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While there not be a lot going on in the world of college football in mid-June, that doesn't stop the media or the fans from devoting countless hours writing and talking about it. As the years go by, and especially since the baseball strike of 1994, football has become the most popular sport in the country (and it's not even close). I've always thought it superior, but it's nice to see that everyone else finally realizes it now. That's why you have people like Stuart Mandel and Peter King of Sports Illustrated doing their football columns essentially year-round now. It's why you can turn on the NFL Network and watch grown men go through tackling drills in mini-camp. If you had told someone 20 years ago that we would be doing that, they would have laughed at you. Now, football is king. And that ain't changing, maybe ever.

First off, it was a sad week in college football when Indiana's Terry Hoeppner succumbed to a brain tumor. I can't talk about Hoeppner like I knew a lot about him, but after reading many of his ex-players' accounts, he seems to be one of the most well-liked and respected coaches in the Big 10, if not the country. It's a shame his story hasn't recieved more press and attention. If Lloyd Carr or Jim Tressel had passed away, it'd be the leading story on Sportscenter for a week. But because this seemingly great man coached lowly Indiana, he is briefly mentioned before everybody moves on to bigger stories.

Sports Illustrated has story by Rival's Steve Megargee in which he breaks down the top 25 toughest schedules in the country for next season. The Huskers are ranked 12th, which isn't too bad and is probably pretty accurate, although the biased side of me thinks that our slate merits at least a top 10 position. Sure, Oklahoma isn't on the docket, but we still might have to play them in the Big XII title game, and if not them, then a rematch with a top-10 Texas team awaits, so I think our rankings could potentially rise because of that. What I find funny is Notre Dame being ranked 13th. When are people going to stop drinking the Charlie Weis kool-aid? Megargee says "The start of Notre Dame's schedule couldn't be much tougher. The end couldn't be much easier." Really? The start is that hard for them? They play a Calvin Johnson-less Georgia Tech team (who also replaces their starting QB in Reggie Ball), an overrated Penn State team, as well as a hapless Michigan State team. That said, I do give them credit for having Michigan, USC, and up-and-comers in UCLA and Boston College (who I'm still not as sold on as some other media members are). Either way, I'm looking forward to the Irish having a five or six loss season and still somehow making a BCS bowl.

In one of my personal favorites of the past week, Big 10 commish Jim Delaney wants Comcast cable to apologize for remarks about the soon-to-be-unveiled-and-then-folded Big 10 Network, which still hasn't been picked up by most cable companies. Comcast's remarks that hurt Jim's feelings: Comcast said the network will show "second and third-tier sporting events," called it "a niche sports channel" and added: "Indiana basketball fans don't want to watch Iowa volleyball, but the Big Ten wants everyone to pay for their new network." OHHH BURN! I thought this was hilarious, partly because I hate the Big 10, but mostly because it actually is a dumb idea. Would you pay for an NFL-network type channel that showed crap like women's softball and basketball? No, of course not, no man in his right mind would. Let's say it gets you two more football games a week from your conference, is that worth the price when you can just go to a sports bar instead and spend the money you didnt spend on Jim Delaney's pipe dream on beer? I think not. Stupid idea, and no cable company is going to put it on basic cable, which is where it needs to be if it is going to even have a chance of survival.

Over on College Sports TV's website, Brian Jones breaks down the Big 12 in an apparently unresearched article. Why do I think that? Because he has the Huskers QB battle between Keller and Zac Lee, with no mention of Ganz. I'm not saying that Lee won't be a factor, I think he's gonna be a good player. But if your going to write about the situation, at least include the all the front runners. How do you not mention Ganz, him and Keller are all Husker nation has been talking about all spring.

Before I sign off, I suggest you all check out the ongoing statistical supremacy over at Double Extra Point, they are doing some crazy stuff over there that I barely even understand. Also, for more frequent updates on recruiting and day-to-day stuff, head over to Big Red Network. Links for both sites can be found at right. Have a good weekend everybody.