The Politics of Dancing: LIU, Akron, Boston University

The Long Island University Blackbirds won the Northeast Conference and got to storm the court in the process...

((HT: CBSSports.com/youtube))


Akron wins the Mid-American Conference automatic bid over Kent State, but a fight almost breaks out in the celebrating... stomping on an opposing player inadvertently will do that...
((HT: ESPN/youtube))


Boston University wins the America East title and advances for the seventh time in school history. Here's Head Coach Pat Chambers talking about the win...

DEVELOPING: UMass To MAC...???

Which seems odd... instead of bolstering the Big L-East or something along that line of questioning...

And this could happen as soon as next month... Mark Blaudschun of the Boston Globe reported on Friday.

The newspaper reported that MAC officials visited the campus and also Gillette Stadium -- where some UMass home games could be played.

"We're not going to comment on anything regarding that," said UMass athletic director John McCutcheon, according to the newspaper. "But our discussions involve football only and we are still talking about making a decision sooner rather than later."

Like Temple, UMass wants to remain in the Atlantic 10 for other sports, especially basketball ((considering the lucrativity of that conference over the MAC)), but the MAC would ask that the schools play non-conference hoops games against MAC opponents as a trade-off.

The move can't be made official until September when a moratorium is lifted for I-AA schools get the chance to jump to D1. UMass then would have to go through a two-year transition period before becoming a full MAC member in 2013.

Here's highlights from their loss to Rhode Island from a month ago...
((HT: UMassAthletics/CBS3))

TWTW: Best Bowl Finish In Boise...???

Yup...

We all know what you're thinking...

That Humanitarian Bowl between Bowling Green and Idaho will surely be one worth watching... it's WAC versus MAC...

Yep. We're tied down for that one...
Clock us in... check us out...

Well, the HQ hates to break it to you, but it was BY FAR the best finish in this bowl season to date.

For those of you who don't know, Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes set the Division I record for receptions in a season- finishing the day with 155 on the year. He caught 17 for 219 yards and 3 scores during the day.

In a game that featured 46 first downs and 990 yards of total offense, Barnes caught his third TD pass with 32 seconds left from 51 yards out to give the Falcons a 42-35 lead.

That's where we pick up Eric Collins and Brock Huard...
((HT: ESPN))


Idaho won only two games last year...
They wouldn't dress in Boise State's home dressing room, either...
Awesome...

TWTW: Marshall, Marshall, Pizza, Pizza...

((HT: WSAZ-TV, Charleston WV))

Martin Ward ran for two touchdowns in the first half Saturday, and Marshall held off Ohio 21-17 in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

DeQuan Bembry's interception with 40 seconds left sealed the victory for the Thundering Herd (7-6), who led by three touchdowns midway through the second quarter.

It was a pleasant experience for the HQ to see a dozen players from the state of Georgia starting for both teams in Detroit. Darius Marshall and Bembry played for central Georgia powerhouses- Baldwin and Hawkinsville. The HQ also noticed south, central, and metro Atlanta also represented in Camden County, Mary Persons, and Stephenson.

Props... but the HQ also recognized the Ohio U. QB from his days at Long Beach Poly.

WSAZ's John Mulvaney was standing outside Ford Field for his live shot. He has your highlights...

OSG College Football 2009 Predictions: MAC

Akron Zips
2008 Season: 5-7, 3-5 in conference

What to Like About Akron:

The Offense: Nine starters return including WR’s Deryn Bowser and Andre Jones. QB Chris Jacquemain will, at least, have a lot of people to throw to in 2009.

What Not To Like About Akron:

Not enough people return on defense. Top tackler Kevin Grant is gone.

On offense, Head Coach JD Brookhart has to find someone to take over for Offensive Tackle Chris Kemme on the front line. What’s worse: the top two rushers, Dennis Kennedy and Andrew Johnson, are gone.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Akron cannot have a defensive meltdown this year. The Zips have to put up some kind of resistance so the potent offense doesn’t have the pressure to win every game. If the Zips can some how stop someone they might be a factor in the MAC East. I’m not holding my breath.

Phil: All the offense in the world doesn’t matter if you can’t stop anyone. Losing so much on a bad defense might be a good thing…if the guys coming up are better. But that is the question now…isn’t it? Middle of the pack 6-6 if someone steps up on D.

Nelson: When you were having problems in 2008 stopping people (Rushing D- 100th, Pass Efficiency- 104th, Total Defense- 90th, Scoring Defense- 95th) and only half of your starters return, it’s not a good sign.

When you lose your top two rushers, that’s a worse sign…

Impact Akron will have in the MAC race in 2009- Zip…

Ball State Cardinals
2008 Season: 12-2, 8-0 in conference
Lost to Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl 45-13

What to Like About Ball State:

Leading rusher MiQuale Lewis returns. The offense will need every bit of the 1,700-plus yards he got last year. Briggs Orsbon should lead the charge again at receiver in 2009 after leading the team in catches and yards in 2008.

What about a 33-year-old Defensive End…? 5th Year senior Brandon Crawford served four years as a Marine from 1999-2003. Twin safeties Alex Knipp and 2008 MAC Freshman of the Year Sean Baker will need to be on severe patrol this year to keep the Cardinals in games. The entire front four is back.

What Not To Like About Ball State:

The fact they have to replace Nate Davis at QB for starters…
How about the idea of replacing four of the linemen that protected Davis…???

Head Coach Stan Parrish knows the defense will have to replace their top three cornerbacks. DC Doug Graber has his work cut out for him.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Ball State should shoot out of the gate at 3-0 but then reality will set in. Closing the season with 2 of 3 on the road and all 3 against really good MAC teams at Northern Illinois, hosting Central Michigan then ending the year at Western Michigan is a chore for a team that went through a bevy of changes. Oh the Cardinals are still a class team but this year making a bowl game will be an accomplishment.

Phil: A good MAC team, not great, but good. Lewis will make up for the adjustments to a new Quarterback, but someone needs to step up. There is enough on Defense to think that they will be alright this year. Winning record and a bowl game, but not a conference title.

Nelson: Ball State should be 3-0 heading to their game with Auburn. They could be 8-1 heading into the games with Northern, Central, and Western. Depending on how well the young team develops, they could really be in the MAC title game. Or they could be shown just how young they are while everyone else gets to play in December.

Bowling Green Falcons
2008 Season: 6-6, 4-4 in conference

What to Like About Bowling Green:

Tyler Sheehan returns for his senior year at QB. The 2,610 yards and 20 TD’s will be looked for once more by first-year Head Coach Dave Clawson.

Three-fourths of the running game comes back for one more season.

One of the top secondary’s in the league returns, fairly much, intact for 2009- Jahmal Brown and leading tackler PJ Mahone will carry the flag.

What Not To Like About Bowling Green:

The out-of-conference schedule- Missouri, Boise State, and Troy to lead off…
The defense only returns four starters. Three D-Linemen are gone from the 2008 season.
Leading rusher Anthony Turner is gone. Receivers Corey Partridge and Marques Parks are gone as well. The starting right-side of the offensive line has to be replaced.

That’s a lot of “gone…”

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: New head coach Dave Clawson won’t get the customary honeymoon period at BGSU. Clawson is expected to win now and doing that with his first Falcon team, well good luck. Way to many if’s even in a weak division.

Phil: This is a definite middle of the pack team. The tough schedule will help the young guys develop and they will be better as the season goes. Having Sheehan at the controls will ease some of the transition, but they will be a middle of the pack team with there best years still to come.

Nelson: The Falcons should be 1-3 after the Boise game, and they’ll be happy to drift in to conference play at that point. But all the losses in personnel don’t add up to wins. It looks like a long year for Clawson and BGSU- middle of the pack at best.

Buffalo Bulls
2008 Season: 8-6, 5-3 in conference
Lost to UConn 38-20 in International Bowl

What to Like About Buffalo:

Turner Gill: Gill has taken the program from nothing, and has turned the UB program into one that’s no longer the doormat in the MAC. He won’t be long for the Bulls sideline if he keeps this kind of work up.

The defense: Eight starters come back. The experience the upperclassmen bring will be important for a successful early start. LB Justin Winters and DB’s Davonte Shannon and Mike Newton each registered over 110 tackles last season.

Running of the Bulls: Leading rusher James Starks comes back for his senior season. He’ll be relied on heavily for stability. The 1,300-plus yards will requested again for his final year.

What’s not to like about Buffalo:

Free Willy: QB Drew Willy is gone. Finding his replacement is Gill’s and OC Danny Barrett’s top priority. Zach Maynard played in 8 games last year, and should have the inside track.

Finding three big bodies that can protect Maynard and keep him from completing passes to the guys in the same-colored jerseys…

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Buffalo has already won since Turner Gill stayed. That means stability for this building program. Last year it seemed the Bulls go all the breaks en route to a MAC championship. The law of averages might catch up this year but the Bulls have the talent to challenge again but like last year, they have to make their breaks.

Phil: They will be a good team. There is some talent here. They’ll rely heavily on Starks early in the season and hope than Maynard or another QB emerges. Having the solid “D” will also make it easier. This is one of the better teams in the conference and they will contend for a title.

Nelson: The defense will be tested early in the season with UTEP, Pitt, and going to Orlando to play UCF. If the offense can keep the beat, the games in the MAC will be for another shot at division titles and bowl games. If they can’t, 500 at best…

Central Michigan Chippewas
2008 Season: 8-5, 6-2 in conference
Lost to Florida Atlantic 24-21 in the Motor City Bowl

What to Like About Central:

Dan LaFevour is back for, what seems like, his 8th college football season at QB. He’s on the short list for the Davey O’Brien award and has caused fits for far larger schools in Division 1. Last year, he completed two-thirds of his passes for almost 2,800 yards and 21 TD’s. He also ran for 6 more. LeFevour is top-15 all-time on the NCAA total offense list, and could finish his career as high as third if he maintains his career average.

Antonio Brown, Bryan Anderson, and Kito Poblah combined for 199 of LeFevour’s 251 completions. They’re back, too.

CMU also was credited, if you believe in those kinds of things, with the #1 recruiting class in the MAC.

And did we mention that 10 starters return on the defensive side…???

What Not To Like About Central:

Not that Head Coach Butch Jones cares, but they play at Arizona, at Michigan State, and at Boston College.

We’re trying to find something else…It might be the retooling of the offensive line that was wiped out from graduation.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: I love to watch Dan LeFevour play, the next in the line of great MAC QB’s that might make an NFL impact. Central Michigan is perhaps the best team in the MAC. All they have to do is prevent the hiccups that bit them in the backside last year and CMU should be in the MAC title game, win it and plan another trip to Motown. The schedule maker though didn’t do any favors for the Chippewas.

Phil: I think Le Fevour is on the Freddy Weygand track to graduation. He is however the best player in this conference and arguably one of the best in the country. There is more than enough talent here to win this conference. They will struggle early because of the schedule, but expect them to win this conference barring a complete breakdown…or an injury to Le Fevour.

Nelson: This is LeFevour’s last shot at a MAC title, all the NCAA records, and another bowl game. They will be throwing a lot- again. The games against Buffalo and Ball State are on the road, but the game with Eastern is at home.

Looks like another 8-win season and another bowl game with a fun quarterback calling the shots.

Eastern Michigan Eagles
2008 Season: 3-9, 2-6 in conference

What to Like About Eastern:

Ron English becomes the top dog for the team, and 8 starters return on both sides of the ball in his first season.

They scored a lot behind QB’s Andy Schmitt and Kyle McMahon- they combined for over 3,200 yards passing. The top four rushers return. Terrence Blevins and Dwayne Priest combined for over 1,000 yards themselves.

What Not To Like About Eastern:

The out-of-conference schedule- at Michigan, at Northwestern, and at Arkansas

While 8 starters return on defense, when the team lost they only gave up less than 31 points once ((Army)). They gave up 40 or more three times and 50 or more twice.

Yikes…

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Ron English will just survive his first year with Eastern Michigan. Maybe 3 wins but that’s about it.

Phil: They won’t be horrible because they can score. But they won’t be good because they can’t stop anyone. There is not enough talent here to run with the big boys. They might win 4 or 5…max.

Nelson: Eastern scored 108 points in their last two games of the 2008 season. They’re going to have to do a lot more of that kind of offense to compete in English’s first season. I don’t think, however, the defense is going to be able to hold people off. It’ll be a long season- again- for Eastern.

Kent State Golden Flashes
2008 Season: 4-8, 3-5 in conference

What to Like About Kent:

A lot of people return- 8 on offense and 7 on defense.

Eugene Jarvis picked up 800 yards last season and caught 25 passes to go with it. He’ll be the workhorse for the offense in 2009. They look to be in the top-15 in the country in rushing offense for another year.

What Not To Like About Kent:

Head Coach Doug Martin has to find a replacement for QB Julian Edelson.
The receivers returning caught a total of 29 passes in 2008.

Having to find guys to fill in for LB’s Cedrick Maxwell and two-time All MAC Derek Burrell. Look for safety Brian Lainhart to get a lot of eyes for his junior season.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Those in the know in the MAC say Kent State has really good talent just a very underachieving team. Do they get there you know what together this year? I doubt it. 4 wins is the max for the Golden Flashes.

Phil: There is some talent on this team, but there is something missing. There are too many returnees for them to be a bottom level team; the question is will they perform to their skill level? Look for them to be around .500 which will be enough to get into a bowl, but that is about it.

Nelson: I think a lot is going to come from the early part of the schedule. After BC, they host Iowa State and Miami (OH), and then head to Baylor. If they can escape in good shape, then they can look for a season close to 500. If they don’t look for more results closer to what went down in 2008.

Miami (OH) Redhawks
2008 Season 2-10, 1-7 in conference

What to Like About Miami:

A new Head Coach in Michael Haywood and all the coordinator firepower he’s brought in should foster a new attitude for success.

8 starters return on offense including QB Daniel Raudabaugh.

What Not To Like About Miami:

Losing LB’s Joey Hudson and Clayton Mullins is only a part of a defense that lost half of its starters due to graduation in 2008. Senior Caleb Bostic is now the team’s leading tackler- with 40.

And that defense gave up 30 or more three times and 40 or more three more times. Their only win out of conference was against Charleston Southern.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Miami O won’t match their win total last year heck; the Redhawks might not win a game until late October. It’s going to be a long season.

Phil: The good thing…the future. The bad thing…the present. They won’t be very good this year. Time will determine if the new staff can bring in some talent. Bottom of the conference.

Nelson: The only chance for wins will come in the conference. Matching last year’s number will be a challenge for the first-year coaching staff.

Northern Illinois University Huskies
2008 Season: 6-7, 5-3 in conference
Lost to Louisiana Tech 17-10 in the Independence Bowl

What to Like About NIU:

It’s the second year for Head Coach Jerry Kill. There won’t be any adjusting on-the-fly like in 2008.

The top defense in the MAC brings some people back who will make an impact. Safeties David Bryant and Mike Sobol were 1-2 in tackles last year, and a lot of people think Bryant will be the next NIU player headed for the NFL.

What Not To Like About NIU:

The three starting corners from ’08 are gone along with DE Larry English and Craig Rusch. Mike Krause is the only starter returning on the D-Line.

How will QB Chandler Harnish react to being starter as a sophomore…? And not having five senior grads to throw to…?

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: The Huskies are poised to make a run at the MAC title. NIU must get by Western Michigan in their MAC opener and then win at Central Michigan in the season finale to make that bold move.

Phil: In this conference, they will compete because they have some defense. Some, but not a lot. There are still some holes on this team and I don’t see them being anything other than middle of the pack. If they are lucky a bowl game.

Nelson: Nothing like having questions on both sides of the ball going in to the season, but I still think there’s a bowl game in their future. Might be a return trip down south before New Year’s…

Ohio University Bobcats
2008 Season: 4-8, 3-5 in conference

What to Like About Ohio U.

Senior WR Taylor Price and Junior LB Noah Keller… Price is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list after a year of 51/694-5TD’s. Keller led the Bobcats in tackles last season with 104. He’ll have to have another year like that one again to keep the team in games.

The Bobcats get a year older at a lot of positions and they’re healthy.
Now, if only they could stay that way- unlike 2008 when they started out 0-4 and 2-8 before winning their last two games of the season.

The schedule- for a change... The Fighting Solichs could be 2-2 to start instead of last year’s 0-4. They get Miami at home for Homecoming this year.

What Not To Like About Ohio U.

The logjam at the middle of the division... A lot of close games last season showed the team they could compete in the MAC. A play here or there could get them close to .500

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Ohio has about as good as a shot to win the MAC East as anyone. Frank Solich’s offense is the flavor of vanilla ice cream but they get the job done. 7 wins and an outside shot of winning the East.

Phil: They should be competitive in this conference. A better start will keep them close to the other “Big Guns” in this league. If some kids step up they have a chance at a good, winning season and if that is the case, they get to go bowling.

Nelson: A year older- hopefully a year healthier. And I think the beginning of the schedule will give them an emotional boost. How they go from the expected 2-2 start should show how things swing. There’s an outside shot at a .500 season.

Temple Owls
2008 Season 5-7, 4-4 in conference

What to Like About Temple:

A lot of people returning- 17 starters, 8 on offense and 9 on defense. They bring back a lot of those people from the team that won the most games at TU in 18 years in 2008.

Did you notice who the wide receivers coach…is? Kevin Gilbride. You can read that one of two ways. How far has Gilbride fallen…? Or, the experience that Gilbride brings to the MAC…

What Not To Like About Temple:

The idea of replacing three-year QB Adam DiMichele… Vaughn Charlton will have the inside track since he started in 2007. All-MAC WR Bruce Francis is also gone. Jason Harper will have to be “the man.”

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Temple, yes Temple, has a shot at a bowl game. The schedule isn’t that bad. Yes the Owls will take their beating at Penn State but considering Temple won’t face Western Michigan, Central Michigan or Northern Illinois in conference play, the Owls are catching a break. Plus Buffalo and Ball State have to come to Philly. It’s a long shot but the Owls will take it.

Phil: Naw…not seeing a bowl game here. They have enough to be similar to last season but still have a few hurdles to overcome. There isn’t enough depth available yet to say “Bowl Team”. That day may be coming soon, but not this season.

Nelson: I think it’ll be tough sledding for the Owls to get back to the 5-win plateau in 2009. The schedule is a rough one- considering the idea that the last three games are on the road to finish.

Toledo Rockets 2-6, 3-9
2008 Season: 3-9, 2-6 in conference

What to Like About Toledo:
First-year head coach Tim Beckman comes over from Findlay for a fresh approach and attitude.

Practically, the entire offense returns. They’ll need it. Two-time All-MAC wide receiver
Stephen Williams and DaJuane Collins, a third-team All-MAC running back in 2008 come back. Quarterback Aaron Opelt is a three-year starter who has thrown for nearly
5,000 yards and 30 TDs in his career…

10 starters return on defense.

What Not To Like About Toledo:
The schedule: Purdue, Colorado, and Ohio State to start. Toledo could lose at FIU to start the year 0-4.

Those 10 starters that returned on defense…? They gave up an average of 31.4-points-per game.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: The Rockets will fizzle off the launching pad with Purdue, Colorado and Ohio State to open the season. Toledo is staring at a 0-3 start. I’m willing to bet that eventually Toledo will recover from that beat down to have a decent season. 6 wins the max for the Rockets.

Phil: Not a bad MAC team, but that early schedule is a killer. There is a lot of talent on this team but not enough to win the MAC. They are a middle of the pack team at best.

Nelson: A long year- again… for the other UT in the MAC…

Western Michigan Broncos
2008 Season: 9-4, 6-2 in conference
Lost to Rice in the Texas Bowl 38-14

What to Like About Western:

Most of the offensive line returns to protect QB Tim Hiller one final time.

What Not To Like About Western:

The entire starting secondary graduated, and Hiller lost a lot of his targets from 2008.

OSG’s Take:

Wilkie: Western’s fate comes down to a pair of games in October. First the Broncos travel to Dekalb, Ill. to face Northern Illinois on the 3rd then a few weeks later WMU hosts Central Michigan. If Western wins those games then the MAC championship game is in the cards.

Phil: They are an “Above Average” team in this conference. The offense will be tough to stop but it will all depend on whether the “D” can stop anyone. They will compete for the conference title here, though they may need some help.

Nelson: The first two games, against Michigan and Indiana, should be interesting. Buffalo and Ball State have to come to Kalamazoo. I’m thinking another bowl game for these guys in December.

OSG’s Take On The MAC:

MAC Champion:

Wilkie: Central Michigan
Phil: Central Michigan
Nelson: Central Michigan

Best Offensive Player In The MAC:

Wilkie: Dan LaFevour – Central Michigan
Phil: Dan LaFevour – Central Michigan
Nelson: Dan LaFevour – Central Michigan

Best Defensive Player In The MAC:

Wilkie: Caleb Bostic – Miami
Phil: Barry Church - Toledo
Nelson: Davonte Shannon, Jr., Buffalo

Former Toledo Football Player Admits to Gambling Scheme

((HT: WUPW-TV/Myfoxtoledo))

Adam Cuomo, a former football player at the University of Toledo, admitted to alleged point shaving according to an affidavit unsealed this week in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

In the criminal complaint, federal investigators allege the 31-year-old Cuomo, "conspired to carry into effect a scheme in commerce to influence in any way, by bribery a sporting contest with the knowledge that the purpose of such scheme was to influence by bribery that contest, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 224(a)."

The criminal complaint was filed August 11, 2008, and unsealed this week. The affidavit was filed five days after FOX Toledo News first uncovered that Sammy Villegas, a former Rockets basketball player, was charged in a point-shaving scheme.

Villegas will be sentenced June 18 in federal court in Detroit. Federal prosecutors charged Villegas of felony conspiracy to influence a sporting contest by bribery.

Former Rockets running back Harvey "Scooter" McDougle, had charged dropped on a similar gambling offense.

When contacted, University of Toledo spokesman Matt Lockwood had no comment on the latest allegations.

On Friday, Lawrence Burns, Vice President of External Affairs for the university, commented on the latest allegations.

"We are aware of the criminal complaint and if the allegations are proven to be true, they certainly do not fit within the university’s values system," Burns said. "We take this matter seriously, however, we also consider it past history. The UT Athletic program has a very bright future and we are moving forward."

According to the complaint, the FBI believed Cuomo ((pictured, thanks Toledo SID)), who wore No. 32 for the Rockets, was a go-between for UT players and "with a known individual who went by the name of 'Gary,' and with others known and unknown, to influence the outcome of University of Toledo men's basketball and football contests through bribery."
Records state "Gary," is from the Sterling Heights, Michigan, in northern Metro Detroit.

Cuomo, from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, was a student-athlete for the Rockets from 2001-04. He only had 24 yards on six carries during the 2003 football season, but federal investigators allege he was integral in assisting gamblers.

Cuomo played in three games in 2002 for UT - Aug. 29 against Cal Poly, Sept. 7 against Eastern Michigan, and Nov. 17 against Central Michigan, all wins. He rushed 17 times for 40 yards and had three receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Federal agents believe the alleged point shaving scheme started around the fall semester of 2003.

The federal complaint mentions in addition to Cuomo, federal agents have interviewed three other unnamed former Toledo student-athletes. Two of the interviewed played football while the other person played men's basketball. They all admitted they had been involved in the alleged point shaving scandal with "Gary" and other unnamed people.

Federal agents believe the alleged point shaving scheme started around the fall semester of 2003. In the complaint, it says Cuomo met a coworker of "Gary's, who operated a cellular phone store in Toledo." In 2007, the FBI said in a statement that "Gary" and the cell phone store operator "regularly wagered on University of Toledo football and basketball games."

Additionally, the FBI said that Cuomo was introduced to "Gary," and the running back "introduced (the store operator) to other University of Toledo football and basketball players who gave him (the store operator) information to use in placing wagers on University of Toledo football and basketball games."

During a phone conversation on December 21, 2005, Cuomo "told 'Gary' that (Cuomo) was going to use a senior University of Toledo football player already participating in the point shaving scheme as an intermediary in an attempt to recruit a senior offensive lineman to help shave points in an upcoming football game by committing penalties during the game."
The Rockets defeated UTEP, 45-13, December 21, 2005, in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala. - UT's only December football game.

No court date has been set. Federal authorities could issue an indictment in the coming month and start extradition proceedings.

The Cuomo complaint can be found by clicking in black...

OSG Sports Radio's Cory Kessler was out front on this story when it broke last year.
Here's the initial coverage from our end...

It's Not Easy Being Straight In Women's Hoops

At 6-2 and above average skills in the post, Brooke Heike appeared to have all the tools necessary to be successful for the women's basketball team at Central Michigan. There appeared to be one problem though, it seems Brooke likes guys.

Central Michigan University and it's head women's basketball coach Sue Guevara are being sued by Heike who claims being a heterosexual was a factor in losing her scholarship after two seasons with the Chippewas.

Heike says Guevara told her she wore too much makeup and was not the coach's "type." Heike says that meant she wasn't a lesbian.

Heike went from appearing in 11 games in 06-07, her freshman year, to playing in only 6 games as a sophomore in the 07-08 season. She lost her scholarship after last season and an appeals committee upheld that decision.

Central Michigan spokesman Steve Smith says the allegations have no merit. The lawsuit was filed last week in federal court in Bay City. It seeks an unspecified cash award.

Heike's bio from last season reads: athletic player who runs the floor well. Apparently she didn't care for carpet.

Photo Courtesy: Robert Barclay/CMU

UB Champs!!!

The University of Buffalo may be too good for its own good.

The Bulls took care of previously-unbeaten Ball State in the MAC Championship Game, 42-24. Brady Hoke's Cardinals turned the ball over five times and the Boys In Blue are heading to their first bowl game since 1958.

Once the Bulls take on, probably, one of those middle-of-the-road East squads ((at press time- looks like UConn)) they need to make sure Head Coach Turner Gill is well compensated for plenty of years to come.

Otherwise, Gill is headed to Syracuse.
Here's the fall-out from the upset of Ball State
((HT: WIVB-TV4 in Buffalo/Emma Orn))

Ball State Ranked For The First Time

In 84 years of playing football, the Ball State Cardinals have never been ranked in the college football polls.... until now. The Cardinals are ranked 25th this week in the AP College Football polls.

Ball State is off to a 6-0 start, 3-0 in the Mid-American Conference including wins over Navy and Indiana. The Cardinals 3-0 start in the MAC is the best since 1993.

Here is your AP Top 25 College Football Poll.

1. Oklahoma (51) 5-0 1608
2. Alabama (13) 6-0 1537
3. Missouri (1) 5-0 1487
4. LSU 4-0 1444
5. Texas 5-0 1374
6. Penn State 6-0 1287
7. Texas Tech 5-0 1163
8. USC 3-1 1137
9. Brigham Young 5-0 1103
10. Georgia 4-1 1014
11. Florida 4-1 977
12. Ohio State 5-1 931
13. Vanderbilt 5-0 833
14. Utah 6-0 815
15. Boise State 4-0 677
16. Kansas 4-1 623
17. Oklahoma State 5-0 565
18. Virginia Tech 5-1 485
19. South Florida 5-1 392
20. Auburn 4-2 236
21. Wake Forest 3-1 205
22. North Carolina 4-1 196
23. Michigan State 5-1 161
24. Pittsburgh 4-1 121
25. Ball State 6-0 97

Photo Courtesy: BSU Photo Services

Free Willy and the Temple Of Doom

In baseball these days, this would be called a "walk-off Hail Mary"

Let's just call it a game winner and leave it at that...
((thanks, the youtube and ESPNPlus))

Let's Go Buffalo...

And so it begins...

College football season is here, and we've had our first victim.

The Wannstedt and Pittsburgh goes down to Bowling Green on Pitt's home field 27-17...(read the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette column and the Bowling Green Sentinel Tribune column...good stuff...)

Here is the end of the game audio, thanks to Learfield Communications and the BGSU Falcons Radio Network.

I have a funny story about Bowling Green, as I was chased off the field by an assistant coach by in 2003.

Ask Nelly about it...I was on the phone with him while I was pulling a Peter Graves/Mission Impossible stunt...

Funny stuff.

J-Dub

Toledo Athletics Gambling Charges Related

The charges brought on former University of Toledo basketball player Sammy Villegas ((pictured, thanks nbc24.com)) have now been linked to the investigation of former football player Harvey "Scooter" McDougle, Junior, according to the FBI.

The McDougle investigation, highlighted on OSG Sports Radio last season, has now expanded according to an article by Joe Vardon in the Toledo Blade newspaper.

It had long been thought that the McDougle investigation was the only one occurring surrounding the Athletic Department.

Now, not so much...

Villegas is accused of taking bribes in order to shave points in his junior and senior season at UT- the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. The indictment also alludes to another unnamed player Villegas recruited for the same purpose, and to an incident where it alleged Villegas missed two free throws in a contest against Central Michigan.

In March of 2007, McDougle was charged with betting on a Toledo football game and recruiting fellow athletes for the purpose of shaving points. Those charges were dropped the following month, but both sides in the investigation admitted the investigation itself had not been concluded.

It is still believed that McDougle will not face any further charges.

WTVG-TV has coverage hyah
WNWO-TV has coverage hyah
((NB- Kristi Branam has her story in the video section))