NCAA 2009

[grumbler]

Hoo boy. It won't be Mizzou. The only one that totally makes sense is Notre Dame, but they won't join.

Actually, Pitt might kinda make sense as a rival for Penn State.

Agreed.   Doesn't add any markets, though.

Dunno if all this talk isn't just to stampede ND into joining, though.  While that would be ideal, ND needs the B10 more than vice-versa, and the B10 cannot wait on them forever. 

Remember when Texas was talking about joining the Big Ten?  Those were exciting days!  Other than the travel issues, that would have been pretty much ideal.  Texas is a Big Ten type of school.

[katmai]

Hey Berkie a few more tidbits about Locker staying

-- Sarkisian said Locker feels he has "unfinished work'' at UW and that was a major part of the factor. He also said the information about the length and success of the NFL careers of QBs who enter the draft early was a major factor in Locker's decision. He also said the success of the last two games was critical. "That painted a picture for him of where we are headed and what we are capable of doing,'' Sarkisian said.

-- He said Locker will have an insurance policy next season. Those are paid for by the family not the school

[sbr]

Hey Berkie a few more tidbits about Locker staying

-- Sarkisian said Locker feels he has "unfinished work'' at UW and that was a major part of the factor. He also said the information about the length and success of the NFL careers of QBs who enter the draft early was a major factor in Locker's decision. He also said the success of the last two games was critical. "That painted a picture for him of where we are headed and what we are capable of doing,'' Sarkisian said.

-- He said Locker will have an insurance policy next season. Those are paid for by the family not the school

I hate to see Locker come back as a Duck fan but it is the right decision.  There just aren't many successful QB who leave school early, I can't think of one except Aaron Rodgers.

[katmai]

Hey Berkie a few more tidbits about Locker staying

-- Sarkisian said Locker feels he has "unfinished work'' at UW and that was a major part of the factor. He also said the information about the length and success of the NFL careers of QBs who enter the draft early was a major factor in Locker's decision. He also said the success of the last two games was critical. "That painted a picture for him of where we are headed and what we are capable of doing,'' Sarkisian said.

-- He said Locker will have an insurance policy next season. Those are paid for by the family not the school

I hate to see Locker come back as a Duck fan but it is the right decision.  There just aren't many successful QB who leave school early, I can't think of one except Aaron Rodgers.

I'm sure the article by former Huskie QB Hugh Millen about the relative lack of success of junior QB's that ran in the Times last week didn't hurt.

[sbr]

Hey Berkie a few more tidbits about Locker staying

-- Sarkisian said Locker feels he has "unfinished work'' at UW and that was a major part of the factor. He also said the information about the length and success of the NFL careers of QBs who enter the draft early was a major factor in Locker's decision. He also said the success of the last two games was critical. "That painted a picture for him of where we are headed and what we are capable of doing,'' Sarkisian said.

-- He said Locker will have an insurance policy next season. Those are paid for by the family not the school

I hate to see Locker come back as a Duck fan but it is the right decision.  There just aren't many successful QB who leave school early, I can't think of one except Aaron Rodgers.

I'm sure the article by former Huskie QB Hugh Millen about the relative lack of success of junior QB's that ran in the Times last week didn't hurt.

I didn't see it; Seattle Times?

EDIT There is no Seattle Times is there?

[katmai]

I didn't see it; Seattle Times?

EDIT There is no Seattle Times is there?

Yah the Seattle Times....one sec i'll link it

Percentages say Jake Locker should return to Washington

Some 73 percent of high-profile quarterbacks leaving college early didn't succeed in NFL.

By Hugh Millen

Special to The Seattle Times

Hugh Millen, a former Washington quarterback, is an analyst at KJR Radio 950 and KCPQ TV. After being named MVP of the New England Patriots in 1991, he signed what was then the largest contract in club history. After 11 years in the NFL, he was the career completion percentage leader for the Patriots and the Denver Broncos.

Some day my grandchildren will ask me what I remember about Jake Locker. I will reply that watching him play football was nothing less than breathtaking. That he could run like Hugh McElhenny and throw like Warren Moon. That he was, simply, the most talented Washington football player I ever saw.

Whether dragging six defenders into the Boise State end zone or slamming a Notre Dame defender to the turf with a stiff-arm-gone-postal, the only thing that equaled Locker's talent was his ferocious competitiveness. And his character.

"But wait, Grampa," they'll interrupt, "tell us about his NFL career."

Before that narrative can be told, Locker has perhaps the decision of his life. I believe he has earned the right to set aside every Husky's desire for him to return and to act in the interests of himself and his family. Still, by doing so, the choice isn't the money grab of April's draft.

The choice is Washington.

When Locker announces his decision, we will learn how he prioritizes three values: 1) money; 2) the thrill of high-level quarterbacking; 3) the memories he takes and the legacy he leaves from his Washington experience.

And we will learn how he manages the risk of two threats — injury and failure.

Locker is projected to be a top-10 pick in this spring's draft after never having been even second-team All-Pac-10 because of his measurable talent and vast improvement in only one season under Steve Sarkisian. If the NFL is this mesmerized by his skill set, then it is almost inconceivable that a second year with Sarkisian would leave Locker unclaimed in 2011's first round.

Because a rookie wage scale would likely affect only the top 10 to 15 picks, a quarterback taken that year at No. 32 would still be slotted at about $12 million.

The injury potential takes two forms: career-ending and career-changing. Insurance can mitigate career-ending.

Sam Bradford's recent shoulder separation is the example many will use to advise juniors to leave school early. Yet history indicates that the Oklahoma QB's injury is both rare and surmountable. Of the 252 senior quarterbacks drafted in the last 20 years, CBSSportsline.com draft expert Rob Rang cites just 13 who suffered injuries as seniors. In all instances, the impact on draft status was minimal.

Recall that Miami running back Willis McGahee completely powdered his left knee, yet recovered to be the 23rd overall pick four months later. Bradford will see his payday.

Thus one near-certainty emerges: Regardless of when Locker elects to enter the NFL draft, he already has achieved what could be termed Stage 1 financial security.

That's an appropriate first objective for Locker, but the dizzying contracts granted today's top draftees is a whole different cut of meat. Stage 2 security in the form of $30 million guaranteed seems irresistible.

Stage 1 allows a football retiree to golf every day. Stage 2 allows him to fly his helicopter to the course. But attain Stage 3 wealth and he can buy his grandkids a fleet of choppers and a string of golf courses.

With their rich rookie contracts, Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb and Philip Rivers made sure they would never miss a meal. But their subsequent performance at young ages resulted in each of them signing contract extensions north of $100 million.

The 9.2 percent average annual increase in the NFL salary cap (9.6 percent last year) since it was instituted in 1994 is another factor. Applying that rate, if Locker were to duplicate Rivers' early career, his future would be as follows: fourth overall pick of the 2011 draft, one Pro Bowl and no Super Bowl. And in August 2016, on the eve of his sixth season, Locker would sign a seven-year, $183 million contract with $71 million guaranteed.

A vast fortune awaits Locker if he plays well.

Yet many junior quarterbacks who enter the NFL don't. Since 1980, only 27 percent of junior QBs drafted in the top 15 succeeded (see accompanying chart) while the success rate for top-15 seniors is 62 percent. The list of juniors is filled with conference players of the year and All-Americans. And that same list is filled with career backups and washouts. Players such as Tim Couch, Heath Shuler, Ryan Leaf, Andre Ware and Timm Rosenbach were all out of the league in four years or less.

Would those juniors have succeeded had they stayed one more year in college? Unknowable, of course, but a critical question Locker must ask himself: Will he be better prepared for the NFL with one more year at Washington?

Locker was prodigious in high school but constrained by the wing-T offense. His quarterback coach for his first three years at Washington was former collegiate running back Tim Lappano. Predictably, the timing and precision so vital to an effective passing game was never demanded. Seam routes completed 28 yards downfield during practice — when the depth should be 18 to 22 to beat the safety — would be greeted with a high-five for Locker and a comment from Lappano, "nice throw."

After two seasons Locker's completion percentage was below 50 percent and some analysts suggested he move to safety.

A year later, Locker's ascension has been astounding. But is he truly NFL-ready?

Locker will learn at the next level that it's sink or swim in a fast-moving river. His occasional scampers will put stress on a defense but he will make his living with his feet planted 5 yards behind the center. From there he will be asked to process information quickly, anticipate eye-blink openings in a defense and deliver the football accurately and consistently.

If it were easy, 73 percent of those juniors wouldn't fail.

If it's prudent to consider the Bradford example, then it isn't cynical to consider those juniors who failed.

And if Locker were to fail, I believe it would take a chunk out of him that his stockbroker could never fill.

When I watch Locker I wonder what, down even to the cellular level, makes his muscles fire so quickly. As mostly a journeyman backup, I seldom experienced the thrill of quarterbacking at peak-level. But it is intoxicating. With one decision, Locker can more than double his chances of experiencing that great thrill over a memorable pro career.

This gift he was given, he can now give back. Returning to Washington is an extraordinary opportunity for Jake Locker to give. To his teammates. To Husky Nation. But primarily to himself.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2010457556_lockerchart09.html

[sbr]

I didn't see it; Seattle Times?

EDIT There is no Seattle Times is there?

Yah the Seattle Times....one sec i'll link it

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2010457556_lockerchart09.html

[/quote]

Thanks.  That is a good article and matches my thoughts the last few years; I wonder how long until NFL GMs realize the same trends.

I didn't realize Ben Roethlisberger left school early too.

I think it is a bit unfair to Timm Rosenbach, his body gave out, had nothing to do with when he left school.

[katmai]

Yeah Rosenbach was decent ...for a Cougar.

[Valmy]

Remember when Texas was talking about joining the Big Ten?  Those were exciting days!  Other than the travel issues, that would have been pretty much ideal.  Texas is a Big Ten type of school.

Believe me it is the fondest wish of many of the alumni to be in the Big 10 or PAC 10 but unfortunately it is an impossibility.  For better or ill Texas' fortunes are tethered to the Big 12 indefinitely.

[CountDeMoney]

The only one that totally makes sense is Notre Dame, but they won't join.

That would be the only thing that would give ND any possible chance to return to national competitiveness.  Until then, they'll continue to be an overrated MAC team that plays the academies.

[jimmy olsen]

Hoo boy. It won't be Mizzou. The only one that totally makes sense is Notre Dame, but they won't join.

Actually, Pitt might kinda make sense as a rival for Penn State.

  Texas is a Big Ten type of school.

How so? Texas is actually good. (though evil)

[stjaba]

Idaho equals Pac-10 in AP All-American Output; SEC has 11 players

QB Colt McCoy (Texas)
RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford), Mark Ingram (Alabama)
WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Jordan Shipley (Texas)
T Russell Okung (Oklahoma State), Trent Williams (Oklahoma)
G Michael Johnson (Alabama), Mike Iupati (Idaho)
C J.D. Walton (Baylor)
TE Aaron Hernandez (Florida)
All-purpose player C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
K Leigh Tiffin (Alabama)
DE Jerry Hughes (TCU), Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)
DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Terrence Cody (Alabama)
LB Rolando McClain (Alabama), Greg Jones (Michigan State), Eric Norwood (South Carolina)
CB Joe Haden (Florida), Javier Arenas (Alabama)
S Earl Thomas (Texas), Eric Berry (Tennessee)
P Drew Butler (Georgia)

[Neil]

Yeah, but isn't the SEC incredibly overrated?

[katmai]

Yeah, but isn't the SEC incredibly overrated?

Well more than half of the 11 are from Alabama.

[sbr]

The Oregon State Beavers are close to an agreement to play TCU in the new Cowboy stadium to open next season.

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=126088489493742500

One more reason the Pac-10 is the best conference around.

• It's not a done deal, but it's going to happen. Oregon State and Texas Christian will square off next Sept. 4 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the 2010 season opener for both schools.

"We're still negotiating with ESPN, but I would hope in the next two weeks we'll be able to get this thing accomplished," Oregon State Athletic Director Bob De Carolis said Monday.

De Carolis was approached about a month ago by ESPN about doing the nationally televised game as part of the network's first Saturday coverage.

The game would replace Oregon State's scheduled opener with Eastern Washington. ESPN is helping find the Eagles another opponent.

"It's looking good, but there are still some things that need to come together," De Carolis says.

The game is attractive to Oregon State for several reasons.

One is money. The payout is at least $300,000, with the potential to reach nearly $1 million – the amount the school's athletic budget figures to be deficient for the 2009-10 academic year.

Two, it's a way for OSU stars James and Jacquizz Rodgers – who hail from Richmond, Texas, about a four-hour drive from Dallas – to play a college game in their home state.

Three, a victory over the Horned Frogs – 12-0 and ranked third in this week's Associated Press poll – would be one of the biggest in school history.

"If you're fortunate to pull off a win, you're in the national conversation," De Carolis says. "It also helps the players focus in getting ready for the season through the summer. I remember the focus before we opened at LSU" in 2004.

Oregon State lost that one 22-21 in overtime against the nation's No. 3-ranked team, the game in which Alexis Serna made his college debut by missing three extra points. The Beavers were that close to one of the biggest upsets in OSU athletic annals.

De Carolis consulted coach Mike Riley before beginning negotiations.

"We've wanted to take the Rodgers brothers back to Texas for a game before James graduates," Riley says. "This is our last chance to do that. Plus, I've always liked the big games, and it's a lifetime experience to play in that stadium. I said go for it."

It's a gamble. Oregon State has had a rash of early-season nonconference losses – many of them by lopsided counts – over the last six seasons. The Beavers' nonconference schedule will now include Louisville at home, a game at Boise State and what amounts to a home game for TCU.

Louisville was 4-8 this season and will have a new coach next season, former Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. Boise State is 13-0 and ranked No. 6. You know about TCU.

It will be one of the toughest schedules in the country and one of the most ambitious in Oregon State history, but it's worth it. The Beavers return 19 starters next season and shouldn't be blown out by any opponent. They'll gain much more by a close loss to TCU – which returns 18 starters from this year's team – than from a blowout victory over Eastern Washington.