There's hope yet for the Rice's and SMU's of the world. The pointy headed folks at the NCAA may have just figured out something that actually punishes schools for lack of academic progress by athletes. After four years of non-compliance, a school could face a post-season ban. Then again, it takes four straight years of academic problems and we know the NCAA will find a way to screw it up. Maybe in 2012 3-9 SMU will play 4-8 Duke in the Rose bowl for the National Championship after every other school is banned for academic problems.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/08/AR2007010801570.html