SB Nation - Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Bowl Games Gameday Thread: Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Drew K — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:30:15 -0000

Let me begin by introducing myself and just give a brief history of my interest in college football. I began watching football in general at a very young age and my passion for the sport has just increased more and more as the years have gone by. I did not start paying very close attention to college football, religiously like I do now, until I was a freshman in college, but had always watched games here and there since I was a teenager. I went to school at a private University in Oklahoma not too far from Norman and naturally found myself rooting for the OU Sooners being that my school did not have a football team of it's own. I still have a lot to learn about the sport as the game is constantly evolving. I believe that one can never know enough about something and there is always something new to learn. My role on this site will be to continue posting the offseason discussions for Niners Nation and to help carry us through the bowl season in looking at some of the key players that will be playing in these games. The main objective I think is to provide more insight for those that don't follow as regularly and give a more clear picture as to who we should be looking at for now and for the future. This will help in the process of scouting and preparing for the 2010 NFL Draft.

Bowl Season for college football has approached us as quickly as the year has passed us by. The first set of Bowl Games kick off with two games beginning today. The first of the two begin with The New Mexico Bowl which will be played at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The second of the two will be The St. Petersburg Bowl, which will be played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The two teams that will match-up in the New Mexico Bowl are going to be the Fresno State Bulldogs (8-4, 6-2 WAC) vs the Wyoming Cowboys (6-6, 4-4 MWC). The two teams facing off in the St. Petersburg Bowl will be the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-4, 3-4 Big East) vs the UCF Golden Knights (8-4, 6-2 C-USA). Both of these games will be broadcast on ESPN. Further down I will be analyzing the games in a little more depth with some of the key players in each game to watch, as well as some of the key stats on both sides.

FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS VS. WYOMING COWBOYS

UCF GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS

Now that we have that out of the way we can focus in on the games.

NEW MEXICO BOWL GAME PREVIEW:

The Bulldogs finished in third place of the WAC with an overall record of 8-4 and were 6-2 in the conference. In their second appearance of The New Mexico Bowl, the Bulldogs look to be favored in this one against the Cowboys. This will be Fresno State's third straight bowl game and the eighth postseason game in the last decade.

Key players to watch for the Bulldogs:

Ryan Mathews RB (Junior):

Mathews led the nation in rushing yards per game, topping Heisman Trophy finalists Toby Gerhart (Stanford) and Mark Ingram (Alabama) with 151.3 yards per game. Mathews averaged 6.8 yards per carry and scored 17 touchdowns on the season. Before a mid season concussion Mathews led the nation in rushing yards as well.

Ryan Colburn QB (Junior):

Ryan Colburn has the skill-set to be an amazing QB. Colburn’s size will be a positive attribute as he can sit in the pocket and take a hit. If pressured, Colburn has the ability to take off and scramble; he has no problem lowering the shoulder to plow into a defender.

Seyi Aijirotutu WR (Senior):

Has emerged as a big-play threat and will contend for All-WAC honors as a senior. Seyiis a great athlete with range and ability to stretch a defense. He can go up and get the deep passes and is coming off his best season as a Bulldog averaging 16.9 yards per reception in his career.

Ben Jacobs LB (Junior):

7.7 Tackles a game Jacobs leads the defense coming in to this one. Jacobs flies to the ball on every snap and should be fun to watch today.

Chris Carter DL (Junior):

One of the top returning defensive players in the WAC ... coming off a season in which he split time at linebacker and finished the year as a defensive end ... earned Second-Team All-WAC honors at end ... an explosive player who puts great pressure on offensive tackles

Kevin Goessling K (Sophomore):

Probably one of the single most accurate kickers in college football right now. I would not be surprised at all if I saw Goessling playing on Sundays someday soon.

Led by Coach:

Pat Hill (76-51-0 11th year)

The Wyoming Cowboy's finished the season the same way they started it...at .500. They went 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the MWC which placed them 5th overall. This will mark the first time since 2004 that the Cowboys have been involved in a bowl game.

Key players to watch for the Cowboys:

Austyn Carta-Samuels QB (Freshman):

Carta-Samuels led the Wyoming offense to three fourth-quarter touchdowns and a total of 24 fourth-quarter points as the Cowboys came back from a 21-point deficit to win on the road at San Diego State. He is mobile out of the pocket and make plays when he is forced to.

David Leonard WR (Junior):

A tall possession receiver, Leonard can go above the defensive secondaries to get the ball. He made the 2009 All-Mountain West Team and I look for him to be the primary target for Carta-Samuels in this match-up.

Fred Givens DL (Senior):

Givens lost his starting job before the season started, but has won that job back for good reason. He will be the guy in the middle that will be key in shutting down Mathews and the Bulldogs rush game. Short and stout he should be able to create some push in the middle.

Mitch Unrein DE (Senior):

Unrein is perhaps the one player in the league who is flying under the radar and will have a chance to become a household name for those watching this weekend if he can play the way he has all year.

Led by Coach:

Dave Christensen (1st year HC)

Kickoff time and networks:

Time: 4:30 PM ET/ 1:30 PM PST

Television:ESPN & ESPN-HD

Radio: ESPN Radio

Satellite: Sirius

Past Winners:

December 20th, 2008-- Colorado State- 40, Fresno State 35

December 21st, 2007-- New Mexico- 23, Nevada 0

December 23rd, 2006-- San Jose State 20, New Mexico 12

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL GAME PREVIEW:

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights finished the reglarseason with an (8-4, 3-4 Big East) record. Rutgers had been regarded as one of the worst teams in Division I-A in the last couple decades, posting several losing seasons in a row and raising discussion of possibly reducing the team to Division I-AA competition up until now. This will be a good opportunity for the Scarlet Knights to prove that they belong still in Division I-A.

Key players to watch for the Scarlet Knights:

Tim Brown WR (Senior):

You have to appreciate the name although I don't think there is any relation to thee Tim Brown. Brown happened to be the best friend of UConn's Jasper Howard (the player who was murdered earlier in the season on campus). Brown is a bit small but an explosive quick player. Brown is only the 4th player in Rutgers history to record 1000+ yards receiving. Kenny Britt the only other notable player to accomplish this out of the other three.

Joe Martinek RB (Junior):

Besides Brown, Martinek is probably the next best thing the Scarlet Knights have going for them on offense. The 6'0 215 LB. Junior RB has 1300+ career rushing yards and 13 career TD's. He will need to be a big contributor in this game to give Rutgers a chance in this one.

Anthony Davis OT (Junior):

Davis is a big mobile Tackle and as far as the Niners are concerned, we should all be keeping an eye on this one. On my original list before some of the others climbed the board for me, Davis was in my top five. He has fallen off the radar a bit, but it will be interesting to see how well he does against the Golden Knights. He is projected by some to now go in the 2nd round of the 2010 NFL Draft. 6'6" 325 Lbs.

Kevin Haslam OG (Senior):

Great at run blocking Haslam stands 6'7" and weighs 300 Lbs. Get's off the snap fast and pulls really well. Again, another interesting possibility we should keep an eye out for in this matchup.

Ryan D’Imperio, Rutgers ILB (Senior):

D'Imperio will be the anchor of this defense in this one serving as one of the team captain's. Earlier in his career, the now Senior, had to have several surgeries to repair a severe leg injury. As a junior last season, the veteran middle linebacker started all 13 games and ranked fifth in the BIG EAST with more than seven tackles for game and 10thin the league with nearly a tackle for loss per contest. He has a lot of football knowledge and plays the game very smart. I am not sure if he will be drafted and if he is not, I think he should work out with some team and try and make it as an undrated free agent. We will see how he performs this evening.

Led by Coach:

Greg Schiano (54-55 9th year)

The UCF Golden Knights have the same record as their opponent with exception to conference record at (8-4, 6-2 C-USA). Although UCF has never won a bowl game and are in fact 0-2 in their postseason bowl record, it would not surprise me if the Golden Knights manage to get their 1st bowl win against Rutgers. Rutgers are favored but it is college football and anything can happen as the polls have been drawing closer in this one.

Key players to watch for the Golden Knights:

Brynn Harvey RB (Sophomore):

Harvey rushed for nearly 1100 yards with 14 TD's this year. He has been their bell cow this year and they have made it to a bowl game on large part to this young and very talented athlete.

Josh Robinson CB (Freshman):

Give this kid a few years and you are going to be looking at one dynamite CB. If he continues to get better, he could be at the top of the list as an NFL prospect. Robinson has 6 INT's with 84 return yards. He could make it difficult on the opposing QB today.

Since UCF's players play so well as a team, the statistics are pretty spread out and there is not many players besides Harvey and Robinson that really stand out as a possible recruits in to the NFL in the future. But it should be fun to watch the offensive line and Harvey have success against the Scarlet Knights this evening. And someone else may make showcase themselves to the nation tonight and jump their way on to some teams board.

Kickoff time and networks:

Time: 8:00 PM ET/ 5:00 PM PST

Television: ESPN Mark Jones- Play-by-Play, Bob Davie- Color Analyst, Rob Stone - Sideline Reporter
Internet: ESPN360.com
Radio: Rutgers Football Radio Network
Affiliates: WOR 710-AM (New York City); WCTC 1450-AM (Central Jersey); 97.5 FM "The Fanatic" (Philadelphia and South Jersey)
Student Radio: WRSU 88.7 FM
Satellite Radio: Sirius/XM
National Radio: ESPN Radio

Past Winners:

December 20th, 2008-- South Florida 41, Memphis 14

This will mark the 2nd year for this specific Bowl Game.

Bowl Day Links

ibleedscarlet — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:37:35 -0000

More photos » by Mel Evans - AP

Senior Devin McCourty will play his final game today in the St. Petersburg Bowl.

Browse more photos »

Rutgers is bowling for the 5th consecutive year, and will look to win it's 4th straight as they take on the University of Central Florida in the St. Petersberg Bowl at Tropicana Field. With the game set for a 8:00 PM kick-off, let's take a look at some gameday links from around the web to whet your appetite.

Rutgers fans lucky enough to travel down to St. Petersburg for the bowl game are missing a blizzard of epic proportions in New Jersey.
Central Florida is fueled by the rejection of being passed over for USF when the Big East expanded, writes NJO's Jerry Izenberg.
"The Freak", Mohamed Sanu, has his opportunity today to breakout on the national scene in today's bowl game.
As he approaches 1,000 yards for the season, RB Joe Martinek is ready to shoulder the load in today's game, whether Tim Brown is ready or not.
The St. Pete's Bowl will provide both teams with a unique recruiting opportunity.
Scarlet Scuttlebutt breaks down the keys to victory for both teams, and offers his prediction.
Check out some of Greg Schiano's quotes about the happenings for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights while in St. Petersburg.
ESPN predicts a close victory for the Scarlet Knights.
Though Rutgers has excelled at taking the ball away this season, the turnovers have not been there the last 3 games, writes The Trentonian.
As far as this whole Big Ten expansion goes, I've stated my position before. Personally I don't think that Rutgers has much to gain from joining the Big Ten. I'll have more on this in the upcoming weeks.

Everyone stay warm and inside today, enjoy the game.

Let's Go Knights!

Know Your Opponent: University of Central Florida

ibleedscarlet — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:49:36 -0000

More photos » by Nick de la Torre - AP

about 1 month ago: Central Florida running back Brynn Harvey (34) finds running room for a touchdown against the Rice defense in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in Rice Stadium in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre)

Browse more photos »

On the eve of the St. Petersburg Bowl, we take a quick glimpse at Rutgers opponent:

Team Name: University of Central Florida Knights

Location: Orlanda, Florida

Notable NFL Alumni: Dante Culpepper, Brandon Marshall, Kevin Smith, Asante Samuel

Conference: Conference USA

How they got to the St. Petersburg Bowl:

9/5 W vs. Samford 28-24 9/12 L @ Southern Miss 26-19

9/19 W vs. Buffalo 23-17 9/26 L @ East Carolina 19-14

10/3 W vs. Memphis 32-14 10/17 L vs. Miami 27-7

10/24 W @ Rice 49-7 11/1 W vs. Marshall 21-20

11/7 L @ Texas 35-3 11/14 W vs. Houston 37-32

11/21 W vs. Tulane 49-0 11/28 @ W UAB 34-27

Final 2009 Record: 8-4

Best Win: Houston. Down 17-3 to the Top 15 Cougars, the Knights stormed back behind RB Brynn Harvey who ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns. The Knight defense was able to limit the big plays from Heisman candidate Case Keenum as the Knights were strong down the stretch winning 5 of their last 6.

Worst Loss: East Carolina. Though Central Florida lacks a true "bad" loss, the worst of the bunch had to be the one to the Pirates. East Carolina would eventually go on to win the division, but the way that the Knights turned the ball over made this loss tough to stomach. They turned the ball over 5 times, including 4 Brett Hodges interceptions and still had a chance to win at the end. If they can win that game, who knows where the Knights season goes from there.

Player to watch on offense: Rutgers should be able to stop the aerial attack of the Knights, especially since they lack a mobile quarterback. The load will be put on UCF RB Brynn Harvey who has rushed for over 1000 yards this season. More importantly, the Knights have not lost a game in which Harvey has rushed for over 100 yards. As Harvey goes, so will the Knights.

Player to watch on defense: DT Torrell Troup. Rutgers has struggled to move the ball on the ground all year, and things don't get much easier in this game. Central Florida ranks 4th nationally against the run, and Troup is a big reason for that eating up space inside and providing gaps for the other lineman and linebackers to clog. If UCF can stop the Scarlet Knights on the ground, it could be a long day for Rutgers.

The Skinny: Rutgers and UCF took a similar course to get here relying on tough defense to both reach 8-4 records. Central Florida has been scorching hot over the last 3 games on offense, averaging 40 points per game. Hopefully the layoff has cooled off the UCF offense, but for George O'Leary's team this game is huge. For the Knights to knock off a Big East foe would be a step in the right direction towards gaining momentum at a potential run at the Big East should they expand.

Poll

Who will win the St. Petersburg Bowl?

The Octonion: New Moon

Sean Keeley — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:39:27 -0000

A secret society of the eight wealthiest mascots in the Northeast convenes at an estate in Providence, RI, otherwise known as ~~Mike Tranghese's~~ John Marinatto's basement. Chips and mango-peach salsa are served. They control the Northeastern bank money supplies, Fort Dix, ESPN and the Wesleyan College student newspaper.

They are known as The Octonion.

Parental discretion is advised.

	Somebody want to tell me what in the Flamerica University is going on around here?
	I don’t know what you’re talking about, sugar.
	Don’t feed me cow chips and call it kobe beef, poochie. You know what I’m talking about.
	Everybody calm down, no one is going to the Big Ten.
	I’ve got enough to deal with right now, I don’t need that kind of headache.
	Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t think they’ll be that interested when you’re playing the PapaJohns’com Bowl next year.
	What are you talking about? We don’t need Brian Kelly, we’ll be fine.
	HAHAHAHAHA…
	HAHAHAHAHA…
	HAHAHAHAHA…
	HAHAHA…Otto haz gigglez but duzn’t undurstanz wai.
	Cut the shit, fruit. We know you want in the Big Ten.
	Otto not commentin. Iz Big Ten isshu, not Saracuz isshu.
	Don’t feed us that line, Otto. We’re not stupid.
	Says the guy who hired Steve Kragthorpe.
	He won 8 games three times at Tulsa I’ll have you know.
	I’ll have you know you embarrass the fuck outta us.
	Go win a football game in October.
	Ladies, are you done? I wanna know who knows what, how they know it and what they know.
	That was hard to say for you, wasn’t it?
	I feel lightheaded. I need to take a breather. Pass me a Keystone Dry.
	He’s legally retarded but he’s right. Knight, you know something…
	Sir, I am offended! That barefoot plod I the cold ground upon with sainted vow my faults to have amended!
	What is that? Gay English?
	No, that’s not it.
	They say you’re talking to the Big Ten, Knight. What about us? What about your honor?
	Honour pricks me on. Yea, but how if honour prick me off when I come on? How then? Can honour set to a leg? No. Or an arm? No. Or take away the grief of a wound? No. Honour hath no skill in surgery, then? No. What is honour? A word.
	Next time can you just say "no?"
	A STRANGER ENTERS
	Oh hey fellas.

	WHAT THE FUCK?
	How’d you get in here?
	Otto invited me.
	Otto you little shit! You gave up our secret location???
	Otto disavowz such nawledge. I iz innosentz.
	It’s okay, Otto. You can tell them…
	Okayz….Otto iz goin too Midwestz.
	NOOOOO!!!
	TRAITOR!!!
	USURPER!!!
	MOTHERSHITFUCKTITS!!!
	DICKFOR!!!
	UNWORTHY COUSIN!!!
	Guys, guys…let’s calm down for a second…
	How can you calm down at a time like this?
	Well…because…I’m going too.
	NOOOOO!!!
	TRAITOR!!!
	USURPER!!!
	MOTHERSHITFUCKTITS!!!
	DICKFOR!!!
	UNWORTH...oh wait, I too am heading MidWest in search of glory.
	NOOOOO!!!
	TRAITOR!!!
	USURPER!!!
	MOTHERSHITFUCKTITS!!!
	DICKFOR!!!
	Alright guys, we got it. But look, it’s not so bad. They’re really good guys. And this'll give you a chance to have that potluck with Central Florida you keep talking about.
	SHADOWY FIGURES EMERGE FROM THE, UH…SHADOWS.
	It’s really quite nice in the Big Ten…
	You can watch your friends play on our network…assuming you live near a bar that gets the signal…
	Even if you only score 17 points a game, that's cool. Anything more is considered showboating here...
	We’d love it if you could come too Bearcat, eh?
	No way.
	Come on, it’ll be fun. You’ll be one of us…
	Yeah, one of us…
	One of us, eh...
	One of us…
	One of us…
	Onez of us…
	One of us…
	One of us…
	Bearcat, don’t do it.
	I….I…
	Sweetie! Bubbe! Please don't...
	I don’t…I can’t…
	Bro…come on…let’s hug it out…like on Entourage…you watch that show?...It’s the fucking bomb.
	Not anymore…it peaked in season two and hasn't been relevant or interesting since…but…still…can’t fight it…AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
	Bearcat?
	My name is not Bearcat. I am Locutus of Big Ten Org.
	He's been assimilated! NOOOOO!!!
	TRAITOR!!!
	USURPER!!!
	MOTHERSHITFUCKTITS!!!
	Resistance, much like hoping for a meaningful Ohio State bowl victory, is futile.

You can find records of the previous Octonion meetings below (excuse the formatting issues on some of them, one day I'll get around to fixing):

Weekend Bowl Previews: New Mexico, St. Petersburg and New Orleans

cocknfire — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:00:31 -0000

by Seth Perlman - AP

We're going to New Mexico!

View full size photo »

If there are bowl games named after cities and small states being played by mediocre mid-major teams, it must be mid-December. And here we have the first three contests of the post season, played in beautiful Albuquerque, scenic St. Petersburg and almost sorta kinda rebuilt New Orleans.

These will get longer as we get to bowl games played by teams that you actually, you know, want to see play as opposed to teams you'll watch because it's college football and it's on television.

SATURDAY

New Mexico Bowl, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Fresno State vs. Wyoming

Yes, Wyoming is in a bowl game this year. No, Tennessee fans, that doesn't make it look any better that you lost to them last year.

WHY YOU CARE / Football is back. You know good and well that if they put this game on television on a Tuesday night in the middle of the season, you wouldn't watch it. But you and I both will flock to it like moths to a flame, because football has returned to our lives for a few short weeks.

WYOMING (6-6) / Clinched bowl eligibility in the final game by defeating Colorado State by one point after also winning against such luminaries as San Diego State, UNLV and Weber State. Losses include one at Colorado, which really ought to eliminate anyone from the postseason.

FRESNO STATE (8-4) / Twin shellackings by Boise State and Nevada meant the Bulldogs ended the season third in the WAC. This is a team that defeated Illinois only because of one of the luckiest plays in the history of organized football. Otherwise, the only nonconference win would have been against UC Davis, which really should be offered membership in the WAC at this point.

WHO WILL WIN / FRESNO STATE, because they are okay as compared to bad.

- - -

St. Petersburg Bowl presented by Beef 'O' Brady's, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
UCF vs. Rutgers

After beginning the season with a 32-point loss to Cincinnati, Rutgers is just happy to be in a bowl. The game will show up as the Orange Bowl on George O'Leary's resume.

WHY YOU CARE / Because Beef 'O' Brady's commercials are terrible, but might be better if they get some new revenue after the sponsorship deal.

UCF (8-4) / Aside from defeating the weak teams in Conference USA, the Golden Knights also won against Houston and -- well, that's really their only impressive win this season.

RUTGERS (8-4) / The Scarlet Knights never lost two games in a row this year. Sure, one of those losses was to Syracuse ... by 18 ... but there was never a losing streak in 2009 for Rutgers. And consider the four-game winning streak against Howard, FIU, at Maryland and vs. Texas Southern. A win against South Florida might have been the highlight.

WHO WILL WIN / RUTGERS, because the Big East is marginally a stronger league than C-USA. Marginally.

SUNDAY

R+L Carriers New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee

The purpose for this game is basically to make sure that the Superdome is in working order for the important bowl game to be played there in a couple of weeks. And to make sure that the presence of Saints football in the stadium hasn't made it uninhabitable.

WHY YOU CARE / Because it will give you an early preview of what the stadium will look like during the Sugar Bowl.

SOUTHERN MISS (7-5) / Rebounded from a three-game losing streak at Kansas, UAB and Louisville to get a winning record and prove that there are too many bowls when you can write "Rebounded from a three-game losing streak at Kansas, UAB and Louisville" about a bowl team. Basically UCF without the Houston win.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE (9-3) / The Blue Raiders defeated a BCS team (I guess) when they won at Maryland, 32-31, in September. They were the second best team in the Sun Belt, but again, we're talking about the Sun Belt. QB Dwight Dasher is actually a pretty good player.

WHO WILL WIN / MIDDLE TENNESSEE, because I refuse to believe that we live in a world where a team that lost to Kansas, UAB and Lousville can win a bowl game.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (12/18/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:08:13 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and a bit of entertainment. Today we're being brought to you by Layla Dirty Blonde Lager in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

The men and women both get back into action tomorrow as basketball gets back into the swing of things all around the country. There's a full slate of BE ranked teams in action. Football starts practice again for the bowl tomorrow as well, which means news there should pick up a bit next week. If you're anywhere where snow is being called for, stay warm and be careful if you have to go out. There's plenty to keep you warm in this edition. Suggestions and requests are always encouraged. Have a safe and great weekend!!! Let's GOOOOOOOO...........

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Report for Friday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Bill Stewart Statement - MSNsportsNET.Com

Men's Basketball: No Tickets Remain for Seton Hall - MSNsportsNET.Com
Looks like I missed this one. Sorry.

Syracuse Orange enters top 3 of College Basketball Power Rankings - SI.com
We've slid back to #6 from #4 last week.

West Virginia 25th in Director's Cup Standings - MSNsportsNET.Com

Forde Yard Dash - ESPN
"From the starting block in Albuquerque to the finish line in Pasadena, The Dash sprints through all 34 bowls -- and picks the winners."

BCS National Championship, Rose Bowl headline bowl Pickoff - Stewart Mandel - SI.com

News of Note:

West Virginia - Team Notes - USATODAY.com

Let rivalry begin again - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Will Doc's loss impact WVU all that much? - 'Eers to the Ground/PPG

Unfinished Business - MSNsportsNET.Com

WVU's Brown takes aim at home-state team - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Sporting News All-Big East first team - Sporting News

Florida State's head-coach-to-be Jimbo Fisher still fond of West Virginia - St. Petersburg Times

Not just another week for FSU football - Tallahassee Democrat

Chris Henry:

Chris Henry's WVU teammates remember the life of Slim - WVIllustrated.com

Chris Henry's death interrupted his redemption with Bengals - Paul Daugherty - SI.com

NFL Videos: Brown, Lewis on Henry - NFL.com

Chris Henry rocked the Carrier Dome in 2003 as a West Virginia freshman receiver - syracuse.com
Orange beat writer remembers Henry's performances against Syracuse.

What's On Tap:

The WVU women take on Fresno State tomorrow at 7 pm from the Coliseum (couldn't find a link).

West Virginia vs. Cleveland State - SI.com
Saturday from Cleveland at 2 pm on ESPN 360 and MASN.

Lipscomb vs. Cincinnati - SI.com
Saturday at 2 pm from Cinci on ESPN 360.

Villanova vs. Fordham - SI.com
Saturday at 2 pm from East Rutherford, NJ.

Old Dominion vs. Georgetown - SI.com
Saturday at 7 pm from the Phone Booth in DC on ESPN 360 and MASN.

St. Bonaventure vs. Syracuse - SI.com
Saturday at 7 pm from the Dome.

UCF vs. Connecticut - SI.com
Sunday at 1 pm from Hartford on ESPN 360 and MASN.

St. Petersburg Bowl - UCF Knights vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights - ESPN
Sunday night at 8 on ESPN. Rutgers is favored by 3.

Around the League (and Beyond):

See No Big Ten, Hear No Big Ten, Speak No Big Ten - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Cincinnati's Lance Stephenson talks about transition to college game - Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati holds first Sugar Bowl practice without Brian Kelly - ESPN

Samuels is battling huge expectations - Courier-Journal

Pitt coach Dixon demands big improvement - PPG

What now? - TheUConnBlog.com
Ater Majok makes his debut this weekend

Bulls ease back into practice - Tampa Tribune

If The Big East Expanded... - Pitt Blather

Rutgers tailback Joe Martinek ready to go in St. Petersburg Bowl whether Tim Brown plays or not - Star Ledger

Schiano More than Wins and Losses - Protect R Turf

Doc not a perfect hire, just a terrific one - Charleston Gazette

How about Big 14? -- chicagotribune.com

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

We've seen the music synced light displays before, but music and video game synced? Impressive.

She may be past her prime and carry hepatitis...but this video still does it (and her friend is nice too).

Holiday Picture of the Week:

I think the guy on the right wins, for creativity alone. Thanks to Jimmy T. of Hot Clicks for the find.

via thesurlybirds.com

Brazilian Gallery of the Week:

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is easily one of Israel's finest. Please wish Happy Hanukkah to Miss Bar Rephaeli.

via i.cdn.turner.com

Layla image via www.abarbanel.com

Big Ten Expansion: 11+1 Can't Equal 12

Bama Hawkeye — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:45:34 -0000

Here's the thing about this Big Ten expansion: it's going to be a big deal. Otherwise, it's not going to happen. If adding a twelfth team only add to the Big Ten coffers by 9.09% (or 1/11th of the current total), the deal is a wash. The Big Ten isn't going to add a school and expand for a wash. They will only expand if the expansion creates an increase in funding above and beyond what they would have received otherwise. If 11+1=12, expansion won't happen. 11+1 must equal more than 12.

Now before you and tell me that the Big Ten will make big money from a title game, recognize that your point is ceded. It will be a moneymaker for the league. However, if the expansion does not increase regular season fees by at least 9.09%, each school will receive less money from the league during the regular season. I will posit that if any part of this deal is a financial loss, it is not happening.

TRE is your one stop shop for all things Big Ten Expansion related...

Graham discusses pros and cons of adding a 12th team...and who it might be.

Lake Erie M argues for mega-expansion and a 14 team league

BHGP lists the 4 most important issues surrounding expansion.

Chadnudj details the benefits of the North/South split

That's why, you need to think big, or get out of the discussion. Big Ten expansion is not about "finding a rival for Penn State." Big Ten expansion is not about finding any local twelfth school so that the league can have a championship game. Big Ten expansion is about increasing the percentage of college sports dollars that go directly into the coffers of each institution. I am not saying this in a derogatory or cynical way. It's exactly what expansion should be about. If you're going to upset this apple cart by adding a new member, there better be some huge HUGE benefits. That was what the league got when Penn State joined. That's what the league should get now.

So stop thinking small. Join me after the jump and start thinking Big. After all, it's in our league's name for a good reason.

Let's add that 12th Team:

Remember, think BIG. Here are the teams that I think by themselves can satisfy this requirement:

Notre Dame

Yes, it's the league's white whale (and I appreciate it that the Irish again hired a coach who can personally live up to that moniker.). At the same time, it is still the most recognized name and brand in college athletics. It would be a coup for the league. It would be a perfect fit (and they'd find a way to get the Irish into the AAU; don't sweat that). If Notre Dame would say yes (and they won't), this search would be done.

Texas

Do you remember that Texas reached out to join the Big Ten in 1993/94? Shortly before the Horns and Aggies (along with the state's two successful piggybackers) joined the Big 8, Texas talked with the Big Ten about becoming the league's 12th member. The Big Ten was under a self-imposed expansion moratorium, though.

Today, I don't see Texas joining. They are the New York Yankees of the Big 12. They have every conceivable advantage and limited revenue sharing. Why would they leave that situation for long road trips (the shortest Big Ten trip would be longer than the longest Big 12 trip) and equitable payouts? Do you think the Yankees would leave baseball's system for football's - where they would share (most of) their dollars evenly with Green Bay? Texas is in a perfect situation.

Nebraska

Yes, the Big Ten wants to dominate the Omaha media market. No, this would be about adding a football giant. Tom Osborne, for one, would listen long and hard. He's preached against the Southern-dominance of the Big 12 since its inception. I don't know if the Huskers take the offer, but it's a much closer call than you might think at first blush. And don't give me the "Big 8/12 founding member tradition garbage." It doesn't pay the bills.

Maryland

This is all about DC. The ACC has the market surrounded. The Big East has roots in the market (during hoops). The Big Ten can move on the area by adding the Terps. It's a contiguous state, which could use the move to recruit in more fertile areas (Ohio and Pennsylvania). Yes, Maryland is thought of as a basketball school first. I don't think that stops the inquiry. I don't know that Maryland jumps, but I bet they look long and hard at it.

Missouri

Missouri has already said that they would entertain the offers. Good for you, Mizzou. Missouri feel like it has received a raw deal from the Big 12 in football each of the last three years. The Big Ten would control, instead of split, the St. Louis market, while making an entry into Kansas City. Of the adding one combinations, this has the greatest likelihood of actually happening.

Here's who is not on the list:

Pitt

Like I said at the outset, this isn't about finding a partner for Penn State. In 17 seasons, the Lions have developed a nice rivalry with Ohio State and a hatred for Iowa. They don't need to bring their little brother school into the family just to have someone to kick around. Also, Pitt adds nothing but a 12th team. If you believe me when I write that this expansion has to be about more than that, then you know why Pitt won't happen.

Rutgers

I'm late coming around on this, but Rutgers adds nothing but a 12th team. Rutgers doesn't "give the Big Ten the New York market" any more than adding Middle Tennessee State would give the league the Nashville market.

West Virginia, Cincinnati, Louisville, Syracuse

They don't add anything but a 12th team.

Iowa State

Now you're just being silly.

Let's Think Bigger

An interesting article in the Tribune yesterday tipped the Big Ten's hand. They're not limiting their thoughts to 12 teams. They are also looking at 14 teams league. What? Seriously? Yes. Who would this be?

How about Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Add those three to the league and you control the media markets of the upper Midwest and great plains states. That doesn't add much. But, you add one of the Top 10 football programs, one of the Top 10 basketball programs, and a legitimate contender in both. That I find interesting. How do these divisions strike you:

Big Ten North	Big Ten South	or....	Big Ten East	Big Ten West
Michigan	Ohio State		Penn State	Nebraska
Michigan State	Indiana		Ohio State	Kansas
Wisconsin	Purdue		Michigan	Missouri
Minnesota	Kansas		Michigan State	Iowa
Iowa	Missouri		Indiana	Wisconsin
Northwestern	Illinois		Purdue	Minnesota
Nebraska	Penn State		Northwestern	Illinois

I like them, too. I'm partial to the North/South alignment (playing each team in their division, their permanent rival across from them on the list, and one rotating school each year), but I wouldn't argue with the East/West breakdown either. It just doesn't lend itself as well to the split.

Would the three Big Twelve schools come together? Yes, Kansas leaves K-State behind, but i don't think that they'd worry too much about that. Coming together might make the move more palatable for the joiners. I don't know enough about the numbers to know if it would make the league more profitable for the members, but my suspicion is that it would.

If you believe that the league will go for a more balanced geographic approach, maybe it's Missouri, Pittsburgh and Maryland. Look what that could do:

Big Ten North	Big Ten South	or...	Big Ten East	Big Ten West
Michigan	Ohio State		Maryland	Missouri
Michigan State	Maryland		Penn State	Iowa
Pitt	Penn State		Pitt	Minnesota
Wisconsin	Purdue		Ohio State	Wisconsin
Minnesota	Indiana		Michigan	Illinois
Iowa	Missouri		Michigan State	Northwestern
Northwestern	Illinois		Indiana	Purdue

When you add three teams, you're adding a championship game, but you're also adding 12 extra regular season games. That's increasing regular season product by more than 25%, and likely adding a premium to the value. It's a good deal for all involved.

Let's Think Biggest

Reread the money quote from the Tribune. The league is also considering 16 team options. What? Sixteen? What would that look like? My friends, it would look like the start of a playoff system.

Big Ten East	Big Ten North	Big Ten West	Big Ten South
Penn State	Michigan	Iowa	Ohio State
Indiana	Northwestern	Minnesota	Illinois
Maryland	Michigan State	Wisconsin	Missouri
Pitt	Purdue	Nebraska	Kansas

How would you schedule this for football? Let's dream a bit. Each team plays the three teams in their division, and four teams from another division. The eighth game will be decided by standings and played on Thanksgiving weekend, with the first place teams facing off in the league championship semi-finals. You could rotate what divisions face each other for full slates and what divisions meet head to head on Thanksgiving weekend. Do you think that Big Ten semi-final weekend would get ratings? TV Money? Attention?

I know that this is a radical change from anything that college football has done. And, I realize that these divisions will move away from the traditional rival system (thus, likely making it a non-starter). But, this is the time to think in these terms. The stodgy Big Ten is allowing itself to dream right now. It should be encouraged to think as big as it can.

Remember: Think Big

Over the next 12-18 months, you'll read periodic articles focused on one small addition to the Big Ten roster. Remember that won't happen. If expansion occurs, it will be because the Big Ten was able to get Bigger.

h/t on the title to Frank the Tank.

Addendum:

We never said what we were going to name this Bigger Big Ten. Sure, we could stick with the easy moniker and keep the Big Ten. Or we could go to the Big 14 or Big 16. But we can do better than that. We need something that demonstrates our dominance in college football. Something that shows that we will not only compete with those Southern units, but that we will dominate them. Got it...

THE UNION

Gen. Sherman approves.

Schiano More than Wins and Losses

ibleedscarlet — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:38:19 -0000

More photos » by Mike Groll - AP

about 1 month ago: Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano reacts after his team scored a first quarter touchdown against Army during an NCAA college football game in West Point, N.Y., Friday, Oct. 23, 2009. Rutgers won 27-10. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Browse more photos »

There was a fantastic article today by NJO's Jerry Izenberg, profiling Rutgers' Head Coach Greg Schiano and his ability to teach the Rutgers student-athletes more than just football.

Often times as fans we forget the true meaning of the word "student-athlete", and forget that these students head home to study, take exams, and go to class after each game, win or lose. Instead of focusing solely on football, and preparing players for the NFL (which is not very likely), Coach Schiano focuses on making his players better people and preparing them for life after college and after football:

[Schiano] was speaking about the journey that has marked his tenure and the kids-grown-to-men who have passed through it at Rutgers. He spoke about what he looked for in his recruits.

‘‘First they have to be talented ,and you want to know how serious they are. What is his commitment? You are allowed six recruiting visits with a kid. So we go to see his coaches and his guidance counselor and the principal of his high school. If one of them tells us he is supposed to be in room 228 in his English class, and he’s not there, and it happens again on the next visit, I tell my guys to forget him.

‘‘Then he’s got to love football. Because if he does, his character will develop with us. He’ll go to study hall or, as we sometimes tell them, sit in the first three rows in class. His love for the game means he doesn’t want to lose all that, and if he doesn’t study, he knows he will.’’

Rutgers has ranked 3rd nationally the past two years in the National APR rankings, and is the only team over the last 2 years to place in the top 5 nationally in the APR and win a bowl game.

It's amazing the job that Schiano has done at Rutgers. He basically has raised a program from the dead without any major recruiting violations and without lowering any academic standards. Even more surprising, he knows who that he owes a lot of his current success to the players that built this program from the ground-up:

‘‘Getting through the tough times here was about a lot more than the coaching,” he said. “These guys, they did more than stay and more than play. They backed me and the staff up when guys were complaining and naysaying in the locker room. I’m talking about support from a guy like William Beckford ... a guy like Brian Leonard ... like Clark Harris and Ramel Meekins.’’

Schiano is truly thankful to the guys who bought into this program when Rutgers was grinding out 1 and 2 win seasons.

Rutgers fans should be thankful that we have a coach who cares more about the players than the actual wins and losses. Schiano could have left for greener pastures in Ann Arbor or Miami, but he's chosen to see this thing through at Rutgers. So next time there's a bad play call on 3rd down, or the defense gives up a big play, let's be a little bit easier on the guy. After all, there's more to college football than just wins and losses.

See No Big Ten, Hear No Big Ten, Speak No Big Ten

Sean Keeley — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:00:33 -0000

View full size photo »

Some quick reaction from each school that is considered a decent contender for the eventual Big Ten invite:

Syracuse

[AD DOCTOR Daryl Gross is] not discussing the Big Ten's expansion because it's a Big Ten matter, not a Syracuse matter."

Rutgers

"We are a proud member of the Big East Conference," Rutgers athletic director Tim Pernetti said in a statement. "It is not our place to speculate on the expansion plans of any other conference."

Pittsburgh

No Comment.

Well then...carry on.

Fortune Teller: 2009 Bowl Predictions (Part 1)

Brian @ BCI — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:16:14 -0000

For the third straight year, we preview the upcoming college football postseason. Here are our picks for bowls 1-17, which takes you from the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque to El Paso, Texas for the Sun Bowl.

Leave your thoughts on any of the first 17 matchups below.

New Mexico (December 19)

Matchup: Fresno State (8-4) vs. Wyoming (6-6)
The Line: Fresno State -11.5

The Lead: Wyoming makes only its second trip to a bowl this decade while Fresno State makes its 9th bowl appearance in the last 10 years. Fresno State returns to New Mexico for the second straight year (losing to Colorado State 40-35 last year).

Brian Pick: Fresno State -11.5
Jeff Pick: Wyoming +11.5

St. Petersburg presented by Beef ‘O’ Brady’s (December 19)

Matchup: UCF (8-4) vs. Rutgers (8-4)
The Line: Rutgers -2.5

The Lead: Rutgers just making a bowl game game is no longer exciting for their players and fans who had higher hopes coming into this season than to finish 3-4 in the Big East. UCF meanwhile will be playing less than three hours from their campus and should be thrilled to be there.

Jeff Pick: UCF +2.5
Brian Pick: Rutgers -2.5

R + L Carrier New Orleans (December 20)

Matchup: Southern Miss (7-5) vs. Middle Tennessee (9-3)
The Line: Southern Miss -3.5

The Lead: Southern Miss returns to the New Orleans Bowl for the second straight year. Last year, Southern Miss blocked a field goal in overtime to defeat Troy 30-27 in one of the more entertaining 2008 bowl games. Middle Tennessee State is one of the hottest teams in the country, having won 6 straight and reaching the 9 win plateau for the first time since joining Division I-A in 1999. Southern Miss has a perfect 3-0 record in the New Orleans Bowl.

Brian Pick: Southern Miss -3.5
Jeff Pick: Southern Miss -3.5

MAACO Las Vegas (December 22)

Matchup: Oregon State (8-4) vs. BYU (10-2)
The Line: Oregon State -2.5

The Lead: BYU was on top of the world after beating Oklahoma to start the season. Oregon State was on top of the college football world in the final Thursday night of the season when playing Oregon for the Pac-10 title. Things didn't work out as either team had hoped from those points on though and they both fell to the pre-Christmas Las Vegas Bowl. Oregon State has plenty to prove though as they attempt to beat BYU, TCU and Boise State in the next 11 months and serve as the non-BCS school killer.

Jeff Pick: Oregon State -2.5
Brian Pick: Oregon State -2.5

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia (December 23)

Matchup: Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4)
The Line: California -3

The Lead: With BC losing to Vanderbilt last season, Utah now owns the longest active winning streak in bowl games, having won their last 8 games including last year’s Sugar Bowl over Alabama. Cal is riding a seven game streak for bowl apperances, the longest in school history.

Brian Pick: Utah +3
Jeff Pick: Utah +3

Sheraton Hawaii (December 24)

Matchup: Nevada (8-4) vs. SMU (7-5)
The Line: Nevada -15

The Lead: This game features a very good WAC team against a very good C-USA team but does that mean that they are actually good teams? It's tough to say. Neither team has a very impressive win this season and both seemed to lose all their games when they had opportunities to prove themselves. Will anyone watch the Christmas Eve game in Hawaii? Other than Brian?

Jeff Pick: SMU +15
Brian Pick: Nevada -15

Little Caesars (December 26)

Matchup: Marshall (6-6) vs. Ohio (9-4)
The Line: Ohio -2.5

The Lead: This game renews a rivalry game between the two schools located only 80 miles apart. Ohio and Marshall used to compete in the Battle for the Bell which is set to be renewed in 2010. Ohio leads the all-time series 29-17-6, however Marshall has won 8 of the last 10 matchups between the two geographic neighbors.

Brian Pick: Ohio -2.5
Jeff Pick: Ohio -2.5

Meineke Car Care (December 26)

Matchup: Pittsburgh (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4)
The Line: Pittsburgh -3

The Lead: What a disappointing finish to the season for Pittsburgh. Pitt lost to their backyard brawl rival West Virginia before losing to Cincinnati in a de-facto Big East Championship game. The Panthers led the entire game against Cincinnati but could not finish so now instead of the Orange Bowl they get a trip to Charlotte to play North Carolina in a "road" bowl game. Good luck getting your team fired up for this one, Dave!

Jeff Pick: North Carolina +3
Brian Pick: Pittsburgh -3

Emerald (December 26)

Matchup: Boston College (8-4) vs. USC (8-4)
The Line: USC -9

The Lead: The 8-4 Eagles travel to San Francisco for the second time this decade to take on the 8-4 USC Trojans. This is the first time in seven years that USC hasn’t played in a BCS bowl game (5 Rose Bowls, 2 Orange Bowls). Good news for the Eagles is the last time Pete Carroll found himself in a non-BCS bowl game, the Trojans lost 10-6 to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. You don't think we would pick against BC now, do you?

Brian Pick: Boston College +9
Jeff Pick: Boston College +9

Gaylor Hotels Music City (December 27)

Matchup: Kentucky (7-5) vs. Clemson (8-5)
The Line: Clemson -7.5

The Lead: If Boston College's 2008 performance in the Music City Bowl is any indication of how Clemson might play this year after the disappointing ACC Championship Game, it's is going to be tough to watch for Tiger fans. But after losing to South Carolina, the ACC really doesn't need Clemson, or any of its top programs, to lose to mediocre SEC teams. Clemson ticket sales for the bowl have been soft but hopefully Dabo can rally this team to victory.

Jeff Pick: Kentucky +7.5
Brian Pick: Clemson -7.5

AdvoCare V100 Independence (December 28)

Matchup: Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5)
The Line: Georgia -7

The Lead: Georgia wraps up an otherwise disappointing, up-and-down season in Shreveport, Louisiana. For every quality win for UGA, there seemed to be an equally puzzling loss this year. Defeat Arkansas, get crushed at Tennessee. Defeat Auburn, lose to Kentucky at home, come back and defeat in-state rival Georgia Tech. Texas A&M has had a similar up-and-down season, but seemingly backed into the postseason having lost 3 of their last 4 games.

Brian Pick: Georgia -7
Jeff Pick: Georgia -7

EagleBank (December 29)

Matchup: UCLA (6-6) vs. Temple (9-3)
The Line: UCLA -4

The Lead: UCLA had to wait to see the result of the Army-Navy game before getting officially invited to this bowl game. In the bowl's second season, I don't imagine that their will be much hype this year compared to last year's geographically favorable matchup of Wake Forest vs. Navy. Look for Temple to surprise some people and possibly knock off a BCS school in this one.

Jeff Pick: Temple +4
Brian Pick: Temple +4

Champs Sports (December 29)

Matchup: Miami (Fla.) (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3)
The Line: Miami -3

The Lead: This year’s Champs Sports Bowl is a matchup of 9-3 ranked teams. Both teams are coming off strong finishes, each winning 4 of their final 5 games. Wisconsin finished the season with a 51-10 drubbing of Hawaii on the road, while Miami took care of USF 31-10. Miami is 2-0 all-time in the Champs Sports Bowl. Wisconsin played in Orlando last season, losing to Florida State 42-13. This is the last year the Big 10 will be represented in this bowl as the Big East will send a team to face an ACC opponent starting next season.

Brian Pick: Miami -3
Jeff Pick: Miami -3

Roady’s Humanitarian (December 30)

Matchup: Bowling Green (8-5) vs. Idaho (7-5)
The Line: Idaho +1.5

The Lead: Another game that might set an attendance record this season but not the kind of record that you want to be setting if you are putting this bowl together. Boise fans might already be on their way to the Fiesta Bowl so even getting a few locals to come out for this game will be difficult. Bowling Green has a pretty good WR, and Idaho plays home games in a dome. That's all I have for this one.

Jeff Pick: Bowling Green -1.5
Brian Pick: Idaho +1.5

Pacific Life Holiday (December 30)

Matchup: Arizona (8-4) vs. Nebraska (9-4)
The Line: Arizona -1.5

The Lead: Arizona - having defeated the Trojans 21-17 to move to 6-3 in conference - will represent the Pac-10 as its #2 team in the Holiday Bowl. Nebraska won the Big 12 North, finishing the season at 9-4, 6-2 in conference. The Cornhuskers are coming off a heartbreaking 13-12 loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Brian Pick: Arizona -1.5
Jeff Pick: Nebraska +1.5

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces (December 31)

Matchup: Houston (10-3) vs. Air Force (7-5)
The Line: Houston -4.5

The Lead: The mighty Houston Cougars who knocked off Oklahoma State at home are only 4.5 point favorites against Air Force? Oh right, we later found out that Oklahoma State was not nearly as good as anyone thought the would be and failed to make a push for a BCS bowl by nearly losing to Colorado and then getting destroyed by Oklahoma to end the season. Air Force had another nice season but only managed a 1-5 record against bowl bound teams this season.

Jeff Pick: Air Force +4.5
Brian Pick: Houston -4.5

Brut Sun (December 31)

Matchup: Oklahoma (7-5) vs. Stanford (8-4)
The Line: Oklahoma -8

The Lead: This should be an intriguing matchup between the unstoppable force (Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart and the 15th ranked Stanford Cardinal offense) and the immovable object (Oklahoma's 7th ranked defense). Oklahoma has had an otherwise disappointing season, that is, up until they put a 27-0 hurtin' on in-state rival Oklahoma State in Bedlam. Stanford may or may not be playing without the services of starting freshman quarterback Andrew Luck.

Brian Pick: Stanford +8
Jeff Pick: Oklahoma -8