More Madness, Football Stuff, and More

I'd like to start this column by talking about what to me and many followers is major, major news that you likely won't find reported in many outlets. On Wednesday, it was announced that effective September 8th, Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleyemaier will be relieved as his duties. Now I know that AD's move around all the time, but Mean Gene has been with Boise State since 1981, and is essentially the mastermind of current Bronco athletics. Gene ushered in the blue turf to Bronco Stadium, moved the Broncos to division 1-A football, and has been the one constant in BSU becoming a powerhouse in college football.

President Bob Kustra said he believed it was time to take steps towards the next generation of Boise State athletics. I have been an outspoken supporter of the often outspoken Kustra but have to admit I don't have his back on this one, specifically because there is no AD in waiting, an interem AD will be used this academic year with a national search to take place next summer.

Best of luck in the Future Gene, please don't find work at an SEC school.

In comic news, Fear Itself came out today, and as expected it kicked ass. If you aren't reading this yet, stop wasting time on my ameteur writing and go get a copy.

I also recently realized that I have yet to pimp my wife's blog in my own writing. If you are a health enthusiast or just a friend looking to drop encouraging words her way, you can find Ashley's blog here.

Pre-Season Countdown:

9. Notre Dame

For almost fifteen years now, Notre Dame has excelled at exactly one thing: letting down Fighting Irish football fans. I'm calling it right now, that ends this year. There has been a lot of struggles in South Bend this decade, most of which has been the fault of poor coaching from the top down, but second year coach Brian Kelly looks to have righted the ship.

The Fighting Irish never have a lack of talent to play with but Kelly looks to be the first coach in while with a clue as to how to utilize it. Notre Dame looks to have found a QB to build on in Dayne Christ and he could take them a very long way. The big knock against the Irish on offense is the uncertainty of star Kyle Randolph who is suspended indefinitely and is the best playmaker on this squad. The offense will be fine with or without him though, if all else fails, Kelly knows how to make an offense work. This was proved by recording back to back BCS bids at Cincinnati of all places, almost solely on the back of a stellar offense.

The defense is where the Irish appear to actually be turning the corner, after all Charlie Weis' squads never sturggled to hit 30 points a game either. The D really got going last year towards the end of the season, shutting down Utah, USC, and Miami in impressive fashion. The Irish enter 2011 with a lot of momentum and a schedule that features no teams that are actually more talented than they are. Can they go undefeated? I highly doubt it, but this could very well be the start of the rise back to being a national power.

Prediction: 10-2 - Orange Bowl

The madness continues, and the voting seems to be dwindling, so your opinion has never been more important. Tell your friends, family, and all other fellow nerds! Vote! Vote! Vote!

42. Silver Samurai

vs.

23. Radioactive Man

55. Emplate

vs.

10. Blackheart

39. Hate Monger

vs.

26. Crossbones

58. Witch Woman

vs.

7. M.O.D.O.K.

34. Madame Hydra

vs.

31. Krakoa

63. Sin-Eater

vs.

2. Kingpin

Oh, goodie, more posting issues. Last two matchups don't get pictures kiddos.

18. Arcade vs. 47. Shocker

15. The Void vs. 50. Mimic