Arrest Made In UNH Footballer Shooting

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

Police in Colorado have arrested Kevin Michael McGregor in the shooting of University of New Hampshire football player Todd Walker. McGregor faces multiple felony charges including Murder in the First Degree and Aggravated Robbery.

Walker, of Edwards, Colo., was shot around 2 a.m. in the University Hill neighborhood near the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, according to local police. Walker and a woman were, apparently, walking home after going to parties in the area when they were approached by a man wearing a black bandanna over his face.

Police say that man, McGregor, shot Walker after an argument. The woman with Walker was able to pull the bandanna off McGregor's face. McGregor, allegedly, then fired two shots- one in Walker's chest.

Walker was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His father was told by local investigators that Todd stepped in front of the woman he was with and took the bullet at point-blank range.

Walker was a sophomore in the University of New Hampshire's school of business and economics and was in Colorado on spring break, according to the school.

Here's the initial story, thanks to our friends at MyFoxBoston

UNH football player fatally shot in attempted robbery: MyFoxBOSTON.com

The Snub List: Who should've made the NCAA Tournament and who didn't...

Every year there is the argument, team A should never had made the tournament and team B should have. But the NCAA Basketball tournament selections are done by people, not machines. That's what makes it the great event that it is.

And like every year, there are several teams sitting at home right now, palms upraised and shoulders shrugged saying: WTF!

And they wouldn't be wrong.

Teams such as: UAB (Alabama-Birmingham), 22-8 overall, 12-4 in their conference. They lost their only game against a Top 25 team, Duke blew them out 85-64. Really, there isn't a signature win here, they won their conference games(Conf. USA) and that's about it.

Clemson. 21-11 overall, 9-7 in the ACC. Face it. The ACC outside North Carolina and Duke, sucked this year. This is an average Clemson team. In fact, if you look at their history. This about where they normally finish every year. Again, no stand out wins...against anyone.

USC. 19-14 and 10-8. They won some games against Top 25 teams unlike the teams above, but lost some stinkers too. They are slightly above average in an average PAC 10. But they are in.

VCU. 23-11 and 12-6. One win vs. the Top 25. One of the worst rebounding teams in Division 1 (301st). Yeah, they beat a mediocre UCLA and George Mason in the conference tourney. Nothing else jumps off the page. But they are in.

And the outs. Or as you can call them "NIT Top Seeds":

Colorado. 20-13, 8-8. Yeah, they didn't play a great non-conference schedule. But they have a slew of Top 25 wins. Including 3 wins versus Kansas State. Did they lose a couple of games they shouldn't have. Maybe, but its hard to explain how they didn't get in. They did everything needed it seems.

Alabama. 21-11, 12-4. A little weaker of an argument, but they have one. Another crappy non-conference schedule did them in. Along with a really bad SEC West. Only 1 Top 25 win (Kentucky), probably didn't help.

Va.Tech. 21-11, 9-7. They are pretty much a carbon copy of Clemson. And yes, they should've been better, but this is always what they are. Every year. The perennial bubble team.  A good win vs. Duke in Feb. but nothing else jumps off the page. Yes, they underachieved, and ultimately that probably did them in.

Boston College. 20-12, 9-7. Yeah. Um. Well. They, Va.Tech and Clemson are pretty much the same teams...with similar results. Nothing this team did jumps off the page at you. But since they are in the ACC, the talking heads assume they should be there. We don't really by that and wouldn't consider this team on the Snub List.

Again, this is the reason we love the NCAA Basketball Tournament. It's subjective. They don't always get it right. But that is ok. We don't have a problem with that. Is the NCAA field the best its ever been this year? No it isn't. But this may be a good year for that very reason.

Here's a discussion on the Snub List from the boys at ESPN. Jay Bilas gained some respect with his argument. He's not wrong. You can argue either way...for any of these teams.



And Tournament Chairman Gene Smith explains the process to our friends at CBS Sports right here:

Who Wants To Be Number One...???

Apparently, it's a curse this year...

Last night in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech came up and bit Duke to send the Blue Devils packing after their newly-minted number one ranking...

Here's the short version...
((HT: ESPN/youtube))


Won't be Texas since they completely torched a 22-point lead in Boulder against Colorado... here's what it was like to storm the court after the tank job by Rick Barnes' team...
((HT: pauljharris))


Is BYU going to get any run there since they went to San Diego State and took care of them by 13...? Jimmer Fredette led the Cougars with 25...
((HT: CBS/youtube))


Or does it go back to Ohio State and Kansas and take all the imagination out of the process...???

The HQ thinks it's probably that...

BREAKING: Colorado: Dan Hawkins, you may leave now...you're fired

Dan Hawkins/Courtesy: coacheshotseat.com

As expected, the University of Colorado has decided to part ways with football coach Dan Hawkins this morning.

Multiple media outlets in the Denver area are reporting that the school has let Hawkins go and associate head coach Brian Cabral will finish another disappointing...and last in the Big 12/10 season for the Buffs.

More from the Denver Post RIGHT HERE

KUSA-TV tells us the same thing RIGHT HERE

None of this is surprising, Hawkins, though very successful at Boise State before coming to Colorado 5-years ago has had zero success. He leaves with a 19-39 record and a ton of question marks.

No, there isn't a controversy here, the question is how did he get the job in the first place. We realize that Colorado isn't an "Elite" program...but they were, at one point, pretty good. They aren't now.

This moved had been rumored off and on for the past couple of season. The consensus is that the final straw was the Buffs blowing a 45-17 lead in the fourth quarter of last weeks game against Kansas. Kansas came back and won 52-45.

Rumors are already swirling that Colorado will reach out to former coach Bill McCartney, though McCartney hasn't coached in some 15-years.

We leave your Boulder Edition of "Hawk Love" with the following reminder about his time at the University of Colorado...
((HT: Sportsnet/Youtube))

TWTW: Kansas Gets Biggest Comeback Win Ever Against Colorado

((HT: KSHB-TV Kansas City))

It was the greatest comeback in Kansas history... there's no other way to describe it- unless we're talking about the last game Dan Hawkins coaches at Colorado.

Evah...

James Sims scored four touchdowns in the last quarter-and-a-half, including the game-winner with 52 seconds left. Kansas scored 35 unanswered points in the final 11 minutes to beat Colorado 52-45. The 35 points were also the most Kansas has scored in a quarter in school history.

Colorado led 45-17 on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Wouldn't you know the two worst teams in the Big 12/11/10 would do something like this...???

Here's your highlights with Lance Veeser indoors...

TWTW: Oklahoma Does What Everyone Else Should Do To Colorado

((HT: newsok.com))

It took Oklahoma a little while to warm up in their home game against Colorado, only leading 3-0 after one quarter.

But after that it was all Sooners...

Ryan Broyles caught three TD's giving ninth-ranked OU a 43-10 victory at Owen Field.

On nine catches, Broyles finished with 208 yards, breaking the school record for receiving yards in a game. Manny Johnson had the previous mark with 206 receiving yards against TCU in 2008.

Broyles 81-yarder for a score is now a school record in the Stoops era. He is now only three touchdown receptions away from breaking Mark Clayton's record of 31 career touchdown catches.

Damon Fontenot has your rundown...

TWTW: Richt Saves Hawkins Job, Buffs Beat UGA

((HT: KDVR-TV/Fox31 Denver, Athletix Nation))

The HQ will readily admit that the Georgia Bulldogs should never schedule a game west of the Mississippi River ((see Arizona State, etc.))

This time, everyone and their mother going was thinking that Colorado was SO bad that Georgia was going to have no problems at all and it would be another step in the evidence in the "Fire Dan Hawkins" case put before the court of Colorado Public Opinion.

Well, so much for that idea...

It was nice for Aaron Murray to have AJ Green back ((as you'll see below)), but the defense let the Buffs back in the game. And we're still unsure as to whether or not Caleb King was trying to flea his flick with Murray late to cause the fumble that turned it once and for all...

We can tell you that Mike Bobo isn't long for this world, and that Greg McGarity may have Mark Richt follow in Bobo's footsteps...

Here's your highlights...


And just so you know... Georgia fans have beaten New Mexico fans to it...
Richtsgottago.com is up and running...

Nebraska Settles With Big 12/11/10, Colorado Does, Too...

((HT: KOLN/KGIN-TV Lincoln))

The University of Nebraska has reached an agreement with the Big 12/11/10 Conference to finally bail and head to the Big 10/11/12.

The conference will withhold a little over $9-million from the estimated $19 million they could have picked up during the last two years of its time in the Big 12/11/10.

If Nebraska is one of two Big 12/11/10 teams to play in a BCS bowl game, the fee would be reduced by $500,000. The settlement is final pending approval by the Nebraska Board of Regents.

"The University of Nebraska believes this is a fair settlement of our disagreement regarding the appropriateness in this instance of imposing any monetary fee on the university for withdrawing from the conference. We continue to value our ongoing relationships with the institutions of the Big 12 and have great respect for their leadership and the leadership of the conference," said Chancellor Harvey Perlman.

"We feel the long-term benefits of entering into the Big Ten, both academically and athletically, will make this a very good investment," said Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne.

Big 12 Conference Commissioner Dan Beebe said: "This agreement was accomplished through a collegial, respectful process among the conference, its institutions, and the University of Nebraska that led to a resolution that all parties believe is fair. I appreciate the cooperation of Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Nebraska staff. The Big 12 has enjoyed its relationship with Nebraska and wishes it well in the future."

Nebraska will become an official member of the Big Ten/11/12 July 1, 2011.

Kevin Sjuts has the details... thanks to our friends at 1011now.com


Colorado gets to move to the Pac-10/11/12 in 2011 instead of 2012 by forking over a little under $7-million...

The HQ thinks this is still the beginning of the landscape shift...

Big 12 is done...What's next for the Pac 10?

Now that the Texas Two-Step has ended and the Big 12 is now 10 and chock-full-o-money for Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma, what is next for the great realignment dance of 2010?

Well, let's try and figure it out...shall we?

It looks like Colorado jumped to the Pac 10, now 11 and probably soon to be 12, a bit too soon. There is some speculation that they panicked, but according to reports out of Colorado, they are perfectly happy moving West, they see more money in it for them.

Check out the analysis from the Boulder Daily-Camera RIGHT HERE

((That's me, kinda near Ralphie the Buffalo when Colorado was in the Big 12 now 10//Courtesy: Eric Hager))

The next step for the Pac 10, now 11 and looking to be 12....find number 12. The early frontrunner...Utah, from the Mountain West, which by the way just added Boise State.

More from the Deseret News RIGHT HERE

The Salt Lake Tribune opines about what should be next RIGHT HERE

The San Jose Mercury-News all but proclaims Utah a member of the Pac 10-11 and soon to be 12. The story is RIGHT HERE

While we at the OSG think that the Utah scenario will more than likely play out, don't assume it. There are strong arguments to say stay in the Mountain West, an already strong and now upgraded conference in Football with the Boise State addition.

Should they say no, Larry Scott and the Pac 10 that is 11 will have some work ahead. Yes, you can argue that he made a huge, bold move trying to add half of the Big 12 now 10, but it didn't work.

The only way Scott can save some face and add the revenue he is advocating is by having 12 teams and a Championship game. Will that happen? Probably. But it won't be easy. It will be, however, much less hyped which should increase the chances of it getting done.

We think that this song is the only appropriate video we could think of for the winding down of this story. Enjoy Europe. Thanks Vevo/You Tube:

BREAKING NEWS: The Buffs Are Officially In The Pac 10 Conference

[HT/cubuffs.com/Pac 10]

It's official, the University of Colorado has joined the Pac 10 Conference. The conference announced that Colorado has accepted the Pac 10's invitation to become the league's 11th member.

"This is an historic moment for the Conference, as the Pac-10 is poised for tremendous growth. The University of Colorado is a great fit for the Conference both academically and athletically and we are incredibly excited to welcome Colorado to the Pac-10," said Commissioner Larry Scott.

"On behalf of The University of Colorado students, faculty, alumni and fans, we are proud to accept this invitation from the Pac-10 and join the most prestigious academic and athletic conference in the nation, " said Philip P. DiStefano, chancellor of CU-Boulder.

"The University of Colorado is a perfect match - academically and athletically - with the Pac-10," said University of Colorado President Bruce D. Benson, "our achievements and aspirations match those of the universities in the conference and we look forward to a productive relationship."

Big 12 Conference commissioner Don Beebe issued the following statement released by the conference:

"The Big 12 Conference has been informed that the University of Colorado has accepted an invitation to join the Pacific-10 Conference. I continue to work through the process that was agreed upon last week by our Board of Directors to address membership issues, and am working tirelessly towards the long-term viability of the Big 12."

More to come.

The Buffs Are Pac-10 Bound

Here's the second shovel of dirt on the Big 12 grave. According to Boulder (Co,) Daily Camera its a done deal between the Pac-10 and the University of Colorado.

The paper is reporting that a press conference has been scheduled for Friday at 11:00 am mountain time to announce that the Buffs are leaving the Big 12 for the Pac 10 Conference .http://www.dailycamera.com/news/ci_15268160

After all the political pressure the state of Texas has been applying to include Baylor and drop Colorado from the Pac 10's six pack proposal from the Big 12 this is a perfect end around for the Buffaloes.

Now you know why the Texas schools are reassessing their position toward going to the Pac 10 Conference. It appears Colorado struck their own deal.

Again, those of us in the OSG HQ are taking it all in and waiting for the smoke to clear.

Another Upset From The Mountain West Conference: Colorado State Defeats Colorado

This one will fly under the radar but the Mountain West Conference got another feather in their cap when Colorado State stunned Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder 23-17. It's the Rams first win at Folsom since 1986 and gave the MWC a 2-1 advantage over the Big 12 Conference (Texas A&M defeated New Mexico.)

“We won in Boulder so this is huge. It’s a big lift and a confidence builder and big for Fort Collins.” Colorado State offensive lineman Cole Pemberton said.

“(The win) is still such a shock right now. I can’t even comprehend how big this is.” Colorado State quarterback Grant Stucker said.

Stucker, a senior, started his first game Sunday night for the Rams. Having only thrown three passes in 3 years at CSU Stucker threw for 208 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad performance in the den of Folsom Field.

"Not bad for a kid who had never started a game." Colorado State head coach Steve Fairchild said. "I will certainly pat him on the back, because that is not easy to come to a place like this and playing like that.”

It was clear that Colorado is struggled in this game. The Buffaloes running game never got it going averaging 1.4 yards per carry. Buff starting quarterback Cody Hawkins was shaky going 24 for 41 for 222 yards and one touchdown and one interception but the younger Hawkins didn't endure himself to the Buff fans losing at home to what is perceived to be a weaker in-state rival.

Next up for the Buffs is a road game at Toledo Friday night. Colorado better regroup in a hurry or they might feel the Rockets red glare and head coach Dan Hawkins won't have fun explaining how the Buffs got into an 0-2 hole off the bat.

Back to Colorado State, the Rams are clearly a program on the rise in the MWC and ready to contribute to the success the MWC has against BCS schools.

Colorado is the only BCS team CSU faces this year but this win is a boost of confidence for the Rams. They will need to ride that momentum for a while for BYU looms in three weeks at Provo then 2 weeks later Utah comes to Fort Collins and then a trip to Ft. Worth to battle TCU is the next week.

The Mountain West Conference just got more entertaining.

Photo Courtesy: John Leyba/The Denver Post

College Football: My Big 12 North Predictions

Big 12 North

Missouri Tigers

2007 record 10-2 (Defeated Arkansas 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl)

Mizzou took giant steps last year including a #1 ranking during the season. Though the lost the Big 12 Championship Game to Oklahoma, the Tigers ended the season on a high note beating the heck out of Arkansas at the Cotton Bowl.

Things To Like About Mizzou:

Chase Daniel: Daniel and Florida’s Tim Tebow will be the favorites for the Heisman Trophy. Daniel is one of the most efficient and effective quarterbacks I’ve ever seen on the college level. He becomes a special player this year and is my pre-season pick to strike the heisman pose in New York this December.

Receivers: One of the most talented corps in the country. Jeremy Maclin is the playmaker. Chase Coffman is an explosive downfield threat from the tight end position and will drive defensive coordinators crazy going through mis-match hell.

Things Not To Like About Mizzou:

Secondary: The corners are OK but that might not bode well in the pass happy Big 12.

October 4th at Nebraska: I put this here because the Tigers always seem to soil the drawers in Lincoln. It’s the Big 12 opener for both teams and will be a big hurdle for Mizzou to clear. 1978 was the last time the Tigers won in Lincoln.

Mizzou Rah: Mizzou fans, this could be the year we have dreamed about. A talented team among the nation’s elite and more than a chance to win the Big 12 title. Should the Tigers have the kind of year expected, this will make up for all the curses of Mizzou football in my lifetime,(the Woody Widenhofer era, Tony Van Zant blowing out his knee at a high school all star game, there are many others.)

Mizzou opens against Illinois in the Busch Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis which will be tough yet entertaining. Get by that and win a Nebraska and an undefeated season is in the cards. Dare I dream?

Kansas Jayhawks

2007 record 12-1 (Defeated Virginia Tech 24-21 in the Orange Bowl

Last year the nation realized they do play football in Lawrence, Kansas. The Kansas Jayhawks went to a BCS bowl last year, yes Kansas. But even in a year when KU broke through in football, men’s basketball still overshadowed the football team winning the NCAA Championship. KU football can’t catch a break even on campus.

Things To Like About Kansas:

Todd Reesing: Reesing doesn’t make mistakes and he makes plays. Pretty good combination at QB.

Linebackers: The Jayhawk defense should be great. Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera and James Holt are the best linebacker corps in the Big 12 and maybe the country

Things Not To Like About Kansas:

Offensive Line: The anchors of the 2007 line are gone. Those holes will need to be filled.

Find a running back: Jocques Crawford will need to be the workhouse for KU out of the backfield.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk: KU’s schedule is no cupcake this year. The Jayhawks have a road date with South Florida and have trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska on the docket. They may not have the horses to overtake Missouri but Kansas will be a factor and has an outside chance to go to a good bowl game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2007 record 5-7

There is much rejoicing in Lincoln, Nebraska because the dark ages of Cornhusker football is over. Bill Callahan is gone, Tom Osbourne is back on campus and handed the keys to Bo Pelini,

Things To Like About Nebraska:

Nebraska has a quarterback: Joe Ganz was impressive toward the end of the season and in spring ball.

Marlon Lucky: He’s a heck of a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s a big offense threat for the Cornhuskers.

Things Not To Like About Nebraska:

Defense: The Cornhusker “D” was god awful last year. Last in the Big 12 and 112th in the nation, they will be better with Pelini in charge.

Shucking Corn: Nebraska isn’t at the level it was back in the Bob Davaney – Tom Osbourne – Frank Solich years but the Cornhuskers will return to what many Nebraskans felt was an entitlement, a bowl game. Bo Pelini will have get that accomplished.

Kansas State Wildcats

2007 record 5-7

Kansas State took some steps back last year in but K-State has a plan to bounce back.

Things To Like About Kansas State:

Win right now attitude: Head Coach Ron Prince brought in a bunch of JUCO transfers to fill in the holes. He wants to give K-State the chance to win right now.

Offensive Line: It’s the bright spot of the offense and is a solid unit.

Things Not To Like About Kansas State:

Receivers: Jordy Nelson is playing in the NFL and leaves a big hole at that position. Someone will have to step up and be a playmaker for QB Josh Freeman to be successful

Defense: Only 5 starters return on defense that gave up a ton of points toward the end of the season.

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty: The JUCO transfers will help some of the talent drain from a year ago. If the defense improves from last year’s number, the Wildcats will go bowling again.

Colorado Buffaloes

2007 record 6-7 (Lost to Alabama 30-24 in the Independence Bowl)

Other than upsetting Oklahoma last year at Folsom Field, the Buffs didn’t do anything spectacular last year. Colorado did just enough to earn a trip to Shreveport, an appropriate destination for a 6-6 team.

Things To Like About Colorado:

Strong defense inside: The Buff tackles and safeties are rock solid

Cody Hawkins: He is the key on offense and if he cuts down on his erratic play should put up some big time numbers.

Things Not To Like About Colorado:

Pass rush: The outside of the defense is a question mark. Last season the Buffs were 95th in the nation in QB sacks. That must change with the quality of quarterbacks in the Big 12

Schedule: It is a bear. First Colorado opens against cross state rival Colorado State plus West Virginia and Florida State are on the non-conference schedule. Texas comes to Boulder and Colorado plays at Kansas, at Missouri and at Nebraska

Buff Stuff: It’s going to be tough for Colorado to improve on 6 wins with the schedule they play. Dan Hawkins has a reputation as a miracle worker and he did a great job last year but Hawkins will have to work his magic to go bowling this year.

Iowa State Cyclones

2007 record 3-9

It’s tough to win games at Iowa State. But Gene Chizik may have a group of young talent that could make strides this year

Things To Like About Iowa State:

Running Backs: Alexander Robinson and J.J. Bass are a couple of good running backs that can spark the offense. Robinson emerged as the feature back late last year.

Things Not To Like About Iowa State:

Quarterback: Who’s going to emerge as the starter, Austin Arnaud or Phillip Bates. Expect both to play on a QB rotation

Cyclone Winds: The best way to describe Iowa State is pesky. They won’t be fun to play against and will win a few games they shouldn’t but a bowl game will be a long shot this year. But watch this program grow because there is a commitment to Coach Chizik and football at Iowa State.