The Long Snapper (5/21/10)
Expansion could happen later rather than sooner
. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney says the conference in no hurry to expand and will do so when completely ready. The Big Ten has a lot of research to conduct over the next few months to determine, first, if they should expand, and then, who they should invite to be a part of the conference. There are a number of factors that go into each, so don’t expect invites to be extended soon. It sounds like we may be still discussing the possibility of expansion this time next year. And if the Big Ten decides it’s best to not expand, well then, they won’t. Just don’t think they’re near a decision yet. If they are, they’re not telling anyone.
One day, invitations will be extended and one day, Notre Dame will probably turn theirs down again. But if they do, don’t expect Big Ten teams to stop scheduling the Fighting Irish. Michigan, for instance, plans to keep their rivalry with Notre Dame going regardless of what happens with the conference situation. Although no deal has been signed, the Wolverines and Irish have both expressed a desire to play each other for the foreseeable future. Maybe there’s something to this independence thing after all. Notre Dame can schedule whoever they want and keep some historical rivalries going. Then again, if the Irish were to decline the Big Ten’s advances again, would the conference put pressure on the Wolverines to stop scheduling the game?
If a school were to leave the WAC – let’s say Boise State, for instance – they would have to notify the conference by July 1. Scared the Broncos might be a target for larger conference, the WAC upped the deadline from September 1. They want to have as much notice as possible. Even if Boise State did leave though, it wouldn’t happen for another year. The Broncos are playing in the WAC in 2010 regardless of any decision they may make.
Tyrik Rollison was a big get for Auburn as part of their 2009 recruiting class. He was expected to be the next big thing at quarterback for the Tigers. And then the troubles began. Rollison was suspended for Auburn’s bowl game and didn’t take part in spring practices. And then former Florida QB Cameron Newton took control of the starting position. Rollison announced his intentions to transfer a few months ago, and now he’s received Auburn’s permission to do so. Don’t expect Rollison to show up at another FBS program. He seems ready to return home and possibly attend Sam Houston State. If he were to expand his search though, I’d imagine other large schools would come calling.
The Friday Fifth: BYU is one of those weird schools with an honor code. You know, like don’t cheat or something like that. Something most of us would know nothing about. Harvey Unga – the Cougars’ all-time leading rusher – withdrew himself from the school in the spring because he had violated said code, but now he wants back in. And he’s in, but not until January. Unga wanted to be admitted for the fall so he could play his final season, but that won’t happen now.
The List: The weekend’s watch schedule.
1. San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks – Game 3 (Blackhawks lead 2-0) – Friday, 8:00
2. Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens – Game 4 (Flyers lead 2-1) – Saturday, 3:00
3. Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics – Game 3 (Celtics lead 2-0) – Saturday, 8:30
4. San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks – Game 4 – Sunday, 3:00
5. Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns – Game 3 (Lakers lead 2-0) – Friday, 8:30
The Sixth Man: Thoughts are with Mike and Nikki Oyedeji and the Texas A&M basketball program. Mike and Nikki’s son, Tobi Oyedeji, died as the result of a car accident this past weekend. Oyedeji was on his way home from prom when he was involved in a head-on collision. The 18-year-old forward was expected to contribute immediately for the Aggies.