Leadership in changing times. The NCAA begins its second century when its annual Convention begins on Friday. The theme for this year’s event is “An Association Providing Leadership in Changing Times” and the docket of informational sessions scheduled for the membership appropriately reflects the new era. There will be a number of exciting and innovative sessions and we will bring you details and video clips throughout the four-day event. I will be moderating a session titled “New Media: Grasping the Opportunities of Changing Technology” on Friday afternoon and am looking forward to hearing from a distinguished panel that includes representatives from all three divisions. Stay tuned!
Fiesta Bowl mattered. In his piece on About.com, James Alder wrote that Monday night’s thriller between Boise State and Oklahoma “could probably be argued to be the best game ever played that didn’t mean a lick to anyone other than fans of the participants.” Alder went on to ask: “What does it mean in the big picture of college football?” I agree with Alder that there’s something wrong with an undefeated team not having a legitimate shot at winning a national championship, but saying that Monday’s game really didn’t matter is not realistic. Not only was there a lot on the line in the Fiesta Bowl, but the victory means everything to the Boise State community. Additionally, it showed that the tide in college football is turning; it’s realistic to think that mid-major programs can contend for BCS berths and a chance to win a national title. I understand Alder’s overall point, but there’s no reason to question the importance of the Boise State victory. It was tremendous.
Why we need rules. Dayton Daily News staff writer Kyle Nagel discusses the need for the NCAA to have rules, even if they sometimes seem heartless and cruel. Nagel discusses the parents of Florida student-athletes who needed a fund-raiser to gather the necessary funds to go see their children play in the BCS national championship game but weren’t allowed to do it under NCAA rules.
Orange squeeze. Well known for its offensive prowess, Louisville’s defense stole the show last night as the Cardinals stopped Wake Forest in a 24-13 victory in the Orange Bowl. Louisville forced three turnovers and quarterback Brian Brohm was 24-of-34 for 311 yards in the air. Wide receiver Harry Douglas had 10 catches for 165 yards as Louisville finished the season 12-1.
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