In advance, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Please, remember to take a moment to think about what it's all about.
And then have a great cook out.
You can follow me on Twitter.
To the notes.
Scott from Honolulu writes: My question is with rumors of Florida St. talking with the Big 12 and the new college football playoffs being put into place in the near future, do you foresee another round of conference realignment? And if so, what are possible schools could we see in this new Pac 12, 14, 16 or whatever numerically correct conference?
Ted Miller: Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott has long held that further contraction in college football is inevitable. As you know, he's the all-knowing Dr. Strange of college football. And I agree with Scott. I used to think we'd reduce the FBS field to about 60 teams, and that crew would break away from the NCAA and form its own governing body. Now I think it might end up being an even smaller number.
First, so far there's been a lot of smoke (chatter) with little fire (an actual move) as it pertains to ACC teams with wandering eyes. Further, emotionally, I don't know how I feel about the notion of college football reducing itself to four super-conferences. Part of me winces, but I'm not sure if that's just my age showing. More than a few of you think my affection for the Rose Bowl is dated. When I hear such talk, I always see the baffled reaction of another sportswriter when I say, "But I'd really rather not eat at Applebee's."
On a Machiavellian level, I think the Pac-12 presidents made a mistake when they blew off Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech last September. While Scott won't say this on the record, my feeling from talking to him these past three or so years is he agrees. The Pac-12 had an opportunity to become the Pac-16, the first superconference, and thereby guarantee itself the most powerful seat at the table when the new look of college football is hashed out this summer.
Said Scott at the time, while defending the decision to remain at 12: "An opportunity was turned down that could have generated more money for the schools but potentially could have torn apart the fabric of the culture of the conference."
Culture, you might have noticed, is losing its traction during college football's money grab.
That move, of course, would have torn the Big 12 asunder. By the Pac-12 not doing so, the Big 12 was allowed to regroup and now it is threatening to do that very thing to the ACC. Yeah, all is fair in love, war and conference realignment.
And where does the Pac-12 turn if the SEC and Big 12 were to split up the prime teams of the ACC? Hard to say. Texas has always been the big prize in that it offered a huge market, a stellar sports program and strong academics. But that bull has walked, so to speak, and there are few teams within, oh, 1,500 miles of Pac-12 country that make much sense for expansion. Or that aren't spoken for.
The number that makes the most sense is 16. That's why few believe the SEC will stay at 14. But which four programs could add value to the Pac-12? The pickings are slim, unless Scott tries to raid the Big 12, which at present is surging and unified, or he gets really creative, outmaneuvers the Big Ten, grabs Notre Dame and uses that coup to go national and lures three more teams from outside the West region.
As it stands, I don't see an ideal 16-team scenario for the Pac-12, though I don't have one of those all-knowing Dr. Strange brains like Scott and Chip Kelly do.
Michael from Seattle writes: Do you buy into the hype of Desmond Trufant? I've seen him in a "top 100 players headed into 2012" list and I was fairly shocked. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see him having a monster senior year. Thoughts?
Ted Miller: Trufant is an NFL prospect. He's going to be a four-year starter for Washington. He's got good measurables -- 6-0, 185, good speed -- and good bloodlines being the younger brother of NFL cornerback Marcus Trufant. He was honorable mention All-Pac-12 last year, so at least two Pac-12 coaches think he can play.
But, yes, there have been a few times when he's been notably beaten. I'm aware that some Huskies fans are doubters. I also think NFL draft projections before a player's final year are fluid and often uniformed. Guys who appear in the first round of mock drafts in the summer often disappear by the following spring. And other players on nobodies' mock draft radar soar into the early rounds.
My feeling is Trufant has plenty to prove. I also think it's hard to measure him because the Huskies have been so awful on defense. It's difficult to be a good cornerback behind a weak pass rush. Or when you're consistently left on an island because the defensive coordinator is consistently rushing six or seven because of that weak pass rush.
I think the Huskies defense will be much better under new coordinator Justin Wilcox. And that will make Trufant look more like an NFL corner.
Kym from Los Angeles writes: Which redshirt freshman will have the biggest impact this season?
Ted Miller: If he wins the starting QB job, Michael Eubank at Arizona State would be a good guess. Same with QB Brett Hundley at UCLA.
California really needs Maurice Harris to step up at receiver. Utah has a redshirt freshman No. 1 at right offensive tackle after spring practices: Daniel Nielson. USC has several redshirt freshmen on its D-line -- Antwaun Woods, Cody Temple, Christian Heyward and Greg Townsend -- who could really help if they stepped up.
This will be a better question -- or at least one that's easier to answer -- when we get a solid idea of depth charts in mid-to-late August.
Tim from Salt Lake City writes: Why is it that, though I've seen them mentioned as a possible pre-season top 25 more than once, Utah hasn't warranted so much as an honorable mention in any of the offseason lists? As you are fond of asking us, who would you exclude in their favor?
Ted Miller: Barring any major, presently unforeseen issues, Utah will be in my preseason top-25 vote for the ESPN.com.
Here's Mark Schlabach's most recent top-25. I think you could clip the team that the Utes beat in the Sun Bowl and thereby find a spot.
Michael from Stockton, Calif., writes: Will oregon really be that big of threat to the explosive and very talented USC?
Ted Miller: Yes.
Steve from Fort Myers, Fla., writes: A while back you made a list of places to eat in the Pac 12 cities, this summer I will be traveling to Seattle, Corvallis, and Eugene. I was hoping you could either email me the list, or tell me where to find it, so I can check them out?
Ted Miller: If you click here, it will magically appear.
And if you read some of the comments below, you undoubtedly will find more options.
And then have a great cook out.
You can follow me on Twitter.
To the notes.
Scott from Honolulu writes: My question is with rumors of Florida St. talking with the Big 12 and the new college football playoffs being put into place in the near future, do you foresee another round of conference realignment? And if so, what are possible schools could we see in this new Pac 12, 14, 16 or whatever numerically correct conference?
Ted Miller: Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott has long held that further contraction in college football is inevitable. As you know, he's the all-knowing Dr. Strange of college football. And I agree with Scott. I used to think we'd reduce the FBS field to about 60 teams, and that crew would break away from the NCAA and form its own governing body. Now I think it might end up being an even smaller number.
First, so far there's been a lot of smoke (chatter) with little fire (an actual move) as it pertains to ACC teams with wandering eyes. Further, emotionally, I don't know how I feel about the notion of college football reducing itself to four super-conferences. Part of me winces, but I'm not sure if that's just my age showing. More than a few of you think my affection for the Rose Bowl is dated. When I hear such talk, I always see the baffled reaction of another sportswriter when I say, "But I'd really rather not eat at Applebee's."
On a Machiavellian level, I think the Pac-12 presidents made a mistake when they blew off Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech last September. While Scott won't say this on the record, my feeling from talking to him these past three or so years is he agrees. The Pac-12 had an opportunity to become the Pac-16, the first superconference, and thereby guarantee itself the most powerful seat at the table when the new look of college football is hashed out this summer.
Said Scott at the time, while defending the decision to remain at 12: "An opportunity was turned down that could have generated more money for the schools but potentially could have torn apart the fabric of the culture of the conference."
Culture, you might have noticed, is losing its traction during college football's money grab.
That move, of course, would have torn the Big 12 asunder. By the Pac-12 not doing so, the Big 12 was allowed to regroup and now it is threatening to do that very thing to the ACC. Yeah, all is fair in love, war and conference realignment.
And where does the Pac-12 turn if the SEC and Big 12 were to split up the prime teams of the ACC? Hard to say. Texas has always been the big prize in that it offered a huge market, a stellar sports program and strong academics. But that bull has walked, so to speak, and there are few teams within, oh, 1,500 miles of Pac-12 country that make much sense for expansion. Or that aren't spoken for.
The number that makes the most sense is 16. That's why few believe the SEC will stay at 14. But which four programs could add value to the Pac-12? The pickings are slim, unless Scott tries to raid the Big 12, which at present is surging and unified, or he gets really creative, outmaneuvers the Big Ten, grabs Notre Dame and uses that coup to go national and lures three more teams from outside the West region.
As it stands, I don't see an ideal 16-team scenario for the Pac-12, though I don't have one of those all-knowing Dr. Strange brains like Scott and Chip Kelly do.
Michael from Seattle writes: Do you buy into the hype of Desmond Trufant? I've seen him in a "top 100 players headed into 2012" list and I was fairly shocked. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see him having a monster senior year. Thoughts?
Ted Miller: Trufant is an NFL prospect. He's going to be a four-year starter for Washington. He's got good measurables -- 6-0, 185, good speed -- and good bloodlines being the younger brother of NFL cornerback Marcus Trufant. He was honorable mention All-Pac-12 last year, so at least two Pac-12 coaches think he can play.
But, yes, there have been a few times when he's been notably beaten. I'm aware that some Huskies fans are doubters. I also think NFL draft projections before a player's final year are fluid and often uniformed. Guys who appear in the first round of mock drafts in the summer often disappear by the following spring. And other players on nobodies' mock draft radar soar into the early rounds.
My feeling is Trufant has plenty to prove. I also think it's hard to measure him because the Huskies have been so awful on defense. It's difficult to be a good cornerback behind a weak pass rush. Or when you're consistently left on an island because the defensive coordinator is consistently rushing six or seven because of that weak pass rush.
I think the Huskies defense will be much better under new coordinator Justin Wilcox. And that will make Trufant look more like an NFL corner.
Kym from Los Angeles writes: Which redshirt freshman will have the biggest impact this season?
Ted Miller: If he wins the starting QB job, Michael Eubank at Arizona State would be a good guess. Same with QB Brett Hundley at UCLA.
California really needs Maurice Harris to step up at receiver. Utah has a redshirt freshman No. 1 at right offensive tackle after spring practices: Daniel Nielson. USC has several redshirt freshmen on its D-line -- Antwaun Woods, Cody Temple, Christian Heyward and Greg Townsend -- who could really help if they stepped up.
This will be a better question -- or at least one that's easier to answer -- when we get a solid idea of depth charts in mid-to-late August.
Tim from Salt Lake City writes: Why is it that, though I've seen them mentioned as a possible pre-season top 25 more than once, Utah hasn't warranted so much as an honorable mention in any of the offseason lists? As you are fond of asking us, who would you exclude in their favor?
Ted Miller: Barring any major, presently unforeseen issues, Utah will be in my preseason top-25 vote for the ESPN.com.
Here's Mark Schlabach's most recent top-25. I think you could clip the team that the Utes beat in the Sun Bowl and thereby find a spot.
Michael from Stockton, Calif., writes: Will oregon really be that big of threat to the explosive and very talented USC?
Ted Miller: Yes.
Steve from Fort Myers, Fla., writes: A while back you made a list of places to eat in the Pac 12 cities, this summer I will be traveling to Seattle, Corvallis, and Eugene. I was hoping you could either email me the list, or tell me where to find it, so I can check them out?
Ted Miller: If you click here, it will magically appear.
And if you read some of the comments below, you undoubtedly will find more options.
College Football Live's panel of experts discuss the upcoming season for the USC Trojans.
Every game counts. But some games count more. Or tell us more.
We're going through the Pac-12 and picking out one game that seems most important -- or potentially most revealing -- for each team from our vantage point today.
We're going in alphabetical order.
USC
Most important game: at UCLA, Nov. 17
Why it's important: One of the problems of this series running into a national title contender, such as USC, is that the Trojans' schedule has been pretty well picked over by the Pac-12 Blog. For one, everyone knows what happens on Nov. 3. (Dolph Lundgren turns 55? No, Oregon visits USC!). And Kevin this morning wrote about USC's visit to Stanford after writing about USC's visit to Utah a week ago. While this series has a name that leaves little leeway -- "Most important" -- there's also something to be said for not repeating ourselves.
To me, two games of note are left to consider: The two rivalry games, UCLA and Notre Dame. Both will be big, in large part because they always are. Further, based on the Trojans' high expectations, a loss in either could ruin a national championship run.
But we're tagging UCLA as bigger for three reasons, even if it would be better for our purposes if the Bruins hosted the Trojans on the season's final weekend.
For one, this road has been crossed before. Some of you Bruins and Trojans might recall the 2006 showdown, a 13-9 UCLA victory that knocked USC out of the national title game. That probably was the high point of the Karl Dorrell Era. And it was the Bruins' only win in the series since 1998.
Second, if new UCLA coach Jim Mora bested Lane Kiffin in his first year that would send shockwaves throughout Southern California. And, oh by the way, those shockwaves could potentially reverberate in recruiting while the Bruins have 25 scholarships to give the next two years and the Trojans have just 15 (Trojans, I know backwards math gives you 18 this year, but we're trying to keep this simple).
Third, and perhaps most important, this is a conference game, unlike Notre Dame. What if USC suffers a conference loss before playing UCLA, and Utah's lone blemish is against the Trojans? That means the Utes play for the Pac-12 title with a shot at the Rose Bowl, and USC could find itself headed to the Alamo Bowl.
And that disappointment then feeds into the post-Matt Barkley, scholarship reduction era, when maintaining super-elite status won't be easy.
The fact is when your team has its sights set on the top prize in college football, as USC does in 2012, every game is important. The Trojans' margin for error is, at best, one loss. If the Bruins were to provide No. 2 -- or No. 1 for that matter -- it would be a day of celebration in Westwood and a low moment in Heritage Hall.
We're going through the Pac-12 and picking out one game that seems most important -- or potentially most revealing -- for each team from our vantage point today.
We're going in alphabetical order.
USC
Most important game: at UCLA, Nov. 17
Why it's important: One of the problems of this series running into a national title contender, such as USC, is that the Trojans' schedule has been pretty well picked over by the Pac-12 Blog. For one, everyone knows what happens on Nov. 3. (Dolph Lundgren turns 55? No, Oregon visits USC!). And Kevin this morning wrote about USC's visit to Stanford after writing about USC's visit to Utah a week ago. While this series has a name that leaves little leeway -- "Most important" -- there's also something to be said for not repeating ourselves.
To me, two games of note are left to consider: The two rivalry games, UCLA and Notre Dame. Both will be big, in large part because they always are. Further, based on the Trojans' high expectations, a loss in either could ruin a national championship run.
But we're tagging UCLA as bigger for three reasons, even if it would be better for our purposes if the Bruins hosted the Trojans on the season's final weekend.
For one, this road has been crossed before. Some of you Bruins and Trojans might recall the 2006 showdown, a 13-9 UCLA victory that knocked USC out of the national title game. That probably was the high point of the Karl Dorrell Era. And it was the Bruins' only win in the series since 1998.
Second, if new UCLA coach Jim Mora bested Lane Kiffin in his first year that would send shockwaves throughout Southern California. And, oh by the way, those shockwaves could potentially reverberate in recruiting while the Bruins have 25 scholarships to give the next two years and the Trojans have just 15 (Trojans, I know backwards math gives you 18 this year, but we're trying to keep this simple).
Third, and perhaps most important, this is a conference game, unlike Notre Dame. What if USC suffers a conference loss before playing UCLA, and Utah's lone blemish is against the Trojans? That means the Utes play for the Pac-12 title with a shot at the Rose Bowl, and USC could find itself headed to the Alamo Bowl.
And that disappointment then feeds into the post-Matt Barkley, scholarship reduction era, when maintaining super-elite status won't be easy.
The fact is when your team has its sights set on the top prize in college football, as USC does in 2012, every game is important. The Trojans' margin for error is, at best, one loss. If the Bruins were to provide No. 2 -- or No. 1 for that matter -- it would be a day of celebration in Westwood and a low moment in Heritage Hall.
Happy Friday.
- More on Arizona going copper top: It's part of a Pac-12 trend.
- A former Arizona State QB talks to current Sun Devils QBs.
- More on California's dismissal of OLB Cecil Whiteside.
- Colorado gets some good news on defense.
- It doesn't matter who plays QB for Oregon because the supporting cast is so strong.
- A consideration of Oregon State's recent bit of off-field trouble.
- Stanford's endowing coaching positions is a stroke of genius.
- If you had any doubts that USC WR Marqise Lee is a great athlete, well, don't.
- Ticket sales are going well at Utah, which isn't good news for some fans. Is it possible for the Utes to go all the way?
- Is Washington closing in on its No. 1 QB recruiting target?
- Ranking the Pac-12 jerseys from a Washington State perspective... guess who comes in last?
- How might Week 1 go with the Pac-12 Network and its TV partners?
Take 2: Best Pac-12 trap game
May, 25, 2012
May 25
12:00
PM ET
By
Ted Miller and
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
Our Take Two topic this week: Which is the Pac-12's most dangerous trap game?
Kevin Gemmell: Since we're talking trap games this week -- and traps usually involve teams expected to do well -- I see a big one in Week 3 for the USC Trojans traveling north to Stanford.
This game has brought two of the Pac-12's most exciting matchups in consecutive years. There was the last-minute field goal in 2010 and the triple-overtime thriller at the Coliseum last season. No need to bring up the 55-21 game in 2009. It would be easy to assume that because Andrew Luck is gone, the Trojans will now roll over the Cardinal.
Maybe. USC, no doubt, will be highly ranked and heavily favored.
But the X-factor to this game is Stanford head coach David Shaw -- who is especially good at play calling against USC. You don't spend as much time on the offensive side of the ball in the NFL as Shaw did without learning a little something about the Tampa-2 defense, which USC is fond of running given that its defensive coordinator essentially invented it.
The Cardinal were the prickly splinter in USC's side during the Luck era. Luck was able to absorb Shaw's knowledge of USC's defense and they were able to go blow-for-blow with the Trojans. Shaw knows how to scheme against this team and Luck knew how to make that scheme a reality on the field. Although, who throws the Venus on Spider-3, Y-banana? Seriously.
But that era is over. And the Cardinal are going to make their living with a tough ground attack and a vicious front seven. I don't doubt USC's ability to move the ball. And if I'm a Stanford fan, I'm concerned about this becoming a high-scoring affair because the Cardinal have a young secondary and they don't have the horses to match the Trojans drive for drive.
I expect USC to be highly motivated for this game. Not only because of the past, but because of the future. The Stanford game marks the first of four straight tough games for the Trojans -- which is followed by Cal, Utah and Washington. Stubbing their toe early will certainly have ramifications for the rest of the season -- and the rest of the conference.
I don't think anyone will question that position-for-position, USC has more athletes than Stanford. But this will be the Trojans' first real mental test of the season. They'll be coming off an East Coast road trip and then have to go on the road again. Stanford Stadium isn't exactly the toughest venue in the conference, but it's not Disneyland, either. There will be a strong fan presence.
This season is going to be mentally taxing for the Trojans. A win at Stanford will be the first step over the psychological hump.
Ted Miller: One word: Arrrrrghhh!
Everyone knows Oregon's visit to USC on Nov. 3 could be epic. And I've already written about a potential trap game for the Ducks being their visit to California on Nov. 10, the weekend after The Weekend.
Ah, but here's a thought: Oregon has yet to face plant against an inferior team under Chip Kelly. The closest thing to that was a loss at Stanford in 2009, but that was a good Cardinal team.
And so we have the Ducks, almost certainly unbeaten and untested at 4-0, driving up to Seattle to take on Washington State in CenturyLink Field on Sept. 29. The Cougars also could be 4-0. And dangerous.
Fear the Pirate, Oregon. This game smacks of a "I'm baaaaack" opportunity for Mike Leach.
This will be the first road game for whomever wins the Ducks quarterback job. While it doesn't truly qualify as a home game for the Cougars, they should have a crowd advantage. More important, they will have a major experience advantage at QB with Jeff Tuel. Further, you might recall that Washington State played a competitive game in Autzen Stadium last year. The Cougars trailed only 15-10 at the half and actually outgained Oregon 463 yards to 456. It was 29-20 Ducks with four minutes left in the third before De'Anthony Thomas did his thing on a 93-yard kickoff return for a TD.
What happens if Leach's spread passing attack marries perfectly with Tuel and a deep crew of receivers against a Ducks secondary that is talented but still fairly young, particularly at cornerback? What happens if the Ducks offense, gulp, sputters with a young QB on the road?
A long shot, yes. Kelly's Ducks have been notably impressive with their ability to maintain focus each week the past three years. You know: A nameless faceless opponent each Saturday.
Only Leach isn't a nameless, faceless opponent. Everyone knows who he is. And he's tricky. And he's one coach who won't be outsmarted by Kelly.
At the very least, this one should be an interesting test for both teams. And the Cougs have a puncher's -- passer's? -- shot at pulling a shocker.
Kevin Gemmell: Since we're talking trap games this week -- and traps usually involve teams expected to do well -- I see a big one in Week 3 for the USC Trojans traveling north to Stanford.
[+] Enlarge
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesStar QB Andrew Luck is gone, but the offensive schemes of coach David Shaw should keep Stanford competitive against USC in Week 3.
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesStar QB Andrew Luck is gone, but the offensive schemes of coach David Shaw should keep Stanford competitive against USC in Week 3. Maybe. USC, no doubt, will be highly ranked and heavily favored.
But the X-factor to this game is Stanford head coach David Shaw -- who is especially good at play calling against USC. You don't spend as much time on the offensive side of the ball in the NFL as Shaw did without learning a little something about the Tampa-2 defense, which USC is fond of running given that its defensive coordinator essentially invented it.
The Cardinal were the prickly splinter in USC's side during the Luck era. Luck was able to absorb Shaw's knowledge of USC's defense and they were able to go blow-for-blow with the Trojans. Shaw knows how to scheme against this team and Luck knew how to make that scheme a reality on the field. Although, who throws the Venus on Spider-3, Y-banana? Seriously.
But that era is over. And the Cardinal are going to make their living with a tough ground attack and a vicious front seven. I don't doubt USC's ability to move the ball. And if I'm a Stanford fan, I'm concerned about this becoming a high-scoring affair because the Cardinal have a young secondary and they don't have the horses to match the Trojans drive for drive.
I expect USC to be highly motivated for this game. Not only because of the past, but because of the future. The Stanford game marks the first of four straight tough games for the Trojans -- which is followed by Cal, Utah and Washington. Stubbing their toe early will certainly have ramifications for the rest of the season -- and the rest of the conference.
I don't think anyone will question that position-for-position, USC has more athletes than Stanford. But this will be the Trojans' first real mental test of the season. They'll be coming off an East Coast road trip and then have to go on the road again. Stanford Stadium isn't exactly the toughest venue in the conference, but it's not Disneyland, either. There will be a strong fan presence.
This season is going to be mentally taxing for the Trojans. A win at Stanford will be the first step over the psychological hump.
Ted Miller: One word: Arrrrrghhh!
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Nati HarnikWashington State coach Mike Leach should have a few tricks in store for Oregon when they meet in late September.
AP Photo/Nati HarnikWashington State coach Mike Leach should have a few tricks in store for Oregon when they meet in late September.Ah, but here's a thought: Oregon has yet to face plant against an inferior team under Chip Kelly. The closest thing to that was a loss at Stanford in 2009, but that was a good Cardinal team.
And so we have the Ducks, almost certainly unbeaten and untested at 4-0, driving up to Seattle to take on Washington State in CenturyLink Field on Sept. 29. The Cougars also could be 4-0. And dangerous.
Fear the Pirate, Oregon. This game smacks of a "I'm baaaaack" opportunity for Mike Leach.
This will be the first road game for whomever wins the Ducks quarterback job. While it doesn't truly qualify as a home game for the Cougars, they should have a crowd advantage. More important, they will have a major experience advantage at QB with Jeff Tuel. Further, you might recall that Washington State played a competitive game in Autzen Stadium last year. The Cougars trailed only 15-10 at the half and actually outgained Oregon 463 yards to 456. It was 29-20 Ducks with four minutes left in the third before De'Anthony Thomas did his thing on a 93-yard kickoff return for a TD.
What happens if Leach's spread passing attack marries perfectly with Tuel and a deep crew of receivers against a Ducks secondary that is talented but still fairly young, particularly at cornerback? What happens if the Ducks offense, gulp, sputters with a young QB on the road?
A long shot, yes. Kelly's Ducks have been notably impressive with their ability to maintain focus each week the past three years. You know: A nameless faceless opponent each Saturday.
Only Leach isn't a nameless, faceless opponent. Everyone knows who he is. And he's tricky. And he's one coach who won't be outsmarted by Kelly.
At the very least, this one should be an interesting test for both teams. And the Cougs have a puncher's -- passer's? -- shot at pulling a shocker.
Gemmell: Marines shaped ASU's Sheffield
May, 25, 2012
May 25
11:00
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
This is not a story about war; it's a story about football.
This is not a story about Jake Sheffield, former corporal in the United States Marine Corps. It's a story about Jake Sheffield, defensive tackle for Arizona State University.
This is not a story about the friends Sheffield lost during two hellish tours in Fallujah, Iraq; but a story about the friends he's met through football and the two years of eligibility he has remaining at ASU.
But to understand the story of Jake Sheffield the football player, it's important to understand the story of Jake Sheffield the Marine.
To read more on this story from Kevin Gemmell, click here.
This is not a story about Jake Sheffield, former corporal in the United States Marine Corps. It's a story about Jake Sheffield, defensive tackle for Arizona State University.
This is not a story about the friends Sheffield lost during two hellish tours in Fallujah, Iraq; but a story about the friends he's met through football and the two years of eligibility he has remaining at ASU.
But to understand the story of Jake Sheffield the football player, it's important to understand the story of Jake Sheffield the Marine.
To read more on this story from Kevin Gemmell, click here.
We asked which coach you hated most in the Pac-12. You have spoken with much bile. Congrats.
It was sometimes hard to figure out exactly which coach you hated the most in your notes, as many of you listed several coaches. Some of you listed several coaches and provided many details on the sources of your hate.
In total, you named more than 20 different coaches. Even Oregon State's Mike Riley got a vote. So did legendary coach Bill Walsh (Huskies!).
The only sitting Pac-12 coaches to not get a vote? Utah's Kyle Whittingham and Colorado's Jon Embree. Guess you guys don't know them well enough to hate them. Yet.
The race for most hated was far closer than I thought it would be. (And this was hardly scientific because I only used votes that were specific and unambiguous. And I may have skipped over some of the 1,500-word essays).
Your most hated coach? Here's the nip and tuck final tally from the mailbag.
Third place went to Rick Neuheisel with 19, though that's misleading because he was mentioned by many of you in some fashion, mostly in the line of, "I used to hate Neuheisel the most but now I hate..."
I was surprised that Washington's Steve Sarkisian got 11 votes, but I guess I shouldn't be because some Cal fans aren't happy with him (Tosh Lupoi, now at Washington after bolting Berkeley, got a bunch of votes but he didn't count because he's an assistant coach).
New Arizona State coach Todd Graham got five votes. New Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez got two. New Washington State coach Mike Leach got three. New UCLA coach Jim Mora got two.
For those who chose to look back, former USC coach Pete Carroll got 10 votes and plenty of mentions. Former Washington coach Tyrone Willingham got two. Former USC coach John McKay and former Washington coach Don James also got a handful of votes.
The most surprising vote -- other than Riley -- was one for former UCLA coach Bob Toledo.
Here are some comments. Obviously, some comments aren't appropriate for a family Pac-12 blog.
Steve from Seattle writes: By far the most hated coach is Chip Kelley. He certainly personifies the Oregon Fans with his snide comments to the media and better than everyone else attitude. Would love to see hard sanction get put on him and his institution!
Jack from Oakton, Va., writes: I cannot stand Chip Kelly. That smug grin he carries around as if he's the smartest guy in the world just makes me want to smack him.
Glenn from Renton, Wash., writes: Most Hated Coaches in the Pac-12: Chip Kelly. He's a smug jerk, but if I was an AD I would hire him in a New York minute.
Doug from Salt Lake City writes: The coach I hate the most is undoubtedly Oregon's Chip Kelly.Yes, he's a fantastic coach among the nation's elite. But he's a total jerk.The last straw for me came last season when, on live TV, he took time out from his postgame interview to scream at his own fans, "shut the hell up!"
Adam from San Francisco writes: Why is this even a question? Lane Kiffin.As for his new recent strides toward "maturity" - if I were a betting man, I'd bet a large portion of my heart, soul, and life savings that we all end up laughing at those statements by the time his tenure at Southern Cal is all said and done
Kent from Davis, Calif., writes: Coaches We Love to Hate: Lane Kiffin. The guy has less credibility and integrity than John Edwards. He's the only person in the world who could have made the late Al Davis look like upright and ethical. How this arrogant, imperious guy keeps getting plum jobs is beyond me but clearly you don't have to produce results on the field but simply keep wearing the "up and coming innovative offensive genius" tag to make it work.
Paul from San Francisco writes: No Pac-12 coach makes my blood boil more than Lane Kiffin. But it's not just his cavalier attitude and inexplicable career climb that drive me over the edge. It's his history against my Ducks. If you include his stint as USC's offensive coordinator from 2005 and 2006, Kiffin is 3-1 against Oregon, including last year's untimely win at Autzen that ended the longest home winning streak in the country. Needless to say, Nov. 3, 2012 has been circled on my calendar ever since
Kevin from San Francisco writes: Pete Carroll. I hate Pete Carroll. Everyone outside of USC hates Pete Carroll. He was classy in interviews, gave the other teams in the Pac 10 respect; in fact called the Pac 10 conference games the toughest part of his schedule. The reason why he is hated is because he was the leader of the most arrogant, abrasive group of fans and players to grace the Pac 10 in the last decade. Everybody is glad we no longer have to listen to Matt Leinart tell us that he doesn't think he's a celebrity, just everyone else in the world does. After every USC game we had to listen to the fans explain that "of course we knew we were going to win, just we thought it be over by the first quarter." And probably the part that irritates me and my Cal brethren the most is that despite a campus culture of a lot of drinking and little studying, students we met from USC always attempted to equate the academics to Cal. They aren't the worst school, but Cal is in another league.
Chris from Othello, Wash., writes: for us Oregon fans (And fans elsewhere in the conference), Rick Newheisel will always be a historical coach to hate. Growing up in the early 90's, I was consistently reminded about how that "New - weasel" in Seattle had consistently and infamously harmed our program throughout his various coaching positions. Even if he tried to turn a leaf while in UCLA, his history was never forgotten in Eugene.
Dee Dee from Portland writes: There is no possible way any coach in the Pac is hated more than Rick Neuheisel. The Weasel is universally abhorred by no fewer than THREE Pac12 fanbases. I don't even think UCLA fans like him that much any longer, and he's an alum. As a matter of fact, opinion on Slick Rick is the ONLY thing that Oregon and Washington fans have in common
Evan from Seattle writes: I must say, Steve Sarkisian is the lowest of low, slimiest of slime. Other than the obvious manner in which he talks, like a fake politician, he has a long list of shameless acts.
Dan from Spokane writes: I hate Steve Sarkisian more than any other Pac-12 coach and it's not just because of his ridiculous adherence to wearing a visor in the rainy northwest. His twitter account is insufferable. "Woof" every time a new recruit commits? Give me a break! He should tweet "whimper" every time the dawgs opponent hangs more than 50 points on them.Go Cougs!
Pete from Missoula, Mont., writes: When Utah first entered the Pac12, I instantly did not like Lane Kiffin. However, when I saw the class of not only him but the USC fans when my beloved Utes played them last year, my hatred shifted a bit. I decided that I need to stick with the hate that I already know. Hating Coach Sark from the Washington Poodles. You see Ted, it is easy to hate something you have hated before. I remember the years of hating Sark as the Team Down South, byWHO quarterback. I will always love to HATE byWHO, even if we do not play them anytime soon after this year. So Ted, this is the reason I hate Sark. It comes very naturally
Tana Vea from Sandy, Utah writes: Most hated coach in the Pac-12. Todd Graham hasn't coached a game yet but I already hate his guts. But I use to hate Chip Kelly, not as much anymore.
Henry from slymar, Calif., writes: Why limit your hating coaches column to head coaches? What about assistant coaches? I hate Tosh Lupoi mainly because he betrayed his alma mater for a boat.
Tim from Austin, Texas writes: Nobody outside of Tucson likes Richy Rod!
Sar from Tacoma, Wash., writes: regarding your request for all-time most hated coach. As a washington fan the answer is easy : 1992 Stanford Cardinal coach Bill Walsh. His well-timed (for him) block to the back of the Huskies football program is what I hold responsible for Don James' departure and a downward spiral to an eventual 0-12 season for the Huskies.
David from Tucson writes: In order to answer which coach I hate the most I have to exclude any and all ASU coaches because, in my humble opinion, that football program is the worst thing to happen to college sports since...ever. So, that being said I'd have to say that I hate Jim Mora the most, and for a purely trivial reason: his smile makes me want to punch babies.
David from Calgary writes: I hate Coach Mike Riley. Only because I was raised a Duck, and he's really like-able. So I hate that I can't hate him.
It was sometimes hard to figure out exactly which coach you hated the most in your notes, as many of you listed several coaches. Some of you listed several coaches and provided many details on the sources of your hate.
In total, you named more than 20 different coaches. Even Oregon State's Mike Riley got a vote. So did legendary coach Bill Walsh (Huskies!).
The only sitting Pac-12 coaches to not get a vote? Utah's Kyle Whittingham and Colorado's Jon Embree. Guess you guys don't know them well enough to hate them. Yet.
The race for most hated was far closer than I thought it would be. (And this was hardly scientific because I only used votes that were specific and unambiguous. And I may have skipped over some of the 1,500-word essays).
Your most hated coach? Here's the nip and tuck final tally from the mailbag.
Chip Kelly: 29
Lane Kiffin: 30
Third place went to Rick Neuheisel with 19, though that's misleading because he was mentioned by many of you in some fashion, mostly in the line of, "I used to hate Neuheisel the most but now I hate..."
I was surprised that Washington's Steve Sarkisian got 11 votes, but I guess I shouldn't be because some Cal fans aren't happy with him (Tosh Lupoi, now at Washington after bolting Berkeley, got a bunch of votes but he didn't count because he's an assistant coach).
New Arizona State coach Todd Graham got five votes. New Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez got two. New Washington State coach Mike Leach got three. New UCLA coach Jim Mora got two.
For those who chose to look back, former USC coach Pete Carroll got 10 votes and plenty of mentions. Former Washington coach Tyrone Willingham got two. Former USC coach John McKay and former Washington coach Don James also got a handful of votes.
The most surprising vote -- other than Riley -- was one for former UCLA coach Bob Toledo.
Here are some comments. Obviously, some comments aren't appropriate for a family Pac-12 blog.
Steve from Seattle writes: By far the most hated coach is Chip Kelley. He certainly personifies the Oregon Fans with his snide comments to the media and better than everyone else attitude. Would love to see hard sanction get put on him and his institution!
Jack from Oakton, Va., writes: I cannot stand Chip Kelly. That smug grin he carries around as if he's the smartest guy in the world just makes me want to smack him.
Glenn from Renton, Wash., writes: Most Hated Coaches in the Pac-12: Chip Kelly. He's a smug jerk, but if I was an AD I would hire him in a New York minute.
Doug from Salt Lake City writes: The coach I hate the most is undoubtedly Oregon's Chip Kelly.Yes, he's a fantastic coach among the nation's elite. But he's a total jerk.The last straw for me came last season when, on live TV, he took time out from his postgame interview to scream at his own fans, "shut the hell up!"
Adam from San Francisco writes: Why is this even a question? Lane Kiffin.As for his new recent strides toward "maturity" - if I were a betting man, I'd bet a large portion of my heart, soul, and life savings that we all end up laughing at those statements by the time his tenure at Southern Cal is all said and done
Kent from Davis, Calif., writes: Coaches We Love to Hate: Lane Kiffin. The guy has less credibility and integrity than John Edwards. He's the only person in the world who could have made the late Al Davis look like upright and ethical. How this arrogant, imperious guy keeps getting plum jobs is beyond me but clearly you don't have to produce results on the field but simply keep wearing the "up and coming innovative offensive genius" tag to make it work.
Paul from San Francisco writes: No Pac-12 coach makes my blood boil more than Lane Kiffin. But it's not just his cavalier attitude and inexplicable career climb that drive me over the edge. It's his history against my Ducks. If you include his stint as USC's offensive coordinator from 2005 and 2006, Kiffin is 3-1 against Oregon, including last year's untimely win at Autzen that ended the longest home winning streak in the country. Needless to say, Nov. 3, 2012 has been circled on my calendar ever since
Kevin from San Francisco writes: Pete Carroll. I hate Pete Carroll. Everyone outside of USC hates Pete Carroll. He was classy in interviews, gave the other teams in the Pac 10 respect; in fact called the Pac 10 conference games the toughest part of his schedule. The reason why he is hated is because he was the leader of the most arrogant, abrasive group of fans and players to grace the Pac 10 in the last decade. Everybody is glad we no longer have to listen to Matt Leinart tell us that he doesn't think he's a celebrity, just everyone else in the world does. After every USC game we had to listen to the fans explain that "of course we knew we were going to win, just we thought it be over by the first quarter." And probably the part that irritates me and my Cal brethren the most is that despite a campus culture of a lot of drinking and little studying, students we met from USC always attempted to equate the academics to Cal. They aren't the worst school, but Cal is in another league.
Chris from Othello, Wash., writes: for us Oregon fans (And fans elsewhere in the conference), Rick Newheisel will always be a historical coach to hate. Growing up in the early 90's, I was consistently reminded about how that "New - weasel" in Seattle had consistently and infamously harmed our program throughout his various coaching positions. Even if he tried to turn a leaf while in UCLA, his history was never forgotten in Eugene.
Dee Dee from Portland writes: There is no possible way any coach in the Pac is hated more than Rick Neuheisel. The Weasel is universally abhorred by no fewer than THREE Pac12 fanbases. I don't even think UCLA fans like him that much any longer, and he's an alum. As a matter of fact, opinion on Slick Rick is the ONLY thing that Oregon and Washington fans have in common
Evan from Seattle writes: I must say, Steve Sarkisian is the lowest of low, slimiest of slime. Other than the obvious manner in which he talks, like a fake politician, he has a long list of shameless acts.
Dan from Spokane writes: I hate Steve Sarkisian more than any other Pac-12 coach and it's not just because of his ridiculous adherence to wearing a visor in the rainy northwest. His twitter account is insufferable. "Woof" every time a new recruit commits? Give me a break! He should tweet "whimper" every time the dawgs opponent hangs more than 50 points on them.Go Cougs!
Pete from Missoula, Mont., writes: When Utah first entered the Pac12, I instantly did not like Lane Kiffin. However, when I saw the class of not only him but the USC fans when my beloved Utes played them last year, my hatred shifted a bit. I decided that I need to stick with the hate that I already know. Hating Coach Sark from the Washington Poodles. You see Ted, it is easy to hate something you have hated before. I remember the years of hating Sark as the Team Down South, byWHO quarterback. I will always love to HATE byWHO, even if we do not play them anytime soon after this year. So Ted, this is the reason I hate Sark. It comes very naturally
Tana Vea from Sandy, Utah writes: Most hated coach in the Pac-12. Todd Graham hasn't coached a game yet but I already hate his guts. But I use to hate Chip Kelly, not as much anymore.
Henry from slymar, Calif., writes: Why limit your hating coaches column to head coaches? What about assistant coaches? I hate Tosh Lupoi mainly because he betrayed his alma mater for a boat.
Tim from Austin, Texas writes: Nobody outside of Tucson likes Richy Rod!
Sar from Tacoma, Wash., writes: regarding your request for all-time most hated coach. As a washington fan the answer is easy : 1992 Stanford Cardinal coach Bill Walsh. His well-timed (for him) block to the back of the Huskies football program is what I hold responsible for Don James' departure and a downward spiral to an eventual 0-12 season for the Huskies.
David from Tucson writes: In order to answer which coach I hate the most I have to exclude any and all ASU coaches because, in my humble opinion, that football program is the worst thing to happen to college sports since...ever. So, that being said I'd have to say that I hate Jim Mora the most, and for a purely trivial reason: his smile makes me want to punch babies.
David from Calgary writes: I hate Coach Mike Riley. Only because I was raised a Duck, and he's really like-able. So I hate that I can't hate him.
Poll: Games we can't wait for
May, 24, 2012
May 24
7:00
PM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell and
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Last week we gave you our thoughts on Pac-12 games we can't wait to see. Obviously, the much-anticipated Nov. 3 Oregon-USC matchup (assuming both teams do what they are supposed to do) is the one that will have all Pac-12 fans drooling. But there are plenty of other potential matchups with major conference implications along the way (or after).
Ted Miller went with Stanford's Sept. 27 trek to Washington in a showdown of second-tier North Division teams. Recent history is on the side of the Cardinal, but Washington is hoping to turn the tide with a revamped defense.
Kevin Gemmell went with the USC's trip to Utah on Oct. 4 -- a pivotal game in the South Division. You've got an A-list offense in USC going against one of the top defensive fronts on the West Coast.
Are those the top two games? Or are there better ones on the horizon you're waiting for?
Washington's trip to Baton Rouge to face LSU on Sept. 8 seems like a pretty good one. You have a Heisman hopeful quarterback against probably the best defense in the country.
How about Stanford's trip to Oregon on Nov. 17? The Cardinal will try to play spoiler while the Ducks will likely be in pursuit of a BCS bowl game.
Then there is Cal's trip to Ohio State on Sept. 15. The Bears haven't had a lot of success when they travel East and Miller tabbed it Cal's most important game of the season.
What's the game you can't wait to see?
Kevin Gemmell went with the USC's trip to Utah on Oct. 4 -- a pivotal game in the South Division. You've got an A-list offense in USC going against one of the top defensive fronts on the West Coast.
Are those the top two games? Or are there better ones on the horizon you're waiting for?
Washington's trip to Baton Rouge to face LSU on Sept. 8 seems like a pretty good one. You have a Heisman hopeful quarterback against probably the best defense in the country.
How about Stanford's trip to Oregon on Nov. 17? The Cardinal will try to play spoiler while the Ducks will likely be in pursuit of a BCS bowl game.
Then there is Cal's trip to Ohio State on Sept. 15. The Bears haven't had a lot of success when they travel East and Miller tabbed it Cal's most important game of the season.
What's the game you can't wait to see?
If you missed my chat today, well then you're screwed because it was the last one for a while.
So you might want to save this link, where you can relive it several hundred times this summer.
But here is a Reader's Digest version.
Jack (Seattle) After the Huskies brutal starting schedule, with LSU, USC, UO, Stan (and Portland St & SDSU) - what is the upper limit of a realistic record? 3-3, 4-2?
Ted Miller (3:03 PM) I think most Husky fans would be satisfied with 3-3, which means beating either USC, Oregon or Stanford. I'd be surprised at 4-2. That would mean beating at least one top-five team.
Jason (Seattle) I'm an ASU fan living out of state in Seattle (who ASU doesn't play again this season), but still make it to at least 1 game a year. Which game should I go home for this year? Why?
Ted Miller (3:10 PM) It depends on what you want. Are you looking to see a good opponent, or better odds for a win? My advice would be to make sure it's a game after mid-October. That way the heat won't beat you down. If you went to Oregon on 10/18, you could see a Thursday night ESPN game then make it a long weekend.. golf? steaks? Mexican food?
Willie (Mexico) Give me an unknown WR that will break out this year.
Ted Miller (3:14 PM) Dres Anderson, Utah.
Jeff (Eugene) Oregon and USC each play Alabama, then LSU. Does either team win both games? Does either team lose both?
Ted Miller (3:17 PM) Alabama is a bit of a mystery. We suspect they will be very good -- improved on offense, still good on defense -- but the Tide lose a lot of guys (just check out the NFL draft). LSU is my No. 1 team and I'd pick the Tigers over anyone at this point. In that foursome, the Tigers are the only one I'd say would have a good shot at 2-0. I'd like Oregon and USC's chances against Bama. At least, as we sit here now.
Air Raid Nation (On a Cloud) How do you think the Air Raid will do in the Pac-12? It seems that Mike Leach will go against more inferior defenses that he dealt with while at Texas Tech. Do you see him and his Qb's breaking NCAA passing records again?
Ted Miller (3:21 PM) The defenses will be far better in the Pac-12, top to bottom. But I think Leach will have success with his offense because he's always had success with his offense. I don't think the numbers will be as epic against Pac-12 defenses, which are more talented and sophisticated than Big 12 defenses (at least after Texas and Oklahoma).
Kameron (SLC) I've seen what can happen to a team by losing their starting quarterback. Which Pac 12 team has the best backups?
Ted Miller (3:27 PM) In some cases, it's a case of there not seeming to be much drop-off after the starter: Arizona State, Stanford, UCLA and Oregon all have legit QB competitions going where there's not much distance between the QBs. You could probably throw Colorado in there too. And Washington State and Utah have backups with experience. There's probably not to much drop from starter to backup with Cal and Oregon State. I'd say the teams with the most worries there would be Arizona, USC and Washington.
Texas Hater (Boulder) I read an article the other day that had the scenario of Syracuse, Pitt, BC & ND to the Pac 12 to form Pac 16. Any thoughts on this? Seems like FSU move to Big 12 could start the dominoes all over again.
Ted Miller (3:31 PM) People are throwing a lot of scenarios into the air. I think there's probably some regret now from the Pac-12 for its not opening the door to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State when they came knocking. It would have made more geographic sense, and it would have forced a humbled Texas to come along. Having a group of East Coast teams doesn't feel right to me.
Ryan (Chicago) Which Pac-12 non-conference game(s) do you think will be the most entertaining in the upcoming season?
Ted Miller (3:39 PM) I'm curious how Washington holds up at LSU. Not a fun place to play and a great team. I think Cal's got a good shot at the upset at Ohio State. BYU plays Utah, Oregon State and Washington State. Will it win the series? Nebraska at UCLA could be interesting.
Tim (ATL) Is it correct the assume that if Cal and Stanford decided that they didn't have to play USC/UCLA every year that the Pac-12 would go back to an 8 team schedule? If so, once stanford adds a big-10 team to its 9 conference games plus Notre Dame, do you think they'll cave?
Ted Miller (3:47 PM) Cal and Stanford are stupid to designate a game every year with USC & UCLA, most particularly against the Trojans. It would be not unlike Washington going: Hey, let's play Texas every season! And, yes, if administrators at the California schools agreed to end their automatic games, it would be a big step toward an 8-game conference schedule. As it stands now, Stanford's schedule (and USC's) could end up being absurdly -- and self-destructively -- difficult when the Big Ten series begins.
Tylurker (Land of Oaks, Ca) Unfortunately, Jeff Tedford is on the hot seat at Cal. So what does it take to get JT off the proverbial hot seat? Is 7-5 (with a bowl LOSS) good enough? Or would the Bears have to win the bowl game too? What about 6-7, off with his head? I think the expectations are too high for this season (brutal schedule) It wasn't that long ago folks were sporting Ted-head tie-dies and I think JT is a good coach and mentor to the team. It seems like the old blues have a short memory - see Bruce Snyder: went 10-2 but couldn't win the big game...so they giv'em the axe the axe the axe...he goes to ASU and the Sundevils go to the Rose Bowl. Ouch!
Ted Miller (3:49 PM) I'm not sure what will be enough for Cal and Tedford. I'd say a winning record and bowl berth would be a minimum. And not all 7-5s are equal. If the Bears are competitive in five losses, that's something different than getting blown out 2-3 times, as has been the case in recent years. I'd feel fairly certain he's safe at 8-5 with a bowl victory and no blowout defeats
Jan Brewer (Phoenix, AZ) Ted - which team in our state of Arizona will fare better this season?
Ted Miller (3:53 PM) Tough one... they both seem like 5-7/6-6 teams. I've written before and I'll say it again, I wouldn't be shocked if the Territorial Cup doesn't determine who ends up with a better record. ASU doesn't play Stanford, but it has 2 quality nonconference foes vs. just one for Arizona. The Wildcats are better off at QB but worse off on defense. If I were forced into a corner, I'd go with Arizona, seeing that the Wildcats are at home against the Sun Devils in the season finale. But it's close.
Brandon (Denver) Is the Colorado job really still up for grabs, or is Embree just trying to give Hirschman a fair shake (because of his injury) before he gives it to Connor Wood?
Ted Miller (4:02 PM) I don't know if it's just Hirschman... I think some other guys might be in the mix, including the frosh, Shane Dillon. But, yes, I see Wood as the frontrunner.
So you might want to save this link, where you can relive it several hundred times this summer.
But here is a Reader's Digest version.
Jack (Seattle) After the Huskies brutal starting schedule, with LSU, USC, UO, Stan (and Portland St & SDSU) - what is the upper limit of a realistic record? 3-3, 4-2?
Ted Miller (3:03 PM) I think most Husky fans would be satisfied with 3-3, which means beating either USC, Oregon or Stanford. I'd be surprised at 4-2. That would mean beating at least one top-five team.
Jason (Seattle) I'm an ASU fan living out of state in Seattle (who ASU doesn't play again this season), but still make it to at least 1 game a year. Which game should I go home for this year? Why?
Ted Miller (3:10 PM) It depends on what you want. Are you looking to see a good opponent, or better odds for a win? My advice would be to make sure it's a game after mid-October. That way the heat won't beat you down. If you went to Oregon on 10/18, you could see a Thursday night ESPN game then make it a long weekend.. golf? steaks? Mexican food?
Willie (Mexico) Give me an unknown WR that will break out this year.
Ted Miller (3:14 PM) Dres Anderson, Utah.
Jeff (Eugene) Oregon and USC each play Alabama, then LSU. Does either team win both games? Does either team lose both?
Ted Miller (3:17 PM) Alabama is a bit of a mystery. We suspect they will be very good -- improved on offense, still good on defense -- but the Tide lose a lot of guys (just check out the NFL draft). LSU is my No. 1 team and I'd pick the Tigers over anyone at this point. In that foursome, the Tigers are the only one I'd say would have a good shot at 2-0. I'd like Oregon and USC's chances against Bama. At least, as we sit here now.
Air Raid Nation (On a Cloud) How do you think the Air Raid will do in the Pac-12? It seems that Mike Leach will go against more inferior defenses that he dealt with while at Texas Tech. Do you see him and his Qb's breaking NCAA passing records again?
Ted Miller (3:21 PM) The defenses will be far better in the Pac-12, top to bottom. But I think Leach will have success with his offense because he's always had success with his offense. I don't think the numbers will be as epic against Pac-12 defenses, which are more talented and sophisticated than Big 12 defenses (at least after Texas and Oklahoma).
Kameron (SLC) I've seen what can happen to a team by losing their starting quarterback. Which Pac 12 team has the best backups?
Ted Miller (3:27 PM) In some cases, it's a case of there not seeming to be much drop-off after the starter: Arizona State, Stanford, UCLA and Oregon all have legit QB competitions going where there's not much distance between the QBs. You could probably throw Colorado in there too. And Washington State and Utah have backups with experience. There's probably not to much drop from starter to backup with Cal and Oregon State. I'd say the teams with the most worries there would be Arizona, USC and Washington.
Texas Hater (Boulder) I read an article the other day that had the scenario of Syracuse, Pitt, BC & ND to the Pac 12 to form Pac 16. Any thoughts on this? Seems like FSU move to Big 12 could start the dominoes all over again.
Ted Miller (3:31 PM) People are throwing a lot of scenarios into the air. I think there's probably some regret now from the Pac-12 for its not opening the door to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State when they came knocking. It would have made more geographic sense, and it would have forced a humbled Texas to come along. Having a group of East Coast teams doesn't feel right to me.
Ryan (Chicago) Which Pac-12 non-conference game(s) do you think will be the most entertaining in the upcoming season?
Ted Miller (3:39 PM) I'm curious how Washington holds up at LSU. Not a fun place to play and a great team. I think Cal's got a good shot at the upset at Ohio State. BYU plays Utah, Oregon State and Washington State. Will it win the series? Nebraska at UCLA could be interesting.
Tim (ATL) Is it correct the assume that if Cal and Stanford decided that they didn't have to play USC/UCLA every year that the Pac-12 would go back to an 8 team schedule? If so, once stanford adds a big-10 team to its 9 conference games plus Notre Dame, do you think they'll cave?
Ted Miller (3:47 PM) Cal and Stanford are stupid to designate a game every year with USC & UCLA, most particularly against the Trojans. It would be not unlike Washington going: Hey, let's play Texas every season! And, yes, if administrators at the California schools agreed to end their automatic games, it would be a big step toward an 8-game conference schedule. As it stands now, Stanford's schedule (and USC's) could end up being absurdly -- and self-destructively -- difficult when the Big Ten series begins.
Tylurker (Land of Oaks, Ca) Unfortunately, Jeff Tedford is on the hot seat at Cal. So what does it take to get JT off the proverbial hot seat? Is 7-5 (with a bowl LOSS) good enough? Or would the Bears have to win the bowl game too? What about 6-7, off with his head? I think the expectations are too high for this season (brutal schedule) It wasn't that long ago folks were sporting Ted-head tie-dies and I think JT is a good coach and mentor to the team. It seems like the old blues have a short memory - see Bruce Snyder: went 10-2 but couldn't win the big game...so they giv'em the axe the axe the axe...he goes to ASU and the Sundevils go to the Rose Bowl. Ouch!
Ted Miller (3:49 PM) I'm not sure what will be enough for Cal and Tedford. I'd say a winning record and bowl berth would be a minimum. And not all 7-5s are equal. If the Bears are competitive in five losses, that's something different than getting blown out 2-3 times, as has been the case in recent years. I'd feel fairly certain he's safe at 8-5 with a bowl victory and no blowout defeats
Jan Brewer (Phoenix, AZ) Ted - which team in our state of Arizona will fare better this season?
Ted Miller (3:53 PM) Tough one... they both seem like 5-7/6-6 teams. I've written before and I'll say it again, I wouldn't be shocked if the Territorial Cup doesn't determine who ends up with a better record. ASU doesn't play Stanford, but it has 2 quality nonconference foes vs. just one for Arizona. The Wildcats are better off at QB but worse off on defense. If I were forced into a corner, I'd go with Arizona, seeing that the Wildcats are at home against the Sun Devils in the season finale. But it's close.
Brandon (Denver) Is the Colorado job really still up for grabs, or is Embree just trying to give Hirschman a fair shake (because of his injury) before he gives it to Connor Wood?
Ted Miller (4:02 PM) I don't know if it's just Hirschman... I think some other guys might be in the mix, including the frosh, Shane Dillon. But, yes, I see Wood as the frontrunner.
Video: Oregon State entering the offseason
May, 24, 2012
May 24
5:30
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Three offensive linemen and quarterback Sean Mannion need to get the most out of the offseason if Oregon State is going to earn a bowl berth in 2012.
Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition.
- Arizona's new copper helmets ... Yay? Nay?
- Todd Graham says Mike Bercovici has a slight edge in the three-way ASU quarterback competition.
- Cal picks up a Texas linebacker recruit.
- A Colorado family is rallying to raise money for former Buff Alex Ligon, who is hospitalized with leukemia.
- De'Anthony Thomas and Robert Woods are on the Jet Award watch list.
- OSU's Sean Martin pleads no contest in a February driving under the influence incident. Should Mike Riley ban Twitter?
- A first look at what UCLA has to do in recruiting in 2013 on offense.
- USC players share their experiences from their Haiti trip. An Ex-USC recruit is exonerated on a rape conviction.
- Some thoughts on Steve Sarkisian's recent radio appearance.
- Mike Leach is bringing innovation to the conference.
Join us for our weekly chat today at noon PT or 3 p.m. ET.
Click here to participate.
And you need to show up today. We're going on a chat sabbatical for a while, so this is your last opportunity before the long, hot days of summer to get in your questions, comments or insults.
Click here to participate.
And you need to show up today. We're going on a chat sabbatical for a while, so this is your last opportunity before the long, hot days of summer to get in your questions, comments or insults.
A couple of unfortunate discipline notes to get to.
First, Cal has dismissed linebacker Cecil Whiteside from the team for violating team rules.
Head coach Jeff Tedford made the announcement this morning, but no further information or the nature of the violation was made available. To get booted off the team, though, you have to assume it was probably worse than missing a study hall session.
Whiteside was expected to add depth to a very good Cal front seven. Last season he had 17 tackles -- including three sacks -- in 10 games.
Also, the recent slew of arrests at Oregon State has prompted head coach Mike Riley to issue the following statement:
"We have had a few legal issues as of late with a handful of members of our football team. This behavior is totally unacceptable and the appropriate discipline started immediately with each event and future incidences could result in exclusion from our football program.”
The most recent incident involves standout cornerback Jordan Poyer, who was arrested on charges of second-degree criminal trespass. Worth noting that Poyer says the incident was blown out of proportion. And in my limited conversations with him, this seems extremely out of character.
All in all, this hasn't been a very good offseason for the conference when it comes to bad behavior and run-ins with the law.
This is why it's important to write stories about USC going to Haiti, Oregon honoring the military in its spring game, Washington players visiting a children's hospital and Stanford players working with Habitat for Humanity.
Those stories don't drive blog traffic as much -- but they are a lot more fun to write about and a good reminder that there is also a lot of good being done by players in the conference.
First, Cal has dismissed linebacker Cecil Whiteside from the team for violating team rules.
Head coach Jeff Tedford made the announcement this morning, but no further information or the nature of the violation was made available. To get booted off the team, though, you have to assume it was probably worse than missing a study hall session.
Whiteside was expected to add depth to a very good Cal front seven. Last season he had 17 tackles -- including three sacks -- in 10 games.
Also, the recent slew of arrests at Oregon State has prompted head coach Mike Riley to issue the following statement:
"We have had a few legal issues as of late with a handful of members of our football team. This behavior is totally unacceptable and the appropriate discipline started immediately with each event and future incidences could result in exclusion from our football program.”
The most recent incident involves standout cornerback Jordan Poyer, who was arrested on charges of second-degree criminal trespass. Worth noting that Poyer says the incident was blown out of proportion. And in my limited conversations with him, this seems extremely out of character.
All in all, this hasn't been a very good offseason for the conference when it comes to bad behavior and run-ins with the law.
This is why it's important to write stories about USC going to Haiti, Oregon honoring the military in its spring game, Washington players visiting a children's hospital and Stanford players working with Habitat for Humanity.
Those stories don't drive blog traffic as much -- but they are a lot more fun to write about and a good reminder that there is also a lot of good being done by players in the conference.
Garry Paskwietz writes : Sixteen USC players took a life-changing trip to Haiti to help impoverished natives in that country. In the process, they learned something new about themselves.
Erik McKinney writes
: To convey the athleticism of Petaluma (Calif.) Casa Grande prospect Elijah Qualls one need only know the positions he plays: running back and defensive tackle.
WeAreSC Roundtable: WeAreSC's panel of writers discuss the top duos in Trojans history.
WeAreSC chat wrap: A rundown of Garry Paskwietz's weekly chat with readers.
Erik McKinney writes
: To convey the athleticism of Petaluma (Calif.) Casa Grande prospect Elijah Qualls one need only know the positions he plays: running back and defensive tackle.
WeAreSC Roundtable
: WeAreSC's panel of writers discuss the top duos in Trojans history.
WeAreSC chat wrap: A rundown of Garry Paskwietz's weekly chat with readers.
Every game counts. But some games count more. Or tell us more.
We're going through the Pac-12 and picking out one game that seems most important -- or potentially most revealing -- for each team from our vantage point today.
We're going in alphabetical order.
UCLA
Most important game: at California, Oct. 6
Why it's important: I'll be honest, I had a lot of trouble with this one -- simply for the fact we have no idea what kind of team UCLA is going to be. On paper, they have the athletes to be in the upper half of the South Division -- though with USC back in the fold and Utah on the rise, it's likely the Bruins won't defend the South title.
Stanford seems like a good pick in the season finale. Could be the game that determines if UCLA is bowl bound or not. But who knows? They could already be bowl eligible by then. You have to imagine that six wins are out there for this team. But the game that could be the most telling is at Cal.
The first three to four games of the year are going to be difficult to judge because we could see three different quarterbacks during that stretch. Tough to tell. But by Week 6 you have to imagine that the Bruins will have their personnel issues sorted out and there will be a decent understanding of the team's personality.
Not counting Nebraska in Week 2 -- which falls under the category of we won't know much about the Bruins -- Cal is UCLA's toughest opponent in the first half of the season. And it's on the road.
Tevin McDonald had the game of his career last season with three interceptions in a 31-14 win over Cal, so there is some internal confidence that this is a winnable game. Plus the Bruins rushed for 294 yards on Cal. Don't expect those kinds of numbers again with Cal's talented defensive line. But if UCLA and new coach Jim Mora want to make a statement, this is the game to do it.
A victory on the road against Cal would certainly be a quality win. Then they host Utah the following week, which will be coming off the USC game. Who knows what kind of state the Utes will be in. The Bruins have a decent chance to go 5-1 in the first half of the season. And being 5-1 heading into the meat of the South Division schedule would make the folks in Westwood feel pretty good.
We're going through the Pac-12 and picking out one game that seems most important -- or potentially most revealing -- for each team from our vantage point today.
We're going in alphabetical order.
UCLA
Most important game: at California, Oct. 6
Why it's important: I'll be honest, I had a lot of trouble with this one -- simply for the fact we have no idea what kind of team UCLA is going to be. On paper, they have the athletes to be in the upper half of the South Division -- though with USC back in the fold and Utah on the rise, it's likely the Bruins won't defend the South title.
Stanford seems like a good pick in the season finale. Could be the game that determines if UCLA is bowl bound or not. But who knows? They could already be bowl eligible by then. You have to imagine that six wins are out there for this team. But the game that could be the most telling is at Cal.
The first three to four games of the year are going to be difficult to judge because we could see three different quarterbacks during that stretch. Tough to tell. But by Week 6 you have to imagine that the Bruins will have their personnel issues sorted out and there will be a decent understanding of the team's personality.
Not counting Nebraska in Week 2 -- which falls under the category of we won't know much about the Bruins -- Cal is UCLA's toughest opponent in the first half of the season. And it's on the road.
Tevin McDonald had the game of his career last season with three interceptions in a 31-14 win over Cal, so there is some internal confidence that this is a winnable game. Plus the Bruins rushed for 294 yards on Cal. Don't expect those kinds of numbers again with Cal's talented defensive line. But if UCLA and new coach Jim Mora want to make a statement, this is the game to do it.
A victory on the road against Cal would certainly be a quality win. Then they host Utah the following week, which will be coming off the USC game. Who knows what kind of state the Utes will be in. The Bruins have a decent chance to go 5-1 in the first half of the season. And being 5-1 heading into the meat of the South Division schedule would make the folks in Westwood feel pretty good.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Ted Miller
Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the Pac-12. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in the 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Kevin Gemmell
Gemmell covered San Diego State and the Mountain West Conference for three years before joining ESPN.com. As a Santa Clara graduate, his hope is that the Broncos will one day re-institute football. Until then, he lives vicariously through his readers. Gemmell lives in California with his wife and son.
PAC-12 TEAM COVERAGE
RECRUITING NATION
USC: We Are SC
Follow everything USC at We Are USC: USC Trojans football, basketball, news, recruiting and more.
• We Are SC | Blog | RecruitingNation
