College Football - Football Betting

2005-10-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

Florida State Seminoles---College Football---

Oct. 22---College Football---
Florida State 55 ... Duke 24---College Football---
Drew Weatherford threw two first half touchdown passes and Antone Smith ran for two scores in the easy FSU win. Greg Carr caught touchdowns passes from 12, 25 and 12 yards out for the Noles helping to keep Duke at bay. The Blue Devils got two touchdowns from Justin Boyle and a 78-yard scoring run form Requan Boyette in the fourth quarter. ---College Football---
Player of the game: Florida State WR Greg Carr caught six passes fro 95 yards and three touchdowns.
Stat Leaders: Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 24-32, 275 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Antone Smith, 7-76, 2 TD. Receiving: Greg Carr, 6-95, 3 TD---College Football---
Duke - Passing: Zack Asack, 9-18, 52---College Football---
Rushing: Requan Boyette, 10-123, 1 TD. Receiving: Marcus Jones, 3-29---College Football---
What to take away from this game: If it's ever possible to not be happy with a 55-24 win, this week's performance against Duke was it with 11 penalties and no running game. Drew Weatherford had a strong game, and Greg Carr was excellent as the team's number one weapon, but it has to be a concern that Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington did next to nothing outside of a short Booker touchdown. On the plus side, Xavier Lee looked excellent completing ten of 17 for 199 yards with two touchdowns when he got his chance. ---College Football---
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Oct. 15
Virginia 26 ... Florida State 21---College Football---
Virginia took a 26-10 lead helped by two Marques Hagans touchdown passes and four Connor Hughes field goals, but the defense had to hang on for dear life as Florida State got a 22-yard touchdown pass to Chris Davis and a 32-yard Gary Cismesia field goal to pull within five. The Noles had one last chance, but Drew Weatherford's first pass was picked off by Tony Franklin to seal the win. FSU's other touchdown came on a 58-yard Lorenzo Booker run in the first quarter. Virginia was held to 20 yards rushing.
Player of the game: Virginia QB Marques Hagans completed 27 of 36 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns.---College Football---
Stat Leaders: Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 35-59, 377 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Lorenzo Booker, 7-69, 1 TD. Receiving: Willie Reid, 7-100---College Football---
Virginia - Passing: Marques Hagans, 27-36, 306 yds, 2 TD---College Football---
Rushing: Wali Lundy, 9-26. Receiving: Jonathan Stupar, 5-66, 1 TD---College Football---
What to take away from this game: Drew Weatherford might have thrown three interceptions against Virginia, but he didn't get a whole bunch of help. The team played one of the most immature games in the Bobby Bowden era with 13 penalties for 123 yards, along with a first-class hissy fit thrown by WR Fred Rouse on the sidelines that appeared to distract the team for a good part of the third quarter. The coaching staff appears to have completely abandoned the ground game with Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington combining for a mere 15 carries. They're putting all their eggs in the Weatherford basket. ---College Football---
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Oct. 8
Florida State 41 ... Wake Forest 24---College Football---
Drew Weatherford threw three touchdowns and ran for another, but the Noles were in a fight until the fourth quarter. A 31-yard Chris Barclay touchdown run at the end of the third quarter cut the FSU lead to 20-16, but Weatherford responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Fred Rouse. Leon Washington took a pass 61 yards for a score, and the game was over. The Demon Deacons were able to run for 247 yards and rolled up 415 yards of offense, but FSU gained 587 yards. ---College Football---
Player of the game: Florida State QB Drew Weatherford completed 20 of 31 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for a score. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 20-31, 351 yds, 3 TD ---College Football---
Rushing: Lorenzo Booker, 11-94. Receiving: Decody Fagg, 5-42---College Football---
Wake Forest - Passing: Cory Randolph, 17-24, 131 yds---College Football---
Rushing: Chris Barclay, 21-125, 1 TD. Receiving: Demir Boldin, 4-58---College Football---
What to take away from this game: The Noles really have to start running more. Drew Weatherford was strong against Wake Forest, and the receivers, led by the emergence of Greg Carr, are looking better and better, but Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington are too good to only be getting a combined 22 carries. Booker averaged 8.5 yards per carry and Washington averaged 7.9 yards per run. It would be nice to see FSU dominate for a full sixty minutes, but 5-0 is 5-0.
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Oct. 1
Florida State 38 ... Syracuse 14---College Football---
Drew Weatherford threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in the easy Florida State win. The Noles were up 24-0 before Syracuse got on the board with a Perry Patterson two-yard touchdown run. Lorenzo Booker put it well out of reach with a 71-yard touchdown catch. FSU outgained Syracuse 512 yards to 234.---College Football---
Player of the game: Florida State QB Drew Weatherford completed 17 of 26 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns with an interception and ran for a short score.---College Football---
Stat Leaders: Syracuse - Passing: Perry Patterson, 14-25, 189 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Dominic Rhodes, 15-44. Receiving: Dominic Rhodes, 4-70---College Football---
Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 17-26, 234 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Leon Washington, 9-38. Receiving: Willie Reid, 5-70, 1 TD---College Football---
What to take away from this game: Florida State didn't look perfect against Syracuse with an average performance from the rushing game and too many penalties, but it's hard to argue with the results. Drew Weatherford took yet another big step in his development able to connect with his receivers and let them do the work. It helps to have a playmaker like Lorenzo Booker to hit the home runs when needed. The defense did a great job of forcing bad plays with four takeaways while holding SU to 1.5 yards per carry.
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Sept. 17
Florida State 28 ... Boston College 17---College Football---
FSU LB A.J. Nicholson picked off a pass on the first play of the game and took it for a score, and then the Noles capitalized on a second turnover to go up 14-0 on a 20-yard pass to Greg Carr. Boston College came back highlighted by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Will Blackmon for a 17-14 halftime lead, but starting quarterback Quinton Porter went out with an ankle injury and it all went downhill from there. Carr caught his second touchdown pass of the game on a five yarder, while Lorenzo Booker put it away on a four-yard run with under four minutes to play. BC got close, but a late Seminole goal line stand ended any comeback hopes. ---College Football---
Player of the game: Florida State LB A.J. Nicholson made 17 tackles, two interceptions and returned a pick for a touchdown. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: BC - Passing: Quinton Porter, 20-31, 151 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT---College Football---
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 23-77, 1 TD. Receiving: Larry Lester, 5-55---College Football---
Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 20-38, 243 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Leon Washington, 5-24. Receiving: Decody Fagg & Chris Davis, 4-53---College Football---
What to take away from this game: For the second straight big game, Florida State showed some major problems yet still came away with the win. Where was the Seminole running game? It was nowhere to be found, but fortunately, the defense stiffened up and Drew Weatherford might have had his coming out party. It appears obvious that Xavier Lee isn't even a thought for the gameplan at this point. This is Weatherford's team. The defense struggled early on (at least, after the first few plays), but it pounced once BC had to turn to a backup quarterback.---College Football---
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Sept. 10
Florida State 62 ... The Citadel 10---College Football---
The Citadel made it interesting early on a 70-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Vincent Hill for a 10-3 early lead, but the Seminoles finally took over scoring 49 second half points as Drew Weatherford finished with two touchdown passes and Leon Washington, Lorenzo Booker and Antone Smith ran for short touchdown runs. Xavier Lee came on to throw a touchdown pass and run for another. Greg Carr made two scoring grabs. ---College Football---
Player of the game: Florida State QB Drew Weatherford completed 26 of 37 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: The Citadel - Passing: Duran Lawson, 14-25, 56 yds, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Duran Lawson, 11-28. Receiving: Rontreal Tyler, 4-12---College Football---
Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 26-37, 342 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Lorenzo Booker, 4-53, 1 TD. Receiving: Chris Davis, 9-125---College Football---
What to take away from this game: Florida State's quarterbacks needed this easy tune-up against The Citadel to show that they can actually play a little bit. Drew Weatherford wasn't always sharp in the beginning, but he found his groove and ended up working the ball around to several receivers. Is this game going to be enough to carry Weatherford and Xavier Lee to a win against a solid Boston College defense next week? Even after this blowout, the jury is still out. ---College Football---
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Sept. 5---College Football---
Florida State 10 ... Miami 7---College Football---
For a change in this classic series, Miami's special teams let them down from missed plays from kick returner Devin Hester to botched snaps and holds on field goals including one late in the fourth quarter on a game-tying field goal attempt; Florida State was able to run out the clock. The Seminoles scored all ten of their points in the first quarter on a one-yard James Coleman touchdown run and a 37-ard Gary Cismesia field goal, and then turned the game over to the defense which sacked Miami QB Kyle Wright nine times. Miami's points came on a 34-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Moore in the second quarter.
Player of the game: The entire Florida State defense for its pressure in the backfield and holding the Miami offense to seven points. ---College Football---
Stat Leaders: Miami - Passing: Kyle Wright, 16-28, 230 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Tyrone Moss, 23-102. Receiving: Ryan Moore, 3-69, 1 TD---College Football---
Florida State - Passing: Drew Weatherford, 7-24, 67 yds, 1 INT---College Football---
Rushing: Lorenzo Booker, 12-63. Receiving: Lorenzo Booker, 4-33---College Football---
What to take away from this game: It might have been ugly and the offense might have struggled, but a win over Miami is a win over Miami. Now the Noles can use the Citadel game to figure out its quarterback situation. Drew Weatherford didn't look the slightest bit sharp, but the Florida State wide receivers didn't appear ready for primetime against the Miami secondary. The defense was unbelievable and flies around as well as any D in college football will this year. The 1-2 running back punch of Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington will be unstoppable.---College Football---
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2005 Schedule---College Football---
Sept. 3 – Miami (10-1, 7-1 in ACC) – Offense: The Cane offense is long on great prospects, but short on proven production. Unlike last year when the attack relied on experience over potential, players like QB Kyle Wright, RB Tyrone Moss and WR Lance Leggett have more excitement around them and have more NFL potential. Moss and Leggett have given a glimpse of what they can do, but Wright, or Kirby Freeman, has to show the maturity and poise to handle one of college football's most glamorous and highly scrutinized positions. The offensive line will be more than solid, but it needs Eric Winston and Tyler McMeans to return to pre-injury form.---College Football---
Defense: This will be one of the best defenses in the country, if not the best. The only concern is with a run defense that was surprisingly soft last year allowing 155 yards per game. If that's tightened up, this will be a killer with 11 players returning who started six or more games last year. That doesn't include superstar Devin Hester taking over the full-time job at one of the corners. The linebacking corps has the potential to be one of Miami's best ever.---College Football---
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Sept. 10 – The Citadel ---College Football---
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Sept. 17 – at Boston College (8-3, 5-3 in ACC) – Offense: The Eagle offense will be tough to stop in every phase if the receiving corps comes around. Larry Lester has to go from being a nice secondary target to a go-to receiver, while star corner Will Blackmon has to be a big-time threat. Quarterback Quinton Porter is back and ready to roar after redshirting last year using his experience and decision making ability to be a strong leader of the veteran attack. L.V Whitworth and Andre Callender form a strong 1-2 rushing punch behind the ACC's best line that returns all five starters.---College Football---
Defense: The Eagles will once again have a stingy defense after allowing a mere 333 yards and 17 points per game. The linebacking corps is terrific with all three starters returning led by weakside star Brian Toal. The line has tremendous potential working around All-American and future NFL millionaire Mathias Kiwanuka. Size is the only concern in a very productive secondary.---College Football---
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Oct. 1 - Syracuse (5-6, 4-3 in Big East) – Offense: The offense struggled way too much failing to get anything going in the passing game and finishing 100th in the nation in passing. Quarterbacks Perry Patterson and Joe Fields have to be more consistent, but they also need help with a young receiving corps that could struggle early on. The attack is being changed up a bit to throw it more in a West Coast attack, so the opportunities will be there. The offensive line is decent, but non-descript.---College Football------College Football---
Defense: The hiring of Greg Robinson as head coach should do nothing but help a defense that slipped into the abyss finishing 101st in the nation. There was little production against the run, nothing happening against the pass, and few clutch stops. There should be an improvement with a ton of returning experience led by a good-looking front seven. The corner is in the secondary where the corners have to make more plays after getting repeatedly torched last season.---College Football---

Oct. 8 - Wake Forest (5-6, 3-5 in ACC) - Offense: You know what you're getting from Wake Forest. It'll be another great rushing attack led by Chris Barclay and strong backups Micah Andrews and De'Angelo Bryant working behind an experienced, but inconsistent line. The passing game has weapons with most of the top receivers coming back, so now the key is finding a quarterback to get them the ball. Ben Mauk and Cory Randolph are average passers at best and will be in a battle for the starting spot up until the opener.---College Football---
Defense: The front seven will be the best in the Jim Grobe era with plenty of speed and good depth at almost every spot. The secondary will be the concern losing stars Eric King and Marcus McGruder from a group that wasn't all that great anyway. The safeties will have to be the strength early led by junior Josh Gattis, but the corners will have a hard time with several young players looking to find time.---College Football---

Oct. 15 – at Virginia (7-4, 4-4 in ACC) – Offense: The Cavaliers had one of the nation's best offenses ... against average teams. Lack of a deep threat receiver and inconsistency in the backfield led to problems against teams like Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech. That should change now that quarterback Marques Hagans has a year of starting experience. The big, fast receivers should be better with more of a focus on the passing attack. The ground game will still be outstanding with Wali Lundy and Michael Johnson working behind a line that'll have to find a way to overcome the loss of Elton Brown and Zac Yarbrough.---College Football---
Defense: The defense won't be quite the killer it was last year, but it'll be strong led by future millionaires Ahmad Brooks and Kai Parham on the inside. Even though there aren't the stars of recent Cavalier defenses, there are plenty of great athletes and plenty of good, steady playmakers like Brennan Schmidt on the end and Tony Franklin at corner. There's decent depth everywhere.---College Football---
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Oct. 22 – at Duke (3-8, 0-8 in ACC) – Offense: The Blue Devils can go nowhere but up after finishing dead-last in total offense averaging 266 yards per game and averaging 16.6 points per outing. There's experience returning among the skill players with quarterback Mike Schneider returning for his third year as a starter getting two fantastic tight ends, Andy Roland and Ben Patrick, to work with. The backfield will be a strength as long as Cedric Dargan can stay healthy, but they won't produce much behind a rebuilding offensive line that returns one starter.---College Football---
Defense: The defense couldn't stop anyone's running game finishing 113th in the nation and allowed 426 yards per game of total offense. Expect that to change as the line has gone from a weakness to a strength with star tackle recruit Vince Oghobaase taking over in the middle along with the hopeful return of end Phillip Alexander from a broken leg. The secondary will be fine led by corner John Talley, but the linebackers will be a concern early until two new starters get their feet wet.---College Football---
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Oct. 29 – Maryland (6-5, 3-5 in ACC) - Offense: The Terp offense was non-existent for most of last year averaging a mere 298 yards and 17.7 points per game. Take out the 45-point explosion against woeful Temple and the 55-point destruction of Duke and Maryland would've averaged a mere 10.6 points per outing. Things won't be much better unless there's more production at quarterback. Sam Hollenbach will get the first look, but mobile Jordan Steffy and last year's starter, Joel Statham, will be in the hunt. There's little proven production from the rest of the skills spots, but there's a world of speed and athleticism. The line should be far better; the coaching staff raves about this group.---College Football---
Defense: Despite some huge losses (Shawne Merriman, Chris Kelley, Dominique Foxworth), last year's 21st best defense should turn out to be fine thanks to D'Qwell Jackson and a sensational linebacking corps. The back seven can move, and there might not be a faster cornerback pair in America than Gerrick McPhearson (4.28 40) and Josh Wilson (4.35). Pass rush is a concern without a true dominator to rely on, so the D will have to manufacture pressure early until young prospects like Trey Covington and Omar Savage can come through.---College Football---
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Nov. 5 - NC State (6-5, 3-5 in ACC) - Offense: All the offense had to do was be competent and not screw up so the defense could win games. It didn't happen with little consistent run production and 16 interceptions thrown from the quarterbacks. Things should be better as the line returned experienced and potentially much, much better after injuries struck just about everyone last year. The running game should shine with speedsters Darrell Blackman and Bobby Washington complementing power running Reggie Davis. The concern is the passing attack as QB Jay Davis has to be more consistent and a number one wide receiver has to emerge to take the place of Richard Washington.---College Football---
Defense: The defense was number one last year in the nation in total defense, number two in pass defense and number nine is pass defense. Even though most of the starting back seven is gone, this will still be an ultra-productive group thanks to the outstanding front four. Mario Williams and Manny Lawson form the nation's best defensive end pair, while tackles John McCargo and Tank Tyler are solid veterans. There's speed and athleticism in the back seven, but there has to be proven production early. This will be a much better defense in October than it will be in September.---College Football---
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Nov. 12 – at Clemson (6-5, 3-5 in ACC) – Offense: Former Toledo offensive coordinator Rob Spence will take over for Mike O'Cain after the Tiger attack finished 110th in the nation in offense and averaged a mere 21.45 points per game. The key will be an improvement on the line as the talent is there in the backfield and the receiving corps, even with the loss of top pass catcher Airese Currie, to see a night-and-day improvement. QB Charlie Whitehurst has to rebound after a lousy season, but he needs time to throw. The running game will be better with the expected emergence of RB Reggie Merriweather as a star for a full season.---College Football---
Defense: New defensive coordinator Vic Koenning should be able to keep things rolling after a fantastic 2004. Plenty of experience returns, but there are some huge losses hurt most by the departure of LB Leroy Hill and CB Justin Miller. The run defense should be solid with a good front four and solid, deep linebacking corps. Even with the early defection of Miller to the NFL, the secondary will be good if CB Sergio Gilliam can play well right away. CB Tye Hill and FS Jamaal Fudge will be among the ACC's best.
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Nov. 26 – at Florida (9-2, 6-2 in SEC) – Offense: Urban Meyer has always produced big-time offenses, but the NFL isn't exactly stocked with former Utah Utes (other than Alex Smith) and Bowling Green Falcons. Now he has some big-time talents to work with and the results are expected to be nothing less than incredible. QB Chris Leak appears to be ready to handle the responsibility of leading the new spread attack, even if he's not the perfect fit for it. The receiving corps should explode with Dallas Baker, Andre Caldwell and Chad Jackson all explosive home run hitters. If RB DeShawn Wynn can play up to his talent level, the backfield will be a strength. The starting five on the line will be great.---College Football---
Defense: Attack, attack, attack. Co-defensive coordinators Greg Mattison and Charlie Strong are going to bring the noise from all angles in an aggressive scheme to better utilize the great overall team speed. The first team should be great with the only potential hole at cornerback on the other side of Demetrice Webb, but the hope is for JUCO star Reggie Nelson to fill the void if Vernell Brown can't get the job done. The front seven is full of productive, active players that should be able to get into the backfield on a regular basis.---College Football---
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2005-10-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

Perspective Piece
Texas Tech vs. Texas, Oct. 22
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By Matthew Zemek---college football---

One week after No. 1 USC nearly got upended by Notre Dame, and just before No. 3 Virginia Tech begins the toughest part of its ACC schedule, No. 2 Texas faces what could be its most difficult remaining game before Pasadena.---college football---
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It really makes you wonder about this Saturday’s tilt, in which Mike Leach brings his traveling air show to Austin against Vince Young and Company.---college football---

The question everyone’s asking before this contest kicks off is if Cody Hodges and the Red Raiders’ amazingly consistent passing game can strike fear into the Longhorns. Two weeks after a scare at Nebraska, Leach and his charges will be intent on proving to the nation that the first half of that game in Lincoln, not the second, was truly representative of their quality. Coming off a thorough domination of Cal last December in the Holiday Bowl, Tech will now try to beat the team that jumped over Cal for a BCS bowl bid—and which has established a place among college football’s elite. There’s something of a burden on Texas to stay unbeaten, but there’s much more of a burden on the Red Raiders to prove they belong in the upper echelon of the sport.---college football---
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What’s even more interesting about this ballgame, however, is that if Texas were to blow out Tech, a lot of folks might voice more than a little skepticism about the competitive balance and overall toughness of the Big XII. If Tech—seemingly the second-best team in the conference behind the Longhorns—can do little better than Colorado (probably the third-best team in the league) fared in Austin last weekend, it will be very hard for anyone to take the Big XII too seriously, a reality that could perhaps dent the Horns’ BCS profile before the regular season is over.
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No, this doesn’t mean Texas will try to “pace itself” in an attempt to make the score look cosmetically close. But this is one of a few subtle yet real subplots that makes this game impossible to ignore.---college football---

Another such subplot is that in Texas Tech, the Longhorns will face their first truly potent offense in this 2005 campaign. As good as they still are, and as much as they threatened Texas’ national title hopes back in an epic September battle, the Ohio State Buckeyes—as America has found out—have a struggling offense that has failed to unleash anything close to the full measure of its collective talent. Oklahoma—the big-name opponent that regularly finds itself on Mack Brown’s annual list of opponents—had no offense to speak of in the Red River Shootout. Colorado has a solid team, but hardly an offense that could be considered overwhelming. It’s the offense created by a football genius in Leach, run on the field by a senior in the person of Hodges, that has a real chance of making Gene Chizik’s defense sweat for the first time all season. How the Horns defense responds will determine whether this is a Southwestern fight to the finish, or yet another runaway from Bevo’s Boys that makes the Big XII seem like one Big Steer and eleven sheep.---college football---

A Tech team seeking respect. A Texas team needing to stay perfect but also wanting a competitive game from a worthy adversary. This tussle in Austin is chock full of little nuances that, at the end of the day, will create a very intriguing storyline regardless of how this game plays out.---college football---
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2005-10-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

College Football

Big Ten title in Northwestern's thoughts

By Tim Cronin

Northwestern helped scramble the Big Ten standings Saturday.

The Wildcats' defeat of Wisconsin, coupled with Penn State's defeat of Ohio State, left the Nittany Lions as the conference's only undefeated team.

The way Northwestern head coach Randy Walker sees it, that puts the Wildcats (3-2, 1-1) squarely in the middle of the race. - College Football -

"There's a lot of football left," Walker said after a lot of football — 154 snaps and 99 points worth — ended up in the Wildcats feeding the Badgers a 51-48 loss in Evanston. "We're just one game out." - College Football -

Yes and no.

In terms of the league standings, yes. Penn State is 3-0 in the Big Ten (and 6-0 overall), with Northwestern one of seven teams with one loss. The others are Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan State and Indiana. If the Lions lose a league game and Northwestern wins out, yes, each team will be 7-1 in the conference. - College Football -

However, Penn State would get the nod for the Big Ten's automatic bid into the Bowl Championship Series in such a case because the Lions beat the Wildcats on Sept. 24 and the head-to-head game is the tiebreaker.

That such extrapolations can even be considered is a testament to the optimistic nature of the players, as well as Walker, and the rambunctiousness of Northwestern's offense. While the defense has so far shown it would have difficulty tackling a statue, the offense isn't easy to stop. Wisconsin hadn't allowed a point in the third quarter all year, but yielded 27 to the Wildcats, who scored on all four of their third-quarter possessions. - College Football -

"When we play to our level, we can play like that," quarterback Brett Basanez said after his performance, which included three touchdown passes to as many receivers. "Wisconsin, they kept bringing it on every play. We had to keep the pedal down."

Freshman tailback Tyrell Sutton was among those with his foot to the floor. He ran for 244 yards.

"We have a monster on our hands," receiver Mark Philmore said. "It's not surprising. He's not Mr. Ohio (a 2004 football honor) for nothing." - College Football -

Before the Wildcats look ahead to chasing the league title in seriousness, they'll have to get through a schedule that continues next week at wounded Purdue, Oct. 22 at high-octane Michigan State, and home games against traditional power Michigan and revitalized Iowa. If all that comes out in Northwestern's favor, there's always a Nov. 12 date at Ohio State to get a headache over. - College Football -

Meanwhile, while the Badgers lick their wounds, the Wildcats can dream a little.

2005-10-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

LSU Daily Football Notebook: Wednesday

By Glenn Guilbeau

BATON ROUGE – Starting wide receiver Craig Davis was in full pads and appeared to be nearing 100 percent after missing LSU’s win at Mississippi State over the weekend because of a foot injury. - - College Football - -

Davis is expected to play Saturday when the No. 11 Tigers (2-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) play Vanderbilt (4-1, 2-0) at 6 p.m. in Nashville.

“If he improves, then we’ll take him,” LSU coach Les Miles said.

Starting center Rudy Niswanger (ankle) was not dressed out for practice but was there and tested his ankle in front of some of LSU’s medical staff. He is questionable for the game.

Starting defensive tackle Claude Wroten and starting strong safety Jessie Daniels were held out of contact because of minor injuries and are expected to play Saturday. - - College Football - -

Starting outside linebacker E.J. Kuale, who has been out for the season since injuring an ankle before the season, practiced Monday night but was not at practice Tuesday. He is doubtful for the game.

NISWANGER UP FOR HONOR: Rudy Niswanger, LSU’s senior center from Ouachita Christian High in Monroe, was named one of 184 players up for the Draddy Trophy by the NationalFootball Foundation and College Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

The Draddy Trophy is considered the academic Heisman Trophy. Niswanger has already graduated with a 4.0 grade point average in pre-medicine and is taking graduate courses. A first team academic All-American last season, Niswanger considered entering medical school this fall but opted forfootball. - - College Football - -

“The Draddy epitomizes everything right about college football,” NFF president Steven Hatchell said.

When LSU players were asked which LSU players could meet Vanderbilt’s stringent academic requirements and graduate from the academic-oriented school, they all said Niswanger could make the grade. - - College Football - -

“Not many of us,” said offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, a West Monroe native and childhood friend of Niswanger. “But Rudy could.”

VIEW FROM AFAR: Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson is impressed with how LSU has handled the distractions of two hurricanes and subsequent schedule changes. - - College Football - -

“They’ve handled it unbelievably well, in my opinion,” Johnson said at his weekly press conference. You’ve got hurricanes and having to deal with that, and we don’t know half the story there. We’re all in our own little world, and we don’t know what they’re going through. You have a lot of guys from Louisiana that are, I’m sure, in shock. I think they’ve done a great job of getting their team together. They had a chance to make a real statement in the Tennessee game, and they probably should have won. But they came right back with a great win over Mississippi State, and they’ll be ready.” - - College Football - -

©The Shreveport Times

October 4, 2005

2005-09-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

NFL Notebook: Shanahan fined $20,000 for criticizing officials' call

The Associated Press

The NFL fined Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan $20,000 yesterday for his criticism of the call that reversed Darrent Williams' punt return for a touchdown Sunday against San Diego.

Officials called Denver for too many men on the field toward the end of Williams' 61-yard punt return after a few Broncos ran off the sideline to prepare for the extra point.

None of the Broncos who ran onto the field were within 15 yards of the play.

"It was a horrible call. Horrible call," Shanahan said Monday. "You wouldn't see a lot of calls like that in high school."

Williams said he had no response to his coach's penalty.

"I won't be helping Mike pay the fine," he said.

2005-09-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Singer covers college ball for ESPN

Zap2it.com

Reality-TV star and conspicuous sports fan Nick Lachey has been recruited by ESPN as a contributor to its college-football coverage.

The singer/actor/husband of Jessica Simpson will do some feature pieces for ESPN's "College GameDay" football show.

His first on-air date was Saturday, the season opener. He'll do feature pieces from across the college-football landscape and will appear with the "GameDay" crew of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso at their remote broadcasts.

"Nick is a huge sports fan and will add a unique perspective to the show," says Norby Williamson, senior vice president and managing editor at ESPN.

"He will provide wide-ranging, off-the-field features spotlighting the tradition of the game, its fans, athletes and personalities."

Lachey, who starred with Simpson in MTV's "Newlyweds," is an avowed sports fan and supporter of teams in his hometown of Cincinnati.

The ESPN gig won't be his first crack at covering sports, either: He's written a couple of columns on sports for the Cincinnati Enquirer, including one last week about the firing of University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins.

2005-08-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

ESPN360 to Air Live College Football

By Mike Shields/ Mediaweek

NEW YORK ESPN will air 24 live college football games, including several exclusive matchups, this season on its broadband Web property ESPN360.

Starting with the Western Michigan-University of Virginia contest on Sept. 3, the broadband channel will feature two games online each week for six weeks. In addition, the property will offer users on-demand game highlights, analysis and extended interviews with players and coaches.
ESPN360, which launched in January, is a downloadable video application rather than a Web-based video product. ESPN360 is only available to subscribers of high-speed Internet service providers that have partnered with Bristol, Conn.-based ESPN.

Currently, no figures have been released by ESPN regarding the number of users who have downloaded the service, which does not accept ads.

College football is the most prominent sports that ESPN has elected to run on ESPN360, which has also featured ESPN-owned content such as the Great Outdoor Games.

The football matchups scheduled to air on the service this year, while generally not of the top 20 variety, will include teams from the Big Ten and ACC conferences, as well as all Army home games.

Last season, ESPN aired several games on ESPN Broadband, the predecessor to ESPN360.

© 2005 VNU eMedia Inc. All rights reserved.

2005-08-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Defending champ Pahokee dazzles with dozen major college prospects

After back-to-back state championships, Pahokee is not only the class of Palm Beach County, but this tremendous program is now at the level where producing majorcollege talent is routine.

This year' star quality begins at quarterback, where Robert Love is about to rewrite all school records for passing and total offense.
Love has not received the recognition that Coach Leroy Foster says he deserves. Maybe it's because this program had Antone Smith running the ball the past three years. It could also be that Love is 5 feet 11 and 192 pounds -- not the size recruiters are looking for in a Division Icollege signal-caller.

Trying to convince Foster or Love that there are better quarterback prospects in Florida is tough, and for good reason. This is an athlete with a rocket arm and a knack for winning games.

"What other quarterback do you know of in this state who will have three state titles?" Foster said. "Give me Robert Love any day.''

While Love is starting to get some of that recognition, he is not alone. Counting sophomore receiver Martavious Odoms, this is a program with as many as 12 Division I-A prospects.

Defensive back Ricky Gary is another one of those major college talents. While his size (5-9, 177) has played a role in which schools are taking a chance, his play on the field has directed programs such as Miami, Florida and FSU in his direction.

While Gary has been viewed as one of the top secondary prospects in the state, teammate Nikita White cannot be far behind. At several summer camps and combines, it was White who earned the accolades from coaches on hand for his play in the secondary.

"This Pahokee football team has as much talent as anyone I have watched," said Charles Fishbein of MSL Combines. "Look at nearly any position, on either side of the ball, and you will find quality talent."

On offense, Royal Palm Beach transfer Tamarcus Porter has fit in instantly. Most predict great things for this talented receiver. Senior lineman Marcus Harwood (6-3, 310) is also a rising talent.

Defensively, senior linemen UnTavious Scott and underrated Rudy Robinson are quality. So is linebacker Vincent Cheves, who has been impressive all summer.

"When you throw in the talented underclassmen we have, this team is downright impressive," Foster said. "We have the ability to make a solid run for three straight."

Who's going where

Palm Beach County's top prospect, John I. Leonard defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis (6-5, 330) has been offered scholarships by Miami, Florida and FSU. Oklahoma, LSU and South Carolina have also offered this standout.

John Lubischer (6-4, 255), a tight end from Boca Raton, has been offered by Duke, North Carolina State and Rutgers. The Cardinal Gibbons transfer is also looking at Miami and BostonCollege.

Palm Beach Lakes safety Brandon Heath (6-1, 198) has turned into one of the most sought after football players in the state. West Virginia, Miami, Louisville, Florida, Minnesota and Oklahoma have all offered.

Cornerback De'Andre Morgan (5-10, 165) from Suncoast has become a hot prospect this summer after running an impressive 4.27 in the 40 at the University of Miami camp. Clemson, Mississippi, North Carolina State, Syracuse, West Virginia and South Florida have all offered. Miami is one of the schools Morgan likes, but so far, the Hurricanes have not offered.

Another area athlete who has been receiving plenty of attention is receiver/ defensive back Preston Parker. The 6-0, 180-pound Atlantic standout has been offered by FSU, Pittsburgh, Louisville and North Carolina State. While Miami and Florida have not offered yet, they are both interested.

Larry Blustein
Sun-Sentinel

2005-08-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

NCAA begins backpedaling on misguided mascot ruling

Some common sense will still have to prevail, but it looks like the NCAA will be able to backpedal and scramble its way out of what has become a huge public relations disaster. The problem began when its all-powerful Executive Committee told 18 schools they would be banned from post-season play unless they changed their use of Native American imagery.
Since the announcement on Aug. 5, the NCAA has hurriedly put together an appeals process for the individual schools. NCAA President Myles Brand now insists that the committees involved in the decision weren’t out to punish these schools but rather wanted to “take the high road” and begin a dialogue on an important issue. - College Football -
This decision did neither. What it almost did, and still could do if not handled properly, is spark a revolution.
For a long time the 70-plus schools that compete at the highest level of college athletics have wondered if they should break off from the NCAA (which represents over 1,250 institutions) and form their own, more streamlined organization. The NCAA’s decision, if it stands, could raise that issue again. - College Football -
“If that (Division I-A schools breaking off) ever happened, it would probably be over something as silly as this,” said T.K. Wetherell, the president at Florida State.
Many years ago the NCAA changed its governance structure in order to give Division I-A schools (those in the ACC, SEC, etc.) almost total autonomy over their affairs when it comes to legislation. But the Native American ruling came under the heading of “policy,” which applies to all levels of the NCAA.
Thus, Florida State’s right to use Native American imagery, which it has done since 1947, was decided by a 19-member committee that included representatives from St. Leo, Central Missouri State, and Plattsburgh State. Of the 19 members on the executive committee, only seven represent the major Division I-A conferences. - College Football -
Of even greater concern, if you’re Florida State, is the makeup of the two committees that put together the actual policy that was eventually approved by the executive committee.
The Minority Opportunities and Issues Committee, which began the process, has 15 members. Only two represent Division I-A. The rest are from Division I-AA or lower.
The executive committee subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues has 11 members. There are no representatives from the major conferences. In fact, the largest school in the room when these recommendations were formed was Middle Tennessee State.
But here are the two biggest reasons that the NCAA is re-thinking the issue:
*The committees didn’t do their homework. When asked to explain their stance on Florida State, given the fact that the Seminole Tribe of Florida had given its blessing to the school, the NCAA’s response was that “other” Seminole tribes did not like the imagery. There is only one other Seminole tribe, in Oklahoma. - College Football -
Yes, the committee did get some letters from David Narcomey, a member of the Oklahoma tribe’s General Council, who condemned the use of Native American imagery by sports teams. But if either of these committees had done its job, it would have discovered that the General Council voted 18-2 last month to uphold the use of such imagery. That fact never made it to the Executive Committee. Oops. - College Football -
*There was never any finding of fact that Florida State’s use of Seminole imagery was “hostile and abusive,” which is how the committee labeled it. It never asked the Florida Seminole Tribe how it felt. It never picked up the phone and asked Florida State to give its point of view. It looked at a set of facts written on a piece of paper and made a call, a bad one.
These two NCAA committees have some very important work to do. The fact that there are only three black Division I-A football coaches is a national embarrassment. There are far too few people of color in athletic administration. These are real problems that need real solutions from thoughtful people. - College Football -
But this decision has set back those noble goals and has made the NCAA the butt of too many jokes. Future efforts at inclusion and justice will be dismissed by some as just another round of “political correctness” because of this colossal misjudgment. And that’s sad.
These committees are made up of some very smart people. Unfortunately, their final decision showed a lack of common sense and fundamental fairness. - College Football -

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

2005-08-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

As always, county abuzz with recruiters

With high-school football preseason practice set to begin Monday, the county has been abuzz with college recruiters.
Gwynn Park, which has been the premier program in the county's 3A/2A League the last several seasons, has been arguably the state's top destination for the scouts. Two Yellow Jackets already have made verbal commitments -- linebacker Adrian Moten (University of Maryland) and Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech) -- and another, lineman Philip Taylor, is considered one of the state's elite prospects. - College Football -
"It's hard sometimes to make a name for yourself when you're at a school with so many good players," said Carmichael, whose stock rose after strong showings at the Nike camp at Penn State in late April and the National Football League's high-school development camp at Roosevelt High during the spring. "Virginia Tech said they liked what they saw. When they made the offer, I couldn't stop smiling." - College Football -
Taylor, a 6-foot-3, 346-pound lineman, rated the state's sixth-best prospect by national recruiting service Rivals.com, has Boston College, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Tennessee among his favorites. Linebacker Phillip Higgins has an offer from Tennessee State and interest from Columbia and several Atlantic Coast Conference schools. - College Football -
Defensive back Will Johnson is at tracting serious interest from Syracuse and Florida State, while backfield mate Nathaniel Ricks has offers from Maryland, North Carolina, Penn State and Virginia.
DeMatha coach Bill McGregor said offensive lineman Ryan Bartholomew has offers from Syracuse, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech. The defending Atlantic Coast Conference champion Hokies and Syracuse have each given defensive tackle Reggie Gibson a scholarship offer, while tight end Marcus Brown has an offer from Temple. - College Football -
Two-way lineman Charles Smith (6-6, 380) has an offer from Rutgers, according to coach Mike Mayo, who added that he expects wide receiver Michael Rhea (6-1, 180) to attract offers in the immediate future.
Arguably the county's top defensive back prospect, Eleanor Roosevelt's Travon Bellamy, has offers from Illinois and North Carolina with several other schools interested. Bellamy's teammate, Nico Scott, has offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Kent, Oregon State, Rutgers and Syracuse. Scott plans to take his first official visit to Syracuse Sept. 11, said Raiders' coach Rick Houchens. - College Football -
Douglass cornerback Matt Reid recently gave a verbal commitment to Syracuse, which has several county performers on its roster. Reid (6-2, 170) said he originally wasn't going to make an early decision. - College Football -
"They treated my mom and me real well. They showed us the facilities and I got a chance to talk to the academic advisor," said Reid, who also had offers from Akron, Kent, Marshall and Rutgers. "He told me about all the majors I could choose from. Another factor in my decision was the fact that at Syracuse it looked like I would have a chance to play early."
"They said that Matt was the type of kid they were looking for," said Douglass coach J.C. Pinkney. "They were looking for a taller corner, a kid that is rangy and can cover some of the bigger receivers. And, of course, the academic portion of it was a draw for Matt."
Suitland linebacker Navorro Bowman has narrowed his choices to North Carolina, Penn State, Ohio State, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Suitland coach Nick Lynch said Bowman is more highly recruited than former Suitland star Lamont Jordan, who went to Maryland and is now playing for the Oakland Raiders. Bowman played a pivotal role on both offense and defense as Suitland won the 4A state title last fall. - College Football -
Forestville lineman Antonio Logan-El, the state's No. 1 prospect according to Rivals.com, has narrowed his choices to Maryland, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee and Virginia. Potomac linebacker Adrian McLeod, last season's Star/Gazette Defensive Player of the Year, has interest from Connecticut, Kent, Marshall, Maryland and Michigan State.

Derek Toney
Staff Writer

2005-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

College Football

DES MOINES, Iowa -Former Iowa football coach Hayden Fry will be honored Aug. 17 by the Touchdown Club of Houston as its Touchdowner of the Year.
The award has been given annually since 1966 for contributions and achievements in football over a long period. - College Football -
Fry was Iowa's coach from 1979-98. He coached at SMU and North Texas before taking the Iowa job. - College Football -
Past winners of the Houston award include Darrell Royal, Doak Walker, Tom Landry, Eddie Robinson, Bear Bryant and Earl Campbell. - College Football -

Wire Reports

2005-07-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

What? Is it football already?

Every year around this time, we start getting every kind of football paraphernalia. From media guides to previews to picks, the football gurus begin their onslaught right in the middle of my summer respite. And yesterday was no exception. Just as the morning mail was being distributed, one of the ladies in the front tossed me a sack that said “Phil Steele’s COLLEGE FOOTBALL preview.” It didn’t grab my interest near as much as last year’s American Cheerleader magazine, but it’s football for goodness sake. Mr. Steele gives you the skinny on your favorite team, as well as your buddies and his brothers. They say this magazine is supposed to be for recreational use, but all these facts and figures wreak of a bookie and office pool’s around the country. But, I won’t be using this year’s issue for that. I figured it would just give me an excuse to talk college football, and give you just a taste of what to expect from our in-state squads. Somehow or another, Mr. Steele selected the Pac-10 as the toughest conference in 2004. What? Who? Where? Uh-huh, the Pac-10, which is just rubbish to anyone in these parts. And I agree. If you’ve never watched an SEC game, even the one’s that Arkansas plays in, you’ll know that the Southeastern Conference is the toughest in the land. It’s easy to dog ‘em because of the potential win-loss records, but you have to remember they’re playing quality teams (save Vanderbilt) every week. The Pac-10, on the other hand, has team’s like Oregon State, Oregon, a depleted Washington Husky bunch, UCLA Stanford and Arizona. You don’t just give them all a pass because USC was a powerhouse the last two years. With 2005 close at hand, Steele has changed his tune, giving the SEC the preseason nod, followed by the Big 10 (who somehow tied), ACC, Big 12/Pac-10, Big East, Mt. West, C-USA, WAC, MAC, Independent and finally Sun Belt. I pretty much agree, but I wouldn’t be so quick to give the Big 10 top honors. You never know with Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin. At the beginning of the year they’ll all look pretty strong (and Lee Corso wants to make them National title contenders), but by season’s end they’re all 6-3 or 6-4 in the conference and fighting for a Holiday Bowl bid. Anyway, enough about the Big-10. Let’s get to some football closer to home. (I SURE HOPE STEELE GIVES ME A LITTLE OF THE $8.95 HE’S CHARGING FOLKS FOR THIS BOOK, CONSIDERING ALL THE PLUGS I’M GIVING IT RIGHT NOW) UGA—Steele has put the University of Georgia in his preseason Top 10. According to him, “the Dawgs will be a little underrated...” The only SEC squad he’s got above the Bulldogs is LSU at No. 2, while Florida is right behind UGA at No. 11. Fine. Sure. Go ahead and give the Bulldog nation the big-head. But, let’s be honest, what can D.J. do for you? More precisely, what can D.J. do for the Bulldog passing game? I’ve always been skeptical of the 5th year senior, and maybe that’s because he was accident prone. He did pass for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns last season in limited work, but his lackluster performance in the regular-season finale vs. the Jackets hasn’t sold me on the Dogs chances this year. I think we’d be better served to set the Bulldogs around 15-19 at the outset, and let them prove all of us wrong. I know that “prove me wrong” baloney got me in trouble last year, but I’m hoping the reverse-regular season jinx will help the Bulldogs to an SEC East title and hopefully a solid shot at the big crown. Clark’s preseason rank: 16 Georgia Tech—The Ramblin’ Wreck is need of some love this year. Not being from this area, I’ve never settled on one college team as “my team” here in Georgia, but I’ve always pulled for the Jackets. Steele doesn’t even have them in the Top 40, which is probably more than a safe bet. With Virginia Tech, Miami, Florida State, Virginia and newcomer Boston College holding up the top of the ACC, it’s going to be hard for the Jackets to expect more than an 8-4 finish. And they’ll probably get that first L Sep. 3 when they open at Auburn. Games against the Tar Heels, Hokies, Hurricanes, Cavaliers and Bulldogs could push the Jackets below .500 this season, which would end GT’s record eight straight winning seasons and bowl game appearances. Chan Gailey (21-17 with GT) might be looking for a job at the end of the season. Clark’s preseason rank: off the charts. Let’s just stick with their record: 5-6 (3-5 in the ACC). Man, I’m a little disappointed. I’ve flipped through this book and not one word on Georgia Southern. In fact, not a word on any other division in college football. That’s okay. That just means I’ll have to devote an entire column to Georgia Southern later this year. Haha, I do what I want, son. “Whose house. Our house. Whose house. Our house. Whose house, Run’s house?”

Jason Halcombe

2005-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Florida State quarterback Sexton diagnosed with Lyme disease

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The official word finally came Saturday morning. But Florida State players were already preparing for a season without their only experienced quarterback while readying a pair of redshirt freshmen for one of college football's most pressure-packed positions.
Wyatt Sexton, hospitalized after being found June 13 in the middle of a Tallahassee street exhibiting erratic behavior, has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, a diagnosis confirmed by a Pennsylvania specialist. FSU coach Bobby Bowden stated in a release that "it looks like Wyatt will need several months of treatment and will have to miss the season."
And that means FSU must turn to either Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee - or maybe both - to revive an offense that struggled a year ago. The two have one collegiate play between them.
FSU offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden said he is not opposed to using both quarterbacks in the nationally televised season opener against Miami at Doak Campbell Stadium on Labor Day night.
"'I wouldn't rule it out," he said. - College Football -
But the coordinator would prefer to have one move to the forefront in competition that he promises to be wide open. And he would like to keep some of the offensive package that he put in during the spring for Sexton, who is mostly a pocket passer, while also playing off Lee's and Weatherford's athleticism.
"Up until the incident occurred, I felt like Wyatt was the guy ... that there was no way that Wyatt was not going to start the first game," Jeff Bowden said. "You have two really athletic guys behind him who are just lacking the experience ... . We're going to let them fight it out. The one who is ahead is going to be the starter. - College Football -
"We're always going to look to be balanced run-pass. Whether we're going to sit in the pocket as much as we have, that might change. We got a good beginning plan for these guys. We're just going to see how it unfolds and how comfortable they are with it. I'm really going to listen to them to tell me what they are comfortable with."
'Not a punishment' - College Football -
There had been some media speculation that Sexton, no matter the medical ruling, may not be eligible to play. Sexton was suspended prior to the incident for violation of team rules.
"He's not off the football team," Jeff Bowden said. "This is not a punishment issue."
While the junior's health has been forefront among teammates, preseason practice was also looming with players reporting on Aug. 8. The focus during afternoon workouts and informal film sessions among players has been on Lee and Weatherford. Lee did not play last season, and Weatherford participated in just one play. He injured his ankle on that play but not the one that required surgery in the spring. - College Football -
"We had to be realistic - everybody knew (Sexton) had something that was definitely a problem," junior offensive lineman Matt Meinrod said. "When it became apparent that it was real and not some b.s. excuse, we had to look for a contingency plan. Everybody sort of realized it looked like he wasn't going to be with the team. You can't look back. You got to look forward and that's what we had to do with those two young guys."
Meinrod said he and teammates didn't learn of Sexton's diagnosis or his status until Saturday morning when FSU released a statement. Weeks earlier, Meinrod and others already approached Lee and Weatherford about their changing roles. - College Football -
"I think it was important to let them know that they are our guys now," Meinrod said. "We hadn't given up on Wyatt but at the same time we had to look ahead. I told them both on separate occasions that this is your team now. Whoever takes over, we're going to follow you."
Lee and Weatherford have impressed teammates with their effort this summer. Both have participated in voluntary summer workouts, although Weatherford has been limited because of ankle surgery conducted after spring practice. - College Football -
"They are out there taking a leadership role," Meinrod said.

By Steve EllisKnight Ridder Newspapers

2005-07-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

New changes to BCS are dollar-driven
Expansion of bowls, regular season by one game adds to college football's confusion.

It's easier, perhaps, to put it in football terms: Almost without fail, when faced with third-and-long, the NCAA's board of directors runs a draw play.
And that's what college football fans saw again this week as the powers-that-be punted another golden opportunity.
They could have passed on the easy money while restoring some of the credibility of the institutions they serve. Instead, they simply gave us more of the same.
Among the rulings handed down this week, effective fall 2006, are the following:
• An expansion of the Bowl Championship Series by one game, but no playoff-style format.
• The addition of a 12th regular-season game for Division I-A schools.
• And an allowance for Division I-A teams to count one victory over a Division I-AA school toward bowl eligibility each season. - College Football -
The result is merely a concession to the money pit that college athletics has become, complete with window dressing designed to appease, if not altogether please.
To the conference commissioners who were complaining about a lack of access to the BCS and about loopholes that could cost major conferences millions of dollars? Well, now there are two more invitations to the party, though no one's sure yet who will be mailing those invitations.
To the college coaches who were outspoken in their opposition to adding a 12th game, citing fatigue and injuries with fewer scholarship players? Well, now that the rules regarding I-AA competition have changed, you can rest easy -- and rest your starters -- as most schools will choose an extra scrimmage rather than add a bona fide opponent.
To the lonely voices shouting for academic reform? (And, yes, the Knight Commission still exists.) Well, NCAA president Myles Brand, who used to think and act like a university president, insists the extra game won't hurt the athletes as students because the actual regular-season calendar isn't being lengthened. In fact, Brand suggested, the student-athletes might even perform better in the classroom, basing that ridiculous notion on recent NCAA graduation rates, a non sequitur if there ever was one. - College Football -
And to the two constituencies that should matter most: the players who play and the fans who cheer? Well, at least they'll still have something to complain about.
Here's my biggest complaint, though: Can't they at least be honest about it?
When asked this week to explain what compelled the NCAA to add a 12th game, ignoring the pleas of the American Football Coaches Association and the Knight Commission -- strange bedfellows, indeed -- Kansas chancellor Bob Hemenway, who is chairman of the NCAA board of directors, said, "It was not just about money."
Of course, that's exactly what it was about. An extra home game means $3 million-$4 million in additional revenue for major Division I-A schools such as Michigan and Tennessee and Oklahoma, and perhaps as much as $500,000 for some of the smaller mid-major opponents who will gladly travel to take their lump-sum payments. Athletic directors will rejoice, even as season-ticket holders grumble at the prospect of another $50-plus home date against Northeast (fill-in-the-blank) State. - College Football -
As for the BCS, that might be the only common ground here, because everyone agrees it's not the right system. Only problem is, no one can agree what to do about it, including the BCS conference commissioners themselves. This week's BCS expansion wasn't the switch to a "plus-one" playoff model that some had anticipated. There was no overhaul of the controversial BCS formula, either, even after The Associated Press pulled out. Instead, there's talk of adding a new "expert" poll to the decimal soup, and a plan to add a game to the rotation. And still no assurance of an undisputed champion.
"Well, college football in general is a little bit confusing right now," Texas coach Mack Brown said last week.
Some things, it seems, never change.
Notable
Still to be determined is whether teams will be bowl-eligible with a 6-6 record when the 12-game schedule is allowed starting in 2006. The NCAA board is recommending that teams be required to finish with a winning record to qualify. - College Football -
... Notre Dame's clout takes a hit in the new BCS deal beginning next season. The Irish no longer will received a full conference payout -- roughly $15 million-$16 million -- whenever they qualify for a BCS bowl. Instead, they'll get the equivalent of a conference at-large share, or about $4.5 million. In the years they don't qualify for a BCS game, they'll get a $1 million BCS payout. They are guaranteed a spot if they finish in the top eight of the BCS standings and must finish in the top 12 to be considered for an at-large spot.
... Another rule change from the NCAA this week dealt with attendance. A rule that required schools to average crowds of 15,000 to remain in Division I-A has been modified to allow teams to average that figure either in actual or paid attendance. That means mid-major schools, most notably Eastern and Central Michigan locally, can buy their own tickets when necessary to reach that paid-attendance threshold.
... Sure, San Diego beats, say, Detroit as a winter holiday destination. But it's hard to imagine a stampede at the box office in December when the fans of two college teams learn they've been invited to play in the new Poinsettia Bowl. Actually, it's officially the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. And, no, this is no joke. The newest addition to the bowl season is a Dec. 22 game at Qualcomm Stadium that will feature a Mountain West Conference team against an at-large opponent. - College Football -
... And finally, some hope for the rest of college football. Southern Cal might be unbeatable, but now Pete Carroll's players are beating up each other. An altercation between receiver Steve Smith and tight end Dominique Byrd -- over a video game, no less -- left Byrd with a fractured jaw this month. The two quickly patched things up, however, and neither was disciplined. So, Fight On for ol' SC.

John Niyo / The Detroit News

2005-06-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

College is next stop for Harmon standout

Recent Harmon graduate Mark Rhymes officially ended his high school football career by suiting up for the Kansas all-stars against their counterparts from Missouri in the 14th Annual Metro Classic all-star football game.
Missouri won the game 38-15 on June 16 at William Jewell College.
Now Rhymes can prepare to play his first college football game.
A 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker, Rhymes signed a letter of intent to play in the fall at Hutchinson Community College.
A Class 6A all-state selection by the Kansas Football Coaches Association, Rhymes collected 113 tackles, including 53 solo tackles, recorded five sacks and forced three fumbles as a senior. Rhymes added two fumble recoveries and a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Harmon head coach Barry Davies said Rhymes should have a solid collegiate career.
“I believe Mark has the athletic ability and work ethic to play at the next level after his two years at Hutchinson,” Davies said. “Mark had a great senior season. He has worked very hard the last three years to make himself a very good football player. I am proud of Mark and proud to say that I had the chance to coach him the last three years. We are going to miss his leadership and toughness next season.”
■ Harmon graduate Devin Beavers, an athletic and quick defensive end, recently signed to play at national junior college powerhouse Butler County Community College.
A 6A all-state selection as a senior, Beavers had team-highs in quarterback sacks with 18 and hurries with 16. Beavers recorded 106 total tackles, forced three fumbles and recovered two fumbles.
■ Turner football standout Doug Thompson signed to play football in the fall at Butler County Community College. An athletic two-way interior lineman at Turner, Thompson might end up playing more on defense in college.
■ Also headed to Butler County are Basehor-Linwood standout Josh Ishmael and Ryan Dercher of Pleasant Ridge.
Baseball signing
Tony Garcia helped Turner qualify for the 5A state baseball playoffs as a senior with his speed, ability to make contact and drive in runs.
Now recently graduated, Garcia will look to continue to hone his skills on the next level while playing his college baseball at Maple Woods Community College.
Garcia, who signed a letter of intent to attend Maple Woods last month, batted a team-high .551 during the regular season. Garcia tied Matt Lackner for team-high honors in runs batted in with 22.
A leadoff hitter with quickness and power, Garcia hit for the cycle twice as a senior and led the Bears to a 13-7 record. Garcia collected a team-best 38 hits, including 15 extra-base hits, while striking out only twice all season.
In Turner’s 3-1 victory over area rival Washington in a 5A regional championship game at Turner, Garcia leadoff the sixth inning with a triple, and scored a key run.
Turner lost 11-4 to eventual state champions Bishop Carroll in a 5A state first-round game in Winfield, Kan.
Two-sport athlete signs
Everybody loves a bargain.
Especially the athletic program at Kansas City Kansas Community College, who received a great two-for-one bargain with the signing of McLouth two-sport athlete Emily Nitzsche, who will play both volleyball and softball at KCKCC.
Nitzsche was an All-Delaware Valley League selection in volleyball and softball as a senior at McLouth.

College Football Store

2005-06-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

College Football Store