It’s hump day, which means the mid-week linkage and notes from around the world of college sports.

Flying High, As Always

Buckeye 411

• Dennis Hopson’s number hasn’t been retired by Ohio State. As someone who grew up in Ohio during his reign, I find that unbelievable… almost unforgivable. So, like a lot of other folks, I’m 100% behind the #Hop2theRafters movement to let OSU know it’s time for jersey number 32 to be honored… you can get involved, too: http://www.change.org/petitions/retire-32
• Mark your calendars- Right now, Ohio State’s spring practice is set to begin March 28. The spring game will be played April 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Ohio Stadium. While Urban is out recruiting the next wave of Buckeye legends, the fact of the matter is that the team might look very very different come March 28- particularly if February goes as has been prophesied.
• Not Just Recruiting Players- Coach Meyer has an open coaching position as well, and the OZone’s Brandon Castel has a look at the candidates. My three “favorites”:
  • Chuck Heater, Temple Defensive Coordinator
  • Troy Douglas, former UNC DB Coach
  • Travaris Robinson, current Florida DB Coach
• Vested Interest- Speaking of open coaching positions, the Colts has one.  And, you know our opinion is that they should look no further than the man upstairs. (No, Tim… not that one)

My Reaction to Urban's Halftime Introduction

Around The NCAA

• Oversigning? Nope. Still Wrong? Yup. By now, you’ve read about Justin Taylor, the Alabama Verbal who has been asked to wait a year so Nick Saban can sign other kids in his place. While a minor victory (in the past, Nicholas would have signed him anyway and then cut someone already on the roster), it still seems to be all kinds of wrong. Even worse? Alabama folks have decided that this is a great thing… or at least not all that horrible.  Whatever lets you sleep at night.
• Speaking of Alabama, PAwwwwwwlll- Stay Classy, Crimson Tide fans and sportscaster children.
• Look Who’s Got A New Hammer- In all the news about renewable scholarships and cost of living stipends, the NCAA’s newest model for sanctioning was released as well. Here’s the actual matrix, which really appears to hit programs hard. Of course, there will always be inconsistencies as they try to determine the “violation level”… but I can say that I’m glad that OSU went through the process prior to this being instated (and I’d be nervous as all get out if I was a fan of Da’ U).  For instance, here’s what Southern Cal received and what they would have gotten under the new guidelines- click through at your own peril.

Day-um!

• Sooner Or Later- Great article about inflation in college football, taking a look at Oklahoma’s ticket prices and stuff.  Speaking of things getting bigger in Norman…
• Mangino Comes Home-Rumors that former OU Offensive Coordinator and Kansas Head Coach Mark Mangino might be returning to the Sooner sidelines were swirling earlier this week. In an unrelated note, tBBC is now investing in every barbecue restaurant and Cracker Barrell between Norman and Lawrence- with Mark and Charlie back on the prowl in the Big Integer, don’t be surprised to see grain and livestock futures skyrocket in the coming months.
• Prepare to be boarded- Our favorite former Big Integer Coach will be the subject of a  documentary series? Yes, please.
• Mich1gAAn blog brilliance, part one- Downton Abbey.
• Mich1gAAn blog brilliance, part two- Alabama Oversigns Coaches.

Randomness

• SOPA/PIPA are Bad! Well, not all Pippas… Anyway, The Oatmeal has the best summary of the issue that I’ve found thus far. Do it for the kitties… do it for love.
• Today’s Challenge- find purposes for these stock photos. Here’s one I came up with, knowing that my wife and family members sometimes read this thing:

Bob Ross Really Let Himself Go...

• Not A Day Off? How was your day Monday? Do anything to commemorate Dr. King? Hopefully it was in better taste than this. This is where I link to Aaron McGruder’s great “what if?” video.
• And Lastly… from the “I’m a lot more excited about this than I really should be” department- Guess what comes out right before my birthday? Although, as a Buckeye fan, I wish they’d have chosen a better topic for the first single…

Tags: Alabama, Dennis Hopson, Jim Tressel, Mike Leach, NCAA, NCAA penalties, Nick Saban, Oklahoma Sooners, Oversigning, SBP, Southern Cal, Spring Game, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Football, Humor, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football