Even as early as last summer - when several big name college programs were roiling under allegations of improper gifts, academic fraud and recruiting violations - sports analysts had dubbed 2011 the year of college sports scandals.

But then came the fall, when the child abuse allegations at Penn State and Syracuse eclipsed everything that came before. Allegations that, many said, exposed the ugly underbelly of long-buried secrets at these august traditions.

"There is no question this is the most scandal-plagued collegiate year ever," said Eddie George, a former Ohio State running back and Heisman trophy winner.

"You look at Miami and Ohio State earlier and now the unthinkable at Penn State and Syracuse - this year, the stories off the field far overshadowed the play on the field."