NCAA Football News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.   

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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.

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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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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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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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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. 

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Jimbo Fisher has been put in an impossible predicament, one that will spark criticism and controversy regardless of the eventual outcome. Yet, even though Florida State has done absolutely nothing wrong in this instance, it needs to reconsider its position and release 5-star linebacker recruit Matthew Thomas from his letter of intent.

Its firm stance against doing so, while understandable given the circumstances, accomplishes very little. The concern over setting a recruiting precedent might actually pale in comparison to the national perception—unfair or not—brought on by the school simply standing its ground.

The situation is well known by now. 

Thomas, the No. 14 ranked player in the class of 2013, according to 247Sports, committed to Florida State on national signing day by submitting his signed LOI. As it turns out, this decision was greatly influenced by his mother—something he discussed in a recent interview with The Miami Herald.

What happened was on Signing Day [was] I wasn’t sure who I wanted to sign with. I had issues with different schools. But when I told my mom I didn’t want to sign with anybody and wait and give it a few days she said I couldn’t do that. She said, ‘FSU is a good school – pick them. It’s close to home.’ I wasn’t agreeing with it. But I felt like I was being disrespectful to her if I didn’t sign. So I made her happy.

The defensive standout has referenced both Georgia and USC as possible future destinations. Florida State, however, isn’t budging. The Seminoles are planning to visit with Thomas, in hopes that he will reconsider his change of heart. 

In the meantime, the school has no intent to grant him his release from the program he committed to back in February.

Randy Spetman, FSU’s athletic director, spoke with the Tallahassee Democrat at the ACC spring meetings and made the school’s stance abundantly clear.

"The feeling is we wouldn’t release him,” Spetman said. “You’d get into a situation where if you release him, then people would be doing that every year."

The talk of an appeal with the NCAA has already surfaced, although it’s unknown if it will ever get to that point before one side gives in.

In the meantime, an ugly standoff between a high school senior who was conflicted during a taxing process and a school simply trying to hold on to its gem commitment—one it worked hard to obtain over the course of many months—will wage on. It’s only getting started.

There are no winners here, and neither side is wrong for fighting for what they believe is right and deserved. Both are looking out for their best interests, and a legal battle (with moral implications) is underway.

Unique situations call for unique responses, and while Thomas is far from the first (or last) to want out of his LOI before he's arrived on campus, letting him leave for another school without forcing him to sit out a full season wouldn’t have the dramatic effect many assume it would.

These kinds of roster situations have been going on for quite some time, although the high-profile nature of both the school (and recruit)—as well as the headline-less days of the offseason—have prompted more coverage.

That’s not for Florida State, which would much rather associate itself more positive news like the item that surfaced in September 2012, where Jimbo Fisher honored the scholarship of high schooler Richy Klepal, even after he had to give up football altogether because of multiple concussions.

This was a tremendous gesture of good faith on the part of FSU, one that was commended (and deservingly so). Less than a year later, a fascinating roster decision has again surfaced, the circumstances unique.

Their unwillingness to let go of Thomas, however, doesn’t make them the “bad guy” this time around—not even close. But at this point, why drag it out? Why try to force someone to play at your school who clearly doesn’t want to be there? 

If Florida State is truly interested in the well being of this young man, this “student-athlete” who simply wants to play football at another school, then why put up this fight? 

The signature of a 17- or 18-year-old while he’s under unimaginable pressure from coaches and family members alike is a lot to ask from someone when it comes to one of the most important decisions of their life; a decision that is being broadcast live to the world.

Still, it is a signature albeit during a strange, amplified time when it comes to recruiting. For Florida State, however, it would serve the school best to just let him walk. Flexing legal muscle at this point won’t improve the recruiting class. In fact, it could have an opposite effect.

The situation will spark a variety of unique responses, many of them negative. Holding an unhappy recruit at his will certainly won’t help in future recruiting circles. 

It won’t be damning for the players dead-set on playing out their three-to-four years in Tallahassee, but other recruits and certainly teams tasked with recruiting against FSU are happy for the extra ammunition.

Whether it’s avoiding negative PR or simply turning the page on a likely inevitable departure, Florida State needs to let Thomas walk. Not because they’re bad guys if they don’t, but because it’s the right thing to do.

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There's nothing like a little smack talk at a booster club meeting to add a little spice to the doldrums of the offseason. 

Oklahoma's Bob Stoops stepped up last week when he took shots at the SEC, and was followed closely by Kansas' Charlie Weis.

Florida head coach Will Muschamp got into the mix on Tuesday. Only this time, he took aim at a team within his own conference.

While speaking to the Gator Club of Jacksonville (Fla.) at the Jacksonville Fair and Expo Center, Muschamp took aim at his alma mater—the Georgia Bulldogs—who have won two straight over Florida after winning only three of the previous 21 meetings (via Florida Times-Union):

"It's not going to be a long winning streak, I can assure you," said Muschamp. "We feel very comfortable...You turn it over six times and give up 17 points, you put yourself in a situation where you can win the game. We fought through a lot of adversity we created for ourselves in the game. It just didn't work out. We turned the ball over two years ago twice inside our 20-yard line, which resulted in 14 points."

Good for Muschamp.

It's absolutely the kind of quote that will add spice to the 2013 edition of the World's Largest Cocktail Party (yes, Dr. Michael Adams, we're still calling it by its proper name).

That kind of confidence and candor is refreshing, especially in a day and age when coaches have toned down the offseason trash talk following SEC commissioner Mike Slive's stern discussion with them in 2009.

This game doesn't need offseason hype to add to its importance. It's a game that has established itself as one of the top rivalries in the SEC, and often carries enormous division title implications.

But a little flavor never hurt anybody.

You can bet your bottom, top and middle dollars that Muschamp's quote will be featured prominently around Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall ahead of Nov. 2, when the two programs meet at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

This is totally different to Stoops' comments. While they both made waves at booster club events, Muschamp showed precisely how to fire up the fanbase, take shots at a rival and rally the troops in a way that isn't dripping with jealousy and envy.

Florida is in an interesting spot this season. 

It jumped back into the national title hunt ahead of schedule last season, posting an 11-1 regular-season record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl—a 33-23 loss to Louisville. Florida danced on the outskirts of the BCS National Championship discussion late into November.

But it wasn't without stress.

The Gator passing game was simply atrocious last season, finishing last in the SEC in passing offense with 146.3 yards per game. In the game against the Bulldogs, quarterback Jeff Driskel averaged just 7.1 yards per attempt, tossed two interceptions and fumbled three times—losing two.

If Muschamp is this confident about upending the Bulldogs, he must be confident that Driskel and offensive coordinator Brent Pease will be able to stretch the field and become two-dimensional. 

If that happens, look out SEC East.

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Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a rare opportunity to compete for another BCS National Championship.

Last season was Notre Dame's first legit shot at winning it all since 1993, and the Irish haven't finished on top since 1988.

Remaining in contention, however, won't be easy after finishing the regular season 12-0 and consistently winning in dramatic fashion. Include the Alabama Crimson Tide pulverizing Notre Dame, and every scheduled opponent will be chomping at the bit for Coach Kelly's squad.

The bulls' eye has gotten brighter, and the Irish's key players must respond by living up to increased expectations.

Everett Golson, QB

Although he's an obvious key player, it's imperative that Everett Golson enhances his passing ability this season.

The strong arm and mobility was established in 2012, as evidenced by Golson's consistency at extending plays and launching downfield. After all, he did rack up 298 rushing yards, and that forced a defense to honor his athleticism.

Getting more accurate and making smoother decisions from under center, though, will take him to the next level. He only completed 58.8 percent of his attempts and also had tight end Tyler Eifert as a safety outlet.

As Matt Fortuna of ESPN.com writes, Golson improved as 2012 continued, and it's reasonable to anticipate that being maintained in the future:

Notre Dame returns upward of six starters on offense, most notably quarterback Everett Golson. [ESPN Insider KC] Joyner cites Golson's 1.6 percent mark last year in the bad decision rate (BDR) metric — which measures mental errors that lead to turnover opportunities for the defense — as a sign that he has a very bright future ahead of him. Granted, the Irish did not unleash the entire playbook with Golson at the helm last season, but he threw downfield better and better down the stretch, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

In short, the Irish will depend on Golson more and more this season. Now that there are expectations in place, the pressure simply increases.

George Atkinson III, RB

Keeping defenses from totally focusing on Everett Golson is running back George Atkinson.

Last season he was only fed 51 carries, but Atkinson averaged 7.1 yards per attempt and scored five rushing touchdowns. Still developing into the position, coach Brian Kelly stated on his progression in an article by Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune on April 13:

"He's really turned himself into a guy we can throw the football to," Kelly said. "We were a little concerned last year when he was in there what kind of ball skills (he had)."

Kelly said Atkinson also needs to "continue to run the ball with lower pads. He has a tendency to rise up a little bit. We had a goal-line play where I talked to him about getting down. He gets that."

Notre Dame will need to feature a punishing attack in the trenches to move with consistency. It played a key role in Golson's quick impact because defenses could not strictly isolate his versatility.

Atkinson has that potential, and establishing it generates a strong balance.

By the same token, he has to produce on kickoff returns when needed. Obviously, taking a greater role in the backfield will limit Atkinson's special teams impact, but he did average 26.1 yards in 2011 and 20 yards in 2012.

That helps regarding field position, and Atkinson's vision transitions nicely for carrying the rock.

Bennett Jackson, CB

Bennett Jackson enjoyed a breakout performance in 2012 with eight defended passes (four picks) and 65 tackles.

Locking away half the field for Notre Dame's coverage, Jackson did so with immense pain in his shoulder. According to Tim Prister of IrishIllustrated.com, Jackson had a torn labrum:

If you weren’t on the team or a part of Notre Dame’s medical staff, you wouldn’t detect that Jackson was dealing with a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

“I felt like I needed it,” said Jackson of off-season surgery to repair the tear that kept him out of spring drills.

“Occasionally, it would pop out,” Jackson said. “I just got used to the feeling (to the point where) it really didn’t bother me too much anymore. It used to happen in practice all the time, but I just kind of got used to it. It was just part of the game to me.”

Considering he played with basically one arm last season, Jackson's 2013 production will reach uncharted territory. The toughness to fight through the pain, for one, makes him that much better in Cover 1 and 2, as well as providing perimeter run support.

Next fall won't be easy to match 2012's impact, though.

The Irish ranked No. 21 in pass defense and allowed a mere seven passing touchdowns. Therefore, with Manti Te'o and Zeke Motta out of the equation, opponents will attack them more downfield.

That puts added pressure on him to perform. But if his mentality last fall is any indication, Jackson will lead with a strong purpose next season.

Louis Nix, DT

The force of Louis Nix is the key to Notre Dame's defensive success in 2013.

Coming off a season where he recorded 50 tackles (7.5 for loss) and defended five passes, he must keep improving. Blocking schemes are going to try and double him up or attack with a zone to quickly seal Nix down the line.

A byproduct of Nix drawing attention, though, will free up the linebackers and defensive ends to make plays. It's when facing single-block situations and instantly dissecting a pulling guard where Nix has to crash the backfield.

Stephon Tuitt will also be attracting extra blockers since he collected 12 sacks and forced three fumbles last season. So any time Tuitt gets isolated, Nix must capitalize accordingly.

That allows the Irish to win the battle up front and thus, provide Bennett and Co. more turnover opportunities in coverage.

Plus, Kelly can use Nix like William "The Refrigerator" Perry when facing a short-yard situation.

As Nix put it according to Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, the rest of college football has been warned:

Now getting it done on the field is all that remains.

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Urban Meyer has done an outstanding job with recruiting at Ohio State, and as a result he has some incoming players in 2013 who will be big contributors to the team's success.

Given the immense talent across the board for the Buckeyes, earning playing time won't be easy for incoming freshmen or JUCO transfers. That said, in order for this program to reach its full potential, it will need some of these young men to step up.

Scout.com gave Ohio State its top ranking for the 2013 recruiting class, and of the 24 players who committed to Meyer's program, there are sure to be a few instant stars.

These players will make an early impact in 2013, and by the end of the season they could be regulars in the starting lineup. 

Corey Smith, Wide Receiver

Smith isn't an incoming freshman, but this JUCO transfer out of East Mississippi Community College will hit the ground running in his first season at Ohio State.

Last year, the Buckeyes lacked an explosive receiver on the outside. 

That won't be a problem this season with Smith in the lineup. 

With good size, at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Smith brings excellent speed, acceleration and phenomenal hands to the Big Ten. Not only can he stretch the field, but his reliable hands will help Ohio State's offense convert more third downs than it did a year ago.

Last year, Smith caught 50 passes for 721 yards and nine touchdowns, and he'll end up becoming one of Braxton Miller's favorite targets by the end of the season in 2013.

Eli Apple, Cornerback

One of the top cornerback prospects in the 2013 recruiting class, Apple has been at Ohio State as an early recruit since February.

Meyer has been impressed with Apple, along with a couple of other freshmen. He spoke about his young players in a video interview with ESPN's Jeremy Crabtree:

A long, athletic corner, Apple will likely move into the starting lineup as the third corner when the Buckeyes roll out their nickel packages. With Doran Grant moving into the staring lineup opposite Bradley Roby after Travis Howard's departure, this is a logical move.

Apple's speciality is his ability to play man-to-man and jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. He uses his long arms to break up receivers' rhythm, which will help the team's front line get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

By the midway point of the season, nobody should be surprised if Apple overtakes Grant as the second corner opposite Roby. 

Jalin Marshall, Wide Receiver/Running Back

The excitement surrounding Marshall heading into the 2013 season is palpable.

This former high school quarterback will spend most of his time in the slot for Meyer's offense, and Josh Helmholdt of Rivals.com notes his explosiveness in this role:

His raw speed, game-breaking open-field moves and mind-blowing athleticism will be a big reason Ohio State has a chance to unseat the top teams in the SEC this year when it's all said and done.  

Marshall won't spend all his time in the slot, however. He's often compared to Percy Harvin, and you can expect him to line up all over the field. His ability to score on any given play will help Ohio State become an offensive juggernaut in 2013.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78 

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Trap games can ruin an entire season, and the Michigan Football program has a few on the schedule in 2013. 

In case you don't know what a trap game is, it's a contest against a lesser opponent that could pull off a huge upset if the better team is looking ahead to another opponent or fails to take the lesser team seriously.

More often than not, the better team will win these contests—especially in the college ranks. That said, these games must be treated with respect and dogged preparation.

If Michigan fails to take these teams seriously it will have no chance of competing with Ohio State in the Big Ten.  

Again, these are games Michigan should win, but a few mistakes here and there could lead to bitter defeat.

Central Michigan: 8/31/13 at Michigan Stadium

The Chippewas shouldn't be a big threat to win the first game of the season, but the Wolverines' highly anticipated contest against Notre Dame is the following weekend. 

These two teams have only met three times in history—the last time coming in 2006. In each of the three contests, Michigan has routed Central Michigan. 

Everything about this game points to a big Michigan win.

That's why Brady Hoke must be extra careful to get his team prepared for this matchup, because these are the perfect ingredients that make up a trap game. 

Central Michigan head coach Dan Enos had his team playing well at the end of last season. The Chippewas won five of the last six games of the season—including a victory in the Little Cesar's Bowl—after starting the season with a record of 2-5. 

If Michigan isn't 100-percent prepared for a dog fight it could suffer an embarrassing early defeat. 

Minnesota: 10/5/13 at Michigan Stadium

Michigan handily defeated Minnesota last year by a score of 35-13, and the Wolverines should be able to secure a similarly convincing victory this year.

That said, this team will be heading into Beaver Stadium the next weekend to face Penn State, which has defeated Michigan the last three times the two teams have played. 

Minnesota isn't a top team, but it's not a team lacking in talent, either. 

Ra'Shede Hageman is one of the most dangerous interior linemen in the nation and could be a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He'll put pressure on Devin Gardner from his defensive tackle spot all game long and make it difficult for the Wolverines to run. 

Sophomore quarterback Philip Nelson looks to be much improved from last year's effort, if the team's spring game was any indication, the Gophers' offense will be competent at the least.

Iowa: 11/23/13 at Kinnick Stadium

In the second-to-last game before the Big Ten Championship Game and one week before taking on Ohio State, the Wolverines will hit the road to face Iowa.

Iowa only won four games last year and was easily defeated by Michigan one week before it took on Ohio State, and all signs point to a similar outcome in 2013. 

That said, just like the previous two games the contest against Iowa could be a trap game.

Gardner had his best game of the season against Iowa last year, leading the Wolverines to a convincing 42-17 win.

This game will be on the road, however, and he had mixed results in road games in 2012.

Iowa's offense should be improved in 2013 after an abysmal 2012 season. The team's quarterback situation is still up in the air but whoever starts has a nice arsenal of weapons to work with. 

On the other side of the ball, Iowa's defensive line will be much better in 2013, and Michigan will need to play well to win this road game.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78 

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When the incoming freshmen from Ohio State's 2013 recruiting class finally report to campus this June, the most heralded member of that group will be looking to hit the ground running.

Vonn Bell, the highest rated recruit from Ohio State's outstanding '13 class, isn't looking to ease his way onto the Buckeyes' football team. Despite some legitimate depth in Ohio State's secondary, the 5-star safety (via 247Sports.com) wants to come in and compete for playing time on day one.

In an interview with Kevin Noon of BuckeyeGrove.com, Bell said that he's preparing himself physically so that he isn't overwhelmed by the practices. The star prospect out of Rossville, Ga. has added over 15 pounds of muscle, up from his high school playing weight of 177 to a solid 193.

Because he's preparing himself physically, the biggest challenge facing Bell this summer will be learning Ohio State's defensive scheme.

I just want to get in and learn the system as quick as I can. Obviously this time of year, everyone is working for a spot. The coaches say they might put me at Nickel at first so coming out I have to just learn the system and listen to the coaches.

Making Bell the fifth defensive back in Ohio State's nickel defense could be a huge advantage, especially against teams that will want to spread the Buckeyes out this fall. 

Ohio State struggled immensely last year when opposing offenses attacked the perimeter of its defense. Six of Ohio State's first seven opponents spread the Buckeyes out in various ways with a tremendous amount of success. Going into its Week 8 matchup with Purdue, Ohio State was giving up a bloated average of 277 passing yards per game.

Of course, the Buckeyes tightened up their defense over the last five games, but much of that was due to an elevated play from the front seven and a change in the style of opponent Ohio State faced.

When the 2013 football season finally arrives, the Buckeyes will need to be better at defending teams who attack their perimeter. Ohio State defensive coordinator Everett Withers is hoping Bell can help.

"His development in the scheme will be crucial," Withers said of Bell, via Rivals.com. "Hopefully he can fit and be able to help us in some of those sub packages, nickel and dime, and maybe even at the free safety position, help us be able to provide some depth there." 

According to Marc Givler, Bell is doing everything he can to be that guy for Ohio State this year, "I'm trying to get to 200. I want to be a head hunter when I get up there."

David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.

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Sports Illustrated is expected to release a story Wednesday examining alleged shortcomings of Penn State's medical care to football players.

Teasing the story on the cover of this week's issue with the line "Do athletics still have too much power at Penn State?" Sports Illustrated's special report authored by David Epstein takes aim at how Penn State has treated players over the past year with information provided by a sampling of players and family members.

"To characterize the medical care Penn State provides our student-athletes as anything other than the highest quality is erroneous," a statement released by the university read. "Access to urgent and quality care for our athletes is no less than where it was at any point in the past 20 years."

Penn State goes on to claim they provided Sports Illustrated with all of the information available in an effort to prove the support provided for players who need medical care is a top priority.

"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."

Much of the information in the story is reportedly harsh on Penn State Athletic Director David Joyner and Director of Athletic Training Tim Bream.

Penn State made a change at Director of Athletic Training by having Bream replace longtime team physician Wayne Sebastianelli just days after Joyner had the interim tag of his AD position removed.

A tense history between Joyner and Sebastianelli is reportedly reviewed in the story.

The decision to change team physician in February was one that was surprising and examined, but is worth exploring once again in light of alleged concerns over physical and medical care to players.

Coach Bill O'Brien has released a statement ahead of publication of the SI story, claiming the medical care available to his team is on par with any treatment options available before the recent changes in staffing.

"From a coverage standpoint, we have exactly the same level of medical care as we had previously," O'Brien said in a statement. "The same surgeons as last year are available to players who would need that level of attention. Nothing about our level or quality of athlete care has changed."

Former players interviewed in the story include Adam Taliaferro and Michael Robinson, as well as former walk-on Garrett Lerner, who decided to leave the team in March as a result of injury concerns.

Based on some of the information leaked regarding Lerner, there may be some seriously valid concerns to address.

Some of the details of the story have already leaked via Twitter—they are very strong allegations—but the full story has yet to be published as of early Wednesday morning. We will have to wait and see how the story reads in full, but I am curious to see how the tease asking if athletics have too much power supports the first batch of details shared.

If athletics were too powerful at Penn State, wouldn't the school and program do everything they could to ensure the best medical support is available?

Given what is shared right now, the more appropriate question might be whether or not Penn State has done enough to provide adequate care to a program that realizes the next few years will be critical in regards to player health and safety with NCAA sanctions cutting back on scholarships available.

Again, until I read the story in full, it would be unfair to draw any real conclusions about the issue.

Kevin McGuire is the host of the No 2-Minute Warning podcast and managing editor of Nittany Lions Den. Follow McGuire on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook.

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Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy loves Duck Dynasty. 

No, not that Pac-12 team that has the retina-burning uniforms and hot cheerleaders.

Gundy is a fan of Duck Dynasty, A&E's hit reality show that follows the adventures of brothers Phil and Si Robertson. The two own Duck Commander, a company that sells products to duck hunters including the famous Duck Commander duck call. But there's a college football connection. 

Phil played football at Louisiana Tech and had NFL interest but he decided against it. He explained to the Inquisitr why: 

"They said, ‘Why don’t you go in the NFL and play football?’ In the ‘60s, the late ‘60s, the going price was $60,000. You make the team? 60 grand. I thought, ‘And I miss duck season? And I have large, violent… men chasing me trying to stomp me in the dirt?’ It just seemed like a lot of stress and not a lot of money."

Phil is pretty interesting but that crazy Uncle Si makes the show. He tells stories better than Pa from Little House on the Prairie. Phil and Si's sons, Jase, Jep and Willie, don ZZ Top-like beards and like to roam through meadows and fields in search of ducks in Louisiana. Get the picture?

The show is a big hit. A bunch of zany characters building a business from the bottom up is a ratings-buster. But they're also a family that resolves their problems at the dinner table every night. It's The Beverly Hillbillies meets The Waltons, SEC style. 

It's no wonder Gundy likes this show. 

Gundy knows how hard it is to build success. Prior to his tenure at Oklahoma State, the last six consecutive winning seasons in Stillwater were from 1983-88. He and his team also know how hard it is to adjust to success. And to keep earning respect.  

The Oklahoma Sooners have always been treated like royalty in the state while Oklahoma State has been that annoying little brother that causes trouble every now and then. 

Gundy has built up his own little dynasty. And now he wants the Duck Dynasty cast to be his guests at a Cowboys game. 

Picture Boone Pickens Stadium with 60,000 fans blowing their Duck Commander duck callers as the team takes the field with ZZ Top's Sharp Dressed Man blaring over the loud speakers. 

This needs to happen.

Nothing is greater than the spectacle of college football. 

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For six Big 12 teams; the 2013 season will usher in a new starting quarterback. For most conferences, this would be an unsettling prospect—that's a lot of unknowns in a conference known for prolific passing attacks. 

But the talent under center or in shotgun this fall will be spectacular. It's almost unfair. Who are these new young guns? And who will impress us the most?

Bryce Petty, Baylor

The hype is real over Bryce Petty. The junior quarterback went 13-of-15 for 181 yards and two touchdowns under windy conditions in Baylor's spring game. And he did so against a much improved Bear defense. 

Head coach Art Briles made us forget 2011 Heisman winner Robert Griffin III when Nick Florence lit up secondaries last year. And now we have Petty to make us forget Florence? The fun never ends in Waco, Tex.

Petty is our new Cinderfella in the Big 12. 

Michael Brewer (?), Texas Tech

We can count on new head coach Kliff Kingsbury improving the Red Raider quarterback play dramatically. There is one problem—Kingsbury hasn't named a starter yet. It's between sophomore Michael Brewer and freshman Davis Webb.

Brewer played in nine games last year. According to Texas Tech's website, he went "34-of-48 for 375 passing yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions with a 70.8 completion percentage."

Sold.

Blake Bell, Kendal Thompson or Trevor Knight, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's offense is loaded but who will be its field general? The sentimental favorite is Blake Bell but he hasn't proven his mettle beyond short-yardage packages. We know he can run for a first down on 3rd-and-2 but can he sustain long drives and put points on the board? 

Trevor Knight blew the socks off his teammates and coaches while playing on the scout team. Kendal Thompson is exciting to watch when he takes off and runs but that has to scare coaches. The offseason should see him working on pocket patience and letting the play develop.

If the defense can recover from substantial losses then the onus won't be on the quarterback to make every play and that bodes well for the Sooners. 

Jake Heaps, Kansas

This is Kansas football so not a lot is expected after Weis' second year in Lawrence but the team did do some things right last season.

It reduced its scoring differential in losses significantly from 2012's 21.5 points to last season's 17.8. Its defense did have periods of brilliance albeit it hasn't shown that in four consecutive quarters. But Kansas' biggest problem has been its offense, specifically the passing game.

With Heaps under center and running back James Sims back for another year, Kansas should improve. We'll see Weis' trademark—the corner end zone fade—but we should also see a new bag of tricks which will enhance Heaps' abilities. 

Heaps could be a real surprise if Kansas can continue to establish the running game.

Daniel Sams or Jake Waters, Kansas State

Kansas State should be set at quarterback judging by these spring game statistics courtesy of the Associated Press:

Daniel Sams threw for 391 yards and Jake Waters passed for 249 as the two ended their spring competition Saturday to replace Collin Klein as Kansas State's quarterback.

The purple team beat the white team 76-3 and Waters and Sams each got two quarters with the first-string offense.

76-3? Obviously head coach Bill Snyder didn't employ one of those fancy schmancy scoring systems that gives defense points for stopping a drive or forcing a turnover. The quarterbacks also played against the defense's second string team.

He's a tricky one, Snyder is. His team will probably get minimal respect since everyone is gone. And most sportswriters will be shocked at how well Kansas State bounces back at quarterback in the post-Klein era. 

Ford Childress, Paul Millard or Clint Trickett, West Virginia

As exciting as West Virginia's offense and head coach are, this fall will be another exciting season but for all the wrong reasons. Head coach Dana Holgorsen has no idea who will start at quarterback nor at 20 or so other positions. 

This is going to be a nail-biter season for Mountaineer fans. 

Ford Childress throws a nice ball but is untested. Paul Millard has the playbook down and 50 career passes on his resume. Clint Trickett just transferred from Florida State. There is no doubt that whoever starts at quarterback will eventually succeed under Holgorsen's system.

But not this year. The offense will struggle this fall. 

Note: TCU, Oklahoma State, Texas and Iowa State all return quarterbacks who started games last season. 

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This past February, no coach in the nation was able to close with as much force on a recruiting class than Urban Meyer.  Among the players Meyer was able to grab early in the process was 5-star safety Vonn Bell (via Scout.com).

Yesterday, Rivals.com’s Marc Givler was able to catch up with Vonn as he began workouts for the upcoming 2013 season.

Most notably, Vonn said that he played his senior season at around 177 pounds and is currently in the process of getting to 200 pounds before he arrives on campus.

Vonn Bell on adding 15pounds to get up to 193 'I'm trying to get to 200 I want to be a head hunter when I get up there' #OhioState#buckeyes

— Marc Givler (@MarcGivlerBG) May 14, 2013

In order to be a legit, big-time safety at the next level, Vonn needs to gain weight without losing his speed.  Because he was 177 pounds as a senior, there were people saying that he might project better as a cornerback. 

If and when Bell is able to reach 200 pounds, he’ll be a freak on the football field.  With an already flexible set of hips and his overall ball skills, he should push for playing time when fall camp rolls around.

The ball skills are there for Bell to have an instant impact.  Though it’ll be hard to be a starter from day one with Christian Bryant and CJ Barnett returning as seniors, the Georgia native will definitely see playing time.  “Obviously this time of year, everyone is working for a spot. The coaches say they might put me at Nickel at first so coming out I have to just learn the system and listen to the coaches.” Bell told Givler.

The nickel position will be a perfect fit if in fact he is able separate himself from others in the fall.  It’ll be tough sledding, though, as he’ll likely have to battle Tyvis Powell and Corey Brown, both having the size advantage and experience over Bell. 

Defense won’t be the only place you’ll see Bell on the field this year.  Meyer likes a tough, nasty and fast kickoff team, and like last year, you should see a handful of the young pups make an impact on special teams.  

Ohio State certainly grabbed a gem when they were able to land Vonn Bell on national signing day.  The kid has it all, now it’s up to him to translate it at the higher level.  His work ethic seems to be there as he’s put on 15 pounds over the last few months. 

The only unknown will be if he can pick up the playbook fast enough to gain substantial playing time.  If the game slows down for him and he keeps making strides in the weight room, Vonn Bell will become the head hunter he wants to be and the head hunter Buckeye Nation has longed for.  

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With a recruiting genius like Urban Meyer as the head coach of the Ohio State football team, one thing Buckeye fans don't have to worry about is a lack of talented players in scarlet and gray uniforms.

Dating back to his years at Utah, it's been per usual for the two-time-national-title-winning Ohio native to to bring in big name recruits. 

Though Meyer has an outright electrifying junior-to-be quarterback in Braxton Miller at his disposal and he picked up highly touted J.T. Barrett in the 2013 class, he's still looking to reel in highly sought after signal callers in the 2014 class. 

So far Meyer has sent scholarship offers to four different quarterbacks in the 2014 class, and all but one of them (Clemson bound Deshaun Watson) are still up for grabs. 

Without further ado, let me introduce you to the three uncommitted targets that have received offers from (and are considering to attend) THE Ohio State University. 

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