Bobby Bowden did not resign at Florida State; the Seminoles forced him out.
Coach Bowden won 389 games as a Division I head coach. He took a mediocre program, and molded it into a consistent winner. Most impressively, Bowden led the Seminoles to 14 consecutive Top 5 finishes between 1987 and 2000. This record will not get broken anytime soon.
This unprecedented level of success apparently meant nothing to Florida State faculty and boosters. In 2001, FSU went 8-4, and would only win 10 games one more time between 2001 and 2009. The Seminole faithful grew impatient, and demanded change. According to his new book, Coach Bowden had two choices at the end of 2009: he could return in 2010 as an "ambassador coach", or his contract would expire.
If this does not demonstrate what is wrong with college football today, what does? What does it say when one of the most successful coaches in history is fired for winning back-to-back bowl games?
Even if you agree with the decision to change head coaches, Florida State clearly dropped the ball by hiring Jimbo Fisher. Instead of hiring a proven head coach, they went with someone who has never been a head coach. Why would you force out someone who won 300 games to hire someone with no experience? How will that make the program better?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
2010 Utah Preview
The University of Utah enters the 2010 season seeking a third consecutive 10-win season. Here is a list of things to look for:
1 - Solid play on both lines
The Utah defensive line did a decent job stopping the run last season, only allowing 3.7 yards per carry. This number should improve as the Utes boast considerable depth in the front four. Exactly how deep are they? They have as many as five players that could see time at defensive end, and a number of linemen will play both end and at tackle. This depth and versatility will keep fresh bodies on the field.
The O-Line should be equally strong. Zane Taylor, who made 2nd team all conference last season, leads a veteran group that returns 4 starters. John Cullen impressed the coaches during preseason practices, and should do an outstanding job at left tackle. As long as this unit stays healthy, it should improve on the 4.3 yards per carry they averaged last season.
2 - More balance on offense
QB Jordan Wynn returns after leading the Utes to 34 points per game as a starter. Despite Wynn’s stellar passing performances, the offense may run the ball more with Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata. They have also installed some packages for Sean Asiata, who’s more of a fullback/tight end hybrid.
The offensive coordinators will continue to utilize the tight ends more this season. They did this against California in the Poinsettia Bowl, and it paid off with Kendrick Moeai catching a touchdown pass. The Utes have as many as four players that could see extensive playing time.
3 - Big plays in the secondary
Despite losing both starting safeties, Utah will have a solid secondary. Brandon Burton, Lamar Chapman, and Justin Tarplin-Ross all have experience as starters, and shouldn’t miss a beat. True freshman Brian Belchen, recruited as a quarterback, impressed the coaches during fall camp, and will likely start at safety. The speed and athleticism of this group will lead to some big plays on defense.
4 - Better turnover margin
Utah had a respectable turnover ratio of +5 last season. While this number wasn't bad, it was the second lowest margin in the Whittingham era. Expect the number to improve this season with a veteran QB and a more explosive secondary.
5 - “Old School” Football
Coach Whittingham uses an “old school” philosophy. His teams play tough, physical football, and never quit until the whistle blows. In addition, the team plays with great discipline, committing very few penalties, and limiting big plays to a minimum.
1 - Solid play on both lines
The Utah defensive line did a decent job stopping the run last season, only allowing 3.7 yards per carry. This number should improve as the Utes boast considerable depth in the front four. Exactly how deep are they? They have as many as five players that could see time at defensive end, and a number of linemen will play both end and at tackle. This depth and versatility will keep fresh bodies on the field.
The O-Line should be equally strong. Zane Taylor, who made 2nd team all conference last season, leads a veteran group that returns 4 starters. John Cullen impressed the coaches during preseason practices, and should do an outstanding job at left tackle. As long as this unit stays healthy, it should improve on the 4.3 yards per carry they averaged last season.
2 - More balance on offense
QB Jordan Wynn returns after leading the Utes to 34 points per game as a starter. Despite Wynn’s stellar passing performances, the offense may run the ball more with Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata. They have also installed some packages for Sean Asiata, who’s more of a fullback/tight end hybrid.
The offensive coordinators will continue to utilize the tight ends more this season. They did this against California in the Poinsettia Bowl, and it paid off with Kendrick Moeai catching a touchdown pass. The Utes have as many as four players that could see extensive playing time.
3 - Big plays in the secondary
Despite losing both starting safeties, Utah will have a solid secondary. Brandon Burton, Lamar Chapman, and Justin Tarplin-Ross all have experience as starters, and shouldn’t miss a beat. True freshman Brian Belchen, recruited as a quarterback, impressed the coaches during fall camp, and will likely start at safety. The speed and athleticism of this group will lead to some big plays on defense.
4 - Better turnover margin
Utah had a respectable turnover ratio of +5 last season. While this number wasn't bad, it was the second lowest margin in the Whittingham era. Expect the number to improve this season with a veteran QB and a more explosive secondary.
5 - “Old School” Football
Coach Whittingham uses an “old school” philosophy. His teams play tough, physical football, and never quit until the whistle blows. In addition, the team plays with great discipline, committing very few penalties, and limiting big plays to a minimum.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
BYU to go independent in football?
Multiple sources have reported that BYU will become an independent for football and participate in the WAC in all other sports.
From a financial standpoint, the move makes sense for the Cougars. Without a conference schedule, BYU can make money in a number of ways. They can schedule big name opponents at home, and sell out their stadium. Expensive road trips to San Diego and New Mexico can be replaced, with instate traditional rivals like Utah (who will leave the Mtn West next year)
and Utah State. Most importantly, the Cougars can go on the road and gain some money (and respect) by playing against some BCS opponents.
Is this a good idea competitively? Probably not. Since 2000, BYU has gone 13-16 against BCS opponents. Unless BYU were to run the table, they go from a conference with 4-5 bowl tie-ins to hoping that some conferences don't qualify with enough bids. Even if a conference does have a down year, a bowl is going to take a 6-6 SEC or Big Ten team before they'll take a 9-3 BYU team. I'm not saying that this is *right*, but when it comes to bowl games, the almighty dollar wins out.
As I drafted this article, I'm reading reports that Nevada and Fresno State are headed to the Mountain West? Would this be enough to keep BYU, or do more dominoes need to fall?
From a financial standpoint, the move makes sense for the Cougars. Without a conference schedule, BYU can make money in a number of ways. They can schedule big name opponents at home, and sell out their stadium. Expensive road trips to San Diego and New Mexico can be replaced, with instate traditional rivals like Utah (who will leave the Mtn West next year)
and Utah State. Most importantly, the Cougars can go on the road and gain some money (and respect) by playing against some BCS opponents.
Is this a good idea competitively? Probably not. Since 2000, BYU has gone 13-16 against BCS opponents. Unless BYU were to run the table, they go from a conference with 4-5 bowl tie-ins to hoping that some conferences don't qualify with enough bids. Even if a conference does have a down year, a bowl is going to take a 6-6 SEC or Big Ten team before they'll take a 9-3 BYU team. I'm not saying that this is *right*, but when it comes to bowl games, the almighty dollar wins out.
As I drafted this article, I'm reading reports that Nevada and Fresno State are headed to the Mountain West? Would this be enough to keep BYU, or do more dominoes need to fall?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Utes defense - relax and enjoy!
Many experts predict that Utah's defense will take a step back this season. These naysayers argue that with the return of only four starters on defense (no linebackers), and the loss of several standouts (Joe Dale Phillips, Mike Wright, and Stevenson Sylvester), the Utes defense will take a step back this season.
My fellow Ute fans, have no fear! A talented defensive mind, Coach Whit, realizes that defense wins championships. He will always have talented athletes on the defensive side of the ball. While they might not be prototypical defenders, you can count on a Whittingham coached team to fly to the ball with reckless abandon.
A close examination of the Utah defense suggests that linebacker and safety are the biggest areas of concern. While these weaknesses loom large on paper, the playing field will tell another story. The projected starting line for the Utes averages almost 275 pounds. With a line that size, the Ute linemen should command a lot of double teams which will allow the linebackers and safeties to make plays in the running game. This size should also generate a solid pass rush, which will allow Defensive Coordinator Kalani Sitake to mix his coverages up to better match the strengths of the secondary.
Need more comfort? Look at what happened with Cincinnati last season. The Bearcats had a grand total of one returning starter on last year's defense. But Coach Brian Kelly put talented, speedy players on the field, and the results paid off with a Sugar Bowl bid.
So while I don't know who's going to play linebacker for Utah this fall, I do that whoever it is will be placed in a position to make plays!!
My fellow Ute fans, have no fear! A talented defensive mind, Coach Whit, realizes that defense wins championships. He will always have talented athletes on the defensive side of the ball. While they might not be prototypical defenders, you can count on a Whittingham coached team to fly to the ball with reckless abandon.
A close examination of the Utah defense suggests that linebacker and safety are the biggest areas of concern. While these weaknesses loom large on paper, the playing field will tell another story. The projected starting line for the Utes averages almost 275 pounds. With a line that size, the Ute linemen should command a lot of double teams which will allow the linebackers and safeties to make plays in the running game. This size should also generate a solid pass rush, which will allow Defensive Coordinator Kalani Sitake to mix his coverages up to better match the strengths of the secondary.
Need more comfort? Look at what happened with Cincinnati last season. The Bearcats had a grand total of one returning starter on last year's defense. But Coach Brian Kelly put talented, speedy players on the field, and the results paid off with a Sugar Bowl bid.
So while I don't know who's going to play linebacker for Utah this fall, I do that whoever it is will be placed in a position to make plays!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Biggest Omission from the College Football Hall of Fame
I'm always amazed at how many self-professed "students of the game", really don't know very much about the game.
Quick, name the only quarterback to never lose a game in his high school or college career. I'm sure that many of you will chime in with "Greg McElroy of Alabama because that's how CBS leads off every telecast". While he is currently undefeated as a starter, I expect that to change with all of the depth in the SEC this season.
So, this begs the original question - who was the only quarterback to go undefeated?
The correct answer is Toledo Rocket standout Chuck Ealey. After going 18-0 in high school, Ealey led the Rockets to 35 straight wins, and three consecutive Tangerine Bowls. One of those victories was a 40-12 victory over a William and Mary team that was coached by Lou Holtz.
Despite all this outstanding record, Chuck Ealey is *NOT* in the Hall of Fame.
Why is Mr. Ealey not in the Hall of Fame? I will let the National Football Foundation explain that to you, as there's not a satisfactory explanation for that!!
To learn more about one of college football's most outstanding players, visit http://www.inductchuck.com/
Quick, name the only quarterback to never lose a game in his high school or college career. I'm sure that many of you will chime in with "Greg McElroy of Alabama because that's how CBS leads off every telecast". While he is currently undefeated as a starter, I expect that to change with all of the depth in the SEC this season.
So, this begs the original question - who was the only quarterback to go undefeated?
The correct answer is Toledo Rocket standout Chuck Ealey. After going 18-0 in high school, Ealey led the Rockets to 35 straight wins, and three consecutive Tangerine Bowls. One of those victories was a 40-12 victory over a William and Mary team that was coached by Lou Holtz.
Despite all this outstanding record, Chuck Ealey is *NOT* in the Hall of Fame.
Why is Mr. Ealey not in the Hall of Fame? I will let the National Football Foundation explain that to you, as there's not a satisfactory explanation for that!!
To learn more about one of college football's most outstanding players, visit http://www.inductchuck.com/
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