According to Urban Meyer they do not mean much.  He stated in the Chattanooga Free Press “Spring games are awful. So if you came out to see a well-executed SEC football game in the spring, you’re not going to see that.”  As the games become more and more televised coaches are more reluctant to show any new or unique formations, some coaches even choosing to close their games to the public.   Phil Fulmer closed spring practice and was fired the next year.   I am not suggesting those events are related but considering Tennessee routinely averaged around 40,000 people at eight dollars and up a ticket it was a bold financial decision.   Financially speaking, all the programs will be forced to open the practices and even sell the television rights.

All this still does not mean the games themselves are useless.  They can serve a multitude of services.   First, it allows the fans who pay most of the bills to see those new recruits they invested so much time reading about before signing day.   It also allows those new recruits the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd, something they may not be used to in high school.   If you look real hard the games provide some useful information.  Questions like who the starters will be in the fall and if players have recovered from injuries or off-season surgeries are oftentimes answered.   Not to mention the financial boost to not only the university but the surrounding businesses as well.

I imagine not only will spring games continue to gain in popularity but envision a time when teams actually scrimmage other programs similar to spring training in baseball.   It would be a great time for inter conference play to not only establish BCS pecking order but bragging rights for the regular season.   Since the game would have no bearing on rankings you would be more likely to see schools willing to play mid major programs that are avoided during the regular season as a loss could be devastating.   It would be a win/win for everyone involved.  The fans would get a real game, the players get real game experience and the programs would make ridiculous profits.

If you are interested in your teams’ spring game here is a list of all the dates:  http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=514366

He wants to do well academically because he understands that there is more to life than football.  In the evenings he attends tutoring sessions and if he does not have a night class on that evening, he will return to his dorm room and study alone for a few hours, then will get up the next morning and do it all over again. Lewis sees the tough schedule as part of being a student. His studies and football are priorities – and in that order.

Yes, in this day and age, when some football players attend college and never learn to read or write or speak a coherent sentence, this young man is a breath of fresh air. I am sure Dion’s maturity, work ethic and focus are a direct result of his parents “old fashion values”.  His father, Leroy, is a construction worker and his Mother, Linda, is a social worker. Dion was one of four children. He says “Both of his parents were strong disciplinarians who wanted all of their children to be driven and self-disciplined”. It looks like Dion is going to make his parents proud.

Oh, yeah did I mention that he plays football…and he does it quite well. In his freshman year he rushed for 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns. This young man is a special player. Don’t be surprised if he ends up winning a Heisman Trophy and/or leading Pitt to a Big East Championship. I will be a Pitt fan this year because the air will be fresh and clear.

This is called the ‘Touchdown Play’. We have to score without using too much clock, works every time.

Never mind that offensive production, the certified empty seat filler, has taken a hit due to the time changes limiting the number of possessions and offensive plays. Unless you’re Virginia Tech or Alabama and can actually score touchdowns with defense, you’re scoreboard won’t be illuminating all its lights. Some teams were even able to exploit the rules changes like a young, naive country girl that comes to the big city for the first time. Brett Bielema determined he could sit on a lead by intentionally running off sides on kickoffs while the clock passes valuable seconds as soon as the ball hits the kicker’s feet. Automatic re-kick. Touché, Brett.

In 2008, the rules committee somehow, somewhere came up with the horrific notion to transform college football into a foo foo game of grab-ass. Four new situations warranted a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. Remember that disclaimer kids used to have their parents sign at the beginning of football season? That’s a pretty good indication that it’s a dangerous game. These guys know what they’re getting into. Hell, in old days they used to play without face masks for the sake of Pete. There are clear voiolations when a situation escalated and a 15-yarder should be applied, but now too many rules give the referees an opportunity for a subjective judgment call. Aggressive football is a good characteristic, not one that should be punished by giving the opponent second chances with a fresh set of downs.

Most recently the NCAA authority has resorted to the dark ages where any show of emotion is chastised. Players better not dare celebrate a monster play. Never mind they’ve been working on the technique and schemes to get there since Spring Drills, battled through painful injuries, and persevered through beau coup difficulties. When the dust settles after a battle that was won in magnificent fashion the players involved should focus their eyes to the bench, walk nonchalantly until they get there, and allow the coaching staff to plug the charge cord into their power outlet. After all, that is how robots without feelings operate.

Forget this visual, we’re gonna take passion out back and shoot it.

Let’s face it, the raw emotion is a major reason the sport is so intriguing. Fans, players, and coaches all ride the emotional roller coaster that keeps us craving more. I want to see my team celebrate, likewise I want to see my team comeback and silence the opponent when they celebrate. I like when a player sprints through the end zone and chucks the ball at the stadium wall in mid-stride. I don’t know why, it’s just funny to me. It’s entertainment, IT’S A GAME!

I get that sometimes change is necessary to adapt to the changing times. The conference landscape is constantly changing, the number of games and postseason opportunities is constantly changing, the names and the faces are all always changing. All of those are exterior issues that dissipate once the opening kick-off is in the air. The age old cliché applies directly to the game itself and the actual college football rule book: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. The rules were just fine before, so butt out NCAA.

Lost in all the excitement and drama are the real pressures on the kids associated with making a major decision. When a typical 18 year old kid enrolls at a college, the decision is usually similar to that made of an 18 year old scholarship student athlete. Choosing a school with the right professional major is like choosing a program with the right offensive or defensive scheme. Choosing a school with a solid staffing department is like choosing a program with solid coaches. Other common issues include school size, location, and reputation.

The main difference being a typical student not happy with their decision can transfer with little or no effect on their professional career. An athlete that loses a head coach or ideal member of the coaching staff or doesn’t fit in the scheme has a far more difficult time making a change and the biological clock is ticking on an athlete’s career.

No one is pressuring Joe Future Engineer to commit to MIT the first week of February.

Therefore, the student athlete should be given the time and consideration to make visits, network with coaching staffs, and reflect on the right decision.

Who am I to get all pissy and upchuck my disapproval on message boards if a kid wants to visit another school or de-commit altogether? The answer is nobody. I’ve got no dog in this fight (yet). It’s between the kids and their parents… and -gasp- the coaches.

Recruiting has never been an ethical trade, there’s always been one-upsmanship and glamour competitions associated with the process. See below for a Terry Bowden story:

“As we walked back out onto the front porch, before I said goodbye, I turned to his mom one last time, hugged her neck and reminded her how much I loved her. Then, with all the sincerity I could muster, I looked that young man directly in the eyes and said, “I have never told anybody this before, but you’re gonna win three Heisman trophies at Auburn. You’d win four, but you’re gonna be in the NFL by then.”

As I turned to leave, a long black, stretch limousine pulled up in front of the house. A little, short driver with one of those driver’s caps and half-jackets on got out, walked all the way around the back of the limousine and opened the back door next to the curb.

Out stepped my ol’ man.

He had scheduled his official visit for 7:30 p.m. on the same night.

As he waddled up that sidewalk wearing that silly-looking safari hat and those red/yellow/green sunglasses that he always wears, my eyes got as big as saucers and my jaw dropped.

My ol’ man stepped up on the porch, said hello to that mama, shook Martavius’ hand, turned to me, patted me on the head (in front of both of them) and said, “Terry, when you get home, your mama wants you to call her.” ”

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=tb-roughrecruiting020507

The problem is somewhere along the line winning and running a top notch program began to play second fiddle to getting a high dollar contract. In addition to the ethics of recruiting against other schools, coaches are battling morality in their own character for the sake of self promotion and advancement. Standing high above all the scandals and cheating was the coach’s dedication to loyalty to their university and their athletes. Now it seems coaches are growing increasingly loyal to nothing but themselves.

Bobby Petrino consistently bounced around looking for the next opportunity when he was the head coach at Louisville. With beady eyes filled with deception, he continuously denounced rumors of leaving which led the Cardinal AD to fork out money for his services.

Rich Rodriguez experienced the most devastating defeat of his career in 2007, a loss that prevented West Virginia from going to the National Championship. The university bent head over heels to give him everything he wanted during his tenure. The following week, when the kids he promised a bright future needed him the most, he bolted for a better contract at a more prestigious college football venue in Ann Arbor.

Lane Kiffin applied all the bells and whistles in his first recruiting go around with Tennessee, promoting his top notch, NFL experienced staff in exchange for four years of an athlete’s life. After one season he took the money and ran. Kiffin still had the gall to pursue the very recruits he told were born to be Volunteers.

To me, the writing on the wall is clearly defined. The actions and allegations towards current head coaches have to be considered no matter how many compliments they spew on the spot. If my son was being recruited by a school, I’d throw that specific program’s historical prestige to the wayside and go strictly on the good graces of the coach shaking my hand and looking me in the eyes. At 18 years old, the bulk of a parent’s tutelage is instilled in that young adult. Now he will be under the coach’s wing for the next four years.

Immediate playing? National Championships? Heisman Trophies? If there was an actual legal document for everything a head coach said, the fine print at the bottom would read like this: “Once you sign that LOI, you’re just another rookie and all those dinners, special tours, and VIP seating will never be seen again. Our friendship ends and my dictatorship begins. If you don’t work hard, you will not see the playing field.”

A kid is going to be swayed by the most dazzling, glamorous performance put on by a coaching staff. Enjoy it, but look beyond the limos and bright lights. This is a decision that will shape a young man’s first years of adulthood. Think about the ethical and moral ground that coach stands on before making the decision, and the next four can be an extension of your tutelage.

Proper:  To attach your teams flags to your car to show your support on game day.
Improper:  To show up to sunrise service Easter morning with aforementioned flags still attached.

Proper:  To be a young coed and wear cowboy hats, ripped, form-fitting t-shirts, and daisy duke shorts.
Improper:  To be a member of AARP wearing a tube top and standing on your own breast.

Proper: To pray for safety for your team’s players and the ability to make good decisions during a game.
Improper:  To pray that the star quarterback with Bible versus under his eyes breaks his femur.

Proper:  During a game, asking the person next to you to stand up during a break so you can exit to the restroom.
Improper:  Urinating on the person next to you.

Proper:  Taking a picture with your team’s mascot.
Improper:  Taking the opposing team’s mascot.

Proper:  Discreetly blowing one’s nose on a kerchief or napkin.
Improper:  Picking your nose while you are on the jumbo-tron.

Proper:  Asking someone to hold your drink while you urinate in the restroom.
Improper:  Asking someone to hold anything else while in the restroom.

Proper:  Chanting SEC! SEC! SEC!  while observing the Security Exchange Commission bust another billionaire for fraud.
Improper:  Chanting SEC any other time.

Proper:  Allowing bright young Coeds to visit a potential recruit’s high school for encouragement.
Improper:  Dressing them only in whip cream.

Proper:  Painting your end zones to reflect your school colors.
Improper:  Painting the whole damn field smurf blue.

Proper:  Buying a vehicle that compliments your team’s colors so the magnets on game day match.
Improper:  Buying that vehicle if you are a Tennessee, Clemson, Texas, or Oregon State fan.

Proper:  Shouting encouragement to the university’s dance squad.
Improper:   Pointing to any part of your body while shouting the encouragements.

Proper:  Upon becoming head coach promising to be loyal until the end.
Improper:  Stating you are leaving for another school at the end of that speech.

Bill Stewart and staff took two highly competitive and very athletic Elite 11 quarterbacks in Jeremy Johnson and Barry Brunetti. In addition to slugging it out against each other, the touted twosome will be competing with Eugene Smith, another Elite 11 quarterback from 2009, that is already been thrown to the wolves and come out with a new fur coat and fang necklace.

West Virginia pursued the wide receivers on the big board with a vengeance for the second season in a row. Deon Long committed to West Virginia last year, but was forced to take the prep school route. All indications point to Long being a freshman contributor. Ivan McCartney overlooked Florida, Georgia, Miami, Oregon, and Tennessee and headed to the hills of Morgantown. McCartney provides that lethal go-to receiver potential. Both Long and McCartney will be pushed by a corps of three other wide receiver recruits including 6’3” Quantavius Leslie out of Hogansville, GA.

Defensively, the Mountaineers bolstered a struggling pack of linebackers with good size, solid speed, and animalistic instincts. Stewart missed out on Alabama MLB John Propst who decided to hit the Rocky Top, but the Old Gold and Blue nabbed three LOIs that should compete and see the football field in 2010. The verdict is still out on ESPN 150 and Army All-American recruit Latwan Anderson. He gave his verbal to the Mountaineers during the Army All-American game, but is leaving his options open between USC and West Virginia. Anderson’s speed coupled with 6’5” Robert Sands explosiveness would be a toxic combination in the Mountaineer secondary.

Best Prospect: Quinton Spain, OT. West Virginia’s offensive line sometimes appeared to be like chicken wire trying to hold back flood waters of blitzers. Spain is big (6’5”, 320 lbs.), extremely powerful for his age, and is very athletic for his size. If Spain busts butt in fall camp and hones in his techniques, he could not only be a contributor, but a monster for the Mountaineer offense.

Most Puzzling Prospect: Avery Williams, WR. Williams was a Utah commit and seemed poised to head west, but made a surprise decision signing an LOI with the Mountaineers. He stated in early January that New Mexico was appealing but had too many athletes ahead of him in the roster, thus Utah was the front runner. Williams picked West Virginia despite the two big WR classes in 2009 and 2010 and his desire to get far from home (Washington DC).

Prospect to Make 2010 Splash: Bruce Irvin, DE. Irvin has the tools to dismantle opposing offenses limb by limb faster than a quarterback can say audible. He’s extremely rangy at 6’4” and has safety speed with the ability to run down QBs and RBs from behind. He bounced from commits to Tennessee and Arizona State finally landing with the Mountaineers. Irvin’s presence is desperately needed along a three-man defensive line that consistently fails to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Prospect with Rocky Road Ahead: Wes Tonkery, CB. Staying true to the Mountain State, Stewart selected at least one West Virginia native for a scholarship. Tonkery is tough kid, but doesn’t have the speed to play CB in the 3-3 Stack and lacks the size to switch positions. Needless to say, the West Virginia natives have consistently been the hardest workers on and off the field for the Mountaineers over the years. There is pride at stake and Tonkery could be the next name on the list of West Virginia’s overachievers.

Turner Gill has been promoted to a major program at Kansas. Former Florida assistant coach Charlie Strong is the head honcho at Louisville. Mike London is the head coach of Virginia. East Carolina has Ruffin McNeill and Joker Phillips is captain of the ship at Kentucky.  In less than a month the amount of black head coaches has more than doubled. Obviously more can be done but considering how long it has taken to see this type of progress it truly is remarkable.

Many will ask, “Why does it matter”?  Some may even question blog’s like this one saying that pointing out a person’s race is, in itself, racist. I would argue otherwise and give you an example why. It is crucial for people of all races to see black men and women in leadership roles.  This alone destroys negative stereotypes. As an example I will refer to comments I heard while living in Kentucky in 1997 after Tubby Smith was hired to take over the basketball program at UK. It was not uncommon to hear comments like “Adolph Rupp would be turning over in his grave”. Tubby was judged harshly and even his successes (including a national championship in 1998) where often attributed more to Rick Pitino’s recruiting than to Tubby’s coaching.

Sadly, one of the biggest detractors of Tubby was my own brother in law, and many of his comments where based solely on Tubby’s race which is why I found it ironic that while discussing Joker Philips he was almost giddy.  He discussed how Joker was the right man for the job and how much Rich Brooks had relied on him over the past few years.  Then he went on to discuss how concerned he was that Charlie Strong was taking over at Louisville, one of his bitter rivals, because he is a “helluva coach.” Not once in the conversation did race come up.  He was just an Eastern Kentucky boy judging a man based on the strength of his character and not the color of his skin, just as Martin Luther King Jr. requested so long ago.

Happy Black History Month everyone.

1954 Buckeyes:  10-0

Defense, defense, defense, was the name of the game for the 1954 Buckeyes. The Buckeye defense forced 35 turnovers during the season and allowed only two teams to score more than one touchdown (both of those opponents scored 14 points) . Led by their powerful defense, the Bucks beat the #2 Wisconsin Badgers (Who had Heisman Winner Alan Ameche) on an 88 yard interception return by Howard Cassady (yep, the great half back was a two way player). The Bucks ended the regular season beating Michigan 21-7. The AP Poll had the Bucks at # 1, while the UPI Poll had the Bruins at # 1, however, because of the “no repeat rule” the Bruins were locked out of the Rose Bowl and the Buckeyes had to play the conference’s 2nd place team Southern California in the Rose Bowl. Once again the defense stepped up and the Buckeyes defeated the Trojans 20-7 allowing the Trojans to only gain six first-downs. The Trojans only score coming on an 86 yard punt return. The Buckeyes finished 10-0 for the first time in school history.

All Americans:  Dean Dugger – E, Howard Cassady- HB (and Team MVP), Jim Reichenbach -G

Coach: Woody Hayes - “There’s nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you.”

1968 BUCKEYES 10-0

The “Super Sophomores” of 1968 (nicknamed this because they started 11 sophomores) were simply awesome. The offense averaged 32 points and 440 yards per game while the defense only allowed 15 points and 292 yards per game. In the third game of the season the Ohio State Buckeyes upset then number one Purdue Boilermakers (Led by All-American Leroy Keyes, one of the last true two-way players). The Buckeyes crushed Michigan 50 – 14 in the final game of the regular season. This is the game when Woody uttered one of his most famous quips. When asked why he went for a two point conversion on the last touchdown, he replied “because I couldn’t go for 3 “. The Ohio State Buckeyes then went on to beat the USC Trojans led by O.J. Simpson 27 – 16 to capture their fifth National Championship.

All Americans: Rex Kern, Jack Tatum, John Brockington, Jan White, Jim Stillwagon, Jim Otis, Tim Anderson, Ted Provost, Rufus Mayes, Mike Sensibaugh, and Dave Foley

Coach: Woody Hayes – “indomitable in victory, insufferable in defeat.”

2002 Buckeyes 14-0

Ohio State used a strong defense, ball-control play-calling, and field position to defeat their opponents in 2002. They were a run oriented team. They ran over every opponent, with 2,678 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns on the ground…and a lot of those yards coming from Maurice Clarett. “The Cardiac Kids” had 6 regular season games decided by 7 points or less. They won one of those games on the final play of the game…a 4^th down play by the way…and won another game in overtime. They weren’t pretty and they didn’t dominate, but they won. They ended their regular season by defeating, once again, that “Team up North”. Ohio State then faced the number one ranked and heavily favored (11.5 points) Miami Hurricanes in the National Championship game. Miami was attempting to win their second consecutive championship and a lot of folks didn’t believe the Buckeyes had any chance at all to win the game, but the “Cardiac Kids” once again lived up to their nickname and pulled out a thrilling double over-time miracle to win their 7^th National Championship.

All Americans:  Matt Wilhelm, Mike Doss

Coach: Jim Tressel – “I can assure you that you will be proud of your young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the football field,”

So which team is “The Best Buckeye Team Ever”? That will have to be up to you to decide.

After nine seasons removed from Friedgen’s first head coaching and astonishing ACC championship season, the Terrapins concluded the worst record in program history piecing together just two wins. Among the lowly teams that backhanded the Terps in ’09 Virginia (3-9) and Duke (5-7), in addition Maryland broke the golden rule of BCS conference football by nearly getting clipped by James Madison and losing to the Sun Belt’s Middle Tennessee State two years running. Also in 2008, Maryland knocked off Cal only to be pile driven into the turf by Virginia 0-31.

The complete demise of this once ACC contending program is debatable, certainly not as clear cut as night and day or the benefit of purchasing Under Armor promoted by the commercialized Terrapins and big Ralph Friedgen himself. The overall strength of the struggling ACC doesn’t help define that clear distinction of a failing program, nor should one outlying season that stinks so bad it should be flushed down the toilet. However, after some digging and thinking, there are tell tale signs that indicate a program in turmoil.

Ralph Friedgen may not be the illustrious recruiter that is key to the success of a big time BCS conference program. Despite ushering NFL standouts Shawne Merriman and Vernon Davis, Maryland faithful now believes Friedgen is victim of ‘Larry Coker-itis’ having benefitted from his predecessor’s recruiting classes. It’s visibly evident that star power on the Maryland roster has been lacking. Last season the Terps acquired only three of ten four-star and five-star recruits from in-state, including losing the top two to Florida and West Virginia. That number was two of four in 2008, and zero for three in 2007, zero for eight in 2006 all according to Scout. Proof that Maryland used to dominate in-state recruiting dates back to 2002 when the Terps landed seven of the top ten including Mr. Merriman from Upper Marlboro MD.

It’s difficult to maintain respect, leadership, and discipline when your players are competing for… air time on a reality TV show. ‘Terrapins Rising’ provided a behind the scenes look at Maryland football as followed Friedgen and the boys through spring drills, the spring game, and into summer and fall camp. I don’t know how most people feel about reality TV, but I think it produces the most self-absorbed personalities and provides a stage for whiny and/or egotistical development. In not so many words, it ain’t nuttin’ but trouble. How does that first team meeting go? “Welcome to Maryland football. I want you to focus on your goals and give 110%. Oh, by the way, those cameras are filming you for a reality TV show. Say ‘Hello’ to America.” There is not an 18-22 year old kid in the world that’s not going to be fixated on that camera. Consider focus a word of the past.

These two issues are concerning enough to prompt change in the program. Don’t think it hasn’t been discussed. Speculation is that the Maryland administration cannot justify paying Friedgen his $2 million severance when the down trodden economy has caused other financial setbacks. This would be a noble justification to all the other departments currently experiencing budget cuts and layoffs. Much more than banking in on the fact that the revenue from participating in ‘Terrapins Rising’ is enough to cover a trip to the Emerald Bowl followed by the worst football season ever.

Don’t expect to see this program rebound in the near future. Between the megaphone rants from the director’s chair and the growing impatience of the fans, there are way too many distractions to build a solid and fundamentally sound football team. On top of that, Maryland is on verge of being shut out for the second year in a row from their top in-state prospects. If is to have any chance to regain the competitive edge in ACC title races, I don’t think Maryland has time to wait the three years for Friedgen to reach the mature retirement age of 65.

Alabama wins 37-21, but “what could’ve been” steals the show
Posted by Keith Arnold on January 8, 2010 12:04 AM ET
In a game that defied logic and explanation, Alabama survived a late rally by Texas led by its backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert and star receiver Jordan Shipley, and rebounded to win 37-21.

While Alabama deserves all the credit in the world, you can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if Colt McCoy lasted more than five plays. Texas came out early and dominated thanks to some uncharacteristically sloppy play and a questionable fake punt call, but McCoy went down with a shoulder injury and the Longhorns could never capitalize.

After the game, McCoy was speechless when asked by ESPN’s Lisa Salters what he would’ve given to be out there with his teammates. Fighting his emotions, McCoy explained that he wasn’t in any pain, but simply couldn’t feel his arm, before congratulating Alabama on a game well played.

Alabama was a deserving National Champion, but you can’t help but wonder what could’ve been if McCoy and Texas played a complete game.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/08/alabama-wins-37-21-but-what-couldve-been-steals-the-show/

Now I am truly angry….this is an example of just one of many articles I read this morning….spewing the same utter nonsense…”what could’ve been” because Colt McCoy got knocked out early….football is a team sport…not a one person sport…every football game I have ever watch could have used the same excuse for a team losing…”what could’ve been” if that pass had been completed…”what could’ve been” if we hadn’t thrown the interception…”what could’ve been” if the ref’s hadn’t made that bad call…”what could’ve been” if the coach would have called a better game…”what could’ve beens” are nothing but excuses. I tell you what “WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ” if Colt McCoy hadn’t got knocked out of the game early…Alabama’s defense would still have dominated and Alabama would still have been crowned National Champions. Alabama has played with pride, toughness and class all year long. They deserve the title of National Champions without the “what could’ve beens” being thrown their way. Every time I read or hear the phrase of “what could’ve been” my only comment will be “Shut up”.