3-point-stance: Violation a sign of times

October, 4, 2013
1. Given the tenor of the times, the suspension of Alabama defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will cast a dimmer light on the NCAA than on the player. The Tuscaloosa News reported that Clinton-Dix took a loan of less than $500 from assistant strength coach Corey Harris during the summer and repaid it before the season. The bottom line is that Clinton-Dix and Harris knew the rules and ignored them. But the small amount of money, and the fact that it was a one-time transaction, highlight how the needs of student-athletes are not being met.

2. West Virginia's upset of Oklahoma State provided a ray of hope in Morgantown as the Mountaineers prepare to play at No. 17 Baylor, which is 15-1 at home since the beginning 2011. It's no coincidence that the struggles of the Mountaineers coincide with the departure of top recruiter Doc Holliday to become head coach of Marshall three years ago. Holliday is well-known for his ability to recruit in Florida, where the Mountaineers found quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver Stedman Bailey. They left last season, and no one as talented has appeared to replace them.

3. The disappearance of tough intersectional games has led to grade inflation at the football stadium. I looked at the Week 6 AP poll for each of the last 10 seasons. From 2004-11, the average number of undefeated teams is a shade under 14. Last season, 18 teams made it to Week 6 without a blemish. This season, it's 17. It must be the disappearance of tough intersectional games. Let's hope that nine-game conference schedules and the College Football Playoff force teams to play up, and do it earlier.

Ivan Maisel | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com




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