Here it is, the best conference in all of college football. Some of the best traditions and best looking women are in SEC stadiums on Saturdays. The SEC is the only conference with multiple BCS Champs in LSU and Florida. The SEC leads in attendance and in ratings as this is a league now in its prime. I don’t know how long it will last, but it is going to be a helluva ride while it lasts.
SEC East
1. Florida Gators-You have to wonder if Urban Meyer made a deal with the devil. You win a national title, get all 11 starters back on defense and your all world QB back. Yep he had to, but damn Florida is GOOD. You name it, Florida is 3 deep at it and their 3rd team could whip the 1st team of almost any team not called USC or Texas. But the bullseye is on the Gators, who actually have a easier schedule this year than last. LSU (A VERY winnable game) is the only road test for the Gators who host everyone else. The only question will be can they keep it under 70 against the opening game opponent Charleston Southern, and just how bad is Tennessee going to get whipped 2 weeks later?
Player to watch: QB Tim Tebow-come on, you were expecting someone else? Really?
2. Georgia Bulldogs-This team is similar to the 2005 team. A 5th yr senior is operating the offense, the defense returns a bunch of starters and the home schedule is favorable. But the buzzsaw that is Florida looms in Jacksonville, and a surprising Vandy is also a road test. This team is good and talented, but is 2nd to Florida-like the rest of the conference.
Player to watch: QB Joe Cox
3. South Carolina Gamecocks-This is make or break for Steve Spurrier. The good news is Stephen Garcia stayed out of trouble and worked in the spring. The bad, he doesn’t have too much back on offense to help him out. There is a lot of young talent in Columbia, but they have to produce now. Still, this is Spurrier’s best team at SC, and the home schedule can favor a surprise in the East.
Player to watch: QB Stephen Garcia
4. Vanderbilt Commodores-Oh hell yeah! For the first time ever last year, Vanderbilt was ranked, beat a top 25 team, and won a bowl game for the 1st time since 1955. Despite losing last years starter at QB, this may be a better team than last years. With 17 starters back, Bobby Johnson returns his strongest team in Nashville. These can no longer be called the Commodes-these guys can play. And study every bit as well as anyone at an Ivy League school.
Player to watch: DE Steven Stone
5. Kentucky Wildcats-Don’t be upset, this isn’t a bad spot. UK can still go bowling and can keep on pulling off surprise wins. The good news is the home schedule brings in Florida and Bama. The tests on the road are Georgia, Carolina and Vandy. I don’t know who the QB will be-Mike Hartline (a very talented kid) or even moving Randall Cobb back to QB from the WR spot, but with 7 back on offense it looks like the fun will stay in Lexington.
Player to watch: QB/WR/ Do everything asked of him Randall Cobb
6. Tennessee Volunteers-Lane Kiffin’s bold boasts may fly on the West Coast, but down here that kind of talk leads to a whuppin. And there isn’t a shortage of people waiting to apply it. The Vols have a great DC in Monte Kiffin but without a solid QB or RB, the Vols will lose a lot in 2009. a 2-4 start is possible leading to the bulk of the SEC latter schedule but everyone has the Spet 19 game in Gainesville circled. One way or another it will be epic.
Player to watch: S Eric Berry
SEC West
1. LSU Tigers-Yes, but keep reading. LSU may be the sleeper in the SEC. Nobody thinks much of them, and yes they have some questions at QB, but have experience there where last year there was none. John Chavis comes in as DC to replace the miserable co DC’s of a year ago. Gary Crowton has the offense pulping on all cylinders, and despite a tough road schedule, LSU will win out in the West. But it isn’t going to be easy, and yes they have to share it with others, but I am giving LSU the nod to represent the West in Atlanta. GEAX TIGERS!! Okay, got that out of the way. Check out a motivational video for LSU on youtube-defy you. You’ll see what is motivating this team, and why. Plus they have 7 back on each side. Should be a hoot.
Player to watch: DE Rahim Alem
1. Ole Miss Rebels-Houston Nutt turned heads last year and surprised many with how well he did in Oxford. Now? He aint surprinsing nobody. Ole Miss has 8 back on each side of the ball, but the talent is not up to the level of Florida-whom they did beat, but it is history that may not be on the Rebels side. Ole Miss is the only team that hasn’t gone to Atlanta from the West, and hasn’t won a conference title since 1963. The Rebels play a soft schedule, but open the SEC with 2 straight road games against Carolina and Vandy. The Rebs could be 0-2 to start, but 5-3 wins the West
Player to watch: QB Jevan Snead
1. Alabama Crimson Tide-Last year someone asked me who would win the West and I said Bama, half jokingly. Boy did they surprise! Nick Saban has them back, but this is a readjusting year in Tuscaloosa. 4 starters back on offense, and 9 on defense. But 2 of those 4 back on offense are WR Julio Jones-who nobody can cover and RB Mark Ingram. Not bad. But given the new QB in Greg McElroy, and he played behind John Parker Wilson, don’t expect him to do too much, but he really doesn’t need to.
Player to watch: WR Julio Jones
4. Arkansas Razorbacks-Bobby Petrino may only be here another year (bad joke, sorry) but he may have the dark horse of the SEC. Former Michigan QB Ryan Mallet is the gunslinger for the Hogs, who will not be a run first team as they have been in the past. The defense is loaded with 10 starters back, 8 on offense. This can be a good year, but the Hogs are a year away from contention in the West.
Player to watch: QB Ryan Mallet
5. Auburn Tigers-Tommy Tuberville was shown out and Gene Chizik and his 5-19 record at Iowa State was brought in. While many wanted Turner Gill, Chizik has been here before, as the DC back in 2004. His staff is impressive-Gus Malzahn is the OC and the DC is Ted Roof, both of whom can recruit well. Auburn isn’t bad on defense (8 starters back) but the offense struggled with the spread, but should get some kinks worked out this year. But there is a question at QB, where it is a 3 horse race.
Player to watch: DE Antoine Carter
6. Mississippi St Bulldogs-Sly Croom is out, and Dan Mullin the former OC at Florida is in. This may be the most inexperienced team in the SEC, but they are talented. The good news is they will start 1-0, but the next 5 games should all be losses, with a chance to beat MTSU for homecoming. Last year they went 4-8 but this year could go 1-11. It’s going to be a long year in Stark Vegas.
Player to watch: RB Anthony Dixon
SEC Championship Game
LSU vs Florida
SEC Champion
Florida-they will beat us twice
Sunday, August 23, 2009
2009 Big XII Preview
Remember the Big 8 and the Southwest Conference? Well they got together and had a baby and it is the Big XII. This may have been the best lopsided conference in 2008 as Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma St had the best offenses in the NCAA; and don’t forget Kansas and Missouri. But as Texas Tech and Oklahoma showed, the defenses were poor. The Big XII North is slowly improving, but can’t match the juggernauts of the South.
North Division
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers-When Bo Pelini took over here, there were high hopes, but he met the challenge head on and surprised many fans and pundits. This year, they must find a new QB on offense, but the defense is stacked, and that will take them to the Big XII Title Game. The highlight NC game is a trip to Blacksburg to face Va. Tech. With a good signing class coming in, it looks like Nebraska will soon be back in the upper echelons of college football once again.
Player to watch: S Larry Assante
2. Kansas Jayhawks-The fighting Mark Mangino’s return a bevy of offensive superstars ready to set new school records in 2009. This is a senior led team, with QB Todd Reesing pulling the trigger on offense. With 7 back on each side, this could be a good year for the Jayhawks and a possible Big XII Title Game appearance isn’t too much of a stretch.
Player to watch: QB Todd Reesing
3. Colorado Buffaloes-4 years ago Dan Hawkins left Boise St to take over a slumping Colorado program. Since then, a one time hot prospect on the coaching circuit has been hit and miss in Boulder. As an offensive minded coach, 9 starters on that side is good, but the defense has only 4 back, and couple that with road games against Texas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma St and you have a 3rd place finish in the North.
Player to watch: RB Darrell Scott
4. Missouri Tigers-Chase Daniel is gone, who will take his place? That is what HC Gary Pinkell has to answer. Once he does, he needs answers at 12 other positions as Missouri has only 5 back on O and 4 back on D. Good thing Kansas St and Iowa St are in their division or they would be last.
Player to watch: WR Jared Perry
5. Kansas State Wildcats-Bill Walsh and Johnny Majors tried to resuscitate success at Stanford and Pitt and both failed. Bill Snyder, the only good coach K-State ever had is back for a 2nd stint in Manhatten. The good news is he inherits 14 starters back from a year ago (8 on defense) and a team that went 5-7 a year ago. The bad? They have to go on the road from Sept 12 thru Oct 3, that’s 4 straight road games, with 1 at a neutral site.
Player to watch: DE Brandon Harold
6. Iowa St Cyclones-Gene Chizik wins 5 games in 2 years and lands a job at Auburn. New HC Paul Rhoads has to like this, so if he wins 4 games he gets the Notre Dame job? All kidding aside, the Cyclones are sadly not that good. 15 starters are back, with 9 on offense. The defense should be the same with a few tweeks since Rhoades was at Auburn and ran a similar defense to the one used here the last couple of years. But he has hired great assistants in Tom Herman as the OC (Rice) and Wally Burnham as the DC (USF).
Player to watch: QB Austen Arnaud
South Division
1. Texas Longhorns-Mack Brown’s 2009 team carries a chip on its shoulder. They had a legitimate claim to be in the BCS Title game last year, and should be in the running this year. 9 startes on O; 7 on D; it is clear to see this team is loaded, and can compete with any team in the country. Only road trouble could come on Halloween and a trip to Stillwater, but if they get past Oklahoma in the Red River shootout, look out, and Longhorn fans can plan their vacation in January 2010.
Player to watch: QB Colt McCoy
2. Oklahoma Sooners-Bob Stoops got into the BCS Title game last year, and some thought they may not make it back in 2009. But Sam Bradford turned down millions to come back to Norman and the Sooner faithful couldn’t be happier. The problem is this isn’t a better team. The defense is solid with 9 players back. The offense has 5, but none of the deep threats Bradford connected with last year.
Player to watch: RB DeMarco Murray
3. Oklahoma St Cowboys-Mike Gundy may have something special brewing this year. That is good b/c this may be the lat good team he has for a while. The triplets-QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter and WR Dez Bryant are as good as they come. But the offense is not the problem, the defense is and veteran DC Bill Young comes in to coach that side of the ball, and the returning 6 starters on that side. They should be unbeaten going into the Halloween game against Texas-at home.
Player to watch: WR Dez Bryant
4. Baylor Bears-WTF? I bet you are asking that question right now. But Art Briles is working wonders in Waco. 8 starters are back on both sides of the ball, plus a soft schedule could allow for a fast start-possibly 4-0 or 3-1 going into Norman on Oct 10. I believe they can pull a couple of upsets and be bowl eligible for the 1st time since 1994. They are not a joke anymore.
Player to watch: QB Robert Griffin
5. Texas Tech Red Raiders-Look being 5th is nothing to sneeze at, since you might go to a Bowl game. But the Red Raiders lose a bunch of their offensive production from a year ago, and only 4 return on that side. The defense is back with 7, but as Ole Miss showed, the defense is pretty bad. Mike Leach seems to find the right QB’s & WR’s but this might be a stretch. It will be hard to get the school’s 17th straight winning season.
Player to watch: Whoever starts at QB
6. Texas A&M Aggies-Oh how the mighty have fallen. RC Slocum contended for Big XII Titles, Dennis Franchione and now Mike Sherman are toiling. The good news is the Aggies have 16 starters (10 yes 10 on offense) coming back. The bad? Not much-only road tests are Oklahoma and Colorado. The heavies come to College Station-Okie St and Texas at the end of the year.
Player to watch: QB/WR Ryan Tannehill
Big XII Title Game
Nebraska vs Texas
Big XII Champs-Texas Longhorns
North Division
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers-When Bo Pelini took over here, there were high hopes, but he met the challenge head on and surprised many fans and pundits. This year, they must find a new QB on offense, but the defense is stacked, and that will take them to the Big XII Title Game. The highlight NC game is a trip to Blacksburg to face Va. Tech. With a good signing class coming in, it looks like Nebraska will soon be back in the upper echelons of college football once again.
Player to watch: S Larry Assante
2. Kansas Jayhawks-The fighting Mark Mangino’s return a bevy of offensive superstars ready to set new school records in 2009. This is a senior led team, with QB Todd Reesing pulling the trigger on offense. With 7 back on each side, this could be a good year for the Jayhawks and a possible Big XII Title Game appearance isn’t too much of a stretch.
Player to watch: QB Todd Reesing
3. Colorado Buffaloes-4 years ago Dan Hawkins left Boise St to take over a slumping Colorado program. Since then, a one time hot prospect on the coaching circuit has been hit and miss in Boulder. As an offensive minded coach, 9 starters on that side is good, but the defense has only 4 back, and couple that with road games against Texas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma St and you have a 3rd place finish in the North.
Player to watch: RB Darrell Scott
4. Missouri Tigers-Chase Daniel is gone, who will take his place? That is what HC Gary Pinkell has to answer. Once he does, he needs answers at 12 other positions as Missouri has only 5 back on O and 4 back on D. Good thing Kansas St and Iowa St are in their division or they would be last.
Player to watch: WR Jared Perry
5. Kansas State Wildcats-Bill Walsh and Johnny Majors tried to resuscitate success at Stanford and Pitt and both failed. Bill Snyder, the only good coach K-State ever had is back for a 2nd stint in Manhatten. The good news is he inherits 14 starters back from a year ago (8 on defense) and a team that went 5-7 a year ago. The bad? They have to go on the road from Sept 12 thru Oct 3, that’s 4 straight road games, with 1 at a neutral site.
Player to watch: DE Brandon Harold
6. Iowa St Cyclones-Gene Chizik wins 5 games in 2 years and lands a job at Auburn. New HC Paul Rhoads has to like this, so if he wins 4 games he gets the Notre Dame job? All kidding aside, the Cyclones are sadly not that good. 15 starters are back, with 9 on offense. The defense should be the same with a few tweeks since Rhoades was at Auburn and ran a similar defense to the one used here the last couple of years. But he has hired great assistants in Tom Herman as the OC (Rice) and Wally Burnham as the DC (USF).
Player to watch: QB Austen Arnaud
South Division
1. Texas Longhorns-Mack Brown’s 2009 team carries a chip on its shoulder. They had a legitimate claim to be in the BCS Title game last year, and should be in the running this year. 9 startes on O; 7 on D; it is clear to see this team is loaded, and can compete with any team in the country. Only road trouble could come on Halloween and a trip to Stillwater, but if they get past Oklahoma in the Red River shootout, look out, and Longhorn fans can plan their vacation in January 2010.
Player to watch: QB Colt McCoy
2. Oklahoma Sooners-Bob Stoops got into the BCS Title game last year, and some thought they may not make it back in 2009. But Sam Bradford turned down millions to come back to Norman and the Sooner faithful couldn’t be happier. The problem is this isn’t a better team. The defense is solid with 9 players back. The offense has 5, but none of the deep threats Bradford connected with last year.
Player to watch: RB DeMarco Murray
3. Oklahoma St Cowboys-Mike Gundy may have something special brewing this year. That is good b/c this may be the lat good team he has for a while. The triplets-QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter and WR Dez Bryant are as good as they come. But the offense is not the problem, the defense is and veteran DC Bill Young comes in to coach that side of the ball, and the returning 6 starters on that side. They should be unbeaten going into the Halloween game against Texas-at home.
Player to watch: WR Dez Bryant
4. Baylor Bears-WTF? I bet you are asking that question right now. But Art Briles is working wonders in Waco. 8 starters are back on both sides of the ball, plus a soft schedule could allow for a fast start-possibly 4-0 or 3-1 going into Norman on Oct 10. I believe they can pull a couple of upsets and be bowl eligible for the 1st time since 1994. They are not a joke anymore.
Player to watch: QB Robert Griffin
5. Texas Tech Red Raiders-Look being 5th is nothing to sneeze at, since you might go to a Bowl game. But the Red Raiders lose a bunch of their offensive production from a year ago, and only 4 return on that side. The defense is back with 7, but as Ole Miss showed, the defense is pretty bad. Mike Leach seems to find the right QB’s & WR’s but this might be a stretch. It will be hard to get the school’s 17th straight winning season.
Player to watch: Whoever starts at QB
6. Texas A&M Aggies-Oh how the mighty have fallen. RC Slocum contended for Big XII Titles, Dennis Franchione and now Mike Sherman are toiling. The good news is the Aggies have 16 starters (10 yes 10 on offense) coming back. The bad? Not much-only road tests are Oklahoma and Colorado. The heavies come to College Station-Okie St and Texas at the end of the year.
Player to watch: QB/WR Ryan Tannehill
Big XII Title Game
Nebraska vs Texas
Big XII Champs-Texas Longhorns
2009 ACC Preview
I have to admit, this league hasn’t lived up to the expectations of the pundits or some of their fans. But that could change in 2009. Last year Virginia Tech repeated as ACC Champs, and could 3-peat this year. The Atlantic Division is the most wide open division of the Super Conferences-all 6 teams could win it. With a couple of new faces at some programs this could be a new beginning and a chance to get back in the conversation as a premier college football conference.
Atlantic Division
1. Wake Forest Demon Deacons-It may be a stretch, but I like these guys. The playmakers on offense are back, but the defense has only 4 starters back thanks in large part to graduation and the NFL draft. Besides, Jim Grobe gets the most out of his team year in and year out, and this team is eerily similar to the 2006 team that went to the Orange Bowl. But like I said, any team in this division can win it.
Player to watch: QB Riley Skinner
2. Florida State Seminoles-Bobby Bowden is trying to get the NCAA to not toss out 14 of his wins due to a school wide cheating scandal. This program is in a state of transition-Jimbo Fisher must be the head coach by 2011 or get $5 million as a penalty. The good news is the Seminoles can compete in the ACC once again. The bad? Possible NCAA penalties loom, and wins might not be all they lose-scholarships could be lost as well.
Player to watch: DE Markus White
3. Clemson Tigers-Dabo Sweeney got the interim tag removed, and I think it’s a bad idea. Tommy Bowden had a real talented team last year that fell flat to Alabama and never recovered. The defense is loaded with 8 starters back, but road games against Georgia Tech and Miami make it a tough year in conference. RB CJ Spiller is back to anchor the ground game, but a new QB must step up to replace Cullen Harper.
Player to watch: DE Ricky Saap
4. NC State-Tom O’Brien could finally get a breakout year after shockingly leaving Boston College in 2006. With 7 starters back on each side, this could be a breakout year in Raleigh. But a brutal conference road schedule: Wake, FSU and Virginia Tech make this a wait till next year type season.
Player to watch: QB Russell Wilson
5. Boston College-Here we go again, another year and another head coach. Frank Spaziani coached BC in their bowl game against Navy in 2006. At least he is not new, being there for 13 years as an assistant. 7 are back on each side, but this is not the program they were when Tom O’Brien was here. With no stable HC since 2006, the Eagles are stepping back, in a big way.
Player to watch: WR Rich Gunnell
6. Maryland Terrapins-Ralph Friedgen, meet the hot seat. Again. A change could happen here as Maryland choked a 7-3 start and a division lead to finish 8-5. 9 starters are back, 4 on defense and it is going to be a long year. Cal and Rutgers highlight a strong NC schedule, and the good news is Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are not on the schedule.
Player to watch: WR Torrey Smith
Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech Hokies-Last year Clemson was the favorite to win the ACC, had a top 10 ranking and opened with Alabama in the Georgia Dome. It’s the Hokies turn this year. But unlike Clemson, they can handle successful predictions. QB Tyrod Taylor leads the offense, but the Hokies have concern at RB as Darren Evans is out for the year with a knee injury. The defense has 7 starters back, and is always tough. If you like defenses you will love the Sept 5 game against Bama.
Player to watch: QB Tyrod Taylor
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets-Paul Johnson shocked many winning 9 games last year, but the Yellow Jackets were dismantled by LSU in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl in a surprising fashion. The Yellow Jackets return 18 starters, 10 on offense, and have a road schedule that includes Miami, Vandy, and FSU. I believe this could prevent them from winning the Coastal this year.
Player to watch: RB Jonathan Dwyer
3. Miami, Fl. Hurricanes-Randy Shannon is in year 3 at Miami, and has his best team yet. Recruits are coming back in, slowly than in the past, but back nonetheless. This team will go as far as QB Jacory Harris takes them, and yes that is a lot to put on a Sophomore but it is the truth. New OC Mark Whipple has the task of establishing the offense, and that is why despite the talent they are 3rd in the division.
Player to watch: QB Jacory Harris
4. North Carolina Tarheels-Butch Davis took this job, and has surprised. The Heels are near the level that Mack Brown had them at in the early 90’s and are a solid team. But Mack Brown left b/c of what plagues the Tarheel faithful-basketball and lack of competition in the league. Davis may never win an ACC title here, but he could by jumping elsewhere in a year or 2. The Heels have 15 starters back (9 on Defense) and will rely on an experienced defense to carry them in 2009.
Player to watch: LB Bruce Carter
5. Duke Blue Devils-When Duke hired David Cutcliffe, it got my attention. He is a great recruiter like Steve Spurrier was in Durham and he can make a bad team look good. This year, 11 starters are back, (5 on defense) but the playmakers are back on offense with the most underrated QB in college football in Thaddeus Lewis. Watch for him to rise in the April NFL Draft. The Blue Devils could crack 5 wins this year, and if they do look for great things in the future.
Player to watch: QB Thaddeus Lewis
6. Virginia Cavaliers-Al Groh, welcome back to the hot seat. Again. Am I the only one seeing a trend here? Here is the good news-the tough games are at home. The bad news-Miami, Clemson and Carolina are on the road. So, who will be here next year?
Player to watch: CB Vic Hall
ACC Championship Game
Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech
ACC Champs-Virginia Tech
Atlantic Division
1. Wake Forest Demon Deacons-It may be a stretch, but I like these guys. The playmakers on offense are back, but the defense has only 4 starters back thanks in large part to graduation and the NFL draft. Besides, Jim Grobe gets the most out of his team year in and year out, and this team is eerily similar to the 2006 team that went to the Orange Bowl. But like I said, any team in this division can win it.
Player to watch: QB Riley Skinner
2. Florida State Seminoles-Bobby Bowden is trying to get the NCAA to not toss out 14 of his wins due to a school wide cheating scandal. This program is in a state of transition-Jimbo Fisher must be the head coach by 2011 or get $5 million as a penalty. The good news is the Seminoles can compete in the ACC once again. The bad? Possible NCAA penalties loom, and wins might not be all they lose-scholarships could be lost as well.
Player to watch: DE Markus White
3. Clemson Tigers-Dabo Sweeney got the interim tag removed, and I think it’s a bad idea. Tommy Bowden had a real talented team last year that fell flat to Alabama and never recovered. The defense is loaded with 8 starters back, but road games against Georgia Tech and Miami make it a tough year in conference. RB CJ Spiller is back to anchor the ground game, but a new QB must step up to replace Cullen Harper.
Player to watch: DE Ricky Saap
4. NC State-Tom O’Brien could finally get a breakout year after shockingly leaving Boston College in 2006. With 7 starters back on each side, this could be a breakout year in Raleigh. But a brutal conference road schedule: Wake, FSU and Virginia Tech make this a wait till next year type season.
Player to watch: QB Russell Wilson
5. Boston College-Here we go again, another year and another head coach. Frank Spaziani coached BC in their bowl game against Navy in 2006. At least he is not new, being there for 13 years as an assistant. 7 are back on each side, but this is not the program they were when Tom O’Brien was here. With no stable HC since 2006, the Eagles are stepping back, in a big way.
Player to watch: WR Rich Gunnell
6. Maryland Terrapins-Ralph Friedgen, meet the hot seat. Again. A change could happen here as Maryland choked a 7-3 start and a division lead to finish 8-5. 9 starters are back, 4 on defense and it is going to be a long year. Cal and Rutgers highlight a strong NC schedule, and the good news is Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are not on the schedule.
Player to watch: WR Torrey Smith
Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech Hokies-Last year Clemson was the favorite to win the ACC, had a top 10 ranking and opened with Alabama in the Georgia Dome. It’s the Hokies turn this year. But unlike Clemson, they can handle successful predictions. QB Tyrod Taylor leads the offense, but the Hokies have concern at RB as Darren Evans is out for the year with a knee injury. The defense has 7 starters back, and is always tough. If you like defenses you will love the Sept 5 game against Bama.
Player to watch: QB Tyrod Taylor
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets-Paul Johnson shocked many winning 9 games last year, but the Yellow Jackets were dismantled by LSU in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl in a surprising fashion. The Yellow Jackets return 18 starters, 10 on offense, and have a road schedule that includes Miami, Vandy, and FSU. I believe this could prevent them from winning the Coastal this year.
Player to watch: RB Jonathan Dwyer
3. Miami, Fl. Hurricanes-Randy Shannon is in year 3 at Miami, and has his best team yet. Recruits are coming back in, slowly than in the past, but back nonetheless. This team will go as far as QB Jacory Harris takes them, and yes that is a lot to put on a Sophomore but it is the truth. New OC Mark Whipple has the task of establishing the offense, and that is why despite the talent they are 3rd in the division.
Player to watch: QB Jacory Harris
4. North Carolina Tarheels-Butch Davis took this job, and has surprised. The Heels are near the level that Mack Brown had them at in the early 90’s and are a solid team. But Mack Brown left b/c of what plagues the Tarheel faithful-basketball and lack of competition in the league. Davis may never win an ACC title here, but he could by jumping elsewhere in a year or 2. The Heels have 15 starters back (9 on Defense) and will rely on an experienced defense to carry them in 2009.
Player to watch: LB Bruce Carter
5. Duke Blue Devils-When Duke hired David Cutcliffe, it got my attention. He is a great recruiter like Steve Spurrier was in Durham and he can make a bad team look good. This year, 11 starters are back, (5 on defense) but the playmakers are back on offense with the most underrated QB in college football in Thaddeus Lewis. Watch for him to rise in the April NFL Draft. The Blue Devils could crack 5 wins this year, and if they do look for great things in the future.
Player to watch: QB Thaddeus Lewis
6. Virginia Cavaliers-Al Groh, welcome back to the hot seat. Again. Am I the only one seeing a trend here? Here is the good news-the tough games are at home. The bad news-Miami, Clemson and Carolina are on the road. So, who will be here next year?
Player to watch: CB Vic Hall
ACC Championship Game
Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech
ACC Champs-Virginia Tech
2009 Pac 10 Preview
The Pac 1 or Pac 2 if you want to call them that is perhaps the most top heavy conference in college football. USC can kick all kinds of butt, and could beat any conference champ with the exception of the SEC and Big 12. The interesting race is for 2nd place as Cal, Oregon and Oregon State are making strides to improve, and knock off the Trojans. Once again USC won in 2008, but will 2009 be any different? It looks likely, but the competition is improving.
1. USC Trojans-Yes they have no starter at QB named yet. Yes they lost some good defensive players to the NFL. But they are still the best team overall. The Trojans are loaded, and despite the NCAA investigations hovering over the athletic program, they shake it off and play good football. Pete Carroll has done an excellent job here, no one can dispute that. They should make the Rose Bowl, as a tough road test early on in the season in Columbus could decide a possible BCS Championship game berth, and other road tests at Cal and Oregon highlight a brutal road schedule for the Trojans. Expect them in Pasadena for the 7th straight year.
Player to watch: RB Stafon Johnson
2. California Golden Bears-Jeff Tedford is in my opinion the brightest offensive mind in college football-better than the Urban Legend in Gainesville. While nobody doubts the offense, the defense has been the problem in Berkeley. That and the ultra liberal environment over there, but back to football. 15 starters are back (8 on defense) and the Golden Bears have a chance to knock off USC at home on Oct. 3. A weak road schedule could put Cal in the Fiesta Bowl, as they host the other big guns in the Pac 10 at home.
Player to watch: QB Kevin Riley
3. Oregon St Beavers-Mike Riley may only be returning 10 starters (3 on defense), but this is one scrappy football team, and they showed it last year. The good news and the bad news is that this is a young team. This may be a bump in the road year for the Beavers, but a major bowl game is in the cards, but the only hump for the Beavers is a brutal road schedule: USC, Cal, and Oregon. Ouch.
Player to watch: RB Jacquizz Rogers
4. Arizona Wildcats-Mike Stoops is doing an impressive rebuilding job in Tuscon, and this is a showcase year for him to show it. Returning 13 starters (7 on defense) this is the best team they have had in a while. They surprised teams last year, but that won’t be the case this year. But the problem is the road schedule: USC, Iowa, Oregon St and rival Arizona St highlight the road games.
Player to watch: LB Xavier Kelley
5. Oregon Ducks-Mike Bellotti steps down; Chip Kelly steps in. But into what? The Ducks have 9 starters back, and seem to be in a rebuilding year coming off a 10 win season in 2008. The future is bright, and the schedule is home friendly, which is going to be favorable for the Ducks if they can make a run. The only major road test is the opener at Boise St, the rest (UCLA, Washington, Stanford and Arizona) are winnable.
Player to watch: RB LeGarrette Blount
6. UCLA Bruins-Rick Neuheisel returned to his alma mater last season and promptly went 4-8; but opened with an upset over Tennessee. A bright future is ahead, but the road schedule could do them in: Tennessee, Arizona Oregon St and USC highlight it. But they are more experienced this year with 16 starters back (9 on offense) and a healthy dose of optimism. A bowl game is possible, but not likely.
Player to watch: WR Terrence Austin
7. Arizona State Sun Devils-Dennis Erickson has not had a good defense since he arrived in Tempe. The problems might continue this year. On offense, the Sun Devils return 7 starters but need to find a new QB. A win at Georgia on Sept 26 could mean a special year for the Sun Devils, as the conference games at home are favorable.
Player to watch: DE Dexter Davis
8. Stanford Cardinal-Jim Harbaugh pulled the most improbable upset in the history of college football over USC in 2007. They go back to the scene this year. 17 starters are back, giving him a veteran team, but they did go 5-7 a year ago. The recruiting is improving, and it wouldn’t shock me if Stanford finishes in the top half of the Pac 10, but it just isn’t likely.
Player to watch: RB Toby Gerhart
9. Washington Huskies-When you want to get an edge in conference play, hire from within the conference. Ole Miss did it last year, and Washington has done it this year by hiring Steve Sarkisian as their new HC. The bad news is they were 0-12 last year. The good news is Jake Locker, who missed 10 games last year is back. The Huskies have 18 starters back (10 on defense) but with the switch in philosophies it doesn’t mean much. The Huskies host LSU to open the season-and it is going to be closer than experts think. If Locker can adapt to a short passing game, and the defense can catch on, this is one team to keep your eye on for 2010.
Player to watch: QB Jake Locker
10. Washington State Cougars-Paul Wulff enters year 2 way behind the Pac 10 bunch yet again. 15 starters are back, but that isn’t saying much. It is going to take a while for them to get back in the thick of things, if they ever do. But they have a loyal alumni man running things, and have na experienced team to hit the field this season.
Player to watch: QB Kevin Lopina
1. USC Trojans-Yes they have no starter at QB named yet. Yes they lost some good defensive players to the NFL. But they are still the best team overall. The Trojans are loaded, and despite the NCAA investigations hovering over the athletic program, they shake it off and play good football. Pete Carroll has done an excellent job here, no one can dispute that. They should make the Rose Bowl, as a tough road test early on in the season in Columbus could decide a possible BCS Championship game berth, and other road tests at Cal and Oregon highlight a brutal road schedule for the Trojans. Expect them in Pasadena for the 7th straight year.
Player to watch: RB Stafon Johnson
2. California Golden Bears-Jeff Tedford is in my opinion the brightest offensive mind in college football-better than the Urban Legend in Gainesville. While nobody doubts the offense, the defense has been the problem in Berkeley. That and the ultra liberal environment over there, but back to football. 15 starters are back (8 on defense) and the Golden Bears have a chance to knock off USC at home on Oct. 3. A weak road schedule could put Cal in the Fiesta Bowl, as they host the other big guns in the Pac 10 at home.
Player to watch: QB Kevin Riley
3. Oregon St Beavers-Mike Riley may only be returning 10 starters (3 on defense), but this is one scrappy football team, and they showed it last year. The good news and the bad news is that this is a young team. This may be a bump in the road year for the Beavers, but a major bowl game is in the cards, but the only hump for the Beavers is a brutal road schedule: USC, Cal, and Oregon. Ouch.
Player to watch: RB Jacquizz Rogers
4. Arizona Wildcats-Mike Stoops is doing an impressive rebuilding job in Tuscon, and this is a showcase year for him to show it. Returning 13 starters (7 on defense) this is the best team they have had in a while. They surprised teams last year, but that won’t be the case this year. But the problem is the road schedule: USC, Iowa, Oregon St and rival Arizona St highlight the road games.
Player to watch: LB Xavier Kelley
5. Oregon Ducks-Mike Bellotti steps down; Chip Kelly steps in. But into what? The Ducks have 9 starters back, and seem to be in a rebuilding year coming off a 10 win season in 2008. The future is bright, and the schedule is home friendly, which is going to be favorable for the Ducks if they can make a run. The only major road test is the opener at Boise St, the rest (UCLA, Washington, Stanford and Arizona) are winnable.
Player to watch: RB LeGarrette Blount
6. UCLA Bruins-Rick Neuheisel returned to his alma mater last season and promptly went 4-8; but opened with an upset over Tennessee. A bright future is ahead, but the road schedule could do them in: Tennessee, Arizona Oregon St and USC highlight it. But they are more experienced this year with 16 starters back (9 on offense) and a healthy dose of optimism. A bowl game is possible, but not likely.
Player to watch: WR Terrence Austin
7. Arizona State Sun Devils-Dennis Erickson has not had a good defense since he arrived in Tempe. The problems might continue this year. On offense, the Sun Devils return 7 starters but need to find a new QB. A win at Georgia on Sept 26 could mean a special year for the Sun Devils, as the conference games at home are favorable.
Player to watch: DE Dexter Davis
8. Stanford Cardinal-Jim Harbaugh pulled the most improbable upset in the history of college football over USC in 2007. They go back to the scene this year. 17 starters are back, giving him a veteran team, but they did go 5-7 a year ago. The recruiting is improving, and it wouldn’t shock me if Stanford finishes in the top half of the Pac 10, but it just isn’t likely.
Player to watch: RB Toby Gerhart
9. Washington Huskies-When you want to get an edge in conference play, hire from within the conference. Ole Miss did it last year, and Washington has done it this year by hiring Steve Sarkisian as their new HC. The bad news is they were 0-12 last year. The good news is Jake Locker, who missed 10 games last year is back. The Huskies have 18 starters back (10 on defense) but with the switch in philosophies it doesn’t mean much. The Huskies host LSU to open the season-and it is going to be closer than experts think. If Locker can adapt to a short passing game, and the defense can catch on, this is one team to keep your eye on for 2010.
Player to watch: QB Jake Locker
10. Washington State Cougars-Paul Wulff enters year 2 way behind the Pac 10 bunch yet again. 15 starters are back, but that isn’t saying much. It is going to take a while for them to get back in the thick of things, if they ever do. But they have a loyal alumni man running things, and have na experienced team to hit the field this season.
Player to watch: QB Kevin Lopina
Sunday, August 9, 2009
2009 Big Ten Preview
As a fan of history I loooovvveee the Big 10. Really, an SEC guy who likes Big 10 football. The history these programs have, the Michigan fight song and helmets, the dotting of the i at Ohio St, the trophy games, the noon kickoffs, it is great college football-but now I have to dog them. They have not won a BCS game since Ohio St bitchslapped Notre Dame and have been the whipping boys for Florida and LSU in title games and by USC in the last 2 Rose Bowls (Illinois had no business going to the Rose Bowl that year).
1. Ohio St Buckeyes-Terrelle Pryor is the lone QB this year, and should open the Buckeye offense as he is a run and pass threat at the QB position. This is a potential banner year for the Buckeyes, and a win over USC on Sept 12 in Columbus will be a prime time national game on ABC.
Player to watch: QB Terrelle Pryor
2. Penn St Nittany Lions-This was a tough choice, but I am going Penn St as a close 2nd. Why? I think they have the talent, but USC put on a show on how to dismantle this offense in the Rose Bowl, and the defense has only 4 starters back, with 5 on offense. The recruiting has helped, but they aren't in Pasadena this year.
Player to watch: LB Sean Lee
3. Iowa Hawkeyes-This is put up or shut up for Kirk Ferentz. A fluke play got them big pub in the 2005 Capital One Bowl over LSU, but a drilling of South Carolina in the Outback may put them back on the map. Iowa may have the most favorable home schedule but Ohio St and Penn St are on the road, and Penn St wants revenge for last year. I'm not ruling out a Rose Bowl as a possibility, but the road schedule worries me.
Player to watch: OT Bryan Bulaga
4. Illinois Fighting Illini-Ron Zook followed up a Rose Bowl in 2007 with a 5-7 record last year. The good news is no Penn St on the schedule, but Ohio St is and they have to go to Columbus. Juice Williams is back at QB, and next to Pryor is the best athlete at the position. Mike Shultz is the new OC, so look for a more balanced offensive attack (traditional Big 10) from the Illini, but with a touch of spread.
Player to watch: QB Juice Williams
5. Michigan St Spartans-Sparty got a little better last year, and this could be a big year in East Lansing if all falls into place. If Brian Hoyer hadn't graduated this may have been my Big 10 pick. The good news is that the Spartans return 15 starters (8 on defense) from the squad that made the Cap One Bowl last year. Even though this is a ball control offense, the QB is important, and that could hurt Sparty this year.
Player to watch: LB Greg Jones
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers-Tim Brewster has things going good here, but a tough top of the Big 10 means his best team at Minnesota is in the mid level here. I'm not ruling out a bowl bid, but they hype of a new stadium and having Penn St and Ohio St on the road in back to back weeks means that there will be no roses this year. But 17 starters return (9 on Offense) so the points will be plentiful.
Player to watch: QB Adam Weber
7. Wisconsin Badgers-Reality is setting in at Madison. Brett Bielema took over for Barry Alvarez who put this program on the map, and except for his 1st season has disappointed. The good news is that the Badgers could get off to a fast start, which if they do could carry them far into the Big 10, but the start of conference play will be brutal as they host Mich St and go on the road at Minnesota and Ohio St in their 1st 3 Conference games. On a plus side, the Badgers will be the last Big 10 team to play in the regular season as they travel to Hawaii for a Dec 5 game.
Player to watch: TE Garrett Graham
8. Northwestern Wildcats-I like Pat Fitgerald as a coach and a person, but this is another roller coaster year. 13 starters back (8 on defense) means growing pains for the Cats this year. QB Mike Kafka is back for his senior year, and his offensive line is intact. I expect a quick start but if they knock off Minnesota and Purdue and get off to a 5-0 start, this could be an interesting season as all they would need to do to be bowl eligible is beat Miami of Ohio, Mich St, Indiana, Penn St, Iowa Illinois and Wisc to be bowl eligible. 2 out of 6 aint bad.
Player to watch: DE Corey Wooton
9. Michigan Wolverines-Rich Rodriguez spent a year switching an I formation offense to his spread and he has a lot of work left to do. The recruits are coming in, and that is good for the future. But the present should be of concern. There is no official starter at QB but it looks like Tate Forcier a talented true freshman could see playing time this year. Since that is the only spot where a starter has to be replaced you see the problems. Greg Robinson takes over at DC and should turn around an awful defense.
Player to watch: RB Brandon Miner
10. Purdue Boilermakers-I love colleges named after booze. Why isn't this an SEC school (I mean besides it being in the North, wouldn't Mississippi St sound better as the Mint Juleps than the Bulldogs?)? Anyway a new HC is in town Danny Hope, who was an OL coach under Joe Tiller. 12 starters are back, (7 on D) so look for them to shoulder the load once again. Sadly though, it looks like 4-8 once again.
Player to watch: DT Mike Neal
11. Indiana Hoosiers-Funny that you get picked 11th in the Big 10. Isn't that strange? Anyway the Hoosiers were my sentimental faves after the death of Terry Hoeppner in 2007, and made it to a bowl game that year. HC Bill Lynch has a tough job ahead of him, as Ohio St and Penn St are on the schedule.
Player to watch: LB Will Patterson
1. Ohio St Buckeyes-Terrelle Pryor is the lone QB this year, and should open the Buckeye offense as he is a run and pass threat at the QB position. This is a potential banner year for the Buckeyes, and a win over USC on Sept 12 in Columbus will be a prime time national game on ABC.
Player to watch: QB Terrelle Pryor
2. Penn St Nittany Lions-This was a tough choice, but I am going Penn St as a close 2nd. Why? I think they have the talent, but USC put on a show on how to dismantle this offense in the Rose Bowl, and the defense has only 4 starters back, with 5 on offense. The recruiting has helped, but they aren't in Pasadena this year.
Player to watch: LB Sean Lee
3. Iowa Hawkeyes-This is put up or shut up for Kirk Ferentz. A fluke play got them big pub in the 2005 Capital One Bowl over LSU, but a drilling of South Carolina in the Outback may put them back on the map. Iowa may have the most favorable home schedule but Ohio St and Penn St are on the road, and Penn St wants revenge for last year. I'm not ruling out a Rose Bowl as a possibility, but the road schedule worries me.
Player to watch: OT Bryan Bulaga
4. Illinois Fighting Illini-Ron Zook followed up a Rose Bowl in 2007 with a 5-7 record last year. The good news is no Penn St on the schedule, but Ohio St is and they have to go to Columbus. Juice Williams is back at QB, and next to Pryor is the best athlete at the position. Mike Shultz is the new OC, so look for a more balanced offensive attack (traditional Big 10) from the Illini, but with a touch of spread.
Player to watch: QB Juice Williams
5. Michigan St Spartans-Sparty got a little better last year, and this could be a big year in East Lansing if all falls into place. If Brian Hoyer hadn't graduated this may have been my Big 10 pick. The good news is that the Spartans return 15 starters (8 on defense) from the squad that made the Cap One Bowl last year. Even though this is a ball control offense, the QB is important, and that could hurt Sparty this year.
Player to watch: LB Greg Jones
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers-Tim Brewster has things going good here, but a tough top of the Big 10 means his best team at Minnesota is in the mid level here. I'm not ruling out a bowl bid, but they hype of a new stadium and having Penn St and Ohio St on the road in back to back weeks means that there will be no roses this year. But 17 starters return (9 on Offense) so the points will be plentiful.
Player to watch: QB Adam Weber
7. Wisconsin Badgers-Reality is setting in at Madison. Brett Bielema took over for Barry Alvarez who put this program on the map, and except for his 1st season has disappointed. The good news is that the Badgers could get off to a fast start, which if they do could carry them far into the Big 10, but the start of conference play will be brutal as they host Mich St and go on the road at Minnesota and Ohio St in their 1st 3 Conference games. On a plus side, the Badgers will be the last Big 10 team to play in the regular season as they travel to Hawaii for a Dec 5 game.
Player to watch: TE Garrett Graham
8. Northwestern Wildcats-I like Pat Fitgerald as a coach and a person, but this is another roller coaster year. 13 starters back (8 on defense) means growing pains for the Cats this year. QB Mike Kafka is back for his senior year, and his offensive line is intact. I expect a quick start but if they knock off Minnesota and Purdue and get off to a 5-0 start, this could be an interesting season as all they would need to do to be bowl eligible is beat Miami of Ohio, Mich St, Indiana, Penn St, Iowa Illinois and Wisc to be bowl eligible. 2 out of 6 aint bad.
Player to watch: DE Corey Wooton
9. Michigan Wolverines-Rich Rodriguez spent a year switching an I formation offense to his spread and he has a lot of work left to do. The recruits are coming in, and that is good for the future. But the present should be of concern. There is no official starter at QB but it looks like Tate Forcier a talented true freshman could see playing time this year. Since that is the only spot where a starter has to be replaced you see the problems. Greg Robinson takes over at DC and should turn around an awful defense.
Player to watch: RB Brandon Miner
10. Purdue Boilermakers-I love colleges named after booze. Why isn't this an SEC school (I mean besides it being in the North, wouldn't Mississippi St sound better as the Mint Juleps than the Bulldogs?)? Anyway a new HC is in town Danny Hope, who was an OL coach under Joe Tiller. 12 starters are back, (7 on D) so look for them to shoulder the load once again. Sadly though, it looks like 4-8 once again.
Player to watch: DT Mike Neal
11. Indiana Hoosiers-Funny that you get picked 11th in the Big 10. Isn't that strange? Anyway the Hoosiers were my sentimental faves after the death of Terry Hoeppner in 2007, and made it to a bowl game that year. HC Bill Lynch has a tough job ahead of him, as Ohio St and Penn St are on the schedule.
Player to watch: LB Will Patterson
2009 Big East Preview
I have them rated as my last BCS conference this season simply because I am not seeing anything strong from this conference at all. No teams scare me, Rutgers is good, but not great. Pitt has there moments but they fall flat and hard.
1. Pitt Panthers-Dave Wannstedt has done an alright job at Pitt, and it seems that the recruits are coming in. But on to the now, Pitt has some issues-mainly the developement of QB Bill Stull. But the Panthers could take the title simply by playing well on defense.
2. Rutgers Scarlet Knights-Greg Schiano has doen a helluva coaching job here, turning down big offers from other schools. Now, he has program in contention for BCS berths year in and year out. This season the Scarlet Knights get a faovrable schedule, and could win the BE, but I like Pitt's defense to get them over the hump.
3. USF Bulls-Jim Leavett has done wonders as the only coach in the school's history. The Bulls though have a tough climb this year, taking Pitt and Rutgers on the road.
4. West Virginia Mountaineers-Bill Stewart faces life without Pat White, but he does have Noel Devine coming back to carry the rock. This team is young and deceptive-could place 4th, but could realistically win the BE. The mystery will infold soon.
5. Connecticut Huskies-Randy Edsel has made some changes-new OC to go with his new QB. The defense must carry the Huskies this season if they want to go to a bowl game once again.
6. Cincinnati Bearcats-The eyes are on them. Brian Kelly took them to their 1st BCS game a year ago, and has to struggle with Ohio St to get the top in state recruits. This year the Bearcats must replace 10 starters on defense, while 10 are back on offense. Expect shootouts weekly.
7. Louisville Cardinals-Steve Kragthorpe was once the talk of college football at Tulsa. Since taking over at Louisville, he has dragged this team to the ground, and it isn't looking good this year either. Expect a new front man in 2010.
8. Syracuse Orangemen-Former Saints OC Doug Marrone takes over as the head coach, and has as his starting QB a former Duke Point Guard. 0-12 has a nice ring to it doesn't it? A shame for a once proud program, but Marrone may be the fix the Orange need to rebuild.
I'm not saying this isn't a talented league, but this is not a good conference. They lost out to the ACC which took Va Tech, Miami and BC away from them. The replacements aren't much to look at. Again, if I had my notes, more details would be available, and I will update them in a few weeks, time permitting.
1. Pitt Panthers-Dave Wannstedt has done an alright job at Pitt, and it seems that the recruits are coming in. But on to the now, Pitt has some issues-mainly the developement of QB Bill Stull. But the Panthers could take the title simply by playing well on defense.
2. Rutgers Scarlet Knights-Greg Schiano has doen a helluva coaching job here, turning down big offers from other schools. Now, he has program in contention for BCS berths year in and year out. This season the Scarlet Knights get a faovrable schedule, and could win the BE, but I like Pitt's defense to get them over the hump.
3. USF Bulls-Jim Leavett has done wonders as the only coach in the school's history. The Bulls though have a tough climb this year, taking Pitt and Rutgers on the road.
4. West Virginia Mountaineers-Bill Stewart faces life without Pat White, but he does have Noel Devine coming back to carry the rock. This team is young and deceptive-could place 4th, but could realistically win the BE. The mystery will infold soon.
5. Connecticut Huskies-Randy Edsel has made some changes-new OC to go with his new QB. The defense must carry the Huskies this season if they want to go to a bowl game once again.
6. Cincinnati Bearcats-The eyes are on them. Brian Kelly took them to their 1st BCS game a year ago, and has to struggle with Ohio St to get the top in state recruits. This year the Bearcats must replace 10 starters on defense, while 10 are back on offense. Expect shootouts weekly.
7. Louisville Cardinals-Steve Kragthorpe was once the talk of college football at Tulsa. Since taking over at Louisville, he has dragged this team to the ground, and it isn't looking good this year either. Expect a new front man in 2010.
8. Syracuse Orangemen-Former Saints OC Doug Marrone takes over as the head coach, and has as his starting QB a former Duke Point Guard. 0-12 has a nice ring to it doesn't it? A shame for a once proud program, but Marrone may be the fix the Orange need to rebuild.
I'm not saying this isn't a talented league, but this is not a good conference. They lost out to the ACC which took Va Tech, Miami and BC away from them. The replacements aren't much to look at. Again, if I had my notes, more details would be available, and I will update them in a few weeks, time permitting.
2009 Moutnain West Preview
Since I consider this a legitimate BCS Conference, I will treat it as such. Back in the 1980's most of these schools were in the WAC and put up large numbers of points. BYU was even the 1984 national champion despite going 12-0 and not playing on New Year's Day. This is a competitive conference however, and this year is no exception. The big question will be if the conference champ goes to another BCS bowl, which I think is safe to say, yes.
1. BYU Cougars-Bronco Mendenhall has done a terrific job since taking over, but this year his defense needs to shore up the Cougars. Despite only having 4 starters back on offense I never really doubt the Cougars since they can score any time and often (Not a Mormon joke-so please do not take offense). The schedule is favorable in conference as Utah, TCU and Air Force travel to Provo. Oklahoma kicks off the season, and it could be a potential upset, and a great feather in the Bowl Selection cap should BYU win the MWC.
Player to watch: QB Max Hall
2. Air Force Falcons-I know you are doing a double take, but never rule out an option based offense backed by a stout defense. Air Force is flying under the radar (Military pun intended) and that is where you get bombed (Sorry for the bad pun). The Falcons return 6 on each side, giving them, UNLV and Wyoming as the only teams to return the same starters on each side. An easy schedule could give them a fast 4-0 start and knocking off Navy could make them 5-0 and ranked leading into hosting TCU.
Player to watch: LB Ken Lamendola
3. TCU Horned Frogs-I like the job Gary Patterson has done at TCU. But it seems that they come so close, yet so far away from being in a major Bowl game. The talent is on par, and he has had some big wins (ask Bob Stoops), but they just can't seem to put it together. I think this is the most talented team top to bottom-but show me. The schedule has Virginia and Clemson as NC games, but the tough games are on the road in conference-Air Force and BYU.
Player to watch: QB Andy Dalton
4. Utah Utes-The darlings of last year the Utes should have gotten love from the AP as they were the only unbeaten team last year. This year they may be reloading, I would pick them higher but you lose Andre Johnson at QB, you lose your best offensive edge. The Utes defense is strong, so is the running game. Another title run isn't out of the question-but a BCS berth is ubnlikely. Louisville and Oregon are the main NC games, but I don't see them beating Oregon and if they do, they might get recognition. The problem is they are getting everyone's best shot this year.
Player to watch: RB Matt Asiata, Jr
5. UNLV Running Rebels-This could be a breakout year for UNLV and head coach Mike Sanford. Urban Meyer's OC at Utah, the Rebs went 5-7 last year and return 7 on each side of the ball. This is by far his most experienced team, and there is optimism that really hasn't been there in a while. The recruiting is strong, and if the players can avoid off field temptations (that's hard to do in Vegas), then a bowl game is not out of the equation.
Player to watch: QB Omar Connor
6. Colorado State Rams-The moment that CSU hired Steve Fairchild, I had doubts. Sonny Lubick came in with a lot of credentials, and recruiting savvy that helped him turn around a losing program. But Fairchild did impress his 1st year on the job going 7-6 and picking up a Bowl win. This team resembles the old school CSU-plenty back on offense, not much back on defense. The road schedule in conference (BYU, TCU, UNLV) will be tough to overcome, and then there is the showdown with instate rival Colorado to kick things off.
Player to watch: LB Mychal Sisson
7. Wyoming Cowboys-Potential is here to have a great season. 8 starters on back on both sides of the ball, the conference heavies are coming to Laramie. But a new head coach in Dave Christensen comes in who was the OC in Missouri, so I don't doubt the offense production. Marty English was the LB coach last year and is now the DC. Texas is the big NC game this year, and the tough confernce road test is Utah. Ouch.
Player to watch: DE Mitch Unrein
8. San Diego State Aztecs-Brady Hoke left Ball St for this job on the other side of the country. This shocked me since it was so severe a move. The good news is that there is a lot of experienced players (8 on O; 7 on D) that will help out this year. But learning new systems might be the key-the Aztecs play UCLA, Southern Utah and Idaho before rolling into conference play on the road at Air Force. BYU and Utah come ot San Diego, so that is good news there. If this team gets off to a 2-2 start, consider it a success, but 1-3 looks more likely.
Player to watch: WR Vincent Brown
9. New Mexico Lobos-Rocky Hall is out, Mike Locksley the OC at Illinois is in. Experience is key on his staff, as former LSU assistant and North Texas HC Darrell Dickey runs the high powered no huddle spread offense, and to round out the LSU conncection Doug Mallory is not a co DC like he was at LSU last year. The defense should carry the Lobo's this year, but the transition from a simple pro style attack to the spread will take time. But strong recruiting helps as this is the foundation year and 2010 is the breakout year.
Player to watch: S Ian Clark
1. BYU Cougars-Bronco Mendenhall has done a terrific job since taking over, but this year his defense needs to shore up the Cougars. Despite only having 4 starters back on offense I never really doubt the Cougars since they can score any time and often (Not a Mormon joke-so please do not take offense). The schedule is favorable in conference as Utah, TCU and Air Force travel to Provo. Oklahoma kicks off the season, and it could be a potential upset, and a great feather in the Bowl Selection cap should BYU win the MWC.
Player to watch: QB Max Hall
2. Air Force Falcons-I know you are doing a double take, but never rule out an option based offense backed by a stout defense. Air Force is flying under the radar (Military pun intended) and that is where you get bombed (Sorry for the bad pun). The Falcons return 6 on each side, giving them, UNLV and Wyoming as the only teams to return the same starters on each side. An easy schedule could give them a fast 4-0 start and knocking off Navy could make them 5-0 and ranked leading into hosting TCU.
Player to watch: LB Ken Lamendola
3. TCU Horned Frogs-I like the job Gary Patterson has done at TCU. But it seems that they come so close, yet so far away from being in a major Bowl game. The talent is on par, and he has had some big wins (ask Bob Stoops), but they just can't seem to put it together. I think this is the most talented team top to bottom-but show me. The schedule has Virginia and Clemson as NC games, but the tough games are on the road in conference-Air Force and BYU.
Player to watch: QB Andy Dalton
4. Utah Utes-The darlings of last year the Utes should have gotten love from the AP as they were the only unbeaten team last year. This year they may be reloading, I would pick them higher but you lose Andre Johnson at QB, you lose your best offensive edge. The Utes defense is strong, so is the running game. Another title run isn't out of the question-but a BCS berth is ubnlikely. Louisville and Oregon are the main NC games, but I don't see them beating Oregon and if they do, they might get recognition. The problem is they are getting everyone's best shot this year.
Player to watch: RB Matt Asiata, Jr
5. UNLV Running Rebels-This could be a breakout year for UNLV and head coach Mike Sanford. Urban Meyer's OC at Utah, the Rebs went 5-7 last year and return 7 on each side of the ball. This is by far his most experienced team, and there is optimism that really hasn't been there in a while. The recruiting is strong, and if the players can avoid off field temptations (that's hard to do in Vegas), then a bowl game is not out of the equation.
Player to watch: QB Omar Connor
6. Colorado State Rams-The moment that CSU hired Steve Fairchild, I had doubts. Sonny Lubick came in with a lot of credentials, and recruiting savvy that helped him turn around a losing program. But Fairchild did impress his 1st year on the job going 7-6 and picking up a Bowl win. This team resembles the old school CSU-plenty back on offense, not much back on defense. The road schedule in conference (BYU, TCU, UNLV) will be tough to overcome, and then there is the showdown with instate rival Colorado to kick things off.
Player to watch: LB Mychal Sisson
7. Wyoming Cowboys-Potential is here to have a great season. 8 starters on back on both sides of the ball, the conference heavies are coming to Laramie. But a new head coach in Dave Christensen comes in who was the OC in Missouri, so I don't doubt the offense production. Marty English was the LB coach last year and is now the DC. Texas is the big NC game this year, and the tough confernce road test is Utah. Ouch.
Player to watch: DE Mitch Unrein
8. San Diego State Aztecs-Brady Hoke left Ball St for this job on the other side of the country. This shocked me since it was so severe a move. The good news is that there is a lot of experienced players (8 on O; 7 on D) that will help out this year. But learning new systems might be the key-the Aztecs play UCLA, Southern Utah and Idaho before rolling into conference play on the road at Air Force. BYU and Utah come ot San Diego, so that is good news there. If this team gets off to a 2-2 start, consider it a success, but 1-3 looks more likely.
Player to watch: WR Vincent Brown
9. New Mexico Lobos-Rocky Hall is out, Mike Locksley the OC at Illinois is in. Experience is key on his staff, as former LSU assistant and North Texas HC Darrell Dickey runs the high powered no huddle spread offense, and to round out the LSU conncection Doug Mallory is not a co DC like he was at LSU last year. The defense should carry the Lobo's this year, but the transition from a simple pro style attack to the spread will take time. But strong recruiting helps as this is the foundation year and 2010 is the breakout year.
Player to watch: S Ian Clark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)