At least 35,000 expected at 42,000-seat Rutgers Stadium

(08/31/04)--As of Tuesday night, Rutgers has currently sold approximately 30,000 tickets to Saturday's game vs. Michigan State. The attendance figures do not include student tickets, which are free with student ID. Wtih a typical gameday walk-up of 4,000-5,000 in the past (per the Rutgers ticket office), attendance should surpass 35,000 -- nearing the capacity of 42,000 with four days to go.

Stanton OUT for Rutgers; Two-deep released; MSU 6-pt favorite at Rutgers

(8/30/04)--At Monday's noon news conference, John L. Smith stated that Drew Stanton's knee just has not improved enough for him to play at Rutgers this week... "It's possible Stanton could play, but not likely at this point." Stanton is doubtful and it will be a gametime decision with either Stephen Reaves or Damon Dowdell as the likely starter. "Reaves has improved significantly in the last week, and we can win with either of them in the game," said John L. Both are about equal in practice, so if Dowdell does not improve, Reaves will get the start as the younger of the two. For more on the two-deep, link here. Interestingly enough, out of 98 votes on the ES Poll, 44% favor starting a 80%-healthy Stanton, 35% favor starting Reaves, 19% favor Dowdell, and 2% pick Hoyer.

On the two deep, Daniel Zynn still has a ways to go to catch up with impressive freshman Nick Smith -- who has been drawing raves all camp long. Eric Smith recently had a pin taken out of his knee, so Greg Cooper gets the start at safety.

In the only Big Ten road game this week, MSU is listed as a 6-pt favorite at Rutgers. In Big Ten home games, TCU is a 7.5-pt favorite vs. Northwestern; Wisky is favored by 23.5 over C. Florida; Ohio State is favored by 15.5 over Cincinnati; Iowa is favored by 29 over Kent State; Michigan is favored by 15 over Miami-OH; Indiana is favored by 14 over CMU; Minnesota is favored by 11.5 over Toledo; Purdue is favored by 12 over Syracuse; Penn State is favored by 15 vs. Akron.

(8/29/04)--With just six days until the Spartans kick off their season opener at Rutgers, MSU QB Drew Stanton has improved his health and may indeed get the starting nod. Certainly, John L has made no secret of his #1 choice in Stanton, holding off on making a decision as long as possible by giving Stanton every opportunity to get healthy in time. In his last two practices, Stanton's limp vanished and "it's getting better," said Smith. We'll slot Stanton as the starter, with Dowdell #2 and Reaves #3.

The Big O -- huge prize recruit OL Roland Martin -- has received academic clearance from the NCAA to play. And, DE Darryl Melvin has returned to the team after leaving for undisclosed reasons earlier in the week. Melvin will make it in the two-deep for the opener.

INJURY REPORT

Other than Stanton, injuries include S Eric Smith (knee), DE Clifford Dukes (quad), DL Brandon McKinney (foot), OL Stefon Wheeler (ankle), LB Seth Mitchell (knee), WR Aaron Alexander (foot). Expect all to suit up and play vs. Rutgers.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Link to an updated depth chart; this should be pretty solid, with a few minor changes, as expected from John L., by the opener. The ES will finish up his team previews by Monday. Look for the first Game Day preview on Wednesday, and a one-page ES season preview on Thursday in pdf and on the predictions page. The ES will be producing his next full newsletter as a Big Ten preview, after the first three games. The 2004 Enlightened Preview will be available at newsstands, coffeshops, bars, and on campus beginning Sept. 21.

Oh, and the Lansing State Journal has a sweet look at the new stadium expansion. Of interest is that only 120 of the 862 club seats have been sold (15%) for 2005; but 7 of 18 twelve-person luxury seats ($32k to $63k per season) five of six 24-seat luxury suites (at $85k per season) have been sold. These suites are being leased for 3/5/or 7 years. With a press box of 200 (up from 90), the ES figures that 1,332 seats will be added to the current stadium capacity of 72,027 -- making a new unofficial capacity of 73,359. The project completion date is August 1, 2005.

And, the athletic department is raising $15 million to overhaul the Duffy Daugherty building and add a Hall of Fame, with $11 million already raised. Construction will begin after the full amount is raised, and will take two years.

(8/25/04)--MSU offensive lineman stud recruit Roland Martin hasn't qualified academically and may have to sit out this year. No biggie, I'm sure JLS wants to give him a year anyhow. The ES also looks at an overrated... but good... Minnesota squad for '04. Link here.

(8/25/04)--MSU offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin stated that "the more time Stanton misses, the less likely he'll play. It's not likely at this point... he's capable for coming in for some plays if we need him." Stanton missed his third practice for physical therapy. Doesn't look good, Spartan fans. The ES says... let's heal him until Big Ten season starts. Don't f*ck it up.

New photos of Spartan Stadium, taken by the ES, 08/25/04. The brick is now going up on the west end of the stadium... More photos are available, just link to new stadium expansion photo archive here. Also, the ES looks at a shitty Illinois squad again in 2004. Time to give the pink slip to Ron Turner. Link to Illini preview.

Unconfirmed Dowdell rumors; ES previews Iowa; Caulcrick moved to LB

(8/23/04)--The ES doesn't believe the hype (just two starters back on offense?) and puts Iowa in the middle of the pack at 7-4/6-5 this year... link here for preview. Also, what's with all this message boad chatter about Dowdell starting against Rutgers. Sure, Stanton is hurting and missed his second practice. But, JLS said he'd make a decision by Saturday. Listen, he's giving Stanton every chance to heal to be sure he'll start vs. Rutgers. If not, Dowdell may indeed be the starter, but let's see how Stanton's knee holds up this week... Obviously, John L wants to name Stanton pretty badly...

ROSTER CHANGES

JLS is juggling his roster to add some depth and speed to key positions. With the surprise of Tony Howard at RB, Jehuu Caulcrick has moved to LB to add depth. Daryl Melvin, a highly lauded JUCO DE, has left the team. But, the talented rookie Nick Smith will move into the two-deep behind Clifford Dukes. WR Carl Grimes is expected to help out on punt returns during the season with Agim Shabaj. And, Brandon Fields will no longer wield pooch kicks to Dave Rayner... we think. Fields has reportedly improved this part of his game.

INJURY BUG

LB Michael Bazemore and C Mike Masters both were injured in Saturday's scrimmage -- Bazemore a sprained shoulder, Master's a sprained ankle. They'll be ready for the opener vs. Rutgers.

Stanton "still hurting", gets knee drained

(8/23/04)--After Monday's practice, a visibly disappointed John L Smith discussed Drew Stanton's slow process of recovery and the QB situation overall. Stanton wore a bandage on his knee with ice after it was drained over the weekend; he did not practice with the team on Monday. "Drew is disappointed. He's still hurting and healing," said John L. "There is no one individual who has separated from the others. It has delayed us in making a decision, and hopefully we'll be able to decide by next week." Stanton's swelling is not unexpected after his off-season surgery, but it is taking longer than hoped to heal. It is assumed Stanton would be the starter, but his injury throws a pitched battle between the senior Dowdell and the rookie Reaves. The ES says -- if it ain't Stanton go with youth & Reaves -- we've seen enough of Dowdell in action to know what to expect.

Saturday scrimmage leaves doubts at QB; new dorm to be built; Hannah statue dedication: S150

(8/21/04)--John L Smith held a controlled scrimmage on Saturday, after which thet ES expected Statnon to be given the nod as the starter at QB. That didn't happen, as John L. was not pleased with what he saw. Said John L: ""Offensively, we didn't get the results we had hoped for. There's still no separation at the quarterback position. None of the quarterbacks moved the team consistently, and they all struggled to put the ball in the end zone. All three of those guys had chances to make plays today, but nobody did it consistently enough to standout. At the rate things are going, we might be able to name the starter on Thursday night before the season opener." Here's the breakdown of the QBs in the scrimmage.

The running game seemed to gel, with Caulcrick gaining 73 yards on 11 attempts and Howard rushing for 42 yards on eight rushes. Irving Campbell, Jamar Jones and Jerramy Scott each had three receptions; Campbell, Knott and Kellen-Davis each caught TDs. Defensively, Greg Cooper led the team with five stops, but John L singled out Ronald Stanley and Jason Harmon "as our most consistent playmakers on defense."

Here is the complete release courtesy MSU Media Relations (www.msuspartans.com):

With temperatures near 60, Michigan State second-year football coach John L. Smith sent his team through a 138-play "controlled" scrimmage in Spartan Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 21. The 2-hour scrimmage featured 49 running, 58 passing and 31 special teams plays.
The first-team offense produced only one touchdown on its eight possessions. Quarterbacks Damon Dowdell (6-1, 222, Sr.), Drew Stanton (6-3, 225, So.) and Stephen Reaves (6-1, 206, R-Fr.) each took turns running the first unit. Damon Dowdell discusses strategy with quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier during the second preseason scrimmage.

Dowdell completed 7-of-14 throws for 111 yards and one interception. On the first play from scrimmage, he fired a 39-yard strike to Carl Grimes (5-9, 180, Fr.), but the drive stalled three plays later.
Stanton connected on 8-of-12 attempts for 81 yards, including a 16-yard TD toss to tight end Eric Knott (6-3, 249, Sr.) that finished off a seven-play, 67-yard scoring drive. He started the scrimmage with a hot hand; completing his first five passes for 59 yards. Stephen Reaves completed 8-of-17 throws for 162 yards, including TD tosses of 65 yards to Irving Campbell and 34 yards to Kellen Davis.

Reaves, who took the majority of snaps with the second-team offense, hit 8-of-17 throws for 162 yards and two scores. On his first series with the second unit, he rifled a 65-yard TD strike to Irving Campbell (5-11, 185, R-Fr.). Reaves later capped an eight-play, 65-yard drive with a 34-yard TD pass to tight end Kellen Davis (6-6, 230, Fr.).

"We have a long, long way to go," Coach Smith said. "The defense competed better today than it did in the first preseason scrimmage. The defense was a little porous, giving up too many big running and passing plays.

"Offensively, we didn't get the results we had hoped for. There's still no separation at the quarterback position. None of the quarterbacks moved the team consistently, and they all struggled to put the ball in the end zone. All three of those guys had chances to make plays today, but nobody did it consistently enough to standout. At the rate things are going, we might be able to name the starter on Thursday night before the season opener."

Brian Hoyer (6-2, 199, Fr.), who took 32 snaps with the third-team offense, completed 5-of-11 attempts for 53 yards and two interceptions.
Running backs Jehuu Caulcrick (6-0, 235, R-Fr.) and Tony Howard (5-10, 193, Fr.) combined to rush for 115 yards on 19 carries. Caulcrick paced the ground attack with 73 yards on 11 attempts, including five runs covering 10 or more yards. Howard gained 42 yards on eight rushes, including runs of 11 and 17 yards.

"We ran the ball better today," Smith said. "By design, Jehuu Caulcrick and Tony Howard got the bulk of the carries. After a quiet first scrimmage, Jehuu stepped up and had a productive day. Tony broke a couple of good runs, but like most freshmen, he's still a little tentative hitting the hole." Carl Grimes had two catches for 47 yards, including a 39-yard grab from Damon Dowdell.

Fifteen different receivers caught at least one pass. Campbell, Jamar Jones (6-3, 207, R-Fr.) and Jerramy Scott (5-10, 188, So.) had three receptions each for 95, 51 and 26 yards, respectively. Grimes and Davis had two catches each for 47 and 43 yards, respectively.

"Carl Grimes is a great competitor, who wants the ball in his hands," Smith said. "He catches the ball well and runs good routes. Carl is going to be a legitimate playmaker in this offense."

Strong safety Greg Cooper (5-11, 184, So.) led the first-team defense with five tackles. Linebacker Ronald Stanley (6-0, 234, Sr.) and free safety Jason Harmon (5-11, 202, Sr.) posted four tackles each. Defensive end Clifton Ryan (6-2, 288, So.) recorded two tackles for losses (8 yards). Jason Harmon recorded four tackles and a pass break-up in the second preseason scrimmage.

"Ronald Stanley and Jason Harmon are our most consistent playmakers on defense," Smith said. "Brandon McKinney has been solid up front. Clifton Ryan has had a good preseason camp, and he's becoming a force to be reckoned with. Jaren Hayes is getting more and more comfortable at the cornerback position. Jaren has gained confidence in his ability to play corner and now, he's enjoying the position. Greg Cooper had an outstanding scrimmage."

Defensive end Nick Smith, who produced six tackles including three for losses (17 yards) in the Aug. 18 scrimmage, earned some playing time with the first team on Saturday. Smith responded by registering his third sack of the preseason, a 7-yarder against Reaves. "Nick Smith continues to make steady progress," Smith said. "In time, Nick is going to be a big-time player."

Linebacker Kaleb Thornhill (6-1, 232, R-Fr.) paced the second-team defense with five stops. "Kaleb Thornhill is improving each practice, and he's beginning to make plays," Smith said.

Linebacker Eric Andino (6-4, 212, Fr.), who saw action with the third team, produced a scrimmage-best nine tackles and recovered a fumble. "Eric Andino is another promising linebacker prospect," Smith said. "Eric seemed like he was all over the field making plays today."

The Spartan defense forced five turnovers, including two fumbles and three interceptions. Linebacker David Herron Jr. (6-1, 251, So.), BANDIT Kiel Beltinck (5-9, 200, So.) and cornerback Mike Bell (5-11, 187, Fr.) each picked off a pass.
"I said it after the first scrimmage and I'll say it again," Smith said. "Our injured players need to get off the sidelines and back on the field. We aren't good enough for some of our top players to miss a lot of practice time. We need to be building cohesiveness on both sides of the ball."

Under NCAA legislation, prohibiting consecutive days of double sessions, the Spartans continue alternating between double and single workouts through Friday, Aug. 27. The team has practices scheduled for 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22.
Michigan State opens the 2004 season Saturday, Sept. 4 at Rutgers. ABC Sports will televise the game on a regional basis with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Additional Preseason Football Notes:
* Defensive end Michael Bazemore (6-3, 256, Jr.), who recorded a 6-yard sack against Damon Dowdell during the first series Saturday, sprained his shoulder on the play and back-up center John Masters (6-4, 274, R-Fr.) sprained his ankle midway through the scrimmage. Both Bazemore and Masters expect to be sidelined for about a week.
* More than 5,000 fans attended "Meet The Spartans" at Meridian Mall in Okemos, Mich., on Saturday night (Aug. 21).

NEW DORM AT BRODY BY '07

MSU has stated that they will be building a new dormitory to be in the Brody Complex, built by 2007. The complex will be individual apartment-style living, as opposed to what the ES went through in Holmes Hall, which was more of perfect-housing-for-a-drinking-progressive-floor-party. It's a shocker, since you'd think that ther is already enought housing in East Lansing. All those of you who haven't been back to the MSU campus and East Lansing for the past 5-10 years would be shocked by the amount of housing units that have exploded across the city. Thousands of units have gone up north of Lake Lansing and Abbott road (used to be Bath Township), and expansion has exploded across from the Silver Dollar Saloon and next to the Red Cedar Golf Course. This fall, about 15,800 students have enrolled to pay $5,458 a year to live and eat in the dorms. MSU can house 17,200 total students. MSU's 2004 freshman class is the third largest in its history; freshmen are required to live on campus.

HANNAH STATUE; MSU'S SESQUICENTENNIAL 150

Michigan State will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this fall, and there is no better way than to dedicate a statue for the university's most famous president, John Hannah. The statue will be dedicated in front of the administration building on Sept. 17. Also this fall, three volumes detailing the history of MSU will be unveiled on Nov. 20. Check out MSU's 150 website:

www.s150.msu.edu 

Stanton to be named Starter on Saturday; ES Previews Hoosiers

(8/20/04)--(Check out the new MSU jerseys from our new advertiser at top right... www.athlete-tech.com) --After Thursday’s afternoon practice , John L. discussed the quarterback scenario: “Stephen (Reaves) is a little bit behind the other two. If there are any number of individuals competing for a job and are even in the competition, I’ll always go for the young guy. The players know that.” In other words, your QB depth chart is: Drew Stanton, Damon Dowdell, Stephen Reaves. The QB will be officially named on Saturday. The ES also looks at a surprisingly improved Indy squad that has a shot at a 5-6 record... but do they have a shot at the Spartoonies? Link here.

Spartans snag 6-9 lineman for class of 2005

(8/19/04)--The LSJ reported today that 6-9 offensive lineman Mike Schmeding of Rutherford, NJ, has verbally committed to MSU. He turned down Notre Dame, Boston College, Virginia, West Virginia, Rutgers, Penn State, Iowa, Syracuse, Northwestern, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Duke.

According to SpartansInsider.com, which gave Schmeding a 2-star rating, Mike’s father played for Arizona State, he has an uncle and grandfather who played for Notre Dame and two uncles and a cousin who played for Boston College, yet he resisted the temptation to go to ASU, Notre Dame or BC, instead verballing to the Spartans. “They have a great campus and you can’t beat playing in the Big Ten. They have also recruited me the hardest and the longest.” Mike adds that he receives two letters a day from MSU.

John L pleased with MSU progress... AP Poll Mirrors Coaches Poll; Six Big Ten teams listed

(8/16/04)--John L Smith is pleased with the progress of his team so far after the first week of training, and he has pointed to some rookies who may immediately contribute to help the Spartans out with depth issues.
First off, John L stated that the starting running back spot belongs to Junior Jason Teague, and not DeAndra Cobb or Jehuu Caulcrick. Spartan faithful, if you remember, Teague has made the most of his opportunity when presented with it, and in the past he has run hard and bowled people over at times… this is no surprise, but it will be tough to keep the speed of Cobb off the field when the season starts. Expect a running back by committee unless one of the backs gels with the OL play to break some big runs.

John L. added freshman Tony Howard as a RB to watch out for with his “natural talent.” He’s moved over from DB to add some depth at the tailback position. But, John L. added kudos about rookie Miles Williams in the defensive backfield, who has “great speed and is at least a two”. As for more receivers, the early praise of speedy wideout Carl Grimes of Detroit is legit: “he’s the real deal,” said offensive coordinate Dave Baldwin. Look for him and Deon Curry to get some playing time this year.

It could be argued that the Spartans’ strongest position on the team is TE (the ES thinks special teams) – we’re loaded with Eric Knott, Jason Randall, Matt Walters and Ryan Wood But, freshman Kellen Freeman-Davis is wowing coaches with his speed and catching ability… now he just needs to learn how to block.

LB Hugh D’Imperio was a blue chip recruit out of NJ, and he has not let the coaches down. With the need for depth at LB, he will likely see some time on the gridiron this fall. Sir Darean Adams, another blue chipper out of Florida, will help out Tyrell Dortch at BANDIT – his speed and instincts are solid as promised. Another Florida recruit, Tyrone McKenzie, has surprised coaches and could spell the starters at LB. Eric Andino has stood out as well and with his 6-4, 225-lb frame could help out at LB.

Finally, let’s get to the Big “O”: Roland Martin came to John L hailed as a stud of a blue-chipper out of Chicago, with drive blocking ability and a frame to match. He hasn’t disappointed and could see some playing time… although, likely John L would like to redshirt him for the future.

The Associated Press media preseason poll was released on Sunday, and it nearly mirrors the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll (link here). Matter of fact, both polls have the same 25 teams in them, in roughly the same spots.

1. Southern Cal (48) 1,603
2. Oklahoma (11) 1,529
3. Georgia (5) 1,480
4. LSU (1) 1,446
5. Florida St. 1,291
6. Miami-Fla. 1,287
7. Texas 1,236
8. Michigan 1,223
9. Ohio St. 1,005
10. West Virginia 937
11. Florida 836
12. Kansas St. 763
13. California 744
14. Tennessee 658
15. Clemson 638
16. Virginia 627
17. Auburn 540
18. Missouri 525
19. Iowa 518
20. Utah 446
21. Wisconsin 328
22. Maryland 310
23. Oregon 200
24. Purdue 153
25. Minnesota 142
Others receiving votes: Louisville 125, Nebraska 112, N.C. State 76, Memphis 56, Boise St. 47, TCU 39, Toledo 33, Oregon St. 29, Washington St. 24, Fresno St. 13, Oklahoma St. 13, Alabama 12, Hawaii 11, Boston College 7, N. Illinois 7, Texas Tech 7, Marshall 6, Mississippi 6, Southern Miss. 6, Virginia Tech 6, Georgia Tech 5, Miami (Ohio) 4, South Carolina 4, Arkansas 3, Texas A&M 3, Bowling Green 2, Connecticut 1, North Texas 1, Notre Dame 1, Penn St. 1

News archive

ES Previews Irish

(8/13/04)--Link here for the ES' 2004 preview of the Fighting Irish. He sees a 6-5 year out of the Irish in 2004..

Blow to Spartan defense as DB Barnett bolts for Cincy

(8/13/04)--He wasn't as good as his father, but he was turning into a pretty decent corner. Anyhow, Darren Barnett will no longer don the Green and White, after he was issued a transfer yesterday to join his uncle, former Spartan All-Amreican DB Harlon Barnett, at the Univ. of Cincinnati. Harlon is defensive backs coach for the bearcats.

Barnett was listed as backup to Roderick Maples at one corner -- with Jaren Hayes starting at the other, backed up by Ashton Watson. Looks like true freshman Mike Bell will step into the role as the backup to Maples. Bell is 6-1, 175, out of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Bell is a 3-star recruit as rated by Insiders.com and Rivals.com, and rated as the #53-best wideout in the nation by Rivals.com. Bell runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. Bell had offers from Cincinnati, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Practice begins; "looks like we got a REAL class"

(8/11/04)--John L. is pleased with his second recruiting class as head coach – and his first with a full year under his belt at the helm of the Spartan program. “Wow, looks like we got a REAL class,” said the coach after the rookies’ first practice yesterday. “They’re big, they’ve got some size and some athleticism to them. They look real good.”

Coach was also pleased with the throwing of the three quarterbacks in contention to lead the Spartans this fall. He proclaimed at Big Ten media day that it is Stanton’s job to lose; yesterday, Stanton, Reaves and Dowdell “all looked good.”
Incoming recruit Ron Stoops, Jr., has left the team and likely will not return due to medical reasons. Also, DL Dan McGarry did not enroll in school and will depart the team. Look on the brightside – these are two more scholarships for coach John L. Smith to fill with quality talent.

Big Green picks 2004 captains

(8/11/04)--John L. selected BANDIT Tyrell Dortch, CB Jason Harmon, LB Ronald Stanley, and WR Kyle Brown as team captains for 2004. Practice begins today with two-a-days.

Spartans land top-notch QB recruit; practice set for this Wednesday

(8/10/04)--John L Smith ended a flurry of a recruiting week with the verbal committment of NJ quarterback Dom Natale. "He's by far and away the best QB in New Jersey," was quoted Allen Wallce of SuperPrep Magazine in Sunday's Lansing State Journal. Natale is 6-2, 195-lbs, and turned down LSU, Maryland, Stanford, Missouri, Mississippi State and Rutgers to play for the Spartans. He threw for 2,100 yards and 22 TDs last year, along with 7 INTs and rushed for 200 yards. Rivals.com has him listed as the #10 player in New Jersey, regardless of positions. Natale visited MSU camps way back when Nick Saban coached MSU; he also threw the ball to incoming recruit Craig McGovern, a TE out of the same school of the Hun School of Princeton, NJ. McGovern, by the way, caught 34 passes for 855 yards from Natale last year. Natale runs a 4.62-40, fairly speedy for a QB.

As quoted on SpartansInsider.com, which rates him a 3-star recruit: "I have quick feet and I have a great knowledge of the game. I'm a leader and play hard all the time. I want to improve everything. I want to improve my arm strength and learn more about the game." The kid is smart, too, sporting a 3.2 GPA and a 1170 SAT.

By the way, practice begins this week with physicals on Tuesday and a pair of practices on Wednesday.

Rutgers / CMU Preview '04

(8/6/04)--The ES knocks out his first preview of 2004, taking a look at a dangerously improved Rutgers team.... link here. And, the Chips come to town on Sep. 11 for the home opener, but new coach Brian Kelly has his work cut out for him with a CMU squad short on talent. Link here for the CMU report.

Big Ten media picks Wolvies; Stanton gets early nod at QB; Roster udpate with notable abscences; MSU nabs wideout committ

(8/5/04)--Hail to the Schmucks from Ann Arbor, as (yawn) once again the pesky varmints are hailed as the preseason favorites to win the Big Ten title in '04. Surprise - Ohio State is listed in the #2 spot, and Iowa at #3. Yes, Big Ten fans, maybe you do know yer football afterall. It's like watching the same tv show year in and year out, and this is just getting boring with Michigan seemingly always the preseason favorite. The nice thing is that expectations are high for U-M, leading to a likely fall for the Wolverine nation. That will make the ES happy when those A-squared uglies collapse!

John L stated that Drew Stanton has the inside track for the starting nod as MSU QB this fall, as the ES has predicted all along... Steven Reaves may have had the most reps all year and in the spring, but Stanton has actual playing experience to understand the real speed of d1A football; that is something that can't be replicated in a intrasquad scrimmage. Stanton has a 60-70% shot at the job, and "he has earned it" says coach Smith. It's up to the others to take the job away from Stanton.

ROSTER UPDATE

Notably, Sylvester "Bobo" Brown, the RB recruit out of Mississippi last year, was not listed on the fall roster. Also missing from the roster are RB Kris Bush, QB Sean Clayton, Gary Elmore, FB Mitch Herrema (chronic knee), Griff Howard, and Justin Rieger. Coach Smith didn't comment on the roster MIAs.

NEWEST COMMITT

The Spartans also received their fifth verbal committ for 2005 when WR Ryan Allison (6-3, 205-lbs) out of Lake Orion, MI, committed to MSU. Allison turned down UCLA; his brother plays for Michigan. Allison caught 27 passes last year for a 22.7-yd per catch average. Allison was also considering Michigan, Colorado, Boston College, Georgia Tech and Kansas State. He is ranked as the #4 player in Michigan by Rivals.com and runs a speedy 4.3-40 yard dash.

Spartans get speedy CB as fourth committ

(8/4/04)--MSU is picking up the pace in the 2005 recruiting wars, picking up Southfield RB/DB Ross Weaver with a verbal committ yesterday. Weaver (6-1, 185-lbs) runs a 4.48-40 and his 10.68-100 meter dash made the state track finals as one of the state's fastest sprinters. He made 62 tackles and a pair of INTs last season; he has no ranking at this point from Rivals.com. However, he turned down Michigan, Notre Dame, Utah, Ball State, Toledo, and CMU to don the Green and White.

MSU nabs FS/WR committ

(8/2/04)--Michigan State received its third verbal commitment for 2005 from Otis Wiley a FS/WR out of Flint Carman-Ainsworth. Wiley (6-2, 186) runs a 4.5-40. He chose MSU over Michigan, Purdue, Indiana, CMU, EMU, and WMU. Wiley is ranked by Rivals.com as the #10 gridder in Michigan.

SoCal debuts at #1 in coaches poll

(7/30/04)--Southern Cal picked up where they left off, debuting at #1 in the preseason ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. Michigan is the top-ranked Big Ten team at #7 (them bastards!). Other big ten teams ranked by the coaches are: Ohio State at #9, Iowa at #12, Wisconsin at #22, and Purdue and Minnesota tied at #23. MSU has 12 votes in the also-ran category.

Here is a look at the top 25 vs. the ES' top 25 complilation from preseason magazines:

* ES poll taken as compilation of Top 25 from CFN.com, Street & Smiths, FB Action, The Gold Sheet, Phil Steele, The Sporting News, SI.com, ESPN, CBSSportsline.com, NationalChamps.net, and Athlon)...the ES gives a point per ranking, with those not ranked receiving 26 points. (t) represents tie in rankings.

Troubled gridders get probation

(07/22/04)--As reported by the ES on July 3 (link here), several MSU players who ran afoul of the law have now received their sentences -- all received fines and probation or had their charges dismissed. Kevin Vickerson (mary jane possession, opened beer in car) received 6 months probation and $445 fines. Jason Teague (operating car as a minor with BAC .02 - .07) received the same sentence. Cole Corey will be sentenced on May 18, but for filing a false police report, but his aggravated assault charge was dismissed. Kyle Sackrider was sentenced for filing a false police report, but his case has been removed from his record. It's up to JLS to impose team penalties, but expect a few games missed -- these guys will be back to face the Irish.

State snags LB committ

(07/20/04)--Michigan State added Andrew Hawken to its class of 2005 today. Hawken (6-2, 220 lbs) is a mean RB/LB, who turned down offers from Purdue, Wisky, ND, Illinois and Indiana. He runs a 4.6-40 yard dash. According to Rivals.com, "Earned all-conference and all-area honors as a junior, rushing for 1,205 yards. He caught 32 passes, and had two sacks on defense. He specializes on offense in high school, but is a two-way prospect for college." His stats also show 18 TDs and 436 yards receiving on offense, and 20 tackles on defense. Rivals doesn't have him rated. Hawken is the second committ after OL Joel Nitchman of Kalamazoo.

BCS dinks around with points system, again!

(07/19/04)--In an effort to get it right, the new BCS formula has dropped strength of schedule, number of losses, and bonus points for quality wins.All that will be included now is: 1. the USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches' Poll; 2. the Associated Press media poll; and, 3. an average of four computer rankings. Each of the elements will count one-third. The BCS folks announced the new formula on July 15. The new Bowl Championship Series formula that determines teams in college football's national championship game would have produced a different title matchup than what was staged in two of the last three seasons.

Had the formula been in effect last season, Southern California, No. 1 in both human polls at the end of the regular season, would have played in the Nokia Sugar Bowl, not Oklahoma, which lost to LSU.
The title game after the 2001 season also would have changed. Miami (Fla.), which beat Nebraska for the title, would have played Oregon. Last year, Southern California finished the regular season first in both polls last year but was dropped to third in the BCS by the computers. Using the new formula, USC would have dropped to second but would have played in the title game against LSU.

Whatever. This is still stupid, folks. Playoff, playoff, playoff! When will you get it? Fire the BCS commish, and can the system. Don't worry, we'll get another split poll this year, just to prove the BCS wrong. They just don't get it, and their inept and sissy-like arguments against a playoff (lengthens season, bowl contracts, etc.) are boring, mundane, and most-of-all just plain wrongheaded.

MSU Ticket Sells Are Good For New Premium Package

(7/15/04)--Looks like hiring John L. Smith has paid off. With optimisim in Spartanland due to MSU's surprising 8-5/5-3 season a year ago, Ron Mason told the Lansing State Journal today that sales of the new seat package were “no problem.” He expressed confidence Michigan State would continue its sellout streak of 33 consecutive games. Although MSU is installing its new ticket license fees for premium seats, Mason stated that the MSU community has stepped to the plate and has shown its willingness to pay the fees. MSU expects to raise an extra $1.5 million next year from the new fees alone. Hmmm, isn’t that just about John L.’s salary?

Goodthing the ES has the nosebleed seats. I get a birds-eye view of the game, get a closeup view of the construction of the new press box/luxury seating (which will be right above me head), and don’t have to pay extra.

But, I’m always looking for a sponsor if for 50-yard line seats… Any takers?

Big Ten Instant Replay Update - Media Day August 5-6

(7/13/04)--The Big Ten Media Day is scheduled for August 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Tickets are $80 each and can be ordered on-line by linking here to the pdf form or accessing the Big Ten's website at www.bigten.org. Of primary interest on the docket will be a mini-clinic of the new instant replay system being developed by the Big Ten for this fall.

Link here to download the Big Ten's official pdf of how Instant Replay will work: "Replay ABCs." According to the Big Ten, in brief:

• The Big Ten replay system will allow for specific types of officiating mistakes to be immediately reviewed and corrected during all Conference games. Replay may be available during home non-conference match-ups with prior approval by the visiting team.
•  The Big Ten instant replay model and the NFL instant replay system are different.  In the Big Ten model, only the Big Ten Technical Advisor, working in the press box, can stop a game to review a play. Unlike the NFL model, in the Big Ten neither the coaches nor the game officials on the field may ask for a review.
•  In order for a play to be changed the Technical Advisor must have indisputable video evidence that an error occurred.   Television broadcast of the game will be the sole source of whether there is indisputable video evidence.
•  The replay system will not guarantee that all officiating mistakes are identified and corrected.
•  The types of plays that are reviewable include plays that are governed by the sideline, goal line, end zone and end line, passing plays, and other detectable infractions, such as forward progress with respect to first down.

In a May 18 press release, the Big Ten stated: "Hardware, software, personnel and communications issues have been addressed and are presently ‘under construction’.  The objective is precise:  To allow for specific types of officiating mistakes to be quickly reviewed and corrected.  The standard is high:  There must be indisputable video evidence, with the exclusive source of such evidence the video of the television broadcast. During the months leading up to the season’s start Big Ten referees and technical advisors will undergo a series of intensive clinics to insure their preparedness and readiness. Accurate communication of what the Big Ten instant replay system is, and what it is not, is critical.  To that end the Conference will play host to numerous in-person meetings with institutional game management representatives, coaching staffs, radio broadcasters and Big Ten television partners (ABC Sports, ESPN and ESPN Regional Television)."

CFN.com ranks MSU #53; Southern Cal dominates on top

(7/12/04)-- CollegeFootballNews.com has ranked MSU at #53 in the nation entering this fall.

CFN.com says: "53. Michigan State   (projected record: 6-6)
While this is a team woefully devoid of all-stars, there isn't a gaping hole in any one area with enough good players and enough fantastic athletes to expect a continuation of last year's excellent campaign.  There are NFL players on the roster in WR Matt Trannon and TE Eric Knott to name a couple, but they all have to perform up to their talent.
Relative strength: Defensive back seven  Relative Weakness: Quarterback 
Star of the team: Senior FS Jason Harmon  Key game: Nov. 6 vs. Ohio State"

That being said, the ES has added CFN.com as well as Street & Smiths, FB Action, and The Gold Sheet into his rankings (which also includes Phil Steele, The Sporting News, SI.com, ESPN, CBSSportsline.com, NationalChamps.net, and Athlon)...the ES gives a point per ranking, with those not ranked receiving 26 points.

All '04 Recruits Academically Eligible

(7/2/04)--All MSU recruits are academically eligible for the 2004 season, according to the Lansing State Journal. SirDarean Adams and Nick Smith both improved their grades enough during their senior year to be fully eligible.

Eight FB players in trouble with the law; Dunnings needs to pipe down; ES says "big deal"

(7/3/04)--As reported in Saturday's LSJ, eight Spartan gridders have been charged over the past six months. Cole Corey (RFr, S) faces misdemeanor aggravated assault; Kyle Sackrider (Fr, TE) faces filing a false police report; Kevin Vickerson (Sr, DT) pleaded no contest to possession of ganja and open road pop (aka alcohol) in his car; Jason Teague (Jr, RB) pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle as a minor with a BAC between .02 & .07; and three freshman were caught with booze on them.

Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings claimed: "It's a simple equation - alcohol and MSU students equal terrible outcomes... There hasn't been a dramatic increase (since John L took over). There was more trouble under Saban than under BW."

Now, let's get to the skinny here. Mr. Dunnings - there were many of us MSU students who used & abused alcohol that rarely got into "terrible outcomes" (unless you want to call public urination a terrible outcome). And, methinks that these charges are an improvement over the disaster at the tailend of the BW era (let's actually compare the number of convictions and type of convictions over the past four coaches, the past 15 years, if you want to make comparisons). Finally, if you are an American college student, more often than not will you go to your fair share of parties; that's just a fact. Mr. Dunnings, this ain't bad; look at Colorado, or Alabama, or Texas, or Ohio State.

And, look a little more closely at the charges: Corey and Sackrider filed a false police report to protect a friend; three others were MIPs. Teague and Vickerson are the crimes dealing with a car -- that could potentially harm others. And, of those charged, Vic & Teague are the two players most valuable to the team.

It would be nice if all MSU athletes were square, straight, and born-again Christians who keep clean and out of trouble. But that just isn't reality, anywhere. The ES isn't condoning what they've done, other than it's no big deal -- it happens in every college town these days.

John L. will likely discipline them to some extent and they may miss some game time early in the season... but expect them on the field for Big Ten play. Mr. Dunnings is making a mountain out of a molehill here. Welcome to college fooball 2004. Big deal.

Spartans Add New Recruit

(06/24/04)-- Kalamazoo offensive lineman Joel Nitchman became Michigan State's first verbal commitment for 2005. Nitchman, a 6-foot-3 1/2, 276-pound right tackle at Hackett Catholic Central High School, expects to play center for the Spartans.
He chose MSU over Indiana, several Mid-American Conference schools, Purdue, Wisconsin, Michigan and Notre Dame.
Nitchman, runs the 40-yard-dash in 5.1 seconds and can bench press 315 pounds. He's smart, too: he has a 3.4 GPA.

MSU Football to be televised four times to start season; MSU-Irish to be a night game on ESPN

(6/23/04, MSU Media Relations)-- Michigan State's first four football games in 2004 will be televised, according to selections announced Wednesday, June 23 jointly by the Big Ten Conference and television networks. Michigan State's 2004 season opener, Sept. 4 at Rutgers, will be televised on a regional basis by ABC Sports, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. EDT.

ESPN Plus (local) will televise the Spartans' home opener, Sept. 11 vs. Central Michigan, at noon EDT.
Michigan State football returns to prime-time television on Sept. 18 against Notre Dame at 7 p.m. EDT on ESPN. It marks the fifth night game in the 81-year history of Spartan Stadium. Michigan State is 3-1 in its four previous prime-time TV appearances in Spartan Stadium, including a 45-23 victory over 10th-ranked Notre Dame in 1998.

The MSU-Notre Dame night game is the perfect way to kickoff MSU's sesquicentennial celebration," Michigan State Athletics Director Ron Mason said. "Earlier that day, a statue will be dedicated in honor of former MSU President John Hannah."

ESPN Plus (local) will televise Michigan State's 2004 Big Ten opener, Sept. 25 at Indiana, at noon EDT.

In 2003, Michigan State had a school-record 13 games televised, including six national telecasts. More than 49 million people watched Spartan football games on TV last year.

Oops – no new BCS title game

(6/11/04)-- The ES had most of the details on the new BCS right, but the outcome wrong. Now, the way it they plan on having this, it’s just stupid. The BCS will just be adding two more teams to the BCS bowls, and the title game a week after the bowls. So, there will be no reshuffling of teams after the first round of bowls… because, “this would be a step towards a playoff.” The intent of having a new bowl game as a title game at one of the current BCS sites was two fold: 1. to allow two additional teams into the BCS; and, 2. to reward the current BCS bowls and not bring a fifth bowl into the mix.

Sorry for the mix up folks. I guess I had too much optimism and gave the BCS credit for more brains than they actually have.

There are only two benefits: 1. additional game for additional tailgate time, beer swilling, and rah-rah action for us football fanatics; 2. two additional teams added to the BCS picture.

But, the fact that there is no reseeding and no playoff is baffling and just dumb. The BCS doesn’t get it. Wow, if they can find a way to foul things up, they will sure do it. And, for the bowl that will be hosting two games in a span of one week, as the ES pointed out in his previous column, that first game will likely receive a big hit in attendance.
Thanks for the additional game, BCS, but gimme a call when you get those rocks out of your heads and finally figure out that a playoff is not only in order, but necessary. BCS = Moronic.

That being said, take you pick at a name for the new title bowl game, or send me an email and pick a name not on the list…

BCS agrees to national title game

(6/10/04)--Today, the Bowl Championship Series agreed to sponsor a national title game at one of the four BCS bowls a week after the previous game(s) are played. After the first round of BCS games (Orange, Rose, Sugar, Fiesta), the BCS will issue another poll and the #1 and #2 teams will be matched up for the “national championship game.” This game will be rotated among the four BCS bowls, so that each bowl gets the opportunity to host a title game once every four years… in other words, one of the BCS bowls will have two games in a two-week period.

Hmmm…. The ES thinks that this is an interesting concept, but has its problems. First, lets see the benefits:

Benefit A: The main benefit is that we get one extra college football game of high caliber. Can’t have enough of them. Yet another reason to take a day off work and chug back a few six-packs of Budweiser. I’m for it. If it were last year, USC really would pound the shit out of Saban, and we could watch it on the tube.

Benefit B: The college presidents can no longer complain about the impact on students from expanding the season. If they can do it in NCAA D1-AA, D2 and D3, why not in D1? By expanding the season a week, they have opened the door to what the public – and the students – want, without that weak argument that it hurts academics. Gimme a break – these gridders aren’t hitting the books during bowl season as it is; they’re enjoying the sun, the ladies, the beer, the sights, or just playing lots of Play Station games. NOTE: The ES has been a long-time proponent of a playoff and says to expand it two more weeks (beginning in mid- to late-December), have an 8-team playoff, and the title game the first week of January.

Benefit C: More money for NCAA, scholarships, and student-athlete assistance. This should generate additional revenue for the NCAA, and for the association to turn that revenue into additional support for student athletes in the form of scholarships or other needs. The argument that the NCAA does nothing but take money away from students is just 100 percent wrong – the NCAA provides all sorts of student-athlete support. Maybe a few extra dollars will give some other needy student-athletes a plane ticket home for the holidays or during family crisis.

Benefit D: The ES agrees with the BCS that this scenario is probably the least disruptive to the current bowl alignments, agreements and traditions. I went to the Rose Bowl in 1987 with the Spartans, and I’ll go again in 2007 – I expect the tradition to be just as ripe no matter what happens between now and then. The beer will be just as cold, and the weather will be picture perfect, as always.

Now, lets look at the problems this causes.

Problem A: #1 Michigan State (11-0) and #2 Oregon (10-1) play in the Rose Bowl. #3 Oklahoma (11-1) and #4 Miami (10-1) play in the Sugar Bowl. Oregon Beats Michigan State and Miami Beats Oklahoma. Now Oregon, Michigan State, and Miami are all tied with a record of 11-1. Again, it is the computer that picks the top two teams – and could pick MSU -- with none of them playing each other on the season. This scenario is not as wildly impossible as you might think, depending on the level of competition played during the year and the status of that competition at the end of the bowl season.

Problem B: Can Phoenix residents support two high-priced bowl games a week apart? Or Orlando and New Orleans? With BCS bowls costing $100-plus per ticket, it will be interesting to see if they can come close to selling out for two consecutive games… the Rose Bowl (in Los Angeles with 100-plus years of tradition), should draw very high regardless. But, the other bowls could potentially see the original game receive average support from the locals while they wait to instead purchase tickets to the title game. The folks in Phoenix will be golfing the first Saturday, and they MIGHT go to the title game. But not both.

Problem C: What if a second tier school makes it into a BCS game that will also host the title game? Problem B drops off significantly if a school such as Louisville, Marshall, or Fresno State makes it to the BCS – with a smaller alumni base, you can expect the original game to receive even that much less support and conceivably just half the stadium full.

Anyhow, this idea makes for good fodder to throw around the bar. What do you think? Let the ES know via email or over on the Tag Board. The ES says, what the hell. We got replay in the Big Ten, why not a title game at a BCS site? It’ll probably change again next year, anyhow. These BCS guys can never get it right…

Here’s the official comments from the press conference today (www.bcsfootball.org/news040610.shtml)

"BCS Press Conference—Opening Statement
Press Conference Opening Statement
President Dave Frohnmayer, University of Oregon
BCS Teleconference
June 10, 2004

We would like to thank everyone for your interest in today's press conference.
Today, after substantial discussions among all Division I-A conference commissioners and Notre Dame Athletic Director Kevin White, we are announcing that we have a model for a future BCS arrangement that we will put forward with the Rose Bowl and ABC Sports during contract negotiations. This model has been unanimously approved by the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee.

After consultation within each respective conference at the athletic director and presidential levels, we are moving forward with a BCS national championship game model that would be played within four BCS bowls. The new arrangement would begin after the 2006 regular season.

Under this plan, there will be four bowl games in the BCS arrangement, and each year one of those bowls will host its regular bowl game and then about a week later would be the site of the national championship game.

We believe the model the 11 conferences and Notre Dame are moving forward with is a strong step in the evolution of the BCS: First of all, it continues to create the BCS National Championship, and allows for better showcasing of that game each season and continues to provide exciting matchups between highly regarded teams in all the BCS bowls.

Secondly, it allows for increased access for all Division I-A institutions and continues to support the traditional bowl system, which has been a tremendous benefit to college football. It also continues the historical relationships of certain conferences and individual bowls, which existed long before the formation of the BCS and which those individual conferences and bowls value highly and wish to preserve. This model also is the least disruptive to other existing relationships between individual conferences and individual bowls.

Overall, this model provides the best opportunity for continuing and enhancing the many benefits of the BCS for the fans of the game and further provides student-athletes and coaches of all Division I-A football playing institutions with the opportunity to participate in one of these bowl games.

As president of the University of Oregon, I can't stress enough the importance of the next step in our process: the contract negotiations with the Rose Bowl and ABC Sports. We know the Rose Bowl and ABC Sports need to get started with negotiations and we want to give them, as well as Pac-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen and Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany, as much information as possible as they begin their discussions.

Following the Rose Bowl and ABC Sports discussions, the BCS will enter negotiations with ABC Sports this fall. That will be followed by discussions between the BCS and the current bowls in the arrangement, the Fiesta, Orange, and Sugar Bowls."

Meet The Spartans - Aug. 21

(6/7/04, msuspartans.com) -- From MSU Media Relations -- EAST LANSING, Mich. - Children 12 and under are invited to attend "Meet The Spartans" on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Meridian Mall in Okemos, Mich. Michigan State head coach John L. Smith and members of the 2004 football team will be available for autographs and pictures in the Center Court area of the mall.

The Michigan State Dance Team and Spartan cheerleaders will help distribute free schedule posters.

During the autograph session, children - ages 6-10 - can sign up for an opportunity to become a Kickoff Kid at a 2004 Spartan home football game. Two children are selected for each home game to join the Michigan State team on the sidelines. After each Spartan kickoff, one child will run on to the field and retrieve the kicking tee. Winners, determined by random drawings, receive two tickets to the game and a Spartan football jersey.
The Michigan Education Savings Program sponsors the Kickoff Kid program for the fourth-straight year.

ACC inks huge TV deal - is the Big Ten listening?

(5/14/04)--The ACC-ABC deal announced this week must have caught the eye of Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney as well as Big Ten presidents. Specifically, ACC commissioner John Swofford announced that ABC will double its current television contract in a new seven-year deal to cover ACC football from 2005-2011. In addition, the conference championship game is expected to rake in $6 million per year. Miami and Virginia Tech join the ACC this year, with Boston College to push the league to 12 schools in 2005, giving the league its conference title tilt in December 2005.

When will the Big Ten expand and rake in some of this cash? The Big Ten/Eleven has been at the forefront of college football for years, but seems to be slipping a la Woody Hayes and his three yards in a cloud of dust. The #1 possibility in expansion -- Notre Dame -- renewed its own tv deal in 2003 at $9 million per year with NBC through 2010. Is the Big Ten willing to wait, or will it pursue other possible schools -- Pittsburgh, Louisville, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Memphis, Iowa State, Missouri. Money talks, and right now, the Big Ten balks....

By the way, the ES is in the process of completing his spring review. It should be in Lansing-area stores, and on the internet, by mid-June....

Crunchy's Owner Killed in Auto Accident

(6/17/04)--The owner of Crunchy's bar & restaurant in E.L. was killed in a car accident over last weekend. Crunchy's reopened on June 18. He purchased the bar from Crunch back in 1994...

NCAA Certifies 28 Bowl Games

(6/10/04)--The NCAA has certified 28 bowl games for 2004-5... The San Francisco Bowl changed its name to the Emerald Bowl and teh Humanitarian Bowl is now the MPC Computers Bowl. For 2005-6, three other bowls have been proposed in Seattle, Denver and South Florida. That would make 31 bowls eligible next year, or 62 teams, allowing 53% of NCAA D1-A schools to have a spot to play in a bowl game.

Anyhow, link to the list here.

2005 Football Conference Alignments Now Available

(6/7/04)--Interested in knowing what the shape of college football will look like next year? There has been quite a game of musical chairs this spring, with the domino effect of Miami, Va Tech and BC jumping the Big East for the ACC reaching all the way to the Sun Belt conference.

Link here to check out new conference affiliations (.pdf document).

Proposed 2004 Rules Changes

(5/14/04)--In February this year, the NCAA Football Rules Committee met to discuss the Big Ten's use of video replay, with the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet giving approval on February 12. Among the other proposals recommended by the Football Rules Committee, and which may be adopted this summer, are (link here for full copy of press release):

* allowing the head coach to request a charged team timeout. Previously, only players could request a team timeout. This allowance cannot be designated to an assistant coach or to head coaches who are not on the field.

* giving the receiving team on free kicks the option of enforcing an encroachment foul (five yards) on the kicking team either from the end of the receiving team's return or from the previous spot with another free kick.

* charging a foul on a defensive player who runs forward and leaps, and then enters or crosses the neutral zone, in an obvious attempt to block a field goal or try attempt.

* deleting the possibility of defensive pass interference when the potential kicker simulates a scrimmage kick by throwing the ball high and deep.

* exempting a defensive player who is blocked into the passer from being penalized for roughing the passer. The defensive player is not exempted from other personal fouls such as spearing, piling on after the ball is dead, using his helmet to butt or ram the passer, or striking the passer's helmet.

Fifth BCS Bowl Game In The Works; Gator Bowl?

(4/7/04)--The Bowl Championship Series has agreed in principle to add a fifth game to the BCS. This has been reported in various degree over the past several weeks, but the ES was waiting for a bit more info before chiming in. Anyhow, you can consider it a done deal for the next two years.

BCSfootball.org lists the entire press conference (link here). Notable is the fact that a fifth bowl game WILL NOT be a separate championship game ("four-plus-one") but rather just another game to add two additional at-large teams to the current BCS picture. It is intended that this fifth bowl will be added to the championship rotation.

The Boston Globe's Mark Blaudschun has this as the most likely set up with a fifth bowl:

• Rose Bowl: Pacific-10 champion vs. Big Ten champion (except when the Rose Bowl hosts the BCS title game).
• Sugar Bowl: Southeastern Conference champion vs. at-large team.
• Fiesta Bowl: Big 12 champion vs. at-large team.
• Orange Bowl: Atlantic Coast Conference champion vs. at-large team.
• Fifth BCS Bowl: Big East champion vs. at-large team.

The Gator Bowl, which would eagerly accept the Big East conference champion as its anchor team, could be the leading contender for the fifth BCS bowl. At-large slots would be awarded to conference champions that finish in the top 12 in the BCS standings. Another way to get a BCS slot for a non-BCS team would be to finish in the top 16. If that happened, and a champion from a BCS league was lower than 16th, the non-BCS team would also be guaranteed a slot. The rotation of at-large teams at BCS bowls is still undetermined. The Rose Bowl has created its own deal of having the Pac-10 champ play the Big Ten champ every year it does not host the national championship.

The BCS, which runs through the 2005 regular season and 2006 bowl season, consists of the Rose Bowl, Nokia Sugar Bowl, FedEx Orange Bowl and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Before the start of the 1998 season, those bowls joined with the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pacific-10 and Southeastern Conferences and the University of Notre Dame to form the BCS. The champion of each of these conferences receive an automatic BCS bid. Since then, Conference USA has also signed onto the BCS -- without receiving an automatic bid. There are two at-large positions in the BCS that are open to any Division I-A team; and, a fifth bowl would add two more at-large positions.

David Frohnmeyer (President, Univ of Oregon and BCS Oversight Chair): "... if you increase the number of bowls, then you increase the number of access points at which [BCS and non-BCS] institutions can be included. ...the notion of having a four-plus-one system, or that is to say the four existing BCS bowls, and then a championship playoff game, that was not discussed in any serious or extended manner today because of the number of institutions speaking to the presidents and chancellors who actively resist any intrusion on the academic calendar beyond that that's already represented by the existing bowl games. So that was not a significant matter of discussion today at all.

Scott Cowen (President, Tulane Univ.): It's important also where people may differ on the importance of that plus-one game. From the coalition's point of view, from day one, we have always said that the important issues to us were access and revenue distribution and branding, and the administration. And those are the issues that we have seen positive and significant improvement on. And therefore, it was not a topic of conversation today to talk about the plus-one possibility."

Georgia, USC, Oklahoma top early charts

(5/5/04)--The ES has scoured the web to see what the early post-spring national rankings are.