2009 Off-Season Roundup
The News Stories You Need To Know ... March 5
By
Phil Guidry
* Steve Spurrier says South Carolina should be better this year,
thanks in part to an improved mindset: "Some of the guys who left...
that's fine. They were ready to get on out of here. I think our
attitude will be better this year." It's quite a topsy-turvy college
landscape when The Visor is now a gutty little underdog bemoaning
his team's attitude. He also says the Arizona Cardinals' run to the
Super Bowl has inspired his team. And it's easy to see the
similarities, right down to the downtrodden history, avian mascot
and inevitable quarterback controversy.
* Maurice Clarett is
no stranger to controversy. The former running back who helped give
Ohio State an aura of invincibility in big games (yeah, that does
feel like a long time ago) is now blogging from prison. He wants to
guide future players into not following his footsteps. Considering
how the Buckeyes have fared in big games since he left Columbus, the
message seems to be getting through.
* It sure has been quiet on the Lane Kiffin front, hasn't it?
Almost... too quiet. The News Roundup feels kinda empty without some
fun new Lane Kiffin story - oh wait, this just in - members of his
staff ripped off their shirts to fire up recruits visiting
Knoxville, and dad Monte Kiffin suggests the 'Urban Meyer cheated'
thing was blown out of proportion. Consider our craving satisfied.
* Rutgers may have earned $1.2 million for its PapaJohns.com Bowl
appearance in December, but after expenses the trip actually lost
the school over $184,000. On the other hand, though, at least you
blew that money in a great economy on a prestigious game with a
sponsorship name that isn't absurd.
177 days and counting...
Steve Spurrier
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sec/0-5-140/Time-for-an-offensive-upheaval-at-South-Carolina.html
Maurice Clarett
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/03/maurice-clarett.html
Lane Kiffin
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/recruiting/college-recruiting/photos-college-coaches/
Monte Kiffin
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-blogs/ajc/cfbrecruit/entries/2009/03/03/lane_kiffin_fel.html