Early November - Where Are We??

It is early November and we are on the brink of one of the most exciting off-seasons in recent memory. The Nebraska and Texas A&M openings will be the most interesting to watch since Notre Dame and Florida fought over Urban Meyer. But even after those two openings there are a host of others that are ready to drop the ax. Let's just say the search firms are busy:

Arizona - Mike Stoops is safe (by the hair of his chinny chin chin)

Arkansas - Houston Nutt, does he stay or go? I say go, the main question is does he leave on his own or does he fly out of town hanging on to one of the Fire Nutt banners. The obvious choice is Butch Davis, one of the greatest recruiters of all time, would make the SEC West as tough as the mighty SEC East and would bring respectablity to a program in dissaray. If Butchy says no? Look for Bo Pelini to get the first interview followed by Brent Venables. New AD almost hired Pelini before Wanndstedt was forced on him at Pitt. Pelini is believed to have a strong desire to stay in the SEC (sorry Neb).
Sleeper Pick: Dan Mullen

Baylor - I thought Guy was a decent hire here, shows what i know. Mike Singletary is the most common name being thrown out for this gig, but why? does he really love baylor that much? this job has Glen Mason's name written all over it. In my opinion the SMU job is a better job than Baylor and that will show with the hiring. You will hear the same names for both jobs,Terry Bowden and Gary Barnett.
Sleeper pick: Todd Graham

Georgia Tech - People are mentioning the popular coordinators Bo Pelini (as he is mentioned with almost all jobs), Will Muschamp, and Kevin Fisher (word is Fisher is the early favorite of the coordinator candidates). We have it on good standing that Tech A.D. Dan Radakovich covets Paul Johnson and his history in Georgia.
Sleeper pick: Houston Nutt. Nutt is fighting for his life at Arkansas and would like nothing more than to leave on his own where he could tell the Arkansas crazies that he is in Atlanta year round! Nutt would definitely do better than Gailey, and would be a nice addition to the ACC. He has long recruited Atlanta well.

Memphis - If Kevin Fisher doesn't get an offer from a major this may be his chance. I also am hearing that Charlie Strong may get the first interview. If Charlie gets the interview i think Charlie gets the job. You can also insert Baylor and SMU candidates here.
Sleeper Pick: Major Applewhite

Nebraska - This is a tough one. They turned down Bo Pelini once, will Bo return the favor this time? Turner Gill's relationship with Tom Osborne is real, but is his experience real enough. Look for Paul Johnson to get a heavy look, Neb would be a great place for him to run his triple option, is Tommy Frazier around? Sleeper Pick: Greg Schiano, turned down Miami but....

SMU - Steve Orsini has the most important decision SMU has faced in years. This hire will make or break his career. This guy is good, so i expect a good hire. Gary Barnett has already thrown his name in the hat, if that is the worst they get they are in good shape. Terry Bowden, Rick Neuheisal, Glen Mason. This job can make or break a career, i say make. Look for a steal with this hire. Sleeper Pick: Gus Malzahn

Texas A&M - Every coach that has ever won 10 games will be mentioned. I for one am not buying the Tommy T rumors. Rich Rodriguez makes sense as does Schiano. I have to admit, all of my aggie sources say Tubberville all of my aubirn sources say no way. I say we will see. Sleeper Pick: Bobby Petrino

UCLA - Chris Peterson, Steve Sarkisian, Norm Chow. This will be one of the more interesting hires, UCLA needs a splash but more than that they need a good coach. Peterson is the fav. Sleeper Pick: Mike Leach