It’s Time for Awards Season here on CFB Kings. Since there are still a few games to be played, we will hold off on some of the player awards that we feel are still in question. So, we will start it off with the Coach of the Year.
For us, when we’re picking coaches of the year, it’s not about the glamour and glitz. And it’s not necessarily about going undefeated or going to a BCS Bowl game. It’s about what coach we think actually did the best job "coaching". Hence the reason you wont see Chris Peterson, Gary Patterson, or Gene Chizik on our list. Yes, those 3 gentlemen are great coaches and yes their teams are great. But Boise, TCU, and Auburn are stock piled with talent and were expected to do well.
Here at CFB Kings we like to reward the Coaches who exceeded expectations with less talent than the usual powerhouses.
Here are the Top 5 Coaches of the year (in order):
1. Art Briles, Baylor - The Baylor Bears are going bowling for the first time since 1994. Under the direction of Briles, Baylor also ended a 12-game losing streak against Texas and won at Texas for the first time in 19 years.
2. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma St. - The Cowboys were almost unanimously picked to finish dead last in the Big 12 South. Going into this weeks Bedlam matchup against the Sooners, Oklahoma State is 10-1 and leading the Big 12 South. They are also currently the highest ranked team in the conference. And oh, by the way… he’s 43 now!!!
3. Jim Harbaugh, Stanford - He has taken a dormant monster in Stanford and turned the Cardinal into the class of the Pac-10. Hard nosed, sound fundamental football has given way to a 10-1 season thus far and a #6 ranking. The Rose Bowl is just around the corner.
4. Rich Ellerson, Army - In just his 2nd year, Ellerson has guided the Black Knights to a bowl game for the first time in 14 years. Re-installing the triple option and infecting his team with a “we ARE good enough to win” attitude has paid quick dividends.
5. Dan Mullen, Miss St. - In the toughest division in the entire country (SEC West), Mullen has coached the Bulldogs out of the cellar and into the SEC fray. With a 7-4 record, the Bulldogs are going bowling… but even more impressively, consider the fact that Auburn’s closest game of the year so far was a 17-14 escape from Starkville.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Updated BCS Projections
The biggest Saturday in the ACC is on the horizon. And there are many matchups around the country that will give us more clarity on the fluid BCS projections.
Here is CFB Kings best prediction as to what teams will land where in the BCS Bowl Games:
BCS Championship Game: Auburn vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Boise State
Here is CFB Kings best prediction as to what teams will land where in the BCS Bowl Games:
BCS Championship Game: Auburn vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Boise State
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Eyes of Boise and America should be on Blacksburg Tonight
Ever since the night of September 6th, the eyes of the College football world have not ventured in the direction of the state of Virginia. The Virginia Cavaliers have struggled through Head Coach Mike London’s first year. And people seem to have forgotten about a certain team that dons maroon and burnt orange on Saturdays. But tonight, as that team steps back into the spotlight, the nation should understand that the Hokies aren’t only playing for themselves. They are playing for the life of BCS busters everywhere.
After the Hokies lost a thrilling Week 1 showdown to the Boise State Broncos, many expected the win to boost Boise into the Top 2 of the BCS for the entirety of the year. Such a strong win in a virtual road game (at Fed Ex Field) would definitely sway the votes in the Broncos favor, right? Conventional wisdom said yes. What conventional wisdom didn’t expect was for those Hokies to go on to lose their next game to the FCS (formerly D-1AA) James Madison Dukes. It was a devastating blow to Boise’s chances to play for the national title as it appeared that this Hokie team was vastly overrated. Nobody has thought about the team since that devastating Week 2 blunder.
Then came Week 3… and Week 4… and weeks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. And quietly the Hokies have won 6 straight games, including a road win against #23 ranked North Carolina State. And suddenly in the last BCS standings, Virginia Tech showed up at #22. They now enter their toughest stretch of the season starting tonight against Georgia Tech, followed by trips to North Carolina and Miami, before finishing at home against the rival Cavaliers. If the Hokies win 3 of 4 of those games, they will win the ACC Coastal division and play for the ACC Title in December. And even more interesting, certain projections show that if the Hokies win all 4 November games and the ACC Championship, they could move into the Top 7 of the BCS Standings. Would you believe me if I said another school would be even happier with Virginia Tech’s success than the Hokies themselves?
Nobody stands to benefit more from the success of Hokie Nation than the Boise State Broncos. With Oregon and Auburn atop the standings and fellow BCS busters TCU ranked #3 and Utah ranked #5 rounding out the top 5, Boise State is in a prime position to capitalize on this years love of the Non-AQ schools. Utah and TCU face off this week in an “elimination match” that will only leave 4 unbeaten’s in the country. If Auburn and Oregon win-out, then they will undoubtedly play each other in the BCS Championship game. But if either slips up, it possibly opens the door for a Non-BCS school to finally play for a BCS championship. With Boise sitting at #4 in the polls and playing only 1 more ranked opponent on their schedule (#23 Nevada on Thanksgiving weekend), their only hope of catapulting the TCU/Utah winner in the polls would be for Virginia Tech to win out and finish ranked in the Top 10.
As if that weren’t enough to make this game important… let’s not forget about the defending ACC Champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. With a remaining conference schedule that consists of tonight’s opponent, Virginia Tech, along with Duke and Miami, if the Yellow Jackets win out, they will claim the ACC Coastal division title and play for a 2nd consecutive conference championship. All the while, the Miami Hurricanes are sitting at home realizing that if they win-out, they have a chance to win the Coastal division and play for the conference title for the first time in their ACC existence. “The U” still plays both of these teams later in the season. Think they might be interested in this game?
And in case you haven’t put this puzzle together yet… consider that if Alabama wins out (which would include wins over #2 Auburn, #10 LSU, and #20 Mississippi State), they might leap-frog an undefeated Boise State, especially if Virginia Tech isn’t highly rated come December.
Interested yet?
Sure, at (6-2) and (5-3), respectively, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech aren’t exactly competing for a National Championship tonight. But when the 2 teams face off in Blacksburg, VA this evening, the implications of this game will stretch as far south as Miami, FL and as far west as Boise, ID (not to mention Tuscaloosa, AL, Eugene, OR, Fort Worth, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT).
After the Hokies lost a thrilling Week 1 showdown to the Boise State Broncos, many expected the win to boost Boise into the Top 2 of the BCS for the entirety of the year. Such a strong win in a virtual road game (at Fed Ex Field) would definitely sway the votes in the Broncos favor, right? Conventional wisdom said yes. What conventional wisdom didn’t expect was for those Hokies to go on to lose their next game to the FCS (formerly D-1AA) James Madison Dukes. It was a devastating blow to Boise’s chances to play for the national title as it appeared that this Hokie team was vastly overrated. Nobody has thought about the team since that devastating Week 2 blunder.
Then came Week 3… and Week 4… and weeks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. And quietly the Hokies have won 6 straight games, including a road win against #23 ranked North Carolina State. And suddenly in the last BCS standings, Virginia Tech showed up at #22. They now enter their toughest stretch of the season starting tonight against Georgia Tech, followed by trips to North Carolina and Miami, before finishing at home against the rival Cavaliers. If the Hokies win 3 of 4 of those games, they will win the ACC Coastal division and play for the ACC Title in December. And even more interesting, certain projections show that if the Hokies win all 4 November games and the ACC Championship, they could move into the Top 7 of the BCS Standings. Would you believe me if I said another school would be even happier with Virginia Tech’s success than the Hokies themselves?
Nobody stands to benefit more from the success of Hokie Nation than the Boise State Broncos. With Oregon and Auburn atop the standings and fellow BCS busters TCU ranked #3 and Utah ranked #5 rounding out the top 5, Boise State is in a prime position to capitalize on this years love of the Non-AQ schools. Utah and TCU face off this week in an “elimination match” that will only leave 4 unbeaten’s in the country. If Auburn and Oregon win-out, then they will undoubtedly play each other in the BCS Championship game. But if either slips up, it possibly opens the door for a Non-BCS school to finally play for a BCS championship. With Boise sitting at #4 in the polls and playing only 1 more ranked opponent on their schedule (#23 Nevada on Thanksgiving weekend), their only hope of catapulting the TCU/Utah winner in the polls would be for Virginia Tech to win out and finish ranked in the Top 10.
As if that weren’t enough to make this game important… let’s not forget about the defending ACC Champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. With a remaining conference schedule that consists of tonight’s opponent, Virginia Tech, along with Duke and Miami, if the Yellow Jackets win out, they will claim the ACC Coastal division title and play for a 2nd consecutive conference championship. All the while, the Miami Hurricanes are sitting at home realizing that if they win-out, they have a chance to win the Coastal division and play for the conference title for the first time in their ACC existence. “The U” still plays both of these teams later in the season. Think they might be interested in this game?
And in case you haven’t put this puzzle together yet… consider that if Alabama wins out (which would include wins over #2 Auburn, #10 LSU, and #20 Mississippi State), they might leap-frog an undefeated Boise State, especially if Virginia Tech isn’t highly rated come December.
Interested yet?
Sure, at (6-2) and (5-3), respectively, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech aren’t exactly competing for a National Championship tonight. But when the 2 teams face off in Blacksburg, VA this evening, the implications of this game will stretch as far south as Miami, FL and as far west as Boise, ID (not to mention Tuscaloosa, AL, Eugene, OR, Fort Worth, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT).
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
We're Asking the Wrong Question
Ever since 2004, I have been amongst the BCS-Elitists whose slogans represent something to the effect of “Just Say No to the Non-AQ!!!” Sure, I have respected the success of Utah, Boise State, BYU, Hawaii and TCU over the past 6 years, but I was strongly against their inclusion in the BCS Bowls and in particular the National Championship discussion. So many people that argue with me on the subject continue to ask me some variation of the following question: “What… you don’t think that Boise or TCU could beat Mississippi State, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, or Alabama?”
And there within lies my problem with the entire discussion. We’ll come back to this.
Even in this season, the 3 Non-BCS powerhouses have proven their capability. TCU beat a Baylor team that now sits atop the Big 12 South. Boise beat a Virginia Tech team who is currently undefeated in the ACC. And Utah beat a Pittsburgh team which has started 3-0 in Big East league play. Right now you’re probably thinking… “exactly, so they should have the chance to play for the title.” Keep dreaming (and reading).
There is NO DOUBT in my mind this year that Boise State, Utah, and TCU could beat any team in the country on a neutral field. Heck, I even think that they could go into some of the most hostile road environments, including SEC venues, and come away with victories. But let’s change that “or” to “and” and re-ask the aforementioned question.
“Do you think that Boise or TCU could beat Mississippi State, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama?”
The answer to that question… is an emphatic NO.
But, that is what Auburn has been asked to do this year… and so far (with a 9-0 record) they have done it.
Ohio State has been asked to beat Miami, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue.
Oklahoma has been asked to beat Florida State, Cincinnati, Air Force, Texas, Missouri, Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.
Even though Oklahoma and Ohio State both slipped up once, the fact that they are attempting to navigate such a difficult schedule is the point. Week-in and week-out, the BCS conference members have to play a schedule that requires their best effort. The Non-BCS schools do not have nearly the challenge that the BCS schools do. BCS teams are asked to beat more than 1 or 2 tough opponents every year, unlike the non-BCS teams.
Ponder this. In the heart of the season (October):
Boise State played New Mexico State, Toledo, San Jose State, and Louisiana Tech.
TCU played Colorado State, Wyoming, BYU, Air Force, and UNLV.
Now, during that same stretch:
Alabama played Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.
LSU played West Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn.
Oregon played Stanford, UCLA, Washington State, and USC.
The bottom line is that these non-BCS schedules are not on par with their BCS brethren, so why should the non-BCS teams play for the same reward? Even the title of the game itself should be enough to drive home that point. It’s not called the “College Football Championship” or the “FBS National Title”. It’s called the “BCS Championship Game”. It is a reward for the top teams that come out of the BCS conferences. It’s not a reward for teams that play schedules with a strength ranking below 90th.
I have softened my stance on allowing the Non-BCS teams to participate in some of the BCS games. It is entertaining to see how a Boise or TCU matches up with some of the BCS powers every now and again. But the BCS Championship should remain reserved for schools that reside in BCS conferences. That is a question that is easy to answer.
And there within lies my problem with the entire discussion. We’ll come back to this.
Even in this season, the 3 Non-BCS powerhouses have proven their capability. TCU beat a Baylor team that now sits atop the Big 12 South. Boise beat a Virginia Tech team who is currently undefeated in the ACC. And Utah beat a Pittsburgh team which has started 3-0 in Big East league play. Right now you’re probably thinking… “exactly, so they should have the chance to play for the title.” Keep dreaming (and reading).
There is NO DOUBT in my mind this year that Boise State, Utah, and TCU could beat any team in the country on a neutral field. Heck, I even think that they could go into some of the most hostile road environments, including SEC venues, and come away with victories. But let’s change that “or” to “and” and re-ask the aforementioned question.
“Do you think that Boise or TCU could beat Mississippi State, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama?”
The answer to that question… is an emphatic NO.
But, that is what Auburn has been asked to do this year… and so far (with a 9-0 record) they have done it.
Ohio State has been asked to beat Miami, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue.
Oklahoma has been asked to beat Florida State, Cincinnati, Air Force, Texas, Missouri, Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.
Even though Oklahoma and Ohio State both slipped up once, the fact that they are attempting to navigate such a difficult schedule is the point. Week-in and week-out, the BCS conference members have to play a schedule that requires their best effort. The Non-BCS schools do not have nearly the challenge that the BCS schools do. BCS teams are asked to beat more than 1 or 2 tough opponents every year, unlike the non-BCS teams.
Ponder this. In the heart of the season (October):
Boise State played New Mexico State, Toledo, San Jose State, and Louisiana Tech.
TCU played Colorado State, Wyoming, BYU, Air Force, and UNLV.
Now, during that same stretch:
Alabama played Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.
LSU played West Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn.
Oregon played Stanford, UCLA, Washington State, and USC.
The bottom line is that these non-BCS schedules are not on par with their BCS brethren, so why should the non-BCS teams play for the same reward? Even the title of the game itself should be enough to drive home that point. It’s not called the “College Football Championship” or the “FBS National Title”. It’s called the “BCS Championship Game”. It is a reward for the top teams that come out of the BCS conferences. It’s not a reward for teams that play schedules with a strength ranking below 90th.
I have softened my stance on allowing the Non-BCS teams to participate in some of the BCS games. It is entertaining to see how a Boise or TCU matches up with some of the BCS powers every now and again. But the BCS Championship should remain reserved for schools that reside in BCS conferences. That is a question that is easy to answer.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 10 BCS Bowl Projections
There is a ton of football left to be played. After this week (Alabama vs. LSU and TCU vs Utah) there will be a lot more clarity as to how the BCS picture will shape up. For now, here is CFB Kings best prediction as to what teams will land where in the BCS Bowl Games:
BCS Championship Game: Oregon vs. Auburn
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Pittsburgh
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Boise State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Nebraska
BCS Championship Game: Oregon vs. Auburn
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Pittsburgh
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Boise State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Nebraska
Monday, November 1, 2010
2012 Season Opener Can't Come Soon Enough
I am often guilty of being too excited about the future. My future family, my future job, my future car, my future vacations. I am just the kind of person that always looks to the future. I’ve even been told at times “If you keep looking at the future, you’ll miss the present.”
Good advice, no doubt. But in this case, I’ll stick to my guns and look forward to the date of September 1, 2012. A deal that had been rumored for about 5 weeks is now completely official. I heard it in person straight from the mouth of the Michigan Athletic Director during a speech he gave Saturday evening in State College, PA.
The Michigan Wolverines will play the Alabama Crimson Tide to open the 2012 season. And the game will be played in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.
I know, I know… that’s eons away. We haven’t even finished the 2010 season and haven’t even started the 2011 season and here I am talking about 2012. Well, it’s hard not to think about Denard Robinson entering his Senior season as the clear cut Heisman favorite. And after a rebuilding year possibly in 2011 (losing McElroy, Jones, and Ingram), the Crimson Tide should be in top form to start the 2012 season. If Michigan can find a defensive coordinator (btw Rich Rod, I’m available), then it’s probable that both the Wolverines and Crimson Tide will enter the year ranked in the top 10.
So even as I learn to enjoy the present, the excitement brewing for that 2012 season opener will be hard to contain.
Good advice, no doubt. But in this case, I’ll stick to my guns and look forward to the date of September 1, 2012. A deal that had been rumored for about 5 weeks is now completely official. I heard it in person straight from the mouth of the Michigan Athletic Director during a speech he gave Saturday evening in State College, PA.
The Michigan Wolverines will play the Alabama Crimson Tide to open the 2012 season. And the game will be played in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.
I know, I know… that’s eons away. We haven’t even finished the 2010 season and haven’t even started the 2011 season and here I am talking about 2012. Well, it’s hard not to think about Denard Robinson entering his Senior season as the clear cut Heisman favorite. And after a rebuilding year possibly in 2011 (losing McElroy, Jones, and Ingram), the Crimson Tide should be in top form to start the 2012 season. If Michigan can find a defensive coordinator (btw Rich Rod, I’m available), then it’s probable that both the Wolverines and Crimson Tide will enter the year ranked in the top 10.
So even as I learn to enjoy the present, the excitement brewing for that 2012 season opener will be hard to contain.
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