GM Down A Cylinder

GM Suspends Dividend, Stock Buyback Program To Preserve Cash

Words of Truth

With the help of the government, the Coronavius is destroying the United States of America.

Without question, considering the devastating impact the virus was expected to deliver to our nation, a bold, intelligently implemented plan was unfortunately needed.

America has cooperated in stunning fashion, particularly in the way they have relinquished, temporarily, our rights and freedom.

America is winning the health battle, but is now losing handily the economic part of this war. And that has got to stop. NOW!

It is time to move beyond the myopic view of health being the only factor dictating our actions.  We need to consider the economic ramifications, which are staggering. If we don't reopen right quick, we may pass the point of now return.

I have empathy and compassion for those impacted by this invisible enemy, but as an old friend, Lt. Commander Spock of Starfleet Command once said, "The needs of many outweigh the needs of the few - or the one.

Indeed. Truer words have never been spoken.

Open up America NOW!

Abuse of Power

He Is Risen

Death has been defeated!

Answered Prayers

Ryan Newman awake, speaking after Daytona 500 crash

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

FINAL TOP 25

1.        Louisiana State, 15-0, 1
2.        Clemson, 14-1, 3
3.        Ohio State, 13-1, 2
4.        Georgia, 12-2, 5
5.        Florida, 11-2, 6
6.        Alabama, 11-2, 7
7.        Oregon, 12-2, 10
8.        Oklahoma, 12-2, 4
9.        Minnesota, 11-2, 14
10.      Penn State, 11-2, 13
11.      Wisconsin, 10-4, 12
12.      Notre Dame, 11-2, 16
13.      Auburn, 9-4, 9
14.      Baylor, 11-3, 8
15.      Memphis, 12-2, 17
16.      Iowa, 10-3, 19
17.      Cincinnati, 11-3, 20
18.      Michigan, 9-4, 15
19.      Navy, 11-2, 25
20.      Utah, 11-3, 11
21.      Appalachian State, 13-1, 21
22.      Air Force, 11-2, NR
23.      UCF, 10-3, NR
24.      Texas, 8-5, NR
25.      Boise State, 12-2, 18

OUT: Southern Cal (21), Virginia (23) and Kansas State (24).

NEXT: Southern Cal, Virginia, Texas A&M, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana, Washington and Oklahoma State.

The Color & Pageantry 2019 All America Team

The Color & Pageantry 2019 All America Team

The Color & Pageantry 

2019 Post Season All America Team

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JOE BURROW
QB LSU
PHOTO/Las Vegas Review Journal

OFFENSE

QB        Joe Burrow, Louisiana State
              6'4", 216, SR, Athens, OH (Athens)

RB         Travis Etienne, Clemson
              5'10, 210, JR, Jennings, LA (Jennings)

RB         Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
              5'11", 214, JR, Salem, NJ (Salem)

RB         JK Dobbins, Ohio State
              5'10", 217, JR, LaGrange, TX (LaGrange)

WR        Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
              6'1", 195, JR, Deerfield Beach, FL (Deerfield Beach)

WR        Cee Dee Lamb, Oklahoma
              6'2", 191, JR, Richmond, TX (Foster)

WR        JaMarr Chase, Louisiana State
              6'1", 200, SO, Harvey, LA (Archbishop Rummel)

TE          Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
              6'5" 240, SR, Gray, GA (John Milledge Academy)

OT          Penei Sewell, Oregon
               6'6", 324, SO, Malaeimi, American Samoa (Desert Hills, UT)

OG         Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
               6'4", 313, SO, Bellflower, CA (St. John Bosco)

OC          Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
                6'3", 303 JR, Amherst, WI (Amherst)

OG          John Simpson, Clemson
                6'4", 330, SR, North Charleston, SC (Fort Dorchester)

OT           Andrew Thomas, Georgia
                6'5", 320, JR, Lithonia, GA (Pace Academy)
             

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CHASE YOUNG
DE Ohio State

PHOTO/NorthJersey.com

DEFENSE

OLB       Jon Greenard, Florida
               6'3", 263, SR, Hiram, GA (Hiram)

DE          Chase Young, Ohio State
               6'5", 265, JR, Hyattsville, MD (Demantha Catholic)

DT          Derek Brown, Auburn
               6'5", 318, SR, Sugar Hill, GA (Lanier)

DT           Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
                6'6", 310, Sr, Charleston, SC, (Goose Creek)

DT           James Lynch, Baylor
                6'4", 295, JR, Round Rock, TX (Round Rock)

OLB        AJ Epenesa, Iowa
                6'6", 280, JR, Glen Carbon, IL (Edwardsville)

LB           Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
                6'4", 230, JR, Olathe, KS, (Olathe North)

LB           Micah Parsons, Penn State
                6'3", 245, SO, Harrisburg, PA (Harrisburg)

LB           Evan Weaver, Cal
                6'3", 245, SR, Spokane, WA (Gonzaga Prep)

CB           Derek Stingley, Jr, CB, Louisiana,State
                6'1", 190, FR, Baton Rouge, LA (Dunham)

S              Julian Blackmon, Utah
                6'1", 204, SR, Layton, UT (Layton)

S              Grant Delpit, LSU
                 6'3", 204, JR, Bradenton, FL (IMG Academy)

RV           Antoine Winfield, SO, Minnesota,
                5'10", 205, SO, Houston, TX (The Woodlands)

CB           Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
                6'1", 200, JR, Grand Prairie, TX (South Grand Prairie)

SPECIALISTS

P              Max Duffy, Kentucky
                6'1", 196, JR, Perth, Australia (Curtin/Kent Street)

K             Riley Patterson, Memphis
                6'0", 190, JR, Edwardsville, IN (Edwardsville)

PR           Jaylan Waddle, Alabama
                5'10", 183, SO, Houston, TX (Episcopal)

KR          Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa
                6'1", 183, JR, Newark, NJ (Weequahic)

QUARTERBACKS

Tua Tagoviola, Alabama; Justin Herbert, Oregon; Trevor Lawrence, Clemson; Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma; Jake Fromm, Georgia; Jordan Love, Utah State; Alex Bowman, Texas Tech; Malcolm Perry, Navy; Anthony Gordon, Washington State; Nate Stanley, Iowa; Brock Purdy, Iowa State; Sam Howell, North Carolina; Shane Buechele, SMU; Brady White, Memphis; Bryce Perkins, Virginia; Tanner Morgan, Minnesota; Tyler Huntley, Utah; Charlie Brewer, Baylor; Lynn Bowden, Kentucky; Jaden Daniels, Arizona State; Brady White; Memphis; Dillon Gabriel, UCF; Steven Calvert, Liberty; Cole McDonald, Hawaii and Kedon Slovis, USC; Jake Luton, Oregon State and Ian Book, Notre Dame.

RUNNING BACKS

Chubba Hubbard, Oklahoma State, AJ Dillon, Boston College; Javien Hawkins, Louisville, Kylin Hill, Mississippi State, Kenny Gainwell, Memphis; Zach Moss, Utah, Cam Akers, Florida State; Jarrett Patterson, Buffalo, D'Andre Swift, Georgia; Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Louisiana State; CJ Verdell, Oregon; Najee Harris, Alabama; Eno Benjamin, Arizona State; Reggie Corbin, Illinois; Rodney Smith, Minnesota; Justin Henderson, Louisiana Tech; Darryton Evan, Appalachian State; Brenden Knox, Marshall; Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M and Tony Jones, Notre Dame.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Michael Pittman, USC; Laviska Shenault, Colorado; Justin Jefferson, Louisiana State; Tamorrion Terry, Florida State; Tee Higgins, Clemson; Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State; Isaiah Hodges, Oregon State; Henry Ruggs III, Alabama; Rashod Bateman, Minnesota; Jalen Reagor, Texas Christian; Whop Phylor, Indiana; Damonte Coxie, Memphis; Devonta Smith, Alabama; Bryan Edwards, South Carolina; Terrance Marshall, Louisiana State; JD Spielman, Nebraska; Chase Claypool, Notre Dame; Jaylen Waddle, Alabama; James Proche, SMU; David Bell, Purdue; Tyler Johnson, Minnesota; Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan; Justyn Ross, Clemson; KJ Hamler, Penn State; Gabe Davis,UCF; Seth Williams, Auburn, Chris Olave, Ohio State; Maurice Ffrench, Pittsburgh; Reggie Robertson, SMU; Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC; Jauan Jennings, Tennessee; Dyami Brown, North Carolina; Sage Surratt, Wake Forest; Tre Nixon, UCF; Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin; Devin Duvernay, Texas, Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State; Trishton Jackson, Syracuse; Denzel Mimms, Baylor; John Hightower, Boise State; Dazz Newsome, North Carolina; Antonio Gibson, Memphis; Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa; Van Jefferson, Florida; Omar Bayless, Arkansas State; Tyler Johnson, Minnesota; TuTu Atwell, Louisville; JoJo Ward, Hawaii; Benjamin Victor, Ohio State; Kendall Hinton, Wake Forest; Easop Winston, Washington State; Marquez Stevenson, Houston and CJ Johnson, East Carolina.

TIGHT ENDS

Kyle Pitts, Florida; Hunter Bryant, Washington; Brycen Hopkins, Purdue; Devin Asiasi, UCLA; Brant Kuithe, Utah; Peyton Hendershot, Indiana; Jalen Wydermeyer, Texas A&M; Thaddeus Moss, Louisiana State; Nolan Gray, Duke; Pet Freiermuth, Penn State; Bevan Jordan, Miami; Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri; Charlie Kolar, Iowa State; Kylen Gransen, SMU; Hunter Long, Boston College; Cole Kmet, Notre Dame; Matt Bushman, Brigham Young and Josh Pederson, Louisiana-Monroe.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon; Tristan Wirfs, Iowa; Shane Lemieux, Oregon; Walker Little, Stanford; Tre'Vour Wallace Simms, Missouri; Jedrick Willis, Alabama; Kevin Dotson, Louisiana; Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma; Alex Leatherwood, Alabama; Mekhi Becton, Louisville; Lloyd Cushenberry, Louisiana State; Evan Neal, Alabama; Colton McKivitz, West Virginia; Ben Bredeson, Michigan; Trey Hill, Georgia; Jonah Jackson, Ohio State; Austin Jackson, USC; Charlie Heck, North Carolina; Jon Runyan, Michigan; Trey Adams, Washington; Damien Lewis, Louisiana State; Darian Kinnard, Kentucky; Nick Harris, Washington; Landon Dickerson, Alabama; Ben Cleveland, Georgia; Trey Smith, Tennessee; Thayer Munford, Ohio State; Gage Cervenka, Clemson and Logan Stenberg, Kentucky;

DEFENSIVE LINE

Bradlee Anae, Utah; Curtis Weaver, Boise State; Gregory Rousseau, Miami; Marvin Wilson, Florida State; Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh; Kenny Willekes, Michigan State; Qincy Roche, Temple; Jordan Elliott, Missouri; Yetur Gross Matos, Penn State; Justin Okwara, Notre Dame; Joe Gaziano, Northwestern; Carter Coughlin, Minnesota; Leki Fotu, Utan; Patrick Jones II, Pittsburgh; Levi Onwuzurike, Jr., Washington; Marlon Davidson, Auburn; Terrell Lewis, Alabama; Raekwon Davis, Alabama; Jabari Zuniga, Florida; Neville Gallimore,Oklahoma; Khalil Davis, Nebraska; Alex Highsmith, Charlotte; Rashard Lawrence, Louisiana State; Mustafa Johnson, Colorado; Larrell Murchison, N. C.State; Davon Hamilton, Ohio State; Juston Madubuike, Texas A&M and Carlos Basham, Wake Forest.

LINEBACKERS

Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma; Paddy Fisher, Northwestern; Troy Dye, Oregon; Zach Baun, Wisconsin; Kaylon Thibodeaux, Oregon; Anfernee Jennings, Alabama; Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. Oregon State; Malik Harrison Ohio State; Joe Bachie, Michigan State; Colin Schooler, Arizona; Jordan Brooks, Texas Tech; Chris Orr, Wisconsin; Zokoby McClain, Auburn; Shaquille Quarterman, Miami; Chazz Surratt, North Carolina; K.J.Britt, Auburn; Nick Bolton, Missouri; Nate Evans, UCF, Nate Landman, Colorado; Dele Harding, Illinois; Ben Holt, Purdue; Grant Wallow, Texas Christian; Cale Garrett, Missouri, Nolan Carter, Georgia; Jacob Phillips, Louisiana State and Rayshard Ashby, Virginia Tech.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Xavier McKinney, Alabama; J. R. Reed, Georgia; Trevon Diggs, Alabama; Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech; Jaylon Johnson, Utah; Andre Cisco, Syracuse;  Lavert Hill, Michigan; Jordan Fuller; Ohio State; CJ Henderson, Florida; A.J.Terrell, Clemson; Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech; Elijah Molden, Washington; Richie Grant, UCF; Bryce Hall, Virginia; Kristian Fulton, Louisiana State; Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn; Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State; Patrick Surtain II, Alabama, Eric Stokes, Georgia; Damar Hamlin, Pittsburgh; Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame; Luq Barcoo, San Diego State; Dane Jackson, Pittsburgh; Tanner Muse, Clemson; Paris Ford, Pittsburgh; Tre Swilling, Georgia Tech; Lavert Hill, Michigan; Deommodore Lenoir, Oregon; Myles Bryant, Washington; Marco Wilson, Florida; John Reid, Penn State; Mark Gilbert, Duke; Damon Arnette, Ohio State, Jeff Gladney, Texas Christian; AJ Green, Oklahoma State, Ashtyn Davis, California; Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame; Myles Dorn, North Carolina; Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State; Nigel Warrior, Tennessee, Brady Breeze, Oregon; Richard LeCounte, Georgia and Shaun Wade, Ohio State.

PLACEKICKER

Keith Duncan, Iowa; Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia; Nick Sciba, Wake Forest; Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse; Tyler Bass, Georgia Southern: Cooper Roth, Wyoming; Jet Toner, Stanford and Seth Small, Texas A&M.

PUNTER

Braden Mann, Texas A&M; Tommy Townsend, Florida; Joseph Charlton, South Carolina; Mason King, Louisville; Dane Roy, Houston; Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse; Blake Hayes Illinois; Will Hart, Michigan and James, Smith, Cincinnati.

KICK RETURNER

Joe Reed, Virginia: Joshua Youngblood, Kansas State; Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss; Aron Cruickshank, Wisconsin: Maurice Ffrench, Pittsburgh; Antonio Gibson, Memphis; Marqeuz Stevenson, Houston; CJ Sanders, SMU; Damond Philyaw-Johnson, Duke, Savon Scarver, Utah State and Hassan Hall, Louisville.

PUNT RETURNER

Sean Riley, Syracuse; Dazz Newsome, North Carolina; Otis Anderson, UCF; Freddie Swain, Florida; Ceedee Lamb, Oklahoma; DJ Matthews, Florida State; KJ Osborn, Miami; Richaud Floyd, Missouri; ; Donavan Peoples-Jones, Michigan; Jalen Reagor, Texas Christian; Avery William, Boise State; Christian Tuff, Auburn; JD Spielman, Nebraska and Talik Keaton, Marshall.

OFFENSIVE NEWCOMER

Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

DEFENSIVE NEWCOMER

Derek Stingley, CB, Louisiana,State

HEISMAN BALLOT (don't have one)

1.    Joe Burrow, Louisiana State
2.    Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
3.    Chase Young, Ohio State

Merry Christmas

It's A Wonderful Life

This is without question of of the greatest films of all time, seen mostly around the Christmas holiday season.

There are a multitude of valuable lessons to be learned within the film, some noted in the following linked piece.

But there is much more to be learned, as outlined in a piece from Imprimis titled Frank Capra’s America and Ours. A quote from the writings of John Marini tackles the relativity from Capra's words and principles to those of America, and a man who shared them.

It is hard to think of a better way to describe Frank Capra’s view of the world, and America’s place in fulfilling its purpose, than to turn to another great American who made his living in the world of motion pictures. Ronald Reagan was a friend and admirer of Frank Capra. They were very much alike. The inscription that Reagan had carved on his tombstone could have been written by Capra: “I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” Both Capra and Reagan looked to a benevolent and enduring Providence, and the best in man’s nature, as the ultimate grounds of political right. For them, as for Lincoln, America was more than a geographical location or a place where citizens shared a common blood or religion, or belonged to a common culture or tradition. America was a place where an enlightened understanding of “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” had made it possible to establish those principles of civil and religious liberty that gave “purpose and worth to each and every life.”

One of the strongest statements within the film comes nearing the conclusion. It is very simple, but most meaningful:

"Remember no man is a failure who has friends."

Merry Christmas to you all!

Nothing To See

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Louisiana State, 13-0, 1
2.       Ohio State, 13-0, 2
3.       Clemson, 13-0, 3
4.       Oklahoma, 12-1, 7
5.       Georgia, 11-2, 4
6.       Florida, 10-2, 6
7.       Alabama, 10-2, 8
8.       Baylor, 11-2, 9
9.       Auburn, 9-3, 10
10.     Oregon, 11-2, 13
11.     Utah, 11-2, 4
12.     Wisconsin, 10-3, 12
13.     Penn State, 10-2, 11
14.     Minnesota, 10-2, 14
15.     Michigan, 9-3, 15
16.     Notre Dame, 10-2, 16
17.     Memphis, 12-1, 17
18.     Boise State, 12-1, 18
19.     Iowa, 9-3, 19
20.     Cincinnati, 10-3, 20
21.     Southern Cal, 8-4,22
22.     Appalachian State, 12-1, 23
23.     Virginia, 9-4, 21
24.     Kansas State, 8-4, 25
25.     Navy, 9-2, 24

OUT: None

NEXT: Southern Methodist, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Louisiana, UCF, Texas A&M and Arizona State.  

NoleVelle

Florida State will introduce today Mike Norvell as head football coach of the Seminoles.

Norvell, who comes to FSU after guiding Memphis to a 12-1  record and likely Cotton Bowl berth, replaces Willie Taggart, who was dismissed earlier in the season.

Given the shallow pool of available candidates, Mike Norvell seems to be an excellent hire for the Seminoles. Norvell is not the "big fish" many in Seminole Nation hoped for, but he is no doubt at the head of the class of up and coming coaches.

Norvell is detail oriented and runs an innovative and explosive offense, both things the Seminoles covet.

We welcome Coach Mike Norvell to Tallahassee and Florida State University. GO NOLES!

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.     Louisiana State, 12-0, 1
2.     Ohio State, 12-0, 2
3.     Clemson, 12-0, 3
4.     Georgia, 11-1, 5
5.     Utah, 11-1, 6
6.     Florida, 10-2, 7
7.     Oklahoma, 11-1, 8
8.     Alabama, 10-2, 4
9.     Baylor, 11-1, 10
10.   Auburn, 9-3, 13
11.   Penn State, 10-2, 12
12.   Wisconsin, 10-2, 16
13.   Oregon, 10-2, 14
14.   Minnesota, 10-2, 9
15.   Michigan, 9-3, 11
16.   Notre Dame, 10-2, 15
17.   Memphis, 11-1, 17
18.   Boise State, 11-1, 18
19.   Iowa, 9-3, 21
20.   Cincinnati, 10-2, 19
21.   Virginia, 9-3, NR
22.   Southern Cal, 8-4, 23
23.   Appalachian State, 11-1, NR
24.   Navy, 9-2, NR
25.   Kansas State, 8-4, NR

OUT: Virginia Tech (20), Oklahoma State (22) and Iowa State (25).

NEXT: Southern Methodist, Indiana, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, Louisiana, UCF, Texas A&M and Arizona State.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Louisiana State, 11-0, 1
2.       Ohio State, 11-0, 2
3.       Clemson, 11-0, 3
4.       Alabama, 10-1, 4
5.       Georgia, 10-1, 5
6.       Utah, 10-1, 6
7.       Florida, 9-2, 8
8.       Oklahoma, 10-1, 9
9.       Minnesota, 10-1, 10
10.     Baylor, 10-1, 12
11.     Michigan, 9-2, 13
12.     Penn State, 9-2, 11
13.     Auburn, 8-3, 14
14.     Oregon, 9-2, 6
15.     Notre Dame, 9-2, 15
16.     Wisconsin, 9-2, 16
17.     Memphis, 10-1, 17
18.     Boise State, 10-1, 19
19.     Cincinnati, 10-1, 18
20.     Virginia Tech, 8-3, 22
21.     Iowa, 8-3, 20
22.     Oklahoma State, 8-3, 24
23.     Southern Cal, 8-4, NR
24.     Virginia, 8-3, NR
25.     Iowa State, 7-4, NR

OUT:   Texas A&M  (21), Southern Methodist (23) and Appalachian State (25).

NEXT: Texas A&M, Appalachian State, Navy, Indiana, Louisiana, Southern Methodist, Air Force, Arizona State, UCF and Kansas State.

Trainwreck Tenure Terminates Taggart

While there were a strong contingency of doubters, now proven accurate, many though Willie Taggart would be successful as head football coach at Florida State.  After all, Taggart, a native Floridian and lifelong fan of the Seminoles, had built some coach credibility over the years and seemed poised to rise to the challenge of directing the Florida State program after Jimbo Fisher left for Texas A&M.

His career had Taggart taking over his Alma mater Western Kentucky, turning that program entirely around culminating in a 10 win season which got him hired at South Florida. The Bulls, who had fallen sharply prior to his arrival, rose to prominence under Taggart, even comporting themselves well in a loss at Tallahassee versus FSU. This success got Taggart hired at Oregon, where in his only year with the Ducks reversed a losing season with a winning one even while dealing with losing their starting quarterback early on in 2017.

So Florida State came calling, securing Taggart to become head coach, but the price to gather in Taggart after only one year with Oregon was steep. Given the success the Seminoles anticipated with Taggart, the cost seemed to be balanced with FSU continuing and perhaps even expanding their gridiron success.

The tenure for Willie Taggart at Florida State was a trainwreck.

In his first game, a indescribable 24-3 home loss to Virginia Tech, there were areas of immediate concern. The season culminated with Florida State missing a bowl, breaking the nation's longest present active bowl streak. That was unacceptable.

The schedule afforded a real opportunity in 2019, but the success would seemingly hinge on mentality gained from getting early victories, as I mentioned to Coach Taggart when we met earlier in the summer, in a game against Boise State in Jacksonville and a road tilt at Virginia.  Due to weather, the Boise State game was moved to Tallahassee. FSU raced out to an 18 point lead against Boise, but lost. Then, FSU narrowly escaped Louisiana Monroe at home (which panicked boosters) and then lost a late lead to lose at Virginia. Instead of being 3-0, FSU was 1-2 and the writing was on the wall.

The atmosphere in Tallahassee for the Miami game, even with the Hurricanes being a hated rival, was ridiculous. Nobody was fired up, the stands were alarmingly empty and the event had a moribund look. Then the action had the Seminoles looking what had become customarily unprepared, besieged by penalties, missed assignments and a visible lack of intensity.

Florida State got clocked by 17, and nobody seemed particularly agitated about it. The activities of the day told anyone and everyone looking everything they wanted to know.

The powers that be were watching, and I had barely made it back to Orlando on Sunday before the news of Taggart's dismissal went viral on social media. With a 9-13 overall record in Tallahassee, coming of an exposing home loss to the Miami Hurricanes, Taggart was fired.  Even with the financial ramifications in full vision, this was the correct move.

Where does Florida State go from here? Well, good question.

Florida State President John Thrasher sent out a letter to Seminole Boosters asking for donation levels to be expanded as Florida State appears to need assistance to usher in a new era of Seminole Football.  This type of action does not appear to be engaged to if you are not hunting big fish.

The pool of candidates who appear to possess the desired experience to bring the Florida State program back to the level of national prominence the expected, and this includes operations beyond just the activities within the gridiron, are thin. 

One such individual would be retired Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops. There is a circle of social media outlets which think Stoops has already been hired, but most if not all the official media outlets describe Stoops as "no longer a candidate" after the Seminoles apparently and appropriately reached out. For me, Stoops checks every box and would be ideal for FSU given where the Seminoles program stands.

Some indicate Penn State coach James Franklin is a candidate. Franklin has won everywhere he has been, and he certainly has the background I think would be required.  Seminole Nation would welcome Franklin.

Matt Campbell of Iowa State is a real intriguing young candidate. He has done wonders at Iowa State, and is very highly though of by his peers. Many would be thrilled to welcome Campbell in.

Notre Dame's Brian Kelly has gotten some mention, but he does not figure to be coaching into the future long enough to see this rebuild through. So, we don't think he is a realistic candidate. Minnesota's PJ Fleck looks signed up to remain with the Gophers.

Beyond those guys, the pool sinks.

Mike Norvell of Memphis is somebody to look at, as might Luke Fickell of Cincinnati. Could a dismissed Clay Helton of USC, a Gainesville born Auburn grad get a look? Who knows?

Maybe FSU is looking where nobody thinks they are? Is somebody we don't anticipate looking for a new challenge?

Is current interim head coach, longtime assistant and former player Odell Haggins, a serious candidate. Man, we love us some Odell, the pride of Bartow, but is he adequately equipped to deal with the overall rebuild required throughout the organization? Maybe he is the best bang for the buck for now.

One thing is for sure. Florida State needs to get this right.  No fan should have to check a Wikipedia page to learn about the new coach. The ramifications are huge.

I suspect we find out shortly after the Seminoles give it go at Gainesville against the Gators on Saturday.

 

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.       Louisiana State, 10-0, 1
2.       Ohio State, 10-0, 2
3.       Clemson, 11-0, 3
4.       Alabama, 9-1, 4
5.       Georgia, 9-1, 5
6.       Oregon, 9-1, 6
7.       Utah, 9-1, 8
8.       Florida, 9-2, 9
9.       Oklahoma, 9-1, 13
10.     Minnesota, 9-1, 6
11.     Penn State, 9-1, 10
12.     Baylor, 9-1, 11
13.     Michigan, 8-2, 14
14.     Auburn, 7-3, 12
15.     Notre Dame, 8-2, 15
16.     Wisconsin, 8-2, 16
17.     Memphis, 9-1, 18
18.     Cincinnati, 9-1
19.     Boise State, 9-1, 19
20.     Iowa, 7-3, 23
21.     Texas A&M, 7-3, NR
22.     Virginia Tech, 7-3, NR
23.     Southern Methodist, 9-1, 25
24.     Oklahoma State, 7-3, 22
25.     Appalachian State, 9-1, NR

OUT: Indiana (20), Texas (21) and Navy (24)

NEXT: Iowa State, Indiana, Texas, Southern Cal, Washington, Virginia, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Louisiana and Air Force.

Down The Toilet

The whole orchestrated impeachment march by the Democrats is really nothing but a temper tantrum.

They really don't like President Trump, and they will seek "any means necessary" to remove him from office.

The Democrats do not care that President Trump was elected by the American people. You see, they know better than the "deplorables" which liter our nation.

There is absolutely NO EVIDENCE to support such an action, and everyone knows it.

Thankfully, the impeachment, and tons of the taxpayers hard earned cash (recall we are 23 TRILLION in debt), is going right down the toilet.

I hope the American people respond to this expensive charade, really an attack on our system of government, with a vengeance at the voting booth in 2020.

The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.      Louisiana State, 9-0, 3
2.      Ohio State, 9-0, 2
3.      Clemson, 10-0, 4
4.      Alabama, 8-1, 1
5.      Georgia, 8-1, 6
6.      Oregon, 8-1, 7
7.      Minnesota, 9-0, 13
8.      Utah, 8-1, 8
9.      Florida, 8-2, 9
10.    Penn State, 8-1, 5
11.    Baylor, 9-0, 12
12.    Auburn, 7-2, 10
13.    Oklahoma, 8-1, 11
14.    Michigan, 7-2, 14
15.    Notre Dame, 7-2, 15
16.    Wisconsin, 7-2, 17
17.    Cincinnati, 8-1, 18
18.    Memphis, 8-1, 21
19.    Boise State, 8-1, 22
20.    Indiana, 7-2, 24
21.    Texas, 6-2, NR
22.    Oklahoma State, 6-3, NR
23.    Iowa, 6-3, 19
24.    Navy, 7-1, NR
25.    Southern Methodist, 9-1, 25

OUT: Wake Forest (16), Kansas State (20), UCF (23)

NEXT: Kansas State, Southern Cal, Texas A&M, Appalachian State, Virginia, Washington, Iowa State, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.