Report: Oregon lands ex-Iowa State commit Richard Amardi (NBC Sports)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

A week after being cut loose by Iowa State, Indian Hills Community College forward Richard Amardi made a commitment to the Oregon Ducks. He has one year of eligibility left. Jeff Goodman first reported the news via Twitter on Tuesday night. The 6-foot-9 Amardi was on the wrong-end of a scholarship issue. He had originally committed…

Plenty to prove: West Virginia Mountaineers

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Every season, every player feels he's got at least something to prove. Otherwise, all the work wouldn't be worth it. That said, some guys have more to prove than others. These are the guys with the most to prove on their respective Big 12 teams. Next up: West Virginia More guys with plenty to prove. Plenty to prove: RB Dustin Garrison Most fans across the Big 12 likely have no idea who Garrison is, and that's not necessarily his fault. He came out of nowhere to win West Virginia's starting running back job four games into his true freshman season, and in his first start carried the ball 32 times for 291 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Bowling Green.

Big 12 commits in the new ESPN 300

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Our RecruitingNation staff dropped the first ESPN 300 of the recruiting season on Monday, aka the list of the nation's top 300 overall prospects. You can see the full list here, but here's a look at the guys on the list who are committed to Big 12 schools: No. 74: Davion Hall, ATH, Baylor No. 79: Derick Roberson, DE, Texas No. 97: Justice Hansen, QB-DT, Oklahoma No. 103: Kyron Watson, LB, Kansas No. 138: Jerrod Heard, QB-DT, Texas No. 162: Mason Rudolph, QB-PP, Oklahoma State No.

Lunt: Mike Gundy lifted transfer restrictions

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Wes Lunt finally opened up about his decision to transfer. The reasons aren't too complex, but he also dropped some rather major news in an interview with Channel 1450, an Illinois radio station: Former Oklahoma State quarterback Wes Lunt says Cowboys coach Mike Gundy had lifted restrictions that blocked Lunt from transferring to 37 schools -- including three of his top five before he made his final decision on Illinois. ... Gundy called Lunt's high school coach, Rochester (Ill.

Ewing reflects on ISU camp experience - Iowa State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Lunch links: KU signs new TV deal

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Magic. Travis Hines of the Ames Tribune writes about Paul Rhoads' "Ride to Remember" fundraiser. Cool promotion. Enjoyed this column from colleague Gene Wojciechowski about how much one guy can change the face of a football team. Nice new painting in Kliff Kingsbury's office, but look closely for a nod to one of the greatest Tech football moments ever. Kansas has a new TV deal with Time Warner Cable and KC's Metro Sports. Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World has more details.

New NCAA rule already has Paul Rhoads pondering clock management

Source: Des Moines Register

IOWA STATE FOOTBALL: Coaches today must also be more aware of the game clock, thanks to rules that will be implemented during the 2013 season. “Some of the rules I think are going the wrong direction,” Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said.51 photos: Who's back for Iowa State in 2013?

Texas' Boyer earns Sportsperson honor

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Texas junior long snapper Nate Boyer has been honored as the Big 12's Sportsperson of the Year. Boyer, who was placed on scholarship last August as a sophomore, was a member of the Green Berets Special Forces before coming to Texas to play football. He also won the Disney Spirit award last year as college football's most inspirational story. The 31-year-old earned a Bronze Star for his duty, which began as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks and included work in the Darfur region of the Sudan, as well as providing assistance to autistic children.

Steffen On To U.S. Amateur Publinks Championships

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State golfer Zach Steffen finished first in a field of 18 participants to earn a spot at the U.S. Amateur Publinks Championship, Monday. Steffen shot rounds of 67-69 to finish 6-under at the Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny. The USGA Amateur Publinks will be held at the Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, Va, July 10-15.

The Mid-Morning Dump - 6/18/13

Source: Wide Right & Natty Lite by KnowDan

THEY KILL PEOPLE IN COLUMBIA FOR THIS. A very nice header off a corner kick was the best soccer highlight of the weekend. Too bad it was an own goal.

WHY ARE WE LINKING THIS?! Kerry Rhodes, reported to be gay, is claiming to be the father of Kim Kardashian's baby. WHY AM I LINKING THIS?! Damn you CanAzn for putting this in the queue!

BULLSHIT CHANTS GALORE. Spencer Hall sympathizes with Johnny Manziel and calls

Thammaraks Places Second at Inaugural Porter Cup

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Iowa State golfer Prima Thammaraks had a great start to her summer by placing second at the inaugural Women's Porter Cup, June 12-14 at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Texas lands latest run on recruiting trail

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Last week, we took a look at Baylor's recent run that gave it the nation's biggest recruiting class. Texas rallied over the weekend to reach 19 commits of its own, four more than it signed in the entire 2012 class. That tied Baylor for the nation's biggest class. The Longhorns' class is at No. 3, behind only Texas A&M and Michigan. Baylor's sitting at No. 17. Texas added five commits since last Monday, including four since Friday. There weren't any headliners in the group, but Dallas receiver Emanuel Porter is the best of the bunch.

STOOPS COACH B

Source: Wide Right & Natty Lite by CyHawk

(To the tune of "Sloop John B")

We spoke to the Stoops, Coach B.
My Editor and Me
About the SEC he did moan
Tweeted all night
Got into a fight
The pagecounts tallied
Mad hits to our home

So post up the Coach B's troll
See all the pageview gets
Call the administrator
"Let me troll more!"
Let me troll more
I wanna troll more
This bullshit drama
Drives pageviews galore

Kansas dismisses DE Chris Martin from team

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Defensive end Chris Martin has been dismissed from Kansas' program. The junior juco transfer is facing aggravated robbery charges from a May 13 incident. "Due to recent incidents Chris Martin was involved with, he was given a list of stipulations he was required to meet for him to remain a member of the Kansas football team," coach Charlie Weis said in a statement. "Because he did not follow some of those stipulations we have dismissed him from the team.

What is Texas Tech's most important game?

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

We're continuing our series today looking at the "most important" game of the year for each team in the Big 12. I have my own opinions on that for every team, but I'll ask the fans what they think first before I weigh in on what game I'd pick and why. You can define "important" in a number of ways, which is why this exercise should be intriguing. Let's have a closer look at the next team up on our list: Texas Tech. vs. TCU, Sept. 12: Texas Tech's first major test will come at home with what should be a huge crowd ready for the real start of the Kliff Kingsbury Era.

Wes Lunt: 'No hard feelings' toward Gundy

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Wes Lunt confirmed his plans to transfer to Illinois in an interview with ESPN, but also made allusions to his relationship with coach Mike Gundy. From our report (emphasis added): Lunt called Illinois coach Tim Beckman on Monday to inform him of his decision. "I am OK with how I left Oklahoma State," Lunt said. "God had a plan for me. No hard feelings with Coach (Mike Gundy)." Lunt, who grew up an Illini fan, believes that the spread offense operated by offensive coordinator Bill Cubit would be a good fit.

Wes Lunt's final decision: Predictable, wise

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Wes Lunt has finally decided on a new home. He's transferring to Illinois, a source told colleague Joe Schad. Lunt, who grew up an Illini fan, believes the spread offense operated by offensive coordinator Bill Cubit would be a good fit. Lunt also has a relationship with coach Tim Beckman and could potentially succeed a senior starter and help turn around a program in front of his home-state fans. Lunt heading back to the flagship school of his home state was mostly predictable all along (I called this one in print all the way back on May 17), but it's probably the best move for him after he decided to leave Oklahoma State.

Landwehr Travels To China

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

AMES, Iowa – Two-time Iowa State all-American, and 2012 graduate, Alison Landwehr has been named to the BIP/USA Development Team that will play in the China - USA Challenge Invitational Tournament, June 17-25, in Shanghai and Beijing.

Surprising choice as TCU's biggest game

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Hey, TCU joined the Big 12 to be back among old friends, right? (There was that whole money thing, too, but whatever.) So what's the deal with the poll about the Frogs' most important game? Coincidentally, the Frogs will be without their most important defender for that game: 33 percent of you said TCU's season opener at Cowboys Stadium is the Frogs' most important. Defensive end Devonte Fields, the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, is suspended.

Lunch links: Mike Gundy's coach research

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Really starting to feel like Game 6 is a must-win for the Heat. How will Texas Tech use its Big 12 payout? Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal asked around. Good story from Jeremy Fowler on how Mike Gundy dug up Mike Yurcich as his new OC, and a few thoughts from Yurcich on the game. Gina Mizell of The Oklahoman has more on Gundy's process. Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal writes about the cornerbacks at Texas Tech. Texas made a few additions to its 2014 recruiting class over the weekend.

Uhl Leading Field of Cyclones At USA Championships

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

AMES, Iowa – The upcoming USA Track and Field Championships will play host to 12 Iowa State student-athletes of past, present and future years. The nation's premiere track and field event will be held this year in Des Moines, Iowa, June 19-23.

The Mid-Morning Dump - 6/17/13

Source: Wide Right & Natty Lite by CanAzn

PAUL MYERBERG PREVIEW. Pre-Snap Read guy turned USA Today columnist dissects Iowa State's team in 2013.

KIRBY ALMOST TO THE TOP. Kirby Van Der Kamp is #2 on the Iowa State punting average charts, and he's making his way to the top.

RHOADS HARLEY. A bearded Rhoads took his Harley on the road on a ride for Alzheimers

Plenty to prove: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Every season, every player feels he's got at least something to prove. Otherwise, all the work wouldn't be worth it. That said, some guys have more to prove than others. These are the guys with the most to prove on their respective Big 12 teams. Next up: Texas Tech More guys with plenty to prove. Plenty to prove: TE Jace Amaro Not long after he got the job as Red Raiders head coach, I got some time to talk with Kliff Kingsbury about his new team.

Hesse attends two ISU camps - Iowa State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Steele: Big 12 is No. 2, trails you-know-who

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

If you've been without an internet connection since Alabama clinched the SEC's seventh consecutive national title in January, you might not have noticed a bit of saber-rattling on the part of Big 12 coaches. Bob Stoops started the parade by trumpeting the Big 12's depth and said the SEC's mystique and reputation are attributable in part to "propaganda." Texas coach Mack Brown later patted Stoops on the back, saying he was proud of his Oklahoma counterpart for sticking up for the conference.

CCL Recap: Fire Up the Hype Machine!

Source: Wide Right & Natty Lite by cylentbutdeadly

Fellow readers of WRNL. Last night, I witnessed something special inside Valley Southwoods' gymnasium and it wasn't Sherron Dorsey-Walker's insane 67-point outburst. Okay, yes it was, but almost more impressive was my fiance, who soldiered through nearly three hours of summer league basketball with me and didn't even complain (well, not much at least).

Iowa State athletes wasted little time getting Cyclone fan's expectations out of whack. Georges Niang led things off with a scoring barrage, followed by Dorsey-Walker's record setting performance and the debut

More bad news for Horned Frogs' defense

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

TCU's defense, top-ranked in the Big 12 last season, is already adjusting to the news that it will be without its best player, defensive end Devonte Fields, for the first two games of 2013, including the opener against LSU. It got more bad news when coach Gary Patterson confirmed that reserve cornerback David Jenkins, coincidentally an LSU transfer, was kicked off the team amid burglary charges. TCU 360 first reported the story. Jenkins turned himself into police and was dropped from classes as well as removed from the football team.

Rhoads Hits The Road For Alzheimer's

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

AMES, Iowa – It's only mid-June, but there was plenty of action at Jack Trice Stadium this afternoon. The sound emanating from the stadium was the roar of over 500 motorcycles participating in the fourth annual Ride to Remember, an event benefitting the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease.

Ihmels resigns as head coach

Source: Iowa State Daily

ISU cross country and track and field coach Corey Ihmels resigned on Friday afternoon, according to multiple athletes on the team.

Iowa State cross country coach to take over Boise State program

Source: Des Moines Register

Statement from Boise State athletic department:

Ihmels resigns as head coach

Source: Iowa State Daily

ISU cross country and track and field coach Corey Ihmels resigned on Friday afternoon, according to multiple athletes on the team.

Mailbag: Bowl mixups, ISU, APR, Belldozer

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Thanks for all the emails this week, everybody. Here's where you can reach me if you've got more to say. Doug in Philadelphia writes: Now the Alamo Bowl get the first pick of Big 12 teams not going to the playoffs to play a Pac-12 team? What happened to the champions bowl or whatever it was going to be called? I thought it was supposed to take the champion (or the first team that didn't make the BCS/playoffs) of the Big 12 and SEC. I've talked to some other people about this and we're all pretty confused, can you please help clear this up for us?

Big 12 lacking in recruiting rankings

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Our RecruitingNation staff wrapped up a week of content by ranking each conference's recruiting as a whole thus far this year. The Big 12's a lot farther down than you might think. All the way down at fifth , in fact. That's behind the ACC (No. 2) and the Big Ten (No. 4). Nobody doubts the Big 12's talent pool in Texas, and our recruiting staff notes the top 10 draft picks and Heisman winner that came from the state and league in the past couple years, but you can't deny the team rankings.

Video: Friday Four Downs

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

  David Ubben is talking Big 12 recruiting success and high-profile gaffes, Texas hype and APR scores in this week's Friday Four Downs.

Lunch links: KU Football's new Super fan

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Finally went to Pecan Lodge on Thursday. It was magical. Good story from Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register on Iowa State's Wally and Shane Burnham's ability to mix family and football. Clark Kent in the the new Man of Steel movie is a Kansas football fan. He watches a game in one scene. Texas Tech's new scoreboard is coming into shape, writes Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Athlon ranks the Big 12 football stadiums.

Friday Flashback: 1999 Women's Basketball vs. Oregon

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

Friday Flashback: 2005 Football vs. Colorado

Skill position talent high across Big 12 in '13

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Phil Steele is continuing his march through the top 15 units at each position group across the country, and took a look at the nation's best wide receivers and running backs for the 2013 season . As you might expect, the Big 12 was well represented. Texas had the highest unit among both groups, ranking No. 3 with its talented, deep group of running backs. Johnathan Gray and Malcolm Brown were both the No. 1 running backs in their respective recruiting classes and both have been productive throughout their careers.

Van Der Kamp Kicking His Way To The Top

Source: Iowa Cyclones Official Site

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State senior Kirby Van Der Kamp can't hide anymore. His stats won't let him.

The Mid-Morning Dump - 6/14/13

Source: Wide Right & Natty Lite by CanAzn

INSIDE ISU BASKETBALL. Cyclones.TV uses the offseason to take an in-depth look at the Dreamiest program in the country.

A FAMILY AFFAIR. How do Wally and Shane Burnham balance family and football?

NCAA 14 PLAYER RATINGS. We bashed on the team rankings earlier, and here's the player

Best- and worst-case scenario: Texas

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Time for the next in our series on the best- and worst-case scenarios for each team in the Big 12. Just like most years, Texas' ceiling is sky-high. This year, though, with experience and a solid depth chart, that's especially true. Other best and worst-case scenarios. Best-case scenario AUSTIN, Texas -- Is Texas back? I'm not sure. Ask Alabama. The Crimson Tide got a front-row seat to the Longhorns' last truly great team, but only for a few minutes before Colt McCoy trotted off the field at the Rose Bowl for good, holding his throwing shoulder.

KC linebacker headed to ISU camp - Iowa State [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

How the Burnhams live splendid life mixing football with family

Source: Des Moines Register

IOWA STATE FOOTBALL: Wally Burnham is the Cyclones' defenisve coordinator. Shane Burnham is also on the staff. This weekend, it won't be about discussing technique and strategy. “This weekend I'm with family,” said the elder Burnham.

Big 12 fights to protect its home turf

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Recruiting is the lifeblood of every program in the country, and every conference has its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to landing top prospects. In the start of a weeklong series, we'll examine the BCS conferences plus Notre Dame to find each's strength, the biggest obstacle each faces and the overall view of the conference. The Big 12 is up Thursday. Biggest obstacle: Texas is one of the top states in the country for producing recruits, which is great considering it's in the heart of the Big 12.

Which is TCU's most important game?

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

We're continuing our series today looking at the "most important" game of the year for each team in the Big 12. I have my own opinions on that for every team, but I'll ask the fans what they think first before I weigh in on what game I'd pick and why. You can define "important" in a number of ways, which is why this exercise should be intriguing. Let's have a closer look at the next team up on our list: TCU. vs. LSU in Cowboys Stadium, Aug. 31: Devonte Fields' suspension for this game has taken some of the air out of TCU's balloon, but nothing would announce TCU's arrival in 2013 like a win here.

No question where Texas' season hinges

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

The scene's become all too familiar the past two seasons. As the endless fourth quarter dragged on, it was time for the overhead shot. The results were predictable. No longer was one half of the Cotton Bowl crimson and the other half burnt orange. One half was Crimson and the other half was mostly silver, with a few masochistic Longhorn fans in burnt orange dotting the bleachers instead of electing to leak into the fairgrounds. There's lots of talk about Texas being "back" this season, but the fans and I agree.

Video: Kansas Jayhawks X factor

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

David Ubben says a defense that could be all over the map is the biggest X factor for Kansas in 2013.

OSU might have speed issue to settle

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Incoming freshmen have started arriving at Big 12 campuses for the summer, taking part in offseason strength and conditioning programs as well as 7-on-7 work with teammates, an especially important exercise for spread offenses popular in the Big 12. Wide receiver Ra'Shaad Samples signed with Oklahoma State last February as the nation's No. 19 receiver, No. 166 overall recruit and the Cowboys highest-ranked signee of the 2013 class, but just a few months later, he's already turned a few heads when he announced via Twitter that he'd run a 4.

Links: Possible NCAA violation at Tech?

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

People always forget how icy the Zack-Slater relationship was in the beginning. Texas Tech is looking into recruiting violations possibly committed by alum Wes Welker. Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman compares the new Big 12 bowl lineup to the old one. Take a closer look at Iowa State. You'll learn something here. Baylor coach Art Briles has a biography coming out, with a foreward by Robert Griffin III. West Virginia is looking good in the latest APR report.

RecruitingNation links: Big 12 edition

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

HornsNation From Max Olson : Daylon Mack grew up a Texas fan. But soon, the massive 2015 defensive tackle will commit to Texas A&M. What changed? From William Wilkerson: Meet the Freshmen Q&A with linebacker signee Naashon Hughes. SoonerNation From Bob Przybylo : Sekou Clark thought Oklahoma had lost interest in him. But after a solid showing at camp over the weekend, the defensive end is once again on the Sooners' radar. From Brandon Chatmon : Will one of the quarterbacks battling to start for the Sooners step up during summer workouts and become a leader?

Big 12 Official Visit: Baylor, Texas arms race

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Damon Sayles and Max Olson break down recent additions for the Bears and Longhorns. Baylor added its 19th commitment overall -- and seventh this month -- in four-star ILB James David, while Texas continued its 2015 recruiting in style.