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
Showing posts with label TCU Horned Frogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TCU Horned Frogs. Show all posts
Monday, November 8, 2010
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, October 19, 2010
Don't Forget About Us
Who fits this profile? A non-BCS school that is undefeated, beat a pre-season BCS-conference favorite, has an average margin of victory of 30.1 pts per game, has a QB who’s pass efficiency rating is 158.7, has 2 RBs with over 300 yards, 2 WRs with 4 TDs each, and ranked in the Top 10 in the first BCS Standings of the season. If you answered Boise State or TCU, you’re dead wrong.
The only team that fits that profile is the Utah Utes. So why is it that only Boise and TCU are getting the talk about BCS crashers? Utah beat #15 ranked (at the time) Pittsburgh to start the season, and has since had blowout wins over Iowa State, UNLV, and Wyoming among others. Sure, Pittsburgh has sputtered a bit, but so has Virginia Tech (who Boise beat in week 1) and so has Oregon State (who TCU beat in Week 1). Virginia Tech lost to FCS James Madison and Oregon State now has 3 losses on the season. Since their week 1 overtime win, no team has been within 24 points of the Utes after the final buzzer. They are so deep in the roster, that when their starting QB was injured for 2 games, the backup (Terrance Cain) came in and threw for 496 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 ints.
Prior to the start of the season, Boise State had gotten all of the love. The Broncos have seemed to become the “People’s Champ” as almost everyone wants to see them get an opportunity to play for a championship… but I contend that the wrong team is being promoted.
A quick history lesson is in order. Most people continue to look at Boise’s miracle win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl as the “arrival” of the Non-Automatic Qualifying schools. But, much like Utah is being forgotten about by voters, experts, and fans this season, America seems to forget that it was actually the Utes who were the original BCS Busters. In 2004, the Urban Meyer led Utes finished 13-0 and won the Fiesta Bowl over Big East Champion Pittsburgh. And then 4 years later, that same Utah team finished unbeaten again and beat a 12-1 Alabama Crimson Tide team by 14 in the Sugar Bowl.
Of course by this point in the article, some of you are thinking “but Boise has the best chance to make it”. To borrow a line from my favorite sports analyst (Lee Corso), not so fast my friend. For the remainder of the season, Boise doesn’t play a single ranked team. The one team that was supposed to give them trouble and possibly be ranked (Nevada) lost last weekend to Hawaii. On the other hand, Utah still plays #5 ranked TCU (at home, nonetheless) and they also face Air Force (who was ranked #23 last week) and Notre Dame, who should be 6-3 at the time of the contest. If Utah finds a way to win all 3 of those games and then finish with wins over solid San Diego State and BYU teams, the Utes will have a great chance at passing Boise in the standings.
Boise State and TCU are great programs, and they deserve our respect, but if any team deserves to be the first Non-automatic qualifier to play for the BCS Championship, it should be the team that started it all back in 2004 (Utah), not the teams that have ridden the coattails of Utah’s success (Boise and TCU).
So, while everyone out there continues to tout the successes of TCU and Boise State, I implore you… don’t forget about the Utes.
The only team that fits that profile is the Utah Utes. So why is it that only Boise and TCU are getting the talk about BCS crashers? Utah beat #15 ranked (at the time) Pittsburgh to start the season, and has since had blowout wins over Iowa State, UNLV, and Wyoming among others. Sure, Pittsburgh has sputtered a bit, but so has Virginia Tech (who Boise beat in week 1) and so has Oregon State (who TCU beat in Week 1). Virginia Tech lost to FCS James Madison and Oregon State now has 3 losses on the season. Since their week 1 overtime win, no team has been within 24 points of the Utes after the final buzzer. They are so deep in the roster, that when their starting QB was injured for 2 games, the backup (Terrance Cain) came in and threw for 496 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 ints.
Prior to the start of the season, Boise State had gotten all of the love. The Broncos have seemed to become the “People’s Champ” as almost everyone wants to see them get an opportunity to play for a championship… but I contend that the wrong team is being promoted.
A quick history lesson is in order. Most people continue to look at Boise’s miracle win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl as the “arrival” of the Non-Automatic Qualifying schools. But, much like Utah is being forgotten about by voters, experts, and fans this season, America seems to forget that it was actually the Utes who were the original BCS Busters. In 2004, the Urban Meyer led Utes finished 13-0 and won the Fiesta Bowl over Big East Champion Pittsburgh. And then 4 years later, that same Utah team finished unbeaten again and beat a 12-1 Alabama Crimson Tide team by 14 in the Sugar Bowl.
Of course by this point in the article, some of you are thinking “but Boise has the best chance to make it”. To borrow a line from my favorite sports analyst (Lee Corso), not so fast my friend. For the remainder of the season, Boise doesn’t play a single ranked team. The one team that was supposed to give them trouble and possibly be ranked (Nevada) lost last weekend to Hawaii. On the other hand, Utah still plays #5 ranked TCU (at home, nonetheless) and they also face Air Force (who was ranked #23 last week) and Notre Dame, who should be 6-3 at the time of the contest. If Utah finds a way to win all 3 of those games and then finish with wins over solid San Diego State and BYU teams, the Utes will have a great chance at passing Boise in the standings.
Boise State and TCU are great programs, and they deserve our respect, but if any team deserves to be the first Non-automatic qualifier to play for the BCS Championship, it should be the team that started it all back in 2004 (Utah), not the teams that have ridden the coattails of Utah’s success (Boise and TCU).
So, while everyone out there continues to tout the successes of TCU and Boise State, I implore you… don’t forget about the Utes.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Week 3 Upset Alert
Lots of solid games this weekend. Most of the favorites should win, but there are a few teams that need to listen to the sirens, because an Upset Alert is headed their way:
#7 Oklahoma - The Sooners were impressive against Florida State last Saturday in a 30 point win. Besides the obvious possibility of a letdown after such a hyped game, there is another reason for concern. The Sooners haven’t fared well against the MWC recently. We all recall their Week 1 loss to BYU last season and back in 2005, the Sooners lost their opener to TCU. Could a strong Air Force team that will control the time of possession upset Stoops Troops?
#4 TCU - Speaking of those Horned Frogs, they have truly gone from the hunter to the hunted. In an All-Texas affair, TCU will face the upstart Baylor Bears in Forth Worth, TX. While most people will scoff at this notion, they should recognize that this is the type of game where 1 superstar player can make all the difference. That possible superstar is Baylor’s Junior QB Robert Griffin III. If he gets it going early, the Bears have a chance.
#9 Iowa - The Hawkeyes have struggled recently against West Coast opponents on the road. They travel to Arizona to face the Wildcats on Saturday night. Not only will the Hawkeyes have to make a long road trip, but they will have to play one of the hottest offenses in America led by Heisman Trophy candidate Nick Foles.
#20 Michigan - After what we’ve seen in the first 2 weeks, people must think we’re crazy for including Michigan as a possible upset alert team when they are hosting the UMass Minutemen of the FCS division. But we all remember that 2007 home opener in which the Wolverines stumbled at the hands of FCS Appalachian State. Also, in an interesting side-note, UMass’s fellow Colonial Athletic Conference member, James Madison, rolled into Blacksburg last Saturday and upset #13 Virginia Tech. Hmmmmm….
We’re not saying that these teams will lose… we are just saying they better be wary.
#7 Oklahoma - The Sooners were impressive against Florida State last Saturday in a 30 point win. Besides the obvious possibility of a letdown after such a hyped game, there is another reason for concern. The Sooners haven’t fared well against the MWC recently. We all recall their Week 1 loss to BYU last season and back in 2005, the Sooners lost their opener to TCU. Could a strong Air Force team that will control the time of possession upset Stoops Troops?
#4 TCU - Speaking of those Horned Frogs, they have truly gone from the hunter to the hunted. In an All-Texas affair, TCU will face the upstart Baylor Bears in Forth Worth, TX. While most people will scoff at this notion, they should recognize that this is the type of game where 1 superstar player can make all the difference. That possible superstar is Baylor’s Junior QB Robert Griffin III. If he gets it going early, the Bears have a chance.
#9 Iowa - The Hawkeyes have struggled recently against West Coast opponents on the road. They travel to Arizona to face the Wildcats on Saturday night. Not only will the Hawkeyes have to make a long road trip, but they will have to play one of the hottest offenses in America led by Heisman Trophy candidate Nick Foles.
#20 Michigan - After what we’ve seen in the first 2 weeks, people must think we’re crazy for including Michigan as a possible upset alert team when they are hosting the UMass Minutemen of the FCS division. But we all remember that 2007 home opener in which the Wolverines stumbled at the hands of FCS Appalachian State. Also, in an interesting side-note, UMass’s fellow Colonial Athletic Conference member, James Madison, rolled into Blacksburg last Saturday and upset #13 Virginia Tech. Hmmmmm….
We’re not saying that these teams will lose… we are just saying they better be wary.
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, August 20, 2010
Friday Q & A
Jimmiemac from Texas provides our next question.
Q: You said this year’s opening game will be the toughest in decades for TCU. But, in the last 2 decades TCU has opened up at Lincoln twice, twice at Norman, once with OU at TCU and once against the Big-10 champ at home. OSU is not the toughest opening game in decades.
A: Notice we didn’t say "toughest opening opponent". We said "toughest opening game". There hasn't been a single time in the last 3 decades where TCU has opened up a season ranked in the Top 10 while playing their first game against a fellow Top 25 opponent. Sure, the Horned Frogs have played tougher opening opponents at times, but never has the pressure of being a preseason Top 10 team weighed so heavily on Horned Frog Players, Coaches, and fans as it will this year.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a person associated with their last National Title (1938) that is still living.
Being a former College Football Player, I can attest to the fact that Top 10 pressure on a 20 or 21 year old kid can eat away at psychology of even the best during the grueling spring and summer weeks leading up to Week 1.
Do I think that Gary Patterson will have them ready to play on Sept 4? Yes.
But, do I think that they will beat the Beavers of Oregon State? Unfortunately, no.
I hope this clears up our meaning of "toughest opening game".
Q: You said this year’s opening game will be the toughest in decades for TCU. But, in the last 2 decades TCU has opened up at Lincoln twice, twice at Norman, once with OU at TCU and once against the Big-10 champ at home. OSU is not the toughest opening game in decades.
A: Notice we didn’t say "toughest opening opponent". We said "toughest opening game". There hasn't been a single time in the last 3 decades where TCU has opened up a season ranked in the Top 10 while playing their first game against a fellow Top 25 opponent. Sure, the Horned Frogs have played tougher opening opponents at times, but never has the pressure of being a preseason Top 10 team weighed so heavily on Horned Frog Players, Coaches, and fans as it will this year.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a person associated with their last National Title (1938) that is still living.
Being a former College Football Player, I can attest to the fact that Top 10 pressure on a 20 or 21 year old kid can eat away at psychology of even the best during the grueling spring and summer weeks leading up to Week 1.
Do I think that Gary Patterson will have them ready to play on Sept 4? Yes.
But, do I think that they will beat the Beavers of Oregon State? Unfortunately, no.
I hope this clears up our meaning of "toughest opening game".
Friday, July 16, 2010
#13 TCU Horned Frogs
Let’s just be clear. We will no longer refer to this team as a “BCS Buster” or a “Non-BCS Conference team”. The TCU Horned Frogs have played at a level that is on par with all of its Texas brethren (except 1 of course). If a poll was done as to who the best teams in Texas are, the Horned Frogs would undoubtedly find themselves at a solid #2, ahead of the likes of Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Baylor (Big 12 members).
That being said, this year, this squad will not be able to just fly under the radar. A high-profile game against one of the Pac-10 favorites (Oregon State) starts their season and might derail this BCS Contender before they even get on the track.
Head Coach Gary Patterson has made a living out of recruiting “athletes”. Sounds simple right? Not so fast, let me explain. Most teams recruit by position. So if I am a coach and I need 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 2 DEs… then I will recruit 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 2 DEs. Patterson, however, simply recruits the BEST athlete and then plugs them in where his team needs help. There is no greater example of this, than witnessed by 2010 First Round Draft choice (Jerry Hughes). Hughes arrived at TCU as a star RB...he left as one of the best Defensive Lineman in the country. So, the one thing that you KNOW that you’re going to get from the Horned Frogs is speed, strength, and quickness at every position on the field.
This year is no exception. 9 starters return on offense, led by All-Conference selections QB Andy Dalton and WR Jeremy Kerley. Dalton passed for 2800 yards and 23 TDs last season, while Kerley led the WRs with 44 receptions. Kerley was also a potent kick returner and looks to hold onto that position this season. Sophomore Ed Wesley is poised to take over at RB and while he wasn’t a starter in 2009, he managed to earn significant playing time to the tune of 638 yards and 4 TDs. Adding to his confidence will be the knowledge that he is running behind a veteran offensive line that returns 4 starters from last year.
Defensively, 7 starters are back. DE Wayne Daniels should be a prime NFL Draft candidate in 2011 and in the mean time will wreak havoc on opposing QBs. Look for Junior MLB Tank Carder (2009 All-Conference selection) to anchor a strong 2nd level for the Frogs. Both starting safeties return which should help with the departure of both starting CBs. Seniors Colin Jones (SS) and Tejay Johnson (FS) will have to help ease new starters Jason Teague (CB) and Greg McCoy (CB) into the all-important defensive backfield.
As we previously alluded to, the Horned Frogs will play their toughest opening game in decades when facing the Beavers of Oregon State. But 2 things about this are good. If TCU can grab a win in this early season tilt, it will place them firmly on the radar of all the voters (both Coach and AP), where as in the past, they didn’t enter the conversation until about midseason. Another advantage is that this will be the hardest game they play all year. After a week 2 tune-up against Tennessee Tech, they will host Baylor and then from that point forward, only late season matchups against BYU and Utah would have the potential of slowing them down and preventing them from playing in a 2nd consecutive BCS game.
Key Returning Players:
QB Andy Dalton
WR Jeremy Kerley
DE Wayne Daniels
LB Tank Carder
SS Colin Jones
FS Tejay Johnson
K Ross Evans
Key Games:
Sept 4 - Oregon State (in Arlington)
Sept 18 - Baylor
Oct 16 - BYU
Oct 23 - Air Force
Nov 6 - @ Utah
That being said, this year, this squad will not be able to just fly under the radar. A high-profile game against one of the Pac-10 favorites (Oregon State) starts their season and might derail this BCS Contender before they even get on the track.
Head Coach Gary Patterson has made a living out of recruiting “athletes”. Sounds simple right? Not so fast, let me explain. Most teams recruit by position. So if I am a coach and I need 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 2 DEs… then I will recruit 2 RBs, 3 WRs, and 2 DEs. Patterson, however, simply recruits the BEST athlete and then plugs them in where his team needs help. There is no greater example of this, than witnessed by 2010 First Round Draft choice (Jerry Hughes). Hughes arrived at TCU as a star RB...he left as one of the best Defensive Lineman in the country. So, the one thing that you KNOW that you’re going to get from the Horned Frogs is speed, strength, and quickness at every position on the field.
This year is no exception. 9 starters return on offense, led by All-Conference selections QB Andy Dalton and WR Jeremy Kerley. Dalton passed for 2800 yards and 23 TDs last season, while Kerley led the WRs with 44 receptions. Kerley was also a potent kick returner and looks to hold onto that position this season. Sophomore Ed Wesley is poised to take over at RB and while he wasn’t a starter in 2009, he managed to earn significant playing time to the tune of 638 yards and 4 TDs. Adding to his confidence will be the knowledge that he is running behind a veteran offensive line that returns 4 starters from last year.
Defensively, 7 starters are back. DE Wayne Daniels should be a prime NFL Draft candidate in 2011 and in the mean time will wreak havoc on opposing QBs. Look for Junior MLB Tank Carder (2009 All-Conference selection) to anchor a strong 2nd level for the Frogs. Both starting safeties return which should help with the departure of both starting CBs. Seniors Colin Jones (SS) and Tejay Johnson (FS) will have to help ease new starters Jason Teague (CB) and Greg McCoy (CB) into the all-important defensive backfield.
As we previously alluded to, the Horned Frogs will play their toughest opening game in decades when facing the Beavers of Oregon State. But 2 things about this are good. If TCU can grab a win in this early season tilt, it will place them firmly on the radar of all the voters (both Coach and AP), where as in the past, they didn’t enter the conversation until about midseason. Another advantage is that this will be the hardest game they play all year. After a week 2 tune-up against Tennessee Tech, they will host Baylor and then from that point forward, only late season matchups against BYU and Utah would have the potential of slowing them down and preventing them from playing in a 2nd consecutive BCS game.
Key Returning Players:
QB Andy Dalton
WR Jeremy Kerley
DE Wayne Daniels
LB Tank Carder
SS Colin Jones
FS Tejay Johnson
K Ross Evans
Key Games:
Sept 4 - Oregon State (in Arlington)
Sept 18 - Baylor
Oct 16 - BYU
Oct 23 - Air Force
Nov 6 - @ Utah
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