Elijah Holyfield offered football scholarship by Michigan

Elijah Holyfield, the son of former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has built quite a reputation on the  football field.

Elijah, who is a running back in Atlanta is  big time recruit and has been offered by a number of big time programs such as Wisconsin, Ohio State, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Holyfield, who plays for the Woodward Academy in Atlanta, has been offered a scholarship in the 2016 class by the Michigan Wolverines.

The Wolverines are trying to get their program back to a championship level are hoping that Holyfield's championship pedigree can rub off on the rest of the team. I'm sure Brady Hoke is hoping that Holyfield is the real deal like his father once was.

Indiana quarterback Tre Roberson to transfer

After taking part in a two quarterback system last season with Nate Sudfeld, Tre Roberson has announced that he'll be transferring from the Indiana football program. Roberson's departure along with Cam Coffman's means that Sudfeld will be the Hoosiers' clear cut starter this season.

Roberson, who was Indiana's Mr. Football in 2010 was the program's first true freshman starter in 2011. A broken leg wiped out most of his sophomore season. He came back in 2013 to share the job (four starts) with Sudfeld. Head coach Kevin Wilson planned to employ the same two quarterback system that he used last year, which might've contributed to Roberson's departure.

“I want to thank the coaching staff, my teammates and Indiana University for all of their support over the last three years,” Roberson said. “My time in Bloomington will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish everyone at IU all the best as I move on to the next chapter in my life.”

For his career, Roberson threw for 2,433 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.  He added 10 touchdowns running the ball.

This comes as a surprise to many in the IU community as none saw this coming. I don't think pundits around college football or Wilson saw this coming, although he sounds content on move on with Sudfeld as his starter.

“We appreciate and thank Tre for his contributions to our football program both on and off the field,” Indiana coach Kevin Wilson said. “He is an outstanding player and a great young man. We wish him well as he moves forward with his career.”

Roberson is a dual threat talent who will be a sought after transfer. With his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground, look for plenty of high major schools to try to woo Roberson to their campus.  

 

Oklahoma State freshman Devon Thomas facing armed robbery charge

Oklahoma State freshman running back Devon Thomas was arrested Wednesday night following an armed robbery on Tuesday.

The incident is being looked into by the Broken Arrow Police Department as an armed robbery and shooting with the intent to kill at 113 East Madison.

The victim said Thomas, 18, robbed him at gunpoint with a handgun along with three other suspects. The victim told police that the suspects robbed him of marijuana, money, shoes and clothing. The suspects then reportedly told the victim to leave because they were about to "bust a cap."

When the victim was driving away, the suspects allegedly fired at least one round at the vehicle, one of which narrowly missed the victim's head. The victim said he has known Thomas for several years.

Thomas is scheduled to be a freshman at Oklahoma State in the fall after they recruited him. OSU released the following statement: "OSU is gathering information and has no further comment at this time."

He was arrested on complaints of robbery with an firearm and shooting with the intent to kill. Thomas is being held in Tulsa County Jail on $125,000 bond.

Three other arrests have been made in the incident. 18-year-old's Eduard Smith and De'Carrio Taylor were also arrested on robbery with a firearm and shooting with the intent to kill complaints. They are also being held on $125,000 bond.

One other juvenile suspect was arrested.

Graham Harrell joins Mike Leach at Washington State

Graham Harrell experienced scores of success when he quarterbacked Texas Tech while Mike Leach was still running things in Lubbock. Leach will hope that he and Harrell can hook up for more good times at 

Washington State.

Harrell joined Leach's staff in Pullman most likely as a "quality control" staff member since the Cougars already have nine assistants on the staff which is the maximum  mandated by the NCAA. 

Harrell racked up huge numbers in Leach's pass happy system at Texas Tech  from 2004 through 2008. During his time with the Red Raiders, Harrell racked .up a number of awards and honors including the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, 2007 Sammy Baugh Trophy and multiple All-America honors. Harrell was also voted the 2008 AT&T All-American Player of the Year in a fan vote. Harrell ended his collegiate career with 15,793 passing yards and 134 touchdowns to 34 interceptions. 

Maybe the Cougars can get on track with Leach's crazy scheme and Harrell's knowledge of the system.

Chad Kelly, nephew of Jim Kelly, kicked off Clemson football team

Chad Kelly, the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, is no longer a part of the chase to be the Clemson Tigers starting QB. In fact, he is no longer even on the team following Dabo Swinney’s announcement Monday afternoon.

“I have dismissed Chad Kelly for conduct detrimental to our program,” stated Swinney.  “He has had a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program.  I hope he will mature and grow from this and become the man and player I know he can be. I wish him nothing but the best in the future academically and athletically.”

There reportedly was an argument between Kelly and the coaching staff during the team’s Orange and White game on Saturday. According to an AP report he disagreed with their decision regarding going for it on a fourth down play. He was benched during the second half of the game following two interceptions. Kelly, a sophomore, was in a three-way race for the starting QB slot competing against senior Cole Stoudt and freshman Deshaun Watson.

Kelly was a red-shirt for the 2012 season then suffered a torn ACL during the 2013 Spring Game. He did play in the SC State game on September 7th. During the 2013 season, he played five games, was 10-17 in passing with a total of 58 yards. He had 16 rushes for 117 yards with a touchdown. Of those rushes, seven were at Virginia with 56 yards.

Missouri State doesn't want Dorial Green-Beckham

High major college football players who run afoul of the law usually wind up at a school at the FCS level or NAIA and Division II.

 Former Missouri star receiver Dorial Green Beckham was recently dismissed from the football team. One school he won't be playing at is Missouri State. Missouri State president Cliff Smart has made it known that DGB is not welcome at his school.

Smart said that he, athletic director Kyle Moats and head football coach Terry Allen held a meeting to discuss the possibility of the receiver’s potential availability. The consensus answer was no. Green-Beckham will not be allowed to play there.

  "That's not the kind of player we recruit to our program," Smart said.

Green-Beckham would be eligible to play at any FCS school immediately. He can't enter the NFL's supplemental draft because he isn't three years removed from his high school class. If he transfers at the FBS level he'll have to sit out a year.

I'm sure he has options but will anyone be willing to take on the baggage he would bring to a program.

Oregon point guard Jonathan Loyd will return to the gridiron

Following in the footsteps of Greg Paulus and a few others, Oregon point guard Jonathan Loyd will try to make the transition from the hardwood to the football field.

Loyd will join the Ducks' football team as a wide receiver. Loyd will use a provision that allows college athletes  five years of competition. Since Loyd never redshirted, he has one more season of eligibility.

The 5-foot-8, 163-pound Loyd had offers to play college football after graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas in 2010 but instead signed on as Dana Altman’s first recruit for the Oregon basketball team.

Loyd played in all 144 games for the Ducks during his career, of which 97 were victories. He had his best year as a senior when he averaged 7.0 points and 4.7 assists while helping the Ducks reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Wisconsin on March 22.

Loyd attended an Oregon football practice last week and put the pads on for the first time Monday.

He was a first-team all-state returner after running back five punts for touchdowns and averaging 32.6 yards per kick return. He also played defensive back.

Oregon’s football program has had success in the past with wide receivers off the basketball team. Jordan Kent was Oregon’s second-leading receiver in 2006 when he caught 44 passes for 491 yards and four touchdowns, and Tony Hargain had two 100-yard receiving games from 1987-90 and also played basketball.

With Loyd's size he could compete as a slot receiver or returner. My guess is that if he sees the field he'll be a jack of all trades type.

Army's Raymond Maples to get another year of eligibility

Army running back Raymond Maples received a bit of good news when it was announced that he would get another year of eligibility.

Maples suffered a groin injury in the third game of the 2013 season and did not play again last year. That made him eligible for a medical hardship.

Maples is the Black Knights sixth all time leading rusher with 2,612 yards.

With leading rusher Terry Baggett returning Army should have one of the top rushing attacks in the nation.

Oklahoma's Blake Bell to switch from quarterback to tight end

According to Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops, former starting quarterback Blake Bell, also known as the “Belldozer”, will be switching positions. Bell will close out his career in Norman playing the tight end position during his senior season.

"Even though he could graduate and go somewhere, he wants to finish out and try tight end," coach Stoops said. "I think it's a great fit. Blake has the size, the athleticism, the speed to do that, and he's exhibited his toughness through the years."

As a junior, Bell led the Sooners with 1,648 passing yards and 12 touchdown passes (five interceptions). He completed 60.1 percent of this throws and averaged 7.07 yards per attempt. He started eight games. Bell had some solid moments but was very inconsistent and he struggled in losses to Texas (46.2 percent, 0 TDs, 2 INTs) and Baylor (42.9 percent, 1 TD, 2 INTs).

Oklahoma finished the season strong with four straight wins including upsets at Kansas State and Oklahoma State, as well as a big bowl win over Alabama in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Bell attempted just 16 passes during their four-game winning streak, but in a relief role, he did lead the Sooners on the game-winning drive in Stillwater. Trailing 24-20, Bell connected with senior wide out Jalen Saunders from seven yards out for the game-winning score with 19 seconds remaining in the contest.

Despite his late-game heroics in the Bedlam rivalry, Stoops went back to Trevor Knight in the Sugar Bowl. The redshirt freshman responded with a career game, throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns against the Crimson Tide, establishing himself as OU’s starting quarterback heading into the 2014 season.

It’s unclear if the Sooners will use Bell in short-yardage situations, which is where he flourished as a freshman and a sophomore. With a physical running style reminiscent of Tim Tebow, Bell scored 13 rushing touchdowns in 2011 and 11 more in 2012.

The move will give Bell a better chance to help the Sooners on the field in 2014, but it also leaves Oklahoma thin at the quarterback position behind Knight. Junior Kendall Thompson, the son of former OU star quarterback Charles Thompson, has decided to transfer.

That leaves redshirt freshman Cody Thomas and incoming true freshman Justice Hansen as Knight’s backups. Oklahoma has added Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year quarterback Bake Mayfield, who has transferred from Texas Tech, but he won’t be eligible to play until 2015.

Iowa State's Rhoads calls out schools trying to get prized recruit to flip

Iowa State doesn't get too many blue chip football recruits, so when they get a commitment from one they have to fight hard to keep it.

Hours after grabbing the national letter of intent from one of the most sought-after high school football players in the state, Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads tossed jabs at a pair of teams that tried steering him away.

Rhoads talked up the future Cyclone and ripped schools trying to take him away.

“That’s Allen Lazard’s National Letter of Intent,” Rhoads said of his four-star crown jewel recruit. “Let me talk about Allen Lazard a little bit.”

“He’s not going to a school in northern Indiana,” Rhoads said of Lazard, a high school all-American. “Boy, they wasted a lot of time and money. He’s not going to another school in this state, who feverishly tried to call him about a half a dozen times in the last week.”

Rhoads isn't referring to Valparaiso and Northern Iowa. Those were shots directed at Notre Dame and Iowa for trying to steer Lazard away from Ames, Iowa.

“Much to the dismay of people in this room who wasted a lot of space and time challenging his words of commitment, he’s going right here to Iowa State University,” Rhoads added. 

Lazard is considered the crown jewel of Rhoads’ class and has been the subject of constant questions regarding his commitment to Iowa State. Lazard continued to visit Notre Dame after he first committed to Iowa State more than a year ago.

I can understand Rhoads' apparent frustration but he should know that recruit poaching goes on all the time. It's all a part of college football and if a school like Iowa State gets a player of Lazard's ilk, Rhoads can expect the big boys to keep coming after them.

Derek Mason plans on winning big at Vanderbilt

Derek Mason wants to make a few things clear: He has plenty of experience recruiting in the South, hopes to finish his career at Vanderbilt and has very high goals for the Commodores — such as playing the Southeastern Conference championship.

Vanderbilt introduced its new football coach Saturday, a week after starting a search to replace James Franklin, who left for Penn State.

“This job means everything to me,” Mason said before a packed room. “This is where I want to be, this is where I plan on spending the rest of my career. We will win. Make sure of that. Make no doubts about that. I understand what college football’s about. It’s about winning, and you hired a winner for sure.”

Mason, 44, spent the past four seasons at Stanford working first for Jim Harbaugh, then David Shaw the last two as defensive coordinator. This is Mason’s first head coaching job in a career that started in 1994, and he said he wanted this job so much that he packed a black suit for his first interview in Atlanta — site of the SEC title game.

He made clear he understands Vanderbilt’s priority as a top academic university is graduating players, with winning just as important on the field.

“SEC East title, here we come,” Mason said. “Make no bones about it. If you can’t talk about it, you can’t be about it.”

The Commodores, who went 4-20 combined in 2009 and 2010, were 24-16 over the past three seasons under Franklin. They are 16-4 over the past 20 games — second in the Southeastern Conference only to Alabama and tied with South Carolina in that span. Vanderbilt has played in three straight bowls, winning two, for the first time in school history.

Vanderbilt also has finished in the final Associated Press poll each of the past two seasons, including No. 24 for 2013. The last time Vanderbilt was ranked in the final AP poll before was 1948 under Red Sanders.

Defensive end Kyle Woestmann said Franklin is the reason that a coach the caliber of Mason would want the Vanderbilt job so much.

“Franklin showed how to win and win big and that all we have to do is win two more games a year and you get close to competing for SEC championships and national championships,” Woestmann said. “Derek Mason saw that as an opportunity. He’s here to take us to that next level.”

Mason is the second consecutive black football coach at Vanderbilt. Out of 125 colleges in the Football Bowl Subdivision, only 13 had black coaches in 2013. Vanderbilt athletic director David Williams, also black, said they heard from up to 70 people wanting this job, including coaches in the NFL, head coaches and assistants and even a computer analyst.

“Thank you for believing in us and trusting in us to get you a good head coach,” Williams said.

A former cornerback at Northern Arizona, Mason has been an assistant at various colleges the past 20 years, including stops at Ohio, New Mexico State, Saint Mary’s, Utah, Weber State, Idaho State, Bucknell and San Diego Mesa College. He coached in the NFL, including Minnesota between 2007 and 2009.

Mason helped Stanford slow down hurry-up offenses and read-option runs and beat Pac-12 division rival Oregon the past two years. That had about a half-dozen NFL teams sending coaches last summer for tutorials on Mason’s defensive schemes.

But Mason pointed out he has recruited throughout the south for years, making him very comfortable in SEC country.

Vanderbilt’s new coach met with his players Friday and has been busy studying tape. Mason said he expects to have most of his coaching staff filled out within 48 hours.

Salvaging a recruiting class that had been ranked in the top 25 by many services is his other priority with national signing day less than three weeks away on Feb. 5. Out of 20 commitments, Vanderbilt currently has 11 and sunk to 64 at least according to Rivals.com.

Mason said he’ll make his vision and mission very clear.

“I think you’ll like what you see on signing day,” Mason.

Mason knows what it takes to win at a prestigious academic institution like Vanderbilt. Mason won the press conference, now it's time for him to win games.

Georgia Tech quarterback Vad Lee will transfer

Georgia Tech quarterback Vad Lee plans to transfer, according to multiple reports.

Lee, a redshirt sophomore, will have two years of eligibility remaining. He led the Yellow Jackets to a berth in the Music City Bowl where they lost to Ole Miss 25-17 and ended the season 7-6.

Lee cited the use of Tech's triple option offense as his reason for wanting to transfer. Lee will most likely transfer down to a FCS program where he can plan immediately since he already burned his redshirt year. Possible destinations include James Madison, Elon, and Rcihmond. All are closer to his hometown of Durham, North Carolina.  

Art Briles might take the Texas job if it's offered to him

Baylor's Art Briles has made himself one of the hottest coaching candidates in the nation. Briles has turned around programs at Houston and Baylor and has made the Bears a higher profile team. While many speculate on his coaching future with a possible NFL job, the Texas Longhorns could be the tema that wins a possible Briles sweepstakes.

In a report in the Austin American-Statesman, a source says that Briles would be willing to meet Texas athletic director Steve Patterson to interview for the Longhorns job. Briles has not been interviewed but the report says that Briles would take the job if it was offered to him.   

Briles signed a new 10-year contract with Baylor after it clinched its first ever Big 12 championship. A high-ranking Texas source said Briles’ buyout is $4 million, but other reports suggest that it could be much higher than that figure, possibly $12 million, a price the Longhorns would more than likely be willing to pay.

With the high octane offense Briles orchestrates and the talent that annually come to Texas the Big 12 should be very afraid if Briles lands in Austin.

UMass fires football coach Charley Molnar

What a Christmas present Charley Molnar received.

A day after Christmas the UMass (Massachusetts) Minutemen decided to fire the head football coach, Molnar. The firing came after two seasons, as the team struggled to a 2-22 record after moving to the FBS ranks just two years ago from the FCS division.

The Minutemen posted consecutive 1-11 records in their first two seasons under Molnar in the Football Bowl Subdivision as members of the Mid-American Conference. 

The university will owe Molnar the $836,000 for the remaining three years on his original contract.

“We want to thank Charley Molnar for his service and the extraordinary time and energy he devoted to coaching the Minutemen as we entered competition in the Football Bowl Subdivision,” athletic director John McCutcheon said. “It has become clear, however, that we must improve our performance in several areas and move in a new direction to ensure success in the FBS. Going forward, we must build a strong foundation to win on the field and stimulate enthusiasm and support for the program throughout the university community.”

McCutcheon stated that the decision to fire Molnar had to do with the "perception of the program" more than wins and losses.

Reached today by phone by the Boston Herald, Molnar would not comment when asked if the dismissal was fair.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” Molnar said. “I’m just now reaching out to my players and coaches, and I’m not ready to speak with the media.”

The university will owe Molnar the $836,000 for the remaining three years on his original contract.

If you ask me, Molnar didn't stand a chance. The team moved up to the big boy table and expected results. I'm no football expert but when was the last time a team that moved up to the FBS division made an immediate impact? Exactly.

I have to believe there is more to the story since Molnar only lasted two years. It's just too fast to pull the plug on someone especially when the program just moved to a higher level of football. You can't build a foundation that way.

Baylor's Art Briles reportedly open to coaching the Redskins

Many say that Baylor head football coach would not leave the school under any circumstances. That would include reuniting with his former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Robert Griffin III, since it's being widely speculated that the Washington Redskins might part ways with current coach Mike Shanahan.

Would Briles be open to Redskins owner Daniel Snyder making a lucrative offer to coach the team. League sources are whispering that it could be possible that Briles could make the jump to the NFL.

Briles, who is currently focused on recruiting at the school, would have interest in the Redskins' job under certain circumstances, sources said, and some believe he could put together an NFL-caliber staff as well, without having to overly rely on his contemporaries at Baylor. Snyder is widely expected to fire coach Mike Shanahan at the end of the season, with his team again at the bottom of the NFL East standings and Shanahan's relations with RG3 in tatters and issues with his staff, and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in particular, no secret at Redskins Park.

Briles lacks an NFL pedigree, but Griffin and his parents are big fans of Briles. On the other hand Snyder is probably looking for a coach with NFL experience, which is always hard for him because of his reputation as a meddling owner.

I don't know why Briles would have any interest in any NFL job, especially the Redskins job. He built that program from scratch the way he wanted to. In the NFL he doesn't have a whole lot of say on which players he gets. He's in total control, not having to play a hand he's dealt. At Baylor he's king of Waco as long as he keeps winning. I don't think Briles wants to give that up anytime soon. Besides, he just signed a 10 year extension.

Briles has said he hasn't had any contact with the Redskins and plans to remain at Baylor.

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon will return for his junior season

Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon announced that he will bypass the NFL Draft and return for his junior season.

Going into next season Gordon will be on many Heisman watch lists after rushing for 1,466 yards and 12 touchdowns in a timeshare backfield with James White.

“After talking it over with my family and my coaches, I have decided to come back next year,” Gordon said. “I love the University of Wisconsin and feel that there is still a lot of room for growth. Academically, another year in school will help me get closer to completing my degree and on the field I hope to help my team get back the Big Ten championship.”

“With this decision out of the way I can now focus on helping my team prepare for the Capital One Bowl and a great opponent in South Carolina.”

Badgers coach Gary Andersen is happy that Gordon will be back to lead the vaunted Badgers rushign attack in 2014.

“Melvin is a great player and a great kid and we are very happy with his decision. We tried to be very supportive throughout the decision-making process and relayed all the information he needed to make an informed decision. I’m glad he can now focus on the bowl game and prepare for a great 2014.”

Gordon was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back and rushed for at least 140 yards in seven of Wisconsin’s 12 games. Only Heisman Trophy finalist Andre Williams of Boston College and Washington’s Bishop Sankey had more games of 140-plus rushing yards among Football Bowl Subdivision players this season, with eight apiece.

Notre Dame will play Boston College at Fenway Park in 2015

Notre Dame will begin playing five games per season against ACC opponents beginning next season due to their agreement that permits the Irish to play in the league in other sports. That won't keep the Fighting Irish from having a high profile national schedule like they always do.

The Irish have scheduled a "home" game against ACC member Boston College to be played at the home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park.  The game will be part of the Shamrock Series. The Irish will also begin a home and home series with the Texas Longhorns and will not play a Big Ten opponent for the first time in more than 100 years. With a college football playoff on the horizon Notre Dame is looking to boost it's strength of schedule.

"Our schedules the next three seasons, combined with our 2012 and 2013 schedules, truly exhibit Notre Dame's intention to celebrate our independence," says Notre Dame vice president and director of athletics Jack Swarbrick. "We will be playing in virtually every corner of the country and will have a strength of schedule that will serve us well in the new College Football Playoff format."

“We play coast to coast. Jesse Harper made that decision a hundred years ago. It changed the trajectory of the football program and the university, and we’re not going to stray from it,” Swarbrick said.

Here's a look at Notre Dame's schedules from 2014-2016.

 2014

Aug. 30, RICE

Sept. 6, MICHIGAN

Sept. 13, vs. Purdue (at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)

Sept. 27, vs. Syracuse (at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.)

Oct. 4, STANFORD

Oct. 11, NORTH CAROLINA

Oct. 18, at Florida State

Nov. 1, vs. Navy (at FedEx Field, Landover, Md.)

Nov. 8, at Arizona State

Nov. 15, NORTHWESTERN

Nov. 22, LOUISVILLE

Nov. 29, at USC

2015

Sept. 5, TEXAS

Sept. 12, at Virginia

Sept. 19, GEORGIA TECH

Sept. 26, MASSACHUSETTS

Oct. 3, at Clemson

Oct. 10, NAVY

Oct. 17, USC

Oct. 31, vs. Temple (at Lincoln Financial Services Field)

Nov. 7, at Pittsburgh

Nov. 14, WAKE FOREST

Nov. 21, vs. Boston College (at Fenway Park, Boston)

Nov. 28, at Stanford

2016

Sept. 3, at Texas

Sept. 10, NEVADA

Sept. 17, MICHIGAN STATE

Sept. 24, DUKE

Oct. 1, vs. Syracuse (at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.)

Oct. 8, at North Carolina State

Oct. 15, STANFORD

Oct. 29, MIAMI

Nov. 5, vs. Navy (site TBD)

Nov. 12, vs. Army (at Alamodome, San Antonio)

Nov. 19, VIRGINIA TECH

Nov. 26, at USC

While it's true that Notre Dame will get a boost from a national schedule, the Irish should leave the patsies like UMass, Nevada, Army and Rice off the schedule. I guess you have to fit in some wins somewhere.

  

Steve Spurrier has some fun at Florida's expense; also jabs Florida State

Steve Spurrier loves to zing other football programs when he has an opportunity to do so. Remember the one about Tennessee ( you can't spell Citrus without UT) and Florida State (FSU=Free Shoes University).

This time Spurrier took a shot at his old school Florida. The former Heisman Trophy winner and national championship winning coaching legend had a one liner directed at the Gators.

"Somebody told me the Gators are going to be home for the holidays," zinged Spurrier. "Maybe we can get a bunch of Gators who'll come to our ballgame, fill up the stands … and root for the Gamecocks."

Spurrier also took the time to sneak in a jab at Florida State (again), when the questioned about Jadeveon Clowney's speeding ticket.

“I didn't know Jadeveon's car that could go that fast. He doesn't have a pretty car like those FSU guys used to drive.”

Spurrier turned the Capital One Bowl press conference into his own little laugh fest.

Even though Spurrier  has aged and mellowed, he still hasn't lost his touch for a good one liner.

Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard wins the Jack Tatum Award

Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard was honored by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio as the winner of the Jack Tatum Award, given to the defensive back they feel is the best in college football. The award named after former Ohio State Buckeye and Oakland Raider great, Jack Tatum.

Ironically, the Spartans knocked off the Buckeyes in the Big Ten championship game with the help of a stellar effort by Dennard.

Dennard is also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, the top award given to the best defensive back in college football.

Dennard is a physical corner who also excels in coverage. Dennard had 33 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 10 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles this season for the Spartans.

Oregon tight end suspended for bowl game for role in snowball fight

Oregon starting tight end Pharoah Brown has been suspended for the team's Alamo Bowl against Texas for his role in a campus snowball fight.

 The incident, which was caught on video and showed Oregon football players among a group of close to 100 students hitting cars and drivers with snowballs last Friday. Images also show players dumping containers of snow on vehicle windshields.

Head coach Mark Helfrich made the suspension on Sunday after speaking with the drivers involved.

Brown apologized for his part in the snow melee.

“I was one of the many UO students involved in the snowball fight on Friday and my actions escalated to an inappropriate level and for that, I sincerely apologize," Brown said in a statement released Monday afternoon. "We never should have engaged innocent people and I deeply regret my actions and will accept the consequences.”

Other players involved will face disciplinary action as well. Two drivers victimized in the snowball fight will not press charges.

Brown, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Lyndhurst, Ohio, has 10 catches in nine games for 123 yards and two touchdowns this season.