COMMENTARY

By Tom Dienhart

Tom Dienhart

I have been to 56 of the 66 BCS schools, and have attended games at 42 of those. Plus, I've talked to a lot of coaches, players, administrators and media over the years. So, I think I have a pretty good idea of what every BCS school has to offer when it comes to recruiting.

I give you the 10 toughest public schools to recruit to among the BCS conferences (listed alphabetically).

(Note to would-be angry e-mailers: I love small college towns. I was raised in one and cherish the environment. So, please remember that as you read.)

Cincinnati
There's lots of talent in Ohio, and getting athletes in school never seems to be a problem. But the Bearcats play in a small stadium in front of a largely indifferent fan base. In fact, Ohio State and Kentucky arguably are bigger in the Queen City on many fronts than the Bearcats.

Indiana
Football ranks behind basketball, the Little 500, basketball, soccer, basketball and drinking at Nick's. Way behind. The stadium is a classic concrete tomb. But, hey, Terry Hoeppner has introduced the "Rock." At least fans now have something to bang their head against.

Iowa State
For starters, this school always will be Little Brother to Iowa. Not good in a state that annually produces little talent. Now factor in little tradition and multiply it by average facilities and . . . voila! . . . you have Iowa State.

Kansas
I dare you to find a nicer college town than Lawrence. You can't. The entire region loves the Jayhawks. Especially the hoops team. Football? It isn't always easy to embrace. There have been no titles since 1968. The facilities are the envy of . . . Sun Belt schools. And Big 12 big boys snatch the good area talent.

Kansas State
The school scores high on pride and passion. But pride and passion only can take a program so far. Money has been poured in to improve horrid facilities, but how much better can they get in Manhattan? K-State is what it is: a school located in the middle of nowhere with limited resources, a miniscule talent base and little history.

Kentucky
Like Indiana, Kentucky long ago saw its football program get devoured by it basketball program. It'll never change. Ever. The facilities have gotten better and the fans can be rabid, but, honestly . . . Kentucky football? It's the epitome of an oxymoron.

Minnesota
The Vikings, Twins and T-Wolves swallow up the Gophers. And is high school hockey bigger than Gopher football? I'm inclined maybe to say "yes." If that isn't bad enough, Minnesota plays in the worst BCS stadium outside of the Big East -- and there's little talent in the state or surrounding area.

Mississippi State
Outside of Vanderbilt, this place has the poorest facilities in the SEC. Not good. And the school has played in one legit New Year's Day bowl (1999 Cotton Bowl) since the 1941 Orange Bowl. At least talent surrounds Starkville. Too bad other SEC schools poach most of it.

Oregon State
Corvallis isn't a sexy place, so maybe that's why I like it. It's a small town tucked among the fields about one hour south of Portland. Mack Brown probably would pass out if he toured the facilities. And "Great Seasons in Oregon State Football" could be printed on a pamphlet.

Washington State
I've never driven on the moon, but I have driven from Spokane to Pullman — it's gotta be the same. It's just gotta. In addition to a remote location, Wazzu is handicapped by a modest budget and glorified high school stadium. And getting attention amid the wheat fields of eastern Washington is tougher than getting to Pullman.

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