NCAA Football FanHouse

The SEC's Shifting Defensive Sands

Brian Grummell — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Alabama Football, Auburn Football, Texas Football, Big 12, SEC, Texas A&M Football, Iowa State Football

The SEC has long been known as a place where defense rules in college football. Maybe some of that had to do with the league's generally minimal focus on offense for so many years, but we can debate that in another entry. Regardless, its defensive credibility is rock solid.

But in recent years, a steady influx of offensive changes from coaches to schemes has balanced the league and made it all the more dangerous.

But, as noted at the Daily Texan, there's also been a barely noticed flow of defensive coaching talent away from the SEC. Former Auburn star defensive coordinators Gene Chizik and Will Muschamp have made their way to the Big 12. Chizik was Texas' defensive coordinator before being hired as the head coach at Iowa State. Muschamp, meanwhile, is Texas' new D.C.

Elsewhere, former Alabama defensive coordinator Joe Kines is now the D.C. at Texas A&M. Chances are, those three have been adequately replaced, but their departure and the SEC's changing offensive makeup seems to indicate a change from the All D, No O days of SEC past. I doubt wide open offensive football with not much defense like on display in the WAC ever finds a home in the SEC. OK, severely doubt it. But it is interesting to note a modest departure of defensive coaching talent as a steady wave of offensive coaching talent moves in.

Related: I wonder if this perks up the state of defense in the suddenly wide-open, quarterback loaded Big 12?

(Via: Football Rumor Mill)

The SEC's Shifting Defensive Sands originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe Pushing for Fifth Year of Eligibility

Jeff Adams — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Kansas Football, Nebraska Football, Oklahoma Football, Oklahoma State Football, Texas Football, Big 12, Missouri Football, Texas A&M Football, Kansas State Football, Texas Tech Football, Baylor Football, Iowa State Football

The Big 12's annual meetings are currently taking place in Colorado Springs and league commissioner Dan Beebe has a lot on his plate. But one agenda item that he is pushing strongly is a fifth year of eligibility for football players. He hopes the proposed change will get some attention from the NCAA rules committee.

The proposal for a fifth year of eligibility would eliminate redshirting, instead giving college football players five years to compete on the field. Under current rules, players have a five-year window in which to complete four years of playing time. This isn't the first time this change has come up, but opponents have argued that eligibility rules need to standard across sports. Big 12 commissioner Beebe, disagrees.

Beebe, however, said he thinks football should be seen as unique because it has a high rate of redshirts and injuries.

"Injuries happen and coaches have players who could contribute, but they don't want to play someone on a limited basis and burn a redshirt year," Beebe said. "And you have kids during their redshirt year who are getting the heck beat out of them in practice every day with no hope of playing."

The rule change would certainly eliminate the need for coaches to agonize about redshirting decisions. In addition, it would seemingly end the need for athletes and schools to file medical hardships in the wake of injuries. Lastly, given that the average college football player takes around 4.7 years to graduate, the five-year eligibility window could help improve graduation rates.

Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe Pushing for Fifth Year of Eligibility originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A&M Gets Told By Nike

Brian Cook — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:08:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football

Phil Knight laughts in Texas A&M's general direction. And Michigan's, but for totally different reasons.

Texas A&M is one of a few schools switching from Athletic Death Star Nike to Adidas (No, not "adidas," since it's morally wrong to de-cap a proper noun) this fall for various reasons.

Michigan's reason: Adidas gave them more money than any school in the country and guaranteed them "most favored nation" status wherein Michigan would always be the top-paid Adidas school.

Texas A&M? Well, not so much. They went to Nike, asking for the same terms as main rival Texas. Predictably, Nike said "scoreboard":

Byrne said he was offended when the rep told him, "You're not as good as they are and you're probably never going to be."

Ouch. That's a squeeze in the nuts.

A&M Gets Told By Nike originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Sherman Lights Into Texas A&M Players Following Practice Scuffle

Jeff Adams — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching

During Friday's spring practice, tempers flared, and helmets went flying when Texas A&M senior defensive Michael Bennett tangled with some offensive linemen. It is certainly not uncommon for small tussles to breakout during a football practice, especially among linemen who battle it out play after play. What's a bit unusual in this case, however, was new head coach Mike Sherman's strong reaction to what was actually the second fight of the day.

"We don't need that bull crap..."

As the Aggie players ran 50-yard sprints up and down the field, Sherman told them that intrasquad fights wouldn't be tolerated.

"We've got soft players," he said. "If you want to be average, then transfer."

It sounds like Sherman is really attempting to balance instilling discipline in his troops, while at the same time questioning their manhood. That seems like a really difficult proposition. I was also immediately reminded of my own time spent in youth football. The punishment our coach handed down for fighting with a teammate was five laps around the field while holding the hand of the player you had scuffled with. I can't remember if that increased discipline or team unity, but in this case fans in College Station seem to trust Sherman's leadership.

"I like what I'm seeing," said one fan. "I know who is running this program."

Yeah, and this time you didn't even have to subscribe to an ultra-secret newsletter to find that out.

Mike Sherman Lights Into Texas A&M Players Following Practice Scuffle originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas A&M Yell Leaders Are Certifiably Weird

Adam Jacobi — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Video, The Word

Courtesy of the little-known Every Day Should Be Saturday, the website with the most revolutionary stance on calendar realignment in decades, we bring you what appears to be a campaign video for Texas A&M's Yell Leader. It's called "Reload With Reagan," which just so happened to be the title of an NRA pamphlet during the 1984 election cycle.

What you're about to witness will demonstrate perfectly the canyon of a difference between your favorite team's fanbase and that of TAMU. It's part cheerleading, part propaganda, and part hand gestures that would get you kicked out of 99% of high school and college classrooms. Enjoy.

We don't care what you may claim about your team and your traditions and your fanbase. You don't do "crazy" like A&M does "crazy." They do it with aplomb, alacrity, vim and vigor. Oh, you're doing "the wave"? How quaint. The Aggies are too busy squeezing their own testicles. All hats are off, TAMU: we admire your complete severance from reality and request that you stay at least 75 miles away from us at all times.

Texas A&M Yell Leaders Are Certifiably Weird originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fewer Rolls, New Role for Jorvorskie Lane?

Jeff Adams — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football

A major reason to watch Texas A&M football over the past few seasons has been the sight of Jorvorskie Lane plowing his way through Big 12 defenses. Lane, a veritable brontosaurus in pads, always surprised me with his athleticism and agility in the Aggie offense. But with new head coach Mike Sherman installing a "pro-style" offense in College Station; Lane will apparently be switching positions this spring.

"Sherman said running back Jorvorskie Lane will have to adapt to being a fullback in the new offense. Mike Goodson and Bradley Stephens were the top two running backs in drills."

First, as a Nebraska fan who has some recent experience with an NFL head coach and a "pro-style" system, I have one thing to say to Aggie fans: "I'm sorry." Secondly, one of the great things about college football is the lack of emphasis it places on body types and measureables when it comes to lining guys up. If Lane's new role means increased blocking demands and diminished carries, we as fans are being cheated.

Even worse, however, is a hidden nugget from another spring report on Texas A&M:

"Sherman said he's challenging 277-pound running back Jorvorskie Lane to lose some weight, adding that he could afford to shed a few of his own pounds as well."

NOOOO!!! Say it isn't so, Coach Sherman. I like my Jorvorskie's huge and thundering. Now Lane is destined to be just another fullback with a funny name. And here I thought fatty running backs had become something of an institution at A&M. Is nothing sacred? Can an end to the 12th Man tradition be far behind?

Fewer Rolls, New Role for Jorvorskie Lane? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tradition Restored: Texas - Texas A&M Returns to Thanksgiving Day

Brian Grummell — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:49:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Football, Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB History, The Word

ESPN did a smart thing in scheduling a college football game for last Thanksgiving. I don't really watch the NFL games so it was nice to sit down to USC playing Arizona State late in the evening. I had hoped it would begin something of a tradition for college football in having a marquee game on that night. That faith has been rewarded.

This year they've brought the Texas rivals together to play on the Holiday and as a bonus, it restores some tradition.

The Texas-Texas A&M football rivalry will move back to its traditional Thanksgiving slot for the next two years.
The longtime Thanksgiving event was moved to the day after in 1996. The switch back accommodates a Thanksgiving night ESPN broadcast, Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said Monday.
Texas and Texas A&M have played on Thanksgiving 60 times in a rivalry that dates to 1894.

Nice. After a string of six consecutive victories, Texas has dropped the last two to the rival Aggies (12-7 and 38-30). This year's meeting will be played in Austin.

Tradition Restored: Texas - Texas A&M Returns to Thanksgiving Day originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barack Obama Hangin' With Texas Football

Brian Grummell — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:28:00 EST

Filed under: Texas Football, Big 12, Heisman, Texas A&M Football, The Word

Smart politics 101: ingratiate yourself with the fans of popular sports teams

Democratic presidential candidate and erstwhile hoops junkie Senator Barack Obama took some campaign time to hang with the Texas Longhorn football team today. Austin is friendly territory for any Democratic presidential candidate, so this was an easy call. Good luck finding as warm of a reception in College Station, Senator Obama.

Given the senator's eagerness to flash the hook 'em sign, his campaign just might find itself doing a little damage control among the Aggie vote. (Oh, who are we kidding. The Aggies are all Republicans, aren't they governor?)

Looks like he and the players had a good time, even sneaking in a requisite pose with the Heisman Trophy. Now's a good time to mention that although Texas coach Mack Brown is "agnostic" when it comes to politics, Bevo Beat did uncover a $500 donation from Brown's wife to the Obama campaign last march. No word yet on whether Brown was proud of his wife's political contributions for the first time in his life.

Barack Obama Hangin' With Texas Football originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Davie Thinks Coaching Is For Suckers

Brian Cook — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:49:00 EST

Filed under: Notre Dame Football, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching, NCAA FB Media Watch

...at least that's the implication from his latest move, or lack thereof:

Former Texas A&M defensive coordinator Bob Davie has declined an invitation to reprise that role with the Aggies, according to a source on campus.

Hey, I'm with him. Davie gets to lounge around in the offseason while college coaches are beating their heads in day after day, sleeping on the floor in their office and only contacting their families when, delirious from lack of rest, they accidentally hit the wrong button on their cell phone. Much better to be Bob Davie, Guy Who Gets Paid To Say "Footbaw" A Lot.

This is actually a bit of a blow for the A&M program. Though Davie's stint as Notre Dame's head coach didn't go well, he was a successful and well-regarded defensive coordinator over the course of a decade.

Bob Davie Thinks Coaching Is For Suckers originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sherman to Texas A&M: Good Hire?

Bruce Ciskie — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching

We learned earlier today that Texas A&M had chosen a replacement for departed football coach Dennis Franchione. Former NFL head coach and current NFL assistant Mike Sherman has been named as A&M's new coach, signing a seven-year deal.

Sherman spent six years as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, compiling an impressive 57-39 record. Despite that mark, he was highly unpopular in Green Bay by the time he was let go by general manager Ted Thompson after the 2005 season.

He was snapped up almost immediately by the Houston Texans, where he worked as an assistant head coach last year and then as the offensive coordinator this year. Now, he moves back to Texas A&M, where he served as an assistant under R.C. Slocum in two separate stints.

Given how unhappy Aggie fans were with Franchione, I'm left to wonder if they'd be happy with the university hiring a paper bag to coach the football team. He went 32-28 in five years at A&M, and never got the program over the proverbial hump. They beat Texas the last two years, but there have been enough embarrassing losses along the way to make some people miss Slocum, who was also basically shoved out of town.

So there oughta be at least some sort of a honeymoon for Sherman.

But is this a good hire by Texas A&M?
For the 13 or so people who actually read my blog, you might remember a couple of rather scathing posts I have written in the past that were directed at Sherman. Among the happy thoughts:

The NFL isn't all about the coaches. The NFL isn't all about the coaches. Please, let this be true. The NFL isn't all about the coaches. It better be true, because if it's all about the coaches, the Packers are doomed on Sunday. (Romeo) Crennel could down twenty Cap'n 'n' Cokes before the game and still outcoach Sherman.

Nothing like facing a superb pass rush and throwing the ball 61 times while running less than half that. Brilliant. Sherman tried to excuse it as the team being in the two-minute offense a lot. Nope. The playcalling sucked. The team was in the two-minute offense when they didn't need to be, and they had chances to run the ball that they wasted trying to get Favre to throw short passes against a quick defense that eats those kinds of things alive.

So, yeah. Before I endorse this hire, I sure figure that I have some explaining to do. Allow me.

First off, while I was very hard on Sherman as a head coach in Green Bay, much of his downfall came as a result of his work as the general manager. He wasn't particularly good at dealing with the business side of the game, and when he was stripped of his GM duties in Green Bay, team president Bob Harlan cited the Mike McKenzie debacle as one of the moments that made it clear Sherman couldn't handle the dual role.

(McKenzie, now with the Saints, held out of training camp before the 2004 season and only reported after two weeks in order to force the Packers to trade him, which they did.)

While I was no fan of Sherman as a GM, I did like a few things about Sherman. For starters, he is a good family man. This isn't a factor lost on me when I consider his viability as a college coach. College football is a place where coaches can afford to treat players like family, because they're not usually around long enough for the message to get old.

Sherman will bring energy. He'll work his tail off to get things right. He will run a clean program, making sure his players represent the university in a dignified manner. Along those lines, he will always represent the university well, both with the media and with potential recruits.

His offense will work in college football. Sherman likes to run the ball, and if he can get quality play out of Ron Dayne, I'm thinking he'll do well as an offensive coach in college. He'd be smart to meet with some spread offense gurus and employ some of the spread with his offense. But he can get the offense going.

One of the biggest question marks surrounding this hire surrounds Sherman's ability as a recruiter. If his work as a GM is any indicator, he'll need help. But Sherman's not ego-driven. If he needs help, he'll do it, as he did when he hired Mark Hatley to be his right-hand personnel man in Green Bay (Hatley died before the 2004 season).

His issues with communication while GM of the Packers were because of his work in a dual capacity. He should have no such problems in a college environment.

As long as Sherman can adjust his offense a bit, he should be just fine. He already took a good first step, giving up some salary to help with his budget for assistant coaches. Sherman had a reputation for trying to be everywhere while working in Green Bay, and the fact that he wants a higher budget for assistants shows that he understands the need for guys around him who can recruit for the program as well as he can. The head coach simply can't go to every high school game and visit every teenager and his family. It wouldn't work. Sherman appears prepared to delegate authority, and his previous experience in College Station means he should have a good understanding of the atmosphere and expectations there.

My verdict (not that Texas A&M asked me): Good hire. He wants to be there, and he will be a solid ambassador for this program.

Sherman to Texas A&M: Good Hire? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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College Football Songbook: Don't Let That Door Hit You In The Ass

John Radcliff — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mississippi Football, Nebraska Football, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching, FanHouse TV

The College Football Songbook is a weekly feature in which we'll be making as much fun as humanly possible of the most embarrassing moments in college football. Through words, music, and related video we'll leave a lasting memory implanted on the brains of the vanquished that they are not soon to forget.

It's everyone's favorite time of year, when coaches drop like flies mere days after getting the dreaded vote of confidence from the administration. I'm actually going to miss Ed Orgeron. But still, you let the program down, you gets the pink slip. Just don't let that door hit you in the ass.

Hat Tips:

Special hat tip as always to Pete Holiday for putting the video together.

art.com
getty images
answers.com
huskerpedia.com
Clarion Ledger
Ramblinracket.com
Southerngent.org
ESPN.com

College Football Songbook: Don't Let That Door Hit You In The Ass originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Sherman to Coach Texas A&M

Brian Cook — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching

The Star-Telegram is reporting that A&M's 11 AM press conference scheduled for today will introduce a new Aggie head coach:

Houston Texans assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Sherman will be selected the new Texas A&M head coach, according to a source at the university.

Sherman is the offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans and is was head coach of Green Bay for six years, in which the Packers made the playoffs four times before slumping to a miserable 4-12 final year that got Sherman fired.

Is this a comedown for the Aggies after Old Ball Coach and Tommy Tuberville pipe dreams? On the one hand, Sherman is an NFL retread with little experience in the collegiate ranks -- his last college job was OL coach at A&M 11 years ago -- and we all know how those have worked out of late. On the other, Sherman has a pretty shiny record (57-39) for an NFL coach and has an equally shiny reputation for getting offenses up and going.

Either way, it's a major risk, and one A&M is making a whopping two days after Dennis Franchione resigned. A&M's search process makes the rumored Ferentz to Michigan switch look positively sluglike even if true.

Mike Sherman to Coach Texas A&M originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas A&M Coach Dennis Franchione Resigns

Brian Grummell — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:12:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football, The Word

Well, it's official now.

Francione announced his decision about an hour after the Aggies improved to 7-5 on the season with his second consecutive win over the Longhorns.

"We've enjoyed 35 years in coaching, and we will consider our time at Aggieland to be a very rewarding part of it," Franchione said, reading a statement as he sat alongside A&M athletic director Bill Byrne.

Nice little show there making things look copacetic. What a confusing moment in Aggie history that they achieve a rare defeat over the hated Longhorns and celebrate with equal joy the departure of their coach. Strange sport, this college football.

"Fran"'s days were already numbered entering this season, perhaps saved only by a fat and reportedly insurmountable buyout. This little bit of insider magic made his departure an informal formality.

It looks like coach Fran will be taking time off from the head coaching gig for the first time since 1990.

Texas A&M Coach Dennis Franchione Resigns originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuberville to A&M Rumors Gaining Momentum

Ryan Ferguson — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Auburn Football, Big 12, SEC, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching

On the heels of ESPN's report that Dennis Franchione's buyout is in the works at Texas A&M, Auburn blog TrackEmTigers.com is confirming news that Texas A&M has set their sights on Tommy Tuberville to be the next head coach of the Aggies. ESPN's Andre Ware was the original journalist who quoted "sources within the Texas A&M athletic department" that A&M would make a strong run at Tuberville, and now similar stories have appeared in the Houston Chronicle and Dallas Morning News, according to TrackEmTigers.com's Jay Coulter. He writes:

I think it's safe to move beyond the speculation stage now. It's official: Texas A&M wants Tuberville and will apparently be coming after him hard. It won't be cheap for the Aggies.

Tuberville has made it clear that he's happy at Auburn. In recent days, he's tried to dismiss news reports that link him to the job. He'll have a tougher time now.

Tuberville has yet to come straight out and say he's not a candidate. That can be read several ways. It can obviously mean he's interested. Money talks. Let's not be naïve and think he won't listen. He likely will.

Does this move really make sense for Tuberville? It's hard to say. The Auburn faithful have accepted him as an Aurburn man. His accomplishments on the Plains have certainly been more than adequate to keep him gainfully employed. But might his memories of 'Jetgate' and the school's meddling Board of Trustees be enough to give him an A&M lean?

Either way, Tuberville stands to make a great deal of money in 2008.

Tuberville to A&M Rumors Gaining Momentum originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Franchione Buyout in the Works at A&M

Jeff Adams — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching

Although the university is saying there has been no official change in his status with the team, Dennis Franchione appears to be on his way out of College Station. Sources close to the situation are indicating that Franchione and the school are close to an agreement that would end his tenure as head coach at the end of the season.

"Under the agreement, Franchione would receive a $1.9 million buyout as opposed to the $8.5 million his deal calls for after the school hired a private firm to investigate his VIP Connection email newsletter and found three breaches of contract. The value of the buyout has been met with resistance from Franchione."

That is the same information that was reported by Andre Ware on Sports Radio 610 in Houston this afternoon. Athletic director Bill Byrne has to be overjoyed by Franchione's off-field antics that have reduced the cost of the buyout and ensured that Aggie fans can wave goodbye to Franchione in just a few short weeks. The Aggies are 6-4 overall, and just 3-3 in the Big 12, but have failed to impress for most of the season. Franchione has also been criticized for his utilization of talent most notably that of Jorvorskie Lane, Martellus Bennett, and Michael Goodson.

The Houston Chronicle lists a bevy of possible candidates to replace Franchione headed by Auburn's Tommy Tuberville. According to the paper:

"Other potential candidates could include Cal's Jeff Tedford, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, North Carolina and former Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti and former Wisconsin coach and current Badger athletic director Barry Alvarez."

With news of the buyout breaking this early, the Aggies have gotten the jump on other schools including Nebraska who sports a lame-duck coach of their own in Bill Callahan.

Franchione Buyout in the Works at A&M originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kansas With a "But..."

Charles Rich — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:58:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas Football, Big 12, Texas A&M Football

The Jayhawks went to 8-0 this evening with a 19-11 victory over Texas A&M in College Station. Something that still holds meaning even if A&M's coach is a lame duck, and the Aggies have been completely erratic this season. It's the first time that Kansas has started the season 8-0 in almost 100 years. That makes this a great and historic season for Kansas.

The thing is, that with Kansas' schedule there is an obligatory "but" that seems to follow anything regarding Kansas. "But" they haven't really played anyone. "But" the Big 12 North is very weak. "But" they don't even have Texas and Oklahoma on the schedule this year.

But, but, but. As Brian Grummell pointed out last week, the Jayhawks won't be taken seriously until they get to the end of the season. After they play Oklahoma St., Missouri and maybe the Big 12 Championship game.

There's no big star that carries the team. Just lots of good pieces that are all playing well together. A team that is being coached very well by Mark Mangino.

Kansas With a "But..." originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas A&M Goes Nebraska on Nebraska

Charles Rich — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska Football, Big 12, Texas A&M Football, NCAA FB Coaching

Bill Callahan might as well start booking that moving company now, because he is gone from Nebraska. If he already wasn't, the debacle today with Texas A&M clinched it.

It wasn't just being blown out 36-14. At home. Again. It was how it happened.

It was A&M that looked like the Nebraska teams Osborne coached. Using an Osborne staple - the triple option - McGee did a pretty good impersonation of Nebraska 1997 national champion quarterback Scott Frost.

Nebraska's linebackers bit hard on fake handoffs to Lane, allowing McGee to pick up big chunks of yardage.

McGee ran seven consecutive times on the Aggies' first series of the second half. Lane then broke off a career-long 31-yard run before scoring from the 2.

Dennis Franchione may be a lame-duck at Texas A&M, but he sure knows how to make sure he'll have company in competing for other jobs. His Aggies ran all over the Cornhuskers to the tune of 359 rushing yards.

Nebraska did its best to help Texas A&M by fumbling 3 times. With Tom Osborne on hand in his now official capacity of interim AD, there should just be a mercy killing at this point. Make it official. There's no way Callahan is coming back.

Texas A&M Goes Nebraska on Nebraska originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Franchione's VIP Connection: Cue the Taps?

Brian Grummell — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football

Answer: I don't know.

Question: Given what we know about Dennis Franchione's role in the VIP Connection newsletter -

1)Can he be fired?

2)Will he be fired?

The Houston Chronicle's Terrance Harris examined Dennis Franchione's contract via FOIA request, and found clauses allowing for the swift termination of the embattled Texas A&M coach.

Franchione has said the $1,200 annual payments from the 12 to 15 boosters went directly to the company that maintains his site.
That admission could be in violation of Section 2.3 of his contract, which states Franchione is prohibited from receiving any money or benefits or gratuity whatsoever from any university booster club or other benefactor if such action would be in violation of NCAA rules.
A violation of that term could result in the termination of Franchione's contract, which runs through 2012, per Section 5.1 (a) under Termination for Cause. Franchione can be suspended without pay or the agreement can be terminated immediately if he breaks any of the rules listed in Sections 2.1 through 2.5.

It seems like based on this if A&M wanted to, they could fire him. Their response so far has been to investigate without excoriating the coach. How much of that is support for the coach and how much is PR and how much is show for when/if deposition time comes, we don't know? The Rick Neuheisel example has to be rattling in the back of the mind of the NCAA and Texas A&M, however.

Count on both parties being thorough and letting the lawyers meticulously work through all of this before decisions are reached. Don't like all this caution and deliberateness? Tough toenails, blame lawyers (or Rick Neuheisel), not that it'll make you feel better.

Franchione's VIP Connection: Cue the Taps? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yeah... Those "Vick 'Em" Shirts? Banned

Brian Cook — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NCAA FB Fans, Texas A&M Football, Texas Tech Football

Adventures in stupid college dudes, part MMCCXII.

The shirt at right, designed for this weekend's Texas Tech-Texas A&M rivalry was first brought to the light of the blogosphere by Burnt Orange Nation and quickly got a lot of attention because it's awful. I mean, obviously: it depicts Michael Vick hanging Texas A&M's collie mascot Reveille. Tasteless doesn't quite cover it.

Texas Tech has gotten wind of this shirt, however, and did the obvious thing:

Texas Tech has banned the sale of a T-shirt featuring a drawing of a football player dangling Texas A&M's dog mascot by her leash.

The meatheads who put them together are chastened:

Geoffrey Candia, the creator of the shirts, told The Associated Press he and his Theta Chi fraternity were taking full responsibility and would sell no more of the shirts.

"We realize the shirts shouldn't have been printed," he said.

Which is nice. I mean, who could know that these things were tasteless without a nationwide outrage?%Gallery-3384%

Yeah... Those "Vick 'Em" Shirts? Banned originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dennis Franchione Will Not Resign

Brian Grummell — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, Texas A&M Football

Or so he says. Check back with us in December.

Embattled Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione is facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed he supplied private injury information to boosters in a for-pay newsletter outside the knowledge of the school's athletic director. There are serious tax and privacy (HIPAA, get to know it) questions in regard to what he did, but more importantly there are trust issues with his players.

There was apparently a closed-door players-only meeting after the allegations went public, and people have assumed he had lost his team at that time. Many outsiders have long felt he's lost his players for many years now (anyone remember the video of quarterback Reggie McNeal rolling his eyes during an offensive huddle just outside the view of his coach?) but surprise, surprise - they're in his corner.

At noon Tuesday, the entire football team filed into Hagner Auditorium in a planned show of support.

Franchione seemed caught off guard as he entered the room to the players' applause. He stepped to the podium and said he wanted to read a statement, "so I don't make any mistakes."

So yeh, his team's with him or so it seems. A pack of lawyers will certainly be hot on his tail so I don't know if the university can continue to support him particularly while facing an agitated fan base. Either way, the coach is planning on sticking around if he can help it.

"Bill Byrne, as my boss and the athletic director, has affirmed me in every way, and has left no doubt that he has confidence in my and has every intention to help me succeed in building this football program, and for that I am deeply grateful.

"I have no intention of resigning this position," Franchione added. "I love this job. I love these players, I love this university and my desire is to remain here and elevate this program to the highest level."

Um, go get 'em, Tiger! Talking about the highest level is nice until your team loses badly to a Miami team that was tail-whipped by division rival Oklahoma who just so happened to lose to Colorado on Saturday. The athletic department's in your corner, but for how long?

Dennis Franchione Will Not Resign originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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