Georgia Bulldogs: Texas Longhorns
The SEC and Big 12 announced an annual challenge on the basketball court, but colleague Edward Aschoff wondered what it would look like if that challenge extended to the football field.
There are already two games on the schedule this season -- between TCU and LSU, and Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. What else would I like to see?
Let me start by saying that renewing the Texas-Texas A&M and Missouri-Kansas rivalries are a given. I'm omitting those matchups, but I'd love to see them.
Let's get started:
Oklahoma State vs. Alabama: OSU narrowly missed out on playing for the national title back in 2011, and both are among their conference favorites again in 2013. When the BCS "snubbed" the Pokes after the 2011 regular season, OSU coach Mike Gundy half-jokingly suggested these two play for the right to play LSU in the title game. It would be fun to see this one finally played out on the field.
Baylor vs. LSU: Straight up offense vs. defense. That's the Big 12 vs. SEC debate at its heart. Baylor just might be the Big 12's best offense, and LSU will put together another strong defense. These are the matchups we want to see. The Big 12 has faltered on the big stage, helping the SEC stretch its run of national titles, but seeing Bryce Petty sling it around against an athletic defense would be a lot of fun.
Texas vs. Arkansas: Arkansas' exit from the Southwest Conference helped usher in the birth of the Big 12 after the SWC crumbled. Texas has bigger rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but these two played some of the greatest games in college football history, and as an Arkansas native, I've seen up close how much Razorbacks fans detest the Longhorns to this day. The result would be a great game and a hyped atmosphere.
TCU vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M fans take exception to the idea that TCU was an on-field "upgrade" over the Aggies in the Big 12. The Aggies largely struggled in the Big 12 after some early success and a Big 12 title under R.C. Slocum. Since leaving for the SEC, the Aggies have gone nowhere but up, and ended 2012 as the hottest team in college football. Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel has a Heisman Trophy. Could he shred the Frogs? Want to prove TCU is not an upgrade? Beat TCU on the field.
Kansas State vs. Florida: Kansas State is perpetually underrated and wins with a bunch of junior college guys, and high school players overlooked by major programs. Florida won big under Urban Meyer, but has been largely overrated since Meyer left and was whacked by Louisville to end 2012. The Gators would be suiting up an army of recruiting stars, but could Bill Snyder, the Manhattan Magician, grab a win for the Big 12?
There are already two games on the schedule this season -- between TCU and LSU, and Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. What else would I like to see?
Let me start by saying that renewing the Texas-Texas A&M and Missouri-Kansas rivalries are a given. I'm omitting those matchups, but I'd love to see them.
Let's get started:
Oklahoma State vs. Alabama: OSU narrowly missed out on playing for the national title back in 2011, and both are among their conference favorites again in 2013. When the BCS "snubbed" the Pokes after the 2011 regular season, OSU coach Mike Gundy half-jokingly suggested these two play for the right to play LSU in the title game. It would be fun to see this one finally played out on the field.
Baylor vs. LSU: Straight up offense vs. defense. That's the Big 12 vs. SEC debate at its heart. Baylor just might be the Big 12's best offense, and LSU will put together another strong defense. These are the matchups we want to see. The Big 12 has faltered on the big stage, helping the SEC stretch its run of national titles, but seeing Bryce Petty sling it around against an athletic defense would be a lot of fun.
Texas vs. Arkansas: Arkansas' exit from the Southwest Conference helped usher in the birth of the Big 12 after the SWC crumbled. Texas has bigger rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but these two played some of the greatest games in college football history, and as an Arkansas native, I've seen up close how much Razorbacks fans detest the Longhorns to this day. The result would be a great game and a hyped atmosphere.
TCU vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M fans take exception to the idea that TCU was an on-field "upgrade" over the Aggies in the Big 12. The Aggies largely struggled in the Big 12 after some early success and a Big 12 title under R.C. Slocum. Since leaving for the SEC, the Aggies have gone nowhere but up, and ended 2012 as the hottest team in college football. Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel has a Heisman Trophy. Could he shred the Frogs? Want to prove TCU is not an upgrade? Beat TCU on the field.
Kansas State vs. Florida: Kansas State is perpetually underrated and wins with a bunch of junior college guys, and high school players overlooked by major programs. Florida won big under Urban Meyer, but has been largely overrated since Meyer left and was whacked by Louisville to end 2012. The Gators would be suiting up an army of recruiting stars, but could Bill Snyder, the Manhattan Magician, grab a win for the Big 12?
Oklahoma vs. Georgia: Mark Richt and Bob Stoops have one big thing in common: Neither fan base truly appreciates what their coach has accomplished. Consider this an opportunity for both to quiet the hot-seat talk. It's been a lot more intense for Richt, who endured a 6-7 season back in 2010, but he's won the SEC East in each of the past two seasons. Stoops has averaged just over 10 wins a season at Oklahoma, and Richt has averaged just under 10 wins. Call this the "Underappreciated Bowl."
Elisha Shaw (Tucker, Ga./Tucker) already holds offers from Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and a handful of other big-time programs, so he wasn’t surprised to get a new offer on Monday.
He was surprised, however, that it came from Texas. The ESPN 150 defensive tackle met with Texas offensive line coach Stacy Searels on Monday and could look into checking out what the Longhorns have to offer this summer.
He was surprised, however, that it came from Texas. The ESPN 150 defensive tackle met with Texas offensive line coach Stacy Searels on Monday and could look into checking out what the Longhorns have to offer this summer.
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#BlueChipBattles: ESPN 150 release edition
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
12:49
PM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Student Sports, ESPN, ESPNSpeedy Noil, Adoree Jackson and Da'Shawn Hand are three of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2014.
: RecruitingNation summoned its writers from around the country to outline the recruiting battles for the ESPN 150's top 10 prospects.
Plus, rank the battles in SportsNation.
#TopFBMixtapes: Athlete mixtapes are all the rage in this highlight-crazed era of sports. We reached out to our Twitter followers to find out which 2014 football stars had the best highlight reels on YouTube, then had our staff rank and comment on the top submissions.
Tom Luginbill writes
: After talking to many coaches across the country and hearing their frustrations, here are their five biggest complaints about homemade highlight videos.
In this week’s Verbal Commitment, RecruitingNation reporters discuss the importance of junior days at places like Texas, Miami, Georgia and Florida. Listen here 
Taking a look at no-visit policies
February, 12, 2013
Feb 12
11:33
AM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Texas is joining the likes of Michigan, Oregon and Georgia Tech in instituting a no-visit policy for its commits. Is this hard-line stance a good idea for elite programs? RecruitingNation writer Mitch Sherman takes a look the trend.
Read the story here.
Read the story here.
Dawgs sixth in Way-Too-Early Top 25
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
1:41
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesAlabama, with three of the past four national titles, is No. 1 in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.There are still seven months before the start of the 2013 season, and the teams and their order figure to change frequently, but it's never too early to take a look at the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.
And with three national championships in the past four years, there's no reason to change the team that's on top. Georgia, with Aaron Murray and a potent offense returning, is No. 6.
Also see:
OT Tunsil surprises by adding a visit 
January, 5, 2013
Jan 5
4:57
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- It’s funny what can come from All-Star game weeks.
One minute a school isn’t even a blip on someone’s radar and the next, well, it's a blip that could grow into something much bigger.
Take ESPN 150 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), for example.
One minute a school isn’t even a blip on someone’s radar and the next, well, it's a blip that could grow into something much bigger.
Take ESPN 150 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), for example.
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U.S. Army Bowl: Monday notebook
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
8:51
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) isn’t big on speaking publicly. He’d rather let his game do the talking -- and it speaks volumes.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
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#BlueChipBattles: Dec. 21
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
5:29
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comReuben Foster (center) is torn between good friends Dee Liner (left) and Tray Matthews (right).No. 1 ILB Reuben Foster has voiced his desire to play with at least one of his SEC-bound friends next season. But will he follow Tray Matthews to Georgia or hook up with Dee Liner wherever the ESPN 150 DL settles? It remains to be seen, but the mystery surrounding his recruitment keeps Foster at the top of our #BlueChipBattles.
Each week, RecruitingNation summons its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day.
Here are this week's top battles
, and you can take a shot at ranking the top 10 recruiting battles on SportsNation.Texas tops in football profit, revenue
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
4:24
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
The University of Texas football program in 2011-12 generated the most revenue and highest profit among all programs, but the rest of the top 10 saw some changes. Michigan football replaced Penn State in second place with $14.8 million more in profits than in 2010-11.
Click through for the top 10 and the story from Kristi Dosh of ESPN Playbook.
Click through for the top 10 and the story from Kristi Dosh of ESPN Playbook.
Longhorns offer UGA juco commit Fluker
November, 25, 2012
11/25/12
8:31
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Shaquille Fluker (Meridian, Miss./East Mississippi Community College) has been committed to Georgia since August. He recently picked up an offer from another prominent program that could be enticing enough to warrant a trip to check them out.
“Texas offered me the week before Thanksgiving,” Fluker said. “It does not affect me much because I still want to stay in the SEC. Texas is a great school, but I do not know much about them, so I am thinking about taking an official there Dec. 7.”
Fluker, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety, is also thinking about taking an official visit to Georgia soon. He says his commitment to the Bulldogs remains solid.
“Texas offered me the week before Thanksgiving,” Fluker said. “It does not affect me much because I still want to stay in the SEC. Texas is a great school, but I do not know much about them, so I am thinking about taking an official there Dec. 7.”
Fluker, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety, is also thinking about taking an official visit to Georgia soon. He says his commitment to the Bulldogs remains solid.
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Naim Mustafaa takes official to Tennessee
October, 22, 2012
10/22/12
12:50
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
On Saturday, defensive end Naim Mustafaa (Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta) took his first official visit -- not to the University of Georgia where he has been committed since June -- but to Tennessee. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior was excited to see the Volunteers' defensive coordinator in action for the first time.
"I have been there a few times, but I have not been able to see Coach Sal [Sunseri] in an actual game," Mustafaa said. "I love Coach Sal and how intense he is and I also love their stands and their stadium."
The day before his official to Tennessee began, Mustafaa was on the phone with his recruiter of record for Georgia. As the two talked, Mustafaa says there was no sense of worry on the other line.
"I have been there a few times, but I have not been able to see Coach Sal [Sunseri] in an actual game," Mustafaa said. "I love Coach Sal and how intense he is and I also love their stands and their stadium."
The day before his official to Tennessee began, Mustafaa was on the phone with his recruiter of record for Georgia. As the two talked, Mustafaa says there was no sense of worry on the other line.
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ESPN 150 offensive lineman Tyrone Crowder (Rockingham, N.C./Richmond) would love to be able to get his recruitment over with as soon as possible. But unfortunately, he has not been able to fit any of his official visits into his schedule during his senior season. The 6-foot-2, 325-pound senior acknowledged his decision might not be made until signing day, depending on how quickly he can get his visits done.
The four-star prospect says two key factors stand out right now, with location not being one of them.
“A great coaching staff and a nice campus lifestyle,” Crowder said. “My family tells me that distance does not matter when it comes to me trying to achieve my goals.”
The four-star prospect says two key factors stand out right now, with location not being one of them.
“A great coaching staff and a nice campus lifestyle,” Crowder said. “My family tells me that distance does not matter when it comes to me trying to achieve my goals.”
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SEC surpasses Big 12 as No. 1 rated league
October, 9, 2012
10/09/12
9:45
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
The Big 12's held on all season, but the SEC finally passed it for the No. 1 spot in the ESPN Stats & Info Conference Power Rankings.
The Big 12 still has the No. 1 spot in the computer polls, but the Big 12 took a hit in the human polls after just four Big 12 teams showed up in Sunday's AP rankings. The SEC took the lead by a full point after steadily creeping up on the Big 12 since the rankings debuted.
What was the biggest factor for the move? From the Stats & Info Blog:
It's going to be a tight race all season, but for now, the SEC's pulled ahead by a nose.
The Big 12 still has the No. 1 spot in the computer polls, but the Big 12 took a hit in the human polls after just four Big 12 teams showed up in Sunday's AP rankings. The SEC took the lead by a full point after steadily creeping up on the Big 12 since the rankings debuted.
What was the biggest factor for the move? From the Stats & Info Blog:
Losses by Top-5 teams LSU and Georgia did not impact the SEC’s conference ranking because they lost to teams that were also in the Top 10.
On the other hand, losses by TCU and Texas Tech impacted the Big 12 in the rankings since they lost to teams with worse records entering the game.
The computers still favor the Big 12 over the SEC due to the depth of the conference, but the gap has narrowed. The SEC’s dominance in the polls has vaulted the conference into first place for the first time since the final conference power rankings of the 2011 season.
It's going to be a tight race all season, but for now, the SEC's pulled ahead by a nose.
College GameDay's Kirk Herbstreit went on Mike & Mike to cover LSU-Florida, West Virginia-Texas, Geno Smith, Georgia-South Carolina, Miami-Notre Dame, Northwestern-Penn State and Michigan-Purdue. Listen here
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