tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79205294354440527292024-03-12T23:09:18.455-04:00CFBLiveCFBLive is a group of independent writers and researchers that provide unique rankings for College Football. CFBLive has partnered with the former founders at FBFans.com for statistical analysis and sports research.<b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-60569336415007959892011-06-24T09:30:00.002-04:002011-06-24T10:42:42.772-04:002010-11 NCAA Football Family Atmosphere Rankings<table width="220" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" align=right><caption> </caption>
<tr> <td><div align="center"><img src="http://media.nj.com/star-ledger/photo/8970705-large.jpg" alt="Greg Schiano" width="200" /></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td><div align="center"><b>Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano with Eric LeGrand's mother. </b></div></td> </tr>
</table>The fourth release of College Football Live’s! Family Atmosphere Awards recognizes a new program at the top of the list. This year’s top program encouraged team unity, supported academics, exhibited loyalty, and prepared athletes for a life after football. They also lost their final six games of the season proving winning isn’t a requisite for fostering a football family atmosphere.<br />
<br />
There was more movement in the Top 10 than previous years. Programs like Texas, Ohio State and Georgia tumbled out of the rankings, while programs like Iowa made their first appearances.<br />
<br />
It’s hard not to respect the examples set by University of Texas Head Coach Mack Brown. He is charitable off the field and leads with integrity, but the UT Administration doesn’t believe in family when it comes to the Big Twelve Conference. The Longhorns will tear apart the Big Twelve Family if it suits the bottom line, just ask Nebraska.<br />
<br />
No program tumbled from glory more than Ohio State. Few people will argue that Jim Tressell doesn’t have good intentions, but his lack of leadership left fans feeling empty.<br />
<br />
In a season where controversy and poor judgment from coaching staffs was the norm, there are staffs that deserve credit for fostering unity, leadership and academic success. Most of these programs are even winners on the field.<br />
<br />
College Football Live! recognizes programs that provide student-athletes supervision, generate loyalty, inspire team unity, and infuse integrity. College Football Live! spent the last year collecting and maintaining a database of positive examples and incidents that demonstrate Football Family Atmosphere traits.<br />
<br />
Our panel of experts from across the country conducted independent searches, and researched as many examples as possible before voting on this year’s Football Family Atmosphere Awards. We use the previous year’s list as a guide, but the majority of voting is based on events in the 2010-11 season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>2010-11 TOP FAMILY ATMOSPHERE PROGRAMS</h3>Programs going through coaching changes this year were not eligible for this list. Most of the programs listed below have had the core coaching staff in place for two or more years. Data for determining the top programs was collected after January 2009.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/rrd.gif align=left><b>1. RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Greg Schiano<br />
2010 Ranking; #3 <br />
2009 Ranking: #6<br />
<br />
Greg Schiano has a long list of Humanitarian Awards and blends tough love with a soft side to lead his Scarlet Knights. Schiano cares about winning, but he cares more about the well-being of his athletes. The Athletic Program and Rutgers Community rallied around injured Defensive Tackle Eric LeGrand. Although he’s not on the field, LeGrand will forever be a part of the program, and the Coaches and Administration have made his recovery a priority.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/vvd.gif align=left><b>2. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES</b><br />
Head of the Family: Frank Beamer<br />
2010 Ranking; #7<br />
2009 Ranking: #7<br />
<br />
This is the highest we’ve ranked Head Coach Frank Beamer’s program. Beamer’s team had a shaky start, but it’s a testament to the strength of his staff and athletes that they could finish with 11 straight wins after an emotional loss to Boise State and a shocking loss to James Madison. Beamer’s staff is a loyal crew, and their athletes were a reflection of them in 2010.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/oof.gif align=left><b>3. OREGON STATE BEAVERS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Mike Riley<br />
2010 Ranking; #1<br />
2009 Ranking: #1<br />
<br />
Oregon State isn’t number one this year, but nobody is more respected by his head coaching peers than Mike Riley. He continues to develop great athletes and individuals that are grateful for his guidance on and off the field. The Beavers continue to be among the cleanest programs in the country according to the Sports Illustrated feature ‘College Football and Crime’ and they boasted academic success finishing behind only Stanford on the Pac-10 All-Academic Team.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/nna.gif align=left><b>4. NAVY MIDSHIPMEN</b><br />
Head of the Family: Ken Niumatalolo<br />
2010 Ranking; #11<br />
2009 Ranking: #NR<br />
<br />
What Niumatalolo does not do is promote himself. He's a soft-spoken man who puts faith and family before football but still has been able to win consistently with a program that operates at a tremendous recruiting disadvantage compared with most other Division I teams. He has already secured his third straight eight-win season and has been named a semifinalist for the first annual Joseph V. Paterno Coach of the Year Award.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/bbe.gif align=left><b>5. BOISE STATE BRONCOS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Chris Petersen<br />
2010 Ranking; #5<br />
2009 Ranking: #NR<br />
<br />
There aren’t many programs that have as tight a family as Chris Peterson. The Boise State Head Coach makes it a priority as soon as the season is complete. “One of the priorities of the winter and spring is to build that family atmosphere and feeling of working with each other”. <br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/ppb.gif align=left><b>6. PENN STATE NINTANY LIONS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Joe Paterno<br />
2010 Ranking; #6<br />
2009 Ranking: #2<br />
<br />
Despite having a close-knit reputation Joe Paterno’s program has been a magnet for off-field issues, and their figure head’s role is diminishing. Penn State’s drop in the Family Atmosphere Rankings reflects the issues, but if any program on this list deserves the Lifetime Achievement Award it’s Penn State. <br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/tta.gif align=left><b>7. TCU HORNED FROGS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Gary Patterson<br />
2010 Ranking; #NR<br />
2009 Ranking: #NR<br />
<br />
Gary Patterson’s program is the new face of Family Atmosphere in the Lone Star State. Patterson is a class act, produces high graduation rates, and handles himself with integrity on and off camera. “I want to teach my guys that every day they have to get up because the world is hard. Not just the football game; the <i>world</i> is hard. Athletes simply leave his program as better individuals and win a lot of games.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/mmm.gif align=left><b>8. MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE BLUE RAIDERS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Rick Stockstill<br />
2010 Ranking; #9<br />
2009 Ranking: #NR<br />
<br />
Rick Stockstill oozes loyalty and paternal instincts. He’s had offers for more money to coach in stronger conferences, but he’s on a mission at Middle Tennessee State. Former players rave, “He is honest and treats you like a son”. Even Stockstill admits, “I just feel like I'm impacting these kids' lives and I feel like I'm having a positive effect on them. So the money will come. But that stuff does not drive me."<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/bbi.gif align=left><b>9. BYU COUGARS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Bronco Mendenhall<br />
2010 Ranking; #NR<br />
2009 Ranking: #NR<br />
<br />
How many coaches can say they were carried off the field by their team last year? After a dismal start the team won five or their last six games. Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall summed up the family bond at BYU, "Myself and this team ... we have just formed a very unique bond, and I won't ever forget it." BYU’s strict Code of Conduct should be worth something in College Football’s chaos.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/aar.gif align=left><b>10. AUBURN TIGERS</b><br />
Head of the Family: Gene Chizik<br />
2010 Ranking; #NR<br />
2009 Ranking: #NR<br />
<br />
No program in 2010 did more on the list to build a football family atmosphere than Gene Chizik. ESPN suggested Chizik borrowed a page from Texas Head Coach Mack Brown, and that formula works. Auburn made it official with a 2-day “Big Cat Weekend” in May that created a unique feeling among 20 recruits and sold that college town family feeling. The rest of the season saw the athletes bond and achieve the ultimate goal.<br />
<br />
<br />
H O N O R A B L E - M E N T I O N<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/wwa.gif align=left><b>11. WAKE FOREST</b>: Jim Grobe uses Reaganomics to reach his players. Grobes staff is instructed to lead by example and provide a fair and inspiring environment within the athletic facilities at Wake Forest. This trickle down method is passed from class to class, and there are few programs with a tighter knit team than Grobe’s staff. It doesn’t hurt that Grobe has boxes full of Humanitarian Awards.<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/iig.gif align=left><b>12. IOWA HAWKEYES:</b> There aren’t many compliments better than a comparison to Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno, but that’s the company with whom Kirk Ferentz is bundled. In terms of longevity, both coaches have been at their respective schools longer than any other Big Ten coaches. Ferentz’s offensive and defensive coordinators have remained the same since his arrival, and Ferentz recently signed an extension to stay in Iowa through 2020 signifying a family that will stay together for much longer. Iowa would have finished higher if their roster didn’t have the most athletes charged with crimes according to SI. <br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/tts_2.gif align=left><b>13. TULANE</b>: Few programs graduate a higher percentage of athletes and promote a stronger family atmosphere than Tulane Head Coach Chris Scelfo and his staff. His philosophy sounds simple, but it’s effective. "As a college coach, you're involved in every aspect of a student's life. As a coaching staff, our goal is to make sure we give each player the support he needs to be successful, academically, athletically and spiritually."<br />
<br />
<img src=http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/20080123/80x60/nnd.gif align=left><b>14. NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS</b>: Bo Pelini earned a reputation this year as an emotional coach who gets carried away with referees and at times his players. He still cares about his Husker family – a lot. The Husker Staff has rebuilt the Nebraska Family that was undermined after Tom Osborne left his post. It’s an attitude that has persisted since the Husker program was just a kernalkernel, and if they hadn’t divorced their abusive Big Twelve Family they would rank higher this year. The Big Ten is a much happier family so NU will thrive.<b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-56413107137615287112010-01-27T20:17:00.001-05:002010-01-27T20:17:56.489-05:002009-10 NCAA Football Family Atmosphere Rankings<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/S2DhWg0JNHI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/yZbfmgeRk9E/s1600-h/MikeRiley200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/S2DhWg0JNHI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/yZbfmgeRk9E/s320/MikeRiley200x300.jpg" /></a>This is the third release of <i>College Football Live’s!</i> Family Atmosphere Awards. The Awards recognize programs that encourage team unity, support academics, exhibit loyalty, and prepare athletes for a life after football. <br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Countless modern day coaches subscribe to a win-at-all-costs philosophy, sacrificing the guidance that gives student-athletes an advantage after college football. However, winning football games and creating a family atmosphere aren’t mutually exclusive. Most programs on our list are winners in every sense of the word, and ultimately their student-athletes have the most gratifying experiences.<br />
</div><br />
Money, egos, and poor decisions can derail the Football Family Atmosphere. Unfortunately, this year featured more dysfunctional families than usual. Mike Leach and Mark Mangino didn’t receive many ‘Coach of the Year’ votes, and Lane Kiffin bolted in the night after one year on the job.<br />
<br />
While negative headlines captured the media attention, there were more than a dozen programs and coaches developing their athletes for football and beyond.<br />
<br />
We’ve recognized the programs that provide student-athletes leadership, loyalty, team unity, and integrity. <i>College Football Live!</i> spent the last year collecting and maintaining a database of positive examples and incidents that demonstrate Football Family Atmosphere traits.<br />
<br />
Our panel of experts from across the country conducted independent searches, and researched as many examples as possible before voting on this year’s Football Family Atmosphere Awards. We use the previous year’s list as a guide, but the majority of voting is based on events in the 2009-10 season.<br />
<br />
<b>2009-10 TOP FAMILY ATMOSPHERE PROGRAMS</b><br />
<i>Programs going through coaching changes this year were not eligible for this list. Most of the programs listed below have had the core coaching staff in place for two or more years. Data for determining the top programs was collected after January 2009.</i><br />
<br />
1. <b>OREGON STATE BEAVERS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/ORST.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Mike Riley<br />
2009 Ranking; #1<br />
2008 Ranking: #1<br />
<br />
Even the powerful Southern California Cartel wasn’t able to pull apart the 2009 Beaver Football Family. Head Coach Mike Riley reportedly rejected overtures from USC in order to finish what he’s started in Corvallis, OR. Riley’s staff is equally loyal and has stayed together despite interest from other programs. The Beavers epitomized a football family with five sets of brothers on the roster (most in NCAA football). The direct family ties illustrate that Corvallis has become a football hotbed where players are happy and willing to advocate the program to their siblings.<br />
<br />
2. <b>TEXAS LONGHORNS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/TX.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Mack Brown<br />
2009 Ranking; #2<br />
2008 Ranking: #3<br />
<br />
Head Coach Mack Brown battles a packed schedule and still finds time to include charities such as his Mack Brown’s Women’s Clinic. Some of Brown’s biggest supporters admit he wasn’t a natural role model when he came to Texas in 1998. He’s adapted and evolved his style, and uses his position to guide his athletes and assist those that have nothing to do with football. He understands there’s more to life than football. Brown preaches to his players that their football accomplishments should only be springboards, and that the lessons they learn at Texas should propel them toward better things when the games are over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/S2DhlaR7AgI/AAAAAAAAAFY/6Kjts9rkEsc/s1600-h/GregSchiano200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/S2DhlaR7AgI/AAAAAAAAAFY/6Kjts9rkEsc/s320/GregSchiano200x300.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>3. <b>RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/RUT.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Greg Schiano<br />
2009 Ranking; #2<br />
2008 Ranking: #6<br />
<br />
Greg Schiano is a former winner of the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, given to the coach who best demonstrates sportsmanship, integrity and responsibility on and off the field. This year he was the recipient of a humanitarian award for supporting the Deborah Heart and Lung Center and its ongoing charitable mission. Accolades aside, Schiano continues to develop all players on his roster without giving preferential treatment. Rutgers athletes learn to lean on each other and cliques that are found in other programs rarely develop under Schiano. Despite his caring reputation, Schiano totes around a hard side when athletes need focus.<br />
<br />
4. <b>OHIO STATE BUCKEYES</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/OHST.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Jim Tressel<br />
2009 Ranking: #3<br />
2008 Ranking: #11<br />
<br />
Head Coach Jim Tressel’s approach to creating a Football Family is different than most modern day coaches. He invests in his athletes and expects them to be successful on and off the field. While other coaches measure their success by their salary, Tressel actually <i>requested</i> that part of his paycheck be tied to the success of his athletes’ grades and graduation rates. Tressel is a throwback coach who is popular with his staff and players.<br />
<br />
5. <b>BOISE STATE BRONCOS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/BST.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Chris Peterson<br />
2009 Ranking: #4<br />
2008 Ranking: not ranked<br />
<br />
The Broncos Family Atmosphere begins with bonding, and usually center around activities that aren’t related to football. Head Coach Chris Peterson is a master at taking individuals and molding them into a unified team that achieves beyond expectations. Peterson explained his secret to success, “To me, team building is as important as anything we do, and we probably do something every day.” This year Peterson organized home-run derbies with tennis equipment, a chili cook off, rafting trips, and many other activities. To drive the point home freshman Chris Roberson admitted, "I've never heard family preached so much in my entire life.”<br />
<br />
6. <b>PENN STATE NINTANY LIONS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/PSU.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Joe Paterno<br />
2009 Ranking: #5<br />
2008 Ranking: #2<br />
<br />
Head Coach Joe Paterno is the Grandfather of the country’s Football Families. He implements tried-and-true principles to lead his program based on equity and discipline. In 2009 his athletes were among the leaders in community service and graduation rates. Paterno’s philosophy on teamwork is explained by his now famous statement, “The name on the front of the jersey is what really matters, not the name on the back.” The Nintany Lions are also bolstered by the leadership and discipline of defensive coordinator Tom Bradley. The only downside to the Nintany Lion Family is numerous suspensions over off-field incidents.<br />
<br />
7. <b>VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/VATECH.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Frank Beamer<br />
2009 Ranking: #6<br />
2008 Ranking: #7<br />
<br />
The second half of the decade was dramatic for Virginia Tech's Head Coach Frank Beamer. He endured the on-campus shootings in 2007, watched Michael Vick’s fall from grace, and finally cut the cord with the younger Vick after a series of embarrassing issues both on and off the field. Through it all, Beamer’s sterling reputation among his athletes and other coaches validates his place on the list. This year the team rallied around Beamer en route to a 10-3 season and a bowl victory over Tennessee.<br />
<br />
8. <b>NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/NE.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Bo Pelini<br />
2009 Ranking: #7<br />
2008 Ranking: #10<br />
<br />
The Cornerhusker Family has become stronger under the guidance of Head Coach Bo Pelini. There is a special bond among current and former athletes in Lincoln, NE. Former players return to volunteer their time at camps and charitable events. The statement “Once a Cornhusker, Always a Cornhusker” rings true. Pelini isn’t shy about motivating current athletes either. It’s not uncommon for his players to find cue cards with specific quotes in their lockers. These messages offer focus and direction. Pelini’s intense personality keeps his players motivated on and off the field.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/S2DhuMYGFSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/JHnKQ8eD-NM/s1600-h/RickStockstill200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/S2DhuMYGFSI/AAAAAAAAAFg/JHnKQ8eD-NM/s320/RickStockstill200x300.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">9. <b>MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE BLUE RAIDERS</b><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/MITNST.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Rick Stockstill<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2009 Ranking: #8<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2008 Ranking: Not Ranked<br />
</div><br />
Few teams are more united in support of their staff than Middle Tennessee State. Head Coach Rick Stockstill leads his Blue Raider flock through words and backs them up with actions. After stating his long-term plan at Middle Tennessee, Stockstill found himself with several job interviews and head coaching offers. Other coaches in the great state of Tennessee broke promises and left their Football Family before their goals were accomplished. That’s not Stockstill’s style. He entertained potential promotions at East Carolina and Memphis and politely passed on the opportunities. Close friends admit it was out of honor and commitment to his Blue Raider family.<br />
<br />
10. <b>GEORGIA BULLDOGS</b><br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/GA.gif" width="80" />Head of the Family: Mark Richt<br />
2009 Ranking: #9<br />
2008 Ranking: #5<br />
<br />
Mark Richt uses integrity to guide his athletes, but the Bulldogs behavior off the field has slipped over the last two years. Few coaches are more adamant about the way they run their program, and Richt will tell anyone who listens that he instructs athletes, “To work hard, put the team first and have a very strong respect for authority and people around them.” While the message is clear, his athletes have still found ways to earn suspensions. Richt reportedly lowered his tolerance for off-field issues and had fewer problems during this season. Richt still creates a team bond that is surpassed by few programs.<br />
<br />
H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/NAVY.gif" width="80" />11. <b>NAVY MIDSHIPMEN</b><br />
Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the Family Atmosphere Awards is Ken Niumatalolo and the football program at Navy. Niumatalolo’s Football Family has an advantage because his athletes are located at an Academy already entrenched with camaraderie and honor. Niumatalolo incorporates integrity, character, and a strong work ethic into his coaching. Building leaders is a personal goal. "I love the leadership part of it, and hopefully helping them grow as men, as husbands, as fathers, as leaders in the Navy and the Marine Corps. Anyone can teach people football.”<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/WF.gif" width="80" />12. <b>WAKE FOREST</b>: Too many coaches need to feed their egos. Head coach Jim Grobe isn’t one of them. Throughout the years, Grobe’s contagious philosophy is passed to his assistants. They feel their program should be models for children in the stands and students on campus. Grobe believes in two traits that his players should respect: responsibility and accountability. It’s no wonder he’s often on the list for both coaching and humanitarian awards. <br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/UT.gif" width="80" />13. <b>UTAH</b>: Most head coaches are born leaders, but Utah’s Kyle Whittingham has the papers to prove it. He earned a Master’s degree in “Leadership”. Whittingham’s personality may not exude warmth, but he creates an environment where his athletes want to make each other better. Whittingham pulls from his internal beliefs to build an environment where every athlete is given an opportunity to succeed, and no player is left behind whether they are highly recruited or walk-on. Visiting recruits comment on the Family Atmosphere and lack of egos.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/MS.gif" width="80" />14. <b>OLE MISS</b>: Houston Nutt continues to create a family atmosphere by employing a coaching staff that believes players should be treated like their sons and held accountable for their actions. This feeling extends to recruiting visits. When the coaching staff makes in-home visits, the student-athletes identify the Family Atmosphere as a feeling from their first impression.<br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/MIA.gif" width="80" />15. <b>MIAMI</b>: Yes, we were just as shocked as you to see the Miami Hurricanes make Honorable Mention. This Football Family has re-invented itself over the last three years under the guidance of Head Coach Randy Shannon. Shannon recruits athletes that want to be coached, and he’s been successful on many levels. Randy Phillips, who once personified the thug image with dreadlocks and a gold grill, changed his attitude, outlook, and appearance. Why? Phillips did it because Shannon inspired him.<b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com76tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-46403448035912413362009-08-21T11:08:00.008-04:002009-08-21T12:10:06.257-04:00CFBLive! Fan Ranking Index<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/So6-OWNtg8I/AAAAAAAAAFI/kj5GuS74GN8/s1600-h/FloridaFans300x200.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372440559190115266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/So6-OWNtg8I/AAAAAAAAAFI/kj5GuS74GN8/s400/FloridaFans300x200.jpg" /></a> <div>This is the ninth year in a row that CFBLive! and FBFans have pooled resources and created the Fan Ranking Index. We’ve done the research and crunched the numbers, and there was significant movement throughout the rankings in 2008-2009.<br /><br />Gator fans climbed into the top place on the index this year, and their fans had plenty of reasons to cheer. Penn State, Oklahoma, and Texas made the largest jumps within the Top 25. It’s no surprise that these programs all performed well. Their teams gave them a reason to cheer and travel, and all three programs have accomplished alumni centers. </div><div><table width="228" border="1" cellspacing="4" cellpadding="4" align="right"> <tr> <td> <table width="218" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" align="center"> <tr> <td colspan="2"><b><font color="#000066">CONFERENCE RATINGS</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="70%"><b><font color="#000066">Conference</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">Points</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066"> SEC</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">90.29</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Big Ten</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">88.23</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Big 12</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">87.99</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">ACC</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">85.42</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Pac 10</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">85.05</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Big East</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">83.91</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Mountain West</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">80.03</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">WAC</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">77.92</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Conference USA</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">77.23</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Sun Belt</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">74.03</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td><b><font color="#000066">Mid-American</font></b></td> <td align="center"><b><font color="#000066">73.13</font></b></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr></table></div><div>While neither program showed up in the Top 50, Temple fans made the largest drop mostly due to attendance figures (31 spots) and Ball State fans climbed 17 spots due to a strong season.<br /><br />The best fans outside the major conferences were Notre Dame followers. They led the way for three programs in the west: BYU, Utah, and Boise State. The latter programs are establishing themselves for years to come.<br /><br />Overall the fan bases in the SEC, Big Ten, and Big Twelve dominate the index. The ACC struggled this year and the Pac-10 held steady. The Big East has the most variance. Mountain West fans were the only non-major conference to achieve an average ranking of over 80 points.<br /><br />Many readers are interested in the formulas we use for the Index. We combine categories based on objective and subjective rankings. Only the Top Fifty programs are displayed. If you would like to know where other programs are ranked or see programs listed by conference you can make a request in the comments section.<br /><br /><strong>Attendance</strong>: (Sell-Outs and Capacity): This category considers the capacity of the stadium though most of the points are awarded based on how close the fans come to filling it. The formula rewards fans that sell out their stadiums.<br /><br /><strong>Noise Production</strong>: Fan Noise gauges the level of disruption and intimidation caused by fans during the game. This is not necessarily based on crowd size, so large stadiums with thousands of mellow fans will not rate as high as a smaller stadium with more exuberant fans. Stadiums with student sections located at mid-field and close to the action are given higher ratings. This year home winning percentage is taken into considering as a bonus.<br /><br /><strong>Loyalty</strong>: (Reputation & Sportsmanship) Even when the home team is in a slump, the loyal fans still come out to support them. Faithful fans remain until the clock runs to zero, and you rarely see them file out of the facilities at halftime. This has historical influence, but it's also based on the current and past season. Spring game attendance is another objective measurement value for loyalty.<br /><br /><strong>Travel</strong>: This is measured by the willingness of fans to travel during the regular and post season to show support for their beloved team. If fans have to travel greater distances to play opponents then this is taken into consideration as well. Selling out travel allotments is also a good measuring tool. Tailgating and game day atmosphere are taken into consideration here.<br /><br />* This year Merchandising was removed from the formula because those figures aren't released until the following year. The results often combine overall merchandise which includes basketball and other sports.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R9Ko0dg5XnI/AAAAAAAAAC0/lefFgOCNUlc/s1600-h/CFBFans-Small-Logo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175384541031390834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R9Ko0dg5XnI/AAAAAAAAAC0/lefFgOCNUlc/s320/CFBFans-Small-Logo.jpg" /></a>Feedback Appreciated: Your feedback is appreciated, especially when backed up with first hand accounts of stadium visits or facts/figures.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">2008-09 CFBLive! Fan Ranking Index</span></strong><br /></div><div><table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="436"><tbody><tr><td colspan="7"><b>TEAM RATINGS</b></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Fan Index</span></b></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Total</span></b></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Attendance</span></b></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Noise</span></b></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Loyalty</span></b></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Travel</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">#</span></td><td width="25%"><span style="font-size:78%;">Program</span></td><td width="14%" align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">100.00</span></b></td><td width="14%" align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">30.00</span></td><td width="14%" align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">30.00</span></td><td width="14%" align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">10.00</span></td><td width="14%" align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">10.00</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">1</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Florida</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.42</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.78</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.56</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.20</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Penn St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.30</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.61</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.06</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.13</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.50</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">3</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Ohio St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.10</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.59</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.06</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.58</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">4</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Louisiana St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.98</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.66</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.15</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.18</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">5</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Tennessee</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.92</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.45</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.90</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.83</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">6</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Alabama</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.90</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.78</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.17</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.13</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.83</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Oklahoma</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.08</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.03</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.50</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.68</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Michigan</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.05</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.15</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.65</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Nebraska</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.01</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.03</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.83</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.13</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.03</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">10</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Texas</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.71</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.58</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.98</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">11</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Georgia</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.50</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.80</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.08</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">12</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Auburn</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.47</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.01</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.02</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.58</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">13</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Texas A&M</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.41</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.81</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.08</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">14</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Wisconsin</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.37</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.66</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.19</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.90</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">15</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Virginia Tech</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">91.64</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.16</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.06</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.68</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">16</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Southern Cal</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">91.41</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.78</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.10</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">17</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Notre Dame</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">91.41</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.48</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.78</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">18</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">S. Carolina</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.87</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.77</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.08</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">19</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Michigan St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.17</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.91</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.99</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.13</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.15</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">20</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Clemson</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.06</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.03</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.45</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.38</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.20</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">21</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Iowa</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.06</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.41</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.90</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">22</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Florida St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">89.47</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.03</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.86</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.25</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.33</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Oregon</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">89.41</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.41</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.83</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.18</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">W. Virginia</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">89.41</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.16</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.95</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.13</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.18</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Arkansas</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.50</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.91</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.27</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.33</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">BYU</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.43</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.78</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.03</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Kansas</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.09</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.70</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.37</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.40</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">28</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Missouri</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.87</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.54</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.05</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">29</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Utah</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.72</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.29</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.15</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">30</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Kentucky</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.59</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.11</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.33</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">31</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Oregon St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.26</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.20</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.18</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">32</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Illinois</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.11</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.30</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.40</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">33</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Texas Tech</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.76</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.91</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.81</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.30</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">34</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Colorado</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.68</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.38</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.28</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">35</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Boston College</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.42</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.41</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.34</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.80</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">36</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Kansas St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.89</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.66</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.21</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.40</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">37</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Boise St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.84</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">22.04</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.05</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">38</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Washington</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.83</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.03</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.38</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.80</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">39</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Oklahoma St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.70</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.85</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.70</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">40</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">N. Carolina</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.58</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.16</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.35</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.33</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">41</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Mississippi</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.50</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.55</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.30</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">42</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">California</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.42</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.91</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.19</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.25</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.08</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">43</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Maryland</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.33</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.78</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.93</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">44</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Arizona St.</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.31</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.16</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.80</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.98</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">45</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Rutgers</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.23</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.91</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.02</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.68</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">46</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">UCLA</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.18</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.43</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.13</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.10</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">47</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Virginia</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.10</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.87</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.20</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">48</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Hawaii</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.05</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.03</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.04</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.10</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">49</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Louisville</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.03</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.28</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.53</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.60</span></td></tr><tr><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">50</span></td><td><span style="font-size:78%;">Purdue</span></td><td align="middle"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">85.01</span></b></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.41</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.83</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></td><td align="middle"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.78</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-11452293605113815672009-01-21T12:44:00.014-05:002009-01-22T01:40:24.863-05:002008-09 NCAA Football Family Atmosphere Rankings<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SXfRotkurhI/AAAAAAAAAEg/wTQt7O9BMjs/s1600-h/Riley200x300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293930384355929618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SXfRotkurhI/AAAAAAAAAEg/wTQt7O9BMjs/s400/Riley200x300.jpg" border="0" /></a>The top two spots remain the same in the second annual <em>CFBLive! Football Family Atmosphere Rankings</em>. The Football Family List becomes more dysfunctional beyond these paternal programs. Due to head coaching changes and academic penalties based on the APR (Academic Progress Rate), a host of programs disappeared while others made their debut.<br /><br />Recognition for building strong character and unity in student-athletes doesn’t have to come at the expense of winning. In fact, most of the programs in the 2008-2009 rankings reflect the best of both worlds. We’ve identified key elements to define the intrinsic family feeling created in college football.<br /><br />Family atmosphere begins with the head coach and his staff. Their guidance, integrity, and personality set the stage for their athletes and employees.<br /><br />The staff’s leadership bolsters individuals and teams, whether they are facing adversity or handling success. Using input from across the country, we’ve built a list of programs that foster family atmospheres.<br /><br />Family atmosphere plays a major role in an athlete’s integration with the school and team. This occurs during a time when young athletes are making the transition from home to college. In the end, the football family bond ensures teammates feel included, complete coursework, and aren’t distracted by acts that would otherwise get them grounded. Like any other family, these athletes are given the support to lead successful lives.<br /><br />Camaraderie shared between athletes can carry a program through challenging times, as evidenced by the many programs on this list that seem to get stronger as the season progresses. Athletes that build trust within one another are more likely to experience success and accomplish their goals.<br /><br />Recruiting student athletes with these values before they arrive on campus contributes to a healthy atmosphere. However, it’s athletes with troubled pasts that often reap the greatest rewards.<br /><br />Young student-athletes leaving home for the first time want a comfortable destination that can make their college transition easier. A well-adjusted athlete performs better in school and on the gridiron. This aspect is often overlooked within sports programs, yet it has a significant impact on the long term well being of both the individual and the program as a whole.<br /><br /><strong>THE 2008-09 TOP FAMILY ATMOSPHERE PROGRAMS</strong><br />Programs going through head coaching changes this year were not eligible for this list. Those that don’t meet the minimum Academic Progress Rate are not qualified for the rankings either. Most of the programs listed below have had their core coaching staff in place for multiple years, but this is not a prerequisite. Data for determining the top programs was collected after January 2007.<br /><br />Last season West Virginia (Rich Rodriguez), University of Hawaii (June Jones), Auburn (Tommy Tuberville), and Army (Stan Brock) all made the Top 10. This year those coaches and programs are going in another direction and four other programs have replaced them.<br /><br /><strong>1) OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY BEAVERS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/ORST.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Mike Riley<br />2008 Ranking: #1<br />2007 Ranking: #1<br /><br />Whether the offense is growing beards as a sign of solidarity or the athletes are raising money and awareness for underprivileged children, head coach Mike Riley is the person setting the foundation. Coaches around the league send transfer players to Riley because of the person he is. One of the big stories in previous years was the kidney transplant that graciously went from the offensive coordinator to the offensive line coach’s wife. She’s doing well in 2009…<br /><br /><strong>2) PENN STATE NINTANY LIONS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/PSU.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Joe Paterno<br />2008 Ranking: #2<br />2007 Ranking: #2<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SXfUbnSFX1I/AAAAAAAAAEw/rj1-tFYQSsY/s1600-h/Paterno.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SXfUbnSFX1I/AAAAAAAAAEw/rj1-tFYQSsY/s400/Paterno.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293933457863696210" /></a>Joe Paterno has cultivated an atmosphere of family and trust in State College, PA. The loyalty of defensive coordinator Tom Bradley over the last 29 years illustrates the family aura. In simple terms Bradley explains, “There's just a unique family atmosphere between the staff, the players and the community.” Paterno and Bradley are known for taking immediate corrective action when athletes find trouble off the field and making sure they don’t stray.<br /><br /><strong>3) TEXAS LONGHORNS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/TX.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Mack Brown<br />2008 Ranking: #3<br />2007 Ranking: #9<br /><br />The Texas program has enjoyed over a decade of strong leadership and coaching from head coach Mack Brown. Brown ensures his athletes avoid off-field distractions in a place where football players are treated with reverence. In addition, Brown is an advocate to several causes including the Texas Council on Family Violence.<br /><br /><strong>4) WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/WF.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Jim Grobe<br />2008 Ranking: #4<br />2007 Ranking: #13<br /><br />There aren’t many coaches more respected for their (I THINK it’s “their” and not “his”… not entirely sure) integrity and ability to mold youth than Jim Grobe. Grobe has passed up more glamorous head coaching positions to stay at Wake Forest and signed a long term contract. He’s proof that nice guys can finish on top because his staff and athletes persevere through tough times using teamwork and trust.<br /><br /><strong>5) GEORGIA BULLDOGS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/GA.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Mark Richt<br />2008 Ranking: #5<br />2007 Ranking: #6<br /><br />Mark Richt uses religious values, weekly ‘Family Nights’, and individual accountability to instill a family atmosphere. Richt’s personal lessons came while playing at the University of Miami when off field troubles derailed his career. Since then his coaching style leads his student-athletes to make smart choices on and off the field.<br /><br /><strong>6) RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/RUT.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Greg Schiano<br />2008 Ranking: #6<br />2007 Ranking: Not Ranked<br /><br />The term family atmosphere is easy to apply to Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have more siblings playing in their program than nearly every major conference program. During recruiting visits, most recruits admit the primary theme they discovered was the family atmosphere. Greg Schiano extended his contract through 2016, and his pledge to his athletes that he’ll stay for them carries more weight than many other well-respected coaches in the business.<br /><br /><strong>7) VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/VATECH.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Frank Beamer<br />2008 Ranking: #7<br />2007 Ranking: #4<br /><br />It’s been over a year since the tragedy on Blacksburg’s campus. Head Coach Frank Beamer has helped his student-athletes move past the horror and recommit themselves to school and football. His closest friends describe him as feisty and fatherly in the same sentence. Not everyone learns life lessons under Coach Beamer. Ask the Vicks. But overall Beamer is still one of the best at establishing a family feeling among his staff and players.<br /><br /><strong>8) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TROJANS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/USC.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Pete Carroll<br />2008 Ranking: #8<br />2007 Ranking: #8<br /><br />Head Coach Pete Carroll lands on this list for a different reason than most. His charismatic, class act approach is a testament to a school located between downtown Los Angeles and Compton. The distractions are high, but Coach Carroll has regularly discussions with his players about accepting accountability and keeping the annual hype in perspective. Perhaps the biggest compliment comes from former athletes that maintain a brotherhood years after leaving the program.<br /><br /><strong>9) EAST CAROLINA PIRATES</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/ECA.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Head of the Family: Skip Holtz<br />2008 Ranking: #9<br />2007 Ranking: #12<br /><br />Skip Holtz may have learned a trick or two from his father (Lou Holtz) about creating team unity and setting an example for athletes. His finest season of coaching occurred this year when his team struggled to a 3-3 start. Holtz didn’t change the playbook. He repaired the cohesiveness of the athletes and instilled an “us-against-the-world” mentality that led to the Conference Championship and Conference USA Coach of the Year Award.<br /><br /><strong>10) NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS</strong><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/NE.gif" width="80" align="left" /><br />Header of the Family: Bo Pelini<br />2008 Ranking: #10<br />2007 Ranking: Unranked<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SXfR6OilFeI/AAAAAAAAAEo/HK7py9ym3ho/s1600-h/Pelini200x300.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SXfR6OilFeI/AAAAAAAAAEo/HK7py9ym3ho/s400/Pelini200x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293930685263058402" /></a>It’s not often a first year coach cracks the Top 10 list, but Bo Pelini has a long list of advocates on his behalf. He started off his first press conference by saying he would bring back Cornhusker tradition and the signature family atmosphere that had evaporated under the two prior regimes. Once the family atmosphere was restored at Nebraska, it was easy to get players to buy into Pelini’s other two ingredients toward winning: Effort and Attitude.<br /><br />Honorable Mention List:<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/OHST.gif" width="80" align="left" /><strong>11) Ohio State</strong>: Jim Tressel isn’t the epitome of cool, but he’s created a program based on old-fashioned values, trust and loyalty. Ohio State’s family atmosphere is founded on those values. (2007 Ranking, #11)<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/LATECH.gif" width="80" align="left" /><strong>12) Louisiana Tech</strong>: It all begins with Head Coach <i>and</i> Athletic Director Derek Dooley. In just two seasons Dooley’s leadership has produced team unity that has led to unprecedented wins on the field and in academics. (2007 Ranking, unranked)<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/MS.gif" width="80" align="left" /><strong>13) Ole Miss</strong>: When Houston Nutt resigned at Arkansas he took his ability to create team unity and a belief in winning to Ole Miss. Few recruits leave their official visits without mentioning the family atmosphere that surrounds his programs. (2007 Ranking, unranked)<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/OK.gif" width="80" align="left" /><strong>14) Oklahoma</strong>: Bob Stoops isn’t a touchy-feely coach, but his former athletes give testimonials that he creates a setting where his athletes feel like family. (2007 Ranking, unranked)<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/STAN.gif" width="80" align="left" /><strong>15) Stanford</strong>: Jim Harbaugh began molding his coaches and players into a family by handing out gas station uniform shirts with the purpose of building a blue-collar bond throughout the team. (2007 Ranking, unranked)<b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com157tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-88429902847564588272008-06-29T20:43:00.031-04:002008-12-09T22:34:43.838-05:00Where to go for College Football Recruiting<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SGgyu2Gb9yI/AAAAAAAAADI/Qgl1M7zlxac/s1600-h/RankTheRaters.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SGgyu2Gb9yI/AAAAAAAAADI/Qgl1M7zlxac/s320/RankTheRaters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217475948686604066" /></a>College Football recruiting has evolved over the years. By request CFBLive! has spent the last 4 months performing the research to navigate you through the modern recruiting landscape with an eye toward the future. We’ve subscribed to many services over the years, conducted interviews with current site subscribers, and provided countless hours of online inquiries to determine which service(s) provide the best value.<br /><br />Understanding the types recruiting services is the first step. Recruiting coverage is divided into five categories as defined below: <br /><br /><table border=1 CELLPADDING=5 CELLSPACING=0 bgcolor=#FFFFFF width=100%><tr><td><strong>National Recruiting </strong>(generally covers the top 250-500 athletes)<br /><strong>Regional Recruiting</strong> (focus on city, state, or region)<br /><strong>Program Specific Recruiting </strong>(recruiting analysis on NCAA program)<br /><strong>Hybrid Network </strong>(national and program-specific)<br /><strong>Athlete Services & Promotion </strong>(designed to market student-athletes)<br /></td></tr></table><br /><a href="http://www.rivals.com">Rivals.com</a> and <a href="http://www.scout.com">Scout.com</a> are classified as <b>Hybrid Networks</b> because they offer a staff of National evaluators, and provide individual NCAA team websites. The hybrid recruiting sites also offer High School and Junior College specific websites. Hybrid sites offer the best of all worlds for fans that want complete recruiting coverage.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/recruiting/football/index">ESPN</a></b> dipped their foot in the hybrid waters in 2007, but they are generally included with other recruiting services like <a href="http://www.prepstar.com">PrepStar</a>, Tom Lemming (<a href="http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recruiting/recruiting.html">CSTV</a>), and <a href="http://www.maxemfingerrecruiting.com/">Max Emfinger</a>. These sites are classified as <b>National Recruiting</b> websites. Each has its own niche that makes it attractive to the college football market.<br /><br />There are few program-specific sites remaining that are not affiliated with a major Network. Examples of the <b>Program Specific</b> coverage include Notre Dame’s BlueAndGold.com and Washington’s RealDawg.com. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is a primary example of <b>Regional Recruiting</b>. These sites are not covered in the 2008 Buyer’s Guide, but be aware of them if you want local recruiting coverage.<br /><br />Based on our research, feedback, and user comments, we've identified the Top Five recruiting sites over the last year. However, your needs may change the way you would rank their coverage so be sure to visit the Buyer’s Guide.<br /><br /><b>Athlete Services and Promotion</b> is not covered in this guide because prospective athletes pay to market themselves on these sites. Athlete marketing leads to biased rankings.<br /><br /><font size=4>College Football Recruiting Services - TOP 5</font><br /><br /><font size=3><b>1) [92/100 overall rating] <a href="http://www.rivals.com">Rivals.com</a></b></font> – In 2007 Rivals was added to the Yahoo! Sports family. While they still manage themselves, they are marketed by the team at Yahoo!. Rivals.com is currently the recognized leader in NCAA, High School, and Junior College football recruiting. Led by CEO Shannon Terry and venerable recruiting personality Bobby Burton, Rivals.com offers NCAA fans a dreamscape of football, basketball, and baseball information. Jeremy Crabtree is the National Recruiting Analyst and provides the power under the hood of the Rivals engine. Recruiting guru Jamie Newburg joined the Rivals team in 2008 after years at Scout.com. Team specific websites ensure recruiting has a focused flavor for all Division 1A programs. Instead of print magazines, Rivals invests in Radio and Online Video.<br />[$9.95/mo or $99.95/yr]<br /><br /><blockquote><font color=#2e3754>JUNIOR COLLEGE RECRUITING – <a href="http://www.jcgridiron.com">JCGridiron.com</a>: The retirement of Hank Ives (JCGridwire) leaves Brad Hoiseth as one of only two full-time JUCO publishers in the Nation. He’s located near the action in Southern California. Hoiseth provides a high number of quality features and his recent “Top 100 Gridders” list is capturing attention. This year the JCGridiron Team is affiliated with the BioKats JUCO camps and combines. Hoiseth’s reputation among fans and coaches is among the best in the recruiting fraternity.<br /><br />HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITING – <a href="http://www.studentsports.com">Student Sports</a>: Student Sports and Nike have created a strong foundation for athletes to improve on the Nike Camp circuit. These camps are a major benefit to Rivals because of their access to the Nike Camps so the measurements on Rivals.com are considered more accurate by college coaches. Greg Biggins is the recruiting analyst for Student Sports and has become a household name.</font></blockquote><br /><br /><font size=3><b>2) [88/100 overall rating] <a href="http://www.scout.com">Scout.com</a></b></font> - Fox Sports acquired Scout.com in 2005. Formerly TheInsiders.com, the company dabbles in professional sports, but like Rivals.com it focuses on college recruiting coverage. Patrick Crumb is the SVP and General Manager. Recruiting legend Allen Wallace, formerly of SuperPrep, joined Scout.com as their Recruiting Editor and has long been one of the best in the business. Scout.com has an assortment of regional recruiting managers that ensure the database overflows with prospects at all levels. There are team-specific sites all across Scout.com that provide an assortment of recruiting information. They also cover Junior College and High School recruiting. Scout.com puts more emphasis on print media than other web-based strategies.<br />[$9.95/mo or $99.95/yr]<br /><br /><blockquote><font color=#2e3754>JUNIOR COLLEGE RECRUITING – <a href="http://www.jcfootball.com">JCFootball.com</a>: Kevin Lustgarten owns and operates the JCFootball.com on the Scout.com Network. There are a series of regional combines offered. Some income comes from JUCO athletes that are willing to pay to have their names marketed. Providing athlete services can lead to biased rankings and features. A strong message board provides insight and entertainment, and JCFootball.com has long been a favorite destination for the JUCO community.<br /><br />HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITING – Scout has teamed with sponsor Under Armour to provide a series of combines across the Nation. This provides them an opportunity to get reliable statistics on many athletes across the country. The Scout Combines have evolved over the years, and are no longer losing ground to the Student Sports/Nike camps and combines.</font></blockquote><br /><br /><font size=3><b>3) [74/100 overall rating] <a href="http://www.espn.com">ESPN.com </a>(Insider)</b></font> - The focus at ESPN is usually on blue chip recruits so it's worth investigating. They have started making associations with independent publishers. ESPN welcomed disenchanted publishers from Scout.com (USC, Florida, Oklahoma, and Ohio State). The general premium package from ESPN is included with their Insider Access where National top recruits are covered, but their recruiting information is historically inaccurate. In many cases it arrives second-hand from Rivals and Scout. While ESPN has a magazine, it is not specific to recruiting.<br />[Package range from $9.95/mo to $11.95/mo] <br /><br /><blockquote><font color=#2e3754>JUNIOR COLLEGE RECRUITING – Reliable Junior College information is hard to find on ESPN. Coaches or Recruitniks interested in Junior College features need to lean on JCGridiron.com or JCFootball.com.<br /><br />HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITING – ESPN does well covering team rankings, but their vision into High School recruiting doesn’t match insight gained by Nike Camps (Rivals/Student Sports) or Scout Camps (Scout.com). The numbers reported by ESPN are unconfirmed or borrowed from Rivals/Scout camps and combines. This could change in 2008 as ESPN works on high school television and camp ideas.</font></blockquote><br /><br /><font size=3><b>4) [73/100 overall rating] <a href="http://www.prepstar.com">Prepstar.com </a></b></font>- This National online magazine offers supplemental information to Rivals and Scout. Jeff Duva is the founder of PrepStar and introduced Rick Kimbrel to the business (Kimbrel has since taken over as Rivals West Coast expert). Prepstar is really the exterior around a foundation called CSA-PrepStar that attempts to place high school student-athletes at the collegiate level. Due to this association, there is always the risk that information provided within PrepStars rankings could be biased, but they also uncover athletes other recruiting publishers miss.<br />[Online – $4.95, Magazine - $64.95 (4 issues), Season Pass – $99.95/annual]<br /><br /><blockquote><font color=#2e3754>JUNIOR COLLEGE RECRUITING – Like its name indicates, PrepStar puts most of its focus on high school athletes.<br /><br />HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITING – Prepstar doesn’t have a series of camps or combines, but it does have the PrepStar Magazine All-American Camp. The camp is overshadowed by bigger games like the Army-All American Bowl, but it still draws good athletes.</font></blockquote> <br /><br /><font size=3><b>5) [71/100 overall rating] <a href="http://www.tomlemmingfootball.com/media.htm">TomLemmingFootball.com</a></b></font> (<a href="http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recruiting/recruiting.html">College Sports TV</a>)<br />This marks Tom Lemming’s 30th year in the recruiting business. His tenure has earned him respect, and he fought the establishment by staying offline. His independence offered luxuries other services can’t provide, and throughout the years has sold his work to many major media outlets. His weakness comes in providing timely news since his publication is offline. Partnering with College Sports TV (CBSSports college presence) may change that, but CSTV relies on other recruiting services for news on athletes outside the top 500. The recruiting tandem of Bill Hodge and Lemming at College Sports TV are well respected, but CSTV is far behind other services. While we list Tom Lemming and CSTV as partners, it's Lemming's magazine that generates revenue.<br />[<a href="http://www.tomlemmingfootball.com/media.htm">magazine</a> - $60.00/three annual magazines or $90/three magazine + 5 bulletins]<br /><br /><blockquote><font color=#2e3754>JUNIOR COLLEGE RECRUITING – Limited Coverage. Lemming focuses on preps so if you care about the entire recruiting process his information may not be thorough enough.<br /><br />HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITING – Strong National coverage. If you want to know about the top recruits around the Nation, then Lemming’s publications should give you insight into athletes that haven’t been uncovered by the other publishers. He’s on the road nearly half the year interview and analyzing athletes.</font></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SGgz0ecc6NI/AAAAAAAAADQ/PpJhYsOtR_4/s1600-h/RankingTheRaters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/SGgz0ecc6NI/AAAAAAAAADQ/PpJhYsOtR_4/s400/RankingTheRaters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217477144927332562" /></a><br /><font size=4>Behind the Scenes and Looking Forward</font><br /><br />Over the past decade the major sites have jockeyed for position. Many of the independent recruiting services have joined more technologically advanced networks that take care of administrative and data-related tasks. The last 12 months have brought several new developments that will shape the coming years. Gone are the days of using (900) numbers and waiting for an annual newsletters or magazines.<br /><br />Rivals.com has emerged from the pack with the best recruiting product, and this year the company found someone to market their services – Yahoo! To keep the momentum, Rivals.com needs to invest in their core recruiting team that breaks stories across all regions. Otherwise Rivals.com will slip. Keep an eye on the partnership between Rivals and Student Sports.<br /><br />Fox and ESPN have butted heads in broadcast television, and the battle has crossed into recruiting territory. In 2007 a subset of unhappy Scout.com publishers left the Scout Network (Fox) and affiliated with ESPN's website. This ebb and flow isn’t new. Similar scenarios played out four years ago between Rivals and Scout, but they shook hands and agreed to reduce publisher poaching. But ESPN is new to this contest and is posturing for position.<br /><br />Independent National sites from founding fathers like Tom Lemming and Max Emfinger are reinventing their niche. Lemming left ESPN and partnered with CSTV which is CBSSportsline’s extension for college sports. Emfinger left Scout.com and went independent with his National site. While Emfinger’s website is clunky, it’s already a Top 10 college recruiting destination and is worth investigating if you are in the Southeast.<br /><br />Prepstar remains part of the National scene, though it relies on income through marketing and placing recruits. They handle their own research and uncover information other major sites might miss. Prepstar has kept name recognition, but it’s flying below the radar and won’t challenge Rivals, Scout, or ESPN anytime soon.<br /><br /><strong>Subscriber's Guide and Bottom Line</strong>: About a decade ago the popularity of recruiting and the internet sites peaked. One long-time HS fan in Florida explained, “At least 30-35 legitimate National and Regional sites came on the scene around 2000, and they’ve all morphed. The gurus are all the same, but they now flock to the best place to market their information.”<br /><br />If you’re interested in Recruiting Coverage, investigate your NCAA team site on Rivals.com and Scout.com. This is where the majority of recruiting gurus have landed. Even though they are more expensive it’s still your best bang for the buck.<br /><br />If you don’t want to drop a C-Note on your recruiting habit then consider subscribing to ESPN’s Insider Package or PrepStar for National coverage. Most sites offer a free limited-time offer so take advantage and see which site has the strongest features and community. If you don’t need timely information at your fingertips or prefer print media then consider Tom Lemming’s publication.<br /><br /><strong>Subscriber’s Guide</strong><br />• Be cautious with sites that offer athlete marketing because their ratings and features can be biased.<br />• Magazines are a nice touch, but they are antiquated and take time away from online publishing. In most cases the information has already been recycled.<br />• Recruiting websites affiliated with legitimate Camps and Combines offer reliable combine values.<br />• Don’t rely on the experts. Seeing is believing, and several sites offer video on the majority of prospects.<br />• If you have the recruiting itch then subscribe to multiple sites. It certainly won’t make you less informed.<br />• Strong message boards and forums can often be the best way to learn about recruits and your program.<br />• Pick sites that concentrate on recruiting and aren’t saturated with other sports information that can be found in local media.<br />• Take advantage of weekly trials if you want to get a feel for a website.<br /><br />* Please share your thoughts and opinions based on your experiences.<b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-61466966294913969812008-03-08T09:21:00.008-05:002008-12-09T22:34:44.519-05:00CFBLive! - Fan Ranking Index<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R9Kn5Ng5XmI/AAAAAAAAACs/NumXgYykFDE/s1600-h/LSU.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R9Kn5Ng5XmI/AAAAAAAAACs/NumXgYykFDE/s320/LSU.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175383523124141666" /></a><br />In the autumn of 2000 a group of college football pundits began to identify and rank the top college football fans. Ranking the fans was an original but difficult undertaking. The team spent months developing and compiling objective formulas and subjective input from media and game day experts.<br /><br />After months of research the team released their ‘Fan Ranking Index’ under the online name <i>FBFans</i>, and over the last eight years the process has evolved. The core categories and grades are as similar today as they were in the first year of the index. The most significant change is that <i>College Football Live!</i> hosts and assists with the FBFans index and content.<br /><br />Each year there are questions about the index, and this article will clarify as many questions as possible. The group of college media and fans that provide input into the Fan Ranking Index continues to grow as well. The panelists cover major college football regions and send updates from after attending college football games.<br /><br />The data is calculated in an algorithm and a numeric value determines where the fans are ranked. Our current group of panelists has a broad range of college football knowledge for the subjective rankings, and it is the differing opinions that make the index unique.<br /><br />The <b>CFBLive! Fan Ranking Index</b> is based approximately 80% on the last twelve months of the football season and 20% on historical facts, figures, and reputations. <i>CFBFans</i> uses five weighted categories to determine the final assessment. Each of the categories is based on a subset of sub-categories.<br /><br />Here is an example of how the categories are compiled. The “Attendance” category is based on a formula that includes four different variables. It considers the stadium capacity, the size of the alumni base, and percentage of sold tickets in the last year, and number of other Division 1A schools in the state. This is an important category so Attendance contributes 30% of the ratings.<br /><br />Other than a category for “Merchandise” the other categories are more subjective. We enforce standards to keep the values reasonable. For example, the “Travel” category will generally have a close deviation among programs, and it also takes into consideration fans willingness to watch games in bad weather. The “Noise Production” category is based on reputation, decibel values (when available), proximity of the students to the field, and on the program’s home field success during the season.<br /><br />The “Loyalty” category is the only category based on historical reputation. It has sub-categories that include game day atmosphere, sportsmanship, tailgating, general support for the team, and whether fans support the program through good and bad seasons.<br /><br />We've chosen the categories that we thought best quantify the spirit of the fans, and try to apply quantitative values. It's not an exact science so we use fan input to help find articles or share personal testimony that will give the panelists more insight. While the rankings cover all 119 major programs, only the Top 50 are shown below.<br /><hr><br /><b>Attendence: (Sell-Outs and Capcity)</b>: This category considers the capacity of the stadium though most of the points are awarded based on how close the fans come to filling it. The formula rewards fans that sell out their stadiums.<br /><br /><b>Noise Production</b>: Fan Noise gauges the level of disruption and intimidation caused by fans during the game. This is not necessarily based on crowd size, therefore large stadiums with thousands of mellow fans will not rate as high as a smaller stadium with more exuberant fans. Stadiums with student sections located at mid-field and close to the action are given higher ratings.<br /><br /><b>Loyalty: (Reputation & Sportsmanship)</b> Even when the home team is in a slump, the loyal fans still come out to support them. Faithful fans remain until the clock runs to zero, and you rarely see them file out of the facilities at halftime. This has historical influence, but it's also based on the current and past season. <br /><br /><b>Travel</b>: This is measured by the willingness of fans to travel during the regular and post season to show support for their beloved team. If fans have to travel greater distances to play opponents then this is taken into consideration as well. Selling out travel allotments is also a good measuring tool. Tailgating and game day atmosphere are taken into consideration here.<br /><br /><b>Merchandise (bonus rating)</b>: This rating comes from the sales analysis on NCAA programs. This bonus rating partially measures how much National support a program receives from fans.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R9Ko0dg5XnI/AAAAAAAAAC0/lefFgOCNUlc/s1600-h/CFBFans-Small-Logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R9Ko0dg5XnI/AAAAAAAAAC0/lefFgOCNUlc/s320/CFBFans-Small-Logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175384541031390834" /></a><font size=6><b>2007 CFBLive!<br>Fan Ranking Index</b></font><br /><table width="436" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"> <tr> <td colspan="2"> <div align="left"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Fan Index</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="left"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Total</span></b></div> </td> <td width="13%"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Attendance</span></b></div> </td> <td width="13%"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Noise</span></b></div> </td> <td width="13%"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Loyalty</span></b></div> </td> <td width="13%"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Travel</span></b></div> </td> <td width="13%"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">Merch.</span></b></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">#</span></b></td> <td width="22%"><span style="font-size:78%;">Program</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">100.00</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">30.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">30.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">10.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">10.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">bonus</span></span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">1</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Louisiana State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">97.20</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.42</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Florida</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">96.74</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.58</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">3</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Tennessee</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">96.70</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.57</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.50</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">4</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Ohio State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">96.55</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.59</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.58</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">5</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Michigan</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">96.30</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.67</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">6</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Alabama</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">96.28</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.50</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">7</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Penn State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">96.24</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.61</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.50</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">8</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Texas A&M</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.41</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.53</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">29.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.25</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">9</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Auburn</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.17</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.51</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.42</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">10</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Nebraska</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.11</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.66</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.33</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">11</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Georgia</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">95.01</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.80</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.58</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">12</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Oklahoma</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.91</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.66</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.50</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">13</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Wisconsin</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">94.86</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.66</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.33</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">14</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Notre Dame</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.57</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.28</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.67</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">15</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Texas</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">93.32</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.03</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.67</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">16</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">South Carolina</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">92.86</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.16</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">9.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.33</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">17</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Virginia Tech</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">92.78</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.16</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">18</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Iowa</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">92.28</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.53</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">19</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Clemson</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">91.91</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.53</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">20</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Southern Cal</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">91.86</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.08</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">21</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Florida State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">91.45</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.28</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.42</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">22</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Oregon</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.41</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.41</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">23</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Arkansas</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.11</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.28</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.33</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">24</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Michigan State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.03</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.41</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">25</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">West Virginia</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">90.03</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.41</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">28.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">26</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Kentucky</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.82</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.16</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.42</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">27</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Colorado</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.66</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.53</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">28</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">BYU</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.53</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">29</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Kansas</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.20</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.82</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">30</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Oregon State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.13</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">31</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Washington</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">88.11</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.66</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.08</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">32</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Boston College</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.78</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.66</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">33</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Kansas State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.70</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.17</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">34</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Illinois</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.61</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.03</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.33</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">35</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Virginia</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.32</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.28</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.17</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">36</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Utah</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.41</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.41</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">37</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Purdue</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.20</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.16</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.17</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">38</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Missouri</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.07</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.17</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">39</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Texas Tech</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.07</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.53</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.17</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">40</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">UCLA</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.03</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.03</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">41</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Maryland</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.03</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">24.53</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.25</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">42</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Louisville</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">87.03</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.28</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">43</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Hawaii</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.78</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.16</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">44</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Boise State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.67</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">22.04</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">8.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">45</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">California</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.53</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.28</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.13</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.75</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">46</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Rutgers</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.53</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.91</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.63</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">47</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Oklahoma State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.53</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">22.91</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.88</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">48</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Mississippi</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.41</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">23.78</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">27.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">49</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">North Carolina</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.36</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.16</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.00</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.33</span></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="0"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">50</span></b></td> <td width="0"><span style="font-size:78%;">Arizona State</span></td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><b><span style="font-size:78%;">86.16</span></b></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">25.03</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">26.25</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">7.38</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">6.50</span></div> </td> <td width="0"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">1.00</span></div> </td> </tr></table><b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7920529435444052729.post-61403401756916949962007-12-09T22:29:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:34:44.942-05:002007-08 NCAA Football Family Atmosphere Rankings<div><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R11pG8Nl1VI/AAAAAAAAAB0/QkQK7U7Gx0A/s1600-h/Riley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142381917490238802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R11pG8Nl1VI/AAAAAAAAAB0/QkQK7U7Gx0A/s320/Riley.jpg" border="0" /></a>There isn’t a formula for creating a football family atmosphere in the NCAA, but we’ve identified what we consider to be the key elements. Family atmosphere begins with the head coach and his staff. Their guidance, integrity, and personality set the stage for their athletes and employees. Family atmosphere strengthens and protects both individuals and teams, whether they are faced with adversity or handling success. After compiling input from coaches and writers around the country, we’ve generated a list of programs with well-respected family atmospheres. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><em>[pictured at right: Mike Riley, Oregon State Univ.]</em><br /></strong><br />Family Atmosphere is only one aspect of a football program. It’s not necessarily a priority for recruits or current athletes, and it doesn’t directly ensure success on the football field. While there isn’t a direct correlation between family atmosphere and winning, family atmosphere certainly plays a major role in an athlete’s integration with the school and team.<br /><br />The family concept is defined by the staff’s ability to instill trust, respect, and reliability throughout their program, while offering a sense of assurance and acceptance to the athletes. Recruiting student athletes with these values before they arrive on campus contributes to a healthy atmosphere. But its athletes with troubled pasts that often reap the greatest rewards.<br /><br />Young athletes leaving home for the first time want a comfortable destination that can make their college transition easier. A comfortable athlete performs better in school and on the gridiron. This aspect is often overlooked within the sports program, yet it has a significant impact on the long term well being of both the individual and the program as a whole.<br /><br />2007-08 TOP FAMILY ATMOSPHERE PROGRAMS<br /><i>Programs going through coaching changes this year were not eligible for this list. Most of the programs listed below have had the core coaching staff in place for several years. Data for determining the top programs was collected after January 2007.</i><br /><br /><b>1) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/ORST.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY BEAVERS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Mike Riley<br />Setting an Example: The Beaver Offensive Coordinator donated his kidney to the Offensive Line Coach's wife just before spring practice.<br /><br />The family atmosphere in Corvallis starts and ends with the leadership of Coach Riley. Throughout the football coaching fraternity there isn’t a coach more respected for his integrity, and Riley hires assistants that exemplify how football families operate. Nearly every visiting recruit comments about the close-knit staff and athletes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a walk-on, blue chip recruit, the team cook, or groundskeeper. The Beaver program treats each family member equally. As tailback Yvenson Bernard explained, “He’s [Coach Riley] taken care of me during my five years here. He is a very good coach, and he’s recruited a lot of great kids who are humble and willing to work hard and together for the good of the team.”<br /><br /><b>2) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/PSU.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>PENN STATE NINTANY LIONS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Joe Paterno<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Who else would have the children's day care center at Nike’s Headquarters named after him?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R11owsNl1TI/AAAAAAAAABk/dtxR73FyX4c/s1600-h/JoePaterno.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142381535238149426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R11owsNl1TI/AAAAAAAAABk/dtxR73FyX4c/s320/JoePaterno.jpg" border="0" /></a>Athletes don’t graduate from the Penn State football program without developing a unique loyalty to the staff and their teammates. Coach Patero's staff sticks together through success and failure, and the staff’s loyalty to the program is absorbed by the players. Tom Bradley, Paterno’s defensive coordinator of 27 years explains, "There's a lot of loyalty that has been built up over the years. There's just a family atmosphere between the staff, the players and the community. It's a place that means a lot to my family." There aren’t many programs with loyalty and a family tradition like Penn State. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><em>[pictured at right: Joe Paterno, Penn State]</em></strong><br /><br /><b>3) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/WV.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Rich Rodriguez<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: When it appeared Alabama was offering a lucrative contract, Coach Rodriguez declined the offer, partially at the request of his staff and athletes. Now he’s preparing to take his football family at West Virginia on a BCS Fiesta.<br /><br />Rodriguez has been guiding his football family since 2001. He explains that the family atmosphere at Morgantown is a top priority. "We use the argument that our environment, our facilities, our tradition and our family atmosphere outweighs everything," Rodriguez said. His commitment and loyalty to his athletes and staff is unwavering. Other programs may attempt to duplicate what West Virginia is doing on the field, but the bond they build away from football is distinctive.<br /><br /><b>4) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/VATECH.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Frank Beamer<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Not many programs have persevered through as much turmoil this year, yet the Hokies still managed to pull together another wildly successful season.<br /><br />Virginia Tech woke up to a nightmare on April 16th, 2007, when 32 people on the Blacksburg campus were killed. The football program terminated spring practices and created a supportive environment for athletes and fellow students while they dealt with the tragedy. Practice time was sacrificed, but the bonding made the team stronger, and prompted Coach Beamer to explain to reporters before the first game, "We just felt there was togetherness today. I think there was unity today." This unity has helped Virginia Tech earn an invitation to the Orange Bowl.<br /><br /><b>5) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/HI.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII WARRIORS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: June Jones<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Coach Jones operates the ‘June Jones Foundation’ and includes his players and staff in an effort to help seriously ill children.<br /><br />The family aspect at Hawaii is illustrated by their "War Chant" dance. It promotes courage and togetherness before going into battle on the gridiron. This “Chant” makes Hawaii a special place and ensures the family atmosphere goes beyond the field. This brotherhood isn't lost on recruits visiting the University campus. As Coach Jones explained, "When you talk to these kids, they feel something different when they come on their recruiting trip. We may not have a lot of the things other schools have, but we do have a great unity and a great family atmosphere and the kids like it here. They like playing with each other and they like playing for the coaches we have."<br /><br /><b>6) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/AUB.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>AUBURN TIGERS </u></b><br /><b>Father Figure</b>: Tommy Tuberville<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: When Tuberville felt his program needed less ego and more discipline and guidance, he brought team chaplain Chette Williams on board.<br /><br />Respected as much as anyone in the SEC for his equitable treatment of athletes, Coach Tuberville believes in building camaraderie on and off the field. He explains, "We try to create a family atmosphere. We do things away from the office as much as we do at the office, with our families and cookouts and other things. I believe in that. I believe the more you get together away from the office the more you understand about each other." Other programs are trying to lure Tuberville and break up the Tiger Family, but he appears to have a rare, throwback loyalty.<br /><br /><b>7) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/GA.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>GEORGIA BULLDOGS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Mark Richt<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Coach Richt implemented a weekly ‘Family Night’ at Georgia, which attempts to deal with individual athlete issues and build team bonds.<br /><br />Coach Richt learned under the tutelage of Bobby Bowden how to treat everyone associated with a football program. Richt believes young men crave accountability. During one practice he asked his athletes to police each other off the field. He explained, "The same things apply off the field. If you see a buddy about to do something wrong, don't let him do it. If he does something that hurts the team, we all are penalized. If everybody pulls together, then we can become a team that realizes its potential." Coach Richt achieves a family atmosphere by understanding the importance of conduct off the field.<br /><br /><b>8) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/USC.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TROJANS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Pete Carroll<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Coach Carroll is infamous for resetting the egos of incoming 5-star recruits as they enter a program with Hollywood hype.<br /><br />Southern Cal has a great family atmosphere under Coach Carroll, but it’s just as much about the legacy at USC as it is the moment. Former quarterback Matt Leinart sums up the Trojan philosophy, "They always say 'Once a Trojan, always a Trojan.' Some people laugh at it, but it's really true. We have such great alumni support." Carroll’s charismatic leadership style goes hand-in-hand with the Trojan family attitude. From the moment a recruit commits he gets the support of his coaches and teammates for a lifetime.<br /><br /><b>9) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/TX.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>TEXAS LONGHORNS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Mack Brown<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Coach Brown’s family atmosphere goes beyond the gridiron. He works with the Texas Council on Family Violence to promote “strength, character, and courage” within the family.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R11o5sNl1UI/AAAAAAAAABs/XM9vA94j2CE/s1600-h/MackBrown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142381689856972098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P4Hsqf7A_RQ/R11o5sNl1UI/AAAAAAAAABs/XM9vA94j2CE/s320/MackBrown.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mack Brown has been at Texas over a decade, and he may have fantastic facilities and every other football luxury, but family atmosphere is still a priority. Brown stresses <i>family</i> when his athletes arrive and after they leave the program, and he makes every attempt to understand what makes his players tick. Brown and his staff took it a step further and showed an interest in rap so they could better relate to their athletes. His players appreciate these gestures. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><em>[pictured at right: Mack Brown, Univ. of Texas]</em></strong><br /><br /><b>10) <img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/ARMY.gif" width="80" align="left" /><u>ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS</u></b><br /><b>Head of the Family</b>: Stan Brock<br /><b>Setting an Example</b>: Upon his arrival at West Point Coach, Brock went through Beast Barracks, Army's grueling summer training for incoming cadets, to better relate to the difficult environment.<br /><br />West Point graduates stay connected like family, and Coach Brock wasn’t at the top of the alumni’s list after the initial coaching search. Brock is proving that he is a young coach that appeals to a program and school that epitomizes teamwork. Both Army and rival Navy exude family atmosphere and discipline, and Brock has the character to enhance it. As senior captain Mike Viti explained, "He understands the needs of a football player and how daunting this place can get. He cares about all the players."<br /><br />HONORABLE MENTION<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/OHST.gif" width="80" align="left" /><b>OHIO STATE BUCKEYES</b> - Jim Tressel is a throwback coach that has brought his team to the pinnacle by turning big egos into functional family. As one observer explained, “he did it using <i>corny, old-fashioned beliefs and values</i>”.<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/ECA.gif" width="80" align="left" /><b>EAST CAROLINA</b> – Skip Holtz has visiting recruits gushing about the “family atmosphere” at East Carolina. The samples of comments on recruiting websites were overwhelmingly positive about the football family at ECU.<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/WF.gif" width="80" align="left" /><b>WAKE FOREST</b> – Jim Grobe has a reputation for being one of the nice guys in college football. Grobe’s program incorporates this attitude into the daily tasks, and everyone associated with the program is treated equally and made to feel like part of their success.<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/FLST.gif" width="80" align="left" /><b>FLORIDA STATE</b> - Bobby Bowden is one of the all-time great coaches in college football. One part of his formula that has remained constant is being a father figure to his athletes, and Coach Bowden surrounds himself with assistant coaches that share his philosophy.<br /><br /><img height="50" src="http://images.sportsline.com/images/cbss/ui2/logos/collegefootball/160x100/IAST.gif" width="80" align="left" /><b>IOWA STATE CYCLONES</b> - The Cyclones would make the Top Ten List if Dan McCarney were still at the helm. But don't underestimate the environment that Gene Chizik is building at Iowa State, even though he's only been on the Ames campus for a short amount of time.<br /><br /><u>Note</u>: Watch <b>Nebraska</b> and <b>Notre Dame</b> over the next year. These two distinctly different programs once established the benchmark for family atmosphere. Tom Osborne was masterful in his ability to create a brotherhood on his team.<br /><br />* Input came from National sources ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com, in addition to countless local newspapers . Research was provided by the former writers at FBFans.com.</span></div><b>Christian Birch</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/07897466866599383129noreply@blogger.com6