Gary Pinkel and The All Gold Sweats and Shoes

((ht: footballscoop.com))

Yeah, all that's left now is calling University of Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel--"Swaggy P"....

Haha!

Check out Pinkel dressed in gold from head to toe Saturday at a Tigers team meeting and then in practice as the team prepared for their Citrus Bowl game in Orlando, Florida.

The best part of the video without a doubt--the beginning. Watching the players reactions once they figure out what is going on---priceless...

Missouri Dismisses Green-Beckham from Team

Talented but oft-troubled University of Missouri wide reciever Dorial Green-Beckham has been asked to leave the Tigers football team.

Coach Gary Pinkel announced Friday afternoon that the parting was in the best interest of everyone involved.

Beckham made news yet again after getting in trouble for an incident where he's alleged to have forced his way into an apartment and pushed a woman down some stairs.

But he was not charged in that incident. Pinkel suspended him indefinitely on Monday

Beckham was the #1 rated High School prospect in the country when he chose Missouri in 2012, he began his career suspended over an arrest for marijuana possession. He made headlines again in January after being charged with marijuana possession while in a vehicle driven by someone else. That person took ownership of the drugs and Beckham's charges were later dropped.

His father released a statement Friday morning to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It read: "First and most importantly, I take responsibility for my conduct and my mistakes. Don't blame my girlfriend or her friends for anything. I am not looking for sympathy. I thank those who given me concern. I have been young and dumb. I want to be better. During my suspension, I am entering counseling. With help I know that I can be stronger emotionally and spiritually. My relationship with my family, friends, teammates and coaches are most important in my life, not football."

However, the statement was released before Beckham was released from the Tigers football team.

No doubt the young man needs some help and to his credit it at least sounds like he is willing to get it. With his head on straight, he's likely going to be the target of an interesting recruiting battle. He has 2-years of eligibility left and most big schools and in the future, pro teams won't walk away from someone with his talent.

But hopefully he won't take the field again until he grows up and means it. We wish him luck.

To get an idea how good the kid can be, take a look at this music video a YouTube user put together:

Mizzou Finally Looking Into 2010 Rape Allegations

((HT: KOMU-TV))

The University of Missouri system will now look into allegations centering around a 2010 sexual assault of swimmer Sasha Menu Courey- possibly by one or more members of the football team at the time...

System President Tim Wolfe released a statement after an ESPN report that said in part:

"In light of the ESPN "Outside The Lines" report that questioned the response of our Columbia campus to an alleged sexual assault of a former MU student athlete who also suffered from severe mental illness, I want to address the questions raised with all of you and ask for your immediate assistance and support. I am asking the board of curators to hire outside independent counsel to conduct an investigation of MU's handling of matters related to Ms. Courey."

OTL published a story that claims the university did not tell law enforcement about the alleged rape of Courey despite administrators finding out about the alleged incident more than a year ago.

Menu Courey committed suicide in 2011.
Here's the local coverage...

In addition to any retroactive investigating by state officials on any possible negligence in not pursuing the Courey case, the Missouri system could also face an inquiry by the Office of Civil Rights...

And the HQ is looking forward to this investigation...

So, Does Mack Brown Keep His Job Now...??? And What About Mark Richt...???

((HT: Longhorn Network))

The HQ officially gives up...

We guess THIS was the team that everyone was looking forward to seeing this season, and didn't get to until now...

Texas bottled up Blake Bell and the Oklahoma offense, was up 23-10 at the half and won 36-20... it wasn't that close...
Here's your highlights...


Texas improves to 4-2 and 3-0 in the Big 12. They take a week off before returning to play at TCU on the 26th...

And, then, it looks like Aaron Murray put the Georgia Bulldog team on his back one too many weeks in a row as they lost at home to Missouri... even with an injured James Franklin not finishing the game at quarterback for the Tigers...
((HT: ESPN))


Now, let's just see how realistic people are in Austin and Athens...???
What say you...???

Haith May Face NCAA Ethics Charge

((HT: KSHB-TV))

It looks like Uncle Nevin is coming back to bite people from behind bars, and one of them may be current Missouri head hoops coach Frank Haith.

According to a story on CBSSports.com, the NCAA may hit Haith with unethical conduct and failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance- two very serious charges that won't be taken lightly.

Nevin Shapiro had accused Haith of acknowledging a $10,000 payoff to land a commitment from DeQuan Jones while he was the Hurricanes head coach back in 2007.
The NCAA can't currently link the 10-grand to Jones and Haith, but they didn't believe his story on his assistants taking the money to repay Shapiro.

There will be a test later on...

Here's the early thoughts from Kansas City...

Saban makes his player apologize to Missouri for Suplex move

((ht: columbiatribune/matter))

Interesting.

Apparently Alabama head coach Nick Saban felt worse than anybody on the field Saturday when his Crimson Tide easily took care of the University of Missouri.

The reason he felt bad was in case you didn't see it--this:



For those who've never watched professional wrestling, that is a suplex--or at least the announcers call it that.

And in that play, 'Bama tackle LaMichael Fanning drops tailback Russell Hansbrough basically on his head.

The Great Saban was apparently quite upset with Fanning, who also drew a penalty and is probably going to get punished by the SEC, so much so, that both he (Saban) and Fanning sent an e-mail to Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel, apologizing.

Pinkel told the Missouri Quarterback club on Monday it wasn't necessary, but was appreciative.

Oh...and for what it's worth, according to The Columbia Daily Tribune's Dave Matter, Fanning was using the play as his Twitter background image. However, as of 5pm on Monday, we can verify ourselves that he's since changed it.

Rappin' Version To "Mizzou Rah". Look Out SEC, "We Are Mizzou"

Here’s three white rappers from Columbia, Missouri calling themselves “Fifth Down” with a rap song for Mizzou fans to get ready for the SEC.

Yes it’s a basketball related rap song and while Mizzou has had more success in basketball than football Tiger fans are going to have to realize football rules the roost in the SEC.

You have to admit it’s a catchy tune.  Go ahead Mizzou, bust down the door of the SEC.  You just might get it done in basketball. 

Of course Kentucky might have a say with that.

Welcome To "Big Boy" Football Texas A&M And Missouri

If you are of the school of thought that the Missouri Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies will finally play “big boy” football as new members of the SEC head coach Gary Pinkel has a difference of opinion.

“We played in a pretty good football league ourselves.” Pinkel said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “I’ve got a place down in Florida.  People act like we’ve been playing a bunch of high school teams.”

That pretty good football league would be the Big 12 Conference and he sees the conference in a different light.

“I think anyplace you play, any league you play in college football I think your best teams are going to be if you’re good up front on offense and defensive line.” Pinkel said.

That is very true and the reason why the SEC has won six BCS national championships in a row is their linemen are bigger and faster.  The combination of size and speed has overwhelmed non-SEC opponents who don’t see that on a regular basis.

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin recognized that from the start.

“I think the combination of size and speed, particularly in the west, but in the SEC is the difference maker.”

And Texas A&M just happens to be playing in the SEC West.

Linebackers in the SEC have the speed and athletic ability to cover wide receivers not often seen in other conferences. Even cornerbacks are 250 pounds in the SEC for which Mizzou Wide Receiver T.J. Moe responded, “That’s what I hear — they also have prettier girls, the air is fresher and the toilet paper is thicker,”

Great one-liner and good for laughs.

The level of defense in the SEC is second to only the NFL.  That is going to be a huge adjustment for the Big 12 expats.

“In the Big 12, we saw speed, but the SEC has great defenses every single week.” Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel said. “There’s a stacking defense, and the defense will be a little bit different than the Big 12 had.”

While Missouri and Texas A&M are getting flowers and welcoming gifts as new members it all will get serious on September 8^th when the Tigers and Aggies play their first SEC opponent.  That’s when it all becomes real and both programs realize what they have gotten themselves into.

Mizzou hosts Georgia for the Tigers first SEC game.  Pinkel won’t buy into the hype until after the season opener.

“It’s going to be a big game for us.” Pinkel said. “But there’s going to be a lot of big games.”

Like defending BCS Champion Alabama coming to Columbia on October 13^th and then Mizzou’s first SEC road game at South Carolina September 22^nd. 

While the Georgia game is on Mizzou and football fan’s radar screen Pinkel has things in perspective.  They are all big in the SEC.

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin would rather talk about his season opener against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport than the Aggies home and SEC opener against Florida.

“Anybody who has seen them [Louisiana Tech] play a year ago knows that’s a good football team.” Sumlin said.

When pressed Sumlin realizes the Louisiana Tech game will be just a blimp on the radar screen.

“For us as a team or as a head coach to have your home opener at Texas A&M be an SEC game is a big deal, there’s no doubt about it.” Sumlin said.

Mark September 8^th on your calendar as the day the Missouri Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies butt heads in the SEC for the first time.  It even has the Head Ball Coach interested.

“I hope they are playing at a different hour that I can watch both of those live.” South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said.  “I think those will be very interesting to all of us.”

According to the SEC schedule Spurrier can:

Sept. 8 East Carolina at South Carolina  SEC Network          12:21 p.m. ET / 11:21 a.m. CT

Sept. 8 Florida at Texas A&M            ESPN                             3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT

Sept. 8  Georgia at Missouri               ESPN2                           7:45 p.m. ET / 6:45 p.m. CT

DEVELOPING: Brackets Explode As Norfolk State Wins

In the history of the 16-seeded tournament, we now have 5th time in 110 games that a 15-seed knocked off a 2-seed...

And the HQ admits that we'll have to keep the sharpened utensils and instruments for the remainder of the March-based tournament away from Brother Wilkie...

Norfolk State takes out Missouri in a game that had 21 lead changes...
Here's the ending with Marv at the mic...
((HT: NCAA/TNT/youtube))


More from Columbia and Norfolk as it comes in... and we'll all learn about Kyle O'Quinn as we go...

Here are some shocked Mizzou fans, thanks to our friends at NBC41 in Kansas City- who now get to move their satelite trucks back from Omaha
((HT: NBCActionNews.com))


Friday was the first day that 2 15-seeds advanced...

Pinkel Dashcam Video Released

((HT: NBCActionNews.com))

Here it is...

Coach had problems with his ABC's...


ABCDEFGHR, Lipitor, and Ambien...

The HQ will restrain itself for the moment...
It's too easy...

TWTW: Texas Only Scores 5, Weeden Blows Up Tubs...

((HT: SI.com/FX))

Just when you thought that Texas was on its way back from whatver depth of hell they were in last year...

Here's how Texas can become so gawdawful ineffective on the road...


5 points in Columbia, really...???

And here's how a team coached by Tommy Tuberville can just absolutely roll over... wonder how long it'll take for his act to get stale...???
((HT: ESPN))


Brandon Weeden threw for 423 and 5 TD's as Oklahoma State won by 60...
ANd that takes a special kind of rollover to pull that off...

Thankfully, Brother Phil was only there for the first score while he was on assignment. He missed the following 65 points in Lubbock...

It's Official, Mizzou Is In The SEC

The Southeastern Conference has its 14th member. It's the Missouri Tigers.

Sunday the SEC announced that the presidents and chancellors acted unanimously to invite Missouri to join the SEC.

“The Presidents and Chancellors of the Southeastern Conference are pleased to welcome the University of Missouri to the SEC,” said Dr. Bernie Machen, President of the SEC Presidents and Chancellors and president of the University of Florida in a release by the conference. “The University of Missouri is a prestigious academic institution with a strong athletic tradition and a culture similar to our current institutions.”

“The Southeastern Conference is a highly successful, stable, premier athletic conference that offers exciting opportunities for the University of Missouri,” said Chancellor Brady J. Deaton in a statement released by the SEC. "We believe the Southeastern Conference is an outstanding home for the Mizzou Tigers, and we take great pride in our association with this distinguished league.”

“I am pleased to officially welcome the University of Missouri to the SEC family on behalf of our presidents, chancellors, athletics directors, students and fans,” said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive in a statement release by the conference. “Missouri is an outstanding academic institution with a strong athletic program. We look forward to having the Tigers compete in our league starting in 2012.”

The big reason why Missouri is in the SEC is one thing, Mizzou can deliver two major TV markets. The St. Louis and Kansas City markets are among the top 30 TV markets in the country. Before today the SEC only had one major market, Atlanta, in it's footprint.

This is a great move for Missouri, espcially football. Mizzou competes for talent with Big Ten schools in the talent rich St. Louis metro and into Illinios. The Tigers usually don't have much leverage with recruits considering the conference they were in. As SEC members the Tiger coaching staff can sell to recruits they can play in the best conference in the country and face the best teams in the country. It may take some time but this can be a real upgrade for Mizzou football.

How about this, there are now three Tiger teams in the SEC.

Next season it's back to the future for the Big 12 who will be back to the Big 8, unless West Virginia can solve its legal issues with the Big East.

More CFB Movement: Notre Dame to end up in Big 12 too?

((ht: orangebloods.com))

As sick as we are about "Galactic Realignment" stories, they just keep coming. And they all seem to make some semblance of sense in one way or another.

This one comes courtesy of the fine folks (ok--Chip Brown) at Orangebloods.com. Chip, who is as plugged into the comings and goings of the Big 12/10 is saying that not only is Missouri leaving, West Virginia coming--but that Notre Dame may be coming too.

Not in all sports...yet. Everything but football for now. And not "Are" coming, but they are talking to Chuck Neinas and the Big 12/10 office about it.

The story from Orangebloods.com RIGHT HERE

We believe this for several reasons. First and foremost, though Notre Dame is stubborn about their football, they need a home in other sports. They currently compete in the Big East that way, but the implication here is they don't have a lot of faith in the continued life of the Big East either.

The other thing of note here is this:

Brown says Missouri is meeting with SEC officials today and there is a very good chance they will hold off their move south until the 2012-13 season. That would leave the SEC at 13 teams for a year, something they've already prepared for.

It also means West Virginia wouldn't leave until the same time period. And we're guessing Syracuse and Pitt will leave the Big East by then too. No, they wouldn't have completed their "Out-Clause", but the speculation is there will be nothing the Big East can do to stop it at this point.

Confused. We aren't, but it is sure dragging out.

Back to the Fighting Irish:

Speculation has already begun that Notre Dame would go to the Big 12/10 and agree to play a set amount of games against current conference schools. That would lead up to the one thing driving all of this change in the first place....

A renegotiated and improved TV deal.

So, again, keep reading or periodically checking in. We expect a Missouri announcement any day now. The Tigers and the SEC want to get this done this week so it can be made during the Texas A&M/Missouri game this weekend..

Time will tell if that will actually happen.

Reports: West Virginia will be in the Big 12

((ht: nytimes.com))

West Virginia University

It was, we suppose, only a matter of time. And no, it isn't yet "Official". But....multiple outlets are reporting that when Missouri gets around to leaving the Big 12/10/9, West Virginia has agreed to replace them.

Though we think it would be hilarious if Missouri decided to stay put.

The move doesn't kill the Big East, though as the strongest football program in that conference, the loss of West Virginia...along with the pending departure of Pitt and Syracuse takes what little bite the Big East had...out.

Read an explanation of how this is supposed to work from the NYTimes RIGHT HERE

Yes, there are still some questions here:

1) When will Missouri leave? We can only assume there is some legal "Mumbo-Jumbo" still to be worked out. When it is...it will happen. Though we don't agree with it.

2) What about the Big East? Good question. They will be down to 5 football schools. Supposedly, they are in talks to merge with C-USA and the MWC. They are also trying to add schools such as UCF, Boise State, Navy and Air Force. We think those schools would be insane to move.

3) What is this all about? Two things. First, a BCS Bowl Bid. There are only the biggest of schools and conferences that are allowed to participate in the BCS. Everyone wants to be in that club. The other, ESPN's money. Every move that has been made to this point...is to get a piece of the pie. ESPN is paying obscene amounts of money to these conferences and has been willing to negotiate just negotiated deals. Any conference that grows, has the ability to get more green.

I know...we are growing weary of all this talk too. We just wish Missouri would do what they are going to do and be done with it. None of the rest of the cards will fall until they do.

Report: Missouri may be in the SEC today

((ht: kansascity.com))

According to a published report in today's Kansas City Star, the oft discussed, hotly debated move of the Missouri to the Southeastern Conference may be coming today (Monday).

The reason the paper states: Mizzou Chancellor Brady Deaton is supposed to be in Dallas to meet with members of the Big 12 Board of Directors.

Multiple reports say the Tigers have had an offer on the table for weeks and if you look closely, the timetable for this is very similar to that of Texas A&M.

The other news from that story is that the Big 12 has already targeted West Virginia to take over the Missouri slot. Again, an interesting move...if it happens.

West Virginia is not located anywhere near the other Big12 schools, but then again, Texas A&M and Missouri aren't very convenient to the SEC either.

A West Virginia move hurts the Big East, who is scrambling to rebuild itself in football and is reportedly in talks to merge with Conference USA and the Mountain West to form a football "Mega-Conference".

Confused? You should be.

Read the KC Star story RIGHT HERE

Before you say it, I know, we haven't been sold on Missouri moving. It's happening. We were wrong on that. Though we do stick to our statement that it is a bad move for the fans. It is.

But what is done will be done.

Check out this story from Kansas City on a father of 3 Missouri grads with a kid playing at Kansas. His thoughts on the potential loss of a rivalry: (Courtesy: NBCActionNews.com)

DEVELOPING: Mizzou Thinking About It, But Not Doing Anything About It...

Yet...

And the HQ emphasizes that word...

Yet...

The University of Missouri addressed speculation as to whether they will leave the Big 12 for the Ess-E-Cee.

The Missouri board of curators has been meeting the last two days at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. They have unanimously approved the idea to give Chancellor Brady Deaton the authority to make conference alignment decisions and deal with any contracts.

Deaton wouldn't say whether Mizzou will leave the Big 12. He said he is still looking at all options.

Of course, he is...

NBC41's Jack Harry has some ideas on why there's so much angst about the whole thing...
((HT: NBCActionNews))

Missouri's conference fate could be decided Thursday

((ht: kcstar))

Well, the New York Times says they already know what Missouri is going to do. But Missouri hasn't said it.

And they won't. At least until a Thursday afternoon meeting in Kansas City by the school's "Board of Curators". Strangely, we always thought "Curators" worked in museums, but that is another issue.

Read about the meeting from KansasCity.com RIGHT HERE

Anyway, multiple reports say that Mizzou to the SEC is going to happen and will happen for next season.  Most everyone involved is--at least on the surface--trying to be quiet about it. But people are talking--as unnamed sources.

Those sources say that not only are the Tigers coming, they'll play in the SEC East, which logistically makes absolutely zero sense. But...

Remember the story we did on Saturday where Alabama said "Missouri can join the SEC if they play in the East"?

If not, here's the link RIGHT HERE

Well, apparently Tennessee feels the same way because they want to play Alabama every year. And Auburn, well, Alabama still wants to play them too. And the SEC has said you can only have one "Out of Division" rivalry game each year.

And then there is interim Big 12/10 commish Chuck Neinas saying to Mike Slive, "If you are going to an extend an invitation to Missouri, let me know."

Slive didn't comment.

We still don't understand why the SEC is settling for Missouri. Yeah, before you say it, we know, it is about the TV eyeballs. We get that.

But logistically it makes zero sense. A little bit more if they were in the SEC West, but they aren't. Sure, the teams, which make more money than god, and are expected to make more, will spend a few more bucks on travel. And Missouri will have to spend more on recruiting to move into SEC territory.

The issue to us is for the fans. It's a long trip to ask Florida fans to make. Sure, some will come no matter what. But that is a half-way around the country trip for them on the road. And the same for Georgia and South Carolina. Part of the beauty of the SEC is that so many fans "Road Trip" to games. That will all but go away for any team that would have to go play Missouri.

And yes, for what it is worth, they'll be coming to the SEC no matter what we think.

Alabama: Missouri can join SEC if they play in East

((ht: al.com))

Well, nothing like laying down conditions. Right?

This is somewhat hypothetical as Missouri has already pledged to play in the Big 12/10 in 2012. Didn't they? Of course we fully realize that pledge means nothing if the SEC says "Missouri Tigers--come on down, you are the next contestant on the Price is Right".

Oh wait, we meant to say "Galactic Realignment".

According to reports late Friday night and Saturday, Alabama has stated they would support Missouri moving to the SEC...as long as they play in the SEC East.

Makes logistical sense....doesn't it?

Read the whole story from Al.com/Birmingham News RIGHT HERE

Sure, we get Alabama's logic..to an extent. They apparently want to keep their rivalry game with Tennessee and the real reason--They don't want Auburn to go to the East and gain a recruiting advantage in Florida and Georgia.

Doesn't sound petty at all...does it?

Here's our question. Why is the SEC so fixated on Missouri? Or are they fixated on Missouri? The writers and pundits all seem to think it is a done deal and a great fit for TV purposes.

We don't totally agree.

Does Missouri really give the SEC more cache' than say a North Carolina State? Or Virginia Tech? Or even a Louisville? Academically, yeah, they probably do. But in football, they are somewhat equal (okay, Va. Tech is a little more equal). But essentially they are all the same school.

It is our opinion (ok, mine), that the SEC and Mike Slive are a little trickier than that. Don't be surprised if Missouri never makes it to the SEC. Heck, the al.com story quotes a Missouri official who told the Associated Press they prefer the Big 10, but will take the SEC because "That's what's left".

No, Missouri is too obvious and it appears they are willing to go, but not incredibly excited to do it. There are other schools out there and our money goes on one of them making the SEC whole at 14.

TCU To Big 12/10/9, So Much For SMU

Looks like the Big 12/10/9 is inviting TCU to join the from a league they haven't joined yet- as early as next football season.

TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini Jr. issued the following statement Thursday:

"These discussions with the Big 12 have huge implications for TCU. It will allow us to return to old rivalries, something our fans and others have been advocating for many years. As always, we must consider what's best for TCU and our student-athletes in this ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. We look forward to continuing these discussions with the Big 12."

TCU would then have to pay only a $5-million exit fee, but would find their way around the 27-month notice to give the conference since they really haven't even joined the Big East...

Now, Missouri's status is in flux... not like they're going to the Ess-E-Cee or anything...

According to Chuck Carlton over at the Dallas Morning News:

“The action of the board was without dissent," said the Big 12 in a statement. "On the advice of legal counsel, the University of Missouri did not participate in the vote."

The Birmingham News reported that Missouri currently lacks the nine votes for Southeastern Conference membership.

Should Missouri stay, the Big 12 could remain at 10 teams, a preference of Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds. Should the league decide to go to 12, schools like BYU, Louisville, West Virginia and Cincinnati could all be in play.

More when we know more...

DEVELOPING: Mizzou Looking To Explore Outside Big 12/10/9

University of Missouri curators ((their version of a Board of Regents)) voted after a four-hour meeting with the Athletic Director to consider leaving the Big 12.

Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton has been given the almighty authority to look wherever he wants (like the Ess-E-Cee).

Deaton said Missouri doesn't have any invites on the table and there is no timetable for changing its affiliation. Deaton also said that he would leave as chairman of the Big 12's board of directors to avoid a conflict of interest.

Especially, for the conference they're going to next...
((HT: NBCActionNews.com))