As the Carousel Spins...Thursday Episode

     We start in Los Angeles today, where one of the most convoluted situations in the coaching ranks is taking place at UCLA tonight. Almost every media source on the planet has reported that Norm Chow has been released as OC. That being said, Rick Neuheisel announced tonight that Norm Chow is still on the staff, and reports of the hiring of Mike Johnson as his replacement is premature.
     All of that being said, I would make the following move. If Neuheisel cannot make a commitment to go one way or the other, fire the entire staff, Neuheisel included. Let's break it down. Neuheisel has been quoted as having said that it took so long to get rid of Chow because he was trying to collect the money to buy out his 2 year extension, which is the one and same deal that Neuheisel pitched to Dan Guerrero back in June. Neuheisel has to take the respoinsibility for pitching that deal in the first place. Chow was obviously all wrong for the Bruins from day one, and everyone knew it after season 2. There was an obvious rift between the two over the development (or lack thereof) of QB Kevin Prince, and Chow would not say anything positive about Richard Brehaut, who was favored by Neuheisel. Yet, Neuheisel allowed the tail to wag the dog, and Chow won out, with Prince starting and failing time after time before a series of ridiculous injuries put him down for the year, forcing Brehaut to start.
     Neuheisel also cannot make a decision on replacing his DC (Chuck Bullough was fired, and even that move took over two weeks after the final game was played to make) and he still has not named a WR Coach. Recruits are running away from the Bruins, and they did not sign one player during the Army All-Star game last weekend, even though that they were in the final three of several of the players present. As a matter of fact, the Bruins have only signed 8 players for the 2011 season, and only one of those players is at least a 4 star prospect. In other words, UCLA is settling for the kind of athletes that Oregon used to get back in the day, and Oregon is landing the studs that UCLA used to regularly haul in. If you are familiar with PAC-10 history, you'll get that.
     While you are at it, it may be time for AD Dan Guerrero to take a trip with Neuheisel on to greener pastures. The department as a whole has been a wreck as of late, with even top tier Volleyball and Soccer programs seemingly hitting the wall as of late. The basketball program is basically in shambles, and can no longer dominate long time LA doormat USC. Attendance at both football and basketball games is in the toilet, and the school needs revenue to refurbish Pauley Pavilion, which will run well into obscene amounts when all is said and done.
     Bringing back Neuheisel for the 2011 season is an exersize in futility, as the inevitible has been delayed. It is impossible to see how UCLA can avoid another disaster in 2011, and we will be looking at Neuheisel's ouster and wonder to ourselves why he just didn't exit a year sooner. Bruin fans will wonder what could have been done if the move had been made, wondering where the progress bar would have been after year one of a much needed change in regime. Instead, Bruin fan will sit through another underachieving, lackluster trainwreck of another stinking season, and that's whether or not Chow returns or not.
     In other news, Texas Coach Mack Brown is about to get his man, again. Jeff Grimes, OL Coach at Auburn, is likely to land as Brown's new OL Coach in the coming days. Brown is going after his targets with a zealous passion, and he is landing his targets after just about every shot. He has assmebled one hell of a staff for 2011.
     There is lots of activity around the Tulsa job tonight, as it is being widely speculated that the job is Garrick McGee's to lose. McGee has been the OC at Arkansas, and word around the press tonight is that the deal is being worked out as I type this post. Expect some kind of news tomorrow. Texas A&M DC Tim DeRuyter interviewed as well. There are some damaged feelings between Tulsa and former OC Chad Morris, as Morris feels like he was being led on as a candidate for the job. He wasn't, and bad blood ensues.
     A real shocker occurred in Storrs today, as Mark Whipple went from working out a contract to be the next HC at UConn to being on the street and scratching his head, as he stood and watched Paul Pasqualoni blow by him to steal the job at the 11th hour. Whipple was considered a lock for the job. Here is the issue with this hire. Pasqualoni was horrible in his final seasons at Syracuse. There was a general malaise in the program, and the Orangemen are just now pulling out of the funk of those years, two coaches later. He has served his time out as an assistant with the Dallas Cowboys, so only time will tell. My prediction is that this will be a short term hire, and will turn into a basic mistake, andit feels very small potatoes indeed. A nice FCS hire would have been more productive, and there were solid candidates in New England for this job.
     Stanford  stayed in house and named OC David Shaw HC to replace Jim Harbaugh. Stanford has been getting it right ever since taking a chance on Harbaugh. Shaw came to Stanford from San Diego where he worked with Harbaugh on the FCS level, and is well respected in the Stanford community. The players and boosters love him, and he has said all of the right things. Shaw seems to be a Stanford man that actually wants to be there long term, and there is great support of the school of thought that the Cardinal will not slip with Shaw as HC.
     Maryland made a solid move by hiring LSU OC Gary Crowten as their NEW OC under Randy Edsell. Crowten has not had a great offense at LSU the last couple of seasons, but this is a basic glitch, as Crowten has been a highly respected OC for years now. Maryland got a solid guy, and with the right recruiting, this can be a brilliant hire.
     Les Miles has a list of candidates to replace Crowten at LSU, and those candidates are TCU Co-OC Justin Fuente and Washington OC Doug Nussmeier. Miles ought to be able to have his pick of candidates.
    
There is plenty more news, but that will come tomorrow due to time restraints today. Stay tuned...

My Bowl Schedule...Revisionist History

     I have been talking for some time now about how I would change the bowl system. I have an absolute distaste for the BCS and I detest how it has ruined tradition and has taken the bowl system to a whole new low. The BCS aside, there is simply a glut of bowls, with most not meaning much, and certainly not succeeding in the ratings game.
     I have promised a look into my bowl vision, which includes a return to the old days, when New Years Day meant something. Here is my list of bowls that I would keep and those that I would cut, and a 2010 look at who would play in my bowl picture. Enjoy...

Bowls That I would Cut
BCS Championship
I would eliminate the BCS in my world football order, so ther would be no need for this game a week after New Years.

New Mexico Bowl
Who the hell wants to go to Albuquerque in the middle of winter? Isn't a bowl supposed to be a reward? Attendance has been bad, and this bowl is meaningless. See ya.

New Orleans Bowl
Nobody cares about this pre-Christmas bore fest. We all know that there are more interesting venues, and more interesting matchups. Attendance has been abysmal. Money loser, and a buzz kill.

Beef O'Brady's Bowl
Never heard of the sponsor, so I don't care about the game. Sounds like a clogged artery to me.

Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego is a great town, but two bowls is overkill. The Holiday stands on its own here, which is a hint to one of my keepers.

Military Bowl
It was 10 degrees last year when this game was played. Nobody wants to go to Washington DC to play a winter bowl. Terrible idea.

Armed Forces Bowl
Do we really need a bowl game at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth? Just wait it out for a better venue when the Cotton Bowl is played.

Pinstripe Bowl
How about just banning bowl games in baseball stadiums altogether. It looks like crap on TV, and the angles are all wrong. Enough already. Another game in a way too cold environment.

Meinke Bowl
First of all, this is the last season that Meineke will sponsor this game, so expect a name change. Let's just save the time and cut it out altogether.

Ticket City Bowl
Really? Just really?

GoDaddy.com Bowl
Go Daddy...that's right...Go away. What a crappy idea for a bowl game. Terrible name, terrible game.

BVPOMSHFSBEHE Compass Bowl
The compass is headed south on this one. Not worth anyone's time.

Kraft Fight Hunger Emerald San Francisco Bowl
Whatever you wanna call it, it's another bowl in a baseball stadium. Play this game at the Oakland Coliseum, or move it to pristine Memorial Stadium in Berkely. maybe then I'll reconsider.

Bowls That I Would Keep

January 1

Cotton Bowl
Oklahoma vs. Stanford

Sugar Bowl
Auburn vs. Ohio State

Orange Bowl
Virginia Tech vs. UConn

Rose Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Fiesta Bowl
TCU vs. Nevada

Capital One Bowl
UCF vs. Nevada

Gator Bowl
Michigan State vs. Oklahoma State

Outback Bowl
Boise State vs. LSU

December 31

Liberty Bowl
Missouri vs. Tulsa

Little Caesers Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Utah

Chik-Fil-A Bowl
Arkansas vs. Florida State

Sun Bowl
West Virginia vs. Alabama
December 30

Holiday Bowl
Nebraska vs. San Diego State

Music City Bowl
Miami (Ohio) vs. South Carolina

Alamo Bowl
Mississippi State vs. Hawaii

Texas Bowl
Florida International vs. Navy

December 29

Champs Sports Bowl
Maryland vs. Texas A&M

Insight Bowl
Temple vs. Air Force

Independence Bowl
NC State vs. Florida

Las Vegas Bowl
North Carolina vs. Notre Dame

December 28

Humanitarian Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. Troy

Hawaii Bowl
Southern Mississippi vs. Toledo

Teams on the outside looking in include: Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, USF, Louisville, Iowa, Illinois, Penn State, Michigan, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas Tech, East Carolina, SMU, UTEP, BYU, Washington, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, Fresno State, Army

Final FBS Power Ratings System Rankings 2010

Here it is. our final rankings of the 2010 season for the FBS. I will not include breakdowns here, and will do so tomorrow and on Friday. Read it and soak it in, and then come back for breakdowns and explanations in the next couple of days. For those of you who have been here for awhile, you will know how thie system works. It is all a point based system. I have no say in any of it. I just created the system and formulas, and I crunch the numbers. That said, there is no bias of any kind involved, and everyone is graded from the same table, whether a member of the SEC or the WAC. That being said, if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email.
Here it is, the final ranking of the 2010 FBS season...

1. Auburn 14-0, 3555
2. Boise State 12-1, 3203
3. TCU 13-0, 3164
4. Oregon 12-1, 3009
5. Ohio State 12-1, 2972
6. Stanford 12-1, 2770
7. Nevada 13-1, 2769
8. Oklahoma 12-2, 2687
9. LSU 11-2, 2403
10. Oklahoma State 11-2, 2357
11. Wisconsin 11-2, 2241
12. Alabama 10-3, 2239
13. Virginia Tech 11-3, 2010
14. Michigan State 11-2, 1981
15. Arkansas 10-3, 1950
16. Utah 10-3, 1846
17. Northern Illinois 11-3, 1663
18. Nebraska 10-4, 1504
19. Hawaii 10-4, 1487
20. Missouri 10-3, 1417
21. Florida State 10-4, 1394
22. Central Florida 11-3, 1336
23. Texas A&M 9-4, 1285
24. Tulsa 10-3, 1252
25. Mississippi State 9-4, 1248

Others

26. Miami (Ohio) 10-4, 1229
27. South Carolina 9-5, 1154
28. San Diego State 9-4, 979
29. North Carolina State 9-4, 903
30. West Virginia 9-4, 847
31. Maryland 9-4, 838
32. Air Force 9-4, 770
33. Navy 9-4, 756
34. Toledo 8-5, 725
35. USC 8-5, 711
36. Iowa 8-5, 694
37. Troy 8-5, 686
38. Notre Dame 8-5, 667
39. Florida 8-5, 651
40. Texas Tech 8-5, 494
41. Temple 8-4, 454
42. Southern Mississippi 8-5, 440
43. Fresno State 8-5, 426
44. North Carolina 8-5, 385
45. Ohio 8-5, 372
46. UConn 8-5, 338
47. Washington 7-6, 337
48. Pittsburgh 8-5, 299
49. Illinois 7-6, 206
50. BYU 7-6, 199
51. Michigan 7-6, 198
52. Baylor 7-6, 182
53. South Florida 8-5, 121
54. Arizona 7-6, 87
55. Penn State 7-6, 84
56. Kansas State 7-6, 48
57. Florida International 7-6, 43
58. Northwestern 7-6, 22
59. Syracuse 8-5, -55
60. Louisville 7-6, -139
61. Army 7-6, -153
62. Arizona State 6-6, -221
63. Oregon State 5-7, -236
64. SMU 7-7, -239
65. Georgia 6-7, -258
66. Boston College 7-6, -262
67. Miami 7-6, -269
68. Tennessee 6-7, -274
69. Western Michigan 6-6, -311
70. Kentucky 6-7, -378
71. Texas 5-7, -464
72. East Carolina 6-7, -466
73. Idaho 6-7, -521
74. Colorado 5-7, -589
75. Georgia Tech 6-7, -622
76. California 5-7, -653
77. Kent State 5-7, -654
78. UTEP 6-7, -662
79. Clemson 6-7, -678
80. Middle Tennessee 6-7, -679
81. Iowa State 5-7, -683
82. Marshall 5-7, -695
83. Indiana 5-7, -707
84. Houston 5-7, -744
85. Louisiana Tech 5-7, -796
86. Louisiana-Monroe 5-7, -810
87. Arkansas State 4-8, -999
88. Ole Miss 4-8, -1038
89. UCLA 4-8, -1080
90. Utah State 4-8, -1089
91. Rice 4-8, -1224
92. UAB 4-8, -1247
93. Florida Atlantic 4-8, -1297
94. Purdue 4-8, -1304
95. Cincinnati 4-8, -1326
96. Rutgers 4-8, -1449
97. Virginia 4-8, -1463
98. Western Kentucky 2-10, -1508
99. Ball State 4-8, -1514
100. Minnesota 3-9, -1540
101. Tulane 4-8, -1575
102. Wyoming 3-9, -1632
103. Louisiana-Lafayette 3-9, -1708
104. North Texas 3-9, -1732
105. Kansas 3-9, -1803
106. Central Michigan 3-9, -1809
107. Colorado State 3-9, -1870
108. Duke 3-9, -1912
109. Wake Forest 3-9, -1937
110. Vanderbilt 2-10, -2020
111. Washington State 2-10, -2087
112. Bowling Green 2-10, -2145
113. UNLV 2-11, -2204
114. New Mexico State 2-10, -2299
115. Eastern Michigan 2-10, -2321
116. Akron 1-11, -2529
117. Buffalo 2-10, -2577
118. San Jose State 1-11, -2799
119. New Mexico 1-11, -2874
120. Memphis 1-11, -2982

As the Carousel Spins...Wednesday Episode

     Just when you think that the Carousel will slow down somewhat, it picks up speed. There have been several moves today, and in some cases some moves that we thought were final were not so much.
     There have been developments at Stanford tonight, as the Cardinal have interviewed Yale HC Tom Williams to replace Jim Harbaugh. Remember, Stanford did right by hiring from the FCS ranks last time around when they grabbed Harbaugh out of San Diego. Yale had a very nice season this year, and Williams would be a nice hire that would come from outside of the box.
      Let's start back in Storrs tonight, as we were told yesterday that Mark Whipple was going to be named the head coach at UConn today, but not so fast. Current Dallas Cowboys assistant and former Syracuse HC Paul Pasqualoni has pushed his way into consideration for the job. Whipple's contract was being written up at one point today, so it's not a dead issue. Rumors are circulating that Whipple would be reaching out to Fordham HC Tom Masella, Brown HC Phil Estes, Sacred Heart HC Paul Gorham, and former Miami RB Coach Mike Cassano for unspecified jobs on his staff. We had heard several weeks ago that Gorham had been fired at Sacred Heart, only to hear from an inside source at Sacred Heart that he was being retained.
     Todd Graham is starting to bring his old staff at Tulsa along with him to Pittsburgh. Paul Randolph and Keith Patterson have joined Graham, as has Mike Norvell. Randolph will coach the D-Line, Patterson will be DC, and Norvell will coach the receivers. Spencer Leftwich is also onboard as O-Line Coach. Former Michigan DB Coach Tony Gibson will also join the staff, most likely as DB Coach for the Panthers. Former Michigan OC Calvin Magee is also coming onboard as OC at Pitt.
     Staying in the Keystone State, as Temple has hired Chuck Heater of Florida as DC. HC Steve Addazio has also hired Marshall D-Line Coach Sean Cronin and WR Coach Zach Smith.
     UCLA has finally moved on OC Norm Chow today. According to AM 570 in Los Angeles, BruinReportOnline.com, and several other sources, Chow was released today. Rick Neuheisel has been working since the season ended to get enough money raised to buy out Chow's new 3 year contract, a deal that Neuheisel himself had talked AD Dan Guerrero into approving just earlier this year. Former 49ers OC Mike Johnson appears to be the replacement, but it's not a name that's going to get everyone jumping up and down.
     Keith Harding has given us a breakdown of Johnson's career, which will be posted later tonight, along with his contribution on Florida OC Charlie Weis called "The Truth About Charlie".
     Speaking of Norm Chow, he won't be sitting on his ass for long. Utah has apprently lined up to hire him, along with former Minnesota Line Coach Tim Davis. I was not aware that the Utes had an opening on the staff in either the OC or O Line roles, so stay tuned.
     New Indiana HC Kevin Wilson has raided the former Michigan staff tonight, as Wilson has hired Rod Smith as OC to replace the recently departed Brent Pease, and Greg Frey has been named the O-Line Coach. Jerry Montgomery has been hired away from Wyoming and will coach the DEs. It has been reported that Smith may only coach the QBs and that Wilson will rin the offense all by himself.
     Former Miami interim HC and O Line Coach Jeff Stoutland has left the staff of Al Golden after he was retained from the staff of former HC Randy Shannon. He will be joining the staff of Nick Saban at Alabama.
     Tulsa plans to interview Arkansas OC Garrick McGee tomorrow in Tulsa. Steve Kragthorpe had been a popular candidate amongst the Tulsa boosters, but as of today he is not a candidate for the job. Former OC Chad Morris is a candidate even though he has already moved on to Clemson as OC.
     San Diego State officially announced former New Mexico HC Rocky Long as the new head man yesterday, as he will replace Brady Hoke. He will be taking some time to put together a staff.
     Long will have to replace his OC first off, as OC Al Borges has decided to leave SDSU to join Brady Hoke as OC at Michigan. Borges will also coach the QBs at Michigan, and he hopes one of them will be Denard Robinson, and Borges and Hoke have both spoken to Robinson already. Tate Forcier will not be one of the QBs that Borges will work with, as he is no longer enrolled at UM.
     Dan Mullen has made a move to replace Manny Diaz at DC at Mississippi State. Mullen has hired FIU DC Geoff Collins as Co-DC for the Bulldogs. FIU is coming off of their first bowl appearance in school history.
     Art Briles is making changes on his staff at Baylor. DE Coach Theo Young and LB Coach Larry Hoefer have both been released. Former North Texas CB Coach Carlton Buckles and Stony Brook DC Jim Gush have been brought onboard. Buckles will be CB Coach and Gush will coach LBs. DB Coach Kim McLoud has also been released.
     Clemson HC Dabo Swinney has made a move to bring on Furman WR Coach Tony Elliott. Elliott also served as Recruiting Coordinator for the Paladins.
     Les Miles has been rewarded for saying no to Michigan for a second time. It has been announced that he has been given a new 7 year deal, but will not receive a raise in pay. You have to take the bad with the good I suppose.
     There will be a new OC at Boston College, as Gary Tranquill has announced his retirement. Boston College struggled mightily on offense in 2010, and never did live up to expectations as QB Dave Shinskie regressed this season. Freshman Chase Rettig finished the season at QB.
     There are now 3 candidates for the DC job at Texas Tech. Tommy Tubberville has narrowed his search down to Air Force DC Matt Wallerstedt, former USF Co-DC David Brickwell, and current D Line Coach Sam McElroy. There has been no timetable set to name the new DC.
     Washington State HC Paul wulff has made one more move on his defensive staff, as LB Coach Travis Niekamp has been let go. 2011 will be a make or break season for Wulff at WSU, as he has only won 5 games in 3 seasons. The Cougars lone wins in 2010 came against Montana State and Oregon State.
     New Texas State HC Dennis Franchione is filling out his staff. Son Brad Franchione is thought to be the new DC, while former North Texas HC Darrell Dicky is the new Co-OC and RB Coach. He has also made a move and hired Tulsa DB Coach and recruiting coordinator Van Malone. Charlie Reeve has been retained as WR Coach. Middle Tennessee OC Mike Schultz and Montana LB Coach Mike Hudson have also joined up. Former Kentucky assistant Chris Thurmond is also on board.
     Texas Tech Grad Assistant Sean Reagan will be the new WR Coach at Troy, according to multiple sources. Troy will again run out of the spread, so Reagan will have his work cut out.
     This was one horrible season at Middle Tennessee based on ore-season expectations, and so Rick Stockstill has made a move by releasing DC Randall McCray. No replacements have been mentioned as of yet.
     Eastern Illinois has made a hire today, and that would be new D Line Coach Nick Cavallo. Cavallo will join the staff at EIU from Campbell.
     Former Texas State assistant Slade Nagloe has found a new home. Nagle has been hired at Central Arkansas, where he will be the new RB Coach for the Bears.
    
More news on the next episode...
    
    

Updates On What's Coming Up

     Good evening from Las Vegas. I had posted thta my final FBS PRS Rankings would be released today, and even though the final numbers have been crunched, I have discovered an error in the order, so there will be a slight delay until I can repair the problem. I have been crunching final numbers most of the day, so I aplogize. The final PRS rankings will be released tomorrow night for FBS.
     Also coming tomorrow night will be my version of the bowl system, which bowls I would keep, and which I would ditch. A little preview as I would cut 13 bowls out of the system, including the BCS title game, as it does not actually name a true champion. I will name the other 12 bowls that I would cut tomorrow. In so doing, I will announce my keepers, a schedule for those games, and who I would have had invited to them for the 2010 season. Tradition plays a big part (another hint).
     Throughout the next week, I will release my FBS players of the year at each individual position, much like I did with the FCS. I will then compile my FBS All-Bilo teams, and will also rerun my 1st team all Bilo FCS team, and then I will break down both the All-Bilo FBS and FCS 2nd and 3rd teams as well. Following that will come my all conference teams in both FBS and FCS, followed by my All-Class teams.
     In 2 weeks, I will break down each team individually, much as I started the year with my team by team previews. I will continue with my series, As the Carousel Spins, and will introduce a new series titled "Pop Quiz". The Quiz will be a daily series where I am asked 5 pressing college football questions, and you get my open and honest, no punches held back answers.
     Thanks to all of you for a terrific first season of The Bilo College Football Report. This seaosn was just a small hint of what's coming, and we look forward to continued growth and to the ability to learn from one another. Get involved and sign up as a follower, and receive free notifications of new posts via email. See you all tomorrow.

As the Carousel Spins...Tuesday Episode

     Welcome to the first Carousel episode of the post-season. We have made it to the end of the road for the 2010 season. There have been many great memories coming from the 2010 season, and this site made some great progress in this, our first season. So now, we begin to look forward to the off-season, and to the 2011 season. Let's start today by taking a look at what is transpiring on the Carousel today, and then I'll get into what you can expect from this site in 2011 and beyond.
     The news begins in Ann Arbor and Baton Rouge today, as Michigan has been turned down by one candidate, while reportedly getting yes from another. Les Miles has probably officially removed himself from ever being a candidate at the big house ever again. Miles has turned down the Wolverines for the second time in 4 years and will remain at LSU.
    The good news, apparently, is that several sources in the state of Michigan are stating that UM's second choice, San Diego State HC and former UM assistant Brady Hoke, has accepted the job. Hoke has been a candidate at several locations this off-season, and had recently signed a 5 year, $5 million deal at the end of the regular season.
      There is also big news out of Storrs, as it appears that UConn has found their guy. Sources are reporting that the Huskies will hire Mark Whipple as early as tonight to replace the departed Randy Edsell. Whipple is coming off of a season in which he was released as OC at Miami when Randy Shannon was fired, and is also the former HC at UMass and at Brown. He was one of the original three coaches mentioned here on the Carousel when the job opened up.
     There has been some movement in Oxford, where Ole Miss has announced a new hire to replace Dave Rader as OC. Former Houston Nutt assistant David Lee has been brought in to run the offense from the Miami Dolphins. Lee apparently left the Dolphins to get away from the massive dysfunction of the organization.
     At Tulsa, there is a push by the moneybags folks to bring back former HC Steve Kragthorpe. Kragthorpe left Tulsa for a disasterous run as the head man at Louisville. He would be replacing Todd Graham, who left to take the job at Pittsburgh yesterday. Kragthorpe had a very nice run at Tulsa during his previous run there.
     Word out of East Lansing is that Michigan State HC Mark Dantonio plans on naming his new OC by the end of this week. Former OC Don Treadwell left to become the head man at Miami (Ohio). The intention is to name the OC before the WR Coach is named.
     Former Memphis HC Tommy West has found a landing place. West will be named the new DC at UAB.
     Washington State is making a slight staff change on the defensive side of the ball. DL Coach Malik Roberson has been informed that he will not be back in 2011. No candidates have been named as a possible replacement.

More as it becomes available...
    

Championship Preview

Auburn (13-0) vs. Oregon (12-0)
    
     I have a great deal of disdain when we refer to this as the championship game, because it is a fallacy at best when you also have an undefeated 13-0 TCU team sitting in the wings. TCU would be able to claim a stake in this title in any sane world. That being said, tonight is the final night of our 2010 college football season, and we have a big game tonight. Let's break it down by position...

QB
Obviously, Money Newton gets the nod here over Auburn. He is a stellar athlete (albeit corrupt) and will be the better QB on the field tonight. Newton is a beast of a player, and has passed for 2589 yards while rushing for another 1238. He has a combined 48 TDs on the season, which is an unfathomable number. Let's not forget that he has only been picked 6 times all season.
Let us not, however, dismiss Darron Thomas, who has had an incredibly season on his own merits for the Ducks. Thomas has passed for 2518 yards, while rushing for another 421 yards, and has combined for 33 scores on the season. He also has slightly more to work with as far as weapons. That said, my edge still goes to...
Auburn

RB
With Newton hogging the ball at times, Auburn did not generate another 1000 yard rusher in 2010. That does not mean that they lack depth and talent. Michael Dyer and Onterrio McCaleb combined for 1663 yards on the season, and rushed for 14 TDs. Both rushed for well over 5 yards per carry on the season.
The Ducks, however, have a one-two punch that surpasses that. LaMichael James became the man at Oregon last season, and he just keeps on trucking. James rushed for 1578 yards and 21 TDs this season, and once he gains traction in the open field, you can forget all about him. Kenjon Barner may only have 501 yards on the season, but when he gets the ball, he is every bit as able as James to break one loose. I give the edge to...
Oregon

WR
The Tigers had 3 receivers go over the 500 yard mark this season, with Darvin Adams being the leading man. Adams grabbed 48 catches for 909 yards and 7 scores on the season, which is solid, but hardly scorching. Terrell Zachary went for 557 yards and 7 scores, while Emory Blake went for 500 yards and 7 scores. Phillip Lutzenkirchen will be the guy to watch in the red zone.
The Ducks only had one player go over 500 yards this season, and that is Jeff Maehl. Maehl has 68 catches for 943 yards and 12 TDs. David Paulson and Lavasier Tuinei both only played in 9 games this season. That being said, Oregon scores on short and quick drives.
I give the edge to...
Nobody...call it even

O-Line
Auburn scores a ton, but it's on Newton for the most part. The line has given him ample time to pass on occasion, but if you saw the Alabama game, this line was swiss cheese for an entire half.
Oregon is smaller up front, but the quick strike offense does not allow a defense to get into the backfield. The line is fast and athletic, and they get it done. very few teams have been able to infiltrate the backfield, and their run block skills are insane.
Edge goes to...
Oregon

D Line
Nick Fairly is a disruptive player with 55 tackles on the season for Auburn. He has 21 TFLs on the season along with 10.5 sacks. That being said, no other D Lineman for Auburn has 5 this season. and only Antoine Carter has double digit TFLs at 10.
Brandon Bair and Kenny Rowe form one hell of a tandem for the Ducks. They combined for 83 tackles this season, and Bair has 15.5 TFLs while Rowe has 11.5. Zac Clark adds 8.5 for the Ducks.
The Edge goes to...
Oregon

LB
Josh Bynes is the player to watch for Auburn at this spot, with 71 tackles on the season. He and Demond Washington both have 5.5 TFLs on the season, but Bynes only has 1 sack on the year.
Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger on monsters at LB for the Ducks, as they combined for 141 tackles on the season. they have a combined 15 TFLs on the year, and they each have 3 sacks.
Edge to...
Oregon

DB
Auburn does not pick off a ton of passes. As a matter of fact, Bynes leads the Tigers with just 3 on the season.
Oregon is very opportunistic with picks, as Cliff Harris and Josh Boyett each have 5, and Matthews adds another 3. The Ducks have picked off 20 passes in 2010, while Auburn has picked off just 10. The Ducks have only allowed 13 TD passes, while Auburn has allowed 23.
Edge to...
Oregon

PK
No edge, as both have hit on 75%.

Return Game
Oregon has Cliff Harris. End of story.
Oregon

I pick...
OREGON
With the Ducks diversified offense and furious attacking defense, it becomes plain to me that Auburn has not seen a team like this all season long. Oregon has not seen a player like Money Newton either, but they have seen players like everyone else that they have. Chip Kelly will find a way to attack Newton, and while he will not completely neutralize him, he will find ways to minimlize him.
The big war will be between Nick Alliotti's defense, and Gus Malzahn's offense, but at the end of the day, I believe Oregon to have what it takes to win the game tonight, as the Ducks have more depth, and the ability to have several players step up to take the spotlight. Without Cam Newton having his best game, the Tigers cannot keep up.

Enjoy the game tonight, and remember, just because the season ends tonight, does not mean that the Bilo College Football Report goes off the air. Lots of great stuff to come this week and in the weeks following, so stick right here for lots of fun stuff coming up throughout the off-season, including post season breakdowns and lots of other fun stuff.

See you soon.
   

As theCarousel Spins...Monday Edition

     Sorry for the lack of the Sunday episode. We'll just double up today. There has not been a ton of activity on the coaching change front over the weekend, but with the AFCA convention coming up in Dallas, you know that there will be some action coming soon.
     Today we start in Pittsburgh, where the Panthers will be moving on a hire for their second HC hire of the season within hours. It is being widely reported that Pitt has agreed to terms with Tulsa HC Todd Graham to become their new HC, replacing the new HC that they had to fire in Mike Haywood. This will be Graham's third FBS job, as he also coached at Rice before ditching them as he was right on the cusp of turning that program around for the Tulsa gig. Yes, he can tend to be a bit mercenary. KTUL in Tulsa reports that the players at Tulsa will be informed within the hour. The Golden Hurricane defeated Hawaii in the Hawaii bowl last month.
     The Michigan jet has been parked in Baton Rouge for the past two days, as Michigan AD Dave Brandon is in town to speak with Les Miles about the vacant HC job that popped up when the Wolverines fired Rich Rodriguez. Les Miles has done his best impersonation at being coy, but it's as flimsi as a Dojo living room wall.
     Michigan State HC Mark Dantonio has yet to fill the OC job for the Spartans as of yet, but he is rumored to be interested in Florida WR Coach Zach Azzanni for an unspecified offensive role on the staff. The OC job is still rumored to be filled from within.
     Talk about there and back again, but Brent Pease, who had left Boise State for Indiana to become the OC for the Hoosiers, is returning to Boise to become the full time OC for Chris Peterson and the Broncos. He will replace Bryan Harsin, who left to take the OC job at Texas. There is no word currently on who would replace Pease at Indiana. Harsin was announced along with Major Applewhite as Co-OC at Texas during a press conference this morning.
     I reported on sources saying that Tulsa OC Chad Morris was in line for the Clemson OC job, and it has been made official, as he was announced as the new OC for the Tigers yesterday. He will replaced the fired Bill Napier.
     Stanford seems to be generating a ton of interest lately, as it would seem that Jim Harbaugh has built the Cardinal into a decent job. Stanford is very interested in making an offer to Chris Peterson, but no word yet as to whether or not the offer was made. There are still in staff options that exist with Greg Roman and David Shaw. The latest names to pop up are former Falcon and Seahawks HC Jim Mora, and former Oregon HC Mike Bellotti, who stated publicly that he would have interest.
     Matt Rahl will be the new OLB Coach at Wyoming. Rahl was the director ofrecruiting last season. Former OLB Coach Mike Fanoga will shift to director of high school relations (that sucks).
     St Joseph's (Indiana) HC AJ Ricker is the new O Line Coach at Western Michigan for Bill Cubit. That is a risky gig being that Cubit is basically on the hot seat in 2011 after several seasons where the Broncos failed to live up to expectations.
     Elon named their new HC today, and it was not a name from any known lists that I ever saw. Elon has hired NC State RB Coach Jason Swepson. As I said, it was a name completely out of the blue, and not one that I think a ton of folks are going to be happy with, although he obviously knows the Carolina's.
     Obviously, Tom Bradley  has gone from favorite to out of the Pitt race, but he is still very much engaged in the UConn race. The Huskies are moving very slowly, but I would expect an announcement after the AFCA convention. Maybe even during.
More news later...
    
    

As the Carousel Spins...Saturday Episode

     There was not too much movement today, as the weekends usually slow the carousel down somewhat. There was a nice development in Tallahassee today, as Jimbo Fisher was given a two year extension by Florida State. His new contract is at 5 years and will be worth $2.75 million per season. Fisher is coming off of an impressive Chik-Fil-A Bowl win over South Carolina.
     There has been some activity in Storrs today, as it was announced that Arkansas OC/QB Coach Garrick McGee will interview in the next few days. Former Miami OC Mark Whipple (a former UMass HC) has already interviewed. Now wordd yet on when they will speak to KC Keeler.
     New Miami (Ohio) HC Don Treadwell has cleaned house today. None of the remaining assistants will be retained. The low ball move, however, was that they will not get their bowl bonuses. That's just wrong. Lockhaven HC John Klacik has been hired as the O Line Coach.
     Hugh Freeze continues to move towards completing his staff at Arkansas State. DB Coach Cory Batoon has been retained from the former staff of Steve Roberts today.
     The move of Marion Hobby from Duke to Clemson has been completed. This has been rumored for several days now, and apprently the offer that was accepted was enormous for a DC.
     Follow me on Twitter (@BiloFootball) to read about the contract extension at TCU, and why TCU is good for college football, and is a bright spot in a corrupted landscape.
     In non-coaching related spin, Robert Bolden will no longer be transferring from Penn State, as Joe Paterno has decided to hold him hostage and not grant his release. In other QB news, Rutgers QB Tom Savage is leaving and will transfer elsewhere.

More news later...

Notes from Friday

     Congratulations to the Eastern Washington Eagles, who trailed Delaware 19-0 in the 3rd quarter to win 20-19. I will have a whole breakdown of the FCS title game on Tuesday, along with my FBS title game breakdown. Tuesday will also be the release date of our final PRS Poll of the 2010 season.
     Also coming on Tuesday, the final Pass/Fail report of the season, which will focus on the bowls and the FCS playoffs.
    Another piece for Tuesday will be my version of a perfect bowl schedule. I will break down which bowls I would keep, and which I would axe from the lineup, and I will also break down who would play in my bowl schedule.
     Coming on Monday, my pick as to who will win the BCS title, even though I hate the BCS. Monday will also bring my rant against ESPN and the NCAA.
Check back all weekend for more episodes of As the Carousel Spins.

As the Carousel Spins...Friday Episode

     The coaching game is a crazy business. A coach will be headed one way today, and reverse course tomorrow. This happened today in the biggest possible way when Jim Harbaugh returned to talks with the San Francisco 49ers and eventually left Stanford to sign a 5 year deal worth $25 million. As of yesterday, every arrow was pointing to Harbaugh returning for one more season, especially after Andrew Luck announced that he would forego the NFL to return to the Cardinal.
     The latest information states that Stanford will reach out to Boise State HC Chris Peterson. Peterson is not likely to accept such an offer, but you never know. I look for the more realistic scenario of Greg Roman being hired from within. Roman was a finalist for the Vanderbilt job.
     TCU made a future securing move today by extending Gary Patterson for two more seasons, which has him under contract until 2018. Here's the thing...Patterson is actually very happy in Fort Worth, much as Peterson is happy at Boise State. Patterson is 16-3 against BCS opponents in the last 3 seasons.
     Pittsburgh has interviewed Virginia Tech DC Bud Foster today. Foster has been under consideration for many jobs in the last few seasons, and is thought to be a lock to become a HC in the near future.
     Former Pitt DL Coach Greg Gattuso has moved on to Maryland, where he will fill the same position for the Terps.
     As reported yesterday, Bryan Harsin has both interviewed for and has accepted the job as OC under Mack Brown at Texas. Harsin is a premier play caller, and will find a way to accentuate the great playmakers that the Horns have on offense.
     Darrell Hazell has added to his staff at Kent State. Thad Jamison was added to the staff to coach WRs. Dennis Scuderi was hired to coach the TEs. Both were hired out of the high school ranks. Uh-oh.
     Don Treadwell has been on the move as well at Miami (Ohio). He has hired Michigan State Grad Assistants Zak Willis and Nick Siatris. There new position on the staff have not been specified at this time.
     With Dennis Franchione firmly in place as HC at Texas State, he has made his first major staff move by hiring former Northern Colorado OC Dennis Darnell as the O-Line Coach.
     Baylor made a major move today by hiring former Pittsburgh DC Phil Bennett in the same capacity. Bennett is slated to coach Pitt in their bowl game against Kentucky.
     Former Livingston HC Eric Brown has taken a job at VMI as the new OLB Coach. VMI is on the border of becoming a better program, but has not been a winner in some time.
     Delaware State has filled their HC opening today. The new man in charge is Wesley HC Mike Drass. Delaware State was absolutely abysmal in 2010.
     Former Vanderbilt assistant Dez Catchings has been hired at Furman. He will be the new OC for the Paladins.
More news tomorrow as the Carousel keeps spinning.

As the Carousel Spins...Thursday Episode

     It all starts at the hottest part of the spinning machine that is the carousel today, and that is in Palo Alto, where some interesting developments are occurring even as I tyoe this entry tonight. The first bombshell got dropped when QB Andrew Luck announced that he would be staying at Stanford for another season. Not so surprising to me, as I had called some time ago, but shocking to most everyone else.
     The story had picked up steam yesterday, when Jim Harbaugh had spoken with, and then almost immediately shot down the San Francisco 49ers. The drama continued today, as apparently Harbaugh was deep in discussions with the Miami Dolphins, who by the way, have not even fired Tony Sporano yet. Thos talks broke down, as Harbaugh cut off all talks with the Dolphins. Let's do the math. Luck announces a return, and all negotiations with other interests are shut down by Harbaugh. Indicators rank high that Harbaugh will remain at Stanford with Luck for at least one more season to go after the big prize, a national title at Stanford, and believe me, with both these guys back in 2011, it's not a pipe dream. Stay tuned, because I guarantee that this ride is only going to get better.
     The story shifts east now, as there is news out of Pittsburgh tonight. There has not been a hire yet, as was reported by other sources yesterday. Tom Bradley still appears to be the front runner, but Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst is now in the mix as well. Sal Sunseri interviewed yesterday, but would seem to be a long shot.
    We head back west again in our daily journey to Westwood and UCLA, Where HC Rick Neuheisel appears ready to move forward in his quest to find a new DC. Vic Fangio of Stanford is still a candidate, but former Florida DC Teryl Austin will interview with the Bruins. No other candidates have interviewed at this time. There is no word on any candidates for the open WR Coach job, nor is there any word on the status of Norm Chow.
     There is word out of San Marcos tonight that a major turn of events has transpired. After announcing a pull out of his candidacy for the HC job, Dennis Franchione has been named the new HC at Texas State. Dan Hawkins had indeed made a late pitch for the job, but was behind the curve as Franchione had been on the radar for some time. Steve Kragthorpe had also been mentioned, but never interviewed for the job.
     He may be prepping for the FCS title game tomorrow night, but Delaware HC KC Keeler is the leading candidate to be the head man at UConn. Keeler would be replacing Randy Edsell, who bailed for Maryland. Keeler would be an incredible choice for the job.
     Pat Fitzgerald had been mentioned in some very small way for the Michigan job, but had a late meeting with Northwestern administrators and will remain in Evanston as HC with the Wildcats. One would have to think that there will be an extension in order.
     Mack Brown is busy at work after hiring Manny Diaz to run his defense yesterday at Texas. According to sources in Austin. Brown apparently met with Boise State OC Bryan Harsin to fill his open OC job today. No word on an offer being made.
     Speaking of Boise State, HC Chris Peterson has had conversations with former Colorado WR Coach Robert Prince about coming back to Boise, where he was an assistant before. No word on whether or not anything came of the meeting.
     Speaking of Diaz, his replacement has been named at Mississippi State, as Co-DC Chris Wilson has been promoted to be the sole DC. Diaz called the plays last season at MSU. Don't expect the Bulldogs to mmiss a beat in 2011. On other Bulldogs news, Angelo Miranda was promoted from grad assistant to WR Coach for the 2011 season.
     Word out of Oxford, Mississippi has it that Houston Nutt has begun a staff shakeup of sorts at Ole Miss today. WR Coach Ron Dickerson and Safeties Coach Kim Dameron are out as of this afternoon. No replacements have been named as of yet. Houston Nutt will certainly be under tremendous pressure in 2011, and will begin the season on our hot seat.
     Contrary to reports throughout the last 36 hours, Marion Hobby has not accepted the Clemson DC job at this time. He remains employed on the Duke staff under David Cutliffe. Doesn't mean a deal won't be made at some point soon.
     There was a an addition made to the staff at Central Arkansas today, as Northwestern State WR Coach Matt Kubik has joined the Bears staff to an unspecified offensive position.
     A hire was made at coaching graveyard Savannah State today. UAB RB Coach Steve Davenport was hired today to run the hapless Tigers. If anyone can remeber the last time the SSU had a winning season, well you would have a better memory than me.
     There is another candidate in the slowly growing list of them for the HC job at Elon to replace the departed Pete Lembo. South Florida O-Line Coach Steve Shankweiler is the latest candidate mentioned for the job. Maryland DC Don Brown is also a candidate, but was retained by new HC Randy Edsell. Now word on if he is still a candidate at Elon.
More Spin tomorrow as we continue with all of the off-season drama.
    
     
    

GoDaddy.com Bowl

Januaray 6
5PM EST

Miami (Ohio) (9-4) vs. Middle Tennessee (6-6)
Nothing for nothing, but what planet are we living on that a 6-6 MTSU team scores a bowl bid of any kind. I am spending next to no time on this game at all, so here it is...
I Pick: Miami (Ohio)...The Redhawks are really the story in this game, as they have come back from the abyss of horrible teams. They must also be wiping their brow collectively after managing to have the Mike Haywood thing happen after he left for Pitt and not before. The Redhawks should clean up the field with the Blue Raiders, who are amongst my most disappointing teams in the nation for 2010.

As the Carousel Spins...Wednesday Episode

     It's been another crazy day on the carousel, and things are showing no sign of slowing down. Let's take a look at the drama of the day...
 
     Despite published reports in Pittsburgh, no hire has been made to replace the dual firings of Haywood and Wannstadt. Tom Bradley of Penn State was the reported hire, but that has not happened according to AD and program killer Steve Pederson. Bradley is most certainly in the running, and may very well get the job, but it just has not happened today. One guy who won't get an interview is Rich Rodriguez.
     Rodriguez was officially officially been fired today (starting to sound like those final boarding call announcements at the airport, when you have 5 final boarding calls...) at Michigan. I am still trying to figure out why it took two days of meetings to fire the guy when AD Brandon knew he was going to do it all along. Anyway, bad move for Michigan, and the recruits are bailing like the house is on fire. No matter who they get, the program slips back a notch or two in the meantime, and by the way, there will be no Jim Harbaugh coming to the rescue. Harbaugh is not a candidate by his own choosing. 
     And speaking of Harbaugh, the good news today for Stanford is that Harbaugh indeed met with the 49ers today, but came away without a deal, and seems to no longer be a candidate for that post. Word is that the 49ers financial compensation package was weak, as was their lack of available draft picks and QB that he could build around. That does not mean that he will shun the NFL for the Farm, as talks abound about a possible shift of attention to the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. The Dolphins announced yesterday that Tony Sporano will be back next season, but that means nothing. John Elway has said that he intends to reach out to Harbaugh in regards to the Bronco post. One of my solid sources has informed me tonight that if Harbaugh leaves Stanford, the Cardinal would turn to San Diego State HC Brady Hoke, leading me to believe that Michigan's main target is LSU HC Les Miles. Hoke has just signed a 5 year extension at SDSU within the last month that is worth $5,000,000.
     Texas made a huge move in the right direction today, as Mack Brown offered the of DC to Mississippi State DC Manny Diaz, and Diaz accepted basically on the spot. Diaz helped propel Mississippi State to a 9 win season  in 2010, and his defense held Michigan's offense to 14 points in the bowl win. Great hire by Texas.
     Alabama HC Nick Saban made a nice move today bu securing DC Kirby Smart for a while longer. Smart was given a 3 year deal worth $850,000 per season. The deal includes a $72,000 buy out if Smart leaves for another program, which is peanuts. Smart was considered a strong candidate to join Will Muschamp's staff at Florida, but he declined any quiet overtures.
     Butch Davis reached into the ranks of the NFL to hire a new D Line coach. He has hired Carolina Panthers DL Coach Brian Baker who replaces Charlie Coiner, who likely will head back to the NFL after only part of one season at North Carolina. Coiner was brought onto the staff to replace that dirtbag John Blake.
      Don Treadwell has been slowly putting together a staff at Miami (Ohio). Treadwell has hired Illinois State LB Coach and Assistant HC Jay Peterson to coach the linebackers for the Redhawks.
     Oklahoma DE Coach Bobby Jack Wright is the latest to interview for the job at Texas State. I had reported that Dan Hawkins was seeking the job, and his name is on a list of coaches that will be interviewed. Texas State will only be able to offer somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000 in base salary to their new coach. One candidate that dropped off of the list was Dennis Franchione, who is no longer under consideration. I guess being a total mercenary doesn't fly in San Marcos afterall. Rocky Long, Tim Brewster, and Shawn Watson are also on the list of candidates, although my understanding tonight is that Brewster is now out of the running.
     Mario Cristobol will be offered a contract extension at FIU in the coming days, but the framework of the deal has not been finalized. Cristobol was mentioned from afar as a possible candidate at Miami before Al Golden was hired.
     Wagner has found a replacement at OC after the resignation of Jim Gibbons, as Hudson Valley CC HC Jason Houghtaling has accepted the OC job for the Seahwaks.
     Shaw HC Darryl Ausberry is the latest HC candidate for the job at Alcorn State. The list for the job is growing by the day, with the candidate list up to 4 now.
    

As the Carousel Spins...Tuesday Episode

     The hammer came down today at Michigan. Rich Rodriguez has been fired according to Fox News in Detroit. Several other sources have also confirmed the firing. No announcement has been officially made by the university, and no candidates have been mentioned outside of Brady Hoke. Jim Harbaugh is apparently not considered interested in the job.
     Chris Beatty has landed on his feet after being fired at West Virginia. He has been hired by James Franklin at Vanderbilt to an unspecified position, but one would think that he wllcoach the receivers. Charles Huff has also been hired away from Hampton to be the new Offense QC Coach. Franklin has also offered the DC job to West Virginia DC Jeff Casteel.
     The latest name being connected with the UConn job is former Tennessee HC Phil Fulmer. I a would not hold a ton of sway with that rumor, as it still remains more likely that the Huskies will end up with one of several current or former head coaches with New England FCS ties. UConn Special Teams Coach Lyndon Johnson is leaving to join Randy Edsell at Maryland. Chuck Nienas has been hired to conduct the search for the new HC. Edsell will retain current DC Don Brown and WR Coach Lee Hull.
     Former Colorado DB Coach and NFL star Ashley Ambrose will be going to California to become the new DB Coach. He will replace Al Simmons.
     We reported that Dan Hawkins is in play at Texas State, and today a new name has made the last , as former New Mexico HC and current San Diego State DC Rocky Long will interview.
     Former UL-Lafayette OC Ron Hudson has hired on at New Mexico to coach the O Line. UNM has also hired SE Missouri State OC Vincent White to coach the RBs.
     TCU Co-OC Justin Fuente is in line for the OC job at Clemson, according to reports. Bill Napier was fired this week.
     Mississippi State DC Manny Diaz is interviewing for the vacant DC job at Texas according to various reports. Diaz just helped the Bulldogs positively destroy Michigan. Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst is also in Austin interviewing to become the new OC.
     Clemson DL Coach Chris Rumph is the new DL Coach at Alabama. Rumph will replace Bo Davis, who left to take the same job at Texas.
     Former BYU OC Robert Anae has landed as OC at Arizona. He has been rumored as headed to Maryland if Mike LEach had landed the job. Replacing Anae at BYU will be current staffer and former BYU QB Brandon Doman.
     Utah O Line Coach Blake Miller is on the move, as he has accepted the same job at Memphis. Utah is coming off of a nightmarish 26-3 loss to Boise State, and Memphis was 2-10.
     Troy Wingerter has been retained by new HC Mark Hudspeth at UL-Lafayette. He will remain as the DFO.
     Nebraska DE Coach Jeff Papuchis has interviewed at Florida. Will Muschamp has only one job left to fill before his staff is completed.
     Vanderbilt grad assistant Mark Moehring has been hired as a defensive assistant at Furman. Tim Sorrells has been retained as QB Coach. Elliott will coach the WRs.
     Don Treadwell has hired Vanderbilt WR Coach Charles Fisher to coach the receivers at Miami (Ohio).
     Tripp Billingsley has moved from WRs to RB Coach and Kevin Lewis has been promoted to full time DL Coach at Richmond.
Howard has a new HC, and it is Bowie State OC Gary Harrell.
Jackson State OC Earnest Wilson will interview for the HC job at Savannah State, which is a coaching graveyard.

    
    
    

WAR...My Personal Battle With Ohio State, Auburn, Sugar Bowl Execs, The BCS

     I have become an angry college football fan. Aside from being a writer that has covered this sport for a very long time, I am at a greater length, like most of us, a fan of what I still consider to be the greatest game going. That being said, there are forces out there that are ruining the game. They are ruining what it means to be an amateur, all in the name of, what else, money. This is nothing new, because as ESPN has been more than kind enough to show us how filthy the sport has been. The filth didn't just begin in the 70's or 80's either. It is an imortal being that goes back to the beginning. Mankind has to win, and by any means necessary. We are not a species of good losers. The MO is that "if you're not cheating, then you're not trying" as we've heard Jim Rome say on his nshow for years now.Here's the deal. I have had enough of it. And what's more so, I am sick of how we as the fanbase are expected to sit here and accept it, and to give tacit approval to a system that has corrupted sport and society at large. Here is my personal war...

The Ohio State Factor

     One has to love the Ohio State Buckeyes and their corrupt athletic administration that is basically just about as bad as any administration in the history of college football. I start with Gordon Gee, one of the biggest morons to ever (dis)grace college athletics with his moronic rants on non-AQ (a term that I hate) schools and their involvement in the BcS or national championship picture. Gee created a shockwave when he stated that neither TCU nor Boise State should EVER have a shot at the BCS or national title. He later receded back to the banks of the river stupid by saying that he had no place to speak on college football when TCU was an Auburn loss away from playing for said title. He also backed down when every single Big 10 squad was eliminated from title consideration. And in case you have been stuck in a cave with your arm trapped under a boulder for the last several days, TCU won the Rose Bowl over (Big 10 flop) Wisconsin and finished 13-0 with a legitimate claim to a piece of a crown.
     Here is the situation, however, with why the administration as a whole is corrupt. First off, know this. Ohio State has more compliance officers than any school in the NCAA. Yet, Ohio State has had some of the most obtuse compliance disasters than just about anyone else. This week, after it became apparent that Terrelle Pryor and 4 others were busted for giving away signed items and rings for free tats, Terrelle Pryor was found to have been driving several different vehicles belonging to a Columbus area car dealer. His excuse when caught? "My car was in the shop". Either he has a really shitty car, or else he is just full of shit himself, and I am guessing that it's the latter. This is not the first time that this has happened either. When Maurice "the Convict" Clarrett was at OSU, he too was a beneficiary of having a shitty car that was in the shop all of the time as well. And he also reportedly lived 15 miles from campus. Who's home was he living in when on campus housing was paid for under the terms of his scholarship? Doubt very much that he was still living at home. He told Jim Tressel that his car was a junker and that he lived 15 miles away, and Tressel told him to go see a guy. Sounds like an Eric Dickerson deal to me, without the Gold Trans Am. I am told that at least one of the vehicles was a brand new Lexus, though. I can't swing a Lexus, can you? And let's not forget about the fact that Maurice was athug who never should have set foot on a college campus to begin with and spent several years in prison.
     Now I get back to the tattoo business. Do I really care about kids getting free tats? No, I really could give a damn about it. Do I care that it violates very clear rules and regulations, and that it could be used as a method to recruit kids to your school? Yeah I have a really big problem with that. I have a really big problem with kids driving around in big time vehicles that they could never afford, because as we already know, that is another key item used to recruit kids to a school. Do I have a problem with kids living in mysterious off-campus housing when nobody is stepping forward with documentation as to who is paying the rent? Yes I have an issue with that too, because again, it's a recruiting tool, and it violates everything about the NCAA laws and by-laws.
     Now we have the situation where the Tat 5 kids are all playing in the Sugar Bowl, even though they have officially been suspended for 5 games in 2011 for their part in that scheme. How do you suspend a kid for 5 games and not suspend him for the game this week, which is a game that is suposed to be a reward? Then you have Jim Tressel stating that he got all 5 to promise to return to school in 2011, because it would only be "fair" if they all came back to serve their punishment. What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Either Tressel is the biggest fucking idiot on Earth, or he thinks we all are. Again, I pick the latter. I would be more than shocked if any of the Tat 5 returned to Ohio State in 2011, and if you think that this deal was right by any means, I challenge you to re-check your ethics barometer.
     My probelm with the Tat 5 Sugar Bowl deal is that it sends every single wrong message to the youth of America that can ever be sent. These guys are all going to walk, and nobody is going to pay the price for breaking the rules. Why? Read further on when I attack the Sugar Bowl Execs.
     Ohio State and Jim Tressel thinks that we're stupid. They think that we can't possibly see what's going on here, and even if we do, we will sit here like witless bobble heads and eat up the bullshit. Will you sit there and take it? Or will you join my fight against this garbage and send in letters to the NCAA that you as a fan will not accept it anymore, and you are sick of being made a mockery of? My opinion is that it's time to fight, and it's time to take our game back.

The Auburn Factor

     The Auburn Tigers are as filthy as it comes, and the SEC as a whole (minus Vanderbilt) joins the club. Cameron "Money" Newton gets over on you every time he steps on the field, and believe you me, Monday will be the last time that he ever does that. Money has been a thug every where that he has been. Money never really went to class at Florida, and when he had to comply with testing to get grades, he simply cheated his way through them, and had everyone else do all his work. He was an NCAA compliance liability freight train, and even Urban Meyer had no choice but to bounce his ass out of Gainesville on the first bus. Newton never bothered to hide his cheating ways as a Gator. There was also a little incident where he stole a laptop, but that got buried too for a while.
     It is highly debatable that Money ever did anything at Blinn JC other than play football for a season, and he picked up an NJCAA National Title for his trouble. His HC at Blinn was Brad Franchione, the son of notorious rule bender/breaker Dennis Franchione. Word out of  Blinn is that the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and Blinn forced Franchione out yesterday despite his amazing record. You don't fire a big time winning coach if he wasn't up to something really nasty. It just doesn't happen, and everything was fine until all of the Money Newton stories strarted flying around.
     And now, he had his rights purchased by Auburn. There is evidence that piles up like a sky scraper that there was all sorts of wrong doing in Newton's recruitment that started with a whistle blower out of MIssissippi State. But here's the thing about the south. You don't blow a whistle. Not ever. About anything. Jeffery Wygand anyone? The whole thing gets buried by Auburn, the NCAA, and the SEC. It's bad for business. You don't fuck with old money, and there is a ton of that at Auburn and in the SEC in general.
     Here is my thing. The NCAA let enough info go to say that there was wrong doing where Money's father was concerned, because he was pimping his kid's ass like a $2 whore, and he was getting $250,000 for his trouble. Not one part of me believes that he never got his money. Dude is rolling in it, and he is laughing at all of us all the way to his off shore accounts. But here's where it gets funny and tragic all at the same time. Poor Money didn't know that Daddy dearest was pimping him out to the highest bidder. He didn't have a clue as it turns out. So he doesn't have to get punished, because Daddy was up to some crazy secret agent shit that even his own son didn't know about. Really? Even a whore knows when she's getting pimped out, one would think. Maybe Money is just the dumbest whore on Earth...
     But wait, there's more...Several Auburn players have gotten in trouble in recent weeks leading up to the BS title game. Yeah, I left out the C this time. What of it? Not a single suspension has been announced. Wonder why? Read on further when I attack the BCS and ESPN.

The Sugar Bowl Execs Factor

     Oh, how I detest these fuckers. This all ties back into the Ohio State scam. As it turns out, the Sugar Bowl Execs actively lobbied Ohio State not to suspend the Tat 5. They don;t even try to cover it up or lie about it. They are as open and honest as Sarah Palin's idiocy (had to take a crack). Wanna know why the execs lobbied for non-suspension? To protect the "integrity of the bowl". What the fuck??? Wiat a minute. Let me get this inane shit straight. You want some kids who broke just about every rule in the book (and you know that it does not end at tattoos) to be suspended, just not for your glorious bowl because you're worried about integrity? Wow. You must think that we're all idiots. Integrity must mean something different down south, because my understanding of the word integrity means to me that you do the right thing, even if it is to your own detriment, because that's the way a solid and upstanding society works. The right thing to these morons is that you odon't do the right thing, because if your game loses a few stars, your game may suck, and you'll lose a few bucks in ratings revenue. Holy shit, but that makes no sense.
     Let's send a message to America. Do the wrong thing. As long as it makes someone a boatload of cash, it'll be ok. Fuck doing what's right, because it's bad for business. It is the American way, afterall. That is the perfect message to the youth of America. Eureka!!! We found it. Now we can properly raise the next generation of world leading assholes!!! Hooray!!!
     Apparently, the Sugar Bowl thinks that we're all stupid, too. They also expect us to suck it up and deal with it. Fuck you all, we're giving you good TV, you ingrateful bastards. Sorry Arkansas, fan, but I say boycott this piece of crap. Send in the letters people. Let's take the game back from these greedy malcontents that think that we're all idiots.

The BCS Factor

     What I have learned about the BCS in the years of its miserable existence is this. The BCS has ruined the Bowls, has ruined college football to a huge degree. It has done nothing for the "little guy" and has virtually corrupted anything that moves. The money, which was already way out of control, has gotten worse and has propegated a system where you literrally have to cheat your ass off to survive. It has taken grand tradition, such as the spectacle that was always New Years Day, and has turned it into the biggest who cares moment of the year. You are now upset if you end up in the Rose Bowl rather than in the so called championship game.
     What was really wrong with the old way? We didn't have a clear cut champion every year? So what? That's what was beautiful about it. It gave us something to talk and bitch about all off season long. It kept the game alive in March and April, because there was still positive controversy. It was unique and awesome. Now we have this muddled shit, and we still don't have a true champion, as TCU is 13-0 and won't get to play for it. How is that right?
     All the BCS has managed to do is create a discrimintory environment in college sports. It's in the very terms we use today, such as AQ and the dreaded Non-AQ. As in non, as in you're not good enough to be in our club. You can't possibly be a part of our elitist society, because you are non-special. You're new money, and we're old money, and we don't mix. As in non, we don't want you. And when you do get in , it's like being forced to invite that annoying kid from school that everyone hates to your party, because your mom is friends with his mom, and his heart will be broken if he's left out. Nobody wants him there, and we all have to sit and deal with it.
     TCU was that annoying kid, and we almost had to have a second annoying little shit in Boise State, but thank God that Nevada beat his ass out by the swing sets and he ended up having to go to that welfare party out in Vegas. Whew, that was close.
     Seeing TCU win the Rose Bowl was honestly and in all seriousness, one of my happiest college football moments of all time. It was beautiful to hear all of these idiot pundits talk about how "this was for the little guy". Fuck all of that. TCU is no little guy, and they are nationally elite now. And nothing for nothing, but Boise State can play with any of you on any day. Nevada just turned out to be incredibly awesome this season.
     But if the BCS had their way, TCU would not have been there, because they are Non-AQ, and we don't like your kind.
    Descrimintory, corrupt, and cancerous...the BCS.

The conclusion of this article will release tonight. I hope that you enjoy it, and I hope that it gives you all something to think about.
Tonight, I will lash out at ESPN and the NCAA in general. I hope that you tune in and check it out.
    

Carousel Update...Texas State, Michigan State, Pitt, UCLA

A few quick nuggets that just came across my email...

My source is telling me that Dan Hawkins is putting out feelers and is creating a hypothetical staff in order to secure the open HC job at Texas State. The TSU job has been open for some time. Also, Blinn JC HC Brian Franchione has just resigned and may also be in line for a position at Texas State. Stay tuned.

Also hearing from another source of the highest regard that has informed me that the Michigan State OC spot will be filled from within. Most assistants are on the road recruiting right now, but expect Mark Dantonio to begin interviewing before the end of the week. My candidate, Dan Rousher, is very much alive for the spot.

Also hearing from a trusted source that Rich Rodriguez will indeed be removed at Michigan, but would be the top target at Pittsburgh. It would seem that the move would happen quickly in both instances.

Sources are also confirming that Norm Chow has not been let go at UCLA as of yet, and that no more moves are expected until after the BCS title game next week.

More news as it flies...

Orange Bowl Preview

The Orange Bowl
8:30PM EST

Stanford (11-1) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2)
     Who would have thought back in September that the Hokies would be in this spot. The Hokies were 0-2, coming off of losses to Boise State and James Madison. There was talk of the end of days in Blacksburg. The Hokies did not lay down and die, they picked up the pieces and put the season back together again. The Hokies offense picked up the pace, and they scored 40 points or more 6 times. The defense pitched a shutout over Boston College and held their opponents to 21 points or less 8 times after the terrible start. Even James Madison only scored 21 points in their monumental upset of the Hokies. And now, Tech comes rolling into Fort Lauderdale/Miami with an 11 game streak.
     21 points seperated Stanford from playing in the Orange Bowl, to being a participant in the Championship Game. That's what Stanford lost to Oregon by in their only loss of the 2010 season. Jim Harbaugh may be the best coach that has ever coached at Stanford, and it will be challenging to retain him after tonight, as the 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Michigan all look to come calling tomorrow morning. Andrew Luck is probably the best QB to play at Stanford since John Elway, and his future is equally as murky after tonight's game. One would think that if one goes, the other will too, but don't expect a reunion in Carolina, as Jerry Richardson is already looking to go on the cheap and hire an existing NFL assistant. Luck would be the absolute top pick in the draft. Stanford has a 7 game winning streak since falling to Oregon.
     Luck has been nothing short of amazing at times this season, and he is the unquestioned leader of the Stanford team. The son of West Virginia AD and former Houston Oiler QB Oliver Luck, he is smart and savvy. He has been a center piece in the rebuilding of the Stanford program. He has passed for 254 yards per game with 28 TDs to just 7 picks on the season, but he can get outside of the pocket and do damage with his kegs as well. For the Hokies, Tyrod Taylor became a real live QB this season. He had been known as a scramble first pass second QB, but that all changed this season. Taylor passed for 193 yards per game and tossed 23 TD passes against just 4 picks, while rushing for 451 yards and 5 more scores. You have to pressure him and contain him, or else he will kill you every time.
     Stanford's Stepfan Taylor is a scoring machine, as he rushed for 15 TDs this season. He did not, however, break the 1000 yard mark. None of the Tech backs rushed for over 1000 yards this season either, and it seems that their corps is nicked ujp coming into the game tonight. Darren Evans rushed for 11 TDs on the season, and Ryan Williams punched it in another 9 times. Stanford does not have this kind of depth at the RB position.
     With the focue being spotted primarily on the run game, nobody caught 50 passes or more for Tech. Jarrett Boykin is the best target for Taylor, as he leads the team with 48 grabs and 6 TDs. Andre Smith has 5 TD catches. Doug Baldwin is the go to guy for Stanford, having caught 56 passes for 824 yards and 9 TDs. Ryan Whalen and Chris Owusu are big time playmakers as well, but Owusu has been banged up this year. He and Whalen are the better pass catchers on paper.
     The Stanford defense is a meat grinder. They have given up 17 points or less 8 times on the season. Stanford is giving up under 9 points per game in their last 5 games, 3 of which were on the road. The Hokies had gone 7 straight games only allowing 21 points or less before Florida State scored 33 in the ACC title game. The Hokies still won the FSU game, obviously, but Stanford will likely watch that game film closely to see how the Seminoles were able to exploit the Hokie D.
I Pick: Stanford...The Cardinal are on a mission here, and this may be the final game with Harbaugh/Luck running the farm. Should be a great game, as Bud Foster is legendary at finding ways to stop great players with the Tech D. Look for a close game tonight.
    
    

As the Carousel Spins...Monday Episode

      The Carousel is spinning at warp speed on this Monday morning. Lots of names shifting from place to place, and some people hitting the street all together. Let's see what's spinning today...
      UConn RB Coach Terry Richardson was all set to join Randy Edsell at Maryland, but as Lee Corso says, "not so fast, sweetheart". Richardson has decided not to join Edsell, and instead will join the staff of Al Golden at Miami. Richardson was the position coach for Jordan Todman, who really was the only viable offensive weapon on the UConn roster. Expect the Hurricanes run game to get a lot better, and soon.
     With Charlie Weis already having joined the Florida staff under Will Muschamp as OC, the DC job was filled today with the hiring of Seattle Seahawks DL Coach Dan Quinn. Muschamp has hit the NFL ranks hard and heavy while filling out his staff, so expect a more conventional look on both sides of the football for the Gators. Muschamp also brought George Wynn over from Texas in an administrative post, while hiring Frank Verducci away from Notre Dame to coach the O-Line and coordinate the run game.
     There are conflicting reports coming out of Westwood about the future of current UCLA OC Norm Chow. Some reports have his ouster as happening today, while others say that he attended a staff meeting. My preference would be that he is out the door. He has been paid a ton of money over the last 3 season and has produced a big rotten egg. As a matter of fact, he has not developed a half decent college QB since Matt Leinert, and he has not developed a decent NFL prospect at QB since Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers, and Palmer is iffy at best. The game has passed him by. I'll let you know when I have confirmation as to whether he is staying or going. One report by Bruin Report Online has stated that Rick Neuheisel would reach out to former Bruin and current San Diego State OC Al Borges. That, in short, would be AWESOME!!! Borges was the OC during the Cade McNown years at UCLA.
     Dave Wannstadt was already fired as HC at Pittsburgh, but he has now officially coached his last football game for the Panthers. Wannstadt has announced that he will not coach Pitt in the Compass Bowl against Kentucky. Not sure anyone outside of Pittsburgh or Lexington would have even known it as I expect this game to be one of the lowest rated in years. Phile Bennett will be the interim HC.
     Randy Edsell has announced that he will be bringing OC Joe Moorhead and ST Coordinator Lyndon Johnson to join him at Maryland. Terry Richardson was set to join him as well, but went to Miami instead.
     Speaking earlier of Pittsburgh, former OC Frank Cignetti has joined the staff of Greg Schiano at Rutgers, and will officially be the new OC for the Scarlet Knights. He can't do any worse than what was done at Rutgers in 2010, as the offense was absolutely awful.
     Dan Doeren has a new QB Coach at Northern Illinois. He has hired former Western Kentucky QB Coach Bob Cole. Cole was on the former staff of Dave Elson when Elson was released after the 2009 season.
     Richmond has made a couple of moves today. They have hired Old Dominion CB Coach Zohn Burden to coah the WRs for the Spiders. They have also hired Bowling Green DFO Erin O'Riley to be the new DFO.
     Larry Blakeney has made some moves on the staff at Troy today. Kenney Edenfield looks to be moving from WRs to QBs, and Blakeney would consider hiring Texas Tech grad assistant Sean Reagan or Auburn Offense QC Casey Woods to take over WRs.
     Adam Dorrel has been promoted from OC to assistant HC at Northwest Missouri State. There is a new HC in place after legendary Mel Tjeerdsma retired recently. Tjeerdsma was a candidtae for SI's D2 HC of the Year.
     Mitch Rodrigue has joined the staff at Louisiana-Lafayette as the new O-Line Coach. Rodrigue is coming over from South Alabama, which joins the FCS in 2011.
     Former Maryland DC Don Brown has interviewed for the open HC job at Elon. Brown is the former HC at UMass. The Elon job opened up when Pete Lembo bailed to take the Ball State job.
     More names are surfacing for the vacant HC job at Alcorn State. Alabama State OC Melvin Spears and Mississippi State CB Coach Melvin Smith are the latest names to come up. Spears would seem to me to be the best candidate that I have heard so far.
     Rumors are circulating in regards to the vacant UConn job as well. According to the Hartford Courant, fans are clammoring for Mike Leach. Won't Happen. Expect the Huskies to move on former Boston College HC Jeff Jagodzinsky, who just announced that he will not be returning to coach the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL. Seems like a match has been made. The other candidates that would make sense are those mentioned yesterday on this site. Tom Bradley of Penn State, Kevin Gilbride, Bud Foster, and freshly fired Eric Mangini are other names that have been tossed around. Rich Rodriguez will likely be available as well, but I am guessing that they won't wait for him, and will move in the next 24 to 48 hours.
     Gary Emmanuel has been named as DC at Purdue. He had been Co-DC last season.
Purdue WR Coach Brian Bock has been named as OC at Kent State.

More news later as the Carousel spins on...


    
    
    
    
    
    

As the Carousel Spins...Sunday Episode

     The Carousel spins on, and with the bowl season coming to a close, the spinning is intensifying. Let's take a look at what has gone on this weekend...
     It is being reported from several different outlets that UConn HC Randy Edsell is leaving for Maryland, and will be replacing Ralph Friedgen. Not the hire that Terps fans were hoping for, I'll guarantee that. It's certainly not a move that justifies the removal of Friedgen.
     It is also widely believed that it's a matter of hours before we hear the final bullet going into the career of Rich Rodriguez at Michigan. A meeting is set up with Dave Baldwin on either Monday or Tuesday, with an announcement already basically scheduled before the end of the week. Kim Harbaugh is the first target, and if he won't take the job, the focus would turn to Brady Hoke at San Diego State.
     At UConn, There are already rumors circulating as to who would be in line for the job. New Hampshire HC Sean McDonnell, current Iowa assistant and former Maine HC Ken O'Keefe, former Miami OC and UMass HC Mark Whipple, Penn State assistant Tom Bradley, and former Boston College and current Omaha (UFL) HC Jeff Jagodzinski are already rumored candidates. I would also like to add Harvard HC Tim Murphy to the mix.
      Al Golden has been busy at Miami, as he announced today that Cleveland Browns WR Coach George McDonald is coming to the Hurricanes to coach the WRs. He has officially offered the OC job to Arizona Cardinals WR Coach John McNulty.
     Will Muschamp has filled out his staff at Florida, and yesterday's strange news about Charlie Weis leaving the Kansas City Chiefs to join the Gators as OC has been confirmed. There seems to have been a falling out between Weis and Chief's HC Todd Haley. Muschamp has also hired Texas Tech DB Coach Travaris Robinson, TE Coach Brian White has been retained. Muschamp also hired Miami WR Coach Aubrey Hill, Stan Drayton to coach RBs, and DJ Durkin (LBs, Special Teams)
     Dan Mullen is interested in hiring former West Virginia assistant Chris Beatty at Mississppi State. Beatty was Percy Harvin's high school coach.
     With Mike Haywood being the second coach that Pittsburgh has fired this season, focus has turned to Cincinnati Bengals HC Marvin Lewis. Wow. Because, we all know that Lewis is the king of discipline with the Bengals. If this is true, than Steve Pederson is a fucking idiot.
     West Virginia has hired Arizona Co-OC Bill Bedenbaugh to coach the O-Line. Thanks God that he's not calling plays for the Mountaineers, and if you watched the Alamo Bowl, you'll know what I mean.
     Mack Brown has hired Kansas Co-OC Darrell Wyatt as WR coach at Texas. Wyatt replaces Bobby Kennedy, who left (was pushed out) to go to Colorado. Tennessee Justin Wilcox has turned down the offer to take the DC job at Texas.
     Dabo Swinney has fired OC Bill Napier at Clemson. He is already searching for replacements starting with Tulsa OC Chad Morris. RB Coach Andre Powell has been let go as well.
     Temple HC Steve Addazio is speaking with Columbia OC Vinny Marino to be his OC with the Owls. No announcement appears to be immenent.
     Hugh Freeze has hired Drake DC Tom Allen for an unspecified position at Arkansas State.
     Pete Lembo will retain DB Coach Daryl Dixon at Ball State.
Alcorn State OC Michael Armour is in line to become the new HC.
Former Miami WR Lamar Thomas has been hired as WR Coach at Hampton.

    
    
    
    
    
   

My Take on Pitt/Haywood

     Pittsburgh. God bless the Panthers. In this era of corrupt and ceaseless arrogance, the Pitt Panthers actually did the right thing. On the heels of the arrest of newly hired Mike Haywood, the University put their thinking caps on, and decided that Haywood was not right for their university, and was promptly fired.GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
     The Pitt Chancellor stated that a head football coach had a reputation to uphold, and that he has a responsibility not to put himself in situations that could harm said reputation. What should be basic common sense was upheld and Pitt took Haywood out of play, just as Kansas did to Mark Mangino, USF did to Jim Leavitt, and Texas Tech did to Mike Leach. The case of Haywood was as bad as any of these cases, and worse than some. There is no example where it is ever ok to rough up a woman. Even a custody battle has lines that must be drawn, because at the end of the day you still have to be a father that your kid can look up to. And when you are a coach, you have about 100 kids, plus staff, that you have to set a bar for.
     My Wife's Grandfather had a saying. He said that you should never do anything that you wouldn't want to see on the front page of the paper that would put you in a negative light. Pretty simple lesson. Pretty easy to follow. Haywood ddidn't follow that, and Pitt is right by having him face the consequence, because they are right. It was not a good example, and it was not right for their university. It's not ok. Pittsburgh took a step that we can all look up to, a step in the right direction that we can admire.

Rose Bowl MVP

I have not listed any of my Bowl Game MVP's yet, but I think that it is appropriate to name my Rose Bowl MVP today. It is TCU LB Tank Carder. His play on defense today was an absolute inspiration, and his bat down of the Tolzien pass on the 2 point conversion attempt sealed the win.
I will announce my MVP's for every bowl on January 11th. I will also be listing my All-Bilo FBS Teams on January 11th, as well as a recap on my All-Bilo FCS 1st team that will be followed by my second and third teamers as well.

Congrats to Tank Carder, Coach Gary Patterson, and to the entire TCU Football family for an incredible season, and what will be remembered as a legendary Rose Bowl performance.

Happy New Year!!!

Once again, Happy New Year from the Bilo College Football Report. Follow me today at Twitter @BiloFootball for updates all evening long as I will be covering the Rose Bowl hit for hit. You can also follow my Twitter updates in the right hand column of on this page.
Have a great day everyone, and enjoy the Rose Bowl, pound for pound the greatest bowl game ever assembled year after year.
Scott