NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Dramatic Pac-10 Is Nation's Besthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/dramatic-pac-10-is-nations-best/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/dramatic-pac-10-is-nations-best/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/dramatic-pac-10-is-nations-best/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

OregonTUCSON, Ariz. -- Here's hoping SEC fans stayed up to watch Oregon beat Arizona Saturday night. They got to see a few things their league hasn't had enough of this season.

Drama, bedlam, theatrics, tension, hilarity and near-riotous fun. And that just begins to describe the Ducks' 44-41 double overtime win.

It finally ended as the clock struck midnight back East. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli slithered into the end zone to crash what would have been the biggest football party Tucson ever threw.

All of which settled one thing. The Pac-10 is the best conference in America.

Before SEC fans gag on their grits, allow me to clarify. Best doesn't mean the Pac-10 has the most outstanding teams. It has the most outstanding competition, which is even better.

Out West, you never know what's going to happen. Down South, you know what to expect.

Florida will win. Alabama will win.

All meaningful drama has been on hold until the SEC Championship Game Dec. 5. Otherwise, the season's been a sideshow where fans just wait on Lane Kiffin's mouth to rev up or Les Miles' brain to freeze.

That stuff is amusing, but I prefer a death match for the league title. The Pac 10's quality depth was never more evident than Saturday when California beat Stanford 34-28. That would have been the Game of the Day (Non-Charlie Weis Death Watch Division), until the Ducks and Wildcats put on their pinball show.

"It was just good, hard football with a lot of emotion," Oregon receiver D.J. Davis said.

That's what you've gotten all year in the Pac-10. That's why four teams still had realistic shots at the Rose Bowl going into Saturday. And that's why 57,863 fans showed up Saturday night, most of them wearing red.

I know, 57,863 Alabama fans would show up to watch Nick Saban eat breakfast at Waffle House. I've lived in the South most of my life. I ate Golden Flake potato chips because Bear Bryant told me to. I plan on naming my first-born son Tebow if he's virgin birthed.

In other words, you'd have a hard time convincing me anything's superior to the SEC brand. Watching Masoli do his Doug Flutie impersonation melted my prejudice.

Masoli threw for three touchdowns and ran for three more. He led a fourth-quarter rally that led to one of the most satisfying and bizarre scenes of the year.

As the clock wound toward 0:00, fans spilled over the rails and flooded the sideline.

Cue LeGarrette Blount and Boise State flashbacks.

We all remember how Oregon's tailback responded the last time the Ducks lost a close one on the road. The Most Dangerous Man in College Football has since been reinstated, though he's stuck on the bench behind redshirt freshman sensation LaMichael James.
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Thousands of fans surrounded the Oregon bench, waiting to turn the field into a wild red sea. Talk about a target rich environment for Blount's right cross.

Fortunately, Masoli was not ready to be swept up in a red tide. He calmly drove the Wildcats 80 yards and hit Ed Dickson with an 8-yard score to tie the game with six seconds left.

"He's just incredible," James said of his quarterback. "He never got down out there."

The Ducks should finally crack the BCS top 10 now. They'll be the only Pac-10 team that high, but the league had five teams in last week's top 25.

The SEC had only three, though all were in the top 10. You can be sure LSU won't be after Miles frittered away a win at Mississippi.

That qualified the Tigers as the SEC's most disappointing team. Or is it Georgia or South Carolina or Auburn or Arkansas?

Let's face it, boys. It's a down year for almost every team outside of Gainesville and Tuscaloosa. The Pac-10 doesn't have a super team, but it has a half-dozen good ones. And if you want to get technical, UCLA thumped Tennessee and Arizona State almost beat Georgia in Athens.

And lest we forget, Pac-10 also-ran USC (how funny is that?) beat Big Ten champ Ohio State on the road. Let's see the fifth-place SEC team do that.

The SEC is like an auto company that has two great cars and a bunch of clunkers. The Pac-10 can roll out a line of impressive models. Oregon is the flashiest, but it still must beat Oregon State in two weeks to win the league crown.

The only bet I'd make on that game is that it won't be as amusing as watching thousands of fans have to slink back to their seats.

"I saw it and I actually smirked," Masoli said of Saturday night's gathering storm of humanity. "It was kind of funny."

Funny, decisive, chaotic and a mystery until the end.

SEC fans may finally experience those things two weeks from now. Pac-10 fans have been getting them all year.

Dramatic Pac-10 Is Nation's Best originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>David WhitleySun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST Oregon Cheerleader Katelynn Johnson Hospitalized After Being Struck by Bottlehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/oregon-cheerleader-katelynn-johnson-hospitalized-after-being-str/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/oregon-cheerleader-katelynn-johnson-hospitalized-after-being-str/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/oregon-cheerleader-katelynn-johnson-hospitalized-after-being-str/#commentsFiled under: ,



Oregon delivered the knockout blow to Arizona, but the Wildcats gave themselves a black eye Saturday night when a bottle thrown by someone in the crowd sent Ducks cheerleader Katelynn Johnson to the hospital in the chaotic aftermath of Oregon's 44-41 double-overtime win.

According to OregonLive.com, Johnson, a junior, was struck in the head by a water bottle thrown from the stands and was taken to an area hospital after collapsing on the field shortly thereafter. Johnson was treated for a concussion and an Oregon spokesman said she returned to Eugene on Sunday.

The incident came on the heels of a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the Wildcats. Students from the "Zona Zoo" had gathered around the field in the final minutes of regulation, expecting to storm the field when Arizona won. But Ducks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli hit Ed Dickson with six seconds left for the game-tying touchdown. Two overtimes later, Masoli ran in a one-yard score to stun the host Wildcats and the students dispersed.

The loss made a Rose Bowl berth unlikely for the Wildcats, the only Pac-10 team that hasn't played in the New Year's Bowl.

It also unleashed a rain of objects upon the Ducks, according to Oregon associate athletic director Joe Giansante, who said the projectiles did not come from the Wildcat student section.
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"As the team was coming in, they were getting bombarded with water bottles, batteries, and various other items coming out of the stands," Giansante told OregonLive.com. "We were yelling at everybody to keep their heads up, but one got through and hit Katelynn in the head. All the kids [on the cheerleading team] are scared, but hopefully she'll be OK."

For a team rarely in the national spotlight, the incident will become something of a black mark on what was otherwise a showcase night for Arizona.

"That's just unacceptable behavior from fans, whether it was an Arizona fan or any fan across the nation," Masoli said.

Arizona head coach Mike Stoops, who described the incident as "disturbing" at his weekly campus news conference, called Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti to express his concern.

According to a KEZI.com report, Arizona police are reviewing tapes and conducting a full investigation to try and find the fans who threw bottles onto the field.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Oregon Cheerleader Katelynn Johnson Hospitalized After Being Struck by Bottle originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>katelynn johnsonRay HollomanSun, 22 Nov 2009 02:10:00 EST Ducks Bump Wildcats in Game of the Year Candidatehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/ducks-bump-wildcats-in-college-football-game-of-the-year/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/ducks-bump-wildcats-in-college-football-game-of-the-year/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/ducks-bump-wildcats-in-college-football-game-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It was arguably the game of the year in college football. It was certainly further evidence that the Pac-10 is back as a national conference.

After two overtimes and a touchdown with six seconds left in regulation, the Oregon Ducks outlasted Arizona 44-41 to take control of the Pac-10.

For a while, the stars seemed to align for Arizona. California upset Stanford during the the third quarter of the Wildcats' game, bumping one Pac-10 peer from Rose Bowl contention. Meanwhile, Arizona shrugged off a 14-0 deficit to take a 24-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

However, Oregon then rallied with 17 points in the final frame, including a highlight-worthy touchdown pass from Jeremiah Masoli to Ed Dickson with six seconds left that deflated the home crowd and dispersed the students, who had emerged nearby to storm the field.

Perhaps still stunned by their defensive collapse, Arizona saw Oregon score a quick touchdown to open overtime. The Wildcats answered with a touchdown of their own but failed to move the ball in the second overtime and settled for a field goal.

The lack of offensive punch was costly as Oregon went 22 yards to the Arizona three on its first play and Masoli ran into the end zone for the winner three plays later.

With that, Arizona's magical night turn to nightmare as the only Pac-10 program never to have played in a Rose Bowl likely saw its Rose Bowl hopes dashed.

Of special intrigue, the Twitterverse was aflame with folks angry they were unable to witness the end of the game. Apparently ABC/ESPN switched to local programming in some parts rather than carry the game of the year to its conclusion. This only adds fuel to Pac-10 fans' fire when it comes to conspiracies about so-called East Coast Bias.

The Ducks now have two weeks to prepare for hosting "Civil War" rival Oregon State. With a win, they clinch the Pac-10 crown and a trip to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1994. They deserve tremendous credit for overcoming a charged Arizona crowd and rallied late but their celebrated offense disappeared for a significant stretch of the game.

The highlight of the night was definitely receiver Jeff Maehl's circus catch in the back of the end zone in the first overtime Masoli dropped a pass into the back of the end zone, well contested by Arizona's best defensive back. However, Maehl muscled his way to the ball first and corralled it safely before hitting the turf. That play changed the game, not only sending it into a second overtime but demonstrating what team actually wanted this game more on a 50-50 play like that.

Ducks Bump Wildcats in Game of the Year Candidate originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jeff MaehlJeremiah MasoliLaMichael JamesBrian GrummellSun, 22 Nov 2009 00:49:00 EST Oregon Gets Wild Win Over 'Cats in 2OThttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/oregon-gets-wild-win-over-cats/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/oregon-gets-wild-win-over-cats/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/oregon-gets-wild-win-over-cats/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeremiah MasoliTUCSON, Ariz.(AP) -- Jeremiah Masoli tied it with a touchdown pass to Ed Dickson with six seconds left, then won it with a 1-yard run in the second overtime as No. 11 Oregon defeated Arizona 44-41 on Saturday night and took a big step toward the Pac-10 title.

Masoli threw for three scores and ran for three more as the Ducks rallied from a 24-14 deficit early in the fourth quarter.

The Ducks (9-2, 7-1 Pac-10) will earn a Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth with a victory over No. 20 Oregon State in a winner-take-all Civil War on Dec. 3 in Eugene.

After Masoli hit Jeff Maehl for a 4-yard score on Oregon's first overtime possession, Foles hit Juron Criner with a 3-yard strike to tie it at 38-38.

Alex Zendejas kicked a 41-yard field goal to give Arizona a 41-38 lead in the second overtime. But Oregon answered quickly.

Masoli hit Dickson for 22 yards, and three plays later the quarterback bulled over from a yard out.

Oregon tied it at 31-31 when Masoli hit Dickson in the back of the end zone for an 8-yard score.

That came after another minor miracle for the Ducks. Oregon had tied it at 24-24 midway through the final quarter on a 43-yard field goal by Morgan Flint - a line-drive kick that hit the crossbar and bounced through the uprights.

Arizona took a 31-24 lead midway through the fourth quarter on a 71-yard screen pass from Foles to Criner, who outraced the defense to the end zone, fighting off two defenders over the final 10 yards.

Arizona appeared ready to run the clock out on its next possession. But Oregon's Talmadge Jackson III picked off a pass in the end zone, giving the Ducks one last shot.

They took over at their own 20 with 3:11 to play. With red-clad Arizona students ringing the sidelines, Masoli guided the Ducks downfield in 15 plays and 3:05, scoring with six ticks to spare.

Under pressure all night, Masoli ran for two scores and threw for two more.
Nick Foles threw four TD passes for Arizona (6-4, 4-3), which was eliminated from Rose Bowl contention.

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On a 70-degree night in the desert, Wildcats faithful packed Arizona Stadium for one of the bigger games in school history. But this was a matchup few had circled in September.

The Wildcats were picked to finish eighth in a preseason poll of reporters regularly assigned to the conference. Oregon, meanwhile, seemed adrift after opening with a 19-8 defeat at Boise State - a loss that made national news when tailback LeGarrette Blount punched a Broncos player after the game and was suspended for the season.

Blount was reinstated this month, but the Ducks' ground attack didn't miss a beat with freshman LaMichael James, who entered the game with an Oregon freshman-record 1,193 yards.

Oregon had scored at least 40 points in six of seven Pac-10 games, including its last four, and the Ducks looked unstoppable on the game's opening possession. They marched 74 yards in nine plays, with Masoli snaking 14 yards up the middle to give Oregon a 7-0 lead.

Masoli made it 14-0 with another big play early in the second quarter. Masoli spun out of a sack, scrambled to his right and pegged the ball to Maehl, who caught it in the midst of three defenders and then dove into the end zone for a 9-yard TD.

Early in the second quarter, Arizona's defense came up with a play that turned the momentum. Free safety Cam Nelson deflected Masoli's pass, and linebacker Sterling Lewis intercepted at Oregon's 44.

Five plays later, Foles lobbed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Criner, who snatched the ball away from cornerback Cliff Harris in the back corner of the end zone.

Arizona stuffed Oregon on its next possession, and the Wildcats went 37 yards in 49 seconds, drawing within 14-10 on a career-long 47-yard field goal by Alex Zendejas as the first half ended.

Arizona took its first lead, 17-10, on an 8-yard run by fourth-string tailback Nick Booth five minutes into the third quarter.

The Wildcats made it 24-14 early in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard strike from Foles to Wright 1:03 into the final quarter.

The Ducks responded with a 10-play, 79-yard march that took only 2:54. Masoli walked in from a yard out to whittle the deficit to 24-21 with 10:57 to play.

Oregon Gets Wild Win Over 'Cats in 2OT originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>FanHouse NewswireSun, 22 Nov 2009 00:10:00 EST Arizona Likely Drops Out Of Pac-10 Racehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/arizona-drops-out-of-pac-10-race/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/arizona-drops-out-of-pac-10-race/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/arizona-drops-out-of-pac-10-race/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the best conference races in college football has been the one going down in the Pac-10. Heading into today, five teams were still competing for a shot at the Rose Bowl: Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, Arizona and USC. Stanford's wood-shedding of USC eliminated one contender in a big way, and Cal likely did Arizona the honors in bumping the Wildcats 24-16.

Arizona, of course, is the only team in the league not to have gone to the Rose Bowl. The fact has been a nagging itch for the Wildcat football program, desperate for consistency and a trip to Pasadena to hang their hat on.

The Wildcats likely won't get it in 2009.

Cal kept quarterback Nick Foles and the Wildcat offense in check throughout, limiting Arizona to just 17 first downs and 276 yards. Its a disappointing elimination for Arizona, which had won three in a row including a wild victory over surging Stanford, 43-38.

The Wildcats now stare out into the desert at a trio of toughies, hosting Oregon then traveling to rival Arizona State and at bruised USC. Their 6-3 record is good enough for bowl eligibility but another two to three wins would signal something of a return to the consistency of the Dick Tomey era and a final parting with the malaise of hard times under former coach John Mackovic.

Arizona Likely Drops Out Of Pac-10 Race originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dick TomeyJohn MackovicNick FolesBrian GrummellSat, 14 Nov 2009 23:20:00 EST Believe It or Not: Arizona Is Rankedhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/believe-it-or-not-arizona-is-ranked/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/believe-it-or-not-arizona-is-ranked/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/believe-it-or-not-arizona-is-ranked/#commentsFiled under: ,

On Sunday morning, after waking up and throwing back a glass of H2O, I did what I always do ... opened the laptop and checked the college football rankings. It's a habit of mine, for no particular reason at all. I'm not a huge fan of a big powerhouse, sans my affiliation to my home state Texas teams.

This Sunday was different. I was pulling the rankings up with a purpose. I was going to see something I'd never seen in all my years as a football fan. My school would be ranked. My college was going to matter.

The University of Arizona is ranked in all the major college football polls for the first time since I set foot in Tucson, as a clueless 18-year-old hoping that I made the right choice with my selection. (Turns out, beautiful weather, all the golf I could ask for and a female student body that rivaled John Mayer's groupies is the recipe you want in a four year school.)
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I went to Arizona for a reason only sports fans could understand ... I wanted to be a part of a powerhouse. Of course, the Wildcats were that in basketball. I went when the team was preseason number one, outfitted with a sneaky quick point guard (Jason Gardner), a lock-loaded forward (Luke Walton) and a freshman class that was as talented as anything you could find in the country (Hassan Adams and Andre Iguodala). Of course, Gardner forgot how to shoot, the Wildcats couldn't get passed an equally stacked Kansas team in the Elite Eight and the curse of Wildcat athletics began. True story -- my junior year was the first time a senior class didn't make it to a Final Four under Lute Olson.

So, did we turn to football? Yeah, not so much. The pigskin team I was given as a undergrad was as pitiful as late night Los Betos. How bad was the squad?

In 2003, when the eventual national champion LSU Tigers came to town, I was the beat reporter for the school newspaper, set to cover the football team, and we played so poorly I gave the "Player of the Game" award to a cop that laid a perfect form tackle on a drunk student that ran out on the field in the second quarter. (And, honestly, if that police officer hadn't been in his 40s, the Wildcats may have thought about adding him to a defense that was kilometers away from the once herald "Desert Swarm".)

As you probably expect, Arizona playing this well is a treat. We have a coach that is as passionate as anyone in the country on the sidelines, basically bringing Olson's intensity to the gridiron. We have an offense that can move the ball. Our defense is top rate. I actually uttered the words, "You know, if we take down USC ..." before being slapped in the face by a friend.

The defeat of UCLA was something Wildcat fans haven't come to expect. The team played poorly, made a bunch of mistakes, didn't have their best stuff, and still won. Two years ago, with that effort, Arizona would have been stomping back to the lockers, heads hanging, with the fans grumbling yet again about how this team just doesn't have it.

Coaches have come to the Old Pueblo in unison, proclaiming how they'd be the guy to take the Wildcats to their first ever Rose Bowl. It's a joke ASU fans constantly hide behind, because it scares them to think that U of A is actually better than them at their own game. (Sadly, it's true ... the Wildcats are a better football team than the Sun Devils, tenfold. It isn't even close at this point.) Now, for the first time in years, a Rose Bowl visit isn't out of the question, albeit damn difficult. The last three games will be against Oregon, ASU and USC. Those are three games the Wildcats usually drop. It's in our nature to fail at the end of the season. That's what Arizona does.

But maybe it's different. Maybe, just maybe, this is a real football team. Maybe the win last year in the Las Vegas Bowl wasn't a mirage, but some sort of foreshadowing to what is to come. Maybe Arizona will stop sucking, finally, and people will begin buying football tickets for more reasons than just to get themselves in the basketball ticket lottery.

It still wouldn't be Arizona fans without this comment I heard Saturday night while basking in the glory of our 5-2 record. A friend, commenting on the upcoming schedule, started to complain about the Wildcats. It seems we've become too good, and if we continue down this path, we won't get another invite to the Las Vegas Bowl.

Welcome to the University of Arizona ... where the tailgate will always be more important than the score.

Believe It or Not: Arizona Is Ranked originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shane BaconSun, 25 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST Game-Winning Touchdown in Dispute: Did the Ball Hit the Ground?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/game-winning-touchdown-in-dispute-did-the-ball-hit-the-ground/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/game-winning-touchdown-in-dispute-did-the-ball-hit-the-ground/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/game-winning-touchdown-in-dispute-did-the-ball-hit-the-ground/#commentsFiled under: ,



Washington linebacker Mason Foster was named Pac-10 defensive player of the week on Monday after he scored the game-winning touchdown off a deflected interception in Saturday's win over Arizona. But there's one big problem with Foster's big play: Many viewers don't think his interception should have counted at all.

These are the facts: With 2:49 left in the game, Arizona led 33-28 and was attempting to run out the clock when Arizona quarterback Nick Foles threw a screen pass to Delashaun Dean. After a bounce, Foster plucked the ball out of the air and ran to the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

This is the dispute: Did the ball bounce off the ground, or off Dean's foot? The officials on the field ruled that it hit Dean's foot, and that Foster caught the ball before it ever hit the ground. That ruling was upheld on replay. But many viewers, especially Arizona fans, think it hit the ground.

These images, in particular, have been seized on by Arizona fans who say the ball hit the ground, and the play should have been ruled an incomplete pass. Washington fans, however, say the angle the ball took on the bounce indicates that it was bouncing off Dean's foot, not off the ground.

So what's the truth? Did the ball hit the ground, or did it just hit Dean's foot? Tell me on Twitter @MichaelDavSmith.
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Game-Winning Touchdown in Dispute: Did the Ball Hit the Ground? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael David SmithMon, 12 Oct 2009 17:50:00 EST Iowa Shuts Down Arizonahttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/iowa-shuts-down-arizona/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/iowa-shuts-down-arizona/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/iowa-shuts-down-arizona/#commentsFiled under: ,

IowaIt was a measure of revenge for the Big Ten this afternoon in Iowa City as the Iowa Hawkeyes knocked off the Arizona Wildcats, 27-17.

The Hawkeyes were led by their defense, which held Arizona's powerful rushing attack to 146 yards and kept the nation's No. 2 rusher, Arizona's Nic Grigsby, to just 74 yards on 11 carries. Arizona didn't score an offensive touchdown until 1:55 remained in the fourth quarter and only managed eight first downs all afternoon.

Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi started slowly, throwing a first-quarter interception which Arizona's Trevin Wade returned for a touchdown. Stanzi finished 20 of 32 for 205 yards.

Iowa's running game, which was thought to be a lost cause when projected starter Jewel Hampton went down with a kneee injury during the preseason, helped the Hawkeyes hold onto a lead from the second quarter on. Freshman running backs Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher both scored touchdowns on goal line plunges, Robinson from one yard out and Wegher from two.

Still, the Iowa defense was the difference maker today. The Hawkeye pass defense made Arizona quarterback Matt Scott struggle to find an open receiver. Scott completed only four of his fourteen pass attempts. He was replaced by backup Nick Foles early in the fourth quarter in what has to be considered an act of mercy.

The win doesn't exactly settle the score between the Pac 10 and Big Ten but it does leave Iowa as the last Big Ten team to win a bowl game and the last Big Ten team to defeat a team from the Pac 10, the SEC (South Carolina in last season's Outback Bowl), and the Big 12 (Iowa State last week).

For Arizona coach Mike Stoops it was an unpleasant return to Iowa City. Stoops played defensive back for the Hawkeyes in the eary 1980s, as did his older brother, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, and his younger brother, Arizona defensive coordinator Mark Stoops.

Arizona fell to 2-1 on the season in advance of a trip to Oregon State next Saturday. The 3-0 Hawkeyes will travel into a Happy Valley whiteout next weekend to face Penn State.

Iowa Shuts Down Arizona originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam Robinsonbrandon wegherBrandonWeghermatt scottMattScottmike stoopsMikeStoopsnic grigsbyNicGrigsbyricky stanziRickyStanziTrevin WadeMark HastySat, 19 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST Pac-10 Predictions: Can Rest of League Finally Bear Down on USC?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/09/pac-10-predictions-can-rest-of-league-finally-bear-down-on-usc/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/09/pac-10-predictions-can-rest-of-league-finally-bear-down-on-usc/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/09/pac-10-predictions-can-rest-of-league-finally-bear-down-on-usc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Aaron Corp, USC quarterbackSo is this the year someone besides USC wins the Pac-10 title and gains the automatic BCS bowl berth?

If there is ever a year for USC to get chased from behind and caught, this is this year. The Trojans are breaking in a new quarterback in Aaron Corp and replacing several departed starters to the NFL draft.

So who's it going to be? Cal? Can the Golden Bears overcome early-season trap games and win the games they are supposed to and make it interesting? Can Oregon beat USC at home and win difficult road games and take the title? And how about Oregon State? Do Mike Riley teams always have to start 1-3 before getting into high gear?

And what about the rest of the field? Is this Stanford's breakout year? Is UCLA ready to become a Pac-10 factor again? And is Arizona really the third worst team in the conference as it was picked by the media? These are all intriguing questions that will be worked out in the coming weeks.

Our standings preview and records predictions are after the jump.

1. USC (10-2 overall, 8-1 conference). You have to knock out the champion to take the title and the Trojans are vulnerable but still strong enough to retain the crown. They may trip with an early season game at Ohio State. There are three difficult conference road games (at Cal, at Oregon and at Arizona State) and the Trojans will lose one of those, likely at Oregon.

2. Cal (10-2, 7-2). Cal tailback Jahvid Best said the team is ready for the opener at Maryland, but the question is whether the Bears will be prepared for the Oct. 4 matchup against USC followed by a road game at Oregon. The Bears still split those two games but will lose at Arizona State, a place where they have never played well. And the final two games at Stanford and Washington are trap games. The Bears will have to be careful.

3. Oregon (9-3, 6-3). The Ducks may be 0-1 before anybody else if they lose to Boise State in the opener. The good news is that all of their difficult conference games are at Autzen Stadium, a place they play extremely well. If you would ask any top-tier Pac-10 team, they would lose a road schedule of UCLA, Washington, Stanford and Arizona. So the Ducks, behind bruising quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, have a chance to grab the title.

4. Oregon State (8-4, 5-4). The Beavers have a chance to be 3-0 going into their conference opener at Arizona, but you know with Riley's team, matters won't be that easy. Oregon State plays at Arizona State, at USC and at Cal in a five-week span, all teams they were beaten at Reser Stadium last season and looking for payback. So it maybe rough for the Beavers to compete with the big boys, especially with an uncertain situation at quarterback between Lyle Moevao and Sean Canfield.

5. Stanford (6-6, 4-5). Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh knows he's close to producing a winner and Stanford could be 4-1 heading into a two-game road stretch at Oregon State and Arizona. Stanford has to win the early conference games because the Cardinal ends with Arizona State, Oregon, USC and Cal back-to-back. So it will be Stanford's first trip to a bowl in years but with a .500 record. Can Andrew Luck withstand the brutality of the Pac-10 as a redshirt freshman? Harbaugh is banking on that.

6. Arizona State (6-6, 4-5). Danny Sullivan takes over at quarterback for Rudy Carpenter, but the Sun Devils were really average last season with a lot of talent, so someone is going to need to respond to prevent another disappointing season. They will get their chins checked in week 3 at Georgia but like Stanford, the Sun Devils don't face the meat of their conference schedule until the end. So Sullivan will get a chance to gain experience before the really rough games. Look out for receiver Kyle Williams, the son of Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams. Kyle could be a first-team Pac-10 selection this season.


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Louisville receiver Trent Guy spins a football on his finger during the team's media day for the upcoming NCAA college football season in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
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    Nebraska's Kyler Reed (25), and J.T. Kerr work on blocking drills Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, during the first day of fall football practice camp in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

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    Nebraska quarterback Cody Green, a freshman from Dayton, Texas, throws a football on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009. during the first day of fall training camp in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

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7. Arizona (6-6, 3-6). It would be beneficial for Mike Stoops' team to nab early wins at Oregon State and Washington because the schedule gets no easier, and maybe that's why the media picks the Wildcats to finish eighth. Stoops has still not made a decision at quarterback - either Matt Scott or Nick Foles - and the Wildcats have never been a great offensive team, so there are some major questions. Arizona will have to rely on a tough decision and likely a ball-control offense.

8. UCLA (5-7, 3-6). The Bruins are getting closer but not quite ready yet for prime time. They have five conference road games, including four of their final six. Coach Rick Neuheisel named Kevin Prince as the starting quarterback, but the Bruins don't have any proven offensive compliments to help him out. They are still very young, so UCLA will take its lumps, but the pain is all means to an end. Look for the Bruins to pull off a Halloween Night stunner at Oregon State.

9. Washington (3-9, 2-7). We just don't know enough about Washington's talent to pick the Huskies in any games besides Washington State and Arizona at home. But that may change soon under Steve Sarkisian. The schedule starts with LSU and includes Notre Dame on the road. USC comes to Seattle in Week 3, so the theme may just to try to stay healthy in the early going to survive the season and make positive strides.

10. Washington State (3-9, 1-8). Second-year coach Paul Wulff has had to put out more fires off the field than on the field, which is a major issue in Pullman. Has he had enough time to concentrate on improving the Cougars or has he spent so much time ridding the program of bad guys? Who is the quarterback? Who replaces Brandon Gibson as their best offensive player? The Cougs have five road games in seven weeks, so their lone win may come in the opener against Stanford.

Pac-10 Predictions: Can Rest of League Finally Bear Down on USC? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>aaron corpbrandon gibsondanny sullivanjahvid bestjeremiah masoliJim Harbaughkyle williamslyle moevaomatt scottMike Rileymike stoopsMikeStoopsnick folessteve sarkisianGary WashburnSun, 09 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST Pac-10 Media Day Notebookhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/31/pac-10-media-day-notebook/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/31/pac-10-media-day-notebook/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/31/pac-10-media-day-notebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mike StoopsLOS ANGELES -- USC was picked to win the Pac-10 football title for the seventh consecutive year by the media, and yet the coaches from all nine competitors -- including Arizona's Mike Stoops (right) and even USC coach Pete Carroll -- touched on the uncertainty of the Trojans this season.

USC received 28 of the 32 votes with California receiving three while third-place Oregon collected one vote. The Trojans will be breaking in a new quarterback and several new defenders since 11 players were taken in the NFL Draft. Perhaps this is the year another school emerges and takes the crown out of Los Angeles, but they approached Thursday precariously and with respect. There were no declarations that USC is going down or the reign is over -- not even from UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel.

"Eighteen months later, from the time I got the job we are athletic, stronger and more physical," Neuheisel said humbly after a 4-8 debut season in Westwood. "We're still relatively inexperienced. But I think great things are in store for our program."

Humility was the theme of the morning. There is a quiet confidence in many coaches that their programs have improved, but the proof will be on the field, and in the past seven years, USC has proven that it is superior -- winning many games with ease -- other than a couple of hiccups against Oregon State.

Has the rest of the field caught USC? Perhaps fans will see on Sept. 12 when USC visits Ohio State or maybe when Oregon kicks off the season at Boise State or UCLA faces Tennessee in Knoxville.

The uncertainty is apparent amongst other Pac-10 coaches because their teams -- like USC -- face inexperience at key positions. There is no team that appears loaded for a title run. Clubs such as Cal, Oregon and Oregon State will have to rely on newcomers immediately to puncture the USC aura, and the quest won't be easy.

Here are notes from each team's discussion with the media Thursday.

ARIZONA
Coach Mike Stoops said he could use two quarterbacks -- Nick Foles and Matt Scott -- entering the season and they will battle it out in fall camp. Stoops was not pleased being picked to finish eighth in the conference: "I think our lack of respect in this conference is built around maybe our ability to replace a very quality player in Willie Tuitama. I believe that we will be able to replace Willie with a couple of very able players."

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is a beast of a player who has drawn raves around the conference and could be a first-team All America this season.

ARIZONA STATE
The Sun Devils were picked fifth by the media but will use redshirt senior Danny Sullivan to replace the graduated Rudy Carpenter and will rely on gifted receiver Kyle Williams, bruising fullback Dimitri Nance and cornerback Mike Nixon. The question is whether Arizona State can respond from a highly disappointing season with games at Georgia, Oregon and UCLA. ASU does get Cal, USC and Arizona at home.

CAL
Coach Jeff Tedford said quarterback Kevin Riley is the starter heading into fall camp, but that doesn't mean Brock Mansion doesn't have a shot at the job. Tedford played roulette with his quarterbacks last season, benching both Riley and Nate Longshore. With the latter gone, Riley is the favorite, and Tedford would like to see one quarterback seize the job instead of a committee.

"I don't think there's any question if we achieve our goal, we need to be more consistent in the passing game," Tedford said. "Kevin has matured a lot. His experience puts him a step ahead. I am not a fan of quarterback by committee but I don't regret how we handled the quarterback situation last year because the bottom line is we have to be consistent. I don't know if we had one guy step up and handle it like they should. Hopefully we do have that this year."

OREGON
New coach Chip Kelly is excited about his potentially high-powered offense but the question is whether his wide receivers -- all relatively new -- will respond and catch passes. Rory Cavaille and Jamere Holland will be depended on to replace Jaison Williams and Terence Scott. The former duo have combined for six catches, but Oregon has reached a point of reloading, not rebuilding.

"Two years ago, people said we weren't going to recover after losing Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart and all of a sudden Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrette Blount show up," Kelly said. "So we are excited about our guys and they have an opportunity to step up. If people are going to deploy themselves defensively to take Ed (Dickson) away then that's going to free up some of our other guys. So if you've got to devote two people to Ed, then someone else has got to win."

And Kelly made it clear that he and cornerback Walter Thurmond III voted for Tim Tebow for first-team All SEC.

OREGON STATE
Coach Mike Riley said the Rodgers brothers -- or Brothers Rodgers -- Jacquizz and James -- are healthy and will be 100 percent going into fall camp. Jacquizz Rodgers, the conference's offensive player of the year as a freshman, missed most of the final three games with a shoulder injury. His healthy return will be essential to the Beavers' success. Riley also revealed that quarterback Lyle Moevao is not completely recovered from right shoulder surgery, leaving the door open for Sean Canfield to perhaps be the starter when Oregon State takes on Portland State on Sept. 5.

Canfield was instrumental in wins at Arizona and the critical win over then-No. 2 Cal in 2007.

STANFORD
Redshirt freshman Andrew Luck is the starting quarterback entering fall camp but coach Jim Harbaugh doesn't expect incumbent Tavita Pritchard, who led the Cardinal to its program-changing victory over USC two years ago, to give up the job.

"Tavita has started 19 games for Stanford and he is just not going concede to Andrew," Harbaugh said. "I would say this is far from settled but Andrew will be given the first chance to win the job and start at Washington State."

Toby Gerhart, a redshirt junior, could be Stanford's most physical runner since Tommy Vardell and is coming off a school-record 1,136-yard season.

UCLA
Neuheisel endorsed Kevin Prince as the team's new starting quarterback and he seems to be well adjusted for a redshirt freshman. Prince excelled during spring drills and appears to have won over his more experienced teammates.

"I think being a redshirt freshman, he was very composed out there (at spring practice)," linebacker Reggie Carter said. "We talked a lot of trash and said some crazy things to him. He did what he had to do and make some smart decisions. Once he gets the ball to where he needs on time, he will be a great player."

Also, running back Christian Ramirez, who missed last season because of academic ineligibility, will be the starter.

USC
Coach Pete Carroll said he has not given up on trying to find a way for freshman Frankie Telfort to play football. The freshman linebacker was advised to quit football because of a heart condition.

"We aren't going to give up on him," Carroll said. "We talked with his family about it. He's a good kid. He was unusually gifted as far as understanding football. I can't tell you we had anybody who knew so much about football as Frankie did."

Carroll revealed that weakside linebacker Malcolm Smith had surgery on his esophagus and is not 100 percent while strongside linebacker Luthur Brown may not be academically eligible.

WASHINGTON
Coach Steve Sarkisian was brimming with enthusiasm during his first media day as a head coach and said the Huskies are going to be "excited" for the season opener against LSU at Husky Stadium.

"I'm 35 years old, I'm crossing the 520 bridge, I'm staring at Husky Stadium and I'm the head coach at the University of Washington football program. This is an unbelievable honor," he said. "There's an aura about that place that is exciting. We're not the same football team [as eight months ago]."


Running back Chris Polk, highly touted before missing most of last season with shoulder surgery, should be back in the mix. Sarkisian said he still is waiting on the status of five junior college transfers.

WASHINGTON STATE
Quarterback Marshall Lobbestael is recovering from knee surgery but will compete with Kevin Lopina for the starting quarterback job. Weakside linebacker Louis Bland hurt his knee in spring drills and is still not completely healthy. Coach Paul Wulff said the Cougars wants to play a no-huddle offense to prevent injuries and increase depth.

2009 Pac-10 Preseason Media Poll:
1. USC (28) 316
2. California (3) 277
3. Oregon (1) 250
4. Oregon State 216
5. Arizona State 155
6. Stanford 150
7. UCLA 145
8. Arizona 142
9. Washington 74
10. Washington State 35

Pac-10 Media Day Notebook originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>andrew luckAndrewLuckbrock mansionBrockMansionchip kellyChipKellychris polkChrisPolkChristian RamirezChristianRamirezdanny sullivanDannySullivandimitri nanceDimitriNancefrankie telfortFrankieTelfortjacquizz rodgersJacquizzRodgersjaison williamsJaisonWilliamsjamere hollandJamereHollandjeremiah masoliJeremiahMasolijim harbaughJimHarbaughjonathan stewartJonathanStewartkevin princekevin rileyKevinPrinceKevinRileyKyle WilliamsKyleWilliamslegarrette blountLegarretteBlountLouis Bland LouisBlandLuthur BrownLuthurBrownlyle moevaoLyleMoevaoMalcolm SmithMalcolmSmithmarshall lobbestaelMarshallLobbestaelmatt scottMattScottMike NixonMike StoopsMikeNixonMikeStoopsnate longshoreNateLongshorenick folesNickFolespaul wulffPaulWulffpete carrollPeteCarrollreggie carterReggieCarterrick neuheiselRickNeuheiselrob gronkowskiRobGronkowskiRory CavailleRoryCavaillesean canfieldSeanCanfieldSteve SarkisianSteveSarkisiantavita pritchardTavitaPritchardTerence ScottTerenceScottToby GerhartTobyGerhartwalter thurmond iiiWalterThurmondIiiwillie tuitamaWillieTuitamaGary WashburnFri, 31 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST Will Year of Transition in Pac-10 Lead to USC's Ouster?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/29/everything-in-transition-in-pac-10-this-season-including-uscs/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/29/everything-in-transition-in-pac-10-this-season-including-uscs/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/29/everything-in-transition-in-pac-10-this-season-including-uscs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Pete Carroll, USCLOS ANGELES -- Perhaps there was a reason Pete Carroll pleaded with Mark Sanchez to return to USC for his senior season. He knew his Trojans would lose their gorilla grip on the Pac-10, and that is the enduring theme entering the conference's media day Thursday at the LAX Sheraton Hotel.

The Trojans are not the prohibitive favorites, but the precarious favorites with a slew of teams chasing them. But there's one major catch in their pursuit, most of the conference teams -- outside Washington -- are breaking in a new or less experienced quarterback. USC should be voted the favorites Thursday, but who is second?

Cal? The Bears have talent, including Heisman Trophy candidate Jahvid Best, but will quarterback Kevin Riley play consistently enough to lead them to big victories?

Oregon? The Ducks lost immense talent to the NFL draft and need a No. 1 wide receiver.

Arizona State? Rudy Carpenter is finally gone (didn't he back up Jake Plummer?)

Arizona? The Wildcats will be breaking in a quarterback who tossed 11 passes last year. Assuming he holds off the other candidate that tossed seven passes two years ago.

Oregon State? The Beavers have a dynamic running game but not much to pass.

So it will be a wide-open conference race, and this may be the year USC is brought down. Carroll named Aaron Corp the starting quarterback heading into fall camp and his responsibility will be to manage games and allow the superior rushing attack and defense win games.

Also, there has been no decision on the NCAA investigation regarding Reggie Bush, and that may be hovering over the program, but Carroll has overcome adversity before and the Trojans, who, with their perennial top-5 recruiting classes, reload, not rebuild.

California has to shake the tag of being a pseudo-power that shrinks in big games. The Bears haven't beaten USC in six years and were soundly beaten by Arizona on the road last year. Best is a brilliant running back but has durability issues and Cal will have to replace a trio of productive linebackers.

Oregon bullied Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl and found its quarterback in the process, Jeremiah Masoli. The Ducks have a new coach in Chip Kelly but lost a group of key players on offense and defense -- including Jeremiah Johnson, Jaison Williams and Patrick Chung. LeGarrette Blount turned in a rather quiet 1,000-yard season but will be depended on to thrive in Kelly's offense. The question with Oregon is the offensive line and a defense that returns just five starters.

The Beavers have the brothers Rodgers at running back but a quarterback controversy with Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao and have to replace productive wide receiver Sammie Stroughter.

Arizona is coming off a job-saving bowl win for Mike Stoops but lost four-year starter Willie Tuitama and will counter with sophomore Matt Scott and top-notch tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Wildcats will be a dark horse team but will have to mature fast.

Arizona State is coming off a disappointing losing season and will hand the quarterback reigns to Danny Sullivan, but Kyle Williams -- the son of Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams -- is an all-conference candidate and will be depended on to spark the offense.

Stanford is making great strides under coach Jim Harbaugh and has a shot at a bowl game. Tailback Toby Gerhart is a tough runner who will set the pace for the offense, and the Cardinal hope newcomers Andrew Luck is more consistent than Tavita Pritchard.

UCLA is going to take some time to challenge USC but quarterback Kevin Prince could be a future star. The Bruins have to find a starting running back and more talented skill players than in recent years. Senior defensive back Alterraun Verner is the best in the conference.

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    Texas quarterback Colt McCoy answers questions during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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    Texas quarterback Colt McCoy presses his lips together as he listens to a question during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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    Texas Tech offensive lineman Brandon Carter is shown during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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    Kansas State quarterback Carson Coffman is shown during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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    Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford talks to the press during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

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    Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops signs his autograph on some commemorative footballs during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

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    Baylor head coach Art Briles autographs a commemorative helmet during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

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    Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops talks with the reporters during the Big XII media day in Irving, Texas, on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

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    Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is shown during Big 12 Media Day in Irving, Texas, Tuesday, July 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

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That leaves us with the Washington schools, both of whom are in major transition. The Huskies have new coach Steve Sarkisian and returning quarterback Jake Locker, and have to be better than last year, when they finished 0-12 under Tyrone Willingham. Locker is an improving quarterback with great skills but he will need help for Washington to be competitive.

WSU coach Paul Wulff has dealt more with off-the-field issues than on-the-field since his tenure began, and the Cougars may not win a conference game.

Will Year of Transition in Pac-10 Lead to USC's Ouster? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>aaron corpAlterraun Vernerjahvid bestJaison Williamsjake lockerjim harbaughkevin princekevin rileyKevinRileylegarrette blountpaul wulffPete Carrollrob gronkowskisean canfieldsteve sarkisianGary WashburnWed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST Time for Colleges to Ban Facebook?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/01/time-for-colleges-to-ban-facebook/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/01/time-for-colleges-to-ban-facebook/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/01/time-for-colleges-to-ban-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Virtually every college athlete in the country is on Facebook now. This makes sense, it's hard not to be on Facebook if you're under 35, impossible if you're under 25. But Facebook has become a public relations minefield for major athletic programs across the country. Whether it's players being kicked out of school for making a threat in their status message (Wake Forest), posting racist comments about the newly elected President (Texas), setting off an internet firestorm over whether or not you actually posted messages on another person's wall (Georgia) or just having your idiotic responses to quizzes posted all over for others to enjoy (Michigan). This is just the tip of the Facebook iceberg, every program is in danger at every moment of every day. All of this attention and all of this danger raises an intriguing question: Is it time for athletic departments to ban their athletes from having social media profiles on Facebook, MySpace, and the like?

This week the University of Arizona took action to combat the dangers of Facebook, announcing that all of their athletes in every sport must set their profiles to private. Setting the profile to private means that only those people you select as friends can see your profile. Otherwise the profile remains visible to the entire network (generally your college). How serious is Arizona about the new policy? Athletes who don't comply risk losing their scholarships if their online conduct fails to "reflect the high standards of honor and dignity" expected by the school.

But Arizona's policy reflects a tenuous middle ground, once a student accepts a friend request from anyone, their profile becomes accessible. Putting this into context, while researching my new book, one University of Tennessee official confessed to creating fake profiles and then friending the athletes to keep tabs on them. How did he get the athletes to add him as a friend? He took the best looking girl he could find on the internet and built a fake profile around her. When the attractive girl's profile picture showed up in their friend requests, bang, they all accepted.

Fish meet bait.

The official would then monitor the page to find out if there was anything controversial there. But this was just a cursory check, officials can't monitor hundreds or thousands of athletes every minute of every day. Inevitably things slip through the cracks. It's why the athletes I trained with for the NFL Combine in 2008 all talked about what a tremendous issue Facebook had become for them. Quoting from the link:

"Thursday morning begins with talk of Myspace and Facebook. Specifically how much of a danger both of these networking sites are for college athletes. (Arkansas wide receiver) Marcus Monk and (Purdue wide receiver) Dorien Bryant lead the discussion. "We used to have these parties called Edward Fortyhands at Purdue. You had to have a forty taped to each of your hands, and have them finished before you could get them untaped. Everybody went to the parties, and there was a picture of me doing it. One day we got in trouble because Coach Tiller had a manager put all the pictures up on a slideshow, and then had us sit down and watch the pictures that they'd found of us. At the end Coach Tiller said, 'I want every single one of these pictures gone in two days or you have to answer to me.' We cleared that s**t up right fast."

Monk joins the conversation. "Same with Coach (Houston) Nutt. He walked into the front of the room with a big stack of pictures and papers and stuff and slammed it all down on the top of the table and said, 'I've got stuff on all y'all. Get it cleaned up.' That's why I'm not on none of them. Myspace, Facebook, none of them."

Antwan Stewart, combine trainer and former Tennessee defensive back, chimes in, "Oh man, Coach Fulmer killed us about that. One day he walked into the meeting room with the newspaper in his hand-they were doing a story about the pictures we had up -- and said, "Which one of you dumba***s -- that's the way he always started talking when someone got in trouble -- has been putting pictures up online? I want them down and I want them down now."

"The only guaranteed way to stay safe is to voluntarily abstain from Facebook. And we all know how well abstinence works for college kids."What's more, it's not only the things that an athlete might say on their page, it's what their friends might write on their wall. Athletes not only have to be responsible for themselves, they have to police others. And as if that weren't enough, they have to worry about whether or not photos of them are being posted by others online. Once they've been "tagged" in a photo, they have to remove the tag or it becomes visible to everyone. For colleges, they have to worry about undesirables: agents, stalkers, those with ulterior motives being able to easily contact their most popular players. Finally, many athletes include their email addresses, physical addresses, or even, amazingly, their cell phone numbers. It's a willful blindness that comes from being raised in a digitally public arena. I've argued before that at some point the prevalence of Facebook heralds a new social order, Mutually Assured Facebook Destruction. My thesis being that if you have a Facebook profile something could destroy you as easily as you could destroy someone else. So everyone has equal deterrence and minor controversies don't become major.

But that's not the present day case with celebrities, and make no mistake, major college athletes are celebrities. I'm waiting for something that I know is coming, when a rival student holds incriminating information on an athlete and waits to unleash that information on the blogosphere in the week leading up to a big game. Can you imagine the ethical issues raised? What if a Michael Phelps-esque bong photo finds it's way onto facebook featuring a star quarterback? It rapidly disappears, but a rival fan has saved it. For a couple of months all is silent, and then that fan heads out to Las Vegas and drops a good amount of money on the line. Then he or she releases the photo online and waits for the inevitable suspension to ensue. Bang, he pockets the difference on the line, his team wins, and he walks away with a kiling.

I guarantee you that a story line similar to this will happen in the next three years. Guarantee it. Just wait.

As a lawyer, I can tell you that a college has the right to make this Facebook exclusion rule for its student-athletes so long as it's applied evenly. That's why I think a college would need to restrict all athletes, from ladies lacrosse goalies to quarterbacks, to ensure that it's being applied fairly. I think singling out specific sports would reap a whirlwind of first amendment issues. As is, scholarship athletes at many schools sign a code of conduct agreement that is more stringent than that of a general athlete. This would be similar. Unpopular, but similar.

Kent State University has already flirted with an outright ban of Facebook for student-athletes. They backtracked after public criticism, choosing to encourage their athletes to embrace the site's privacy filters. Being the first college to announce an outright ban would bring media attention, much of it unfavorable, but is it the responsibility of a university to be popular or right? Would most parents really mind?

That leaves us with what is probably the ultimate question: First, is it fair to make all athletes at a school take an action because some of their fellow athletes are likely to cause problems for them? And, second, has Facebook become so fundamental to the collegiate experience that restricting access to it only leads to further isolation of athletes from their campus peers? I think both of these are really tough questions that don't have easy answers. And I think policies like the University of Arizona's, which is no doubt motivated by the dangers discussed above, while well-intentioned, are akin to being halfway pregnant. Either you are protected from Facebook revelations or you aren't. Right now, despite Arizona's new policy, their student-athletes are still a posting away from public danger and the university isn't much better protected from embarrassment or worse. The Arizona policy relies upon a more antiquated notion of what a "friend" is. Many people have Facebook friends they wouldn't even recognize in public. How do you know who is a snake in the grass and who's no threat at all?

Colleges are trying to come up with policies that work for social media, but right now their answers aren't really answers at all. More scandals are coming. Until then, the only guaranteed way to stay safe is to voluntarily abstain from Facebook. And we all know how well abstinence works for college kids. Right now, the ball is entirely in the college administrator's court.

Time for Colleges to Ban Facebook? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clay TravisWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST Can Stoops Keep Heat Up on Pac-10?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/03/can-other-stoops-make-another-move-on-pac-10s-contenders/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/03/can-other-stoops-make-another-move-on-pac-10s-contenders/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/03/can-other-stoops-make-another-move-on-pac-10s-contenders/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mike Stoops was on the proverbial hot seat before last season. After all, his Arizona Wildcats bumbled to a 17-29 mark in his first four seasons in Tucson. Fans were impatient and the pressure was beating on Stoops like the unrelenting desert sun. Stoops, whose brother Bob is the head coach at Oklahoma, finally found on-field success in 2008, leading UA to a 31-21 Las Vegas Bowl victory over favored Brigham Young, securing his job and giving the once downtrodden a program a boost.

Arizona has a chance to consistently compete with the second tier teams in the Pac-10 -- there is one top-tier team, USC -- and perhaps challenge the Trojans with some consistent recruiting classes fueled by the bowl win.
So life begins without four-year starting quarterback Willie Tuitama, stellar receiver Mike Thomas and offensive tackle Eben Britton, who has already made headlines by vowing to make all other 29 NFL teams pay for falling the second round. He was taken 39th overall by Jacksonville.

"That's what all programs do [bounce back]," Stoops said this week. "And I tell you one thing, that tells you we're getting a lot better players and developing players a lot better at a faster rate. So what it tells you is we're recruiting better players coming out of high school. And that's what helps your program develop. And that's a good thing. That tells you how far we've come. That's never happened here at Arizona that I could recall or recollected that we've had a guy go that early to jump into the NFL. It just shows the improvement in our program."

The Wildcats' most pressing concern is at quarterback, where Tuitama departed as the school's all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and completions. There is only inexperience behind him in sophomores Matt Scott and Nick Foles, a Michigan State transfer. Stoops mentioned both when discussing the position but Scott, who threw 11 passes as a freshman, is listed first on the summer depth chart.

"Obviously they are not going to have the experience but that just comes from playing," the coach said. "And that's something they will have to gain and adjust to as we go but I feel very good about our quarterback position, obviously that's the most vital. But I feel like Matt and Nick both give us a chance to win at the highest level."

The Wildcats' best NFL prospect is massive but athletic junior tight end Rob Gronkowski, who caught 47 passes for 10 touchdowns and a 14.3-yard average despite missing three games. He was a one-man machine against Oregon last November, catching 12 passes for 143 yards.

"Robby, just his physical dimensions make him a tough matchup with people because he's 6-6, 6-7, 270 pounds and runs a 4.7 (40-yard dash)," Stoops said. "There are just not guys who can do those type of things physically. And he's a great blocker."

Arizona appears ready to take that critical next step in the Pac-10 with a solid recruiting class that focused mostly on out-of-state players. Stoops doesn't anticipate a recruiting spike from last year's success until 2010. A soft early schedule with home games against Central Michigan and Northern Arizona prep the Wildcats for a season-defining three-game road swing at Iowa, Oregon State and Washington.

The final four games will determine whether the Wildcats are bowling or spending the winter in the desert. They ended the season with Cal, Oregon, Arizona State and USC.

"Obviously USC, they've been head and shoulders above the rest of us,' Stoops said. "They're consistency at playing at that level after losing as much talent as they do, I think that's a compliment to Pete (Carroll) and his staff because they do a great job of coaching and developing. It all starts with them."

The Wildcats seek to become a national factor and perennially compete with Oregon, Cal and Oregon State until USC can be dethroned.

"I think Oregon and Cal have really good teams coming back, it looks like to me," Stoops said. "And (Oregon State's) Mike Riley probably is the most underrated coach in the country. I think this is critical for our development of our program to take the next step, that we back up last year with another positive experience this year."

Latest College Football Images

    Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, center, smiles as he greets people before the "Evening With Joe" event Wednesday, May 27, 2009, in Fogelsville, Pa. Paterno said he'd like to see either Rutgers, Pittsburgh or Syracuse join the Big Ten. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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    Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno speaks with media in Fogelsville, Pa., before the "Evening With Joe" event on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    AP

    Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, center, drops into a three-point stance with Matthew Rauscher, left, and Frankie Rauscher, right, before the "Evening With Joe" event Wednesday, May 27, 2009, in Fogelsville, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    AP

    Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno speaks with media in Fogelsville, Pa., before the "Evening With Joe" event on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    AP

    Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno speaks with media in Fogelsville, Pa., before the "Evening With Joe" event on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    AP

    In this undated photo released by the University of Kentucky, Jeremy Jarmon is shown. Kentucky defensive end Jeremy Jarmon has been ruled ineligible for his senior season by the NCAA because of a failed drug test. He said at a news conference Saturday, May 23, 2009, he had inadvertently taken a banned substance that turned up positive during a random NCAA test in February. An appeal was denied, in effect ending his college football career. (AP Photo/University of Kentucky)

    AP

    In this Dec. 27, 2008, photo, Florida State's Corey Surrency signs autographs following the Champs Sports Bowl college football game in Orlando, Fla., against Wisconsin. The NCAA has denied Surrency's final appeal to play another year. The decision Tuesday, May 19, 2009, upheld an April ruling. It means the senior, who played just one year at Florida State, has used up his eligibility. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

    AP

    In this Nov. 1, 2008, photo, Boston College's Mark Herzlich plays against Clemson in an NCAA college football game in Boston. Herzlich, the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year, has cancer. Herzlich said Thursday, May 14, 2009, he was diagnosed earlier this week with Ewing's Sarcoma after feeling pain in his leg and will undergo more tests in his home state of Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

    AP

    Josh Halter is swarmed by family and friends after being named the drum major for The Ohio State University Marching Band in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (Jeff Hinckley/Columbus Dispatch/MCT)

    MCT

    Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, speaks to the media in Arlington, Va. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

    AP

Can Stoops Keep Heat Up on Pac-10? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>eben brittonEbenBrittonmike stoopsmike thomasMikeStoopsMikeThomasrob gronkowskiwillie tuitamaWillieTuitamaGary WashburnWed, 03 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST How to Program the Pac-10 Networkhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/18/how-to-program-the-pac-10-network/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/18/how-to-program-the-pac-10-network/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/18/how-to-program-the-pac-10-network/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pity the poor Pac-10; its revenues are barely half of the SEC, Big Ten, and, shudder, the ACC.

As a result, the Pac-10 is exploring a route that has already made it rain on the SEC and the Big Ten, starting their own network. The Big Ten started their own network in conjunction with FOX and netted $66 million from the network last year. Rather than start their own network, the SEC partnered with CBS and ESPN. Beginning this year the SEC will bring in -- wait for it -- $205 million a year just from television rights. Why does that matter? The Pac-10 conference had revenues of just $88.78 million in 2007. Yep, by 2009, the SEC will triple the Pac-10 in sports revenue. That's a huge deal in the arm's race that is major collegiate sports.

Fortunately, as a lover of all things college football, I'm here to help the Pac-10 ensure their network is a hit. How do we do that? Programming, baby, it's all about the programming.

Some people think Pac-10 fans don't care about football. That's a shameful stereotype. People in the Pac-10 care an awful lot about football. If they didn't care a lot about football, would 77,715 people turn out to watch spring games? That's an average of almost 8,000 per game! And it's just 18,007 fewer people than the 95,722 who showed up to watch Ohio State's spring game. So there. Pac-10 football rules. Face. End of argument. Except, you know, at Washington State. Where just 400 people showed up. Seriously, 400? I've had more people at one of my book signings. And that's in the South, where most people can't even read.

Plainly, people aren't showing up for Pac-10 spring football because the conference isn't selling itself well enough. There needs to be more zest, more verve, more feeling ... in short, Pac-10 network, better programming.

With that in mind, I've drafted a series of can't miss shows for your network to be.

1. Pete Carroll shirtless -- Watch as Carroll tweets, adds Facebook friends, talks on the phone with recruits, and goes for jogs in Southern California. All shirtless.

2. LenDale White's Taste of the Town -- Piggybacking on the insane popularity and extreme awkwardness of Todd Blackledge's Taste of the Town segment during ESPN football telecasts, White brings the experience to the Pac-10. Opening video montage shows LenDale trying to squeeze a live, wriggling octopus between two giant Oreo cookies, explaining that the best fish tacos feature twinkies, and closing with his catchphrase, "If I won't eat it, it ain't food."

3. Washington State football highlights 2008 -- Watch as the band executes complicated turns on the field! Meet a ticket-taker who always rips perfectly along the perforated edges! Is that Ryan Leaf waving from the crowd? All of this leads up to the game of the century, Washington vs. Washington State for all the marbles.

4. USC Song Girls vs. UCLA cheerleaders-- Bikini quiz bowl. Opening question: Which of these is an oxymoron? A) A Pac-10 sellout, B) Spencer Pratt, C) Jumbo shrimp or D) everything but B?

Second question: What is the plural of boob job? Debate.

5. "ElimiPete," Pac-10 coaches discuss the biggest game from every year, the time they upset USC -- Watch as former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, Oregon State's Mike Riley, and Stanford's Jim Harbaugh take us through upsets for the ages. Harbaugh: "I'm going to be honest with you, I'm not sure my team could have scored against air. Certainly not a strong air, like a bad wind that whipped up dust, no way."

6. How Bad USC Would Have Beaten You: Fired Pac-10 Coaches explain how bad you would have lost if you'd had to play USC -- Fired Washington State coach Bill Doba explains: "Your team would have lost 148-0. At least, maybe 248-0."


Latest College Football Images

    In this Nov. 1, 2008, photo, Boston College's Mark Herzlich plays against Clemson in an NCAA college football game in Boston. Herzlich, the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year, has cancer. Herzlich said Thursday, May 14, 2009, he was diagnosed earlier this week with Ewing's Sarcoma after feeling pain in his leg and will undergo more tests in his home state of Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

    AP

    Josh Halter is swarmed by family and friends after being named the drum major for The Ohio State University Marching Band in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (Jeff Hinckley/Columbus Dispatch/MCT)

    MCT

    Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, speaks to the media in Arlington, Va. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

    AP

    Penn State football coach Joe Paterno speaks to reporters in Arlington, Va., on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

    AP

    Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, speaks to the media in Arlington, Va. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

    AP

    Taylor Stokes wears his letter jacket on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 1, 2009. Stokes was the first black scholarship football player at Vanderbilt, and has returned 40 years later to finish his degree. He will graduate on May 8. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

    AP

    Taylor Stokes wears his letter jacket on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, May 1, 2009, in front of a statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the founder of the university. Stokes was the first black scholarship football player at Vanderbilt, and has returned 40 years later to finish his degree. He will graduate on May 8. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

    AP

    Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, left, and West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson, right, are sworn in before giving their testimony before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

    AP

    Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, left, testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. Also testifying on the panel are, from left, West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson, President and CEO of Valero Alamo Bowl Derrick Fox and Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

    AP

    Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier, right, testifies before the House Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing on the football Bowl Championship Series on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. Also testifying on the panel are, from left, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner and Bowl Championship Series coordinator John Swofford, West Mountain Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson, and President and CEO of Valero Alamo Bowl Derrick Fox. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

    AP



7. The Sellout -- Coaches reconstruct exactly what it was like to play in front of a sell-out crowd (Stanford and Arizona State excluded). "I remember I looked into the stadium, and there were no seats empty. I couldn't see a single seat! And I thought, my God, everyone on Earth is in the stadium. Right now, the whole Earth."

8. The Civil War starring former Oregon right tackle Geoff Schwartz and Civil War Journal's Danny Glover -- A fantastical melding of football with history. For 14 minutes, Schwartz, the self-professed largest Jewish man on Earth, takes us through the annals of Oregon and Oregon State. Then, just as you realize you don't really care, bang, Glover arrives and we all go on a walk along the sunken road at Antietam.

9. Cheat Like a Pro, Starring Reggie Bush -- Bush: "Some people say cheaters never win. I say, look at me, b***h." In each episode Reggie explains how to cheat in every sport, from spitballs in baseball to lead weights in the toe of your shoe for kickball. In the end it's all about making sure your family can live a life of luxury in Southern California.

10. Arizona State explains that they are, in fact, a member of the Pac-10 Conference -- Dennis Erickson takes us on a tour of campus. Included highlights: the football stadium and a Pac-10 banner flying from the upper deck, "I'm telling you, they don't just let you fly a Pac-10 flag for fun. You've got to be in the Pac-10."

11. "Back When I was Awesome," starring Lane Kiffin -- "Okay, I want you to be still for just a second, okay? Do you even know how awesome I was? So awesome I didn't even call the plays and got all the credit, okay. So awesome that if Clay Travis was calling the plays we would have averaged 40 points a game, okay. So awesome. A, okay, W, okay, E, okay, S, okay, O, okay, M, okay, E, okay..."

12. The Mountain West Conference Owns Us: Paid Programming -- Watch as MWC teams that the Pac-10 won't allow to join their conference, explain what it was like to go undefeated against the big, bad, Pac-10. As a special bonus, BYU gives 59 reasons why UCLA is godless.

13. It's Hard Out Here For An Asian: Norm Chow hustles his way to a head coaching job -- Opening monologue features Chow talking about his strengths, "I have the greatest calves of any offensive coordinator, I wear glasses, my voice is impeccable and deep, I sound like the whitest man on Earth. I don't understand why no one will hire me to coach."

Then Chow raps:

You know it's hard out here for an Asian
When he tryin' to get that money for the head coach
For the Philip Rivers' and the Carson Palmer's
Cause a whole lot of b***hes coachin' Tennessee

14. What football seems like under the influence of weed laced with other hallucinogenic compounds, starring the students of Cal-Berkeley -- Watch as drug-addled Cal students attempt to describe the best running plays of the year featuring Jahvid Best. "Best is like the best. He takes the football, and for just a minute he stands still, and then he's like, he lifts the football to the sky and all these scorpions are coming to take the football and Best is like, 'No, scorpion, you can't have my football. I'm going to run with it and then if I get hungry I might eat it and use it to feed all the people in Africa without food. Or I'm going to take a nap and curl up in the football, and then when the ladybugs knock on my door, I'm going to let them come inside too and we're all going to roll around in the grass where everyone touches down."

How to Program the Pac-10 Network originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 18 May 2009 16:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bill dobakarl dorrelllendale whitepete carrollClay TravisMon, 18 May 2009 16:19:00 EST College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announcedhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/30/college-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2009-announced/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/30/college-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2009-announced/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/30/college-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2009-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The National Football Foundation has announced 16 players and two coaches have ascended to the College Football Hall of Fame. Its not the sexiest list ever, but whatever, its got John Robinson and a pair of Heisman Trophy winners among the honorees.

Notre Dame receiver Tim Brown and (snicker) Miami quarterback Gino Torretta are joined by notables like Arizona's hard-hitting safety Chuck Cecil, Ohio State linebacker and ESPN analyst Chris Spielman, and West Virginia's Major Harris -- who was Pat White before there was a Pat White.

The Hall of Fame even got around to honoring Harvard center William Lewis who played more than a century ago, from 1892 to 1893. Disheveled Syracuse coach Dick MacPherson was the other coach inducted.

The remaining class of 2009:

Pervis Atkins (New Mexico State halfback 1958-1960)

Ed Dyas (Auburn fullback 1958-1960)

Gordon Hudson (BYU tight end 1980-1983)

Woodrow Lowe (Alabama linebacker 1972-1975)

Ed Margerum (Stanford receiver 1977-1980)

Steve McMichael (Texas defensive tackle 1976-1979)

Larry Station (Iowa linebacker 1982-1985)

Pat Swilling (Georgia Tech defensive end 1982-1985)

Curt Warner (Penn State tailback 1979-1982)

Grant Wistrom (Nebraska defensive end 1994-1997)

The honorees were selected from among an eligible list of dozens of players. To qualify they had to have been named first-team All Americans and been out of the game for at least 10 years. FanHouse congratulates all the honorees; thanks for providing us with all the great memories.

College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announced originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chris SpielmanChuck CecilCollege Football Hall of fameCurt WarnerDick MacPhersonEd DyasGino TorrettaGordon HudsonGrant WistromHeisman TrophyJohn RobinsonLarry StationMajor HarrisPat SwillingPervis AtkinsSteve McMichaelTim BrownWilliam LewisWoodrow LoweBrian GrummellThu, 30 Apr 2009 14:34:00 EST Pac-10's Nine Dwarves Aspire to Morehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/21/pac-10s-nine-dwarves-aspire-to-more/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/21/pac-10s-nine-dwarves-aspire-to-more/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/21/pac-10s-nine-dwarves-aspire-to-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

College Football Spring Storylines 2009 looks at the key developments and big news from spring ball.

Since 2002, the Pac-10 has been derisively called USC and the nine dwarves. Its more than a little unfair, but that's the prevailing wisdom. Although the conference is consistently among the deepest and most competitive around, USC's monopolized that top spot. Any chance of that changing this year begins with decisions those programs make this spring.

For Arizona, the spring challenge is finding a quarterback to replace longtime starter Willie Tuitama. Athletic sophomore Matt Scott has a narrow lead over the heftier Nick Foles while trying to master Sonny Dykes' high frequency pass attack. Seven starters do return on defense but they failed to find any strong vocal leadership among the returnees.

Up north in Tempe, Arizona State is also working to replace a departed quarterback. Thanks to a pair of recent transfers, the job has gotten easier for coach Dennis Erickson who is now down to three scholarship passers. The candidates are senior favorite Danny Sullivan, sophomore Samson Szakacsy and 6-foot-8 freshman Brock Osweiler. Fans are drooling at the novelty of Osweiler and he may have scared away two other competitors but the veterans obviously appear to have the lead.

Whoever emerges, he'll have this guy to throw to.

Sticking with a winning theme, Cal must also replace departed quarterback Nate Longshore. Incumbent Kevin Riley has the deep experience edge having started several games with occasional fits of brilliance like his off-the-bench bowl rescue job against Air Force. However, he has been unable to completely fend off the awesomely named Texan Brock Mansion or Beau Sweeney.

The position has been dodgy at best ever since the departure of Aaron Rodgers and Cal fans are itching for a return to the kind of play that had them nearly atop the college football world in 2004.

At stuffy Stanford, yet another quarterback battle is going on with what appears to be a mild upset. Incumbent Tavita Pritchard beat USC in 2007 but has been far from consistent or dominant to the point where Stanford followed a Woody Hayes styled run attack model last year. Enter redshirt freshman Andrew Luck who has folks buzzing after his 352-yard showing in their recent scrimmage. Coach Jim Harbaugh said he would be their starter if a game were played tomorrow.

Another team, another quarterback battle. UCLA remains unsatisfied with last year's emergency starter Kevin Craft and has mulled pulling the trigger for redshirt freshman Kevin Prince or true freshman Richard Brehaut. Prince pulled ahead last week only to fall back in several practices and scrimmages.

The Bruins are looking for improvement over the entire offense after the 2008 disaster and must now replace skilled defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker who left to coach New Mexico State. At least two performers -- defensive tackle Brian Price and cornerback Alterraun Verner -- could be Pac-10 first-teamers but openings abound nearly everywhere else.

Across town, juggernaut USC returns anywhere from three to five defensive starters but like nearly everyone else they have a quarterback battle getting most of the attention. We'll say quickly that the defense is loaded with stud recruits who ballhawk like its going out of style in reserve time and have impressed beyond expectation.

The offense simply needs to replace quarterback Mark Sanchez and things appear to be going smoothly with sophomore Aaron Corp all but securing the job at least through the summer. However, true freshman Matt Barkley may actually meet the hype, exceeding expectations and likely pushing the competition into at least the early fall particularly if he can cut down on turnovers.

One final quarterback battle is at Washington State who is looking for someone, anyone, to pilot them after a wasted 2008 for now second-year coach Paul Wulff. We have no idea whats going on there and it won't likely matter if the Cougars cannot piece together better lines to secure the trenches.

For those counting at home, that's seven quarterback battles among ten teams. It is both frightening and hope-filled for all these programs in a conference where teams quite often live and die with quarterback performance.

Apple Cup rival Washington is also looking to put an even worse, winless 2008 behind them. New coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt are bringing a ton of energy and enthusiasm (local columnists are rightly groaning) but nothing saves coaching souls like warm bodies. They've got quarterback Jake Locker and some decent linebackers to work with while little else is secure.

I'm not sure Sarkisian's program will be a winner there, but anything will surpass the malaise that followed good guy former coach Tyrone Willingham.

The always-lurking Oregon State Beavers have been at their best sticking to the program with coach Mike Riley. Less sizzle, more steak, the focus is probably on continued development of the overlooked talent on campus. That said, offensive understudies have had a bonanza of opportunities with the departure of both starting receivers and injuries to quarterback Lyle Moevao, tailback Jacquizz Rodgers and back/receiver brother James.

Unknown receiver Darrell Catchings put together a monster scrimmage recently with six catches for over 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Finally at Oregon, the Ducks are finishing the first spring under new coach Chip Kelly who moved from offensive coordinator to head coach after Mike Bellotti's retirement. Bellotti is still on the field serving as quarterback coach through the spring while Kelly sorts out the entire program.

Pac-10's Nine Dwarves Aspire to More originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Aaron CorpAndrew LuckBeau SweeneyBrock MansionBrock OsweilerChip KellyCollege Football Spring Storylines 2009Danny SullivanDarrell CatchingsDeWayne WalkerJacquizz RodgersJake LockerJames Rodgersjim harbaughKevin CraftKevin PrinceKevin RileyLyle MoevaoMatt BarkleyMatt ScottMike BellottiMike RileyNick FolesNick HoltPaul WulffRichard BrehautSamson SzakacsySonny DykesSteve SarkisianTavita PritchardBrian GrummellTue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST Willie Tuitama Charged With Suspicion of Extreme DUI, May Have Hurt Draft Stockhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/09/willie-tuitama-might-have-hurt-draft-status-with-suspicion-of-ex/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/09/willie-tuitama-might-have-hurt-draft-status-with-suspicion-of-ex/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/09/willie-tuitama-might-have-hurt-draft-status-with-suspicion-of-ex/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On the same weekend Charles Barkley was spending three days in jail for his DUI, a star college football player out of Tucson, Ariz., was getting arrested for the same crime.



Arizona senior quarterback Willie Tuitama was pulled over and charged with suspicion of extreme drunken driving. According to the Arizona traffic laws, a DUI is when your blood alcohol level (BAC) is between .08 and .14, with an extreme DUI at .15 or higher.

Tucson police arrested Tuitama early Sunday after a McDonald's worker flagged down a police sergeant, saying a customer who just left the drive-through window may have been impaired.

Police spokesman Officer Chuck Rydzak says the officer saw Tuitama run a red light and pulled him over.

Tuitama was a four-star recruit in high school before coming to Tucson as the face of a new-look Arizona football team. It could be argued that Willie was the best quarterback to ever play with the "A" on his helmet, setting Arizona career records in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts and completions.

Not only did he have a good career in Tucson, Willie left on the highest note possible, taking the Wildcats to their first bowl game since 1998, and receiving MVP honors of the Las Vegas Bowl when he went 24-for-35 for 325 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats' victory.

Draft experts had Tuitama as a seventh round pick or a possible free agency snag for teams, but this sort of thing might steer teams away quicker than a slow 40-yard dash.

Willie Tuitama Charged With Suspicion of Extreme DUI, May Have Hurt Draft Stock originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Charles BarkleyCharlesBarkleyWillie TuitamaWillieTuitamaShane BaconMon, 09 Mar 2009 22:40:00 EST The Rollercoaster Report: Who's Missing Out on the Scouting Combinehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/rollercoaster-report-whos-not-at-the-scouting-combine/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/rollercoaster-report-whos-not-at-the-scouting-combine/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/rollercoaster-report-whos-not-at-the-scouting-combine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Getty ImagesEach week, FanHouse's Rollercoaster Report will take a look at several NFL Draft prospects to find out which players' stocks are on the rise, and who's stuck in freefall.

More than 300 prospects begin workouts at the NFL scouting combine on Saturday in hopes of improving their draft stock. But what about the guys that didn't get the invitation to Indianapolis? The event features the best of the best, of course, but that does not mean there's no value to be found in the players staying home this weekend.

After the jump, a breakdown of five college stars that could hear their names called in April, despite being left off the Indianapolis invite list, and another handful who missed out on the combine for a reason.

On the Rise

Devin Moore, RB, Wyoming: It's hard to know what to make of Moore, but it's safe to say that some people were surprised when he did not make the cut for Indianapolis. Way back in May, WalterFootball.com called Moore the "2009 version of Chris Johnson," and the similarities -- quickness, smallish stature, non-BCS school -- are definitely there. Moore looked like he was making a move on the draft's first day after a strong senior season, but may have undone that progress when he ran a disappointing 4.41 in the 40 at his own, personal "combine."

Greg Carr, WR, Florida State: Between his own lethargy, and Florida State's abysmal quarterback play, Carr never took off like the Seminoles hoped he would. But he closed his career with a strong bowl-game showing, had a nice week as an injury replacement at the Senior Bowl and now teams are noticing his athletic 6-foot-6 frame again.

Mike Teel, QB, Rutgers: Teel (pictured) closed his final college season strong, guiding Rutgers to a second-half surge and a PapaJohns.com Bowl victory. He's not a sensational athlete, and he doesn't have a rocket for an arm, but he showed that he's capable of making an NFL roster.

Jason Williams, OLB, Western Illinois: Williams became just the second Leatherneck to attend the East-West Shrine Bowl, and he made the trip worthwhile. Even without then trekking to the combine, Williams will stay on teams' minds during the draft's second day; he's a versatile linebacker that could add some solid depth somewhere in the league.

Dropping Off

Willie TuitamaWillie Tuitama, QB, Arizona: After a nice senior campaign, Tuitama (pictured) was disappointed to be left out of the Indianapolis roll call. His 2008 numbers couldn't mask the fact, though, that he's a long-term project at best in the NFL's eyes, with far too many inconsistencies to be considered a hot prospect.

Brad Lester, RB, Auburn: There was some initial thought that Auburn's Brad Lester-Ben Tate combo could be reminiscent of Cadillac Williams-Ronnie Brown. Uh, not even close. Lester had a very disappointing senior season (and, really, college career), then suffered a late knee injury. He needs to do a lot to get back into sixth- or seventh-round consideration.

Maurice Crum Jr., LB, Notre Dame: Do you want the good or the bad? The good is that Crum was a four-year starter at Notre Dame, a two-year captain -- almost unheard of for the Irish -- and allowed himself to be moved around the field for the team's benefit. The downside? He's small (6-foot-0), never produced the numbers he was expected to and it's unclear which linebacker spot he's best suited for.

Jorvorskie Lane, FB, Texas A&M: You could argue that no player's NFL stock has plummeted as much in one year as Lane's. He might have inched into the first day in 2008, but instead returned to A&M, where Mike Sherman barely used him in the Aggies' new offense, and questions about his weight and desire lingered. Fullbacks are a dying breed as it is, so Lane must prove that he can both block and run the ball well to find a roster spot.

The Rollercoaster Report: Who's Missing Out on the Scouting Combine originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brad lesterBradLesterdevin mooreDevinMooregreg carrGregCarrJason williamsJasonWilliamsjorvorskie laneJorvorskieLanemaurice crumMauriceCrummike teelMikeTeelwillie tuitamaWillieTuitamaChris BurkeFri, 20 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST We've Found the Hasselhoff Las Vegas Bowl National Anthem Videohttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/22/weve-found-the-hasselhoff-las-vegas-bowl-national-anthem-video/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/22/weve-found-the-hasselhoff-las-vegas-bowl-national-anthem-video/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/22/weve-found-the-hasselhoff-las-vegas-bowl-national-anthem-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You can now rest easy safely ensconced in your wintry bed, we've found the video that delights young and old alike in wonderment and awe. We're talking of course about last week's National Anthem performance by the one and only David Hasselhoff at the Las Vegas Bowl.

In a better world, we all would have seen it nearly live with just a seven second tape delay. Unfortunately there's college basketball and the world isn't as awesome as it would seem. ESPN was set to show the Las Vegas Bowl, but a college basketball game scheduled before it ran entirely too long and some cutting had to be done to the early part of the football broadcast. That meant no discussion of OMG SNOW IN LAS VEGAS until the third quarter. No lengthy pregame table setting by Joe Tessitore. No Hoff Anthem. Sad faces everywhere, we know.

Fear not, what was taken from us can be at least partially restored, thanks to the Las Vegas Sun which put together the video, which is after the jump.

We've Found the Hasselhoff Las Vegas Bowl National Anthem Video originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>celebrities gone national anthemCelebritiesGoneNationalAnthemLas VegasLasVegasweirdBrian GrummellMon, 22 Dec 2008 14:11:00 EST Bowl Season '08: Arizona Wildcats Snarl BYU Cougars in Las Vegashttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/21/bowl-season-08-arizona-wildcats-snarl-byu-cougars-in-las-vegas/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/21/bowl-season-08-arizona-wildcats-snarl-byu-cougars-in-las-vegas/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/21/bowl-season-08-arizona-wildcats-snarl-byu-cougars-in-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

FanHouse gathers around the TV to bring you insights from Bowl Season '08.

So it snowed in Las Vegas this week. Cheeseburger happy David Hasselhoff sang the national anthem at the Las Vegas Bowl. Alcohol, drug and sin-free BYU fans made their way to America's modern Gomorrah. Yeah, weird was in the air.

Makes sense then that a Pac-10 team would turn the tables on what is usually the home to embarrassing bowl defeats for the conference. Arizona did the honors, holding off a late BYU rally to prevail 31-21. A pair of receivers were the stars in a sloppy game marred by countless fumbles and questionable organization by game officials.

For three quarters the game was up for grabs until Arizona broke through with a 24-yard touchdown pass at the end of the third quarter to go ahead 24-14. BYU threatened early in the fourth quarter getting to Arizona's 31-yard-line before quarterback Max Hall was intercepted in the back of the end zone thanks to a spectacular snag from Wildcat defensive back Marquis Hundley.

Wildcat senior receiver Michael Thomas got a worthless and staged last-minute reception to establish himself as the Pac-10's alltime career receptions leader. Kudos to the speedy smurf, its been a nice career.

Even more impressive, BYU's Austin Collie recorded his 11th consecutive 100-yard receiving game. His streak was in doubt until a flurry of late receptions helped him cross the mythical threshold. He finished with 11 catches and 119 yards that caps a magical season of more than 100 catches and 1,500+ yards.

The victory also helps the Pac-10 extract a small measure of revenge against the Mountain West, which had gone 1-6 against their big-conference foes in the regular season.

Meanwhile, a gaggle of giddy Arizona students emboldened by a victory are being unleashed upon Las Vegas as we speak. Its gonna be a long night for the good people of Sin City.

Bowl Season '08: Arizona Wildcats Snarl BYU Cougars in Las Vegas originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>BowlSeason08Brian GrummellSun, 21 Dec 2008 00:33:00 EST