A look at five teams from the non-Power Five conferences that might be spoilers in the 2014 college football playoff. From ESPN.com - College Football - CFB outsiders who could be playoff spoilers
Friday, August 15, 2014
Vandy guards Johnson, Parker cannot return
Coach Kevin Stallings says guards Kedren Johnson and Dai-Jon Parker will not be allowed to rejoin the Vanderbilt Commodores this season and are transferring. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Vandy guards Johnson, Parker cannot return
Playoff still creates problems for the little guys
A playoff was supposed to be a good thing for teams in smaller conferences, but with autonomy and strength of schedule weighing so much into the committee's decision, those outside the power five will have to work even harder to be selected. From ESPN.com - College Football - Playoff still creates problems for the little guys
Notre Dame says there is 'no evidence' Brian Kelly knew of possible academic fraud
Notre Dame said Friday that there is "no evidence" that football coach Brian Kelly or any of his staff members knew of possible academic fraud among football players until the allegations were brought to school officials on July 29.
The school confirmed Friday afternoon that it had launched an investigation into possible academic fraud among football players.
Earlier Friday, Yahoo Sports said four members of the football team were interviewed about possible academic fraud. The school said that the players, wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore, will be held out of practices and games until the investigation is complete. Daniels, Russell and Williams are listed as projected starters in 2014.
"[Athletic director] Jack Swarbrick had a conversation with Brian yesterday and I want to say that we have great confidence in Brian and his staff and they have been nothing but supportive in helping us with our investigation," Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins said.
The school has said it will voluntarily vacate wins if necessary as a result of the investigation. Possible improprieties could be a violation of the school's honor code which would make players ineligible. The school is investigating evidence that papers and homework was done on players' behalf by someone else.
"Like all of us [Kelly] was devastated," Swarbrick said. "Each of us got the report. He was also quick to understand the process, how he and his staff could be of assistance to the process and how it would work and so that was quickly the focus of the discussion."
Jenkins also declined to say if the investigation could also involve former Notre Dame players.
The four players under investigation will remain on scholarship and no one has been dismissed at the current time.
“If a student played when a player was deemed ineligible that is a time to take that step. We might do that if we find it. We haven’t reached that conclusion," Swarbrick said.
QB Everett Golson, who was Notre Dame's starting quarterback in 2012 when the team went to the BCS Championship Game, wasn't allowed to play in 2013 after he cheated on a test. He was readmitted to the university in the spring of 2014 and was named the starting quarterback for this season by Kelly earlier in the week.
Daniels couldn't enroll at Notre Dame for the spring semester after his GPA was below 2.0. He is back in school for the summer session.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Notre Dame says there is 'no evidence' Brian Kelly knew of possible academic fraud
Leagues given 15 extra days to respond to suit
Leagues given 15 extra days to respond to suit From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Leagues given 15 extra days to respond to suit
Arkansas fan 'breaks up' with Kliff Kingsbury in letter, says he responded back with note
An Arkansas fan who is also a fan of Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury couldn't take her conflict of fandom any longer. So she sent Kingsbury a breakup note.
The fan, identifying herself as Pam Robles, posted the letter she said she sent to Kingsbury to Reddit earlier in the week. She said she had to break up with Ryan Gosling's doppelganger for six reasons, the first being that he was too good looking.
"I love having you as arm candy, but I want you to be recognized for your coaching achievements and what you bring to the world as a person – your charitable work, your dedication to the team and the positivity you bring to Texas Tech," she wrote. "You are more than a good-looking face and a very hot body! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
The other reasons were that Robles is an introvert, she couldn't hadn't being a coach's wife, their kids would be too good looking, she likes X-Men, she's a Razorback fan and the real dealbreaker; she's married. (Robles actually listed her Arkansas fandom last.)
Included in the letter was a picture and a mix of songs from the 90s that she works out to including Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" and "No Diggity" by Blackstreet, which was the first song.
And guess what? She says Kingsbury responded. Here's her photo proof:
"Pam, that was by far the best note I have received since taking this job. It breaks my heart that our romance as come to an end but I will always have a special place in my heart for you. BTW, love the mix tape. But definitely would've had "Pony" as the first song. Guns Up! - Kliff"
Robles has joked about their "relationship" previously.
Kingsbury has also admitted to flirting with the moms of recruits. But if he sent that letter, this is on another awesome level. Kingsbury has had the opportunity to be a complete jerk about the attention that he gets about his looks but instead of acting like that, he's had fun with it. This would certainly go along with that vibe.
Arkansas plays Texas Tech on September 13. Hopefully it won't be traumatic for Robles.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Arkansas fan 'breaks up' with Kliff Kingsbury in letter, says he responded back with note
The Virgin Diaries: Don’t Be Afraid of Being a Slut
This week an article titled I Waited Until My Wedding Night To Lose My Virginity, and I Wish I Hadn’t on xoJane was circulated by... From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - The Virgin Diaries: Don’t Be Afraid of Being a Slut
The 10 Most Bizarre Birthmarks Ever [GALLERY]
Web MD consistently convinces people that the tiniest birthmarks could be something deathly. I mean, Web MD also convinces people with headaches that they could... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - The 10 Most Bizarre Birthmarks Ever [GALLERY]
Report: OU's Mixon faces misdemeanor charge
Report: OU's Mixon faces misdemeanor charge From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Report: OU's Mixon faces misdemeanor charge
Oklahoma five-star freshman running back Joe Mixon to be charged with misdemeanor
Following a three-week investigation, the Norman (Okla.) Police Department turned its investigation of Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon over to the Cleveland County District Attorney, who will charge Mixon with one misdemeanor count of an act resulting in gross injury.
Mixon was involved in an altercation at Pickleman’s Café in Norman on July 25 in which he allegedly punched a female Oklahoma student in the face. The female OU student, 20-year-old Amelia Rae Molitor, told The Oklahoman that Mixon broke her “face in four places” with the punch.
Mixon’s attorney, Kevin Finlay, claimed his client acted in self-defense.
“Joe Mixon found himself in a situation where he was subjected to both verbal and physical attacks from a very intoxicated and troubled young woman. As a result of these physical attacks, Joe instinctually defended himself against further harm,” Finlay said in a statement.
Norman Police released the 911 call from Pickleman’s the night of the incident. The employee who made the call told the operator that “some girl just got clocked in the face” and that the alleged victim was bleeding “pretty bad.”
According to SoonerScoop.com, no charges will be filed against Molitor for her role in the situation.
Oklahoma released a statement on July 30 saying that Mixon, a five-star recruit in the class of 2014, would not report for preseason camp while the program monitors the situation.
For more Oklahoma news, visit SoonerScoop.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!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oklahoma five-star freshman running back Joe Mixon to be charged with misdemeanor
Top 20 Sexiest Instagram Photos of the Day: Friday, August 15th
We know that our daily Instagram fix has mostly been about bikini babes lately, but here’s a pic that has us thinking about winter–because it’s... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Top 20 Sexiest Instagram Photos of the Day: Friday, August 15th
Sooners RB Mixon charged with misdemeanor
Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon was charged Friday with a misdemeanor stemming from an alleged incident in which he was accused of punching a woman in the face. From ESPN.com - College Football - Sooners RB Mixon charged with misdemeanor
Show Your School Pride On Your Feet with These Nike Themed Sneakers
Nike will release a new line of collegiate themed sneakers to go with the rest of your school pride outfit. USA Today reported that Nike... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Show Your School Pride On Your Feet with These Nike Themed Sneakers
Expectation vs. Reality: What Summer Is Really Like
You know how summer starts. You’re exhausted from hella crazy semester and excited to take a deep breath and let the fun begun. You plan,... From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Expectation vs. Reality: What Summer Is Really Like
Nail Art How-to: Flower Power
Hello my little lovelies! As much as we don’t want to admit it, summer is dwindling away (seriously, where did the time go?), and with September creeping forward, I have one last summertime nail design to share with you guys. My obsession right now: flowers! What better way to hang onto summer memories than to […] From College Fashion - Nail Art How-to: Flower Power
Pumpkin Spice Lattes Are Coming Early
Prepare mentally and physically for the return of this American icon on August 25th. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Pumpkin Spice Lattes Are Coming Early
Sources: Irish investigating academic fraud
Four Notre Dame players are expected to be suspended from football activities after an internal investigation into academic misconduct, sources told ESPN.com. From ESPN.com - College Football - Sources: Irish investigating academic fraud
Report: Four Notre Dame players out for fraud
Report: Four Notre Dame players out for fraud From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Report: Four Notre Dame players out for fraud
Three of four Notre Dame players investigated for academic fraud are starters
Notre Dame is reportedly investigating four players for academic fraud.
Sources said four members of the football team were interviewed by school officials Friday: receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore. The probe also is looking at non-athletes, sources said.
The situation was described to Yahoo Sports as a potential “honor code violation,” which could result in the ineligibility of the players. Under NCAA protocol, if any fraud that occurred impacted players’ eligibility the school could ultimately vacate victories. Both Daniels and Russell were significant players during Notre Dame’s 2012 season, when the Irish went 12-0 before losing to Alabama in the BCS Championship Game.
Daniels, Russell and Williams are listed as starters according to Notre Dame's depth chart on Rivals.com.
Daniels had 49 catches for 745 yards and five touchdowns in 2013. He's Notre Dame's leading returning receiver. If he's unable to play in 2014, the Irish's leading returner at receiver would be Chris Brown, who had 15 catches for 209 yards in 2013. In 2012, Daniels had 490 yards receiving. He was unable to enroll at Notre Dame for the spring semester after he had a GPA below 2.0 in the fall semester. He was readmitted for summer classes.
Russell had 51 tackles and an interception in 2013. In 2012, he started all 13 of Notre Dame's games as a freshman and had two interceptions. Williams had 17 tackles a year ago and had 1.5 sacks.
Notre Dame recently named Everett Golson as its starting QB. Golson, who was Notre Dame's starter in 2012, missed the 2013 season after he had cheated on a test. He reapplied for admission to Notre Dame after the fall semester and was back with school for the spring 2014 semester.
If Notre Dame is forced to vacate any victories as a result of an investigation, the Irish would be the first team to appear in the BCS title game to vacate victories since USC. In 2010, the NCAA mandated that the Trojans vacate wins in games that Reggie Bush participated in, including the 2005 Orange Bowl. The NCAA also handed the Trojans a loss of scholarships and a bowl ban.
North Carolina was punished by the NCAA in 2012. The NCAA banned UNC from postseason play that season and also limited scholarships because of impermissible benefits and academic impropriety under fomer coach Butch Davis.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Three of four Notre Dame players investigated for academic fraud are starters
Clemson announces plans to show Georgia game at Death Valley
Clemson is playing at Georgia to open the season on August 30 but the game will be at Memorial Stadium too.
The school said that the game would be broadcast on the video boards inside Death Valley.
“When we heard from fans through social media and email, we began examining the feasibility of opening the stadium, and think this can be a unique experience for our fans wanting to experience a gameday-like viewing from Death Valley,” Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich said in a school release.
The school had 7,500 tickets available for the game and they sold out quickly. Admission to the viewing party at Death Valley will be free. It's a great idea for a football-mad school and something that may become a bigger trend especially after the popularity of viewing parties for the U.S. Men's National Team during the 2014 World Cup.
The hill at the stadium will be closed but the entire lower bowl will be open for fans to watch the game. Clemson will even have the public address announcer there for the game.
Last year, the Tigers beat Georgia 38-35 at Death Vally. This year's game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. local time and gates to the stadium will open at 4:30 p.m.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Clemson announces plans to show Georgia game at Death Valley
We’re Crushing On These 11 Labor Day Whites
The sartorial powers that be prattle on and on about how you should never wear white after Labor Day. If you follow this rule, what are you waiting for? You only have a few more weeks to break out that white before your window is over. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - We’re Crushing On These 11 Labor Day Whites
August 15, 1969: Pioneering Hipsters Land At Woodstock Festival [PICS]
It's the 45th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival--and these vintage photos show some cool kids looking more hip than any hippies... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - August 15, 1969: Pioneering Hipsters Land At Woodstock Festival [PICS]
Virginia Tech OL Mark Shuman retires after third knee injury
An expected starter on Virginia Tech’s offensive line has decided to retire from football.
The school announced Thursday that redshirt senior Mark Shuman has decided to retire after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during practice for the third time in his career. Shuman, who will remain on scholarship while pursuing a second degree, suffered the same injury in 2011 and again in preseason last year.
According to HokieHaven.com, Shuman had ascended to the top of the Hokies’ depth chart at right tackle before the injury.
“I’m disappointed for our football team and I know it’s really disappointing for Mark,” Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said in a release. “He was well on his way to having his best year. He had put so much effort into his preparation and he’s still very much a part of this team, just in another capacity.”
With Shuman out, sophomore Jonathan McLaughlin will likely take over at right tackle, but offensive line coach Stacy Searels said he’ll have to earn it. McLaughlin started every game at left tackle last season for the Hokies.
"I told all of those kids, I don't care if you're a fifth-year senior or a true freshman," Searels said per HokieHaven.com. "We're gonna play the best five. In my past, I've played freshmen and in front of fifth-year seniors. Basically, all the guys have got a clean slate. They've gotta go out and perform every day and our staff, we'll look at it and see who the best five are and that's who we'll put out there."
The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Shuman saw action in 10 total games in his injury-plagued Virginia Tech career. He was a four-star recruit in Tech’s 2010 class out of Fork Union Military Academy, where his dad is a coach. Shuman’s brother, Ryan, was a three-year starter for the Hokies’ offensive line from 2006-2008 and currently works on the team’s strength and conditioning staff.
Virginia Tech’s season opens up at home against William & Mary on August 30. The Hokies’ week two matchup – a trip to Ohio State – will prove to be a bit more difficult.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.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!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Virginia Tech OL Mark Shuman retires after third knee injury
Have the Best Semester Ever If You Set These 7 Goals
Kind of like a New Years Resolution list for a new semester, a back-to-school goal list can help you feel accomplished and satisfied with your academics and social life during these your four years of college. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Have the Best Semester Ever If You Set These 7 Goals
Butt, She’s Great At Sports [14 GIFs]
Can you guess which part of the body benefits most from a strict sports regime? Well, we’re thinking that ladies do pretty well with the... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Butt, She’s Great At Sports [14 GIFs]
Bob Stoops rides into Oklahoma's practice on the Sooner Schooner (Video)
Brian Kelly, you have been one-upped by Bob Stoops.
A week after the Notre Dame coach came into his team's practice on a horse, Stoops rode into Oklahoma's practice on the Sooner Schooner.
Charlie Strong, you've got to Red River Rivalry respond and ride in to practice on Bevo. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening are smaller than the chances of Nick Saban riding an elephant into Alabama's practice.
But Mike MacIntyre, you could utilize Ralphie in some way at Colorado, right? Mark Dantonio, you're not afraid to put on the Spartan costume, are you? Or maybe Mike Gundy could counter and come to practice dressed as T. Boone Pickens and run up a hill?
The options are endless, college coaches, and Sooner Schooner is a high bar. Go try and top Stoops.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Bob Stoops rides into Oklahoma's practice on the Sooner Schooner (Video)
Entire Utah State coaching staff does ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (Video)
Coaches all across the country have been taking part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, filming videos to raise awareness and encourage others to donate money to the ALS Association.
The challenge has gone viral across social media and the Association has seen a dramatic increase in donations over the last month or so. If you don’t already know, the challenge features people dumping ice cold water on their own heads and then nominating others to do the same. If the challenge is not accepted, those nominated are encouraged to donate money instead.
Of all the college football programs to release Ice Bucket Challenge videos, the one posted by Utah State on Thursday might be the best.
It features members of the team dumping cold water onto the entire Aggies coaching staff.
Take a look:
While the guy at the 1:32 mark yelling “ALS Baby” kind of creeped me out, the whole thing was well executed by Utah State.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Entire Utah State coaching staff does ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (Video)
Approach Adulthood with a Childhood Twist [Twenty-Something Rules]
Funny story: Last weekend, my best girlfriend, boyfriend and his best guy friend decided it would be a SUPER cool idea to break into a pool. Like my public apartment outdoor pool that locks at 9:30pm. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Approach Adulthood with a Childhood Twist [Twenty-Something Rules]
Houston Texans Cheerleaders Return With Free Style Friday [VIDEO]
We’re heading into football season–and you’ll want to start celebrating over the Houston Texans Cheerleaders starting up their Free Style Fridays tradition. That’s the amazing... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Houston Texans Cheerleaders Return With Free Style Friday [VIDEO]
Meet The New Stormtroopers Of “Star Wars: Episode VII” [PHOTOS]
Stormtroopers have been some of the most iconic baddies in the history of film. How do the new designs stack up to their place in pop culture? From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Meet The New Stormtroopers Of “Star Wars: Episode VII” [PHOTOS]
Altuzarra for Target Lookbook
Earlier this summer, we gave you the 411 on Target’s upcoming collaboration with Altuzarra, and now images of the collection have been released. To recap, Altuzarra for Target includes nearly 50 items of women’s apparel, accessories, and shoes. Prices range from $17.99 to $89.99 for clothing, and $29.99 to $79.99 for shoes and accessories. The […] From College Fashion - Altuzarra for Target Lookbook
Texas State coach Dennis Franchione knows his story isn't finished yet
When Dennis Franchione’s coaching career is over, he hopes he’ll be remembered as a good football coach, but he knows that’s only part of his story.
In a college coaching career that has spanned 36 years, Franchione has made more than his fair share of mistakes. Some have cost him jobs, some have gotten him jobs and some he can’t seem to forget.
But as he tries to finish his coaching career by revitalizing Texas State — a place where he made one of his first head coaching stops back in 1990 — he knows that the missteps that led him to San Marcos, Texas, are also the ones that have made him a better person.
“If you don’t have any regrets, you haven’t done much,” Franchione told Yahoo Sports. “When you’re a leader and you make decisions and do things there are always going to be ramifications on both sides. You just always try to do what you think is best. People get, sometimes, a little bit misunderstood. Maybe good or bad, but I think we all do sometimes.”
As Franchione prepares for his fourth season with Texas State, he’s encouraged. The Bobcats are in their fourth FBS season, second in the Sun Belt Conference, and have been bowl eligible twice. The goal this year is to get beyond just six wins and actually make a bowl game.
But Franchione is also having fun. It’s a different type of fun than he had at his previous stops at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M. This game is simpler; this team is simpler. Not many of Franchione’s guys are moving on to professional careers, but they love the game, they’re eager to learn and, in turn, Franchione is eager to teach.
“The guys I’ve got on my team right now, I wish some of them were better sometimes just like they probably wish I was a better coach some days,” Franchione said. “I really love our guys, I have fun with them, I enjoy them, I enjoy pushing them, I enjoy succeeding. I really hope I can take this school to a bowl game someday. I knew when I took this job, when they were in transition, that I might be the guy who makes it a better job for the next guy, but my goal was to put it on a good foundation in Division I football. And my first goal was to try to get to the postseason and we almost did that last season. We weren’t able to do that and that was disappointing, hopefully we can do that before my run is done.”
It’s funny what age and perspective can do for a coach and how the simple task of just reaching a bowl game is enough to get Franchione fired up these days. That’s the value of experience and the value of appreciating the current opportunity.
Franchione admits he wasn’t always this patient. As a younger coach, he was always keeping an eye out for the next step and perhaps the next big thing. Those wandering eyes did him no favors in 2003 when, after leading Alabama to a 10-3 record and promising fans, players and his athletic director that he had no designs on leaving, Franchione abruptly resigned, notified his players via video conference he was taking another job and made a new home in College Station, Texas.
“The Alabama thing, gosh, took on a life of its own,” Franchione said. “I certainly wish I could have done that better, if there is such a thing. I have a lot of fond feelings about that place and I’ll probably never get to overcome that one in some ways.”
Franchione isn’t a very emotional guy, but he’s thoughtful and for a moment he lets what he’s just said sink in before shifting his focus to an A&M tenure that almost doomed his coaching career.
A mixture of a mediocre record, a secret email newsletter he was distributing to boosters for a premium price and a couple NCAA violations ended Franchione’s five seasons with the Aggies. It was a dream job that quickly turned into a nightmare and left him without employment.
The following summer, Franchione signed on to do analyst work with ESPN while still interviewing for head coaching jobs. However, athletic directors were hesitant to hire him and Franchione wasn’t sure he’d get back in the game at all.
“It was a humbling experience,” Franchione said. “It took me a little while to find myself and find a direction. Getting to do ESPN radio kept me close to the game and that really helped, I think, a lot. I wasn’t quite sure what the next stage of my life was going to be at that point.”
In 2010, Texas State came open and Franchione reached out to athletic director Larry Teis. Teis and Franchione had known each other at New Mexico and Teis hired him at TCU. But, like many other schools, Franchione’s reputation preceded him and Texas State president Denise Trauth wasn’t sold on bringing Franchione in to help the Bobcats transition from the FCS to the FBS.
“My president asked him a lot of questions because she didn’t know him, she’d never met him,” said Teis, who noted the search committee also spoke with the NCAA and Texas A&M during their vetting of Franchione. “There was the fact that I knew him twice, but we had six people on the committee and I was only one vote. But he came into the presentation to the committee probably more prepared than anybody else. You would think a lot of people at his age, having done what he’d done, would think well, they’re just gonna give me the job because of my record and everything else. But he put together all the stuff and laid out his staff and the offense, the defense, his recruiting schedules, how he was going to do everything. So, he laid everything out, showed he was prepared.”
Every day is a second chance for Franchione and he does his best to make the most of it. After wins, he invites the families of his assistant coaches into the team locker room to share in the elation of the victory — a thought that makes him laugh if he had tried to pull a similar stunt at Alabama or A&M. His son Brad is the linebackers and special teams coach, and while Franchione acknowledges that working with his son is not always easy, it does allow him to spend more time around his grandkids.
While he still has the same drive that he had in previous jobs, he also understands that football is more than just wins and losses or looking for the next great job. It’s about the players and whether, as a coach, Franchione added something positive to their lives. He knows he can’t say that about every place he’s been or every player he’s coached, but he has received his fair share of emails from former players thanking him for his contribution.
And he hopes, as he tries to make Texas State a better place than he found it, that some of his narrative will ultimately be rewritten.
“I’m not doing this for a reprieve or anything like that,” Franchione said. “I’m just doing this because I love coaching. I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve been. When you’re younger and feeding a family, in your career, failure really isn’t an option. At least I didn’t think so. I still don’t like failure, so it’s still not an option, but I’m in a different place in my life. I’m still competitive, I still like the X’s and O’s, I still like coaching, I’m still driven to do well, but my perspective on it is good.
“I guess if I was not coaching I might look back and say I wish I had done this different or that. I’ve had some time to kind of think about those things. I’ve had a great run. I’ve been blessed. The Good Lord has watched over me and my family. I might have to get a real job someday, but I hope not."
If Franchione takes the Bobcats to a bowl game, it will be his fourth bowl game with his fourth teams, a feat not many can say they've accomplished.
“I don’t want to be known for those questions (about Alabama and Texas A&M) as opposed to just being a decent football coach.”
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Texas State coach Dennis Franchione knows his story isn't finished yet
Jim Grobe says he regrets not going to Nebraska
Jim Grobe is spending the 2014 season as a television analyst after resigning from Wake Forest following the end of the 2013 season.
His 2006 Wake Forest team went 11-3 and lost in the Orange Bowl. Wake Forest isn't exactly a football powerhouse. Grobe's work with the Demon Deacons got him a lot of attention.
Nebraska was looking for a coach after the 2006 season. Grobe was a candidate, but he signed a 10-year contract at Wake Forest. Nebraska hired Bo Pelini.
"I do now, I didn't at the time," Grobe told CBS Sports when asked if he regretted not going to Nebraska. "I honestly took great pride in Wake Forest. I had some really good friends there. I trusted some people there. I thought Wake was a little different than other schools. I really, at the time, felt we were going to get a bigger commitment in terms of facilities and support for the program that never really materialized. We loved all 13 years we were in Winston-Salem, but I'm not real happy with the way things ended."
Wake Forest had winning seasons in 2007 and 2008, going 9-4 and 8-5. But 2008 was Grobe's final winning season at the school. The next five years he went 23-38.
There's no telling what would have happened had Grobe gone to Nebraska. What would have been the expectations for him there? Bo Pelini is 58-24 and there's a significant contingent of Nebraska fans who aren't satisfied that Pelini has won nine games in every season because he hasn't won a conference title. Would Grobe be coaching there or would he be in a similar television analyst spot currently had he made the decision to move? It's impossible to say.
Grobe said the success changed his offense and his recruiting philsophy. With Riley Skinner, a four-year starter, at QB, the team didn't use as much misdirection and instead threw the ball more. And Grobe said he went after different types of players, eschewing character for talent in some cases.
"We kind of got away from that dynamic and started recruiting a little bit better player who probably doesn't have a good enough love for the game," Grobe said. "Quite frankly, I ended up spending a lot of time last year with five knotheads who were always missing class, missing study hall, missing tutoring, late to meetings, late to practices, and ultimately I just wouldn't play them. They were very talented kids who could have helped us win games. There's no question I could have done a better job."
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Jim Grobe says he regrets not going to Nebraska
10 Fashionable and Affordable Back-To-School Backpacks
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Miami DB Jenkins out for season with bad back From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Miami DB Jenkins out for season with bad back
Miami safety Rayshawn Jenkins out for season
One of Miami’s most-experienced defensive backs will miss the 2014 season.
Miami confirmed Thursday when its first fall depth chart was released that junior safety Rayshawn Jenkins was out for the season. The school did not offer specifics, but Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald is reporting that Jenkins will have back surgery on Monday.
Navarro wrote that Jenkins, who last participated in practice on Monday, “injured his back lifting weights and was trying to play through the pain.” Following surgery, recovery “is expected to take at least six months.”
“It’s been unfortunate,” said head coach Al Golden. “It’s just a chronic thing that they want to fix.”
Jenkins took to social media Wednesday night to announce that he would not be playing this season. Per the Palm Beach Post, Jenkins wrote on Facebook:
“Will not be playing this season but I wish my boys the best. I would do anything to be out there with them but everything happens for a reason.”
The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Jenkins, a St. Petersburg, Fla., native, played in all 13 games for the Hurricanes last season and started 12. He was fourth on the team with 46 total tackles and was second on the team with three interceptions. In 2012 as a true freshman, Jenkins, a former three-star recruit, played in 10 games and also made two starts. He finished the season with 27 total tackles and one interception.
Fortunately for Jenkins, he still has his redshirt season available. He’ll use that in 2014 and come back with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
With Jenkins out, redshirt junior Dallas Crawford is listed at the top of the depth chart at free safety. Miami’s season opens up on the road against Louisville on September 1.
For more Miami news, visit CaneSport.com.
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From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Miami safety Rayshawn Jenkins out for season
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