College Postseason: The Miseducation Of Lisa Horne

Lisa Horne wrote an article expressing that the dominant conferences were weaker than the Big XII Conference. Then people wanted to know what she was basing this off of. Was it because they didn’t have enough BCS NC possible teams in the show? Was it in regards to the Heisman? Or is it because there wasn’t as much controversy in those conferences as there is in the Big XII Conference?

After watching her try to defend her defense of the Big XII Conference, I wanted to let the B/R Nation decide. But I did some quick research on this season’s bowl games and found something interesting.

ACC: 10 Postseason Representatives

• Wake Forest (Eagle Bank Bowl vs. Navy)
• North Carolina (Meineke Car Care Bowl vs. West Virginia)
• Florida State (Champs Sports Bowl vs. Wisconsin)
• Miami (Emerald Bowl vs. Cal)
• NC State (PapaJohns.com Bowl vs. Rutgers)
• Maryland (Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl vs. Nevada)
• Boston College (Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl vs. Vanderbilt)
• Georgia Tech (Chick-Fil-A Bowl vs. LSU)
• Clemson (Konica Minolta Gator Bowl vs. Nebraska)
• Virginia Tech (Orange Bowl vs. Cincinnati)

SEC: 8 Postseason Representatives

• Vanderbilt (Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl vs. Boston College)
• LSU (Chick-Fil-A Bowl vs. Georgia Tech)
• South Carolina (Outback Bowl vs. Iowa)
• Georgia (Capital One Bowl vs. Michigan State)
• Ole Miss (AT&T Cotton Bowl vs. Texas Tech)
• Kentucky (AutoZone Liberty Bowl vs. East Carolina)
• Alabama (Sugar Bowl vs. Utah)
• Florida (BCS National Championship vs. Oklahoma)

Big XII: 7 Postseason Representatives

• Missouri (Valero Alamo vs. Northwestern)
• Oklahoma State (Pacific Life Holiday Bowl vs. Oregon)
• Kansas (Insight Bowl vs. Minnesota)
• Nebraska (Konica Minolta Gator Bowl vs. Clemson)
• Texas Tech (AT&T Cotton Bowl vs. Ole Miss)
• Texas (Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State)
• Oklahoma (BCS National Championship vs. Florida)

Big Ten: 7 Postseason Representatives

• Wisconsin (Champs Sports Bowl vs. Florida State)
• Northwestern (Valero Alamo Bowl vs. Missouri)
• Minnesota (Insight Bowl vs. Kansas)
• Iowa (Outback Bowl vs. South Carolina)
• Michigan State (Capitol One Bowl vs. Georgia)
• Penn State (Rose Bowl vs. USC)
• Ohio State (Fiesta Bowl vs. Texas)

Big East: 6 Postseason Representatives

• South Florida (St. Petersburg Bowl vs. Memphis)
• West Virginia (Meineke Car Care Bowl vs. North Carolina)
• Rutgers (PapaJohns.com Bowl vs. N.C. State)
• Pitt (Brut Sun Bowl vs. Oregon State)
• UConn (International Bowl vs. Buffalo)
• Cincinnati (Orange Bowl vs. Virginia Tech)

Pac 10: 5 Postseason Representatives

• Arizona (Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl vs. BYU)
• Cal (Emerald Bowl vs. Miami (FL))
• Oregon (Pacific Life Holiday Bowl vs. Oklahoma State)
• Oregon State (Brut Sun Bowl vs. Pitt)
• USC (Rose Bowl vs. Penn State)

And this is just the main conferences. How do you think the smaller conferences did this seaason?

Mountain West: 5 Postseason Representatives

• Colorado State (New Mexico Bowl vs. Fresno State)
• BYU (Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl vs. Arizona)
• TCU (SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl vs. Boise State)
• Air Force (Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl vs. Houston) 
• Utah (Sugar Bowl vs. Alabama)

WAC: 5 Postseason Representatives 

• Fresno State (New Mexico Bowl vs. Colorado State) 
• Hawaii (Sheraton Hawaii Bowl vs. Notre Dame)
• Louisiana Tech (Independence Bowl vs. Northern Illinois)
• Nevada (Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl vs. Maryland)
• Boise State (SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl vs. TCU)

So when you do the simple mathematics of who is in the bowl games, the Big XII is not as dominating as Lisa wants them to be. She gave so much credit to Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford and Graham Harrell (who royally got the shaft in the Heisman) but none to Mack Brown, Mike Leach or Bob Stoops. It’s always good to be the quarterback, but you can’t be a great QB without a great coach to teach you the fundamental basics.

But it was a team effort that got a majority of these teams into their respective bowl games. But to just single out one player or position as the reason of their success is downright dumb. In regards to the SEC being dominant, I’m surprised no one threw former Tennessee Quarterback Peyton Manning’s name in the mix if you’re going to do name dropping.

Regardless, the Big XII is in as much trouble this bowl season as everyone else. And even though no one has flat out said that Oklahoma will slaughter Florida or vice versa, you have to know that someone wants to start the fireworks.

It’s good that you know stats and everything, Lisa, but the facts do not support your main argument. You called the SEC weak this season, but really didn’t give a reason to their weakness. You just went on about how great the quarterbacks of the Big XII look in their uniforms. But the numbers aren’t the only thing that people look at. They look at who has proven themselves to be a leader.

In all honesty, all four quarterbacks involved in the Heisman Chase have proven themselves to be leaders. But after tonight, only one will hold up the Heisman…and Tebow would much rather have a National Championship. And we all know about the Heisman Curse.

So here’s a better poll question: Who has been the stronger conference and who has been the weaker conference this year?

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Paterno a finalist for Eddie Robinson Award

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Penn State head coach Joe Paterno has been named one of nine finalists for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award. 

Paterno, the 2008 Big Ten Coach of the Year, has been named National Coach of the Year three times (1978, 1982, 1986) by the Football Writers Association of America. He also was a finalist for the award in 1997 and 2005. 

Florida’s Urban Meyer, Alabama’s Nick Saban and Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops are the other previous winners nominated for this year’s award. 

The 2008 nominees are: 

• Mack Brown, Texas
• Pete Carroll, USC
• Mike Leach, Texas Tech
• Urban Meyer, Florida
• Joe Paterno, Penn State
• Chris Petersen, Boise State
• Nick Saban, Alabama
• Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
• Kyle Whittingham, Utah

I’m not sure what Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly did to tick off the national voters for these awards, but how he’s repeatedly left off these lists baffles me. Few coaches in America could have handled a very difficult quarterback situation better than Kelly did this fall.

Paterno doesn’t have a great shot to win the award — my vote will go to Saban — but the nomination is still nice. 

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The Final Coaches Poll: Wheel Of Politics!

Ah, yes. The final coaches poll has been made public, and as usual, there are some truly noteworthy voting practices amongst our fair and balanced coaches. Some take this seriously, some cast their votes with reckless abandon, and some prove they just need a lobotomy.

It’s time to play “Who’s the biggest Homer?”

Here is the actual final poll, so you can see how the teams ended up, and then compare how some esteemed and knowledgeable coaches voted versus their brethren.

1. Oklahoma

2. Florida

3. Texas

4. Alabama/USC (tie)

6. Penn State

7. Utah

8. Texas tech

9. Boise State

10. Ohio State

11. TCU

12. Cincy

13. Oregon

14. Oklahoma State

15. Georgia Tech

16. BYU

17. Georgia

18. Michigan State

19. Va Tech

20. Northwestern

21. Pitt

22. Ball State

23. Mizzou

24. Ole Miss

25. Oregon State

 

First up is Urban Meyer, coach of the Florida Gators. Just how unbiased was he?

He voted Florida No. 1, Alabama No. 3, Utah (his former team) No. 4, USC No. 6, BYU No. 20, Georgia No. 21, and the biggie, Ole Miss No. 12.

Let’s see now, Ole Miss beat Florida. Bada bing. They must be great, right? BYU is his former team’s nemesis while Georgia is his current nemesis, so there’s no bias whatsoever in giving them the shaft, now is there? 

Our second coach needs no introduction when it comes to hating other conferences. Howard Schnellenberger, coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls, hates the Pac-10. Don’t believe me? Check out his votes: USC No. 8, Oregon No. 19, and he didn’t place Oregon State in the top 25. Yes, Howard, you deserve the booby price for the second straight year (Last year his venom was directed at the Florida Gators).

Our third coach is Bobby Bowden, who truly has shown how sharp his brain is this year. Dadgummit Bobby, either retire or shape up. Oklahoma State got a No. 18 from him, and Michigan State got a No. 13. Did he actually confuse these two teams? It looks like it.

Todd Dodge, coach at North Texas, voted Ball State, the loser to Buffalo in the MAC Championship, No. 15. Let that one sink in.

Dan Hawkins, Colorado’s coach, voted Mizzou at No. 16, Oklahoma No. 1  and Texas No. 2. He just loves the Big 12, doesn’t he?

Mike Leach voted Texas Tech at No. 2. Surprised, anyone?

Pat Hill, Fresno State’s coach, must not have had his coffee when he casted his votes: Boise State No. 6, Ball State No. 17, and Va. Tech No. 12.

Then there’s our lovable Les Miles, who has preached about the tough path of the SEC and its opponents. How did he vote? Like a good ‘ol Southern boy. Florida No. 1, Alabama No. 4, Oregon No. 17 (hate the Pac-10, Les?), Georgia Tech (ACC) No. 12, Georgia No. 13, and Ole Miss No. 14. Surprised Vandy and South Carolina aren’t in there? They may be- there is one team he voted for that didn’t make the top 25. Could it be LSU?

Mark Richt, Georgia’s coach, has also expressed his fondness for the SEC, just like Coach Miles. He ranked Florida No. 1, Alabama No. 2, and Ole Miss No. 20. How does a second place SEC team get ranked ahead of a Big 12 conference champ?

Funny, there are some teams he voted for that didn’t make the top 25- can we guess who they are? (I’ll put ten bucks on South Carolina, LSU and Auburn) If you want to know how five SEC teams were ranked in the top ten at one point, now you know.

Then there are coaches like UCF’s George O’Leary, whose hatred towards one particular conference is pretty evident. O’ Leary’s wrath this year is aimed at the Big Ten- he voted Michigan State No. 25, Northwestern No. 24, and Penn State No. 9.

But he’s not the only one who hates the Big Ten. Chris Petersen (Boise State) voted Penn State at No. 10, Boise State No. 7, and Michigan State No. 23. Ouch.

Gary Pinkel of Missouri placed Oklahoma No. 1, Texas No. 2, Texas Tech No. 6,  Oklahoma State No. 11, and Mizzou No. 18.

Tyrone Willingham voted Mizzou No. 11. How does a four-loss team that got smoked by Texas and Oklahoma get a No. 11 ranking? The other questionable vote by a Pac-10 coach was Rick Neuheisel’s ranking of Oregon State at No. 17, and Texas No. 1.

So which coaches were the most biased? Who gets the Homer Awards this year?

You have to give it to Gary Pinkel (Missouri) for his blatant bias towards the Big 12, Les Miles, Urban Meyer and Mark Richt for their SEC bias, and George O’ Leary for his hate on the Big Ten. Their motto should be, “Individually, we are strong. Together we are stronger.”

The polls are pretty disheartening, and sometimes we don’t understand why they are so skewed. By making the polls public, a fan can now see that polls don’t work. Some coaches were very fair in ranking the teams, while others used it as a platform to give their conference a boost. Disgusted yet?

Ready to scream for playoffs? Can we ditch the coaches poll?

coaches poll: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2008-12-08-final-coaches-ballots_N.htm

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Three Big Ten players named AFCA All-Americans

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The American Football Coaches Association announced its 2008 All-America team today, and three Big Ten players made the list.

Iowa junior running back Shonn Greene, Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis and Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins all were among the honorees. Laurinaitis was selected for the second consecutive season.

Greene ranked second nationally in rushing average (144.1 yards per game). Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno edged Michigan State’s Javon Ringer for the other spot on the All-America team.

Ohio State has the second most selections (56) to the AFCA All-America team, trailing only Oklahoma, and the Buckeyes have the most repeat winners (13).

Offense

Pos.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)
WR	Michael Crabtree*	6-3	208	So.	Texas Tech	Mike Leach	Dallas, Texas (Carter)
WR	Dez Bryant	6-2	215	So.	Oklahoma St.	Mike Gundy	Lufkin, Texas (Lufkin)
TE	Chase Coffman	6-6	255	Sr.	Missouri	Gary Pinkel	Peculiar, Mo. (Raymore-Peculiar)
OL	Andre Smith	6-4	330	Jr.	Alabama	Nick Saban	Birmingham, Ala. (Huffman)
OL	Brandon Carter	6-7	350	Jr.	Texas Tech	Mike Leach	Longview, Texas (Spring Hill)
C	Antoine Caldwell	6-3	305	Sr.	Alabama	Nick Saban	Montgomery, Ala. (Lee)
OL	Michael Oher	6-5	318	Sr.	Mississippi	Houston Nutt	Memphis, Tenn. (Briarcrest Christian)
OL	Andy Levitre	6-3	317	Sr.	Oregon St.	Mike Riley	Ben Lomond, Calif. (San Lorenzo Valley)
QB	Graham Harrell	6-3	205	Sr.	Texas Tech	Mike Leach	Ennis, Texas (Ennis)
RB	Knowshon Moreno	5-11	208	So.	Georgia	Mark Richt	Belford, N.J. (Middletown South)
RB	Shonn Greene	5-11	235	Jr.	Iowa	Kirk Ferentz	Sicklerville, N.J. (Milford Acad. [Conn.])

Defense

Pos.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)
DL	Brian Orakpo	6-4	260	Sr.	Texas	Mack Brown	Houston, Texas (Lamar)
DL	Terrence Cody	6-5	365	Jr.	Alabama	Nick Saban	Fort Myers, Fla. (Riverdale)
DL	George Selvie*	6-4	242	Jr.	South Florida	Jim Leavitt	Pensacola, Fla. (Pine Forest)
DL	Michael Johnson	6-7	260	Sr.	Georgia Tech	Paul Johnson	Selma, Ala. (Dallas County)
LB	James Laurinaitis*	6-3	240	Sr.	Ohio St.	Jim Tressel	Hamel, Minn. (Wayzata)
LB	Rey Maualuga	6-2	260	Sr.	USC	Pete Carroll	Eureka, Calif. (Eureka)
LB	Brandon Spikes	6-3	245	Jr.	Florida	Urban Meyer	Shelby, N.C. (Crest)
DB	Eric Berry	5-11	195	So.	Tennessee	Phil Fulmer	Fairburn, Ga. (Creekside)
DB	Rashad Johnson	6-0	186	Sr.	Alabama	Nick Saban	Sulligent, Ala. (Sulligent)
DB	Malcolm Jenkins	6-1	202	Sr.	Ohio St.	Jim Tressel	Piscataway, N.J. (Piscataway)
DB	Alphonso Smith	5-9	190	Sr.	Wake Forest	Jim Grobe	Pahokee, Fla. (Pahokee)

Specialists

Pos.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)
P	Kevin Huber	6-1	220	Sr.	Cincinnati	Brian Kelly	Cincinnati, Ohio (McNicholas)
PK	Louie Sakoda	5-9	178	Sr.	Utah	Kyle Whittingham	San Jose, Calif. (Branham)
AP	Percy Harvin	5-11	195	Jr.	Florida	Urban Meyer	Virginia Beach, Va. (Landstown)

*-2007 All-American
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An Open Letter to the BCS Committee

Dear Bowl Championship Series Committee,

Sunday was a sad and unfortunate day in the college football world.

This past weekend, two very deserving teams were ousted from the national championship picture based purely upon a computer formula.

While the Oklahoma Sooners are worthy of their No.2 BCS ranking, the No.3 Texas Longhorns and the No.7 Texas Tech Raiders have both been just as good in 2008.

Yet, since the Sooners’ lone loss occurred prior to the setbacks suffered by Texas and Texas Tech, they were perceived as the best team in the Big 12 South.

However, what’s done is done and there is nothing we can do about it.

This is not a plea to salvage the 2008 season for Mack Brown and Mike Leach’s respective football teams—it’s too late for that.

Rather, this is a reasonable, level-headed fan’s assessment of the problems of the Bowl Championship Series.

The system is broken.

It does not work.

Of course, I don’t have to tell you that and neither does the rest of the nation.

You have had a front row seat for the past 11 seasons.

However, if, by some wild stretch of the imagination, you are not aware of the shortcomings of the BCS, you are in small company.

Since its inception in 1998, fans, sports-talk radio hosts, ESPN analysts, and college football coaches alike have publicly voiced their discontent with the BCS.

Heck, even president-elect Barack Obama has called for a playoff to determine the national champion of college football.

So, for the sake of pigskin lovers everywhere, I ask you to sit back, close your eyes, and put things in perspective.

Yes, we have all heard your excuses.

“A playoff will diminish the excitement and importance of the regular season.”

First off, do you watch the National Football League?

While it is not as great as college football, the NFL regular season is very competitive, making each and every game vital to a team’s playoff chances.

There’s a big difference between records of 9-7 and 10-6 in the NFL, especially when a team is right on the edge between clinching a playoff berth and going home.

In addition, imagine the ratings and the popularity that a Texas Tech-USC match-up or an Oklahoma-Texas rematch in a semifinal round would bring to the sport.

Not to mention, at-large powers like the Boise State Broncos and the Utah Utes could prove their valor against the biggest and the baddest of the BCS conferences.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to see Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators take on Meyer’s former school Utah with a national championship on the line?

I would pay good money to see to any one of those games and my guess is that the majority of my fellow football fans would do the same.

Plus, it would be a much more accurate way of determining which team is the best in all of college football.

In essence, America has seen a football playoff work effectively before and college football fans are not buying this argument.

“A playoff would interfere with the student-athletes’ class schedules.”

Well, I agree with you that academics should be the top priority of every college student.

However, is it fair to keep the student-athletes competing in the BCS Championship Game out of their first English 101 class of the spring semester on Jan. 8?

The football players at the other 117 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision shouldn’t be given preferential treatment just because they weren’t ranked No.1 or No.2 in the BCS poll.

An eight-team playoff bracket could easily be completed in the number of weeks it takes to get through the bowl schedule we currently have in place right now.

Besides, these guys are student-athletes and missing some class time for their respective sports is not a foreign concept to them.

“A playoff would sap interest away from the other bowl games.”

Wouldn’t the BCS bowls be doing that already if this were really an issue?

Besides, if there are only a couple of games on television, people will most likely watch them.

Have you ever wondered why Monday Night Football is so popular?

I don’t think ESPN broadcasts college football on Thursday nights for their health.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that these are only games on television on that specific day.

Trust me, as a fan, I will watch the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl if it is the only football game I can get.

So, there’s no problem with having the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowls of the world during the last week of December.

We love to get our football fix in whatever way we can.

The same number of viewers will tune in, regardless of whether or not there is a playoff in college football.

As you can see, your arguments in defense of the current BCS system mean nothing to the fans because we have called your bluff.

We are tired of being robbed of the unlimited potential for greatness that the college football postseason possesses.

We will not be satisfied until you finally get it right and throw together an effective way to crown the national champion.

And don’t think that we will eventually go away and quit bothering you.

The passionate football fan base will only start grumbling louder as more and more worthy teams will never get a shot at a national championship year in and year out.

So, do us a favor. Do yourselves a favor. Do the sport of football a favor.

Get rid of the BCS. The possibilities are endless. It’s college football, remember?

Anything can happen.

 

Sincerely,

A Passionate College Football Fan

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Ten Top 10s After Week 13 in College Football

Top 10 Teams

1) Alabama—I’ll be as shocked as anyone if they occupy this spot on Dec. 7.

2) Utah—Undefeated and the run away winner of the Holy War

3) Boise—Survived a scare but got it done.

4) Ball State—Will WMU be their undoing?

5) Oklahoma—Just a tough call.

6) Texas—Beat No. 5.

7) Florida—I’m sure their fans won’t like this too much but what am I supposed to do?

Penn State—Looks like they are the odd man out.

9) USC—I like the Defense, if they lose it will be the Offense’s fault.

10) Oregon State—These guys haven’t lost in a long time.

 

Top 10 Games This Past Week

1) Buffalo 40, Bowling Green 34 —Just when you thought it was over…

2) Oregon State 19, Arizona 17—The Beavers never led until the final gun sounded.

3) Ball State 31, Central Michigan 24—Everything we thought it would be and more.

4) Purdue 62,, Indiana 10—That’s the way to send out your retiring coach.

5) Syracuse 24, Notre Dame 23—What can you even say?

6) Boise 41, Nevada 34—Not really as close as the score.

7) Northern Illinois 42, Kent State 14—Not a great game but we had a hoot in the chat room.

Boston College 24, Wake Forest 21—BC showed guts even with their QB going down.

9) Cincinnati 28, Pittsburgh 21—Congrats to Brian Kelly and the Bearcats on their Big East title.

10) Washington State 16, Washington 13—Eyes glued to the TV watching the worst College Football has to offer.

 

Top 10 People I Am Thankful For This Year

1) My Wife—A true testament to patience and understanding.

2) The readers,  people, and the community of The College Football Place—350,000 unique visitors a month and growing every day, I am truly humbled.

3) Jordan—I hope everyone gets a chance in their life to work with someone who truly gets it.

4) Baby Tate—Not only the most knowledgeable and most informed person at Bleacher Report, also just a class act.

5) Yaro Starak—While he reminds me it was my dream, he helped me realize it.

6) Zander Freund—Unyielding supporter and defender of free speech and freedom of the press; I respect the heck out of that.

7) Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden—College football is better with these guys in it.

Gideon Shalwick—Gave me the confidence to add video to my blog; this is how most people recognize me.

9) The gang I grew up with—We knew at a very young age that football was a special game.

10) The people of Chicago—The best city to live in in the world!

 

Ten People Who Had A Bad Week

1) Charlie Weis—Not going to be fun in South Bend.

2) Ty Willingham—Not the way you want to go out.

3) Mike Leach—His team had NO answers.

4) Anyone still long the stock market—We touched 7500 on the Dow this week.

5) People who picked against me—I went 13-5 against the spread and 7-2 against the spread on my big picks.

6) Ron Zook—Great recruiter, bad coach.

7) The Miami Hurricanes—Back and on their way back mean two totally different things.

Tim Brewster—Not going to be the Coach of the Year

9) Mark Cuban—I don’t get it, this guy is worth how much?

10) Butch Davis—See “Ron Zook” (No. 6).

 

Top 10 Heisman Candidates

1) Tim Tebow—Why not?

2) Sam Bradford—The Texas Tech game was like an infomercial about him.

3) Rey Maualuga—I have no problem with it going to a defensive guy.

4) Colt McCoy—The accuracy this year has been unreal.

5) Knowshon Moreno—The best Running Back in the country.

6) Graham Harrell—Will get plenty of votes.

7) Michael Crabtree—Will be splitting votes with Harrell.

Beanie Wells—May be the best player.

9) Trevor Vittatoe—An inside joke, but really he’s no joke; give him another year.

10) Nate Davis—He’s had a heck of a year.

 

Top 10 Thanksgiving Foods

1) Turkey—It’s all about the bird; the star of the show.

2) Stuffing—Some call it dressing, I call it my second favorite.

3) Mashed Potatoes—Hello!

4) Corn—Anyone getting hungry?

5) Sweet Potatoes—Extra starch?, count me in.

6) Rolls—Hot, crusty, beautiful rolls.

7) Green Beans—Are these just for show?

Gravy—This should be it’s own food group.

9) Cranberries—Not everyone is a fan, I am.

10) Pumpkin Pie—Last but certainly not least.

 

Ten Favorite Games With Nicknames

1) The Backyard Brawl—Just a great name for a game.

2) Holy War—Sounds like a battle.

3) Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate—So what exactly do they mean?

4) The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party—The name was better than the game this year.

5) Civil War—War seems to be a good word for a named game.

6) The Game—Sounds like they mean business.

7) Bedlam—Always has been one of my favorites.

The Iron Bowl—Men of steel?

9) The Arch Rivalry—Played in St. Luis of course.

10) The Game—The Big Game was already taken.

 

Top 10 Trophies for Games

1) The Old Oaken Bucket—I just like saying it.

2) The Little Brown Jug—Another classic.

3) Paul Bunyan’s Axe—Looks very cool when they carry it around.

4) Chief Caddo Trophy—Just lovely at over 7 feet tall.

5) The Wagon Wheel—Anyone ever see When Harry Met Sally?

6) The Old Brass Spittoon—These guys kill each other for it, my wife wouldn’t let me bring it in the house.

7) The Iron Skillet—I saw one of these going for 35 cents at a garage sale recently.

The Beehive Boot—Who wouldn’t want to play for the Boot?

9) The Keg of Nails—Looks just like it sounds.

10) The Peace Pipe—This can get you arrested in 23 states.

 

Top 10 USA Today Preseason Teams From This Year

1) Georgia—The Dawgs were more bark than bite.

2) USC—May finish near this same spot.

3) Ohio State—Stumbled in the big games.

4) Oklahoma—Pretty close.

5) Florida—I wonder if the Gator fans gave these guys as hard a time as they give me.

6) LSU—Maybe No. 6 in the SEC?

7) Missouri—Never got over the hump.

West Virginia—Tough start and they were doomed.

9) Clemson—What exactly were they thinking?

10) Texas—The Longhorns were underrated for a change.

 

Ten Games I’m Looking Forward To This Week

1) Oklahoma State at Oklahoma—The Big 12 and another big game.

2) Florida at Florida State—Real Gator fans know this is no gimme.

3) Georgia Tech at Georgia—Should be a good game.

4) West Virginia at Pittsburgh—Panthers won as 29 point digs last year.

5) Oregon at Oregon State—These teams do not like each other.

6) Auburn at Alabama—Looks horrible on paper but you never know.

7) Notre Dame at USC—Anyone else looking forward to watching this?

Houston at Rice—Should be an offensive show.

9) Western Michigan at Ball State—Does Ball State stay perfect?

10) South Carolina at Clemson—The battle for the Palmetto State.

 

Visit Mitch anytime at The College Football Place.

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Top Ten Coach of the Year Candidates in College Football

Another year of college football is winding down, and along with it comes one of the more exciting races that no one is talking about—that being coach of the year.  For the first time in a while, there’s really no clear-cut favorite this late in the season.

While most prognosticators would be tempted to flood their lists with SEC and Big 12 coaches, there are plenty of others who deserve recognition.

With that being said, here are ten coaches that when discussing coach of the year, each should be mentioned in that same breath—with only one featured from each of the two aforementioned power conferences:

Top Ten Coach of the Year Candidates in College Football

10. Butch Davis – North Carolina (3-3, 7-3)

It was an easy bet that Coach Davis, with his past pro and college experience, would be able to improve the quality of football at Chapel Hill.  What wasn’t expected was the way he’s turned things around so quickly—especially after losing talents such as T.J. Yates and Brandon Tate for the majority of the 2008 season.

9. Mark Dantonio – Michigan State (6-1, 9-2)

Before Dantonio arrived at the beginning of last year, Michigan State hadn’t seen a winning season since 2003.  After a 7-6 campaign in ’07, Dantonio has responded with nine wins, and with a week to go, the Spartans still have an outside shot at a Rose Bowl berth.  That’s something that even Sparty didn’t see coming.

8. Paul Johnson – Georgia Tech (4-3, 7-3)

They said his system wouldn’t work in the ACC.  They said it would take years for him to bring in enough recruits to build respectability.

Yet, while not having one of his biggest weapons in Josh Nesbitt during parts of the season, Coach Johnson has managed to keep the Yellow Jackets afloat with solid defense and other offensive weapons.

To top it off, a victory over Miami later this week could land Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game, something no one expected.

7. Brian Kelly – Cincinnati (4-1, 8-2)

West Virginia isn’t sitting on top of the Big East.  Neither is South Florida, or Pittsburgh.  Nope, it’s the Bearcats, led by Coach Kelly.  In his first year, Kelly led Cincinnati to ten wins and a bowl victory.  This season, after returning only twelve starters, he’s on top of the Big East, hoping for another double-digit win season—and perhaps a conference title.

6. Brady Hoke – Ball State (6-0, 10-0)

Hoke is the darkhorse in this competition, coaching in the Mid-American conference, which gets little to no national exposure.  A program that managed only 15 victories from 2003-2006, Hoke has accumulated 17 wins since the beginning of last season.  Hoke’s two biggest tests are still to come with other Mid-American powers Central Michigan and Western Michigan on deck.

5. Tim Brewster – Minnesota (3-4, 7-4)

If not for three consecutive losses, Brewster could easily be at the top of this list.  Still, after a dismal 1-11 season last year, the second-year coach not only managed a solid 2008 recruiting class (28th according to scout.com), but also managed at least a half-dozen win turnaround along with a bowl berth to come. Dontcha know that’s one heckuva year, yah?

4. Kyle Whittingham – Utah (7-0, 11-0)

Some coaches get buried in mediocrity after replacing someone that had a great deal of success.  When Urban Meyer left Utah (for Florida) after giving the Utes its first perfect season since 1930 (plus the first BCS bowl berth by a mid-major), there were lofty expectations and high hopes for the program—certainly a tall order for Whittingham and his staff.

Still, he’s responded with three winning seasons, and in year four, Utah is undefeated and primed for a potential second BCS berth in five years.

3. Mike Leach – Texas Tech (6-0, 10-0)

Leach and the Red Raiders have always been known to have an explosive offense, but never enough to get over the hump in big games—until this season.  Beating Oklahoma at Norman may be enough to push him to the top of this list and push Texas Tech to a national title berth.

2. Joe Paterno – Penn State (6-1, 10-1)

From having to cut two d-linemen, lose another to injury, lose a star linebacker for the year, fend off questions of retirement, avoid questions regarding his health, among other things, Coach Paterno brought Penn State to within one point and one last second field goal from an undefeated record.

With Michigan State approaching, a win can earn the Nittany Lions its first Rose Bowl berth since 1994.  It’s been a special year for Paterno—but will it be his last?  That question alone could earn some extra votes.

1. Nick Saban – Alabama (7-0, 11-0)

Everyone knew Coach Saban would make the Tide roll again—but this quickly?  With the number one recruiting class in 2008 (according to scout.com), it looked like Saban and the boys were about a year or two away, especially with an ’08 schedule that featured road tests against LSU, Tennessee, Georgia, plus a neutral site game against Clemson during week one.

After a 7-6 2007 season, Saban has done a spectacular job with this year’s team, but the road to the national title is getting tougher, with Auburn and Florida still in the way.  Either way, don’t expect the Tide to go away anytime soon and if forced to choose a favorite for coach of the year, Saban would have to be the one.

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College Football Predictions: Baby’s Losers for Nov. 22, Rivalry Week

Welcome to Rivalry Week in college football. This will be a week of “Double-Down Fever” as we choose not only the normal eight toughest picks, but also eight huge “Name-Game” contests.

With so many historically important matchups this week, a case could be made for any number of candidates for the traditional “Game of the Week” designation. It seems clear to everyone that designation should go to the Texas Tech at Oklahoma battle.

For those aware of such things, the date of this Saturday will always be linked with the state of Texas. On November 22, 1963, the President of the United States (see picture above) was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

For those who lived through that national nightmare, let us hope it never happens again. Assuredly, everyone was the loser in that tragic situation.

Let us remember that President Kennedy loved college football and eagerly followed it. We should take time this Saturday to pay respect to this great man, and wonder how different everything would have been had he survived that afternoon in Texas.

BABY’S LOSERS 11/22/08

PART ONE: RIVALRY WEEK

1) APPLE CUP: WASHINGTON @ WASHINGTON STATE

Always a great game, this year it defies description as both teams are so horrific. Baby’s Loser, Washington State.

2) BATTLE FOR THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET: INDIANA @ PURDUE

Could it be? Is it possible? Can Joe Tiller receive a going-away present at last? Baby’s Loser, Indiana.

3) THE BIG GAME: STANFORD @ CALIFORNIA

Wild and wooly is the best description of this rivalry, defined by the most famous play of all time. Baby’s Loser, Stanford.

4) THE LAND GRANT TROPHY: MICHIGAN STATE @ PENN STATE

One of the most important games of the year. Upset waiting to happen? Baby’s Loser, Michigan State.

5) THE BORDER WAR BRONZE BOOT: COLORADO STATE @ WYOMING

The Cowboys beat Tennessee in Knoxville, and they are tough in Laramie. Baby’s Loser, Colorado State.

6) FLOYD OF ROSEDALE BRONZE PIG: IOWA @ MINNESOTA

The Golden Gophers have faded due to injuries and the Hawkeyes are coming on. Baby’s Loser, Minnesota.

7) THE GAME: YALE @ HARVARD

The longest running and most famous of all annual rivalries, this is the 125th meeting! The name says it all: “The Game.” Baby’s Loser, Yale.

RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK

8) THE BEEHIVE BOOT: BRIGHAM YOUNG @ UTAH

“Whoa Nellie” is the way veteran announcer Keith Jackson would describe this one. If the Utes win, they look for a date in the Sugar or Fiesta Bowl. The Cougars want their own big Bowl. Baby’s Loser, BYU.

RIVALRY WEEK PART TWO

9) MISSISSIPPI @ LSU

The South’s most notoriously nasty rivalry. While it seems that Ole Miss hates everybody, that special place is reserved for the Tigers. The Rebels are bowl–bound and demand respect. Ask Florida. Baby’s Loser, tight, Ole Miss.

10) MICHIGAN @ OHIO STATE

The most famous rivalry in the Midwest. This year, the Buckeyes are better in every area. Wolverines hope for a miracle. Baby’s Loser, Michigan.

11) TENNESSEE @ VANDERBILT

Things were so bad for the Volunteers in the loss to Wyoming that I can’t see anywhere to go but up. Baby’s Loser, in a shocker, Vanderbilt.

12) PITTSBURGH @ CINCINNATI

Big boy action in the Big East! Now here is what football is all about: three yards and a cloud of dust. Baby’s Loser, in Upset City, Cincinnati.

13) SYRACUSE @ NOTRE DAME

The countdown to Greg Robinson’s removal is over. Will the Orange win one for the Gipper against the Gipper’s team? No! Baby’s Loser, Syracuse.

14) OREGON STATE @ ARIZONA

Desert warfare will be different for the foggy Beavers from Corvallis. The Wildcats are favored and have everything in their favor—everything except the coaching of Paul Bryant’s No. 1 disciple! Baby’s Loser, Arizona.

15) THE ARMY @ RUTGERS

These two teams have been playing against each other since 1891. Now that’s a rivalry! Baby’s Loser, close, The Black Knights of the Hudson.

GAME OF THE WEEK

16) TEXAS TECH @ OKLAHOMA

Certainly the most imposing obstacle to the Red Raiders winning the national championship is an away night game on grass versus a Top 10 team coached by Mike Leach’s old bossman, Bob Stoops. Sounds pretty bad for Texas Tech, doesn’t it? If that Sooners offense gets going, this could get ugly, a 49-21 type game. Just a hunch that men from Texas are up to the job. Baby’s Loser, Oklahoma.

Race Chase

NAME                    MISSED                       FOR THE WEEK   FOR THE YEAR

12                          NONE                           8–0                      79–17, 82 PERCENT

TIMOTHY              NONE                           8–0                      76–20, 79 PERCENT

BABY TATE WENT 8–0 FOR THE WEEK FOR 75–21 AND 78 PERCENT FOR THE YR.

This week featured Tony knocking it out of the park with a perfect 8–0 record. Coming in at 7–1 were Colin (done in by Alabama), Red Raider, Ryan, Kristofer, Isaac, and Daniel (Notre Dame got them). Cliff also posted a 7–1, but it was Iowa who hung the “L” on him. Bobby came in at 7–1 missing Nebraska, and Brad did likewise, missing only Oregon State.

Kent, Adam, Chase, and Nathan all went 6–2. Kent missed Nebraska and Oregon State, Adam missed Nebraska and Iowa, Nathan missed Notre Dame and Iowa, while Chase missed only the first two picks of Notre Dame and Georgia.

MiamiMitch came in at 5–3 along with Josh and Michael. Aaron settled in at 3–5.

Thanks to everyone who played, and let’s look forward to some knock down, drag out battles this week in Baby’s Losers and on the field during Rivalry Week.

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The NCAA 10: Top Coaches Who Could Play

The old saying goes, “those who can’t do, teach.” 

 

Is that true when it comes to college football coaches?

 

I was surprised to learn that of the 119 Division I (or FBS, if you’d rather) head coaches there are only six who never played college football.

 

They are: David Cutcliffe (Duke), Paul Johnson (Georgia Tech), Mark Mangino (Kansas), Mike Leach (Texas Tech), Charlie Weis (Notre Dame) and George O’Leary (Central Florida).  Although, if you give him enough time I think O’Leary might be able to come up with a little playing experience for the old resume, if needed.

 

It makes sense that there would be a fair number who either never played, or at best road the pine.  However, what I found was that there were also plenty who could play and who had some stellar college (and a few NFL) careers.  How they rank (as collegiate players) is as follows:

 

10. Mike Gundy, QB, Oklahoma State (Head Coach: Oklahoma State)

 

Gundy was a 4-year starter for the Cowboys and in 1988 (back when he was just 21, and not quite a “man”) he helped lead OSU to a 10-2 mark and a Holiday Bowl thumping of Wyoming, 62-14.  In that Junior campaign he was second in the nation in QB efficiency at 158.2, behind only Washington State’s Timm Rosenbach and ahead of Heisman finalists: USC’s Rodney Peete and UCLA’s Troy Aikman.  He was 153-236 for 2,163 yards, 19 TDs and 12 Ints. 

 

Granted, he was given the gift of handing off to the likes of Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders (who won the Heisman in 1988) but he graduated as the all-time leader in passing at both Oklahoma State and in Big 8 history.

 

9. Frank Solich, FB, Nebraska (Head Coach: Ohio)

 

Known as “fearless Frankie” while with the Cornhuskers, Solich was an All Big 8 selection in 1965 and the first Nebraska player to rush for over 200 yards in a single game.  He was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated that year, and was later inducted into the Husker Hall of Fame.

 

8. Stan Brock, OT, Colorado (Head Coach: Army)

 

Brock was a Sporting News All-American in 1979 for the Buffaloes, on his way to becoming a first round draft pick (#12 overall) of the New Orleans Saints.  He would parlay that into a long and successful 16-year NFL career.

 

7. Sylvester Croom, C, Alabama (Head Coach: Mississippi State)

 

As captain, he helped Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide to three SEC titles (as well as a National Title in 1973) and was an All-American center in 1974.

 

6. Rick Neuheisel, QB, UCLA (Head Coach: UCLA)

 

In 1983, his senior year with the Bruins, Neuheisel was fifth in the nation in QB efficiency at 142.5 (just ahead of UNLV’s Randall Cunningham and behind the nation’s leader, BYU’s Steve Young).  He was 163-236 for 1,947 yards, 9 TDs and 10 Ints, while leading UCLA to a 7-4-1 mark and garnering Rose Bowl MVP honors, beating #4 Illinois 45-9.

 

5. Turner Gill, QB, Nebraska (Head Coach: Buffalo)

 

Gill led the Cornhuskers to an amazing 28-2 record as a starting QB.  He finished #4 in the Heisman balloting in 1983 to his Nebraska teammate, RB Mike Rozier, on their way to a #1 ranking and a heartbreaking 31-30 loss to Miami for the National Championship.  It was Gill’s pass, on a two-point conversion to win the game, that was deflected with just seconds remaining.

 

SIDE NOTE: What Gill has already accomplished  with the Buffalo football program has been nothing short of miraculous.  He didn’t land the coveted Nebraska gig last year, but he should be on plenty of short lists this time around. K-State, UW, are you listening?

 

4. Jim Harbaugh, QB, Michigan (Head Coach: Stanford)

 

As a Junior in 1985, Harbaugh led Michigan to a 10-1-1 mark and led the nation in QB efficiency at 163.7.  He was 139-212 for 1,913 yards, 18 TDs and 6 Ints.  He then followed that up with a senior campaign in 1986 that would see him finish third in the Heisman voting (behind winner QB Vinny Testaverde of Miami and just ahead of Oklahoma LB Brian Bosworth).  He would also end up second in the nation in QB rating at 157.0 while leading the Wolverines to an 11-2 mark and the Rose Bowl.

 

3. Pat Fitzgerald, LB, Northwestern (Head Coach: Northwestern)

 

One of the most decorated defensive players in college football history, Fitzgerald was a consensus All-American in 1995 and 1996, as well as a two-time Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year for the Wildcats, on his way to winning both the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik trophies – twice. He was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

 

2. Chuck Long, QB, Iowa (Head Coach: San Diego State)

 

As a 4-year starter, Long put up huge numbers as a Hawkeye QB, finishing second in the nation in QB rating his sophomore year (160.4), seventh his junior year (147.1) and topping it off with finishing third his senior year (153.0).  And after finishing seventh for the Heisman in his junior campaign, his senior season of 1985 would see him finish second in the closest Heisman voting ever (1509-1464 to Auburn RB Bo Jackson).

 

That season he threw for 231-351 for 2,978 yards, 26 TDs and 15 Ints. He was a consensus All-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

 

And perhaps as no surprise to anyone, the only head coach currently toting around a certain stiff-armed piece of hardware (actually he gave it to the University to display), the #1 Coach Who Could Play…

 

STEVE SPURRIER, QB, FLORIDA (Head Coach: South Carolina)

 

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, the winner of the 1966 Heisman Trophy (over Purdue QB Bob Griese), led the Gators to a 9-2 mark and an Orange Bowl win, 27-12, over Georgia Tech.  He was third in the nation in completions per game (the standard prior to QB rating) and finished 179-291 for 2,012 yards, 16 TDs and 8 Ints.

 

Honorable Mentions:

 

Jeff Tedford, QB, Fresno State (Head Coach: California)

 

Tedford finished eighth in nation in QB rating (136.4) in 1982, while leading the Bulldogs to 11-1 mark.

 

Howard Schnellenberger, TE, Kentucky (Head Coach: FAU)

 

Schnellenberger was a consensus All-American selection in 1955 for the Wildcats.

 

Shane Montgomery, QB, NC State (Head Coach: Miami (OH))

 

Montgomery was MVP of both the 1988 Peach Bowl and 1989 Copper Bowl.

 

Mark Richt, QB, Miami (Head Coach: Georgia)

 

Sandwiched between Jim Kelly and Bernie Kosar, he only got in as a starter when Kelly went down in 1982.

 

 

Miscellaneous Items of Note:

 

Not-so-surprising, there are five former Alabama players (Bobby Bowden-Florida State, Neil Callaway-UAB, Mike Riley-Oregon State, Sylvester Croom-Mississippi State and Dabo Swinney-Clemson)…somewhat surprising, there are three former UC-Davis players (Mike Bellotti-Oregon, Dan Hawkins-Colorado, Chris Petersen-Boise State)…kind of interesting, the Sun Belt Conference is loaded with former talent, from Schellenberger to: FIU’s Mario Cristobal (All Big East OT at Miami); Middle Tennessee’s Rick Stockstill (Florida State QB); North Texas’ Todd Dodge (Texas QB); Troy’s Larry Blakeney (Auburn QB); Louisiana-Monroe’s Charlie Weatherbie (Oklahoma State QB); and Louisiana-Lafayette’s Rickey Bustle (Clemson WR)…who knew?…and if you’re thinking of some top assistants or coordinators who had talent and could be landing top spots soon, scratch off Ryan Leaf (yikes) and look no further than USC’s Steve Sarkisian.  The former BYU QB led the nation in efficiency in 1996 at 173.6 (ahead of Heisman winner Danny Wuerrfel and Peyton Manning)…or perhaps former Kansas great and NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Nolan Cromwell, who is now with Texas A&M…or Georgia’s Mike Bobo…or Pitt’s Matt Cavanaugh…

 

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Joe Paterno Deserves Coach of the Year Honors Despite Possible BCS Snub

Most people do not believe in destiny, and I was among them until this football season began to unfold.

For many in Nittany Nation, this season was an enigma from the beginning: two unproven quarterbacks battling it out for the top spot on the depth chart, an ESPN story questioning our famous slogan “Success with Honor,” dismissals of key players, and a flurry of off the field incidents.

With all of this going on, many folks doubted if this team could regroup and post eight or nine wins.  When a lot of friends and others asked me what I thought this team’s record would be this season, I looked each one of them in the eye and simply said, “12-0.”

This Penn State team had way too much talent and a favorable enough schedule to win at least nine games, but the question marks are always the big three of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio State.

I never quite understood how a Wisconsin team that Penn State throttled 38-7 last year was ranked ahead of us, after it looked like we only improved and they had lost their starting quarterback.

Michigan lost everyone, and we knew if there was a year that we could end our streak against “them,” as they have been named here in Happy Valley, this would be the year.

That left Ohio State—the old Buckeyes.  Jim Tressel has done as good a job of recruiting and coaching as anyone in the country since he took over at OSU.  Sure, they have lost some big games in recent years, but keep in mind those were some great teams, and Tressel also took down a Miami team in 2002 that looked unbeatable.

This season was going to come down to a trip to the “Shoe.”  Admittedly, I had my doubts about a road game up there, especially after GameDay reviewed our previous seven losses up there.  But this team was not to be denied.

After a dramatic 13-6 bruising victory against the Buckeyes, PSU now sits at 9-0 and third in every poll, including the only one that really matters, the BCS standings.

Unfortunately, Penn State does not have a chance of jumping an undefeated Big 12 or SEC team.  Once again a great Penn State team could be on the outside looking in when it comes to the national title game.

It seems unfair, but this is what we have, and no one can argue with the fact that the Big Ten is not very good this season.

With all of this being said, there is no reason that Joe Paterno should not be the Coach of the Year.  It seems that Penn State has developed a system where every three seasons they make a run with a group that grows up together (see 1999, 2002, 2005, and now 2008).

Among all the distractions concerning contract talks and retirement questions, Paterno has held strong.  Battling through a hip injury and a brutal October schedule, Paterno and the Nittany Lions enter November with a great shot at yet another undefeated season.

This team of destiny has been nothing but a pleasure to watch, winning every way imaginable.  They have won with an explosive offense (Syracuse, Temple, Oregon State), a smothering defense (Ohio State), with all three phases (Wisconsin), playing ahead (Purdue), and coming from behind (Michigan).

This is the toughest and most disciplined team I have seen this season and for a long time here at Penn State.  Against the Buckeyes in Columbus, the Lions were held in check on offense but committed no turnovers and did not have one penalty enforced against them.  I do not know if anyone else ever can make that claim.

What is even scarier about this Penn State team is to think about what they have lost.  The defense alone took hits when the all-time career leader in tackles, Dan Connor, graduated, cornerback Justin King took his game to the NFL a year early (whoops), Phil Taylor and Chris Baker were dismissed from the team, and Devon Still and Jerome Hayes were lost to season-ending injuries.

Those five guys who could have been with Penn State this year could probably start on any other team in the country.  And there was one more…oh yes—Sean Lee, the best linebacker in the country, was also lost in the preseason to a knee injury.

Through the injuries, the media attacks, the Paterno succession question, the player dismissals, and all the doubters, the Nittany Lions continue going strong—and yet they may not get a chance to play for the crystal football.  Taking nothing away from what Mack Brown, Mike Leach, and Nick Saban have done, Paterno deserves to be honored.

Although I never really like to root for people to lose, nothing would be better than watching the 82-year-old legend carried off the field as a national champion one last time down in Miami this January.

Now that is a destiny I can believe in.

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