Georgia Tech Football - Fanblogs.com

NCAA on the Warpath?

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:04:28 -0500

Not many people heard Friday that the NCAA had placed Georgia Tech's football program on probation. Even fewer knew that they were being investigated at all. A 20-month long investigation starting from late in the 2009 season culminated in the program being placed on four years' probation, the vacation of the 2009 ACC title and a $100,000 fine--for improper benefits from a possible agent to two players, and more likely, Tech's purported hindrance of the investigation. Heard that same story recently about a program out of Ohio?

The players, Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas, allegedly received around $300 in clothes and a cell phone from a former Tech player who might have been acting to steer the two to an agent once they went pro--which they did at the end of the season. So, hit a program that hard over a few hundred bucks worth of benefits? That seems rather harsh, but it goes deeper than that. Initially, the NCAA was to come down and interview Burnett, and the only people that were to know about it was the Tech president, the compliance officer, and AD Dan Radakovich, who promptly informed coach Paul Johnson.

Johnson then questioned Burnett on his own, who denied any wrongdoing. Then all four school officials met with Burnett, in defiance of the NCAA's request for him to not be informed of the looming interview. The NCAA enforcement officer did come down and conduct the interview but discovered that Burnett had been prepped beforehand. Apparently the NCAA has the intention of getting more honest answers in an ambush-type interview process and was peeved that Tech had let the cat out of the bag. For me, while understanding that the NCAA has a difficult job to do, I'm a little uneasy about any individual being questioned in a matter that precludes a prior notification or the lack of representation. Kinda seems un-American.

That interview with Burnett then led to the discovery of possible improper benefits to Thomas. The NCAA notified Tech that both players should be declared ineligible and that the subsequent playing of them would have to be justified. Both kept playing through the end of season loss to Georgia, the ACC championship game and the Orange Bowl loss to Iowa. In that scenario, it seems that Georgia Tech might have been thumbing their nose to Indianapolis, and is probably the reason for the harsh penalties over what should have been minor violations. But as is in a lot of these cases, it's the cover-up that worse than the underlying crime.

The NCAA definitely felt that they couldn't prove the agent relationship regarding Burnett that could have led to even harsher sanctions because Tech had prepped him prior. That defiance has brought them significant penalties that are far-reaching for not just Tech and the ACC, but for college football itself. Already, you've seen the signs that Indianapolis is ready to go on the warpath, and you better come clean or you just might get scalped--and we're not talking tickets. Make no mistake, the NCAA is out to re-assert itself as the law of the land. Meet the new boss. Maybe not the same as the old boss.

Also last week, Ohio State went ahead and vacated all twelve victories from 2010 in an effort to stave off upcoming penalties from the NCAA--this on top of already forcing HC Jim Tressel out. Just how hard is the NCAA throwing punches these days that a program like OSU goes ahead and just vacates a 12-1 season? Wouldn't that be the capital offense that most schools would prefer to roll the dice on, hoping for an aquittal (or a hung jury) rather than cop a plea up front? Clearly those in Columbus see a freight train coming and vacating all your victories as the opening negotiation tactic is the poker equivalent of 'all in'. Now where have I heard that phrase recently?

And come on now, can it be mere coincidence with the leak last week of Auburn HC Gene Chizik's exchange with a NCAA compliance officer about when the Cam Newton investigation was to be concluded? While the harsh answer, "You'll know when we're finished and we're not finished.", was totally candid, the subsequent resounding message it sent couldn't have been better scripted.

Although Auburn detractors still eagerly await the smoking gun in that case, nothing new has been made aware in months, yet the investigation is going to remain open. Everybody knows that. Sometimes it takes months or years for information to come to light, and even if the NCAA does officially close it, don't think for a minute that it wouldn't be reopened immediately if new evidence surfaced. Why Chizik chose to air his concerns to that official in that environment is known to few, but the rebuffing he received is known to the whole country. While I would never believe that coach Chizik would lob one over the net for the NCAA to spike back down, the assertiveness shown by this official is the kind of publicity Indianapolis couldn't buy for their new get tough campaign. Meet the new NCAA enforcement division. They had quite the week.

With infractions popping up everywhere and the pressure on big-time programs to produce as high as ever, the job of the NCAA keeps getting harder. The last thing they can tolerate is for programs to openly defy the rules and impede the investigations. They're going to start hitting the guilty programs harder than they've ever been hit before, as a lesson to the others. Deterence is one of the last weapons they have left to wield. And with the recent cases of Georgia Tech and Ohio State, I think the NCAA is stating a pretty good case of their intentions.

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Fanblogs Open Thread: Realignment-ageddon Edition

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:23:46 -0500

With today's official announcement of Colorado to the Pac10 conference and the expected announcement of Nebraska to the Big10 conference (which officially makes it a Big12, don't you think?)... it would seem that the summer realignment-ageddon has officially begun.

Here's a quick what we know, what we can surmise....

- Colorado is officially joining the Pac10. It's unclear as to whether the Pac10 intends to hold at 11 teams, but we should expect the Pac10 to seek to add at least one additional member. For years the argument against expansion centered around the round-robin schedule format and - with 11 schools - that format is officially out the window for college football. Adding one more school would give the conference the option to conduct a CFB championship game in some of the largest television markets in the country. Does the Pac10 stop at 12 (Texas??) or expand further with Big12/MWC/WAC teams???

- The Big10 will have 12 teams with the addition of Nebraska. Will they stand pat at 12 teams or expand to 16 as had been rumored?

- The SEC has said that they will not sit idly by if the Big10 expands. Sports Illustrated has confirmed that the SEC has held discussions with Texas A&M. Is that prelude to further SEC expansion? Who, in addition to the Aggies, are on the SEC radar?

- The ACC & Big East seem to be awfully quiet. Are they targets or could a merger be on the table for the two conferences?

- The MWC will not offer membership to Boise State at this time, setting themselves up to be the home of any Big12 refugees. Is the MWC destined to become a BCS conference by default?

DISCUSS!!!

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SEC expansion list has six teams on it

Sat, 22 May 2010 06:48:27 -0500

As has been mentioned on several occassions by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, the SEC will not stand pat if the Big 10 Conference elects to expand beyond twelve member schools.

"I'm aware of all the interest and all that's being written, but given the success that we have experienced over the past decade, we're comfortable with the position in which we find ourselves," Slive told FLORIDA TODAY on Wednesday. "Now having said that, if there's going to be a significant shift in the conference paradigm, the SEC will be strategic and thoughtful in order to maintain its position as one of the nation's premier conferences. We are watching carefully what's going on and keeping our antenna up and our eyes open as to what's going on around us."

The Wiz, who's antenna is always up, caught this piece that says Slive is doing more than just watching. It's reported that the SEC has held talks with executives from CBS Sports and outlined the conferences plan to target six teams for conference expansion.

According to Hyams, Slive told CBS executives in a recent meeting that the league’s goal would be to keep pace with a 16-team Big Ten by pursuing Texas, Texas A&M, Florida State and Clemson.
If Texas and Texas A&M cannot be lured in, then Miami and Georgia Tech will join Florida State and Clemson on the SEC’s wish list.

The post is based upon the reporting of Jimmy Hyams of WNML-AM 990 in Knoxville. Hyams, who's covered SEC sports for more than 30 years, cites anonymous sources close to CBS. Given Hyams's stature in the broadcast community, I would tend to agree that this story has some legs to it.

In looking at the "plan", the discussion around Texas and Texas A&M wouldn't be shocking to anyone. Texas represents the premiere "get" in the country and the 'Horns won't be permitted to go anywhere by the Texas Legislature unless their take perennial rival with them. The Aggies may be the little brother in the mix, but they're the lynchpin to the entire deal.

The move to bring in Texas would cement the SEC's footprint into two of the country's top ten television markets: Dallas (#5) and Houston (#10). It's unclear to me if the conference would be able to go back to ESPN and ask for more television money right away, but the long-term benefit of adding the two schools would be substantial.

As far as adding Florida State and Clemson, I get the sense that the SEC is merely the SEC keeping up with the Joneses, so to speak. The Noles and Tigers add a little more color to the conference, but don't necessarily represent a blockbuster addition in terms of potential revenue. If anything, it would be a move against the ACC to limit the conferences marketability and - in turn - keep more money on the table for the SEC. Ditto for what appears to be the backup plan of pursuing Georgia Tech and Miami.

On the flip side of the equation, I'm not convinced that the SEC would be able to land all four ACC teams, especially given the extra $7.5 million per year that the teams will now be earning from the new ACC television agreement. The ACC teams still earn less than the SEC teams, but it's no longer such a wide margin.

For it's part, the SEC is denying that any meeting has taken place; however, Hyams is standing by his reporting.

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Bama postpones GaTech series amid tough schedule talks

Sun, 02 May 2010 08:12:10 -0500

Amid questions about the difficulty of this season's Alabama football schedule and the SEC's efforts to accomodate the Crimson Tide by making changes, UA Athletic Director Mal Moore has announced that Alabama is postponing a home-and-home series with Georgia Tech.

The Crimson Tide were signed to face the Yellow Jackets in 2012 and 2013; however, the series has been postponed indefinitely. The postponement was characterized as mutual, but Moore emphasized that the openings will give Alabama more flexibility in filling a 2011 hole with a possible home-and-home on one of the Georgia Tech dates. There is also talk of UA playing in a number of neutral-site games in the new Cowboys Stadium or the Chick-fil-a kickoff classic.

It's very disappointing when two BCS teams drop/postpone inter-conference matchups. That was - in my opinion - the beauty of going to the expanded schedule years ago.

That said, I can't beat Alabama up too badly for their scheduling as of late. They've stepped up to take several big matchups in the last few seasons and have series with Penn State and Michigan State inked for future years, as well as the new TBDs with Georgia Tech. But... pulling a fast one and filling the GaTech slots with more directional Louisiana games would be a major disappointment.

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New bowl rules to open more doors to 6-6 teams

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:53:36 -0500

The NCAA committee that oversees rules changes has approved a measure brought forward by Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe allowing bowl committees to give equal consideration to teams with 6-6 records when evaluating at-large bids.

At first glance, it would seem to reward teams that played a tougher schedule rather than padding their record with cupcakes. The change would also give bowls more flexibility to create the most interesting matchup, potentially boosting revenues for struggling bowl committees.

Matt Sanderson, co-founder of Playoff PAC, told the San Diego Union Times that the rule could allow bowls with open slots for at-large teams to select power-conference teams with 6-6 records over smaller-conference teams with winning records.

Sanderson points to this season's GMAC Bowl, which took 9-3 Troy as an at-large team. Under the revised rules, the GMAC Bowl could have offered the at-large slot to 6-6 Notre Dame.

While the new provision still needs an OK by the greater NCAA, most rule revisions that make it out of committee are approved.

Suffice to say... no one wants to see a bad 6-6 team stink it up in a marquee bowl game. The reality is that - with new bowls coming on in Yankee Stadium and the Cotton Bowl - there are going to be 70 teams in bowl games this year. If a bowl needs to dig deep and get an at-large team, I would prefer them to create the most interesting game they can.

No disrespect intended, but I would *much* rather see a hypothetical 6-6 Southern Cal as an at-large against Alabama, for example, over a 7-5 Louisiana Monroe.

Just sayin.

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Big 10 to expand and become Big 16?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:07:57 -0500

Tony Barnhart is hearing whispers from conference commissioners indicating that the Big 10 is at least considering expanding to a superconference of 16 teams.

The Big Ten is looking at three plans: Stand pat with 11 teams, add one team (hopefully Notre Dame) or make a blockbuster move and go to 16.
"If they go to 16 and one of them is Notre Dame then we've got an entirely new ball game," a conference commissioner told me confidentially.

According to Barnhart, the Big 10 would potentially add Notre Dame and four other Big East teams. It's hard to distinguish if he has any leads on who those teams could be, but Barnhart theorizes that the target list may include Syracuse, Pitt, Rutgers, and UConn.

Of course this opens a whole host of other possibilities....

Where do the other Big East football schools go?

Would some mish-mash of Big East / Conference USA start a new conference?

Would the ACC expand to 16 as well by taking in the Big East leftovers?

Would the SEC expand to 16 to ensure that the conference doesn't lose its considerable negotiating advantage to the new Big 16? And, as Barnhart ponders, who would the SEC invite?

Does the SEC get aggressive and pick up the phone call Texas? That's the one school that would move the financial needle to improve the great deal the SEC already has. And if you take Texas, you have to take Texas A&M because of the politics. Does the SEC take another look at Florida State and Miami and see if those schools would be interested in leaving the ACC for a better financial deal?

It's hard to even imagine an SEC that adds the collective football prominence of Texas, Texas A&M, FSU and Miami. Not to mention its gains in Title IX sports and spring sports such as baseball, track, and golf.

A 16-team Big 10 would definitely be a behemoth, but the ripple effects... *that's* where superconference expansion would get interesting.

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2009-2010 College Football Bowl Game Television Schedule

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:09:51 -0500

Despite what you may hear from skeptics, there's no better season in all of sports than college football bowl season and the complete television schedule for the bowl games is right here on Fanblogs, brought to you by BangTheBook.com.

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Date/Time/TV	Bowl	Site	Matchup
Saturday Dec. 19 2 :30 pm ET ESPN	New Mexico Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Albuquerque, NM University Stadium	Wyoming vs. Fresno State
Saturday Dec. 19 8:00 pm ET ESPN	St. Petersburg Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	St. Petersburg, FL Tropicana Field	Rutgers vs. Central Florida
Sunday Dec. 20 8:00 pm ET ESPN	R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	New Orleans, LA Louisiana Superdome	Southern Miss vs. Middle Tenn St
Tuesday Dec. 22 8:00 pm ET ESPN	MAACO Bowl Las Vegas Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Las Vegas, NV Sam Boyd Stadium	BYU vs. Oregon State
Wednesday Dec. 23 8:00 pm ET ESPN	San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium	Utah vs. Cal
Thursday Dec. 24 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Honolulu, HI Aloha Stadium	SMU vs. Nevada
Saturday Dec. 26 4:30 pm ET ESPN	Meineke Car Care Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Charlotte, NC Bank of America Stadium	North Carolina vs. Pitt
Saturday Dec. 26 5 :00 pm ET ESPN	Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Detroit, MI Ford Field	Ohio U vs. Marshall
Saturday Dec. 26 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Emerald Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Francisco, CA AT&T Park	Boston College vs. USC
Sunday Dec. 27 8:15 pm ET ESPN	Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Nashville, TN LP Field	Clemson vs. Kentucky
Monday Dec. 28 5:00 pm ET ESPN	AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Shreveport, LA Independence Stadium	Texas A&M vs. Georgia
Tuesday Dec. 29 4:30 pm ET ESPN	EagleBank Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Washington, DC RFK Stadium	Temple vs. UCLA
Tuesday Dec. 29 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Champs Sports Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Orlando, FL Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium	Miami vs. Wisconsin
Wednesday Dec. 30 4:30 pm ET ESPN	Roady's Humanitarian Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Boise, ID Bronco Stadium	Bowling Green vs. Idaho
Wednesday Dec. 30 8:00 pm ET ESPN	Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium	Nebraska vs. Arizona
Thursday Dec. 31 2:00 pm ET NFL Network	Texas Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Houston, TX Reliant Stadium	Missouri vs. Navy
Thursday Dec. 31 Time TBA ESPN	Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Fort Worth, TX Amon G. Carter Stadium	Air Force vs. Houston
Thursday Dec. 31 12:00 pm ET CBS	Brut Sun Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	El Paso, TX Sun Bowl Stadium	Stanford vs. Oklahoma
Thursday Dec. 31 5:30 pm ET NFL Network	Insight Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Tempe, AZ Sun Devil Stadium	Minnesota vs. Iowa State
Thursday Dec. 31 7:30 pm ET ESPN	Chick-fil-A Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Atlanta, GA Georgia Dome	Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Friday Jan. 1 11:00 am ET ESPN	Outback Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium	Auburn vs. Northwestern
Friday Jan. 1 1:00 pm ET CBS	Konica Minolta Gator Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Municipal Stadium	FSU vs. West Virginia
Friday Jan. 1 1:00 pm ET ABC	Capital One Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Orlando, FL Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium	Penn State vs. LSU
Friday Jan. 1 5:00 pm ET ABC	Rose Bowl presented by Citi Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl	Ohio State vs. Oregon
Friday Jan. 1 8:30 pm ET FOX	Allstate Sugar Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	New Orleans, LA Superdome	Florida vs. Cincinnati
Saturday Jan. 2 12:00 pm ET ESPN2	International Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Toronto, Canada Rogers Centre	South Florida vs. Northern Illinois
Saturday Jan. 2 2 :00 pm ET ESPN	PapaJohns.com Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Birmingham, AL Legion Field	Connecticut vs. South Carolina
Saturday Jan. 2 2:00 pm ET FOX	AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Arlington, TX Cowboys Stadium	Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
Saturday Jan. 2 5:30 pm ET ESPN	AutoZone Liberty Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Memphis, TN Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium	East Carolina vs. Arkansas
Saturday Jan. 2 9 :00 pm ET ESPN	Valero Alamo Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	San Antonio, TX Alamodome	Michigan State vs. Texas Tech
Monday Jan. 4 8:00 pm ET FOX	Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Glendale, AZ University of Phoenix Stadium	TCU vs. Boise State
Tuesday Jan. 5 8:00 pm ET FOX	FedEx Orange Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Miami, FL Dolphin Stadium	Georgia Tech vs. Iowa
Wednesday Jan. 6 7 :00 pm ET ESPN	GMAC Bowl Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Mobile, AL Ladd Peebles Stadium	Troy vs. Central Michigan
Thursday Jan. 7 8:00 pm ET ABC	BCS National Championship Game Bowl Tickets Flights + Hotels Odds & Picks	Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl	Alabama vs. Texas

The 2009 college football season will be capped by exciting college football bowl games, including the 2009 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the 2009 Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, the 2009 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 2009 Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida and the 2009 BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, CA.

The best college football teams from the major conferences, including the Big10 conference, Big 12 conference, Pac 10 conference, ACC conference, Big East conference, SEC conference, and Mountain West conference will face off in college football bowl games throughout December and into January.

If you're looking for updated matchups, odds, insights, betting lines and online wagering for the college football bowl games, please be sure to try BangTheBook.com.

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Tech, Bulldogs to face off in Kickoff Classic?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:14:51 -0500

While Georgia Tech and Georgia have traditionally ended their seasons with their rivalry game, both schools confirmed talks to start their seasons in the 2011 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic in the Georgia Dome.

Officials from both schools said Wednesday they are discussing the possibility of playing their state rival in a neutral-site game in Atlanta to kick off the 2011 season.
Georgia Tech, which is scheduled to host the Bulldogs that year under the normal home-and-home format, would not give up a game at Bobby Dodd Stadium, said athletic director Dan Radakovich.

Instead, the talks involve taking a one-year break in the schools' season-ending routine for the chance to face each other in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the 70,000-seat Georgia Dome.

The biggest sticking point could be the makeup of Georgia's 2011 schedule. If the Bulldogs have their season-ending home game with the Yellow Jackets shifted to the first game of the season, the team would finish their season with three straight road games.

Let me say this... I love the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic and the ACC-SEC matchups, but... I really don't like the idea of moving a rivalry game to a neutral field if the tradition is home-and-home. It would suck to move Clemson-South Carolina or Florida-Florida State to a neutral field, so... don't.

I also don't agree with taking regular matchups and moving them. I'd much rather see the game continue to pair matchups that we don't normally see, such as FSU-Georgia, Clemson-Auburn, Florida-Virginia Tech, Alabama-Miami, Tennessee-North Carolina or other interesting possibilities.

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Gator Bowl to match SEC vs Big Ten; more bowl shakeups ensue

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:43:42 -0500

After months of wrangling and having the ACC reject the bowl's latest proposal, the Gator Bowl is finalizing a four-year agreement that will pit an SEC team against a Big 10 team in the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 seasons.

Officials from the SEC have already confirmed their participation to The Birmingham News. Under the terms, the Gator will get "at least" the sixth pick of bowl-eligible SEC teams. The pick position could vary on a year-to-year basis, but more details would be announced once the Big 10 announces its bowl agreements next week.

The Gator Bowl is also in final talks to become part of a broadcast deal with ESPN, leaving CBS, in a move that could signal the end of the exclusive broadcast window that has been previously negotiated for the Capital One Bowl.

With the Cotton Bowl moving to January 2nd, the result of the Gator Bowl agreement means that all three non-BCS games on New Years Day will feature SEC vs Big 10 matchups.

With the end of the ACC / Big East relationship in the Gator Bowl, the ACC and Big East have signed an agreement with the Champs Bowl which will essentially recreates the conferences past Gator relationship in Orlando.

Under the terms to begin with the 2010 season, the ACC will send its #3 selection to the Champs Bowl to face the Big East's #2 selection or Notre Dame. The Champs can select Notre Dame once over the four year agreement if the Irish have seven wins and are within two wins of the #2 Big East school.

With the Gator Bowl now aligned with SEC, the Independence Bowl finds itself as odd-man out in the SEC bowl mix after 15 years with the conference. Instead, the Independence Bowl will look to sign a new bowl matchup between the ACC and Mountain West.

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FSU Trustee: 'I think enough is enough'

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:46:03 -0500

On the heels of two embarrassing losses which have shaken the confidence of even the most faithful Florida State boosters, the chairman of the FSU Board of Trustees is publicly calling for legendary coach Bobby Bowden's retirement.

The final straw appears to be FSU's loss to Boston College before a televised audience that showed the nation's 99th offense rack up more than 400 yards against the Seminoles defense and yet another failed goal-line drive for the Florida State offense, the fourth time in the last two game that FSU has been stopped with first and goal inside the ten.

Despite an impressive win over BYU earlier this season, Florida State (2-3) is off to their worst start in more than a quarter of a century. In the past 11 games against DI-A opponents, FSU is just 5-6 and has not won back-to-back games during that span. And following the 28-21 loss to the Eagles, the Noles are 0-2 in ACC play for the first time in the school's history.

Jim Smith, the chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, told the Tallahassee Democrat that change must come to Seminole football.

"My hope is frankly that we'll go ahead, and if we have to, let the world know that this year will be the end of the Bowden Era," said Smith... "… I do appreciate what he's done for us, what he's done for the program, what's he done really for the state of Florida."
"But I think the record will show that the Seminole Nation has been more than patient. We have been in a decline not for a year or two or three but I think we’re coming up on seven or eight. I think enough is enough."

Smith cautioned that change shouldn't come midseason, but insisted that it come after this season.

One complicating factor is that FSU President, T.K. Wetherell, has announced his own retirement. There is some debate that Wetherell, who once played for Bowden at Florida State, may not be in a position to force the coach's resignation, should Bowden not be inclined to retire. However, Smith insisted that the talks are ongoing within the Office of the Presindent, as the Trustees do not want to leave the matter for an incoming university president.

FSU named Jimbo Fisher as head coach in waiting in 2007 under a contract that would guarantee him the position following the 2010 season or a cash payment of $5 million. FSU fans were buoyed by the move initially, but have grown more impatient as the Noles have arguably regressed in the 2009 campaign.

Smith told the Tallahassee Democrat that FSU is working on the terms of a head coaching contract for Fisher. While details have not been announced, the Democrat said the term would be for five years and give Fisher the ability to hire and fire assistant coaches at the end of this season.

A number of rumors are lighting up FSU message boards, all signaling infighting between the FSU assistant coaches, including Fisher.

One such rumor had long-term defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews challenging Fisher over who should give the pre-game speech to the team. While no media organization has been able to confirm the rumors, it really shouldn't surprise anyone - considering that FSU has a head coach, a coach in waiting, an executive head coach, an associate head coach and an assistant head coach.

New rumors are swirling that an announcement regarding the coaching staff may be coming this week; however, I think that is highly unlikely, especially as it relates to Bowden. An announcement regarding the future of the team - including a new contract for Fisher - would be more likely after this week's game, as the Seminoles have a bye week following the Georgia Tech game.

Fisher drew both intense support and criticism for his comments following the loss to South Florida, saying that FSU players and fans need a culture change.

"I don't mean this in any disrespect - we have to forget the past," he said. "This isn't Florida State of the '90s. This is Florida State of the 2000s. Whether it's good or bad... we have to create our own history. We have to create our own culture. We have to create our own mystique. That's what those guys did during that time."

FSU fans have taken to Facebook to initiate a black-out campaign at all remaining home games as a signal to the administration that the time has come for change.

From my perspective, Smith's comments signal an intense behind-the-scenes effort to encourage Bowden's retirement haven't born fruit. As a result, the university is now upping the ante, with Smith publicly stating what many within the university have been saying for months.

For his part, Bowden has said that he will evaluate his future at the end of the season -- as he does every year -- regardless of the support or criticism he faces.

"'I've been through it. I'm old. I won't listen. I don't do a lot of reading when we are doing bad. Some people tell me, but I don't do a lot of reading when we are doing bad. I know a lot of coaches don't even read the sports page.
But I will determine my situation. I will tell Florida State University when my move is to come. I already know in the back of my mind when I want to leave here. I won't let some guys speculation tell me when to move or what decision to make. If it has something to do with that, it will be based with me and the president of our university."

And the 79-year old coach insisted that he isn't throwing in the towel on FSU's season during the post-game press conference.

"I think there's enough quality on this football team and enough brains on this staff to eventually get this thing together," Bowden said. "We get beat here, we get beat there, we close that, we lose this here and it's just a matter that you can't give up. You can't give up, I refuse to."

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simulated BCS Standings: Week 2

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:37:44 -0500

Our friend Samuel Chi at BCS Guru has published this weeks simulated BCS standings. For a more detailed explanation of how the ranking is simulated follow the link provided.

For an explanation for why the computers are hating on Florida see his writeup for the current week.

Bold indicates the highest ranked teams from automatic qualifying(AQ) conferences, a strike represent additional teams from the SEC and Big 12. Teams vying for a final AQ awarded to the highest ranked team from a conference without an AQ if at least one makes the final top 12 are in italics. The remaining teams (including those in italics not selected) are fighting for the last remaining BCS openings. Gaps represent large differences in the BCS standigns.

1) USC 0.8727

2) Texas 0.7882
3) Alabama 0.7870
4) ~~Florida~~ 0.7540

5) ~~LSU~~ 0.6655
6) California 0.6460
7) Boise State 0.6097
8) Penn State 0.5992
9) BYU 0.5987

10) ~~Ole Miss~~ 0.5240

11) Ohio State 0.4332
12) ~~Oklahoma~~ 0.4050
13) Georgia Tech 0.3727
14) TCU 0.3651
===BCS Eligibility Line===
15) Utah 0.3505
16) Virginia Tech 0.3500

17) ~~Oklahoma State~~ 0.2552
18) North Carolina 0.2460
19) ~~Nebraska~~ 0.2176
20) Cincinnati 0.1979
===Watch Line===
21) Houston 0.1880
22) ~~Georgia~~ 0.1697
23) Miami(FL) 0.1467
24) ~~Missouri~~ 0.1375
25) Pittsburgh 0.1284

As usual the Big 12 and SEC dominate the standings with 5 teams each, many near the top.

Currently three teams from outside the BCS AQ conferences have crossed the #14 ranking needed to become BCS eligible. Two have made it into the top 10. A total of five are present in the top 25. This all suggests that a robust push by the MWC, WAC and C-USA to earn their AQ is underway.

If BYU wins this week against FSU they should take the lead from Boise State and hold it until they lose a game.

California (or USC) and Ohio State (or Penn State) are the only obstacles blocking the BCS from being forced to take a second team from outside the six AQ conferences. Virginia Tech and North Carolina are on deck to fill any vacancies, despite the media bombardment directed at the ACC so far this year.

The ACC certainly is not looking to be as even across the board as it was last year. If they are, it will be serious trouble for them.

The Big East also advanced further into the standings with Cincinnati entering the watch list and Pittsburgh joining them in the top 25, reflecting a strong early performance against mostly outmatched opponents. This week should be a good barometer of how good the Big East really is. Have we all really forgotten 2006 and 2007 already?

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Fanblogs Live - Georgia Tech v Clemson

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:50:15 -0500

To Clemson Joe, Rambling Gator and the many GT and Clemson fans out their, and everyone else watching the only game on tonight, our experiment continues tonight.

Using the hash tag #fanblogslive will allow you to participate through twitter.

Enjoy the game!

Fanblogs Live - Georgia Tech v Clemson

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sim-BCS Standings: Week 1

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:00:04 -0500

Here are the top 20 in this weeks simulated BCS Standings. Since no official standings come out yet, this is as good as it gets. Samual Chi at BCS Guru does very good.

The highest ranked team from each BCS conference is in bold. Remaining teams from the SEC and Big 12 are in italics, as a second team from each should be expected. BYU, Boise State, TCU and Utah are in contention for the final automatic qualification (as long as at least one finishes in the top 12). The remaining teams are fighting for the lone remaining BCS slot. Gaps represent large seperations in rankings.

1) FLorida
2) USC
3) Texas
2) Alabama

5) Oklahoma State
6) Ohio State
7) Penn State

8) BYU
9) Boise State
10) California
11) LSU
12) Mississippi
13) Oklahoma

14) TCU
=== BCS Eligibility Line ===
15) Utah
16) Virginia Tech
17) Georgia Tech

18) Georgia
19) Missouri
20) Cincinnati
=== BCS Watch List ===
21) Miami (FL)
22) Nebraska
23) Notre Dame
24) Texas Tech
25) North Carolina

BYU at #9 this early, with a win over a top 15 team and 2 teams left in the top 20, is looking like a far better chance at the championship game than any team from outside the BCS has seen. The fact that TCU and Utah are not far behind indicates the MWC has drawn significant credibility in the BCS formula. CSU and Air Force also got some points towards the bottom of the listing.

Boise State has to hope Oregon turns things around this season. No other WAC or MAC team is earning any BCS points, and other than UC Davis this is all Boise State has remaining. Unlike BYU, Boise State does not have a schedule that will prevent significant numbers of teams from passing them in the standigns as the year goes on.

With four teams from outside the BCS conferences already in the top 15, and 2 in the top 10, I think we can assume at least one will make it in this year. It appears that Penn State (or Ohio State) and California (or USC) are the only impediments currently foiling a second such team from securing a BCS berth. The ACC is down. but not completely out here and Notre Dame is lurking just outside at #23

The Big East has emerged in the top 25, with Cincinnati breaking into the top 20.

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Preview of 100+ game series

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:44:53 -0500

I am ready for football. The final weekend without real college football is now behind us! Can we please fast forward to Thursday? Until then I thought it would be fun to look at the most played series in college football. These 36 pairings will be playing their 100 or more game in 2009. They are listed in order of the number of games played followed by how close the series is all time. Predictions based on the preseason Sagarin Rankings are listed as well.

119th meeting
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin, October 3, 59-51-8, Minnesota by 0.72

This storied rivalry, dating back to 1890, has been celebrated with two trophies, the slab of bacon and the current Paul Bunyan's Axe.

Minnesota's glory days are far in the past but Wisconsin has struggled of late. Wisconsin has been gaining on Minnesota and likely will have a better season again this year. The gap does not overcome the home field advantage in Sagarin's rankings, giving Minnesota a very slight edge.

118th meeting
Kansas at Missouri, November 28, 55-53-9 or 54-54-9, Missouri by 6.12

This rivalry dates back before the football game to an intense rift dating back to Civil War era disputes. The Border War started on Halloween in 1891. It is not even agreed who deserves the win in 1960. The controversy revolves around the fact that Kansas won 23-7 but was found to have used an ineligible player. The Big 8 officially declared a forfeit, which the NCAA was no part of. The Big 12 lists the series as 54-54-9.

Missouri has the slight edge in Sagarin's rankings and the home field. Both teams should be in the running for the Big 12 north and this game should be expected to have major implications for the Big 12 championship game.

116th game
Texas at Texas A&M, November 26th, 74-36-5, Texas by 15.22

Texas dominates the Lone Star Showdown in football in recent years, but Texas A&M holds their own in other sports and currently holds the crown.

Texas is a strong favorite this year despite being on the road.

Nebraska at. Kansas, November 14st, 89-23-3, Kansas by 3.78

Due to Nebraska's dominance this is not viewed as much of a rivalry.

Kansas has a slight edge in Sagarin's to start the season and a home field. If they can get a few wins at this low point in Nebraska history this old traditional game may begin to thaw.

114th games
North Carolina at Virginia, October 3rd, 57-52-4, Virginia by 5.27

The South's Oldest Rivalry started in 1892. North Carolina leads the series but Virginia has been dominant for the past 2 decades.

This game is expected to be close as North Carolina is beginning to restore some of their old glory. The home field and a slightly better ranking give Virginia the edge to close the gap further.

Miami(OH) vs. Cincinnati, October 3rd, 59-47-7, Cincinnati by 15.83

The victory bell is the oldest non conference rivalry in college football, with the first meeting in 1888. Miami (OH) has a deep and undervalued history, arguably better than Miami (FL)'s flash in the pan success in the late 80's and early 90's. Cincinnati has been the lead for recent history.

This is likely to continue as Cincinnati is strong road favorites to close the historic gap further.

113th game
Auburn at Georgia, November 14th, 53-51-8, Georgia by 9.13

The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has been played very closely since 1892, with breaks for the 2 world wars.

Georgia has a slightly better ranking and a home field for a moderate edge. This has a history of being meaningless in the outcome of this game.

Oregon vs. Oregon State, December 3rd, 56-46-10, Oregon by 4.89

Somehow the Ducks vs. the Beavers in the Civil War for the Platypus Trophy could make one suspect Oregon does not take football as seriously as other parts of the country.

Last year's game cost Oregon State a Rose Bowl berth and if either team can beat USC again this year this game might have Rose Bowl implications again this year. Oregon's home field and slight ranking advantage give them the edge to expand their lead.

112th game
Purdue vs. Indiana, November 21st, 69-36-6, Purdue by 12.25

In games played for the Old Oaken Bucket Purdue leads 55-26-3. No change is expected this year.

110th game
Navy vs. Army, December 12th, 53-49-7, Navy by 16.81

This rivalry that needs no other discussion will be played after the BCS bowl selections in 2009. Army is still looking to find a way to become significant in the commander in chiefs trophy again, and this should not change this year.

109th game
Utah vs. Utah State, September 3rd, 76-28-4, Utah by 30.40

This rivalry, first played in 1892, looked to be thawing a few years back as Utah State pulled of a couple of upsets. It has refroze to the point that it will not be played in 2010 and 2011, without much objection from the alumni of either school. With Utah favored by 9.56 points more than any other game on this list it is not hard to see why.

107th game
Clemson at South Carolina, November 28th, 65-37-4, South Carolina by 0.24

This rivalry is steeped in political state infighting as much as football tradition. Interestingly a player, Cary Cox, managed to become a team captain for both teams thanks to World War 2 politics. This is one of several premier SEC vs. ACC rivalries that end the regular season each year.

This game should be close, with South Carolina's home field making up for Clemsons slightly better ranking.

Kansas at Kansas State, November 7th, 65-36-5 or 64-37-5, Kansas by 3.76

Once again Kansas has a dispute involving a forfeit due to an ineligible player, this time in 1980. Kansas State is in troubled times but their home field should make the game interesting.

106th game
Michigan vs. Ohio State, November 21st, 57-42-6, Ohio State by 8.49

This game is one of the most legendary rivalries in college football. Usually Big 10 title implications are at play and often this game is for the conference title. Usually at least one team has an opportunity at the BCS national championship game, if not both (2006-almost.)

While Ohio State might be able to run with the potential champions, Michigan is not ready for the big time yet. Look for Ohio State to gain on the all time record in this one.

Mississippi at Mississippi State, November 28th, 60-39-6, Mississippi by 5.53

The Egg Bowl has the distinction of traditionally playing at a neutral field that is now inferior to the fields of both teams. Often both teams have been far from being in the running for the SEC title picture, so this game has been a major goal for both teams.

Ole' Miss is expected to be in the SEC chase this year and Mississippi State is not. Look for Mississippi to extend the lead in 2009, over the objections of many cow bells.

Texas A&M vs. Baylor, November 21st, 65-31-9, Texas A&M by 8.63

The Battle of the Brazos has the dubious distinction of a fatality attributed to a half time brawl in 1926. This lead to the schools ending competition in all sports for 4 years and in football until 1931.

I really don't know on this one. This should be a close game and might be for a bowl berth.

105 games
TCU vs. Baylor, Next game in 2010, 49-49-7, N/A

This series has been tied since 2007.

105th game
Tennessee at Kentucky, November 28th, 72-23-9, Tennessee by 1.01

This rivalry features domination by Tennessee in football, and the other team in another sport I can not bring myself to mention (As a Utah fan). An annual blood drive aimed to see which school can donate the most is the most competitive aspects of this rivalry.

Tennessee is in transition at head coach and is coming off one of their worst seasons in the history of the program. This should be a year for Kentucky to make some headway at evening the score.

104th game
Texas vs. Oklahoma at Dallas, October 17th, 58-40-5, Oklahoma by 1.67

The Red River Shootout has become one of the most anticipated annual games in college football. This game often decides the Big 12 South and the winner usually has a clear chance at the national championship game.

this year should be no exception, except the Big 12 south will not be as much of a given for the winner as they have previously experienced.

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, November 28th, 59-39-5, Georgia by 12.8

This game is another quality season ending SEC vs. ACC game with deep roots and Clean, Old-fashioned Hate. The Nats and U(sic)GA fans simply despise each other.

This game should be very high quality and has the potential to be for a BCS at large spot for at least one of these teams this year. It is certainly a strong contender for a top 25 games to watch.

Michigan at Michigan State, October 3rd, 69-29-5, Michigan State by 1.84

Apparently the Big 10 is a Paul Bunyan fan, with his axe awarded for Minnesota and Wisconsin and a trophy awarded here.

Michigan is still adjusting to their new coach and Michigan State is coming off a successful year with confidence and has the home field. I look for this lopsided battle to get one step closer to even.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State, November 28th, 79-17-7, Oklahoma by 15.25

This rivalry (though in track and field) features a trophy that was retired, stolen, reclaimed and buried, found in an excavation and put on display.

Oklahoma State should be tougher than years past, but not enough to vault them over the Sooners.

Nebraska vs. Iowa State, October 24th, 85-16-2, Nebraska by 17.22

This game might be close only because Nebraska is not anything like the team they once were.

103 games
North Carolina vs. Wake Forest, Next meeting in 2010, 67-34-2, N/A

This game is one of the unfortunate casualties of the current ACC alignment in 2009.

103rd game
Illinois vs. Northwestern, November 14th, 52-45-5, Illinois by 2.77

This year will break in the Land of Lincoln Trophy for this contest, replacing the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk used since 1945. The home field gives Illinois the edge over a recently improved Northwestern team.

Stanford vs. California, November 21st, 50-42-10, California by 8.82

The Big Game was christened in 1900, a game that also tragically demonstrated that if you are watching the game from the roof of an industrial site that overlooks the stadium, make sure it is rated to hold the weight. The 1982 game featured a final kickoff with 5 laterals ending with a TD scored through the opposing teams band, which began marching onto the field a few seconds early.

California expects to make a bid for USC's PAC 20 crown and should extend their lead again. Please keep the bands off the field until the end of the game.

Minnesota at Iowa, November 21st, 59-41-2, Iowa by 12.7

The trophy for this game was formed in an attempt by the governors of Minnesota and Iowa attempting to diffuse hostilities caused by extremely rough treatment of a black Iowa running back by Minnesota in 1934. The live pig exchanged died a few years latter and was replaced with a bronze replica.

I am not sure I am biting into the Iowa hype. That said, Minnesota is far from their legendary tradition. Iowa should close the gap, but I suspect it will be closer than the line above.

NC State at Wake Forest, October 3rd, 61-35-6, Wake Forest by 9.05

If I were talking Basketball I'd be talking about something called "The Chair." I'm not, and their is not much to talk about.

Apparently NC State was once the dominant team. This has not recently been the case, though both could be a dark horse for the wide open ACC.

Nebraska at Missouri, October 8th, 63-36-3, Missouri by 6.76

This series started with a forfeit in 1892 because Missouri had a policy prohibiting playing a team that allowed black players. It was close until the mid 70's when Nebraska began to dominate.

Nebraska has fallen on hard times and Missouri has found a solid footing. Look for this series to begin to become relevant again, with Missouri closing the gap over the next few years.

LSU at Mississippi State, September 26th, 66-33-3, LSU by 17.53

Nothing new here. LSU wins again, and again.

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt, November 21st, 70-27-5, Tennessee by 9.04

Nothing like piling on a team when they are down. Tennessee will be playing down to Vanderbilt's level again in 2009.
Bowl game anyone? This game might put one team over the 6 wins needed.

102nd game
Washington vs. Oregon, October 24th, 58-38-5, Oregon by 14.60

This heated rivalry features one team lobbying with conference member, Montana, for the 1948 PCC Rose Bowl berth.

Will Washington win a game in 2009? Not this one.

Missouri vs. Iowa State, November 14th, 58-34-9, Missouri by 20.84

Apparently in 1959 it was possible to accidentally wire up the coaches boxes so that both sides could hear the other, and this was discovered to have been done for this game. The problem was fixed, but no one told the coaches. The Telephone Trophy commemorates this event.

Missouri looks to extend their lead again with little difficulty.

Pittsburgh at West Virginia, November 27th, 61-37-3, West Virginia by 10.70

The first ever radio college football broadcast covered this "Backyard Brawl" in 1921. Pittsburgh has lead this series since taking a 6-5-1 lead in 1910, though West Virginia has had the edge recently. Who can forget the 2007 game where Pittsburgh came out and beat West Virginia and the refs?

Both teams should be in the race for the wide open Big East title and this game will have implications in that race and its automatic BCS slot.

Washington vs. WSU, November 28th, 64-31-6, Washington by 3.89

Sorry. The fact that last year these teams combined to win a single game, the one they both played, is distracting me from the history of this rivalry.

It should be close this year for the same reasons.

101st game
CSU vs. Wyoming, November 27th, 55-40-5, CSU by 7.22

This is one of two games the mtn. has contractual guarantees to cover (Utah vs. BYU being the other), all other games may be selected by the MWC's other TV sponsors prior to selections by the mtn.

Both teams are rebuilding and experiencing recent coaching changes. Both are looking to becoming relevant in the top heavy MWC. This game could go either way and might be for a bowl berth.

100th game
New Mexico vs. New Mexico State, September 26th, 66-28-5, New Mexico by 18.82
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This series was played 6 times prior to New Mexico gaining statehood in 1912, the first time in 1894. This rivalry is far more heated than the record would suggest.

New Mexico is in an upswing and should win the only series to be having its 100th meeting this season.

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Has the time come for an ACC/Big East Superconference?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:20:19 -0500

Desmond Conner, the Hartford Courant blogger, has a proposal to push the profile of the Big East & ACC back to the top of college athletics - form a superconference.

Conner proposes combining the eight football schools of the Big East with the twelve schools of the ACC, creating the largest conference to "control the entire East Coast's TV markets, rule the world in basketball with crazy competition and paydays in football and basketball?"

With logistics in mind, let's pull out a map here...oh yes: you could have a four divisions of five: You could put, say, UConn, Boston College, Rutgers, Syracuse and Maryland in one division; Pitt, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Wake Forest and say Louisville in another; Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State in one and then group Clemson, Georgia Tech, South Florida, Miami and Florida State together?

How's the scheduling work?

Well, you would play the other four teams from your division, play another division and one team from the other two for a total of 10 league games and then schedule two non-conference games.

In the realm of crazy ideas, I've heard crazier.

If the ACC folks aren't interested, Connor suggests walking this idea to the Big 10 and adding Notre Dame to form a 20-team superconference, but I see that as the less likely scenario, actually.

If you could rewrite the BCS eligibility to ensure the superconference maintains its two guaranteed spots (BE spot & ACC spot) as well as permit up to two additional schools (as the BE & ACC can already have two each), then you might be on to something.

Anybody up for a Big East / ACC Superconference?

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