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
Sunday, July 19, 2009
2009 WAC Preview
I consider this a BCS Conference, so I will treat it as such. I will profile the player to watch this year, as well as my commentary on each team. The WAC used to be called the WACky conference in the 80's when most of the current Mountain West was in it, and the scores were usually 41-38. That is no longer the case, as this conference can hold up to the other BCS schools. While 8th out of my BCS Conferences, this is not a pushover by any stretch.
1. Boise St.-The Broncos under Chris Petersen have won more games in the last 3 years than USC, LSU, and Florida. Despite returning 11 starters (6 on Offense), this team has the best upside with a lot of name recognition across the country. Going 12-0 last year got them the Poinsettia Bowl and a 17-16 loss to TCU last year, but if they can pull it off this year, Tempe is calling once again.
Player to watch: QB Kellen Moore
2. Louisiana Tech-The Bulldogs under Derek Dooley improved by leaps and bounds to tie for 2nd last year. The good news is that the bulk of starters are back (16-9 on Offense) but the bad news is road games at Nevada. But with Boise coming to Ruston, an upset is not unlikely, and neither is one at Auburn to start the season.
Player to watch: WR Phillip Livas
3. Nevada-Don't turn your back on the Wolfpack. They lead the conference in rushing, and balance out with 7 starters back ono each side. This teams strenghts are in the trenches, and if games come to that, Nevada will win this conference outright. But wrapping it up on Smurf turf later in the year isn't the best way to close things out.
Player to watch: RB Vai Taua
4. Fresno St-Pat Hill wishes it were 2001 again. He had the Bulldogs on cloud 9, a good College QB and upsets galore. Now, things are tough at Fresno, but he has a safe cushion in the Valley. The good news is that 15 starers are back (8 on Defense), but with a new QB to break in, there are a lot of questions as Fresno looks to get back in the WAC hunt.
Player to watch: G Andrew Jackson
5. San Jose St-The Spartans have had a lot of success under Dick Tomey, who made Arizona a PAC 10 power with their Desert Swarm Defense. Now with his "Dine in Hell" defense (I made up the name) he has them on the right track. The numbers are fovorable (15 starters, 8 on Offense) but the road games hurt-Boise St, Fresno St and La. Tech are conference roadies. The big one is the killer-USC is not very forgiving espiecially if it's your opener. Ouch.
Player to watch: QB Kyle Reed
6. Utah St-The Aggies welcome a rival coach as their new head man as Gary Andersen left the Utes of Utah to try and revive a program that hasn't had success in 12 years. There is a lot of experienced starters returning but for a 1st year coach that is meaningless as he implements his system. The good news is that he inherits a better program than his predecessor inherited, so there could be an upswing. Armed with an experienced college staff, the future is bright-in 2010.
Player to watch: QB Diondre Borel
7. Hawaii-June Jones and Jerry Glanville left here, and the Warriors struggled. Guess what looks the same this year? Hawaii fans will miss the days of Chang and Brennan, but for a defensive coach like HC Greg McMackin to have only 2 starters back on defense he must be losing sleep. At least they play in the most beautiful place in the US, even if they are a few hours back of the Pacific Time Zone. Trust me, I am being generous with this pick.
Player to watch: QB Greg Alexander
8. Idaho-Not the potatoes, but the Vandals. Yet potatoes may have been better to put in at times. The Vandals coach Rob Akey replaced Dennis Ericson, and has 3 wins in 2 years. I don't think he will finish the season but the schedule is a help-La Tech, Hawaii and Fresno come to Moscow this year.
Player to watch: DE Aaron Lavalais
9. New Mexico St-Is being an Aggie a prerequisite to being in this conference? Do you have to take Mascot 102 to get a better name? DeWayne Walker replaces Hal Mumme and is installing a new spread offense different from the Air Raid that Mumme ran. Walker will call the defense and that is good for the worst unit in America. I think Walker will be competitive, but nobody has won here in almost 50 years. Remember that.
Player to watch: WR Marcus Anderson
1. Boise St.-The Broncos under Chris Petersen have won more games in the last 3 years than USC, LSU, and Florida. Despite returning 11 starters (6 on Offense), this team has the best upside with a lot of name recognition across the country. Going 12-0 last year got them the Poinsettia Bowl and a 17-16 loss to TCU last year, but if they can pull it off this year, Tempe is calling once again.
Player to watch: QB Kellen Moore
2. Louisiana Tech-The Bulldogs under Derek Dooley improved by leaps and bounds to tie for 2nd last year. The good news is that the bulk of starters are back (16-9 on Offense) but the bad news is road games at Nevada. But with Boise coming to Ruston, an upset is not unlikely, and neither is one at Auburn to start the season.
Player to watch: WR Phillip Livas
3. Nevada-Don't turn your back on the Wolfpack. They lead the conference in rushing, and balance out with 7 starters back ono each side. This teams strenghts are in the trenches, and if games come to that, Nevada will win this conference outright. But wrapping it up on Smurf turf later in the year isn't the best way to close things out.
Player to watch: RB Vai Taua
4. Fresno St-Pat Hill wishes it were 2001 again. He had the Bulldogs on cloud 9, a good College QB and upsets galore. Now, things are tough at Fresno, but he has a safe cushion in the Valley. The good news is that 15 starers are back (8 on Defense), but with a new QB to break in, there are a lot of questions as Fresno looks to get back in the WAC hunt.
Player to watch: G Andrew Jackson
5. San Jose St-The Spartans have had a lot of success under Dick Tomey, who made Arizona a PAC 10 power with their Desert Swarm Defense. Now with his "Dine in Hell" defense (I made up the name) he has them on the right track. The numbers are fovorable (15 starters, 8 on Offense) but the road games hurt-Boise St, Fresno St and La. Tech are conference roadies. The big one is the killer-USC is not very forgiving espiecially if it's your opener. Ouch.
Player to watch: QB Kyle Reed
6. Utah St-The Aggies welcome a rival coach as their new head man as Gary Andersen left the Utes of Utah to try and revive a program that hasn't had success in 12 years. There is a lot of experienced starters returning but for a 1st year coach that is meaningless as he implements his system. The good news is that he inherits a better program than his predecessor inherited, so there could be an upswing. Armed with an experienced college staff, the future is bright-in 2010.
Player to watch: QB Diondre Borel
7. Hawaii-June Jones and Jerry Glanville left here, and the Warriors struggled. Guess what looks the same this year? Hawaii fans will miss the days of Chang and Brennan, but for a defensive coach like HC Greg McMackin to have only 2 starters back on defense he must be losing sleep. At least they play in the most beautiful place in the US, even if they are a few hours back of the Pacific Time Zone. Trust me, I am being generous with this pick.
Player to watch: QB Greg Alexander
8. Idaho-Not the potatoes, but the Vandals. Yet potatoes may have been better to put in at times. The Vandals coach Rob Akey replaced Dennis Ericson, and has 3 wins in 2 years. I don't think he will finish the season but the schedule is a help-La Tech, Hawaii and Fresno come to Moscow this year.
Player to watch: DE Aaron Lavalais
9. New Mexico St-Is being an Aggie a prerequisite to being in this conference? Do you have to take Mascot 102 to get a better name? DeWayne Walker replaces Hal Mumme and is installing a new spread offense different from the Air Raid that Mumme ran. Walker will call the defense and that is good for the worst unit in America. I think Walker will be competitive, but nobody has won here in almost 50 years. Remember that.
Player to watch: WR Marcus Anderson
2009 MAC Preview
This is the most odd of the Super Conferences. While most have 12, the MAC has 13. That makes for interesting scheduling, and gives one weight over the other. Is it fair? No, but it shouldn't matter. The MAC is getting better as a conference, and could have had a big star last year in Ball State had they beaten Buffalo in the title game last year.
MAC East
1. Ohio-Frank Solich has transformed Bobcat football for the better since arriving in 2005. With 14 starters back (7 on each side) and playing in tight games last year, the Bobcats are a team with a lot of upside in them. This is despite going 4-8 last year, but they could easily have been 9-3.
2. Akron-The Zips used to be a joke, but now they are a force to be reckoned with in the MAC, and should have a break out 2009. Penn St and Indiana are the 2 big NC games, and only Buffalo is the major road test in the conference. Look for a surprising 2009 here, especially if they knock off Indiana on Sept 19.
3. Buffalo-Many didn't think Turner Gill would return the last 2 years after not getting jobs at Nebraska and Auburn, but he is back and Bulls fans couldn't be any happier. He has lead them to their first winning seasons in years, and has done an excellent job in recruiting. Now Buffalo is no longer a pushover, but this is a rebuilding year, and the defense with 8 starters back has to carry this team.
4. Temple-My joke of the NCAA, Temple is best known as Bill Cosby's alma mater. They were kicked out of the Big East b/c they were horrible and used to bring in homeless people to fill the stands while they recruited football players. The Fighting Bill Cosby's under head coach Al Golden have a conference, and an impressive return with 15 starters back, 9 on defense. Temple would be higher if they had a proven track record of winning, but I think they are on the verge of being good.
5. Bowling Green-The Falcons haven't flown so high lately, but 1st year HC Dave Clawson hopes to bring back the intensity they had when Urban Meyer was there. The good news is that the future is bright. But they will take some lumps this year breaking in a new coach.
6. Kent St-The alma mater of Lou Holtz and Nick Saban has a lot of work to do. Doug Martin may be out this year, unless the Golden Flashes can pull it together. If the Flashes Special Teams can improve, it may be another long year, but the positives outweigh the negatives this year-15 starters return (8 on offense).
7. Miami, OH-Mike Haywood steps in after being at the 3 biggest programs in college football the last 15 years (LSU, Texas, and Notre Dame). He has a big task ahead of him as the Redhawks are in a rebuilding phase. Former Texas and LSU DC Carl Reese should get the defense up to speed, as this is a team to watch out for in the future.
MAC West
1. Central Michigan-WHat do you call a team that returns all of its weapons on offense, 10 defensive starters and losing only 10 lettermen from last years team? No it isn't Florida (the numbers are close) but the Chippewas have had that type of success and could replicate it like thye did in 2006. All the big playmakers on both sides are back, and this could be a special year. The 1st 2 games though-Arizona and Michigan St are tough tests.
2. Toledo-Holy Toledo! Okay, bad joke aside (sorry :( ) the Rockets break in Tim Beckman who replaces Tom Amstutz who is moving up to the AD job. Despite going 3-9 last year, the system isn't changing and that is good news for the 16 returning starters (9 on offense).
3. Northern Illinois-Jerry Kill has the coolest name of any coach in College Football, and when he played the game in his younger days. The Huskies can be a breakout team, but only 4 starters are back on Defense, and 7 on offense. It may be another year for the Huskies to break out of the fold, but they should be better in year 2 of the Kill era.
4. Western Michigan-Bill Cubit has had his teams come close to big things here, abut this is a tough task this year. The Broncos have 10 starters back, with 7 on offense but only 3 back on defense. This is a tough team to call, but I am going a bit pessimist here, only because the numbers don't favor the Broncos.
5. Eastern Michigan-Ron English has the task of getting things looking up for the Eagles. The good news is he is a good defensive coach and recruits in state fairly well (Former Michigan DC). He has brought an NFL type defense and offense to the Eagles, and has 17 returning starters, which may not mean much, but if they grasp the new systems thay should be decent and make a jump to 6-6.
6. Ball State-The best college name now that Beaver College changed its name, the Fighting David Letterman's gave him something to be proud of a year ago, but now have a new HC in Stan Parrish, who 6 years as a HC in other schools has a total to 2 wins. He follows a pattern of being an assistant to a successful coach who takes over when that coach leaves for what that coach thinks is a better job. Looks like Ball State won't be on Letterman's top 10 list this year.
MAC Championship Game
Ohio vs Central Michigan
MAC Champ
Central Michigan
MAC East
1. Ohio-Frank Solich has transformed Bobcat football for the better since arriving in 2005. With 14 starters back (7 on each side) and playing in tight games last year, the Bobcats are a team with a lot of upside in them. This is despite going 4-8 last year, but they could easily have been 9-3.
2. Akron-The Zips used to be a joke, but now they are a force to be reckoned with in the MAC, and should have a break out 2009. Penn St and Indiana are the 2 big NC games, and only Buffalo is the major road test in the conference. Look for a surprising 2009 here, especially if they knock off Indiana on Sept 19.
3. Buffalo-Many didn't think Turner Gill would return the last 2 years after not getting jobs at Nebraska and Auburn, but he is back and Bulls fans couldn't be any happier. He has lead them to their first winning seasons in years, and has done an excellent job in recruiting. Now Buffalo is no longer a pushover, but this is a rebuilding year, and the defense with 8 starters back has to carry this team.
4. Temple-My joke of the NCAA, Temple is best known as Bill Cosby's alma mater. They were kicked out of the Big East b/c they were horrible and used to bring in homeless people to fill the stands while they recruited football players. The Fighting Bill Cosby's under head coach Al Golden have a conference, and an impressive return with 15 starters back, 9 on defense. Temple would be higher if they had a proven track record of winning, but I think they are on the verge of being good.
5. Bowling Green-The Falcons haven't flown so high lately, but 1st year HC Dave Clawson hopes to bring back the intensity they had when Urban Meyer was there. The good news is that the future is bright. But they will take some lumps this year breaking in a new coach.
6. Kent St-The alma mater of Lou Holtz and Nick Saban has a lot of work to do. Doug Martin may be out this year, unless the Golden Flashes can pull it together. If the Flashes Special Teams can improve, it may be another long year, but the positives outweigh the negatives this year-15 starters return (8 on offense).
7. Miami, OH-Mike Haywood steps in after being at the 3 biggest programs in college football the last 15 years (LSU, Texas, and Notre Dame). He has a big task ahead of him as the Redhawks are in a rebuilding phase. Former Texas and LSU DC Carl Reese should get the defense up to speed, as this is a team to watch out for in the future.
MAC West
1. Central Michigan-WHat do you call a team that returns all of its weapons on offense, 10 defensive starters and losing only 10 lettermen from last years team? No it isn't Florida (the numbers are close) but the Chippewas have had that type of success and could replicate it like thye did in 2006. All the big playmakers on both sides are back, and this could be a special year. The 1st 2 games though-Arizona and Michigan St are tough tests.
2. Toledo-Holy Toledo! Okay, bad joke aside (sorry :( ) the Rockets break in Tim Beckman who replaces Tom Amstutz who is moving up to the AD job. Despite going 3-9 last year, the system isn't changing and that is good news for the 16 returning starters (9 on offense).
3. Northern Illinois-Jerry Kill has the coolest name of any coach in College Football, and when he played the game in his younger days. The Huskies can be a breakout team, but only 4 starters are back on Defense, and 7 on offense. It may be another year for the Huskies to break out of the fold, but they should be better in year 2 of the Kill era.
4. Western Michigan-Bill Cubit has had his teams come close to big things here, abut this is a tough task this year. The Broncos have 10 starters back, with 7 on offense but only 3 back on defense. This is a tough team to call, but I am going a bit pessimist here, only because the numbers don't favor the Broncos.
5. Eastern Michigan-Ron English has the task of getting things looking up for the Eagles. The good news is he is a good defensive coach and recruits in state fairly well (Former Michigan DC). He has brought an NFL type defense and offense to the Eagles, and has 17 returning starters, which may not mean much, but if they grasp the new systems thay should be decent and make a jump to 6-6.
6. Ball State-The best college name now that Beaver College changed its name, the Fighting David Letterman's gave him something to be proud of a year ago, but now have a new HC in Stan Parrish, who 6 years as a HC in other schools has a total to 2 wins. He follows a pattern of being an assistant to a successful coach who takes over when that coach leaves for what that coach thinks is a better job. Looks like Ball State won't be on Letterman's top 10 list this year.
MAC Championship Game
Ohio vs Central Michigan
MAC Champ
Central Michigan
2009 Conference USA Preview
C-USA is not exactly a BCS conference, but it does have a couple of Giant Killers in Southern Miss, Tulsa and last years one hit wonder East Carolina who knocked off Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Yet this could still field a team in a BCS Bowl game, provided that one can go unbeaten, or a damn good one loss team. Having a conference championship game helps, but to be a contender, they may need to drop the Liberty Bowl or move it until on or after January 1 to help give them more of a high profile.
C-USA East
1. Southern Miss-Not only known for being a giant killer and Brett Favre's alma mater, the Golden Eagles enter Larry Fedora's 2nd season as HC, and have a lot of weapons returning-19, the most in the conference. The schedule also favors the Eagles with a late season showdown at East Carolina that could decide the East. The schedule only features 1 potential NC big timer in Kansas, so this could be the year the Golden Eagles make it to the big show-if they stay healthy.
2. East Carolina-Skip Holtz and his Pirates pulled a couple of big upsets, yet faltered down the stretch and found a way to win C-USA. The problems for the Pirates this season may be the defense-they are near last in yards allowed. The offense is in great shape however and it looks like shootouts are going to be plentiful this year.
3. UCF-George O'Leary's team flip flops more than a politician. One year they have a winning season, the next the basement. I'll take the winning season this year, they have a tough Defense and a young offense last year is more veteran this year. Odd numbered years favor the Knights, but with Southern and East Carolina in strong shape, the Knights don't go the Championship game this year.
4. Marhsall-Gone are the days that Chad Pennington hooked up with Randy Moss for big TD passes, and the Thundering Herd being one of the most impressive teams in Div I-A. But those days could soon come back. Mark Snyder is on a warm, if not hot seat this year, but with 16 startes back, the Thundering Herd could break out this season.
5. UAB-Neil Callaway enters year 3 with one of the most starter heavy teams in C-USA, returning all 11 on Offense and 7 on defense. The bad news, well they went 4-8 with this bunch a year ago. The good news is for Callaway year 3 in his offenses have put up big numbers (Georgia and Alabama are proof). This scrappy team could be at .500 or better this year.
6. Memphis-Tommy West may be out if things don't change quickly. While his offenses are exciting, the wins don't show up. The Tigers return 12 starters this year (7 on defense) and the limited offense experience is going to show. Don't be surprised if West is out before the end of the season.
C-USA West
1. Houston-This is year 2 of the Kevin Sumlin era, and the Cougars may just be hte best team you haven't heard of. Even though the defense returns a paltry 4 starters, but have 5 senior starters on that unit, and they are hungry. I am giving the Cougars the edge, despite road trips at UTEP and Tulsa, because this is a very talented team.
2. Tulsa-The Golden Hurricanes can trip up bigger powers than they are in any sport. This year Todd Graham has his hands full, as only 5 starters return on offense, while his defense should carry them this year with 8 back on that side. Big game is Sept 19 when they travel to Norman to face off against Oklahoma.
3. UTEP=Mike Price has done a great job transforming a losing program into a respectable one here in El Paso. 15 starters (8 on offense) coming back is good news for the Miners, but WR ?'s linger on the offense, while the defense has a couple of DB's converted to LB. I think they have the talent to win the division, but that's why they play the games.
4. Tulane-My first shock pick here, as universally Tulane is last. I have a bit more optimisim about the Green Wave because of HC Bob Toledo. He has done a great job recruiting, and has 13 starters, with 7 on offense that includes the QB and RB. The athletes are there for the Greenies, but they still have a way to go.
5. Rice-Often the but of jokes, this has had recent success. The Defense has to carry the Owls this season (9 back) while the offense has only 4 back on a team that went 10-3 last year. The Owls have a lot of growing up to do, but expect a contender in 2010.
6. SMU-June Jones is trying to get the program to the success of the 1980's without the NCAA probations that killed the program later in that decade. The problem last year is that SMU switched from an option oriented attack to the Run and Shoot, and that hurt this team. The defense was average, but being put in bad situations meant short field situations a plenty. While they will be more competitive, don't expect a miracle turnaround in 2009.
C-USA Championship Game
Southern Miss vs Houston
Southern Miss overall champion
C-USA East
1. Southern Miss-Not only known for being a giant killer and Brett Favre's alma mater, the Golden Eagles enter Larry Fedora's 2nd season as HC, and have a lot of weapons returning-19, the most in the conference. The schedule also favors the Eagles with a late season showdown at East Carolina that could decide the East. The schedule only features 1 potential NC big timer in Kansas, so this could be the year the Golden Eagles make it to the big show-if they stay healthy.
2. East Carolina-Skip Holtz and his Pirates pulled a couple of big upsets, yet faltered down the stretch and found a way to win C-USA. The problems for the Pirates this season may be the defense-they are near last in yards allowed. The offense is in great shape however and it looks like shootouts are going to be plentiful this year.
3. UCF-George O'Leary's team flip flops more than a politician. One year they have a winning season, the next the basement. I'll take the winning season this year, they have a tough Defense and a young offense last year is more veteran this year. Odd numbered years favor the Knights, but with Southern and East Carolina in strong shape, the Knights don't go the Championship game this year.
4. Marhsall-Gone are the days that Chad Pennington hooked up with Randy Moss for big TD passes, and the Thundering Herd being one of the most impressive teams in Div I-A. But those days could soon come back. Mark Snyder is on a warm, if not hot seat this year, but with 16 startes back, the Thundering Herd could break out this season.
5. UAB-Neil Callaway enters year 3 with one of the most starter heavy teams in C-USA, returning all 11 on Offense and 7 on defense. The bad news, well they went 4-8 with this bunch a year ago. The good news is for Callaway year 3 in his offenses have put up big numbers (Georgia and Alabama are proof). This scrappy team could be at .500 or better this year.
6. Memphis-Tommy West may be out if things don't change quickly. While his offenses are exciting, the wins don't show up. The Tigers return 12 starters this year (7 on defense) and the limited offense experience is going to show. Don't be surprised if West is out before the end of the season.
C-USA West
1. Houston-This is year 2 of the Kevin Sumlin era, and the Cougars may just be hte best team you haven't heard of. Even though the defense returns a paltry 4 starters, but have 5 senior starters on that unit, and they are hungry. I am giving the Cougars the edge, despite road trips at UTEP and Tulsa, because this is a very talented team.
2. Tulsa-The Golden Hurricanes can trip up bigger powers than they are in any sport. This year Todd Graham has his hands full, as only 5 starters return on offense, while his defense should carry them this year with 8 back on that side. Big game is Sept 19 when they travel to Norman to face off against Oklahoma.
3. UTEP=Mike Price has done a great job transforming a losing program into a respectable one here in El Paso. 15 starters (8 on offense) coming back is good news for the Miners, but WR ?'s linger on the offense, while the defense has a couple of DB's converted to LB. I think they have the talent to win the division, but that's why they play the games.
4. Tulane-My first shock pick here, as universally Tulane is last. I have a bit more optimisim about the Green Wave because of HC Bob Toledo. He has done a great job recruiting, and has 13 starters, with 7 on offense that includes the QB and RB. The athletes are there for the Greenies, but they still have a way to go.
5. Rice-Often the but of jokes, this has had recent success. The Defense has to carry the Owls this season (9 back) while the offense has only 4 back on a team that went 10-3 last year. The Owls have a lot of growing up to do, but expect a contender in 2010.
6. SMU-June Jones is trying to get the program to the success of the 1980's without the NCAA probations that killed the program later in that decade. The problem last year is that SMU switched from an option oriented attack to the Run and Shoot, and that hurt this team. The defense was average, but being put in bad situations meant short field situations a plenty. While they will be more competitive, don't expect a miracle turnaround in 2009.
C-USA Championship Game
Southern Miss vs Houston
Southern Miss overall champion
Sunday, June 21, 2009
2009 Independent Preview
Only 3 teams remain here, after having 5 members a few years ago. So this isn't much of a review-except for Notre Dame. But this does feature my best rivalry: Army vs Navy which is always a special game for many reasons. Let's roll!
Army-When rival Navy hired Paul Johnson they rose high in the ranks of college football with their triple option offense and found ways to achieve success on the field, leading to bowl berths. Army hopes they have the same formula for success by hiring Cal-Poly HC Rich Ellerson. Army was at their best when they used this type of offense, but the good news is he should have the line to pull it off. The RB's are a bit small (5'8 190 lb average) but Sr FB Bryson Carl (6'0 245) should grind out the short yards quite well. The defense which was an improving unit last year will carry the Black Knights this year. Army will be back to the competitive level this year, since a lot of tools are in place to make a run, but no bowl game this year.
2. Navy-Ken Niumatalolo enters his 2nd year, and looks to continue the success that Paul Johnson brought here. He kept the offense the same, but this year has to break in 7 new starters, but since this is a system offense they should do fine. The defense is the strength of this team, and with 7 men back from last year should be the backbone of the Midshipmen. Circle the game Nov 7 at Notre Dame, as this is the big National stage in midseason. If the Midshipmen keep it close, or pull the upset, it will be a signature win for Niumatalolo and will give Navy 2 wins in the last 3 over the Irish. The big game, possibly for the Commander in Chief trophy will be Dec 12 when they play Army.
1. Notre Dame-This is make or break for Charlie Weiss. He kept his job last season (surprisingly) after losing to Syracuse which was a sorry excuse for a football team last year. But there is good news, Weiss is calling the plays as he did the 1st 3 years at ND, and it seems that Jon Tenuda will handle calling the Defense's signals (but still will share DC duties with Corwin Brown). This isn't the ND of old, when their O-line blasted your DL off the line of scrimmage, but now a finesse offense. The Irish snapped their losing streak in Bowl games last season, but fans and alumni want more results. Jimmy Clausen should be ready to put up Brady Quinn numbers, and RB Armando Allen, Jr should keep defenses honest. On defense, the secondary may be their best asset, as the front 7 has depth, but not a lot of starting experience. The schedule has the usual winnable games (Nevada, Army, Navy) and the game which they will get plastered, USC, but playing them in October may help. The Trojans typically lose a game in October they shouldn't and it could happen in South Bend. I predict a 9-3 record with a New Years Day bowl game for the Irish. But if they struggle this year, look for Weiss to be bought out, and a big name new hire to replace him.
Army-When rival Navy hired Paul Johnson they rose high in the ranks of college football with their triple option offense and found ways to achieve success on the field, leading to bowl berths. Army hopes they have the same formula for success by hiring Cal-Poly HC Rich Ellerson. Army was at their best when they used this type of offense, but the good news is he should have the line to pull it off. The RB's are a bit small (5'8 190 lb average) but Sr FB Bryson Carl (6'0 245) should grind out the short yards quite well. The defense which was an improving unit last year will carry the Black Knights this year. Army will be back to the competitive level this year, since a lot of tools are in place to make a run, but no bowl game this year.
2. Navy-Ken Niumatalolo enters his 2nd year, and looks to continue the success that Paul Johnson brought here. He kept the offense the same, but this year has to break in 7 new starters, but since this is a system offense they should do fine. The defense is the strength of this team, and with 7 men back from last year should be the backbone of the Midshipmen. Circle the game Nov 7 at Notre Dame, as this is the big National stage in midseason. If the Midshipmen keep it close, or pull the upset, it will be a signature win for Niumatalolo and will give Navy 2 wins in the last 3 over the Irish. The big game, possibly for the Commander in Chief trophy will be Dec 12 when they play Army.
1. Notre Dame-This is make or break for Charlie Weiss. He kept his job last season (surprisingly) after losing to Syracuse which was a sorry excuse for a football team last year. But there is good news, Weiss is calling the plays as he did the 1st 3 years at ND, and it seems that Jon Tenuda will handle calling the Defense's signals (but still will share DC duties with Corwin Brown). This isn't the ND of old, when their O-line blasted your DL off the line of scrimmage, but now a finesse offense. The Irish snapped their losing streak in Bowl games last season, but fans and alumni want more results. Jimmy Clausen should be ready to put up Brady Quinn numbers, and RB Armando Allen, Jr should keep defenses honest. On defense, the secondary may be their best asset, as the front 7 has depth, but not a lot of starting experience. The schedule has the usual winnable games (Nevada, Army, Navy) and the game which they will get plastered, USC, but playing them in October may help. The Trojans typically lose a game in October they shouldn't and it could happen in South Bend. I predict a 9-3 record with a New Years Day bowl game for the Irish. But if they struggle this year, look for Weiss to be bought out, and a big name new hire to replace him.
2009 Sun Belt Conference Preview
This is only the 9th season this conference has been playing football, believe it or not. Most of the members played in I-AA and moved up to be I-A. The good news is that they will be a little more visible on the national scene signing a TV deal with ESPN. The real money maker for the conference members is being placed on schedules of major programs like LSU, Florida, Ohio St, etc.
2009 Prediction
9. Western Kentucky-The Hilltoppers maybe shouldn't have moved up. They went 2-10 last year, and return most of their players. The problem is breaking in a new QB, which if they didn't have to would mean they might push for 4 or 5 wins. WHile they may be a sleeping giant, they aren't world beaters yet. Let's see how they are in 2 years.
8. Florida International-The Panthers may be most remembered for an on field fight with Miami a few years ago, but Mario Cristobal wants to change that. For a team that finished 5-7 last year, that is a feat since they were winless a couple of years ago. This might be the best offense, but a new OC (Bill Legg from Purdue) and a handful of defensive starters returning make this a rebuilding year for the Golden Panthers
7. North Texas-Todd Dodge was the most accomplished High School coach in the state of Texas, which got him this job. But he hasn't done bad. The talent is starting to come in, and they are closer to competing with not only conference teams, but also some of the BCS schools. The defense will carry the load this year, but should improve from the 1-11 season of a year ago.
6. Middle Tennessee-The Blue Raiders will host an SEC team in Miss St this season, a first for them. WIth 10 starters on offense returning this could be a great year on that side ofthe ball, but 6 return on defense meaning a possible repeat of 5-7, but I predict 6-6. WIth imporved recruiting, and more potential TV time, this could be a program that leaps forward in 2010.
5. UL-Lafayette-The Ragin Cajuns have lost their top QB, RB and WR from last years team. So why this high? The top teams in this conference come to Lafayette. ULL is a great home team (Upset Texas A&M here a while back), and the fan support is back. Ricky Bustle has done a great job here, but this might be his toughest one yet. He has a strong defense, and RB depth which will help his team grind out close games in 2009.
4. UL-Monroe-Charlie Weatherbie made changes in his staff: Co-OC's in Vance Vince and his son Jonas Weatherbie. The new DC is Troy Reffett from UTEP. The good news-17 returning starters, 9 on defense. The top of the schedule is tough, Texas in Week 1 and Arizona St in week 3. But if they go 2-2 to start the season, this could be the surprise champ of this league. Keep an eye on Oct 24 when they play Kentucky which could be an upset.
3. Florida Atlantic-Howard Schnellenberger (Yes the man who built Miami, Fl and Louisville) is still coaching, and maybe doing his best work. The reason why they won't win the SB this year is defense-3 starters return. The offense lead by a healthy Rusty Smith at QB should roll some big numbers, but he hasn't played a full season due to injuries. If he stays healthy, look for his draft stock to rise, and FAU to go Bowling again.
2. Troy-The Trojans of the South have a lot in common with their namesakes on the West Coast-an exciting offense and a hard hitting defense. That is just about it, but this team did outgain Ohio St and had LSU on the ropes 31-3 last season. I would have them winning this league, but the defense will have a lot of questions with 5 returning starters. Their only big NC game is Florida on Sept 12, I don't count Bowling Green on Sept 3 as a major opponent (for Troy). With a very large and talented recruiting class, Troy could still win, but won't get past the top team.
1. Arkansas St.-The Red Wolves return 15 starters (8 on Defense) and have spaced out big games with Nebraska and Iowa. The good news is they will be rested and healed going into the meat of the SB schedule. Steve Roberts has done a great job here, with the Thunder and Lightning RB's, and the scrappy defense. Look for them to make a splash in New Orleans in December, but not before rolling through the Sun Belt in physical fashion.
2009 Prediction
9. Western Kentucky-The Hilltoppers maybe shouldn't have moved up. They went 2-10 last year, and return most of their players. The problem is breaking in a new QB, which if they didn't have to would mean they might push for 4 or 5 wins. WHile they may be a sleeping giant, they aren't world beaters yet. Let's see how they are in 2 years.
8. Florida International-The Panthers may be most remembered for an on field fight with Miami a few years ago, but Mario Cristobal wants to change that. For a team that finished 5-7 last year, that is a feat since they were winless a couple of years ago. This might be the best offense, but a new OC (Bill Legg from Purdue) and a handful of defensive starters returning make this a rebuilding year for the Golden Panthers
7. North Texas-Todd Dodge was the most accomplished High School coach in the state of Texas, which got him this job. But he hasn't done bad. The talent is starting to come in, and they are closer to competing with not only conference teams, but also some of the BCS schools. The defense will carry the load this year, but should improve from the 1-11 season of a year ago.
6. Middle Tennessee-The Blue Raiders will host an SEC team in Miss St this season, a first for them. WIth 10 starters on offense returning this could be a great year on that side ofthe ball, but 6 return on defense meaning a possible repeat of 5-7, but I predict 6-6. WIth imporved recruiting, and more potential TV time, this could be a program that leaps forward in 2010.
5. UL-Lafayette-The Ragin Cajuns have lost their top QB, RB and WR from last years team. So why this high? The top teams in this conference come to Lafayette. ULL is a great home team (Upset Texas A&M here a while back), and the fan support is back. Ricky Bustle has done a great job here, but this might be his toughest one yet. He has a strong defense, and RB depth which will help his team grind out close games in 2009.
4. UL-Monroe-Charlie Weatherbie made changes in his staff: Co-OC's in Vance Vince and his son Jonas Weatherbie. The new DC is Troy Reffett from UTEP. The good news-17 returning starters, 9 on defense. The top of the schedule is tough, Texas in Week 1 and Arizona St in week 3. But if they go 2-2 to start the season, this could be the surprise champ of this league. Keep an eye on Oct 24 when they play Kentucky which could be an upset.
3. Florida Atlantic-Howard Schnellenberger (Yes the man who built Miami, Fl and Louisville) is still coaching, and maybe doing his best work. The reason why they won't win the SB this year is defense-3 starters return. The offense lead by a healthy Rusty Smith at QB should roll some big numbers, but he hasn't played a full season due to injuries. If he stays healthy, look for his draft stock to rise, and FAU to go Bowling again.
2. Troy-The Trojans of the South have a lot in common with their namesakes on the West Coast-an exciting offense and a hard hitting defense. That is just about it, but this team did outgain Ohio St and had LSU on the ropes 31-3 last season. I would have them winning this league, but the defense will have a lot of questions with 5 returning starters. Their only big NC game is Florida on Sept 12, I don't count Bowling Green on Sept 3 as a major opponent (for Troy). With a very large and talented recruiting class, Troy could still win, but won't get past the top team.
1. Arkansas St.-The Red Wolves return 15 starters (8 on Defense) and have spaced out big games with Nebraska and Iowa. The good news is they will be rested and healed going into the meat of the SB schedule. Steve Roberts has done a great job here, with the Thunder and Lightning RB's, and the scrappy defense. Look for them to make a splash in New Orleans in December, but not before rolling through the Sun Belt in physical fashion.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
College Review Coming Soon!
In the next few weeks I will analyze the new hires of College Football similar to the way I did the NFL. Right now the draft is my concern, so for now college is on the back burner.
The State of Minority Candidates
Whenever there is a coaching change, especially in football, attention is turned to who will replace him. Unfortunately some people, like for instance those who work for ESPN complain about the lack of black coaches getting hired. When given an opportunity to justify their claims, it is given that 85% of the teams in the NFL consist of black players, so naturally it is assumed that a black coach can more effectively reach these players better than a white head coach could. By this line of reasoning, if it is true, the only way for players in the NFL to be happy and successful is if the NFL had all 32 of its coaches to be black. That line of reasoning is showing that the personalities at ESPN favor Segregation. Now it is turning to the front office personnel and owners. I am going to offer ESPN a solution-start your own damn football league! You could make it to where only minorities can be the owner, GM and the head coach. All of your players could be black and all the assistants, referees and players are all black. Now how ridiculous does that sound? Very!
The Rooney Rule is in place where all NFL teams must interview a minority candidate for any head coaching opening. I can only recall a couple of coaches who have benefited from this rule recently-Jim Caldwell and Raheem Morris got interviews with other teams, and landed the head coaching gigs at their current teams. Do these men deserve their jobs? Yes-but not based on their skin color. Jim Caldwell laid the foundation at the NCAA as the head coach of Wake Forest. Caldwell laid the foundation for the current success of Wake. Raheem Morris was a defensive assistant who was elevated to Defensive Coordiantor for Tampa Bay. He interviewed with Denver so that they would be in compliance w/ the Rooney Rule and when Jon Gruden was fired, Morris was named the head coach. I like the hire, mostly because of what I have seen from him while on the Sidelines. He is young, intense and can motivate players very well. He is like his predecessor when he took over Oakland-young, never been a coordinator (In an NFL game), and intense. Now flip to Tony Dungy, now retired and Lovie Smith. Both men excelled as DC's in the NFL, and met up in the Super Bowl a few years ago. They have done excellent jobs with both their teams and deserve all the accolades they have received. Do I think they needed the Rooney Rule? No. These men got their jobs on their own and busted their butts to be the best in the game. There may have been a time when this type of rule was needed, but it no longer is. Interviewing minority candidates for the sake of being compliant with a rule is insulting. Some minority coaches have even refused to interview if they know the team has already made a hire. With most of the assistant coaches in the NFL classified racially as being minorities, one can assume that the majority of coaching hires in the next few years will be better for these candidates.
Some are proposing a similar rule for College Football. Again, this is a bad idea. If the coach is fired, and yes it has happened he can sue the University for being fired because he was black. This happened at UL-Lafayette when they fired Jerry Baldwin after 3 years, and hired a white head coach to replace him. Baldwin, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a devoutly religious man filed a suit against the University claiming he was fired because he was black. It probably had more to do with the 8-25 record he compiled in his 3 years as head coach than his race did, but a judge did see it his way and he was rewarded an undisclosed sum of money, but later reports said it was about $3 million. That alone would alarm an NCAA School President and AD from hiring a minority candidate, or at the very least very apprehensive. If a hire is made in the SEC, Big 10, Pac 10, or other big BCS Conference they are demeaned for not hiring a black candidate, but nobody cares if the SWAC and MEAC, both conferences that are represented by historically black colleges, aren't demeaned for not hiring a white head coach. This where I believe the double standard exists in the big sports media.
Everyone soured on Rush Limbaugh when he made comments about Donovan McNabb being propped up by the media because they wanted a black quarterback to succeed. When he criticized his play, he was fired from ESPN. At the time, McNabb's stats were average; he used that publicity to reinvigorate his career and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl the next season. But Rush was dead on right with his analysis at the time. Rex Grossman was the flip side story here, and criticism of him remained even as he helped the Bears to a Super Bowl, only to lose partially because of his play. If Grossman had been black, I could bet you his criticism never would have been so high. The point that Rush wanted to prove is that it is okay to criticize a player if they are not doing so well, regardless of what the color of the player's skin is. From where I stand it still is.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." This quote by Dr. Martin Luther King is my favorite quote from him in his "I Have A Dream" speech. Unfortunately we live in an elitist race obsessed society fueled by our media. It has spilled over into sports, and the NFL and College Football in particular. When it comes to coaching, it shouldn't matter if the coach is white, black or Hispanic. A forgotten footnote in Football is that Tony Dungy was not the first minority coach to win a Super Bowl, it was Tom Flores of the Raiders. The truth is the state of minority candidates is a lot better now than it was 20 years ago, but rules do not need to be made to spur them on. They should not be judged solely on their skin color, but the content of their character. And the only things that fans will care about is if their team won on Saturday or Sunday. Winning is colorblind, as the searches for head coaches should be.
The Rooney Rule is in place where all NFL teams must interview a minority candidate for any head coaching opening. I can only recall a couple of coaches who have benefited from this rule recently-Jim Caldwell and Raheem Morris got interviews with other teams, and landed the head coaching gigs at their current teams. Do these men deserve their jobs? Yes-but not based on their skin color. Jim Caldwell laid the foundation at the NCAA as the head coach of Wake Forest. Caldwell laid the foundation for the current success of Wake. Raheem Morris was a defensive assistant who was elevated to Defensive Coordiantor for Tampa Bay. He interviewed with Denver so that they would be in compliance w/ the Rooney Rule and when Jon Gruden was fired, Morris was named the head coach. I like the hire, mostly because of what I have seen from him while on the Sidelines. He is young, intense and can motivate players very well. He is like his predecessor when he took over Oakland-young, never been a coordinator (In an NFL game), and intense. Now flip to Tony Dungy, now retired and Lovie Smith. Both men excelled as DC's in the NFL, and met up in the Super Bowl a few years ago. They have done excellent jobs with both their teams and deserve all the accolades they have received. Do I think they needed the Rooney Rule? No. These men got their jobs on their own and busted their butts to be the best in the game. There may have been a time when this type of rule was needed, but it no longer is. Interviewing minority candidates for the sake of being compliant with a rule is insulting. Some minority coaches have even refused to interview if they know the team has already made a hire. With most of the assistant coaches in the NFL classified racially as being minorities, one can assume that the majority of coaching hires in the next few years will be better for these candidates.
Some are proposing a similar rule for College Football. Again, this is a bad idea. If the coach is fired, and yes it has happened he can sue the University for being fired because he was black. This happened at UL-Lafayette when they fired Jerry Baldwin after 3 years, and hired a white head coach to replace him. Baldwin, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a devoutly religious man filed a suit against the University claiming he was fired because he was black. It probably had more to do with the 8-25 record he compiled in his 3 years as head coach than his race did, but a judge did see it his way and he was rewarded an undisclosed sum of money, but later reports said it was about $3 million. That alone would alarm an NCAA School President and AD from hiring a minority candidate, or at the very least very apprehensive. If a hire is made in the SEC, Big 10, Pac 10, or other big BCS Conference they are demeaned for not hiring a black candidate, but nobody cares if the SWAC and MEAC, both conferences that are represented by historically black colleges, aren't demeaned for not hiring a white head coach. This where I believe the double standard exists in the big sports media.
Everyone soured on Rush Limbaugh when he made comments about Donovan McNabb being propped up by the media because they wanted a black quarterback to succeed. When he criticized his play, he was fired from ESPN. At the time, McNabb's stats were average; he used that publicity to reinvigorate his career and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl the next season. But Rush was dead on right with his analysis at the time. Rex Grossman was the flip side story here, and criticism of him remained even as he helped the Bears to a Super Bowl, only to lose partially because of his play. If Grossman had been black, I could bet you his criticism never would have been so high. The point that Rush wanted to prove is that it is okay to criticize a player if they are not doing so well, regardless of what the color of the player's skin is. From where I stand it still is.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." This quote by Dr. Martin Luther King is my favorite quote from him in his "I Have A Dream" speech. Unfortunately we live in an elitist race obsessed society fueled by our media. It has spilled over into sports, and the NFL and College Football in particular. When it comes to coaching, it shouldn't matter if the coach is white, black or Hispanic. A forgotten footnote in Football is that Tony Dungy was not the first minority coach to win a Super Bowl, it was Tom Flores of the Raiders. The truth is the state of minority candidates is a lot better now than it was 20 years ago, but rules do not need to be made to spur them on. They should not be judged solely on their skin color, but the content of their character. And the only things that fans will care about is if their team won on Saturday or Sunday. Winning is colorblind, as the searches for head coaches should be.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
College Football Coming Soon!
The lazy days of summer bring a new season of college football! I hope to get some news posted here soon. I'll review the new coaches hired and offer some tidbits on my take of college football.
New NFL Coaches
Every year there are hires and fires in the NFL, or a legendary coach steps down. So how will they fare? Lets take a look at them.
Detroit-Jim Schwartz. If a coach cracks a joke in his debut press conference he is either a John McKay type clone, or another long line of Detroit failures. The Lions seem to be aggressive, adding some help in LB Julian Peterson. There is a lot of pressure to see how Schwartz can handle the draft. Me? I would go for the OT. Once you build that line, everything should fall into place. The Roy Williams trade with Dallas gives them extra picks. As for the hire, the last time Detroit had success was bringing in a proven head coach in Bobby Ross. Matt Millen is gone as GM, so the front office should be a bit more organized, but a strong GM like a Parcells or Polian type is needed to get things right here. I give them a C on the hire, but Schwartz needs 3 drafts to fix this mess.
St Louis-Steve Spagnuolo. Better known as the man whose defense cost the Pats a perfect season, the Disciple of Jim Johnson gets a head gig a year later than expected. The good news, his defense isn't too bad. The bad news is the offense has literally nothing. The Rams have once again hired a hot named coordinator for their head gig, but I think Spag's youth and enthusiasm can spread to a young team. While not as dire as Detroit, he needs 2 good drafts. I give them a B.
Kansas City-Todd Haley. The Chiefs have a new GM in Scott Pioli who helped turn the Patriots into a force of nature. He has reached out to Todd Haley, the OC for the Cardinals who has been responsible for their huge offensive turnaround last year. The bad news is Haley doesn't have Larry Fitzgerald here. But they do have Matt Cassell, who might be the answer at QB. Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez have uncertain futures, but Dwayne Bowe is a consistent WR and should help in the passing game. The defense is young and solid, but haven't had an impact player since the late and always great Derrick Thomas. GM hire is an A, Haley gets a B minus.
Seattle-Jim Mora, Jr. Mike Holmgren is gone, and taking his place is an experienced head coach. Jim Mora Jr has more playoff wins than his father, but is not inheriting the same type of team he did in Atlanta. He might be able to get the right weapons, but this is a rebuilding job at best. The good thing is the NFC West is weak, so a bad record could get you into the playoffs. The bad thing is the top team went to the Super Bowl. I'm not sure this is the right fit, but Mora is where he wants to be in the state of Washington, just not as the head coach of the Huskies. I have to give them a D. An outside coach could do a lot better here than an insider.
Oakland-Tom Cable. The problem isn't the head coach in Oakland, it's Al Davis. I thought that until Lane Kiffen opened his mouth at Tennessee. Tom Cable had the Raiders finish strong under the interim tag, but can he roll that over to 2009? In JaMarcus Russell, he has the QB with the strongest arm in the NFL; but he has been inconsistent. The offense, except the line looks good but the Raiders need defensive help more in this draft. The Raiders need Davis to stay out of the way, and transition to a strong front office man. I give the hire an F because I think Cable won't last more than 2 years. Plus nobody really wanted the job.
San Francisco-Mike Singletary. When Mike Singletary played for the Bears, he had his eyes wide open, and could scan the field and take out whoever had the ball. There is a QB competition b/t Shaun Hill and possible bust Alex Smith, but from all accounts it is going well. The transition to a smash mouth offense fits the personality of the coach, but maybe not the team personnel. The defense looks to be in good hands, and the future looks bright. But the only knock is history-great players do not always make good head coaches. But things look good so far. I give the 49ers an A for the retention of last years interim coach.
NY Jets-Rex Ryan. Rex Ryan brings a strong pedigree of defensive coaching to his first gig as head coach. His father Buddy helped the Bears go 15-1 and dominate Super Bowl XX, but failed as a head man in Philly and Arizona. After Mangini and Favre last year, the Jets should have made the playoffs, but lets be realistic, this was a 9-7 team last year. It seems the offense will remain the same, but a QB has to be found, and I doubt the draft will help there, unless Sanchez is still on the board. In Baltimore, Rex Ryan had one of the best defensive units ever assembled. In the Jets, well, they aren't the Ravens. But all things considered, I give them a C, this is another Mangini.
Cleveland-Eric Mangini. He had Brett Favre's drama last year, so welcome to the Derrick Anderson and Brady Quin fiasco. Mangini may have deserved to be fired from the Jets, but this might be a better fit. The athletes are better, younger and can be molded into what he wants them to be. Since the Browns returned to the NFL they never brought in an experienced NFL head coach, and that is also a plus. Once hte QB issue is resolved, and the defense can be fine tuned, this could be a good unit. But remember this is the same system used by Romeo Crennel and the same pedigree. Oh boy. B minus.
Tampa Bay-Raheem Morris. Okay, here is the story of an assistant who becomes a coordinator, is interviewed by a team only to fulfill the Rooney Rule, and then is made the head coach after his boss is fired. Raheem Morris is that man, but is he the right fit? Everything is against him: never been a head coach on any level, no coordinator experience, etc. That's why he may just be the right man for the job. His predecessor had success in Oakland before jumping ship to Tampa. The Bucs are releasing long time older players, and are experiencing a youth movement. This youth movement may take a while, but this is undoubtedly the most intriguing off season hire in the NFL. The Bucs get a B.
Denver-Josh McDaniels. Like Spag's, Josh McDaniels is someone who could have been a head man in 2008. But this looks like a big mess. Turmoil and uncertainty have gripped the locker room (at least on the surface). Say what you will about all the great things Mike Shannahan did at Denver, they were only a .500 team the last few years. I question this hire because Denver could have used Spag's more than this guy. The Broncos had problems defensively, and needed that mind set. Guess who gets the F?
Indianapolis-Jim Caldwell. Tony Dungy hand picked this man to replace him. And with good reason. The success at Wake Forest can be traced to Jim Caldwell. His no nonsense and no excuses approach isn't a 180, and his laid back attitude makes him the right fit. Being Peyton Manning's position coach made his previouis Colts job easy, but to fill in for Tony Dungy, and make a seamless transition is tougher. But they have the right guy to do it. His offensive philosophy is different from the conservative Dungy, just look at his records Wake put up in his tenure. This is the only A plus given out here.
Detroit-Jim Schwartz. If a coach cracks a joke in his debut press conference he is either a John McKay type clone, or another long line of Detroit failures. The Lions seem to be aggressive, adding some help in LB Julian Peterson. There is a lot of pressure to see how Schwartz can handle the draft. Me? I would go for the OT. Once you build that line, everything should fall into place. The Roy Williams trade with Dallas gives them extra picks. As for the hire, the last time Detroit had success was bringing in a proven head coach in Bobby Ross. Matt Millen is gone as GM, so the front office should be a bit more organized, but a strong GM like a Parcells or Polian type is needed to get things right here. I give them a C on the hire, but Schwartz needs 3 drafts to fix this mess.
St Louis-Steve Spagnuolo. Better known as the man whose defense cost the Pats a perfect season, the Disciple of Jim Johnson gets a head gig a year later than expected. The good news, his defense isn't too bad. The bad news is the offense has literally nothing. The Rams have once again hired a hot named coordinator for their head gig, but I think Spag's youth and enthusiasm can spread to a young team. While not as dire as Detroit, he needs 2 good drafts. I give them a B.
Kansas City-Todd Haley. The Chiefs have a new GM in Scott Pioli who helped turn the Patriots into a force of nature. He has reached out to Todd Haley, the OC for the Cardinals who has been responsible for their huge offensive turnaround last year. The bad news is Haley doesn't have Larry Fitzgerald here. But they do have Matt Cassell, who might be the answer at QB. Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez have uncertain futures, but Dwayne Bowe is a consistent WR and should help in the passing game. The defense is young and solid, but haven't had an impact player since the late and always great Derrick Thomas. GM hire is an A, Haley gets a B minus.
Seattle-Jim Mora, Jr. Mike Holmgren is gone, and taking his place is an experienced head coach. Jim Mora Jr has more playoff wins than his father, but is not inheriting the same type of team he did in Atlanta. He might be able to get the right weapons, but this is a rebuilding job at best. The good thing is the NFC West is weak, so a bad record could get you into the playoffs. The bad thing is the top team went to the Super Bowl. I'm not sure this is the right fit, but Mora is where he wants to be in the state of Washington, just not as the head coach of the Huskies. I have to give them a D. An outside coach could do a lot better here than an insider.
Oakland-Tom Cable. The problem isn't the head coach in Oakland, it's Al Davis. I thought that until Lane Kiffen opened his mouth at Tennessee. Tom Cable had the Raiders finish strong under the interim tag, but can he roll that over to 2009? In JaMarcus Russell, he has the QB with the strongest arm in the NFL; but he has been inconsistent. The offense, except the line looks good but the Raiders need defensive help more in this draft. The Raiders need Davis to stay out of the way, and transition to a strong front office man. I give the hire an F because I think Cable won't last more than 2 years. Plus nobody really wanted the job.
San Francisco-Mike Singletary. When Mike Singletary played for the Bears, he had his eyes wide open, and could scan the field and take out whoever had the ball. There is a QB competition b/t Shaun Hill and possible bust Alex Smith, but from all accounts it is going well. The transition to a smash mouth offense fits the personality of the coach, but maybe not the team personnel. The defense looks to be in good hands, and the future looks bright. But the only knock is history-great players do not always make good head coaches. But things look good so far. I give the 49ers an A for the retention of last years interim coach.
NY Jets-Rex Ryan. Rex Ryan brings a strong pedigree of defensive coaching to his first gig as head coach. His father Buddy helped the Bears go 15-1 and dominate Super Bowl XX, but failed as a head man in Philly and Arizona. After Mangini and Favre last year, the Jets should have made the playoffs, but lets be realistic, this was a 9-7 team last year. It seems the offense will remain the same, but a QB has to be found, and I doubt the draft will help there, unless Sanchez is still on the board. In Baltimore, Rex Ryan had one of the best defensive units ever assembled. In the Jets, well, they aren't the Ravens. But all things considered, I give them a C, this is another Mangini.
Cleveland-Eric Mangini. He had Brett Favre's drama last year, so welcome to the Derrick Anderson and Brady Quin fiasco. Mangini may have deserved to be fired from the Jets, but this might be a better fit. The athletes are better, younger and can be molded into what he wants them to be. Since the Browns returned to the NFL they never brought in an experienced NFL head coach, and that is also a plus. Once hte QB issue is resolved, and the defense can be fine tuned, this could be a good unit. But remember this is the same system used by Romeo Crennel and the same pedigree. Oh boy. B minus.
Tampa Bay-Raheem Morris. Okay, here is the story of an assistant who becomes a coordinator, is interviewed by a team only to fulfill the Rooney Rule, and then is made the head coach after his boss is fired. Raheem Morris is that man, but is he the right fit? Everything is against him: never been a head coach on any level, no coordinator experience, etc. That's why he may just be the right man for the job. His predecessor had success in Oakland before jumping ship to Tampa. The Bucs are releasing long time older players, and are experiencing a youth movement. This youth movement may take a while, but this is undoubtedly the most intriguing off season hire in the NFL. The Bucs get a B.
Denver-Josh McDaniels. Like Spag's, Josh McDaniels is someone who could have been a head man in 2008. But this looks like a big mess. Turmoil and uncertainty have gripped the locker room (at least on the surface). Say what you will about all the great things Mike Shannahan did at Denver, they were only a .500 team the last few years. I question this hire because Denver could have used Spag's more than this guy. The Broncos had problems defensively, and needed that mind set. Guess who gets the F?
Indianapolis-Jim Caldwell. Tony Dungy hand picked this man to replace him. And with good reason. The success at Wake Forest can be traced to Jim Caldwell. His no nonsense and no excuses approach isn't a 180, and his laid back attitude makes him the right fit. Being Peyton Manning's position coach made his previouis Colts job easy, but to fill in for Tony Dungy, and make a seamless transition is tougher. But they have the right guy to do it. His offensive philosophy is different from the conservative Dungy, just look at his records Wake put up in his tenure. This is the only A plus given out here.
Back in the Saddle-2009 NFL Draft Needs
After a personally terrible 2008, I am back in the game for 2009. The NFL Draft is 4 weeks away, and I am working overtime to get this done. I am going to be posting what I see as the top needs for all 32 teams both offensively and defensively. I was going to go division by division, but instead will go in Draft Order.
1. Detroit-Everything. Seriously. 0-16 means none of your players are any good. Just buy a new team.
2. St Louis-Need a WR on offense, O-line also a need. Defense needs a DT, with LB a big concern.
3. Kansas City-O-Line is the big concern, with RB a close 2nd. Defense needs a LB and Secondary help
4. Seattle-WR or QB on offense, O-line depth. Defense needs D-line help
5. Cleveland-O-line is tops, on defense LB and secondary help
6. Cincinnati-WR and O-line; Defense needs everything.
7. Oakland-O-line on offense; Defense, see above.
8. Jacksonville-O-line and WR; LB on defense
9. Green Bay-RB on offense; defense look to the Secondary
10. San Francisco-O-line and WR; DL and Secondary
11. Buffalo-O-line and RB; Defense needs secondary help
12. Denver-Offense in good shape, but need Line depth; Defense needs everything
13. Washington-WR and more Hogs needed; Defense needs DL
14. New Orleans-RB and O-line; Defense needs LB and Safety
15. Houston-TE and RB; Secondary on the defense
16. San Diego-RB on offense; LB on defense
17. NY Jets-QB and WR; LB and CB
18. Chicago-QB and RB; DL and Secondary
19. Tampa Bay-QB and WR; DL and CB
20. Dallas-WR and O-line; DL and CB
21. Philadelphia-RB and WR; LB
22. Minnesota-WR and TE; Secondary and people who can cover on Special Teams
23. New England-O-line and LB
24. Atlanta-O-line and WR; DL and CB
25. Miami-WR and RB; LB and CB
26. Baltimore-WR and RB; Secondary
27. Indianapolis-O-line and WR; Secondary
28. Carolina-O-line and RB; DE and LB
29. NY Giants-O-line and WR; LB and Safety
30. Tennessee-WR and TE; LB and CB
31. Arizona-O-line and RB; LB and CB
32. Pittsburgh-O-line and RB; DL and Secondary
1. Detroit-Everything. Seriously. 0-16 means none of your players are any good. Just buy a new team.
2. St Louis-Need a WR on offense, O-line also a need. Defense needs a DT, with LB a big concern.
3. Kansas City-O-Line is the big concern, with RB a close 2nd. Defense needs a LB and Secondary help
4. Seattle-WR or QB on offense, O-line depth. Defense needs D-line help
5. Cleveland-O-line is tops, on defense LB and secondary help
6. Cincinnati-WR and O-line; Defense needs everything.
7. Oakland-O-line on offense; Defense, see above.
8. Jacksonville-O-line and WR; LB on defense
9. Green Bay-RB on offense; defense look to the Secondary
10. San Francisco-O-line and WR; DL and Secondary
11. Buffalo-O-line and RB; Defense needs secondary help
12. Denver-Offense in good shape, but need Line depth; Defense needs everything
13. Washington-WR and more Hogs needed; Defense needs DL
14. New Orleans-RB and O-line; Defense needs LB and Safety
15. Houston-TE and RB; Secondary on the defense
16. San Diego-RB on offense; LB on defense
17. NY Jets-QB and WR; LB and CB
18. Chicago-QB and RB; DL and Secondary
19. Tampa Bay-QB and WR; DL and CB
20. Dallas-WR and O-line; DL and CB
21. Philadelphia-RB and WR; LB
22. Minnesota-WR and TE; Secondary and people who can cover on Special Teams
23. New England-O-line and LB
24. Atlanta-O-line and WR; DL and CB
25. Miami-WR and RB; LB and CB
26. Baltimore-WR and RB; Secondary
27. Indianapolis-O-line and WR; Secondary
28. Carolina-O-line and RB; DE and LB
29. NY Giants-O-line and WR; LB and Safety
30. Tennessee-WR and TE; LB and CB
31. Arizona-O-line and RB; LB and CB
32. Pittsburgh-O-line and RB; DL and Secondary
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