Morning Six Pack: May 02, 2012

Pass the chips, please. Six college football stories from around the country.

Phillip Sims' Prep Coach Opens Mouth, Inserts Foot

It’s rarely a good sign when the former high school coach of a current college player gets his name in the news regarding said player, and that holds true again today, as Phillip Sims' prep coach, Richard Morgan, spoke publicly about his former star's decision to leave Alabama. Some of his comments today regarding the recent transfer of his former quarterback are as follows below, per the Virginia-Pilot:

"If it's a close competition between an in-state guy and an out-of-state guy, the in-state guy is getting the job," he said. "Phillip was in a situation where I thought he was the better quarterback, but he was the out-of-state guy. That's just the way it works in college."

Andy Staples trolls Irish haters

Swarbrick is correct. Two Notre Dame broadcasts on NBC (Air Force and Navy) last season tied for the lowest rated Notre Dame home games broadcast on the network since the relationship began in 1991, but high ratings for Notre Dame road games against Michigan and Stanford on ESPN/ABC suggest a public appetite remains for watching the Irish against quality opponents even though Notre Dame hasn't been a national title contender in two decades. Few other programs move the meter the way the Irish do. Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State and Texas probably could hammer out similar or more lucrative deals as independents, but most others lack the national drawing power. Notre Dame's current NBC contract -- which pays a reported $15 million a year -- runs through the 2015 season. Also, college athletics leaders have made clear they expect another round of realignment madness once a postseason model is set.

Phil Savage 'thrilled' to be new Senior Bowl head; Nick Saban endorses his selection

Former NFL general manager Phil Savage has been named executive director of the Senior Bowl, officials of the college football all-star game announced Tuesday afternoon. Savage will officially be introduced as the leader Senior Bowl's top guy at a 3 p.m. press conference Wednesday at the Crystal Ballroom of the Battle House Hotel. Alabama head coach Nick Saban, in Mobile on Tuesday night with the Crimson Caravan, said he believes Savage is an excellent choice as executive director for the all-star game.

Arrested Razorbacks Still On Team, John L. Smith Says 'Divorce' Is Last Option

John L. Smith’s itinerary since return to Arkansas has included multiple meetings with the team and coaches. He’s also found time to meet with some players one-on-one.

Included have been sit-downs with three players arrested in the offseason, all of which are still with the team. Offensive lineman Jason Peacock (theft), wide receiver Kane Whitehurst (possession of a controlled substance/ paraphernalia) and linebacker Tyler Gilbert (burglary) have a series of conditions for their return.

New CyHawk Trophy design features mascots

The new trophy for the winner of the Iowa-Iowa State football game will depict the team's mascots after a public vote.

Thank GOD this is gone.

Muschamp excited about direction of Gators

“We are where we are. We're 15-11 the last two years,” Muschamp said. “I think we're on the upswing. I think we've recruited well. I think our upcoming junior class has some really good players in it. I think our senior class has got some mature guys that are ready to have a good year.

“I think our upcoming junior class for the most part played for the first time last season. … I'm excited about where things are headed at this point.”

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