Archive for January, 2014

Miami Football: What Happened to the Hurricanes’ Linebacker Corps?

Posted by Chris Bello on January 31 2014 Add Comments
For the better part of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, the Miami Hurricanes wrestled the title of "Linebacker U" away from Penn State and other powerhouse programs. UM's success was undeniable, pumping out top-flight talent, game changers and future NFL superstars. Bernard "Tiger" Clark stepping up and taking MVP honors in the 1988 Orange Bowl as second-stringer. Micheal Barrow, Jessie Armstead and Darrin Smith earning the moniker "The Bermuda Triangle" a few years later, as offensive ...

An Open Letter to Nick Harvey: A Fan’s Plea to Pick Texas

Posted by Jonathan Woo on January 31 2014 Add Comments
Dear Mr. Harvey,   It is with no displeasure that we, the Texas faithful, write to you today to convey a simple idea. Texas. Ah, there it is. It may not have the same allure that it did a mere four years ago, but things are different now, and the foundations we have in Austin are receptive and determined to guide you to excellence. When it comes to Texas and defensive backs, no school is better at attracting the best ...

Oregon Football: Coach Helfrich’s Biggest National Signing Day Battles

Posted by Brandon Oliver on January 31 2014 Add Comments
Former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly left the college ranks for the NFL after guiding the Ducks to a second straight BCS bowl win in 2012. While losing Kelly in January made things tough on Oregon, he didn't leave the Ducks empty handed.The Ducks had a young and talented roster and a solid recruiting class on the way. Still, the late decision by Kelly left his replacement, Mark Helfrich, in a tough spot.Not only did ...

Hoosiers Likely Headed for NIT After Last Gut-Wrenching Loss

Posted by Adam Reinhart on January 31 2014 Add Comments
If it wasn't already clear before the Indiana Hoosiers lost to Nebraska on Thursday night, it's now clear that IU is not likely to return to the NCAA tournament this year. Instead, an appearance in the National Invitational Tournament is seemingly inevitable for the Hoosiers. IU currently sits at 13-8 overall and 3-5 in Big Ten play. The Hoosiers will have to win seven of their next 10 games to reach 20 wins—and six of their next 10 ...

Kentucky Wildcats Football Gets Approval to Build $45 Million Practice Facility

Posted by Jason Marcum on January 31 2014 Add Comments
The University of Kentucky Wildcats have been among the worst programs in college football over the past three seasons. They've won a total of nine games since the start of the 2011 season. They're also 11-33 over their past 44 games. In that span, they've also lost 28-of-32 SEC conference games. That's a lot of losing, and much of it has to do with the program's lack of commitment to football. That's changed dramatically over the past year ...

Cleveland State at Detroit Live Blog with In-Game Analysis and Reaction

Posted by Ryan Gaule on January 31 2014 Add Comments
The Vikings from Cleveland State visit the Detroit Titans in a Horizon League matchup Friday night at Calihan Hall in Detroit, MI.   Sophomore Bryn Forbes has been a staple in the Vikings' lineup, leading the team with 16.2 points per game.  He has been the main reason Cleveland State currently holds second place in the Horizon League. He is continuing to shine tonight, as the Vikings have dominated all game.   Stay tuned for coverage throughout the ...

LSU Recruiting: 3-Star ATH Russell Gage’s Future After Committing to the Tigers

Posted by Carter Bryant on January 31 2014 Add Comments
LSU's latest commitment, Russell Gage, can hurdle defenders better than anybody else currently committed to the Tigers.  While that may not mean much, it does show Gage's creativity and athleticism. He played quarterback at Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge, where he eviscerated defenses with the zone read. Gage also played in the secondary and every unit on special teams. He was a one-man show.  According to James Smith of The Times-Picayune, Gage met with LSU offensive coordinator ...

Big Ten Football: Power Ranking Teams by Best Returning Players

Posted by Alex Sims on January 31 2014 Add Comments
The Michigan State Spartans were a surprise Big Ten conference champion last year, but once they beat league favorite Ohio State and Pac-12 champion Stanford to close the season, it was clear they were the best team in the group. MSU will go through some serious defensive losses but will bring back some of its top offensive players. Meanwhile, OSU will welcome back star quarterback Braxton Miller while also losing several key defensive contributors. With numerous stars ...

Texas Football: How Long a Leash Will Charlie Strong Give David Ash?

Posted by Taylor Gaspar on January 31 2014 Add Comments
The Texas Longhorns have a lot to prove under new head coach Charlie Strong and his staff. But the position with the most to prove remains the quarterback. The Longhorns have finished four seasons without a viable quarterback option. Junior David Ash started the 2013 season with a lot of potential, but he suffered what turned out to be a season-ending head injury in Week 2, leaving Texas to rely on backup quarterback Case McCoy. Ash was ...

Kentucky Basketball: How Aaron Harrison Has Been Instrumental to Success

Posted by Thad Novak on January 31 2014 Add Comments
On a team of stars—and Kentucky basketball fits that description on an annual basis—the most important player is often the least noticed. The closest thing to a traditional “glue guy” in the Wildcats’ starting five has been shooting guard Aaron Harrison, whose versatility has helped to smooth many of this young team’s rough edges. At first glance, the 6’6” freshman hasn’t been an especially impressive 2-guard. He’s a weak long-range shooter (.313) and his 13.8 points ...