College Football Notebook

BigdaddyQH · 05-26-11, 08:49 AM

The Big East is now pondering whether or not to add Army and Navy to the Conference. The major advantage to this is that they would be added for football only, and not clutter an already cluttered hoops conference. The addition of Army and Navy, plus either East Carolina or Central Florida, would give the Big East a 12 team conference, a Championship game, and some staying power.

The biggest disadvantage goes to the teams. First, would Army-Navy be willing to move their game to Thanksgiving Weekend, as they would have to do if they joined a Conference? Next, the Navy, who plays Air Force and Notre Dame every season, would not have a lot of wiggle room in their non-con scheduling.

My opinion is that this woould be a very good move for the Big East, and would kill BYU. The Big East could expand their football conference only, something they desperately need to do. The only two Independents would be Notre Dame (who has been an Independent since day 1), and BYU (who would be forced back to the MWC in two years), a team that is stuck with the Armed Forces Bowl if it loses more than one game per season.

The DiB · 05-26-11, 09:51 AM

Stephen Garcia update: Will likely be cleared for summer workouts, but not fall camp yet. Still has a few guidelines to follow before he is reinstated for the fall.

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 09:56 AM

SOUTHERN CAL
It's coming up on nearly a year since the NCAA decided to level the USC program with a two year postseason ban and loss of 30 scholarships over the course of three years. Now, it appears that punishment will still be enforced to its fullest extent by the NCAA COI as the university's appeal of the acanctions have been denied. With the denial, USC cannot sign more than 15 scholarship players each of the next three years, nor will they be able to take part in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship game. Southern Call will not file any additional appeals.

WEST VIRGINIA
Head coach in waiting (2012) and West Virginia's offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen finds himself in a bit of trouble. Seems back on May 18, Holgorsen was kicked out of a West Virginia casino for being drunk. While no arrest were made during the incident, this is not a good situation for the school or the coach. Say what you will about current head coach Bill Stewart, but he wouldn't be caught getting escorted out of a casino at three in the morning.

HAWAII
After one year on the job, Hawaii offensive coordinator Nick Rolovick and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda are set to receive a pay raise of an undeclosed amount. University of Hawaii coordinators are reportedly only allowed to make between $116,000 and $203,000 annually due to budget restrictions. Head coach Greg McMackin has asked that each coach be paid more than the allotted sum.

TENNESSEE
Vol offensive lineman Devin Revis has decided to transfer from Tennessee's football program. Revis, a redshirt freshman, saw very limited action last year and wasn't listed on the two-deep depth chart coming out of spring practice. No word on where he might be headed.

NEBRASKA
Husker quarterback Kody Spano officially called it quits yesterday after dealing with multiple injuries to his knees and shoulder over the past few seasons. Spano, a sophomore from Stephenville, Texas, suffered two torn ACL's in 2009 and a significant shoulder injury this spring. Tough situation for the young man.

BAYLOR
Koby Gray is transferring from Pitt to Baylor. Gray was a quarterback in high school but transitioned to safety at Pitt under coach Phil Bennett (Baylor DC). Gray who played in 12 games for the Panthers last season, will have to sit out the 2011 season and will have three seasons of eligibility. Good pickup for the Bears.

chunk · 05-26-11, 10:08 AM

Workhorse, at first I thought that you may have made a mistake when compiling the top 10 bowl list. I had to look up the fact that Santa Clara did indeed play in major bowl games in 1937, 1938, and 1950 where they won all 3 against SEC teams. Who would have thunk it.

Also, the more I read about these conference shakeups in college football, the more it seems to me that we could very easily see the 6 major conferences be reduced to 4 (16 team) conferences at some point in the future. The main considerations of the powers that be I would think would be money, travel, money, rivalry, money, and money. If this was to happen, I would suspect that the last few remaining independents would have to join a conference....even Notre Dame as it would become too difficult to fill a schedule.

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 01:51 PM

Dib, Spurrier wants him back on the team....little doubt about that.

Garcia still has a list of items he must complete before the university will reinstate him to the team. He's also under supervision for his alcohol abuse treatment program. I guess he's being tested on a regular basis this summer.

Bottom line, its not up to Spurrier, the AD will make the decision.

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 01:53 PM

Chunk, I'm trying to get you bumped up a level in the Football Contest. I'll know Saturday.

chunk · 05-26-11, 02:01 PM

WH, no worries either way....appreciate the effort.

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 02:18 PM

I appreciate your attitude Bud. If I want you moved up...you will be.

I just want to go through the process with my card buddies. Everyone has a say and I know you haven't made any of them mad.

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 03:18 PM

AUBURN
The Tigers long-term plan at running back took a dramatic turn yesterday. Former Florida tailback Mike Blakely, who signed with the Gators last winter, revealed plans to transfer to Auburn. His former high school coach confirmed the move and Auburn officials expect Blakely to attend his first class this morning. The Florida native will sit out the season because of NCAA transfer rules and enter 2012 with four years of eligibility remaining.

Also being reported is that Tate Forcier, former Michigan quarterback,has included Auburn as one of the schools he is considering as he decides where to transfer. Forcier also listed Southern Cal, but USC said they had no interest. I have the feeling Auburn will answer the same way.

Russell Wilson, quarterback at North Carolina State last year would be a different matter for the Tigers. Word on the street is he will visit the Plains soon. Seems to me, Wilson would be a good fit for the 'ole ballcoach' and word is Spurrier is interested.

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 08:58 PM

Ohio State's Tressel is COOKED.

More information about to break on housing contracts with Buckeye players.........

Also, information when Tressel was at Youngstown State coming....

WorkHorse · 05-26-11, 11:18 PM

Adding: Chunk to the $500 level of the Opening Week Football Contest

Adding: WVAFan3 to the contest (from another network, dude has earned it, must join SBR to be eligible).

My friends, this Opening Week Contest is going to be a good one. Good people = Good Contest.

bornselling · 05-27-11, 02:38 AM

Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton resigned yesterday to take a similar position at Maryland with new coach Randy Edsall.

BigdaddyQH · 05-27-11, 08:37 AM

Ohio State is looking at a very serious penalty now. We are now obviously into the "lack of institutional control" issue that Ohio State so desperately tried to hide.

Badgers13 · 05-27-11, 08:55 AM

More snd more keeps on coming out about OSU I wouldnt be surprised if even more violations surface.

chunk · 05-27-11, 10:17 AM

The more I hear Jerry Kill speak, the more that I like him. He's a very down to earth, no nonsense kind of guy as apposed to the salesman type that preceded him. It's a tough road to hoe in Minny though. As a wise man once said, "you gots to have da horses."

chunk · 05-27-11, 10:21 AM

Oh, and thanks for the upgrade Workhorse. I don't know that I can hang with the big boys, but I'll try.

BigdaddyQH · 05-28-11, 09:11 AM

Kill has a very tough road. Opening at USC is no bargain package. Minny has three soft non-con games at home after that, one against an FCS team. Then it is back to the real world and Big 10+2 competition. It is quite possible that Minny goes 0 for the Big 10+2.

WorkHorse · 05-28-11, 05:28 PM

NEBRASKA
The east side of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln has been fenced off, trees have been pulled out of the way and work has begun on the stadium expansion. Hopes are to have much of the foundation work on the $63.5 million project done before the first home football game September 3. The project will bring the total capacity to about 91,000 fans. The project is expected to be completed before the 2013 football season.

OHIO STATE
The university has cited privacy laws in declining to provide communications to and from coach Jim Tressel and other administrators regarding the relationship between star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and his hometown mentor. The AP sought through a public records request any emails, notes or other information about the relationship between Jeannette, Pa., buinessman Ted Sarniak and Pryor, who has been suspended for taking improper benefits from a Columbus tattoo parlor owner. In related news Friday, Edward Rife, the Columbus tattoo parlor owner, was charged in federal court with drug trafficking and money laundering.

TATE FORCIER
Police in Grands Rapids, Michigan, say a woman called them because she was concerned that former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier was going to jump from her apartment window. An officer was able to get Forcier to open the door and no police action was taken. Police released a one page report Friday to the Associated Press, one day after it was reported by WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids. The police report says Forcier locked himself in a bedroom in Apartment 314 on April 22 and a woman told officers he was leaning out a window. Other details were redacted and police declined further comment Friday.

SOUTHERN CAL
Now that the NCAA has denied Southern California's appeal to reduce sanctions imposed on its football program, Bowl Championship Series officials will consider whether to strip the Trojans of their 2004 title. BCS executive director Bill Hancock says there is no timetable for that decision, but he expected it to happen sooner, rather than later. The championship would be left vacant and not awarded to another team. USC won the 2004 national title by beating Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.

AUBURN
Former Auburn defensive back Mike McNeil has pleaded not guilty to robbery and burgary charges, while three ex-teammates are seeking youthful offender status. All four were dismissed from the team following their arrest on March 11 for allegedly robbing five people at a mobile home in Auburn. They were each indicted earlier this month on five counts of first degree robbery, one count of first degree burglary and one count of misdemeanor third degree theft of property. McNeil was a starting safety who had 14 tackles in the national title game win over Oregon.

NEW MEXICO
On signing day 2010, four-star defensive tackle recruit Calvin Smith shocked everyone in the recruiting world by picking New Mexico over Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and North Carolina. Now, Smith has decided to leave the Lobo's program for greener pastures. Smith played in all twelve games for New Mexico last year. He plans to transfer to a team closer to his Florida home.

PENN STATE
According to the Pittsburgh Gazette, Joe Paterno's total compensation for 2010 was $1,109,977. This puts the Penn State coach in the middle of the pack when it comes to the other 119 Division 1-A coaches. There were 54 coaches who made more than $1.1 million in 2010, and that doesn't even include mostly private schools like Southern Cal and Notre Dame. Penn State is getting a bargain with ole Joe because they won't get a replacement at that price.

WorkHorse · 05-28-11, 11:29 PM

Some of my friends (gang) have ask me to back off of my hate for lying bastards who misrepresent football for their own profit or many cases just egos. I will honor that request for now.

A little over twelve years ago one of my best friends walked out of his house and into his garage with a 32 pistol. At around 11:15 pm, he put the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. Nice home, nice family, super job. Gambling sports can be fun...it also can bury people. I went through a difficult time once and it ain't fun and games then...it serious. Hurtful serious.

Many of you old time gamblers know where I'm coming from....many don't have a clue and will learn the hard way.

Youtube...Townes Van Zandt sessions...A Song For (solo sessions)

BigdaddyQH · 05-29-11, 09:02 AM

Work, if you are talking about Touts, I hear you, and agree. I know several touts. We are not close friends, but we do communicate occasionally. While I have no problem with them making a living, I do have a problem with the way they do it, and the touts that I know are aware of my feelings. The bottom line however, is this. These touts do nothing illegal. They are all above board. If someone is stupid enough to buy into their hype and spend their money on a touts picks, then he/she gets what he/she deserves. I have no pity for idiots who need someone else to pick games for them. If you cannot pick your own games, then get out of the gaming business NOW.

As far as the "lying bastards" who misrepresent themselves go, there are many in here. If you read some of the garbage posted in some of the other threads, you will know what I mean. That is just part of the game. The fact is that there are a good number of knowledgeable fans in here, many more when you compare this site to the others we have posted at. Just look at what Blondie's site has turned into. A soap opera revolving around the biggest phonies on line. Just be glad that there ARE a good number of honest, legitimate posters in here who have solid insight to offer us.

chunk · 05-29-11, 10:34 AM

Workhorse, those of us that have been around a while know exactly what you are talking about for we have all been there with ourselves, as well as our friends and acquaintances. Even those of us that have enjoyed some success know that Mr. Variance can be your friend today and will bite you in the arse tomorrow. In other words, past success does not guarantee future success. Many things in life can be harmful and we must always be vigilant and keep things in perspective.

BigDaddy, I tend to agree that there are a lot of unethical liars out there in the tout business. After all, it is an unregulated business at that. Hell, I was in a supposedly regulated business(mortgages) and you would run into the same thing. I'm only guessing, but from the little that I know, there would only be a small percentage of touts that are honest and provide a good service to their customers. I also used to be quick to say to people that they should pick their own games, but have softened on that somewhat. If you don't have the desire and one hell of a lot of time, you may as well flip coins and we know that doesn't work. The easy answer is don't play, but if you must, do one hell of a lot of homework before you tail anyone.

BigdaddyQH · 05-29-11, 10:52 AM

I totally agree Chunk. You are spot on with your comments. The best thing that we ccan do is to learn about people like yourself, Workhorse, and the many others in here who are contributing to this thread now, in the off season. These will be the people to follow and talk with once the season actually starts, and the College Football site is flooded with all the "know-it-alls". Now is the time to find the people that you trust in here.

WorkHorse · 05-30-11, 07:11 AM

NEBRASKA
Junior quarterback Cody Green will transfer from the Nebraska football program after serving as the team's backup the last two seasons. This is a big blow to the Cornhuskers. When starter Taylor Martinez went down with injury last season, Green stepped in and threw for 340 yards and 3 touchdowns. Losing Green could be a big deal if Martinez gets injured this season. Many felt if given the chance, Green would be a really good quarterback at Nebraska. Now he's gone.

BOISE STATE
After Nebraska quarterback Cody Green surprisingly asked to be released from his scholarship so he could transfer, a school that may be in his plans is Boise State. Green could sit out a year and with Kellen Moore entering his final season, compete for the starting job in in 2012. Several schools have expressed interest in landing Green, who was rated the No. 6 dual-threat quarterback in the nation in 2009. Boise State seems to be a leader at this time for his services.

WEST VIRGINIA
Bad news for West Virginia. Offensive coordinator and 2012 coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen has reportedly been involved in at least three and, perhaps, as many as six alcohol related incidents in the last six months. The Times West Virginia reports that Holgorsen has been asked to leave/or banned from Wheeling's Island Hotel-Casino, Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport and the bar/restaurant at the Waterfront Hotel where Holgorsen lives. James Clements, West Virginia president has put athletic director Oliver Luck on notice telling him "if he reads one more article about the coach-in-waiting, it will cost Luck his job." Luck is the father of Stanford QB Andrew Luck.

UCLA
The Bruins find themselves in a benefical position following cross town rival's USC's loss of appeal to lesson sanctions on the school. With the loss of ten Trojan scholarships per year to continue through 2015, there is an increased opportunity for the Bruins to regain some lost ground with in-state recruits who may be on the edge between the two schools. The fact of the matter is the Trojans will have less scholarships to offer and this presents UCLA with a competitive edge it has not had in quite some time. Now, can Rick Neuheisel take advantage of the opportunity? I don't think Neuheisel will be around long enough to challenge Southern Cal one way or the other......

ALABAMA
Bama has offered a scholarship to quarterback Will Gardner from Coffee County high school in Douglas, Georgia. The Tide is the third school to offer Gardner, who also has offers from Mississippi State and Louisville. Gardner plans to visit Alabama for a camp on June 5. Many think since he favors Alabama at this time, that he will go ahead and commit following the camp.

AUBURN
Highly touted running back Barry Sanders Jr. was in Auburn over the weekend visiting the Tigers. Auburn running back coach Curtis Luper played with Sanders father at Oklahoma State where Barry Sanders Sr. won the Heisman Trophy in 1988. Sanders has often been linked to Alabama which has aggressively been recruiting him. Sanders has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and others. Many think because his dad starred at Oklahoma State, that the Cowboys might have the advantage. I wouldn't count Saban out of this recruiting war just yet.

WorkHorse · 05-30-11, 08:54 AM

$500 To Win Opening Week Football Contest Invitational (update)

Playing for $500:
BigDaddyQH
CantCallIt
Chunk
HoldEmHook
JWBama23
Rod_M
RPP
UTMoody
Valaub04
Wrecktangle
Workhorse

Playing for $350:
Bornselling
fishmonger
Iwantcougars
Jasonal_98
Jnickell100

Playing for $300:
Boscoe
Martin Blank
MLB
Vince Lombardi
WVAFan3
Wookiehumper
ZBOIZ

Playing for $200:
MoneyLineDawg
GGZOLA

Playing for $100:
Scarp

*Not sponsored by SBR in anyway.
*Workhorse responsible for contest, invites and payout.
*If a top tier ($500) guy fails to win the contest, a $200 prize will go to the winner among that group.
**This contest is all about guys who love college football and contribute during the off-season to support SBR.

BigdaddyQH · 05-30-11, 08:59 AM

I totally agree with your assessment on Neuheisel. His recruiting is terrible. USC will finish ahead of UCLA this season, sanctions or no sanctions. If Tennessee were given the same sanctions that USC received, would Vanderbilt out recruit them? Comparing UCLA to USC is like comparing Vanderbilt to Tennessee.

How stupid can the West virginia President be? Threatening his A.D. because their Head Coach in waiting is a drunk? Obviously the thing to do for West virginia is to cut their losses now, and get rid of Holgorson right now.

WorkHorse · 05-31-11, 06:13 AM

OHIO STATE
Jim Tressel is out as we predicted....so, who's next? School officials said the hiring of a new head coach wouldn't take place until the end of the 2011 season. That means they will have plenty of time to evaluate candidates. Potential NCAA sanctions could/will be a factor in hiring a new coach. Here's some names already being tossed about:

Luke Fickell: Fickell will be the interim coach for the 2011 season giving him a 12 game audition. He is a Columbus native, an Ohio State alum and hs coached at the school since 2002.

Darrell Hazell: Longtime Ohio State assistant who probably would have been named the interim coach had he not been named head coach at Kent State. He's a longshot now because of Fickell's position, but a name to watch for.

Mel Tucker: The Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive coordinator is an Ohio native and was a Tressel assistant from 2001 to 2004. He has been DC at Jacksonville the past four years.

Urban Meyer: Ohio native who got his coaching start at Bowling Green. He's a free-agent that will cause a lot of buzz among the Buckeye faithfull. Doubtful because of sanctions school is facing.

Bo Pelini: A native of Youngstown, Ohio and a former Buckeye captain. He's only 44 years old and a return to his alma mater is not out of the question. Like Meyer, sanctions will make less likely, plus he has a pretty good job at Nebraska.

Chris Peterson: He's won at Boise State and has been mentioned for nearly every major job opening the past few years. Doubtful.

Bob Stoops: A Youngstown, Ohio native and a proven winner. Makes a ton of money at Oklahoma and would be a shock if he left the Sooners. His name will be in the early mix. Doubtful, same as Meyer and Pelini.

Jon Gruden: He's a big name and Ohio native and his name pops up in most big school openings. Doubtful....he prefers the NFL and likes the gig he has now on TV.

Let the speculation begin................................... ......

BigdaddyQH · 05-31-11, 09:29 AM

Don't forget Garry Patterson at TCU. I have seen his mane being bounced around already. I think we can safely rule out Meyer, Pelini, Stoops, Peterson, Patterson, and any other current Head coach who is coaching at a University with a solid football program. No one will leave a school to step into the mess that Ohio State will be in. A name that I have also heard being tossed around is Mark Stoops, brother of Bob and Mike, and currently the Defensive Coordinator at Florida State. With Jimbo a fixture at FSU for years to come, Mark Stoops would probably take the job, despite the hurdles that the NCAA will throw in the way of Ohio State, in the form of sanctions.

teecee · 05-31-11, 01:31 PM

great thread, boys. very informative. thanks.

WorkHorse · 05-31-11, 05:57 PM

Thanks Teecee...glad to have you on board my friend.

The Dib, I owe you an apology sir...I left you off the last Contest update. You are in ($500 level). My bad.

LSU
The Tigers have received committments from defensive end Jerald Hawkins and defensive backs Derrick Raymond and Jerquinick Sandolph. Hawkins was previously committed to Texas A&M before he switched to LSU. Raymond choose LSU over Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Nebraska and Penn State. Sandolph had offers from Pittsburgh, Memphis State and LA-Lafayette. Good pickups for the Tigers.

SEC 1000 YARD RUSHERS RETURNING
For just the second time in league history, four 1000 yard rushers will be back in action this season in the SEC. The only other time four SEC backs returned after 1000 yard seasons was in 1988 when five such backs came back. Here are this year's returning 1000-yard backs.

1. Knile Davis, Arkansas, 1322 yards
2. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina, 1197
3. Michael Dyer, Auburn, 1093
4. Tauren Poole, Tennessee, 1034

KANSAS
Veteran defensive coordinator Carl Torbush is retiring from coaching football. Torbush was recently diagnosed with prostrate cancer. He was entering his second year as the Jayhawks' coordinator before the diagnosis forced him out of coaching. Torbush had been the head coach at North Carolina as well as coaching stops at Alabama, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State. Best wishes to this old football coach.

SEC LEAGUE MEETING
The Southeastern Conference league meetings started today in Destin, Florida, with several topics on the agenda. Scheduled for discussion included the following: oversigning legislation; payment of student athletes; possible elimination of divisions within the conference (excluding football) along with other topics.

UT-CHATTANOOGA
Former University of Tennessee lineman Kevin Revis has visited Chattanooga as part of his search for a place to continue his football career. Revis told the Chattanooga Times that he's also visiting other schools in the Football bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision, where the Mocs play. Revis announced his decision to leave the Vols last week. He was not a starter for Tennessee.

SOUTH CAROLINA
The Gamecocks made official yesterday what coach Steve Spurrier hinted at all spring...that suspended quarterback Stephen Garcia will return to the team on a probationary basis. Voluntary summer workouts for Gamecock football players start this week. What timing...amazing. Garcia's status will be reevaluated before fall camp opens. The first workout for the Cocks will be August 3.

BigdaddyQH · 05-31-11, 07:37 PM

Do you think Garcia can remain out of trouble for that long? I think that Spurrier is making a big mistake.

WorkHorse · 05-31-11, 07:50 PM

Yeah BD, they have the kid on a tight lease right now. I've heard he's really trying to do the right thing and wants to have a good senior year. Who the hell knows?

Moving Jasonal_98 to the $500 level of contest.

Adding daneblazer to the contest.

In addition to the opening week contest. We will have one player take on BigDaddyQH in a challenge match. Five posters were nominated....I voted Chunk, I'm only one of ten and we shall see. Three months and counting..........................

Thanks men for your support.

WorkHorse · 05-31-11, 08:01 PM

Hey BD, right now two guys are tied to take you on Bud. Wrecktangle and Chunk.

Let's see how it plays out over the next few months.

Winning will be worth one hell of a nice dinner and beverages....I promise.

Jasonal_98 · 05-31-11, 08:16 PM

Garcia will not make it through the season. Spurrier would be much better off going with Connor Shaw now, rather than letting Garcia get into the season and screw things up then. He's been on a leash before, sworn he was going to do better, but he always makes bad personal decisions.

The DiB · 05-31-11, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by BigdaddyQH

Do you think Garcia can remain out of trouble for that long? I think that Spurrier is making a big mistake.

Outside of the keying the car incident, has he really done anything that would warrant his dismissal?

Sure he is a drunk. He's recently gotten counseling for that and has allegedly sobered up. He also had the chance to walk away, but he decided to stick through it and do what he had to. I think it's clear he wants to be back. Dude always gives it his all on the field. He'll be around in August.

Jasonal_98 · 05-31-11, 08:22 PM

Lots of rumors about goings-on in his hotel room at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl.