Ty and Dan examine the wild night game at Michigan Stadium, South Carolina’s road triumph, Ohio State’s struggles, and Mack Brown’s appearance.  Plus, your Reverbs.

Ty and Dan talk about Texas A&M’s move to the SEC, Mark Richt’s hot seat, poor sportsmanship, and all the important action ahead in the second week of the season.

Ty and Dan kick off their fourth season as hosts of The Solid Verbal by reviewing the news of the week, reading a handful of Verballer messages, and previewing the biggest games of 2011′s opening weekend.

Ty and Dan fly solo and preview 10 non-automatic qualifiers (Boise State, TCU, Air Force, San Diego State, UCF, Houston, Tulsa, SMU, Florida International, and BYU).

Ty and Dan discuss the bombshell report putting Miami under the microscope, conference expansion rumors, key injuries around college football, and plow through overflowing voicemail and e-mail inboxes.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Missouri State (then SW Missouri St) attendee, just-announced Community actor, and all-around good thespian John Goodman.

*****

• Big 12 Media Day was full of Longhorn Network fun.

• Former Alabama WR Julio Jones was a man of many suits, just like we all were in college. No big deal.

• South Carolina QB coach G.A. Mangus really had to go. Like REALLY.

• CBS’s Brett McMurphy looks ahead to September 17, the ACC‘s day of reckoning. Dun dun DUN.

• The SJ Mercury News’s Jon Wilner updates the Pac-12′s search for a network partner. Let’s assume for now that The Solid Verbal is out of the running.

• The NCAA will hold a summit to talk about proprietary TV networks. Probably a good idea.

• CBS Sports has a new feature called Rapid Reports with quick breaking news for the bigger CFB programs. And Maryland. (press cmnd-D shortly)

• To those that said ESPN being involved in the Longhorn Network would affect their own Texas coverage… you have a point (via EDSBS).

• Missouri coach Gary Pinkel isn’t a fan of the Longhorn Network.

• Take a look at Texas DC Manny Diaz’s defense. He’s crafty.

• Texas coach Mack Brown talks about protecting QBs. He ends up saying very little.

• ESPN has choice Big 12 Media Day quotes and storylines. Also, OSU coach Mike Gundy‘s hair looks darker.

• ESPN’s Heather Dinich has a Day 2 ACC media day notebook. Punting is somehow involved.

• Boston College coach Frank Spaziani talks the ‘stache. He’s the best.

• Unofficial preseason B1G polls are out. Gobble ‘em up!

• ESPNU’s Tom Luginbill has recruit summaries from something called “Gridiron Kings.”

• Is Clemson coach Dabo Swinney already running out of time? Perhaps, says Fox Sports South’s Andrew Jones.

• SB Nation’s Bill Connelly doesn’t have a preview today. But if he did, it’d be South Carolina. I’m such a prankster.

• Paralyzed Rutgers DT Eric LeGrand is awesome.

• It’s B1G Week for Yahoo!!!!!!’s Dr. Saturday. Go get yourself some learnin’.

• Michigan’s too good for non-Notre Dame non-conference road trips. Not everyone can be men.

• Former top Miami S recruit Latwan Anderson will be making his way to Cincinnati.

• Rivals previews BYU. Fact: If you read all of the previews Rivals and Dr. Saturday do, you’re somewhere between 10-15x more informed than almost everyone on TV. Do it!

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is my favorite scene from The Big Lebowski (N-S-F-W). Sometimes, I just need it. Happy Birthday, Keeerrrttt1!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPo9OBrIOi4

Enjoy your Tuesday. Get flossy.

***Follow me on Twitter.***

Ty and Dan delve into an overflowing inbox to discuss Jimmy Clausen’s legacy, BYU’s arrangement with Roku, new uniforms, fantasy league applications, and much more.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Bryan Cranston, LA Valley College attendee and star of Breaking Bad, which I’m about to start (and probably be insufferable about).

*****

• ESPN’s Pat Forde asks: “Why can’t I write a column about pay-for-play?”

• CBS’s Brett McMurphy goes to Provo and profiles BYU and their independence. His hair appears to be short enough to be welcomed by the locals.

• Yahoo!!!!!!’s Dr Saturday projects CUSA, which is a lot easier to write than “Conference USA.” Consider that your introduction to “CUSA.”

• Miami coach Al Golden is getting a lot of “yes” on the recruiting trail.

• West Virginia apparently frowns on the whole armed robbery thing. Prudes.

• ESPN continues to look ahead to impact games, including ones in early December. I imagine these previews will hold up perfectly.

• “Michigan AD Dave Brandon Talks Branding.” OF COURSE HE DOES IT’S IN HIS NAME.

• ESPN previews Pac-12 DEs. It all comes down to the good, the bad, and the Arizona.

• Silas Redd is a running back for Penn State. That’s what I learned.

• The Big East has special teams. That have special teams.

• Who’re the best corners in the B1G? I don’t know, but if you take away that apostrophe in the first word of the question, it becomes funnier and less sensical.

• SB Nation’s Bill Connelly previews a Shaky-less Utah. Just isn’t the same anymore.

• Ohio State fans definitely aren’t crazy.

• Rivals previews Iowa. Y’heard it hear first: this is QB James Van Der Beek‘s time.

• South Carolina WR Bryce Sherman takes to the Twitter to announce that he’s GONE. Well, he’s staying, but gone from the team. Something like that.

• Oklahoma State will unveil new uniforms in a couple weeks that will include any number of combinations. Where have I heard this story before?

• South Carolina has new uniforms. I think.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is Deadspin editor AJ Daulerio trying to replicate Dock Ellis’s acid-fueled no hitter. It’s a bit NSFW.

Enjoy your Wednesday. The store!

***Follow me on Twitter.***

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Purdue graduate Jim Gaffigan, who probably, despite the bacon and hot pockets, still has healthier knees than Ralph Bolden.

*****

• Former NC State QB Russell Wilson is officially a Wisconsin Badger. I don’t even know why we’re wasting time actually playing out the B1G season. Sam Keller approves of this message.

• When it comes to the rule that allows Wilson to transfer, SI.com’s Andy Staples is a shameless fanboy.

• The autopsy results pertaining to the death of Alabama OL Aaron Douglas came back positive for multiple drugs.

• The Pac-12 is bringing Apple and Google aboard. Lycos and AltaVista are still totally down to party, Big 12.

• Former Florida Gator and current Miami Dolphin LB Channing Crowder “hypothetically” sold his jerseys while still in school. Hypothetically, I don’t care.

• CBS’s Dennis Dodd profiles Miami coach Al Golden. The word “swagger” appears no less than three times.

• Former ASU WR Kerry Taylor has gone public with his lack of confidence in ASU coach Dennis Erickson. It’s almost like Taylor has closely followed Erickson’s career.

• ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg talks to Kansas OC Chuck Long mostly about non-Kansas things. Probably smart.

• Purdue RB Ralph Bolden has intact ACLs. For now.

• ESPN’s Andrea Adelson profiles Navy OL Travis Bridges. Spoiler: Root for Travis Bridges.

• ESPN’s David Ubben catches up with former Oklahoma QB Jason White. He now sells clothes on fewer intact ACLs than Ralph Bolden.

• Given its recent circumstances, could Ohio State recruiting take a hit? Probably, says Fox Sports.

• SB Nation’s Bill Connelly gets all up in the Cougars. I wrote that sentence like that on purpose. BYU.

• It should be known that Marshall has a RB named “Tron.” And that he is not at all above the law.

• Rivals has bounce back players.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is a local TV reporter casually taking a last puff from a cigarette … while covering a blazing oil fire.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6UCbNPZEW8

Enjoy your Tuesday. Go buy things.

***Follow me on Twitter.***

Ty and Dan delve into 10 non-AQ teams and preview an underrated and surprisingly deep group of teams outside the six major conferences.

Ty and Dan are joined by John Ourand from Sports Business Journal to discuss monster television deals in college football, increasing demand for live sports programming, the profitability of bowl games, and the strategy behind going/staying Independent.  Plus, Verballer voice messages, e-mails, and much more.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Kate Upton because, damnit, she Dougies for Arash Markazi. And appears on Jimmy Traina’s podcast. And looks like Kate Upton.

*****

• Former Auburn OL Chaz Ramsey, who was interviewed on the HBO special about money and NCAA athletes, will speak to the NCAA about his allegations of under-the-table payments and ticket sales.

• After falling to 4th on the depth chart, Ole Miss QB Nathan Stanley will transfer. This makes it a perfect 10 players to leave Oxford since the end of 2010. I blame the Tom Kite Black Bear.

• The Big 12 has a new TV deal with Fox Sports worth a little over a billion (with a “b”) dollars to show all Big 12 sporting evens, including every football game that ESPN/ABC or school-operated channels won’t. To clarify, this even includes any Kansas/Iowa State matchups.

ESPN’s David Ubben reacts.

• Arizona State and Washington State have new uniforms. I’m grading Wazzu a bit higher on this one. Gray gets the nod.

• ESPN’s David Ubben visits Stillwater to get the straight poop on Oklahoma State. Pyongyang awaits your thoughts, sir.

• Northwestern and Notre Dame are going to play each other. They’ll fight over the Mandel-Hildenbrandt Cup.

• Kentucky QB Morgan Newton is once again starting. Let’s hope that sentence isn’t vacated.

• ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg files notes from Ann Arbor. Like most of us, he’s captivated by QB Denard Robinson‘s effortless smile.

• How are things at QB in Berkeley? Good? Average? Uncomfortable? I have no idea.

• Want to know what USC QB Matt Barkley sees (other than possible rooftop shenanigans)? Fox Sports West straps on. A camera.

• SI.com’s Andy Staples profiles Keyshawn Johnson’s 7-on-7 team and training program, which definitely isn’t AAU football. Definitely not.

• You know that new Purdue Pete brought in to be less scary to the kiddies? Already done in West Lafayette.

• A former BYU professor explores Cougar athletes (mainly football players) and honor code violations.

• Rivals profiles Florida State QB EJ Manuel because it’s April and that’s what you do in April.

• Penn State QB Robert Bolden‘s mom has no idea where her son will be going to school this fall. Perhaps a phone call is in order.

• EDSBS has an updated Howard Schnellenberger Top 25. Suspenders are just CRUISING.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is the trailer for Rise of The Planet of the Apes. Damn you James Franco!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqyKYrDta_E

Enjoy your Thursday.

Follow me on Twitter.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by USC attendee Tom Selleck, whose Magnum PI character was aped perfectly on Archer last night with “Terms of Enrampagement.” If you’re not watching Archer, I’m not sure you should be reading or listening to us. Ok, I take that back. Watch Archer, though.

*****

• If you heard yesterday’s show with Yahoo’s Charles Robinson, it won’t come as a surprise that embattled Ohio State coach Jim Tressel did, in fact, forward the emails (he got from his lawyer source regarding memorabilia sales) to QB Terrelle Pryor‘s hometown mentor.

• South Carolina über DE recruit Jadeveon Clowney was searched by police last night. I’m not sure if this actually news, but not the ideal photograph to see for Gamecock fans on a random March morning.

• In less troubling news, South Carolina basketball player Bruce Ellington (leading scorer) will try his hand at football. He played the sport in high school and is expected to get a look at slot receiver.

• Is Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville “miserable” in Lubbock? Apparently, three SportsbyBrooks sources seem to think so.

• CBS’s Dennis Dodd looks at BYU’s newfound independence. I’m not crazy about how often he uses the word “hallelujah.” Seriously.

Oh and don’t forget … BYU primer!

• ESPN’s Ted Miller runs down Oregon State’s spring. It’s college, so coach Mike Riley will do some experimenting… with the offense, sickos!

Speaking of which, Oregon State blog Building the Dam has more on Beaver updates. Oregon State Beaver updates, sickos!

• ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg looks at B1G Ten WRs. Slowly. With a bead of sweat running down his forehead.

• ESPN’s Brian Bennett offers a quick Big East scorecard of coaching moves. Pitt seems somehow … different.

• Minnesota‘s offense will look different this fall. The fine folks at The Daily Gopher are kind enough to explain what that means.

• Auburn CB Neiko Thorpe is moving to safety. This is only newsworthy because he was unable to answer any of our basic questions at media day in January. My man!

• Rivals primes Georgia Tech. Yellowjacket coach Paul Johnson doesn’t care one way or the other.

• Michigan safety Ray Vinopal is transferring to Pitt, according to the Youngstown Vindicator. Yes, that’s a real thing.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is Jimmy Kimmel mashing up Jershey Shore and the Justice League. Because why not that’s why.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JK_fM-wUpQ

Enjoy your Friday.

Follow me on Twitter.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Oklahoma alumnus Olivia Munn. I could be wrong, but head to head, I’m going with the Sooner recruiting class of 2011 to outlast Munn’s NBC show, “Perfect Couples.”

*****

• Rich Rodriguez talks about his time in Ann Arbor with CBS’s Dennis Dodd. If you can believe it, he’s a bit defensive. See what I did there? Nailed it.

• Alabama had a dance team girl retrieve faxed-in letters of intent during Alabama’s live video stream Wednesday. She was wearing her uniform and is attractive. Dun dun DUN.

• Nebraska coach Bo Pelini celebrated the Huskers’ great class on Signing Day by not holding a press conference and getting rid of some the staff members that brought in the 2011 class. Buzzkill.

• Florida QBs Trey Burton and Jordan Reed are no longer QBs in OC Charlie Weis’s offense.

• Undecided QB recruit Jacoby Brissett (West Palm Beach, FL) is rumored to be announcing for Florida tonight. And he would be a QB in OC Charlie Weis‘s offense.

• UCLA QB Kevin Prince is still hurt. I copy/pasted that sentence from an item in October.

• The list of players invited to the NFL Combine has been released. Upon first glance, I noticed the oversight of no Lafayette Leopards. They’ll make you pay, NFL, they’ll make you pay.

• ESPN’s CFB bloggers analyze the recruiting cycle for the various teams and conferences they cover. I now know BYU has an incoming OT named Ryker Mathews, who is now my favorite incoming BYU OT.

• ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has updated his too-early Top 25 after Signing Day. We can now all exhale.

• ESPN/ABC analyst Bob Griese retired from broadcasting after a 30 year career calling games. Now it’s just time to relax and enjoy life. And tacos.

• Touted 2011 OT recruit Cyrus Kouandjio still doesn’t know where he’s going to sign. I say we give the kid a break — have you ever had ONLY two years to make A decision. Exactly, back off.

• SB Nation’s Holly Anderson (Peete) looks at how the roster of new coaches fared on their first Signing Day.

• The Class of 2011 is soooooo earlier this week. SB Nation’s Andy Hutchins looks to 2012.

• Auburn has behind-the-scenes video from Wednesday. Gene Chizik is a RIOT.

• Ditto for Illinois, though it appears there may have been technological snafus. Yeah, I said “snafus.”

• New SDSU coach Rocky Long is not a fan of BYU.

• Mitch Mustain will NOT be charged with selling prescription narcotics. Whew.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is a guy wakeboarding through cranberries. Damnit, now I need some Ocean Spray.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGf6earGAOc

Enjoy your Friday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Orange Bowl color analyst Jon Gruden. THIS GUY was a backup QB for Dayton in the early 80s.

*****

• Stanford shellacked Virginia Tech last night in the Orange Bowl. QB Andrew Luck was accurate, the line opened up gigantic running lanes, and coach Jim Harbaugh ducked questions about his future and asked that reporters please RESPECT THE PROCESS.

The Detroit Free Press is reporting Harbaugh’s future will come down to Stanford and the NFL — no Michigan plans.

And Michigan should be deciding on coach Rich Rodriguez’s fate shortly. Dun dun DUNNNNN.

In pro-Virginia Tech news, QB Tyrod Taylor did this.

• The Sugar Bowl is tonight. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg has keys for Ohio State and ESPN’s Chris Low has keys for Arkansas. The rest of their coverage can be found here.

• Iowa RB Adam Robinson has been dismissed by Iowa. This comes after (wait for it…) he was arrested on marijuana possession charges. Who knows what kind of societal dangers he could’ve presented on MARIJUANA!!*

*Of course I have no idea if this is specifically why he was kicked off the team, he could also have been an awful human to everybody around him.

• LSU RB Stevan Ridley has been academically cleared to play in Friday’s Cotton Bowl. LSU‘s offense is expected to remain free of any direction or identity.

• MIssouri QB Blaine Gabbert declared for the NFL Draft. Makes sense. Indiana’s Tandon Doss, also declared. Less sense.

• The Big 10 was swept on Saturday. This video probably doesn’t make it any easier, midwesterners.

• USC coach Lane Kiffin is boring and “unemotional.” And?

• If you believe outstanding MS Paint comics, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops may have sent his rival’s best coach to Florida.

• Former BYU OC Robert Anae will now run the offense for Mike Stoops at Arizona. I assume loudly.

• Pitt has to hire a coach. And, uh, soon.

• UCLA LB Akeem Ayers has declared for the NFL Draft. He’s the one that somehow did this.

• Yahoo!!!!!’s Tom Dienhart looks at how Oregon and Auburn may react to not playing for five weeks.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day features Top Gear launching a Mini Cooper over a ski jump. Of course it is.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEebpG6P0SY

Enjoy your Tuesday + Sugar Bowl!

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Mila Kunis. The Hawaii bowl is this week, so this picture seems appropriate. It appears that she briefly attended UCLA, but she’s mainly here because, well, she’s Mila Kunis.

*****

• At this point isn’t it more of story when the teams going to the Las Vegas Bowl don’t brawl?

• Notre Dame QB Dayne Crist “isn’t going anywhere.” Of course not, he has the knees of an 86 year old.

• BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall wasn’t thrilled with the BYU offense this season, and thus, the offensive coaching staff will soon become the former offensive coaching staff.

• Want to sound moderately informed when somebody asks you about tonight’s Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Petersberg Bowl? Really? That’s kind of a weird thing to pride yourself on, but if so, read what ESPN’s Brian Bennett and Andrea Adelson have to say.

• Alabama coach Nick Saban is telling his best juniors to think twice about the NFL Draft. There he goes again, that Saban, looking out for the best interest of others without a single speck of selfishness to be found.

• ESPN’s Pat Forde lays out his bowl picks, making it quite simple to win a lot of money by going against his blind stabs supported with limited useful reason.

• Yahoo!!!!!! lists their top 10 college football stories of the year. Les Miles‘s name doesn’t appear once, proving that this list is completely fraudulent.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is Conan spending time with Hunter S. Thompson on Conan’s old show. It’s as good as you think it is.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNEImAIM4L4

Enjoy your Tuesday Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by UCLA alumnus Sean Astin, aka Rudy, aka the guy from Encino Man, aka a hobbit of some sort. I imagine even Rudy isn’t thrilled with Rick Neuheisel’s wily offseason panic-fest.

*****

• Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen was named ACC Coach of the year a few weeks ago. The reward for his efforts? A nice cool can of Take the Buyout, You’re Fired.

He has yet to take a sip.

• Oh and Mike Leach will be the Terps’ next coach. Or he won’t. Either way.

• Three bowls happened. Yahoo!!!!! has the specifics.

• Troy‘s punter looks a bit different. Or the same if you’re a punter who could also be a bouncer and/or paper towel spokesmodel.

• It now appears that Tennessee DC Justin WIlcox is the favorite to replace Will Muschamp as Texas’s defensive coordinator. Big wristband to fill.

Enjoy the Texas coaching search in MS Paint. (via EDSBS)

• New Miami coach Al Golden is retaining some of former coach Randy Shannon’s assistants.

• UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel doesn’t even know the meaning of retaining. Ok, he probably does, but he also knows the meaning of “scapegoat” and “turd-polishing.”

• Oklahoma RB Roy Finch will miss the Fiesta Bowl with a stress fracture in his foot. The injury that RB DeMarco Murrary will suffer is still to be determined.

• Iowa DC Norm Parker, who missed a good part of the year due to some health issues (including having his foot amputated) will be back next season. Big time.

• Touted prep QB and one time Miami commit Teddy Bridgewater (all-name lock) will be taking his talents to Louisville.

• Auburn will definitely win the national championship. Just ask a local sporting goods stores.

• BYU killed UTEP. And one Cougar assistant brought a winning attitude to his nose.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is a victory for large men everywhere. Ohmigod he’s gonna go!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyMBPDch9As

Enjoy your Monday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Legends of the Hidden Temple, a show that obviously foretold Big Ten happenings years into the future. Spooky.

*****

—Join The Solid Verbal Bowl Pick ‘Em Here—

• LSU discovered some LSU violations and have punished themselves. Raise your hand if you thought nonsensical offensive playcalling was an actual violation. Who knew?

• ESPN’s Andrea Adelson tells you all you need to know about this weekend’s bowl action — New Mexico, New Orleans, and the uSomething Humanitarian.

• There may be upwards of … wait for it … thousands of people attending the New Mexico Bowl.

• The Big Ten may be willing to take back that whole “Legends” and “Leaders” thing. And I suppose we’re all just supposed to pretend that this magical week never happened, right? Psh.

• Former Tennessee freshman All-American OT Aaron Douglas will play at Alabama in 2011. And just like that, Alabama FINALLY catches a break on the recruiting trail.

• West Virginia AD Oliver Luck likes head coach Bill Stewart but he doesn’t like like him.

• Rutgers DT Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed in an October game, now has some feeling in his hands. This is outstanding.

• SB Nation kindly asks that you sidle up to the Week 1 Bowl Buffet.

• BCS Director Bill Hancock doesn’t see Mark Cuban ending the BCS. SI.com’s Andy Staples thinks Cuban is on the right track.

•••••

Today’s Video of the Day honors tomorrow’s New Mexico Bowl by celebrating the legacy of college football coverage in the “Land of Enchantment” by honoring Rob Stone’s classic descent into pepper hell.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvK2Y1hv9mY

Enjoy your Friday + Bowl Weekend.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Anne Hathaway. She’s in a new movie (allegedly nekkid) that got bad reviews, is apparently hosting an awards show that nobody watches anymore (Because she’s funny! Really!), and received a completely fraudulent Vassar education (another school without a football program). Still, she seems attractive.

*****

• The NCAA, if you can believe it, swiftly declared Cam Newton eligible shortly after Auburn declared him ineligible (pending an NCAA decision). In a statement, the NCAA said, “Screw it, he can play!!”

SI.com’s Andy Staples explains how the Cam Newton case has thrown the spotlight on a giant eligibility loophole. Middle men (and women) rejoice!!

Fanhouse’s Clay Travis spoke with SEC commissioner Mike Slive.

Yahoo!!!!!!’s Dan Wetzel chatted with longtime college basketball, uh, power person Sonny Vaccaro about Cam Newton. Vaccaro: “That’s the most amazing thing I’ve heard in over four decades of being around college and high school sports.”

SportsbyBrooks, as always, does a great job of analyzing the revelations.

• In more important news, Utah is going to the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl. The bowl is also apparently shooting for Boise State. A round of cheap car paint for everyone!!

• Colorado interviewed Alabama OC Jim McElwain for its open head coaching job. It may just be enough that he can lead a team to a 24-7 lead.

• BYU‘s going bowling in New Mexico. And they’re happy to do it. Polite arguments over red and green chiles loom.

• Just to be clear, Mike Leach would be perfectly happy accepting the Minnesota job.

• Nike founder Phil Knight is quite pleased with the Oregon football team. Dun dun DUNNNNNNNN!!

• Admissions of jackassery are always welcome here. Today’s edition: Ohio State president Elwood Gordon Gee.

• LSU coach Les Miles isn’t saying much about OC Gary Crowton’s status for next season. Tough when your mouth is full of fresh mower trimmings.

• ESPN’s CFB bloggers demand you watch for certain things and predict some outcomes. If you read these items closely, look for one link on one of these pages that links to the filthiest pornography you’ll ever see.

• Yahoo!!!!!!’s Tom Dienhart looks at whether title games are good, bad, or ugly. You see what I did there? Boosh.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is the story of Moe Norman, the greatest golfer I’ve never heard of, as told by a Scottish bartender.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu6FvJy7deM

Enjoy your Thursday.

Ty and Dan break down a wild weekend that saw a monster upset by Nevada, a triumphant victory for Auburn, and a defining loss for Rich Rodriguez against Ohio State.  Plus, wackiness in the Big 12, closure in the ACC, and a host of listener Reverbs.

Ty and Dan deliver a super-sized episode, chock full of analysis for all the week’s biggest rivalries, listener e-mails and voice messages.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Marge Simpson, voiced by Julie Kavner, San Diego State alumnus. And if we’ve learned anything from The Simpsons, it’s that biased replay officiating WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

*****

• North Texas head coach Todd Dodge is out as the coach of the Mean Green. He was a decorated high school coach who made the rare move straight to a FBS head coaching job. This is why it’s rare.

• ESPN’s Ted MIller profiles new Arizona starting QB Matt Scott and then explains that Rick Neuheisel is still trying to figure out his own team, let alone their opponents. This isn’t going to end well.

• SB Nation’s Holly Anderson (Peete) watches the Heisman Trophy from afar, like she’s in a college football Rockwell song.

• SI.com’s Andy Staples has power rankings. Whenever I read this, I listen to Kanye West’s “Power” and pretend that Andy writes these in an effort to get back at his college girlfriend who dumped him at a Harvard bar.

And yes, I enjoyed “The Social Network.”

• The controversy over the replay officials in the now two week old BYU-San Diego State contest is still ongoing. The Mountain West has changed replay official rules and the Aztecs’ radio analyst seems rather displeased with the efforts of Cougar players to be not racist, horrible people.

• Tomorrow night’s contest between Oregon and UCLA will be the national ESPN game and it will be filmed in three dimensions. If you plan on attending the game, Oregon has politely requested that you don your finest lightning yellow evening wear.

• Alabama is getting a giant Australian dude.

• Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema calls the Badgers’ brand of straight-ahead power football… “American football.” Fact: Anything out of the shotgun is for commies.

• ESPN LA’s Arash Markazi chronicles former USC WR Mike Williams‘s journey from top draft pick to productive NFL player. It seems there was a lot of napping and tater tot pizza in between.

• Are you a Nebraska fan? Do you need help dealing with your emotions post-loss? Do you refuse to eat soap? This call center may be for you.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is for video nerds. Apparently you can securely strap a small HD camera to yourself as you do extreme things. I’m still editing the footage shot on one of these from Verbacon. Wait until you see how it looked from an extreme first person POV what driving I-80 at speeds up to 76 MPH looked like, what zooming around a tailgate at 11 AM drinking Bud Light felt like, and what a stadium reacting to dump drops sounded like. Amazing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo3M6EB8kmk

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Missouri alum Sheryl Crow. She appears to be so happy DE Aldon Smith is coming back for the Oklahoma game that she’s gone full-on eagle. At least until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard.

*****

• Kansas coach Turner Gill may be sitting on a chair that has grown increasingly warm. I still remember the good ol’ days when getting blasted by 52 after having two weeks to plan for a rivalry game at home bought you some time.

Those were the dayyyyyyyyyys.

• USC and UCLA may make more money from the Pac Twen until a revenue threshold is reached. Damn, I thought today’s secret phrase was going to be “revenue threshold” and balloons and streamers would fly down after I typed it. But no, it’s just me staring at bagel crumbs and wondering “what if” to myself.

• The behavior of Florida WR Chris Rainey could be due to symptoms of a concussion. But probably not. I’ll wait for the Iron Eagle to weigh in.

• Missouri DE Aldon Smith will be back for Saturday’s Oklahoma game. Cut to Landry Jones frantically looking for a ruptured mustache on the Missouri turf.

• All Last Name First Namer and BYU WR O’Neill Chambers has been kicked off of the team due to “disciplinary reasons.” It’s now up to you, McKay Jacobson, to carry the Last Name First Name torch.

• UCLA QB Kevin Prince either won’t play or won’t be at 100% when the Bruins face Oregon in Eugene Thursday night. Anybody that’s seen UCLA play this year has no idea what this means.

• SI.com’s Cory McCartney has Auburn QB Cam Newton atop his current Heisman rankings. The pick makes sense, as it’s been an enjoyable Heisman prediction ride this year — a veritable “Who’s Who” of first year starting QBs who will fade down the stretch.

• ESPN’s CFB bloggers rewind and fast forward all of their respective conference news. They also join ESPN’s Erin Andrews in a big group breaking down all of the coolest dance grooves.

• SB Nation’s Spencer Hall rolls through the alphabet. Wouldn’t it be crazy to invent a new letter? Spanish has “ñ,” “ll,” and “ch.” I’m thinking about a possible “th” or “rr,” trademarking them, getting crazy rich, and then buying some new shoes. Thoughts?

• The GMAC Bowl, ACCORDING TO THE SLC PUNK, JEREMY FROM SALT LAKE, will now be known as the GoDaddy.com Bowl. So now you’ll know what’s going on when you’re watching something else in late December.

• SB Nation’s Brian Cook looks at schadenfreude. Is it a coincidence that ESPN reporter Joe Schad‘s entire last name starts this word?!?!?!?!? Probably.

• “What if Terrelle Pryor had gone to Michigan?” Fanhouse’s John Walters asks. “He’d have experience passing to nobody, running behind a nonexistent offensive line, and watching a porous defense from the sideline,” Dan Rubenstein answers.

• Are you interested in a Nebraska fan eating soap after losing a bet with a Texas fan? Really? You are? That says something.

• The Wiz checks in with some week 7 snapshots. Not pictured: Me eating five different types of potato preparations in Lincoln on Friday.

*****

Today’s VIdeo of the Day is apparently not intended to be funny. Really, it isn’t. If such a term existed, this would be one of the great all-time videos that isn’t a parody but is way funnier than any parody could be. I give you, “The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eizw1SbtAQ

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by wife of Howard Stern, bulldog enthusiast, and former Pitt student Beth Ostrosky. I’ll bet she’s much more excited about the new UGa than the prospects of Tino Sunseri winning a close game with his arm.

*****

• Oregon State WR James Rodgers may return next year or he may not. It’s mid-October, his knee is pointing in four and a half different directions, let’s relax a bit.

• SI.com’s Stewart Mandel inner monologues Ohio State’s claim to be #1 in his new mailbag. You can also listen to Yahoo!!!!!!’s Dan Wetzel on Stewart’s (competing) podcast. If Stewart wasn’t an all-around good dude, frequent guest, and VERBACON ATTENDEE, we’d totally bury his efforts at new media. We run this town.

Oh and here’s a book excerpt.

• Former Texas QB (most appropriately-named Texas QB ever?) Colt McCoy will get his #12 jersey retired by Texas. The way that offense is looking, it might not be a bad idea to also dip it in gold, bedazzle it with rare diamonds, and get it blessed by the most hard-to-reach Nepalese monks.

• This Saturday will mark the debut of Georgia’s new bulldog mascot, Uga VIII. His background is fairly quaint -- his registered name is “Big Bad Bruce,” he’s the great (x5) grandson of the original UGa, and he’s wanted on 17 outstanding warrants.

• ESPN’s team of CFB bloggers remind you what to watch and make some predictions. I bet you didn’t predict they’d also lead a Hammer dance flash mob, did you?

• Oregon State kicker Justin Kahut hates the crap out of Arizona Stadium. Fair enough.

• A couple is traveling to Lincoln, NE from Bangkok to go to the Nebraska/Texas game Saturday. As impressive as that is, don’t think I won’t complain if my flight from LA is delayed 34 minutes. Oh, and if you see them roaming around a tailgate, do give them beer or some sort of sustenance.

• Here is how SBNation bloggers feel the Top 25 should look. Lot of good explanation and defenses, but like always, numbers with taken to two decimal places always throw me off.

• Three Mountain West replay officials have been suspended for blowing a call (horrifically) during the BYU-San Diego State game last weekend. Seems people don’t like it that San Diego now has both a decent college football team AND San Diego.

Oh and the “technical advisor” in the replay booth is a BYU employee. I wasn’t too invested before, now I’ll be disappointed if TCU doesn’t win by at least 73 this weekend.

• USC WR Robert Woods may now be USC Slash Robert Woods, as the speedy receiver has been taking reps as a defensive back. In addition, if he really put his mind to it, he could also probably be athletic enough to challenge us in the Solid Verbal Combine. Probably.

*****

Today’s Video of the Day is evidence of my last journey to Lincoln. If this weekend even approaches that day (short of the Huskers’ loss to USC), I may never leave. Nebras!!!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDE2LVqsK04

Enjoy your Thursday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by the Lafayette College cheerleading squad. The 0-4 Leopards travel to Columbia this weekend to begin the 2010 rope-a-dope. Leopard Up!!!*

*can’t possibly be an actual chant

*****

• Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez ran all over Kansas State last night, and then ran some more. He’s now certainly in the conversation for the overall award that is given exclusively to players who play one of two positions. And this is all before the Verbal Bump…

• The lines for tomorrow’s games can be found here.

• LSU OC Gary Crowton and Florida OC Steve Addazio will be matching wits tomorrow. Just let that sink in.

• Oregon coach Chip Kelly, during a conference call, mentioned that he liked a particular Dairy Queen blizzard, and the Oregon athletic department was delivered blizzards for all. I’d like to take this time to point out that The Solid Verbal has great affinity for Dairy Queen, BMW, In-n-Out Burger, Nike, and Apple.

• ESPN analyst Lou Holtz can no longer, on behalf of his political views, ask for straight cash homey.

• South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is giving QB Stephen Garcia every chance to succeed against Alabama. Until he unceremoniously benches him. Just because.

• Purdue‘s offense, after the Boilers’ run of unfortunate injuries, has a new look. Don’t be surprised if the new-look Boilermakes are back to being a top ten Big Ten team before you know it.

• BYU and Utah, despite a new alignment rift, will still play each other in 2011 and 2012, continuing the “Holy War” rivalry. Whew.

• Former UNC assistant and alleged pimp-broker John Blake may have also contacted, on behalf of agent Gary Wichard, Ndamukong Suh. All sorts of other names are slowly leaking, but the big question isn’t if, but when, will the estate of Red Grange come forward and admit to contact with John Blake?

• SI.com’s Stewart Mandel remembers when FSU/Miami meant something. He also answers your neurobiology questions. Ok, it’s just college football stuff.

• ESPN/ABC broadcaster Brent Musburger is kinda, sorta fine with steroids. Or something.

• The pop Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor heard in his knee against Illinois was actually just his knee brace popping. Quite a five-day investigation you had on your bands, Buckeyes.

Today’s Video of the Day is people jumping into a pond on bicycles. I liked it, but the whole things seems like a tremendous waste of perfectly good bicycles.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3GribQCg6c

Enjoy your Friday + College Football Saturday.

Today’s Click Chorus is brought to you by Leslie Knope, Deputy Parks Director for the city of Pawnee, Indiana. It’s Thursday and I miss Parks and Rec. And Ron Swanson. And Mouse Rat. And sweet, sweet April Ludgate. At least there’s (possible) quality Big 12 quality football to be had. Sighhhhh.

*****

• Since Ty and I record on Sundays and Thursdays, we should (operative word) preview the Thursday game on Sundays. We always forget. So here’s my Nebraska/Kansas State preview: Kansas State covers +11. Thursday night games on the road are tough, and is good as Taylor Martinez is/will be, Kansas State should, to some extent, be able to control the clock. It’ll be fairly low-scoring and Nebraska will win close. And Oregon transfer Chris Harper continues his torrid receiving pace by catching a ball. A ball.

• Michigan runs a lot, and they do it with their QB, ol’ what’s-his-name. Now here are 11,000 words on that by mgoblog.

• BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall will take over the defense, following the termination of defensive coordinator Jaime Hill. I’m still all-in on budding All-Rubenstein RB Ronnie Hillman of San Diego State in two days. Future Bernard Pierce!

• The fellers at Rocky Top Talk explain the 3-4 defense. It was almost as good as the time they went over basic scheme differences and responsibilities on College Football Live, except that CFL never even dares to go this far into relevancy.

• ESPN‘s bloggers tell you what to watch this weekend and make their game predictions. There’s also a pretty intriguing video of the Big 10′s Adam Rittenburg c-walk battling the ACC’s Heather Dinich. Word.

• With Colorado playing Mizzou this week, ESPN has a feature on the twentieth anniversary of the fifth down. Slightly off-topic: I don’t miss the scads of belly buttons college football had to offer in the early 90s. Blech.

• Illinois defensive coordinator Vic Koenning reviews the progress of the 2010 Illini defense. Or as they’ll be known after getting Penn State’s offense on Saturday, the 1985 Chicago Bears.

• The first BCS Rankings will be released on Sunday. Which means the Harris poll is also making its 2010 debut. This, of course, makes Sunday the worst day of the college football season.

• Alabama coach Nick Saban got pissy when reporters asked him about his pre-season agent-pimp remarks, now that John Blake, a now former assistant coach, is an alleged pimp broker. And nobody stuttered.

• New Mexico State hasn’t won any games, and now the student population is looking to abstain from giving the Aggies what they really want -- sweet, sweet Aggie intercourse. What happens in Las Cruces, well, gets reported on by SportsbyBrooks.

• LSU will win the national championship. Spencer Hall’s soul has been compromised.

• Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker had his right foot amputated due to complications from Diabetes. Well wishes, speedy recovery, and hopes of continued badassery out of Iowa City, etc.

• SI.com’s Cory McCartney profiles Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick, a simple baseball player running the pistol offense to near-perfection. I’m Tom Rinaldi, EEEESSSSPPPNNNNNNN.

• Penn State may use more of backup QB Kevin Newsome to help jumpstart their offense. Another useful tool to help jumpstart the offense? An offense.

• Florida State’s defense is improving. I think. Probably.

Today’s Video of the Day is ThunderBusters, which appears to be either a mashup of AC/DC and Ghostbusters. Or I’m tripping balls right now and this is all in my head. Is this real life?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiH1wNmZTII

Enjoy your Thursday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by proud LSU alumnus James Carville, who, if he had hair, would probably still be tearing it out watching Les Miles’s time management on Saturday. Also, airport scanners can go measure his penis.

*****

• Former UNC coach John Blake, who allegedly helped steer notable (and suspended) Tar Heel players toward Gary Wichard, a friend of Blake’s, also contacted players from Alabama and South Carolina regarding Wichard’s services. Remember, North Carolina fans, they can take away football, basketball may stink, John Edwards may be a complete fraud, but you’ll always have, uh, let’s see … vinegar based BBQ sauce?

• College football is painful. A lot of people get hurt. Here are some of them.

Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor mildly strained his left leg. He should be fine.

Boston College QB Chase Rettig sprained his left ankle and is, as of now, doubtful for NC State this Saturday.

Oregon State WR James Rodgers should be back against Arizona this week after sitting out due to a previous concussion.

USC FB Stanley Havili played with a dislocated shoulder against Washington. Seems painful.

(Injury reports from everywhere else.)

• Georgia WR AJ Green is still quite good, despite those around him. That jersey looks FRESH.

• BYU defensive coordinator Jaime Hill, after BYU became the third best team in the state of Utah, has been eliminated. Ok, that verb may have been too much. Still, though, it sends a message.

• USC coach Lane Kiffin defends attempting a field goal instead of aggressively trying to keep a drive alive. I think it worked out for everyone.

• ESPN‘s CFB bloggers gave out helmet stickers, figured out what they learned, organized power rankings, and examined how to properly cut sushi-grade tuna. Ok the last one may be somebody else, but it’s still incredibly useful.

• This week’s polls are out. Hurray! Find out who you can direct your irrational anger at by looking at the voters in the meaningless poll.

• SI.com’s Stewart Mandel reviews the action in his College Football Overtime column. It includes a picture of LaMichael James, who appears to be levitating. Rad.

• SI.com’s Andy Staples makes some snap judgements. Because in football, “snap” is a term for when … ok, you get it.

• A couple of ESPN writers predict bowl matchups in early October. Pour out some cold milk for your homies at BYU, who will be missing the Las Vegas Bowl for what feels like the first time since the school was founded.

• Fox Sports columnist Thayer Evans argues that the Mike Sherman era should come to a close at Texas A&M.

• In Oregon Duck news, Fox Sports goes way out on a limb and says it’s time to take the #3 team in the country seriously. Done and done.

Also, the Duck dougie’d. Somebody taught him.

• SB Nation went Box Scorin’. Wait, that sounded wrong. Or so very right.

• The Wiz presents some screengrabs from Saturday’s action. All excellent, but it’s quite difficult to capture how inept Penn State’s offense truly was in a single frame.

Today’s Video of the Day is part 1 of Steve Nash and Landon Donovan preparing to play FIFA 11. If you like boom mic comedy, today’s your day.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEb1iV3o4bc

Enjoy your Monday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you by Jeff Garlin, half of the funniest twosome on TV, and graduate of The U. Niversity of Miami. Here’s to hoping he makes his “big vagina” gesture (probably NSFW) at some point during tonight’s Pitt game. Just because.

*****

• The Playoff PAC is accusing the Sugar, Fiesta, and Orange Bowls of violating their claimed tax-exempt status as non-profits. Apparently, everybody made a crap-ton of money. Oops.

• North Carolina has suspended two defensive backs for receiving $1300 and $1400 in benefits, respectively. The horror.

• Michigan is still looking for somebody to kick it through two giant yellow goal posts. Or they’re not. Or something.

• SI.com’s Andy Staples profiles the Ft. Campbell High (Ky) football team, made up entirely of sons of soldiers, most of whom are overseas. Read this before the mascot story below.

• Early reports indicating Mark Mangino was hired to consult Minnesota coach Tim Brewster may be incorrect. This doesn’t mean something’s not afoot, though. In my experience, something’s always afoot. Always.

• One of BYU‘s receivers that has a traditionally last name as a first name has been suspended for “disciplinary reasons.”

• ESPN‘s bloggers predict games and tell us what to watch. Nowhere to be found in “What to Watch” is “The Solid Visual,” so their cred instantly takes a hit.

• If you’re holding out hope for Admiral Ackbar at Mississippi, you’re among furry friends.

• SI.com’s Stewart Mandel has a new mailbag. Would it be so bad if Stew and the guy who answers the Penthouse Letters switched letters for a week? Probably.

• The Pac-10 is discussing possible locations for a title game. The clubhouse leaders are probably Glendale, AZ and San Diego, but remember, never sleep on the Lehigh Valley.

Today’s Video of the Day is pure fluff. Fluff.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDWMG9_lxPU

Enjoy your Thursday.

Today’s Chorus is brought to you Colorado cheerleaders. I don’t need a reason, but they seem like they’ll be excited for the Pac-Twen.

*****

• The Heisman Pundit released his Week 3 Heisman poll. It all seems fairly reasonable given how early it is in the season, so we’ll take this time to unveil our Heisman Ranker Power Rankings:

1. Heisman Pundit -- Chris Huston built his own site, keeps it updated with useful information, and came on the show last year. Winner.

2. Cory McCartney -- He’s now apparently SI’s Mr. Heisman Watch, and other than putting Ryan Mallett #2, Cory’s weekly column is trending upwards.

3. Holly Anderson -- I’m still dubious on Mallett, but as SB Nation’s in-house Heismaness and a contributor to EDSBS, it’s a great weekly read. She also calls Colin Kaepernick “The Angry Ostrich,” which is reason enough to get on board.

4. ESPN Rotation -- Minus points for not having a dedicated weekly Heisman writer, but the poll is clean, the explanations clear, and points are added on for including how many votes each player is receiving in each place.

5. CBS Rotation -- Similar to ESPN’s, but they get minus points for their horrible fantasy sports setup. I know it has nothing to do with the Heisman, but it really is THAT bad.

• ESPN‘s bloggers look at whose stock is up or down in various conferences. Without having looked at all the stock reports, I’m guessing Washington’s D-line stock is listed at “SELL SELL SELL, OH GOD SELL!”

• Colorado is officially joining the Pac-Twen next year. Eventually, the Buffaloes will be good and everyone will love the new rivalries and going to Boulder, etc. For now, though, VICTORIES FOR ALL!*

*Except you, Cougs.

• The great news is Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is out of the hospital after suffering a minor heart attack following the Spartans’ narrow victory over Notre Dame Saturday night. The bad news is that the possibility of a Spartan being charged with a felony has increased significantly these past few months

• Iowa RB Jewel Hampton is out for the season with a torn ACL, his second straight campaign to be shortened by an ACL injury. Attention Knees of the World: Avoid Tucson.

• Jake Heaps is now, after a debilitating shoulder injury to Riley Nelson, BYU’s lone starting QB. This makes things considerably easier for Cougar fans, who no longer have to ask, “Was that Nelson or Heaps who just lost his receivers?”

Today’s Video of the Day features a dog that pops balloons. After watching this video, I’ve never hated balloons more.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX6JUoYbP1Q

Enjoy your Wednesday.

This week’s Solid Verbal Overtime – locks and traps etc. My lighting and seating area has improved slightly, Ty’s has remained constant – a minor victory if there ever was one. At this pace, our production value will be flawless by 2013. Stay tuned!

Ty and Dan delve into the week’s headlines, voice messages, e-mails, and, at long last, previews for the first week of the 2010 college football season!

Ty and Dan mull over the Mountain West’s sudden expansion with Jeremy Mauss from MWCConnection.com and discuss BYU’s master plan, the conference’s chances of getting a BCS bid, and the potential apocalypse for the WAC.  Plus, voice messages, e-mails, and a brief note about the show’s two-year anniversary.

Ty and Dan talk with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham about the legitimacy of Mountain West Conference, the need for a playoff, the secret to postseason success, and his preferred musical genre.

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Ty and Dan plow through a cornucopia of voicemails, e-mails, week 12 news and week 13 picks due to the Thanksgiving holiday and their live broadcast this Saturday at 3pm ET.  Tune in at SolidVerbal.com or Livestream.com/solidverbal.

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Ty and Dan consult Clay Travis on how best to rob patrons of a popular, well-lit, centrally-located gas station, how to fix college football officiating, and what to do about the cockamamie BCS.  Plus, voice messages, week 11 picks, and a very special e-mail.

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Ty and Dan talk with Jerry Palm from CollegeBCS.com about the first week of BCS rankings, the deficiencies of the system, the variables that make it tick, and the ultimate doomsday scenario.  Plus, your messages, another Solid Verbal Host City and week eight picks!

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Ty and Dan are joined by Josh McCuistion from SoonerScoop.com to discuss Sam Bradford’s visit to Dr. James Andrews, the reputation of the Big 12, and the possibility of non-BCS team playing for the BCS Championship.  Plus, voice messages, e-mails, and the beginning of the open competition for The Solid Verbal’s host city in 2010.

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Ty and Dan return from respective trips to Georgia and Oregon to discuss their journeys, Tim Tebow’s injury, the craziness that transpired in the top ten, and the possibility of them finally meeting in-person.  Plus, voice messages, a brief fantasy football rundown and why Ty was rooting for Miley Cyrus on his car ride to Athens.

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Ty and Dan review a fantastic third week of the college football regular season, paying special attention to the three most notable games of the week (Tennessee-Florida, Georgia Tech-Miami, Washington-USC.  Plus, voice messages (we got one from a female!) and a brief chat with a member of the Solid Verbal fantasy league (Joe from CollegeGameBalls.com).

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Ty and Dan invite Chris Brown from SmartFootball.com to talk about the intricacies of the spread offense, including Ohio State’s misuse of Terrelle Pryor against USC, Michigan’s ability to keep Notre Dame guessing, and whether Tim Tebow classifies as a “system quarterback” or not.  Plus, loads of voice and e-mail messages from the Solid Verbal faithful.

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Ty and Dan review the second week of the 2009 college football season despite Ty’s emphatic request to talk about anything OTHER than the Notre Dame – Michigan game.  Plus, taunting voice messages, a recap of the college fantasy league, and a quick rundown of the Solid Verbal pick’em pool.

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Ty and Dan welcome Ken Gordon from the Columbus Dispatch and BuckeyeXtra.com to discuss Saturday’s big showdown between USC and Ohio State, the Big Ten conference, and the progression of Terrelle Pryor. Plus, witty voice messages, a ton of e-mail, and a very special announcement.

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Ty and Dan review college football’s first week of action and examine Chip Kelly’s catastrophic start, Notre Dame’s shutout, Ohio State’s scare, and other notable stories from around the country. Plus, a recap of the Solid Verbal Fantasy League and the hotly-contested pick ‘em pool.

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Ty and Dan get fired up for the 2009 season by making their picks for the major games of the week.  Plus, voice messages, your e-mail, and painful discussion about the anti-Charlie Weis billboard.  Well, painful for Ty, anyway. (Episode 56)

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While Dan is off frolicking in the Canadian wilderness, Ty brings in a witty guest host to take his place and discuss Mitch Mustain’s third string status, Bryce Brown’s eligibility, possible (or make-believe) corruption in the Coaches’ Poll, and the logic behind growing a mustache. Plus, voice messages and e-mails from afar. (Episode 54)

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Throughout August, we will be counting down the top 25 teams (as listed here) going into the 2009 season. Today we strap on our spurs and travel to Forth Worth, TX to talk about a college that may or may not have actual horned frogs roaming the premises, but whose website definitely has a picture of a cheerleader that looks like the chick from The Bachelorette.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Impressions

Oh, how quickly we forget TCU‘s 17-16 victory in the revered Poinsettia Bowl over Boise State last year — you know, the game that had an over/under line somewhere north of John Daly’s weight.  It’s not easy being a non-BCS team in today’s world, especially when you post an 11-2 season and end up playing in the FREAKING POINSETTIA BOWL.  Not cool.

The Horned Frogs will have their work cut out for them if they hope to match last season’s success.  Can TCU effectively replace the loss of 13 starters?  Even if it can, a road schedule featuring Virginia, Clemson and BYU will be extremely challenging.  That said, TCU’s defense has been absolutely stifling over the last decade; if the trend continues in 2009, there’s no reason to think that the Frogs can’t compete in a big way despite some question marks on the offensive and defensive lines.

Regardless of how TCU’s 2009 season ends, the Horned Frogs deserve an awful lot of respect for the way they have battled over the last decade.  They’re tough to root against.

Last Year

TCU’s only two losses came on the road at Oklahoma (35-10) and Utah (13-10).  That’s it.  Actually, if it weren’t for an improbable Utah drive in the waning minutes of last year’s game, the Horned Frogs would’ve been 12-1.  Otherwise, with the exception of a close win against Colorado State, TCU’s victory margin in every other game was no less than 23 points.

Technically, TCU fell short in its quest to join the ranks of other elite non-BCS teams; however, you could argue that they’re already there.

People

TCU loses 13 starters from 2008, so understandably, there are major questions about replacing significant losses, especially on both the offensive and defensive lines.  But there is much firepower returning.  Standout defensive end Jerry Hughes will be back wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks again, building on his NCAA-leading sack total.  Junior QB Andy Dalton will have reliable targets in Jimmy Young and Jeremy Kerley.  And, in a weird mix of USC football with Major League Baseball, TCU could have a full, five-man rotation at RB with Ryan Christian, Joseph Turner, Chris Smith, Jai Caveness, and Edward Wesley. Senior tackle Marshall Newhouse will be bashing heads up front.  Coach Gary Patterson will have his work cut out for him.

Conclusion

There aren’t more than two losses on TCU’s schedule in 2009, so, as a baseline, you should be thinking of a 10-2 season.  The only real question is whether Patterson can inject new blood into the lineup and get the same production as last season.  While this team has the talent to go 12-0, chances are on a road loss at Clemson or BYU.  In one man’s opinion, the Clemson game will be the Horned Frog’s only loss.

Prediction

11-1

Highlights Set To Unfortunate Music

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8OuXa_xd0Y

--Ty

Throughout August, we will be counting down the top 25 teams (as listed here) going into the 2009 season.  Today, we delve into BYU, our second Utah team in as many days.  It’s apparently Utah Week here at the Solid Verbal.  Apologies to Discovery Channel for upstaging Shark Week.

First Impressions

It is apparent after looking at BYU‘s 2009 schedule that the Cougars athletic department picked this season as the year it could potentially make a BCS splash.  Despite a shaky Mountain West schedule, which, as usual, features only Utah and TCU, the Cougs scheduled a neutral site game with Oklahoma to open its season and then a home game against Florida State two weeks later.  As our friend Phil Steele says in his publication, a 12-0 season for BYU could put them in the hunt for a BCS Championship.  Probable?  No.  But possible?  Boom goes the dynamite.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall might have the best name in college football (not counting Shavodrick Beaver, of course) and absolutely has the right attitude to raise BYU’s profile in the college football world.  This man wants to win a BCS championship, and though talk is cheap, he’s saying all the right things.

Last Year

BYU started 2008 with a 6-0 record, and hopes were high among Cougar fans that a Mountain West title and possible BCS bowl were in the cards.  However, after only beating hapless Washington by a 28-27 score in week two, the writing was on the wall for a deflating loss, which eventually came against No. 24 TCU.  All told, the Cougs finished 10-2, but you could argue that the record was more an aberration thanks to a weak conference — BYU’s two losses came against the only two ranked teams it played all year (the aforementioned TCU and, later, Utah).  To close out the year, BYU lost to Arizona in the Las Vegas Bowl.  Though a 10-3 record is hardly embarrassing, the 2008 season was a failure due to sky-high expectations by BYU fans.

(Personal note: If you write anything remotely true but unflattering about BYU football, you will be inundated by e-mails.  I didn’t think it would happen, but it did.  BYU has a surprisingly loyal and outspoken fan base.)

People

Three words: Max Effin Hall.  Last year as a junior, Hall threw for over 3,900 yards and 35 touchdowns, adding to the reputation of BYU’s wide-open style of offense.  He’ll be throwing to several receivers who may or may not be returning from missions, as well as tight end Dennis Pitta, who logged a healthy 83 receptions and 1,083 yards in 2008.  He’ll be handing the ball off to Harvey Unga, an experienced back.  In short, his team will score points.  That’s not even a question.  On the defensive side of the ball, keep your ears open for DE Jan Jorgensen, the MWC’s all-time sacks leader and potential NFL draft pick.

This Year

Plain and simple, BYU will be tested early.  You have to give credit to the Cougs for scheduling tough non-conference opponents, and for taking a shot at jumping into the BCS discussion.  Max Hall seems poised for another monster year, and BYU‘s coach certainly has enough vim and vigor to convince this team that it can pull off a major upset.  Oklahoma is sure to be a tough opponent, but if this game should end up being a shootout, wouldn’t that play right into BYU‘s wheelhouse?  Just sayin’.

The more realistic expectation, of course, is for a Mountain West championship.  In order to do that, BYU needs to pound the creampuffs on its schedule and take down both TCU and Utah (like two of the last three years, as noted by a commenter).  This feels doable, but only if the Cougs can rebuild their offensive line and stop the pass… two essential elements in a pass-happy conference.

Conclusions

It’s tough to convince yourself that BYU is a legitimate contender that is capable of beating Oklahoma, Florida State and Utah in the same season.  Would love to see it, but recent history (read: last year) would indicate that it’s just not gonna happen against ranked opponents.  That said, Mendenhall has done a nice job recruiting fresh talent to Provo, and a Mountain West title would be a nice pick-me-up for a program with a dynamic coach at the helm.

Prediction

10-3

Highlights Set To Unfortunate Music

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDXFaWmVChg

--Ty

Throughout August, we will be counting down the top 25 teams (as listed here) going into the 2009 season. Today we bring it on down to Utahville, where we’ll take a look at the only program to go undefeated twice in the BCS era. Another fun fact:, Utah is the only state in the union to have their nickname centered around the production and storage of honey. I love honey. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Impressions

A case could be made that this has been the Offseason of Utah. You could also consider Lane Kiffin and Tennessee, but it seems like the Utah football program is a central theme in every BCS story and more (or less) importantly, every congressional college football hearing thus far during the offseason. 

Larger stories aside, Utah has done quite well for itself. Its recruiting base isn’t big, but through innovative coaching and steady player development, the Utes have been able to couple quality 7-9 win seasons with special seasons in which they’ve punched some huge teams square in the mouth. 

Utah shares the same ol’ problem that most teams in western states face: exposure. You can only draw so many conclusions without actually seeing games, which obviously can work for or (generally) against non-BCS conference teams with BCS aspirations. 

As a west coast football fan, very few things have been more satisfying to watch than Utah dismantling a pouting Alabama team in the Sugar Bowl. Do you hear that ringing? John Parker Wilson still does. 

Last Year

Undefeated. Plain and simple, Utah was the most important team of the 2008 college football team. 

For you nitpickers, there were some weaker parts of the 2008 season that a supposed national title contender shouldn’t have on their resumés. Only beating a terrible Michigan team by two is defensible given it was the first game of the year and it was on the road. Winning by three over a 4-win New Mexico team that fired their coach after the season is far less than impressive. Oregon State couldn’t close out a game at Utah with under a minute left and Utah promptly took advantage. It’s what great teams do. 

2008 = The Year of the Ute. 

People

Wait, where did everybody go? The Utes lose starting QB Brian Johnson to graduation (amongst unconfirmed rumors of an AC/DC tour), the three starting receivers, star DE Paul Kruger early to the draft, two starters on the OL, a rotation RB, a defensive tackle, and both starting corners. Kruger’s supposed weakside replacement, blue chip JC transfer James Aiono, also won’t be making it to the SLC until next season. 

The strength of the team looks to be the returning linebackers, led by OLB Stevenson Sylvester (I checked, it’s not backwards). It’ll be a season of opponents both attacking what should be a more conservative offensive attack and throwing against an inexperienced Ute secondary. 

On the coaching front, they lose offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, though some (ahem) may argue the validity of the term “loss” here. The good news is that the Utah head coach job appears to be a destination gig for Kyle Whittingham, which is always an advantage when your team is forced to swim against the current in a skewed system. 

This Year

They open with two wins against Utah State and San Jose State. SJSU has improved under Dick Tomey, but Utah should be able to get a win after USC toys with the Spartans the week before. As nice as it was to beat Oregon six years ago (and inspire the Ducks to move to the spread), Eugene doesn’t look to be pretty for a rebuilding team. 

Louisville is a winnable home game, Colorado State is a bowl team that could pose problems on the road. Frankly, a game at UNLV followed by three straight at home against Air Force, Wyoming, and New Mexico should all yield victories. 

The tail end of the schedule has the Utes on the road against TCU and BYU teams that can’t be terribly pleased about losing in Salt Lake City last year. There’s a small shot against TCU, but the Holy War at BYU won’t be pretty. 

Conclusion

The personnel losses are significant, but outside of three brutal road games at Oregon, TCU, and BYU, the Utes have a reasonable opportunity to minimize their fall from last season’s unprecedented grace. Breaking in new corners is never fun, but the passing in the Mountain West is essentially limited to Max Hall and BYU … though it is A LOT of passing. 

The Prediction

8-4

Highlights Set to Unfortunate Music

-Dan

Ty and Dan are joined by EA Sports NCAA 10 designer Russ Kiniry to talk about the creation of the video game, the tricks to playing defense, and the possibility of incorporating the Solid Verbal into next year’s game.  Plus, outstanding e-mails and a gripping re-enactment of southern sports radio.

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