Texas A&M and Coach Fran
Watching the TAMU vs. Miami game last Thursday, I was struck by the complete lack of preparation the Aggies seemed to show. The first thing that jumped out at me was the Aggie DBs tapping their helmets in the first quarter for their subs to come into the game. Seriously? You're that poorly conditioned that you can't make it through the first drive without a blow? The next thing you noticed was the nonsensical decision making. Clock management, play calling and player utilization looked baffling. The Texas media has joined the Aggie fan base in asking incredibly difficult questions of Coach Fran. No way that he makes it to next year.
Gundy's Rant
By now, you've seen OSU Coach Mike Gundy's world class rant against the local reporter/columnist who dared criticize OSU QB Bobby Reid. First off, I've read the columnist's article. I thought it was the sort of bush league innuendo driven article that you would see on a petty, small minded blog or message board. It quoted almost no one and made numerous references to "rumblings" and "rumors." I hope that I wouldn't run an article that weak on this site, and I've got zero credibility to begin with. In other words, I think Gundy was justified in being pissed.
HOWEVER, there is a time and a place for everything. As a coach, you don't go into a post-game press conference following your team's biggest win in years to throw a tantrum like this. All the post-game discussion has been about the article and not the impressive win his team landed. Second, if you're going to attack a reporter, you've got to do it either (A) behind closed doors in front of her editor or (B) in an extremely well thought out fashion. Gundy did neither, and he came off as a half cocked loon. It's not the coaching equivalent of Howard Dean's scream, but it's just as confidence inspiring. Update with all relevant links.
Notre Dame
At what point does their epic implosion stop being a story? I record ESPN College Football Live everyday, and I enjoy it. Other than Mark May's condescending tone and the cross promotional Disney, Inc. stuff, it's pretty solid. I've also enjoyed the daily ND updates just b/c the attention their misery generates humors me. But at what point does the 0-fer streak stop becoming a story? My guess: Never. The story will simply shift to one of "When does ND grow impatient with Weis and his blustering?" I think the Irish's struggles make Washington/Willingham fans of us all.
USF
On Friday, the South Florida Bulls will take their shot at West Virginia in front of a sold out Raymond James Stadium (their first in history). Consider the bowl possibilities for College Football's newest player:
- Orange Bowl: If they win the game Friday night, they've got the inside track on the Big East title. An Orange Bowl bid isn't automatic, but just the thought of these guys rising up so quickly to play on their state's biggest stage is amazing.
- Gator Bowl: A second place finish in the Big East could land the Bulls in Jacksonville. Possible opponent? Miami. You think the state wide media wouldn't have a field day with that one.
- Meinke Car Care (Tire) Bowl: USF could end up here against someone like FSU. Again, it would be an incredibly entertaining draw.
Oh...and the New Orleans paper asks..."Who does LSU get if Les Miles goes to Michigan?"
Disagree?
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