And we’re off! Lane Kiffin should be introduced as the Tennessee coach today. Did the Vols A.D. watch film of the 13-9 USC-UCLA game before he made his decision? Or the fourth-and-2 call in the Rose Bowl (minus Reggie Bush)?

Q: It may not matter after Saturday (if Oregon beats OSU), but do you think that it could hurt the Trojans, if they don’t end up in either the Rose Bowl or the BCS Championship game?

A: Going to a non-BCS bowl for a year does not have an impact on recruiting, which I gather is what you are referring to. As long as Pete Carroll is around, recruiting should always be in the top 5-10. Sometimes, when you lose, it actually helps recruiting because prospects think there is a better chance for playing time. But I don’t see USC reaching that stage yet.

Q: Seeing Tim Davis going to Minnesota. It’s been documented that Davis was no a big fan of Lane Kiffin. Did Kiffin backstabbing his way into the SC OC job force Davis to leave SC that same year ?

A: I’ve heard Kiffin was one reason (though not the only reason) for his departure and he grew tired of the behind the scenes drama. It was no secret he was not a Kiffin fan. It’s too bad for him because things didn’t work out with the Dolphins as anticipated and he didn’t coach last season.

Q: With the Big 10 (11) having their own network, do you see the Pac 10 ever trying to do something like this or are they the Versus Network Conference forever?

A: I think it’s the future but the Pac-10 seems a long way off from getting it done. They will probably be among the last to get their own network, and will do it grudingly. Kind of like with bowl arrangements and expansion. Or lack of expansion.