(This one's coming at a small, newly formed, upset group of Bobby haters...)

Below is a list of P5 football programs ranked by conference win percentage through this past weekend's games completed. These are conference games only and since the start of the 2014 season, Petrino's first season with his return to Louisville. The percentages include the conference playoff games which I threw in for the hell of it.

The teams at the very top are a Who's Who of college football programs nowadays. Just below the Top Five are a group of ten or so programs who excel but not quite at the level at the top. U of L is planted in that group tied for #8 overall.

No one's "happy"--a word I heard the last couple days--with #8. No more so than Wisconsin's happy at #6, USC's happy at #10, or Florida's happy at #12. But you can't dismiss this win % ranking because it's at least as relevant as a recruiting ranking is: the programs at the top are the best in the country. And you're on their doorstep. I'm sorry, but you are.

You're not a flash-in-the-pan, this is over three-plus seasons. Petrino didn't inherit a roster full of Alabama or Ohio State kids. And he's not playing in the SEC East or the ACC Coastal where the wins come easier. The ACC Atlantic is the only division in college football with THREE teams in the Top Ten of this list.

Wins and losses are precisely the reason why Petrino's at no risk of losing his job to Jeff Brohm or anyone else a few of you guys can dream up. As a coach, Petrino's always working on a better gameplan. And as fans, some of you need to do the same thing...

1. Alabama (SEC West) 0.926
1. Ohio State (Big Ten East) 0.926
3. Clemson (ACC Atlantic) 0.889
4. Oklahoma (Big XII) 0.815
5. Florida State (ACC Atlantic) 0.800
6. Wisconsin (Big Ten West) 0.741
7. TCU (Big XII) 0.704
8. Louisville (ACC Atlantic) 0.692
8. Iowa (Big Ten West) 0.692
10. Stanford (Pac 12 North) 0.690
10. USC (Pac 12 South) 0.690
12. Florida (SEC East) 0.667
12. Oklahoma State (Big XII) 0.667
14. North Carolina (ACC Coastal) 0.654
15. Oregon (Pac 12 North) 0.643
16. Michigan (Big Ten East) 0.640
17. Baylor (Big XII) 0.630
18. Pittsburgh (ACC Coastal) 0.625
18. Georgia (SEC East) 0.625
20. Michigan State (Big Ten East) 0.615
21. Washington (Pac 12 North) 0.607
22. Utah (Pac 12 South) 0.593
22. Kansas State (Big XII) 0.593
22. West Virginia (Big XII) 0.593
25. Penn State (Big Ten East) 0.577
26. Washington St (Pac 12 North) 0.571
27. Mississippi State (SEC West) 0.560
27. LSU (SEC West) 0.560
27. Nebraska (Big Ten West) 0.560
27. Northwestern (Big Ten West) 0.560
31. Miami (ACC Coastal) 0.542
31. Ole Miss (SEC West) 0.542
33. Virginia Tech (ACC Coastal) 0.520
34. UCLA (Pac 12 South) 0.481
35. Tennessee (SEC East) 0.480
35. Minnesota (Big Ten West) 0.480
37. Auburn (SEC West) 0.458
37. Texas A&M (SEC West) 0.458
39. Maryland (Big Ten East) 0.452
40. Arizona State (Pac 12 South) 0.444
40. Texas (Big XII) 0.444
42. Georgia Tech (ACC Coastal) 0.440
43. Duke (ACC Coastal) 0.417
43. Arkansas (SEC West) 0.417
45. Arizona (Pac 12 South) 0.393
46. Missouri (SEC East) 0.385
47. California (Pac 12 North) 0.370
48. Boston College (ACC Atlantic) 0.360
48. Kentucky (SEC East) 0.360
50. NC State (ACC Atlantic) 0.348
51. Texas Tech (Big XII) 0.333
52. Colorado (Pac 12 South) 0.321
53. South Carolina (SEC East) 0.308
54. Virginia (ACC Coastal) 0.292
55. Illinois (Big Ten West) 0.280
56. Indiana (Big Ten East) 0.269
57. Vanderbilt (SEC East) 0.208
58. Wake Forest (ACC Atlantic) 0.200
59. Oregon State (Pac 12 North) 0.179
60. Syracuse (ACC Atlantic) 0.167
61. Rutgers (Big Ten East) 0.160
62. Iowa State (Big XII) 0.148
63. Purdue (Big Ten West) 0.120
64. Kansas (Big XII) 0.074

I spoke with three-star QB Jaden Johnson, the leader of the 2019 commits, and the always candid prospect didn't disappoint.

"Man, I had a feeling it was coming but not this early," remarked Johnson.

When asked if Petrino's firing meant he looking to find a new school to commit to, Johnson shot that notion down with a measured response:

"I'm gonna see how it plays out and who the new staff is gonna be. I'm talking to (Louisville Athletic Director) Vince Tyra to see if the new staff was going to let us (the ten current 2019 verbal commits) sign. I told him we are the ones who have been trying to build this thing back up."

He couldn't say what Tyra told him but he said it was a positive conversation.

I also reached out to Aidan Robbins for comment and he responded:

"I don't have any thoughts right now, I will release a statement later after talking to my family."

Johnson provided some insight into Robbins situation, stating that if the new hire is current Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm, the staff could try to use Robbins as a linebacker. Running back is Robbins' position of preference and that may be a reason for Robbins to look for a new school.

That being said, Johnson said he is in frequent communication with Robbins, Stanley King, Denzel Daxson, and Jeremiah Pruitte, and that "everyone is waiting to see how things play out with the new staff coning in before making any moves.

I spoke with people close to Fleming Island, Florida tight end Sam Snyder last week who expressed significant concerns about the state of the coaching staff. Today however Snyder said he is staying committed "at this time" which is pretty much the company line from most recruits "at this time."

While the dismissal of Petrino doesn't bode well for Louisville's chances of signing those remaining commits with legit options elsewhere, retention is possible. Whenever a head coach is fired in-season it sends shockwaves through the recruiting universe, especially with the athletes committed to the program in flux. Current commits may have doors closed in them while doors may open for others around the country who are still open as well as committed elsewhere.

I will update this thread as new information comes to light.

Whenever a head coach is fired this close to signing day legitimate concerns arise regarding committed recruits. Who will stay committed and sign? Who will decommit? Who will look around but still remain committed? All of these questions pertain to Louisville's 2019 class and much is yet to be determined.

One positive development that has come to light today per a source within the Louisville program is that athletic director Vince Tyra has taken action to fill the void left by Bobby Petrino and son/sons-in-law.

My source indicated that Louisville has confirmed they will host two official visitors this weekend for their final home game of the season against NC State. The first is linebacker Jamie Pettway.

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Chad Simmons reported that Louisville was Pettway's leader before Petrino's early dismissal. The fact that he is still visiting Louisville is an encouraging sign that they are still very much in the mix. It's also a bonus that Vince Tyra has urged the current staff to keep pursuing the 6-foot-2, 234-pound linebacker from Georgia.

The other official visitor my source confirmed is 2019 Canadian OT Liam Dick.

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Dick is 6-foot-7, 300-pounds and fills a position of need for this class. I had the chance to observe him at a Prospect camp during the off-season and I felt he moved well enough to earn an offer. Clearly the staff agreed with me.

In his Sunday press conference Tyra said he will be recruiting his current players in the wake of Petrino's firing and it looks like he did a good job with Russ Yeast. The fact that the remaining coaching staff is still hosting official visits gives the appearance that Tyra is recruiting prospects as well.

I was also informed that Louisville is still actively recruiting 4-star IMG, Florida linebacker Mikel Jones.

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As reported by Chris Person, Jones was supposed to take his official visit to Louisville this weekend but there just aren't enough coaches available to host additional players this weekend due to the recent purge.

Jones's teammate and current FSU commit Jaleel McCrae was supposed to accompany him on the visit but posted on twitter that he's closing his recruitment and sticking with FSU. Louisville rescinded their invitation to him.

There is also the possibility that 2020 California based QB Patrick Roberg could commit by the end of the weekend.

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If Louisville can land a commitment from Jones, Dick, and/or Roberg it is clear that Tyra is sending a message to recruits that they can trust to have their commitments honored on signing day.

Before Petrino's time at Louisville came to an end, two of the most talented young prospects on the team, defensive back Russ Yeast and quarterback Jordan Travis, announced their intention to transfer from Louisville.

I received word late Sunday night from a source close to the program that Russ Yeast was contacted by Vince Tyra immediately following the 2pm press conference this afternoon. Furthermore, Russ Yeast was at the team dinner tonight with Vince Tyra and "will be with the team the remainder of the season".

I didn’t know much about Lorenzo Ward until I read the article below in today’s Courier Journal. Take a look at the “Coaching Successes” part of the article. With that history and that kind of success why the hell wasn't he our defensive coordinator instead on BVG?

https://www.courier-journal.com/sto...terim-football-coach-lorenzo-ward/1968003002/

Jamie Pettway and his family spoke with coach Summers and one of the recruiting guys in the office and the official visit is still on this weekend as of now.

I thought they would wait, but Pettway wants to sign in December and he does not have a lot of free weekends, so he is going through with the OV this weekend he says.

Before the firing of Petrino, Louisville was his leader.

Missouri and Ga Tech are two others high on his list. Tennessee is keeping him warm, and if they decide to pursue, then they will be tough to beat.

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i am looking for 2 tickets to the game. Have family in town. Please let me know.

Thanks!

setting ourselves up for a huge letdown? Everyone on local social media and sports talk radio is assuming Jeff Brohm will take the job. While all the stars appear to be aligning, I have this gut feeling he won’t. I hope I’m wrong.

When Strong bolted for Texas the names that initially leaked out were Cutcliffe at Duke, RichRod at Arizona which I always thought was an agent leak to get a contract hike...but initially muted about Petrino. Given the situation we were in with what we had returning there was a part of me that thought Jurich went with Petrino because he had trouble getting a higher caliber talent, but I never heard on an "insider level" how everything went down.

Being a historian I like to think you can look at where you are today by understanding what went into issues that came about five years ago leading up to Petrino's hiring. Was Petrino in the works when Strong danced around with Tennessee the year before or was maybe Jurich a little pissed at Strong for that and the timing of it; it did strike me that once Strong had the Tennessee dalliance things soured both between he and Strong as well as Strong with the program at large.

I'm sorry, but not being that close to the university, I just don't know much about him. I have heard he is toxic, a maggot, and a henchman.
Name calling is easy, but how did he earn it.

Thanks

If he brings this team together and wins the last 2 games should he be consider for the HC job.

weren't some posters adamant that there was no money to buy out petrino

Projected College Football Playoff Rankings

Our FBS & FCS Polls have been updated for week 12 of the college football season. Read how we already projected the top 25 back in week 6 and the cases we made for the teams we believed rightfully deserved to be in the top 25. The D2 playoff brackets were released and our D2 Top 25 featured all but one playoff team, before we adjusted to the NCAA selection committee's decisions.











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It is a good thing sUcK doesn't play Army. They are playing a better game against Duke than sUcK did. It makes you wonder how good both teams really are.

On your radio show this morning you said you know of reasons why you believe the team fell apart this season. Can you expand upon that here?

its what truly separates us from the Purdue’s and Kentucky’s of the world. Many programs in our shoes would have cited the big buyout or “it’s just 1 bad year” refrain and kept Petrino in place. Proud to be a cardinal.

We all certainly believe Jeff Brohm is the top candidate and the first official call Vince Tyra will make once the season is over. And Brohm is the clear top choice from a Louisville standpoint.

Frankly, Brohm's standing as the clear-cut choice is the reason I deleted my original Hot Board Saturday night and scrapped it, BUT... I do think it is interesting to note who will be candidates if something goes South with the Brohm deal. (and also because Rivals.com was desperate for me to publish a Hot Board).

So here it is -

The What If It Isn't Brohm Hot Board v1.0

DINO BABERS - Syracuse HC
Current Spot: 16-18 overall at Syracuse, now in his third season
Why He's Hot? The losing overall record at Syracuse isn't stellar, but we also have to remember what he took over. He's building a winner at Syracuse and that is a major accomplishment. The fact that they are 8-2 this season is fairly ridiculous. He's so easy to love. The more you interview him, the more you like being around him. The players seem to love playing for him.
Why He's Not? Would he leave an Atlantic Division team to go to another Atlantic Division team? Maybe. Also, the overall record isn't great.

MATT CAMPBELL - Iowa State HC
Current Spot: 17-17 so far at Iowa State, now in his third season
Why He's Hot? He won at Toledo, compiling a 35-15 record and winning the league twice and then turned Iowa State from 3-9 his first year to 8-5 last season as the Big 12 Coach of the Year. This year they 6-3 so far, but seem to have a team that fans enjoy coming to see. He's very young, taking the ISU job on his 36th birthday.
Why He's Not? Campbell signed a six-year, $22.5 million dollar extension last November and it includes a $7 million buyout. There could also be concern about whether Louisville could lure him away from a place he seems to love.

SETH LITRELL - North Texas HC
Current Spot: 21-16 overall at North Texas, now in his third season
Why He's Hot? He built North Texas into a winner last season, winning the Conference USA West title with a 9-5 overall record and 7-1 league record. He's young (40), he's fiery, he's got a ton of energy.
Why He's Not? North Texas is 3-3 in league this season. Can he build a winner at Louisville? He has lost both bowls he has coached. And he's very near home, his Dad played at Oklahoma, he played at Oklahoma and UNT is within an easy drive from Oklahoma.

LUKE FICKELL - Cincinnati HC
Current Spot: 13-9 overall, now in his second season at Cincinnati
Why He's Hot? He took over a mess and won four games in 2017. This season Cincinnati is playing with purpose and fire, winning 9 of 10 games and currently leading the AAC East. Fickell is a hard-nosed dude, aggressive and a Coach passionate about practice. He has spent most of his career at Ohio State and would likely call that his dream job, but it isn't open right now and he's probably going to leave Cincinnati at some point. On a personal note: I also respect anyone who can manage six children.
Why He's Not? Yeah, I don't have much here. Not much experience? Maybe the Zach Smith stuff at OSU?

MIKE NORVELL - Memphis HC
Current Spot: 24-12 overall record at Memphis, now in his third season
Why He's Hot? Like many other candidates, he built a winner at his current spot including a strong season last year, going 10-3 and winning the American Athletic Conference West title. He is making less than $2 million currently and is only 37 years old.
Why He's Not? Memphis is 6-4 this season and 3-3 in the league. He has lost both bowls he has coached. There's not much else to dislike.

BILL CLARK - UAB HC
Current Spot: 23-12 overall at UAB, now in his third season
Why He's Hot? He's building, literally, from the ground up at UAB. They didn't have a program in 2015 and 2016 and since returning they have an 8-5 season with a trip to the Bahamas Bowl last season and are currently 9-1 and 7-0 in the Conference USA West this season. He's 50 but acts like a 35-year old with good energy and pep.
Why He's Not? He's not had success at a major level. He's an Alabama guy through and through, born and raised and all of his coaching has been there. He's only been at the college level for a decade.

NEAL BROWN - Troy HC
Current Spot: 33-15 overall at Troy, now in his fourth season
Why He's Hot? He has a phenomenal offensive system that is fun to watch and Hell to prepare for. He's already coached two teams to 10-plus wins and this season is heading that way, too, at 8-2 already. He has won the Sun Belt (Fun Belt) and he won the 2016 Dollar General Bowl and the 2017 New Orleans Bowl. He's from Kentucky (Boyle County) and has family in the area. 2017 Sun Belt Coach of the Year. And he's only 38 and he's making less than a million per year.
Why He's Not? Can he recruit at an elite enough level to beat Clemson or FSU? I'm not sure what else there is to dislike, and don't start with the UK stuff (Schnellenberger, Tyra, etc...)

BRENT VENABLES - Clemson DC
Current Spot: Clemson's defense is one of the best in the nation.
Why He's Hot? He has built defenses that win at the highest level. He's a strong recruiter, a brilliant tactician, a phenomenal worker and a grinder. People around him absolutely LOVE him.
Why He's Not? He's never been a head coach. Would he actually leave? Despite being a coordinator, that's a real question. Clemson is paying him $1.7 million a year and he doesn't have to deal with all the stuff a head coach has to deal with. Also, he's a bit odd, in a quirky obsessive sort of way.

CHIP LONG - OC at Notre Dame
Current Spot: Notre Dame is undefeated and a playoff contender
Why He's Hot? He's smart, a splendid play-caller in the mold of Bobby Petrino and a football lifer. He worked for Petrino at Louisville and Arkansas. He's going to be a successful coach for someone, but is he ready for a Top 25 job like Louisville? He's young (35) and has a lot of energy.
Why He's Not? He's never been a head coach. Why go after Chip Long if you could get mentor Mike Norvell instead? Both are certainly good, up-and-coming coaches. Can he recruit at the highest level?

RYAN DAY - OC and QB Coach at Ohio State
Current Spot: Ohio State is Top 10 and in playoff contention
Why He's Hot? The 39-year old Day has moved from New Hampshire to Boston College to Temple to the Eagles and 49ers and now back to college. He is a Chip Kelly disciple, having played for him at UNH.
Why He's Not? He has limited head coaching experience, only serving as a placeholder for Urban Meyer for the first three games this season (3-0), but he comes from a strong Coaching Tree working alongside Meyer, Kelly, Addazio, etc...

ROD CAREY - Northern Illinois HC
Current Spot: 51-27 overall at NIU, now in his sixth season
Why He's Hot? Carey was truly one of the hottest names out there in 2013 and 2014 when his teams went 12-2 and 11-3. He won the MAC West in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Midwestern guy (Wisconsin native), took over for Dave Doeren at NIU and a former O-Line coach. What could he do at the next level? It's an interesting question.
Why He's Not? 28-20 over the last four years so the question is whether he can sustain success. They are 7-3 so far this season. Also, can he recruit the South? He's 47 so isn't as young as other candidates.

And OK, I am adding this last one just in case after a phone conversation I just had...

CHARLIE STRONG - USF HC
Current Spot: 17-5 overall, now in his second season
Why He's Hot? We know him, we love him, we know he can recruit here. The man built Louisville from the dregs of Kragthorpe to 11-2 and 12-1 seasons and his players would run through a brick wall for him. He's fiery, passionate, lovable (hey now...) and it is easy to discount the mess at Texas for a number of reasons relating to fit (all of which all of us could have told Texas officials had they asked us) and Texas boosters acting ignorant. Strong builds fierce teams and knows talent.
Why He's Not? Unsure of whether or not he's cut like that. Also, Louisville fans have ex-syndrome courtesy of Bobby Petrino.

WHAT ABOUT VEGAS?
Well, I'm of the opinion that Vegas typically knows. Remember when the made Strong the top choice at Texas long before any of us thought it was possible. Well, here's what Odd Shark says...
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https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/fantasy-football-pre-week-11-waiver-wire-breakdown/


I snatched Lamar up last week before his bye this week, just in case ... It sounds like that will be paying off. Here's what CBS is saying about Lamar ...

QUARTERBACKS

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (16 percent owned)

Suggested bid: $33

The rookie from Louisville is poised to become a difference-maker down the stretch, and anyone with a need at quarterback should go all in to acquire Jackson's services. Joe Flacco is dealing with a hip injury that reportedly might require surgery or "prolonged rest." The truth is, Flacco hasn't played well since September anyway, and with rumors of Ravens coach John Harbaugh being on the hot seat, it was probably time for a change at quarterback anyway. At least one reporter in Baltimore speculated that Robert Griffin III might get the nod over Jackson, but that would be insanity. The Ravens need to hand the reins to their dynamic rookie. Jackson ran for 3,172 yards and 39 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Louisville -- and remember that sacks count against a QB's rushing yardage in college. He has a chance to become the greatest rushing quarterback the league has ever seen, and that sort of rushing ability for a quarterback is pure Fantasy gold. Jackson is an unpolished passer to be sure, but he's not totally incompetent either, and those legs will occasionally buy him time to find open receivers. This is going to be fun.



(For perspective - Marcus Mariotta is tabbed at $4, Eli Manning at $3, Blake Bortles $2 ... so Lamar;s $33 is huge.)

I received an update from a source close to three-star Sam Snyder.

Several schools have reached out to Snyder since yesterday and he is definitely listening.

"We’ve put all of our time into UL and haven’t checked out many other schools... I’m afraid if things don’t work out with UL then we’ve run out of time to visit other schools," said the source.

My reaction here is that Snyder is on the fence. The uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff has forced him to protect his best interests. Contact has been limited with Louisville and the staff recently, understandably. Things don't look good for Louisville right now but Snyder's connection with Kolby Smith and Richard Owens are keeping him from decommiting at the moment.

Its a new day for Louisville Football today and that brings much needed hope for the players and fans. There also should be gratitude for all the great things that you accomplished for this program.

First off, thank you to you and your family for all the wonderful things behind the scenes that they have done for our community here and it is a long and impressive list.

Thank you for bringing excitement and execution to Louisville Football and the belief that we can reach the top of the college Football mountain, even if we came up a few inches short.

Thank you for treating UK like they should be treated and thrashing them 6 out 7 times while you wore the Cardinals hat.

Thank you for Lamar Jackson and a Heisman Trophy. Lamar was a once in a lifetime player but you brought him here and maximized his talents.

Thanks for Brian Brohm and Michael Bush

Lastly, thank you for the wonderful memories of the games like:

*Miami in the Orange Bowl in 2004
*The 44-40 thriller vs Boise St in the 2004 Liberty Bowl.
*Thrashing heavyweight Miami in 2006 31-7
*The Top 5 showdown win vs West Virginia in 2006.
*The 2007 Orange Bowl Win.
*The 2014 ACC opener win vs Miami
*Winning The 2015 Music City Bowl over Texas A&M
*The 63-20 annihilation of Florida State in 2016
*And all the thrilling near misses and ass kicking of opponents during your tenure here. For the most part, it was sure a blast.

Best of luck and God Bless to you and your family.

GG Robinson: "Anybody could turn the film on and see not everybody was out there giving 100 percent effort." Also said they need to focus on the final two weeks and make the most of the "two-game season."

a NBA team. He misses teaching and developing young basketball talent. Maybe if Dan Issel can finally get a team here in Louisville, maybe they can make Slick Rick the coach.

following up a post earlier. And Keqving JB out of the discussion.....

Have read the talk about we need a ‘named’ coach.

Just curious. Who is available AND obtainable?

Les Miles?
Greg Schiano?
Charlie Strong?
Whoever Nick Saban has ‘game planning’?
An NFL coordinator?

I don’t think anyone from Clemson is coming here at this time.

Taking a sort of step back how about a coordinator at one of the following programs:

Notre Dame
Alabama
Oklahoma
Michigan
Ohio State

Gives everyone traveling for Thanksgiving time to get back. I like it.