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
Sunday, August 3, 2008
2008 NFL Preview
I am not going as detaliled as I would like, so here it goes, the complete reader's digest version of my predictions, plus some commentary at the end, and away we go!
* Denotes playoff birth
AFC North
1. Steelers* (Bye)
2. Browns*
3. Bengals
4. Ravens
The Steelers may be the next AFC dynasty, with great talent on offense. The Browns surge is no fluke, but the Bengals are a mess and the Ravens are at least 2 years away from being any good.
AFC West
1. Chargers*
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs
The Chargers are still the best, and you guys will love rookie RB Jacob Hester. The Broncos are not as good as thought, but better than the Raiders who have a weak defense, and the Chiefs who have a new team.
AFC East
1. Patriots* (Bye)
2. Bills
3. Jets
4. Dolphins
We know how good New England is, but the Bills are the Browns of 2007. The Jets will still struggle, and the Dolphins are in a tailspin, but with Parcells they have a brighter future.
AFC South
1. Jaguars*
2. Colts*
3. Texans
4. Titans
Jacksonville has the better team this year, as the Colts are starting to age, and noticeably at that. Houston could have a breakout year, but the Titans are taking a big step back.
NFC North
1. Packers*
2. Bears*
3. Vikings
4. Lions
With or without Brett Favre, the Packers are still the best. The Bears defense carries them yet again. The Lions just suck, and the Vikings need a QB, and Tavaris Jackson is not it, neither is Gus Frerotte.
NFC West
1. Seahawks*
2. Cardinals
3. 49ers
4. Rams
Mike Holmgren goes out on top once again, but the Cards should really do well-if Edge doesn't get hurt (no RB depth). The 49ers Alex Smith is a bust-but Mike Martz has to be a big coup as the OC. The Rams are terrible. End of story.
NFC East
1. Giants* (Bye)
2. Eagles*
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins
Eli Manning continues to make strides, and TE Jeremy Shockey is no longer a locker room distraction. The Eagles have a chip on their shoulder from a year ago. The Cowboys are overrated, and Jim Zorn has help in Jason Taylor on defense, and on the bright side, Jason Campbell can be a good NFL QB.
NFC South
1. Saints* (Bye)
2. Panthers
3. Buccaneers
4. Falcons
The Saints are marching, and want to show last year was a fluke. The Panthers are also as determined, but not as talented as the Saints. The Bucs are old, and the Falcons are now an expansion franchise who will be good in 3 years.
* Denotes playoff birth
AFC North
1. Steelers* (Bye)
2. Browns*
3. Bengals
4. Ravens
The Steelers may be the next AFC dynasty, with great talent on offense. The Browns surge is no fluke, but the Bengals are a mess and the Ravens are at least 2 years away from being any good.
AFC West
1. Chargers*
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs
The Chargers are still the best, and you guys will love rookie RB Jacob Hester. The Broncos are not as good as thought, but better than the Raiders who have a weak defense, and the Chiefs who have a new team.
AFC East
1. Patriots* (Bye)
2. Bills
3. Jets
4. Dolphins
We know how good New England is, but the Bills are the Browns of 2007. The Jets will still struggle, and the Dolphins are in a tailspin, but with Parcells they have a brighter future.
AFC South
1. Jaguars*
2. Colts*
3. Texans
4. Titans
Jacksonville has the better team this year, as the Colts are starting to age, and noticeably at that. Houston could have a breakout year, but the Titans are taking a big step back.
NFC North
1. Packers*
2. Bears*
3. Vikings
4. Lions
With or without Brett Favre, the Packers are still the best. The Bears defense carries them yet again. The Lions just suck, and the Vikings need a QB, and Tavaris Jackson is not it, neither is Gus Frerotte.
NFC West
1. Seahawks*
2. Cardinals
3. 49ers
4. Rams
Mike Holmgren goes out on top once again, but the Cards should really do well-if Edge doesn't get hurt (no RB depth). The 49ers Alex Smith is a bust-but Mike Martz has to be a big coup as the OC. The Rams are terrible. End of story.
NFC East
1. Giants* (Bye)
2. Eagles*
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins
Eli Manning continues to make strides, and TE Jeremy Shockey is no longer a locker room distraction. The Eagles have a chip on their shoulder from a year ago. The Cowboys are overrated, and Jim Zorn has help in Jason Taylor on defense, and on the bright side, Jason Campbell can be a good NFL QB.
NFC South
1. Saints* (Bye)
2. Panthers
3. Buccaneers
4. Falcons
The Saints are marching, and want to show last year was a fluke. The Panthers are also as determined, but not as talented as the Saints. The Bucs are old, and the Falcons are now an expansion franchise who will be good in 3 years.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
2008 College Football Preview Big 10
Once again, Ohio State was thumped by an SEC team in the Title game for the second straight year. Look, I think this conference needs to change the way they do things, and I noticed an open date in the schedule (Good, but add another one). So, what will it be like this year?
1. Ohio State Buckeyes-With 18 starters back, a trip to Miami is not out of the question. Circle Sept 13 on your calendar, the USC game could be a deal breaker for OSU making it to Miami.
2. Wisconsin Badgers-Like OSU, loaded back with talent, but they have a tendency to fold. If injuries are kept to a minimum, this could be their year.
3. Illinois Fighting Illini-Despite losing Reshard Mendenhall, the Illini may be better than they were last year. This team is young, and Ron Zook admitted this team did not live up to its potential last year. If they get their act together this year, they will be SCARY.
4. Penn St Nittany Lions-Coach Joe Pa still keeps going, but if the Fighting Paterno's want to contend in the Big 10, they need a QB.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes-Kirk Ferentz needs a good year, possibly to save his job. Will another 7-5 year cut it? Nope
6. Michigan State Spartans-Sparty might be the sleeping giant here. The Spartans lost no game by more than 7 points last year, showing the heart this team has. But with only 11 starters back, and the best WR now in the NFL, they can still surprise, so watch out.
7. Northwestern Wildcats-Pat Fitgerald may have his best team in Evanston this year. But the top light bottom heavy schedule could do them in as far as a bowl game goes.
8. Michigan Wolverines-Sorry, but Rich Rodriguez lacks the talent to run his offense. But the good news is the defense is well loaded. But without the playmakers on offense, you can see why Lloyd Carr stepped down. The Wolverines are too young to make anything happen this year. I'll be shocked if they win more than 5 games this year.
9. Indiana Hoosiers-Last year was magical, but it was last year. Overcoming the tragic death of Terry Hoepnner, the Hoosiers led by head coach Bill Lynch played well. The departure of James Hardy is going to be hard on the offense, but they can still make plays. If luck falls their way, they can finish in the top half of the conference, but luck can only take you so far.
10. Purdue Boilermakers-Fans ought to be drinking plenty of those before the games start. While Curtis Painter is the lone bright spot, this team is very inconsistent. Joe Tiller though does his best when his job is on the line.
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers-I think Duke is better than this team. Seriously.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes-With 18 starters back, a trip to Miami is not out of the question. Circle Sept 13 on your calendar, the USC game could be a deal breaker for OSU making it to Miami.
2. Wisconsin Badgers-Like OSU, loaded back with talent, but they have a tendency to fold. If injuries are kept to a minimum, this could be their year.
3. Illinois Fighting Illini-Despite losing Reshard Mendenhall, the Illini may be better than they were last year. This team is young, and Ron Zook admitted this team did not live up to its potential last year. If they get their act together this year, they will be SCARY.
4. Penn St Nittany Lions-Coach Joe Pa still keeps going, but if the Fighting Paterno's want to contend in the Big 10, they need a QB.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes-Kirk Ferentz needs a good year, possibly to save his job. Will another 7-5 year cut it? Nope
6. Michigan State Spartans-Sparty might be the sleeping giant here. The Spartans lost no game by more than 7 points last year, showing the heart this team has. But with only 11 starters back, and the best WR now in the NFL, they can still surprise, so watch out.
7. Northwestern Wildcats-Pat Fitgerald may have his best team in Evanston this year. But the top light bottom heavy schedule could do them in as far as a bowl game goes.
8. Michigan Wolverines-Sorry, but Rich Rodriguez lacks the talent to run his offense. But the good news is the defense is well loaded. But without the playmakers on offense, you can see why Lloyd Carr stepped down. The Wolverines are too young to make anything happen this year. I'll be shocked if they win more than 5 games this year.
9. Indiana Hoosiers-Last year was magical, but it was last year. Overcoming the tragic death of Terry Hoepnner, the Hoosiers led by head coach Bill Lynch played well. The departure of James Hardy is going to be hard on the offense, but they can still make plays. If luck falls their way, they can finish in the top half of the conference, but luck can only take you so far.
10. Purdue Boilermakers-Fans ought to be drinking plenty of those before the games start. While Curtis Painter is the lone bright spot, this team is very inconsistent. Joe Tiller though does his best when his job is on the line.
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers-I think Duke is better than this team. Seriously.
2008 College Football Preview ACC
A new look this year to the previews, I'll give the predicted order of finish, and highlight a couple of teams.
ACC
The ACC had a bad year last year. While having a lot of good athletes (2nd only to the SEC in NFL starters by the way), the post season was bland at best. Va. Tech was the top dog last year, but who is the one to knock them off this year? can they be knocked off?
Coastal
1. Virginia Tech Hokies-The good news is the Hokies have a lot of starters returning on offense, but are still unsure about who the starting QB is; Sean Glennon is efficient, but Tyrod Taylor is the better athlete and gives defenses new problems. The defense is the tougher job, finding 7 new starters. At least this is a weak division, so Tech should go to Jacksonville again this year.
2. North Carolina Tar Heels-The Tar Heels are back, well close anyway. Butch Davis has 10 starters back on offense, but only 5 on defense. 7 wins are a possibility, as is a bowl game.
3. Virginia Cavaliers-A surprise that won't surprise this year. If they win, it will be boring, and the defense may not have enough in the tank to bail them out.
4. Miami Hurricanes-Randy Shannon's 1st season was disappointing, but there is optimism in Miami. The Orange Bowl is gone, now they share Pro Player Stadium w/ the Dolphins. This team is real young, so 5 or 6 wins could be the norm for a couple of years anyway.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets-Paul Johnson brings the Flexbone offense to the Yellow Jackets, but will it work here? I don't think it will in 2008, but 2009 will be a break out year.
6. Duke Blue Devils-David Cutcliffe had only 1 losing season at Ole Miss, his last. The bad news is no new QB named Manning is waiting in the wings, but 3 wins is reason enough to celebrate.
Atlantic
1. Clemson Tigers-If Tommy Bowden can get people off of his back, this is the year to do it. From top to bottom, Clemson has the best talent in this conference. The only ?'s are on the O-Line, and LB on defense. But they should get the O-line resolved quicker than LB, and be a force.
2. Florida State Seminoles-What is it about FSU that has me higher on them than everyone else? Jimbo Fisher. In his 2nd year (Auburn, LSU) he really had great offenses. Legal troubles for players aside, the Noles Defense is impressive, and that should help the offense out quite a bit.
3. Wake Forest Demon Deacons-Good enough to win the division, but despite a favorable schedule, the Sept 20 game at FSU could determine the season for the Deacons.
4. Boston College Eagles-Life without Matt Ryan begins here, the defense is missing 7 starters from last year, and on offense WR Brandon Robinson returns. This is a rebuilding year.
5. Maryland Terrepins-The Terps haven't lived up to the reputation of Ralph Freidgen's reputation, but they might do it this year. But the Terps will be done in by an inexperienced defense once again.
6. NC State Wolfpack-The good news? Let me get back to you. With 9 starters back, that may be a good or bad thing. 2010 can't come soon enough for the Pack, by then they'll be in ACC fray.
ACC
The ACC had a bad year last year. While having a lot of good athletes (2nd only to the SEC in NFL starters by the way), the post season was bland at best. Va. Tech was the top dog last year, but who is the one to knock them off this year? can they be knocked off?
Coastal
1. Virginia Tech Hokies-The good news is the Hokies have a lot of starters returning on offense, but are still unsure about who the starting QB is; Sean Glennon is efficient, but Tyrod Taylor is the better athlete and gives defenses new problems. The defense is the tougher job, finding 7 new starters. At least this is a weak division, so Tech should go to Jacksonville again this year.
2. North Carolina Tar Heels-The Tar Heels are back, well close anyway. Butch Davis has 10 starters back on offense, but only 5 on defense. 7 wins are a possibility, as is a bowl game.
3. Virginia Cavaliers-A surprise that won't surprise this year. If they win, it will be boring, and the defense may not have enough in the tank to bail them out.
4. Miami Hurricanes-Randy Shannon's 1st season was disappointing, but there is optimism in Miami. The Orange Bowl is gone, now they share Pro Player Stadium w/ the Dolphins. This team is real young, so 5 or 6 wins could be the norm for a couple of years anyway.
5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets-Paul Johnson brings the Flexbone offense to the Yellow Jackets, but will it work here? I don't think it will in 2008, but 2009 will be a break out year.
6. Duke Blue Devils-David Cutcliffe had only 1 losing season at Ole Miss, his last. The bad news is no new QB named Manning is waiting in the wings, but 3 wins is reason enough to celebrate.
Atlantic
1. Clemson Tigers-If Tommy Bowden can get people off of his back, this is the year to do it. From top to bottom, Clemson has the best talent in this conference. The only ?'s are on the O-Line, and LB on defense. But they should get the O-line resolved quicker than LB, and be a force.
2. Florida State Seminoles-What is it about FSU that has me higher on them than everyone else? Jimbo Fisher. In his 2nd year (Auburn, LSU) he really had great offenses. Legal troubles for players aside, the Noles Defense is impressive, and that should help the offense out quite a bit.
3. Wake Forest Demon Deacons-Good enough to win the division, but despite a favorable schedule, the Sept 20 game at FSU could determine the season for the Deacons.
4. Boston College Eagles-Life without Matt Ryan begins here, the defense is missing 7 starters from last year, and on offense WR Brandon Robinson returns. This is a rebuilding year.
5. Maryland Terrepins-The Terps haven't lived up to the reputation of Ralph Freidgen's reputation, but they might do it this year. But the Terps will be done in by an inexperienced defense once again.
6. NC State Wolfpack-The good news? Let me get back to you. With 9 starters back, that may be a good or bad thing. 2010 can't come soon enough for the Pack, by then they'll be in ACC fray.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
It's Been a While
My last posts were about the NFL Draft, which now seems like ages ago. Football has gone into what I like to call hibernation, and so have I for the most part. I am going to issue a couple of posts per month, I would love to do biweekly posts, but have no time.
Starting in July, I will preview the NFL and College conferences, all of them like I did last year, except I will cover the NFL better this year than last. Some publications are out for the 2008 College Football season, can we say jumping the gun everybody?
On other fronts, future posts will include new coach spotlights, and my general commentary on topics in football, including what I call the biggest form of racism running rampant among all football analysts, so just saying stay tuned! I'm still here!
Starting in July, I will preview the NFL and College conferences, all of them like I did last year, except I will cover the NFL better this year than last. Some publications are out for the 2008 College Football season, can we say jumping the gun everybody?
On other fronts, future posts will include new coach spotlights, and my general commentary on topics in football, including what I call the biggest form of racism running rampant among all football analysts, so just saying stay tuned! I'm still here!
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