College football 2010: The good and the bad
The SEC has won its fifth straight BCS national championship. Auburn has won its first national title since 1957. And the argument continues: What if No. 1 Auburn (14-0) played No. 2 TCU (13-0) on Saturday to settle the national title? We’ll never know.
The incredible thing about a college football season is that in July and August, it just feels like it will never start. Then, once it does, it seems to be over in a couple of heartbeats.
I will always remember the 2010 season because it gave us both the good and the bad that is the game of college football in the 21st century.
You know the good. The game, as it is played on the field, has never been better. Every week there was a new, dramatic story line. Every Saturday there was something that made us go “Wow!”:
**–Oct. 2: For about 90 seconds in Baton Rouge, Tennessee had apparently pulled a stunning upset at LSU. But on what appeared to be the last play of the game, Tennessee’s defense had 13 men on the field. LSU got one more snap and won.
**–Oct. 9: South Carolina upsets Alabama, the defending national champions, to beat the No. 1 team for the first time in school history.
**–Nov. 26: It was a Friday that we will never forget. Auburn rallies from a 24-0 deficit at Alabama and wins a game for the ages, 28-27. Then, in the wee hours of Nov. 27, Nevada ends Boise State’s dreams of playing for the national championship with a field goal in overtime.
I could go on and on. College football is so good now that we EXPECT to have these unforgettable moments week after week. The game rarely disappoints.
But we also had a chance to see college football’s dark side. This is the side that threatens to undermine the long-term credibility of the game with the public that loves it so:
**–The academic scandal at North Carolina that forced the school to suspend as many as 13 players. It turned an ACC championship caliber team into one which was lucky to finish 7-5.
**–Agent gate: One bad decision by one of the game’s premier players (A.J. Green), basically wrecked Georgia’s season. An agent throws a South Florida party for underclassmen because the benefit far outweighs the risk. This problem is not going away. It is only going to get worse if something doesn’t change–and quickly. Unfortunately, the NCAA doesn’t do much of anything quickly. They need to open up the proccess and get these kids talking to agents much earlier in their careers.
**–In June there was the money and power grab that was known as conference expansion and realignment. When it was over the Big Ten had 12 teams, the Big 12 had 10 teams, and the Mountain West had lost its three most high-profile programs: TCU (Big East), Utah (Pac-10), and BYU (Independent). The Pac-10 almost talked Texas into leaving and destroying the Big 12. It was an ugly thing to watch.
**–USC got hammered by the NCAA in the summer and Reggie Bush eventually gave back his Heisman Trophy.
**–While Cameron Newton’s play on the field was magnificent and deserving of the Heisman Trophy, the entire case involving his father was bad for college football. Legally, the NCAA had no choice but to let Newton play based on the facts (or lack of them) in evidence. But this loophole needs to be closed before another season comes around. The guardians of the sport had better hope that no more damning information comes out about this case. We watched USC vacate a national championship and its star player give back a Heisman Trophy. College football does not need another body blow like that.
**–And then there was the Ohio State ruling, which suspended five players for selling stuff given to them by the school. But the NCAA allowed the suspensions to start after they played in the Sugar Bowl. Critics jumped on the NCAA and college football because it appears both are making these rules up as they go along. The ruling made no sense unless you believe Ohio State’s claim that their players had not been instructed on the rules. I don’t.
There was also tragedy:
**–Student photographer Declan Sullivan was killed when the scissor tower where he was filming Notre Dame’s practice collapsed.
**–Eric LeGrand of Rutgers suffered paralysis in a terrbile injury against Army.
**–Mississippi State defensive end Nick Bell lost his battle with cancer. He was only 20 years old.
So again, it was a good season and it was a bad season. Mostly it was a tough season.
The hard edge to the Cameron Newton debate was disturbing. The kid almost lost everything because the father. The Newtons got lucky. The next kid whose father gets caught doing this won’t be so lucky. Parents who act like agents in the future (and get caught) will not be happy with the result.
The nastiness of the BCS debate is disquieting. I want a four-team playoff or a true plus-one, where two teams are picked after the bowls. I believe college football will need to made a change in the post-season format when the current BCS contract expires after the 2013 regular season. The debate has always kept interest high in college football. But I think we are reaching a tipping point where the debate is so destructive that it hurts the game.
In many ways it was another great season but in many I’m glad the season is over. I don’t remember feeling that way too many times.
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“Barnhart and Durham:” Among our guests will be Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com. We’ll look at his early Top 25 for 2011. Join us at 10 a.m. www.790thezone.com
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572 comments Add your comment
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
10:51 am
re: circumstantial evidence.
One thing AU fans need to understand. IF there are credible sources that the NCAA believes….then penalties will follow.
Bama fans watched our program bottom out over an eight year period, because the NCAA: (1) “believed” that a booster paid money to HS coaches in Memphis to steer Albert Means to Tuscaloosa, and (2) “believed” that the proper control over said booster did not exist at the University of Alabama.
Nothing was ever proven in a court of law, but Alabama suffered the consequences nonetheless.
I truly hope that none of the Newton controversy spills over onto the Auburn program. But I do believe that AU has ventured out on a very slippery slope.
GTBob
January 14th, 2011
10:51 am
I have to agree with Captbob. Unfortunately this year will probably be remembered for all of the off the field stuff and less for on the field. The NCAA has shown they cannot be trusted in making major decisions, and the BCS continues to leave us unsatisfied. In my opinion, it wasn’t a great year for college football. Some great moments, but not a great year.
Red Harrison
January 14th, 2011
10:52 am
As a sign of solidarity with the people of economically ravaged south Alabama, Scam has agreed to take a pay cut by leaving Auburn for the NFL
MikeP
January 14th, 2011
10:53 am
Dawg Man
January 14th, 2011
8:46 am
“Thanks Tony, Good perspective to end the season. Sadly for me the bad of this season outweighs the good by 2 to 1. Unfortunately, I feel we haven’t heard the last of the Cecil and Cam Newton pay for play scandal. IMHO I think more damning information will come to the surface and will rob Auburn of its NC, numerous scholarships, and ultimately it’s future”
The only reason we haven’t heard the last of the Cecil Newton/ Mississippi State episode is that bitter UGA and bammer fans keep bringing it up.
Nothing is going to “come to light” because the investigations were over before December 2nd, when Cam Newtion was declared “eligible without condition”. Auburn has been accused of nothing, months of investigation resulted in a determination that no money changed hands between Mississippi State and Cecil Newton, and the issue is dead.
You haters need to accept facts and give up your wishful thinking. There will be no returning of trophies.
Cecil "Fig" Newton
January 14th, 2011
10:54 am
“The money too good in the NFL not even AU pays like that” – Cecil “fig” Newton
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
10:57 am
BAMA Dude
That was a good article. I have several cousins in Michigan, and they can’t understand why I would pull for another SEC team in a bowl game. I explained, that you’d have to be a southerner to understand.
war beagle
January 14th, 2011
10:59 am
Does anyone have any news on who paid for the court side seats Cam used at the Lakers game?
Covers Dixie like the Dew
January 14th, 2011
11:00 am
`
A four team playoff or a true plus one is a great idea.
.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:00 am
For all intent and purposes the CamGate story is pretty much over. Don’t expect anything further to come to light on the actions of Cecil, Cam, Miss ST or Auburn. This is one that both the NCAA and the BCS want to go away and it will. They will see to it. That doesn’t mean nothing illegal happened, quite the contrary. College football being steered by the BCS is Mega-Money. Cecil’s $180K is but a drop in the ocean and it will not cast any soil on the NCAA or the BCS. Like it or not Cam is the BCS posterboy. He’ll be whicked away to the NFL and any inproprities will swiftly be eradicated
Tell the truth
January 14th, 2011
11:04 am
Do we know yet if Cam made the decision to go pro; or did the good reverend? Cam told two different stories about the decision to go to Auburn.
Cecil "Fig" Newton
January 14th, 2011
11:05 am
I guess Cecil’s picture was photo shopped with Cam at the end of the game. There is now way Cecil would not follow the agreement as explained by the AU athletic association. AU Family are a bunch of shameless LIARS.
O-me
January 14th, 2011
11:07 am
Same old BS…..I agree with Mike @8:44…enough of the Cam, AJ and Ohio BS..thats past crap, move on.
JB
January 14th, 2011
11:07 am
Ardawg….That’s my feelings also…….You will never here a beep….and if the FBI has something on wiretaps, I’m thinking they can not share that info with anyone, not even the NCAA…They are Not the Government.
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
11:07 am
ARdawg
Disagree for two reasons: (a) For all of its faults, I think the NCAA has a vested interest in promoting the credibility of college football (although I can’t understand the OSU ruling), and (b) If there is a real story there, investigative reporting will keep it alive.
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:08 am
Yeah, MikeP, it’s all over.
Seems that two contractors (named and interviewed in the article) were questioned the week before Christmas.
A quote:
“NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Dobson declined comment, citing the NCAA’s policy of not commenting on current, pending, or potential investigations.”
Not that I care, but it’s only over in your mind.
JB
January 14th, 2011
11:08 am
that’s “hear” for you English majors….LOL
Money Too Good
January 14th, 2011
11:09 am
Yes, how was a court side seat obtained for the Lakers game obtained? Let me guess. Cecil is a season ticket holder for the Lakers so it was provided for by his family.
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:11 am
3rdN8, what purpose would it have served to sit the Buckeye 5 for the bowl game? Ohio St. was already going, they would still get the same money for going. So they may have lost- so what? The game was just an exhibition anyway. Better to make them miss games that matter from my view.
Skin-oh
January 14th, 2011
11:12 am
I glad Cam is turnining pro-er.
They got a great return on their money.
RxDawg
January 14th, 2011
11:14 am
Ardawg, I completely agree. Everyone keeps saying Auburn will get their due or wait till everything comes out. Naw, it’s done. The NCAA, SEC, and BCS doesn’t want that kind of egg on their face. Now that they made they’re decision they are going to do everything they can to make it go away. And in time, people will probably forget about putting effort into it. As I said in an earlier post, apparently crime does pay and cheaters win.
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
11:23 am
BAMA dude
Don’t follow you on the OSU issue. Guess that I don’t see a BCS bowl as an exhibition.
It was just a very odd ruling. I’ve never known the NCAA to defer punishment. When it becomes known that a player committed an act that impacts his elgibility, the punishment (to my knowledge) is always immediate.
I read where the Sugar Bowl officials lobbyied for the deferment. Why should they have even been involved? That incident makes everyone look bad.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:23 am
3rdn8
To believe more will come of it, you’d have to believe that Cam didn’t know what daddy was doing wouldn’t you?
There’s nobody to do any investigative reporting. Those who have a soap box such as Barnhart won’t go against the BCS or NCAA. It is they who have everything to lose. BCS is big money in and of itself and for the NCAA. No way do they let Cam and Cecil interfere with that
war beagle
January 14th, 2011
11:25 am
If Cam did not pay for the Lakers court side seat, he would be ineligible and AU would have to forfeit the BCS championship game for playing a ineligible player. But if my aunt had gonads she would be my uncle. The NCAA/BCS is the most corrupt organization in sports.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:25 am
Rxdawg
I agree. The story has already lost it’s legs and by the beginning of next football season nobody will care
producewiz
January 14th, 2011
11:27 am
waiting for the NCAA to make smart decisions is like space time billions of years
Tell the truth
January 14th, 2011
11:27 am
war beagle I believe that both teams were at the basketball game.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:28 am
Bama dude
The reason they didn’t sit the 5 out is because both the Sugar Bowl and the BCS stood to lose money
Auburn Guy
January 14th, 2011
11:29 am
Hey Jason from 9:49. You better believe we will enjoy it. But, you and others act like Auburn people think we have some kind of “dynasty” or some silliness like that going on, tellling us that we had “better” enjoy it now. Almost sounds like a threat doesn’t it? We know we don’t have a dynasty. We had a good football team that happened to go all the way. Next year’s another story. If it makes you sour grapers feel better with your subtle threats then have at it. We’ll enjoy our great season and be thankful for it while you and yours deal with your insipid jealousy. War Eagle.
wballs1977
January 14th, 2011
11:31 am
Fine, but I wasn’t pulling for the Tide last year because of my love for the SEC. No, I do not chant “SEC, SEC, SEC” after a non conference victory. I simply a) can’t stand Texas and b) wanted my father in law to bask in the glory as a Bama grad.
I don’t care who pulls for Auburn or not. I just want people to clarify their opinions and challenge their own thought processes.
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:32 am
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
11:23 am
BAMA dude
Don’t follow you on the OSU issue. Guess that I don’t see a BCS bowl as an exhibition.
But that’s exactly what all bowl games are except for the BCSCG; a season-ending reward for the teams and fans for a successful season. Making them miss out on crucial early-season games and come into the meat of the B10 schedule without any game reps for their QB, RB, and top WR is much harsher than missing a bowl.
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
11:36 am
ARdawg
“To believe more will come of it, you’d have to believe that Cam didn’t know what daddy was doing wouldn’t you?”
It doesn’t matter what I believe, or don’t believe. As I posted earlier, it only matters what the NCAA “believes”.
The Reggie Bush ivestigation took what…..four years? That story was not front page news all of the time, but there were people working away behind the scenes.
I’ve never commented on the Newton story before, and I personally wish the whole thing would go away. But am quite sure that it won’t.
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:37 am
3rdN8, the main difference is that there is absolutely no evidence, including testimony, that Cecil actually got anything. That wasn’t the case in the Bush and Means cases.
blazer
January 14th, 2011
11:39 am
How about all the Service Academy teams going to bowls!! these are the guys to
signed up to protect us!!!!!
Bama Fan #2
January 14th, 2011
11:40 am
The only good thing for this Bama fan was beating the vols and Michigan St in the bowl game.
The bad just say Auburn National Champs and thats as bad as it gets for Alabama fans!!! RTR
Cam Newton
January 14th, 2011
11:40 am
I have no idea where my Dad’s money came from. He just told me to say that the church offerings had increased and that auburn was the best place for me. I am really close to my father but I do not know anything that he does.
Bye bye Auburn!!
January 14th, 2011
11:41 am
Just as I suspected, $cam bolted for the NFL because he is guilty. Just a matter of time before the NCAA says they have just “recently” uncovered new information
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
11:41 am
BAMA dude
You’re right about the evidence made public so far, and I’m fine with that. I also believe the NCAA did the right thing in ruling Newton elgible to play….if they had no credible evidence to the contrary.
I just think (and it’s only a gut feel) that this is far from over.
Tell the truth
January 14th, 2011
11:44 am
Maybe no evidence yet- but it’s still early.
RussDawg
January 14th, 2011
11:45 am
The Bad; UGA at Colorado, UGA at MSU, UGA at, oh well you get it.
The Good; Lame Kiffen at USC and the NCAA actually did something.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:45 am
3rdn8
The difference in the Bush and Cam situations is that Cam’s came to light before the Heisman and BCSCG and Bush’s came to light after. For anything to come to light at this juncture concerning Cam and Cecil is going to put egg on the face of the NCAA and the BCS and bring their credibility into question. They will not tolerate that. Not to mention the Heisman committee doesn’t want or need another one returned this quick.
The NCAA and the BCS is the same as the NFL, NBA, MLB as far as marketing and jockeying for your entertainment dollars. It’s basically good business for CamGate to go away
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:47 am
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:45 am
3rdn8
The difference in the Bush and Cam situations is that Cam’s came to light before the Heisman and BCSCG and Bush’s came to light after.
Well there’s that plus the fact that Bush’s parents, y’know, actually GOT something.
Chip
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
Chizick will have plenty of cap room for NSD with Cam going to the higher paying league.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
3rdn8
We don’t know what evidence they had/have and likely we’ll never know. There is no where in the process that they reveal it to the public. We are to “just trust them”
Bob/ Okeefe
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
Tony–no one seems to care to address Alabamas shameful practice of over recruiting kids.Grey shirting??????What ever happened to the scholar athlete.I also do not believe the Newton thing is over.I think the whole SEC needs to be investigated.There is certainly a funny smellcoming out of Denmark.
3rdN8
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
I think most of us will agree that it would be better if the whole Newton mess went away.
Anything otherwise is bad for Auburn, bad for my home state, bad for the SEC, and bad for college football.
Richard
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
The good: TCU winning the National Championship.
The bad: Brian Kelly keeping his job after a student died on his watch.
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:49 am
ARdawg, you’re getting dangerously close to tinfoil hat stuff.
Neutral Observer
January 14th, 2011
11:50 am
To the idiots on here screaming death penalty, it will never happen. First of all there has to be 2 major violations in a 5 year window, which AU does not fall into. Second, you have to prove that money was even discussed with Auburn and not just Miss. St. The jury is still out on that, but at this point AU is in the clear. USC and Reggie Bush was completely different. There was a lack of institutional control in multiple sports, and Reggie proved to have definitively known about the benefits being provided. Completely different from the Newton case.
ARdawg
January 14th, 2011
11:50 am
Bama dude
Are you conveniently ignoring that Cecil got something too?
BAMA dude
January 14th, 2011
11:50 am
Bob/ Okeefe
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
Tony–no one seems to care to address Alabamas shameful practice of over recruiting kids.Grey shirting??????What ever happened to the scholar athlete.I also do not believe the Newton thing is over.I think the whole SEC needs to be investigated.There is certainly a funny smellcoming out of Denmark.
There’s a funny smell wafting off this board since you hit the “submit comment” button at 11:48.