NFL Ncaa Fb Rumors

If you are a certain type of male in a certain age range from about 24-32, this is the most exciting thing you can possibly conceive of:

7:23: Seriously, Tecmo Bowl? People at the press conference cheer. Mr. Inaga, Vice President of Tecmo Inc, takes the stage. Inada takes the stage and jokes that the title of the game wasn't supposed to ahve been revealed until the end. "Just pretend like you don't know that it says Tecmo Bowl here" (pointing to the logo on the screen) "Instead of telling you about it, we're going to s how you a video that is very memorable."

The video begins. The video shows Tecmo employees (including Inada himself) playing SNES Tecmo Bowl. Jumps to a trailer for the full game. Set for release in 2008. But, no footage of the game itself ... just a logo.

!!! Questions abound. Is this an arcade-y style game? How can the gameplay possibly evoke Tecmo Bowl or Tecmo Super Bowl? Will they have a NFLPA license? Is this going to be a serious Madden/NCAA competitor? And can I play as Christian Okoye? (I skew a bit younger than the upper range of Tecmo devotees and spent most of my time with Tecmo Super Bowl, playing incessantly for an impressionable period of my youth. At one time I had every non-offensive lineman in the game memorized down to the backup tight end for (awful, awful) Tampa. If I was Bill Simmons' age I would probably go on about Tecmo Bo instead of Okoye.)

There's no platform announcement yet, though the aforementioned Mr. Inaga said "it's probably not going to be on the platform you're expecting," which reveals nothing to me. The game is scheduled for sometime next year; I'm already in line.

UPDATE: As long as we're on the retrogaming tip, check out this SI piece on the top five Nintendo sports games. Co-sign, but I do have a lingering fondness for robots-play-baseball BaseWars

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that junior linebacker Brandon Miller has elected to return to Georgia for his senior season and thus not enter the NFL Draft.

It may seem absurd because it is, but Miller, a part-time player throughout his career who only started five games last season, was seriously contemplating entering the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 248-pound Miller probably believes his size and speed will enable him to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defense. However, outside linebackers in 3-4 defenses are playmakers and Miller make no big plays, evident by his 0 sacks and 0 interceptions over his college career.

In what should have come as a shock to most Georgia fans, UGASports.com reported Wednesday that Georgia junior linebacker Brandon Miller is contemplating forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft this spring.

Ultimately, I expect the 6-foot-4, 250-pound linebacker Miller to come to his senses and stay at Georgia. His physical skills could enable Miller to be a late second-day draft pick in April and then potentially make a practice squad for a year.

The problem is that Miller is not a good linebacker and has few football insticts. He rarely makes tackles, never makes big plays, is lost in space, has a better 40-time than football speed and has horrendous lateral movement.

Rivals.com rated Miller as the top prospect in the state coming out of tiny Miller Co. High in Moultrie. He was rated as the top defensive end prospect in the nation by the Inisers.com. Everyone expected Miller to end up at defensive end, but the Georgia coaches have honored his request to play linebacker.

Georgia superstar junior defensive end Charles Johnson completely dominated Virginia Tech's offensive line in the second half of a 31-24 Bulldog win in the Peach Bowl on Saturday night.

Next year, though, the competition will likely get a little tougher as Johnson is expected to declare for the NFL Draft. Johnson told Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph that he will announce whether he would enter the NFL Draft or return to school on Monday, less than 48 hours after the Bulldogs' season ended.

Rumors have been flying for a month or so that Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman would be bolting for the NFL after the Not Fiesta Bowl. As described in a widely-circulated AP article, Pittman was one of four juniors who submitted his name to the NFL's draft advisory board. Buckeye Commentary notes that Allen Trieu's Draft Showcase site has Pittman "officially declared" already. A follow-up email picked up this response from Trieu:

There are internal sources which have indicated that he has filed to leave early but will not announce until after the bowl game. Also, a couple papers have reported that he has filed...but I think they are mistaken. I believe they were confused about the difference between filing for advisory and actually filing for the draft. I am checking in for complete confirmation, but at this time, it is about 98% likely Pittman is entering the draft and that a number of people already know this.

Buckeye Commentary objects to Trieu's characterization of Pittman as "officially" departed, but closes with this:

Make no mistake, Pittman will enter the draft but I'm dubious if he's actually filed already and I'd almost certainly think Ohio State would totally disagree that he's an officially declared underclassman.

He gone.

Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph provides a detailed update today on Georgia juniors considering leaving school early for the NFL Draft.

Cornerback Paul Oliver, who elevated his national profile by shutting down Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson in the regular-season finale, said he's definitely leaning toward returning to Georgia.

However, Oliver said he would definitely leave if the NFL underclassmen advisory committee projects him as a first-round pick and possibly leave if he is projected as a second- or third-round pick.

In other words, Oliver may say he is "definitely" leaning toward staying at Georgia, but you can expect him to bolt for the NFL, because he will likely be projected to go between rounds 2-4. He has yet to register for classes in spring semester if that is any indication of his intent right now.

There was no new information on defensive end Charles Johnson in this article, but Kendall broke two huge news items on junior tailback Danny Ware.

Josh Kendall of the Macon Telegraph wrote an update on the possibility of Georgia junior defensive end Charles Johnson forgoing his senior season to enter the upcoming NFL Draft.

Like most highly touted prospects, Johnson is becoming less sure of his desire to return to Georgia next season upon each interview he gives to media members.

He told Kendall he is a "strong lean" to return for his senior campaign, but yet he is submitting paperwork to the NFL undergraduate advisory committee to determine in roughly what round he projects to be selected.

After senior defensive end Quentin Moses is selected by some lucky NFL team in the first or second round of the NFL Draft this April, next up among Georgia players likely to go would be junior defensive end Charles Johnson, assuming Johnson turns pro but apparently he is having a difficult time making that decision.

Georgia fans can be cautiously optimistic since Johnson has yet to even file paperwork for his draft position to be analyzed by the NFL. But Johnson is rated as the No. 1 or No. 2 junior defensive end prospect in the 2007 draft by nearly every recruiting service.

The 6-foot-2, 274-pound Johnson, a first-year starter at UGA, can certainly elevate his status to a first-round pick if he stays for his senior season. Moses was told by the NFL he would have been a third- or fourth-round pick last year. After staying for his senior season, Moses is now likely to be selected among the top 40 picks overall.

However, I would be surprised if Johnson lasts past the second round in the 2007 draft. His family is by no means affluent and the money second-round picks receive may be too much to warrant staying for a senior season at Georgia.

East Lansing's online community is abuzz and amazingly active for a non-basketball, post-football, Sunday night. The buzz is all about the next Michigan State football coach, and competing reports as of 9:30 p.m. point to either of two figures as the next MSU coach, possibly to be announced on Monday.

Either University of Cincinnati head coach Mark Dantonio (pictured at right) or Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Todd Grantham.

According to a report by Cleveland Plain Dealer as published on Browns247.com, Grantham has accepted the job as the next head coach for Michigan State. This contradicts a report last week from Tim Staudt of WILX-TV that Grantham was no longer in the running for the job. WILX must be sticking to Staudt's story, because the station's Jeremy Sampson has reported tonight that Dantonio has accepted the job. Earlier the past week, MSU requested permission to speak with Dantonio, as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer. The Bearcat message board all but assumes Dantonio has been tabbed for MSU and is headed on a flight to land in East Lansing at 9:39 pm tonight (Sunday).

MSU, which finished dead last in the Big Ten this year at 1-7 (their worst conference record in 50 years), would benefit from either coach. And, either coach would benefit from MSU's situation. The Spartans can only go up.

Stay tuned. Yet another edition of your Spartan Soap Opera.

So who are the finalists for the Michigan State coaching job? Spartan AD Ron Mason countered rumors in the past week that there had been interviews. Believe what you may, but you can believe that the Spartan brass HAS contacted these folks, whether or not Mason knows it or wants to admit it. Remember, Mason isn't the point on this -- MSU prez Lou Anna Simon is.

The ES digs Bo Pelini. Look at his bio. Look at HIM. He looks defense. He looks mean. Hire him. Immediately. That is why the ES likes him over Grantham...

I rated everything on a 3-point ES Likert scale:

1=zippo or nearly zip; 2=ok, nothing to brag about; 3=meets MSU needs

#1 BO PELINI - bio
Louisiana State University - Defensive Coordinator

Coaching responsibility: 3 out of 3 (head coach for bowl game)
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 2 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 3 out of 3 (lots of winning experience, NFL experience, he inspires, young)
TOTAL: 12 out of 15

Pelini is in his second season as LSU's defensive coordinator. In 2004, Pelini served as Oklahoma's co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, helping the Sooners to the national championship game against Southern Cal. Pelini spent the 2003 season as the defensive coordinator for 10-3 Nebraska, leading a defense that tied the school record with 47 turnovers. In addition, the Cornhuskers were No. 2 in the nation in takeaways and they led the nation in turnover margin at +1.77 per game. Pelini was promoted to interim head coach where he guided Nebraska to a 17-3 win over Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl. Pelini's coaching background includes nine years in the NFL coaching for the San Francisco 49ers, the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers. As a player, Pelini was a standout free safety at Ohio State, earning four letters from 1987-90.

#2 TODD GRANTHAM - bio
Cleveland Browns - Defensive Coordinator

Coaching responsibility: 2 out of 3
MSU connection: 3 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 3 out of 3
College success: 2 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (NFL experience, college success, young)
TOTAL: 12 out of 15

Grantham was named the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns on February 17, 2005. Grantham joins the Browns with six years of NFL coaching experience with Houston (2002-04) and Indianapolis (1999-2001) as a defensive line coach and also brings nine additional years of coaching experience from the collegiate level. Grantham served three seasons as the defensive line coach at Michigan State (1996-98). He added the title of assistant head coach in 1998, with Michigan State ranked 19th in total defense in 1996 and 13th in 1997, making consecutive bowl trips. Grantham spent six seasons (1990-95) at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, the final two as defensive line coach. In 1995, the Hokies ranked first nationally in rushing defense, fifth in scoring defense and 10th in total defense. Virginia Tech racked up 50 sacks en route to the Big East title and a Sugar Bowl triumph over Texas.

#3 JON TENUTA - bio
Georgia Tech University - Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator

Coaching responsibility: 2 out of 3
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 2 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (25 years of experience on defense)
TOTAL: 11 out of 15

Tenuta is in his fifth season as Georgia Tech's defensive coordinator with 25 years of experience as a defensive coach. He also coaches the Yellow Jackets' defensive backs. Tenuta has built one of the nation's best units over the last two seasons, ranking in the Top 25 nationally in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense for the last two seasons, including 13th against the run both years. Tech allowed an average of 104.3 yards rushing and 307.7 total yards for 2004-05 combined. Tenuta came to Tech in 2002 after one season at North Carolina, which he guided to become the top-rated defense statistically in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2001. Under Tenuta, the Tar Heels led the ACC in total defense and pass defense while ranking third in run defense and scoring defense. Tenuta previously served as a defensive coordinator at five other schools, including Marshall (1987), Kansas State (1988), SMU (1990-94), Ohio State (2000) and North Carolina (2001). He is a native of Columbus, Ohio.

#4 BRIAN KELLY - bio
Central Michigan University - Head Coach

Coaching responsibility: 3 out of 3 (head coach)
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 1 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (lots of winning experience, young)
TOTAL: 10 out of 15

In just two seasons, head coach Brian Kelly has rejuvenated the Central Michigan University football program. CMU is on the verge of a Mid American Conference title, with a 6-0 conference record and 7-3 overall including last week's 31-7 victory over their arch-rival, Western Michigan University. In just his second year at the helm last year, CMU put together a four-game winning streak midway through the season en route to a 6-5 overall record and 5-3 mark in the Mid-American Conference. It marked the Chippewas' first winning record since 1998 and most overall and conference wins since the same season. Kelly arrived at CMU fresh off consecutive NCAA Division II national titles at Grand Valley State University. He was 118-35-2 in 13 seasons at Grand Valley, including 103-22-2 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Lakers were 41-2 in Kelly's final three seasons, winning 32 consecutive games at one point, and claiming Division II national championships in 2002 (14-0) and 2003 (14-1). His 2001 squad finished 13-1 and advanced to the national championship game. Kelly was named the AFCA Division II Coach of the Year twice (2002 and 2003) and led the Lakers to five conference titles and six Division II Playoff appearances in his 13 seasons at Grand Valley.

#5 PAT SHURMUR - bio
Philadelphia Eagles - Quarterbacks Coach

Coaching responsibility: 1 out of 3 (position coach only)
MSU connection: 3 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 3 out of 3
College success: 2 out of 3
Intangibles: 1 out of 3 (NFL experience, young)
TOTAL: 10 out of 15

Pat Shurmur is in his fifth season as the Eagles quarterbacks coach and his eighth as member of Andy Reid's staff. His first three seasons in Philadelphia were spent as the Eagles tight ends coach, helping develop three-time Pro Bowler Chad Lewis. An All-Big Ten conference center and team captain at Michigan State, Shurmur joined Andy Reid's staff in Philadelphia in 1999 after an 11-year stint as a college assistant. Shurmur spent the 1998 season at Stanford as an offensive line coach in charge of the centers and guards. Prior to his tenure at Stanford, Shurmur spent nine seasons at Michigan State instructing the tight ends, special teams and offensive line. Under his guidance, MSU developed three tight ends that went on to the NFL: Ty Hallock, Duane Young and Mitch Lyons.

#6 CHARLIE STRONG - bio
University of Florida - Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator.

Coaching responsibility: 2 out of 3
MSU connection: 1 out of 3
Big 10 connection: 1 out of 3
College success: 3 out of 3
Intangibles: 2 out of 3 (lots of winning experience, NFL experience)
TOTAL: 9 out of 15

Strong has served as a defensive coordinator in every position since 1999, and is currently the assistant head coach to Urban Meyer at Florida. He was the interim head coach for the 2004 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. Miami (Fla.). Has 23 years experience as a collegiate coach (Florida, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Southern Illinois, Texas A&M) and seven years as a defensive coordinator. Also has two years coaching experience at the professional level as an intern with the New Orleans Saints in 1993 and the Detroit Lions in 1994. Coached in 17 bowl games, including 10 January bowl games.