Last week I got the chance to write some quick thoughts on the Jim Tressel-Ohio State-email situation that was uncovered by Yahoo! aka the grim reaper of college sports. This week we got some more insight into the situation by having our Buckeye afficianado Luke Zimmermann on to talk Tressel. Luke, the artist formerly known as worstfan, writes for Eleven Warriors one of the premier Buckeyes websites and folks he's got plenty to say on the Tressel situation.

Luke jump starts the conversation by re-hashing the details of the situation, he talks about all the facts from Chris Cicero's standing in the Buckeye community to the suspension and the awful presser that did little to help win folks over to the Sweater Vest's side. We hit on the suspension of two games and look at the move Gordon Gee made to hopefully stave off stiffer penalties from the NCAA.

Talk also covers the coach's inactivity and the multiple instances of Tressel not coming forward with the information he had sitting in his inbox. We talk about the legacy of Jim Tressel as he is generally viewed in a more positive light than guys like Nick Saban and Urban Meyer and how this incident may color how folks view him going forward. All in all there is a lot to talk about and plenty gets covered in the conversation, if you're interested in the Buckeye situation Luke has got something for you.

Oh and Luke's at SXSW so yes, your's truly is jealous of him and all the rest of my internet and real friends who got to make the trip to Austin for a lot of fun. If you run into him buy him a beer, ITB will say it is from us.



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Got a bit of a twist here on the show today because, as you know, from time to time we like to bring folks from off our standard path on the podcast to discuss topics. Today we've got Larry Lank Lank on the show to hit on his most popular jam 6'6" 250 the track spawned by all of the controversy surrounding Cam Newton as well as talk a little Nick Fairley and the Toomer's Corner incident. Be sure to check out Larry's whole album, The Cam Newton LP available for your consumption on iTunes as well.

We get into the discussion by talking about everything surrounding 6'6" 250 and as Cam sat in the midst of a Heisman and BCS Championship season there were journalist gunning from all over in an attempt to sully the kid's name. Larry put the song out there as a way to get a positive message out about the best player on the team he cares about deeply. As he termed it, they were able to spout off their nasty opinions so I thought I'd give mine too.

Talk turns to the Auburn family as a whole as we discuss the Harvey Updyke situation and the poisoning of the Toomer's Corner Trees. As I stated before the act was about more than trees and anyone who can't understand that must not be a part of a legitimate college football tradition. Larry expounds upon that ideal as he talks about his recent trip to Auburn's campus, the electric feel of being at Toomer's Corner and then the devastation in hearing about the probably loss of the trees.



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On today's podcast we've got Steven Salzberg a professor of Computer Science and Genetics at the University of Maryland on the podcast.

Why you ask?

Well because Professor Salzberg penned an article entitled "Get Football Out Of Our Universities" for Forbes Magazine last weekand needless to say the piece touched off some strong sentiments in our community. Inspired by some statements regarding science fairs and the Super Bowl, Salzberg took the opportunity to explain why he'd like to see the university communities in America jettison the game we all love into an independent or "loosely affiliated" sport within the grand scheme of things. Salzberg and I hit on several major points from his article as well as taking this opportunity to expound on the ideas he touched on in Forbes.

The reason behind his article is clear and while we're on two separate sides of the issue we do see eye to eye on several things including education of players for later in life and the idea that university presidents, chancellors and the like shouldn't be anywhere near the football program.

Other interesting portions of the conversation are the discussion of donations and why he targeted football specifically. Would donations continue to pour in should football programs be removed from the actual universities themselves? He thinks so, I'm not so certain.

On the football specific argument it is interesting that Salzberg notes all student athletes are in not in an ideal scenario to maximize their education opportunity but uses football because of the sports massive sphere of influence and the dollars associated with the game.

All in all it is a great discussion and no matter what side you fall on the idea is one that should be kicked around. Personally, as I state during the show, I feel that football and the student athlete community as a whole are part of the diversity and wealth of experiences that truly enrich the college experience for the participants and non-athlete students alike.

And yes folks that is Morning, Mr. Magpie from the new Radiohead album "The King of Limbs" be sure to download it. Great stuff.



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Guess who is back folks? That's right your favorite college football podcast is back in action and we have got a great guest on for the return; Bud Elliott from the great Florida State website, Tomahawk Nation. With the ACC schedule release coming out Monday we got a special college football Valentine's Day treat. However, not all folks were happy about the schedule and the Florida State faithful were the most adversely affected by the news from the league offices.

Bud and I get to talk about the schedule and hit on the four core issues that concerned Nole fans; OU-Clemson back-to-back, 36 days without a home game, placement of the bye week and the Thursday night quick turn around with Boston College.

We then get a shot to talk a little about one of Tomahawk Nation's newest articles, one concerning some ACC rules that could make scheduling a bit easier. We discuss the changes he'd like to see in depth and then we also take a quick jaunt into discussing the tough job athletic directors AND conference personnel have in scheduling some-odd 96 games for the league.

Don't Call It A Comeback folks. We've been your favorite podcast.



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Folks we've arrived at the finish line. Tonight we'll see the Auburn Tigers from the SEC take on the Oregon Ducks out of the Pac-10 in a game that features two of college football's most dynamic offenses and up and coming coaching personalities in Chip Kelly and Gene Chizik. To preview tonight's game we've got Bryan Fischer from CBS Sports joining us on the podcast to hit the championship from all angles. Our paths have crossed plenty of times via the great twitter machine and now Bryan Fischer joins us on the air for the show today.

Fischer and I kick it off with what has been the most polarizing issue in this college football season, Cam Newton. Folks are split almost down the middle on Cam the player, the ruling and it has brought out a lot of ugly this season. Fischer explains why he feels the NCAA played it safe with their decision and then we get to talk actual football by discussing Cam's monumental season and his impact on this Auburn Tigers football team.

Oregon get's their due as we discuss squaring their preseason expectations and the uncertainty nationally due to the loss of Jeremiah Masoli. Fischer lets me know I'm not crazy in thinking Darron Thomas is the true key to the Duck's offense and we talk about the young quarterback's maturation and control of the scheme. On defense we get into the match ups because in this game the spotlight might be on Newton, Thomas, LaMichael James and Michael Dyer but the onus is on Ted Roof and Nick Aliotti to find a way to stop these offensive juggernauts.

Predictions roll in as the west coast Bryan Fischertakes the Ducks and I roll with the War CAM Eagles. Not because of the southern connection though folks, I swear, it has everything to do with losing the Clemson, Arkansas, LSU and Bama games to Cam Newton before I truly believed he was Superman.

The twitter machine will be on and popping tonight so be sure to follow if you already don't and there will be plenty of interaction. We've reached the end folks so enjoy the BCS Championship Game and of course Europe.



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Folks the coaching search is over, Randy Edsall has been named the head football coach at the University of Maryland with his introductory presser coming Monday after news was released Sunday. So, as we do here at In The Bleachers, we give you the best Maryland reporter that we know, Patrick Stevens from D1scourse folks. Over at D1scourse Patrick has got a fantastic write up about the winners and the losers from the Edsall hire so make sure you check that out to get current on the situation.

So here's the run down of our conversation with Patrick as we start off chatting about the most frustrating aspect of the entire Maryland situation for me personally; the idea that Ralph Friedgen was fired in order to get Randy Edsall. That isn't the case and they exist independently of one another. Friedgen was fired. THEN Maryland started a search and AD Kevin Anderson decided Edsall would be his guy. Please listen to that part folks haha.

The talk also discusses Edsall in College Park as he takes control of a job that gives him access to both his existing Pennsylvania recruiting area and now the DC-metro and Virginia recruiting lands. Edsall, as a hire, isn't the "splash" Kevin Anderson was looking for initially but as Stevens discusses the money with the former UConn coach can be made on the back end through growing the Maryland fanbase and working in the community.

We also get to discuss the situation with Edsall leaving UConn, the players reactions in College Park and we hit on the topic everyone cares about; Mike Leach. Stevens explains the chronology of the events and how the longer it took to play out the least likely that everyone's favorite pirate would get the gig. At this stage there must be something to be said about Mike Leach missing on yet another job, right?

Enjoy the intro tunes folks.



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We've got long time friend of the program Luke aka worstfan on the podcast to talk about the Buckeyes, the Sugar Bowl and of course Ryan Mallett's family arm. Luke's from the Ohio State site Eleven Warriors and so he not only gives us some great analysis on the game but we also talk about this little problem the Buckeyes have had leading up to the game, you might have heard something about it.

With DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, Solomon Thomas, Dan Herron and yes Terrelle Pryor caught up in the "Tatgate" situation we saw some fancy lawyering by the Buckeyes, some "strong arming" by Tressel, lobbying by Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan, the NCAA losing out to their own rulebook and of course the proper amount of butthurt complaining to come with it all from fans. Personally if Ohio State found a way to get the kids eligible for the game then good on them, they won and we'll get to see a better Sugar Bowl because of it.

Luke and I also get into a little scheme discussion as the Hogs look to really force the issue with their passing and quickly emerging rushing attack. Knile Davis for the Razorbacks is an added element to this contest that up until two thirds of the season passed we weren't sure was ever going to show itself. Having some ability on the ground makes Mallett and the Hogs receiving core even more dangerous and I expect Bobby Petrino to truly rev up the tempo on the Buckeyes.

On the other side of the ball we'll get to see Pryor, Posey, Herron and company go out to take advantage of a somewhat vulnerable Arkansas defense. The issue here is the same for both teams, we have no idea what we're going to get on that side of the ball. Will Arkansas play the defense they played for much of the Bama and Sakerlina games or will they be the seive like unit they've shown themselves to be in spots? Will Ohio State look to run the ball and use some play action passing or will the Buckeyes try to open things up?

Should be a solid game folks and as you head towards your Monday lunch break enjoy some Diddy Dirty Money.



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So folks after the utter insanity that was the last holiday week we are now back to normal y'all and that means getting you squared away with some quality podcasts and content for the New Year. We kick it off with our buddy Furrer4Heisman from the Hokie-centric site Gobbler Country who stops by to get us up to speed on the Orange Bowl.

Stanford and the Hokies get the third BCS game slot and while UConn-Oklahoma was the most controversial game and Wisconsin-TCU was the "David and Goliath" match up this Orange Bowl is just an all around solid meeting of two quality ball clubs. What we do get out of this game is a shot to see Andrew Luck, everyone's #1 draft pick, take on a Bud Foster defense that has evolved into a sound unit capable of disrupting both the run and the pass.

On the other side of the ball we will see ACC Player of the Year take on a Stanford defense that will be getting one of their toughest tests since their game against Oregon. Watching Tyrod Taylor face this Stanford defense will be one of the interesting stories of the game as he brings a run-pass element that is quite unique. Taylor is an experienced, seasoned quarterback and he's seen his fair share of defenses so it will take plenty for the Cardinal to confuse the senior.

Enjoy the double dip of Miami flavor as we roll with Miami Vice to kick off the show and then a little classic Will Smith to get you right for your time in Miami.



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For the last few weeks we've been running a mini-Slate of Eight with not quite enough games to fill out the full compliment. Well, now things have changed and with Adam Jacobi joining us on the show we have not just a full Slate of Eight but an extra, bonus game to make it a healthy helping of nine. That's right y'all Jacobi is back on the show, moonlighting from his gigs over at the CBS Sports College Football Blog and the Iowa site Blackheart Gold Pants.

There's plenty of football to get into and with a guest like Jacobi on that means we have tons to discuss from both an on the field and an off the field situation. So let's get to it folks, here is the Slate of Eight:

Champs Sports Bowl
Insight Bowl
Military Bowl
Texas Bowl
Alamo Bowl
Armed Forces Bowl
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Music City Bowl
Holiday Bowl

We kick it off tonight with a couple of games with teams that should be very interesting to watch. WVU-NC State lead off with the Champs Sports Bowl where we get to see how the Mountaineers respond to their weird December hiring moves and more importantly how NC State looks to contain the WVU explosive attack. In the Insight Bowl we have Adam Jacobi here to painfully, for him, go through Iowa's ups and downs this season and attempt to make a prediction on a team that is all out of sorts. ECU-Maryland is another great storyline as we try to clarify why Ralph Friedgen was fired, it had little to do with Leach and a lot to do with Franklin.

Next we hit three straight bowl games in Texas starting with Illinois-Baylor in the Texas Bowl. Baylor's first game in ages and the Illini's first since their Rose Bowl beat down by USC. I expect RG3 to go HAM on these boys and it will be exciting to watch. In the Alamo Bowl we've got the Oklahoma State Pokes squaring off against the Arizona Wildcats. The Wildcats need a win in a bad way after finishing the year with four straight losses, each in their own painful fashions. For the last Texas game this go 'round we've got the Black Knights take on the Mustangs of SMU, on SMU's homefield. Unlike the Warriors from Hawaii who take pride in their "home bowl" SMU's fans don't seem to have the same approach.

We wrap up talking a little Pinstripe Bowl where the best aspect will be Bill Snyder in a 5950 as K-State looks to run the ball until Syracuse puts 11 in the box to stop them. In "my game" the Music City Bowl we'll see a senior heavy UNC squad take on a Vols team that, though solid with key seniors, is built upon a nucleus of youth. Should be a nice chance for Butch to get his first bowl win at UNC. The Holiday Bowl is a rematch of a game that was horrible the first time around and barring a major, major improvement by the Huskies should be eerily similar to the September 18th game.

Enjoy the David Bowie fols.



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Merry Christmas Everyone! Before I go hang out with Grandma and the 1st Lil Bit, the new Lil Bit, the 2 cousins who are apparently named after myself and my brother, my Auntie, my aunt who calls me Ba-Ba still, my mom, my two cool cousins that just realized I'm not a kid anymore and everyone else I just thought I'd let all of you guys on the twitter and internet know how I feel!

This has been a great year at In The Bleachers and instead of going with the classic and somewhat obligatory "Thank You" post between now and New Years I thought "why not do something a bit different?" I decided I'd take all of you guys who have helped make the podcast and the website so great and let you know that I appreciate you all.

Did I leave some folks out? Probably, but not on purpose. Thank you to everyone from all 2,300+ followers on twitter to anyone who stumbles upon the website for the first time and thinks we're just mediocre enough to warrant a come back trip. I love what I'm doing y'all. I really do. While it has caused some serious stress, ultimately there is nothing I would rather do than write about college football on the interwebs and keep my tweeps up to date on the latest happenings.

No, I'm not a huge Christmas music fan BUT these are my favorite Christmas songs so enjoy and if you'd like that little 11 minute mix email me or tweet me your email and I'll get it to you come Sunday.



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