A suspension of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach should be the last straw for a coach and a university who have been butting heads since the conclusion of the greatest season in Texas Tech football history.
According to sources, Leach locked a player in an equipment room and then an electrical closet after WR Adam James complained about playing time and after having suffered a concussion. Details are sketchy at this time, but what can't be denied is that Texas Tech seems hellbent on getting rid of the eccentric Pirate loving coach.
I find it hard to believe that Leach would be so stupid to do exactly what everyone seems to say has happened. Head injuries are not sprained ankles. They are not cramps, or strained pcl's. They are serious threats to the future and well being of players. Coaches are not coming out of the woodwork to support Leach. He's refused to make any public announcement except through his attorney. All signs at this point appear to be pointing toward Leach's pending firing.
Let's assume Tech finds out that James's story was overblown, and they want Leach back. Why would he come back? This is the same school that tried as hard as possible to run Leach out of Lubbock last year following his stunning 11-1 regular season finish.
If I'm Leach, I'd just walk away at this point. Tell your side of the story, and resign, citing unrepairable damage done by the Texas Tech administration. There's not a major college program in the country that wouldn't want Leach as an offensive coordinator for 2010. (Florida may be looking at this point, considering their OC is taking over as the interim head coach). He'd be back at a major college program by 2011, without the gillutine that hangs over his head in Lubbock.
Still, my guess is he'll stay to fight it out, and Tech will have him fired by February. Based on his history of treatment of players in 2009, locking a player in isolation wouldn't surprise me in the least (remember - he calls his players out to the media when he loses, and he suspended his team captain earlier this year)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Urban Meyer
First of all - pundits marking this as the greatest coach of the 2000s are a bit overdramatic. Winning at Florida with Jesus is a pretty simple task.
Looking at this retirement/leave of absence, let's get a prediction out. I think Meyer is a legitimate sore loser. ESPN and CNNSI and FOXSPORTS call it his uber-c0mpetitiveness. I call it being such a sore loser that a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game makes him feel like he came up short. (As a side note - 2 national titles in a 4 year span make you ANYTHING but a loser). He had chest pains after the game. 3 weeks later he "retires", only to return and say he wants a leave of absence. You know why he wants a leave of absence? So he doesn't have to be the head man at Florida next year when he loses the cornerstone of his spread offense (Tebow) in favor of a pro-style offense (which Meyer has little experience running) and the majority of his dominant defense. Once the Gators lose 4 games with Meyer away, he'll come back to a resounding 2011 campaign and soak up the adulation of fans, commentators, and Gator Nation as the greatest coach in Florida state football history (move aside Bobby Bowden).
Sick? You bet he's sick.
Looking at this retirement/leave of absence, let's get a prediction out. I think Meyer is a legitimate sore loser. ESPN and CNNSI and FOXSPORTS call it his uber-c0mpetitiveness. I call it being such a sore loser that a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game makes him feel like he came up short. (As a side note - 2 national titles in a 4 year span make you ANYTHING but a loser). He had chest pains after the game. 3 weeks later he "retires", only to return and say he wants a leave of absence. You know why he wants a leave of absence? So he doesn't have to be the head man at Florida next year when he loses the cornerstone of his spread offense (Tebow) in favor of a pro-style offense (which Meyer has little experience running) and the majority of his dominant defense. Once the Gators lose 4 games with Meyer away, he'll come back to a resounding 2011 campaign and soak up the adulation of fans, commentators, and Gator Nation as the greatest coach in Florida state football history (move aside Bobby Bowden).
Sick? You bet he's sick.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Just Noticed
Have you noticed Texas is 26-1 with Major Applewhite on the coaching staff? Their only loss came at the hands of Texas Tech on the Crabtree miracle.
The final debate on Major vs. Simms should be over. Applewhite is a winner - and makes those around him winners as well.
The final debate on Major vs. Simms should be over. Applewhite is a winner - and makes those around him winners as well.
All Decade D
DB - Aaron Ross: the 2006 Thorpe Award winner. Helped anchor the defensive backfield against USC in the 2005 title game, and led the team to victory over OU in 2006 with 3 forced turnovers. Led team with 6 picks and 3 forced fumbles.
DB - Michael Huff: the 2005 Thorpe Award winner. Lockdown corner and roving safety for the Horns in 2005 championship season. Teams avoided throwing his way, leaving his statistics somewhat short.
DB - Natahn Vasher: As much for his lock down coverage as his ability to break plays for Texas. Vasher is also tied for the career INT mark at Texas with 17. All American selection for his punt returning in 2001.
DB - Quinton Jammer. The essential lock down man in Texas DB history. No one threw his way. 7 picks his senior year, earning All American and All Big 12 in 2000 and 2001. It was tough between him and Earl Thomas, but hte body of work for Jammer was significantly better thus far.
LB - Derrick Johnson. The greatest LB in Texas football history. 3 time first team All Big 12. Two time first team All American (consensus All American both times). Butkus and Nagurski Award winner is 2004. Holds record for more forced fumbles in a season in NCAA history with 11 (9 his senior year alone). 69 tackles for loss in his career.
LB - Rashad Babino: A 3 year starter and significant contributor his Freshman season. Any player good enough to play all 3 years at Texas deserves to be on the list. Tallied 235 tackles over his career.
LB - Aaron Harris: 2005 First team All American. If you lead the charge to stop Lendale White on 4th and 2 with the title on the line, then you make the All Decade Team.
DE - Brian Orakp: His monster 2008 season gets him here. All American, Lomardi, Outland Trophy. He is the Suh of Texas in 2008. Had Orakpo played in the Texas Tech game in 2008, we may be talking about back to back National Championship appearances for the Longhorns. Missed 2 games and still led team with 10.5 sacks and tackles for loss.
DE - Cory Redding: First team All American in 2001 and 2002. Was Orakpo before there was an Orakpo. Chris Simms inability to beat OU cost Redding some of the prestige that Orakpo received in 2008. Nobody could block him 1 on 1.
DT - Casey Hampton. Ate up the middle of the line like no one before him or since him. 2000 First Team Consensus All American.
DT - Rod Wright. First Team All American in 2005 (consensus). Was there with Aaron Harris to stop White in the USC game, opening the door for VY's magic.
DB - Michael Huff: the 2005 Thorpe Award winner. Lockdown corner and roving safety for the Horns in 2005 championship season. Teams avoided throwing his way, leaving his statistics somewhat short.
DB - Natahn Vasher: As much for his lock down coverage as his ability to break plays for Texas. Vasher is also tied for the career INT mark at Texas with 17. All American selection for his punt returning in 2001.
DB - Quinton Jammer. The essential lock down man in Texas DB history. No one threw his way. 7 picks his senior year, earning All American and All Big 12 in 2000 and 2001. It was tough between him and Earl Thomas, but hte body of work for Jammer was significantly better thus far.
LB - Derrick Johnson. The greatest LB in Texas football history. 3 time first team All Big 12. Two time first team All American (consensus All American both times). Butkus and Nagurski Award winner is 2004. Holds record for more forced fumbles in a season in NCAA history with 11 (9 his senior year alone). 69 tackles for loss in his career.
LB - Rashad Babino: A 3 year starter and significant contributor his Freshman season. Any player good enough to play all 3 years at Texas deserves to be on the list. Tallied 235 tackles over his career.
LB - Aaron Harris: 2005 First team All American. If you lead the charge to stop Lendale White on 4th and 2 with the title on the line, then you make the All Decade Team.
DE - Brian Orakp: His monster 2008 season gets him here. All American, Lomardi, Outland Trophy. He is the Suh of Texas in 2008. Had Orakpo played in the Texas Tech game in 2008, we may be talking about back to back National Championship appearances for the Longhorns. Missed 2 games and still led team with 10.5 sacks and tackles for loss.
DE - Cory Redding: First team All American in 2001 and 2002. Was Orakpo before there was an Orakpo. Chris Simms inability to beat OU cost Redding some of the prestige that Orakpo received in 2008. Nobody could block him 1 on 1.
DT - Casey Hampton. Ate up the middle of the line like no one before him or since him. 2000 First Team Consensus All American.
DT - Rod Wright. First Team All American in 2005 (consensus). Was there with Aaron Harris to stop White in the USC game, opening the door for VY's magic.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Texas All Decade Team - Football Offense
Everyone else seems to be doing it, so I think I should go ahead and make some of these all time teams with a slant towards our Longhorns:
OFFENSE:
G Derrick Dockery - Consensus All American in 2002.
G Kasey Studdard - All Big 12 selection in 2005 and 2006. Anchored the weakside interior of 2005 National Champions
T Justin Blalock - All American 2005, Consensus All American 2006. Protected Vince Young's blind side in Championship year, and protected freshman Colt McCoy in McCoy's inaugural campaign.
T Jonathan Scott - Consensus All American in 2005.
C Dallas Griffin - Draddy Trohpy Winner in 2007 for work off the field as well as on the field.
WR Roy Williams - Holds most major receiving records for Texas, and earned them during times with the most overrated QB was at the helm (Chris Simms) and before Vince Young figured out the best way to play his game.
WR Jordan Shipley - What records Williams doesn't have, Shipley holds or will hold soon. His ability to change games with his kick and punt returns puts him on the list.
WR Quan Cosby - Tough call between Cosby, Limas Sweed, and BJ Johnson, but it was Cosby's effect on the 2008 game as a possession receiver that puts him over the edge, as well as being part of the 2005 Championship team.
TE JerMike Finley - No better talent at TE, with all due respect to David Thomas. Finley was a game changer, and could stretch defenses like no other. Thomas earned respect as VY's check down, but Finley could pop for a big game at any time.
RB Cedric Benson - The most decorated UT back this side of Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell, Benson was the bedrock of the offense for 4 years. He'd be the leading rusher in school history if not for a couple of Heisman winners ahead of him.
QB Colt McCoy - All time winningest QB in NCAA history. Most every school passing and total yard record. 2 time Walter Camp Player of the Year. Heisman runner up (2 finalist appearances). Maxwell Winner. 2 Time All American. 2 Time Sporting News National Player of the Year. Davey O'Brien winner. All that's missing at this point is a National Championship - and there is still a chance for this.
OFFENSE:
G Derrick Dockery - Consensus All American in 2002.
G Kasey Studdard - All Big 12 selection in 2005 and 2006. Anchored the weakside interior of 2005 National Champions
T Justin Blalock - All American 2005, Consensus All American 2006. Protected Vince Young's blind side in Championship year, and protected freshman Colt McCoy in McCoy's inaugural campaign.
T Jonathan Scott - Consensus All American in 2005.
C Dallas Griffin - Draddy Trohpy Winner in 2007 for work off the field as well as on the field.
WR Roy Williams - Holds most major receiving records for Texas, and earned them during times with the most overrated QB was at the helm (Chris Simms) and before Vince Young figured out the best way to play his game.
WR Jordan Shipley - What records Williams doesn't have, Shipley holds or will hold soon. His ability to change games with his kick and punt returns puts him on the list.
WR Quan Cosby - Tough call between Cosby, Limas Sweed, and BJ Johnson, but it was Cosby's effect on the 2008 game as a possession receiver that puts him over the edge, as well as being part of the 2005 Championship team.
TE JerMike Finley - No better talent at TE, with all due respect to David Thomas. Finley was a game changer, and could stretch defenses like no other. Thomas earned respect as VY's check down, but Finley could pop for a big game at any time.
RB Cedric Benson - The most decorated UT back this side of Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell, Benson was the bedrock of the offense for 4 years. He'd be the leading rusher in school history if not for a couple of Heisman winners ahead of him.
QB Colt McCoy - All time winningest QB in NCAA history. Most every school passing and total yard record. 2 time Walter Camp Player of the Year. Heisman runner up (2 finalist appearances). Maxwell Winner. 2 Time All American. 2 Time Sporting News National Player of the Year. Davey O'Brien winner. All that's missing at this point is a National Championship - and there is still a chance for this.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What Notre Dame got me
A friend of mine just pointed out that an advertisement for Notre Dame is now appearing on my blog, thanks to google's adsense. Just perfect - spend 4 years bashing a place, and find them on your blog, advertising.
Simms to Tennessee?
Word has it that Matt Simms, son of former NY Giants QB Phil Simms and brother to the most hated QB in Texas history, Chris Simms, has signed a letter of intent to play at Tennessee next year. Congrats Lane Kiffin. If this kid ever touches teh field, you've set your program back 4-5 years. The success that Texas has enjoyed under Vince Young and Colt McCoy (4 BCS bowls, 10 win season, 2 National Title appearances) should have been achieved under Mack Brown during the early part of this decade. The difference? QB play and leadership. With a chance at a title game against Colorado in 2001, Simms blew it. Every time he suited up against OU, Simms blew it. Bascially, without Chris Simms, UT wouldn't be saddled with the moniker "Unable to win the Big One without Vince Young." We'd be speaking about Texas the way people talk about OU, Ohio State, and USC - as annual national championship contenders and repeat conference champions of the 2000s.
So good job "the other" UT. All that money for best assistant coaches in the world won't help you if another demon seed of Phil Simms sees the field in Knoxville. Maybe Kiffin should call Mack Brown before confirming this letter...
So good job "the other" UT. All that money for best assistant coaches in the world won't help you if another demon seed of Phil Simms sees the field in Knoxville. Maybe Kiffin should call Mack Brown before confirming this letter...
Friday, December 11, 2009
Brian Kelly Reactions
Brian Kelly is absolutely the right hire for Notre Dame. Unlike his predecessor's, Kelly has built his reputation as a program builder, piling up championships at his previous stops almost as fast as Weiss piled on the pounds (had to get one more Jabba joke in there for ol's Charlie).
At Grand Valley State, Kelly won national championships. He's come to Cincinatti of all places and turned a doormat into the premier team in the Big East, overtaking previous powers West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Think about this - the Bearkats are one of 2 teams in Division 1 who uses their home field as their practice facility, and yet Kelly was able to pull the recruits and coaches necessary to win conference championships. In fact, Kelly was 1 second away from being in the national championship game this year against Alabama.
He's in the mold of Mack Brown, Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops. He's not as good as these guys, yet, but he treats his programs and his duties like a corporate CEO, and his ability to handle the media is above and beyond anything Charlie Weiss brought to the table. Kelly should be able to woo recruits and import a system which will bring Notre Dame back to BCS relevancy within 2 years.
His offense has been one of the most potent in the country over the past few years, and if he can find a defensive coordinator and some talent to go with it, you can expect Fighting Irish fans to come out of the woodwork as Notre Dame marches onto glory again. This is a homerun hit by the AD of Notre Dame, whether Stoops, Meyer, or any other big name was available or not.
At Grand Valley State, Kelly won national championships. He's come to Cincinatti of all places and turned a doormat into the premier team in the Big East, overtaking previous powers West Virginia and Pittsburgh. Think about this - the Bearkats are one of 2 teams in Division 1 who uses their home field as their practice facility, and yet Kelly was able to pull the recruits and coaches necessary to win conference championships. In fact, Kelly was 1 second away from being in the national championship game this year against Alabama.
He's in the mold of Mack Brown, Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops. He's not as good as these guys, yet, but he treats his programs and his duties like a corporate CEO, and his ability to handle the media is above and beyond anything Charlie Weiss brought to the table. Kelly should be able to woo recruits and import a system which will bring Notre Dame back to BCS relevancy within 2 years.
His offense has been one of the most potent in the country over the past few years, and if he can find a defensive coordinator and some talent to go with it, you can expect Fighting Irish fans to come out of the woodwork as Notre Dame marches onto glory again. This is a homerun hit by the AD of Notre Dame, whether Stoops, Meyer, or any other big name was available or not.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Mack Brown's raise
Dear Sports World,
Stop ragging on Mack Brown's salary increase to $5 million. A) He's quadrupled the amount of money football generates in his time here from 21 million in 1997 to 87 million this past year. B) The state pays absolutely NONE of his salary. C) He has created a college football powerhouse in Austin, and the number 1 revenue generating program in the HISTORY of college football. Raises should be about money generated. It's called the free market.
As for those who say there are more qualified coaches out there, I'd like to remind you that no one has a better winning percentage as a head coach since Mack took over at Texas. He's appeared in 2 national championships in the last 5 years. 2 Conference championships in the last five years. 9 straight 10 win seasons. In games decided by 3 points or less, Mack is 21-4. In games decided by a TD or less, he's 28-17. His team is undefeated in BCS bowls, and have won 5 straight bowl games. He's contributed over 30 players to the NFL in his tenure. He has two Heisman runner-ups, both of whom had legitimate arguments to be the winners. 5th year seniors at OU have no idea what's it like to beat Texas on a regular basis, and even after losing 5 in a row to the Sooners, Mack has improved his record against OU to 6-6. He dominates the other schools in Texas, having lost to to Tech twice and TAMU 3 times. I'd be willing to bet there are , or about 114 schools across the country who would love to have a coach like that (there are a few who do - Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, USC, OU)
I've heard the argument (mostly from Aggies) that Mack has no personality, that he's smarmy and comes off as insincere and a politician. Legit criticisms? Or sounds of jealously from those wanting what others have. This is one of the greatest coaches in the country. If he stays on this path and finishes out his contract in 2016, you're looking at arguably one of the best of all time at Texas, right there with DKR. To say he has no personality or tries to cater to the media too much is nitpicking for a guy whose major job it is to operate a power football school. What woudl you prefer - someone like Bill Belichek?
Mack says the right things, acts the right way, guides his players the right way, recruits the kids that fit his system, and has finally decided to hire the best assistant coaches to handle the day to day running of his team. He's the CEO of a multi-million dollar machine. You think the public face of major corporations is any better or worse than Mack? You think he shouldn't campaign for his kids whenever possible? What is he supposed to do? Say that OU should jump Texas in the polls last year on ABC? Argue that California should go to the Rose Bowl instead of his team in 2004? He is the coach at TEXAS, and is beholden to his players and his university - anyone who thinks different lives with their head in the sand.
What he's done for Texas is immeasurable, and the 5 million given to him annually is a simple business decision made by the school regents to keep a great coach, university ambassador, and school representative around the 40 acres as long as he wants to be there. Here's hoping it's 2016 and beyond.
Stop ragging on Mack Brown's salary increase to $5 million. A) He's quadrupled the amount of money football generates in his time here from 21 million in 1997 to 87 million this past year. B) The state pays absolutely NONE of his salary. C) He has created a college football powerhouse in Austin, and the number 1 revenue generating program in the HISTORY of college football. Raises should be about money generated. It's called the free market.
As for those who say there are more qualified coaches out there, I'd like to remind you that no one has a better winning percentage as a head coach since Mack took over at Texas. He's appeared in 2 national championships in the last 5 years. 2 Conference championships in the last five years. 9 straight 10 win seasons. In games decided by 3 points or less, Mack is 21-4. In games decided by a TD or less, he's 28-17. His team is undefeated in BCS bowls, and have won 5 straight bowl games. He's contributed over 30 players to the NFL in his tenure. He has two Heisman runner-ups, both of whom had legitimate arguments to be the winners. 5th year seniors at OU have no idea what's it like to beat Texas on a regular basis, and even after losing 5 in a row to the Sooners, Mack has improved his record against OU to 6-6. He dominates the other schools in Texas, having lost to to Tech twice and TAMU 3 times. I'd be willing to bet there are , or about 114 schools across the country who would love to have a coach like that (there are a few who do - Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, USC, OU)
I've heard the argument (mostly from Aggies) that Mack has no personality, that he's smarmy and comes off as insincere and a politician. Legit criticisms? Or sounds of jealously from those wanting what others have. This is one of the greatest coaches in the country. If he stays on this path and finishes out his contract in 2016, you're looking at arguably one of the best of all time at Texas, right there with DKR. To say he has no personality or tries to cater to the media too much is nitpicking for a guy whose major job it is to operate a power football school. What woudl you prefer - someone like Bill Belichek?
Mack says the right things, acts the right way, guides his players the right way, recruits the kids that fit his system, and has finally decided to hire the best assistant coaches to handle the day to day running of his team. He's the CEO of a multi-million dollar machine. You think the public face of major corporations is any better or worse than Mack? You think he shouldn't campaign for his kids whenever possible? What is he supposed to do? Say that OU should jump Texas in the polls last year on ABC? Argue that California should go to the Rose Bowl instead of his team in 2004? He is the coach at TEXAS, and is beholden to his players and his university - anyone who thinks different lives with their head in the sand.
What he's done for Texas is immeasurable, and the 5 million given to him annually is a simple business decision made by the school regents to keep a great coach, university ambassador, and school representative around the 40 acres as long as he wants to be there. Here's hoping it's 2016 and beyond.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Terrible News
Congrats to Texas for surviving Nebraska. Thanks to Alabama for dethroning Tebow. Congrats to Cinci for escaping Pitt (which by the way, why is Cinci more deserving of being in BCS Championship over Texas? They beat UCONN and Pitt by a combined 2 points. And since when did we all forget about the Auburn game for Alabama, which they almost lost. Or what about that snaffu at home against Tennessee, where the game came down to -gasp!- a last second field goal??!!!? If Alabama deserves the title shot based on the entirity of their season, so do the Honrs)
The terrible news? My favorite sports commentator, Ron Franklin, will be leaving ESPN next summer when his contract expires. Even worse? Not only did he get the shaft in games during football this year, but he also got pulled off ESPN hoops and Big Monday. What a crock. And he's being replaced by Brent Muss-terder. Vomit.
The terrible news? My favorite sports commentator, Ron Franklin, will be leaving ESPN next summer when his contract expires. Even worse? Not only did he get the shaft in games during football this year, but he also got pulled off ESPN hoops and Big Monday. What a crock. And he's being replaced by Brent Muss-terder. Vomit.
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