Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Cowboys wearing title goal on their wrists
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- The orange band around quarterback Zac Robinson's left wrist was inside out, so he had to twist it around to reveal the message inside.
Printed in black letters was Oklahoma State's preferred ending for this season: Big 12 Champs.
It was with those hopes that the Cowboys opened fall camp this week before meeting Saturday with reporters at the team's annual media day. Following back-to-back 7-6 seasons that were capped by bowl victories, Oklahoma State wants to make some more noise this season.
"That's our goal is to be in that Big 12 championship game, and we know first we've got to take care of the South," said Robinson, who is embarking on his first full season as Oklahoma State's quarterback after replacing Bobby Reid early last year.
"If we take care of the South, anything can happen in that one game."
The Cowboys have some ground to make up before they can boast their first conference title since they shared the Big Eight crown in 1976, but the gap seems to be closing. Oklahoma State lost by a single point at Texas A&M last season and had a 21-point lead against Texas before a second-half collapse. Those close calls have players believing they can take the next step as a true Big 12 contender.
And they're wearing it -- if not on their sleeve, then on their arm.
"Big 12 Champs. It's just something we're trying to keep on our brain around here. As long as we've got it in our brain, that's just going to keep the drive in us, keep us going," said tight end Brandon Pettigrew, an all-Big 12 selection by league coaches last season.
Players said the wristbands -- which also feature Dec. 6, the date of the Big 12 championship game in Kansas City, Mo. -- were handed out by the coaching staff, although head coach Mike Gundy isn't taking any of the credit.
"I'm not a big jewelry guy. I don't wear rings or bracelets or anything, but they put one of those on my desk. I think it's more of a commitment to team and a goal," Gundy said.
"One thing that we had mentioned as a unit, and as coaches and players, is we don't talk enough around here about winning a championship and I think that that's something that maybe has evolved over 50 years around here and that our players felt like they needed to talk more about winning a championship."
A large poster showing the Big 12 championship trophy was hung in the team's meeting room, featuring the words loyalty, attitude, effort and finish -- the last one a reference to the two games that slipped away, along with the team's chances at winning the South Division.
"We just know that we've been in the mix the last couple years. We know that we've been right there and it's just a matter of finishing games," Robinson said.
There are a number of question marks on both sides of the ball, too. Robinson returns after setting the school's season record for total offense last season, but the Cowboys will be without leading rusher Dantrell Savage and top receiver Adarius Bowman.
Running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryant, who showed flashes of brilliance as freshmen last season, will be expected to take on a bigger load while Pettigrew could become an even bigger focal point.
Defensive coordinator Tim Beckman, in his second season at Oklahoma State, hopes to dramatically improve a unit that gave up 29.5 points per game and ranked 101st in the nation in total yardage allowed.
"We're hungry because we want to prove to everybody that we're a good defense and we want to earn the respect that our offense got from everybody," said Andre Sexton, who moved from safety to linebacker this spring to help speed up the defense.
"We don't believe we're 101st. We're better than that, so we have to go out and prove it now."
Oklahoma State opens its season Aug. 30 in Seattle against Washington State and then plays three nonconference home games before the wristband goal comes into focus when Big 12 play starts Oct. 4 against Texas A&M.
If all goes well, the Cowboys hope to be trading the bands on their wrists for rings on their fingers about two months later.
"I think the difference is we're talking about winning a championship. Last year, we would say it but this year guys really do believe," Robinson said. "There's a whole different attitude to this team. I think some of the guys that maybe didn't have such good attitudes are now gone.
"It's a whole lot different with this team. They're willing to come out every day and try to get better."
Johnson's big-play skills a key for Georgia Tech
ATLANTA (AP) -- Michael Johnson has a lot of big-play experience for a guy who has made only two starts in his first three years at Georgia Tech.
Johnson, a 6-foot-7 defensive end, is one of three starting seniors who are expected to make the defensive line a strength for Georgia Tech. The experience on the line is especially important as a young offense adjusts to new coach Paul Johnson's option offense.
Paul Johnson said Saturday he expects to have freshmen and sophomores at the skill positions on offense, at linebacker and three spots in the secondary.
The experience of the three seniors on the defensive line -- Michael Johnson and defensive tackles Vance Walker and Darryl Richard -- is notable on such a young team, but only Walker and Richard are experienced at starting.
Michael Johnson's only start in 2007 came in the Yellow Jackets' Humanitarian Bowl game. He also started only one game in 2006.
That doesn't mean Johnson hasn't played. The tall end has been a regular on passing downs, where he has made an impact with big plays. He tied for seventh in the Atlantic Coast Conference with three forced fumbles last season, giving him seven for his career, and he's had nine sacks the last two seasons.
That explains Johnson's answer when asked to identify his favorite snack: "Quarterbacks."
Now comes Johnson's chance to show he can play every down. Does he plan to expand his diet for his senior season?
Maybe not. He shook his head in a negative response when asked the question.
"I like quarterbacks," he repeated Saturday as he signed autographs at the team's fan day.
Johnson may be targeted on running plays. Thanks to his height, he still looks lean at 260 pounds, but he says "I'm stronger than a lot of people think."
Johnson says he looks forward to being tested.
"I hope they do," he said. "It will give me an opportunity to get better and better and help my team on every down."
Johnson said he's ready to prove he can be more than a pass-rush specialist.
"I have to make sure I'm well-conditioned and hydrated," he said. "I'm lean, so I cramp at times when I don't hydrate good enough."
Johnson already has posted numbers expected of a full-time starter. He had two sacks, seven tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked kick against Virginia Tech last season. He opened the season with two tackles for losses, a sacks and a forced fumble against Notre Dame.
Johnson's size, quickness and knack for big plays are reasons he's already projected as a possible first-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft.
"We think Michael Johnson can maybe have a breakout year," said Paul Johnson. "Certainly physically he's got all the tools you would want."
Richard said Michael Johnson's lack of starting experience is no reason for concern.
"Sometimes he may have been missing only one down in a series," Richard said. "There were a lot of times when I was the starter but Mike played more snaps in a series than I did.
"I wouldn't say he doesn't have experience. It was just a different type of running he has to prepare for. During second or third down you will not get the type of smash-mouth running, instead more of the zone-type running."
The switch to the option offense has been the hot topic, but there also are changes on defense under new coordinator Dave Wommack, who replaced Jon Tenuta.
Under Tenuta, now an assistant at Notre Dame, Tech was known for the zone-blitz schemes that helped set up big plays for Johnson and others.
Johnson said Wommack's defense will be more diversified.
"We're going to come out in different fronts and different formations," Johnson said. "We're not going to be predictable at all. We're going to have people guessing. .... Sometimes we'll come out with three down linemen, sometimes four."
Added Walker: "We might not blitz as much as we did last year, but we'll still blitz. We'll have a lot more freedom. I think that's a good thing. ... Having our experinece on the defensive line does help a lot."
Crimson Tide seeking answers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Jim McElwain isn't ready to designate Alabama's offensive playmakers. Kevin Steele won't pencil in the youngsters' spots on the defensive depth chart just yet.
Three days into fall practice, the Crimson Tide's offensive and defensive coordinators are content to let all that settle itself over the next four weeks. There's plenty to settle, too.
"We've got a lot of guys out there that are very athletic," Steele, the defensive boss, said Sunday at the team's media day before its first and only practice of the preseason open to the public. "We've got a lot of guys that have the potential to fit into the pieces of the puzzle. But we've got a lot of practicing to do before we get to that test.
"Anything above that would really be putting the cart ahead of the horse."
McElwain inherits an offense that lost several of its biggest threats at receiver.
His first step before naming names is getting the players to the point where they know their roles and what the offensive coaches are trying to accomplish.
"At that time, it's amazing how playmakers kind of emerge," the first-year offensive coordinator said in his first media availability since taking the job in January.
The most experienced candidates are Mike McCoy and Nikita Stover, but McElwain is hardly the only new face trying to make an impact on the Tide's offense.
The veterans are already singing the praises of a highly touted freshman class that coach Nick Saban has said will be a factor in how the team fares this season.
There's receiver Julio Jones. "Everybody has improvement they can make, but he's strong, he's physical, he's tall, he can catch," cornerback Javier Arenas said. "He's what everyone said he was. We've just got to wait until the season rolls around and watch him shine."
Then there's linebackers Jerrell Harris, Don'ta Hightower and Courtney Upshaw. Prince Hall's three-game suspension to open the season leaves even more room for one or more of those three to step into quick playing time.
Steele said the young linebackers have the tools, but makes it clear he's still operating on early impressions.
"They look the part, they act the part, and they have shown on film in high school that they can play the part," he said. "So far, in 48 hours, we haven't been disappointed."
TIDE TALK:(at) Saban said tailback/kick returner Jonathan Lowe was not invited to be one of the 105 players participating in fall camp and he isn't sure if he will rejoin the team when school starts. "He didn't stay here this summer and didn't work out, but we had several other players who didn't do that. We just felt like these were the guys that we needed to invite to camp, so we just made a decision to move on," Saban said. ... He said receiver Darius Hanks has been held out of contact while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Arizona's Stoops plays down job security issue
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Arizona Wildcats coach Mike Stoops is fully aware his job status is a hot topic with the Wildcats opening camp on Monday while down playing its significance.
The Wildcats begin their fifth year under Stoops coming off a 5-7 record, the program's ninth straight non-winning season.
"My job and my job security is not part of my job description. I have enough to worry about getting this team ready and developing players," Stoops said at his pre-camp press conference Sunday.
"We are concerned about doing the right things on and off the field. That has always been the case since I have been here."
Arizona opens the season Aug. 30 at home against Idaho with Stoops sporting a 17-29 record with the Wildcats.
Stoops, who is under contract through 2010, has not had an offense he can count on heading into a season before.
That has been a huge detriment in Arizona not going to a bowl game since 1998. That might change with one of the more potent passing attacks in the Pac-10.
The change to a spread attack last season produced a 12-point increase and nearly 100 more yards per game than the year before.
Quarterback Willie Tuitama will be under center for the second year in the scheme, after averaging 28 points per game in 2007. "I think we will have a little more fire power and we are going to move the ball," said Tuitama, who led the Pac-10 with 28 touchdowns.
While the offensive problems that have existed under Stoops appear to be fixed, another issue faces the program with only three starters returning on defense.
Arizona must find replacements for 2007 Jim Thorpe Award winner Antoine Cason and Pac-10 leading tackler Spencer Larsen.
The Wildcats have only one defender back among the front seven, and will break in a defensive line with zero starting assignments. "We have a lot of players who just need the experience and to get the opportunity," Stoops said. "We will be developing some play makers off this group in the next three to four weeks."
McCoy: 10 victories not enough for Texas
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Colt McCoy sat in a chair, surrounded by reporters peppering him with questions about the upcoming football season, when a number popped into his head.
Ten. As in 10 wins won't be enough, not for the Texas Longhorns in 2008.
"We want to win more than 10 games this year," the quarterback said Sunday when the Longhorns reported to training camp with the season opener against Florida Atlantic a few weeks away on Aug. 30. "We've won 10 games the last couple of years and we need to win more than 10 this year."
There are plenty of places where 10 wins would be good enough. But 10 wins at Texas also meant back-to-back years of three losses, which is still hard to take after the undefeated national championship season of 2005. That was also the only time Texas coach Mack Brown has won a Big 12 title.
Making matters worse, those three losses last season all came in conference play. Two -- Oklahoma and Texas A&M -- were against the biggest rivals on the schedule.
So that's why McCoy was thinking numbers: Eleven, 12, 13 ... anything would be better than 10.
Texas has too many questions to answer before it can even begin to start counting victories.
The defense is a good place to start. A unit that ranked among the worst in school history last season has its fourth new coordinator in five years. This time, it's 38-year-old Will Muschamp, who coach Mack Brown lured away from Auburn in January. His job will be finding ways to get defenders to the quarterback and shore up a secondary that at times was downright dreadful last season, ranking 109th against the pass out of 119 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams.
The offense has issues as well. Last season's leading rusher, Jamaal Charles, is now in the NFL, leaving Vondrell McGee as the likely starter in the opening. McGee rushed for 297 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
McCoy has thrown 51 TD passes the past two years and also tossed a whopping 18 interceptions last season. He needs to cut that number this season, but will have to do it with a receiving corps anchored by veterans Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley leading a group of young and inexperienced players behind them.
And Brown has to figure out how to get multi-talented backup QB John Chiles in the offense. While McCoy is firmly entrenched as the starter, Brown knows the big and fast Chiles can be a dangerous weapon, whether he's running, catching or throwing.
"There's a lot of question marks on this team," Brown said. "A lot we've got to get answered."
The coach feel like one important one already has been. The summer of '08 was better than '07 simply because the Longhorns managed to stay off the police blotter. Brown credits that to better leadership among the players.
"We're very proud of the leadership on and off the field," Brown said. "And the kids are proud of it."
Huskers kick defensive lineman off team
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Bo Pelini has been stressing the importance of team discipline since he was hired as Nebraska's football coach eight months ago, and he emphasized the point again Monday.
Pelini opened the Cornhuskers' media day by announcing that defensive lineman Kevin Dixon has been kicked off the team for an undisclosed violation of rules.
Dixon was ticketed twice by university police in July, once for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
Dixon played in all 12 games last season, starting four of them. He had 12 of his 19 tackles in a three-game stretch against Iowa State, Missouri and Oklahoma State.
The preseason depth charted listed Dixon as the top backup at both tackle spots.
Pelini wouldn't comment Monday on the specifics of Dixon's dismissal.
"We move forward," he said.
For Pelini, that means starting work on turning around a program that has had losing records two of the past four years. The Huskers were 5-7 in 2007 and tied for last in the Big 12 North.
"They're excited, ready to go and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead," Pelini said. "They're all anxious to get on the field and get to work."
Nebraska goes into preseason practice with Joe Ganz the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback, a competition between Marlon Lucky and Roy Helu Jr. for the starting I-back job, and an experienced offensive line.
The line, however, will be without projected starting right tackle Jaivorio Burkes for at least the first few practices because of an undisclosed medical problem, Pelini said.
"We're going to be very multiple on offense," Pelini said. "There are going to be some things you're going to see that are going to look similar. There are things that are different. I do know this: We're going to be physical and we're going to want to run the football on people."
Pelini's primary concern is strengthening a defense that was 112th in total defense (477 yards per game) and 114th in scoring defense (37.9 points per game).
All four starting defensive linemen are back, but there will be three new starters at linebacker: converted running back Cody Glenn, Phillip Dillard and Tyler Wortman. Keys to the secondary are first-year starters Rickey Thenarse at free safety and Anthony West at right corner.
"These guys have been together for a while now, and the bottom line is that the guys want to be good, and there is leadership on the team," Pelini said. "There are guys who have played a lot of snaps around here, and you see them starting to step out, and that needs to continue to happen."
The secondary will be without sophomore corner Anthony Blue until the fall semester begins. Blue, who played in every game as a freshman, was held off the 105-man preseason roster as he continues to recover from surgery for a knee injury suffered in winter conditioning.
And the loss of Dixon, who would have been a senior, is a blow to defensive line depth. He was listed as the top backup to Ndamukong Suh at nose tackle and to Ty Steinkuhler at the other tackle spot.
Dixon played in all 12 games last season, starting four.
University Police Capt. Carl Oestmann said Dixon was ticketed for littering July 4 after police spotted him urinating in a campus parking lot.
On July 13, Oestmann said, Dixon and a woman were in a vehicle that was stopped for having no license plates. The officer saw a small plastic bag of suspected marijuana in the vehicle, Oestmann said, and Dixon and the woman were ticketed for marijuana possession and released.
Both cases were dismissed July 24, a Lancaster County Court clerk said.
Dixon's departure, Suh said, should get the team's attention. He said he doesn't think Pelini is too tough.
"Some people might see it as a short leash. I think it's a reasonable leash," Suh said.
"As long as you take care of your own business, you're in your house and not trying to get yourself attention through the media or difference sources, you're going to be fine in his book. Be a team player, basically. That's what he wants."
Pitt proves there's downsizing in college football
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- College football linemen are getting bigger, bigger and bigger still. Those 230-pound offensive linemen from Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt's days as a Panthers tackle in the 1970s would be linebackers or tight ends these days.
The trend toward NFL-sized linemen is one Wannstedt doesn't particularly like, so he is reversing a trend by going with offensive linemen who weigh less than 300 pounds. It's a major switch in philosophy, given that Ohio State's offensive line in last season's national title game averaged 318 pounds.
After the Panthers had trouble handling some of the Big East's quick but strong defensive linemen, Wannstedt decided to downsize. Strength and conditioning coach Buddy Morris was told to get the linemen stronger but, whenever possible, smaller, too.
When Pitt opens preseason training camp Tuesday at its practice complex, Wannstedt knows he'll like what he sees.
A smaller Joe Thomas. A smaller Jason Pinkston. A smaller C.J. Davis. All had initially gotten bigger since last season, but have shed weight since spring practice.
"We have drastically changed the bodies of some of the guys. Joe Thomas and C.J. Davis have both lost more than 30 pounds," Wannstedt said Monday. "I love the way our football team looks. We're a lean and very athletic group right now -- what we were shooting for."
The decision to get leaner came after 285-pound defensive lineman Mick Williams was so quick off the line of scrimmage during spring ball, the offensive linemen had trouble containing him. It was the same problem Pitt had last season with linemen such as Terrill Byrd of Cincinnati and Eric Foster of Rutgers.
"(Offensive line coach) Tony Wise had an interesting observation. He comes here from coaching with the Jets, against all those All-Pros, and we're going through spring practice ... and the best players in our conference, that we have to block -- not that the Steelers have to block -- have all been guys who are athletes that can run," Wannstedt said.
"We took this another step and said, "We've got to be able to match up with these guys.' A 6-foot-5 guy that is an athlete who can move and is 320, there aren't many like that. So what can we do ... how can we match up against them, counter that? That's how we started the ball rolling."
Smaller or not, Pitt's offensive lineman remains unsettled 25 days away from the Aug. 30 opener against Bowling Green, now that both starting tackles from last season, Jeff Otah and Mike McGlynn, are in the NFL. Otah was the No. 19 overall pick by Carolina.
For now, redshirt freshman Jordan Gibbs is penciled in at left tackle ahead of senior Chase Clowser, with junior Thomas, a guard last season, currently at right tackle ahead of sophomore Pinkston, who sat out after hurting a shoulder in the third game of last season. Davis and junior John Malecki are the starting guards and junior college transfer Robb Houser is at center, but all that can change.
"Our middle guys are very solid. And we have a lot of talent at tackle, but we have to work out our starters there," Wannstedt said. "Those spots are up for grabs."
Gibbs was a tight end and defensive linemen at Penn Manor High School before switching to tackle.
"It's going to be a different speed now in camp, especially when we scrimmage, and in the game as well," Gibbs said. "But I'm looking forward to the challenge." Notes: Dorin Dickerson, one of the East's most recruited players as a West Allegheny High senior in 2005, is playing his third position in as many seasons. The 6-2, 230-pound is a tight end after being a linebacker last season and a wide receiver in 2006. He was a running back-receiver in high school. ... Despite Pitt's 13-9 upset of West Virginia last season, Wannstedt said the Mountaineers are clearly the Big East's top team. ... Pinkston on the slimmed-down offensive line: "We're not that experienced yet, but we have a lot of talent and athletic ability."
Terps QBs in three-way fight for starting job
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Chris Turner, Jordan Steffy and Josh Portis have been told that their role in Maryland's season opener will be determined by their play during the preseason.
One will ultimately fill the most important position on the team, running the offense as the starting quarterback. The other two will be forced to watch from the sideline.
Surely, this thing is going to get vicious.
"You'd like it to be heated," Steffy said Monday, casting an accusatory eye at a reporter. "But for us, it's a friendly competition. Chris and I are roommates, and Josh is a friend of mine. The media likes to make a bigger deal out of it than it really is. We're just out there having fun, competing and doing something we truly enjoy."
The duel, er, friendly competition began Monday during the team's first summer practice. Turner has the edge after starting the final eight games last season, but the challengers are also qualified: Steffy was the starter before being knocked out by a concussion, and Portis, deemed academically ineligible in 2007, just might be more athletic than the other two.
"I wouldn't say right now anybody has a legitimate lead," offensive coordinator James Franklin said. "I would say we have a 1-A and a 1-B with Turner and Steffy. Then No. 2 is Portis. By no means am I saying he's out of the hunt, but there is a difference between those two guys and him in understanding how to run the offense."
Coach Ralph Friedgen hopes one of the three distinguishes himself well before the Aug. 30 opener against Delaware.
"Offensively, the big question is at quarterback and who will be that quarterback," Friedgen said. "We may play multiple quarterbacks. I don't know. It's an area that, if we can get the production we expect, we have a chance to have a good offense."
Multiple quarterbacks? Yeah, that might work, but none of the competitors would prefer that solution -- even if they are the best of friends.
"I definitely think everyone can contribute in a different area, but we're all competing to be THE quarterback, not one of the quarterbacks," Steffy said.
Turner entered summer practice last year as No. 3 on the depth chart, then moved up behind Steffy when Portis was declared ineligible before the season opener. Turner played a mop-up role in the opener, then watched from the sideline until replacing an injured Steffy in Week 5 against Rutgers. Turner promptly engineered a marvelous upset on the road, and remained the starter through the end of the season.
"It was a crazy time. There was a lot of excitement. Basically I just never looked back," he said. "After that it was kind of my job. I still feel like it's my job, that if I play my game I'll be all right. But I've got two quarterbacks behind me fighting for the job. We'll see what happens."
Turner didn't play well enough to take the job from Steffy last summer, but hopes to draw from the experience.
"I started (No.) three and ended three. Maybe this year I'll start first and end first. Only time will tell," the 6-foot-4 junior said. "I like being on top. I do feel like I should be on top after last season. But it's a competition."
Which is why Portis hasn't given up hope. He's not so sure how the Maryland offense would fare with three different quarterbacks, but he's certainly willing to give it a shot.
"I've never seen it before, but it could happen. That would be something else. Whoever can help this team win," he said. "It would definitely give the defense something more to prepare for during the week." Notes: Friedgen said LB Dominique Herald would be suspended for the first game for violating team rules. ... Because the team has an excess of WRs, redshirt freshman Kenny Tate will be converted to a strong safety. "That's the one spot on the team we didn't have two deep," Friedgen said.
Iowa seeking starters at QB, RB
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- The biggest question marks Iowa has going into fall practice are at the two places folks seem to notice the most: quarterback and running back.
The Hawkeyes averaged a paltry 18.5 points last season, which was a major reason why they finished 6-6 and missed out on a bowl bid for the first time since 2000.
Iowa knows that it'll have to do better than that in 2008 if it hopes to return to the postseason, and that's why the Hawkeyes aren't promising starting jobs to anyone on offense -- including incumbent quarterback Jake Christensen.
Christensen appeared to be Iowa's answer at quarterback for the next three years, but he completed just 53.5 percent of his passes in 2007, forcing the coaching staff to take a long, hard look at the guys behind him, mainly sophomore Rick Stanzi.
Though Christensen is the favorite to start the season opener against Maine on Aug. 30, both he and Stanzi will take snaps with the first-team offense during fall practice.
"Jake, right now, would be the front-runner. There's no question about it. But he's got to earn the job. He's got to play the position better than he did a year ago," Ferentz said. "We'll let the guys compete and we'll see what happens."
Christensen, a junior, came to Iowa as one of the nation's most highly touted prep quarterbacks. After a redshirt season and one more as Drew Tate's backup, expectations were high -- perhaps too high.
Playing behind an inexperienced offensive line and with a receiving corps devastated by suspensions and injuries, Christensen finished with 17 TD passes and six interceptions. Those numbers weren't bad, but Christensen was up-and-down throughout his first season as starter.
Christensen pointed to accuracy as his biggest problem last season, and he traced it back to shoddy footwork. He spent the offseason trying to correct that problem, even spending a few days working out in Florida with former NFL quarterback Steve DeBerg.
"It's been pretty well documented that I didn't play as well as I should have last year," Christensen said. "It was a learning experience, and it's going to make me that much better."
Stanzi has thrown a grand total of four college passes, and one of them ended up in the hands of the defense. But the sophomore from Mentor, Ohio has impressed the coaching staff with his arm strength, decision-making and his ability to throw on the run.
The one thing working against Stanzi is a shoulder injury he suffered in mid-July. Stanzi is expected to be back by next week, but that missed practice time has put him behind the proverbial 8-ball with the opener less than a month away.
Redshirt freshman Marvin McNutt will likely be the third-string quarterback.
"I'm excited. It's always good to have competition," Stanzi said.
Few holes on either side of the ball loom larger for Iowa than the one at running back. The Hawkeyes lost Albert Young and Damian Sims to graduation, and those two combined for 97 percent of Iowa's rushing yardage in 2007.
There are as many as six candidates for the starting tailback spot -- including Shonn Greene, Nate Guillory, Jewel Hampton, Jeff Brinson, Paki O'Meara and Jayme Murphy -- but all signs point to Greene as the early favorite.
Greene rushed for 378 yards on an impressive 5.5 yards per carry in 2006, but academic issues forced him to attend junior college last season. But he's back at Iowa and in good shape, according to Ferentz.
"Getting Shonn back is big for us. He's a guy that's played out there. Hasn't had a ton of carries, but when he did he could carry the ball. We've seen enough of him to know he knows what to do," Ferentz said. "I think he's a guy that can really impact our football team."
Guillory, who is currently listed as the second-string tailback, is an intriguing prospect. Though somewhat undersized at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Guillory rushed for 2,644 yards in two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas and made significant progress as spring practice wore on.
Murphy and O'Meara pushed their way up the depth chart during spring practice, and Hampton and Brinson will each get their chance to earn immediate playing time.
Few would be surprised to see the Hawkeyes open the season using a running back-by-committee approach, as the coaching staff looks for guys who can do better than the 3.5 yards per carry Iowa averaged a year ago.
"The running back position, it's a jump ball in all regards," Ferentz said.
Rodriguez gets back to work with Michigan
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Rich Rodriguez stood at the center of a crowded practice field Monday, surrounded by two major construction projects, each representing a new beginning for Michigan football.
The first-year Wolverines head coach twirled a whistle around his wrist while loud Motown music blared from large speakers temporarily attached to a nearby golf cart.
The music, like the practice facility being built nearby and the work being completed on a $226 million renovation of Michigan Stadium, is new. The first day of preseason workouts for Rodriguez new surroundings and all is not.
"It's just nice to play football," Rodriguez said at a news conference following Michigan's first practice of the summer. Even after 25 years, "the first day of practice is pretty exciting as a coach, you get involved in certain drills. I like getting in the middle of it. I like coaching and teaching."
Rodriguez's summer debut marked the beginning of his preparations for Michigan's season-opener against Utah on Aug. 30.
But the afternoon workouts also marked Rodriguez's first step away from a busy offseason that included the settlement of a $4 million buyout dispute between the coach and his former employer, West Virginia.
The two sides reached an agreement last month as Michigan picked up $2.5 million of Rodriguez's buyout, leaving the coach to cover the remaining $1.5 million. The deal was reached nearly seven months after Rodriguez left West Virginia only a year after extending his contract.
But Monday, Rodriguez focused squarely on the present, talking of the improvement he saw in the Wolverines first summer workout after spending the spring learning the spread offense another marked difference from Michigan's past.
"We're not in game shape, but we're in a lot better shape than we were in the spring," Rodriguez said. "We're right on track."
Michigan won't begin workouts in pads until Friday before beginning two-a-day practices on Saturday. Rodriguez and his staff will begin to implement schemes on both sides of the ball, adding more as the start of the season approaches.
With a number of key question marks on offense particularly at quarterback and on the overhauled offensive line Rodriguez will depend on Michigan's defense to provide stability in the Wolverines' early preparations.
While Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan compete for the starting job at quarterback and Brandon Minor works to fill the shoes of departed tailback Mike Hart, Michigan's defense boasts enough experience to keep things settled early on.
"Any time you have inexperience on one side of the ball or the other, you hope the other side will make up for some of the mistakes you know are going to happen," Rodriguez said. "We're going to make mistakes on offense, but we have to keep them to a minimum and not make big mistakes and our defense and our special teams has to be outstanding."
For Threet, who appeared to be the most comfortable during Monday's drills, the timing of a starter being named isn't important. Threet spent the summer working with Sheridan, working on individual drills to establish a comfort level with Rodriguez's fast-paced brand of offense.
"We knew there were certain strides we had to take," Threet said. "I think everybody felt a little better today. All of us (vying for the starting quarterback's job) are trying to do what we can to get on the field and play and show the coaches that we should be the guy."
Notes: Running back Kevin Grady practiced Monday after being suspended indefinitely by Rodriguez for last month following a drunken driving arrest in the offseason. Grady pleaded not guilty after registering a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. Grady missed all of last season with a knee injury. Rodriguez said Grady is still suspended as far as seeing time in upcoming games goes, but has done enough to practice. When Grady is eligible to return to Michigan's game day lineup will be determined later, Rodriguez said. "He's not done enough to warrant playing time," Rodriguez said. "He's out there working but he's not working with the first couple groups."
Ohio State eyes another Big 10 title
Ohio State's James Laurinaitis peeked at a reporter's notebook while giving an interview and noticed a mistake.
"You spelled my name wrong," Laurinaitis interrupted, finding a missing 'a' in his last name.
Quite the perfectionist, that All-American linebacker.
The loaded Buckeyes are favored to win the Big Ten for a fourth straight year. But while conference crowns are nice, Ohio State wouldn't mind erasing the memories of lopsided losses in the last two BCS title games with a national championship.
The perfect ending to a season has been elusive for these Buckeyes.
"I've never gotten complacent," he said recently. "Let's face it, when you're in Columbus, you're the team down there. It's something where you are part of something special."
Other interesting story lines abound around the Big Ten.
# Joe Paterno's 372 wins are one behind only Florida State's Bobby Bowden for most among major college football coaches. But an age-old question has emerged again at Penn State: Will this be the 81-year-old Paterno's last season on the sideline?
# Michigan is in transition as new coach Rich Rodriguez installs his vaunted spread offense -- without a proven quarterback.
# Illinois will try to prove it's no one-year wonder, while Purdue coach Joe Tiller hopes his high-flying offense can nudge its way into the upper end of the standings in his final season before retirement.
Yet all that may take a backseat to another BCS title run by the Buckeyes.
Twenty starters return for coach Jim Tressel, including Laurinaitis and bullish 1,000-yard rusher Chris "Beanie" Wells. Tressel also added super-recruit Terrelle Pryor, who could have an all-purpose role on offense while playing understudy to steady starting quarterback Todd Boeckman.
"You hear about them all the time," Rodriguez said about the Buckeyes. "I still have on my desk from the first day I got the job a 'Beat Ohio State' button, so (it's) not like I needed to be reminded about that. But I do think it's fun."
Still for all their talent, the Buckeyes weren't good enough to beat LSU in the BCS title game last season, or Florida for the 2006 championship.
That has renewed debate by some college football fanatics about the strength of a conference viewed by critics as slow and plodding against the speed of the SEC or elite programs such as Southern California.
The Big Ten went 3-5 last year in bowl games, including 0-2 in the BCS -- the other loss being Illinois' 49-17 stinker to Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl.
Perhaps no team wants to change the minds of Big Ten naysayers more than the Buckeyes. They'll get their first chance on Sept. 13 at USC.
"Whenever people are telling you, 'You guys aren't going to be any good,"' he said, "you want to prove everybody wrong."
A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:
Ohio State Buckeyes -- Key players: QB Todd Boeckman, Sr.; RB Chris Wells, Jr.; DB Malcolm Jenkins, Sr.; LB James Laurinaitis, Sr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense.
Notes: The Buckeyes are trying to become the first team in the 113-year history of the Big Ten to win three straight outright titles. Ohio State shared its 2005 crown with Penn State. ... There will be no grace period for Pryor. "I would think that from day one he'll be a guy that you're going to take notice of," Tressel said.
Wisconsin Badgers -- Key players: RB P.J. Hill, Jr.; TE Travis Beckum, Sr.; LB Jonathan Casillas, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense.
Notes: Coach Bret Bielema must break in a new starting QB for the second straight year. Kansas State transfer Allen Evridge is the favorite. ... Wisconsin opens conference play with a tough trifecta: at Michigan before facing Ohio State and Penn State at home.
Penn State Nittany Lions -- Key players: WR Derrick Williams, Sr.; RB Evan Royster, So.; DE Maurice Evans, Jr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: Off-field issues aside, Paterno will ease in a new starting quarterback behind a veteran offensive line. ... JoePa must replace standout LB Sean Lee (right knee), and depth on the D-line took a hit after tackles Chris Baker and Phil Taylor were kicked off the team last week.
Illinois Fighting Illini -- Key players: QB Juice Williams, Jr.; WR Arrelious Benn, So.; CB Vontae Davis, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: Williams might be relied on more to spark the offense with RB Rashard Mendenhall gone to the NFL. ... Benn, last year's freshman sensation, has recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. ... The defense must replace four of last season's top five tacklers.
Michigan State Spartans -- Key players: QB Brian Hoyer, Sr.; RB Javon Ringer, Sr.; LB Greg Jones, So. Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: The Spartans hope to ride the momentum of last year's bowl appearance, their first since 2003. ... Hoyer and Ringer form a good core on offense, though WR Devin Thomas must be replaced after he decided to skip his senior season for the NFL.
Michigan Wolverines -- Key players: WR Greg Mathews, Jr.; DL Terrance Taylor, Sr.; DE Tim Jamison, Sr. Returning starters: 3 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: The Rodriguez era begins with an offensive overhaul. Redshirt freshman Steven Threet, a transfer from Georgia Tech, could take over at QB in the new spread-option offense. ... The D-line should be a strength with four starters back.
Iowa Hawkeyes -- Key players: QB Jake Christensen, Sr.; DT Mitch King, Sr.; DT Matt Kroul. Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: The university's handling of an alleged sexual assault case in which two former football players have been charged has drawn headlines. ... King and Kroul could be one of the best DT duos in country.
Purdue Boilermakers -- Key players: QB Curtis Painter, Sr.; RB Kory Sheets, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: Tiller, 83-54 in his 11 seasons as Purdue coach, is two victories shy of becoming Purdue's all-time winningest coach. ... The school is hyping Painter as a Heisman Trophy candidate, complete with the website, www.curtispainter12.com.
Minnesota Golden Gophers -- Key players: QB Adam Weber, So.; WR Eric Decker, Jr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: The offense appears to be in good hands with Weber, who passed for a school-record 2,895 yards and 24 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Still, the Gophers went 0-8 in conference last year.
Indiana Hoosiers -- Key players: QB Kellen Lewis, Jr.; DE Greg Middleton, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: Lewis is back with the Hoosiers after being suspended by coach Bill Lynch for undisclosed reasons. ... Middleton had an NCAA-leading 16 sacks last year.
Northwestern Wildcats -- Key players: QB C.J. Bacher, Sr.; RB Tyrell Sutton, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: Sutton, the Big Ten's leading active career rusher with 2,996 yards, missed five games last season with an ankle injury. He was limited to 522 yards in 2008 -- still a team-high.
Missouri begins workouts in 95-degree heat
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- Quarterback Chase Daniel said it was one of the hottest practices he'd ever participated in. Strong safety William Moore called it "crazy hot."
The encore for Missouri Tigers' historic 12-win season began with the first workout Monday afternoon, held in sweltering heat. Players tried their best to ignore the 95 degrees and high humidity that combined for a 109-degree heat index with zero shade. Anticipation for another big season like 2007, when they finished a program-best No. 4, helped them get through the two-hour workout.
"Good teams and good players just go out there and block it out," Daniel said. "You have to. You can walk around and take your helmet off as long as you can and stay as cool as you want as long as you're not going, but when you're in the play it's 100 percent."
Senior defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, who is from Amarillo, Texas, said the weather was no big deal for him.
"Down South where I'm from it gets a whole lot hotter than this," Hood said. "It was all right today. When you know you've got that practice, you don't really worry about the heat or the pain or anything, you just want to get out and perform."
Coach Gary Pinkel refused to shorten the opening workday, although he said drills and repetitions were controlled somewhat as a concession to the heat. The rest of the week, the Tigers will be practicing at 7:15 a.m. to avoid the worst temperatures of the day. Next week they'll alternate two-a-day practices with single workouts, with a pair of scrimmages also scheduled.
Pinkel was reasonably pleased with the effort from the first day, saying "Obviously, we've got a long way to go." But it was a big day for the coach, too.
"Heat drains everybody a little bit, but this team has a lot of enthusiasm," Pinkel said. "They like to practice. We've worked hard and this is the next phase."
The first few days of camp are more of an orientation to reacquaint players as a bridge to spring workouts, and to set the tone for a team favored for the first time to win the Big 12 North heading into the Aug. 30 opener against Illinois in St. Louis.
During one early drill, linebackers coach Dave Steckel threatened to "ship out" a player who dared to stroll back to the line after a drill.
"I don't think we worry too much about expectations," Daniel said. "I think we worry about going out there and getting better every single day."
Missouri spent a week at No. 1 and ended at No. 4 last season after thrashing Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl, the school's first Jan. 1 bowl game since 1969.
There are 10 starters back on defense and six starters on an offense that was fifth in the nation in total yards, led by Heisman finalist Daniel and All-American all-purpose threat Jeremy Maclin. Missouri was fifth in the nation in total offense.
"It feels good to get back out there and in the swing of things," Maclin said. "It's good for us to just get out there and get rolling again."
The underrated defense ranked in the top four of the Big 12 in three major categories last season and is looking for more equal footing with the offense this year.
"We're looking great," Moore said. "We've been out here working all summer and guys were moving really well."
Daniel, Hood, Moore and wide receiver Tommy Saunders, all seniors, were voted captains by their teammates, Pinkel said.
"It's my last year, and to be named captain and to be part of this team and leading this team is something special," Daniel said. "And something I'll always remember."
RB Smith dismissed from Wisconsin Badgers
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Lance Smith was dismissed from Wisconsin's football team Monday, a month after he was expelled from a first-offenders program for failing to meet its requirements.
Coach Bret Bielema, who suspended Smith last month, announced the dismissal after the team's first practice of the season.
Smith was placed in the program last October after a judge accepted Smith's guilty pleas to charges of battery and disorderly conduct. The charges stemmed from an altercation between Smith and his girlfriend in July 2007.
What Smith did to be removed from the first-offender program has not been disclosed.
Smith's case will now be sent back to court for sentencing on battery and disorderly conduct charges.
Smith has two seasons of eligibility remaining. He missed five games last season as a sophomore as part of a suspension handed down by the university.
Penn State starts camp with QB job open
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- The pressure is on at Penn State.
The Nittany Lions began preseason practice Monday, with thoughts of overturning the balance of power in the Big Ten fresh in their heads.
Center A.Q. Shipley planned to block out any talk about Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno's future by concentrating on readying the squad for a run at conference favorite Ohio State.
"It's definitely fair. We expect to win every game every year, and when we don't, it's obviously a disappointment," Shipley, a captain, said recently about the expectations heaped on the Nittany Lions by the school's rabid fan base.
"If we didn't have 110,000 fans week in and week out not expecting us to do that, we wouldn't be the program where we're at," Shipley said.
Here are some key questions for JoePa as he begins his record 43rd season as head coach:
Quarterback: Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin are the main competitors to inherit the job held the last two seasons by Anthony Morelli. Paterno also insists that third-stringer Paul Cianciolo is a candidate to start, though that's probably a stretch. If history is any indication, Paterno may lean on the more experienced and athletic Clark, a senior, though Devlin has impressed teammates, too, with his arm and ability to run the offense -- in practice. How each quarterback might react in the fourth quarter of a tight Big Ten road contest is a different story. Paterno also hasn't ruled out two quarterbacks, either. The player who calls the signals will have a veteran offensive line and a reliable, experienced receiving corps on his side.
Sean Lee's replacement: Lee, a standout linebacker, won't return to the field until 2009 after blowing out his right knee in spring practice. That's a blow to the defense. The Nittany Lions have depth at the position with several talented youngsters who could step up to fill the void. However, among the returnees, only Tyrell Sales has starting experience after last year's third starter, Dan Connor, moved on to the NFL. The early depth chart has Josh Hull flanked by Sales and redshirt sophomore Bani Gbadyu.
Running Back: Evan Royster stepped up last season after Austin Scott left the team because of an off-field issue. Nicked up at times as the understudy to Rodney Kinlaw, the redshirt sophomore must prove he can handle a bigger workload now that Kinlaw is gone. Royster's best runs came between the tackles. Redshirt freshman Stephfon Green had a promising spring practice as a potential change-of-pace back with blazing speed.
Defensive line: The unit was considered a strength before tackles Chris Baker and Phil Taylor got booted off the team last week for undisclosed reasons. Talent is still there, led by end Maurice Evans, though depth took a hit. Paterno has said he expects players injured last year, like junior Jared Odrick (right ankle) and redshirt freshman Devon Still (left knee), to reinforce the line.
Find the right answers and the Nittany Lions could improve on two straight 9-4 seasons and erase the bad memories of a string of off-field issues over the past year.
The first game is Aug. 30 at home against Coastal Carolina.
Huskies open fall camp with some distractions
SEATTLE (AP) -- Just what Washington coach Tyrone Willingham needed to start a season where his job is likely at stake: distractions.
The Huskies opened fall camp Monday with the overwhelming belief that Willingham must produce a winning season or else be looking for a new job come next year. But what could have been a day focused on the offseason improvement of sophomore quarterback Jake Locker or the philosophy of new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell instead was dominated by classroom and courtroom issues.
First came the classroom, where starting linebacker E.J. Savannah, the Huskies defensive MVP from a year ago, is academically ineligible. It's another blow for Savannah, who is still recovering from a broken left arm suffered in the spring during a non-football-related incident.
Willingham said Savannah's absence is "indefinite" and even if his academic situation is resolved, other off-the-field issues might still preclude him from being immediately welcomed back to the team.
Once Savannah negotiates the academic hurdle, "all the other things will be considered," the coach said. Willingham has not detailed what the other issues are.
Washington is fortunate to have depth at linebacker, but being without Savannah could be a significant blow. The Huskies will have an almost entirely new defensive line this fall and the depth of the linebackers had some believing that Donatell might consider using a 3-4 defense to make up for the lack of experience.
Last year, Savannah led Washington with 111 tackles and ranked sixth in the Pac-10 with 8.5 tackles per game.
"E.J. was our most productive linebacker last year. But I also think E.J. has an obligation to this team that he hasn't been taking care of," starting linebacker Donald Butler said. "We have to move on. I hope E.J. is here."
Savannah was also held out from the start of spring practice in April. At that time, he was academically eligible but had not "lived up to all the responsibilities of the football team," Willingham said then.
Savannah was at practice Monday, watching in a T-shirt and shorts. He was unavailable for comment.
Two freshmen also have academic issues awaiting resolution from the NCAA clearinghouse. They are Vince Taylor and Senio Kelemente.
Then came the courtroom news, after Willingham had wrapped up his pre-camp media briefing.
Reserve tight end Chris Izbicki was charged Monday with two misdemeanors after being arrested July 20 during a concert at the White River Amphitheater in suburban Auburn. Izbicki was charged with second-degree criminal trespass and minor in possession, and faces an Aug. 14 arraignment in King County District Court in Burien.
Izbicki was at practice Monday afternoon and is expected to compete with starter Michael Gottlieb and freshman Kavario Middleton for playing time this fall.
Aside from the academic and legal problems, the Huskies entered camp Monday at full strength, including the remarkable recovery of center Juan Garcia. While Willingham is taking a cautious approach with his sixth-year center, the fact that Garcia was on the field Monday was another step in his stunning recovery.
The second-team All-Pac-10 selection last year sustained a bone, joint and ligament displacement of his left foot during an April 18 practice. Garcia, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after missing the 2004 and '05 seasons with injuries, chose not to have surgery on the foot in hopes of playing again by the middle of the '08 season.
Garcia has steadily been ahead of schedule in his recovery from the same type of injury that ended the college career of former Huskies quarterback Isaiah Stanback during a 2006 game. Garcia worked on some drills Monday with his fellow offensive linemen before doing individual work while team drills were taking place.
"There is a great concern as to how well he is progressing. We think it's excellent to this date," Willingham said. "But now we begin practices and that's a different issue. So the posture that we will take is we will be very guarded with him, what we do, how we structure him, to ensure the best case scenario for him." Notes: Among the new additions to the Huskies roster is WR Chancellor Young, who transferred from Duke to Washington in 2005 before becoming academically ineligible. He is participating in camp as a walk-on. ... With Savannah out, Willingham said the starting linebackers to begin camp are Butler, Mason Foster and former walk-on Joshua Gage. ... When asked if he expected his team to make a bowl game, Willingham replied: "yes."
Illinois aims to fill in where Mendenhall left off
RANTOUL, Ill.-- Illinois ran for 257 yards per game last season; only four Division I-A teams averaged more on the ground. Illinois threw for 168 yards per game last season; only 10 squads threw for fewer.
The imbalance wasn't crippling, as the Fighting Illini finished 9-4 and spent New Year's Day in the Rose Bowl. But given the loss of star tailback Rashard Mendenhall, now a Pittsburgh Steeler, Illinois' returning offense might be more problem than plus to start 2008.
"It'll be rough," tight end Michael Hoomanawanui said. "We've got three guys back there, but they're not going to take Rashard's spot right away. Maybe they'll grow into it. But that was a guy that ran hard every play, had the moves and could run people over."
Junior Daniel Dufrene will lead a pack of four backs looking to fill Mendenhall's spot. Two of the candidates are true freshmen; the others, including Dufrene, have combined for 70 carries in Division I-A.
Junior Daniel Dufrene will lead a pack of four backs looking to fill Mendenhall's spot.
So replacing Mendenhall's production will fall to the pass game, an area where Illinois has struggled as much as any Top 25 program in the country. And for answers there, cue Isiah "Juice" Williams, a junior quarterback from Chicago whose baby-step improvement over years one and two needs to come in leaps and bounds this fall.
Williams' numbers so far cry mediocrity -- 10 wins against 12 losses, 22 touchdown passes with 21 interceptions, a 48.4 percent completion rate. Yet despite decent spot play last year from backup Eddie McGee, Williams has been anointed the Illini's No. 1 quarterback. And, the coaches hope, its only quarterback.
"His development has gone on since he's been here," offensive coordinator Mike Locksley said. "We've seen him get better. The mistakes have gone down."
The development this season centered on mastering an offense that at times has bamboozled Williams. The nadir came two seasons ago, when on some plays coaches would send a pre-snap signal instructing the then-freshman where to throw, regardless of how things unfolded.
Williams rectified the errors enough to throw four touchdown passes in an upset victory at Ohio State last November. He spent four days this offseason in Arizona working out with and getting tutored by Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, Locksley said. Williams estimates he spent 10 hours per week studying film this offseason to hone those mental skills.
Those steps seemed to please coach Ron Zook, who earlier this summer said he wants Williams to boost his completion percentage to 70 for the 2008 season.
"He knows where to go with the ball a little bit more," Zook said. "The biggest thing I see with Juice between last year and this year is his understanding of what to do."
Zook and the world will see early if Williams can show those talents in big games. Missouri and its underrated defense sit in the lead-off slot, and trips to Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin follow in conference play. Throw in a rematch with Ohio State in Champaign, and this schedule might give Williams his toughest challenge yet.
But he brings into 2008 the best supporting cast he's enjoyed since inheriting the starting job in 2006. Gamebreaker Arrelious Benn leads a young crew of receivers that might rank as the fastest of any in the Big Ten. The line loses guard Martin O'Donnell but returns Ryan McDonald and Xavier Fulton, both of whom figure to be draft picks in April.
Last season, those guys cleared holes for their run game and helped make Mendenhall a millionaire. This year, they're charged with giving Williams time to become a complete quarterback that can lead Illinois to consecutive bowls for the first time since the early 1990s.
"I'm ready," Williams said. "I've been working really hard for this. We're ready to show that we can be the same type of team we were last year."
Inside Dish: FSU's Rolle nominated for scholarship
Florida State administrators could help keep S Myron Rolle out of the NFL for an extra year -- or two. FSU plans to nominate Rolle for a Rhodes Scholarship based on his football skills, academic work and community service. Rolle, who spent a week this summer teaching youth from the Seminole tribe about health issues, might have to choose between NFL money and University of Oxford opportunities after the 2008 season.
A group of Indianapolis businessmen has investigated bringing regular-season college football games to Lucas Oil Stadium, which will replace the RCA Dome as the Colts' home this fall. But the group is much more likely to land a postseason game for the new digs -- a plan Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said he would support. Last year, 10 Big Ten teams became bowl-eligible, but Iowa and Northwestern, both 6-6, stayed home because there were not enough openings.
An interesting byproduct of the spread offense's proliferation: The I-formation has become a novelty. Teams such as Georgia, Michigan State and Pittsburgh have become anomalies, forcing opposing defenses to change up when they play them. "Five years ago, when the spread started coming in our league, you needed preparation vs. those teams," says Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, whose team runs more conventional sets. "For us, now, Wisconsin is unique."
Central Michigan officials spent $50,000 to buy a 30-by-60-foot billboard of junior QB Dan LeFevour. The fringe Heisman Trophy candidate's image will appear on the back of the main scoreboard at Detroit's Comerica Park and remain there until April. Now LeFevour needs to follow in the footsteps of another famous billboard boy, former Oregon QB Joey Harrington, who placed fourth in the Heisman voting in 2001 after his image graced a 10-story Times Square sign.
Florida's Aaron Murray and California's Richard Brehaut emerged as the best players at July's Elite 11 Quarterbacks Camp for high school seniors. Murray was named MVP of the camp and could eventually follow Matthew Stafford, also an Elite MVP, as the starter at Georgia. Brehaut won the points challenge over the four-day camp and impressed the counselors. He is bound for UCLA next fall to play under star-making offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
Because Florida and LSU have won national championships the past two seasons using two-quarterback systems -- Tim Tebow and Ryan Perriloux came in as changeof-pace quarterbacks -- more teams are trying the tactic. And that means preseason quarterback battles just aren't as exciting. Take Miami, where redshirt freshman Robert Marve and true freshman Jacory Harris are dueling for the job. Marve, a dropback passer, figures to win the No. 1 role. But Harris should get snaps, too. "Whichever quarterback we name," coach Randy Shannon says, "we're going to play the other one."
Pitt proves there's downsizing in college football
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- College football linemen are getting bigger, bigger and bigger still. Those 230-pound offensive linemen from Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt's days as a Panthers tackle in the 1970s would be linebackers or tight ends these days.
The trend toward NFL-sized linemen is one Wannstedt doesn't particularly like, so he is reversing it by going with offensive linemen who weigh less than 300 pounds. It's a major switch in philosophy, given that Ohio State's offensive line in last season's national title game averaged 318 pounds.
After the Panthers had trouble handling some of the Big East's quick but strong defensive linemen, Wannstedt decided to downsize. Strength and conditioning coach Buddy Morris was told to get the linemen stronger but, whenever possible, smaller, too.
When Pitt opens preseason training camp Tuesday at its practice complex, Wannstedt knows he'll like what he sees.
A smaller Joe Thomas. A smaller Jason Pinkston. A smaller C.J. Davis. All had initially gotten bigger since last season, but have shed weight since spring practice.
"We have drastically changed the bodies of some of the guys. Joe Thomas and C.J. Davis have both lost more than 30 pounds," Wannstedt said Monday. "I love the way our football team looks. We're a lean and very athletic group right now -- what we were shooting for."
The decision to get leaner came after 285-pound defensive lineman Mick Williams was so quick off the line of scrimmage during spring ball, the offensive linemen had trouble containing him. It was the same problem Pitt had last season with linemen such as Terrill Byrd of Cincinnati and Eric Foster of Rutgers.
"(Offensive line coach) Tony Wise had an interesting observation. He comes here from coaching with the Jets, against all those All-Pros, and we're going through spring practice ... and the best players in our conference, that we have to block -- not that the Steelers have to block -- have all been guys who are athletes that can run," Wannstedt said.
"We took this another step and said, "We've got to be able to match up with these guys.' A 6-foot-5 guy that is an athlete who can move and is 320, there aren't many like that. So what can we do ... how can we match up against them, counter that? That's how we started the ball rolling."
Smaller or not, Pitt's offensive lineman remains unsettled 25 days away from the Aug. 30 opener against Bowling Green, now that both starting tackles from last season, Jeff Otah and Mike McGlynn, are in the NFL. Otah was the No. 19 overall pick by Carolina.
For now, redshirt freshman Jordan Gibbs is penciled in at left tackle ahead of senior Chase Clowser, with junior Thomas, a guard last season, currently at right tackle ahead of sophomore Pinkston, who sat out after hurting a shoulder in the third game of last season. Davis and junior John Malecki are the starting guards and junior college transfer Robb Houser is at center, but all that can change.
"Our middle guys are very solid. And we have a lot of talent at tackle, but we have to work out our starters there," Wannstedt said. "Those spots are up for grabs."
Gibbs was a tight end and defensive linemen at Penn Manor High School before switching to tackle.
"It's going to be a different speed now in camp, especially when we scrimmage, and in the game as well," Gibbs said. "But I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Indiana QBs welcome competition to start
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) -- Indiana's Kellen Lewis was back in his familiar black jersey for the start of fall practice.
That means the competition to be Indiana's starting quarterback has officially begun.
Lewis begins August trying to win back the job he held for the past 11/2 seasons but ceded, at least temporarily, after serving a four-month suspension for violating team rules. Yes, Lewis was a little rusty Monday.
"It feels a little strange, a little awkward throwing the ball a little bit," Lewis said. "But it feels good to get back out there. When you throw the ball, it's not coming out like it used to, so I have to get reacclimated to how I used to do things."
How long that will take is anybody's guess.
Lewis said he plans to give himself a week to work out the kinks; if it takes longer, he said he would start putting more pressure on himself to speed things up.
Nobody doubts Lewis' skills. A year ago, he was one of the Big Ten's most productive offensive players. He threw for more than 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, rushed for another 726 yards and nine TDs and led the Hoosiers to their first bowl game in 14 years. The year before he replaced starter Blake Powers for good in midseason and nearly got Indiana to a bowl game.
Now he must spend this month trying to beat out Ben Chappell, a sophomore, who has completed just 1-of-2 passes for 14 yards in his college career. But Chappell does have one major advantage: Lewis' absence from spring drills gave Chappell a chance to work with the starters on the Hoosiers' new no-huddle offense.
"Obviously, Ben is so up on the no-huddle and the terminology, and it's going to take Kellen a little time to catch up on that, especially the terminology," coach Bill Lynch said. "Once the play begins, he knows where to go and what to do. But it's that terminology part that will take some time."
The bigger questions for Lewis will come off the field.
Lynch has never publicly explained what rules were violated and acknowledged Monday that he challenged Lewis to meet a set of guidelines before he could be reinstated.
Perhaps most important is that Lewis now believes being away from football helped him mature as a person, and he was more dedicated to his weightlifting regimen than in years past.
"I want to show that I've become a better individual and will stop making selfish decisions, which is what got me into this in the first place," he said. "I had to grow up as a student, not just as an athlete."
The residual effects from Lewis' extended absence are clear, though.
Chappell took most of the snaps with the starters Monday, and Lewis admitted that -- for now -- Chappell is No. 1 on the depth chart.
"There's no better opportunity than competing," Chappell said. "It's a blast."
Lynch has not set a time table for naming a starter, though he did say it wouldn't happen until after the Hoosiers' Aug. 16 scrimmage. The season-opener is Aug. 30 against Western Kentucky.
"We don't have to name one," he said. "We just have to have someone play quarterback."
Indiana also welcomed back Andrew Means, a receiver who signed with the Cincinnati Reds after the June baseball draft. There were some questions about whether Means would return to play football this fall, and Lynch and Lewis were both pleased to see Means back on the field.
"He's really important to this team," Lynch said. "He brings maturity, he's a hardworking guy and he carries a lot of respect in the locker room. I think the experience he's had the last couple months (playing pro baseball) has to make you more competitive and a better athlete."
Lynch also said Indiana's Memorial Stadium football field, which was damaged in June's heavy rains that produced flooding in the southern and central part of the state, has been repaired. An international drum and bugle corps competition is scheduled in the stadium this weekend, and Lynch hopes the event will help break in the new surface.
"It's really soft, like you'd expect from a nice, new field, so what we really need is some rain," Lynch said. "We could practice on it tomorrow if we wanted."
FAU looking to repeat as Sun Belt champ
Howard Schnellenberger, who turned 74 in March, is enjoying his golden years in the posh south Florida community of Boca Raton.
No, not in retirement.
The longtime coach is too busy adding to his legacy of building winners, this time at Florida Atlantic.
"Football in paradise is what we call it," Schnellenberger said, a smile widening under his signature white mustache. "We're going to get Jimmy Buffett to come sing his song ("Cheeseburger in Paradise"), but change the words a little bit."
The only head coach FAU has ever known is back for his eighth season with the program he built from scratch. This year is different, however. The Owls are preparing to defend a Sun Belt Conference title and seeking a repeat of their New Orleans Bowl triumph.
Most of Schnellenberger's fellow coaches seem to think the Owls can do it. FAU was picked as the favorite in the Sun Belt's preseason poll, followed by Troy, which crushed Rice in the 2006 New Orleans Bowl and upset Oklahoma State last year. Louisiana-Monroe, which registered a stunning upset at Alabama last season, was picked third.
The Sun Belt Conference, a football league since 2001, is getting stronger, seemingly fielding more potential giant killers each season. Accordingly, the conference has deals this season to send teams to as many as three new bowls.
The league champ will still head to the New Orleans Bowl, but other bowl eligible teams could end up at the St. Petersburg, Papa John's or Independence bowls.
The league is also in the process of adding a new team, Western Kentucky, which plays a Sun Belt schedule this season but does not officially compete in the conference until 2009.
Schnellenberger, who turned a losing Miami Hurricanes program into the 1983 national champion, then elevated Louisville to the Top 25 in the early 1990s, said he isn't surprised by FAU's newfound respect.
The Owls have lost only four starters from a squad that upset Minnesota last season for the program's first win over a BCS conference team, then convincingly beat Memphis, 44-27, in FAU's maiden bowl appearance.
Starting quarterback Rusty Smith, who threw for 3,688 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, is back. Also returning is top receiver Cortez Gent, who had more than 1,000 yards receiving and nine TDs.
"We have to learn how to be a great football team coming from a different position," Schnellenberger said. "Obviously, we won't sneak up on anybody. People will come and play the best they can against us and we need to experience that. We need to deal with it and overcome it."
A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:
FLORIDA ATLANTIC -- Key Players: QB Rusty Smith, Jr.; WR Cortez Gent, Jr.; RB Charles Pierre, Sr.; LB Frantz Joseph, Sr. Returning starters: 10 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: Schnellenberger, who has long known how to recruit in talent-rich south Florida, has created an enticing option for players who want to stay close to home but have little chance of starting right away at Miami. The coach thinks it's only a matter of time before FAU becomes a contender for a BCS bowl.
TROY -- Key Players: OT Dion Small, Sr.; LB Boris Lee, Jr.; DE Kenny Mainor, Sr.; S Sherrod Martin, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: The Trojans have a lot of returning starters on their offensive and defensive lines, but they will have new faces at numerous key positions. Departed top performers include QB Omar Haugabook, RB Kenny Cattouse and WR Gary Banks, as well as cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Elbert Mack.
LOUISIANA-MONROE -- Key Players: QB Kinsmon Lancaster, Sr.; RB Frank Goodin, So.; TE Zeek Zacharie, Sr.; LB Cardia Jackson, Sr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: ULM's upset over Alabama highlighted a strong finish in which the Warhawks won five of their last six games after a lousy start. With 15 starters coming back, including his QB, coach Charlie Weatherbie has reason to believe his program enters 2008 headed in the right direction.
ARKANSAS STATE -- Key Players: QB Corey Leonard, Jr.; RB Reggie Arnold, Jr.; WR Brandon Thompkins, Jr.; LB Ben Owens, Sr. Returning Starters: 6 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: Arnold gives the Red Wolves (formerly called the Indians) a running back with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Now if Leonard can throw fewer than the 15 interceptions he had last season and cut down on sacks, ASU could be a winning team.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE -- Key players: QB Dwight Dasher, So.; RB Desmond Gee, Jr.; WR Patrick Honeycutt, Jr.; LB Danny Carmichael, Jr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: Dasher is expected to start the next three seasons at quarterback, but first he'll have to beat out senior Joe Craddock. Coach Rick Stockstill has to figure out how to shore up a run defense that twice allowed more than 300 yards in a game late last season.
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE -- Key players: RB Tyrell Fenroy, Sr.; QB Michael Desormeaux, Sr.; WR Jason Chery, Sr.; LB Antwyne Zanders, Sr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: Fenroy seeks his fourth 1,000-yard season. Desormeaux was always a threat to run as well last season, but coach Rickey Bustle hopes he'll become a better passer. Meanwhile, the pressure's on Bustle, now in his sixth season, after only three victories in 2007.
NORTH TEXAS -- Key players: WR Casey Fitzgerald, Sr.; RB Micah Mosley, So.; LB Craig Robertson, So. Returning starters: 8 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: Expect competition for the starting quarterback job between sophomore Giovanni Vizza and freshman Riley Dodge, the son of coach Todd Dodge. Whoever wins it can look forward to throwing to Fitzgerald, who had 1,322 yards receiving and 12 TDs last season.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL -- Key Players: RB A'mod Ned, Sr.; LB Scott Bryant, Jr.; S Jeremiah Weatherspoon, Sr.; QB Paul McCall, Jr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: After going 1-11 last season, coach Mario Cristobal will need to improve fast. FIU scored 15 points per game last season. If McCall can't produce, sophomore QB Wayne Younger is likely to get a shot.
Lucky still the starter but shares Husker role
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- On the field, Marlon Lucky remains Nebraska's clear-cut starting I-back.
On paper, he shares the job with Roy Helu Jr.
Never mind the distinction.
When the I-back depth chart lists two players at the top and separates their names with OR, it's a big deal at Nebraska, where running backs once were the identity of the offense.
The stir over that simple two-letter word leaves offensive coordinator Shawn Watson incredulous.
"Everybody," he said, "is making a big deal out of 'or."'
That Lucky is getting pushed is surprising. He's the Big 12's only returning 1,000-yard rusher and the 2007 national leader in receptions by a running back.
Helu posted modest statistics in seven games as a true freshman last year but zoomed up the chart on the strength of an impressive spring.
Lucky said he's not insulted.
"It's motivation," he said. "It's another year, so you're going to go out and give it your 'A' game or you're going to be sitting the bench."
Watson attempted to nip the Helu hype. Lucky clearly is the starter, Watson said, but Helu will get plenty of carries, too.
"We're going to play a lot of guys," he said. "That's the way we've built it. We have that luxury, so why not use it?"
Lucky started all 12 games last season and went over 100 yards five times, including a career-high 233 in the opener against Nevada and 111 in a loss at Texas. He also caught a school-record 75 passes for 705 yards as Nebraska often played catch-up during a 5-7 season.
Lucky hasn't shown he can carry the ball 25 to 30 times every game, every week, like the Nebraska I-backs of yesteryear. That's where Helu enters the picture.
Watson said Helu has the same attributes as Lucky as a runner and receiver and, it's hoped, can step in with no drop-off. Quentin Castille and Marcus Mendoza also figure in Watson's plans.
Former coach Bill Callahan often talked about "pounding the rock," referring to his intent to run the ball. Game day didn't always reflect that.
Watson, given full control of the offense by new coach Bo Pelini, says he's serious about rededicating to the run. He said he loves "thumpers," those running backs who pound away at defenses and wear them out. If the Huskers can't find an individual thumper, he said, they'll do it by committee.
"The tailback is still going to get his touches, but sharing the duty is huge because that position takes a lot of wear and tear in the offense we run," Watson said. "You need a stable of guys, and we'll always try to have that stable. It should be nothing new to those guys. They were recruited with that in mind."
Helu was the Huskers' third-leading rusher a year ago with 45 carries for 209 yards. He also caught five balls for 40 yards.
He was home in Danville, Calif., this summer when he heard that he would go into preseason practice as co-No. 1 I-back.
"It didn't really surprise me, because all the coaches on the staff give everyone a fair opportunity," he said. "I guess that's what they saw my potential being."
Helu, however, was taken aback by the reaction when he returned to Lincoln.
"Everyone was talking about it, so I guess it was a pretty big buzz," he said. "But it's not that big a deal. It's just competition for both of us."
Lucky and Helu said the co-No. 1 thing has inspired some one-upmanship, whether it's seeing who can lift the most in weight training or who can run that extra sprint in conditioning.
"We came into summer real comfortable with expressing that we were competing against each other," Helu said. "But I couldn't see us being at each other's throats because of a spot."
Beecher ready to lead Gamecocks
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Tommy Beecher barely gets through a meal at a restaurant before he's interrupted by a South Carolina fan eager to talk Gamecock football.
"Sometimes when I'm eating dinner," South Carolina's starting quarterback says with a smile, "I don't want to talk about football."
These days, almost everyone wants to talk about Beecher, who's gone from a little considered third-stringer to front-and-center of South Carolina's offense.
Even coach Steve Spurrier sounds ready to change his quarterback shuffling ways, hoping Beecher can stabilize an inconsistent position the last three seasons.
"It would take an awful lot of bad plays, which I don't anticipate, to get him out of there," Spurrier said. "He's the guy."
It hasn't always been that way for Beecher.
He was part of Spurrier's first recruiting class in February 2005. After a redshirt season, Beecher found himself mostly out of the picture in 2006. He watched as true freshman Chris Smelley played in South Carolina's opener, and heard the reports that maybe the most complete quarteback prospect in Gamecock history, Stephen Garcia, was on the way for 2007.
Beecher, from Concord, N.C., thought about leaving. Instead, he decided patience was his best strategy.
"I guess it just wasn't my time," Beecher said of his first three seasons. "But when the opportunity approaches, you have to be ready to step up and play."
That opportunity finally came this past spring. Mitchell's time was complete while Garcia lost a second consecutive spring camp to suspension. Suddenly, Beecher was alongside Smelley splitting the work with the first team.
Neither was particularly impressive in last April's scrimmage that concludes spring practice. Beecher threw three interceptions to Smelley's five. A few days later, though, Spurrier tabbed Beecher No. 1.
Beecher was as surprised as everyone else. "I didn't know what to expect," he said. "I didn't know if (Spurrier) was going to wait to make a decision during the fall or in his mind, he had it made up."
No matter how it happened, Beecher's poise and confidence have risen.
He took charge of voluntary summer drills and worked to bolster chemistry with receivers and running backs.
(at)••Nr very smart and he has A••(at)•"e :•2•2•7see everything••7•;'ll come here and h!•2•0•3••0:season."
@Tab0: How long Beecher's season las•1•tional
championship-winning coach's system.
He has boasted about benching Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuer&•26•"t Florida. As Gators coach, Spurrier's quarterback carousel spun fast and furious, and rarely stopping for long on any one passer.
Spurrier relied largely on Mitchell in his South Carolina debut season in 2005, the sophomore starting 11 of 12 games and helping the team to landmark wins over Tennessee and Florida.
But Mitchell shared the starting job with Syvelle Newton in 2006, and Smelley last season.
South Carolina ended 2007 with five straight losses, perhaps leading Spurrier to choose a different path. Beecher is the beneficiary.
"I told him he's going to have every opportunity to be the quarterback the entire year, you know barring injury or whatever," Spurrier said.
Beecher, who's thrown just 25 passes in college, doesn't have to look far for inspiration about what could happen.
A year ago, Clemson faced uncertain prospects with new junior starter Cullen Harper at quarterback. "I think Cullen's in the Heisman talk," Beecher said.
Beecher's glad he wasn't rushed into action before he was ready. He admitted feeling odd when fall camp opened last week because he hadn't been No. 1 on a depth chart since high school. The worries eased with each throw.
"I think the players will get more and more confident in my ability," Beecher said. "One day, I'll prove that Coach Spurrier made a good decision."
That would surely give South Carolina fans plenty to talk about.
Stoops to skip autograph session
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Fans hoping to get an autograph from Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops at the "Meet the Sooners" day Wednesday will have to wait a little longer.
Stoops is planning to skip the event for autograph seekers so he can attend a memorial service for former New York Yankees outfielder and broadcaster Bobby Murcer.
Stoops instead plans to sign autographs for about two hours following a Friday morning practice that is open to the public.
That practice is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on the rugby fields east of the Lloyd Noble Center basketball arena.
Other Sooners coaches and players are still expected to go through the fan appreciation day Wednesday morning.
Versus to televise Ivy League games
NEW YORK (AP) -- Versus will televise 23 college football games this season, up from 19 last season, including five Ivy League games.
Versus will also televise eight games from the Mountain West Conference and five each from the Pac-10 and Big 12.
Among the Ivy League games Versus is slated to televise is the 125th Harvard-Yale game.
Texas wants more out of backup QB
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Big, fast and athletic, John Chiles is the player Texas fans are aching to see in action every week, not just once in a while in mop-up duty.
The problem is, he's the backup quarterback behind junior Colt McCoy, who is firmly entrenched as the starter with 51 career touchdowns passes, 5,873 yards and a 20-6 record.
After Chiles' playing time was limited as a freshman last season, coach Mack Brown promises to get him more involved this year, whether its passing, running off direct snaps or catching the ball.
He's not a threat to take over for McCoy. It's just that Brown says Chiles is too good not to be on the field. And McCoy says he loves the idea of adding a new weapon to the offense.
"John and Colt are two of our best players," Brown said this week as Texas opened training camp for its Aug. 30 home opener against Florida Atlantic. "We are committed to trying to get Colt and John on the field at the same time."
That means a busy August for Chiles, who will also continue to work as the No. 2 quarterback. Brown stressed that Chiles will not give up his backup QB duties.
"I told John when he reported Sunday, 'We're going to see if you're in shape or not,"' offensive coordinator Greg Davis said. "He's getting a bunch of reps at several different places."
Davis has a history of finding ways to get multiple uses out of his most talented players, going back to his days as a Georgia assistant when he helped develop Hines Ward as the do-it-all quarterback for the Bulldogs.
Brown and Davis say they're still developing a package of offensive plays to use Chiles in multiple ways. They didn't work on it in the spring to allow Chiles more time developing into a solid backup QB.
Chiles teased Texas fans with brief glimpses of what he can do in 2007.
He played in seven games but his time and snaps were extremely limited. Still, he made the most of it when given a chance.
Chiles ran for 77 yards and led two scoring drives against Rice. He scored a touchdown in a win over Iowa State and ran for a TD in the Holiday Bowl against Arizona State. He completed only one of nine pass attempts for 17 yards.
His biggest play came in his only carry in a tough win over Nebraska.
McCoy was shaken up by a hit and briefly had to leave the field with Texas trailing 17-9, and Chiles ran for 24 yards out of the zone read on his only carry.
The Longhorns had spent most of the game trying to pass against one of the country's worst run defenses, and Chiles' run seemed to turn on the light bulb in the coaching booth.
Texas went almost exclusively with the run the rest of the game and rallied to win, 28-25, behind Jamaal Charles' 216 rushing yards in the fourth quarter.
The Longhorns hoped to use Chiles more last season, but those chances never developed because Texas was deep at receiver and running back. And Chiles has yet to show he can be much of a passer.
But his flashes of skill have built high hopes for what he can produce if Texas can get the ball in his hands. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Chiles is one of the fastest players on the team, coaches say.
McCoy, who proved he can be multiple-threat QB with 492 rushing yards last season, could get some help from Chiles if he can bolster a receiving core lacking experience.
"John's good at anything he does," McCoy said. "He's explosive with the ball in his hands."
2 Miami players leave practice with dehydration
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Miami running backs Damien Berry and Lee Chambers left Tuesday's practice early because of dehydration.
Temperatures reached 87 degrees during the practice, which started at 7:50 a.m. and lasted more than 21/2 hours.
"We take breaks in practice, that's all you can do," Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon said. "We just tell them to hydrate between drills. That's all you can do, it is a part of camp."
Miami began fall practices on Saturday and have had four straight morning practices this fall.
"The first day of camp you usually have about 10 guys that go out, so I'm kind of excited because we've only had two in four days of practice," Shannon said.
Berry, a 5-foot-11, 207-pound sophomore, left practice in a cart. Berry switched to running back from safety after spring practices.
"Whatever position they put me, I am going to play it," Berry said after Monday's workout. "As long as I am on the field, I am feeling great."
Berry was sixth on the depth chart at tailback this fall, just behind Chambers.
Dantonio, Michigan State to build on momentum
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- By recent Michigan State standards, last year's 7-6 record was pretty good.
But quarterback Brian Hoyer and the Spartans made it clear during their annual media day that they have far loftier goals heading into the 2008 season.
"We've got a lot to prove," Hoyer said Tuesday in a club-level lounge at Spartan Stadium, just a couple of days into preseason camp. "We've got to remind ourselves in the grand scheme of things, we really didn't do anything last year. For where our goals are, we just took a small step. But one thing we did is we proved to ourselves that we have the talent and the coaching to compete with anybody in the Big Ten."
Coach Mark Dantonio orchestrated a better turnaround in East Lansing than many expected in his first season. The Spartans had a winning season and appeared in a bowl game for the first time since 2003.
Each of Michigan State's six losses were by seven points or less, including a 24-21 loss to Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl. Two defeats came in overtime.
The winning record and the close calls have combined to raise expectations among Michigan State fans hungry for a consistent winner.
"We've got very, very high hopes this season," said Dantonio, who is entering his second year as Michigan State's head coach. "With that said though, I think it's important to realize that we're a work in progress."
The Spartans have only 13 seniors among their core group, including Hoyer and running back Javon Ringer.
Ringer gained 1,447 yards rushing last season and is one of the nation's better running backs. Hoyer threw for 2,725 yards and 20 TDs last season.
Hoyer's receivers will have to join forces to replace the production of the departed Devin Thomas, now with the Washington Redskins.
Mark Dell had 20 catches for 220 yards and two TDs last season. Deon Curry, son of Detroit Pistons coach Michael Curry, had 24 catches for 200 yards and a TD.
The offensive line returns three starters -- tackle Jesse Miller, guard Roland Martin and center Joel Nitchman -- and tackle Rocco Cironi also has previous starting experience.
The Spartans need to replace some starters along the defensive front, but should get a boost from Cincinnati transfer Trevor Anderson. Justin Kershaw and Brandon Long are among those returning with experience.
Greg Jones and Eric Gordon are back as starting linebackers. Jones was Michigan State's leading tackler last season as a freshman.
Michigan State's secondary, considered a weakness in recent seasons, could be a strength this year. Otis Wiley, Kendell Davis-Clark, Roderick Jenrette, Chris L. Rucker and Ross Weaver are among those returning to the defensive backfield.
"We've learned about what it takes to get the job done," said Wiley, who is moving from free safety to strong safety. "It all comes back to communication and technique. If we do that right, everything will fall into place."
Special teams also could be a strength for the Spartans. Punter Aaron Bates and kicker Brett Swenson both return.
Michigan State starts the season Aug. 30 with a difficult road test at California.
BYU center out with shoulder injury
PROVO, Utah (AP) -- Brigham Young center Tom Sorensen is expected to miss the start of the season because of a shoulder injury.
Coach Bronco Mendenhall said after practice Tuesday that Sorensen may need surgery and is expected to be out four to six weeks.
Sorensen, a junior who transferred from Vanderbilt two years ago, was expected to start this season. Mendenhall said the Cougars could move all-conference tackle Dallas Reynolds to center while Sorensen recovers.
BYU opens the season Aug. 30 at home against Northern Iowa
Hawaii 'moving on' without Graunke
HONOLULU (AP) -- Hawaii quarterback Tyler Graunke waited patiently for three seasons behind Colt Brennan and filled in well when called upon. With Brennan gone to the NFL, this season was supposed to be Graunke's opportunity to lead the Warriors.
Graunke, however, has been held out of the start of fall camp while he resolves undisclosed issues. It's unknown when the senior will rejoin the team, putting his status for the season opener at Florida in jeopardy.
First-year Warriors coach Greg McMackin said Graunke's absence has not and will not affect the team.
"We've just moved on," he said Tuesday. "If somebody's not here, we just move on. If somebody gets hurt, we move on."
McMackin would not disclose why Graunke wasn't with the team, citing student privacy laws, only adding "Tyler has some things he needs to take care of."
The Honolulu Advertiser reported Tuesday that the problems are related to academics.
Graunke has not officially been suspended by the team, as he was earlier this year. He was suspended because of academic reasons but was reinstated just before spring workouts.
Graunke is, by far, the most experienced quarterback on the young Hawaii team. He appeared in 10 games last year, throwing for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In two starts, he threw for 358 yards and two TDs to lead Hawaii to a come-from-behind victory over Nevada. He also passed for 285 yards and three TDs against Charleston Southern.
He even outperformed Brennan in the Sugar Bowl, throwing Hawaii's lone touchdown. He was 13-of-19 for 142 yards and was one of the few bright spots for the team, even if it was late in the game against Georgia's backups.
Graunke came to Hawaii the same year as Brennan following a heralded prep career in Tucson, Ariz., where he set the state's single-season passing record with 3,372 yards. He was listed ahead of Brennan and started his first game at Hawaii against No. 1 Southern California, led by Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.
With Graunke's absence, Inoke Funaki and junior college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch will compete for the starting job. Funaki, a short and mobile quarterback, is the only one of the three with playing time at Hawaii. He was 10-of-15 for 135 yards and three touchdown last year.
McMackin said a starter will be selected about two weeks before the Aug. 30 season opener at The Swamp and will get about 75 percent of the reps in practice.
Center John Estes, one of just three returning full-time starters on offense, said he has "full confidence" in the new quarterbacks, who just need experience.
"We've got great players at quarterback because everybody wants to come and play quarterback here," he said.
Running back Leon Wright-Jackson said Graunke's absence has been a minor distraction and the team has remained focus.
"We have to move on. We have to," he said. "It's unfortunate because Tyler is like our older brother and he knows everything. So it's just unfortunate, but we just have to move forward."
Dawgs, Gators share top SEC billing
Georgia and Florida are rivals with much in common.
Both have a talented junior quarterback, a dynamic playmaker and a youthful-looking coach with a ridiculous career winning percentage.
One of them is also the hot Southeastern Conference team du jour. Which one depends on who's picking.
They both fit the bill, but coach Urban Meyer, quarterback Tim Tebow and the Gators already have a national title and a Heisman Trophy.
The Bulldogs have averaged a hair above 10 wins in coach Mark Richt's seven seasons, but they haven't added to the SEC's expanding trophy collection.
Might this be their year? Richt's peers think so, picking Georgia preseason No. 1 in the coaches poll. League media, on the other hand, picked Florida to win both the SEC East and the overall championship.
Tough crowd, this SEC.
The 'Dawgs will leave any politicking to the end of the year. They're already trotting out references to last September's Appalachian State win over Michigan.
The message: Beware Georgia Southern, the opening opponent.
"We can't listen to the hype and the media," Georgia defensive tackle Jeff Owens said. "We don't want to end up like Michigan last year losing to App State. We've got to learn from their mistake."
Games at South Carolina, Arizona State, LSU and Auburn are more dangerous. Not to mention the Florida rivalry across the state line in Jacksonville, intensified by the Bulldogs' end zone dance in last season's win.
Defending national champ LSU is getting overshadowed largely because, unlike Florida and Georgia, there's no proven quarterback on the roster. Ditto for Auburn, Tennessee and South Carolina.
LSU's Les Miles is the fifth current SEC coach to win a national title, and new Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino had a pair of one-loss seasons at Louisville. Not to mention Tommy Tuberville's unbeaten 2004 season at Auburn.
"To claim that many national championships among your group of coaches, it's kind of intimidating sometimes, I guess," Richt said.
Then again, he ranks fourth among active coaches by winning 79.1 percent of his games, right behind Meyer, No. 3 at 81.4 percent.
Florida and Georgia both have the bulk of their starters back, and each has at least one legitimate Heisman candidate.
Bulldozing quarterback Tebow is going for two in a row, but versatile Percy Harvin also is getting plenty of buzz. So is Georgia's sophomore tailback Knowshon Moreno.
The Bulldogs also have quarterback Matthew Stafford and a potentially dominant defense that returns nine starters from a group that held high-powered Hawaii to 10 points and forced six turnovers in the Sugar Bowl.
The Gators should be improved on defense, with eight starters back from a unit that ranked last in the SEC against the pass. Meyer, though, knows he has plenty of company among SEC teams with notions of a title.
"Once again, any given nine think they're going to play in a conference championship," he said. "I don't know if you see that anywhere else in America."
His quarterback is hungry for victories after the Gators followed up a national title by losing four games.
"I'd trade (the Heisman) for a national championship any day of the week," Tebow said after an offseason that included three mission trips to foreign countries. "It was a dream come true to win the Heisman, but it doesn't compare to a national championship."
A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:
EAST
GEORGIA -- Key players: QB Matthew Stafford, Jr.; RB Knowshon Moreno, So.; MLB Dannell Ellerbe, Sr.; CB Ahser Allen, Jr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 9 defense.
Notes: Moreno emerged late last season, and the normally stoic Richt came out of his sideline shell. The result was a strong finish and a No. 2 final ranking. Moreno could have some help in the backfield from highly touted freshman Caleb King. Defense must replace SEC sack leader Marcus Howard.
FLORIDA -- Key players: QB Tim Tebow, Jr.; WR Percy Harvin, Jr.; DE Jermaine Cunningham, Jr.; LB Brandon Spikes, Jr. Returning starters: 8 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: Tebow and Harvin shouldn't have to shoulder so much of the load. Redshirt freshman tailback Chris Rainey figures to get plenty of carries, along with USC transfer Emmanuel Moody. ... Defense ranked last in SEC yards passing, but three freshmen started last year, including hard-hitting safety Major Wright.
TENNESSEE -- Key players: QB Jonathan Crompton, Jr.; RB Arian Foster, Sr.; OT Anthony Parker, Sr.; S Eric Berry, So. Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: New offensive coordinator Dave Clawson has four starters returning on offensive line, including second-team All-American Parker. ... Berry and DE Robert Ayers lead defense that ranked 11th in SEC yards allowed last season.
SOUTH CAROLINA -- Key players: LB Jasper Brinkley, Sr.; WR Kenny McKinley, Sr.; S Emanuel Cook, Jr.; LB Eric Norwood, Jr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 10 defense.
Notes: Head ball coach Steve Spurrier turns to another quarterback, Tommy Beecher, and to son Steve Jr. for primary playcalling duties. ... Brinkley returns after a medical redshirt and Ellis Johnson is the new defensive coordinator.
KENTUCKY -- Key players: WR Dicky Lyons, Sr.; RB Tony Dixon, Sr.; CB Trevard Lindley, Jr. Returning starters: 4 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: 'Cats vying for third straight bowl game. Must overcome huge losses on offense, including the loss of backfield stars Andre' Woodson and Rafael Little and receiver Keenan Burton.
VANDERBILT -- Key players: QB Mackenzi Adams, Jr.; CB DJ Moore, Jr.; WR George Smith, Sr. Returning starters: 3 offense, six defense.
Notes: Trying to avoid a 26th consecutive losing season ... The offense returns only three starters and none are linemen. Also, go-to receiver Earl Bennett is gone.
WEST
AUBURN -- Key players: RB Ben Tate, Jr.; CB Jerraud Powers, Jr.; DE Antonio Coleman, Jr.; Tray Blackmon, Jr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense.
Notes: Tailback U is switching to a fast-paced spread offense under new coordinator Tony Franklin. Either Chris Todd or Kodi Burns will be running it. ... The defense should be formidable again under new boss Paul Rhoads, led by linemen Coleman and Sen'Derrick Marks and LB Blackmon.
LSU -- Key players: WR Demetrius Byrd, Sr.; OT Ciron Black, Jr.; DT Ricky Jean-Francois, Jr.; LB Darry Beckwith, Sr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: Les Miles still has a talent-laden roster, but plenty of uncertainty at quarterback. Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee are vying for job. ... Defense can just reload despite losing Glenn Dorsey and other stars. Doug Mallory and Bradley Peveto are co-defensive coordinators, replacing Bo Pelini.
ALABAMA -- Key players: QB John Parker Wilson, Sr.; RB Terry Grant, So.; S Rashad Johnson, Sr.; MLB Rolando McClain. Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense.
Notes: Year 2 for coach Nick Saban will feature a veteran quarterback and offensive line. Other positions will need help from youngsters, especially receiver and linebacker. ... Focus will be on finishing games and the season better after losing last four regular-season games in 2007.
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Key players: S Derek Pegues, Sr.; RB Anthony Dixon, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense.
Notes: Coach Sylvester Croom finally has a year to build on, including a bowl win. He also has experienced Wesley Carroll at quarterback. ... Top three tacklers are back on defense, plus Pegues.
MISSISSIPPI -- Key players: QB Jevan Snead, So.; DE Greg Hardy, Jr.; DT Peria Jerry, Sr.; OT Michael Oher, Sr.
Notes: New coach Houston Nutt inherits a team that won only three league games in Ed Orgeron's three seasons ... Snead is a Texas transfer.
ARKANSAS -- Key players: QB Casey Dick, Sr.; C Jonathan Luigs, Sr.; DT Ernest Mitchell, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.
Notes: The Razorbacks made an NFL trade: Coach Bobby Petrino for backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, first-round draft picks. ... Games at Texas and Auburn don't help Petrino's cause.
Neb.'s Pelini says he wants perfection
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska's new football coach says the team's making progress, but he wants perfection.
And Bo Pelini says the team is far from that.
The team held its second fall camp practice Tuesday, working out in shorts and helmets.
Pelni says coaches took the first two days to get to know the newcomers and see what they can do.
Pelini says some of them are more comfortable than others. And he says a couple might have a chance to help the team out.
The Cornhuskers return to the practice field Wednesday.
2nd Ark. practice better, Paul Petrino says
(from Sporting News) - FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino says the Razorbacks showed better spirit and discipline in their second preseason workout Tuesday than they displayed in Monday's first practice.
"I think we handled the heat a lot better today," Petrino said.
Players worked out for two hours Tuesday in shorts and helmets on the practice fields south of Razorback Stadium.
Petrino said there were some missed assignments, but "we saw some good things happen."
"We had a few big plays and a few mistakes," he said. "I do think we came out, fought hard today and worked hard today."
Among the freshmen, Petrino singled out Jarius Wright and De'Anthony Curtis for making big plays and Michael Smith for some nice runs.
Arkansas opens its season Aug. 30 against Western Illinois.
Sporting News's team previews: No. 23 Alabama
These are rare times in Tuscaloosa, all right. Never has an Alabama team that lost six games the previous season had such a bright future nine months later.
Yet here we are, not even a year removed from a home loss to -- ahem, Louisiana Monroe -- and things couldn't be more positive for all that is Crimson. Funny what winning the unofficial recruiting national title will do for expectations.
For the 90,000-plus fans in the stands, anyway.
"Nothing has changed from the time we first arrived," Alabama coach Nick Saban says. "It's going to take time for us to develop into who we want to be."
Translation: Don't get too geeked about this fall, Tiders. For every positive, there seems to be a negative tagging along.
The defense looks as if it could be nasty good with young stars like linebacker Rolando McClain and cornerback Kareem Jackson, but the team still must adjust to the 50 defense this fall (a 3-4 alignment) and still lacks a legitimate game-changer on the line.
Alabama has potential on offense, but quarterback John Parker Wilson still makes too many mistakes and is too erratic. And now he has a receiving corps that is thin on experience and fat on hype.
The Tide needs incoming freshmen wideouts Julio Jones and Burton Scott -- both five-star recruits and keys to the recruiting national title -- to make an immediate impact. In this case, that means playing as starters from the outset. Scott, though, could be used at cornerback if the Tide can't get more out of junior Javier Arenas or a loaded freshman class at the position (best prospect: Alonzo Lawrence).
Four returning starters on the line -- star tackle Andre Smith, guards Mike Johnson and Marlon David and center Antoine Caldwell -- have a combined 87 career starts and will lead the way for an underrated running game with tailbacks Terry Grant and Glen Coffee.
The overriding issue, though, is Wilson. He will be coached by the third different offensive coordinator (Jim McElwain) in the last three seasons, and still hasn't found his groove as a leader.
McElwain has made it clear that the offense lacks an attacking nature, and that the new clock rules will allow the Tide to increase tempo and set the tone of the game. McElwain wants to get the ball to the perimeter and allow Alabama receivers to make defenders miss. That's a direct contrast to last year's philosophy of working the middle of the field or throwing it deep and hoping someone makes a play.
The theory goes something like this: Anyone can hope something good happens; the offense will now force the issue until something does.
Sometimes hope is all you have when looking to the future.
Sporting News's team previews: No. 30 Mississippi State
The event of the offseason in Starkville came far away from the field, yet firmly showed where Mississippi State stands in the nation's toughest conference.
The university extended coach Sylvester Croom's contract to four years--the maximum allowable under state law--and gave his assistants significant salary bumps. In the meat grinder world that is the SEC, there is no bigger show of administrative faith.
"We have the commitment from our administration," Croom says. "It's time for us to take that next step."
That, more than anything, means Mississippi State must get better on offense. Consider these awful numbers: 113th in the nation in passing offense, 76th in rushing offense, 96th in scoring, and a measly 30 touchdowns in 13 games.
Now, the bad news: It got worse during spring practice. Four quarters of the annual spring game came and went, and no one scored. Yep, 0-0. Hey, look at the bright side: At least Mississippi State got to practice overtime periods.
The problem on offense--as it has been since Croom arrived in Starkville in 2004--is quarterback play. Injuries, inconsistency and just plain poor play at the position have kept this team floundering on offense.
Sophomore Wesley Carroll is the clear starter, but only because there is no one else. Carroll was spotty much of last season, and he really isn't much of a thrower. Croom and offensive coordinator Woody McCorvey say big changes are coming this fall; that Carroll--despite throwing only six passes in the spring game--has made big strides in the offense.
He better have, because State needs something to take the heat off talented tailback Anthony Dixon. One of the big surprises in the league last fall, Dixon has power and deceptive speed--and somehow had a 1,000-yard, 14-touchdown season despite the team's one-dimensional offense.
The Bulldogs spent the spring focusing on play-action passing (setting up the grinding running game) and gaining accuracy on deep balls (stretching the field to keep safeties from playing the run). It sounds like a good plan, but State doesn't have the speed and enough dynamic players on offense to scare defenses. And until Carroll becomes more comfortable in the pocket--and learns to trust his protection-- the Bulldogs will once again rely on a stout defense.
Defensive tackles Kyle Love and Jessie Bowman are strong run stoppers, but the back seven is where this unit will control games. Middle linebacker Jamar Chaney developed into one of the league's best players last year, and linebacker Dominic Douglas isn't too far behind. The secondary is so loaded, State moved promising safety Wade Bonner to tailback to try to get more speed on offense.
Jasper O'Quinn and Marcus Washington are solid cover cornerbacks, and free safety Derek Pegues is underrated in run support and has terrific closing speed in coverage. O'Quinn and Washington take more chances than they should because Pegues is there to erase mistakes.
If the offense continues to struggle, the Bulldogs' stout defense will have to erase more than that.
Sporting News's team previews: No. 39 South Carolina
He has been humbled, you know. Yep, the Ball Coach with all the answers is suddenly passing it off to his son to figure it all out.
Steve Spurrier, everyone, is stepping away from the South Carolina offense and handing over the play-calling duties to his son, Steve Jr.
And if you believe that, well, you'll believe the Gamecocks' quarterback situation is a nice, neat package, too. The reality is, the two dynamics go hand-in-hand in what has become a crossroads season of sorts in Columbia.
"It's the right time for him to call the plays," Spurrier says of his son.
Frankly, there couldn't be a worse time.
The Spurrier offense -- be it Steve or his son calling the plays (and both are more than capable) -- is built around smart, efficient quarterback play. And South Carolina is nowhere near having that going into fall camp.
In the spring game, projected starter Tommy Beecher and starter 1-A Chris Smelley combined to throw eight interceptions. If the sheer number isn't bad enough, consider this: Spurrier's spring games are always played against base defenses full of second-teamers, if for no other reason than to give his offense some success and a mental boost heading into offseason conditioning.
In other words, Beecher and Smelley threw eight picks against what will likely be the easiest scheme they will face this coming season. That's not a good sign heading into Season No. 4 of the Spurrier Experiment in Columbia.
Just when it looked as though the Gamecocks had turned the corner under Spurrier last fall, the team lost its last five games (the longest losing streak in Spurrier's college coaching history), and it begins this season with a multitude of questions.
New defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has 10 starters returning, but the unit was ninth in the SEC in total defense and one of the worst in the nation (110th) against the run. This is also the same group that played through numerous injuries and blew more than its share of second-half leads.
Moreover, its best player, middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, is coming off major reconstructive knee surgery.
"There's no other way to say it," Johnson says. "We have to stop people."
That, of course, will give the ball to Spurrier's offense. This spring, Spurrier sent a few assistants to Wake Forest to watch how the Deacons zone block -- and how they run the read option.
It's no secret that Spurrier's best offense at South Carolina was the group led by dual-threat quarterback Syvelle Newton in 2006. If Beecher and Smelley continue to struggle, Spurrier will turn to freshman Aramis Hillary, a dual-threat QB package Spurrier has raved about since national signing day.
If he's giving up play-calling, he may as well go all in and change his pass-happy offense for good, too.
Sporting New's team previews: No. 22 Tennessee
This is the Phil Fulmer way -- there's no sense arguing or complaining about it. Tennessee wants to run the ball and stop the run, and all will be well in Big Orange land.
Only something happened along the way to nirvana on fall Saturdays. The Vols stopped winning games of significance, and now Fulmer -- in the twilight of his coaching career -- has made a philosophical and program-defining change.
"We've tried just about everything with the offense," Fulmer says. "Now we'll try something a little different."
How's this for different: Four- and five-receiver sets, more run-based sets out of the shotgun, more spread-option principles and a defined package for the best athlete (wideout Gerald Jones) on the team. All of this in an effort to do the one thing Fulmer believes will bring this team its first SEC championship since 1998: run the ball better.
Or in the Fulmer vernacular, "pound the rock."
"It's who we are," Fulmer says.
It's also an identity that has slipped of late. While the Vols have held steady as one of the league's best defenses in stopping the run, they have finished no better than ninth in the SEC in rushing over the last three seasons. So while the defense seems set again this fall with six starters and plenty of experience returning, Fulmer hired Division I-AA head-coaching star Dave Clawson to run the offense -- although this scheme won't be nearly as freewheeling as Clawson's multiple offense at Richmond.
It will, however, bring Tennessee up to speed in the ever-changing world that is college football, and make the team more difficult to defend against the nation's most physically gifted defenses in the SEC.
The scheme is a perfect fit for junior quarterback Jonathan Crompton, who sat for three seasons behind Erik Ainge (including a redshirt season in 2005) and brings more athletic ability to the position. There were concerns that Crompton may have regressed the last two years while waiting for Ainge, but he made great strides in the spring and grabbed control of an offense that, on paper, could be very formidable if it adjusts to the system, a new coordinator and three other new offensive assistants.
It's a tall task, but Tennessee has the talent to make it happen. Tailback Arian Foster will likely become the school's all-time leading rusher this fall behind an experienced offensive line, and the receiving corps -- after starting slow last fall -- should be one of the best in the league. Jones, a sophomore who played in just nine games last season and caught only 11 balls, will be featured in the new package.
Clawson has come up with a "G-Gun" package (think Darren McFadden in the Arkansas "Wild Hog" formation) for Jones, and senior wideouts Lucas Taylor and Josh Briscoe have developed into legitimate threats. Remember, this is an offense that had a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver -- even though it struggled in key losses to rivals Florida and Alabama, and to LSU in the SEC Championship.
In games against Florida, Alabama and LSU, the Vols averaged 17 points a game; against everyone else, the number jumped to 40.4. That's not pounding the rock -- that's getting pounded in big games. It now falls on Clawson -- with Fulmer's drastic change of philosophy -- to fix the problems and make it work.
Tide's McClain elder statesman now
(from Sporting News) - TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Rolando McClain is now the elder statesman of Alabama's linebacking corps.
McClain was an instant starter last season as a freshman and is left to mentor players facing the same possibility.
Prince Hall's three-game suspension makes McClain the elder statesman of the linebacking corps.
Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said McClain has the upbeat, outgoing personality to help him thrive in that role. McClain finished last season with 75 tackles, including 15 in the regular-season finale at Auburn.
Then he survived an offseason motorcycle accident that left him on bed rest for two weeks.
The Tide is seeking replacements for linebackers Zeke Knight, Keith Saunders and Darren Mustin.
Kentucky cornerback Warford ruled ineligible
(from Sporting News) - LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky cornerback Paul Warford has been ruled ineligible for the 2008 season, though he could return to the team in 2009.
Warford started 11 games for the Wildcats last season, with 41 tackles and two interceptions. The junior from Richmond, Ky., will not be enrolled during the fall semester and will be redshirted by the team. He could return to school in January and be back on the field in 2009.
The Wildcats could also be without offensive guard Christian Johnson this season. The senior from Fort Campbell, Ky., has a back injury and is facing an eligibility issue. Johnson has started 15 games in three seasons with the Wildcats and could be redshirted if necessary.
Kentucky opens training camp on Tuesday.
Gators begin fall practice with holes
(from Sporting News) - GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- The Florida Gators began fall practice Monday with three noticeable absences, a surprising addition and a glaring weakness.
Defensive tackle Torrey Davis, safety Bryan Thomas and incoming freshman defensive back Adrian Bushell weren't around for the season's first practice.
Davis and Bushell were dealing with academic issues. Thomas had a cyst removed from his knee and will be out at least a few weeks.
The Gators did have one player back on the field for the first time in more than a year. Junior Ronnie Wilson, who was kicked off the team and out of school in April 2007 following his arrest on battery and gun charges, was back with his former teammates.
He moved from offensive to defensive line and shortened his first name to Ron.
"I'm sorry that I caused so much embarrassment for my family, the school and the football program," Wilson said in a statement. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to be out here. It was very difficult being away from the school and the football team that I care so much about. I'm blessed to have this chance."
Police accused Wilson of shooting a semiautomatic rifle into the air after a dispute with another man. Wilson told police he took the rifle out of his trunk and fired one shot because he wanted the other man "to know how it felt to be scared," according to the police report.
Wilson later pleaded no contest to battery and discharging a firearm and received two years of court-supervised probation. He also was ordered to forfeit his firearm and perform 100 hours of community service.
Wilson re-enrolled at Florida in January, and coach Urban Meyer said Wilson has passed 20 credit hours since. He is taking another six credit hours in the second summer session and is on track to graduate next May. But Meyer stopped short of reinstating the 6-3, 309-pound lineman.
"He's not back," Meyer said. "We're still evaluating him. I have a long history of giving guys opportunities. ... A lot of thought went into it, though."
Meyer also said he was aware of Wilson's arrest on a marijuana possession charge in January. The charge was later dismissed.
The Gators hope Wilson can bolster a defensive line that struggled to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run at times last season.
An even bigger area of concern for Florida is the secondary, specifically the safety position. The Gators lost starter Tony Joiner and backup Kyle Jackson to graduation. Then Jerimy Finch transferred, Jamar Hornsby was kicked off the team for allegedly using the credit card of a deceased student, and Dorian Munroe and John Curtis had season-ending knee surgery.
And incoming freshman Dee Finley, expected to compete for playing time, did not qualify academically and enrolled at a prep school.
After all the attrition, Florida opened practice Monday with returning starter Major Wright and a handful of inexperienced others. Sophomore Ahmad Black and freshman Will Hill, a Parade All-American, are expected to compete for the other starting spot.
The Gators also moved walk-on receiver Cade Holliday and freshman receiver T.J. Lawrence to safety.
"The guys that we do have, I know they're going to work hard and compete," Wright said. "We have a couple of freshmen that came in that are pretty good and we've got a couple of guys that were already here that know safety and are doing pretty good."
Meyer wasn't nearly as positive.
"That's a concern, but Will Hill has looked great and Ahmad Black had an excellent practice," Meyer said. "I think we have some people, just not enough."
Perfect 'role' model for his younger brother and we saw what happened there.