Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.20.2011

*Los Angeles is once again trying to put together a new downtown stadium that would host an NFL team and possibly Pac-12 Football events.  LA can’t sustain an NFL team.  Haven’t they learned this yet? [LA Times]

*Speaking of Southern California, LA Coliseum tells USC they can’t afford $60 million in renovations.  Since an NFL team is doom to die in LA, hopefully their other pro team can get at least get a new stadium. [LA Times]

*Now that Oregon has hit the map of NCAA violations, things are getting quite ridiculous in this corrupt organization.  My guess is at least three more programs will be revealed as violators before the offseason is through. [State Journal]

*USC is finally realizing that Pete Carroll has moved on.  He has moved on and so should you. [Conquest Chronicles]

*If the former Pac-10 members thought they were underexposed, imagine how Utah felt all those years.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Can UCLA pass the “Eye Test”?  Early prognosis says their fans might need glasses. [Bruins Nation]

*Mega-expansion was the rave all last summer.  I personally thought it would have been awesome. Could there still be a chance that the Pac-12 becomes the Pac-16? Probably not for a few years. [The Husky Haul]

USC Trojans Recruiting Round-Up

Recent Commits

·         No recent commits

Trending on the Trail

Darreus Rogers, WR, 6-2/194 (****): despite being a verbal commitment to USC, Rogers might not be 100% sold on the Trojans;    ASU and Washington are still in the mix.

Christian Powell, DL, 5-11/250 (NR):  Powell displayed his skills at RB at the Trojans Skills Camp; interests on both sides are rising.

Top Commits for 2012

·         Arik Armstead, OT, 6-8/275 (*****): the No. 1 ranked OT recruit by Scout; his technique may need work, but he shines everywhere else.

·         Jordan Payton, WR, 6-2/205 (****): good (not great) speed but excellent hands; good at getting separation and is capable of making the big play. 

·         Jabari Ruffin, OLB, 6-3/230 (****): a two-way player that was recruited for his play on defense; speed and power within a decent sized frame.




***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: 06.15.2011

*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 Breakfast Links: 06.14.2011

 Imagine Harris in a car and the Tennessee player as a cop

*Juron Criner, Matt Barkley, and Darron Thomas will be on ESPN’s College Football Live this afternoon.  Don’t miss their takes on the upcoming season.  [Tucson Citzen]  

*I understand that Ducks just need to fly.  However, let’s try to keep that in the air or on the field, Cliff. [KVAL.com]

*Hmm, speaking of Cliff Harris’s free ride, it appears it was exactly that…free.  Call in the NCAA dogs, because something is getting fishy in Oregon [KEZI.com]          

*People love college football for the breakout stories.  Every year there is at least one per team.  Here are Arizona’s front runners [GoAZCats.com]

*Arizona’s President Robert Shelton was called on to help remove the stains of the Fiesta Bowl's recent past.  Let’s hope the Dr. Shelton has better bed side manners then the previous president.  [OC Register]

*Former Utah football player Jason Kaufusi is suing a medical technology company for implanting a “pain pump” in his shoulder.  With a name like “pain pump”, it almost seems like it was doing its job. [Deseret News]

*CUBuffs has put together a Pac-12 starter kit for the patience-impaired.  Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait for the countdown to start tomorrow.  [CUBuffs.com]

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.13.2011

*The NCAA has to be the most annoying thorn in Lane Kiffin's side, right now. But, I guess it's still better than dealing with Al Davis.  [Los Angeles Times]

*Pete Carroll threw in his two-cents about the USC and NCAA fiasco.  I’ll give you one guess which side he favors.   [Inside USC]

*Rich Neuheisel is obviously on a short leash this season and his offseason progress report just arrived with varied results.  The end is so close for Neuheisel you can taste it.  [Bruins Nation]

*Seems like this Cal fan cant get over the past.  USC still won the game.  I’d say it's time to move on.  [SF Examiner]

*Apparently Utah quarterbacks also make great linebackers.  [Desert News]     

*Speaking of the Utes, prices for tickets are up for next season.  Welcome to a BCS conference Utah.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Ducks Float. The entire Oregon team was named the grand marshal for Portland Rose Festival’s 2011 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade.  [Register Guard]

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 Links: 06.10.2011

*The New Mexico Bowl couldn’t wait to get a piece of the Pac-12 pie.  I can’t blame them, it does look tasty.   [theMWC.com]

*Reggie Bush’s Heisman is taking a slight detour on its trip back to USC.  Apparently the little guy heard San Diego has some killer tacos.  [Inside USC]

*Not really sure who wants to read Marshall Lobbestael's diary.  It's like Hard Knocks... but the PBS version. [Cougfan.com]

*The State of Utah is dubbing July 1st "Utah Pac-12 Day".  If it comes with a day off, then I'm definitely an observer.  [Block U]          

*Colorado was picked to finish second to last in the South by the Sporting News and Utah was selected to take the division.  Guess they aren’t concerned about the Utes first full BCS schedule.  [Denver Post]

*Oregon State has a bevy of questions and Kerry Eggers has the credentials to get the answers.  Can the Beavers overcome the injury bug before the season starts?  [ESPN]

*Heated rivalries take time, especially forced ones.  Let’s hope Colorado smashes Utah’s division title chances on the last game of the season.  Now that could spark the fire.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

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]

Pac-12 Football Daily Breakfast Links: 06.08.2011

Today, let’s take the Breakfast links out of the Pacific Time Zone and see what the rest of the college football nation is rumbling about.

*Could kickoffs be a thing we tell our children about how football games used to start?  After watching that horrific play that the paralyzed Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, coach Greg Schiano sure hopes so.  Here is his interesting suggestion on replacing the kickoff play.  [SI.com]

*Much to the dismay of the NCAA, Colt McCoy’s wife gives a convincing description about the temptations presented to college football players in Texas. I think the NCAA is seriously underestimating the  term "Free" in regards to college students. [Campus Corner]

*Terrelle Pryor calls it quits.  Good luck Ohio State.  The year is only going to continue to get rougher. [Waiting for Next Year] 

*Ya, players are breaking the rules. It’s not a surprise anymore.  But then again, it's not like the NCAA has been perfect either.  Those who live in glass houses…blah, blah, blah.  Give me liberty or give me a better system! [Washington Examiner]

*Ok, I couldn’t resist…back to the Pac-12 to wrap it up.  USC’s Marc Tyler is most likely going to get suspended for a few games this season for off the field troubles.  Hmm….I thought the Trojans were moving forward. [ESPN]

                                       

USC Football: Why Non-USC Fans Should Want the Trojans to Go Undefeated

I'm definitely not the only person who experiences a slight twinge of happiness while watching the USC empire crumble. 

After decades of the Trojans dominating the top of the Pac-10 standings, it was nice seeing the conference bully take a beating for once.  But, there is a point when all brawls become hard to watch. 

Yesterday, the BCS officially stripped USC of its 2004 National Championship title, landing the final haymaker on this “USCheaters Era”.  

Now that this down-for-the-count blow has finally been thrown, it is time for everyone to take stock and move forward. 

Pac-12 Football Daily Breakfast Links: 06.07.2011

*This isn’t the championship you are looking for! USC's 2004 BCS championship is officially vacated by the NCAA. Now all they have to do is erase the memories of everyone that actually witnessed the event. [Inside USC]

*The Nike camp made its way through Eugene over the weekend, where several Pacific Coast recruits continued to gain traction amongst Pac-12 schools. Although Lake Owego’s Alex Matthew is still waiting for an official from any school, his phone should start to light up more this week. [Rivals]

*According to the gossip train, Texas running back Terrance Crowder really, really likes Colorado. But will this is this relationship be more “Zach and Kelly” or “Screech and Lisa”? [Buff Stampede]

                                                                         

*Arizona saddled four-star tight end Taylor McNamara, making him the Wildcats third commit for 2012. Several Pac-12 schools solicited offers, but McNamara apparently coveted early playing time over everything else.  Not a bad a choice considering some of the schools recent products at that position. [ESPN]

*Former Cal quarterback Kevin Riley's pro career has hit the skids.  If Canada Football doesn't want you, there aren’t many places that will. [California Golden Blogs]

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]

Daily Breakfast Links: 06.01.2011

*Oregon State lured the only female NFL fitness trainer back to Corvalis.  Congrats on the new position Ariko Iso [Post Gazette]

*Athlon Sports released its first Pac-12 magazine for next season, publishing a different cover for each region of the conference.  Eleven teams made the cut.  Guess which inept team apparently didn’t deserve a cover spot.  [WSU Football Blog]

*Jake Rodrigues gained a ton of love over the past few months from the Pac-12 after an impressive Nike camp.  However, after a trip to Eugene over the long weekend, it appears that his mind is made up.  [Examiner]

*UCLA fans, tell us how you really feel about USC’s failed sanctions appeal [Bruins Nation]

*Former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf underwent brain surgery over the weekend to remove a brain tumor.  Here’s to a speedy recovery! [Great Falls Tribune]

USC Football: 5 Reasons USC’s Failed Appeal is Not the End of the World

Unless you just woke up, you already heard about USC’s losing its appeal in regards to sanctions handed down by the NCAA.

Ya, this completely sucks Trojans fans, but as Ted Miller said so eloquently, “Rant and rage...then move on.”  

In case you needed something to make you feel better after a day of dreary news, here are five reason that should turn your day right around.

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.26.2011

*USC's appeal on NCAA's sanctions didn't go quite as well as Trojan fans were hoping. I agree that the punishment was a little harsh, but don't do the crime if you can't pay the time. [ESPN]

*In the meantime, these sanctions placed on USC have apparently not hurt them on the recruiting trail.  The Trojans landed four-star offensive tackle Max Tuerk after he told other schools he wanted to wait on a decision.  Lane Kiffin can definitely work some magic.  [Rivals]

*Well, one good thing that came out of the NCAA’s appeal rejection is that it gives a boost to the other teams in USC’s division.  The title chances of the five other teams in the Pac-12 South just got slightly better.  I still like ASU to take (but probably by default).  [Tucson Citizen]

*Oddly enough, the NCAA released its Division I Academic Progress Rates this week and the majority of Pac-12 schools continue to improve.  But then again, if it’s a rating system made by the NCAA, it is probably fucked up slightly flawed.  [NCAA.org]

*Leave it to South Park to tell you exactly how it is in the rudest and abrupt way as possible.  Cartman seeks advice from Colorado University, poking fun of the NCAA the entire way.  Love it, especially after today.  [YouTube]

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]