What a day it has been. We woke up to the same news from this time last year that Urban Meyer had indeed resigned...again. Tonight our sources are telling us that Rich rodriguez could be out in the very near future at Michigan. And other wheels continue to spin, as Rrumors are floating that Butch Davis could make it a trifecta at North Carolina. Lets take a look at what's going on all over college football in the coaching ranks. We'll start with the FBS and move on to the FCS ranks.
Ball State
There is no new news on this job. Brian Polian was in and out and then back in again this week as a candidate, but this trail has gone cold.
Arkansas State
Hugh Freeze is building his staff at ASU. OL Coach Darren Hiller has been retained. Auburn Grad Asst. Rhett Lashlee has met with Freeze about an unnamed position.
Colorado
Jon Embree is busy building his staff as well. DC Ron Collins, TE Coach Ken Riddle, OL COach Denver Johnson, DL Coach Romeo Bandison, and WR Coach Robert Prince have all been let go. Mike Tuaiasosopo has been hired away from Arizona for a defensive position. Brian Cabral is returning.
Florida
With Urban Meyer stepping down, the list contains some no brainer names. Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen and Louisville HC Charlie Strong are 1 and 2 on the list. Jon Gruden's name is listed, but he is very unlikely. Arkansas HC Bobby Petrino, Oklahoma HC Bob Stoops, and Utah HC Kyle Whittingham rounds it out. Mullen and Strong seem to be the only realistic candidates on this list.
Kent State
There is an entirely new list of candidates for this job. Alabama WR Coach Curt Cignetti, South Florida OC Todd Fitch, Ohio State WR Coach Darrell Hazell, Texas WR Coach Bobby Kennedy, West Virginia OC Jeff Mullen, and current DC Pete Rekstis make out the current list. Chuck Martin and Don Treadwell are noticeably absent from this list. Kennedy is thought to be on the outs at Texas and his name is linked to the WR job at Colorado and at UCLA, should the Bruins open the job according to the Austin Statesman.
Louisiana-Lafayette
This job has been whittled down to three candidates. Joe Deforrest, mark Hudspeth, and Mike Sewak appear to be the finalists, but LSU ST Coordinator Joe Robinson interviewed as well.
Northern Illinois
There are 4 people on the list tonight, as it has grown since this morning. PJ Fleck is still on the list, and is joined by West Virginia RB Coach Chris Beatty, Nebraska Secondary Coach Marvin Sanders, and Syracuse DC Scott Shafer. Another candidate who should get an interview is Michigan State OL coach Dan Rousher, who was the OC at Northern Illinois for 5 seasons before working for Mark Dantonio at Cincinnati and Michigan State. He was the OC at NIU when Fleck was a player there. Ready for the chance, and has earned it.
Pittsburgh
With Wannstadt gone, the interested parties ought to be good. This is a good job, with a supportive fan base and some hefty boosters. The list so far contains Florida DC Teryl Austin, current Pitt OC Frank Cignetti (he is the interim HC), current D-Line Coach Greg Gattuso, Temple HC Al Golden, Arizona Cardinals OL Coach Russ Grimm, Oklahoma State OC Dana Holgorsen, Iowa State HC Paul Rhodes, Alabama LB Coach Sal Sunseri, and Florida State DC Mark Stoops. Arizona HC Mike Stoops is on the list as well.
I expect some bigger names to pop up on this list as the Florida job gets filled.
Vanderbilt
According to the Washington Post, the job is down to Maryland OC James Franklin and Stanford Asst. Greg Roman.
North Texas
Dan McCarney has hired Western Kentucky DC Clint Bowen to be the DC at UNT.
Kentucky
footballscoop.com has not confirmed that UK has interest in bringing in Randy Shannon as DC.
UAB
Valdosta State DC Joe Cauthen has interviewed to be the new DC.
Northern Colorado
A list is finally available and is as follows: Montana DC Mike Breske, Colorado Mines HC Bob Stitt, CSU-Pueblo HC John Wristen, Alcorn State HC Earnest Collins (Really???), and Chadron State HC Bill O'Boyle. Collins was only 5-6 at Alcorn this season, so he would make my least likely list.
North Carolina Central
South Carolina State WR Coach Howard Feggins will interview for the HC job.
Furman
The finalists are Robbie Caldwell, Bruce Fowler, and Bob Shoop.
Duquesne
HC Jerry Schmitt has agreed to a 3 year extension.
Delaware State
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) OC Mike Gibson has shown interest in this job according to footballscoop.com
Samford
Florida State grad Asst. Travis Trickett is the new TE/Slot Receiver Coach. According to Yahoo's Tom Dinehart, Trickett has a very bright future.
Gardner-Webb
Former Furman HC Bobby Lamb and Clemson DB Coach Charlie Harbison are the early candidates.
More as it becomes available...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
More Major Coaching Movement Possible?
A very good source has told me this evening that there is word that Michigan may be on the verge of firing Rich Rodriguez. Michael Wilbon also alluded to such a move by stating on Tony Kornheiser's radio show that “I had a solo conversation with someone who is affiliated with the current coach at Michigan, and he does not believe for a second that he’ll be back,”.
That story ran on November 19th, before the Ohio State game and was posted on landloyalty.com, and the source that Wilbon was referring to was a former player that had played for Rodriguez at Michigan. That player is unnamed at this time. Our source tells us that the word is coming out of Michigan that the process may very well have begun. Don't be surprised if Michigan makes a move very shortly, and that they would then make a run for Jim Harbaugh. It has been widely rumored that Harbaugh would leave Stanford after this season, especially with the rumor grinding out there that Andrew Luck is set to bolt for the pro game. One thing to consider, however, is would Luck still bail if there was to be an NFL lockout, like many in the NFLPA are guaranteeing that there will be. If Luck stayed another season, would Harbaugh stick around at Stanford? He has a stellar recruiting class coming in, and he looks like he has Stanford primed to go glove to glove with Oregon for some time in the new PAC-12.
More on this story shortly...
That story ran on November 19th, before the Ohio State game and was posted on landloyalty.com, and the source that Wilbon was referring to was a former player that had played for Rodriguez at Michigan. That player is unnamed at this time. Our source tells us that the word is coming out of Michigan that the process may very well have begun. Don't be surprised if Michigan makes a move very shortly, and that they would then make a run for Jim Harbaugh. It has been widely rumored that Harbaugh would leave Stanford after this season, especially with the rumor grinding out there that Andrew Luck is set to bolt for the pro game. One thing to consider, however, is would Luck still bail if there was to be an NFL lockout, like many in the NFLPA are guaranteeing that there will be. If Luck stayed another season, would Harbaugh stick around at Stanford? He has a stellar recruiting class coming in, and he looks like he has Stanford primed to go glove to glove with Oregon for some time in the new PAC-12.
More on this story shortly...
Urban Meyer Steps Down at Florida
According to Sporting News Radio, Yahoo! and FanHouse.com Urban Meyer is planning a news conference to announce he is resigning at Florida. Meyer just pleaded a 7-5 season. More news as it becomes available...
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Bowl Breakdown-Part 2
Here is the next round of Bowl Previews. One item before I continue...The final FBS PRS will be released later tonight. Once I have broken down the PRS at 1-120, I will be posting a look at how I would have had the bowl assignments done out according to my ranking. I will also be looking at what the bowl schedule would look like if I had complete control, including which bowls would exist and which would not. I'll give you one sneak peak at what to expect from that...I would re-emphasize the importance of New Years Day.
Without further delay, here is my continuation of the bowl breakdown...
Poinsettia Bowl
December 23, 8PM EST
ESPN
Navy Midshipmen (8-3) vs. San Diego State (8-4)
(Navy plays Army this Saturday)
Navy still has one more game on the slate, and can still win their 9th game of the season. The Middies are in the midst of the best run in academy history, and the success continues with another bowl bid. The season started a bit bumpy, but Navy has has now won 6 of their last 7. QB Ricky Dobbs is not having the season that he had in 2009, but he is still solid, as he has a combined 23 TDs rushing and passing. The defense is a work in progress still, and the Middies will be hard pressed to defend the weapons that Al Borges' SDSU offense brings to bear. QB Ryan Lindley has passed for 3554 yards and 26 TDs in 2010, but does have 14 picks to go along with it. Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson have both gone for over 1000 yards receiving and have combined for 17 TDs.Ronnie Hillman also brings his 1304 rushing yards to the table with his 14 TDs on the ground.
I Pick: San Diego State
Hawaii Bowl
December 24, 8PM EST
ESPN
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (10-3) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (9-3)
This will be one of the more exciting bowl games on the plate this season. Not many people had a bunch of hope for these two clubs this season, and both for different reasons, but they both played well above the level expected. Hawaii plays at Aloha Stadium once again, and they bring one of America's best offenses to the front of the room. They tied for the WAC title behind the incredible arm of QB Bryant Moniz, who passed for 4629 yards and 36 TDs on the season. Greg Salas finished the season with 106 grabs for 1675 yards and 12 TDs, and add the outstanding production of Kealoha Pilares (88-1306-15 TDs) to the mix. Royce Pollard and Rodney Bradley combined for another 104 catches for 1283 yards and 7 TDs on the season. You may not think that with that much passing going on that UH would have a running game, but you would be wrong about that. Alex Green has rushed for 1168 yards and an amazing 17 TDs on the season and has 26 catches out of the backfield. On defense, the Rainbows are loaded with stars as well and have held opponents to 21 points or under 7 times.
Tulsa was coming off of one of their most disappointing seasons in 2009, and Todd Graham got the ship headed in the right direction this season. They started off 1-2, but then went 8-1 the rest of the way. They tied SMU for the CUSA West title, but they fell to the Mustangs, keeping them out of the CUSA title game. QB GJ Kinne has developed into a monster at QB. Kinne has passed for 3307 yards and 28 TDs, and then led the Hurricane in rushing with 557 yards and 7 more TDs. Damaris Johnson led the team in receiving, but Charles Clay led the team in receiving scores with 7. Marco Nelson and Dexter McCoil are dangerous on D, each with 6 picks.
I Pick: Hawaii in a wild one
Little Caesers Bowl
December 26, 8:30PM EST
ESPN
Florida International Panthers (6-6) vs. Toledo Rockets (8-4)
This will be the first ever bowl appearance for the Panthers. The Panthers shared Sun Belt title with Troy, but had defeated the Trojans 52-35 this season to get the conference's top spot. After an 0-4 start, FIU went 6-2 the rest of the way. QB Wesley Carroll (Mississippi State transfer) struggled at times, and passed for 2483 yards, but his TD/Pick ratio was almost even at 15/13. The strength is in the run game, but the job is shared by Darriet Perry and Darrian Mallary. They have combined for 1373 yards and 16 TDs this season. TY Hilton will be the main target in the receiving game, as he combined for 1094 yards rushing/receiving, while scoring 8 TDs.
Terrence Owens and Austin Dantin shared the QB job due to Dantin getting injured. Owens is the better option, as he has passed for 1112 yards with 12 TDs against 2 picks. Dantin tossed 8 picks against 7 TDs. Adonis Thomas is the rushing leader with 905 yards and 6 TDs. Eric Page is the receiving leader with 1081 yards on 94 catches with 8 TDs. Tim Beckman has done a splendid job of putting the pieces back together this season after several season of downturn. The Rockets are on the way back.
I Pick: Toledo
Indpendence Bowl
December 27, 5PM EST
ESPN
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-6) vs. Air Force Falcons (8-4)
The Yellow Jackets were a letdown team in 2010. Josh Nesbitt is not a passing threat, so whenever the Yellow Jackets fall behind, they are not a solid choice to make a comeback. Nesbitt can run like the wind, as he rushed for 737 yards and 10 scores. He did manage to pass for 7 scores. Anthony Allen rushed for 1225 yards and 6 TDs as the replacement for Jonathon Dwyer. Tech lost 4 of their last 5 games, so they are stumbling into this bowl.
Air Force, like Tech, is not a pass first team by any means, but Tim Jefferson can toss it around a little. Jefferson passed for 1342 yards and 10 TDs, and he rushed for another 769 yards and 15 TDs. Asher Allen is the leading rusher with 1001 yards and 5 TDs. The Falcons have won 3 straight after a bad mid-season slump.
I Pick: Air Force
Champs Sports Bowl
December 28, 6:30PM EST
TV TBA
North Carolina State Wolfpack (8-4) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)
Russell Wilson had a very nice season, as he passed for 3288 yards and 26 TDs. He did, however, still toss 14 picks. Wilson rushed for 394 yards and another 9 scores. NC State rushed for a total of 17 team TDs this season. Owen Spencer is the first option at WR. This will be the first bowl trip for NC State under Tom O'Brien.
Geno Smith had a solid season at QB for the Mountaineers. WVU needed a new leader at the position, and they found one. Smith passed for 2567 yards and 23 TDs, and he only tossed 6 picks. WVU usually has a solid rushing game, but this season was under the usual standards. Noel Devine was not his usual self, as he missed out on 1000 yards (886) and 6 TDs. Tavon Austin caught 8 TD passes, while Jock Sanders had 64 catches.
I Pick: NC State
Insight Bowl
December 28, 10PM EST
ESPN
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) vs. Missouri Tigers (10-2)
This is the first time that these two teams will play in 100 years. The Hawkeyes are coming in trying to scrub away the after taste of a miserable finish. They dropped their final 3 games of the season, including a loss to Minnesota. The offense fell apart during that slump, and scored 24 points or less in their final 4 games. There is no blaming Ricky Stanzi for the poor play, as Stanzi passed for 2804 yards and 25 TDs against only 4 picks on the season. The rushing game was in trouble from the opener, as injuries started out in fall camp. Adam Robinson carried the load with 941 yards and 10 TDs. Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos combined for 18 TDs receiving, but Johnson-Koulianos will miss the bowl as he is suspended for a drug related arrest. The Hawkeyes held their opponents to 21 points or less in 7 games this season, so the defense is a bright spot.
The Tigers had a shot to play for the Big 12 title after having won 6 straight to open the season. They then dropped a game to Nebraska, but what made matters worse was a strange loss to Texas Tech the following week. Blaine Gabbert passed for 2752 yards, but only had 15 TDs, a fairly low number for a QB in this offense. De'Vion Moore rushed for 8 TDs, but only managed a mere 485 yards on the season. TJ Moe is the top receiving target, but only had 6 TDs on the season.
I Pick: Missouri...close and low scoring
Without further delay, here is my continuation of the bowl breakdown...
Poinsettia Bowl
December 23, 8PM EST
ESPN
Navy Midshipmen (8-3) vs. San Diego State (8-4)
(Navy plays Army this Saturday)
Navy still has one more game on the slate, and can still win their 9th game of the season. The Middies are in the midst of the best run in academy history, and the success continues with another bowl bid. The season started a bit bumpy, but Navy has has now won 6 of their last 7. QB Ricky Dobbs is not having the season that he had in 2009, but he is still solid, as he has a combined 23 TDs rushing and passing. The defense is a work in progress still, and the Middies will be hard pressed to defend the weapons that Al Borges' SDSU offense brings to bear. QB Ryan Lindley has passed for 3554 yards and 26 TDs in 2010, but does have 14 picks to go along with it. Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson have both gone for over 1000 yards receiving and have combined for 17 TDs.Ronnie Hillman also brings his 1304 rushing yards to the table with his 14 TDs on the ground.
I Pick: San Diego State
Hawaii Bowl
December 24, 8PM EST
ESPN
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (10-3) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (9-3)
This will be one of the more exciting bowl games on the plate this season. Not many people had a bunch of hope for these two clubs this season, and both for different reasons, but they both played well above the level expected. Hawaii plays at Aloha Stadium once again, and they bring one of America's best offenses to the front of the room. They tied for the WAC title behind the incredible arm of QB Bryant Moniz, who passed for 4629 yards and 36 TDs on the season. Greg Salas finished the season with 106 grabs for 1675 yards and 12 TDs, and add the outstanding production of Kealoha Pilares (88-1306-15 TDs) to the mix. Royce Pollard and Rodney Bradley combined for another 104 catches for 1283 yards and 7 TDs on the season. You may not think that with that much passing going on that UH would have a running game, but you would be wrong about that. Alex Green has rushed for 1168 yards and an amazing 17 TDs on the season and has 26 catches out of the backfield. On defense, the Rainbows are loaded with stars as well and have held opponents to 21 points or under 7 times.
Tulsa was coming off of one of their most disappointing seasons in 2009, and Todd Graham got the ship headed in the right direction this season. They started off 1-2, but then went 8-1 the rest of the way. They tied SMU for the CUSA West title, but they fell to the Mustangs, keeping them out of the CUSA title game. QB GJ Kinne has developed into a monster at QB. Kinne has passed for 3307 yards and 28 TDs, and then led the Hurricane in rushing with 557 yards and 7 more TDs. Damaris Johnson led the team in receiving, but Charles Clay led the team in receiving scores with 7. Marco Nelson and Dexter McCoil are dangerous on D, each with 6 picks.
I Pick: Hawaii in a wild one
Little Caesers Bowl
December 26, 8:30PM EST
ESPN
Florida International Panthers (6-6) vs. Toledo Rockets (8-4)
This will be the first ever bowl appearance for the Panthers. The Panthers shared Sun Belt title with Troy, but had defeated the Trojans 52-35 this season to get the conference's top spot. After an 0-4 start, FIU went 6-2 the rest of the way. QB Wesley Carroll (Mississippi State transfer) struggled at times, and passed for 2483 yards, but his TD/Pick ratio was almost even at 15/13. The strength is in the run game, but the job is shared by Darriet Perry and Darrian Mallary. They have combined for 1373 yards and 16 TDs this season. TY Hilton will be the main target in the receiving game, as he combined for 1094 yards rushing/receiving, while scoring 8 TDs.
Terrence Owens and Austin Dantin shared the QB job due to Dantin getting injured. Owens is the better option, as he has passed for 1112 yards with 12 TDs against 2 picks. Dantin tossed 8 picks against 7 TDs. Adonis Thomas is the rushing leader with 905 yards and 6 TDs. Eric Page is the receiving leader with 1081 yards on 94 catches with 8 TDs. Tim Beckman has done a splendid job of putting the pieces back together this season after several season of downturn. The Rockets are on the way back.
I Pick: Toledo
Indpendence Bowl
December 27, 5PM EST
ESPN
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-6) vs. Air Force Falcons (8-4)
The Yellow Jackets were a letdown team in 2010. Josh Nesbitt is not a passing threat, so whenever the Yellow Jackets fall behind, they are not a solid choice to make a comeback. Nesbitt can run like the wind, as he rushed for 737 yards and 10 scores. He did manage to pass for 7 scores. Anthony Allen rushed for 1225 yards and 6 TDs as the replacement for Jonathon Dwyer. Tech lost 4 of their last 5 games, so they are stumbling into this bowl.
Air Force, like Tech, is not a pass first team by any means, but Tim Jefferson can toss it around a little. Jefferson passed for 1342 yards and 10 TDs, and he rushed for another 769 yards and 15 TDs. Asher Allen is the leading rusher with 1001 yards and 5 TDs. The Falcons have won 3 straight after a bad mid-season slump.
I Pick: Air Force
Champs Sports Bowl
December 28, 6:30PM EST
TV TBA
North Carolina State Wolfpack (8-4) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (9-3)
Russell Wilson had a very nice season, as he passed for 3288 yards and 26 TDs. He did, however, still toss 14 picks. Wilson rushed for 394 yards and another 9 scores. NC State rushed for a total of 17 team TDs this season. Owen Spencer is the first option at WR. This will be the first bowl trip for NC State under Tom O'Brien.
Geno Smith had a solid season at QB for the Mountaineers. WVU needed a new leader at the position, and they found one. Smith passed for 2567 yards and 23 TDs, and he only tossed 6 picks. WVU usually has a solid rushing game, but this season was under the usual standards. Noel Devine was not his usual self, as he missed out on 1000 yards (886) and 6 TDs. Tavon Austin caught 8 TD passes, while Jock Sanders had 64 catches.
I Pick: NC State
Insight Bowl
December 28, 10PM EST
ESPN
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) vs. Missouri Tigers (10-2)
This is the first time that these two teams will play in 100 years. The Hawkeyes are coming in trying to scrub away the after taste of a miserable finish. They dropped their final 3 games of the season, including a loss to Minnesota. The offense fell apart during that slump, and scored 24 points or less in their final 4 games. There is no blaming Ricky Stanzi for the poor play, as Stanzi passed for 2804 yards and 25 TDs against only 4 picks on the season. The rushing game was in trouble from the opener, as injuries started out in fall camp. Adam Robinson carried the load with 941 yards and 10 TDs. Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos combined for 18 TDs receiving, but Johnson-Koulianos will miss the bowl as he is suspended for a drug related arrest. The Hawkeyes held their opponents to 21 points or less in 7 games this season, so the defense is a bright spot.
The Tigers had a shot to play for the Big 12 title after having won 6 straight to open the season. They then dropped a game to Nebraska, but what made matters worse was a strange loss to Texas Tech the following week. Blaine Gabbert passed for 2752 yards, but only had 15 TDs, a fairly low number for a QB in this offense. De'Vion Moore rushed for 8 TDs, but only managed a mere 485 yards on the season. TJ Moe is the top receiving target, but only had 6 TDs on the season.
I Pick: Missouri...close and low scoring
Coaching News 3:50PM PST
Miami
New names are Arizona HC Mike Stoops and Philadelphia Eagles DC Sean McDermott.
Northern Illinois
The only candidate mentioned as of this time is Rutgers WR Coach and former Husky PJ Fleck.
New names are Arizona HC Mike Stoops and Philadelphia Eagles DC Sean McDermott.
Northern Illinois
The only candidate mentioned as of this time is Rutgers WR Coach and former Husky PJ Fleck.
Coaching News 12/7 3:30PM
Pittsburgh
Wannstadt resigned, and was not fired, according to multiple sources. Frank Cignetti has been named interim HC.
Indiana
No news on Kevin Wilson's staff as of now.
Army
Rich Ellerson has been signed to a 2 year extension. HIs name was starting to float around.
Air Force
Troy Calhoun has been given a raise of $100,000. His assistants have been given raises of between $10,000 and $15,000. This all comes on the heels of his name surfacing as a replacement for Josh McDaniels with the Denver Broncos. Remember that Calhoun was an assistant under Gary Kubuak with the Texans, so a move back to the NFL would not be out of place.
Texas State
Former Minnesota HC Tim Brewster would like to get in on this job. Seattle Seahawks DB Coach Jerry Gray has had conversations as well.
UL-Lafayette
It is being reported that Burton Burns is out of the running for this job after having received a ton of backing from the high school communities in Louisiana.
Kentucky
Steve Brown has been knocked down from DC to Co-DC. DB Coach Chris Thurmond may be out as well as RB Coach Larry Brinson.
Vanderbilt
Wisconsin DC Dave Doeren has interviewed. Obviously out of the running for a job at Indiana.
Minnesota
Jerry Kill is in place as HC, but it has been reported that the job had been offered to Barry Alvarez (Wisconsin AD).
Samford
Charleston Southern WR Coach Patrick Nix and Auburn Offensive Grad Asst. Rhett Lashlee have interviewed for the OC spot under Pat Sullivan.
Howard
Arkansas-Pine Bluff OC Jerry Mack and Bowie State OC Gary Harrell are candidates at this time for HC.
Sacramento State
According to footballscoop.com, TE Coach Rob Case is out. D-Line Coach John Osterhaut and LB Coach Lou Baiz are out.
Colorado
RB Coach Darian Hagin is staying on Jon Embree's staff.
Wannstadt resigned, and was not fired, according to multiple sources. Frank Cignetti has been named interim HC.
Indiana
No news on Kevin Wilson's staff as of now.
Army
Rich Ellerson has been signed to a 2 year extension. HIs name was starting to float around.
Air Force
Troy Calhoun has been given a raise of $100,000. His assistants have been given raises of between $10,000 and $15,000. This all comes on the heels of his name surfacing as a replacement for Josh McDaniels with the Denver Broncos. Remember that Calhoun was an assistant under Gary Kubuak with the Texans, so a move back to the NFL would not be out of place.
Texas State
Former Minnesota HC Tim Brewster would like to get in on this job. Seattle Seahawks DB Coach Jerry Gray has had conversations as well.
UL-Lafayette
It is being reported that Burton Burns is out of the running for this job after having received a ton of backing from the high school communities in Louisiana.
Kentucky
Steve Brown has been knocked down from DC to Co-DC. DB Coach Chris Thurmond may be out as well as RB Coach Larry Brinson.
Vanderbilt
Wisconsin DC Dave Doeren has interviewed. Obviously out of the running for a job at Indiana.
Minnesota
Jerry Kill is in place as HC, but it has been reported that the job had been offered to Barry Alvarez (Wisconsin AD).
Samford
Charleston Southern WR Coach Patrick Nix and Auburn Offensive Grad Asst. Rhett Lashlee have interviewed for the OC spot under Pat Sullivan.
Howard
Arkansas-Pine Bluff OC Jerry Mack and Bowie State OC Gary Harrell are candidates at this time for HC.
Sacramento State
According to footballscoop.com, TE Coach Rob Case is out. D-Line Coach John Osterhaut and LB Coach Lou Baiz are out.
Colorado
RB Coach Darian Hagin is staying on Jon Embree's staff.
Coaching News 12/7 2:45PM PST
Pittsburgh
Dave Wannstadt is out at Pitt according to footballscoop.com and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. More info as it becomes available, but hardly a surprise at this point. Early candidates appear to be Mike Stoops of Arizona and Al Golden at Temple.
Indiana
Oklahoma OC Kevin wilson was officially named the new HC at IU today, and he has signed a 7 year deal at $1.2 million per season.
More soon...
Dave Wannstadt is out at Pitt according to footballscoop.com and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. More info as it becomes available, but hardly a surprise at this point. Early candidates appear to be Mike Stoops of Arizona and Al Golden at Temple.
Indiana
Oklahoma OC Kevin wilson was officially named the new HC at IU today, and he has signed a 7 year deal at $1.2 million per season.
More soon...
Monday, December 6, 2010
Bowl Game Breakdown-Part 1 Pre-Christmas
New Mexico Bowl
December 18, 2PM EST
ESPN
Brigham Young Cougars (6-6) vs. Texas-El Paso Miners (6-6)
These two teams have not met since 1998, and were former WAC members. BYU had a terrible start to the season, but freshman QB Jake Heaps is coming around, and BYU finished 5-2. JJ Diluigi leads the Cougars in both receiving and rushing, so he is the guy to stop. UTEP on the other hand has bumbled their way to New Mexico, as they have lost 5 of 6 to finish. They have no rushing game, as Donald Buckram never fully recovered from his early season knee injury.
I Pick: BYU
Humanitarian Bowl
December 18, 5:30PM EST
ESPN
Northern Illinois Huskies (10-3) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4)
This will be one of the better matchups during the bowl season. Fresno State, even as the 4th best team in the WAC, could still be considered as one of the better programs in the country and can play with anyone. Northern Illinois could be rattled as HC Jerry Kill has bailed on them to take the Minnesota job and will not coach them. That being said, the Huskies have been an incredible story in 2010, and will push to make this game the exclamation point on a great run.
I Pick: Fresno State
New Orleans Bowl
December 18, 8PM EST
ESPN
Ohio Bobcats (8-4) vs. Troy Trojans (7-5)
Not exactly a game that people are jumping around about. Troy stumbled and bumbled all season long in America's worst conference. The Trojans split their final 6 games at 3-3, so they are not heading to the Bayou trailing rocket fire. QB Corey Robinson is the star, as he passed for 3320 yards and 24 scores. He also tossed 15 picks in 12 games, and the Trojans don't have a solid rushing game. The Bobcats of Ohio were also a maddeningly inconsistent team at times. They started horribly, going 1-3 to start the season, but then went on a 7 game tear, only to drop a mind bending game to Kent State 28-6 in the season finale. A win in that game would have had the Bobcats in the MAC title game as they had beaten Miami (Ohio).Don't expect loads of ofeense from the Bobcats, but they can play some D. Boo Jackson tossed 15 TD passes, but also tossed 16 picks, which is part of the issue with Ohio.
I Pick: Ohio
Beef O'Brady Bowl
December 21, 8:30PM EST
ESPN
Louisville Cardinals (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (8-4)
Louisville scrapped their way to a bowl game in Charlie Strong's first season as HC. Louisville is just happy to be going to any bowl game this season after their recent drought. They do have issues coming into this game at QB, where their top two QBs, Adam Froman and Will Stein, both are suffering from injury issues. Bilal Powell has had a monster season at RB with 1330 yards and 10 TDs. The Eagles have been up and down all season, as they enter this game having gone 4-3 in their last 7 games. Austin Davis passed for 2898 yards but only 18 TDs on the season, hardly earth shattering. He did, however, lead the team with 10 rushing scores. This game marks the 9th consecutive bowl appearance for Southern Miss.
I Pick: Southern Mississippi
Las Vegas Bowl
December 22, 8PM EST
ESPN
Utah Utes (10-2) vs. Boise State Broncos (11-1)
Both of these teams were BCS candidates until they ran into some late season buzz saws. Utah was flying high until consecutive losses to MWC Champ TCU and Notre Dame took them down in consecutive weeks. The Utes finished strong with consecutive wins over San Diego State and BYU, both bowl teams. Utah will be without QB Jordan Wynn for this game, but Terrence Cain played very well in appearances earlier this season, and Eddie Wide rushed for 10 TDs, with Matt Asiata rushing for 8. Boise was a strong championship contender before falling to Nevada two games ago in Reno. The Broncos blew a big lead in that game, and watched all BCS asperations go flying. They are still one of the best teams in the country and you can expect the Blue and Orange army to travel well down to Vegas. Expect a sellout. It'll be hard to beat Boise with the combo of Moore, Pettis, and Young.
I Pick: Boise State
More Previews Tonight...
December 18, 2PM EST
ESPN
Brigham Young Cougars (6-6) vs. Texas-El Paso Miners (6-6)
These two teams have not met since 1998, and were former WAC members. BYU had a terrible start to the season, but freshman QB Jake Heaps is coming around, and BYU finished 5-2. JJ Diluigi leads the Cougars in both receiving and rushing, so he is the guy to stop. UTEP on the other hand has bumbled their way to New Mexico, as they have lost 5 of 6 to finish. They have no rushing game, as Donald Buckram never fully recovered from his early season knee injury.
I Pick: BYU
Humanitarian Bowl
December 18, 5:30PM EST
ESPN
Northern Illinois Huskies (10-3) vs. Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4)
This will be one of the better matchups during the bowl season. Fresno State, even as the 4th best team in the WAC, could still be considered as one of the better programs in the country and can play with anyone. Northern Illinois could be rattled as HC Jerry Kill has bailed on them to take the Minnesota job and will not coach them. That being said, the Huskies have been an incredible story in 2010, and will push to make this game the exclamation point on a great run.
I Pick: Fresno State
New Orleans Bowl
December 18, 8PM EST
ESPN
Ohio Bobcats (8-4) vs. Troy Trojans (7-5)
Not exactly a game that people are jumping around about. Troy stumbled and bumbled all season long in America's worst conference. The Trojans split their final 6 games at 3-3, so they are not heading to the Bayou trailing rocket fire. QB Corey Robinson is the star, as he passed for 3320 yards and 24 scores. He also tossed 15 picks in 12 games, and the Trojans don't have a solid rushing game. The Bobcats of Ohio were also a maddeningly inconsistent team at times. They started horribly, going 1-3 to start the season, but then went on a 7 game tear, only to drop a mind bending game to Kent State 28-6 in the season finale. A win in that game would have had the Bobcats in the MAC title game as they had beaten Miami (Ohio).Don't expect loads of ofeense from the Bobcats, but they can play some D. Boo Jackson tossed 15 TD passes, but also tossed 16 picks, which is part of the issue with Ohio.
I Pick: Ohio
Beef O'Brady Bowl
December 21, 8:30PM EST
ESPN
Louisville Cardinals (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (8-4)
Louisville scrapped their way to a bowl game in Charlie Strong's first season as HC. Louisville is just happy to be going to any bowl game this season after their recent drought. They do have issues coming into this game at QB, where their top two QBs, Adam Froman and Will Stein, both are suffering from injury issues. Bilal Powell has had a monster season at RB with 1330 yards and 10 TDs. The Eagles have been up and down all season, as they enter this game having gone 4-3 in their last 7 games. Austin Davis passed for 2898 yards but only 18 TDs on the season, hardly earth shattering. He did, however, lead the team with 10 rushing scores. This game marks the 9th consecutive bowl appearance for Southern Miss.
I Pick: Southern Mississippi
Las Vegas Bowl
December 22, 8PM EST
ESPN
Utah Utes (10-2) vs. Boise State Broncos (11-1)
Both of these teams were BCS candidates until they ran into some late season buzz saws. Utah was flying high until consecutive losses to MWC Champ TCU and Notre Dame took them down in consecutive weeks. The Utes finished strong with consecutive wins over San Diego State and BYU, both bowl teams. Utah will be without QB Jordan Wynn for this game, but Terrence Cain played very well in appearances earlier this season, and Eddie Wide rushed for 10 TDs, with Matt Asiata rushing for 8. Boise was a strong championship contender before falling to Nevada two games ago in Reno. The Broncos blew a big lead in that game, and watched all BCS asperations go flying. They are still one of the best teams in the country and you can expect the Blue and Orange army to travel well down to Vegas. Expect a sellout. It'll be hard to beat Boise with the combo of Moore, Pettis, and Young.
I Pick: Boise State
More Previews Tonight...
FCS Playoff Update
It certainly was a tough week for those of us picking the games this weekend. Let's tak a look at the second round of games and look ahead to the next round this coming weekend...
Appalachian State 42, Western Illinois 14
This was the DeAndre Presley highlight show for sure. Presley rushed for 264 yards and 3 scores, and Jerry Moore and the Mountaineers cruised to an easy win. WIU's stud QB Matt Barr was completely diminished by the swarming ASU defense, being held to 98 yards passing and 3 picks, and Rb Bryce Flowers only carried 7 times for 41 yards. ASU led 28-7 at the half, and the rout was on.
ASU will now take on Villanova in the next round.
Wofford 17, Jacksonville State 14
The Terriers picked up the upset win behind none other than fullback Eric Breitenstein's 2 TD rushes. Breitenstein rushed for 178 yards on the day, and a stingy Terrier defense held the Gamecocks to under 50% passing for the day.
Wofford now takes on Georgia Southern in the next round, a team that Wofford defeated 33-31 in the regular season.
Delaware 42, Lehigh 20
The Hens continued their impressive 2010 season with a pounding win over the Mountain Hawks in Newark. Pat Devlin passed for 4 scores and 256 yards and never tossed a pick. RB Andrew Pierce rushed for 88 yards and another score. Chris Lum passed for 362 yards on 35 of 58 passing, and did manage to hit Ryan Spadola from 13 out to tie the game early.
Delaware will now take on Colonial rival New Hampshire next Saturday. The two did not meet during the regular season.
New Hampshire 45, Bethune-Cookman 20
Backup QB Kevin Decker made the most of his 1st career start in the battle of backup QBs in Daytona Beach. Decker started due to injury and tossed 3 scores in the 3rd quarter to open up a 14-14 tie game. Decker tossed for 289 yards in the win.
Bethune-Cookman was playing without injured starting QB Matthew Johnson, and the Cats never got into a groove after the half. Jackie Wilson passed for 192 yards, but tossed a couple of costly picks, and the regular season Bilo Poll points champ fell well short.
UNH now takes on Delaware on Saturday.
Georgia Southern 31, William & Mary 15
The Eagles pulled off a sizeable upset on the road against the Tribe, as QB Jaybo Shaw rushed for 3 scores on the day, and Robert Brown added another 178 yards to keep the ball out of Tribe hands. The Eagles rushed for a total of 423 yards on the day.
W&M Rb Jonathon Grimes rushed for 100 yards on just 14 carries, but never scored, and Mike Callahan had an awful day at QB, being held to just 13 of 35 passing and 113 yards.
GSU takes on Wofford next.
North Dakota 42, Montana State 17
DJ McNorton rushed for 207 yards and 4 scores for the Bison in what was perhaps the day's biggest upset. Three of his scores came in the 4th quarter to seperate what was a 14-10 game at the end of the 3rd on runs of 19, 38, and 52 yards. The Bison rushed for 376 yards on the day.
Denarius McGhee passed for 223 yards on the day, but the defense really crumbled on the Bobcats when the game was on the line. The Bobcats also turned the ball over 4 times.
NDSU now will take on Eastern Washington on the road on Saturday.
Villanova 54, Stephen F. Austin 24
Villanova is now in full playoff mode, as they traveled and crushed the Lumberjacks on Saturday. The Cats loved the even numbered quarters as they scored 27 in the 2nd and another 17 in the 4th. They shut out SFA 20-0 after the half. Chris Whitney passed for 222 yards and 4 scores in the win.
All-Bilo QB of the Year Jeremy Moses completed 33 of 51 passes for 340 yards, but was held without a score and tossed 3 picks. He only tossed 4 during the regular season in 11 games. KeithLawson rushed for 75 yards and 3 scores for the Lumberjacks.
Villanova now will travel to take on Appalachian State next weekend.
Eastern Washington 37, Southeast Missouri State 17
The Eagles turned on the burners in the second half, as this game was tied at 17 during the intermission. 1st team All-Bilo back Taiwan Jones rushed for 168 yards and a pair of scores, and SMU transfer QB Bo Levi Mitchell tossed a pair of second half scores to give EWU the trip to the quarterfinals.
Monster back Henry Harris of Southeast was held to just 18 yards on the day, well under his average, and the Redhawks never got on track after the break. Matt Scheible had a tough day as well, only completing 6 of 15 passes with a pair of picks.
EWU will now host North Dakota State on Saturday.
Appalachian State 42, Western Illinois 14
This was the DeAndre Presley highlight show for sure. Presley rushed for 264 yards and 3 scores, and Jerry Moore and the Mountaineers cruised to an easy win. WIU's stud QB Matt Barr was completely diminished by the swarming ASU defense, being held to 98 yards passing and 3 picks, and Rb Bryce Flowers only carried 7 times for 41 yards. ASU led 28-7 at the half, and the rout was on.
ASU will now take on Villanova in the next round.
Wofford 17, Jacksonville State 14
The Terriers picked up the upset win behind none other than fullback Eric Breitenstein's 2 TD rushes. Breitenstein rushed for 178 yards on the day, and a stingy Terrier defense held the Gamecocks to under 50% passing for the day.
Wofford now takes on Georgia Southern in the next round, a team that Wofford defeated 33-31 in the regular season.
Delaware 42, Lehigh 20
The Hens continued their impressive 2010 season with a pounding win over the Mountain Hawks in Newark. Pat Devlin passed for 4 scores and 256 yards and never tossed a pick. RB Andrew Pierce rushed for 88 yards and another score. Chris Lum passed for 362 yards on 35 of 58 passing, and did manage to hit Ryan Spadola from 13 out to tie the game early.
Delaware will now take on Colonial rival New Hampshire next Saturday. The two did not meet during the regular season.
New Hampshire 45, Bethune-Cookman 20
Backup QB Kevin Decker made the most of his 1st career start in the battle of backup QBs in Daytona Beach. Decker started due to injury and tossed 3 scores in the 3rd quarter to open up a 14-14 tie game. Decker tossed for 289 yards in the win.
Bethune-Cookman was playing without injured starting QB Matthew Johnson, and the Cats never got into a groove after the half. Jackie Wilson passed for 192 yards, but tossed a couple of costly picks, and the regular season Bilo Poll points champ fell well short.
UNH now takes on Delaware on Saturday.
Georgia Southern 31, William & Mary 15
The Eagles pulled off a sizeable upset on the road against the Tribe, as QB Jaybo Shaw rushed for 3 scores on the day, and Robert Brown added another 178 yards to keep the ball out of Tribe hands. The Eagles rushed for a total of 423 yards on the day.
W&M Rb Jonathon Grimes rushed for 100 yards on just 14 carries, but never scored, and Mike Callahan had an awful day at QB, being held to just 13 of 35 passing and 113 yards.
GSU takes on Wofford next.
North Dakota 42, Montana State 17
DJ McNorton rushed for 207 yards and 4 scores for the Bison in what was perhaps the day's biggest upset. Three of his scores came in the 4th quarter to seperate what was a 14-10 game at the end of the 3rd on runs of 19, 38, and 52 yards. The Bison rushed for 376 yards on the day.
Denarius McGhee passed for 223 yards on the day, but the defense really crumbled on the Bobcats when the game was on the line. The Bobcats also turned the ball over 4 times.
NDSU now will take on Eastern Washington on the road on Saturday.
Villanova 54, Stephen F. Austin 24
Villanova is now in full playoff mode, as they traveled and crushed the Lumberjacks on Saturday. The Cats loved the even numbered quarters as they scored 27 in the 2nd and another 17 in the 4th. They shut out SFA 20-0 after the half. Chris Whitney passed for 222 yards and 4 scores in the win.
All-Bilo QB of the Year Jeremy Moses completed 33 of 51 passes for 340 yards, but was held without a score and tossed 3 picks. He only tossed 4 during the regular season in 11 games. KeithLawson rushed for 75 yards and 3 scores for the Lumberjacks.
Villanova now will travel to take on Appalachian State next weekend.
Eastern Washington 37, Southeast Missouri State 17
The Eagles turned on the burners in the second half, as this game was tied at 17 during the intermission. 1st team All-Bilo back Taiwan Jones rushed for 168 yards and a pair of scores, and SMU transfer QB Bo Levi Mitchell tossed a pair of second half scores to give EWU the trip to the quarterfinals.
Monster back Henry Harris of Southeast was held to just 18 yards on the day, well under his average, and the Redhawks never got on track after the break. Matt Scheible had a tough day as well, only completing 6 of 15 passes with a pair of picks.
EWU will now host North Dakota State on Saturday.
New Coaching Updates 10:45AMPST
The carousel is spinning fast...
Indiana
Word out of Bloomington is that it will be Oklahoma OC Kevin Wilson. Word is that the official announcement is forthcoming this afternoon.
Howard
HC Cory Bailey is out.
Delaware State
Coastal Carolina assistant Mo Dreyton is the first named candidate. Stay tuned for more.
More later...
Indiana
Word out of Bloomington is that it will be Oklahoma OC Kevin Wilson. Word is that the official announcement is forthcoming this afternoon.
Howard
HC Cory Bailey is out.
Delaware State
Coastal Carolina assistant Mo Dreyton is the first named candidate. Stay tuned for more.
More later...
Coaching News 12/6 9:30AM PST
Here are the latest updates from around the coaching world...
Panhandle State (OK)
Although our plan is to not cover D2 ball until next fall, I have to start with this story this morning. It has been reported by several sources that HC Mike Wyatt passed away due to a massive heart attack last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Wyatt's family and to the Panhandle State community at large during this difficult time.
There is no word at this time as to succession or staff arrangements.
San Diego State
Take Brady Hoke off of your Santa lists this season. The Aztecs have signed coach Hoke to a new 5 year deal. This was totally the right move, and it legitimizes the SDSU program to a great degree.
Oklahoma State
If you are hearing that Dana Holgorsen has talked with Urban Meyer at Florida, it is not true, according to the folks at http://www.footballscoop.com/ and other sources. Holgorsen is still up for a few HC jobs.
Colorado
Apparently, Brian Cabral will return to Colorado as an assistant under new HC Jon Embree, removing Cabral from the list of candidates for the Northern Colorado job.
Stanford
AD Bob Bowlsby is stressing out a bit as Jim Harbaugh is a very hot commodity. A "pre-emptive offer" has been made to keep Harbaugh in place at Stanford. If you will remember, Stanford has always had a problem keeping good coaches from jumping to better gigs.
Minnesota
Northern Illinois HC Jerry Kill is the new HC. Not what I would call a tremendous hire for the Gophers. While Kill has done a very nice job improving Northern Illinois year to year, you have to look at the important number, which is post season record. At Southern Illinois, Kill was only 3-4 in the playoffs, and at Northern Illinois, he was 0-2 in bowl games. He also is coming off of a loss to Miami (Ohio) in the MAC title tilt. NIU was favored in that game. Also consider that Kill has been plagued with health problems at both SIU and NIU. Kill also had a succesful run as HC at Saginaw Valley State, which is where he started, but there are some serious red flags with this hire. Stay tuned.
Washington State
AD Bill Moos has opted to retain Paul Wulff for another season, beyond all logical explanation. I have to give props here, as our research guru, Keith Harding, called this move weeks ago. Dumb move.
Vanderbilt
So much for the coach-in-waiting thing at Maryland. Terps OC James Franklin has had conversations with Vandy about their vacant HC job. It's also being reports that Vandy will interview Nebraska QB Coach Shawn Watson.
Indiana
I posted a rather long piece about who was on this list (and it did go into satire). It's as long as the Great Wall of China, and gets more convoluted every single day. New names pop in, and old ones pop out, and then back in again. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, has any real info as to what's really going on in Bloomington right now. I am keeping a very close eye on this situation and will report back whenever anything credible pops up.
Ball State
Let's just add to the insanity of this season's carousel. Notre Dame Secondary Coach Chuck Martin is now interested in the Ball State job as well as the Kent State job. We reported that according to sources that Brian Polian was out of the running, but now he is back in.
UL-Lafayette
The Louisiana High School community has endorsed Alabama assistant Burton Burns for the job. Joe Deforrest has interviewed.
Texas
OC Greg Davis has resigned. DL and ST Coach Mike Tolleson and OL Coach Mac McWorther have chosen to "retire".
Panhandle State (OK)
Although our plan is to not cover D2 ball until next fall, I have to start with this story this morning. It has been reported by several sources that HC Mike Wyatt passed away due to a massive heart attack last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Wyatt's family and to the Panhandle State community at large during this difficult time.
There is no word at this time as to succession or staff arrangements.
San Diego State
Take Brady Hoke off of your Santa lists this season. The Aztecs have signed coach Hoke to a new 5 year deal. This was totally the right move, and it legitimizes the SDSU program to a great degree.
Oklahoma State
If you are hearing that Dana Holgorsen has talked with Urban Meyer at Florida, it is not true, according to the folks at http://www.footballscoop.com/ and other sources. Holgorsen is still up for a few HC jobs.
Colorado
Apparently, Brian Cabral will return to Colorado as an assistant under new HC Jon Embree, removing Cabral from the list of candidates for the Northern Colorado job.
Stanford
AD Bob Bowlsby is stressing out a bit as Jim Harbaugh is a very hot commodity. A "pre-emptive offer" has been made to keep Harbaugh in place at Stanford. If you will remember, Stanford has always had a problem keeping good coaches from jumping to better gigs.
Minnesota
Northern Illinois HC Jerry Kill is the new HC. Not what I would call a tremendous hire for the Gophers. While Kill has done a very nice job improving Northern Illinois year to year, you have to look at the important number, which is post season record. At Southern Illinois, Kill was only 3-4 in the playoffs, and at Northern Illinois, he was 0-2 in bowl games. He also is coming off of a loss to Miami (Ohio) in the MAC title tilt. NIU was favored in that game. Also consider that Kill has been plagued with health problems at both SIU and NIU. Kill also had a succesful run as HC at Saginaw Valley State, which is where he started, but there are some serious red flags with this hire. Stay tuned.
Washington State
AD Bill Moos has opted to retain Paul Wulff for another season, beyond all logical explanation. I have to give props here, as our research guru, Keith Harding, called this move weeks ago. Dumb move.
Vanderbilt
So much for the coach-in-waiting thing at Maryland. Terps OC James Franklin has had conversations with Vandy about their vacant HC job. It's also being reports that Vandy will interview Nebraska QB Coach Shawn Watson.
Indiana
I posted a rather long piece about who was on this list (and it did go into satire). It's as long as the Great Wall of China, and gets more convoluted every single day. New names pop in, and old ones pop out, and then back in again. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, has any real info as to what's really going on in Bloomington right now. I am keeping a very close eye on this situation and will report back whenever anything credible pops up.
Ball State
Let's just add to the insanity of this season's carousel. Notre Dame Secondary Coach Chuck Martin is now interested in the Ball State job as well as the Kent State job. We reported that according to sources that Brian Polian was out of the running, but now he is back in.
UL-Lafayette
The Louisiana High School community has endorsed Alabama assistant Burton Burns for the job. Joe Deforrest has interviewed.
Texas
OC Greg Davis has resigned. DL and ST Coach Mike Tolleson and OL Coach Mac McWorther have chosen to "retire".
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Coaching Update 12/4 4:45PM PST
Indiana
Rivals.com is now reporting that the list is down to 3 candidates. Don Treadwell of Michigan State, Kevin wilson of Oklahoma, and now Dave Doeren, DC at Wisconsin. Doeren is a fresh name on the list.
Navy
Navy officials deny that Ken Niumatololo has interviewed at Minnesota.
Rivals.com is now reporting that the list is down to 3 candidates. Don Treadwell of Michigan State, Kevin wilson of Oklahoma, and now Dave Doeren, DC at Wisconsin. Doeren is a fresh name on the list.
Navy
Navy officials deny that Ken Niumatololo has interviewed at Minnesota.
Score Updates
Villanova blasted Stephen F. Austin on the road 54-24.
Eastern Washington took care of Henry Harris and Southeast Missouri 37-17.
Oregon and Auburn have locked up a title match.
More coming later...
Eastern Washington took care of Henry Harris and Southeast Missouri 37-17.
Oregon and Auburn have locked up a title match.
More coming later...
FCS Playoff Update
Appalachian State 42, Western Illinois 14
Wofford 17, Jacksonville State 14
Delaware 42, Lehigh 20
New Hampshire 45, Bethune-Cookman 20
Georgia Southern 31, William & Mary 15
North Dakota State 42, Montana State 17 (What the hell happened Bobcat Nation???)
Villanova 44, Stephen F. Austin 24 in the 4th
Eastern Washington 31, SE Missouri 17 in the 4th
More update in a bit...
Wofford 17, Jacksonville State 14
Delaware 42, Lehigh 20
New Hampshire 45, Bethune-Cookman 20
Georgia Southern 31, William & Mary 15
North Dakota State 42, Montana State 17 (What the hell happened Bobcat Nation???)
Villanova 44, Stephen F. Austin 24 in the 4th
Eastern Washington 31, SE Missouri 17 in the 4th
More update in a bit...
Updates 12/4 3:10PM ST
I am currently watching Oregon/Oregon State. There is a ton on the line in the next couple of hours from around college football, so let's start with some coaching updates, and we'll move on from there.
Colorado
Embree to the Buffs looks solid now, even without an announcement, as the Vikings have announced that Bienemy will join CU after the season as OC.
Ball State
It's a short fall from the top to the bottom when it comes to job hunting. Brian Polian was a favorite for this job yesterday, and now he seems to be out of the running for the job.
Minnesota
footballscoop.com is reporting that Paul Chryst has interviewed with the Gophers.
Miami
Tommy Tuberville is denying contact from Miami. The more the denial, the more likely that they have contacted him.
Arkansas State
Hugh Freeze is said to be trying to get Georgia State DC John Thompson for his staff.
UT-San Antonio
Also according to footballscoop, UTSA has brought on former Texas State assistant Kevin Brown as TE coach.
Northern Colorado
Also backing the Embree to Colorado story is that Brian Cabral is talking with the folks at UNC. Former Illinois State HC Denver Johnson seems to be in the mix as well as Jimmy Heggins. Also, Kaiser Coons reported yesterday that Derek Frazier (OC, Fresno State) would be in the mix here as well.
Colorado
Embree to the Buffs looks solid now, even without an announcement, as the Vikings have announced that Bienemy will join CU after the season as OC.
Ball State
It's a short fall from the top to the bottom when it comes to job hunting. Brian Polian was a favorite for this job yesterday, and now he seems to be out of the running for the job.
Minnesota
footballscoop.com is reporting that Paul Chryst has interviewed with the Gophers.
Miami
Tommy Tuberville is denying contact from Miami. The more the denial, the more likely that they have contacted him.
Arkansas State
Hugh Freeze is said to be trying to get Georgia State DC John Thompson for his staff.
UT-San Antonio
Also according to footballscoop, UTSA has brought on former Texas State assistant Kevin Brown as TE coach.
Northern Colorado
Also backing the Embree to Colorado story is that Brian Cabral is talking with the folks at UNC. Former Illinois State HC Denver Johnson seems to be in the mix as well as Jimmy Heggins. Also, Kaiser Coons reported yesterday that Derek Frazier (OC, Fresno State) would be in the mix here as well.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Saturday Picks 12/4
My Picks for Saturday
UCF over SMU
West Virginia over Rutgers
Pitt over Cincinnati
Troy over Florida Atlantic
Nevada over Louisiana Tech
Boise State over Utah State
Oregon over Oregon State
South Carolina over Auburn
Idaho over San Jose State
FIU over Middle Tennessee
Washington over Washington State
Virginia Tech over Florida State
Oklahoma over Nebraska
UConn over South Florida
Hawaii over UNLV
USC over UCLA
FCS Playoff Picks
Appalachian State over Western Illinois
Wofford over Jacksonville State
Delaware over Lehigh
Bethune-Cookman over New Hampshire
William & Mary over Georgia Southern
Montana State over North Dakota State
Stephen F. Austin over Villanova
Eastern Washington over SE Missouri State
UCF over SMU
West Virginia over Rutgers
Pitt over Cincinnati
Troy over Florida Atlantic
Nevada over Louisiana Tech
Boise State over Utah State
Oregon over Oregon State
South Carolina over Auburn
Idaho over San Jose State
FIU over Middle Tennessee
Washington over Washington State
Virginia Tech over Florida State
Oklahoma over Nebraska
UConn over South Florida
Hawaii over UNLV
USC over UCLA
FCS Playoff Picks
Appalachian State over Western Illinois
Wofford over Jacksonville State
Delaware over Lehigh
Bethune-Cookman over New Hampshire
William & Mary over Georgia Southern
Montana State over North Dakota State
Stephen F. Austin over Villanova
Eastern Washington over SE Missouri State
Coaching News 12/3
It's been a couple of days since I was able to post as I was on the road. I am back, and ready to get this thing fired back up. Let's get caught up with what has transpired since last Tuesday night...
Minnesota
The process is still ongoing. Several candidates bailed out on the Gophers, which means to me that they are now down to about choice number 4. Navy HC Ken Niumatololo has interviewed. Mike Bellotti has been contacted by the search firm twice, according to footballscoop.com. He is not talking to Minnesota. They still are not talking to the guy that they should approach, Mark Trestman (Montreal HC, CFL), who won the Grey Cup. Jeff Jagodzinski and Randy Shannon appear to be on the radar as well, as is Houston HC Kevin Sumlin.
Texas State
It is being confirmed in several circles that Dennis Franchione is in the mix. He would by my front runner to land the job. TCU ST and TE Coach Dan Sharp is under consideration as well.
Colorado
Bill McCartney is a little bit bitter right now. He is definately not in the running, and I believe that he was a candidate for real...in his own mind...nobody is a better self promoter than this guy. He is swearing from the mountain top that Jon Embree has been hired as HC, and Eric Bienemy is the OC. Embree and Bienemy worked together at UCLA. Hiring Embree as HC would basically be the same thing as throwing in the towel. It's a hire on the cheap, if it is indeed done. The only other candidate is Alabama OC Jim McElwain, who did indeed interview day before yesterday. Air Force HC Troy Calhoun has pulled out of the race.
Vanderbilt
Al Golden is out of the mix, as is Gus Malzahn, who is holding out for a better gig. Randy Shannon is definately in the mix and Stanford assistant Greg Roman has interviewed. Jeff Bower and Tommy Bowden are also pushing to get into the mix here.
Arkansas State
While I was away, Michael Oher's high school coach, Hugh Freeze, was hired to replace Steve Roberts at Arkansas State. Freeze was the OC at ASU this past season, and has an intriguing weapon in QB Ryan Aplin, who will be a junior in 2011.
Ball State
The search seemingly has narrowed to Stanford ST Coach Brian Polian, who obviously has the backing of his father, Colts President Bill Polian. San Diego State Rb Coach Jeff Hecklinski has a ton of backing from other sources. Don Treadwell is hanging in as well.
Indiana
This seems to be the most talked about job outside of Miami right now. Toledo HC Tim Beckman is on the radar, as are Air Force HC Troy Calhoun, Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst, Southern Miss HC Larry Fedora, Temple HC Al Golden, Miami (Ohio) HC Mike Haywood, Brady Hoke, Jerry Kill of Northern Illinois, Glen Mason, Harvard HC Tim Murphy, Bilbo Baggins, Bruce Willis, Mickey Mouse, Prince (and the Revolution) and probably me (I'd talk to them if they call).
Being serious, it seems to have been narrowed down for now to Chryst, Don Treadwell, Oklahoma OC Kevin Wilson, and Murphy as the dark horse. Murphy really does deserve a shot at a solid job.
Late additions are Tulsa HC Todd Graham and Penn State Assistant Ron Vanderlinden.
Kent State
Paul Chryst shows up on this list as well. Dana Holgorssen is still on the list and remains as a viable candidate. Don Treadwell would be a solid choice here if he did not land the Indiana job. Mike McQueary of Penn State, Chuck Martin of Notre Dame, and UTEP DC Andre Patterson are the outside candidates.
I learned a bit about Chuck Martin, and I was a little off about him not having head man experience. He took over for Brian Kelly at Grand Valley State, and did quite well there, but one has to wonder why he did not land a job as a head man rather than joining Kelly at Notre Dame as an assistant?
UL-Lafayette
Solid list of names here with Joe DeForrest, Mark Hudspeth, Garrick McGee, Ed Orgeron, Carl Pelini, Frank Scelfo, and Mike Sewak. Add to this list Georgia Southern HC Jeff Monken. Monken would be a solid favorite of mine, along with Orgeron and Hudspeth, the former HC at North Alabama. Tom Dienhart is reporting that Sewak, DeForrest, and Monken are the focus right now. But expect Carl Pelini to get deeper into the picture after this weekend.
And according to friend of the site Kaiser Koon, ESPN Radio in Lafayette, LA is reporting that Gary Crowton of LSU, Gunter Brewer of Oklahoma State, and Burton Burns of Alabama are all on the list as well.
Miami
Jon Gruden is out of the mix. My theory is that he used this opening to set the bar as far as what he is looking for in the NFL (financially) and his sights are firmly set on the NFL and always have been.
That being said, the search turns to Dan Mullen of Mississippi State. He is the number one choice at this time. After that, consider Mike Leach, Tommy Tuberville, Kevin Sumlin, and and Mario Cristobal as the fall backs. Still on the outside is Brent Venables, even though he says that he is not interested in a job as anything other than Oklahoma's DC.
Texas
There have been rumors about OC Greg Davis, but nothing has been decided according to the AD.
New Mexico
As was called by Keith Harding last week, Mike Locksley has been retained.
Tulane
Bob Toledo has been retained for the 2011 season.
North Texas
Only Mike Canales and Mike Nelson will return to the staff for 2011 to work for Dan McCarney.
UAB
Neil Callaway is apprently considering Memphis assistant Mike DuBose for the DC spot.
Northern Colorado
Our friend Kaiser Coon is also reporting that Derek Frazier (OC, Fresno State), a former alum and 4 year letterman at UNC, is a name that is heating up in Greeley. A sticking point would be assistant salaries.
North Carolina A&T
LC Cole is now interested in the job. Cole is an HBCU vet.
Delaware State
According to unnamed sources, HC Al Laven has been dismissed.
Gardner-Webb
Steve Patton has been fired as HC, according to footballscoop.com.
More news over the weekend...
Minnesota
The process is still ongoing. Several candidates bailed out on the Gophers, which means to me that they are now down to about choice number 4. Navy HC Ken Niumatololo has interviewed. Mike Bellotti has been contacted by the search firm twice, according to footballscoop.com. He is not talking to Minnesota. They still are not talking to the guy that they should approach, Mark Trestman (Montreal HC, CFL), who won the Grey Cup. Jeff Jagodzinski and Randy Shannon appear to be on the radar as well, as is Houston HC Kevin Sumlin.
Texas State
It is being confirmed in several circles that Dennis Franchione is in the mix. He would by my front runner to land the job. TCU ST and TE Coach Dan Sharp is under consideration as well.
Colorado
Bill McCartney is a little bit bitter right now. He is definately not in the running, and I believe that he was a candidate for real...in his own mind...nobody is a better self promoter than this guy. He is swearing from the mountain top that Jon Embree has been hired as HC, and Eric Bienemy is the OC. Embree and Bienemy worked together at UCLA. Hiring Embree as HC would basically be the same thing as throwing in the towel. It's a hire on the cheap, if it is indeed done. The only other candidate is Alabama OC Jim McElwain, who did indeed interview day before yesterday. Air Force HC Troy Calhoun has pulled out of the race.
Vanderbilt
Al Golden is out of the mix, as is Gus Malzahn, who is holding out for a better gig. Randy Shannon is definately in the mix and Stanford assistant Greg Roman has interviewed. Jeff Bower and Tommy Bowden are also pushing to get into the mix here.
Arkansas State
While I was away, Michael Oher's high school coach, Hugh Freeze, was hired to replace Steve Roberts at Arkansas State. Freeze was the OC at ASU this past season, and has an intriguing weapon in QB Ryan Aplin, who will be a junior in 2011.
Ball State
The search seemingly has narrowed to Stanford ST Coach Brian Polian, who obviously has the backing of his father, Colts President Bill Polian. San Diego State Rb Coach Jeff Hecklinski has a ton of backing from other sources. Don Treadwell is hanging in as well.
Indiana
This seems to be the most talked about job outside of Miami right now. Toledo HC Tim Beckman is on the radar, as are Air Force HC Troy Calhoun, Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst, Southern Miss HC Larry Fedora, Temple HC Al Golden, Miami (Ohio) HC Mike Haywood, Brady Hoke, Jerry Kill of Northern Illinois, Glen Mason, Harvard HC Tim Murphy, Bilbo Baggins, Bruce Willis, Mickey Mouse, Prince (and the Revolution) and probably me (I'd talk to them if they call).
Being serious, it seems to have been narrowed down for now to Chryst, Don Treadwell, Oklahoma OC Kevin Wilson, and Murphy as the dark horse. Murphy really does deserve a shot at a solid job.
Late additions are Tulsa HC Todd Graham and Penn State Assistant Ron Vanderlinden.
Kent State
Paul Chryst shows up on this list as well. Dana Holgorssen is still on the list and remains as a viable candidate. Don Treadwell would be a solid choice here if he did not land the Indiana job. Mike McQueary of Penn State, Chuck Martin of Notre Dame, and UTEP DC Andre Patterson are the outside candidates.
I learned a bit about Chuck Martin, and I was a little off about him not having head man experience. He took over for Brian Kelly at Grand Valley State, and did quite well there, but one has to wonder why he did not land a job as a head man rather than joining Kelly at Notre Dame as an assistant?
UL-Lafayette
Solid list of names here with Joe DeForrest, Mark Hudspeth, Garrick McGee, Ed Orgeron, Carl Pelini, Frank Scelfo, and Mike Sewak. Add to this list Georgia Southern HC Jeff Monken. Monken would be a solid favorite of mine, along with Orgeron and Hudspeth, the former HC at North Alabama. Tom Dienhart is reporting that Sewak, DeForrest, and Monken are the focus right now. But expect Carl Pelini to get deeper into the picture after this weekend.
And according to friend of the site Kaiser Koon, ESPN Radio in Lafayette, LA is reporting that Gary Crowton of LSU, Gunter Brewer of Oklahoma State, and Burton Burns of Alabama are all on the list as well.
Miami
Jon Gruden is out of the mix. My theory is that he used this opening to set the bar as far as what he is looking for in the NFL (financially) and his sights are firmly set on the NFL and always have been.
That being said, the search turns to Dan Mullen of Mississippi State. He is the number one choice at this time. After that, consider Mike Leach, Tommy Tuberville, Kevin Sumlin, and and Mario Cristobal as the fall backs. Still on the outside is Brent Venables, even though he says that he is not interested in a job as anything other than Oklahoma's DC.
Texas
There have been rumors about OC Greg Davis, but nothing has been decided according to the AD.
New Mexico
As was called by Keith Harding last week, Mike Locksley has been retained.
Tulane
Bob Toledo has been retained for the 2011 season.
North Texas
Only Mike Canales and Mike Nelson will return to the staff for 2011 to work for Dan McCarney.
UAB
Neil Callaway is apprently considering Memphis assistant Mike DuBose for the DC spot.
Northern Colorado
Our friend Kaiser Coon is also reporting that Derek Frazier (OC, Fresno State), a former alum and 4 year letterman at UNC, is a name that is heating up in Greeley. A sticking point would be assistant salaries.
North Carolina A&T
LC Cole is now interested in the job. Cole is an HBCU vet.
Delaware State
According to unnamed sources, HC Al Laven has been dismissed.
Gardner-Webb
Steve Patton has been fired as HC, according to footballscoop.com.
More news over the weekend...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Coaching Update 11/30 9:30PM PST
Sacred Heart
According to a solid source at Sacred Heart, HC Paul Gorham will not be fired as was earlier reported. According to the Athletic Department at SHU, Gorham will definately be in place for the 2011 season.
More news as it becomes available on this and all other jobs throughout the FBS and FCS.
According to a solid source at Sacred Heart, HC Paul Gorham will not be fired as was earlier reported. According to the Athletic Department at SHU, Gorham will definately be in place for the 2011 season.
More news as it becomes available on this and all other jobs throughout the FBS and FCS.
Coaching Update 11/30 7:00PM PST
Late updates from across the spectrum....
Miami
The Gruden soap opera continues. I believed his denials tobe empty, and according to CaneSport.com, barring any glitches in negotiations, Gruden will indeed become the next coach of the Hurricanes. They are also reporting that his brother, Jay Gruden (former Orlando Predators HC) would be the OC. Keith Harding reported yesterday that Gruden could hold out of the U job if a scenario presented itself where he would replace Tony Sporano with the Dolphins if the new team president makes a change, according to sportsbybrooks.com.
North Texas
Dan McCarney has wasted no time in assembling a staff. He is bringing back Mike Canales as Asst. HC Offense. He is also bringing in Grad Asst. Justin Frye from Florida to work the OL. According to footballscoop.com, Western Michigan WR coach Mike Grant is also interested in joining the staff, but no deal has been worked out yet.
Furman
Newly fired former Vanderbilt HC Robbie Caldwell will interview at Furman.
Colorado
Brian Cabral has been given an official interview. I give him less than even odds of retaining the job.
North Carolina A&T
Jimmy Higgins (former Florida State and Kentucky asst.) is interested in the aggies HC job.
UL-Lafayette
According to Tom Dienhart of Yahoo Sports, add Gary Crowten to the list of candidates to replace Ricky Bustle.
More as it becomes available....
Miami
The Gruden soap opera continues. I believed his denials tobe empty, and according to CaneSport.com, barring any glitches in negotiations, Gruden will indeed become the next coach of the Hurricanes. They are also reporting that his brother, Jay Gruden (former Orlando Predators HC) would be the OC. Keith Harding reported yesterday that Gruden could hold out of the U job if a scenario presented itself where he would replace Tony Sporano with the Dolphins if the new team president makes a change, according to sportsbybrooks.com.
North Texas
Dan McCarney has wasted no time in assembling a staff. He is bringing back Mike Canales as Asst. HC Offense. He is also bringing in Grad Asst. Justin Frye from Florida to work the OL. According to footballscoop.com, Western Michigan WR coach Mike Grant is also interested in joining the staff, but no deal has been worked out yet.
Furman
Newly fired former Vanderbilt HC Robbie Caldwell will interview at Furman.
Colorado
Brian Cabral has been given an official interview. I give him less than even odds of retaining the job.
North Carolina A&T
Jimmy Higgins (former Florida State and Kentucky asst.) is interested in the aggies HC job.
UL-Lafayette
According to Tom Dienhart of Yahoo Sports, add Gary Crowten to the list of candidates to replace Ricky Bustle.
More as it becomes available....
Coaching News 11/30 10:15AM
The latest news this morning...
Minnesota
Jeff Jagodzinski of the Omaha Nighthawks has been interviewed.
North Carolina A&T
Winston-Salem HC Connell Maynor and Georgia State WR Coach George Pugh are the latest candidates according to footballscoop.com.
Furman
No new news on how close the Paladins are getting to naming a new HC. Bob Shoop and Bill Napier appear to be the only names that have actually interviewed.
Arkansas State
Arkansas RB Coach Tim Horton is the latest name to surface as of today. The other two solid candidates appear to be North Alabama and former Auburn HC Terry Bowden and Stephen F. Austin HC JC Harper. Harper's Lumberjacks are still in the FCS playhoffs.
Indiana
The latest candidates are San Diego State HC Brady Hoke, Northern Illinois HC Jerry Kill, Glen Mason, Harvard HC Tim Murphy, and a candidate that I'd like to see get a sit down in Mike Mallory, who is currently on the staff of Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints.
UL-Lafayette
The latest candidate to join what is becoming a lengthy list is Nebraska DC Carl Pelini.
Minnesota
Jeff Jagodzinski of the Omaha Nighthawks has been interviewed.
North Carolina A&T
Winston-Salem HC Connell Maynor and Georgia State WR Coach George Pugh are the latest candidates according to footballscoop.com.
Furman
No new news on how close the Paladins are getting to naming a new HC. Bob Shoop and Bill Napier appear to be the only names that have actually interviewed.
Arkansas State
Arkansas RB Coach Tim Horton is the latest name to surface as of today. The other two solid candidates appear to be North Alabama and former Auburn HC Terry Bowden and Stephen F. Austin HC JC Harper. Harper's Lumberjacks are still in the FCS playhoffs.
Indiana
The latest candidates are San Diego State HC Brady Hoke, Northern Illinois HC Jerry Kill, Glen Mason, Harvard HC Tim Murphy, and a candidate that I'd like to see get a sit down in Mike Mallory, who is currently on the staff of Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints.
UL-Lafayette
The latest candidate to join what is becoming a lengthy list is Nebraska DC Carl Pelini.
Monday, November 29, 2010
2010 All-Bilo Team FCS
I have been crunching the numbers, and I am pleased to announce my first ever All-Bilo Team for the 2010 season. Congratulations to the following players for being the best that they can be. Without further delay, here is the first ever All-Bilo Team FCS..............
1st Team
QB- Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin
RB- Nate Eachus, Colgate
RB- Henry Harris, Southeast Missouri State
WR- Raymond Webber, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
WR- Chris Summers, Liberty
WR- Lito Senatus, Western Illinois
OL Team- Jacksonville
OL Team- Western Illinois
OL-Team- Liberty
OL Team- Montana State
OL-Team- Murray State
PK- Adrian Mora, Georgia Southern
DL- Mario Kurn, San Diego
DL- Devon Langhorst, Dayton
DL- Dain Taylor, Drake
DL- Jimmy Daniels, Alabama State
LB- Keith Pough, Howard
LB- Kyle Glazier, Western Illinois
LB- AJ Storms, Idaho State
LB- JC Sherritt, Eastern Washington
DB- Moses Ellis, Prairie View A&M
DB- Jestin Love, Central Arkansas
DB- Charles James, Charleston Southern
DB- Bookie Sneed, Sam Houston State
P- David Harrington, Idaho State
KR- Gralyn Crawford, Stephen F. Austin
PR- Shawn Abuhoff, Dartmouth
1st Team
QB- Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin
RB- Nate Eachus, Colgate
RB- Henry Harris, Southeast Missouri State
WR- Raymond Webber, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
WR- Chris Summers, Liberty
WR- Lito Senatus, Western Illinois
OL Team- Jacksonville
OL Team- Western Illinois
OL-Team- Liberty
OL Team- Montana State
OL-Team- Murray State
PK- Adrian Mora, Georgia Southern
DL- Mario Kurn, San Diego
DL- Devon Langhorst, Dayton
DL- Dain Taylor, Drake
DL- Jimmy Daniels, Alabama State
LB- Keith Pough, Howard
LB- Kyle Glazier, Western Illinois
LB- AJ Storms, Idaho State
LB- JC Sherritt, Eastern Washington
DB- Moses Ellis, Prairie View A&M
DB- Jestin Love, Central Arkansas
DB- Charles James, Charleston Southern
DB- Bookie Sneed, Sam Houston State
P- David Harrington, Idaho State
KR- Gralyn Crawford, Stephen F. Austin
PR- Shawn Abuhoff, Dartmouth
Coaching Update 11/29 5:30PM PST
The latest from the field....
Minnesota
Southern Mississippi AD Richard Giannini has denied to several sources that Larry Fedora had been contacted by Gopher officials. This follows an earlier report that Fedora had been spotted on the Minnesota campus in the last 36 hours.
Utah
footballscoop.com is reporting that DL Coach Jon Pease will retire at the end of the season.
UAB
We have had a bunch of hits as to the status of Neil Callaway, and it has been reconfirmed that he is being retained and that Eric Schumann, the DC, is being released.
UL-Lafayette
Mike Canales is still on the list, and add Georgia Tech OL Coach Mike Sewak, and also add Oklahoma State Assistants Gunter Brewer and Joe DeForest. Mississippi State WR Coach Mark Hudspeth was on an earlier list as well.
Arkansas State
Add Hudspeth to this list as well, as he was hired as HC at North Alabama by Chancellor G. Daniel Howard there. according to footballscoop, current OC Hugh Freeze has lots of on campus support for the job, and former alabama HC and current Memphis assistant Mike DuBose is being considered as a person of interest.
Indiana
Other than Scott Shafer, another name that is surfacing is Mike Mallory. Mallory spent time at Illinois, Kansas, and Northern Illinois as DC and his father Bill Mallroy is a former IU coach. Mallory was a star at LB at Michigan, so his Big 10 credentials are solid. Both candidates are now getting good reviews from a very reliable source and friend of the Bilo College Football Report.
Furman
William & Mary DC Bob Shoop has interviewed for the Furman job. No news on Bill Napier.
More news soon.....
Minnesota
Southern Mississippi AD Richard Giannini has denied to several sources that Larry Fedora had been contacted by Gopher officials. This follows an earlier report that Fedora had been spotted on the Minnesota campus in the last 36 hours.
Utah
footballscoop.com is reporting that DL Coach Jon Pease will retire at the end of the season.
UAB
We have had a bunch of hits as to the status of Neil Callaway, and it has been reconfirmed that he is being retained and that Eric Schumann, the DC, is being released.
UL-Lafayette
Mike Canales is still on the list, and add Georgia Tech OL Coach Mike Sewak, and also add Oklahoma State Assistants Gunter Brewer and Joe DeForest. Mississippi State WR Coach Mark Hudspeth was on an earlier list as well.
Arkansas State
Add Hudspeth to this list as well, as he was hired as HC at North Alabama by Chancellor G. Daniel Howard there. according to footballscoop, current OC Hugh Freeze has lots of on campus support for the job, and former alabama HC and current Memphis assistant Mike DuBose is being considered as a person of interest.
Indiana
Other than Scott Shafer, another name that is surfacing is Mike Mallory. Mallory spent time at Illinois, Kansas, and Northern Illinois as DC and his father Bill Mallroy is a former IU coach. Mallory was a star at LB at Michigan, so his Big 10 credentials are solid. Both candidates are now getting good reviews from a very reliable source and friend of the Bilo College Football Report.
Furman
William & Mary DC Bob Shoop has interviewed for the Furman job. No news on Bill Napier.
More news soon.....
Coaching News Update 11/29 1:45 PM PST
New news on the coaching front...
Tulane
footballscoop.com is stating that a 3pm meeting is being held between Bob Toledo and AD Rick Dickson to discuss the program. Those meetings usually end with a firing, which is contrary to what was said a week ago. I have had Toledo in my Dead Pool for a while now, so his release would not be a surprise.
UL-Lafayatte
Ricky Bustle is getting $100,000 as his buyout. Mike Canales is the only candidate that has been discussed.
Minnesota
footballscoop is also reporting that Larry Fedora (HC Southern Miss) is on campus today. Not that Fedora has done anything to jump around about at Southern Miss. It's getting bad in Gopher country.
Indiana
Scott Shafer appears to be on the candidate list now. He is the DC at Syracuse. Again, hardly a splashy name. Don't put too much into this.
Arkansas State
Steve Roberts may have been a bit premature about sending his staff on recruiting trips over the weekend. He is out at Arkansas State, another move that we have been predicting for weeks.
North Carolina A&T
Alonzo Lee is out. Hardly a shock as the aggies were awful once again in 2010. George Ragsdale is interim HC.
Washington State
Rumors are starting to surface about the fate of Paul Wulff. It would hardly be a shock to see an announcement after the Apple Cup this week against Washington.
UCLA
More rumors surfacing today about the fate of both OC Norm Chow and DC Chuck Bullough. Both could be gone as soon as early next week after the USC game. Neuheisel is sounding desperate to save his own skin as well.
Sacred Heart
No new news as of this moment. Still scanning the Connecticut headlines to see what develops there.
Tulane
footballscoop.com is stating that a 3pm meeting is being held between Bob Toledo and AD Rick Dickson to discuss the program. Those meetings usually end with a firing, which is contrary to what was said a week ago. I have had Toledo in my Dead Pool for a while now, so his release would not be a surprise.
UL-Lafayatte
Ricky Bustle is getting $100,000 as his buyout. Mike Canales is the only candidate that has been discussed.
Minnesota
footballscoop is also reporting that Larry Fedora (HC Southern Miss) is on campus today. Not that Fedora has done anything to jump around about at Southern Miss. It's getting bad in Gopher country.
Indiana
Scott Shafer appears to be on the candidate list now. He is the DC at Syracuse. Again, hardly a splashy name. Don't put too much into this.
Arkansas State
Steve Roberts may have been a bit premature about sending his staff on recruiting trips over the weekend. He is out at Arkansas State, another move that we have been predicting for weeks.
North Carolina A&T
Alonzo Lee is out. Hardly a shock as the aggies were awful once again in 2010. George Ragsdale is interim HC.
Washington State
Rumors are starting to surface about the fate of Paul Wulff. It would hardly be a shock to see an announcement after the Apple Cup this week against Washington.
UCLA
More rumors surfacing today about the fate of both OC Norm Chow and DC Chuck Bullough. Both could be gone as soon as early next week after the USC game. Neuheisel is sounding desperate to save his own skin as well.
Sacred Heart
No new news as of this moment. Still scanning the Connecticut headlines to see what develops there.
Defensive Back of the Year FCS
I am pleased to announce our first annual FCS Defensive Back of the Year. The following player had 8 picks on the season, and tied for the SWAC lead in passes defended. The winner of the 2010 award is........................................................
MOSES ELLIS, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M
As mentioned, Moses was in the national pack with 8 picks on the season. He totaled 112 yards in returns on those picks, and his 14 passes defended was one of the best numbers in the country. Congratulations to Moses and to the Panther staff and team.
Moses Ellis will be one of our four DBs on the All-Bilo Team when it is released later today.
MOSES ELLIS, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M
As mentioned, Moses was in the national pack with 8 picks on the season. He totaled 112 yards in returns on those picks, and his 14 passes defended was one of the best numbers in the country. Congratulations to Moses and to the Panther staff and team.
Moses Ellis will be one of our four DBs on the All-Bilo Team when it is released later today.
Pass/Fail FBS Week 13 (Thursday/Friday Games)
Here is our next to last pass fail report for the FBS 2010 season. Let's take a look at the games played over the weekend.
Miami (Ohio) 23, Temple 3
Pass: The Redhawks have gone from being one of the worst teams in college football to playing in the MAC title game with the win. Thomas Merriweather rushed for 182 yards in the win and backup QB Austin Boucher passed for 2 scores.
Fail: Temple has really punked out the last few weeks. They went from a team that should have dominated this season to a team that will fill some other conference's useless bowl slot.
Texas A&M 24, Texas 17
Pass: Give it up for Mike Sherman. This team was listing badly at mid-season, and he made a QB swap that saved theri season.Cyrus Gray rushed for 223 yards and a pair of scores to lead the way against the hated Horns.
Fail: Texas is under .500 for the first time in over a decade. Mack Brown does not tolerate such failure. Garrett Gilbert had his customary game were his picks outnumbered his scoring strikes.
Kent State 28, Ohio 6
Pass: Doug Martin had already been canned, so it was win one for the Gipper time. Too bad that the Flashes didn't play with that kind of passion all season.
Fail: Talk about punking out. Ohio could have taken the reins in the MAC, but didn't bother to show up. Boo Jackson played like crap.
Louisville 40, Rutgers 13
Pass: The Cardinals are going bowling with this win, which is solid progress in Charlie Strong's first season.
Fail: Rutgers was just garbage all season on offense. It cost them here for certain, but the defense gave up too.
Northern Illinois 71, Eastern Michigan 3
Pass: The Huskies rushed for 8 TDs in this rout. Next up, MAC title tilt.
Fail: Eastern Michigan got off of the bus, didn't they? Like watching Foreman fight a 4 year old girl.
West Virginia 35, Pittsburgh 10
Pass: The Mountaineers owned Pitt all day long, and Geno Smith was firing on all cylinders. He only attempted 12 passes, and 3 of them went for scores.
Fail: This entire season was like watching a train wreck progress in slow motion for the Panthers. This game was no different.
SMU 45, East Carolina 38 (OT)
Pass: Kyle Padron passed for 3 scores and Zack Line rushed for 2 more on the day for the Mustangs. The win sends SMU to the CUSA Title game to face UCF.
Fail: ECU was victimized by their faulty defense once again. What started out as a surprise success ended pretty much like I thought it would.
Western Michigan 41, Bowling Green 7
Pass: Bill Cubit may have saved himself by ending the season on a 3 game winning streak.
Fail: Everything went wrong for the Falcons again, and the season ends with a miserable thud.
Toledo 42, Central Michigan 31
Pass: Toledo was another surprise team out of the MAC, and Tim Beckman has things headed in the right direction.
Fail: Dan Enos has a lot of work to do, but CMU should not be down for long. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year anyway.
Akron 22, Buffalo 14
Pass: Akron's win means that there will be zero winless teams in FBS football.
Fail: This was as bad a loss as you can have for Buffalo. Jeff Quinn is up against the ropes at the end of his first season at the helm.
Auburn 28, Alabama 27
Pass: Auburn's huge second half keeps them in line for a shot at the title going into the SEC Championship Game.
Fail: How did Bama blow that 24-0 lead? A tale of two distinctly different football games all in one day.
Nebraska 45, Colorado 17
Pass: The Huskers earned their way to their second consecutive North title, and will finish their Big 12 membership in the way that it should be...against Oklahoma.
Fail: Colorado ended their Big 12 membership with a resounding thud, and now they go about the business of hiring a coach that likely won't improve much as they won't pay much.
Arizona State 55, UCLA 34
Pass: The Sun Devils finally got great QB play out of Brock Osweiler, who made the Bruins look like tackling dummies that could not figure out how to cover receivers.
Fail: Everything has gone wrong for the Bruins. Complete change is in order, except at QB, where Richard Brehaut looked solid. He never stopped fighting, unlike the rest of his teammates and coaches.
Tulsa 56, Southern Mississippi 50
Pass: GJ Kinne is finally starting to live up to his billing, and Texas is wishing he had never transferred to Tulsa.
Fail: Defense on both sides of the field was non-existent. Arena Football never looked so good. (I happen to like Arena Football)
Oregon 48, Arizona 29
Pass: The Ducks toyed with the Wildcats for about a half, and then they opened up the can of whoop ass. The Ducks can pretty much do whatever they want to do.
Fail: Arizona has come to the final week of the season looking like a pile of slop that the cat dragged in. They had better get it together against their arch rival Sun Devils next weekend.
Nevada 34, Boise State 31
Pass: If you were shocked by this, than you have not watched enough football in 2010. Nevada is awesome in their own right, and they deserved this victory at home on Senior Night.
Fail: Has anyone checked on Kyle Brotzman since Saturday? Is he ok? God, what a choke job. Now Boise is going to play in some dumpy third tier bowl. They deserve better, and they lost to a damn good team.
Miami (Ohio) 23, Temple 3
Pass: The Redhawks have gone from being one of the worst teams in college football to playing in the MAC title game with the win. Thomas Merriweather rushed for 182 yards in the win and backup QB Austin Boucher passed for 2 scores.
Fail: Temple has really punked out the last few weeks. They went from a team that should have dominated this season to a team that will fill some other conference's useless bowl slot.
Texas A&M 24, Texas 17
Pass: Give it up for Mike Sherman. This team was listing badly at mid-season, and he made a QB swap that saved theri season.Cyrus Gray rushed for 223 yards and a pair of scores to lead the way against the hated Horns.
Fail: Texas is under .500 for the first time in over a decade. Mack Brown does not tolerate such failure. Garrett Gilbert had his customary game were his picks outnumbered his scoring strikes.
Kent State 28, Ohio 6
Pass: Doug Martin had already been canned, so it was win one for the Gipper time. Too bad that the Flashes didn't play with that kind of passion all season.
Fail: Talk about punking out. Ohio could have taken the reins in the MAC, but didn't bother to show up. Boo Jackson played like crap.
Louisville 40, Rutgers 13
Pass: The Cardinals are going bowling with this win, which is solid progress in Charlie Strong's first season.
Fail: Rutgers was just garbage all season on offense. It cost them here for certain, but the defense gave up too.
Northern Illinois 71, Eastern Michigan 3
Pass: The Huskies rushed for 8 TDs in this rout. Next up, MAC title tilt.
Fail: Eastern Michigan got off of the bus, didn't they? Like watching Foreman fight a 4 year old girl.
West Virginia 35, Pittsburgh 10
Pass: The Mountaineers owned Pitt all day long, and Geno Smith was firing on all cylinders. He only attempted 12 passes, and 3 of them went for scores.
Fail: This entire season was like watching a train wreck progress in slow motion for the Panthers. This game was no different.
SMU 45, East Carolina 38 (OT)
Pass: Kyle Padron passed for 3 scores and Zack Line rushed for 2 more on the day for the Mustangs. The win sends SMU to the CUSA Title game to face UCF.
Fail: ECU was victimized by their faulty defense once again. What started out as a surprise success ended pretty much like I thought it would.
Western Michigan 41, Bowling Green 7
Pass: Bill Cubit may have saved himself by ending the season on a 3 game winning streak.
Fail: Everything went wrong for the Falcons again, and the season ends with a miserable thud.
Toledo 42, Central Michigan 31
Pass: Toledo was another surprise team out of the MAC, and Tim Beckman has things headed in the right direction.
Fail: Dan Enos has a lot of work to do, but CMU should not be down for long. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year anyway.
Akron 22, Buffalo 14
Pass: Akron's win means that there will be zero winless teams in FBS football.
Fail: This was as bad a loss as you can have for Buffalo. Jeff Quinn is up against the ropes at the end of his first season at the helm.
Auburn 28, Alabama 27
Pass: Auburn's huge second half keeps them in line for a shot at the title going into the SEC Championship Game.
Fail: How did Bama blow that 24-0 lead? A tale of two distinctly different football games all in one day.
Nebraska 45, Colorado 17
Pass: The Huskers earned their way to their second consecutive North title, and will finish their Big 12 membership in the way that it should be...against Oklahoma.
Fail: Colorado ended their Big 12 membership with a resounding thud, and now they go about the business of hiring a coach that likely won't improve much as they won't pay much.
Arizona State 55, UCLA 34
Pass: The Sun Devils finally got great QB play out of Brock Osweiler, who made the Bruins look like tackling dummies that could not figure out how to cover receivers.
Fail: Everything has gone wrong for the Bruins. Complete change is in order, except at QB, where Richard Brehaut looked solid. He never stopped fighting, unlike the rest of his teammates and coaches.
Tulsa 56, Southern Mississippi 50
Pass: GJ Kinne is finally starting to live up to his billing, and Texas is wishing he had never transferred to Tulsa.
Fail: Defense on both sides of the field was non-existent. Arena Football never looked so good. (I happen to like Arena Football)
Oregon 48, Arizona 29
Pass: The Ducks toyed with the Wildcats for about a half, and then they opened up the can of whoop ass. The Ducks can pretty much do whatever they want to do.
Fail: Arizona has come to the final week of the season looking like a pile of slop that the cat dragged in. They had better get it together against their arch rival Sun Devils next weekend.
Nevada 34, Boise State 31
Pass: If you were shocked by this, than you have not watched enough football in 2010. Nevada is awesome in their own right, and they deserved this victory at home on Senior Night.
Fail: Has anyone checked on Kyle Brotzman since Saturday? Is he ok? God, what a choke job. Now Boise is going to play in some dumpy third tier bowl. They deserve better, and they lost to a damn good team.
Coaching News 11/29 10:45 AM PST
Good morning from the west coast. Here is them latest on several coaching situations...
Vanderbilt
Ivin Jasper seems to be no longer in the works for Vandy. As of yesterday, he had not been contacted. There is a new report that says that Vandy will be contacting Virginia Tech DC Bud Foster early next week. Al Golden of Temple seems to be in the mix as well.
Minnesota
The Gophers are in trouble. San Diego State HC Brady Hoke, Air Force HC Troy Calhoun, and UConn HC Randy Edsell have all given this job the finger. I suggest that the Gophers speak to Montreal HC Mark Trestman as the Allouettes are coming off of a CFL Grey Cup win.
Mississippi State
Things seemstable there right now, as Dan Mullen said on ESPN Radio that he has not been contacted by any other shool. I can't say that I believe him, but it's possible, as he probably does have an agent that can give him deniability.
North Texas
Dan McCarney will be earning in the area of $500,000 per season.
Texas State
As I had suggested yesterday, it turns out that Dennis Franchione seems to be a solid candidate for the open HC job.
Houston
DL Coach Jim Jeffcoat has been released from the staff.
More news as it comes today.
Vanderbilt
Ivin Jasper seems to be no longer in the works for Vandy. As of yesterday, he had not been contacted. There is a new report that says that Vandy will be contacting Virginia Tech DC Bud Foster early next week. Al Golden of Temple seems to be in the mix as well.
Minnesota
The Gophers are in trouble. San Diego State HC Brady Hoke, Air Force HC Troy Calhoun, and UConn HC Randy Edsell have all given this job the finger. I suggest that the Gophers speak to Montreal HC Mark Trestman as the Allouettes are coming off of a CFL Grey Cup win.
Mississippi State
Things seemstable there right now, as Dan Mullen said on ESPN Radio that he has not been contacted by any other shool. I can't say that I believe him, but it's possible, as he probably does have an agent that can give him deniability.
North Texas
Dan McCarney will be earning in the area of $500,000 per season.
Texas State
As I had suggested yesterday, it turns out that Dennis Franchione seems to be a solid candidate for the open HC job.
Houston
DL Coach Jim Jeffcoat has been released from the staff.
More news as it comes today.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Linebacker of the Year FCS
I am pleased to announce our LB of the Year FCS for the 2010 season. The winner was chosen amongst 15 finalists. The winner of the 2010 Linebacker of the Year FCS Award is....
KYLE GLAZIER, WESTERN ILLINOIS
Kyle had a huge season for the playoff bound Leathernecks, as he racked up 154 total tackles, 14 TFLs, and 4 sacks. WIU is currently 8-4 and headed to the second round of the FCS playoffs to take on Appalachian State.
Congrats to Kyle and to Western Illinois on a terrific season.
Kyle has earned the first entry at LB for our All-Bilo Team, which will be announced tomorrow afternoon.
KYLE GLAZIER, WESTERN ILLINOIS
Kyle had a huge season for the playoff bound Leathernecks, as he racked up 154 total tackles, 14 TFLs, and 4 sacks. WIU is currently 8-4 and headed to the second round of the FCS playoffs to take on Appalachian State.
Congrats to Kyle and to Western Illinois on a terrific season.
Kyle has earned the first entry at LB for our All-Bilo Team, which will be announced tomorrow afternoon.
Defensive Lineman of the Year FCS
It is our pleasure to announce the 2010 DL of the Year FCS. The winner was chosen from 15 finalists, one from each conference across America.
The winner is..................
MARIO KURN, SAN DIEGO
Kurn had 56 total tackles in 2010, and had 30 total TFLs to go with 18 total sacks for the year. He was a dominant force all season long against opposing offenses, and was nearly unblockable in certain situations.
Congratulations to Mario and the USD football community.
With this award, Mario will be an automatic entry to my All-Bilo Team that is to be released tomorrow afternoon.
The winner is..................
MARIO KURN, SAN DIEGO
Kurn had 56 total tackles in 2010, and had 30 total TFLs to go with 18 total sacks for the year. He was a dominant force all season long against opposing offenses, and was nearly unblockable in certain situations.
Congratulations to Mario and the USD football community.
With this award, Mario will be an automatic entry to my All-Bilo Team that is to be released tomorrow afternoon.
Coaching Update 7pm PST
Miami
Peter King of SI is now reporting that the Jon Gruden story out of the Miami Herald is a fraud. His sources tell him that Gruden is not going anywhere and specifically not to Miami.
UL-Lafayette
Mississippi State WR coach Mark Hudspeth is now interested in the job.
Minnesota
The Gophers now want to meet with Temple HC Al Golden.
Lots of stories are flying around, so we'll let you know when news is happening.
Peter King of SI is now reporting that the Jon Gruden story out of the Miami Herald is a fraud. His sources tell him that Gruden is not going anywhere and specifically not to Miami.
UL-Lafayette
Mississippi State WR coach Mark Hudspeth is now interested in the job.
Minnesota
The Gophers now want to meet with Temple HC Al Golden.
Lots of stories are flying around, so we'll let you know when news is happening.
Coaching Update 5:50 PST
The Miami Herald is now reporting that Jon Gruden has agreed to coach the Hurricanes and has agreed to terms on a deal that would pay him $3.4 million per season. More as details emerge....
FBS Coaching Candidates
Rivals.Com has posted a list of potential candidates for the open FBS jobs only. I am still researching the FCS openings aggressively, and will get you the news on those spots as I find it.
Here are the candidates listed for the FBS jobs so far:
Ball State
San Diego State RB Coach Jeff Hecklinski...formerly on the BSU staff under Brady Hoke.
Oregon QB Coach Mark Helfrich
Former Cincinnati HC Rick Minter
New Orleans Saints Scout Mike Neu...former Ball State player
Kansas City Chiefs TE Coach Bernie Parmalee...All time Ball State great at RB
Stanford Special Teams Coach Brian Polian
Michigan State OC Don Treadwell...definately ready to be a HC
Ball State has fallen off of the radar since Brady Hoke left for San Diego State. Hecklinski would bring a feel for those days back, but my favorite candidates for the job would be Treadwell and Minter. Parmalee and Neu are insiders but don't have the experience of running the show.
Colorado
Minnesota Vikings RB Coach Eric Bienemy...former Buffs great at RB, solid recruiter
Interim HC Brian Cabral...has done a solid job in a difficult situation. Long time assistant.
Troy Calhoun, Air Force HC...Has the experience, but has he won enough?
Washington Redskins TE Coach Jon Embree...Another former Buff, like Bienemy, solid assistant with no head man experience.
San Diego State HC Brady Hoke...Not a chance of getting Hoke
Jacksonville Jaguars OC Dirk Koetter...Another failed former Boise HC, flamed out at Arizona State
Auburn OC Gus Malzahn...shows up on everyone's want list
Former CU Coach Bill McCartney...This is a joke, right?
Alabama OC Jim McElwain...Knows the west coast from days at Fresno State
Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen...Again a popular choice, but not a realistic one.
Stanford OC David Shaw...Solid west coast guy, and has developed the hell out of Stanford's offense under Jim Harbaugh.
Know this...the Buffs are hiring on the cheap and don't want to pay a lot for this muffler. When you hire on the cheap, it usually goes badly. See Randy Shannon. Embree and Bienemy wouldlook to be the front runners right now, but Cabral would probably take their money and do a decent job. Don't look for a quick hit here.
Kent State
Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst...Deep in the midwest recruiting circles
Oklahoma State OC Dana Holgorsen...innovative and creative offensively
Penn State WR Coach Mike McQueary...no cordinator or HC experience
Notre Dame Secondary Coach Chuck Martin...A popular name early, great recruiter, no real experience running the show
UTEP DC Andre Patterson...has had other opportunities, not a good record.
Michigan State OC Don Treadwell...Good choice, and he is ready. Knows the midwest.
Tough job to sell. There has to be total commitment from the Kent State community to get this thing right. The Flashes were a winner last in 1984 under Glen Mason (7-4) and have not gone bowling since Don James took them in 1972. My favorites here are Holgorsen and Treadwell.
Miami
FIU HC Mario Cristobal...slowly building FIU, not ready for the enormity of Miami.
Former Texas Tech HC Mike Leach...Too much baggage, and he can't stay out of court.
Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen...The most likely landing spot so far for Mullen.
Georgia HC Mark Richt...Can't win regularly at UGA, why would it be different at the U?
Texas Tech HC Tommy Tubberville...Good fit for Tech, but would not be a good fit at Miami.
Oklahoma OC Brent Vanables...Excellent choice and has been on the radar for a while now.
ESPN Commentator Jon Gruden...Has flirted with the college game for years now, but is comfy at his desk. Miami would have to dump a ton of cash to get him away from Bristol. Has never been a head man on the college level, and may find it very different from the pro game.
These are just the early candidates. Expect Miami to move quickly, but not so fast that they blow it. They cannot afford another mistake, as is evident by having only 27,000 people at the USF game. The program also cannot aford to back track on the progress that Shannon had made on the disciplanary side, as he had started to succesfully change the culture and improve the character of the Miami program.
Minnesota
Air Force HC Troy Calhoun...I have not seen the overwhleming success that would or should generate this much buzz about this guy.
UConn HC Randy Edsell...Tough to win in Storrs, as high school football talent does not grow on trees in New England. Would it be better in the desolation of Gopher country?
Former Tennessee HC Phil Fulmer...Not a good fit, and Fulmer is not bouncing up and down about this job.
San Diego State HC Brady Hoke...The Gophers want him badly, and SDSU is putting together a counter offer in an extension as we speak.
Houston HC Kevin Sumlin...an ok selection, but did he win strictly on Case Kennum's arm?
Again, a tough sell, but not as bad as it used to be. The Gophers have new facilities, and there is a general need to be succesful amongst the fan base. These folks are sick of losing, and with the Big 10 going to 2 divisions, the stakes are high and winning a division is more attainable. My favorites are Hoke and Edsell, but they may not get either when the day is done.
Vanderbilt
Former Clemson HC Tommy Bowden...never could win at Clemson, and Vandy is a dead end.
Former Southern Miss HC Jeff Bower...A solid coach who needs another shot.
Navy OC Ivin Jasper...Has never been a head guy, and this would be a dangerous selection.
Miami Dolphin QB Coach David Lee...Just another name, not a good one either.
Auburn OC Gus Malzahn...Knows the SEC, and has had success as an OC.
Tough job, and I feel for Robbie Caldwell as there was only so much that he could do this season after Bobby Johnson hit the eject button right before the season started. My two favorites from this list would have to be Bower and Malzahn. Both know the south, and both have had successes. The pressure at Vandy is not huge. Win enough to go to a minor bowl, and graduate players. If you perform those two tasks, you could be coach for life at Vandy. Cleanest program in the SEC, and one of the cleanest in America. Consider it to be a real college job, where academics still come first. Refreshing, isn't it?
UL-Lafayette and Indiana are not listed as of yet, and I will report on those lists when they come available.
Here are the candidates listed for the FBS jobs so far:
Ball State
San Diego State RB Coach Jeff Hecklinski...formerly on the BSU staff under Brady Hoke.
Oregon QB Coach Mark Helfrich
Former Cincinnati HC Rick Minter
New Orleans Saints Scout Mike Neu...former Ball State player
Kansas City Chiefs TE Coach Bernie Parmalee...All time Ball State great at RB
Stanford Special Teams Coach Brian Polian
Michigan State OC Don Treadwell...definately ready to be a HC
Ball State has fallen off of the radar since Brady Hoke left for San Diego State. Hecklinski would bring a feel for those days back, but my favorite candidates for the job would be Treadwell and Minter. Parmalee and Neu are insiders but don't have the experience of running the show.
Colorado
Minnesota Vikings RB Coach Eric Bienemy...former Buffs great at RB, solid recruiter
Interim HC Brian Cabral...has done a solid job in a difficult situation. Long time assistant.
Troy Calhoun, Air Force HC...Has the experience, but has he won enough?
Washington Redskins TE Coach Jon Embree...Another former Buff, like Bienemy, solid assistant with no head man experience.
San Diego State HC Brady Hoke...Not a chance of getting Hoke
Jacksonville Jaguars OC Dirk Koetter...Another failed former Boise HC, flamed out at Arizona State
Auburn OC Gus Malzahn...shows up on everyone's want list
Former CU Coach Bill McCartney...This is a joke, right?
Alabama OC Jim McElwain...Knows the west coast from days at Fresno State
Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen...Again a popular choice, but not a realistic one.
Stanford OC David Shaw...Solid west coast guy, and has developed the hell out of Stanford's offense under Jim Harbaugh.
Know this...the Buffs are hiring on the cheap and don't want to pay a lot for this muffler. When you hire on the cheap, it usually goes badly. See Randy Shannon. Embree and Bienemy wouldlook to be the front runners right now, but Cabral would probably take their money and do a decent job. Don't look for a quick hit here.
Kent State
Wisconsin OC Paul Chryst...Deep in the midwest recruiting circles
Oklahoma State OC Dana Holgorsen...innovative and creative offensively
Penn State WR Coach Mike McQueary...no cordinator or HC experience
Notre Dame Secondary Coach Chuck Martin...A popular name early, great recruiter, no real experience running the show
UTEP DC Andre Patterson...has had other opportunities, not a good record.
Michigan State OC Don Treadwell...Good choice, and he is ready. Knows the midwest.
Tough job to sell. There has to be total commitment from the Kent State community to get this thing right. The Flashes were a winner last in 1984 under Glen Mason (7-4) and have not gone bowling since Don James took them in 1972. My favorites here are Holgorsen and Treadwell.
Miami
FIU HC Mario Cristobal...slowly building FIU, not ready for the enormity of Miami.
Former Texas Tech HC Mike Leach...Too much baggage, and he can't stay out of court.
Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen...The most likely landing spot so far for Mullen.
Georgia HC Mark Richt...Can't win regularly at UGA, why would it be different at the U?
Texas Tech HC Tommy Tubberville...Good fit for Tech, but would not be a good fit at Miami.
Oklahoma OC Brent Vanables...Excellent choice and has been on the radar for a while now.
ESPN Commentator Jon Gruden...Has flirted with the college game for years now, but is comfy at his desk. Miami would have to dump a ton of cash to get him away from Bristol. Has never been a head man on the college level, and may find it very different from the pro game.
These are just the early candidates. Expect Miami to move quickly, but not so fast that they blow it. They cannot afford another mistake, as is evident by having only 27,000 people at the USF game. The program also cannot aford to back track on the progress that Shannon had made on the disciplanary side, as he had started to succesfully change the culture and improve the character of the Miami program.
Minnesota
Air Force HC Troy Calhoun...I have not seen the overwhleming success that would or should generate this much buzz about this guy.
UConn HC Randy Edsell...Tough to win in Storrs, as high school football talent does not grow on trees in New England. Would it be better in the desolation of Gopher country?
Former Tennessee HC Phil Fulmer...Not a good fit, and Fulmer is not bouncing up and down about this job.
San Diego State HC Brady Hoke...The Gophers want him badly, and SDSU is putting together a counter offer in an extension as we speak.
Houston HC Kevin Sumlin...an ok selection, but did he win strictly on Case Kennum's arm?
Again, a tough sell, but not as bad as it used to be. The Gophers have new facilities, and there is a general need to be succesful amongst the fan base. These folks are sick of losing, and with the Big 10 going to 2 divisions, the stakes are high and winning a division is more attainable. My favorites are Hoke and Edsell, but they may not get either when the day is done.
Vanderbilt
Former Clemson HC Tommy Bowden...never could win at Clemson, and Vandy is a dead end.
Former Southern Miss HC Jeff Bower...A solid coach who needs another shot.
Navy OC Ivin Jasper...Has never been a head guy, and this would be a dangerous selection.
Miami Dolphin QB Coach David Lee...Just another name, not a good one either.
Auburn OC Gus Malzahn...Knows the SEC, and has had success as an OC.
Tough job, and I feel for Robbie Caldwell as there was only so much that he could do this season after Bobby Johnson hit the eject button right before the season started. My two favorites from this list would have to be Bower and Malzahn. Both know the south, and both have had successes. The pressure at Vandy is not huge. Win enough to go to a minor bowl, and graduate players. If you perform those two tasks, you could be coach for life at Vandy. Cleanest program in the SEC, and one of the cleanest in America. Consider it to be a real college job, where academics still come first. Refreshing, isn't it?
UL-Lafayette and Indiana are not listed as of yet, and I will report on those lists when they come available.
FCS Playoffs-Round 1
Round one of the FCS playoffs was completed last night, and other than one game, there were no real surprises (and the one surprise was not much of one). Lets break down the action...
Western Illinois 17, Coastal Carolina 10
The Leathernecks bounced out to a 10-0 lead on the road, but needed Matt Barr's second rushing TD of the day with1:50 left to push themselves up over the upstart Chanticleers on the road. WIU now stays on the road next week when they meet Appalachian State.
Matt Barr had hit Bryce Flowers on a 38 yard pass play to set up Barr's 5 yard scoring run. The Chanticleers then drove all the way to the Leatherneck 4 yard line before Zach MacDowell tossed his 4th pick of the game and WIU was finally able to breath. CCU had 5 turnovers total on the day. Their final drive to tie the game was aided by 2 major penalties by WIU.
Barr passed for 233 yards on the day and rushed for 45. He was picked twice.
The game featured 13 total penalties and 7 total turnovers. MacDowell finished with 292 yards for Coastal Carolina, and he rushed for 71 more on the day.
Lehigh 14, Northern Iowa 7
Lehigh provided our second road winner on the day, as the Mountain Hawks scored 14 in the third and shut down the Panthers after a score in the first to get the win.
Chris Lum passed for both TDs amongst his 262 yards passing, and All-Bilo WR Candidate Ryan Spadola caught 9 passes for 127 yards and a score.
This was the 8th straight win for red hot Lehigh.
Lehigh (10-2) now advances to take on Delaware on the road next weekend.
Billy Hallgren missed 3 FGs on the day for UNI in the loss, and the Panthers finish 7-5.
Panther QB Tirrell Rennie tossed 3 picks and completed only 6 of 14 passes in the loss.
Georgia Southern 41, South Carolina State 16
The Eagles scored 16 in the 1st and another 16 in the 4th to sandwich the Bulldogs at home in Statesboro, despite losing QB Jaybo Shaw to an early injury. SC State had only been allowing 77 yards rushing per game, but the Eagles rolled up 323 yards rushing in their triple option offense. The Eagles scored twice on safeties, and also scored on a fumble return against the mistake prone Bulldogs.
Shaw left the game with an apparent concussion and no news is available oon his condition as the Eagles now prep to take on William & Mary next weekend.
Robert Brown rushed for 77 yards for GSU, but was replaced with FB Lee Banks after his 3rd fumble of the game. Banks rushed for 56 yards.
Malcolm Long was held to 166 yards passing and was picked 3 times for SC State, who finishes at 9-3 on the season.
North Dakota State 43, Robert Morris 17
ND State trialed the Colonials 7-6 at the half, but blew the game open in the second half, as Brock Jensen passed for 2 scores and rushed for another to pull out the 1st round win for the Bison at home. DJ McNorton rushed for 110 yards and added another 110 yards receiving, while scoring twice. ND State rolled up 482 yards in total offense, including a Bison post season record 229 yards passing by the redh=shirt freshman QB Jensen.
All-Bilo candidate RB Myles Russ rushed for 117 yards and both Colonial TDs as Robert Morris fell in their first playoff appearance to finish 8-3 on the season.
NDSU now travles to take on Montana State next weekend.
Western Illinois 17, Coastal Carolina 10
The Leathernecks bounced out to a 10-0 lead on the road, but needed Matt Barr's second rushing TD of the day with1:50 left to push themselves up over the upstart Chanticleers on the road. WIU now stays on the road next week when they meet Appalachian State.
Matt Barr had hit Bryce Flowers on a 38 yard pass play to set up Barr's 5 yard scoring run. The Chanticleers then drove all the way to the Leatherneck 4 yard line before Zach MacDowell tossed his 4th pick of the game and WIU was finally able to breath. CCU had 5 turnovers total on the day. Their final drive to tie the game was aided by 2 major penalties by WIU.
Barr passed for 233 yards on the day and rushed for 45. He was picked twice.
The game featured 13 total penalties and 7 total turnovers. MacDowell finished with 292 yards for Coastal Carolina, and he rushed for 71 more on the day.
Lehigh 14, Northern Iowa 7
Lehigh provided our second road winner on the day, as the Mountain Hawks scored 14 in the third and shut down the Panthers after a score in the first to get the win.
Chris Lum passed for both TDs amongst his 262 yards passing, and All-Bilo WR Candidate Ryan Spadola caught 9 passes for 127 yards and a score.
This was the 8th straight win for red hot Lehigh.
Lehigh (10-2) now advances to take on Delaware on the road next weekend.
Billy Hallgren missed 3 FGs on the day for UNI in the loss, and the Panthers finish 7-5.
Panther QB Tirrell Rennie tossed 3 picks and completed only 6 of 14 passes in the loss.
Georgia Southern 41, South Carolina State 16
The Eagles scored 16 in the 1st and another 16 in the 4th to sandwich the Bulldogs at home in Statesboro, despite losing QB Jaybo Shaw to an early injury. SC State had only been allowing 77 yards rushing per game, but the Eagles rolled up 323 yards rushing in their triple option offense. The Eagles scored twice on safeties, and also scored on a fumble return against the mistake prone Bulldogs.
Shaw left the game with an apparent concussion and no news is available oon his condition as the Eagles now prep to take on William & Mary next weekend.
Robert Brown rushed for 77 yards for GSU, but was replaced with FB Lee Banks after his 3rd fumble of the game. Banks rushed for 56 yards.
Malcolm Long was held to 166 yards passing and was picked 3 times for SC State, who finishes at 9-3 on the season.
North Dakota State 43, Robert Morris 17
ND State trialed the Colonials 7-6 at the half, but blew the game open in the second half, as Brock Jensen passed for 2 scores and rushed for another to pull out the 1st round win for the Bison at home. DJ McNorton rushed for 110 yards and added another 110 yards receiving, while scoring twice. ND State rolled up 482 yards in total offense, including a Bison post season record 229 yards passing by the redh=shirt freshman QB Jensen.
All-Bilo candidate RB Myles Russ rushed for 117 yards and both Colonial TDs as Robert Morris fell in their first playoff appearance to finish 8-3 on the season.
NDSU now travles to take on Montana State next weekend.
Coaching Update 3:15 PST
UL-Lafayatte
Mike Canales has been contacted by ULL as a candidate to replace Ricky Bustle, who was fired this weekend. Canales did a remarkable job in turning around North Texas as interim HC after Todd Dodge was fired mid-season. Canales lost out on the UNT job when Dan McCarney accepted the job last night.
More as it becomes available...
Mike Canales has been contacted by ULL as a candidate to replace Ricky Bustle, who was fired this weekend. Canales did a remarkable job in turning around North Texas as interim HC after Todd Dodge was fired mid-season. Canales lost out on the UNT job when Dan McCarney accepted the job last night.
More as it becomes available...
Coaching Update 3pm PST
The latest updates available...
Miami
According to footballscoop.com, Miami is willing to pay Jon Gruden $3 Million per season. Mark Richt has stated that he has not been contacted and fully expects to be back at Georgia in 2011 with his staff intact.
Sacred Heart
Paul Gorham is being fired as HC of the Pioneers. SHU debuted in our PRS top 35 in early September, and the season went south after that. This is not a surprise. No word on replacement candidates as of yet. stay tuned.
Indiana
Chuck Neinas and his firm have been brought on board to help with the coaching search. Fred Glass has also contacted Tony Dungy and Bill Polian to consult. Bill Lynch was fired today after IU defeated Purdue yesterday.
San Diego State
AD Jim Sterk is putting together a major financial package for HC Brady Hoke to retain him, as Minnesota has made some very aggressive overtures in recent days. No details have been announced, but it would have to be substantial in order to compete with Big 10 money.
New Mexico
Word from Keith Harding is that New Mexico will be retaining Mike Locksley as HC on order from the office of the Governor. The state (like all others) is in a financial crunch, and UNM is still paying off Rocky Long and Rich McKay (former hoops coach) from their tenures, and it is not viable at this time to pay off a third coach. The Lobos are stuck with him for now unless some money bags booster pays the bill.
Miami
According to footballscoop.com, Miami is willing to pay Jon Gruden $3 Million per season. Mark Richt has stated that he has not been contacted and fully expects to be back at Georgia in 2011 with his staff intact.
Sacred Heart
Paul Gorham is being fired as HC of the Pioneers. SHU debuted in our PRS top 35 in early September, and the season went south after that. This is not a surprise. No word on replacement candidates as of yet. stay tuned.
Indiana
Chuck Neinas and his firm have been brought on board to help with the coaching search. Fred Glass has also contacted Tony Dungy and Bill Polian to consult. Bill Lynch was fired today after IU defeated Purdue yesterday.
San Diego State
AD Jim Sterk is putting together a major financial package for HC Brady Hoke to retain him, as Minnesota has made some very aggressive overtures in recent days. No details have been announced, but it would have to be substantial in order to compete with Big 10 money.
New Mexico
Word from Keith Harding is that New Mexico will be retaining Mike Locksley as HC on order from the office of the Governor. The state (like all others) is in a financial crunch, and UNM is still paying off Rocky Long and Rich McKay (former hoops coach) from their tenures, and it is not viable at this time to pay off a third coach. The Lobos are stuck with him for now unless some money bags booster pays the bill.
Coaching Update
Indiana
Word out of Bloomington is that it is official that Bill Lynch has been released as HC of the football program. Presser is still scheduled for 5pm EST.
More news as it flies, and it is flying fast....
Word out of Bloomington is that it is official that Bill Lynch has been released as HC of the football program. Presser is still scheduled for 5pm EST.
More news as it flies, and it is flying fast....
Coaching News 11/28 Part 3
Indiana
AD Fred Glass has scheduled a press conference at 5pm EST to discuss the future of the IU football program. Does not sound like good news to me for Bill Lynch. Expect a change to be made. I'll update this when the presser is finished.
UAB
Neil Calloway has been thrown a life vest. He has been informed that he will return for the 2011 season. He had, however, better win.
Miami
The Hurricanes primary focus for the next 48 hours will be Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen. Join the club. Minnesota wants hime too. Remember that Miami is known for not paying well when you grade out the potential candidates. That being said, an early candidate list entails Jon Gruden, Oklahoma OC Brent Venables, Gary Patterson, and Mark Richt. Sounds like one hell of a wish list. I also want $10 Million while we're at it. There's a reason that they ended up with Randy Shannon, and he obviously was not a great choice even then.
Arkansas State
Steve Roberts has sent his assistants out on recruiting trips, and has no indication of his future with the school.
West Virginia
Bill stewart is now countering rumors that he is contemplating retirement after the Bowl Game. In coach speak that means "Damn, someone leaked that and now I have to counter the story before everything gets out of whack. Of course, I'll still retire anyway." Remember Saban with the Dolphins and move on accordingly.
Texas State
Still no word on any actual potential candidates as of this afternoon. There is a solid wish list in San Marcos, but some names are not high on the reality scope. One name that has been tossed around that would make sense is Dennis Franchione, who is desperate to get back into the game, and he would be open to the chance. Just don't let him send out any subscription based news letters. Keep all pens and laptops away from him, and you will be fine. Keep him away from the boosters too.
AD Fred Glass has scheduled a press conference at 5pm EST to discuss the future of the IU football program. Does not sound like good news to me for Bill Lynch. Expect a change to be made. I'll update this when the presser is finished.
UAB
Neil Calloway has been thrown a life vest. He has been informed that he will return for the 2011 season. He had, however, better win.
Miami
The Hurricanes primary focus for the next 48 hours will be Mississippi State HC Dan Mullen. Join the club. Minnesota wants hime too. Remember that Miami is known for not paying well when you grade out the potential candidates. That being said, an early candidate list entails Jon Gruden, Oklahoma OC Brent Venables, Gary Patterson, and Mark Richt. Sounds like one hell of a wish list. I also want $10 Million while we're at it. There's a reason that they ended up with Randy Shannon, and he obviously was not a great choice even then.
Arkansas State
Steve Roberts has sent his assistants out on recruiting trips, and has no indication of his future with the school.
West Virginia
Bill stewart is now countering rumors that he is contemplating retirement after the Bowl Game. In coach speak that means "Damn, someone leaked that and now I have to counter the story before everything gets out of whack. Of course, I'll still retire anyway." Remember Saban with the Dolphins and move on accordingly.
Texas State
Still no word on any actual potential candidates as of this afternoon. There is a solid wish list in San Marcos, but some names are not high on the reality scope. One name that has been tossed around that would make sense is Dennis Franchione, who is desperate to get back into the game, and he would be open to the chance. Just don't let him send out any subscription based news letters. Keep all pens and laptops away from him, and you will be fine. Keep him away from the boosters too.
Coaching News 11/28 Part 2
News is flying fast tonight...here's more...
Vanderbilt
Vandy is narrowing in on Gus Malzahn and Navy OC Ivin Jasper.
West Virginia
There is speculation that Bill Stewart will retire after the Mountaineers play in their bowl game.
Miami
Jeff Soutland will be interim HC. OC Mark Whipple has been released immediately along with HC Randy Shannon.
Again, more news as it comes, and I expect plenty in the next 48 hours.
Vanderbilt
Vandy is narrowing in on Gus Malzahn and Navy OC Ivin Jasper.
West Virginia
There is speculation that Bill Stewart will retire after the Mountaineers play in their bowl game.
Miami
Jeff Soutland will be interim HC. OC Mark Whipple has been released immediately along with HC Randy Shannon.
Again, more news as it comes, and I expect plenty in the next 48 hours.
Coaching News 11/28
Late night news....
Dan McCarney has accepted the North Texas job.
Randy Shannon is out in Miami after a late night meeting that we reported would happen earlier in the evening.
Ricky Bustle has been given the Bustle Hustle at UL-Lafayette, and his departure has been verified.
More throughout the day on Sunday and Monday.
Dan McCarney has accepted the North Texas job.
Randy Shannon is out in Miami after a late night meeting that we reported would happen earlier in the evening.
Ricky Bustle has been given the Bustle Hustle at UL-Lafayette, and his departure has been verified.
More throughout the day on Sunday and Monday.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Coaching News Part 3
North Texas
According to multiple sources, Florida assistant and former Iowa State HC Dan McCarney has been offered the HC job at North Texas. Mike Canales had more than earned the opportunity, but the school felt otherwise.
According to multiple sources, Florida assistant and former Iowa State HC Dan McCarney has been offered the HC job at North Texas. Mike Canales had more than earned the opportunity, but the school felt otherwise.
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