College Football Nation: Marshall
This could be the week when we know what BYU will do. The Cougars face a Wednesday deadline to inform the Mountain West whether it plans to remain a part of the league for 2011-12.
Reports indicate they could still be pushing for football independence.
Houston says it has had no discussions with the Mountain West.
Nevada must rethink its funding now that it is headed to the Mountain West.
Can Boise State afford to have a big-time program? Brian Murphy of the Idaho Statesman asks that question after plans for a $100 million stadium upgrade were unveiled.
West Virginia offensive lineman Marquis Wallace has enrolled at Marshall, the Charleston Daily Mail reports.
SMU prepares for a new-look Texas Tech under Tommy Tuberville.
It's bowl game or bust for UAB.
Logan Kilgore will start for Middle Tennessee with Dwight Dasher out indefinitely.
Links from other conferences:
ACC
Big 12
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
Reports indicate they could still be pushing for football independence.
Houston says it has had no discussions with the Mountain West.
Nevada must rethink its funding now that it is headed to the Mountain West.
Can Boise State afford to have a big-time program? Brian Murphy of the Idaho Statesman asks that question after plans for a $100 million stadium upgrade were unveiled.
West Virginia offensive lineman Marquis Wallace has enrolled at Marshall, the Charleston Daily Mail reports.
SMU prepares for a new-look Texas Tech under Tommy Tuberville.
It's bowl game or bust for UAB.
Logan Kilgore will start for Middle Tennessee with Dwight Dasher out indefinitely.
Links from other conferences:
ACC
Big 12
Big East
Big Ten
SEC
We told you about quarterback battles still going on among the non-AQ schools in a two part series yesterday: Part I and Part II.
Here is a look at the quarterback battles that have already been decided as we close in on the start of the season:
Akron
Winner: Patrick Nicely.
Buzz: Nicely and Matt Rodgers played pretty evenly throughout fall camp and split the reps evenly. But Nicely emerged thanks to his play throughout the spring and camp. He started seven games as a true freshman in 2009, completing 120 of 222 passes for 1,349 yards and six touchdowns.
Bowling Green
Winner: Matt Schilz.
Buzz: With Tyler Sheehan gone, Bowling Green turns to the redshirt freshman, who has never thrown a pass in a collegiate game. The Falcons have had much stability at the quarterback position, so it will be interesting to see how Schilz does this season.
Colorado State
Winner: Pete Thomas.
Buzz: The highly touted true freshman enrolled in school early and beat out redshirt freshman Nico Ranieri. The last time a freshman started at quarterback for Colorado State was Caleb Hanie in 2004.
Louisiana Tech
Winner: Steven Ensminger.
Buzz: The Auburn transfer found new life under new coach Sonny Dykes’ spread offense. After playing tight end last spring under former coach Derek Dooley, Ensminger was able to beat out Ross Jenkins, who started parts of the past two seasons.
Marshall
Winner: Brian Anderson.
Buzz: The incumbent survived a challenge from A.J. Graham, Eddie Sullivan and former Clemson player Willie Korn to emerge as the starter once again. Korn ended up transferring. Important to note: Anderson is learning his third different offense, now that new coach Doc Holliday is there.
New Mexico
Winner: B.R. Holbrook.
Buzz: Holbrook won the job over freshman Tarean Austin and Brad Gruner, and coach Mike Locksley cited his knowledge of the offense, the way he moved the team during scrimmages and his mostly error-free play.
New Mexico State
Winner: Matt Christian.
Buzz: Coach DeWayne Walker went with the junior college transfer over Jeff Fleming, who was 1-7 as a starter last season. Christian had been nursing a sore elbow during camp. Watch for Andrew Manley, a freshman from Hawaii, in case Walker decides not to redshirt him.
North Texas
Winner: Nathan Tune.
Buzz: Tune got the opportunity to compete for the starting job with Derek Thompson after last season’s starter, Riley Dodge, moved to wide receiver because of the accumulation of injuries to his arm. Tune, a former walk-on, has served as the backup the past two seasons.
Temple
Winner: Chester Stewart.
Buzz: Stewart emerged as the leader for the job during the spring when Vaughn Charlton moved from quarterback to tight end. Stewart played last season but had his struggles, completing 40 percent of his passes, throwing for three touchdowns and three interceptions.
UAB
Winner: David Isabelle.
Buzz: Isabelle won the job over Bryan Ellis to replace Joe Webb. Coach Neil Callaway cited Isabelle’s athleticism, but also said Ellis would play this season. Isabelle has played in spot duty behind Webb.
Western Kentucky
Winner: Kawaun Jakes.
Buzz: The sophomore started eight games last season, and coach Willie Taggart says Jakes has shown potential to be a very good quarterback in the new West Coast offense that is being installed. Jakes missed nearly all of spring after injuring his ankle during a pickup basketball game and had to work his way back into Taggart’s good graces.
Here is a look at the quarterback battles that have already been decided as we close in on the start of the season:
Akron
Winner: Patrick Nicely.
Buzz: Nicely and Matt Rodgers played pretty evenly throughout fall camp and split the reps evenly. But Nicely emerged thanks to his play throughout the spring and camp. He started seven games as a true freshman in 2009, completing 120 of 222 passes for 1,349 yards and six touchdowns.
Bowling Green
Winner: Matt Schilz.
Buzz: With Tyler Sheehan gone, Bowling Green turns to the redshirt freshman, who has never thrown a pass in a collegiate game. The Falcons have had much stability at the quarterback position, so it will be interesting to see how Schilz does this season.
Colorado State
Winner: Pete Thomas.
Buzz: The highly touted true freshman enrolled in school early and beat out redshirt freshman Nico Ranieri. The last time a freshman started at quarterback for Colorado State was Caleb Hanie in 2004.
[+] Enlarge
Hunter Martin/Getty ImagesTemple's Chester Stewart needs to improve his completion percentage for the Owls to succeed this season.
Winner: Steven Ensminger.
Buzz: The Auburn transfer found new life under new coach Sonny Dykes’ spread offense. After playing tight end last spring under former coach Derek Dooley, Ensminger was able to beat out Ross Jenkins, who started parts of the past two seasons.
Marshall
Winner: Brian Anderson.
Buzz: The incumbent survived a challenge from A.J. Graham, Eddie Sullivan and former Clemson player Willie Korn to emerge as the starter once again. Korn ended up transferring. Important to note: Anderson is learning his third different offense, now that new coach Doc Holliday is there.
New Mexico
Winner: B.R. Holbrook.
Buzz: Holbrook won the job over freshman Tarean Austin and Brad Gruner, and coach Mike Locksley cited his knowledge of the offense, the way he moved the team during scrimmages and his mostly error-free play.
New Mexico State
Winner: Matt Christian.
Buzz: Coach DeWayne Walker went with the junior college transfer over Jeff Fleming, who was 1-7 as a starter last season. Christian had been nursing a sore elbow during camp. Watch for Andrew Manley, a freshman from Hawaii, in case Walker decides not to redshirt him.
North Texas
Winner: Nathan Tune.
Buzz: Tune got the opportunity to compete for the starting job with Derek Thompson after last season’s starter, Riley Dodge, moved to wide receiver because of the accumulation of injuries to his arm. Tune, a former walk-on, has served as the backup the past two seasons.
Temple
Winner: Chester Stewart.
Buzz: Stewart emerged as the leader for the job during the spring when Vaughn Charlton moved from quarterback to tight end. Stewart played last season but had his struggles, completing 40 percent of his passes, throwing for three touchdowns and three interceptions.
UAB
Winner: David Isabelle.
Buzz: Isabelle won the job over Bryan Ellis to replace Joe Webb. Coach Neil Callaway cited Isabelle’s athleticism, but also said Ellis would play this season. Isabelle has played in spot duty behind Webb.
Western Kentucky
Winner: Kawaun Jakes.
Buzz: The sophomore started eight games last season, and coach Willie Taggart says Jakes has shown potential to be a very good quarterback in the new West Coast offense that is being installed. Jakes missed nearly all of spring after injuring his ankle during a pickup basketball game and had to work his way back into Taggart’s good graces.
Marshall quarterback Willy Korn has transferred to Division II North Greenville, the Charleston Daily Mail reported.
Korn, who transferred to the Herd from Clemson, was told last week he was no longer in contention for the starting job. He had offered to switch to safety but was absent from both practices Sunday. Coach Doc Holliday said Korn was gone for "personal reasons."
The newspaper reported Korn could practice at his new school this afternoon. Since North Greenville is Division II, he is eligible to play immediately.
Korn, who transferred to the Herd from Clemson, was told last week he was no longer in contention for the starting job. He had offered to switch to safety but was absent from both practices Sunday. Coach Doc Holliday said Korn was gone for "personal reasons."
The newspaper reported Korn could practice at his new school this afternoon. Since North Greenville is Division II, he is eligible to play immediately.
Lunch links: O'Leary OK'd shoot featuring Playboy playmate
August, 9, 2010
Aug 9
12:20
PM ET
UCF apologized this past weekend after a video surfaced online showing a photo shoot featuring a Playboy playmate in the UCF locker room. How did it happen?
Coach George O'Leary says he allowed a photo shoot for Axis Magazine featuring the playmate to be held in the UCF locker room.
In less salacious non-AQ news:
Tulane has suspended three players for violating team rules.
Utah State opens Year 2 of the Gary Andersen today era with high expectations.
Michigan P Bryan Wright has transferred to Bowling Green and is eligible immediately.
How is the young offensive line at FAU faring?
Brian Anderson is in a fight for the starting quarterback job at Marshall.
Louisiana Tech opens practice today under new coach Sonny Dykes.
Navy is monitoring all the media attention coming to QB Ricky Dobbs.
Coach George O'Leary says he allowed a photo shoot for Axis Magazine featuring the playmate to be held in the UCF locker room.
In less salacious non-AQ news:
Tulane has suspended three players for violating team rules.
Utah State opens Year 2 of the Gary Andersen today era with high expectations.
Michigan P Bryan Wright has transferred to Bowling Green and is eligible immediately.
How is the young offensive line at FAU faring?
Brian Anderson is in a fight for the starting quarterback job at Marshall.
Louisiana Tech opens practice today under new coach Sonny Dykes.
Navy is monitoring all the media attention coming to QB Ricky Dobbs.
The time has come to hear from you, the faithful fan, about your most painful losses. ESPN has given you its ranking of the top 50 most torturous losses of all time. Yesterday we featured a few from the non-AQ school perspective.
Here is a sampling of what non-AQ fans have submitted.
Ezra from Dallas writes: TCU's 2003 loss at Southern Miss was devastating. TCU took a 10-game winning streak, #6 BCS ranking, and hopes of busting the BCS (which had, in 2003, not yet been done) to Hattiesburg, and choked. But not before scoring something like 28 points in four minutes to come within 3 points, in the fourth quarter. The almost-comeback was thrilling in the extreme, followed by the most punishing downer imaginable. The crowd gave TCU a standing ovation at the end of the game.
Dave LaCerra from Mount Prospect, Ill., writes: Northern Illinois Loss to Bowling Green 2003.The scenario: Week #1, the Huskies beat #14 Maryland 20-17 in overtime. Then, the Huskies traveled to Tuscaloosa and beat #21 Alabama 16-13. After beating Iowa State the following week, the Huskies won their first 7 games. Following week 5 the first BCS standings were released, and by week 7 the Huskies had climbed to #10 overall. The Huskies could not keep that momentum going, as they lost in week 8 at #22 Bowling Green, which featured the first ever ESPN GameDay appearance for a MAC football game. The Huskies would finishing the year 10-2, unranked, and uninvited to a bowl game.
Zach from Fresno, Calif., writes: 2001 -- Boise State defeats Fresno State 35-30. Fresno State was ranked 8th in the nation and was on its way to be the first true test to being a BCS buster. All they had to do with a David Carr led team was run through the WAC and they would be playing in a New Years bowl game, after upsetting three nationally ranked teams in Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin to start the season. Upstart Boise arrives in the WAC the same year, comes into Bulldog Stadium with no quit attitude and pulls the upset on the undefeated Bulldogs. Cinderella's slipper switched hands that night, Boise decade of dominance begins and Fresno's year after year of over hype and huge let downs have left the program on life support.
Sean D. from Salt Lake City writes: How could anyone forget "Beck to Harline" in the corner of the end zone at Rice-Eccles in the 2006 Holy War?
Philip from Boise, Idaho writes: Idaho Vandals vs. Boise St. Broncos in the Kibbie Dome 2006. It was the year Boise ended up winning the Fiesta Bowl over Oklahoma. Both teams undefeated (3-0) in the WAC going into that game. Boise was only up by 2 (28-26) with about 7 minutes remaining in the game. It would have ended years of losing for Idaho. It ended up being 42-26 (Boise win) but the Kibbie Dome was rocking the whole game and Boise faced the most hostile crowed of the entire season. When the game ended the air quickly left the Dome, and a few months later our coach, Dennis Erickson fled for warmer waters in Arizona.
Charles Baine of Greenville, Ala., writes: 2008 TROY 31 vs LSU 40...30 pt 4th qtr for the tigers
Roger from Greensboro, N.C., writes: The 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. ECU (my team) vs. Arkansas. Tied with two minutes left. Our kicker missed two chip shot field goals in the final two minutes which would have won the game. We got the ball first in OT, kicked another field goal...and missed. Arkansas won 20-17. It still stings.
Jared of San Francisco writes: TCU at Utah 2008. TCU leads for 59 minutes. 1 more minute and they are in their first BCS game. Utah pulls it out. TCU heartbreak. Enough said.
Brian Krylowicz from Missoula, Mont., writes: I am a diehard San Diego State fan and my most painful loss was not even a loss, it was a tie. I don't even have to describe the game other than 52-52. San Diego State has a history of being described as a sleeping giant. But in my lifetime they have never woken up. And the 52-52 tie to BYU when we had Marshall knocked us so bad that we have never come close to waking that sleeping giant since. I won't even bring up how we led 45-17. Too painful.
Josh Harper from Memphis, Tenn., writes: 2006 at the Liberty Bowl. Arkansas State vs. Memphis. Freshman quarterback Corey Leonard chucks a Hail Mary 45 yards into the end zone for a last second TD. Arkansas State beats Memphis 26-23. Memphis hasn't been the same since.
Josh Bryant from Taft, Calif., writes: Nov. 19, 2005 - #1 USC beats #16 Fresno State 50 - 42 in one of the most classic bouts in college football history... Too bad my poor 'Dogs lost =-(
Travis Faanes from Sparks, Nev., writes: Oct. 14 2007 Nevada at Boise. 67-69 OT4 It was Colin Kaepernick’s first game and it was the first time Nevada almost beat Boise at home since becoming FBS. On the 2 point conversion Colin almost ran it in but got caught from behind on the 1 yard line.
Jeff Lewis from Greensboro, N.C., wriites: Marshall over Miami (OH) 36-34 in November 2002. Winner gets the berth in the MAC title game. Miami has the lead 34-29 with 6:33 left, then breaks up a pass on 4th down in the end zone to seal the deal ... almost. A phantom pass interference call gives Marshall another crack and they run it in with 5 seconds left. And to cap it all off, our defensive coordinator gets led off the field in handcuffs.
Here is a sampling of what non-AQ fans have submitted.
Ezra from Dallas writes: TCU's 2003 loss at Southern Miss was devastating. TCU took a 10-game winning streak, #6 BCS ranking, and hopes of busting the BCS (which had, in 2003, not yet been done) to Hattiesburg, and choked. But not before scoring something like 28 points in four minutes to come within 3 points, in the fourth quarter. The almost-comeback was thrilling in the extreme, followed by the most punishing downer imaginable. The crowd gave TCU a standing ovation at the end of the game.
Dave LaCerra from Mount Prospect, Ill., writes: Northern Illinois Loss to Bowling Green 2003.The scenario: Week #1, the Huskies beat #14 Maryland 20-17 in overtime. Then, the Huskies traveled to Tuscaloosa and beat #21 Alabama 16-13. After beating Iowa State the following week, the Huskies won their first 7 games. Following week 5 the first BCS standings were released, and by week 7 the Huskies had climbed to #10 overall. The Huskies could not keep that momentum going, as they lost in week 8 at #22 Bowling Green, which featured the first ever ESPN GameDay appearance for a MAC football game. The Huskies would finishing the year 10-2, unranked, and uninvited to a bowl game.
Zach from Fresno, Calif., writes: 2001 -- Boise State defeats Fresno State 35-30. Fresno State was ranked 8th in the nation and was on its way to be the first true test to being a BCS buster. All they had to do with a David Carr led team was run through the WAC and they would be playing in a New Years bowl game, after upsetting three nationally ranked teams in Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin to start the season. Upstart Boise arrives in the WAC the same year, comes into Bulldog Stadium with no quit attitude and pulls the upset on the undefeated Bulldogs. Cinderella's slipper switched hands that night, Boise decade of dominance begins and Fresno's year after year of over hype and huge let downs have left the program on life support.
Sean D. from Salt Lake City writes: How could anyone forget "Beck to Harline" in the corner of the end zone at Rice-Eccles in the 2006 Holy War?
Philip from Boise, Idaho writes: Idaho Vandals vs. Boise St. Broncos in the Kibbie Dome 2006. It was the year Boise ended up winning the Fiesta Bowl over Oklahoma. Both teams undefeated (3-0) in the WAC going into that game. Boise was only up by 2 (28-26) with about 7 minutes remaining in the game. It would have ended years of losing for Idaho. It ended up being 42-26 (Boise win) but the Kibbie Dome was rocking the whole game and Boise faced the most hostile crowed of the entire season. When the game ended the air quickly left the Dome, and a few months later our coach, Dennis Erickson fled for warmer waters in Arizona.
Charles Baine of Greenville, Ala., writes: 2008 TROY 31 vs LSU 40...30 pt 4th qtr for the tigers
Roger from Greensboro, N.C., writes: The 2010 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. ECU (my team) vs. Arkansas. Tied with two minutes left. Our kicker missed two chip shot field goals in the final two minutes which would have won the game. We got the ball first in OT, kicked another field goal...and missed. Arkansas won 20-17. It still stings.
Jared of San Francisco writes: TCU at Utah 2008. TCU leads for 59 minutes. 1 more minute and they are in their first BCS game. Utah pulls it out. TCU heartbreak. Enough said.
Brian Krylowicz from Missoula, Mont., writes: I am a diehard San Diego State fan and my most painful loss was not even a loss, it was a tie. I don't even have to describe the game other than 52-52. San Diego State has a history of being described as a sleeping giant. But in my lifetime they have never woken up. And the 52-52 tie to BYU when we had Marshall knocked us so bad that we have never come close to waking that sleeping giant since. I won't even bring up how we led 45-17. Too painful.
Josh Harper from Memphis, Tenn., writes: 2006 at the Liberty Bowl. Arkansas State vs. Memphis. Freshman quarterback Corey Leonard chucks a Hail Mary 45 yards into the end zone for a last second TD. Arkansas State beats Memphis 26-23. Memphis hasn't been the same since.
Josh Bryant from Taft, Calif., writes: Nov. 19, 2005 - #1 USC beats #16 Fresno State 50 - 42 in one of the most classic bouts in college football history... Too bad my poor 'Dogs lost =-(
Travis Faanes from Sparks, Nev., writes: Oct. 14 2007 Nevada at Boise. 67-69 OT4 It was Colin Kaepernick’s first game and it was the first time Nevada almost beat Boise at home since becoming FBS. On the 2 point conversion Colin almost ran it in but got caught from behind on the 1 yard line.
Jeff Lewis from Greensboro, N.C., wriites: Marshall over Miami (OH) 36-34 in November 2002. Winner gets the berth in the MAC title game. Miami has the lead 34-29 with 6:33 left, then breaks up a pass on 4th down in the end zone to seal the deal ... almost. A phantom pass interference call gives Marshall another crack and they run it in with 5 seconds left. And to cap it all off, our defensive coordinator gets led off the field in handcuffs.
As more and more camps open, let's take a look around the world of the non-AQs ...
Three freshmen have been dismissed from the Marshall football team.
Six of the nine Sun Belt teams will have new offensive coordinators this season.
Hawaii begins practice tomorrow but will be without linebacker Aaron Brown for at least a week after he sprained his ankle during a workout.
Maryland and Navy want an in-state rivalry.
Southern Miss opened practice Tuesday.
SMU is losing recruits because of tough admissions standards at the university.
Army QB Trent Steelman has bulked up to 208 pounds.
Nevada RB Vai Taua is grateful for his second chance.
Three freshmen have been dismissed from the Marshall football team.
Six of the nine Sun Belt teams will have new offensive coordinators this season.
Hawaii begins practice tomorrow but will be without linebacker Aaron Brown for at least a week after he sprained his ankle during a workout.
Maryland and Navy want an in-state rivalry.
Southern Miss opened practice Tuesday.
SMU is losing recruits because of tough admissions standards at the university.
Army QB Trent Steelman has bulked up to 208 pounds.
Nevada RB Vai Taua is grateful for his second chance.
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Page: 1
TOP 25 SCOREBOARD
Thursday, 9/2
7:30 PM ET Marshall 2 Ohio State 7:30 PM ET Florida A&M; 13 Miami (FL) 11:00 PM ET 14 USC Hawaii 8:30 PM ET 15 Pittsburgh Utah
Saturday, 9/4
7:00 PM ET San Jose State 1 Alabama 12:00 PM ET Miami (OH) 4 Florida 3:30 PM ET 5 Texas Rice 7:45 PM ET 24 Oregon State 6 TCU 7:00 PM ET Utah State 7 Oklahoma 7:00 PM ET Western Kentucky 8 Nebraska 12:05 PM ET Eastern Illinois 9 Iowa 3:30 PM ET New Mexico 11 Oregon 11:00 PM ET 12 Wisconsin UNLV 1:00 PM ET South Carolina State 16 Georgia Tech 7:00 PM ET Tennessee Tech 17 Arkansas 8:00 PM ET 21 LSU 18 North Carolina 12:00 PM ET Youngstown State 19 Penn State 12:00 PM ET Samford 20 Florida State 7:00 PM ET Arkansas State 22 Auburn 12:21 PM ET Louisiana-Lafayette 23 Georgia 3:30 PM ET Coastal Carolina 25 West Virginia
Monday, 9/6
8:00 PM ET 3 Boise State 10 Virginia Tech
