Links and videos from recent happenings around the sporting world. If you come across good articles, videos, etc. – please pass them along, I’d love to take a look.

I liked the format of last week’s Humpday’s Happenings & Hyperlinks so much (writing it anyway) that I’m doing it again this week. Unless some of you really want the old format it will probably continue this way. I’ll be sure to add occasional commentary to the links when necessary.

College Football:

Coaching, conference chaos in college football (the Forde Yard Dash) – Pat Forde [ESPN]

Oklahoma is Zeus, more Greek mythology-themed Power Rankings – Andy Staples [SI]

Oklahoma proves D is key after all; realignment; more overtime – Stewart Mandel [SI]

Oklahoma Sooners prove though scheduling provides lessons – Andy Staples [SI]

Landry Jones leads Oklahoma Sooners to win over Florida State Seminoles – Pat Forde [ESPN]

Boise is something obvious, depending on your point of view – Gregg Doyel [CBS Sports]

With a few tweaks, killer defense could carry LSU to crystal ball – Andy Staples [SI] The Tiger’s defense has been downright nasty but I’ve actually been surprised by their somewhat capable offense.

The Shame of College Sports – Taylor Branch [The Atlantic] I haven’t had a chance to read this yet (it’s long) but have seen several recommendations to read it.

With Moore, why does Boise State run? – Brian Murphy [Idaho Statesman] It’s an interesting thought but would never happen.

Oregon RB De'Anthony Thomas

Photo via zimbio.com

Newcomer De’Anthony Thomas showing lightning speed – Gary Horowitz [Statesman Journal] Oregon’s true freshman running back seems to be fitting in just fine in Eugene.

Was Boise State Punished Too Harshly by the NCAA? – David Roth [Wall Street Journal] Do I even need to comment on this one?

BCS director explains process for Mountain West waiver process – Brian Murphy [Idaho Statesman] Doesn’t look promising.

College football’s scheduling puzzle: What school faces the most difficult challenge? – Rachel Bachman [OregonLive] Good stuff except the suggestion that Boise State prepares more for non-conference game.  I’m guessing she hasn’t interacted much with coach Petersen.

The Extreme Tailgating Bus by Imagi-Motive [Tailgate Lot] Pretty sure I NEED one of these – you definitely want to check this out. (HT The Big Lead)

Conference Expansion/Realignment:

I had about 15 conference realignment/expansion links on here, scheduled to post until the Pac-12 announced it was NOT expanding . It’s hard to say what it the overall impact will be on college football – Are Texas and Oklahoma are headed back to the Big 12?  Is Oklahoma now interested in joining the SEC? And the Big East looks like it’s in big trouble without Pittsburgh and Syracuse -will they still be looking to add members? Anyway, here are a few links that should be relevant:

Pac-12 decides NOT to expand [Register Guard] The release from the Pac-12

Realignment update (Pac-12 CEO’s don’t want to expand) – Jon Wilner [Mercury News]

The Pac-12 takes a pass: A new realignment FAQ, starring another death-defying Big 12 escape – Matt Hinton [Dr. Saturday]

Conference realignment road map: Sept. 20 – Bryan Fischer [CBS Sports]

With Big Paydays at Stake, College Teams Scramble for a Spot – Pete Thamel [NY Times] One of the better realignment stories I’ve read.

The Big 12 lives to play on … for now – Dan Wetzel [Yahoo]

WAC a cautionary tale for superconferences – Tom Dienhart [Rivals] I don’t think this had anything to do with the Pac-12′s decision but it’s definitely interesting.

Removal of Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe among OU’s demands – Berry Tramel [News OK] This was reported before the Pac-12 announced they weren’t expanding. They were considering staying in the Big 12 but only if the conference is “reformed.” I guess we’ll see.

Source: BYU Poised to Join Big 12 – Brett Richins [Rivals] Obviously BYU would join the Big 12 if they get an invite but they want assurance that the league will be stable into the future. (HT The Upset Blog)

Navy nearly to Big East before Pitt, Syracuse exited – Brett McMurphy [CBS Sports] Air Force was also reportedly in play too.

Notre Dame should jump to the ACC … and fast – Dan Wetzel [Yahoo] I’m not sure the Irish will join a conference until they know they HAVE to.

The Geography of College Football Fans (and Realignment Chaos) – Nate Silver [NY Times] Data on college football fans by school, conference and how it relates to realignment. I’m not sure the numbers are very accurate but it provides somewhat of an explanation for what’s been going on.

Video Games:

If you’re eagerly awaiting the release of FIFA 12 – this Tuesday – like I am, you might enjoy Arsenal (just a coincidence) celebrating all 40 goal celebrations:

(HT EPL Talk)

I don’t if I was just consumed by all the conference expansion news/rumors and worrying about Boise State’s future in the college football world or what… but that’s all I have for you this week!

Any good articles or videos I missed? Happy Humpday Everyone!