NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Memo to BCS Bashers: Stop Whininghttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/memo-to-bcs-bashers-stop-whining/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/memo-to-bcs-bashers-stop-whining/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/memo-to-bcs-bashers-stop-whining/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Jordan Shipley, Jeffrey Demps, Julio Jones
It's that silly time of year again. There are so many significant teams among the big boys of college football, but there are just two slots on Jan. 7 in Pasadena, Calif., for that title game of the Bowl Championship Series. So the voice of the older Jim Mora is screaming in my subconscious.

Playoffs, playoffs?

We don't need playoffs in this situation.

We need everybody to take a deep breath, count slowly to 10 and stop their knee-jerk talk of a playoff system. The decade-old way of deciding a national champion through the BCS rankings is mostly just fine.

Take this week, for instance. Where's the problem? There isn't one, because the combination of the human polls and the cold computers has it right. The defensive monsters from Florida and Alabama clearly are No. 1 and No. 2, followed by a Texas bunch with a defense that also clobbers people.

That trio is from power conferences, and with apologies to the prolific whiners from the Mountain West and Western Athletic conferences, teams from power conferences deserve a nudge over the rest.

Anyway, Florida and Alabama will meet in the SEC championship game, which means one of them will drop in the rankings behind Texas .

That is, if Texas wins the Big 12 championship game. If Texas doesn't, then one of those other undefeated teams (Texas Christian, Cincinnati and Boise State) will slide into the title picture. Or it could open the way for a one-loss team such as Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh or even the loser of the SEC championship game.


Whatever happens, the system is there. The system is working. The system is controversial, but the system provides less drama than what would occur with a playoff system, which will never happen anyway.

There are just too many questions involved with a playoff system, but its supporters either ignore those questions or shrug them away.

For instance: How many teams will be in this playoff system? The answer is, nobody knows. Many want a "plus one" thing, where two of the four BCS games (Rose, Sugar, Orange and Fiesta) would host semifinal games, and then the winners would play in another BCS game. Others want 16 teams in a playoff. Some want 32.

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach wants 64.

As for those other questions, pull up a chair and rest a while. If you can provide more than a surface answer to three or more of the following, then you should immediately leave Planet Earth to design the next solar system.

Where would these playoff games take place, and would they be at the same locations every year, and who would decide the locations?

What entity would choose the playoff teams, and how will such a system be less subjective than what we have now?

With colleges everywhere crying broke, where would they find the extra cash they would need for travel, lodging, food, equipment, utilities -- along with all of those other expenses that nobody wants to discuss that would surface?

Where are those colleges going to find the extra cash to pay for those bonuses that their already heavily compensated coaches would surely command for reaching and winning playoff games?

Oh, and with all that extra cash going to football programs for these playoffs, and with all that revenue created through television rights and jacked-up ticket prices, how would schools satisfy their Title IX obligations since women sports surely would seek a mighty part of the pie?

What would this do to the bowl system, especially since (1) the overwhelming number of the 34 bowls won't have a shot at hosting a playoff game and (2) advertisers (as in TV) won't be as interested in those other bowls?

How many fans could afford to travel with their team across the country at the spur of the moment, which would be the case more often than not?

How many fans could keep traveling if their team keeps winning?

How many folks would the NCAA need to hire to investigate all of the cheating scandals that would surface involving those pressured to do shady things to reach the playoffs to keep from getting whacked?

What kind of toll would all of these extra practices and meetings (see, it's not just one little, old playoff game that its supporters keep suggesting) take on your average student-athlete physically, mentally and academically?

Why not just leave the BCS alone?

Why not, indeed? After all, this eternal grumbling over who really is No. 1 has been so detrimental to college football at its highest level that, entering this season, attendance rose every season for the previous 14 years.

Consider, too, that along the facade of the club level at Folsom Stadium, where the Colorado Buffaloes play their home games, you'll find these words: 1990 National Champions. That's funny, because around Georgia Tech, spanning from Bobby Dodd Stadium to a billboard that is visible for those traveling through Atlanta down I-75, you see claims that the Yellow Jackets won it all that season. And they did. Georgia Tech was named the United Press International champion, and Colorado was declared the nation's best by the Associated Press.

Since nobody can prove otherwise, you have two different fan bases in college football who can claim for eternity that their team was the king of 1990.

There also is that endless griping around Auburn over its undefeated 2004 team that won the SEC but didn't make the BCS championship game. Never mind that Auburn disqualified itself from serious consideration by playing the likes of Louisiana-Monroe, The Citadel and Louisiana Tech.

Auburn fans still think their Tigers would have won it all that season over Oklahoma or USC. They still think they were robbed.

The same goes for Penn State fans who remember 1969, when a giddy Richard Nixon attended Texas' victory over Arkansas during the regular season and crowned the Longhorns national champions in their locker room. Texas later won its bowl game to finish undefeated, but so did Penn State. It's just that Penn State wasn't anointed by the president.

The point is, a playoff system would have exposed those Auburn, Penn State and other such teams as frauds, but now we'll never know.

Which is a good thing. Which is why everybody has another reason to keep breathing deeply regarding the BCS.

Terence Moore is a national columnist and commentator for FanHouse. He is a frequent panelist on "Rome Is Burning," an ESPN show hosted by Jim Rome, that is seen Monday through Friday at 4:30 PM ET. Moore spent more than three decades working for major newspapers, including 26 years as an award-winning sports columnist for the San Francisco Examiner and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He resides in Atlanta.

Memo to BCS Bashers: Stop Whining originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Terence MooreMon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST TCU Is More Than Just BCS Busterhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/tcu-is-more-than-just-bcs-buster/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/tcu-is-more-than-just-bcs-buster/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/tcu-is-more-than-just-bcs-buster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Andy DaltonFORT WORTH, Texas -- Gary Patterson really doesn't want to lobby the BCS for inclusion into its national championship mix.

The fourth-ranked TCU Horned Frogs' impressive body of work should be enough.

They are just one of six remaining undefeated teams in the country, and have collected quality road wins at Clemson, Air Force and BYU en route to moving into fourth place in the BCS standings, the highest such ranking ever for a non-automatic qualifier.

But the Horned Frogs made their boldest statement yet this season Saturday, luring the 16th-ranked and reigning Mountain West champion Utah Utes into their place with the promise of another close contest only to lock the gates on them at Amon G. Carter Stadium. When it was all over, the Frogs had thoroughly waxed their nemesis 55-28 in front of a record overflow crowd of 50,307 in Amon Carter Stadium.

So voters and computers were you paying attention?

"If the nation didn't think this was enough style points then I don't know what is," said Patterson, who is now 2-3 all-time against Utah. "We are just going to go about our business because that was a good football team."

The Utes' 8-1, 5-0 MWC record and lofty national ranking were tangible proof how good Utah was. The ease in which the Frogs, who are 10-0 for just the second time since 1938 when they won their last national championship, handled the Utes in all facets proved just how much better TCU is.

The Frogs amassed 342 yards rushing with running back Ed Wesley racing for 137 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Andy Dalton added 207 yards and a touchdown through the air, while the defense limited the Utes to 65 yards on 27 carries for the night. The specials teams units got into the act, as well, with a blocked punt and return specialist Jeremy Kerley was again his spectacular season.

"They were who we thought they were," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, whose team dropped to 8-2, and 5-1 on the season. "Tonight, that was a good football team. I have been a head coach for five years, that is the best team I've ever faced."
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

High praise from a man who beat the team ranked No. 1 for most of last season, Alabama, in the Sugar Bowl last season.

The only negatives were a missed 26-yard field goal and a muffed punt and then a couple surrendered deep balls after the game was well out of hand. All correctable breakdowns.

Overall, It was the kind of overwhelming performance you would expect from Texas, Florida and Alabama -- the three teams ranked ahead of them in the BCS rankings. TCU, led by a stifling defense and a highly efficient offense, is beyond good.

These Horned Frogs are flirting with greatness. But in a college football universe where the big time programs call all the shots, TCU likely will never get to test that greatness.

Oh sure, the BCS brethren from the Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl all showed up Saturday willing to extend an invite to the Frogs. Utah and Boise State have had enough success in those second-tier BCS games that the little guy stepping up to challenge Goliath has been embraced.

But the most logical and deserving next step for TCU should be the BCS national championship game in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl following the season, provided they win out against Wyoming and New Mexico to conclude the regular season.

The Frogs' defense, led by All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes, is as dominant as Texas' and Alabama's units. And quarterback Andy Dalton has transformed the offense into one that's every bit as explosive as the Tim Tebow-led Florida Gators.

The compelling argument against the Frogs being the first outsiders to make their way into the BCS national title game is they haven't faced week-in and week-out challenges that exist in the SEC and Big 12 South in the Mountain West. You can't disagree there.

But since you can't blame the program that was left in the cold when the Southwest Conference broke apart to form the Big 12 anymore than you can blame the Longhorns for a joke of a non-conference schedule this season, don't you want to know how TCU would measure up against, say, Texas?

"It would be a great opportunity for the school and for our team," Hughes said Saturday night of the possibility of meeting Texas, Florida or Alabama in the national championship game. "But at the same time, we've got to take care of next week because Wyoming is a great team."

There is little reason to believe the Frogs won't handle a mediocre Wyoming squad in Laramie, Wyoming next week. But if you are Patterson, you've been down this road before where your team hits 10-0 as it did in 2003 only to have a letdown.

So you can understand his quandary as the TCU coach wants to aim for the sky for his team, but he doesn't want his players to lose sight of what's in front of them. While the MWC title seems a certainty -- the Frogs are 6-0 in league play -- they still haven't won anything.

Of course, you wouldn't have known that by the way the fans stormed the football field Saturday night.

"The biggest thing with us is we need to finish," Patterson said. "We have two games left, one on the road. I understand how big a win this is. I've been here. I've beaten Oklahoma and then got beat by SMU. We are going to finish. That's what we need to do, we need to finish."

TCU Is More Than Just BCS Buster originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Andy DaltonAndyDaltonBCSGary PattersonGaryPattersonJerry HughesJerryHughesKyle WhittinghamKyleWhittinghamTCU Horned FrogsTcuHornedFrogsTerrance HarrisSun, 15 Nov 2009 01:46:00 EST TCU Makes Boldest BCS Statement Yethttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/tcu-makes-boldest-bcs-statemen-yet/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/tcu-makes-boldest-bcs-statemen-yet/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/tcu-makes-boldest-bcs-statemen-yet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TCUFORT WORTH, Texas -- If there were questions about the BCS worthiness of the TCU Horned Frogs, they were answered -- and resoundingly -- Saturday night.

The fourth-ranked Horned Frogs made their big game against 16th-ranked Utah seem like an exhibition as they stunned the naysayers and maybe even themselves by routing the defending Mountain West champion Utes 55-28 in front a record crowd of 50,307 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The most immediate result is that the undefeated Horned Frogs have a major leg up in the MWC race by getting past nemesis Utah in convincing fashion. Even bigger, the Horned Frogs sent a clear message to the BCS community that they deserve to be part of the BCS conversation, not just for one of the four big bowl bids but for a real shot at the national title game.

If Saturday night's game is any indication, the Horned Frogs are as dominant on defense as Texas and Alabama, and as potent on offense as Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators. TCU, ranked fourth in last week's BCS standings, made it look easy against a quality Utah team in a game that broke ranks with the recent competitiveness of this series.

The Frogs, sparked by highly efficient night by quarterback Andy Dalton and a stifling defensive performance, led the Utes 38-14 at halftime and never looked back as they moved to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in the MWC for the season. Utah slipped to 8-2, 5-1 on the season.

The Utes, who were supposed to be the closest thing to TCU athletically in the MWC, seemed several steps slow as running backs Matthew Tucker, Ed Wesley and Joseph Turner along with Dalton all converted explosive plays on the ground while receivers Ryan Christian and Jeremy Kerley couldn't be defended most of the night.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Defensively, led by All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes, the Frogs gave Utah running back Eddie Wide little room to run while harassing quarterback Jordan Wynn all night long.

Putting forth such a convincing performance on such a major stage, which included ESPN's GameDay crew and several national media members, will make it difficult to keep the Horned Frogs out of the national title discussion should Florida, Alabama and Texas falter in these final two weeks of the regular season. But to keep the conversation going, TCU also can't afford a letdown in its final two regular season games at Wyoming and then home against New Mexico.

TCU Makes Boldest BCS Statement Yet originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Terrance HarrisSat, 14 Nov 2009 22:46:00 EST Live Blog: TCU Gives Utes the Hornshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/live-blog-big-game-feel-for-tcu-utah/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/live-blog-big-game-feel-for-tcu-utah/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/live-blog-big-game-feel-for-tcu-utah/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The atmosphere is electric and Amon G. Carter Stadium is packed to overflow capacity for what is arguably the biggest game in decades at TCU.

Should the fourth-ranked Horned Frogs (9-0, 5-0) make it past No.16 Utah (8-1, 5-0) tonight they will not only have a strong edge in the Mountain West race but will also keep them in step for a BCS bowl bid and possibly a berth into the national title game. Should the Frogs, who are ranked fourth in the BCS standings, make it to Pasadena, Calif. they will become the first non-BCS conference school to compete in the BCS title game.

(Follow Terrance Harris' game blog after the jump)
More Coverage: Box Score | Play by Play


The possibility of making it to a national title game has generated never before seen excitement around the Horned Frogs program. Painting yourself purple seems to be the thing to do these days in Fort Worth and the surrounding area.

Let's just see how impressed the reigning MWC champion Utes will be with all the hype TCU has garnered for tonight's game.


FIRST QUARTER

The Horned Frogs don't waste much time in getting on the board and getting the crowd even more amped as they march 87 yards on eights plays to go up 7-0. Running back Matthew Tucker broke through the middle of the line and raced 41 yards to the touchdown with 11:33 left in first.

***************
This may or may not mean much, but the Frogs seem to be having trouble in the kicking game during the early going. Place kicker Ross Evans has missed a 26-yard chip shot attempt and punter Anson Kelton just shanked a punt that gave the Utes the ball at the TCU 43.

It will be interesting to see if these problems continue throughout the night.

***********

The Frogs problem in the kicking game has come back to bite them. Four plays after Kelton's shanked punt, running back/quarterback Shaky Smithson ran in from 10 yards to help the Utes tie the game 7-7 with 4:48 remaining in the first quarter. Smithson, who came in to run the Utes' version of the Wildcat on a couple plays during the series, now has his first touchdown of the season.

***************

Let's give TCU receiver Ryan Christian the play of the night and yes, we are still in the first quarter. But the touchdown play was nice. Christian took a swing pass from Andy Dalton then sidestepped a tackler before racing down the sideline for a 14-yard touchdown reception that put the Frogs up 14-7 late in the first quarter

****************

So much focus so far has been on the TCU offense, but the Frogs defense, led by defensive end Jerry Hughes, is playing an unbelievable game. In the final series of the first quarter, the unit recorded two negative yardage plays courtesy of Hughes and then blocked a punt to hand the offense the ball at the Utah 23.


SECOND QUARTER

Someone might want to explain to the Utes that the Horned Frogs don't need any help scoring. After spotting the Frogs on the 23 because of the blocked punt, the Utah defense then commits two mind-less penalties, an illegal substitution and then offsides on back to back plays to position TCU at the 3. That made it easy for Jeremy Kerley to barrel into the end zone from three yards to open up a 21-7 TCU lead with 14:11 left to play in the first half.

*********************


Okay, this one is looking like a rout in the making. Antoine Hicks just raced 1-yard for a touchdown to put the Frogs up 28-7. They've scored 21 unanswered points to separate themselves from the Utes. The last touchdown was set up when returnman Jeremy Kerley burst around the corner for a 39-yard punt return to the Utah 29. And on the first play from scrimmage, Dalton hit receiver Jimmy Young on a perfectly placed slant pass for a 28-yard pickup to the 1.

*******************

TCU is just putting on one of the most complete performances imaginable. The Frogs have used offense and speical teams to help put up points, now the defense has gotten into the act. Middle linebacker Carder just returned an interception 10 yards for a pick six that put the Frogs up 35-7 early in the second quarter. So much for the great battle.
***************

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has to be completely beside himself at this point tonight. Not only is his team getting smashed 38-14 in the first half, but they are being hammered by penalties. Illegal substitutions on the defense, offsides, and unsportsmanlike conduct calls have all gone against the Utes in the first two quarters. TCU hasn't been penalized nearly as much so far.


HALFTIME

Okay, who will admit they expected such a lopsided game between the Frogs and Utes to this point? Nothing about their recent past would have suggested TCU would be holding a commanding 38-14 lead at the intermission.

On paper, they seemed to be pretty evenly matched with TCU maybe holding the edge on defense and a slight advantage on offense and special teams, But so far, the Frogs have been dominant on all phases.

Dalton has been his efficient self, completing 15 of 23 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Dalton has hit receiver Ryan Christian for 48 yards and a touchdown on five passes. The Frogs array of runners have amassed 115 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in the first half.

But also give it up the Frogs' defense, which has limited Utah to just 27 yards rushing on 15 attempts and just 157 yards of total offense in the first two quarters. TCU's offense has put up 309 yards of offense.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

Live Blog: TCU Gives Utes the Horns originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Terrance HarrisSat, 14 Nov 2009 21:15:00 EST TCU Has Chance to Climb Mountainhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/tcu-has-chance-to-climb-the-mountain/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/tcu-has-chance-to-climb-the-mountain/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/tcu-has-chance-to-climb-the-mountain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gary Patterson

FORT WORTH - If you are waiting for TCU coach Gary Patterson to start lobbying for his team's inclusion into the BCS and possibly the national championship game, you will be kept waiting.

Patterson (above) can see far too many traps to get caught up in what the nation is talking about and that's that the fourth-ranked TCU Horned Frogs could very well be the first of the non-BCS schools to punch a ticket to the BCS' grandest stage.

It's a nice thought, but with 14th-ranked Utah on the horizon in a mega Mountain West Conference game Saturday night, Patterson isn't even willing to give the BCS possibilities a thought. He's strongly suggesting his players don't, either.
"Right now we are trying to only worry about things we can control," said Patterson, whose team heads into action this weekend as one of six undefeated squads at 9-0 and 5-0 in the MWC. "All of us are a fan at heart. Like I tell my kids, if you want to sit at home and drink the BCS Kool-Aid and the national championship Kool-Aid, go ahead. But we've still got three games left, three tough games."

But that isn't stopping the rest of the nation from getting excited about the possibilities that could rock the BCS to its elitist core. Sure we've seen non-BCS teams like Utah and Boise State make it to a BCS bowl and even win against the big boys.

"I think TCU has one of the best defenses that I've gone against in my coaching career."
- UNLV coach Mike Sanford But the Horned Frogs could break through to the once unthinkable BCS national title game at the Rose Bowl this season. All they have to do is remain undefeated and hope that two of the three teams ahead of them - Florida, Alabama and Texas - lose once.

Either Florida or Alabama will certainly lose once prior to the bowl season as they head on a collision course in the SEC Championship game. The Longhorns are far from invincible, but they are likely to make it into the bowl season unscathed with not much left to challenge them in the Big 12, making it unlikely that TCU will reach uncharted territory.

Still, those who love to cheer the underdog can dream.

Patterson, however, is staying in reality and in the moment, which happens to be preparing for a Utah team that's more than a little dangerous. After that the Horned Frogs visit Wyoming before returning home to face New Mexico in the regular-season finale.

"Right now it's easy to focus on what we've got to do right now," Patterson said.

And nothing is more immediate than a Utah team that's been a flat out thorn in the side of the Frogs since their Western Athletic Conference days in the mid 1990s. The Utes (8-1, 5-0) have continued to be a menace to TCU, owning a 5-1 all-time series record and a 1-2 edge in Fort Worth that qualifies them as the lone MWC team Patterson has a losing record against.

In a matchup of similar proportions last season, Utah scored a touchdown with 47 seconds left to knock off TCU 13-10, and went on to win the MWC crown. This season both teams enter 5-0 in league play and with MWC implications all over the place, though that's just a secondary prize to the rest of the nation.

Still, the signs are screaming this is a big game. The ESPN GameDay crew is in town. There will be a rare sellout at Amon G. Carter Stadium. And Nike has picked TCU to outfit in its new ultra thin combat uniforms for the CBS broadcast game.

"We understand that every ball game we have played against Utah has been very close," said Patterson, whose team has the third-longest winning streak in the nation right now with 11 straight victories dating back to last season. "They have never played us here when we have had this kind of crowd, so it'll be interesting. It's like I told my kids, it doesn't matter about uniforms or crowd size, you've got to go play. A lot of people across the country play in front of 85,000-90,000 people every week and get beat. If history repeats itself, we will play at a very high level, because we have done that when we have had a big crowd here."

Jerry HughesBut don't be confused, this game will be decided between the lines between two teams with quality offenses and outstanding defense. The Horned Frogs, led by All-American senior defensive end Jerry Hughes (right), have the most dominant defense in the MWC this season and one of the best in the nation.

Just ask teams like the ACC's Virginia and the SEC's Clemson, who were both stifled in front of their home crowds by TCU this season. UNLV coach Mike Sanford has come up against both TCU and Utah this season and doesn't hesitate on which is best.

"I think TCU has one of the best defenses that I've gone against in my coaching career," he said. "I think Utah has the next-best defense in the conference.

"But I think TCU is the best defense in the conference and one of the best I've ever gone against in my career."

The winner of Saturday night's game will undoubtedly have the leg up in the MWC race. Should the Frogs win, they will be even closer to solidifying a coveted BCS bowl berth, even if it's not the big one. Should they lose then the non-BCS mantle is passed to Boise State, which is also one of six undefeated teams in the nation heading into Friday night.

But right now, the Frogs would just as soon keep the buzz around them.

"To me, it's just fun," TCU junior safety Tejay Johnson said of being in the BCS mix a couple weeks ago. "The best part about this is for all the coaches, because you work so hard all year. It's fun to be in a situation at the end of the year where all of your games count. Not counting to keep your job, but counting towards something that is a lot of fun for your kids, fans and community."

Patterson, who shut his players down from the media this week, also recognizes the excitement that's around the program and knows what it can mean to a community that is still feeling jilted when the Southwest Conference broke up and left TCU behind.

"I'm excited for our fans. I'm excited they have something to talk about," he said. "Nationally, we have gained a lot of attention. My job is to make sure the fans don't get their hearts broken. We need to finish up and do the things we need to do. There's a lot of excitement here. There's a lot of people excited about where we're at, what we're doing and how we're doing it."

TCU Has Chance to Climb Mountain originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>bcsGary PattersonGaryPattersonJerry HughesMike SanfordMikeSanfordTCU Horned FrogsTejay JohnsonTerrance HarrisFri, 13 Nov 2009 23:32:00 EST New Mexico Suspends Locksleyhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/locksley-may-be-headed-for-suspension/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/locksley-may-be-headed-for-suspension/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/locksley-may-be-headed-for-suspension/#commentsFiled under: ,

New Mexico football coach Mike Locksley was suspended for one game and will be on unpaid leave for 10 days for his role in an altercation with an assistant coach last month, the school announced Tuesday afternoon.

Locksley will be suspended for the Oct. 24 game against UNLV and will not be allowed to have anything to do with the team in the week leading up to the Mountain West game. The suspension brings to an end the off-the-field turmoil surrounding Locksley and the 0-6 Lobos for weeks.

In addition to the confrontation with wide receivers coach J.B. Gerald Sept. 20 in the coaches offices, Locksley was also under fire because of a sexual harassment/age discrimation claim filed with the EEOC by a long-time office worker. The school announced on Monday that claim had been resolved, though a resolution had been in place days earlier.

When reached earlier Tuesday about the possibility of a suspension, Locksley told FanHouse he was unaware of any forthcoming announcement. But later that day, athletic director Paul Krebs announced the one-game suspension.

"I've been getting a lot of calls from people asking me this and that, but nobody has said anything to me," Locksley said early Tuesday. "I guess we will see."

Locksley has been under investigation by the university the last two weeks in connection with a physical confrontation he had with Gerald, a longtime friend Locksley brought with him from Illinois where he had been the offensive coordinator. The assistant claimed in a police report that Locksley punched him in the face, a claim the head coach denies.

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
Locksley was originally given a warning and letter of reprimand by athletics director Paul Krebs for the Sept. 20 incident that took place in the coaches offices a day after the Lobos lost to Air Force. But feeling pressure from the community, the UNM Human Resource department picked up the investigation more than a week and half after the incident.

Gerald has not returned to the team since the incident and it's unclear what his future is with the school.

New Mexico Suspends Locksley originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>J.B. GeraldJ.b.GeraldMike LocksleyMikeLocksleyTerrance HarrisTue, 13 Oct 2009 18:39:00 EST EEOC Claims Against New Mexico's Mike Locksley Resolvedhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/eeoc-claims-against-new-mexicos-mike-locksley-resolved/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/eeoc-claims-against-new-mexicos-mike-locksley-resolved/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/eeoc-claims-against-new-mexicos-mike-locksley-resolved/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mike LocksleyEmbattled New Mexico coach Mike Locksley has resolved one issue that's been dogging him in his short tenure.

Locksley and longtime office worker Sylvia Lopez have resolved the issues that led to 54-year-old Lopez filing a sexual harassment /age discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission this past spring against the 39-year-old coach, the school announced Monday. All EEOC claims have been withdrawn.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the resolution was Lopez deeming the whole situation a misunderstanding and refuting the portion that claims sexual harassment in the filing with EEOC. Under the agreement, Lopez keeps her job.

"I truly wish the best for coach Locksley and hope he has a great season, and career with UNM. I regret that this misunderstanding may have created a negative perception of coach Locksley." Sylvia Lopez said in a released statement. "I feel very positive about working for UNM and know I can be an asset to the University because of my years of experience and skills."

UNM vice president for athletics Paul Krebs also expressed relief in the issue that was the first of Locksley's many in Albuquerque.

"We are pleased we could clear the air and everyone involved can move forward in a positive direction," he said in the released statement.

But that is only part of the unrest surrounding Locksley at New Mexico. He is now under investigation by the school's Human Resource department after he and assistant coach J.B. Gerald got into a physical confrontation during a coaches meeting last month. Gerald, whom Locksley brought over with him from Illinois, alleges the head coach punched him.

Locksley, who is also under fire for being 0-6 in his first season as a head coach, denies throwing a punch.

ESPN reported Monday that there is a press conference set for Tuesday to announce the school's findings in the altercation. UNM associate athletic director for communications Greg Remington told FanHouse on Monday that was the first he's heard of a planned press conference.

But at least Locksley has one issue resolved that had been hanging over head and lumped in as a reason for some to cry for his dismissal before his first season is complete.

UNM president David Schmidly and Krebs issued a joint statement Monday pledging their support for Locksley.

"We stand behind Coach Locksley and know that he has performed and continues to perform his job in a professional and respectable manner and will do so in the future," the release said.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

EEOC Claims Against New Mexico's Mike Locksley Resolved originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Mike LocksleyTerrance HarrisMon, 12 Oct 2009 21:10:00 EST How Push Led to Shove in New Mexicohttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/how-push-led-to-shove-in-new-mexico/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/how-push-led-to-shove-in-new-mexico/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/how-push-led-to-shove-in-new-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mike LocksleyALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- In a game of inches, none may mean more to Mike Locksley than the ones he didn't take Sept. 20. The first-year New Mexico coach was all but out the door following a heated altercation with wide receivers coach J.B. Gerald, when, he said, he "sort of lost it."

Those inches may wind up costing him everything.

"If I had that moment back ... ," Locksley said to FanHouse in his office Tuesday night. "I was literally walking out the door because I knew I was getting heated and it kept going back and forth. I'm walking out the door and I look over and another word was said and it was set off."

In that moment, he grabbed Gerald, an assistant who had followed him halfway across the country from Illinois. An altercation ensued. When the dust cleared all that was certain was that Gerald had a split lip. And two coaching careers were beginning to unravel, the coda to an argument from earlier in the day, an argument with a decade of history.
More Coverage: Read Police Report

Locksley is in jeopardy of losing his job in his first season as head coach and Gerald, in his first season as a full-time assistant, may be out of coaching permanently.

According to multiple sources who were present Sept. 20, the disagreement began during practice, over an argument about the wide receivers' performance during the 37-13 loss to Air Force the previous day. Locksley let his young assistant have it.

Instead of taking the pointed criticism from his boss and moving on, Gerald fired back.

Gerald told Locksley that not even his mother talks to him that way. Locksley, witnesses said, fired back that his mother wasn't paying Gerald $90,000 a year.
 A back-and-forth exchange ensued and both coaches clung to the last word. According to a police report filed by Gerald, Locksley became angry and approached Gerald in an aggressive manner. Gerald told Locksley that not even his mother talks to him that way. Locksley, witnesses said, fired back that his mother wasn't paying Gerald $90,000 a year.

Then after all the harsh words, it was a simple "Whatever" from Gerald that brought Locksley back into the room after he had begun to leave.

Suddenly, Locksley grabbed Gerald by the collar before the other coaches could separate them. Gerald says he was punched in the mouth; the responding officer acknowledged a split lip.

Locksley doesn't dispute grabbing Gerald. He does, however, deny a punch was thrown. Whatever, both men's careers likely changed that day. Gerald has been on paid leave since the incident. Locksley, who is off to an 0-4 start, faces possible termination from his approximately $750,000 a year job after the university's human resources department opened up an investigation Tuesday.

"I wish I had made a different decision," Locksley said. "I got caught up in the moment, but that should never have happened."

Those who know both said it was just the end result of feelings that had been festering between the two for more than a month. According to several sources close to the program, Locksley and Gerald got into a heated exchange Aug. 13 at practice during camp.

As a coach, the 39-year-old Locksley seems far more interested in making sure his point is understood on the field than he is about the delivery. He grilled Gerald in front the players, fellow coaches, media and others. Having a head coach chastise assistants on the field, while awkward and potentially embarrassing, is not uncommon.

What happened next was.

Gerald, a 27-year-old, first-year, full-time assistant, shouted at his head coach with the same type of profanity-laced language he had just absorbed. The exchange eventually died down, but picked back up as practice wound down and Gerald was walking to meet an awaiting reporter.

J.B. GeraldLocksley declined to discuss the specifics of either exchange.

"In all of my years around here, I had never seen anything like that," said an athletic department source, who wished not to be identified. "It was quite an exchange."

That type of disrespect could have gotten Gerald dismissed, but it didn't because of the history the two share that goes back more than 10 years. Locksley has known the young coach since his days as an assistant coach at Maryland when Gerald was a high school student at DuVal High School in Lanham, Md. Locksley successfully recruited Gerald's best friend, Madieu Williams, to play for the Terps; Gerald went on to play at Colgate.

Years later, Locksley and Gerald became reacquainted as Gerald looked to break into the coaching profession as a graduate assistant at Penn State. At Williams' urging, Locksley became a friend and mentor to Gerald, listening to his desires to speed up his career and offering advice.

Locksley, who by then was the offensive coordinator at Illinois, eventually had an opening for an offensive quality control coach two years ago and offered the job to Gerald, who had spent five years working in various roles on the football staff at Penn State. Gerald worked at Illinois on the staff of Ron Zook for a season before Locksley got the opportunity to be the head coach at New Mexico.

Locksley says because he respected Gerald's skills as a coach and the trust was there, he offered Gerald the position of receivers coach/recruiting coordinator, a highly unusual opportunity for a coach with no full-time experience.

"It was definitely an established relationship. J.B. and I were close," Locksley said. "As I've said, I saw a lot of me in him as a young coach. When I look back, maybe I was too hard on him in that I was being demanding trying to teach him how to do it."

Certainly the risk Locksley took on with a young unproven coach doesn't seem worth it now.

"I saw a lot of me in him as a young coach. When I look back, maybe I was too hard on him.
-- Mike Locksley"
 "I thought because of our relationship that we may be able to work through it," said Locksley, who is also dealing with an EEOC complaint of sexual harassment and age discrimination filed by former 54-year-old office worker, Sylvia Lopez. "Unfortunately it's happened, it should never have happened. But I also know in this business, I've been a part of where it has happened and guys understand it's like family sometimes.

"We work long hours, the frustration of losing, the long hours. I have to admit I had a lot on my plate, especially with the other incident. Things were going on and it was kind of a buildup. I lost it. You never make decisions out of frustration. That's what it boiled down to."

The end result is both coaches' futures are in doubt. The local media has grilled Locksley, saying this latest incident is further proof he isn't ready to be a head coach of an FBS program. The radio sports call-in shows and message boards have been even harsher with most arguments boiling down to this question: Where else could a boss punch his employee and still keep his job?

"Some people think he should have been suspended a game or two, some people think the reprimand was enough and then you have a couple people that are kind of out there, he should be fired," said Leeroy Lucero, who co-hosts a postgame radio show in Albuquerque as well as writes for the theredmenace.com. "I don't believe the majority want to see him fired, but there are a couple vocal people that do."

As much trouble as Locksley's career may be in, Gerald's could be in more. A few former and current head coaches have said privately that Gerald violated trust by going to police first without trying to have the dispute handled internally.

Gerald, however, is just a dissertation short of receiving a PhD. in educational leadership from Penn State so his future could be outside of coaching.
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook
He has hinted he may want to return to New Mexico, where the door has been left open. Gerald told FanHouse in a brief conversation Tuesday night that he was considering returning to his job, therefore he did not wish to discuss the ordeal in the media.

But in this world of high-pressure, high-stakes athletics, time is ticking on a possible return to the Lobos staff. Graduate assistant Aaron Moorehead has taken over coaching receivers in Gerald's absence.

"We'd like to have J.B. back as part of the staff," New Mexico athletic director Paul Krebs told FanHouse. "We're basically at a point where he is either going to have to come back or we are going to have to put him on reassignment to another area. We are at a point where we need to know which way is he going to go."

Krebs would certainly like to see Locksley be given more time, but admits that may be out of his hands. Depending on what the human resources department finds in its investigation of the ordeal, Locksley could be either suspended or fired. The school conduct code for employees certainly seems to support termination for work place violence. A firing with cause would likely mean Locksley's salary ends on the last day of his employment with the university.

So far Gerald hasn't talked to anyone beyond filing the police report and to this point has declined to press charges against Locksley.

Krebs placed a letter of reprimand in Locksley's file on Monday, but most believe that was a mere slap on the wrist. The final decision on punishment will likely come from the president's office.

"As we stand here today is his job in jeopardy? No," Krebs said. "Based on what I know, what I've seen and what I continue to see, his job is not in jeopardy. But I think it's important to say this is a mistake that can't happen again. It's a mistake he needs to learn from and if he has the kind of leadership skills that I think he has, he will use this as a springboard and he will look back on it one day and remember the struggle of year one.

"But he's got to learn from it and move forward and there can't be no repetition."

The word pressure had been thrown around quite a bit to perhaps explain the emotion that could have led to the blowup Sept. 20. Fans and alumni have already been down on Locksley and his staff after a lackluster showing in the first four games of the regime, which includes troubling losses to Tulsa, Air Force and in-state rival New Mexico State in addition to defeat against Texas A&M in the season opener. New Mexico travels to Lubbock, Texas, this weekend to take on Texas Tech.

Locksley inherited just three returning starters on defense from last year's 4-8 squad, and openly admits his best players are sophomores and redshirt freshmen. Four games in, it's obvious the quick fix Lobo fans hoped for isn't going to happen.

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=515420&pid=515419&uts=1254417899
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Latest College Football Photos
In this Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, photo, Tulsa quarterback Jacob Bower, right, is tackled by Oklahoma's Jeremy Beal, center, as Adrian Taylor, left, looks on during an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
AP
FR159426 AP

Latest College Football Images

    In this Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, photo, Tulsa quarterback Jacob Bower, right, is tackled by Oklahoma's Jeremy Beal, center, as Adrian Taylor, left, looks on during an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

    AP

    In thies Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs pushes Indiana running back Darius Willis (28) out of bounds during an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Kovacs, a redshirt freshman, is one of a number of walk-ons who are seeing significant playing time for the Wolverines this season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

    AP

    In this Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs (32) is seen after a tackle during an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich. Kovacs, a redshirt freshman, is one of a number of walk-ons who are seeing significant playing time for the Wolverines this season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

    AP

    In this Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tailback Ryan Williams, carries a flag on to the field prior to the start of the Miami-Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

    AP

    In this Sept. 19, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tail back Ryan Williams powers forward for extra yardage during the first half of the Nebraska Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

    AP

    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark walks the sideline during the second half of an college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Penn State won 28-7. Penn State takes on Illinois on Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen (7) pitches the football as guard Chris Stewart (59) and center Eric Olsen (55) block during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

    AP

    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame guard Chris Stewart (59), offensive tackle Paul Duncan (72) and guard Trevor Robinson (78) react following a touchdown by Notre Dame during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

    AP

    Dan Beebe, left, Big 12 Conference commissioner, listens as John Marinatto, Big East Conference commissioner, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP

    New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, speaks, as New York Yankees' managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner left, and Yankees' president Randy Levine, right, listen during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Big East and Big 12 NCAA college football conferences and the Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962.(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

    AP



"We probably didn't prepare the community for the rebuilding job that awaited him," Krebs admits. "I think there was expectation that we had enough talent that he was going to come in and make this conversion to a new scheme on offense and defense and kind of get back to some of the better years (former coach Rocky Long) had.

"But the reality is we were a 4-8 team ... and our talent really has not fit this scheme. So we are really going through a growing process, probably more traumatic than our community realizes. I think they were a little bit prepared for what's happened."

At least one source with intimate knowledge of the New Mexico program, however, pinpoints the inexperience of Locksley's staff, especially on offense, for some of the struggles.

In addition to Gerald, centers and guards coach Mike Degory and quarterbacks coach Tee Martin, the former national championship quarterback at Tennessee, are in their first seasons as full-time assistant coaches at the FBS level. Offensive tackles and tight ends coach Cheston Blackshere spent the previous three years at Columbia University after spending 2005 working as Locksley's graduate assistant at Illinois.

The Lobos rank 118th out of 120 schools in total offense after producing just 262.0 yards of offense per game and only five offensive touchdowns in the first four games.

"There is one thing to bring in guys you trust, but at this level you have to have experienced coaches," said a coach with knowledge of the situation. "You can maybe get away with one inexperienced coach but not four at such critical positions."

Krebs defends his coach and the staff he put together.

"I believe in the guy," he said. "I think he has the makings of a great head coach, I think he is a good teacher, he's surrounded himself with good stuff, they are recruiting well. I like the accountability they are instilling in the program; I like the culture change they are instilling.

"But when you are 0-4 and you've had these marks, people are questioning his leadership and I understand that. I think we have to hold tight and look forward to better days."

The question is whether Locksley will be around to enjoy them. Krebs certainly seems to hope so.

Should Locksley fail so quickly and with so much controversy, it's unlikely he would get another head coaching shot anytime soon.

"He needs a champion. Nobody is taking his side in this," Krebs said. "The local press is beating him in this. I think the guy has a chance to be a great head coach. I think he's got a lot of skill. It needs some refinement but he's got a lot of ability. He knows this is his shot. I want to make sure he is given a fair shot, he's given a fair chance to succeed like I think he can.

"Our struggles have compounded some mistakes he's made, probably heightened the tension if you will."

All because of ... Whatever.

How Push Led to Shove in New Mexico originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>J.B. GeraldJ.b.GeraldJB GableJB Geraldmadieu williamsMadieuWilliamsMike LocksleyMikeLocksleyPaul KrebsPaulKrebsrocky longRockyLongron zookRonZooktee martinTeeMartinTerrance HarrisThu, 01 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST Locksley Disputes Punch to Assistant's Face, HR Begins Investigationhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/30/new-mexico-alteraction-now-under-investigaion-by-hr-department/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/30/new-mexico-alteraction-now-under-investigaion-by-hr-department/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/30/new-mexico-alteraction-now-under-investigaion-by-hr-department/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mike LocksleyALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The University of New Mexico athletic department has turned the incident involving head coach Mike Locksley and his assistant coach J.B. Gerald over to the university's human resources department, athletic director Paul Krebs said Tuesday.

Gerald filed a police report Sept. 20, claiming that Locksley punched him in the face and split his lip following an argument during a staff meeting. News of the altercation began seeping out slowly the following day, but it became an avalanche this week as the school opened up about the incident.

Locksley has not shied away and he has admitted his mistake to his team, Gerald, Krebs and the media. Locksley and Krebs dispute the fact Gerald was punched in the face, citing no witness accounts. Still, they realize it all looks bad on the first-time head coach, his program and the university.

Locksley, who is in his first season as head coach of the Lobos, was given a letter of reprimand for his part in the altercation. Gerald, who has been on paid leave, has shown no interest in pressing charges.

But with the heat the athletic department continues to take for its perceived slap on the wrist to Locksley, the department decided to ask the HR department to investigate the incident. Depending on what the department finds in its investigation, Locksley could face suspension or dismissal. It is likely, however, that it will be determined that the athletic department handled things appropriately.

"They just announced this afternoon that, following the university policy manual, our HR department, with our full support and cooperation, is going to look into the matter further," Krebs told FanHouse on Tuesday while watching football practice, "so we can get to the bottom of it, address it and move on."

To this point, it has been the issue that just won't go away. Krebs has been upfront about his disappointment in the decision his coach made to put his hands on another coach.

"I wish I had chance to do it all over again," Locksley told FanHouse while sitting in his office Tuesday night. "I would definitely make a different decision."

The Lobos are 0-4 heading into a non-conference game Saturday at Texas Tech.

But Locksley's issues are greater than wins and losses. Since being hired last December, he has now been involved in two off-the-field incidents that have brought undo spotlight on the athletic department. In May a 54-year-old former office worker filed a sexual harassment/age discrimination complaint with the EEOC against the 39-year-old coach.

That case is still pending and is heading into mediation. But on the heels of that comes the altercation with Gerald. Combine those incidents with the fact the Lobos haven't played well this season and it has spelled trouble early in Locksley's tenure.

But both Locksley and Krebs take issue with the lumping of the sexual harassment/age discrimination claim together with the latest incident.

"I take full responsibility as the leader of the program for the distraction that I've caused," Locksley said. "It's unfair that people like to piggyback it to an earlier incident that is working itself through the process. For us, we've put it behind us as a program and we're just moving forward and the best thing I know to do is to focus on the football because when it's ultimately said and done, the bottom line is I've got to find ways to win ballgames."

Krebs certainly agrees.

"I think it's compounded by the fact we are 0-4. If we were 3-1, I think people would look at it much differently," he said. "The bottom line is he was wrong, but has it threatened my trust in his leadership? I still think he is a very good football coach, he's surrounded himself with a very outstanding staff. They are recruiting like heck, they are coaching these guys up. I think the future is bright. We've got to weather this year and turn the page."

Making it difficult right now is the latest issue hanging over the program. Gerald hasn't said whether he will return to the program or not. But when FanHouse reached him Tuesday night, he indicated that he was considering a return for his players' sake.

Gerald, 27, is in his first full-time assistant coaching role after Locksley brought him over from Illinois. Locksley was Illinois' offensive coordinator when he hired Gerald as his graduate assistant after he had spent time as graduate assistant at Penn State.

Gerald declined to talk to FanHouse further on Tuesday night.

"There is a history there, I think a love and respect for one another," Krebs said. "So this has been a very emotional issue on both sides.

"It's unfortunate that it happened, it's happened, we're trying to deal with it and be respectful to all parties and continue to manage a football team and recognize that coach Locksley's career -- I don't want to say is at stake in this instance -- but there has already been enough turmoil in his tenure as a head coach that we've got to put all of this noise behind us and begin about rebuilding our football program."
Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

Locksley Disputes Punch to Assistant's Face, HR Begins Investigation originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>mike locksleyTerrance HarrisWed, 30 Sep 2009 01:15:00 EST Mountain West Loses BCS Turf Warhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/mountain-west-loses-bcs-turf-war/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/mountain-west-loses-bcs-turf-war/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/19/mountain-west-loses-bcs-turf-war/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Florida StateWhat was left of BYU's season sat just above the cast on Dekoda Watson's left arm, a paperback-sized chunk of manicured grass that looked like a divot from Goliath's back nine.

The Florida State linebacker the turf trophy around in front of a small crowd of Seminole supporters in LaVell Edwards Stadium, beaming like an oversized 5-year-old at his first show and tell. Florida State had arrived a seemingly fragile program, looking at a 1-2 start following a heartbreaking loss to Miami in Week 1 and a vague impersonation of a win against Jacksonville State last Saturday.

But over 60 minutes of a 54-28 rout of Brigham Young that likely proved even Utah friendly has its limits, the Seminoles hadn't just ripped their heart out. They'd ripped their turf out, too.

By the time Watson finished his parade, they had literally taken the ground out from under the Mountain West Conference. The Cougars lost the battle, the MWC lost the turf war.

Watson held the proof in his left hand. In a season of 15 weeks, a single day had just ended the conference's BCS hopes.

For the MWC, it was a shockingly quick end to the talk of BCS inclusion that had peppered college football's offseason. Even with the conference's third major power, TCU, still undefeated, it seems unlikely the league will have a chance to return to the scene of its Sugar Bowl triumph, and it's all but impossible they'll improve on it.

All because of Saturday and two second-tier BCS teams that took a baseball bat to the Beehive State, base camp for the MWC insurgency.

A time zone away from the disaster in Provo, Utah, the Oregon Ducks, a team whose wardrobe coordination notes are thicker than their playbook, handed No. 18 Utah its first loss since 2007. And like that, 16 straight Ute wins and 18 straight wins at home for the Cougars became historical footnotes.

"I think Florida State was more prepared in general than we were tonight, really from beginning to end," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said after the game. "I think their preparation exceeded ours and it showed."

For a non-BCS team, let alone the face of the premiere non-BCS conference, nothing could be more unforgivable.

Fair or not, the margin for error for non-BCS teams is cheerledear skinny. For the teams on the wrong side of the Big Six tracks, every game is a playoff, if you want to earn a BCS slot. Nevermind that all teams have bad days -- supposed Big 12 power Oklahoma State lost to Houston last week, after all, and LSU won the national title with two losses in 2007 -- as soon as a non-BCS team loses to a big brother squad, they're outed as frauds.

Of course, in BYU's case, that might've been deserved. Two weeks after breaking Oklahoma's will and their quarterback, the Cougars played like they were literally carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders Florida State zipped around a permanently flat-footed BYU squad on offense, while quarterback Christian Ponder carved the Cougars into fine pieces. Coleby Clawson, the senior linebacker who flew around the field against Oklahoma and planted Sam Bradford into the turf like a Heisman-winning flag post, and the usually cateogorically staunch BYU defense yielded more than 500 yards of offense.

Utah, too, likely stood no chance of a second consecutive undefeated season after losing seven starters on offense, including star quarterback Brian Johnson, and second-round NFL draft picks Paul Kruger and Sean Smith on defense, the Utes hardly seemed as intimidating, or as charmed, as last year's edition. Saturday, Johnson's replacement, junior college transfer Terrance Cain, completed less than 50 percent of his passes against Oregon and tossed two fourth-quarter interceptions, failing in the exact sort of situation Johnson managed to bail the Utes out of last year.

And so, the Mountain West, which went before Congress this summer to try and earn a spot at the BCS table, now has only faint hopes of another January appointment.

All that's left for the league is TCU, but without a strong team on its non-conference schedule -- admittedly as much a fault of ACC opponents Virginian and Clemson struggling as the Horned Frogs' scheduling -- and no team inside the league that won't be dismissed by voters, Gary Patterson's club will have a hard time maneuvering around teams like Houston, which already owns a win over Oklahoma State, Boise State, which beat Oregon, or the litany of Big Six also-rans.

Even an undefeated TCU might prove that close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades and BCS cronyism.

And so, for the MWC, it's summer of discontent comes to a close with a whimper. The league had even gone so far earlier this year as to go to Capitol Hill to press their case thousands of miles away from their native footprint.

But, as Dekoda Watson walked around with a hunk of Provo in his left paw, it turned out that for at least this year, the Mountain West didn't need to worry about road victories in Washington D.C.

In the end, it couldn't even defend its home turf.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.

Mountain West Loses BCS Turf War originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Ray HollomanSat, 19 Sep 2009 22:38:00 EST Gophers Christen New Stadium With Winhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/gophers-christen-new-stadium-with-win/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/gophers-christen-new-stadium-with-win/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/gophers-christen-new-stadium-with-win/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster preached it all week. He knew his team had to somehow maintain its focus, despite the festivities planned to celebrate the dawn of a new era for Gopher football. The opening game of TCF Bank Stadium Saturday night did come with much celebration. For some time, the Gophers were caught up in the moment.

Thanks in part to some ill-timed penalties, Air Force took a 10-3 lead in the third quarter. The Gophers finally turned it on after that, scoring 17 straight points en route to a 20-10 win.

Brewster acknowledged that the hype and atmosphere contributed to his team's sluggish on-field start to the game.

"I think that emotionally, it gets you too high for the game," Brewster said, "and coming into the game we had to calm ourselves down a bit, but I was so proud of this place and I want to say thank you. We wanted to give our fans a victory, they deserved one tonight."

50,805 fans jammed into TCF Bank Stadium on a near-perfect Saturday night. The effort they saw for the better part of three quarters was anything but perfect.

The Gophers lost fumbles. Quarterback Adam Weber threw erratically at times. They committed a lot of penalties, killing multiple drives with flags. They badly blew a coverage on Air Force's lone touchdown.

The game's turning point came in the third quarter, when Minnesota faced a third-and-25. Weber was able to find tight end Nick Tow-Arnett down the seam on a perfect play. Tow-Arnett got the first down with a yard or two to spare. The Gophers scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to tie the game, and they dominated from there.

When a team is defending the Air Force triple option offense well, you see a lot of plays made by linebackers. Saturday was no different, as Nate Triplett was all over the field for Minnesota. Not only did he set a career high with 17 tackles, but Triplett also scored the winning touchdown. He ran a fumble by Falcons quarterback Tim Jefferson 52 yards to give Minnesota the lead for good at 17-10.

"Defense was set up right off the bat," Triplett said. "We practiced on Tuesday and they (the coaches) said linebackers have to make plays. Coach (Brewster) came to up to me and said we need a big game out of you. I said 'Alright.' I watched a little extra film and did a little extra this and that. I just went out there and did what I was coached to do all week."

Minnesota (1-1) continues non-conference play with a home game against California Saturday, while Air Force (1-1) opens Mountain West Conference play at New Mexico.

Gophers Christen New Stadium With Win originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>adam webernate tripletttim brewstertim jeffersonBruce CiskieSun, 13 Sep 2009 11:45:00 EST San Diego State Ex-Coach Doing Busy Workhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/12/san-diego-state-ex-coach-doing-busy-work/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/12/san-diego-state-ex-coach-doing-busy-work/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/12/san-diego-state-ex-coach-doing-busy-work/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Former San Diego State head coach Chuck Long really wants to collect his $715,900 salary from the school. The Aztecs and Long's attorney still have not worked out an arrangement for Long to get most of his money from the contract after being fired in November. Instead he is doing "special projects" for the school. In grade school, this would have been considered "busy work."

Long's first assignment was to write a report on ways to improve the football program. Specifically, "streamlining admissions for student-athletes, housing of football players and attracting youths and families to SDSU with sports camps." He turned it in at the end of July and his recommendations appear to have come from repeated viewings of the first half of "Revenge of the Nerds."

The capsulized version of the 23-page action plan: lower admission standards for football players -- especially for junior college transfers, give them the best dorm housing on the campus (it has a pool, grill and the best dining hall), and let them join fraternities if they desire.

Hard to believe it only took him about six months and 23 pages to come up with these recommendations.

San Diego State Ex-Coach Doing Busy Work originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Chas RichWed, 12 Aug 2009 10:44:00 EST San Diego State Defines Incompetencehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/15/san-diego-state-is-incompetence/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/15/san-diego-state-is-incompetence/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/15/san-diego-state-is-incompetence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's always an endless fascination with finding programs that can be considered "sleeping giants." Those are the schools where it seems that with a little work and the right coach, the program could go from bottom feeder to ranked and respectability.

Rutgers is the most recent example of a football program that had the natural recruiting territory and finally made the move from historical laughing stock to good program. The mistake is assuming that it all related to simply hiring and retaining the right coach to recruit, coach and change the culture. There's no denying the importance of that. The other component, though, is just as important: a competent and committed athletic department. Without the latter, no real change will happen -- no matter who is hired.

On the West Coast, San Diego State holds the distinction as the program most commonly considered a "sleeping giant." Often just slightly below .500 and occasionally competent there was much working for them.

California, and particularly the San Diego area, is a particularly valuable recruiting area. San Diego is a beautiful city. The Aztecs play in the Mountain West, which has some very good programs but is not so strong that a program like San Diego State could not rise quickly and sustain the progress.

The problem is that the San Diego State athletic department does not have the competence to finish a job. Whether it is the debacle of the lease conflict still going with the city of San Diego over Qualcomm Stadium, or the ongoing mess with the former head coach the Aztecs .

When San Diego State decided to fire Chuck Long, the issue was not about whether they should or not. After three seasons and a Greg Robinson-esque 9-27 record, there was no question that Long had earned his termination. The issue was money. SDSU still had to pay the remaining two years on Long's contract at a total of $1.4 million. For an athletic department that had already been running yearly deficits, this was a problem.

Luckily, the school raised student fees and private donors kicked in nearly a million towards the buyout. Long was fired and Brady Hoke was brought in following a successful run at Ball State. Yet, somehow that was not the end.

It turns out that the braintrust at SDSU had worked Long's contract so that rather than actually firing him, they removed him to work on "special projects." Something Long is not particularly interested in doing, but will do because he doesn't collect $700-thousand this year and next without doing it.

It took San Diego State over six months to figure this was not a healthy plan. The school did not do the simple thing, and work it out so that they could pay him the difference between $700,000 and what he would get as an assistant coach somewhere (admittedly a little late to do that this year), or simply work out some plan where Long gets his money and leaves the campus.

Instead the school that already had money problems in the athletic department, and like most California universities is facing a major budget crunch, has decided to spend more money. They hired an outside consultant to negotiate a deal.
Dan Kelley, former labor relations manager for the city of San Diego, has been brought in to mediate a way out of an awkward contract situation for Long and SDSU.

"The only thing I'll say about that is we are negotiating, and we're hopeful of a good outcome," SDSU Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel said.

Long was fired as football coach last November but is being paid $715,900 per year until his contract runs out on Dec. 31, 2010. In the meantime, Long is being required to keep office hours on campus and do "projects" through the remainder of his contract.
The goal is to get Long out of the arrangement while saving SDSU some of the money. Which again, if they had let him pursue assistant coaches jobs, could have resulted in that deal. The plan now is hiring an outside consultant at $125 per hour to make the deal happen.
Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel previously argued that Long's contract was better for SDSU "because we don't have any obligation to pay the difference."
The defense of the contract was laughable at the time, and clearly is shown to be idiocy in light of the present negotiations to end that clause.

For new coach Brady Hoke's sake, hopefully he's got nearly as good a contract. Even if Hoke does the surprising thing and starts turning around SDSU, the competence and questionable commitment from the Aztec athletic department makes it likely that Hoke will be poached by another program before long.

San Diego State Defines Incompetence originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Chas RichWed, 15 Jul 2009 12:33:00 EST What the WAC Wrote to the BCS, Maybehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/14/what-the-wac-wrote-to-the-bcs-maybe/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/14/what-the-wac-wrote-to-the-bcs-maybe/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/14/what-the-wac-wrote-to-the-bcs-maybe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Thomas PaineBuried in the details surrounding the BCS contract extension signed by the Mountain West and the WAC was this nugget in an Idaho newspaper: "The conference (WAC) will attach a letter 'that will lay out the concerns we have and basically express our strong objection to the current BCS structure,' Boise State president Bob Kustra said."

Yep, a bona fide letter. (Possible illustration, right). Thanks to the tremendous connections of the ClayNation column in conjunction with the awe-inspiring power of FanHouse, and the action news team that, er, located Gene Chizik's inaugural address to Auburn, we were able to artfully re-create this letter below:

"Dear BCS,

You are so wack. (The bad wack not the good WAC!) We hate you. Every single one of us. From Louisiana Tech (yes, that is an actual school) to Hawaii, every single person who has ever graduated from our football programs, all 28 of them, hate you. Or as the players say, "H8 u!!111"

We hate your pointy shoes, and your paltry money, and your BCS standings that are so complicated the rules might as well read, "Minus-488 points for not being in a Big Six conference." We hate the smugness of the Big Six, like those programs are all legitimate powerhouses. Have you been to Starkville, Mississippi? It makes Logan, Utah look like Beverly Hills. That's in California. You know, the same state where we have the 18th best football team in the Silicon Valley. (Not counting high schools.) San Jose State, baby. And San Jose State is loaded, baby.

You want millions.

They got 50 of them.

Yep, their entire endowment is $50 million dollars. Put it in a stack of singles and it would reach to Jupiter. Then, if we wanted to, we could push the stack over and it would make it rain all the way to Boise. Fifty millions, that's almost as much as Alabama makes from football each year, son. In the whole university.

And we've got a blue field. Do you have a blue field? Do you know how much technology that takes? I'll tell you, all the technology in Louisiana. That's why we brought in Louisiana Tech. Because, let's be clear, when you think, "Scientific revolution," you think, "Louisiana."

Seriously, though, a blue field. Do you know why it's blue? Because it's a metaphorical reflection of our inner soul. We're crying. Crying because you greedy bastards don't include us in anything. Do you know how long the WAC has existed? Since 1962. So what if all six of the original members of the WAC have left to join other conferences? So what if the first nine teams to join our conference all left to join other conferences too. WeBoise State's Smurf Turf still have Hawaii. They've been with us since the '79. These colors don't run. Instead, they get trampled.

You want television markets? We own Idaho. Own it. Count 'em off with me, one, two, three (if you count Utah State) teams in the same state. Bang. 1.5 million people. What's that? You want them to watch other teams play. Not happening. You just lost the 44th most dense population in the United States, suckers.

If we wanted to, we could keep potatoes from leaving the state of Idaho and the country would come undone. Try feeding your big money football players without starches. Yeah, watch their muscles dwindle, watch them crumble on the bench press. Idaho is the lifeblood of college football everywhere.

You want big crowds? We pack them in. Idaho seats 16,000. That's 16, and then thousand after it. The Kibbie Dome rocks. Even if it does sound a little bit like a place where they'd host the Puppy Bowl. Or where they used to film the television show Blossom.

You want more? If everyone of our nine stadiums was sold out on game day and teams would actually come play us in our home stadiums instead of paying us to come play in theirs, do you know how many people would be here? Yep, 286,000. That's almost as many as at Penn State, Michigan and Tennessee combined. That's commitment.

We know some say discretion is the better part of valor and some people will judge us for letting our emotions get out of control in this letter. We know that Abraham Lincoln used to write angry letters and put them in his desk and never mail them. But we aren't Lincoln. We're the WAC, son. And we won't be triflKibbie Dome, University of Idaho, in Moscow, Idahoed with. We'll just keep on truckin', keep on with our internal rivalries that are some of the best in the nation.

The Battle of the Bone, it means nothing to you, big ole BCS. But when Fresno State and Louisiana Tech throw down you better leave the women and children at home. (Also, the men if it's televised on Tuesday night on ESPN-8 live from Anchorage but that's another story). How about the Battle of the Milk Can? Did you know that California and Idaho are No. 1 and No. 4 respectively in dairy production? We bet you didn't, loser. Or that the Milk Can rivalry dates all the way back to 'aught five (you know, 2005). It's so big that the first year the milk can wasn't even ready yet. That's tradition.

Nope, you didn't know any of this BCS. Because you're too busy shafting us from angles that would make porn stars blush. The days of the WAC being your own personal ski-pole are over BCS, finished.

We hope this letter conveys how thoroughly steamed we are.

Sincerely,

The WAC!

(P.S. Kindly note that our return address has changed. We don't want to miss your checks.)

What the WAC Wrote to the BCS, Maybe originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Boise State HawaiiSan Jose StateClay TravisTue, 14 Jul 2009 19:15:00 EST Mountain West, WAC Take the BCS' Pieces of Silver and Runhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/13/mountain-west-wac-take-the-bcs-pieces-of-silver-and-run/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/13/mountain-west-wac-take-the-bcs-pieces-of-silver-and-run/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/13/mountain-west-wac-take-the-bcs-pieces-of-silver-and-run/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Utah celebrates its Sugar Bowl victory over AlabamaJust a few days after the monumental Senate committee hearing on whether the BCS violated antitrust law, the WAC and the Mountain West put pen to paper, extending their deal with the BCS. And by "their deal" I mean the "big six conference and Notre Dame deal" that happens to include all other teams by the magnanimous generosity of the entity known as the BCS. Even if, you know, that entity doesn't actually exist.

Yes, the BCS is like Prince, it's name is an unpronounceable symbol. Or a pronounceable curse word. Later this week, I'm going to do a column where we come up with a symbol to represent the BCS for the 2009 season since it doesn't legally exist. But before we can do that, I have to figure out how to unlock the symbol collection on my keyboard. And let's be honest that could take me months.

In the meantime, the real question to ask here is why did the Mountain West and WAC sign the agreement and has it strengthened or weakened their case against the BCS? Proceed, fearless reader.

In 1984, BYU won the national championship from outside a power conference. That year's team was nowhere near as accomplished as last season's undefeated Utah team. Don't believe me? The good Doctor at Yahoo has broken down its season. This was not a team that destroyed all competitors and left all others trembling in its wake. BYU beat four teams that finished the season with a winning record. None of the teams they beat finished ranked in the Top 25.

But in the last 25 years, no team from outside a big six conference has won a national championship. (Although Penn State won in 1986 before they joined the Big Ten in 1990.) Could this ever happen again? I'm going to tie this in as we look at the primary question: What happens if both conferences didn't sign on to join the BCS extension with ESPN?

To begin, they'd forgo the BCS television money in the new $500-million, four-year deal. The five non-big six conferences will receive a combined $13 million or so a year, an increase from the $9.5 million they were getting. So each conference nets in the neighborhood of $2.6 million. Divide that number by nine (the number of members of the Mountain West and the WAC) and you're talking about each school in these two conferences netting about ... wait for it ... $300,000.

300,000!

That's less than Matthew Stafford makes for playing a half for the Detroit Lions. What Ryan Seacrest makes for fifteen minutes of every American Idol.

Additionally, if everything goes perfectly and one of the nine schools in the Mountain West or the WAC nets a BCS berth, they'll get another distribution of around $13 million to share from the BCS.

What am I getting at by using these numbers? This isn't a seismic payout. Particularly if you assume that a non-BCS school will only make it into the BCS once every other year or so. (The odds of a team such as Boise State, Hawaii, or Utah going undefeated, as is essentially required to make one of the BCS bowls, is, at best, even. Likely much lower.) Even as a percentage of the overall football and athletics revenue at a school like Utah, which netted $12.1 million for football and $26.9 million overall in 2007-2008, does that money really make a huge difference? That's a little over two percent additional for football and less than two percBoise State fan at the 2007 Fiesta Bowlent of the overall athletics budget. And while Utah may be one of the most financially strong of the teams in these smaller five conferences, is anyone really joining a breadline without the BCS money? Money, by the way, that didn't even exist 15 years ago.

But it wasn't just the money. The Mountain West and the WAC both felt that if their teams were excluded from the BCS, they'd be doing their student-athletes a disservice. Of course, by accepting the money, they ensured that they were also doing their student athletes a disservice.

The lesson here: It's better to be complicit in the exclusion of your football programs than to withdraw from an unfair system that doesn't allow you to compete for the ultimate prize. Sin of omission, meet sin of commission.

The Mountain West issued this statement justifying its decision Wednesday.

"The Mountain West believes it has no choice at this time but to sign the agreements. If a conference wishes to compete at the highest levels of college football, and the only postseason system in place for it is the BCS, no conference can afford to drop out and penalize its football programs and student-athletes."

The WAC issued a similar statement. Only they took the additional step of attaching a letter spelling out their disagreements with the BCS extension. Seriously, a letter. An actual frigging letter! Man, ESPN and the BCS must have been quaking in their boots. Especially if it was on really fancy letterhead.

In the end, both rebel conferences concluded that they were more likely to bring about change by taking the BCS money than by refusing the money and playing outside the system. But is that actually correct?

No.

That's true, even if you accept the best argument that can be made on behalf of both conferences' decision: Being a party to the BCS agreement could actually strengthen the Mountain West and WAC's argument that the BCS violates the Sherman antitrust act. This line of thinking, which is no doubt being sold to the Department of Justice as we speak, would follow this path: The BCS is so powerful and corrupt that we can't even avoid participating even when everyone knows we hate it and it treats us unfairly. So we sign this while holding our nose.

But, and this is the flip side to the argument, doesn't taking money from a system that you find to be corrupt and, oh by the way, illegal under the Sherman Act, make you complicit in the crime? I think so. And I think it does something worse; it tells us exactly how much money per year it takes for a school to cede the moral high ground. Well, not actually how much money, we just know that a little over $5 million guaranteed per year to the WAC and the Mountain West is more than enough. In so doing, the conferences are sending their own message: Being right might be it's own reward, but it's better to be wrong and take the cash.

All of this means that the best chip the Mountain West and the WAC could ever toss on the table is removed. Namely, what if either conference had an undefeated team make a run like BYU in 1984? Or like Utah's undefeated run last year but the other teams surrounding them had dropped a few more close games? In any given season, the final two teams are a function of that team's accomplishments and also the season's wacky results. Stanford beating USC ring a bell? Put the undefeated Utah team from 2008 in the mix in 2007, when a two-loss LSU faced off against a one-loss Ohio State. Does Utah make a better case for inclusion in the BCS title game then? Maybe.



More importantly, would the BCS have hell to pay if their ostensible goal, putting the top two teams in a bowl game, didn't even include one of the top two teams in its ranking system? I think so. How valuable would the publicity hell that the BCS reaped then be? Worth more than $13 million total they toss off to the bottom five conferences? I think so again. Can you imagine how gleeful the media would be if an underdog team climbed the rankings without being included in the BCS's vaunted rankings.

It would be a public relations disaster for the BCS. (Even worse than existing in the first place.) The AP could reward a team with a national championship that wasn't even ranked in the top 25 BCS teams. Wouldn't that shake the BCS to its very core? Sure, it's not likely to happen, but the mere threat could be of extraordinary value. As is, that threat is removed for a sliver of the BCS's money pie. Meanwhile the WAC and Mountain West, like Judas, have to make do with slinking into oblivion with their own bags of silver.

What's the weight of a football soul? $2.5 million a year, give or take.

Mountain West, WAC Take the BCS' Pieces of Silver and Run originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Clay TravisMon, 13 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST MVC, WAC Reluctantly Agree to Stay With The BCS systemhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/09/mvc-wac-reluctantly-agree-to-stay-with-the-bcs-system/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/09/mvc-wac-reluctantly-agree-to-stay-with-the-bcs-system/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/09/mvc-wac-reluctantly-agree-to-stay-with-the-bcs-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Mountain West Conference has been dissatisfied with the Bowl Championship Series system for years and their disdain hit the pinnacle when Utah finished the 2008 regular season undefeated and did not rank in the top 2, preventing the Utes from playing in the BCS National Championship Game.

Utah soundly beat Alabama and finished as the lone undefeated team in America, and the MVC lobbied for an automatic bid in the BCS system. But negotiations with the MVC and the Western Athletic Conference never advanced, and both conferences signed an agreement to retain their same role in the BCS -- reluctantly.

"Today, the Mountain West Conference has executed the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) agreement and the attendant rights agreement with ESPN," the conference said in a statement on their Web site. "While the Mountain West has expressed serious concerns with the various fundamental flaws in the current BCS system, our various good faith initiatives to generate reform have thus far not been accepted."

The MVC admitted that negotiations with BCS officials weren't progressing. The current system invites a non-BCS conference team -- which includes the MVC and WAC -- into the bowl system if it finishes in the Top 12 in the BCS rankings. Utah finished in the Top 12 and therefore was invited to play Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

The rankings are based on strength of schedule and how opponents fare during the season. Given that MVC and WAC schools play lesser schedules, the possibility of a conference member being in the BCS title game is highly unlikely under the current system. MVC officials proposed an eight-team playoff system that would allow non-BCS teams a better opportunity for a national title, but it was shot down by the BCS conferences.

"The Mountain West believes it has no choice at this time but to sign the agreements," the statement said. "If a conference wishes to compete at the highest levels of college football, and the only postseason system in place for that is the BCS, no one conference can afford to drop out and penalize its football programs and student-athletes."

The current system expires in 2013, but the MVC made it clear it wasn't satisfied with the system.

"The Mountain West will continue its efforts for change," the statement concluded, "including a request for dialogue with representatives of the BCS. Our goal is to ensure the eventual outcome of these endeavors is what our universities and student-athletes need, what the vast majority of American sports fans want, and what is long overdue: an equitable system."

MVC, WAC Reluctantly Agree to Stay With The BCS system originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>Gary WashburnThu, 09 Jul 2009 01:30:00 EST Washington Loses Jake Heaps to BYUhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/04/huskies-lose-top-qb-recruit-to-byu/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/04/huskies-lose-top-qb-recruit-to-byu/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/06/04/huskies-lose-top-qb-recruit-to-byu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New Washington football coach Steve Sarkisian wanted to make major strides with in-state recruiting, but that campaign was dealt a blow Thursday when Skyline High School (Sammamish, Wash.) quarterback Jake Heaps announced his intentions to attend BYU for the 2010 season.

Sarkisian made a hard push for the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, the state's top quarterback, after taking the Washington job in December. He made the competition close, but Heaps, who is Mormon, opted for Bronco Mendenhall's program, leaving Sarkisian without a top-notch quarterback to succeed junior Jake Locker. Scout.com rated Heaps as the No. 1 quarterback prospect for the class of 2010 and he led the Spartans to state 4A titles as a sophomore and junior.

Heaps flew to Salt Lake City and made the announcement at a local restaurant a day before BYU's Junior Day. Sarkisian had a unique perspective on Heaps' decision; he is a former BYU quarterback

"It was tough, but in the end, coach Sarkisian once made the same decision I did for the same reasons," Heaps said, according to the Provo Daily Herald. "He understands more than anybody why I did this."

Washington Loses Jake Heaps to BYU originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>bronco mendenhalljake heapssteve sarkisianSteveSarkisianGary WashburnThu, 04 Jun 2009 22:32:00 EST Lane Kiffin Kiss and Make Up Weekhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/11/lane-kiffin-kiss-and-make-up-week/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/11/lane-kiffin-kiss-and-make-up-week/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/11/lane-kiffin-kiss-and-make-up-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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.

You Can't Be Bad All of the Time -- First-year Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin has built up a tremendous amount of antagonism this offseason. There's nobody to blame but himself, of course, but sometimes you have to give the Devil his due. For all his transgressions, try not to read too much into the story that Tennessee has been witness to 11 player departures. Wherever possible in college athletics, you want to look out for the best interest of the athletes but healthy, successful coaching transitions at big-time football programs almost require a good dose of roster turnover. Whether he's handled it right is up for debate but the raw numbers themselves should not be an indictment of Kiffin.

I would actually be more worried for Kiffin if after spring ball there was little player movement to be found. Any time you change from one executive to another, the remaining personnel aren't always going to be a good fit for the program, either athletically or temperamentally. The more unhappy folk that walk away, the less division there is later on as a roster is built with people who are willing to buy in. That is a good thing and gives the folks who wouldn't have a shot or might cause trouble a chance at peace elsewhere.

We Apologize In Advance -- Anyway, that's my modest peace offering, but if you're the Knoxville News, you put together a story about the Kiffin family, the struggles of their move, and put a video on the internet for all to see what a nice couple they are. Smooch smooch, please don't get mad at us when you get spanked by Florida and our columnists are up in arms criticizing you a few months from now coach, in other words. (Via Dr. Saturday)




Oh No, A Poll! -- BCS bashers everywhere, cover your eyes, its the attack of polls, ohmygodsoscary how dare those things invade our game, must defend self with ridiculous snark and over the top bashing. Right?

ESPN's Tim Griffin found a cool composite of preseason polls with a 'heavy Southern bent' at LSUFootball.net. The top three's fairly predictable with Florida, Texas and Oklahoma. Alabama's recovered from that beatdown against Utah to a healthy five spot and Oklahoma State is all the way up there at No. 6. Personally I think Ole Miss is vastly overrated at No. 10, that is fool's gold right there.

Progress -- USA Today digs into college football coaching data to find a rise in the number of minority head coaches and coordinators but is still unimpressed. The Black Coaches Association also has its say. Telling quote from first-year New Mexico State coach DeWayne Walker:

Having seen both sides, Walker says NFL teams are "more proactive and more open-minded" about minority head coaches and the hiring process is straightforward - "if the GM and the owner like you, they hire you." Colleges, he says, have more "political" concerns - "it's not just the AD and the president at the BCS schools, there are other factors."



Nevertheless, he says, coaches "almost have to be in the game from the college standpoint to get a college head coaching position."



And that's unlikely to ever change given how the money structure works in college athletics.



University presidents and athletic directors are charged not only with hiring someone who will put butts in the seats like an NFL owner or general manager, but hiring someone who can connect with big dollar donors who provide the major funds that help fund new facilities, stadium expansions, and so on. Hopefully that is something those interested in improving the lot of minority coaches are considering and working on, finding ways to systematically connect with what is most likely a largely white, wealthy, older group of people who have tremendous financial power at these programs.

As I've said repeatedly I think the most efficient and most rewarding path for minority coaches will be to flood the coordinator ranks which is something that appears to be accelerating the last few years. The vast majority of college head coaches are hired after stints as either offensive or defensive coordinators in the college ranks. The more we see minority names pop up as hotshot coordinators, the more difficult it is to ignore them in the hiring process as fans debate their merits and put pressure on a university to hire their favorite before a rival program scoops them up.

Overtime, Ball on the 25

-- A second bowl game is set for Las Vegas this year, the Maaco Bowl to be played on December 22nd. The Mountain West champion or first choice will be pitted against the fourth or fifth selection from the Pac-10. This is a horrible arrangement for the Pac-10 but should shut up the Mountain West fairness brigade if they find themselves regularly losing this thing. (Via CollegeFootballTalk)

-- Florida State President T.K. Wetherell is never at a loss for words. This week he's done the unusual in criticizing the disciplinary skills of receiver coach Lawrence Dawsey. Wow. (Via The Wiz of Odds)

-- Georgia is bringing the hammer down on two players, suspending them for multiple games for team rule violations.

-- ESPN's Graham Watson is fighting the good fight, publishing in-depth post spring breakdowns of Sun Belt and Conference USA programs. Do dig into those if you have the time.

Lane Kiffin Kiss and Make Up Week originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>BCABCSbowl gamesDeWayne WalkerESPNGraham WatsonLane KiffinLawrence DawseyMaaco Bowlminority coachingpollsT.K. WetherellTim GriffinUSA TodayBrian GrummellMon, 11 May 2009 14:14:00 EST BCS Hearings Are About the Moneyhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/04/bcs-hearings-are-about-the-money/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/04/bcs-hearings-are-about-the-money/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/04/bcs-hearings-are-about-the-money/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Mr. BCS Goes To Washington -- Except I have a feeling Jimmy Stewart would find some way to rail against the BCS, however wrongheadedly. You see, the big word in the halls of Congress on Friday was "fair" but don't let that confuse you. While the Mountain West and certain members of Congress are using the fairness term to stoke public support, their real concern is about money.


There's a big pot at the end of the year and thanks largely to their own revenue success through their ability to draw fans and sponsors, the BCS conference programs end up getting a large share of it. This is what the real fight is about, as much as us fans banter on about fairness or "winning it on the field".

The BCS institutions are in the right on this, they've created and nurtured a product that can create these kinds of revenues, something most of those now sitting on the outside, can't. They're going to continue to protect their access to the majority share of what they've created especially since you won't see ABC and ESPN and CBS sniffing around Utah State anytime soon, at least not until they find a way to create a more compelling football product.

Thats how this system works and its bizarre to witness people distracted by the illusion of fairness side with what would amount to legally sanctioned theft in their frustration with the system in place.

Target Practice -- The football teams may not be their early 90's selves right now, but the fans are carrying on that old time spirit. Colorado's golf team has a new home course with an interesting twist: the vehicle charged with scooping up range balls is colored red and white with a Nebraska helmet design on the roof. Oh, and a big Nebraska N on the hood. Football coach Dan Hawkins was the brainchild behind the idea. (via The Wiz)

The Prom Is For High Schoolers -- So apparently Auburn is using stretch limos adorned with school logos and imagery to transport recruits around the state. This practice amusingly meets NCAA sanction (so far), but obviously has some rival coaches peeved. Take it away, Urban Meyer:

"We're trying to sell graduation rates and academics and [they're] trying the sing and dance routine. "The Florida coaching staff will not be riding around in limos or ripping off our shirts."

This is silly stuff from Meyer, even with the amusing gratuitous dig at Tennessee. Its even more silly coming from Auburn but we've grown to expect that. Remember their non-championship championship parade? (Via GTP, Dr. Saturday)

Its Getting Biblical Up In Here -- Apparently feeling perky from his public relations victory that helped seal a contract extension on his terms, Mike Leach has been dropping bombs with the NFL and Texas A&M the last few weeks.

He attracted additional Aggie hate after alleging the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff liked quarterback Stephen McGee -- taken in the fourth round of the draft -- more than his own coaches at Texas A&M. Aggie coach Mike Sherman got testy in response, followed by a more subtle, Biblical response out of McGee.

"There is a verse in Proverbs that says don't respond to a fool by its folly," McGee told the Dallas Morning News. "I believe that in all my heart."

(Via Tim Griffin)

Overtime, Ball On The 25

-- Tim . Tebow . Thong .

-- That Darn APR. Minnesota is out three football scholarships after a poor APR performance.

-- Ohio State has never been to the Rose Bowl under coach Jim Tressel. Arizona has never been to the Rose Bowl, period.

-- No Alabama player arrests in the last 10 months. Gold star.

-- The Quad Countdown Has Begun

-- The death rattle. Washington drops swimming and Hawaii's athletics department is cash-strapped.

BCS Hearings Are About the Money originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>ABCAPRBCSBibleCBSCongressDan HawkinsESPNJim TresselMike LeachMike ShermanNCAAPlayoffsrivalryRose BowlStephen McGeeThe FanHouse WalkThe QuadTim TebowUrban MeyerBrian GrummellMon, 04 May 2009 15:09:00 EST Saban Still Whining About Sugar Bowlhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/22/saban-still-whining-about-sugar-bowl/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/22/saban-still-whining-about-sugar-bowl/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/04/22/saban-still-whining-about-sugar-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Sugar Bowl was a great night for those not in love with the college football establishment. Unbeaten Utah, getting no consideration for the national championship, blitzed former title favorite Alabama on a neutral field in New Orleans.

It wasn't cheap. It wasn't just dumb luck. The Utes whipped the Crimson Tide, and earned every bit of credit for a sound victory. Of course, if you're Alabama coach Nick Saban, it's easier to blame others than it is to give that credit.

Saban was asked about changing attitudes and expectations in the Alabama program. After all, there's no doubt that he's done a great job so far, even though they haven't climbed the mountain yet.

The coach started talking.
"I want our fans to understand that when they don't have positive passion and energy for what we're trying to accomplish, then it affects everyone," Saban said. "Last year's team was a great example of that."
Wait.

You're blaming the fans? The fans didn't have positive passion and energy? What?
"There's very little interest from our fans, our players or anybody else to play in the Sugar Bowl, which to me is a tremendous opportunity," Saban said. "I tried to tell everyone, you're only going to remember one thing about this game and that's the outcome. So there's no interest, there's no passion and everybody is embarrassed because of how we played. Well, it's because you didn't have any passion for it, you didn't have any interest in it, you didn't have any enthusiasm to do it, and that's across the board. And that's not right. We go to a BCS bowl game, everybody ought to be positive and enthusiastic about what we're doing."
Emphasis mine, by the way.

Saban went on to say he was not blaming the fans, which explains him saying "across the board". However, if this was about him and his players not being ready enough to play, what reason was there to involve the fans?

After all, if the players are incapable of "getting up" for a BCS bowl game, what good will the fans do you?

Saban likes to try to shield his players from public criticism, but he usually puts it on himself. This is a good thing, and a part of coaching for many guys. However, it's inexcusable to rant like this about one of the most intense and supportive fanbases in all of college football.

Latest College Football Images

    In this undated photo provided by Faulkner University, football player Teirson Hollis is shown. The university said Tuesday, April 21, 2000, that Hollis and teammate Ryne Wilhite were killed when the vehicle they were riding in struck an 18-wheeler on Highway 82 in Chilton County, Ala., early Tuesday. Hollis and Wilhite were returning to Montgomery after visiting a friend in Tuscaloosa. (AP Photo/Faulkner University) ** NO SALES **

    AP

    In this undated photo provided by Faulkner University, football player Ryne White is shown. The university said Tuesday, April 21, 2000, that Ryne White and teammate Teirson Hollis were killed when the vehicle they were riding in struck an 18-wheeler on Highway 82 in Chilton County, Ala., early Tuesday. Hollis and Wilhite were returning to Montgomery after visiting a friend in Tuscaloosa. (AP Photo/Faulkner University) ** NO SALES **

    AP

    President Barack Obama arrives in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, where he presented the Commander in Chief trophy to the U.S. Naval Academy football team. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    AP

    President Barack Obama looks through a paperweight replica of a team ring that was given to him by the U.S. Naval Academy football team as he presented the Commander in Chief trophy to them, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    AP

    President Barack Obama poses with an autographed helmet given to him in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, during a ceremony where he presented the Commander in Chief trophy to the U.S. Naval Academy football team. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    AP

    Michael Crabtree, a wide receiver from Texas Tech, speaks before an interview at the Associated Press on Tuesday, April 21 2009, in New York. Crabtree dominated college football like few receivers have in two seasons at Texas Tech, scoring more than a touchdown per game. He seemed a lock to be a top-five NFL draft pick until a foot injury interrupted his preparation. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)

    AP

    Michael Crabtree, a wide receiver from Texas Tech, speaks before an interview at the Associated Press on Tuesday, April 21 2009, in New York. Crabtree dominated college football like few receivers have in two seasons at Texas Tech, scoring more than a touchdown per game. He seemed a lock to be a top-five NFL draft pick until a foot injury interrupted his preparation. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)

    AP

    President Barack Obama looks on as U.S. Naval Academy football head coach Ken Niumatalolo speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, where the president presented the Commander in Chief trophy to the team. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    AP

    President Barack Obama greets U.S. Naval Academy football players in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, during a ceremony where he presented the Commander in Chief trophy to the team. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    AP

    President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, during a ceremony where he presented the Commander in Chief trophy to the U.S. Naval Academy football team. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    AP



Alabama's performance in the Sugar Bowl had nothing to do with Alabama fans feeling let down about not playing for a national title. Instead, it was about the players and coaches not being properly prepared, and Utah being a great team that played a great game when it mattered most to them.

(Pat on the butt: CFT)

Saban Still Whining About Sugar Bowl originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

]]>nick sabanNickSabanBruce CiskieWed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST