Big Ten leaders are trying to be proactive when it comes to scheduling in the soon-to-dawn age of a college football playoff.  The league has already decided to use a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2016.  In addition, the Big Ten has decided to put down some new guidelines for its schools when it comes to their non-conference scheduling options: no games against FCS opponents and at least one game each year against a team from one of the other major conferences.

Readers of this site know that we are in favor of the SEC doing the exact same thing.

With the Big Ten holding its annual meeting this week, a number of Big Ten personalities opened up about their league’s push to toughen up its scheduling:

“We want to get out of the business of scheduling games that feel like scrimmages to our fans… Football can be pretty boring in September if you don’t create great contests.  We don’t want to be boring.  We want to strengthen the schedule to create more excitement early in the season…. Yes, you’re going to take a few losses, but, ultimately, you’ll become more competitive.” — Michigan AD Dave Brandon

“It’s a little more difficult (to draw fans) with 60-inch TVs and the price of concessions and having to wait in line to go to the bathroom.  We have to do our part for the in-game experience, but who we’re playing is also (important).” — Illinois AD Mike Thomas

“We collaborate a lot.  If we’re looking for a game, does somebody know about one?  Let’s say somebody had a team on their schedule, but for whatever reason, they needed to move the game.  Maybe you call Purdue and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got X.  You looking for a game?’  And maybe you trade-off.  It’s kind of a co-op.  We work together and try to help each other schedule.” – Penn State AD Dave Joyner

For those who missed it, Michigan coach Brady Hoke also got on Notre Dame’s case this week for “chickening out” of future games against his Wolverines.

The Big Ten’s moves to beef up its scheduling — and its loud talk of doing so — should aid Jim Delany’s league moving forward.

First, playing teams from the other major conferences guarantees — in most cases — home-and-home contracts.  That will result in Big Ten football getting exposure in the West and in the South where the population is booming.  Population growth has slowed or stalled in the Big Ten footprint, a point that Delany himself has made when explaining his conference’s decision to expand.  Big Ten teams visiting the Southern or Western states should help on the recruiting front.  With its own talent pool drying up, there couldn’t be a better time for the league to take its show on the road.  And even when Big Ten teams host teams from the ACC, SEC, Big XII or Pac-12, they will still get attention from prospects in the ACC, SEC, Big XII and Pac-12 regions.

Second, going public with its scheduling plans — and doing so very loudly — will help create the perception that the Big Ten is a leader when it comes to non-conference scheduling.  When a selection committee for the new College Football Playoff convenes in 2014, strength of schedule is supposed to be an A-1, top-shelf consideration.  The Big Ten’s self-propelled image as a tough schedulin’ league coupled with a committee that will likely want to bring in teams from all over the country could help Delany’s schools gain invitations.

The old quote attributed to Muhammad Ali comes to mind: “I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest.”

For SEC fans rolling their eyes at our thumbs-up to the Big Ten, keep in mind that the Big Ten currently makes more money than any other conference while also maintaining the best academic reputation.  All while dealing with a growing talent gap produced by its location in an area of the country that’s being passed population-wise.

SEC fans might not like Delany, but he and Larry Scott of the Pac-12 are progressive, strategic-thinking conference commissioners who must be taken seriously.  Each has made more money for their leagues than anyone thought possible without the benefit of seven BCS titles in a row.  The SEC leaders should take note of what the Big Ten is doing now (as well as keeping an eye on the marketing-minded Scott to the West).  You can be sure that Mike Slive is paying attention.

Read the rest of this entry »

SEC Football

1. Is Auburn still shopping for a transfer quarterback? “We’ve got two guys currently, we’ve got three coming in. We feel like all of them can play.”

2. The trial of  former Auburn player Dakota Mosley - who was prominent in ESPN’s coverage of failed synthetic marijuana tests – remains tentatively scheduled for June 10.

3. Auburn assistant coach Dameyune Craig is getting attention for his work on the recruiting trail. (Also see our SEC Recruiting Notebook from earlier today).

4. Nick Saban with an endorsement of a power conference schedule.  He likes what the Big Ten is doing – moving away from playing FCS schools.  “I’m for five conferences – everybody playing everybody in those five conferences.”

5. Jeff Schultz on the Alabama coach : ”When Saban speaks, everybody listens now.” Pat Forde: “There is no longer a viable excuse for the rich not to play a nine-game conference schedule.”

6. Saban updates spring practice injuries – including running back Derrick Henry.

7. Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and his NFL critics.

8. Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is guarding against complacency.  ”I’m not the most popular guy with our offensive football team right now.”

9. Tennessee secondary looks thin after the departure of cornerback Daniel Gray.

10. Some marquee non-conference matchups involving SEC teams.

Bob Stoops/SEC

11. David Climer on Bob Stoops’ comments regarding the SEC.  ”The Oklahoma coach is right.”  Top six SEC teams went 30-0 against the bottom eight in 2012.

12. Matt Hayes disagrees: “Last year, the Big 12 had one team in the top 10 of the final BCS regular season poll. The SEC had six.”

13. Joe Walljasper: “Look, we don’t judge the Jacksons on the merits of Rebbie and La Toya.”

14. MrSEC’s take  -  top to bottom –the SEC dominates everyone else come bowl season.

SEC Basketball

15. Long rumored – finally happening. Georgia assistant coach Kwanza Johnson leaving for a job with TCU. Bulldogs only getting Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky on the road next year.  Coach Mark Fox:  ”Those are our biggest draws, and we don’t have that at home, so that’s concerning,”

16. I count five former SEC players on this list of those invited to NBA combine.  One of them is former Mizzou point guard Phil Pressey.

17. The question that will be asked all year – Kentucky or Louisville?

18. Referees could be getting some leeway on players elbowing an opponent above the shoulders. Also some changes coming to the block/charge call.

Extras

19. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany will be deposed in Ed O’Bannon lawsuit against NCAA.

20. . Concern over a toe was apparently the reason why former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy fell to late in the second round of the NFL draft.

21. Jeff Pearlman: “ Were it not for (Donald) Trump, (Tim) Tebow may very well have a job right now.” (If you’ve ever watched the ESPN documentary-  ”Small Potatoes: Who Killed The USFL?” – you’ll know why Pearlman’s comments make sense.)

If you don’t think the Big Ten is serious about trying to force the SEC to up the level of its non-conference competition, you’re not paying attention.  On Monday, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said his league would be moving to a nine- or 10-game league schedule.  Last night, Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez said the following:

“The non-conference schedule in our league is ridiculous.  It’s not very appealing… So we’ve made an agreement that our future games will all be Division I schools.  It will not be FCS schools.”

How soon the Big Ten can go to that new standard depends on its members’ existing contracts with FCS opponents.  Still, it’s clear that the Big Ten is trying to create better content for its own Big Ten Network and toughen its teams’ strength of schedule numbers at the same time.

Ah, but will the SEC follow suit?

This past season, the league’s 14 teams played 15 FCS foes.  You can be sure the league’s television partners would prefer more/better choices when it comes to setting their broadcast schedules.

For fans who are against a nine-game SEC schedule and also enjoy playing FCS foes — I took a lot of heat last year from Mississippi State fans who told me they enjoyed attending creampuff games, thank ya very much — the guess here is that you won’t be pleased when the league formally reveals its plans for an SEC Network.

It’s a virtual lock that there would be more money to be made as well as better odds of placing multiple teams in the new football playoff with rougher, tougher schedules.  Mike Slive and the SEC’s presidents certainly recognize that fact.

Texas A&M 41 – Oklahoma 13

1. Johnny Manziel rushes for 229 yards – an FCS record for a quarterback in a bowl game. Aggies set Cotton Bowl record with 633 total yards.

2. “Manziel made the Heisman jinx look like a silly concept.”

3. Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops on Manziel: “Best player I’ve ever played.”

4. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops: “Johnny Manziel is everything he was billed to be.”

5. Oklahoma writer: “Thank God for conference realignment.”

6. Fort-Worth Star Telegram Writer: “The Sooners had talked before this Cotton Bowl about “making it personal” and debunking the alleged myth of SEC superiority. They failed miserably.”

7. Aggies finish the season with over 7,000 yards of offense - Manziel over 5,000.

8. Complete video highlights of the game can be found here. A special Johnny Manziel highlight reel is below.

When Derek Dooley announced an indefinite suspension for oft-troubled wideout Da’Rick — or should it be Da’Wreck? — Rogers last week, he said that he did not expect the star to return.  It appears he was right on that front as multiple reports now have the junior set to transfer to Tennessee Tech of the FCS level. 

Rogers would have two years of eligibility remaining, but given his history, it’s likely he’ll head to the NFL after this season.  Assuming he makes it through the season.  Rogers led the SEC in catches last year (67) and accounted for 1,040 receiving yards.  He also became the dominant personality in the Volunteer locker room… a fact that didn’t sit well with several former teammates.

If he tried to dominate the locker room in Knoxville, Tennessee, just what might he try to do in Cookeville, Tennessee?

Update: Transfer confirmed by Tennessee Tech.

According to WVUE-TV in New Orleans, in addition to “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington” and “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West,” we now have “The Honey Badger Goes To Rehab.”

In a surprise move, ex-LSU star Tyrann Mathieu will not transfer to an FCS school, play football this fall, and then jump to the NFL next spring.  Instead he will be at the Right Step recovery center in Houston with ex-NBA player/coach John Lucas.  Obviously, that means that Mathieu will not be attending class at LSU this fall, either.

So after everyone — including yours truly — laid out Mathieu’s options as #1, #2 or #3… he chose #4.  And good for him.  Here’s hoping he can kick what most believe to be a marijuana habit.

The station spoke with Mathieu’s father who said the family decided as a whole for their son to remain in rehab for the fall:

“The Honey Badger’s father, Tyrone Mathieu, tells FOX 8 Sports that he and Tyrann agree — until he conquers his demons, he won’t be successful at his future endeavors, wherever they unfold.  The senior Mathieu says both Tyrann and his family are committed to restoring Tyrann’s health, no matter what it takes, believing football will take care of itself down the road.”

We’ve been running this site for about five years now and I can’t stress enough how refreshing it is to write about a young man making a smart decision after getting intelligent advice from his loved ones.  In most cases, either money or athletics comes first.  On this occasion, Mathieu’s health and future were put front and center.

Good luck to him.

Thursday he was being taken off Twitter.  Friday he was being booted from Les Miles’ team altogether.  Then word came Monday via ESPN’s Joe Schad that Tyrann Mathieu wanted to stay in school and return to LSU’s football team in 2013.

So where do we stand today?  That depends on who you talk to.

According to Jim Kleinpeter of (what’s left of) The New Orleans Times-Picayune, a source close to Mathieu revealed last night that a return to the Tigers “wouldn’t be happening,” that multiple failed drug tests were the reason, and that a transfer to an FCS school was always in the plans.  Kleinpeter states that Mathieu will announce his new football home tomorrow.

Yesterday afternoon, Glenn Guilbeau of The Shreveport Times said that LSU’s senior associate athletic director for NCAA compliance told him that Mathieu is: “permanently ineligible to play football at LSU.  That’s definite.  That’s what was said Friday.”

So he’s dunzo in Baton Rouge then.  Well, not according to a tweet put out by Herb Vincent, the associate vice chancellor and senior associate AD at LSU.  He tweeted after Guilbeau’s report:

Guilbeau’s source — Chris Bahnsen — said he’d been quoted out of context.  Guilbeau didn’t like that and he took to Twitter his own self:

Meanwhile, the top story at TigerBait.com — the Rivals site covering LSU — states today that Mathieu can return:

“According to LSU officials, Mathieu can enroll as a student when classes begin next week.  School officials would not comment on the possibility of Mathieu rejoining the football program.  LSU Director of Athletics Joe Alleva said last Friday that Mathieu has lost his scholarship.”

You’ve heard of a non-denial denial?  Well, this appears to be a non-dismissal dismissal.

Unless, of course, you believe Kleinpeter’s source who says Mathieu is bound for an FCS school.  Or maybe you believe The Baton Rouge Advocate’s Randy Rosetta who also went to Twitter to state that Mathieu has asked LSU officials to only allow McNeese State and Nicholls State to contact/chase him.

If that’s the case, it sure sounds like Mathieu is headed to the FCS level.  And that he knows it.  Whether all LSU officials are in agreement over that fact or not.

But stay tuned.  This is a program driven by a coach known as the Mad Hatter.  There could be a few more twists and turns before the Honey Badger saga comes to a close.

On Friday, Les Miles made the surprise announcement that Heisman hopeful Tyrann Mathieu had been dismissed from the LSU football squad.  Failed drug tests and synthetic marijuana were believed to be the cause.

On Saturday, the Tigers held their first fall scrimmage and tried to move forward without their ex-star teammate.

Defensive end Barkevious Mingo said: “It let us move our thoughts toward actually getting ready to play than on the guy we lost.  It helped… It’s a sad situation, but we must go on and lead this team.”

Ah, but Mathieu isn’t completely out of the picture at LSU after all.  Gone for this season?  Yes.  Definitely transferring to an FCS school like McNeese State to play right away?  Not yet, according to ESPN.com’s Joe Schad who writes that his sources say Mathieu has expressed an interest in staying in school at LSU and then returning to Miles’ team in 2013:

“Mathieu has been described as ‘heartbroken’ and ‘grieving’ since his dismissal from the team.

Mathieu has told people close to him that he is interested in working on his maturity and character and also in seeking out any way to continue his education at LSU.

The possibility to declare for the NFL draft after this season also exists.  But Mathieu has told people close to him that draft status is not a priority at this time.  If he were to stay at LSU, paying his own way for at least one season is a possibility.”

To be clear, Mathieu’s options are transfer to another FBS school and sit out a year, transfer to an FCS school and play right away, or work out a deal with LSU and Miles in which the player stays in school and returns to the Tiger team next year… rather than jumping to the NFL as an early entrant in spring 2013.

For Miles, this could be a tougher decision than one might think.  If the top administrative brass at LSU okays a stay on campus for Mathieu, the coach will have to decide whether or not keeping the kid near his football team would be a good thing or a bad thing.

Miles clearly likes Mathieu, saying nice things about him even as he announced his one-year suspension on Friday.  He may feel that he and the LSU support group could best help Mathieu moving forward.  Or he may look at it and realize that despite numerous warnings, he really never got through to the superb return man at all.  At least not enough to keep him from doing whatever it was — and we all think we know what it was — that earned him his heave-ho.  In other words, it might be best for the young man to suffer the consequences of his actions and then grow up elsewhere.  (Knowing football coaches, that’s a slim possibility, but it’s a possibility nonetheless.)

As for his own team, keeping Mathieu in Baton Rouge might be a positive.  Like an injured player, Mathieu could be around without actually being on the squad.  The players — one would think — would be glad to see their old teammate around campus.  But on the flip side of that coin, what if Mathieu fails to change his ways?  Again?  In that case, the coach would look foolish for giving him an umpteenth chance and the players would have to go through the emotions of losing Mathieu all over again.

If Mathieu wants to stay at LSU and return to Miles’ team next season, here’s betting that’s what will happen.  But there are potential positives and negatives to that plan for both the player and LSU’s football team.  No matter how dazzling a return man Mathieu might be.

Major news from Baton Rouge today as defensive back/return specialist/Heisman-hopeful Tyrann Mathieu has been dismissed from the LSU football team.  Coach Les Miles would not specify what rule his star had broken, but Mathieu was suspended last season after a drug test revealed the presence of synthetic marijuana in his system.

Miles said that he expects Mathieu to transfer to another school.  He still has two years of eligibility remaining, but if he wants to play immediately, he’ll need to transfer down to the FCS level.

Mathieu’s dismissal compounds the loss of fellow corner Morris Claiborne who left early for the NFL in the spring.  Will the loss of the Honey Badger be enough to drop LSU from the role of SEC and BCS favorite?  Quite possibly.  Two of his punt returns completely turned around last season’s SEC Championship Game in the Tigers’ favor.

Big news on a Friday.  Just weeks before the start of the season.

When it comes to the casino sportsbooks in Las Vegas and sports betting sites, it’s never too early to  post lines for games… or to adjust them.  It’s August 1st and fall camps are opening across the SEC this week.  Already, the opening lines for Week One action have gone up and — in some cases — been tweaked.

Just for kicks, here are some of the SEC’s opening lines as well as the current number (which is a composite of what most Vegas and web books are saying today).

SEC games against FCS opponents show no lines:

As you can see, the only SEC underdogs in Week One are Vanderbilt (who is playing an SEC rival), Auburn and Kentucky.

The four SEC vs FCS schools that are represented are:  Jacksonville State at Arkansas, Southeastern Louisiana at Missouri, Central Arkansas at Ole Miss, and Jackson State at Mississippi State.