2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season

American college football season August 2023 December 2025 2011 Alabama_on_offense_against_LSU_11-5-2011.jpg 120 Oklahoma September 1 – December 10 35 December 17, 2011 January 9, 2012 Bowl Championship Series 2012 BCS Championship Game Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, Louisiana Alabama Robert Griffin III (quarterback, Baylor) The 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season was the highest level of college football competition in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The regular season began on September 1, 2011, and ended on December 10, 2011. The postseason concluded on January 9, 2012, with the BCS National Championship Game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the No. 1 LSU Tigers 21–0. For the first time since 2007, and for only the third time in the Bowl Championship Series era, no team from an automatic-qualifying BCS conference finished the season with an undefeated record. Rule changes Several rule changes took effect this season:https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=6361845 Series of rules changes approved Associated Press ESPN.com April 15, 2011 April 15, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110511110518/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6361845 11 May 2011 live If a player is penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for actions that occurred during a play ending in a touchdown, but before the goal line was crossed, the touchdown will be nullified and the fifteen-yard penalty enforced from the spot of the foul. This change was made the year after Georgia receiver A. J. Green was called for a personal foul after catching a pass for a touchdown against LSU. The fifteen-yard penalty was assessed on the resulting kickoff, which helped LSU's position for the winning score.Committee proposes rule changes Associated Press ESPN February 12, 2010 https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4907531 In another game, North Dakota State defensive back Josh Gatlin pointed at the crowd at the seven-yard line before scoring a touchdown against South Dakota State. Gatlin received a penalty, but the touchdown was not taken back.2011-08-02 NCAA taking taunting serious https://www.jamestownsun.com/sports/ncaa-taking-taunting-serious 2024-05-18 Jamestown Sun en A similar proposal that would have nullified touchdowns for taunting or excessive celebration after the score failed to pass the NCAA Football Rules Committee.https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls10/news/story?id=5976141 Official: Controversial calls correct Associated Press ESPN.com December 30, 2010 January 17, 2011 Due to how the fourth quarter ended in the 2010 Music City Bowl, a 10-second runoff will be implemented (similar to the NFL rule adopted in 1980) when a team commits a foul in the final minute of either half that results in a clock stoppage. The opposing team has the option to: Take the penalty yardage and the 10 second runoff. Take the penalty yardage and decline the 10 second runoff. Decline both the penalty and the 10 second runoff. Each half of a game can end due to a runoff of the game clock following a penalty. Teams can take a time-out to stop the clock and avoid the 10 second runoff. The new rule has been informally dubbed the "Dooley Rule", after then Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley.'Dooley Rule', two others changes approved by NCAA panel John Taylor April 15, 2011 NBC Sports http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/15/dooley-rule-two-others-changes-approved-by-ncaa-panel/ Video monitors will be allowed in coaches' booths to allow coaching staffs to determine whether they should challenge a call. The televisions will have access only to the live broadcast feed, with no video recorders. The technology, if made available at a stadium, must be provided to both teams. Players lined up outside the tackle box—more specifically, those lined up more than 7 yards from the center—will now be allowed to block below the waist only if they are blocking straight ahead or toward the nearest sideline. On placekicks, no offensive lineman can now be engaged by more than two defensive players. A violation will be a 5–yard penalty. A three-man wedge is prohibited during kickoffs and punts. The penalty will be a fifteen-yard penalty from the spot of the foul, if non-contact, or from the end of the run, if contact.NCAA football rule changes outlines John E Hoover July 26, 2011 Tulsa World Sports Extra World Publishing Company http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=231&articleid=20110726_231_B4_DALLAS420942 Players will no longer be required to wear pants that cover the knees. The officials' uniforms were slightly changed. The shirt stripes are wider, they now wear black pants instead of white, and the initial of the official's role (ex. "R" for referee, "U" for umpire) is displayed on the front uniform pocket. In addition, the NCAA recommends that conferences without a pregame warm-up policy should use a ten-yard, no-player zone between the 45-yard lines beginning 60 minutes before kickoff. Conference realignment 2010–2014 NCAA conference realignment Membership changes Five FBS schools switched conferences prior to the 2011 season. Each of these moves had been formally announced in 2010. SchoolFormer conferenceNew conference Boise Statehttps://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/23121/boise-state-joins-the-mountain-west Boise State joins the Mountain West Schlabach Mark June 11, 2010 ESPN.com College Football Nation Blog June 11, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100613201852/http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/23121/boise-state-joins-the-mountain-west 13 June 2010 live WAC Mountain West BYU Mountain West FBS independent (WCC in other sports) Coloradohttp://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=204998596&DB_OEM_ID=10410 Terms for Colorado Withdrawal From Big 12 Announced Big 12 Conference September 21, 2010 September 21, 2010 Big 12 Pac-12 Nebraskahttp://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2010/06/university-of-nebraska-asks-regents-to-approve-move-from-big-12-to-big-ten/1 University of Nebraska asks regents to approve move from Big 12 to Big Ten 2010-06-11 USA Today Big 12 Big Ten Utahhttps://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=5298238 Utah excited by Pac-10 acceptance ESPN June 17, 2010 Mountain West Pac-12 On April 20, 2011, UMass announced that it would upgrade its football program to the FBS level and become a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference beginning in 2012. Full FBS membership and eligibility for the conference championship and bowl games would follow in 2013. On September 18, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced that Big East Conference mainstays Pittsburgh and Syracuse had been officially accepted as the conference's 13th and 14th members. At the time, the two schools' departure date was uncertain, as Big East bylaws require a 27-month notice period for departing members. The earliest that Pitt and Syracuse could join the ACC was July 2014,https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/6988468/acc-accepts-pittsburgh-panthers-syracuse-orange-14-team-league ACC adding Big East's Syracuse, Pitt Heather Dinich ESPN.com September 19, 2011 November 10, 2011 though later negotiations would allow Pitt and Syracuse to join in July 2013. On September 26, the Southeastern Conference announced that Texas A&M would leave the Big 12 Conference and become the league's 13th member in July 2012.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7024498/sec-officially-welcomes-texas-aggies-13th-member Texas A&M welcomed to SEC ESPN.com September 27, 2011 October 17, 2011 Missouri also announced plans to depart the Big 12 to join the SEC on November 6, bringing SEC conference membership to 14 schools.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7199062/missouri-tigers-move-sec-official-big-12-hurdles-remain SEC accepts Missouri for 2012–13 November 7, 2011 ESPN.com November 10, 2011 Facing the imminent loss of four members, the Big 12 announced the addition of TCU from the Mountain West Conference on October 10.http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205314233 TCU To Join Big 12 Conference Big12Sports.com 2017-07-22 In order to join the Big 12, TCU had to renege on an agreement it had made less than year earlier to join the Big East.https://www.espn.com/dallas/ncf/story/_/id/8039159/big-east-sues-big-12-bound-tcu-horned-frogs-5-million Big East sues Big 12-bound TCU for $5 million ESPN.com 2017-07-22 On October 14, the Mountain West and Conference USA announced their intention to merge their football operations and form a two-division, 22-team conference in hopes of earning an automatic qualifier to a BCS bowl.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7571596/mountain-west-c-usa-form-new-conference MWC, C-USA to form new conference Katz Andy February 15, 2012 ESPN.com February 18, 2012 The agreement was abandoned in 2012 after both conferences added new members. The next change came on October 28, when the Big 12 formally accepted West Virginia from the Big East.http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=205323383 West Virginia University To Join Big 12 Conference Big 12 Conference October 28, 2011 November 10, 2011 This move led to a legal battle in which West Virginia filed suit against the Big East to overturn the standard 27-month notice period, and the Big East suing in another court to have the requirement enforced. In February 2012, the two parties reached a settlement that allowed West Virginia to join the Big 12 that July.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7574104/west-virginia-mountaineers-join-big-12-july-big-east-lawsuit-settlement WVU settles suit, to join Big 12 in July Andrea Adelson ESPN.com February 14, 2012 February 18, 2012 Several months later, both Pittsburgh and Syracuse reached their own settlements with the Big East that allowed them to leave for the ACC in July 2013. Changes in membership reduced the number of teams in the Big 12 from twelve to ten for the 2011 season and beyond, forcing the conference to drop its annual football championship game to comply with NCAA rules. In response to the departures of three mainstay members and TCU, the Big East announced on December 7 that five schools would join the conference for football in 2013: Houston, SMU, and UCF would join as full members in all sports, while Boise State and San Diego State would leave the Mountain West and become football-only members.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7327683/big-east-conference-introduces-boise-state-broncos-san-diego-state-aztecs-houston-cougars-smu-mustangs-ucf-knights Big East introduces 5 new schools Andy Katz Andy Katz ESPN.com December 8, 2011 December 10, 2011 Boise State's other sports would return to the Western Athletic Conference, while San Diego State's would rejoin the Big West after a 35-year absence.https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/7326221/sources-boise-state-broncos-wac-san-diego-state-aztecs-big-west-non-football-programs Boise St., San Diego St. finalize moves Andy Katz ESPN.com December 7, 2011 December 10, 2011 Later developments in conference realignment, namely the demise of both the Big East and WAC's football competitions following the 2012 season, prompted both schools to abandon these plans and remain the Mountain West. New and updated stadiums New stadiums SchoolNameCapacityFlorida AtlanticFAU Stadium30,000North TexasApogee Stadium30,850 Expanded stadium North Carolina continued renovations to Kenan Memorial Stadium, which were completed in time for the start of the season. The project included a new student center and premium seating sections. The addition of new seats enclosed the stadium for the first time and brought the total capacity to 63,000.http://goheels.com/news/2012/7/15/205498261.aspx Kenan Stadium - UNC Tar Heels Athletics goheels.com en 2017-07-24 Temporary stadiums California played the season at AT&T Park in San Francisco, home to the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. California Memorial Stadium, the Golden Bears' on-campus home since 1923, was undergoing a major renovation that included a full seismic retrofit. The Bears returned to Memorial Stadium in 2012.http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051010aae.html Cal Football to Play 2011 Home Season at San Francisco's AT&T Park University of California, Berkeley Athletics May 10, 2010 January 24, 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110814154433/http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051010aae.html August 14, 2011 Although AT&T Park is primarily a baseball venue, it has hosted several football teams and events; at that time, it was home to the Fight Hunger Bowl. Washington played the first six games of its home schedule at on-campus Husky Stadium. Following the November 5 game against Oregon, construction began on a $280 million renovation project. As a result, the Apple Cup rivalry game with Washington State was moved to CenturyLink Field. Washington remained at CenturyLink Field for the entire 2012 season. Infractions, investigations, and scandals Ohio State Five Ohio State players were alleged to have improperly traded dozens of items to the owner of a tattoo parlor in exchange for tattoos, cash, and, in one case, a sport-utility vehicle. The players, along with head coach Jim Tressel, were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season. Tressel was under investigation for lying to the university and investigators regarding his knowledge of the incident.http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2011/04/28/0428-new-ncaa-information.html Ohio State football: More memorabilia exchanged than previously disclosed Riepenhoff Jill April 28, 2011 The Columbus Dispatch Wagner Mike Columbus, OH The program was also under investigation by the NCAA, the school having going before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in August 2011, with findings and decisions following shortly thereafter.https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/sports/ncaafootball/28rhoden.html The New York Times William C. Rhoden The Best Punishment For Tressel? Let Him Stay April 27, 2011 The scandal led to the resignation of Tressel on May 30.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=6606999 Jim Tressel tenders resignation ESPN.com May 30, 2011 May 30, 2011 On June 8, starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, one of the five suspended players, announced that he would forgo his final year of college eligibility.https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=6636768 Terrelle Pryor exiting OSU amid scandal ESPN.com June 8, 2011 June 10, 2011 Initially, Ohio State offered to vacate its entire 2010 season, return money received from the 2011 Sugar Bowl, impose two years of probation, and use five fewer football scholarships over the next three seasons. However, after the school went before the NCAA, further rules violations emerged. Three players were suspended before the start of the season for receiving $200 from a booster. Then, midway through the season, it was discovered that the same booster had overpaid several players for summer jobs. The NCAA announced its final penalties on December 20. While accepting Ohio State's initial self-imposed penalties, it levied additional sanctions. One extra year of probation and scholarship reductions was added, running through the 2014 season. The Buckeyes will also be banned from postseason play in 2012. Tressel, who joined the staff of the Indianapolis Colts during the 2011 NFL season and has since taken a non-athletic position at his alma mater of the University of Akron, was hit with a five-year show-cause penalty, which effectively bars him from college coaching through the 2016 season. Finally, the school was required to disassociate itself from Pryor for five years.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7372757/ohio-state-buckeyes-football-penalties-include-bowl-ban Ohio State gets one-year bowl ban ESPN.com December 20, 2011 December 20, 2011 North Carolina The North Carolina Tar Heels, in the midst of an NCAA investigation into improper benefits and academic misconduct within the football program, fired head coach Butch Davis on July 27.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/6809612/butch-davis-fired-north-carolina-football-coach Butch Davis fired by Tar Heels ESPN.com July 27, 2011 July 27, 2011 The school initially vacated its 2008 and 2009 seasons, reduced its scholarship allotment by nine over the next three seasons, and self-imposed two years of probation. Although the NCAA praised the university for its investigation, it found several aggravating factors. The NCAA confirmed academic fraud, found that players had received at least $31,000 in impermissible benefits, determined that six players had played while ineligible, and also found evidence of rampant agent involvement in the program. The NCAA added an extra year of probation, and also banned the Tar Heels from the 2012 postseason. John Blake, an assistant who had been forced out with Davis, was found to have received personal loans from agent Gary Wichard that he did not report to UNC, specifically for access to players. He was also cited for not cooperating with investigators. Blake received a three-year show-cause penalty.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7677271/north-carolina-tar-heels-handed-postseason-ban-2012-ncaa UNC banned from 2012 postseason ESPN.com March 12, 2012 March 21, 2012 Miami 2011 University of Miami athletics scandal On August 16, Yahoo! Sports broke a story in which former Miami Hurricanes booster Nevin Shapiro, currently imprisoned for running a Ponzi scheme, stated that from 2002 through 2010 he had given massive amounts of improper benefits to Miami players and coaches, mostly in football but also in men's basketball. Shapiro indicated that the benefits included cash, various goods, prostitutes, and even an abortion.https://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news?slug=cr-renegade_miami_booster_details_illicit_benefits_081611 Renegade Miami football booster spells out illicit benefits to players Charles Robinson Yahoo! Sports August 16, 2011 August 23, 2011 Penn State Penn State child sex abuse scandal On November 5, former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky was indicted on multiple felony charges of sex abuse against minors. Two other high-ranking Penn State administrators—athletic director Tim Curley and vice president for business and finance Gary Schultz (whose job includes supervision of the university police department)—were charged with perjury in the case.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7192563/penn-state-nittany-lions-athletic-director-tim-curley-charged-perjury-sex-case Penn State AD Tim Curley faces charges ESPN.com November 5, 2011 November 7, 2011 The day after the indictments, the university Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting, at which Curley requested to be placed on administrative leave and Schultz stepped down.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7201952/penn-state-nittany-lions-tim-curley-gary-schultz-step-amid-scandal Penn State AD, school VP leave posts ESPN.com November 7, 2011 November 7, 2011 Paterno, who had received notice of inappropriate behavior by Sandusky in 2002 and had reported the allegations to university administrators (though not to police), was not charged or implicated in any wrongdoing. On November 9, he announced his retirement effective at the end of the season, stating he was "absolutely devastated by the developments in this case."https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7211281/penn-state-nittany-lions-joe-paterno-retire-end-season Joe Paterno to retire; president out? ESPN.com November 9, 2011 November 9, 2011 However, hours later, the Penn State Board of Trustees fired Paterno, effective immediately. Regular season top 10 matchups Rankings reflect the AP Poll. Rankings for Week 8 and beyond will list BCS Rankings first and AP Poll second. Teams that failed to be a top 10 team for one poll or the other will be noted. Week 1 No. 4 LSU defeated No. 3 Oregon, 40–27 (Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas) Week 3 No. 1 Oklahoma defeated No. 5 Florida State, 23–13 (Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida) Week 4 No. 7 Oklahoma State defeated No. 8 Texas A&M, 30–29 (Kyle Field, College Station, Texas) Week 5 No. 7 Wisconsin defeated No. 8 Nebraska, 48–17 (Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin) Week 9 No. 9/11 Oklahoma defeated No. 8/10 Kansas State, 58–17 (KSU Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas) Week 10 No. 1/1 LSU defeated No. 2/2 Alabama, 9–6 OT (Bryant–Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama) No. 7/8 Arkansas defeated No. 9/10 South Carolina, 44–28 (Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas) Week 11 No. 6/7 Oregon defeated No. 4/3 Stanford, 53–30 (Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California) Week 13 No. 1/1 LSU defeated No. 3/3 Arkansas, 41–17 (Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana) Week 14 No. 3/3 Oklahoma State defeated No. 10/13 Oklahoma, 44–10 (Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Oklahoma) Conference standings FCS team wins over FBS teams Italics denotes FCS teams. no no September 3 no 16 (FCS) Richmond Duke Wallace Wade Stadium Durham, North Carolina no 23–21 32,741 FCS wins vs. FBS teams: All-time victories, upsets, wins vs. ranked teams https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/fcs-wins-vs-fbs-teams-all-time-victories-upsets NCAA.com September 7, 2025 October 2, 2025 September 3 no 24 (FCS) Sacramento State Oregon State Reser Stadium Corvallis, Oregon no 29–28 OT 41,581 September 17 no Indiana State Western Kentucky Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium Bowling Green, Kentucky no 44–16 15,793 September 24 no 8 (FCS) North Dakota State Minnesota TCF Bank Stadium Minneapolis, Minnesota no 37–24 48,802 September 24 no 20 (FCS) Sam Houston State New Mexico University Stadium Albuquerque, New Mexico no 48–45 OT 16,313 September 24 no 23 (FCS) Southern Utah UNLV Sam Boyd Stadium Whitney, Nevada no 41–16 18,102 Conference summaries Rankings reflect the Week 14 AP Poll before the games were played. Conference championship games Conference Champion Runner-UpScoreOffensive Player of the YearDefensive Player of the YearCoach of the Year ACC No. 21 Clemson No. 5 Virginia Tech 38–10 David Wilson, Virginia Techhttp://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113011aaf.html https://archive.today/20130203165742/http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113011aaf.html dead February 3, 2013 Hokies' Wilson named ACC Offensive Player of the Year Atlantic Coast Conference November 30, 2011 November 30, 2011 Luke Kuechly, Boston Collegehttp://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113011aae.html https://archive.today/20130203181655/http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113011aae.html dead February 3, 2013 Eagles' Kuechly Named ACC Defensive Player of the Year Atlantic Coast Conference November 30, 2011 November 30, 2011 Mike London, Virginiahttp://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112911aah.html https://archive.today/20120914122041/http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112911aah.html dead September 14, 2012 Mike London named ACC Coach of the Year Atlantic Coast Conference November 29, 2011 November 29, 2011 Big Ten No. 15 Wisconsin No. 11 Michigan State 42–39 Montee Ball, Wisconsinhttp://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-11-30/montee-ball-devon-still-brady-hoke-braxton-miller-big-ten-awards Big 10 Player of Year Awards Sporting News November 30, 2011 December 6, 2011 December 1, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111201175805/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-11-30/montee-ball-devon-still-brady-hoke-braxton-miller-big-ten-awards dead Devon Still, Penn State Brady Hoke, Michigan C-USA No. 24 Southern Miss No. 7 Houston 49–28 Case Keenum, Houston (MVP)https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/55509/sumlin-keenum-win-c-usa-awards C-USA Player of Year Awards ESPN December 7, 2011 December 7, 2011Patrick Edwards, Houston Vinny Curry, Marshall Kevin Sumlin, Houston MAC Northern Illinois Ohio 23–20 Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinoishttp://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2011/11/wmu_defensive_tackle_drew_nowa_1.html MAC Player of Year Graham Couch mlive.com November 30, 2011 December 10, 2011 Drew Nowak, Western Michigan Ron English, Eastern Michigan Pac-12 No. 8 Oregon UCLA 49–31Andrew Luck, Stanfordhttp://prod-pac.xosdigital.com/SPORTS/Football/Tabid/1452/Article/139179/All-Pac-12-Conference-Football-Team.aspx All-Pac-12 Conference Football Team November 28, 2011 December 5, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120425122114/http://prod-pac.xosdigital.com/SPORTS/Football/Tabid/1452/Article/139179/All-Pac-12-Conference-Football-Team.aspx 2012-04-25 dead Mychal Kendricks, California David Shaw, Stanford SEC No. 1 LSU No. 12 Georgia 42–10 Trent Richardson, Alabamahttps://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/34632/richardson-named-all-sec-offensive-poy Edward Aschoff SEC Blog ESPN.com SEC Player of Year December 5, 2011 December 5, 2011 Tyrann Mathieu, LSU Les Miles, LSU Other conference champions ConferenceChampionRecordOffensive Player of the YearDefensive Player of the YearCoach of the Year Big 12 No. 3 Oklahoma State 11–1 (8–1) Robert Griffin III, Baylorhttps://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/55508/thoughts-on-the-postseason-big-12-awards ESPN Big 12 Player of Year December 7, 2011 December 7, 2011 A. J. Klein, Iowa State & Frank Alexander, Oklahoma Bill Snyder, Kansas State Big East Cincinnati Louisville #22 West Virginia 9–3 (5–2) 7–5 (5–2) 9–3 (5–2) Isaiah Pead, Cincinnatihttps://www.espn.com/blog/bigeast/post/_/id/27627/jones-pead-wolfe-get-big-east-honors ESPN Big 12 Player of Year December 8, 2011 December 8, 2011 Khaseem Greene, Rutgers & Derrick Wolfe, Cincinnati Butch Jones, Cincinnati MWC No. 18 TCU 10–2 (7–0) Kellen Moore, Boise Statehttps://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/55461/moore-leads-mwc-awards ESPN MWC Player of Year December 6, 2011 December 6, 2011 Tank Carder, TCU Dave Christensen, Wyoming Sun Belt Arkansas State 10–2 (8–0) Ryan Aplin, Arkansas Statehttps://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/55518/arkansas-state-headlines-sun-belt-teams ESPN Sun Belt Player of Year December 7, 2011 December 7, 2011 Brandon Joiner, Arkansas State Hugh Freeze, Arkansas State WAC Louisiana Tech 8–4 (5–1) Robert Turbin, Utah Statehttps://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/55321/dykes-named-wac-coach-of-the-year ESPN WAC Player of Year December 5, 2011 December 5, 2011 Adrien Cole, Louisiana Tech Sonny Dykes, Louisiana Tech a Final BCS rankings BCS School Record Bowl Game 1 LSU 13–0 BCS Championship 2 Alabama 11–1 BCS Championship 3 Oklahoma State 11–1 Fiesta 4 Stanford 11–1 Fiesta 5 Oregon 11–2 Rose 6 Arkansas 10–2 Cotton 7 Boise State 11–1 Las Vegas 8 Kansas State 10–2 Cotton 9 South Carolina 10–2 Capital One 10 Wisconsin 11–2 Rose 11 Virginia Tech 11–2 Sugar 12 Baylor 9–3 Alamo 13 Michigan 10–2 Sugar 14 Oklahoma 9–3 Insight 15 Clemson 10–3 Orange 16 Georgia 10–3 Outback 17 Michigan State 10–3 Outback 18 TCU 10–2 Poinsettia 19 Houston 12–1 TicketCity 20 Nebraska 9–3 Capital One 21 Southern Miss 11–2 Hawai'i 22 Penn State 9–3 TicketCity 23 West Virginia 9–3 Orange 24 Texas 7–5 Holiday 25 Auburn 7–5 Chick-fil-A Bowl games 2011–12 NCAA football bowl games 2012 Bowl Championship Series DateGameSiteTelevisionTeamsAffiliationsWinnerJan. 2Rose Bowl presented by VizioRose BowlPasadena, CA5:00 pmESPN No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers (11–2)No. 5 Oregon Ducks (11–2)Big TenPac-12Oregon 45–38Tostitos Fiesta BowlUniversity of Phoenix StadiumGlendale, AZ8:30 pmNo. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys (11–1)No. 4 Stanford Cardinal (11–1)Big 12Pac-12Oklahoma State 41–38 (OT)Jan. 3Allstate Sugar BowlMercedes-Benz SuperdomeNew Orleans, LA8:30 pmNo. 13 Michigan Wolverines (10–2)No. 11 Virginia Tech Hokies (11–2)Big TenACCMichigan 23–20 (OT) Jan. 4Discover Orange BowlSun Life StadiumMiami Gardens, FL8:30 pmNo. 15 Clemson Tigers (10–3)No. 23 West Virginia Mountaineers (9–3)ACCBig EastWest Virginia 70–33 Jan. 9Allstate BCS National Championship GameMercedes-Benz SuperdomeNew Orleans, LA8:30 pmNo. 1 LSU Tigers (13–0)No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (11–1)SECSECAlabama 21–0 Other bowl games DateGameSiteTelevisionTeamsAffiliationsResults Dec. 17Gildan New Mexico BowlUniversity StadiumUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM2:00 pmESPNWyoming Cowboys (8–4)Temple Owls (8–4)MWCMACTemple 37–15Famous Idaho Potato BowlBronco StadiumBoise State UniversityBoise, ID5:30 pmOhio Bobcats (9–4)Utah State Aggies (7–5)MACWACOhio 24–23R+L Carriers New Orleans BowlMercedes-Benz SuperdomeNew Orleans, LA9:00 pmSan Diego State Aztecs (8–4)Louisiana–Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (8–4)MWCSun BeltLouisiana–Lafayette 32–30 Dec. 20Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. PetersburgTropicana FieldSt. Petersburg, FL8:00 pmFIU Golden Panthers (8–4)Marshall Thundering Herd (6–6)Sun BeltC-USAMarshall 20–10 Dec. 21San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia BowlSnapdragon StadiumSan Diego, CA8:00 pmNo. 18 TCU Horned Frogs (10–2)Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8–4)MWCWACTCU 31–24 Dec. 22Maaco Bowl Las VegasSam Boyd StadiumUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasWhitney, NV8:00 pmNo. 7 Boise State Broncos (11–1)Arizona State Sun Devils (6–6)MWCPac-12Boise State 56–24 Dec. 24Sheraton Hawaii BowlAloha StadiumHonolulu, HI8:00 pmNevada Wolf Pack (7–5)No. 21 Southern Miss Golden Eagles (11–2)WACC-USASouthern Miss 24–17 Dec. 26Advocare Independence BowlIndependence StadiumShreveport, LA5:00 pmESPN2Missouri Tigers (7–5)North Carolina Tar Heels (7–5)Big 12ACCMissouri 41–24 Dec. 27Little Caesars Pizza BowlFord FieldDetroit, MI4:30 pmESPNPurdue Boilermakers (6–6)Western Michigan Broncos (7–5)Big TenMACPurdue 37–32Belk BowlBank of America StadiumCharlotte, NC8:00 pmNorth Carolina State Wolfpack (7–5)Louisville Cardinals (7–5)ACCBig EastNC State 31–24 Dec. 28Military Bowl presented by Northrop GrummanRFK StadiumWashington, DC4:30 pmAir Force Falcons (7–5)Toledo Rockets (8–4)Navy, which had the primary contract for this slot, was not bowl-eligible. For the 2011 season, the TicketCity Bowl and Military Bowl have contingency contracts with the Big 12 if those games' primary partners are not available. Since the TicketCity Bowl's primary partners (the Big Ten and C-USA) both filled their slots, Navy's Military Bowl slot was passed to the Big 12; however the Big 12 did not have enough teams to fulfill their contract, so Toledo from the MAC was invited.MWCMACToledo 42–41Bridgepoint Education Holiday BowlSnapdragon StadiumSan Diego, CA8:00 pmNo. 24 Texas Longhorns (7–5)California Golden Bears (7–5)Big 12Pac-12Texas 21–10 Dec. 29Champs Sports BowlCitrus BowlOrlando, FL5:30 pmFlorida State Seminoles (8–4)Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8–4)ACCIndependentFlorida State 18–14Valero Alamo BowlAlamodomeSan Antonio, TX9:00 pmNo. 12 Baylor Bears (9–3)Washington Huskies (7–5)Big 12Pac-12Baylor 67–56 Dec. 30Bell Helicopters Armed Forces BowlGerald J. Ford StadiumUniversity Park, TX12:00 pmBYU Cougars (9–3)Tulsa Golden Hurricane (8–4)IndependentC-USABYU 24–21New Era Pinstripe BowlYankee StadiumBronx, NY3:20 pmIowa State Cyclones (6–6)Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8–4)Big 12Big EastRutgers 27–13Franklin American Mortgage Music City BowlLP FieldNashville, TN6:40 pmWake Forest Demon Deacons (6–6)Mississippi State Bulldogs (6–6)ACCSECMississippi State 23–17Insight BowlSun Devil StadiumTempe, AZ10:00 pmIowa Hawkeyes (7–5)No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners (9–3)Big TenBig 12Oklahoma 31–14 Dec. 31Meineke Car Care Bowl of TexasReliant StadiumHouston, TX12:00 pmTexas A&M Aggies (6–6)Northwestern Wildcats (6–6)Big 12Big TenTexas A&M 33–22Hyundai Sun BowlSun Bowl StadiumUniversity of Texas El PasoEl Paso, TX2:00 pmCBSGeorgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8–4)Utah Utes (7–5)ACCPac-12Utah 30–27 (OT)AutoZone Liberty BowlLiberty Bowl Memorial StadiumMemphis, TN3:30 pmABCCincinnati Bearcats (9–3)Vanderbilt Commodores (6–6)Big EastSECCincinnati 31–24Kraft Fight Hunger BowlAT&T ParkSan Francisco, CA3:30 pmESPN Illinois Fighting Illini (6–6)Army, which had the primary contract for this slot, was not bowl-eligible. The ACC had a contingency contract for the slot, but could only fill it if it produced nine bowl-eligible teams. Miami's self-imposed bowl ban made it impossible for the conference to fill that slot.UCLA Bruins (6–7)Big TenPac-12Illinois 20–14Chick-fil-A BowlGeorgia DomeAtlanta, GA7:30 pmNo. 25 Auburn Tigers (7–5)Virginia Cavaliers (8–4)SECACCAuburn 43–24 Jan. 2TicketCity BowlCotton BowlDallas, TX12:00 pmESPNUNo. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions (9–3)No. 19 Houston Cougars (12–1)Big TenC-USAHouston 30–14Outback BowlRaymond James StadiumTampa, FL1:00 pmABCNo. 17 Michigan State Spartans (10–3)No. 16 Georgia Bulldogs (10–3)Big TenSECMichigan State 33–30 (3OT)Capital One BowlCitrus BowlOrlando, FL1:00 pmESPNNo. 20 Nebraska Cornhuskers (9–3)No. 9 South Carolina Gamecocks (10–2)Big TenSECSouth Carolina 30–13TaxSlayer.com Gator BowlEverBank FieldJacksonville, FL1:00 pmESPN2Ohio State Buckeyes (6–6)Florida Gators (6–6)Big TenSECFlorida 24–17 Jan. 6AT&T Cotton Bowl ClassicCowboys StadiumArlington, TX8:00 pmFOXNo. 8 Kansas State Wildcats (10–2)No. 6 Arkansas Razorbacks (10–2)Big 12SECArkansas 29–16 Jan. 7BBVA Compass BowlLegion FieldBirmingham, AL1:00 pmESPNSMU Mustangs (7–5)Pittsburgh Panthers (6–6)C-USABig EastSMU 28–6 Jan. 8GoDaddy.com BowlLadd–Peebles StadiumMobile, AL9:00 pmNorthern Illinois Huskies (10–3)Arkansas State Red Wolves (10–2)MACSun BeltNorthern Illinois 38–20 n Bowl Challenge Cup standings Conference Wins Losses Pct. C-USA 4 1 .800 MAC 4 1 .800 Big 12 6 2 .750 SEC 6 3 .666 Big East 3 2 .600 Division I FBS Independents 1 1 .500 Big Ten 4 6 .400 MWC 2 3 .400 Sun Belt 1 2 .333 Pac-12 2 5 .286 ACC 2 6 .250 WAC 0 3 .000 Awards and honors Heisman Trophy voting The Heisman Trophy is given to the year's most outstanding player Player School Position 1st 2nd 3rd Total Robert Griffin III Baylor QB 405 168 136 1,687 Andrew Luck Stanford QB 247 250 166 1,407 Trent Richardson Alabama RB 138 207 150 978 Montee Ball Wisconsin RB 22 83 116 348 Tyrann Mathieu LSU CB 34 63 99 327 Matt Barkley USC QB 11 33 54 153 Case Keenum Houston QB 10 20 53 123 Kellen Moore Boise State QB 6 21 30 90 Russell Wilson Wisconsin QB 4 12 15 52 LaMichael James Oregon RB 5 12 9 48 Source: http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/10/robert-griffin-iii-wins-77th-heisman-trophy/related/ Robert Griffin III wins 77th Heisman collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com December 10, 2011 December 10, 2011 December 12, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111212043653/http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/10/robert-griffin-iii-wins-77th-heisman-trophy/related/ dead Other major awards AP Player of the Year: Robert Griffin III, Baylor Maxwell Award (top player): Andrew Luck, Stanford Walter Camp Award (top player): Andrew Luck, Stanford Campbell Trophy ("academic Heisman"; formerly the Draddy Trophy): Andrew Rodriguez, Army Wuerffel Trophy (humanitarian-athlete): Barrett Jones, Alabama Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player): Brandon Boykin, Georgia Burlsworth Trophy (top player who began as walk-on): Austin Davis, Southern Miss Offense Quarterback Davey O'Brien Award (quarterback): Robert Griffin III, Baylor Johnny Unitas Award (senior/4th year quarterback): Andrew Luck, Stanford Manning Award (quarterback): Robert Griffin III, Baylor Sammy Baugh Trophy (quarterback, specifically passer): Case Keenum, Houston Running Back Doak Walker Award (running back): Trent Richardson, Alabama Wide Receiver Fred Biletnikoff Award (wide receiver): Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State Tight End John Mackey Award (tight end): Dwayne Allen, Clemson Lineman Dave Rimington Trophy (center): David Molk, Michigan Outland Trophy (interior lineman): Barrett Jones, Alabama Defense Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player): Luke Kuechly, Boston College Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player): Tyrann Mathieu, LSU Lott Trophy (defensive impact): Luke Kuechly, Boston College Defensive Line Ted Hendricks Award (defensive end): Whitney Mercilus, Illinois Lombardi Award (defensive lineman): Luke Kuechly, Boston College Linebacker Dick Butkus Award (linebacker): Luke Kuechly, Boston College Defensive Back Jim Thorpe Award (defensive back): Morris Claiborne, LSU Special teams Lou Groza Award (placekicker): Randy Bullock, Texas A&M Ray Guy Award (punter): Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech Coaches AP Coach of the Year: Les Miles, LSU Paul "Bear" Bryant Award: Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award: Les Miles, LSU Walter Camp Coach of the Year: Les Miles, LSU Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year: Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award: Dabo Swinney, Clemson Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year Award: Nick Saban, Alabama Assistant Broyles Award (assistant coach): John Chavis, LSU All-Americans 2011 College Football All-America Team Records Several significant records were tied or broken on October 22: East Carolina quarterback Dominique Davis set two FBS records for consecutive pass completions in the Pirates' 38–35 win over Navy.http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312952426 https://web.archive.org/web/20111024050614/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312952426 dead October 24, 2011 ECU's Dominique Davis completes 26 straight throws in win over Navy October 22, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press October 22, 2011 Davis completed his first 26 pass attempts, breaking the single-game record of 23 first set in 1998 by Tee Martin of Tennessee against South Carolina and tied in 2004 by Aaron Rodgers of California against USC. Since Davis had also completed his final 10 passes in the Pirates' game the previous week against Memphis, his streak against Navy gave him a total of 36 consecutive completions over two games, breaking the record of 26 set by Rodgers in 2004. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore led the Broncos to a 37–26 win over Air Force, giving him 45 career wins as a starter. This tied the FBS record of Texas' Colt McCoy (2006–2009); after a bye week, Moore could (and ultimately did) take sole possession of the record at UNLV on November 5.http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950068 https://web.archive.org/web/20111023182147/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950068 dead October 23, 2011 No. 5 Boise State holds off challenge from Air Force October 22, 2011 Associated Press ESPN.com October 23, 2011 He finished his career 50–3. In Houston's 63–28 win over Marshall, Cougars quarterback Case Keenum set a new FBS record for career total offense, surpassing the 16,910 yards amassed by Timmy Chang of Hawaii from 2000 to 2004.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950248 https://web.archive.org/web/20111024145833/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950248 dead October 24, 2011 Case Keenum sets NCAA record for total offense as Houston cruises October 22, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press October 22, 2011 He also brought his career total of touchdowns accounted for (combined passing, rushing, receiving, and returns) to 150, tying the record set by Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour from 2006 to 2009. Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, already the holder of the record for most career wins in FBS, tied Eddie Robinson of Grambling for the most wins in Division I history, with 408, when the Nittany Lions defeated Northwestern 34–24.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950077 https://web.archive.org/web/20111023221133/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950077 dead October 23, 2011 Joe Paterno ties Eddie Robinson's Div. I wins mark as D steadies No. 21 Penn St. October 22, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press October 22, 2011 Paterno, in what would prove to be his final game coached, would claim the record outright the following week, when Penn State defeated Illinois in a defensive struggle, 10–7.https://www.espn.com/college-football/schedule/_/year/2011/week/9 2011 NCAA Division I-A NCAA Football Scores and Schedules for Week 9 October 29, 2011 ESPN.com August 17, 2012 On October 27, Keenum's nine touchdown passes in Houston's 73–34 win over crosstown rival Rice gave him 139 for his college career, surpassing the previous record of 134 by Texas Tech's Graham Harrell from 2005 to 2008.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313000248 https://web.archive.org/web/20111029151739/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313000248 dead October 29, 2011 Case Keenum tosses 9 touchdowns, breaks FBS career record in Houston's win October 27, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press October 28, 2011 He also took sole possession of the record for most touchdowns accounted for, with 159 (and counting). On October 29, Paterno took sole possession of the record for most career wins by a Division I head coach when Penn State defeated Illinois 10–7.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313020213 https://web.archive.org/web/20111031010928/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313020213 dead October 31, 2011 Late missed field goal helps Joe Paterno break record for wins by Division I coach October 29, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press October 29, 2011 This would prove to be Paterno's final game, as he would be fired less than two weeks later in the midst of a sexual abuse scandal (more details below). On November 5: In Houston's 56–13 pasting of UAB, Keenum broke Chang's record for career passing yards, ending the game with 17,212.http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313090005 https://web.archive.org/web/20111108071358/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313090005 dead November 8, 2011 Houston's Case Keenum sets NCAA passing record in romp over UAB November 5, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press November 6, 2011 Boise State defeated UNLV 48–21, giving Moore his 46th career win as a starter and sole possession of that record.http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313092439 https://archive.today/20120713075107/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313092439 dead July 13, 2012 Kellen Moore tosses 5 TDs as Boise State drops UNLV November 5, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press November 6, 2011 On November 19, Keenum added another major FBS record to his collection, surpassing Harrell's previous record of 1,403 career completions in the first quarter of Houston's 37–7 win over SMU. Keenum ended with 1,427 completions.http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313230248 https://archive.today/20120715001005/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313230248 dead July 15, 2012 Houston improves to 11-0 as Case Keenum sets completions record November 19, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press November 20, 2011 On November 26, Kentucky defeated Tennessee for the first time since 1984. The Wildcats' 10–7 win ended the longest current losing streak against an annual opponent in FBS at 26.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300096 https://web.archive.org/web/20111129041411/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300096 dead November 29, 2011 Kentucky ends 26-game skid vs. Tennessee, which will miss bowl November 26, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press December 10, 2011 Coaching changes Preseason and in-season This is restricted to coaching changes that took place on or after May 1, 2011. For coaching changes that occurred earlier in 2011, see 2010 NCAA Division I FBS end-of-season coaching changes. TeamOutgoing coachDateReasonReplacement Ohio State Jim Tressel May 30 Resigned Luke Fickell (interim) West Virginia Bill Stewart June 10 Resignedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=6650019 West Virginia's Bill Stewart resigns ESPN.com June 10, 2011 June 10, 2011 Dana Holgorsen North Carolina Butch Davis July 27 Fired Everett Withers (interim)https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/6813870/north-carolina-names-everett-withers-interim-coach Coordinator Everett Withers promoted Associated Press ESPN.com July 28, 2011 July 30, 2011 New Mexico Mike Locksley September 25 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7020067/embattled-coach-mike-locksley-fired-new-mexico New Mexico fires Mike Locksley Adelson, Andrea ESPN.com September 25, 2011 September 25, 2011 George Barlow (interim) Arizona Mike Stoops October 10 Firedhttp://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7086070/arizona-wildcats-fire-mike-stoops-coach-1–5–start Arizona fires Mike Stoops ESPN ESPN.com October 10, 2011 October 10, 2011July 2024 medicmedic Tim Kish (interim) Tulane Bob Toledo October 18 Resignedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7118195/source-tulane-coach-bob-toledo-resigns Tulane coach steps down ESPN ESPN.com October 18, 2011 October 18, 2011 Mark Hutson (interim) Penn State Joe Paterno November 9 Firedhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/paterno-fired-over-penn-st-child-abuse-scandal/ Paterno fired over Penn St. child abuse scandal CBS News November 9, 2011 November 10, 2011 October 15, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131015045331/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57321984/paterno-fired-over-penn-st-child-abuse-scandal/ live Tom Bradley (interim) End of season TeamOutgoing coachDate announcedReasonReplacement Florida Atlantic Howard Schnellenberger August 11 Retiredhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/6853483/howard-schnellenberger-florida-atlantic-owls-retiring-2011 FAU's Howard Schnellenberger retiring Associated Press ESPN.com August 11, 2011 September 15, 2011 Carl Pelinihttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7305284/carl-pelini-agrees-become-florida-atlantic-coach-according-source Carl Pelini agrees to become new FAU head coach ESPN.com December 1, 2011 December 1, 2011 Ole Miss Houston Nutt November 7 Resignedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7202990/houston-nutt-mississippi-rebels-resign-end-season Houston Nutt resigning at Ole Miss ESPN.com November 7, 2011 November 7, 2011 Hugh Freezehttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7316508/mississippi-rebels-hire-hugh-freeze-coach-report-says Report: Hugh Freeze to coach Ole Miss ESPN.com December 5, 2011 December 5, 2011 New Mexico George Barlow (interim) November 16 Permanent replacement Bob Daviehttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7242433/bob-davie-new-mexico-lobos-coach Bob Davie hired to coach Lobos ESPN.com November 16, 2011 November 16, 2011 Arizona Tim Kish (interim) November 21 Permanent replacement Rich Rodriguezhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7266532/arizona-wildcats-rich-rodriguez-hired-announcement-made-twitter Rich Rod to coach Arizona ESPN.com November 21, 2011 November 21, 2011 Akron Rob Ianello November 26 Firedhttp://www.ohio.com/sports/rob-ianello-out-as-university-of-akron-football-coach-1.247426 Rob Ianello out as University of Akron football coach Akron Beacon Journal November 26, 2011 November 26, 2011 Terry Bowdenhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7379437/auburn-zips-hire-terry-auburn-coach-sources-say Terry Bowden to Coach Akron ESPN.com November 22, 2011 November 22, 2011 Memphis Larry Porter November 27 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7286429/memphis-tigers-fire-coach-larry-porter-2-10-season Memphis Tigers fire coach Larry Porter ESPN November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 Justin Fuentehttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7328992/memphis-tigers-hire-tcu-horned-frogs-justin-fuente-coach Source: Memphis to hire Justin Fuente ESPN December 7, 2011 December 7, 2011 Illinois Ron Zook November 27 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/chicago/ncf/story/_/id/7286936/illinois-fighting-illini-coach-ron-zook-fired-0-6-finish Ron Zook out at Illinois after 7 years Associated Press ESPN November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 Tim Beckmanhttps://www.espn.com/chicago/ncf/story/_/id/7335112/sources-illinois-hires-toledo-coach-tim-beckman Illinois hires Toledo's Tim Beckman ESPN.com December 9, 2011 December 9, 2011 UAB Neil Callaway November 27 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7287425/uab-fires-coach-neil-callaway-fifth-losing-year UAB fire coach Neil Callaway ESPN November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 Garrick McGeehttp://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20111203/SPORTS/111203011/Report-UAB-hires-McGee-next-football-coach?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE UAB hires McGee as next football coach hattiesburgamerican.com December 3, 2011 December 3, 2011 January 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Kansas Turner Gill November 27 Firedhttp://www.kuathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112711aaa.html Gill Relieved Of Duties As Kansas Football Coach University of Kansas Athletics November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 Charlie Weishttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7332830/kansas-jayhawks-hire-charlie-weis-football-coach Charlie Weis to coach Kansas ESPN.com December 8, 2011 December 8, 2011 Arizona State Dennis Erickson November 27 Firedhttps://www.espn.co.uk/college-football/story/_/id/7288107/dennis-erickson-coach-arizona-state-sun-devils-source-says Dennis Erickson out as coach Associated Press ESPN November 27, 2011 November 27, 2011 Todd Grahamhttp://arizonasports.com/44/1478219/Reports-Sun-Devils-find-their-coach-hire-Todd-Graham Sun Devils find their coach hire Todd Graham arizonasports.com December 14, 2011 December 14, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120110110849/http://arizonasports.com/44/1478219/Reports-Sun-Devils-find-their-coach-hire-Todd-Graham January 10, 2012 dead mdy-all Ohio State Luke Fickell (interim) November 28 Permanent replacement Urban Meyerhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7289592/urban-meyer-joins-ohio-state-buckeyes-coach-1-year-hiatus-sources-say Urban Meyer accepts job as Ohio State head coach ESPN November 28, 2011 November 28, 2011 UCLA Rick Neuheisel November 28 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/los-angeles/ncf/story/_/id/7290938/rick-neuheisel-ucla-bruins-coach-coach-pac-12-title-game Rick Neuheisel out as UCLA Bruins head coach ESPN November 28, 2011 November 28, 2011 Jim Morahttps://www.espn.com/los-angeles/ncf/story/_/id/7337808/ucla-bruins-hire-jim-l-mora-coach-football Source: UCLA hires Jim Mora Peter Yoon ESPNLosAngeles.com December 10, 2011 December 10, 2011 Washington State Paul Wulff November 29 Fired http://www.theolympian.com/2011/11/29/1895031/washington-state-fires-football.html Washington State fires football coach Paul Wulff Associated Press The Olympian Olympia, Washington November 29, 2011 November 29, 2011 January 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Mike Leachhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7299814/mike-leach-agrees-coach-washington-state-cougars-sources-say Mike Leach agrees to coach Washington State Cougars ESPN November 30, 2011 November 30, 2011 Texas A&M Mike Sherman December 1 Firedhttp://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-report-texas-am-will-fire-sherman-20111201,0,3983843.story https://archive.today/20130119014334/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-report-texas-am-will-fire-sherman-20111201,0,3983843.story dead January 19, 2013 Texas A&M will fire Sherman Chicago Tribune December 1, 2011 December 1, 2011 Kevin Sumlin https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7337943/houston-cougar-kevin-sumlin-leaving-texas-aggies Houston's Kevin Sumlin to coach A&M ESPN.com December 10, 2011 December 10, 2011 Colorado State Steve Fairchild December 4 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7315857/colorado-state-rams-steve-fairchild-return Steve Fairchild out at Colorado State Associated Press ESPN.com December 4, 2011 December 4, 2011 Jim McElwainhttp://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/report_jim_mcelwain_to_be_name.html Jim McElwain to be named head coach at Colorado State al.com December 12, 2011 December 12, 2011 Fresno State Pat Hill December 4 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7316560/fresno-st-fires-coach-pat-hill-15-years-helm Pat Hill out as Fresno St. coach Associated Press ESPN.com December 4, 2011 December 4, 2011 Tim DeRuyter http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/12/13/2648035/source-fresno-state-offers-football.html Fresno State to announce hiring of Tim DeRuyter as football coach FresnoBee.com December 13, 2011 December 14, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120108014224/http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/12/13/2648035/source-fresno-state-offers-football.html 2012-01-08 dead Tulane Mark Hutson (interim) December 5 Permanent replacement Curtis Johnsonhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7317622/tulane-green-wave-introduce-curtis-johnson-new-coach-according-source Source: Tulane hires Curtis Johnson ESPN.com December 5, 2011 December 5, 2011 Arkansas State Hugh Freeze December 5 Hired by Ole Miss Gus Malzahnhttp://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/gus_malzahn_leaving_auburn_to.html Gus Malzahn leaving Auburn to become head coach at Arkansas State al.com December 13, 2011 December 13, 2011 Hawaii Greg McMackin December 5 Retiredhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/12/05/hawaii.coach.retires.ap/index.html?sct=cf_t2_a10 https://archive.today/20130119110318/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/12/05/hawaii.coach.retires.ap/index.html?sct=cf_t2_a10 dead January 19, 2013 Hawaii coach McMackin retires after 4 seasons Sports Illustrated December 5, 2011 December 5, 2011 Norm Chowhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7373365/norm-chow-expected-accept-hawaii-warriors-head-coaching-job-source-says Norm Chow to coach Hawaii ESPN December 20, 2011 December 20, 2011 North Carolina Everett Withers (interim) December 7 Permanent replacement Larry Fedorahttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7326721/larry-fedora-agrees-become-north-carolina-tar-heels-coach-source-says Larry Fedora to coach UNC ESPN December 7, 2011 December 7, 2011 Southern Miss Larry Fedora December 7 Hired by North Carolina Ellis Johnsonhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7371844/sources-southern-miss-golden-eagles-hire-south-carolina-gamecocks-ellis-johnson-coach Sources: S. Miss hires Ellis Johnson ESPN.com December 20, 2011 December 20, 2011 Toledo Tim Beckman December 9 Hired by Illinois Matt Campbellhttp://www.cantonrep.com/sports/x405440632/Source-Campbell-to-be-named-Toledo-football-coach Toledo names Perry grad Matt Campbell head coach Todd Porter The Repository Canton, Ohio December 12, 2011 December 12, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120110125528/http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/x405440632/Source-Campbell-to-be-named-Toledo-football-coach 2012-01-10 dead Houston Kevin Sumlin December 10 Hired by Texas A&M Tony Levinehttp://tracking.si.com/2011/12/22/houston-hires-tony-levine-as-head-coach/?sct=hp_t2_a9&eref=sihp Houston Hires Tony Levine As Head Coach SI.com December 21, 2011 December 21, 2011 April 26, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120426012005/http://tracking.si.com/2011/12/22/houston-hires-tony-levine-as-head-coach/?sct=hp_t2_a9&eref=sihp dead Pittsburgh Todd Graham December 14 Hired by Arizona State Paul Chrysthttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7378440/pittsburgh-panthers-make-wisconsin-badgers-paul-chryst-coach Pittsburgh to make Paul Chryst head coach espn.com December 21, 2011 December 21, 2011 Penn State Tom Bradley (interim) January 5 Permanent replacement Bill O'Brienhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7430206/bill-obrien-agrees-penn-state-nittany-lions-coach-sources-say Bill O'Brien to coach Penn State espn.com January 5, 2012 January 5, 2012 Rutgers Greg Schiano January 26 Hired by Tampa Bay Buccaneershttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7505668/tampa-bay-buccaneers-hire-rutgers-scarlet-knights-greg-schiano-coach-source-says Bucs hire Greg Schiano as coach Adam Schefter ESPN.com January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012 Kyle Floodhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7524239/kyle-flood-officially-named-rutgers-scarlet-knights-coach Flood gets his chance at Rutgers, 5-year deal January 31, 2012 Arkansas Bobby Petrino April 10 Firedhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7798429/bobby-petrino-return-arkansas-razorbacks-coach-sources-say Arkansas fires Bobby Petrino ESPN.com April 10, 2012 January 9, 2015 John L. Smithhttps://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7846339/arkansas-razorbacks-bring-back-coach-john-l-smith-1-year-deal Arkansas rehires John L. Smith ESPN.com April 24, 2012 April 24, 2012 TV ratings Most watched regular season games in 2011 Rank Date Matchup Channel Viewers 1 November 5, 8:00 ET No. 1 LSU vs. No. 2 Alabama (Game of the Century (2011)) CBS 20.01 Million 2 December 3, 4:00 ET No. 1 LSU vs. No. 14 Georgia CBS 12.01 Million 3 November 25, 2:30 ET No. 3 Arkansas vs. No. 1 LSU CBS 10.44 Million 4 November 19, 8:00 ET USC vs. No. 4 Oregon, No. 5 Oklahoma vs. No. 22 Baylor Regional ESPN on ABC 9.74 Million 5 September 17, 8:00 ET No. 1 Oklahoma vs. No. 5 Florida State ESPN on ABC 9.31 Million 6 November 12, 8:00 ET No. 7 Oregon vs. No. 4 Stanford ESPN on ABC 8.73 Million 7 October 29, 8:00 ET No. 5 Clemson vs. Georgia Tech, No. 6 Stanford vs. USC Regional ESPN on ABC 8.43 Million 8 November 26, 12:00 ET Ohio State vs. No. 15 Michigan ESPN on ABC 7.96 Million 9 December 3, 8:15 ET No. 15 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Michigan State FOX 7.77 Million 10 September 3, 8:00 ET No. 4 LSU vs. No. 3 Oregon ESPN on ABC 7.75 Million Special December 10, 2:30 ET Army vs. Navy CBS 5.50 Million Attendances # Team Games Total Average 1 Michigan 8 897,431 112,179 2 Ohio State 7 736,618 105,231 3 Alabama 7 712,747 101,821 4 Penn State 7 709,991 101,427 5 Texas 6 603,142 100,524 6 Tennessee 8 757,136 94,642 7 LSU 6 557,210 92,868 8 Georgia 6 555,676 92,613 9 Florida 7 623,429 89,061 10 Texas A&M 7 610,283 87,183 11 Auburn 7 600,541 85,792 12 Nebraska 7 596,871 85,267 13 Oklahoma 6 510,967 85,161 14 Notre Dame 6 484,770 80,795 15 Wisconsin 7 558,692 79,813 16 South Carolina 7 553,915 79,131 17 Clemson 7 545,713 77,959 18 Florida State 7 544,893 77,842 19 Southern California 7 523,644 74,806 20 Michigan State 7 518,545 74,078 21 Iowa 7 494,095 70,585 22 Arkansas 7 468,933 66,990 23 Virginia Tech 6 397,398 66,233 24 Washington 7 437,715 62,531 25 Missouri 6 372,571 62,095 26 BYU 7 421,858 60,265 27 Kentucky 7 420,052 60,007 28 Oregon 8 474,753 59,344 29 Arizona State 7 413,051 59,007 30 Oklahoma State 6 343,376 57,229 31 UCLA 6 339,861 56,644 32 West Virginia 7 395,726 56,532 33 Mississippi 7 395,413 56,488 34 North Carolina State 7 394,008 56,287 35 North Carolina 7 392,000 56,000 36 Mississippi State 6 335,695 55,949 37 Texas Tech 6 332,081 55,347 38 Iowa State 6 321,880 53,647 39 Colorado 5 251,777 50,355 40 East Carolina 6 300,069 50,012 41 Stanford 7 349,976 49,997 42 Illinois 8 396,380 49,548 43 Kansas State 7 343,209 49,030 44 Arizona 6 293,716 48,953 45 Miami Hurricanes 7 340,576 48,654 46 Louisville 6 291,225 48,538 47 Georgia Tech 7 337,622 48,232 48 Virginia 7 335,582 47,940 49 Minnesota 7 333,996 47,714 50 Pittsburgh 8 368,022 46,003 51 Purdue 7 316,574 45,225 52 Utah 6 270,894 45,149 53 South Florida 7 311,848 44,550 54 Rutgers 7 306,327 43,761 55 Oregon State 6 254,521 42,420 56 Maryland 7 296,484 42,355 57 Kansas 6 253,698 42,283 58 Indiana 6 248,282 41,380 59 Baylor 7 289,574 41,368 60 Syracuse 7 283,528 40,504 61 San Diego State 7 279,056 39,865 62 California 5 188,285 37,657 63 Connecticut 7 256,676 36,668 64 Boston College 6 214,255 35,709 65 Air Force 7 247,122 35,303 66 Navy 5 173,056 34,611 67 UCF 6 205,695 34,283 68 Boise State 6 204,110 34,018 69 TCU 6 202,115 33,686 70 Northwestern 6 200,649 33,442 71 Army 4 133,278 33,320 72 Vanderbilt 7 230,112 32,873 73 Cincinnati 6 193,757 32,293 74 Wake Forest 7 223,769 31,967 75 Hawaii 7 222,493 31,785 76 Houston 7 222,114 31,731 77 Fresno State 6 175,787 29,298 78 Louisiana-Lafayette 5 145,854 29,171 79 Washington State 6 172,746 28,791 80 Southern Miss 6 170,402 28,400 81 Temple 7 196,420 28,060 82 UTEP 6 158,986 26,498 83 Marshall 5 129,371 25,874 84 Duke 7 170,748 24,393 85 Tulsa 6 135,245 22,541 86 Wyoming 6 132,974 22,162 87 Toledo 6 132,941 22,157 88 Colorado State 6 131,202 21,867 89 Louisiana Tech 5 107,592 21,518 90 Arkansas State 6 127,541 21,257 91 UNLV 5 105,995 21,199 92 SMU 6 125,364 20,894 93 Memphis 6 120,470 20,078 94 New Mexico 6 120,160 20,027 95 Western Michigan 5 99,926 19,985 96 Ohio 6 119,345 19,891 97 Tulane 6 118,357 19,726 98 Northern Illinois 7 132,323 18,903 99 North Texas 6 113,186 18,864 100 FIU 6 110,465 18,411 101 Middle Tennessee 6 110,440 18,407 102 San Jose State 5 91,072 18,214 103 Buffalo 6 108,118 18,020 104 Troy 5 89,492 17,898 105 FAU 5 87,824 17,565 106 Utah State 6 104,813 17,469 107 Rice 5 86,643 17,329 108 Western Kentucky 7 116,461 16,637 109 UAB 5 82,893 16,579 110 Miami RedHawks 6 97,043 16,174 111 Nevada 6 94,653 15,776 112 Akron 6 94,405 15,734 113 Louisiana-Monroe 5 77,561 15,512 114 Central Michigan 5 76,456 15,291 115 New Mexico State 6 90,830 15,138 116 Ball State 6 90,383 15,064 117 Bowling Green 6 90,039 15,007 118 Idaho 6 71,877 11,980 119 Kent State 6 69,520 11,587 120 Eastern Michigan 6 25,599 4,267 Sources:2011 NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL ATTENDANCE (For All NCAA Men's Varsity Teams) http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attendance/2011.pdfNCAA Football Attendance – kenn.com blog https://kenn.com/blog/sports-attendance/ncaa-football-attendance/ 2026-02-04 kenn.com References Notes 30em External links