Links at Lunch: More on Miami, Neuheisel’s Future, Previewing TCU

Until kickoff (and even after it, at least initially) the Miami scandal will remain at the forefront of any college football discussion. There is no doubt the allegations charged against The U are the most serious against any football program since SMU’s infamous laundry list in the 1980s. As everyone is well aware because it’s come up during seemingly every scandal this offseason, SMU got the death penalty. Sports Illustrated‘s Michael Rosenberg writes Miami will avoid a similar fate. But with Oregon, Auburn, North Carolina, Miami, Ohio State and USC all facing serious scandals recently, one has to ask why college football is so much more ripe for impropriety now than previously. Terence Moore scratched the surface of this “epidemic” at CNN.com.

• The unenviable position Al Golden finds himself in upon leaving Temple (now there’s irony) is “a cautionary tale” for MAC coaches seeking greener pastures. So sayeth MAC authority Hustle Belt.
• This particular blogger suggests should UCLA seek a coaching change after the season, it pursue Golden. But the job isn’t yet vacant. Can Rick Neuheisel earn himself more time at his alma mater? That’s the question in The 110 Report’s Roundtable.
• Auburn begins its post-Cam Newton era, and it finally has a quarterback. College Football Zealots examines Barrett Trotter, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior from Birmingham, Ala. With the talented two-pronged rushing attack of Onterio McCalebb and Michael Dyer joining him in the backfield, don’t be surprised if Trotter spend a lot of time handing off initially.
• TCU joined Auburn as the nation’s sole unbeatens last January. The Horned Frogs lost key components, including its quarterback. But the Frogs remain a viable contender to crash the BCS. Bill Connelly breaks down the 2011 Horned Frogs at SBNation.com.
• Sharing the Mountain West with TCU for one final season is Wyoming. Among the Cowboys’ problems in a struggling 2010 was the offensive line. UW finished No. 95 in sacks allowed, surrendering 31 in 12 games (maybe that’s why Austyn Carta-Samuels left?). How is this season’s line different? 7220 Report takes a look.