If you feel there are too many bowl games, get over yourself! Why? Is it too much football for you? Are you paying taxes for these games? C’mon! Get in the holiday spirit, Scrooge.

I don’t care who the bowl sponsor is, or who’s playing in it…I’ll watch it and enjoy it. At first glance a couple weeks ago, I thought the match-ups looked pretty uninteresting, yet after careful consideration, the potential for some great football games is undeniable.

Let’s break ‘em down in play order:

12/18 – New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs. UTEP

BYU is a pretty easy favorite in this match-up. UTEP QB Trevor Vittatoe is a difference maker, yet his ankle is busted up, and he’s less than four days from having to put it to the test. If he’s somehow able to play through the pain, the Miners could make it interesting.

12/18 – Humanitarian Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State

Northern Illinois put up an impressive 10-3 season, losing a heart breaker in the MAC Championship. Now they’re meeting a Fresno team led by veteran coach Pat Hill who has been given multiple weeks of preparation. This promises to be a battle, and picking either team would be a logical decision. The vast majority of the nation is going with the bulldogs, but I’m taking the Huskies.

12/18 – New Orleans Bowl: Ohio University vs. Troy

Ohio QB, Franshaw “Boo” Jackson. He can be exciting when he’s hitting on all cylinders, yet I was unimpressed with the MAC this season. I’m going against the populous once again on this one, and sticking with the team from the south. I see another battle, and Troy coming out on top.

12/21 – St. Petersburg Bowl: Southern Miss. vs. Louisville

Didn’t ya hear? Brett Favre found a game of NCAA eligibility and is coming out of collegiate retirement. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use the image. Look at the young gun slinger… Call me insane, but I’m going against the majority again with this pick. I feel like Louisville has the slight edge. It has the potential to be another close one.

12/22 – Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs. Boise State

Aside from a couple missteps vs. TCU and Notre Dame, Utah put together an impressive season. They won close games down the stretch and earned this match-up vs. powerhouse, Boise State. The Broncos BCS dreams were crushed in the NCAA game of the year vs. Nevada, yet a week later they went back to work and took care of business. I have a feeling that Kellen Moore is going to go off in Vegas like a 21 year old with their multi-millionaire father’s credit card. …that Kellen Moore is going to go off in Vegas like a fat dude at the Circus Circus buffet. He may opt for both options–I know I would. BSU is the team that I would never bet against. You shouldn’t either.

12/23 – Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. San Diego State

Navy is impressive… but San Diego State is possibly the best 8-4 team in the country. They have played everyone close. Everyone. Their 4 losses were by a combined 15 points. I think the Navy option attack might give them headaches, and I’m rolling with the Midshipmen…as of now. I reserve the right to change my mind due to the factual evidence listed above. It’s worth noting, this is the final game for Navy QB Ricky Dobbs–the kid is a stud. He has always played well in big games, and probably loves the thought of being the underdog.

12/24 – Hawai’i Bowl: Hawaii vs. Tulsa

Hawaii at home? Check. Hawaii with a devastating passing attack? Check. Tulsa with a suspect secondary? Check. Tulsa with the ability to score a lot of points? Check. Could be a shoot out, but this one is going to the Warriors of Hawaii.

12/26 – Little Caesars Bowl: FIU vs. Toledo

These two teams. Geez. How many times did you see either of these teams play this year? Exactly. FIU is scary because they’re a new program, and they just don’t know better than to score 50 points in some games. Still, I’m hitching my wagon to the Rockets of Toledo and the best coach you’ve never heard of, Tim Beckman. Don’t be surprised when Toledo is cracking the Top 25 in another few years…if they can keep Beckman around.

12/27 – Independence Bowl: Air Force vs. Georgia Tech

This battle has options. How’s that for a play on words? GT QB Joshua Nesbitt is a guy with the potential to take over the field. It would be awesome to see him have the game of his life in the Independence Bowl. Even so, I don’t know that the Yellow Jackets have the moxie to dogfight with the Air Force. I’m going with the Falcons.

12/28 – Champs Sports Bowl: West Virginia vs. NC State

The Champs Sports Bowl will mark the end to the collegiate career of WV star running back, Noel Devine, and if he can rush for 114 yards in the contest, he’ll go over 1,000 yards for his third consecutive season. QB Geno Smith has offered a stamp of legitimacy to his sophomore season, and I’m excited to see him after multiple weeks of rest and preparation. If the Mountaineers come into the contest focused, which I believe they will, NC State will have their hands full–unfortunately, WVU has not played well in bowl games without a fella by the name of Pat White under center.

12/28 – Insight Bowl: Missouri vs. Iowa

Mizzou flaked for two weeks this season. They sat in the drivers seat, took it to Oklahoma in convincing fashion, but couldn’t get themselves up for the inevitable battles vs. Nebraska and the inferior Texas Tech. After getting the wheels back on track, they finished the season strong. Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi is a joy to watch. 25 TDs to 4 INTs in 2010–flat out, impressive! He led the Hawkeyes to compete in every game, yet they dropped their final 3 only two weeks after knocking off #5 Michigan State. In this contest, Stanzi will be without a couple weapons who have been suspended for off-the-field issues. We’ll see if the Hawkeyes can fill those gaps. In this border war on neutral ground, I gotta go with Missouri. MIZ-ZOU.

12/29 – Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Maryland

Nothing like two state schools battling in the Military Bowl. ECU started the season off well at 5-2, then dropped 4 of their last 5. QB Dominique Davis will have his hands full vs. Maryland, who is disciplined, talented and oft disrespected on both sides of the ball. I’m going Terps all the way in this first ever meeting between these two teams.

12/29 – Texas Bowl: Illinois vs. Baylor

Do yourself a favor and check out at least a visual snippet of this game. Baylor will play with the relative home field advantage, and will look to cap the season on a positive note after dropping their final three games. Baylor QB Robert Griffin III, and Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure are two to watch in this battle. I’m going with the Baylor Bears in their first bowl appearance since 1994.

12/29 – Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Arizona

Two words. Justin Blackmon. The Arizona defensive game plan will be to shut this guy down. If I were Mike Gundy, and I were a man…who was forty…two… I would ensure that Blackmon receive 10 touches in this contest, even if they’re triple teaming the guy–OSU has to get him the ball. Can you believe Dez Bryant and this dude played together? How’d we miss that? Arizona can compete, and they can also fall flat in the second half of big games; however, you know the Stoops boys are sharing information on how to stop common foes. Regardless, this game belongs to the Cowboys.

12/30 – Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs. SMU

Can SMU stop Army’s option attack? I believe that they can. It’s so nice to see SMU back in the mix after years of football obscurity–I thought last season might have been a fluke, but it seems they’re really on the upswing. June Jones will certainly have a few wrinkles in the game plan with so much time to prepare. Army will move the ball and will score some points, but when it comes down to it, they’re inability to pass the ball effectively will hurt them vs. the Mustangs.

12/30 – Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas St. vs. Syracuse

Bill Snyder is letting Syracuse know, “Oh yeah, we’re coming to New York, and we’re gonna put it down! Meet us at Yankee Stadium, Orangmen!” How can you pick against Bill Snyder? I know I can’t.

12/30 – Music City Bowl: North Carolina vs. Tennessee

To many Tar Heel fans, this will be the season that “could have been.” Broken rules + Player suspensions = Disappointing season. Tennessee, with all Kiffinesque things considered, had an amazing season–competing deep into games with some of the nation’s most elite talent. I think Derek Dooley is going to do amazing things at UT! You hear that Colin Cowherd? Yeah, bro, I remember you dissing him earlier this season. He took Lane Kiffin’s mess and is going to a bowl game…and the Volunteers will win.

12/30 – Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs. Washington

Jake Locker might wish he had declared for the draft after last season. The Huskies just didn’t offer much support to the talent under center. Locker will have his hands full vs. a well prepared Bo Pelini/Nebraska defense. I’ll honestly be surprised if Washington scores more than 13 points in this game. If you haven’t seen Nebraska play this year, have a look-see. Roy Helu Jr. and Taylor Martinez are an exciting offensive duo.

12/31 – Meineke Car Care Bowl: South Florida vs. Clemson

I really don’t have much to say about this one. It’s not that I don’t care, it’s just that I don’t care very much. Clemson put up yet another sub-par season, and the Bulls of South Florida are still trying to find their way under new leadership. Slight edge to the Tigers.

12/31 – Sun Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Miami

The season in South Bend was riddled with tragedy. Am I about to go out on a limb? I certainly am. Yes, I believe Notre Dame will win this bowl game, but I also believe that Notre Dame has turned the corner under Brian Kelly. Regardless of how I feel, Miami is the popular favorite, and is sitting at -3.5 where you can pay to play. I’m a little shocked by the line, considering the firing of Randy Shannon. Can’t really explain my confidence on this one, but I think the gold hats prevail.

12/31 – Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs. UCF

A.J. Green watched the beginning of the season in street clothes. That was the difference in Georgia’s season. This Georgia squad proved that they could compete with the best when they went to war with Auburn. They fought hard for their sixth win to enjoy this extra game. I believe they’ll take full advantage of it vs. the UCF Golden Knights. If you like NFL talent, tune in to enjoy A.J. Green.

12/31 – Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina vs. Florida State

Want to see the best Freshman running back in the nation? He wears #21 for the Gamecocks. South Carolina playing at their best takes it to Alabama. South Carolina missing the mark gets hammered by Auburn. When I say South Carolina, yes, I mean QB Stephen Garcia–it comes and goes with his play–when he plays within the system and minimizes his mistakes, he’s dangerous. Not only that, he’s surrounded by talent. RB Marcus Lattimore, WRs Alshon Jefferey and Tori Gurley: These three are Sunday players. I like the Gamecocks–I like Steve Spurrier over Jimbo Fisher.

1/1 – TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech

Northwestern hasn’t won a bowl game since the 1948 Rose Bowl. I don’t think that streak is going to end vs. this Texas Tech team. Tommy Tuberville has quietly taken a messy situation in Lubbock, TX, and worked a few wonders. As much as I love NW coach Pat Fitzgerald’s mojo, I think the Red Raiders will be slingin’ their guns in this battle.

1/1 – Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Penn State

Farewell, Urban. As an LSU fan, I’m supposed to loathe you, but I don’t. You’re probably as confused as I am about your 2010 Gators squad. This Florida team just seemed unfocused, grossly lacking that on field leadership that Tim Tebow offered the previous four years. Making matters worse is Florida QB John Brantley who is considering a transfer after the season. If I could offer a bit of advice–just play one game at a time, young man, and stay where you are. What can you offer to the program? Where could you lead it? I foresee the squad focused for Urban’s final game on the UF sidelines. Penn State will be no pushover, but they simply don’t have the firepower to run with the Gators, even if both squads are firing on both cylinders.

1/1 – Capital One Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan State

How did Alabama lose three games this season? I still believe they’re the most talented team in the country. Rarely do a I look at a coach like Nick Saban and question personnel decisions, but I felt Mark Ingram was underutilized all season, considering the early season knee issue. Yes, I’m an outsider–perhaps both Ingram and Trent Richardson are headed to the draft, in which case, I get it. I hope to see Ingram get 20+ carries in the Capital One Bowl. The Tide will roll in this match-up. Yeah, I’m biased–I love the SEC, and can’t stand the Big 10.

1/1 – Gator Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Michigan

It’s another SEC vs. Big 10 match-up. Hmmmm…wonder which way I’m going? I do love watching Denard Robinson play, but after facing Cam Newton, Mississippi State will feel like they’re playing against Newton’s little brother. Mississippi State is a very good football team, and they’ll come off the field with the hardware.

1/1 – Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU

If the regular season was any indication, these two teams could merit an U/O of 100. I see a clash of the titans in the 2011 Rose Bowl game. I feel like TCU learned an incredible lesson in their loss to Boise State last bowl season–they haven’t lost since, and they’ve left nothing on the field since. I’m taking the Horned Frogs over the Badgers, and to finish #2 in the final BCS standings.

1/1 – Fiesta Bowl: UConn vs. Oklahoma

Worst bowl match-up ever? We’ll see. This is definitive proof of the failure that is the BCS. Sure, the Fiesta Bowl has a tendency to turn Oklahoma into Choklahoma, but not with this squad, and not vs. UCONN. I pity the Huskies. I know they’ll come to play, but I feel as if the OU Stoops crew will be looking to send a message to the BCS and their computers.

1/3 – Orange Bowl: Stanford vs. Virginia Tech

This match-up has the makings of a solid game. After their early season falter, Virginia Tech put together an impressive run–11 straight wins. Stanford’s only loss was to Oregon, and it could easily be argued that the Cardinal (yes, Cardinal–color, not animal) weren’t playing their best ball until late in the season. I’d go so far as to say that they could beat Oregon if they played tomorrow. I like Jim Harbaugh’s boys in this battle. If you tune in, be prepared for the ongoing booth dialog about Andrew Luck as an NFL prospect. I would suggest that the Jr. stick around, considering the NFL season in 2011-12 will probably be 9 games long, beginning in November.

1/4 – Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Arkansas

Another Big 10/SEC match-up? Terrelle Pryor is an exciting athlete. Ryan Mallett is a better QB. Sorry OSU fans. I enjoy watching TP, but I don’t think you realize what you’re up against in Arkansas. The Hogs played with everyone in the SEC only losing to Alabama and Auburn–Alabama by 4, and Auburn in a shoot-out with a score grossly misrepresenting how close the contest actually was. I’ll stick with the SEC in this one. I know–shocker.

1/6 – GoDaddy.com Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Miami (OH)

Perhaps a slightly disappointing season for senior MTSU QB Dwight Dasher. The guy can make plays, but missing multiple games at the beginning of the season forced him to try and find mid-season form with no action under his belt. Things won’t get easier for him vs. a Miami (OH) Redhawks squad that was on the verge of death a year ago. The ‘hawks are flying high and should dictate all aspects of this match-up.

1/7 – Cotton Bowl: LSU vs. Texas A&M

I’ll try to keep it short and sweet. A die hard Tiger fan, I’m thoroughly excited for this match-up vs. Texas A&M in Dallas. LSU has struggled offensively nearly all season long, simply due to inconsistent QB play. Running back Stevan Ridley may be one of the best kept secrets in the NCAA. The defense, led by DT Drake Nevis and CB Patrick Peterson are as close to an NFL style defense you’ll see at the collegiate level. A&M kicked their season up a notch by going to Frosh QB Ryan Tannehill early in the season–he became their difference maker. He saw some decent defenses in the Big 12, but he’s never seen a defense with this speed and strength of this LSU squad–fully rested and ready to roll. If LSU QB Jordan Jefferson can begin to play to his potential, this could cap a nice season for the Bayou Bengals. I LOVE LSU in this one. You should love them, too.

1/8 – BBVA Compass Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky

You heard about Kentucky QB Mike Hartline getting suspended, yes? This could actually be beneficial for the Cats, as they’ll more than likely go to sophomore QB Morgan Newton. Perhaps Wildcats coach Joker Phillips may also show more wildcat looks with the best player you’ve probably never heard of, Randall Cobb. The smart choice here is probably the Pitt Panthers, but I’m going with Kentucky in Randall Cobb’s final game in UK Blue–SEC over an average team from a pretty weak Big East conference.

1/9 – Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada vs. Boston College

How can you not love Colin Kaepernick? Nevada’s pistol attack is absolutely deadly. When they get down, they can come back in a hurry. When they’re up, they can bury a team just as quickly. Don’t believe me? Just ask Boise State. The Boston College defense may be one of the better units Nevada has faced, excluding Boise State, yet I don’t think the Eagles can handle the Wolf Pack attack for all four quarters. Sticking with Kaepernick, leading Nevada to the best season in school history!

1/10 – BCS National Championship: Oregon vs. Auburn

VS.

Can Oregon possibly stop Auburn? I don’t think so. I don’t think there’s any way that they can stop all facets of Auburn’s offensive attack, led by Heisman award winner, Cameron Newton. If you haven’t seen Cam Newton play this season, you’ll have to take my word. My opinion on this matter is worthy of the pundit stamp.

There is no known way to contain him for four quarters. Even when Alabama found a way to contain him for a couple of quarters, he just kept coming. Add to that fact a tremendous supporting cast who also just keeps coming, and Oregon is probably shifting their mindset towards a shoot-out.

Can Auburn slow or stop Oregon? I believe Auburn can, and will. Put it this way: Oregon will have to beat Auburn by putting the ball in the air. Auburn’s weakness has been in the secondary, yet they’re much improved. With five weeks to prepare for this game, they’ll be even better. I just don’t see Darron Thomas executing that kind of a passing attack.

I foresee the Auburn defensive game plan focused on stopping LaMichael James. The Auburn defensive front, led by Nick Fairley, will wear on Oregon as the game goes on, and they’ll get to Thomas. The difference may be in what Thomas can offer once a play begins to break down.

I don’t see this one playing close for very long. It’s going to be incredibly interesting to see what happens if the Ducks get down early, playing from an unfamiliar position. For this game to go the distance, Oregon needs to run out front, and score a lot of points.

I like Auburn–clearly. I think once the nervous energy subsides on both sidelines, and both teams get down to business, the contest will end with Auburn raising the Waterford Crystal, BCS Coaches Trophy. Every Auburn fan who booed the hiring of Gene Chizik will happily eat some crow…and it’ll taste sooo good.

Silly!

You enjoy this beat-down? I just love the way our good friend Chris Stout put it this morning: “Belichick’s not evil; he’s strategic.” If strategy is sending a message to a division rival in the form of an absolute and embarrassing drubbing, then yep, he once again proved he was a master strategist. Throwing in the 4th quarter, going for it on 4th down? I suppose they were just working on certain aspects of their game that needed improvement.

Giving credit where it’s due, this was one of the prettiest game-plans I’ve seen all season long. Knowing that the Jets defense was lacking its heart and soul, Belichick and Brady decided they’d go ahead and dismember the body as well. Cromartie and Revis? Non-factors. Isolate them, spread the field, and check down to the space where pass catchers can run. With everyone going fast and hard, from Welker to Woodhead, there were just too many weapons on the field for the Jets defense to deal with. Especially considering Mark Sanchez and the offense couldn’t sustain a drive, and once they were able to run, they had too little time to pursue it. They had to pass, and that led to one of the biggest surprises of the night–the Patriots defense.

I’ve definitely warmed to Belichick in the past couple of seasons. Maybe something about coaching youth sports led me to a deeper understanding; however, I thought the dude was crazy for not hiring a defensive coordinator in 2010. Bottom line, the Patriots defense is pretty bad, but last night they showed up in full force. They stuffed the run early, and picked off the passes late.

In a word, they “exposed” Mark Sanchez for still being slightly under-ripe. When a similar “exposure” took place last season, Rex Ryan reinforced the necessity of being able to run the ball. I suppose we’ll see the same sense of focus from the Jets moving forward in response to this, New England’s declaration for the AFC East.

The mystique that the Jets carried through the past several weeks of winning game after game is clearly no more–perhaps it was more of a magic act than a mystique, based on winning several games that they just as easily could have lost vs. inferior opponents.

Considering the Patriots, it would make sense to refer to them as the best team in the AFC. While they’re certainly not the most talented, and the defense is incredibly suspect, they possess an offense that can put up points against anybody, and how flippin’ tough are they at home? The only two teams that I see potentially giving the Patriots fits in the AFC are the Steelers and… …the Chiefs. We fans of the NFC are going to find out how good the Bears are come Sunday when the Pats head to Chicago.

Brad Childress now commands the same respect of the Minnesota Vikings that I do. That makes me feel pretty solid this morning. Write it down Vikings fans. The Brad Childress era ended in Minnesota on 11/22/2010.

When morning reports were released in Minneapolis, Brad Childress was scheduled for his regular Monday interview. I’m confident that every reporter was licking their lips to pose a few queries after yesterday’s home debacle to division rival Green Bay. And beyond the division rivalry, this game was, for all intents and purposes, the hope of saving the season. Saving it. Well, saving it for “Chilly.” A couple of hours later, it was everywhere–Brad Childress was out, and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was in as interim head coach.

If there was one thing that was absolutely certain in the Minnesota Vikings organization before yesterday’s beat down: The professional football players in purple, signed to big money contracts, did not want Brad Childress as their head coach.

I have never been a fan of Childress. I wish I could say that “he seems like a nice enough guy,” but he doesn’t. He comes across as pompous and arrogant in every interview I have ever seen. Even in last season’s NFC Championship game, he offered a pre-game interview making himself look and sound like an ego-maniacal ass. No grace. No credit to the Saints. Just a guy who looked like he was reciting a script that he wrote and rehearsed, ready to spout toward the first person who put a microphone in front of his face.

Fans have been calling for the canning of Childress since Week 3, but I must say that I was shocked that Childress was ever part of the Vikings equation for 2010. I was just shocked that Zygi Wilf really thought that Childress was the man who would lead this franchise to the NFL’s promised land. Clearly it became obvious to Wilf when Childress continued to grow in his arrogance, continued to grow in cynicism, and within all of it, he failed to lead the team to strong performances on both sides of the ball.

People want to point at Brett Favre for the downfall of last season’s NFC powerhouse Vikings. While Favre has had his issues this season, quite honestly, what would you expect? No, it’s not because he’s older. The dude has looked sharp at the right times. No reason to believe he couldn’t perform to task. But who would he throw to? It’s not just Favre.

But oh, James, all the interceptions!? How many of those picks have been off people’s hands, because receivers “fell down,” or tried to catch the ball with their body instead of their hands? Case in point, two of them yesterday–two of them the week prior. Where has the offensive line been? Where’s the defense? This team has been a direct reflection of the leadership of Brad Childress.

I believe you’ll see a very different team take the field next week vs. the Washington Redskins. And now that Chilly is gone, I’m not so sure that Brett Favre is “done” after this season.

Oh, what a tough pill to swallow. When your boy, or group of boys wearing your favorite team colors are deemed ineligible, and are subsequently suspended from particular bodies of competition due to…duh, duh, duh…SCANDAL.

It’s hot again. Reggie Bush gave back his Heisman trophy, and now some fella named Kenny Rogers has opened a can of night crawlers and dumped them on Auburn quarterback and Heisman Award hopeful, Cameron “Cam” Newton.

I had to roll with the parenthetical based solely on the fact that the BCS is to me, a scandalous organization, as is the NCAA. Case in point–the F.B.I. is involved in this latest Cam Newton saga? The F.B.I. Really? MmmMmm. Let’s dive right in!

10. Cam Newton – Auburn University

It has potential to be huge, but it’s still too fresh. He could be clean; his pops could be dirty. Either way, it’s looking like Cam Newton might find himself suspended down the line for his dad soliciting funds from Mississippi State University–a team Newton was considering coming out of Jr. College. You are more than likely aware that Newton was once a student athlete at Florida, playing behind Tim Tebow. Yes. In all of this, his less than squeaky clean record has also shown its teeth. Whether any money was exchanged at Auburn…? We won’t find out for quite some time.

9. Rich Rodriguez – University of Michigan

It’s easier to miss the scandalous when a team sucks, or is in a period of “rebuilding.” Rich-Rod bailed on West Virginia, and came to Michigan to get the show turned around in the Big House. Apparently, as part of the rebuilding process, he required overtime…of everyone. Working them beyond what is legal according to the NCAA. The university slapped itself on the wrist.

8. 2004 Auburn Tigers – Shafted!

You probably don’t remember this one, do ya? The Auburn Tigers went undefeated in SEC play and in their regular season, won the SEC Championship Game vs. Tennessee, and was shafted into a Sugar Bowl match-up vs. a potent Virginia Tech squad. Yep. Oklahoma and USC battled it out for the “National Championship.” Heck yes, I’m a biased SEC fan, but this was criminal. Especially considering that USC thrashed OU in the title game, and that win has been vacated due to USC’s own scandal. Stupid Coaches Poll. Stupid AP Poll. Stupid NCAA. Scandalous.

7. Scooter McDougle – University of Toledo

This one can just be filed into the category of strange. Toledo running back, Scooter McDougle was somehow at the center of a point-shaving scheme that involved several other University of Toledo players. Players would not play in games due to mysterious injuries, or would play poorly to ensure spreads. The final note has yet to be played in this fiasco.

6. Bogus Music Class – Florida State University

When people said Bobby Bowden was “out of touch,” perhaps this is what they were eluding to. This happened in 2007, and included 25 student-athletes who admitted to having “assistance” on tests and quizzes for a music class. When I say assistance, I mean somebody took the tests for them. I can’t imagine why anyone got suspicious with so many players taking the same class and scoring similarly? This cost the squad the last really good season that Bobby, and the university, have enjoyed.

5. Lawrence Phillips – University of Nebraska

This dude. Geez. A guy who had it. That thing. Jaw-dropping skills. Unfortunately, he also had some jaw popping skills. After running for 206 yards on 22 carries for 4 touchdowns vs. Michigan State, Phillips returned to Lincoln, NE, with the team and was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend. After being suspended, Phillips played out the season, winning a national championship, then declared for the NFL draft. He had a few NFL highlights, but more problems. In 2009 he was sentenced to 31 years in prison for multiple violent outbreaks, including an incident in which he hit three teenagers with his car after a disagreement in a pick-up football game.

4. Marcus Dupree – University of Oklahoma

Featured recently on ESPN’s 30 for 30, Marcus Dupree was considered by many, “The best who never was.” Before signing with Oklahoma, it was necessary to score some goods for the family. Dupree’s mom wanted a new double-wide mobile home. She got one. In an attempt to secure Dupree for a documentary in the early 80s, a recruiter let the funding team know it would take at least $150,000. Dupree went on to be a Freshman star at Oklahoma. Injuries hampered his sophomore season, and after a handful of games, Dupree announced that he would be leaving the university.

3. Reggie Bush – University of Southern California

Everyone is familiar with Reggie, and the USC scandal. The scandal that has the Trojans watching the big games from the sidelines every holiday season for the next several years. It all had to do with Reggie, and/or Reggie’s parents, accepting improper benefits. We have to presume that somewhere in the mix there would be some cash involved. Though the university has been punished, and they no longer “have anything to do with Bush,” it all peaked this fall when Bush returned his Heisman Trophy.

2. Katie Hnida – University of Colorado

Katie Hnida? College football scandal? Oh, how soon we forget, and how soon the University of Colorado wants us to forget. Female. Football player. Kicker. Multiple teammates took advantage of Katie, and ultimately tore their entire program apart. Hnida stated that she was harassed, assaulted and eventually raped by her male counterparts.

1. 1986 SMU Mustangs – The NCAA Death Penalty

Sweet mercy. This one still takes the cake. Everyone was seemingly involved in this mess. The Governor of Texas, local and state politicians, coaches and of course, players. At the center of the controversy was the continuation of a “slush fund” for players who required some cash, from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. After the university and so many university supporters were found to be dealing in corruption, an NCAA committee voted to cancel the entire 1987 SMU football season. The NCAA only allowed SMU to participate in away games in the 1988 season. This nearly destroyed the SMU program. It also led to the death of the Southwest Conference.

That’s not a question. That’s a statement. Something stinks in Dallas, and the stank has been festering for well over a decade.

The spotlight is fixed upon Wade Phillips. Not a broad spot, somewhat capturing the folks standing next to him, but a pin-spot, right on the head coach’s face. Man, he looks miserable. The Cowboys went to 1-7 last night vs. Green Bay, and in a manner so embarrassing, it left owner Jerry Jones stating that there would be “consequences” for the Cowboys poor play. Consequences? Like what? Being released to play for a contender? And by contender I mean a squad who might actually contend to win a single game.

As I pound the keys on the board, Phillips is still in as captain, by the time I’m done, I suspect an official announcement may be made that he’s not–all major news sources are stating that he has been canned, and Jason Garrett will serve as interim head coach.

Let’s jump back to training camp–this 2010 season, the season in which most analysts crowned the Cowboys the Champions of the NFC, destined to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium. Oh, if only they functioned half as well as that stadium. Training camp. Rookie first-rounder Dez Bryant shows up, walkin’ like a man–like a veteran, dismissing rookie hazing and refusing to play grab-ass and pad-carry for veteran Roy Williams. Backlash. Why? Because that’s what you do in the NFL. You adhere to the system in place. The status quo. The antiquated, hasn’t worked in 15 years, system that is in place. And Bryant’s reasoning? He was drafted to help the team win games, not carry pads.

It is a sad state of affairs when a rookie wide receiver comes into camp more focused to task than a “should know better” veteran such as Roy Williams–as overrated as Williams may certainly be.

Rewind a little further to the off-season. Jerry Jones, drunk in a bar, mouthing about Bill Parcells, Tim Tebow not being worth a third-round draft pick and Tony Romo being “The Miracle.” I was a little confused about “miracle”–trying to determine if Jerry used the word miracle meaning that someone who seems more interested in golf is somehow considered a prolific NFL quarterback. Or it was a “miracle” that he wasn’t drawn and quartered after fumbling “the snap” on that hold those few years ago.

What’s wrong with the Dallas Cowboys? Why, Jerry Jones is what’s wrong with the Dallas Cowboys.

Sure, Wade Phillips would have never won a Super Bowl as a head coach in Dallas–I say would have, because I’m pretty sure he’s gone. I don’t even think he’ll ever get to a Super Bowl as a head coach, regardless of where he is. In all fairness, I think he seems like a stellar guy–a genuinely wonderful human being, but as far as coach–never gonna happen. Yet, it is still Jerry Jones who has stuck by Phillips, even when it was obvious that this season was off to a dangerous start after two weeks. Jerry is complaining about the level of play, yet he’s the one who symbolically waved the white flag weeks ago. He’s the one who said that the franchise would stay the course.

I admire Jerry Jones’s passion for his beloved Cowboys. I love that he spares no expense to offer every opportunity to the guys wearing the stars on their hats. His stadium is without a doubt the finest sporting arena to be found in this great nation–perhaps the world. Even still. Bottom line. Jerry Jones has mismanaged his own franchise for years. Even through the glorious 90s, he couldn’t offer what was necessary to sustain dominance, because it somehow meant that he possessed less control. I’m not saying Jones has gone Al Davis, but the line he’s been dancing on over the past decade isn’t promising for the future of the organization.

The talent on this 2010 roster, and this team is 1-7? Cripes, the Browns are 3-5 with wins over New Orleans and New England. How does this happen? It happens when an owner is so certain that he knows the game better than everyone else that talent trumps heart, and potential trumps performance. At present, Jones is “analyzing” performance to make necessary changes…perhaps a glance into the mirror would assist in gathering analytical data. It trickles down, Mr. Jones.

Seems it’s official. Phillips is out, Garrett is in.

Roger Clemens. That guy. I need to fire on all 8 cylinders for this one.

I’m a very forgiving human being. In fact, I don’t hate Roger Clemens for using PEDs, I don’t hate him for lying about it and I don’t even dislike him for the episodes–but I can’t stand the guy. I couldn’t stand him as a player, and I can’t stand him as a fellow member of society. I couldn’t stand how he wished he were the Brett Favre of the baseball world, and I wish to this day that Mike Piazza would have thrown the nub of his bat at Clemens after Clemens threw the head of the bat at Mikey.

I remember in depth conversations I had about Roger Clemens late in his career. I’ll never forget, round about 2003 or 2004, perhaps, when my brother said to me, “I can’t believe that everyone only wants to single out Barry Bonds. If there is anyone in the league that I am 100 percent certain is on steroids, it’s Roger Clemens.” And you know what, you couldn’t argue. How was the guy getting better at a power position, as his body got older. People can say what they will about his training regimen, but they showed videos of it, and it wasn’t that impressive. Yeah, it was obvious–the dude was DRANKIN’ the juice. And honestly, he always acted like such a prick–like the world owed him a huge debt for being a great pitcher.

I laugh when people mutter the words “Hall of Fame” in the same breath as “Roger Clemens.” And I also hate when people try and justify Hall of Fame inductions based solely on numbers. Halls of Fame have become jokes because bums like this are in them. They should be places of celebration, not contention. Make no mistake, there will never be another discussion about Roger Clemens, only arguments.

Whew. Cleansing breath. Now, to the serious matter at hand. An indictment that it going to put Clemens in court. And do you know what sucks? He still won’t admit that he used PEDs. If for some reason he comes out and states that he did use the drugs, I’m sure that he’ll also say it was because he loved the game soooo much, and he didn’t know how to let it go.

Do I think he’s going to jail? Nah. But I think it’s far more likely that he’ll land in the clink than he will in Cooperstown.

All signs have been pointing to Philadelphia. In fact, if you watched ESPN’s Monday Night Baseball, it was all the commentators were talking about after the Cardinals went on a home run barrage, tagging 4 in two innings. At present, Oswalt’s contract demands seem to be the issue in moving the deal forward between Philly and Houston, namely the 16 million dollar option he has for 2012. He wants it before he would agree to a trade. It’s one thing to ask this Roy to go play second fiddle to the other Roy (Halladay) they picked up in Philadelphia in the off-season, but I just can’t see Philly agreeing to the tie up an additional 16 mil. for the 2012 option.

I think this deal is dead in the water. Had they started negotiations earlier, or perhaps if Philly looked like they were going to compete with Atlanta in the NL East this year, it might be a different story. I think Roy will pitch out the season in Houston, and once the off-season rolls around, you might see some movement from one of the AL east coast squads with a little more money to toss around.

Other trade rumors a-flyin’? Well, not so much. A little bit of something surrounding Arizona Diamondback’s Dan Haren, but other than my own personal bias for the St. Louis Cardinals and wanting to see the kid come back to where he began his career, not a lot has been said–some potential interest from Philly. I don’t think Haren has much of a desire to pitch east of the Mississippi. I’m hopeful the Cardinals are doing things quietly, similar to their acquiring Matt Holliday around this time last year. (Yeah, I want Haren back in the STL. I’m still bitter about the Haren/Calero for Mulder trade back in ‘04. Worst deal ever.)

Someone is going to make a move before the July 31st deadline, and it will probably be a significant move–the only question: Who’s it going to be? I certainly don’t think it’ll be Roy Oswalt

(Image via: Around the Horn Baseball)

When news of George Steinbrenner’s death broke, I wanted to jump on the story like a media whore outside a red carpet event. I thought about it for awhile, became fairly indignant in my thought, then moved on to sadness, confusion and ultimately this funky feeling of joy mixed with sorrow.

I love baseball. I never much cared for George Steinbrenner. I don’t think he cared one iota about baseball. I think he cared about business. No, I didn’t know the man, I knew his reputation, as did so many others. Had I ever met him, I’m sure I would have adored him. I’m weird like that.

With his passing at the age of 80 due to complications from a heart attack as well as other ailing bodily functions, I could only feel sad for his family, for the fine athletes who played for him, for the managers who fought with and still somehow loved him and the Yankees fan base who saw a “win at all costs” empire constructed under his tenure.

For the rest of the baseball world, there’s a part of me that thinks, “It’s probably best that he went before the cap came–that would have really killed the guy.” And make no mistake Yankee fans. It’s a’comin’. If the next commish doesn’t push for it off the bat, I’ll lead the charge for his removal.

Sadly, all I can think of when I think of The Boss: A monopolizer who didn’t really look beyond his own interests to consider what would be best for the game of baseball. We all know people like that in “our own lives,” and we don’t like them. Then they die, and we feel bad for not liking them. It begs the question: What is the most lasting memory of George Steinbrenner’s legacy?

I’m sure Steinbrenner will eventually be remembered as the legendary Yankees owner who took the franchise from worst to first, but you just have to think that within that conversation, there will always be at least one voice which will sound off with a completely opposing opinion.

His legacy is bittersweet–and there’s no need to sugarcoat it.