Action/reaction: Pac-12 football, Tate Forcier and SJSU, the latest on Oregon and more

Oliver Graham

Worth reading: ESPNs analysis of NCAA revenues.

Worth seeing: This interesting take on O-H-I-O.

Action: College football preseason watch lists released.
Reaction I: Only one Pac-12 defensive lineman (Washingtons Alameda Taamu) was included on the 87-man list for the Nagurski Trophy, given to the nations top defensive player list, and only one (Taamu) was on the 65-man list for the Outland, given to the top interior lineman.
Reaction II: Meanwhile, the conference had four quarterbacks on the 66-man list for the Maxwell, given to the nations top player seven of the 75 receivers listed for the Biletnikoff and five of the 34 tight ends listed for the Mackey.
Reaction III: When it comes to Pac-12 games this season, bet the over.

Action: Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach releases his tell-all book (and I mean: tell all).
Reaction: I usually dont address coaching biographies on the Hotline, but Leachs account warrants a mention because it documents what appear to be highly questionable some would call them downright unethical or abominable journalism practices by ESPN and one of its on-air talents, who happens to have the same last name as a former TTU player involved in the Leach controversy. (Good synopsis here.)

Action: Bleacher Report releases its list of the 10 most influential people/entities in college football.
Reaction: The list includes SEC-centric radio personality Paul Finebaum but omits Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott, who is only changing the face of the sport not only bringing in tens of millions for Pac-12 schools but establishing a business model that will bring in tens of millions for other conferences. Without Scott, the list has no credibility. Zero.

Action: After speaking with Chip Kelly, former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti says he believes the Ducks will get hit with NCAA sanctions (severity: unknown).
Reaction I: Duck fans have been blasting anyone who suggests, without hearing Oregons side of the story, that the program did something wrong and/or could get penalized. Maybe Bellottis words will provide some much-needed perspective for the faithful.
Reaction II: Because whatever Kelly and the school tell (or told) NCAA investigators, it wont change the fact that 1) Lyles acted as more than a scout with Lache Seastrunk, and 2) Oregon paid Lyles And those two issues alone would most likely result in sanctions.

Action: Cal reportedly receives a commitment from Bryce Treggs, a four-star receiver from St. John Bosco and the son of ex-Bear Brian Treggs.
Reaction: Brian Treggs son is a high school senior? Goodness, I feel old.

Action: Tate Forcier ponders his transfer options, with San Jose State, Nevada and Hawaii reportedly at the top of his list.
Reaction I: The Spartans continue to have a real shot to land Forcier, the former Michigan starter who would be eligible in 2012 (as a junior).
Reaction II: But from what I have gathered, academics are a serious obstacle: Per department policy and a smart one at that, given all the APR problems of the past SJSU wont accept ineligible players. Forcier was academically last December and then left school in early 2011, so theres a pretty good chance (99.999999%) that hes currently ineligible. Which means he needs to take online courses if he wants to play for the Spartans. And no, I dont know what the Hawaii and Nevada policies are regarding ineligible transfers.
Reaction III: To any Spartan fans wondering if the school would waive its policy in order to land Forcier, heres your answer: No chance. Having chatted with athletic director Tom Bowen over the years regarding the changes implemented to get football out of the APR doghouse, I can tell you he wont compromise for anyone.

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