College Football Nation: Memphis Tigers
Memphis move does little for football
February, 8, 2012
Feb 8
2:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
The Big East has always fashioned itself as a basketball conference that just happens to play football.
That mindset has nearly destroyed the league, not once but twice. In this latest round of expansion mania, the split between the basketball faction and the football faction has become so dysfunctional, it took a near crippling blow to get everybody on the same page — and only because it was a matter of survival.
So you look at the addition of Memphis for the 2013 season and know this has nothing to do with football. Never mind that football brings in the cash, that football is the dominant sport in America, that nearly every conference does what is best for football first. Rising from its deathbed has not woken the Big East from its hoops dreamworld.
The Big East wants to protect its status as the No. 1 basketball conference in America. This is an obvious hat-tip to the hoops schools, to Rick Pitino, to all those unhappy over losing Syracuse, Pitt and West Virginia in favor of UCF, SMU and Houston. Basketball pride clearly comes first, and if you are the Big East, perhaps you realize and understand your place in the football world.
Was adding a good football program at the expense of basketball really going to change the perception of the league? Or its bid to retain automatic qualifier status? Probably not, so basketball won this round as a thank you to presidents who agreed to expand the league as far west as San Diego in the name of football.
"We understand how important this was to Rick. But that wasn't the driving force in us moving forward with the decision to explore and then invite the University of Memphis to the Big East conference," commissioner John Marinatto said Wednesday on a conference call. "The Big East conference, its genesis really is in men's basketball. That's where it established itself some 32 years ago. I think the moves that we've made overall strengthen the conference.
"But for different reasons, I think we're always going to be very, very strong in men's basketball. With the addition of Memphis, I think we solidify our position of being the best conference in the country for men's basketball, and for that matter women's basketball."
There are definite pros to adding Memphis. Big TV market. Good corporate sponsorship. Good facilities. A school in the Central Time Zone to help out the recent additions of San Diego State, Boise State, SMU and Houston. A final piece to get the Big East a championship game.
But the football program is not one of them. Memphis has been among the worst teams in America for the last three years, winning a combined five games from 2009-11. Only three were against opponents from FBS conferences. You have to go back to 2003 to find a nine-win season -- the only one over the course of the last 10 years.
In its recently completed 2-10 season, Memphis ranked No. 116 in the country in total offense and No. 117 in total defense and was outscored by an average of nearly 20 points a game. Coach Larry Porter was fired, and TCU co-offensive coordinator Justin Fuente was hired to try to reinvigorate a program that has been trolling the bottom of Conference USA. Even in its most recent "successful" season, Memphis got to 6-6 in 2008 and made a bowl game. But the Tigers got blown out 41-14 by USF.
It does not take a football expert to know this sport must be improved, and that was a part of the discussion Marinatto had with athletic director R.C. Johnson when he went to take a campus visit to Memphis.
"We're a diverse conference in a lot of ways," Marinatto said. "A very common element that rings through to all of our schools is our respective commitment to excellence in a variety of ways. Football, as you know, is the driving force not only with regard to realignment in moving forward but the value of our television contract, which will keep our membership together as we understand it and believe it for the long-term.
"So football is very important. We feel confident not only with regard to the moves that the university has made in the past in upgrading its facilities but, as I mentioned earlier, with the personnel and administrative moves they've made in order to solidify their situation going forward."
The Big East will get its big-money TV contract regardless of how good Memphis football is or will be in the future. That makes this move easier to take. But it still leaves questions about how the Big East is perceived on a national level -- and how it perceives itself.
That mindset has nearly destroyed the league, not once but twice. In this latest round of expansion mania, the split between the basketball faction and the football faction has become so dysfunctional, it took a near crippling blow to get everybody on the same page — and only because it was a matter of survival.
[+] Enlarge
Spruce Derden/US PresswireThe Memphis Tigers finished their 2011 season with a 2-10 overall record, and 1-7 in Conference USA.
Spruce Derden/US PresswireThe Memphis Tigers finished their 2011 season with a 2-10 overall record, and 1-7 in Conference USA.The Big East wants to protect its status as the No. 1 basketball conference in America. This is an obvious hat-tip to the hoops schools, to Rick Pitino, to all those unhappy over losing Syracuse, Pitt and West Virginia in favor of UCF, SMU and Houston. Basketball pride clearly comes first, and if you are the Big East, perhaps you realize and understand your place in the football world.
Was adding a good football program at the expense of basketball really going to change the perception of the league? Or its bid to retain automatic qualifier status? Probably not, so basketball won this round as a thank you to presidents who agreed to expand the league as far west as San Diego in the name of football.
"We understand how important this was to Rick. But that wasn't the driving force in us moving forward with the decision to explore and then invite the University of Memphis to the Big East conference," commissioner John Marinatto said Wednesday on a conference call. "The Big East conference, its genesis really is in men's basketball. That's where it established itself some 32 years ago. I think the moves that we've made overall strengthen the conference.
"But for different reasons, I think we're always going to be very, very strong in men's basketball. With the addition of Memphis, I think we solidify our position of being the best conference in the country for men's basketball, and for that matter women's basketball."
There are definite pros to adding Memphis. Big TV market. Good corporate sponsorship. Good facilities. A school in the Central Time Zone to help out the recent additions of San Diego State, Boise State, SMU and Houston. A final piece to get the Big East a championship game.
But the football program is not one of them. Memphis has been among the worst teams in America for the last three years, winning a combined five games from 2009-11. Only three were against opponents from FBS conferences. You have to go back to 2003 to find a nine-win season -- the only one over the course of the last 10 years.
In its recently completed 2-10 season, Memphis ranked No. 116 in the country in total offense and No. 117 in total defense and was outscored by an average of nearly 20 points a game. Coach Larry Porter was fired, and TCU co-offensive coordinator Justin Fuente was hired to try to reinvigorate a program that has been trolling the bottom of Conference USA. Even in its most recent "successful" season, Memphis got to 6-6 in 2008 and made a bowl game. But the Tigers got blown out 41-14 by USF.
It does not take a football expert to know this sport must be improved, and that was a part of the discussion Marinatto had with athletic director R.C. Johnson when he went to take a campus visit to Memphis.
"We're a diverse conference in a lot of ways," Marinatto said. "A very common element that rings through to all of our schools is our respective commitment to excellence in a variety of ways. Football, as you know, is the driving force not only with regard to realignment in moving forward but the value of our television contract, which will keep our membership together as we understand it and believe it for the long-term.
"So football is very important. We feel confident not only with regard to the moves that the university has made in the past in upgrading its facilities but, as I mentioned earlier, with the personnel and administrative moves they've made in order to solidify their situation going forward."
The Big East will get its big-money TV contract regardless of how good Memphis football is or will be in the future. That makes this move easier to take. But it still leaves questions about how the Big East is perceived on a national level -- and how it perceives itself.
Big East announces Memphis addition
February, 8, 2012
Feb 8
11:32
AM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
The Big East has made it official: Memphis will join the conference for the 2013-14 season.
Here is the release. I will have more this afternoon.
Here is the release. I will have more this afternoon.
The Big East Conference Board of Directors, by a unanimous vote of its Presidents, extended the invitation for membership to Memphis.
The addition of Memphis brings the Big East’s football membership to 12 schools. Ultimately, the Big East will have 17 full members. In December, the Big East announced the additions of the University of Central Florida, University of Houston and Southern Methodist University as full members and Boise State University and San Diego State University as football members. In January, the Naval Academy was added as a football member.
The addition of Memphis, along with the five schools announced in December and Navy, will boost the Big East’s television reach to more than 31 million homes, which is nearly 28 percent of all U.S. television households. Thirteen conference members will be located among the top 30 television markets and 17 will be in the top 50.
The Big East already had the largest media footprint in college athletics and the addition of Memphis makes that footprint even larger.
“Over the past decade, the University of Memphis has demonstrated an unwavering commitment of competing at the highest level in college sports,” said Big East commissioner John Marinatto. “The University has positioned itself for long-term success by upgrading facilities and investing wisely in various areas of the athletic department including coaching and administration. We are confident that the addition of this outstanding athletics program located in a top 50 media market and in the heart of the nation’s largest conference footprint will further propel the Big East and the University of Memphis to even greater levels of success in the future.”
The Big East will make it official with a conference call set for noon today -- Memphis will join as the 12th member of the league.
Though the Tigers have been terrible in football of late, they add a boost in basketball and are in a top 50 TV market -- two of the biggest reasons they are on board. Their addition means the Big East has now added four schools from Conference USA, and would give the Big East 12 teams in time for the 2015 season.
"I am thrilled that my hometown team and alma mater, the University of Memphis, is being invited to join the Big East," U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) said in a statement. "Joining the Big East will not only be great for the University of Memphis, but it will be an economic catalyst for the City of Memphis.
"Thanks to Louisville coach Rick Pitino for his strong support. And congratulations to Dr. Shirley Raines and R.C. Johnson."
Stay tuned for more later this afternoon.
Though the Tigers have been terrible in football of late, they add a boost in basketball and are in a top 50 TV market -- two of the biggest reasons they are on board. Their addition means the Big East has now added four schools from Conference USA, and would give the Big East 12 teams in time for the 2015 season.
"I am thrilled that my hometown team and alma mater, the University of Memphis, is being invited to join the Big East," U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) said in a statement. "Joining the Big East will not only be great for the University of Memphis, but it will be an economic catalyst for the City of Memphis.
"Thanks to Louisville coach Rick Pitino for his strong support. And congratulations to Dr. Shirley Raines and R.C. Johnson."
Stay tuned for more later this afternoon.
The Big East and Memphis are in talks about adding the school in all sports beginning in 2013, according to Joe Schad of ESPN.
Memphis would get the Big East to 12 schools, which has been part of the league's plan ever since it lost Syracuse, Pitt, TCU and West Virginia.
Should the Tigers join, the Big East would have added four schools from Conference USA -- UCF, Houston and SMU previously agreed to join the league in 2013. The Big East also will add Boise State and San Diego State as football-only members in 2013, and independent Navy in 2015.
Let's take a look back at the non-AQs in Week 13:
Houston one step away. The Cougars faced a tough task on the road at Tulsa, with a spot in the Conference USA championship game on the line. Tulsa jumped out to a 10-6 lead early in the game, and some had to wonder whether we were seeing the old Houston come back to life. But these are not the Cougars of 2009 or 2010. The Cougars reeled off 28 straight points in the second half to blow open the game and win 48-16. Case Keenum threw for 457 yards and five touchdown passes, and Patrick Edwards had 181 yards and four touchdowns as Houston won a school-record 12th game. Two of their touchdown connections came on fourth down. Edwards went over 100 yards for the 16th time in his career and also broke the conference record for career receiving yards. Houston now hosts Southern Miss on Saturday with a chance to make its first BCS appearance.
Coaching carousel starts. Akron, Memphis and UAB all are in the market for new head coaches. The Zips fired Rob Ianello after he went 2-22 in his two seasons at the helm. The Tigers fired Larry Porter after he went 3-21 in two seasons. UAB fired Neil Callaway after he went 18-42 in five seasons with the Blazers. Athletic directors at all three schools essentially said they did not see improvement in their programs and decided to go in different directions. Callaway is the third Conference USA coach who has been fired this season, joining Bob Toledo of Tulane. New Mexico also fired coach Mike Locksley earlier this season, but already hired former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie. Meanwhile, Ianello was reportedly fired as he drove to his mother's funeral in Long Island, N.Y.
Going bowling. Marshall became bowl eligible for the first time under coach Doc Holliday, after a 34-27 win over East Carolina in overtime. The Pirates sent the game into the extra period when Dominique Davis threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jones with 14 seconds left in regulation. But Davis threw an interception in overtime, after Tron Martinez scored on a 1-yard run for the Herd. East Carolina will not be in a bowl game for the first time in six years. As for the Herd, they are one of several non-AQ teams to become bowl eligible after losing seasons in 2010:
As you can see, three Sun Belt teams made five-game improvements, and the league has four bowl-eligible teams this season.
Game of the week. FAU 38, UAB 35.
Howard Schnellenberger announced his retirement before the season, began but his final season was not exactly going according to plan. The Owls were the only winless team in FBS heading into Week 13. But alas, the football gods conspired to make sure the legendary program builder would not go out without a win. The Owls played inspired football Saturday against UAB, beating the Blazers 38-35 as Schnellenberger avoided his first winless season. Alfred Morris had a career-high four touchdowns, with a career-high 198 yards on 38 carries to notch his fifth straight 100-yard game. "I got the biggest and best kiss from [wife] Beverlee in a long time on the sideline," Schnellenberger said afterward. "And I'm expecting more when I get home."
WAC-ky WAC. Nevada was in control of the WAC heading into last week's game against Louisiana Tech. But the Wolf Pack have now dropped two straight games, losing to Utah State 21-17 on Saturday. The Bulldogs had no such problems after their big win over Nevada last week and beat New Mexico State 44-0 to win their first WAC title since 2001. Louisiana Tech has won seven straight after starting the year 1-4. The team also accepted a bowl spot in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, the fifth bowl bid in school history. This will be first bowl appearance since an Independence Bowl victory over Northern Illinois in 2008.
Helmet Stickers
Rakeem Cato, QB, Marshall. Cato went 23-of-29 for 341 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-27 overtime win over East Carolina to get the Thundering Herd to a bowl game.
Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple. Pierce had a season-high 189 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in a 34-16 win over Kent State. Pierce went over the 100-yard mark in rushing for the 17th time in his career and eighth time this season. Pierce has had three or more touchdowns in six games this year.
Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky. Rainey had a season-high 227-yards and three touchdowns in a 41-18 win over Troy. Rainey also broke the school's single-season rushing record, ending the regular season with 1,695 yards. He now leads the nation for the second straight season in carries and broke his own school record with 369 attempts on the season.
Travis Stanaway, S, Boise State. Stanaway, making just the second start of his career for Boise State, had a career-high nine tackles, forced a fumble and had his first career interception as a Bronco in a 36-14 win over Wyoming.
Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State. Wagner had a game-high 15 tackles in a 21-17 win over Nevada, and also had a critical fumble recovery on a fourth-and-1 in the final minutes of the game to preserve the victory.
Houston one step away. The Cougars faced a tough task on the road at Tulsa, with a spot in the Conference USA championship game on the line. Tulsa jumped out to a 10-6 lead early in the game, and some had to wonder whether we were seeing the old Houston come back to life. But these are not the Cougars of 2009 or 2010. The Cougars reeled off 28 straight points in the second half to blow open the game and win 48-16. Case Keenum threw for 457 yards and five touchdown passes, and Patrick Edwards had 181 yards and four touchdowns as Houston won a school-record 12th game. Two of their touchdown connections came on fourth down. Edwards went over 100 yards for the 16th time in his career and also broke the conference record for career receiving yards. Houston now hosts Southern Miss on Saturday with a chance to make its first BCS appearance.
Coaching carousel starts. Akron, Memphis and UAB all are in the market for new head coaches. The Zips fired Rob Ianello after he went 2-22 in his two seasons at the helm. The Tigers fired Larry Porter after he went 3-21 in two seasons. UAB fired Neil Callaway after he went 18-42 in five seasons with the Blazers. Athletic directors at all three schools essentially said they did not see improvement in their programs and decided to go in different directions. Callaway is the third Conference USA coach who has been fired this season, joining Bob Toledo of Tulane. New Mexico also fired coach Mike Locksley earlier this season, but already hired former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie. Meanwhile, Ianello was reportedly fired as he drove to his mother's funeral in Long Island, N.Y.
Going bowling. Marshall became bowl eligible for the first time under coach Doc Holliday, after a 34-27 win over East Carolina in overtime. The Pirates sent the game into the extra period when Dominique Davis threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jones with 14 seconds left in regulation. But Davis threw an interception in overtime, after Tron Martinez scored on a 1-yard run for the Herd. East Carolina will not be in a bowl game for the first time in six years. As for the Herd, they are one of several non-AQ teams to become bowl eligible after losing seasons in 2010:
- Ball State improved from 4-8 to 6-6.
- Western Kentucky improved from 2-10 to 7-5.
- Wyoming improved from 3-9 to 7-4, with one game remaining at Colorado State.
- Louisiana Tech improved from 5-7 to 8-4 and WAC champs.
- Utah State improved from 4-8 to 6-5 with one game remaining at New Mexico State.
- Arkansas State improved from 4-8 to 9-2.
- Louisiana-Lafayette improved from 3-9 to 8-4.
As you can see, three Sun Belt teams made five-game improvements, and the league has four bowl-eligible teams this season.
Game of the week. FAU 38, UAB 35.
Howard Schnellenberger announced his retirement before the season, began but his final season was not exactly going according to plan. The Owls were the only winless team in FBS heading into Week 13. But alas, the football gods conspired to make sure the legendary program builder would not go out without a win. The Owls played inspired football Saturday against UAB, beating the Blazers 38-35 as Schnellenberger avoided his first winless season. Alfred Morris had a career-high four touchdowns, with a career-high 198 yards on 38 carries to notch his fifth straight 100-yard game. "I got the biggest and best kiss from [wife] Beverlee in a long time on the sideline," Schnellenberger said afterward. "And I'm expecting more when I get home."
WAC-ky WAC. Nevada was in control of the WAC heading into last week's game against Louisiana Tech. But the Wolf Pack have now dropped two straight games, losing to Utah State 21-17 on Saturday. The Bulldogs had no such problems after their big win over Nevada last week and beat New Mexico State 44-0 to win their first WAC title since 2001. Louisiana Tech has won seven straight after starting the year 1-4. The team also accepted a bowl spot in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, the fifth bowl bid in school history. This will be first bowl appearance since an Independence Bowl victory over Northern Illinois in 2008.
Helmet Stickers
Rakeem Cato, QB, Marshall. Cato went 23-of-29 for 341 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-27 overtime win over East Carolina to get the Thundering Herd to a bowl game.
Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple. Pierce had a season-high 189 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in a 34-16 win over Kent State. Pierce went over the 100-yard mark in rushing for the 17th time in his career and eighth time this season. Pierce has had three or more touchdowns in six games this year.
Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky. Rainey had a season-high 227-yards and three touchdowns in a 41-18 win over Troy. Rainey also broke the school's single-season rushing record, ending the regular season with 1,695 yards. He now leads the nation for the second straight season in carries and broke his own school record with 369 attempts on the season.
Travis Stanaway, S, Boise State. Stanaway, making just the second start of his career for Boise State, had a career-high nine tackles, forced a fumble and had his first career interception as a Bronco in a 36-14 win over Wyoming.
Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State. Wagner had a game-high 15 tackles in a 21-17 win over Nevada, and also had a critical fumble recovery on a fourth-and-1 in the final minutes of the game to preserve the victory.
Time to take a look back at Week 8 for the non-AQs:
Quarterbacks rule. In case you missed it, three quarterbacks had pretty awesome days on Saturday. Dominique Davis of East Carolina completed 26 straight passes. Kellen Moore of Boise State tied the NCAA record for career wins with 45. Case Keenum of Houston became the NCAA career leader for total offense, with the NCAA career passing mark and NCAA career touchdown passing mark in his sights. You can read more about their days here.
Southern Miss streaking. The Golden Eagles are off to their best start since 2000 after an impressive 27-3 win over SMU. They are ranked No. 25 in the coaches' poll, their first ranking since 2004, and have won five straight. Austin Davis has been impressive but so has the defense, which has made big-time improvements this season and has been a major reason this team is now the favorite to win the East Division in Conference USA. SMU came into the game with its high-powered passing offense, but Southern Miss totally shut down the Mustangs, who had season lows for points and passing yards (173). Southern Miss had two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. After it plays UTEP (4-3) Saturday, Southern Miss does not have a team left on the schedule with a winning record, making it conceivable the Golden Eagles could win out. Who would they face in the C-USA title game? The West is still wide open between Houston (7-0, 3-0), Tulsa (4-3, 3-0) and SMU (5-2, 3-1), but the No. 17 Cougars would have to be the favorite if they keep rolling. They get Rice this Thursday, but close the season with back-to-back games against the Mustangs at home, then at Tulsa on Nov. 26.
Bowl bound: Southern Miss and Houston are two of five non-AQs already bowl eligible (Boise State, ULL, BYU).
Next up on deck, with games this weekend:
Arkansas State (5-2) vs. North Texas
Toledo (5-3) vs. Northern Illinois (Nov. 1)
Ball State (5-3) at Western Michigan
Northern Illinois (5-3) at Toledo (Nov. 1)
Temple (5-3) vs. Ohio (Nov. 2)
Ohio (5-3) vs. Temple (Nov. 2)
TCU (5-2) vs. BYU (Arlington, Friday)
SMU (5-2) at Tulsa
* Eastern Michigan is 5-3 but the Golden Eagles need to get to seven wins because they have two wins over FCS opponents.
Disappointments: This has been a popular question during my weekly chats: Which team(s) have been the biggest disappointment. There are three on my list today: Fresno State, UCF and Colorado State. The Bulldogs had WAC nemesis Boise State out of the way this season, the perfect opportunity to win a league championship before moving on to the Mountain West. Instead, they have sputtered to a 3-5 start and just lost to Nevada. Fresno State needs to win three games to become bowl eligible. It should be able to get there, but nothing is a given with the improved play of Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State and San Jose State. Meanwhile, there were those who thought Colorado State had everything it needed to get back to a bowl game, with a young quarterback in Pete Thomas and 14 starters returning. But injuries have completed decimated this team, and the Rams are 3-4 and are going to need to pull an upset or two to get to six wins with UNLV, San Diego State, TCU, Air Force and Wyoming left.
Perhaps most disappointing of all, though, has been UCF. Here you have a program coming off the first Top 25 season in school history and a win over Georgia in the bowl game. Many thought that would give this program much-needed momentum and a building block for the future. Instead, the Knights dropped to 3-4 and 1-2 in conference last week after a loss to previously winless UAB, losing to a team that played its backup quarterback and backup running back. Starting quarterback Jeff Godfrey was benched in favor of Blake Bortles, who nearly led the Knights to a win. Now UCF might have a quarterback controversy on its hands, as coach George O'Leary has declined to say who would start Saturday against Memphis. The Knights have some tough games left and are going to need help to make it back to the C-USA title game.
The heartbreak: You have got to feel for Navy, one of the most snake-bitten teams in college football. Navy has lost four games this year by a total of eight points. The Midshipmen, Utah State and Indiana are the only three teams in the country to lose four games by eight points or fewer. The heartbreak continued Saturday in a 38-35 loss to East Carolina. The Midshipmen hung tough after losing starting quarterback Kriss Proctor (elbow) and had a chance to win in the closing minute. An apparent touchdown pass from Trey Miller to Matt Aiken was ruled incomplete, and then Navy missed yet another field goal. Aiken appeared to cross the plane after catching the ball at the 2, but the ball came loose as he hit the ground. Replay officials ruled Aiken did not maintain control as the reason for the ruling of an incomplete pass. Navy dropped to 2-5 and is in danger of breaking its eight-year bowl streak.
Helmet stickers
Mike Ball, RB, Nevada. Ball had a career-high 198 yards rushing and a touchdown on 26 carries in a 45-38 win over Fresno State. He had rushes of 35 and 41 yards, the two longest runs by any Nevada player this year.
Byron Hout, LB, Boise State. Had a career-high 18 tackles in a 37-26 win over Air Force. His tackle total is the most by a Broncos player since Korey Hall had 15 against New Mexico State in 2006.
Javonti Greene, RB, Eastern Michigan. Caught a 50-yard pass from Alex Gillett in the first quarter and scored on a 50-yard run midway through the fourth quarter for both touchdowns in a 14-10 victory over Western Michigan.
Bobby McCain, DB, Memphis. McCain had a 79-yard interception for a touchdown in a 33-17 win over Tulane. The interception gave the Tigers the lead for good in their first conference win since beating UTEP 35-20 Oct. 10, 2009.
Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky. Rainey ran for 206 yards and a career-high three touchdowns as the Hilltoppers won their first home game since 2008 with a 42-23 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. Rainey moved into fourth place on the WKU career rushing list with his performance -- the second 200-yard rushing game of his career.
Quarterbacks rule. In case you missed it, three quarterbacks had pretty awesome days on Saturday. Dominique Davis of East Carolina completed 26 straight passes. Kellen Moore of Boise State tied the NCAA record for career wins with 45. Case Keenum of Houston became the NCAA career leader for total offense, with the NCAA career passing mark and NCAA career touchdown passing mark in his sights. You can read more about their days here.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Gail BurtonDominique Davis misfired on only five of his 45 pass attempts in East Carolina's win over Navy.
AP Photo/Gail BurtonDominique Davis misfired on only five of his 45 pass attempts in East Carolina's win over Navy.Bowl bound: Southern Miss and Houston are two of five non-AQs already bowl eligible (Boise State, ULL, BYU).
Next up on deck, with games this weekend:
Arkansas State (5-2) vs. North Texas
Toledo (5-3) vs. Northern Illinois (Nov. 1)
Ball State (5-3) at Western Michigan
Northern Illinois (5-3) at Toledo (Nov. 1)
Temple (5-3) vs. Ohio (Nov. 2)
Ohio (5-3) vs. Temple (Nov. 2)
TCU (5-2) vs. BYU (Arlington, Friday)
SMU (5-2) at Tulsa
* Eastern Michigan is 5-3 but the Golden Eagles need to get to seven wins because they have two wins over FCS opponents.
Disappointments: This has been a popular question during my weekly chats: Which team(s) have been the biggest disappointment. There are three on my list today: Fresno State, UCF and Colorado State. The Bulldogs had WAC nemesis Boise State out of the way this season, the perfect opportunity to win a league championship before moving on to the Mountain West. Instead, they have sputtered to a 3-5 start and just lost to Nevada. Fresno State needs to win three games to become bowl eligible. It should be able to get there, but nothing is a given with the improved play of Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State and San Jose State. Meanwhile, there were those who thought Colorado State had everything it needed to get back to a bowl game, with a young quarterback in Pete Thomas and 14 starters returning. But injuries have completed decimated this team, and the Rams are 3-4 and are going to need to pull an upset or two to get to six wins with UNLV, San Diego State, TCU, Air Force and Wyoming left.
Perhaps most disappointing of all, though, has been UCF. Here you have a program coming off the first Top 25 season in school history and a win over Georgia in the bowl game. Many thought that would give this program much-needed momentum and a building block for the future. Instead, the Knights dropped to 3-4 and 1-2 in conference last week after a loss to previously winless UAB, losing to a team that played its backup quarterback and backup running back. Starting quarterback Jeff Godfrey was benched in favor of Blake Bortles, who nearly led the Knights to a win. Now UCF might have a quarterback controversy on its hands, as coach George O'Leary has declined to say who would start Saturday against Memphis. The Knights have some tough games left and are going to need help to make it back to the C-USA title game.
The heartbreak: You have got to feel for Navy, one of the most snake-bitten teams in college football. Navy has lost four games this year by a total of eight points. The Midshipmen, Utah State and Indiana are the only three teams in the country to lose four games by eight points or fewer. The heartbreak continued Saturday in a 38-35 loss to East Carolina. The Midshipmen hung tough after losing starting quarterback Kriss Proctor (elbow) and had a chance to win in the closing minute. An apparent touchdown pass from Trey Miller to Matt Aiken was ruled incomplete, and then Navy missed yet another field goal. Aiken appeared to cross the plane after catching the ball at the 2, but the ball came loose as he hit the ground. Replay officials ruled Aiken did not maintain control as the reason for the ruling of an incomplete pass. Navy dropped to 2-5 and is in danger of breaking its eight-year bowl streak.
Helmet stickers
Mike Ball, RB, Nevada. Ball had a career-high 198 yards rushing and a touchdown on 26 carries in a 45-38 win over Fresno State. He had rushes of 35 and 41 yards, the two longest runs by any Nevada player this year.
Byron Hout, LB, Boise State. Had a career-high 18 tackles in a 37-26 win over Air Force. His tackle total is the most by a Broncos player since Korey Hall had 15 against New Mexico State in 2006.
Javonti Greene, RB, Eastern Michigan. Caught a 50-yard pass from Alex Gillett in the first quarter and scored on a 50-yard run midway through the fourth quarter for both touchdowns in a 14-10 victory over Western Michigan.
Bobby McCain, DB, Memphis. McCain had a 79-yard interception for a touchdown in a 33-17 win over Tulane. The interception gave the Tigers the lead for good in their first conference win since beating UTEP 35-20 Oct. 10, 2009.
Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky. Rainey ran for 206 yards and a career-high three touchdowns as the Hilltoppers won their first home game since 2008 with a 42-23 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. Rainey moved into fourth place on the WKU career rushing list with his performance -- the second 200-yard rushing game of his career.
UCF and Houston were picked to win their respective Conference USA divisions in a media poll conducted by The Tulsa World.
A total of 24 media voters -- two who cover each school -- participated in the poll. UCF, the defending league champion, got 20 first-place votes in the East. Southern Miss was picked second and got four first-place votes.
The West figures to be much more wide open between Houston, Tulsa and SMU and the voting reflected that. The Cougars, with Case Keenum returning, got 12 first-place votes in the West. Tulsa was picked to finish second with eight first-place votes. SMU, which played in the C-USA title game a year ago, got four first-place votes and was picked third.
C-USA East
1. UCF (20 first-place votes) - 139 points
2. Southern Miss (4) - 122
3. East Carolina - 93
4. Marshall - 65
5. UAB - 61
6. Memphis - 24
C-USA West
1. Houston (12 first-place votes) - 127 points
2. Tulsa (8) - 117
3. SMU (4) - 116
4. Rice - 60
5. Tulane - 42
5. UTEP - 42
A total of 24 media voters -- two who cover each school -- participated in the poll. UCF, the defending league champion, got 20 first-place votes in the East. Southern Miss was picked second and got four first-place votes.
The West figures to be much more wide open between Houston, Tulsa and SMU and the voting reflected that. The Cougars, with Case Keenum returning, got 12 first-place votes in the West. Tulsa was picked to finish second with eight first-place votes. SMU, which played in the C-USA title game a year ago, got four first-place votes and was picked third.
C-USA East
1. UCF (20 first-place votes) - 139 points
2. Southern Miss (4) - 122
3. East Carolina - 93
4. Marshall - 65
5. UAB - 61
6. Memphis - 24
C-USA West
1. Houston (12 first-place votes) - 127 points
2. Tulsa (8) - 117
3. SMU (4) - 116
4. Rice - 60
5. Tulane - 42
5. UTEP - 42
Have a great weekend, everyone! Here are your links for today.
Tulsa offensive lineman Kody Cooke mourns the passing of his childhood friend, Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box.
Memphis defensive back Mo Seisay will transfer to Eastern Arizona. Seisay started 12 games at cornerback as a redshirt freshman last season but was moved to safety in the spring.
Check out UCF's expenses for the Liberty Bowl.
Hawaii fans are creating a big demand for tickets to games at Washington and UNLV.
Five UCF players are enrolled in the first summer session, including linebacker Leilon Willingham of Denver.
Plenty of non-AQ players on the watch list for the Rimington Award, given annually to the nation's best center.
A breakdown of Bowling Green headed into 2011.
Tulsa offensive lineman Kody Cooke mourns the passing of his childhood friend, Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box.
Memphis defensive back Mo Seisay will transfer to Eastern Arizona. Seisay started 12 games at cornerback as a redshirt freshman last season but was moved to safety in the spring.
Check out UCF's expenses for the Liberty Bowl.
Hawaii fans are creating a big demand for tickets to games at Washington and UNLV.
Five UCF players are enrolled in the first summer session, including linebacker Leilon Willingham of Denver.
Plenty of non-AQ players on the watch list for the Rimington Award, given annually to the nation's best center.
A breakdown of Bowling Green headed into 2011.
If you want to check out some pretty freaky football players, then perhaps you should watch some Sun Belt football. Three Sun Belt players got recognition in Bruce Feldman's annual college football "freaks" list.
Coming in at No. 5 is Troy linebacker Kanorris Davis. Teammate Brandon Boudreaux, one of Feldman's top 10 strongest men in college football, just missed the cut. So did ULM receiver Luther Ambrose, who is in the Jeff Demps mold -- short (5-foot-8), fast (won the Sun Belt title in the 100 meters in 10.47 seconds) and athletic (finished second in the long jump at the conference championships).
Feldman said of Davis:
Make sure to watch that video. It is pretty remarkable. Feldman also noted that Boudreaux has his own freak tendencies. He weighs just under 240 pounds but has repped 225 on the bench nearly 50 times.
Also making the list at No. 9: Boise State running back Doug Martin, otherwise known as the Muscle Hamster. Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe, No. 5 on the strongest man list, just missed the cut. Feldman says of Martin:
Indeed, several Boise State fans have let it be known that Kellen Moore is not the only superstar returning to the team. Martin should not be overlooked.
Coming in at No. 5 is Troy linebacker Kanorris Davis. Teammate Brandon Boudreaux, one of Feldman's top 10 strongest men in college football, just missed the cut. So did ULM receiver Luther Ambrose, who is in the Jeff Demps mold -- short (5-foot-8), fast (won the Sun Belt title in the 100 meters in 10.47 seconds) and athletic (finished second in the long jump at the conference championships).
Feldman said of Davis:
Davis -- who has forced five fumbles in the past two seasons -- can run a 4.40; however, it's jumping ability that turns heads. Want proof? Check out this video of Davis, whose vertical has been measured at 42 inches, vaulting clear over 6-foot Troy punter Will Goggans (of Santa Claus beard fame) in the weight room.
Make sure to watch that video. It is pretty remarkable. Feldman also noted that Boudreaux has his own freak tendencies. He weighs just under 240 pounds but has repped 225 on the bench nearly 50 times.
Also making the list at No. 9: Boise State running back Doug Martin, otherwise known as the Muscle Hamster. Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe, No. 5 on the strongest man list, just missed the cut. Feldman says of Martin:
Martin's testing numbers are on top or near the top of the BSU program with a 405-pound bench, a 374-pound hang clean, a 530-pound squat and a 40-time of 4.42. He also vertical-jumped 37 inches and repped 225 pounds 28 times.
Indeed, several Boise State fans have let it be known that Kellen Moore is not the only superstar returning to the team. Martin should not be overlooked.
Colleague Bruce Feldman has a great post on the 10 strongest players in college football. Two players on non-AQ teams made the list:
No. 3 Brandon Boudreaux, DE/LB, Troy Trojans
No. 5 Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis Tigers
Feldman writes of Boudreaux: Earlier this week, when the Trojans had their pro-testing day, Boudreaux "only" benched 225 44 times. I say only because Troy strength coach Richard Shaughnessy says Boundreaux has done close to 50 reps before. The really amazing part is that he's only 239 pounds. He's also broad jumped 10-foot-5 and ran a 4.6.
Poe, a former shot put champion in high school, can squat 700 pounds, bench 500 and power clean 400. Tigers strength coach Ryan Cidzik, who has coached Shaun Rogers and Kris Jenkins, told Feldman: "I've been around some very strong defensive linemen when I was coaching in the NFL, and Poe's up there with all of them. If I have another year with him, he will probably be the strongest player I've ever been around."
No. 3 Brandon Boudreaux, DE/LB, Troy Trojans
No. 5 Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis Tigers
Feldman writes of Boudreaux: Earlier this week, when the Trojans had their pro-testing day, Boudreaux "only" benched 225 44 times. I say only because Troy strength coach Richard Shaughnessy says Boundreaux has done close to 50 reps before. The really amazing part is that he's only 239 pounds. He's also broad jumped 10-foot-5 and ran a 4.6.
Poe, a former shot put champion in high school, can squat 700 pounds, bench 500 and power clean 400. Tigers strength coach Ryan Cidzik, who has coached Shaun Rogers and Kris Jenkins, told Feldman: "I've been around some very strong defensive linemen when I was coaching in the NFL, and Poe's up there with all of them. If I have another year with him, he will probably be the strongest player I've ever been around."
Here is a quick roundup of selected non-AQ spring games from this past weekend:
Boise State: The defense dominated with six three-and-outs, five sacks, a turnover and two red zone stops. Another sack was credited to Jarrell Root in the official statistics, but was not accounted for in the scoring. Bryan Douglas had the only interception of the day. Geraldo Hiwat stood out on offense with five catches for 97 yards. Drew Wright led Boise State in rushing with eight carries for 24 yards.
Buffalo: Senior wide receiver Marcus Rivers was the star with nine receptions for 198 yards and three touchdowns, including long scores of 65 and 68 yards. Quarterbacks Jerry Davis and Alex Zordich, competing for the starting job, combined to throw for 322 yards and three touchdowns -- including four completions of more than 40 yards.
East Carolina: The Pirates have had injury problems at center, which accounted for five missed snaps during the spring game. Coach Ruffin McNeill limited Dominique Davis so he could get a look at the other quarterbacks on the roster. Rio Johnson led all passers with 111 yards and a touchdown. Michael Dobson and Alex Owah were responsible for most of the rushing game, combining for 112 yards on 22 rushes. Defensively, the Pirates are now playing a 3-4 and had some good moments. Linebacker Jeremy Grove led all tacklers with seven, while the unit had six sacks and went 15 straight drives without allowing a score.
Memphis: The defense had 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and held the offense scoreless until the final half-hour of the two-hour Blue-Gray game. Andy Summerlin and Will Gilchrist split the quarterback duties in the game. Summerlin was 16-of-27 for 269 yards and three scores, while Gilchrist went 10-of-17 for 93 yards.
Nevada: Sophomore running back Stefphon Jefferson ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries to lead the offense. Tyler Lantrip overcame a slow start and finished 8-of-18 for 108 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another score. The defense had six stops on the first eight series of the scrimmage and created three turnovers.
Temple: Chester Stewart and Mike Gerardi played well as the two are in the mix to become the starting quarterback. Stewart started last season before Gerardi replaced him. They played on both teams Saturday. Stewart and Gerardi each went 6-of-8 with a touchdown for the Cherry team, while Gerardi was 7-of-10 for 97 yards and a TD and Stewart was 4-of-4 for 61 yards for the White team. Chris Coyer, also competing for the starting job, did not play in the game as a precaution because of a minor injury to his non-throwing hand. Running back Myron Myles had three scores.
Western Kentucky: Quarterback Kawaun Jakes was named the game’s MVP after going 10-of-16 for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He also picked up 40 rushing yards on nine carries as the Hilltoppers went with an up-tempo, no-huddle look. "We are 10 times better than we were last spring," coach Willie Taggart said.
Western Michigan: Tevin Drake rushed for 94 yards and Alex Carder was 14-for-18 for 110 yards and a touchdown. Keith Dixson led all defenders with 14 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
Boise State: The defense dominated with six three-and-outs, five sacks, a turnover and two red zone stops. Another sack was credited to Jarrell Root in the official statistics, but was not accounted for in the scoring. Bryan Douglas had the only interception of the day. Geraldo Hiwat stood out on offense with five catches for 97 yards. Drew Wright led Boise State in rushing with eight carries for 24 yards.
Buffalo: Senior wide receiver Marcus Rivers was the star with nine receptions for 198 yards and three touchdowns, including long scores of 65 and 68 yards. Quarterbacks Jerry Davis and Alex Zordich, competing for the starting job, combined to throw for 322 yards and three touchdowns -- including four completions of more than 40 yards.
East Carolina: The Pirates have had injury problems at center, which accounted for five missed snaps during the spring game. Coach Ruffin McNeill limited Dominique Davis so he could get a look at the other quarterbacks on the roster. Rio Johnson led all passers with 111 yards and a touchdown. Michael Dobson and Alex Owah were responsible for most of the rushing game, combining for 112 yards on 22 rushes. Defensively, the Pirates are now playing a 3-4 and had some good moments. Linebacker Jeremy Grove led all tacklers with seven, while the unit had six sacks and went 15 straight drives without allowing a score.
Memphis: The defense had 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and held the offense scoreless until the final half-hour of the two-hour Blue-Gray game. Andy Summerlin and Will Gilchrist split the quarterback duties in the game. Summerlin was 16-of-27 for 269 yards and three scores, while Gilchrist went 10-of-17 for 93 yards.
Nevada: Sophomore running back Stefphon Jefferson ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries to lead the offense. Tyler Lantrip overcame a slow start and finished 8-of-18 for 108 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another score. The defense had six stops on the first eight series of the scrimmage and created three turnovers.
Temple: Chester Stewart and Mike Gerardi played well as the two are in the mix to become the starting quarterback. Stewart started last season before Gerardi replaced him. They played on both teams Saturday. Stewart and Gerardi each went 6-of-8 with a touchdown for the Cherry team, while Gerardi was 7-of-10 for 97 yards and a TD and Stewart was 4-of-4 for 61 yards for the White team. Chris Coyer, also competing for the starting job, did not play in the game as a precaution because of a minor injury to his non-throwing hand. Running back Myron Myles had three scores.
Western Kentucky: Quarterback Kawaun Jakes was named the game’s MVP after going 10-of-16 for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He also picked up 40 rushing yards on nine carries as the Hilltoppers went with an up-tempo, no-huddle look. "We are 10 times better than we were last spring," coach Willie Taggart said.
Western Michigan: Tevin Drake rushed for 94 yards and Alex Carder was 14-for-18 for 110 yards and a touchdown. Keith Dixson led all defenders with 14 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
UCF, Tulsa and Memphis all have had Saturday games moved to weekdays to accommodate national television, Conference USA announced Thursday.
The Knights will play host to Tulsa on Thursday night, Nov. 3 and UTEP on Friday, Nov. 25. Memphis had its home game against Mississippi State moved up two days to Thursday, Sept. 1. An announcement on television will be made at a later date.
The move is not necessarily a good one for Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane will have a short week to prepare for UCF after hosting an important West Division game against SMU on Oct. 29. UCF has a short week, too, with a home game against Memphis on Oct. 29. But the Tigers are not expected to contend this season.
The Knights will play host to Tulsa on Thursday night, Nov. 3 and UTEP on Friday, Nov. 25. Memphis had its home game against Mississippi State moved up two days to Thursday, Sept. 1. An announcement on television will be made at a later date.
The move is not necessarily a good one for Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane will have a short week to prepare for UCF after hosting an important West Division game against SMU on Oct. 29. UCF has a short week, too, with a home game against Memphis on Oct. 29. But the Tigers are not expected to contend this season.
We continue our look at spring quarterback competitions with a look at Conference USA. This league is actually pretty solid when it comes to its top quarterbacks, with Case Keenum coming back and joining G.J. Kinne of Tulsa, Austin Davis of Southern Miss and Dominique Davis of East Carolina among others. But a few others have some question marks:
UTEP
Who’s out: Trevor Vittatoe, the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (12,439), passing touchdowns (97) and total offense (12,291).
Who’s competing: The Miners will also have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2006 after Vittatoe started every game since 2007 (49 total). Redshirt freshman Javia Hall, sophomore Carson Meger, senior Tate Smith and junior college transfer Nick Lamaison are the candidates. Meger and Smith saw limited action last season, but Lamaison is the most intriguing candidate. Lamaison was the Offensive Player of the Year for both the All-California and All-American teams after leading Mt. San Antonio College to a 13-0 record. He went 300-of-499 for 3,993 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Marshall
Who’s out: Brian Anderson.
Who’s in: A.J. Graham and Eddie Sullivan return. Graham was a redshirt freshman last season and Sullivan a true freshman and both played. But the most intriguing candidate could be Conelius Jones, a January enrollee who will be eligible to play in the spring. Jones signed with Michigan out of high school last season but did not qualify academically. He sat out this last year but was able to get his test score and should be in the mix to compete for the starting job.
Memphis
Who’s competing: Nobody is really out, but the job will be open again. Ryan Williams started the last 10 games last season as a true freshman but struggled with consistency. Coach Larry Porter will want to take another look at Cannon Smith, who went into the season as a starter before sustaining a concussion and then playing sporadically. There also Andy Summerlin, a junior college transfer who signed in 2010 but injured his shoulder last spring and was out for the fall. Memphis is considering moving back to the spread, but there's nothing definitive on that just yet.
UTEP
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Ross D. FranklinUTEP is replacing school record-holder Trevor Vittatoe and has to find a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2006.
AP Photo/Ross D. FranklinUTEP is replacing school record-holder Trevor Vittatoe and has to find a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2006.Who’s competing: The Miners will also have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2006 after Vittatoe started every game since 2007 (49 total). Redshirt freshman Javia Hall, sophomore Carson Meger, senior Tate Smith and junior college transfer Nick Lamaison are the candidates. Meger and Smith saw limited action last season, but Lamaison is the most intriguing candidate. Lamaison was the Offensive Player of the Year for both the All-California and All-American teams after leading Mt. San Antonio College to a 13-0 record. He went 300-of-499 for 3,993 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Marshall
Who’s out: Brian Anderson.
Who’s in: A.J. Graham and Eddie Sullivan return. Graham was a redshirt freshman last season and Sullivan a true freshman and both played. But the most intriguing candidate could be Conelius Jones, a January enrollee who will be eligible to play in the spring. Jones signed with Michigan out of high school last season but did not qualify academically. He sat out this last year but was able to get his test score and should be in the mix to compete for the starting job.
Memphis
Who’s competing: Nobody is really out, but the job will be open again. Ryan Williams started the last 10 games last season as a true freshman but struggled with consistency. Coach Larry Porter will want to take another look at Cannon Smith, who went into the season as a starter before sustaining a concussion and then playing sporadically. There also Andy Summerlin, a junior college transfer who signed in 2010 but injured his shoulder last spring and was out for the fall. Memphis is considering moving back to the spread, but there's nothing definitive on that just yet.
Look back: Non-AQs in 2007 recruiting class
January, 31, 2011
1/31/11
4:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
The folks over at ESPN Recruiting have been working hard not only putting together all the latest news as we head toward Signing Day on Wednesday, but also taking a look back through the years at hits and misses.
Generally the ESPN rankings for teams and players feature mostly automatic qualifying conference teams. But in the class of 2007, there were several notable non-AQ players highlighted.
In its feature on hit and miss players from the class of 2007, ESPN Recruiting mentioned running back Antwain Easterling of Southern Miss as a bust:
Several others were a part of the ESPNU Top 150 players of that signing class, aside from Easterling. Here is an update on them. A few ended up transferring in to non-AQ schools, so I included them here as well.
Generally the ESPN rankings for teams and players feature mostly automatic qualifying conference teams. But in the class of 2007, there were several notable non-AQ players highlighted.
In its feature on hit and miss players from the class of 2007, ESPN Recruiting mentioned running back Antwain Easterling of Southern Miss as a bust:
Easterling rushed for more than 2,800 yards and scored 33 touchdowns as a senior for Miami Northwestern. He was ranked No. 23 overall and as the fifth best running back in the country, but played in only two games for the Golden Eagles before being suspended indefinitely in 2008 for violating team rules and never returning to the program.
Several others were a part of the ESPNU Top 150 players of that signing class, aside from Easterling. Here is an update on them. A few ended up transferring in to non-AQ schools, so I included them here as well.
64. D'Angelo McCray, DT (Jacksonville, Fla./Andrew Jackson)
McCray redshirted at Illinois in 2007, before transferring to Eastern Illinois. After playing in 2008 for Eastern Illinois, he transferred to Coffeyville Community College in 2009 and then transferred to Memphis in 2010, totaling six tackles.
No. 110 Kamar Aiken, WR (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna)
In 2007, he set UCF freshman receiving records for catches, yards and touchdowns. As a sophomore, he was second on the team in catches and yards. In 2009, he lead the Knights in receiving yards, average yards per catch and receiving touchdowns. Aiken caught 32 passes for 486 yards and two touchdowns in 2010. For his career, he has 121 catches, 1,924 yards and 17 touchdowns.
132. Sidell Corley Jr., DE (Mobile, Ala./McGill Toolen)
After redshirting in 2007, he played in two games in 2008 and transferred to Troy in 2009. He recorded 22 tackles combined in 2009 and 2010 while playing with a benign tumor on the pituitary gland at the base of his brain.
143. Derrius Bell, CB (Arlington, Texas/Hillcrest)
After playing in nine games as a true freshman at SMU, he started 11 game in 2008 and recorded 53 tackles. In 2009, he saw action in only two games. After multiple concussions, he followed his doctor's orders and quit football in 2010.
Earlier today I did a post with the top non-AQ offensive players, according to the final NCAA stats. Now let us take a look at the top NCAA defensive players from the non-AQs.
We start with tackles. Seven of the top 10 leaders in tackles per game came from non-AQ teams:
No. 3 Jamon Hughes, Memphis, 12.25
No. 4 Mario Harvey, Marshall, 11.92
No. 5 Archie Donald, Toledo, 11.23
No. 6 Dwayne Woods Jr., Bowling Green, 11.17
t. No. 7 Bobby Wagner, Utah State, 11.08
t. No. 7 Craig Robertson, North Texas, 11.08
No. 10 Dan Molls, Toledo, 11
Only three of these players return for next season -- Woods, Wagner and Molls. Donald and Molls formed one of the best linebacker duos in the nation if you want to look at their numbers alone. Donald finished with 146 total tackles, while Molls had 143. The only other school with two tacklers in the top 30 was Akron with Brian Wagner (130) and Mike Thomas (113).
Next up: sacks. Five of the top 10 in the NCAA stats are from non-AQ schools.
No. 4 Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy, 13.5 (1.04 pg)
No. 5 Vinny Curry, Marshall, 12 (1.0 pg)
No. 7 Jamari Lattimore, Middle Tennessee, 11.5 (0.88 per game)
No. 8 Mario Addison, Troy, 10.5 (0.88 per game)
No. 9 Chris Carter, Fresno State, 11 (0.88 per game)
Just missing the list is Kent State true freshman Roosevelt Nix, who will most definitely be a player to watch for 2011. Nix had 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his debut season, en route to winning MAC defensive player of the year honors. Troy will lose one member of its sack duo -- Addison just finished his senior season. So did Lattimore and Carter. Massaquoi is an early candidate for Sun Belt defensive player of the year. The honors went to Lattimore this past season.
Finally, we take a look at interceptions. Many non-AQ players made the list here if you want to count total interceptions:
No. 3 Mana Silva, Hawaii, 8 (0.57 pg)
t. No. 5 Dexter McCoil, Tulsa, 6 (0.5 pg)
t. No. 5 Sean Baker, Ball State
t. No. 5 Domonic Cook, Buffalo
t. No. 10 Marco Nelson, Tulsa (.046 pg)
t. No. 13 Evan Harris, Miami (Ohio), (0.43 pg)
t. No. 13 Dayonne Nunley, Miami (0.43 pg)
Everybody on the list but Silva had six interceptions this past season. Impressive to see duos from Tulsa and Miami on the list. Each of those players returns for 2011. There were only three seniors on this list -- Baker, Cook and Silva.
We start with tackles. Seven of the top 10 leaders in tackles per game came from non-AQ teams:
No. 3 Jamon Hughes, Memphis, 12.25
No. 4 Mario Harvey, Marshall, 11.92
No. 5 Archie Donald, Toledo, 11.23
No. 6 Dwayne Woods Jr., Bowling Green, 11.17
t. No. 7 Bobby Wagner, Utah State, 11.08
t. No. 7 Craig Robertson, North Texas, 11.08
No. 10 Dan Molls, Toledo, 11
Only three of these players return for next season -- Woods, Wagner and Molls. Donald and Molls formed one of the best linebacker duos in the nation if you want to look at their numbers alone. Donald finished with 146 total tackles, while Molls had 143. The only other school with two tacklers in the top 30 was Akron with Brian Wagner (130) and Mike Thomas (113).
Next up: sacks. Five of the top 10 in the NCAA stats are from non-AQ schools.
No. 4 Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy, 13.5 (1.04 pg)
No. 5 Vinny Curry, Marshall, 12 (1.0 pg)
No. 7 Jamari Lattimore, Middle Tennessee, 11.5 (0.88 per game)
No. 8 Mario Addison, Troy, 10.5 (0.88 per game)
No. 9 Chris Carter, Fresno State, 11 (0.88 per game)
Just missing the list is Kent State true freshman Roosevelt Nix, who will most definitely be a player to watch for 2011. Nix had 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his debut season, en route to winning MAC defensive player of the year honors. Troy will lose one member of its sack duo -- Addison just finished his senior season. So did Lattimore and Carter. Massaquoi is an early candidate for Sun Belt defensive player of the year. The honors went to Lattimore this past season.
Finally, we take a look at interceptions. Many non-AQ players made the list here if you want to count total interceptions:
No. 3 Mana Silva, Hawaii, 8 (0.57 pg)
t. No. 5 Dexter McCoil, Tulsa, 6 (0.5 pg)
t. No. 5 Sean Baker, Ball State
t. No. 5 Domonic Cook, Buffalo
t. No. 10 Marco Nelson, Tulsa (.046 pg)
t. No. 13 Evan Harris, Miami (Ohio), (0.43 pg)
t. No. 13 Dayonne Nunley, Miami (0.43 pg)
Everybody on the list but Silva had six interceptions this past season. Impressive to see duos from Tulsa and Miami on the list. Each of those players returns for 2011. There were only three seniors on this list -- Baker, Cook and Silva.
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