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Biggest Adversities a New College Football Coach Must Tackle in Year One
Taking over a college football program is a tricky endeavor whether you are a veteran coach or new coach.
There are a number of tasks that fall on the list of basics for a first year coach, but they never have easy solutions.
Coaches have to win over their rosters, finish a recruiting class in limited time and develop a personal style that will make its mark on the program.
The first year is always the hardest but succeed at these five and the job gets a lot easier.
15 Foreign Cities and Stadiums That Would Be Great for College Football
The NFL has started to expand its games overseas and has had plenty of success doing so. For college football, the same success would be likely, but what foreign cities and stadiums would be the perfect locations for college football games?
Many prerequisites would have to be met, such as stadium size and enthusiasm in that particular city.
While some places like Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea are off limits for political reasons, it is the largest stadium in the world with a seating capacity of more than 150,000. Even though this stadium in North Korea did not make the list, plenty of other large facilities throughout the world would be perfect locations for college football.
Here are 15 foreign cities and stadiums that college football should consider when thinking about expanding outside of the United States.
How Texas Would Fare vs. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M in 2013
It is a shame Texas and Texas A&M aren't playing this season, as it would have been arguably the most hyped meeting between these former rivals in recent memory. With the Aggies leaving for the SEC, this matchup likely won't take place for a long time.
So the next best thing is a hypothetical matchup. Texas A&M and Texas square off sometime in mid-October on a neutral field, who you got? Unless you are a diehard Longhorns fan or a supporter of a SEC West team, you are probably going to pick the Aggies.
Even though Texas has won three of the final four meetings against Texas A&M, it has struggled mightily the last three years, which includes finishing with a 2-3 record against ranked teams last season. This is not the same Longhorns program of old and it certainly isn't the same Texas A&M squad with quarterback Johnny Manziel running the show.
The Aggies were able to win 11 games in their first season in the toughest division in the country. Being the only team to knock off the national champion Crimson Tide, Texas A&M is a team that should be considered a national title contender this season. With that said, most would assume the Aggies would win this hypothetical showdown.
But how would the Longhorns stack up?
Much like the last two meetings between these two teams, which were decided by a touchdown or less, this would be a highly competitive meeting. Although the Longhorns haven't fared well as of late in big games, they are still a team that returns the most starters in the country, with 19. This includes 10 starters from an offense that averaged nearly 36 points per game and nine starters from a defense that really has no choice but to improve.
Arguably the most talented team head coach Mack Brown has had in recent memory, and with depth from top to bottom, there is no reason this club can't contend for a BCS bowl. Sure, this is what we have heard the last three seasons, but when the pieces are in place you would be foolish to look away.
Texas A&M will remain an offensive juggernaut, but that defense that finished ninth in the SEC remains a huge question mark. Missing seven defensive starters, including sack leader Damontre Moore, this will be the Aggies' weakness until proven otherwise. A Texas offense that scored more than 40 points five times last season would be able to capitalize off of this issue.
But the only way to beat the Aggies is to do what few teams have been able to do: Slow down Manziel. Can a defense that allowed 403 yards a game be one of the first to keep the reigning Heisman winner in check? Not hardly, although there is a thing leaning in the Longhorns' favor: A great pass rush.
Last season Texas led the Big 12 with 34 sacks and will have defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat back from injury. Even without sack leader Alex Okafor, there is still enough speed and athleticism to penetrate a Texas A&M offensive line that no longer includes Luke Joeckel.
Even with the first-round pick on the line last season, the Aggies allowed 23 sacks, 10 of which came against elite defenses in LSU, Florida and Alabama. Two of those three games resulted in losses, while the Alabama game came down to the the wire. If you can pressure Manziel and rattle him in the pocket, you have a chance to beat Texas A&M.
This game would be a lot closer than most think due to the Longhorns pass rush, but it is hard to bet against a team led by Johnny Football. He is the difference-maker and the reason the Aggies win a well-fought, tight contest.
Note: All stats come from cfbstats.com unless otherwise noted.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Big 12 Football: 10 Best Big 12 Quarterbacks of All Time
The Big 12 is a quarterback-driven league and has been since its inception in 1994.
A number of high-profile quarterbacks have taken snaps in the league, and this is a look at the 10 best to come through the ranks.
Three Heisman Trophies and a handful national titles are represented by this group. Sam Bradford is an obvious choice, but names like Michael Bishop may not be immediately recognized.
Who takes No. 1?
Just How Good Is Alabama's Running Game?
Miami can probably claim the title, USC could have some say and Auburn would likely carry the torch for the SEC, but there's no denying that Alabama's recent success on the ground has established the Crimson Tide as the most successful "Running Back U" over the last six years.
Since head coach Nick Saban took over the program in 2007, five different Crimson Tide running backs have topped the 1,000-yard mark on the ground, three of whom—Eddie Lacy, Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram—have been selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.
In 2009, Mark Ingram became the first Alabama player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.
Not a bad run, and the best may be yet to come.
The 2013 Crimson Tide will feature sophomore T.J. Yeldon as their lead running back. Yeldon rushed for 1,108 yards and 12 touchdowns as a true freshman last season, serving primarily as the backup to Eddie Lacy.
Yeldon will move up to the top spot on the depth chart this year, but don't be surprised if the Alabama running game looks a little different in 2013.
Though Yeldon has what it takes to be an every-down back in the SEC, Alabama is absolutely loaded at the position with players who can contribute in a variety of ways.
First, let's look at Yeldon. The 6'2", 216-pounder has the build to be a force between the tackles and is not afraid of contact. We saw that in the first game of his career, when he rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown against Michigan in the Cowboys Classic.
He has power, but it's his patience and quickness in traffic that make Yeldon so dangerous.
In just one short season, we've seen Yeldon show the patience of a veteran and the burst that keeps him one cut away from taking it to the house at any moment.
In the video below versus Missouri last season, Yeldon stayed behind his pulling offensive linemen, waited for the right moment and then jumped five yards into the end zone to extend Alabama's lead on the Tigers.
Yeldon averaged 6.33 yards per carry last season. That number will go up next season thanks to the supporting cast around him.
One of the primary members of that cast is early enrollee Derrick Henry. Henry missed Alabama's spring game with a broken leg, but should be up to 100 percent by the time toe meets leather against Virginia Tech in the Crimson Tide's season opener at the Georgia Dome.
When healthy, Henry is a boss. He set the career school rushing record at Yulee (Fla.) High School with 12,212 yards, scored 153 touchdowns and was named the Maxwell Football Club's 2013 National High School Player of the Year.
At 6'3", 238 pounds, his size will likely land him as a short-yardage back during the start of his Tide career. But with 4.54 speed in the 40-yard dash, he can certainly be a superstar in the SEC.
For now, though, expect Henry to get predetermined series as the the feature back—as was the case with Yeldon, Lacy and Richardson when they were backups—but to be a major contributor in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Alabama likes to line up a defensive tackle at fullback near the goal line. It's kind of hard to stop a running back the size of a linebacker when a defensive tackle is plowing the road in front of him.
But it isn't just Yeldon and Henry who will carry the load.
Kenyan Drake rushed for 281 yards and five touchdowns last season, averaging 6.69 yards per carry in the process. The 6'1", 201-pounder is more of a weapon outside. If used properly, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier can use Drake's ability to be creative with play-calling.
Lining up with either Yeldon or Henry as the primary back with Drake in the slot as a receiver will make opposing defensive coordinators' heads spin. It would allow Nussmeier to use the feature back as he always does, but Drake as either a running back or a receiver in screen passes or downfield.
Alabama isn't a spread offense, but it has the ability to give off that impression with the talent in the backfield.
However, it isn't just those three who will be in the mix. Dee Hart dabbled as a defensive back this spring, but the former 4-star (per 247Sports.com) running back is lightning-quick and could move in with Drake as that changeup back with home run capabilities.
Toss in 6'1", 250-pound Jalston Fowler as another short-yardage specialist and Alabama's current crop of running backs is loaded with talent.
The scary thing is that help is on the way.
Alvin Kamara, Tyren Jones and Altee Tenpenny all signed with Alabama as 4-star prospects in the 247Sports.com composite index in February and will join the team this summer. All three of those players would probably earn playing time at other schools this season as true freshmen, but will be battling to avoid a redshirt season in fall camp.
Of the trio, Kamara has the best shot to play right away. He has the versatility to be a feature or changeup back and could find the field right away. If any of the three crack the lineup, it'd be quite an accomplishment and quite a statement to the rest of the SEC.
Alabama's running game is going to be filthy next year due to the talent, depth and versatility it boasts. Sure, the offensive line may be a question mark, but this group of talented backs is certainly capable of overcoming some inconsistencies up front.
These Alabama running backs create the most punishing and versatile rushing attack the Crimson Tide have boasted under Saban.
That's downright frightening.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
What's Preventing Georgia, Florida State from Finalizing 2016 Neutral-Site Game?
Neutral-site games have been the saving grace for dead weekends on the college football schedule. In years past there were gaps in scheduling that produced snoozers—especially early in the year—but that has changed.
Georgia and Florida State are trying to steal some of the national spotlight by scheduling a neutral-site game for the 2016 season, but thanks to a proposal moving the SEC to a nine-game schedule, the matchup may not happen.
Coley Harvey of the Orlando Sentinel reports on the holdup.
At the ACC spring meetings Wednesday, FSU athletics director Randy Spetman told the Orlando Sentinel that talks between the schools about a neutral-site 2016 game are "moving along."
"The AD at Georgia just doesn't know if he has room to put it in there," Spetman said, referring to UGA athletics director Greg McGarity.
Spring meetings are just around the corner for the SEC, and the vote for or against the nine-game conference schedule should be on the agenda.
The 2013 season kicks off with Alabama vs. Virginia Tech in Atlanta, and LSU vs. TCU in Cowboys Stadium. Should the SEC move to a nine-game rotation, these marquee neutral-site games will be a thing of the past.
The ACC is coming off an expansion of its own with the addition of Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Louisville. The conference also added an agreement with Notre Dame that adds five ACC games to the Irish schedule.
Still, there is no plan to move to a nine-game conference rotation for the ACC. In Harvey's report, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said that, "We [coaches] are pretty much all comfortable with the eight.”
SEC coaches have different opinions on the matter. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier told the Athens Banner-Herald , "It could go to nine. Whatever they say is fine with me.”
Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley had this to say about the move to nine games (h/t CBSSports):
"Nine conference games and Florida State, that's a tough challenge. We'll continue to listen to the conversation. Right this second I don't love it for Florida but obviously there are 13 other schools in this league, not just one."
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is all for the move. A report from ESPN's Edward Aschoff brings Saban's thoughts to light:
“I’m for playing nine conference games; I was the only person that spoke out in favor of it last year,” Saban said. “If you increase the size of the league and the number of teams you have in the league then you’ve got to play more games."
At this point the league appears split on the decision, and while it waits it is holding up the moves of other conferences.
Florida State is in a holding pattern "waiting on the SEC” to make its move.
Keeping eight games in the SEC is the right move. College football needs these types of games moving forward, but the trend of top neutral-site matchups may disappear soon.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Big Ten Football Players Who Would Thrive in the SEC in 2013
The SEC has become this big bad conference that has taken over college football, while the Big Ten has lost some of its swagger recently. Players in the SEC are put up on a pedestal, and most players in the Big Ten struggle to receive as much national attention.
This doesn't mean that some of these guys can't hang with the big boys. Many of these players were recruited by SEC programs and could start for some of the powerhouse schools down south. Don't let the rankings, media hype and propaganda fool you; the Big Ten has some players who are more than capable of holding their own against college football's best.
Here are some of the Big Ten players who would thrive if playing in the SEC.
Why Notre Dame Was Wrong to Cancel the Michigan Series
Notre Dame will not be playing Michigan from 2015 to 2017. The school informed Michigan in September that it is exercising its three-year out clause and is taking a hiatus from the rivalry game series that was first played in 1887. The series' future beyond 2017 is uncertain.
Michigan head coach Brady Hoke didn't mince words in his reaction on the decision, according to ESPN:
"We have unbelievable rivalry games at Michigan," Hoke said. "The Notre Dame, that rivalry, which they're chickening out of ... they're still going to play Michigan State, they'll play Purdue; they don't want to play Michigan."
Ouch.
You can't really blame Hoke. Notre Dame is canceling a series in which Michigan leads 23-16-1. As Hoke pointed out, Notre Dame is keeping its series with Purdue and Michigan State. Notre Dame leads its series with Purdue 56-26-2 and Michigan State 46-28-1.
Notre Dame has a future five-game schedule with the Atlantic Coast Conference, and that's what apparently prompted the Irish to cancel the Michigan series. Unless the ACC improves its football, there may be no excuse for Notre Dame using its future ACC schedule as a crutch for shelving the Michigan series. Until you take a look at the Irish's probable 2016 schedule:
- 09/03 - at Texas
- 09/17 - Purdue
- 09/24 - at Michigan State
- 10/08 - Miami (FL)
- 11/05 - Navy (site TBA)
- 11/26 - at USC
- TBA - Duke
- TBA - at NC State
- TBA - Stanford
- TBA - Syracuse (at E. Rutherford, NJ)
- TBA - Virginia Tech
That's a solid schedule with no FCS teams on it. But an inherent problem with Notre Dame's schedule is that it has complete control over it. BCS schools only have control over their non-conference game schedules. Oregon can't cancel Stanford, and LSU can't cancel Florida. Their respective conference commissioners have the final say.
So Notre Dame putting one of its biggest games on hiatus—one in which the Irish have a losing series record—looks like a chicken move.
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck. Or in this case, a chicken.
Apologists will argue that Notre Dame doesn't need Michigan and Michigan needs Notre Dame because of the Big Ten's recent lackluster performances. But Purdue and Michigan State are still on the schedule. Notre Dame doesn't need Michigan but needs Purdue and Michigan State? And Navy?
If Notre Dame is seriously considering its football program joining a conference full-time, then maybe this move makes sense. As of now, its hockey and football programs remain independent. Future ACC games for Notre Dame include Florida State in 2014, Clemson in 2015 and Virginia Tech in 2016.
Notre Dame's insistence to have its football program remain independent is completely understandable. The school is making oodles of money through its media rights, merchandise sales and BCS payouts. According to Forbes' Chris Smith, Notre Dame had $70 million in revenues for 2011, with $40 million of that profit.
Haters will still hate, but that kind of cash explains its football program's commitment to independence. But that doesn't mean football fans have to like it.
Nobody likes to pay taxes, but we do so begrudgingly in order to have necessary public services like police and fire protection. Football teams appearing to take the easy way out aren't held in high esteem, either, even if it makes sense. Especially if it is Notre Dame. Because anything Notre Dame does will always be viewed as the lesser of two evils.
Temporarily shelving Michigan was a bad PR move. Shelving its series with Purdue instead would have probably been met with a dull roar instead of righteous indignation.
There are now three things in life that are certain: death, taxes and Notre Dame fanning the flames of college football fans' angst.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Bleacher Report's College Football Offseason Survival Guide
We are officially entering college football’s Bermuda Triangle: The dreadful offseason dead zone between spring games, summer practices and the far away beaches of the 2013 opening weekend, starting on August 29.
Many long, balmy months still separate us from Week 1 in college football, and with no earth-shattering scandals or major conference realignment news to keep our interest piqued, the start of the season only feels further away.
But rather than resorting to making friends with a volleyball named “Wilson,” modern college football fans have options.
Here is what you can do to keep your sanity over the long summer ahead.
Report Outlines Controversial Changes to Penn State's Football Medical Staff
Penn State once again finds itself in the midst of controversy following reports that the athletic department has made controversial changes to its medical staff recently, according to a recent Sports Illustrated report by David Epstein.
Many of the issues stem from the removal of Wayne Sebastianelli as director of athletic medicine at Penn State. Sebastianelli was also the orthopedic surgeon-head physician for the Nittany Lions' football team.
According to Epstein's report, new athletic director David Joyner is the focus of the Penn State community's concern and disappointment. Joyner had no previous athletic administrative experience before being hired as AD and reportedly had a testy history with Sebastianelli.
In the report, current and former Penn State staff describe Joyner and Sebastianelli's relationship as a rivalry:
Multiple former players and staff members told SI that they recalled Joyner and Sebastianelli having heated words several years ago over whether Joyner was trying to lure football players away from the university medical system.
The report also states that Penn State football players were both surprised and confused to learn of Sebastianelli's departure. Trustee sources told Epstein that Joyner's reason for the changes to the medical staff was to cut costs.
Epstein goes on to report that head coach Bill O'Brien is content with the changes to the medical staff but that he has made recommendations since joining the program.
The report also discusses issues involving athletic trainers taking part in medical practices usually reserved for doctors, including giving a player drugs without a proper prescription, via anonymous sources in Penn State athletics health care.
Penn State released the following statement in response to Epstein' report:
To characterize the medical care Penn State provides our student-athletes as anything other than the highest quality is erroneous. Access to urgent and quality care for our athletes is no less than where it was at any point in the past 20 years. We provided Sports Illustrated with facts and data that demonstrate our commitment to our student athletes and how we compare to other peer institutions. Instead, the article sensationalizes in order to insinuate lower standards and largely ignores statements from the Dean of the College of Medicine.
Contrary to the reporter's assertions, Dr. Sebastianelli remains the doctor in charge of the University's entire medical program for intercollegiate athletics, including football. Further, there has been no change in the support provided by State College-based Penn State orthopedic surgeons, including Dr. Sebastianelli.
Epstein's report is just the latest controversy for a school and an athletic program that has been rocked by scandal over the past 18 months.
Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
How Devonte Fields' Suspension Will Impact TCU vs. LSU Matchup
The LSU Tigers appeared to be in serious trouble with TCU on the schedule as the opening game. With a young team returning that lost a ton of NFL talent, a potential upset against the Horned Frogs was brewing in Cowboys Stadium.
Now, not so much.
According to College Football Talk, TCU defensive end Devonte Fields has been suspended for the first two games for violation of university and team policy.
All the air has just been sucked out of the building.
Fields was a freshman last season who finished third in the Big 12 with 10 sacks, while adding 53 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an interception for good measure. His combination of size (6'4", 240 pounds), speed and a relentless motor makes him one of the best young defenders in the league.
In fact, with him already proving himself in one short season, Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer took to Twitter to share his feelings about the young defensive end.
Needless to say, that is terrific company to be in, as Clowney is just in another weight class compared to the rest of college football.
So what does this do for the TCU-LSU matchup?
The Horned Frogs are still a wonderful football team that finished 16th in total defense last season, and they return the second-most starters in the Big 12 with 15. Despite losing quarterback Casey Pachall for much of the season, they still managed to win seven games and keep things close against Texas Tech and Oklahoma.
Head coach Gary Patterson always has his team well-prepared and his defense is always a feisty bunch that never backs down from the opponent. There is also the fact that LSU lost six starters on defense and wasn't exactly terrific offensively. If there was ever a year the Tigers could take a step backwards or at least struggle out of the gate, it would be this season due to lack of experience.
But it is no secret that Fields was a tremendous part of this football team. No TCU player finished last season with at least five sacks besides him, and he had the most tackles on the team as far as defensive linemen are concerned. Stopping the run and generating pressure on the quarterback are two keys to knocking off LSU, and things just got a lot tougher for TCU to do just that.
It is true that one player doesn't make a team or win a game, but Fields is an elite defensive lineman who makes everybody's job that much easier. When you are the underdog, you need all the help you can get, and this underdog just lost the best player on the entire team.
You can still expect TCU to put up a fight, especially if Pachall is able to get his head on straight and return to form. But the chances of shocking the world and pulling off the upset just suffered a major blow.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Best Fits for the Top 10 Uncommitted DE Recruits in Class of 2014
Many of the DE prospects on this list are so talented and young in the development that they fit just about anywhere. That includes Da'Shawn Hand, the top pass-rusher available, as he's just a freak of an athlete and a player that will be ready to contribute as a true freshman.
Another great DE prospect is Lorenzo Carter, as his size quickness and length are impressive. The most intriguing DE on this list is Kentavius Street, as he an interesting skill set. Street will need to make sure he fits the defensive scheme perfectly of any school he picks.
Lastly, an underrated DE on this list Dewayne Hendrix. He's a sleeper and finding a good fit for his style of play will be crucial. Here are the best fits for the nation's top 10 DEs.
Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports & ESPNU.
Michigan Target 5-Star ATH Jabrill Peppers Sets Decision Date
Jabrill Peppers, 5-star athlete and highly touted recruit, is ready to let us know where he wants to play college football in 2014 and beyond.
The options he has in mind?
LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers and Stanford, according to Tom VanHaaren of ESPN.com. VanHaaren also reports that Peppers will commit live on ESPNU, May 26—which is a Sunday.
Peppers is ranked as an athlete recruit and is No. 1 in that position group, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, but he projects best as a cornerback.
He has the size to out-physical wide receivers and set the edge as a run defender at 6'1'', 205 pounds, but he also has the speed and athleticism to be a legitimate cover corner. Peppers runs a 4.50 40-yard dash, according to 247Sports.
He could even play both ways in college, depending on the scheme. He would be a great running back and special teams player.
VanHaaren may list LSU, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rutgers and Stanford as possible destinations for Peppers, but it's hard to deny that Michigan has an advantage for his commitment. The Wolverines are listed as the top team on his 247Sports interest list, and all 15 experts that participated in Peppers' 247Sports Crystal Ball predicted that he will end up at Michigan.
Michigan also recently landed 4-star offensive tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty, who is Peppers' teammate at Paramus Catholic High (Paramus, N.J.).
Is it possible for a surprise team like Penn State or Stanford to pull off the upset? Sure, anything is possible in recruiting.
All signs point to Michigan being the program that picks up arguably one of the biggest commitments of the 2014 class, though.
If Peppers does pick Michigan, he has the potential to be a superstar corner and athlete reminiscent of Charles Woodson back when he wore the No. 2 for the Maize and Blue.
Note: All scouting and analysis of Peppers done via tape study on videos provided on his 247Sports profile page.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
No Drama at USC This Year? That's Up to Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin has thought about being a high school football coach. He wasn't serious about that career path, according to the Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo:
I wonder if there's something to that peace of mind. Maybe it's something I can go back and do when I get older. I'm going to go coach high school.
It's just the game. It's the game in its realest sense and it's fun. Working with the kids and not all this other stuff. You go back and have fun.
College coaching is a grueling job. That's why the best coaches haul in seven-figure salaries. But people who are happy in their jobs usually don't fantasize about a lower-level job unless the stress of their job is getting to them. There is no escapism if one doesn't feel a need to escape.
Kiffin has to be feeling stress. All of those off the field distractions last year. That 7-6 record including a stunning loss to Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. UCLA out-recruiting USC. The constant pressure to fix this year's team.
Each little incident associated with Kiffin last year wasn't a big deal. But Kiffin's public persona magnified everything. From Russo:
''That is frustrating because I know a completely different person from what a lot of people assume that he is,'' said Layla Kiffin, Lane's wife. ''But then you ask the team and you ask the parents that know him, and they all can say the same things I do. He is personable. And he is funny. And he's extremely smart. He's very gifted and talented at what he does."
Layla is right. Her husband is funny and personable. If only he showed that side of him more often when the mic is live and the camera is on. Then again, maybe no one would care about his inner glow and charm if the results on the field were different.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is cantankerous, impatient and unforgiving when dealing with the media. He's the living embodiment of a curmudgeon. He also wins and that's why nobody cares about his stiff personality.
He who has the most crystal balls rules the world and is excused for any perceived personality flaws.
Kiffin needs to beat Notre Dame, beat Stanford, beat UCLA and not lose to Utah State.
If Kiffin gets USC to the Rose Bowl, the yearly drama will be a sideshow for his critics and the most trivial minutia for Trojan boosters debating on whether or not they'll open their wallets and fork over big bucks.
A six- or seven-win season opens the door for more intense scrutiny. A 10- or 11-win season cancels out another deflate gate or jersey gate.
Kiffin may want to follow the mantra of his former employer, the Oakland Raiders' Al Davis.
Just win, baby.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
No Drama at USC This Year? That's Up to Lane Kiffin
10 College Football Coaches Who'd Make Great Broadcasters
Broadcasting seems to be the popular job for former players and coaches who no longer want to be a part of the daily grind. As soon as they retire, media companies begin throwing offers on the table, and it isn't long before you see them on your television set.
There are coaches in today's game that will eventually end up either calling games or breaking things down in a comfortable studio. However, not everybody can hold a job like this. You must have a great personality, high football intelligence and must bring something to the table that would make people want to pay attention.
Much like coaching, not everybody is cut out for the broadcasting business. But here are a few of the coaches that would make great broadcasters.
Why Alabama vs. Ohio State Is the Dream BCS Title Matchup This Year
The final year of the BCS is approaching with a number of high-profile teams staring down the crystal football. Alabama and Ohio State are the early favorites to land in the game, and having the two powerhouses square off for the title would be a fitting sendoff for the BCS era.
Last year, the Urban Meyer-led Buckeyes went on an impressive undefeated run that would have put them in the national title game if not for NCAA sanctions.
Alabama was able to march to its second straight national title and is expected to challenge for a third this fall.
A couple of things make this game the best scenario to end 2013: It matches tradition-rich programs and legendary coaches, and it signals the return to prominence of traditional conference powers.
Legends Made
Every season, the landscape of the game is layered with opportunities. Players are early favorites for the Heisman, while others are set to become legends with a few more wins.
This game would produce numerous storylines that would make legends and change traditions in just 60 minutes.
AJ McCarron has the chance to win a third straight national title. If he does, he will make college football history and become part of the “best of all time” discussion.
This would be a major storyline that would drive the game's ratings.
Another big draw would be Braxton Miller's Heisman Trophy campaign. He is heading into the year as an early favorite after a strong 2012 season. He is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback who fits well into the Urban Meyer offense.
Having spent more than a year in Meyer's system, look for Miller's production and accuracy to improve.
Changing History
The Ohio State vs. the SEC will also attract attention. The Buckeyes are 1-2 against the SEC in the BCS and 0-2 in title games.
Watching Ohio State try to reverse that trend against the seemingly unbeatable Crimson Tide would drive the media and fans wild.
Merchandise nationwide for the Buckeyes would be hard to find. Pulling for the team that knocks off 'Bama would be enough to drive some fans to the local Foot Locker. A run on Ohio State merchandise would put a dent in inventory and create a shortage of No. 5 jerseys.
Tradition
Ohio State and Alabama are two of the most tradition-rich programs in college football. Both have laid claim to multiple national titles and are consistent pipelines of talent to the NFL.
Ohio State has seven national titles to its credit, with the Tide claiming 15.
The Buckeyes have seven Heisman winners as well. Alabama has produced one.
Both programs are among the top 10 in all-time wins. Ohio State is 837-316-53, the Tide 827-321-43.
Over the years, these programs have become the flagships for their respective conferences. Winning championships does that for a program, and this year should produce another title run for both of these schools.
Watching these two programs that carry a quarter-century of title gold battle for a national title would be a fitting end to the BCS era.
Ratings, Ratings, Ratings
The past few seasons have brought a lot of mid-major conference talk, with teams like Boise State and Northern Illinois working themselves into the BCS discussion. There still hasn’t been a mid-major that has made it to the title game, but some will hope that changes this year.
It won’t happen, and the country will be happy to see it. The ratings for an Alabama vs. Ohio State matchup would skyrocket past any mix of mid-major schools and BCS automatic qualifier.
The country loves big-brand football, and outside of the specific markets of the small schools, the draw is simply not there.
The new playoff system will finally give the smaller schools a legitimate shot at the title, but finishing the BCS era with one final big-name game just fits.
Living Legends Square Off
Love them or hate them, watching Urban Meyer and Nick Saban battle it out from the sidelines is a matchup made in college football heaven. Two living legends squaring off would be an historic occasion.
Meyer has coached all over the country, but his most memorable work was at Florida. He took Tim Tebow and turned him into a quality quarterback while managing to win two national titles along the way.
Saban has been in the SEC for most of his major college coaching career, and winning titles is a part of his regular schedule.
He has secured four national titles as a head coach, with all four coming from the SEC. He won a title at LSU, in addition to his three at Alabama.
Watching these two walk opposing sidelines would be reminiscent of the Woody Hayes versus Bo Schembechler or Bear Bryant versus Shug Jordan showdowns.
This is a game that would be a proper end to a crazy and controversial era of college football.
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Miami and Florida Reportedly Have No Plans to Renew Football Rivalry
You better enjoy this year's Miami-Florida matchup while you can. There is a good chance it will be the last one you see for quite some time.
According to Andrea Adelson of ESPN, Miami athletic director Blake James said during the ACC meetings that he hasn't spoken with Florida about extending the series, and the future of the in-state rivalry is quite bleak.
This is a game that’s been on the schedule and we’re thrilled to be hosting them in South Florida, James said. With that said, I haven’t spoken with Jeremy or the University of Florida about future games and I don’t know how it would fit into their schedule or fit into ours right now. There hasn’t been any conversation and there isn’t anything on the schedule for the future.
The end of this rivalry was clearly coming to an end, but this almost drives the final nail into the coffin.
Two programs that played each other more than 50 times, have only squared off five times since 2001, with two of those matchups taking place as bowl games. This year's meeting completes just the second home-and-home series since 1987, according to the report.
With both programs on the rise once again, this is a game that both schools would likely want to have on the schedule, but the way things are looking doesn't allow it. It is possible that the SEC will soon expand to a nine-game conference schedule, which would remove almost any hope of the Gators scheduling the Hurricanes anytime soon.
Miami also has an upcoming non-conference series scheduled with Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers and there is still a game scheduled against Notre Dame in 2016.
As for the Gators, a nine-game conference schedule would leave only three yearly spots open to try and make the Hurricanes part of their plans. You can then remove one of those vacancies with the rivalry against the Florida State Seminoles, which appears to be alive and well, according to the Adelson report.
I doubt that game will ever be affected because I think one of the criteria for getting in the final four is strength of schedule, which is why we’re changing our schedule, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said. Whether they have nine or we have eight only enhances that ability and it makes the results of that game even greater.
Thanks to possible conference schedule changes and a playoff format around the corner, the Miami-Florida rivalry will soon become a distant memory.
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Out of Bounds to Call Nick Saban 'The Devil Himself?' Not for Florida Assistant
Florida's coaching staff found plenty of live microphones on Tuesday, causing quite a stir in the process.
While head coach Will Muschamp was in Jacksonville, Fla. calling out the Georgia Bulldogs, offensive line coach Tim Davis was about 175 miles south in Melbourne taking aim at the SEC's most successful active coach—Alabama's Nick Saban.
Davis, who was speaking to the Space Coast Gator Club, took several shots at Saban, including making jokes about the fact that his last name is similar to "satan" (via: GatorBait.net).
Will [Muschamp] and I go back to the Miami Dolphins. I've always wanted to work with Will. Will's got a plan. Will coached under the devil himself for seven years. I only did three. He did seven. And his DNA is not any different than Nick.
Davis worked with Saban from 2005-06 with the Miami Dolphins, and he was on Alabama's staff in an off-the-field capacity as director of player personnel in 2008.
This isn't new.
Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin made waves in January when he called Saban "Nicky Satan" in a banquet at Central High School in Macon, Ga.
Out of bounds?
Clearly it's not for Davis and Franklin. While the joke is probably factually inaccurate—after all, there's nothing to suggest that Saban is, in fact, the devil—it is still just a joke on his name. Nothing more and nothing less.
In fact, it's a compliment to Saban that other coaches within the conference take shots at him. The level of success he has reached at Alabama—building a modern-day dynasty with three titles in four years—is obviously a goal of every program. When you're on the pedestal, people are going to try to knock you down.
He went on to compare the coaching styles of the two coaches, saying that Muschamp is a little more personable than Saban.
[Muschamp's] like the other guy, only he's got a personality. He'll smile at you. He'll talk to you. You understand? That's what he's all about. That's Will. I'm proud to work for him.
While joking that Saban is "the devil himself" will raise eyebrows, the quote above has a little more substance.
It speaks to the different personalities of the two head coaches, and it gives insight into the day-to-day working environments at both programs.
According to the New York Times, Saban keeps his assistant coaches away from the media except during games that mandate appearances—such as the BCS National Championship Game. Muschamp lets his assistants speak to the media quite often during the season.
Is that a knock against Saban?
Not necessarily. After all, winning is the ultimate goal, and Saban has seemingly perfected that winning formula.
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Where Each Big 12 Football Team Stands After Spring Season
Every Big 12 team has moved on from its spring season and is gearing up for summer workouts.
There are plenty of headlines surrounding the Big 12 schools, including notable quarterback battles at Oklahoma and Kansas State, the co-champions of the league last year.
As each school finishes up its finals and heads into the summer, here's where each Big 12 team stands.
