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College football practices are in motion, signaling that the season is ever-so near to beginning once again. We’re nearing that period of late summer football, and honestly nothing can feel better from a fan’s perspective. With the college football season on the cusp, of course it means there’s plenty of news to consume. And with it, the CFB newsletter is here to bring that news to the forefront for college football fans. Let’s get to it.
A Show-Cause for Harbaugh
It was almost foreboding when we touched upon Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore being the fall guy for Jim Harbaugh’s time as a head coach. On August 7, the NCAA hit Harbaugh with a four-year show-cause penalty for his involvement in recruiting policy violations during Covid-19.
I’ll be honest here. I don’t think most fans care about this. It’s hard to believe Harbaugh cares about this. And it’s even harder to believe that Harbaugh will ever return to college football to face this penalty. For all the noise this is creating online, it’s nothing more than a nothing burger in reality.
Baxter Down
College football has gotten their first big injury during the summer portion of practices. Texas Longhorns running back C.J. Baxter tore his PCL and his LCL on August 7, effectively ending his season.
Baxter is a sophomore who was expected to carry the load for the Longhorns this season. Last year in limited work, the Edgewater prospect had 138 attempts for 659 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 24 receptions for 156 yards in 13 games.
In his absence, the Longhorns will rely on third-year player Jaydon Blue to be the lead running back for Texas. The team will also utilize Tre Wisner, Jerrick Gibson, and Christian Clark in tertiary roles.
Throwbacks are back
Throwback uniforms are fun for a variety of reasons. Some bring a feeling of nostalgia for fans who were around to see them. Others are more novelty pieces that become talking points due to their appearance. For the Illinois football team, I think these uniforms fall into the latter.
Illinois will wear these 1920’s throwbacks in Week 12 vs Michigan State this season
(📸: @IlliniFootball) pic.twitter.com/pfzZ25euvL
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 8, 2024
These 1920’s throwbacks will be worn versus Michigan State in Week 12. While I personally love the helmet on these throwback uniforms, the jersey itself leaves a lot to be desired. Regardless, it’ll be fun to see these uniforms put to use this year.
Notre Dame gets Treashy
There’s no secret that Notre Dame has high expectations entering the 2024 season. And Notre Dame continues to further build their NFL-modeled approach by adding PFF’s Anthony Treash as their director of analytics.
Treash will work closely with Matt Jansen, the school’s director of scouting as the program continues to build a more “NFL ready” program. The addition of one of PFF’s lead analysts is the latest in a plethora of moves establishing the school’s planned change of direction going forward. It’ll be interesting to see how the school evolves from here.
Tom Herman talks up Cam Fancher
FAU football had their open practice on Saturday in front of plenty of Owls fans. The practice session itself was won by the defensive first team, with quarterback Cam Fancher being hit and miss during the session – including throwing three interceptions. However, head coach Tom Herman spoke with us during the practice, acknowledging Fancher’s willingness to be coached at the position.
Florida Atlantic’s head coach Tom Herman spoke with us (via @BPok24) about his thoughts on quarterback Cam Fancher heading into 2024.
“[I’m] extremely happy with the progress that he’s made.” @FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/cJy8djak7a
— The League Winners (@FFLeagueWinners) August 10, 2024
Other notable players who shined at the practice were cornerbacks Cam Goggins and Kahzir Brown, as well as backup quarterback Tyriq Starks.
