Ryan Mallett. Denard Robinson. Mark Ingram. If you have even watched a remote amount of college football this season, then those are 3 names that you’ve heard at a constant rate. By this point in the season, the superstars are typically established. But after their performances in this weekends upcoming games, there are 3 new names that will be almost as widely discussed. Lucky for you, I’m gonna give you a head start on those 3 names.
Randall Cobb, WR/KR/QB/RB, Kentucky - Judging by his position title I’m sure you can surmise just how versatile this young man is. He has already produced touchdowns in 4 different ways this season (passing, receiving, punt return, and rushing). Arguably the most versatile player in the country, this Junior do-everything performer will get his chance to shine in the limelight as his Kentucky Wildcats visit the Florida Gators in the Swamp. If Kentucky is to have a chance at breaking their 23-year long losing streak to Florida, then Cobb must be at his best.
Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas - This former Running Back originally committed to USC in 2007. He subsequently changed that commitment to Arkansas after the hiring of Bobby Petrino and he has developed into one of the best big-play threats at the WR position in the country. He had an 85 yard TD catch in the season opener and then last week accounted for 130 yards on 6 catches in a hostile SEC environment (at Georgia). Ryan Mallett will look to test the young Alabama secondary early and often on Saturday, so expect Mr. Adams to have plenty of opportunities to make plays in front of a national TV audience.
Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple - The Sophomore Running Back burst onto the scene during his freshman season by tallying 1,361 yards and 16 TDs while leading Temple to a bowl game. And this year he has picked up where he left off. He’s averaging 5.4 yards per carry and notched 169 yards and 2 TDs in a stunning upset of UConn last week. The team has started 3-0, yet even with last year’s success, Temple has remained under the radar. On Saturday that all changes. The Owls head to Happy Valley for a matchup with #23 Penn State on national TV. If Temple pitches an upset bid, expect Pierce to be leading the charge.
Showing posts with label Arkansas Razorbacks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arkansas Razorbacks. Show all posts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Surprisingly Tasty Slate
To the naked eye, this weeks slate pales in comparison to last weeks proclaimed "Monster Saturday". But, for true College Football fans, there is PLENTY to be excited about. Here are just a few of the matchups that have my appetite primed:
#12 Arkansas vs. Georgia - The Razorbacks have their highest ranking since 2006. All of the offseason hype was surrounding Ryan Mallet and the chance they have to supplant Auburn, LSU, and Alabama as the perennial favorites in the SEC West. Well after 2 warmup games, they get their first true test against a Georgia team that is in a must win situation after their Week 2 loss at South Carolina. Are the Razorbacks really as good as advertised?
#21 West Virginia vs. Maryland - The Mountaineers escaped Marshall with an overtime victory. A team that was supposed to contend for the Big East title has looked extremely vulnerable in the first 2 weeks. Maryland provides an out of conference test against a young but excited 2-0 ACC team. WVU travels to Death Valley (LSU) next week, so a good showing here is vital to any hopes they have at being a national contender.
Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina - The ACC has been embarrassed during the first 2 weeks of the season. Both Georgia Tech and UNC lost out of conference matchups (to Kansas and LSU respectively). The winner of this game takes the driver’s seat in a competitive ACC race, while the loser will have trouble keeping its head above water.
#10 Florida vs. Tennessee - This has become one of the most exciting early season rivalry games in all of College Football. Florida seemed to “find itself” in the 2nd half of a win over USF last week. Now the Gators, led by John Brantley, hit the road for the first time. Can they start their SEC run out with a win?
#8 Nebraska vs. Washington - The Huskers go on the road with their new starting QB for the first time. Jake Locker has the chance to prove his Heisman worth in front of a national audience. Are the Huskers truly a title contender?
#7 Oklahoma vs. Air Force - The Sooners got a huge win against Florida State last week that put them squarely in the conversation for the National Championship. But, a hangover against Air Force will result in a loss. Air Force is 2-0 and has 3 players over 100 yards rushing this season already.
Florida State vs. BYU - Both teams were embarrassed last week, but both have the chance for big rebound wins. The ‘Noles annihilated the Cougars in Provo last year. Can Bronco Mendenhall’s team exact revenge in Tallahassee?
#4 TCU vs. Baylor - Most folks will brush this game off and Vegas has already made Baylor 21 point underdogs. But Bears QB Robert Griffin III is the type of player that can lead a team to an upset. This game could be one to watch as the afternoon shifts to evening.
#16 Auburn vs. Clemson - Tigers vs. Tigers. ACC vs. SEC. Primetime. Doesn’t get much better. Both teams are looking for a signature win early in the year. This will be most people’s first look at Heisman candidate Cam Newton, the dual-threat Auburn QB.
Notre Dame vs. Michigan State - Can Brian Kelly rebound from the heartbreaking loss to Michigan? It will be his first road trip as the Irish Head Coach.
#6 Texas vs. Texas Tech - Tommy Tuberville gets his indoctrination into Big 12 football from Mack Brown as the 2 clash for early season Texas supremacy. The last time the Longhorns traveled to Lubbock, the biggest upset in Red Raider history occurred. Is an encore on tap?
#9 Iowa vs. #24 Arizona - Iowa looks to show the nation that their Preseason Top 10 ranking is justified. Arizona looks to grab a statement win for the Pac-10. Wildcat QB Nick Foles could spring himself into the Heisman conversation with a winning performance.
#12 Arkansas vs. Georgia - The Razorbacks have their highest ranking since 2006. All of the offseason hype was surrounding Ryan Mallet and the chance they have to supplant Auburn, LSU, and Alabama as the perennial favorites in the SEC West. Well after 2 warmup games, they get their first true test against a Georgia team that is in a must win situation after their Week 2 loss at South Carolina. Are the Razorbacks really as good as advertised?
#21 West Virginia vs. Maryland - The Mountaineers escaped Marshall with an overtime victory. A team that was supposed to contend for the Big East title has looked extremely vulnerable in the first 2 weeks. Maryland provides an out of conference test against a young but excited 2-0 ACC team. WVU travels to Death Valley (LSU) next week, so a good showing here is vital to any hopes they have at being a national contender.
Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina - The ACC has been embarrassed during the first 2 weeks of the season. Both Georgia Tech and UNC lost out of conference matchups (to Kansas and LSU respectively). The winner of this game takes the driver’s seat in a competitive ACC race, while the loser will have trouble keeping its head above water.
#10 Florida vs. Tennessee - This has become one of the most exciting early season rivalry games in all of College Football. Florida seemed to “find itself” in the 2nd half of a win over USF last week. Now the Gators, led by John Brantley, hit the road for the first time. Can they start their SEC run out with a win?
#8 Nebraska vs. Washington - The Huskers go on the road with their new starting QB for the first time. Jake Locker has the chance to prove his Heisman worth in front of a national audience. Are the Huskers truly a title contender?
#7 Oklahoma vs. Air Force - The Sooners got a huge win against Florida State last week that put them squarely in the conversation for the National Championship. But, a hangover against Air Force will result in a loss. Air Force is 2-0 and has 3 players over 100 yards rushing this season already.
Florida State vs. BYU - Both teams were embarrassed last week, but both have the chance for big rebound wins. The ‘Noles annihilated the Cougars in Provo last year. Can Bronco Mendenhall’s team exact revenge in Tallahassee?
#4 TCU vs. Baylor - Most folks will brush this game off and Vegas has already made Baylor 21 point underdogs. But Bears QB Robert Griffin III is the type of player that can lead a team to an upset. This game could be one to watch as the afternoon shifts to evening.
#16 Auburn vs. Clemson - Tigers vs. Tigers. ACC vs. SEC. Primetime. Doesn’t get much better. Both teams are looking for a signature win early in the year. This will be most people’s first look at Heisman candidate Cam Newton, the dual-threat Auburn QB.
Notre Dame vs. Michigan State - Can Brian Kelly rebound from the heartbreaking loss to Michigan? It will be his first road trip as the Irish Head Coach.
#6 Texas vs. Texas Tech - Tommy Tuberville gets his indoctrination into Big 12 football from Mack Brown as the 2 clash for early season Texas supremacy. The last time the Longhorns traveled to Lubbock, the biggest upset in Red Raider history occurred. Is an encore on tap?
#9 Iowa vs. #24 Arizona - Iowa looks to show the nation that their Preseason Top 10 ranking is justified. Arizona looks to grab a statement win for the Pac-10. Wildcat QB Nick Foles could spring himself into the Heisman conversation with a winning performance.
Friday, June 25, 2010
#18 Arkansas Razorbacks
This year’s version of the 2009 Ole Miss Rebels happens to be their SEC West counterparts, the Arkansas Razorbacks. If that comparison is foreign to you, just go back and take a look at all of the Pre-Season Hype that the Rebels garnered last year, without having really done anything overly impressive. The Rebels chocked away their opportunity.
Now, that’s no knock to the 2010 Razorback squad, but the fact is this team is getting a lot of Pre-Season hype, coming off of an 8-5 season… including a dismal 3-5 record in the SEC. Do they deserve the hype? Maybe… maybe not.
The Razorbacks had a good season by their standards in 2009 (Coach Bobby Petrinos 2nd Year). Although they only had 3 SEC wins, 2 of their losses were to SEC Powers Florida and LSU, by a combined 6 points (with the LSU game going into overtime). First year Starter and former Michigan Wolverine, Ryan Mallet, led the SEC in Passing as a Redshirt Sophomore and many experts had him as one of the Top NFL QB prospects had he left early. After a quick deliberation, he decided to return for his Redshirt Junior season… and quite honestly, he is poised to have a Heisman caliber season.
The 6’6”, rocket-armed QB will have a plethora of weapons to play with. His WR corps, which many believe might be the best in the nation, is led by Juniors Greg Childs and Jarius White, who combined for 89 receptions, 1,578 yards and 12 TDs. Also returning is former USC recruit Joe Adams who has developed into arguably the best Slot WR in the SEC. Even with all the talent coming back at WR, Mallet’s best option in the passing game may very well be his Pre-Season All-American TE D.J. Williams. Williams’ 32 receptions for 411 yards and 3 TDs is 2nd best among returning SEC TEs.
Much like last year, the RB position will be handled by “committee”. Leading returning rusher Broderick Greene has the inside track to be the designated starter… but expect players like Ronnie Wingo, Knile Davis, and Dennis Johnson to get some carries as well. The problem wont be successfully running the ball, instead it will be keeping so many talented players happy with the limited amount of playing time each will be receiving.
Defensively, the Hogs return 8 of 11 starters to a defense that showed flashes of greatness in 2009. LBs Jerry Franklin and Freddy Burton will anchor the 2nd level, while the secondary will be led by Thorpe Award candidate S Elton Ford. While no player has had a standout performance or garnered All-conference honors, the collective group has the talent to be stout this year. With the Razorback offense expected to put up big numbers, this unit should be fine as long as they take a “bend but don’t break” mentality.
Interestingly enough, Arkansas most important player (behind Mallet, of course) might turn out to be place-kicker Alex Tejada. A 4th year starting Senior, Tejada was 58/59 on Extra Points last year and 16/22 on FGs (only missed 2 under 40 yards). If he can be even more consistent as a Senior, then that could be a valuable weapon in a conference that is sure to have a few games that go down to the wire.
The schedule is tough (as are all SEC schedules). The first half of the season is stacked. After 2 warm-up games to start out, they will enter a 4-game stretch that will make or break their season… playing Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn in consecutive games. If they come through that portion of the year sitting at 4-2 or better, then reaching 9 wins is the least they should get, with 10 being a distinct possibility.
Bobby Petrino’s strong recruiting prowess has yielded a group of athletes poised to make a run at the SEC West. If Mallet stays healthy, this team has as good a chance as any SEC squad to be representing the conference in a BCS Bowl game.
Key Returning Players:
QB Ryan Mallet
WR Greg Childs
TE DJ Williams
K Alex Tejada
RB Broderick Greene
LB Jerry Franklin
LB Freddy Burton
S Elton Ford
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Georgia
Sept 25 - Alabama
Oct 9 - Texas A&M
Oct 16 - Auburn
Nov 11 - @ South Carolina
Nov 27 - LSU
Now, that’s no knock to the 2010 Razorback squad, but the fact is this team is getting a lot of Pre-Season hype, coming off of an 8-5 season… including a dismal 3-5 record in the SEC. Do they deserve the hype? Maybe… maybe not.
The Razorbacks had a good season by their standards in 2009 (Coach Bobby Petrinos 2nd Year). Although they only had 3 SEC wins, 2 of their losses were to SEC Powers Florida and LSU, by a combined 6 points (with the LSU game going into overtime). First year Starter and former Michigan Wolverine, Ryan Mallet, led the SEC in Passing as a Redshirt Sophomore and many experts had him as one of the Top NFL QB prospects had he left early. After a quick deliberation, he decided to return for his Redshirt Junior season… and quite honestly, he is poised to have a Heisman caliber season.
The 6’6”, rocket-armed QB will have a plethora of weapons to play with. His WR corps, which many believe might be the best in the nation, is led by Juniors Greg Childs and Jarius White, who combined for 89 receptions, 1,578 yards and 12 TDs. Also returning is former USC recruit Joe Adams who has developed into arguably the best Slot WR in the SEC. Even with all the talent coming back at WR, Mallet’s best option in the passing game may very well be his Pre-Season All-American TE D.J. Williams. Williams’ 32 receptions for 411 yards and 3 TDs is 2nd best among returning SEC TEs.
Much like last year, the RB position will be handled by “committee”. Leading returning rusher Broderick Greene has the inside track to be the designated starter… but expect players like Ronnie Wingo, Knile Davis, and Dennis Johnson to get some carries as well. The problem wont be successfully running the ball, instead it will be keeping so many talented players happy with the limited amount of playing time each will be receiving.
Defensively, the Hogs return 8 of 11 starters to a defense that showed flashes of greatness in 2009. LBs Jerry Franklin and Freddy Burton will anchor the 2nd level, while the secondary will be led by Thorpe Award candidate S Elton Ford. While no player has had a standout performance or garnered All-conference honors, the collective group has the talent to be stout this year. With the Razorback offense expected to put up big numbers, this unit should be fine as long as they take a “bend but don’t break” mentality.
Interestingly enough, Arkansas most important player (behind Mallet, of course) might turn out to be place-kicker Alex Tejada. A 4th year starting Senior, Tejada was 58/59 on Extra Points last year and 16/22 on FGs (only missed 2 under 40 yards). If he can be even more consistent as a Senior, then that could be a valuable weapon in a conference that is sure to have a few games that go down to the wire.
The schedule is tough (as are all SEC schedules). The first half of the season is stacked. After 2 warm-up games to start out, they will enter a 4-game stretch that will make or break their season… playing Georgia, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn in consecutive games. If they come through that portion of the year sitting at 4-2 or better, then reaching 9 wins is the least they should get, with 10 being a distinct possibility.
Bobby Petrino’s strong recruiting prowess has yielded a group of athletes poised to make a run at the SEC West. If Mallet stays healthy, this team has as good a chance as any SEC squad to be representing the conference in a BCS Bowl game.
Key Returning Players:
QB Ryan Mallet
WR Greg Childs
TE DJ Williams
K Alex Tejada
RB Broderick Greene
LB Jerry Franklin
LB Freddy Burton
S Elton Ford
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Georgia
Sept 25 - Alabama
Oct 9 - Texas A&M
Oct 16 - Auburn
Nov 11 - @ South Carolina
Nov 27 - LSU
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