FSU president has it right: College football will have playoff
FSU president T.K. Wetherell believes what most college football fans believe: There will be a playoff system in college football. Dennis Dodd couldn't agree more.  

Rutgers' Davis can see what the Blind Side has in store
The jump from high school to college is daunting enough. Now imagine being a teenager and you're trusted with the task of protecting your quarterback's blind side. Dennis Dodd says that's the load placed on the shoulders of Rutgers' Anthony Davis and other young tackles. 

Once-blacklisted Franklin glad to be coaching again
Tony Franklin nearly disappeared from big-time college football after a book revealing Kentucky's misdeeds gave the program sanctions. But after proving his system at Troy, the veteran OC is ready to run through the SEC at Auburn, Dennis Dodd says. 

College coordinators partying like jock stars
There has never been a better time to be a right-hand man in college football. From exorbitant contracts to coaches-in-waiting, Dennis Dodd says these coaches have become jock stars. 

Stop us if you've heard this before: Buckeyes top Dawgs
The spring fun is done, and Dennis Dodd has a new No. 1; an all-too familiar one. Ohio State -- yes, we know their recent past -- and their 18 returning starters take the top spot. 

Spring 25: Who will be the next Perrilloux?
Knucklehead Ryan Perrilloux gets an award named after him, spring practices are setting attendance records and what's with coaches-in-waiting? Dennis Dodd gets you all caught up with 25 things to take from football's first season.  

No miracles here: BCS playoff opposition too strong for any change soon
For the first time, commissioners discussed a playoff system for the BCS. It could happen -- or not -- but not until 2014. But TV contracts and the thoughts of the Big Ten and Pac-10 stand firmly in the system's way, Dennis Dodd says. 

Drop the 'C' and you have Abercrombie's BCS view
The BCS thinks it system works, but Neil Abercrombie isn't sold. In fact, the Hawaii congressman is bringing legal challenges and Dennis Dodd says Abercrombie's zeal may set a foundation for future action. 

From walk-on to the draft: K-State's Nelson a diamond in the rough
Jordy Nelson is just as comfortable in a slaughterhouse as he is dodging defensive backs and snagging touchdown passes. 'The Hick from the Sticks', as his Kansas State teammates dubbed him, has the necessary tools to be an NFL success, Dennis Dodd says.  

Three D.C. Stooges miss mark on BCS pie-slinging
Is the BCS unfair? Maybe. Is it illegal? Hardly. So why is Congress trying to get involved with a system opening more doors than ever? Dennis Dodd says just like everything else, it must be the money.e 

Buffs' Hawkins practicing fun, not secrecy, in spring
Most college coaches would rather forfeit scholarships than reveal something in a spring game. Dennis Dodd says fun-loving Dan Hawkins will run Colorado's wide open Saturday, and he doesn't care what anybody learns. 

Second chance? Kansas giving Crawford shot at redemption
Jocques Crawford was on his way to the big time. Then trouble -- a felony rape charge. After a guilty plea to a lesser charge, Crawford found a new home in Cisco, Texas, and now is on his way to Kansas with a shot at a second chance, Dennis Dodd says. 

To be, or not Hobey? Gerbe makes award results look silly
Nathan Gerbe was overlooked in the Hobey Baker race, and not because he's 5-5, 165 pounds. It's because voting took place before the BC star's five-goal, three-assist tally in the Frozen Four, Dennis Dodd says after the Eagles defeat Notre Dame 4-1 for the national championship. 

No underdogs here: Notre Dame on brink of history
Notre Dame and hockey? Not exactly spaghetti and meatballs, but that doesn't matter. The Irish break new ground with a 5-4 overtime win in the Frozen Four, advancing to their first national title game. Dennis Dodd says this isn't an underdog triumph as much as another Michigan collapse. 

After being teased in '07, Oregon could be in for tantalizing season
QB Dennis Dixon had been solid, but not spectacular in his time at Oregon. Insert new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and Oregon was nearing the title game -- then Dixon went down. While Dixon's workouts tease, Dennis Dodd says Kelly will make another QB in Eugene in no time. 

Muschamp brings intensity, impressive resume to Texas' defense
Will Muschamp can be a bit excitable, but he also is a defensive mastermind. Now he joins a porous Texas team, but the former Auburn guru may not last long in Austin, which would be a good thing for both parties, Dennis Dodd says. 

Kansas wins title -- and could lose its Self in the process
Ca-ching! Now that Bill Self is a champion, T. Boone Pickens has to up the already-considerable ante to lure the Kansas coach to Oklahoma State. The bad news, KU, is Pickens can afford to do that, Dennis Dodd says.  

Run, don't walk, for Rock, Chalk, Jayhawks Monday
It's the 20th anniversary of Kansas' last title. So what's the recipe this time around? Dennis Dodd says to expect the same thing from the Danny Manning days: Run, run, and more run against the athletic Tigers. 

Saved by the rook, Jekyll-and-Hyde Jayhawks fly on
Talk about topsy-turvy. The Jayhawks play inspired basketball then almost turn in a historic choke job. One thing is for certain: Kansas will play for the title after beating North Carolina, and a big reason why is Cole Aldrich, Dennis Dodd says.  

Rush's ACL injury 'a blessing in disguise'
Brandon Rush was headed to the NBA before a torn ACL brought him back to Kansas. Good news for the Jayhawks, bad news for everyone else. Back at full strength, Rush has Kansas in the Final Four -- a place it wouldn't be without his injury, Dennis Dodd says. 

If well-deserved title comes for Self, let the beer flow
Forget the others. Bill Self is the feel-good coaching story in San Antonio. With a history of Elite Eight appearances, he has finally in the Final Four with Kansas. Dennis Dodd says a win would be well deserved. 

Moreno's motor might not stop until Downtown Athletic Club
Since middle school, Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was difficult to catch. Now the redshirt sophomore, who ran for 1,334 yards last season, might be the one to beat in the Heisman race of 2008, Dennis Dodd writes. 

Time heals for some, but Williams' rep still plenty tarred in Kansas
Public enemy No. 1? Roy Williams has been pretty darn close. Five years since leaving for UNC, emotions still run rampant for Kansas faithful as they prepare to face their old coach Saturday in the semifinals. 

Johnson sounds like right option for Georgia Tech
Critics clamor Paul Johnson's triple option won't work at Georgia Tech. But Dennis Dodd says the system, and the coach's chutzpah, just might be what's needed to get the Jackets' hive buzzing again.  

For the Love of Kevin: Youthful center shows his maturity
You won't see Kevin Love get rattled. He's just a freshman, but Dennis Dodd says Love's calm demeanor -- and 19 points, 10 boards -- is what carries UCLA to a third straight Final Four, 76-57 over Xavier. But the job isn't done -- championships are the only things that matter in Westwood. 

Xavier hopes its coach will stay, even though program is no UCLA
How is it pronounced? (Go easy on the 'X'). Is it a mid-major? (No.) But the real question about Xavier, Dennis Dodd says, is this: Can the Musketeers keep their coach, regardless of how they fare vs. UCLA in the West Region title game? 

Big-city Bruins seem to be melting in the spotlight
Push them, shove them, press them. Want to beat the Bruins? Western Kentucky provides the blueprint during an 88-78 loss that puts the Bruins back in the Elite Eight. Pressure the B's and they will wilt, Dennis Dodd advises Xavier. 

Xavier manages to dodge -- not choke on -- WVU's bullet
Two choke jobs in two years? Xavier -- and B.J. 'Big Time' Raymond -- don't let it happen, Dennis Dodd says. The Musketeers manage to fight off the charging Mountaineers 79-75 in OT to head back to the Elite Eight. 

Knock-down, tough-guy Mountaineers live up to Huggins' image
From death to tourney life, Bob Huggins travels tough. And it shows in his suddenly brazen Mountaineers. With this gunnery sergeant front and center, Huggins is reshaping WVU and himself, Dennis Dodd says. 

Feeling lucky, huh, Bruins? UCLA path still wide open
Refs swallowing whistles, breaks begetting breaks -- yeah, UCLA is running charmed through the tournament. Even hobbled by injuries and a lack of scoring, Dennis Dodd isn't concerned. Not with 'powerhouses' like Western Kentucky and Xavier still in the Bruins' bracket.  

Now in shadows of greats, USC recruit could soon loom over all
He's the next Matt Leinart, except better. His skills are 'off the charts.' His name is Matt Barkley -- just a junior in high school -- and he's heading to USC in 2009. If you don't know him now, you will in due time, Dennis Dodd says.  

Blowing the whistle on spotlight-stealing refs
Kansas stomps UNLV but that's not what catches Dennis Dodd's attention. The 46 fouls called by the game's trio of refs is mind-blowing. Isn't basketball a contact sport? A foul called every 50 seconds says no. 

One and done: K-State's tourney run ... and Beasley?
Kiss your season -- and Michael Beasley -- goodbye, Kansas State. The inconsistent Wildcats fall to Wisconsin 72-55, ending their tourney run. As Dennis Dodd says, K-State's one-man show hit the Badgers roadblock. 

Lon, winding road: Kruger's formula even works in Vegas
Jerry Tarkanian won at UNLV, but did it shady. Lon Kruger? He's also winning with the Runnin' Rebels, but credibly. Using players willing to play as Kruger once did, respect is returning to Vegas, Dennis Dodd says. 

Young and the restless: Raw Wildcats back on the map
Frank Martin and Kansas State aren't exactly grizzled veterans when it comes to the Big Dance. It sure doesn't matter now after a win over USC, rewarding a program that took a big risk on its first-year coach, Dennis Dodd says. 

Next step for Ohio State Idol: Living up to the hype
The legend of Terrelle Pryor takes another mythical leap. The nation's top prep prospect picks Ohio State over Michigan, Penn State and Oregon as a nervous nation finally exhales. Dennis Dodd just has to ask: Is there any way this kid can live up to the hype?  

Omaha site offers much, but main event obvious: Mayo-Beasley
Omaha has a lot to offer, including perhaps the best set of eight teams of any first-round NCAA tournament site. But Dennis Dodd says there's one glaring standout: the prime-time matchup between O.J. Mayo and Michael Beasley. 

Once 'Pope of Cleveland,' Mackey just wants back in
Kevin Mackey guided the Cleveland State Vikings on the one of the most improbable runs in NCAA tourney history. But nearly 20 years after a drug arrest cost him his job, Dennis Dodd says the coach-turned-NBA scout just wants one more shot. 

West: Yes, it's true, UCLA is really that good
UCLA has the tradition and all the jazz. If you are getting sick of hearing/reading about it, then skip the West Region. The Bruins are loaded everywhere and might not face a challenge until the Sweet 16, Dennis Dodd says. 

Midwest: Kansas accentuates the negative for positive results
Don't even bring up Georgetown or Wisconsin. Kansas, the Midwest Region's top seed, is focused on eliminating the possibility of another early exit, Dennis Dodd says.