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.

College Football:

George Schroeder wrote a good column about Willie Lyles and the mess at Oregon – In the deep end of recruiting pool, Oregon drowning itself with silence.

The Pac-12 TV Network seems to be exploring all options including partnering with Google or Apple to distribute their product via the internet. Larry Scott has been known to make bold decisions – I wouldn’t be surprised to see him lead the Pac-12 toward a new, innovative distribution channel.

Boise State Left Tackle Nate Potter

Photo via nationalfootballpost.com

OBNUG‘s Numerical Roster Countdown covered stalwart left tackle Nate Potter last week. Bronco fans better enjoy watching Potter maul defenders this season before he takes his talents to the next level. Also be sure to keep your eye on his athleticism and footwork – it’s pretty impressive for a 6’6″ 300 pounder.

Speaking of Broncos, they got their 10th verbal commitment for 2012 from linebacker Ben Weaver. Weaver is Boise State’s 6th commit from the state of Texas and he appears to be a baller.

Former N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson chose Wisconsin over Auburn and minor league baseball. With Wilson on board, the Badgers have to be considered one of the favorites to win the Big Ten title this year.

University of Nevada wide receiver Brandon Wimberly who suffered severe intestinal injuries after being shot about 10 days ago was released from ICU but there’s no timetable as to when he will be able to leave the hospital.

CBS Sports’ Gregg Doyel says College Football is better than the NFL, and it’s not even close. As a HUGE college football fan of course I agree – not necessarily for the same reason as Doyel (perhaps I’ll get into this in detail another day) but there’s no question college football is better than the NFL.

I don’t have access to ESPN Insider anymore but if you do and haven’t read this I’m sure it’s worth the read. Bruce Feldman caught up with TCU’s Gary Patterson to discuss a stat that matters – the three-and-out.

The SEC and commissioner Mike Silve are proposing to change several recruiting rules. I haven’t read the all the recruiting rules, regulations and bylaws but many of them – along with NCAA rules in general – seem too strict and even ridiculous in some cases.

I haven’t listened to this yet but I’m sure it’s good. Dan Rubenstein from Solid Verbal caught up with SI.com’s Richard Deitsch to talk about media coverage of college football, the reach of ESPN, and the Longhorn Network.

Soccer:

Grantland surprisingly provided a decent recent reaction to the U.S.’s Gold Cup Final loss to Mexico. David Hershey (ESPN Soccernet) was dramatic as usual saying the USMNT Red, white and blew it (again).  I never like seeing the U.S. lose to Mexico but it was the Gold Cup, not the World Cup. That said, there is some some cause for concern regarding the transitional period the U.S. appears to be in with Donovan, Dempsey and Howard aging. We need some youngsters to step-up, and soon.

If you missed Giovani Dos Santos’ magnificent goal in the Gold Cup Final against the U.S., here you go:

Having lost in the Gold Cup Final to Mexico, the U.S.’s next real competition won’t be until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The Big Lead’s Ty Duffy took a stab at what our World Cup starting XI might look like in Brazil.

The U.S. Women’s National Team beat North Korea 2-0 yesterday after struggling for much of the first half. SI’s Grant Wahl gave three thoughts on team USA’s win in their 2011 World Cup opener.

National Hockey League:

Penguins fans – and hockey fans in general – should be happy to hear Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are recovering well from their injuries.  Malkin sounds like he’s months ahead of schedule after having surgery to repair the ACL and MCL in his right knee. Crosby has been cleared to workout twice as he would normally during the offseason.

Colorado Avalanche draft picks Gabriel Landeskog (No. 2 overall) and Duncan Siemens (No. 11 overall) were excited to be in Denver. Landeskog should have a pretty decent chance of making the opening day roster and playing a full season.

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