Jason Sehorn Part I: On USC, College Football and Unsavory Agents

In addition to Keyshawn Johnson, we caught up yesterday with another former USC Trojan (and NFL cornerback) Jason Sehorn. Sehorn, who is now doing color for Army home football games on CBS College Sports Network, was outspoken about issues affecting players in both the college and pro ranks.

We broke the interview up into two segments. Below is the NCAA-focused portion.

We asked Sehorn specifically about the state of the USC program - which he deems a double standard compared to what other programs have faced for worse offecses. This lead to a conversation about the recent SI cover story, Confessions of an agent, in which Josh Luchs dimes out the entire industry.

Sehorn notes just how rampant agents, or more specifically their bag men, are on campuses, and how their is no apparent way to combat it:

"The NCAA turns a blind eye to it. They only want the ones that are obvious. They don’t understand that every single campus with talented kids who are going to be first or second round picks have...runners. He’s the one handing out the money...

It’s rampant. It’s everywhere. The universities are aware of it. They can’t stop it. There’s nothing you can do to it. Because the people who are associated with it aren’t physically agents. So you can’t suspend them. They’re not committing a crime yet. Because they’re not an agent."

Watch Part I:



Sehorn joined Johnson in promoting 1 Million Poses, a program in which for every Captain Morgan pose people upload to the brand's Facebook page, they will donate a dollar to promoting responsible drinking.

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The Cynic’s Guide to College Football: Week 2

I must start off with some sad news. As you may have noticed, there was no Week One wrapup posted last week. This is because I was hiding out and waiting for the investigation to blow over while I planned how to spend all the blogger money that nice guy from Nigeria tells me should be here any day now. But unfortunately, it looks like that’s not how it’s going to go down. So, it is with deep regret, I am announcing that I will be returning the “Participant” ribbon I earned during my third grade field day. I apologize for any embarrassment I may have caused to my fellow classmates and the fine instructors at Benjamin Franklin Elementary.

Wow, feels good to get that off my chest. Now, moving on to our cynical view of the first two weeks of college football . . .

You Be the Judge
Take a guess: 70’s porn star or 2010 college football player? (answer below)


Call It Like It Is
I know we all get sick of the coaches’ pregame press conferences before the national contender vs. weak sisters of the poor games, where they talk about how much respect they have for their opponent, how the other team has a lot of great athletes, blah blah blah. Well, kudos to Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops for finally telling like it is. Several OU fan friends of mine reported that, late in a struggling 31-24 win over Utah State, Bob Stoops could be heard yelling at his struggling secondary, “This is UTAH STATE we’re playing!” Yes, it was an unscripted moment, but kudos to Stoops for at least appealing to his players’ pride and pointing out that the game shouldn’t have been within 5 touchdowns by that point. (I’ve since heard the audio for myself, but have yet to find a link online. If anyone knows somewhere I can get it, please send it my way.)

C'mon, Bob. Tell us how you really feel.

The Biggest Loser
We’re only two weeks into the season, and we can already nominate the biggest loser of the season. And it’s a team that might not actually lose a game. A week ago, the talk was how Boise State, fresh off their win over Virginia Tech, could become the first non-BCS AQ school to play in the championship game. Then it happened. And by it, I mean Viriginia Tech pissing down their leg in a loss to in-state rival James Madison. And when I say rival, I mean they reside in the same state, but the similarity and competition pretty much ends there. Now, instead of Boise supporters pointing to that big signature regular season win they’d been lacking on their resume, the detractors now have ample evidence that Boise isn’t that good. You’re known by the company you keep. And if Boise’s best win is a last-minute victory over a team that loses at home to James Madison, fair or not, that doesn’t really speak well for Boise’s body of work.

I hear Tempe’s nice that time of year. But then you already knew that, didn’t you?

I Don’t Want to See A Replay of This
Last week, new Tennessee coach Derek Dooley had to give his players lessons in showering and proper hygiene after a handful of Vols players came down with staph infections. This is how low UT sunk under Lane Kiffin—the players had lost the ability to bathe themselves.

Maybe they hired the wrong guy.

Keeping Chiropractors in Business Since . . . Last Week
Don’t be surprised if a lot of folks in the stands at Kansas’ next home game are wearing neck braces. It’s hard to imagine a bigger case of whiplash than the one Jayhawks fans just experienced. KU started off the season with a debacle, losing 6-3 to I-AA (I still can’t get used to calling it FCS) North Dakota State. And one game in to his career, the seat was already getting pretty warm under new coach Turner Gill. But, one week later, the Jayhawks did a complete turnaround, upsetting #15 Georgia Tech. It’s hard to imagine a bigger one-week turnaround taking place. And with a very winnable schedule (only one ranked team--#8 Nebraska—left this year and no Texas or Oklahoma), all the hope that seemed to be lost after week one may slowly be returning to Lawrence.

“Excuse me, but does this come in blue?”

War Damn (Bye) Eagle
I don’t know who does the SEC scheduling, but I’m pretty sure he’s an Auburn alum. In looking at Alabama’s schedule, I noticed something—each of Bama’s last seven opponents have a bye the week before they have to face the Tide.

Be Careful What You Wish For
Speaking of scheduling, Nebraska may be second-guessing it’s decision to join the Big 10 next year. With the new divisions and schedules being announced recently, Nebraska’s conference schedule next season includes home games with Ohio State and Iowa, along with road tilts against Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan. Throw in nonconference games against Fresno State and Washington and, as one Lincoln writer put it, “The only thing missing from Nebraska's 2011, 2012 schedule is a cigarette and a blindfold.”

The Big 10’s version of rookie hazing.

Oh, and the answer to the photo question above: That’s Nebraska sophomore DE Cameron Meredith rocking the sweet ‘stache.

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I Plead The Tide, Yahonnah

After first reading this motion of continuance I found it hilarious, but now I'm unsure about its relative uniqueness. Considering how popular the Tide is in Alabama, and how often residents of Alabama are in court, you'd think something like this comes through the system every other day, wouldn't you?

I'm also not ruling out that the Defendent is EDSBS. Judge for yourself.

Here it is in its entirety:

This motion was filed yesterday in Jefferson County, Alabama. Enjoy. And, obviously, Roll Tide!

MOTION TO CONTINUE

Comes now Jon B. Terry, as one of the attorneys for the Defendants and would move to continue the current trial setting of January 4, 2010 and as grounds therefore would aver as follows:

1. This case was set for trial several months ago before certain monumental events occurred that were beyond the anticipation of the attorneys and the clients.

2. Since the setting of this case, one of the two great college football teams in this State has reached levels on a national scale that have not been enjoyed by any team in this State in 17 years next preceding the date hereof.

3. Currently, one of the two great teams in this State are playing for a national championship and has enjoyed an undefeated season and clinched the SEC Title Game.

4. Most of the attorneys representing all of the named Defendants have tickets and reservations to be in Pasadena on the 6th day of January, 2010, which date would conflict with the trial date as travel times and schedules for the game overlap the trial as currently set.

5. In fact, the Honorable Jim Lloyd has children that live in the area and is scheduled to be with them in California to celebrate the game and the Tide's success.

6. Attempts to resolve this conflict directly with the Plaintiffs has been unfruitful as the reply has been that they are for the other great team in this State who did not make the playoffs. Unfortunately, that response remains short-sighted as they may one day find themselves in the same position that the Defendant attorneys are in and, unfortunately, the BSC Title Game is no longer scheduled on January 1st, but has been moved to January 7th.

7. In checking with your Honor's Office, it was determined that there are potential quick dates available during March, the only known conflict being that Jim Lloyd has recently been elected President of the Birmingham Bar and must attend a conference on March 10-12. Other than that, the Defendants can be ready to be first out during any available week for trial during the month of February, March, or April and believe that there would be no harm, considering the magnitude of this event and its impact on this State, and the fact such an event only comes infrequently during a person's lifetime and is an achievement of such a magnitude that all involved in this litigation should want everyone to fully participate in this achievement.

8. It is also understood that many of the witness involved are trying to acquire tickets to the game and/or scheduled to be at the game in Pasadena on January 7th and certainly any juror selected to participate will likely be preoccupied and not able to devote their full attention to the case before them during the week of January 4, 2010, and therefore, the parties would be prejudiced by the distraction caused by such a major event of such significant importance to so many people in this State.

9. ROLL TIDE!! (although my secretary is for the other great team of this State, she feels that I need to attend this championship game!); and may the Longhorns be defeated.

______/s/ Jon B. Terry________________

JON B. TERRY
OF COUNSEL:
BAINS & TERRY

via Above The Law

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Rusty Vs. Rev: Va Tech Vs. Bama

Each week, HHR's Southern Gents, Rusty and Rev. Shaw Moore, will steal a page from NASCAR.com and go Head2Head and argue the winners of one of the week's upcoming marquee games.

Rusty Takes the Hokies

Virginia Tech remains the class of the field when it comes to the ACC. Last year, the Hokies embarrassed themselves with an early season loss to ECU in Charlotte. Not this year, believe-you-me. Beamer will not let his squad repeat such a disaster. Tyrod Taylor returns at quarterback for VT, and this year the job is his. Taylor began to really come on strong towards the end of the season, and without a potential QB controversy, he will certainly continue to excel. Add that to the fact that VT is able to produce season after season of stout defenses - this year they return seven starters - and Alabama's not going to have another Clemson performance to deal with for this year's opening game.


A potential area of concern for VT is at the running back position. Darren Evans broke the ACC rushing record as a freshman last year. This year, though, the sophomore will watch from the sidelines, as he suffered a torn ACL in last month’s practice. With Evans on the sideline, the Hokies will turn to a cadre of unproven talent to fill the backfield.

Taylor should have a plenty of receivers to throw the ball to, though. The top 5 receivers from last year’s team return for 2009, which gives the normally run oriented Hokies another angle of attack on offense.

As usual, the special teams will be quite special. Expect a full blown attack of Beamer ball in hot-lanta. They block, they kick, they run’em back. The precision and ferociousness of Beamer ball should give the Tide a few fits. VT will also rely on a senior punter who’s got a knack for pinning teams inside the 20; he did it over half the time last year.

An ACC title and a solid win in the Orange Bowl culminated the Hokies season in 2008, and with many of the key players returning, there's already buzz in Blacksburg about a repeat of the '99 season and a possible shot at the national title. Getting past the Tide will be crucial in that effort, and that's why Beamer will be ready for Nick Saban and company come this weekend.

Rev Takes the 'Tide

In year two of the Nick Saban regime, Alabama stormed through the SEC West and reached the SEC Championship game, where they lost to eventual national champion Florida. It’s safe to say that expectations are again sky-high in Tuscaloosa for another strong run through the SEC and a possible berth in the BCS title game.

The expectations of a rabid fan base aside, question marks abound for Alabama on offense. Not only will the Crimson Tide will be replacing seven starters from a year ago, but they enter Saturday’s game with serious doubts as to the availability of star wideout Julio Jones and starting running back Mark Ingram. Jones and Ingram accepted a free Gulf Coast fishing expedition earlier this summer, and the university is still awaiting word by game time to determine if the duo’s fishing expedition ran afoul of any NCAA bylaws. Granted, taking a free fishing expedition isn’t exactly like accepting hookers and cash … but since the NCAA only selectively enforces its own rules, it’s anybody’s guess as to the availability of these two come Saturday.

And if free fishing expeditions don’t boil your blood, what happened to DE Brandon Deaderick earlier this week definitely should. Deaderick was shot in the arm on Monday night in an apparent robbery attempt outside of his apartment. Deaderick, one of 9 returning defensive starters, and is probably the Tide’s best pass rusher. Though his injuries do not appear to be life threatening, I’m guessing he will not be cleared to play against Virginia Tech.


All the controversy aside, don’t forget that ‘Bama is still loaded – particularly on defense. As mentioned above, the starting D has a ton of starters returning off a unit that ranked sixth nationally a year ago in total defense (13.0 ppg, 256.9 ypg). Mix in the tricky blitz packages Nick Saban is known for, and you know the pressure is going to be a lot to handle for the Hokies. And while the offense might not have the star power of the defense, just know that the Crimson Tide offense will do enough to get the job done. ‘Bama loves the power running game; it’s not flashy, but it will allow the Tide to dominate field position and time of possession.

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The Cynic's Guide to Election Day

(Note: if you haven’t voted yet, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you some kind of commie? Put the mouse down, go vote, then come back and read this. . . . OK, glad to have you back.)

While most athletes steer clear of the rough-and-tumble world of politics, sports figures stepping into the political realm is certainly not unheard of. Jim Ryun, Bill Bradley, Jack Kemp, Tom Osborne, J.C. Watts, Steve Largent, Jim Bunning and Heath Shuler, among others, have all served time in Congress. Lynn Swann ran for governor of Pennsylvania, and Charles Barkley has repeatedly said he’d consider running for governor of Alabama. So with that in mind, I decided it might be interesting to match up some notable college head coaches with their political counterparts.

Philip Fulmer/George W Bush

Once, both Fulmer and W were the most popular people among their respective constituencies (UT national title; GWB post-9/11). But through a series of poor decisions, bad personnel moves, weak battle planning and bad PR, both are now hovering around the 20% approval rating. And both will be out of a job in January.

Nick Saban/Karl Rove

Win at all costs. Doesn’t matter whose throat you have to cut or whose mother you have to trample on to get there. I was going to use Dick Cheney here, but Cheney has a heart problem, while Saban and Rove simply have no hearts.

Pete Carroll/Barack Obama

Cool, calm and collected even when given a setback. Each certainly knows how to appeal to the Hollywood crowd. They are revered by their respective organizations and reviled by their rivals. And while it’s possible that McCain may pull a 2007 Stanford, I’d still take Obama and give the points.

Les Miles/Joe Biden

Both have solid resumes and, on paper, are certainly qualified for their positions. But you also never quite know what kind of crazy comment will come out of their mouths.

Bill Stewart/John McCain

As a lifelong Republican, I can say that the GOP has a bad habit of giving their nominations not necessarily to someone who has a chance in hell to win, but to someone because it’s “their turn” (i.e. Bob Dole in 1996). The same apparently holds true at West Virginia. In the case of the Mountaineers head coach and John McCain, both are oldsters who got their positions not because they were necessarily the best candidate, but because they had “paid their dues.”

Rich Rodriguez/Sarah Palin

Was “the glamour pick” when the hire was first announced. Really fired up the base and made undecideds take notice. But as time has gone on, the luster has worn off and serious question marks have arisen. Despite providing an early boost in the polls, the two have now become anchors around their respective teams’ necks and are dragging them down.

Mack Brown/Hillary Clinton

Despite both having success on their own (Mack’s national title and winning three of the last four over OU; Hillary winning the NY Senate seat), both are still defined through the sizeable shadows of their partner/nemesis.

Joe Paterno/Ted Kennedy

Both are decidedly old school. Both are the subject of frequent jokes. Yet just when you think it’s time to count both of them out, they show up with a major legislative victory or an undefeated season.

Mike Leach/Ron Paul

Both from Texas. Both a little not right in the head. Both with some really crazy ideas that are just out there enough to attract a small but loyal following and make some waves on the national consciousness without ever being adopted by the powers-that-be.

Mark Mangino, Ralph Friedgen and Charlie Weis/The Federal Debt

'Nuff said.

Coaches vs. Cancer

A week ago today, the chief was on Capitol Hill as Coaches vs. Cancer joined "lawmakers, cancer survivors and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network on Capitol Hill 'to demand that Congress pass legislation regulating tobacco products and boost the federal investment in cancer research, prevention and early detection programs after five years of flat or cut funding.'"

Here's a shot of 'Cuse's Jim Boeheim, UConn's Jim Calhoun, Alabama's Mark Gottfried, US Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, Maryland's Gary Williams and Temple's Fran Dunphy.

Rev picks 'Em: Week Five

The first groundshaking event of the college football season happened while you were sleeping last night, with USC falling to lowly Oregon State 27-21. USC was supposed to walk through the PAC-10, right?

Photo: LA Times

This completely shakes up the college football race, and at this moment it appears to be a two league race between the SEC and Big XII to crash the BCS Championship game. On the SEC side, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and LSU are all in the top 10, two teams from the East Division and two teams from the West Division. Likewise, the Big XII has Oklahoma, Mizzou, Texas and Texas Tech in the top 10 – Mizzou is in the North, OU, Texas and Texas Tech are all in the South. The race begins in earnest this week for the SEC, with Alabama squaring off against Georgia in Athens.

The interesting subplot to all of this is both of these leagues tend to beat each other up during the season, so it’s not completely out of the question that all of the teams listed above could end the season with two or more losses in league play. Assuming that’s the case, then the door is wide open again for the Big Ten. Ohio State made it to two consecutive BCS title games by taking care of business in conference. And while OSU most likely will not be returning to the title game this year, two Big Ten teams – Wisconsin and Penn State – are in position to make a run. Of the two, Wisconsin has the easier road, getting Ohio State and their head to head matchup vs. Penn State at home. Penn State, of course, has to travel to Madison and also has to travel to Ohio State to play the Buckeyes.

Of course, USC could run out the rest of their schedule and all the teams mentioned above could lose a bunch of games they’re not supposed to. In which case, we’re right back where we started.

The Rev’ went 7-3 last week, bringing the season tally to 29-11. We’re starting to get into the heart of the football season with intra-conference matchups across the board. This is when the season really gets interesting, so here we go:

10 points: Tennessee (1-2) vs. # 16 AUBURN (3-1): Auburn will be looking for blood after last week’s close loss to LSU at home. Good thing for them the Vols are coming to town. Tennessee is just not a good team right now and they won’t be able to move the ball against Auburn’s stout defense. Auburn really needs help on offense though – they looked confused at times last week against LSU (although in Auburn’s defense, many teams look confused against LSU). Auburn QB Chris Todd looked shaky, and shaky doesn’t win in the SEC. If things don’t get better, the chorus will get louder for sophomore QB Kodi Burns - an electrifying runner - to see some time.

9 points: #8 WISCONSIN (3-0) vs. Michigan (1-2): Wisconsin travels to the Big House as a 6.5 point favorite, and they should cover with ease. Both teams are coming off a bye week, but really, is a week long enough to sort out the mess that is Michigan football right now?

8 points: Virginia (1-2) vs. DUKE (2-1): As mentioned on this site earlier, Duke is the FAVORITE in this game, the first time they’ve been favored in six years. As of press time, Vegas had not been flooded with any noticeable amounts of cash to swing it the other way, and the line still remains a solid 6.5 points.

7 points: #21 FRESNO STATE (2-1) vs. UCLA (1-2): Fresno State could just as easily be 3-0 entering this game – their only loss came against a good Wisconsin team, losing 13-10. The good vibes from UCLA’s opening win vs. Tennessee have clearly dissipated – the Bruins got shellacked by BYU 59-0 and lost at Arizona 31-10 in consecutive weeks. Fresno State always seems to trip up a team from a major BCS conference each year, and while they nearly missed on Wisconsin, they will most likely finish it off vs. UCLA.

6 points: PURDUE (2-1) vs. Notre Dame (2-1): Purdue had a high-powered Oregon team on the ropes before letting that game slip away from them. Purdue’s a pretty decent team, probably no better than fifth in the Big Ten, but that should be enough to beat Notre Dame. I’m not convinced the Irish are near as good as they think they are.

5 points: Colorado (3-0) vs. FLORIDA STATE (2-1): Colorado is now 3-0, the best shape the program’s been in quite some time. They knocked-off a diminished West Virginia team last week, 17-14, on a field goal in overtime. Meanwhile, Florida State just continues to sputter. Wake Forest took it to the Noles last week in Tallahassee, the second consecutive time the Deacons have beaten the Noles on their home field. Florida State doesn’t have any more room for “boo-boos” as head-coach-in waiting Jimbo Fisher says, so expect the Noles to come out with a little more fire vs. the Buffaloes. Florida State’s laying 6, and I expect Colorado will cover that spread.

4 points: Stanford (2-2) vs. WASHINGTON (0-3): Might this be the week the Huskies get on the board? UW’s a 3.5 point favorite at home, and Stanford’s not really all that good, so it is conceivable that the Huskies will win.

3 points: VIRGINIA TECH (3-1) vs. Nebraska (3-0): This should be an interesting matchup pitting two aggressive and undisciplined defenses against each other. Nebraska is unbeaten, but they haven’t beaten any team of consequence so far. The Hokies, meanwhile, seem to have gained some footing with QB Tyrod Taylor under center, beating Georgia Tech and North Carolina in consecutive weeks. This one will be awfully tough for the Hokies to pull off … but I’m sticking with them here.

2 points: Illinois (2-1) vs. #12 PENN STATE (4-0): After suffering withering press coverage and multiple player suspensions and dismissals, the Nittany Lions have come through it unscathed at 4-0. This game will be a barometer for how good Penn State really is. Illinois will challenge the Lions offensively, with speed to burn at the QB and WR position. Illinois played spoiler in the Big Ten last year en route to a Rose Bowl berth, and their only loss this year is to Mizzou, a team well on its way to the Big XII North championship. Penn State is a 13.5 point favorite, but that’s a little high. Like some other games this week, I like the favorite to win the game but the underdog should cover the spread.

1 point: #10 Alabama (4-0) vs. #3 GEORGIA (4-0): Putting aside USC’s whitewash of Ohio State, this game is, so far, the game of the year of the 2008 college football season. The Crimson Tide appear to be among the very best in all of college football in only year two under coach Nick Saban. Georgia, meanwhile, has lived up to its early season hype, surviving an intra-conference slugfest with South Carolina and dismantling Arizona State last week in Tempe. Georgia is donning black unis for the game for only the third time, and Sanford Stadium is guaranteed to be a uniquely inhospitable locale when Alabama rolls in tomorrow evening. Alabama has played above expectations early this season and I think the more experienced Georgia team will be a bit too much for the Tide to handle this week. Georgia by a FG.

SEASON RECORD: 29-11

Coaches vs. Cancer, HHR on the Hill Today

Today, Alabama's Mark Gottfried, Connecticut's Jim Calhoun, Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, Maryland's Gary Williams and Temple's Fran Dunphy "will join with lawmakers, cancer survivors and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network on Capitol Hill "to demand that Congress pass legislation regulating tobacco products and boost the federal investment in cancer research, prevention and early detection programs after five years of flat or cut funding," according to a release by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network."

As part of Coaches vs. Cancer, the gentlemen will be on the Hill at 8:30 a.m. CT at Russell Senate Park, Swamp Press Area.

the chief will be on hand to gather intel and photographic documentation.

Former Giant Mark Ingram Three-Peats

The Associate Press reports today that "Former New York Giants star Mark Ingram has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for bank fraud and money laundering. It's a third term behind bars for the one-time NFL standout."

"Ingram pleaded guilty in November 2005. His sentencing was delayed as he tried to revoke the plea, fired several attorneys and missed hearings."

According to PolitickerNJ the fraud and laundering charges included cashing counterfeit checks, some of which "were drawn on the Trenton Democratic Committee during the 2001 gubernatorial campaign, based on copies of checks used to pay election day workers."

Ingram's son, Mark Jr., is now a running back with Alabama.

Throw the Flag: Cynic’s Guide to College Football, Week 3

While USC and Oklahoma fans are busy checking flight and hotel plans for the national title game, Throw the Flag, HHR’s resident cynic is back to report on the uglier side of Week 3 in college football.

1. The Rise and Fall of Rick Neuheisel, Version 3.0

Calling it first to worst would be a stretch, but what in the wide, wide world of sports is going on at UCLA? Two weeks ago, they knock off Tennessee in a thriller and (a few) people are thinking, “Hey, maybe the USC monopoly really is over” (well, not really). But then the Bruins venture east to face a good BYU team. And proceed to have their worst loss in 75 years. BYU not only shut out the Bruins, but hung 59 on them, including an unreal 35-point second quarter. 59-0, and it could have been a lot worse as the Cougars pulled their starters and let off the throttle, mercifully not scoring in the fourth quarter.

So which is the real UCLA: the ones who rose up to slay the giants from the SEC? Or the ones who played more like blocking dummies against BYU? We shall see. But with upcoming games against Fresno St., @ Oregon, @ California, @ Arizona State and USC, I’m betting on the latter.

Image: guttylittlebruins.com

Not so fast, my friend.

2. A Game Only a Bama Fan Could Love

Don’t give me that “a win’s a win” garbage, Auburn fans. You’re supposedly the #9 team in the country, and you put up three points? On Mississippi State? And still get the win? True the Tigers/War Eagles defense was solid, giving up just 116 yards. But Auburn was pathetic (or turribull as Auburn alum Charles Barkley would say) in every other facet of the game. 12 penalties for 94 yards (one penalty gave Mississippi their only points when an offensive lineman was called for holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety). Three turnovers. 3 of 16 on third down conversions. Two missed field goals.

I’m a defense guy, but let’s not pretend this was an epic defensive struggle. This was one bad football team versus another team playing down to the level of its opponent.

Image: thewizofodds.com

After watching this game, I’d need a swig, too.

3. Rich Rodriguez is No Prince

In his treatise “The Prince,” the 16th century political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli once asked whether it was better to be loved or feared. He said both, if you could pull it off. But if you had to pick one, it was better to be feared. Well, Michigan is now answering that same question with a resounding “none of the above.” Michigan is now facing a fate worse than death in the college football kingdom—irrelevance. If you think about teams that have dominated the college football landscape over the last couple of decades—Notre Dame, USC, Florida State, Miami, Oklahoma, Nebraska, etc.—there was very little middle ground when they were at the tops of their respective games. You either loved ‘em or you hated ‘em. Michigan used to be in that category but is precipitously sliding into the middle ranks of mediocrity and anonymity. As a practical matter, Michigan is simply no longer a player on the national stage—not really loved, hated or feared. Just kind of there. A year ago this time, they were a national laughing stock after losing at home to Appalachian State. To their credit, they rallied and had a very nice season. But this year appears to be very different. Not only do they not have the talent base they did last year, but Rich Rodriguez’ insistence on pounding square pegs into round holes seems unlikely to produce results in the near future.

During his post-Notre Dame press conference, Coach Rodriguez kept re-emphasizing “the sky is not falling” and “we’ll be back.” Not only do these words sound more like he’s trying to pep himself up, but the fact that someone from a program with the history of the University of Michigan has to even say such things shows just how far this program has fallen.


4. Where Have You Gone, Ryan Leaf?

I personally think it’s pretty cool that the Washington State alumni can get someone every week to stand in the back of the College Gameday crowd and wave a Cougars flag. If only their football team was so organized. After getting blown out 45-17 by Baylor (you know, Baylor? 13-43 since the creation of the Big 12 Baylor?), I don’t know that it can get much lower. They’re 0-3 and have lost by a combined total of 150-33. Ouch. This team is bad. Really bad. Fortunately, they have a date with Portland State this weekend that should let them get into the win column (although I wouldn’t bet the farm on it). After that, I don’t know if there’s another win on their schedule.

5. Don’t Want to Say I Told You So, But . . .

After their Week One loss to East Carolina, I wrote that Virginia Tech needed to find an offense and fast. Well, Frank Beamer didn’t listen to me. But now, courtesy of our colleagues at The Big Lead, comes news that apparently he’s listening to fan callers. And he’s none too happy about it. Apparently, Beamer got quite steamed during his weekly call-in show when a caller identified as “Jason in Arlington” dared to question the Hokies’ offensive coaching (audio here). He later went so far as to invite would-be offensive coaches to stop by his office in Blacksburg, saying, "If anyone can convince me they know more offense than [offensive coordinator] Bryan [Stinespring], I'm going to listen to them.” (Resumes can be faxed to 540-231-3060; please list “Offensive Coordinator” in the subject line.)

Through three games, the Hokies rank 107th in the nation in total offense (273 yards per game; behind such stalwarts as Army, North Texas and San Diego State) and 78th in scoring offense (22 points per game). The next two weeks they are on the road at North Carolina (39.5 ppg) and Nebraska (40 ppg). With the Hokies’ defense and special teams continuing to be solid, both games are certainly winnable. But with this offense, they could just as easily both turn into losses. Then listen to the radio callers.

And as for Jason in Arlington, he did what any self-respecting college football fan that got into a verbal sparring match with his team’s head coach would do: he started a blog.

6. A Rainy Night in Kansas

And to end on a more uplifting note: last Friday night, I was driving across Kansas on a miserably dark and rainy night. Fortunately, with the Kansas/South Florida game moved to Friday, I was able to find the radio broadcast on stations out of Wichita and Salina. In this era of pay-per-view, ESPN catchphrases and broadband internet feeds, the days of good radio play-by-play are slowly fading away. So I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of KU’s radio broadcast team. The play by play gave a good feel for the action. He was emotional and a KU homer, without being over the top, the way a good college play by play guy should be. (My only minor complaint was that he rarely talked about direction—it would be “so and so runs for four yards” or “pass complete at the 20” with nothing about running right or left, complete to the near or far side, etc.) And the color analyst was actually *gasp* insightful, with comments and analysis that actually helped understand what was going on in the game (instead of the current trend of such pithy analysis as, “Well, we had a chance to meet with so and so this week, and he told us that he likes asparagus.” Sorry I didn’t get their names, but kudos to the Jayhawk radio team nonetheless. They made a long, gray drive across the Kansas prairie a lot more enjoyable.

Until next week.

Roll Tide: Country Star Nabs 'Bama All-American

People Magazine is actually reporting a Country Star/QB romance not involving Cowboy Tony and Jessica Simpson.

The mag reports that Country Star (and Dancing with the Stars celeb) Sara Evans has become engaged to Jay Barker, quarterback of Alabama's 1992 national championship team and current WJOX Radio host in Birmingham (with one Al Del Grecco, mind you).

Maybe I need Ariel to clarify for me, but didn't Evans leave DWTS because her hubby was a porn monger?

Photo: People Magazine