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.

Who's the next one out?

The coaching carousel has already begun thanks to the firing of Tommy Bowden from Clemson. The latest rumor has Lane and Monte Kiffin being brought in to right that crazy ship.

While I feel Bowden deserved to get the axe, there are still several other coaches out there that should soon find their way out the door. In fact, I'm gonna do a blog about that right now.

I know Pat Forde has already done something like this, but my shit is way cooler than his. Also, I know what I'm talking about. Most of the time.

Here are a few ass bags that I feel should be thrown from the coaching carousel in the near future.

1. Greg Robinson - Syracuse

Record at 'Cuse - 8-33

4th year

I will officially boycott life if Greg Robinson is the head coach at Syracuse next season. Frankly, I'm surprised he has made it this far. If there were to be any more mid-season firings, Robinson is the most likely candidate. Syracuse not only sucks on the field, but they are getting out recruited out of their own backyard by Penn St., Rutgers, Pittsburgh and even Bucknell. This travesty has gone too far. It's time for the Syracuse administration to fix their errors.

Possible replacement - Steve Addazio, Florida Tight Ends Coach

2. Brent Guy - Utah St.

Record with the Aggies - 7-34

4th year

I know that no one really cares about Utah St. Even in their own state they are hardly mentioned. A little bit of winning could change that. Unfortunately for Utah St., there will be no winning as long as Brent Guy is the head coach. I'm not exactly blaming Guy entirely. Really, it will take an amazing, ungodly coach to turn things around here. The Aggies might just hold on to Guy because they'll have some trouble finding someone willing to replace him.

Possible replacement - Bobby Hauck - Montana Head Coach

3. Tyrone Willingham - Washington

Record at U-Dub - 11-30

4th year

Unfortunately for coach Ty, it's pretty much inevitable that he's gone after this year. I wonder if things would have been different for him if that sorry ass excuse for a ref would not have made that ridiculous unsportsmanlike call on Jake Locker against BYU. Who knows. Knowing the Huskies' luck, BYU probably would have just won in overtime anyway.

Possible replacement - Gary Pinkel - Missouri Head Coach

4. Phillip Fulmer - Tennessee

Record with the Vols - 149-49
17th year

Don't let that record fool you. Fulmer is leading the Vols straight down the tubes. The call for Fulmer's job has never been louder in Knoxville. The man is strictly getting by on his past right now. The Vols actually find themselves in a similar situation to Clemson, they will be firing a coach that just received a contract extension before the season started. The growing off the field trouble doesn't help Phil either.

Possible replacement - David Cutcliffe - Duke Head Coach

5. Chuck Long - San Diego St.

Record at SDSU - 8-22

3rd year

The loss to Cal Poly put the final nail in Chuck Long's coaching career coffin. San Diego St. was once a very respectable non-BCS team. Now they are a laughing stock almost on par with Idaho. (Which is pretty bad.) I really don't see why a coach can't be successful at a school like San Diego St. There's great weather, women and a decent football tradition.

Possible replacement - David Bailiff - Rice Head Coach

6. Joe Glenn - Wyoming

Record at Wyoming - 28-38

6th year

I have no idea what's going on at Wyoming. All I know is that the Cowboys are severely falling behind the vastly improved Mountain West pack. Glenn is a coaching legend who just seems to have finally worn on his players, who are no longer responding to him. To make matters worse, it's been reported that Glenn is refusing to send his assistant coaches out on recruiting visits during bye weeks. Ouch.

Possible Replacement - Tyrone Willingham - Possible Former Washington Head Coach

7. Kirk Ferentz - Iowa

Record at Iowa - 65-50

10th year

The most overpaid coach in America might finally be shown the door after this season. I would almost expect Ferentz to be ousted if the Hawkeyes were to miss a bowl game once again. Man I'm actually glad Florida chose the Zooker over Ferentz. I cant believe this guy was even in the running for some NFL head coaching vacancies. As long as Ferentz is at Iowa, the Hawkeyes will never compete for another Big Eleven title.

Possible Replacement - Brian Kelly - Cincinnati Head Coach.

8. Dave Wannstedt - Pittsburgh

Record at Pitt - 20-20

4th year

We all know Wannstedt is one hell of a recruiter. Unfortunately for Pitt, he may be the worst game day coach in all of division 1 football. The upset win over South Florida quited some of Wannstedt's critics for the moment. I'm sure a loss to Navy this week will get them all riled up once again.

Possible replacement - Skip Holtz - East Carolina Head Coach

9. Bob Toledo - Tulane

Record in Nawlins - 6-12

2nd year

I usually like to give a coach 3 years before I consider him to be on the hot seat. I'm gonna have to waive that provision for Mr. Toledo. I thought this was a bad hire for the Pelicans and I complained about it from the very beginning. I think Tulane needs to go back to the days of a wide open offense and absolutely no defense. It seemed to work better than what they have now. I know Hurricane Katrina set this program back a bit, but with the right coach, they can get right back on track.

Possible replacement - Gary Crowton - LSU Quarterbacks Coach

10. Shane Montgomery - Miami(OH)

Record at the OTHER Miami - 16-26
4th year

Back in the day, the RedHawks used to be the team to beat in the MAC. You couldn't envision a MAC championship game or a Motor City Bowl without Miami(OH) there. Now, MAC opponents circle their date with Miami as a guaranteed victory. Some schools are even scheduling Miami for their homecoming game. I like Montgomery. He seems like a nice guy. But perhaps it's time for the program to look for a new direction. Miami used to be the 5th best team in the Big Eleven. Now they're probably only the 8th best team in that conference.

Possible replacement - Chuck Martin - Grand Valley St. Head Coach

Other possible future Burger King employees:

• Ralph Friedgen - Maryland
• Al Groh - Virginia
• Gene Chizik - Iowa St.
• Steve Kragthorpe - Louisville
• Tommy West - Memphis
• Mike Price - UTEP
• Rocky Long - New Mexico
• Ricky Bustle - UL-Lafayette
• Pat Hill - Fresno St.

Wild Week 2

Week 2 of the college football season is in the books. I must say that if the season keeps progressing like this, this may be the best CFB season in recent memory. There were several great games to watch this weekend. Here are a few of the top stories from the week.



The Big Ten is a slightly better conference than the MAC.


The conglomerate that is Ohio football paid a visit to Columbus this week. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, they ran into an upstart Ohio St. looking for the upset. The inferior Buckeyes stole the victory from the mighty Bobcats by getting away with a block in the back on a punt return in the fourth. This bunch of lovable kids from Columbus may be the story of the year after pulling this one off. Let's see if they can ride the momentum to pull off some more upsets.

Another powerful MAC team bit by the upset bug was the Miami(OH) Redhawks. The Redhawks were in a tight battle against underdog Michigan all game long. The scrappy Wolverines were able to pull away with a late touchdown in the fourth.

Both of these victories have catapulted the Big Ten pass the MAC in conference prestige. This conference definitely deserves to have an automatic BCS berth.



Charlie Weis is the worst head coach in the history of coaching.


Notre Dame was pushed to the brink by the San Diego St. Aztecs. This is the same Aztec team that was coming off of a loss to Cal Poly! Notre Dame escaped the victory after forcing a SDSU fumble as the Aztecs were at the goal line looking to put the nail in the Irish coffin. I really hope this quiets the Notre Dame douchebag faithful that seem to have a blinding faith in Mr. Weis. Also, can we please stop mentioning Weis in the same breath as other great coaches. It isn't fair to the profession. The only good thing about Weis is that he makes Notre Dame horrible. Anything that makes that happen is cool with me.



Washington got jobbed.


Seriously, how in the hell can the refs make that call at that point in the game? Ty Willingham needs all the help he can get to stay employed in Seattle, and apparently the refs aren't giving him any. These new rules are disgusting. Football is a passionate sport that sometimes evokes passionate responses from those individuals that partake in this sport. Who cares if you hurt the feelings of an opposing team. How about that team try to actually STOP that player. That way, there's nothing for said player to celebrate.

I'm not putting the whole loss on the refs. Who's to say BYU doesn't beat Washington in overtime anyway? However, the fact that the Huskies didn't get that chance due to a horrendous call is a travesty that should not be allowed.


Other notable stories from week 2.

• Missouri is a legit national title contender.
• Fans that chant "SEC" are the most obnoxious fans in the world.
• The ACC is total horse shit.
• There's a game being played in Los Angeles next week. I don't know if you heard.
  

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.

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

Pack it in now boys.

I already let you in on who I though were going to be the most improved teams from every conference. Now, I'll turn a little more negative and let you in on the teams that should just skip this season altogether and get ready for 2009.

Once again it will be conference by conference

ACC

Boston College-This should be a familiar sight to Eagle fans once the season is over.

Big XII

Kansas- Count me in as one of the people who thinks Kansas was a total fluke last season. Just like the fact that Mangino came up empty on this mining expedition.

Big East

Connecticut- See, even the pennants know which was Connecticut's season will be heading.

Big Ten

Michigan- All the fans need now are brown paper bags.

C-USA

Houston- The Cougars should still be in the mix in C-USA play, but they will miss Art Briles a lot.

MAC

Miami (OH)- The Redhawks will be dropped on their head a lot this season.

Mountain West

New Mexico- The Lobos will be dressing their cheerleaders this season in an effort to bolster the skill positions. We'll have to wait and see for the results.

PAC-10

Oregon- The product on the field might just be as ugly as these uniforms.

SEC

Arkansas- Their head coach is a douche. All you need to know.

Sun Belt

Troy- I was googling pictures for Troy football when I cam across this. It has nothing to do with the Trojans, but Troy Aikman Football is one of the greatest games ever!

WAC

Hawaii- The Rainbow Warriors will sorely miss Colt Brennan, June Jones and Davone Bress this season.