LA Approves Stadium Plan, Buffalo Freaking Out...???

((HT: WGRZ-TV Buffalo))

The HQ has figured for a long time that LA would get an NFL team, but not an expansion one...

There are plenty of ideas in play and while we like San Diego getting back to where they once belonged... Minnesota, Jacksonville, St. Louis, Oakland, and Buffalo are always being mentioned as moving fodder...

Ben Hayes caught up with ESPNLosAngeles' Arash Markazi and grilled him on the particulars about Buffalo and the pick-six...


Fox 5 and Walter Makaula in San Diego also pursued the idea as well...

Donnan Settles Ohio Lawsuit

((HT: AJC.com/Boone))

Former University of Georgia head football coach Jim Donnan is settling his lawsuit with an Ohio company that claimed Donnan and his wife had taken advantage of something referred to in court as a "Ponzi scheme."

He's transferring over US$5-million in liquid assets to GLC Limited in a scheme that brought in several big-named college coaches that cost investors $27-million by the time it was over with...

The motion still has to be approved by a federal judge...

More when we know more...

OSG High: Another HS Death, This Time In Arkansas

((HT: KTHV-TV Little Rock))

The HQ thinks that this is the fifth death during the early parts of pre-season practice this high school football season...

This time, it's in Arkansas...

Gurdon ((AR)) High School sophomore Montel Williams collapsed at football practice and later died. Head football coach John Pace says Williams fell to one knee after a series of wind sprints during practice Tuesday night.

Preliminary autopsy results should be available tomorrow. Investigators are keeping an open mind and are looking into whether heat exhaustion or an undiagnosed medical condition could have played a role in Williams death.

Coach John Pace says the team will dedicate its season to Williams and try to get through this tragedy together. "They're all in shock, kind of like we all are." Pace says, "Only time will help that."

Gurdon students go back to school on Monday, and grief counselors will be made available to Williams's friends and fellow students...

Here's the latest with Pam Baccam in a small town that has been affected deeply...

Stow Suspects Plead Not Guilty ((UPDATED With Dropped Charge))

((HT: KTLA-TV))

The two men charged in the brutal beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow have pleaded not guilty. Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood are charged with one count of mayhem, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury in connection with the attack on Stow Opening Day weekend.

Both were being held on $500,000 bail, and LA County prosecutors say both men have made incriminating statements.

"This is not an identification case. There are statements made by both defendants that will be used in the prosecution," Deputy District Attorney Frank Santoro told the Los Angeles Times. "I would call them admissions."

Here are the court documents in the case, thanks to our friends at KABC-TV

Phil Shuman is outside the courthouse...
((HT: MyFoxLA.com))

Stow Beating Suspects Plead Not Guilty: MyFoxLA.com

PM UPDATE: The LA DA's office is saying that Sanchez's sister will not be charged as an accessory...
((HT: KABC-TV))

OSG College Football Preview: Big Ten Conference

Congratulations fair reader, it’s time to see what we think about the Big 10 which is actually 12. Always a tough conference with good teams, they are perennially overrated. They traditionally struggle against good, out of conference competition.

That being said, there is talent galore here and if you play them in non-conference game, good luck.

2011 Big 10 Previews (In alphabetical “Conference” order):

Illinois Fighting Illini: 7-6 in 2010

The fighting Zooker’s had a pretty good 2010 and have a lot of those players returning this year. The law of averages says they’ll be somewhere in the middle this season.

Offense: It all starts with QB Nathan Scheelhaase, one of the conferences best. Yeah, they did lose Mikel Leshoure and that will hurt. Scheelhasse will have to account for a lot this season.

Defense: No stars, but 9 returning starters. And in College Football, that’s not such a bad thing.

Outlook: A fairly easy schedule will help as will 8 home games. Ron Zook’s teams tend to under achieve and we wonder if this team will do the same thing.

Predictions:

Phil says: They’ll be decent. Schedule all but guarantees them 6 wins. 7-5 will be a success for these guys. 6-6 is more realistic.

Jon says: Agreed… and that’s after a 3-1 start…

Wilkie says: I think new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino will have a tremendous effect on the Illini offense. With division rivals Ohio State and Wisconsin coming to Champaign Illinois may be the dark horse in the Leaders Division.

Indiana Hoosiers: 5-7 in 2010:

If there was a “Schleprock” team in each conference, this would be the team in the 10. They always struggle, though appeared to have started to turn the corner in 2010. We’ll see if they can maintain it.

Offense: It starts with wide receiver Demarlo Belcher. 78 catches last season ain’t bad, the question is can QB Dusty Kiel get the ball to him and that’s one that won’t be answered until they play for real.

Defense: This is where they struggle to compete. The offense is pretty good, defense...not so much. DT Adam Replogle will be leaned on heavily along with LB Jeff Thomas.

Outlook: This program is heading in the right direction. Kevin Wilson does have his work cut out, but it seems as though they are turning the corner. Virginia is the toughest non-conference game...and is easily winnable.

Predictions:

Phil says: Consistency is the key here. They need to continue making strides. They should. 6-6 is not out of the question.

Jon says: I think Wilson will have his work cut out for him… maybe 4-8…

Wilkie says: It won’t translate into wins this year but Kevin Wilson is stirring the pot in Bloomington. Six wins is about the max.

Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-1 in 2010:

It wasn’t the most pleasant off-season for these guys. We’ve talked at length about their off the field problems this summer. And yes, it will affect them, we just don’t know how much.

Offense: Terrelle Pryor will be tough to replace if for no other reason than he was the only QB with experience. But as always, there is plenty of talent here. Without Dan Herron and DeVier Posey, they’ll struggle early in the year. Someone is going to have to step up--Braxton Miller maybe?

Defense: If Johnathan Hankins steps up, they’ll be really good here...again. They lost a few players, but as always there are plenty of guys to step up.

Outlook: An awful lot of variables here with a new coach and key players out for 5 games. But these guys tend to play cupcakes early and that will help. The season really will hinge on who steps up and fills the void and right now nobody knows for sure who that will be.

Predictions:

Phil says: This will be a tough season in Columbus. They’ll recover, no matter what the NCAA says or does, but you can write this year off. 9-3.

Jon says: After winning the Ohio State title with wins over Akron and Toledo, I’ve got them at, maybe, 8-4… a rookie QB and not knowing how the rest of the “Tattoo 6” will respond will be the big difference…

Wilkie says: In September they won’t resemble the Ohio State we know. I doubt they beat Miami or Michigan State. Starting with Nebraska October 8th the Buckeyes will be in tact and I wouldn’t be surprised if TOSU rattles off seven straight wins.

Penn State Nittany Lions: 7-6 in 2010

2010 was a year to forget for the Nittany Lions, the expectations were higher. But they’ve been here before and recovered. And there’s some talent here.

Offense: Derrick Moye is the prototypical WR. NFL Scouts are already drooling over him. Someone needs to grab hold of the QB job, but nobody knows if that will happen. There’s not much else that stands out here.

Defense: If they are going to be successful, the “D” will lead the way. LB Michael Mauti and CB D’Anton Lynn are the best of a really good defense. And DT Devon Still ain’t bad. But will they wear out because of the offensive struggles?

Outlook: The “D” is one of the country’s best, the “O” one of the worst. Until the balance emerges, they’ll struggle. Finishing Nebraska, at Ohio State and at Wisconsin won’t do much for morale either.

Predictions:

Phil says: Having Alabama in the non-conference schedule ain’t going to help things. This year will be a bit of a struggle. 7-5 again sounds good.

Jon says: I’ve got them 8-1 heading into November, maybe 9-3…

Wilkie says: Joe Pa is energized, the Nittany Lions are better but the November schedule is a killer. 7-5 in Happy Valley.

Purdue Boilermakers: 4-8 in 2010

Another team seemingly on the rise. They’ve been stuck at the bottom of this conference for years. There is some talent here and we think Danny Hope is a good coach.

Offense: Ralph Bolden is a pretty good RB and Robert Marve has shown flashes of being a good QB, but can he sustain it and hold off Rob Henry?

Defense: They are stacked on D this year with Kawann Short and Bruce Gaston anchoring the line. Oddly, this may be the strong suit of this team in 2011.

Outlook: They should be better. The schedule isn’t too daunting. And they aren’t a bad team. A few guys will need to step it up for that to happen.

Predictions:

Phil says: An easy schedule helps. A bowl game is a real possibility. 7-5

Jon says: I don’t see it going 7-5… I’m still thinking 4-8’ish…

Wilkie says: The Boilers go bowling in December. 7-5 is possible.

Wisconsin Badgers: 11-2 in 2010

They are everyone’s offseason darlings it seems. And they are always good. But they always lose a game they shouldn’t. Always. Let’s see how well Russell Wilson fits in.

Offense: It will start with Wilson and WR Nick Toon. With RB’s James White and Montee Ball around they should be able to run well too. There are some holes on the line.

Defense: Chris Borland will be the man this year. He has to. DT’s Patrick Butrym and Jordan Kohout will certainly help.

Outlook: Yes, they will be good. They should be the class of this conference. But they always seem to choke in the end. Is this they year they get past it? Because they are certainly loaded at almost every position.

Predictions:

Phil says: Unless they implode, this is the best team in the conference. The schedule is conducive to running the table, but they’ll gag somewhere 11-1 and BCS Bowl

Jon says: That’s what I’m looking at as well… somewhere in the 10 or 11 win season-range and playing South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl…

Wilkie says: Getting quarterback Russell Wilson as an unrestricted free agent was the game changer the Badgers needed. This is your Big 10 champion.

And we move on to the poorly named Legends division--

Iowa Hawkeyes: 8-5 in 2010

This also was a rough offseason for Iowa with the 13 players being hospitalized and suspensions galore. They are the prototype for Big 10 football, good in conference, not so much out of it.

Offense: When your best player is a Tackle, you’ve got some things to worry about. Somebody has to play QB with James Vandenburg your leader in the clubhouse, and having Marcus Coker in the backfield will help.

Defense: They’ll be stout. Shaun Prater is NFL ready now and his counterpart Micah Hyde is pretty good too. The line will put some pressure on people.

Outlook: Iowa is traditionally good, but rarely great. This season won’t change that perception. There are too many question marks for them to excel, but they’ll about where they were last year, with hopefully less headaches.

Predictions:

Phil says: If everyone plays to their max, 8-4, but 7-5 is more realistic.

Jon says: I’ve got the same thing… somewhere in the 7-5 range…

Wilkie says: Iowa thrives at being the under the radar team and the Hawkeyes are in that position this season. Will Iowa take advantage again?

Michigan Wolverines: 7-6 in 2010

They hired the right guy this time: Brady Hoke. And yes, they improved last year. But they still haven’t reminded anyone of the Michigan of old. With some discipline and defense, they could be what the rest of Big 10 should be playing like.

Offense: Denard Robinson. Do we need to say more? Robinson, the QB, was a dynamic play-making machine last year. He did wear down towards the end though. He needs to get bigger. Having WR Roy Roundtree back certainly will help.

Defense: This is the problem. They were awful the past two seasons. DT Mike Martin is the best player, but there is little around him. We’ll see if that happens.

Outlook: On the rise. If the Defense improves, the team will be better. Rich Rod, for all his faults, got some talent to come to Ann Arbor.

Predictions:

Phil says: They are heading in the right direction. They aren’t there yet. 8-4.

Jon says: I’ve got somewhere in the 6-6 range. I think they’re a year away…

Wilkie says: Brady Hoke mission isn’t to change the culture at Michigan but to be a part of it. The Wolverines won’t be all the way back this year but getting closer. Michigan won’t be home for the Holidays either.

Michigan State Spartans: 11-2 in 2010

Another team that is always competitive in the conference but struggles out of it. And they seem to always find ways to lose games they shouldn’t. But they’ve got some key guys coming back this season and a pretty friendly schedule.

Offense: It all starts with QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins is arguably the best QB in the conference and the leader of this team. WR B.J Cunningham and TE Brian Linthicum are back too. 3 new starters on the line could be an issue.

Defense: Safety Trenton Robinson is probably the best player on the D, and there will be 5 new starters this season. Someone is going to have to step up and lead up front, the question is who.

Outlook: Depends on the defense. They should be a tough out because of Cousins, but there are a lot of question marks. Again, a cake schedule will help...a lot.

Predictions:

Phil says: They’ll struggle this year. They lost a lot of starters. Best guess is 7-5.

Jon says: Six wins, maybe 7…

Wilkie says: If the youngsters come through then Michigan State is a title contender. The Spartans have nine wins in them.


Minnesota Golden Gophers: 3-9 in 2010

There is a new sheriff in town, Jerry Kill and he’s got his work cut out for him. They lost a lot of experience off a really bad team. This is a long term project for Kill or anyone else.

Offense: The top 3 receivers return, but who is going to throw it to them? Duane Bennett is a solid RB, but there are holes almost everywhere.

Defense: There is a little more here to work with. Leading tackler LB Gary Tinsley returns and LB Keanon Cooper is pretty good too. But again, nothing else stands out.

Outlook: Well, they are going to not be very good for awhile. There are some winnable non-conference games, but they won’t be favored in any Big 10/12 game.

Predictions:

Phil says: Jerry Kill may regret taking this job. He’s got a lot of work here. 3-9

Jon says: Bad, badder, baddest… and not in a good way… 2-10

Wilkie says: Jerry Kill won at Saginaw Valley State, Emporia State, Southern Illinois, and Northern Illinois he will win in Minnesota, just not this year. 3-9 but it won’t seem that bad.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: 10-4 in 2010

Welcome newcomer. Nebraska brings money, revenue and a really good team to this conference, this year. Bo Pelini deserves credit for getting this program back on track.

Offense: QB Taylor Martinez is back and that is where everything starts. Leading reciever Brandon Kinnie is back too. But only 2 starters on the line return. Could make things difficult early.

Defense: DT Jared Crick leads a stout defense that also returns tackling machine LB Lavonte David. Key starters in every spot are back. They’ll be tough.

Outlook: Come November, there may be some 2nd thoughts about having these guys in the playground. They could easily run the table and will be in the conference championship game.

Predictions:

Phil says: Look out Big 10/12. 11-1, conference champs and BCS Bowl.

Jon says: What Phil said…

Wilkie says: The Nebraska-Iowa rivalry just doesn’t have the same cache as Nebraska-Oklahoma, This will take a while for me to get used to the Huskers in the Big Ten. The Huskers will challenge for the league title though. 10-2 for the stenciled “N’s”


Northwestern Wildcats: 7-6 in 2010

Pat Fitzgerald has made them a tough out for anyone. And this time, they return a bunch of starters (16). They’ll be a handful for anyone.

Offense: QB Dan Persa returns and he’s pretty good. He accounted for a lot of 2010’s offense. 3 of the 4 leading receivers are back too. As is most of the line.

Defense: Couple of replacements needed. Though Safety Brian Peters returns. The D-Backs look pretty stout, there’s some concern again on the D-Line.

Outlook: They should be pretty good. There’s some talent and we like Fitzgerald the coach. No Ohio State or Wisconsin on the schedule will help.

Predictions:

Phil says: They are the dark horse in this conference in my eyes. 10-2 wouldn’t be a surprise.

Jon says: 6-6 and more tough losses than comfortable wins…

Wilkie says: The easiest schedule in the Big Ten might pay off handsomely for the Wildcats. 10 wins might happen.

Player of the Year:

Phil says: Dan Persa, Northwestern
Jon says: Monte Ball, Wisconsin

Wilkie says: Edwin Baker – Michigan State

Champions:

Phil says: Nebraska vs. Wisconsin. Cornhuskers win the title and BCS berth.

Jon says: Nebraska-Wisconsin… Nebraska wins and becomes both a leader and a legend…

Wilkie says: Wisconsin vs Nebraska. Badgers will be your Big Ten Champion.

OSG College Football Preview: Mountain West Conference

The little guy looked like they were going to be an AQ after adding Boise State, but then they go ahead and lose TCU, Utah, and BYU in short order…

The last year for the Frogs will be a fun one…

Boise State Broncos (12-1, beat Utah in the Vegas Bowl 26-3)

What’s Good: All the seniors coming back for one last chance at a Bee-Cee-Ess Bowl Game including Kellen Moore, Doug Martin, and the 14 returning starters… the Broncos get TCU at home on the blue turf on November 12th. 8 seniors on defense will keep the scores low for the rest of the mtn.

What’s Bad: The fact that the move to the Mountain West may keep the team from a big bowl if they lose their season opener to the University of Georgia in Week One.

Nelson Prediction: The Georgia game shouldn’t be a problem, but Boise will have a bull’s eye on their front, back, and all sides all season long. The game at Fresno October 7th should be the one obvious chance for a trip-up, but Boise has been here before.

Wilkie’s Prediction: Same ole same ole from the Broncos, just a new scene. Can’t wait for the Boise State-TCU game November 12th on the Smurf Turf, appointment television right there.

Phil Says: They will be good, they always are. Contrary to Jon, the Georgia game isn’t a gimme because of it being in Georgia and TCU lost too much in theory to keep up, they won’t run the table...11-1 this season.

*Phil Note*(We don’t all agree on this, Jon wrote this line)--Another Fiesta Bowl appearance should be in the offing- they should be12-0 heading into that game…

TCU Horned Frogs (13-0, beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl 21-19)

What’s Good: Gary Patterson has created a monster in the Metroplex and even with the lack of returning starters (3 on offense, 5 on defense), the system and schedule are in place for success. So is the schedule, for that matter, as the only challenge seems to be the game at Boise.

What’s Bad: The lack of returning starters, including QB Andy Dalton… Casey Paschall only threw 9 passes mopping up. WR Jimmy Young is gone as are a lot of the secondary.

Nelson Prediction: Once again, just like the Boise schedule, the winner will get the title and the BCS bid- the loser will be closer to playing to Christmas than New Year’s… 11-1 and probably heading to Vegas…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Double digit wins again before the Frogs head into the Big East Conference.

Phil Says: Another good year, but they’ll struggle early with a lot of new faces. Baylor won’t be a gimme either to open. I say 9-2.

Air Force Falcons (9-4, beat Georgia Tech 14-7 in Independence Bowl)

What’s Good: 8 defensive starters return including six seniors in the front seven, Asher Clark returns for his senior season after having rushed for over 1,000 yards in the Troy Calhoun offense, 14 returning starters are the most Calhoun has had to work with…

What’s Bad: Getting TCU in week two and not later, traveling to Notre Dame and Boise in a three-week period...

Nelson Prediction: The week two game will determine who goes to the Vegas Bowl and who goes to San Diego for the Poinsettia Bowl… 9-3 should be about right…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Scheduling aside Air Force has the talent to make a MWC title run. 10-2 might happen but I wouldn’t be surprised if they defeated TCU or Boise State but not both.

Phil Says: TCU, Notre Dame and Boise will create problems. Otherwise, they’re just plain better than most on their schedule. They DO have a shot at beating TCU though. This season: 8-4

San Diego State Aztecs (9-4, beat Navy 35-14 in the Poinsettia Bowl)

What’s Good: 13 starters return- 8 on offense, including QB Ryan Lindley. Ronnie Hillman, MWC Freshman Player of the Year, can add to his 1,500-yards plus season last year. QB Coach Brian Sipe stays for Lindley’s well-being. Only 3 road games exist on the schedule.

What’s Bad: Brady Hoke has gone for Michigan, and Rocky Long takes over. The end of the schedule is a bear, eventhough the games against Boise and Fresno are both in San Diego. Only 5 starters return for the defense…

Nelson Prediction: Those last few games on the schedule will test Lindley and the Aztec defense. Unfortunately, the opposition will score more than the home team. Looks like 7-5 or 8-4 will be here with an outside shot at a bowl game.

Wilkie’s Prediction: Eight wins and the Aztecs go bowling in December.

Phil Says: Good, not great team. Boise and TCU come to them and Michigan and Washington State are out of conference games. 7-5 sounds about right.

Colorado State Rams (3-9, last bowl game was in 2008)

What’s Good: 8 starters on offense return, including Sophomore QB Pete Thomas who threw for a 65-percent completion percentage- the highest ever for a D1 freshman. His experienced offensive linemen should keep him safe.

What’s Bad: Leading tackler Ricky Brewer is gone. Leading rusher Leonard Mason is gone.

Nelson Prediction: Looks like an improvement for Steve Fairchild over last year’s performance and a 6-6 season will be a step in the right direction…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Six wins is about right for the sheep.

Phil Says: Improving, the program is heading in the right direction. Not on the level...yet, of the teams ahead of them. 6-6 is possible and would be a good season.

Wyoming Cowboys (3-9, last bowl game was in 2009)

What’s Good: 7 starters return on both sides of the ball including leading rusher Alvester Alexander and the depth at back and receiver…

What’s Bad: QB Austin Carta-Samuels transferred out leaving the position the hands of, probably, a true freshman in Brett Smith or Adam Pittser. The top two leading receivers and tacklers are also gone.

Nelson Prediction: 6-6 with Colorado State in the middle of the pack for Dave Christensen…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Six wins for the Pokes.

Phil Says: Both of you are being really optimistic. Did you read the above? An awful lot of changes here. Not everyone can have a winning record. 4-8

UNLV Rebels (2-11, last bowl game was in 2000)

What’s Good: Rushing and receiving depth are still around for head coach Bobby Hauck- he’ll need it…

What’s Bad: Starting QB Omar Clayton is gone. The top four tacklers from 2010 are gone as well. Only 4 starters are back to add to that…

Nelson Prediction: 2-10 beating Southern Utah and…

Wilkie’s Prediction: I’m rooting for you Bobby Hauck but this year maybe two wins and the Rebels will be better than New Mexico.

Phil Says: Good luck with this schedule. The opener at Wisconsin will be ugly. 3-9 is the call here.
New Mexico Lobos (1-11, last bowl game was in 2007)

What’s Good: We’re still searching on that one… you can talk about the 9 starters on defense coming back if you like…

What’s Bad: Mike Locksley still has this job… the HQ still wonders why while still knowing why… the University hierarchy doesn’t want to pay a buyout in a financial and emotional crisis on campus…

Nelson Prediction: If we could predict negatives numbers for UNM, the HQ would. But we think one game, Homecoming against Sam Houston State, might be the only win on the year. And, mercifully, Locksley might still be fired at season’s end…

Wilkie’s Prediction: Don’t worry about the buyout because UMN restructured that in case they have to pull the trigger which might come before the season ends. Another dreadful year in Albuquerque for Lobo football fans.

Phil Says: As long as Mike Locksley is the coach, this team will suck. It will take a decade to fix his damage..at least. And yet he still has a job? If you look at the schedule on the website, they might win the Fan Photo Day and Scrimmage and maybe Sam Houston State. 1-11 and please get rid of Locksley, you’re program is a national disgrace.

OSG High: NC Teen With Down's Syndrome Too Old To Play...???

((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))

There's nothing like high school football to get everyone in a small town riled up over what is a perceived wrong...

Brett Bowden recently turned 19, and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association says he is no longer eligible to suit up for his Hobbton High team because he is too old. Allowing him to do so, Hobbton High athletics administrators say, is a violation of state rules.

Bowden suffers from Down's Syndrome and has been on the sidelines for his team for the last two seasons- suiting up in full pads. But he can't do that anymore...

And being a part of the team has been well-meaning for Brett and his teammates...

Mike Charbonneau is at practice to explain...


The team's first scrimmage is set for Tuesday night...