At 8pm on Labor Day (September 7th), the Miami Hurricanes travel to Tallahassee to play their annual cross-state rivalry game against the Florida State Seminoles. In many years, starting in the mid-1980's, the winner of this game was catapulted into the National Title hunt and often times a victory against their arch enemy would be a sign of good things to come for that respective team.
However, this year's matchup may be a significant break from that norm, considering the parity of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and also the prospects of both teams out-of-conference schedules.
When the 'Noles and 'Canes clash, there is always sure to be plenty of big hits, speed, game-changing plays, and a few personal foul/unsportsman like conduct pentalties sprinkled into the contest. But this year, both teams need not look far past their Monday night war in order to find a plethora of challenging games on the horizon.
In the weeks following the game, FSU will face the likes of BYU, USF, Boston College, and Georgia Tech... while Miami arguably has an even tougher slate, facing Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech immediately after. Bad enough right?
Not so fast my friend... the 'Noles end the season on the road in the Swamp against the Defending Champion Florida Gators... and the 'Canes face last year's runner-up, Oklahoma, in the 4th game of the season.
Certainly both teams are excited to hit the field against their rivals on that warm September Monday night, but unlike past years... no matter who wins that matchup... both teams may be limping across the finish line in November.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Player To Watch
Regularly, I will be highlighting a "Player to Watch" for the upcoming season. This player will be someone who wasn't a "star" last year, but someone that I predict will excel in 2009.
The first player on The GURU's mind is Tennessee Senior QB Jonathan Crompton. After the graduation of Erik Ainge following the 2007 Season, many expected Crompton to have a pretty good 2008. But Phil Fulmer decided to hire a new Offensive Coordinator (which in my opinion was the beginning of the end for Fulmer's tenure in Knoxville). Instead of blossoming in his first year as a starter, the offense sputtered. He ended up being relegated to a Triple QB system and the offense finished an Anemic 115th out of 119 teams. A far cry from the power that was displayed under Heath Shuler, Peyton manning, Tee Martin, Casey Clausen, and the aforementioned Ainge.
That's where Lane Kiffin steps in. Kiffin began his career in the College game being coached by one of the best offensive minds in the business: Jeff Tedford in 1998 as a back-up QB at Fresno State. His coaching resume includes an impressive stint at USC where he was TE Coach, WR Coach, Passing Game Coordinator, and eventually Offensive Coordinator. Under his tutelage, Kiffin was a key catalyst in the development of a laundry list of studs that include Matt Leinart, John David Booty, Dwayne Jarret, Dominique Byrd, Mike WIlliams, Steve Smith and Keary Colbert just to name a few. So, it makes sense that Crompton will be the next in line to recive the "Kiffin Offensive Upgrade".
Crompton was said to have a great spring, and should greatly improve on his number's from last year. He has the talent, and with the addition of some key incoming freshman playmakers, expect Crompton to have a very successful year.
The first player on The GURU's mind is Tennessee Senior QB Jonathan Crompton. After the graduation of Erik Ainge following the 2007 Season, many expected Crompton to have a pretty good 2008. But Phil Fulmer decided to hire a new Offensive Coordinator (which in my opinion was the beginning of the end for Fulmer's tenure in Knoxville). Instead of blossoming in his first year as a starter, the offense sputtered. He ended up being relegated to a Triple QB system and the offense finished an Anemic 115th out of 119 teams. A far cry from the power that was displayed under Heath Shuler, Peyton manning, Tee Martin, Casey Clausen, and the aforementioned Ainge.
That's where Lane Kiffin steps in. Kiffin began his career in the College game being coached by one of the best offensive minds in the business: Jeff Tedford in 1998 as a back-up QB at Fresno State. His coaching resume includes an impressive stint at USC where he was TE Coach, WR Coach, Passing Game Coordinator, and eventually Offensive Coordinator. Under his tutelage, Kiffin was a key catalyst in the development of a laundry list of studs that include Matt Leinart, John David Booty, Dwayne Jarret, Dominique Byrd, Mike WIlliams, Steve Smith and Keary Colbert just to name a few. So, it makes sense that Crompton will be the next in line to recive the "Kiffin Offensive Upgrade".
Crompton was said to have a great spring, and should greatly improve on his number's from last year. He has the talent, and with the addition of some key incoming freshman playmakers, expect Crompton to have a very successful year.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Better than the Last...
Recently Coach Pete Carroll was quoted as saying, "These guys are young, but I think they'll be better than the set we just lost."
He was surprisingly referring to his LB Corps. And unless you've been under an NFL Draft "Rock", of sorts... you know that all 3 starters from USC's 2009 Class of LB's (Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, and Clay Matthews) got drafted in the Top 38 picks. So who and what is Pete talking about?
Well, enter stage right: Chris Gallipo (MLB), Malcolm Smith (WLB), and Michael Morgan (SLB). Gallipo is a Redshirt Sophomore and was the Top LB recruit in the 2007 class... and Morgan and Smith are both Juniors. While all 3 are First-Time starters... their time and experience in the program should have them playing above the expectations of a typical first year guy.
USC runs a basic 4-3 Scheme on defense, and relies heavily on the speed, discipline, and intelligence of their LB's to make plays, fill gaps, and be great in pass coverage. In the interview, Carroll went on to say, "This group isn't as fast as last years guys, but they are smarter football players." A bold statement, nonetheless, but how can you not believe the guy who has been to 8 straight BCS Bowl games (7-1 record). I certainly wont doubt him and I look forward to seeing if USC's new batch of Blue Chip Backers live up to Pete's strong endorsement.
USC opens up with San Jose State on September 5th, followed by the Early Game of the Year at Ohio State on September 12th.
He was surprisingly referring to his LB Corps. And unless you've been under an NFL Draft "Rock", of sorts... you know that all 3 starters from USC's 2009 Class of LB's (Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, and Clay Matthews) got drafted in the Top 38 picks. So who and what is Pete talking about?
Well, enter stage right: Chris Gallipo (MLB), Malcolm Smith (WLB), and Michael Morgan (SLB). Gallipo is a Redshirt Sophomore and was the Top LB recruit in the 2007 class... and Morgan and Smith are both Juniors. While all 3 are First-Time starters... their time and experience in the program should have them playing above the expectations of a typical first year guy.
USC runs a basic 4-3 Scheme on defense, and relies heavily on the speed, discipline, and intelligence of their LB's to make plays, fill gaps, and be great in pass coverage. In the interview, Carroll went on to say, "This group isn't as fast as last years guys, but they are smarter football players." A bold statement, nonetheless, but how can you not believe the guy who has been to 8 straight BCS Bowl games (7-1 record). I certainly wont doubt him and I look forward to seeing if USC's new batch of Blue Chip Backers live up to Pete's strong endorsement.
USC opens up with San Jose State on September 5th, followed by the Early Game of the Year at Ohio State on September 12th.
Monday, July 6, 2009
ENCORE???
In arguably the most exciting College Football season ever (2008), we saw over 15 teams be ranked either #1 or #2. However, an even tighter race took place in a subset of the sport. And for the FIRST time in history, the Top 3 components of that tight race are returning.
I speak of course... of the Heisman race. And as formerly stated, the Top 3 finalists are returning. Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy all passed up potential 1st Round NFL selections to return for an unprecedented Encore. And we, the fans, are the benificiaries.
Will Tebow or Bradford repeat?
Is it McCoy's turn?
Or will a "Dark Horse" step in and take it home?
Here is my first Official List of Predictions for the 2009 Heisman Trophy:
1. Tim Tebow, QB, UF
2. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
3. Sam Bradford, QB, OU
4. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
5. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
6. Daryll Clark, QB, Penn State
7. Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
8. Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State
9. Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon
10. Tyrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
11. Matt Grothe, QB,
12. Juice Williams, QB, Illinois
13. Evan Royster, RB, Penn State
14. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
15. Jarett Brown, QB, WVU
16. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
17. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
18. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
19. Noelle Devine, RB, WVU
20. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Thoughts?
I speak of course... of the Heisman race. And as formerly stated, the Top 3 finalists are returning. Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy all passed up potential 1st Round NFL selections to return for an unprecedented Encore. And we, the fans, are the benificiaries.
Will Tebow or Bradford repeat?
Is it McCoy's turn?
Or will a "Dark Horse" step in and take it home?
Here is my first Official List of Predictions for the 2009 Heisman Trophy:
1. Tim Tebow, QB, UF
2. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
3. Sam Bradford, QB, OU
4. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
5. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
6. Daryll Clark, QB, Penn State
7. Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
8. Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State
9. Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon
10. Tyrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
11. Matt Grothe, QB,
12. Juice Williams, QB, Illinois
13. Evan Royster, RB, Penn State
14. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
15. Jarett Brown, QB, WVU
16. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
17. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
18. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
19. Noelle Devine, RB, WVU
20. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Thoughts?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Big Games for 2009???
A few come to mind immediately:
USC at Ohio State
Florida at LSU
Tennessee at Florida
Georgia at Oklahoma State
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Ohio State at Penn State
Texas vs. Oklahoma
USC vs. Oregon
General Thoughts?
USC at Ohio State
Florida at LSU
Tennessee at Florida
Georgia at Oklahoma State
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Ohio State at Penn State
Texas vs. Oklahoma
USC vs. Oregon
General Thoughts?
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