Why, hello 2011. You look nice.

I love ranking things. I love lists. I loved 2010.

Brett Favre's collapse. The Twins making us shake our heads. Gopher football making us bury our heads. U hoops making us raise our heads. Wracking our brains as we try to figure where, when and for whom Kevin Love will be traded. The Wild giving us headaches from working so much overtime in order to afford tickets. Yes, 2010 was awesome. But if there is anything I love more than rankings and lists, it's predictions. It's everything in one, and 2010 has nothing on the 2011 I see coming. 

January
Oregon and Auburn play the greatest BCS title game in history. In a rare act of vigilance, the NCAA refuses to allow the third overtime to be played because they'll be out of town until August and a returned trophy clutters their mailbox. The championship is given to Ohio State after Big 10 commissioner Jim Delaney and Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan lobbied for the award. "These kids had no idea they weren't playing for a championship," OSU AD Gene Smith said.
Hoolahan, nodding, remarked, "These kids deserve to play in this game, and the integrity of the Sugar Bowl depends on it being a game with national championship implications."

Butch Davis, former head coach at the University of North Carolina, is hired for the same position by the Denver Broncos. When asked about the controversial hire, Broncos owner/chairman/CEO/president Pat Bowlen remarked, "Butch has been a very successful head coach for many years. After our last hire, we wanted a guy with professional head coaching experience and Butch fits that profile. From Miami to Cleveland to Carolina, Butch has proven he can handle guys who make more money than he does."

February
The New England Patriots win their fourth Super Bowl, but will catch Spy Gate-level heat for their 66-13 beat down of Philly. Tom Brady, who earns Super Bowl MVP No. 3, insists during his post game interview that there were "a few points we left on the field." Shortly after the game, Danny Woodhead, who had two touchdowns for the champs, is arrested for minor consumption. Pats head coach Bill Belichick said he will cut Woodhead. "We're not going to spend hundreds of dollars to pay a guy's fine when we can replace him for $18."

Michael Vick announces his wish to continue playing for the Eagles in the future. "This organization is known to take risks," he said. "They took a chance on me, and I'm willing to take a chance that this year wasn't a fluke, that this O-line will hold up, and that coach Reid doesn't decide to throw it 60-times a game."

March
The University of Dayton nearly sells out its arena for the four first round games of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. "We were just short of 6,000 for day one, and just over for day two," NCAA president Mark Emmert said. "Do the math. This arena seats 13,000-plus and for us to nearly get there was a great show of support from the people of Ohio." Emmert, who has held his post for less than a year, sees great things ahead for the tournament. "The 96-team thing is still lingering, but it's not a priority," Emmert said. "There has been some talk about 256, but that leaves 90 teams still out. I think, once we figure out how to deal with those other teams, the tournament should encompass all of college basketball." When asked about incorporating Division 2 and 3, Emmert smiled but refused to comment.

The University of Minnesota wins two games in the Tournament prompting AD Joel Maturi to give Tubby Smith a 10-year, $55 million contract extension. The deal reportedly includes a $10,000 buyout if Smith leaves before 2012. Some criticized the move, citing Smith's up-and-down tenure as Gophers coach. Others think Smith won't make it to a Minnesota summer. "There is no truth to the rumors about me moving to Indiana, UCLA, Memphis, Tennessee or any other downtrodden traditional power or warm weather locale," Smith said while shopping in Bloomington. "My house is too small, that's why it's on the market."

April
Duke wins its fifth national title with a spirited 89-54 come-from-behind win over Syracuse. "I thought we were done," Duke head coach Mike Kryzewski said of his team's early 2-0 deficit. "But you've got to hand it to these kids. They refused to quit. They refused to give in."

With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Jim Harbaugh, head coach, Stanford University. In what can only be seen as a show of complete disrespect, Harbaugh was not in attendance. Reached later for comment was caught off-guard. "I just didn't anticipate this. I was out scouting in central California and I got a phone call," he said. "Really, I'm just happy to be back in the NFL. I was a late first-rounder the first time and that was nice. But this? This is great." Asked about his draft absence, Harbaugh was forthcoming. "I was scouting in central California. I heard about a quarterback out there so I thought I'd take a look," Harbaugh said. "He looks good, but might need another year. If he drops we might take a chance on him."

May
Kansas City was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs on the 6th. The Royals become the third team this year to know their September 2011 fate. KC joins the Pirates, whose postseason plans were doused in early April, and the Mariners, who made it to May 1 before bowing out. "We'll continue to fight. There is still a lot of fight in these guys. We'll play Royals baseball for the rest of the ye--," manager Ned Yost said before nodding off.

Despite a .184 batting average, and a career low 0 home runs, Derek Jeter leads the league in All-Star votes. "It's still early," Jeter said. "We're still 40-some games from the break, but it's a nice honor. I would love to play, but if some young whipper-snapper leapfrogs me, well, that's how the cookie crumbles."

June
Albert Pujols is signed to the most lucrative contract in MLB history, one that should keep him a Cardinal for life. "I'm very happy to say that I'll be in St. Louis for the remainder of my career," Pujols said.

Ernie Els fails to follow up his 1997 U.S. Open title at Congressional Country Club with another at the Blue Course in Maryland. Tiger Woods, who was two shots back after Thursday's first round, won by six strokes. "I know Ernie has owned this course in the past," Woods said. "But I own this tour. Seriously, I've just finished negotiations and will take my seat as owner/operator/chair of the PGA tomorrow."

July
Giving up future All-Star catcher Jose Montero and a host of others, the New York Yankees have acquired Albert Pujols from the Cardinals. "We're two games back," NY GM Brian Cashman said. "We needed to make a move."

Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron, Mike Adams, DeVier Posey, and Solomon Thomas declare for the NFL's supplemental draft. All will forfeit any remaining college eligibility, but their future is unknown. The supplemental draft is not ordered solely on record. Instead, teams go by clusters of wins, starting with six or less. Still, Pryor and Co. are unfazed. "At least I'll get to play ball soon," Pryor said of his five game suspension at Ohio State. When asked about violating coach Jim Tressel's trust by vowing to return to school and then applying for the "second" draft, Pryor asked his own question. "How much money does he make? A few mil? Yeah. I got $2,500 for items I possess but only 'own' after I leave school. Well, consider my uniform, helmet, Sugar Bowl MVP and locker up for sale because I'm done with it. What does Tress do? Look at Rivals Top 100, make some phone calls and call plays from his dusty Paul Brown playbook?"

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, who leads the AL in homers and average, was placed on the 15-day DL with back stiffness and headaches. "We'll take things one day at a time," said Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire. "I see no reason he shouldn't be back and ready to go by mid-November."

August
The annual NFL Hall of Fame game is canceled along with the first two weeks of the preseason schedule. While it is doubtful a full slate of NFL games is possible, commissioner Roger Goodell is optimistic. "If the union signs tomorrow, we can still get in 18 games, and all would count," Goodell said. Despite rising concerns with injuries, Goodell remains focused on the longer season. "By week 18 players don't know what city they're playing in let alone why they play gladiator for a bunch of billionaires."

Tom Brady's oldest son, John, is grounded indefinitely after "falling" into his daddy's planted left leg. Celebrating his third birthday, John allegedly "slipped" on some wrapping paper and, while falling, turned his body into Tom's knee. Reacting accordingly, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took action and mandated that all wrapping paper be pulled from the shelves.

September
With the NFL unable to sign free agents, a soon-to-be 42-year old quarterback signs with the Las Vegas Locomotives. "I don't know what will happen this year. No one does," said a smiling Brett Favre. "But I do know that I will do my best to bring a championship, or at least a few wins and a lawsuit, to the desert."

After Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks to the brink of a NBA Finals berth, LeBron James has forced his way out of Miami and into Madison Square Garden. "This has nothing to do with Miami as a city. The fans are the best in the league," James said. "This has nothing to do with DW's Finals MVP, or CB sleeping through the playoffs, they're the best teammates ever. This is about what I should do. The poll on my website said I should go to New York, so I'm taking my talents to the Big Apple."

With a 10-game lead in the Central, the Twins rest their lineup and roll out Sept. call-ups for their final nine games.Asked about doing a similar thing last year, and then flat-lining against the Yankees in the playoffs, Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer showed little worry. "Concern? No, there's none of that. No matter what, we'll get to hang another championship banner at Target Field next year."

October
The Yankees fire Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi hours after winning the World Series. "This team was built to win in four or five games, not seven," said Hank Steinbrenner, channeling his father's ghost. Whispers about the team's dissatisfaction with Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez have swelled to a near roar. Steinbrenner thinks he has a solution. "They just need to take Derek's lead. They need to learn how to be a Yankee. Twice I caught Albert with a goatee. That just won't stand."

Fox, that media giant that mixes cartoons, football and baseball with reruns of classic sitcoms, has been airing static since mid-August. A representative who declined to be named said the NFL work stoppage has taken the network down with it. "We really don't know what to do. Joe Buck just sits in a corner eating bon-bons and drinking Diet Rite. He sounds less coherent than Troy Aikman right now."

November
With a gutty second half, Iowa clinched a spot in the inaugural Big 10 title game in Indianapolis. The Hawkeyes will face Wisconsin to determine the conferences' Big 10 Rose Bowl participant. The winner will take on USC, who will be without head coach Lane Kiffin who last week signed a contract to coach the NFL's Houston Texans. "It should be a good game," Badgers head coach Brett Bielema said. "Indiana will finally get to see some D-I football."

The NFL and the players union came to an agreement on a new CBA effective immediately. The new deal includes an 18-game schedule, an 80% salary cut for players, a rookie wage scale that starts at 3-years/$10,000 per year and sole discretion for coaches to play "injured" players. No part of any contract can be guaranteed, with the lone exception that all holdouts will result in automatic breach of contract with a 100% buyout of remaining dollars. Player will not be able to sign with new team until length of said contract runs out. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could not be reached for comment, but an owner, speaking off the record, said Goodell was prepared for a long lockout. "He told all the owners that the NFL had stashed billions waiting for this day. There was no way he wasn't going to win. He threatened to sue every player, even with no grounds. It didn't matter. He has the power and money to bury whomever and whatever he wants."

December
Undefeated Florida was left out of the BCS title game due to Oklahoma and Oregon running the table as well. Asked about his alma mater being dissed, former Gator Tim Tebow remained tight-lipped about the slight. "I have nothing to say about that," Tebow said before his Broncos hit the practice field.

In tragic news, Bill Hancock, executive director of the BCS, was killed when the plane he was on was struck by lightning. The investigation is ongoing, but some eerie details have emerged. "The bolt came from the ground, and only Mr. Hancock's window was hit," said a Denver firefighter speaking on anonymity. "One witness said the flash came from INVESCO Field."

Every. Game. Matters. (Kind of.)

Mark Cuban wants to fund a playoff. He says that the BCS is “an inefficient business where there’s obviously a better way.” That better way would involve Cuban putting $500 million into an account and paying teams every five years assuming they are open to, and accept, a playoff bid. There had to be a quick rebuttal from the BCS before this got any legs. Executive director Bill Hancock tried to shoot it down.

"Given how much support our current system has among university presidents, athletics directors, coaches and athletes, I don't think any amount of financial inducement will make people abandon" the BCS.

Well, what else was he supposed to say? He could have stopped at "university presidents" because that's who really matters. AD's are going to follow the company line, especially when their salary is tied to the man in the bigger office. Coaches are tied to AD's and are hence tied to presidents. Players probably don't give a damn, unless the playoff format means they no longer get to take home a PlayStation 3 from some random December bowl game.

But when I hear about the popularity of the game being at it's highest point, I kind of chuckle. Yes, it probably is. But it has room to grow. Heck, a playoff might get it back to being more popular than the NFL. Seriously. The NFL has the sports world cornered from August to February. But think of the NBA vs. college hoops. There are fans of one or the other, and fans of both. There are more and more people leaving the NBA, and basketball in general. But no one leaves March Madness. When the brackets are announced, the hard core fans must move over to make room for that one guy that always touts his alma mater. The die-hards must acquiesce their beer money to the secretary that always seems to win the pool by picking mascots and jersey colors.

This is all a round about way of saying, Who cares about the regular season (more on that in a second)? Who cares if a playoff ends bowl games (it won't)? Who cares? Fans do.

Before I get to the regular season, I have to say this: The BCS has been better than I ever expected it to be. They've had a fair No. 1 vs. No. 2 match up more often than not. But the argument for most people isn't that it doesn't work, it's that it doesn't ALWAYS work. Auburn has been spurned before. Boise State, TCU and Utah have been spurned. Michigan State will get the honor of watching UConn play in a BCS bowl when the Huskies lost three more games than Sparty, and to far inferior teams. Cuban is right, there is simply a better way.

Now, about that pesky regular season. Bear with me.

I took a gander at the 2010 regular season and noticed something. Games pretty much start to not matter in week five or six. (Going on history, I used the following formula to disqualify teams: BCS conference teams were out with their second loss, except for SEC teams (designated with a +) who were out after a third loss. Non-AQ teams (designated with a ^) were out after their first loss. Any team that lost to an FCS school (designated with a *), at any point, were out.)

There are 120 teams in FBS football (66 AQ, 54 non-AQ), so follow the countdown to important games. To the results!

Week 1 (Sept. 4), 28 of 120 teams were eliminated:

^Akron, ^Arkansas State, ^Bowling Green, ^Colorado State, ^Eastern Mich., ^Hawaii, *Kansas, ^Lousiana-Lafayette, ^Marshall, ^Memphis, ^Miami (OH), ^Middle Tenn. State, ^Navy, ^New Mexico, ^North Texas, ^NIU, ^Rice, ^SMU, ^Southern Miss, ^San Jose State, ^Toledo,

^Tulsa, ^UAB, ^UNLV, USC (bowl ban), ^Utah, ^Western Kentucky, ^Western Michigan

64 of 66 AQ teams alvie; 28 of 54 non-AQ left

Week 2 (Sept. 11), 20 of 92 teams were eliminated:

^Army, ^BYU, ^Cent. Michigan, ^Buffalo, ^Ball State, ^Florida Atlantic, ^Florida International, ^Idaho, ^Kent State, ^Louisiana Tech, ^Louisiana-Monroe, ^New Mexico State, ^Ohio, ^Troy, ^Tulane, ^UCF, UCLA, ^UTEP, Virginia Tech, ^Wyoming

62 AQ teams alive; 10 non-AQ teams alive

Week 3 (Sept. 18), 15 of 72 teams were eliminated:

^Air Force, Cincinnati, Connecticut, ^East Carolina, ^Houston, Louisville, Duke, Iowa State, Minnesota, ^Nevada, Notre Dame, North Carolina, San Diego State, Washington, Washington State

51 AQ teams alive; 6 non-AQ teams alive

So, after three weeks of football, more than half of the 120 teams have been eliminated from BCS title game aspirations. For 63 teams, the whole "every week matters" really means the first month or so. Moving on.

Week 4 (Sept. 25), 10 of 57 teams were eliminated:

Arizona State, Cal, ^Fresno State, +Georgia, Georgia Tech, Oregon State, Pitt, Purdue, ^Temple, Wake Forest

43 AQ teams alive; 4 non-AQ teams alive

Week 5 (Oct. 2), 10 of 47 teams were eliminated:

Boston College, Clemson, Illinois, Penn State, Rutgers, +Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech, +Vanderbilt, Virginia

33 AQ teams alive; 4 non-AQ teams alive

Week 6 (Oct. 9), 7 of 37 teams were eliminated:

Baylor, Colorado, Indiana, +Kentucky, Miami (FL), South Florida, Texas A&M

26 AQ teams alive; 4 non-AQ teams alive

After six weeks, there are 25-percent of teams with title hopes. For 30 teams, the next six to eight games are VERY important. For 90 teams, it's all about playing out the schedule and beating a rival while recruits are on campus.

Week 7 (Oct. 16), 6 of 30 teams were eliminated:

+Florida, Maryland, Michigan, +Mississippi, NC State, Syracuse

20 AQ teams alive; 4 non-AQ teams alive

Week 8 (Oct. 23), 4 of 24 teams were eliminated:

Iowa, Kansas State, Northwestern, West Virginia

16 AQ teams alive; 4 non-AQ teams alive

Week 9 (Oct. 30), 1 of 20 teams were eliminated:

Florida State

15 AQ teams alive; 4 non-AQ teams alive

Week 10 (Nov. 6), 5 of 19 teams were eliminated:

Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, +South Carolina, ^Utah

11 AQ teams alive; 3 non-AQ teams alive

Week 11 (Nov. 13), 1 of 14 teams were eliminated:

+Mississippi State

10 AQ teams alive; 3 non-AQ teams alive

Week 12 (Nov. 20), 1 of 13 teams were eliminated:

Nebraska

9 AQ teams alive; 3 non-AQ teams alive

Three weeks to go, and a whopping 10-percent of teams have title hopes. This is exactly what the BCS wants. Late season games with championship implications. If only...

Week 13 (Nov. 27), 3 of 12 teams were eliminated:

+Alabama, ^Boise State, Oklahoma State

7 AQ teams alive; 2 non-AQ teams alive

Week 14/Conf. Title (Dec. 4), 0 of 9 teams were eliminated:

7 AQ teams alive; 2 non-AQ teams alive

Wow! What an exhilarating ride those conference championship games were. The SEC was the only one with any impact on the BCS standings, and that was for all of a half. Maybe. Same goes for the Pac-10. No title game, but a rivalry game. Nice. For a half. Maybe.

Week 15 (Dec. 11)

7 of 9 teams were eliminated:

+Arkansas, Michigan State, +LSU, Ohio State, Stanford, TCU, Wisconsin

2 AQ teams alive (Auburn and Oregon); 0 non-AQ teams alive

Now that's what I'm talking about! So many teams came into the final week of the season with a chance to go to the title game, and there were so many upsets that it all worked out. The BCS has done it again! I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over the joyous applause, what did you say? There was only one game in week 15? Army/Navy? How is that possible? TCU obviously played and lost, or else they would still be alive, and it's obvious that's not the case.

Cam's haul

Cameron Newton's season was (is) one for the ages. He led the country in quarterback rating (188.2), 3.2 points higher than Boise State's Kellen Moore), was 10th in TD passes (28), 10th overall and 2nd in rushing yards for a quarterback (1,409) behind Oregon RB LaMichael James (1,682) and Michigan QB Denard Robinson (1,643) and was 2nd in TD rushes (20), behind James (21), and tied with Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick and NIU RB Chad Spann.

He led the SEC in rushing yards, rushing TD, total offense and scoring, and was 6th in all-purpose yards. Yes, it was a magical season.

On Thursday night, Newton collected three awards for his 2010 performance: the Davey O'Brien Award as the best quarterback, the Walter Camp Award honoring the player of the year and the Maxwell Award for the outstanding player of the year. Of course, this is all a run-up to Saturday's victory lap, Heisman in hand.

There has been a little chatter about voters dropping Newton on their Heisman ballot -- or leaving him off altogether -- as punishment for his father's actions demanding payment for his son's commitment. That may well happen, but Newton not winning -- and winning big -- is about as likely as TCU playing for a national title. Ain't. Gonna. Happen.

Of course, the NCAA could have taken care of all of this by declaring Newton ineligible. Or, rather, keeping him ineligible instead of reinstating him only hours after they snatched his season away. The NCAA was protecting the athlete, and punished the crime by restricting his father's access to the program. Yawn.

I, for one, cannot wait for ESPN's latest "30 for 30" installment set to air immediately after the Heisman ceremony. The topic? The SMU program of the 1980s and their subsequent "Death Penalty" for a pay-for-play scandal. (As an aside, do you know who split time with Eric Dickerson in the "Pony Express" backfield? Craig James, father of locked-in-a-closet Adam James.)

I'm sure there will be some hand-wringing about the placement of the show, but considering the events of the last season I think it's fantastic. Imagine a live read promo toward the end of the Heisman presentation. Chris Fowler: "Thanks for joining us tonight, and a final congratulations to Cam Newton on a phenomenal season, the Heisman trophy and closing a loophole the NCAA hoped would never be exposed. Stay tuned for 'Pony Excess,' chronicling the SMU program of the 1980s that helped expose payments to student-athletes as a problem and the subsequent penalties that killed the program and restored college football to the pure and innocent game that you see today."

One can wish.

Kill-ing them softly

So, Jerry Kill it is.

Sure, Joel Maturi made some asinine statements about bringing in college football's Tubby Smith, but that had to be taken with a grain of salt. There was no way the U was going to get a big name, current head coach to come to the Twin Cities. Furthermore, what up-and-coming coordinator would want to have his first job be at a 50-years-and-counting below-average Big 10 school in a state that is difficult to recruit to and even more difficult to recruit in?

So, we get Jerry Kill. Taking Maturi at his word, this can only be a disappointment. Taking Maturi out of the equation -- which, hopefully, will happen before Kill's contract is up -- this is still a disappointment. I never expected a Peterson or Patterson to take the gig. No, I was hoping the brass would decide that Maturi would be gone when his contract ends, and if things didn't work out, he could take his high-flying, loud mouthed, should-have-been-coach Mike Leach with him.

The U had nothing to lose in going after Leach. All they had to do was give him a chance. He wins and graduates players. To my knowledge there was no off-field issue that caused any problems. So he supposedly locked a kid in a shed. Well, there's always multiple sides to a story. Leach had issues with the Texas Tech administration, and that may have played a part in his firing -- agin, sides and stories. He had a loud, grating mouth that did not endear him to Minnesotans With Power after a bowl game that the Red Raiders miraculously won. But, there in lies his mastery. Bowl games. He went to them and he WON them.

Yeah, on second thought, a guy that wins in September, pimps his school, plays in December, WINS in the winter and gets kids to walk in June need not apply here. With any luck he's looking for work in four years when we fire Kill. Of course, that final Kill loss may be to a Leach coached Illinois.

The NCAA needs to act

By now we've started to tire of the Cam Newton saga. (Well, at least I have.) But, since it will dominate headlines for the foreseeable future, I figured I should give my opinion on it since there is little to no talk/mention of a solution I find quite palatable.

Now, the issue cannot be "amateurism," at least not in it's purest sense. As is always mentioned, the schools and conferences make entirely too much money off of these athletes to tell them that they cannot be paid. But this is where the "They're getting paid with a scholarship" argument comes in. We all know that college is expensive, but consider the costs of an out of state athlete playing away from home.

U of M (as an example)
Annual, two-semester, non-resident tuition is averaged at $16,669
+
Add to that average annual, on campus room and board of $7,576
=
Total: $24,245
Four year total at 2010-11 average: $96,980; Five year (redshirt) total: $121,225

 Now let's take a look at the two schools that are at the center of a very heated situation:

Auburn University
Annual non-resident cost per year for "Tuition & Fees" is $21,916
+
Annual cost for "Room and Board" is $9,630
=
Total: $31,546
Four year total at 2010-11 average: $126,184; Five year (redshirt) total: $157,730

Mississippi State University

Annual non-resident cost per year for "Tuition & Fees" is $13,801
+
Annual cost for "Room and Board" is $4,494
=
Total: $18,295
Four year total at 2010-11 average: $73,180; Five year (redshirt) total: $91,475

So, using the current Cam Newton situation as a guide, let's see what this means.

Newton and/or his father allegedly asked for $100,000 to $200,000 (reports have varied) from Mississippi State for Cam's commitment. As a junior, Heisman favorite and QB for an undefeated SEC team, Newton, if he declares for the 2011 NFL Draft, will likely have played in 18 FBS games. Of those dozen-and-a-half games, 14 will come at Auburn -- all of one regular season, a SEC title game and a bowl.

For that, Auburn committed a minimum of $3,950 (estimated cost of attendance for one semester minus room and board and all other expenses) if Newton is still considered a Georgia resident. Miss. State, allegedly, was asked for at least $100,000 to acquire Newton's services, or $93,099.50 more than the cost of a one-semester rental at QB.

That's a hefty chunk of change to have a student for one semester (if he declares). So what to do about it? Let's look at two of the more talked-about "solutions."

1. Pay the players -- This is an impossibility. It's not that there isn't enough money, but it would have to be spent on all athletes, not just football players. This would make the wealthiest schools richer in every sense of the imagination. Plus, the kind of money that Newton supposedly was interested in would be far, far greater than any salary a college could offer. If he was a 5-year student at Auburn, he would have doubled (or more) his scholarship take.
2. Allow the players to be paid by agents/handlers -- This is a better solution, but not a good one. Maybe if the NFL and NCAA came to an agreement that all agents would have to be certified through them, and all transactions would have to be legal contracts and certified through the leagues, then maybe. But the NFL and NCAA are way too money/power hungry to allow one or the other to have any real sway.

My idea has two parts:

1. Allow players to be drafted earlier -- This is the best scenario and is already in place in hockey. Allow all players to become draft eligible after their freshman year (in any sport), and allow them to sign after their sophomore year. There would be few players that would make the cut as a 20-year old, but that would be up to them and their pro team. This would also allow players to avoid another year of beatings if they are considered "ready."
2. If a player leaves before they graduate, they have to pay back a portion of their scholarship. This would be a nice feather in the "academic" hat of the NCAA. On the flip side, if a player, in any sport, suffers a career ending injury, their scholarship is maintained so they can graduate.

I don't anticipate the NCAA doing much of anything to resolve the issue(s). But the NCAA needs to grow a pair and threaten severe penalties for violating current and/or future rules. Reggie Bush giving back his Heisman is a nice talker and a "plus" as far as image goes, but how long would schools and athletic departments put up with the current slate of problems if they were forced to surrender bowl money if they were found to be using ineligible players?

It's one thing to pay lip service to the issues at hand, but quite another when something meaningful happens. Look at USC. Everyone that caused problems is now gone. Their head coach is in the NFL. The dirty player is in the NFL. The current athletes take the hardest hit. Would any of this have happened if USC was forced to repay the millions of dollars they collected for playing in Rose Bowls and BCS title games? Maybe, maybe not. But the pressure from other schools would be immense. Many conferences split bowl profits. Would Stanford be okay with losing a mil or two because USC cheated? No, I don't think they would.

Another name, another dollar

The Pioneer Press decided they should stoke the fire of illogical Gopher fans by posting this on Wednesday.

Really, P.P.? Peterson, Harbaugh and Patterson (in order!) to come here? I'll give the credit, the Press mentions:

"It seems unlikely any of the trio would leave what he has built for a gigantic rebuilding challenge at Minnesota."

"Unlikely?" I'd say. But that's not what caught my interest. There was a name at the end of a Thursday post that had this:

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo could be a candidate for the Gophers' coaching job. FootballScoop.com, an online source for coaching job information, reported Wednesday that "multiple sources" said "Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi intends to speak with (Niumatololo)."

Not exactly what I was hoping for when I saw mention of a new name. But one thing did catch my attention, the following quote from former Hawaii coach Bob Wagner, who coached Niumatalolo:

"I think at Minnesota, you need to do something a little bit unique," he said. "Maybe down the road they will, but at least right now, you're not going to get the same players Ohio State gets. That's a reality. So you have to do something a little bit different."

I agree that we'll have to resort to some gimmicks to get things rolling early. The option could be an answer, as it controls the clock and keeps the D off the field. But I doubt the option works, mostly due to Wagner's own words: talent. Do we have the road-grating run-blocking hogs up front? I'm not so sure.

Still some work to do, but close in theory

Just a quick rendering of a thought...

I'm a big fan of Justin Bourne's blog, so when he mentioned the need for a logo, this is what I thought about. I'm not stuck on the font by any means, but gave my self a 5 min. limit to see what I could do. Meh...?

BCS thoughts

Seven days since I last posted? After creating this blog to make myself mind dump a few times a week? Yeah, someday work will be optional.

Anyway...

I wanted to get to the BCS standings that were released on Sunday. Yeah, it's a bit late. But, my opinion has not changed. Let's get to it.


-- 100, 50 -- The first number is the percent chance the team plays for the BCS title if they run the table. The second number is the chance they run the table.

1    Auburn, 8-0 .9371 -- 100, 50 -- Ole Miss could be a trap game, but Cam Heisman won't let it be. If the Tigers can win the season finale at Bama, the BCS title game should be a coronation.
2    Oregon, 7-0 .9069 -- 100, 99 -- I almost went for a perfect 200 here, but there is the slightest of chances that USC pulls the upset this week. The Trojans are thin on D, inconsistent on O (despite recent success) but crazy talented.
3    Boise State, 6-0 .8846 -- 1, 100 -- Not only would the Broncos need losses from Auburn and Oregon, but also Michigan State and Missouri. Could it happen? Sure. But that would probably mean Alabama and Oklahoma win out. In which case, Boise State will be third again.
4    TCU, 8-0 .8833 -- 0.99, 100 -- Pretty much in the same boat as Boise State, but with a bigger test in conference. The Broncos have Nevada left, but TCU gets unbeaten Utah.
5    Michigan State, 8-0 .8387 -- 50, 50 -- Iowa this week and Penn State to close. Oh, both on the road. A tough sell for a team that has lost a bit of their rush attack going into a stretch where weather will be their primary opponent.
6    Missouri, 7-0 .8006 -- 70, 20 -- If the Tigers run it, they have a great argument. It would likely mean two wins over Oklahoma and a road win at Nebraska. I don't see it, but they'll jump anyone not named Auburn or Oregon if they do.
7    Alabama, 7-1 .7100 -- 80, 80 -- It breaks down to this: Root for Auburn to be undefeated into the season finale. Beat the Tigers as handily as possible (but if Auburn is still No. 1, a win is a win) and then destroy whatever comes out of the east (a South Carolina rematch would be ideal). That, coupled with slip-ups from Michigan State and Missouri would get the Tide back into the BCS title game. Sorry, Broncos. Sorry, Frogs.
8    Utah, 7-0 .7049 -- .01, 10 -- Utah has one game left in their season, next week, at home, against TCU. Win, and the Utes get a BCS bowl bid. Lose, and, well, nice knowin' ya. But even at 12-0, Utah would need Armageddon to get into a title game.
9    Oklahoma, 6-1 .6691 -- 60, 90 -- The final Big 12 title game (until it moves north, anyway) is the big one left for the Sooners. Win out, and we'll talk. Much like Bama, OU needs losses from the current unbeatens. Unlike Bama, there's not much the Sooners can do about it, barring an undefeated Missouri and a rematch in Dallas.
10    Wisconsin, 7-1 .6584 -- 5, 75 -- A loss to Michigan State is probably too much to overcome, especially with so many name brands ahead of the Badgers. But, a lot of craziness, and a good showing against Michigan, could get the Badgers into the BCS picture. But, in a classic BCS conundrum...
11    Ohio State, 7-1 .6356 -- 1, 75 -- The Buckeyes, if they run the table, will get a BCS bowl bid. The title game is all but lost, but their schedule is tougher than Wisconsin's, so running the table should vault OSU ahead of the Badgers. Only in DI football.
12    LSU, 7-1 .6219 -- 15, 20 -- Beating Bama next week would be huge. But it would also more than likely kill the Tigers chances. The Tide would have (at least) two losses then, and the computers hate losses more than Les Miles hates extra time on the clock.
13    Stanford, 6-1 .5185 -- 1, 80 -- With only one ranked team left (Arizona), the Cardinal just don't have enough bullets to take everyone down.
14    Nebraska, 6-1 .5073 -- .5, 50 -- The Huskers should beat Mizzou at home. They can hang with Oklahoma in Dallas. They cannot play a Big 10 schedule to knock off who they need to. Next year, Nebraska. Next year.
15    Arizona, 6-1 .4492 -- .01, 0 -- Even running the table, which would mean wins over Stanford and Oregon, would not get Arizona into the conversation. Why? They're Arizona. Not a name brand.
16    Florida State, 6-1 .4395 -- .009, 80 -- Maybe they lose to NC State. Maybe they lose the ACC title game. For sure the blowout at Oklahoma lingers in voters heads.
17    Oklahoma State, 6-1 .3053 -- .001, 0 -- Beating Baylor is no longer a given. Beating Oklahoma never has been. Missing WRs is. The Cowboys will get it together someday. Just not any day this year.
18    Iowa, 5-2 .2834; 19 Arkansas, 5-2 .2481; 20 South Carolina, 5-2 .2431; 21 Mississippi State, 6-2 .1959; 22 Miami (FL), 5-2 .1799; 23 Virginia Tech, 6-2 .1367; 24 Nevada, 6-1 .0865; 25 Baylor, 6-2 .0403 -- 0, N/A -- Two losses playing in a title game? It's the BCS, anything can happen. But only Arkansas, South Carolina and Mississippi State can do it. Yes, because they're SEC teams. But, no, they can't.

It's black and white for Gray: QB is in his future

MarQueis Gray told the Star Tribune that he wants to catch more passes and more touchdowns this year. He also said he'd like to be the one throwing those passes next year. In his Gridiron Gold blog, Phil Miller quotes Gray:

"If the coach thinks I'm a receiver, we're going to talk about it, because I want to play quarterback next year. That's what I'm going to work at in the offseason."

It would be easy to think that Gray, despite very little playing time at the position, is the no-brainer at QB in 2011. But he doesn't have much say right now. Until the big office at TCF Bank Stadium is filled, Gray is left to wonder with the rest of us.

In the same blog post, Miller quotes interim head coach Jeff Horton:

"We were going to probably incorporate what they call the 'pistol' offense now, do some of those things,"

That would be an interesting, but difficult transition. Gray, like Adam Weber, has had to deal with different coordinators and offensive schemes year in and year out. Ask Rick Neuheisal how easy the Pistol is to implement. His UCLA team has struggled since spring practice to get it right.

That is not to say that Gray couldn't do it. He may be a better fit in a run-first spread system like Oregon, or a more balanced spread like Florida. But Gray has immense talent and it would be hard for a new coach to overlook No. 5.

But without a true head coach, the next scheme is unknown. But Gray only need to look at the depth chart to like his chances next fall. There will be one junior, Adam Lueck (Eden Prairie); one RS sophomores, Moses Alipate (Jefferson); and two RS freshmen, Tom Parish (Hartland, Wisc.) and J. D. Pride (Totino-Grace).

None were as highly touted as Gray (a 4-star prospect according Rivals.com) coming out of high school. Alipate (3-stars) and Parish (3-stars) had okay grades while Pride (2-stars) and Lueck (N/A) would be considered projects or repositioned.

And while we're at it, a quick look at verbal commitments for 2011 don't show much either. Max Shortell (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) is rated 3-stars, but will likely take a redshirt.

If the new coach implements any type of offense that needs mobility from the QB position, Gray is all but guaranteed the spot -- unless Parish surges past him in the spring. If the new coach wants to run a pro-style set, Gray might end up competing with Alipate.

But in the end, it's hard to imagine a situation where Gray is, at the very least, given the opportunity to start 2011 as the man. Whether or not he finishes it that way could be more a product of the new head coach than of his ability.

NFL to players: "Go low"

The NFL has decided that all "devastating hits" and "head shots," (ESPN) will result in suspensions for every incident, first time offender or not.

If there is anyone out there that disagrees with a fine/suspension for a head-to-head hit, I hope you take a shot to the chin. Okay, I don't, really, but c'mon, this is an issue. While I don't quite understand what a "devastating hit" is, I do understand head-to-head. I took several shots to the head -- from another's head -- while playing. I still have the headaches to prove it.

But the "devastating hits" is ridiculous. Does that mean broken ribs? Stingers? Really, that is way too ambiguous to regulate.

It reminds me of the crackdown on "blindside" hits that resulted from the Steelers' Hines Ward. More often than not, Ward led with a shoulder. Was it to the head? Yeah, it was. Was it devastating? Yeah, it was. Was it illegal? Well, it ended up being so. But at least we had an example.

What gets me is what we expect from these leagues. Do we want them to be gladiator-like? Do we want them to be human-plus? (Human-plus being what an average Joe can do but better.)

I, for one, love my NFL football to be violent. Sure, I cringe when I see a Khaseem Greene-type situation. I have been close to that situation. I have hit the ground with no feeling. Anywhere. (My first thought was that my mom would kill me. My second thought was convulsive tears.)

I agree with the NFL: Head shots are horrible. But what is a "devastating hit?"

I hope the league figures this out. I don't want to see any more Greene-type situations. Every time I see it, I can't help but think of Mike Utley. What Mike has done is, well, phenomenal. But I can't help but imagine a life uninterrupted.

Utley is what the NFL wants to avoid, and I can't blame them. But at what price? The joke is that QB's are already wearing skirts, are receivers and tight ends next?

It's a controversial and, basically, mean stance to say that you choose your way of life. But when it comes to professional athletics, it's true.

Yet, for as much as I love a hit over the middle, a glimpse at Mike Utley, the viewing of Khaseem Greene's hit, my own non-feeling, it all makes for a head-dropping feeling. Gladiators are relics of the past for a reason. These are people. These are sons, fathers, brothers. Let them complete their most basic roles in life before we make them into a modern day Maximus.

Outside the box

I recently posted some names that could be in the U's targets when they start their search for Tim Brewster's replacement. Many of those names are ones fans and media have mentioned over and over for the past year. Instead of adding to the list of the obvious, let's take a gander at some other names that warrant at least a glimpse.

Luke Fickell, co-defensive coordinator/LB coach at Ohio State
Why it would work: As a former Buckeye defensive lineman -- and a four-year starter at that -- Fickell has ties to the Big 10. He has spent nine years in Columbus under Jim Tressel, the last five in his current role. Fickell is also regarded a a good-if-not-great recruiter. But the biggest reason he might fit? Tressel. Every mention of Fickell begins or ends with the mention of being a future head coach. Tressel isn't likely to go anywhere until 2014, at the earliest, which means Fickell might have to don other colors to get his shot.
Why it wouldn't: He's 100-percent Ohio. He went to high school in Ohio, graduated a Buckeye and has spent his entire coaching career, which started as a grad assistant at Akron in 1999, in the state. Chances are his first shot at a head gig will come from within those borders.
What it would cost: I don't think salary would be an issue (he currently sits at $250K/year) with the hiring of Fickell, but ticket sales would be. Again, this is a fan base that wants a splash. While a big name isn't likely to come lead this program, the Gophers' faithful at least want name recognition.

Craig Bohl, head coach at North Dakota State
Why it would work: Bohl took NDSU from Div-II into FCS and, 2009 aside, has had a lot of success in Fargo including 10-1 records in 2006 and 2007. Add to that a 3-3 record against FBS opponents and it appears Bohl certainly has the "coaching" part of his job down pat.
Why it wouldn't: Again, no splash here. There is also a question of recruiting. Game-planning and motivation are key components to winning, but talent makes more of a difference in the Big 10 than it does in the Missouri Valley.
What it would cost: Not much in salary (Bohl, with all of his goofy incentives, tops out at a not-likely-to-get-there $300K/year), and probably less of a hit in tickets than Fickell. He isn't a big name, but a quick reminder of his Bison and their 27-21 win against the Gophers in 2007 might quell early speculation.

Dave Christensen, head coach at Wyoming
Why it would work: In his only season at the top, Christensen went 7-6. Not great, but remember, this is Wyoming we're talking about. Lopsided losses to Texas, BYU, and TCU didn't help, but the Boys played tough at Utah (L, 22-10) and at Air Force (L, 10-0). Couple that with wins against San Diego State, UNLV, at Colorado State and against Fresno State in a bowl game. Seems the Cowboys may have found their man.
Why it wouldn't: He's signed through 2014 after inking an extension this spring.
What it would cost: A pittance. Christensen makes $180K/year. Even at a half-mil, he'd probably jump at it.

And now for a pie-in-the-sky choice...

Rob Chudzinski, assistant head coach/TE coach of San Diego Chargers
Why it would work: Chudzinski was a three-year starter at TE for Miami in the late 80s, winning national titles in '87 and '89 with the Hurricanes. As TE coach at Miami, he helped develop Kellen Winslow, Jr., Jeremy Shockey and Bubba Franks into high-caliber NFL talents. Chudzinski was also the OC for Miami's impressive three-year run of BCS bowls that included two title game appearances and one championship.
Why it wouldn't: He's a long shot in the Tony Dungy mold. Though an Ohio native, Chudzinski has spent most of his career in the southeast and southwest, save for two stints with the Browns (2004, 2007-08).
What it would cost: A prohibitive amount. Chudzinski seems to be angling for a high profile OC job in the NFL, or a similarly high profile gig as a head college man. If Randy Shannon continues to struggle in Miami, the Canes may have their next coach in Chudzinski.

Favre "fine," "nervous"

Whew! It was at times ugly, hopeful, ugly, redeeming, ugly and ugly.

But, mostly, it was Ug. Ly.

Still, a win is a win, and the only team more desperate for a mark in the left column than the Vikings was the Cowboys.

On a side note: How far has Romo's stock fallen? The guy was the savior of the blue and silver only, what, two/three years ago? Now? He plays like Brett Favre circa two/three years ago. He throws into double and triple coverage. He has the attitude of a 6-year-old that got vanilla instead of chocolate ice cream and has the most talent in the league -- at least according to the experts.

So a victory can not be discounted at this point in the season. The Packers fell on their face again, and Chicago inspires less confidence than Tim Brewster.

"Fine" after physical beating, "nervous" about Pack. (ESPN photo)

But Adrian Peterson struggled to 73 yards on 24 carries. He did find the end zone, but the once right-around-the-corner breakaway runs are few and far between these days. And Favre. Don't get me started on Favre. What? I already started? Fine, let me finish. Brett, please, hit your target in stride. The quick slant is how you made your career. Now you struggle to get the ball to the numbers of your receiver. I know, you're getting killed. I can't cut McKinnie, and, really, neither can your team. His hands are so deep in the Purple's pockets that cutting him would mean losing a fat wallet.

But, there can be a big smile of a redemption next week. Yes, it's Packers week. Their fans will want blood. Their players will want blood (transfusions. Seriously, they are decimated. If they weren't the Green and Gold, I'd feel bad.) A nice, two-score win would ease the blood pressure of an entire state.

Go get it done, Vikes. (Unless you think you could still make the playoffs with a loss that results in the firing of Chili.)

College football Top 25

One fan's take...

1. Oregon, 6-0
2. Oklahoma, 6-0
3. Boise State, 6-0
4. Auburn, 7-0
5. TCU, 7-0
6. LSU, 7-0
7. Michigan State, 7-0
8. Utah, 6-0
9. Wisconsin, 6-1
10. Alabama, 6-1
11. Ohio State, 6-1
12. Iowa, 5-1
13. Stanford, 5-1
14. Florida State, 6-1
15. Arizona, 5-1
16. Nebraska, 5-1
17. Missouri, 6-0
18. Oklahoma State, 6-0
19. Northwestern, 5-1
20. West Virginia, 5-1
21. Kansas State, 5-1
22. Texas, 4-2
23. Virginia Tech, 5-2
24. Miami, 4-2
25. USC, 5-2

I'm all about Boise State getting a chance to take the bus to Glendale, Ariz. But the Sooners have taken care of a more difficult schedule. In addition to the Broncos having to run the table, and all other BCS-conference teams having to lose, the rise of Wisconsin and FSU may make life in Boise even tougher.

Life after Brewster

It's official. The Brewster era has ended, and not a moment too soon. (Though I do find it odd that they didn't have him finish the season. Seriously, if you're Tim Horton, being a head coach is probably something you'd like to get back into. Why accept the ignominy of being a fill-in 0-5?)

With so much time between now and the start of off-season recruiting, the U of M has a head start on every other school that may be considering similar change. Of course, any targets that are currently employed will be untouchable until the season ends. That's why the search committee is such a good idea. Your guy talks to their guy's guy. Indirect indirect contact. Follow?

Anyway, I've had a list in my head for some time now. It includes some rational names that could be had at reasonable prices. Of course, no mention of future coaches would be complete without the "dream" choices. So let's start there. (Note: Brewster's base salary was $600K/year; Glen Mason was making $1.65M/year at the time of his firing.)

1. Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts; currently a color analyst for NBC's Sunday Night Football and mentor to troubled stars.
Why it would work: Dungy is possibly the most respected man in America. His record in the NFL speaks for itself, as does the Super Bowl he won and the souls he has redeemed.
Why it wouldn't: He has already expressed no interest, his wife hates cold weather and his family lives in Tampa.
What it would cost: Relocation to sunny Florida and a snowball surviving hell.

2. Any big-name BCS-level coordinator
Why it would work: Um, uh, hmm...
Why it wouldn't: Names like Will Muschamp (DC, Texas), Kirby Smart (DC, Alabama), Brent Venables (DC, Oklahoma), Mark Whipple (OC, Miami), Paul Chryst (OC, Wisconsin) or Jim McElwain (OC, Alabama) are looking for -- and will get -- gigs at struggling SEC/southern/California-type schools. Basically, where they have talent in their backyard.
What it would cost: Many millions. Muschamp makes $900K in base salary, and if he takes over the Longhorns in 2011, his salary will bloat to $2.25M. 2012? $2.5M. A number in the $3-5M would be a starting point for most of these guys. (That's would be more than half the Gophers annual football budget.)

3. Chris Peterson (Boise State), Gary Patterson (TCU), Kyle Whittingham (Utah), Troy Calhoun (Air Force),  June Jones (SMU); all current head coaches
Why it would work: It would be a step up in conference prestige for all except Whittingham who, along with Colorado, will expand the Pac-10 next year.
Why it wouldn't: If Peterson or Patterson leave their schools, it would be for far greener pastures. Basically, they'll take the Urban Meyer route and head to big name programs that either had a bad year, or are looking to replace a retired legend.
What it would cost: What did Daisuke Matsuzaka charge just to talk? Yeah, that.

Okay, so now that we've wiped the stars from our eyes, let's take a look at the next, more approachable level. These are still long-shots, but would at least show the seriousness of the search.
1. Mike Leach, former head coach of Texas Tech, currently a color analyst for CBS College Sports Network/loudmouth blowhard.
Why it would work: Simply put, he produces. Leach was the OC at Kentucky when the Wildcats were kind-of good. Case in point: he turned Tim Couch into the No. 1 pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. Cleveland still hates him.
Why it wouldn't: Leach is still awaiting a decision on his lawsuit against Texas Tech, who fired him for allegedly ordering an injured player to stay in a dark shed during practice. Until this is resolved, and Leach turns a corner and dulls his sharp tongue, this would be a black eye on a university trying to save face.
What it would cost: A starting point would probably be in the $1.5M range, but Leach was making closer to $2M at the end of his Red Raider days. He'll want something close to that, one would imagine.

2. Randy Edsall, head coach at Conneticut
Why it would work: Took over a FCS (then 1AA) program in 1999, led them through major changes and into FBS world in 2002, earned first bowl bid, and win, in 2004. The joke is that the Gophers should be an FCS school. What better guy to beat the Dakotas?
Why it wouldn't: When Notre Dame is said to be considering you, taking a job in the Twin Cities can be seen as a regressive move.
What it would cost: Current salary escalates from current $1.55M to $1.7M in 2012. Considering he is in an easier conference, the Big East, and bigger names have called, $2.5/year would be a logical starting point.

3. Kevin Sumlin, head coach at Univ. of Houston
Why it would work: He's a familiar name (as a Minn. offensive assistant from 1993-97), but from a forgettable time. Sumlin won eight games his first year (2008) and 10 last year. He would also bring Texas as a familiar recruiting base.
Why it wouldn't: Who would leave a fertile recruiting base like Texas?
What it would cost: At least $1.5M, but maybe another mil on top of that.

And now, onto the within-our-grasp kind of guys.
1. DeWayne Walker, head coach at New Mexico State
Why it would work: A two-year starter at CB for the Gophers from 1981-82. Started his coaching career as D-Back's coach in New England for the Patriots. Moved on to become UCLA's DC in 2006, and was a finalist for the Bruins' head job that eventually went to Rick Neuheisal.
Why it wouldn't: For a fan base that wants a splash, this would be a disappointing pebble-in-the-lake move.
What it would cost: A very affordable salary that currently sits somewhere between $300-600K/year, according to various sources. A cool mil could entice Walker to leave the bare pantry in Las Cruces for a slightly less bare Twin Cities.

2. Marc Trestman, head coach of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes
Why it would work: Probably the name most mentioned after Dungy, the fans, Dungy and media, seem to like what he could offer as a two-time Grey Cup (Canadian Super Bowl) winner. Trestman was born here, went to college here, coached with the Vikings (twice) and, as a law school grad, may be the firm hand needed.
Why it wouldn't: Unless his play calling has changed, it will be a familiar conservatism that has been seen for years.
What it would cost: It's tough to find salaries on CFL players and coaches, but it would seem that $1-2M would easily be in range.

3. Jeff Horton, interim head coach at Minnesota
Why it would work: Previous head gigs at Nevada (1992) and UNLV (1993-98) were semi-successful. Horton was 14-9 in his first two seasons as a head coach, including a 1993 Las Vegas Bowl win.
Why it wouldn't: Fans will want no part of this staff in the future. Combine the public furor over the current situation with Horton's disastrous 6-30 record over his final four years at UNLV (including a win-less 1998) and you have a recipe that season ticket holders will never try.

Of course, there are others that will come to mind. But, for the time being, Walker and Trestman should be the targets.

A new beginning

Well, here we go, I guess.

This is the first of what I hope will be a fairly regular examination of the Minnesota sports landscape.

So, what better topic than the now semi-vacant head coaching position for the University of Minnesota football team.

Tim Brewster was a risky hire, there is little argument about that. But, what are the Gophers to do?

Was there was a need for change after the 2006 Insight Bowl? (Not to be confused with the 2008 or 2009 Insight Bowls -- which were also losses for the Maroon and Gold.) A 35-7 halftime lead should never be squandered. Glen Mason deserved to be on the hot seat after such a disgusting loss. Whether or not he should have been fired is debatable.

Mason was 64-57 (.529) in his 10-year tenure. His winning percentage ranks him 15th in Gopher history, but better than Lou Holtz (10-12, .455), Joe Salem (19-35-1, .352), Cal Stoll (39-39, .500) or Murray Warmath (87-78-7, .526).

In fact, Mason's winning percentage is the highest since the mid-20th century run of George Hauser. Over the course of three seasons, Hauser won 57.7-percent of his games. Of course, Hauser was sandwiched between Bernie Bierman's two successful runs, so he is kind of lost in the conversation.

In any event, Mason led the Gophers to better overall times than his seven immediate predecessors. But, in the world of modern college athletics, competitive isn't going to cut it.

Now the U of M finds itself at a dark and eerie crossroads. Brewster was a monumental failure as a head coach. His staff was constantly in flux, and he could not keep the top-flight local talent from signing elsewhere. The powers that be need to make a splash with their next hire. But, this is a university with limited reach. Like, alligator-arms reach.

Even being a member of a BCS power conference is not enough. Especially with numbers like these:
1. Ohio State $32.30
2. Iowa $26.90
3. Wisconsin $22.71
4. Penn State $19.13
5. Michigan $18.03
6. Michigan State $15.86
7. Northwestern $15.71
8. Purdue $12.66
9. Indiana $11.84
10. Illinois $10.49
11. Minnesota $9.25
Those are the football expense budgets of all 11 Big Ten programs from the 2008-09 year, courtesy of Fanhouse.com. (See the story here.)

Funny, all four trophy opponents are in the top five.

Soon (maybe even today), I'll have a post about possible replacements. It will run the gamut from no-way-in-hell (the oft mentioned Tony Dungy) to who-the-hell-is-that (my fave DeWayne Walker).

In any event, the biggest splash the Gophers could have made was firing a coach mid-season. It is a rarity in any college sport, let alone the Sacred Cow of football, to relieve a coach during a season. But maybe this is a sign that the U is for real about getting a name. Or, at the least, a real coach. (Jeff Horton not withstanding.)