Leaching out

So far, all guns up for Mike Leach at Tech

When the clock struck 00:00 two weeks ago and it was official that the Texas Tech Red Raiders had defeated the No.1 Texas Longhorns, one thought popped into my mind:

Mike Leach is going to leave.

As this season progresses, this thought seems to gain more and more legs. With that win, not only did Tech legitimize what they were doing this season, but it proved to the whole world that Leach's offense was legit and that he was able to ramp up, recruit, coach, motivate, etc. a team to win a gigantic game.

The Oklahoma State victory furthered this idea and a win in two weeks in Norman sets it in concrete.

All the while, other schools are watching. Bigger schools who can pay more money and get even better recruits (somewhere where you don't have to compete against Oklahoma and Texas) and pave your way to the NFL, if he so desires.

Sooner or later, the talk becomes action. Leach is going to go somewhere and make a bigger impression on folks. But where?

Tennessee
I asked by buddy Skidmark if Tennessee was making a rash decision in letting Phil Fulmer "quit." I've seen the Vols at least three times this year and they've lost every time. Then again, it was against top 10 SEC schools and the Vols played tough the entire time. They do have a top-ranked defense nationally. And Fulmer can't pull this wagon out of the mud? Anyway, he's gone right or wrong ... and it'd be a prime location for Leach and his insane offense. It would shock the SEC for sure. If Tennessee has any amibition to make a splash this is it.

Penn State
Isn't it crazy how Joe Paterno has his program back near the top in the nation? Too bad they haven't really played anyone, but, nonetheless, what he's done at his age with a baboon hip is pretty amazing. I guess you can still recruit and coach with transplanted monkey parts. The question is whether he'll stay. I can't imagine him leaving however I following Penn State football like I follow college field hockey (I don't) so maybe he's too old and beaten up to go on. But right now, Rich Rodriguez is implementing his offense at Michigan. If Penn State can pull their own power play, Leach might be a good way to go.

Florida State
This is another huge question mark. I've heard more about Bobby Bowden quitting more than I've heard Paterno stepping down, but, as noted, they have to do it first for any rumor mongering to take place. I think Florida is ideal for Leach and his system. For one, right now, Tech is competing against Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and LSU for Texas recruits. In Florida, the competition is Florida State, Miami, Florida and Georgia. Way less competition and every receiver or athlete of note will kill (maybe literally) to play under Leach's system instead of the run-first mentality that we pin on ACC teams. Thirdly, Leach will compete in a much less heated conference ... but for one of the biggest programs in the nation.