#4thand1

[ad_1]

The Jacksonville Jaguars walked into Pittsburgh and came off the top rope on the Steelers, leaping out to a 21-0 lead over the heavily favored (-7) home team early (follow along with our live blog here, stream the game with CBS All Access here). They didn’t do it without the Steelers’ help though. Ben Roethlisbergercontributed with an interception under the shadow of his own goal…

Since its inception two seasons ago, 4thand1 (and its earlier predecessor - The Sports Slant) has closely followed the UFL, an alternative football league that utilized undrafted players and retired NFL veterans to create four to six teams in new football markets such as Omaha, Sacramento, and Las Vegas. During the league's first two seasons, under commissioner Michael Huyghue, the UFL has struggled to stay afloat, taking on millions of dollars of debt and loans. In its third season (and maybe its last), the league needed to pull a hail-mary to live up to its potential. Unfortunately, it looks as if this play will be incomplete.

In an effort to raise awareness and increase exposure, the UFL attempted to move its games to Sunday's in the Fall. This plan would have worked brilliantly if there was an NFL lockout but at the 11th hour, the NFLPA and the Owners agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. As a result, the UFL has been forced to scramble in the pocket and look for a new receiver. The league decided to delay its season by a month as it explored all of its options.

Sometimes, the best thing for a league isn't new teams or great stadiums. Sure, these things may turn a short-term profit but they do nothing for exposure, something the UFL seriously needs. Instead the UFL needs to look at the MLS and explore player development, an area where it can excel in. If the UFL can brand itself as the AAA league for the NFL, it will be able to co-exist with the most profitable sports league in the country, instead of competing with its resources. 

Five years ago, David Beckham stepped on the pitch for the Los Angeles Galaxy and forever changed American Soccer. With his arrival to the country, Beckham brought new fans - people who have never heard of the MLS before. Even though his performance has been mediocre at times, his presence ressurected a dilapidated league. In return for his efforts, Beckham received media exposure, and a plethora of new fans. 

Tiki Barber has the chance to take this same path with the UFL. This offseason, Barber announced his return to football and was only invited to workout by one team, the Miami Dolphins. No team offered him a contract, let alone a spot in training camp. But maybe this was the best thing that could happen for Barber. A report on Si.com indicates that he is considering joining the UFL on Jim Fassel's team - the Las Vegas Locos. Fassel and the UFL needs to go all out to pursue Barber as the super bowl winning running back can use his exposure to revitalize the league. After a season or two in the UFL, Barber can always move back to the NFL and prove his worthiness to teams throughout the league. Barber's career may only have two or three years left but his legacy and personal brand can last a lot longer.

 After an off-season plagued with controversy, conference realignments and recruiting violations it is finally time for football. This season will be interesting, as many questions are looming over programs across the country. Below are five of my burning questions for the season. I will post my other five later this weekend.

Can Russel Wilson carry Wisconsin to a BCS Bowl?

At NC State, Wilson was able to make a mediocre team relevant. His arm and awareness in the pocket will only improve with the offensive line of Wisconsin. I think he is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country.

Is Lou Fickell the answer to move Ohio State pass the Jim Tressel Era?

Fickell has been around the Buckeye program for years and is very familiar with how it is run. He has a better chance of lasting the season, in my opinion, than Athletic Director Gene Smith.

Will Texas A&M become a member of the SEC by this time next year?

I wouldn't count out A&M from becoming Independent and pursuing televsion rights on their own. The school has the exposure and audience to make this possible.

Is Andrew Luck a lock for the Heisman?

No way jose. Look for Darren Thomas, the running back from Oregon, to become a serious competitor in the race. My dark horse Heisman pick: Marcus Lattimore from South Carolina.

Coach of the year?