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.
Showing posts with label Top 25. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top 25. Show all posts
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Teams That Make You Say Hmmmmm....
There are 3 teams that started the season unranked, yet have had impressive wins in the first 2 weeks that have given them cause for excitement. For all 3 of these schools, the odds to represent their conference as champions has gone from average to great in a mere 9 day stretch. Conventional Wisdom says to take a “chill pill” as these teams have teased us before with their great starts. But you can’t help but be impressed.
- #13 South Carolina Gamecocks - Many people thought that this might be Spurrier’s best chance at South Carolina to win the SEC East and compete for the league title. With Tebow gone and Tennessee having a new coach, the door was open. Well, the Gamecocks have burst through that door… and after starting the season unranked, they are currently #13 in the latest AP Poll. They held the mighty Georgia Bulldogs to 6 points in a week 2 win. QB Stephen Garcia has produced equitably through the air and more importantly only has 1 turnover (a fumble). Also, True Freshman RB Marcus Lattimore has rushed for 236 yards and 4 TDs in his first 2 collegiate games. After beating Georgia, they have a leg up in the SEC East race. Is this finally South Carolina’s breakthrough year??? Hmmmmm….
- #19 Stanford Cardinal - Many pundits, including myself, wondered how the Cardinal would deal with the loss of Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart. Well, they dealt with it by smashing UCLA in Pasadena, 35-0. Even though UCLA isn’t the cream of the crop of the Pac-10, this game was a statement win for Stanford. Heisman candidate Andrew Luck has been solid and the Cardinal defense seems to have taken on the blue-collar mentality of their coach. Their next 4 games are against Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Oregon, and USC, so we will revisit this team again in 4 weeks to see if they really belong in the national picture, but for now, they make you say hmmmmmm….
- #20 Michigan Wolverines - Denard Robinson. Enough said. In what has been by far the best 2 game stretch of any player that we’ve seen in recent college football, the Michigan QB has thrown for 430 yards and rushed for 455 yards, which includes 5 TDs. After a challenging start, the Wolverines enter a soft spot in the schedule and they wont be tested again until Week 6 against Michigan State. They will enter that game 5-0 and by then could be knocking on the door of the Top 10. Is the Rich Rodriguez investment finally paying off??? Hmmmmm….
- #13 South Carolina Gamecocks - Many people thought that this might be Spurrier’s best chance at South Carolina to win the SEC East and compete for the league title. With Tebow gone and Tennessee having a new coach, the door was open. Well, the Gamecocks have burst through that door… and after starting the season unranked, they are currently #13 in the latest AP Poll. They held the mighty Georgia Bulldogs to 6 points in a week 2 win. QB Stephen Garcia has produced equitably through the air and more importantly only has 1 turnover (a fumble). Also, True Freshman RB Marcus Lattimore has rushed for 236 yards and 4 TDs in his first 2 collegiate games. After beating Georgia, they have a leg up in the SEC East race. Is this finally South Carolina’s breakthrough year??? Hmmmmm….
- #19 Stanford Cardinal - Many pundits, including myself, wondered how the Cardinal would deal with the loss of Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart. Well, they dealt with it by smashing UCLA in Pasadena, 35-0. Even though UCLA isn’t the cream of the crop of the Pac-10, this game was a statement win for Stanford. Heisman candidate Andrew Luck has been solid and the Cardinal defense seems to have taken on the blue-collar mentality of their coach. Their next 4 games are against Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Oregon, and USC, so we will revisit this team again in 4 weeks to see if they really belong in the national picture, but for now, they make you say hmmmmmm….
- #20 Michigan Wolverines - Denard Robinson. Enough said. In what has been by far the best 2 game stretch of any player that we’ve seen in recent college football, the Michigan QB has thrown for 430 yards and rushed for 455 yards, which includes 5 TDs. After a challenging start, the Wolverines enter a soft spot in the schedule and they wont be tested again until Week 6 against Michigan State. They will enter that game 5-0 and by then could be knocking on the door of the Top 10. Is the Rich Rodriguez investment finally paying off??? Hmmmmm….
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Week 2 Upset Alert
We’ll start our conversation this week with our Upset Alerts. There are 3 teams that better have their eyes Wide Open this Saturday and all 3 games involve SEC teams:
- #1 Alabama Crimson Tide - Some people might think this one is far fetched, particularly because Penn State will be starting a True Freshman QB (Robert Bolden). But Bolden is not the player that will be the most critical for the Nittany Lions. RB Evan Royster has all but been forgotten by most of America, yet he still has the talent to be one of the best RBs in the country. The Crimson Tide will once again be without star DT and NFL 1st Round prospect Marcell Dareus. If the Penn State O-Line can get nasty and create a few openings for Royster, it could really get them out to a good start. Then, utilizing a heavy dose of play-action passes, Bolden could take advantage of the young Bama secondary who is still shaky trying replacing 2 All-SEC CBs from 2009.
- #8 Florida Gators - By now, everyone has heard how poorly the Florida offense played in Week 1, only managing 26 first half yards against a Miami (OH) team that had all of 1 win in 2009. That poor offensive play included 13 botched shotgun snaps between C Mike Pouncey and QB John Brantley. The defense was stout, as expected, but if the offense could only manage 26 yards in a half against a poor team, how will it produce against the most athletic team in the Big East? The South Florida Bulls pack quite a larger punch than Miami (OH) and in the past 3 years, USF has upset ranked powerhouses West Virginia (2007, 2009), FSU (2009), and Auburn (2007). Could #8 Florida be the next victim?
- #7 Oregon Ducks - The Ducks went wild in week 1, beating New Mexico 72-0. They clicked on all cylinders and completely dismantled an inferior opponent. Now they take their high scoring show on the road to one of the biggest stadiums in all of sports: Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN which will have more than 100,000 fans screaming Rocky Top on Saturday night. A lot of people will think I’m crazy with this one considering how talented Oregon is. But keep in mind, Tennessee is an SEC team and although they haven’t done great in their own conference over the past few years, they still have been recruiting Top notch southern talent and speed, so they will matchup with the Ducks better than almost any opponent on their 2010 Pac-10 schedule. Furthermore, this will be Sophomore Oregon QB Darron Thomas’s first career road start. Lastly, but also most importantly, Tennessee’s defense is coached by Justin Wilcox. Many of you will say “Who’s that?” Well, Wilcox just happens to be the former 2009 Boise State defensive coordinator. And if you recall he lead a unit that completely shut down Oregon’s fast paced attack and held them to 8 points in a early season upset (and that was with Heisman hopeful Jeremiah Masoli as the starter). Can he pull off the same magic on Saturday?
- #1 Alabama Crimson Tide - Some people might think this one is far fetched, particularly because Penn State will be starting a True Freshman QB (Robert Bolden). But Bolden is not the player that will be the most critical for the Nittany Lions. RB Evan Royster has all but been forgotten by most of America, yet he still has the talent to be one of the best RBs in the country. The Crimson Tide will once again be without star DT and NFL 1st Round prospect Marcell Dareus. If the Penn State O-Line can get nasty and create a few openings for Royster, it could really get them out to a good start. Then, utilizing a heavy dose of play-action passes, Bolden could take advantage of the young Bama secondary who is still shaky trying replacing 2 All-SEC CBs from 2009.
- #8 Florida Gators - By now, everyone has heard how poorly the Florida offense played in Week 1, only managing 26 first half yards against a Miami (OH) team that had all of 1 win in 2009. That poor offensive play included 13 botched shotgun snaps between C Mike Pouncey and QB John Brantley. The defense was stout, as expected, but if the offense could only manage 26 yards in a half against a poor team, how will it produce against the most athletic team in the Big East? The South Florida Bulls pack quite a larger punch than Miami (OH) and in the past 3 years, USF has upset ranked powerhouses West Virginia (2007, 2009), FSU (2009), and Auburn (2007). Could #8 Florida be the next victim?
- #7 Oregon Ducks - The Ducks went wild in week 1, beating New Mexico 72-0. They clicked on all cylinders and completely dismantled an inferior opponent. Now they take their high scoring show on the road to one of the biggest stadiums in all of sports: Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN which will have more than 100,000 fans screaming Rocky Top on Saturday night. A lot of people will think I’m crazy with this one considering how talented Oregon is. But keep in mind, Tennessee is an SEC team and although they haven’t done great in their own conference over the past few years, they still have been recruiting Top notch southern talent and speed, so they will matchup with the Ducks better than almost any opponent on their 2010 Pac-10 schedule. Furthermore, this will be Sophomore Oregon QB Darron Thomas’s first career road start. Lastly, but also most importantly, Tennessee’s defense is coached by Justin Wilcox. Many of you will say “Who’s that?” Well, Wilcox just happens to be the former 2009 Boise State defensive coordinator. And if you recall he lead a unit that completely shut down Oregon’s fast paced attack and held them to 8 points in a early season upset (and that was with Heisman hopeful Jeremiah Masoli as the starter). Can he pull off the same magic on Saturday?
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".
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide
The defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide have earned the top billing in the GURU’s Pre-season poll partly due to talent and partly due to respect. Nick Saban has resurrected the success of his predecessors Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings and has turned Alabama back into a perennial National Title contender.
The Crimson Tide return the most experienced offense in the SEC. 8 starters return and that group is led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Ingram will be shooting to be only the 2nd player in history to grab 2 of the prestigious award. Interestingly, one of his teammates may prevent him from having a legitimate shot at that honor. Back-up RB Trent Richardson teams with Ingram to create one of the most talented backfields in the nation. While Ingram had a mammoth year in 2009 gaining 1,658 yards and scoring 17 TDs, Richardson tallied an impressive 751 yards and 8 TDs… numbers that would be impressive for a starter in the SEC. It wouldn’t surprise me if both guys went over 1,000 yards this year.
At QB, the consistent and un-flashy Greg McIlroy returns to lead the offense. His 14-0 record in 2009 came as a bit of a surprise, and now there will be more pressure put on him to perform at the high standard that SEC quarterbacks are judged by. His 2,508 yards in 2009 were in the middle of the SEC pack, but the fact that he only threw 4 ints was key in Alabama being able to execute its ball control attack.
AT WR, the Tide have Julio Jones, arguably the best athlete in the country, returning. He started 2009 in the familiar “sophomore slump”. He was double-teamed for much of the year as he watched Ingram carry the load. Jones’ 596 yards was far below what was expected of him, but after healing some lingering injuries, he looks to reclaim his place as the SEC’s most talented WR in 2010. Marquis Maze will line up opposite Jones to create one of the better tandems in the south. While TE is a position of concern, the Tide can take solace in the fact that they return 2 of the best Offensive Linemen in the conference in James Carpenter and Barrett Jones.
This is where the “respect” part of my ranking process comes into play. The Tide only return 3 starters on defense, which would normally be a red flag that would knock a team down in my rankings, but I have long been a proponent of the saying “They are the Kings until they are dethroned.” Last I checked Alabama hasn’t lost a game in over 19 months, so they retain the top spot in my poll. Those 3 returning defensive starters are LB Dont’a Hightower, and safeties Mark Barron and Robbie Green. DL Marcell Dareus showed his worth in the National Championship game with his effective QB pressure that included an interception for a TD. The CB position will worry Coach Saban all year, but if he can identify 2 solid starters prior to the late September matchup with Ryan Mallett and the Razorbacks, then the Tide should be OK.
The schedule will provide a daunting challenge for Alabama. After a Week 1 cupcake, the Tide host Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions. A Week 4, 5, 6 gauntlet of Arkansas, Florida, and South Carolina will truly determine how good this Bama team will be. They have a challenging October that includes Tennessee and Ole Miss and then start November with a contest against LSU at Death Valley in Baton Rouge. Then, as always, they close the year against a tough Auburn squad that could be in position to win the SEC West themselves.
Although Alabama is talented at every position and potentially explosive on offense, I simply don’t think that they can navigate such a tough schedule with such an inexperienced defense. I expect the Crimson Tide to be in position for a BCS Bowl berth, but a back-to-back National Championship appears out of reach.
Key Returning Players:
QB Greg McIlroy
RB Mark Ingram
RB Trent Richardson
WR Julio Jones
OT James Carpenter
DL Marcell Dareus
LB Don’t’s Hightower
S Mark Barron
Key Games:
Sept 11 - Penn State
Sept 25 - @ Arkansas
Oct 2 - Florida
Oct 9 - @South Carolina
Nov 6 - @ LSU
Nov 26 - Auburn
The Crimson Tide return the most experienced offense in the SEC. 8 starters return and that group is led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Ingram will be shooting to be only the 2nd player in history to grab 2 of the prestigious award. Interestingly, one of his teammates may prevent him from having a legitimate shot at that honor. Back-up RB Trent Richardson teams with Ingram to create one of the most talented backfields in the nation. While Ingram had a mammoth year in 2009 gaining 1,658 yards and scoring 17 TDs, Richardson tallied an impressive 751 yards and 8 TDs… numbers that would be impressive for a starter in the SEC. It wouldn’t surprise me if both guys went over 1,000 yards this year.
At QB, the consistent and un-flashy Greg McIlroy returns to lead the offense. His 14-0 record in 2009 came as a bit of a surprise, and now there will be more pressure put on him to perform at the high standard that SEC quarterbacks are judged by. His 2,508 yards in 2009 were in the middle of the SEC pack, but the fact that he only threw 4 ints was key in Alabama being able to execute its ball control attack.
AT WR, the Tide have Julio Jones, arguably the best athlete in the country, returning. He started 2009 in the familiar “sophomore slump”. He was double-teamed for much of the year as he watched Ingram carry the load. Jones’ 596 yards was far below what was expected of him, but after healing some lingering injuries, he looks to reclaim his place as the SEC’s most talented WR in 2010. Marquis Maze will line up opposite Jones to create one of the better tandems in the south. While TE is a position of concern, the Tide can take solace in the fact that they return 2 of the best Offensive Linemen in the conference in James Carpenter and Barrett Jones.
This is where the “respect” part of my ranking process comes into play. The Tide only return 3 starters on defense, which would normally be a red flag that would knock a team down in my rankings, but I have long been a proponent of the saying “They are the Kings until they are dethroned.” Last I checked Alabama hasn’t lost a game in over 19 months, so they retain the top spot in my poll. Those 3 returning defensive starters are LB Dont’a Hightower, and safeties Mark Barron and Robbie Green. DL Marcell Dareus showed his worth in the National Championship game with his effective QB pressure that included an interception for a TD. The CB position will worry Coach Saban all year, but if he can identify 2 solid starters prior to the late September matchup with Ryan Mallett and the Razorbacks, then the Tide should be OK.
The schedule will provide a daunting challenge for Alabama. After a Week 1 cupcake, the Tide host Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions. A Week 4, 5, 6 gauntlet of Arkansas, Florida, and South Carolina will truly determine how good this Bama team will be. They have a challenging October that includes Tennessee and Ole Miss and then start November with a contest against LSU at Death Valley in Baton Rouge. Then, as always, they close the year against a tough Auburn squad that could be in position to win the SEC West themselves.
Although Alabama is talented at every position and potentially explosive on offense, I simply don’t think that they can navigate such a tough schedule with such an inexperienced defense. I expect the Crimson Tide to be in position for a BCS Bowl berth, but a back-to-back National Championship appears out of reach.
Key Returning Players:
QB Greg McIlroy
RB Mark Ingram
RB Trent Richardson
WR Julio Jones
OT James Carpenter
DL Marcell Dareus
LB Don’t’s Hightower
S Mark Barron
Key Games:
Sept 11 - Penn State
Sept 25 - @ Arkansas
Oct 2 - Florida
Oct 9 - @South Carolina
Nov 6 - @ LSU
Nov 26 - Auburn
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
#2 Ohio State Buckeyes
Say what you want about the Ohio State Buckeyes. Hate them, love them. It doesn’t matter. Jim Tressel has created arguably the most consistent program in the country. And with the recent struggles of USC, Ohio State now holds the top streak with 5 consecutive BCS Bowl game appearances (including 2 National Championship appearances). And this year, the expectations are as high as they’ve ever been in Columbus.
Junior QB Tyrelle Pryor has had hype built for his Junior year ever since he first signed with the Buckeyes back in the spring of 2008. He earned the starting QB job early in the 2008 season which led to high expectations for his sophomore year. Even with his 2,094 yards passing and 779 yards rushing, the opinion was that he had somehow underachieved. All of the skepticism was erased on January 1st when he torched Oregon for 266 yards passing and 72 yards rushing en route to earning Rose Bowl MVP honors. Coach Tressel couldn’t have drawn up a better springboard into the 2010 season for his prized QB. Pryor has all of the potential and talent to win the Heisman and lead Ohio State to a National Championship, but only time will tell if what we saw in Pasadena was the norm or an aberration.
The Buckeyes bring back an impressive 10 starters on offense. The Backfield is highlighted by the return of Senior Brandon Saine and Junior Dan “Boom” Herron. They have emerged as one of the best 2-back combos in the country. Saine had 739 yards while Herron added 600. Redshirt Freshman and Top 2009 recruit Jaamal Berry should also enter the mix and provide some big plays on the ground.
At WR, two of the better performers in the Big Ten return in Devier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher. Many experts are touting Posey as a possible first round selection as he is getting many comparisons to former Buckeye great, Santonio Holmes.
All 5 starting Offensive Linemen return, including All-Conference selection Justin Boren. The Tight End position is the only offensive area of inexperience of the starting 11. Jake Stoneburner looks to nab the starting spot after not playing much last year.
Defensively, there has become an expectation of excellence from the Buckeyes and that doesn’t appear to be lost on this year’s team. Six starters return to a group that ranked in the Top 2 in all major Big Ten categories in 2009. Experienced Senior CBs Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence give Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock the ability to blitz on any down while knowing that the big play wont be given up. Safety Jermale Hines will roam the middle. 2009 All-Conference performer Ross Homan will be the beneficiary of the multiple blitzes as he looks to be in contention for the coveted Butkus Award. On the line, DE Cameron Heyward is among the best in the nation.
The Buckeye schedule is probably the easiest of any of the Top 10 teams, which bodes well for a Championship run. An early Week 2 matchup against the Miami Hurricanes will be the gage that determines how far this team goes. Outside of the Miami game, the Buckeyes might not even be challenged in their first 6 contests which include games against Ohio, Marshall, and Eastern Michigan. A mid-October trip to Wisconsin presents a potential stumbling block. But the Buckeyes have a great chance to enter their final three games with an unblemished record. Those final 3 games are against Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan, so all eyes will be on the Scarlet and Gray starting on November 13. Even with a loss to Miami, the Buckeyes would have a great chance at finding their way to the BCS Championship game. Anything less than 11 wins should be considered a disappointment.
Key Returning Players:
QB Tyrelle Pryor
RB Brandon Saine
RB Dan Herron
WR Devier Posey
OG Justin Boren
DE Cameron Heyward
LB Ross Homan
CB Chimdi Chekwa
CB Devon Torrence
Key Games:
Sept 11 - Miami
Oct 16 - @ Wisconsin
Nov 13 - Penn State
Nov 20 - @ Iowa
Nov 27 - Michigan
Junior QB Tyrelle Pryor has had hype built for his Junior year ever since he first signed with the Buckeyes back in the spring of 2008. He earned the starting QB job early in the 2008 season which led to high expectations for his sophomore year. Even with his 2,094 yards passing and 779 yards rushing, the opinion was that he had somehow underachieved. All of the skepticism was erased on January 1st when he torched Oregon for 266 yards passing and 72 yards rushing en route to earning Rose Bowl MVP honors. Coach Tressel couldn’t have drawn up a better springboard into the 2010 season for his prized QB. Pryor has all of the potential and talent to win the Heisman and lead Ohio State to a National Championship, but only time will tell if what we saw in Pasadena was the norm or an aberration.
The Buckeyes bring back an impressive 10 starters on offense. The Backfield is highlighted by the return of Senior Brandon Saine and Junior Dan “Boom” Herron. They have emerged as one of the best 2-back combos in the country. Saine had 739 yards while Herron added 600. Redshirt Freshman and Top 2009 recruit Jaamal Berry should also enter the mix and provide some big plays on the ground.
At WR, two of the better performers in the Big Ten return in Devier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher. Many experts are touting Posey as a possible first round selection as he is getting many comparisons to former Buckeye great, Santonio Holmes.
All 5 starting Offensive Linemen return, including All-Conference selection Justin Boren. The Tight End position is the only offensive area of inexperience of the starting 11. Jake Stoneburner looks to nab the starting spot after not playing much last year.
Defensively, there has become an expectation of excellence from the Buckeyes and that doesn’t appear to be lost on this year’s team. Six starters return to a group that ranked in the Top 2 in all major Big Ten categories in 2009. Experienced Senior CBs Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence give Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock the ability to blitz on any down while knowing that the big play wont be given up. Safety Jermale Hines will roam the middle. 2009 All-Conference performer Ross Homan will be the beneficiary of the multiple blitzes as he looks to be in contention for the coveted Butkus Award. On the line, DE Cameron Heyward is among the best in the nation.
The Buckeye schedule is probably the easiest of any of the Top 10 teams, which bodes well for a Championship run. An early Week 2 matchup against the Miami Hurricanes will be the gage that determines how far this team goes. Outside of the Miami game, the Buckeyes might not even be challenged in their first 6 contests which include games against Ohio, Marshall, and Eastern Michigan. A mid-October trip to Wisconsin presents a potential stumbling block. But the Buckeyes have a great chance to enter their final three games with an unblemished record. Those final 3 games are against Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan, so all eyes will be on the Scarlet and Gray starting on November 13. Even with a loss to Miami, the Buckeyes would have a great chance at finding their way to the BCS Championship game. Anything less than 11 wins should be considered a disappointment.
Key Returning Players:
QB Tyrelle Pryor
RB Brandon Saine
RB Dan Herron
WR Devier Posey
OG Justin Boren
DE Cameron Heyward
LB Ross Homan
CB Chimdi Chekwa
CB Devon Torrence
Key Games:
Sept 11 - Miami
Oct 16 - @ Wisconsin
Nov 13 - Penn State
Nov 20 - @ Iowa
Nov 27 - Michigan
Monday, August 9, 2010
Coming Soon
Tuesday, Aug 10 - The GURU's #2 Preseason Team
Wednesday, Aug 11 - The GURU's #1 Preseason Team
Friday, Aug 13 - The GURU's Preseason All-American Team
Monday, Aug 16 - The GURU's Preseason All-SEC Team
Tuesday, Aug 17 - The GURU's Preseason All-ACC Team
Wednesday, Aug 18 - The GURU's Preseason All-Big TenTeam
Thursday, Aug 19 - The GURU's Preseason All-Big 12Team
Friday, Aug 20 - The GURU's Preseason All-Pac 10 and All-Big East Teams
Wednesday, Aug 11 - The GURU's #1 Preseason Team
Friday, Aug 13 - The GURU's Preseason All-American Team
Monday, Aug 16 - The GURU's Preseason All-SEC Team
Tuesday, Aug 17 - The GURU's Preseason All-ACC Team
Wednesday, Aug 18 - The GURU's Preseason All-Big TenTeam
Thursday, Aug 19 - The GURU's Preseason All-Big 12Team
Friday, Aug 20 - The GURU's Preseason All-Pac 10 and All-Big East Teams
#3 Miami Hurricanes
Da U is back!!! At least, that is the prediction. The “surprise team” of my Top 25 lands at #3. A lot of people will look at this and think I’m crazy. But wait until after reading to pass judgment.
Coach Randy Shannon brings back the most talented bunch of his 4-year tenure back to South Beach as he attempts to win his first ACC Title and lead Miami to a BCS Bowl game for the first time since 2003. A quick review of recent Hurricane history shows Shannon’s development and recruiting process paying off in a gradual increase in victories: 5 (2007), 7 (2008), 9 (2009)… so it gives credence to an expectation of 11 wins in 2010.
QB Jacory Harris returns as an All-Conference caliber passer and is on the short list for the Heisman Trophy. The Miami native threw for 3,352 yards and 24 TDs in 2009. His confidence soared and was often unshaken as he surprised even his biggest pre-season skeptics. Some of that skepticism was realized, however, due to Harris accounting for over 20 turnovers, including 17 Ints. That is a number that MUST be kept down in order for Miami to have a realistic shot at winning the conference.
The backfield is one of the most talent-laden in the nation. 5 four-star or higher caliber recruits populate this unit, including Damien Berry (616 yards and 8 TDs), Lamar Miller, Storm Johnson, Graig Cooper, and Mike James. Cooper suffered a knee injury in the Bowl game in December, but has made solid progress and hopes to return to the field after posting 695 yards in 2009.
With the recent dismissal of Florida State’s Jarmon Fortson, Miami now holds the banner as the undisputed best WR group in the ACC. Leonard Hankerson leads the way after grabbing 45 receptions for 801 yards in 2009. Speedster Travis Benjamin joins him as the Hurricanes #1 Big Play threat. LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, and Thearon Collier also return to give the unit unmatched depth. 3 starters come back to the offensive line, and incoming Freshman Tackle Seantrel Hendersen (Top rated Offensive Lineman in the 2010 recruiting class) has a chance to impact the field immediately. The Miami offense has all of the pieces of the puzzle that will allow them to be one of the most potent in the nation.
Defensively, the ‘Canes bring back 9 starters, including 3 All-ACC selections. DE Allen Bailey is rated by most experts as a sure-fire 1st rounder in next April’s draft. Coach Shannon has often called him the “most athletic player on our team”. LBs Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence have a chance to remind people of the Vilma/Williams combination from 2002. The secondary returns all 4 starters including All-Conference CB Brandon Harris. Safties Vaughn Telemaque and Ray Ray Armstrong will cause nightmares for ACC QBs with their ability to swarm the middle of the field. Kicker Matt Bosher also returns after nailing 88% of his field goals in 2009.
The one area that scares me about the Hurricanes 2010 season is an area that they cannot control. Miami will have one of, if not the, toughest schedules in America. After a tune-up against FAMU, Miami faces Ohio State in Columbus in a game that many are calling the Game of the Year. They follow that matchup with 2 more road games against Big East Favorite Pittsburgh and perennial ACC power Clemson. They return home for a clash with rival Florida State and then 2 weeks later face North Carolina, who is predicted to have one of the best defenses in the country. If that weren’t enough, they end the season with 3 consecutive games against former ACC Champions Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, and Big East stalwart South Florida.
The road to a BCS Bowl is long and hard. 11 wins is not out of the question, but there is practically no room for error for this 2010 squad. The resurrection of “Da U” starts now.
Key Returning Players:
QB Jacory Harris
RB Damien Berry
RB Graig Cooper
WR Leonard Hankerson
WR Travis Benjamin
DE Allen Bailey
LB Sean Spence
LB Colin McCarthy
CB Brandon Harris
Key Games:
Sept 11 - @ Ohio State
Sept 23 - @ Pittsburgh
Oct 2 - @ Clemson
Oct 9 - Florida State
Oct 23 - North Carolina
Nov 13 - @ Georgia Tech
Nov 20 - Virginia Tech
Coach Randy Shannon brings back the most talented bunch of his 4-year tenure back to South Beach as he attempts to win his first ACC Title and lead Miami to a BCS Bowl game for the first time since 2003. A quick review of recent Hurricane history shows Shannon’s development and recruiting process paying off in a gradual increase in victories: 5 (2007), 7 (2008), 9 (2009)… so it gives credence to an expectation of 11 wins in 2010.
QB Jacory Harris returns as an All-Conference caliber passer and is on the short list for the Heisman Trophy. The Miami native threw for 3,352 yards and 24 TDs in 2009. His confidence soared and was often unshaken as he surprised even his biggest pre-season skeptics. Some of that skepticism was realized, however, due to Harris accounting for over 20 turnovers, including 17 Ints. That is a number that MUST be kept down in order for Miami to have a realistic shot at winning the conference.
The backfield is one of the most talent-laden in the nation. 5 four-star or higher caliber recruits populate this unit, including Damien Berry (616 yards and 8 TDs), Lamar Miller, Storm Johnson, Graig Cooper, and Mike James. Cooper suffered a knee injury in the Bowl game in December, but has made solid progress and hopes to return to the field after posting 695 yards in 2009.
With the recent dismissal of Florida State’s Jarmon Fortson, Miami now holds the banner as the undisputed best WR group in the ACC. Leonard Hankerson leads the way after grabbing 45 receptions for 801 yards in 2009. Speedster Travis Benjamin joins him as the Hurricanes #1 Big Play threat. LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, and Thearon Collier also return to give the unit unmatched depth. 3 starters come back to the offensive line, and incoming Freshman Tackle Seantrel Hendersen (Top rated Offensive Lineman in the 2010 recruiting class) has a chance to impact the field immediately. The Miami offense has all of the pieces of the puzzle that will allow them to be one of the most potent in the nation.
Defensively, the ‘Canes bring back 9 starters, including 3 All-ACC selections. DE Allen Bailey is rated by most experts as a sure-fire 1st rounder in next April’s draft. Coach Shannon has often called him the “most athletic player on our team”. LBs Colin McCarthy and Sean Spence have a chance to remind people of the Vilma/Williams combination from 2002. The secondary returns all 4 starters including All-Conference CB Brandon Harris. Safties Vaughn Telemaque and Ray Ray Armstrong will cause nightmares for ACC QBs with their ability to swarm the middle of the field. Kicker Matt Bosher also returns after nailing 88% of his field goals in 2009.
The one area that scares me about the Hurricanes 2010 season is an area that they cannot control. Miami will have one of, if not the, toughest schedules in America. After a tune-up against FAMU, Miami faces Ohio State in Columbus in a game that many are calling the Game of the Year. They follow that matchup with 2 more road games against Big East Favorite Pittsburgh and perennial ACC power Clemson. They return home for a clash with rival Florida State and then 2 weeks later face North Carolina, who is predicted to have one of the best defenses in the country. If that weren’t enough, they end the season with 3 consecutive games against former ACC Champions Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, and Big East stalwart South Florida.
The road to a BCS Bowl is long and hard. 11 wins is not out of the question, but there is practically no room for error for this 2010 squad. The resurrection of “Da U” starts now.
Key Returning Players:
QB Jacory Harris
RB Damien Berry
RB Graig Cooper
WR Leonard Hankerson
WR Travis Benjamin
DE Allen Bailey
LB Sean Spence
LB Colin McCarthy
CB Brandon Harris
Key Games:
Sept 11 - @ Ohio State
Sept 23 - @ Pittsburgh
Oct 2 - @ Clemson
Oct 9 - Florida State
Oct 23 - North Carolina
Nov 13 - @ Georgia Tech
Nov 20 - Virginia Tech
Friday, August 6, 2010
#4 Texas Longhorns
In one of the most disappointing games in Longhorn history, Texas fans had to watch their back-up QB try to win the National Championship game for them after Heisman finalist Colt McCoy was injured on the first drive of the game. While the loss was devastating for the program, there were 2 people that left Pasadena last January with a slight smirk on their faces: Mack Brown and Garrett Gilbert.
Spring and Fall practice, along with summer workouts and late night film sessions are all great ways for a first-year starter to prepare. But is there any better preparation than a 3 hour scrimmage against one of the best defenses of the decade (Alabama 2009)? That’s an advantage that Garrett Gilbert, the new Longhorns starting QB, was blessed with after the McCoy injury. And while Texas lost the game, the experience and confidence that Gilbert gained are sure to pay dividends immediately in the 2010 season. A 5-star recruit in the 2009 class, Gilbert has a chance to splash onto the scene and be one of the best QBs in the Big 12 conference right away.
The running game has been a point of emphasis for the Longhorns in preparation for the 2010 season. Last year, they ranked a disappointing 61st nationally in rushing. Their leading rusher, Tre’ Newton, only had 513 yards on the season. Colt McCoy finished as their #2 leading rusher… never a good sign for an offense. Three players who have started (Newton, Vondrell McGee, and Fozzy Whitaker) are returning in the Longhorn backfield and that bodes well for the statistics. Mack Brown has also said in many offseason interviews that he will place Gilbert under center (vice the spread shotgun attack that McCoy made famous), which will allow for more “downhill running” out of the I-formation.
At WR, James Kirkendoll burst onto the scene last year with a breakout performance. His 48 receptions and 6 TDs leads all returning WRs. Joining him will be the lanky Junior Malcolm Williams and former QB-turned-WR John Chiles. The offensive line may be a point of contention for Texas, as only 2 starters return to a unit that (as stated earlier) underachieved in opening holes for its RBs.
Defensively, the Longhorns have made a habit of producing top notch talent year in and year out. 2010 should be no exception. Under the leadership of the always fiery “Coach-in-Waiting” and Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp, Texas has elevated its already dominant play on that side of the ball. DE Sam Acho should continue in the line of great lineman to play at Texas. His size/speed/strength combination is similar to that of his predecessors Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle. Keenan Robinson anchors the middle at LB, and the secondary should be amongst the best in the country with S Blake Gideon, CB Curtis Brown, CB Chykie Brown, and Nickel Back Aaron Williams (a possible 1st round draft pick) leading the way.
The Texas schedule is once again conducive to a strong run at the always lofty BCS goals. They open the season with Rice and Wyoming before a 4 game stretch that includes games against Texas Tech, UCLA, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, with the later 2 being amongst the most anticipated 2010 matchups in the nation. They finish the season against 6 teams that should not be ranked, although in-state foes Baylor and Texas A&M should present a formidable challenge.
The Big 12 should be more competitive than its ever been, highlighted by the Big 3 (Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma), but I see no reason why Texas wont earn a 3rd straight BCS berth. The back to back games against Oklahoma and Nebraska will be the difference between the Holiday Bowl and a BCS game.
Key Returning Players:
QB Garrett Gilbert
RB Tre’ Newton
WR James Kirkendoll
WR Malcolm Williams
OT Kyle Hix
DE Sam Acho
CB Aaron Williams
CB Chykie Brown
S Blake Gideon
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Texas Tech
Sept 25 - UCLA
Oct 2 - Oklahoma (in Dallas)
Oct 16 - @ Nebraska
Nov 25 - Texas A&M
Spring and Fall practice, along with summer workouts and late night film sessions are all great ways for a first-year starter to prepare. But is there any better preparation than a 3 hour scrimmage against one of the best defenses of the decade (Alabama 2009)? That’s an advantage that Garrett Gilbert, the new Longhorns starting QB, was blessed with after the McCoy injury. And while Texas lost the game, the experience and confidence that Gilbert gained are sure to pay dividends immediately in the 2010 season. A 5-star recruit in the 2009 class, Gilbert has a chance to splash onto the scene and be one of the best QBs in the Big 12 conference right away.
The running game has been a point of emphasis for the Longhorns in preparation for the 2010 season. Last year, they ranked a disappointing 61st nationally in rushing. Their leading rusher, Tre’ Newton, only had 513 yards on the season. Colt McCoy finished as their #2 leading rusher… never a good sign for an offense. Three players who have started (Newton, Vondrell McGee, and Fozzy Whitaker) are returning in the Longhorn backfield and that bodes well for the statistics. Mack Brown has also said in many offseason interviews that he will place Gilbert under center (vice the spread shotgun attack that McCoy made famous), which will allow for more “downhill running” out of the I-formation.
At WR, James Kirkendoll burst onto the scene last year with a breakout performance. His 48 receptions and 6 TDs leads all returning WRs. Joining him will be the lanky Junior Malcolm Williams and former QB-turned-WR John Chiles. The offensive line may be a point of contention for Texas, as only 2 starters return to a unit that (as stated earlier) underachieved in opening holes for its RBs.
Defensively, the Longhorns have made a habit of producing top notch talent year in and year out. 2010 should be no exception. Under the leadership of the always fiery “Coach-in-Waiting” and Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp, Texas has elevated its already dominant play on that side of the ball. DE Sam Acho should continue in the line of great lineman to play at Texas. His size/speed/strength combination is similar to that of his predecessors Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle. Keenan Robinson anchors the middle at LB, and the secondary should be amongst the best in the country with S Blake Gideon, CB Curtis Brown, CB Chykie Brown, and Nickel Back Aaron Williams (a possible 1st round draft pick) leading the way.
The Texas schedule is once again conducive to a strong run at the always lofty BCS goals. They open the season with Rice and Wyoming before a 4 game stretch that includes games against Texas Tech, UCLA, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, with the later 2 being amongst the most anticipated 2010 matchups in the nation. They finish the season against 6 teams that should not be ranked, although in-state foes Baylor and Texas A&M should present a formidable challenge.
The Big 12 should be more competitive than its ever been, highlighted by the Big 3 (Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma), but I see no reason why Texas wont earn a 3rd straight BCS berth. The back to back games against Oklahoma and Nebraska will be the difference between the Holiday Bowl and a BCS game.
Key Returning Players:
QB Garrett Gilbert
RB Tre’ Newton
WR James Kirkendoll
WR Malcolm Williams
OT Kyle Hix
DE Sam Acho
CB Aaron Williams
CB Chykie Brown
S Blake Gideon
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Texas Tech
Sept 25 - UCLA
Oct 2 - Oklahoma (in Dallas)
Oct 16 - @ Nebraska
Nov 25 - Texas A&M
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
#5 Boise State Broncos
The 2010 Boise State Broncos are primed and ready to make one of the most historic runs in College Football history. That might sound familiar because in 2006, the Broncos broke through the BCS stronghold and earned a Fiesta Bowl berth. Not only did they earn that berth, but they finished their season with a shocking Overtime win against BCS Power Oklahoma. Well, 4 years later, the Broncos have a chance to do what no non-BCS team has done before: Win the National Championship.
Boise State brings back the most starting players of any team in America: 21. The only departure from last years starting ranks was CB Kyle Wilson. Leading the Bronco offense will be Junior QB Kellen Moore. Moore, a 3rd year starter, finished 2nd (to Tim Tebow) in the nation in Pass Efficiency in 2009, largely due to his 39 to 3 TD to Int ratio. Moore is on the short list for the Heisman Trophy and everyone expects him to have a great year. The only cause for concern comes from the fact that against Boise’s 5 toughest opponents last season, Moore had his lowest passing totals. While some may brush this off as not a big deal, I tend to believe that in order for the Broncos to run the table, Moore has got to be more consistent in Big Games… something that has plagued him in his first 2 seasons.
At the skill positions, the Broncos have top-notch talent everywhere. RB Jeremy Avery was an All-Conference selection in 2009 after rushing for 1,150 yards. WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young highlight a group that has the speed and size to outplay most units around the country. Young hauled in 79 passes, while Pettis brought in another 63. The entire offensive line is back and all are Juniors or Seniors.
Defensively, 4 All-Conference performers return. The defensive line is highlighted by Senior DE Ryan Winterswyk. DT Billy Wynn brings a sizeable force to the middle of the front 4. LBs Daron Mackey and Aaron Tevis are solid run-stoppers, but must increase their range in pass coverage against some of the better passing attacks they will face. Safety Jeron Johnson is the leader of the secondary. With the effective pass rush that should highlight the Broncos defense all season, expect Johnson to have plenty of opportunities for interceptions. The lone vacated starting position, CB, will need to be effectively replaced early, as the Broncos 2 toughest games come in September.
In previous seasons, the Broncos have managed to stay “under the radar” for various reasons. But 2010 will place Boise in uncharted water. Starting the season in the Top 5 puts an entirely new target on their backs. And that target will be quickly shot at in Week 1 as the Broncos travel across the country to play the Virginia Tech Hokies. There is no bigger “make or break” game for any team in America. Win that game and the Broncos have a legitimate shot at earning a spot in the BCS Championship game. Lose that game, and not only will they miss out on the National Championship game, but they would likely be erased from the entire BCS picture. The only other major hurdle for the Broncos would be a Week 4 clash with Oregon State.
While I think the Broncos are going to be one of the most talented teams in the country, I cant see them beating ACC Power Virginia Tech. This will be the first team to ever have a devastatingly disappointing 11-1 season.
Key Returning Players:
QB Kellen Moore
RB Jeremy Avery
WR Austin Pettis
WR Titus Young
OT Nate Potter
DE Ryan Winterswyk
S Jeron Johnson
Key Games:
Sept 6 - Virginia Tech (in Washington D.C.)
Sept 25 - Oregon State
Oct 26 - Louisiana Tech
Nov 19 - Fresno State
Nov 26 - @ Nevada
Boise State brings back the most starting players of any team in America: 21. The only departure from last years starting ranks was CB Kyle Wilson. Leading the Bronco offense will be Junior QB Kellen Moore. Moore, a 3rd year starter, finished 2nd (to Tim Tebow) in the nation in Pass Efficiency in 2009, largely due to his 39 to 3 TD to Int ratio. Moore is on the short list for the Heisman Trophy and everyone expects him to have a great year. The only cause for concern comes from the fact that against Boise’s 5 toughest opponents last season, Moore had his lowest passing totals. While some may brush this off as not a big deal, I tend to believe that in order for the Broncos to run the table, Moore has got to be more consistent in Big Games… something that has plagued him in his first 2 seasons.
At the skill positions, the Broncos have top-notch talent everywhere. RB Jeremy Avery was an All-Conference selection in 2009 after rushing for 1,150 yards. WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young highlight a group that has the speed and size to outplay most units around the country. Young hauled in 79 passes, while Pettis brought in another 63. The entire offensive line is back and all are Juniors or Seniors.
Defensively, 4 All-Conference performers return. The defensive line is highlighted by Senior DE Ryan Winterswyk. DT Billy Wynn brings a sizeable force to the middle of the front 4. LBs Daron Mackey and Aaron Tevis are solid run-stoppers, but must increase their range in pass coverage against some of the better passing attacks they will face. Safety Jeron Johnson is the leader of the secondary. With the effective pass rush that should highlight the Broncos defense all season, expect Johnson to have plenty of opportunities for interceptions. The lone vacated starting position, CB, will need to be effectively replaced early, as the Broncos 2 toughest games come in September.
In previous seasons, the Broncos have managed to stay “under the radar” for various reasons. But 2010 will place Boise in uncharted water. Starting the season in the Top 5 puts an entirely new target on their backs. And that target will be quickly shot at in Week 1 as the Broncos travel across the country to play the Virginia Tech Hokies. There is no bigger “make or break” game for any team in America. Win that game and the Broncos have a legitimate shot at earning a spot in the BCS Championship game. Lose that game, and not only will they miss out on the National Championship game, but they would likely be erased from the entire BCS picture. The only other major hurdle for the Broncos would be a Week 4 clash with Oregon State.
While I think the Broncos are going to be one of the most talented teams in the country, I cant see them beating ACC Power Virginia Tech. This will be the first team to ever have a devastatingly disappointing 11-1 season.
Key Returning Players:
QB Kellen Moore
RB Jeremy Avery
WR Austin Pettis
WR Titus Young
OT Nate Potter
DE Ryan Winterswyk
S Jeron Johnson
Key Games:
Sept 6 - Virginia Tech (in Washington D.C.)
Sept 25 - Oregon State
Oct 26 - Louisiana Tech
Nov 19 - Fresno State
Nov 26 - @ Nevada
Monday, August 2, 2010
#6 Oklahoma Sooners
A Sun Bowl appearance was not what the Oklahoma Sooners had in mind when the 2009 season started. Upon hearing that Sam Bradford would return for his Junior Season, everybody pegged Oklahoma for a Top 5 poll position and thoughts of BCS Championships flooded the Sooner campus. Those hopes were dashed in the 2nd quarter of the 1st game of the season when Bradford was injured. After limping (literally) to the finish line in ’09, Bob Stoops looks to bring glory back to the program.
“Stoops Troops” (as the Sooners are affectionately known) enter 2010 with a lot of optimism. The Bradford injury was the worst thing that could have happened to the team in 2009… but interestingly enough its also Bradford’s injury that allowed backup QB Landry Jones to start 10 games and gain an unrivaled level of confidence and experience. He finished the year with 3,198 yards and 26 TDs including 418 yards and 3 TDs in the Sun Bowl victory over Stanford. He enters this season as the veteran, so to speak, starter.
Joining him on offense will be one of the most underrated and talented RBs in America, Demarco Murray. Murray has had to share time the past 3 years with Chris Brown, but with Brown’s departure to the NFL, Murray has the backfield all to himself. Expect his carries per game to increase to well above 20, after only averaging 13 the last 2 seasons. Always dangerous in both the running and passing game, Murray will have plenty of opportunities to place himself in the All-Big 12 Conference conversation.
Out wide, the Sooners bring back the best slot WR in the nation, Ryan Broyles. Broyles tallied 1,160 yards and 89 receptions, including 15 TDs. He had 6 games over 100 yards. Dejuan Miller, Cameron Kenney, and Brandon Caleb join Broyles in what should make up the best WR unit in the conference. Four of the Sooners 2009 starting offensive linemen also return which should bolster both the running game while consistently giving Jones ample time in the pocket.
Defensively is where the Sooners were far from their usual selves in 2009. This unit will need to make great strides if the team is expected to contend for a Big 12 title, as expected. All-Conference selection Jeremy Beal returns up front to anchor the D-line. The LB crew brings back 3 solid players who all contributed last year: Austin Box, Travis Lewis, and Ronnell Lewis.
The early departure of CB Dominique Franks puts a dent in the defensive backfield as both CBs will be first-time starters. But the return of All-Conference Free Safety Quinton Carter along with Junior Sam Proctor should ease the transition.
Oklahoma should have an advantage in any war of field position due to the return of Tress Way, the 2009 All-Big 12 Punter.
The Sooner schedule is front loaded with one of the toughest 4-game stretches in the country. Facing Florida State, Air Force, Cincinnati, and Texas in Weeks 2 through 5 will really test this squad early. If they make it through that stretch with a strong pulse, then the rest of the Big 12 schedule shapes up nicely.
Key Returning Players:
QB Landry Jones
RB Demarco Murray
WR Ryan Broyles
OT Cory Brandon
DE Jeremy Beal
LB Travis Lewis
FS Quinton Carter
P Tress Way
Key Games:
Sept 11 - Florida State
Sept 25 - @ Cincinnati
Oct 2 - Texas (in Dallas)
Nov 6 - @ Texas A&M
Nov 13 - Texas Tech
Nov 27 - @ Oklahoma State
“Stoops Troops” (as the Sooners are affectionately known) enter 2010 with a lot of optimism. The Bradford injury was the worst thing that could have happened to the team in 2009… but interestingly enough its also Bradford’s injury that allowed backup QB Landry Jones to start 10 games and gain an unrivaled level of confidence and experience. He finished the year with 3,198 yards and 26 TDs including 418 yards and 3 TDs in the Sun Bowl victory over Stanford. He enters this season as the veteran, so to speak, starter.
Joining him on offense will be one of the most underrated and talented RBs in America, Demarco Murray. Murray has had to share time the past 3 years with Chris Brown, but with Brown’s departure to the NFL, Murray has the backfield all to himself. Expect his carries per game to increase to well above 20, after only averaging 13 the last 2 seasons. Always dangerous in both the running and passing game, Murray will have plenty of opportunities to place himself in the All-Big 12 Conference conversation.
Out wide, the Sooners bring back the best slot WR in the nation, Ryan Broyles. Broyles tallied 1,160 yards and 89 receptions, including 15 TDs. He had 6 games over 100 yards. Dejuan Miller, Cameron Kenney, and Brandon Caleb join Broyles in what should make up the best WR unit in the conference. Four of the Sooners 2009 starting offensive linemen also return which should bolster both the running game while consistently giving Jones ample time in the pocket.
Defensively is where the Sooners were far from their usual selves in 2009. This unit will need to make great strides if the team is expected to contend for a Big 12 title, as expected. All-Conference selection Jeremy Beal returns up front to anchor the D-line. The LB crew brings back 3 solid players who all contributed last year: Austin Box, Travis Lewis, and Ronnell Lewis.
The early departure of CB Dominique Franks puts a dent in the defensive backfield as both CBs will be first-time starters. But the return of All-Conference Free Safety Quinton Carter along with Junior Sam Proctor should ease the transition.
Oklahoma should have an advantage in any war of field position due to the return of Tress Way, the 2009 All-Big 12 Punter.
The Sooner schedule is front loaded with one of the toughest 4-game stretches in the country. Facing Florida State, Air Force, Cincinnati, and Texas in Weeks 2 through 5 will really test this squad early. If they make it through that stretch with a strong pulse, then the rest of the Big 12 schedule shapes up nicely.
Key Returning Players:
QB Landry Jones
RB Demarco Murray
WR Ryan Broyles
OT Cory Brandon
DE Jeremy Beal
LB Travis Lewis
FS Quinton Carter
P Tress Way
Key Games:
Sept 11 - Florida State
Sept 25 - @ Cincinnati
Oct 2 - Texas (in Dallas)
Nov 6 - @ Texas A&M
Nov 13 - Texas Tech
Nov 27 - @ Oklahoma State
Friday, July 30, 2010
#7 Florida Gators
For the first time since the Outback Bowl following the 2005, the Florida Gators will take the sidelines without Tim Tebow in uniform. Gator Nation has had a certain safety net over their lives for the past 4 and ½ years. This year, that net will be raised, and the program will be tested like never before.
Coach Urban Meyer has rebounded from his retirement, then “leave of absence”, and is now back 100% in the office and claiming that his health is no longer an issue. Tebow, along with 8 of his teammates were drafted in April and the Gator list of superstars will have some fresh faces in 2011.
There are very few teams that have the luxury of putting a Gatorade National player of the Year on the bench for 3 seasons. But, that has been the story for John Brantley. After breaking Tebow’s Florida State High School Record with 99 TD passes, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle (John and Scott, respectively) who both playerd their college ball in Gainesville. Now Brantley will step in to one of the most high profile positions in the nation, following in the footsteps of arguably the greatest College Football player of all time. His strong spring and 3 years of learning behind Tebow should aid him in having a quick start to the 2010 season.
In the backfield, Brantley will be handing off to the speedster RB Jeff Demps, who is the current NCAA 60-meter National Champion in track. Demps had a whopping 7.5 yards per carry average in 2009 while gaining 745 yards. He will be joined by Senior Emmanuel Moody (the former USC Trojan) and Sophomore Mike Gillislee who averaged 8.6 yards per carry during his Freshman season.
Noticeably absent from the list of returning RBs is Chris Rainey. This is due to a position change that occurred this spring. With the departure of Brandon James, Riley Cooper, and David Nelson, the Gator’s offensive coaches thought that some experience was needed at the Slot WR position. With Rainey’s speed and versatility, he was a perfect fit. The Junior ran for 575 yards in 2009, so he may still be used out of the backfield at times, but the majority of his snaps will be taken on the outside. The rest of the WR corps is young, but full of talent. Deonte Thompson is the leading returning WR and he will need to make great strides in both production and leadership. Redshirt Freshman Andre Dubose has garnered many Percy Harvin comparisons, so expect him to see the ball early and often. Four starting offensive linemen return to protect Brantley, including Pre-Season All-American Mike Pouncey (twin brother of Pittsburgh Steeler 1st Round Pick Maurkice Pouncey).
Defensively, the Gators lost a lot of firepower with the graduation of Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper, and Dustin Doe and the early departures of Major Wright, Carlos Dunlap, and Joe Haden. But the mark of a top tier program is the ability to keep churning out top level talent. DTs Omar Hunter and Jaye Howard are expected to be All-SEC caliber guys. 2009 5-star LB recruits Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins will get their chance to shine as they join veteran Senior A.J. Jones in the middle. The secondary will be strong as starters Ahmad Black, Will Hill, and Janoris Jenkins return. The one key loss to the defense is in the staff as former coordinator Charlie Strong departed for the Head Coaching job at Louisville. Former Arizona Cardinals Defensive Backs coach Teryl Austin gets the nod to replace Strong.
Special Teams should be a solid area for the Gators as Punter Chas Henry returns after earning All-Conference honors in 2009. K Caleb Sturgis also returns after nailing 22 field goals last year (including going 4 for 4 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards).
The Gator schedule is never friendly and this year is no exception. The usual suspects crowd Florida’s march to a possible SEC and National Title. After a week 1 cream-puff (Miami of Ohio), week 2 brings a unique challenge as the South Florida Bulls travel to the Swamp. Last year, the Bulls upset the FSU Seminoles early in the season. The SEC schedule then kicks off with a trip to Tennessee. And early October road trip to Alabama is the biggest game of the entire 2010 SEC calendar. The Gators host LSU on October 9th, and travel to Jacksonville for the annual rivalry against Georgia later in the month. The always intriguing matchup against Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks comes in Week 11, then Florida ends the regular season with a trip up Interstate 75 to face the Seminoles of Florida State.
Pending the success of John Brantley and the new Defensive Coordinator, the Gators are certainly on par to continue their dominant ways. There is no reason to think that Florida wont be playing in their 3rd consecutive SEC Championship game in December.
Key Returning Players:
OL Mike Pouncey
RB Jeff Demps
WR Chris Rainey
DT Omar Hunter
LB A.J. Jones
CB Janoris Jenkins
S Will Hill
S Ahmad Black
K Caleb Sturgis
P Chas Henry
Key Games:
Sept 11 - South Florida
Sept 18 - @ Tennessee
Oct 2 - @ Alabama
Oct 9 - LSU
Oct 30 - Georgia (in Jacksonville)
Nov 13 - South Carolina
Nov 27 - @ Florida State
Coach Urban Meyer has rebounded from his retirement, then “leave of absence”, and is now back 100% in the office and claiming that his health is no longer an issue. Tebow, along with 8 of his teammates were drafted in April and the Gator list of superstars will have some fresh faces in 2011.
There are very few teams that have the luxury of putting a Gatorade National player of the Year on the bench for 3 seasons. But, that has been the story for John Brantley. After breaking Tebow’s Florida State High School Record with 99 TD passes, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle (John and Scott, respectively) who both playerd their college ball in Gainesville. Now Brantley will step in to one of the most high profile positions in the nation, following in the footsteps of arguably the greatest College Football player of all time. His strong spring and 3 years of learning behind Tebow should aid him in having a quick start to the 2010 season.
In the backfield, Brantley will be handing off to the speedster RB Jeff Demps, who is the current NCAA 60-meter National Champion in track. Demps had a whopping 7.5 yards per carry average in 2009 while gaining 745 yards. He will be joined by Senior Emmanuel Moody (the former USC Trojan) and Sophomore Mike Gillislee who averaged 8.6 yards per carry during his Freshman season.
Noticeably absent from the list of returning RBs is Chris Rainey. This is due to a position change that occurred this spring. With the departure of Brandon James, Riley Cooper, and David Nelson, the Gator’s offensive coaches thought that some experience was needed at the Slot WR position. With Rainey’s speed and versatility, he was a perfect fit. The Junior ran for 575 yards in 2009, so he may still be used out of the backfield at times, but the majority of his snaps will be taken on the outside. The rest of the WR corps is young, but full of talent. Deonte Thompson is the leading returning WR and he will need to make great strides in both production and leadership. Redshirt Freshman Andre Dubose has garnered many Percy Harvin comparisons, so expect him to see the ball early and often. Four starting offensive linemen return to protect Brantley, including Pre-Season All-American Mike Pouncey (twin brother of Pittsburgh Steeler 1st Round Pick Maurkice Pouncey).
Defensively, the Gators lost a lot of firepower with the graduation of Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper, and Dustin Doe and the early departures of Major Wright, Carlos Dunlap, and Joe Haden. But the mark of a top tier program is the ability to keep churning out top level talent. DTs Omar Hunter and Jaye Howard are expected to be All-SEC caliber guys. 2009 5-star LB recruits Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins will get their chance to shine as they join veteran Senior A.J. Jones in the middle. The secondary will be strong as starters Ahmad Black, Will Hill, and Janoris Jenkins return. The one key loss to the defense is in the staff as former coordinator Charlie Strong departed for the Head Coaching job at Louisville. Former Arizona Cardinals Defensive Backs coach Teryl Austin gets the nod to replace Strong.
Special Teams should be a solid area for the Gators as Punter Chas Henry returns after earning All-Conference honors in 2009. K Caleb Sturgis also returns after nailing 22 field goals last year (including going 4 for 4 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards).
The Gator schedule is never friendly and this year is no exception. The usual suspects crowd Florida’s march to a possible SEC and National Title. After a week 1 cream-puff (Miami of Ohio), week 2 brings a unique challenge as the South Florida Bulls travel to the Swamp. Last year, the Bulls upset the FSU Seminoles early in the season. The SEC schedule then kicks off with a trip to Tennessee. And early October road trip to Alabama is the biggest game of the entire 2010 SEC calendar. The Gators host LSU on October 9th, and travel to Jacksonville for the annual rivalry against Georgia later in the month. The always intriguing matchup against Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks comes in Week 11, then Florida ends the regular season with a trip up Interstate 75 to face the Seminoles of Florida State.
Pending the success of John Brantley and the new Defensive Coordinator, the Gators are certainly on par to continue their dominant ways. There is no reason to think that Florida wont be playing in their 3rd consecutive SEC Championship game in December.
Key Returning Players:
OL Mike Pouncey
RB Jeff Demps
WR Chris Rainey
DT Omar Hunter
LB A.J. Jones
CB Janoris Jenkins
S Will Hill
S Ahmad Black
K Caleb Sturgis
P Chas Henry
Key Games:
Sept 11 - South Florida
Sept 18 - @ Tennessee
Oct 2 - @ Alabama
Oct 9 - LSU
Oct 30 - Georgia (in Jacksonville)
Nov 13 - South Carolina
Nov 27 - @ Florida State
Thursday, July 29, 2010
#8 North Carolina Tar Heels
A lot of people will say that I have this team too highly ranked because of the NCAA Investigation, the lack of a star QB, the lack of star offensive skill position players, etc. But to those skeptics, I would simply say one thing:
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!
Head Coach Butch Davis brings back by far the best Defense in America in Chapel Hill. On most of these previews, I have started with the offense, but when a defense is as good as this, they deserve the headlines.
In all, the Heels return 6 All-Conference players on defense. Defensive Linemen Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin highlight the trenches. Austin finished 2009 with 6 Tackles for Loss and 4 sacks. LBs Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant anchor the 2nd level. Carter has started in 26 consecutive games while Sturdivant led the nation in unassisted tackles in 2008 with 87. In the secondary, Safety Deunta Williams was a standout in 2009 with 47 tackles, 6 ints, and 8 pass break-ups. Joining him as a First-Team All-ACC member in 2009 was CB Kendrick Burney who has started all 38 games since he stepped foot on the UNC campus. Believe it or not, all 6 of the aforementioned players are projected as first-rounders in the 2011 NFL Draft. They are joined by 4 other returning defensive starters that make up a unit that has the potential to hold ALL of their opponents to single digits.
While the defense highlights the squad, the offense has made strides in the Spring and QB TJ Yates has gotten much respect for the way he fended off the challenge of Freshman 4-star recruit Bryn Renner. Generally, Yates was not bad last year, throwing for 2,100 yards and 14 TDs. But his 15 Ints has Tar Heel nation wary.
Yates, however, will benefit from the return of all 10 starters (other than himself) on Offense, giving the Tar Heels undoubtedly the most experienced group in the conference, if not the country. Starting RB Shaun Draughn will enjoy the familiarity of running behind the veteran Carolina Offensive Line while backup Ryan Houston should expect at least 150 touches as well. At WR, Senior Greg Little’s 724 yards receiving and 166 yards rushing leads the pack. His playmaking ability is unmatched on the team, but his attitude has come into question following several on and off-field incidents in 2009. Maturity will be the key to his level of contribution this year.
All-ACC Kicker Casey Barth also returns. He is considered one of the best in America at his position and his 80% accuracy on Field Goals over 40 yards last year corroborates those claims. His consistency will be key for the Heels in close games throughout the year.
The schedule is going to be a grueling one. In the opening week, the Tar Heels face SEC Powerhouse LSU in Atlanta. They follow that with back to back games against Defending ACC Champion Georgia Tech and Big East stalwart Rutgers. October brings tough matchups with Clemson and Miami, while November brings back to back clashes with Florida State and Virginia Tech.
On Paper, the Tar Heels would be my pick for the National Title. The one thing that I feel they are missing is the experience of being a favorite. This recent Football success is new for the program, so until they can navigate their way through the first 5 games unblemished, I will hold judgment. However, it would not surprise me one bit to see Butch Davis’s crew in Glendale, AZ on the night of January 10th playing for the Championship.
Key Returning Players:
DT Marvin Austin
DE Robert Quinn
LB Bruce Carter
LB Quan Sturdivant
S Deunta Williams
CB Kendrick Burney
QB T.J. Yates
WR Greg Little
RB Shaun Draughn
OT Greg Elleby
Key Games:
Sept 4 - LSU (in Atlanta)
Sept 18 - Georgia Tech
Sept 25 - @ Rutgers
Oct 9 - Clemson
Oct 23 - @ Miami
Nov 6 - @ Florida State
Nov 13 - Virginia Tech
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!
Head Coach Butch Davis brings back by far the best Defense in America in Chapel Hill. On most of these previews, I have started with the offense, but when a defense is as good as this, they deserve the headlines.
In all, the Heels return 6 All-Conference players on defense. Defensive Linemen Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin highlight the trenches. Austin finished 2009 with 6 Tackles for Loss and 4 sacks. LBs Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant anchor the 2nd level. Carter has started in 26 consecutive games while Sturdivant led the nation in unassisted tackles in 2008 with 87. In the secondary, Safety Deunta Williams was a standout in 2009 with 47 tackles, 6 ints, and 8 pass break-ups. Joining him as a First-Team All-ACC member in 2009 was CB Kendrick Burney who has started all 38 games since he stepped foot on the UNC campus. Believe it or not, all 6 of the aforementioned players are projected as first-rounders in the 2011 NFL Draft. They are joined by 4 other returning defensive starters that make up a unit that has the potential to hold ALL of their opponents to single digits.
While the defense highlights the squad, the offense has made strides in the Spring and QB TJ Yates has gotten much respect for the way he fended off the challenge of Freshman 4-star recruit Bryn Renner. Generally, Yates was not bad last year, throwing for 2,100 yards and 14 TDs. But his 15 Ints has Tar Heel nation wary.
Yates, however, will benefit from the return of all 10 starters (other than himself) on Offense, giving the Tar Heels undoubtedly the most experienced group in the conference, if not the country. Starting RB Shaun Draughn will enjoy the familiarity of running behind the veteran Carolina Offensive Line while backup Ryan Houston should expect at least 150 touches as well. At WR, Senior Greg Little’s 724 yards receiving and 166 yards rushing leads the pack. His playmaking ability is unmatched on the team, but his attitude has come into question following several on and off-field incidents in 2009. Maturity will be the key to his level of contribution this year.
All-ACC Kicker Casey Barth also returns. He is considered one of the best in America at his position and his 80% accuracy on Field Goals over 40 yards last year corroborates those claims. His consistency will be key for the Heels in close games throughout the year.
The schedule is going to be a grueling one. In the opening week, the Tar Heels face SEC Powerhouse LSU in Atlanta. They follow that with back to back games against Defending ACC Champion Georgia Tech and Big East stalwart Rutgers. October brings tough matchups with Clemson and Miami, while November brings back to back clashes with Florida State and Virginia Tech.
On Paper, the Tar Heels would be my pick for the National Title. The one thing that I feel they are missing is the experience of being a favorite. This recent Football success is new for the program, so until they can navigate their way through the first 5 games unblemished, I will hold judgment. However, it would not surprise me one bit to see Butch Davis’s crew in Glendale, AZ on the night of January 10th playing for the Championship.
Key Returning Players:
DT Marvin Austin
DE Robert Quinn
LB Bruce Carter
LB Quan Sturdivant
S Deunta Williams
CB Kendrick Burney
QB T.J. Yates
WR Greg Little
RB Shaun Draughn
OT Greg Elleby
Key Games:
Sept 4 - LSU (in Atlanta)
Sept 18 - Georgia Tech
Sept 25 - @ Rutgers
Oct 9 - Clemson
Oct 23 - @ Miami
Nov 6 - @ Florida State
Nov 13 - Virginia Tech
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
#9 LSU Tigers
Even though the LSU Tigers have won 17 games in the past 2 seasons, the Mad Hatter (aka Head Coach Les Miles) has had to answer the “what’s wrong with your program” questions from outsiders and insiders alike. I guess that’s the type of spoiled following that is produced from three Top 5 finishes from 2005-2007.
But this year provides much reason for optimism amongst the Tiger Faithful. Last year, the LSU offense struggled mightily, particularly against the tougher competition (the Tigers averaged only 15 ppg against ranked opponents). The defense overall played well, but couldn’t overcome the lack of production by their offensive counterparts. QB Jordan Jefferson took much of the blame, and rightfully so. The True sophomore showed his immaturity at crucial points throughout the season, and his good moments were overshadowed greatly by his bad ones. But after a strong Spring and Summer, in which he held off formidable challenges from backup QBs Russell Sheppard and Jarrett Lee, Jefferson comes into 2010 as one of the most intriguing prospects in the conference. If he has matured the way he was projected to, then he has a chance at leading one of the more potent attacks in the SEC.
LSU returns a stable of solid RBs led by Stevan Ridley and Richard Murphy. Both were eclipsed by the strong play of departed senior Charles Scott, but the 2 former Blue Chip recruits have Coach Miles excited about the 1-2 punch they will bring.
Out wide, Jefferson will throw to pre-season All-SEC WR Terrance Tolliver, who is atop many experts’ draft boards as one of the elite WRs in America. Sophomore Rueben Randle will get a chance to show why he was one of the Top 2009 WR recruits. The most intriguing offensive weapon for LSU will undoubtedly be former QB turned WR Russell Sheppard. Sheppard was the #1 QB recruit in America in 2009 and as we mentioned he lost out in the battle for the starting QB job this spring… but instead of letting him sit on the bench, the Tiger Coaching Staff has moved him to what they are calling “The Percy Harvin Position”. They plan on using Sheppard the same way that Florida used Harvin in 2007-08 when he combined for 1,500 yards receiving, 1,300 yards rushing and 27 TDs. To aid them in this endeavor, Miles has hired former Florida Gator Assistant Coach Billy Gonzales to be the Passing Game coordinator as they hope he can bring his knowledge of getting playmakers the ball to Baton Rouge.
Defensively, LSU was stellar the entire decade of the 2000’s and that does not look to change in 2010. Defensive Coordinator John Chavis should continue his aggressive style and expect Senior LBs Kelvin Sheppard and Jai Eugene to flourish in the system. Junior CB Patrick Peterson is a returning All-conference selection and he is viewed as possibly the best CB in America. His ability to shut down an entire side of the field has earned him comparisons to such greats as Charles Woodson and Dre Bly. Defensive Lineman Drake Nevis and Lazarius Levingston anchor a front four that should wreak havoc on opposing QBs.
The LSU Schedule, as do all SEC schedules, provides a great challenge for the talented Tigers. They open up the season with the College Football game of the week against North Carolina and two weeks later they start a 4-game stretch where they face Mississippi State, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida in consecutive weeks. A late October matchup against Auburn precedes the always entertaining showdown with Alabama and they end the season a few weeks later with their rivalry game at Arkansas. The difficulty of the schedule makes this LSU team tough to predict, as they can be anywhere between 7 and 11 wins. The talent is there, but we will have to wait to see if they have the maturity to prepare for showdowns against the nations elite.
Key Returning Players:
QB Jordan Jeffeson
WR Terrance Tolliver
WR Russell Sheppard
DE Lazarius Levingston
DT Drake Nevis
CB Patrick Peterson
Key Games:
Sept 4 - North Carolina (in Atlanta)
Sept 25 - West Virginia
Oct 2 - Tennessee
Oct 9 - @ Florida
Oct 23 - @Auburn
Nov 6 - Alabama
Nov 27 - @ Arkansas
But this year provides much reason for optimism amongst the Tiger Faithful. Last year, the LSU offense struggled mightily, particularly against the tougher competition (the Tigers averaged only 15 ppg against ranked opponents). The defense overall played well, but couldn’t overcome the lack of production by their offensive counterparts. QB Jordan Jefferson took much of the blame, and rightfully so. The True sophomore showed his immaturity at crucial points throughout the season, and his good moments were overshadowed greatly by his bad ones. But after a strong Spring and Summer, in which he held off formidable challenges from backup QBs Russell Sheppard and Jarrett Lee, Jefferson comes into 2010 as one of the most intriguing prospects in the conference. If he has matured the way he was projected to, then he has a chance at leading one of the more potent attacks in the SEC.
LSU returns a stable of solid RBs led by Stevan Ridley and Richard Murphy. Both were eclipsed by the strong play of departed senior Charles Scott, but the 2 former Blue Chip recruits have Coach Miles excited about the 1-2 punch they will bring.
Out wide, Jefferson will throw to pre-season All-SEC WR Terrance Tolliver, who is atop many experts’ draft boards as one of the elite WRs in America. Sophomore Rueben Randle will get a chance to show why he was one of the Top 2009 WR recruits. The most intriguing offensive weapon for LSU will undoubtedly be former QB turned WR Russell Sheppard. Sheppard was the #1 QB recruit in America in 2009 and as we mentioned he lost out in the battle for the starting QB job this spring… but instead of letting him sit on the bench, the Tiger Coaching Staff has moved him to what they are calling “The Percy Harvin Position”. They plan on using Sheppard the same way that Florida used Harvin in 2007-08 when he combined for 1,500 yards receiving, 1,300 yards rushing and 27 TDs. To aid them in this endeavor, Miles has hired former Florida Gator Assistant Coach Billy Gonzales to be the Passing Game coordinator as they hope he can bring his knowledge of getting playmakers the ball to Baton Rouge.
Defensively, LSU was stellar the entire decade of the 2000’s and that does not look to change in 2010. Defensive Coordinator John Chavis should continue his aggressive style and expect Senior LBs Kelvin Sheppard and Jai Eugene to flourish in the system. Junior CB Patrick Peterson is a returning All-conference selection and he is viewed as possibly the best CB in America. His ability to shut down an entire side of the field has earned him comparisons to such greats as Charles Woodson and Dre Bly. Defensive Lineman Drake Nevis and Lazarius Levingston anchor a front four that should wreak havoc on opposing QBs.
The LSU Schedule, as do all SEC schedules, provides a great challenge for the talented Tigers. They open up the season with the College Football game of the week against North Carolina and two weeks later they start a 4-game stretch where they face Mississippi State, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida in consecutive weeks. A late October matchup against Auburn precedes the always entertaining showdown with Alabama and they end the season a few weeks later with their rivalry game at Arkansas. The difficulty of the schedule makes this LSU team tough to predict, as they can be anywhere between 7 and 11 wins. The talent is there, but we will have to wait to see if they have the maturity to prepare for showdowns against the nations elite.
Key Returning Players:
QB Jordan Jeffeson
WR Terrance Tolliver
WR Russell Sheppard
DE Lazarius Levingston
DT Drake Nevis
CB Patrick Peterson
Key Games:
Sept 4 - North Carolina (in Atlanta)
Sept 25 - West Virginia
Oct 2 - Tennessee
Oct 9 - @ Florida
Oct 23 - @Auburn
Nov 6 - Alabama
Nov 27 - @ Arkansas
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
#10 USC Trojans
The tumultuous offseason has finally almost come to a close for the Men of Troy. It started in the winter, when Pete Carroll abruptly left the program that he had made into the best in America during the decade. After his departure, a frantic search for a coach ended with the hiring of former Tennessee Volunteer coach Lane Kiffin, which caused a load of controversy in Knoxville. Then came the disheartening allegations of the Reggie Bush and OJ Mayo scandals that subsequently landed USC the toughest sanctions levied on a Football program since the 90s. Five players transferred. A Top recruit (Seantrel Hendersen) cancelled his commitment and ended up signing with Miami. USC hired a new Athletic director and Associate athletic director. And just when we thought the drama might be over… Coach Kiffin has been accused publicly and harshly by Jeff Fisher of a coaching faux pas, in the way he hired away Tennessee Titans RB Coach Kennedy Pola to be USC’s offensive coordinator.
OK, deep breath.
In the midst of all of this drama, there is still a Football team that is only 37 days away from kicking off its 2010 season. And now that the dust seems to finally be settling, what will emerge from Los Angeles could be one of the better USC teams in recent history.
The Trojans bring back one of the Top 2 underclassman QBs in the country in Sophomore Matt Barkley (Andrew Luck of Stanford is the other). Barkley had his ups and downs in 2009, but when all was said and done, he did manage to throw for 2,735 yards and 15 TDs. He had a solid completion percentage (60%), however his interception total was a bit high (14). Multiple injuries kept him from playing at key moments during the year and held him out of one of the biggest upsets of the season when Washington beat USC in late September. Barkley has got to show a great deal of maturation in his decision making. A 15 to 14 TD-Int ratio is a formula for disaster with the upcoming Trojans schedule.
As usual, there is no lack of talent returning at the Offensive skill positions. The RB position is stacked. Allen Bradford and CJ Gable highlight the returning upperclassmen. Bradford had a surprisingly successful year (668 yards and 8 TDs) in 2009 as the 3rd string RB coming on strong after Stafon Johnson’s throat injury. Gable is a former 4-star recruit who has been buried on the depth chart, but has the talent to be a superstar. Adding a touch of flair to the backfield is the True Freshman that has Trojan fans everywhere seeing shades of Reggie Bush. Dillon Baxter is sure to get touches this fall and expect him to make the biggest Freshman impact of anyone in the Pac-10. Also, Senior FB Stanley Havili is in my opinion, the best and most versatile FB in America.
At WR, the Trojans return a formidable bunch. Ronald Johnson, David Ausberry, and Brice Butler are the 3 starters. All 3 are All-conference capable and they should provide Barkley with the best WR corps on the West Coast. The offensive line will have to replace 2 starters but as always, this is the most consistent position on the USC team. The TE position is one of concern, but #1 TE recruit Xavier Grimble is expected to make an immediate impact.
The defensive Front 7 for USC is one of the Top 3 in the country. Led by DT Jurrell Casey and LBs Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith, the Trojans have a plethora of experience up front. Sophomore LB Devon Kennard is on pace to earn playing time as coaches are calling him “the most athletic kid on our team”. The secondary is the place to keep an eye on. All 4 starters need to be replaced. CB Shareece Wright was slated to start in 2009, but was ruled academically ineligible. He’ll get his chance this year along with TJ Bryant and TJ McDonald. The key for the Trojan defense lies with new Defensive Coordinator, Monte Kiffin. His wizardry led the Tampa Bay Bucs to having one of the best defenses in the NFL in the 1990s and early 2000s. His understanding of the game leads me to believe that the Trojans will have the best defense in the conference and one of the best in the Nation.
While the offseason distractions would possibly be a reason for concern going into this season, the schedule provides a reason for optimism. The USC schedule sets up wonderfully. In the first 4 weeks, the Trojans face Hawaii, Virginia, Minnesota, and Washington State. Translation, they play a non-BCS conference team, the worst team in the ACC, the worst team in the Big Ten, and the worst team in the Pac-10 to start the year. The Trojan Train should be churning on all cylinders when they embark on the tough middle section of their schedule where they face 4 Pac-10 Bowl teams. The annual rivalry game with Notre Dame should provide fireworks as both coaches will be in their first seasons.
Although the Trojans cant go to a Bowl Game (due to sanctions), I expect them to have a record that might cause some controversy amongst AP Pollsters (i.e. they might be flirting with an undefeated season).
Key Returning Players:
QB Matt Barkley
RB Allen Bradford
WR Ronald Johnson
C Kristofer O’Dowd
DT Jurrell Casey
LB Malcolm Smith
LB Chris Gallipo
LB Michael Morgan
Key Games:
Oct 2 - Washington
Oct 9 - @ Stanford
Oct 16 - Cal
Oct 30 - Oregon
Nov 13 - @ Arizona
Nov 27 - Notre Dame
Dec 4 - @ UCLA
OK, deep breath.
In the midst of all of this drama, there is still a Football team that is only 37 days away from kicking off its 2010 season. And now that the dust seems to finally be settling, what will emerge from Los Angeles could be one of the better USC teams in recent history.
The Trojans bring back one of the Top 2 underclassman QBs in the country in Sophomore Matt Barkley (Andrew Luck of Stanford is the other). Barkley had his ups and downs in 2009, but when all was said and done, he did manage to throw for 2,735 yards and 15 TDs. He had a solid completion percentage (60%), however his interception total was a bit high (14). Multiple injuries kept him from playing at key moments during the year and held him out of one of the biggest upsets of the season when Washington beat USC in late September. Barkley has got to show a great deal of maturation in his decision making. A 15 to 14 TD-Int ratio is a formula for disaster with the upcoming Trojans schedule.
As usual, there is no lack of talent returning at the Offensive skill positions. The RB position is stacked. Allen Bradford and CJ Gable highlight the returning upperclassmen. Bradford had a surprisingly successful year (668 yards and 8 TDs) in 2009 as the 3rd string RB coming on strong after Stafon Johnson’s throat injury. Gable is a former 4-star recruit who has been buried on the depth chart, but has the talent to be a superstar. Adding a touch of flair to the backfield is the True Freshman that has Trojan fans everywhere seeing shades of Reggie Bush. Dillon Baxter is sure to get touches this fall and expect him to make the biggest Freshman impact of anyone in the Pac-10. Also, Senior FB Stanley Havili is in my opinion, the best and most versatile FB in America.
At WR, the Trojans return a formidable bunch. Ronald Johnson, David Ausberry, and Brice Butler are the 3 starters. All 3 are All-conference capable and they should provide Barkley with the best WR corps on the West Coast. The offensive line will have to replace 2 starters but as always, this is the most consistent position on the USC team. The TE position is one of concern, but #1 TE recruit Xavier Grimble is expected to make an immediate impact.
The defensive Front 7 for USC is one of the Top 3 in the country. Led by DT Jurrell Casey and LBs Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith, the Trojans have a plethora of experience up front. Sophomore LB Devon Kennard is on pace to earn playing time as coaches are calling him “the most athletic kid on our team”. The secondary is the place to keep an eye on. All 4 starters need to be replaced. CB Shareece Wright was slated to start in 2009, but was ruled academically ineligible. He’ll get his chance this year along with TJ Bryant and TJ McDonald. The key for the Trojan defense lies with new Defensive Coordinator, Monte Kiffin. His wizardry led the Tampa Bay Bucs to having one of the best defenses in the NFL in the 1990s and early 2000s. His understanding of the game leads me to believe that the Trojans will have the best defense in the conference and one of the best in the Nation.
While the offseason distractions would possibly be a reason for concern going into this season, the schedule provides a reason for optimism. The USC schedule sets up wonderfully. In the first 4 weeks, the Trojans face Hawaii, Virginia, Minnesota, and Washington State. Translation, they play a non-BCS conference team, the worst team in the ACC, the worst team in the Big Ten, and the worst team in the Pac-10 to start the year. The Trojan Train should be churning on all cylinders when they embark on the tough middle section of their schedule where they face 4 Pac-10 Bowl teams. The annual rivalry game with Notre Dame should provide fireworks as both coaches will be in their first seasons.
Although the Trojans cant go to a Bowl Game (due to sanctions), I expect them to have a record that might cause some controversy amongst AP Pollsters (i.e. they might be flirting with an undefeated season).
Key Returning Players:
QB Matt Barkley
RB Allen Bradford
WR Ronald Johnson
C Kristofer O’Dowd
DT Jurrell Casey
LB Malcolm Smith
LB Chris Gallipo
LB Michael Morgan
Key Games:
Oct 2 - Washington
Oct 9 - @ Stanford
Oct 16 - Cal
Oct 30 - Oregon
Nov 13 - @ Arizona
Nov 27 - Notre Dame
Dec 4 - @ UCLA
Monday, July 26, 2010
#11 Iowa Hawkeyes
The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes were one of the surprises of the season. Typically a strong program, Kirk Ferentz’s team had a breakthrough year and were 1 injury away (QB Ricky Stanzi) from possibly running the table and playing for a National Championship. Still, 2009 can be considered a great success for the Hawkeyes and they now enter 2010 as the top contender to dethrone Ohio State as the Big Ten Champs.
Iowa has a lot of skill position players returning on offense, highlighted by their signal caller Ricky Stanzi. The Senior QB finished 2009 with 2,417 yards passing and 17 TDs last year. Although his 15 INTs are cause for concern, the hope is that he will bring a different level of decision making maturity to the field as a veteran. Stanzi’s performance and consistency will hold the key to success of their 2010 offensive efforts.
In the backfield, Iowa is stacked. Rising Sophomore Adam Robinson had a breakout Freshman campaign tallying 834 yards on 181 carries. His growth, along with that of backup RB Brandon Wegher (630 yards and 8 TDs in ’09) could give Iowa the top rushing attack in the Big Ten Conference.
One area of great concern for Iowa is the Offensive-Line. They return only 2 starters to the unit. The Hawkeyes certainly have the talent on the roster to replenish the position, but there is no substitute for game-experience. Having to replace 3 starters in the trenches is sure to keep Coach Ferentz up at night during August’s Pre-season camp.
Not normally known for their talent at WR, the Hawkeyes had a few surprises in 2009. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos grabbed 45 passes and Marvin McNutt snagged another 34. Both return and their ability to stretch the defense and keep teams from stacking the line of scrimmage (i.e. putting an extra safety in the box) will really help out the running game in 2010. Expect Stanzi to have much better rapport with his wideouts this season and Iowa’s passing game will be the best it’s been in years.
Believe it or not, the Iowa defense, who only allowed 15 points per game in 2009, will be MUCH improved in 2010. Iowa got a huge boost from the return of All-Conference DE Adrian Clayborn. All 3 of the other defensive line starters will return as well, giving Iowa one of the best DL units in the country. Adding to the plethora of talent returning on defense are All-Conference Safeties Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood. CB Shaun Prater also returns to take over the #1 CB spot vacated by early NFL entrant Amari Spivey. The Iowa defense will be the best unit in the Big Ten.
Iowa has the toughest in-conference schedule in the Big Ten as they face every conference team that made a bowl game in 2009. Their Week 2 annual rivalry game against Iowa State wont be as easy as in previous years as the Cyclones are coming off their first bowl win in 5 years and it came against a Big Ten team (Minnesota) nonetheless. Week 3 provides one of their toughest tests of the year in a road trip to Arizona to face the upstart Wildcats. After a short reprieve vs. Ball State, the Big Ten schedule starts with 4 straight games against Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan State… an October gauntlet that would scare any team in America. They finish with 3 of their last 4 games being on the road.
The talent and experience on the roster spells BCS Bowl and possible Big Ten championship… but their schedule may spell Big Ten Mediocrity.
Key Returning Players:
QB Ricky Stanzi
RB Adam Robinson
WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos
DE Adrian Clayborn
SS Tyler Sash
FS Brett Greenwood
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Arizona
Oct 2 - Penn State
Oct 16 - @ Michigan
Oct 23 - Wisconsin
Oct 30 - Michigan State
Nov 20 - Ohio State
Iowa has a lot of skill position players returning on offense, highlighted by their signal caller Ricky Stanzi. The Senior QB finished 2009 with 2,417 yards passing and 17 TDs last year. Although his 15 INTs are cause for concern, the hope is that he will bring a different level of decision making maturity to the field as a veteran. Stanzi’s performance and consistency will hold the key to success of their 2010 offensive efforts.
In the backfield, Iowa is stacked. Rising Sophomore Adam Robinson had a breakout Freshman campaign tallying 834 yards on 181 carries. His growth, along with that of backup RB Brandon Wegher (630 yards and 8 TDs in ’09) could give Iowa the top rushing attack in the Big Ten Conference.
One area of great concern for Iowa is the Offensive-Line. They return only 2 starters to the unit. The Hawkeyes certainly have the talent on the roster to replenish the position, but there is no substitute for game-experience. Having to replace 3 starters in the trenches is sure to keep Coach Ferentz up at night during August’s Pre-season camp.
Not normally known for their talent at WR, the Hawkeyes had a few surprises in 2009. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos grabbed 45 passes and Marvin McNutt snagged another 34. Both return and their ability to stretch the defense and keep teams from stacking the line of scrimmage (i.e. putting an extra safety in the box) will really help out the running game in 2010. Expect Stanzi to have much better rapport with his wideouts this season and Iowa’s passing game will be the best it’s been in years.
Believe it or not, the Iowa defense, who only allowed 15 points per game in 2009, will be MUCH improved in 2010. Iowa got a huge boost from the return of All-Conference DE Adrian Clayborn. All 3 of the other defensive line starters will return as well, giving Iowa one of the best DL units in the country. Adding to the plethora of talent returning on defense are All-Conference Safeties Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood. CB Shaun Prater also returns to take over the #1 CB spot vacated by early NFL entrant Amari Spivey. The Iowa defense will be the best unit in the Big Ten.
Iowa has the toughest in-conference schedule in the Big Ten as they face every conference team that made a bowl game in 2009. Their Week 2 annual rivalry game against Iowa State wont be as easy as in previous years as the Cyclones are coming off their first bowl win in 5 years and it came against a Big Ten team (Minnesota) nonetheless. Week 3 provides one of their toughest tests of the year in a road trip to Arizona to face the upstart Wildcats. After a short reprieve vs. Ball State, the Big Ten schedule starts with 4 straight games against Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan State… an October gauntlet that would scare any team in America. They finish with 3 of their last 4 games being on the road.
The talent and experience on the roster spells BCS Bowl and possible Big Ten championship… but their schedule may spell Big Ten Mediocrity.
Key Returning Players:
QB Ricky Stanzi
RB Adam Robinson
WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos
DE Adrian Clayborn
SS Tyler Sash
FS Brett Greenwood
Key Games:
Sept 18 - @ Arizona
Oct 2 - Penn State
Oct 16 - @ Michigan
Oct 23 - Wisconsin
Oct 30 - Michigan State
Nov 20 - Ohio State
Monday, July 19, 2010
#12 Oregon Ducks
Rewind to January. Even though they had just come off of a tough Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State, the Pac-10 champion Oregon Ducks were everybody’s trendy pick for the 2010 National Championship. OK, fast forward to the present. After 7 players dismissals and 3 other suspensions, the Ducks are in the midst of a Quarterback battle and people now vary in their predictions for this squad… predictions that range anywhere from 7-5 to still being a title contender. I’m somewhere in the middle.
2nd-year Head Coach Chip Kelly has had a tumultuous off-season, highlighted by the unfortunate dismissal of Heisman contender, QB Jeremiah Masoli (after 2 arrests and 1 conviction). Through it all, the Ducks continued to recruit well, pulling in the 13th ranked recruiting class and now as the season approaches, things seem to have settled down a bit. Most of the talent is still on the roster, but there is no way around the fact that the QB position (the most important position on the field) is unsettled.
With Masoli’s departure, the window has opened up for a battle between Senior Nate Costa and Redshirt-Sophomore Darron Thomas. Both players have a history of success within the program, but neither has been a starter. Costa was in a dead heat battle for the starting job 3 years ago, so he certainly has the talent and aptitude. Thomas (the more athletic of the 2) filled in for an injured Masoli admirably in the 2008 season opener against Boise State. Replacing Masoli in the 2nd quarter, Thomas threw for 268 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for 27 yards with 1 TD. Both QBs have had success in the spring and summer, and Coach Kelly has yet to reveal who the starter is going to me. If I were a betting man, I’d lean towards Thomas for a few reasons. First of all, he had has more game success. Secondly, he is the more athletic of the 2, which is vitally important in the Spread Attack that the Ducks use. Third, he is a sophomore, so starting him this year will allow him to get through the growing pains of a first year starter early, leaving him a Junior and Senior year to truly flourish. We’ll have to wait and see what direction the Ducks go in.
Regardless of the dismissals and suspensions, the Ducks still bring back 20 starters (9 on each side of the ball), which is more than any other team in the Pac-10. The WR corps will be led by Jeff Maehl, D.J. Davis, and Lavasier Tuinei. All 3 were significant contributors and collectively, they should be the most seasoned group in the conference.
The RB position has been interesting for Oregon. Last year, they entered the season with one of the best RBs in the country in LaGarette Blount. After the infamous Punch seen round the World against Boise in Week 1, Blount was suspended and in stepped True Freshman LaMichael James. He proceeded to rush for 1,546 yards and 14 TDs. He is sure to have another huge year in 2010. However, James is one of the players who will be suspended for the first game of the season when Oregon faces New Mexico. Backup Kenjon Barner is a solid replacement as he had 366 yards and 3 TDs in his freshman campaign. Also joining the RB group is Blue-Chip 5-star recruit Lache Seastrunk and he will vie for playing time early and often as he may be the fastest player on the team already. All 5 offensive linemen return so the running game should indeed be stout.
Defensively, the Ducks have to replace 2 defensive linemen, but aside from that, everyone else is back. And while, the Ducks weren’t necessarily known for their defense, they showed flashes of really coming together late in the season. Expect the most experienced returning Defense in the conference to improve on all statistics from 2009.
At first glance, the schedule might not seem that bad, but after some review, there is much cause for concern. In Week 2, the Ducks will take a first-year starting QB to the 5th largest stadium in America (Neyland Stadium) in Knoxville, TN for a road matchup against the Volunteers. In October, Oregon will face 3 of the California teams that made Bowl games last year (USC, UCLA, and Stanford) and expect a heavy dose of revenge to be on the Trojans mind after their embarrassing loss in Eugene, OR last year. November will then bring one of the toughest closing schedules in America. They face, in consecutive weeks, Washington, California, Arizona, and Oregon State (the annual rivalry game). The turning point for the season will be Week 2. A win on the road against an SEC team could give the Ducks a ton of confidence and catapult them to a 10 or 11 win season… but a loss might put doubt in their minds, and stir up controversy stemming from the chaotic offseason.
Key Returning Players:
RB LaMichael James
WR Jeff Maehl
C Jordan Holmes
MLB Casey Matthews
CB Talmadge Jackson
Key Games:
Sept 11 - @ Tennessee
Oct 2 - Stanford
Oct 30 - @ USC
Nov 6 - Washington
Nov 13 - @ California
Nov 26 - Arizona
Dec 4 - @ Oregon State
2nd-year Head Coach Chip Kelly has had a tumultuous off-season, highlighted by the unfortunate dismissal of Heisman contender, QB Jeremiah Masoli (after 2 arrests and 1 conviction). Through it all, the Ducks continued to recruit well, pulling in the 13th ranked recruiting class and now as the season approaches, things seem to have settled down a bit. Most of the talent is still on the roster, but there is no way around the fact that the QB position (the most important position on the field) is unsettled.
With Masoli’s departure, the window has opened up for a battle between Senior Nate Costa and Redshirt-Sophomore Darron Thomas. Both players have a history of success within the program, but neither has been a starter. Costa was in a dead heat battle for the starting job 3 years ago, so he certainly has the talent and aptitude. Thomas (the more athletic of the 2) filled in for an injured Masoli admirably in the 2008 season opener against Boise State. Replacing Masoli in the 2nd quarter, Thomas threw for 268 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for 27 yards with 1 TD. Both QBs have had success in the spring and summer, and Coach Kelly has yet to reveal who the starter is going to me. If I were a betting man, I’d lean towards Thomas for a few reasons. First of all, he had has more game success. Secondly, he is the more athletic of the 2, which is vitally important in the Spread Attack that the Ducks use. Third, he is a sophomore, so starting him this year will allow him to get through the growing pains of a first year starter early, leaving him a Junior and Senior year to truly flourish. We’ll have to wait and see what direction the Ducks go in.
Regardless of the dismissals and suspensions, the Ducks still bring back 20 starters (9 on each side of the ball), which is more than any other team in the Pac-10. The WR corps will be led by Jeff Maehl, D.J. Davis, and Lavasier Tuinei. All 3 were significant contributors and collectively, they should be the most seasoned group in the conference.
The RB position has been interesting for Oregon. Last year, they entered the season with one of the best RBs in the country in LaGarette Blount. After the infamous Punch seen round the World against Boise in Week 1, Blount was suspended and in stepped True Freshman LaMichael James. He proceeded to rush for 1,546 yards and 14 TDs. He is sure to have another huge year in 2010. However, James is one of the players who will be suspended for the first game of the season when Oregon faces New Mexico. Backup Kenjon Barner is a solid replacement as he had 366 yards and 3 TDs in his freshman campaign. Also joining the RB group is Blue-Chip 5-star recruit Lache Seastrunk and he will vie for playing time early and often as he may be the fastest player on the team already. All 5 offensive linemen return so the running game should indeed be stout.
Defensively, the Ducks have to replace 2 defensive linemen, but aside from that, everyone else is back. And while, the Ducks weren’t necessarily known for their defense, they showed flashes of really coming together late in the season. Expect the most experienced returning Defense in the conference to improve on all statistics from 2009.
At first glance, the schedule might not seem that bad, but after some review, there is much cause for concern. In Week 2, the Ducks will take a first-year starting QB to the 5th largest stadium in America (Neyland Stadium) in Knoxville, TN for a road matchup against the Volunteers. In October, Oregon will face 3 of the California teams that made Bowl games last year (USC, UCLA, and Stanford) and expect a heavy dose of revenge to be on the Trojans mind after their embarrassing loss in Eugene, OR last year. November will then bring one of the toughest closing schedules in America. They face, in consecutive weeks, Washington, California, Arizona, and Oregon State (the annual rivalry game). The turning point for the season will be Week 2. A win on the road against an SEC team could give the Ducks a ton of confidence and catapult them to a 10 or 11 win season… but a loss might put doubt in their minds, and stir up controversy stemming from the chaotic offseason.
Key Returning Players:
RB LaMichael James
WR Jeff Maehl
C Jordan Holmes
MLB Casey Matthews
CB Talmadge Jackson
Key Games:
Sept 11 - @ Tennessee
Oct 2 - Stanford
Oct 30 - @ USC
Nov 6 - Washington
Nov 13 - @ California
Nov 26 - Arizona
Dec 4 - @ Oregon State
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
Monday, July 12, 2010
#14 Auburn Tigers
After ending the season with a dramatic Overtime Outback Bowl win against Northwestern, the Auburn Tigers have placed themselves on the “short list” of BCS Candidates in 2010. Head Coach Gene Chizik’s 2nd year has a ton of promise… but will his young team deliver?
The 2010 season starts and ends with the QB. Former Florida Gator (Tim Tebow backup) Cameron Newton is now the starter at Auburn. After being kicked off of the Gator squad for theft in 2008 and after spending a year in the Junior College ranks, Newton has rebounded to sign with and then earn the starting position. He showed a load of potential while at Florida. His athletic ability at the QB position will be 2nd to none in the conference. But regardless of his talent level, the fact that he is a first year D-1 starter will eventually come into play. How he handles adversity will go a long way in determining whether the Tigers sink or swim.
The Running Back position is stacked. Returning from last year are Mario Fannin and Onterio McCalebb. Both players are 4-star caliber athletes, but have had to sit behind NFL Draftee Ben Tate for 2 years. Now, they will get a chance to shine behind a very strong Offensive Line, that is highlighted by the return of 4 starting Seniors. They are by far the most experienced O-line in the SEC. Lee Ziemba and Ryan Pugh were All-SEC performers in 2009 and there is no reason to expect anything less in 2010. Auburn also landed the #1 RB Prospect in the 2010 recruiting class in Michael Dyer. While I don’t expect him to become a feature in the offense right away, expect him to become a contributor by mid-season, and his speed could spell trouble in defensive game-planning by the November push.
For years, the WR position at Auburn has left something to be desired due to inconsistentcy and a lack of game-breaking playmakers. This year, though, the Tigers bring back Junior Darvin Adams, whose 60 receptions, 1,000 yards, and 10 TDs gives me reason to believe they finally have that ever elusive Big Play threat. Senior Terrelle Zachary could provide a good possession-type target for Newton and former starting QB-turned-WR Kodi Burns should be able to earn significant playing time due to his knowledge of the offense.
A Key Player for the Tigers will be Kicker Wes Byrum. Arguably the front-runner for the Lou Groza award, Byrum connected on 94% of his field goal attempts and 100% of his Extra Point attempts in 2009. That type of consistency is few and far between for the collegiate level. It is a weapon that Chizik is sure to utilize.
The defense returns 9 starters to a unit that was formidable last year. Both starting safeties return, which should help Auburn avoid giving up the big play. All 3 starting LBs return, highlighted by senior Josh Bynes. The LB corps will be essential in providing leadership and more importantly stopping the run.
The Tiger’s schedule is tough, but manageable. Auburn will not go undefeated. The SEC West is simply too strong. But the key for the Tigers will be the ability to bounce back from tough loses and refocus for the following week, so that they don’t slip up and lose one that they shouldn’t. After week 1, the Tigers hit a gauntlet, playing Mississippi State, Clemson, and South Carolina in consecutive weeks in September. They end the season with back to back games against Georgia and of course the annual Iron Bowl against Alabama. A BCS game will be tough to reach, but with 1 upset either over LSU or Alabama, the Tigers might be knocking on that BCS door.
Key Players:
QB Cameron Newton
RB Mario Fannin
WR Darvin Adams
K Wes Byrum
LB Josh Bynes
S Zack Etheridge
DE Antoine Carter
Key Games:
Sept 9 - @ Mississippi State
Sept 18 - Clemson
Sept 25 - South Carolina
Oct 16 - Arkansas
Oct 23 - LSU
Nov 13 - Georgia
Nov 26 - @ Alabama
The 2010 season starts and ends with the QB. Former Florida Gator (Tim Tebow backup) Cameron Newton is now the starter at Auburn. After being kicked off of the Gator squad for theft in 2008 and after spending a year in the Junior College ranks, Newton has rebounded to sign with and then earn the starting position. He showed a load of potential while at Florida. His athletic ability at the QB position will be 2nd to none in the conference. But regardless of his talent level, the fact that he is a first year D-1 starter will eventually come into play. How he handles adversity will go a long way in determining whether the Tigers sink or swim.
The Running Back position is stacked. Returning from last year are Mario Fannin and Onterio McCalebb. Both players are 4-star caliber athletes, but have had to sit behind NFL Draftee Ben Tate for 2 years. Now, they will get a chance to shine behind a very strong Offensive Line, that is highlighted by the return of 4 starting Seniors. They are by far the most experienced O-line in the SEC. Lee Ziemba and Ryan Pugh were All-SEC performers in 2009 and there is no reason to expect anything less in 2010. Auburn also landed the #1 RB Prospect in the 2010 recruiting class in Michael Dyer. While I don’t expect him to become a feature in the offense right away, expect him to become a contributor by mid-season, and his speed could spell trouble in defensive game-planning by the November push.
For years, the WR position at Auburn has left something to be desired due to inconsistentcy and a lack of game-breaking playmakers. This year, though, the Tigers bring back Junior Darvin Adams, whose 60 receptions, 1,000 yards, and 10 TDs gives me reason to believe they finally have that ever elusive Big Play threat. Senior Terrelle Zachary could provide a good possession-type target for Newton and former starting QB-turned-WR Kodi Burns should be able to earn significant playing time due to his knowledge of the offense.
A Key Player for the Tigers will be Kicker Wes Byrum. Arguably the front-runner for the Lou Groza award, Byrum connected on 94% of his field goal attempts and 100% of his Extra Point attempts in 2009. That type of consistency is few and far between for the collegiate level. It is a weapon that Chizik is sure to utilize.
The defense returns 9 starters to a unit that was formidable last year. Both starting safeties return, which should help Auburn avoid giving up the big play. All 3 starting LBs return, highlighted by senior Josh Bynes. The LB corps will be essential in providing leadership and more importantly stopping the run.
The Tiger’s schedule is tough, but manageable. Auburn will not go undefeated. The SEC West is simply too strong. But the key for the Tigers will be the ability to bounce back from tough loses and refocus for the following week, so that they don’t slip up and lose one that they shouldn’t. After week 1, the Tigers hit a gauntlet, playing Mississippi State, Clemson, and South Carolina in consecutive weeks in September. They end the season with back to back games against Georgia and of course the annual Iron Bowl against Alabama. A BCS game will be tough to reach, but with 1 upset either over LSU or Alabama, the Tigers might be knocking on that BCS door.
Key Players:
QB Cameron Newton
RB Mario Fannin
WR Darvin Adams
K Wes Byrum
LB Josh Bynes
S Zack Etheridge
DE Antoine Carter
Key Games:
Sept 9 - @ Mississippi State
Sept 18 - Clemson
Sept 25 - South Carolina
Oct 16 - Arkansas
Oct 23 - LSU
Nov 13 - Georgia
Nov 26 - @ Alabama
Friday, July 2, 2010
#15 Virginia Tech Hokies
Arguably the most consistent Football program in America over the past 2 decades, the Virginia Tech Hokies enter 2010 searching for their 18th consecutive Bowl Bid, which is amongst the longest streaks in the nation. But since Bowl Bids have become common-place in Blacksburg, this years Tech team is searching for something more along the lines of a conference championship and BCS Bowl Game, with an outside shot at a National Championship… something that has eluded Frank Beamer during his otherwise Hall-of-Fame coaching career.
Beamer has much to be excited about on offense, as 8 starters return. That group will be highlighted by 4th year starting QB Tyrod Taylor, aka “T-Mobile” (a nickname given for his pension for scrambling). Taylor split playing time in his first 2 seasons with Sean Glennon and now will enter his 2nd full season as the #1 QB. The expectations for a Hokie QB haven’t been this high since 2000 (Michael Vick’s 3rd year). After throwing for 2,300 yards in 2009, Taylor hopes to improve on his completion percentage which was a humbling 56%. Better Offensive Line play should give him more time to make better decisions, which should lead to a percentage above 60%.
Joining Taylor in the backfield will be a combination that will challenge Alabama as the best Backfield duo in America. Last year’s starter, Ryan Williams set over 15 ACC freshman records in route to a 1,655 yard, 21 TD season. V Tech would be sitting pretty even if he was the only RB returning. But, the Hokies will get a huge boost from the return of 2008 ACC Offensive Freshman All-American Darren Evans. Evans tore his ACL in fall camp last year and missed the season, but in 2008, he rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 TDs, including a whopping 253 yards against the Maryland Terrapins. With both players averaging about 13 carries per game, this Hokie backfield will very much resemble the 2004 Auburn Tigers (Cadillac Williams & Ronnie Brown) in both talent and production.
The WR position has let the Hokies down in the past 2 season, but finally they will bring back some experience. The top 3 pass-catchers from last years team return. That trio consists of Jarrett Boykin (853 yards), Danny Coale (614 yards), and Dyrelle Roberts (390 yards). While none of these guys possesses elite talent, as a group they should be one of the best units in the ACC.
For most teams, only returning 4 starters on Defense would be scary. But for the Hokies, the defense is truly simply an extension of its coach. Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster enters his 14th year at the helm and his defenses have been giving Hokie opponents headaches for that entire tenure. He will be coaching a young, inexperienced bunch, but each position has at least one veteran leader that has the potential to whip his counterparts into shape. DT John Graves, LB Barquell Rivers, and CB Rashad Carmichael will be tasked with supplying leadership and wisdom to this years young crew.
In past years, the schedule has worked against the Hokies, but finally, they get a slate that is more than manageable. After opening the season in a showdown with projected Top 5 Boise State, the Hokies will be favored in 7 consecutive games, leading me to think they will start the season 8-0. They then hit a stretch that can either catapult them to BCS Title contention or knock them down to Chick-Fil-A Bowl relegation. That stretch (3 consecutive November weeks) includes a home contest against Georgia Tech and then back-to-back road trips to North Carolina and Miami.
Virginia Tech’s only 3 losses in 2009 were to teams ranked in the Top 14 (including a loss to eventual National Champion Alabama). With that in mind, it is no surprise that many Hokie fans have already booked their tickets to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC (site of the 2010 ACC Championship game).
Key Returning Players:
QB Tyrod Taylor
RB Ryan Williams
RB Darren Evans
WR Danny Coale
DT John Graves
LB Barquell Rivers
CB Rashad Carmichael
Key Games:
Sept 6 - Boise State (in Washington, DC)
Sept 25 - @ Boston College
Oct 16 - Wake Forest
Nov 4 - Georgia Tech
Nov 13 - @ North Carolina
Nov 20 - @ Miami
Beamer has much to be excited about on offense, as 8 starters return. That group will be highlighted by 4th year starting QB Tyrod Taylor, aka “T-Mobile” (a nickname given for his pension for scrambling). Taylor split playing time in his first 2 seasons with Sean Glennon and now will enter his 2nd full season as the #1 QB. The expectations for a Hokie QB haven’t been this high since 2000 (Michael Vick’s 3rd year). After throwing for 2,300 yards in 2009, Taylor hopes to improve on his completion percentage which was a humbling 56%. Better Offensive Line play should give him more time to make better decisions, which should lead to a percentage above 60%.
Joining Taylor in the backfield will be a combination that will challenge Alabama as the best Backfield duo in America. Last year’s starter, Ryan Williams set over 15 ACC freshman records in route to a 1,655 yard, 21 TD season. V Tech would be sitting pretty even if he was the only RB returning. But, the Hokies will get a huge boost from the return of 2008 ACC Offensive Freshman All-American Darren Evans. Evans tore his ACL in fall camp last year and missed the season, but in 2008, he rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 TDs, including a whopping 253 yards against the Maryland Terrapins. With both players averaging about 13 carries per game, this Hokie backfield will very much resemble the 2004 Auburn Tigers (Cadillac Williams & Ronnie Brown) in both talent and production.
The WR position has let the Hokies down in the past 2 season, but finally they will bring back some experience. The top 3 pass-catchers from last years team return. That trio consists of Jarrett Boykin (853 yards), Danny Coale (614 yards), and Dyrelle Roberts (390 yards). While none of these guys possesses elite talent, as a group they should be one of the best units in the ACC.
For most teams, only returning 4 starters on Defense would be scary. But for the Hokies, the defense is truly simply an extension of its coach. Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster enters his 14th year at the helm and his defenses have been giving Hokie opponents headaches for that entire tenure. He will be coaching a young, inexperienced bunch, but each position has at least one veteran leader that has the potential to whip his counterparts into shape. DT John Graves, LB Barquell Rivers, and CB Rashad Carmichael will be tasked with supplying leadership and wisdom to this years young crew.
In past years, the schedule has worked against the Hokies, but finally, they get a slate that is more than manageable. After opening the season in a showdown with projected Top 5 Boise State, the Hokies will be favored in 7 consecutive games, leading me to think they will start the season 8-0. They then hit a stretch that can either catapult them to BCS Title contention or knock them down to Chick-Fil-A Bowl relegation. That stretch (3 consecutive November weeks) includes a home contest against Georgia Tech and then back-to-back road trips to North Carolina and Miami.
Virginia Tech’s only 3 losses in 2009 were to teams ranked in the Top 14 (including a loss to eventual National Champion Alabama). With that in mind, it is no surprise that many Hokie fans have already booked their tickets to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC (site of the 2010 ACC Championship game).
Key Returning Players:
QB Tyrod Taylor
RB Ryan Williams
RB Darren Evans
WR Danny Coale
DT John Graves
LB Barquell Rivers
CB Rashad Carmichael
Key Games:
Sept 6 - Boise State (in Washington, DC)
Sept 25 - @ Boston College
Oct 16 - Wake Forest
Nov 4 - Georgia Tech
Nov 13 - @ North Carolina
Nov 20 - @ Miami
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