Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.22.2011

*Only four BCS schools have never been dinged for a major NCAA violation, Stanford being one of them.  In this day in age, that seems almost amazing.  [Wall Street Journal]

*Show me the Money! After Washington, Colorado was the second most profitable program in the Pac-12. Way to let the newbie show up the conference.  [The Ralphie Report]

*Speaking of that overused line from Jerry Maguire, there is a trail of red paint leading to the hands of those that run the Oregon program.  Like an AA member falling off the wagon, the NCAA has lost complete control. [Business Insider]

*Oregon State Head Coach Mike Riley is upbeat about a Beavers turnaround this season.  Take a picture because this might be the last time we see the coach so positive. [Mail Tribune]

*Andrew Luck is finally getting some 1st team All-American love. What took so long? [Lindy Sports]

*In case you miss the Pac-10, here is great stat rundown of how the 33 years played out.  It is kinda sad that Cal was the only team during that period not to make a BCS bowl.  [Tucson Citzen]

Stanford Cardinal Recruiting Round-Up

Recent Commits

·         No recent commits

Trending on the Trail

Drew Madu, S, 6-1/196 (NR): heading out to the Farm on the 20 th; recruitment process is still really wide open

Top Commits for 2012

·         Noor Davis, OLB, 6-4/225 (****): a cerebral player that is fast, smart, and can deliver a hit; Davis’s commitment with Stanford is one of the biggest surprises this offseason. 

·         Alex Carter, S, 6-1/185 (***):  a bigger, more physical safety; can go both ways, but palys better on defense.

·         Jontrey Tillman, RB/WR, 2-9/165 (NR): speed and athleticism drew the Cardinal to Tillman, now they have him.


***Check out how the rest of the Pac-12 is doing on the recruiting trail here.  

Power Ranking the Pac-12's Head Coaches

This year’s list of Pac-12 head coaches is a very similar read to last year’s.

While the names may seem the same, the overall presence and outlying atmosphere created by these coaches has certainly changed.

The Pac-10 faithful will be introduced to three new head coaches this season, two experiencing their first year at helm.  How these coaches react to this backyard dog fight called “Pac-12 Conference Play” should be quite interesting.

Let's take a look at where each coach lands in my Pac-12's Coaches Preseason Power Rankings.    

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.16.2011

*Ex-Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier has three Pac-12 teams (Arizona State, Washington State and Oregon) left on his list. I’m not sure if this head-case is really needed on either team.  [Star Advertiser]

*Speaking of ex-quarterbacks, Colorado’s former QB Cody Hawkins was named to USA’s football roster.  That brings me to the question: What the hell is the USA Football team? [Mile High Buzz]

*Chip Kelly suspended Cliff Harris indefinitely for his reckless driving incident.  I wonder what his definition of “indefinitely” is?  Probably 11 weeks. [ESPN]

*Let the Internet’s debating begin about Cliff Harris’ fate.  It’s not too late for him to enter NFL’s supplemental draft.  [SB Nation Bay Area]

*According to his dad, Stanford’s Head Coach David Shaw’s nickname is “Dr. Blitz”.  The newly appointed coach definitely has the talent at linebacker this year to live up to this fictitious doctorate. [Go Stanford]

*With several Pac-12 games scheduled for Friday nights, the illusion that this night of the week is just for prep football has been shattered.  Although it sort-of ends this “tradition”, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for the conference [Oregonian]   

*Speaking of moving forward, Larry Scott is addressing the lingering issues facing the NCAA and its players by suggesting the players get more money from the Pac-12’s new deal.  Spectacular idea! [Denver Post]

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.15.2011

*Thanks for making me look like a liar in yesterday’s breakfast links, Juron Criner.  He was actually the reason why I DVR’d the episode.  [Tucson Citizen]

*Speaking of disappointments, Criner and Nick Foles got slaughtered in a few early draft projections.  It’s time to prove that helmet-haired, Mel Kiper wrong. [Tucson Citizen]

*Lane Kiffin tells WNOX 100.3 that he went for two so much last year because USC couldn’t get into a bowl .  That seems a little reckless considering the many gamblers counting on those points. [WNOX] (Kiffin's comments @35:30)  

*Speaking of gambling, Oregon is predicted to open as three point favorites against LSU.  If Cliff Harris is suspended, I’m definitely taking the Tigers.  [Gaming Today]

*Can’t seem to get off the gambling topic today.  Andrew Luck is the oddsmakers’ favorite to hoist the Heisman this season.  Definitely won’t argue with that.  [USA Today]

*There is nothing more unpredictable yet extremely fun to watch than a wild buffalo running at full speed on a field with innocent bystanders.  How is this even a contest?  Vote for Colorado’s Ralphie! [ESPN]

*Hmmm…back to the sportsbook to close it.  Oregon’s odds to win the 2012 National Championship are 13/1…hardly the favorites, but not a bad bet.  [SBR Forum]

Pac-12 Recruiting Roundup

Kevon Seymour could take his talents to Southern Cal

Welcome to the soap opera that sports fans like to call College Football Recruiting! 

For those that are not accustomed to the inner ways of college football recruiting, the easiest way to describe it would be teenage drama with a football twist. 

It is a process where senior high school football players are courted by the fairest hands of all the land like they are the next Peyton Manning.  These 18-year olds are then forced to choose a four-year path that could potentially make or break their football careers.

Think of it as picking a date to the prom, but then also having to marry her for the next four years. While there is always divorce (transferring schools), it comes with its price.

Since we are dealing with sometimes erratic teenagers, a school that they like one week may become fuax pas the next.  And, even after some players do make a commitment to one school, they have the audacity to change their minds before February rolls around.

It’s a fun roller coaster ride, but it can be hard to keep track of.  This round-up will do its best to give you the cliff notes version of this week’s Pac-12 recruiting rumblings.    

Pac-12 Breakfast Link: 06.09.2011

*EA Sports’ release of its NCAA Football team’s rating is almost becoming as important as Blue Ribbon or Phil Steele.  Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy [The Daily Drip]

*The evidence against Ohio State is sure piling up. If their punishment by the NCAA isn't heavier than the recent sanctions handed to USC, then the system will continue to be a running joke. Checks? Come on, Pryor, that's Busch League. [Yahoo] 

*Tom Dienhart poses an interesting question “Do Cal official want to christen a re-done stadium with a new coach in 2012?”  If Tedford cant right the ship, seems like an intriguing possibility. [Belling Hamherald]

* Members of the Oregon’s Alumni Association were “generously” offered tickets to the LSU game at Cowboys Stadium for the not-so low price of $105 per ticket. Jerry-Town doesn't maintain itself I guess.  [Register Guard]

*An aging writer compares the BYU-Utah rivalry to himself, saying that the Holy War will slowly lose its meaning.  Sounds like there might be a new job open at his paper. [Desert News] 

*The campuses of Arizona State, Stanford, and UCLA better be prepared for a stampeded.  Colorado likes to plan parties on the road, so watch out for the roaming Buffaloes.  [Daily Camera]

*What if college football's conferences hit the shuffle button? SB Nation embarks on an interesting project doing just that. [House of Sparky]

Ranking the Pac-12's Top Wide Receivers

Wide receivers are an integral part to any passing game and these guys will be moving the offensive gears for the Pac-12 in 2011.

Thanks to the abundance of talent at quarterback in the Pac-12, the wide receivers of this conference will be presented with copious chances to prove their worth.

While there are a handful of names that are expected to shine in the national spotlight, there could be a few on this list that take the country by surprise.

Here are the Top 10 wide receivers in the Pac-12.

Daily Breakfast Links: 06.06.2011

*Washington picked up another solid quarterback for its 2012 class with the recent committing of Cyler Miles.  The three-star recruit from Denver joins fellow arms dealer Jeff Lindquist, a four star recruit the Huskies picked up in late April [Max Preps]

*Say what you will about walk-on players, but Stanford has certainly found success with these un-recruited athletes.  Cardinal fans, remember a few of these names just in case one or two happen to make a splash. [Examiner]

*This summer, the Pac-12 is visiting each school and making sure they are capable of hosting a Conference Championship game.  There might be a few campuses that this committee can gloss over… [Daily Camera]

*Speaking of the Cougars, apparently there are only five causes for concern in regards to Washington State chances of success next season.  There has to be more reasons than that.  [WSU Football Blog]

*The NCAA and USC can’t seem to stay out of the news.  An ex-Trojan assistant is suing the NCAA for libel, slander, and a slew of other charges.  Fight On…in court [ESPN]

Stanford Football: Do the Cardinal Need a Top Tier Receiver?

Stanford’s top three receivers from last season are gone, leaving a gaping hole at wide-out on its depth chart.  But, with Andrew Luck leading the charge for the Cardinal’s offense, it begs the question: does Stanford even need a top tier receiver to be successful in 2011?

While it might be outlandish for some to compare Luck to Tom Brady or Peyton Manning this early in his career, it is certainly not a stretch if you call him one of the best quarterbacks in college football today.

Like Brady and Manning, Luck has the tools to succeed at his position despite an apparent lack of talent lining up wide.  The vision and cerebral nature of these quarterbacks allows them to find the open guy and let even the most unknown of names become a league leading receiver.

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.24.2011

*Like a nerdy teenager right before prom, UCLA is desperately hoping that they finally “Get Some!” in 2011. But, come one, what are the Bruins' real chances of making any serious waves this season.  These OC boys seem to have faith. [OC Register]

*Two weeks ago, Colorado secured one of the top 2012 quarterback recruits in Shane Dillon. The potential that Dillon brings to the Buffaloes’ future in the Pac-12 is quite interesting.  His high football coach seems to love him, but then again, don’t they all. [Rivals]

*Man Down! Arizona’s junior devensive tackle Willie Mobley suffered an ACL tear playing basketball at the student rec center.  Strangely enough, Mobley is fourth player to go down with an ACL injury for the Wildcats this spring.  [Tucson Citizen]

*A Stanford blogger tells a Cal blogger the “inside scoop” about the Cardinal for 2011.  Seems incestuous.  [California Golden Blogs]

*Ever wanted to see and hear what a QB does when he is in the pocket at game speed?  Then you have to check this out. At Washington’s spring game, Keith Price and Nate Montana wore cameras on their helmets.  It’s pretty sick! [Seattle PI]

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.23.2011

*There has been discussions in Pullman about creating a signature entrance song/ceremony for Washington State.  Im not quite sure how this is going to help the on field product, but hey, pre-game traditions is what college football is all about.  [WSU Football Blog]

*Jeff Tedford chatted in a rare off-season interview about the state of California Golden Bears football.  While there is still a great deal of uncertainly for next season, Tedford does a great job subduing the situation. [Bay Area SB Nation]

*USC added running back Jahleel Pinner to its 2012 recruiting class.  Thanks to his size (6’0”, 225lbs), the recruit from Mission Viejo HS is projected to be a full back for the Trojans. [OC Varsity]  

*Stanford and Notre Dame continue their long-lived tradition for another eight years.  I gotta say, this is one of my favorite rivalries in college football.  It needs to continue for the next century  [San Jose Mercury]

*Colorado’s head coach Jon Embree attended his first meeting of Pac-12 Coaches early this month. He described how it feels being the new kid on the block and the different roles played by the coaches.  But, Dennis Erickson as the Godfather...Come on! [Daily Camera]

Ranking the Pac-12’s Top Defensive Backs

Whether it is making a touchdown saving tackle or swatting down a threatening pass downfield, defensive backs are the lifeline for any defense.

The corps of DBs in the Pac-12 is definitely no exception, and this group of ball hawks are more than capable of changing the makeup of any game in a heartbeat.

Let’s take a peek at which defensive backs rank at the top of the Pac-12 for next season. 

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.18.2011

*First off, Congratulations to the Pac-10 inductees recently named to the College Football Hall of Fame.  Bill Enyart (Oregon State 1966-68) was a little before my time, but Rob Waldrop and Arizona’s Desert Swarm defense was some of my first memories of college football. Hats off to the entire 2011 class. [Orlando Sentinel]

*UCLA continues to dig into the junior college ranks to band-aid the holes on its offensive line.  Citrus College’s Albert Cid will be the latest to make the leap (as long as he passes his classes).  With the uncertainty still swirling around the starting quarterback role, the eventual winner will need these fresh faces to provide as much time as possible back there.  [Los Angeles Times]

*Although several offers from Pac-12 schools are on the table for three-star OL recruit Matt Cochrane, he seems to be waiting to get one from Stanford.  In a year where top tier OL are a plenty, the Cardinal apparently want to make sure they know what they are getting before they solidify a deal. [Scout]

*It seems like more and more people like Arizona State to either take the South Division or make a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game by default (Thanks USC).  With more hype comes more television coverage (and scrutiny).  Arizona State already has several nationally televised games, but, there could be a few more broadcasting possibilities depending on how their season pans out. [House of Sparky] 

*USC is the favorite in my mind to win the South Division, but they won’t be able to do it looking like they did last season.  There are several must do’s on Lane Kiffin’s list in order to have a successful season.  But will he be able to check them off before the start of the season? [Bleacher Report]

Ranking the Pac-12’s Top Running Backs

Although the Pac-12 is looked upon by many as a “pass happy” conference, the talent laced at running back out west cannot be denied.

The nation’s No. 1 rusher from last season was a member of the Pac-10 and that fleet-footed runner returns to dazzle us with another spectacular season.

While LaMichael James will undoubtedly fall as No.1 on most people’s running backs list, there are several other great names in the Pac-12 that could steal the spotlight. 

Let’s take a look at the Top Running Backs in the Pac-12.

Ranking the Top Linebackers of the Conference

With the season creeping closer following each turning day, it is never too early to start ranking the players from the most intriguing conference in college football (at least to me!). 

Linebackers kick off my series of “The Pac-12’s Top 10 by position”.

Watching these linebackers patrol the line like a hungry velociraptors can send shivers directly to your soul.  It’s shame we have to wait so long to see these beast in action.

Let’s check out the list.   

Breakfast Links: 05.11.2011

*Get ready to mark your calendars. ESPN announced 16 Pac-12 Football telecasts in 2011. There are definitely some great conference and non-conference matchups in the batch.  USC tops all teams with six featured games this season [ESPN]

*Rivals.com listed five burning questions facing each conference this season. Their cracked staff throws in their two cents about Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah.  Not a really exciting read, but good for those in need of a refresher. [Rivals]

*Oregon State’s AD Bob De Carolis signs a five-year contract worth $490K a year.  The Beavers have moved steadily under his command atop the chain and he should continue to shine.  In 2010, De Carolis was named Football Bowl Subdivision West Region Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year by his peers.  [Gazzete Times]

*USC could don black helmets in a game or two, next season.  I gotta say, they look pretty sharp [Inside USC]

*Oregon doubled its 2012 recruiting total over night, receiving commitments from brothers Eric and Stephen Amoako.  The twins (surprisingly?) play safety, are listed at 5’11”, 195 pounds, and were ranked as 3-star prospects by Scout.com.  Identical twins kinda freak me out.  Just in case you were wondering. [Sporting News]

Breakfast Links: 05.10.2011

*The Pac-12’s TV deal is supposedly threatening the "Friday Night Lights" of high schools across the nation.  Hopefully this collegiate option will keep these kinds of fans at home gambling on the semi-pros. [Columbian] 

*Pete Carroll recently gushed over Steve Sarkisian’s success at Washington after attending a few of the Huskies’ spring practices.  Sark certainly has Carroll to thank, considering he is using most of Caroll’s staff and strategies from USC.  Nonetheless, you gotta love the football environment that they both are creating in the state of Washington.  [Go Huskies.com]

*Many writers are questioning whether it is genius or absolute nonsense that the Pac-12 Title Game is being played with a home field advantage.  I think its genius.  It’s unique and it guarantees a raucous, packed crowd at every Championship event. [Bruins Nation]

*Four-star tight end Evan Baylis commits to Oregon.  The tall, lanky (6’6”, 220lbs) target runs well and should be a matchup problem against smaller defenders.  A decent, early grab for Chip Kelly [Scout.com, You Tube] 

*Luke Kaumatule, an outstanding, four-star defensive end from Honolulu, has every Pac-12 team knocking at his door step.  After a recent visit to Palo Alto, Stanford seems to have the early edge.   With the shallow pool of talent at defensive line for the Cardinal, this could be a huge recruiting win for David Shaw. [The Bootleg, You Tube]  

Pac-12 Football Breakfast Links: 05.06.2011

*Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso is suspended for a second straight season after his arrest on burglary and trespassing chargers. Perhaps Chip Kelly should cut his losses. This recruit from Los Gatos isn't going pan out as he expected. [Seattle Times]

*Speaking of the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta reminded us that the Pac-12 Bowl schedule pretty much blows.   Thanks Bob for ruining my Friday.  [Seattle Times]

*Colorado Coach Jon Embree talks about DE Forrest West's departure without really saying anything at all about what actually happened.  Great job coach.  [Denver Post]

* Steven Threet's decision to retire after a gnarly concussion last year could not have been easy.  He was a promising player and it just plain sucks that we wont get a chance to see him next year. [AZCentral.com]

*With its first real conference schedule staring them square in the face,  Utah's yearly rivalry game with BYU seems to be losing a bit of its luster.  Wait, did it have that much to begin with?  [Salt Lake Tribune]

Pac-12 Football: Stanford Cardinal Spring Game Report Card

Spring Game Type: 1st Team (Cardinal) vs. 2nd Team (White)

Final Score:  Cardinal 42, White 3

The Stanford Cardinal offense hasn’t missed a beat since Jim Harbaugh’s departure.  As long as they have that Heisman Trophy candidate, they should be just fine.  

Offense:

It only took a few plays for Andrew Luck to quickly remind everyone why he is considered to be the best quarterback in the conference.  Under Luck’s directions, the Cardinal squad scored a touchdown on every drive. He connected on 16 of 22 passes and tossed three touchdowns with ease. 

Stepfan Taylor also provided the Cardinal with a steady ground game, gaining 61 yards and scoring one touchdown. 

Even with the coaching change, it appears that Stanford’s offense is still legit with Luck running the show.

Grade: A

Defense:

With the departure of Vic Fangio and five key defensive starters, there are some concerns about how the Cardinal’s defense will stack up to last year’s impressive outing. 

While Stanford is stacked at the linebacker position with Chase Thomas and Shane Skov, Thomas missed the spring game with an undisclosed matter, which raises some questions.

Despite these variables, Fangio’s successor, former secondary coach Derek Mason, is pumped about his team chances at continuing the dominance it asserted last season.

Grade: B