Some Multi-Conference Info Candy

[Conan]

If any of these guys owe you money, here's where they are working...

<table width="450" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top" bgcolor="#000000"><td>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SCHOOL[/FONT]</td> <td>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]COACH[/FONT]</td> <td>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]# OF YEARS[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Air Force[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Troy Calhoun [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Akron[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]J.D. Brookhart[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Alabama[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nick Saban [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Arizona[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Stoops[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Arizona State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dennis Erickson [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Arkansas[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bobby Petrino [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Arkansas State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Roberts [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Army[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rich Ellerson [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Auburn[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gene Chizik [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ball State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stan Parrish [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Baylor[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Art Briles [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Boise State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chris Petersen [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Boston College[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Frank Spaziani[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bowling Green [/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dave Clawson[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Brigham Young[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bronco Mendenhall [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Buffalo[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turner Gill [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]California[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jeff Tedford [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Central Michigan[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Butch Jones [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Cincinnati[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Brian Kelly [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Clemson[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dabo Swinney[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Colorado[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dan Hawkins [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Colorado State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Fairchild [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Connecticut[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Randy Edsall[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Duke[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]David Cutcliffe[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]East Carolina[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Skip Holtz [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Eastern Michigan[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ron English[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Florida[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Urban Meyer [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Florida Atlantic[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Howard Schnellenberger[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Florida International[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mario Cristobal [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Florida State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bobby Bowden[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]33[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fresno State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pat Hill[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]12[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Georgia[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mark Richt[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Georgia Tech[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Paul Johnson [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Hawaii[/FONT]</td> <td width="193" bgcolor="#e4e4e4">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Greg McMackin[/FONT]</td> <td width="106" bgcolor="#e4e4e4">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Houston[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kevin Sumlin [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Idaho[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Robb Akey [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Illinois[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ron Zook [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Indiana[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bill Lynch[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Iowa[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kirk Ferentz[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Iowa State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Paul Rhodes[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kansas[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mark Mangino [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kansas State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bill Snyder [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]17[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kent State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Doug Martin[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kentucky[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rich Brooks[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Louisiana-Lafayette[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rickey Bustle [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Louisiana-Monroe[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Charlie Weatherbie[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Louisiana State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Les Miles [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Louisiana Tech[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Derek Dooley [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Louisville[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Kragthorpe [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Marshall[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mark Snyder [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Maryland[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ralph Friedgen[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Memphis[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tommy West[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Miami FL[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Randy Shannon [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Miami OH[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Haywood[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Michigan[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rich Rodriguez [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Michigan State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mark Dantonio [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Middle Tennessee[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rick Stockstill [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Minnesota[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tim Brewster [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mississippi[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Houston Nutt [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mississippi State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dan Mullen[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Missouri[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gary Pinkel[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Navy[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ken Niumatalolo[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nebraska[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bo Pelini [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nevada[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chris Ault[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]24[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]New Mexico[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Locksley[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]New Mexico State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dewayne Walker[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]North Carolina[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Butch Davis [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]North Carolina State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tom O'Brien [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]North Texas[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Todd Dodge [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Northern Illinois[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jerry Kill [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Northwestern[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pat Fitzgerald [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Notre Dame[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Charlie Weis [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ohio[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Frank Solich [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ohio State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jim Tressel[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Oklahoma[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bob Stoops[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Oklahoma State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Gundy [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Oregon[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Bellotti[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]14[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Oregon State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Riley[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Penn State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Joe Paterno[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]43[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pittsburgh[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dave Wannstedt [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Purdue[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Danny Hope[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rice[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]David Bailiff [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rutgers[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Greg Schiano[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]San Diego State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Brady Hoke[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]San Jose State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dick Tomey [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]South Carolina[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Spurrier [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Southern California[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pete Carroll[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]South Florida[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jim Leavitt[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]12[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]SMU[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]June Jones [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Southern Miss[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Larry Fedora[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Stanford[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jim Harbaugh [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Syracuse[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Doug Marrone[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Temple[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Al Golden [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tennessee[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Lane Kiffin[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Texas[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mack Brown[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]11[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Texas A&M[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Sherman [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TCU[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gary Patterson[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]9[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Texas Tech[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Leach[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]9[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Toledo[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tim Beckman[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Troy[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Larry Blakeney[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]18[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tulane[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bob Toledo [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Tulsa[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Todd Graham [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]UAB[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Neil Callaway [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]UCF[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]George O'Leary[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]UCLA[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rick Neuheisel[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]UNLV[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Sanford [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Utah[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kyle Whittingham [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Utah State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gary Andersen[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]UTEP[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mike Price[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Vanderbilt[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bobby Johnson [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Virginia[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Al Groh[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Virginia Tech[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Frank Beamer[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]22[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wake Forest[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jim Grobe[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Washington[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Steve Sarkisian[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Washington State[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Paul Waulff [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]West Virginia[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bill Stewart [/FONT]</td> <td width="106" bgcolor="#e4e4e4">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Western Kentucky[/FONT]</td> <td>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]David Elson[/FONT]</td> <td>[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Western Michigan[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bill Cubit [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wisconsin[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bret Bielema [/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3[/FONT]</td> </tr> <tr valign="top" bgcolor="#e4e4e4"> <td width="151">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Wyoming[/FONT]</td> <td width="193">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dave Christensen[/FONT]</td> <td width="106">[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1st year[/FONT]</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[SoonerBS]

Just for the record -- I hate Marc Lawrence, lol . . .

Big East Breakdown

June 8, 2009
By Marc Lawrence
VegasInsider.com


While the BIG EAST CONFERENCE continues to come up big in bowl games (12-4 straight up the last three years), the fact of the matter is the league continues to shrink in stature.

That’s because a dismal 15-25 against the spread performance mark outside the conference last season watered down a sparkling 81-37 ATS effort the prior three years.

Where to turn in 2009? Our best suggestion would be to concentrate on the better coaches in this conference, while they are still here. There are a handful of real good ones to choose. Despite the fact that no team in the BIG EAST will be a legitimate threat for BCS title honors, there are coaches in this league that make a nice living beating the number.

Here is my take on the Big East for 2009.

Returning starters are listed alongside each team's name (returning QB's designated with an *).

Big East

CINCINNATI – *8/1
Team Theme – THE DEFENSE RESTS
What are the odds of a team using five different starting QB’s and winning a conference championship? The odds should be pretty lofty but that’s exactly what Cincinnati did in 2008. The Bearcats are happy that 6’6” 230 lb SR QB Tony Pike is back. Pike shredded a newly installed 3-4 defense, 69-27, in the Bearcat Bowl (Spring), going 25 of 35 for 210 yards and a touchdown. It’s the defense that will likely be an Achilles heel for head coach Brian Kelly’s club this season. After losing 13 starters from last year’s unit, Kelly was forced to make changes. “I’m really pleased with our defense,” he claimed after the spring game. “We got our defensive coordinator in place.” What did he say? It sounds an awful lot like coach-speak to us. Kelly will have trouble notching another of those double-digit win seasons that he has.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. West Virginia (11/13)

CONNECTICUT – 6/6
Team Theme – HABIT FORMING
Is it any wonder Randy Edsall’s name seems to pop up annually when new coach searches are underway? To recap, in seven years since moving to Division 1-A football, the Huskies are 49-36. In five years in the Big East, they have made three bowl games and won a conference championship. They are also one of three teams this season that managed to improve their stats both offensively and defensively yet decline both SU and ATS last season. FYI: teams of this pedigree make a habit of rewarding their backers the following season. Six starters are back from a defense that finished 6th in the land last year, including all linebackers. However, they will need to replace QB Tyler Lorenzen and RB Donald Brown, the Big East Player of the Year who rushed for a nation high 2083 yards in 2008. Consider it a done deal.
PLAY ON: vs. Rutgers (10/31)

LOUISVILLE – 7/6
Team Theme – FIRE AND DESIRE
There's a raging fire in Louisville and it's centered on the seat belonging to head coach Steve Kragthorpe. Last year's promising 5-2 start dissolved into an 0-5 finish, resulting in a second straight non-bowl season for the Cardinals. While it certainly is not the reason Coach ‘K’ was hired, it’s important to note that his teams at Tulsa were 12-13 after his first two years on the job. His desire to get the Redbirds back into contention in the Big East has never been stronger. In order to do so, Kragthorpe’s troops will need to outplay 8 opponents that played in bowl games last season, including 5 on the road. The fire in his belly should ignite his troops this season. Let’s hope no one gets burned.
PLAY ON: vs. Kentucky (9/19)

PITTSBURGH – *7/7
Team Theme – STAIN REMOVER
Talk about a buzz-kill. Just when it appeared the Panthers were in full remission from a three-year battle with mediocrity under head coach Dave Wannstedt, Pittsburgh laid an egg a pterodactyl would be envious of when they were shutout, 3-0, by Oregon State in last year’s Sun Bowl. When Wannstedt was hired four years ago, Dennis Dodd of Sportline.com said, “There may be no other coach in the country who knows the very soil beneath him better than “Wanny”. Wannstedt’s blood and sweat literally stain the grass at his alma mater.” The players are in place, with SR QB Bill Stull and his top three targets back on the job in 2009. Stull led his team to 4 come-from-behind 4Q wins last year. We believe that last year’s Sun Bowl disaster was just Wanny being Wanny.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Rutgers (10/16)

RUTGERS – 8/6
Team Theme – PICKUP STICKS
Sometimes, starting over can be a good thing. Given a choice, Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano would rather not restart. 2009 looks to be a year of transition for the Knights. With the loss of QB Mike Teel, they will be starting a new signal caller for the first time since 2005. In addition, WR Kenny Britt, became a first-round draft choice of the Tennessee Titans. The coaching staff also has a fresh look with new coordinators on both sides of the ball and a new special teams coach. Good news is that incumbent QB Domenic Natale, a Michigan State transfer, enjoyed a fine spring game. He joins a backfield that features all 4 top RB’s back in 2009. The bottom line is Schiano’s been here and done that. He’s just starting over, again.
PASS

SOUTH FLORIDA – *5/6
Team Theme – YOUNG BULLS
It used to be when the big boys scheduled obligatory non-conference cupcake games against in-state lightweights it was an automatic “W”. That’s not the case this year when Florida State and Miami, Florida take on in-state stepchild USF. The red-headed Bulls have made their mark under head coach Jim Leavitt and are a force in the Big East Conference these days. All-conference QB Matt Grothe returns along with 5 running backs that enjoyed breakout games last year. However, other than a deep backfield, this year’s roster borders on delicate with 28 newcomers participating in the spring game. Worse, 6 of the final 7 games are against foes that played in bowl games last season. If you intend on riding this bull, makes plans to hop on early.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Pittsburgh (10/24)

SYRACUSE – *6/7
Team Theme - COO, COO, CA-CHOO, MR. ROBINSON
A long-awaited new era is in finally place at Syracuse. Greg Robinson and his 10-37 record was pink-slipped and replaced by Doug Marrone, the offensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints for the last three years. His first edict was to establish a new image. No facial hair, collared shirts for all interviews and mandatory effort in the classroom and on the field were right at the top of the list. "We've changed," WR Mike Williams said. "We have a new coach. Everybody wants to win. We're working harder. We're practicing harder. We're doing stuff we didn't do before. We're getting up by 6 a.m. and working out. It's great playing for coach Marrone. He's all about winning. He wants to change now. He said he's not into rebuilding programs, that he wants to win now.”
PLAY AGAINST: vs. West Virginia (10/11)

WEST VIRGINIA – 7/8
Team Theme – FADE FROM WHITE TO BROWN
West-by-God’s streak of three-consecutive Top 10 finishes came to a halt last season in Bill Stewarts’ first-year at the helm in Morgantown. That’s not to say the Mountaineers underachieved. That’s hardly the case. Expected to flounder by many pundits following Rich Rodriguez’ evacuation to Michigan, WVU performed admirably last year, especially after opening the campaign 1-2. The turning point was the 31 unanswered points scored in a win against shell-shocked Auburn. That victory sustained an eventual 5-game win steak and put Stewart on the coaching map. With QB Pat White off to the NFL, Jarrett Brown (2-0 as a starter) will fill his shoes. Brown completed 16 straight passes in the spring game and appears ready for the challenge. With dynamic Noel Devine (1289 rush yards last year) entrenched in the backfield, a 5th straight bowl win could be in the offing for the stump-jumpers.
PLAY ON: vs. Pittsburgh (11/27)

 

[SoonerBS]

ACC Breakdown

May 29, 2009
By Marc Lawrence
VegasInsider.com


Editor's Note: Marc Lawrence's college football picks can be purchased at VegasInsider.com this season in his early-bird package. Click to win!

When you walk in the shadows of the most well known basketball conference in the nation, it's difficult creating your own identity.

Give ACC football its props. They are branding an image that is leaving other football conferences green-eyed.

Last year the ACC sent an NCAA record 10 teams to bowl games and, since 2005, have produced more bowl teams than any conference in the nation. Its 41-17 (.707) mark in non-conference games last season was the best ever in ACC history.

NC State QB Russell Wilson leads the nation in interception avoidance with one INT in 275 pass attempts. As a result, Wilson was the first freshman signal caller to ever earn first-team ACC honors last year.

Virginia Tech leads the land in total team defense since 2004, allowing an average 263 YPG.

Yes, there is a lot to like about the ACC on the gridiron these days. Heck, if NCAA football gods ever wake up an employ a playoff, we might even find an ACC team making to the Final Four more during more than just March Madness.

Here is my take on the ACC for 2009.

Returning starters are listed alongside each team's name (returning QB's designated with an *).

ACC

BOSTON COLLEGE - 7/7
Team Theme - LOVE POTION No. 9
Little did we realize when we called for a sophomore slump for Eagle head coach Jeff Jagodzinski last season it would lead to his dismissal. The slump never occurred but the pink slip did when, after negotiating for an NFL job, he was shown the door. Former DC Frank Spaziani now calls the shots. He's been to 20 bowl games as a coach, the last 10 with the Eagles. Coach Spaz, is frequently referred to as the "mad scientist" because of his fondness for cooking up plays in his lab. He'll need all the concoctions he can muster when his troops square off against no less than 9 bowl teams in 2009. Last year's loss to Vanderbilt in the Music City Bowl snapped an 8-year bowl and a 21-game non-conference game win skeins. The lab is open.
PLAY ON: vs. Virginia Tech (10/10) - *KEY

CLEMSON - 7/8
Team Theme - THE NAME GAME
It was a tough year for the Tommy's in college football's head coaching fraternity last season with Amstutz, Bowden and Tuberville all taking the pipe. Enter William Christopher 'Dabo' Swinney, who relieved Tommy Bowden at mid-season last year. When the final numbers came in, Swinney had improved the defense 38 net YPG from the numbers he inherited. He also led them to the Gator Bowl. This year, he brings in new DC Kevin Steele ($375K per) from Alabama. With 8 starters back on defense, led by DE Rickey Sapp, Swinney can sleep at night knowing the stop troops are solid and his job is safe. We'll excuse him if he is awakened occasionally by this nightmare - he has lost his top QB, RB and WR and all 5 of his away games are against bowl teams. Thank goodness 'Dabo' is not just another Tommy.
PLAY ON: vs. Florida State (11/7) - *KEY +7 or more points

DUKE - *5/5
Team Theme -THE CUTCLIFFE COMBINE
At first glance, the Blue Devils looked like another also-ran in the ACC last year. A 1-7 record in the conference was one more win than they recorded the previous three seasons combined. In fact, the four wins overall in 2008 equaled as many victories as the previous four seasons combined. It should also be noted that five losses last year were by a combined total of 36 points. Sure, they suffer more returning starter losses than any team in the ACC and there are only two scholarship seniors on the entire offense, but this team improved 48 places in turnovers last season. That's a tribute to head coach David Cutcliffe. "We're certainly not a great team, but I think we're a good football team," contends Cutcliffe. Combined with the return of 2nd team all-ACC SR QB Thaddeus Lewis, that's good enough for us.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Wake Forest (11/28)

FLORIDA STATE - *8/5
Team Theme - GREATEST GRANDPA
Somehow you get the feeling that this could be the final victory lap for Bobby Bowden, one of the best dad-gum coaches in the history of college football. With Jimbo Fisher waiting in the wings and the grandkids busy making babies, Bowden's days appear numbered. Speaking of numbers, he trails 82-year old Joe Paterno, 383-382, in the race to the finish line for most victories in major college football. While having the luxury of all five starters back on the offensive line is good news, the opposite end of the seesaw is a defense that loses its top three tacklers. Morbid news was delivered by the schedule-maker with the announcement that the Seminoles square off against no less than 11 bowl teams in 2009. That begs the question Is the nation's longest bowl streak (27 straight games) in jeopardy? Not as long as it's Bobby Bo - not Jimbo - roaming the sidelines.
PLAY ON: vs. Georgia Tech (10/10)

GEORGIA TECH - *9/7
Team Theme - CASTING A PAUL OVER THE ACC
Now here's a team, and a coach, into which we can sink our teeth. On the heels of last season's impressive debut under new head mentor Paul Johnson (116-43 as a head coach, including 23-10 ATS as a visitor), the Techsters return the most starters and lettermen of any team in the ACC this year. Heading the cast is conference player of the year, RB Jonathon Dwyer. In case you weren't aware, 75 players on Georgia Tech's roster were either freshmen or sophomores last year, including A-Back Roddy Jones who averaged a whopping 8.5 Yards Per Rush. All of which led Johnson to say, "We've got 19 starters coming back… the offense is light years ahead of last year. We feel good about our football team." A tentatively tough schedule features nine opponents with winning records last season. Rest assured, that won't slow this juggernaut down.
PLAY ON: vs. Virginia (10/24)

MARYLAND - *6/4
Team Theme - THE HARES WERE THERE
When push came to shove and the final numbers were in, Ralph Friedgen knew he made the correct choice. He didn't want to surrender his offensive coordinator duties last season, but he also knew that he needed to concentrate on a schedule laden with 8 opponents that enjoyed winning seasons the previous year. It paid dividends when the Terrapins won 8 games while beating 4 straight ranked teams in the process. They also managed 5 SU underdog victories. This year, they take on an equally tough schedule minus the services of 31 lettermen lost either to graduation or early exits, the most in the ACC. JR RB Da'rel Scott, a first-team ACC performer who rushed for 1133 yards last season, leads the charges. Last year, the Turtles shocked the Hares with upset after upset. This year, the Rabbits get even.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Clemson (10/3)

MIAMI FLORIDA - 8/8
Team Theme - MIAMI NICE
Randy Shannon could care less about his 12-13 record with Miami. Instead, he's entirely focused on the young phenoms he recruited a year ago. Because only 2 players started all 13 games last year, Shannon played 21 true freshmen in 2008, the 2nd most in the nation. New OC Mark Whipple, a highly regarded assistant coach with Philadelphia Eagles, inherits a deep wide receiver corps and a solid running back tandem in Greg Cooper and Javarris James. With Robert Mavre gone, QB Jacory Harris leads the players that joined him from the Florida state high school championship team he guided two years ago. New DC John Lovett (Clemson) inherits a defense that improved 30 YPG last year. If the Canes can get past a brutal opening schedule that pits them against 4 foes that won 40 games combined last year, they'll transform Shannon into the winner that he is.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Oklahoma (10/3)

NORTH CAROLINA - *6/3
Team Theme - HIGH HEELS
The effect Butch Davis has had on the Tar Heels is clear. His first team went 3-9 but, just two years later, he had Carolina in a bowl game. UNC won 8 games last year (double the amount of the previous season) and could have had more (of the five losses, four were by three or less points) with a fortunate bounce or two. With seven home games on this year's itinerary and 15 starters back, it's easy to understand why they are on such a high in Chapel Hill these days. A word of warning, though. The Heels allowed 43 YPG more than they gained last season and lost the stats in 8 of 13 games. That is often a red flag for ascending teams, especially one that will be tackling eight opponents that appeared in bowl games last year. Beware of the heights.
PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. Connecticut (9/12)

NORTH CAROLINA STATE - *7/7
Team Theme - HOWLING AT THE MOON
An injury-plagued 2-6 start did not deter the Wolfpack from earning a bowl bid last year. Had super-frosh QB Russell Wilson not been injured just before the half of the Papajohns.com bowl game against Rutgers, NC State would likely have ended the campaign on a 5-game win skein - all as underdogs! In fact, the Pack was the only bowl participant that was not favored in any game last season. Led by Wilson, who did not toss an interception in his final 249 passes and is the only freshman QB to ever win 1st team all-ACC honors, the Wolves return 14 starters from last year's pack. While they open the 2009 season with 4 straight home games, they will square off against nine opponents that played in a bowl game last year. As long as they are dogs, they won't care.
PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. North Carolina (11/28) - *KEY if -4 or more points

VIRGINIA - *6/6
Team Theme - CHINESE TO GO
Al Groh certainly understands the yin and yang of college football. Two years ago his team won an NCAA record five games by two or fewer points before blowing a late lead and losing by a field goal in the Gator Bowl. That season was followed by a 1-3 start, a 4-0 mid-season spurt, and then a 0-4 finish. Immediately after that topsy-turvy ride, Groh hired Greg Brandon, the former Bowling Green head coach, to mastermind the offense. Brandon, an innovator of the spread offense, will hand the keys to the offense to JR QB Mark Verica, last year's starter, or SR QB James Sewell, the starter in 2007 who sat out last season. Taking on nine opponents that played in bowl games last season, the Cavs can only hope the egg rolls of their faces this season following last year's debacle.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. TCU (9/12)

VIRGINIA TECH - *8/7
Team Theme - ON THE BEAM
All in all, last year might well have been the best job of coaching by Frank Beamer in his accomplished 22-year career with the Hokies. He guided an inexperienced squad to its second-straight ACC title and 3rd in 5 years. It couldn't have been even better. The four losses suffered by Beamer's bunch in 2008 were by an average 5.5 PPG. To no one's surprise, he did it the old fashioned way - with defense. In case you weren't aware of it, the Hokies own the top ranked defense in the FBS since 2004, allowing an average 263 YPG. That's why they are one of only three teams in the country, along with Texas and USC, to win 10 or more games over that same span. Sure, they will take on nine teams that played in bowl games last year, but don't let that stop you from running with a winner.
PLAY ON: vs. Miami Florida (9/26) - *KEY if off a loss

WAKE FOREST - *9/4
Team Theme - BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH
When the most accurate passer in conference history is excited about his wide receivers, it's generally a sign of good things to come. Last year, Wake's offense was a mix between the spread and the I-formation, to which head coach Jim Grobe responded, "We're so mixed up we don't know which way to go." A good indication of which way the Demons are headed in 2009 came from SR QB Riley Skinner, whose .673 career completion percentage is the best ever in the ACC. He said, "We're probably deeper at receiver than we've ever been." The fact that four of Wake's five losses last year were by an average losing margin of 5 PPG is another testament to Skinner's prowess. It's no surprise this senior class owns the best record of any class in school history. Grobe knows his team is in good hands.
PLAY ON: vs. NC State (10/3)

 

[GoSooners]

A good read BS...But Marc Lawrence can at times be so full of shit. I also don't like trend handicappers. And he's the biggest of them all. "Play Rutgers ATS in the fifth game of the season if they are coming off a road game and it's a homecoming game and the sun is shining and the game kicks off in the morning on ESPN 2 and they play Syracuse the next week"....Bet the house

 

[SoonerBS]

A good read BS...But Marc Lawrence can at times be so full of shit. I also don't like trend handicappers. And he's the biggest of them all. "Play Rutgers ATS in the fifth game of the season if they are coming off a road game and it's a homecoming game and the sun is shining and the game kicks off in the morning on ESPN 2 and they play Syracuse the next week"....Bet the house

My sentiments exactly . . . . .

 

[TOOTIGHT]

A good read BS...But Marc Lawrence can at times be so full of shit. I also don't like trend handicappers. And he's the biggest of them all. "Play Rutgers ATS in the fifth game of the season if they are coming off a road game and it's a homecoming game and the sun is shining and the game kicks off in the morning on ESPN 2 and they play Syracuse the next week"....Bet the house

I'm with you on trend cappers GS but I'm a little more open minded after seeing Randizzle last year. Not 100% sure how he caps but his write-ups were pretty much all trend numbers.

Regardless, I still crack up when I see wirte-ups that take things into consideration that have absolutely no relavance.

 

[GoSooners]

I'm with you on trend cappers GS but I'm a little more open minded after seeing Randizzle last year. Not 100% sure how he caps but his write-ups were pretty much all trend numbers.

Regardless, I still crack up when I see wirte-ups that take things into consideration that have absolutely no relavance.

Marc Lawrence has been known to have good years capping, and then completly fall on his ass the next year. That's how trends work.

 

[SoonerBS]

College football teams in line for a decline in '09


Sporting News

Posted: June 10, 2009
Matt Hayes and Dave Curtis

Sporting News college football writers Matt Hayes and Dave Curtis might disagree on their share of topics, but they won't argue this: Boston College and Arizona are in for a mighty tumble.

Last week, Hayes and Curtis each offered five schools they envisioned making the biggest jump in the win column from 2008 to 2009. This week, it's the opposite, as each writer provides five teams he believes will experience the greatest drop in victories.

Dave Curtis' five biggest declines:

1. Rice, minus-6
2008 record: 10-3
2009 projection: 4-8
Here's why: Rice made a magical leap last year, riding a dynamic offense and an energetic coach to a 10-3 record and a Texas Bowl victory. But the pieces aren't here yet for long-term success. The offense loses a record-setting quarterback, plus C-USA's top receiver (Jarett Dillard) and tight end (James Casey). And then there's the defense, which returns a bunch but allowed 33.3 points per game last year. September road trips to Texas Tech and Oklahoma State could end in devastating losses that could spoil any hopes of another bowl.

2. Boston College, minus-5
2008 record: 9-5
2009 projection: 4-8
Here's why: The Eagles haven't caught a break since 2008. Their coach got canned in a tiff with the athletic director. Their assumed quarterback got suspended, then transferred. Their top two defensive linemen from 2008 were high draft picks. Their best linebacker, maybe the country's best linebacker, is fighting cancer. A first-to-worst fall is in play for BC, which takes its new personnel to Clemson, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame -- all before Halloween. Central Michigan's visit following that gauntlet looms as dangerous, too.

3. Texas Tech, minus-4
2008 record: 11-2
2009 projection: 7-6
Here's why: Missouri's the pick du jour to plummet in the Big 12. But the Red Raiders lose too much to contend once again in a South Division that might be better than it was a year ago. The Red Raiders lose the bulk of their offensive line, their two best defensive backs, a Heisman-worthy quarterback and a Heisman-worthy receiver. And Tech has road games at Texas, Oklahoma State and Nebraska, plus improving Baylor and Houston. Throw in a visit from Oklahoma, and Mike Leach might be staring at the Independence Bowl.

4. Arizona, minus-4
2008 record: 8-5
2009 projection: 4-8
Here's why: I'm not ready to bet on Mike Stoops and company as a consistent winner. Last year's success had more to do with a down conference (and a spiritless BYU team in the Las Vegas Bowl) than anything fantastic the Wildcats showed. They'll play a new quarterback in 2009, a new left tackle and a lot of new at linebacker. Six road games dot the schedule, including a daunting mid-September game at Iowa. The 'Zona of old returns, and it might be looking for a new coach come winter.

5. Utah, minus-4
2008 record: 13-0
2009 projection: 9-4
Here's why: Only Florida finished ranked ahead of the Utes in the Associated Press poll, and the Gators return a Heisman winner at quarterback and 11 starters on defense. Utah doesn't, which means the 2009 team might be a victim of 2008's success. The Utes could sweep their home schedule and lose away from Rice-Eccles Stadium to Oregon, BYU, TCU and, say, East Carolina in the Armed Forces Bowl. Nothing to frown about in Salt Lake City. But it's four fewer wins than the dream season.

Matt Hayes' five biggest declines:

1. Boston College, minus-5
2008 record: 9-5
2009 projection: 4-8
Here's why: Where do we begin? How about the quarterback spot, where the Eagles lost a fifth-year starter to graduation and projected starter Dominique Davis -- who started three games last year -- is transferring after being suspended for academic problems. That likely leaves redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle to quarterback the team with a new, first-time coach and two new coordinators. And for added difficulty: Tuggle isn't a pure pro-style passer. The offense likely will have to be changed to work with his dual-threat abilities. There are holes on defense that will be exposed when the offense can't move the ball consistently. New coach Frank Spaziani's job was hard enough, considering the circumstances of replacing a fired coach who led the team to back-to-back appearances in the ACC championship game. The tenuous situation at quarterback could make it untenable.

2. Tulsa, minus-4
2008 record: 11-3
2009 projection: 7-6
Here's why: You simply can't underestimate the impact of the loss of offensive coordinator Guz Malzahn. Especially considering the Golden Hurricane will begin this fall with a new quarterback (for the third time in three years) and without all-time leading rusher Tarrion Adams, a bruiser who never got the credit he deserved in handling a huge load of the offense. That quarterback Jacob Bower didn't embrace the starter's job in spring practice can't be good for a unit that has holes to fill and needed something good to build on through the summer. Freshman Shavodrick Beaver, a four-star recruit who originally committed to Michigan before signing with Tulsa, could be the answer at quarterback. If he is, the offense will struggle early against a schedule that includes four of the first five games on the road.

3. Missouri, minus-4
2008 record: 10-4
2009 projection: 6-7
Here's why: Now we see if Missouri really has turned the corner. The Tigers lost three of the best players in the program's history (QB Chase Daniel, WR Jeremy Maclin, TE Chase Coffman) and 22 seniors -- and will start the rebuilding process with two new coordinators. Think about this for a moment: The Tigers had serious issues on defense even when the offense was humming along at 40 points a game. What happens when inexperienced quarterback Blaine Gabbert takes over with a new receiving corps and there are more three-and-outs in the first game than there were in the first half of last season? Here's what happens: The defense gets tired and more pressure is thrown on an offense that has zero time to adjust. This can't end pretty.

4. Arizona, minus-4
2008 record: 8-5
2009 projection: 4-8
Here's why: Mike Stoops has one winning season in five years at Arizona, and his teams have a history of slow starts and lousy performances against non-BCS teams. So what comes to Tucson to start the season, you ask? MAC heavyweight Central Michigan and its dangerous, pass-happy offense. If Arizona loses, all that momentum from last year's bowl season will wash away. That makes things a lot tougher on a team that will inevitably have a quarterback controversy -- Nick Foles or Matt Scott? -- and has a lack of elite players in the defensive front seven. If you can't stop offenses in the Pac-10, you better at least be able to score enough to keep up. A loss to CMU has Arizona staring at a 1-3 record for the month of September (CMU, Northern Arizona, at Iowa, at Oregon State), and a big step back from 2008.

5. Minnesota, minus-3
2008 record: 7-6
2009 projection: 4-8
Here's why: Gone are the lightweight nonconference games and quirky Big Ten schedule rotation. The Gophers go from four gimmes to start the season to three non-con games: at Syracuse (which will not be easy) and home against Air Force and California. The Big Ten schedule includes road games against the league's three best teams: Ohio State, Penn State (back on the schedule) and Iowa -- and a home game against Michigan State (back on the schedule). A defense that collapsed in the second half of last season, giving up 161 points in the last four games, still doesn't have enough speed (never a good sign). It may be deep in the tank after the first month of the season, considering Air Force's triple option attack and Cal's run/pass balance.

Dave Curtis is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at dcurtis@sportingnews.com.

Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst on NFL Network's College Football Now. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Marc Lawrence has been known to have good years capping, and then completly fall on his ass the next year. That's how trends work.

I know Mark Lawrence, and I am not going to defend his record, up or down. The major problem that he has is making picks in late April/early May for games being played in the fall and winter. I have suggested that he omit that part, because he normally does not have a high percentage of winners. Last year, in the NFL, he was 12-14, with 6 games not meeting the criteria. (Odds do vary, so there may be some variance on that record). That is about par for the course.

He is a "Technical" 'capper and the problem with that is ther are literally thousands of angles and trends. It would be just about impossible to pick any game using technical information only becasuse there are so many angles and trends that they would cancle each other out. I use technical information to a certain extent. It is part of my handicapping technique, but only a part.

An interesting side bar. It is true that he won the last Stardust Football Invitational contest, but when I met him at the Stardust, he was going up against "Big Al" Morganty (spelling?) and beat him with 4 wins out of 7 picks. Not exactly spell binding. We were on a local radio show that was broacast from the Stardust, and I hit 5 out of 7 that week. So anyone can win on a given week.

 

[russ1945]

Bqh

I honestly believe that guys like Steele and Lawrence know too much and they know it way before we do. They do their research as soon as one season ends 24/7/365. I personally spent 30 days in late Jan and early Feb calculating points scored by players that were returning this year just for my own purposes. I can tell you after a while your head is swimming. I got my stats from espn.com and from the NCAA site. Trends and angles are kind of like picking which lure or bait to use when you are fishing. You would have to know all of the possibilties for a certain situation first and then any assumption from there would have to be qualified. I have mentioned the analogy of the dart board before but you don't have to hit the bullseye you just have to hit the board. It is 50/50, you either win or you lose. I have noticed that some services try to throw out a big play on a game you never even considered. I distinctly remember that when Doc threw out a big play on Wisconsin you could take it to the bank. We as a group can outpick those guys all day long.
I had access to a consensus service a friend of mine used last year. I got all the pickers and they are all over the place even on the same games.
And by the way I used the term pickers but I am sure some of them could not even pick their nose. Best ad I ever saw for a tout service was a guy who procalin that all you have to do is go the opposite of him and you were guaranteed to be a winner. More fact than fiction.

 

[GoSooners]

He is a "Technical" 'capper and the problem with that is ther are literally thousands of angles and trends. It would be just about impossible to pick any game using technical information only becasuse there are so many angles and trends that they would cancle each other out. I use technical information to a certain extent. It is part of my handicapping technique, but only a part.

I don't mind when somebody adds in a trend or two after giving me the real and concrete reason for their pick. But using trends as their sole or first method of capping isn't a good idea. Like you said, you can use a trend to back up the reason for almost every pick you make for either side. The circumstances where you have to consider trends a little more seriously are the ones where you get two teams playing each other who have had the same coaches and same philosophys for years. For instance Jim Tressel had a great heads up record vs Lloyd Carr. Or trends where certain teams who have had the same coaches for years tend to play closer games than the line says (CSU vs Colorado before their new coach hires). But nothing can disrupt a trend more than a coach leaving, or maybe a team being put on NCAA probabtion. Even scheduling a game at the end of the season from the beginning of the season can disrupt a trend. I have to see some semblance of normaility before I consider trends a useful tool to use in handicapping.

 

[Conan]

At least the Bearcats will have a pretty good WR transfer from USC that will be eligible to play in a year. I remember Vidal Hazelton was one of those 4* of 5* grabs that went 2 and 3 deep on USC's depth chart from a year or so ago. Kelly got himself a nice score with this guy.

Hazelton's request to play in '09 rejected <script type="text/javascript">var stobj = SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title:"Ex-USC%20receiver%20ineligible%20at%20Cincinnati%20\'til%202010", url:"http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4248650", published: "2009-06-10" }); stobj.attachButton(document.getElementById("espnstlink")); </script>


<cite class="source"> By Brian Bennett
ESPN.com

</cite>
<!-- end mod-article-title --> <!-- begin story body --> <!-- template inline -->USC transfer Vidal Hazelton will not play for Cincinnati this season after the NCAA denied his request to become immediately eligible.
<!-- begin whole table -->
<!-- begin top part --> Big East blog

ESPN.com's Brian Bennett writes about all things Big East in his conference blog.
• Blog network

<!-- end sidebar table -->Hazelton told the NCAA that he left USC in order to be closer to his grandfather, who is battling cancer in Georgia. Instead, Hazelton will have to sit out this year as a transfer and play in 2010, when he will have one season of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver caught 50 passes for 540 yards with the Trojans in 2007. Bothered by a high ankle sprain last season, he had only six receptions.

Hazelton's addition could have given Cincinnati the deepest receiving corps in the Big East. The Bearcats still return Mardy Gilyard, a first-team All-Big East performer last year, and improving sophomore D.J. Woods. Another receiver, Marcus Barnett, moved to cornerback this spring.

 

[GoForIt]

I'm with you on trend cappers GS but I'm a little more open minded after seeing Randizzle last year. Not 100% sure how he caps but his write-ups were pretty much all trend numbers.

Regardless, I still crack up when I see write-ups that take things into consideration that have absolutely no relavance.

I remember Randizzle was also on the turnover angle which I usually considered somewhat random, but I guess not since he had much success with it last year. He also used situational systems which I endorse more than team trends. You can find piles of team trends on any team to support any theory whereas situational systems are more random and can apply to any team randomly. All situational systems do is measure how the public/oddsmaker reacts to very recent results. Usually the public reacts the same way creating a system. However, the best system IMO is that there is no system although there are generally about 9 variables I look at, including situational systems. My problem with Marc Lawrence is that he overtightens systems by using more parameters thus making the system less logical and creating a lesser chance of winning. He overtightens systems so he can then sell them as 100% system plays yet piles of them lose because some he just plays blindly. I'd rather have a 24-5 ATS system off BB ATS Lossses rather than a 23-3 ATS system OFF 10 ATS wins in a row. Strange, but thats how I see it. I do not endorse team trends at all. One could argue coaching trends as effective such as Urban Meyer/Bill Snyder running up the score in Non-Conference Home Games or Houston Nutt as a regular season dog against Top 10 Teams, but those apply to specific coaches. Obviously, Nutt has had problems in the SEC Title game as a dog, but that is postseason. Still the best system is that there is no system.

 

[GoForIt]

Adding another point about Lawrence is he plays team trends and systems with a sample size sometimes as small as 5 and often in the 5-15 range which IMO is too small of a sample size mathematically.
Still the best system is that there is no system.

I will say the people at the RX are worth a read for analysis. I'm not saying you should agree with them, but they are worth a read. GoSooners (Big 12 writeups) Conan and Ducks (Pac-10) Jimmyshivers (ACC) and MikeyLo (Big 10) are good reads. Do I agree with everything they say? No, nor should I, but they provide solid writeups and are an asset to this forum. Just another factor to consider in a web of many factors.

 

[russ1945]

Trends, etc

When I first got on this forum I noticed a lot of discussion about teams running up scores Ly. Some were of the opinion that it was a fluke and people who bet that many favorites were not going to see that kind of success this year. Florida and OU's success against the line was phenominal and teams like Texas Tech and others joined in the scoring frenzy. The Big 12 was like the old wild west and the defenses could not keep up with scoring pace. OU, and especially Stoops, have not traditionally been point pulling machines. Question is was that an anomoly or will it pick up where it started. Traditional betters seem to prefer live dogs and going against the public. LY the public may have taken home more money than some of the tradional conservative bettors.
I bring this up because the topic is trends. Trends can be broken. How do you know if there is a new trend and if you have to wait a few years for Lawrence or someone to pick up on it it may be to late.
LY the big motivator for scoring was moving up in the polls. Will that "trend" continue. Is that a trend? I know I am not afraid to bet a big favorite when I know they are motivated to go max out. I am interested to see what others think about this "new trend?". When schools like Tenn put out 1.1 million dollars to recruit players you know things have changed. What better recruting tool than to have a prospect on the sidelines while you pulverize Team A.
Most importantly, if there is a "tendency" for running up scores that is definable then that should be examined. You take a trend like Lawrence puts out there and it may span three coaching changings or an era when exceptional players were involved. We are only interested in the here and now and our edge is to be ahead of the curve. We all use terms like trying to find teams "who are flying under the radar". That inherently means that you may not only be bucking a trend(s) but also that you are anticipating something that the oddsmakers have not taken into account yet.
Lastly, do the oddsmakers take trends into account. Maybe on certain rivalry games but as a rule they stick to the numbers. If there was a trend LY it was to bet against Washington and Washington St. Could the oddsmakers fight off that onslaught? No, because they have to stick to the numbers. So I guess what I am saying in a nutshell is, you have to be flexible and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. There is no sense trying to over think any matchup and imho trends are kind of like adages or slogans, they sound great but do they have any relevance.

 

[sdf]

It will be nice when the powerhouses under construction get themselves built. The last 5 years the BCS has basically been between 6 teams every year. Florida, LSU, USC, Ohio St., Texas, OU. The BCS is so dull and predictable right now that we need at least 8 or 10 new teams to make it a mystery again who will win the title every year. This years pickens look even slimmer. Unless there is a case of unfortunate events for these teams I only see it as a 4 horse race between Florida, USC, OU and Texas....yawn

i'm very late to this thread. But how about Boise and Utah? I mean, they went undefeated and never got a shot at the MNC. Just more fuel to the fire to get a playoff system :drink:

 

[sdf]

Great programs are usually centered around great players. The more great players a team possesses, the more likely the program will be successful for any given season. Below is an article that gives you some indication of these programs and their players:

Originally Published: April 30, 2009
2010 Mock Draft

McShay By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.


The dust has barely settled following the 2009 draft, but that doesn't mean it's too early to look ahead to 2010, and below is Scouts Inc.'s very early look at how things could unfold in the first round in 2010.

The biggest story at this point is Oklahoma's domination of the draft board. The Sooners have the No. 1 overall pick in QB Sam Bradford but also have four of the top six selections and five projected first-rounders overall. Five offensive or defensive linemen land in the top 10 along with two quarterbacks, a tight end, a safety and a linebacker.

Only players who are entering their fourth year on campus are a part of this projection, including Bradford and Penn State OLB Navorro Bowman. The order of our first round reflects Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson's revamped power rankings -- which take into account the playoffs, free agency and the 2009 draft -- in reverse.

So, with the first pick in the 2010 NFL mock draft, the St. Louis Rams select …

1. St. Louis Rams -- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
College football's most accurate passer could emerge as the top overall pick in 2010. The Rams should be in position to draft their future franchise quarterback after passing on Mark Sanchez in this year's draft.

2. Cleveland Browns -- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Suh is an underrated talent with quickness, power and versatility.

3. Detroit Lions -- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions should be in the market for a starting left tackle to protect the blind side of 2009 No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford.

4. Oakland Raiders -- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Oakland drafted a wide receiver (Darrius Heyward-Bey) at No. 7 overall this year rather than solidifying its offensive line with OT Eugene Monroe. The Raiders shouldn't make the same mistake in 2010.

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
The Chiefs will have some bigger needs along the offensive and defensive lines, but Gresham projects as the premier tight end in the 2010 class. He could become the replacement for future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez, who was traded to the Falcons, providing QB Matt Cassell a legitimate pass-catching threat over the middle.

6. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) -- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
A year from now the Seahawks could be in the market for Matt Hasselbeck's future replacement and don't be surprised if McCoy emerges as a top-10 pick by then.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Jaguars need to replenish their interior defensive line and McCoy is college football's most disruptive tackle when he's healthy.

8. San Francisco 49ers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC
Offensive tackle is a big need area but Mays possesses freakish physical tools and could anchor the 49ers' secondary for many years. It should also be pointed out that Mays will have competition for the honor of being first safety off the 2010 draft board if Tennessee's Eric Berry leaves school early.

9. Green Bay Packers -- Adam Ulatoski, OT, Texas
Ulatoski has good feet for his size and could develop into a top offensive tackle prospect as a senior with improved technique and consistency.

10. San Francisco 49ers (from CAR) -- Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
With the second of their two first-round selections, the 49ers could look to upgrade their offensive line or pass rush. Kindle is a great fit in this scenario as an undersized end with excellent speed off the edge and fluid hips that allow him to occasionally drop into coverage.

big12 homer write this? 3 UT, 3 OU and 9 of the 10 top are from the Big12

 

[sdf]

Some games (even in May) are better than others

2. (Sept. 19) Tennessee at Florida. Lane Kiffin's first trip to the Swamp. Can't wait to read the tweets that week.

oh, that should be a fun game. I dont think Urban will have any mercy on Tenny ~~:<<

 

[russ1945]

big12 homer write this? 3 UT, 3 OU and 9 of the 10 top are from the Big12

I am an OU homer and I am shocked? What is funny is that until recently I just assumed Bradford would come out next year. Then I saw that article about how he could rewrite the record books and possibly win another Hesiman if he stayed this year and next. Those other OU players on that list are solid and will go high but maybe not that high. How would you like to be the agent for just those 4 OU players alone.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Here is a rule that I use when determining what trends, if any, to use in handicapping. Eliminate any trends if the team in question has a new H.C. The reasons are obvious. A new H.C. brings in a new philosophy, new assistant coaches, and a new attitude about training and practices. It is impossible to use trends because no trend has been established by the new H.C.

I also like using angles and trends for coaches who have remained at the same school for 5+ years. Pete Carroll is undefeated in November at USC. That is 8 years without losing a game in November. His ATS record of 23-9 is not too shabby either. Now I never play for or against USC because they are my alma mater, but if I did, I would never fade them in November.

A lot of "technical" handicapping depends on the circumstances of the team. Let's look at Minnesota this year. Coach Tim Brewster is entering his 3rd year, some small success. They move from indoors to outdoors in a new stadium on campus. They return 10 offensive starters and 8 defensive starters from a 7-6 team, yet they are picked to finish in the bottom third of the Big 10 by many. Their non-con schedule is much more difficult this year than last. A tough team to figure? Absolutely. You can pretty much toss any angle or trend out the window for this team.