opening weekend? It couldn’t be better. Fasten your seatbelt – Clemson-Auburn, Florida State-Ole Miss, North Carolina-Georgia, Oklahoma-Houston, LSU-Wisconsin, Kansas State-Stanford, Notre Dame-Texas, BYU-Arizona, UCLA-Texas A&M and USC-Alabama. Can’t wait. Oh, I forgot to mention, Appalachian State-Tennessee.

Then from the first weekend to the second weekend, it goes from good to bad. I mean really, really bad. You can unfasten your seatbelt. If you need to take a weekend getaway, go to a wedding, take care of the “honey do’s,” or catch up on your sleep, September 10 is the weekend to do it.

But it’s like the stock market. It goes back up the third weekend. It gets a lot better. You’ll have to refasten your seatbelt for Ohio State-Oklahoma, Alabama-Ole Miss, Michigan State-Notre Dame, USC-Stanford, Florida State-Louisville, Oregon-Nebraska and Texas A&M-Auburn.

On the fifth weekend, Swamp Mama and I will be sitting with friends Sue and Dave Brolhorst in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, watching the Illinois-Nebraska game. And before the game, we’ll be tailgating at the Big Red Meat Wagon. At last!

Bootsie and Rockledge Gator had a busy summer, running around the South – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Bootsie got mesmerized by the wineries in North Carolina. Rockledge had trouble pulling her away. In Georgia, they leaned a new expression, “All that and everything.” They met a lady in a shop who ended every sentence saying, “All that and everything.”

Bootsie and Rockledge hosted Swamp Mama and me for a preseason kickoff dinner Saturday night. I think the three of them had too much to drink during the evening – Irish Mules and wine. They began line dancing – “Crash and Burn,” “Fireball” and the “Electric Slide.” I sat out. Someone had to take the pictures. Swamp Mama got mad at me. I said, “Hey, I did the Electric Slide at our daughter’s wedding reception.”

We’re all set for the fall. The four of us will be in Gainesville the weekend of October 8 for the LSU-Florida game. Then we’ll be back the weekend of November 12 for the South Carolina-Florida game. We’re looking forward to our stay at the Laurel Oak Inn (www.laureloakinn.com), and seeing Peggy and Monta.

This season marks the 25th anniversary of the four of us going to Gator football games together. Our first one together was the Florida-Auburn game up in Auburn, Alabama, in November 1991. We haven’t missed a year since.

It was great hearing from Fern Musselwhite, Christy Brigman and Barry LeBlanc and Bob Willey last week.

You know my workout classes are going so well that when I come home from the grocery store now, I carry all the plastic grocery bags into the house in one trip. Swamp Mama says, “You’re going to hurt yourself.” I respond, “No, I’m Charles Atlas.”

Well, I think I have covered all that and everything. See you next Monday.

Touchdown Tom
August 15, 2016
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


Quotes of the Off Season

“I’m glad I’m speaking at Ole Miss. If I were speaking at the University of Alabama, I would have to use smaller words and shorter sentences,” Tom Brokaw, speaking at the Ole Miss Commencement ceremony.

“Amazing to me, Alabama broke NCAA rules and now their head coach is lecturing us on the possibility of rules being broken at camps. Truly amazing,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, taking a shot at Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“I don’t really care what Jim Harbaugh thinks or tweets,” Alabama coach Nick Saban.

“I’m tired of hearing about coach Harbaugh,” former Ohio State tailback Ezekiel Elliott.

“Les Miles never met a running play he didn’t like,” SEC Network commentator and former LSU player Booger McFarland.

“I wouldn’t hire Art Briles to be my dog sitter,” Paul Finebaum, on the former Baylor coach.

“Ole Miss and the moon have one thing in common….They both control the Tide,” former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.

“I think they (Cincinnati) should be in the Big 12,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, giving support to his alma mater.

“We’re all responsible for the image that we have,” Alabama coach Nick Saban.

Quote from the Past

“We live one day at a time and scratch where it itches,” Texas coach Darrell Royal


The Quarterbacks – 2016

Normally at this time of the year – about 16 days or so from opening weekend – three, four or even five quarterbacks would be sharing most of the preseason hype and accolades. But this isn’t a normal year. This year, only one quarterback is receiving a level of praise that far exceeds all the others.

And is it any wonder why? Last year, this quarterback passed for 4,104 yards and rushed for another 1,105 yards. He completed 68% of his passes. We could only be talking about Clemson junior Deshaun Watson, (6-2, 210).

Watson is everybody’s No. 1 quarterback at preseason. Throwing for 35 touchdowns and rushing for another 12 TDs, he led Clemson to the national championship game last season. In that game, the Tigers lost a shootout to Alabama, 45-40. But Watson was no loser. He passed for 405 yards, completing 64% of his throws.

After Watson, there are four quarterbacks that stand out from the rest of the field at preseason. They are Oklahoma senior Baker Mayfield (6-1, 212), Ole Miss senior Chad Kelly (6-2, 215), UCLA sophomore Josh Rosen (6-4, 210) and Ohio State junior J.T. Barrett (6-2, 225).

Leading Oklahoma to the four-team playoffs, Mayfield passed for 3,700 yards, averaging 285 yards per game. He completed 68% of his passes and threw for 36 touchdowns. Kelly was no slouch either. The Ole Miss quarterback tossed for 4,042 yards last season, completing 65% of his lobs. Kelly averaged 311 yards per game. He led Ole Miss to a 48-20 Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma State.

UCLA’s Rosen was the freshman sensation in 2015. He was called “Chosen Rosen.” For a freshman, his numbers weren’t bad. Rosen passed for 3,669 yards, averaging 282 yards per game. He completed 60% of his lobs.

Of the four quarterbacks, Ohio State’s Barrett had the least impressive numbers last season (992 yards passing), but don’t let that mislead you. After all, throughout the 2015 season, Barrett split duty with Cardale Jones, mostly playing second fiddle to Jones. However, Barrett replaced Jones as the starter late in the season and led the Buckeyes to big wins over Michigan (42-13) and Notre Dame (44-28). He is a dual threat. Barrett rushed for 662 yards last year, averaging six yards per carry.

So, Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, Chad Kelly, Josh Rosen and J.T. Barrett are the top candidates for the No. 1 quarterback at preseason. But looking around the conferences, there are several lesser-known candidates who look to be well-known by the end of the season – maybe even better than well-known.

In the SEC, 2016 is not considered to be the year of the quarterback. Yes, there is Chad Kelly, but Ole Miss is only one of 14 schools in the SEC. However, Tennessee has a quarterback who may be right up there with Kelly. He is senior Joshua Dobbs (6-3, 207). Dobbs is a dual threat, passing and running. Last year, he passed for 2,291 yards (60% completion) and ran for 671 yards.

LSU is hanging its hopes on junior Brandon Harris (6-3, 206). He has the potential. Last season, Harris threw for 2,165 yards. Georgia has a couple of options at quarterback. The Dawgs can choose experience with senior Greyson Lambert (6-5, 220) or choose the future with hotshot freshman Jacob Eason (6-5, 211). Last year Lambert passed for 1,959 yards, completing 63% of his throws.

Again, Alabama enters the season not real sure who its best quarterback may be. But that doesn’t seem to bother the Tide. At this point, junior Cooper Bateman (6-3, 224) is in the No. 1 spot to start for the Alabama. But don’t be surprised if he is replaced during the season. Then again, don’t be surprised if he isn’t.

Meanwhile, two other promising quarterbacks in the SEC are Texas A&M senior Trevor Knight (6-1, 215) and Arkansas junior Austin Allen (6-1, 208). At least the Aggies and the Hogs hope they are promising. Knight, Katy Perry’s favorite quarterback, transferred to A&M from Oklahoma.

Like the SEC, the Big Ten is not loaded with star quality quarterbacks at preseason. After J.T. Barrett, the pickings are slim, but there are a few good ones. For starters, there is Iowa senior C.J. Beathard (6-2, 209). Beathard is solid. Last season, he led the Hawkeyes to a 12-2 season – 12-0 before losing two. Beathard passed for 2,809 yards, completing 62% of his throws.

If Nebraska senior Tommy Armstrong (6-1, 220) can stop throwing interceptions, the Huskers will be in good shape at the quarterback position. Armstrong has lots of experience, including 3,030 yards passing last season. But he also threw 16 interceptions and that has to stop.

Minnesota has a good quarterback returning in senior Mitch Leidner (6-4, 237). Last year, Leidner threw for 2,701 yards, completing 60% of his passes. And if Illinois is to have any kind of decent season at all it may be because of senior Wes Lunt (6-5, 225). Lunt passed for 2,701 yards in 2015.

Aside from Baker Mayfield, the Big 12 has its share of sharp quarterbacks, beginning with Baylor senior Seth Russell (6-3, 220). Before getting injured last year, Russell passed for 2,104 yards, averaging 301 yards per game. He completed 60% of his tosses and threw for 29 touchdowns.

The biggest passer in the Big 12 last season was Texas Tech junior Patrick Mahomes (6-3, 230). Mahomes threw for no less than 4,653 yards, 36 touchdowns, and averaged 358 yards per game. He completed 64% of his passes. Just as impressive in the Big 12 last year was Oklahoma State junior Mason Rudolph (6-5, 235). Rudolph passed for 3,770 yards, completing 63% of his lobs. He averaged 290 yards per game.

West Virginia’s success in 2016 may depend on the play of senior Skyler Howard (6-0, 207). Howard passed for 3,145 yards in 2015, but he also threw 14 interceptions and only completed 55% of his tosses.

Deshaun Watson looks to dominate the ACC this season, but the conference is loaded with several crafty and quality quarterbacks. For starters, new Miami coach Mark Richt is thrilled that he has junior Brad Kaaya (6-4, 210) handling the Canes offense this season. Last year Kaaya passed for 3,238 yards, averaging 270 yards per game. He completed 61% of his lobs.

Louisville is loaded with two experienced and quality quarterbacks – sophomore Lamar Jackson (6-3, 196) and junior Kyle Bolin (6-2, 208). Jackson, a dual threat QB, is expected to get the start. In 2015, splitting time with Bolin, Jackson passed for 1,840 yards and rushed for 960 yards. Bolin passed for 1,154 yards last season. Both quarterbacks need to improve their completion percentage.

Like Louisville, Florida State is sitting pretty at the quarterback position. Well, that is, they were. The Noles have the experience in senior Sean Maguire (6-3, 223) and the expectations with freshman sensation Deondre Francois (6-1, 214). Maguire has had limited action the past two seasons in Tallahassee, playing behind Jameis Winston and Everett Golson. He passed for 1,520 yards last year. Maguire would like to get the start this year, but could lose out to Francois. Unfortunately for the Noles, Maguire’s experience just went down the tubes when he broke a bone in his foot two days ago. He will miss the first two games. Hello Francois.

Georgia Tech and Wake Forest have experience returning at quarterback. That’s a good thing for the Yellow Jackets and the Demon Deacons. Tech has senior Justin Thomas (5-11, 185), while Wake has junior John Wolford (6-1, 205). Duke has the experience too with senior Thomas Sirk (6-4, 220). But Sirk, who passed for 2,625 yards and rushed for 803 yards last year, may get a delayed start this year, after rupturing his left Achilles.

After playing four quarterbacks last season, Boston College is hanging its hat on Kentucky transfer Patrick Towles (6-5, 238). A Kentucky graduate, Towles can play this season for the Eagles. Two years ago, another former SEC quarterback – Florida transfer Tyler Murphy – led the Eagles.

As always, the Pac-12 has a slew of good quarterbacks. Josh Rosen may be the best in the conference, but Washington State junior Luke Falk (6-4, 214) could change that viewpoint. How about these numbers? Last year, Falk passed for 4,561 yards and 38 touchdowns. He averaged 380 yards per game and completed 69% of his throws. Not bad.

Washington is in excellent shape with sophomore Jake Browning (6-2, 205). Last year, as a freshman, Browning passed for 2,955 yards, averaging 246 yards per game. He completed 63% of his lobs. Arizona and Colorado are counting on experience with junior Anu Solomon (6-2, 215) and senior Sefo Liufau (6-4, 230) respectively. Last season for the Wildcats, Solomon passed for 2,667 yards, completing 62% of his throws. Meanwhile Liufau led the Buffaloes with 2,418 yards passing and completing 62% of his tosses.

Oregon is going with a transfer from the Big Sky Conference for the second-straight year. The Ducks will be led by Montana State transfer Dakota Prukop (6-2, 200). Last year Oregon was quarterbacked by Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams.

The top quarterback in the AAC and one of the top quarterbacks in the country is Houston senior Greg Ward (5-11, 185). Ward is a dual-threat quarterback. Last year he passed for 2,828 yards and ran for another 1,108 yards. Ward completed 67% of his throws. He culminated the season, leading Houston to a 38-24 Peach Bowl win over Florida State.

But the AAC has more than just Ward. In fact the conference is loaded with top quarterbacks, perhaps more so than any other conference in the country – Power 5 or Group of 5. Tulsa senior Dane Evans (6-1, 210) is a sharpshooter. Last season, Evans passed for 4,332 yards, averaging 333 yards per game and completing 63% of his lobs.

Cincinnati has not one but two good quarterbacks – senior Gunner Kiel (6-4, 215) and sophomore Hayden Moore (6-3, 205). Moore came in handy last season when Kiel was injured, passing for 1,885 yards. However, Moore was definitely interception prone, throwing 11. Kiel, meanwhile, passed for 2,777 yards, completed 65% of his tosses and averaged 278 yards per game.

South Florida returned to life last season thanks to the play of junior Quinton Flowers (6-0, 210). Flowers is a threat passing and running. In 2015, he threw for 2,296 yards (60% completion) and rushed for 991 yards. Temple is in capable hands with senior P.J. Walker (5-11, 205). Last year, he passed for 2,973 yards.

Boise State sophomore Brett Rypien (6-2, 195) leads a cast of good quarterbacks in the MWC. Last season Rypien passed for 3,350 yards, averaged 305 yards per game and completed 64% of his throws. Competing with Rypien in the MWC will be Utah State junior Kent Myers (6-0, 195). Myers threw for 1,593 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2015. He completed 61% of his tosses.

Colorado State is looking good with junior Nick Stevens (6-3, 205). Last year Stevens threw for 2,679 yards and 21 touchdowns. He completed 61% of his passes. Two other good quarterbacks in the MWC are New Mexico junior Lamar Jordan (5-10, 190) and San Jose State senior Kenny Potter (6-2, 208). Potter passed for 1,984 yards, completing 67% of his tosses.

The MAC has a pair of big-time quarterbacks. They are Central Michigan senior Cooper Rush (6-3, 227) and Western Michigan senior Zach Terrell (6-2, 204). Last season, Rush threw for 3,848 yards, averaged 296 yards per game and completed 66% of his passes. Terrell responded, passing for 3,510 yards. He averaged 270 yards per game and completed 67% of his lobs.

Northern Illinois answers with senior Drew Hare (6-1, 218). Last year Hare passed for 1,962 yards, completing 64% of his tosses. Two promising quarterbacks in the MAC are Toledo junior Logan Woodside (6-2, 210) and Bowling Green senior James Knapke (6-2, 237).

Conference USA enters the season with two star quarterbacks – Southern Miss senior Nick Mullens (6-1, 196) and Middle Tennessee sophomore Brent Stockstill (6-0, 209).
Last year Mullens passed for 4,476 yards and 38 touchdowns. He averaged 320 yards per game and completed 64% of his throws. Meanwhile, Stockstill threw for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged 308 yards per game and completed 67% of his aerials.

An up-and-comer in C-USA is Marshall sophomore Chase Litton (6-6, 207). In 2015, Litton passed for 2,605 yards, completing 60% of his tosses. Another potential up-and-comer in C-USA is Florida Atlantic sophomore Jason Driskel (6-2, 210). Driskel is the younger brother of former Florida and Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel.

Appalachian State junior Taylor Lamb (6-2, 200) tops the banner of quarterbacks in the Sun Belt Conference. Last season, Lamb threw for 2,387 yards and 31 touchdowns. He completed 60% of his passes. Up there with Lamb in the Sun Belt is Idaho junior Matt Linehan (6-3, 214). Last year Linehan passed for 2,972 yards, averaged 270 yards per game and completed 61% of his tosses.

Troy junior Brandon Silvers (6-3, 214) expects to make a splash this season. In 2015, Silvers threw for 2,378 yards, completing 61% of his passes. Another dangerous quarterback in the Sun Belt is Georgia Southern senior Kevin Ellison (6-0, 195).

The Independents are not lacking for first class quarterbacks and two of the best are Notre Dame sophomore DeShone Kizer (6-5, 230) and BYU sophomore Tanner Mangum (6-3, 215) both of whom had banner seasons as freshman last year. And both got their opportunity last season, replacing injured starters. In fact, Notre Dame and BYU each are set with a pair of capable quarterbacks this season.

Kizer passed for 2,884 yards, completing 63% of his aerials. Backing up Kizer in South Bend is junior and former starter Malik Zaire (6-0, 225). In Provo last year, Tanner threw for 3,777 yards, averaged 260 yards per game and completed 60% of his passes. Tanner is backed by former BYU starter Taysom Hill (6-2, 230), a senior.

The other quarterback to watch out for among the Independents is Army junior Ahmad Bradshaw (5-11, 198). Bradshaw rushed for 468 yards in 2015.

TT’s Top Ten Favorite Quarterbacks at Preseason:

1. Deshaun Watson – Clemson
2. Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma
3. J.T. Barrett – Ohio State
4. Greg Ward – Houston
5. Josh Rosen – UCLA
6. Luke Falk – Washington State
7. Patrick Mahomes – Texas Tech
8. Tanner Mangum – BYU
9. Brad Kaaya – Miami (Florida)
10. DeShone Kizer – Notre Dame

And keep an eye on:

Chad Kelly – Ole Miss; Seth Russell – Baylor; C.J. Beathard – Iowa; Brett Rypien – Boise State; Jake Browning – Washington; Nick Mullens – Southern Miss; Quinton Flowers – South Florida, and Joshua Dobbs – Tennessee.

Also, Cooper Rush – Central Michigan; P.J. Walker – Temple; Zach Terrell – Western Michigan; Brent Stockstill – Middle Tennessee; Gunner Kiel – Cincinnati; Kent Myers – Utah State; Dane Evans – Tulsa, and Ahmad Bradshaw – Army.


The New Coaches – 2016

At the end of last season, 28 programs lost their football coach for one reason or another. Fourteen were fired, seven left for higher-profile positions, five retired and two stepped down for medical reasons. Then in May, Baylor joined the list, firing Art Briles.

So, 29 programs will start the season with a new head coach. Among the Power 5 conferences, the ACC and the Big Ten had the most changes with four each. In the ACC, the schools with new coaches are Miami, Syracuse, Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Mark Richt, fired from Georgia after coaching the Dawgs for 15 seasons (145-51), changed from the SEC to the ACC and moved one state south to his alma mater in Coral Gables, Florida – the U. Richt is the new coach at Miami. Up in Syracuse, the Orange looked to the Mid-American Conference and hired Dino Babers. Babers had been the coach of Bowling Green (18-9) for two seasons and prior to that at Eastern Illinois (19-7) for two years. He’ll bring an up-tempo offense to Syracuse.

Perhaps the strangest hire, definitely the biggest surprise, of all 29 was Virginia naming Bronco Mendenhall as its new coach. Not because Mendenhall didn’t have the credentials – he was 99-43 in 11 seasons at BYU. But the Utah native had never coached east of the Mississippi. Perhaps the best hire of all 29 was Justin Fuente. Virginia Tech made Fuente its new coach. He jumped over to the Hokies from Memphis where, in four seasons, he turned around the Tigers program – something many coaches had tried but failed to do. Fuente coached Memphis to a 9-4 record last season, including a 37-24 win over Ole Miss.

In the Big Ten, the four schools with new coaches in 2016 are Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Rutgers. Illinois’ hire was another strange situation. About a week or so before the season began last year, the Banned Indians fired their head coach Tim Beckman. Offensive coordinator Bill Cubit was named the interim coach for the season. At the end of the season, Cubit was named the full-time coach in December and given a two year contract. Two months later, after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired Lovie Smith, Illinois fired Cubit and hired Smith. Go figure.

About halfway into the season last year, Maryland fired Randy Edsall. At the end of the season, the Terps hired Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin. Prior to Michigan, Durkin, an Ohio native, was the defensive coordinator at Florida under Will Muschamp. He coached Florida to a win over East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl, following the 2014 season after Muschamp had been fired.

Halfway through the 2015 season, Minnesota coach Jerry Kill stepped down for medical reasons. The Gophers defensive coordinator, Tracy Claeys, was named interim coach. Following the season, Claeys was named full-time coach. This appeared to be an easy and cheap hire for Minnesota, but perhaps not the best choice. Time will tell.

Like Maryland, Rutgers reached into the coaching staff of a Big Ten team, hiring its new coach – Chris Ash. An Iowa native, Ash was the co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State the past two years.

The SEC has three schools with new head coaches this season – Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina. After dumping Mark Richt, Georgia made no bones, no pun intended, about the fact that the Dawgs wanted Kirby Smart. And the Dawgs got Smart, again, no pun intended. A former Georgia player, Smart has been on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama for the past nine years, eight of those as defensive coordinator.

After Missouri coach Gary Pinkel stepped down at the end of the 2015 season for medical reasons, the Tigers made Pinkel’s defensive coordinator – Barry Odom – their new coach. Odom, an Oklahoma native, played for Missouri from 1996-1999.

Meanwhile, South Carolina made one attempt after another to find a replacement for the retired Steve Spurrier. The Gamecocks went after the likes of Justin Fuente, Tom Herman, Kirby Smart and others to name a few. South Carolina failed to make a catch. Finally, out of desperation and frustration, the Gamecocks hired Will Muschamp. The former Florida coach from 2012 to 2014, Muschamp was the defensive coordinator at Auburn last season.

Two Big 12 schools will sport new coaches in 2016 – Baylor and Iowa State. After Baylor severed ties with Art Briles in late May, the school named Jim Grobe its interim coach for the 2016 season. Grobe is the former head coach at Wake Forest and Ohio. He was terminated by Wake Forest following the 2013 season. Like Syracuse, Iowa State reached into the MAC for its new coach – Matt Campbell. One of the youngest coaches in FBS (Division IA) football, Campbell, an Ohio native, was the head coach at Toledo for the past five years (35-15).

The lone new coach in the Pac-12 is Clay Helton at USC – but only partly so. He’s not all that new. After just four games into the season last year, USC dismissed head coach Steve Sarkisian. Helton, Sarkisian’s offensive coordinator, became the interim coach. At the end of the season, in December, Helton was named the full-time coach.

Among the Group of 5 conferences, the AAC leads with the most new coaches this season at four – East Carolina, Memphis, Tulane and UCF. East Carolina’s dismissal of head coach Ruffin McNeill was a bit of a surprise by some, but not totally unexpected by others. To replace McNeill, the Pirates hired Duke’s offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery. A North Carolina native, Montgomery had been the Blue Devils OC for the past two seasons.

After Memphis lost Justin Fuente to Virginia Tech, the Tigers tabbed Arizona State offensive coordinator Mike Norvell to be their new coach. At 34, Norvell is the youngest head coach at the FBS (Division IA) level. He was the Sun Devils OC for the past four seasons.

Like Memphis, Tulane has been through several coaches in recent years and most have been disasters. Tulane never found a Justin Fuente. This time it looks like the Green Wave may have found a winner in the hiring of Willie Fritz. Most recently the coach of Georgia Southern, Fritz has compiled a 154-69 record over the past 19 years, coaching Central Missouri, Sam Houston State and Georgia Southern. He was 17-7 coaching the Eagles for the past two years.

UCF made an interesting move and its new coach made the longest move, jumping all the way from Eugene, Oregon to Orlando, Florida. Replacing George O’Leary, UCF reached all the way to the Pac-12, hiring Oregon’s offensive coordinator Scott Frost. Frost, a former quarterback at Nebraska, has been the Ducks OC for the past three seasons. He brings the fast-paced Oregon offense to UCF.

The MAC, C-USA and Sun Belt Conferences each have three new coaches in 2016. In the MAC, the schools with new head coaches are Ball State, Bowling Green and Toledo. After Ball State coach Pete Lembo left the Cardinals to join D.J. Durkin’s staff at Maryland, the school hired one of its alumnae to be the new coach – Mike Neu. A former quarterback at Ball State, Neu has been the quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints to past two years.

Bowling Green, always one of the more successful programs in the MAC, made an interesting hire. The Falcons named Texas Tech running backs coach Mike Jinks as its new head coach. Interesting in that Jinks has never coached outside the state of Texas. He was the running backs coach in Lubbock for the past three years.

Replacing Matt Campbell, Toledo stayed within its own program and elevated Jason Candle to the head coaching position. Candle had been the offensive coordinator at Toledo for the past four years.

The schools sporting new head coaches in C-USA are North Texas, Southern Miss and UT San Antonio. North Texas, looking to improve its program, fired Dan McCarney and hired North Carolina offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. An Oklahoma native, Littrell’s offense at North Carolina last season averaged 40.7 points per game and 7.3 yards per play.

Southern Miss got a jolt during the winter when the Eagles coach Todd Monken decided to leave for a coordinator position in the NFL. Southern Miss then hired Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson. A native of Mississippi, Hopson coached Alcorn State to a 32-17 record the past four years.

LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson was named the new coach at UTSA, replacing Larry Coker who retired. A native of Louisiana, Wilson is considered to be one of the best recruiters in the country.

The three schools with new coaches this season in the Sun Belt Conference are Georgia Southern, Louisiana-Monroe and Texas State. Georgia Southern, which made the transition from FCS (Division IIA) to FBS (Division IA) in 2014, hired Tyson Summers to replace Willie Fritz as its new coach. Summers, a Georgia native, was the defensive coordinator at Colorado State in 2015 and the DC at UCF in 2014.

Matt Viator is the new coach at Louisiana-Monroe. From 2006 to 2015, Viator coached McNeese State to a 78-33 record. He never had a losing season. When well-traveled coach Dennis Franchione (Pittsburg State, Southwest Texas State, New Mexico, TCU, Alabama, Texas A&M and Texas State) retired at the end of last season at Texas State, the school hired James Madison coach Everett Withers. At James Madison, Withers, a North Carolina native, coached the Dukes for two seasons, compiling an 18-7 record. In 2011, Withers became the interim coach at North Carolina for a season, after Butch Davis was fired in late July.

The only school in the MWC with a new coach this season is Hawaii. The Honolulu school hired Nick Rolovich, a former Hawaii quarterback. For the past four years, Rolovich has been the offensive coordinator at Nevada.

And last but not least, the only Independent sporting a new coach in 2016 is BYU. The Cougars hired one of its former players – Kalani Sitake. Sitake becomes the first native of Tonga to land a head coaching job at an FBS (Division IA) school. A long-time assistant in college football, he was the defensive coordinator at Oregon State in 2015. Once on board, Sitake quickly hired former BYU quarterback Ty Detmer as his offensive coordinator.


Coaches on the Hot Seat – 2016

Last year, 12 coaches were definitely fired for lack of performance – failure to win enough ball games. That number could be higher at the end of this season.

The SEC alone has five coaches sitting on the hot seat as the 2016 season begins. Plus a sixth coach sitting on a warm seat who, in his best interest, needs to show some improvement this year. Four of those six coaches are in the SEC West. That alone makes it difficult, nearly impossible, for all of them to show improvement.

Two of the SEC West hot-seat coaches are Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin and Auburn’s Gus Malzahn. Both coaches have winning records at their respective schools, but neither has lived up to expectations. Expectations are high in the SEC. Both were hired to win the SEC, much less, win the SEC West. Sumlin has never accomplished either. Malzahn did both in his first year (2013), but hasn’t come close since.

In four years with the Aggies, Sumlin was hot his first season (2012), going 11-2, including a win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. But it has been all downhill since. Not only have the wins gotten fewer and fewer, only eight each of the last two seasons, but lately Sumlin has had other problems. Players, mainly quarterbacks, have been leaving the program and his coaching staff has been misbehaving.

After winning the SEC and playing for the national championship in 2013, a 12-2 record, Auburn’s Malzahn has been a dismal 8-5 and 7-6 the last two seasons. Last year, Auburn finished at the bottom of the SEC West with a 2-6 conference record.

Both Sumlin, in his fifth year, and Malzahn, in his fourth, are entering the season with a heavy weight on their backs and a hot seat on their butts.

Last year, LSU coach Les Miles was all but fired. It appeared to be a done deal. After beginning the season at 6-0, the Tigers lost three-straight games to Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss. The fans were down on Miles. Entering the final season game against Texas A&M, LSU athletic director Joe Alleva indicated that Miles would be fired. But the Tigers beat the Aggies and went on to beat Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. Attitudes changed, the fans showed sympathy for Miles and the coach held onto his job. In the end it was Alleva who looked like the fool.

Still, LSU has not beat Alabama since 2011. The Tigers have lost five-straight games to the Tide. LSU has not won the SEC West or the SEC Conference since 2011. If something doesn’t change in 2016, the fans will no longer feel any sympathy for Miles.

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema is not on the hot seat, but there is some warmth. Entering his fourth season in Fayetteville, Bielema is 18-20 with the Hogs. Arkansas has shown improvement in each of Bielema’s three years. That improvement needs to continue in 2016.

So, four coaches in the SEC West need to improve this season. That’s just not going to happen given that there are only seven teams in the Division and especially when two of the others are Alabama and Ole Miss. Somebody or some bodies are going to suffer.

In the SEC East, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops and Vanderbilt’s Derek Mason are definitely on the hot seat. Both coaches need to have significant improvement in 2016; else both will be gone at the end of the season. In three years with the Wildcats, Stoops is 12-24. Kentucky hasn’t been to a bowl game since 2010. At Vanderbilt, Mason is 7-17 in two years.

The ACC has four coaches sitting on the edge – two hanging over the edge. The heat is on Boston College’s Steve Addazio and Wake Forest’s Dave Clawson. In three years with the Eagles, Addazio is 17-21, 3-9 last year. Clawson is 6-18 in two years with the Demon Deacons. Both better win in 2016.

Meanwhile in Raleigh, NC State’s Dave Doeren has to be feeling some heat. In three years with the Wolfpack, Doeren is 18-20. Then there is Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson who always seems to be on the hot seat. If the Yellow Jackets have another season in 2016 like last year – 3-9 – Johnson will be banished from the hive.

The Big 12 has two coaches who need to win and win big in 2016 or the curtains will come down on them in December. One of the two has to really win big. That would be Texas coach Charlie Strong. After two seasons in Austin, Strong is 11-14 with the Longhorns – 5-7 last year.

In Morgantown, Dana Holgorsen has a winning record at West Virginia – 36-28 in five years. But Holgorsen seems to have gotten himself in a rut. He hasn’t won more than eight games since going 10-3 his first season in 2011. Holgorsen needs to win at least nine games in 2016.

One more coach in the Big 12 is going to start feeling some heat if 2016 is not a good season. In Lubbock, Kliff Kingsbury has been very popular with the fans, especially the women. After all, he’s a former Texas Tech quarterback. And the women like his looks. But Kingsbury isn’t exactly setting the world on fire with a 19-19 record in three years.

Indiana’s Kevin Wilson and Purdue’s Darrell Hazell are definitely on borrowed time. Wilson and Hazell are the only coaches in the Big Ten who are in big trouble – big time. Wilson is 20-41 in five years with the Hoosiers. Last year, Indiana finished 6-7, Wilson’s best season at the school.

Hazell hung on to his job by the skin of his teeth at the end of last season. By all accounts he was a gonner. But he managed to survive. In three years, Hazell is 6-30 at Purdue.

In the Pac-12, the only coach in serious trouble is Colorado’s Mike MacIntyre. After three seasons, MacIntyre is 10-27 in Boulder. However, there are two other Pac-12 coaches who feeling a little warmth on their bottoms – California’s Sonny Dykes and USC’s Clay Helton.

Dykes got on the positive side last season, as the Bears finished 8-5, including a 55-36 win over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. But Dykes is 14-23 in three years with Cal. Helton is just in his first full-season with the Trojans. As an interim coach last year, he was 6-4. Expectations are high at USC and Trojans fans aren’t long on patience. Many were against Helton being named the full-time coach in the first place.

Among the Group of 5 conferences, two coaches in the AAC need to have good seasons to hang onto their jobs. They are Cincinnati’s Tommy Tuberville and Connecticut’s Bob Diaco. After four years, Tuberville has a winning record with the Bearcats at 25-14. Still, Bearcats fans have expected more from Tuberville. Last year Cincinnati finished the season with an embarrassing 42-7 loss to San Diego State in the Hawaii Bowl. He better give them more in 2016.

In Storrs, UConn fans may give Diaco some slack. After all, he has only been coaching the Huskies for two seasons (8-17). There was improvement last year. UConn finished 6-6. The Huskies got to a bowl game where they lost to Marshall in the St. Petersburg Bowl. Problem is there may not be more improvement this year. In fact, UConn could slide. That won’t be good for Diaco.

Four coaches are teetering in the MWC, but the hottest seat definitely belongs to Wyoming’s Craig Bohl. In two seasons with the Cowboys, Bohl is 6-18. Wyoming was worse last year than it was in Bohl’s first year in Laramie. The Cowboys haven’t been to a bowl game since 2011.

After a 4-8 start, Brian Polian has been 7-6 each of his last two years at Nevada. That puts Polian at 18-20 in three years with the Wolf Pack. He needs to be better than 7-6 in 2016. Following three years of losing seasons (11-27), New Mexico’s Bob Davie finally had a winning one with the Lobos last year – 7-6 (18-32 overall). And they got to a bowl game, New Mexico’s first bowl since 2007. Davie needs to keep things on the positive side in 2016; else the Lobos may say, “It’s been nice knowing you, Bob.”

Ron Caragher could be in a little bit of trouble at San Jose State. Caragher is 15-22 in three seasons with the Spartans. But he did get San Jose State to a bowl game last season. That’s improvement, even though the Spartans finished at 6-7. The improvement needs to continue in 2016 to give Caragher some breathing room.

There are three coaches on the hot seat in the MAC. But the hottest belongs to Kent State’s Paul Haynes. That’s because Hayne’s has three years under his belt with the Golden Flashes. The other two hot seat coaches are coming off their second seasons at their respective schools. Haynes is 9-26 at Kent State, with only four wins or less in each of his three years.

The other two coaches facing heat are Eastern Michigan’s Chris Creighton and Miami’s Chuck Martin. In two years at EMU, Creighton is no better than 3-21. Meanwhile, Martin is almost as bad, with a 5-19 record in two seasons at Miami. Both are hoping the third time is a charm.

Conference USA has for sure three coaches and possibly four on the hot seat. Florida International’s Ron Turner is in the worst shape. In three years at FIU, Turner is 10-26. But he has shown improvement each year, going from 1-11 to 4-8 to 5-7. He must have a winning season in 2016. Charlotte’s Brad Lambert is 12-22 in three seasons with the 49ers. Lambert may be given some slack since he has been Charlotte’s only coach for the school’s fledgling football program. The 2016 season will be the 49ers’ fourth season of football and Lambert’s fourth season as coach.

Also hurting is UTEP coach Sean Kugler. Kugler is 14-23 in three years with the Miners. To his advantage, his last two years at UTEP were much better than his first year. The fourth C-USA coach on the hot seat is Florida Atlantic’s Charlie Partridge. He is just 6-18 in two seasons with the Owls. Partridge has to hope that FAU gives him a fourth year to redeem himself. A winning season in 2016 would insure that.

In the Sun Belt Conference, there are three coaches feeling the heat, perhaps two more so than the third. Those two are Idaho’s Paul Petrino and New Mexico State’s Doug Martin. Petrino, the younger brother of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino, is 6-29 after three seasons with Idaho. If Paul gets fired, Bobby will have an opening for him next year in Louisville.

Meanwhile, Martin is not much better than Petrino. Martin is 7-29 in three years at New Mexico State. The third coach on the bubble in the Sun Belt is Georgia State’s Trent Miles. He is 7-30 in three seasons with the Panthers. But Miles may be on a roll. After going 0-12 and 1-11 his first two seasons, Miles was 6-7 last year. Georgia State went to its first bowl game, losing to San Jose State, 27-16.

A fourth coach in the Sun Belt is in a precarious situation. South Alabama’s Joey Jones, the Jaguars first and only coach, is 42-35 after seven years in Mobile. A bad year in 2016 and it could be curtains for Jones. An average to good year and figure he will be around for a ninth season.

Among the Independents, Army’s Jeff Monken is 6-18 in two seasons with the Cadets. But regardless of how 2016 fares for Monken, figure he will be back for at least one more season at West Point. However, Massachusetts could say fare well to Mark Whipple after the 2016 season. Whipple is 55-44 in eight years with UMass, but he is only 8-40 in his last four years.

Touchdown Tom
www.collegefootballweek.blogspot.com


P.S.

Not exactly 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 1941 was “Daddy” by Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra

…70 years ago this week in 1946 was “The Gypsy” by The Ink Spots

…65 years ago this week in 1951 was “Come on-a My House” by Rosemary Clooney

…60 years ago this week in 1956 was “My Prayer”/“Heaven on Earth” by The Platters and “I Almost Lost My Mind” by Pat Boone

…55 years ago this week in 1961 was “Tossin and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis

…50 years ago this week in 1966 was “Summer in the City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful

…45 years ago this week in 1971 was “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” by The Bee Gees

…40 years ago this week in 1976 was “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee

…35 years ago this week in 1981 was “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield

…30 years ago this week in 1986 was “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera

…25 years ago this week in 1991 was “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams


Not exactly college football related, but there were three passings of note last week – Bill Dooley, John Saunders and Glenn Yarbrough.

Bill Dooley, the former head football coach at North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, died last week. He was 82. Dooley won three ACC titles at North Carolina. He coached the Tar Heels to their first ever conference championship in 1971, and their first 11-win season in 1972. Dooley, who coached North Carolina from 1967 through 1977, took the Tar Heels to six bowl games. He later moved on to become the athletic director and head coach at Virginia Tech. During his time in Blacksburg from 1978 through 1986, Dooley coached the Hokies to three bowl games, including a 1986 win in the Peach Bowl. His final coaching stop was at Wake Forest from 1987 through 1992. In his final season with the Demon Deacons, Dooley took the team to the Independence Bowl where they beat Oregon. In 26 seasons as a head coach, his teams won 162 games. Dooley was born in 1934 in Mobile, Alabama. In college, he was an All-SEC lineman at Mississippi State. Bill Dooley was the younger brother of former Georgia football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley.

John Saunders, a Canadian-born sports journalist who worked for ESPN and ABC, died last week. He was 61. The cause was congestive heart failure. Saunders was born on February 2, 1955 in Ajax, Ontario. He played ice hockey at Western Michigan University from 1974 to 1976. He worked broadcast jobs in Ajax and Toronto before moving to Baltimore. He joined ESPN in 1986 and filled a variety of roles, both as a host and play-by-play man.

Glenn Yarbrough, who found fame and fortune with the popular trio the Limelighters, but who walked away from it all for a life at sea, died last week at his daughter’s home in Nashville. He was 86. Founded in 1959, the Limelighters were a contemporary folk group in the tradition of the Kingston Trio. The Limelighters were wildly successful, appearing on television, in live performances and selling records. In 1963, Yarbrough left the Limelighters and the group disbanded. He was persuaded by his record label to record solo albums. He had a string of them, toured as a solo act and had a hit single with “Baby the Rain Must Fall,” the title song of the 1965 film starring Steve McQueen and Lee Remick. Later he began a collaboration with poet and songwriter Rod McKuen. Glenn Robertson Yarbrough was born in Milwaukee on January 12, 1930. Yarbrough attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. He served in the Army during the Korean War. During the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, Yarbrough spent much of his time at sea, traversing the world’s oceans.