Yum. Call me.The University of North Texas fired head football coach Todd Dodge after three and a half years. His record -- 6-37 -- is shocking to see. You knew they'd struggled, but that record leaves me slackjawed.
Dodge was brought in to win. The days of Darryl Dickey's heyday were done after that New Orleans bowl. I think the evolution to the spread hurt them, as North Texas was noted for its stud running backs. They never evolved.
Dodge was supposed to turn the tide and he didn't. They stunk. They were bad. Dodge's tenure at North Texas is no different than when Steve Spurrier or Nick Saban went to the NFL. It's a different game, a different world. Dodge was overmatched. It's disappointing that Dodge did not respond to the Dallas Morning News reporter to give some kind of response. It sucks, but he's a local hero.
I think any high school would kill to have him.
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In other news, TCU head coach Gary Patterson was put under the microscope after it came out that he berated a team doctor for disallowing Ed Wesley, the star running back, from re-entering the game after being knocked.
Two things: 1) This berating was caught on camera and 2) being so callous about concussions these days ain't cool.
Apparently, it happened during the SMU game --one that was surprisingly close -- and Wesley was out and the doctor, Dr. Sam Haraldson, wasn't letting him back in.
TV cameras caught the yelling, but this week Dr. Haraldson was interviewed on a website and he detailed the controversy.
The doctor's come out now and said it was a misunderstanding. Patterson's done the same.
The thing is, the university can't fire the doctor, even if they really wanted to. It also brings to light the reality that coaches could give a shit about concussions. They'll say the right thing in front of the cameras, but they want their guys out there and if that means lying to a doctor, then so be it.
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The games:
Oklahoma (6-0, 2-0) vs. Missouri (6-0, 2-0)
Interesting game. At night, in Columbia. ABC's game of the week. The Sooners are good, but Mizzou's under the radar. They're 18th in the nation despite an undefeated record. They've beat San Diego State, Illinois, Texas A&M and Colorado. OK. That's not as impressive as it would appear ... in 1994. Still, four solid wins. They've allowed seven total touchdowns. They've allowed more than 20 points just once. A big challenge for Mizzou. They get on the map with a win.
Nebraska (5-1, 1-1) vs. Oklahoma State (6-0, 2-0)
The Cornhuskers showed their ass last week against Texas. That offense is too one-sided to be effective against a good defense. Oklahoma State doesn't have a good defense. Mistakes cost Nebraska more than anything against Texas. If they turn the ball over some more, they'll lose to Oklahoma State in Stillwater. They need to be near perfect.
Air Force (5-2, 3-1) vs. TCU (6-0, 2-0)
TCU's allowed a field goal. TCU defense punishes one-dimensional offenses. Especially at home.
Kansas State (5-1, 2-1) vs. Baylor (5-2, 2-1)
Baylor (and K-State, for that matter) becomes bowl eligible with a win. This will be a good test for both. I think it's common knowledge that neither are as good as their records indicate, but both could beat a good team on a good day.
Texas Tech (3-3, 1-3) vs. Colorado (3-3, 0-2)
The Buffs are at home where they've beaten Georgia and Hawaii. Still, they can't stop anyone and they can't score. A big game for both schools if they're seeking a bowl berth.
Texas A&M (3-3, 0-2) vs. Kansas (2-4, 0-2)
In theory, A&M is the better team. Kansas is frisky, at best. A&M is not a total disaster, at best. What an awful game. A&M has to win or Mike Sherman might be jobless in College Station.
Houston (3-3, 2-1) vs. SMU (4-3, 3-0)
Houston -- no matter if my dad is the starting quarterback -- scares me. Even on the road with no Case Keenum. SMU's lost to every good team they've played. Need a win at home.
Iowa State (3-4, 1-2) vs. Texas (4-2, 2-1)
A "down" year for Texas is better than any "up" year for Iowa State.
SFA (5-1, 2-0) vs. Sam Houston State (4-2, 2-0)
Rivalry game on the road for the Lumberjacks. A week after struggling against Central Arkansas, SFA's gonna have to bring it against the other good team in the Southland Conference.
