NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Jim “Hoss” Brock was a larger-than-life figure. The hard-charging, back-slapping, cigar-chomping former Cotton Bowl executive ruled with a charm unrivaled.
Back in the day when college football bowl games were more like arranged marriages, Ol’ Hoss had superpowers lined up for his game by Halloween. Brock once “recruited” Notre Dame by opening a bar tab reserved for the school’s seniors in South Bend, Indiana.
When it was suggested that lasting until a 3 a.m. last call might have rankled the Cotton Bowl executive committee, Hoss once told Sports Illustrated, “Ain’t but 2 a.m. Dallas time.”
Hoss endeared himself by calling everyone “Hoss” — that cut down on him having to remember names — and keeping the Cotton Bowl relevant. He specialized in landing Heisman Trophy winners, convincing the winners’ schools to come to Dallas three times in a four-year period from 1984-87.
Hoss Brock, gone since 2008, would have turned over in his grave Saturday.
He wouldn’t recognize the current bowl landscape he once ruled. Marshall — Sun Belt champions, mind you – opted out of its Independence Bowl game with Army on Saturday. Not enough players to field a team, the school said. Too many players in the transfer portal. Sources told CBS Sports the Thundering Herd were down to 45-48 players on the roster.
Marshall was well within its rights. Players on teams that lose their coach in the offseason are allowed a 30-day window to transfer. Add that on top of the existing portal window that is open for everyone through Dec. 28.
It was already strange enough that coach Charles Huff had left the champion Thundering Herd to take the Southern Miss job. The last-place Golden Eagles were winless in conference play this season.
A trend has…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/fixing-the-broken-bowl-game-system-compensation-revamped-eligibility-standards-may-help-revive-postseason/
Author : Dennis Dodd
Publish date : 2024-12-16 18:18:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
