Look out for Luck and Colts
Bohls
ably saved Mack Brown’s career. Those were two of Brown’s biggest games in his 15 years at Texas.
3. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, who serves on the subcommittees studying the sites, selection committee and revenue distribution for the playoff system that will begin in 2014, said they’d all like to see a new brand created. “Something like the Masters,” Bowlsby told me. “It might not be achievable. I’m pretty sure it won’t be called the BCS. Of course, I thought Super Bowl was the most stupid name ever. You want a name that’s unique and highly identifiable.” How about simply “The Champions”? Beats “All the Marbles” or “Look, Ma, No Polls.” Or whatever Nick Saban wants to call it. Bowlsby also said Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro will be suspended for the first half of the Red Raiders’ 2013 opener for throwing a punch at a Minnesota player.
4. Asked about Mike Leach’s arrival in the Pac12, Oregon State offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf said, “I think his style is pretty unique. They hardly even attempted to run. If he gets a good quarterback and some receivers, they could be a dangerous program, but they probably took a step back this year.” Speaking of offense, very few run true pro-style offenses like the Beavers. Former San Diego Chargers head coach Mike Riley runs a physical, two-back offense with pro sets, something few programs use in this spreadattack era. Southern Cal, Stanford and Alabama do, and Georgia and Virginia have gone to Corvallis to learn some nuances. Riley’s one of the most likable coaches in college football. He even rides a Beach Cruiser bike to work, the same as four or five of his assistants. He also drives a silver Prius. Asked if that might not excite recruits, Langsdorf said, “Sometimes we get in a flashy Suburban and fool ’em. Besides, we’re very green and earthfriendly.”
5. Just amazing that a second-half interception by Texas Tech in the comeback win over Minnesota was the Red Raiders’ first takeaway since Oct. 20 and ended a five-game string in which Tech was minus-12 in turnover margin. Until Oregon State’s interception when David Ash’s arm was hit as he threw, Texas was turnoverfree. In their five games without a turnover this year, the Horns outscored their opponents 231-110 and were 5-0. Tech hiring Kliff Kingsbury is a smart move, but he should be careful about hiring all his buddies. He probably ought to add a veteran or two to his staff.
6. Got to show some love for the Baylor Bears, who drilled UCLA and have now gone 11-1 in November-December the past two years. Art Briles is the man, and Lache Seastrunk is a stud whether he wins the 2013 Heisman or not. Odd that Seastrunk was once the fourth-string tailback at Oregon and couldn’t even catch a kickoff to get on the field with the Ducks.
7. In shock over the Houston Texans’ collapse and how bad their offense has looked down the stretch. They’re 1-4 when trailing at the half. Will not be stunned if they bow out quickly in the playoffs.
8. In the season review of 42 Crazy Predictions over the past year — nine of which require more time, such as Robert Griffin III winning Rookie of the Year — eight came true and one was halfcorrect (Baylor’s women went undefeated and won the national championship, but its men did not). Among the other eight were prophecies that the WAC won’t exist in two years, Texas State will move to the Sun Belt, Josh Hamilton will leave the Rangers as a free agent and sign with Los Angeles (OK, I guessed the Dodgers in May — picky, picky), Alabama will not go undefeated, J’Covan Brown will turn pro, and A&M will upset the Crimson Tide 27-24.
9. Not the biggest Hobbit fan in the world, but enjoyed the first of the trilogy. Gave it 7 ducks.
10. One crazy prediction: The Indianapolis Colts will reach the AFC championship game.