This year, before half of the bowl games were even finalized, people started floating around Nick Saban to Texas rumors. Actually, to be fair, this talk started at the beginning of the season because that’s a good time to make those choices. I guess if you’re going to try to stir the pot, you might as well go with the craziest rumor possible.

This past week, as some of the initial Saban rumors were laughed off, reports started coming out that it was all but certain that Mack Brown would be fired retire by the end of the week. This prompted Alabama to preemptively offer Nick Saban a raise, which he has still yet to sign. So of course, Saban to Texas was all but a certainty. Even Texas’ president, a Mack supporter, was under fire, but apparently got a reprieve.

One minor problem: Mack hasn’t quite given his retirement speech yet.

GO SOURCES!

Here’s the thing, Mack may still eventually leave Texas and Saban could replace him. I’ll never rule anything out, but to pretend that people know for certain exactly when these things will happen, probably isn’t the wisest course. Remember ND’s coaching search four years ago?

Now not every source is someone trying to pull a prank to expose rampant rumor-mongering. Some of these sources are definitely well connected people that have delivered solid leads to reporters before. However, each of these sources aren’t perfect people that just parrot the latest news. These are humans with agendas. When sources are this loose-lipped, it tends to scream of some kind of internal power struggle. It could be between the regents and Mack, a fight between the regents, regents and the university president, or even Rick Perry trying to through his weight around. Seriously.

So what’s the best course of action? Being thankful Notre Dame isn’t a part of this mess and enjoying the hilarity while every one else loses their damn minds, that’s what.

The Roundup

No one show this to the ND ushers. There’s already enough “down and front” business without official cards discouraging it.

SHOTS FIRED! Guess Mark Emmert was sick of Jay Bilas’ twitter fire.

Want to take a look at all the bowl swag? I must say, this list is rather impressive and it’s only part of what these players get.

Shamrock Series 2014 is almost set. It appears that Purdue and Lucas Oil Field may just be a reality.

And now your moment of zen… Remember when Louis Nix gave away an entire bag of gear to whoever grabbed it? Well, he went a step further and had a student body only contest called “The Chocolate Games”. The winner got a signed jersey and Nix continues to win Irish hearts:

Congrats to the winner of the #ChocolateGames @youngPatJung pic.twitter.com/chKQNKbAA6

— lOUIS NIX III (@1irishchocolate) December 12, 2013

Put These This Games on Your Radar

Yes, there is only one game this week, but I’m going to give a prediction because why not. Last week, I went 2-5 and completely killed my great streak in its tracks.

That brings me to 29-26 on the season, so at least I can’t completely screw it up this week.

*Neutral Site

The Booze

Christmas time is here and that means it’s time for cheer – Shiner Cheer.

The post Friday Roundup: The “Gentlemen, Start Your Sources!” Edition appeared first on Her Loyal Sons.