Clemson had a down year and went 10-3. Clemson has won 2 National titles in the past 5 years. Players want to go to Clemson and play for Dabo Swinney (Clemson Head Coach) so they can win National Championships. I expected that Clemson would have better talent because of this fact. However Iowa State played them tight. The score was 6-3 at halftime, and it was anybody's game at that point.
There were 2 primary reasons Iowa State lost. 1. Both teams had an interception. But the Iowa State Interception was a pick 6, which resulted in a touchdown - The Key Difference. Iowa State's interception we eventually turned over on downs. 2. Clemson had 128 yards rushing and Iowa State had 66. They nearly doubled us on the ground. I would say we missed our All American Running Back Breece Hall just a touch in the game.
All and All, I was looking to this game as a barometer of where the program stands. Clemson has been a consistent BCS playoff team for the past 5 plus years. We played they tight and hung with one of the very best programs in College football. We should be proud, this is a better outcome than I expected. Now it is next man up and on to next year.
Mark this one up to a little Iowa State Football trivia. I should have known this. Both are Running Backs. Drumroll: Breece Hall and Troy Davis. 2-Time ISU All Americans
Breece Hall 2020, 2021
Troy Davis 1995, 1996
Is it just me or did they have really huge shoulder pads back in the 90's? Since there are only 2 Two-Time Consensus All Americans from Iowa State and they were both Running Backs, does that make Iowa State Running Back U (University)?
The Jacksonville Jaguars fire Urban Meyer. They just paid him leave after not even completing a full year on the job. Jaguars Fire Urban Meyer Although Meyer's personality caught up to him in the pros he had a very successful college coaching career. Meyer had 2 National Championships at Florida and 1 National Championship at Ohio State. But he never had any experience coaching in the pros, this is credited for part of his downfall at Jacksonville.
Why do we care Cyclone fans, well Matt Campbell's name has been raised multiple times in the past fewer years concerning open coaching positions. Including open positions in the NFL. It is rumored Campbell turned down a 8 year $68.5 million dollar deal. Campbell Never Offered Lions Job I have said, many times Matt Campbell may leave but I don't think he will do it for the NFL and I don't think he is a good fit for the NFL.
This should relieve some of the talk about Campbell leaving Iowa State to take another job in the NFL. Thank you Urban Meyer, I believe the NFL big wigs will be slow to hire a college coach anytime soon. Unless, they are some sort of Quarterback whisperer, perhaps like Lincoln Riley. But, the list of college coaches making the jump to the pros has been a historically short list at best.
I saw this graphic on the Twitter Machine, and it got me to thinking. Which Conferences have the most teams in the Top 25. I'm counting the new look SEC and New Look Big 12 i mind, not current affiliation.
SEC: 12 teams out of 16 total in conference
Big 10: 7 teams out of 14 total in conference
PAC 12: 3 teams out of 12 total in conference
ACC: 2 teams out of 14 total in conference
Big 12: 0 (nil) out of 14 total
Independent: 1 (Notre Dame- loosely tied to ACC)
How Many of these schools are located in large Metro areas??? I decided to cut it at top 50 metro areas.
Ohio State: Columbus, OH - #14
USC: Los Angeles - #2
Washington: Seattle - #18
You could clearly argue some of these schools pull from larger metro areas. But, I find it interesting that the vast majority of these schools are outside of major metro areas.
Texas from Dallas
Michigan from Detroit
Georgia from Atlanta
Penn State from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Oregon from Portland and Seattle
Etc.
My main point is I believe college sports are separating the haves and the have nots. I will begin exploring the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, Likeness monies as I look forward to how these issues will continue shape and impact college sports.
Something just happened that I believe is a signal and could be a historical few weeks in College Football history. Three very successful, storied "Blue Blood" programs lost their head football coaches. Oklahoma lost Lincoln Riley that moved to USC, Notre Dame lost Brian Kelly that moved to LSU, and Oregon lost Mario Cristobal that moved to Miami. Non of these universities is used to losing coaches unless they are the ones asking the coach to move on. They are the divorcer versus the divorcee. Brand new territory, by why so many all at once? Normally one of these moves would be major news for a good decade.
Oklahoma: 7 National Championships - last in 2000 Bob Stoops (lost their coach)
Notre Dame: 11 National Championships - last 1988 Lou Holtz (lost their coach)
Oregon: 0 National Championships, BCS finalist: 2010, 2014 (lost their coach)
USC: 6 Unclaimed National Championships
LSU: 4 National Championships (1958 Paul Dietzel, 2003 Nick Saban, 2007 Les Miles, 2019 Ed Orgeron)
Miami: 5 National Championships, last 2001 Larry Coker
These coaches are leaving storied programs for two reasons: The money, and the potential to win National Championships. I think it is fun to watch some of these so called Big Blue Bloods lose a coach to greener pastures.
Coaching Changes:
Oklahoma Lincoln Riley moves to USC, Oklahoma hire Brent Venables DC Clemson
Notre Dame, Brian Kelly moves to LSU, Notre Dame hires Marcus Freeman DC Notre Dame
Oregon, Mario Cristobal moves to Miami, Oregon hire Dan Lanning DC from Georgia
*** I guess the new flavor of the day is to hire a successful Defensive Coordinator from a top program.
Miami Faculty Upset over New Football Coach Contract Like duh. I don't understand why there aren't more State run Universities up in arms. There were massive budget deficits and cuts across universities due to COVID last year. But, for some reason the going rate for a new head football coach is somewhere in the $7-10 million for an average duration of 10 years. These contracts would make Gordon Gekko proud.
Clemson out OC and DC Clemson is in the process of hiring new Offensive and Defensive Coordinators. This could be really good news for the Cyclones. Because the Cyclones face off with the Clemson Tigers on December 29th at the Cheez It Bowl. That give Dabo Swinney just a couple of weeks to hire, train, and show the new coordinators the systems and the personnel groupings. Or else, our good friend Dabo tries to get through bowl season and figure out the new hire in the new year.
All and all, I would guess Swinney's plate is a tab bit full; game planning and recruiting new coaches, as well as new football recruits. I like this problem for them, and I like the impact for the Cyclones. I'm sure we will only hear about this like a dozen times during the broadcast of the bowl game. I think I might just go treat myself to a Cheez It
Cincinnati is on the verge of gaining an invitation to the Top 4 College Football Playoff structure. Why should we care?
1. Cinderella programs are the lifeblood and absolute appeal of the NCAA College Basketball tournament. No college football program since the inception of the Playoff system has allowed a team outside of Power 5 Conferences. Cincinnati is currently a Group of 5 program and on the brink of breaking the establishment bias. I think this is good for college football and more than just a fun story. We'll see if they can compete with the big boys. Structural change although uncomfortable usually leads to good.
2. Cincinnati is part of the new look Big 12. Based on the Current AP Rankings: NCAA Football Rankings, The new look Big 12 currently has ranked teams: #3 Cincinnati, #5 Oklahoma State, #9 Baylor, #12 BYU, and #16 Houston all ranked in the Top 20 (I'm not counting OU - not in new look Big 12). In addition: Iowa State 7-5, Kansas State 7-5, and West Virginia 6-6 are also bowl eligible.
I would say the new look Big 12 is in good shape. Although highly debatable, some might argue the new look Big 12 might be in better shape moving forward.
Brian Kelly leaves Notre Dame for LSU and Lincoln Riley leaves Oklahoma to go to USC. Did OU and Notre Dame, historic Blue Bloods just turn Red?
Presumably Lincoln Riley is leaving OU, because Oklahoma is moving to the SEC sometime between now and 2025. Yes, the SEC has a treasure chest of resources, recruiting, and publicity. But, I think Riley looked at the terrain and said, I don't want to face Alabama (Auburn is East of Tuscaloosa, and would likely move to the Eastern Division with entrance of OU & UT), LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, and Mississippi State, and Ole Miss every other week - where is the off week. While going to The PAC 12 at USC you really only have one major "Get Up Game" Oregon every year that you have to prepare for annually. He said, "sign me up the for the conference I can own much like I did The Big 12 for many years, West Coast here I come. Load up the truck we are moving to Beverly." 5 Star Back Commits to USC
Brian Kelly became the winningest coach all-time at Notre Dame passing the Legend Knute Rockne this season. However, Notre Dame is independent - they have NOT won a National Championship since Lou Holts in 1988. Recruiting to Indiana, recruiting to higher educational standards, and doing it with fewer resources I think got Kelly to thinking. Kelly's Internal monologue, "Self - I'm 60 its time I get paid, Saban is 70, I can outlast that raisin, I think it might be easier to recruit at LSU and win championship. Let's see in 2003 Nick Saban did it, in 2007 Les Miles did it, in 2019 did it - at LSU. Maybe this Notre Dame tradition isn't all it is cracked up to be. Show me the money - Jerry Maguire style."
Almost every analyst that I read or listened to had both of these situations totally misjudged. I think the surprises in College Football are just beginning - I'm expecting a few more this year and it has been fun. As for OU and Notre Dame perhaps they are the Blue Blood destinations they used to be. Lou Holtz sounds of on Brian Kelly in the video below.
Last year during the Unprecedented COVID year, it seemed that most college athletic programs were cutting athletic budgets, tightening the belt, and cutting non-revenue producing programs like: gymnastics, tennis, swimming, etc. Across the country athletic departments were projecting shortfalls in budget projections in college athletics.
10/29/2020: In a statement, the LSU athletic department said it expects to lose $80 million in revenue. As a result, LSU announced department-wide reductions in compensation. Staff earning above $80,000 are subject to a 5% salary decrease in 2021; the athletic department won’t give bonuses to coaches and staff for one year; and LSU will only approve new positions, promotions, salary adjustments and position replacements in "essential situations" through June 30, 2023. LSU athletics lays off employees
11/31/2021:LSU has hired Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly to fill its vacant position, the school announced Tuesday morning. Kelly's contract will be a 10-year, $95 million deal, plus incentives. It is believed the Tigers shifted to courting Kelly after whiffing on stealing Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, who was instead hired by USC. LSU hires Kelly
Say what, - what a difference a year make, really? Is it just me or is the hypocrisy across college football crazy? I'll review some of the new contracts that stand out, and money being offered. And one shining star of hope, and a coach that I think should be applauded.
Alabama: Nick Saban - 8 year/$84.5 million; Extension; Championships: 7 National
Penn State: James Franklin - 10 year/$75 million; Extension Championships: 0
LSU - Brian Kelly - 10 year/$100 million New; Championships: Championships: 8 conf.
How can I sign up for the 10/year 7-10 million/year deal? I don't have any conference championships either.
Now for a Ray of Hope: Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh told the "Inside Michigan Football" radio show on Monday night that he plans to donate all his bonus pay for this season back to athletic department employees who took pay cuts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Harbaugh secured a $500,000 bonus Saturday by clinching an outright Big Ten East title. A victory for Michigan against Iowa in Saturday's Big Ten Championship Game would net Harbaugh a $1 million bonus, and he could be in line for nearly $3.5 million in total bonuses if the Wolverines win the national title.
Compare and Contrast with Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz who refused to take a reduction in compensation during the COVID year. All while the Iowa AD had to disband athletic programs due to a budget shortfall. We'll see how Karma plays out on Saturday. You can probably guess, I'll be wearing my Michigan Sweatshirt this coming Saturday.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Tuesday he won’t be rushed into finding a replacement for coach Brian Kelly even if the Fighting Irish manage to secure a College Football Playoff berth this weekend.
“Every search process has its own rhythm,” Swarbrick said a few hours after he and Kelly addressed players during a hurriedly called 7 a.m. meeting. “You want to do the best job you can, not the fastest job you can. We’re going to do the best job we can to find the right person to lead Notre Dame.” Less than 24 hours later Notre Dame Hire Marcus Freeman Could have a thing or two about the CFP penalizing Notre Dame for its coaching indecisiveness.
Is Swarbrick playing with us or torturing Iowa State Fans. Maybe a little of both. Matt Campbell's name continues to remain at the top of the list of almost every article I read for candidates to replace Brian Kelly at Notre Dame. I have two quick points.
1. The longer they take to make the replacement at Notre Dame the better that is for Iowa State fans. Matt Campbell has certainly gained his share of clout for the coaching job he has done at Iowa State. But, replacing a coach at Notre Dame is not something they take lightly. And if there is one thing I know about Catholics - I don't like to skimp the process. Bow your heads we must pray on this, Amen.
2. I believe that Luke Fickle, Cincinnati and Marcus Freeman, DC at Notre Dame are the top candidates. I do believe that Matt Campbell will get a courtesy call, but going 7-5 with the team and the talent level would not instill a lot of confidence in me, if I were an AD at a Blood Blood like Notre Dame. I believe they would get a fair amount of blow back from the Alumni base for highering a 7-5 guy at The Notre Dame Gold Domers.
I believe Luke Fickle is the top candidate and they are waiting to see what happens with him and the Bearcats. Brian Kelly was also hired away from Cincinnati before coaching The Irish. Cincy is currently in the CFP but just by the short hairs. If Cincy falls out of the CFP they could make an argument for Notre Dame being a better chance of winning a National Championship. If Cincy holds on and gets in the playoff, I think it is more likely for Fickle to stay put, since they will be moving to a new Big 12.
Marcus Freeman is the current Defensive Coordinator at Notre Dame and was the assumed interim head coach for the bowl game. However, there are rumors that Brian Kelly is trying to bring Freeman and Tommy Rees, OC to LSU. LSU is attempting to make Freeman the highest paid Defensive Coordinator in College Football, my guess is this the kind of head coaching money that Matt Campbell currently makes. Notre Dame didn't name Freeman interim, because they recognize Kelly is attempting to kidnap the key master.
It seems like the analysts predicting potential candidates at the big name programs have mostly been wrong, in particular USC and LSU. So, I don't know why we would expect this search to follow the path of the leading candidates listed in the sports pages. Between, Oklahoma and Notre Dame - I'm expecting some new drama and unforeseen surprises.
Finally, if there is one thing we have learned about the Catholics while handling crisis and controversy - it is that they don't react quickly. So, this coaching search could drag on well into January.
*** As a side note: I am a practicing Catholic, so it is my attempt with this post at a little bit of self-deprecating humor. I apologize if I have offended anyone with Catholic jabs.
