Friday Links: Could Russell Wilson Land At South Carolina?

Russell Wilson has become a hot name on message boards across the land as college football fans from the southeast to the mid-west try to figure out where this former N.C. State quarterback will land next season.

Wilson did big things for the Wolfpack in 2010, nearly leading them to an ACC Championship before falling short in the final week, but his need to be a two-sport man has tired head coach Tom O'Brien and forced him to go in a different direction for the betterment of his team—not sure how you get much better than Russell Wilson (308/526 for 3,546 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. 144 carries for 422 yards and 9 touchdowns*) but whatevs—so Wilson is saddled with the decision of where he will play next year.

Since he has already completed his coursework at N.C. State, he is free to transfer—according to NCAA transfer rules—to any school he pleases so long as he enrolls as their graduate program offers studies in something N.C. State does not (see Jeremiah Masoli).

So, now, every SEC team in need of a veteran quarterback, with the skill-set of Wilson, is chomping at the bit to see if they can be the chosen one. Auburn has been a hot name in the fray, as has Ole Miss, but Olin Buchanan (senior writer for Rivals.com) seems to feel that South Carolina is the best fit for Wilson given "proximity and opportunity". 

It does make sense to place Wilson as a Gamecock given how much talent they return and Spurrier's current quarterback troubles, but if South Carolina is where he wants to be (keep in mind Wilson is from Virginia), then he could just as easily land in Clemson. Better still, doesn't Penn State need a quarterback?

At this point no one knows where Wilson will land but it certainly is interesting to see a guy who no one gave two-cents about four-years ago, suddenly become one of the hottest commodities in college football—oh and did I mention he was a 2* prospect out of high school?

It just goes to show you, it's all about coaching and development. 

2. A deaf college football fan is suing the University of Kentucky for not offering closed-captioning on their scoreboard.

3. Brad Nessler used his noggin and left E$PN for a network that actually knows something about football.

4. Russell Wilson to the Pac-10?

5. Gus Malzahn explains why Cam Newton will be a success at the pro level—that sure would make Gus look like a genius if he did, wouldn't it?

6. Big Ten Commisioner, Jim Delany, isn't worried about Nebraska fitting into the conference come July 1.

7. I guess Boise State isn't used to cheating.

8. Some intellectuals at the University of Massachusetts are a bit peeved about a plan to move football into Division I FCS—one called the move a "profoundly stupid" idea.

9. New Florida coach, Will Muschamp, is making big money to make big things happen in Gainesville.

10. Knowshon Moreno could see a lot more touches this season.

Related articles

• Stunner: Russell Wilson given release by N.C. State (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
• Russell Wilson's potential dance partners (blutarsky.wordpress.com)
• '95-percent' certainty Russell Wilson plays in '11 (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)

*Stats offered courtesy of cfbstats.com.

Georgia Bulldogs: Fran Tarkenton Says It's A "Disturbing Time" At Georgia

Fran Tarkenton recently had plenty to say about the direction he feels his alma mater is headed under the guidance of head coach, Mark Richt, and it's clear that he's not impressed.

During a recent radio interview, Tarkenton unleashed hell on Richt and made it very clear that he thinks a change is overdue in Athens. The entirety of the interview can be heard here, but here are just a few of the highlights—with my commentary, of course.

When asked about his overall impression of the program, Tarkenton had this to say,

"We don’t want to look at the signs.  There are always signs out there that show us that we've got impending disaster, be it the financial crisis or the Georgia crisis or the Florida crisis or what.  We knew something before the Florida crisis didn’t we?  The guy, he had a meltdown.  His mojo was down and he recognized it, they recognized it and he got out.  They bring a great coach in Will Muschamp in, they bring in the top offensive coordinator in the world, Charlie Weis, and they are in the SEC, and here we are at Georgia. 

For the last three years our program has been god-awful.  Our schedule, we play two sisters of the poor every year.  We play Kentucky and Vanderbilt that aren’t true SEC teams and then we play Georgia Tech that is not going to have the talent we have.  That is five times we play every year that we are much better than our opponents—doesn’t mean we're gonna win em' all."

While it seems unfair to dismiss the evolution of Kentucky football, Tarkenton isn't saying anything that any other SEC fan wouldn't say—teams expect to beat Vanderbilt and Kentucky every year. Those are supposed to be wins, regardless to how hard either of those teams fight on the football field. Most years, Georgia should come out on top of that match-up. Yet, we have come to view those games as potential losses—is that okay?

Tarkenton also had this to say about Richt's statement that he was now "freed up" for giving more of his attention to the game of football,

"...What has he been doing for nine years? I have never heard of any college, high school, professional coach that ever said that I was not able to spend enough time on football.  I had other issues."

I must admit, I had a similar response. Although I was more focused on what that statement meant in regards to 2010. It's a valid question to ask and Tarkenton lays it on as to why he felt it was a poor choice of words coming from Richt,

"...it sounds like a cop-out!  It sounds like I'm not going to take responsibility.  I have other things.  We hire people to be football coaches.  We pay him and others millions of dollars to be football coaches not to be administrators.  He didn’t do a very good job there...Mark and everybody is a wonderful guy and he is a wonderful guy.  He is a good Christian guy.  He wants to be a missionary.  He goes on missions.  That is a wonderful thing but do you know the religion of Nick Saban?  Or Gus Malzahn?  Or Chip Kelly playing for the national championship?  I don’t think we care what their religion.  We hire them to be football coaches.  If we are hiring religious instructors, let’s go to the Campbell School of Theology over here in Decatur and get some of their people to come and coach our football team."

Ouch, Fran, tell us how you really feel.

Richt is both praised and persecuted for being the kind of coach who seems more passionate about spreading his beliefs than coaching his football players. How many times have you heard he's "too nice" to win a championship? Too soft? Too passive? Too...much not like Nick Saban or Urban Meyer?

It's a common refrain and the voices singing it have grown louder and louder over the last three-years.

To top it off, Tarkenton had this to say about Richt's inability to make changes in the strength program until now,

"...Every person, every scout, all of the combine people that train/workout all of these college athletes have told me for the last five or six years, the Georgia football players are not in anywhere near the condition that the rest of the players from all of the other schools, they didn’t say they ranked second or third, they say they ranked dead last.  Why couldn’t this coach recognize that before now?  Before disaster happens?"  

Again, good question. One that most attribute to loyalty and not ignorance. Either way, it's a problem that Richt has proven to have—in spades—and one that isn't likely to change in 2011.

It's probably safe to assume that we won't be seeing Tarkenton on the sidelines of a Georgia football game anytime soon, but you have to admit, his questions and statements have validity—even if they lack a bit of tact.

What say you?

WATCH: James Franklin Talks About The Future of Vanderbilt Football

James Franklin has officially been named the head coach of the Vanderbilt University football program, and now the question is what's next?

Franklin offers a bit of insight into what he feels will be his role as the new head coach at Vanderbilt, the type of offensive scheme he plans to run (multiple), and his goals for the immediate future—must get that staff in place in the interview below.

See what he had to say:



(video is courtesy of Vanderbilt University)

Related articles

• James Franklin Formally Announced As Vanderbilt Head Coach, Says Facebook (sbnation.com)

CFB Rumors: Gus Malzahn Still Mulling Over Vanderbilt Job—Seriously?

Announcer: Hey Gus, your team just won the SEC Championship, your quarterback is a Heisman Trophy Winner, your team is 13-0, and on their way to Arizona to play in the National Championship Game...what are you going to do now. 

Gus: I'm going to Tennessee?

Announcer: Huh?...What did you say?

Gus: I'm going to become the next head coach at Vanderbilt!

*record scratches*

Okay, enough with the jokes. Seriously, folks, if Gus Malzahn's best offer is a head coaching job at Vanderbilt, then he should hold out for something better.

This is in no way meant to offend the fine alumni of Vanderbilt University, but, your football team is awful. They've been awful for a long time and, due to the academic restraints placed on them via entry requirements, that isn't likely to change anytime soon.

That said, why on earth would Gus Malzahn take his offense, and his recruiting wares to a program that has become a perennial doormat in the SEC (13-67 over the last 10 years)? Does he feel that his stock is as high as it can possibly get at the moment?

After all, Auburn averaged better than 40 points per game this season using Malzahn's scheme—with the right personnel. However, he's not likely to get the same result at Vanderbilt as he will be competing with Tennessee for the state's best players and could find it difficult to pitch a perennial loser to a guy who wants to build an NFL resume.

On the other hand, if he wants a challenge, then Vanderbilt would definitely be the place to go. Since joining the SEC in 1933, the Commodores are 102-351-15—not including their dismal 2010 record. Have at it, Gus. If Dan Mullen can do it, why can't you?

Quite honestly, though, he's better off staying where he is and seeing how things shake out after 2011. More job openings, with a much higher profile, are likely to become available at that time and, if Auburn manages to stay relevant without Cam Newton (many feel the Heisman winner will bolt for the NFL this season), then he will have proven that he's not a one-trick pony.

That alone would pay dividends.

Hold out for something better, Gus. Vandy definitely isn't Disneyland. 

Related articles

• Gus Malzahn Leaves Auburn to Coach Vanderbilt (thebiglead.com)

Friday Snapshot: Gene Chizik As Possible Candidate for UF Job?

Obviously, the fine fans of Auburn University are drinking the Gene Chizik kool-aid—their press included. There is at least one journalist who believes the Florida Gators should consider hiring the, once ridiculed, coach for their football coaching vacancy. That's an interesting thought considering that most people aren't buying his success.

If you remove the talents of Cam Newton from Auburn this season, how many of you really believe that would a) be undefeated, b) on their way to a BCS National Title berth, or c) have a player worthy of Heisman consideration?...Yeah, didn't think so.

Gene Chizik didn't become a genius overnight. He struck gold with Cam Newton and Cam Newton excelled under the offensive scheme of Gus Malzahn. Sure, the stellar play of Michael Dyer, Nick Fairley, and Michael Dyer didn't hurt, but let's not be naive about Newton's impact on this team.

And, for those of you who don't buy the 'one-player-can-make-a-difference' argument, just look at how far the Gators have gone minus Tim Tebow. Even better, what would Ohio State have been without Maurice Clarett—in his one season? Georgia without Herschel in 1980?

Certainly, none of those players led their team to a national title every year, but they definitely placed them in the conversation.

Chizik is still Chizik. Until he duplicates this feat minus Cam Newton, to many, he will still be the guy that Auburn fans booed at the airport.

-And, speaking of misguided expectations, what is all this chatter about Mark Richt being under pressure to win the East now that Meyer is gone? Seriously, in what universe should THAT be an expectation?

While it's understandable that Georgia fans should expect better of this team in year two of the 3-4 defense, under the leadership of Aaron Murray, and minus the anchor that was Dave Van Halanger, it's a mighty big leap to take for any one to start believing Georgia is heading to the SEC Championship Game in 2011.

For one, South Carolina has proven it is better with Marcus Lattimore. He''ll be in season two—stronger and more experienced—will Georgia have an answer for him? Secondly, if both A.J. Green and Justin Houston make their expected exits for the NFL, who will take their places?

Rantavious Wooten, Tavarres King, and Marlon Brown have been flashing their "potential" for years, will they suddenly be able to fulfill it?

Will the running backs be better than this season? And, before you answer that, consider the fact that both Shaun Chapas (one heckuva a lead blocker), and Fred Munzenmaier are both graduating.

That said, there may need to be more tempered enthusiasm in the Bulldog Nation. By no means is an SEC Championship impossible, but the expectation of one is a dangerous proposition this early in the game.

-Some fans will go to any lengths to support their team. Ron Pettichord, a guy who says he's not really a "die-hard [Oregon] Ducks fan" has decided to postpone his heart surgery so that he can be sure to take in the BCS National Title game.

Not for nothing, but, that's what they made DVR's for, right? Seriously...some people.

-

Related articles

• Auburn's Cam Newton: I've done nothing wrong (sportingnews.com)

Georgia Bulldogs Football: Either You're With Richt or You're Against Him—It's That Simple

At this point, the Georgia Bulldog faithful are drawing a line in the sand and, quite frankly, it's coming down to one question: Are you a Mark Richt supporter or a Mark Richt detractor? Period. There is no gray area, there are no compromises, and there is no room for further discussion.

If you listen to the media, Richt should be gone yesterday. People like Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC)  have all but laid out a simple plan for why Richt should accept his fate and move on.

But, Bradley is just looking for blog hits. Don't think for one minute he actually cares about the state of the Georgia football program. The longer Mark Richt stays around, the more material

Bradley has to produce for the contingent that are looking for a reason to believe their feelings towards Richt are valid.

A pot-stirrer is a pot-stirrer—it doesn't matter what kitchen he/she is standing in.

That said, at some point, you have to decide, as a fan, what you feel is best for your beloved program. If you love Georgia football, then you are no more right if you want Richt to stay, than you are wrong if you want him to leave. It's a matter of personal opinion and, both sides, have legitimate arguments.

The pro-Richt side will point to the last ten-years, the change in coaching, the lack of A.J. Green to start the season, the bad defensive playcalling of the previous regime, etc. The anti-Richt side will point to the SEC record of the last three-years, the poor recruiting class of 2009, the perceived refusal of Richt to hire/fire based on performance not personal relationships, etc.

There is no winning no matter what side of the fence you stand on, yet, the argument still rages on.

However, it must be said, the parallel that so many want to draw with Phillip Fulmer seems irrelevant. No offense to the Vols, but, is that what you want as a Georgia fan? Seriously? Because, last check, Tennessee hasn't been that much better without Fulmer than they were with him.

Tennessee might get back to being a power in another year or two, but, do Bulldog fans really want to follow the Vol's trajectory? Is that, in your mind, the better option?

Or, more disturbingly, those same fans are now pointing to what Gene Chizik is doing at Auburn in just his second full season. Well, should we point out the obvious? Let's do for the heck of it: Cam Newton is the difference.

Gene Chizik got the best player in the nation to play in Gus Malzahn's high-powered offense.
Take Newton out of the equation and Auburn isn't undefeated.  Those close wins against Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and LSU are nulled.

Don't bother second-guessing it, Newton made those wins happen—no question.

Mark Richt has become a divisive figure within the Bulldog nation and that's a pity because, if not for all his early success, there wouldn't be the thinking that Georgia could do better. He's as much a victim of his prior success as he is his recent failures—go figure.

In the end, Mark Richt is the head coach at the University of Georgia until further notice and, personally, I stand behind him.

Why?...Well, because until he's fired or resigns—in my opinion—he's Georgia and, quite frankly, so am  I.

Does that mean you are wrong for wanting him gone—if you do? No, it simply means we'd have to agree to disagree and, honestly, that shouldn't be a problem.