TCU WR Brandon Carter academically ineligible this year. I remember a few years ago OU recruiting him and he ended up flipping to TCU the last minute. Maybe he should have left home and chosen OU to get away from his homies in Dallas/Ft. Worth. TCU has one foot in the drowning pool. Hopefully this is the last of the bad news for the Frogs.
07/21/2014
A sad end for one of TCU's highest ranked recruits
DALLAS, Texas - Not surprisingly, wide receiver Brandon Carter's career at TCU is pretty much over.
TCU head coach Gary Patterson said of the receiver, who in April was arrested on possession of marijuana (which was dropped), that Carter "Probably will not play this year. Academically he will not make it."
I asked GP if he hoped Carter would remain at TCU to regain eligibility and pursue his football career.
"No. He has a redshirt year and I think the best thing for him is to get a new start," he said. "It's setting a precedent - you have to go to school."
This is not for a lack of effort on the part of GP, or TCU. Even after his arrest in April, they tried to bring Carter along, but it just never worked. There were major maturity issues, not to mention a home situation for Carter that is far from great.
This is a sad ending for a player who had such high expectations when he signed with TCU. He was a *five-star recruit who picked TCU over Oklahoma. In three seasons - 2011 to 2013 - Carter caught 90 passes for 1,312 yards with nine touchdowns. As good as he was, he always left you wondering how much more there was.
"Both sides tried. Brandon did and we did. He has a chance out there someday," Patterson said. "He can still get his degree and do what he needs to do and still come out a winner."
* There is a great debate to exactly how many stars were behind Carter's name as a high school recruit. The vast majority insist it was no more than 4. My recollection was that Carter was a five when he was orally committed to Oklahoma, but became a four when he switched to TCU.
Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.co...us-highest-ranked-recruits.html#storylink=cpy
07/21/2014
A sad end for one of TCU's highest ranked recruits
TCU head coach Gary Patterson said of the receiver, who in April was arrested on possession of marijuana (which was dropped), that Carter "Probably will not play this year. Academically he will not make it."
I asked GP if he hoped Carter would remain at TCU to regain eligibility and pursue his football career.
"No. He has a redshirt year and I think the best thing for him is to get a new start," he said. "It's setting a precedent - you have to go to school."
This is not for a lack of effort on the part of GP, or TCU. Even after his arrest in April, they tried to bring Carter along, but it just never worked. There were major maturity issues, not to mention a home situation for Carter that is far from great.
This is a sad ending for a player who had such high expectations when he signed with TCU. He was a *five-star recruit who picked TCU over Oklahoma. In three seasons - 2011 to 2013 - Carter caught 90 passes for 1,312 yards with nine touchdowns. As good as he was, he always left you wondering how much more there was.
"Both sides tried. Brandon did and we did. He has a chance out there someday," Patterson said. "He can still get his degree and do what he needs to do and still come out a winner."
* There is a great debate to exactly how many stars were behind Carter's name as a high school recruit. The vast majority insist it was no more than 4. My recollection was that Carter was a five when he was orally committed to Oklahoma, but became a four when he switched to TCU.
Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.co...us-highest-ranked-recruits.html#storylink=cpy
Big 12 media days. I always like when they do the anonymous survey.
Big 12 players dish in media days anonymous survey
FOX Sports Southwest
JUL 22, 2014 6:11p ET
Updated JUL 22, 2014 6:19p ET
DALLAS -- What do players across the Big 12 really think?
FOX Sports Southwest's reporters at Big 12 Media Days sought to find out this week with a handful of questions given to players who attended. Respondents could not vote for their own teams.
What'd we learn? Generally, the players agree with the media's selection of the two best teams in the league, and going on the road can be a hazardous exercise.
Without further ado, here are the results.
Who is the Big 12's best team?
Oklahoma -- 56%
Baylor -- 39%
TCU -- 2.5%
Texas 2.5%
They said it: "Bob Stoops always does a great job, and they're hungry."
On Baylor: "That offense is the truth."
Who is the Big 12's most overrated team entering 2014?
Texas -- 26%
Baylor -- 26%
Oklahoma State -- 17%
Kansas State -- 11%
Oklahoma -- 11%
TCU -- 3%
Kansas -- 3%
Texas Tech -- 3%
They said it:
On Baylor: "They're overrated within themselves. They've gotten real cocky the last couple years." ... "Just from seeing them play other teams, it was well known that sometimes they just caught teams off guard."
Which Big 12 coach would you most like to play for?
Bob Stoops -- 31%
Kliff Kingsbury -- 25%
Gary Patterson -- 13%
Art Briles -- 9%
Mike Gundy -- 6%
Bill Snyder -- 6%
Mack Brown -- 6%
Charlie Weis -- 3%
They said it:
On Stoops: "He's a good coach, has a good program. Consistent."
On Kingsbury: "He's that dude." ... "He looks like he's the man."
On Gundy: "I like the way he treats his players."
On Weis: "The first game we played KU, he was the first coach who ever found his way through the crowd and found me. He shook my hand and told me I did a good job and it was just shocking."
Which Big 12 coach would you least like to play for?
Gary Patterson -- 18%
Charlie Weis -- 18%
Charlie Strong -- 14%
Bill Snyder -- 14%
Mike Gundy -- 9%
Paul Rhoads -- 9%
Dana Holgorsen -- 9%
Art Briles -- 5%
Bob Stoops -- 5%
They said it:
On Patterson: "He's that dude."
On Weis: "He just hasn't been that successful."
On Snyder: "I'm a high-energy guy. I've never met the guy and he doesn't look like he's too high-energy."
On Strong: "I really just don't know him that well and I hate Texas."
Which Big 12 school has the best fans?
Oklahoma -- 24%
Texas -- 20%
Oklahoma State -- 16%
West Virginia -- 12%
Kansas State -- 8%
Baylor -- 8%
Texas Tech -- 8%
Iowa State -- 4%
They said it:
On Oklahoma: "From that game that we played there, their fan atmosphere was just amazing. It was nice to play in. Even though they weren't cheering for us, it felt good."
On Texas: "Their stadium's just so big."
On Kansas State: "Their fans were still rocking at 11 in the morning and it was freezing out." ... "Somebody threw a water bottle at me when we were there, but it landed at my feet and it was unopened so I picked it up and drank it."
On Texas Tech: "They throw the tortillas at you. And batteries." ... "They've got a really rowdy student section."
On Baylor: "They've got a little younger crowd and they get pretty rowdy." ... "When we went there it was probably one of the funnest games that I've been in. All their chants, it was like one big party."
On Oklahoma State: "I liked their paddles." ... "It's packed whether it is hot or cold. That is one of the toughest environments to play in."
Which Big 12 school has the worst fans?
Kansas -- 40%
TCU -- 18%
Oklahoma State -- 14%
West Virginia -- 14%
Iowa State -- 7%
Texas -- 3.5%
Texas Tech -- 3.5%
They said it:
On Kansas: "Their fans don't show up. They're a basketball school." ... "They're too into basketball." ... "The stands were like half full."
On TCU: "They were very vocal but not a lot of people show up. You'd think that place would be full." ... "I don't feel like they support their team, not as much as they can." ... "I don't think their fans really sell out like they're supposed to."
On Oklahoma State: "When we went there a couple years ago, we had like a grandpa behind our bench holding his grandson while he was MFing us on the sidelines."
On Texas Tech: "They were throwing things at us on the sideline. The tortillas, man!"
Do you have reason to believe you have a gay teammate?
No -- 86%
Yes -- 14%
They said it: "It wouldn't matter if I did."
Big 12 players dish in media days anonymous survey
FOX Sports Southwest
JUL 22, 2014 6:11p ET
Updated JUL 22, 2014 6:19p ET
DALLAS -- What do players across the Big 12 really think?
FOX Sports Southwest's reporters at Big 12 Media Days sought to find out this week with a handful of questions given to players who attended. Respondents could not vote for their own teams.
What'd we learn? Generally, the players agree with the media's selection of the two best teams in the league, and going on the road can be a hazardous exercise.
Without further ado, here are the results.
Who is the Big 12's best team?
Oklahoma -- 56%
Baylor -- 39%
TCU -- 2.5%
Texas 2.5%
They said it: "Bob Stoops always does a great job, and they're hungry."
On Baylor: "That offense is the truth."
Who is the Big 12's most overrated team entering 2014?
Texas -- 26%
Baylor -- 26%
Oklahoma State -- 17%
Kansas State -- 11%
Oklahoma -- 11%
TCU -- 3%
Kansas -- 3%
Texas Tech -- 3%
They said it:
On Baylor: "They're overrated within themselves. They've gotten real cocky the last couple years." ... "Just from seeing them play other teams, it was well known that sometimes they just caught teams off guard."
Which Big 12 coach would you most like to play for?
Bob Stoops -- 31%
Kliff Kingsbury -- 25%
Gary Patterson -- 13%
Art Briles -- 9%
Mike Gundy -- 6%
Bill Snyder -- 6%
Mack Brown -- 6%
Charlie Weis -- 3%
They said it:
On Stoops: "He's a good coach, has a good program. Consistent."
On Kingsbury: "He's that dude." ... "He looks like he's the man."
On Gundy: "I like the way he treats his players."
On Weis: "The first game we played KU, he was the first coach who ever found his way through the crowd and found me. He shook my hand and told me I did a good job and it was just shocking."
Which Big 12 coach would you least like to play for?
Gary Patterson -- 18%
Charlie Weis -- 18%
Charlie Strong -- 14%
Bill Snyder -- 14%
Mike Gundy -- 9%
Paul Rhoads -- 9%
Dana Holgorsen -- 9%
Art Briles -- 5%
Bob Stoops -- 5%
They said it:
On Patterson: "He's that dude."
On Weis: "He just hasn't been that successful."
On Snyder: "I'm a high-energy guy. I've never met the guy and he doesn't look like he's too high-energy."
On Strong: "I really just don't know him that well and I hate Texas."
Which Big 12 school has the best fans?
Oklahoma -- 24%
Texas -- 20%
Oklahoma State -- 16%
West Virginia -- 12%
Kansas State -- 8%
Baylor -- 8%
Texas Tech -- 8%
Iowa State -- 4%
They said it:
On Oklahoma: "From that game that we played there, their fan atmosphere was just amazing. It was nice to play in. Even though they weren't cheering for us, it felt good."
On Texas: "Their stadium's just so big."
On Kansas State: "Their fans were still rocking at 11 in the morning and it was freezing out." ... "Somebody threw a water bottle at me when we were there, but it landed at my feet and it was unopened so I picked it up and drank it."
On Texas Tech: "They throw the tortillas at you. And batteries." ... "They've got a really rowdy student section."
On Baylor: "They've got a little younger crowd and they get pretty rowdy." ... "When we went there it was probably one of the funnest games that I've been in. All their chants, it was like one big party."
On Oklahoma State: "I liked their paddles." ... "It's packed whether it is hot or cold. That is one of the toughest environments to play in."
Which Big 12 school has the worst fans?
Kansas -- 40%
TCU -- 18%
Oklahoma State -- 14%
West Virginia -- 14%
Iowa State -- 7%
Texas -- 3.5%
Texas Tech -- 3.5%
They said it:
On Kansas: "Their fans don't show up. They're a basketball school." ... "They're too into basketball." ... "The stands were like half full."
On TCU: "They were very vocal but not a lot of people show up. You'd think that place would be full." ... "I don't feel like they support their team, not as much as they can." ... "I don't think their fans really sell out like they're supposed to."
On Oklahoma State: "When we went there a couple years ago, we had like a grandpa behind our bench holding his grandson while he was MFing us on the sidelines."
On Texas Tech: "They were throwing things at us on the sideline. The tortillas, man!"
Do you have reason to believe you have a gay teammate?
No -- 86%
Yes -- 14%
They said it: "It wouldn't matter if I did."
Devonte Fields made the news again. The other guy, Kevin White is a DB/teammate, not sure what role he played.......the drama continues in FTW
http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/07/22/5987053/tcu-football-star-fields-being.html
http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/07/22/5987053/tcu-football-star-fields-being.html
What up my brothas?? Getting close to that time of year. Really grateful Charlie's cleaning house in Austin. What a complete mess Mack left him. Mack was so desperate he kept all these self loathing, non football loving players around just to see if they could help his sinking ship. It is going to be so fun to watch Strong transform this program. This is an important season for him though. 10 or 11 wins puts him on the fast track. It all comes down to Ash and the special teams. The 7 players that are no longer with Texas won't make a difference on offense or defense, but they certainly will feel it when it comes to special teams.
JBL: I often wonder if the Longhorn fans are satisfied with getting Strong. I think he was down the list of those they really wanted and it could be construed that they settled for him. It could be that whoever replaces Mack could do better than he had the past few years but is Strong the perfect pick. Usually a college with the status that Texas has can land one of the Big Fish but I am not sure Strong fits that category. Just look at the Big 12 HC's, Stoops, Snyder, Briles, Gundy, Patterson and Kliff Kingsbury is an up and comer. Do you thinkStrong could have done what Kingsbury did in his first year with T Tech. I admit he could do better than Mack and I know Steele has Texas at #25 but I am thinking 8-5 myself. I yelled loud and long about replacing Mack and although it has now come to be I am just wondering that deep down many Texas fans wanted a little more for their money.
Strong was way down the list. I know of 3 people for sure who were ahead of him. Saban, Urban Meyer and Chuckie. They also talked to Briles. But I'm not sure how far down the totem pole he was. I think Strong was a good pick. But Texas fans should be more realistic than this first year 11 wins nonsense. I agree that anything is possible. But history says it's not going to happen. I hate to beat a dead horse here, but how many times have I said that newly hired "outsider" coaches don't have a very favorable first season record after taking over for a long tenured (10 years or more) coach. Most end up being failures or average at best. Like Lane Kiffin at USC or Rich Rod at Michigan. Even hiring from within after a longtime coach resigns is an iffy proposition. Gary Gibbs didn't fare well at OU. And Frank Solich was very average by Nebraska standards, and was canned. The only outsider coach that I can recall taking over a program from a long tenured coach and finding great success in his first year is Urban Meyer replacing Jim Tressel. But Meyer was already a proven winner in the SEC with 2 national championships under his belt. Strong doesn't have that kind of resume...yet. I like Strong because unlike a Lane Kiffin he has worked his way through the ranks and earned his job. In fact Strong is even older than Bob Stoops. He should have had a bigtime head coaching job a long time ago. But I think we all know why that didn't happen. I hope UT gives him a chance to do his thing and see where it goes. I can see Texas winning 8-9 games this year and having a say in the Big 12 race. But 11 wins? I doubt it. Strong still needs to adjust to better competition than the Big East had to offer. And better coaches..
Looks like Strong ain't done yet taking out the trash. "The Road Goes On Forever And The Party Never Ends" unless you are a Texas football player. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pgog03z8YI
Eight players removed from UT team in Strong's first year
By Joe Cook, San Antonio Express-News : July 28, 2014 : Updated: July 29, 2014 8:19am
SAN ANTONIO --New Texas Longhorn head coach Charlie Strong is laying down the law with his new players.
Eight players reportedly have been dismissed from the Texas Longhorn football team. Two players, Kendall Sanders and Montrel Meander, were indefinitely suspended after they were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in June.
The other six players reportedly were dismissed for violating team rules. Jalen Overstreet, Chevoski Collins and Joe Bergeron were dismissed last week as previously reported by the San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger. Josh Turner also was dismissed from the team, according to reports from the Austin American-Statesman and OrangeBloods. Chet Moss and Leroy Scott were dismissed from the team in March, as previously reported by Finger.
According to ESPN's Max Olsen, up to five more Longhorn players could be on their way out.
Strong was hired away from the University of Louisville by Texas in January to replace longtime head coach Mack Brown. Strong brought with him a set of "core values" from Louisville, and players who violated the core values of "honesty, treating women with respect, no drugs, no stealing, and no guns" are subject to punishment or dismissal.
Eight players removed from UT team in Strong's first year
By Joe Cook, San Antonio Express-News : July 28, 2014 : Updated: July 29, 2014 8:19am
-
Photo By Rodger Mallison/McClatchy-Tribune News Service
University of Texas coach Charlie Strong has reportedly dismissed six players, as well as indefinitely suspending two while at UT. -
Photo By San Antonio Express-News
Name: Kendall Sanders (indefinitely suspended)
Reason: Arrested for sexual assault -
Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News
Name: Montrel Meander (indefinitely suspended)
Reason: Arrested for sexual assault -
Photo By TOM REEL/San Antonio Express-News
Name: Joe Bergeron
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules -
Photo By TOM REEL
Name: Jalen Overstreet
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules -
Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News
Name: Chevoski Collins
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules -
Photo By Rodolfo Gonzalez/McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Name: Josh Turner (top)
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules. -
Photo By LM Otero/Associated Press
Name: Chet Moss (13)
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules. -
Photo By Michael Thomas/Associated Press
Name: Leroy Scott (31)
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules.
SAN ANTONIO --New Texas Longhorn head coach Charlie Strong is laying down the law with his new players.
Eight players reportedly have been dismissed from the Texas Longhorn football team. Two players, Kendall Sanders and Montrel Meander, were indefinitely suspended after they were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in June.
The other six players reportedly were dismissed for violating team rules. Jalen Overstreet, Chevoski Collins and Joe Bergeron were dismissed last week as previously reported by the San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger. Josh Turner also was dismissed from the team, according to reports from the Austin American-Statesman and OrangeBloods. Chet Moss and Leroy Scott were dismissed from the team in March, as previously reported by Finger.
According to ESPN's Max Olsen, up to five more Longhorn players could be on their way out.
Strong was hired away from the University of Louisville by Texas in January to replace longtime head coach Mack Brown. Strong brought with him a set of "core values" from Louisville, and players who violated the core values of "honesty, treating women with respect, no drugs, no stealing, and no guns" are subject to punishment or dismissal.
Looks like the NCAA has amended OSU's low APR score and has lifted the one day a week practice penalty they gave them. A pretty big deal considering that OSU is by far the youngest team in the Big 12 and could use every practice they can get. The question i have is why penalize a 2014 team for infractions that were done way back in the 90's. The funny thing about this is suddenly they find a couple points to push them over the threshold of restrictions. I don't really understand the NCAA's rules on graduation rates if some random, unnamed athlete from the 90's graduating 15-20 years late affects OSU's football practice sanctions this year. It makes me wonder if they didn't go out and seek some ex-jock to intice him to go ahead and finish his degree or something. Whatever the case, they went out of their way to find this lost lamb. If OSU officials came knocking on my door, I think I would have told them " yes I'll do it, but first you have to give me a skybox and a statue in my name." Does anybody else think this whole thing is crazy? It makes absolutely no sense to me. Just another example of an NCAA that has outlived it's usefulness...
The top 5 RB's in the Big 12 for '14 according to 24/7 Sports. One player they ddidn't list is Aaron Wimberly of ISU. I think he could have a big year in Mangino's new offense. Incredibly, the leading rusher in the Big 12 last year didn't have 1,000 yards in '13. Where did the offenses go? It must have been all of those improved defenses. 
Here are the top five running backs in the Big 12, heading into the 2014 season.
1- Johnathan Gray, Texas
As the season gets closer, the more and more it looks like Gray will somehow fully recover from an Achilles tear that happened in game nine of last year. Had Gray stayed healthy — he rushed for 780 yards and four touchdowns in less than nine full games — he likely would have been the league's fifth 1,000-yard runner, and he's the top returning back in the league in rushing yards per game. When healthy, Gray is a complete back capable of handling 20-carry games while also supplying some game-breaking pop.
2- Shock Linwood, Baylor
Speaking of game-breaking pop, there are few backs in the Big 12 who supplied it last season like Linwood, who rushed for 881 yards and eight touchdowns on just 128 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He was ultra-effective, not just as a change of pace to last season's Big 12 leading rusher Lache Seastrunk, but actually did an outstanding job of replacing Seastrunk when the older player was injured. Now, Linwood will take over the bulk of the carries. If he can push that total up over 150 this season, don't be surprised if Linwood also tops the 1,000-yard mark.
3- Malcolm Brown, Texas
Brown's status will obviously depend on whether Gray is healthy. If Gray is at 100 percent, he's the best option Texas has because of his big-play ability. But that doesn't make Brown, a former 247 Sports Composite five-star and the No. 3 back in his class, any slouch. Brown runs with the power you like to see from a 220-pound player, though his biggest strength might be his feet — for a bigger back, he finds cutback lanes exceptionally well. Brown took off once Gray was injured, finishing with 904 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 129.7 yards per game in the last three contests of the season.
4- Desmond Roland, Oklahoma State
Roland isn't the type of player who wows you physically. At 210 pounds, he's that 'tweener back who isn't quite a power back but who doesn't really display the explosiveness to be a speed back either. But Roland does a great job of maximizing what he has, finding the right cutback lanes and getting behind his pads. Last season, that was the recipe for Roland rushing for 811 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a huge game against Iowa State with 211 yards and four scores. In the last seven games — his only seven as a starter — he rushed for 664 yards and 11 touchdowns.
5- B.J. Catalon, TCU
It was a tight decision between Catalon and Iowa State's Aaron Wimberly, and both could be in for big seasons in 2014. And others, like West Virginia's Wendell Smallwood, could certainly be in that discussion as well. The problem with all of those backs (including Catalon) is that they find themselves in timeshares. Catalon's numbers should increase as TCU gets better up front this year, though he ran for 569 yards at 5.3 yards per pop last season. He should also see more of a chance to use his hands with the Air Raid-type spread the Frogs will be deploying this year. Catalon caught just 11 passes last year, but has the skill set, and the speed, to be effective there. He was also second in the Big 12 with a 26.5-yard average on kick returns.
Here are the top five running backs in the Big 12, heading into the 2014 season.
1- Johnathan Gray, Texas
As the season gets closer, the more and more it looks like Gray will somehow fully recover from an Achilles tear that happened in game nine of last year. Had Gray stayed healthy — he rushed for 780 yards and four touchdowns in less than nine full games — he likely would have been the league's fifth 1,000-yard runner, and he's the top returning back in the league in rushing yards per game. When healthy, Gray is a complete back capable of handling 20-carry games while also supplying some game-breaking pop.
2- Shock Linwood, Baylor
Speaking of game-breaking pop, there are few backs in the Big 12 who supplied it last season like Linwood, who rushed for 881 yards and eight touchdowns on just 128 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He was ultra-effective, not just as a change of pace to last season's Big 12 leading rusher Lache Seastrunk, but actually did an outstanding job of replacing Seastrunk when the older player was injured. Now, Linwood will take over the bulk of the carries. If he can push that total up over 150 this season, don't be surprised if Linwood also tops the 1,000-yard mark.
3- Malcolm Brown, Texas
Brown's status will obviously depend on whether Gray is healthy. If Gray is at 100 percent, he's the best option Texas has because of his big-play ability. But that doesn't make Brown, a former 247 Sports Composite five-star and the No. 3 back in his class, any slouch. Brown runs with the power you like to see from a 220-pound player, though his biggest strength might be his feet — for a bigger back, he finds cutback lanes exceptionally well. Brown took off once Gray was injured, finishing with 904 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 129.7 yards per game in the last three contests of the season.
4- Desmond Roland, Oklahoma State
Roland isn't the type of player who wows you physically. At 210 pounds, he's that 'tweener back who isn't quite a power back but who doesn't really display the explosiveness to be a speed back either. But Roland does a great job of maximizing what he has, finding the right cutback lanes and getting behind his pads. Last season, that was the recipe for Roland rushing for 811 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a huge game against Iowa State with 211 yards and four scores. In the last seven games — his only seven as a starter — he rushed for 664 yards and 11 touchdowns.
5- B.J. Catalon, TCU
It was a tight decision between Catalon and Iowa State's Aaron Wimberly, and both could be in for big seasons in 2014. And others, like West Virginia's Wendell Smallwood, could certainly be in that discussion as well. The problem with all of those backs (including Catalon) is that they find themselves in timeshares. Catalon's numbers should increase as TCU gets better up front this year, though he ran for 569 yards at 5.3 yards per pop last season. He should also see more of a chance to use his hands with the Air Raid-type spread the Frogs will be deploying this year. Catalon caught just 11 passes last year, but has the skill set, and the speed, to be effective there. He was also second in the Big 12 with a 26.5-yard average on kick returns.
ESPN bringing College GameDay to Sundance for season kickoff
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ESPN will begin and end its coverage of this year’s college football season from Sundance Square Plaza, bringing its hugely popular College GameDay broadcast to downtown Fort Worth next month and again in January, the television network said.
“It’s a can’t-miss spot,” said Lee Fitting, senior coordinating producer for College GameDay. “Sundance Square has great natural energy and it’s got a great vibe to it.”
ESPN will be coming to downtown Fort Worth for the third time, after successful broadcasts from Sundance Square during April’s NCAA Men’s Final Four and the Super Bowl in 2011. During Super Bowl week, thousands of NFL fans turned out for the broadcasts, despite an unfortunate ice storm and frigid temperatures.
ESPN will broadcast Aug. 29-30 in Sundance Square before the Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington between Florida State and Oklahoma State, and again in January for the national college football championship game at the stadium on Jan. 12.
Typically, College GameDay sets up on the campus of a school where the network is broadcasting a game that week. In 2010 and 2012, the broadcast was set up outside AT&T Stadium for game coverage. But this year the network chose the Fort Worth venue in the hopes of drawing out not only fans for the two teams, but all college football fans, Fitting said.
“We decided why not go to the people. That’s when we have our success,” Fitting said. “We want to set a GameDay attendance record here. We want fans to come out and make signs. We want to be blown away.”
Fitting said the network hopes to create such excitement that it will attract thousands of college football fans donning their school colors to Sundance Square Plaza. He’d also like to see high school football teams, cheerleaders and bands in their uniforms.
Texas Christian University plays at home that weekend against the Samford University Bulldogs and Fitting said he hopes those teams will come out in force.
Tracy Gilmour, marketing director for Sundance Square, said they expect the full lineup of ESPN personalities, which is always fun for fans to see on the set. She called ESPN’s commitment a one-of-a-kind fan experience.
“We built the plaza with the intent that we could host these types of events with a national presence,” Gilmour said. “It’s a big deal. We’re thrilled to further [our] relationship with ESPN. Fort Worth has treated them well, and Sundance Square has taken really good care of them.”
Likewise, Bob Jamesonpresident and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, said ESPN broadcasts from Sundance Square are significant for the city, and not just for the large crowds they draw into downtown.
“Fort Worth is getting a very nice profile as a worthy destination,” Jameson said. “We are very glad. Our profile is rising that much. It’s a significant endorsement of this downtown.”
The sports network will position its set in the middle of Sundance Square Plaza, between Third and Fourth, and Commerce and Houston, streets. The historic Tarrant County Courthouse will serve as a backdrop.
A demonstration gridiron will be set up in the plaza as part of the coverage, as well as a couple of large Jumbotrons to enhance the fan experience, Fitting said.
ESPN will begin offering programming from Sundance Square beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29. College Football Live will originate from the set at 2:30 p.m.
Their coverage will conclude Saturday morning with the College GameDay show, which features analysis and runs for three hours on Saturday mornings, starting at 8 a.m. Central time.
That evening, ABC will broadcast the 2014 Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium, featuring the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles and returning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The network will return Jan. 5 for a week of coverage before the college championship game, also being held at AT&T Stadium. This year, college football goes to a four-team playoff, culminating in the championship game on Jan. 12. The new format replaces the 16-year-old Bowl Championship Series.
College GameDay is hosted by Chris Fowler who is flanked by analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and David Pollack. Reporters Samantha Ponder, Tom Rinaldi, Scott Van Pelt and Gene Wojciechowski will be on hand.
At the end of each show, Corso likes to put on the head gear of the team he thinks will win the game. The Sundance Square broadcast will mark his 240th such prediction, Fitting said.
ESPN production crews bring in about 85 people, who will stay at downtown Fort Worth hotels.
Herbstreit, the network’s lead analyst for ABC Saturday Night Football, who will be calling the Cowboys Classic game with Chris Fowler, said he’s looking forward to returning to Fort Worth, particularly its great food. He was at TCU in November 2009 when College GameDay came to Fort Worth for the Horned Frogs’ game against Utah.
“It’s a great town,” Herbstreit said from his home in Nashville. “Fort Worth has so much to offer. We’re looking forward to coming down. One of my meals will be a great steak.”
Herbstreit said it’s too soon to start making predictions on the season, but said there is a lot of buzz already about how the new playoff format will work for college football.
“Week one is always interesting,” he said.
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/0...nging-college-gameday.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
Posted Tuesday, Jul. 29, 2014 Updated 2 comments Print Reprints
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ESPN will begin and end its coverage of this year’s college football season from Sundance Square Plaza, bringing its hugely popular College GameDay broadcast to downtown Fort Worth next month and again in January, the television network said.
“It’s a can’t-miss spot,” said Lee Fitting, senior coordinating producer for College GameDay. “Sundance Square has great natural energy and it’s got a great vibe to it.”
ESPN will be coming to downtown Fort Worth for the third time, after successful broadcasts from Sundance Square during April’s NCAA Men’s Final Four and the Super Bowl in 2011. During Super Bowl week, thousands of NFL fans turned out for the broadcasts, despite an unfortunate ice storm and frigid temperatures.
ESPN will broadcast Aug. 29-30 in Sundance Square before the Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington between Florida State and Oklahoma State, and again in January for the national college football championship game at the stadium on Jan. 12.
Typically, College GameDay sets up on the campus of a school where the network is broadcasting a game that week. In 2010 and 2012, the broadcast was set up outside AT&T Stadium for game coverage. But this year the network chose the Fort Worth venue in the hopes of drawing out not only fans for the two teams, but all college football fans, Fitting said.
“We decided why not go to the people. That’s when we have our success,” Fitting said. “We want to set a GameDay attendance record here. We want fans to come out and make signs. We want to be blown away.”
Fitting said the network hopes to create such excitement that it will attract thousands of college football fans donning their school colors to Sundance Square Plaza. He’d also like to see high school football teams, cheerleaders and bands in their uniforms.
Texas Christian University plays at home that weekend against the Samford University Bulldogs and Fitting said he hopes those teams will come out in force.
Tracy Gilmour, marketing director for Sundance Square, said they expect the full lineup of ESPN personalities, which is always fun for fans to see on the set. She called ESPN’s commitment a one-of-a-kind fan experience.
“We built the plaza with the intent that we could host these types of events with a national presence,” Gilmour said. “It’s a big deal. We’re thrilled to further [our] relationship with ESPN. Fort Worth has treated them well, and Sundance Square has taken really good care of them.”
Likewise, Bob Jamesonpresident and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, said ESPN broadcasts from Sundance Square are significant for the city, and not just for the large crowds they draw into downtown.
“Fort Worth is getting a very nice profile as a worthy destination,” Jameson said. “We are very glad. Our profile is rising that much. It’s a significant endorsement of this downtown.”
The sports network will position its set in the middle of Sundance Square Plaza, between Third and Fourth, and Commerce and Houston, streets. The historic Tarrant County Courthouse will serve as a backdrop.
A demonstration gridiron will be set up in the plaza as part of the coverage, as well as a couple of large Jumbotrons to enhance the fan experience, Fitting said.
ESPN will begin offering programming from Sundance Square beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29. College Football Live will originate from the set at 2:30 p.m.
Their coverage will conclude Saturday morning with the College GameDay show, which features analysis and runs for three hours on Saturday mornings, starting at 8 a.m. Central time.
That evening, ABC will broadcast the 2014 Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium, featuring the defending national champion Florida State Seminoles and returning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The network will return Jan. 5 for a week of coverage before the college championship game, also being held at AT&T Stadium. This year, college football goes to a four-team playoff, culminating in the championship game on Jan. 12. The new format replaces the 16-year-old Bowl Championship Series.
College GameDay is hosted by Chris Fowler who is flanked by analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and David Pollack. Reporters Samantha Ponder, Tom Rinaldi, Scott Van Pelt and Gene Wojciechowski will be on hand.
At the end of each show, Corso likes to put on the head gear of the team he thinks will win the game. The Sundance Square broadcast will mark his 240th such prediction, Fitting said.
ESPN production crews bring in about 85 people, who will stay at downtown Fort Worth hotels.
Herbstreit, the network’s lead analyst for ABC Saturday Night Football, who will be calling the Cowboys Classic game with Chris Fowler, said he’s looking forward to returning to Fort Worth, particularly its great food. He was at TCU in November 2009 when College GameDay came to Fort Worth for the Horned Frogs’ game against Utah.
“It’s a great town,” Herbstreit said from his home in Nashville. “Fort Worth has so much to offer. We’re looking forward to coming down. One of my meals will be a great steak.”
Herbstreit said it’s too soon to start making predictions on the season, but said there is a lot of buzz already about how the new playoff format will work for college football.
“Week one is always interesting,” he said.
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/0...nging-college-gameday.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
Looks like Strong ain't done yet taking out the trash. "The Road Goes On Forever And The Party Never Ends" unless you are a Texas football player. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pgog03z8YI
Eight players removed from UT team in Strong's first year
By Joe Cook, San Antonio Express-News : July 28, 2014 : Updated: July 29, 2014 8:19am
University of Texas coach Charlie Strong has reportedly dismissed six players, as well as indefinitely suspending two while at UT.
Name: Kendall Sanders (indefinitely suspended)
Reason: Arrested for sexual assault
Name: Montrel Meander (indefinitely suspended)
Reason: Arrested for sexual assault
Name: Joe Bergeron
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules
Name: Jalen Overstreet
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules
Name: Chevoski Collins
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules
Name: Josh Turner (top)
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules.
Name: Chet Moss (13)
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules.
Name: Leroy Scott (31)
Reason: Dismissed for violation of team rules.
SAN ANTONIO --New Texas Longhorn head coach Charlie Strong is laying down the law with his new players.
Eight players reportedly have been dismissed from the Texas Longhorn football team. Two players, Kendall Sanders and Montrel Meander, were indefinitely suspended after they were arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in June.
The other six players reportedly were dismissed for violating team rules. Jalen Overstreet, Chevoski Collins and Joe Bergeron were dismissed last week as previously reported by the San Antonio Express-News' Mike Finger. Josh Turner also was dismissed from the team, according to reports from the Austin American-Statesman and OrangeBloods. Chet Moss and Leroy Scott were dismissed from the team in March, as previously reported by Finger.
According to ESPN's Max Olsen, up to five more Longhorn players could be on their way out.
Strong was hired away from the University of Louisville by Texas in January to replace longtime head coach Mack Brown. Strong brought with him a set of "core values" from Louisville, and players who violated the core values of "honesty, treating women with respect, no drugs, no stealing, and no guns" are subject to punishment or dismissal.
This is all incorrect. Coach Strong had suspended the 2 players for sexual assault, and they'll be gone, as will Bergeron and Overstreet, but Josh Turner was allowed to return today and Chevoski is a possible returnee. Kendall Thompson had to give up football due to concussions. He was a model student while at UT and it was unfair he was roped into the bad seeds. I just pray to god Daje Johnson and the 2 OL'men make it to the season. We need them.
Good to see ya again Russ. I think I can speak for 80+% of UT Football fans when I say that, yes, during the meat of the coaching search last year most of us Longhorn fans wanted Saban. And he was signed sealed and delivered until Mack torpedoed the deal. But once that happened we knew Urban was solid at Ohio State. Anyone who says anything about Gruden is so silly. That guy hasn't coached in 8+ years and he's never coached college. THAT would've been a horrible horrible choice. When you break it down and see what Charlie Strong does with his programs, he is THE PERFECT FIT for what we asked for in lieu of Mack. We wanted someone to come in and bring some no nonsense style to the previously known "country club lifestyle" that UT became known for. Strong has done that in spades. It will be phenomenal to watch. People will be asking how good Texas could've been the last 10+ years had Charlie been here coaching the talent Mack has stockpiled. The $1million question is will Charlie Strong be able to create solid recruiting in-roads in the state of Texas? In my estimation Charlie Strong's only mistake to date has been his inability to bring in a coach or 2 that absolutely have strong as oak in state high school football coaching ties. Bruce Chambers was the only holdover from Mack's staff. I'd of loved to have seen Charlie keep Darrell Wyatt as well and maybe have brought in Tim Brewster (responsible for Vince Young and many other 5* recruits during Mack's tenure).
The top 5 RB's in the Big 12 for '14 according to 24/7 Sports. One player they ddidn't list is Aaron Wimberly of ISU. I think he could have a big year in Mangino's new offense. Incredibly, the leading rusher in the Big 12 last year didn't have 1,000 yards in '13. Where did the offenses go? It must have been all of those improved defenses.
Here are the top five running backs in the Big 12, heading into the 2014 season.
1- Johnathan Gray, Texas
As the season gets closer, the more and more it looks like Gray will somehow fully recover from an Achilles tear that happened in game nine of last year. Had Gray stayed healthy — he rushed for 780 yards and four touchdowns in less than nine full games — he likely would have been the league's fifth 1,000-yard runner, and he's the top returning back in the league in rushing yards per game. When healthy, Gray is a complete back capable of handling 20-carry games while also supplying some game-breaking pop.
2- Shock Linwood, Baylor
Speaking of game-breaking pop, there are few backs in the Big 12 who supplied it last season like Linwood, who rushed for 881 yards and eight touchdowns on just 128 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He was ultra-effective, not just as a change of pace to last season's Big 12 leading rusher Lache Seastrunk, but actually did an outstanding job of replacing Seastrunk when the older player was injured. Now, Linwood will take over the bulk of the carries. If he can push that total up over 150 this season, don't be surprised if Linwood also tops the 1,000-yard mark.
3- Malcolm Brown, Texas
Brown's status will obviously depend on whether Gray is healthy. If Gray is at 100 percent, he's the best option Texas has because of his big-play ability. But that doesn't make Brown, a former 247 Sports Composite five-star and the No. 3 back in his class, any slouch. Brown runs with the power you like to see from a 220-pound player, though his biggest strength might be his feet — for a bigger back, he finds cutback lanes exceptionally well. Brown took off once Gray was injured, finishing with 904 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 129.7 yards per game in the last three contests of the season.
4- Desmond Roland, Oklahoma State
Roland isn't the type of player who wows you physically. At 210 pounds, he's that 'tweener back who isn't quite a power back but who doesn't really display the explosiveness to be a speed back either. But Roland does a great job of maximizing what he has, finding the right cutback lanes and getting behind his pads. Last season, that was the recipe for Roland rushing for 811 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a huge game against Iowa State with 211 yards and four scores. In the last seven games — his only seven as a starter — he rushed for 664 yards and 11 touchdowns.
5- B.J. Catalon, TCU
It was a tight decision between Catalon and Iowa State's Aaron Wimberly, and both could be in for big seasons in 2014. And others, like West Virginia's Wendell Smallwood, could certainly be in that discussion as well. The problem with all of those backs (including Catalon) is that they find themselves in timeshares. Catalon's numbers should increase as TCU gets better up front this year, though he ran for 569 yards at 5.3 yards per pop last season. He should also see more of a chance to use his hands with the Air Raid-type spread the Frogs will be deploying this year. Catalon caught just 11 passes last year, but has the skill set, and the speed, to be effective there. He was also second in the Big 12 with a 26.5-yard average on kick returns.
I love the irony of folks thinking TEXAS will come in somewhere around 8-5 or so, yet they have 2 of the 3 highest rated RB's in the BIG XII and TEXAS's defense is so god awfully talented that I don't know how many folks will score on them. Quandre Diggs, Cedric Reed, Malcom Brown (DT not RB), and a few others are potential first round draft picks after this season. Add to that Charlie Strong's genius like defensive coaching tendencies and you'll get a better idea of why I think TEXAS is a team to play on. I really do. Saying that, I think OU is loaded for bear this year. Look for Baylor and Texas A&M to be very highly overrated this season. People don't pay enough attention to a team like Baylor who is always been the hunter now having to play the hunted. They'll fold like a cheap tent when it's all said and one.
