Kickoff Zone College Football Blog

The latest hot rumour in college football is the hot off the press story regarding the BYU Cougars, as they decide whether or not they will declare their independence from being tied to a conference.

This decision lies in the hope that they follow Notre Dame’s path to power (at least in the backroom sense), wherein they are promised, if not guaranteed a spot in a BCS Bowl game.  From ESPN.com:

Rival Utah’s move to the Pac-10 has given BYU the impetus to seriously explore the possibility of leaving the Mountain West, going independent in football and re-joining the WAC in all other sports, multiple sources told ESPN.com Tuesday.

BYU, according to sources, was stunned that an invitation didn’t come its way as the Pac-10 first invited the Big 12’s Colorado and then turned to Utah to become the Pac-12 earlier this summer. The Big 12, which lost Nebraska to the Big Ten as well, decided to stay with 10 members for 2012 and beyond after Texas decided to stay put instead of going to the Pac-10.

According to sources, BYU wants to differentiate itself from Utah, and by making itself the Notre Dame of the West, it could become a national power. Notre Dame is a football independent and in the Big East for all other sports.

Bad idea, if you ask me… BYU does have a great tradition in college football, especially for a team not in a “major conference,” but it is a bit egotistical to think that BYU will be able to wield the type of authority that the University of Notre Dame does in backroom deals, considering that a major network carries the Irish home games and the fact that they are generally considered one of, if not the, most dominant traditional powers in the history of college football.

Tags: BYU, Brigham Young University, College Football, Conference realignment, Live Update, NCAA, Preseason Prognostications, Schedule, Top 25, bcs, recap, rumor mill by Tommy
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Another high profile freshman has announced that he will be leaving an SEC Power.  Quarterback Zach Lee, the 9th rated pro style quarterback coming out of high school and a four star recruit according to Rivals, has signed to play professional baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Lee, who had been participating in summer drills with the LSU football team, was signed to play both football and baseball for the Tigers, but will leave the university to concentrate on his professional baseball career full time.

Lee, a 6-feet-4, 200-pounder from McKinney, Texas, was the 28th pick in the Major League Baseball Draft in June. He made his decision late Monday night, minutes before the 11 p.m. CDT signing deadline. Steven Henson of Yahoo Sports reported the contract was for $5.25 million over five years.

In other football/baseball related news, Clemson sophomore and starting quarterback Kyle Parker has signed to play professional baseball with the Colorado Rockies.  Unlike Lee at LSU, Parker will not leave the Clemson football team, and is expected to be to suit up for the Tigers this season.

Tags: Atlantic Coast Conference, Clemson University, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, bcs, recap, rumor mill, transfer by Tommy
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Here are the media’s selections for the conference (SEC) order of finish:

MEDIA SURVEY

(Predicted order of finish with first-place votes in parentheses)

EASTERN DIVISION

1. Florida (153) 1030

2. Georgia (15) 791

3. South Carolina (8) 790

4. Kentucky 462

5. Tennessee 450

6. Vanderbilt (1) 194

WESTERN DIVISION

1. Alabama (157) 1034

2. Arkansas (6) 726

3. Auburn (10) 691

4. LSU (1) 653

5. Mississippi State 320

6. Ole Miss (3) 293

Votes to win SEC Championship Game: Alabama 143, Florida 17, Auburn 7, Arkansas 3, Georgia 2, Ole Miss 2, Kentucky 1, LSU 1, South Carolina 1.

Tags: All-Conference, Auburn University, College Football, College Football Picks, College Football Power Rankings, Florida Gators, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, NCAA, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Rankings, Schedule, Southeastern Conference, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Vols, bcs by Tommy
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The Southeastern Conference have announced the media’s All SEC teams (which yours truly voted on).  There are some real headscratchers included.

Here they are:

1st Team All SEC Offense:

QB	Ryan Mallet (118)	Arkansas	6-6	238	Jr.	Texarkana, Ark.
RB	Mark Ingram (165)	Alabama	5-10	215	Jr.	Flint, Mich.
RB	Trent Richardson (69)	Alabama	5-11	220	So.	Pensacola, Fla.
WR	A.J. Green (142)	Georgia	6-4	205	Jr.	Summerville, S.C.
WR	Julio Jones (123)	Alabama	6-4	220	Jr.	Foley, Ala.
TE	D.J. Williams (105)	Arkansas	6-2	251	Sr.	Little Rock, Ark.
OL	Lee Ziemba (114)	Auburn	6-8	391	Sr.	Rogers, Ark.
OL	Barrett Jones (103)	Alabama	6-4	301	So.	Memphis, Tenn.
OL	Clint Boling (85)	Georgia	6-5	310	Sr.	Alpharetta, Ga.
OL	James Carpenter (77)	Alabama	6-6	300	Sr.	Augusta, Ga.
C	Mike Pouncey (109)	Florida	6-4	310	Sr.

1st Team All SEC Defense-

DL	Marcell Dareus (126)	Alabama	6-4	306	Jr.	Birmingham, Ala.
DL	Jerrell Powe (77)	Ole Miss	6-2	320	Sr.	Waynesboro, Miss.
DL	Cliff Matthews (46)	South Carolina	6-4	260	Sr.	Cheraw, S.C.
LB	Dont’a Hightower (158)	Alabama	6-4	258	So.	Lewisburg, Tenn.
LB	Kelvin Sheppard (84)	LSU	6-3	239	Sr.	Stone Mountain, Ga.
LB	Josh Bynes (72)	Auburn	6-2	235	Sr.	Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
LB	Brandon Hicks (65)	Florida	6-2	228	Sr.	Jacksonville, Fla.
DB	Mark Barron (127)	Alabama	6-2	210	Jr.	Mobile, Ala.
DB	Patrick Peterson (116)	LSU	6-1	211	Jr.	Pompano Beach, Fla.
DB	Ahmad Black (67)	Florida	5-9	189	Sr.	Lakeland, Fla.
DB	Stephon Gilmore (61)	South Carolina	6-1	188	So.	Rock Hill, S.C.

 

Lakeland, Fla.

1st Team All Purpose/Special Teams-

PK	Blair Walsh (72)	Georgia	5-10	191	Jr.	Boca Raton, Fla.
P	Drew Butler (104)	Georgia	6-2	207	Jr.	Duluth, Ga.
RS	Derrick Locke (45)	Kentucky	5-9	190	Sr.	Hugo, Okla.
AP	Randall Cobb (123)	Kentucky	5-11	186	Jr.	Alcoa, Tenn.

2nd Team Offense-

QB	Greg McElroy (44)	Alabama	6-3	225	Sr.	Southland, Texas
RB	Derrick Locke (40)	Kentucky	5-9	190	Sr.	Hugo, Okla.
RB	Mario Fannin (22)	Auburn	5-11	228	Sr.	Hampton, Ga.
WR	Darvin Adams (19)	Auburn	6-3	185	Jr.	Kennesaw, Ga.
WR	Randall Cobb (14)	Kentucky	5-11	186	Jr.	Alcoa, Tenn.
TE	Luke Stocker (26)	Tennessee	6-6	253	Sr.	Berea, Ky.
OL	Carl Johnson (53)	Florida	6-6	360	Sr.	Durham, N.C.
OL	Marcus Gilbert (48)	Florida	6-5	322	Sr.	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
OL	Derek Sherrod (47)	Mississippi State	6-6	305	Sr.	Columbus, Miss.
OL	DeMarcus Love (27)	Arkansas	6-5	315	Sr.	Lancaster, Texas
C	William Vlachos (27)	Alabama	6-1	289	Jr.	Mountain Brook, Ala.

2nd Team Defense

DL	Pernell McPhee (34)	Mississippi State	6-4	285	Sr.	Pahokee, Fla.
DL	Justin Trattou (31)	Florida	6-3	252	Sr.	Ramsey, N.J.
DL	Kentrell Lockett (29)	Ole Miss	6-5	260	Sr.	Hahnville, La.
LB	Chris Marve (62)	Vanderbilt	6-0	232	Jr.	Memphis, Tenn.
LB	Nick Reveiz (32)	Tennessee	5-10	224	Sr.	Farragut, Tenn.
LB	Courtney Upshaw (31)	Alabama	6-2	263	Jr.	Eufala, Ala.
LB	Justin Houston (30)	Georgia	6-3	260	Jr.	Statesboro, Ga.
DB	Janoris Jenkins (56)	Florida	5-11	186	Jr.	Pahokee, Fla.
DB	Will Hill (41)	Florida	6-1	204	Jr.	West Orange, N.J.
DB	Brandon Boykin (39)	Georgia	5-10	183	Jr.	Fayetteville, Ga.
DB	Zac Etheridge (33)	Auburn	6-0	213	Sr.	Troy, Ala.

2nd Team All Purpose/Special Teams

PK	Wes Byrum (65)	Auburn	6-2	216	Sr.	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P	Chas Henry (34)	Florida	6-3	222	Jr.	Dallas, Ga.
RS	*Julio Jones (42)	Alabama	6-4	220	Jr.	Foley, Ala.
RS	*Warren Norman (42)	Vanderbilt	5-10	192	So.	Stone Mountain, Ga.
AP	Chris Rainey (35)	Florida	5-9	176	Jr.	Lakeland, Fla.

Tags: All-Conference, Auburn University, College Football Picks, Florida Gators, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, NCAA, News, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Southeastern Conference, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, bcs by Tommy
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Rumors are floating around SEC Media Days concerning Bobby Johnson’s departure.

Apparently, some of the “big money” supporters of the Vanderbilt program put an ultimatum on Johnson’s job.  It is being said that they wanted to win a certain number of games, and also for Johnson to fire members of his offensive staff; an idea which created a major rift between the program and Johnson.  Since Vanderbilt does not have an athletic director, there was no middle man to negotiate the differing sides.

Tags: Bobby Johnson, College Football, Live Update, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt University, coaching carousel, rumor mill by Tommy
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The coaches selections for the preseason All SEC teams have been released.   Here they are:

Preseason Coaches All SEC Team-

1st Team Offense:

QB Ryan Mallet Arkansas 6-6 238 Jr. Texarkana, Ark.

RB Mark Ingram Alabama 5-10 215 Jr. Flint, Mich.

RB Derrick Locke Kentucky 5-9 190 Sr. Hugo, Okla.

WR A.J. Green Georgia 6-4 205 Jr. Summerville, S.C.

WR Julio Jones Alabama 6-4 220 Jr. Foley, Ala.

TE D.J. Williams Arkansas 6-2 251 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.

OL Clint Boling Georgia 6-5 310 Sr. Alpharetta, Ga.

OL Carl Johnson Florida 6-5 360 Sr. Durham. N.C.

OL Barrett Jones Alabama 6-4 301 So. Memphis, Tenn.

OL Lee Ziemba Auburn 6-8 391 Sr. Rogers, Ark.

C Mike Pouncey Florida 6-4 310 Sr. Lakeland, Fla.

1st Team Defense

DL Marcell Dareus Alabama 6-4 306 Jr. Birmingham, Ala.

DL Jerrell Powe Ole Miss 6-2 320 Sr. Waynesboro, Miss.

DL Cliff Matthews South Carolina 6-4 260 Sr. Cheraw, S.C.

LB Josh Bynes Auburn 6-2 235 Sr. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

LB Dont’a Hightower Alabama 6-4 258 So. Lewisburg, Tenn.

LB Chris Marve Vanderbilt 6-0 232 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.

LB Kelvin Sheppard LSU 6-3 239 Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga.

DB Mark Barron Alabama 6-2 210 Jr. Mobile, Ala.

DB Patrick Peterson LSU 6-1 211 Jr. Pompano Beach, Fla.

DB Stephon Gilmore South Carolina 6-1 188 So. Rock Hill, S.C.

DB Janoris Jenkins Florida 5-11 186 Jr. Pahokee, Fla.

1st Team All Purpose/Special Teams

PK Blair Walsh Georgia 5-10 191 Jr. Boca Raton, Fla.

P Drew Butler Georgia 6-2 207 Jr. Duluth, Ga.

RS Warren Norman Vanderbilt 5-10 192 So. Stone Mountain, Ga.

AP Randall Cobb Kentucky 5-11 186 Jr. Alcoa, Tenn.

2nd Team Offense

QB Greg McElroy Alabama 6-3 225 Sr. Southland, Texas

RB Jeff Demps Florida 5-8 184 Jr. Winter Garden, Fla.

RB Trent Richardson Alabama 5-11 220 So. Pensacola, Fla.

WR Darvin Adams Auburn 6-3 185 Jr. Kennesaw, Ga.

WR Alshon Jeffery South Carolina 6-4 237 So. St. Matthews, S.C.

TE Luke Stocker Tennessee 6-6 253 Sr. Berea, Ky.

OL James Carpenter Alabama 6-5 300 Sr. Augusta, Ga.

OL DeMarcus Love Arkansas 6-5 315 Sr. Lancaster, Texas

OL Derek Sherrod Mississippi State 6-6 305 Sr. Columbus, Miss.

OL *Cordy Glenn Georgia 6-5 330 Jr. Riverdale, Ga.

OL *Joseph Barksdale LSU 6-5 315 Sr. Detroit, Mich.

C Ryan Pugh Auburn 6-4 297 Sr. Hoover, Ala.

2nd Team Defense

DL Pernell McPhee Mississippi State 6-4 285 Sr. Pahokee, Fla.

DL Drake Nevis LSU 6-1 292 Sr. Marrero, La.

DL *DeQuin Evans Kentucky 6-3 256 Sr. Long Beach, Calif.

DL *Chris Walker Tennessee 6-3 245 Sr. Memphis, Tenn.

DL *Ladi Ajiboye South Carolina 6-2 278 Sr. Riverdale, Ga.

LB Jerry Franklin Arkansas 6-1 241 Jr. Marion, Ark.

LB A.J. Jones Florida 6-1 226 Sr. Tampa, Fla.

LB Craig Stevens Auburn 6-3 229 Sr. Tallahassee, Fla.

LB K.J. Wright Mississippi State 6-4 250 Sr. Olive Branch, Miss.

DB Ahmad Black Florida 5-9 189 Sr. Lakeland, Fla.

DB Chris Culliver South Carolina 6-1 197 Sr. Garner, N.C.

DB Will Hill Florida 6-1 204 Jr. West Orange, N.J.

DB Neiko Thorpe Auburn 6-2 186 Jr. Tucker, Ga.

2nd Team All Purpose/Special Teams

PK Caleb Sturgis Florida 5-10 192 Jr. St. Augustine, Fla.

P Chas Henry Florida 6-3 222 Jr. Dallas, Ga.

RS Brandon Boykin Georgia 5-10 183 Jr. Fayetteville, Ga.

AP Chris Rainey Florida 5-9 176 Jr. Lakeland, Fla.

Tags: Auburn University, College Football, College Football Picks, Derek Dooley, Florida Gators, Houston Nutt, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, Mark Ingram, Mark Richt, Mississippi State University, NCAA, Nick Saban, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Ryan Mallett, Southeastern Conference, Steve Spurrier, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Urban Meyer, Vanderbilt University, Vols, bcs by Tommy
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As just about everyone is aware of by now, Mike Garrett has been relieved of his duties as athletic director at the Universirsity of Southern California, replaced by former USC QB and Rhodes Scholar Pat Haden.

Haden is a very impressive hire who has a sterling reputation and resume.  Pete Fiutak had this to say about Haden’s character:

Pat Haden, a man of impeccable character, immense success both on and off the field, and with the high profile needed for a position of this type. If anyone can quickly restore the glory to the program (and it can be restored in a hiccup at a place with everything that USC has going for it), it’s the Rhodes Scholar who embodies everything a school could ever ask for out of a former star athlete.

The university has now washed its hands of Reggie Bush, even returning his Heisman Trophy on display and purging his image from their campus.  However, Fiutak raises a very interesting point- in that USC has a definite “PR problem” at the moment, and yet have Lane Kiffin as their head football coach. 

No reports indicate that Kiffin has done anything wrong since taking over the football program; nor was he directly responsible for the Reggie Bush saga.  Although he was on the staff during Bush’s years, that blame ultimately falls on their former RB coach and Pete Carroll. 

The thing is… if a school has a PR problem and is desperate to clean up its image within the media and college football fans… how do you do that with Lane Kiffin as your head coach and Ed “Wild Boy” Orgeron as your recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach?  Obviously they aren’t going to terminate Kiffin, but he is going to have to keep his mouth in check and follow the book when it comes to the NCAA, and avoid the useless secondary recruiting violations he became famous for in his time at the University of Tennessee.

Tags: College Football, Hot Seat, Infractions, Lane Kiffin, Law, Live Update, NCAA, Trojans, USC, bcs, dismissal, pac 10, recap, rumor mill, violations by Tommy
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There are rumors flying out of Knoxville about an incident that took place last night, which involved around 5-10 members of the University of Tennessee football team.  Apparently, an off duty police officer was knocked unconcious during an incident at a Knoxville bar.  Wes Rucker, of the Chattanooga Times-Free Press, confirms that it did take place, but no names have been released yet.  We will update you as soon as we have more information.

According to what’s being said, at least one of the players involved was a highly touted incoming freshman, but that has not been confirmed yet.

It can now be confirmed that incoming freshman wide reciever Da’Rick Rogers was arrested this morning and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. 

There was at least one more player charged, but the name has not been released yet.

UPDATE:  The 2nd player arrested is reportedly sophomore Darren Myles, who is the player expected to take over for Eric Berry this season.

UPDATE #2: From Wes Rucker’s article-

“Basically, it was a normal Thursday night — Thursday’s our big night,” Morton said. “We had all the UT football players come in. They’re on a first-name basis with my husband (and co-owner), and they get VIP status, which means they pay no cover at the door.

I hate to burst this lady’s bubble, but since she owns the bar with her husband, she needs to be made aware of the fact that she just admitted to an NCAA violation without being prompted.  Not a real bright move on her part.

UPDATE #3:  It keeps getting worse-

Two police officers were assaulted — leaving one unconscious in the street — during an early morning bar brawl involving several University of Tennessee football players.

Tags: College Football, Infractions, Law, Live Update, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, University of Tennessee, Vols, bcs, recap, rumor mill by Tommy
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Here on the Kickoff blog, we like to keep things as professional as possible.  As the primary poster, I try my best to keep a somewhat unbiased viewpoint, and refrain from directly criticizing any of coaches, with whom the Kickoff has spent years culminating relationships.

Every once in a while though, my own East Tennessee blood runs over into my work here on this blog, and man… I am finding quite a bit of amusement in this report concerning the sanctions the NCAA has hit USC with, not because I have anything against the mighty Trojans (I personally don’t), but this little item in the report just makes me giggle quietly to myself…

A source close to the situation said USC coach Lane Kiffin was livid with the decision, which could cripple his program from a recruiting perspective. USC has received seven commitments from the Class of 2011 in football, but none are binding.

Maybe that dream job of Lane’s ain’t so dreamy anymore…  Kiffin more than likely feels as though he was misled about the seriousness of the situation he was to inherit at USC when he took the job.  I can understand that.  It’s how the Big Orange faithful feel about the Lane Kiffin Era in Knoxville.

Tags: College Football, Hot Seat, Infractions, Lane Kiffin, Law, Live Update, NCAA, Top 25, Trojans, University of Southern California, violations by Tommy
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Another hour, another expansion rumor to consider…

The latest involves the possibility of Texas A & M leaving the Big XII and their Texas state brethren behind and join the SEC, according to Sports Illustrated.

While their rival instate schools are hoping to keep the Texas contingent of the Big XII in a sort of “package” deal, the Aggies in the SEC would be a winning combination, and the most logical destination for both the school and the conference. 

The SEC has let all of this expansion talk play out, while remaining conspiciously absent from the debate.  With the moves in other leagues now a foregone conclusion, you can be sure that the SEC, which is the wealthiest and most powerful conference in the nation, will not be left out of the equation.

Tags: Big XII Conference, College Football, Conference realignment, Live Update, NCAA, Schedule, Southeastern Conference, Texas A & M University, bcs, pac 10, rumor mill by Tommy
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