ESPN College Football

Time for another edition of non-AQ did you know ...

Ever wonder why SMU and TCU play for an iron skillet? The SMU sports information department has enlightened us:

According to a Nov. 30, 1946, article in The Dallas Morning News, the "Battle of the Iron Skillet" was started to prevent "mutilation of school property" by rowdy fans. The previous year, more than $1,000 in damage had been done to both campuses.

"The SMU student council proposed the skillet as a symbol of the rivalry and substitute for vandalism," says SMU Archivist Joan Gosnell.

Gosnell says minutes from fall 1946 student council meetings provide more clues. On Oct. 1, the agenda includes: "Further set up idea of Little Brown Jug Trophy," referring to the Michigan-Minnesota football rivalry. On November 12, the committee arranging an SMU-TCU banquet and trophy "was reminded of their job."

And on Nov. 19, a student reported that he had purchased the trophy -- "an aluminum skillet." A motion was made that SMU and TCU would share the expense of the trophy.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the game. TCU has won the Iron Skillet in the last three meetings. The teams play again tonight.

Headed into its game against Southern Miss, Louisiana Tech offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has a 3-0 record against Golden Eagles coach head coach Larry Fedora. All three games have been over the last three years, with Franklin coaching three different teams (Troy, Auburn, Middle Tennessee and now Louisiana Tech) while Fedora has been at Oklahoma State and Southern Miss.

It will be father versus son when UTEP hosts Memphis on Saturday. UTEP head coach Mike Price will be facing his son Eric Price, the offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach for the Tigers.

“It will be real different for me personally, to say the least," Mike Price said. "Eric texted me Sunday night and said, ‘This is weird.’ They’re running an offense that is familiar to us. Eric is really happy and enthused about working there and thinks the future is very bright. Don’t ask my wife Joyce who she is going to be cheering for, because I’m not even second."

Utah is off to a 3-0 start for the fourth time in Mountain West history. On two of the previous three occasions, 2004 and 2008, the Utes went on to play in BCSbowl games. Utah went 12-0 in 2004 to become the first non-AQ team to earn a berth in and win a BCSbowl with a 35-7 victory over Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. In 2008, the Utes won 13 straight games, including a 31-17 win over then fourth-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

San Diego State has 11 rushing touchdowns in 2010, surpassing the eight rushing scores it recorded in all of 2009. The Aztecs have also reached the 400-yard mark in total offense in four straight games for the first time since 1996.

Northern Illinois plays four of its first five games on the road, and are in the midst of a stretch of three consecutive road games. Under Jerry Kill, Northern Illinois is 4-10 in road games since 2008, with seven of the losses coming by 9 points or less. After Saturday’s nonconference finale, the Huskies open conference play Oct. 2 at Akron. Northern Illinois' next home game is Oct. 9 against Temple.

Boise State, Hawaii and Fresno State have combined for 258 victories over the last 10 seasons. That total is the third most of any FBS conference's top trio, behind the Big 12 (Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech with 284) and SEC (LSU, Florida, Georgia with 276).

Nevada is 3-0 for the first time since a 12-0 start in 1991.

Middle Tennessee senior quarterback Dwight Dasher burst onto the national scene last season by leading the Blue Raiders to a 10-3 season and a win in the New Orleans Bowl.

Dasher, who had never been a fulltime starter, thrived under first-year offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and finished seventh in the country in total offense. He led the Blue Raiders in both passing and rushing and was second on the team in scoring.

But with Franklin gone to Louisiana Tech, Dasher must take what he learned last year and apply it to new offensive coordinator Mike Shultz’s system.

Dasher took a couple minutes to answer a few questions about Franklin, his senior season, and moving forward.

How do you feel about coach Franklin leaving?

Dwight Dasher: He had to do what he had to do. No one’s mad about it. Coach Franklin had to do what he had to do at the time and I’ve still got a lot of respect for him.

How much of what coach Franklin taught you last year do you continue to use especially with the amount of success you had?

DD: It’s a lot of adjustment with a new coach because he’s trying to do some more things. But I’m still going to use what coach Franklin taught me to do. I’m confident and like I said, he was a good coach. He taught me really the main thing about being a quarterback. So, I’m going to still stick with that.

How hard has it been for you learning under three offensive coordinators in three years?

DD: It’s kind of difficult. It’s just a lot of things. Each coach wants to do different things and it’s just a lot of adjustments. I’m just going to work through it.

So what did you do in the offseason when coach Franklin was gone and you were waiting to hear about another coordinator?

DD: I was just working out. Just going out there and doing the drills that coach Franklin taught me. Working on my footwork. Just keeping everything in place.

Now that you’re the cemented starter, what do you need to do this spring to have an even better season that last year?

DD: Everybody trusts me now and I’m just out there giving my all. Everybody looks up to me. I’m making sure everybody’s doing their job. We’ve all been working hard building relationships on the field this offseason.

Are you working on a certain part of you game?

DD: I’m trying to get better each and every day and every day I want to learn something new. Hopefully someone teaches me something new every day that I wake up.

I know you were unhappy with the amount of interceptions you had last year. Is that something you’ve been thinking about?

DD: I’m trying to work on my passing and keep turnovers out of sight. I turned the ball over a lot last year, but I’m not trying to do that this year. It comes with experience. Like I said, you learn something new every day. That was a mental thing. Hopefully this year it won’t be the same.

For you individually, was last year better than what you thought it would be or about what you thought it would be? What’s your assessment of your play last year?

DD: Everything was good about last year especially coming out with a 10-3 record. After we lost to Mississippi State, everyone said we weren’t going to lose anymore. Everybody got tired of losing. The biggest game that we lost last year was Troy and I still think about that one. Now, we’re looking at this year and to beat them. I’m trying to beat everybody, but I want to beat them the most.

Is that because that’s what standing in the way of you guys and a conference title? The one thing you didn’t get last year.

DD: Yes, ma’am.

So with a new offensive coordinator, how different do you think your role in this offense is going to look as opposed to last year?

DD: I don’t think it’s going to change too much. We’re still doing the same thing, just throwing in some new stuff. I’ve just got to adjust to that and adjust to [coach Schultz]. We’re doing that. We’ll get those vibes from each other. He’s teaching me something new, I’m learning, and hopefully it’s going to be a good thing.

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that late football player Ereck Plancher knew or should have known that he had the genetic trait that contributed to his death.

Western Michigan University alumnus Bill Parsons will contribute $300,000 toward a scholarship for a football or basketball player.

BYU quarterbacks air it out during Tuesday’s practice.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said his team is beginning to make progress during spring practice.

Rice will open the 2010 season against Texas at Reliant Stadium.

Louisiana Tech offensive coordinator Tony Franklin could ultimately prove to be a big pickup for the Bulldogs' success.

Utah is set to begin spring drills and forget some of the off-field distractions that occurred this offseason.

Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi writes that Central Florida coach George O’Leary made the right move to rescind a scholarship from a recruit.

Several non-AQ schools will play Georgia during future nonconference schedules.

A profile on new Boise State assistant coach Bob Gregory.

Louisiana Tech offensive coordinator Tony Franklin said his offense is simple to install.

UTEP students will vote on a student fee this week that will help fund the athletic department.

1. Texas

Texas has plenty of question marks, namely at receiver. Repeating as Big 12 champs would be a lot easier if one of its talented running backs emerges to flirt with 1,000 yards and takes some of the pressure off first-year starter Garrett Gilbert. Tre’ Newton is the most likely candidate, but Foswhitt Whittaker, or Fozzy Bear as I prefer to refer to the running back, wins if the tiebreaker is best name.

2. Oklahoma

The defense will be fearsome again, even after losing both starting cornerbacks and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. DeMarco Murray looks to take on an expanded role in the run game, but the offensive line will have to improve quickly for his increased touches to translate into increased yardage.

3. Nebraska

Nebraska finally made it back to the Big 12 title game after a two-year run by Missouri representing the North. Even after Ndamukong Suh’s exit, the teeth of the Husker D should be strong, with junior defensive tackle Jared Crick and sophomore defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler mucking up the front lines. Both will be on display during the spring. The offense had one of its best performances of the season against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl, but enters the spring with plenty to prove.

4. Missouri

Blaine Gabbert will continue to mature along with his young receivers, who lose the lanky Danario Alexander. Gabbert could put up gawdy numbers as a junior, but he’ll need the secondary to improve if the Tigers can challenge for the North.

5. Texas A&M

The Aggies looked like a trainwreck at moments in 2009, (48-point loss to Kansas State? What? 55-point loss to Oklahoma? Ouch.) but their entertaining offense will take a backseat to Tim DeRuyter’s new 3-4 defense as the main attraction for spring.

6. Kansas State

The dark horse to win the North in 2010 came within a game of matching up with Texas in Dallas in 2009. Year 2 of the Bill Snyder Reboot could be fun to watch. The Wildcats had the fewest turnovers (18) of any team in the Big 12 last season, but losing Brandon Banks removes some of K-State’s explosiveness on offense.

7. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State hoped they could make a run at the Big 12 South last season, but got embarrassed in losses to Texas and Oklahoma. A South title in 2010 might be a stretch, but the spring could set up another solid season for Mike Gundy’s Cowboys.

8. Baylor

Finding replacements for All-Big 12 defenders Joe Pawelek and Jordan Lake should be the prime concern for the spring, but it will definitely be good to see Robert Griffin III get back on the field.

9. Texas Tech

What injustice! The Red Raiders below the Bears? Tommy Tuberville is a good coach, but the transition to Tech could be a difficult one. Don’t be surprised if the Red Raiders prove me wrong, but somebody’s got to finish last in a great South division. There won’t be an easy win for anyone against South teams this season. I mentioned this in Thursday's chat, but I’m interested to see how Tuberville’s second go-around with the spread offense (see: Tony Franklin) goes. Easing up on his trigger finger might be a good idea.

10. Kansas

Turner Gill loses a lot of offense without Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe. Sophomore running back Toben Opurum could emerge as one of the conference’s young stars this spring.

11. Colorado

Tyler Hansen and Toney Clemons bring some excitement to the Buffaloes spring, but the offensive line is also a concern. Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner returns from injury to help talented lineman Nate Solder protect Hansen and pave the way for running back Rodney Stewart, one of just three scholarship backs who will practice this spring.

12. Iowa State

The Cyclones depleted defense (only four starters return) could make it tough for Austen Arnaud to produce wins no matter how well he plays. Plenty of spots up for grabs there, and linebacker Jake Knott is one to watch as a new starter. Paul Rhoads impressed with a bowl win last season, but what does it say about a team when its best win (Nebraska) came by only two points when it forced eight turnovers and committed none?

Thanks for the support the first week, fans. Enjoy the weekend.

Tony Franklin honestly thought Middle Tennessee was going to be his last stop.

After working three different offensive coordinator jobs in three years, Franklin was ready to settle down and Middle Tennessee, which was near both his parents and his in-laws and seemed like the right fit.

But earlier this month, Franklin got a call from Sonny Dykes, an old friend he’d worked with at Kentucky. Dykes had been named the head coach at Louisiana Tech and wanted Franklin to be his offensive coordinator.

A fourth job in four years.

Franklin didn’t want to be known as a guy with happy feet, but he also couldn’t pass up teaming his offensive style with Dykes, who has been lauded as a spread offense genius.

“It’s always a good thing when your boss believes in what you believe in and you’re not always having to convince somebody,” Franklin said. “That’s a huge advantage on my part. It’s the first time I’ve probably done this where the boss believes in the same stuff that I do.”

Franklin has been credited with turning both Troy and Middle Tennessee’s programs around with his wide open offensive style. He said he thought he could have performed a similar makeover at Auburn if he’d been given more than half a season, but he was fired when pressure started to mount on head coach Tommy Tubberville.

Last year, Franklin's offense helped Middle Tennessee to a 10-win season, the first 10-win season by any team in the Sun Belt Conference. The Blue Raiders total offense ranked 27th in the country with 421.69 yards per game after ranking 70th the year before. Quarterback Dwight Dasher, who was a part-time player when Franklin arrived, finished 2009 ranked seventh in the country in total offense with 303.31 yards per game.

“Dwight was a great players, but he was a guy that sat on the bench the year before I got there, so it wasn’t just like he was lights out before we came,” Franklin said. “He did some good stuff and we were able to work well together. Part of being a good coach is trying to figure out what your guys can do and adjust the offense to them rather than the other way around.”

Franklin inherits a Louisiana Tech offense that was a lot like Middle Tennessee’s was when he got there. He’s got a few guys to choose from at quarterback and several players who played because of injuries to starters last year. However, he loses running back Daniel Porter and tight end Dennis Morris, who provided the bulk of the offense for the Bulldogs a year ago.

Franklin said one of the fun things about working in the Sun Belt, especially for Troy, was getting to match wits against coordinators from schools such as Georgia and Florida. Working in the WAC, one of the most offensive conferences in the country, Franklin said he’s excited to match offensive wits for conference wins.

Franklin’s never coached in a conference that played in the Western part of the country. Almost all of the places he’ll travel this year will be new.

It’s a fresh start for him and Louisiana Tech and relationship that he hopes will last more than a year.

“We would like this to be a place that we stay,” said Franklin, who's recruiting his daughter to transfer from Troy to Louisiana Tech. “My wife is excited about being here. We hope to come down here and make this thing something we can be proud of for a long time. It takes time to do that and that’s what we want.”

Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program heading into the spring:

Boise State Broncos
Spring practice starts: March 8
Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

" All starters but Kyle Wilson return in 2010. Jerrell Gavins, who started at Wilson's outside cornerback position during the Fiesta Bowl (Wilson moved to safety) likely will slip into that starting slot.

" With so many players returning and few questions to answer, the Broncos can really start working on the 2010 season. This will also be a good time to sort out the offensive line (10 O-linemen had at least one start last year) and looking for some redshirted playmakers that could find their way into the lineup this season.

" Defensive line coach Pete Kwiatkowski steps in as the new defensive coordinator for Justin Wilcox, who went to Tennessee, but don’t expect any major changes to the defense. Kwiatkowski was Wilcox’s mentor and the two shared the same vision for the Broncos defense.

Fresno State Bulldogs
Spring practice starts: March 15
Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

" Fresno State lost three top backs in Ryan Mathews, Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding and will spend the spring looking for a replacement. Robbie Rouse is the top returning back, but he’s a smaller back than the ones the Bulldogs lost. Look for Michael Harris to get a chance this spring.

" With Seyi Ajirotutu, Marlon Moore and Chastin West gone, the Bulldogs will be looking to fill their receiver depth to help starting quarterback Ryan Colburn. Coach Pat Hill noted on signing day that he wants to spread things out this year and he’s looking forward to some speed joining the team in the fall. In the meantime, sophomore Rashad Evans, redshirt freshman A.J. Johnson and sophomore J.J. Stallworth will work for playing time with Jamel Hamler and Devon Wylie.

" The defensive front, which struggled late against the running game (most notably Nevada and Wyoming), will be a focus this spring. The Bulldogs return nine starters from the bowl game, including All-WAC first team defensive end Chris Carter and linebacker Ben Jacobs.

Hawaii Warriors
Spring practice starts: April 1
Spring game: April 30

What to watch:

" The offensive line was a question heading into the 2009 season and will be again in 2010. The Warriors lose four senior starters, including center John Estes. Backups Kainoa LaCount, Matagisila Lefiti, Andrew Faaumu, Bronson Tiwanak, Clayton Laurel and Adrian Thomas will be among those competing for starting roles.

" Bryan Moniz finished the season as the starting quarterback and will go into spring ball as the leading candidate to start in 2010, but Shane Austin, who played some in 2009, will challenge for the starting role this spring. Moniz finished the season completing 57 percent of his passes for 2,396 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

" The Hawaii defense struggled some last year, but should be better if star linebacker Brashton Satele receives a sixth season. The Warriors will be looking for a new right tackle as well as a couple of starting linebackers, but the defense, which improved as the season progressed, should be a pleasant surprise in 2010.

Idaho Vandals
Spring practice starts: March 23
Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

" The top priority this spring will be reloading the offensive line. The Vandals lost four starters on the offensive line, including All-American guard Mike Iupati. The only returner is left tackle Matt Cleveland. Guy Reynolds Jr. was Iupati’s backup, and players such as Clell Hasenbank, Tevita HalaHolo and Tyron Novikoff will be competing for starting roles.

" The offense carried the team last year, especially the passing game, but starting quarterback Nathan Enderle will have to work out three new receivers this spring. The biggest loss is slot Max Komar, who made key catches all season, including in the Humanitarian Bowl win over Bowling Green.

" The Idaho defense was one of the worst in the country allowing 433.23 yards per game and 36.00 points per game. More often than not, the Vandals were trying to outscore their opponents instead of stopping them defensively. Eleven players with starting experience from last year’s bowl team return; the only loss is strong safety Jeromy Jones. But with the way the defense played last season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of those positions open this spring.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Spring practice starts: March 17
Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

" The loss of running back Daniel Porter and tight end Dennis Morris takes out a lot of the offense and scoring the Bulldogs had in 2009. New head coach Sonny Dykes and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin will spend the spring looking for playmakers to fit their wide-open offensive style.

" Wide receiver will be a key competition this spring for Louisiana Tech’s new spread offense. Tennessee transfer Ahmad Paige and LSU transfer Tim Molton are both eligible and will join RP Stuart, Cruz Williams and Phillip Livas in the receiving corps.

" Louisiana Tech will be looking for some consistency in the punting game after Cade Glasgow struggled last year. Overall, the Bulldogs punting game averaged 32.91 yards per game, which ranked last in the WAC. The Bulldogs didn’t recruit a punter, so expect some potential walk-on help.

New Mexico State Aggies
Spring practice starts: April 5
Spring game: May 1

What to watch:

" Second-year coach DeWayne Walker was unhappy with the team's scoring, especially in the second half of the season, which prompted him to replace his offensive coordinator and running backs coach. His main priority this spring is finding some consistency at quarterback. Jeff Fleming and Trevor Walls return and redshirt freshman Tanner Rust and true freshman Andrew Manley will challenge, but junior college transfer Matt Christian is the favorite to be the starter.

" The running game was the one bright spot for the offense last season with Seth Smith rushing for 1,016 yards, but he had just one rushing touchdown. Redshirt freshman Marquese Dunn will get a look this spring and will challenge for playing time as Walker looks for playmakers.

" Shoring up a total defense that allowed 423.62 yards per game and 31.62 points per game will be Walker’s project this spring. The Aggies return some key players, but Walker said most of the help on the defensive line will come in the fall.

Nevada Wolf Pack
Spring practice starts: March 5
Spring game: April 3

What to watch:

" The running game is Nevada’s bread and butter and it should stay that way with quarterback Colin Kaepernick and star running back Vai Taua returning. However, the Wolf Pack need to spend this spring working on depth with players such as Lampford Mark, Mike Ball and Stefphon Jefferson.

" The offensive line needs to replace Kenneth Ackerman and Alonzo Durham this spring in order to keep the running game effective. Center Jeff Meads and tackle Jose Acuna are the primary backups for those two spots. The Wolf Pack also will look to build offensive line depth across the board.

" The Nevada defense will spend the spring learning a slightly altered 4-3 defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Andy Buh. The defense has been the weak link of the Wolf Pack for the past few years, so shoring that up this spring will be a high priority.

San Jose State Spartans
Spring practice starts: March 12
Spring game: April 22

What to watch:

" For the second consecutive season, San Jose State had trouble producing offense mostly because of inconsistent play at quarterback. Jordan La Secla returns as the incumbent, but junior college transfer Matt Faulkner, who enrolled in January, will challenge this spring.

" For as much as the passing offense struggled, the rushing offense was worse. Lamon Muldrow, who led the team with 592 yards and three touchdowns last season will be counted on in the running game, but the Spartans signed three running backs for 2010, including Forrest Hightower, who will challenge in the fall.

" Most of spring practice will be spent learning the new coaching staff and the new offensive and defensive schemes. The Spartans are transitioning from a spread offense to a more traditional style that will incorporate an H-back and a tight end. The Spartans also will move toward an attacking style defense, but will stay in a 4-3 base that will feature both man-to-man and zone coverage.

Utah State Aggies
Spring practice starts: March 23
Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

" The primary concern this spring will be finding running back depth after star Robert Turbin suffered a torn ACL during winter workouts. All eyes will be on Michael Smith, Derrvin Speight and Kerrwynn Williams as they try to pick up the slack.

" Second-year head coach Gary Andersen is showing his commitment to defense after shuffling several players on that side of the ball. Nathan Royster is moving from defensive tackle to end, Junior Keiaho and Devin Johnson are moving from end to linebacker, wide receiver Cameron Sanders has moved to defensive back and the Aggies are hoping to get some defensive contribution out of Page Clifford, a transfer from Utah.

" There should be some good competition at wide receiver this spring with Matt Austin returning from injury and Travis Van Leeuewen coming off a redshirt season. Mid-year signees Xavier Martin and Dontel Watkins also will challenge for starting roles. Utah State had a good passing offense with 246.75 yards per game from starter Diondre Borel.

Not a lot of links out there for the non-AQs, but here's what I could find:

UTEP football players Daniel Palmer and Nickolas Sampson both pleaded guilty to robbery charges from last summer.

San Diego State gets an early jump on spring ball in an effort to erase the memories of last year’s 4-8 campaign.

Former Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour prepares for the NFL scouting combine and Central Michigan’s pro day.

Former Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin speaks after leaving the Blue Raiders for Louisiana Tech.

As spring practices get underway, I thought I’d highlight five teams that are worth watching this spring. These are teams that didn’t have great 2009 seasons, but could make some noise in 2010. Some teams have new coaches still trying to figure out their personnel and some are teams with coaches trying to hang on to their jobs.

1. San Diego State: I haven’t been shy in talking about my affinity for what Brady Hoke and his coaching staff was able to do in one year at SDSU. Yes, the Aztecs won just four games, but they showed progress offensively and defensively. This spring is going to be key in developing the running game. The Aztecs are breaking in a new offensive line and have a slew of running backs to try out. This spring also will be key for a defense that was plugging holes last year. This year, defensive coordinator Rocky Long has the athletes to play his 3-3-5 system, so it should be fun to watch.

2. Louisiana Tech: It’s amazing how one coaching move can change the entire outlook of a team. I thought Louisiana Tech would be OK this year under new head coach Sonny Dykes, but adding Tony Franklin as the new offensive coordinator makes the Bulldogs a far more formidable team than they were three weeks ago. Franklin is a proven coordinator and he’s already shown the ability to turn teams around in a hurry. The biggest question this spring will be whether he can find a dynamic quarterback. That was the reason for his success at Middle Tennessee and it will what moves Louisiana Tech forward in 2010.

3. Toledo: The Rockets were one of the more disappointing teams in the MAC in 2009 because despite a new coaching staff, they still returned a lot of talent. Most of that talent and leadership is gone and the Rockets are building with young players. Toledo returns quarterback Austin Dantin and receiver Eric Page, who was a freshman All-American, and has seven members of its recruiting class on campus this spring, including wide receiver James Green and cornerback Taikwon Page. With Central Michigan and Western Michigan rebuilding, the Rockets have a good chance to challenge Northern Illinois for the MAC West this year.

4. Kent State: The Golden Flashes were so close to notching their first winning season since 2001, but slid in their final three games to finish 5-7. The Golden Flashes hold the second-longest drought without a bowl berth (1972), but could change those fortunes this year with a slew of young players such as quarterback Spencer Keith and receiver Tyshon Goode. The Golden Flashes also return running back Eugene Jarvis for a sixth season. The MAC East is going to be tough this year with Temple and Ohio returning several key players and both bringing in good recruiting classes, but Kent State should be able to challenge for a postseason berth.

5. North Texas: Call this a gut feeling. After winning five games in his first three seasons as head coach at UNT, Todd Dodge might have this thing figured out. If he doesn’t, he’ll be out the door. Dodge was spared after the 2009 season because he seems to have the program pointed in the right direction. Despite a 2-10 finish last year, the Mean Green lost five games by four or fewer points. The offense will have more cohesion this year, but the defense will be key. The Mean Green defense has held the team back under Dodge and that will be the difference in turning this thing around. The Mean Green have the talent to win six games and spring will be key in making sure the players believe that.

Louisiana Tech formally announced the hiring of offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who resigned from Middle Tennessee last week after accepting the job with the Bulldogs.

Franklin’s hire is pending approval from the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system.

“I’m excited to have Tony as part of the staff,” Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes said. “He has a proven track record at many institutions and at many levels. He is highly energetic and brings a detailed plan. He has a great history of being able to move the ball and score points.”

Franklin has jumped around a bit in the past few seasons. He was the offensive coordinator at Troy in 2007 before leaving to run the offense at Auburn. Franklin was fired before the end of the season, but Middle Tennessee hired him prior to start of the 2009 campaign.

While leading Middle Tennessee, Franklin’s no huddle offense produced 421.7 yards and 32 points per game, the fourth and seventh highest totals in MTSU history.

The Blue Raiders set records in total yards, passing yards, and total points, while finishing 23rd nationally in scoring and 27th in total offense in 2009.

Franklin said he plans to bring the same style of offense to Louisiana Tech.

“We will run a fast-paced, no huddle, attacking offense that scores points and builds excitement,” Franklin said. “College football is unique in that, except for maybe the top 10 teams, any of the next 110 can beat each other on any given day. I’m excited to be in a competitive conference with a good football history. This conference is wide open and I look forward to being in a challenging and evenly-matched league.”

The fact that Franklin was able to help turn Middle Tennessee into a 10-3 team, the first 10-win team in Sun Belt Conference history, in one season gives the Bulldogs hope to be a contender in the WAC next year. The question this spring will be about the quarterback in the Bulldogs’ new spread offense. If Franklin can find a star quarterback like he did at Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech could be dangerous in 2010.

Middle Tennessee has hired Wisconsin assistant coach Randall McCray as its new defensive coordinator.

McCray has spent the past four seasons coaching different defensive position groups including defensive line, outside linebackers and safeties for the Badgers. He also spent the past two seasons as the recruiting coordinator.

McCray replaces Manny Diaz, who left the Blue Raiders to become the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State.

Getting a name from a big school is a smart move for Middle Tennessee, but there have to be some red flags raised about the number of positions McCray coached during such a short time. He might have been versatile or he might have just been a great recruiter for whom they needed to find a position.

Now, Middle Tennessee can focus its efforts on finding an offensive coordinator. Tony Franklin, who was with the team for little more than a year, left for the same position at Louisiana Tech.

Ball State defensive coordinator Doug Graber announced Monday he will retire after spending one season with the Cardinals. Graber has coached for 35 years.

Tulsa lost two coaches this week, Co-defensive coordinator Ron West went to Illinois and outside receivers coach Clarence James resigned.

Boise State coach Chris Petersen’s new contract is not done and likely won’t be done until April.

Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin is still mulling over an offer for the same position at Louisiana Tech.

Nevada coach Chris Ault talks about some of the shady recruiting practices that are going on in college football today.

New Central Michigan coach Dan Enos completes his staff.

Colorado State athletic director Paul Kowalczyk was given a five-year contract extension through June 30, 2015.

The Daily News Journal is reporting Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has taken the same position with Louisiana Tech.

Franklin’s hire is pending approval of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system, but Louisiana could announce the hire as early as Thursday or Friday.

Franklin spent just over a year with the Blue Raiders after being fired as the offensive coordinator at Auburn. During his short stint, the Blue Raiders offense broke the school’s single-season record for total yards and points.

Franklin joining Louisiana Tech means the Bulldogs will have two spread offense gurus working the offense. Newly named head coach Sonny Dykes has been lauded for his work with spread offenses. Both men worked together in Kentucky under Hal Mumme, another spread offense guru, during the late 90s. Dykes worked with tight ends and wide receivers in two different stints with the Wildcats and Franklin coached running backs.

Louisiana Tech will change its offense to a spread system this spring and Dykes said he hopes to have the entire system in place by the fall. Middle Tennessee did not have the personnel to run a spread offense, but Franklin made the most with what he had. He turned quarterback Dwight Dasher into a dual threat and Dasher ranked seventh in the country in total offense.

The spring will be an audition of sorts for every position on the roster, but most importantly quarterback. Starter Ross Jenkins is facing internal discipline after being arrest for driving while intoxicated over the weekend. His blood alcohol was three times the legal limit. The Bulldogs have four other quarterbacks on the roster and one coming in with the 2010 class.

Middle Tennessee State is now tasked with finding a new offensive and defensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz took the same position at Mississippi State in January.

Louisiana Tech starting quarterback Ross Jenkins was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning.

Jenkins was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint operated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. According to the Monroe News-Star, Jenkins' blood alcohol level was .228, almost three times the legal limit.

Newly named head coach Sonny Dykes issued a statement Monday morning: “I am deeply disappointed that this has happened. This will be handled by the judicial system and we will discipline Ross internally within our program.”

This isn’t a good way for Jenkins to start off his relationship with a new head coach, especially since Jenkins doesn’t exactly fit into Dykes spread offense system.

All spots are going to be open when spring ball begins, including the quarterback position. The Bulldogs have four other quarterbacks on their roster and added a freshman in this year’s recruiting class.

Dykes is currently in the process of finding a new offensive coordinator to execute the Bulldogs’ offensive transition after former coordinator Frank Scelfo left to be the quarterbacks coach at Arizona. Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin is on campus Monday to interview for the position.

Louisiana Tech also hired Rob Likens as its new wide receivers coach Monday. Likens spent the past four seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Central Connecticut State. Central Connecticut State was the Northeast Conference’s top-ranked offense all four years he coached at the school.

Louisiana Tech also announced that offensive line coach Pete Perot and special-teams coach Mark Tommerdahl will be retained in their current positions, and Stan Eggan will be retained as the new defensive line coach.

The Dothan Eagle is reporting that Troy offensive coordinator Neal Brown is talking with Texas Tech about becoming the Red Raiders’ new offensive coordinator.

Brown is scheduled to meet with new Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville at the American Football Coaches Association convention in Orlando today.

Brown, who is the youngest FBS coordinator at age 29, has spent the past four seasons with the Trojans. Troy ranked third nationally in total offense and quarterback Levi Brown ranked second in the nation in total offense.

The irony of this situation is that Tuberville has been down this road before.

He hired former Troy offensive coordinator Tony Franklin to be his offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2007. That relationship lasted less than a season as Franklin was fired midway through 2008.

Since then, Franklin, who completed a successful first season as the offensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee, has been outspoken about Tuberville, his coaching practices and his interactions with the Auburn staff.

Brown played for Franklin at Kentucky and Franklin brought Brown with him to Troy. Brown replaced Franklin when he left for Auburn and the two still talk regularly.

It will be interesting to see if Franklin’s experience will play into Brown’s decision should he be offered the Texas Tech job.

If Brown decides to return to Troy, he has a wealth of talent waiting for him. Quarterback Jamie Hampton, who was the starter in 2008, but missed the 2009 season while recovering from a knee injury, returns. Eight other offensive starters will also be back, including star receiver Jerrel Jernigan and the running back duo of DuJuan Harris and Shawn Southward.