SportsNation Blog Archives
Arizona Wildcats
Will Rich Rodriguez make the Arizona Wildcats victors? Might he even make the Wildcats the champions of the West? The former Michigan coach (he probably prefers to be known as the former West Virginia coach) is the new coach of the University of Arizona. Rodriguez replaces Mike Stoops, who was fired earlier this season after compiling a 41-50 record in eight seasons.
- "This Wolverine wishes him well. He didn't belong in the Big Ten or at Michigan ... it was doomed from the start for a variety of reasons. He never deserved the hate and ugliness that surrounded it, though, and neither did his wife or his family. I hope he does good things in AZ." -- SN commenter vikingwp
- "Enjoy the downfall Arizona! Rodriguez epitomizes the lack of ethics in college football. He came into Michigan, destroyed every tradition, alienated the players, fans, and alumni base. Then he made the most storied college football program into the laughingstock of college ball." -- SN commenter ajrmd
Is this a step in right direction?

Mike Stoops came to Arizona with a big name, at least a big last name, but did Arizona score a big win by replacing him with Rodriguez?
What happened in Ann Arbor?

He did recruit Denard Robinson, but Rodriguez was basically a flop at Michigan. Was that more about his coaching ability or his inability to conform to the school's football culture?
Can Tucson be a football town?

When you think of Arizona, you probably think of basketball (and images like the ZonaZoo, above). But is it a school just waiting for a winner on the gridiron?
So when does the seat get hot?

The Wildcats last won double-digit games in 1998 and have had just three winning seasons since. Does Rodriguez deserve a lot of patience?
Vote: No. 2 Auburn at No. 11 Alabama
1. Mark Ingram or Cam Newton for NFL?
2. Does Heisman hinge on result?
3. Is Auburn untested on the road?
4. Cam Newton or Bo Jackson?
5. Which team will win in Tuscaloosa?
Have your say on Auburn at Alabama
Vote: No. 4 Boise State at No. 19 Nevada
1. Kellen Moore or Colin Kaepernick?
2. Would this be Boise's best win?
3. Is Boise's defense underrated?
4. Rooting for or against Broncos?
5. Which team will win in Reno?
Have your say on Boise State at Nevada
Vote: No. 21 Arizona at No. 1 Oregon
1. Darron Thomas or Nick Foles?
2. Toughest hurdle for Oregon?
3. Bye week crucial for Arizona?
4. Lesson learned from Cal win?
5. Which team will win in Eugene?
Have your say on Arizona at Oregon
Vote: Michigan at No. 8 Ohio State
1. Must-win for Rich Rodriguez at Michigan?
2. Denard Robinson or Terrelle Pryor?
3. Has Ohio State's domination hurt rivalry?
4. Which program has richer history?
5. Which team will win in Columbus?
Have your say on Michigan at Ohio State
Vote: No. 13 Oklahoma at No. 9 Oklahoma State
1. Landry Jones or Brandon Weeden?
2. Which receiver has brighter NFL future?
3. How good is the Bedlam rivalry?
4. Barry Sanders or Adrian Peterson?
5. Which team will win in Stillwater?
Have your say on Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Vote: No. 5 LSU at No. 12 Arkansas
1. Ryan Mallett or Patrick Peterson for NFL?
2. Has Jordan Jefferson hit his stride?
3. Would you hire Les Miles or Bobby Petrino?
4. Can LSU still win the national title?
5. Which team will win in Fayetteville?
Have your say on LSU at Arkansas
Vote: No. 18 Texas A&M at Texas
1. Who has keyed the Texas A&M turnaround?
2. How much longer will Mack Brown coach?
3. Is Garrett Gilbert the answer in Austin?
4. Is no bowl just as good as a bad bowl?
5. Which team will win in Austin?
Have your say on Texas A&M at Texas
Vote: Florida at No. 22 Florida State
1. Which team will be better in 2011?
2. Was Florida overrated or is it underachieving?
3. Is Jimbo Fisher the right guy for Florida State?
4. Would Florida win the ACC?
5. Which team will win in Tallahassee?
Have your say on Florida at Florida State
- Vote: GameDay Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 3 TCU at No. 5 Utah
- Is TCU's defense really that much better than Utah's defense?
- Will Boise State be better off in the MWC than Utah in the Pac-10?
- Vote on those and other questions about TCU at Utah!
Jake (Honolulu, HI)
Utah seems to be coming in under the radar.. do you give them any chance this weekend? Do they hop Boise with a W?
Pat Forde
Jake: I give Utah a chance, playing at home. But I haven't seen any weaknesses yet in TCU. Frogs have handled all comers with ease. I believe TCU will win -- but if Utah does win I still question whether it would be enough to jump Boise. I don't know. Not a computer expert. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 6 Alabama at No. 10 LSU
- Is playing LSU on the road tougher than playing Auburn at home?
- Which team would win if they swapped coaches?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at LSU!
Mike (Dallas, TX)
What do you expect in the matchup between Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones? If my memory serves, Julio didn't have any catches on Peterson last year. Will scouts be watching this one closely?
Mel Kiper
It was a different mindset of Alabama last year. They were a brutally tough defense to move the ball on. They didn't have to score a lot of points. Their defense last year was talent laden, with some studs who are playing in the NFL right now. Last year, they didn't give up over 24 points in any game last year. They held 10 opponents to 15 points or less last year. They've held six opponents this year to 13 points or less. Nick Saban is a defensive guru. He's probably one of the best defensive strategists at any level. He's tried to reload that defensive side. They have to attack a little more. Jones is coming off that career game. Peterson is a shut down corner as well as a great return man. Alabama will attack a lot more, because their defense isn't what it was from a personnel standpoint. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 18 Arkansas at No. 19 South Carolina
- Which coach was a bigger flop in the NFL?
- Which quarterback would you rather have against Alabama?
- Vote on those and other questions about Arkansas at South Carolina!
Dave (Virginia)
Pat, love the column and your chats...People keep looking at the South Carolina-Florida clash on Nov 13 in the Swamp as the decider. My question to you is, doesn't Arkansas look like Carolina's worst nightmare right now with the way the Gamecocks have defended the pass lately?
Pat Forde
Dave: Thank you. By my read of the situation, South Carolina can lose to Arkansas and still control its own destiny. At 4-3, if the Gamecocks beat Florida they win the East. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 21 Baylor at No. 17 Oklahoma State
- How many points will it take to win this game?
- Is Robert Griffin III more exciting than Justin Blackmon?
- Vote on those and other questions about Baylor at Oklahoma State!
James (Stillwater)
Do you see Robert Griffin III having a big day passing like Taylor Martinez did against the OSU secondary?
Big 12 blogger David Ubben
I do, but Oklahoma State's going to put big points up, too. I didn't really get why everyone thought K-State and Oklahoma State were going to play a high-scoring game. I think I picked it like 34-17 OSU. This week could get out of hand, though. Make sure that scoreboard has room for triple digits. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 9 Iowa at No. 24 Arizona
- Will the late start time or the weather in the desert affect Iowa more?
- Is Arizona's Nick Foles a better quarterback than Iowa's Ricky Stanzi?
- Vote on those and other questions about Iowa at Arizona!
Steve (Sioux City, IA)
Adam, I know everyone thinks it's going to be tough for Iowa to head out West but I have a hard time thinking that a team with this many seniors and this much leadership would be rattled by playing at Arizona. Thoughts?
Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg
Steve, I think Iowa's experience certainly should help in handling the elements, but history certainly doesn't favor the Hawkeyes in these matchups. Iowa isn't the type of team to lose its poise, and the Hawkeyes have won in some pretty tough places (State College, Madison, East Lansing, etc.) Still, you have to anticipate some adversity against Arizona. How will the 2010 Hawkeyes respond? We'll find out soon. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 10 Florida at Tennessee
- Would Tennessee have been better off keeping Phillip Fulmer?
- Was Tim Tebow a better college quarterback than Peyton Manning?
- Vote on those and other questions about Florida at Tennessee!
Stefan (The Swamp)
Are you buying or selling the Gators as a top ten team? Mind you the Gators still have a dynamic defense and they will open up the pass offense over the next two weeks...
Mark Schlabach
I'm selling right now, but I think they'll be a top 10 team by season's end. Have to get better on offense. Very good on defense, especially in the secondary. Don't see a lot of weapons on offense other than Demps, though. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 8 Nebraska at Washington
- Is Nebraska winning the national title more likely than Jake Locker winning the Heisman?
- Was Washington's 1991 team better than Nebraska's 1997 team?
- Vote on those and other questions about Nebraska at Washington!
Ryan (Lincoln)
What's your favorite nickname for Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez? T-Mart, T-Magic, T-Mobile, or another one? This is really important to Husker Nation.
Ivan Maisel
It would be like me voting for the mayor of Lincoln. I am not registered there. I have no say in the matter. Given the way he runs, how about "Taylor Swift?" Yeah, maybe not. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 6 Texas at Texas Tech
- Is Tommy Tuberville as good a coach as Mike Leach?
- Will Taylor Potts post bigger numbers than Garrett Gilbert?
- Vote on those and other questions about Texas at Texas Tech!
Nick (Denver)
Dave- what are the chances that Texas Tech beats Texas?
Big 12 blogger David Ubben
Good, but if it's close, I'm taking Texas. Tech has to jump on them early, 14-0 or something, and force Gilbert to throw the ball more than the Longhorns gameplanned for. The Red Raiders secondary is young, but they've got a lot of talent and a great pass rush up front. If Texas can keep the offense on cruise control, their secondary will make big plays down the stretch against Potts to leave Lubbock with the win. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 12 Arkansas at Georgia
- Will Arkansas miss Dennis Johnson more than Georgia misses A.J. Green?
- Is Mark Richt a better coach than Bobby Petrino?
- Vote on those and other questions about Arkansas at Georgia!
Brian (Arkansas)
How do you think Arkansas will do this weekend against a Georgia team that's desperate?
Mel Kiper
Georgia is between the hedges. They'll be in a very firey mood, after that game against Vanderbilt. The key play in the game was the fumble with SC down 14-6. That fumble prevented Georgia from getting back into that football game. Arkansas had two cupcakes right out of the box. Now they get their first test. Georgia is much more battle tested. Not having Green on Georgia is a huge problem. Aaron Murray for Georgia was only 4-8 for 32 yards in the first half. In the third quarter alone, he was 7-8 for 101 yards, just before the fumble. Murray needs AJ Green. That's an unfortunate situation with Green at Georgia. Full transcript
All right, it's still technically called the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, but with no disrespect to either Nebraska or Arizona, there's one very big reason for fans outside of those two states to tune in tonight (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). And it has nothing to do with which team gets to keep its place in the top 25.
Tonight's game is all about the name everyone in America is quickly learning to spell: Ndamukong Suh.
The AP Player of the Year, an honor with which SportsNation fully concurred, Suh looks like an NFL dream. And while we sympathize with Nebraska fans dealing with separation anxiety when it comes to their cornerstone, how about the moral dilemma confronting Rams fans this week? With the No. 1 pick in the draft there for the taking, in a manner of speaking, are they permitted to root against their own team and for the rival 49ers Sunday?
tyler (spartanburg, sc)
from what you hear around the league, is there any chance ndamukong suh doesn't go first in the draft?
Len Pasquarelli
Only if pigs fly, sir. Early to talk draft, but Suh is generally viewed as one of top five DT prospects in 20-25 years. Full transcript
Bert (Nebraska)
What scenario would have to take place for Suh not to be picked first?
Mel Kiper
St. Louis would have to think about QB. Do they opt for the QB over the DT? Remember Gerald McCoy is an outstanding player at Oklahoma. He was considered a top player last year. I have Suh No. 1 and McCoy No. 2 on my Big Board. The best player on the board would be the DT over the QB. Right now, Clausen's at 4 and Bradford at 5. Bradford could move ahead of Clausen after the medical comes back. The only thing that moved him down was the injury. If the shoulder checks out OK, then I think he jumps back into the early first round mix. The decision will be Bradford or Clausen, or Suh or McCoy. This is a team that hasn't exactly struck gold with the DL draft picks. Or you trade off of that first pick and you think about QB in that 4, 5, 6, 7 range. Full transcript
“people seem to think Suh is the only D we got. Lol, keep believing that.
” -- gotbiggreddNU
“Both teams have Top 25 defenses but Arizona also has a powerful offense that can put points on the board quick. On paper Arizona is the more well rounded team and should win. I know this is a PK game and the spread is even, but every analysist that has predicted the score has Arizona on top. And I'd have to agree!
” -- ArizonaWildcat2727
- Vote: GameDay Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch | SportsNation Top 25
- Vote on big topics: Charlie Weis' future | Auburn at Georgia
- Blogger chat wraps: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Others
- More wraps: Mark Schlabach | Pat Forde | Mel Kiper | Ivan Maisel | Bruce Feldman
- Special guests: Brad Edwards | Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson
It won't be an easy weekend for BCS Cinderellas, even though they're all playing at home. Cincinnati faces No. 25 West Virginia, TCU gets the pressure of GameDay and No. 16 Utah, and Boise State deals with a surprising 7-3 Idaho (and a visiting AD who doesn't like to fly on planes with Broncos markings).
USC fans still have BCS hope, but know their team can't lose again. Boise State, Cincinnati and Iowa fans wonder what more their teams can do, besides pray for a loss by one of the top 3.
Now that Ohio State has two losses SportsNation thinks Ohio State is using Terrelle Pryor incorrectly. Fans, however, still think Sam Bradford is a first-round pick.
Florida State kicked off Week 8 with a needed win, and Alabama, Florida and Texas face opponents they shouldn't overlook.
- Vote: "GameDay" Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch | SportsNation Top 25
- Vote on big games: Tennessee at Alabama | Texas at Missouri
- Blogger chat wraps: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Others
- Other wraps: Brad Edwards | Bruce Feldman | Ivan Maisel | Pat Forde | Mark Schlabach
“Mark Ingram is a good reason for [Alabama's] passing to be less of a factor. Wait until next year for any shot of a Vols upset.
” -- Beano Cook
“I pick Florida to win this game, but to be seen as legitimately No. 1, the Gators should win convincingly, even more so than against Arkansas.
” -- IdahoanTyke
“My ranking: 1. Iowa; 2. Florida; 3. Alabama; 4. Texas; 5. Virginia Tech; 6. TCU; 7. Boise State; 8. USC; 9. Oregon; 10. LSU.
” -- CheezusCrust
Fan blogger predictions for Week 8: nunyabiz81 | jodiemeeks23ppat54 | dfpsports | IdahoanTyke | codywin25 | gbirkem2 | utesfan2 | Sportsguru6
ESPN.com's college football writers and bloggers will be going conference by conference in the coming weeks to preview the season ahead, and we're looking for your rankings along the way. Things roll on with the Pac-10, where blogger Ted Miller's rankings include a very familiar name at the head of the class, but also reason to believe it will be a good year for football fans in Oregon.
1. USC
2. California
3. Oregon
4. Oregon State
5. Arizona
Check out Miller's complete Pac-10 rankings.





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