Overall wrap-up

Conference Wrap-Up

ACC:
Winner: Virginia Tech over Florida State
Player of the Year: Russell Wilson
2010 Fun: Watching the North Carolina Defense week-in and week-out, if they remain on the field. If they are sanctioned, watching the North Carolina Defense on the field try to fill the holes.
What to watch for: The return of Beamerball, not just in Blacksburg, but conference wide.
Keep your eye on: The 5 QB’s in the league that are touted for national awards, in addition to the strong stable of tailbacks, even if they aren’t household names, yet.

Big 10:
Winner: Iowa in a squeaker
Player of the Year: Tyrell Prior because nobody will step up to take it from him.
2010 Fun: Watching the offenses across the league open things up a little more this year. No more 3 yards and cloud of dust.
What to watch for: The growth and maturity of the QB’s across the board.
Keep your eye on: The depth of the defensive linemen and linebackers that will make a difference at the next level.

Big 12:
Winner: Oklahoma over Missouri.
Player of the Year: Ryan Broyles. Or DeMarco Murray. Or Landry Jones. Either way, it’s headed to Norman. But nobody will touch Broyles if he stays healthy (see Larry Fitzgerald)
2010 Fun: Watching the south against one another, ala 2008. With Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Texas A&M, there should be some must-see tv throughout the fall.
What to watch for: How well the “replacement” QB’s fair stepping into shoes at Texas and Oklahoma (and even Texas Tech) against the seasoned veterans at Missouri, Texas A&M and Nebraska.
Keep your eye on: The awards that are going to head to the Big 12 this year! They will fill draft sheets over the next few years.

Big East:
Winner: West Virginia with a back yard brawl victory in late November.
Player of the Year: Noel Devine, if they give him the ball and let him loose. He could out highlight reel CJ Spiller this year if given the chance.
2010 Fun: Watching games in November that matter in the conference, something other conferences are missing.
What to watch for: The emergence of team defenses that may steal some wins in the middle and late season.
Keep your eye on: BJ Daniels when he gets healthy.

Pac-10:
Winner: Oregon. USC who?
Player of the Year: Jaquizz Rodgers in a landslide.
2010 Fun: Watching Lane Kiffin take a talented team and lose 3 games with them, and then try to explain why they didn’t win. It won’t be a comfortable year in Trojan Land.
What to watch for: The Civil War in Oregon, which will actually matter this year. The path to get there with each teams running backs will be impressive.
Keep your eye on: The decline of Stanford, and the potential upswing of the Bruins, maybe.

SEC:
Winner: Arkansas over Florida
Player of the Year: Co, between Ryan Mallett and John Brantley
2010 Fun: Watching the weasel Nick Saban squirm as they fall from grace, and the top 15 in the polls!
What to watch for: The emergence of the next great Gator quarterback, and a receiving corp that will shine.
Keep your eye on: Russell Sheppard at LSU taking direct snaps, running reverses, lined up in the backfield, catching deep passes, returning kicks, filling water bottles and even kicking on-sides kicks in the first quarter. There’s nothing this guy can’t do.

Others:
Of course Boise State and TCU will win their conferences. Kellen Moore will put up big numbers this year, but they won’t be in Glendale on January 10.

I’m calling Oklahoma over Virginia Tech in the National Title. The Hokies will make it back after 11 years, but won’t be able to lift the Crystal this year. However, they will end the trend of opening against the eventual national champs (2004-USC, 2006-LSU, 2009-Alabama.)

The ACC

Conference Previews

ACC

Ah, the conference that hits closets to home, based on geography and alma mater. Growing up in ACC Country, I remember the RayCom ACC game of the week on Saturday’s at noon, specifically the 1984 Maryland victory over defending National Champ Miami. The Canes had a 31-0 lead at half, but for some reason, I kept watching. Frank Reich replaced Stan Gelbaugh and led the Terps to a 42-40 victory in what would stand as the largest comeback victory for 22 years. There were the days of LT at Carolina. Tory Holt putting up highlights week after week, especially when he single handedly beat FSU. Quarterback U at Maryland; Boomer Esiason, Frank Reich, Neil O'Donnell, Scott Zolak, and Stan Gelbaugh. Clemson and Death Valley in the late ‘80’s. The Yellow Jackets and the shared National Championship in 1990. Then onto the new millennium and expansion, with my Hokies falling geographically where they belong (with a little help from a Va Governor.) Three conference titles in 6 years, and here we are on the brink of another season.

There were only 2 coaching changes this year in the conference, but they could not have been more polar opposites. Bobby Bowden, despite having wins stripped and amid several shady occurrences (Free Shoes University) finally retired turning the reigns over to Jimbo Fisher. I wish he would have left, but there’s been rumblings this summer that he was “shoved” out by the President of the University. Well, Bobby, better to shove than need a shovel. Go quietly, thank the University for several years, and go grill. The other turnover was at UVa. Every year, Al Groh would have a 4 star recruiting class, have so much upside, and do absolutely nothing with it. I saw a great t-shirt last year: “Loosing in Football at UVA, it Grohs on You.” Heck, I was willing to give to the UVA athletic fund if they would keep him one more year… Mike London shows up with high-turnover in the coordinator slots over the past few seasons, but should be able to provide some stability to the program. Let’s be honest, the enrollment criteria at UVA isn’t as strict as Richmond.

C.J. Spiller and Demaryius Thomas, two of the more productive and impressive players in the Country last year, are gone from the conference along with a plethora of defensive players taken in the NFL draft this year. That means across the board, the offenses should be more seasoned than the defenses, in general. The one team that stands above the rest, with several pre-season all-Americans is North Carolina. However, they could still find themselves in hot water with the NCAA before it’s all over with, bringing them back to the pack. Expect to see some shootouts this year with tons of games going down to the wire. Quick scores, big plays, and jaw-dropping highlights will be the standard in the 2010 ACC season.

Christian Ponder is everyone’s all-ACC player of the year, expected to lead the Noles to a conference title this season, their first since 2005. It’s nice to reminisce, but don’t get too sentimental. Jimbo Fisher won’t struggle with the head coaching duties, but the Noles will struggle with inconsistent play and turnovers. They have always have had big special teams plays, but will be lacking in that category this year. I see Russell Wilson putting up Philip Rivers type numbers this year to steal the award away from his fellow QB, with Tyrod Taylor, Kyle Parker, Jacory Harris and Josh Nesbitt right behind. Then there’s the running back tandem at Virginia Tech this year, Darren Evans and Ryan Williams, the 100 Proof Backfield.
Oh, and there’s also Sphomore Freak David Wilson, who at last year’ media day ripped off 8 back flips in a row and upped it be two this year with 10. He’s played his way out of red-shirting this year, guaranteeing himself some carries as well as being a part of the return team. Montell Harris’ workload will be reduced, meaning a healthier and quicker running back at the end of the year for the BC push.

Everyone will know if the top team of the league will come out of the Coastal or the Atlantic after the first game of the year. UNC plays LSU in Atlanta in the “Eat More Chicken” Kick-off game. If the Tar Heels stay out of the NCAA doghouse, and put Les Miles in a funk early, the Heels could find a swagger that they haven’t seen in Chapel Hill since 1980, 10 years before half the team was born. FSU opens with Samford, and should be up by 35 at half. If they struggle early, that could be tell-tale for the remainder of the season. Then there’s the earliest of the National Title implication games between Virginia Tech and Boise State. If the winner puts the other team away by double digits early, they could have a path started for the BCS title game, especially Boise with the remaining schedule. If Tech rolls through 14 point winners, it shows that this team is for real this year, with senior leadership in Tyrod and scrappy defense by committee.

The following week when the Noles visit Norman Oklahoma, they’ll realize they’re not playing Samford any more, and we’ll see how stout this team is. Welcome to the head coaching job Jimbo! Oh, and by the way, we close the season with the Gators. And don’t forget our October visit to Miami for the U. Roll through those three games with only one loss and this team takes home the ACC title. But, I don’t see that happening. Stoops will perform a little rookie hazing for the new coach. Urban will oblige when Jimbo says thank you sir, may I have another. This year’s version of wide right will go down in lore of great games between the two programs, with a potential trip to Charlotte for the ACC title game on the line.

Atlantic Division:
Florida State will find themselves at the top of the division, but not with a pretty record. Three overall losses will make them hungry for the ACC title since that will be their only ticket to a BCS game this year.

Coastal Division:
Virginia Tech wins the opening game against Boise by 12, and has the focus to roll the remainder of the season. The defense lost 7 starters, but Bud Foster always reloads. Rashad Carmichael will be the all-everything for the Hokies this year. Beamerball will make a triumphant return this year, with over a handful of blocked kicks and over a dozen special teams/defensive touchdowns. Hokie Nation will travel in drove to Charlotte for the 3rd ACC title in 4 years. This will be a tune-up for the meeting with the Sooners on January 10, 2011 in Glendale for the big Crystal Football.

Atlantic:
1. Florida State, 9-3, 7-1. Too tough an out of conference schedule bookending the season will hurt the Noles chances for bigger things this year. You picked a good year to get out Bobby.
2. Clemson, 8-4, 5-3. Kyle Parker will try to make Tiger fans forget about CJ Spiller, but to no avail. Andre Ellington will crack the 1,000 yard mark, but they won’t be able to crack the Atlantic code like 2009.
3. Boston College, 9-3, 5-3. Running back by committee will ease the load on Harris, but won’t keep him under the 1,000 yard mark. Special teams will win a close one or two, but it won’t be enough to unseat FSU.
4. North Carolina State, 6-6, 3-5. Russell Wilson will put up huge stats, but if the defense gives up 35, it’s hard to win every game. Look for several “overs” this year involving the Wolfpack.
5. Wake Forest, 5-7, 2-6. A young team that will be tough next season after some seasoning this year. There’s not a standout on the team now, but one will emerge prior to Halloween for the Deacons.
6. Maryland, 3-9, 1-7. They nearly unplugged the fridge last year, but the $8 million tag was too much to bear. I think they’ll try to find it come December 2010.

Coastal:
1. Virginia Tech, 12-0, 8-0. Yes, go ahead and say it. I’m biased!!! So what! I’ve followed the fall practice and I believe this could be the year. The 100 proof backfield. Tyrod as a senior signal caller. Special teams that have Beamer happy, and playing Beamerball. Tyrod was top 15 last year in passer rating with nearly 150. His senior leadership and ball control will lead the way. We have 3 receivers that will potentially be playing on Sundays in the future, and with all eyes on our pair of tailback that have accounted for 2,920 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns over the past two years. Stinespring finally figured out how to call plays the last few games of last year, spreading the ball around and confusing defenses. Without that display of production, I wouldn’t make this pick. I hope it keeps up, otherwise, he will be the governor on an otherwise wide open offense. The Hokies will beat FSU in Charlotte and punch their ticket to Glendale to face Boomer Sooner in Glendale. (There’ll be a ton of maroon there in January…)
2. North Carolina, 10-2, 6-2. This defense is sick, and won’t be to blame for the two losses. There’s no way you can in a 9-7 game… The entire defense will be named ACC player of the week more than once, and they will need a truck for the awards they receive this year.
3. Miami, 8-4, 6-2. Back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Pitt set the season off on the wrong foot. Jacory Harris will rebound enough to tie for second in the division, but not enough to avenge the loss to VT last year.
4. Georgia Tech, 7-5, 4-4. The triple option clicked last year, especially with the fourth option of throwing the ball to Thomas. Without that threat this year, and a slightly bum wheel for Nesbitt, it just won’t run over people the way it did in 2009.
5. Virginia, 4-8, 1-7. New coach, stellar recruiting class, same results.
6. Duke, 3-9, 0-8. Still revel in your Basketball championship….

Big 10*

Conference Previews

BIG 10*

This is the last year for an eleven member Big 10, but they claim they are still going to keep the conference name. Call it whatever you want, it is still one of the toughest Saturdays in the land. Gone are the days of three yards and cloud of dust, but it’s still tough-nose football. Inviting Nebraska into the foray will shuffle things around a bit, especially with the possibility that Michigan-Ohio State will be playing in *gasp* middle of the season instead of the end of November. It appears that the Wolverines and Buckeyes may be split into different divisions, still leaving the potential to meet in the Big 10 championship…that is if RichRod can find some wins, and not put Big Blue in trouble with the NCAA.

I hope the rivalries within the conference don’t suffer do to the Huskers jumping on the ship. The conference is taking the ACC model and putting a little twist on it with a “partner” game every year. With growth comes some pains, and this won’t keep everyone happy, but it’s the best that can be done with 12 teams.

Now for some pigskin. The Big 10 this year may be one of the wackiest conferences of the year. The top members have not shied away from big out of conference games this year, either. When Michigan scheduled UConn a few years ago, it looked decent given the Huskies had just jumped to Division 1. Better have the Blue and Maize ready RichRod! Miami comes a knocking in Columbus and Penn State heads to Bama on September 11. Let’s not forget the Notre Dame tour of the Big 10 the first three weeks. Not that I expect the Golden Domers to bring the pain, it’s still Notre Dame.

Tyrell Prior is atop nearly everyone’s Heisman list right now. It looks like it’s his to lose at this point. As long as Ohio State continues to win, his stock will stay high. Personally, I don’t see him winning it. He reminds me of Vince Young, a winning QB, but just not the numbers and impact on his own team that the eventual winner posses. Don’t get me wrong, Tyrell has the chance to single handedly win a few games for the Buckeyes this year, but he won’t throw for 4,000 yards or 30 td’s. He will be managing the helm of what may be the best team in the Country this year. But as we all know, sometimes the best teams don’t take home the trophy. Every play of every game matters. And, a little luck is always needed along the path (see back-to-back blocked kicks by Terrence Cody last year to beat Tennessee.) This Buckeyes team may be one of the best the Vest has coached in the Horseshoe, but alas they won’t win the conference title. The November 20th trip to Iowa City against the Hawkeyes will prove their demise, sending the Gold and Black playing for the Roses. Don’t cry for the Bucks as they will still receive an at-large BCS berth, adding to the Big 10 coffers before Nebraska shows up.

Here’s hoping JoPa makes it through the season safely, and decides to retire at the end of the season, maybe even before the Bowl game. It’s getting difficult to watch him try to get around the sidelines sometimes, and it’s getting harder and harder to understand the valley mumble. You’ve had a great career Coach. Go take some time and reflect, and enjoy things for a little while. Happy Valley will always be yours, and the Lions will always be grateful for everything you have done for them.

Can RichRod turn things around this year? They HAVE to win more than 1 conference game this year, right? Of course they will. There have been tons of off-field distractions, not to mention a few on-field with a QB debate and a broken bone or two, but the Wolverines will win more than 1 conference game this year. They have a very good chance of showing up against in-state rival Spartans at 6-0 this year. The next 6 pose a different issue for the Maize and Blue. Four games of the last 6 against teams that are ranked in the top 20 pre-season could mean another uncomfortable winter for RichRod and the Michigan faithful. Next year boys. Next year.

Kirk Ferrentz will have the Hawkeyes humming this year. Ricky Stanzi will do just enough to win this year, but won’t be winning any awards. Adam Robinson will be a Super Soph this year, putting up 1,200 yards and tons of touchdowns. But it will be the defense that will lead Iowa will visit the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1991.

Onto the predicted order of finish, with records:

1. Iowa, 11-1, 7-1 Rose Bowl Bound. Stanzi and Robinson lead the O, while the D is a group effort. Ferrentz wins coach of the year in the conference. They’ll be 2 minutes away from being undefeated and playing for the National Title, but the Roses will suit just fine.
2. Ohio State, 11-1, 7-1. This may be the best team in the Country, but they won’t be able to make it through undefeated after a trip to Iowa City. Pryor will take the heat for the loss, costing him the Heisman. The Vest will be stoic, as always, trying not to pile on against Meeshigan after the loss, trying to prove they are the best team out there.
3. Wisconsin, 10-2, 6-2. Avoiding Penn State this year helps, but won’t be enough to lift the Badgers to the top of the heap. John Clay will be the next beast in the backfield for the Cheeseheads, leading the conference in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. The senior leadership of Scott Tolzien will help in several closer-than-they-should-be games, resulting in a W for the W’s.
4. Penn State, 9-3, 6-2. It will be a tough year for JoPa with a few close ones, just enough to make him take that long walk into the sunset. If they could find a more than serviceable QB to add to Evan Royster, they could make it to double digit wins. But if, well, you know.
5. Michigan State, 8-4, 4-4. Kirk Cousins will be a pass happy Junior this year, but you have to complete more to your team than the other team. The yards will rack up, but key turnovers will keep Sparty from being better than .500 in the conference.
6. Michigan, 7-5, 4-4. The start of the season will show some hope, but the walls will come crashing down in the last 6. Only one win will put RichRod on the front burner hot seat, especially after an embarrassing lose to the Buckeyes in late November. Having 3 starters throughout the season will not help the continuity of the offense.
7. Purdue, 7-5, 3-5. Trial by fire for the young QB corp will season them for next year, but not this year. Expect defenses to lick their chops this year.
8. Illinois, 6-6, 3-5. Another QB dilemma, with OJT. Defenses will throw everything they’ve got at the Illini, and be successful.
9. Northwestern, 5-7, 2-6. A 4 game losing streak to close the season will hurt.
10. Minnesota, 5-7, 1-7. Look for a coaching change at the end of the season.
11. Indiana, 5-7, 1-7. Too bad they can’t look forward to basketball season anymore.

VT's last scrimmage

Athlon sports update:

Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech
vs. Boise State 8:00 PM Monday (ESPN)

Sat. 8/28 - Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor was darn near perfect in the team's final scrimmage, completing 16-of-17 passes for 319 yards and three scores.
Impact: Granted, these numbers came at the expense of the second-team defense. However he could have been winging it against the chess team and the stats would still be impressive. Taylor appears ready for the season, beginning with the Labor Day tilt against Boise State.

Independents

Conference Previews

Independents. Notre Dame, Navy and Army

The only Independent that’s made news in a good way of late has been Navy. Let’s be honest, nobody will supersede Notre Dame in the headlines, but it’s not been for the right reasons as of late. 91-67 since Looouuuuuu doesn’t cut it for Touchdown Jesus. Unfortunately, Brian Kelly adopts a pocket passer while trying to instill the speed option. Should be an interesting experiment, but not a particularly successful one, despite having one of the best receivers in Floyd in the Country. The first 6 games, including 3 against the Big 10, should prove for a quick determination for how this team will shake out the remainder of the year. .500 over the first 6 will be a minor success, but I don’t see it that way. Michigan, at Michigan State, at BC (which I saw a great t-shirt a few years ago stating the BC had better Jesuits than ND…) and Pitt should beat the Irish, making for a 2-4 start to the Kelly Era. They can win 5 of the next 6, resulting in a 7-5 year for the little Leprechauns this year.

Maryland has finally agreed to play the other division 1 school in Maryland, a deal that was signed several years ago when Navy was hoping for 3 wins a year. Now that Navy has figured it out, including beating Notre Dame two of the past 3 years, they are a touchdown favorite on Labor Day. In fall practice, Curry has been throwing the ball over 25 times, making everyone scratch their heads a little. As far as I’ve heard, the production isn’t off, so the points should still be there, making the triple option or the shotgun definite weapons for the Midshipmen. A 9-3 season should bring the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy home to Annapolis once again this year.

Army will be playing football this year, and may actually get some snow in late November, making for some cool highlights of funny plays. 4-8, that is all.

Big12

Conference Previews

Big 12
(or is it 11, or is it 10?)


The Big 12, well, Texas and Oklahoma, have been involved in 5 of the last 7 BCS championship games. Other than Texas in the ‘05-’06 season, they have played the part of the Buffalo Bills. That could all change this year. After seasons of score-at-will offenses in the conference, the defenses will catch up this season. No more Texas Tech wide open Mike Leach offense, no more Oklahoma with 6 games of 58+ points, no more 40 points at half so the starters can rest. The defenses will require 60 minutes to beat them this year. Thus, preparing the top team for a run at the Crystal Football in January, again. But this year could just be the year for the lucky winner.

Gone are Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Trent Williams Russell Okung, (allin the first 6 picks in the draft) Brandon Banks, Dez Bryant, Colt McCoy, Earl Thomas, Sergio Kindle, etc… In comes Jerrod Johnson, Robert Griffin, Kendall Hunter, Ryan Broyles, DeMarco Murray, Alexander Robinson, Travis Lewis, Sam Acho, Keenan Robinson, Jeremy Beal. Jerrod Johnson will put up Texas Tech-like numbers passing this year to go along with a handful of rushing touchdowns.

What it seems this year is the Haves have more, and the Nots not so much. Texas has reloaded, and Gilbert got some you-can’t-buy-that experience in the National title game last year that will carry over to this year. Anything lost of Defense will be replace by All-Big 12 talent. Oklahoma seems to be stout on Defense, again. Landry Jones received some OJT last year during Bradford’s shoulder issues. Broyles will make a run for the Heisman with unbelievable returns this year and outstanding catches. A&M could rattle some cages, especially with Jerrod Johnson passing for 4,000 yards and 30 tds this year. The only problem is that all of these teams are in the south. It could very well be another 2009 with 3 teams tied for first in the south, with all deserving to play for the conference title.



Which turns things to the north. Everyone loves Nebraska this year. Everyone, but me. I just don’t see it. Personally I see more upside and potential in Mizzou, even though Blaine Gabbert will have to make chicken salad out of chicken, well, he lost his top two receivers from last year. The Tiger Defense will be stronger than ever, helping them to the title in the north. With Colorado and Nebraska bolting for conferences that seem to want them more, now, they will have all hopes and thoughts dashed of leaving with the trophy. The north will be fought for tooth and nail, but congratulations, you have to play the winner of the south for the title. Better put on your big boy pads for that one.

Now to the south. First, I would like to thank the Red Raiders for some enjoyable football for the past few seasons. That will be missed with Tuberville at the helm. Talk about vanilla. Him coaching that team will be like making hot dogs in a 4 star kitchen. Taylor Potts will be so frustrated by mid-October, he may find Mike Leach’s pirate ship and go looking for Jack Sparrow himself. There will be ups and downs, inconsistency, lack of coverage, fumbles, all the fun things that make school supporters ask Why and How. At least you had fun at the top while you were there. Mike Sherman will remove his name from the Hot, and even Warm, seat this year. I see big things this year for the Aggies and the 12th man. But, not as much as for Stoops and the Sooners. With a healthy DeMarco Murray, experienced Jones and Heisman finalist Broyles, Boomer Sooner will be playing for the Crystal Football once again after taking care of whomever wins the duck-duck-goose game in the north.

Onto the predicted order of finish, with records:

SOUTH
1. Oklahoma, 12-0, 8-0. Stoops has another well-oiled machine, wining by an average of 3 touchdowns this year. They won’t light up the board like 2008 when they scored over 700 points, but the defense will carry the Sooners to the promise land this year. The speed bump on the Red River? No problem. In-state rivalry? Thanks for being a kind host and allowing us to win. Championship game in Texas? Those boos are fuel for the Sooners. (Brantley is the real deal. The wide out corps is amazing, and can return kicks. The defense will be stout. Urban will be able to breath, for a little bit, especially after beating Bama on Oct 2, but will have nightmares on Halloween after losing to UGA while being ranked #1. They will still be in the BCS hunt until the SEC championship game.
2. Texas A&M, 9-3, 7-1. They will score points (19th in the country last year,) but give up a few less points with a tighter defense (105th last year, ugh). As long as Johnson stays healthy, November could matter for the Aggies.
3. Texas, 11-1, 7-1. Another double digit win season. But, no national or conference title this year. They will be fun to watch, and steady for the majority of the season, but in this division, that gets you a slap on the back with “Next year…” attached to it.
4. Oklahoma State, 9-3, 5-3. As long as Dez Bryant doesn’t place the Cowboys on sanctions, they might be alright once they escape from this division when the conference losses some weight. Kendall Hunter will put up 1,500 yards on the ground, but turnovers will be the ultimate downfall.
5. Texas Tech, 7-5, 3-5. Tuberville will require more than a year to un-Tech Tech. He has some talent, but the upheaval won’t provide enough continuity to win consistently, especially this year in the Big 12. The up-tempo offense will make Taylor Potts head to spin, saying something coming out of Leach’s offense. Too much control for the coaches, not enough play on the field.
6. Baylor, 4-8, 1-7. In another conference, Robert Griffin would be a star. Give him some time, he’s only a SOPHOMORE. He’ll be worth tuning in for a few plays in games not against the big 3.

NORTH
1.Missouri, 9-3, 5-3. Not pretty. Not consistent. Not even explainable. Enjoy the first week in December in Texas, I hear the weather’s nice. Gabbert will surprise some and disappoint others along the way.
2. Nebraska, 9-3, 5-3. And you thought this was going to be a victory lap?! Everyone will thank you for throwing TNT into the conference headquarters this year, even getting you parting gifts along the way in the form of butt-kickings all over the middle of the country. Yes, your rushing attack will be strong, but the final numbers on the scoreboard will disagree with the level of play on the field sometimes. It doesn’t get any easier in your new home. Simply replacing Texas, Oklahoma, OSU, A&M, Colorado with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin is about a wash.
3. Colorado, 7-5, 4-4. You thought Nebraska was getting killed this year, you get two years of “farewells” from your conference foes. Bet you wish the Neuheisel was still around now, don’t ya? Yeah, none of us do. Don’t worry, in 2 years, you can beat up on Arizona State and Wazu, and see ‘ol Ricky again.
4. Iowa State, 5-7, 2-6. The cyclones will be downgraded to a dust devil this year, given the depth of this conference. Robinson and Austen Arnaud will provide a highlight reel for the season, but won’t put X’s in the W column.
5. Kansas, 5-7, 2-6. Seems like a long time ago to the 2008 Orange Bowl win over the Hokies, doesn’t it… Don’t worry, basketball is almost here, and you can underachieve then, too.
6. Kansas State, 3-9, 0-8. Not this year, boys. Not this year.

SEC

Conference Previews

SEC



The crystal football has resided in the SEC for the past 4 years. And everyone this year seems to think that the path to the BCS title will involve the SEC champion, even if they have one loss. Well, that’s a nice story, but it doesn’t hold water. Sure, the SEC is the premier football conference in the nation. Great games, great coaches and story lines, great stadiums, great tailgating, great way of life during the fall. But all 12 teams will be disappointed this year when only the winner gets to play in the Sugar Bowl. And news flash, it won’t be the Elephants from ‘Bama.

Before I get started, I don’t understand how Vol fans are mad at Lane Kiffin. I mean, really?! He was headed down a path that may have put you on probation, won 7 games (4-4 in conference) and didn’t do much other than piss off the other coaches in the league. If you want an arrogant fat mouth, who goes 7-6, why is Phil Fulmer gone??? If it were me, I would have organized a going away party for him. Good riddance.



Alabama is everyone’s preseason #1. Pre-season. I wish they wouldn’t come out with another poll until after the October 2 games. That would give the teams at least 4 chances to show what they have THIS year. It would also allow a few of the bigger non-conference games to have been settled, and some intriguing match-ups to set the course for the remainder of the conference tilt. I just hate when the pollsters rank teams up top, then they can’t be moved because they “should” have played better. That’s the beauty of college football. You can’t phone it in this week, just because the guys in Vegas say you should win by Vince Young’s Wonderlic score. (6 out of 50, if you were curious.) You HAVE to show up every week and every game matters.

This year’s version of the SEC reminds me of the good ‘ol Big Ten. Where the teams would beat each other up for 9 straight weeks and the team at the top of the heap was actually proud to be headed to Pasadena. The winner, survivor of the SEC this year will be ecstatic to be in the Sugar Bowl. Which means it won’t be Bama. There’s no way they would be content with just a trip to New Orleans. Having lost 9 starters on Defense they will struggle this year with the BCS hangover. There’s also that interesting little scheduling quirk where they play 6 teams, in conference, after a bye week. In their 12 game schedule, they don’t get to double digit wins in the regular season this year.

So, if it’s not Bama, then it has to be the Gators, right? With Tebow gone, the offense has to “re-learn” a normal attack, one where they have a very good general idea where the quarterback is at all times. And that’s where Urban Meyer thrives. He may have cut back with the off-season ailments, but John Brantley will step right in under center and shine like Florida QB’s do. By the October 2 game with the Tide, Brantley will have the Gator nation clamoring for #12 jerseys. Then of course, there’s the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. (Go ahead officials, drop the name from official use, but we all know what event you are talking about, nudge nudge, wink wink.) Who came up with the birght idea to hold this the day before Halloween?! Things could get ugly in Jacksonville. Real ugly.

There are two teams battling for the east, Georgia and Florida. There are two teams battling for the west, Bama and Arkansas. Les Miles will save his job this year, but barely. Auburn will be better, but not quite there yet. The ‘ol ball coach can’t find a QB that he likes, even though Garcia isn’t that bad, he has his own bedazzled water bowl Spurrier made for him.

John Brantley wins player of the year, but Ryan Mallet drops the hammer on the Gators in the SEC championsip game, passing for 400+ yards and 4 TD’s. But with 2 losses, the Razorbacks (nor the SEC) won’t be playing for the National Title this year.

Onto the predicted order of finish, with records:

EAST
1. Florida, 11-1, 7-1. Brantley is the real deal. The wide out corps is amazing, and can return kicks. The defense will be stout. Urban will be able to breath, for a little bit, especially after beating Bama on Oct 2, but will have nightmares on Halloween after losing to UGA while being ranked #1. They will still be in the BCS hunt until the SEC championship game.
2. Georgia, 9-3, 6-2. Beating the Gators will save Richt’s job for the year, unitl they close the season with losses to Auburn and the Yellow Jackets, removing any hopes of playing in a BCS bowl, yet alone for the national title. Close, but not quite.
3. South Carolina, 7-5, 4-4. Dag gummit. If Garcia hadn’t thrown that pick in the first quarter in September, we woulda had a chance...
4. Tennessee, 6-6, 4-4. No more Lane, same ol game. Funny how Peyton is remembered for bring the Vols up to prominence, but it was Tee Martin the next year that won the National Title… Give it a few more years to simmer to see what Dooley can muster up. Any Volunteers?
5. Kentucky, 4-8, 1-7. Have they gotten over throwing parties due to the issues at Louisville yet? Oh wait, we have to play football now? Where’s the Hefty Lefty? Gone? Well, at least we have the 3 best Freshman basketball recruits in the country. What’s that? Gone too?! What time does the Jim Beam open…
6. Vanderbilt, 2-10, 0-8. Even the student body won’t bother to hold SEC tradition and put their ties on for football games this year. Can’t really blame them.

WEST
1. Arkansas, 10-2, 6-2. Mallett will have a few softies to get his ankle squared away before back-to-back weeks with UGA and Bama in late September. They go 1-1 in those games, and fall late to LSU, but will have wrapped up the west in late October. The Razorbacks will wander south for the Sugar Bowl this year after putting up the most points of the year against a stout Gator defense in the SEC championship game. We might even get a John Daly siting or two…
2. Alabama, 9-3, 5-3. After beating JoPa easily on Septemeber 11, there will be rumblings of repeating. But don’t fall into that trap. Ingram will put up nice numbers, but not Heisman invite worthy. McElroy will struggle with new defensive schemes, and having to play from behind a lot more. The defense will want to play well, and that’s nice, but won’t cut it in the SEC. When are you going to bail on this team Saban???
3. LSU, 8-4, 5-3. Les will save his job by beating Arkansas in the last game of the year, but that will only get him to 8 wins this year. Russell Sheppard will turn into this year’s Dexter McCluster putting up highlight real plays, but there won’t be enough glue to keep things together.
4. Auburn, 7-5, 5-3. It will be fun to watch them in some shootouts this year. Get the popcorn out and watch the fun that is Auburn football, that is if you aren’t rooting for them.
5. Ole Miss, 8-4, 4-4. Next year. Next year. This should be the year to strike, but the Rebels just aren’t poised to get the job done. A few shockers here and there, but not enough consistency.
6. Mississippi State, 4-8, 1-7. Maybe the catfish will be biting this fall…

Big East

Conference Previews

Big East



What the Big East lacks in National recognition, it makes up for in just plain fun games. Some of the late season shootouts of recent years have just been popcorn fests. And somehow the scheduling Gurus for the conference seem to make the last games for all teams with a chance to win it play against each other on the last few weekends. That appears to be the case again this year with Pitt-WVU on Thanksgiving Friday.

With Brian Kelly gone from Cincy, there should be a new wearer of the crown. The Bearcats 2 year reign will come to an end, being decided in a Back Yard Brawl while the turkey pan is still soaking in the sink. Bill Stewart will have the ‘Eers ready for the big ketchup bottle, shocking a top 15 ranked Pitt team to win the conference this year and head to the Orange Bowl for the first time in its history. Beyond those two, there’ll be a tooth and nail battle for 3rd place between Rutgers, UConn and South Florida. The Cuse will maintain their usual ways over the past several season…

UConn is everyone’s sleeper this year, and that’s nice that they’re picking someone different for a change. But, don’t bet on it. Opening weekend in the Big House may set the ball rolling in the wrong direction for the Puppies from Storrs.

There are some exciting players in the conference that will be a blast to watch throughout the year. Mohamed Sanu from Rutgers, Noel Devine from WVU, BJ Daniels from South Florida, Dion Lewis from Pitt. The unfortunate part is that beyond Daniels, the QB depth is rather thin throughout the conference, allowing some of the older defenses to wreak havoc on inexperienced signal callers. This will lead to some shocking results, crazy plays, and overall interesting games that could make tuning in on Friday nights worth the while. Although Dion Lewis is getting a ton of ink, but won’t rack up the numbers he did last year. BJ Daniels is out the first few weeks, and will put up decent numbers, but not eye popping the way the Big12 boys do. Sanu is a heck of a receiver, but no Larry Fitzgerald (but to be fair, who is…) If Stewart decides to put Devine on the goal line for kick-off returns, there’s another CJ Spiller in the works. He’ll put up 1,800 yards from scrimmage this year with 18+ touchdowns.

Onto the predicted order of finish, with records:

1. WEST VIRGINIA, 10-2, 6-1 Orange Bowl Bound. Devine will be more than fine. Stewart will grow his legend in Coal Country, and Jock Sanders will make a favorite target of Geno Smith. Never mind that all three are from warmer weather, they’ll spend New Years in their home state of Florida.
2. PITTSBURGH, 9-3, 6-1. After rolling over Utah opening weekend, and fighting Miami tough at home, they’ll be ranked high when the ‘Eers come to town right after Turkey Day, just in time to spoil the season. Dion will put up decent numbers, but not enough to carry them to Miami.
3. UCONN, 8-4, 5-2. After loosing two of the first 3, The Huskies will get back on trach to lose back-to-back games in conference to WVU and Pitt.
4. UNIV. of SOUTH FLORIDA, 7-5, 4-3. Missing BJ Daniels may not hurt that much early, with an easy win at Stony Brook and guaranteed loss to Florida. When he gets back, the team will have ridden the roller coaster, and won’t be stable by any means.
5. RUTGERS, 7-5, 3-4. Sanu will light things up, but it won’t be enough to carry the Knights to the top of the Big East.
6. CINCINNATI, 6-6, 3-4. With Brian Kelly goes the Offense. The D was bad at the end of last year, and don’t expect much more this year.
7. LOUISVILLE, 3-9, 1-6. When does basketball start? euheisel? Put Neidermeyer on it! Oh well, maybe NCIS will let Mark Harmon take a few snaps this year.
8. SYRACUSE, 2-10, 0-7. They can’t even look forward to basketball this year either… Maybe they can root for the Maple Leafs come October, eh.

Starting in the West

Conference Previews

First up: PAC-10

This is the last year for a ten member Pac-10, but it won’t be the Pac-12 for two more years. Colorado is waiting on the get-out-of-the-Big12 fee they are going to have to pay in order to go to a conference that “wants them.” Meanwhile, Utah is jumping right in next year.

The biggest question is what does the USC handcuffs do to the National football scene, as well as the Pac-10 conference they have owned for the last decade. My best guess is that they become the current Auburn of a few years ago. You still have to play them, pay attention to them, be amazed at what they are doing while under sanctions, but just can’t rank them in the polls. They could play spoiler, that is if they were in a relevant conference. And don’t give me the Notre Dame speak, that they could spoil the Leprechaun’s chances. They take care of that themselves. Everyone in the conference still has to deal with the beast that is USC. And now they have to deal with the circus that is Lane Kiffin.

Then there’s the quack attack that’s had a little press due to a QB that won’t (and wasn’t even enrolled there) even play anywhere near the conference. Guess that’s better than getting in a 3-point stance, while naked, when the po-po tells you to get on the ground at 3 am. Way to go Beavers!!!

Now for football. I believe that the conference will be decided late in the year because nobody will climb to the top of the hill early on in the season. Going out on a limb, I know. But there’s a good chance the Pac-10 winner could have 2 conference losses. The distractions at Phil Knight University off the field will help them focus to get the job done. They have a dual quarterback system with Nate Costa and Darron Thomas, not to mention 1000 yard rusher this year in LaMichael James. The Ducks will prevail come December! Of course, we’ll know on Sep 11 what the Ducks have when they waddle into Knoxville. Hope you have even newer unis for that one! The Civil War on December 4 should decide the conference between the Ducks and Beavers, with the Quack coming out on top late. (The phrase “Beavers and Ducks” still makes me chuckle at the horribly bad Billy Bob Thorton movie with Bruce Willis, Bandits. His character would wake up shouting “Beavers and Ducks. Beavers and Ducks.” Random…)

The Beavers Jacquizzzzzzz Rodgers will be player of the year, by a landslide. Sure, a Toby Gebhart comes along every once in a while, but this kid will be in New York in December for a photo op while someone else take the bronze home. 1,500+ yards and over 18 touchdowns. One heck of a year. But let’s see what he does Sep 25 on the Smurf Turf.

Onto the predicted order of finish, with records:


1. OREGON, 10-2, 8-1 Rose Bowl Bound. Costa and Thomas will share time, and James will be a super Soph on the road to Pasadena.
2. USC, 10-3, 7-2. They wouldn’t be able to go if they won it anyway, so why bother, right?! I see a few teams up north that will strike while they can. But let’s be honest, the talent at USC is still deeper than 90 other FBS schools. The only downfall is Lane Kiffin, good for at least 3 losses this year.
3. OREGON STATE, 8-4, 6-3. Jacquizzzzzzz is a B.A. But, he can only carry you so far. When the balls not in his hands, expect to see it flying thru the air quite a bit.
4. WASHINGTON, 7-5, 5-4. Jake Locker while complete a ton of passes to Jermaine Kearse and ride the roller coaster this year. They’ll win a few they shouldn’t, and lose a few that will leave everyone scratching their heads.
5. CALIFORNIA, 7-5, 5-4. The Bears just can’t find the right combos.
6. ARIZONA, 6-6, 4-5. Where else would you expect them?
7. UCLA, 7-5, 4-5. Neuheisel? Put Neidermeyer on it! Oh well, maybe NCIS will let Mark Harmon take a few snaps this year.
8. STANFORD, 4-8, 3-6. No Toby, that’s a problem. They will play by committee, not allowing anyone to get in a rhythm and causing a ho-hum year for the Dark Reds.
9. WASHINGTON STATE, 3-9, 2-7. The Cougars are fuzzy little kittens this year.
10. ARIZONA STATE, 3-9, 1-8. I’d be running and sticking someone in the head if I was the Sun Devil made to watch this product this year…