Cynical

Shannon's coaching record is irrelevant. The fact Ms. Shalala is still the university president and Leach's reference insulted her is going to be very relevant. Combine that with the baggage from the lawsuits ... looks like he's got a better chance of "coaching" the U from his armchair than he does coaching the team from the sidelines. Plus this, from Liggett (in his response to the TT lawyer): "Every day that Mike is out of work ... raises the damages model." Until the case is settled between ML and TT, Leach isn't taking a coaching job anytime soon. 1. Never put too much stock into "sources" with a "vested interest". Unless that "source" with a "vested interest" came from within the University, the "source" knows squat. Sources with a vested interest in Alabama stated Spurrier was near the top of its wish list 4 years ago after Shula was fired. Turns out, Spurrier was never contacted by Alabama, was never on it's wish list to begin with, and the "source" with a "vested interest" was Spurrier and his agent. They used the rumor to squeeze more money out of USC. 2. Yes, even Leach has something to gain by having his name associated with every college HC opening, even with one he has no shot at. It's called "remaining relevant". He's been out of coaching for a year, and he's embroiled in multiple lawsuits. If he wants a shot at a top tier program once the lawsuits have settled, he needs to keep his name out there, and continue the perception he is still in demand. That's quite easy to do, in fact. Anytime an opening pops up, have friends, family, agent, lawyer, etc ... talk to the media, and use phrases like "Leach was mentioned for the Minnesota position". Of course, it is never revealed who "mentioned" it (probably his agent). And what gives the rumor some credence, most schools will not comment on such rumors. That's because it actually works in their favor. While the media chases the "speculation" rabbit, the university can contact those it really is interested in without the media looking over its shoulder. My guess is he is one of the "sources" with a "vested interest" helping to spread the rumor (See #2 above). Besides, unless JJ is on the school board or is a major donor to the university, I am willing to bet the U could give a crap what JJ thinks.

No, it's not obvious they think their position has weakened. For all you know, TT may have concluded it will be cheaper to settle the case out of court than it will be defending the case in court. McBride couldn't wait to go to trial either. 100% sure they would win. They had the proof. Millions of lines of code. The only difference I see at present is that McBride completely underestimated IBM, and TT is no IBM. Nothing in that statement that contradicts or reverses TT's position from 4 months ago. If anything, TT sounds more pragmatic about this issue. If TT can settle for less than it will cost them to defend themselves in court, they're going to try to settle. Bottom line, how much money is it going to take for Leach to end this charade and go away?

Anti-Fitzpatrick crusade noted and laughed at. Do you and billsfreek share notes per chance? Here is the only thing you need to know about that pass, which you even admitted: Was it catchable? Yes. Why are you even discussing this?

And IIRC, early on, McBride never stated he was willing to settle either. He was "convinced" he was going to win. Even filed numerous lawsuits in attempt to prove his position, and protect his company's interest.

Taken from the article you linked to: So, 4 years ago, the U told Leach to take a hike, and now you're convinced he'll be the new HC despite the lawsuits. You're writing this for The Onion, aren't you? Leach already has a rep for being hard to deal with, and he's presently suing his ex-employer. Until the lawsuits are over and done with, no major school will touch him with a ten foot pole.

Too busy tweeting/twittering, whatever the heck it's called ...

Leech reminds me of McBride of the SCO Group vs. IBM. Lots of bluster and bluffing, lawsuits all around, and in the end, no real evidence.

First of all, the NCAA has absolutely no say in regards to post season DIV 1A football. The Bowls have existed for years/decades before the NCAA came into being. Secondly, the NCAA would absolutely love to be able to get their hands on Div 1A posts season college football. The NCAA was the driving force behind getting the US govt (Congress) to investigate the BCS and college football. IMHO, the god damn NCAA need to keep their fingers off Div 1A football post season play, and for that matter, should be removed from controlling any post season play in any sport at any level. Actually, most big school football programs generate excess cash for the school. It is that excess cash that is used to help fund other programs. No it would not. There are 11 conferences in Div 1A football, plus a handful of independents. No matter how you slice and dice it, 11+ does not divide by 2 cleanly. As long as humans still control some aspect of the selection process, there will always be issues and controversies. Wow. Okay, so the guy is under-HYPED. How does that translate into being under-RATED, especially when it was already pointed out, the QB is a Heisman candidate? And why does the #4 and #3 seeds have "legitimate claim" on the national championship, but #5 and below do not?

Interesting. Didn't realize BSU wanted a home - home series, especially when they have stated, in public, they are willing to travel to opponents field to play a single game, but they can't do that, because "nobody will schedule them". Since you brought up Nebraska, Nebraska was willing to do a home-home series (1-1 as you call it), but BSU's refusal to compromise on their $1M demand to play a game away from their home field essentially killed any deal Nebraska tried to put forth. BSU supporters need to realize BSU is going to struggle to find big schools willing to play them at BSU. And no, it's not because other schools are afraid of them, it has to do with another problem. More precisely, 35,000 smaller problems. 35,000 - that's the size of the stadium at BSU. When the big schools agree to do an out of conference game, one of the major sticking points are tickets for the fan base. Alabama was paid $200K to travel to Duke, but they also received 6200 tickets. Alabama vs. Penn State home-home series - the away team will receive $200K and 5300 tickets. Do you honestly think BSU will cough up 6000 tickets to an opponent the larger more popular schools are going to demand?

Great idea. Except: - At present and last count, there are 110 schools that play Div 1A football. Your scenario allows 80 teams to compete for the big one, leaving 30 schools never getting the chance to play for the big game. So, how exactly did you "fix" the BCS problem? - Your scenario assumes a "status-quo" among the schools. If you think the outrage is bad regarding Boise State now, imagine if they were one of the 30 teams not allowed to play for the big game. The cries of injustice would make the ones we see now look weak. - How does a "non-playoff" team become one of the 80 "playoff schools"? Who gets to decide which team gets bumped out? - And yes, this is a serious question, how does this realignment impact college basket ball?

see: Boise State never contacted Alabama

Actually, that's a reason why you would want more mods. I frequent an Alabama board that is free, open to the public, and heavily moderated. Insults and discourse are not tolerated, even slightly. Yes, the mods can be heavy handed, but I can disagree with a poster and not worry about being called a 'moron', 'idiot', etc... because I do not agree with their opinion.

Not quite sure how Modrak, the VP of College Scouting, decides who gets to start. But thanks for the thread anyway.

Found a piece in that article I disagree with: Actually, as a Bills fan, unless he suddenly becomes better, I can only hope and pray Maybin would consider quitting his day job to pursue his "dream".

And what do you have to base your opinion on? Because it isn't facts. Went downhill so fast he went to the playoffs both years. How terrible. This is a joke right? Yeah, he's got that trophy, and he backed it up with 8 losing seasons. But feel free to keep clinging to that COTY award like it means something. But you are a fan of the Dick. Just like you are a fan of Edwards. Let me guess. Still not convinced Edwards is a lousy QB? There it is. The Jauron apologist in you just dying to get out. Yep, Jauron was "given" those players, like somehow he had no say in personnel decisions. The Dick spent 4 off seasons, and 3.5 years pounding into the head of every player on his teams that losing was acceptable. And you think the problem can be fixed in one off season. Now, that's hysterical.

I must be odd. I spent last year back in WNY, including all of the winter. Absolutely Loved Every Minute Of It. The snow, the cold, ... far more easier to tolerate than the insufferable heat and humidty of the SE during the summer. I can't sleep in on weekends because I have to get up early to do any outside chores so I can be back inside in the A/C before it gets "hot" outside (like 80 degrees at 10 AM is somehow "cool").

Hmmm ... Something about that outfit that just works ...

4 playoff appearances, with the last one making the AFC Championship game with an erratic QB named Plummer. I was all for Shanahan until I heard the reason he was let go in Denver was due to his ever increasing desire and demand the organization go out and sign every high priced FA. And isn't he one of the few coaches to have a winning record vs. BB and the Pats? If so, why in the world would we ever want that guy to be the HC of the Buffalo Bills? 15 years as HC, 10 playoff appearances, 9 division Champs, 2 SB appearances, 1 SB title. What an a**hole. Ok, you got me with this one.

To clarify/simplify: Pay by credit: vendor/retailer eats the transaction fee Pay by debit: bank/consumer eats the transaction fee That's why the cigar shop prefers you to pay by debit. He doesn't get charged the transaction fee.

Go back and re-read my first 2 posts. Ole Miss is coughing up 900k to play BSU in 2011. Bottom line. If BSU was serious about building the credibility of its football program, they would have figured out a way to play Nebraska. Maybe they couldn't have done it this year or even next year. But what's stopping BSU from scheduling the games 2-4 years, or longer, from now? And don't tell me schools don't do that. Bama was scheduled to play Georgia Tech in 2012 and 2013 (IIRC). This past summer, GT noticed they had a scheduling snafu, and asked Bama to put the games on hold. Bama agreed. Last week, it was announced the games were re-scheduled for 2019-2020. Yes, you read that right. Nine and ten years from now. I can give you more examples if you want.

Holy sh-mokes! A Jauron apologist! I thought you people crawled back under your rocks. Which team were you watching? It wasn't the Bills. I was saying it back in 2006, and I still say it today: History will prove Dick Jauron is/was one of the worst head coaches ever in the history of the franchise. Jauron was a Hank Bullough prodigy. The only difference between Bullough and Jauron was the players hated Bullough and used to purposely throw games in an effort to get him fired.

Michigan vs. Bama now confirmed. My link "Michigan will face Alabama on Sept. 1, 2012 in the annual Cowboys Stadium Showcase." In other news, Saban has now confirmed Bama will be back in Atlanta to open the 2013 season, opponent TBD. How about it Boise State. You wanted to play with the big boys.

Why should it? 4 years of "It's hard to win in the NFL" attitude will do that. Jauron fostered an atmosphere where losing was not only tolerated, it was acceptable. Gailey has his hands full. It took 4 years to get to this situation. It will not be cured in one off season, and a handful of games.

WTf is it with bandwagon people posting they are leaving. You want to leave, then leave. Posting does what? Make you feel better? Are you looking for sympathy? That would be pathetic.

I call hogwash on your entire argument. All I keep hearing on the main board is how the NFL is a passing league, and the spread option will revolutionize the game if only some HC will have the balls to implement it. Funny how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Play stifling D, win games. Who would have thunk it.