College Stuff for Real Men: 07/22/14

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Teen HGH use up sharply, according to survey

Experimentation with human growth hormones by America's teens more than doubled in the past year, as more young people looked to drugs to boost their athletic performance and improve their looks, according to a new, large-scale national survey. From ESPN.com - College Football - Teen HGH use up sharply, according to survey

Ex-Baylor star Austin: NBA offered job, too

The NBA will take its affiliation with former Baylor Bears star Isaiah Austin a step further than the ceremonial pick they extended him in last month's draft. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Ex-Baylor star Austin: NBA offered job, too

Report: Strong names Ash Texas starting QB

Report: Strong names Ash Texas starting QB From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Report: Strong names Ash Texas starting QB

Jay Paterno suing PSU over improper firing

Jay Paterno suing PSU over improper firing From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Jay Paterno suing PSU over improper firing

Diggs: Some ex-Longhorns didn't love game

Early on in his relationship with his new head coach, Quandre Diggs told Charlie Strong the unvarnished truth about what ailed Texas: Some Texas players were in it for the wrong reasons. From ESPN.com - College Football - Diggs: Some ex-Longhorns didn't love game

NWU coach looks forward to Dykes handshake

NWU coach looks forward to Dykes handshake From College Football News : CBSSports.com - NWU coach looks forward to Dykes handshake

The Best Poolside Workouts to Melt Fat in the Summer Sun [CC's ShapeU]

It's easy to spend countless hours poolside just soaking in the sunshine, but when it's such a glorious day to spend outdoors, why not make it count and get a workout in as well? From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - The Best Poolside Workouts to Melt Fat in the Summer Sun [CC's ShapeU]

Sjana Elise Should Be On Your Radar [PHOTOS]

Sjana Elise is a gorgeous Australian model who should be on your radar. After the positive response from our feature on E… From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - COED.com - Sjana Elise Should Be On Your Radar [PHOTOS]

Former Illinois OL Shawn Afryl dies following workout at Winona State

Former Illinois OL Shawn Afryl (fightingillini.com) Former Illinois offensive lineman Shawn Afryl died of cardiac arrest on Monday evening after he collapsed during a practice at Winona State in Minnesota.

Afryl, 22, spent three seasons with the Illini from 2010-2012, took a season off and then recently signed with Winona State for his final season of eligibility.

He had no known prior medical conditions.

Curtis Tate, who coached Afryl at Niles West, told the Chicago Tribune paramedics were unable to revive Afryl and he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Illinois released a statement expresses its condolences.

"All of us in the Fighting Illini football family are greatly saddened by Shawn's passing last night," Illinois head coach Tim Beckman said. "He was a great teammate and a dedicated student. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Afryl played in just one game with the Illini — against Charleston Southern in 2012 — and graduated with a degree in political science in 2013.

His mother Sue posted a request for donations to pay for the funeral on the website gofundme.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Former Illinois OL Shawn Afryl dies following workout at Winona State

OMG Sephora Has a bareMinerals 6 Lipgloss Set On Sale for Only $19

Calling all budget fashionistas! For less than $20 you can have six amazing shades of lip gloss to bring back to school! From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - OMG Sephora Has a bareMinerals 6 Lipgloss Set On Sale for Only $19

Christian and Samantha Ponder named their daughter after Bobby Bowden

One of football’s favorite couples, ESPN college football sideline reporter Samantha Ponder and Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, recently had their first child. The pregnancy was kept under wraps until the news of the Ponder’s new daughter emerged on social media in the past few days.

With Vikings training camp getting started this week, ESPN Vikings reporter Ben Goessling confirmed with Ponder, a Florida State alum, that his wife gave birth to a baby girl named Bowden. Professional football player Christian Ponder (L) and ESPN Sportscaster Samantha Ponder attend ESPN The Magazine 5th annual 'Body Issue' party at Lure on July 16, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

Yes, the child is named after legendary Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden, Ponder’s coach from 2006-2009 in Tallahassee.

Per Goessling:

“Ponder and his wife, ESPN college football reporter Samantha Ponder, welcomed their first child earlier this month. They named their little girl Bowden Sainte-Claire Ponder -- the middle name is the same as Samantha's, while the first, of course, pays homage to retired Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.”

I'm sure that tribute will bring a smile to the face of any FSU fan.

We’ll see how this impacts Samantha Ponder’s duties on College Gameday, and, of course, congratulations to the new parents!

For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Christian and Samantha Ponder named their daughter after Bobby Bowden

Oklahoma waiting on eligibility for Dorial Green-Beckham and Baker Mayfield

As Oklahoma prepares to open fall camp, Bob Stoops said his program is awaiting word from the NCAA on the eligibility of two players.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Dorial Green-Beckham both petitioned the NCAA to waive the mandatory yearlong waiting period after transferring from Texas Tech and Missouri respectively.

It’s not surprising Oklahoma would ask for waivers for both players, but getting one for Green-Beckham, who was kicked off Missouri’s team after a couple drug-related issues, probably isn’t going to happen.

Stoops didn’t share the grounds on which they made the request for Green-Beckham, who was one of the nation’s best receivers last season, but did say he and his staff did its due diligence before offering Green-Beckham a roster spot.

“I had a close relationship as did Coach Norvell, our receiver coach, from recruiting Dorial personally as well as with his family,” Stoops said. “And then through extensive conversations with the people at Missouri and our people, it was something that we felt the person that he is, the potential that he has as a young man and as an individual, that we felt the opportunity to give him a second chance at our place could serve him well and be great for his future.”

Mayfield might be a different story.

He walked on at Texas Tech and began the season as the starting quarterback before getting injured and ultimately replaced. Stoops made the argument that because Mayfield was paying his own way, he shouldn't be restricted by the normal transfer rules.

“I think it's one thing if you've invested a scholarship in an individual and he decides to leave, heck, they even half the time allow them to play immediately. But a guy that you haven't invested a scholarship in, I don't know why that would even be something — why it would be an issue.”

Having Mayfield eligible would solve the issue about who would backup starter Trevor Knight. Mayfield might even be able to push Knight, who was inconsistent and oft-injured a year ago before really solidifying the starting role in the bowl game against Alabama.

Stoops said Tuesday that former starter turned backup Blake Bell would be a fulltime tight end for the Sooners.

“Blake was recruited definitely as quarterback, but when you look at him now after three years, he is the pro type at tight end,” Stoops said. “He's got great hands, great size, 6-foot-6, he's almost 260. He can run, natural spacing as far as where to be in his route… So I think he's really going to impact us in a great way at the tight end position.”

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oklahoma waiting on eligibility for Dorial Green-Beckham and Baker Mayfield

Snyder to Texas' Strong: 'Be who you are'

Kansas State coach Bill Snyder passed along some sage words of advice for new Texas coach Charlie Strong, From ESPN.com - College Football - Snyder to Texas' Strong: 'Be who you are'

The 9 Thoughts You Have When Trying On Spanx For The First Time

I feel like a sausage experiencing condensation. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - The 9 Thoughts You Have When Trying On Spanx For The First Time

TCU 'separated' from star DE after gun claim

Defensive end Devonte Fields has been "separated" from TCU, after his ex-girlfriend told police he pointed at a gun at her and punched her in the face. From ESPN.com - College Football - TCU 'separated' from star DE after gun claim

27 Things You Shouldn’t Let Define Who You Are

Not being invited to a party, cheating on your diet, not having a boyfriend or girlfriend. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - 27 Things You Shouldn’t Let Define Who You Are

Steve Spurrier: Dabo Swinney 'probably thinks there are nine planets out there'

Oh, Steve Spurrier. This is the time of year the Ol’ Ball Coach refers to as “talking season,” and the South Carolina head coach was at it again Tuesday.

At ACC Media Days Monday, Dabo Swinney, the head coach of South Carolina’s top rival, Clemson, said jokingly that he and Spurrier were “from different planets.”

“He’s from Pluto and I’m from Mars,” Swinney said.

Spurrier responded with a light jab of his own during his visit to ESPN Tuesday.

“Dabo probably thinks there’s only, what, nine planets out there. I think I read where Pluto may not be considered one now,” Spurrier said.

With Spurrier and Swinney at the helm of their respective programs – both of which are consistently in the Top 25 -- the rivalry seems to have picked up some steam in recent years. Spurrier and Swinney often take subtle shots at one another in the media, but Spurrier, who said he gets along with Swinney “fine,” wants to make it known that it’s not just him instigating the back-and-forth.

“The only thing I remind Dabo of is his comments three years ago of the real Carolina being in Chapel Hill and the real USC being in California,” Spurrier said. “Sometimes he forgets he throws some stuff out there also. He wants to make people believe that I’m the only one that throws a little stuff out there.”

An example of this was Swinney’s comments from last year that Clemson the first team from South Carolina to win a BCS bowl following its Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State.

“We’re never been to (a BCS Bowl). I’ll admit to that, although we beat them about every year. I’ll admit to that, although we beat them about every year. They get there and we don’t. That’s just the way it is. The SEC can only send two teams and the ACC sends two. We’ve got too many good teams going,” Spurrier said.

Spurrier is 6-3 against the Tigers since taking the South Carolina job in 2005, including 5-1 against Swinney, who was hired in 2008. Clemson’s chance to end the Gamecocks’ five-game winning streak in the series comes November 29 at home.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Steve Spurrier: Dabo Swinney 'probably thinks there are nine planets out there'

Conti will be first woman ref in Big 12 history

Conti will be first woman ref in Big 12 history From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Conti will be first woman ref in Big 12 history

Spurrier on Swinney: It's just 'talking season'

Spurrier on Swinney: It's just 'talking season' From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Spurrier on Swinney: It's just 'talking season'

Alexandria Morgan Runs In Slow Motion For…Some Product [VIDEO]

Alexandria Morgan stripped down to a strapless bar and ran down a boardwalk while filmed in slow motion so that we&#8217… From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - COED.com - Alexandria Morgan Runs In Slow Motion For…Some Product [VIDEO]

UGA's Taylor charged with aggravated assault

Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor was arrested early Tuesday morning and charged with felony aggravated assault. From ESPN.com - College Football - UGA's Taylor charged with aggravated assault

Creighton's Chatman set for thumb surgery

Creighton point guard Austin Chatman will have surgery to repair a ligament in his right thumb and is expected to be fully recovered before the season. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Creighton's Chatman set for thumb surgery

Bud Light Brings Out The Dancing Ponies For Whatever, USA [VIDEO]

We’re getting closer to Bud Light announcing the location of their town of Whatever, USA–which, of cours… From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - COED.com - Bud Light Brings Out The Dancing Ponies For Whatever, USA [VIDEO]

Notre Dame freshman predicted his future in letter from eighth grade

Notre Dame freshman Jonathan Bonner can predict the future -- at least the eighth-grade version of Bonner can.

Bonner, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end from Chesterfield, Mo., is a three-star recruit who committed to the Fighting Irish last June. Despite having offers from schools like Michigan State and Missouri, Bonner committed to Notre Dame the day he received his scholarship offer from the school.

Bonner did not have to think about the decision for very long -- Notre Dame was the school he envisioned himself attending for years.

Back in May, Bonner tweeted out a letter from eighth grade that he wrote to his future self. Now that he has arrived in South Bend, the letter, which offers words of advice for his future on and off the field, has made its way around social media.

This letter from my 8th grade self shows that my life is headed in the right direction. I had high expectations too! http://ift.tt/1sLGxTH

— Jonathan Bonner (@JBonezzz) May 30, 2014

The letter shows impressive maturity for someone that age. Since it’s pretty hard to read due to the size of the photo, here’s the full text of the letter, via the South Bend Tribune:

Dear self,

This is you from eighth grade. I hope you’re doing okay. Off to college, huh? You better be. Think about how much freedom you’ll have. You’ve grown up and now you’re off on your own. You have a lot to look forward to.

It’s almost the end of your eighth grade school year. Right now you were looking forward to summer, high school, and the biggest thing, football. You need to get either that TE or DE position. Did you get it? Right now what you don’t what being a freshman will be like but you are anxious. Hopefully you played hard enough to go off to Notre Dame. If not, you better at least be going off to college.

In college there are some things you must avoid. First off, stay away from drugs and alcohol. If you have touched a drug I consider you a failure and you better change now or you are wasting your life. Same thing with alcohol, it will make you do stupid stuff and you will end up in bad situations. Second, stay away from knuckleheads (words from mom). They will get you in trouble. Finally, try to stay away from weapons. The only reason you should be using one is if you are going off into the army or you are in physical threat. DON’T LOOK FOR REVENGE! Use your hands if necessary. This should also be a last resort.

Here are some things you need to work hard at. First and most importantly, school. You will not get anywhere without it. Second off, work hard at football so, you can get yourself off to the NFL and make some money. You must also be respectful and responsibility to others and they will do the same to you. Your main goal is just to succeed.

Someone you need to be nice to is your sister. At this age in eighth grade she means everything to you and if you have lost her, you have lost yourself. You need her almost as much as you need yourself. She has been there for everything and anything your entire life so don’t even try to bail on her. Who knows?? You may need her someday.

As you should see you have grown and you have a lot of life left. Make it worthwhile and don’t screw up.

Yours Literally,

Jonathan Bonner

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Bonner is definitely the kind of player you can root for as he makes the transition to college. The advice from his eighth-grade self has definitely been worthwhile to this point.

For more Notre Dame news, visit IrishIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Notre Dame freshman predicted his future in letter from eighth grade

TCU's Devonte Fields under investigation for threatening and pointing gun at ex-girlfriend

TCU defensive end Devonte Fields is being investigated by police after his ex-girlfriend accused him of pointing a gun at her, threatening her and punching her in the head at a Fort Worth home on Sunday.

According to a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fields is accused of pointing the gun at 20-year-old Haley Brown and threatening, “I should blast you!”

“Devonte Fields has been listed as a suspect on a domestic disturbance in Fort Worth,” Sgt. Raymond Bush, a police spokesman, told the paper. “He has not been arrested.”

Police responded to a domestic disturbance occurred at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. Brown told police Fields had been standing outside a bedroom window listening to her talk to a mutual male friend. According to the report, Fields then punched out the window of the friend’s bedroom and began yelling at Brown. Brown said she thought Fields had a gun and then pointed it at her and threatened her.

The report states Fields then came to the home’s front door and was let inside by their mutual friend’s roommate.

“Haley stated that Devonte continued to yell at her and punched her in the face one time with a closed fist,” the report states.

Officers observed Haley’s right cheek to be swollen with a small cut her eye. She refused to be taken to the hospital for further evaluation and told officers she did not want to pursue charges against Fields.

Police, however, told her that a report and family violence packet must be completed.

Haley told police she had dated Fields, a former standout player at Arlington Martin High School, for two years but that the couple had broken up on June 1.

Fields had left the scene by the time police arrived.

Fields had been named the Big 12’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, but during Big 12 media days on Monday, coach Gary Patterson seemed less than enthusiastic about the accolade or the prospects of his star defensive player for the upcoming season.

It is unclear whether Patterson knew about the incident.

Fields was named the 2012 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and the AP Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after having 53 tackles and 10 sacks as a true freshman. However, he only played two games in 2013 after a suspension and a foot injury derailed his season.

In January, Fields was attacked and robbed by three men who pistol-whipped him, pointed a gun at him and threatened to kill him. Fields and the gunman got into a struggle and five shots were fired into the air, which caused the men to scatter. Fields declined to press charges.

TCU has yet to comment on Sunday's incident.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - TCU's Devonte Fields under investigation for threatening and pointing gun at ex-girlfriend

How Not To Be A Thot At Your First College Party

Don't be that hoe over there. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - How Not To Be A Thot At Your First College Party

TCU hopes change in offense brings greater success in the Big 12

When TCU made the move to the Big 12 three seasons ago, it did so with the reputation of having one of the nation’s best defenses.

It was a reputation coach Gary Patterson prided himself on and one that had gotten the Horned Frogs a Rose Bowl win against Wisconsin and ultimately an invitation to the Big 12.

But what TCU didn’t bank on was that even though its defense was doing its best to slow down the blitzkrieg-style offenses of the Big 12, the offense wasn’t doing enough to keep the Horned Frogs competitive.

Last season, TCU ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in total defense and No. 5 in the conference in scoring defense. However, the Horned Frogs’ offense was ninth in total offense and eighth in scoring offense.

It also failed to qualify for a bowl game for the first time in 15 seasons after finishing 4-8 and 2-7 in the Big 12.

Something had to change. So, coach Gary Patterson hired co-offensive coordinators Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie, two men who have been immersed in high-powered, quick-strike spread offenses, in an effort to compete with TCU’s Big 12 brethren.

“I thought going into the league two years I thought even on offense that I thought I was going to have to tweak it just looking at the history of how we played against Big 12 teams on offense and other teams going down through the years that we played,” Patterson said during Big 12 media day on Monday. “So all of us, you gotta make good business decisions, but you've got to make them that you build your foundation… You can't turn the ball over. We've got to score points.”

But figuring out which quarterback gives the Horned Frogs the greatest advantage in scoring points is proving to be difficult. Patterson said Trevone Boykin and Texas A&M transfer Matt Joeckel are competing for the starting role and that both bring something different to the field. In an ideal world, TCU might be better off having Joeckel, who backed up Johnny Manziel at A&M, as the starter and moving the speedy and elusive Boykin to receiver.

“Definition of a great player is a great player makes everybody around him better. I think that's what we're looking for in our two guys,” Patterson said. “I think the key is to find the guy that has the swagger, that allows us to move the football, score the points and the guy that's not going to turn the ball over. Felt like last year, if we just would have done that, we would have had an opportunity to win a couple more ball games.”

Patterson acknowledged that the learning curve on this offense is steep and that even with a good showing against Samford in the season opener on Aug. 30, the conference opener against Oklahoma on Oct. 4 would be the true measuring stick of the Horned Frogs’ success, especially with two bye weeks in the first month of the season.

Patterson doesn’t think his team is as far away as his 2013 record would suggest, but he knows cleaning up the mistakes his team didn’t make before its move to the Big 12 is a good place to start.

“For us it's finding that four or five plays,” Patterson said. “You've got to be a smarter football team. In this league the margin of error is different. There were good teams in any league we've played in. But on a week to week basis the margin of errors is less. And so you have to be able to understand that when those four or five plays happen that you've got to make sure that you make them.”

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - TCU hopes change in offense brings greater success in the Big 12

Spurrier digs at Swinney, cites wins in rivalry

South Carolina Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier calls this "talking season," and he had plenty to say Tuesday during his visit to ESPN. From ESPN.com - College Football - Spurrier digs at Swinney, cites wins in rivalry

10 Under Eye Concealers That Will Erase All Evidence Of Your Hangover

If there's one beauty concern you're likely to face in college, it's those dreaded dark circles. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - 10 Under Eye Concealers That Will Erase All Evidence Of Your Hangover

Government Twitter Feed Tweets A Plug for Kim Kardashian’s Game

Someone running the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water Twitter feed is also a big fan of Kim… From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - COED.com - Government Twitter Feed Tweets A Plug for Kim Kardashian’s Game

2014 season preview: Five games to watch in week 2

The college football offseason is long and arduous, but its end is almost in sight. We’re going to take a look at five games you have to look forward to for every weekend of the season. (This is also a handy guide to decide how to RSVP for any autumn weddings.)

All times are Eastern and all games are played on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

These games take place the weekend of September 6.

Previously: Week One (August 30)

Michigan at Notre Dame (7:30 p.m.)

The last game in the current series (the Wolverines and Irish have been on-again, off-again for a century, despite what Mark May and Skip Bayless might tell you), there are plenty of bragging rights at stake in this Midwestern hatefest. The Wolverines have taken four of the last five, but all five contests were one-score games in the fourth quarter and featured some level of dramatics, with Notre Dame’s sole win coming at home in 2012. Everett Golson - back from an academic suspension – started that game but didn’t finish it after an ugly first half. He now has more experience and a myriad of weapons to leverage in Brian Kelly’s spread attack, including a pair of talented sophomore backs in Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant. Michigan’s defense should be stout with eight returning starters in addition to five-star freshman defensive back Jabrill Peppers and a full season from star linebacker Jake Ryan, but questions abound regarding their offense, specifically the line that slowly dissolved as 2013 wore on. If Devin Gardner plays like he did last year against the Irish, Brady Hoke’s squad should be in good shape, but attempting to predict anything in this series is a fool’s errand.

Michigan State at Oregon (6:30 p.m.)

After two seasons of cupcake non-conference games*, Oregon gets a considerably tougher challenge in the reigning Big Ten and Rose Bowl champs. Michigan State’s 2013 was one of their finest seasons in the last half-century, and while they return enough to make things interesting in Eugene, there are some big losses. Gone are Max Bullough, Denicos Allen and Darqueze Dennard, but Mark Dantonio’s squad is essentially the Big Ten version of Stanford, a team that has suffocated the Ducks in consecutive years. Oregon, meanwhile, pretty much returns their entire offense save for top receiver Josh Huff, including a combined 2400+ rushing yards from Marcus Mariota, Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner. Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook was much improved down the stretch last year, but he’s going to have to be great for Sparty to pull the upset.

* In their defense, Oregon didn’t know Virginia and Tennessee were going to be that bad in 2013 when they scheduled them, but they very much were.

USC at Stanford (3:30 p.m.)

Last season’s Trojan upset looked like it might have sealed the head coaching job for interim man Ed Orgeron, but instead this will be Steve Sarkisian’s first PAC-12 game running USC. He gets quite a test, going against the two-time defending conference champions. To the benefit of Sarkisian and his staff, Lane Kiffin’s poor coaching didn’t affect his recruiting, which leaves a loaded roster bristling with blue-chip contributors. David Shaw’s Cardinal just keep plugging away with double-digit win seasons, but they’ll need to find replacements for some of the old guard, including three warhorse offensive lineman, tailback Tyler Gaffney and the terrorizing linebacking tandem of Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy. With Oregon and UCLA looming as favorites, the margin of error for both of these teams in their division races is very slim.

BYU at Texas (7:30 p.m.)

Mack Brown’s last couple seasons at the helm in Texas produced more than a few ignominious results, but it’s hard to find one worse than last year’s trip to Provo. In that game a ranked Texas team didn’t just lose 40-21 but did so by giving up a staggering, almost incomprehensible 550 yards rushing. But Brown is gone now, and in comes Charlie Strong, some more discipline and an opportunity to get revenge at home. The main perpetrators are all back for the Cougars, who return their entire offensive line, quarterback Taysom Hill and running back Jamaal Williams. Texas has returning starters and top prospects up and down the roster, but most of those highly ranked recruits were on last year’s disappointing squad. A telling early season test for both Strong and Bronco Mendenhall’s BYU team that’s looking to make a leap.

Virginia Tech at Ohio State (8:00 p.m.)

With Logan Thomas’ endless potential and volatility gone to the NFL, the Hokies face their toughest game of the season by far (they are blessed with missing Florida State and Clemson in league play) in a trip to Columbus. The Hokie offense is still a giant question mark that could have significant trouble moving it against a talented but not necessarily proven Ohio State front, but the real fun will come on the other side of the ball, where Heisman hopeful Braxton Miller will get to test his skills against a salty Bud Foster defense featuring All-American candidate Kendall Fuller at cornerback. The Buckeyes will also be coming off a game against Navy, so don’t discount a dinged up OSU defense dealing with some cut-blocking injuries.

Other games to consider:

Arizona at UTSA (8:00 p.m., Thursday)

Do not sleep on the Roadrunners, who return a whopping twenty starters from last year’s 7-5 squad. Former Hurricanes head coach Larry Coker has somehow already established UTSA as a Conference USA favorite. Rich Rodriguez will still be breaking in a new quarterback and returns a front seven light on 2013 starters. Road night game in a rocking opposing stadium for a major conference favorite…we’ve seen this story before.

East Carolina at South Carolina (7:30 p.m.)

The beginning of a brutal three-week stretch for Ruffin McNeil’s Pirates (at USC, at Virginia Tech, North Carolina), this is your chance to check out quarterback Shane Carden, who threw for 33 touchdowns and over 4,100 yards during East Carolina’s 10-3 campaign last season. Wide receiver Justin Hardy is the top returning pass catcher in the nation, hoping to somehow build on a 114-catch 2013.

Akron at Penn State (12:00 p.m.)

This could be a scheduling misstep for the Nittany Lions, who have a transatlantic flight following their opening weekend game in Ireland. They’ll be hosting the resurgent Zips, who improved from three consecutive 1-11 seasons to 5-7 last year, including wins in four of their last five and a near upset of Michigan early in the season.

Washington State at Nevada (10:30 p.m., Friday)

Mike Leach took the Cougars to their first bowl game in a decade last season, but with a loaded PAC-12 he’s not going to be able to scrape together six wins without taking care of business against the Wolf Pack. Much like the previous game, you’ve got a major conference favorite on the road at night, and Brian Polian’s Nevada offense gets to deploy Cody Fajardo, a dual threat quarterback who accrued over 3,000 yards of offense last season.

Northern Illinois at Northwestern (TBD)

Northwestern didn’t respond well to last year’s preseason expectations, but they return a bunch of starters and should put up plenty of points again. They get a formidable in-state foe in the Huskies, who return most of their offense from last year’s 12-2 team but must navigate the tricky proposition of replacing Heisman finalist Jordan Lynch.

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - 2014 season preview: Five games to watch in week 2

Report: TCU's Fields a suspect in domestic case

Report: TCU's Fields a suspect in domestic case From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Report: TCU's Fields a suspect in domestic case

A-Rod’s Parody Tribute Titled “FL13K You” Is A Real Web Gem [VIDEO]

The Jordan Brand’s tribute to Derek Jeter, titled “#RE2PECT,” brought goosebumps to baseball fa… From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - COED.com - A-Rod’s Parody Tribute Titled “FL13K You” Is A Real Web Gem [VIDEO]

LSU freshman Trey Lealaimatafao suffers serious arm injury after reportedly punching window

Punching a glass window is a bad idea. LSU freshman Trey Lealaimatafao learned this the hard way.

According to NOLA.com, Lealaimatafao suffered a serious arm injury after punching a glass window in the Tigers’ weight room on Monday. The 6-foot, 300-pound Lealaimatafao, a three-star defensive tackle from San Antonio, Texas, was reportedly “upset about a disagreement with his girlfriend.”

In another report, the Advocate, citing two “independent sources,” said that Lealaimatafao punched the window following “a dispute with another football player.”

When he punched the window, which is situated between the weight room and the indoor practice facility, the glass reportedly “tore through” Lealaimatafao’s bicep. A witness described the scene to NOLA.com as “horrific.”

LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette confirmed the incident to NOLA.com and said that Lealaimatafao was taken to an area hospital and is currently being treated for his injury.

Lealaimatafao tweeted out a photo of himself in a hospital bed Tuesday morning and wrote that he is “doing well.”

Hi everyone, I'm doing well http://ift.tt/1nQXVhX

— Trey Lealaimatafao™ (@TLay_56) July 22, 2014

There was an initial report that the Lealaimatafao’s injuries could potentially force amputation, but Bonnette said that was not the case. It is not immediately known how the injury will impact Lealaimatafao’s freshman season.

Lealaimatafao originally committed to Texas but made the switch to LSU in January.

For more LSU news, visit TigerBait.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - LSU freshman Trey Lealaimatafao suffers serious arm injury after reportedly punching window

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Jimbo Fisher worries about Jameis Winston getting bored

Jimbo Fisher’s main goal for Jameis Winston this season is easy — make sure he doesn’t get bored.

After Winston won the Heisman Trophy and led his team to an ACC title and a national title, Fisher said it’s easy for a player of his caliber to get complacent.

“I think sometimes great players, great teams, greatness in general, can be dethroned, for lack of a better term, from boredom,’ Fisher said during ACC media day on Monday. “You get bored of doing the same thing over and over and over and over again, and when you have success, it's consistency and performance over a long period and you've got to do the same thing. And sometimes, it's human nature, you get bored, and I think that's going to be a huge challenge for him.”

If Winston was bored he sure didn’t show it on Sunday when he met with the media and couldn’t hide his excitement for the upcoming season.

While many might believe Winston is the best player in the game, Fisher said there are plenty of things Winston can do to become a better player this year.

It’s scary to think, but Winston, who was by far the most dominant player in the game as a freshman a year ago, could be even better as a sophomore.

“I think as a player you have to continue to grow yourself physically, and his footwork, his eye movement, his eye control, looking guys off even more,” Fisher said. “And I think understanding defenses even that much better, recognizing certain things, blitzes, scenarios, that much quicker because he can process the game and get the ball out even quicker, which he does tremendously now.

“But I think you can always get better in those things, and I think being patient — it's going to be a challenge to be patient because people aren't going to try and give up big plays to him this year, but acknowledge them when they're there, and just making sure you don't get bored with the game.”

Winston also noted Sunday that he needs to be more accountable to his teammates and stay out of off-field trouble. Much of this offseason's headlines were dominated by allegations of sexual assault and a shoplifting incident at a local grocery store. Winston said he’s learned a lot about the way he’s perceived off the field and the damage that can do to his team.

Fisher acknowledges Winston’s learning as well and said that’s also part of the process Winston will have to go through this year to become a better player.

“The thing about Jameis that amazes me is his ability to learn,” Fisher said. “The thing about Jameis that no one knows, and I think you got it yesterday, he's a genuine people person. He enjoys who he is. He loves being in front of people. If there's 300 people in a line, he'll sign every autograph before he leaves, shake every little kid's hand. He understands that.

“His ability to learn, his intelligence level, not just as a football player but as a person, as a student, all the things, he's a true student athlete. I think from that standpoint, his ability to learn is why he will always continue to grow and be successful because he understands mistakes, he's willing to accept them, he learns from them, he moves on, but he won't make those same mistakes twice. And I think his character and down deep who he truly is, is remarkable, and the more you're around it, the more you're amazed by him.”

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Jimbo Fisher worries about Jameis Winston getting bored

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