NCAA Football FanHouse

BCS Title Could Be an All-SEC Affair

John Walters — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Bowling Green, Brigham Young, Colorado, Stanford, UCLA, Wyoming, Big 12, SEC

Blanket Coverage is a weekly rewind of all the action of Week 6, from the big opinions, to the small news, and, of course, coverage of all players named Ju-Ju.

In the second half of Florida's 13-3 win at LSU Saturday night, CBS color analyst Gary Danielson opined that a one-loss SEC team would play in the BCS Championship Game. Danielson's forecast seems fair enough, particularly considering the teams playing in front of him in Death Valley.

The Gators lost one game in both 2006 and 2008 and won the national championship. The Tigers lost two games in 2007 and beat Ohio State in the BCS title game. What Danielson failed to consider, though, was whether a one-loss SEC team with the second-best record in the conference might advance to Pasadena come January.

There is -- and I cannot emphasize this enough -- a lot of football remaining to be played. Still, let's imagine that the No. 1 Gators and No. 2 Alabama both advance to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta undefeated. The winner is a lock for a date at the Rose Bowl, but would voters ever allow a rematch between the two 33 days later?

What other BCS contenders might emerge? Let's look at the unbeatens:

-- Boise State and TCU are both undefeated, but neither non-BCS team will play for the national title.

-- In the Big Ten, Iowa is undefeated, but the Hawkeyes have won three home games versus three unranked teams by a total of six points. Visits to Madison, East Lansing and Columbus do not augur well for Kirk Ferentz's team.

-- Cincinnati and South Florida are unbeaten in the Big East, but they meet Thursday night. The winner will emerge with a more respectable resume, but there are too many one-loss teams with more cache and neither the Bearcats nor the Bulls will have a win against a Top-10 school this year.

-- The ACC and the Pac-10 have no unbeatens remaining.

-- Which brings us to the Big 12, where unbeatens Kansas and Texas will meet in Austin Nov. 21. Although who is to say that both, or even either the Jayhawks and Longhorns will be beaten by then? The cleanest result would be an undefeated Texas, currently No. 3, facing the SEC champion on January 7 in Pasadena. And there's nothing that ESPN covets more than a duel between Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy in the final game of their storied careers.

What if Texas loses, though? Here's an even more intriguing scenario: What if Alabama loses one SEC West game to a one-loss opponent such as Auburn or LSU? Could the Tide fail to play for the SEC championship but remain the most viable, and highly ranked, candidate to face Florida, a team they would not yet have played?

The feeling here is no. Which is why all of a sudden, the most fascinating tilt of the year for my money will take place on Halloween night in Eugene: USC at Oregon. The winner of this glamour game just might leap ahead of one-loss Virginia Tech in the polls and, should the Longhorns fail to finish undefeated versus a rough Big 12 field, be in the driver's seat.

Just think ... a national championship pitting Florida and Tim "God Bless" Tebow versus Oregon and resurrected rusher LaGarrette Blount. The player who absorbed the most talked-about blow to the head this season on one sideline and the player who delivered the most notorious such hit on the other. That would be a ... knockout.

One monstrous, blow-up-the-BCS caveat: Would there be any way to justify sending Oregon to the Rose Bowl over an undefeated Boise State team that defeated them?

Keeping Up With the Hawkins

Try being Misti Rae Ann Hawkins this week. On Saturday, she watched her oldest son get benched in a nationally televised game in primetime. And she saw her husband bench him.

Cody Hawkins, Colorado's 5-foot-11 junior quarterback, has actually played in three nationally televised games in primetime this season: at Toledo, at West Virginia and this weekend, at Texas. In those three games, all losses, Hawkins has accumulated the following numbers: 63-134 passes (47 percent), eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. The defeats are not Cody's fault alone, but his 102.4 passer rating does not put him among the top 100 passers in the FBS.

On Saturday, with the 1-3 Buffs driving for a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter against the No. 2 Longhorns, Hawkins underthrew a pass into the right flat. Texas cornerback Earl Thomas picked it off and returned it 92 yards for a score, the Longhorns' longest interception return for a TD since 1938.

On the ensuing Buff possession, Colorado coach Dan Hawkins burned the redshirt of sophomore Tyler Hansen, inserting him at quarterback in place of his son. It's the second time in as many years that Hansen's redshirt status has been erased at midseason. After the game Hawkins named Hansen the starter going forward, saying of his son's costly interception, "He's gotta make that throw."

Temperatures have been in the teens along the Front Range this weekend, but it's about to get even chillier at the Hawkins household.

Incredible INT

You may never see a stranger interception than the one UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers had against Oregon. Duck quarterback Nate Costa, falling out of the back of his own endzone, tried to force a bullet over Ayers' head. Ayers leaped in the air and caught it, then had to worry about getting one foot in bounds himself without landing past the back line. He did.

Even Costa was in awe. "That was just a flat-out great play," he said. It was also the Bruins' only touchdown in their 24-10 loss.

Now This Is a White Out

Seven inches of snow fell on Friday night in Laramie, Wyo., and the temperature at kickoff was 15 degrees, yet 14,502 hearty (foolhardy?) fans huddled in War Memorial Stadium to watch the Cowboys defeat New Mexico, 37-13, on Saturday. How brutal were the conditions? The winless Lobos spent Friday evening at a hotel in Cheyenne, 50 miles east, and on Saturday morning needed a two-snowplow escort across a closed Interstate 80 in order to make it to the game.

A Man for all Seasons

Give Stanford credit for knowing how to promote a Heisman candidate with subtlety and a sense of humor. Tailback Toby Gerhart entered the weekend fourth in the nation in rushing (130 yards per game) and even ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit said that Gerhart was among his top three Heisman nominees. Gerhart also happens to be a MLB prospect as an outfielder, which prompted the Stanford athletic department to put together this video of the studly senior trying his hand at other sports.

Sly, Stanford. Promoting Gerhart while also promoting your non-revenue sports. My only question is how someone who lives year-round in California be that pale?

An Education

Michigan's true freshmen quarterbacks, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, are learning the ups-and-downs of late-game heroics. In consecutive road losses each has accounted for a late touchdown only to follow it up on the ensuing drive with an interception that cost the Wolverines the game. Forcier led the Wolverines on a 14-point fourth quarter comeback at Michigan State two weeks ago, then threw a deflected pick in overtime of the 26-20 loss.

Robinson, who entered Saturday's game at Iowa with Michigan trailing 30-21 midway in the fourth quarter, calmly led the Wolverines on a scoring drive, capped by his own three-yard TD rush. On Michigan's next drive he missed two wide-open receivers and instead tossed a prayer into double coverage as the Maize and Blue lost 30-28.

JJ, Jo Jo and Ju Ju

BYU's JJ DiLuigi caught a 15-yard touchdown pass while teammate Jo Jo Pili added a one-yard rushing TD in the Cougars' 59-21 win at UNLV. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech backup quarterback Ju-Ju Clayton threw an 80-yard touchdown strike in the Hokies' 48-14 demolition of Boston College.

Stats Incredible

A smattering of bizarre statistics or eye-popping numbers from Saturday's games:

-- Florida's defense has only allowed two touchdowns in 61 opponents' drives (3.3 percent) this season. As coach Urban Meyer told ESPN's Chris Fowler in the midnight hour from Baton Rouge, "You can't be a great team unless you have a great defense."

-- Bowling Green wideout Freddie Barnes caught 22 passes in the Falcons' 36-35 win at Kent State. Barnes leads the nation with 12.5 receptions per game, a full 33 percent more catches than the No. 2 receiver, Jordan Shipley of Texas (9.4 per game), grabs. Shipley's circus-quality highlights do show up on "College Football Final" an awful lot more, though.

-- Georgia's offense failed to get in the red zone in the Bulldogs' 45-19 loss at Tennessee. It was the first time in 38 meetings that neither the Dawgs nor Vols entered the game ranked.

-- Arkansas held Auburn scoreless in the first quarter of their 44-23 win against the No. 17 Tigers. It marked the first time in 21 quarters this season that Gus Malzahn's offense had failed to put a point on the board.

-- Boston College quarterback Dave Shinskie, a 25 year-old freshman who had previously pitched in the minor leagues, was 0-for-9 passing with two interceptions in the first half of the Eagles' 48-14 loss at Virginia Tech. Shinskie finished 1-12 for 4 yards.

-- How good is Oklahoma's front seven? Baylor's leading rusher in Saturday's 33-7 defeat, Terrance Ganaway, ran four times for 8 yards.

-- Wisconsin's offense doubled up Ohio State's in yardage, 368 to 184, but a pair of pick-sixes by Badger QB Scott Tolzien helped the Buckeyes to a 31-13 win. SEC Squared for the BCS title?

BCS Title Could Be an All-SEC Affair originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frosh QB Looks Like Fit for UCLA

Lonnie White — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: UCLA, Pac 10

LOS ANGELES -- Based on the inconsistent history of UCLA's football program, smart money would go against the undefeated Bruins overcoming the loss of starting quarterback Kevin Prince and winning the Rose Bowl this season.

Why? Well, let's start with the fact that UCLA has only represented the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl twice since Jan. 1, 1986 and the last time the Bruins played a bowl game in their own home stadium was Jan. 1, 1999, when they lost to Wisconsin, 38-31.

Then there's UCLA's poor track record in bowl games. In 29 postseason appearances, the Bruins are 13-15-1, including defeats in four of their last bowl games.

Want more? Just go back to last season when rookie coach Rick Neuheisel led UCLA to a 4-8 record, the program's worst in 20 years.

More Coverage: UCLA Suspends 4 Players for Kansas St. Game

It's a good thing that the 2009 Bruins aren't into looking into the past.

"People like to think that UCLA has a soft program because we play in Westwood and enjoy all the good things about Southern California," UCLA senior linebacker Reggie Carter said before this season began.

"That could not be further from the truth. We work hard and love to play physical football. That's a perception we plan to change."

UCLA certainly played with newfound toughness in winning its first two games.

With Neuheisel turning to Prince, a redshirt freshman, the Bruins opened with a 33-14 victory over San Diego State at the Rose Bowl.

Although UCLA had never lost to the Aztecs, the Bruins found themselves trailing, 14-3, late in the first quarter before rallying behind Prince to win going away.

A good win but not as impressive as last week's gutsy victory at Tennessee, which began the season as one of the most talked about teams in the vaunted SEC.

In front of a rowdy Neyland Stadium crowd of more than 102,000, UCLA made timely plays throughout with Prince providing steady leadership in completing 11 of 23 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

The Bruins' defense also got the job done in holding the Volunteers to 208 total yards and forcing four turnovers, which included two interceptions by safety Rahim Moore.

The win, however, proved costly because late in the fourth quarter, Prince suffered a broken jaw when he was tackled in the end zone for a safety.

The injury may make or break UCLA's season.

"It's devastating for him, because he's worked so hard to be in this position," Neuheisel said Monday of Prince, a highly regarded 2008 recruit who worked as UCLA's No. 2 quarterback throughout last season but did not take a snap.

It's now up to Neuheisel to pick a replacement at quarterback for Prince, who had surgery Monday to wire his jaw shut after it was fractured in two places.

Neuheisel, who has a reputation for going against the odds, could go with a predictable choice in senior Kevin Craft, a veteran who once started at San Diego State and played one junior college season before transferring to UCLA last year, or take a chance with true freshman Richard Brehaut.

For those who know Neuheisel, his choice has already been made. Even though the Bruins have said that a decision will be made after a week of practices, expect Brehaut, who joined the Bruins' program after graduating early from high school in January, to be the man when UCLA takes on Kansas State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

After watching Craft start all 12 games last season, Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow have a good feel of what he brings to the table.

Sometimes, Craft can look great (like when he led the Bruins to comeback victories over Tennessee and Stanford) and other times when he can struggle (20 interceptions and multiple fumbles last season).

In Brehaut, a standout recruit from Los Osos High in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., the upside strongly tops the negative.

Coming out of high school, some recruiting experts considered Brehaut a better player than USC true freshman quarterback Matt Barkley and he finished training camp listed as UCLA's backup quarterback. In UCLA's season opener against San Diego State, Brehaut got in for several plays and completed his only two pass attempts for 39 yards.

If Brehaut gets the nod, he will be the first true freshman to start at quarterback for UCLA since Drew Olson called signals in the ninth game of the 2002 season.

"Whichever quarterback we give the chance to, the other one still has to be ready," Neuheisel said. "Even with Kevin out, you're still going to be playing with a lot of inexperience on offense, whether it be Brehaut or Craft. We're going to be at home, fortunately, so hopefully we can communicate at the line of scrimmage."

After playing Kansas State, UCLA has a bye and Neuheisel said he hopes Prince will be available for the Bruins' Pac-10 opener against Oregon at the Rose Bowl on Oct. 3.

Frosh QB Looks Like Fit for UCLA originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crompton's Rocky Flop Could Spell Doom for Tennessee's Season

Clay Travis — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Tennessee, UCLA

As night fell in Knoxville, a father dropped back to pass to his son.

"Go out five yards," he said.

The son, a portly 9 or 10 years old in an orange Eric Berry No. 14 jersey, ran a wobbly five yards and turned to receive his daddy's pass. The football whizzed in his direction, slammed into the pavement three yards short of its target and bounced high into the night air.

"I'm Jonathan Crompton," the dad said. Fellow tailgaters erupted in guffaws as the son tracked down the ball in the fading light.

It's come to this in Knoxville. One week after offering a tantalizing glimpse that something might be different, Crompton turned in the worst full-game performance by a Tennessee quarterback in a quarter century. In the wake of the resulting loss to UCLA, fans sputtered to explain how Crompton could be so bad.

Late that night as I stood at the urinal of a Cumberland Avenue bar, a fellow fan recognized me. "Clay," he said, "Todd Helton could have won us this game. Hell, A.J. Suggs would have beaten them by three touchdowns."

And he's right.

I don't even think we need Todd Helton back in his quarterbacking days at UT. I think if we'd just pulled the 36 year old from his Saturday game against the San Diego Padres, plugged him under center and given him five pass plays to run, Helton could have won the game for the Vols. Certainly he couldn't have done worse than Crompton, who finished 13 of 26 for 93 yards, three interceptions, one interception called back because of penalty, and another interception narrowly avoided after replay review. He also fumbled a quarterback-center exchange that led to UCLA's only touchdown. But supposedly he isn't to blame for that one.

In the end, UCLA won the game 19-15 on Saturday evening, but Jonathan Crompton lost it. He was so awful that his performance transcended the merely bad and ascended to the ranks of the astonishing. How bad did it get? Crompton's three interceptions came on three consecutive series, the final two of the first half and the first series of the second. After the second interception, the crowd booed. On the third? The crowd merely sat in stunned silence. Crompton pulled off a true rarity in the sport, back-to-back interceptions on consecutive pass attempts and three picks in five passes, a 60 percent interception percentage. Think about how hard that is to manage for a fifth-year starting college quarterback.

Then consider that all three interceptions were entirely self-inflicted wounds. On every interception, Crompton had plenty of time and no pressure. For someone who witnessed the game in person, it truly boggles the mind how badly Crompton played.

Especially with all that was at stake. I've been saying for months that the UCLA game was the most important on the schedule because of where it lay. Win and Tennessee can withstand the loss at Florida, return home with three home games in a row, and likely finish the first half of the season, at worst, at 4-2.

Lose and the bad karma of 2008 returns, the infighting between offense and defense reemerges, all of it is there to break the will of a fragile team. And now we're there. Go ahead and write off all possibility of 2009 being a good season.

I'm going to alternate Crompton observations with other things we learned during the course of the UCLA-Tennessee game.

1. UCLA is a much more physical team than last season.

Tennessee ran the ball twice as much as they threw it on Saturday. If they'd stuck to this ratio last season Phil Fulmer might still have a job. Last year, UCLA couldn't stop the run, this year they were much more sound up front. Defensively, UCLA is solid; offensively they're a work in progress.

But Neuheisel has them moving in the right direction.

2. You know what's the most frustrating thing about watching Crompton in person? You can see his mistakes before he can.

Honestly, you can. Why? Because he doesn't ever look off a receiver. He goes to his primary option, stares him down, cocks back his arm, and throws the football really hard. Even if the receiver is blanketed in coverage.

It's like seeing the future. You want to reach out and grab his arm. On the second interception, I was staring down the coverage thinking, he's not throwing that ball there, is he? You felt like everyone in the stadium needed to scream out, "Nooooo!" as Crompton cocks the ball.

What's the other side of the coin? You can also see the open receivers that he doesn't. On the first UT scoring drive, Crompton rolled out right and there was a receiver wide open directly in front of him. Everyone in my section was screaming, "Throw it to him, throw it to him."

Even if he couldn't see the receiver running directly in front of him wide open, Crompton could have kept the ball and run into the end zone. Instead he saw a receiver no one else even saw, a tight end blanketed in coverage in the back of the end zone. Predictably Crompton gunned it to him, Even more predictably the defender had a better shot of intercepting the ball than the tight end did of catching it.

3. How can a school as big as UCLA, set firmly in Southern California with harems of hot women everywhere, not bring a single attractive girl to the game?

For shame, UCLA, for shame.

Instead we learned that Asian men with backpacks travel well.

4. What's the second most frustrating thing about Crompton? He's not a gunslinger who recklessly throws the ball into coverage in an effort to make big plays. He's a gunslinger who drops his gun and blows off his own pinkie.

I think I could live with someone who sees single coverage outside and says, "By God, I'm throwing a 70-yard touchdown."

Even if occasionally those passes get intercepted, at least in that scenerio he's giving his receiver a chance to make a play. On 100 percent of Crompton's bad throws, the receiver has no chance to make a play on the ball.

Witness the first interception. Crompton had Gerald Jones as wide-open as a player can be in the center of the field. If Crompton hits Jones in stride, it's a touchdown. If he underthrows him by 10 yards, the play still gains at least 30 yards. If he overthrows him by five yards, Jones may still be able to get to the ball. My point, there is a massive window to land that pass inside. You or I could have thrown it. Instead Crompton overthrows Jones by about 15 yards. There wasn't even a point in Jones jumping as the pass sailed over his head. UCLA's safety, Rahim Moore snagged the gift interception.

5. Three quarters of the way through the game, my friend Neville turned to me and shakes his head.

Neville, a Florida grad, was wearing a Gator shirt and UT shorts because he fell down a hillside and stained his shorts (sigh, they weren't jorts) so badly on the walk into the stadium that he had to buy new ones.

"There hasn't been one play in this game that was memorable for a good reason."

I think that pretty much sums up this game.

6. Remember how Civil War soldiers described going into the battle as, "seeing the elephant?" The idea was that a battle was such a unique experience it only compared with seeing an elephant, you couldn't describe it to someone who hadn't fought in a battle.

I've got a new phrase for anyone who has to root for Jonathan Crompton, "seeing the Crompton." I'm picturing Lane Kiffin, who chose not to recruit any other quarterback last year because he believed Crompton would work out, coming out of the film room with his eyes wide-open, brushing back his hair from his forehead, and saying, "We need to burn this film now. I can't unsee this."

Yep, he's seen the Crompton alright.

So has every fan. It's the only way to describe the dull gleam, the pinprick of orange light in everyone's eyes after the game. We all looked like we'd just seen Bambi's mother die.

7. Isn't this loss also an indictment of Tennessee's proclamation that we were going to hire the greatest coaching staff on earth?

There were two primary reasons for replacing Fulmer

A.) He isn't recruiting as well as he needs to
B.) His coaching isn't good enough

Kiffin has recruited very well, but that was only the first goal of a new staff; they also had to outcoach the opposing staffs.

Tennessee entered as a double-digit home favorite and has more talent than UCLA. If every other play stays the exact same and Phil Fulmer is on the sideline, fans are outraged. I'll talk more about this below, but even with Crompton being awful, the staff should still have won this game.

8. Rick Neuheisel's third down play call from the end zone, was one of the stupidest and most reckless play calls I've ever seen.

Here's the setup: Tennessee is out of timeouts. You have a redshirt freshman starting his first road game. If you run the football, you might get tackled in th end zone. But that probability is unlikely. Assuming you can get the football outside the end zone with your run play, you run an additional 40 seconds off the play clock before taking an intentional safety on fourth down. If you really don't think you can gain yardage with a run play, run the quarterback sneak. How often has a quarterback sneak play ended in a safety?

If you take that safey on fourth down, Tennessee, who has run the ball on virtually every play in the second half, will have to pass on every play. And that, oh by the way, Crompton has completed just six passes in the entire second half. And he'll have to cover over half the field with no timeouts, score a touchdown, and do all that in a minute or so?

The odds are so stacked in UCLA's favor in this scenario that it's mind-blowing.

There's one way for UCLA to lose this game, turn the ball over. Knowing all of this, you elect to roll out your redshirt freshman quarterback, leave him defenseless in the end zone, and get him sacked for a safety. Oh, and on that play he breaks his jaw and is out for the next four games.

What an idiotic coaching decision.

But the best part? A frenzied Neuheisel sprints down the sideline in front of me and screams at former UCLA players, all in their 40s and wearing shorts and t-shirts, "Did he get out of the end zone?"

Seriously, your head coach is screaming at guys standing on the sidelines to help him with instant replay challenges.

9. Crompton completed just six passes in the second half.

I've been critical of Crompton, but this offensive staff did nothing to help him out. Why not go five wide and let Crompton throw bubble screen passes to playmakers on the outside? If you're not going to trust him to throw the ball down the field, shouldn't you at least let him make easy throws and trust your receivers to gain yards after the catch?

If not, and if you're entirely committed to the run game, why not bring in Eric Berry or Nu'Keese Richardson and let them run the wildcat?

Basically I've heard so much talk about how skilled this coaching staff is supposed to be, and when it really mattered and a game was on the line, I didn't see any schematic adjustments that made me think they were coaching geniuses.

I saw an utterly inept offense that looked just like 2008. Only worse.

10. What's the connection between Crompton and UCLA? Gangster rap.

Last week UT asked a site selling Crompton t-shirts, cityofcrompton.com in the style of the Compton logo, to stop selling the shirts to protect Crompton's eligibily.

Now I'm wondering if Vol fans are going to demand the site go back up in an effort to end Crompton's eligibility.

11. Every time Crompton entered the field in the second half, UCLA's fans cheered loudly.

I've never seen this before.

Ever.

A road crowd cheering the reinsertion of a quarterback because they realize he's their secret weapon.

After the game I talked to several of Crompton's teammates, past and present. I asked them how this could keep happening. All of them were floored, all of them said he's a stud in practice. Then I asked if they could name another player at any position who played that well in practice and that poorly in games.

They couldn't think of a single one.

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Latest College Football Photos

In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Northwestern's Stefan Demos celebrates after kicking the game-winning 49-yard field goal against Eastern Michigan in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill. Northwestern won 27-24. (AP Photo/David Banks)

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Latest College Football Images

In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, left, walks away after sacking Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus, right, during the second half of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa. Lee was so active against Syracuse, it seemed like the Penn State linebacker spent all day leveling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. Any lingering doubts about the health of his surgically-repaired right knee were erased in a dominating performance against the Orange. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State linebacker Sean Lee (45) stands with assistant coach Tom Bradley on the sideline during the second half of their college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Lee was so active against Syracuse, it seemed like the Penn State linebacker spent all day leveling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. Any lingering doubts about the health of his surgically-repaired right knee were erased in a dominating performance against the Orange. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers rushes for a key fourth quarter gain on the wiining drive of the Beavers 23-21 win over UNLV in an NCAA college football game on Saturday Sept. 12, 2009 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Daniel Gluskoter)

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates in the end zone with teammate Jarvis Jones #10 after scoring a two yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. USC won the game 18-15. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stafon Johnson; Jarvis Jones

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates in the end zone after scoring a two yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. USC won the game 18-15. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stafon Johnson

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Purdue head coach Danny Hope, left, confers with referees on a call that kept the Boilermakers from tying the game with just seconds left during the second half of their NCAA college football game against Oregon in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. Oregon beat Purdue 38-36.(AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Utah players celebrate a 24-14 win over San Jose State in an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Utah running back Sausan Shakerin (22) breaks through for a long run late in the fourth quarter against San Jose State in an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. Utah won 24-14. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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12. What was the toughest thing about this game from a UT fan perspective? How into it the crowd was.

It was incredibly loud throughout the fourth quarter, as loud as Neyland has been in years. This wasn't some hopeful, joyous cheering, it was a scream from the pit of your stomach, desperation melded into a blood-curdling noise. A recognition on the part of an awful lot of fans that a loss to UCLA dooms the 2009 season.

This really epitomized itself after Crompton threw an awful interception on fourth-and-14. Luckily UCLA was offsides. As the ball was spotted for 4th and 9 the crowd, in a madcap gambit to alter the karma, begins chanting, "Let's go Crompton."

The entire stadium.

I've never heard anything like it.

It was as if, at long last, we'd all come to the conclusion that Crompton's a insecure head case on the field and that maybe what he needs more than anything is to know that we all love him. So we tried to show him that no one wants him to be a good quarterback more than the 100,000+ fans who have lived through him being a bad quarterback.

Right there on that snap, Crompton had the chance to erase the entire game's frustrations. Convert the first down and lead the Vols down the field and into a new era of offensive competence. Instead, he threw a 12 yard curl in the direction of a receiver running a straight fly pattern.

The ball slammed into the dirt.

By the time it stopped moving, there was no Volunteer player within twenty yards of the final pass of the game.
...
Clay Travis is the author of three books. His latest, "On Rocky Top: A Front Row Seat to The End of an Era chronicles the 2008 Tennessee football season," is on sale now.

Crompton's Rocky Flop Could Spell Doom for Tennessee's Season originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UCLA Flashes Some Pac-10 Muscle

Lonnie White — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:45:00 EST

Filed under: Tennessee, UCLA, Pac 10, SEC

The UCLA Bruins are not supposed to win football games like this.

No way. Not on the road in front of a hostile Tennessee crowd of 102,239 in a game that featured a fourth-quarter goal-line stand by the Bruins and a couple of key late officiating calls that did not go in their favor.

This just does not happen for a Pac-10 football program in SEC land. But it did.

UCLA 19, Tennessee 15: Box Score | Top 25 Scoreboard

In what could be a turning-point victory for UCLA's football program under second-year coach Rick Neuheisel, the Bruins capitalized on three Tennessee interceptions and used four field goals by Kai Forbath to defeat the Volunteers, 19-15, Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

For the Bruins, who improved to 2-0 this season, the win not only gave them two victories in two years over Tennessee but it also helped raise the Pac-10 conference's status against overhyped teams from the SEC.

"We're young and we're too naive to know how hard it is," Neuheisel told ESPN after the game. "But they are resilient and they're tough. And we can build something from this and hopefully, we'll go back and fix all of the little things that we can do better. But when you have a little heart and you have a little toughness, you can be a good football team."

UCLA's defense, which held Tennessee to 208 total yards, proved to be the difference, forcing four turnovers, including two interceptions made by safety Rahim Moore (top photo), who has five in two games this season.

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KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 12: The UCLA Bruins defense holds Bryce Brown #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers from getting a first down near the goal line on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Bruins beat the Volunteers 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bryce Brown

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Florida State running back Chris Thompson, left, has his face mask grabbed by Jacksonville State linebacker Rodney Garrott on a fourth-quarter run during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State won 19-9. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Illinois' Chris Duvalt (15) and Troy Pollard (29) celebrate after Duvalt scored a touchdown against Illinois State during the first half of an NCAA college football game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Kansas receiver Dezmon Briscoe, top, tries to elude a tackle by UTEP defender Da'Mon Cromartie Smith during the second quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Sept. 12, 2009, in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

Central Florida quarterback Rob Calabrese (4) looks for an open man against Southern Mississippi in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Steve Coleman)

Kansas fan Charis Woodside cheers his team during the first half of their NCAA college football game against UTEP, Saturday Sept. 12, 2009, in El Paso, Texas. Woodside said he and friends traveled from Lawrence to root their team on. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

Jacksonville State quarterback Ryan Perrilloux throws a fourth-quarter pass during an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State won 19-9. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, bottom right, is helped to his feet by teammate Tanner Cullumber after he was sacked by Kansas' Caleb Blakesley (94) and Richard Johnson during the first quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

A Rutgers fan crowd surfs after Rutgers scored a second-quarter touchdown against Howard during a college football game at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, N.J., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez speaks into his headset on the sidelines in the first half of an NCAA college football game with Notre Dame, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Ann Arbor. Michigan upset No. 18 Notre Dame 38-34. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

Southern Mississippi tight end Leroy Banks (84) gets upended into the end zone for a touchdown by Central Florida safety Michael Greco (2) during the first quarter of a NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 in Hattiesburg, Miss. (APPhoto/Steve Coleman)

While Tennessee, which dropped to 1-1, had trouble holding on to the football, avoiding costly turnovers was a key for the Bruins as redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince did not throw an interception and finished 11 of 23 for 101 yards with a touchdown.

The deciding point of the game came in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter with UCLA leading, 19-13. Tennessee, which finally had momentum on its side and the crowd fired up after trailing throughout the contest, drove 53 yards to the Bruins' 2-yard line but on fourth-and-goal, running back Montario Hardesty was stopped short of a touchdown.

"Our goal was keep coming after them and get them tired," Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin told reporters after the game.

Unfortunately for the Volunteers, the Bruins' defense caught a second wind and with the game on the line, a Pac-10 team stuffed an SEC ground attack in the trenches when it counted.

But even after UCLA's defensive stand, Tennessee still had a chance to win.

That's because three plays after Hardesty failed to score, Prince was tackled by the Volunteers' Dennis Rogan in the end zone for a safety to cut the Bruins' lead to 19-15 with 1:41 remaining.

Tennessee, however, could not get it done down the stretch with quarterback Jonathan Crompton, who completed 13 of 26 passes for only 93 yards with three picks. Crompton missed badly on three attempts and was sacked on second down. The Volunteers even got an extra chance due to an offside UCLA penalty, but Crompton again fell short on a pass attempt to Gerald Jones.

For Neuheisel, the victory is only a step in the right direction for the Bruins.

"I spoke to the team in the early portion of the season about getting UCLA on the mantle where we can go to black tie affairs," Neuheisel said. "This is a start and we're not ready for there yet. But gosh all mighty we aim to get there."

UCLA Flashes Some Pac-10 Muscle originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Week 2 College Football Chat

Brian Grummell — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, UCLA, USC

Another week of college football, another mid-day chat, we're here to serve. Like last week we'll commence at 3 PM Eastern as the early games wrap up and take you through the middle of the day featuring teams like Notre Dame, Michigan, Oklahoma State, UCLA, Tennessee, TCU, Texas and BYU. That's some good football, no?

Oh and we can certainly discuss USC and Ohio State or whatever else strikes your fancy while Tweets from some of our writers provide updates from elsewhere. Chat application after the jump.

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=a3f65c2f34" >FanHouse Week Two College Football Chat</a>

FanHouse Week 2 College Football Chat originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pac-10 Notes: USC and Cal Up, Everyone Else In Holding Pattern

Brian Grummell — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: California, Ohio State, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Pac 10

Pac-10 teams begin their second week of play on Saturday, highlighted by No. 3 USC's trip to Columbus to play Ohio State. It means nothing but consensus leans heavily towards the Trojans despite it being a cover of darkness road game before what Eleven Warriors calls 105,000 of college football's best hooligans, despite starting a true freshman quarterback in Matt Barkley and despite Ohio State having the tiebreaker of all tiebreakers in Terrelle Pryor.

Yeah, USC's loaded. The rest of the conference lineup Saturday is a mixed bag filled with one big road trip to SEC country, a couple middling names and a handful of regional cupcakes. Mmm, cupcakes. Wait, no, bad Pac-10. Time to bag some fresh game out of say, Knoxville? Hmmm, maybe not.

So, USC. We last saw them romping over Dick Why In The Heck Did Arizona Fire Him Tomey's San Jose State kids, 56-3 behind a ridiculous 342 yard rush effort that was the fifth best rush total of the Pete Carroll era. Their defense played lights out as well, allowing a little over 130 total yards while mixing in some talented youngsters. The names to know this year beyond Taylor Mays are middle linebacker Chris Galippo and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey.

Obviously on Saturday we'll see them on the road against Ohio State with all kinds of intrigue as people see if USC can continue its ridiculous streak of big early season road game kills. Notable: Taylor Mays has likened Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor to a Pterodactyl.

Oregon -- The first rule of Blount-gate, nobody talks about Blount-gate. Or Boise State. Oregon is going to press the refresh button on its season this weekend as it hosts surprising Purdue. The Boilermakers smashed Akron to the tune of 315 rush yards, 234 of them coming from previously anonymous Ralph Bolden. Drew Brees would roll over in his grave at that news, er, um, anyway. The Duckies' big problem is their pass game was horribly exposed last week as something insufficient if they can't get that run game going. They have to, or this year's over.

Oregon State -- Just call them the Twin Mice of Terror, as the Rodgers brothers returned for the Beavers in rolling up 253 combined yards in a 34-7 victory over Portland State. Heaven help that offense is they're not on the field, as we saw what happened in the Sun Bowl against Pitt, an ugly 3-0 victory with absolutely zero spark. Sean Canfield replaced the injured Lyle Moevao and went 8 of 11 for 158 yards and appears to have found his mojo -- and accuracy. Next up: UNLV as the Beavers try to shake a history of slow starts.

Stanford -- Everyone's sleeper Pac-10 pick and with good reason, Stanford got the Pac-10 party started early with a 39-13 victory over improving Washington State last Saturday. Freshman quarterback Andrew Luck was solid if unspectacular but added 53 rush yards including a high of 31. The team's identity will mirror that of its coach, smash mouth football, little depth (we kid, we kid) and bulldozer back Toby Gerhart. Speaking of which he had 121 rush yards as part of a 288 yard team total. The defense chipped in a goal line stand from the one for good measure.

Of some intrigue, this week's game is at Wake Forest and Stanford coaches enforced a mandate that players not sleep on the flight. Mirroring Maryland's early start time against Cal last year, the game will kick off at noon Eastern, 9 AM Pacific time. The endlessly annoying Stanford Tree will most certainly not be recovered from its hangover in time to give its full effort on account of that. There will be retribution, oh yes, there will be retribution.

UCLA -- As expected the Bruin offense was so-so under redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Prince, but an overall team effort speared a surge of 30 unanswered points after training San Diego State at home 14-3 last week. A return of a blocked field goal, three interceptions from defensive back Rahim Moore and a few timely runs plus a stout defensive effort after a shaky first quarter paved the way to a 33-14 final total. Next up is a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee to play ... Tennessee, a trip that tripped up northern rival California a few years ago.

Tennessee is well familiar with UCLA, as both coach Lane Kiffin and assistant Ed Orgeron were USC assistants. Orgeron gets particularly animated about UCLA and is certain to make clear losing to a team with powder blue colors is a crime against all of the Volunteer state. Bruins' offensive coordinator Norm Chow will be opposite sidelines of the man who replaced him at USC, almost certainly carrying a grudge. Good times.

Arizona State -- The Sun Devils battered cupcake Idaho State 50-3 last week, holding them to just 37 total yards. Kicker Thomas Weber nailed five short field goals on the way to a 20 point afternoon. Nobody will pay attention to them for at least another week with Louisiana-Monroe on the docket. Deservedly so. Schedule better, Sparky!

Arizona -- The Wildcats were 19-6 winners over Central Michigan, effectively shutting down one of the FBS's more versatile quarterbacks in Dan LeFevour. Matt Scott got the nod at quarterback, performing modestly beyond the 83 rush yards he totaled. Next up is Northern Arizona.

Cal -- The Bears have jumped out as the prime candidate to take down USC after stomping Maryland 52-13. Quarterback Kevin Riley tossed four touchdowns and the defense swarmed Maryland's quarterbacks in cruising to the revenge win. Next up is Eastern Washington before a brutal stretch at Minnesota, at Oregon, home against USC and then at UCLA. There's gold in them thar' proving grounds.

Washington -- The surprise team of the weekend, although I anticipated they'd put up a good fight against LSU. The Huskies are a bit like Stanford, with several very good players but lacking much overall depth to sustain themselves over 60 minutes. Husky Stadium was rocking in making an unwelcome host to the visitors from down south before inevitably falling 31-23. Moral victories are worthless but Washington gets a great shot Saturday for a real one against Idaho which would snap their 15-game losing streak.

Washington State -- Well, at least they showed some life in losing to Stanford 39-13. Quarterbacks Kevin Lopina and Marshall Lobbestael rotated but by every account Lopina was the clear superior. Yet, it looks like the rotation is in effect for another week when the Cougars host Hawaii.

Our Pac-10 Power Rankings

1)USC
2)Cal
3)Stanford
4)Oregon State
5)Washington
6)UCLA
7)Arizona
8)Arizona State
9)Oregon
10)Washington State

Pac-10 Teams In The Rankings

Rushing Offense (7) USC 342 yards/game
Total Offense (4) USC 620 yards/game
Scoring Offense (6) USC 56 points/game (9) California 52 points/game
Passing Efficiency (5) USC 212.83 rating (7) California 204.6
Time of Possession (2) Arizona 37:45 (7) Washington 36:52 (9) UCLA 35:59

Rush Defense (1) ASU -5 yards/game (2) USC 9 yards
Pass Defense (4) ASU 42 yards/game
Total Defense (1) ASU 37 yards/game (6) USC 121 yards
Scoring Defense (10) ASU 3 points/game TIE USC 3 points
Pass Efficiency Defense (1) ASU 22.64 rating
Sacks (1) California 6/game (4) USC 5/game
Turnover Margin (1) ASU +5 (10) California +2

Pac-10 Notes: USC and Cal Up, Everyone Else In Holding Pattern originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bruins Play for Pac-10 Pride at Tennessee

Lonnie White — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: UCLA, USC, Pac 10

LOS ANGELES -- It's put up or shut up time for the Pac-10 Conference.

With three of the conference's top teams facing difficult games on the road -- highlighted by USC's national showdown at Ohio State - the strength of the Pac-10 will be under the spotlight this weekend.

And arguably, the most important matchup will take place in SEC territory when UCLA second-year coach Rick Neuheisel leads the Bruins into Knoxville to battle Tennessee first-year coach Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers.

Even first-year Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott, who's new to the game when it comes to improving the perception of West Coast football, said,: "Strong out-of-conference matchups capture the public's imagination."

That's why ultra-sensitive Pac-10 supporters look at UCLA's matchup against the Vols as the game to watch because the Bruins have a chance to show that one of the conference's up-and-coming programs can win on the road as an underdog against a nationally hyped SEC opponent.

"It's exciting for us ..." Neuheisel said about playing Tennessee, which crushed Western Kentucky, 63-7, last week. "It's a marquee opponent, playing in a marquee venue. When you dream about being a part of college football as a player or a coach, you dream about being in these types of environments. Our entire football program is honored."

Here's the deal. Tennessee and the Bruins are both led by young coaches determined to lead their rebuilding programs to the head of their respective conferences and both teams are coming off impressive season-opening victories.

"Ever since we played them last year, we've been thinking about Tennessee because we know that they're an SEC team and have one of the strongest programs in the country," UCLA senior wide receiver Terrence Austin said. "Playing those guys period is always a big game. But this year, it's obvious that both programs have a lot to prove."

A year ago, Neuheisel gained his first victory as UCLA coach when the Bruins rallied to defeat the Volunteers, 27-24, in overtime at the Rose Bowl.

Although quarterback Kevin Craft did not play great, he made enough plays to lead UCLA to a non-conference win in an ugly-mistake-filled game that helped lead to the departure of veteran Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer, who was eventually replaced by Kiffin.

Unfortunately for Neuheisel and the Bruins, they did not earn much credit for last season's win over the Volunteers (due in part that the two teams combined to finish 9-15 overall in 2008).

Maybe that's one reason why the Bruins have put so much importance on this game.

"Beating [Tennessee] for the second in a row would let everyone know that the Pac-10 is tough," Austin said. "A lot of people don't give us enough credit. But the Pac-10 is definitely a strong conference. We saw that last year with how everyone competed against each other within the conference.

"Think about it. USC's only loss came against Oregon State and the Pac-10 went 5-0 in bowl games. It would certainly help if we go on and beat Tennessee again. It would give us a little more respect out here."

UCLA, which logged a 33-14 come-from-behind victory over San Diego State in Week 1, will have to deal with a major disadvantage in playing at Neyland Stadium, which is expected to have a crowd of more than 100,000.

While Tennessee and most SEC teams travel well -- nearly half of the Rose Bowl crowd was dressed in orange and white for the Volunteers' game against UCLA last year -- that's normally not the case for Pac-10 programs.

That only adds to the challenge, according to Austin.

"When [Tennessee] came out here, it was impressive," Austin said. "They ... really showed how they feel about their football program. It's not to say that Pac-10 schools do not care, but the way their fans traveled, it showed how serious they are about football and how they look at winning."

Is that the reason why the Pac-10 has a 3-16 road record against SEC teams since 1980?

"I just know that it's not exactly the same for Pac-10 schools," Austin said. "I know a lot of people who want to go to [Tennessee] for the game but will not be able to make the trip. That's why I'm not expecting to see a lot of people in the crowd from our side of town. We expect to see a sea of orange."

UCLA, which had 23 players see first-time action against San Diego State, including eight true freshmen, will be a much different team than the one that faced Tennessee last season.

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Tulane wide receiver Casey Robottom (19) dives into the endzone for a touchdown against Tulsa in the second half of an NCAA college football game in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.

Bill Haber, AP

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In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame center Eric Olsen lines upp against Nevada during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen prepars to take the snap from center Eric Olsen during an NCAA college football game against Nevada in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy, right, talks with a teammate before taking the snap during third quarter action of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas. After skipping a chance to enter the NFL draft after last season, McCoy took out an insurance policy in case he suffered a career-ending injury. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this photo taken on Sept. 6, 2009, Mississippi running back Dexter McCluster (22)carries the balla against Memphis during an NCAA football game in Memphis, Tenn. McCluster spent Tuesday night in the hospital because of flu symptoms and nearly two dozen other Mississippi players missed practice Wednesday as the illness continued to ravage the team. McCluster, a versatile star for the sixth-ranked Rebels, was released Wednesday morning but did not attend the afternoon practice. So many players were out coaches moved practice up and shortened it. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd heads for a second quarter touchdown against Nevada during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame's Golden Tate, right, is dragged out of bounds by Nevada cornerback Isaiah Frey during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In this photo taken on Sept. 5, 2009, Oklahoma's Brody Eldridge (50) is shown standing on the scrimmage line during a NCAA football game against Brigham Young, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. Questions about whether Oklahoma's offensive line would be able to protect the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback started months before the season, when coach Bob Stoops himself called the unit out as the team's "weak link." (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

In this Sept. 9, 2009 photo, Oklahoma center Brody Eldridge (50) and Brigham Young defensive tackle Russell Tialavea (52) are shown during a NCAA football game, in Arlington, Texas. Questions about whether Oklahoma's offensive line would be able to protect the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback started months before the season, when coach Bob Stoops himself called the unit out as the team's "weak link." (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Bill Haber, AP

Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark's helmet flies off as he is tackled by Akron defender Sean Fobbs during the second half of their college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State won 31-7.

Carolyn Kaster, AP

The Bruins are stronger on defense with several returning starters back from 2008 and offensive coordinator Norm Chow has more weapons to work, starting with redshirt freshman Kevin Prince replacing Craft at quarterback.

Prince, who passed for 176 yards and a touchdown in his first college start last week, told the LA Daily News that he's looking forward to playing in front of Tennessee's hostile crowd.

"[Before this week], the toughest environment I played in was in front of 6,000 people," Prince said about a game he played in as a high school junior.

"I like being on the road. I like the noise and hearing quiet. That's our goal to try to keep them quiet."

A goal that UCLA may find out is a lot easier said than done.

Bruins Play for Pac-10 Pride at Tennessee originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mack Brown Does BCS Backdown

Brian Grummell — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: Florida State, Maryland, Ohio State, Texas, UCLA, USC, Big East, Pac 10, FCS

Every week during college football's endless offseason, The FanHouse Walk will put last week's stories to bed and deliver the essentials to bridge that agonizing space between now and September.

Remember Cal 2004 -- Texas coach Mack Brown, who, aside from last year's Big 12 tiebreaker dustup, has benefited greatly from the BCS, has apparently decided to get off his high horse when it comes to matters of BCS. Brown hilariously brought in experts during the offseason to explain the BCS to him and his coaches, ignoring that he fully understood matters enough in 2004 to politic for Texas' inclusion over a Cal team that had a better season and overall performance to that point than his Longhorns.

In addition, Brown has lost his coaches' poll vote - AMEN! - not due to conduct but simple procedure where coaches are randomly chosen to participate. Maybe he should have lost it on conduct. Brown was the person you saw on your television last January proclaiming his team that had just escaped Ohio State (last seen at the loser side of ugly beatdowns against USC, LSU and Florida) the best in the country!

Let your team do its talking on the field and good riddance.

Contract Year -- USC junior tailback Joe McKnight is back like Ron Burgundy, dominating through USC's first two practices. Is this a mirage or can he stay healthy and escape the heavy gravitational pull that is USC's befuddling tailback-by-committee approach?

Well, if there's anything USC haters see most when they look at the program, its dollars. Joe McKnight's even put the dollar symbols on his eye black so do the math here, a true junior offensive player on a high profile team + child to take care of = fierce urgency of now. Now he just needs to shed the co-anchors and claim the lion's share of carries.

ByTheWay new quarterback, shoe warsterbeck, don't sleep on USC this year.

Whatever You Say, No. 2 -- Life's not always bad in the shadows. Head coaches get all the glory but coordinators are taking on an increasingly important role in pro and college football. Most grow impatient and look towards head coaching gigs, but the occasional lifer is out there who helps define the position. Such is the case of longtime Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who is strongly hinting this will be his last season in Tallahassee.

I don't know of any coordinators in the College Football Hall of Fame, but a great argument can be made for his inclusion as sort of the Norm Chow of legendary longtime defensive coordinators.

Its Supposed to be Fun -- Silly stuff, but yet another crumb in the long evidence trail that Pete Carroll likes to keep things loose and fun. Below is video from a recent USC team meeting that turned into 'an impromptu sing off'. The winner, by decision, linebacker Marquis Simmons with his take on the always stirring 'Lean on Me'.

Overtime, Ball on the 25

-- Others have attempted similar analysis but its always cool to look at again - Saurian Sagacity examines the statistical characteristics of BCS champions. My quibble? They should have broadened it to national champions to include the 2003 USC team that was atop both major polls at the end of the year and likely would have beaten either LSU or Oklahoma. I'm curious how that would have affected data.

-- You can call him the Lawnmower Man. Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards will miss a few weeks of practice after doing what had to be some gruesome damage to his right foot thanks to a mowing accident.

-- A company now makes collegiate-scented fragrances for programs such as LSU, Penn State and North Carolina. They're not doing their job, however, if UCLA's doesn't smell like envy and Maryland's doesn't smell like old bay.

-- The Black Coaches Association takes umbrage with the lack of black coaches in Sporting News' recent '50 greatest coaches' list. As they make clear, its more a matter of missing opportunity than anything that only Grambling legend Eddie Robinson made the list.

-- Rivals looks at some of college football's top trios and oddly places Oklahoma State's trio of Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant ahead of Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray and Jermaine Gresham.

-- Ohio State may be without linebacker Tyler Moeller for the 2009 season after a head injury that was due to either a fall or perhaps a sucker punch.

-- Phil Steele thinks new Boston College coach Frank Spaziani got 'Baylored'. Heh.

-- Heisman Pundit releases his preseason top 10 teams list.

-- Dr. Saturday talks the Pac-10 perception dance. Cosigned.

-- Speaking of perception, ESPN's Brian Bennett addresses the state of the Big East. I think their demise is much overstated. The Mountain West is peaking right now during an average period of Big East play. The Big East is deeper, has more historically relevant programs, makes more money and is more influential. Bagging on them is trendy but not the most fulfilling thing one can do.

Mack Brown Does BCS Backdown originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pac-10 Predictions: Can Rest of League Finally Bear Down on USC?

Gary Washburn — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Pac 10

So 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)

Nebraska's Menelik Holt catches a football on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, during the first day of fall training camp in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy speaks during a media availability Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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)

Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh runs Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, during the first day of fall football training camp in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy speaks during a media availability Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Nebraska's Brandon Kinnie catches a football on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, during the first day of fall training camp in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee throws the ball on Saturday Aug 8, 2009, during the first day of fall football training camp. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Texas head football coach Mack Brown speaks during a news conference Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, in Austin, Texas. The Texas football team reported to preseason training camp Saturday and received a message from coach Brown: Forget the BCS. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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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Pac-10 Media Day Notebook

Gary Washburn — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Pac 10

LOS 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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UCLA, Pac-10 Ready to Get Tough Against SEC

Gary Washburn — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: UCLA, Pac 10, SEC

LOS ANGELES -- The Pac-10 has heard about its reputation of being a less-than-physical football conference. This season, it will get a chance to dispel that tag with three non-conference matchups against the Southeastern Conference.

At Pac-10 Media Day, the league's teams said they are eager to show they can play on the road and play competitive football against the nation's elite teams. LSU comes to Seattle to play Washington Sept. 5 while UCLA travels to Tennessee (Sept. 12) while Arizona State faces Georgia in Athens, Ga., Sept. 26.

UCLA linebacker Reggie Carter is looking forward to a trip to Knoxville, and Tennessee, with new coach Lane Kiffin, is certain to be furious after losing at the Rose Bowl last season.

"I just keep hearing about a song, 'Rocky Top'," Carter said. "I haven't heard it yet. First, I'm looking forward to hearing the song. And then a lot of people, I guess they say the SEC is tough and I guess the Pac-10 isn't as tough. So I'm kinda looking forward to going in there and getting into that fight so I can show my toughness and my team so we can show our toughness and we can fight with anybody."

UCLA, Pac-10 Ready to Get Tough Against SEC originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Year of Transition in Pac-10 Lead to USC's Ouster?

Gary Washburn — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Pac 10

LOS 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)

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)

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

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

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)

MCT

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)

MCT

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)

MCT

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)

MCT

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

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

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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Why the Rutgers-UCLA Series Is Good News for College Football

Mark Hasty — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Rutgers, UCLA, Big East, Pac 10

Rutgers and UCLA have agreed to a home-and-home series starting in 2016. You, the typical college football fan, don't give a rat's bonkus.

To you, Rutgers is a one-hit wonder from a couple years ago, lucky it can still get bookings at state fairs. After this it's county fairs, then it's back to the day job at Home Depot. UCLA, on the other hand, is like a recently divorced middle-aged guy at a college bar. He can't figure out why, if he could make time with the coeds 25 years ago, they're just not that interested in him now.

You might be right about where each of these programs stand in the summer of 2009. But you're dead wrong about the insignificance of this deal. This is one of the best things to happen to college football in quite a while.

These two schools deserve more credit than they're getting. They deserve praise because this game isn't an automatic victory for either school. Let's face it, non-conference scheduling has become a joke. Teams which aspire to the BCS games routinely refuse to play anybody with a pulse unless tradition forces them to. Instead, the month of September is filled with the likes of David at Goliath, Fire Hydrant at Large Dog, and Movable Object at Irresistible Force.

On the one hand, you can understand why the 400-pound gorillas don't schedule any real competition. There isn't a BCS conference that qualifies as "easy to win." The BCS formula hasn't directly considered strength of schedule and quality wins since 2003. The human polls have considerable inertia as well, and that inertia gets more pronounced as the season goes on. There's little incentive to play a game you might not win and lots of incentive to get Mr. Steven's Barber College on the schedule. Twice, if possible.

On the other hand, that swindles the fans twice over. Once, because we're deprived of seeing the best teams play each other, and once again because it leads to, shall we say, statistical inaccuracies.

Let me explain. Every year, there's at least one team that runs out to something like a 6-0 or 5-1 start and crawls into the top 25, even though anybody who has seen them play knows that they've been gorging on so many cupcakes they might as well be on Man vs. Food instead of Sports Center. Reality catches up with them and they wind up 7-5 or 6-6, but they still get a bowl bid while a more deserving team from a lesser conference gets left out. There are a lot of undefeated teams on the first of October. About half of them are fraudulent.

Likewise, it's easy to get dazzled by offenses and players who put up video game numbers. Two hundred twenty-five yards rushing! He threw for eight touchdowns with no interceptions! Yes, but it was against a branch campus so small that the library, gymnasium, and dorm are all in the same building.

Look, fan, you're in this for one reason and one reason only: entertainment. If you're not playing or coaching, that's all college football is good for, as far as you're concerned. Maybe you're entertained by a game that's 56-0 at halftime. If you are, please do me one favor: Go dip yourself in honey, then roll around on a hill of fire ants until you change your mind.

The rest of us want to see a game that actually catches and holds our attention. Kudos to Rutgers and UCLA for agreeing to provide games whose outcomes aren't foregone conclusions. (No need to bring up Appalachian State. I've heard of that game.)

Of course, I probably won't get to see it. I live in Big Ten country, so I'm sure that, instead of Rutgers-UCLA, I'll have to watch Wisconsin-Florida Elliptic.

Why the Rutgers-UCLA Series Is Good News for College Football originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UCLA Pulls YouTube Video of Rick Neuheisel Ripping Pete Carroll

Michael David Smith — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: UCLA, USC, Coaching, Video

For the last month, a video was available on UCLA's official YouTube channel that showed head football coach Rick Neuheisel saying he's "ticked off" at his crosstown rival, USC coach Pete Carroll, and promising to "get after their ass." But after the Orange County Register publicized the video Tuesday, UCLA pulled it down.

What had Neuheisel so upset is that Carroll voted against Neuheisel's proposal to allow coaches to have their children with them on the sidelines during games. Neuheisel explained on the video that the Pac-10 has a rule that children aren't permitted on the sidelines during games, but Neuheisel wanted a waiver for coaches' children, because he thinks fathers and sons can bond on the sidelines during games. Neuheisel said the proposal was put to a vote at a meeting of Pac-10 coaches, and that the vote was 9-1, with only Carroll opposed.

As Neuheisel told the story, he addressed Carroll directly, saying, "I'm going to get you. I'm going to reel you in."

But now when you try to play the video on YouTube, you get a message saying, "This video has been removed by the user." Apparently someone at UCLA decided that going after Carroll so publicly wasn't a wise use of the university's official YouTube channel.

And anyway, I'm with Carroll when it comes to kids on the sidelines. The last thing college football needs is a Darren Baker situation.

UCLA Pulls YouTube Video of Rick Neuheisel Ripping Pete Carroll originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Troy Aikman Is Now a College Graduate

Mark Hasty — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:16:00 EST

Filed under: Oklahoma, UCLA

OK, so maybe your cousin who's on the 12-year undergraduate plan isn't such a slacker after all. Former UCLA and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman finally graduated from UCLA on Saturday, more than two decades after he left for the NFL.

Aikman is already a member of the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame. Though he is a native Californian, Aikman attended high school in Oklahoma and started out playing for Barry Switzer's Oklahoma Sooners. Aikman proved to be ill-suited for Switzer's run-oriented offense, however, and Switzer helped Aikman transfer to UCLA after he lost his starting job to Jamelle Holieway. At UCLA, Aikman won the 1988 Davey O'Brien Award.

Tom Landry, whose Dallas Cowboys held the first pick in the 1989 NFL draft, thought Aikman was just the quarterback he needed to bring the glory days back to Dallas. There was, of course, just one little problem with Landry's plan.

That problem was Jerry Jones, new owner of the Cowboys, who ran off Landry, brought in Jimmy Johnson from the University of Miami, and drafted Aikman anyway. Aikman had to compete with Johnson's former quarterback, Steve Walsh, but won the starting job. He would go on to win three Super Bowls and be named to six Pro Bowls before a string of concussions ended his career.

Lots of athletes justify a decision to leave early by noting that they can always go back to school later, after their careers are over. Many more don't decide to leave early but don't finish their degrees because their scholarships have run out. Aikman deserves credit for going back and getting his degree. Maybe he'll inspire some other athletes to do the same.

Of course, there's one more little problem. Aikman's degree is in sociology. Didn't anybody tell him he'll never find a job with that degree?

Troy Aikman Is Now a College Graduate originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to Program the Pac-10 Network

Clay Travis — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Pac 10, Fans, General CFB Insanity

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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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USC, SEC Dominate The NFL Draft

Brian Grummell — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:38:00 EST

Filed under: Auburn, Kansas State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas Tech, UCLA, USC, SEC, Injuries, Police Blotter

Every Monday during college football's endless offseason, The FanHouse Walk will put last week's stories to bed and deliver the essentials to bridge that agonizing space between now and September.

The Obvious -- The 2009 NFL Draft is now in the books and what's emerged from countless hours of coverage is a recurring theme of late: USC and SEC dominance. The Trojans had 11 players chosen in this year's draft, including a kicker and eight total defensive players from one of the better collegiate defenses of this era.

Meanwhile, 37 SEC players were chosen, topping last year's 35 and besting the second-place ACC's 33. USC also tied a draft record with four linebackers selected in a single draft. Their 11 overall selections bested last year's 10-player performance and again paced all colleges in the draft.

The great Get The Picture directed his draft attention to the prospects of NFL teams grudgingly accommodating the growth of spread offense athletes heading into the draft.

Because if this experiment - and that's pretty much what it is at this stage - succeeds and Pat White, or someone with a similar skills package, becomes part of the status quo at the next level, that's going to make it easier for a college coach to sell himself and the kids he's looking at for his program that the spread attack isn't merely a way to win on the college level, but something that his players can immerse themselves in without giving up their dreams of playing on Sundays.

More Spring Football -- Ohio State's spring game set a college football record with nearly 96,000 fans. Alabama fans aren't going to take that sitting down. Too bad we'll have to wait until next year to see their response.

Meanwhile, defense dominated at USC's scrimmage before significantly less fans. Quarterback Aaron Corp reminds us why we don't have to cry for the Trojans, saying 'Ohio State doesn't have the beach'. In yet another dagger at those fine Midwest folk, Notre Dame legend Joe Montana made a cameo appearance.

Make Some Noise Out There Rocky Top -- The "Lane Kiffin Show" returns this week with special guest Ed Orgeron. Once again coach Kiffin needs some clothes. Language NSFW.

Overtime, Ball On The 25

-- Texas Tech coach Mike Leach breaks protocol and tears into Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini over his alleged criticism of receiver Michael Crabtree as a 'diva'. More FanHouse coverage here.

-- Where have we seen this movie before? Kansas State and Auburn are both trying to duck out of having to play big bad UCLA.

-- North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates managed to sprain his thumb playing ultimate frisbee. He's out for six weeks.

-- USF player Trent Pupello is in some serious trouble after allegedly pistol-whipping three people April 12th.

USC, SEC Dominate The NFL Draft originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pac-10's Nine Dwarves Aspire to More

Brian Grummell — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State, Pac 10

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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Rick Neuheisel Passes On The Spread

Brian Grummell — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Alabama, Illinois, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, BCS, Mountain West, Pac 10

Every Monday during college football's endless offseason, The FanHouse Walk will put last week's stories to bed and deliver the essentials to bridge that agonizing space between now and September.

Zed's Dead, But Not The Spread -- Great find from Smart Football of UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel discussing in great detail the spread offense and UCLA's decision not to run it. Smart Football has his response as well, synthesizing Neuheisel's main arguments and where he gets confused before making the conclusion that the term has "quickly lost all use as a meaningful and descriptive term".

Such is the lexicon though, especially given the complicated nature of football formations and concepts. Times will eventually change but the evidence is there with the last four BCS champions all having run some form of spread offense.

Hope Springs Eternal -- We probably have to go back 15 years, to 1993, to find a true powerhouse Notre Dame football team. But like with all fans, there's always next year. This time around the Irish are very unlikely to field a powerhouse but fans will almost certainly settle for 'much improved' especially against what appears to be a downy soft schedule.

Spring games are often the lone, extremely limited peek into a team's progress in evading last year's demons and the 247 rush yards produced by the Irish offense provide tremendous hope that some corner has been turned.

Are Defending Champions Always This Grumpy? -- We forgive Urban Meyer for his testy reaction to Lane Kiffin's behavior this spring, but its like Coach Meyer won't surrender his Angry Face anytime soon. Asked by the New York Times about what has changed in football since he began coaching, Meyer cited the 'NFL approach to football'.

I don't want to say anti-team, but the individualism is something that I don't believe in, but you do see it. It takes us a while to get that out of here. That's the biggest generation gap difference I see is that stuff's acceptable at the so-called highest level of sports and then you get down to college and every coach in college is trying not to have that

I'm a NFL critic but its hard to consider what he describes as strictly an NFL phenomena.

Couldn't Be More Symbolic -- This week's BCS meetings begin today in idyllic Pasadena, home of the ever-controversial Rose Bowl. Kudos to the organizers' bit of defiance.

Amusingly, the Mountain West still has not signed onto the next BCS television deal, but USA Today calls their delay largely symbolic. Outgoing Pac-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen told USA Today 'we could proceed without them' if they don't sign.

Technically true but the whole running to Congress thing is more than an idle threat, if ridiculously impetuous.

You May Hate Them, But This Is Cool

Alabama's new promotional video (via The Wiz)

Overtime, Ball On The 25

-- Here's your 2009 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

-- Illinois sophomore defensive tackle Corey Liuget ended up with the Illini in part because they had basements. Oregon laws prevent you from filling up your own gas tank but you won't see me moving there anytime soon.

-- Alabama has changed the paint and logo scheme for its end zones. Looks nice.

-- USC's offense threw in a new wrinkle at a recent scrimmage and defensive end Everson Griffen is finally flashing some of his immense raw ability.

-- Speaking of USC, Charles White's Heisman Trophy went on the auction block and found no takers. How depressing for all parties.

Rick Neuheisel Passes On The Spread originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Major Programs Enter 2009 Overlooked

Brian Grummell — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Baylor, Florida State, Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA

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

It's not often a traditional power like Michigan can be called be called overlooked, but a 4-8 season will do plenty of things to a program other than just riling up the fanbase. In this case, it makes the Wolverines primed for a surprise season.

And they're not alone.

We'll even invite Florida State to the party dadgummit. Florida, Oklahoma, USC and Texas are laughing but inevitably they'll have their season(s) of woe. Until then, some big programs are giving us material in this feature on programs on the rise.

First up, Michigan. Former coach Lloyd Carr did a tremendous job guiding the Wolverines to a championship in 1997 and another decade plus of Big Ten leadership. He also failed to catch that wave of new offensive thinking that crashed upon college football's shores in the last few season. So out went Carr, in went snake oil wizard Rich Rodriguez who promptly led Michigan to the promised land directed the Wolverines to a three-win season.

Hey, at least he didn't lose to Appalachian State.

Last year's problems are hopefully today's lessons. Michigan set about fixing its 2008 quarterback disaster by watching sometimes starter Steven Threet transfer, making way for two athletic freshmen in Tate Forcier and speedy Denard Robinson. Forcier is in for the spring and drawing raves with his ability to make passes on the run.

He's a freshman so they'll struggle there this year but at least the quarterback piece of the puzzle seems to be set. Video of him running around a lot in Michigan's spring game, below.

Elsewhere, Tennessee is entering a new era under the "crazy" Lane Kiffin. The obvious spring situation involves working out the kinks with an new coaching staff and fitting the talent Kiffin's system.

Spring is the best shot for some veterans, particularly on offense, to establish themselves before a small army of much-hyped freshmen arrive over the summer. The quarterback and tailback situations aren't dire, but it's hard to call them satisfactory either.

In the ACC, Florida State is happy to be working on football, following NCAA sanctions from an academic fraud case that were levied in early March. Things are actually a bit brighter this spring with an established quarterback in Christian Ponder. He was a bit of a surprise starter last year, but offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has taken a liking to him. With that faith comes the possibility of expanding the offense and Ponder's role in it, which maybe might mean a return to a decent offense for the Seminoles.

The oddball on this list is Baylor out of the Big 12. Basically, quarterback Robert Griffin is a unique athlete who capped spring ball with a 310-yard, three-touchdown outing in coach Art Briles' wide-open system. There's not a ton of talent around him but great players in an efficient system can take a team far in college football. He's clearly developing in putting together a nice spring, scary stuff.

Finally, UCLA has put some pieces together to rebound from last year's 4-8 disappointment. Incumbent quarterback Kevin Craft appears to be out in favor of redshirt freshman Kevin Prince and possibly true freshman Richard Brehaut.

The Bruins also shifted quarterback Chris Forcier to receiver. The status of the offensive line is still an unknown but it doesn't appear to have suffered as many injuries as last year while almost certainly drawing much more attention from the coaching staff that needs a productive line if it is to accomplish anything offensively in 2009.

Major Programs Enter 2009 Overlooked originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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