Trouble in Paradise
Posted February 14, 2006, 9:23 AM ET

Never in my life have I seen so many "blue-blood" college basketball programs facing a crisis season.

Just look around at how many big-time programs are struggling to make the NCAA Tournament, or have huge issues with their coaching situation.

You don't have to look any further than the Bluegrass state to see what I'm talking about. Both Kentucky and Louisville are fighting for their post-season lives.

Can you imagine the NCAA Tournament without Louisville and Kentucky? I can guarantee you that neither Rick Pitino nor Tubby Smith want to appear on CBS' coverage of March Madness as commentators.

Things are so tough in Louisville, that the Cardinals might not even qualify for their own conference tournament. And I don't have to tell you about the pressures that surround the Kentucky program...and when Vanderbilt sweeps you, the boys in Big Blue-land are going to gripe about it.

You know it is a strange year, when the Volunteer state is producing all of the basketball magic while the Bluegrass state struggles. I mentioned Vandy sweeping the Wildcats, and then there are the Memphis Tigers and Tennessee Vols battling for potential #1 seeds in the Big Dance. Go figure?

In nearby Indiana, it has taken a turn for the worse for head coach Mike Davis. The Hoosiers, another one of college basketball's elite programs, are having a year to forget. It is so bad in Bloomington that Davis has hinted that he should step down so the Hoosiers can accept and embrace "one of their own"....that's not a good sign. There are rumors that if Davis does leave, Iowa coach Steve Alford would be a perfect fit...As you know, Alford played for the great Bobby Knight, but we'll see how it unfolds.

Missouri's Quin Snyder stepped down last week...and it was about time. The Tiger's program has been in shambles in recent years...and Missouri isn't the only Big 12 school with coaching issues.

One of the winningest coaches in basketball history, Eddie Sutton, found himself in a tough spot over the weekend. Sutton, the winner of 794 games, was invovled in an auto accident in which he smashed into a car traveling 60 mph. Sutton was charged with a DUI and his coaching career could be at an end.

In 1990, the coach admitted that he was treated for alcoholism...and this episode doesn't look any better on the surface. I think it is time for the coach to step aside. Eddie Sutton has been a great coach, but at the age of 69, nobody wants to see him in this kind of shape.

Bobby Knight and Texas Tech are mediocre. At this pace, how long will the "General" have to coach to pass Dean Smith as the winningest coach of all-time?

At this point, February is giving the month of March a run for the official title of "Madness".