Friday Night Links: Should The NCAA Require Head Coaches Pay For Athlete's Sins?

1. The Palm Beach Post thinks a good way to "curb college football transgressions" is to pass the buck to the head coach and let him pay the cost to be the boss.

Why not make head coaches directly and financially responsible for maintaining integrity in their programs?

We're not just talking about lofty speeches and sweater vests anymore. That's window dressing, just as it is to suspend a rowdy running back two meaningless September games for driving drunk or smoking marijuana or getting tangled up in some nightclub brawl in the offseason.

Instead, dock the head coach a game-day paycheck when he and his staff and his army of mentors and tutors can't keep a star player under control. That would work all the excuses out of any major program's oversight system, and fast.

No more taking away scholarships for NCAA violations, either. That's a punishment that comes so tardy that it hurts athletes who weren't even at the school when the rules were being wrinkled. Extract a big fine from the head coach as an alternative, enough to cover an equal number of scholarships, and if he can't pay, allow him to take out a college loan. Hey, we're nothing if not humane.

2. Speaking of guys who are getting paid. Auburn head coach Gene Chizik just got a raise—think he sent a little of that cheese Cam's way (just kidding).

"We believe that we have the best coach in college football," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "More importantly, coach Chizik is a great mentor to our student-athletes, he represents Auburn with class and integrity in all that he does, and he is an outstanding ambassador for Auburn University."

3. Some are already wondering if this will be the year that Boise State finally gets their shot at a BCS Championship. 

Despite starting ranked higher than Oregon and Auburn in the preseason polls, by the time the first BCS rankings came out on October 17, Oregon had passed the Broncos and the next week Auburn jumped to the top spot. Besides, TCU even passed them the week after Auburn did.

But that doesn’t mean the question of whether a non-AQ school will ever play for the national championship as long as the BCS is holding hostage running the college football postseason will go away. This preseason, Boise State is once again considered the non-AQ team that holds the best chance of upsetting college football elitists and hoisting that crystal football. 

(Note: The legitimacy of the BCS will not be proven should a non-AQ school ever win the national title, nor will BCS opponents let the issue rest. The problem is not necessarily that a non-AQ school has never played for the national championship, but rather that the BCS provides AQ schools much easier access to the national title game and the BCS bowl games, not to mention the revenue that comes with it.)

4.  The first official lines for the upcoming 2011 College Football season have been released and Georgia is listed at -6 against Boise State.

Per Miller via Payne, bettors are allowed to make a maximum of three bets of no more than $1,000 each before they must head to the end of the line. 

We’ll be speaking with some industry experts and will have a more thorough analysis on a few of these games this weekend, but for now, here are the Golden Nugget’s point spreads for some of the biggest games on the 2011 schedule…


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Boise State (-6) at Georgia (game to be played in Atlanta)

Oregon (-2*) at LSU (game to be played in Dallas)

5. Rivals writer, Olin Buchanan believes the Florida Gators have the roughest four-game stretch of any team in college football this season.

...Florida's October stretch may be the most difficult month faced by any team in the country, even with an open date before the Georgia game. Those four opponents were a combined 41-12 in 2009. Again, Auburn won't be as good, but Alabama and LSU are bona-fide national championship contenders and Georgia figures to be better.

6. In case you had not heard, Tim Tebow has written a book about his life and his faith. He's currently doing book signings about said book in Florida and—to no one's surprise—he's drawing massive crowds in his homestate. Well, at least in Orlando and Jacksonville. 

The local Wal-Mart officials deflected attempts for interviews, saying he was off limits before and during the event. Some customers looked on in amazement as fans started doing Gator chants in the middle of the store, hundreds dressed in blue Gator tops _ almost all with Tebow's No. 15 on it.

The parking lot was overflowing as fans streamed into the store. The of the line was in women's clothing, where an amazed shopper laughed in amazement as fans negotiated the huge line patiently as she tried to get to a blouse that interested her.

(on a side note, the author of this particular article needs more work with his editor. Jeez, what awful grammar and spelling in this little spiel).

Related articles

• Georgia Bulldogs: What If They Lose To Boise State? (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)
• Boise State Meets With NCAA Committee On Infractions (sbnation.com)
• Auburn hikes Chizik's annual salary by $1.3M (sports.espn.go.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Don't Put All Your Eggs in Boise State's Basket

Photo Credit: David Tulis

"Every time we go out there, that’s what we think about — getting better to beat Boise State on Sept. 3rd."—(Georgia defensive back, Jakar Hamilton, AJC, 4/13/2011)

Speaking candidly, as a Georgia fan, I both love and hate that statement by Hamilton. I love knowing the team is doing all it can to avoid losing a big game, on a national stage, in the first game of the season. However, at the same time, I hate that the Boise State game has become the only reason some guys are so motivated to play because, while it would definitely be a great thing to see them win, it means nothing in the grander scheme of it all.

Point blank, I've seen Georgia play Boise State before and, while I respect everything Chris Petersen has done over the past five-years, I cannot say that I feel Georgia is the inferior team going into this match-up. Despite what these teams look like on paper, Georgia is capable of beating Boise State—if they play their brand of football.

That said, I am more concerned about the September 10th game against South Carolina than the one September 3rd against Boise—no disrespect intended to the Broncos—because all I want to see Georgia do in 2011 is get back to the SEC Championship game and Boise State has absolutely nothing to do with that happening.

Of course, the natural response to that last statement will be that the Boise game will set the tone for the rest of the year. Well, I only have one response to that: Virginia Tech.

The Hokies lost to Boise State to start last season, got embarrassed in week two by a Division I-AA opponent, but went on an 11-0 tear afterward and ended up winning the 2010 ACC Championship Game. So, you'll have to forgive me if I don't necessarily bite on the whole tone-setting approach.

Georgia could lose to Boise State and still be just fine.

Sure, it would be nice to have a repeat of 2005—defeat Boise in a big way and secure bragging rights over a team that many feel is one of the best in the country—but, if that happens, I can assure you that there will be a lot of unimpressed fans who were already feeling that Georgia was the better team anyhow—regardless of their mediocre 2010 record.

That said, quite a few people will be looking past Boise—win or lose—and pointing to South Carolina as the true barometer of what Georgia will be in year two with a more experienced Aaron Murray under center, bolstered by a second season of a Todd Grantham executed defense, with a new offensive line coach to lead the way, minus a few "cancers", led by a new approach to the strength and conditioning, and minus the talents of either an A.J. Green or a Justin Houston.

The level of exposure the game against Boise State offers may have injected some needed life into the program but, in my very humble—yet honest—opinion, Boise is the least of Georgia's concerns. The true questions will be answered in Knoxville (where Derek Dooley is spearheading a great turnabout for the Vols), in Jacksonville (where the changing of the guard has taken place and Georgia is desperate for a win), and in Athens (where the defending national champs (Auburn) and SEC East Champs (South Carolina) will come to play in 2011).

Sure a win against Boise State would be a great start, but I'd trade that for an SEC Championship and wins over Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, and South Carolina—just being honest.

So, hopefully, the coaches at Georgia are selling more than just Boise as motivation for the guys who will be representing the red and black because, as I said, Boise is the least of their concerns.

ATS Bowl Predictions 2010: Who Will Shine In Las Vegas—Utah or Boise State?

Neither Boise State, nor Utah figured to end their season playing in a lower tier bowl and it was only a handful of weeks ago that both teams were sitting atop the BCS standings with hopes of playing for a national title.

However, Boise State didn't count on Nevada's tenacity—or a kicking game gone south—and Utah could not have imagined the epic meltdown they suffered at the hands of TCU—at home.

Now both are playing in the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl—far from the spotlight of the BCS—with much less on the line.

Kudos to the Vegas Bowl for sealing up such a terrific match-up this early in the bowl season, but this game certainly could not have been in the travel plans of either team's fanbase.

That said, the bigger question now is which team will be best prepared to win the game?

Boise State has two potential NFL stars in Austin Pettis and Titus Young, but the two will face one of their greatest challenges this season playing against the talented tandem of Brandon Burton and Lamar Chapman who—despite their sub-par performances against TCU and San Diego State—are potential NFL stars in their own right.

Utah's defense is often overlooked due to the aforementioned games against TCU and SDSU, where they were lit up for more than 700+ passing yards combined. However, that means little in a game where both teams should be well-rested, well-focused, and minus much fanfare.

This is a football game that should be great to watch—who will win could be anyone's guess.

The  'Lady' walked away with a 2-1 record after the weeks first slate of games. Let's see what happens this week—all lines courtesy of VegasInsider.com—as I cover games to be played 12/21-12/26.


December 21st:


Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville, Beef O'Brady's Bowl: Louisville (-2.5)

You have to love what Charlie Strong has been able to do in his first year as the Cardinal's head coach. Last season the Cards were 4-8 and sporting the 65th ranked defense in the nation. This year, they ended their campaign bowl eligible with the 15th ranked scoring defense in the country—what a difference a year makes.

The Golden Eagles sport a talented and potent offense, but the Cardinals defense can be tough to move on. This game could be very tight, but you have to love the Cards' chances to eek out a big win.

The Lady's Pick: Louisville to cover

December 22nd:

Utah Utes at Boise State, MAACO Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State (-17)

This game is tough to pick for one reason: you just don't know which version of either team will show up. Boise is always stout, but even before the loss to Nevada, they suffered through some mistake-laden football games. The same can be said of a Utah team that came up very short against both TCU and San Diego State.

That said, with Jordan Wynn out and Boise State sporting a Top 10 run defense, this is easily a game that should be won by the Broncos.

The Lady's Pick: Boise State to cover

December 23rd:

Navy vs. San Diego State, San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl:  San Diego State (-5)

This is a home game for the Aztecs and the Midshipmen aren't as impressive on the road this year. While the Aztecs aren't nearly as tough against the run as they may need to be to stop Navy from executing their gameplan, they have had several weeks to prepare—that could be the difference here.

Also worth considering, Navy will have a tough time keeping up with the Aztecs passing attack and, if San Diego can get on the board early, they may be able to sustain the advantage and walk away with a win in this one.

The Lady's Pick: San Diego State to cover

December 24th:


Hawaii vs. Tulsa, Honolulu Bowl: Hawaii (-8)

Hawaii is a tough play in their home state and this game won't provide many breaks for the Golden Hurricane's.

The Lady's Pick: Hawaii

December 26th:

Florida International vs. Toledo, Little Caesars Bowl: Toledo (-1.5)

Don't underestimate the Golden Panthers. If they can control the clock with their better than average rushing attack and keep the ball off the ground, they can win this game. Toledo relies on good line play—on both sides—to control and win but,  if the Panthers can keep it close, they have an opportunity to pull the minor upset.

If this were an outdoor game, the edge would decidedly be in the favor of Toledo. The dome of Ford Field will be the ultimate equalizer here.

The Lady's Pick: Florida International to cover

Related articles

• Las Vegas Bowl Welcomes Boise State, Utah, And The Disappointed Hopes Of Both (sbnation.com)

College Football: Honestly, The Odds Are Against TCU and Boise State Playing for a Title

If both Auburn and Oregon lose, would TCU and Boise State move into the two top spots?

It's a legitimate question to ask. After all, both Auburn and Oregon are playing legitimate teams this weekend while TCU and Boise State are playing...wait, who are they playing again? Oh yeah, TCU is playing 1-10 New Mexico while Boise gets challenged by 10-1 Nevada.

Listen, there is no need to debate the merits of how worthy either TCU or Boise are where being granted a BCS National Championship berth is concerned because, well, neither of them deserve a shot at the title based on the schedules they've played—specifically when placed up against that of either Oregon or Auburn.

That said, the BCS isn't about strength of schedule—that makes only a small difference where their overall ranking is concerned—so, if Auburn and Oregon both lose, while TCU and Boise State both win out, they should, hypothetically, get the nod—right?

Well, that isn't likely going to happen and you don't have to agree with the math or pour over stats and historical precedent to see the writing on the wall as to why. Just look at the landscape of college football this season, and note the conversations—the BCS big boys never counted on either TCU or Boise State still being undefeated by this point.

Can we be honest about that much?

Seriously, Boise was "supposed" to lose to Virginia Tech to start the year. They were not supposed to win that game, playing in hostile territory, on a national stage, against a Frank Beamer-coached team—no way, no how. They caused a collective jaw-drop when they walked off Fed-Ex field victorious because the naysayers knew the consequence of such an act was another run for Boise State in 2010.

It wasn't a hard record to predict because, to be honest, watching Boise play any team in the WAC is a lot like watching a friend play NCAA 2011 on rookie mode—boring and unimpressive. They are, literally, the best team on the field every week because there isn't one team in the WAC that can hold their water bottles.

As for TCU, they kept defying the odds, too.

Some felt Oregon State might have beaten them, but the Beavers didn't seem to feel that way and, as usual, they proved to be ineffective in a big game—outside of the state of Oregon.

Then there was the game against Utah. "Oh my, TCU has NEVER won in Salt Lake City and the Utes are a very good football team". Yeah, and the powers that be were so solid in their conviction of that game that they left it off the national schedule—it wasn't even offered to 70 percent of the college football viewing public.

Honestly, it seems like the big boys aren't all that interested in letting the non-BCS schools come sit next to them at the dinner table. They want them to be content to catch whatever scraps they drop from their meal so, if either Oregon or Auburn lose their games, there is little likelihood that either TCU or Boise will have enough points to jump over them—"no one wants to see that game, so let's keep it from happening".

Of course, most of this sounds like a conspiracy theory, and there is no way to prove that any of this will actually come to fruition unless the Top 2 teams in the nation actually lose. However, consider this, Boise State opened the year ranked 3rd in the nation, yet they've never managed to get higher than that—despite annihilating every team they've played.

Even TCU has jumped them...despite the fact that the Horned Frogs barely beat San Diego State last weekend.

Is it fair? You be the judge, but it's becoming more and more obvious that there is definitely no balance and, in truth, there doesn't seem to be many people who care if it ever actually is.

College Football ATS Picks: Can South Carolina Seal The Deal Against Florida? (UPDATED WITH SCORES)

The Lady is getting tired of losing. Last week's 8-7 haul was okay, but, more will need to happen to get the site anywhere near the goal of finishing above .500 on the year.

So, no more chatter, just straight to 15 more picks—against the spread—this week. Find all lines at VegasInsider.com and, again, for clarification, these are spread picks only.

Here we go:

1. Connecticut vs. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh (-5.5)

The Huskies are undefeated at home this year but the Pitt Panthers not only come in on a three-game winning streak, but are going for their third straight over Connecticut as well.
I like the Huskies to play the Panthers close tonight.

The Lady's Pick: Connecticut to cover. 


Final: UConn 30, Pitt 28—The Lady Wins!

A close one, just as I expected, with a thrilling finish by the Huskies late in the fourth quarter. The Big East is no longer Pitt's to win—it just got interesting. 

2. Boise State at Idaho: Boise State (-34.5)

It's Boise. They've been bored all season playing the mediocre talent of the WAC and the Idaho Vandals will offer them no respite from that trend.

The Lady's Pick: Boise to cover.

Final: Boise 52, Idaho 14—The Lady Wins! 

Boise State beat up on another under-manned opponent. Yawn. 

3. West Virginia vs. Cincinnati: West Virginia (-7)

The Bearcats lost Zach Collaros to a leg injury a couple weeks back, but he is set to return this week against the Mountaineers. Cincy's offense is far more productive and dangerous with Collaros at the helm and the Mountaineers have struggled to find their footing the last two weeks.

The Lady's Pick: Cincinnati to cover. 

Final:West Virginia 47, Cincinnati 10—The Lady Loses

Wow, way to NOT show up Cincy. Geez—miss Brian Kelly and Mardy Gilyard much?


4. Auburn vs. Georgia: Auburn (-8)

More than a clinch of the SEC West is at stake for the Tigers in this one. Georgia currently holds a four-game win streak over the Tigers as well. Add to that, an angry Cam Newton, and you have an Auburn team that looks set to rout the Bulldogs on Saturday.

That said, Georgia is playing for every bit as much as the Tigers. They want to end the season on the upswing and what better way to do so than to beat the No. 2 team in the country—at home?

Georgia has a good defense, some solid playmakers, and a golden opportunity. Expect them to be in this one til the bitter end.

The Lady's Pick: Georgia to cover. 

Final: Auburn 49, Georgia 31—The Lady Loses

It looked promising for Georgia, early, but the Newton train proved too much to contain in the end. Now the Bulldogs will have to scare up win number 6 in their final game of the season—can they handle the pressure?

5. Florida vs. South Carolina: Florida (-6.5)

Okay, so the Gators are feeling groovy after two straight wins and, despite their three-game losing streak, they still have a shot at the SEC East title if they win—at The Swamp—this weekend.
Steve Spurrier's group has had their ups and downs this season with big program wins over Alabama and Georgia, but heartbreaking losses to Auburn and Arkansas. However, they can sweep all that under the rug if they can upend Urban Meyer's team.

Expect the Gamecocks to make a game of this one.

The Lady's Pick: South Carolina to cover. 

Final: South Carolina 36, Florida 14—The Lady Wins!

This was kind of like watching a horror film. I didn't want to see a good outcome for either team, but settled on Spurrier because he was the lesser of two evils. Still, it was great to see Chris Rainey be rendered a non-factor.

6. Alabama vs. Mississippi State: Alabama (-14.5)

Mississippi State lacks a lot in the offense department. Chris Relf isn't a very good quarterback and Vick Ballard has had good games against midling run defenses. The Bulldogs are where they are in large part because of their defense—period. So, a hat tip to their defensive coordinator, former Middle Tennessee head coach, Manny Diaz is in order.

That said, don't look for Alabama to run all over MSU this weekend. They have struggled mightily against physical front sevens and the talent in the secondary can be opportunistic when they are on their game.

14.5 points is too much to give to an Alabama team that has not shown much dominance this year.

The Lady's Pick: Mississippi State to cover. 

Final: Alabama 30, Mississippi State 10—The Lady Loses. 

Now the Tide play like winners. Hope they have a plan for Auburn next week—personally I hope they decimate Cam Newton and ram road the heck out of Nick Fairley.

7. Iowa State at Colorado: Iowa State (-2.5)

This is a tricky one because Colorado has been every bit the atrocious team we thought they would be to start the season—culminating in their embarrassing loss to Kansas last week. By contrast, the Cyclones beat Texas and have an under-rated leader in quarterback, Austen Arnaud.

So, the Cyclones should easily cover that 2.5, right? Wrong.

This is exactly the sort of game that just screams for big performances out of the Colorado players who just saw their coach get fired and want to save face. Plus, to be clear, Iowa State is not as good as their win over Texas seemed to allude.

The Lady's Pick: Colorado

Final: Colorado 34, Iowa State 14 —The Lady Wins

Ah yes, the coach gets fired and the Buffs play one of their best games of the season—who could have imagined that?...oh yeah—ME. 

8. Notre Dame vs. Utah: Utah (-5.5)

The Irish are just trying to get out of the season and into full recruiting mode. They lost their top quarterback for the season and don't seem to have much life left.

Plus, Utah is mad as a hornet after being trounced by the Horned Frogs last week. They're looking to do some trouncing of their own on a bruised and battered Irish team.

The Lady's Pick: Utah

Final: Notre Dame 28, Utah 3—The Lady Loses 

Ouch, TCU took Utah's pride AND their will to live. 

9. North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech (-3.5)

The Hokies have gotten back on the winning track in a big way since losing to James Madison in week two—rattling off seven straight wins.

Butch Davis' Tarheels have rebounded well, too, playing themselves into bowl eligibility after many left them for dad following an agent scandal that, all but, decimated their defense. Can they keep up with Tyrod Taylor and upset the Hokies this weekend?

The last loss the Tarheels suffered was at the hands of Miami—Virginia Tech has a much more balanced team.

The Lady's Pick: Virginia Tech. 

Final: Virginia Tech 26, UNC 10—The Lady Wins!


Oh those Heels' sure made a game of it for a little bit, but Virginia Tech woke up and remembered they still had plenty to play for and closed this one out before it got too out of hand.

10. Purdue vs. Michigan: Michigan (-13)

Michigan's defense is terrible and no one can feel confident that Denard Robinson is capable of finishing any game in which he takes a big hit. That said, Purdue has a halfway decent defense—despite their record—and they are playing at home.

For some reason, I like the Boilermakers chances to make a game of it on Saturday.

The Lady's Pick: Purdue

Final: Michigan 27, Purdue 16—The Lady Wins!


All I can say is, whew.

The Lady's Luck Picks:

11. Kentucky (-14) vs. Vanderbilt

Final: Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 20—The Lady Wins!

12. Colorado State (+6.5) vs BYU

Final: BYU 49, Colorado State 10—The Lady Loses. 

13. Penn State (+18) at Ohio State

Final: Ohio State 38, Penn State 14—The Lady Loses.

14. Illinois (-21) vs Minnesota

Final: Minnesota 38, Illinois 34—The Lady Loses.

15. Kansas State (-13) at Missouri 

Final: Missouri 28, Kansas State 38—The Lady Wins! 

Final tally: 8-7...just great *sarcasm*

Boise State Would Contend For An SEC Championship?...Andrea Adelson, Surely You Jest

Andrea, Andrea, Andrea. It's not enough that you had the idiotic gall to rank the Georgia Bulldogs No. 64 in a recent preseason poll, but you are still finding ways to take pot shots at the Bulldogs now that the idiots over at E$PN have seen fit to give you a job—when will you ever learn.

Yesterday, Chris Low was paired up against Andrea Adelson in a blogger debate (h/t Get The Picture). The question was whether or not a one-loss SEC team would get the nod over an undefeated Boise State team for a shot at the BCS national title and would Boise State be able to survive an SEC schedule? 

Chris Low, of course, said that a one-loss SEC team would be more worthy of a title shot than an undefeated Boise State—no question. Furthermore, Boise State would find it very difficult to go undefeated on a yearly basis if they had to contend with the SEC's schedule.

No argument from me there.

Well, proving once again that you simply cannot fix stupid, Ms. Adelson had this to say:

"And which of these mighty SEC teams would take down Boise State? Georgia? Tennessee? Ole Miss? Mississippi State? The Broncos would be favored against every SEC team this year except two. This is nothing against the SEC. I think it is the best conference in the country. But to say Boise State would be in over its head in the league is a specious argument. The Broncos are proven winners and would absolutely be contenders for an SEC championship. "

Excuse my french for just a second, but...the HELL you say?

Let's forget for a moment that Boise State has yet to beat an SEC opponent. Let's not even discuss that fact—yet. No, no...let's focus in on this little gem again: "And which of these mighty SEC teams would take down Boise State? Georgia?"...tell me she didn't go there!

If memory serves, and mine is pretty dang good, Georgia played Boise State in 2005—and DEMOLISHED them 48-13. Sure, that was a different coach, a different team, and a different time for Boise State, but to insinuate that in the past four years Boise has become exponentially better than Georgia just because you are an obvious Gator homer is beyond ridiculous—it's ludicrous.

Boise is a WAC team in a WAC conference. They have played four SEC opponents in their history and lost all four times. It doesn't matter how good their smoke screen is right now, the fact remains that they haven't done well, overall, against the SEC, the Pac-10, the Big Ten, or the ACC—all of which receive automatic bids from the BCS sooooooo...you do the math.

Now, the entry yesterday may have attempted to offer a more balanced approach to Boise's situation in the BCS but, rest assured, this author is not yet ready to sip the kool-aid.

"Contenders for an SEC Championship"? Ay, yi, yi...wake me when the stupidity is over.