When I picture USC execs standing to face the music and have to accept the sentences for their NCAA crimes, a caricature scenario runs through my mind that includes ex-Trojans football coach Pete Carroll driving off in the getaway car leaving his fellow cronies behind to take the beating.

Carroll’s name has come up around the NFL regarding coaching vacancies several times over the years since he returned to an NCAA bench but he never took any offers seriously enough to leave until this off-season.

When it was announced Carroll would be leaving USC to return to the NFL, the NCAA allegations against USC were long out there with investigations dragging out over several years, so the timing of him shedding his Cardinal and Gold comes into question.

Being behind the Trojans bench this year would have been a disaster since the sanctions include a two-year ban from participating in a bowl game, the loss of 20 scholarships and sacrificing wins over the past several years. The L.A. Times has all the sanctions listed here.

Good luck recruiting with your hands tied like that.

The records for top NCAA football programs after being issued harsh sentences have produced grim results in the past. The five-year conference records for Alabama Crimson Tide was (21-14), OU (17-15-2) and Auburn (18-22) after being penalized by the NCAA and after an impressive winning run, the University of Miami took several years to dig out of a hole after they were slammed with sanctions.

It’s all about recruiting in college ball which is basically the minor league of the NFL. Elite high school players get lured to whatever schools can get them the most exposure to the NFL scouts.

So what’s going on in Knoxville then? Where Lane Kiffin left the University of Tennessee hanging just as the team was making its way around the corner from a dark, dingy alley they had been stuck in for several years.

Be assured there will be some heavy partying at that campus when Kiffin learns his recruiting has suddenly become so difficult.

Kiffin is known as one of the kings of recruiting and even went as far as sending hot looking babes in skimpy outfits to high school games and events trying to lure top prospects to UT during his short stay.

While all this is happening in Southern California, the caricature comes back to mind and I picture Carroll glancing back in the rear view mirror of the getaway car, well out of danger, heading toward sunnier skies in Seattle.

MORE: L.A. Times Lists All Sanctions Here

Copyright © 2010 Sports Climax, LLC

This weekends’ AFC wildcard playoff round has two great match-ups.

The New York Jets travel to Cincinnati for a rematch to face the Bengals who suffered a beat down of epic proportions at the hands of the Jets in Week 17. The Bengals, playing without running back Cedric Benson who was granted a day off for rest, were dominated on both sides of the ball that game and virtually smothered by the Jets’ defense.

Carson Palmer statistically had the worst day of his pro career, going 1-of-11, 0 yards, 1 INT. Chad Ochocinco played like his hands were tied behind his back as he was contained by the Jets shutdown corner Darrelle Revis and held without a single catch. The dismal Bengals offense were held to just 72 total yards.

On the other sideline, the Jets produced 257 yards of offense with their potent rushing attack led by Thomas Jones and Mark Sanchez did a great job managing the game without turning the ball over.

The Jets showed why they are one of the most feared defenses in the NFL. They lead the league in several main categories in defense and confused and dominated the Bengals. This weeks’ matchup of former USC quarterbacks may make believers out of Mark Sanchez doubters, including his ex-coach at USC, Pete Carroll.

After a solid 3-0 start, Sanchez came down to earth and started playing like a rookie until the end of the season when he finished with good performances down the stretch to help get the Jets into the playoffs.

Do not expect a repeat of that blowout last week. Cincinnati will be playing in front of a raucous home crowd with Benson back in the pads, which may prove to be difficult for even the Jets and their defense.

In the other AFC game, the Baltimore Ravens travel to New England to take on the Patriots.

Quarterback Tom Brady and his Pats will be without Wes Welker who suffered a left knee injury last week and has been put on the IR.

Look for Julian Edelman to step up in Welker’s absence. Edelman was drafted this year out of Kent State in the 7th round after being a three-year starter at quarterback.

As a senior he led the team in rushing with 1,551 yards on 215 carries and 7.5 yards per carry average, finding the end zone 13 times as a rusher and passing for another 13 touchdowns. These numbers set a record, surpassing Joshua Cribbs single season record for yards from scrimmage.

With Randy Moss drawing double coverage, this could leave Edelman the speedy receiver open downfield for a few big plays. If he is able to get open, Tom Brady should have no problem finding him and making the tough Ravens defense pay.

Expect this one to come down to whoever wins the turnover battle. A week after winning the comeback player of the year award, don’t expect Brady to have too many problems adjusting to life without Welker.

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