Friday College Football Links

The college football season might be over but the Bloguin blogs are still producing some really great content. I thought it would be worth it to take a look around the network at some of the quality work that’s been done over the last week or so. Check out the blurbs and click on what interests you as there has been some really interesting stuff posted this week:

Subway Domer: Hey College Football Fans…Leave Recruits Alone

People, mostly grown men, spend their days trying to contact potential “program changing” high school athletes. Most of these attempts are “harmless” in their minds, but at the root of situation lays the problem. They justify talking to a 17 year old on the internet because they are offering, “wisdom,” words of encouragement, and of course advise on where these kids should attend college. It’s all innocent and good natured- right?

Cemetery Hill: Kevin Steele Exit Thoughts

Steele always had issues with mobile quarterbacks. I remember in the opening game of the ’09 season Clemson had issues with Dwight Dasher of Middle Tennessee State, and a few games later Andy Dalton of TCU seemed to always pick up a crucial first down with the read option even though Clemson allowed only 14 points in that game.

This season Maryland’s quarterback CJ Brown ran all over the Clemson defense and put 45 points on the scoreboard, while he and the rest of the Maryland offense were largely non-factors against every other team on their schedule.

EERInsider: Casteel Leaves, Will Recruits?

Change happens. Change is often. Change is new. And change is – unsettling.

So it’s understandable why a recruit would feel uneasy after a sudden change. A sudden coaching change at a University in which you’ve planned on attending for months.

In the wake of Jeff Casteel’s departure future Mountaineers find themselves in quite the predicament. And Mountaineer fans are clinging on the hope those decisions still end up in their favor.

The Nittany Lions Den: Billieve It

As Bill O’Brien walked to the podium on Saturday to address the public for the first time as Penn State’s Head Football Coach, the collective breath of Nittany Lion fans everywhere was held in anticipation of what he was about to say. Many were outraged over the fact that it took this long to settle for an NFL coordinator. Others believed that a more impressive candidate was out there and interested. The commentators on the Big Ten Network said that O’Brien needed to “hit a homerun” in his press conference in order to win over the Penn State faithful.

LeatherHelmetBlog: Socrates Prediction: Todd Gurley

While Clemson was away, UGA built a solid relationship with Todd.  McClendon was with Todd when Marshall chose Georgia.  We have never once stopped on our desire to have Todd join us.  We have been solid since day one and coach BMac has been a rock with Todd. Recruiting is about relationships and the relationship here is between BMac and Todd Gurley II.  In about 80% of the cases, the school that has built the best relationship wins.

The Duck Stops Here: Talented DT Arik Armstead a prime example of the challenges and uncertanties of recruiting

It’s harder out here. In an average year the state of Georgia produces 250 or more division one football players. Oregon produces three to five. Scan the rosters of Alabama, LSU and Florida, and they are dotted with home-grown talent. The Ducks have to coax elite players to leave home and fall in love with the rainy Northwest, at a school tucked in a perfectly lovely town that lacks many of the amenities of a big city. It’s a challenge. Some kids thrive on it and embrace the atmosphere and tradition in Eugene, the passion of the fans. Many even come to love the mild weather. But it’s a selling job to get them to come.

Bama Sports Report: Complete Domination:

I have been going to Alabama football games since 1983. I have been fortunate enough to only miss a half a dozen or so games (home and road) since 1998. I have now been present for Alabama winning three national championships. I feel confident in this next statement being more truth than hyperbole:

I have never seen a good football team be beaten so thoroughly and completely as Alabama whipped LSU on Monday night.

Blatant Homerism: Venables to West Virginia? Clemson?

Mike Stoops returning to the sidelines isn’t the only news about the Oklahoma Sooners coaching staff that is popping. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables is considering some outside offers, too, according to media reports that surfaced today.

Crystal Ball Run: College Football’s Top 2012 Story Lines Part II:

The Rise of the USC Trojans: Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade or so, you’re probably pretty aware that the SEC has been playing pretty good football of late. They’ve got six straight BCS National Championships and counting, and will enter the season with more than enough competent teams to make it seven (more on that coming). But if there is one team that could end that streak, it should be the USC Trojans.