Don't Get Them Hillbillies Riled Up!

The year was 2004. Nebraska traveled to Oklahoma and was drilled by the Sooners, 30-3. About everything that could go wrong did. Cornhusker offensive lineman Darren DeLone was charged with aggravated assault and battery for a pregame incident involving a member of the OU RufNeks (DeLone was later acquitted of the charges) and afterward first-year coach Bill Callahan called Sooner fans "f---ing hillbillies." Of course, this stirred up the Oklahoma faithful and our man Siouxner, who is known around these parts for his nifty Photoshop job of Adrian Peterson, went to work. He produced this fine piece of work that only increased the bitterness between the fans. Now you understand why we are looking forward to Saturday, when the Big 12 rivals meet again in the conference championship game.

'Nice Buttkicking'

Ever wonder what coaches say when they meet for the postgame handshake? Specifically, two coaches who are not — shall we say — the best of friends? Reader Bert found this YouTube video of Notre Dame's Crewcut Charlie Weis complimenting USC's Pete Carroll for the "nice buttkicking."

Maybe We Can Finally Settle This Dispute

Louisiana State and USC fans have been going at it ever since the teams split the 2003 national title (LSU the BCS, USC the AP). And now — if things break just right — the teams could finally settle it on the field. Specifically, in the Rose Bowl. Chris Dufresne of the L.A. Times reports that if the Trojans lose Saturday to rival UCLA, USC is likely to be paired against LSU in Pasadena. The Tigers have never played in the Rose Bowl and fans have already committed to purchasing 28,000 tickets the the Granddaddy. LSU's main competition is coming from Notre Dame, which last played in Pasadena in 1925. If USC defeats UCLA and advances to the BCS title game, Michigan would get the call from Tournament of Roses officials, with LSU or Notre Dame likely filling the other slot.

The Scoop on Those Who Get the Scoops

This is slightly off-topic, but considering this site is a favorite stop for members of the media, we thought it would be of interest to pass this along. Steve of Sports Media Guide (SMG) sent us a note about his site and we really like what we see. In a nutshell, SMG has interviews with sportswriters from papers big and small, many of the same writers who are often linked here at the Wiz. SMG is affiliated with The Sports Institute at Boston University. We've added SMG to our links list, under "Lazy Journalist."

An Invitation to Join Us Friday Night

Join the Wiz this Friday night on "Sports Overnight America" on Sports Byline USA beginning around 11:30 (Pacific). Fred Wallin and John Woolard get the festivities rolling at 10 p.m. and their guest will be none other than the BCS Guru, who will join the show at 11 p.m. "Sports Overnight America" can be heard on Sirius 122, over the Internet at Sports Byline or on the Armed Forces Network. If none of these options work for you, check Sports Byline's list of affiliates by clicking here.

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Bordow, East Valley Tribune: Tennessee Titan offensive coordinator Norm Chow is interested in the opening at Arizona State and has been contacted by Sun Devil officials.

Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald: Miami has a "strong interest" in promoting defensive coordinator Randy Shannon to head coach, athletic director Paul Dee said (registration).

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times: The arrest of Snoop Dogg was the hot topic at USC. Dogg was wearing a Trojan jersey bearing receiver Dwayne Jarrett's No. 8 when he was arrested.

Suzanne Halliburton, Austin American-Statesman: Texas backup quarterback Jevan Snead is seeking a release from his scholarship so he can transfer at mid-term (registration).

Leonard Shapiro, Washington Post: What happened to end the relationship between Tony Roberts and Westwood One? The former voice of Notre Dame football would like to know (Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent).

Mike Belt, Lawrence Journal-World: A group of administrators have had enough of students tearing down goalposts after Kansas' victories.

The Colt Brennan Story

With a little luck Saturday, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan is going to set the Division I-A record for touchdown passes in a season, which is held by former Houston quarterback David Klingler, who had 54 in 1990. Brennan is at 51 entering the Warriors' game against Oregon State and when you compare his statistics with the other Heisman contenders, he blows them away. Brennan is an interesting story. He was Matt Leinart's backup at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif., then went to Colorado and appeared as if he might contend for the starting job in 2005. But after a night of drinking, he walked into a coed's room uninvited and refused to leave. He eventually pled guilty to second-degree burglary and first degree criminal trespass, and given the climate in Colorado at the time (the Kobe Bryant incident and lurid tales of sex surrounding the Buffaloes' program), he got kicked off the team. Brennan found his way to Hawaii in June 2005 and although he wasn't welcomed by everybody on the Islands, he has been a good citizen from all appearances. Now his popularity is at a peak, with Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann joking that if an election were held today, he would probably lose to Brennan.

Loss to Sun Devils Cost Stoops $80,000

How much did you drop last Saturday on Arizona? The Wildcats were rolling entering their game against rival Arizona State, which was staggering after a loss to UCLA and ready to fire Dirk Koetter. So you laid the small number and took the Wildcats to cover at home. And guess what happened? The Sun Devils left Tucson a 28-14 winner. Yea, it hurt, and you spent the rest of the weekend chasing to get even, but imagine how Arizona coach Mike Stoops must feel. The loss not only cost his team a bowl game, but Stoops missed out on $80,000 in performance bonuses. Stoops, in his third season, would have received an extra $30,000 for finishing 7-5, according to his contract. And a berth in a non-BCS bowl game would have added another $50,000. Stoops will still hit several other bonus clauses that could add about $120,000 to his $650,000 base salary, which is enough to have a good time at the Wiz's favorite Tucson watering hole, Dirtbag's, or his favorite steakhouse, Li'l Abner's.

Arguably the Cheapest Shot of 2006

We call them as we see them folks. This is a cheap, cheap shot delivered by Texas A&M's Kellen Heard on Texas' Colt McCoy. It comes after McCoy throws an interception that all but secures the Aggies' 12-7 victory at Austin. The hit comes after the play, which is real chicken crap. Heard gets tossed and the Aggies get a 15-yard penalty. Heard is only a freshman, so don't be surprised to see some retribution down the road.

Brady Quinn Drops the F Bomb

Brady Quinn says "F--- Me" after taking a hit and returning to the sideline during Notre Dame's 44-24 loss at USC.

Hirings and Firings

Tough business, this coaching. The past two days have been a blur of activity, and here is a roundup of where we stand:

Alabama: The Crimson Tide appear to have plenty of options in their search for a replacement for Mike Shula. Barry Alvarez, Steve Kragthorpe, Jim Grobe and Jeff Tedford are names tossed about by the Tuscaloosa News. Word of Shula's firing stopped the presses at the paper.

Arizona State: Sun Devil athletic director Lisa Love said she will be patient if need be in her search for Dirk Koetter's replacement.

Iowa State: Gene Chizik's contract with Iowa State will pay him $6.75 million over six years. Plus some local reaction from Iowa and from Houston.

Michigan State: The hiring of Mark Dantonio is getting a thumbs up around East Lansing.

Cincinnati: Athletic director Mike Thomas wants to name a replacement for Dantonio by Christmas.

Miami: The Hurricanes will have plenty of competition finding a replacement for the fired Larry Coker.

North Carolina State: Possibly the last opportunity to hear the voice of Chuck Amato for a while.

North Carolina: Details of Butch Davis' contract have been released. He has a seven-year deal worth about $1.72 million annually.

Reporters' Notebooks

David Ovalle, Miami Herald: Miami-Dade homicide detectives seized an assault rifle, shotgun, handgun, ammunition and a folding rifle stock from the apartment of slain Miami player Bryan Pata (registration).

Pete Pelegrin, Miami Herald: Five coaches — including four with ties to Miami — have emerged as leaders in the search for a coach at Florida International (registration).

Mitch Vingle, Charleston Gazette: Big East notebook. Greg Schiano of Rutgers and Rich Rodriguez of West Virginia will likely draw attention from Miami and Alabama.

Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese says critics of the Bowl Championship Series should quit yapping.

Doug Segrest, Birmingham News: Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is a lock to win the Heisman Trophy.

Robbie Neiswanger, Clarion Ledger: Mississippi athletic director Pete Boone called the Rebels' second season under Madman Ed Orgeron a step in the right direction.

Extra Game Is Adding Up

It appears we will complete the 2006 season with approximately the same number of plays as 2005, despite the new clock rules designed to shorten games. How can this be? The addition of a 12th game has made the difference. In other words, if teams played 11 games in 2006, a full game of plays would have been lost because of the clock rules. Marty of cfbstats, who provides us with this terrific information, sent along this note: "The decrease so far from 2005 to 2006 has been less than 1% (0.8%). So really, we're not seeing less football for the season, it's just spread over more games. ... You could say that while the NCAA and schools wanted to increase revenue by playing a 12-game regular season, at least the players were not forced to participate in more plays and presumably increase their chances for an injury. ... This does not factor in increased practice time and other off-field demands that affect the lives of players by playing an extra game." Here are the Week 13 numbers:

Overall...G.......Plays.......Plays/G....Min.........Min/G......Time/G
2005......678....114161.....168.36.....135494*....200.14.....3:20:08
2006......743....113211.....152.37.....138488.....186.39.....3:06.23
* missing game duration of Toledo-Ball State 10/15/2005

Year......G........Points.....Pts/G
2005......678.....35421.....52.24
2006......743.....35196.....47.37

Year.......G.....1H Pts....1H Pts/G...2H Pts....2H Pts/G...OT
2005......678...17919.....26.43......17082.....25.19.......420
2006......743...18397.....24.76......16412.....22.09.......387

Here are the shortest games from Week 13:
Central Michigan-Buffalo: 2:38
North Texas-Louisiana Monroe: 2:40
Marshall-Southern Mississippi: 2:40
Virginia-Virginia Tech: 2:43
San Jose State-Idaho 2:45

Here are the longest games from Week 13:
Florida-Florida State: 3:35
Air Force-Nevada Las Vegas: 3:29
North Carolina-Duke: 3:26
Oregon-Oregon State: 3:25
Cincinnati-Connecticut: 3:23
Colorado-Nebraska: 3:23

Week 14

We close the 2006 regular season with championship week and USC, despite a stumble at Oregon State, can clinch a berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game with a victory over cross-town rival UCLA. A Trojan loss could create an opening for Florida, but the Gators have to get past Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference title game. It's a defining weekend for several teams, and it begins Thursday with the Mid-American title game between Central Michigan and Ohio. Friday brings Southern Mississippi and Houston in the Conference USA title game. And Saturday features the Atlantic Coast finale between Georgia Tech and Wake Forest and the Big 12 title game between Nebraska and Oklahoma. All the details are available at Doc's Sports.

A Stunner Out of Ames

Well now, I guess we now know why Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard was making all those trips to Dallas. Texas co-defensive coordinator Gene Chizik is the new Cyclone coach, a stunning development that caught everybody by surprise. Central Michigan's Brian Kelly was widely reported to be the choice, but then the Raytheon Hawker 800 twin-jet owned by Troy Aikman arrived Monday morning in Ames and Chizik and his wife walked down the ramp. Pollard might not be known to most of our readers, but this guy has quickly become one of the best in the business. You'll be able to see the Chizik press conference over the Internet beginning at 5:45 p.m. (Central). So is this the right hire? Here is what Mark Wangrin wrote in Sunday's San Antonio Express-News: "Chizik has been more careful in his choice of destinations. Now, though, with the shine off his reputation, he may not have much of a choice. He must decide whether to jump toward a more mediocre program or stay at least another year and try to rehabilitate his reputation as a defensive mind. He must prove this season hasn't exposed his thinking as only working when he has exceptional talent at safety. He must show he can adjust."

The Holy War

We've been quite impressed with Brigham Young the few times we've watched the Cougars play. The problem is, it's next to impossible to see Brigham Young or any Mountain West team because of the mtn., the network set up by the conference that nobody can see. But that's another story. Saturday was the Holy War between Brigham Young and Utah, and we've somehow found three YouTube clips of the final play — essentially a playground play — that won the game for the Cougars, 33-31. The top clip is from the mtn. telecast and shows John Beck's mad scramble and throw to an inexplicably open Jonny Harline. The bottom clip is shot from the box of a prominent Utah booster and shows the reaction as the play unfolds. The third clip, which you can access by clicking here, is KSL play-by-play man Greg Wrubel's call. It's definitely worth a listen.

USC Goes the Rout Against Notre Dame

USC took Notre Dame behind the woodshed for an old-fashioned beating Saturday night at the L.A. Coliseum, and our friends at Image of Sport sent along some terrific shots of the action. The USC sideline had plenty of celebrity power, including Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey (top). Fighting Irish quarterback Brady Quinn was on the run for much of the game (above), and Trojan receiver Dwayne Jarrett was unstoppable, much to the dismay of Notre Dame's Crewcut Charlie Weis (below). After the 44-24 victory, Gary Klein of the L.A. Times gets a word with USC quarterback John David Booty. You can view all the Image of Sport shots by clicking here.

Central Michigan's Kelly Is a Wanted Man

Is there a mystery candidate in Iowa State's search for a coach, or is Central Michigan's Brian Kelly still the man for the job? An airplane owned by Iowa State left the Ames airport on Friday night and arrived in Dallas, then returned Saturday night to Des Moines, according to Flight Aware. Speculation is that Cyclone athletic director Jamie Pollard and university president Gregory Geoffroy were on board. Pollard flew to Dallas two weeks ago and interviewed several candidates, including San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh and Nebraska assistant Jay Norvell, who have since been scratched from the list. Central Michigan athletic director David Heeke also said he had granted Iowa State permission to talk to Kelly, which solidifies our Friday report that also stated Kelly was to meet Saturday with Geoffroy. Kelly, when contacted by the Des Moines Register's Randy Peterson, declined to discuss his whereabouts late Friday or Saturday. Kelly also is on Michigan State's short list, and officials in East Lansing are expected to select a coach as early as Monday. The Detroit News reports that Miami Dolphin assistant Charlie Baggett also is in the running for the job.
Update: Michigan State fans are tracking a leased jet that left Lansing on Saturday and landed in Baton Rouge (Bo Pelini?) and Cincinnati (Mark Dantonio?) ... Thanks to J for this.
Update II: Iowa State will announce its coach on Monday.

Reporters' Notebooks

Tom Luicci, Newark Star-Ledger: Greg Schiano, thought to be the frontrunner for the opening at Miami, says Rutgers is where he wants to be.

Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez is linked to the opening at Miami, but sources say he has no interest in the job.

Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman: This should be interesting. The MPC Computers Bowl in Boise will extend an invitation Tuesday to Miami.

Chip Alexander, Raleigh News & Observer: North Carolina State coach Chuck Amato has no plans to step down (registration).

Dave Reardon, Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Hawaii rallied for a wild 42-35 victory over Purdue at Aloha Stadium.

USC Is Moving Up

USC's impressive 44-24 victory over Notre Dame will vault the Trojans into the No. 2 spot in Sunday's Bowl Championship Series standings, according to the BCS Guru. All the Trojans need to do to earn a berth in the Jan. 8 title game is defeat rival UCLA this Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Michigan's chances for a rematch with Ohio State rest with the Bruins pulling the upset. Florida's chances are slim and none, with none the choice. The BCS Guru has the breakdown of the projected standings, so check it out.

The Real McCoy

Before he was Colt McCoy, Texas quarterback, he was Colt McCoy, pitchman for his uncle's store. McCoy, who was the victim of a brutal cheap shot in Friday's loss to rival Texas A&M, stars in this 2003 commercial for James McCoy's Drug Store in Abilene.

Reporters' Notebooks

BCS Guru: A primer on how Saturday's games will impact the Bowl Championship Series rankings.

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald: Rutgers coach Greg Schiano tops the list of candidates to replace the fired Larry Coker at Miami (registration).

Eric Lacy, Detroit News: Central Michigan has offered a four-year contract extension to coach Brian Kelly, who is being courted by Iowa State and Michigan State.

David Birkett, Mount Pleasant Morning Sun: Despite the interest, Michigan State has yet to offer a contract to Central Michigan's Brian Kelly.

Richard Croome, Byron-College Station Eagle: Critics of Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione are in for a tough time after the Aggies upset Texas.

Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman: The result confirms the obvious: Texas wasn't good enough on either side of the ball (registration).

Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate: Louisiana State decked Arkansas, but was it enough to get the Tigers into a BCS game?

John Canzano, Oregonian: Oregon coach Mike Bellotti bailed on his players with the game on the line against Oregon State.

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News: At the right time in all the right situations, Nebraska played Colorado for fools — and the Buffaloes fell hard for most of the foolery.

Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times: It's Notre Dame and USC, and a little fertilizer helps this grass story grow and grow.

Game of the Week

USC cheated. Shortly after USC's 34-31 victory over Notre Dame last season, the Wiz was on the case, being the first to point out that Reggie Bush illegally pushed Matt Leinart into the end zone on the winning touchdown. Then he even provided the above photo of the "Bush Push." But that doesn't matter now. We have another Notre Dame-USC game staring us in the face, and this is a must-win game for the Trojans, winners of 32 in a row at the L.A. Coliseum. It's our game of the week, and our main man Mark Mathis is back to break it down. He predicted the Buckeyes to win by four points last week. They won by three. In other words, he is not to be trifled with! So take it away, Mark:

"Question: Did you hear that two of the Notre Dame playbooks were stolen?
Answer: Charlie Weis is very upset. He didn't even finish coloring them.

Two Notre Dame grads are on opposite sides of a river. The first one yells across to the second one "Hey, how do I get to the other side?" The second one yells back, "You are on the other side."

Q: Did you hear about the two Notre Dame fans who froze to death at the drive-in movie?
A: They went to see "Closed for the Winter."

Q: What did the N.D. football player get on his final exam?
A: Drool.

Q: What is the difference between a Notre Dame fan and a trampoline?
A: You take off your shoes before jumping on a trampoline.

Q: What's the difference between the Notre Dame cheerleaders and the Titanic?
A: Only a couple thousand people went down on the titanic.

Q: What do the Fighting Irish and marijuana have in common?
A: They both get smoked in a bowl.

Q: Where do you go to in Indiana when there is a chance of a tornado?
A: Notre Dame Stadium. I hear they never get a touchdown there!

Q: How do you get a Notre Dame cheerleader pregnant?
A: Cum in her shoes and let the flies do the rest.

Q: Why has the Notre Dame recruiting fallen on hard times?
A: The new coach found out that the SAT score of 900 was individual, not cumulative!

OK, what's the old saying ... Your two favorite teams are your alma mater and whoever is playing Notre Dame! Did I tell you how much I love USC! I love their cheerleaders, their band and their former running backs ... with one exception. Mr. Slice and Dice!

It should be a good one folks. I am taking my 9-3 record into this one with USC on top, 41-38. Look for my 12-0 record with the weather to keep on track with skies mostly clear and a temperature of 58 at kickoff. Peace out!"

Scott Wolf, L.A. Daily News: Why is Notre Dame, with 18 senior starters, a seven-point underdog?

Mike Kern, Philadelphia News: Simply put, Notre Dame-USC is the best intersectional rivalry anywhere (registration).

Blue-Gray Sky: The Notre Dame blog of blogs. This is S.C. week, and around these parts, nothing else matters.

Displaced Trojan: The newest addition to our blogroll. The chronicles of a USC alum living in Connecticut.

House Rock Built: We have to throw some love their way (turn down your speakers). They were the folks who brought us the legendary rant by Mike Valenti of Detroit's 1270 XYT after Michigan State's loss to Notre Dame.

Is This the Cyclones' New Coach?

Here is the latest on the Iowa State coaching hunt. Central Michigan's Brian Kelly reportedly is meeting Saturday with Iowa State president Gregory Geoffroy. It will be a busy two days for the Chippewas coach, who leads his troops Friday in the regular-season finale at Buffalo. Then it's off to Ames and, presumably, back to Mount Pleasant to prepare his team for Thursday's Mid-American Conference championship game against Ohio at Ford Field in Detroit. Kelly is 17-16 in three seasons as Central Michigan's coach, but his record doesn't tell the story. The Chippewas were without an winless season since 1998, but all that changed in Kelly's second season when the team finished 6-5. The rejuvenation continued this season and it appears Central Michigan is headed for a bowl game. Michigan State also has been courting Kelly, but the Spartans' search appears stuck in neutral. Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent for the tip!

About That Rock-Solid Michigan Defense ...

We promise this will be the last posting on the Michigan-Ohio State game for a while, but this was too good to pass up. A Buckeye fan put together this video that picks on Wolverine junior cornerback Morgan Trent, who was picked on by the Buckeyes in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game.

Crystal Ball

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: Look for Texas to wear down Texas A&M and win, 27-13. And check out his Big 12 Insider.

Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News: Notre Dame vs. USC? That's easy. Take the Fighting Irish to cover the number.

Jody Demling, Louisville Courier-Journal: Sorry Kentucky fans. This isn't Louisiana Monroe. Tennessee can tackle.

Double D, Boston Herald: Louisiana State vs. Arkansas. We may finally get an answer to what happens when an irresistible force meets and immovable object.

For the latest lines, check with Doc's Sports. And thanks to Hester Graphics for all the help with the site. Check them out if you have a special need for your site.

Michigan and Ohio State in 210 Seconds

If you missed Saturday's Michigan-Ohio State game, you can see it and more in this 3 minute 30 second video. Somebody took the time to stitch together images of Ohio Stadium from a campus web cam. The video begins with the tarp being taken off the field on Friday and shows the stadium through the night. Then pregame preparations begin early Saturday and you can watch the stadium fill to capacity. The game begins in daylight and ends under the lights, with fans spilling onto the field. The Columbus Dispatch has a link to the web cam and you can view it by clicking here.

Pac-10 Replay Official Riese Calling It Quits

Gordon Riese's career is over. The Pacific 10 replay official who is being blamed for missing the call on the onside kick that contributed to Oklahoma's 34-33 loss at Oregon on Sept. 16 is calling it quits, according to George Schroeder of the Oklahoman. The $400 payday wasn't worth the headache and the 64-year-old retired high school math teacher, who was suspended for one game after the blown call, decided not to return to the booth after the suspension. Although the Pac-10 has forbidden him to speak on the topic, Riese hints that there is plenty of blame to go around. First, he saw only one replay angle of the onside kick, but he can't say why that was, whether it was a technical or human error. And Riese said although he knew Oklahoma had recovered the ball, by rule he wasn't allowed to determine possession. That ruling had already been made on the field. Although the death threats have stopped, he still receives two or three calls a week from irate Oklahoma fans. Riese also received 67 letters of encouragement, even a few from Oklahoma. But the blown call will always be with him. "It will never leave me," he said. "Until I die." (registration).

From the Web to the Radio

If you like the website, you'll love the radio show. Join the Wiz this Friday night on "Sports Overnight America" on Sports Byline USA beginning around 11:30 (Pacific). Michael Rothstein, Notre Dame beat writer for Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, is tentatively scheduled to join the program around midnight to discuss the Fighting Irish's game against USC. The dynamic duo of Fred Wallin and John Woolard get the festivities rolling at 10 p.m. and they will have plenty to talk about, including the Bowl Championship Series. "Sports Overnight America" can be heard on Sirius 122, over the Internet at Sports Byline or on the Armed Forces Network. If none of these options work, check Sports Byline's list of affiliates by clicking here. Please give a listen! And a reminder that if your sports talkshow is looking for a guest analyst, please drop the Wiz a line: dawizofodd (at) aol.com.

This Is What a No. 1 Team Does to a City

Did we miss a party or what? Columbus was rocking last weekend! Take a look at these shots sent to us from Matt. The top photo really needs no explanation. Then again, maybe we just don't want to give one. ... Now to the important stuff, namely college coeds smothered in mud. How degrading, but yet, how appealing. Really now, what's not to like? We were not aware of this Columbus tradition, when students jump into Mirror Lake the night before the Michigan game, but we like! Now to do this — considering it's November — you probably need a few adult beverages beforehand, and as you can see, it was Consumption Junction. Even Columbus cops were taking all the frolicking in good nature.

A Happy Thanksgiving From Chuck Amato

It appears North Carolina State's Chuck Amato is about to lose his job. What do we base this on? Just take a listen to this audio clip, brought to you by Joe Ovies of the terrific 850/620 The Blog. This all came down during Amato's press conference on Monday. Before the proceedings began, a condescending flack set this ground rule: No questions about Amato's job status. If anybody stepped over the line, the press conference was over. So it took about 20 minutes before a reporter from the student newspaper, the Technician, said the hell with it and asked Chuckie about his future. Amato mutters a few words about speculation and then begins to storm off the stage. But before doing so, he wants to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving. Classic! We've listened to this about 10 times and can only imagine being in the room when it all came down. Amato's voice always gets us chuckling, but we would have busted a gut laughing when Amato went on his mini-rampage. If anybody knows where we can get video of this, please let us know.

Starting Over at Iowa State?

Is Jay Norvell, right, the coach Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard had in mind when he went searching for a replacement for Dan McCarney? Cyclone fans who have emailed us are not thrilled with Norvell possibly becoming coach. Nonetheless, the smart money is now on the Nebraska offensive coordinator to take over the Cyclone program, according to Eric Pratt of the Fort Dodge Messenger. So what happened to Jim Harbaugh, who as of a few days ago appeared to be a cinch to get the job? While Harbaugh is reportedly still in the mix, hopes of the San Diego coach taking over in Ames decrease by the day. Were the sides simply unable to agree on a contract, or did Harbaugh back away after getting word that he would be in line for a more attractive opening? Given the sudden turn of events, Norvell — the backup candidate — might not be a cinch either.
Update: Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports Wednesday afternoon that Harbaugh is officially off Iowa State's list. Schrotenboer also reports that Norvell is no longer a candidate, adding to our belief that the Cyclones' search is starting over. And Tim Brewster, who had been mentioned as a candidate, also removed himself from consideration for the job.

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Wolf, L.A. Daily News: You get the feeling that Notre Dame's Charlie Weis and USC's Pete Carroll don't like each other.

Pat Harty, Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, whose team just completed a 6-6 regular season that included victories over Montana and Northern Illinois, talks about his $4.6 million salary in a 13-month period ending next June.

Joe Rexrode, Lansing State Journal: Central Michigan's Brian Kelly has been interviewed for the opening at Michigan State.

Doug Doughty, Roanoke Times: The 12th man. Virginia got away with an extra man on the field for a touchdown play against Miami.

Heather A. Dinich, Baltimore Sun: Maryland's Ralph Friedgen is going to open the fridge for players who can't make it home for Thanksgiving (registration).

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Covering the past weekend's action from A to Z. Subscription, so story is in comments.

Scott Carter, Tampa Tribune: A house divided. A winning essay gets a couple's home painted Florida State's Garnet and Gold and Florida's Orange and Blue.

Joseph Person, Columbia State: South Carolina's Steve Spurrier said one of his assistants broke NCAA rules.

Garry Smits, Times-Union: Sluggish ticket sales for the Atlantic Coast Conference title game have Jacksonville officials worried that they might lose the game.

Joe Walljasper, Columbia Tribune: One of the clauses in the new contract of Missouri's Gary Pinkel is for less whining, but he wasn't acting mature over a blown call by the refs in the loss to Iowa State.

Dan Hinxman, Reno Gazette-Journal: Western Athletic Conference coaches are split as to who will win the showdown between Boise State and Nevada.

L.A.'s the Place

If you couldn't make it to the Michigan-Ohio State game, L.A. was the place to be Saturday. Reader Greg was one of the lucky ones to take in the California-USC game, which decided the Pacific 10 championship, and he sent us photos of the activities inside and outside the L.A. Coliseum. T-shirts with a message that takes a jab at Trojan rival Notre Dame (top), USC's opponent this Saturday, were being hawked outside the Coliseum, and beer bongs were in order (above left) for some fans. Even though the Golden Bears lost, their fans appeared to be enjoying the festivities (above right). A Trojan fan has customized a satellite dish, left, and an overview of the Coliseum as the teams prepared to battle later that evening.

A 10,000-to-1 Longshot Hits in Toledo

A decision to play the winning score in the Michigan-Ohio State game has paid off for six men in Toledo. The group watched the game at Flav's Variety Store and when the Buckeyes won, 42-39, one of the customers said, "Play the winning score. Whatever it is. Winner's score first," store manager James Foster told the Toledo Blade. The numbers 4-2-3-9 were drawn and the men won $5,000. Lottery officials said the odds of those numbers coming up were 10,000 to 1. "It's just astronomical odds that it happened, but I'm glad they won," Foster said. "Just wish it would have been me." Thanks to Kevin of We Are Penn State.

Reporters' Notebooks

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Washington quarterback Johnny DuRocher's playing career is likely over after doctors discovered he has a brain tumor.

Tom Luicci, Newark Star-Ledger: A week after a voter was booted off the AP poll, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit acknowledges leaving Rutgers off his top 25.

Norm Frauenheim, Arizona Republic: Dirk Koetter says he is ignoring speculation about his future as Arizona State coach.

Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald: Miami coach Larry Coker says the thought of resigning has "never entered my mind." (registration).

Chip Alexander, Raleigh News & Observer: Chuck Amato is not taking questions about his future at North Carolina State (registration).

Paul Gattis, Huntsville Times: Alabama coach Mike Shula's fate has yet to be decided.

Dave Matter, Columbia Tribune: The Big 12 has acknowledged that an official's call late in Missouri's loss at Iowa State was an error.

Rich Kaipust, Omaha World-Herald: Nebraska coach Bill Callahan put in a good word for offensive coordinator Jay Norvell, who is a candidate for the opening at Iowa State.

Mark Tupper, Decatur Herald & Review: Illinois' Ron Zook, who said he is not a very good loser, just finished a 2-10 season. Now what?

Ron Kantowski, Las Vegas Sun: His column proposing that Nevada Las Vegas drop football has fired up the locals.

You're Being Cheated Out of Football

Marty of the terrific cfbstats has the latest numbers regarding the impact of rule 3-2-5-e, which changed the clock rules to shorten games. While the rule has cut nearly 14 minutes from an average game in 2006, it also has reduced the number of plays by 16 and cut scoring by over five points. Any rule designed to give us less football is a bad rule, and if you agree, check out We Hate the New Clock Rules. Over 17,000 fans have already declared their opposition to 3-2-5-e. Here are the numbers through Week 12:

Overall...G.......Plays.......Plays/G....Min.........Min/G......Time/G
2005......642....108187.....168.52.....128258*....200.09.....3:20:04
2006......697....106316.....152.53.....129956.....186.45.....3:06.27
* missing game duration of Toledo-Ball State 10/15/2005

Year......G........Points.....Pts/G
2005......642.....33686.....52.47
2006......697.....32947.....47.27

Year.......G.....1H Pts....1H Pts/G...2H Pts....2H Pts/G...OT
2005......642...17056.....26.57......16236.....25.29.......394
2006......697...17255.....24.76......15305.....21.96.......387

Here are the shortest games from Week 12:
San Diego State-Texas Christian: 2:40
Central Florida-Tulane: 2:40
Eastern Michigan-Kent State: 2:40
Idaho-Fresno State: 2:40
Illinois-Northwestern: 2:48
Nevada-Louisiana Tech: 2:48

Here are the longest games from Week 12:
Arkansas State-Troy: 3:41
Michigan State-Penn State: 3:31
Louisiana Monroe-Kentucky: 3:29
Michigan-Ohio State: 3:28
Akron-Ohio: 3:26

Let the Politicking Begin

Rematch anyone? Should Michigan, which lost to Ohio State, 42-39, on Saturday and finished second in the Big Ten race, get another shot at the Buckeyes in the Bowl Championship Series title game? If the season ended today, the Wolverines would, but USC, with games against Notre Dame and UCLA, appears to be in position to overtake Michigan, which has concluded its regular season. If the Trojans stumble, does the winner of the Southeastern Conference championship game between Florida and Arkansas deserve a shot? And what about Notre Dame? Can you justify the Fighting Irish getting the nod over the Wolverines, who scored a decisive 47-21 victory over Notre Dame on Sept. 16? With the BCS likely headed for another disaster, we thought there was no better time to put Democracy to the test.

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Which of the following one-loss teams is most deserving of a shot to play Ohio State in the BCS title game?

Michigan USC Florida Notre Dame Arkansas

Columbus Day for 'GameDay'

"GameDay" is more popular than at any point in its 20-year history, but ESPN nearly canceled the program in the early 1990s. Then somebody came up with the bright idea to send the show on the road. "It doesn't look like anything else on TV," said Chris Fowler, who anchors the team of Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. The most anticipated part of the program is when Corso chooses which team will win and puts on the mascot head or helmet of the team he favors. "It's series business when you put the head on," said Corso, who urged "GameDay" contributor and former Michigan standout Desmond Howard to strike a Heisman pose during Saturday's telecast from Columbus, site of the Michigan-Ohio State game. "I've done a few too many here," Howard said. "Do it," Corso said. "I'll do it next to you." When Corso's moment came Saturday, he slipped on the Wolverine helmet, much to the disgust of the Buckeye crowd (you can watch the reaction in the above YouTube video). Corso then needed a cordon of state troopers to get to the stadium. Just before he entered, he picked up a "Go Bucks" placard from the sidewalk, waved it triumphantly to fans who now cheered him, then ripped it into shreds. Again, he was booed (registration).

Week 13

Notre Dame has had something like 53 days to prepare for USC. The Fighting Irish, who got fat on the likes of Navy, North Carolina, Air Force and Army, go toe-to-toe Saturday with the Trojans at the L.A. Coliseum. This one, as they say, has BCS written all over it. There are plenty of other games of note, with the action starting Tuesday when Bowling Green takes on Toledo. On Thursday, it's Boston College at Miami in what could be Larry Coker's Hurricane finale. Friday brings Louisiana State at Arkansas, Texas A&M at Texas and the Civil War battle between Oregon and Oregon State. Saturday's featured games: Wake Forest at Maryland; Oklahoma at Oklahoma State; Florida at Florida State; Boise State at Nevada and Purdue at Hawaii. Get a complete list of games and numbers at Doc's Sports, one of our sponsors.

Reporters' Notebooks

Jeff Metcalfe, Arizona Republic: Is Arizona State getting ready to fire Dirk Koetter, who has a 39-33 record in six seasons as coach?

Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle: Who's going bowling and where? A look at how the bowl picture is shaping up.

Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press: Fans flocked to pay final respects at a public visitation of former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler.

Paul Gutierrez and Martin McNeal, Sacramento Bee: USC linebacker Dallas Sartz goes to the defense of his former girlfriend, USC Song Girl Natalie Nelson, who was caught cheering at the wrong moment in last season's Rose Bowl. Thanks to the Displaced Trojan.

Steve Conroy, Boston Herald: Hard to believe, but Boston College has not defeated Miami since Doug Flutie's Hail Mary pass in 1984.

Doug Segrest, Birmingham News: How did this happen? The winning numbers in Saturday's Ohio lottery were 4-2-3-9. The score of the Ohio State-Michigan game was 42-39.

Columnists' Corner

Mark Tupper, Decatur Herald & Review: It's clear that Illinois' Ron Zook can recruit, but can he coach?

Cecil Hurt, Tuscaloosa News: After another loss to rival Auburn, one has to ask if Alabama's Mike Shula is the right man for the job.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Is this a great country or what? Iowa goes 2-6 in the Big Ten and gets to go to a bowl game.

Paola Boivin, Arizona Republic: A victory over rival Arizona would salvage what is left of Arizona State's dismal season.

Greg Hansen, Arizona Daily Star: Arizona's third stunning victory in a row is an indication that the Wildcats have arrived.

Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle: California got close again to beating USC, but the Golden Bears returned home looking at empty, dirty hands.

Rick Maese, Baltimore Sun: The Naval Academy performed a parade of missteps with its handling of a steriod mess (registration).

Geoff Calkins, Commercial Appeal: Is Arkansas a team of destiny? Razorback players believe they can do no wrong (registration).

Steve Politi, Newark Star-Ledger: Rutgers fans need to shake off the hangover from a humbling loss at Cincinnati and realize this is a dream season.

Lenox Rawlings, Winston-Salem Journal: A 27-6 loss to Virginia Tech used to be the norm. Now it is cause for concern at Wake Forest.

Richard Oliver, San Antonio Express-News: Dennis Franchione and his Texas A&M Aggies need to stop teasing and start pleasing.

Mitch Vingle, Charleston Gazette-Mail: Somebody has pulled the plug on fan support for rejuvenated Marshall.

Reporters' Notebooks

Eric Petersen, Ames Tribune: Jim Harbaugh remains the hot name in Iowa State's search for a coach to replace Dan McCarney.

Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Scott Paterno, one of Joe Paterno's sons, chastised reporters for watching Paterno's arrival at Beaver Stadium.

Chris Low, David Climer and Ryan Callahan, Tennessean: Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer has a beef with Southeastern Conference officiating and didn't mind saying so after a victory against Vanderbilt.

Todd Schulz and Joe Rexrode, Lansing State Journal: Michigan State president Lou Anna Simon issued a statement about the school's search for a coach. It was also revealed that consultant Chuck Neinas has been contracted to help find John L. Smith's replacement.

Tom Dienhart, Sporting News: Todd Grantham of the Cleveland Browns to Michigan State? That might not be accurate.

Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: The MPC Computers Bowl has a sponsorship deal for this year, but it might not have an Atlantic Coast Conference team.

Stephen Tsai, Honolulu Advertiser: Colt Brennan passed for 402 yards and five touchdowns in Hawaii's 54-17 victory over San Jose State.

Michigan, USC Neck-and-Neck in BCS

Where do we go from here? It certainly appears that Michigan deserves a rematch against Ohio State in the Bowl Championship Series title game. But what about USC, which has games left against Notre Dame and UCLA? The Trojans could finish with one loss and be left out of the party. To help break it down, we turn to the BCS Guru. The Guru says the BCS top 10, which will be released later on Sunday by Fox, will look like this: 1. Ohio State; 2. USC; 3. Michigan; 4. Florida; 5. Notre Dame; 6. Arkansas; 7. West Virginia; 8. Louisville; 9. Wisconsin; 10 Louisiana State. And check out the Guru's fine piece about a very special day spent with Bo Schembechler.

Harbaugh May Have Some Company

Don't be surprised to see San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson, left, follow Jim Harbaugh to his next coaching gig. Johnson is considered to be among the top junior quarterbacks in the nation. He leads all I-AA quarterbacks with a 179.3 efficiency rating and has thrown for 32 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Johnson didn't get a look from I-A programs coming out of Oakland Tech High because he was only 5 feet 10, 145 pounds. Now he is listed at 6-3, 195 pounds. Johnson would have to sit out a season under NCAA transfer rules, then be eligible for his senior season. Iowa State will enter next season with senior Bret Meyer at quarterback, so if Johnson were to follow Harbaugh to Iowa State, he likely would become the starting quarterback in the 2008 season.

Iowa State: Is It Harbaugh?

San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh, left, has emerged as a frontrunner for the opening at Iowa State. The Ames Tribune is reporting that athletic director Jamie Pollard is in Dallas on Friday interviewing Harbaugh and Nebraska offensive coordinator Jay Norvell. The Cyclones play their final game Saturday under coach Dan McCarney, who agreed last week to step down at season's end. Although the Tribune said two other candidates may be interviewed, the Wiz is hearing that Harbaugh has asked an NFL team for permission to talk to an assistant about joining him at Iowa State. In other words, don't be surprised to see a press conference Tuesday in Ames announcing the hiring of Harbaugh.
Michigan State: Todd Grantham, an assistant with the Cleveland Browns, is expected to be named coach on Monday.
Iowa State update: Backing up our earlier report, the Cedar Rapids Gazette is reporting that Harbaugh offered the defensive coordinator position at Iowa State to a current NFL assistant and was turned down.

Bo Schembechler: 1929-2006

It's a sad day for college football. Former Michigan coach and athletic director Bo Schembechler has died of heart failure. He was 77.

'Mattress Mac' Gets His Way

They caved. North Texas has given in to the demand of booster Jim McIngvale and decided to name its practice facility after outgoing coach Darrell Dickey. We told you about this earlier in the week. McIngvale, who gave $1 million to the university to help build the practice facility, was upset over the firing of Dickey. So he told university officials to transfer the money to the music department if they didn't honor his wish. McIngvale played football for the Mean Green after transferring from Texas, where he had been a bench-warmer on Darrell Royal's 1969 national championship team. Then "Mattress Mac" got into the furniture business and built his fortune.

In Language We Can All Understand

There are many strange trophies in college football, but perhaps the most unique of all is Floyd of Rosedale, a bronzed pig that goes to the winner of the Iowa-Minnesota game. The rivals meet for the 100th time Saturday, and there are always a few barbs flying across state lines. But we happened to stumble upon this classic from Bemusement Park, which has posted its pick for this year's game in Minnesotan to benefit Gopher fans:

Så den har komme til denne. Minnesota må seier å oppbevare dens slim stolpe — årstid håpe i live. Iowa må seier å unngå etterbehandler for.500, hvilket kunne være en veldig forlegenhet. Bortsett fra alle er ikke frisk med Tegnet Tate, og den har vil vise seg det han har blitt leker til tross for hans sunnhet alle årstid. Som du vet rutinen. Uten Tate Iowa er Illinois med en lett bedre forsvarer. Bortsett fra bare så vidt. For det første gang noen gang, JEG må gå nå med Gullet i denne ettall.

And for the winner, here it is:
FUGLEN AV KARIKATUR 10
STOR STYGG BUKK — TANN ROTTER 24

Game of the Week

Aren't you sick of having the Michigan-Ohio State game shoved down your throat? That Bowl Championship Series title game in January? It's really not that important because Michigan-Ohio State is this year's Game of the Century. Or at least until next week's Game of the Century. But we are here to tell you that we did select Saturday's battle between No. 1 and No. 2 as the Game of the Week. And our pigskin prophet, Mark Mathis, has returned to size this one up. So while you ponder if Maurice Clarett will be able to watch Saturday's clash between the Wolverines and Buckeyes from his jail cell, we bring you the man, who has fashioned an 8-2 record. Something tells us he's not a Michigan fan. Take it away Mark:

"How do you keep a Michigan player from jacking off? Paint his dong Scarlet and Gray, that way there's only a one-in-13 chance that he'll beat it.

Question: What's the difference between a University of Michigan fan and a carp?
Answer: One is a bottom-feeding, scum sucker, and the other is a fish.

Q: How many University of Michigan fans does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: One, but he gets three credits.

Q: Where was O.J. hiding right before the famous white Bronco chase?
A: On the University of Michigan campus. That's the last place you would find a football player.

Q: Why do they throw out a sack of manure at University of Michigan weddings?
A: To keep the flies off the bride.

Q: Why don't University of Michigan fans let their kids play in sand boxes?
A: Because cats keep covering them up.

Q: Did you hear about the University of Michigan fan who locked his keys in his car?
A: He couldn't get his family out.

Q: Why do University of Michigan fans keep their diplomas on their dashboards?
A: So they can park in handicap spaces.

Q: What do you call a good looking girl on the University of Michigan campus?
A: A visitor.

Q: Did you hear about the power outage at the University of Michigan library?
A: Forty students were stuck on the escalator for three hours.

Q: Did you hear about the fire in University of Michigan's football dorm that destroyed 20 books?
A: The real tragedy was that 15 hadn't been colored yet.

Q: Do you know why the University of Michigan football team should change its name to the "Opossums"?
A: Because they play dead at home and get killed on the road.

Q: What does the average University of Michigan student get on his SAT?
A: Drool.

Q: What should you do if you find three University of Michigan fans buried up to their neck in cement?
A: Get more cement.

General Schwarzkopf was walking through the desert during the Gulf War when he found a lamp on the ground. He picked it up, rubbed, and out came a genie. The genie said to the General, "I will grant you one wish." The General replied, "I wish that we will win this war. Here is a map of the desert and all the war parties. Please make us win the war." The genie responded, "I'm not that powerful of a genie. I cannot grant you that wish." "Well," the General responds, "then can you have University of Michigan win a bowl game this year?" After a moment, the genie says, "Let me see that map again."

Holy Cow do they get any bigger than this one! I have waited my entire life to predict No. 1 vs. No. 2. Oh, wait a minute, I already have! I predicted Ohio State to beat my Texas Longhorns, so I am going to ride these Buckeyes just like the Pony I never got for Christmas. If Stormin' Norman can't trust them, neither can I.

I am going with the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium, 32-28. Look for skies to be cloudy with a temperature of 46 at kickoff. Now let's play some football!"

George Schroeder, Oklahoman: A rematch? You have got to be crazy! One Michigan-Ohio State game is enough (registration).

The M Zone: Simply put, one of the finest blogs out there. An endless supply of Wolverine goodies with the big game only hours away.

And because we have no dog in this fight, we can't forget our Buckeye blog buddies: Around The Oval and Buckeye Commentary.

Hold Off on Those Nuclear Bombs

Our apology for running this photo again, but that's working "journalist" Kirk Herbstreit celebrating an Ohio State interception by jumping on the back of former Buckeye Eddie George during the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Herbstreit grew up in Centerville, Ohio and played quarterback for the Buckeyes from 1989 to '93. You might remember him from the 1993 Michigan-Ohio State game. Herbstreit passed for 271 yards in the Buckeyes' 13-13 tie with the Wolverines. He will be in the ABC's booth for Saturday's biggie in Columbus, and this comment in the Los Angeles Times really set off the Wiz's B.S. Detector "When I get up in the booth, I'm there to evaluate the game," Herbstreit said. "I'm looking at how two teams are trying to move the ball down the field. I'm not looking at what school I happened to attend." There's more. Herbstreit puts some perspective his youth. "I used to go to bed at night when I was in high school, when I started to realize I was going to play at a pretty high level of football in college, and it was the middle of the Cold War when nuclear bombs were a serious threat. I used to go to bed praying to hold off on nuclear bombs until I got a chance to play in the Ohio State-Michigan game."

Crystal Ball

Double D, Boston Herald: Why not Brigham Young? The Cougars have won seven in a row by a combined 280-65 and are about to lay the lumber to New Mexico.

Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News: It's California at USC for all the Roses. He'll take the points and the Golden Bears at the L.A. Coliseum.

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: Before he can tackle Cal-USC, he has to tackle Michigan-Ohio State.

Jody Demling, Louisville Courier-Journal: It's shaping up as a good weekend for Louisville and Kentucky and a bad weekend for Indiana and Michigan.

For the latest lines, check with Doc's Sports. And thanks to Hester Graphics for all the help with the site. Check them out if you have a special need for your site.

Bo Knows Football

Louisiana State defensive coordinator Bo Pelini has one fan out there. Somebody has taken it upon themselves to put together this video that has been posted on YouTube to promote Pelini as a successor to John L. Smith at Michigan State. Since YouTube has been around for just over a year, we have to think this is a first. The person responsible has posted three other videos, all dealing with Michigan State football. The video below is also one of their efforts and is a bit of a masterpiece, blending in audio of the legendary rant by Mike Valenti of Detroit's 1270 XYT. Meanwhile, the Spartans' search continues, with Pat Shurmur and Todd Grantham thought to be the leading contenders to replace Smith.

It's Time to Listen Up

A reminder to tune in Friday to "Sports Overnight America" beginning at 10 p.m. (Pacific) on Sports Byline USA. The BCS Guru will be a guest and the Wiz will join the show around 11:30 p.m. You can listen over the Internet at Sports Byline or check the list of affiliates by clicking here. The show can also be heard on Sirius 122 or on Armed Forces Network. Please join us!

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Wolf, L.A. Daily News: There appears to be growing tension between USC's compliance office and the football team over recruiting trips to Papadakis Taverna.

Brian Murphy, Idaho Statesman: On the same day his highlight DVD was mailed to Heisman voters, Boise State tailback Ian Johnson spent his fifth consecutive night in a San Jose hospital.

Jodi Upton and Steve Wieberg, USA Today: At least 42 of the 119 Division I-A coaches are earning $1 million or more this season, up from five in 1999.

Mark Alesia, Indianapolis Star: NCAA president Myles Brand is playing defense. He's defending the governing body's tax-exempt status.

Paul Strelow, Columbia State: South Carolina returns to Clemson for the first time since the brawl of 2004, and Tiger coach Tommy Bowden wants precautions in place to prevent another incident.

Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat: Outgoing Florida State offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden has a severance deal worth $537,000. Plus a commentary at FSU It's Time.

Marcus Nelson, Palm Beach Post: Don Strock, the only coach in Florida International's history, is stepping down at season's end.

Allison M. Heinrichs, Tribune-Review: Thursday night is the Backyard Brawl between West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Is a ticket to the game also a ticket to misbehave?

Peter Hockaday, Casper Star Tribune: Wyoming will stay at a casino-hotel the night before playing at Nevada Las Vegas, but don't expect the players to be spending time at the slot machines.

Brandon Zimmerman, Gainesville Sun: Firing your coach doesn't have to take place after the season. Just look at Florida, which fired Ron Zook in midseason and got an early start in pursuing Urban Meyer.

Associated Press: Jim Kleinpeter of the Times-Picayune has been removed as a voter in the AP poll because he mistakenly thought Oklahoma had lost to Texas Tech.

The Worst Teams of 2006

With all the focus on the penthouse — the Michigan-Ohio State game — it's time we take a look at the outhouse — college football's low-rent district. Much like all the teams focusing to become No. 1, there are a group of teams committed to bringing up the rear year-to-year. Now quibble with our list if you must, but we will take these four teams and lose with the best of them! So here we go:

1. Duke — If you hate Blue Devil basketball, you have to love the football team. A perfect 0-10, with Georgia Tech and North Carolina left on the schedule. Duke ranks 115th out of 119 teams in scoring offense and 103rd in scoring defense. Even the punting game (you would expect this to be strong because of the volume of kicks) gets a low mark: 112.

2. Temple — After the Owls (1-10) stunned the world in Week 9 with a 28-14 thumping of Bowling Green, they followed with two losses by a combined 89-26 to start a new losing streak. Dead last (119th) in total offense and close to last (116th) in total defense.

3. Buffalo — OK, the Bulls are 2-8, but one of those victories came against Temple. You remember that 9-3 overtime win in Week 1, don't you? If you forgot, we hate to break the news to you. This one won't be repeated on ESPN Classic. Buffalo's offense ranks 111th and the rushing defense is 115th.

4. New Mexico State — The Aggies won two of their first three games, but haven't won since. Consider this: New Mexico State has lost 21 in a row to Division I-A teams. With a scoring defense that ranks 111th, you need to pass, and the Aggies can do that, ranking second in passing offense. There is hope for New Mexico State. It has two games left (Utah State and Louisiana Tech) and a shot to end its I-A skid.

Our thanks to Hester Graphics for the image. If you are into top-notch page design, check out some Hester's work by clicking here.

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Wolf, L.A. Daily News: USC compliance officials are interviewing players regarding recruiting dinners held at the restaurant of John Papadakis, a former player. The concerns were originally raised last December by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Dave Dye and Lynn Henning, Detroit News: Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has emerged as a possible frontrunner for the Michigan State opening. Steve Mariucci, who said he wasn't interested, confirmed a three-hour meeting last week with Spartan officials.

Aaron Fentress, Oregonian: Oregon backup quarterback Brady Leaf denies that he will transfer at season's end.

Associated Press: The Berkeley City Council has voted to file a lawsuit to stop extensive upgrades to California's Memorial Stadium, which straddles the Hayward Fault.

Adam Liptak, New York Times: An artist is being sued by Alabama because his merchandise allegedly violated the university's trademark rights (registration).

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: The Hlist. Indiana receiver James Hardy picks Ohio State to beat Michigan. "They're stronger and they're faster. When they hit you, they try to hurt you." Subscription, so story is in comments.

Troy Phillips, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Texas Tech co-offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, Texas Christian offensive coordinator Mike Schultz and Carroll (Texas) High coach Todd Dodge are possible candidates for the North Texas job.

Robert Cessna, Bryan-College Station Eagle: Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione doesn't have all the answers to his fading team's problems.

Brian Bennett, Louisville Courier-Journal: Some Louisville fans were upset over assistant coach Jeff Brohm yelling at his brother Brian, the starting quarterback, during the loss at Rutgers.

Lee Jenkins, New York Times: It started with billboards in South Florida. Then coach Greg Schiano held a camp in Miami. Rutgers' plan to lure players from Florida to New Jersey has worked to perfection (registration).

Paul Finebaum, Mobile Press-Register: From all indications, it's going to get ugly over Mike Shula's future at Alabama.

The Long and Short of It

The Oregon-USC game ranks among the longest games of the week, reports Marty of cfbstats. Of course, this game had the bizarre instant replay incident, the "reversal of the previous reversal" that delayed play for 15 minutes. And four teams from the state of Michigan were involved in three of the shortest games of the week. What gives?

Overall...G.......Plays.......Plays/G....Min.........Min/G......Time/G
2005......594....100123.....168.56.....118642*....200.70.....3:20:04
2006......641.....97735.....152.47.....119550.....186.51.....3:06.31
* missing game duration of Toledo-Ball State 10/15/2005

Year......G........Points.....Pts/G
2005......594.....31092.....52.34
2006......641.....30384.....47.40

Year.......G.....1H Pts....1H Pts/G...2H Pts....2H Pts/G...OT
2005......594...15782.....26.57......14930.....25.13.......380
2006......641...15846.....24.72......14157.....22.09.......381

Here are the shortest games from Week 11:
Utah State-Nevada: 2:35
Navy-Eastern Michigan: 2:38
Western Michigan-Central Michigan: 2:40
North Texas-Louisiana Lafayette: 2:42
Michigan-Indiana: 2:44
Washington State-Arizona State: 2:44

Here are the longest games from Week 11:
Rice-Tulsa: 3:42
Pittsburgh-Connecticut: 3:41
Oregon-USC: 3:38
Texas-Kansas State: 3:29
Syracuse-South Florida: 3:29

Reporters' Notebooks

Scott Wolf, L.A. Daily News: USC coach Pete Carroll said he is sorry for a sideline outburst during Saturday's game against Oregon.

Angelique S. Chengelis, Detroit News: Former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler is ready for the Ohio State game and raises concerns about pregame shenanigans.

Dave Dye, Detroit News: Michigan State's John L. Smith, who turns 58 on Wednesday, wants another opportunity to coach.

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star: You have questions about the Big 12 Conference? He has all the answers (registration).

Curt McKeever, Lincoln Journal Star: Big 12 stock report. Oklahoma is hot and Texas A&M is not.

Columnists' Corner

Caulton Tudor, Raleigh News & Observer: The hiring of Butch Davis is a step in the right direction for North Carolina (registration).

Dave Hickman, Charleston Gazette: The loser of the Michigan-Ohio State game does not deserve a rematch in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Jake Curtis, San Francisco Chronicle: Each of the seven legitimate contenders for the Bowl Championship Series title face a major obstacle or two.

Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News: Auburn's Tommy Tuberville owes his popularity to beating Alabama.

Pete Carroll Drops the F Bomb

Did USC's Pete Carroll tell Oregon's Mike Bellotti to ... well, you make the call. Carroll is caught reacting to a "reversal of a previous reversal" in Saturday's victory against the Ducks. In what might the one of the most bizarre incidents this season with instant replay, Carroll challenged a fourth-quarter touchdown catch by Oregon's Jonathan Stewart, claiming the running back had gone out of bounds before catching the ball, making Stewart ineligible. Carroll won and the touchdown was negated. Bellotti then argued that the ball was tipped before Stewart caught it. A receiver who runs out of bounds can return in bounds and catch a pass if the ball has been tipped. The replay officials took another look and ruled in Bellotti's favor. Then we get the above response from Carroll. Was it directed at Bellotti? Thanks to Bert!

'Mattress Mac' Tells Them to Sleep on It

North Texas' decision to fire coach Darrell Dickey, right, is not going over well with booster Jim McIngvale, known around Houston as "Mattress Mac" because of his animated television spots for his Gallery Furniture. McIngvale, left, who donated $1 million toward the construction of the Mean Green Athletic Center in 2004, has requested that the university name its practice field after the outgoing coach. If his request is not honored, MacIngvale asks that his $1 million donation be redirected to North Texas' One O'clock Lab Band. McIngvale made his request in a full-page advertisement in the Denton Record-Chronicle, which cost him nearly $5,000. Dickey has had a tough 2006. In February, he had his gall bladder removed. In June, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In October, he suffered a heart attack. Last Wednesday, he was fired.

Reporters' Notebooks

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Washington coach Tyrone Willingham appears to be dumping players. Five juniors, who reportedly will not be asked to return, were honored as seniors before the Huskies' home finale against Stanford.

Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman: Boise State standout running back Ian Johnson remained in a San Jose hospital with a partially collapsed left lung.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times: Rutgers to the Rose Bowl? Rutgers? Here is how it might happen.

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: Where does Kansas State's upset of Texas rank in Big 12 history? Click here to find out.

Ryan Finley, Arizona Daily Star: Breaking down the bowl possibilities for Pacific 10 Conference teams.

Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Meet Tom Bradley, the future head coach of Penn State.

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Taking stock of the Bowl Championship Series hopefuls.

Doug Segrest, Birmingham News: It's official. Alabama has jumped Georgia as the Southeastern Conference's biggest disappointment.

Joe LaPointe, New York Times: Last Saturday's upsets have added up to uncertainty in the BCS standings.

Week 12

The remote is going to get a workout this week, with games from Tuesday through Saturday. Ball State and Toledo get it started on Tuesday and Miami (Ohio) and Bowling Green knock heads on Wednesday. Thursday brings two games: Akron at Ohio and West Virginia at Pittsburgh. We double up again on Friday with Eastern Michigan at Kent State and Central Michigan at Northern Illinois. Saturday's headliner, of course, is Michigan at Ohio State. Other games of note: Virginia Tech at Wake Forest, Maryland at Boston College and California at USC. For all the numbers, visit Doc's Sports, one of our sponsors.

Aayyyy! It's The Fonz!

Everybody loves a winner, and with USC rolling once again, the sidelines at the L.A. Coliseum were buzzing Saturday night. Actor Henry Winkler, best known for playing Fonzie on "Happy Days," was smiling after the Trojans' 35-10 dismantling of Oregon. Image of Sport, which sent us the images, knows how to get on our good side — email a shot of the USC Song Girls. The Ducks did put up a fight, with tight end Dante Rosario delivering a straight-arm to a USC defender. But the Trojans had too much firepower, with Lawrence Jackson sacking Oregon quarterback Brady Leaf, the younger brother of former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf. More images are available by clicking here. Please check out Image of Sport, a premium photo service designed for daily newspapers, editorial publications and websites. You can access their gallery by clicking here.

Still Some Life Left in the Bruins

UCLA ended its four-game losing streak and Oregon State's four-game winning streak with a 25-7 victory at the Rose Bowl. Reader Jack, whose work is featured at Beat S.C., sent along several nice images. The Beavers were in a giving mood, turning the ball over four times, including three fumbles by quarterback Matt Moore, who left UCLA in 2004 and ended up at Corvallis. Bruin quarterback Patrick Cowan had two second-half touchdown passes to Marcus Everett, much to the delight of the UCLA cheerleaders. Despite the victory, the relationship between Bruin alumni and coach Karl Dorrell remains strained. Jack said Dorrell did not address the crowd after the game, something he has done in the past after a victory.

Columnists' Corner

Corky Simpson, Tucson Citizen: Arizona's program got exactly what it needed. A victory over No. 8 California.

Ray Ratto, San Francisco Chronicle: A devastating loss, yes, but California's hopes for a berth to the Rose Bowl remain in sight.

John Canzano, Oregonian: It's time. Oregon needs to begin the process and turn over a new Leaf.

Jerry Brewer, Seattle Times: Pitiful meets pathetic at Washington as the lifeless Huskies fall to Stanford.

Mark Tupper, Decatur Herald & Review: Just wait until next, Illinois fans. Help is on the way.

Randall Mell, Sun-Sentinel: Tears, explanations, bad luck. Miami has run out of excuses.

Steve Politi, Newark Star-Ledger: Could a 12-0 Rutgers be left out of the BCS title game? The system isn't fair.

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star: It seems like old times for Kansas State, which stunned big, bad Texas (registration).

Kevin Sherrington, Dallas Morning News: Defending Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione is getting harder to do (registration).

Mark Kiszla, Denver Post: Attention Heisman voters: Don't blow it again. Notre Dame's Brady Quinn is the man.

Eric Pratt, Fort Dodge Messenger: A Michigan State fan writes about another coaching opening, this one belonging to Iowa State.

Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News: The Outback Bowl in Tampa begins at 10 a.m. That, Auburn fans, is where your season is headed.

Joe Biddle, Tennessean: If there is a better college player than Arkansas' Darren McFadden, he hasn't seen him.

BCS Guru: Trojans, Irish Make Their Moves

A berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game could be on the line Nov. 25 when USC and Notre Dame square off at the L.A. Coliseum. BCS Guru sends word that the Trojans will be in the No. 4 slot and the Fighting Irish will be No. 5 when Fox releases the rankings Sunday. Ohio State and Michigan remain in the top two spots, with Florida at No. 3. Rutgers makes a dramatic move from No. 13 to No. 6 and Arkansas will hold down the No. 7 slot, followed by Louisville, West Virginia and Wisconsin. BCS Guru correctly forecast the top 10 last week and he will be updating the site Sunday, including posting the 25 teams in the rankings.

Game of the Week

Before panic sets in, let us remind you of an old Las Vegas saying: It's only gambling if it hurts. What does this mean? Example: If you have the rent check riding on a game and you lose, it hurts. Now pigskin prophet Mark Mathis, who has an 8-2 record, is taking the week off because it's sweeps month and he is helping KREX, the CBS affiliate in Grand Junction, pull in the big numbers. This means the pressure is on the Wiz to keep the momentum rolling. But the man is battle-tested and ready for the challenge. How do we know this? Well, he has gambled the rent money before, that's why. So let's get to it. Our game is Tennessee at Arkansas, with the surprising Razorbacks trying to run their win streak to nine. With injured Volunteer quarterback Erik Ainge expected to miss the game, redshirt freshman Jonathan Crompton will start. Expect the running games to be front and center, and when push comes to shove, Arkansas' superior ground game (No. 4 nationally) will be too much for the Volunteers, who give up an average of 136.44 rushing yards. The Razorbacks win, 24-13.

Joe Biddle, Tennessean: Give Arkansas the edge at running back and all-important toughness.

Ron Higgins, Commercial Appeal: Razorback quarterback Casey Dick has moved from understudy to prime-time starter (registration).

Scott Cain, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Tennessee assistant David Cutcliffe nearly became a member of the Arkansas staff.

Nate Allen, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: The showdown against the Volunteers is an opportunity for the Razorbacks to make an impression with several top-flight recruits.

Reporters' Notebooks

Dave Dye, Detroit News: Steve Mariucci is out of the running for the opening at Michigan State. Assistants Bo Pelini of Louisiana State and Charlie Strong of Florida have been interviewed. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach Pat Shurmur said he would be interested.

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: With the Big East stealing all the Thursday night thunder, why doesn't the Big 12 try to play games during the week?

Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News: It's clear that Alabama Birmingham coach Watson Brown has run out of excuses.

Paul Finebaum, Mobile Press-Register: The Alabama-Auburn game is big locally, but is irrelevant nationally.

Ted Lewis, Times-Picayune: Rutgers' victory over Louisville has created the potential for the biggest mess in the nine-year history of the BCS.

David Wharton, Los Angeles Times: An equipment glitch affected instant replay calls in last season's Rose Bowl.

Thomas Bonk, Los Angeles Times: San Jose State has battled back to respectability with a band of upstarts.

Crystal Ball

Double D, Boston Herald: Look west, young man. Way west. To Hawaii. To another cover. To riches beyond your wildest dreams.

Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News: It was a bad week for the GOP and a bad week for his picks. He went 0-5. But this is a new week!

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: Texas A&M's Dennis Franchione, who displayed a lack of coaching moxie last week, needs a victory against Nebraska.

Jody Demling, Louisville Courier-Journal: Anytime you play Kentucky and they tear the goal posts down, you know the season is not going to be a success.

For the latest lines, check with Doc's Sports. And thanks to Hester Graphics for all the help with the site. Check them out if you have a special need for your site.

What! Rutgers Can't Play in the Title Game?

It took them 137 years, but Rutgers has finally turned around its program. It was the first time that a ranked Rutgers team had played a ranked opponent. Now we find this hard to believe, because we thought Princeton was No. 1 and Rutgers was No. 2 in the Harris poll when they met in 1869. Turns out, we were wrong. The Scarlet Knights justified that earlier victory over Illinois, so now what? You're telling us an undefeated West Virginia or Louisville would have played in the BCS title game, but an undefeated Rutgers can't? This is one of the topics we will be discussing Friday night on "Sports Overnight America." The fun begins around 11:30 p.m. (Pacific) and if you don't get a local affiliate, you can listen in on Sirius 122, or over the Internet at Sports Byline. It's also available on the Armed Forces Network. Please join us!

Generic or Name Brand?

First off, excuse us for not running a shot of NCAA president Myles Brand, the guy who pulls down $870,000 a year, more than every public university president in this great land of ours. What we have here is an image of normal, everyday college students, clearly exhausted after another challenging day. Kids like these have to go it alone. They have to pay their way, often having to work while going to school, and don't have luxuries such as scholarships, top-flight tutors or state-of-the-art buildings where they can study away from the rest of the riff-raff. Those kind of perks belong to "student-athletes," the ones who bring in the cash and make it possible for Brand to "earn" his $870,000. So golly gee, imagine our reaction when Brand announced Thursday that the overall graduation rate for Division I athletes rose by one percentage point from 2005 to 2006. And 63% of all scholarship athletes who entered Division I colleges in 1999 had graduated within six years, compared to 61% of all students at those institutions. When you're the CEO, you have to let everybody know you are doing a great job. But we have to wonder what the graduation rate would be for the general student body if it had access to tutors and academic centers and everybody could be on scholarship and not worrying about paying the rent.

Cardinal Sins

They rebuilt Stanford Stadium in the off-season and from the looks of it, the finished product is nothing short of spectacular. Now the Cardinal have to rebuild their football team, which is likely headed for a winless season. Although Walt Harris is in only his second season, he has a new boss in athletic director Bob Bowlsby. And Cardinal Report says Bowlsby might be eyeing Dan McCarney to replace Harris. Bowlsby and McCarney, who announced this week that he would be stepping down as Iowa State coach at the end of the season, developed a friendship back in 2000 through former Iowa assistant Bob Elliott, now the defensive coordinator at San Diego State. McCarney and Elliott were teammates at Iowa and have been friends ever since. Frankly, this appears to be a bit of a longshot, but it's worth monitoring. A word of thanks to Image of Sport for the terrific shots of the new Stanford Stadium and Harris. Image of Sport is a premium photo service. If you are in the publishing business or just like top-notch photography, take a look at their gallery.

The Mother of All Comebacks

A lot of crazy things have happened this season, including Oregon's stunning comeback to defeat Oklahoma, 34-33. (OK, so the referees helped.) But nothing can match what happened 35 years ago in what is known as the Miracle Game at UC Davis. The Aggies stunned Cal State Hayward, 30-29, by scoring 16 points in the final 20 seconds. And the crazy thing is that Davis did it with no timeouts. The 1971 game film is still a major part of team lore, and a key member of that Aggie squad was none other than Mike Bellotti, a tight end. "I truly believe that you're never out of a game," said Bellotti, now the coach at Oregon. "That game was probably the catalyst for that belief."

Reporters' Notebooks

Troy Phillips, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Tough 2006 for North Texas' Darrell Dickey. In February, he had his gall bladder removed. In June, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In October, he suffered a heart attack. On Wednesday, he was fired as coach.

Bill Cole, Winston-Salem Journal: No surprise here: Butch Davis has agreed to become the new coach at North Carolina, according to three sources.

Wendell Barnhouse, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Conference calls. A look at the bowl possibilities for the 11 I-A conferences, plus the independents.

George Schroeder, Oklahoman: Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith's winning Heisman moment? It came when Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone (registration).

Jim Polzin, Capital Times: Rest easy, Wisconsin fans. That 2007 game against UNLV in Las Vegas won't be moved to Lambeau Field.

Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch: With Michigan just around the corner for Ohio State, does former Buckeye coach Woody Hayes rest in peace?

Randy King, Roanoke Times: See what clean living will do for you? Virginia Tech has cut back on the penalties and the victories are piling up.

John Mackovic, Desert Sun: The former coach says sideline crashes like the one that took down Joe Paterno are difficult to escape.

Ted Miller, Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Pac-10 notebook. Is USC just a shell of its former self, or are the Trojans primed to break out against Oregon?

Michael Rosenberg, Detroit Free Press: Opponents of building luxury boxes atop Michigan Stadium got a small victory in Tuesday's elections.

Associated Press: Joe Paterno will miss his first game since 1977 on doctor's orders. Gee, and what was the Wiz saying back on Monday?

Fight On

You might remember the classic shot taken last January at the Rose Bowl showing USC cheerleader Natalie Nelson cheering a score by Texas in the Rose Bowl. We are happy to report that Natalie has re-emerged. At least we believe this to be the same Natalie. She is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Los Angeles magazine, promoting an article titled, "Trojans Rule! Why USC Kicks UCLA's Sorry Butt."

Winds of Change for Cyclones

Dan McCarney likely was given two options: Resign as Iowa State coach or be fired. The dean of Big 12 coaches took the high road and resigned Wednesday, setting the stage for the most bizarre of press conferences. Normally the outgoing coach and athletic director — in this case Jamie Pollard — don't share the stage. But there they were, shaking hands, talking glowingly about each other, both men seemingly near tears at times. McCarney received several ovations from former players and current Cyclone athletes in attendance. McCarney won't be out of work long, and as mentioned Wednesday, he might someday be the head coach at Miami. You can watch the entire press conference at Cyclones.com (right-hand side of the page under free events) or here (left-hand side of page). It lasts about an hour. So who do the Cyclones hire? Most people say they need somebody like Dan McCarney. The top candidates, according to Tom Dienhart of the Sporting News, are San Diego coach Jim Harbaugh and Denver Broncos assistant Tim Brewster.

This Wouldn't Happen at Elvis' Graceland

Most people have never heard of Graceland University. It's located in Lamoni, Iowa, and its best known alum is a guy named Bruce Jenner, who eventually gave up football for track and field and won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympics. But there are big problems these days at Graceland. Police have issued a warrant for Leonard Smith, an assistant football coach. Smith is suspected of stealing a car belonging to head coach Cris Welch and a player's credit card. Police determined that the missing credit card had been used at a Wal-Mart in Bethany, Mo., reviewed a videotape of the transaction and determined it was Smith who was using the card. "I feel it's unfortunate, but I really don't have anything to say about it," Welch said. The Yellowjackets, by the way, are 6-3 and ranked No. 21 in NAIA entering Saturday's game in Olathe, Kan., against dreaded Mid-America Nazarene.

Scarlet Fever

Rutgers plays perhaps its biggest game since, oh, that Nov. 6, 1869 classic against Princeton. You think we're joking, don't you? Well check out this video and tell us the last time you can remember this happening in Piscataway? Louisville, fresh off its 44-34 victory against West Virginia and in prime position for a berth to the BCS title game, is coming to town for Thursday night's nationally televised game. Both teams are undefeated, but only Louisville is getting mentioned as national championship timber. The Cardinals are No. 3 in the BCS standings and the Scarlet Knights are No. 13. A Rutgers' victory and undefeated season would certainly bring more embarrassment on BCS pollsters. Toss in the memory of Louisville's 56-5 victory last season and it's easy to see why Scarlet Knights fans are fired up (registration).

Reporters' Notebooks

Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Joe Paterno may not have liked it, but Bret Bielema's tactic to exploit a loophole in rule 3-2-5-e is drawing praise from coaches.

Mark Tupper, Decatur Herald & Review: Many Illinois fans believe they'll be seeing Chief Illiniwek's final football halftime dance Saturday.

Laurence Miedema, San Jose Mercury News: The biggest game in recent San Jose State history won't be televised because of a spat between ESPN and the Western Athletic Conference.

Jacob Messer, Charleston Daily Mail: West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton will need surgery after the season to repair an injured right wrist.

Mark Kiszla, Denver Post: The Big 12 Conference needs change. The structure of the North and South divisions simply doesn't work.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: The Hlist. Ball State made alum David Letterman proud by hanging tough with Michigan (subscription, so story is in comments).

Jim Masliak, Commercial Appeal: Conference USA notebook. Saturday's games should go a long way toward sorting out the East and West divisions.

Is Alvarez Getting the Itch to Coach Again?

Barry Alvarez back in coaching? Absolutely. The Wiz made that bold prediction last November. And now there are rumblings that Alvarez could be in line to take over at Miami if Larry Coker is fired. The Alvarez-to-Miami talk has been around for some time, fueled by Alvarez's connection with Miami president Donna Shalala, who was chancellor at Wisconsin when Alvarez came aboard. Now this is where it gets interesting. Tom Dienhart of the Sporting News says if Alvarez becomes the Miami coach and athletic director, look for him to bring Iowa State coach Dan McCarney along as defensive coordinator. McCarney, the dean of Big 12 coaches who is close to losing his job, would ascend to the head coaching slot when Alvarez slides up to the athletic director's chair. Dienhart also has plenty of other tidbits from the coaching carousel, including word that the Michigan State job is Steve Mariucci's to take.
Update: Iowa State's McCarney is stepping down, according to KCCI Des Moines.

'They Were Bookmakers - No Suits and Ties'

There was no place like it in its heyday. A college football Saturday at the Stardust sports book was something to experience. But no more. They closed the joint last week after 48 years to make room for bigger and better, something called Echelon Place, which will run the Boyd Group $4 billion to build. The Stardust set the lines on games, and Scotty Schettler, who ran the sports book from 1983-1991, said, "Nobody would make a move without seeing our numbers." The uncanny accuracy of the Stardust's pointspreads resulted in huge profits. For six years in a row, the sports book never sustained a losing month. The secret? Hiring the right people to help come up with the lines. "I hired all guys from back East," Schettler said. "Kansas City was the furthest west I ever hired anybody from. They were bookmakers — no suits and ties."

Architect of Anti-Gambling Bill a Loser

Representative Jim Leach of Iowa, right, who spearheaded the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, has been voted out of office. He lost his 2nd District race to challenger Dave Loebsack. Leach's measure, which was tucked into a bill aimed at enhancing port security, was signed into law last month by President Bush. It made it illegal for banks or credit card companies to process transactions involving Internet gambling. In short, you can't play online poker or put a few simoleons down on your team to cover the spread. Two other political developments of note. Lynn Swann, the former USC receiver and ABC sideline reporter, was routed by incumbent Ed Rendell in his attempt to become governor of Pennsylvania. Heath Shuler, the former Tennessee and NFL quarterback, is headed back to Washington. He defeated Representative Charles Taylor in North Carolina's 11th District.

Columnists' Corner

Paul Finebaum, Mobile Press-Register: The question is no longer whether Alabama's Mike Shula will be fired, but when.

Kevin Scarbinsky, Birmingham News: Louisville is good, but good enough to play for the national title?

Joe Biddle, Tennessean: Nobody can deliver a slap on the wrist quite like Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer.

Lynn Henning, Detroit News: Steve Mariucci or Butch Davis coaching Michigan State? It could be only days before yet another Spartan catastrophe is announced.

Eric Hansen, South Bend Tribune: Crewcut Charlie Weis on students showing up outside his office at 4:30 a.m., trolling for autographs: "Sickos, I'll tell you."

Bob Lutz, Wichita Eagle: Who could revive Wichita State football? How about Bill Snyder?

Reporters' Notebooks

Kevin Haskin, Topeka Capital-Journal: Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, with his team leading Baylor by 34 points, decided to challenge a call with 2:05 remaining in the game.

Dave Dye, Detroit News: Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo said friend Steve Mariucci would be a good fit to run the football program.

Charles Elmore, Palm Beach Post: Florida Atlantic is considering building a $146.9 million domed on-campus stadium.

Emily Badger, South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Holiday in Boise? Miami and Florida State are in the mix for the MPC Computers Bowl.

Andy Staples, Tampa Tribune: Florida receiver Nyan Boateng has been suspended from the team after he was stabbed in the leg during a fight with a female student.

Ray Parrillo, Philadelphia Inquirer: Even if Rutgers were to go undefeated, it might not be enough to make the BCS title game.

Chuck Finder, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Big East soft? West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez says other conferences are "way overrated."

Doug Lesmerises, Plain Dealer: Louisville and Ohio State in the BCS title game? It might be a more competitive game than you think.

Curt McKeever, Lincoln Journal Star: Big 12 stock report. Kansas is on the rise and Kansas State is set to take a tumble.

Gary Estwick, Fresno Bee: Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh is evaluating the merits of a softer schedule for the Bulldogs.

Irv Moss, Denver Post: For the first time in 169 games, Notre Dame fans in South Bend won't be able to see the Irish on free or cable TV.

Doug Segrest, Birmingham News: Second look. Snapshots from the past weekend's games.

A Copycat Crime

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema's slick move that exploited a loophole in the new 3-2-5-e rule Saturday didn't go unnoticed. North Dakota State coach Craig Bohl was among those watching the Penn State-Wisconsin game and copied Bielema's strategy in the Bison's 28-24 victory at California Davis. After North Dakota State scored with four seconds remaining to take the lead, Bohl intentionally had his kickoff team go offside. Because the new rule calls for the clock to start when the kicker touches the ball, the four seconds ran off the clock. Davis never had a chance to set up a return because Bison players had surrounded the Aggies' Nevan Bergan when he fielded the ball at his two-yard line. The five-yard offside penalty was enforced and North Dakota State had to kick again. This time kicker Shawn Bibeau booted a dribbler that went about 20 yards downfield that was easily covered. "I think when the pendulum swings, it swings too far," Bohl said. "I understand the intent of the rule. It had an impact on the Wisconsin game." When Bohl first told his players about his plan to kick twice, "One player said, 'Coach, that means we have to tackle them twice,' " Bohl said. "Well, that's your job." ... Meanwhile former Badger coach Barry Alvarez praised Bielema for exploiting the rule. "It was a hell of a call," Alvarez said. "If Joe Paterno does that everyone says it's genius." ... This brings us to this week's breakdown on the impact of 3-2-5-e from Marty of the terrific cfbstats. One note: The Texas-Oklahoma State game on TBS, which was supposed to be almost commercial-free because of a unique sponsorship deal, clocked in at 3:09, which tied for the 24th longest game of the week. We didn't see that game, so we're not sure why it ran so long. Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent for his help (some registration).

Overall...G........Plays......Plays/G....Min.......Min/G......Time/G
2005......541.....91195.....168.57.....108094*....200.71.....3:20:10
2006......586.....89332.....152.44....109287.....186.50.....3:06.30
* missing game duration of Toledo-Ball State 10/15/2005

Year......G........Points.....Pts/G
2005......541.....28367.....52.43
2006......586.....27703.....47.27

Year.......G.....1H Pts....1H Pts/G...2H Pts....2H Pts/G...OT
2005......541...14303.....26.44......13699.....25.32.......365
2006......586...14439.....24.64......12935.....22.07.......329

Here are the shortest games from Week 10:
Northwestern State-Mississippi State: 2:32
Arkansas State-Auburn: 2:35
Brigham Young-Colorado State: 2:38
Kent State-Buffalo: 2:40
Navy-Duke: 2:41

Here are the longest games from Week 10:
Georgia Tech-North Carolina State: 3:50
Louisiana State-Tennessee: 3:41
Tulane-Marshall: 3:29
West Virginia-Louisville: 3:28
Pittsburgh-South Florida: 3:23

Others Don't Dare Go There, but We Will

Yea, Joe Paterno really doesn't play those low blocks like he used to, does he? As we first suspected, Paterno is hurt and hurt bad. What was initially described as some kind of strain has become a broken shin bone in his left leg and ligament damage to his left knee. More medical information will be released Monday and we can promise you this: It won't be good. This is about spin control, ladies and gentlemen. One look at the video below (kudos to the terrific The M Zone for finding it on YouTube) and word that Paterno flew home privately from Madison ahead of the rest of the team were enough to tell us his injuries were serious. But guess what? Temple is coming to town, and that's an automatic victory, so Paterno plans to "coach" on Saturday, Nittany Lion officials say. After all, he is only four victories behind Bobby Bowden, so you can't pass up an opportunity to notch an easy one in the victory column now, can you? Paterno on the sidelines? We'd be stunned. (What do his doctors say about this?) Maybe — maybe! — the press box. Seriously, we want the best for Paterno, and right now health should be No. 1 on his list, not some stupid football game. Now before you flame us, we've taken a tour of the Penn State boards and yes, some Nittany Lion fans are talking openly about the possibility of Paterno stepping down. Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley is regarded as the odds-on favorite to replace Paterno, but before we go that far, let's hope Paterno recovers from his injuries. One last thing: Thanks to Kevin of We Are Penn State for digging up the photo of the Paterno statue — complete with bandage and sign — outside Beaver Stadium.

Did Sooners Cheat? You Betcha!

If you haven't figured it out by now, we're in a snarly mood today. Next on our list: The Oklahoma Sooners. We now have the evidence to prove that the Sooners cheated. First, let's explain what happened. Oklahoma was leading Texas A&M, 17-16, and the Sooners faced a fourth-and-one situation from their 29 with 1:29 left. Now rather than do the logical thing and punt, coach Bob Stoops went for the first down. This really got us on the edge of our seat, because failing to get the yard would mean the Aggies would get the ball in field goal range. Basically, a gift-wrapped victory. Now Stoops had to think twice about this. He called a timeout just before the Sooners snapped the ball on their first try. When his unit returned to the field, quarterback Paul Thompson ran a quarterback sneak and after being stopped initially, he "surged" forward to get the yard. However, Thompson got a little help on the play from his fullback, who shoved the quarterback ahead much like Reggie Bush did to Matt Leinart in USC's victory over Notre Dame last season, the famed "Bush Push" that we first reported here. When we heard there was a flag on the field, we initially thought that somebody was actually going to call an infraction on the Sooners. Turns out, the Aggies — famous for the 12th man — actually had 12 men on the field! How in the name of Dennis Franchione can you screw that up? ... But here is the rule once again about helping a runner, in case any officials happen to stop by today: Rule 9, Section 3, Article 2B states: "The runner shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team shall grasp, push, lift or charge into him to assist him in forward progress." The penalty for such an infraction is five yards from the basic spot. We should have had offsetting penalties on the play. Also of note: Analyst Bob Davie even mentioned "the Bush Push" on the first fourth-down try, the no-play because Stoops called his timeout. As they say, it's only cheating if you get caught, and Stoops had his fullback push Thompson twice. The second time is even more blatant than the first.

Week 11

The biggest upset of the past week? It had to be Central Michigan. Oh, the Chippewas won the game, but they failed to cover the all-important spread. Central Michigan was the last of the unbeatens, having covered the spread in every game until the Owls' superhuman effort put the first blemish on the Chippewas' official record, which of course is kept in Las Vegas. Four teams are now 8-1 against the number: Brigham Young, Nevada, East Carolina and, of course, Central Michigan. Let us remind you that Texas finished No. 1 in Vegas last year, and the Longhorns also won that BCS thing, whatever that's worth. So if Ohio State harbors thoughts of winning the title, the Buckeyes are going to have to improve on their 8-2 mark and hope for a little luck. That brings us to this week's games and Doc's Sports, which has all the numbers. Action begins Tuesday, with Toledo visiting Northern Illinois. Skip to Thursday's biggie: Louisville at Rutgers. This is one of only three competitive games in the watered-down Big East, and Louisville needs to win for a shot at the BCS title game. Also on Thursday: Buffalo at Akron and Wyoming at Brigham Young. Friday brings us Western Michigan at Central Michigan and Texas El Paso at Alabama Birmingham. Among the gems Saturday: Miami at Maryland; Wake Forest at Florida State; Nebraska at Texas A&M; Tennessee at Arkansas; South Carolina at Florida; Texas Tech at Oklahoma and Oregon at USC. Please pay a visit to our friends at Doc's.

'You're Going on YouTube!'

A UCLA fan gets the crap beat out of him at halftime of the Bruins' game against California at Berkeley. Now the best part of this comes around the 1:45 mark when the person filming the video yells to the Bruin fan, "You're going on YouTube!" Thanks to Zach of The Big Picture and U Dub Dish for finding this gem.
Update: The video, which was taken down, is back up! And Bruins Nation, which has a different angle, says the guy who stands up is not a UCLA fan. Rather he's a Cal fan. Go figure.
Update II: Video has been taken down a second time. Below is the video from another angle, first found by Bruins Nation.

The 3-2-5-e Loophole Is Exploited

Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema exploits the new 3-2-5-e rule, designed to shorten games. After scoring a touchdown with 23 seconds left in the first half against Penn State, the Badgers successfully run out the clock and keep the Penn State offense off the field by twice being offsides on the kickoff. As for shortening the game, this clip is 6:06 long (worth every second, in our opinion), meaning the final 23 seconds took much longer to run under 3-2-5-e than it would have under the old rules. And a good job by analyst Paul Maguire for picking up on what Bielema was up to. Because the rules can't be changed in the middle of the season, we can only hope other coaches do the same to hasten the repeal of 3-2-5-e in the offseason.
Update: We have our first incident of a coach copying Bielema's move. North Dakota State's Craig Bohl, who watched the Penn State-Wisconsin game, used Bielema's tactics during the Bison's 28-24 victory over dreaded California Davis. And please check out the rest of our humble blog.

Health Is More Important Than Coaching

Anybody who saw Joe Paterno being carted off Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday had to feel for the 79-year-old Penn State coach. Paterno suffered an injury to his left knee on the fourth play of the second half of a 13-3 loss to Wisconsin when Nittany Lion tight end Andrew Quarless rolled into the coach. Although defensive coordinator Tom Bradley tried to be lighthearted about Paterno's condition — "I told him he's not playing those low blocks like he used to." — you have to worry about the severity of the injury. If Paterno has a serious knee injury, the question becomes this: Is it wise for Paterno to keep coaching? We say this out of concern for Paterno, noting that this is the second game he has left early. You'll recall his departure at Ohio State, attributed to a flu bug, and his reemergence wearing a different pair of pants. If Paterno's knee injury is serious, he likely won't be back on the sideline this season, and he won't be active on the recruiting circuit because he would be facing a long rehab. The priority becomes Paterno's health and frankly, coaching should come second.
Add Paterno: Penn State officials also asked for and received an apology from ABC after analyst Craig James, right, applauded Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema for exploiting a loophole in the 3-2-5-e rule that is designed to shorten games. The move infuriated Paterno and James applauded Bielema's smarts: "Way to go, coach Bielema — give it to the old fart."
Update: Here is the YouTube video of James calling Paterno and "old fart":

Carolina Blue, Davis Appear to Be a Fit

If Butch Davis wants the North Carolina job, it's his. That's the word coming out of the Tar Heel state, thanks to a terrific roundup of all the activity from 850 The Buzz (unquestionably, one of the best radio blogs out there). First to report that discussions between Davis and North Carolina were serious was Carolina Blue. Other reports followed, including Davis starting to assemble a staff should he reach an agreement. Neither Davis or his agent, Marvin Demoff, returned a call to Winston-Salem Journal reporter Bill Cole, likely another indication that something is up. Although Davis never won a national championship in his six seasons as coach of Miami, he is credited with lifting the program out of the dregs of NCAA probation and laying the groundwork for the Hurricanes to return to national prominence. A year after Davis left, Miami won the 2001 national title under Larry Coker. Critics of Coker say he was a big winner early in his tenure because he profited with players who were recruited by Davis, who has been working for the NFL Network since he was fired by the Cleveland Browns.

BCS Guru: Louisville Up to No. 3

We strive to bring you tomorrow's news today, and the big question surrounding the Bowl Championship Series standings is who will be No. 3? The BCS Guru has projected that Louisville will move ahead of Florida and into the No. 3 slot. This puts the Cardinals in position to gain a berth in the BCS title game against the Michigan-Ohio State winner. Now there is a lot of football left to be played, including Thursday night's big game between Louisville and Rutgers. The projected standings, according to the Guru: 1. Ohio State; 2. Michigan; 3. Louisville; 4. Florida; 5. Texas; 6. Auburn; 7. USC; 8. California; 9. Notre Dame; 10. West Virginia. And there appears to be good news for Boise State fans. Check it all out at the Guru.

To Oregon, It's Good Knight

In the '80s, Oregon used to hold position meetings at the end of the tunnels to Autzen Stadium — drawing X's and O's on the walls like Neanderthals — or in cramped storage rooms with chairs stacked next to mops and buckets. But when Oregon broke through in 1994 and went to the Rose Bowl, it caught the attention of alum Phil Knight, the richest man south of Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The money started flowing into the Oregon athletic program, including a $40 million donation to a 13,000-seat expansion of Autzen and roughly $8 million to the Moshofsky Center, the Ducks' indoor practice facility. The school's relationship with Knight has been rocky at times, but there is no denying the impact the Nike co-founder has had on the football team.

Reporters' Notebooks

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: Because of the decline of the Big 12 North, Saturday's Missouri-Nebraska game is about as meaningless as some of those campaign promises we'll hear during the next few days.

Michael Pointer, Indianapolis Star: The Big Ten is the only power conference to mandate that its teams complete regular-season play by Thanksgiving, a rule most coaches dislike.

Ron Higgins, Commercial Appeal: Big money, big stress. There has been an increase of heart attacks and surgeries among coaches in their mid-40s to early 50s, especially in Division I-A (registration).

Jeff Carroll, South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn's quest for the Heisman appears doomed because of one misstep against Michigan.

Scott D. Pierce, Deseret Morning News: CBS couldn't care less about Mountain West Conference telecasts.

Ted Lewis, Times-Picayune: An Ohio-based trucking company is the new title sponsor of the New Orleans Bowl.

Best Seat in the House

It appears not all Louisville fans had their eyes on the game Thursday night. This shot, said to be of ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews, has been posted to a Louisville board. We can all thank the Midwest Correspondent for this one. Click on the photo for a closer inspection. And remember to check out the rest of our site. You can do so by clicking here.

Louisville Sluggers

If you missed Thursday night's West Virginia-Louisville game, you can see it from start to finish in only 1 minute 15 seconds. The Louisville Courier-Journal has posted a presentation of time-lapse photos shot from high above Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Photographer Michael Clevenger chronicled fans streaming into the stadium to the celebration on the field after the Cardinals' 44-34 victory. The presentation does not run on the Safari browser, but works fine on Firefox. Louisville is now the new beast of the Big East and in position for a possible bid to the Bowl Championship Series title game, scheduled for Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz. The Mountaineers likely fumbled away their opportunity because of a sloppy third quarter. Next up for Louisville is Rutgers, and tickets for next Thursday night's game are a hot item on eBay.

Crystal Ball

Double D, Boston Herald: With Florida State's stock at a new low, it's time to invest in the Seminoles.

Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News: Oklahoma is coming to College Station, but Texas A&M will not be intimidated.

Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News: He is already off to a bad start after going 2-3 last week, dropping his record to 23-24-3.

Jody Demling, Louisville Courier-Journal: You could bet on the Breeders' Cup, or you could take a look at the Georgia-Kentucky game.

Betting Fool, San Francisco Chronicle: Why don't we just give the national title to Ohio State right now?

For the latest lines, check with Doc's Sports. And thanks to Hester Graphics for all the help with the site. Check them out if you have a special need for your site.

Reporters' Notebooks

John Maher, Austin American-Statesman: This should be interesting. Viewers of Saturday's Texas-Oklahoma State game on TBS will be treated to an almost commercial-free broadcast (registration).

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald: Former Miami receiver Michael Irvin says that coach Larry Coker should be replaced at the end of the season (registration).

Ron Morris, Columbia State: A "GameDay" embarrassment, debris thrown on the field during a loss to Tennessee and a Southeastern Conference crackdown on the rooster crow over the public address system. It has not been the best of weeks for South Carolina.

Steve Ellis, Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State president T.K. Wetherell says "we're not going to hire [Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator] Norm Chow" to replace Bobby Bowden.

Maurice Patton, Tennessean: The new clock rules are resulting in shorter games and a decrease in rushing yardage in SEC games, coaches say.

Mark Berman, Roanoke Times: Clemson officials do not want to press charges against a Tiger fan who hit coach Tommy Bowden with a mini glass liquor bottle during the loss at Virginia Tech.

Wendell Barnhouse, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: The must-read conference calls. A look at the championship races in the 11 I-A conferences (registration).

Brent Schrotenboer, San Diego Union-Tribune: Rookie mistakes. Chuck Long's first season as San Diego State coach has been an endless line of kinks.

Ted Miller, Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Pac-10 notebook. USC has competition in its quest for a dynasty. Ohio State's five-year run looks to be equal with the Trojans' recent accomplishments.

Lansing State Journal: John L. Smith talks about Michigan State's decision to fire him as coach and his tenure at the school.

Where Does Michigan State Go From Here?

Now that John L. Smith and Michigan State have finalized their divorce, who will become the Spartans' next coach? If he's interested, Steve Mariucci, the former Detroit Lion, San Francisco 49er and California Golden Bear coach, could make a play for the job. Mariucci's best friend is Spartan basketball coach Tom Izzo, the de facto athletic director. Having Izzo lead the search might not be a bad idea, especially considering that athletic director Ron Mason passed on Urban Meyer in 2002. But the problems run deep at East Lansing, and getting it right this time might require a culture change. And even though Mariucci could be a popular choice, not everybody believes he is the right man for the job.

Game of the Week

We have good news and bad news for West Virginia fans. First the bad news: Mark Mathis, our pigskin prophet, is here to shake things up. He's going to make fun of you and we are going to laugh and laugh hard at your expense. Now before you get angry, here's the good news: In the end, you will have the last laugh. Why? Because the beloved Mountaineers are going to beat Louisville on Thursday night in our game of the week. This is certain to ignite a new round of couch burnings in Morgantown. Take this to the bank because Mathis' record is a sparkling 8-1. Those who have been following our advice have already put a sizable down on that new Ferrari. So let's do this! Mark, take it away:

"When I lived in Charlotte I went to the Continental Tire Bowl. Next to Oklahoma, West Virginians are second on my list. Those people are crazier than a bucket full of squirrels and dumber than a box full of hair!

"Question: Why do ducks fly over West Virginia upside down?
Answer: There's nothing worth crapping on!"

"Q. How do you know the toothbrush was invented in West Virginia?
A. If it was invented anywhere else, it would have been called a teethbrush."

"Why do folks from West Virginia go to the movie theater in groups of 18 or more? Seventeen and under not admitted. ... Why did O.J. Simpson want to move to West Virginia? Everyone has the same DNA. ... Did you hear that the governor's mansion in West Virginia burned down? Almost took out the whole trailer park."

"West Virginia still wins, 34-28. Clear at kickoff with a gametime temperature of 45 and a north wind. Peace out!"

C. Ray Hall, Louisville Courier-Journal: This is the biggest game in the history of Louisville football and scalpers are cashing in.

Mickey Furfari, Charleston Daily Mail: Perhaps the Big East made a mistake in accepting Louisville as a member.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times: It's the moment of truth for West Virginia, which should have an inside track to the BCS title game with a victory.

Louisville Courier-Journal: What do the experts think? The paper gets the breakdown from members of the national media.

We Must Ignite This Couch: The West Virginia fan site comes with this note of caution: This site is for entertainment purposes only.

We Report, You Decide

The Big 12 has completed its review of the officiating in Saturday's Texas-Texas Tech game and neither league officials or Red Raider athletic director Gerald Myers had much to say regarding the findings. On Monday, Texas Tech send a videotape of 18 calls, no-calls or rulings that it disputed in a 35-31 loss to the Longhorns in Lubbock. Now one fan has taken it upon himself to break down the game film and detail several of the calls in question. Joe of the fine site Irish Round Table alerted us to these videos, and neither he or the Wiz have a dog in this fight. But the combined 14 minutes of video detail some iffy calls. And just to be fair, there no doubt were instances of Texas Tech players getting by with shenanigans in the game. Also take note that we didn't hear any complaints from the Red Raiders last Nov. 19 when they benefited from several controversial calls in a 23-21 victory over Oklahoma. Texas Tech officials even used the final controversial play of that game in a promotional campaign. Nonetheless, the hardcore fans in our audience will want to take a look at what happened Saturday in Lubbock. Video one (it takes a few seconds to get rolling) is above this post and the second video is below.

Hit of the Year?

Minnesota was routed by Ohio State, 44-0, but the Golden Gophers did have one highlight. Safety Dominic Jones of Minnesota flattens receiver Ray Small of the Buckeyes. And we mean flatten. You'll want to check this one out a couple of times.

Please, No Cheering on the Sidelines

Former Ohio State quarterback and ESPN "GameDay" co-host Kirk Herbstreit might have been taught to take it one game at a time as a player, but the "journalist" — seen jumping on the back of former Buckeye running back Eddie George after a Mike Doss interception in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl — is already looking ahead, the Detroit News reports. Herbstreit, who hosts a talk show on WBNS 1460 in Columbus, has started ripping rival Michigan, which plays Ohio State on Nov. 18 in Columbus. Here are some excerpts:
On the Michigan defense: I personally don't think their defense, the way Ohio State will spread them out, can just dominate the game and shut Ohio State down."
On what would happen if the Wolverines and Buckeyes played today: "If those two teams were to play right now, just the way they're playing, I don't even think it would be close. Ohio State not only wins that game the way they're playing right now, maybe by a few scores."
On Michigan receiver Steve Breaston: "He's worthless in my mind, outside of returning a few punts. I'll say that, and he'll end up winning the game for them on Nov. 18. But he hasn't done anything since his freshman year."
On Wolverine fans leaving last Saturday's home game against Northwestern early: "If you're a Michigan fan, honestly, help me to understand, you have a team that is No. 2 in the country, you only get a chance to see them play at home six or seven times and you bail in the second quarter."

Bulldogs Without a Bite

Less than a year ago, Fresno State went toe to toe with No. 1 USC at the L.A. Coliseum. Only a joystick performance by the Trojans' Reggie Bush, who gained 513 total yards, kept the Bulldogs from a stunning upset. It has been nothing but hard times for Fresno State since that 50-42 loss. The Bulldogs have gone 1-9, but coach Pat Hill is not buying the USC-hangover theory. "I'm not going to say the SC game is the reason we had a slide.... We'll make another run. And it might be next year," he said. On Wednesday night, Fresno State gets a shot at ruining Boise State's run to an undefeated season, but even a victory could be costly to the Bulldogs. If the Broncos were to lose, it would end their hopes of a bid to a Bowl Championship Series game. That would mean each team in the Western Athletic Conference would lose out on approximately $500,000. Even though Boise State is on a roll, not everybody in the conference believes the Broncos are the best team at the moment. New Mexico State's Hal Mumme, whose team has played Boise and Hawaii, says the Rainbows are the better team. Hawaii, by the way, can become the first team to secure a bowl bid with a victory over Utah State.

Send Us Your Scoop

It's fairly obvious by now that we need help. A lot of help. Professionals have told us this for years. So don't be shy. If you see something that might interest our audience, please let us know. The address is dawizofodds (at) aol.com. YouTube, message boards, college newspapers, websites, radio talk shows, your hometown paper ... it's all in play here. This site is about contributions from readers, and we can't express how much we appreciate your help. Photos? We love photos. In exchange, we'll plug any site you request. And for the journalists in the audience (we hear from plenty of you already), send us a URL of a story you want featured. Yes, we wish that we could offer mounds of cash, but much like your employer, all we really offer is credit.

Reporters' Notebooks

Carol Slezak, Chicago Sun-Times: Terrific piece on the NCAA's findings from the "Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics." In other words, a bunch of hogwash. Thanks to reader Dan for sending this.

Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Busy day in Lubbock. The Texas Tech staff, feeling their team was ripped off in the loss to Texas, sent a videotape of controversial calls to the Big 12. Then three players were arrested in connection with a residential burglary. Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent.

Jake Schaller, Colorado Springs Gazette: Tempers are flaring among the brave fighting men of the Air Force football team.

Jeff D'Alessio, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The best one-loss team? Former coaches say it won't be the loser of the West Virginia-Louisville game (registration).

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Indiana might be one win from becoming bowl eligible, but the Hoosiers still can't draw flies (subscription, so story is in comments).

Tom Mulhern, Wisconsin State Journal: Penn State's Joe Paterno nixed a Wisconsin suggestion to play Saturday's game at night because "we had to come home and play the next week [against Temple]."

Ryan Finley, Arizona Daily Star: Pacific 10 notebook. Oregon State's stunning victory over USC might be an indication that other teams in the conference are catching up with the Trojans.

Jim Masilak, Commercial Appeal: Conference USA notebook. East Carolina, under Skip Holtz, has taken a giant step back to respectability (registration).

Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate: If two plays had been different, Louisiana State might be 8-0 instead of 6-2.