Will the Triple Option machine rage on? How important were Jonathan Dwyer and Demaryus Thomas? Will Al Groh make the defense better? Can Josh Nesbitt make it through another season taking a beating and staying injury free? What do 2 consecutive Bowl losses say about the predictability of the Yellow Jacket offense?
Yes, this and MANY other questions will be answered this season, which will be Coach Paul Johnson’s 3rd in Atlanta. After a breakthrough 2009 Season that saw the Yellow Jackets win the ACC for the first time since 1990, expectations to sustain such success are high. But how realistic is that goal?
The Georgia Tech offense is the same Triple Option that Johnson developed at Georgia Southern in the 90s and then perfected at Navy in the early 2000s. Having played in the offense myself, I can tell you that while it is one of the more simple offenses to run, it is one of the more difficult offenses to stop. For offensive players it requires the utmost discipline and as Johnson used to say when he was implementing the offense in Annapolis, “If everybody executes their (expletive) assignment, we’ll get at least 5 yards every (expletive) time.” Tech has used that philosophy to bring the Option attack back to prominence in major D-1 football. QB Josh Nesbitt leads the offense, returning for his Senior season after having a Junior campaign that saw him throw for 1,700 yards and 10 TDs, while rushing for 1,037 yards and 18 TDs. If he improves on those stats just slightly, then he will certainly be on the Heisman short-list come December.
Early NFL entry is the main reason that Tech isn’t much higher on my Pre-season list. The Jackets lost RB Jonathan Dwyer and WR Demaryus Thomas to the draft, and the pair combined for 2,549 yards and 22 TDs. Looking to replace the production of those 2 studs will be RB Anthony Allen and WR Stephen Hill. Allen had an impressive 9.7 ypc average in 2009 and added 6 TDs. Allen is neither extremely fast nor powerful, but he is the perfect mix of both. He plans to add a bit of weight this off-season since he is moving from the A-Back (i.e. Wing Back) position to the B-Back (i.e. Fullback) and will likely take more of a pounding. Hill has all the tools to be a great WR, but he only hauled in 6 catches last season playing 2nd fiddle to the All-ACC WR Thomas. A big leap in production is a must for Tech to have success through the air.
Defensively is where the most change is taking place. The Jackets lost the top DE in the Conference (Derrick Morgan) early to the NFL as well as playmaking Safety Morgan Burnett. Although they return 8 starters, the loss of 2 All-Conference capable athletes doesn’t bode well for a defense that was susceptible to the Big Play throughout the ’09 season. Hoping to fix some of the holes in the defense is newly hired D-Coordinator Al Groh. Groh brings with him over 38 years of coaching experience highlighted by 2 Coach of the Year awards attained while at Virginia (2002 and 2007). Known for his defense, as he was the D-Coordinator for 2 NFL teams (Giants and Patriots)… Groh will switch Tech to the 3-4 scheme employing the athleticism of a 4th LB in his base set. The expectation is that this will open up opportunities for more blitzes which will be key in a conference laden with talented veteran QBs (Christian Ponder, Jacory Harris, Tyrod Taylor, Kyle Parker).
The ACC projects to be one of, if not the, toughest conference in the country this year, so the Yellow Jacket schedule will be daunting. The Road Schedule is insanely difficult. And although the goal of a 2nd consecutive BCS bowl berth is attainable, having to play Clemson, Miami, Virginia Tech and Georgia in 4 of their last 5 games might make simply achieving 8 wins a more realistic goal.
Key Returning Players:
QB Josh Nesbitt
RB Anthony Allen
WR Stephen Hill
FS Dominique Reese
DE Anthony Egbuniwe
Key Games:
Sept 11 - @ Kansas
Sept 18 - @ North Carolina
Oct 23 - @ Clemson
Nov 4 - @ Virginia Tech
Nov 13 - Miami (FL)
Nov 27 - @ Georgia
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
100 Days and Counting...
Webster’s defines time as a dimension that enables two identical events occurring at the same point in space to be distinguished, measured by the interval between the events; a system measuring intervals.
Time is precious. And the clocks that keep track of time for us are almost equally valuable. As the final second ticked off the clock in the early evening hours of January 7th, a beleaguered Colt McCoy walked to the locker room being consoled by his coach and mentor Mack Brown. The $4 Million Man (Nick Saban) hoisted the sacred Crystal Football over his head for the 2nd time in his career. The tears in the eyes of the Burnt Orange Longhorn fans was a complete contrast to the bright smiles and laughs of the Houndstooth-Clad Crimson Tide faithful.
A King was crowned. A legend defeated. A program redeemed. A coach relieved. A season… over.
On January 7th, as I lay in my bed around midnight, I closed my eyes and started to think. I thought of Lagarette Blount’s “Punch Heard Round the World”. I thought of seeing Sam Bradford writhing in pain on the carpet of Cowboys stadium during Week 1. I thought of Tim Tebow’s concussion that left Gator-Nation on pins and needles for 2 weeks before his triumphant return in Baton Rouge. I thought of Tate Forcier and the Wolverines 38 point coming out party against Notre Dame. I thought of the moment I heard that Jasper Howard of UConn had been slain on campus. I thought of Ndamukong Suh throwing Colt McCoy to the turf like a rag doll. I though of CJ Spiller running, catching, and returning his way towards a record breaking All-Purpose year. I thought of Mark Ingram’s tears during his Heisman acceptance speech. I thought of Bobby Bowden throwing down Chief Osceola’s spear in the Gator Bowl (his last game on the Seminole sidelines). I thought of tackles and sacks and big hits. I thought of coaches throwing headsets and quarterbacks throwing touchdowns. I thought about the entire season. And then, I slept.
In the blink of an eye, a whirlwind of events took place in the arena I adore. The “Who-dats” (aka New Orleans Saints) won their first ever Super Bowl Title. Shortly thereafter, a certain Blue-Devil cut-down the nets to celebrate his fourth NCAA title, while a certain group of Huskies won an unprecedented 78th straight game. A certain golfer returned to the tee-box in Augusta, while a certain “lefty” put on his 3rd Green Jacket. A certain Cavalier won his 2nd MVP award, while a certain young Celtic outplayed him in the 2nd round. Pacquiao won. Mayweather won. There is a Laker chasing his 5th ring. There is a U.S. Soccer team chasing international respect. There is a Stanley cup final right around the corner. And the “Biggest Summer in NBA History” (highlighted by the Lebron/Wade/Bosh/Wall sweepstakes) is on the horizon.
But amidst all of the wins, losses, drama, awards, tournaments, and fun of the Spring Sports slate… a clock was steadily ticking.
On September 2nd at 7:27pm, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles captains will meet at midfield. The referee will flip a coin. The players will shake hands. The band will play. The crowd will cheer. The kicker will place a ball on a tee, then drop his hand signaling for his teammates to charge down the field. And then that same clock that ticked off the final seconds in Pasadena on January 7th, will tick off the first seconds of this new journey.
Tick-tock… tick-tock…
Only 100 days left until Kickoff of the 2010 College Football Season.
Time is precious. And the clocks that keep track of time for us are almost equally valuable. As the final second ticked off the clock in the early evening hours of January 7th, a beleaguered Colt McCoy walked to the locker room being consoled by his coach and mentor Mack Brown. The $4 Million Man (Nick Saban) hoisted the sacred Crystal Football over his head for the 2nd time in his career. The tears in the eyes of the Burnt Orange Longhorn fans was a complete contrast to the bright smiles and laughs of the Houndstooth-Clad Crimson Tide faithful.
A King was crowned. A legend defeated. A program redeemed. A coach relieved. A season… over.
On January 7th, as I lay in my bed around midnight, I closed my eyes and started to think. I thought of Lagarette Blount’s “Punch Heard Round the World”. I thought of seeing Sam Bradford writhing in pain on the carpet of Cowboys stadium during Week 1. I thought of Tim Tebow’s concussion that left Gator-Nation on pins and needles for 2 weeks before his triumphant return in Baton Rouge. I thought of Tate Forcier and the Wolverines 38 point coming out party against Notre Dame. I thought of the moment I heard that Jasper Howard of UConn had been slain on campus. I thought of Ndamukong Suh throwing Colt McCoy to the turf like a rag doll. I though of CJ Spiller running, catching, and returning his way towards a record breaking All-Purpose year. I thought of Mark Ingram’s tears during his Heisman acceptance speech. I thought of Bobby Bowden throwing down Chief Osceola’s spear in the Gator Bowl (his last game on the Seminole sidelines). I thought of tackles and sacks and big hits. I thought of coaches throwing headsets and quarterbacks throwing touchdowns. I thought about the entire season. And then, I slept.
In the blink of an eye, a whirlwind of events took place in the arena I adore. The “Who-dats” (aka New Orleans Saints) won their first ever Super Bowl Title. Shortly thereafter, a certain Blue-Devil cut-down the nets to celebrate his fourth NCAA title, while a certain group of Huskies won an unprecedented 78th straight game. A certain golfer returned to the tee-box in Augusta, while a certain “lefty” put on his 3rd Green Jacket. A certain Cavalier won his 2nd MVP award, while a certain young Celtic outplayed him in the 2nd round. Pacquiao won. Mayweather won. There is a Laker chasing his 5th ring. There is a U.S. Soccer team chasing international respect. There is a Stanley cup final right around the corner. And the “Biggest Summer in NBA History” (highlighted by the Lebron/Wade/Bosh/Wall sweepstakes) is on the horizon.
But amidst all of the wins, losses, drama, awards, tournaments, and fun of the Spring Sports slate… a clock was steadily ticking.
On September 2nd at 7:27pm, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles captains will meet at midfield. The referee will flip a coin. The players will shake hands. The band will play. The crowd will cheer. The kicker will place a ball on a tee, then drop his hand signaling for his teammates to charge down the field. And then that same clock that ticked off the final seconds in Pasadena on January 7th, will tick off the first seconds of this new journey.
Tick-tock… tick-tock…
Only 100 days left until Kickoff of the 2010 College Football Season.
Monday, May 24, 2010
#23 South Carolina Gamecocks
Well, long gone are the days when we saw the “Old Ball Coach” (aka Steven Orr Spurrier) hoisting an SEC Championship Trophy above his head. During an 11 year stay in Gainesville just before the turn of the century, he won that honor 6 times. And 2 other years his team played for the SEC Championship. So, why hasn’t the Football Mastermind been able to re-create his wizardry in Columbia, SC?
Well, there are many answers to that question, and while none of them should be rendered “the reason”, I have my own theory as to why he’s underachieved in relation to the lofty expectations that come with his name. And that answer is QB consistency. Review the last 5 seasons in Columbia. 2 things have never happened. 1… Spurrier has never entered a season with a clear-cut returning starting QB. And 2… only 1 QB that was named the starter for the first game, ended up starting the final game.
All of that should change this year, as interestingly enough, Gamecock starting QB Stephen Garcia is the most tenured returning QB in the lofty Southeastern Conference. Garcia was a highly touted Freshman in 2007, but entered campus with lots of immaturity and has seen 4 suspensions over his short stay so far. But things started to turn around for the Tampa, FL native in 2009 and Spurrier seems to finally have a guy that can compete against the rugged defenses of the SEC.
Joining Garcia on what promises to be the most explosive offense Spurrier has coached since 2001 (Florida’s Orange Bowl Champion team) are RBs Brian Maddox, Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles, and the #2 RB recruit in the 2010 class, Marcus Lattimore. If you watched any SEC football last year, then All-Freshman team WR Alshon Jeffrey was certainly on your radar. And along with Pre-Season Mackey Award (Top TE) favorite Weslye Saunders and Sophomore 6’6” WR Tori Gurley, Garcia will have plenty of weapons to disperse the ball to.
Defensively, the Gamecocks return their best defense in 10 years. 2nd year Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has the reigns. Under most peoples radar, the Gamecock defense finished 8th in the nation in Pass Defense in 2009 and should only improve on that ranking as they return all 4 starters in a secondary that includes Freshman All-American CB Stephon Gilmore and 2nd Team All-SEC Safety, Chris Culliver.
Something to look out for is the new “Wild Cock” offense that came to light in the final regular season game (an upset win over Clemson). Spurrier’s version of the “Wildcat” features the aforementioned Stephon Gilmore at QB (he played there in High School). On one drive in that Clemson game, Gilmore had 50 yards passing and 28 yards rushing. Spurrier promises to use the dangerous formation more this season.
As we all know… rarely are you going to say “the schedule is friendly” in regards to any SEC slate, and unfortunately for the Gamecocks, this is no exception. South Carolina kicks off the 2010 CFB season with the opening game in the Nation… a 7:30pm Thursday Night affair with Southern Miss on ESPN. After a bout with Georgia and an easy game against Furman, the SEC Gauntlet begins and they end the season with their annual bout against ACC Powerhouse, Clemson. Outside of Furman, there isn’t an easy game on the slate, but for the first time in his tenure, its safe to say that barring injury to Garcia, 10 wins is well-within reach.
The SEC East is arguably the toughest conference (or sub-conference) to predict this season, but with Tebow gone, new head coaches at Tennessee and Kentucky, and a rookie Defensive Coordinator at Georgia… this will be the “Ole Ball Coach’s” best chance to return to his old glory.
Key Returning Players:
QB Stephen Garcia
RB Brian Maddox
RB Jarvis Giles
WR Alshon Jeffrey
TE Weslye Saunders
S Chris Culliver
CB Stephon Gilmore
Key Games:
Sept 11 – Georgia
Sept 25 - @ Auburn
Oct 9 - Alabama
Oct 30 - Tennessee
Nov 13 - @ Florida
Nov 27 - @ Clemson
Well, there are many answers to that question, and while none of them should be rendered “the reason”, I have my own theory as to why he’s underachieved in relation to the lofty expectations that come with his name. And that answer is QB consistency. Review the last 5 seasons in Columbia. 2 things have never happened. 1… Spurrier has never entered a season with a clear-cut returning starting QB. And 2… only 1 QB that was named the starter for the first game, ended up starting the final game.
All of that should change this year, as interestingly enough, Gamecock starting QB Stephen Garcia is the most tenured returning QB in the lofty Southeastern Conference. Garcia was a highly touted Freshman in 2007, but entered campus with lots of immaturity and has seen 4 suspensions over his short stay so far. But things started to turn around for the Tampa, FL native in 2009 and Spurrier seems to finally have a guy that can compete against the rugged defenses of the SEC.
Joining Garcia on what promises to be the most explosive offense Spurrier has coached since 2001 (Florida’s Orange Bowl Champion team) are RBs Brian Maddox, Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles, and the #2 RB recruit in the 2010 class, Marcus Lattimore. If you watched any SEC football last year, then All-Freshman team WR Alshon Jeffrey was certainly on your radar. And along with Pre-Season Mackey Award (Top TE) favorite Weslye Saunders and Sophomore 6’6” WR Tori Gurley, Garcia will have plenty of weapons to disperse the ball to.
Defensively, the Gamecocks return their best defense in 10 years. 2nd year Defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has the reigns. Under most peoples radar, the Gamecock defense finished 8th in the nation in Pass Defense in 2009 and should only improve on that ranking as they return all 4 starters in a secondary that includes Freshman All-American CB Stephon Gilmore and 2nd Team All-SEC Safety, Chris Culliver.
Something to look out for is the new “Wild Cock” offense that came to light in the final regular season game (an upset win over Clemson). Spurrier’s version of the “Wildcat” features the aforementioned Stephon Gilmore at QB (he played there in High School). On one drive in that Clemson game, Gilmore had 50 yards passing and 28 yards rushing. Spurrier promises to use the dangerous formation more this season.
As we all know… rarely are you going to say “the schedule is friendly” in regards to any SEC slate, and unfortunately for the Gamecocks, this is no exception. South Carolina kicks off the 2010 CFB season with the opening game in the Nation… a 7:30pm Thursday Night affair with Southern Miss on ESPN. After a bout with Georgia and an easy game against Furman, the SEC Gauntlet begins and they end the season with their annual bout against ACC Powerhouse, Clemson. Outside of Furman, there isn’t an easy game on the slate, but for the first time in his tenure, its safe to say that barring injury to Garcia, 10 wins is well-within reach.
The SEC East is arguably the toughest conference (or sub-conference) to predict this season, but with Tebow gone, new head coaches at Tennessee and Kentucky, and a rookie Defensive Coordinator at Georgia… this will be the “Ole Ball Coach’s” best chance to return to his old glory.
Key Returning Players:
QB Stephen Garcia
RB Brian Maddox
RB Jarvis Giles
WR Alshon Jeffrey
TE Weslye Saunders
S Chris Culliver
CB Stephon Gilmore
Key Games:
Sept 11 – Georgia
Sept 25 - @ Auburn
Oct 9 - Alabama
Oct 30 - Tennessee
Nov 13 - @ Florida
Nov 27 - @ Clemson
Friday, May 21, 2010
#24 West Virginia Mountaineers
The seamless transition from the Rich Rod Era to the Bill Stewart Era is now complete as Stewart enters his 3rd year as Coach. Stewart has been successful so far, but something seems to be missing. After making it to 2 BCS Bowl games in his final 3 years on the job, Rich Rod, of course, bolted for The Big House. And although Stewart has led the Mountaineers to back to back Bowls (Mieneke Car Care and Gator Bowl), the yearning to be back in the BCS hunt is growing amongst the Mountaineer faithful.
This team has all the makings of a Big East Champion. 8 returning starters on defense gives them the most experienced returning D in the league. And the announcement that Noel Devine and Jock Sanders would stay for their Senior seasons was a late Christmas gift to the West Virginia fan base. I like everything about this team and I wouldn't be surprised to see them making noise in the BCS picture late in November...
So why don't I have them ranked higher, you ask? Simple. Inexperience at the most important position on the field. Sophomore QB Eugene "Geno" Smith has all the tools that the greatest WVU QB in history (Pat White) had. But tools alone wont be able to carry WVU through the upstart Big East schedule. He only has one career start.
One of the best things the Mountaineers have going for them is that 4 out of 5 of their offensive lineman are returning as is starting TE Tyler Urban. The running game should be stout, and I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Noel Devine amongst the Top 10 candidates for the Heisman come mid-October.
The early 2010 schedule sets up well for WVU, as they play Coastal Carolina, Marshall, and Maryland in the first 3 weeks. They should have plenty of momentum and rhythm going by the time they hit the end of September... Buttttt,
The "Circle the Calendar" game will come on September 25th, as the Mountaineers travel to Death Valley in Baton Rouge to take on The "Purple Machine" (aka LSU). A win there and the sky is the limit.
With new starting QBs at USF, Syracuse, Pitt, and Cincy, a Big East title is not out of reach... But Geno Smith will have to mature fast (and put that Gator Bowl beatdown from the Noles behind him) if the Mountaineers want a shot at a January 1st Bowl game.
Key Returners:
RB Noel Devine
WR Jock Sanders
Key Games:
9/25 - @ LSU
10/14 - USF
10/29 - @ Uconn
11/13 - Cincinnati
11/26 - @ Pitt
12/04 - Rutgers
This team has all the makings of a Big East Champion. 8 returning starters on defense gives them the most experienced returning D in the league. And the announcement that Noel Devine and Jock Sanders would stay for their Senior seasons was a late Christmas gift to the West Virginia fan base. I like everything about this team and I wouldn't be surprised to see them making noise in the BCS picture late in November...
So why don't I have them ranked higher, you ask? Simple. Inexperience at the most important position on the field. Sophomore QB Eugene "Geno" Smith has all the tools that the greatest WVU QB in history (Pat White) had. But tools alone wont be able to carry WVU through the upstart Big East schedule. He only has one career start.
One of the best things the Mountaineers have going for them is that 4 out of 5 of their offensive lineman are returning as is starting TE Tyler Urban. The running game should be stout, and I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Noel Devine amongst the Top 10 candidates for the Heisman come mid-October.
The early 2010 schedule sets up well for WVU, as they play Coastal Carolina, Marshall, and Maryland in the first 3 weeks. They should have plenty of momentum and rhythm going by the time they hit the end of September... Buttttt,
The "Circle the Calendar" game will come on September 25th, as the Mountaineers travel to Death Valley in Baton Rouge to take on The "Purple Machine" (aka LSU). A win there and the sky is the limit.
With new starting QBs at USF, Syracuse, Pitt, and Cincy, a Big East title is not out of reach... But Geno Smith will have to mature fast (and put that Gator Bowl beatdown from the Noles behind him) if the Mountaineers want a shot at a January 1st Bowl game.
Key Returners:
RB Noel Devine
WR Jock Sanders
Key Games:
9/25 - @ LSU
10/14 - USF
10/29 - @ Uconn
11/13 - Cincinnati
11/26 - @ Pitt
12/04 - Rutgers
Monday, May 17, 2010
Countdown - #25 - Cincinnati Bearcats
We check in with the Cincinnati Bearcats as we roll from 25 to 1 in the GURU's College Football Pre-Season Preview.
Butch Jones took over for Brian Kelly at Central Michigan in 2007 and maintained the same level of success over the past 3 years including coaching Dan Lefevor to being one of the most prolific QBs in recent CFB History.
He now again takes over for Brian Kelly... And this time if he wants to maintain the same level of success, that will mean winning back-to-back Big East Championships and reaching 2 consecutive BCS Bowl games. Good Luck, coach.
Advantages for the Bearcats:
-Brian Kelly recruited well and left a stable of Athletes in the cupboard. The Bearcats return 8 starters on offense and 5 on defense.
-QB Zach Collaros replaced the injured Tony Pike for 5 games last year and played exceptionally well, throwing for 1400 yards and rushing for another 350 yards. His ability to run the ball opens up a whole new dimension for the Bearcat attack. And the experience he gained playing in the heat of the Big East battle (October/November) will pay dividends in 2010.
-As I stated before, Butch Jones has followed Brian Kelly at his last 2 stops and the offense that Jones runs is extremely similar to that of Kelly, so the transition for the offensive players should be seamless.
-Something that some people may have forgotten... Is that former USC WR Vidal Hazelton transferred to Cincinnati and will now be eligible in 2010 after sitting out a year. Keep an eye on him. He and Armon Binns could combine for one of the best WR tandems in America.
-The Bearcats have a very challenging schedule... But they do play their 4 of their toughest opponents at home (Oklahoma, USF, Rutgers, Pitt)
One key question that I have is the defense. What will the defense look like? There were times last year that the Bearcat defense flat out disappeared. And giving up 40+ points in both of their final games (Pitt and Florida) is not a good omen heading into 2010. The Big East has strong offenses that vary greatly in style... So having a solid defense will be a key cog for any team hoping to wear the Big East crown.
Key Players to Watch for:
QB Zach Collaros
WR Armon Binns
RB Isaiah Pead
WR Vidal Hazelton
LB J.K. Schaffer
Key Games:
Sept 4 - @Fresno State
Sept 25 - Oklahoma
Oct 22 - USF
Nov 13 - @West Virginia
Nov 20 - Rutgers
Dec 4 - Pittsburgh
Butch Jones took over for Brian Kelly at Central Michigan in 2007 and maintained the same level of success over the past 3 years including coaching Dan Lefevor to being one of the most prolific QBs in recent CFB History.
He now again takes over for Brian Kelly... And this time if he wants to maintain the same level of success, that will mean winning back-to-back Big East Championships and reaching 2 consecutive BCS Bowl games. Good Luck, coach.
Advantages for the Bearcats:
-Brian Kelly recruited well and left a stable of Athletes in the cupboard. The Bearcats return 8 starters on offense and 5 on defense.
-QB Zach Collaros replaced the injured Tony Pike for 5 games last year and played exceptionally well, throwing for 1400 yards and rushing for another 350 yards. His ability to run the ball opens up a whole new dimension for the Bearcat attack. And the experience he gained playing in the heat of the Big East battle (October/November) will pay dividends in 2010.
-As I stated before, Butch Jones has followed Brian Kelly at his last 2 stops and the offense that Jones runs is extremely similar to that of Kelly, so the transition for the offensive players should be seamless.
-Something that some people may have forgotten... Is that former USC WR Vidal Hazelton transferred to Cincinnati and will now be eligible in 2010 after sitting out a year. Keep an eye on him. He and Armon Binns could combine for one of the best WR tandems in America.
-The Bearcats have a very challenging schedule... But they do play their 4 of their toughest opponents at home (Oklahoma, USF, Rutgers, Pitt)
One key question that I have is the defense. What will the defense look like? There were times last year that the Bearcat defense flat out disappeared. And giving up 40+ points in both of their final games (Pitt and Florida) is not a good omen heading into 2010. The Big East has strong offenses that vary greatly in style... So having a solid defense will be a key cog for any team hoping to wear the Big East crown.
Key Players to Watch for:
QB Zach Collaros
WR Armon Binns
RB Isaiah Pead
WR Vidal Hazelton
LB J.K. Schaffer
Key Games:
Sept 4 - @Fresno State
Sept 25 - Oklahoma
Oct 22 - USF
Nov 13 - @West Virginia
Nov 20 - Rutgers
Dec 4 - Pittsburgh
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The GURU's Pre-Season Top 25
Here is my personal Top 25. It will guide us through the next couple months as I will highlight a couple of teams per week to get us prepared for the season.
1. Alabama - You are the Champ until someone proves otherwise. Have won 27 of last 29 games.
2. Ohio State - If Tyrelle Pryor truly turned the corner in the Rose Bowl, Buckeyes will be tough to beat.
3. Miami - With a Heisman candidate and speed at every position, "Da U" should be back.
4. Texas - Running game will be important for new QB. Defense should be steady.
5. Boise State - 21 of 22 starters return. 1st week against V Tech will tell us if they deserve this high ranking.
6. Oklahoma - Landry Jones was decent filling in for Bradford. Now he must be great.
7. Florida - First year A.T. (After Tebow). Will the Mighty fall?
8. North Carolina - 10 of 11 defensive starters return for ACC's Top defense in 2009. Scary.
9. LSU - Inconsistent QB play plagued LSU in '08 and '09. Jordan Jefferson brings Tigers back to prominance in '10.
10. USC - Most raw talent on team since 2005. Will that translate to victories?
11. Iowa - A stable of solid RBs and stout O-Line... Kirk Ferentz is licking his chops.
12. Oregon - With Masoli, they'd be Top 5. But Ducks still have enough talent to push the Trojans out west.
13. TCU - Their loss to Boise brought this program back to earth. Opening game against Oregon St should set tone.
14. Auburn - JUCO and former Gator transfer QB Cam Newton is the perfect fit for Guz Mahlzan's offense
15. Virginia Tech - Best Backfield in America features Tyrod Taylor(QB), Darren Evans (RB) and Ryan Williams (RB).
16. Florida State - New Coach + New Attitude + Heisman Caliber QB (Ponder) = Double Digit Wins
17. Penn State - With the QB position unsettled, RB Evan Roysters legs and the defense will have to be stout.
18. Arkansas - Best returning QB in the SEC (Ryan Mallett) looks to validate offseason hype.
19. Pittsburgh - RB Dion Lewis and WR Jonathan Baldwin look to guide Pitt to Big East Crown
20. Nebraska - QB Zac Lee missed spring with injury. Will this offense improve from 2009 and give Huskers chance.
21. Wisconsin - Win against Miami in Bowl helps confidence. RB John Clay's health is vital.
22. Georgia Tech - QB Nesbitt returns and Johnson brings in Al Groh to improve defense.
23. South Carolina - Spurrier thinks QB Stephen Garcia turned the corner. SEC East is wide-open.
24. West Virginia - Noel Devine and Jock Sanders must pick up slack and help young QB (Geno Smith)
25. Cincinnati - QB Zach Collaros and WR Armon Bins will have fans saying "who are Pike and Gilyard?"
Others Receiving votes:
Georgia - New D-Coordinator looks to change to 3-4 defense
Clemson - How focused will QB Kyle Parker be? Can Tigers replace CJ Spiller?
Texas A&M - Havent heard the following names??? You'll know them well by mid-september: Jerrod Johnson & Von Miller
Rutgers - Big East is wide open. Tom Savage growth will be key. Mohammed Sanu is a real playmaker.
USF - People close to the program are saying that QB BJ Daniels is already better than Matt Grothe.
Navy - They just keep on winning
Notre Dame - I think 2011 will be their year.
Houston - Teams hopes rest in QB Cayse Keenum's possible Heisman run
Arizona - Can they rebound after embarrassing Holiday Bowl loss?
Oregon St - Rogers brothers are some of the best offensive weapons in the country
Stanford - QB Andrew Luck is good... But replacing Gearhart's production wont be easy
Michigan - Rich Rods last chance
Northwestern - Turned a corner with Outback Bowl berth in '09. Dan Persa steps in for Kafka.
Uconn - I have a feeling Randy Edsall has something in store. Lost 4 games by a combined 13 pts last year.
Washington - How far can Jake Locker take them?
Temple - Yep, you are reading correctly. Al Golden has changed the attitude of that program.
1. Alabama - You are the Champ until someone proves otherwise. Have won 27 of last 29 games.
2. Ohio State - If Tyrelle Pryor truly turned the corner in the Rose Bowl, Buckeyes will be tough to beat.
3. Miami - With a Heisman candidate and speed at every position, "Da U" should be back.
4. Texas - Running game will be important for new QB. Defense should be steady.
5. Boise State - 21 of 22 starters return. 1st week against V Tech will tell us if they deserve this high ranking.
6. Oklahoma - Landry Jones was decent filling in for Bradford. Now he must be great.
7. Florida - First year A.T. (After Tebow). Will the Mighty fall?
8. North Carolina - 10 of 11 defensive starters return for ACC's Top defense in 2009. Scary.
9. LSU - Inconsistent QB play plagued LSU in '08 and '09. Jordan Jefferson brings Tigers back to prominance in '10.
10. USC - Most raw talent on team since 2005. Will that translate to victories?
11. Iowa - A stable of solid RBs and stout O-Line... Kirk Ferentz is licking his chops.
12. Oregon - With Masoli, they'd be Top 5. But Ducks still have enough talent to push the Trojans out west.
13. TCU - Their loss to Boise brought this program back to earth. Opening game against Oregon St should set tone.
14. Auburn - JUCO and former Gator transfer QB Cam Newton is the perfect fit for Guz Mahlzan's offense
15. Virginia Tech - Best Backfield in America features Tyrod Taylor(QB), Darren Evans (RB) and Ryan Williams (RB).
16. Florida State - New Coach + New Attitude + Heisman Caliber QB (Ponder) = Double Digit Wins
17. Penn State - With the QB position unsettled, RB Evan Roysters legs and the defense will have to be stout.
18. Arkansas - Best returning QB in the SEC (Ryan Mallett) looks to validate offseason hype.
19. Pittsburgh - RB Dion Lewis and WR Jonathan Baldwin look to guide Pitt to Big East Crown
20. Nebraska - QB Zac Lee missed spring with injury. Will this offense improve from 2009 and give Huskers chance.
21. Wisconsin - Win against Miami in Bowl helps confidence. RB John Clay's health is vital.
22. Georgia Tech - QB Nesbitt returns and Johnson brings in Al Groh to improve defense.
23. South Carolina - Spurrier thinks QB Stephen Garcia turned the corner. SEC East is wide-open.
24. West Virginia - Noel Devine and Jock Sanders must pick up slack and help young QB (Geno Smith)
25. Cincinnati - QB Zach Collaros and WR Armon Bins will have fans saying "who are Pike and Gilyard?"
Others Receiving votes:
Georgia - New D-Coordinator looks to change to 3-4 defense
Clemson - How focused will QB Kyle Parker be? Can Tigers replace CJ Spiller?
Texas A&M - Havent heard the following names??? You'll know them well by mid-september: Jerrod Johnson & Von Miller
Rutgers - Big East is wide open. Tom Savage growth will be key. Mohammed Sanu is a real playmaker.
USF - People close to the program are saying that QB BJ Daniels is already better than Matt Grothe.
Navy - They just keep on winning
Notre Dame - I think 2011 will be their year.
Houston - Teams hopes rest in QB Cayse Keenum's possible Heisman run
Arizona - Can they rebound after embarrassing Holiday Bowl loss?
Oregon St - Rogers brothers are some of the best offensive weapons in the country
Stanford - QB Andrew Luck is good... But replacing Gearhart's production wont be easy
Michigan - Rich Rods last chance
Northwestern - Turned a corner with Outback Bowl berth in '09. Dan Persa steps in for Kafka.
Uconn - I have a feeling Randy Edsall has something in store. Lost 4 games by a combined 13 pts last year.
Washington - How far can Jake Locker take them?
Temple - Yep, you are reading correctly. Al Golden has changed the attitude of that program.
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