July 26, 2010

NO EXCUSE FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES ACCEPTING CASH

The major discussion in college and professional football right now are agents offering cash to college students...and those students accepting.

It started with the Reggie Bush case and has steamrolled from there. UNC, South Carolina, Florida, and other schools have been investigated (or are being investigated) for this violation.

The athletes are many times made out to be these poor, unsuspecting victims who come from poor backgrounds and don't know what they're doing is wrong and all the blame should be on the agents. That's hogwash.

Any college athlete that is offered cash from an agent is someone with the potential of earning millions in the NFL, which means they're a freakishly gifted athlete which means they're surrounded by other freakishly gifted athletes, and they ALL know the drill.

I don't know the answer, but there should be a governance policy shared by the NCAA, NFL and whatever the "board of sports agency" or governing body of sports agents is to eradicate this from happening.

I'll tell you what's NOT helping is a potential deal that could guarantee Sam Bradford 50 million bones. If you're an agent, why in the world WOULDN'T you try and get a commitment from that kid before he signs.

You know what one percent of 50 mil is? 500 G's. Good gracious alive...that's ridiculous and wrong.

Rookies should have a scale like they do in the NBA which puts some sort of levers on these ridiculous guarantees which fuel the sort of violations and investigations that the NCAA is wasting precious resources on right now. 

These violations shouldn't be blamed on any one factor. They should be blamed on young, wide-eyed athletes; not quite as young, wide-eyed agents; and the NFL collective bargaining agreement as it pertains to rookie contracts and agreements.

To the college athlete? You know what you're doing...why don't you wait like five seconds to get your money because if you're good enough to be offered cash by an agent (a substantial amount anyway) you're going to get paid so just be patient.

DEZ BRYANT: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

The good news is the first-round draft pick Dez Bryant is practicing. He had a desire to compete and be on the field so there was minimal contract negotiation. That's great.

He's said all the right things, participated in the Organized Team Activities, and been a total pro in all facets of the term.

But then he goes and gives Roy Williams the now infamous "cold shoulder pad" on Sunday and screws up the whole thing.

Apparently, the veteran receiver told Bryant to carry his pads into the locker room after the team's practice in San Antonio. Bryant denied the request.

Rookies (even first-round pick, super hyped, savior of the franchise rookies) are supposed to carry veterans shoulder pads or get them Gatorade or sing them a song or do anything they say (reasonable things they say that is).

Jason Witten did it.

Tony Romo did it.

Roy Williams did it.

I'm sure Joe Montana, Tom Brady and Ray Lewis did it, too.

It's like Cowboys LB Keith Brooking said today, nobody tried to duct tape Bryant to a water heater and shove something down his throat. No one asked him to happily receive a beating from a pillow case filled with bars of soap.

He was asked to carry 3 pound shoulder pads the length of a 6-man football field.

And he went and caused some big, stupid media story instead of just being a typical NFL rookie and doing something all NFL rookies have done before him - done what the veterans told him to do.

I guarantee you that the Cowboys veterans respect Bryant. They're excited to have him on the team. No one was trying to disrespect him or humiliate him. It's simply a tradition.

And now the attention is on this stupid incident rather than what's happening ON the field. The Cowboys are all saying its a non-issue and that it's been handled internally, but it's turned into an issue where it matters most...media perception.

Ugh...just when you thought it couldn't be going any better with Bryant.

He was absolutely wrong in this case. He said that he's here to play football and not carry anyone's pads.

Well, guess what, Dez? You haven't done JACK SQUAT in the NFL, and until you do? When someone tells you to pick up their pads and carry them...just shut up and do it.

On a more positive note, TE Martellus Bennett has some nude photos of him in the shower  (which he apparently took HIMSELF) surface on the internet. Great.

What's next?

Where's Terrell Owens when you need him to calm all this stuff down?

Can I get a Rangers game, please?

July 19, 2010

PLACES TO GO, GAMES TO SEE

I was recently asked by a friend if I had an opportunity to go to any football stadium to watch a game, what stadium would it be?

That's a great question. Let's see...

I've been to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville to watch a Tennessee/Alabama game. Neyland is currently the third largest non-racing stadium in the world (6th largest stadium overall).

I've been to Bryant-Denny stadium in Tuscaloosa to watch the same two teams play...the year Alabama won the national title and their starting running back won the Heisman trophy. Bryant-Denny is the fifth largest stadium in the nation and the eighth largest non-racing stadium in the world. It has sold out every home football game since 1988.

I've been to the new Cowboys Stadium to watch a very memorable Big 12 Championship game between Texas and Nebraska.

I've been to the Rose Bowl to watch a national championship game.

I've been to four Texas/OU games at the Cotton Bowl and watched all four from the sidelines as a reporter. I was there the year UT went on to win the national title. I was there the year Jason White went on to win the Heisman (and interviewed him after the game).

I've been to a game in College Station.

I've been to home games in Austin (Colt's first career start was a pretty good one to be at).

I've been to games in Lubbock...a memorable one was the game that BJ Symons threw for a record 7 TDs against the Aggies in a game which started at 9 PM. I watched that one from the sidelines and interviewed Wes Welker and Symons afterward.

All that being known...where does that leave me? What stadiums (and games) are worth attending? I've seen some pretty cool stuff and had the opportunity to go to some pretty historical venues.

Here's my short bucket list:

Florida vs. Florida State in either Gainesville (The Swamp) or Tallahassee (Doak Campbell Stadium).

Auburn vs. Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn...been to Bryant-Denny already.

Michigan vs. Ohio State in either Columbus (The Horseshoe) or Ann Arbor (The Big House). I was supposed to be at The Horseshoe in 2005 when Texas beat the Buckeyes up there (had credentials to the game and everything) but some other travel plans fell through last minute.

Notre Dame vs. USC in South Bend.

At this time, I really don't know of any other college football stadiums or particular games that I would really spend time and/or money to visit.

So if anyone has free tickets to any of these games for 2010, let me know, and I'll see what I can do to accompany you.

With 46 days to go before the official start of college football season, I'm starting to get a little antsy.

July 8, 2010

EARLY HEISMAN THOUGHTS

I'm planning on doing several Heisman outlook posts to look at some of the early favorites for the 2010 season.

Obviously, Mark Ingram has to be the favorite heading into the season. He's a junior and the defending trophy winner. However, I think the chances of Ingram repeating (something that hasn't been done since 1975) are extremely slim. The reason? It's not the schedule. It's not improved SEC defenses. It's not even some sort of pre-season jinx...it's two words:

Trent. Richardson.

The 5'11", 220 pound sophomore running back at 'Bama is a phenom who rushed for 750 yards including more than 100 against Texas in the BCS Title Game. He rarely gets stopped for less than 4 yards. He's fast, strong, flexible, mobile and quick. He's got it all and may be a better overall back than Ingram.

He'll split more time with Ingram this year and they'll take votes away from each other. Neither has a shot unless the other gets hurt or arrested.

Another guy who should be mentioned early on is Washington QB Jake Locker. The 6'3" dual threat flame-thrower has a chance to post a rare 3,000-1,000 passing-rushing season. Plus he'll get some early season hype as the Huskies' non-conference schedule includes BYU, Syracuse and Nebraska. Their first conference game is at USC. If UW is undefeated and goes to LA and wins against USC, Locker will easily be the Heisman front-runner on October 3.

The last guy I'll mention right now is Pittsburgh RB Dion Lewis. Why not? After no sophomores ever winning the award, we could have three in four years if Lewis wins. He's no joke either after rushing for 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was the conference Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. The last person to do that in the Big East was Michael Vick. He was in the shadow of departing superstar Lesean McCoy, but came in and outperformed what McCoy was able to do.

Pitt's non-conference schedule includes Utah, Notre Dame and Miami, so if they make it into the heart of the conference schedule with 0 or 1 loss, Lewis will be right at the front of the pack.

THOUGHTS ON KIFFIN

Say what you will about the cocky, brash, and polarizing Lane Kiffin, but I think he's great for college football.

The guy is hired by Al Davis as the youngest NFL head coach in NFL history...goes 4-12 his first year...gets fired for cause just before Davis calls him a "flat out liar'"...leaves amidst a storm of failure and humiliation...takes over for the famed Phil Fulmer at Tennesee...promises national championships...hires a great coaching staff...publicly accuses SEC coaches of recruiting violations (Urban Meyer namely)...makes several other public relations mistakes with his mouth...has a decent year after nabbing the nation's #1 recruit and wins 7 games...nearly beats Alabama in Tuscaloosa...

...leaves after ONE YEAR for USC...infuriates Rocky Top nation in the process...takes all his coaches with him...starts talking the talk in LA...is now faced with enormous sanctions from the NCAA for violations that occurred while he was an assistant at USC...

...then sends a request to Tennessee about getting the Vols on USC's schedule in 2011.

Now THAT'S gutsy.

I don't know of any other coach, except maybe Nick Saban, in today's game that has that kind of gusto. He's made a lot of people mad and made a ton of public mistakes, but I think he's great for the game of football...

...and can't wait to see what he does next.

June 30, 2010

FUTURE OF THE BIG 12??

New Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville doesn't seem to think there's much of one...at least the way things are set up now.

His thoughts were made public during a recent radio interview in which he said that the fact that not every school is treated equal is a recipe for a break-up...paraphrased of course.

We all know that Tuberville has some pretty deep SEC roots and the way it works down there is that Vandy gets the same amount from TV and revenues as Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

The new Big 12 (or Big 10) set up has Texas, A&M and Oklahoma having wads of cash thrown at them by Kansas, K State, Iowa State and Baylor so those "smaller" schools don't have to go begging the WAC to let them sign up and play ball.

It sure doesn't seem fair, but you have to remember that what those "smaller" schools will earn under this system will be FAR MORE than they'd earn in the WAC or Conference USA.

It is an interesting thought, but not one that Texas or Oklahoma have to worry about. Why?

Because if the Big 12 does eventually dissolve, the Pac-10 (or however many they have), Big 10 and SEC will fall all over themselves to try and get UT and OU to sign up with them. And Texas Tech, Baylor, Iowa State and Oklahoma State will be left to snatch what's left of the wreckage.

It's nice to be loved.

June 20, 2010

THE STORM HAS PASSED...FOR NOW

What a crazy couple of weeks in the world of college football.

First it was rumors that the Big 10 was going after Missouri and Nebraska. Then it was the Pac-10 wanting to expand. Then it looked like the entire Big 12 was about to collapse into a heaping rubble of ineptitude and poor management.

Then it was essentially a done deal that the Pac-10 would become the Pac-16. Divisions were already aligned. Baylor was already relegated to the Lone Star Conference. The ACC and Big East had no choice but to merge.

The Kansas basketball program was going to play in the ACC while every other sport would have to transition to NAIA.

Four mega-conferences. Four conference champs. A final four for college football? The world is changing...RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!!! WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!!

But wait...

Everyone let out a deep, relaxing exhalation and take a look at what really happened...

The Pac-10 now has 12 teams.

The Big 10 now has 12 teams.

The Big 12 now has 10 teams.

What next?

Mr. T's real name is B? The Four-Horseman really have seven members? There's really only NINE commandments?!?

Here's how I think of it. Nebraska is looking around thinking, "Hey. We're Nebraska. We used to run this show in the Big 8. This conference is shaking, unstable and about to fall apart. We're going to look really smart by getting out of here before the implosion and accept the Big 10's invite."

Then Colorado's like "Hey. We're not really relevant in the Big 12, which is about to collapse anyway. We're going to look like geniuses for being forward-thinkers and fleeing the scene before the destruction. Let's accept that Pac-10 invite."

Now both teams are looking back at a very stable (and extremely rich) Big 12 and will have to pay millions upon millions of dollars in penalty fees for "fleeing the scene" without the appropriate approval...oops. Good one guys.

I said in my previous post that Texas was the key to this whole mayhem and all they were doing was propping their feet up and letting everyone else trip all over themselves below them while 100 dollar bills were being showered upon the Longhorns.

What stopped the Pac-16 from happening wasn't political influence, a concern for long travel times and inconveniences for student athletes, or any specific deal-breaker. It was simple.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ CHA CHING $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

That's it. Money. Cold hard cash.

Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and Baylor called Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M to the table and said this, "Don't leave us. If you leave us, we'll become even more irrelevant than we already are. How about this? We'll give you all of Nebraska and Colorado's penalty money AND let you keep a larger portion of conference revenue...just stay!!!"

And it worked. It may look like UT, A&M and OU are bullying the little guys, but it's more complicated than that. Those smaller Big 12 schools will get more money by this arrangement than if they had to go to some non-BCS conference that you can't even remember. Trust me. This is a great deal for them.

And what's even better for Texas is that now they don't have to compete with USC, UCLA, California and the west coast schools for recruits. That's HUGE. Why wouldn't a kid from Texas or Oklahoma want to go live in a place on the beach, with pretty girls, where the weather is always perfect, surrounded by celebrities and movie stars? Oh wait, you'd rather play in Norman? Oh, right...good choice.

AND Texas is going to get even richer with a new television station that is about to happen. Something that would not have happened had they joined the Pac-16.

Money is what is driving this whole thing. And that's fine with me. That's capitalism.

Another thing that I think the powers that be saw coming was the end of the BCS if there ended up being four mega-conferences. The BCS is huge dollars for the big schools and it's something they're not ready to give up.

Plus I'm a fan of the bowl system and don't want a playoff anyway.

We can only hope the actual season will be this exciting...it'll be tough to match.

June 11, 2010

Now THIS is Drama...

I'm absolutely giddy.

Colorado to the Pac-10.

Nebraska to the Big 10.

Rumors of Texas, A&M, Tech, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma joining the Pac-10.

The SEC has invited Texas and Texas A&M to come east.

Gene Stallings wants the Aggies to accept the invitation.

What's going to happen to the Kansas basketball program?

Baylor being railroaded right as the ship was being turned in the right direction.

Notre Dame won't budge.

The Big 12 is history.

And Texas is in the captain's chair of the College Football mother ship...controlling everything.

Right now...the world revolves around the University of Texas.

Why? Because the Longhorns have emerged the last two years as the leading cash cow of all football programs in the land. And it's not close.

Forbes magazine ranked Notre Dame a distant second based on the 2008 numbers...a whopping 11 million behind.

Every conference wants UT to join their party just like every kid in school wants to go to the prom with the prettiest gal in class. The SEC, Pac-10, Big 10 and Big 12 are all tripping over themselves to get or keep Texas.

And all the Longhorns have to do is prop their feet up, clasp their hands behind their heads and wait for even more cash to start rolling in while keeping a satisfied and arrogant grin on their faces.

Nebraska left the conference because they were sick and tired of UT calling the shots. The Longhorns didn't want to agree to a Big 12 network. Why? Because they were negotiating for a UT network, which would be successful and make tons of money. Forget sharing TV revenue with 11 other schools. They want it all for themselves. And why shouldn't they?

The Huskers used to be kings of the cornfields when the Big 8 ruled the land. Heisman Trophy winners, National championships...they were the big dogs.

When the Southwest Conference folded, the Big 8 and Nebraska thought they were doing UT, A&M, Tech and Baylor a favor by helping out the poor teams left all alone out in the cold.

Nearly 15 years later, Nebraska is an afterthought in the grand scheme of things and Frank Solich is tired of taking a back seat to the Burnt Orange about every little thing when UT was supposed to be a charity case. It all started with the 1996 Big 12 Championship game. Google it if you don't know what happened.

So they left. I think they're a great fit for the Big 10 (which now has 12 teams by the way). I'll love watching Nebraska play Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa. I'll also love watching them slip into the Great Mediocrity that is the Big 10.

And look what kind of influence Texas has: The Pac-10 would take A&M, Tech, Colorado, OU and OSU just to get a piece of the revenue monster that lives in Austin. And make no mistake about it...this is all about money. In a traditional world ruled by non-greedy people, the Pac 10 would never lower itself to the academic standards of Tech, A&M, OU and OSU. The West Coast is much too civilized and uppity for that kind of nonsense.

Throw in a buh-jillion-ga-zillion dollars?

Oh we'd LOVE to have you in our conference. You will be great assets to our tradition and history.

If it were about sport and academia, more would be said for the A&M volleyball team that had to play a mid-week conference game in Tacoma, Washington more than 2,000 miles away. But that doesn't matter. Only one thing does - $$$.

I would love to see the Big 12 South plus Arizona and ASU in a Pac-16 division. How about a Texas/Oregon cross-over game!! Or Tech/Cal? OU/USC?? These are BOWL games that we'll get to watch in September and October.

I'm giddy.

And everybody who is enthralled by these stories and the incredible goings on in college football right now can thank one institution for making it all possible...
.
...the University of Texas.

June 4, 2010

SMASH, DASH AND TASH

That's the nickname Tashard Choice has given the three-headed running back monster that sits in the Cowboys stable.

Marion Barber is Smash because of his "three yards and a cloud of dust" mentality. Actually, despite being injured quite a bit last year, he averaged 4.4 yds/carry which was the same average held by Adrian Peterson of the Vikings. Barber would rather run you over than smile at you or even give you a polite, "sup" head nod. He weighed in 10 pounds lighter this off-season. Apparently wanting to get some of his speed back.

Felix Jones is Dash because he can outrun just about anybody in the league in full pads. He averaged 5.9 yards/carry last year and got half as many carries as Barber. He can break a game wide open and has left many a defensive back without a jock strap.

Tashard Choice is Tash because those are the first four letters of his name. Simple enough. He can't run you over like Barber can or run away from you like Jones can, but Choice is a lot like Emmitt Smith in that he's just a very consistent, solid back who seems like he's being stuffed but always ends up with 4 or 5 yards when the play is over.

All three are NFL grade A, starting running back meat.

It's unbelievably rare to find a running back corps of three guys who are all willing to share the load and care more about winning than personal statistics. TWO running backs willing to do that is a rarity. In fact, I can't think of ANY situation like that ANYWHERE with three guys. I'm sure it's happened, but not in my lifetime - with this same level of success.

Smash, Dash and Tash totalled nearly 2,000 yards on the ground last year. Dallas was in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing and passing. The only other team that can say that is the New Orleans Saints - the Super Bowl champs.

The fact that all three of these guys can work in a situation like this is actually kind of a perfect storm. I don't think any other group of guys could work like this. It's all about the players.

Barber starred at Minnesota and shared the backfield with another super-star collegiate back, Lawrence Maroney. He's used to sharing the load. Plus he's an amazingly shy person...rarely talks to the media. He's not a Ricky Waters type if you know what I mean...whan an idiot.

Jones starred at Arkansas and was actually an afterthought in a backfield with Darren McFadden, the two-time Heisman Trophy runner up. He's used to sharing the load.

Choice went to OU the same time another highly touted freshman showed up in Norman...Adrian Peterson. Choice transferred to Georgia Tech and had a fabulous college career. OK, that one goes against the other two, but it does show that Choice would sacrifice the glitz and glamour of playing at an elite program to play for an average program and actually get on the field.

He's not all about the show or the stats. He just wants to win.

Barber was the "starter" last year with Jones coming in to change the pace, then Choice got whatever was left. There has been talk of letting Jones start the games, run us out to a lead, then let Barber grind out the clock to preserve the win. That was Barber's role with Julius Jones, and it seemed to suit him nicely. The great part is, he could probably care less who starts the games.

The Cowboys have a great chance to make another deep playoff run this year. The passing game is elite. The defense will only get better. But it all starts with that three-headed monster.

Smash, Dash and Tash.

All three guys are healthy and looking forward to the 2010 season...come to think of it, so am I.

IS TOMY ROMO TOO GOOD AT TOO MUCH?

It's an intersting question but one that needs to be asked.

We've all known people that just seem to be good at everything. They beat you at ping pong, they're good at golf, they can play basketball, they win the "see who can get the ball closer to that object over there" putting game, they can throw a baseball 100 yards, they have a six-pack, they stole your girlfriend...you get the idea.

The world is full of people who are really, really good at many things. So does that mean they can't be great at ONE thing?

Tony Romo was an all-state basketball player in high school, he's a great golfer (he'll try to qualify - again - for the US Open this coming Monday), he's obviously a good football player, and on and on and on.

He's good at a lot of things. So can he be a great NFL quarterback?

Cowboys LB Keith Brooking thinks he can be one of the best of all time. Others think he's the most overrated player in the history of the universe. I think right now I fall somewhere in between.

It's just hard for me to look at the "Greats" (i.e. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, John Elway) and not see them dominating other things in the off-season or off the field.

All those guys were great at one thing...football.

Now I'm not saying Peyton Manning couldn't beat me in a game of horse or couldn't hit a baseball...but it's different when you're extra-curricular activities have you on the verge of qualifying for an elite American golf tournament.

Can Romo be a great NFL quarterback? I think the only way he can solidfy being "great" is by winning a Super Bowl. Dallas was two games away from the big game last year and all signs are showing nothing but improvement from 2009.

But if Romo ends up in the Dan Marino, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing conversation of guys who were really good but never won it all, I think it'll be because he was cursed by being really, really good at way too many things.

That would seem to be a nice problem to have.

One thing we do know is that whatever happens in Romo's NFL career, his retirement could possibly be filled with earning additional millions of dollars on the PGA tour.

May 28, 2010

GRAHAM HARRELL SIGHTING

I was up at the ACU weight room this morning and happened upon a very thickly bearded Graham Harrell.

If you don't know Harrell (or at least know who he is) and saw him walking around Abilene in 90+ degree weather with a full beard, you might think he was a little crazy.

But if you know that he is leaving on Monday (Memorial Day) for Green Bay, Wisconsin, it starts to make a little more sense.

After rewriting the NCAA record books during his time as the QB at Texas Tech, Harrell has yet to find a professional football home.

Some criticize his arm strength. Others his size. Some say he is merely the product of Mike Leach's offensive system and reference the fact that none of the other record-setting/breaking TT QBs of the last ten years have had even a hint of NFL success.

Green Bay called Harrell out of the blue a few weeks ago, invited him up to workout in front of some coaches...and signed him on the spot.

Now it's up to him to go up there and prove he belongs on an NFL roster.

Harrell has been working out at ACU with strength coach David Hess on and off since his time in Lubbock (his brother - recently married - is a QB for the ACU Wildcats). He loves Abilene and loves working out with Hess since "you never know what you're going to get."

I'll try to stay updated on his progress and how things are going in Green Bay. Best case scenario would be for Harrell to claim a roster spot...but we're a long way from teams making final cuts so he has some time to compete and prove himself.

Harrell is a competitor and a winner. He's also put on quite a bit of mass since his college days. And I mean that in a good way...he's "thickened up" nicely.

And if his beard is any indication of how he's going to fit in up north, Harrell may be on his way to being an NFL football player.

May 20, 2010

HARRELL SIGNS WITH GREEN BAY PACKERS

It's about time he got his chance.

Former Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell signed with Green Bay this morning. His second professional contract...hopefully it will be the first one that leads him to get some PT.

He'll be the third QB on the team which means he'll get a shot at the #2 spot during training camp. If he doesn't make the 53-man roster, he'll still have a chance to make the practice squad. Kind of the role that Stephen McGee played for Dallas last year.

CHANGE IN DIET CHANGES PLAYER

Interesting bit of information regarding second year Dallas Cowboys, Jason Williams.

I'm a big advocate for eating wholesome, real food...apparently it's making a big difference for him. Click here.


TOP 2 RATED GAMES OF 2009 HAD SOMETHING IN COMMON...ME.

I had a pretty remarkable 2009 football season.

I didn't record any tackles. I scored no touchdowns. I hoisted no MVP trophy over my head while my teammates doused me with carbonated beverage.

But I DID do something that I bet no one else in America did...

College Football Live (on ESPN) recently ranked the top 10 games of 2009...and there were some awesome games last year.

But how many people do you think attended the #1 and #2 ranked games AND were at the National Championship in Pasadena.

So what were the games?

#2 will forever be known as "Rocky Block". A 12-10 Alabama victory against visiting Tennessee on a last second FG block. It was absolute mayhem and if it hadn't happened, Bama wouldn't have won (or even played in) the national championship.

#1 was the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium against Nebraska and Texas. That game was also 12-10 with one second remaining. The only difference was the FG wasn't blocked.

The game featured uncharacteristic play from Colt McCoy...a presumed Nebraska win when it looked like Colt allowed the clock to run out...an absolutely ridiculous individual performance by Ndamukong Suh.

So I was at the best two games IN THE COUNTRY last year...and got tickets to the National Championship which featured two of the four teams involved in the top two games.

I'll probably never have that kind of season ever again...

Looking forward to 2010...back in school with a one year old. I'll be lucky to get 10 games in.

Oh well...some things in life are worth sacrificing for.

May 13, 2010

COWBOYS NEWS AND NOTES

Miles Austin has yet to sign his contract. Both parties agree that there's nothing to worry about and the dealings aren't "contentious"...yet.

Things could get contentious in a hurry if a deal isn't figured out here pretty quick. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

I mentioned last week about the Cowboys shopping Bobby Carpenter. They ended up trading him for OT Alex Barron. Barron has been a huge "bust" since being a consensus First-Team All-American his senior year at FSU then being picked by St Louis as the 19th pick in the 2005 NFL draft.

He's one of the most penalized tackles in football...which is exactly what we DON'T need now that we've finally parted ways with Flozell "False Start" Adams.

But you never know about these things. Leonard Davis was a bust in Arizona but came to Dallas and has thrived, turning into an annual Pro Bowl selection.

There have been some questions about first round pick Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State) challenging for Roy Williams' starting job.

I think it's highly doubtful, but it will be good for Roy to get the competition. OTAs (organized team activities) are this weekend.

It's the first time the rookies and veterans will be on the same field together in organized activity. We're getting very close to having some real life football news to talk about!!

Training camp will be here before we know it.

1st game is September 12 at Washington.

May 6, 2010

THE FUTURE OF COLT WITH CLEVELAND

I don't know...part of me thinks Colt has the potential to be a great NFL QB, but I think Colt reaching his FULL potential can only be done through very specific circumstances.

Let me explain...

What are Colt's strengths?

1. He's a winner. He won more games as a starting QB than any QB in the history of FBS football.

2. He's smart.

3. He's not a character problem.

4. He's a leader.

5. He has proven that he can overcome "longshot" odds.

6. His dad and Jordan Shipley's dad were roommates at ACU - oh wait...has that already been covered by every major network every five seconds? Oh, sorry...

What are his weaknesses? There are really just two...but they're biggies in the eyes of NFL talent scouts:

1. His size.

2. His arm strength.

The last undersized, "weak"-armed QB to really make it in the league is another Texas boy and just won a Super Bowl - Drew Brees.

He had the same things stacked against him when he came out of Purdue.

But where has Brees played? San Diego and New Orleans.

A great weather place and a place with a dome. So arm strength really hasn't had to play a big role since Brees has not had to deal with much wind, rain, snow, etc...for the most part.

Look at Kurt Warner. Many criticized his weak arm, but he thrived (Super Bowls, MVPs) in St. Louis (dome). What happened when he went to NY? Bad weather, cold temperatures, wind, snow, rain...he flopped.

Back to Arizona where the weather is good? Arm strength not as much of a factor...you see where I'm going.

I'm not saying Colt can't make it or be successful in Cleveland, but I think his chances are much better if he could somehow wind up in a better climate or in a place with a domed stadium.

Just my thoughts...I hope he continues down his road of constantly surprising people and proving doubters wrong. He's been doing it his whole life.

BOBBY CARPENTER BEING SHOPPED

Early reports have indicated the Cowboys are trying to trade Bobby "the Flop" Carpenter.

He came out of Ohio State touted as the next Brian Urlacher, then grew his hair out and is now slated to take over for Dog the Bounty Hunter in a few seasons.

He had a better season last year but never lived up to the hype. And now that Dallas has Penn State LB Sean Lee on the roster, Carpenter is expendable.

I think Lee has a better chance to become the next great "Insert Great LB name here" and won't end up with a mullet and a bad reputation.

GAMES ARE WON AND LOST IN MONTHS THAT START WITH 'J'

That's right. June and July...January is honorably discharged from this grouping.

Those not familiar with the game of football incorrectly think that games in the fall are won on Friday, Saturday or Sunday...aka during the game.

That couldn't be more wrong. Any coach, executive or player will tell you that.

Games are won and lost in preparation and the bulk of that preparation takes place in the summer.

In high school I was always told that June should be dedicated to gaining strength and speed. I focused on bulking up and getting faster which meant killing the weights and doing a ton of speed work drills (cones, sprints, plyometrics, etc).

I was also told that skill players (QB, WR, RB, DB - or anyone who handles the ball) were supposed to focus on strength and speed as well. They weren't allowed to touch the ball...

...until July.

That's when QBs and WRs should still lift and run but also start playing toss, running routes and getting the timing down while the rest of us ("unskilled" players - thanks a lot) just needed to keep lifting and running.

That's how Coach Brence did it at Plano in the late 90s and what many high school coaches still teach. It's a little bit different in the college and professional ranks because there's much more at stake and the schemes and game plans are much more complex. Skill players at that level probably touch a football at least once a day even if it's at night when they're sleeping.

But the point is the same: what you do as a football player (and coach) in June and July is the foundation for building a winner in the fall.

I guarantee you the New Orleans Saints, Alabama Crimson Tide and Abilene High Eagles all worked their tails off during the summer of 2009. All three teams won championships last year, too.

Not to say that you can't work really hard and still go 0-10, but you have absolutely NO chance at 10-0, 14-0 or 19-0 without dropping some sweat in the summer.

Get ready boys...we're only a few weeks away from the real preparation. Take the rest of this month to mentally and physically relax because once June 1 hits, there's no break until the last game of the season. And whether or not that game ends in defeat or hoisting a trophy in victory is up to what you do this summer.

Let the games begin...

April 28, 2010

COWBOYS DESERVE AN 'A' FOR 2010 DRAFT

Not that I'm the least bit surprised...but once again the Dallas Cowboys came away winners in the NFL draft.

Dallas only ended up with six selections, but (as they've done the last several years) followed the rule to get the best player available instead of necessarily drafting for position need...in fact, they were able to do a little of both.

The first round selection of Dez Bryant may have caused a few head scratches out there since we have paid Roy Williams a buh-jillion dollars and are supposedly close to doing the same for Miles Austin. But if you watched any of the Oklahoma State games that Dez Bryant played in (which wouldn't include nearly all the games from 2009 since he was suspended), then you know that Bryant is an absolute freak.

In most cases, including when they played Texas, he was the best player/athlete on the field. This isn't news to you if you actually watched Oklahoma State games. He is UNBELIEVABLE. He reminds me of a more stout Larry Fitzgerald. He has an uncanny knack for adjusting to the ball while it's in the air. He's amazing and should make the team no problem (of course the same was said for Isaiah Stanback).

Great first round pick.

The second round brought in a guy that I absolutely LOVE: Sean Lee. A Penn State linebacker in the mold of Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor, Lee is 6-2, 240 and probably runs a sub-4.5 on the field. He had some knee issues at PSU, but that hopefully won't be a problem.

Lee is ten times better than Bobby Carpenter...today.

We didn't end up with a third round pick but got Akwasi Owusu-Ansah in the 4th round. He's a hybrid safety/corner that you probably never heard of unless you're a college football nerd like me and watch way too many games every week in the fall. His first name actually means "born on Sunday" so I think he'll fit into the NFL. It's his destiny.

We didn't have a fifth round pick but picked up two in the sixth: Sam Young and Jamar Wall.
Young is a monster at 6-8, 320. An offensive lineman at Notre Dame. Yet another guy you probably never heard of unless you spend too much time absorbing college football. Young is a player and has all the physical tools. Plus he went to ND so you know he won't jump offsides ten thousand times a game because he has a brain.

Wall is a guy you probably know because he went to Texas Tech and routinely angered opposing teams and their fans with his pesky play and great ball instincts. I think he has a pretty decent shot to make the team. He'll have to make an impact on special teams but he's got a nose for the ball so that shouldn't be a problem if he stays healthy.

And finally, in the seventh round, defensive lineman from William & Mary, Sean Lissemore. Big dude with tons of potential. 300 pounder who broke five seconds in the 40...that's ridiculous. He'll ultimately be used to spell Jay Ratliff at nose tackle but will probably see some time during camp at DE. You never know about these smaller school guys. DeMarcus Ware went to Troy and look what he's turned in to.

Overall I was incredibly pleased with how the draft turned out. The picks fit the mold of the kinds of guys Dallas has brought in since Parcells came to town (he was kind of the turning point even though he's long gone): interesting people who are also great athletes. Makes for great TV.

It's almost May...just a few more months until Fall Camp!!!!

April 20, 2010

I CONQUERED THE 4-HORSEMAN HAMBURGER

I know it's not directly related to football (or Big Country football for that matter), but anything having to do with eating is indirectly related to football.

How can I make that jump? Easy.

My fellow college football players and I had a motto every time we got ready to eat..."Eat 'til you Gag." We wanted to make t-shirts but never got around to it.

A fun way to live in college when gaining and/or maintaining weight was the goal...doesn't work so much now. The motto now is..."Eat Too Much and Get Fat in One Day."

Anyway, if you're not up to speed on the 4-Horseman hamburger at Chunky's restaurant in San Antonio, do a quick google search then come right back to this page.

For those of you familiar...let's refresh.

The 4-Horseman is named such due to the four peppers that are cooked together and innocuously spread in between two harmless looking buns (Scoville rating in parenthesis): jalapeno (2,500-8000), Serrano (10,000-23,000), a habanero sauce (raw habanero's are 350,000-580,000) and the Ghost Pepper (855,000-1,050,000).

Yes...I said 1,050,000.

The equivalent of more than 131 raw jalapeno peppers. Don't think that's very hot? Try eating ONE raw jalapeno pepper with nothing around it. It's hot.

So anyway, they put this concoction in between two buns along with a half-pound patty and some delicious cheese, make you sign a waiver saying you won't sue Chunky's if your tongue liquefies out from under the roof of your mouth while you chew, announce to the restaurant that there's an idiot in the midst, and start the clock.

You have 25 minutes to eat the burger, then after you finish, you can take one last sip of ice cold water before they start the five minute timer. Five minutes in which you can neither eat nor drink anything. Five minutes you must let the 4-Horseman concoction blaze like an inferno from hell on your lips and in your mouth, throat and GI track.

I signed the waiver, cracked my knuckles, cut the beast in half (which must have made it furious), licked the knife (that was dumb), and dug in.

I ate the first half in about 60 seconds. Keep in mind, it's not the size of the burger but the heat...no, heat doesn't describe it. What is hotter than heat? Scorching? Boiling? Blistering? Sizzling? None of those words fit. There is not a word in the English language, nor any other language on Earth, that can describe the hotness of this burger.

I think the only people in the universe who have a word for this "heat" are the people who make their home on the surface of the sun. They are called the "Sun People" and even they won't try the burger. How do I know this? There are no Sun People's pictures on the wall at Chunky's...THAT'S how I know.

Anyway, the first half went down quick and tasty. No problem.

I picked up the second half and began devouring.

About halfway through the second half - mere bites away from the finish line - the "heat" kicked in. My hands started shaking and I could feel the sweat beads forming on my brow.

The temperature started rising in the back of my throat and I had the terrible vision of my throat swelling shut while the burger raised its hairy arms in a sign of victory. Oh, the hairy arms of this manish burger. (Side note: on arriving at the table, the burger also wore a leather jacket, a spiked collar and several grenades were attached to its ammunition belt.)

I cautiously but quickly swallowed the last bite of burger then had to pick up the fork and scoop about a half-tablespoon of straight 4-Horseman goop that had fallen out of the bottom of the burger like a glob of lava that has fallen out of the bottom of a volcano into the pit of hell.

The deed was done. I was victorious. The burger was defeated. Now the five minutes.

The waitress started her official 4-Horseman Clock (her phone) and walked away. This is when the burger (which I had just righteously defeated) started showing why you don't ever really "defeat" the 4-Horseman. You just eat it and let it eat you from the inside. I wanted to do several different things at this time.

Part of me wanted to run out into the drizzly afternoon and throw myself into oncoming traffic. Another part of me wanted to lean over the bucket the waitress had so graciously provided and rid myself of this demon creation as fast as my gag reflex would allow. One part of me wanted take a ball point pen and jam it into my eye as far as it would go to relieve some of the pressure building in my head. Yet another part of me wanted to hug the sun...for this surely would be a cooling activity.

I did none of those things.

Instead, I cross my arms on the table and lay my head down on my wrists. Five minutes could not come fast enough. I honestly don't remember what I was thinking or even what I was doing. The pain was so intense that I went into another world. I lost myself in a land of lollipops and daffodils. As soon as I entered that world, the lollipops and daffodils were immediately engulfed in flames and little elves were running wildly in every direction...their clothes and hats ablaze with blackened fire from another dimension. It was an ugly and terrible place.

The next thing I knew, the countdown was on. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...glass of milk.

I stood. Faked a smile for the camera. Raised my arms in victory. But I had not won anything. No.

The burger had won.

I got my picture on the wall at Chunky's. There it shall remain for all time. But there was no picture of my incredible heartburn the rest of the day on Saturday. There was no picture of the ten times I was awakened during the night after searing hot, lava juice squirted up my throat onto my vocal chords. There was no picture of me the next morning on my knees, clutching the counter of the Hill County Memorial Hospital ER with my elbows, asking for a doctor.

Did I conquer the 4-Horseman hamburger? For the records and pictures...you could say that I did.

But there is a gentleman's understanding between me and that hellacious burger: I ate the burger, but the burger laughed last.

So if you're ever at Chunky's in San Antonio, check me out, I'm the idiot with the blue, backwards hat flashing a couple of thumbs up with a fake smile on my face.

But know that at the time that picture was taken, there was a hamburger demon in my stomach that was cracking it's hairy, misshapen knuckles ready to MMA it's way to another type of victory.

Oh, and one other thing, water has just now started to taste like water again...for a while there it tasted like something taken out of the middle of a geyser and sprayed with pepper spray and air freshener.


April 13, 2010

THOUGHTS ON TEXAS STADIUM

I knew it was going to happen.

Known for months.

I'd actually planned on being there, but ended up being out of town the day it happened.

When I saw the video of Texas Stadium being imploded and crashing to the ground in a massive heap of debris and steel...I have to admit...I gotta little teary eyed.

This was the place I saw my first professional football game.

This was the place I got to go with my best friend when I was 13 years old. All by ourselves. No parents. No supervision. Just us. My first "real live adult outing." We rode the bus. Found our seats. Bought our lunch. Cheered our team. Just us.

This was the place where I watched a team which would soon become my arch rival (Plano East) come from a 41-17 defecit with 2 minutes left against John Tyler, take the lead, only to see that lead evaporate as time expired when John Tyler ran back a kick off.

This was the place where I strode off the bus deep inside the belly of the stadium four years later as a high school senior with a bag full of football pads over my shoulder. We entered the home locker room where our names (instead of the 1998 Dallas Cowboys) graced the tops of the lockers. We dressed and mentally prepared in that locker room, then went on to beat state-ranked Mesquite.

The next week we won there again. This time against Tyler Lee, a team which had defeated us by three touchdowns earlier in the year.

The next week our state championship dreams came to an end on the same field...in the same locker room. We were two games away from the state championship. During that game, on that field, I made a potentially game altering play. A tackle for loss on 3rd and short against the state's leading rusher. It ended up being my favorite play of my rather average 10 year football career.

This was the place where I cried like a baby after that loss. Where I hugged my teammates for what seemed like an eternity. The place I couldn't take off my helmet or my pads...I wore them (straps still buckled) until we arrived back at our field house in Plano.

This was the place where I wore a maroon robe and a funny hat and walked across the stage to get my high school diploma.

This was the place I got to see my first professional football game from the field, as a broadcast journalist in 2003.

I remember Andy Reid and the Eagles trying an onside kick that Randall Williams recovered and returned for a touchdown.

I remember Santana Moss catching two touchdown passes in 4 minutes to beat Dallas 14-13 on Monday Night Football the night Troy, Emmitt and Michael were enshrined in the Ring of Honor.

I remember meeting and talking with WFAA reporter George Riba.

I remember eating breakfast in the media lounge provided by Jerry Jones.

I remember meeting Hank Blalock and Mark Teixeira on the sidelines before a game.

I remember sitting in the press box, taking notes and eating free hot dogs.

I remember interviewing Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Drew Bledsow, Darren Woodson, Jerry Jones, Bill Parcells, Keyshawn Johnson, Al Singleton, Dexter Coakley, Bradie James, Demarcus Ware, La'Roi Glover, Larry Allen, Greg Ellis, Jay Ratliff, Scott Fujita, Vinny Testaverde, Terrence Newman, Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, and many others.

This was the place that watched Roger Staubach, Randy White, Bob Lily, Drew Pearson, Tony Dorsett, Thomas Henderson, Rayfield Wright, Cliff Harris, Mike Ditka, Charlie Waters, and Tom Laundry.

The place which covered Troy, Emmitt, Michael, Jimmy, Alvin, James, Nate, Kevin Gogan, Mark Tunei, Mark Stepnoski, Russell Maryland, Jim Jeffcoat, Leon Lett, Charles Haley, Kenny Gant, Ken Norton, Jr., Larry Brown and Kevin Smith.

A stadium that saw so much and held so many memories...reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds.

Nothing beats the new stadium, and I understand that the old girl had to come down.

I just didn't expect it to affect me the way it did...like how I feel at the end of Steel Magnolias.

What..what? No-

April 5, 2010

CASE McCOY UPDATE...

Just because Big Country native Colt McCoy is no longer wearing the burnt orange doesn't mean we can't get a McCoy/Longhorn fix...

Little brother Case was 1-5 for 10 yards in the UT spring game over the weekend. Not great, but he didn't really get much of a chance. Fellow true freshman (and very highly touted) Connor Wood was 3-5 for 20 yards and a TD.

According to reliable sources, neither has really separated from the other this Spring. The backup job will probably go to Sherrod Harris with Wood and McCoy battling it out for #2 next season.

There's no debate about who is the starting QB. Semi-Rose Bowl hero Garrett Gilbert is the man, and will be in Austin for a while.

I can't imagine what his confidence level must be after getting his first real action against Bama in Pasadena.

Gilbert was 10 of 13 for 165 yards, 3 TD, no picks in the scrimmage.

POTTS OUT FOR SPRING...SURGERY TOMORROW

Texas Tech QB Taylor Potts won't be participating in any more live action during the Spring because of a huge, nasty, disgusting cut on his throwing hand.

He's having surgery tomorrow but seems to be in high spirits and has maintained his unvarying positive attitude.

Not a huge deal...Potts has a solid grasp on the offense and the guy he's competing with went down this week as well (Sheffield re-inured the foot he hurt during the 2009 season).

The one positive is that it gives Seth Doege and Jacob Karam some reps and experience in the system which is always good for the future.

So the most intriguing and interesting QB battle in the Big 12 (and maybe the country) this spring fizzled out in a matter of a few days...pretty anti-climactic. Oh well...there's always The Biggest Loser for some drama.

McNABB TO REDSKINS?! WOW...

Can't help but think the fact that the Cowboys beat the Eagles TWICE...in a ROW...to end last season (and doing so by completely beating up on an immobile McNabb) had something to do with his trade to the Redskins.

I don't think there should be much concern for the Cowboys. The Redskins are still terrible and the Cowboys are making all the right off season moves.

I predict that we (i.e. Jerry Jones) has another stellar draft...which is getting much closer, by the way!

I absolutely LOVE the fact the Flozell Adams is no longer a Cowboy. Don't get me wrong, he was a great player, but his time is up and great teams get rid of has-beens. I wonder how this will affect our false start ranking??

March 29, 2010

DALLAS COWBOYS BEGAN VOLUNTARY WORKOUTS TODAY

That's exciting for Cowboys fans.
Workouts are voluntary right now but Miles Austin is a no show. He's a restricted free agent...just like he was last year and he was at voluntary workouts.

Does it mean anything? Who knows. There's a question floating around out there about signing Austin to a big pay day or trading him for some major draft position.

I'm up in the air on that deal...depends on what draft picks we would get and who we could possibly get. Think early 90s...Herschel Walker trade leading to 3 titles. Just sayin'...

HORRIBLE TRAGEDY CLOSE TO HOME...NAME MAY BE FAMILIAR

This makes me want to absolutely puke...

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/mar/29/former-rider-player-dies-result-practice-accident/


TEXAS TECH SPRING UPDATES

According to some reliable sources, Steven Sheffield has been slightly better overall but Taylor Potts has had more big plays (he's also throwing a lot of interceptions). I know it's practice but a lot is riding on the QB battle in Lubbock. Both guys need to have great practices every day.

It may be the most intriguing and interesting QB battle in the Big 12 this off season. All eyes are on Sticks and Potts. Taylor has definitely turned in to the big underdog in the fight. Everyone expects Sheffield to win the job. By "everyone" I mean the so-called Tech football experts (journalists, hard core fans, etc.).

Former Cooper safety Will Ford is also having a solid spring thus far. He's been near perfect in pass coverage and seems very comfortable...not thinking so much.

Former AHS wide receiver Lyle Leong hasn't been mentioned much which usually means he's doing a little better than average...you usually only hear about guys that do unbelievable things or are playing terrible. He caught seven passes in the scrimmage on Saturday...second most on the team.

Also, the team has apparently loosened up on the practice field and seems a little more comfortable in their "new skin".

March 22, 2010

TECH OPENED PRACTICE TODAY!!

Still a long way to September, but Spring Practice kicked off in Lubbock this afternoon under a new coaching regime and some new wrinkles on offense.

Apparently the QBs will have the option to keep the ball and run on every running play. The offense was also seen practicing some zone read at the beginning of practice. Talk about some major wrinkles.

Those types of changes favor Steven Sheffield since he is the more mobile QB, but Tommy Tuberville said a starting QB probably won't be named until 10 to 14 days before the start of the regular season.

Taylor Potts changed his number back to 12, which is what he wore at Abilene High. He was also asked about the "Nick" jersey. Taylor apparently said that the jersey was in the trash and he never wanted to see it again. I get irritated every time I think about that move by Mike Leach.

The offense will remain prolific and efficient...I don't think anyone is debating that.

The real question will be what happens on defense where only six starters return. In the Big 12 only Oklahoma, Iowa State and Oklahoma State return fewer on that side of the ball than Tech. The Raiders do return their main guys up the middle in nose tackle Colby Whitlock and ILB Brian Duncan, but lost all their starting DEs.

I actually think whether or not the questions on defense get answered will have a greater impact on the success of the 2010 season than the QB battle...but that's just me.

At least we have some college football going on in West Texas!! What a tease...

March 15, 2010

WHICH CONFERENCE CHAMPS WILL REPEAT IN 2010?

Over the next few weeks and months, there will be much debate and drama surrounding the 2010 preseason Top 25 poll.

The popular pick will be Alabama at #1 followed by all the regulars: Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, Georgia Tech, Texas, Florida, Boise State, etc.

But which of the BCS conference champs from 2009 have the best shot at repeating the feat in 2010? The choices are Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, Cincinnati and Georgia Tech.

If I had to predict today? I would say Georgia Tech.

Here's why...

Alabama is the defending national champion which comes with a ton of expectations and a huge target. They bring back the Heisman trophy winner, starting QB and WR, but lose nine starters on defense including All-Americans Rolando McClain, Terrance Cody and Javier Arenas. Plus they're in the SEC which has three or four other very strong candidates thrown in the mix.

Cincinnati brings back the second fewest starters in the Big East and lose their QB, Tony Pike. They also have a new coach. I like WVU or UConn in 2010.

Ohio State looks like a good pick since they bring back Tyrelle Pryor at QB and eight other offensive starters. They only lose five on defense and always recruit well on that side of the ball (so replacing the departures won't be an issue). The problem is that Wisconsin brings back all but two offensive starters including their QB and six starters on defense. The Badgers quietly won 10 games last year and are very tough at home which is where they play the Buckeyes in 2010.

Texas loses McCoy, Shipley and Earl Thomas and although Garrett Gilbert got some great big-game experience in Pasadena and will be toughened up a bit, Nebraska brings back 18 starters. They'll be tough to beat. And you always have to factor in Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to the mix.

A month ago I would have picked Oregon to have the best chance to repeat since they were slotted to bring back 10 offensive starters, but lots has happened up there recently. Starting QB and Heisman hopeful Jeremiah Masoli was suspended for the entire year after pleading guilty to a burglary charge. Starting RB will miss the season opener after apparently choking and beating an ex-girlfriend. They also lose LeGarrette Blount to the draft. It just doesn't seem like there's a whole lot of positive vibe coming from Eugene.

That brings us to Georgia Tech.

They bring back their starting QB along with six other offensive starters and nine on defense. They lose RB Jonathan Dwyer to the draft but have a pretty nice stable of runners to replace him. Plus they're in the ACC which puts them at an advantage. Biggest competitors are UNC, Miami (which lost to Wisconsin in the bowl), Florida State and Virginia Tech (which loses seven on defense).

That's my March 15 analysis of the reigning BCS conference champ with the BEST CHANCE to repeat.

I still think Ohio State, Texas and Bama have shots, just not as good as the Jackets. We're just a few months away from all the pre-season magazines hitting the stand!!

More and more spring practices are popping up across the country. For some, this is the most exciting time of the year.

March 8, 2010

LEACH LEGAL UPDATE

Apparently he is scheduled to be deposed on Friday in his lawsuit against Texas Tech.

The school fired him on December 30 for the alleged mistreatment of receiver Adam James.

Leach denied the claims and his lawsuit claims libel, slander and breach of contract.