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/Blanket Coverage: Create November Saturday to Rememberhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/blanket-coverage-create-november-saturday-to-remember/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/blanket-coverage-create-november-saturday-to-remember/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/blanket-coverage-create-november-saturday-to-remember/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

BCS logoA playoff? No, thank you.

That said, please do not think for a second that I ravenously slurp the Kool-Aid that the BCS is attempting to serve. I don't want to see a playoff because I love the idea that you have to show up every Saturday, that each week the stakes get higher and the opponent, no matter what their record, gets tougher for an undefeated team. And I hate the idea of neutral-site playoff games in NFL cities in December and January (there's a reason that the SEC and Big 12 title games never have any juice).

It would not be a panacea, but the most effective step toward improving the current system would be to compel teams who are seriously interested in playing for the national championship to play 12 meaningful games. Which brings us to Saturday's slate.

Florida, the No. 1 team in the nation, hosts Florida International (3-7), which boasts the nation's 118th-rated total defense. No. 2 Alabama hosts Chattanooga, an FCS school. I agree that the SEC is the nation's toughest conference. I realize that Florida plays Florida State out-of-conference in two weeks. And I am aware that the Gators and Tide are not the only schools to schedule guaranteed victories in order to garner another home date and the booty that it entails (see, Washington State versus Notre Dame).

Think, however, how much more interesting the season might be if the NCAA were to designate either the second or third Saturday in November as a play-in weekend. Imagine if the FBS agreed that on that date the top eight schools would be required to play one another. On that weekend no intra-conference games would be scheduled (you could move up the beginning of conference play one week earlier in the season). The eight teams that would be dropped (e.g., FIU by Florida) would fall into a pool and play one another.

Home field among the top eight would be determined by higher ranking. Paul Johnson, the coach at No. 7 Georgia Tech, might not relish the idea of traveling to Tuscaloosa but he'd probably prefer that to not having a shot at the national title at all.

Sure, there are wrinkles that would need to be solved. What if the two schools had already met that season (switch the matchups)? Would the picture be any clearer after such a weekend, for instance, would an unbeaten No. 5 Cincinnati, having toppled No. 4 TCU, be any closer to a shot at the national championship game?

Ludicrous? In college football, something can never be done (e.g., games after New Year's Day, African-Americans on SEC rosters, instant replay) until someone decides that it can.

A mid-November winnowing of the contenders? I'd be thankful for that.

Hanging 50 on Troy ... that Was His Deal

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, when USC's Pete Carroll and Stanford's Jim Harbaugh met for the post-game handshake following the Cardinal's 55-21 de-pantsing of the Trojans, the conversation went thusly:

Carroll: "What's your deal? What's your deal?
Harbaugh: "What's your deal?"

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I'll take a wild guess and assume that this was not an impromptu dialogue between the two to compare contracts. What I cannot understand is why anyone who has seen Harbaugh operate the past few seasons is the least bit surprised that he went for the two-point conversion up 48-21.

The Cardinal had just scored and only 6:47 remained in the game. Harbaugh was likely figuring, When's the last time anyone hung 50 points on princely Pete (answer: never)? So he went for the deuce. Guarantee if the score were 47-21 at the time he would not have.

Stanford and USC compete for the same players in the same fertile Golden State breeding grounds. How much farther can Harbaugh puff out his pecs when he struts into a recruit's living room having not only beaten USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum but embarrassed them?

No punking of USC by Stanford could be complete, though, without a cruel and clever halftime performance by the Stanford band. They did not disappoint, performing a tribute to USC alum -- "Girls Gone Wild" creator-tax evader Joe Francis. I can only imagine what they are devising for Charlie Weis when the Irish visit Palo Alto in two weeks.


Records Are Made to Be Broken ... or Digitized and Sold on iTunes

A few weeks ago, when Florida's Tim Tebow was on the verge of breaking the SEC rushing touchdowns record of 49 set by Herschel Walker, fellow FanHouse scribe Clay Travis argued that the standards were unfair. Because the NCAA now includes bowl game statistics in overall stats, something that it did not do in Walker's era, Travis argued that the scales were unbalanced.

Either give Walker (the greatest college football player many of us ever saw) the five touchdowns that he scored in bowl games, making the record 54, or subtract from Tebow's total the two he has scored in January contests. Seems reasonable, which of course is why Clay's proposal was ignored by the SEC.

Now along comes a new stats controversy involving Tebow. Two years ago when he won the Heisman (which, by the way, he will not do this season), the Gator QB rushed for a single-season NCAA-record 23 touchdowns. On Saturday, Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs pulled to within one score of Tebow's mark when he ran it in five times against Delaware in the Mids' 35-18 win against Delaware.

Never mind that Dobbs' five touchdown runs went for a total of 10 yards. That's irrelevant. However, Delaware is an FCS school. If victories against FCS programs do not count toward a team's minimum number of wins required for bowl eligibility, should the statistics accrued in those contests count?

Dobbs is a terrific player, but five of his 22 rushing touchdowns -- nearly 25 percent -- came in what amounts to a glorified scrimmage. When he unseats Tebow, perhaps as early as Navy's next game at Hawaii on November 28, how will the Gainesville groupies react?

Distant Replay

Earlier this season a prominent college football writer on the web (that is no longer an oxymoron) told me that he'd be happy if every play were reviewed in the booth because he was all for getting the call right.

If only it were that simple.

After Pittsburgh beat Notre Dame Saturday night, assisted by an overturned call late in the fourth quarter, Irish coach Charlie Weis said, "It seems like the replay officials recently, every game you watch, they are the stars."

In their brief history, instant replay officials have become the most despised men in a glass booth since the "Deal or No Deal" banker. It need not be that way. A few suggested changes:

1. Unless these men can demonstrate that they understand the concept of "indisputable evidence" before overturning a call, then instant replay itself should cease to exist.

2. Instant replay officials need to get younger and fast. The majority of them are retired or near-retirement officials. We're not looking for Wal-Mart greeters here. We're looking for people who are at the peak of their powers in terms of scrutinizing a play.

3. I've noted this before, but there is absolutely no reason a replay official needs to be in a glass booth watching a second-rate television. When every Hooters' waitress has a better view of the play than you do, something's not right.

That play, by the way, did not doom the Irish. Their feckless first-half performance, a chronic shortcoming all season, did.

From First-Round to Fifth-String

Oregon head coach Chip Kelly reinstated tailback LeGarrette Blount for the Ducks' game with Arizona State. He just failed to play him.

"We didn't get to our fifth running back," Kelly said, referring to Blount with a complete lack of chalant. "Andre (Crenshaw, the third-string tailback) had one or two carries, Remene (Alston, the fourth-stringer) got in for one or two carries."



The Ducks' best player heading into the season, Blount was considered a first-round caliber draft pick before he decked Boise State's Byron Hout following Oregon's 19-8 loss in the season opener. While Kelly has shown compassion and mercy by rescinding the year-long suspension imposed on Blount in the immediate aftermath of the Hout punch, every so often he jerks the leash, as he did on Saturday, as if to test Blount's resolve and contrition.

This is terrific theater out of Eugene. Watching the drama between Kelly and Blount unfold is a little like watching the bathroom scene in Jerry Maguire. It's as if Kelly is Rod Tidwell, and he's telling Blount, "You are hanging on by a very thin thread and I dig that about you!"

All-Name Team

From the same people who introduced you to Central Michigan's Tommy Mama and Marshall's Darius Marshall, meet center T-Bob Hebert. With a name like that, it should take no more than one guess as to the state in which he plays and no more than two guesses (for the benefit of a few Ragin' Cajun reading this) as to the school.

And, yes, the former NFL quarterback is his daddy.

You can call me Al ... Golden ... Tate ... Forcier

Speaking of names, this is my favorite moniker chain of the season. From the up-and-coming thirtysomething head coach at the school located in the town where "Thirtysomething" was set, to the lone player at Notre Dame who each week reinforces the vestigial notion that the Irish really do have Fight, to the freshman quarterback at Michigan, which last beat an FBS opponent in September.

Overheard...

Matt Millen, while doing the broadcast of the Iowa-Ohio State contest, stressed that he "could not underemphasize enough" the importance of Ohio State's dominant defensive linemen. Everyone makes errors on live television (we even do in dead print), but for the future Millen should remember that it's "overemphasize."

The best way to not underemphasize enough a point is to remain silent.

Flighting Irish

In the biggest aviation story related to Notre Dame football since Knute Rockne's plane landed about 1,400 miles short of the runway, the school has found a way to block the university plane's registration number (N42ND) from appearing on the flight-tracking web site flightaware.com.

Shrewd tactic by the Irish. It will compel the legion of scribes covering the program to go Anton Chigurh on athletic director Jack Swarbrick and, like Chigurh, they will track him down. It's the nature of the business.

Alive ... and Kicking

If it feels as if once a year you come across the story of some grizzled Rudy type finding his way onto a Division III roster, that's because you do. This fall's middle-aged Walter Mitty is Austin College kicker Tom Thompson, age 61, who successfully converted the point after in the Kangaroos' 44-10 loss to Trinity (yes, that Trinity). It was Thompson's first kick of his college career.

Thompson is just 35 years older than Ohio State kicker Devin Barclay, 26, the retired pro soccer player whose overtime boot versus Iowa sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl.

Blanket Coverage: Create November Saturday to Remember originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>John WaltersMon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST Hawaii Coach's Gay Slur Reflects Locker Room Culturehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/01/hawaii-coachs-slur-reflects-locker-room-culture/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/01/hawaii-coachs-slur-reflects-locker-room-culture/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/08/01/hawaii-coachs-slur-reflects-locker-room-culture/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Greg McMackinDid you hear Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin's apology? He stood there and started crying. What a ...

Finish that sentence.

Touching moment? Honest emotion?

Well, I'm thinking players on his team, most football players really, would see a grown man cry and finish that sentence with the same word McMackin was apologizing for. It's the language of the locker room.

College football has gone into the strangest of bizarro worlds the past few days, as McMackin spoke the language, unacceptable in the real world but part of the daily life of the sports world. Talking about last year's bowl blowout loss to Notre Dame, he called an Irish team dance a "f****t dance." And the dance since then has been a whacked-out one, as the sports world has seen, yet again, its stupid and offensive ways ooze out.

So McMackin apologized to Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, and Weis accepted, sort of. But it was also a little odd because Notre Dame wasn't the real victim in this. And then the Western Athletic Conference commissioner threatened action, so Hawaii jumped in and suspended McMackin.

The only real punishment in the sporting world is to take the athlete or coach away from the field. It's a 30-day suspension, which sounds great. And you know how many games McMackin will miss? Zero. The season won't start before the suspension ends.

But there are practices. Lots of practices. And the suspension does cover those. Sort of. Not wanting to make the players suffer for their coach's mistake, Hawaii is allowing McMackin to volunteer during those practices. Huh? He is suspended from practices, but can still run practices?

A suspension that doesn't suspend him from anything.

See, the sports world has to act shocked about what McMackin said, even though it's exactly the way the sports world talks and acts. How confusing it must be for him to be punished, sort of, for this.

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Homophobia in Sports
Hawaii football head coach Greg McMackin was suspended for 30 days without pay for making a derogatory comment while describing Notre Dame's chant before last year's Hawaii Bowl. In total, McMackin will lose roughly $169,000 from his salary this year. Click through to see other incidents of homophobia in sports.
Sam Greenwood, Getty Images
Sam Greenwood, Getty Images

Homophobia in Sports

    Hawaii football head coach Greg McMackin was suspended for 30 days without pay for making a derogatory comment while describing Notre Dame's chant before last year's Hawaii Bowl. In total, McMackin will lose roughly $169,000 from his salary this year. Click through to see other incidents of homophobia in sports.

    Sam Greenwood, Getty Images

    In December 2006, NFL linebacker Joey Porter, while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was fined $10,000 by the league for a gay slur he directed towards tight end Kellen Winslow after a game.

    Al Bello, Getty Images

    In his book 'Nine Ten and Out!', boxing great Emile Griffith described his feelings about his 1962 fight with Benny Paret, who taunted him with a homophobic remark at their weigh-in. "Even though I never went to jail, I have been in prison almost all my life," Griffith said.

    Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

    In February 2007, former NBA star Tim Hardaway made a series of homophobic remarks during a radio interview. Hardaway stated "Well, you know I hate gay people, so I let it be known," when questioned about the coming out of retired player John Amaechi. He later apologized twice for his comments.

    Jesse D. Garrabrant, NBA via Getty Images

    White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen got into trouble in June 2006 when he referred to FanHouse columnist Jay Mariotti as "a (expletive) fag." Guillen was fined an undisclosed amount by the league and ordered to attend sensitivity training.

    Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

    Former Atlanta Braves closer John Rocker frequently came under fire for his racist and homophobic views, which included statements in a January 2000 issue of Sports Illustrated where he insulted gays.

    Matt Campbell, AFP / Getty Images

    NFL star Terrell Owens raised eyebrows when he appeared in an interview for Playboy magazine in 2004 and insinuated that his former teammate, Jeff Garcia, was homosexual. "If it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, by golly, it is a rat." Owens said.

    Ronald Martinez, Getty Images

    NFL tight end Jeremy Shockey caused a stir on the Howard Stern radio show in 2002 when he said "If I knew there was a gay guy on my college football team, I probably wouldn't, you know, stand for it."

    Jim Rogash, Getty Images

    In February 2001, former NBA guard Jason Williams, while playing for the Sacramento Kings, shouted racist and anti-gay slurs to an Asian-American fan and to others seated beside him. The league eventually levied a $15,000 fine on Williams for cursing at fans.

    Rocky Widner, NBA via Getty Images


Let me just say this, in case there are any doubts about what I'm saying:

What McMackin said was an outrage. Unacceptable anywhere. In public, in the locker room. Anywhere. And in this case, it was at a press conference discussing the upcoming season. Cameras. Notebooks. Scribbling pens. Microphones. And a coach, representing his university, who thinks a dance doesn't look manly. So he uses the universal word in locker rooms, dugouts, playgrounds.

See, the sports world has to act shocked about what McMackin said, even though it's exactly the way the sports world talks and acts.And don't think this is just about political correctness. It's not. This is about the stupid machismo culture of sport. In that culture, gays aren't seen as real men. Or treated as them, either.

The minute McMackin said it, he started backpedaling, asking reporters to cover for him, to leave out the word he had used. He immediately realized he had let a little of sports' pathetic private turf out into the real world. And the outrage over this, going all the way to Hawaii's governor, has been a little disingenuous.

The thing is, the man just signed a five-year $1.1 million a year contract exactly because he talks like this. It's the language athletes respect. You don't like the way a player is practicing? Alter his name a little to make it a girl's name. Don't think McMackin is alone, or even a dinosaur. He's a reflection. They talk about respect and code, but the code doesn't really allow for respect, does it?

I'm not sure how to change this culture, so deeply ingrained. Entrenched. Suspensions, fines. It never changes a thing.

Speaking of fines, McMackin won't be paid during his suspension, and in addition to that, he's taking a seven percent pay cut. That said, on Wednesday, a day before he jammed his foot, shins and knee into his mouth, McMackin told a Hawaiian newspaper that he would be willing to take a seven percent cut, as his boss did, to help the school out of its financial crisis.

Still, a month's pay is lost here. He also has to do some work with gay and lesbian groups. McMackin later acknowledged that he had offended gays. I wonder who told him.

"I just want to say that I made a big mistake," he said Friday. "I want to apologize to everyone and anyone that I offended with my remarks. I'm committed to do whatever I can to use this as a life lesson to learn from my mistake."

\Keep in mind this is a beginner's lesson, and he has been teaching our kids for years.

"I talked to Charlie at Notre Dame," McMackin said. "I wanted to apologize to him and his outstanding football team. I should have never brought Notre Dame's program up in my interview."

See, bringing up Notre Dame's dance, and his feelings about it, wasn't the problem. The problem is that he perpetuated a hurtful stereotype, and did it in public, while representing a university.

Weis said that McMackin "demonstrated poor judgment when, while making comments critical of our football program, he used a derogatory word." McMackin, Weis said, had called to apologize, and he accepted. But then, Weis, in his statement oddly went to this: "As a parent of a daughter with global developmental delays, I am especially sensitive to offensive characterizations like the one at issue here."

I cannot figure out why Weis got into his daughter. But I can only imagine the uncomfortable spot he was in, forced to accept an apology from something he shouldn't really have been in position to accept. Worse, he has to find outrage in the same locker room talk he has surely heard most every day of his professional life.

Well, in the real world, McMackin's statements only go to hurt his image. In his world, it's the apology that's going to hurt him.

After all, tough guys don't cry.

Hawaii Coach's Gay Slur Reflects Locker Room Culture originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Greg McMackinGreg CouchSat, 01 Aug 2009 21:40:00 EST Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis Accepts Hawaii Coach's Apology -- Sort Ofhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/31/notre-dame-coach-charlie-weis-accepts-hawaii-coachs-apology/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/31/notre-dame-coach-charlie-weis-accepts-hawaii-coachs-apology/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/31/notre-dame-coach-charlie-weis-accepts-hawaii-coachs-apology/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Charlie WeisNo one could ever accuse Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis with being exactly gracious when it comes to accepting an apology.

A day after Hawaii coach Greg McMackin made a derogatory comment toward the Irish and their tradition and apparently minutes after the Hawaii coach called to personally apologize, Weis issued a statement about the whole flap on Friday. Weis, a naturally surly guy, said he accepted the apology and pretended to let bygones be bygones.

Weis said the comments were in poor taste but that he had moved on, but clearly he wasn't about to just let it go at that.

"Yesterday, Coach McMackin demonstrated poor judgment when, while making comments critical of our football program, he used a derogatory word," Weis said via a released statement Friday. "Speaking only for our program, we were offended by the remarks."

By now we all know that McMackin made a remark that is insensitive and a slur often targeted at gays. That was deplorable, and everyone from the Hawaii AD to WAC Commissioner Karl Benson to even McMackin has said as much.

Honestly, McMackin hasn't stopped apologizing since making the ill-advised remark during the WAC Media Day session Thursday in Salt Lake City. Late Friday night, McMackin was suspended for 30 days and has voluntarily taken a pay cut as a result of his actions with the 2009 football season just around the corner.

But it wasn't enough for Weis, who is usually incognito during the summer until his football team's media day in early August, as he took the time Friday to issue an official statement. But what was very interesting is that he took the time to somehow inject his young daughter Hannah, who suffers from an illness, into the equation.

"As a parent of a daughter with global developmental delays, I am especially sensitive to offensive characterizations like the one at issue here," Weis said. "But in no way do I believe Coach McMackin's comments were intended to be offensive."

Huh? Now correct me, I thought that is why Weis broke from his busy schedule and normal routine to issue a statement. McMackin also realized he made an offensive statement directed at the football program and Notre Dame and immediately began to apologize and then followed his statements up with a personal call to Weis on Friday.

"This afternoon I received a phone call from Coach McMackin and he apologized to me and asked I pass that along to my players and coaches," said Weis, whose Irish spanked McMackin and his Warriors, 49-21, in last season's Hawaii Bowl for ND's first bowl win in ages. "We accept his apology and we will move on.

"It is now time to put this incident behind us and return focus to the 2009 season."

Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis Accepts Hawaii Coach's Apology -- Sort Of originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>charlie weisgreg mcmackinTerrance HarrisFri, 31 Jul 2009 19:09:00 EST Hawaii's Greg McMackin Apologizes for Gay Slur Aimed at Notre Damehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/30/hawaiis-greg-mcmackin-apologizes-for-gay-slur-aimed-at-notre-da/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/30/hawaiis-greg-mcmackin-apologizes-for-gay-slur-aimed-at-notre-da/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/07/30/hawaiis-greg-mcmackin-apologizes-for-gay-slur-aimed-at-notre-da/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackinGreg McMackin, the head coach at Hawaii, should probably call in sick to next year's WAC media day teleconference. For the second year in a row, he has said something regrettable during that event.

This year McMackin (pictured right) told a story about a banquet the night before last year's Hawaii Bowl, which pitted his team against Notre Dame. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis told the crowd about his school's "clapping tradition," which frankly is even less exciting than you think: "WE ARE!" (clap, clap) "ND!" (clap, clap).

McMackin, it must be said, was not exactly impressed by this.

At today's media preview, McMackin referred to what the Domers did as "this little f****t dance." (Hear it for yourself here; obviously, this is not safe for work.) McMackin then went on to use the same term twice more in pleading with the media not to print what he had just said.

There is precedent for this. Last year McMackin, who was in his first season as head coach, inadvertently mentioned the name of a recruit during his question-and-answer session. He asked those in attendance not to print that he'd mentioned the recruit's name, since it was an NCAA violation for him to do so. The press complied, which was the right thing to do for a rookie head coach who has just committed a minor blunder. This time? No such luck, Coach.

You aren't being "politically correct" if you say that what McMacklin said about Notre Dame was wrong. Taste and tact far precede political correctness. What he said was both tasteless and tactless. His point would have been made just as well if he'd called it "a little wimpy dance." He then wouldn't have had to plead with the reporters not to report what he just said. And he wouldn't have had to tell them that he would deny having said it if they reported it.

To his credit, McMackin apologized for what he said, stating that "I'm really ticked off at myself for saying that" and blaming it all on an attempt to be funny.

Thing is, now he has a bigger problem. The next time there's something unflattering involving Hawaii football, and we read the words "Head coach Greg McMackin denied [whatever]," are any of us going to believe him?

Hawaii's Greg McMackin Apologizes for Gay Slur Aimed at Notre Dame originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>charlie weisCharlieWeisGreg McMackinMark HastyThu, 30 Jul 2009 15:54:00 EST Hawaii CB JoPierre Davis Charged With Sexual Assaulthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/22/hawaii-cb-jopierre-davis-charged-with-sexual-assault/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/22/hawaii-cb-jopierre-davis-charged-with-sexual-assault/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/22/hawaii-cb-jopierre-davis-charged-with-sexual-assault/#commentsFiled under:

HONOLULU -- Hawaii cornerback JoPierre Davis has been charged with sexually assaulting a fellow student in a seven-count indictment that also includes burglary and assault charges.

The 21-year-old senior is accused of sexually assaulting the 20-year-old woman in September after unlawfully entering her dorm room.

Then in January, Davis allegedly assaulted the same woman at a Waikiki nightclub, knocking her out after she slapped him for touching her inappropriately on the dance floor. The indictment Friday also accused Davis of punching a club employee who tried to intervene.

Davis is charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree sexual assault, third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, two counts of third-degree assault and two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Hawaii CB JoPierre Davis Charged With Sexual Assault originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jopierre davisFanHouse NewswireSun, 22 Mar 2009 13:11:00 EST Counterpoint: Split National Titles Are For People Not Willing to Rationalize a Playoffhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/06/counterpoint-split-national-titles-are-for-people-not-willing-t/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/06/counterpoint-split-national-titles-are-for-people-not-willing-t/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/06/counterpoint-split-national-titles-are-for-people-not-willing-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My colleague Mark Hasty penned a piece yesterday calling for a split national title in college football. It's a fun idea; it seeks to give credit to all the teams we believe deserve it (last week it was Alabama and Texas, this week it's just Utah).

Now, MH does have a point -- there is considerable distress in the world of NCAA football when it comes to picking who should be the best/last/triumphant team standing come January 6. This is typically a huge issue every year.

And, in fact, it's an issue for the very reason that Mark pointed out -- we (media, fans, coaches, everyone) always tend to be stone cold wrong about a few particular conferences and/or teams. Hawaii was a perfect example last year; many people actually thought they were good enough to beat Georgia. Whoops. Same thing with, apparently, Alabama -- although I'm still not willing to concede that they aren't an upper tier team, Utah just got the reverse treatment.

But here's the thing: as long as the current setup for college football stands, this will always be an issue. There are several problems. First of all, preseason polls are a total and utter disaster. The need to rank teams as soon as a season ends begs and pleads for us to cave in and actually foster misconceptions about particular programs. See: the Big Ten, every freaking year.

Misconstruing the talent level of a particular program leads to the second issue; it's nearly impossible for a team like Utah -- with their conference, schedule and the inherent bias -- to actually rise high enough in the BCS standings to get a shot at winning a national title.



But splitting the baby in half won't solve any of that. In the words of Gob Bluth, "COME ON." We're America; we want a sense of finality to our sporting events ... not some ridiculous, Bushanian styled Florida election result. (Yes, I'm aware of the irony.) Because, folks, we've been there. We've seen that. The split national title has come and gone and it was ugly, boring and without merit. It's the reason why we created the BCS, only this particular system is too flawed to really move past any of the issues.

Besides, awarding multiple shares of the national title would do nothing more than feed the already growing monster that is the BCS. "Congratulations, Utah! You've won the AP National Championship*! And for you, Oklahoma, the Harris Poll Title*!" Instead, let the BCS keep playing out as poorly has it has over the past few years. Because every year it's supposed to get better and somehow it keeps getting worse (Utah, Texas and USC all have claims this season) but eventually, someone, somewhere is going to finally cave and we'll get us that playoff. Either that or Barack Obama is just going to throw down an ultimatum if the next election looks close. He'll have my vote.

*may only be worth a percentage of a normal title

Counterpoint: Split National Titles Are For People Not Willing to Rationalize a Playoff originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Will BrinsonTue, 06 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST Bowl Season 08: Notre Dame's Golden Showerhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/28/bowlseason08-notre-dames-golden-shower/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/28/bowlseason08-notre-dames-golden-shower/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/28/bowlseason08-notre-dames-golden-shower/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

A brief moment of levity from college football's tense and exciting bowl season. Where else but the relaxed Hawaii bowl between Notre Dame and Hawaii for an announcer to compare a collision that released a flurry of gold paint from a Notre Dame players' helmet to something slightly, unintentionally inappropriate.

See the clip for yourself after the jump.


H/T: We Eat Children

Bowl Season 08: Notre Dame's Golden Shower originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>BowlSeason08inappropriate commentsInappropriateCommentsBrian GrummellSun, 28 Dec 2008 01:34:00 EST Bowl Season '08: We Get It, Notre Dame Can Beat Mediocre Teamshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/25/bowl-season-08-we-get-it-notre-dame-can-beat-mediocre-teams/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/25/bowl-season-08-we-get-it-notre-dame-can-beat-mediocre-teams/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/25/bowl-season-08-we-get-it-notre-dame-can-beat-mediocre-teams/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

Back when the bowl bids were handed out, there was a rumor that the Motor City Bowl desperately wanted Notre Dame to head in for a matchup with Central Michigan. The Irish refused -- one reason being that a Christmas trip to Hawaii is more appealing than a visit to Detroit. But deep down, I had a theory that Notre Dame thought a game against Hawaii might work out better than one against the high-powered Chips.

Whether or not that theory has legs, the decision to head to the island proved a solid one: Notre Dame absolutely pasted Hawaii, 49-21, ending a nine-game losing streak for the Irish in bowl games.

Things got off to a bit of a slow start -- ND led 7-0 after a sluggish first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Jimmy Clausen took over after that, though, hurling five touchdown passes and racking up 401 yards through the air. Clausen helped Notre Dame stretch its early lead to 28-7 at halftime, and 49-14 after three. Golden Tate hauled in six of Clausen's 22 completions for 177 yards and three scores.



All in all, it was a downright impressive showing by Clausen. The Irish came out throwing from their first play from scrimmage, and basically only utilized the running game in trying to keep Hawaii's defense honest. One of ESPN's announcers even went so far as to proclaim this Clausen's "coming out party." I won't go that far -- for reasons about to be addressed -- but it was a strong showing from a QB that could be in line for a huge 2009.

That said, I'm not sure how much you can take out of this game. Notre Dame desperately wanted to get that bowl drought monkey off its back, and that showed in the way the Irish outhustled and outplayed the Warriors from the get-go. Other than that, though, this was kind of a throwaway postseason game for a program with the prestige of Notre Dame.

The Irish almost certainly didn't open any recruiting pipelines (surfing pun ... anyone?) with this trip. They had a national spotlight, but the Christmas Eve game has got to be one of the toughest for attracting television audiences.

Oh, and we're still not sure if the Irish are capable of beating a good team. Hawaii's a decent club, and has had its moments this year -- beating Fresno State on the road, holding off Nevada and nearly upsetting Cincinnati -- but these aren't the Colt Brennan Warriors from last year. Their 7-7 record still makes them the second-best team that Notre Dame beat after 8-5 Navy.

Hawaii got mashed physically in this one. The Warriors coughed up eight sacks, adding to their nation-leading total for the season, and barely flustered Clausen at all.

Some of that credit goes to Notre Dame, which executed its gameplan to perfection.

When it came down to it, Notre Dame needed this one -- of what would have been 10 straight bowl losses, this would have been arguably the worst. Instead, the Irish not only break that run, and end a two-game losing streak, but they finish above .500.

I can't be convinced that ND has turned a real corner until the Irish knock off a few ranked squads, but this provides some nice momentum into a 2009 season that sets up nicely for increased success.

Bowl Season '08: We Get It, Notre Dame Can Beat Mediocre Teams originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chris BurkeThu, 25 Dec 2008 00:46:00 EST Turkey Legs to Go: Hawaii Bowl Travel Guide, Hawaii v. Notre Damehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/09/turkey-legs-to-go-hawaii-bowl-travel-guide-hawaii-v-notre-dam/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/09/turkey-legs-to-go-hawaii-bowl-travel-guide-hawaii-v-notre-dam/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/09/turkey-legs-to-go-hawaii-bowl-travel-guide-hawaii-v-notre-dam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Turkey Legs to Go is FanHouse's complete travel guide for all of the 2008-2009 college bowl games. Here, we cover the Hawaii Bowl (Honolulu, Hawaii), which pits Hawaii against BYU.

Overview / Matchup: One would be hard pressed to find a football team more deserving of a trip to beautiful Hawaii than the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Or, maybe you disagree. You filthy cynic. Either way, we all win, because Charlie Weis will be rocking shorts and a Hawaiian shirt come late December.

Okay, yes, that's a losing scenario, but it's one we face with Notre Dame heading to the islands for a post season bowl, and one that will have them face off against the "native" Rainbow Warriors, who are fortunate enough to avoid travel expenses and get to give the Irish a chance to really regret firing Chuckles.

Hotels: There are a few budget hotels closer to Aloha Stadium, but the main tourist area is 20 or 25 minutes away. However, if you're seeking quality accommodation the drive will be worth it. Stay at the Halekulani and swim in their world famous Orchid-mosaic pool. If the Halekulani is out of your price-range, stay at its sister property, the much more affordable Waikiki Parc Hotel. Guests are offered plenty of shared privileges with the Halekulani (except for use of the pool). If economy is your concern, stay at the Pacific Marina Inn. The hotel has limited services and accommodation, but it's one of the only places in Honolulu where you can find a room for under 100 a night. It's also closer to the airport and the stadium than the other hotels.

Restaurants: 3660 On The Rise is one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in Honolulu... try the roast rack of macadamia-nut crusted lamb. Keo's is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in Honolulu, and it's walking distance from most Waikiki hotels. Ono Hawaiian Foods serves cheap, delicious, traditional Hawaiian food like smoked pork... be aware, they do not take credit cards.

Nightlife: If proximity to the stadium is important, check out Row Bar after the game. It's a popular spot with Honolulu singles. If you're staying in Waikiki consider stopping at Mai Tai Bar on the way back from the stadium... most of the hours the bar is open is a happy hour for some kind of drink.

All travel related information provided by Professional Travel Guide.

Turkey Legs to Go: Hawaii Bowl Travel Guide, Hawaii v. Notre Dame originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>charlie weisCharlieWeishonolulu bowlHonoluluBowlturkeylegsbowlguideturkeylegstogoWill BrinsonTue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST