Chase for the FIU Cup

Few teams in college football really get to play for anything these days. There's really only a handful of teams that have a shot at the national title every year. All the other teams are pretty much screwed. That is until now.

CFB 365 has given these teams a reason to play the games. I introduce to you the first annual FIU Cup. This prestigious award will be given out at the end of every season to the last remaining winless team. If there are multiple winless teams at the end of the season the award will be given to the team that most closely resembles the play of the vaunted Florida International Golden Panthers. If there are no winless teams the award will be given to a team with the worst record (or FIU by default).

Here are the teams that are still in the running for the Cup.


1. Virginia Cavaliers

Record 0-3

Losses - William & Mary, TCU, Southern Miss

The opening day loss to William & Mary pretty much seals the fate for Al Groh. He's don after this season. The Wahoos almost screwed everything up last week by going out and beating Southern Miss. Good thing for them, the Golden Eagles came storming back to eek out a victory.

Next best chance to win a game - Oct. 31 v. Duke. - Who knows. It's Halloween. Anything can happen.


2. Rice Owls

Record - 0-4

Losses - UAB, Texas Tech, Oklahoma St., Vanderbilt

The only loss that really looked bad was against UAB to start the season. However, the Blazers just went out and upset Southern Miss last night. That makes the Owls look a little bit better. Sadly to say it, but I don't like Rice's chances of staying in this chase.

Next best chance to win a game - Nov. 14 v. Tulane - Rice has some winnable ball games before this contest, but they're all on the road. Tulane at home should be a piece of cake.


3. Miami (OH) Red Hawks

Record - 0-4

Losses - Kentucky, Boise St., Western Michigan, Kent St.

Unfortunately for the Red Hawks, I think they have the worst chance out of the remaining MAC teams in the chase to win the FIU Cup. All of their losses have been to at least somewhat decent teams. Plus, they haven't looked entirely inept all season.

Next best chance for a win - Oct. 24 v. Northern Illinois - If Idaho can beat Northern Illinois, anybody can.


4. Eastern Michigan Eagles

Record - 0-3

Losses - Army, Northwestern, Michigan

Eastern Michigan has actually made significant strides under first year coach Ron English. They were in close ball games vs. Army and Northwestern before stumbling late, and they played Michigan tough for about a quarter. They've already accomplished more than they ever did under Jeff Genyk.

Next best chance to win a game - Oct. 3 v. Temple - I know Temple is coming off of a pretty big win against Buffalo last week, but the Owls are very inconsistent. I think the Eagles will be fired up by a rare occurrence: crowd noise at home.


5. Ball St. Cardinals

Record - 0-4

Losses - North Texas, New Hampshire, Army, Auburn

As of right now, the Ball St. Cardinals are the favorite to win the FIU Cup. They have easily played the worst schedule of the teams remaining in the chase and they have looked horrible in every game. I never knew how much this team would miss Nate Davis and Brady Hoke. Even when the administration made the unfortunate mistake of hiring Stan Parrish as the next head coach, I figured they could at least beat North Texas and New Hampshire. I was wrong.

Next best chance to win a game - Oct. 31 v. Ohio - This is a real big stretch. The Cardinals should be the underdog in every game they play this season. And for good reason.


6. New Mexico Lobos

Record - 0-4

Losses - Texas A&M, Tulsa, Air Force, New Mexico St.

The Lobos got rid of Rocky Long because they were sick of being average, How do you think they feel now that they are below average under Mike Locksley. The loss to New Mexico St. may set this program back for a long, long time.

Next best chance to win a game - Oct. 24 v. UNLV - Las Vegas is another team that has unexpectedly struggled this season. The Lobos should be able to man up at home and get the win.


7. Florida Atlantic Owls

Record - 0-3

Losses - Nebraska, South Carolina, Louisiana-Monroe

I'm a little surprised that FAU is still in the running for this award. I was sure they would have taken care of UL-Monroe last week. I guess when it comes to the FIU Cup, anything is possible. I don't think the Owls will be in the chase much longer.

Next best chance to get a win - Oct. 3 v. Wyoming - This is a definite win.


8. Florida International Golden Panthers

Record - 0-3

Losses - Alabama, Rutgers, Toledo

Of course the trophy's namesake will be in the running for the Cup. I think the Panthers will find a difficult time remaining on this list as they are actually quite talented this season. As you can tell, they have lost to some pretty decent teams.

Next best chance to get a win - Oct. 10 @ Western Kentucky - I went against the grain and picked a road game for the Panthers. They should be able to knock off the Hilltoppers away from home.


9. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Record - 0-4

Losses - Tennessee, South Florida, Central Arkansas, Navy

Western Kentucky maybe the biggest threat to Ball St.'s chances of winning this thing. The Hilltoppers are just plain awful. After looking somewhat competent against South Florida in week 2, WKU went out and lost to 1-aa Central Arkansas. That's sure to get you on this list.

Next best chance to get a win Oct. 17 v. Louisiana-Lafayette - This is a long shot, but it could kind of be considered a winnable game.


10. Nevada Wolfpack

Record - 0-3

Losses - Notre Dame, Colorado St., Missouri

Nevada is probably the best team on this list. They won't be here for long.

Next best chance to get a win - Oct. 3 v. UNLV - I still think Nevada will make a bowl game. Their turnaround starts this week.

Coaching Carousel

With most of the 20 open head coaching positions filled in college football, I decided now would be a good time to review some of the changes. Of course, there's still some schools out there that could be added to this list. I'll try to update this list as more new coaches are hired.

1. Army

• Out - Stan Brock
• In - ?

Army has begun a national search for their next head coach. I think Brock did about as good as possible at West Point. I'm not so sure the next coach here will have any more success.

2. Auburn

• Out- Tommy Tuberville
• In - Gene Chizik

I have no idea what Auburn is doing here. They whiffed one one former defensive coordinator, so they panicked and went after the crappier one.


3. Ball St.

• Out - Brady Hoke
• In - ?

The Cardinals lose Hoke to San Diego St. As Hoke enjoys the much nicer weather, Ball St. will begin the search for a new coach who will face impossible expectations in Muncie. I look for BSU to tap the 1-aa ranks for this position.


4. Bowling Green

• Out - Gregg Brandon
• In - Dave Clawson

I really think Bowling Green jumped the gun when they let Brandon go. Fortunately for mes, Brandon is a top choice to replace Dan Mullen as Florida's offensive coordinator. Clawson backs his way into this job after helping to get Phil Fulmer fired at Tennessee.


5. Clemson

• Out - Tommy Bowden
• In - Dabo Swinney

The Tigers have already improved tremendously under Swinney. Their second half performance this season earned Swinney the job. We'll see how well he recruits and coaches for an entire season.


6. Eastern Michigan

• Out - Jeff Genyk
• In - ?

Wouldn't this be a good spot for Ty Willingham? I know he went winless last season, but if Chizik can get a job in the SEC, Willingham should be able to get a job anywhere.


7. Iowa st.

• Out - Gene Chizik
• In - ?

Auburn really did Iowa St. a favor. Not only do they get rid of an under producing coach, but they don't have to pay him any money. Look for a coordinator from another Big XII team to take this job. Kevin Wilson, maybe?


8. Kansas St.

• Out - Ron Prince
• In - Bill Snyder

I believe Prince should have been given at least one more year at K-State. However, Snyder did build this program into a national power way back when. He might be too old to do the same again. I guess we'll find out.


9. Miami(OH)

• Out - Shane Montgomery
• In - ?

I don't really know who the Redhawks will target for this job. Perhaps a 1-aa coach or even a Big Eleven assistant. Whoever they tabbed, he's got his work cut out for him.


10. Mississippi St.

• Out - Sylvester Croom
• In - Dan Mullen

I wish Dan Mullen nothing but the best in Starkville. However, I must say he really screwed us with the timing of this announcement. Damn him and Mississippi St.!


11. New Mexico

• Out - Rocky Long
• In - Mike Locksley

Locksley might be one of the better game planners in the nation right now. New Mexico does have a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. So this seems like a good fit.


12. New Mexico St.

• Out - Hal Mumme
• In - ?

The Aggies are going to be awful next season. Both Chris Jackson and Chase Holbrook will be gone. I feel sorry for whoever gets this job. It may be the worst job available this season.


13. Purdue

• Out - Joe Tiller
• In - Danny Hope

Hope is replacing a legend at Purdue. Fortunately this decision was made at the beginning of the offseason. That should relieve a little bit of the pressure. Just a little.


14. San Diego St.

• Out - Chuck Long
• In - Brady Hoke

The Aztecs were quite possibly the worst team in division 1 football this season. Kudos to them for going out and getting one of the hottest coaching prospects this off season in Brady Hoke. Hoke should find the weather and scenery much more to his liking in San Diego.


15. Syracuse

• Out - Greg Robinson
• In - Doug Marrone

This is a switch that should have been made last season in my opinion. I think the Orange whiffed on Robinson's replacement though. Turner Gill or Skip Holtz would have been better options than Marrone.


16. Tennessee

• Out - Phil Fulmer
• In - Lane Kiffin

Is it just me, or did the SEC coaching ranks get a lot worse this offseason?


17. Toledo

• Out - Tom Amstutz
• In - Tim Beckman

Beckman put up some pretty impressive numbers for Oklahoma St. over the past few seasons. At least he's taking over a team that managed to beat Michigan in the Big House last season.


18. Utah St.

• Out - Brent Guy
• In - Gary Andersen

Andersen remains in the same state as he leaves the Utes to take over a horrible Utah St. football program. Andersen may very well be the guy that can finally turn things around for the Aggies.


19.Washington

• Out - Tyrone Willingham
• In - Steve Sarkisian

I think the Trojans' defensive coordinator would be a better coaching candidate than Sarkisian. However, this is a good move for Sarkisian. He's taking over a Washington football team with little expectations, that I believe will be a lot better next season.


20. Wyoming

• Out - Joe Glenn
• In - Dave Christensen

Christensen is another top flight Big XII coordinator leaving to take on a head coaching challenge. The Cowboys were competitive towards the end of the season, including beating Tennessee in Knoxville. However, word was getting around that Glenn wasn't even recruiting anymore. That's a big no-no in college football.

Thursday Recap

Thursday officially marked the first day of the college football season. It also marked the first of many fights I will have with my wife over the viewing of said college football. She's got to understand there's a certain order for my priorities in life right now:

1. Me.
2. College Football
3. My entertainment
4. Family.

That seems about right. How could she get mad at me? Anyway, here's a brief recap on the happenings around college football Thursday night.

ESPN showcased the North Carolina St. v. South Carolina match-up. The Gators weren't involved in this one but it sure seemed like it. UF references were made throughout the game with the OBC on the Cock sideline, Jesse Palmer in the booth and Erin Andrews reporting. In case you were in a comma last night, Palmer played QB for Spurrier at Florida. Chris Fowler must have mentioned that fact 40 times. Also, all the references to Palmer being on the Bachelor are very unnecessary.

The actual game was a complete douche fest. SC QB Tommy Beecher threw four picks and the OBC never once slammed his visor! What kind of shit is that? Also, the refs are taking this whole new celebration rule enforcement thing a little too seriously. I mean, giving a guy a penalty because he's doing push-ups after missing an int? That's a little ridiculous.

It's safe to say Jim Harbaugh has done a tremendous job of getting the Stanford Cardinal back to being competitive. Stanford pulled off a mild upset by defeating the Oregon St. Beavers late last night. The Cardinal have a RB named Toby Gerhart that is the real deal. This guy is big and has deceptive speed. The way he broke through Beaver tackles made you think Ron Zook was the OSU coach.

Both of the Miamis were in action last night. Miami(FL) wooped up on Charleston Southern behind QB Jacory Harris. Miami(OH) faltered at home against the almighty Vanderbilt Commodores. By the way, Vandy CB D.J. Moore is a legitimate All-American candidate. I would like to hear any of his doubters now.

Wake Forest got their first ever victory in the state of Texas by knocking off Baylor. Wake is a dark horse national title contender this season. If Riley Skinner can keep producing, the Deacs are capable of running through the weak ACC. Baylor dual threat QB Robert Griffin II was very impressive running the ball. Passing.....not so much.

Eastern Michigan won! That almost never happens.

Cincinnati and Connecticut both looked rather impressive while beating up on 1-aa teams. I think Cincinnati will surprise some people this year. Brian Kelly is a vastly underrated coach. Kelly's old team, Central Michigan, also got a win last night. Let the Dan LeFevour Heisman hype begin!

ESPN probably has the worst pre-game/halftime show crew ever. I love Lou Holtz, but these horrible gimmicks they make him do are ridiculous. The pep talk segments last year were a monumental flop. That shit fest looks like Emmy winning material compared to the new Dr. Lou crap they're trying to shove down our throats this season. Also, I hate Mark May. He sucks.

Can't wait for Saturday.

Countdown: 44 Days!

44 Days

Eastern Michigan is garbage. Everything about them is horrible this season. Everything except Daniel Holtzclaw (Pictured above), that is. The Eagles actually had a decent season by their standards last year. Of course a decent season for EMU standards is more than one win. We'll see if they can duplicate that success this season.

The top 25 players: MAC

The MAC has always had some quality talent within their ranks. Ben Roethlisberger, Chester Taylor, Byron Leftwich, Chad Pennington, Randy Moss, Dwight Smith and Charlie Frye are just a few of the recent MAC players to get drafted into the NFL.

Here is my list of the top 25 players in the MAC this season. Don't be surprised if some of these players end up playing on Sundays.

1. Dan LeFevour - Central Michigan QB - LeFevour is the best dual threat QB in America outside of Tim Tebow. Some people are even calling LeFevour a dark horse candidate for the Heisman trophy this season.

2. Eugene Jarvis - Kent St. RB - Jarvis is the leading returning rusher in the nation. The Golden Flashes run the ball more than anyone else in the nation. That just means Jarvis will have ample opportunities to add onto his total this season.

3. Nate Davis - Ball St. QB - LeFevour might get all of the attention at CMU, but Nate Davis is probably the next great MAC QB to make it in the NFL. This guy is big and he has a big time arm.

4. Bryan Anderson - Central Michigan WR - When LeFevour doesn't run the ball, he often throws it to this guy. Anderson really had a breakout season last year. Anderson is helped out greatly by a tremendous Chippewa running game.

5. Dante Love - Ball St. WR - Love might actually end up with a better statistical season than Anderson at Central Michigan. That's because the Cardinals throw the ball early and often under Brady Hoke.

6. Larry English - Northern Illinois DL - The Huskies have fallen on tough time as of late. New HC Jerry Kill is hoping to infuse this team with some energy. One player he doesn't have to worry about is Larry English. English has a constant motor and is always making plays in the opponent's backfield.

7. Clayton Mullins - Miami(OH) LB - Mullins is an All-MAC LB at Miami. He leads a very stout Red Hawk defense that will need to carry the offense this season.

8. Darius Hill - Ball ST. TE - When QB Nate Davis isn't looking for Dante Love, his next option is usually Darius Hill. Hill is a big time target that has an NFL future.

9. Jamarko Simmons - Western Michigan WR - I remember watching Simmons shred the Florida St. defense 2 year ago. The Seminoles will be relieved to know that he does that to everybody.

10. Justin Anderson - Northern Illinois RB - Anderson is the latest in a long line of talented Husky RB's. Jerry Kill will look to use him more often than last season.

The rest:

11. Daniel Holtzclaw Eastern Michigan LB

12. Londen Fryar Western Michigan DB

13. Dave DiFranco Miami(OH) OL

14. Jeff Niedermier Buffalo OL

15. Barry Church Toledo DB

16. Robert Brewster Ball St. OL

17. John Haneline Bowling Green LB

18. Alex Derenthal Temple OL

19. Andre Neblett Temple DL

20. Davonte Shannon Buffalo DB

21. Almondo Sewell Akron DL

22. Andre Jones Akron WR

23. Ontario Sneed Central Michigan RB

24. Chris Miller Ball St. P

25. Jacob Richardson Miami(OH) P