Man, I head to Hawaii for a few weeks and return to a strange new world in which Expandageddon was nearly upon us. And, things have only gotten crazier in the last few days. Here's your fix, as I continue to try and play catch up.
- Through two days of the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, it appears the Ducks' hope for a national title are over after a disappointing showing in the javelin. Ron Bellamy writes that all is not lost, as the Ducks still have a shot at placing in the top four with Ashton Eaton, Andew Wheating, Matthew Centrowitz and A.J. Acosta still having the opportunity to earn some points for Oregon. And, in what should be completely unsurprising news, Eaton is on pace to set both school and NCAA meet records in the decathlon.
- On the women's side, Brianne Theisen's PR in the heptathlon led to her second straight NCAA title in the event. The Duck women are currently in third in the team standings and are looking to prevent top-ranked Texas A&M from repeating as champions.
- Dr. Saturday chimes in on the USC sanctions and I found the title of his post amusing: "Pete Carroll 'didn't know' Bush was on the take. Isn't that the problem?" And, Ted Miller asks: is this the end of the "Trojan colossus"? Personally, I agree with Miller's conclusion:
Yes, USC will right itself. Eventually, no doubt. The right coach at USC, which may or may not be Kiffin, will win, just like the right coach at Alabama or Ohio State or Florida or Texas will win.
- With Colorado joining the Pac-10, many are wondering what happens next. R.J. Rico examines this question in an Oregonian blog and notes that despite caution from commissioner Larry Scott that there are no guarantees that any other teams would join the expansion, it appears that more may follow. Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News writes that Texas A&M is interested in looking into other conference destinations -- particularly the SEC. However, Carlton's sources maintained that "A&M will probably still join Texas and the others in the Pac-10."
- The Arizona Daily Star has a teleconference transcript of Larry Scott, Colorado Chancellor Phil DiStefano and Colorado President Bruce Benson discussing the move and what comes next for the conference. While there is a lot of "I can't comment on that" and other deflections, there are still a few good nuggets and quotes.
- Finally, the Register-Guard's Greg Bolt and Mark Baker have reactions from Eugene about Colorado joining the Pac-10. And, those reactions are decidedly mixed, ranging from excited about increased revenue and exposure to concerns over the loss of tradition, greed, and the effects on academics.
If I missed anything, feel free to add it in the comments below.
Go Ducks!