Mike McNeil, among other former players, allege some NCAA violations were going on at Auburn dating as far back as 2007. They include academic fraud, player payments, and overspending on recruits. The overall story tells of how McNeil got no support from the school following his arrest on armed robbery charges in early 2011, allegations he denies and will fight at trial. He certainly feels like he has an ax to grind against the school, so take his words with whatever grain of salt you choose to. If there is any truth to what he's saying, then it could cast a shadow that actually sticks across the Chizik era on the Plains.

A Mississippi State coach has a very simple message for 4-star linebacker recruit Michael Ferns. You just have to see it.

Turns out Mike Gundy really did consider the Tennessee job before deciding he couldn't leave his alma mater. Sounds like the allure came down to a belief that UT is an easier place than Oklahoma State to win a national title, and because (essentially, in so many words) he could play more cupcakes in Knoxville. He euphemistically describes is as having concerns about scheduling, but one big concern is about playing a tough opponent in a kickoff game on top of a nine-game conference schedule. So, cupcakes.