College Football Preseason Thread

[BishopMVP]

We seem to be cluttering up and jumping between multiple recruiting threads, so I figured one catch-all thread for predictions, cool arrests, suspensions resulting from agent contact, and even actual news from preseason camps would come in handy. Please keep Pac-10 bitchfests to a minimum.

Games start September 2nd - TV schedule here - 2010 College Football TV Schedule

[BishopMVP]

In incredibly sad and shocking news, Tyrone Willingham has officially retired

Originally Posted by http://www.jdnews.com/sports/class-80616-span-willingham.html

"[I have] no problem announcing...that I am retired."

Maybe I should announce my retirement too, since I had as good a chance of getting hired by a BCS team in the future as he did.

[Swaggs]

I just looked him up to see how old he was (born in 1953, btw) and was surprised to see that he was actually a .500 coach until his last year at UW, when they went 0-12.

I didn't read the article, but is he retired as a head coach or altogether? It seems like he could still be a college coordinator or position coach (maybe in the NFL, even?) for another 8-10 years.

[JonInMiddleGA]

SEC Media Days voting is in, here's the predictions for the league this season
UGA picked to finish second in SEC East || OnlineAthens.com

* Eastern Division (First Place Votes)
1. Florida (153) 1030
2. Georgia (15) 791
3. South Carolina (8) 790
4. Kentucky 462
5. Tennessee 450
6. Vanderbilt (1) 194

* Western Division (First Place Votes)
1. Alabama (157) 1034
2. Arkansas (6) 726
3. Auburn (10) 691
4. LSU (1) 653
5. Mississippi State 3200
6. Ole Miss (3) 293

SEC Champion - Alabama (143), Florida (17), Auburn (7), Arkansas (3), Ole Miss (2), Georgia (2), LSU (1), South Carolina (1), Kentucky (1).

[tarcone]

Big Ten Media days start Monday and will be televised like the SEC. ESPN and the Big10 Network covering.

Iowa had a DE arrested for OWI about 2 weeks ago. It was Binns. Hopefully he only misses the Eastern Illinois game. This was his 1st mistake.

Im surprised to see Arkansas getting that much love and LSU falling that far.

43 days until kickoff (For Iowa). A fun fact. It took Georgia Tech 43 minutes to complete a pass against Iowa in the Orange Bowl.

[CU Tiger]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

South Carolina (1),

Really, Steve, really?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Really, Steve, really?

I figured him for the Vandy as East champ vote actually

[CU Tiger]

nah thats GOTTA be Caldwell....did you here his story telling yesterday?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

nah thats GOTTA be Caldwell....did you here his story telling yesterday?

Haven't heard him yet, just saw a few references to him being one of the highlights of the week.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

I just looked him up to see how old he was (born in 1953, btw) and was surprised to see that he was actually a .500 coach until his last year at UW, when they went 0-12.

I didn't read the article, but is he retired as a head coach or altogether? It seems like he could still be a college coordinator or position coach (maybe in the NFL, even?) for another 8-10 years.

His quotes indicates he really, really hates having to answer to bosses. Maybe that's just in the sense of alumni, but I got the feeling he enjoys spending time with his family and helping out at camps here and there. I hated his penchant for golfing over recruiting at ND, but I can actually respect that outside of being a coach - at some point, he's got enough money to retire off of, why bother putting in 18-hour days?

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Haven't heard him yet, just saw a few references to him being one of the highlights of the week.

Highlights here - 2010 SEC MEDIA DAYS: ROBBIE CALDWELL, COMMODORE OF OUR HEARTS - Every Day Should Be Saturday Link to a full transcript - http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=65032

[Izulde]

Mountain West Conference Football Media Days are July 27th and 28th at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. I get to LV on the 30th and miss it by two days. Damn.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

I just looked him up to see how old he was (born in 1953, btw) and was surprised to see that he was actually a .500 coach until his last year at UW, when they went 0-12.

I didn't read the article, but is he retired as a head coach or altogether? It seems like he could still be a college coordinator or position coach (maybe in the NFL, even?) for another 8-10 years.

He has been paid (and is continuing to get paid) handsomely for his dismissals at both Notre Dame and Washington, so he most certainly doesn't need the money. Why not spend all week golfing - it's one more day per week than he was doing when he was a coach...

Interesting to note, he was never a coordinator - he went from being a RB coach at Stanford and then with the Vikings to a head coach at Stanford. And as Bishop noted, it's not really in his nature to like answering to someone else, so unless he were courted by a colleague he has great respect for, I don't see him taking a coordinator or position coach job anywhere - he has too much pride.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Izulde

Mountain West Conference Football Media Days are July 27th and 28th at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. I get to LV on the 30th and miss it by two days. Damn.

I like the Red Rock Resort. Nice off strip casino.

[Eaglesfan27]

USC has hired Kennedy Poala as RB coach and offensive coordinator

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

USC has hired Kennedy Poala as RB coach and offensive coordinator

I'm surprised you're bragging about this when it again showed what an a-hole Kiffin is.

[tarcone]

What would Lane Kiffin be doing if he didnt have his Dads coattails?

And how much longer will he be coaching after burning soooo many bridges?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Want to be a D1 college AD? Here's your chance
NCAA Market - Job Search

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here's what 2,000 pair of Nike shoes look like as they're being unloaded. Looks like it's time for practice at Mizzou!

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

USC has hired Kennedy Poala as RB coach and offensive coordinator

Are you really excited about your third choice OC?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting read about 'bang for your buck' in the recruiting game........

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...9506&rss_lnk=2

[the_meanstrosity]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Interesting read about 'bang for your buck' in the recruiting game........

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...9506&rss_lnk=2

Pinkel has done a very good job of targeting the top in-state talent and getting them to commit to Missouri. He normally lands 4-5 of the state's top 10 players which has really helped that program stay competitive in the Big 12.

[Swaggs]

haha... The Tennessee Titans are suing USC and Lane Kiffin (both of them are named, from what I understand) for the manner in which they hired their new offensive coordinator away from the Titans.

I thought it was kind of strange, as most head coaches are pleased when their assistants move up the ladder (which, I would think NFL RB coach to coordinator at one of a top college team would be), but then I realized this is probably a good opportunity for the Titans to latch on to and milk the Vols' fans hatred of Kiffin.

In any case, I'd love to see a case like this go to trial. Imagine how college sports would change if contracts actually meant something.

[dawgfan]

Fisher was pissed that Kiffin & USC didn't extend the courtesy of informing him and the Titans ahead of time that they wanted to talk with Pola about a job. It was only after Pola accepted the job and told Fisher that he was leaving that Kiffin left Fisher a voice mail about it.

Maybe this suit is partly about the Titans latching on to the Tennessee hatred of Lane Kiffin, but I also wouldn't discount how pissed-off Fisher himself is.

Gotta wonder how long other coaches are going to want to be associated with Kiffin the younger, especially after Monte finally retires...

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Interesting read about 'bang for your buck' in the recruiting game........

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...9506&rss_lnk=2

Wouldnt have thought UCLA would be there

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Fisher was pissed that Kiffin & USC didn't extend the courtesy of informing him and the Titans ahead of time that they wanted to talk with Pola about a job. It was only after Pola accepted the job and told Fisher that he was leaving that Kiffin left Fisher a voice mail about it.

Maybe this suit is partly about the Titans latching on to the Tennessee hatred of Lane Kiffin, but I also wouldn't discount how pissed-off Fisher himself is.

Gotta wonder how long other coaches are going to want to be associated with Kiffin the younger, especially after Monte finally retires...

It's just a classless, stupid move. All of this could have been avoided with a simple phone call to Fisher asking him to make his coach available. Instead Kiffin sneaks in and steals a coach a week before training camp opens and then pretends it isn't a big deal.

From what I've read, the Titans have a case and will likely win a monetary settlement. If I were with a program under sanctions, a coach who was considered by many to be loosey goosey with the rules, and was under the scrutiny USC is under now, I'd watch every single move I made. I wouldn't even want a PR disaster. Just make it through the offseason, get back to playing football and hope this stuff would go away. Instead Kiffin acts like this.

Maybe Haden will walk through the door and fix some of these things. I'm not sure he can force Kiffin to have class though.

[JPhillips]

And like I said in the NFL thread, Fisher is also a multi-millionaire potential donor. I'd be very surprised if he's willing to donate much during Kiffin's tenure.

[dawgfan]

I don't disagree in the slightest that Kiffin the younger is a douchebag.

That said, this lawsuit seems like a petty, vindictive way of retribution. I'm sure it's playing exceptionally well with the locals, but I hope Fisher really had no interest in ever coaching at USC, because this will close that door forever.

[MrBug708]

Pretty sure Fisher has no real desire to coach at USC ever. He didn't even entertain offers from USC this past offseason, before they moved on to Jack Del Rio. Even if Fisher gets fired after this offseason, he can easily get another NFL job if he wanted.

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

I don't disagree in the slightest that Kiffin the younger is a douchebag.

That said, this lawsuit seems like a petty, vindictive way of retribution. I'm sure it's playing exceptionally well with the locals, but I hope Fisher really had no interest in ever coaching at USC, because this will close that door forever.

Bud Adams will have filed this lawsuit, not Jeff Fisher. Fisher gave the facts to Adams and Adams will do what he wants. Do I think Fisher is happy about the lawsuit? Oh yeah, i do.

I also think he has zero interest in coaching USC football and that this IS petty and vindictive. It is important to know that the first petty and vindictive move happened from the Kiffin side though.

[Swaggs]

Agreed on it being petty and vindictive, but Kiffin's continued lack of professionalism has become a joke. Here's a guy that has been undeservedly or prematurely been handed the keys to three pretty amazing jobs and hasn't seemed to have learned a bit or improved on how to essentially be the CEO of a football team.

I think it almost appears as if he is the David Shula for USC -- a throwaway patsy to get through the probation years (which the USC athletic department almost certainly knew was coming).

On the other hand, the coach that took the job seems to be sliding under the radar a little too cleanly. If you take a job at the beginning of the year and are entertaining new ones before playing any games, you deserve some heat, too. I guess it sounds like he was keeping Fisher up to speed, but still.

[tarcone]

Big10 Luncheon Next week. Aug. 3rd. Not this week. Sorry about the bad info earlier.

37 days until Kickoff in the Big10.

[Izulde]

In news that shocks no one, TCU was voted the unanimous preseason choice to win the MWC at the Media Football Days panel.

TCU (31 1st place votes) - 279 points
Utah - 242 points
BYU - 207 points
Air Force - 195 points
Wyoming - 147 points
San Diego State - 128 points
Colorado State - 96 points
UNLV - 56 points
New Mexico - 45 points

Sounds roughly about right to me, although I think UNLV is capable of getting to a mid-table finish.

And here's the Preseason All-Mountain West Team

2010 Preseason All-Mountain West Football Team
Offense
QB 	Andy Dalton#* 		Sr. 	TCU
WR 	Vincent Brown** 	Sr. 	San Diego State
WR 	Phillip Payne 		Jr. 	UNLV
RB 	Eddie Wide* 		Sr. 	Utah
RB 	Jared Tew** 		Sr. 	Air Force
OL 	Matt Reynolds#* 	Jr. 	BYU
OL 	Jake Kirkpatrick** 	Sr. 	TCU
OL 	Caleb Schlauderaff** 	Sr. 	Utah
OL 	Marcus Cannon* 		Sr. 	TCU
OL 	Zane Taylor** 		Sr. 	Utah
TE 	Alston Umuolo 		Sr. 	San Diego State
Defense
DL 	Johnathan Rainey** 	Jr. 	New Mexico
DL 	Wayne Daniels** 	Sr. 	TCU
DL 	Cory Grant** 		Sr. 	TCU
LB 	Carmen Messina* 	Jr. 	New Mexico
LB 	Tank Carder** 		Jr. 	TCU
LB 	Brian Hendricks** 	Jr. 	Wyoming
LB 	Mychal Sisson** 	Jr. 	Colorado State
DB 	Brandon Burton 		Jr. 	Utah
DB 	Reggie Rembert* 	Sr. 	Air Force
DB 	Anthony Wright** 	Jr. 	Air Force
DB 	Andrew Rich** 		Sr. 	BYU
DB 	Chris Prosinski** 	Sr. 	Wyoming
Note: Five defensive backs were selected due to a tie in the voting.
Specialists
P 	Brian Stahovich** 	Jr. 	San Diego State
PK 	Ross Evans* 		Jr. 	TCU
Ret. 	Jeremy Kerley#* 	Sr. 	TCU
Offensive Player of the Year:
Andy Dalton, Sr., QB, TCU
Defensive Player of the Year:
Tank Carder, Jr., LB, TCU
Special Teams Player of the Year:
Jeremy Kerley, Sr., KR/PR TCU
# - unanimous 2010 preseason selection.
* - member of the 2009 All-Mountain West Conference first-team.
** - member of the 2009 All-Mountain West Conference second-team. 

Nice to see a UNLV mention, as I didn't think we'd have anyone listed. It's going to be a long, long season in Coach Hauck's first year, but I have faith things will improve and hopefully we get to a bowl game during one of my three years there.

[Ksyrup]

Mna, that first weekend schedule of games is WEAK. Remember last year, or even the year before, when we had a several intriguing/solid matchups on Thursday and Friday, not just Saturday? This year...thank God I got Versus back, since Pitt/Utah looks like the best game by far of the first 2 days.

Also glad to have ESPNU in HD this season...

[TroyF]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Mna, that first weekend schedule of games is WEAK. Remember last year, or even the year before, when we had a several intriguing/solid matchups on Thursday and Friday, not just Saturday? This year...thank God I got Versus back, since Pitt/Utah looks like the best game by far of the first 2 days.

Also glad to have ESPNU in HD this season...

Looked at it for the first time after you posted. Wow. It is REALLY weak. PItt vs. Utah is the only interesting one in the first two days.

Saturday is only slightly better:

Illinois/Mizzou, CU/CSU, Purdue/ND, Oregon St/TCU, Washington/BYU, LSU/NC

Then the game of the week on Monday night. Boise St. vs. Va. Tech.

Only LSU/NC and BSU/VT are must see TV type of games. (though I think that Washington/BYU matchup could be fun.

[MrBug708]

The PAC-10's new site and logo are up and running

[tarcone]

Just talked to my brother. He is going to try and get me 4 tickets to the Iowa/Eastern Illinois game. I havent been to an Iowa football game in like 15 years.
It is Fryfest also. It is a big party celebrating Hayden Fry. Free concerts, food, Iowa gear, etc.

I get to take my wife and kids. I have my kids almost convinced to go to Iowa (they are 8 and 10).

I hope this works out. Im real excited.

[DeToxRox]

Jeremiah Masoli is apparently all set to join Ole Miss.

There are reports that WVU, UNLV and Memphis have offered him as well, and Kansas State is debating it, so apparently he has options.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, apparently the Ole Miss Rivals guy is saying Ole Miss will accept him if his school work is in order, but it may take a couple of days so it isn't set in stone but Ole Miss seems optimistic.

[DeToxRox]

Bryce Brown is officially done at Tennessee. He had a meeting with Dooley but never showed then sent him a text saying he was leaving the program.

[k0ruptr]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Dola, apparently the Ole Miss Rivals guy is saying Ole Miss will accept him if his school work is in order, but it may take a couple of days so it isn't set in stone but Ole Miss seems optimistic.

One thing about Masoli is, he may not be the brightest bulb, but in the right system the kid is incredible. But yes only in the right system, and Oregon really was that perfect fit. I am not familiar with Ole Miss, but is it a similar spread optionesque ?

[k0ruptr]

Dola , I was actually hoping that Hawaii would offer him and we could get him over here but that was just a shot in the dark.

[MJ4H]

Originally Posted by k0ruptr

One thing about Masoli is, he may not be the brightest bulb, but in the right system the kid is incredible. But yes only in the right system, and Oregon really was that perfect fit. I am not familiar with Ole Miss, but is it a similar spread optionesque ?

No, not really. It's more of a power rushing attack with limited passing options. It could work well for him if he is a good rusher (which I assume). It is not any kind of spread or option attack at Ole Miss at all, though.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Jeremiah Masoli is apparently all set to join Ole Miss.

There are reports that WVU, UNLV and Memphis have offered him as well, and Kansas State is debating it, so apparently he has options.

UNLV did offer him. I mentioned it in one of the other college football threads last week.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Jeremiah Masoli is apparently all set to join Ole Miss.

There are reports that WVU, UNLV and Memphis have offered him as well, and Kansas State is debating it, so apparently he has options.

This is the first time I have heard that WVU is involved. We could probably use a capable backup for a year (our current backups are two true freshmen and Pat White's little brother who appears to be moving to the slot), but I don't think we are involved.

[tarcone]

I like Ole Miss in the SEC if he goes there

[BishopMVP]

Idaho catfight

Originally Posted by http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5417329

Boise State University President Bob Kustra says he sees no reason to continue a longtime football rivalry with the University of Idaho, calling Vandal culture "nasty" and "inebriated."Kustra's criticisms came during an interview with the Idaho Statesman editorial board Tuesday. Kustra later said in a prepared statement that questions about the rivalry "hit a sore spot" and his comments were harsher than he intended.

[I. J. Reilly]

Originally Posted by tarcone

I like Ole Miss in the SEC if he goes there

Maybe it’s just my Oregon State bias showing, but how in the hell is he going to make any impact at all this year? He’s going to have 3 weeks to learn the playbook; there are college players who take 3 years to learn these playbooks. I just don’t see how he can be anything but an emergency option.

[tarcone]

Ole' Miss is a power running team. I would think that would be the easiest type of offense to learn. Im not sure what the Ole Miss playbook looks like, but I cant imagine its more then "24 Belly Right" or "23 Belly left". Or something like that.
And its Mississippi, they have to dumb down the playbook in general.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by I. J. Reilly

Maybe it’s just my Oregon State bias showing, but how in the hell is he going to make any impact at all this year? He’s going to have 3 weeks to learn the playbook; there are college players who take 3 years to learn these playbooks. I just don’t see how he can be anything but an emergency option.

Unless I missed something, Masoli will still have to sit out a year.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Unless I missed something, Masoli will still have to sit out a year.

No he won't. He has one year of eligibility remaining and he'll be able to play right away.