That state being of chaos.

Heck of a way to start the week:

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Coach Paul Chryst is still a relatively blank canvas. Sure he’s been an outstanding Offensive Coordinator, but we have no idea how he will translate to being the head coach. We can project. We can believe. We can hope. But we don’t know.

Neither does anyone else. And one of the primary time-killers in the spring and summer months for college football media are lists. Best coaches, best hires, best players by position, etc. Then you can break them down by conference.

That’s where we are at right now. Lists.

Athlon, usually one of the first-to-the-market publishers of preview guides has a rather bizarre ranking of the Big East Coaches. Why is it bizarre? Consider that it includes the present members for the upcoming season, but also tosses the future members as well. This despite being a list just for this year. That means it is a list of 15 coaches rather than 8. Er… I realize expansiopocolypse can be confusing and convoluted, but this just seems silly.

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Yesterday we saw how the Big East 1^st and 2^nd All-Conference teams shook out as far as star ratings for the players.  We did this to see what recruit rankings were like in our conference peer group. The results for the Big East were; 1^st team Offense 3.0 stars; 1^st team Defense 2.5 stars;  2^nd team defense 2.5 stars and 2^nd team Defense 2.6 stars.

Today let’s look at what those same All-Conference teams for the ACC, our future conference, have as far as star values.  Again, I used Scout.com for the number of stars assigned to these players as HS seniors. If Scout had the player unranked (UR) then I checked Rivals.com. To make it as fair as possible I used any numerical quantity between Scout & Rivals for the averages. 0/0 scores are walk-ons who weren’t rated at all; these are very rare and in compiling about 164 players only five had that score.

Something to keep in mind here are that the recruiting services give out between two stars and five stars, they do not have a one star designation and as I said the 0* score is extremely rare. 

FIRST TEAM

Offense

QB-Tajh Boyd, Clemson (5)
RB-David Wilson, Virginia Tech (4)*
RB-Giovani Bernard, North Carolina (4)
WR-Sammy Watkins, Clemson (5)
WR-Chris Givens, Wake Forest (3)
OT-Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech (3)
OT-Zebrie Sanders, Florida State (4)
OG-Austin Pasztor, Virginia (2)
OG-Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech (4)
C-Dalton Freeman, Clemson (4)
TE-Dwayne Allen, Clemson (4)
K-Dustin Hopkins, Florida State (3)
Spec.- T.J. Graham, NC State (3)

3.6 average stars

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As a follow up to the post “Hitch Your Wagon to a Star” which looked at the Top 60 college producers in three offensive and three defensive categories, I compiled a listing of the Big East’s 2012 All-Conference 1st and 2nd teams.

I feel the true worth of a college player is actually how he plays in college and not how he gets drafted or is a free agent in the NFL. One of the points commenter’s on the other article made was that the Top 10 guys may have excelled against lesser competition than did some others (SEC players for instance).

I’m not sure I buy that but in light of that I wanted to see how players stacked up against their own level of competition and what opposing coaches thought of their talents. This is perhaps the best measure – how does one do against his peer group.

Again, I used Scout.com for the number of stars assigned to these players as HS seniors. If Scout had the player unranked (UR) then I checked Rivals.com. To make it as fair as possible I used any numerical quantity between Scout & Rivals for the averages. 0/0 scores are walk-ons who weren’t rated at all.

ALL-BIG EAST CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM 2012

OFFENSE

WR   Mohamed Sanu *   3
WR   Tavon Austin   5
OT   Justin Pugh   UR/2
OT   Don Barclay   3
OG   Randy Martinez   UR/2
OG   Art Forst   4
OG   Andrew Tiller   3
C     Moe Petrus   UR/2
TE   Nick Provo   3
QB   Geno Smith   4
RB   Isaiah Pead *   3
RB   Ray Graham   4
RB   Antwon Bailey   2
K     Dave Teggart   2
RS   Tavon Austin   (Repeat)

3.0 Average  (2.4 Scout.com only)

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The great thing about self-aggrandizing, big-egoed folk. When they are  letting you know how brilliant they are, they reveal other tidbits.

Hoopie AD Oliver Luck is one of those people. Someone who believes he is the smartest person in the room, and always happy to tell you why. So, now he’s talking about leaving the Big East for the Big 12. It all started with the Texas-planted story about expansion.

At least one report placed Pittsburgh on the supposed “Big 12 short list.”

West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck saw it, and thus began the Mountaineers’ road to the Big 12.

“If Pitt is on the short list, there’s no reason that West Virginia shouldn’t be on the Big 12 short list,” Luck told ESPN.com. “That’s when, to myself, I began to think, because normally, you don’t think Big 12 and Pittsburgh. You don’t think Big 12 and West Virginia. “

Especially since the ACC and SEC weren’t interested. Do go on, and confuse the timelines.

“I remember saying to myself and saying to my wife, ‘If that story was accurate, and Pitt used that as leverage to get in the ACC,’ I remember thinking, Well, this is certainly a possibility.”

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I had a chance to watch the Panthers practice today.  This is a long report on what I saw and heard so I’m going to split it into two different articles.  In this one I’ll talk about the practice in general, the offense and the offensive players.

First off, let’s talk about the general atmosphere at the Southside facilities…

I got down there about 45 minutes earlier than scheduled and had a chance to stand around in the parking lot and watch the players file past on their way into the indoor practice field.  The OLs were first out of the gate and they are big guys, Lumpy Jacobson actually looks to be the smallest of all of them.  The players were joking around and looked ready to get it underway.  8:00 a.m. and they were bouncing around and grab-assing.  I did get a lot of strange looks as I was unfamiliar to the football staff but as soon as I whipped out my PITT Blather credentials everyone backed off in fear.

The practice atmosphere is really night and day from last year. We visitors had free rein of the sidelines to move as the drills and scrimmage plays progressed up and down the field.  Last year visitors had to stand in a blocked off corner way down by the entry doors and we couldn’t see down field at all. Chryst has thrown the visitation wide open and hasn’t put any restrictions on the SID regarding who or how many may visit.  E. J. Borghetti is pleased in many ways, big time.

In the past, Todd Graham had the media and any visitors stay for only the first 45 minutes of each practice then he closed it off.  Chryst does the exact opposite and allows people stay for the whole practice session so the media doesn’t have to sit around for two hours waiting until they can do interviews after the practice is over.  Today’s session was scheduled for 2 hours and 15 minutes and went to almost three hours, open all the time

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I had a chance to watch the Panthers practice today.  This is a long report on what I saw and heard so I’m going to split it into two different articles. In this one I’ll talk about the defense and the defensive players…

DLs – Both Clemmings and Murphy looked ready to go, played hard and according to some observers who are watching practice every day they think Clemmings should get the Ed Conway Award as most improved player from last season. He’s had “great” spring camp and should show up when the games start.  Murphy is fast as hell for someone his size and is aggressive in his play.  He made a nice strip that caused a fumble on Bennett.  KK Smith has put on weight, a bunch of weight, but was still moving well. Hard to tell about Lippert and Hale – there was so much going on it was hard for a non-football guy to follow everything.  The coaches said that Hale was doing well so far but I couldn’t really tell.

LBs – What everyone wants to know:  Dan Mason was in on every drill and scrimmage play with the 1^st team.  He would start if the opener is tomorrow.  He looks a bit slower to me and not as explosive, but I’m no expert. It was weird to see a player run where there is no up and down movement of their foot. The “foot drop” brace he has on immobilizes the right foot so that it doesn’t drag when moving his leg forward and I think it affects his play.  There were some passes caught on crossing patterns where he was a step behind the receiver. But he also got into the back field on some plays so I think he’ll be somewhat different physically able when summer camp rolls around but his current ability is going to be a factor.  At least I think so.  Some others feel more optimistic.

The starting three LBs going into summer camp will probably be Mason in the middle with Todd Thomas and Shane Gordon on the outside.  Thomas is held out of practices for now and Ejuan Price isn’t getting the reps we thought he would.  Price’s publicly stating that he wants to play MLB rather than the other LB positions probably didn’t help his cause much with this new staff.

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I’m so, f***in proud of those Pitt fans.

In the waning seconds of Pittburgh’s 64-52 loss to Georgetown, Hoyas fans began chanting, ‘NIT! NIT!’ Pitt fans responded with, “ACC! ACC!’

I’ll hit on the disappointing, but frustratingly predictable loss to Georgetown later. For now, the spectacle that is Big East, um, growth.

I don’t think anyone really thinks John Marinatto is a good commissioner of the Big East. The only debate really seems to be whether he is thoroughly incompetent or merely completely overmatched. The addition of Memphis — without even making them come to the Big East for the 2012 season — should have resolved the issue into the category of thoroughly incompetent. But in case anyone had any lingering doubts, the press conference today should be the clincher.

Temple joining is not the issue. It makes sense. Heck it is more reasonable than elevating Villanova at this point. Er, what?

The BIG EAST Conference Board of Directors also unanimously voted to continue working closely with Villanova University regarding its FBS football future and, in doing so, take into account its longstanding relationship and many contributions to the Conference over the past three decades to give all due consideration to a football membership application.

The Conference also fully supports the extensive, thoughtful and thorough process that Villanova is utilizing to evaluate its football program. To validate the BIG EAST Conference’s support of Villanova and its potential admission as a football program, the Conference has committed to offer financial assistance to cover future costs incurred by Villanova to exploring BIG EAST football membership.

In addition and to further demonstrate its support and consideration, the Conference will pledge to waive the football entry fee if Villanova is admitted within the next three years into the Conference as a football playing member, provided that it satisfies the Conference’s requirements for membership and the NCAA’s requirements for membership. We are confident that Villanova’s process will result in an outcome that’s in the best interest of the University and its accomplished athletics program.

I suppose it may be the cost of getting Temple into the Big East and resolving the schedule problems for the football schools in 2012, but given the money the Big East is giving up to help Villanova, then maybe it would have been cheaper to just pay Boise State’s exit fee from the MWC?

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In addition to the search for a car — now approaching a conclusion — I spent the weekend wondering what my doctor wanted. Got sick a couple weeks ago, and in addition to the medicine, I had to get some bloodwork done. Procrastinated on the blood work for a week. And then missed a couple calls from my doctor near the end of the week. By the time I called the office was closed and I got to stew over why they were calling me for the weekend. Cancer, rare disorder. Something horrible.

Turns out I have a Vitamin D deficiency. Have to take a prescription vitamin for a while. Seems generally stupid until I googled it, and holy shit, rickets! Getting old sucks. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Moving on to other things. Which comes first, the Big East invites Temple, Temple’s board authorizes Temple to accept an invite, or Temple reaches a settlement with the MAC to move to the Big East this year? Given how ass-backward the Big East portion of expansiopocolypse has been, my money is on settling with the MAC first.

If there was any doubt that taking Temple now is done for saving the Big East money vs. what it would cost to get Boise out of the MWC a year early. This should clinch it:

The Owls will have to pay exit fees. Sources have said it would cost them $3.5 million to leave the MAC immediately, and $2 million to get out of the A-10. Less if they move later. But this stuff can be negotiated.

Boise would have cost at least $10 million more — and Temple could possibly settle at lower. I’m sure Temple has a tight budget, but that is chump change simply based on the TV deal of the Big East (even just for football) vs. the MAC.

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Is there any doubt at this point? Rick Pitino spends October through February banging away on how the Big East needs to add Memphis. Now they are coming. His other team to add was Temple. Guess who is on the verge?

It appears the board of trustees of Temple is meeting Wednesday via a conference call to decide if it wants to accept a Big East Conference invitation, if offered.

Discussions between the Big East and Temple regarding the Owls’ joining the conference, possibly for all sports, are hitting the final stages.

Assuming Temple gets an invitation and accepts it, the school has to quickly negotiate exit fees.

Hope you understand the key area: Temple is only deciding whether it will accept an invitation to join the Big East — you know if the the Big East makes them an offer.

Despite all the rumors and noise last week about Temple joining the Big East, there is still no official offer, invitation, or even known vote by the Big East on the matter. In other words, beating back the Villanova opposition.

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I realize taking a shot at the Big East is like doing the same with Congress. It’s easy and everyone does it. That doesn’t change the third factor — they both deserve the abuse.

The settlement with West Virginia has been previously mentioned for some of the face-saving. Some of the terms in the agreement, though, are just as laughable.

I suppose I should not be surprised by the inclusion of a “non-disparity” clause, but that ship sailed capsized when WVU AD Luck made his “sinking ship” reference to the Big East. Still, given Luck’s propensity or shooting off his mouth, WVU’s legal department may want to advise the school to hire someone with a taser to stay close to Luck at all media events for the next year or so.

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This was merely a formality. Everyone knew. It’s been known. Even the settlement was known since last week. Just that now it is official. I know this is a shock, but the Big East didn’t actually post the press release they sent to the media.  Let’s take a read. Annotations supplied

The BIG EAST Conference Board of Directors has voted to terminate West Virginia University’s membership in the Conference, effective June 30, 2012. This vote is conditioned on WVU fulfilling its obligations under a settlement agreement with the Conference that resolves the litigation between the parties.

You can’t quit. I’m firing you first. Right after I filed that lawsuit to keep you.

“West Virginia University has acknowledged and agreed that the Court in Monongalia County, West Virginia, will enter a judgment that the BIG EAST Conference Bylaws are valid and enforceable, and will dismiss with prejudice all of West Virginia’s claims against the Conference.” stated John Marinatto Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference.

Dear Pitt and Syracuse, screw you. No. This won’t help you. If you even consider a lawsuit, this settlement means nothing for giving you a loophole to go out on the cheap.

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a Volvo Challenge. This one comes with a little synergy. It is another Volvo Challenge. Remember to go and vote for me in Volvo’s Biggest Fan in the Big East. Volvo, a Big East corporate sponsor for the Big East, wonders what the Biggest Fans in the Big East think constitute the Garden 30, that the Big East itself is asking in honor of the 30th year at MSG.

What is the Garden 30? It is the 10 best moments. The 10 best players. And the 10 best teams in the Big East Tournament.

If you look over the list, Pitt doesn’t get much run. Except for being at the other end of some of the moments the Big East chose. The moments being widely defined as anything from a  moment, a single game, a tournament run and even back-to-back titles.

Well, if they are going to cast that wide of a net, there is no way Pitt doesn’t enter into the discussion.

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Lots of chatter of verbal agreements and things behind the scenes, but no actual, direct statements, spun press releases announcing anything. Heck, the Big 12 has even delayed their schedule once more.

The issues of WVU leaving the Big East for the Big 12 appear relatively settled. Just the details need to be resolved.

So, in lieu of anything in particular, a grab-bag of related stuff tied to expansiopocolypse that I found interesting.

Let’s start with the hilarious McConnell-Manchin feud in the US Senate. I think very little of either of them. The one thing I will say, reading that piece, is it does more to benefit DickRod than anyone else. DickRod has long claimed of interference while he was at WV from then Gov. Manchin as playing a role in his decision to leave. Astounding as it seems, DickRod is seeing his credibility improve thanks to Manchin’s antics.

Manchin — I suppose like most politicians — is a bit of a name-dropping ass as he shows in this story where he tries to answer the questions raised by the story of the feud.

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