| QB Shane Bucenell, Charleston Southern |
| QB Stephen Calvert, Liberty |
| RB Khalil Lewis, Gardner-Webb |
| RB Mike Holloway, Charleston Southern |
| RB Lavon Chaney, Monmouth |
| WR Reggie White, Jr., Monmouth |
| WR Dante Shells, Liberty |
| WR Justin Sumpyer, Kennesaw State |
| WR Kameron Brown, Charleston Southern |
| DL Juwan Wells, Liberty |
| DL Darnell Leslie, Monmouth |
| DL Anthony Ellis, Charleston Southern |
| DL Tonarius Portress, Kennesaw State |
| LB Solomon Brown, Charleston Southern |
| LB Anthony Gore, Kennesaw State |
| LB Chad Geter, Gardner-Webb |
| LB Grant Beidel, Presbyterian |
| DB Mike Basile, Monmouth |
| DB Dante Blackmon, Kennesaw State |
| DB Chris Turner, Liberty |
| DB Jaylan Foster, Gardner-Webb |
| PK Alex Probert, Liberty |
| P Brett Norton, Presbyterian |
| KR Frankie Hickson, Liberty |
| PR Darrius Hammond, Charleston Southern |
| Coach of the Year: Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw State |
Monday, December 12, 2016
Bilo's 2016 All Big South Team
Bilo's 2016 All Big Sky Team
| QB Gabe Gubrud, Eastern Washington |
| QB Brady Gustafson, Montana |
| QB Kyle Sloter, Northern Colorado |
| RB Joe Protheroe, Cal Poly |
| RB Manusomoa Luuga, UC Davis |
| RB Jordan Robinson, Sacramento State |
| RB Malik Brown, Southern Utah |
| WR Cooper Cupp, Eastern Washington |
| WR Shaq Hill, Eastern Washington |
| WR Kendrick Bourne, Eastern Washington |
| WR Mike Sharp, Southern Utah |
| WR Stephen Miller, UC Davis |
| WR Emanual Butler, Northern Arizona |
| DL Siupeli Anau, Northern Arizona |
| DL George Obinna, Sacramento State |
| DL Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington |
| DL Robert Torgerson, Southern Utah |
| LB Josh Buss, Montana |
| LB Mac Bignell, Montana State |
| LB Kyle Newson, Northern Colorado |
| LB Chris Santini, Cal Poly |
| DB Mike Needham, Southern Utah |
| DB Deion Harris, North Dakota |
| DB Cole Reyes, North Dakota |
| DB Torrey Hunt, North Dakota |
| PK Tim Semenza, Montana |
| P Tate Lewis, Southern Utah |
| KR Cory Thompson, Weber State |
| PR William Morehand, Northern Arizona |
Sunday, December 11, 2016
As the Coaching Carousel Turns: 12/11/16 Edition
I have been updating all of the prospective college football coaching searches on my Twitter wall, which can be found at @BiloFootball the last few days. Now, I will update you in an end of weekend report on all of the ongoing searches that have been happening the last few days...
Florida Atlantic
We start at FAU, where once again, Lane Kiffin entered in name at least into a search, and then found himself out of it, this time as talks imploded over what FAU would be willing to pay him. Kiffin makes $1.4 million per season as OC at Alabama, and he was not into giving a friendly discount. Now the search is back to wide open, and the search itself seems completely adrift. The latest of many names attached to this job is now Michigan OC Tim Drevno. There have been as many as 8 to 10 different names involved in this search, yet the Owls are no closer to seemingly making a hire, and Luke Fickell, someone who Pat Chun was interested in, has taken the job at Cincinnati.
Temple
With Matt Rhule gone to Baylor in a more than shocking move, this job search is seemingly off to a slow start. Joe Moorhead, Penn State's OC, has declined an opportunity to speak with the people at Temple, and is out of the running before he was in. Old Dominion's Bobby Wilder has been connected here, and was expected to interview, but is also working ODU for a large contract extension with the Monarchs. The latest name this weekend that became attached here was Eagles QB coach John DeFillipo, but it was Temple reaching out, and not the other way around, so there is no telling the level of interest here. The smart money at Temple remains on current DC Phil Snow, who will interview, and may have already, as Snow has the support of players currently on the team, and has not joined Rhule yet at Baylor.
Cincinnati
The Bearcats moved yesterday (Saturday) on Ohio State Co-DC Luke Fickell, who was once the interim head coach before Urban Meyer was hired. Fickell was 6-6 in his one regular season of coaching Ohio State, but he fits the mold of what Cincinnati was looking for, as they sought out a riser, even if this job was to be used as a stepping stone. With that kind of mindset, it is clear that UC does not view themselves as a current, or future power program. That said, fickell was a solid, but not completely splashy hire.
USF
It was early Sunday morning when USF and Charlie Strong came to final terms and a deal was done naming Strong the new coach of the Bulls, just weeks after being terminated at Texas. It was stated early Sunday that Strong would like to bring as many of his Texas staff members along with him as would be manageable. This was a slam dunk hire for USF, who really never targeted anyone else in a serious way.
Houston
Heading into the weekend, Houston named Major Applewhite as head coach of the Cougars, promoting him from Tom Herman's staff. Just hours earlier, a false report was released stating that Lane Kiffin, again, would be the choice here, which the Houston administration flatly called out as a false report. Applewhite was the 11th hour choice, as he received the full support of area high school coaches who would potentially be sending their players to Houston. Kiffin had no such support in the Texas high school ranks. That was the deciding factor into giving the job to Applewhite, who is a lifer in the State of Texas.
Eastern Washington
After not landing the jobs at San Jose State and Nevada (the latter shocking almost everyone monitoring the situation), EWU will give coach Beau Baldwin a 5 year contract extension at the school. Baldwin seemed to be the only FCS coach getting a real shot this season to move up into FBS football, and was somehow bypassed twice, which is beyond ridiculous.
Nevada
Speaking of Nevada, the overall of this profile took a serious downturn in my opinion, hiring Arizona State WR coach Jay Norvell as head coach to replace Brian Polian, who resigned. It is obvious that Polian did not believe that the program is a sustainable winner moving forward due to a lack of facilities and fund raising, saying that Nevada would never be more than an 8 game winner at their peak if they did not find a way to change things, 8 wins being peak, mind you, not saying that they could sustain 8 wins per year at all, which would not be enough to challenge for MWC West Division titles in the current environment even at that said peak. Let me be clear here...Norvell is not the kind of guy that takes this to the next level. This was an uninspired, lazy hire, with Nevada not being likely to spring for a coach that would take this program back to the winning days of earlier this decade and last. Bypassing Beau Baldwin for Norvell is simply ludicrous on every single level imaginable.
San Jose State
Speaking of lazy, uninspiring hires, Brent Brennan, Oregon State Inside Receivers Coach as of late, is the new head coach at San Jose State. This hire, was again, a reach and a disaster of a move for a program that is clearly not thinking too clearly at this time. They went into the former assistant well, someone who they were conveniently familiar with, instead of seeking someone like who they had in Mike MacIntyre, a coach coach who is revolutionary, ad successful. This was a convenient, lazy hire as well, and San Jose State will likely be right back here in 3 to 4 years. Here's hoping I am wrong.
Delaware
The best FCS job on the market, Delaware is getting closer to making a hire this week. They have been long targeting Richmond head coach Danny Rocco, and have been waiting out Richmond's FCS playoff run before making a move. Rocco will meet with Delaware officials this week, as will Chattanooga coach Russ Huesman, who already lost in the FCS playoffs. Look for an announcement sometime this week, per reports.
Morgan State
Fred Farrier has had the interim tag removed at Morgan State, and is now the official Head Coach of the program this weekend. Farriar finished 3-8 this season as the interim.
More news as it becomes available, with my next update coming tomorrow night!
Florida Atlantic
We start at FAU, where once again, Lane Kiffin entered in name at least into a search, and then found himself out of it, this time as talks imploded over what FAU would be willing to pay him. Kiffin makes $1.4 million per season as OC at Alabama, and he was not into giving a friendly discount. Now the search is back to wide open, and the search itself seems completely adrift. The latest of many names attached to this job is now Michigan OC Tim Drevno. There have been as many as 8 to 10 different names involved in this search, yet the Owls are no closer to seemingly making a hire, and Luke Fickell, someone who Pat Chun was interested in, has taken the job at Cincinnati.
Temple
With Matt Rhule gone to Baylor in a more than shocking move, this job search is seemingly off to a slow start. Joe Moorhead, Penn State's OC, has declined an opportunity to speak with the people at Temple, and is out of the running before he was in. Old Dominion's Bobby Wilder has been connected here, and was expected to interview, but is also working ODU for a large contract extension with the Monarchs. The latest name this weekend that became attached here was Eagles QB coach John DeFillipo, but it was Temple reaching out, and not the other way around, so there is no telling the level of interest here. The smart money at Temple remains on current DC Phil Snow, who will interview, and may have already, as Snow has the support of players currently on the team, and has not joined Rhule yet at Baylor.
Cincinnati
The Bearcats moved yesterday (Saturday) on Ohio State Co-DC Luke Fickell, who was once the interim head coach before Urban Meyer was hired. Fickell was 6-6 in his one regular season of coaching Ohio State, but he fits the mold of what Cincinnati was looking for, as they sought out a riser, even if this job was to be used as a stepping stone. With that kind of mindset, it is clear that UC does not view themselves as a current, or future power program. That said, fickell was a solid, but not completely splashy hire.
USF
It was early Sunday morning when USF and Charlie Strong came to final terms and a deal was done naming Strong the new coach of the Bulls, just weeks after being terminated at Texas. It was stated early Sunday that Strong would like to bring as many of his Texas staff members along with him as would be manageable. This was a slam dunk hire for USF, who really never targeted anyone else in a serious way.
Houston
Heading into the weekend, Houston named Major Applewhite as head coach of the Cougars, promoting him from Tom Herman's staff. Just hours earlier, a false report was released stating that Lane Kiffin, again, would be the choice here, which the Houston administration flatly called out as a false report. Applewhite was the 11th hour choice, as he received the full support of area high school coaches who would potentially be sending their players to Houston. Kiffin had no such support in the Texas high school ranks. That was the deciding factor into giving the job to Applewhite, who is a lifer in the State of Texas.
Eastern Washington
After not landing the jobs at San Jose State and Nevada (the latter shocking almost everyone monitoring the situation), EWU will give coach Beau Baldwin a 5 year contract extension at the school. Baldwin seemed to be the only FCS coach getting a real shot this season to move up into FBS football, and was somehow bypassed twice, which is beyond ridiculous.
Nevada
Speaking of Nevada, the overall of this profile took a serious downturn in my opinion, hiring Arizona State WR coach Jay Norvell as head coach to replace Brian Polian, who resigned. It is obvious that Polian did not believe that the program is a sustainable winner moving forward due to a lack of facilities and fund raising, saying that Nevada would never be more than an 8 game winner at their peak if they did not find a way to change things, 8 wins being peak, mind you, not saying that they could sustain 8 wins per year at all, which would not be enough to challenge for MWC West Division titles in the current environment even at that said peak. Let me be clear here...Norvell is not the kind of guy that takes this to the next level. This was an uninspired, lazy hire, with Nevada not being likely to spring for a coach that would take this program back to the winning days of earlier this decade and last. Bypassing Beau Baldwin for Norvell is simply ludicrous on every single level imaginable.
San Jose State
Speaking of lazy, uninspiring hires, Brent Brennan, Oregon State Inside Receivers Coach as of late, is the new head coach at San Jose State. This hire, was again, a reach and a disaster of a move for a program that is clearly not thinking too clearly at this time. They went into the former assistant well, someone who they were conveniently familiar with, instead of seeking someone like who they had in Mike MacIntyre, a coach coach who is revolutionary, ad successful. This was a convenient, lazy hire as well, and San Jose State will likely be right back here in 3 to 4 years. Here's hoping I am wrong.
Delaware
The best FCS job on the market, Delaware is getting closer to making a hire this week. They have been long targeting Richmond head coach Danny Rocco, and have been waiting out Richmond's FCS playoff run before making a move. Rocco will meet with Delaware officials this week, as will Chattanooga coach Russ Huesman, who already lost in the FCS playoffs. Look for an announcement sometime this week, per reports.
Morgan State
Fred Farrier has had the interim tag removed at Morgan State, and is now the official Head Coach of the program this weekend. Farriar finished 3-8 this season as the interim.
More news as it becomes available, with my next update coming tomorrow night!
Friday, December 9, 2016
Bilo's All Independent Team 2016
| QB Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame |
| QB Andrew Ford, U Mass |
| RB Jamaal Williams, BYU |
| RB Andy Davidson, Army |
| RB Josh Adams, Notre Dame |
| WR Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame |
| WR Andy Isabella, U Mass |
| WR Jalen Williams, U Mass |
| TE Adam Breneman, U Mass |
| DL Jarron Jones, Notre Dame |
| DL Sha-Ki Holiness, U Mass |
| DL Isaac Rochell, Notre Dame |
| LB Alex Aukerman, Army |
| LB Steve Casali, U Mass |
| LB Nyles Morgan, Notre Dame |
| DB Kai Nacua, BYU |
| DB Isaiah Rodgers, U Mass |
| DB Cole Luke, Notre Dame |
| PK Rhett Almond, BYU |
| P Tyler Newsome, Notre Dame |
| KR CJ Sanders, Notre Dame |
| PR Malik McGue, Army |
| Coach of the Year: Jeff Monken, Army |
Bilo's All Sun Belt Team 2016
| QB Brandon Silvers, Troy |
| QB Justice Hansen, Arkansas State |
| QB Taylor Lamb, Appalachian State |
| RB Jordan Chunn, Troy |
| RB Jalin Moore, Appalachian State |
| RB Xavier Johnson, South Alabama |
| RB Elijah McGuire, UL-Lafayette |
| WR Robert Davis, Georgia State |
| WR Deondre Douglas, Troy |
| WR Emanuel Thompson, Troy |
| WR Al Riles, UL-Lafayette |
| TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama |
| TE Trent Cowan, Idaho |
| DL Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State |
| DL Randy Allen, South Alabama |
| DL Chris Odom, Arkansas State |
| DL Rashad Dillard, Troy |
| LB Kyle Wilson, Arkansas State |
| LB Rodney Butler, New Mexico State |
| LB Bryan London, Texas State |
| LB Dalton Herrrington, New Mexico State |
| DB Blace Brown, Troy |
| DB Clifton Duck, Appalachian State |
| DB Blaise Taylor, Arkansas State |
| DB Justin Backus, UL-Monroe |
| PK Austin Rehkow, Idaho |
| P Steven Coutts, UL-Lafayette |
| KR Jabir Frye, Troy |
| PR Brandon McDowell, Texas State |
| Coach of the Year: Neal Brown, Troy |
Bilo's All SEC Team 2016
| QB Jalen Hurts, Alabama |
| QB Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee |
| QB Chad Kelly, Ole Miss |
| RB Derrius Guice, LSU |
| RB Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State |
| RB Benjamin Snell, Jr., Kentucky |
| RB Rawleigh Williams III, Arkansas |
| WR J'Mon Moore, Missouri |
| WR Fred Ross, Mississippi State |
| WR Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M |
| WR Josh Malone, Tennessee |
| TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss |
| TE Hayden Hurst, South Carolina |
| DL Derek Barnett, Tennessee |
| DL Myles Garrett, Texas A&M |
| DL Jonathon Allen, Alabama |
| DL Arden Key, LSU |
| LB Ryan Anderson, Alabama |
| LB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt |
| LB Tim Williams, Alabama |
| LB Jordan Jones, Kentucky |
| DB Aarion Penton, Missouri |
| DB Tre'Davious White, LSU |
| DB Joshua Holsey, Auburn |
| DB Jamarcus King, South Carolina |
| PK Gary Wunderlich, Ole Miss |
| P Johnny Townsend, Florida |
| KR Evan Berry, Tennessee |
| PR Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia |
| Coach of the Year: Nick Saban, Alabama |
Bilo's All PAC-12 Team 2016
| QB Jake Browning, Washington |
| QB Davis Webb, California |
| QB Luke Falk, Washington State |
| RB Christian McCaffrey, Stanford |
| RB Phillip Lindsay, Colorado |
| RB Ryan Nall, Oregon State |
| RB Myles Gaskin, Washington |
| WR John Ross, Washington |
| WR Chad Hansen, California |
| WR Gabe Marks, Washington State |
| WR Donte Pettis, Washington |
| TE Nate Iese, UCLA |
| TE Evan Moeai, Utah |
| DL Hunter Dimick, Utah |
| DL Takkarist McKinley, UCLA |
| DL Solomon Thomas, Stanford |
| DL Hercules Mata'Afa, Washington State |
| LB Troy Dye, Oregon |
| LB Jimmie Gilbert, Colorado |
| LB Jayon Brown, UCLA |
| LB Kenneth Olugbode, Colorado |
| DB Tedric Thompson, Colorado |
| DB Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado |
| DB Adoree' Jackson, USC |
| DB Randall Goforth, UCLA |
| PK Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State |
| P Mitch Wishnowski, Utah |
| KR Adoree' Jackson, USC |
| PR Adoree' Jackson, USC |
| Coach of the Year: Mike MacIntyre, Colorado |
Bilo's All Mountain West team 2016
| QB Brett Rypien, Boise State |
| QB Josh Allen, Wyoming |
| QB Christian Chapman, San Diego State |
| RB Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State |
| RB Jeremy McNichols, Boise State |
| RB Brian Hill, Wyoming |
| RB James Butler, Nevada |
| WR Tanner Gentry, Wyoming |
| WR Michael Gallup, Colorado State |
| WR Cedrick Wilson, Boise State |
| WR Thomas Sperbeck, Boise State |
| TE Jacob Hollister, Wyoming |
| TE Wyatt Houston, Utah State |
| DL Sam McCaskill, Boise State |
| DL Isaiah Irving, San Jose State |
| DL Alex Barrett, San Diego State |
| DL Nick Oreglia, San Jose State |
| LB Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii |
| LB Tau Lotulelei, UNLV |
| LB Jeff Camilli, Fresno State |
| LB Alex Bertrando, Nevada |
| DB Andrew Wingard, Wyoming |
| DB Demontae Kazee, San Diego State |
| DB Weston Steelhammer, Air Force |
| DB Andre Chachere, San Jose State |
| PK Luke Strebel, Air Force |
| P Rigoberto Sanchez, Hawaii |
| KR Rashaad Penny, San Diego State |
| PR Quest Truxton, San Diego State |
| Coach of the Year: Craig Bohl, Wyoming |
Bilo's All MAC Team 2016
| QB Logan Woodside, Toledo |
| QB Zach Terrell, Western Michigan |
| QB Cooper Rush, Central Michigan |
| RB James Gilbert, Ball State |
| RB Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan |
| RB Kareem Hunt, Toledo |
| RB Fred Coppet, Bowling Green |
| WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan |
| WR Cody Thompson, Toledo |
| WR Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois |
| WR Jerome Lane, Akron |
| TE Mason Shreck, Buffalo |
| TE Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan |
| DL Keion Adams, Western Michigan |
| DL Terence Waugh, Kent State |
| DL Tarell Basham, Ohio |
| DL Brandon Crawford, Buffalo |
| LB Khalil Hodge, Buffalo |
| LB Ulysees Gilbert III, Akron |
| LB Blair Brown, Ohio |
| LB Trenton Greene, Bowling Green |
| DB Nate Holley, Kent State |
| DB Amari Coleman, Central Michigan |
| DB Najee Murray, Kent State |
| DB Shawun Lurry, Northern Illinois |
| PK Louie Zervos, Ohio |
| P Joseph Davidson, Bowling Green |
| KR Aregeros Turner, Northern Illinois |
| PR JoJo Natson, Jr., Akron |
| Coach of the Year: PJ Fleck, Western Michigan |
Bilo's All Conference USA Team 2016
| QB Ryan Higgins, Louisiana Tech |
| QB Mike White, Western Kentucky |
| QB David Washington, Old Dominion |
| RB Aaron Jones, UTEP |
| RB Anthony Wales, Western Kentucky |
| RB I'Tavius, Mathers, Middle Tennessee |
| RB Ito Smith, Southern Mississippi |
| WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky |
| WR Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech |
| WR Richie James, Middle Tennessee |
| WR Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech |
| TE Jonnu Smith, FIU |
| TE Hayden Plinke, UTEP |
| DL Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech |
| DL Trey Hendrickson, FAU |
| DL Dylan Bradley, Southern Mississippi |
| DL Larry Ogunjobi, Charlotte |
| LB Keith Brown, Western Kentucky |
| LB Emmanuel Ellerbee, Rice |
| LB Azeez Al-Shaair, FAU |
| LB Treyvon Williams, FIU |
| DB Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech |
| DB Rodney Allen, Marshall |
| DB Eric Jenkins, North Texas |
| DB Jeremy Cutrer, Middle Tennessee |
| PK Jonathon Barnes, Louisiana Tech |
| P Eric Keena, North Texas |
| KR Kylen Towner, Western Kentucky |
| PR Allenzae Staggers, Southern Mississippi |
| Coach of the Year: Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion |
Bilo's All Big 10 Team 2016
QB Trace McSorley, Penn State
QB JT Barrett, Ohio State
QB Wilton Speight, Michigan
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
RB Rodney Smith, Minnesota
RB Corey Clement, Wisconsin
RB Justin Jackson, Northwestern
WR Austin Carr, Northwestern
WR De'Angelo Yancey, Purdue
WR Amara Darboh, Michigan
WR Nick Westbrook, Indiana
TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
TE Jake Butt, Michigan
DL Carroll Phillips, Illinois
DL Dawuane Smoot, Illinois
DL Jesse Aniebonam, Maryland
DL Garrett Sickles, Penn State
LB Tegray Scales, Indiana
LB Marcus Oliver, Indiana
LB Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
LB Josey Jewell, Iowa
DB Malik Hooker, Ohio State
DB Rashard Fant, Indiana
DB Channing Stribling, Michigan
DB Sojourn Shelton, Wisconsin
PK Tyler Davis, Penn State
P Cameron Johnston, Ohio State
KR Desmond King, Iowa
PR Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Coach of the Year: James Franklin, Penn State
QB JT Barrett, Ohio State
QB Wilton Speight, Michigan
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
RB Rodney Smith, Minnesota
RB Corey Clement, Wisconsin
RB Justin Jackson, Northwestern
WR Austin Carr, Northwestern
WR De'Angelo Yancey, Purdue
WR Amara Darboh, Michigan
WR Nick Westbrook, Indiana
TE Mike Gesicki, Penn State
TE Jake Butt, Michigan
DL Carroll Phillips, Illinois
DL Dawuane Smoot, Illinois
DL Jesse Aniebonam, Maryland
DL Garrett Sickles, Penn State
LB Tegray Scales, Indiana
LB Marcus Oliver, Indiana
LB Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
LB Josey Jewell, Iowa
DB Malik Hooker, Ohio State
DB Rashard Fant, Indiana
DB Channing Stribling, Michigan
DB Sojourn Shelton, Wisconsin
PK Tyler Davis, Penn State
P Cameron Johnston, Ohio State
KR Desmond King, Iowa
PR Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Coach of the Year: James Franklin, Penn State
Bilo's All Big 12 Team 2016
| QB Patrick Mahomes III, Texas Tech |
| QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma |
| QB Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State |
| RB D'Onta Foreman, Texas |
| RB Joe Mixon, Oklahoma |
| RB Samaje Perine, Oklahoma |
| RB Kyle Hicks, TCU |
| WR DeDe Westbrook, Oklahoma |
| WR Jonathon Giles, Texas Tech |
| WR KD Cannon, Baylor |
| WR James Washington, Oklahoma State |
| TE Blake Jarwin, Oklahoma State |
| DL Dorance Armstrong, Jr., Kansas |
| DL Jordan Willis, Kansas State |
| DL Brecklyn Hager, Texas |
| DL Vincent Taylor, Oklahoma State |
| LB Travin Howard, TCU |
| LB Ty Summers, TCU |
| LB Elijah Lee, Kansas State |
| LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma |
| DB Rasul Douglas, West Virginia |
| DB Dj Reed, Kansas State |
| DB Jordan Thomas, Oklahoma |
| DB Jordan Evans, Oklahoma |
| PK Cole Netten, Iowa State |
| P Michael Dickson, Texas |
| KR Byron Pringle, Kansas State |
| PR Tony Nicholson, Baylor |
| Coach of the Year: Bob Stoops, Oklahoma |
Bilo's All ACC Team 2016
| QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson |
| QB Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina |
| QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville |
| RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State |
| RB James Connor, Pittsburgh |
| RB Wayne Gallman, Clemson |
| RB Mark Walton, Miami |
| WR Amba Etta-Tuwo, Syracuse |
| WR Mike Williams, Clemson |
| WR Ryan Switzer, North Carolina |
| WR Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech |
| TE Cole Hikutini, Louisville |
| TE David Njoku, Miami |
| DL Ejuan Price, Pittsburgh |
| DL Harold Landry, Boston College |
| DL Bradley Chubb, NC State |
| DL Woody Baron, Virginia Tech |
| LB Marquel Lee, Wake Forest |
| LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech |
| LB Micah Kiser, Virginia |
| LB Parris Bennett, Syracuse |
| DB Tarvarus, McFadden, Florida State |
| DB Lance Austin, Georgia Tech |
| DB Greg Stroman, Virginia Tech |
| DB Quin Blanding, Virginia |
| PK Michael Badgely, Miami |
| P Nicholas Conte, Virginia |
| KR Quadree Henderson, Pittsburgh |
| PR Brisly Estime, Syracuse |
| Coach of the Year: Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech |
Bilo's All AAC Team 2016
| QB Quinton Flowers, USF |
| QB Greg Ward, Jr., Houston |
| QB Riley Ferguson, Memphis |
| RB James Flanders, Tulsa |
| RB DeAngelo Brewer, Tulsa |
| RB Maron Mack, USF |
| RB Ryquell Armstead, Temple |
| WR Zay Jones, East Carolina |
| WR Anthony Miller, Memphis |
| WR Courtland Sutton, SMU |
| WR Keevan Lucas, Tulsa |
| TE Jordan Akins, UCF |
| TE Daniel Montiel, Memphis |
| DL Haason Reddick, Temple |
| DL Ed Oliver, Houston |
| DL Tanzel Smart, Tulane |
| DL Justin Lawlor, SMU |
| LB Shaquem Griffin, UCF |
| LB Nico Marley, Tulane |
| LB Eric Wilson, Cincinnati |
| LB Auggie Sanchez, USF |
| DB Horace Richardson, SMU |
| DB Shaquill Griffin, UCF |
| DB Arthur Maulet, Memphis |
| DB Howard Wilson, Houston |
| PK Jake Elliott, Memphis |
| P Spencer Smith, Memphis |
| KR Tony Pollard, Memphis |
| PR D'Ernest Johnson, USF |
| Coach of the Year: Willie Taggart, USF |
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
As the Coaching Carousel Turns: 12/7/16 Edition
Three more jobs closed up today in college football, let's take a look at what has transpired on this Wednesday, the 6th of December...
Oregon
By far the biggest news of the day was the hiring of Willie Taggart from USF as the new head coach at Oregon replacing Mark Helfrich. Taggart was always the best candidate for this job, and has a track record that speaks of his success at both Western Kentucky and USF. Taggart has taken on both of those programs during some rag tag times, and led both programs to absolute glory, narrowly missing an AAC East title this season by virtue of losing to eventual AAC champ Temple during the season in which the Bulls went 10-2. If you are on Oregon fan, believe that this is a solid hire by the Ducks, and you have an offensive mind capable of getting the Ducks back on track rather quickly. I am a huge fan of this hire, but the way that the Ducks got to it was sloppy. I guess all that you can say about it is that at least it ended well.
San Jose State
The hiring of Oregon State Outside Receivers Coach Brent Brannon has left me concerned over the direction the Spartans program intends on heading in. Brannon was an OC for a short time at San Jose State before, but not when the program was at their best under Mike MacIntyre, as he left before the David Fales glory years. Brannon was a familiar face, and in my opinion, was a severely lazy hire by the program. If the Spartans wanted to severely risk making the Ron Caragher years look amazing, they certainly took a wonderful first step.
Nevada
Equally as lazy was the hiring of Arizona State WR Coach Jay Norvell by the Nevada Wolfpack tonight. Norvell has never been a spectacular offensive mind, and has been looking for a head job for more than a decade before landing this gig. His stints at Oklahoma, UCLA, and Iowa were all less than something to write home about, and he has never ben taken very seriously before this job opened up. What makes it even more odd was that Norvell was just an integral part of the team that recruited Alabama transfer QB Blake Barnett to Arizona State, only to leave days later. That is hardly stand up behavior. I am seriously not a fan of Norvell, or this hire.
Jobs That Are Still Open
Georgia State
ESPN is reporting that South Carolina assistant Shawn Elliott is still very much in the mix at GSU tonight. It would also seem that half of the southern coaching profession is as well, with as many as 10-12 candidates having been named. Stay tuned.
Western Kentucky
Add Idaho's Paul Petrino to the list of candidates at WKU, which also includes current assistants Nick Holt and Tony Levine. Petrino is an interesting addition, given that Idaho is dropping to FCS football after their bowl game in the coming weeks.
Cincinnati
Things are moving quickly here, as Luke Fickell was interviewed today, according to local media sources. Greg Schiano will likely interview fairly shortly here, but it is now being considered as a long shot with Charlie Strong being interested in this spot.
USF
Charlie Strong is a solid candidate at USF, and may be the early leader in the hunt. Les Miles is looking to be involved as well, as may be Lane Kiffin and Schiano. Schiano had previously coached against USF during his time at Rutgers, when both were in the old Big East. Kiffin seems a long shot here, as he is everywhere, but his name popping up here makes me suspect that he is not a serious candidate at Houston.
Houston
Speaking of the Cougars, Lincoln Riley is out as a candidate almost as fast as he was in. Only Art Briles exit from this search happened quicker. Still being considered are Kiffin, Miles, Todd Orlando, and Major Applewhite.
Florida Atlantic
The latest name out there for the FAU job is Tennessee TE Coach Larry Scott, which is not a name that will strike fear into Conference USA opponents, and is nowhere near the splashy hire made by rival FIU this off season. It is starting to feel like FAU is treading water in their search, with Jim Leavitt falling short of calling this job beneath him.
More news as it happens....
Oregon
By far the biggest news of the day was the hiring of Willie Taggart from USF as the new head coach at Oregon replacing Mark Helfrich. Taggart was always the best candidate for this job, and has a track record that speaks of his success at both Western Kentucky and USF. Taggart has taken on both of those programs during some rag tag times, and led both programs to absolute glory, narrowly missing an AAC East title this season by virtue of losing to eventual AAC champ Temple during the season in which the Bulls went 10-2. If you are on Oregon fan, believe that this is a solid hire by the Ducks, and you have an offensive mind capable of getting the Ducks back on track rather quickly. I am a huge fan of this hire, but the way that the Ducks got to it was sloppy. I guess all that you can say about it is that at least it ended well.
San Jose State
The hiring of Oregon State Outside Receivers Coach Brent Brannon has left me concerned over the direction the Spartans program intends on heading in. Brannon was an OC for a short time at San Jose State before, but not when the program was at their best under Mike MacIntyre, as he left before the David Fales glory years. Brannon was a familiar face, and in my opinion, was a severely lazy hire by the program. If the Spartans wanted to severely risk making the Ron Caragher years look amazing, they certainly took a wonderful first step.
Nevada
Equally as lazy was the hiring of Arizona State WR Coach Jay Norvell by the Nevada Wolfpack tonight. Norvell has never been a spectacular offensive mind, and has been looking for a head job for more than a decade before landing this gig. His stints at Oklahoma, UCLA, and Iowa were all less than something to write home about, and he has never ben taken very seriously before this job opened up. What makes it even more odd was that Norvell was just an integral part of the team that recruited Alabama transfer QB Blake Barnett to Arizona State, only to leave days later. That is hardly stand up behavior. I am seriously not a fan of Norvell, or this hire.
Jobs That Are Still Open
Georgia State
ESPN is reporting that South Carolina assistant Shawn Elliott is still very much in the mix at GSU tonight. It would also seem that half of the southern coaching profession is as well, with as many as 10-12 candidates having been named. Stay tuned.
Western Kentucky
Add Idaho's Paul Petrino to the list of candidates at WKU, which also includes current assistants Nick Holt and Tony Levine. Petrino is an interesting addition, given that Idaho is dropping to FCS football after their bowl game in the coming weeks.
Cincinnati
Things are moving quickly here, as Luke Fickell was interviewed today, according to local media sources. Greg Schiano will likely interview fairly shortly here, but it is now being considered as a long shot with Charlie Strong being interested in this spot.
USF
Charlie Strong is a solid candidate at USF, and may be the early leader in the hunt. Les Miles is looking to be involved as well, as may be Lane Kiffin and Schiano. Schiano had previously coached against USF during his time at Rutgers, when both were in the old Big East. Kiffin seems a long shot here, as he is everywhere, but his name popping up here makes me suspect that he is not a serious candidate at Houston.
Houston
Speaking of the Cougars, Lincoln Riley is out as a candidate almost as fast as he was in. Only Art Briles exit from this search happened quicker. Still being considered are Kiffin, Miles, Todd Orlando, and Major Applewhite.
Florida Atlantic
The latest name out there for the FAU job is Tennessee TE Coach Larry Scott, which is not a name that will strike fear into Conference USA opponents, and is nowhere near the splashy hire made by rival FIU this off season. It is starting to feel like FAU is treading water in their search, with Jim Leavitt falling short of calling this job beneath him.
More news as it happens....
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
As the Coaching Carousel Turns: 12/6/16 Edition
It's time to catch up after taking a day or two off to get regrouped on what is going on with coaching searches all over the nation. Let me update everyone from job to job, starting with the Power 5 and working down from there.
Baylor
I start with this job, as Baylor made a completely out of left field hire in Temple's Matt Ruhle today. Ruhle has built onto a foundation that Al Golden started at Temple, and has made that formerly toxic waste dump that was ready to drop football into a viable winner in Philadelphia, which is a college football wasteland. Ruhle has a massive mess left on his hands from the handling of the sexual assault situation and the Art Briles fiasco that followed it. The entire 2017 recruiting class is virtually wiped out, and Ruhle has to start from the ground up there. There will be some massive bumps in the road, and it will be Ruhle building the foundation this time, with virtually no Texas ties to boot. Baylor has largely bungled this job search from day one, and had most of the last 8 months to do it. That is not saying that Ruhle is not a good coach, he is. The issue is that the foundation at Baylor crumbled to dust, and he has absolutely nothing left in the cupboard from which to build.
FIU
This hiring of Butch Davis, despite past transgressions with the NCAA, was a showing by this administration that FIU is taking football seriously. Davis was a big time hire for this program, and they are moving in a solid direction for the future with this grab. Davis' hiring of Brent Guy for DC was solid, as was the hiring of Dan Hawkins for OC, before Hawkins left to become the head manat FCS UC Davis.
Fresno State
Fresno State jumped early, not even waiting until the end of the regular season to hire former Cal coach Jeff Tedford. For me, this hire was a complete knee jerk, and better candidates could have lined up for this job if the Bulldog administration had just been patient and waited a couple of weeks longer. Mark Helfrich, who would have been a solid fit here, would have been available, and Fresno State would have had a solid shot to go for him. Tedford faded badly at Cal, and APR rates plummeted under his watch. This was an odd reach for a program that could have done so much better.
Indiana
The fact that Indiana waited a whole year after first hearing reports of mistreatment of players made the firing of Kevin Wilson far more political than it had to be. What made matters worse was an immediate jump to hire DC Tom Allen to a 6 year contract made this situation into the bizarre. This whole situation is a complete train wreck, and Allen may not be any better of an answer than Wilson, who never finished better than .500, and that was with Allen.
LSU
There is no knock on Ed Orgeron here, but one has to think that LSU could have hired a higher profile candidate than Orgeron with the snap of a set of fingers. Tom Herman was on the list, but wanted to wait it out until he weighed out Texas before making a call on LSU. Why would any candidate pick Texas over LSU at this point, when LSU is already positioned to win right away, and Texas is questionable in that regard? Politics. LSU really screwed the pooch on the Les Miles situation to the point where the governor of the state had to step in last year. It would seem that very few candidates wanted to be tied up into that, and having to run against Alabama every year was also a consideration. Coach Orgeron did a solid job, but he was hardly the best candidate for the position, especially at a program like LSU.
Purdue
Jeff Brohm became a late in the game candidate after PJ Fleck basically told them that he wanted a Power 5 job, just not THAT Power 5 job. Fleck let it be known within hours after the MAC title game that he was not interested in Purdue, and the wheels were immediately turned into the direction of Brohm. Even Brohm made Purdue stew for a day or so before accepting an offer that was squarely on the table to coach the Boilermakers, as he wanted to continue talks with Baylor before accepting. Brohm has been a winner at Western Kentucky, but that was in a league where defense is not a requisite thing for winning. That will not be the case in the Big 10, and Brohm had better hire one hell of a DC to survive here, because he knows absolutely nothing on the subject.
Texas
Tom Herman was hired, but he was never the unanimous choice among the power brokers in Austin. Herman was always the top target of any school with an opening, but he had cooled before beating Louisville late in the season. Losses to Navy and SMU in conference play were unexpected, and cost Houston the AAC West Division title that was supposed to be theirs with a bow on it. If Herman loses winnable games like that at Texas, the dogs will be out to get him fairly early. I am not certain that Herman was actually the best candidate for any job available, but he was certainly sold as one.
Now I move on to jobs that are still open, starting with Power 5 jobs, and moving into Group of 5 gigs...
Oregon
For a program with all of the money and resources of Oregon, this search after the firing of Mark Helfrich have been a mess. Oregon had deep talks with PJ Fleck, but they were never on the same page from the beginning. Fleck is no longer a candidate. When Matt Ruhle of Temple became an 11th hour candidate at Baylor, Oregon made a hard press after him, even though philosophically, you would not expect a match there. Ruhle spurned the Ducks advances for the Baylor job eventually, leaving the Ducks empty handed once again. According to John Canzano, there are a mutlitude of ongoing interviews, including Greg Schiano, who again, seems to be a poor fit for what the Ducks do. The only other candidates who are actively on passive sonar here are Bryan Harsin and Willie Taggart, who both have already had talks. As I said on Twitter today, Taggart seems to be the best fit for the Ducks, but it is like they want something bigger, and that something is just not there for the taking. Again, this firing and search have been a mess from the word go.
Cincinnati
Tommy Tuberville stepped down this week to nobody's surprise, especially not mine. I have always felt that he has long been one of the most overrated coaches in the nation, and I questioned his viability when he left a strong Power 5 job at Texas Tech to step down to the Cincinnati job. Cincinnati is not a landing spot, it is a stepping stone job, and likely always will be until they land themselves in a Power 5 conference, if that indeed ever happens. According to sources in the Cincinnati media, The search is already down to a solid three candidates for the job, with Charlie Strong possibly being among the group. Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano are also pursuing this position, and two other Ohio State assistants, Ed Warriner and Kerry Coombs were lkely in the mix at one point as well. We should know fairly shortly which way this will go.
FAU
This search seems to be out of focus currently, with names coming from every angle and every source. Patrick Chun has his Ohio State ties, and Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano were both on the original list, but both are currently hunting for the Cincinnati job, and Schiano is now apparently involved to some degree with the Oregon search. Landing either at this point seems like a low chance shot. Stan Drayton, Chicago Bears RB Coach was a finalist when the job went to Charlie Partridge, and he could be in play once again, but that seems, again, to be a low percentage shot. Greg Davis, Joe Moorhead, and Garrick McGee were all listed as possible connections, but all three could be making more money as coordinators in the Big 10, especially with what Moorhead has done at Penn State. Higher percentage chances could go among a list of names including Eddie Gran, Mario Christobal, Mike DeBord, and Randy Shannon, and that is the pool that I am concentrating on here. In short, FAU has to make a very solid hire, because local rival FIU made a huge splash getting Butch Davis.
Georgia State
There seems to be no pressing time frame to hire a coach here, alhough I have heard that the Panthers want a new coach in place by 12/15. There is a ton of feet dragging going on here, and instead of closing ranks and whittling down candidates, this list seems to be increasing, with Mel Tucker of Georgia ending up in the hat just days ago. Interviews have begun, but information is slow in coming, and it seems as if there really is no real movement forward here.
Houston
I would not believe much of what anyone hears about negotiations with Lane Kiffin at Houston, as the latest has Houston pressing with a massive buyout. I don't see this marriage happening, but I would not go so far as to call it dead, as these things can change in minutes. Les Miles has interviewed and is a candidate. Art Briles has not, and is not, and will not be, If Kiffin were a slam dunk, Lincoln Riley would not be a brand new candidate to the mix, as he now is. Todd Orlando, the current interim interviewed over the weekend, and there is zero news about the involement concerning Major Applewhite. Stay tuned here, as it seems that there is also a war brewing between mega booster Tillman Fertitta and the school itself, as Fertitta is acting as some unsanctioned mouthpiece regarding this search.
Nevada
This search is winding down, and apparently a hire could be made sometime this coming weekend. Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin, Vanderbilt and former Utah OC Andy Ludwig, and Arizona State WR Coach Jay Norvell seem to be the final three candidates, according to the Reno Gazette. Anyone else previously mentioned are no longer candidates.
San Jose State
The trail has gone cold at SJSU this week, with nothing new ready to report. It would seem that a conversation did take place with Pat Hill, but that has not gone anywhere at this point. Oklahoma State RB Coach Marcus Arroyo is in the mix, as is Colorado Offensive Line coach Klayton Adams, who was formerly on the staff at SJSU under Mike MacIntyre, both according to web site coachingsearch.com. Here is little to no other serious buzz about this job.
Temple
With Matt Ruhle gone today to Baylor, this job is wide open. Temple has to be very careful with this hire, as a wrong move could dismantle everything that was built under the watch of Al Golden and Matt Ruhle. I should have more information sometime tomorrow, but I would expect Temple to contact Penn State OC Joe Moorhead fairly shortly.
Western Kentucky
Current interim coach Nick Holt and Special Teams coach, and former Houston head coach Tony Levine are early candidates to replace Jeff Brohm at WKU. According to the Bowling Green Daily News, other candidates could include Neal Brown of Troy, USC QB coach Tyson Helton, Ole Miss Co-OC Matt Luke, Tennessee Titans QB coach Jason Michael, Ed Warriner of Ohio State, and ISF Co-OC Todd Weist. Stay tuned in the coming days for this to come into better focus.
More on FCS jobs and the above mentioned jobs in the next 24 to 36 hours.
Baylor
I start with this job, as Baylor made a completely out of left field hire in Temple's Matt Ruhle today. Ruhle has built onto a foundation that Al Golden started at Temple, and has made that formerly toxic waste dump that was ready to drop football into a viable winner in Philadelphia, which is a college football wasteland. Ruhle has a massive mess left on his hands from the handling of the sexual assault situation and the Art Briles fiasco that followed it. The entire 2017 recruiting class is virtually wiped out, and Ruhle has to start from the ground up there. There will be some massive bumps in the road, and it will be Ruhle building the foundation this time, with virtually no Texas ties to boot. Baylor has largely bungled this job search from day one, and had most of the last 8 months to do it. That is not saying that Ruhle is not a good coach, he is. The issue is that the foundation at Baylor crumbled to dust, and he has absolutely nothing left in the cupboard from which to build.
FIU
This hiring of Butch Davis, despite past transgressions with the NCAA, was a showing by this administration that FIU is taking football seriously. Davis was a big time hire for this program, and they are moving in a solid direction for the future with this grab. Davis' hiring of Brent Guy for DC was solid, as was the hiring of Dan Hawkins for OC, before Hawkins left to become the head manat FCS UC Davis.
Fresno State
Fresno State jumped early, not even waiting until the end of the regular season to hire former Cal coach Jeff Tedford. For me, this hire was a complete knee jerk, and better candidates could have lined up for this job if the Bulldog administration had just been patient and waited a couple of weeks longer. Mark Helfrich, who would have been a solid fit here, would have been available, and Fresno State would have had a solid shot to go for him. Tedford faded badly at Cal, and APR rates plummeted under his watch. This was an odd reach for a program that could have done so much better.
Indiana
The fact that Indiana waited a whole year after first hearing reports of mistreatment of players made the firing of Kevin Wilson far more political than it had to be. What made matters worse was an immediate jump to hire DC Tom Allen to a 6 year contract made this situation into the bizarre. This whole situation is a complete train wreck, and Allen may not be any better of an answer than Wilson, who never finished better than .500, and that was with Allen.
LSU
There is no knock on Ed Orgeron here, but one has to think that LSU could have hired a higher profile candidate than Orgeron with the snap of a set of fingers. Tom Herman was on the list, but wanted to wait it out until he weighed out Texas before making a call on LSU. Why would any candidate pick Texas over LSU at this point, when LSU is already positioned to win right away, and Texas is questionable in that regard? Politics. LSU really screwed the pooch on the Les Miles situation to the point where the governor of the state had to step in last year. It would seem that very few candidates wanted to be tied up into that, and having to run against Alabama every year was also a consideration. Coach Orgeron did a solid job, but he was hardly the best candidate for the position, especially at a program like LSU.
Purdue
Jeff Brohm became a late in the game candidate after PJ Fleck basically told them that he wanted a Power 5 job, just not THAT Power 5 job. Fleck let it be known within hours after the MAC title game that he was not interested in Purdue, and the wheels were immediately turned into the direction of Brohm. Even Brohm made Purdue stew for a day or so before accepting an offer that was squarely on the table to coach the Boilermakers, as he wanted to continue talks with Baylor before accepting. Brohm has been a winner at Western Kentucky, but that was in a league where defense is not a requisite thing for winning. That will not be the case in the Big 10, and Brohm had better hire one hell of a DC to survive here, because he knows absolutely nothing on the subject.
Texas
Tom Herman was hired, but he was never the unanimous choice among the power brokers in Austin. Herman was always the top target of any school with an opening, but he had cooled before beating Louisville late in the season. Losses to Navy and SMU in conference play were unexpected, and cost Houston the AAC West Division title that was supposed to be theirs with a bow on it. If Herman loses winnable games like that at Texas, the dogs will be out to get him fairly early. I am not certain that Herman was actually the best candidate for any job available, but he was certainly sold as one.
Now I move on to jobs that are still open, starting with Power 5 jobs, and moving into Group of 5 gigs...
Oregon
For a program with all of the money and resources of Oregon, this search after the firing of Mark Helfrich have been a mess. Oregon had deep talks with PJ Fleck, but they were never on the same page from the beginning. Fleck is no longer a candidate. When Matt Ruhle of Temple became an 11th hour candidate at Baylor, Oregon made a hard press after him, even though philosophically, you would not expect a match there. Ruhle spurned the Ducks advances for the Baylor job eventually, leaving the Ducks empty handed once again. According to John Canzano, there are a mutlitude of ongoing interviews, including Greg Schiano, who again, seems to be a poor fit for what the Ducks do. The only other candidates who are actively on passive sonar here are Bryan Harsin and Willie Taggart, who both have already had talks. As I said on Twitter today, Taggart seems to be the best fit for the Ducks, but it is like they want something bigger, and that something is just not there for the taking. Again, this firing and search have been a mess from the word go.
Cincinnati
Tommy Tuberville stepped down this week to nobody's surprise, especially not mine. I have always felt that he has long been one of the most overrated coaches in the nation, and I questioned his viability when he left a strong Power 5 job at Texas Tech to step down to the Cincinnati job. Cincinnati is not a landing spot, it is a stepping stone job, and likely always will be until they land themselves in a Power 5 conference, if that indeed ever happens. According to sources in the Cincinnati media, The search is already down to a solid three candidates for the job, with Charlie Strong possibly being among the group. Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano are also pursuing this position, and two other Ohio State assistants, Ed Warriner and Kerry Coombs were lkely in the mix at one point as well. We should know fairly shortly which way this will go.
FAU
This search seems to be out of focus currently, with names coming from every angle and every source. Patrick Chun has his Ohio State ties, and Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano were both on the original list, but both are currently hunting for the Cincinnati job, and Schiano is now apparently involved to some degree with the Oregon search. Landing either at this point seems like a low chance shot. Stan Drayton, Chicago Bears RB Coach was a finalist when the job went to Charlie Partridge, and he could be in play once again, but that seems, again, to be a low percentage shot. Greg Davis, Joe Moorhead, and Garrick McGee were all listed as possible connections, but all three could be making more money as coordinators in the Big 10, especially with what Moorhead has done at Penn State. Higher percentage chances could go among a list of names including Eddie Gran, Mario Christobal, Mike DeBord, and Randy Shannon, and that is the pool that I am concentrating on here. In short, FAU has to make a very solid hire, because local rival FIU made a huge splash getting Butch Davis.
Georgia State
There seems to be no pressing time frame to hire a coach here, alhough I have heard that the Panthers want a new coach in place by 12/15. There is a ton of feet dragging going on here, and instead of closing ranks and whittling down candidates, this list seems to be increasing, with Mel Tucker of Georgia ending up in the hat just days ago. Interviews have begun, but information is slow in coming, and it seems as if there really is no real movement forward here.
Houston
I would not believe much of what anyone hears about negotiations with Lane Kiffin at Houston, as the latest has Houston pressing with a massive buyout. I don't see this marriage happening, but I would not go so far as to call it dead, as these things can change in minutes. Les Miles has interviewed and is a candidate. Art Briles has not, and is not, and will not be, If Kiffin were a slam dunk, Lincoln Riley would not be a brand new candidate to the mix, as he now is. Todd Orlando, the current interim interviewed over the weekend, and there is zero news about the involement concerning Major Applewhite. Stay tuned here, as it seems that there is also a war brewing between mega booster Tillman Fertitta and the school itself, as Fertitta is acting as some unsanctioned mouthpiece regarding this search.
Nevada
This search is winding down, and apparently a hire could be made sometime this coming weekend. Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin, Vanderbilt and former Utah OC Andy Ludwig, and Arizona State WR Coach Jay Norvell seem to be the final three candidates, according to the Reno Gazette. Anyone else previously mentioned are no longer candidates.
San Jose State
The trail has gone cold at SJSU this week, with nothing new ready to report. It would seem that a conversation did take place with Pat Hill, but that has not gone anywhere at this point. Oklahoma State RB Coach Marcus Arroyo is in the mix, as is Colorado Offensive Line coach Klayton Adams, who was formerly on the staff at SJSU under Mike MacIntyre, both according to web site coachingsearch.com. Here is little to no other serious buzz about this job.
Temple
With Matt Ruhle gone today to Baylor, this job is wide open. Temple has to be very careful with this hire, as a wrong move could dismantle everything that was built under the watch of Al Golden and Matt Ruhle. I should have more information sometime tomorrow, but I would expect Temple to contact Penn State OC Joe Moorhead fairly shortly.
Western Kentucky
Current interim coach Nick Holt and Special Teams coach, and former Houston head coach Tony Levine are early candidates to replace Jeff Brohm at WKU. According to the Bowling Green Daily News, other candidates could include Neal Brown of Troy, USC QB coach Tyson Helton, Ole Miss Co-OC Matt Luke, Tennessee Titans QB coach Jason Michael, Ed Warriner of Ohio State, and ISF Co-OC Todd Weist. Stay tuned in the coming days for this to come into better focus.
More on FCS jobs and the above mentioned jobs in the next 24 to 36 hours.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
What Bowl's Would Look Like Under College Football Czar Bilo
It is at a point in time where the only thing that can fix major college football is for the NCAA to name a czar for the sport that would control all aspects. An emperor of the sport, perhaps. I would throw my name into the hat to take over, and would completely restructure the game to maximize the sport in the best light possible. I would immediately cancel all Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday night games, because nobody watches them on any regularity anyway. Football is only succeeding when all levels are flourishing, and high schools deserve their Friday spot lights. College football is also, so they say, an amateur sport, where academics come first, therefore, Tuesday and Wednesday night games are not for the advantage of a student athlete, so those games are moved back to Thursday or Saturday. I also believe that every game does not need to be seen or broadcasted for a national audience, so I would call for the return of regional networks to carry games for MAC and Sun Belt games, because national ratings are far too low for those games as it stands.
I currently detest the bowl and playoff system, so I would either abolish bowls altogether, the most populist choice, or I would return bowls to the state of the early days, or prior to the BCS. If I were to keep the bowls in place, here is my list of bowls that I would allow, and why(with their 2016/17 match ups listed)
I currently detest the bowl and playoff system, so I would either abolish bowls altogether, the most populist choice, or I would return bowls to the state of the early days, or prior to the BCS. If I were to keep the bowls in place, here is my list of bowls that I would allow, and why(with their 2016/17 match ups listed)
Fiesta Bowl: Colorado vs Ohio State
The Fiesta Bowl is a classic. Leave it in, and let PAC-12 runner up face the non champ from the Big 10. Done deal.
Peach Bowl: Clemson vs Wisconsin
The ACC champ often went to the Peach back in the day, and it was always a great turn out and game. Make it a New Years Day game against an at large, and you have a classic.
Orange Bowl: Michigan vs Oklahoma
It us one of the core classics. Take the Big 12 champ vs an at large, and you have this gem.
Rose Bowl: Washington vs Penn State
The Rose Bowl was almost ready to secede from the NCAA during the BCS era, but then sold out. Return it to the Big 10/PAC 10 or 12 days, and you get a big time clash every season.
Cotton Bowl: Louisville vs USC
The Cotton Bowl is again, a core classic. Make it a highest ranked possible at large game, using a formula ranking like my PRS, of course, and you have a gem. USC still did not deserve the Rose, by the way.
Alamo Bowl: Boise State vs Iowa
The stadium sucks, but San Antonio is a cool enough town to get a bowl and keep it. Another at large match would net a solid haul.
Citrus Bowl: Temple vs West Virginia
Citrus Bowl has been around a while. Pitch the AAC champ vs Big 12 runner up in sunny Florida on New Years morning, and it should be a blast.
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs Virginia Tech
Core classic once again. Pit SEC champ against ACC runner up, and this would please many.
Las Vegas Bowl: Houston vs San Diego State
Always a great bowl in a bad venue, but this game always sells out, and always has quality match ups. Mountain West champ gets a strong at large.
Sun Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Stanford
Again, it is a terrible venue, but a core classic. I leave it alone.
Holiday Bowl: Florida State vs Washington State
Always a great time, this bowl has long been one of my favorites annually. PAC-12 team gets Mountain West team, or higher ranked at large, and there you go.
Texas Bowl: Florida vs Pittsburgh
Houston deserves a bowl, and the former Bluebonnet Bowl would stay in my lineup.
Outback Bowl: Memphis vs Miami
Keep this Florida classic on New Years Eve, and pit an AAC vs ACC, and you get a really solid regional match.
Gator Bowl: USF vs Texas A&M
Gator Bowl is another old throwback now called the TaxSlayer Bowl, which is just stupid. Take an AAC and SEC team every year, and again, you get a solid crowd.
Liberty Bowl: Western Kentucky vs Air Force
Another classic bowl, with a CUSA champ against a strong Mountain West or independent. You have a great game every year.
Independence Bowl: Toledo vs Tulsa
Make it one of the first games played the week between Christmas and New Years, and pit the AAC vs the MAC. You get two high quality teams every season.
Aloha Bowl: Boise State vs Navy
Again, I hate the venue, but it could serve as a decent landing spot for an early bowl game between the Mountain West and a solid at large to increase interest.
Motor City Bowl: Western Michigan vs BYU
Return this game to its classic name, and make it a spot for the MAC champs vs a solid at large.
New Orleans Bowl: Old Dominion vs Appalachian State
Sun Belt champs land here annually, against the CUSA, and you have another strong regional game.
Freedom Bowl: Wyoming vs Louisiana Tech
The lost gem of Southern California. Play it in the new Inglewood stadium, and pit 2 at large teams to kick off the bowl season. You know you will get great weather!
There will be no single conference favoritism, and no 5, 6, or 7 win teams, and even 8 win teams are on the bubble. Remember, 8 out of 12 wins is till only two thirds, or 66.7%. That is a D in school, kids. Teams in these games would change, as I have not received our final PRS rankings, so look for an update when I do!
Bilo's College Football Bowl Game Breakdown
Here they are, love them or hate them (for the record, I hate a ton of them), here is my breakdown from worst to best of the overly bloated cash grab...errr...I mean bowl season...
Games You Cannot Pay Me to Watch
Heart of Dallas: Army (6-5) vs. North Texas (5-7)
I simply hate this bowl, and I absolutely refuse to watch bowls involving teams with losing records, in this case, North Texas. Bowl games are supposed to be rewards for good seasons, not something to be given to any team with a heart beat.
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss (6-6) vs. UL-Lafayette (6-6)
Again, nobody with a winning record equals a bowl that just should not be played. End of story.
Hawaii Bowl: Middle Tennessee (8-4) vs. Hawaii (6-7)
I have always hated this sparsely attended game that nobody really wants their team to go to. Hawaii was given this game by convenience only, and again, there is that lack of a winning record thing going on.
St. Petersburg Bowl: Mississippi State (5-7) vs. Miami (Ohio) (6-6)
Again, nobody with a winning record to be found, and MSU lost to South Alabama. Enough said.
Quick Lane Bowl: Boston College (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6)
Again, no winning record to be found, and this one has all the excitement of a pair of sloths in a boxing match.
New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico (8-4) vs. UTSA (6-6)
What a reward...Albuquerque in December. You will freeze your nuts off in a terrible facility. Yay you. And once again, a barely .500 team in the fold in UTSA. Cancel this bow forever.
Independence Bowl: Vanderbilt (6-6) vs. NC State (6-6)
I remember as a kid that the Independence Bowl used to attract some very good teams. Wow...I'm old.
Cure Bowl: UCF (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
I have seen both play multiple times in 2016. I am left thoroughly bored by this conceptual match up.
Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (8-4)
Play this game at Ford Field, I watch it casually. Play it in the Bahamas, in an old broken down soccer stadium, and I would rather watch a cold war era communist car show.
Military Bowl: Temple (9-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)
Temple wins a massively loaded AAC, and the best they can do is Annapolis on a Tuesday? Again, pure garbage, and against a team with a non winning record, no less. Shameful.
Foster Farms Bowl: Utah (8-4) vs. Indiana (6-6)
I boycott all bowls with non winning teams, so Indiana makes me miss this game on purpose, especially with their fiasco coaching situation. Nothing on Utah, but Indiana is crap.
Cactus Bowl: Baylor (6-6) vs. Boise State (10-2)
Boise State got a bit screwed with this bowl assignment, and I basically will not watch Baylor because I do not actively give ratings to schools who actively ignore sexual assault claims. Two shots against Baylor here.
Liberty Bowl: TCU (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)
This game has all the excitement and buzz as toe nail fungus. The Liberty Bowl used to get great match ups back in the day, like the Independence did. Again, damn I am old.
Arizona Bowl: South Alabama (6-6) vs. Air Force (9-3)
Air Force deserved better than this. South Alabama finished in the lower half of the freaking Sun Belt, but hey, they won 6. Garbage. Maybe Air Force could have been pitted against Middle Tennessee in this game, and it would have been a huge winner.
Birmingham Bowl: USF (10-2) vs. South Carolina (6-6)
Watching South Carolina these days is like watching paint dry. USF deserved a much better opportunity than this game, again, in a broken down old facility that everyone hates. This is a disgraceful landing spot for a 10 win football team.
Pinstripe Bowl: Northwestern (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4)
A bowl game in Yankee Stadium has all the charm and draw of bad clams mixed with a dose of bad Taco Bell. Pitt, who beat both Penn State and Clemson, deserved a better draw than a 6 win Northwestern team.
Miami Beach Bowl: Central Michigan (6-6) vs. Tulsa (9-3)
I really like Tulsa, but not against a lower tier MAC team that stumbled into this position. I just cannot support this ridiculous notion that 5 and 6 win teams deserve bowls.
Outback Bowls: Florida (8-4) vs. Iowa (8-4)
Neither one of these teams deserves to be actually playing in a traditional New Years Bowl. Watching either of these teams makes gastritis look fun, especially on offense. I hate this match.
Rose Bowl: USC (9-3) vs. Penn State (10-2)
I am boycotting a game that I have not missed since 1981. USC does not deserve this spot, and I don't care what an arrogant segment of USC fans have to say about it. USC in the Rose Bowl above Colorado, who won the South in the PAC-12, and finished second overall to Washington, deserves this game. This is no knock on Penn State, but this cannot be tolerated.
Games That I Will Casually Glance At If Convenient
Dollar General Bowl: Ohio (8-5) vs. Troy (9-3)
The sponsorship makes me want to vomit, but what the hell ever. Ohio was a decent, not great team that won a watered down MAC divisional title because nobody else in the division finished over /500 overall for the season, but they are astill an interesting team with an interesting coach in Frank Solich. Troy was a team that finished a year ahead of schedule as far as winning was concerned, and Neal Brown should be a hotter candidate for open jobs than he is. Should be a fun game overall.
Poinsettia Bowl: BYU (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5)
BYU was all over the place most of this season, and if they were in a conference rather than playing as in independent, they would not have won 8 games. Wyoming stumbled at the end of the year rather badly, but they are finally in a great place developmentally. The style of play should be fun, and the fan bases should travel well.
Potato Bowl: Idaho (8-4) vs. Colorado State (7-5)
The big draw here is that this is Idaho's final game as an FBS football team. They certainly went out with a bang in Sun Belt play, and getting a nice regional match with always tough Colorado State is a nice way to head back home to the Big Sky.
TaxSlayer Bowl: Kentucky (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (8-4)
I still don't know what in the hell a TaxSlayer is, but whatever. Kentucky scrapped all season to get to this point, and Mark Stoops saved his job. Georgia Tech is always fun to watch if the triple option is humming along. Contrasting styles in bowls are always entertaining.
Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5)
Virginia Tech gets screwed out of a better bowl despite being the runner up in the ACC. I really miss the old pre-BCS days. The Hokies did stumble some at the end of the season, but Justin Fuente has done a fantastic job, and Arkansas is always a wild card in what they bring to the table.
Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. Navy (9-3)
This game once again brings seriously contrasting styles of football to the table, with Tech's passing fiesta coming up against Navy and their triple option ground chewing attack. You will be entertained.
Texas Bowl: Kansas State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (8-4)
Remember when Texas A&M was ranked 4th in the nation? Wasn't that fun? Seems like so long ago...Kansas State really surprised some people by finishing strong and getting to 8 wins this season. It was another remarkable job by Bill Snyder. What happened with the Aggies? Not so remarkable.
Holiday Bowl: Washington State (8-4) vs. Minnesota (8-4)
Washington State is always fun to watch when they are on top of things. Minnesota can be downright boring at times. I am a big Mike Leach guy, and I support the Cougs, and I love the Holiday Bowl, so I will probably be all in, if nothing else is going on that particular day.
Russell Athletic Bowl: Miami (8-4) vs. West Virginia (10-2)
West Virginia was a huge surprise for me this season, which is why Dana Holgorsen is one of my quarter finalists for coach of the year. Miami was fun at times, and I like to watch Brad Kaaya play. I don't have a horse in the race, but this could be a fun game to watch on a lot of levels.
Tennessee (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-3)
Both teams benefited from playing in really bad divisions in their conferences, which is why they won as many games as they did. Neither team has a great QB. Neither team plays overly great defense consistently. Still, I am intrigued because of the tradition in both places.
Sun Bowl: North Carolina (8-4) vs. Stanford (9-3)
El Paso is a terrible place for a bowl game, with a raging drug cartel war just miles away over the border. I still respect it for the duration of time that it has survived. North Carolina is fun on offense, Stanford is fun on defense, so something has to give here. You cannot forget the Mitch Trubisky vs. Christian McCaffrey offense war in this one.
Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky (10-3) vs. Memphis (8-4)
Don't expect any defense in this Arena Football on 100 yards match up. I hate the venue, but love the match here, and Jeff Brohm has done it again with a 10 win team.
Citrus Bowl: LSU (7-4) vs. Louisville (9-3)
Louisville may have a huge problem breaking this amazing LSU defense, but the contrasting styles may be too much to pass up on if you have the time to watch. Not the best game on the January 2 billing, but not horrible.
Games That I Will Absolutely Not Miss
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State (11-1) vs. Clemson (11-1)
This game being played on New Years Eve is a fiasco, and ratings will crumble because of it, but that is not my problem, as the Wife and I may just be at home with our one year old daughter anyway. I am not entirely fond of Ohio State being in the playoff as a non conference champ, but this game should still be one for the ages.
Peach Bowl: Alabama (13-0) vs. Washington (12-1)
The committee actually got something right this year. Washington's defense may be enough to frustrate Jalen Hurts and company, and really will be the toughest opponent that Alabama has played all season. The Tide will be favored, but not by a lot if people are smart.
Capital One Bowl: Florida State (9-3) vs. Michigan (10-2)
Florida State may be back in title contention in 2017, but Michigan was right there until Wilton Speight went down with an injury. He was not himself against Ohio State, and Michigan got screwed with a bad spot on a 4th down play against Ohio State. This could be a final 4 match next season.
Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Colorado (10-3)
Oklahoma State really laid down in the second half against Oklahoma, but should have gotten a better bowl than this one, and Colorado should rightfully be playing in the Rose Bowl. When you add the fact that both got totally hosed, this is a very nice game.
Cotton Bowl: Western Michigan (13-0) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
This will be especially great if PJ Fleck is still coaching WMU, but that may not be so. If he is , by some miracle, WMU could give the Badgers a strong run for their money. If not, Wisconsin wins in a runaway.
Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Auburn (8-4)
There was no better team in college football after September than Oklahoma, not even USC. Bob Stoops did a masterful job in reorganizing and firing up his Sooners after a 1-2 start, and if healthy for this game, there is nobody in the game that is more buzz worthy than DeDe Westbrook of Oklahoma. Oh yeah, Auburn is playing here as well.
Las Vegas Bowl: Houston (9-3) vs. San Diego State (10-3)
What a score this was for the Las Vegas Bowl execs, who scored one of the best games of the bowl season with Houston and SDSU. If I were not going to be at what should be one of the best basketball games of the young college season between UCLA and Ohio State at T Mobile Arena across town, I would be at Sam Boyd watching what should be a wonderful game showcasing Greg Ward, Jr. and Donnel Pomphrey.
Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State (9-3) vs. Toledo (9-3)
Another game on my DVR for 12/17 (We feed the homeless in the AM, go to a bday party in the late morning, go to a college hoops game in later afternoon) will be this game I normally would not consider. The match up of Toledo and their often high powered offense, and Appalachian State and their history and drive, is just a thing of college football beauty. Check it out by all means.
That is all of it...my entire viewing breakdown as to what to watch, and what to ignore. I am sorry if I have pissed anyone off in the process, but those are the breaks.
P.S. I do not include bowl sponsors in the names of these games, unless they are in the title, because simply enough, those bastards don't pay me to use their names, so they can screw off. Thanks for understanding!
Games You Cannot Pay Me to Watch
Heart of Dallas: Army (6-5) vs. North Texas (5-7)
I simply hate this bowl, and I absolutely refuse to watch bowls involving teams with losing records, in this case, North Texas. Bowl games are supposed to be rewards for good seasons, not something to be given to any team with a heart beat.
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss (6-6) vs. UL-Lafayette (6-6)
Again, nobody with a winning record equals a bowl that just should not be played. End of story.
Hawaii Bowl: Middle Tennessee (8-4) vs. Hawaii (6-7)
I have always hated this sparsely attended game that nobody really wants their team to go to. Hawaii was given this game by convenience only, and again, there is that lack of a winning record thing going on.
St. Petersburg Bowl: Mississippi State (5-7) vs. Miami (Ohio) (6-6)
Again, nobody with a winning record to be found, and MSU lost to South Alabama. Enough said.
Quick Lane Bowl: Boston College (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6)
Again, no winning record to be found, and this one has all the excitement of a pair of sloths in a boxing match.
New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico (8-4) vs. UTSA (6-6)
What a reward...Albuquerque in December. You will freeze your nuts off in a terrible facility. Yay you. And once again, a barely .500 team in the fold in UTSA. Cancel this bow forever.
Independence Bowl: Vanderbilt (6-6) vs. NC State (6-6)
I remember as a kid that the Independence Bowl used to attract some very good teams. Wow...I'm old.
Cure Bowl: UCF (6-6) vs. Arkansas State (7-5)
I have seen both play multiple times in 2016. I am left thoroughly bored by this conceptual match up.
Bahamas Bowl: Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (8-4)
Play this game at Ford Field, I watch it casually. Play it in the Bahamas, in an old broken down soccer stadium, and I would rather watch a cold war era communist car show.
Military Bowl: Temple (9-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)
Temple wins a massively loaded AAC, and the best they can do is Annapolis on a Tuesday? Again, pure garbage, and against a team with a non winning record, no less. Shameful.
Foster Farms Bowl: Utah (8-4) vs. Indiana (6-6)
I boycott all bowls with non winning teams, so Indiana makes me miss this game on purpose, especially with their fiasco coaching situation. Nothing on Utah, but Indiana is crap.
Cactus Bowl: Baylor (6-6) vs. Boise State (10-2)
Boise State got a bit screwed with this bowl assignment, and I basically will not watch Baylor because I do not actively give ratings to schools who actively ignore sexual assault claims. Two shots against Baylor here.
Liberty Bowl: TCU (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)
This game has all the excitement and buzz as toe nail fungus. The Liberty Bowl used to get great match ups back in the day, like the Independence did. Again, damn I am old.
Arizona Bowl: South Alabama (6-6) vs. Air Force (9-3)
Air Force deserved better than this. South Alabama finished in the lower half of the freaking Sun Belt, but hey, they won 6. Garbage. Maybe Air Force could have been pitted against Middle Tennessee in this game, and it would have been a huge winner.
Birmingham Bowl: USF (10-2) vs. South Carolina (6-6)
Watching South Carolina these days is like watching paint dry. USF deserved a much better opportunity than this game, again, in a broken down old facility that everyone hates. This is a disgraceful landing spot for a 10 win football team.
Pinstripe Bowl: Northwestern (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4)
A bowl game in Yankee Stadium has all the charm and draw of bad clams mixed with a dose of bad Taco Bell. Pitt, who beat both Penn State and Clemson, deserved a better draw than a 6 win Northwestern team.
Miami Beach Bowl: Central Michigan (6-6) vs. Tulsa (9-3)
I really like Tulsa, but not against a lower tier MAC team that stumbled into this position. I just cannot support this ridiculous notion that 5 and 6 win teams deserve bowls.
Outback Bowls: Florida (8-4) vs. Iowa (8-4)
Neither one of these teams deserves to be actually playing in a traditional New Years Bowl. Watching either of these teams makes gastritis look fun, especially on offense. I hate this match.
Rose Bowl: USC (9-3) vs. Penn State (10-2)
I am boycotting a game that I have not missed since 1981. USC does not deserve this spot, and I don't care what an arrogant segment of USC fans have to say about it. USC in the Rose Bowl above Colorado, who won the South in the PAC-12, and finished second overall to Washington, deserves this game. This is no knock on Penn State, but this cannot be tolerated.
Games That I Will Casually Glance At If Convenient
Dollar General Bowl: Ohio (8-5) vs. Troy (9-3)
The sponsorship makes me want to vomit, but what the hell ever. Ohio was a decent, not great team that won a watered down MAC divisional title because nobody else in the division finished over /500 overall for the season, but they are astill an interesting team with an interesting coach in Frank Solich. Troy was a team that finished a year ahead of schedule as far as winning was concerned, and Neal Brown should be a hotter candidate for open jobs than he is. Should be a fun game overall.
Poinsettia Bowl: BYU (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5)
BYU was all over the place most of this season, and if they were in a conference rather than playing as in independent, they would not have won 8 games. Wyoming stumbled at the end of the year rather badly, but they are finally in a great place developmentally. The style of play should be fun, and the fan bases should travel well.
Potato Bowl: Idaho (8-4) vs. Colorado State (7-5)
The big draw here is that this is Idaho's final game as an FBS football team. They certainly went out with a bang in Sun Belt play, and getting a nice regional match with always tough Colorado State is a nice way to head back home to the Big Sky.
TaxSlayer Bowl: Kentucky (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (8-4)
I still don't know what in the hell a TaxSlayer is, but whatever. Kentucky scrapped all season to get to this point, and Mark Stoops saved his job. Georgia Tech is always fun to watch if the triple option is humming along. Contrasting styles in bowls are always entertaining.
Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5)
Virginia Tech gets screwed out of a better bowl despite being the runner up in the ACC. I really miss the old pre-BCS days. The Hokies did stumble some at the end of the season, but Justin Fuente has done a fantastic job, and Arkansas is always a wild card in what they bring to the table.
Armed Forces Bowl: Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. Navy (9-3)
This game once again brings seriously contrasting styles of football to the table, with Tech's passing fiesta coming up against Navy and their triple option ground chewing attack. You will be entertained.
Texas Bowl: Kansas State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (8-4)
Remember when Texas A&M was ranked 4th in the nation? Wasn't that fun? Seems like so long ago...Kansas State really surprised some people by finishing strong and getting to 8 wins this season. It was another remarkable job by Bill Snyder. What happened with the Aggies? Not so remarkable.
Holiday Bowl: Washington State (8-4) vs. Minnesota (8-4)
Washington State is always fun to watch when they are on top of things. Minnesota can be downright boring at times. I am a big Mike Leach guy, and I support the Cougs, and I love the Holiday Bowl, so I will probably be all in, if nothing else is going on that particular day.
Russell Athletic Bowl: Miami (8-4) vs. West Virginia (10-2)
West Virginia was a huge surprise for me this season, which is why Dana Holgorsen is one of my quarter finalists for coach of the year. Miami was fun at times, and I like to watch Brad Kaaya play. I don't have a horse in the race, but this could be a fun game to watch on a lot of levels.
Tennessee (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-3)
Both teams benefited from playing in really bad divisions in their conferences, which is why they won as many games as they did. Neither team has a great QB. Neither team plays overly great defense consistently. Still, I am intrigued because of the tradition in both places.
Sun Bowl: North Carolina (8-4) vs. Stanford (9-3)
El Paso is a terrible place for a bowl game, with a raging drug cartel war just miles away over the border. I still respect it for the duration of time that it has survived. North Carolina is fun on offense, Stanford is fun on defense, so something has to give here. You cannot forget the Mitch Trubisky vs. Christian McCaffrey offense war in this one.
Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky (10-3) vs. Memphis (8-4)
Don't expect any defense in this Arena Football on 100 yards match up. I hate the venue, but love the match here, and Jeff Brohm has done it again with a 10 win team.
Citrus Bowl: LSU (7-4) vs. Louisville (9-3)
Louisville may have a huge problem breaking this amazing LSU defense, but the contrasting styles may be too much to pass up on if you have the time to watch. Not the best game on the January 2 billing, but not horrible.
Games That I Will Absolutely Not Miss
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State (11-1) vs. Clemson (11-1)
This game being played on New Years Eve is a fiasco, and ratings will crumble because of it, but that is not my problem, as the Wife and I may just be at home with our one year old daughter anyway. I am not entirely fond of Ohio State being in the playoff as a non conference champ, but this game should still be one for the ages.
Peach Bowl: Alabama (13-0) vs. Washington (12-1)
The committee actually got something right this year. Washington's defense may be enough to frustrate Jalen Hurts and company, and really will be the toughest opponent that Alabama has played all season. The Tide will be favored, but not by a lot if people are smart.
Capital One Bowl: Florida State (9-3) vs. Michigan (10-2)
Florida State may be back in title contention in 2017, but Michigan was right there until Wilton Speight went down with an injury. He was not himself against Ohio State, and Michigan got screwed with a bad spot on a 4th down play against Ohio State. This could be a final 4 match next season.
Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Colorado (10-3)
Oklahoma State really laid down in the second half against Oklahoma, but should have gotten a better bowl than this one, and Colorado should rightfully be playing in the Rose Bowl. When you add the fact that both got totally hosed, this is a very nice game.
Cotton Bowl: Western Michigan (13-0) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
This will be especially great if PJ Fleck is still coaching WMU, but that may not be so. If he is , by some miracle, WMU could give the Badgers a strong run for their money. If not, Wisconsin wins in a runaway.
Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Auburn (8-4)
There was no better team in college football after September than Oklahoma, not even USC. Bob Stoops did a masterful job in reorganizing and firing up his Sooners after a 1-2 start, and if healthy for this game, there is nobody in the game that is more buzz worthy than DeDe Westbrook of Oklahoma. Oh yeah, Auburn is playing here as well.
Las Vegas Bowl: Houston (9-3) vs. San Diego State (10-3)
What a score this was for the Las Vegas Bowl execs, who scored one of the best games of the bowl season with Houston and SDSU. If I were not going to be at what should be one of the best basketball games of the young college season between UCLA and Ohio State at T Mobile Arena across town, I would be at Sam Boyd watching what should be a wonderful game showcasing Greg Ward, Jr. and Donnel Pomphrey.
Camellia Bowl: Appalachian State (9-3) vs. Toledo (9-3)
Another game on my DVR for 12/17 (We feed the homeless in the AM, go to a bday party in the late morning, go to a college hoops game in later afternoon) will be this game I normally would not consider. The match up of Toledo and their often high powered offense, and Appalachian State and their history and drive, is just a thing of college football beauty. Check it out by all means.
That is all of it...my entire viewing breakdown as to what to watch, and what to ignore. I am sorry if I have pissed anyone off in the process, but those are the breaks.
P.S. I do not include bowl sponsors in the names of these games, unless they are in the title, because simply enough, those bastards don't pay me to use their names, so they can screw off. Thanks for understanding!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
2016 All-Bilo FBS Coach of the Year Candidates
Here are my FBS All-Bilo Coach of the Year candidates for 2016:
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Willie Taggert, USF
Matt Ruhle, Temple
Ken Niumatololo, Navy
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia
Urban Meyer, Ohio State
James Franklin, Penn State
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion
PJ Fleck, Western Michigan
Craig Bohl, Wyoming
Chris Petersen, Washington
Mike MacIntyre, Colorado
Nick Saban, Alabama
Neal Brown, Troy
I will announce semifinalists next weekend!
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
Willie Taggert, USF
Matt Ruhle, Temple
Ken Niumatololo, Navy
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia
Urban Meyer, Ohio State
James Franklin, Penn State
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion
PJ Fleck, Western Michigan
Craig Bohl, Wyoming
Chris Petersen, Washington
Mike MacIntyre, Colorado
Nick Saban, Alabama
Neal Brown, Troy
I will announce semifinalists next weekend!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Bilo's College Football: FBS and FCS Picks Week 14
Here are my picks for the week. This week includes conference title games, FCS playoff games, and the final straggler games in FBS that are not conference title games...
FCS
Alabama over Florida
Virginia Tech over Clemson
Wisconsin over Penn State
Oklahoma over Oklahoma State
West Virginia over Baylor
Navy over Temple
TCU over Kansas State
Troy over Georgia Southern
Western Kentucky over Louisiana Tech
South Alabama over New Mexico State
UL-Lafayette over UL-Monroe
Idaho over Georgia State
Arkansas State over Texas State
Wyoming over San Diego State
FCS Playoffs
North Dakota State over San Diego
South Dakota State over Villanova
Jacksonville State over Youngstown State
Citadel over Wofford
Sam Houston State over Chattanooga
James Madison over New Hampshire
Richmond over North Dakota
Eastern Washington over Central Arkansas
FCS
Alabama over Florida
Virginia Tech over Clemson
Wisconsin over Penn State
Oklahoma over Oklahoma State
West Virginia over Baylor
Navy over Temple
TCU over Kansas State
Troy over Georgia Southern
Western Kentucky over Louisiana Tech
South Alabama over New Mexico State
UL-Lafayette over UL-Monroe
Idaho over Georgia State
Arkansas State over Texas State
Wyoming over San Diego State
FCS Playoffs
North Dakota State over San Diego
South Dakota State over Villanova
Jacksonville State over Youngstown State
Citadel over Wofford
Sam Houston State over Chattanooga
James Madison over New Hampshire
Richmond over North Dakota
Eastern Washington over Central Arkansas
Bilo's College Football: Saturday Championship Games Preview
Here are my previews for Saturday's Championship Games...
SEC Title Game: Alabama vs. Florida
Alabama is the most dominant program in college football. When the season started, I said that the Tide was the presumptive national title favorite until someone said they were not. That still holds true as ever. Nobody will stop Alabama until Alabama agrees t be stopped. That will not happen in Atlanta, with Florida being likely to lose by at least 17-21 points in my opinion. This will be less of a conference title tilt than a warm up for the national semifinals for the Tide.
Projection: Alabama to national Semifinal, Florida to NY6 bowl
ACC Title Game: Virginia Tech vs. Clemson
The Hokies were not always as stable as they could have been, but there has definitely been new life breathed into this program by the hiring of Justin Fuente. This smells like a game where Clemson should be heavily favored, but somehow I still believe that the Hokies can hang around. If they do, Virginia Tech has a shot in this one.
Projection: Virginia Tech has more than a weak chance to pull an upset here
Big 10 Title Game: Penn State vs. Wisconsin
Well, this is not exactly the game we thought we would get a month ago. Penn State is one of the strangest divisional champs in recent memory. They have the nation's best offense over the last 6 weeks, but they are getting one of the best defensive teams in the nation in Wisconsin. If Wisconsin can find some offense, their defense ought to be tough enough to slow down the Nittany Lion attack, especially if Saquon Barkley is banged up as is being reported.
Projection: Wisconsin to Rose Bowl, Penn State to NY6 game
Big 12 Title Game (Sort Of): Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
The Big 12 does not have a title game until 2017, but they got their best imitation of one in this game. Bedlam will mean something big this season, and will mean more if there is some chaos in some other conference title games, such as in the Big 10 and ACC title games. Oklahoma State has been pushing all season since a strange home loss to Central Michigan, and nobody has been better than Oklahoma since they started 1-2. Someone can catch a break with a big win here, but that someone should be the Sooners.
Projection: Oklahoma to NY6, Oklahoma State to Alamo Bowl
American Athletic Conference Title Game: Temple vs. Navy
Tickets are not exactly jumping off the shelf for this game of traditional non powers. Navy has been a machine all season long despite Will Worth not even being the primary QB when the season began. He basically became a scoring machine. Temple was not an early the favorite in the east, but a shocker of a win over a resurgent USF team got them here, Matt Ruhle has done another stellar job of coaching a team without the resources of bigger programs in his own league to a divisional title and a big post season.
Projection: Navy power run game will be too much to handle for Owls
Conference USA Title Game: Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky
Neither team started out gang busters this season, but both the Bulldogs and Hilltoppers picked up steam in time for conference play, and both found a way to dominate in their respective divisions once again. Look for a high scoring shootout here, as that is what both teams like to do most...score points.
Projection: Home field edge goes to WKU
Mountain West Title Game: San Diego State at Wyoming
Wyoming won game one of this 2016 season series as it is turning out to be. THe Cowboys would love to get the clean sweep, and they very much can achieve this with a win over the Aztecs, who are slumping in a major way, as they head into this game with consecutive losses to the Cowboys and to Colorado State. Wyoming lost to New Mexico, and so managed to back their way into this one.
Projection: Wyoming to Las Vegas Bowl, SDSU to Poinsettia.
SEC Title Game: Alabama vs. Florida
Alabama is the most dominant program in college football. When the season started, I said that the Tide was the presumptive national title favorite until someone said they were not. That still holds true as ever. Nobody will stop Alabama until Alabama agrees t be stopped. That will not happen in Atlanta, with Florida being likely to lose by at least 17-21 points in my opinion. This will be less of a conference title tilt than a warm up for the national semifinals for the Tide.
Projection: Alabama to national Semifinal, Florida to NY6 bowl
ACC Title Game: Virginia Tech vs. Clemson
The Hokies were not always as stable as they could have been, but there has definitely been new life breathed into this program by the hiring of Justin Fuente. This smells like a game where Clemson should be heavily favored, but somehow I still believe that the Hokies can hang around. If they do, Virginia Tech has a shot in this one.
Projection: Virginia Tech has more than a weak chance to pull an upset here
Big 10 Title Game: Penn State vs. Wisconsin
Well, this is not exactly the game we thought we would get a month ago. Penn State is one of the strangest divisional champs in recent memory. They have the nation's best offense over the last 6 weeks, but they are getting one of the best defensive teams in the nation in Wisconsin. If Wisconsin can find some offense, their defense ought to be tough enough to slow down the Nittany Lion attack, especially if Saquon Barkley is banged up as is being reported.
Projection: Wisconsin to Rose Bowl, Penn State to NY6 game
Big 12 Title Game (Sort Of): Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
The Big 12 does not have a title game until 2017, but they got their best imitation of one in this game. Bedlam will mean something big this season, and will mean more if there is some chaos in some other conference title games, such as in the Big 10 and ACC title games. Oklahoma State has been pushing all season since a strange home loss to Central Michigan, and nobody has been better than Oklahoma since they started 1-2. Someone can catch a break with a big win here, but that someone should be the Sooners.
Projection: Oklahoma to NY6, Oklahoma State to Alamo Bowl
American Athletic Conference Title Game: Temple vs. Navy
Tickets are not exactly jumping off the shelf for this game of traditional non powers. Navy has been a machine all season long despite Will Worth not even being the primary QB when the season began. He basically became a scoring machine. Temple was not an early the favorite in the east, but a shocker of a win over a resurgent USF team got them here, Matt Ruhle has done another stellar job of coaching a team without the resources of bigger programs in his own league to a divisional title and a big post season.
Projection: Navy power run game will be too much to handle for Owls
Conference USA Title Game: Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky
Neither team started out gang busters this season, but both the Bulldogs and Hilltoppers picked up steam in time for conference play, and both found a way to dominate in their respective divisions once again. Look for a high scoring shootout here, as that is what both teams like to do most...score points.
Projection: Home field edge goes to WKU
Mountain West Title Game: San Diego State at Wyoming
Wyoming won game one of this 2016 season series as it is turning out to be. THe Cowboys would love to get the clean sweep, and they very much can achieve this with a win over the Aztecs, who are slumping in a major way, as they head into this game with consecutive losses to the Cowboys and to Colorado State. Wyoming lost to New Mexico, and so managed to back their way into this one.
Projection: Wyoming to Las Vegas Bowl, SDSU to Poinsettia.
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