O/NSO - 2010 Pac-10 Media Day edition
    
Rose Bowl
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The Obvious – Pasadena – In a striking new change for the 2010 Pac-10 Media Day, the storied Rose Bowl turf and southern California sun provided a new and interesting twist as the Pac-10 coaches and players delivered their optimistic messages, which also included positive oratory from first-year Trojan head football coach Lane Kiffin and sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley.
The Not So Obvious – Before Kiffin and Barkley could come to the podium, it is didn’t take long for the annual media poll to be released and, despite being ineligible for a post-season trip to the Rose or any other bowl, the Trojans still drew respect of the media by being picked for second in the Conference behind defending champs Oregon. The Trojans garnered 12 first-place votes to the Ducks’ 15 first-place votes. The only question was which media member gave UCLA its lone first-place vote? The Westwooders were tabbed for an eighth place finish. The preseason media poll has correctly picked the Conference champion 26 of 49 times and nine of the last 10 years.
The Obvious – Thursday’s Pac-10 Media Day was a culmination of a cross-country creation that, according to Conference coaches and players, was a complete success.
The Not So Obvious – There wasn’t a coach or player that attended the New York City and ESPN complex in Bristol, Connecticut, that didn’t feel like major progress was achieved in educating the East Coast media on Pac-10 football. As for Thursday’s gathering in Pasadena, it would be fair to say that the idea was a good one for it to be held on the storied Rose Bowl turf, but unfortunately there was virtually no tent cover for the media to avoid baking in the SoCal sun. Some scribes even had their laptops overheat, and, in some cases, had to move away from the seating area into the shaded lunch areas to continue reporting and/or blogging. In fact, as the morning wore on, Pac-10 Media representatives said that sunscreen was now available, and later Rose Bowl caps were offered to those whose noggins were being fried. It could be argued that the idea of using the Rose Bowl field was an excellent one by the Conference, but the application of understanding the effects of late July weather in Pasadena was underestimated.
The Obvious – All in all, much was learned with this new Rose Bowl venue idea, and there were still more positives than negatives.
The Not So Obvious – When you arrived at the Rose Bowl, there was the new Pac-10 logo just outside the Rose Bowl entrance. Later in the day, all the Pac-10 home jerseys with helmets attached were added to the media entrance behind the new Pac-10 logo.
The Obvious – The Pac-10 Media Day was streamed live on the Internet and the Conference encouraged fans to ask questions, which were addressed by Steve Physioc, a television voice of the Conference.
The Not So Obvious – The main production area of directing the Internet telecast was located in the “home” the tunnel entrance near the Bruins’ locker rooms. The fan Internet interaction was a highly promoted Conference idea, and fans were treated to some expert commentary that also included words from former Trojan running back and Fox media voice Petros Papadakis.
The Obvious – Again, one of the highlights of media day is the gathering of all the Pac-10 media guides, which is sort of an unofficial beauty contest amongst the member schools.
The Not So Obvious – Nobody had a tougher job of getting his media guide out than Trojans’ Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone, who was forced to quickly adjust to the NCAA sanctions and insert over 100 asterisks in regards to victories and Reggie Bush accomplishments. A number of finished media guides hadn’t returned from the print shop, so universities like UCLA and Cal just Xeroxed various sections of their guide. The Washington Huskies didn’t even have their media guide, instead offering the 2010 UW Football Record Book. In our humble and neutral opinion, the best cover we saw was the Trojans, which featured a hands-on-hips Lane Kiffin standing with a stern gaze with the peristyle end of the Coliseum as a backdrop.
The Obvious – New Trojan Athletic Director Pat Haden, football liaison J.K. McKay, or outgoing AD Mike Garrett were not seen was in attendance.
The Not So Obvious – Even though Haden and McKay were not to be seen, oh what wonderful memories did this famed turf bring back to many of the scribes, who were caught up in conversations concerning the duos return to Troy. A number of writers recalled being at the 1975 Rose Bowl when Pat Haden, the former Trojan quarterback legend who is in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, tossed that historic touchdown to help defeat Ohio State. That incredible 1975 victory over the Buckeyes and Coach Woody Hayes culminated with a late fourth quarter touchdown pass to lifelong friend and new Trojan administrator J.K. McKay, and then there was the ensuing and thrilling two-point conversion pass to Shelton Diggs. Some of Thursday’s seating area was near where Haden launched that heart-pounding scoring pass.
The Obvious – At 9:30 a.m., the Pac-10 Media Day opened with an inspiring new video promoting the “new” Conference direction.
The Not So Obvious – It was a slick presentation narrated by a James Earl Jones-type vocal clone. It was the type of presentation that some likened to a movie trailer. It was well received and featured various historical stars of Pac-10 football including the Trojans’ Marcus Allen.
The Obvious – At 9:35 a.m., the media and Internet audience were greeted by opening remarks by Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott.
The Not So Obvious – Scott said the Pac-10 was optimistically looking “forward to the future.” The Commish said the Pac-10 went to New York to “usher in a new future for the Pac-10,” and then he went on to add that it was only fitting to end the media caravan in the Rose Bowl. Scott went on to promote the Pac-10’s glorious history, and his goal was to “showcase” the new media campaign to make the rest of the country take notice. He mentioned that all fields and courts would have the new Pac-10 logo on them, as well as on player uniforms.
The Obvious – At 9:45 a.m., Washington State head coach Paul Wulff (3-22), who begins his third season in Pullman and returns 14 starters (6 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter), spoke to the masses.
Wulff said, “We have a lot of players that will be game changers in the Pac-10 for the next three or four years. We are really excited about how we are improving in all facets of the game. I really feel you will see a much-improved team out of Washington State this season. I feel like we have the best team that we have ever had since I’ve been here at Washington State. We have played in this building on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl twice in the last 12 years other than Oregon and USC. No other team has done that. We feel we are headed on the same path as those team that made the Rose Bowl.”
On a humorous note, on the New York trip and seeing his Pac-10 coaching enemies away from the gridiron wars, Wulff said, “I found all the other (Pac-10) head coaches to be nice guys when you think that they’re not.”
The Not So Obvious – Given his situation, it’s hard to believe that anybody could put Wulff on the hot seat, but he is. He is, FYI, one of two Pac-10 coaches to lead their alma mater as a four-year starting center for the Cougars (1986-89). Boy, it must seem like light years ago when Paul was the three-time Big Sky Coach of the Year at Eastern Washington (2001, 04, 05). The real question is if he is true on his team’s future, will he be around to see it come to fruition?
The Obvious – WSU’s senior defensive end Kevin Kooyman (6-6, 259), 2009 Academic All-Pac-10 first team, was the Cougars’ media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – On being picked last once again in the Conference media poll, Kooyman calmly said, “The last two seasons have been really rough. You just kind of have to ignore it. We area going to shock some people and will this season. We don’t really care about the rankings. It is more of a distraction. All the players on the team are passionate. We’ve had more talent on other teams, but hard work beats talent.”
The Obvious – The Pac-10 gives out a goodwill promotional gift(s) to members of the media upon their arrival for media day.
The Not So Obvious – With an eye on the world of computers, the Pac-10 gave out complimentary flash memory sticks with the new Pac-10 logo and also included a logoed Pac-10 pen and trading pin.
The Obvious – At 10:00, Arizona State head coach Dennis Erickson, who begins his fourth season (19-18) in Tempe and returns 11 starters (4 offense, 5 defense, kicker, punter), spoke to the media.
Erickson, always a media favorite at these functions because of his dry sense of humor and his Clint Eastwood vocal delivery, said, “It’s good to be here. In fact, it’s good to be anywhere. It was great to go to New York City. Damn, they have a lot of people there. What’s exciting to me is how much better we’re going to be on offense. I hired a new offensive coordinator, Noel Mazzone. We are doing all the things that happening in college football right now. We’re going to have four wideouts and no huddle. The guys like what we’ve been doing in the spring.”
The Not So Obvious – Did you ever think you’d seat Dennis on the hot seat? After all, he is listed among the top 10 active coaches for most career victories. To top that, he has coached at three different league schools (ASU, OSU, WSU), earning an amazing Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors at each. And this guys on the hot seat? One thing for sure, if he doesn’t get rehired, he could have a brilliant career as a broadcaster with that dry humor.
The Obvious – ASU senior placekicker Thomas Weber (6-1, 207), who is considered one the premier kickers in the Pac-10, was the ASU media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – Two year’s ago, Weber became the first freshman to win the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker. Out with an injury last season, Weber said, “I just wanted to do whatever I could for the team, whether it was coaching Bobby Wenzig, our other kicker, or helping out on the field. After the season, I gave myself some time to rest and was determined to get back to the way I can kick.”
It’s highly unusual to have a kicker at Pac-10 Media day, but Erickson said, “Last year, he (Weber) pulled up right before we played at Georgia, and we missed three field goals. He’s a great player and a great character. You don’t see many kickers come to things like this.”
The Obvious – The Rose Bowl is known, of course, for its part in the Tournament of Roses on January 1.
The Not So Obvious – Prior to the coaches and player introductions, the stage was decorated by a giant bowl of roses placed in a “Pac-10” vase.
The Obvious – At 10:15, UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel (11-14), who begins his third season in Westwood and returns 14 starters (7 offense, 5 defense, punter, kicker), did his thing.
On the possibility of two divisions for “Pac-12” expansion, Neuheisel said, “I think they put five of us on one plane coming back (from New York) and five of us on another plane, just how Larry (Scott, Pac-10 commissioner) wanted it. I have a personal opinion on what’s best for UCLA in terms of playing the best competition. What may be best for me may not be good for a team in the Northwest.” As for his team, Neuheisel proclaimed, “For the first time since I got to UCLA, we are an experienced football team.” Asked about the USC sanctions, Slick Rick later added, “Truthfully, we can’t take time to worry about it. They (USC) were the champs when we got here, and now Oregon is the champs.”
The Not So Obvious – Ironically, this was the second year in a row that Neuheisel has spoken in the 10:15 slot. The good news is that Slick Rick guided the Bruins to their first bowl win since 2002 over mighty Temple in the Eagle Bank Bowl. Do casual college football fans even remember that Neuheisel had some of his greatest moments right on this very turf hosting the Pac-10 Media Day? For those with a short memory, Ricky was named the 1984 Rose Bowl MVP playing QB for his Bruins.
The Obvious – UCLA junior free safety Rahim Moore (6-1, 195) All-Pac-10 first team, was the Bruins’ media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – When asked how Rahim would top last season’s standout individual performance, the talented Bruins safety thought of his team and said, “Do everything I can to be better. It’s not about topping last year. If I could, I would take away the 10 picks to get 10 wins.”
The Obvious – Being in such a large stadium as the Rose Bowl, it didn’t seem there was as much media as in the past.
The Not So Obvious – However, there was a large concentration of television tents and radio booths surrounding the back of the setup of media tables and chairs. Normally at a hotel, they are out in the lobby.
The Obvious – At 10:30 a.m., fourth up to the podium was Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian (5-7), who begins his second season in Seattle and has a club returning 17 starters (9 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter).
Of his own background in southern California and the new Pac-10 marketing, Sarkisian said, “Growing up in the Pac-10 and in southern California and watching this great conference, I think this event is fantastic. I think it’s indicative of Larry Scott and his aggressiveness. I think this conference is headed in a tremendous direction. I’m excited for our football program because I think we’re on that same wave. Our challenge is to take that next step. We have great coaches and tremendous players.”
The Not So Obvious – Last season was quite a UW improvement under “Sark.” The Purple Gang improved by five victories over the previous year. No other BCSA-conference team could brag about such an improvement, which included that ugly upset over the then No. 3 Trojans. You could tell by his swagger on Thursday that Steve feels his team can do a lot of damage in the Pac-10 this season.
The Obvious – UW senior outside linebacker Mason Foster (6-2, 244), All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention, was the Husky media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – Asked by the O/NSO how much of an impact has former Trojan defensive coordinator Nick Holt made on the Husky defense, Foster said, “He brings intensity and enthusiasm to our defense. As a defense, we embody his personality. We understand what he’s trying to do with the defenses in his blitzes. I am looking for great things out of our defenses.”
The Obvious – Among the many media in attendance was Hall of Fame columnist and author Steve Bisheff.
The Not So Obvious – After the media day extravaganza, “Bish” was able to pass on how to get to his new website for his valued opinions. The wag said to go to www.thebisheffblog.com <http://www.thebisheffblog.com> . Speaking of writing, look for some exciting news regarding Steve and WeAreSC.com. Our lips are sealed.
The Obvious – At 10:45, California head coach Jeff Tedford, who begins his eighth season (67-35) in Berkeley and returns 16 starters (8 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter), addressed the media.
Without really saying that he was on the Bears’ hot seat, Tedford said, “A success would be to go to the Rose Bowl. It used to be 8 or 9 wins was a good season. People were satisfied with that. But that is not good enough anymore. We have to get over that hump. I wouldn’t say that if we lose a game or two and don’t’ make our goal we are a failure. I am not putting that on our backs.”
The Not So Obvious – Gee, Tedford seems like he has been at Cal forever. He does, however, have some hooks to hang his hat on like eight consecutive winning seasons, with seven consecutive bowl appearances (5-2 record). Least you forget, the Bears have been ranked in the Top 10 at some point during the season in five of the last six years. However, it’s no secret that many Cal alumni are starting to get disenchanted, especially with a revamped Memorial Stadium underway.
The Obvious – Cal senior linebacker Mike Mohamed (6-3, 238), All-Pac-10 first team, was the Bears’ media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – The O/NSO asked Mike about the effects the NCAA sanctions can have on players at USC. He said, “It is definitely tough for the players, especially when all this is coming down on them when they didn’t have a part in it at all. Definitely tough.”
The Obvious – At 11:00 a.m., there was a 15-minute break.
The Not So Obvious – You talk about a made dash to the restrooms. The problem with the restroom break is that one had to traverse the field and go under the stands next to the locker room. Many writers during the break talked with colleagues from other teams and many were unable to find that fountain of energy – bottle water. Coming out of the break, some writers decided to leave their uncovered seating spot to stand under umbrellas that were brought in during the break. Others complained that their computers were as hot as the desert and had to be shut down. The toughest part was that you had extreme problems seeing your computer monitor thanks to the glare of the sun.
The Obvious –At 11:15 a.m., Trojans’ head coach Lane Kiffin, who begins his first season replacing Pete Carroll and inherits 12 starters (6 offense, 5 defense, punter), came to the stage.
On the strengths and weaknesses of his team, Lane, who looked very SoCal with his sunglasses on, said, “People expect USC to be crumbling. I feel good about our defensive line. Depth, in general, is going to be an issue. We have to be extremely intelligent and smart. Seven of our 10 coaches have NFL experience. We’re going to have to be NFL-oriented because of our situation.”
The Not So Obvious – Well, if you were waiting for some SEC-like Media Day outburst by Lane, fagetaboutit. Most agreed that Kiffen attacked the anticipated questions of the masses and gave short, good, and concise answers to questions.
The Obvious – Trojan sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley (6-2, 225), a player will be tremendous scrutiny this coming season, was the Trojans’ media day representative.
The Not So Obvious – Barkley put the entire sanctions and college into perspective when he told the media, “It (transferring) never crossed my mind. I’ve always wanted to go to USC. I wouldn’t give up anything to go anywhere else. To get a degree from USC is huge.”
The Obvious – It is always a treat to see first-hand the physical size of many of the Pac-10 stars in attendance at media.
The Not So Obvious – Many were surprised both by the height and size of Arizona QB Nick Foles (6-5, 245) and Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers (5-7, 191).
The Obvious –At 11:30, Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, who begins his fourth year (17-20) on The Farm in Palo Alto and returns 16 starters (8 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter), made his way to the podium.
Blowing away that the Pac-10 is a finesse conference, Jim said, “This is a ‘strongman’ conference. There is not a lot of finesse in this conference. It’s a physical brand.”
The Not So Obvious – Swingin’ from the Hip Jim, whose Red and White are ranked among a number of 2010 preseason Top 25 polls, led the Cardinal to its first winning season since 2001 and an appearance in the Sun Bowl. When asked about a possible return to Michigan to coach, Jim gave the politically correct answer that things can always change, but he plans on staying at Stanford for a long time. Haven’t we heard those types of comments before?
The Obvious – Stanford senior fullback Owen Marecic (6-1, 235), perhaps the most versatile player in the Pac-10 and All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention, was the Cardinal media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – On the announcement by Harbaugh that Marecic would be both the Cardinal starting fullback and middle linebacker, the talented senior informed the O/NSO when questioned, “I did go both ways in high school as a fullback and linebacker. During a practice, the offense and the defense will scrimmage at the same time against the scout teams. So there is plenty of time to get practice on both.”
The Obvious – There has been some confusion to when Cal would be playing in the downtown San Francisco Giants ballpark while Memorial Stadium is getting its beauty fix.
The Not So Obvious – Cal coach Jeff Tedford says there has been a lot of confusion. He said that the Bears will play this coming season at Memorial Stadium and the 2011 season at the Giants’ ballpark.
The Obvious – At 11:45, Oregon State head coach Mike Riley, who begins his tenth season (64-47) in Corvallis and returns 17 starters (8 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter), provided his views on his Beavers.
On not having highly-ranked recruiting classes but being successful, the former Trojan offensive coordinator said, “We don’t feel we do more with less. We think we do a good job of evaluating players. We don’t care about the number stars when coming in, but about the number of stars coming out.”
The Not So Obvious – The one-time Trojan head coaching candidate has the second most victories (64) in OSU history. Gentleman Mike has led the Beavers to six bowl games, that’s right, in the last seven years and a 5-1 record. Shhhh, the Corvallis boys under Riley have also averaged nine wins each of the last four years.
The Obvious – Oregon State junior tailback Jacquizz Rodgers (5-7, 188) All-Pac-10 first team, was the Beavers’ media day representative.
The Not So Obvious – On not having highly-ranked recruiting classes, Jacquizz added, “We develop players as they get older in the program. Every player who comes through the program gets better. We have a good coaching staff that coaches players on technique and all the things that help you become a better football player.”
The Obvious – For many media members, getting to the Rose Bowl for a 9:30 a.m. start seemed like getting to the Rose Bowl on January 1.
The Not So Obvious - For those coming in from Orange County, there was a car fire near the Tonner Canyon exit, which slowed traffic to a near standstill through Brea. If that wasn’t enough, there was the “usual” mess along the 210 heading towards Pasadena.
The Obvious – At noon, Arizona coach Mike Stoops, who begins his seventh season (33-39) in Tucson and returns 15 starters (9 offense, 4 defense, kicker, punter), entertained the audience.
On his team’s recent success, Mike Stoops informed, “I think we have had some successful season, but we want to take the next step. This is going to be a competitive season, with the balance of teams. We play seven homes, five of those in the Pac-10. Things have to fall right to win Championships. We are not as deep of a team as last year, but we are a strong team.”
The Not So Obvious – Stoops has led UofA to back-to-back eight win seasons for the first time since 193-94. Last season, Mike guided the Wildcats to a surprising second-place tie in the Pac-10 and a Holiday Bowl appearance. Had the Pac-10 acquired Oklahoma, Stoop would have had to face his brother, Bob, the head coach of the Sooners. Mike said, “That would never be a situation we would never look forward to.”
The Obvious – Arizona junior quarterback Nick Foles (6-5, 245), the Wildcats improving quarterback and All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention, was the Wildcats’ media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – On how he feels this season with his experience, Nick informed, “It is a lot different. I got to start nine games and I have that experience under my belt. We have an offensive strategy set up. I have confidence going into the offseason. As a quarterback, I am a leader on and off the field.”
The Obvious – The Pac-10 is trying to showcase its new logo on everything and everywhere.
The Not So Obvious – There was the new Pac-10 logo both in two spots on the field and a net with the new logo hanging between the uprights of the goal post behind the podium.
The Obvious – At 12:15, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, who begins his second season (10-3) in Eugene and returns 18 starters (9 offense, 8 defense, punter), gave his evaluations and opinions of his defending Pac-10 champions.
The Trojans know all about the Ducks’ powerful offensive line. All the Oregon offensive line returns and Kelly says, “As our offensive line grew as the season went on, we grew more explosive. We started to hit our stride. We like to play a lot of guys on both sides of the ball, but the key has always been our offensive line.”
The Not So Obvious – Can you have a better first year as a head coach than Chip had in 2009? He has the defending Conference champions and is the reigning Pac-10 Coach of the Year. He is the first coach in Pac-10 history to win the title in his first season. As the Ducks approach the 2010 season, they are ranked in the Top 15 in most preseason polls and were picked by the Pac-10 media to win the Conference for the second year in a row.
The Obvious – Oregon senior defensive tackle Brandon Bair (6-7, 266), All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention, was the Ducks’ media day player representative.
The Not So Obvious – The last time a highly-touted Ducks team came to Los Angeles, the Quackers were routed 44-10. We asked Brandon why it’s so tough for his team to win in Los Angeles. He replied, “It’s the home field. They have the advantage. We will be good wherever we play this year.”
The Obvious – The Pac-10 Media Day interviews concluded at 12:26 p.m.
The Not So Obvious – The Pac-10 played new more slick, movie-like trailers, which included an historical view of the Conference and a future promo for the additions of Utah and Colorado. After the movie-like trailers were done, a scribe remarked, “Okay, when does Toy Story 3 begin?”
The Obvious – As per custom at a Pac-10 Media Day, there is a courtesy lunch, which is served at the conclusion of the question and answer sessions.
The Not So Obvious – This buffet was also with no head cover from the sun, and the lines were long. As for the dining selections, there were actually good sandwiches on rolls that included turkey, salmon, beef, or veggie. There was a pasta and green leaf salad. You had your choice of two dressings. There was no dessert bar that we saw, but there was a nice fruit tray.
The Obvious – And finally, as we talked out of the Rose Bowl, there was still hanging the helmets and jerseys of all the Pac-10 teams.
The Not So Obvious – How appropriate. So, now it begins, the final single digit days until the first day of practice. For the Trojans, it’s this Wednesday, a day when all the preseason written words are replaced by helmets and eventual shoulder pads. We are here!
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